Refound Love

by GamerTag

First published

When you have given up on love, do you believe there is still a chance? If there is, would you take it or give up on happiness all together?

Octavia and Caramel have been happily married for fifteen years. Or have they?
A year after their marriage, Caramel started working all the time. It was a very rare thing for them to see each other, so as a result, Octavia became unhappy.
After four years of this, Octavia finally told Caramel how she felt, and he snapped.
Caramel became insanely clingy, Caramel would never leave Octavia alone, and when she tried to go out with her friends or tell him to stop, he would sob and emotionally abuse her. So as a result she gave up on love.

Years later, Octavia gets a new job where she meets, Lyra, Bon Bon, and her boss Vinyl Scratch. As she learns about these new friends and grow closer and closer to them, she starts to fall in love with Vinyl.

Will Vinyl feel the same?
If she does how will Octavia keep their relationship hidden?
Will Octavia finally get a divorce with Caramel?
And if Caramel ever learned that Octavia loved somepony else, how will he react?

Find out in Refound Love.

Contains: Cursing and some sexual references

Proof Reader/Editor/Cover maker: Divina
Proof Reader/Editor(For a portion of the story): Ashes














Plz don't kill me Caramel fans :fluttercry:

Prologue

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15 years ago:

"You may kiss the bride," The priest announced.

The two ponies then sealed their lips, a kiss that was a promise of a new life.

It was greatest day of Octavia's life, after many failed relationships, she had finally found the one, having the happily ever after that all those fairy tales promised, she was joyfilled.

Before Caramel and Octavia gotten married, Caramel proposed to Octavia only a few months into their relationship.

Octavia declined, saying that she was not ready, so he waited.

From that day on, Caramel proposed to Octavia every single day for a whole year. It was literally just like a fairy tale, the handsome prince waiting for his princess to become his queen and wife.

But there was one problem.

Real life does not end after happily ever after.

Life keeps going on, and sometimes it will keep going down hill.

10 years ago:

It has been five years since Octavia and Caramel been married.

At this point, Octavia imagined the two of them happily together somewhere, whether it was a beach or a cruise, or even at home. It didn't matter where, as long as they were together.

But today on this special day, Octavia was alone.

Caramel had been working all the time, he was never around to help with anything, not even when Octavia was extremely sick, her ensemble took care of her instead.

Octavia felt alone, abandoned even. She was unhappy.

So today, she was going to tell Caramel that.

Caramel promised to meet her at a restaurant for a romantic dinner. Octavia waited hours, ate by herself and left.

She stayed awake until very late into the night in order to speak to Caramel.

At around one in the morning, Caramel came home, and Octavia told him that she was unhappy.

He then started sobbing, begging for her to give him a second chance.

She agreed.

As she fell asleep in Caramel's hooves that night she believed it was a new start, and that their marriage would be saved.

But just like at her wedding, she was wrong.

1 year ago:

Octavia was done.

She had given up.

After that night when she told Caramel she was unhappy, it only became worse.

Unlike before where Caramel was never around, now he was always around. Before Octavia was always alone, now she was never alone. Caramel would force Octavia to spend all her time with him.

When Octavia would go out to see her friends, he would accuse her of not loving him and being cruel.

Caramel would constantly smother her. He would hug her and kiss her and never give her some space.

He would keep buying Octavia things, and if Octavia didn't pay enough attention to him, he would sob and roll on the floor like a foal.

When Octavia wanted to spend more time with Caramel, she never wanted this. Octavia never pictured her life in this mess.

Octavia had given up. She would never be happy.

When she tried to sort it out, Caramel became worse.

Octavia now could never be alone, even when she tried to get a divorce.

Caramel would not agree to the divorce, which meant that in order to get a divorce it would be not only hard but would cost a lot of money.

And so it seems Octavia would never be happy again.

And that is where our story begins

Chapter 1

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"Good morning, love of my life!"

Here we go again, Octavia thought as Caramel brought her breakfast in bed, like he did every morning.

Caramel puts down Octavia's breakfast and said, "Alright, see you downstairs!"

Caramel then kissed Octavia on the lips once, and then kissed her head multiple times.

Five, six, seven, eight, Octavia counted in her head as Caramel kissed her.

Once Caramel left, Octavia started eating her breakfast and turned on the tv to a crappy romance movie.

"Well, at least I have you, crappy romance movies."

~•~•~•~•~

After a car ride of Caramel crying about how mean Octavia is and Octavia sitting in silence they got to the concert hall, where Octavia's ensemble was waiting for her.

Octavia's ensemble had three other members. There was Fredric the pianist, Harpo the harpist, and Beauty Brass the tuba player.

"Good morning, Octavia!" Beauty Brass said cheerfully.

"Good morning, Beauty," Octavia responded emotionless, and started setting up her cello.

"Octavia, is something wrong?" Fredric asked.

All of Octavia's ensemble members were her closest friends, and knew about her problem with Caramel.

Octavia sighed and then said, "It's.... It's just Caramel,"

"Still not getting better?" Harpo asked, sounding like he’s heard this before many times.

Which is true, as sad that is.

"No, sadly. And I don't know how much more I can take of him!" Octavia exclaimed and then plopped down in a chair nearby.

"Are you still trying the divorce?" Beauty asked.

"Yes, but there are still many problems. So many in fact that I don't even know if the divorce is possible." Octavia answered.

"I never liked that stallion the moment I met him." Fredric said with a huff and then sat down at the seat in front of his piano.

There was a time where he did respect Caramel, mostly because he did make Octavia happy.

But there was always the little warning that bugged him, a lot.

Fredric did try to warn Octavia on several occasions, but even if she had listened she never took it to heart.

She was too blinded by Caramel’s charms.

"Is there anything else you can do, Octavia?" Beauty asked.

"Well, I have one idea, and I decided to do it..." Octavia answered.

"Is the plan to knock him unconscious and then throw him into a sack?" Harpo asked, sounding like he was joking.

Everypony stared at him, and in response Harpo just asked, "What? No one likes dark humor?"

"No, what I am going to do is.... Get another job," Octavia answered.

Everypony gasped.

"YOU'RE GOING TO LEAVE THE ENSEMBLE?!" Beauty Brass yelled, sounding actually really sad.

She didn’t want to lose her closest friend!

If she left Beauty would be the only girl!

Ok, that wasn’t much of a problem.

She didn’t want Octavia alone while dealing with Caramel.

It’s not like Octavia can make friends at the snap of her fingers.

She needs people she can trust, not friends who give her terrible advice.

"No, I’m just getting a second job. So I can spend less time at home," Octavia answered.

"When do you start the job?" Fredric asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Tomorrow."

~~~The Next Day~~~

"Hello, I am here to see a Miss Vinyl Scratch?" Octavia asked the mare behind the desk.

"Top floor." The mare answered.

"Thank you." Octavia said, and then walked towards the elevator.

Octavia exited the elevator to what seemed to be a office, it had many cubicles with ponies typing things on computers.

"Hi!" Said a feminine voice.

Octavia turned to a pale earth pony with a swirly pink and purple mane and tail.

"My name's Bon Bon, you must be the new cello player, right?" The mare said.

"Hello, my name is Octavia, and yes, I am the new cello player.”

"Octavia, that's a pretty name. Well, Vinyl asked me to bring you to her office once you got here, so just follow me!" Bon Bon said and then turned towards where she said Vinyl's office was. Octavia followed after her.

"So, what instrument do you play?" Octavia asked.

"Oh, I don't play an instrument, I take care of the catering. But I am really close friends with Vinyl, so she gives me more freedom than she probably should." Bon Bon answered.

"Oh, so what are the computers for?" Octavia asked.

"Well, some ponies make album art, some keep track of sales, and some test Vinyl's songs," Bon Bon answered.

The job Octavia took was to play whatever Vinyl told her to on her cello, and Vinyl would remix the music to create more DJ PON3 music.

When Octavia and Bon Bon reached a set of doors that had a neon sign that read 'DJ PON3' above, Bon Bon opened the doors.

Once inside, Octavia saw a desk with a white unicorn sitting behind it. The unicorn had a mane and tail that was two shades of blue and was wearing purple sunglasses and headphones. Faint dubstep could be heard from the headset and also soft snoring. It seemed that the unicorn was asleep.

"Of course, Vinyl's asleep," Bon Bon said with a roll of her eyes.

"How unprofessional," Octavia said.

"VINYL!!!" Bon Bon yelled in an attempt to wake the unicorn. But Vinyl didn't even move.

"Sheesh Bonnie, you should know by now that's not how to wake Vinyl," A green color unicorn said as she walked into the room. She then lifted up a magazine that was left on the floor and threw it at Vinyl.

Vinyl woke up and fell off the chair. The green unicorn then started laughing.

"LYRA!" Bon Bon yelled and the green unicorn ran out of the room laughing.

"Sorry about that, Vinyl," Bon Bon said.

"It's cool, it just means that Lyra is going to get it much worse later on," Vinyl said, still on the floor behind the desk.

Bon Bon nodded her head and then ran out of the room yelling, "LYRA GET BACK HERE!"

After the doors shut, Octavia spoke up, "Are you alright Miss Scratch?"

"Yeah I'm fine. Just don't do any of that 'Miss' bullshit," Vinyl said getting up from behind her desk.

"Oh alright then Vinyl," Octavia said.

"So, you're the new cellist? Hm, a lot hotter then I thought you would be," Vinyl said with a grin.

"EXCUSE ME?!" Octavia yelled blushing.

"Yep, you got a nice flank, too. So, your first job is ready, just follow me to the recording room," Vinyl said.

Octavia chose the ignore the first comment and said, "Alright then, lead the way Vinyl,"

Octavia then walked out of the room and waited for Vinyl to go in front of her but after a few minutes Vinyl never came so Octavia turned her head around to see Vinyl looking at her flank.

"MISS SCRATCH!" Octavia yelled.

"Oh- wha? Sorry, I was thinking. And I told you to stop with that 'Miss' bull," Vinyl said and then walked out of the room, Octavia following close behind.

~•~•~•~•~

"Alright so just set up your cello over there, Lyra will be here shortly to explain the rest," Vinyl explained. In response Octavia nodded.

"Hey, I just realized, I never got your name," Vinyl said.

"My name is Octavia Melody," Octavia answered.

"Alright. Well, see you around, Octy!" Vinyl said and then walked out of the recording room.

Octy? What a peculiar name… Sounds a bit like octagon

"Hello there Octavia!" The green unicorn from before said and walked into the room.

"Oh hello, you're Lyra, right?" Octavia asked.

The pony, whose name is supposedly Lyra, chuckled and then answered, "Yeah, I was guessing you would remember me after seeing me throw a porn magazine at our boss,"

"Oh yes it was an... Odd display but- wait... DID YOU SAY PORN MAGAZINE?!" Octavia yelled.

"Yeah... Vinyl has some weird stuff in there. Anyway, my job is basically the same as yours except I play the lyre and harp. Basically just play the music that is on the stand and I will record you," Lyra said.

"Alright, but wouldn't it be easier if Vinyl was here? Because, y'know it is HER music, after all," Octavia asked.

"Yeah, but Vinyl says that ponies make better music when she's not around because it gives the ponies less stress and let's them focus more on their music," Lyra answered.

"Oh, well I guess that makes sense," Octavia said and then got into position to play her cello.

Lyra then left the room to go upstairs to the viewing platform, which was also the recording area. The room had a window above so Octavia could still see Lyra.

"Ready?!" Lyra asked.

"Ready," Octavia confirmed and then started playing her cello.

Once Octavia finished the piece, she looked up to where Lyra was, and was surprised. She saw Lyra there working on the controls in the recording studio, but she also saw Vinyl.

But Lyra said Vinyl never watches her workers perform. Maybe she just has Lyra say that so they never know she's there.

Vinyl and Lyra then left the room. Lyra came back into the area where Octavia was, but there was no sign of Vinyl.

"I thought you said Vinyl never watches her workers perform," Octavia said.

"She doesn't, this is the first time," Lyra said.

~•~•~•~•~

"You wanted to see me Vinyl?" Octavia asked opening the door. As soon as she opened it, a bucket of bugs and snakes fell on her.

"AH!" Octavia screamed and tried to shake them off, all the while Vinyl laughed.

"Relax treble clef, their fake!" Vinyl said, still laughing.

"YOU ARE SO IMMATURE!" Octavia yelled.

"And you need to get that stick outta your flank," Vinyl said with a grin.

Octavia's face went red with anger and she walked up to Vinyl and put a hoof on her chest.

"You are the most immature, lazy, and rudest pony I have ever met," Octavia said in a venomous tone.

Vinyl just stared at her for a second while smiling. She then said, "You're cute when you're angry,"

Octavia then blushed and yelled in frustration, and then walked out of Vinyl's office.

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia walked into the food area of the office. The area was like a kitchen except it didn't have a stove. She walked to the fridge to get her meal, not before seeing Bon Bon was there putting some new food into the cabinets.

"I CANNOT UNDERSTAND HOW YOU CAN STAND THAT MARE!" Octavia exclaimed.

Bon Bon jumped slightly from the outburst, but calmed down as she knew the voice.

"Who? Lyra?" Bon Bon asked, turning to Octavia who had her head in the fridge.

Octavia took out her lunch and put it on the table in the room and continued talking, "No! Lyra is a perfectly normal mare,"

"Yeah... Perfectly 'normal'," Bon Bon mumbled and continued putting food into the cabinet.

"I am talking about Vinyl! Do you know what she just did?! She just poured a bucket of fake snakes and bugs into me, and then when I yelled at her about it, she said I was cute! Unbelievable!" Octavia said angrily.

Bon Bon giggled and then said, "Yeah, that's Vinyl for you. Oh I know! Maybe you can hang out with Vinyl, Lyra, and I Friday night. We could maybe go get some drinks or go to a diner, it could be a chance for you to know more about Vinyl, as well as me and Lyra,"

"Although it sounds pleasant to get to hang around you and Lyra more, I want to stay away from Vinyl as much as possible," Octavia responded.

"C'mon! Give her a chance, there is a lot you don't know about Vinyl that may make you like her,"

"Oh? So do you and Lyra know everything there is to know about Vinyl?"

"Well, no. Vinyl keeps some things secret, like everypony else on this world,"

"Oh? Like what?"

"Well, me and Lyra have never seen her eyes,"

Her eyes? I always thought those glasses were just for show, maybe there is a bigger reasons behind them....

"Alright fine, I will go to a diner with you all after work tomorrow, but I will leave if Vinyl is too much," Octavia said.

"Okay!" Bon Bon said cheerfully, and Octavia left to work.

~•~•~•~•~

"And now I am stuck going to a diner with her, at least Bon Bon and Lyra seem nice," Octavia explained.

Her and Beauty Brass were at Beauty and Harpo's home having tea.

Beauty and Harpo had been dating for almost a year, and while they have their really odd arguments about the most random things they really loved each other.

Octavia had just finished telling Beauty about her day, when she looked at Beauty to see her smiling.

"What?" Octavia asked.

"Oh nothing," Beauty said in an innocent tone, still smiling.

"You're not telling me something," Octavia said, getting a little angered.

Octavia would have continued to bother Beauty about it, but Caramel told her to get home, and she was not in the mood to deal with Caramel sobbing, so she just said bye to Beauty and left.

"It's just, you two are acting like how me and Harpo did before we became a couple," Beauty whispered to herself, still smiling.

Maybe Octavia will finally find somepony new, Beauty thought to herself.

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia got into the car and Caramel was crying, nothing new for Octavia.

“Why are you getting another job?!” Caramel cried.

“Because I wanted to…. Buy something,” Octavia lied.

Oh no, I never thought of an excuse.

“I COULD BUY IT FOR YOU! You know I love you! Right? Right?! RIGHT?!” Caramel sobbed.

Octavia sighed and then said, “This was something that I wanted to work on my own time, something that when I got it, it would be a symbol of my hard work.” Octavia explained.

“Why can’t it be a symbol of our love?”

Because I don’t want to lose it for five years and then it never leaves me alone.

The two ponies stayed silent for a while. A few minutes later Caramel broke the silence.

“ARE YOU CHEATING ON ME?!” He screamed.

Octavia was taken aback by this, never has Caramel accused her of cheating.

“CARAMEL IT’S JUST A JOB! BESIDES I HAVE ONLY WORKED THERE FOR ONE DAY!” Octavia screamed.

“PROVE IT!” Caramel yelled back.

“I WILL! COME TO WORK NEXT WEEK.” Octavia yelled and then shut her muzzle, realizing that she had just invited Caramel to go to her office.

No….

“Alright! And we can get dinner after!” Caramel said in a very happy mood.

Octavia said nothing, she instead looked out the window, thinking about the new ponies she has met and her new job.

What have I done?

Chapter 2

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It was the next day, Octavia had already been there for half the day when she was called over by Bon Bon.

"What is it Bon Bon?" Octavia asked.

"Well, you were sent flowers." Bon Bon explained.

"I was WHAT?!" Octavia yelled and then ran towards a group of ponies.

The ponies were standing around an enormous bouquet of flowers, the flowers were all different colors and there was a small envelope that read the name 'Octavia' on it.

Octavia ran over and read the front of the envelope and then sighed angrily. She opened the envelope and took out the small paper, the paper read,

‘To my loving Octavia. From, Caramel.’

Octavia yelled angrily and grabbed the flowers and started carrying them to the trash.

"So," Lyra started as she caught up with Octavia, "Does somepony have a secret admirer," Lyra then wiggled her eyebrows.

"Oh! Who is it?! What does the card say?!" Bon Bon asked excitedly.

"No! He is no one! Okay?!" Octavia snapped. Lyra and Bon Bon stopped walking. Octavia walked a little more and then sighed and turned back to the two mares.

"I'm sorry... I just.... Come with me to the lunch room and I will explain," Octavia said and then kept walking. Lyra and Bon Bon looked at each other.

~~~At the lunch room~~~

Octavia, Lyra, and Bon Bon were all sitting on the table, Octavia was drinking some tea she made and was silent, contemplating how to start her story. Bon Bon and Lyra were also silent, waiting for Octavia to start.

"I'm married." Octavia said bluntly.

"Oh! Why didn't you say so? That-" Bon Bon started but was interrupted by Octavia.

"I'm not done," Octavia then breathed in and sighed a heavy sigh. Octavia then explained her whole past, Caramel's absence and now his obsession, everything.

When she finished, she realized she was closing her eyes the whole time, she even had some tears forming in her eyes. She finally opened them when she felt a pony hugging her. She opened her eyes to see Bon Bon hugging her and Lyra looking at the table like she was thinking.

"I'm sorry that you had to go through that," Bon Bon said and stopped hugging Octavia to look at her.

"Th-thank you," Octavia said and then smiled.

"I uh... Need to go..." Lyra said and then got up and left the room in a rush.

"What was that about?" Octavia asked.

"Octavia, in my time with Lyra I have learned one thing, she is a very strange mare," Bon Bon said.

"How strange?" Octavia asked.

"Well, you're going to find out tonight," Bon Bon said with a grin.

~~~At the diner~~~

Everypony had just finished ordering. Vinyl flirted with the waitress who blushed and walked away.

"Vinyl, do you flirt with everypony?" Octavia asked in an annoyed tone.

"Well, what can I say? Everypony is just so hot, especially you," Vinyl answered and then winked at Octavia, who glared in response.

"Yeah, but you can tell when Vinyl REALLY means her flirting by the way she flirts," Lyra said with a grin. Octavia noticed that Vinyl seemed to blush a bit and then kick Lyra's leg under the table.

"Do you even like mares?" Octavia asked.

"I swing both ways, baby," Vinyl said with a grin.

"Oh really? Well so do I," Octavia said. At this, it seemed Vinyl's grin grew bigger.

"Oh really? Well what do you say we-" Vinyl started but was interrupted by Bon Bon.

"OH NO NO NO NO! You are not going to finish that!" Bon Bon yelled.

"What, I was going to include you and Lyra," Vinyl said with a grin.

"Sorry Vi but I gotta pass on that, they just released a new human book," Lyra said with a smile.

Octavia stared at Lyra in confusion.

Did I hear her right?

Bon Bon noticed Octavia's confusion and clarified, "Remember when I told you Lyra was a strange mare? Well, she is obsessed with humans."

"Well that's... Interesting..." Octavia said.

Bon Bon seemed a bit sadden by Octavia’s response, so Octavia then said, "But why should I judge a pony by the things she likes."

Bon Bon seemed to perk up at this, Lyra was too busy trying to use her fork as a hand, and Vinyl was smiling, but not her normal 'I am getting to you' or her 'I am going to do something bad', but a genuine smile.

"So Vinyl, do you ever take off your sunglasses?" Octavia asked.

Vinyl seemed to cringe at the question but then quickly put on her trademark grin and answered with, "Nah, I need em for my image."

Octavia raised an eyebrow at this

She's definitely hiding something

"Enough about me Tavi, even though I know you want to know EVERYTHING about me," Vinyl said with a grin, "What about you?"

"What about me?" Octavia asked.

"How about.... What do you do when you are NOT working?" Bon Bon asked.

"Well, I normally read-"

"BORING!" Vinyl interrupted.

Octavia glared at Vinyl and continued, " And practice my cello. Though on the days I don't come to work, I go to work with my ensemble."

"Imbecile?" Vinyl asked.

"No Vinyl, ensemble, not imbecile," Octavia said deadpanned.

"Oh Octavia, don't call yourself an imbecile," Vinyl said grinning.

"Maybe she was calling you an imbecile Vinyl," Lyra said with a grin. Vinyl seemed to glare at her but it was hard to tell with her glasses on.

"How many players are in your ensemble?" Bon Bon asked.

"There are three other members, there is Fredric the pianist, Beauty Brass the tuba player, and her coltfriend Harpo the harpist," Octavia answered.

"Oh cool," Vinyl said, she sounded a bit worried. Lyra looked at her with an all knowing smile and Bon Bon looked at the two confused.

"This always happens, those two are so close, it's scary," Bon Bon whispered to Octavia. Octavia nodded and then a question popped into her head.

"Bon Bon, are Lyra and Vinyl a couple?" Octavia asked.

Bon Bon laughed at Octavia's question and the answered, "No, actually, me and Lyra are a couple."

"So she's all yours," Lyra said.

Octavia and Bon Bon looked over to Lyra and Vinyl who had been apparently listening to their conversation. Octavia blushed at Lyra's comment and Bon Bon facehooved.

"Here you mares go," The waitress said and then gave the mares their food.

When they started eating, Vinyl spoke up, "Hey guys."

Everypony looked over at Vinyl and saw she was holding a note in her magic.

"Is that... The waitress's phone number?" Octavia asked.

Vinyl laughed. "Yep."

"What are you going to do with it?" Lyra asked.

"Throw it out," Vinyl answered and then proceeded the rip the paper apart, "like Lyra said, I'm all yours Octy."

Octavia blushed again and went back to eating her food, Vinyl just looked at her with a grin and Bon Bon and Lyra whispered something to each other.

~~~Later~~~

Everypony finished eating and had gone out to walk around the city. The two were passing a bookstore when Lyra started freaking out.

"OH MY GOSH BONNIE! THE BOOK IS HERE!!! C'MON LET'S GO GET IT!" Lyra said excitedly and then grabbed Bon Bon and shoved her into the store, leaving Vinyl and Octavia outside alone.

"Those two are definitely unique," Octavia said, looking inside the bookstore to see Lyra running around like a little foal on Christmas and Bon Bon following her smiling at Lyra's joy.

Vinyl chuckled and then said, "Yeah."

The two stood in silence for a few minutes until Vinyl broke the silence.

"Sorry."

"What?" Octavia asked confused.

"I'm... I'm sorry for being so… Immature all the time. I just love having fun and getting on ponies nerves, I never mean to hurt them or anything like that, so sorry if you found me rude before, I just like to see you angry because like I said, you look cute when you’re angry," Vinyl said with a sad smile.

Octavia blushed and answered, "It's alright." And then smiled.

Maybe... She's not as bad as I thought she was.

"Oh Tavi are you blushing? Wow I haven't even tried and you have already fallen head over heels for me," Vinyl said with a grin.

But she is still annoying.

"Just keep telling yourself that Vinyl," Octavia said with a grin of her own.

"But I hope we can get to hang out more, you seem like a cool pony Tavi, even with that stick up ya rump," Vinyl said.

"As do I Miss Scratch, even thought you have the intelligence and mindset of a foal," Octavia responded.

Lyra and Bon Bon walked out of the store, Bon Bon had an exhausted smile on her face, presumably from trying to keep up with Lyra, and Lyra and a huge smile on her face.

"WE GOT IT! NOW ME AND BONNIE ARE GOING TO GO HOME NOW, I CAN'T WAIT ANOTHER SECOND TO READ THIS!!!" Lyra said and then started walking away.

"We'll see you both next week," Bon Bon said and then galloped after Lyra.

"So I will see you next week Vinyl," Octavia said and then brought out her hoof to shake Vinyl's hoof.

"No way, you are not getting rid of me that easily. I am walking you home," Vinyl said.

"I can take care of myself Vinyl," Octavia said slightly annoyed.

"This area is a dangerous area and I am not going to be blamed for your death because you walked home alone, so c'mon we're going," Vinyl said and then started walking. She then stopped and turned around.

"Where's your house?" Vinyl asked with a sheepish smile.

Octavia rolled her eyes and said, "Follow me, oh protector of mine."

~~~Later~~~

"The park is so pretty at night," Octavia said. Her and Vinyl were in the park walking towards Octavia's home.

"Yeah." Vinyl said.

"Well, I mean, you can't really tell with those glasses on." Octavia said with a grin.

Vinyl grinned at Octavia's comment and said, "Nice try Octy, but it's gonna take more then that to get these off my face, maybe a kiss."

"In your dreams Scratch." Octavia said.

"So, how did you get your cutie mark?" Vinyl asked.

"Well, my parents both play instruments, so they of course taught me and my sister how to play-"

"Wait, you have a sister? Is she hot?"

"VINYL!"

Vinyl laughed, "What?! Just asking!"

Octavia rolled her eyes and continued, "We tried different instruments, and as you can see, I ended up favoring the cello. It wasn't until I had a solo in a school play that I got my cutie mark."

"Hm, nice story, I wonder how you looked as a foal."

"My parent's house is filled with photos of me and my sister, including foal pictures."

Vinyl grinned, "Can we go there now?"

"No Vinyl."

"Awwwww," Vinyl whined and then fake pouted. This made Octavia laugh.

"Hey look!" Vinyl said and pointed to a group of ponies who were dancing, there was classical music being played.

"Oh, that looks cute," Octavia said.

"Let's dance!" Vinyl said and then grabbed Octavia, who pulled away.

"No way!"

"C'mon Tavi!"

"I said no!"

"Please? Give it a try."

Octavia sighed in defeat, "Fine."

Vinyl smiled and then grabbed Octavia and the two danced.

The two danced for a few minutes until the song changed. By the end the two were sweating and laughing.

"See?! I told you it would be fun!" Vinyl said happily.

"Fine, you were right..." Octavia said with a smile.

"Oh Octavia," Vinyl started and then put her hoof around Octavia, "As you will soon learn, I am very right on a lot of things, and well as fun," Vinyl grinned at the last line.

"Oh shut up you," Octavia said and then pushed Vinyl's hoof off of her.

The two continued walking in silence, both had smiles on their face.

"I realized something Vinyl," Octavia said.

"What?" Vinyl asked.

"You never told me your cutie mark story."

Vinyl scratched her chin like she was thinking and started, "Well-" but was interrupted by Octavia's phone going off.

Octavia took out her phone to see that Caramel has been texting her, his newest text was,

'WHERE ARE YOU?!'

Octavia ignored the text and said, "Continue."

Vinyl then continued, "Well, my whole family is kind of related to partying in some way so I was kind of raised into partying. At my big brother's birthday party the DJ got too drunk and passed out, so I decided to try my hoof at DJing and I did really well and got my cutie mark."

"Did you have your glasses?" Octavia asked.

"Uh... Yeah?" Vinyl said confused, "Why do you want to see my eyes so badly?"

"Well, it just fascinates me that neither Lyra nor Bon Bon have seen them, and neither has any of your fans," Octavia explained.

"Well, I will let you see them, for one kiss," Vinyl said with a grin.

"Okay," Octavia said.

"I know- wait WHAT?!" Vinyl yelled, and Octavia started laughing.

"Kidding, you're not going to get me to kiss you THAT easily," Octavia said with a grin.

Vinyl glared at her, "You're cruel Tavi." She then smiled, "Good to know that you can deal with me."

"Oh please Vinyl, you are easy."

"Oh really? Then maybe I should start to step up my game."

"NO! I mean... Whatever."

Vinyl grinned and then said, "Knew ya still found me annoying, good to know I will get to see your face turn red and your muzzle scrunch up like it does when you're mad."

Octavia blushed a bit at the detail Vinyl said about how she looked when she was mad.

"Whelp looks like we're here," Vinyl said.

Octavia was having so much fun she completely forgot about her home.

"Oh it seems we are."

"That will be 10 bits."

"I am not paying you Vinyl," Octavia said with a grin, "Good night Vinyl."

"Night Octy."

And the two went their separate ways.

Well it seems Bon Bon was right after all...

~~~Upstairs~~~

Once Octavia got upstairs she found Caramel sitting on the couch waiting for her.

"WHERE WERE YOU!? WHY DIDN'T YOU ANSWER MY TEXTS OR CALLS!?" Caramel yelled.

"I was out with some friends from work, calm down," Octavia said.

Caramel then started sobbing.

"YOU WENT BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T WANT TO BE AROUND ME, DIDN'T YOU?!" He sobbed and then started rolling on the floor.

Octavia sighed and then just walked into her bedroom. Caramel got up from the floor as soon as he heard the door close. Octavia had never done this before, usually she stays until he stops crying, but she just left.

What has gotten into her? He wondered.

There is something going on at work, and I am going to find out what.

Chapter 3

View Online

It was Saturday morning, it was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, it was so bright that some leaked through the blinds that covered the window in Octavia's bedroom. The light shined over Octavia, it made her look amazing, but she did not wake. At that exact moment Caramel was looking into the bedroom.

"She is so beautiful." Caramel said to himself. "She is also so mysterious, but I don't like that."

Caramel then closed the door and went into their living room. He then went to go find the vacuum cleaner.

"That mare, she is doing something at work, and I don't like that." Caramel said, still talking to himself.

Caramel then found the vacuum cleaner, as he went with the plug of the vacuum cleaner to go find an outlet, he said, "Maybe she is having an affair. But with whom?"

Caramel then plugged in the vacuum cleaner. Right before he turned it on, he said one last thing, "When I go to work with her, I am going to analyze everypony she speaks to, and see which ones she's interested in."

Caramel then plugged in the vacuum cleaner.

~~~Meanwhile~~~

Octavia awoke to the sound of a vacuum cleaner.

Why couldn't he have waited until I was awake?

Octavia then got up, she put on her favorite bow tie and grabbed her phone. When she looked at her phone, she saw she had a few texts from Vinyl.

'Hey, I am going to be doing a show tonight, I was wondering if you would like to come by?'

Octavia read the text and smiled. She then texted back,

'Of course I will!'

Vinyl texted back,

'Great! The show starts at 10PM and ends at 12AM, the club is called Nightfall.'

A club? Maybe I agreed too quickly...

'Alright, see you later Vinyl.'

Octavia then entered the living room, where Caramel was vacuuming under the coffee table.

"Good morning, beautiful!" Caramel yelled and then turned off the vacuum to kiss Octavia.

"Good morning, Caramel." Octavia said back.

Oh boy, how is he going to react when he finds out how I am going to hang out with my friends?
Well, I better get this over with...

"Oh, Caramel, tonight I am going to be going out with my friends." Octavia said and then walked into the kitchen to make some coffee.

"Are they from work?!" Caramel asked in a panicked tone, almost as soon as Octavia asked.

"Yes?" Octavia answered, confused on why Caramel asked that.

"Oh... Alright..." Caramel said casually and then continued to vacuum.

"Why do you ask?" Octavia asked.

"No reason." Caramel answered casually.

"Ok..." Octavia said unsure and then continued to make her coffee.

That was... Strange...

"Oh!" Caramel said excitedly and turned off the vacuum, he then joined Octavia in the kitchen, "I got us tickets to see a movie this afternoon!"

"Oh... Great!" Octavia said, trying not to sound annoyed.

"Yep! Now I am going to go back to cleaning the house, so you can practice your cello without worrying about your chores!" Caramel said happily and then kissed Octavia on the cheek and went back to vacuuming.

That would be a very nice thing to do, if he didn't do it every Saturday. At this point, I have practiced my cello so much, I just sit in the room on my phone for half the time because I would have already memorize the music.

Octavia then drank her coffee and started making breakfast.

~~~Later~~~

Caramel and Octavia were walking to the movies, Caramel had his hoof around Octavia and wouldn't move it. If Octavia tried to move it, Caramel would say how cute she was being and kiss her a few times. So Octavia decided having a hoof around her constantly was better than being kissed by him.

Once they got to the theater, Octavia heard a familiar voice.

"Hey Octavia!" The voice yelled.

Octavia almost cried tears of joy at hearing that voice.

"Hello, Lyra," Octavia said cheerfully.

"Who's this?" Caramel asked Octavia.

"Caramel, this is Lyra, she works at my new job. Lyra, this Caramel my...husband." Octavia said, she said husband in a venomous tone.

"Oh... Nice to meet you Caramel!" Lyra said happily.

Good job Lyra.

Instead of saying hello, Caramel took his hoof off Octavia and then grabbed Lyra by the neck and examined her.

"Caramel! What are you doing?!" Octavia yelled.

Caramel dropped Lyra and answered "Just, making sure of something..."

"Of what?!" Octavia yelled.

"Of.... nothing..." Caramel said.

"Okay then... Are you guys going to be seeing’ The Anthropist’?" Lyra asked excitedly.

Octavia smiled. "Let me guess Lyra, you want to see it for the-"

"HUMANS!" Lyra finished.

Octavia rolled her eyes, still smiling, and Caramel gave Lyra a confused look.

"You do know that's a SCI FI movie, right?" Caramel asked.

"That's what they want you to think!" Lyra said.

Ok, Octavia is definitely not after her, she's too... crazy, Caramel thought to himself.

"Well, anyway, Octavia and I ARE seeing The Anthropist! It is like a date for us." Caramel said and put his hoof around Octavia again.

"But, we don't mind if you join us!" Octavia said very quickly.

"Sure! This gives us a chance to know each other better! Now c'mon let's get in before the movie starts!" Lyra said excitedly and then rushed into the theater. Octavia smiled and followed after her friend, Caramel followed after Octavia, in an very annoyed and angry manner.

~~~Later~~~

The movie experience was far better than what Octavia thought it was going to be. Octavia sat in between Caramel and Lyra, the whole time Lyra was talking about humans, Octavia would nod her head like she was understanding but she actually didn't, she just was enjoying Lyra's company. Caramel was in a mood the whole time, he always seemed very angry and annoyed. If Octavia tried to ask him what was wrong, even though she knew, he would just glare at her.

Caramel and Octavia got home, and Caramel finally broke.

"YOU SPENT THAT WHOLE TIME WITH YOUR FRIEND!" Caramel yelled.

"Well, she is my friend." Octavia said.

"BUT THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A DATE!" Caramel yelled.

"A DATE I NEVER AGREED TO." Octavia yelled back.

Then there was silence. The tension in the room was very visible. Then Caramel started sobbing.

"WHY DO YOU HATE ME?! I TRY TO DO EVERYTHING FOR YOU AND YOU STILL HATE ME! WHY?!" Caramel sobbed.

Octavia sighed and then walked over to Caramel who was now sitting on the floor sobbing. She sat down next to him and rubbed his back.

"Yes I know, and I am very grateful of that, but I just don't love you." Octavia said sympathetically.

"BUT WHY?!" Caramel sobbed.

"Because you left me for years Caramel, the less time you spend with somepony, the less they will love you, ponies will grow and change, and if they don't do that together, then they will grow apart," Octavia explained.

"But I spend all my time with you." Caramel said, still sounding like he was about to cry.

"Yes, but you spend too much time with me, you need to understand when enough is enough."

Caramel then got up from the floor angrily. He then walked to the bedroom door, right before he went in, he turned to Octavia.

"WILL YOU MAKE UP YOUR BUCKING MIND?! DO YOU WANT ME AROUND OR NOT YOU HUSSY?!" Caramel yelled and then slammed the door. Octavia could hear Caramel flop on the bed and could hear him still sobbing.

Octavia sighed, she then grabbed her things to meet Vinyl at the club. As Octavia walked out of their apartment and to the elevator, she opened her phone and looked something up.

'Narcissism- Excessive obsession in one's self. Ponies with narcissism will often try to make conversations about them, and if a pony does not pay enough attention to them as they want, they will be angered. Narcissistic ponies are often very generous. If a pony complains about something a narcissistic pony has done or does, they will take it as a personal insult, and will put the pony into blame.'

Huh, Beauty Brass was right.

~~~Later~~~

When Octavia got to the club, she found a line of ponies waiting to get in, at the front of the line was security pony. Around the club were posters that all said DJ PON3 on them. Faint dubstep could be heard coming from the building, as well as yelling and cheering from the group on ponies inside. Octavia then walked up to the front of the line and to the security pony.

"Name?" The security stallion asked.

"Octavia Melody." Octavia answered.

"Hm, go right in." The security stallion said and then walked away from the doorway so Octavia could go inside.

Once Octavia got inside, she was blinded by blue flashing lights, and deafened by loud dubstep. Octavia took a seat at the bar. The club dance floor was filled with ponies dancing, all of them sweating and smiling.

"What can I get you to drink?" A voice asked.

Octavia turned around to find the bartender, she was a dark bluish grayish unicorn with a purple and light grey mane and tail and a grey star cutie mark with a red,yellow, green, and blue star around the one big grey star.

"Oh, you're the bartender, correct?" Octavia asked.

"Yep! Name's Moonshine. What can I get you?" Moonshine asked.

"Oh, could I have some wine please?" Octavia asked.

"Sure!" Moonshine said and then poured Octavia a glass of wine.

Octavia then went to pull out her wallet but Moonshine stopped her.

"Oh, no need, PON3 payed for you, but you can still give ME the money," Moonshine said with a grin.

"Oh, that's kind of her," Octavia said.

Octavia then looked over at Vinyl, she was on stage, she seemed to be concentrating on her music, she had her purple shades on and was wearing a giant smile. She was sweating just as much as the ponies on the dance floor.

There's something... enthralling about her...

"Ohhh~ Somepony has a crush."

Octavia's train of thought were broken by Moonshine speaking. Octavia blushed at Moonshine's comment and said,

"N-no I do not!" Octavia said.

"Sure you don't. LOOK AT YOU! You are a fancy mare in a club! You even tried to order wine!" Moonshine said.

Octavia blushed even more and then said, "She is just a friend! And- wait... did you say TRY to order wine?"

"Yeah!" Moonshine said.

"So, this is not wine?" Octavia asked, now worried.

"Oh no, it is."

"Then, how did you get it?"

"Like this!" Moonshine said and then teleported away. She came back a few minutes later, wearing a top hat, a monocle, a fake mustache, and holding tea.

"Good day, pip pip. I do love those crumpets I must say." Moonshine said in a terrible British accent and then drank her tea. Octavia just glared at her.

Of course Vinyl would know somepony this weird.

Then Moonshine teleported all of the items she had with her away. Moonshine then said,

"I MUST GO! ANOTHER STORY NEEDS ME!" Moonshine yelled and then teleported away.

What in the-

"HELP!" Octavia's train of thought was interrupted by a pony yelling, "SOMEPONY KNOCKED ME OUT AND PUT ME INTO THE CLOSET,"

"Who are you?" Octavia asked.

"The bartender!" The pony answered.

~~~Later~~~

After that... fiasco, Octavia continued watching Vinyl perform, there was something that made watching Vinyl very, entertaining. Octavia completely lost track of time, she realized this when Vinyl announced that the show was over and then walked to back stage.

Was I really watching Vinyl that long?

Octavia then felt somepony tap her on the shoulder. It was a security pony.

"DJ PON3 would like to see you backstage miss," The security pony said.

Octavia then followed the security pony backstage.

~~~Meanwhile~~~

"I MUST GO IN!" Caramel yelled.

Caramel was outside the club, trying to get past the security pony.

"Sir! You have to go to the back of the line!" The security pony yelled, "Now go back there before I escort you off the premises,"

Caramel stopped and then walked to the back of the line.

What is Octavia doing at a club!

~~~Backstage~~~

Once Octavia got backstage, she found Vinyl chugging down a huge glass of cider.

"Octy!" Vinyl said happily.

Octavia smiled and walked over to Vinyl. Vinyl was sitting at another bar area, but this one was backstage and meant only for the performers. Octavia sat down next to Vinyl.

"Hello Vinyl," Octavia said.

"So, whadja think of the show?" Vinyl asked.

"It was certainly.... entertaining," Octavia said.

Even though I don't even remember half the music you played....

"Well, thanks but it is not supposed to be 'entertaining', it is supposed to be awesome to listen to! You aren't supposed to watch me play, even though it is hard because I am so damn sexy," Vinyl paused to grin at Octavia, "but you are supposed to listen and DANCE!"

"Well, I did like some of the music," Octavia said.

"Well, at least you're moving on from classical, but you gotta dance!" Vinyl said.

"I will have you know, classical is an amazing form of music, furthermore, I am not comfortable dancing in front of ponies," Octavia said with a huff.

"But you danced with me," Vinyl said with a grin.

Octavia then blushed madly and looked away.

"That's different," Octavia said.

"Sure it is," Vinyl said with a grin.

"You know Vinyl, I have a show next weekend, how about you go to one of my shows? Hm?" Octavia asked, turning back to Vinyl.

"But that sounds BORING," Vinyl said.

"Oh please Vinyl, I did not complain one bit when you invited me to go to your club," Octavia said.

Vinyl sighed, "Fine,"

Octavia smiled.

"Thank you Vinyl,"

~~~Later~~~

Vinyl and Octavia had left the club. Vinyl was walking Octavia home once again.

"Well, Vinyl, this is two times in a row that you have walked me home," Octavia said.

"Yeah, soon enough I'll get you to come home with me, and in my bed," Vinyl said sexually and with a grin.

Octavia then hit Vinyl on the back of her head.

"OW!" Vinyl yelled.

"Hm, looks like I found a way to get you to stop flirting with me," Octavia said with a grin. Vinyl just rubbed the back of her head and glared at her.

"So, Vinyl, how often do you perform?" Octavia asked.

"Normally every weekend," Vinyl answered, "what about you?"

"Well, I don't really have a certain time I perform, our ensemble just performs as a group, we try to perform at least every month,"

"Hm,"

Octavia noticed how weird Vinyl started acting once she mentioned her ensemble.

"Is something wrong?" Octavia asked.

"No, not at all," Vinyl said.

"Do you want to know what is up with my ensemble?" Octavia asked.

"Alright," Vinyl said.

"Well, Beauty Brass and Harpo have moved into the same apartment, and Fredric has a new marefriend,"

Vinyl's ears perked up at the last part.

"Oh, that cool," Vinyl said, sounding happy again.

"Yeah. Beauty Brass and I have tea and talk every week when Harpo is not around,"

"What do you two talk about?"

"Personal stuff,"

"Like me?" Vinyl asked with a grin.

"Sure, Vinyl," Octavia said, "because you are my boss at my new job, and for no other reasons,"

Octavia grinned at the last part.

The two continued walking for a few minutes, and then Vinyl stopped.

"Do you see that?" Vinyl asked, pointing into an alley.

"See what?" Octavia asked concerned.

"Hm, stay right here," Vinyl said and then walked into the alley.

Once she got there she found a stallion hiding behind a garbage can.

"What are you doing?" Vinyl asked.

The stallion freaked out when he heard Vinyl's voice and then ran away.

Vinyl then walked back to Octavia.

"What was it?" Octavia asked.

"Nothing," Vinyl said, and the two started walking again. But Vinyl kept her eye on the alley and one hoof around Octavia. Octavia stared at Vinyl, blushing at the fact that Vinyl kept her hoof around her.

Is she, trying to protect me from something?

Unlike before, when Octavia disliked how Caramel kept his hoof around her, Octavia kind of... enjoyed this. She like the warmth Vinyl was giving off, but as soon as the alley was out of sight, Vinyl took her hoof off Octavia.

Wait, did I enjoy that? Why do I feel disappointed? What is happening to me?

The two continued walking, but in silence.

"So, how did you get your office?" Octavia asked.

"Well, it all started when I move here a few years ago, I wanted to follow my dream of becoming a DJ. One day I got a job at a club and from that day forward I became DJ PON3!," Vinyl then sighed nostalgically, "Those were the good ol’ days, the days where I would wake up in a random ponies house after a night of sweet sweet love making,"

"EW!" Octavia yelled. Vinyl laughed at her response.

"You know, you could join that list," Vinyl said, wiggling her eyebrows. In response, Octavia hit her on the head again.

"So, I became more and more famous, until eventually I made a record-"

"A vinyl record? I hope you didn't scratch it," Octavia said with a grin.

"Ha ha ha, so funny I forgot to laugh," Vinyl said sarcastically.

"But you laughed before you said that," Octavia said with her eyebrow raised and a smile.

"Yeah- well.... shut up...." Vinyl said annoyed, Octavia laughed her her response.

"Anyways, my record was a hit, and my producers wanted me to make more, but I couldn't do it all on my own, so they gave me an office," Vinyl finished.

"Well that is a dumb idea, who would give YOU a office?" Octavia asked with a grin.

"Hey! My office is running fine!"

"Sure it is, it's not like ponies find porn magazines in your office or anything," Octavia said with a grin.

"That's- that's irrelevant!" Vinyl yelled with a blush, "Name one ACTUAL problem with my office!"

"Okay, just yesterday one of the workers said he lost an important paper, everypony stopped working to look for it, the paper turned out to be the pony's World of Warcraft information,"

"HEY! World of Warcraft is very important!"

Octavia rolled her eyes and smiled, "I'm sure it is Vinyl,"

A few minutes later, the two ponies made it to Octavia's apartment complex.

"Well, this is where we part ways," Octavia said.

"Yep," Vinyl said.

The two stood in silence for a second, and then Vinyl hugged Octavia.

"Thanks for coming, it really means a lot," Vinyl said while hugging Octavia.

Vinyl then stopped hugging Octavia.

"No problem, that's what friends are for, right?" Octavia said with a smile.

"Yeah," Vinyl said, and the two went their separate ways.

~~~At the apartment~~~

Once Octavia was inside the apartment, she found Caramel asleep on the couch. As she passed him she smelled something.

How odd. I wonder why Caramel smells like garbage.

~~~Meanwhile~~~

Lyra was sitting at home on the couch next to Bon Bon. Bon Bon was reading and Lyra was in her phone, when she got a text. The text was from Octavia.

'Hey, just warning you that Caramel is going to join us at work on Monday.'

"Who's the text from?" Bon Bon asked.

"Oh, it's just spam," Lyra answered.

Lyra then scrolled to the name 'Vinyl' on her phone and texted.

'Don't come to work on Monday.'

Chapter 4

View Online

"He's WHAT?!"

It was Sunday and Octavia was at the theater where her ensemble was practicing for their show. Currently Octavia was telling them about how Caramel was coming to work with her on Monday.

"Are you crazy?!" Beauty Brass yelled.

"No! I just didn't like how he was accusing me of something I would never do!" Octavia yelled back.

"Caramel is going to make your new job a living Tartares!" Fredric yelled.

"And didn't you get this job to GET AWAY from Caramel?" Harpo asked.

"I know! And yes I did, but if I take him once then he will probably be at least a little less annoying," Octavia said.

"But what if he becomes friends with one of your coworkers?" Beauty Brass asked.

"Don't worry, Lyra and Bon Bon will stop that from happening," Octavia answered.

"Lyra and Bon Bon?" Fredric asked, confused because he had never heard of them before.

"They are her friends from work," Beauty Brass explained.

Before Fredric, Harpo, or Beauty could yell at Octavia anymore, she got a text from Caramel,

'Downstairs.'

Octavia sighed and then grabbed her cello.

"I have to go now, Caramel is here," Octavia said and then left.

Her ensemble waited until they heard the front door close, signifying that Octavia left. Once they heard it, they started talking.

"Tomorrow we are going to visit Octavia's office," Beauty Brass said.

"Agreed," Fredric said.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Harpo asked, in response Beauty Brass and Fredric glared at him.

"I mean... GREAT PLAN!"

~~~The next day~~~

"I can't wait to meet your coworkers!" Caramel said happily.

Octavia and Caramel were currently in Caramel's car. He was driving them to Octavia's work.

Octavia nodded with a sad smile in response to Caramel's excitement.

"Are you sure this is okay? Don't you have to work too?" Octavia asked.

"Sure! It won't bother them if I miss one day of work!" Caramel answered.

A few minutes later Caramel had finished parking the car. Octavia and Caramel were now outside Octavia's office.

"Well, here it is," Octavia said, looking outside and trying to buy as much time as possible before they had to go in.

"Yep! C'mon let's go! You don't want to be late!" Caramel said excitedly, acting like a foal getting to go into a toy store.

Once they got inside, the receptionist started talking,

"Hello! Could you please tell me your name and purpose to be here?" The receptionist asked.

"Hey! Everypony has a purpose of existent! Asking her why she exists is rude and racist!" Caramel said angrily and banged his hoof onto the desk. In response, the receptionist hid behind her desk in fear.

"Caramel, she is a Earth pony. Also she meant why was I coming into the building," Octavia said.

"Oh.... Sorry," Caramel said shyly, embarrassed about making a scene.

Octavia, already annoyed, started rubbing between her eyes.

"My name is Octavia Melody, and I work for DJ PON3," Octavia said.

“AND I’M HER HUSBAND!” Caramel said proudly.

"Okay, go on ahead," The receptionist said, behind the desk, her voice shaking.

And with that, Octavia and Caramel entered the elevator.

This is going to be a long day...

~~~Upstairs~~~

The elevator opened and Octavia started walking straight to where she worked. But was stopped by Caramel.

"Aren't you going to introduce me to everypony?" Caramel asked, sounding disappointed.

Octavia sighed in annoyance and said, "I only know three ponies here,"

She is trying to pretend to not knowing anypony so I won't find out she is cheating on me!, Caramel thought to himself.

"Well, then can you introduce me to them?!" Caramel asked excitedly.

Octavia sighed in annoyance again before answering, "Sure,"

Caramel then followed Octavia to the lunchroom, where Lyra and Bon Bon were.

Lyra was sitting at the table, drinking some coffee and reading a book, and Bon Bon was putting new food into the cabinets.

Lyra looked up from her book, when she saw Octavia and Caramel she put on a smile and said, "Good morning Octavia! Good morning Caramel!"

"Caramel?!" Bon Bon said dropping some of the food and confused by hearing Octavia's husband's name.

"Good morning Lyra! Good morning Bon Bon!" Octavia said.

"Hello again Lyra, who's the other mare?" Caramel asked.

In a flash, Bon Bon went next to Octavia and put her hoof around her.

"I'm Bon Bon! Nice to meet you Caramel!" Bon Bon said. She then whispered to Octavia, "What is he doing here?!"

Octavia looked at her confused and then answered, "You don't know? I told Lyra that-"

"HELLO BON BON!" Caramel said, interrupting Octavia. He put out a hoof to shake, and Bon Bon shook it.

Her... SHE'S THE ONE OCTAVIA IS CHEATING ON ME WITH!, Caramel yelled in his mind.

"Well, this has been great, but I need to talk to Lyra, in private," Bon Bon said, clearly annoyed at Lyra. Bon Bon then walked over to Lyra, bite on her ear and started dragging her into another room.

"OW OW OW!" Lyra yelled in pain, following Bon Bon.

"Wait!" Octavia yelled, Bon Bon and Lyra stopped, "Where's Vinyl?"

"She's sick," Lyra answered, before howling in pain again as Bon Bon kept dragging her.

"Vinyl? Who's that?" Caramel asked.

"Vinyl is DJ PON3," Octavia explained.

So that's why she went to a club... AND THE PONY THAT HAD THEIR HOOF AROUND MY OCTAVIA MUST HAVE BEEN BON BON! I BET THOSE TWO WENT ON A DATE TO SEE DJ PON3'S SHOW!

"Well, I hope I will get to meet her soon. I also hope to get to know Bon Bon more," Caramel said.

What is Caramel planning?

"Well, do you want to see me work now?" Octavia asked.

"Nope! I am going to go and meet the other coworkers," Caramel said, and then walked off.

Let's see just how much these coworkers know about Bon Bon....

Octavia stood there for a second before running off to where Bon Bon and Lyra went.

Oh nonononoNO! If Caramel becomes friends with one of my coworkers, then he has an excuse to come here! I need to tell Bon Bon and Lyra to keep an eye on him!

~~~Meanwhile~~~

"Spit it out Lyra! Tell me what happened!" Bon Bon said angrily.

"I will, as soon as my ear stops BURNING," Lyra said, rubbing her ear.

"Now Lyra!" Bon Bon said, stomping her hoof onto the ground.

Lyra sighed in defeat, "Okay fine. Last night, Octavia texted me that Caramel would be coming to work today,"

Bon Bon glared at her. Lyra looked around the room, trying not to make eye contact with Bon Bon, but once she did she yelled,

"WHAT?!"

"So, Vinyl just happened to be sick today? Hm?" Bon Bon said, still glaring.

Lyra sighed again, "I told Vinyl not to come to work today,"

"Why?!" Bon Bon asked.

"Because Vinyl-" Lyra started but was interrupted by Octavia.

"There you two are! I need to work but Caramel wants to go meet our other coworkers, I need one of you to keep an eye on him," Octavia explained.

"I'll keep an eye on him, Lyra can help you work since you're still new here," Bon Bon said and then walked off.

Octavia and Lyra started walking towards the recording studio when Octavia asked,

"Why didn't you tell Bon Bon about Caramel?"

Lyra sighed and then answered, "Octavia listen, I really like you, and so does Bonnie. We already consider you our close friend and we have only known you for a few days! But even though you are our friend, there are still secrets we have, there are many things you don't know about us and things we don't even know about each other. One day we will learn everything about each other, but until then just understand there is a reason for why I do and don't do things,"

~~~Meanwhile~~~

"So, what do you know about Bon Bon?" Caramel asked.

"Well, she is very close with the boss and she is a Fillyfooler," The employee answered and continued typing on the computer.

I knew it!

"Caramel, there you are! Want to join me in the lunchroom and have some coffee?" Bon Bon asked.

My opportunity!

"Sure Bon Bon!" Caramel said excitedly and followed Bon Bon into the lunchroom.

"Hey Jim," One of the employees yelled.

"Yeah Bob?" The employee that was talking to Caramel before asked.

"Why'da tell him all of that?" Bob asked.

"Because, I feel like if I do, I am helping drama," Jim answered.

~~~Later~~~

Caramel was sitting at the table in the lunchroom, Bon Bon was making coffee for the two of them. Once she sat down with the coffee, got up from his seat Caramel spoke.

"SO YOU'RE THE ONE WHO'S BEEN DATING MY WIFE?!"

Bon Bon stared at him for a second, dumbfounded.

"No! I'm dating Lyra!" Bon Bon said.

"OH SO YOU'RE CHEATING ON HER TOO?!" Caramel yelled.

"Wha- What?! NO!" Bon Bon yelled, getting up from her seat.

"I BET YOU FEEL SO SPECIAL BEING LOVED BY TWO MARES! WELL, LET'S SEE HOW GOOD YOU REALLY ARE!" Caramel yelled and then pushed Bon Bon against the wall and started kissing her.

~~~Meanwhile~~~

"I can't believe Octavia is working in a office," Fredric said, getting out of the elevator.

Fredric, Beauty Brass, and Harpo were all at Octavia's office.

"Let's go find Octavia," Beauty Brass said and started walking.

The three of them looked for Octavia, and continued before they ended up in front of the lunch room. They opened the door and found Caramel kissing another mare.

"CARAMEL?!" Beauty Brass yelled.

Caramel quickly dropped the mare at the sound of her voice.

"WHAT IN EQUESTRIA ARE YOU DOING?!" Beauty Brass yelled.

"I- I can explain-" Caramel started but was interrupted by Fredric.

"This is appealing, you sir are a disgusting stallion who should have never had anything to do with Octavia!" Fredric yelled, getting closer to Caramel with each word.

"LISTEN! OCTAVIA HAS BEEN CHEATING ON ME WITH THIS MARE SO I WANTED TO GIVE OCTAVIA A TASTE OF HER OWN MEDICINE!" Caramel yelled.

"I AM NOT DATING OCTAVIA!" Bon Bon yelled.

"Who are you anyway?" Harpo asked.

"My name is Bon Bon," Bon Bon answered.

Beauty Brass's ears popped up at the sound of Bon Bon's name.

"I've heard of you! You are one of the mares Octavia is friends with!" Beauty Brass said.

"Yes! That's me!," Bon Bon said and then turned to Caramel, "See?! I am FRIENDS with Octavia!"

"Friends with benefits," Harpo mumbled to himself and then laughed. Beauty Brass then hit him on the head.

"Ow!" Harpo yelled and rubbed his head.

"WHAT ARE YOU THREE DOING HERE ANYWAY?!" Caramel yelled.

"We wanted to check on Octavia," Beauty Brass answered.

"WHY?!" Caramel yelled. The three ensemble members looked at each other before galloping out of the room.

"I TOLD YOU THIS WAS A BAD IDEA!" Harpo yelled, while galloping out of the room.

"SHUT UP HARPO!" Beauty Brass and Fredric yelled at the same time.

~~~Meanwhile~~~

Caramel and Bon Bon stood there, staring at the spot the ensemble members were just a few minutes ago. Then Bon Bon started walking out of the room.

"Where are you going?" Caramel asked angrily.

"To my marefriend, Lyra," Bon Bon said, not even turning to look at him. She then walked out of the room leaving Caramel alone.

~~~Meanwhile~~~

"Ready Octavia?!" Lyra yelled from the viewing area. Octavia was in the recording area, with her cello about to play the music On the sheet.

"Ready," Octavia confirmed and started playing.

While Octavia was playing, Lyra was pressing buttons and making sure it was recording properly. Lyra was concentrating on her work, when she heard the door to the viewing platform open. This was not a new thing for her because Vinyl had been doing that ever since Octavia started working there.

What did surprise Lyra however was when she was pushed against the wall and she felt somepony kissing her. It was Bon Bon.

At first Lyra was frozen in shock, but she quickly started kissing back and it became a full on makeout session.

Once Octavia finished the piece, she looked up to find Lyra and Bon Bon making out against the wall.

What in Equestria...

Before Octavia could say anything, she felt her phone vibrate as she got a message. She took out her phone and saw the message was from Vinyl.

'How's work?'

Octavia then texted back,

'Good, but is it normal for Lyra and Bon Bon to start making out?'

Vinyl quickly responded,

'No, could you send a recording?'

'Why?'

'For... Scientific reasons ;)'

~~~Later~~~

The day was over, Octavia was in the car looking out the window, it was raining. Caramel was oddly quiet during the ride, not that Octavia mind.

As they started driving away from work, Octavia saw Lyra and Bon Bon close together, walking on the street, it looked like they were about to go on a date. Octavia then heard her phone go off as she got a message. She looked at her phone and saw it was a message from Beauty Brass,

'How was work?'

Octavia smiled and texted back,

'Good, nothing eventful happened,'

She never got a response.

Octavia continued looking out the window, thinking about what Lyra had said.

We really do know nothing about each other, but why am I so drawn to them.

Octavia picked up her phone again and scrolled through her contacts. Stopping on Vinyl.

Especially her.

Chapter 5

View Online

Tuesday and Wednesday were odd days for Octavia. Caramel seemed clinger than normal. Also, Octavia doesn't go to the office on Tuesday or Wednesday so she went to ensemble practice but her ensemble was acting strange too. Any mention of Octavia's other job would either result in them cringing or completely ignoring whatever she said.

Things only got weirder today when she went to the office again, and found Bon Bon being extremely clingy with Lyra.

"Bonnie, don't you like, you know... Need to work?" Lyra asked. Lyra was doing some stuff on a computer and Bon Bon was sitting by her.

"Well yeah, but I doubt Vinyl would mind if I missed a little work," Bon Bon answered.

"Hello guys," Octavia said, walking by their cubical.

"Good morning Octavia," Lyra said, still focusing on her computer.

"Oh, hi Octavia," Bon Bon said and then seemed to go a little bit closer to Lyra.

Octavia stared at the two confused.

Bon Bon is acting a little like Caramel...

"Hey Bon Bon, don't you need to work?" Octavia asked.

"That's what I said," Lyra said, still looking at her computer.

"Yeah, but I doubt anypony would notice if I didn't do my job for-" Bon Bon started but was interrupted by another pony.

"Yo Bonnie, you didn't put in any Pop Tarts into the kitchen today," Vinyl said, walking up next to Octavia.

"Oh! I forgot, sorry Vinyl!" Bon Bon said and then quickly walked to the kitchen.

"Pop Tarts?" Octavia asked, raising her eyebrow.

"Yeah! Pop Tarts are great!" Vinyl answered.

"Pop Tarts are for foals. Please don't tell me you eat them every morning," Octavia said.

"Fine, I won't tell you that," Vinyl said grinning, Octavia sighed in annoyance.

After a moment of silence, Octavia whispered to Vinyl, "Can I please speak with you in your office?"

Vinyl looked at her confused but then shrugged and started walking towards her office, Octavia following.

"Hey, where did Octavia and Vinyl go?" Bon Bon asked, coming back and holding a cup of coffee.

"I don't know, probably to work." Lyra answered.

Bon Bon then placed the coffee down onto Lyra's desk and sighed, "Lyra... There's something I need to

~~~At Vinyl's Office~~~

"So, what do you wanna talk about?" Vinyl asked, sitting down behind her desk.

"Well, it's about Lyra and Bon Bon... Heck it's about almost everypony," Octavia answered, sitting down in the seat in front of Vinyl.

"You mean how Bonnie has been acting up lately?" Vinyl asked, "Maybe something happened during the weekend,"

"No, Bon Bon was fine on Monday, so was everypony else, but since then everypony has been acting... Strange,"

"Oh yeah! I remember now that you told me Bon Bon and Lyra were having a hot make out session in the recording studio. Who else has been weird?"

"Well, my ensemble has been weird. They are completely avoiding the topic of my new job,"

"Maybe they're jealous."

"Oh please Vinyl, this job is nothing to be jealous about," Octavia said with a grin, Vinyl glared at her in response, though it was hard to tell with her glasses on.

"Maybe you should question them, make the topic unavoidable,"

"That's a good idea actually, I am seeing Beauty later today for tea so I will talk to her then,"

"Alright sweet, tell me how it goes," Vinyl said.

"I will, thank you Vinyl," Octavia said, getting out of her seat.

"Wait!" Vinyl yelled, Octavia turned around to face her.

"I am coming with you," Vinyl said and got out of her chair.

"Why?" Octavia asked as Vinyl caught up to her.

"Because I want to talk to Bonnie, maybe she will explain why she has been acting up," Vinyl explained and with that the two left Vinyl's office.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

"That's insane," Lyra whisper.

Octavia and Vinyl were walking to Lyra's cubical when they started hearing a conversation.

"I know! I am so sorry Lyra," Bon Bon whispered.

"It's not you fault. We just have to make sure to not tell-" Lyra started but was interrupted by Vinyl.

"Hey guys! What are you talking about?" Vinyl asked, Octavia facehooved.

Good job Vinyl....

"NOTHING," Lyra and Bon Bon both yelled at the same time.

"Oh... Kay?" Vinyl said, confused by their sudden fear.

"Oh! Look at the time! I need to go put more cabinets in the food- I MEAN FOOD IN THE CABINETS!" Bon Bon yelled and then ran towards the kitchen.

"AND I NEED TO... HARP," Lyra yelled and then ran towards the recording area.

"Well, that was certainly interesting," Octavia said.

"Yeah," Vinyl said.

"Also, why did you say something?! If we listened we may have been able to hear it!" Octavia asked.

"Because I did that once a long time ago, and it changed a lot of things for me," Vinyl answered, now in a more serious tone.

"For the good or bad?" Octavia asked concerned.

"I.... I don't know," Vinyl answered and look down at the ground. Octavia frowned at this.

C'mon Octavia, think! What is something that happened on Monday that has never- WAIT! HOW COULD I BE SO BLIND! CARAMEL!

"CARAMEL!" Octavia yelled.

Vinyl lifted her head up, "What?"

"OH NOTHING! NO PONY! I NEED TO GO TALK TO BON BON NOW!" Octavia answered and then ran towards the kitchen.

Wait, why didn't I want to tell Vinyl about Caramel... Why did I feel worried?

"Has everypony here lost their minds?" Vinyl asked herself and then ran towards the recording area.

I need to ask Lyra about Monday.

~~~In the Kitchen~~~

"Hey Bon Bon," Octavia said, walking into the kitchen.

"Oh! Hello Octavia!" Bon Bon said, she was putting more food into the cabinet.

"How much food do you put in there?" Octavia asked.

"Oh, a lot!" Bon Bon answered.

"How much food could one office possibly need?! Well, actually, Vinyl is the boss here so," Octavia said.

Bon Bon giggled, "Are you calling Vinyl fat?"

"No, I am saying she eats like a pig," Octavia answered. Bon Bon giggled again.

"So, Bon Bon. You never did tell me about what happened on Monday with Caramel," Octavia said, with a raised eyebrow.

Bon Bon froze, she then slowly turned towards Octavia.

"Oh, well uh, I found him talking to one of our coworkers and then brought him in here for coffee and we talked, that's it," Bon Bon answered nervously. She then continued putting food into the cabinets.

"What did you guys talk about?" Octavia asked.

"Stuff, like work," Bon Bon answered.

"Hm, anything else? What about me?" Octavia asked.

Bon Bon gulped, "Yes, we talked about you a little bit. About how you are doing at work and what I think of you,"

"I see," Octavia said, she wasn't buying it.

Octavia was about to persist when she remembered something,

'There are reasons I do what I do'. Lyra's voice rang through Octavia's head.

Maybe, that also applies to Bon Bon, maybe she is trying to protect me from something.

Octavia looked over at Bon Bon, who was still working.

She was my first friend here, she even help me connect more with Vinyl. I don't want to ruin that.

"So, did you go out with Lyra on Monday?" Octavia asked, Bon Bon seemed to perk back up at the change of subject.

"Yeah!" Bon Bon answered.

I'll leave her alone. I don't want to make her uncomfortable around me.

"Tell me about it," Octavia said with a warm smile.

But I will get my answers. But not from her, from Beauty Brass.

~~~Meanwhile~~~

"Hey Lyra," Vinyl said, entering the recording area.

Lyra was sitting on the chair in the recording area, she had her lyer in hoof and was playing some music.

"Sup boss," Lyra answered and put down her lyer.

"So, how's things with Bonnie?" Vinyl asked.

"Good!" Lyra answered.

Lyra has always been a good liar... Ha pun.

"Even though she was a little clingy this morning and yesterday?" Vinyl asked.

"Yeah, but that is over with. She was just worried about me because I have been working so hard, unlike you," Lyra answered with a grin.

"Yeah, okay, keep telling yourself that," Vinyl said with a grin, "So why didn't you want me to come to work on Monday?"

"Because, you have been working way too hard mate, you gotta relax," Lyra answered.

"You're telling Vinyl to relax? She is already so lazy," A voice said.

Vinyl turned around to find Octavia entering the recording studio.

"I am not lazy!" Vinyl complained.

Octavia grinned, "Sure your not,"

"I'm not!" Vinyl complained.

"Says the pony that falls asleep in their office all the time," Lyra said with a grin, Vinyl glared at her.

"Well, now that Octavia is here, we can started recording her," Lyra said, getting out of her seat.

Once Lyra went through the doors to the viewing area, Vinyl started speaking.

"Any luck?" Vinyl ask.

"No, I felt bad pushing Bon Bon," Octavia answered.

"Oh, looks like somepony's a big softie," Vinyl said with a grin.

"Oh shut up Vinyl, I am going to get my answers out of Beauty Brass anyway,"

"Sure you will, unless it becomes to hard for you and you start crying for an apology," Vinyl said with a grin.

"I AM NOT THAT WEAK! I AM VERY PERSISTENT, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!" Octavia huffed.

"Yeah, and I'm not lazy," Vinyl said with a grin and walked out of the recording studio.

That pony can be so annoying sometimes...

~~~Later~~~

"Hello Octavia!" Beauty Brass said smiling warmly.

Octavia then walked into Beauty Brass's apartment. Octavia had just finished work a few minutes ago.

"Hello Beauty," Octavia said, sitting down on her sofa.

Beauty then went into the kitchen and grabbed a tray that had two cups of tea on it. Beauty placed it down onto the coffee table in front of the sofa and sat down next to Octavia.

"So Octavia, what are we talking about today?" Beauty Brass asked, picking up one of the cups of tea.

"Well, I would like to talk about my office and Monday," Octavia said smugly.

Beauty cringed, "Oh... What about it?"

"Well, ever since Monday, you, Harpo, Fredric, Bon Bon, and Caramel have been acting strange. So Beauty, I am not leaving until you tell me what has been going on," Octavia answered.

Beauty started at her for a moment and then placed her tea back down onto the coffee table. Beauty then sighed heavily, "Okay, I'll tell you, it's been eating me up for the past three days,"

Octavia leaned in, excited to hear what has been bothering her friends. Beauty Brass then opened her mouth to speak, and then got up and bolted towards the apartment door. Octavia immediately got up and chased after her.

Beauty Brass was already losing Octavia. She opened the door to escape but was stopped by a white unicorn, who grabbed her with it's magic.

"What in Equestria?! Put me down right this instant!" Beauty complained.

"Good job Vinyl," Octavia said with a smile and walked right next to where the now frozen Beauty Brass was.

"This is Vinyl?!" Beauty Brass asked.

"The one and only," Vinyl said, putting a hoof to her chest.

"Okay Beauty, tell us what happened now," Octavia demanded.

"Okay fine, but I want Vinyl to leave the room, she can stay outside and guard but I don't want her to hear this," Beauty Brass said.

Vinyl gave her a questionable look, but Octavia nodded her head. Vinyl let go of Beauty and closed the door.

Beauty and Octavia walked back into the living room and they sat on the sofa.

Beauty picked up her tea, drank a little, and then finally answered Octavia, "On Monday, Fredric, Harpo, and I went to your office to check on you because we were worried about how having Caramel at your office could affect you,"

"That's it? That's nothing, I don't care if you-" Octavia started but was interrupted by Beauty Brass,

"I'm not done, we got to the office and went to the kitchen area where we found Caramel kissing Bon Bon. According to Caramel he was getting revenge on you because he believed you were cheating on him with Bon Bon,"

Octavia started at her, she had no emotions on her face.

That... That makes so much sense. Everything connects now... My Celestia....

"Octavia?" Beauty asked in a concerned tone.

"I... I need to go and think about this, thank you for telling me Beauty, I'll see you soon," Octavia said and then walked towards the door.

"Good bye Octavia," Beauty Brass said, and Octavia shut the door.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

"I hope Beauty doesn't try anything else," Vinyl said to herself.

Vinyl was standing outside the apartment door, she was right next to the door and was waiting for Octavia to come out.

"Hey Tavi, did she tell you?" Vinyl asked.

Octavia just looked at Vinyl, and then hugged her.

Vinyl was caught off guard, but hugged her back.

Oh Celestia something horrible is going on.

"You okay Octy?" Vinyl asked.

Octavia stopped hugging Vinyl and looked at her.

"Yeah, thanks for coming here, I knew Beauty would try and escape," Octavia said with a sad smile.

"No problem, but did you learn what happened?" Vinyl asked.

"Yeah, though I wish I didn't," Octavia answered.

"I know that pain," Vinyl said and then n put her hoof around Octavia.

The two started walked out of the apartment in silence.

Once they were outside the apartment, Octavia started talking,

"Oh, I never asked you, are you feeling better?" Octavia asked.

"What? Feeling better from what?" Vinyl asked.

"Lyra said you were sick..." Octavia answered.

"Octavia.... Lyra told me not to come to work,"

Chapter 6

View Online

"What?" Octavia asked, in shock.

Octavia was staring at Vinyl, not believing what she just said. So Vinyl pulled out her phone and showed her the message,

'Don't come to work on Monday.'

Octavia stared at the phone, and then turned around and started walking away.

"Wait, Tavi! Where are you going?" Vinyl yelled, chasing after Octavia.

"I need to get home, I will see you at work tomorrow and we will confront Lyra about this," Octavia answered in a shaky voice, not even turning to face Vinyl. She sounded as though she was about to explode with anger.

Vinyl hears how Octavia's voice sounds and stops following her.

"Alright Tavi, I'll see you tomorrow,"

Octavia kept walking, but a few minutes later she heard Vinyl yelling,

"Wait Octavia!"

Octavia turned to face Vinyl.

"Be careful," Vinyl said in a small voice.

Octavia smiled at her and answered,

"I will,"

~~~Later~~~

When Octavia got home Caramel was not there. So she decided to do what she does when she is upset, play her cello.

She has no idea how long she played her cello, or how long Caramel was watching her, but she does know that she heard the door to her music room being opened.

"Caramel, I told you I don't like it when ponies listen to me play my cello when I am practicing," Octavia said coldly.

"Oh! Sorry... It's just that you sound so pretty," Caramel started, walking towards Octavia, "as well as look pretty,"

When Caramel finished speaking, he kissed Octavia on the cheek, only to be hit by a hoof.

"Ow! What the hell was that for?!" Caramel yelled, rubbing his head on the spot where Octavia hit him.

"What was that for?! I'll tell you what that was for! You kissed Bon Bon, which is not only wrong because you kissed a mare who is happy with her marefriend, but it is also wrong because you did it just because you think I am cheating on you!" Octavia yelled.

Caramel blinked at her, then started speaking,

"Why does it bother you? Don't you want a divorce?! Unless you do actually still love me!" Caramel yelled back.

Oh, now he brings up how I want a divorce like it is okay!

Octavia was fuming, "I don't Caramel, I don't love you. I loved the stallion you were before but I don't know who you are anymore. And I am mad because Bon Bon is my friend who I didn't want to get stuck into this mess. Caramel you are a terrible stallion who I regret ever getting into contact with,"

And with that, Octavia left the apartment. Leaving Caramel alone.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Vinyl awoke with a start to the sound of the doorbell. Vinyl then got up from the couch, only to feel a terrible pain in her back.

I really need to stop falling asleep there...

Vinyl's train of thought was broken by the doorbell again.

Vinyl mumbled in annoyance, "I'm coming..." And then put on her glasses.

Vinyl then walked up to the door and opened it, only to find Octavia standing there.

"Sorry to wake you Vinyl," Octavia apologized, "May I come in?"

Vinyl stared at her before shaking her head, "Oh yeah! Sure sure, c'mon in,"

Vinyl moved out of the way and Octavia walked into Vinyl's apartment.

"So, what brings you here?" Vinyl asked, closing the door.

"Oh, I just... I don't really want to explain. I'm sorry if I am an inconvenience but may I sleep here for the night?" Octavia asked.

Vinyl looked at her for a second with a raised eyebrow.

"Um, sure?" Vinyl answered unsure.

Octavia smiled at her, "Thank you Vinyl,"

Octavia then walked to the couch, but before she laid down she noticed something on the couch that looked like drool.

"Vinyl... Were you sleeping on the couch?"

Vinyl blushed and then rubbed the back of her head, "Heh heh, yeah..."

"You do know what a bed is for right? ... Do you even have a bed?" Octavia asked, a little concerned.

"Yeah I have a bed, you should probably sleep there tonight,"

Octavia waved her hoof, "Nonsense Vinyl! I am your guest, I should take the couch,"

"Do you really want to sleep on a couch covered in my drool?"

Octavia's eyes widened, "...Now that I think about it, I should probably just sleep on your bed,"

Vinyl laughed, "The bedroom is right over there," She then pointed at a room.

"Alright, thank you Vinyl, and goodnight." Octavia said and then walked to the bedroom.

"Night Octy." Vinyl said and then laid back down on the couch.

~~~The next morning~~~

Octavia had just woke up and walked into the living room. When she walked in, she found Vinyl still on the couch. She was drooling again and snoring very loudly. She was also kicking in her sleep, and her ears were also moving.

Octavia giggled at the display.

She looks so cute when she is asle- Where did that thought come from?

Octavia shook her head, trying to clear her mind of these thoughts. She then walked into Vinyl's kitchen which was attached to the living room. Once she got in there, she looked for any sign of food.

After a few minutes of searching, all she found was an empty box of Pop Tarts in the cabinet, and a bottle of whisky and a half eaten container of Chinese food in the fridge.

Well, now I can see why Vinyl eats so much food at work...

Octavia looked at the clock, seeing there was still around two hours before work would open.

I should repay Vinyl, I am going to go buy some ingredients to make her a proper breakfast.

And with that, Octavia left the apartment.

~~~Later~~~

Vinyl woke up to the smell of pancakes.

What the hell? Why do I- WAIT A MINUTE!

Vinyl then got up and ran to where the table was. There she found two plates of pancakes and Octavia setting up the table.

"Good morning Vinyl! I hope you don't mind that-"

"PANCAKES!" Vinyl yelled and then quickly sat down at the table and started digging into her pancakes.

Octavia giggled, "Slow down Vinyl! You might get a stomach ache if you eat them too fast,"

Vinyl completely ignored Octavia, already finishing the pancakes she had. Vinyl then quickly took the rest of the extra pancakes and covered them in serup.

Octavia rolled her eyes and started eating her pancakes as well.

~~~Later~~~

"And... Vinyl overslept again," Lyra said, annoyed.

Lyra and Bon Bon were outside the building that held their office. Every day they would meet Vinyl outside so they could catch up a little before working.Vinyl also had to be the one who told the receptionist that she can allow ponies into the office.

"Whatever Lyra, it's not like we even work that much," Bon Bon said.

"Yeah well, I just hope the receptionist remembers my face, or else we are stuck here until Vinyl opens up the office," Lyra said and then walked into the building.

Bon Bon decided to stay outside and wait for Lyra, in case Vinyl came there.

Bon Bon sat there for a few minutes in silence before she heard the sound of hooves galloping behind her.

Bon Bon turned around to find Caramel right behind her, so close their muzzles were touching.

Bon Bon let out a yelp and jumped away from Caramel.

"You told her... YOU TOLD HER YOU BITCH!" Caramel yelled.

"Hey! Leave her alone!" A voice yelled.

Caramel and Bon Bon turned towards the building to find Lyra standing there.

"Stay out of this!" Caramel yelled, and then started walking closer to Bon Bon.

In a flash, Lyra teleported in front of Bon Bon.

"I said, get away from her," Lyra growled.
Lyra then pushed Caramel away.

At that, Caramel punched Lyra right in the eye.

Bon Bon put her hoof to her mouth in shock. Lyra slowly turned towards Caramel, she now had a black eye on the eye where she was hit.

Lyra then tackled Caramel to the ground and the two started beating each other.

~~~Meanwhile~~~

"Well Octy, I gotta go to a meeting today but I'll still see you tomorrow! Okay?" Vinyl said.

Octavia smiled, "Sure Vinyl, see you tomorrow and thank you again for letting me sleep at your apartment,"

"No problem Octy! Bye!" Vinyl said and then walked away.

Octavia and Vinyl had been walking to the office, they were only one block away when Vinyl left.

Octavia then crossed the street towards the office, where she saw what looked like Bon Bon, Lyra and-

Oh no...

Octavia then galloped towards them. When she got there she found Caramel pinning Lyra to the ground while they yelled at each other, and Bon Bon yelling at them to stop fighting.

"CARAMEL! WHAT IN TARTARUS ARE YOU DOING?!" Octavia yelled.

Both Lyra and Caramel stopped fighting at the sound of Octavia's voice.

"I uh- I AM GETTING REVENGE ON THE PONY THAT IS GOING TO RUIN OUR MARRIAGE!" Caramel yelled.

Octavia paused for a moment, trying to understand why she went after Lyra and Bon Bon, but then she realized.

"BON BON DIDN'T TELL ME ABOUT WHAT YOU DID, CARAMEL!" Octavia yelled.

Caramel stared at her wide eyed, he then got off of Lyra.

"FURTHERMORE, YOU ARE THE ONE RUINING OUR MARRIAGE!" Octavia yelled.

Caramel then looked at Octavia, then to Lyra, then to Bon Bon, and then back to Octavia. He opened his mouth to speak but then galloped away.

Octavia, Lyra, and Bon Bon all watched Caramel run away.

"I'm sorry, you two should take the day off, I am going as well. See you guys next week," Octavia said breaking the silence and walking away.

Lyra and Bon Bon watched Octavia walk away. Lyra then got up, once she was up Bon Bon hugged her.

"I love you," Bon Bon said, tears in her eyes.

Lyra hugged back, "I love you too, Bonnie,"

~~~Later~~~

Lyra waited at the bar for Vinyl. After the whole Caramel incident, her and Bon Bon had gone back home and just spent the day together. A few hours passed when she got a text from Vinyl telling her to come to the bar near their work.

"Hey Lyra- OH HOLY SHIT YOU HAVE A BLACK EYE," Vinyl yelled as she walked up behind Vinyl.

"Hey Vinyl, how was the meeting?" Lyra asked.

Vinyl sat next to her, "Uh, good... Why do you have a black eye?"

Lyra grinned, "Oh, I got this after fighting off some muggers who were trying to mug Bon Bon," Lyra then took of drink of the cider she already had.

Vinyl grinned as well, "Did she reward you with hot passionate sex?"

"Even better, hot passionate human roleplay sex!" Lyra answered with a smile.

"Ew, I don't want to hear about you and Bonnie's weird kinky ass sex,"

"What can I get you to drink Miss?" The bartender asked, walking up to them.

"I'll have a cider," Vinyl answered, the bartender nodded and walked away.

"Please don't end up drunk like last time. I had to drag you home on my back," Lyra said.

"Psh, better than you when you're drunk. When you're drunk you start talking about how we all must worship the human master race. I swear if I know any better, then you are in some kind of cult,"

"Heh, yeah. So, why did you call me here anyway? Don't you need to catch up on your porn?"

"My little horny porny can wait, I gotta know why you told me not to come to work on Monday,"

Lyra opened her mouth to answer but was stopped by Vinyl,

"AND why you told Octavia I was sick,"

Lyra frowned and then looked at her drink, think of a way to answer the question.

"There's...," Lyra sighed, "There are somethings going on that I can't tell you Vinyl, let's just say it had to do with the little secret you told me after Octavia's first day,"

Vinyl opened her mouth to respond but closed it when she heard the mention of the secret Lyra knew.

"What do I do about it?" Vinyl asked.

"Well, I think you are doing pretty well right now, you just need to keep going," Lyra answered.

"Alright, thanks Lyra. But, can I know why you did tell me to not come to work?" Vinyl asked.

"No, that would ruin almost everything," Lyra answered.

Vinyl gave Lyra a look, before giving in, "Alright, bye Lyra,"

And with that, Vinyl left the bar.

~~~Meanwhile~~~

Bon Bon was in the kitchen working on a new kind of candy for her second job. When Bon Bon wasn't at the office, she was working in a sweets shop that she hoped would one day soon be her own.

Bon Bon was working when she heard the doorbell ring.

"I'll be there in a second!" Bon Bon yelled.

One she got to the door and opened it, she found Octavia there.

"Hello Bon Bon, how are you?" Octavia asked.

"Octavia! Hi, I'm good! How are you?" Bon Bon asked and then moved out of the way so Octavia could go into her and Lyra's apartment.

"I'm... Alright. I came here to apologize again for getting you into this mess. I should have just kept my muzzle shut and Caramel would have never fought Lyra," Octavia said and then sat down on the couch.

"It’s alright Octavia, it is not your fault anyway. But what are you going to do about Caramel? You can stay here with me and Lyra if you would like," Bon Bon offered.

Octavia smiled, "That is very kind of you Bon Bon, but I am actually going to stay with Caramel,"

Bon Bon looked at her like she had just killed somepony, "What?! Are you crazy?!"

"No, although I hate him and don't want to be around him anymore, it is safer for you, Lyra, Vinyl, and my other friends if I just keep him happy," Octavia explained.

"But you shouldn't be miserable! Plus, Caramel could hurt you!"

Octavia waved her hoof, "No, he loves me too much to do that. He only hurts ponies he believes are in the way of him getting what he wants. Also, I don't want you guys to get hurt at my expense,"

Bon Bon frowned, "If that's really what you want then I guess you can. But that doesn't mean that Lyra, Vinyl, and I will stop trying to help you,"

Octavia smiled and then hugged Bon Bon, "Thank you,"

Once they separated from the hug, Bon Bon spoke,

"Octavia make me one promise. If you start to fall in love with somepony else, go after them and don't stop because of Caramel, okay?"

"Okay Bon Bon, I promise,"

~~~Later~~~

"So Octavia spoke to me today, I said what you wanted me to say," Bon Bon said.

"Good," Lyra said.

Lyra and Bon Bon were on the bed, Bon Bon had her head laying on Lyra's chest and Lyra had her hooves around Bon Bon.

"Are you going to tell me what this whole thing is about yet? With you telling Vinyl not to come to work and stuff like that?" Bon Bon asked.

Lyra moved Bon Bon's mane with her hoof and kissed her on the forehead, "One day Bonnie, but right now we just need to hope that we can make two mares happy,"

Bon Bon looked at her marefriend confused, but choose not to keep asking.

I hope Lyra isn't trying to be a matchmaker again, that didn't end well last time.

Chapter 7

View Online

"Tomorrow morning we are talking about what you did," Octavia said as she walked past Caramel who was sitting on the couch. She didn't even turn to look at him, she just walked straight to her bedroom.

~~~Saturday Morning~~~

Octavia awoke after a very restless sleep. It was weird, she had slept in that bed for fifteen years yet she felt as though she was in an unfamiliar area, like she was sleeping at a hotel. She thought back to the night before where she slept at Vinyl's apartment, when she was there she had an odd sense of comfort that she felt she had missed for years.

It's probably because I was away from Caramel, Octavia thought, trying to come to some conclusions about these new feelings.

No that's not it, there's something more... But what could it be?

Octavia was going to start thinking of an explanation but as her mind finished rebooting after her sleep, she was quickly reminded of something,

I am going to be talking to Caramel about what he did... This is not going to be fun.

Octavia then got out of bed and went to the bathroom to shower and get ready for the day. Once in the shower she started thinking about what her plan for the day was.

Okay so right now I am going to have to talk to Caramel, but what will I say? I guess I will have to just confront him and try to get the answers out of him. If he becomes too much I could go over to Beauty's or Lyra and Bon Bon's or Vinyl's- Vinyl! I have a concert today! And Vinyl is coming to it!

Octavia quickly started panicking, but... Why?

I am prepared, why am I so worried?! I haven't been this worried about a show since Caramel came to my show for the first time... Wait does that mean that I-

Octavia's train of thought was interrupted by Caramel yelling,

"When you are out Octavia, I made us a special romantic breakfast!"

Octavia sighed in annoyance.

I am guessing he is going to pretend yesterday never happened.... Wait, what was I thinking about?

Octavia shook her head.

Probably nothing important.

Octavia then got out of the shower and continued her morning routine.

~~~At Breakfast~~~

Octavia sat at the breakfast table, in front of her was her favorite breakfast, oatmeal with berries. Sitting across from her was Caramel who had a giant smile on his face, like he was trying to hide something.

Octavia sighed, "Caramel, I am not going to forget about what you did yesterday. You are going to tell me why you were fighting Lyra,"

Caramel kept smiling, "Honey, I have no idea what you're talking about! You must have had one crazy dream last night,"

Octavia smirked, she had planned for this to happen.

Octavia then took out her phone and quickly started going through it.

Caramel then frowned in worry, "Wh-what are you doing there sweetie?"

Octavia's response was to click something on her phone, and then the phone started ringing as if it was calling somepony. After a few seconds the ringing stopped and a voice was heard,

"Hello?" Bon Bon said from the phone.

"Good morning Bon Bon, I would just like to ask if you remember the fight that happened yesterday between Caramel and Lyra," Octavia said calmly, still smirking.

"Uh, yeah I remember that," Bon Bon responded.

Caramel's face changed to one of complete panic. Octavia just grinned.

"And Caramel was INDEED there, correct?" Octavia asked.

"Yeah... Octavia are you feeling alright because these are some weird quest-" Bon Bon started but was stopped when Octavia hung up on her.

"Checkmate," Octavia said and then placed her phone down onto the table.

Caramel looked at the phone, and then back to Octavia who had her eyebrow raised in anticipation. Caramel finally sighed in defeat.

"Fine, I'll talk. Yesterday when I learned you found out about Bon Bon, I assumed she told you because you said that you knew I did it because I thought you were cheating on me," Caramel confessed.

Octavia took a sip of her water before speaking, "Although that would make sense, I assumed you did it because of that reason because why else would you do it? You are not the type of stallion who uses jealousy to get what he wants,"

Caramel started at her with wide eyes, "How much did you prepare for this conversation?"

Octavia smiled, "You would be surprised. I know how you work Caramel, you are not very surprising. Well... When you are not beating one of my friends and then kissing the other one,"

"Are you sure you just know so much about me because you LOVE me?" Caramel asked, blinking his eyes a few times.

Octavia rolled her eyes, "Yes Caramel, I am quite sure, now could you please tell me exactly what happened during the fight,"

Caramel then explained the fight to Octavia, and although he was honest about it, it was obvious he was trying to get Octavia onto his side.

"So Lyra started the fight by pushing you? Well I mean that makes some sense but does that really count at trying to start a fight? Foals who are just playing with each other push each other as well but you don't see one of them ending the day with a black eye,"

"I didn't mean to hit her that hard! I meant for it to be a warning,"

Octavia raised her eyebrow, "You punched her as a warning? Not push her back or something less extreme then, I don't know... GIVING HER A BLACK EYE,"

Caramel jumped back at Octavia's sudden change in tone.

"Uh... Yeah?" Caramel answered unsure.

Octavia rubbed between her muzzle in annoyance.

"Look, Caramel, I will 'forgive you' if you can make me one promise,"

Caramel leaned on in anticipation.

"You may not ever speak to Lyra nor Bon Bon again unless I am there, deal?" Octavia put her hoof out to shake.

Caramel shook it with a smile, "Sure! It still means I can visit you at work!"

Octavia froze, and Caramel left the living room and went to the bathroom.

.... WHY THE BLOODY HELL DIDN'T I SAY THAT?!

Octavia then got up from her table and left the apartment to head over to practice with her ensemble before the show they had later that night.

As Octavia was walking in the hall, Octavia got a phone call, when she picked it up a voice immediately started speaking,

"Octavia! Are you alright?! You were acting so weird on the phone! Did you hit your head or something?!" Bon Bon asked in a worried tone.

Octavia froze.

This... Is going to be one weird explanation.

~~~Later~~~

"Good morning everypony!" Octavia said as she walked in the theater where her ensemble was practicing.

"Good morning Octavia!" Harpo said cheerfully.

Beauty Brass looked at Octavia in concern but as soon as Octavia turned to her, she turned away.

"Did you tell them I know?" Octavia asked Beauty.

"That you know what?" Fredric asked.

Beauty sighed," No, are you alright?"

Octavia smiled,"Yes Beauty I am fine," Octavia then turned to Harpo and Fredric who were staring at them in confusion, "Beauty told me about what Caramel did,"

Fredric and Harpo then stared at Octavia with wide eyes.

"YOU TOLD HER?!" Fredric yelled.

"Hey! I tried to run away but she brought Vinyl with her to block the exit!" Beauty Brass yelled back.

"Oh! Speaking of Vinyl, she will be coming to the show tonight," Octavia said as she started setting up her cello.

Beauty Brass then started smiling, "Oh she is! Well that's fantastic! May I speak to you Harpo, for a second,"

Fredric and Octavia looked at Harpo in confusion but he simply shrugged and followed Beauty Brass outside the theater.

Once they were outside, Harpo asked,

"So, why did you want to speak to me?"

Beauty turned to him with a enormous smile, "I think Octavia and Vinyl should end up together,"

Harpo's eyes then went wide, "What?! Are you crazy?! Caramel would kill them! And why would those two even be a couple,"

"From what I have heard about Vinyl, it seems Octavia has taken quite the interest in this mare. It also seems that Vinyl is being a bit like you, in the sense that you both annoy ponies you like to get their attention,"

Harpo then grinned and moved up next to Beauty Brass, he then put his hoof around her, "And it worked didn't it?"

Beauty Brass rolled her eyes and kissed Harpo on the cheek, "That's my point! If we work as a couple, then that means that Octavia and Vinyl will too!"

"Okay but one small difference. You don't have a Caramel,"

Beauty then frowned, "Oh no... WHAT HAPPENS IF OCTAVIA FINALLY FINDS LOVE AGAIN ONLY FOR CARAMEL TO RUIN EVERYTHING?!"

"I would say that it sounds like a romance novel, or a fanfiction," Harpo answered.

"AS CELESTIA AS MY WITNESS, I WILL MAKE OCTASCRATCH A COUPLE AND MAKE SURE CARAMEL DOESN'T RUIN IT!" Beauty Brass yelled and stomped her hoof onto the ground.

Harpo opened his mouth to say something but Beauty Brass interrupted him,

"I will talk with Lyra and Bon Bon about this on Monday! Maybe they can help me!" Beauty Brass then walked back into the concert hall.

Harpo just stood there for a second and then shook his head.

"This will not end well,"

When Beauty Brass and Harpo got back into the theater, they heard Octavia and Frederic practicing for their performance.

"OCTAVIA!" Beauty yelled.

Octavia jumped, startled by the sudden voice.

"Yes Beauty?" Octavia asked.

"Do you and Vinyl have any plans after the performance?!" Beauty asked excitedly.

"Um, not really no," Octavia answered.

"WHAT?! YOU AND VINYL ARE GOING TO BE ON A DATE AND YOU DIDN'T EVEN-" Beauty Brass started ranting but was stopped by Harpo putting his hoof on her muzzle.

"Don't mind her! She kept watching romance movies last night!" Harpo said and then smiled an innocent smile.

Octavia and Frederic looked at each other, Fredric just shrugged.

After that, the ensemble started practicing.

~~~Later~~~

There were hundreds of ponies in the audience, but none of that was as scary as the thing sitting in the front row.

Octavia was peaking out of the curtains, it was only a few minutes before the show started. When she looked out, she found Vinyl in the first row, and for some reason she started to become really nervous at the sight of her.

"Deep breaths Octavia. This is just a normal performance, nothing new or different, except one of my friends are showing up. WHY AM I SO NERVOUS?! Oh! Maybe it's because she is my boss and she could fire me if I do a bad job," Octavia said to herself and then froze.

"WHY THE BLOODY HELL DID I INVITE MY BOSS?!" Octavia yelled.

Up until now, Octavia had completely forgotten the fact that Vinyl was in fact her boss.

"OKAY EVERYPONY! TAKE YOUR SEATS!" Fredric yelled. And at that, the ensemble took their spots next to their instruments.

Once the curtain was up, they all started playing.

Octavia completely lost track of the time while playing, but she was still concentrating. There were five parts to the show, four songs that the ensemble played together and a finale performance of a solo performed by Octavia. Octavia didn't open her eyes, she never did while playing, until the moment before Octavia's solo. In the second she opened her eyes, she saw Vinyl and her mind immediately started thinking.

She had no idea she was playing anything, or any idea of what she was playing but she was just thinking about Vinyl. It was just like when she played her cello alone, not thinking about the song, just playing while she thought.

When she finished her solo, she realized she didn't play the song she was meant to, she played something no one had heard before, all while thinking of Vinyl. She realized this by the shock expressions of not only the audience but her ensemble as well.

But their shocked faces didn't last long as the audience erupted into a cheering mess. All the ponies were cheering, throwing flowers and stomping in approval.

Octavia just stared at the audience in her own shock.

What did I play? Did I really play something while thinking of Vinyl?

"Hey, Harpo," Beauty Brass whispered.

"Yeah?" Harpo whispered back.

"Do you see Vinyl in the front? The white unicorn?"

"Yeah,"

"Did you see how Vinyl never took her eyes off Octavia for the whole show?"

~~~Backstage~~~

"Where in Equestria did you come up with that?!" Fredric asked, still in shock.

"I... Don't know," Octavia answered, no emotion on her face.

"Well, it was amazing!" Beauty Brass praised.

"Thanks," Octavia answered, still deep in thought.

"Hey Octy," A voice said.

Octavia snapped out of thought, and the whole ensemble stared at the source of the voice.

There stood Vinyl, still wearing her sunglasses and holding a bouquet of flowers in her magic.

"I uh- I thought I should give you these because you know... That is what you do for ponies in theater," Vinyl said with a blush and levitated the flowers over to Octavia.

Octavia grabbed the flowers and smiled at Vinyl before hugging her, "Thank you Vinyl,"

Meanwhile, Beauty Brass was too busy trying not to squeal while Fredric just stared at Beauty in concern.

"Should we do something about her?" Fredric asked Harpo.

"Nah, I kinda wanna see where this goes," Harpo answered with a grin.

Fredric rolled his eyes and started pushing Beauty and Harpo away, "C'mon, let's give these two some privacy,"

Once Vinyl and Octavia stopped hugging, Octavia turned to her ensemble only to see that they left.

"Hey, where'd your friends go?" Vinyl asked.

"They probably went off to their dates, I was hoping you could meet Harpo and Fredric but I guess we could wait until another day," Octavia answered and the two started walking out of the theater.

"So, anywhere you want to go?" Vinyl asked.

"Well, I am a bit tired so let's go to this diner near my apartment, it is open twenty four seven," Octavia answered.

Once they got outside the theater, they were assaulted by a blast of cold wind.

"Brrr, it's cold out," Octavia said, shaking.

"Here I'll keep you warm," Vinyl said and then put her hoof around Octavia.

Octavia froze for a second, taken aback a little, but she quickly found comfort and warmth in this gesture so she didn't complain.

And with that the two started walking.

~~~At the diner~~~

Octavia lived very close to the theater her ensemble performed at so it wasn't a very long walk. Octavia and Vinyl didn't speak for the walk, Octavia mostly was enjoying the warmth of Vinyl and Vinyl.... Well Octavia didn't really know why she was quiet.

Once they got to the diner they took a seat in a booth, they were facing each other. Once they ordered their food they finally started talking.

"So, what did you think of the performance?" Octavia asked.

"It is amazing! I mean, damn mare you got some mad cello skills," Vinyl answered.

Octavia smiled, "Oh? So the great DJ PON3 was proven wrong about the show being 'boring'?"

"Yeah, I guess I was," Vinyl answered annoyed, she then quickly started grinning, "But if you want, I could show you something I am much more right about-"

"I swear Vinyl if you make another sex joke about me I will flip this table onto you," Octavia answered coldly. Vinyl simply grinned in response.

"So, how often does your ensemble perform at that theater?" Vinyl asked.

"We own that theater Vinyl, so I perform there for almost all our shows," Octavia explained.

"How did you ensemble even come to be?"

"Well, Fredric, Beauty Brass, Harpo, and I all used to go to school together as foals," Octavia explained, "We all went to the same school until we graduated and then decided that we should start a ensemble together-"

"Did you and Fredric ever date?" Vinyl asked, sounding a bit worried.

Why would Vinyl care if we dated?

"Yes, for a short period of time, though we didn't really fit together well as a couple," Octavia answered.

"Was he your first?" Vinyl asked with a grin.

Octavia blushed, "No! Never! Honestly though, I regret my first one,"

Caramel....

"Yeah... Me too," Vinyl mumbled.

After a moment of silence, Vinyl spoke up.

"You were saying about your band?"

"Ensemble,"

"Imbecile?" Vinyl asked with a grin.

"We are not doing this again," Octavia said, glaring at Vinyl.

"After college, we wanted to think of a way to still be able to play music together," Octavia continued, "We were planning on joining an Orchestra but our music professor thought we should create our own ensemble. So with his help of a few connections to big ponies in the classical Industry, we were able to perform at a theater. The performance was a huge success and we continued raising enough money to open our own theater to perform at, and that's how we got to where we are now,"

"Wow, that's awesome! You guys sound really close. The only old friends I am still in contact with are Lyra and Bon Bon," Vinyl commented.

"How did you meet them anyway?"

"Well, me and Lyra went to the same high school together, we were both into music but we were in different classes. Me and Lyra became friends when one day we got into a fight at school,"

"How did that make you two friends?"

Vinyl grinned, "She was so impressed by my fighting skills that she wanted me to teach her the ways of the wubs,"

Octavia raised her eyebrow, "Ways of the wubs? What in Equestria is a wub?"

"Soon you will learn grasshopper, but first you must prove yourself worthy,"

"Oh yeah? And how may I do that, oh wise one,"

Vinyl grinned, "By buying me the double fudge, triple scoop Sundae,"

"Alright, but I don't want to be framed for your murder if you go into diabetic shock,"

"Step two grasshopper is to learn how to be a servant,"

"Okay Vinyl, I think you are just making stuff up now,"

"You must do whatever I say, and that includes things in bed," Vinyl wiggled her eyebrows at the last part. Not even a second later she let out a yelp of pain,

"OW!"

"That's what you get for making another sex joke about me, oh 'sensei'," Octavia had just kicked Vinyl leg from under the table.

Vinyl rubbed her leg, "Step three is to not kick your sensei,"

"Well if that's the case, I don't think I have what it takes to learn what wubs are," Octavia said with a smirk, "Are you going to continue your story now?"

"Alright, but you still own me that Sundae," Vinyl cleared her voice before continuing, "I met Bonnie after Lyra wouldn't shut up about how amazing and beautiful she was. I kept telling Lyra to talk to her but she was too chicken, so I did it instead. And from that day on, we became the four musketeers!"

"Vinyl there were already four musketeers when they were called the three musketeers,"

"Really? Well then they don't know how to count,"

Octavia rubbed between her eyes in annoyance, "No it's- never mind. Who was the other pony in your group?"

Vinyl froze, almost like she shouldn't have mentioned it, "Uh... NOPONY,"

Octavia raised her eyebrow at this, and then started grinning, "Oh? Did somepony have a crush on this pony?"

Vinyl blushed a little but also seemed to get a little angered at this comment, "NO! Well... Yes but- UGH!"

Octavia stared at Vinyl, not knowing what she should say next, then an idea hit her, "Was it an ex?"

Vinyl opened her mouth to respond but was interrupted by the waitress.

"Here you go ladies," The waitress said and then placed their food down onto the table.

"Well that was quick," Vinyl commented, and then quickly started digging into her food.

"Well, it is almost one in the morning Vinyl," Octavia answered and then started eating her food as well.

Once they were done, Vinyl and Octavia walked back to Octavia's apartment, Vinyl put her hoof around Octavia again and Octavia got to enjoy Vinyl's warmth again.

Once they were outside the apartment, the two of them parted.

"Well Vinyl, tonight has been a pleasure. I hope that we will be able to do something like this again soon," Octavia said with a smile.

"Yeah! Me too Octy, I... I love hanging out with you," Vinyl answered.

Octavia smiled and then walked up to Vinyl and kissed her on the cheek.

"Thank you for coming to the show, it meant a tremendous amount to me,"

Vinyl just stared at her with her mouth open. Her mouth then quickly turned into a goofy smile, and she put a hoof to the cheek Octavia kissed.

"Y-yeah! No problem. Night Tavi,"

"Good night Vinyl,"

And with that, Octavia walked back into her apartment. She made it all the way to her door, she was unlocking it when she froze completely.

Realization had just hit her. All day her brain had been trying to hint at it but she was too oblivious to realize it.

My Celestia... I like Vinyl!

Chapter 8

View Online

Octavia stood outside the door to her apartment, trying to contemplate this new discovery.

I like Vinyl.... BUT I AM MARRIED!

Octavia shook her head.

Yes I am married, I will just move on from this like it never hap-

Octavia then remembered something.

'Octavia, make me one promise. If you start to fall in love with somepony else, go after them and don't stop because of Caramel, okay?'

Bon Bon's voice rung in Octavia's head. Why did Bon Bon want her to promise that? Did Bon Bon know something Octavia didn't?

What in Celestia's name is going on....

So now, when Octavia thought everything was getting back on track, she ran into more problems.

I like Vinyl and my friends know something about that...

Octavia was going to continue thinking about an answer but she realized that she had been standing outside her door for long enough that it was weird.

Octavia then went into her apartment, where she found something she was not expecting...

She found that all the lights in the apartment were off and the room was lit by candles. On the table was a romantic dinner with wine and there were rose petals everywhere.

"Hello baby," Caramel said in a seductive voice, he was sitting at the table.

"Caramel... What the bloody hell are you doing?" Octavia asked in annoyance.

"Well, I thought it has been awhile since we last had a romantic dinner together," Caramel said and he got up and went behind Octavia and whispered, "and other things,"

"Caramel, I am not going to have sex with you," Octavia said and started going straight to her bedroom.

Caramel quickly went in front of the door, "Fine fine! I'm sorry! I just thought that is was MARRIED couples do,"

Octavia raised her eyebrow.

I am guessing he got advice from his friends at work. Little do they know how clingy he actually is.

"Caramel I told you not to get love advice from your coworkers," Octavia said.

"Well sorry! I am trying to be a good husband here!" Caramel complained.

Octavia sighed in defeat, she knew he wasn't going to let her through and Caramel was a lot stronger than her so pushing her way through was not an option. So Octavia gave up and sat down at the table where the romantic dinner waited for them.

Caramel smiled and sat down across from Octavia.

Octavia started eating right away, trying to get this dinner over with.

"You look really pretty today," Caramel complemented.

"Thank you," Octavia said coldly and continued eating.

What do I do about Vinyl? I need to talk to somepony but who? I could talk to Beauty Brass but she is going out with Harpo tomorrow. I don't think Fredric is a great pony to talk to so that leaves Bon Bon and Lyra. Well Lyra-

"You know how much I love you right?" Caramel asked, holding one of Octavia's hoofs.

Octavia sighed in annoyance, she choose not to respond to that.

Where was I? Oh yes, Lyra does know a lot about Vinyl but she may tell Vinyl since they are so close. So I guess I speak with Bon Bon on Wednes-

"You know how much I love you, RIGHT?" Caramel asked again, squeezing Octavia's hoof.

"Yes," Octavia mumbled quietly.

Tomorrow, I am talking to her tomorrow. I can't handle a whole day of him.

"Are you sure? Because if you do then why are you doing this to me?" Caramel asked, tears starting to form in his eyes.

Oh Celestia not again...

"Doing what to you Caramel?"

"DON'T PLAY DUMB! WHY ARE YOU GETTING A DIVORCE AND HURTING ME?!" Caramel yelled, tears streaming down his face.

Octavia didn't say anything for a while, she just stared at him. After a few minutes of silence, Caramel started sobbing and rolling on the floor.

Octavia sighed in annoyance before finally saying something,

"Caramel, I can't be the source of all your happiness,"

Caramel didn't answer, he just continued sobbing.

Octavia finally grew tired of this and snapped, "Do I really know how much you love me Caramel? Because if you really loved me, you would want me to be happy,"

Octavia then went into the bedroom and laid down onto the bed. After a few minutes, she too started to cry.

"Why is this my life? What did I do to deserve this? I just want to be happy, I don't need romance or fame or anything like that, I just don't want to be trapped like this,"

Octavia then turned into her pillow to muffle her crying. After a few minutes, she heard her phone go off as she got a text.

Octavia lifted her head from the pillow and grabbed her phone to see who was texting her, it was Vinyl.

'Hey babe, wassup?'

Octavia smiled, she then texted back.

'Hello Vinyl, may I ask why you are texting me so late?'

'Oh shit sorry, I just couldn't fall asleep.'

'Well to answer your question, I am actually a little depressed. I just woke up from a pretty sad dream,'

'Oh? Well sorry to hear that Octy. If you want you can come over to my place and I can cuddle you,'

'In your dreams Vinyl,'

Octavia then started thinking, why did Vinyl flirt with her?

Does she also like me, or is it because she just likes flirting with ponies?

She then started thinking about the diner trip they had where Vinyl flirted with the waitress.

Maybe she just like flirting with ponies, but why did she throw away her number?

Octavia shook her head, it was a stupid thing to think anyways.

'You know you want to Tavi ;)'

Maybe I do....

'Sure Vinyl, and I also want to become a stallion.'

'WOAH THERE! This conversation has taken a turn. I mean, I do like stallions so I am pretty okay if you did change.'

'Vinyl I am being sarcastic.'

'Oh.... But you have to admit it would be hot af.'

'Goodnight Vinyl.'

'Night Octy, I hope you sleep well.'

And with that, Octavia went to sleep.

~~~Meanwhile~~~

She couldn't do it. She had chickened out.

Vinyl put down her phone, she was sitting in a bar.

"She kissed my cheek, that has to mean something right?" Vinyl asked the bartender.

"I don't know mate, it seems more like it was supposed to just be a sign of gratitude," The bartender answered.

Vinyl sighed, "Give me another drink,"

~~~The next day~~~

Octavia made her way to Bon Bon and Lyra's house.

I hope Bon Bon is there alone, it will be hard to get her alone if Lyra is also there.

Once Octavia made it to their house, she knocked on the door and luckily enough Bon Bon answered it.

"Good morning Octavia! What brings you here?" Bon Bon asked.

Octavia smiled, "Good morning Bon Bon, is Lyra here?"

"No, she went out to go find Vinyl,"

Octavia frowned.

Find Vinyl? What happened to her?

"What happened to Vinyl?" Octavia asked in concern.

"Well, this morning Lyra woke up to a bunch of voice mails from her. The first few were normal but then she started to sound more and more drunk in each voice mail. Lyra tried calling Vinyl but nopony picked up so now Lyra went off to find her," Bon Bon explained.

"Oh Celestia! I hope Vinyl is alright! Vinyl actually texted me last night,"

Bon Bon's eyes widened, "She did?! What did she say?!"

"Nothing weird, she was being her normal self overall," Octavia said, handing Bon Bon her phone to read Vinyl's texts.

As Bon Bon read through them, her face became one of concentration.

"These texts are between the gap of the ones where Vinyl was sober and when she was drunk,"

Bon Bon then returned Octavia's phone, "Well I can tell Lyra you were here when-"

"No actually," Octavia interrupted, "I came here to see you in private. It actually has to do with Vinyl,"

"Oh! Alright then come inside," Bon Bon said and then moved out of the way so Octavia could come into the apartment.

Octavia sat down onto the couch and Bon Bon went into the kitchen.

"Would you like something to drink?" Bon Bon asked.

"Some tea would be lovely, but if you don't have any I could have some coffee," Octavia answered.

After a few minutes, Bon Bon same out with two cups of coffee, "Sorry, me and Lyra don't drink tea,"

"It's quite alright. Thank you for the coffee," Octavia thanked and then grabbed one of the cups.

"So," Bon Bon said, sitting down in the couch next to Octavia, "What did you need to say about Vinyl?"

Octavia took a deep breath before answering, "I like Vinyl,"

~~~Meanwhile~~~

Lyra walked through the city to where Vinyl lives.

I swear to Celestia if Vinyl is not home I am going to kill somepony.

One Lyra made it to Vinyl's apartment building she went up to stairs to Vinyl's apartment and knocked on her door.

After a few seconds of silence she heard a voice on the other side of the door.

"Don't knock so hard! I have a hangover!" Vinyl yelled groggily from the other side of the door.

"Oh thank Celestia Vinyl, what the hell were you doing last night?!" Lyra asked from the other side of the door.

"Lyra? What the hell are you doing here?" Vinyl asked.

Lyra then heard a hooves walked towards the door, and a few things fall as well as Vinyl cursing under her breath.

Vinyl then opened the door. When she did Lyra saw Vinyl, her mane was an even bigger mess than it normally was and she had bags under her eyes.

"Celestia Vinyl, what happened to you?!" Lyra asked in concern.

"Well, it all started last night after Tavi's concert. When I walked her home she kissed me on the cheek,"

~~~Meanwhile~~~

Octavia waited for Bon Bon to react to what she had just revealed but Bon Bon just looked like she was waiting for more.

"And?" Bon Bon asked.

"And?! I just told you something insane!" Octavia exclaimed.

Bon Bon looked at her in confusion, "What? Did you think that I thought you disliked Vinyl?"

"What?! No! I mean I LIKE Vinyl,"

Bon Bon still looked confused.

Octavia sighed in annoyance, "I HAVE A CRUSH ON VINYL!"

Once Octavia finished her outburst, she was blushing, she looked over at Bon Bon who just had her mouth open in shock.

"You... YOU HAVE A CRUSH ON VINYL?!" Bon Bon exclaimed.

"Yes... I realized it last night after my concert," Octavia explained.

"This... THIS IS GREAT! Wait... NO! WHAT ABOUT CARAMEL!"

"I DON'T KNOW YOU WERE THE ONE WHO WANTED ME TO PROMISE TO GO AFTER A PONY I LIKE!"

"I ONLY DID THAT BECAUSE LYRA TOLD ME TO!" Bon Bon yelled back but quickly put her front hooves onto her muzzle as she realized what she just told Octavia.

Octavia stared at her with wide eyes, "Lyra told you to do that?"

"Well uh you see... Yes... She did," Bon Bon answered in defeat.

"My Celestia... WHAT IS GOING ON THAT I DON'T KNOW?!" Octavia yelled.

~~~Meanwhile~~~

"She did?! That's awesome!" Lyra exclaimed.

"Yeah, but then I started thinking. Does she like me too? Or was it a sign of friendship?" Vinyl explained, "I wanted to talk it out with you but you were asleep I guess so I decided to finally try and ask Octavia out on a date. We had a conversation and I chickened out of asking,"

"You chickened out of asking Octavia and then you went on a drinking spree? Why?" Lyra asked.

"Well, other then not knowing if Octavia likes me back. I also thought of the possibility that she just likes me physically or something stupid like that,"

"So like him?" Lyra asked, saying him in a venomous tone.

"Yes, now I would like to be alone, so bye Lyra," Vinyl said and then attempted to shut the door but was stopped by Lyra's hoof.

"Before I go, just promise me to keep trying," Lyra said.

"I'm not making any promises," Vinyl said coldly and then shut the door.

~~~Meanwhile~~~

"My Celestia, I go to this new job for less than two weeks and everything is already falling apart!" Octavia exclaimed.

"Octavia I just want to say I have no idea what Lyra is planning as well," Bon Bon said.

Octavia turned to Bon Bon and sighed, "I was hoping you would. Whatever, do you at least have any idea what I should do about Vinyl?"

"Well, I think you should talk to her or try being in a relationship with her," Bon Bon explained.

Octavia sighed and looked away from Bon Bon, Bon Bon then walked up to Octavia and put her hoof onto Octavia's shoulder.

"Octavia, in the little time I have known you I can tell that you are hurting a lot in your life. So I think you should try to stop that. Put your hoof down and try again," Bon Bon explained.

Octavia then turned to Bon Bon and smiled, "Alright Bon Bon, I'll try. But it may take awhile,"

Bon Bon smiled as well, "I know, and I am willing to help you every step of the way,"

Chapter 9

View Online

As Caramel drove Octavia to her ensemble's theater, she couldn't help but get worried.

Should I tell them about everything going on? They are my friends and they have always been there for me but should I just keep this between me and Bon Bon?

"You alright back there?" Caramel asked from the front of the car.

"Y-yeah, I'm fine," Octavia answered.

Caramel shrugged, showing that he didn't really care but inside, he was freaking out.

She has been acting strange since Saturday, did something happen at the show?

Caramel looked in the car mirror to see Octavia looking out the window in thought.

Well, as the good husband I am, I will find this out!

"We're here!" Caramel exclaimed.

Octavia shot up after being broken out of her train of thought.

"Oh! Yes we are," Octavia said and got out of the car. She then went to the trunk of the car to grab her cello.

Maybe I should just tell Beauty Brass, I have always told her everything.

Once she had her cello, she started walking straight to the theater but was stopped by Caramel.

"Can I have a kiss goodbye?" Caramel asked with pleading eyes.

Octavia kissed Caramel and then walked straight to the theater, she was still deep in thought about Vinyl.

"Good morning Octavia!" Beauty Brass greeted as Octavia walked through the door.

Octavia didn't return the hello but instead walked straight to where she sets up her cello and started setting it up.

How would Fredric react? Would he think it was horrible how I wanted to 'cheat' on Caramel?

"Hello, Equestria to Octavia," Harpo called, waving his hoof in her face.

Octavia snapped her head up, finally breaking her train of thought.

When she looked up, she saw her ensemble staring at her like she was a crazy pony.

"Oh! Sorry everypony! What did you want to tell me?" Octavia asked.

"We are not practicing today, instead we are going to be getting ready for our next performance by picking the music and such," Fredric explained, waving his hoof.

"Oh yes! I completely forgot!" Octavia exclaimed.

"It's alright Octavia. What has gotten you so distracted today?" Beauty Brass asked, a smug smile on her face, "Does it have to do with Vinyl?~"

"Beauty I told you to stop trying to get Octavia and Vinyl to be a couple!" Fredric scolded, Beauty pouted in response.

Wait, she thinks me and Vinyl should be together? Well... I may as well say it then.

"Actually... It does," Octavia said looking away, a small blush forming on her face.

The three other ensemble members all turned to face Octavia, looking at her with wide eyes.

Octavia's blush grew before answering, "O-on Saturday, I realized something... Something that will change things for me forever," Octavia paused, gulping in worry, "I... I like Vinyl,"

After saying that, the room went silent. Octavia was too afraid to look at her ensemble but after a few minutes, she finally looked up at them.

Fredric and Harpo both had their mouths open in shock, nether looked like they were expecting this news. Beauty Brass also had a shocked expression, but her mouth was slowly forming a smile.

"OH MY CELESTIA! OCTAVIA HAS FOUND LOVE!" Beauty Brass exclaimed in joy and hugged Octavia.

"B-Beauty... Can't breathe," Octavia said, struggling to breathe.

Beauty Brass stopped hugging Octavia and just looked at her with a smile.

"Wow... Congratulations Octavia!" Harpo said with a smile.

Octavia smiled at her two friends, happy to have their support. She then turned to Fredric, who still had his mouth open in shock.

Octavia frowned.

How will Fredric react to this news? I hope he will not be enraged at me.

Fredric then shook his head and cleared his throat before speaking, "Well, I may not know much about this DJ and I may not agree with this new found love... But I am happy that you are finally moving on Octavia," Fredric then smiled.

Octavia returned the smile and hugged Fredric.

Maybe things... Won't be so hard.

"New found love... Sounds better as Refound love," Harpo commented.

"That's a stupid name," Beauty Brass argued.

The two ponies then started bickering while Fredric and Octavia watched, shaking their heads.

"Mail for Octavia Melody," A mail pony said walking into the theater.

"That's me," Octavia said taking the envelope.

"Good day miss," The mail pony said, leaving the theater.

As Octavia opened it, her eyes went wide and tears started forming in her eyes.

"What does it say?!" Beauty Brass asked in concern.

"We- we have just been invited to perform at the grand galloping gala this year," Octavia said with a smile.

~~~Meanwhile~~~

Vinyl was in her office, shooting rubberbands at the window.

"I'm so BORED!" Vinyl exclaimed and slid down into her chair more.

At that moment, Vinyl heard her phone go off.

Vinyl scrambled to find her phone under all the papers on her desk. Once she found it, she saw it was from Octavia and it was in a group chat with Lyra and Bon Bon as well.

'Octavia: My ensemble has just been invited to perform at the grand galloping gala this year!'

Vinyl smiled.

'Bon Bon: Wow! That's amazing Octavia! Congratulations!'

'Vinyl: Good job babe'

Vinyl was going to continue texting but stopped when she heard her office door open.

Vinyl looked up from her phone to see Lyra standing there with a smile and her phone being levitated in her magic.

"You suggested Octavia's ensemble to Celestia. Didn't you?" Lyra said walking into Vinyl's office.

"What the buck are you talking about," Vinyl said, looking away.

Lyra smirked, "You didn't give up. You are still trying to win her heart,"

After a second, Vinyl sighed in defeat.

"Fine! I did it! Happy?" Vinyl exclaimed.

"Why?" Lyra asked, "I thought you said you couldn't make any promises about not giving up,"

Vinyl sighed, "Because... Because I don't know! There is something about her that just makes me... DRAWN to her!"

Vinyl then smacked her head onto the table.

Lyra sighed, "I think I know why... It's because you have feelings for her and that hasn't happened since... Well... You know,"

Vinyl looked up from the table.

After a second, Vinyl chuckled, "Heh, it's like refound love,"

Lyra laughed, "That sounds like a cheesy romance novel,"

~~~Wednesday~~~

Octavia was in the elevator on her way up to her other job's office. It has been two days since she learned that her ensemble had been invited to the grand galloping gala and her ensemble had been working harder then ever.

In all the work, Octavia had completely forgotten about her crush, it wasn't until the elevator doors opened, revealing something that made Octavia remember everything.

When the doors opened, it revealed Vinyl wearing a dress.

"I feel stupid," Vinyl complained as a white mare with a purple mane made sure the dress was complete.

"Well darling, if you are going to be going to the grand galloping gala then you MUST wear something other than," The mare paused to point at Vinyl's glasses, "that,"

Vinyl sighed in annoyance but stayed quiet, she had yet to notice the mare watching her from the elevator.

Said mare was currently staring at Vinyl with an open mouth in shock and with wide eyes.

Oh my Celestia she looks... Stunning.

Octavia had long accept the fact she liked Vinyl and has now embraced the thoughts that plagued her mind whenever she thought of the white mare.

Lyra was standing by Vinyl, laughing at the mare's annoyance. Unlike Vinyl, Lyra HAD noticed Octavia but choose to not tell Vinyl. Her plan was to hopefully have Octavia be stunned by Vinyl's beauty in a dress.

But, Lyra's plan of keeping Octavia a secret from Vinyl had failed the moment Bon Bon walked into the room.

"Good morning Octavia!" Bon Bon greeted as she walked into the room.

"Octavia?!" Vinyl exclaimed and started blushing and taking the dress off.

Octavia as well blushed and attempted to pretend that she had not been there for the past few minutes.

"I am guessing that Vinyl will no longer allow me to continue. No matter, I was finished anyway. I hope you enjoy the dress Miss Scratch, and I will see you soon!" The white mare said as she entered the elevator.

"Bye Rarity!" Lyra called as the mare left.

"I... I gotta do work!" Vinyl stammered and then went straight to her office.

"And I... Need to record my cello!" Octavia stammered as well and went straight to the recording studio.

As Lyra and Bon Bon were left alone, the two looked at each other questionably.

"Be straight with me, Bonnie. Why is Octavia acting like that?" Lyra questioned.

"Acting like what?," Bon Bon asked.

Before Lyra could answer, Bon Bon interrupted her.

"Wait, answer me this Lyra. Why is Vinyl acting strange? Is there something going on?" Bon Bon asked.

Lyra squinted her eyes, "You know something, don't you?"

"Maybe, but right now I have work to do," Bon Bon said, flicking her tail and walking towards Vinyl's office.

"Yeah... Me too," Lyra said, watching Bon Bon leave.

~~~In the recording studio~~~

Octavia was setting up her cello, deep in thought and afraid.

Oh Celestia, Vinyl probably saw me staring at her. Why did she have to wear a dress today of all days?!

Octavia's train of thought was broken by a door opening.

"Hello!" Lyra said from the viewing area of the recording room.

"H-hello Lyra," Octavia answered nervously.

After a second if silence, Lyra spoke.

"So. I was wondering... What do you think of Vinyl?"

"Huh?" Octavia asked, unsure she heard her friend correctly.

"What do you think of Vinyl? Like do you LIKE her?" Lyra persisted.

"Where in Equestria did you get that propositus idea?" Octavia snapped.

"Well... You were staring at Vinyl when she had the dress on," Lyra answered with a grin.

Octavia's eyes widened and her head snapped up to Lyra's.

"You... You saw that?" Octavia asked in a small voice.

Lyra's grin grew and she nodded in response.

Octavia sighed, "That... That was because I was just so shocked at seeing Vinyl in a dress! As well as I have never seen her try to make herself well... Presentable. I would never see Vinyl as more than a friend,"

The whole time Octavia spoke, Lyra just nodded in response.

Once Octavia finished, they started recording. The whole time Octavia played, Lyra was thinking.

She could be lying... But even if she is, I need to get Vinyl to do more. I may not know what that will take but I am willing to try.

Once Octavia finished, Lyra told her she could go and take a small break. As Lyra was checking that the audio recorded well, she realized something.

For the first time ever, Vinyl didn't come into the recording studio to watch Octavia play.

~~~Meanwhile~~~

Bon Bon entered Vinyl's office and found her boss on the floor struggling to get out of the dress.

"Vinyl?" Bon Bon asked in shock.

"BONNIE?!" Vinyl said, freaking out. Vinyl then slid behind her desk so she was no longer in view of Bon Bon.

"Hello Vinyl... Do you need any help?" Bon Bon asked, closing the door to Vinyl's office and walking into the room.

"Nope!" Vinyl answered, jumping out from behind her desk, now wearing no dress.

"Alright... Um Vinyl, can I ask you something?" Bon Bon asked, getting closer to Vinyl.

"You just did," Vinyl answered with a grin.

Bon Bon giggled, "I am going to take that as a yes. Why did you freak out when Octavia saw you in a dress?"

Vinyl's grin dropped and a small blush spread across her face.

"B-because I only feel comfortable wearing a dress around you and Lyra," Vinyl answered nervously.

"What about all of the other employees?" Bon Bon questioned.

"They were watching?! Well then I better dress in here next time! Well this has been a great conversation Bonnie but I have A TON of work to do so bye!" Vinyl answered quickly and started pushing Bon Bon out of the office.

"Vinyl stop! You know they were watching you so why did you get so nervous?" Bon Bon asked again, attempting to prevent Vinyl from kicking Bon Bon out of the room.

"Because... Because... I DON'T KNOW!" Vinyl yelled, pushing Bon Bon out of her office and slamming the door.

Bon Bon stared at the door in shock, never had Vinyl freaked out like that with anypony before, except for him.

Bon Bon looked around and noticed that all her coworkers had stopped working and were staring at Bon Bon.

Bon Bon blushed and quickly ran into the lunchroom. Hopefully Vinyl was not upset at her.

~•~•~•~•~

Bon Bon was baking some cookies for Vinyl as a way to apologize when she heard two ponies enter the room.

"I still think that you should teach me how to record myself," Octavia complained.

"Nah, you are the kind of pony who would break it because you have no idea how it works," Lyra explained.

Bon Bon turned to face her friends who were now sitting at the table.

"Hello Bon Bon," Octavia greeted.

"Hey Bonnie," Lyra greeted, a little more hesitant.

"Hello you two. Have either of you spoken to Vinyl today?" Bon Bon asked, putting Lyra and Octavia's lunches on the table.

Lyra took a bite of her sandwich before speaking, "Not since this morning,"

"I as well haven't spoken to her since then," Octavia answered, taking out her salad.

"Oh," Bon Bon answered and continued making cookies.

"Hey Bonnie, are you making cookies?" A pony asked, entering the room.

The three other ponies look and found Vinyl walking into the room.

"Yep!" Bon Bon answered and continued her baking.

"Hey Vinyl!" Lyra greeted and hoof bumped Vinyl as Vinyl sat down in a seat between Lyra and Octavia.

Octavia meanwhile, was just staring at Vinyl. Images of her in a dress floating through her mind.

She really does look pretty. Even without the dress...

Octavia's train of thought was broken by Vinyl speaking.

"So Tavi, were you seduced by me being in a dress?" Vinyl asked with a grin and a raised eyebrow.

Octavia blushed and looked away, "No! For the last time Vinyl I am NOT going to sleep with you!"

Vinyl shrugged, "That's what you say now," Octavia's blush deepened.

I forgot about her flirting... I don't think I can handle this for much longer, I need to tell her.

"Vinyl may I speak to you in your office?" Octavia asked, getting up from her seat.

"Um, alright sure," Vinyl answered, getting up from her seat as well.

Once Octavia left the room, Vinyl looked at Lyra and shrugged before following after her friend.

~~~At Vinyl's office~~~

Once they were in Vinyl's office, Vinyl shut the door and sat at her desk.

"So, what did you wanna talk about Octy?" Vinyl asked.

Say it, say I like you Vinyl. Say it now!

"I... I think I need to leave work for awhile," Octavia said quickly.

"What why?!" Vinyl blurted in a panic, standing up from her seat.

Octavia just stared at Vinyl, a bit surprised by her sudden outburst.

"I.. I mean, why?" Vinyl asked calmly, sitting back down in her chair after realizing her outburst.

"Well... I think I need to spend more time with my ensemble to practice for the grand galloping gala," Octavia explained, "So... I guess this is it... For now,"

Vinyl looked at Octavia, trying to hide her sadness, "Y-yeah... Will we still hang out?"

Octavia smiled, "Of course,"

Vinyl smiled as well, but on the inside she felt pain, lots of pain.

Octavia left Vinyl's office and calmly walked to the bathroom, where she then proceeded to lock herself in there and cry silently.

"I couldn't do it, why. I doubt she would even feel the same but I was too afraid to even TELL her!" Octavia sobbed.

Things were about to get a whole lot harder for Octavia now that she had quit what had to be her best job.

Chapter 10

View Online

The past week has been a hard and busy week for Octavia. Although leaving her job with Vinyl did help her practice more with her ensemble, she still regretted leaving.

It's just for now Octavia, not forever, Octavia would tell herself.

Another problem was Caramel, now that she was no longer going to the office, she had more time at home and more time with him.

When Octavia told Caramel the news, he seemed extremely happy and excited, which was the total opposite to Beauty Brass's reaction.

"You WHAT?!" Beauty Brass yelled, making Octavia recoil in surprise.

"I-I left my job with-" Octavia stammered but was interrupted by Beauty Brass.

"You quit your job?! Are you CRAZY?! I thought you LOVED Vinyl!" Beauty Brass yelled.

"L-love is a strong word Beauty. Besides it is only for a short time while we get ready for the gala," Octavia explained.

Beauty Brass opened her mouth to yell more but was stopped by Fredric.

"What Octavia did was the right choice Beauty, we need all the time we have to get ready for this performance," Fredric said, defending Octavia.

Beauty Brass growled and stormed back to her seat where her tuba sat.

But what Octavia didn't notice, was that Beauty had taken Octavia's phone and was putting some new numbers in her own phone that were in Octavia's.

But that was yesterday, today was Saturday and Octavia was currently in bed asleep.

She would have stayed asleep if she didn't feel somepony climb on top of her and hug her.

Octavia's eyes snapped open to find Caramel laying on top of her, his front hooves around Octavia's mid section.

Octavia sighed, this was one of the moments Octavia missed her other job the most.

Octavia sat there, staring at the ceiling, with Caramel on top of her for awhile, thinking of what to do for the weekend.

No doubt Caramel is planning to do something with me, too bad now I don't really have an excuse to not go.

Octavia's ears perked up at the sound of her phone getting a message. She looked over to see she had one new text from...Vinyl.

Octavia's eyes widened and she started struggling to get her arm out of Caramel's grasp.

Before Octavia got her arm out, she felt Caramel move around to face Octavia.

"Oh! Sorry I fell asleep, I was just so comfortable," Caramel apologized and then leaned down to kiss Octavia's forehead.

Caramel grabbed Octavia's phone and looked at it.

"Who's Vinyl?" Caramel asked.

"My boss, remember? Now give me the phone Caramel," Octavia asked annoyed.

Caramel squinted his eyes, "I thought you quit that job,"

"I didn't quit it, I am taking a break from it. So I need to see the message,"

Instead of doing as Octavia says, Caramel attempted to go through the phone but was stopped by one obstacle

"What's your password?" Caramel asked.

Octavia's eyes widened, and with a new sudden strength, she pulled her arm out from under Caramel and grabbed the phone. Octavia then bucked Caramel off of her and went straight to the bathroom.

"Octavia who is Vinyl and why are you hiding her from me?!" Caramel yelled after Octavia. But Octavia just shut and locked the bathroom door.

Octavia sighed in relief before finally opening her new message.

'Hey Tavi, I was wondering if you wanted to see a movie with me, Lyra and Bon Bon,'

Octavia smiled, struggling to contain herself from squealing with excitement.

The four of us haven't spent time together out of work since the diner!

'Of course! I would love to!', Octavia texted back.

After a few seconds, Vinyl responded.

'Great! See you at eight today!'

Octavia smiled and left the bathroom.

When Octavia opened the door, she accidentally hit Caramel on the muzzle, who was trying to listen to Octavia from the bathroom.

"Oh Caramel! I am so sorry and- wait... Were you listening to me from inside there?" Octavia asked with a raised eyebrow.

"No!," Caramel protested and then galloped away into the kitchen.

Octavia followed after and found Caramel making breakfast.

"Cara- never mind," Octavia sighed and sat down at the table.

After a few minutes, Caramel finished making them food and put it down onto the table. Caramel then sat in front of Octavia and the two started eating.

"Caramel, tonight my friends are taking me to go see a movie," Octavia said.

Caramel's head snapped up, "What friends?! Is one of them Vinyl?! Can I come?!"

Octavia stared at Caramel with wide eyes, "Um yes Vinyl is going to be there... Along with Lyra and Bon Bon. Also I think they already bought the tickets so I don't think you can come,"

"What show is it? Maybe I can get my own ticket," Caramel persisted.

Octavia opened her mouth to answer but realized she actually had no idea what movie they were watching.

"I actually have no idea what movie we are seeing," Octavia answered.

"Oh," Caramel said, "Do you really not know or are you saying that because you don't want me to come,"

"I actually have no idea," Octavia said.

"Hm, alright then. Could you tell me more about this Vinyl," Caramel asked, getting up from his chair to clean the dishes.

"I already told you that Vinyl is DJ PON3, I told you that when you came to my office," Octavia answered, getting up from her seat.

"Where are you going?" Caramel asked.

"To practice my cello," Octavia answered.

"Oh well I am going to go out, alright?" Caramel called.

"Alright," Octavia said before closing the door to her music room.

Caramel then got ready to leave the apartment.

I am going to find out more about this Vinyl.

~•~•~•~•~

"And then I gave him a black eye!" Exclaimed a grey stallion with a jet black mane and tail and a lucky clover cutie mark.

Caramel nodded his head in understanding.

"So Lucky Streak, how much do you know about DJ PON3?" Caramel asked.

Caramel was at a bar with his best friend Lucky Streak. The two of them had a cider and we're talking about life, but Caramel came there for more than just friendly conversation.

Lucky Streak took a sip of cider before answering, "Yeah, really famous DJ pony. She just played music for the element's of harmony’s fashion show. Why do you care?"

"Because Octavia has been working with her for the past two weeks and I fear something is going on,"

"You think she is cheating on you?" Lucky Streak asked. Caramel nodded his head in response.

"Oh shit dude. Well you can find a lot about her online. I believe her real name is Vinyl Scratch,"

"Thank you Lucky Streak," Caramel said, and then left the bar.

As Caramel left Lucky Streak alone, he turned to the bar tv.

"Octavia isn't really the pony to cheat... I wonder why he thinks she is," Lucky Streak said out load while thinking.

"There is more than meets the eye," A voice said in front of him.

Lucky Streak looked up to the bartender mare who was talking to him.

"What?" Lucky Streak asked.

"Your friend is not as he seems. To give you an idea of what I mean, I will tell you this. You should be happy if his mare leaves him," The bartender said, walking towards the door of the bar.

Lucky Streak got up from his seat, "Wait! Why? And who are you?"

The mare stopped, but didn't turn to face him, "The name's Moonshine,"

And with that, the mysterious mare left.

Lucky Streak sat back down onto his seat, "Maybe I should speak to Octavia soon... Alone,"

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia stood outside of the movie theater, waiting for her friends to show up.

Where is Equestria are they?!

Octavia took out her phone to text them. She started texting when she felt somepony poke her side.

Octavia let out a squeak and jumped, dropping her phone. Octavia turned to find Vinyl hold her phone in her magic with a grin of her face.

"You dropped this," Vinyl said, levitating the phone closer to Octavia.

Octavia grabbed the phone before yelling in rage, "VINYL!,"

Vinyl bursted out laughed and started rolling on the floor, all the while Octavia glared at her.

"Real mature Vinyl," Bon Bon commented as her and Lyra walked up to them, Lyra's hoof around Bon Bon.

"Hey Octavia!" Lyra greeted with a smile.

"Hello Lyra. Hello Bon Bon. It's a pleasure to see you two," Octavia greeted but paused to turn towards a still laughing Vinyl, "Not as much as a pleasure to see her,"

"Aw c'mon Octy, you know you love seeing me," Vinyl said after she finally stopped laughing.

Octavia rolled her eyes in annoyance and Vinyl got up from the floor.

"So, what movie are we seeing?" Vinyl asked, turning towards Lyra and Bon Bon.

"Wait, you don't know what we are seeing either Vinyl?" Octavia asked.

"Nope," Vinyl answered.

"We are seeing The Fault In Our Stars," Bon Bon answered with a smile.

Octavia raised her eyebrow and Vinyl gagged.

"That's a romance movie," Octavia commented, Bon Bon and Lyra both noddedtheir heads in response.

"C'mon! Why couldn't we have seen an actually good movie!" Vinyl whined.

"Vinyl do you even know what this movie is about?" Lyra asked.

"No, but it is a romance so that means it instantly sucks," Vinyl answered.

"Oh give it a chance Vinyl," Octavia said, getting annoyed with Vinyl's complaining.

"No way, I am NOT watching a romance," Vinyl argued.

"Alright Vinyl, then me, Bonnie, and OCTAVIA will see the movie ourselves," Lyra said, putting an Infosys on Octavia's names.

After a second, Vinyl sighed in defeat.

"Fine..." Vinyl mumbled.

And with that, the four ponies entered the theater.

~•~•~•~•~

"Honestly Vinyl, I think that's enough food," Octavia said as Vinyl ordered herself food.

"No way, they don't have alcohol here so I need SOME WAY to get through this movie. Plus no movie is complete without the snacks," Vinyl argued, grabbing all her food her her magic.

Octavia watched as Vinyl went to the butter machine and started buttering her popcorn. At the moment, Vinyl had a large popcorn, a large soda, a hotdog, nachos, a pretzel, three different kinds of candies, and a Icy.

I swear, if that pony keeps eating like this she is going to weigh a ton.

"Are you sure you don't want anything Octavia?" Bon Bon asked walking up next to her.

"No Bon Bon, I will be fine," Octavia answered.

Bon Bon and Lyra both ordered a small soda and they are sharing one large popcorn.

"Do you think you two could teach Vinyl how much food she should eat for one meal," Octavia asked.

Bon Bon giggled, "We've tried but I think it is impossible,"

The four ponies then entered the theater and started watching the movie.

Ten minutes into the movie, Octavia started feeling hungry.

Maybe I should've gotten something after all...

Octavia's stomach growled. Octavia looked around hoping nopony heard that. It seemed no pony did except for one.

"Hey Tavi, want some of my food?" Vinyl offered, picking up her popcorn in her magic.

"Oh! No thanks Vinyl, I am fine," Octavia refused politely.

Vinyl rolled her eyes, "I know you're hungry Tavi, so just take it,"

Vinyl then placed the bag of popcorn onto Octavia's lap.

"Oh! Are you sure Vinyl?" Octavia asked.

"Yeah! Plus I think I did get a little too much food," Vinyl reassured.

Octavia smiled and side hugged Vinyl, "Thank you Vinyl,"

"No prob babe," Vinyl answered.

Octavia started digging into the popcorn, and the two continued watching the movie.

A little more into the movie, Octavia was bored. After a minute she felt somepony tap her shoulder.

Octavia turned to see Vinyl tapping her.

"What is it Vinyl?" Octavia asked.

Vinyl moved closer to Octavia's ear. Octavia could feel Vinyl's breath on her ear.

Oh Celestia she is really close to me... IS THAT HER BREATH?! IT FEELS... Really... Pleasant...

"Do you think we are going to see them fuck?" Vinyl whispered.

"Vinyl!" Octavia exclaimed, pushing Vinyl away from her. Vinyl laughed at her response.

"No I'm serious, it could happen," Vinyl said.

Octavia laughed as well.

"How do you think they would do it?" Vinyl asked with a grin.

"Vinyl!" Octavia exclaimed with a playful smile.

"No really! How?" Vinyl persisted.

"Hm... Doggy style?" Octavia answered unsure. Vinyl bursted out laughing.

Octavia blushed, "Well what do you think?"

Vinyl stopped laughing after a second, "I bet they would totally be into BDSM,"

The two of them erupted into giggles.

~•~•~•~•~

It was at the part of the movie where the two characters kissed when Octavia realized how awkward it was.

Octavia looked around to see that all of the audience were couples and were kissing at this moment, even Lyra and Bon Bon.

The only two not kissing were her and Vinyl. Octavia turned towards Vinyl to see her still watching the movie, her emotions hidden behind her glasses.

Now is the time Octavia, now is the time to kiss her.

Octavia shook her head.

No! What about Caramel!?

Screw Caramel, it is time to be happy again.

Octavia turned towards Vinyl and moved in.

~•~•~•~•~

Vinyl was bored out of her mind.

Stupid Bon Bon picking this dumb movie. Stupid Lyra making me watch this by telling me to invite Octavia. Why did we have to watch a romance? It is just either going to make me more attracted to Octavia or think of... Him.

Vinyl kept watching the movie, thinking about how bored she was until her train of thought was broken by something touching her shoulder.

Vinyl turned her head to see Octavia laying on her shoulder with her eyes still on the screen.

Holy crap. Holy crap. Holy crap. Holy crap.

Vinyl watched Octavia for a few minutes, debating what to do.

After a minute, Vinyl sighed and turned back to the screen. A second later she put her hoof around Octavia.

Vinyl looked out of the corner of her eye, which she knew were so covered by her glasses that it would look like she was just looking at the screen.

What she saw was Octavia look at Vinyl, and then snuggle more in her grasp.

~•~•~•~•~

Celestia what am I doing... This is not a smart idea, she is probably going to- did she just put her arm around me?

Octavia looked up at Vinyl who was still looking at the screen.

She did... Would it be okay if I did this then?

Octavia then snuggled more into Vinyl, feeling the warmth of the unicorn.

This feels... Very nice.... I don't want this to end..

Octavia closed her eyes, forgetting about the movie, all that mattered to her now was the feeling of being close to Vinyl.

~•~•~•~•~

"Vinyl Scratch. Vinyl Scratch. Vinyl Scratch," Caramel repeated to himself as he searched up more and more things about the pony.

After a few more minutes of searching, Caramel had gone so far into the internet that he had forgotten how he got there.

Caramel would go website to website by clicking links on the websites.

He was getting tired of seeing nothing new and was about to give up when he found something very interesting.

"What's this?" Caramel said as he saw a very interesting picture that was apparently in the Equestria daily newspaper.

"Hey everypony, today we are talking about this lost newspaper. Little ponies know of it's existence because almost all copies were destroyed. Theories on why that is are that PON3 herself got her manager to get the papers removed. The paper shows what used to be Equestria's favorite co-" Caramel read but stopped in shock.

Once Caramel finished reading the page, he smiled an evil smile.

"Well well well, it looks like I have a way to stop PON3 once and for all... But first I need to make a phone call,"

Chapter 11

View Online

"Tavi. Tavi. Tavi. TAVI!" Vinyl repeated as she attempted to wake up Octavia.

No doubt that the last few hours have been the best hours of Vinyl's life. Although at first the movie was boring, as soon as Octavia laid her head down onto Vinyl's shoulder, the rest of the movie became watching and or cuddling with Octavia. A few minutes after Octavia has laid her head down, she had fallen asleep. So Vinyl laid her head down on top of Octavia's. A little more into the movie, Octavia had moved her hooves to hug Vinyl and also moved her muzzle to nuzzle into Vinyl's chest.

Once this happened, Vinyl blushed and attempted to hide Octavia from any ponies viewing them.

The problem now was, the movie had ended and Octavia was still hugging and nuzzling Vinyl while asleep. So Vinyl was trying to wake Octavia up before-

"Woah, look at you Vinyl~," Lyra teased as she saw Octavia cuddling Vinyl.

Vinyl's face turned red and she started shaking Octavia harder in an attempt to wake the pony.

"Lyra leave Vinyl alone," Bon Bon said as she walked up next to her marefriend, "Vinyl, maybe you should just take Octavia to your apartment, she doesn't seem like she will be waking up anytime soon, or letting go ether,"

Vinyl sighed in defeat, "Yeah, you guys are right. Lyra, can you help me levitate her back to my place?"

Lyra nodded her head in response and the ponies left the theater.

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia woke up after what had to be the best sleep of her life.

Wow, this pillow is so soft... And warm... Why does my heart feel content right now?

Octavia then realized something.

Why does this pillow feel like fur?

Octavia opened her eyes, she saw that she was on a couch, a couch she had seen before...

Octavia lifted her head and looked at what she had been laying on.

What she found was a sleeping Vinyl, without her glasses. She had a peaceful smile on her face and her hooves were around Octavia's back.

Octavia then realized she had her hooves around Vinyl's back.

What in Equestria happened last night?!

Then, memories of the night previous flooded into her head.

Did.... Did I fall asleep on Vinyl? Did I fall asleep HUGGING Vinyl?

Octavia blushed. She then started shaking Vinyl awake.

"Vinyl. Vinyl wake up," Octavia said as she shook Vinyl.

"Hm, five more minutes," Vinyl groaned and then proceeded to pull Octavia closer and nuzzle Octavia's neck with her muzzle.

Octavia's blush grew and she started struggling out of Vinyl's grasp.

"Vinyl wake up!" Octavia yelled.

"Hm, wha... Tavi?" Vinyl asked as she let go of Octavia. Octavia fell off the couch once Vinyl let go.

"Ow, Vinyl!" Octavia complained as she fell to the floor.

"Tavi! Oh Celestia, I am SO sorry!" Vinyl apologized, grabbing her glasses and moving her hoof down so Octavia could grab onto it.

"Thanks Vinyl," Octavia said as she pulled herself up, "Vinyl... Do you happen to know what happened last night?"

Vinyl's eyes widened and a blush formed into her face, "Heh, yeah I do,"

After Vinyl said that, the room went silent.

"Care to explain?" Octavia persisted.

"Oh! Uh, well you kinda feel asleep in the theater and started hugging me... And you also nuzzled into my chest,"

Octavia's eyes widened and she looked away, blushing.

"Wha-what happened next?"

"Well... I tried to wake you up but you wouldn't so me and Lyra had to levitate you home, all the while you were still hugging me,"

The room then went silent, both mares had blushes on their faces and they refused to look at one another.

Vinyl seems to be just as embarrassed about this as I am, is that a good thing or a bad thing though?

"Hey Octy?" Vinyl asked after a long period of silence.

"Yes Vinyl?" Octavia asked, finally looking at Vinyl.

"Why did your phone keep getting messages from some pony named-"

"CARAMEL!" Octavia exclaimed and grabbed her phone.

Oh Celestia he is going to be unbearable after this!

Octavia then started going through her texts, each one getting more frantic.

'Octavia where are you?'

'Octavia are you almost home?'

'Octavia answer the phone'

'Octavia if you don't get home now I am going out to look for you'

'Why do you hate me so much?'

'You're a little fucking bitch, you know that?'

'Octavia you lying bastard, I know you are doing something'

'Octavia answer the fucking phone!'

Octavia read the texts, getting more and more worried as the texts went on.

She didn't realize she had started crying until she felt a pony's hoof rub a tear off her cheek.

"Are you alright Octy?" Vinyl asked in concern.

"Y-yeah I'm fine... I am sorry about last night Vinyl," Octavia apologized, she then started to weep.

"Aw shucks Tavi," Vinyl said and brought Octavia into a hug.

Octavia hugged back and nuzzled Vinyl's chest, like she had last night.

The two sat there like that for seconds, minutes, hours, they weren't sure. Nether said a word for what felt like forever.

"Do you wanna tell me about it Octy?" Vinyl asked, rubbing Octavia's back.

Octavia sniffed, "No, I don't really wish to speak about it right now Vinyl,"

"That's alright, just know you can tell me anything, okay?" Vinyl reassured.

Octavia moved her head to face Vinyl, "Of course, thank you Vinyl,"

"No prob babe," Vinyl said with a grin. Octavia smiled back at her.

The two sat there staring at each other, neither know what to do next.

Kiss her Octavia, forget about Caramel and KISS HER!

C'mon Vinyl, now’s the moment, kiss her!

The two started moving closer to one another, not realizing they were even moving, the two continued moving until they heard a phone vibrate.

The two ponies turned to Octavia's phone where she had a new message from Beauty Brass.

'Hello Octavia! I was wondering if you wanted to meet me at the mall so we could get ready for the grand galloping gala!'

Well... I do need to probably stay away from Caramel for a little while.

Octavia lifted up her phone and texted back.

'Sure! I will meet you in a few minutes'

"Hey Vinyl," Octavia started, turning towards the unicorn who was currently staring at the ground in thought, "Would you like to go to the mall with me and Beauty?"

Vinyl's ears perked up and she turned towards Octavia.

"Yeah! I would love to come!" Vinyl answered with a smile.

Octavia smiled back and the two left to the mall.

~•~•~•~•~

"Well look who it is! Vinyl, I was not expecting you to be here!" Beauty Brass exclaimed as she noticed Octavia and Vinyl walking towards her.

"Hello Beauty Brass," Octavia greeted with a wave.

"Sup Beauty, hope you're not still pissed about our first meeting," Vinyl said with a sheepish smile.

"Oh! Not at all! I am very HAPPY to see you here!" Beauty Brass said, taking Vinyl's hoof to shake it.

As she shook Vinyl's hoof, Beauty have Octavia a smug know it all grin from over Vinyl's shoulder. Octavia just blushed and looked away.

Vinyl noticed where Beauty was looking and turned to face Octavia.

"You alright Tavi?" Vinyl asked.

"Tavi! I had no idea you gave Octavia pet names!" Beauty Brass said excitedly.

"They are not pet names, just nicknames," Octavia explained, glaring at Beauty.

Beauty mouthed 'let's see' to Octavia before asking, "Vinyl, do you give everypony nicknames?"

"Just my friends and if their names are too long," Vinyl explained. Vinyl then put a hoof to her chin in thought.

"Actually, now that I think about it, Beauty Brass is a pretty long name... I'll call you Beaut," Vinyl said with a grin.

Octavia smiled and Beauty Brass frowned. Beauty was hoping Vinyl would only give Octavia nicknames as a sign of affection.

"Well this has been... Fun and all but I believe we must start shopping before the mall closes," Octavia said, walking away.

Vinyl followed quickly after and Beauty followed behind her, deep in thought about her next move.

~•~•~•~•~

Vinyl, Octavia, and Beauty all went into a clothes shop in order to find clothes to wear for the grand galloping gala.

"Soooo... Have you ever been in a relationship Vinyl?" Beauty asked.

Octavia's teeth bit down in rage.

"Yeah, I had one, but I don't really like speaking about my past relationships," Vinyl answered, looking at some sunglasses on a rack.

"Was the pony a stallion or a-"

"BEAUTY," Octavia hissed through her teeth.

Beauty just grinned at Octavia.

"A guy, but I like both kinds," Vinyl answered with a shrug.

"Oh really? How do you know if you only had ONE relationship?" Beauty Brass persisted.

Vinyl sighed in annoyance, "Beaut, I don't know if you know this but I DON'T like talking about my relationships,"

"I was not asking about your relationships, I was asking how do you know you like mares," Beauty Brass corrected.

Vinyl sighed again, "I know because I have found many mares extremely attractive,"

"Oh okay.... Has Octavia ever told you about her past relationships?"

"BEAUTY," Octavia hissed again, this time a little louder.

"Well, she told me that her and Fredric had a thing. But nothing else," Vinyl answered.

"Did she tell you about her first marefrien-"

"Beauty, I really DON'T think that is necessary!" Octavia said angrily.

Vinyl turned around and found Octavia glaring at Beauty in rage and Beauty just grinning back at her.

"Was it Beauty Brass?" Vinyl asked.

Both ponies turned to her, both with faces of shock.

"No!" Both ponies exclaimed with blushes forming on their faces.

Vinyl started laughing, and Octavia's glare moved to Vinyl.

"You two are so cute together," Beauty Brass whispered into Octavia's ear.

"Shut up Beauty," Octavia growled.

Vinyl chuckled, "I just assumed that because right now it sounds like Beaut is trying to hit on me,"

"What no! I have a stallion friend!" Beauty Brass exclaimed, her blush growing larger. Both Vinyl and Octavia laughed.

"So," Vinyl started as she finished laughing, "Who was your first marefriend Octy?"

Octavia blushed slightly but waved her hoof, "Oh just some Mare... I think her name was Sassy sass or something,"

"It was Sassaflash darling," Beauty Brass corrected with a chuckle.

"What happened between you two?" Vinyl asked.

"Well she left me for a stallion who I would end up dating and then-"

"THEY BROKE UP AND OCTAVIA NEVER DATED AGAIN!" Beauty Brass interrupted, covering Octavia's mouth with her hoof.

Vinyl raised her eyebrow, "Okay?"

Vinyl then walked away to go look around. Once she left Beauty left go of Octavia's muzzle.

"Beauty! What in Equestria was that for?" Octavia asked, annoyed.

"WHY WOULD YOU TELL YOUR CRUSH THAT YOU WERE MARRIED! NOT EVEN WERE, YOU STILL ARE!" Beauty Brass exclaimed.

"Well she needs to find out at some point Beauty," Octavia argued.

"Yes, but first at least TRY to get into a relationship with her before doing that!" Beauty Brass said.

"Hey guys!" Vinyl called from another aisle.

Octavia and Beauty Brass looked at each other before walking to where they heard Vinyl's voice.

When they got there, they found Vinyl looking around the toy aisle.

Beauty Brass covered her mouth in order not to burst out laughing, and Octavia sighed in annoyance.

"Vinyl, what are you doing here?" Octavia asked.

"Well duh! The toy aisle is the BEST AISLE! And look!" Vinyl answered with excitement before grabbing a toy off the shelve, "They have toys from TV!"

"Isn't that from a foal's show?" Beauty Brass asked, examining the toy.

"Call it whatever you want, it is a great show!" Vinyl answered defensively.

Octavia facehooved and Beauty Brass started laughing.

"Tell me again how you own an office Vinyl," Octavia said in annoyance.

"Hey! Just because I like this kind of stuff doesn't mean that I can't own a company," Vinyl argued.

"That is true. I was referring more to the fact that you act like a foal,"

"No I don't!"

"Vinyl, you watch foal shows, eat Pop Tarts everyday and spend your time playing games on your computer at work,"

Vinyl opened her mouth to respond but then closed it. After a second she got a devious smile on her face.

"Oh? So if I am a foal, then that means you are the older pony here, right? I guess you could be the grandma," Vinyl said with a playful glint in her eyes.

Octavia's eyes widened, "I AM NOT THAT OLD VINYL!"

"Oh really?" Vinyl said walking up to Octavia, "Well then you better be able to catch me grandma," Once she finished, Vinyl grabbed Octavia's bow and took off into the store.

"VINYL GET BACK HERE!" Octavia yelled, galloping after Vinyl.

Meanwhile, Beauty Brass was on the floor laughing at the ponies.

"Those two are totally meant for each other," Beauty Brass said as she watched Octavia tackle Vinyl.

~•~•~•~•~

"So Vinyl, have your eyes on anypony?" Beauty Brass asked.

Octavia was looking through some dresses and froze when she heard what Beauty Brass had just asked.

"Uhhhhh," Was all Vinyl said in shock at what Beauty had just asked.

"Beauty! Don't ask Vinyl such personal questions!" Octavia said, turning towards her two friends.

"What I was just asking, how about you Octavia?" Beauty Brass asked.

"I would prefer NOT to say," Octavia said, anger boiling inside of her.

"Y-yeah, neither would I," Vinyl stammered.

Beauty Brass looked at Vinyl, curious to her sudden nervousness.

After a minute of silence, Beauty Brass sighed in defeat, "Fine, I was just trying to make conversation,"

Beauty Brass walked away to a rack to look at more cloths. She was thinking of what to do next when she got an idea.

"Hey Vinyl," Beauty Brass whispered, "Are you going to the grand galloping gala?"

Vinyl seemed to look around then back to Beauty, "Why?"

"Because, if you do you should ask Octavi-"

"Beauty! I told you to leave Vinyl alone!" Octavia said annoyed.

Beauty Brass jumped in surprise, not expecting to hear Octavia's voice.

"Sorry!" Beauty Brass said and she ran out of the store.

Vinyl and Octavia stared out of the store watching her run away. Octavia turned back and and went more into the store, Vinyl followed after her.

"Is Beaut alright? She seems to be acting weird," Vinyl asked.

Octavia sighed, how should she answer this?

"She thinks you and I should be a couple," Octavia answered truthfully.

Vinyl froze in place, staring at Octavia with wide eyes.

After a second, Vinyl asked,

"What.... What do you think about that?"

"Come again?" Octavia asked.

Vinyl gulped, "I mean, how does her thinking that make you feel?"

Octavia looked at the ground, thinking.

"Well-"

"Attention consumers, the mall will be closing due to an emergency. Please evacuate the building," The loud speaker said, interrupting Octavia.

"Oh shit, let's get out of here," Vinyl said and the two ponies left the mall.

~•~•~•~•~

Beauty sighed in defeat as she walked away from the mall.

Vinyl and Octavia said goodbye to her and Vinyl choose to walk Octavia home.

"Hey Beauty!" Harpo greeted from the kitchen as Beauty walked into their apartment, "How was the mall?"

"It was okay Harpo," Beauty Brass answered and sat down onto the couch.

Beauty Brass then picked up her phone, going through it.

What am I going to do about those two?

Beauty Brass then went to her texts, where she had attempted to text one of the numbers on Octavia's phone.

The text she wrote said,

'Hello! This is Octavia's friend Beauty Brass. I am trying to get her and Vinyl to become a couple so if you could help me that would be great!'

Beauty sighed as she saw there was still no response.

Beauty turned off her phone, but as soon as she did, she had a new message.

'Hello Beauty, I have heard about you. I would love to help you with Vinyl and Octavia. Celestia knows they need help. Text me if you want to chat.'

A second later she got another text.

'Oh BTW this is Lyra'

Chapter 12

View Online

Vinyl Scratch woke up the same way she did every morning, on her couch.

"CELESTIA NOT AGAIN!" Vinyl yelled annoyed. Vinyl then stretched, feeling a bit of pain in her back.

I hate this couch.

Vinyl got up and went into her kitchen in search of food, after a few minutes she stopped.

Oh yeah I forgot, I don't own food. Guess I'll take a shower.

Vinyl then walked to her bathroom but stopped at the doorway.

No wait, Tavi doesn't go to work anymore.... I guess there really isn't a purpose now.

So instead of showering Vinyl grabbed a brush, she brushed her mane to make it look at the very least presentable, and then went off to work.

~•~•~•~•~

Vinyl was sitting in her office, staring at the clock.

In five, four, three, two... Alright, Bonnie should have restocked the kitchen.

Vinyl got up from her chair and went to the office kitchen. She made herself some Pop Tarts and started walking back to her office.

Work had been uneventful for Vinyl since Octavia had left. Vinyl never really even realized how boring her job was until Octavia came into her life.

Vinyl almost made it to her office to eat her Pop Tarts in peace when all of a sudden she was grabbed and pulled into a dark room.

"WHAT THE FUCK?! WHOEVER THE HELL THIS IS I AM GOING TO BEAT THE CRAP OUTTA YOU!" Vinyl yelled and started bucking her legs in an attempt to fight.

"OW! SHE KICKED ME!" A deep voice with a British accent complained.

"I told you she was a fighter." Another voice said, this voice was high pitched.

"What the buck do you ponies think you’re doing attacking me in my office?!" Vinyl asked in rage.

"We aren't going to attack you! We are here to help you!" The deep voice corrected.

"Oh really?" Vinyl asked, sounding sarcastic. "Sorry, I just assumed you were attacking me when I got PULLED INTO A DARK ROOM!"

"... Wow, you’re kind of rude." The deep voice commented.

"OF COURSE SHE IS! WE’RE BASICALLY KIDNAPPING HER!" The high pitched voice argued.

"But that was rude of her to assume we have bad intentions!" The deep voice argued back.

"Maybe she wouldn't if she HEARD OUR REAL VOICES!"

"Yeah... But I sound sexy in this voice," The deep voice argued back, sounding a little bit whinny.

"....I am going to pretend you didn't say that," The high pitched voice said after a moment of awkward silence.

Vinyl had stopped struggling and opted to just listen to the voices bicker in hopes she would understand what their plan was.

All of a sudden, Vinyl was blinded by a white light. After a few seconds, her vision came back, blinking her eyes to recover from the surprise exposure of the brightness.

What she saw was Lyra and Beauty Brass standing in front of her. They had locked her in the presentation room.

"LYRA?! BEAUT?! WHAT THE BUCK ARE YOU TWO DOING?!" Vinyl yelled.

"Wait, isn't she your boss? Couldn't you get fired for this?" Beauty Brass asked in the deep voice from before.

"Nah, this isn't that weird of a thing that happens here.” Lyra answered in the high pitched voice.

"Can one of you explain to me what the hell you two are doing?!" Vinyl asked, filled with annoyance and anger.

Lyra casted another spell before speaking.

"Well," Lyra explained, now in her normal voice, "Beauty Brass contacted me wanting me to help you get with Octavia. So Beauty Brass has made some changes to our original plan,"

Vinyl rubbed between her eyes in annoyance, "Lyra I told you NOT to tell anypony!"

"I know but she came to ME!" Lyra said.

Vinyl looked at Beauty Brass in confusion, before remembering what Octavia had told her days before.

"Beaut... Why the hell do you even want me and Octavia to be a couple?"

"Because you two are so cute together!" Beauty Brass answered.

Vinyl turned towards Lyra again, this time pointing at Beauty Brass.

"Really? This is the help? She is just a shipper!"

"She has other reasons but is not allowed to say due to promises she has made." Lyra clarified.

"Oh? Like the promise you made to me?" Vinyl asked angrily.

"Listen Vinyl, I know you may be mad but I really want to help! So please let me!" Beauty Brass begged.

Vinyl sighed in defeat, shaking her head as she looked down.

I don’t have much of a choice anymore, do I?

"Fine.” Vinyl mumbled.

Lyra clapped her hooves together, "Perfect! Beauty, set up the slide show!"

Beauty Brass saluted Lyra.

"Right away!"

As Vinyl watched the two go to work on the computer connected to the projector in the presentation room, Vinyl sighed.

I hope Beaut knows how to help me. I am starting to believe Octavia will never like me more then a friend.

~•~•~•~•~

Bon Bon was walking around the office, looking for her boss. For some reason, classical music was being heard throughout the office and no pony could find the source of it.

Vinyl is always in the office, either napping or eating, so she should probably be there.

Bon Bon walked towards Vinyl’s office but stopped when she found some Pop Tarts, one half eaten, on the floor.

"What in Equestria?" Bon Bon mumbled to herself.

As Bon Bon examined the PopTarts, she realized that the classical music was louder here then anywhere else in the office.

Bon Bon looked around and found that the presentation room was right next to her, and that the doors were closed.

Bon Bon leaned her ear against the door and heard ponies talking in there but they were drowned out by the music.

I should probably leave them alone… The last time I went into a room because I was hearing noises was... Not fun...

But, curiosity got the better of Bon Bon and she opened the door a crack to view the inside of the room.

What she found was three ponies sitting on the long table watching a video. Bon Bon recognized two of the ponies as Vinyl and Lyra, but the third pony... She didn’t remember.

Then all of a sudden, memories of the day when Caramel had kissed her came flooding back into her head, causing Bon Bon to shiver in disgust.

She... She was one of the ponies from Octavia's ensemble... What is she doing here?

Bon Bon opened the door a little more, just enough so that she could fit through. Once inside she found that the three ponies were watching... Slow dancing?

"How in Equestria am I supposed to learn this in less than a week?!" Vinyl exclaimed.

"You'll practice! After this video you and Beauty Brass can try this!" Lyra answered.

"Why me?! You said you also knew how to slow dance, Lyra! You should do it, at least Vinyl knows you!" Beauty Brass complained.

"That is true, but you have the same accent as Octavia, so that way it will be more like Vinyl is dancing with Octavia." Lyra said matter of factly.

Vinyl and Beauty both turned to Lyra, both showing no emotion on their faces.

After a second, they both shouted.

"THAT'S A TERRIBLE REASON!"

"Lyra! What in Equestria are you doing?!" Bon Bon exclaimed, finally making her presence known.

The three ponies snapped their heads to Bon Bon.

"Oh! Uh- hey Bonnie! I was uh-" Lyra stammered.

"You're trying to play matchmaker again, aren't you?!" Bon Bon exclaimed.

"Uhhhhhhh..." Lyra said not knowing how to answer.

"Do I need to remind you of the last time you tried that?!" Bon Bon asked.

"Please don't." Vinyl pleaded.

"Get out here, now Lyra." Bon Bon demanded, walking outside of the presentation room.

Lyra quickly followed, leaving Vinyl and Beauty Brass alone.

"Is... Is Lyra going to be okay?" Beauty Brass asked concerned.

"....How often does Octy attempt to kill me?" Vinyl asked.

"A lot?" Beauty Brass answered.

"And how often has she succeeded?" Vinyl continued.

"Um, never?" Beauty Brass answered, confused by the random questions.

"Then yes Lyra will be fine. If I can handle Octy then Lyra can definitely handle Bonnie,"

~•~•~•~•~

"Lyra what are you doing?! How long have you been trying this and why is that mare here?!" Bon Bon asked, already bombarding Lyra with questions.
"Okay listen... Don't tell anypony this but... Vinyl may have the smallest of crushes on Octavia..."

Lyra paused a bit before continuing.

"And by smallest I meant it is the size of Equestria."

Bon Bon stared at Lyra with wide eyes. She opened her mouth then closed it.

Then that means... That Vinyl and Octavia- OH MY CELESTIA!

"I want to speak with that mare." Bon Bon demanded.

"Who? Beauty Brass? Alright I'll go get her," Lyra said turning around to re-enter the presentation room.

Yes! Maybe Bonnie won't kill me!

"AFTER we finish OUR conversation." Bon Bon corrected, and Lyra turned back around to face her.

… So close to freedom.

Lyra sighed, looking down at the floor.

"I have been doing this since Octavia first started working here. Vinyl was instantly attracted to her."

"That would make sense... I did thought how it was weird Vinyl told Octavia she was bisexual when she has only liked one stallion in the past." Bon Bon said.

"Yeah, because Vinyl realized her sexuality the day prior."

"So that means-"

"Octavia made Vinyl realize she was gay." Lyra said, continuing Bon Bon’s sentence.

"Oh….That's... Wow..." Bon Bon said, in shock at this new information.

"Yeah, that's what I thought too."

After a moment of silence, Bon Bon finally said,

"I would like to speak with Beauty Brass, please."

~•~•~•~•~

"Alright, let's watch this video next." Beauty Brass said, clicking a new video on the computer.

After a second, the video came on.

"OH MY CELESTIA, BEAUTY NO! TURN THAT OFF!" Vinyl exclaimed, blushing from embarrassment.

"Why? You may need to learn this stuff for after-"

"I DON'T NEED TO LEARN HOW TO PUT ON HORN CONDOMS BEAUTY!" Vinyl exclaimed, blushing even more.

Beauty Brass then started grinning.

"Oh? Does that mean you already know?"

Vinyl's blush grew even more.

"NO!"

"Well that wouldn't surprise me, Octavia did say she found porn in your office."

"LET'S PLAY A GAME! IT'S CALLED CHANGE THE SUBJECT!" Vinyl said in a panic, her face turning fully red.

"It's true, Beauty. And I believe her porn searching has only increased since Octavia has joined the office." Lyra said entering the office.

"Oh great, Lyra's alive! I was actually hoping Bonnie would finally killed you this time." Vinyl said, sticking her tongue out at Lyra, who returned the gesture.

"Bonnie wants to talk to you, Beauty." Lyra said, sitting down next to Vinyl.

"Oh, alright." Beauty Brass said and walked out of the presentation room.

After a moment of silence, Lyra said with a grin,

"That horn condom video totally made you fantasize, didn't it?"

Vinyl grinned back.

"You know it."

~•~•~•~•~

"Hello, Beauty Brass." Bon Bon greeted as Beauty walked out of the room.

"Hello Bon Bon, what did you want to speak about?" Beauty Brass asked.

"Did Octavia tell you she likes Vinyl?" Bon Bon asked.

Beauty Brass was taken aback by her being so forward, but after a second Beauty nodded.

"So, I'm not the only pony she told."

Bon Bon nodded.

"Did you tell Lyra or Vinyl?"

"No, I thought that Vinyl should find out on her own... And also it doesn't seem that Lyra is very good at keeping secrets..."

Bon Bon chuckled.

"No, she is really bad."

After some silence, Beauty Brass spoke.

"What now?"

Bon Bon sighed.

"Well, although I believe matchmaking is not the smartest thing, I think that these two ponies need each other. So now, I am going to help you guys."

Beauty Brass smiled and Bon Bon returned the smile.

And with that, the two ponies walked back into the presentation room.

~•~•~•~•~

As all the ponies went back home from their jobs, Beauty Brass followed Bon Bon to finish some stuff in the kitchen.

"I feel like we are forgetting something..." Bon Bon said.

"Like there is one giant obstacle in our plan that we are forgetting..."

Beauty Brass scratched her chin in thought, then after a second her eyes went wide.

"Caramel."

Bon Bon's head snapped towards Beauty's and the two looked at each other with wide eyes.

"We need to keep him away from them!" Beauty Brass exclaimed.

"We'll make a plan!" Bon Bon said in an attempt to find a solution for the problem.

"But Caramel will cancel everything to be there!" Beauty Brass said in a panic.

"Then... Then me and Lyra will have to keep an eye on him!" Bon Bon said.

"Great!" Beauty Brass said, quickly hugging Bon Bon.

"Now that problem is out of the way! Well, I need to get home, talk to you later!"

Bon Bon waved at Beauty until she was out of sight. Once she was, Bon Bon sat on the floor.

"This is not going to end well..." Bon Bon said to herself as she pulled out her phone.

'Lyra, we have a problem!' Bon Bon texted.

'What?!'

'Caramel.'

'... Oh shit.'

~•~•~•~•~

“So, you know Vinyl?” A voice said from the other end of a phone.

“Yes sir, and I am afraid my wife may be attracted to her.” Caramel said into his phone.

“Heh, that wouldn't surprise me… So, what do you want me to do?” The voice asked.

“I would like you to fly here and have a chat with Vinyl at her office.” Caramel said, a smile growing on his face.

“Alright, I have been wanting to see her. I’ll be there soon, Caramel. And don’t worry, your wife will no longer be after Vinyl once I’ve been done with her.” The voice reassured.

“That’s what I like to hear.” Caramel said and then hung up the phone.

“Caramel, who were you speaking to?” Octavia asked as she entered their apartment.

“No pony!” Caramel answered nervously.

Octavia shrugged and walked to her bedroom.

Once Octavia was gone, Caramel chuckled, “No pony at all…”

Chapter 13

View Online

Tonight was the night.

The night Octavia and her ensemble have been waiting for.

The ensemble walked into Canterlot castle, most of them carrying their instruments with them.

"I still can't believe that Celestia choose us to perform." Octavia said, sounding calm with excitement.

"This will be our biggest performance yet!" Fredric commented, sounding elated.

As the ponies walked to the stage to set up, Beauty Brass stopped Octavia.

"Hey Octavia, is Caramel going to be here?" Beauty Brass asked.

"No actually, Caramel’s in Ponyville visiting his friend, Lucky Streak." Octavia answered with a smile.

"Oh great!" Beauty Brass exclaimed.

Octavia nodded and continued walking to the stage. Meanwhile, Beauty Brass was still standing there, but once Octavia was out of sight, she took out her phone.

'Caramel is not coming, he is in Ponyville!' Beauty Brass texted.

"What are you doing?" Said a voice behind Beauty.

Beauty Brass jumped and snapped her head around to find Fredric standing there.

"NOTHING. I AM DOING NOTHING. NOTHING IS WHAT I AM DOING." Beauty Brass said, rather loudly, and then galloped onto the stage.

Fredric, confused, curious, and suspicious, followed after Beauty Brass.

What is she planning?

~•~•~•~•~

"What are we going to do about Caramel?" Lyra asked, sounding a bit worried, pacing back and forth.

She and Bon Bon were outside the castle, the party had just started and the two of them were trying to think of a plan to prevent Caramel from getting near Octavia.

Bon Bon took out her phone and smiled. She stopped the pacing Lyra, showing her the recent text.

"Beauty Brass just said that Caramel is in Ponyville so I think we’ll be okay." Bon Bon explained, smiling a bit and sounding somewhat relieved.

Right as Bon Bon finished explaining, a giant Apple carriage showed up being pulled by a grey stallion and... Caramel?!

"OH YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!" Lyra shouted, stomping her hooves.

Lyra then turned to Bon Bon, and asked, "What do we do now?"

Before Bon Bon could answer, she was interrupted.

"At the Gala!" Several ponies sung, literally out of nowhere.

Lyra turned back to find the Elements of Harmony and random other ponies... Singing?

"Perfect! They are having one of their musical numbers! That gives us time to plan!" Bon Bon said.

Before Lyra could even respond, she was pulled into the musical number.

Bon Bon slapped a hoof on her forehead, shaking her head as her eyes wandered, looking for Lyra.

"… This may be harder than I thought..." Bon Bon said to herself, finding Lyra, seeing her stuck singing with the other ponies.

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia played her cello, looking calm and bored. But internally, she was freaking out.

Even though she and the rest of the ensemble had already spent some energy on their excitement, no amount of happiness or other feelings could’ve been expressed in any way.

This was it, the show to finally be able to get away from Caramel.

If this goes well, then I can finally afford to get the divorce.

I can finally be happy, not constantly get barraged by Caramel’s crying, his begging, his abuse.

Maybe, me and Vinyl could-

Then, all of a sudden, she heard a voice start singing.

"I'm at the Grand Galloping Gala!" The voice sung.

What in Equestria?

Octavia glanced over to the party to find Pinkie Pie, the Element of Laughter, singing and dancing all over the castle.

All of sudden, she showed up next to Beauty Brass and Harpo, startling both of them.

She then showed up next to her and Fredric.

Fredric gave Pinkie a stern glare while Octavia just gave Pinkie a confused look.

That pony has energy that can rival that of Vinyl's.

The pink pony then all of sudden popped out of Fredric's piano, startling Fredric.

"I'm at the Grand Galloping Galaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!" Pinkie Pie sung in a high voice.

Pinkie paused and all the ponies glared at her, including the ensemble.

"It's all I've ever dreamed?" Pinkie Pie finished in a soft voice.

Well... That was... Unexpected…

I just hope that was all the craziness that will go on tonight....

And with that, everypony went back to the party, including the ensemble who continued playing.

~•~•~•~•~

"Where in Equestria is Bonnie?" Lyra asked to herself.

After the musical, Lyra was pushed into a crowd of ponies near the wonderbolts. She was currently stuck in the crowd looking for her Marefriend.

Behind Lyra, outside the window. A pony wearing sunglasses moved slowly down on a grappling hook. Once the pony realized she could be seen, she quickly zipped back up.

"I knew I should have brought my camo paint." Bon Bon said to herself as she grappling hooked up to the top of the castle.

"Lyra?" A pony asked.

Lyra turned to find her old friend.

"Minuette!" Lyra greeted.

The two ponies hugged and started chatting.

Meanwhile, Bon Bon had gone back down and saw Lyra talking to a blue unicorn.

"What in Equestria is Lyra doing?!" Bon Bon said to herself, sounding confused.

Bon Bon went close to the window and over heard Lyra say the name 'Minuette'.

Bon Bon then got out a notebook and wrote down the name Minuette.

"I swear, if that pony tries anything… She will not be remembered..." Bon Bon said to herself.

~•~•~•~•~

After the incident with the pink pony, the night had continued on as planned.

Octavia was enjoying the night, although it was not very exciting, at least she was being appreciated for her musical talents.

Then all of a sudden, she heard a pony whisper into her ear,

"Play the pony pokey,"

An agreement Octavia and her ensemble made was to play any suggested songs but that song was.... Childish.

We are not doing this...

We play classical and beautiful music.

This is not a foal’s 5th birthday party, this is a royal ball, full of high class ponies, and no matter how boring it is, it’s the most honoring thing to be able to even be here.

And we’re asked to play the pony pokey in such a place?

How are we going to be respected if we’re playing a stupid kid’s song?

Octavia looked over at Fredric, who simply shrugged, and moved back to face his piano.

Octavia looked over at Beauty Brass and Harpo, both of them looked ready to play.
Harpo look like he was about to start laughing.

Octavia sighed, shaking her head as she began to ready herself.

We’re doing this...

Once Harpo regained his composure, the ensemble all turned towards Pinkie Pie.

Pinkie Pie gained the audience's attention and the ensemble started playing.

"You reach your right hoof in, you reach your right hoof out," The pony sang.

Can this night be any worse? Octavia thought to herself as her ensemble played.

"Are they playing the pony polka?" Bon Bon asked herself as she watched the party from outside the castle.

"This night is... Interesting. I just hope that everything goes according to plan." Bon Bon said as she continued searching the castle.

As the song finally came to an end, Octavia heard Fredric start playing his piano oddly.

Before Octavia could see why, Octavia felt her hoof get grabbed and then be forced to play the cello extremely aggressively. Once that was finished, she was pushed to the floor.

Beauty Brass and Harpo had stopped playing to watch the crazed pony continue her song. Somehow, Fredric was still playing.

Once the song finished, Beauty Brass helped Octavia back onto her hooves.

"This night is becoming out of control..." Beauty Brass whispered.

"You're telling me..." Octavia growled.

"That pink pony is ruining everything..." Fredric whispered venomously, giving the pink pony a glare.

The ensemble then realized that said pink pony was getting out what looked what looked like a table with discs on them, with speakers next to the table

"That's the thing Vinyl plays." Octavia commented.

"Their called turntables." Harpo corrected.

As Pinkie Pie moved the turntables onto the stage, the ensemble decided that they have had enough and left the stage.

"This night has been... ATROCIOUS!" Fredric exclaimed.

"Well, at least you weren't knocked to the floor!" Octavia argued with a glare.

"Guys, I know we're upset but let's not take it out on one another," Harpo said, trying to calm the ponies down.

"You deserved it! That 'marefriend' of yours probably gave that pink monster those turntables! This night was suppose to be our night, Octavia! We spent weeks practicing for this, and it was all for nothing! Maybe your Vinyl set this up to entertain herself! Right now the Grand Galloping Gala is ruined and we are going to be blamed for it! It always has to be about you! What about us?! You’re problems with Caramel, your job, your stupid conflicting feelings! WHAT ABOUT US?!" Fredric argued back with his own glare.

The three other ensemble members all stared at the pianist with wide eyes and opened mouths.

Octavia's eyes started watering, holding the tears in as she ran off, leaving the three ensemble members alone.

"Dude... Uncalled for…" Harpo said, obviously sounding disappointed with Fredric and his words against Octavia.

After realizing what he had said, Fredric's face of rage became one of realization and regret.

"We… I need to find her..." Fredric said in a regretful tone.

He didn’t mean to hurt her, he was just really mad. He felt somewhat humiliated during that last scene that happened with everypony.

We spent hard work, time, and we were so happy…

It was just taken away, because of some stupid Element pony who ruined everything.

Did the Elements of Harmony ever take into consideration the ponies who were affected in this damn catastrophe?

Our night is ruined.

Our one chance at this, becoming more famous, doing what we love, was ruined.

Fredric and Harpo quickly started walking towards the direction Octavia had stormed off to, but was stopped by Beauty Brass.

"STOP! I KNOW HOW TO FIX THIS!" Beauty Brass yelled, taking out her phone.

"BON BON, START THE PLAN!" Beauty Brass yelled into the phone.

"Alright!" Bon Bon responded.

Once Beauty Brass hung up the phone, the two other ensemble members just stared at her.

"I knew you were planning something!" Fredric said with a glare.

Beauty Brass smiled.

"Of course I was,"

~•~•~•~•~

"This night was nothing like we hoped..." Octavia cried to herself.

"I was hoping we would make enough money to... Be stronger, strong enough to leave..."

Octavia was at one of the highest points in the canterlot castle. Although she should be upset with Fredric, she understood where his rage came from.

Maybe I should’ve never even told anypony about my marriage issues… I’ll never escape… Why should I get the ones I loved dragged into this? Maybe I am just-

"You okay?" A familiar voice asked.

Octavia turned her head to find Vinyl standing there, wearing the same dress that she wore weeks before.

"V-Vinyl?!" Octavia stammered.

Vinyl chuckled, "Yep."

"W-what are you doing here?" Octavia asked, sounding surprised.

"I came here to see you and your ensemble perform, of course." Vinyl answered as she sat down next to Octavia.

"Oh... I am guessing you saw everything..." Octavia said before she resumed to the tears again.

"Yeah, but you guys did great anyway!" Vinyl said in an attempt to cheer her friend up.

Octavia smiled. "You're just saying that because you're my friend.”

Vinyl cringed a bit. "Well... I guess but... I am also saying that as your boss and as a DJ,"

Vinyl then forced Octavia to look at her.

"Although I may be a little biased, I do also know good music when I hear it. Although the music was not my taste, I could tell you and your ensemble spent time practicing and perfecting your music,"

Octavia blushed and looked away. Vinyl smiled and looked out towards the groups of ponies flooding out of the castle.

"Hey... I know what will make you feel better." Vinyl said, turning back to Octavia.

"What?" Octavia asked turning towards Vinyl.

The two ponies looked at each other in silence for a few minutes, before Vinyl sighed and lifted her hooves up. Vinyl then took off her glasses and slowly opened her eyes.

Octavia gasped.

Red.

Her eyes were as red as rubies.

"Their-"

"Red, yeah I know. It is really freaky so that's why I hide them. But I feel like I can trust you enough to show you." Vinyl finished. Vinyl then started putting her glasses back on but stopped when she felt Octavia touch her cheek.

"I... I was going to say they were stunning," Octavia said with a blush.

Vinyl blushed at the comment, but did not look away from Octavia.

The two ponies sat there looking at each other for a long time. Just admiring each other.

The two ponies started moving in slowly, nether realizing that the other pony was moving as well.

"Octavia." Vinyl said pausing her movement.

"Yeah?" Octavia asked, pausing her movement as well.

"I..." Vinyl said, trying to prepare herself to say the words she wanted to say, before finally giving up.

No more waiting.

Vinyl pushed forward and the two pony's lips touched.

And there they sat, at the top of Canterlot castle, kissing.

Their minds in bliss.

They were thinking the same things, how they were so unbelievably happy, savoring the moment, thinking about everything they did together, even if it was only a few weeks.

However, Octavia had that little thought in the back of her head, and it was becoming very apparent every second she kissed Vinyl.

Caramel.

They continued for a few minutes, before Octavia pulled away.

"Wait... Vinyl."

"Yeah?"

"I'm.... I'm..." Octavia gulped, "I'm married."

"Wh-what?" Vinyl stammered, not believing what she was hearing.

"I’m married." Octavia repeated.

Vinyl just stared at Octavia, her mouth agape and her eyes wide. After a few minutes of this, Vinyl got up and started walking away.

"Wait Vinyl!" Octavia called, chasing after Vinyl.

Vinyl turned back towards Octavia, with tears in her eyes and with a face of rage. Octavia flinched at the sight.

"Are you kidding me?" Vinyl started, her voice filled with anger.

"You fucking kiss me and then tell me you are married? Are you fucking crazy? What the fuck is wrong with you? I like you, a lot! I did so many things to try and get you to like me, and when you finally kiss me, you fucking tell me that you are married? After I showed you my eyes?! I am fucking done with you."

"I like you too Vinyl!" Octavia said, tears forming in her eyes.

"Are you sure? Or do you just want some fuck buddy to bring excitement into your boring marriage?" Vinyl asked, she turned again and started walking away.

"He is terrible Vinyl!"

Vinyl stopped, but didn't turn towards Octavia.

"He-he’s horrible! I used to love him, but then he left me for years, he left me alone. I wanted to move on! I told him that! But he begged me to give him another chance! I did but... Now he never leaves me alone! He sobs all the time, he’s always doing things for me. And if I tell him I just don't want to be married to him anymore, he acts like I am evil! I just want to be happy, but he never lets me. He made me the source of his joy but... I can't be that!" Octavia explained, tears streaming down her face all the while.

Vinyl finally turned towards Octavia, her face still showing her rage.

"Why should I believe you?"

Octavia then grabbed her phone, shaking all the while, making it hard to control.

Vinyl grabbed the phone in her magic, going straight to her contact list.

"His name is Caramel," Octavia explained, "Go to his texts and you will see."

Vinyl looked up at Octavia to glare at her before going through the texts.

As Vinyl went through them, her facial expression softened more and more. Once she had seen enough, she handed the phone back to Octavia.

"If you need more proof, you can ask my ensemble, or even Lyra and Bon Bon,"

Vinyl sighed, "Okay, you have proven Caramel is treating you badly, but so far all I think is that you just want to use me as a way of revenge,"

"No!" Octavia yelled in a sad tone.

"I like you Vinyl," Octavia said, touching Vinyl's hoof, "And I want to be with you, I want to try a relationship with you. I am trying to get a divorce with Caramel, it is just taking awhile because he is making things difficult. But I want to move on. And I want to try being with you,"

Vinyl and Octavia looked into each other's eyes for the second time that day, both had faces of sadness.

Although Vinyl was skeptical, she could see the pain and pleading in Octavia's eyes.

They do say eyes are the window to the soul.

"... Okay." Vinyl said with a smile.

Octavia returned the smile and hugged Vinyl.

The two stayed like that, for quite awhile, before Vinyl pushed Octavia off her and kissed her again.

Octavia smiled into the kiss.

She may finally be happy again after all these years.

Chapter 14

View Online

"So... Are we dating now?"

Octavia looked over at the pony who had just spoke. Said pony was blushing slightly and trying not to make eye contact with Octavia. The two of them were currently in the elevator going up to their office.

Octavia smiled before moving over and pecking Vinyl on the cheek.

"I would hope so. But it means that you will have to be okay with me also being married," Octavia answered.

Vinyl looked over at Octavia, "Well, what you said about the divorce was true so I don't see a reason why it would bother me,"

Octavia smiled and nuzzled Vinyl, "Good,"

Vinyl then started grinning, "But will you be able to handle my awesomeness?"

Octavia stopped nuzzling Vinyl and looked at her with a raised eyebrow, "If by your awesomeness you mean the fact you act like an annoying foal then yes I can,"

Vinyl smiled and the two continued the elevator ride in silence.

"We will probably have to keep this relationship a secret from our co-workers," Octavia said, breaking the silence.

"Aw c'mon. I was looking forward to telling everypony I got myself a hot Marefriend,"

Octavia lightly whacked Vinyl on the head. In response, the unicorn just grinned and rubbed the spot where she was hit.

After a few more moment a silence, Vinyl asked,

"Well, if we can't be in a relationship during work, then can I get one more kiss before we go our separate ways?"

Octavia rolled her eyes with a smile before leaning in and kissing Vinyl.

The two only kissed for a few minutes before breaking. But once they broke the kiss, they realized that the elevator door had opened and two of their closest friends were standing there.

Vinyl and Octavia both jumped off each other. They both shared a blush on their face, but Octavia's was larger.

Bon Bon and Lyra both had wide eyes. Bon Bon's mouth was also agape.

"I need coffee. Bonnie get me my coffee," Lyra commanded, not taking her eyes off the couple in the elevator.

"Wh-what?" Bon Bon stammered.

"Coffee, please,"

"But Lyra-"

"Coffee!"

Bon Bon let out a yelp as Lyra pushed Bon Bon into the kitchen with her magic. Once Bon Bon was gone, Lyra turned to the couple with a smug grin.

"It's about damn time,"

At those words left Lyra’s mouth, Vinyl smiled a sheepish smile, and Octavia just stared at Lyra in both embarrassment and confusion.

"Well the two of you have a lot of explaining to do, and I guess me and Bonnie do too," Lyra said before she started walking to the kitchen.

"C'mon, let's all have some coffee and talk," Lyra invited.

Vinyl followed after Lyra. Octavia followed as well but with a lot of hesitation.

~•~•~•~•~

Oh my Celestia, everything went as planned! Oh my gosh, this is amazing!

Bon Bon was making Lyra her coffee, freaking out all the while about the new discovery she had just learned.

"Bonnie," Lyra called trying to get the mare's attention. It failed as the pony was too deep in thought.

Lyra then poked Bon Bon on the side, causing her to jump. When she jumped, she almost dropped the coffee but Lyra grabbed it in her magic just in time.

"Oh! Lyra!" Bon Bon exclaimed.

"Yeah, hi. You ready to talk to the newlywed?" Lyra asked.

"WE'RE NOT MARRIED!" Octavia exclaimed with a blush.

"Oh yeah sorry. The soon to be wed," Lyra corrected.

Octavia let out an annoyed sigh while Vinyl just snickered.

"Wait! Before we do this I need to make a phone call!" Bon Bon said before grabbing her phone and leaving the room.

A few minutes later Bon Bon came back into the kitchen.

"Okay, we will be able to start in a minute!"

Vinyl's eyes all of a sudden went wide before she said, "Why do I have a sudden sense of doom?"

Her question was answered by what sounded like hooves galloping towards the kitchen. The pony then stopped right in front of the kitchen, almost sliding away when she did. The pony then burst into the room.

"BEAUTY?!" Octavia yelled.

"IT HAPPENED! OUR PLAN WORKED! WHOO HOO!" Beauty Brass exclaimed before sitting down at the table next to the group of ponies.

"VINYL! DID YOU DO THE STUFF IN THE VIDEO?!" Beauty Brass asked.

"No, we didn't really get the chance to dance," Vinyl answered.

Beauty Brass shook her head, "NO! I MEAN THE OTHER VIDEO!"

"The other-" Vinyl said to herself before blushing, "NO!"

"WHAT IN EQUESTRIA ARE YOU TWO TALKING ABOUT?!" Octavia yelled, finally tired of hearing all of this.

"Okay, let's start from the beginning," Lyra suggested, "It all started on Octavia's first day,"

~~~FLASHBACK~~~

"Are you alright Miss Scratch?"

"Yeah I'm fine. Just don't do any of that 'Miss' bullshit," Vinyl said getting up from behind her desk after being knocked down by Lyra hitting her with a magazine.

"Oh alright then Vinyl,"

When Vinyl got up she saw the new cellist, and her mind broke.

Holy shit she is hot as fuck.

"So, you're the new cellist? Hm, a lot hotter than I thought you would be,"

"EXCUSE ME?!"

Wow, this mare gets mad pretty quick. Heh, I gotta admit it, though, she is pretty cute when mad.

"Yep, ya got a nice flank too. So your first job is ready, just follow me to the recording room,"

"Alright then, lead the way Vinyl,"

As Octavia moved out of the way, Vinyl noticed her flank.

Wow, it is actually a pretty nice flank... I was kidding before but now... Damn.

"MISS SCRATCH!"

Shit.

"Oh- wha? Sorry, I was thinking. And I told you to stop with that 'Miss' bull,"

Vinyl then walked out of the room, Octavia following close behind.

This new mare is cute... She also has a pretty hot accent. But, this isn't a real crush, right?

The two of them then went into the recording room.

"Alright, so just set up your cello over there, Lyra will be here shortly to explain the rest," Vinyl explained. Octavia nodded in response.

I never got her name...

"Hey, I just realized I never got your name,"

"My name is Octavia Melody,"

That... That is actually a pretty hot name... Holy shit why is everything about this mare either cute or hot?!

"Alright. We'll see you around, Octy!"

Octy... Maybe I could call her Tavi too.

As Vinyl walked back to her office, she stopped.

I haven't been attracted to a pony like this since... Him. Does this mean what I think it does?

Vinyl shook her head.

Maybe I should go talk about this with Lyra.

With that thought in mind, Vinyl turned back around and went towards the viewing area.

When she got there, she found Lyra concentrating on recording Octavia's music. Vinyl looked out of the window and saw Octavia playing.

She... She looks really pretty like that...

"Vinyl? What are you doing here?" Lyra asked.

"Lyra... I need to talk to you about something," Vinyl answered.

"Alright, what is it?"

Vinyl sighed, "I think I may be attracted to Octavia,"

"Really?" Lyra asked in shock.

"Yeah... She is just... So damn hot and cute and pretty and- UGGGG!" Vinyl exclaimed in frustration.

"Huh, you sound like me in high school," Lyra commented with a grin.

"Yeah, what do I do?" Vinyl asked.

"Well... I can help you,"

~•~•~•~•~

"Wait, Vinyl liked me for that long?" Octavia asked, a little surprised by this new information.

Lyra nodded with a grin, "Yep,"

Vinyl was just sitting there blushing, completely embarrassed at how her friend was telling her new marefriend about how much she actually cared for her.

"Wow! Love at first sight! That means your relationship was destiny!" Beauty Brass said, her voice full of joy.

"Why did you invite her?" Vinyl asked, looking over at Bon Bon and pointing a hoof at Beauty.

"Hey! I helped you!" Beauty Brass argued.

"Don't remind me," Vinyl mumbled.

"Well, I find it quite cute how much Vinyl cares about you, Octavia," Bon Bon said, earning a glare from Vinyl.

Octavia blushed slightly and moved her hoof from under the table to hold Vinyl's.

"Now, although it is fun to see Vinyl so flushed," Beauty Brass started, Octavia, Bon Bon, and Lyra nodding in agreement, "It wouldn't be fair if we didn't give Octavia the same treatment,"

Octavia's eyes went wide and a blush started forming on her face, "W-what?"

"Aw yeah!" Lyra yelled.

"I'll get the popcorn!" Vinyl yelled, getting up from her seat.

Beauty Brass and Bon Bon both smiled, sharing a gleam of mischief in their eyes.

~•~•~•~•~

As the day came to an end, everypony started getting ready to leave.

Beauty Brass had left after her and Bon Bon told the story of how Octavia found out about her feelings for Vinyl. This caused Octavia to attempt to cover her face the whole time and for Lyra and Vinyl to get a ton of enjoyment out of Octavia's misery.

"Well, I think today was a pretty good day," Vinyl said as her and Octavia started walking out of their office.

"Of course, you would say that, we didn't do any actual work today," Octavia commented.

"Well yeah, but also I got to learn embarrassing things about you," Vinyl argued with a grin.

Octavia glared at Vinyl before she started grinning as well, "And so did I. I wonder how much you learned from those videos,"

"Well... I learned how to put on horn condoms,"

Octavia's eyes went wide and her mouth fell open. A blush also formed on her face. Vinyl laughed at the reaction.

"I'M KIDDING!"

Octavia closed her mouth and glared at Vinyl.

"I already knew before then,"

"VINYL!" Octavia yelled angrily, and Vinyl started laughing again.

The two would have continued their banter if they didn't hear a car honk.

The two ponies look in the direction of where the sound came from. What they found made Octavia's blood turn cold.

There in the car was Caramel.

"Hello, honey!" Caramel called from the car.

"Oh no," Octavia whispered under her breath.

Octavia then felt somepony put their arm around her. She looked up to find Vinyl looking at her with a reassuring smile.

Octavia smiled back and the two of them walked towards the car.

"Who's this?" Caramel asked in an almost venomous tone.

"This is my friend who I am not in a relationship with so there is no need to kiss her like you did with Bon Bon," Octavia answered back in almost the same tone.

Vinyl turned to look at her with wide eyes.

He did what with Bon Bon?!

"Are you still on about that? It was so long ago,"

"I would if you didn't give Lyra a black eye only a few days later,"

"You said you would forgive me if I didn't speak to them again without you around,"

"I did, but that doesn't mean I completely forgot about it,"

"Okay, I get it!" Caramel said in defeat, "I just wanted to pick you up like a good husband and I wanted to speak with your boss,"

"My boss?" Octavia asked, confused at such a request.

"Yeah, do you know where she is?"

"She's right here," Vinyl said, finally speaking up.

Caramel turned towards the unicorn, "Oh! Hello, my name is Caramel. I am Octavia's HUSBAND and I wanted to invite you to dinner,"

Octavia's eyes went wide, but before she could say anything, she heard Vinyl reply,

"Alright,"

"Great! Now hop in,"

"Wha- what?!" Octavia exclaimed.

Vinyl then shoved Octavia into the car and followed after her.

The car took off, with Octavia still being stunned at the events that had just happened.

Octavia then finally shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts.

She knew that if she tried to talk to Vinyl in front of Caramel, he would overhear. So she got an idea. Octavia took out her phone and went to Vinyl's contact.

'What in Equestria are you doing?!' Octavia texted.

After a few seconds, Vinyl heard her phone go off. She looked at her phone then looked over at Octavia with a confused look before texting her back.

'Going to dinner at your house'

'I know but why did you have to agree?!'

'Well, 1. I would like to know more about Caramel and 2. If this guy kissed Bonnie and punched Lyra then I REALLY want to know more about him'

'Vinyl that is the same reason'

Vinyl then looked over at Octavia with glare and Octavia just looked over at her with a grin.

"What are you two doing on your phones?" Caramel asked.

Vinyl and Octavia both looked over at Caramel. Vinyl then quickly went back to her phone while Octavia answered.

"Oh! We are just talking to each other in a work chat,"

"Oh really? Well you two seem to be having a lot of fun for it to be a work chat,"

"Well, we do have a little bit of banter here and there but it is mostly serious," Octavia explained.

Octavia then felt her phone get a text, she looked down to find that Vinyl had texted her again.

'Is he like, watching us?'

'Yes, that's why I am texting you instead of actually speaking'

"Yo Caramel, what's this about you kissing Bonnie and punching Lyra?" Vinyl asked, clearing the silence.

Octavia looked over at Vinyl with wide eyes and hissed,

"Vinyl!"

"Who's Bonnie?" Caramel asked.

"Oh! That's just what I call Bon Bon. Sorry I am just so used to calling her that,"

"Oh! So you give ponies nicknames?"

Vinyl smiled, completely oblivious to how Caramel had changed the subject, "Yeah! But their names gotta be long enough,"

"What do you call Octavia?"

"Vinyl! Don't!" Octavia hissed but once again Vinyl ignored her.

"I sometimes call her Tavi and sometimes call her Octy,"

"Tavi? Octy? Those are adorable!" Caramel exclaimed, "I should start calling Octavia that,"

"I really don't think that is necessary," Octavia commented but was still completely ignored.

"Nah, sorry Caramel but I'm the only one who can call her Tavi and Octy," Vinyl said, ruffling Octavia's mane.

Well, this is it, Octavia thought to herself, I am going to witness Vinyl's murder.

Then, a phone ring tone went off. Vinyl took out her phone and answered it.

"Yo! Bonnie! What's up?" Vinyl said into the phone.

"Oh, Bon Bon is on the phone? Hello, Bon Bon!" Caramel yelled.

"Is that Caramel?" Bon Bon asked in an almost fearful tone from the other end of the phone.

"Yep," Octavia said in an annoyed tone.

"Oh... Uh, I gotta call you back Vin-"

"CARAMEL IS THERE?!" A voice yelled from the other end of the phone.

"Lyra, no. Lyra. Lyra, LYRA!" Bon Bon yelled before the phone hung up.

"Well, they seem to remember you fondly, Caramel," Octavia commented.

Caramel growled, "Whatever. We're here by the way,"

And with that, the ponies went up to Octavia's apartment.

~•~•~•~•~

"Alright well, Octavia will start dinner. In the meantime I can get to know you better PON3," Caramel said as the three of them entered the apartment.

Before Octavia could protest, Vinyl had already agreed.

"Awesome! Tavi's great at cooking!"

At hearing these words, Octavia started celebrating inside her head.

She likes my cooking!

Well, she doesn't own any food so that's not saying much.

But who cares! She enjoys my cooking!

You sound like a little school filly.

But Octavia's celebration was cut short as she heard Caramel respond to what Vinyl had said.

"She's cooked for you before?" Caramel asked.

Oh no...

"Well yeah, when I was sick," Vinyl answered.

Wait what? I never did that... What is Vinyl doing?

"Oh! Well, that's nice of her," Caramel commented, sounding somewhat surprised and a little defeated.

He was planning on her saying something else...

"Hey! I have an idea! Let's play truth or dare!" Vinyl suggested.

WHAT?!

"What?!" Octavia said in an outburst.

"Great idea! I'll get that setup!" Caramel said, getting up from his seat.

Once Caramel had left the room, Octavia whispered to Vinyl,

"What are you doing? And I never cooked for you when you were sick,"

"Something tells me that Caramel does not want to hear that you were ever at my house," Vinyl explained, "And also, I want to know more about Caramel so what's the harm in playing truth or dare?"

"A LOT OF HARM," Octavia hissed.

"I'm back!" Caramel called, walking into the room holding a bottle.

When Octavia noticed the bottle, a blush grew on her face and she walked into the kitchen to start dinner. However, when Vinyl saw it, she just gave Caramel a confused look.

"What's with the bottle?"

"I thought we should spin it to see who has to say truth or dare. Kinda of like spin the bottle," Caramel explained, "This bottle is the same bottle that caused me to kiss Octavia for the first time years ago when playing spin the bottle,"

Caramel and Vinyl then took a glance over at Octavia. She was completely ignoring them and cooking.

"Uh... Alright! Let's play!" Vinyl announced and the two ponies seated themselves at the table.

"Okay, so if the top of the bottle ends on somepony, then that pony is the one who is asked truth or dare," Caramel explained. And with that, they spun the bottle.

"Alright Miss Scratch, truth or dare," Caramel asked in an almost evil tone.

"Truth!" Vinyl answered, "And don't call me miss,"

"Ask her why she hates being called miss," Octavia called from the kitchen.

"Nah I got a better idea. Vinyl, do you like mares or stallions?" Caramel asked.

Octavia stiffened at this question, but Vinyl responded to it very nonchalantly.

"Both,"

Caramel's brows furrowed. He took a quick glance over to Octavia, just fast enough to see Octavia's eyes snap back to her cooking as if she was looking at him.

"Truth or dare Caramel," Vinyl said, in the same nonchalant tone.

"Truth,"

"Did you kiss Bon Bon and punch Lyra," Vinyl asked in the same tone Caramel used only a few minutes prior.

Caramel opened his mouth but Vinyl cut him off.

"And don't try lying. I know Octy knows the answer,"

Caramel glared at Vinyl, "Yes. To both,"

"Why?" Vinyl asked as quick as he answered.

"No no, you already asked a question," Caramel said, regaining his evil tone.

Vinyl and Caramel glared at each other.

This is going to be a nightmare.... Octavia thought to herself.

~•~•~•~•~

"Dinner's ready!" Octavia announced as she placed the food onto the table.

Vinyl and Caramel's truth or dare game ended as quickly as it started. Octavia demanded the two stopped asking such personal questions so it ended in one giant dare game.

The two kept trying to embarrass each other, causing Octavia to have to stop every few minutes to stop them.

It then changed to Octavia having the two of them watch a movie. And thankfully it didn't end as badly as the truth or dare game.

"I can't believe you!" Caramel yelled.

As badly.

"Star Trek is way better than Star Wars!"

"No way! Star Wars is awesome!" Vinyl argued.

"Will you two stop. You two fought so long about what movie to watch that you didn't even watch anything!" Octavia yelled.

At this, the two of them snapped their muzzles shut but they continued to glare at one another.

Octavia sighed in annoyance before sitting down and starting to eat her dinner.

Caramel and Vinyl started as well, but Vinyl ended quicker than the rest of them. The moment she had tasted the food, it had been devoured in minutes.

"Is there any more?" Vinyl asked with the excitement of a foal.

Octavia sighed, "Honestly Vinyl, at this rate you are going to weigh a ton,"

"Nah, my trainer wouldn't let that happen," Vinyl said as she started eating her seconds.

"You have a trainer?" Caramel asked.

"Yeah," Vinyl said with a mouth full of food.

"Vinyl, don't eat with your mouth full," Octavia scolded.

Vinyl swallowed her food before speaking.

"Sorry," She said with a sheepish smile.

Octavia rolled her eyes with a small smile before continuing to eat.

Caramel noticed this and glared at Octavia and Vinyl. Neither one noticed as they were too busy eating.

Caramel's glare quickly vanished, however, and it was changed to a smirk.

"Octavia you would be a great mom,"

Octavia almost choked on her food but spit it out. Vinyl just stared at Caramel with wide eyes.

"Caramel," Octavia said in a venomous tone, looking down at her food, "We already talked about this. If we are going to speak about this again then I do not want to in front of Vinyl,"

"Alright sheesh! Just saying," Caramel apologized, wearing a grin all the while.

Caramel detected his grin towards Vinyl, who scowled at him in return.

Vinyl then looked over at Octavia who seem to be in not a very good mood after what Caramel had just said. So Vinyl moved one of her hooves and held Octavia's hoof.

Octavia's eyes flashed up at Vinyl after feeling this but was only met with Vinyl eating her food. Octavia smiled to herself and continued eating.

Caramel noticed this as well and realized something was going on. He looked under the table and was shocked at what he found.

"YOU TWO ARE HOLDING HOOVES!" Caramel yelled his voice full of rage. He got up from the table, trembling in rage.

"Caramel!" Octavia yelled, getting up from her seat as well, "Vinyl was just trying to comfort me!"

Caramel opened his mouth to yell but was stopped by Vinyl.

"We're just friends ya dingus,"

Caramel glared at Vinyl but started calming down. Once he was calm enough, he sat back down.

"I'm sorry," Caramel apologized in a quiet voice.

Octavia sighed in frustration, "Whatever. I am going to go to the bathroom, I'll be right back,"

Octavia then walked to the bathroom.

A few minutes later, she was washing her hooves when she heard a door slam. Octavia quickly bolted out of the bathroom to find Caramel sitting at the table eating and Vinyl gone.

"Caramel," Octavia said in a mad tone, "What did you do?"

"Nothing! She just had to go!" Caramel answered in an innocent way.

Octavia raised her eyebrow, "Without saying goodbye?"

Caramel cringed, "Yeah... Well-"

"I'll be right back,"

And with that, Octavia left the apartment after Vinyl.

Once Octavia was outside the apartment, she looked around. She spotted Vinyl speed walking towards her home.

Octavia galloped towards her, once she finally caught up, she spoke.

"Vinyl! What happened?"

Vinyl stopped and slowly turned towards Octavia. She had some tear marks on her cheeks.

"Vinyl..." Octavia said in a soft tone before hugging her.

Vinyl cried into Octavia's shoulder for a few minutes before moving off her.

"I'm sorry. Caramel just brought up some... Personal things," Vinyl paused, "about an old friend that I don't like to think about,"

"I'm so sorry Vinyl,"

Vinyl barked out a laugh, "Not your fault my life was kinda shitty before. At least it's better now,"

Octavia smiled before leaning in and kissing Vinyl.

"Well, I need to go back. I don't want Caramel to come out here searching for me. I'll see you tomorrow," Octavia said once they broke the kiss.

"Alright, see ya later Tavi," Vinyl said, before giving Octavia one more kiss and leaving.

While Octavia was walking back. She made a promise to herself.

Once I am back up there with Caramel, I am going to have one long conversation with him.

~•~•~•~•~

"You know it's kind of amazing how two ponies as different as Vinyl and Octavia can be together," Bon Bon said.

She and Lyra were laying together in bed. Lyra was reading a book about anthropology while Bon Bon was just cuddling next to her.

"Yeah," Lyra agreed, "But they do have one thing in common,"

"Hm? What's that?"

"They both have had some pretty shitty relationships,"

Chapter 15

View Online

"Caramel! What did you say to Vinyl!" Octavia yelled as she walked through the door of her apartment.

Caramel jumped up after being startled by the sudden noise.

"N-nothing!"

"She said that you brought up something personal about her past, so tell me what you said!"

Caramel gulped and started looking for a way to escape from Octavia. Octavia noticed this and quickly grabbed his keys from the table.

"You are not getting away," Octavia growled.

Caramel was panicking. If he told Octavia what he said then she would be upset for sure! He had to think of something that would make her mad at Vinyl less than him.

Then an idea popped into his head.

"Okay fine. I told Vinyl how I saw how many ponies she had sex with in the past,"

Octavia's eyes went wide, and she also raised an eyebrow.

What?

"She used to be those DJs who would finish their set and then go off with some fan. Just to leave them the next day. She didn't even care if she took their virginity,"

Octavia didn't believe Caramel but she had some doubt. There were plenty of times where Vinyl would say stuff like she did that but it always came off like she was joking.

"Oh... Okay,"

Octavia decided to drop it. If Caramel was telling the truth, then it would be a bad idea to presume her onslaught. But if he wasn't, then that would probably be the best thing she could get out of him.

Octavia then went into the bedroom and laid down on the bed.

I'll talk to Vinyl tomorrow. Hopefully she clears this up.

~•~•~•~•~

"Yo, Lyra, Bonnie. You guys awake?" Vinyl yelled as she banged on the door to their apartment.

"Vinyl!" Bon Bon scolded as she opened the door, "It's midnight! What are you doing here?!"

"Sorry, I really needed to speak with you and Lyra,"

Bon Bon sighed before opening the door to let Vinyl in.

"Come in,"

Vinyl smiled as a thank you and walked inside.

Once her and Bon Bon were inside, she heard a pony yelling.

"WHO'S AT THE DOOR BONNIE?!"

"Vinyl!" Bon Bon yelled back.

A few seconds later, Lyra came stumbling out of their bedroom.

"Vinyl? What the hell are you doing here? And why were you with Caramel when we called you yesterday?"

"Caramel invited me to dinner at Octy's. It went... Alright I guess but when Octy went to the bathroom, he brought up... Him,"

Bon Bon and Lyra's eyes both went wide once they heard that.

"Wh-what did he say about him?" Bon Bon stammered.

"That he knew about him. And that he contacted him," Vinyl answered.

Vinyl's eyes then started tearing up behind her glasses.

"But... He can't contact him! Right?" Vinyl asked in an almost pleading voice.

"Of course not Vinyl, he probably just wanted to scare you," Bon Bon comforted in a motherly tone as she hugged Vinyl.

"Yeah! And I bet he has no idea where he even lives!" Lyra agreed.

"Yeah, you guys are right," Vinyl said, breaking the hug with Bon Bon, "but there is one more reason I am here. You never told me that Caramel kissed Bonnie and then punched you Lyra!"

Bon Bon and Lyra both cringed in guilt.

"And you lied about your black eye Lyra!"

"Not entirely! I did get it when defending Bonnie! But... Defending her from Caramel," Lyra argued weakly.

"We're sorry we didn't tell you!" Bon Bon apologized, "We thought Octavia should tell you about Caramel first before we told you that,"

Vinyl sighed, "Alright whatever. But you guys better tell me the whole story!"

"Can it wait until morning?" Lyra asked.

"Fine. But I won't forget!" Vinyl said as she left the apartment.

Lyra and Bon Bon both sighed in relief once she was gone, but that relief only lasted a second before Vinyl opened the door again.

"Oh yeah, and I was thinking about asking Tavi out on a date tomorrow,"

~•~•~•~•~

It was a normal day in the office. Everypony was working like they normally do, and Octavia was due to arrive any minute now. Which was why Vinyl was panicking.

"Do I look okay?!" Vinyl asked, looking at her two friends.

"You look fine Vinyl, calm down!" Bon Bon reassured.

The three of them were all in the kitchen area, Vinyl was pacing around while Lyra and Bon Bon just sat there, drinking their morning coffee and watching her.

"Yeah! You're acting like you are about to propose to her!" Lyra agreed with a chuckle.

"I know! But it's just that she has a lot on her mind and she is so pretty and she makes me nervous by just being around her and she is so-"

"Good morning everypony," Octavia greeted interrupting Vinyl.

Vinyl let out a squeak in surprise and quickly sat down at the table, attempting to look natural.

Lyra meanwhile, was attempting to stop her laughter by putting a hoof over her mouth. Bon Bon was the only one to actually greet Octavia.

"Good morning Octavia!" Bon Bon said cheerfully with a wave, "I made you some coffee,"

"Thank you Bon Bon," Octavia thanked with a smile, grabbing the coffee made for her that was on the table.

Octavia sat down and took a sip of her coffee. Her ears then perked up as she remembered something.

"Oh! Vinyl, I wanted to speak with you in your office,"

Vinyl gulped, "O-oh! Al-alright,"

Lyra continued to attempt to stop her laughter while Bon Bon just glared at her marefriend.

As Octavia and Vinyl left the kitchen, Lyra whispered,

"Go get em tiger,"

Vinyl glared at her causing Lyra to finally laugh. Bon Bon then whacked her marefriend on the arm.

Once Octavia and Vinyl made it to Vinyl's office, Vinyl stammered,

"S-so, what did you want to talk about? Sports? Food? Work? Music? Other things ponies like?"

Octavia giggled, "Well first off I would like to ask you why you are so nervous,"

"Nervous?! I'm not nervous! The great DJ PON3 never get's nervous!" Vinyl argued with a hoof on her chest.

"Sure you don't. That's why you have been stammering ever since I got here,"

"It's a... An allergy!"

Octavia raised her eyebrow.

"Y-yeah an allergy! Called... Uh... STAMMERITIS!"

Octavia facehooved, "Why am I dating you?"

Vinyl just grinned in response.

"Well anyway, the reason I wanted to speak with you is because Caramel said some rather rude things about you and I wanted to make sure that they were... False,"

Vinyl raised her eyebrow this time, "Why the hell would you think anything he said is true?"

"Well even though I don't like him now, the fact is he used to be a different pony. And no matter how much I try a part of me still cares about him,"

"Wait... A part of you still has feelings for him?" Vinyl asked, she voice becoming a little venomous.

"No! I mean I care about him as a pony! I used to love him but he changes for the worse but I have some hope that a part of him is still sane enough to not lie. I don't believe what he said but I still want to be safe. Even if it was true it wouldn't bother me too much. This is mostly to see if I can trust Caramel,"

"What did he say anyway?"

"That you've," Octavia paused to clear her voice, "slept with many ponies after you would perform, then leave them to rot,"

Vinyl's eyes went wide, "WELL FUCK HIM!"

"Vinyl! Language!" Octavia yelled in shock at the sudden outburst.

"No! Fuck him! He kissed Bonnie, hits Lyra, treats you like shit, and now he is saying crap about me! Fuck him! I have no idea why the hell you even married him!"

"Like I said, he was a different pony," Octavia smiled at the memory, "He was like you in some ways, having that foalish nature while still being tough,"

"You... You don't like me because I remind you of Caramel... Do you?" Vinyl asked in an almost hurt tone.

"No!" Octavia exclaimed.

She then put a hoof onto the DJ's cheek forcing her to look at Octavia's eyes. Octavia then took off Vinyl's glasses, seeing her eyes with tears forming in them.

"I like you for you Vinyl. In some ways you remind me of Caramel but you are a very different pony. Honestly if I had to choose between you and the old Caramel, I would choose you,"

Octavia then leaned in and kissed Vinyl. She felt Vinyl smile into the kiss.

Once they broke, Octavia smiled.

"Looks like your 'stammeritis' is gone,"

Vinyl blushed and smiled a sheepish smile.

"Oh, yeah,"

The two then sat there in silence for a few moments. Octavia was about to leave when Vinyl broke the silence.

"Wanna... Go on a date after work?"

~•~•~•~•~

"So Vinyl. Where are we going?" Octavia asked as she and Vinyl walked out the work. They were about to go on their first date.

"To a restaurant," Vinyl answered cheerfully.

As the two made their way to the restaurant they walked in a comfortable silence and they walked very close together. Little did they know that they were being followed.

"Why in Equestria did you tell her about their date?!" Lyra exclaimed as she, Bon Bon, and Beauty Brass hid behind a trash can.

"I'm sorry! I didn't know she would do this!" Bon Bon replied.

"Shhhhh! I am trying to watch them," Beauty Brass shushed.

The three of them were wearing trench coats and sunglasses. Beauty Brass also had a pair of binoculars.

"Where did you even get this stuff Bonnie?" Lyra whispered.

"I got it from a.... Halloween store," Bon Bon answered with a sheepish smile.

She must never know... Bon Bon thought to herself.

"Guys! We need to move! We are losing them!" Beauty Brass commanded and started sneaking around to get closer.

Bon Bon followed and so did Lyra by not before she rolled her eyes.

How did I get stuck in this?

Meanwhile, Vinyl and Octavia had just made it to the restaurant and were now being seated.

"Vinyl this is a Prench restaurant! You do know that they cost a lot of money," Octavia commented, looking around the establishment.

"Yeah but it seemed like you might like this place so I said Yolo and got reservations here," Vinyl replied nonchalantly.

Octavia raised her eyebrow, "So you were positive I would agree to this date?"

"Oh no! I mean kind of- wait- I uh- help," Vinyl stammered.

Octavia giggled, "You know for a famous DJ you get nervous pretty quickly,"

"I told you I'm not nervous! I have stammeritis!"

"I don't think you know what itis means, Vinyl,"

"Yeah well... Shut up,"

"Amazing comeback Vinyl,"

"Hey! I'm supposed to be the witty one here!", Vinyl pouted causing Octavia to giggle again.

Then the waiter came to serve them. All the while three ponies were hiding behind the bar area.

"Why aren't they making out!" Beauty Brass complained.

"Actually this is how I pictured their dates would go," Lyra commented.

"Beauty... Why in Equestria would you think they would start making out?!" Bon Bon exclaimed.

"A Mare can dream," Beauty Brass replied with a shrug.

"So Vinyl. Last night you brought up that you have a trainer. Care to elaborate?" Octavia asked once the waiter was gone.

"Oh sure! Well my manager hires this guy who meets me every week to go off to the gym so I keep a good weight," Vinyl explained, "I need to stay fit because of image and stuff,"

"Well, he seems to be doing a good job," Octavia commented before covering her mouth and blushing once she realized what she had said.

"Oh Octy, I had no idea you paid attention to that~" Vinyl teased.

"That's- that's not what I meant!"

"Look who has stammeritis now,"

"Oh shut it Scratch," Octavia exclaimed, causing Vinyl to start laughing.

"Looks like I still got it!" Vinyl said pumping her hoof on victory.

"Hardly, I think I embarrass myself more than anything,"

"Sure thing babe, sure thing,"

"Your bread madam," The waiter said as he placed a basket of Prench bread onto the table.

"Thank you," Vinyl and Octavia thanked at the same time.

"Aw look they are finishing each other's sentences!" Beauty Brass squealed from behind the bar table.

"Actually they just said stuff at the same time, that's different then finish each other's sentences," Bon Bon argued.

"Whatever," Lyra said, her eyes glued to a book.

"What are you reading Lyra?" Bon Bon asked.

"An anthropology book! I found it just laying around in the trash! Can you believe it?!" Lyra answered excitedly before going back to her book.

Bon Bon sighed, "Never change Lyra,"

"So," Vinyl started, "How has your ensemble been after the Grand Galloping Gala,"

"Good actually. No pony blamed us for the disasters that went on during that night. We even have a new member who may be joining us soon," Octavia replied with a smile.

"Really? Awesome! Who is this guy?"

"His name is Concerto. He plays the violin," Octavia explained, "My sister Symphony may also be joining,"

"Your sister? You haven't talked about her for a while. Does she know?"

"Know what?" Octavia asked confused.

"About... Well the divorce... And me... And stuff," Vinyl replied nervous.

"Yes, and so do my parents. But they don't know about you," Octavia answered with a sad smile.

"Oh. Sorry to bring it up now," Vinyl apologized.

"It's alright Vinyl. You should know this after all," Octavia answered.

After a moment of awkward silence, Octavia asked,

"What about your family?"

"What about them?"

"Do you have any siblings or anything,"

"Oh! Yeah I got a older brother named Long Play. He's a lot like me," Vinyl explained.

"Oh, I've heard of him. My sister Symphony is a lot like me as well, we also look almost identical,"

"So that means if we had a threesome-"

"No!" Octavia scolded. Vinyl started laughing again.

"You are so immature Vinyl," Octavia commented.

"Thanks! I try," Vinyl replied, still laughing slightly, "My brother kinda looks like me but he has red hair and blue eyes. He is also really laid back,"

"Interesting, my sister is more, as you would say 'uptight' than me,"

"A pony more uptight than you Tavi?! Now this I gotta see!" Vinyl teased.

"Oh shush," Octavia replied with a grin.

"Here is your food madams," The waiter announced as he placed food for them onto the table. The two then started eating.

~•~•~•~•~

"This is BORING!" Lyra exclaimed.

"What happened to your book?" Bon Bon asked.

"I already read it five times!"

"Shhhhhhhh!" Beauty Brass shushed.

"Oh Celestia, give it a rest Beauty! I don't even understand what you think is going to happen," Lyra argued.

"I am waiting for romance!" Beauty Brass scolded, "Now be quiet and- OH NO THEY ARE COMING OVER HERE! GET DOWN!"

The three ponies then all ducked behind the bar booth as Vinyl and Octavia approached it.

"Well that meal was exquisite," Octavia said with a smile as her and Vinyl sat down at the bar table.

"I am hoping that means good," Vinyl replied.

Octavia giggled, "Yes love it means that,"

"Love?" Vinyl asked with a grin.

"Awwwww," Beauty Brass silently squealed from under the table.

"SHHHHH!" Both Lyra and Bon Bon shushed as they started getting into the spying.

Octavia blushed, "Oh! Sorry! Is it alright if I call you that?"

"Alright? Alright? It's more than alright!" Vinyl said joyfully, grabbing Octavia and pulling her closer, causing the mare to squeak in surprise.

The two mares looked into each other's eyes and started moving in to kiss. Before their lips touched the bartender asked.

"What can I get you two?"

"OH NO YOU DON'T!" Beauty Brass yelled, getting up from her spot behind the table, "YOU RUINED THE MOMENT! I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!"

The bartender then started running and Beauty Brass gave chase, only to be stopped by Bon Bon.

"BEAUTY NO!" Bon Bon yelled as she grabbed on to Beauty.

But Beauty was too strong and she broke out of Bon Bon's grasp causing Bon Bon to have to chase after Beauty so she wouldn't commit a murder.

Lyra then finally got up from behind the table and said,

"Sorry about this! You two enjoy your evening and forget this ever happened!"

Lyra then chased after her Marefriend leaving Vinyl and Octavia sitting there confused.

"What just happened?" Vinyl asked after a moment of silence.

"I'm... Not quite sure," Octavia replied.

"You... Wanna go back to my place?" Vinyl asked, turning to Octavia.

Octavia smiled, "I'd love to,"

~•~•~•~•~

Once Vinyl and Octavia had made it to Vinyl's apartment, the two picked out a movie to watch and cuddled on the couch.

Vinyl had her glasses off and her eyes on the movie. She seemed to be very engrossed in the film. She also had her hooves around Octavia's midsection.

Meanwhile, Octavia had her head on Vinyl's chest and just watched Vinyl's eyes.

They're so beautiful...

Then all of a sudden, Octavia got a burning feeling inside her.

A feeling she hadn't felt in years.

Octavia then moved in and started kissing Vinyl aggressively, catching the unicorn off guard.

Vinyl then started kissing back just as hard and it quickly turned into a whole make out session.

And that was just the start for what happened the rest of the night.

~•~•~•~•~

"Hello, I just wanted to call to make sure everything is still in motion," Caramel greeted into the phone.

"Don't worry. Everything will go just as planned. I will be there tomorrow, don't be late," The voice said from the other end of the phone.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Caramel replied with a smile before he hung up the phone.

Chapter 16

View Online

It was another normal day in the office. Everypony was working hard, even the receptionist.

The receptionist was organizing her desk in an attempt to look more organized when she heard a voice.

"I am here to see Vinyl Scratch," A stallion's voice asked.

The receptionist knew that if somepony called Vinyl by her full name then they most likely were called there.

"Top floor," The receptionist replied, looking up at the stallion.

Once she saw the stallion, her jaw dropped.

"Thanks," The stallion responded as he entered the elevator.

Once the stallion had gone, the receptionist took off towards the stairs.

"VINYL IS GOING TO KILL ME!"

~•~•~•~•~

"So, what did you want me to do?" Octavia asked. She had been called to Vinyl's office and was now standing beside Vinyl who was organizing stuff in her desk.

"I need you to... Make sure the air is clean," Vinyl answered, attempting to come up with an excuse.

Octavia raised her eyebrow, "You called me here because you just wanted to be with me. Didn't you?"

Vinyl blushed, "No! My air needs cleaning,"

Octavia rolled her eyes with a smile, before kissing Vinyl on the cheek.

A loud knock came from the door causing Vinyl to sigh.

"Why does this always happen when I don't want it to?" Vinyl asked herself as she got up to answer the door, Octavia close behind her.

"What do you-" Vinyl's mouth fell open as she saw the pony standing on the other side of the door.

"Hey, Vi! Long time no see!" The stallion greeted.

"N-NEON?!" Vinyl stammered.

"Who?" Octavia asked.

"Yep!" Neon replied with a grin.

"Hey Vinyl, can you explain why our receptionist ran all the way up here and passed out on the floor while stammering something about-" Lyra said but paused once she saw Neon.

"Hey, Ly-" Neon started but was interrupted by Lyra.

"WHAT THE BUCK ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" Lyra yelled.

"Calm down! I just wanted to catch up with my old gang," Neon replied defensively.

As Lyra and Neon spoke to one another, Vinyl slammed the door shut to her office.

"Vinyl?" Octavia asked as Vinyl walked back to her desk, no emotion on her face.

Vinyl sat down at the desk and started writing something with a pencil in her magic. A few seconds later the pencil broke.

"Are you alright Vinyl?" Octavia asked again, getting closer to Vinyl.

Vinyl flinched when she felt Octavia touch her hoof.

Vinyl then lets out a long sigh, "No,"

Octavia frowned, "Who... Is that stallion?"

Vinyl sighed again before taking off her glasses and looking over at Octavia. Octavia noticed that Vinyl seemed to be examining her, causing Octavia to blush slightly.

After a few minutes of this, Vinyl let out one last sigh before saying, "That was Neon Lights... My ex,"

~•~•~•~•~

"I can't believe Lyra left me at home," Bon Bon said to herself as she entered the office's kitchen. She had been late to work due to the fact that Lyra had forgotten to wake her up.

"I'M SORRY!" A pony yelled, jumping up from the ground.

Bon Bon left out a squeak and snapped her head to the pony.

"You're the receptionist... WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" Bon Bon asked.

"I... I accidentally let in-" The receptionist started but was interrupted.

"GIVE ME FIVE GOOD REASONS WHY I SHOULDN'T KILL YOU NOW," Lyra yelled walking into the kitchen.

"Well one, you would go to jail," Neon replied, following after Lyra.

"N-Neon?!" Bon Bon asked in shock.

"Yo! Bonnie! You work here too?" Neon asked in a friendly tone.

"DON'T SPEAK WITH HER!" Lyra yelled defensively, "WHY ARE YOU EVEN HERE?!"

"Because I invited him here," A new voice replied.

All the ponies turned to the source of the voice and found Caramel standing in the doorway.

"OH YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!" Lyra exclaimed.

"Caramel? Aren't you not allowed to talk to me and Lyra without Octavia around?" Bon Bon asked.

Caramel's eyes went wide, "She told you about that?"

"Yes," Lyra responded, annoyed.

"Oh... Well uh.... She's here in Spirit?"

Bon Bon gave Caramel a confused look while Lyra just facehooved.

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia was taken aback by this, "Your what?"

"My EX stallionfriend," Vinyl said again.

"I'm guessing he broke up with you," Octavia assumed.

"NO! Why would you think that?" Vinyl asked sounding angered.

"Well, he seems to be the source of your anger," Octavia replied, causing Vinyl to sigh.

"I broke up with him. And for a very good reason.... Few reasons actually,"

"Care to explain?" Octavia asked, sitting next to Vinyl.

Vinyl looked at Octavia unsure.

"I've never told anypony about this. The only ponies who have known are Lyra and Bon Bon,"

Octavia chuckled, "I was guessing that by the way Lyra greeted him,"

Vinyl chuckled as well, "Yeah... Well it all started in High School,"

~•~•~•~•~

"Who is that?" Vinyl asked pointing at the stallion on stage.

"That's Neon Lights, he's in our school. I think he is taking the same classes as you, how have you not noticed him?" Lyra replied, taking a sip of her drink.

Vinyl and Lyra were in a club, it was after school and the two of them were just trying to have a fun time together.

Once the stallion's set was done, he came down from the stage and talked to some ponies. By that point, Vinyl and Lyra had stopped paying attention to him and were just enjoying the night. That was until he came up to them.

"Name's Neon Lights. What's your's?" Neon asked, sliding up next to Vinyl.

"My name's Vinyl. That was a pretty good set you had," Vinyl replied.

"Thanks. Aren't you the next DJ?"

Vinyl smiled, "Yes I am. So prepare to learn how a real Dj plays,"

And with that, Vinyl left to perform. Even once Vinyl left, Neon stayed in the same spot.

"Shouldn't you go and try to get laid by somepony else now?" Lyra questioned.

Neon turned to Lyra, "Nah, that Mare seems a lot more interesting,"

Once Lyra heard this, she raised her eyebrow.

This stallion seems to like Vinyl. The two of them do have a lot in common, maybe this is the pony Vinyl needs in her life.

Then Vinyl started performing.

All the ponies enjoyed her music but not as much as Neon. Neon seemed to be infatuated with her.

Once her set was done, she too started making her way off stage.

"Holy shit," Neon said breathlessly.

Lyra grinned, "Well somepony enjoyed her music,"

"Sup Lyra," Vinyl greeted, covered in sweat. She then turned to Neon, "What are you still doing here?"

"Well you told me to learn how a real Dj plays, and I must say I am impressed," Neon complemented.

Vinyl was taken aback by this, "Oh. Uh. Thanks? You were pretty good too,"

Neon grinned, "Maybe you can show me some pointers later,"

Vinyl shrugged, "Sure, why not,"

Neon nodded and then left.

Lyra watched him leave before turning to Vinyl with a grin, "You like him, don't you?"

"Well, he is pretty cute. And totally my type but I don't know," Vinyl replied, sitting down next to her friend, "I doubt I'll ever even see him again,"

~•~•~•~•~

"Too bad I was wrong about that," Vinyl growled.

"So that's how you met Neon?" Octavia asked. Vinyl nodded in response.

"So, what happened next?"

"Well, we became friends. But that changed when Lyra and Bon Bon started dating,"

~•~•~•~•~

"They totally fucked," Vinyl commented with a grin as she watched Lyra and Bon Bon cuddle next to each other on a bench in the park.

Neon snickered, "Lyra probably had Bon Bon dress up as a human,"

The two of them laughed. They had become very close friends after they met in the bar. Currently, the two of them were sitting at a lunch table outside just watching the newly formed couple.

"So, what's your plan for prom?" Vinyl asked.

Neon seemed to get nervous at this question, "I don't know yet. I still can't believe they chose you to perform for the dance,"

Vinyl smiled, "I know right! I am so hyped!" Vinyl then chugged down her can of soda.

Once she finished, she saw Neon looking off at Lyra and Bon Bon as though he was thinking.

"You alright dude?" Vinyl asked.

Neon turned to Vinyl, "Vinyl will you go with me to prom?"

Vinyl blushed, "Y-yeah.... Yeah totally!"

Neon smiled and chugged down his can of soda before hoof bumping Vinyl.

~•~•~•~•~

Vinyl sighed, "I still remember that prom. After my set, I went over to Neon and we danced. It was the same night I had my first kiss and.... My first time,"

Octavia seemed to grumble something. Vinyl's ears perk up at this.

"What?"

"Nothing," Octavia replied, almost too quickly.

Vinyl grinned, "Are you jealous Tavi?"

Octavia blushed slightly but tried to hide it by yelling, "No!"

Vinyl smiled and pointed at Octavia with her hoof, "Yes you are! And it's adorable!"

Octavia growled before pushing Vinyl off her chair causing Vinyl to laugh.

"Are you going to continue the story now?" Octavia asked as she sat in Vinyl's chair.

Vinyl's laughing stopped almost immediately.

"Y-yeah. Okay,"

Octavia frowned in concern at Vinyl's sudden change of tone but decided not to say anything.

"Well, we were pretty happy after that. But then something happened,"

~•~•~•~•~

"You ready to watch Terminator?" Neon asked.

"Yeah!" Vinyl replied excitedly, almost as if she was a foal.

Neon smirked and he put in the movie. He then sat down next to Vinyl and put his hoof around her causing Vinyl to lay her head on his shoulder.

A little bit into the movie, Vinyl decided to take her glasses off. Although she had never done that before around Neon she felt as though she trusted him enough to. Big mistake.

Neon noticed Vinyl's glasses on the table and looked over at Vinyl to see her eyes. What he saw caused him to leap off of Vinyl.

"What's wrong Neon? You afraid the Terminator gonna get you?" Vinyl teased.

"No! Your eyes are creepy as hell! Put your glasses back on dude!" Neon replied, causing Vinyl to frown.

"O-oh. Ok, sorry," Vinyl apologized and out her glasses back on.

For the rest of the movie, Neon sat far away from Vinyl.

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia frowned. She then moved slightly off the seat, giving enough room for Vinyl to sit on the chair. Wordlessly, Vinyl sat down next to Octavia.

Octavia wanted to say something but she didn't know what. So instead she just laid her head down on Vinyl's shoulder and nuzzled her neck.

"I never took my glasses off around ponies after that. Not even my family. Me and Neon's relationship kept going though but I started to become paranoid about something,"

~•~•~•~•~

"Neon, I don't think we should continue having sex anymore," Vinyl said.

Neon turned to Vinyl, his eyes wide.

"Why?"

"I don't want to become pregnant," Vinyl replied, "So many ponies in our school are becoming pregnant and I don't want to become one of them,"

Neon groaned, "Seriously Vinyl? You're a Dj! Having sex is basically a part of the deal!"

Vinyl glared at him, "Is that what you think DJing is? You should do it for the music!"

Neon sighed, "You're right I'm sorry. But we should at least do it one last time,"

Vinyl sighed.

And that night they made love for the last time.

~•~•~•~•~

"I never thought of you as a pony who would worry about pregnancy Vinyl," Octavia commented.

Vinyl shrugged, "I’m not a mature pony sometimes. I don't think I am ready for a foal,"

Octavia grinned, "Sometimes? I think you mean all the time,"

Vinyl grinned as well, "Well at least I'm not stuck up, unlike somepony I know,"

"What do you mean by that?!"

Vinyl chuckles, "Nothing,"

Vinyl paused before she continued her story, "And then one day,"

~•~•~•~•~

Vinyl was walking around school looking for her friends. She was about to turn a corner when she heard what sounded like Bon Bon's voice.

"Really?!" Bon Bon asked in shock.

"Yeah, I'm telling you, I saw it with my own eyes," Lyra replied.

What are they talking about? Vinyl thought to herself.

"You saw Neon kissing Lemon Zest?!"

What?!

"What the hell are you two talking about?!" Vinyl yelled.

Lyra and Bon Bon jumped.

"V-Vinyl?!" Bon Bon stammered.

"Don't make up shit like that Heartstrings!" Vinyl said, pointing a hoof at Lyra.

"Make up shit?! I SAW it Vinyl! Neon was hardcore making out with her!" Lyra argued.

"You are trying to get us to break up by lying!" Vinyl argued back.

"Why the hell would I do that?!" Lyra yelled back, "I hooked you two up!"

"I know for a fact Bonnie thinks me and Neon are not good for each other, I bet you made it up to give her proof!"

"I would never do that Vinyl!" Bon Bon said defensively, but Vinyl just ignored her.

"You know what! Buck you two!" Vinyl yelled at last and then walked away.

~•~•~•~•~

"I would probably never still be friends with Lyra and Bonnie if it wasn't for what happened next," Vinyl explained.

"What happened next?" Octavia asked concerned.

Vinyl turned to Octavia, "Everything went to shit,"

~•~•~•~•~

Vinyl had just finished one of her biggest gigs she has ever had and was going back to her apartment where she planned to have some fun with her stallionfriend.

Neon had his own gig that night as well so he wasn't able to make it to her's. Once she got to the apartment she heard odd sounds. Sounds like moaning.

Vinyl quietly put down her things and followed the noise to Neon and her's bedroom. She slowly opened the door and was horrified at what she found. She found Neon having sex with some mare in their bed.

~•~•~•~•~

"Oh, Celestia! That's horrible!" Octavia exclaimed.

"Yeah... It is," Vinyl said, sounding as though she was about to cry.

Octavia quickly hugged the unicorn. Vinyl just buried her head into Octavia's neck, letting the tears fall down her face. Octavia stroked Vinyl's Mane in an attempt to comfort the mare.

Their moment was however cut short as they heard a voice say from the other side of the door,

"Vinyl! I need some help! I may have started a war!"

Vinyl and Octavia looked at each other before opening the door. On the other side of the door was the receptionist who was shaking slightly. Vinyl looked around to see that the office was completely empty.

"Where is everypony?" Vinyl asked.

"I told them to go home. You'll see why." The receptionist explained.

Vinyl and Octavia left Vinyl's office and searched to see what causes the receptionist to force everypony to leave. They didn't find anything until they heard voices yelling in the kitchen.

"SO LET ME GUESS! YOU BROUGHT HIM HERE BECAUSE YOU WANTED ADVICE ON HOW TO BE A BIGGER ASSHOLE!" They heard Lyra yell.

"No! He brought me here so his wife will not leave him for Vinyl!" Neon yelled back, "And trust me, I know how easily that can happen knowing Vinyl's charm- OW!"

The sound of a pan hitting the floor was heard after Neon's ow.

"DO NOT SPEAK ABOUT VINYL LIKE THAT!" Bon Bon yelled.

"STOP THROWING THINGS AT ME!" Neon whined.

"How about we make a deal. Neon and Vinyl go on a double date with Octavia and me," Caramel said.

"NO!" Lyra and Bon Bon both yelled.

"EVERYPONY SHUT UP!" Vinyl screamed causing everypony to freeze.

Vinyl and Octavia both stood in the doorway, they both shared a face of rage.

"YOU," Vinyl said pointing a hoof at Caramel, "GET THE BUCK OUT OF MY OFFICE,"

"But-"

"Go home Caramel," Octavia said coldly, interrupting Caramel.

Caramel pouted and left the room.

"YOU TWO," Vinyl said pointing a hoof and Lyra and Bon Bon, "GO HOME,"

"BUT!" Lyra attempting arguing but was interrupted by Bon Bon.

"C'mon Lyra. Let's go,"

Bon Bon knew how Vinyl was in this kind of situation so before they left, Bon Bon whispered to Octavia, "Take care of her. She lets her emotions get carried away easily,"

Octavia turned to Bon Bon and nodded before turning back to Neon.

"AND YOU, I WANT TO SPEAK WITH YOU," Vinyl paused to turn to Octavia, "alone,"

Octavia opened her mouth to argue but she just nodded and left the room. Instead of leaving, though, she stood outside and waited for Vinyl to finish speaking with Neon.

"Why are you here?" Vinyl asked, venomously.

"Caramel told me to come," Neon replied, "He wants you to stay away from his wife,"

"I am her boss, I can't stay away from her,"

"Then fire her. Plain and simple,"

Neon then walked up to Vinyl and put a hoof on her cheek, causing Vinyl to back away from him.

"The reason I agreed to come here is because... I miss you Vinyl. I miss us. Don't you?"

"No. Not at all," Vinyl responded.

"Not even a little?" Neon said in an almost seductive voice as his hoof traced Vinyl's cutie mark.

This caused Vinyl to turn around and buck him in the chest.

"OW! WHAT THE HELL VINYL!" Neon yelled in pain.

"Read my lips," Vinyl said, lifting up Neon by his collar, "I. Hate. Yo-"

Vinyl stopped speaking once Neon pushed his lips forward. The kiss only lasted a few seconds before Vinyl flung him across the room with her magic.

Without another word, Vinyl left the room.

"Vinyl!" Octavia called worried as she attempted to follow Vinyl. Vinyl completely ignored her, not even turning to her. She went all the way to the elevator before closing it right in front of Octavia.

Things just got a whole lot worse.

Chapter 17

View Online

It has been a week since anypony had heard from Vinyl. After she left the office the day she saw Neon, she had completely vanished.

Octavia, Lyra, and Bon Bon all have attempted to contact the mare but failed.

They tried calling, texting, emailing, and going over to her house but no attempts succeeded.

Everypony else in the office continued their work, including Octavia, Lyra, and Bon Bon but they never gave up on trying to speak with Vinyl.

As for Neon and Caramel, the two have vanished as well.

Octavia did however, get a letter explaining that Caramel had gone to Ponyville to visit Lucky Streak and he had taken Neon with him.

So today, everypony is getting ready to leave the office, when Octavia feel's somepony tap her shoulder.

"Take this," Lyra commanded, throwing a pair of keys at Octavia.

Octavia raised her eyebrow before examining the keys. "What are these for?"

"They’re spare keys to Vinyl's apartment," Lyra replied, nonchalantly.

Octavia's eyes widened, "Where did you get these?!"

"Vinyl gave 'em to me a long time ago,"

"Why are you giving them to me?"

"I think you need to be the one to speak with her. Although me and Bonnie are her best friends, you are the one she cares about most," Lyra explained.

Octavia looked up to Lyra, half smiling, "...Alright," She then hugged Lyra.

"Thank you Lyra, I promise to tell you what happens,"

Lyra nodded and Octavia started to leave. She then stopped and turned back to Lyra.

"Lyra... Why didn't you give them to me before?"

Lyra gave Octavia a sheepish smile, "I kinda lost them.... Heh heh,"

Octavia rolled her eyes and started walking to Vinyl's apartment.

~•~•~•~•~

Once Octavia made it up to Vinyl's apartment, she noticed the lights were out.

Is she home? If she isn't, where did she go?

Octavia then started knocking on the door.

"Vinyl! Are you home?"

Although this didn't work before, she wanted to try one last time in case Vinyl finally decide to speak to somepony.

After a few minutes of knocking, Octavia unlocked the door. Once she stepped inside she found that the place was a mess.

All over the floor there was garbage.

She's never had this much food in her house before...

Octavia carefully stepped around the trash, trying to search for Vinyl.

It is so hard to see in this bloody darkn-

Octavia stopped, turned around and turned on the lights.

Well that was stupid of me...

"WHO THE HELL'S THERE?!" A pony yelled from one of the rooms.

Vinyl.

"It's me Vinyl, Octavia!" Octavia called back.

After a period of silence, the sound of a door locking entered the room.

Octavia panicked and galloped over to the room where Vinyl's voice had come from. She attempted to open the door but it was indeed locked.

"Vinyl! Open the door! I need to speak with you!" Octavia pleaded.

"How the hell did you get in here?!" Vinyl asked in a harsh voice from the other side of the door.

"Lyra gave me a spare key,"

"DAMN IT LYRA. CAN'T SHE UNDERSTAND WHEN THE FUCK TO STAY OUT OF THINGS!" Vinyl yelled.

"We're worried about you Vinyl!"

"I don't care!" Vinyl practically screamed.

After this outburst, there was just silence.

Weeping could be heard from the other side of the door.

"Vinyl..." Octavia said in a soft voice.

"I don't care. Ponies always pretend like they care about you before they throw you to the streets," Vinyl cried.

Octavia stopped struggling with the door, and instead sat down, her back to the door.

"Not everypony is like Neon, Vinyl,"

"How do you know?" Vinyl asked in an almost accusing tone.

"How many years did you stop speaking to Lyra and Bon Bon?"

There was a pause. A small sniffle was heard before she answered.

"Five," Vinyl replied, letting out a deep sigh.

"Five years. I spoke with them the night when I caught Neon cheating on me. They let me stay with them while I recovered from my relationship with him,"

"See? Lyra and Bon Bon are not like him. They still cared for you even when you left them,"

There was another pause but this one was took longer.

"What about you?" Vinyl asked in a small voice.

"Me? I would never do that to you Vin-"

"What about Caramel?" Vinyl asked, her voice increasing in volume, "You're basically doing what Neon did to me but to Caramel. What makes that right? How the hell should I know that you won't do the same to me?!" By the end of this, Vinyl was yelling.

Then there was silence. Vinyl was furious at this point. She was mad at everything. Neon for cheating on her, Lyra and Bon Bon for not telling her, Caramel for bringing him back, and Octavia for-

That's when Vinyl heard it. Sobbing. Octavia was crying.

A brick was basically throw at Vinyl. Everything came crashing down as she realized what she had just said.

"You're right," Octavia sobbed, "I am just as bad as Neon. I understand now why you're avoiding me,"

Vinyl then heard the sound of Octavia getting up from the ground. Once she heard that, Vinyl smashed the door opened and hugged Octavia.

Octavia froze at the sudden speed of movement, but she quickly started hugging back. The two held each other as they cried.

"I'm sorry," Vinyl apologized, "You're not like Neon. You never asked for this. Caramel is a terrible pony who treats you like crap, it's not your fault that you want to leave,"

"But you are right. Nopony deserves their loved ones to leave them. He truly loves me, I shouldn't abandon him," Octavia argued.

Vinyl broke the hug so she could face Octavia.

"But he doesn't love you. If he did then he would let you go, live the life you want,"

Octavia smiled before laying her her forehead against Vinyl's chest. At this point, the two of them were sitting on the floor.

"I don't understand how Neon could leave you Vinyl, you are the most amazing mare I have ever met," Octavia said with a smile after a moment of silence.

Vinyl grinned, "Yeah I am pretty great,"

Octavia laughed and playfully pushed Vinyl.

Vinyl laughed as well, forgetting the problems that plagued her and the ones she loved.

Once they finished laughing, the two looked at each other, both having red eyes but also having smiles.

The two then kissed.

This kiss lasted a while, neither of them wanting to break it, but after awhile they needed air, and the kiss broke.

Once the kiss was over, Octavia finally realized how Vinyl looked.

She didn't have her glasses on, and her mane was even messier then usual.

She also smelled like she hadn't showered in weeks.

"Vinyl, take a shower. Now," Octavia commanded.

"Is that an invitation?" Vinyl asked with a grin, causing Octavia to hit her lightly on the head.

"No. Take a shower while I clean this place up,"

Vinyl pouted, "Awwww, but I like my apartment like this,"

"No buts, shower now,"

"Heh, you said butt," Vinyl giggled.

"Celestia kill me now. You're already acting like a foal again," Octavia said, rubbing in between her eyes.

"Don't act like you don't like it," Vinyl replied with a grin, before slapping Octavia on the flank with her tail and running away to her bathroom.

"VINYL!" Octavia yelled, blushing.

"I KNOW YOU LIKE IT!" Vinyl yelled back, laughing.

Octavia sighed, smiling, "..I guess I do," She whispered.

~•~•~•~•~

"So wait, who is this?" Lucky Streak asked.

Lucky Streak was having a normal day when all of a sudden, Caramel and some random stallion show up at his home in Ponyville.

"Neon Lights," Caramel explained, "Vinyl's ex stallionfriend,"

"Sup," Neon greeted, putting a hoof out to bump.

"Why the hell is he here?" Lucky Streak asked, ignoring Neon.

"To make sure Vinyl won't take Octy away from me," Caramel said, sounding as though he was annoyed that Lucky Streak didn't understand yet.

Lucky Streak raised his eyebrow, "Octy?"

Caramel grinned, "Yep! A new pet name I came up with all by myself!"

"Uh huh," Lucky replied, unconvinced.

"Don't you think this is a little... Extreme, Caramel?"

"Extreme? All I see is a nice stallion trying to claim his mare," Neon protested.

"Yeah I am just going to pretend you are not here to make things less weird, okay?" Lucky Streak stated before turning back to Caramel.

"I mean, has she even done anything yet?"

"She... Held Octy's hoof while we were eating dinner!" Caramel replied.

"Okay first off, stop calling her Octy, it's weird. And second, that's not much. Vinyl may have been comforting her from something,"

"Like what?" Caramel asked, accusingly.

Caramel sounded actually scary, unlike the other times when Caramel would just complain about Octavia.

This was way different, and Lucky could feel it.

It was that then Lucky had a bad feeling for the future.

Lucky Streak raised his hooves up defensively, "Woah, calm down dude, I don't know! I wasn't there,"

"Yeah okay I can see I'm not needed so I'll just go outside," Neon said, nervously before leaving the house.

"Listen, I am telling you this Vinyl pony is not a good pony. She definitely is up to something," Caramel argued.

"Okay, but why call her ex? Why not just speak to her like a normal pony," Lucky Streak asked.

"ARE YOU SAYING I'M NOT NORMAL?!" Caramel snapped, causing Lucky Streak to flinch.

"What? No!" Lucky Streak replied.

Though after that, Lucky started thinking...

Caramel let out a sigh, "Forget it. Me and Neon are leaving. We need to plan what to do next,"

And with that, Caramel left Lucky Streak's house.

Well, this is bad.

~•~•~•~•~

"K mom, I took a shower," Vinyl called as she exited the shower.

Octavia rolled her eyes, "Good, I’ve finished cleaning some of the house. I am almost done with dinner as well,"

Vinyl froze, "You're making food?"

"Yes. Now listen, I will be coming back here-" Octavia paused when she felt somepony almost knock her to the ground.

"WHAT ARE YOU MAKING?!" Vinyl asked, excitedly.

Octavia rolled her eyes with a smile, "Hayburgers. Now listen Vinyl-"

"DID YOU ALSO MAKE FRIES?!" Vinyl asked, interrupting Octavia again.

Octavia let out a sigh, "Yes. Now let me finish. I am going to-"

"DID YOU MAKE DESSERT?!"

"VINYL!" Octavia scolded, causing Vinyl to jump.

"Sorry," Vinyl apologized with a sheepish smile.

Octavia sighed again, "It's alright. Now, I am going to come back here tomorrow to continue cleaning,"

"Alright, sure, whatever," Vinyl replied as though she was not paying attention, "Hey Tavi?"

"Yes Vinyl?" Octavia asked in a tired voice, ready to get more questions about the food.

So Octavia was shocked when she left two lips press against her's.

"Thanks," Vinyl said after the kiss broke.

Octavia smiled, "You're welcome Vinyl,"

Then, they heard the phone ring.

"Vinyl, can you get my phone please?"

"Sure!" Vinyl responded before leaving the kitchen to find the phone.

A few moments later, Vinyl came back carrying Octavia's phone.

"Thank you Vinyl," Octavia said as she took the phone and answered it.

"Hello?" Octavia asked into the phone.

"Yeah uh hi Octavia," The voice responded, "It's me, Lucky Streak. I wanted to speak with you... Alone. Can you meet me in a few hours at the Star night bar?"

"Um sure," Octavia replied, confused.

"Alright cool. See you then," Luck Streak said before he hung up the phone.

"Well that was odd," Octavia said to herself.

"Who was it?" Vinyl asked as she ate one of the fires Octavia made.

"Lucky Streak, a old friend of Caramel's,"

Vinyl growled, "Caramel... He's probably planning something,"

"I doubt it. I don’t speak to Lucky Streak so often, rarely even, so it would be too suspicious for him to randomly want to speak with me. Caramel would be smart enough to make it somepony who I normally speak to. Like Beauty Brass," Octavia explained.

"I still don't trust him... Maybe I should come with you,"

Octavia smiled, "As sweet of an offer that is, he wants me to be alone. How about you stay outside the bar instead,"

"Fine," Vinyl grumbled.

Octavia pecked Vinyl on the forehead, "Good!," She then paused as she realized there were only a few fries left, "Vinyl... How many fried did you eat?!"

Vinyl grinned, "What! They're just so good,"

Octavia sighed in annoyance, "Oh Vinyl,"

~•~•~•~•~

As Vinyl and Octavia made their way to the bar, Vinyl kept her hoof around Octavia and kept looking around as if they were being followed. This caused many ponies to stare at them.

"Vinyl! Stop that! Caramel is not spying on us," Octavia hissed.

"How do you know? Lyra, Bon Bon, and Beauty did it, why not him?"

Octavia sighed in annoyance. Although she was flattered knowing Vinyl was so caring, it was also annoying how Vinyl thought Caramel was like some super villain that has henchmen spying on them.

Once they made it to the bar, Vinyl let go of Octavia hesitantly.

"I'll be okay. I promise," Octavia reassured with a smile.

"I know you will," Vinyl smiled back.

Octavia quickly kissed Vinyl before going inside the bar. She found Lucky Streak sitting at the bar with a jug of cider.

"Hey Octavia. Long time no see," Lucky Streak greeted with a smile.

Octavia smiled back, "Hello Lucky Streak. It's a pleasure to see you again,"

Lucky Streak motioned for Octavia to sit down next to him. Although Octavia was hesitant, she ended up sitting.

"So... Do you know that Caramel called Neon Lights?" Lucky Streak asked after a moment of silence.

"Yes. Why do you ask?"

Lucky Streak sighed, "Because Caramel is acting weird. He's really defensive now about almost everything I say. And now he's doing some crazy shit because he thinks you're cheating on him,"

Octavia paused to think of how to respond. After a second she sighed.

"Lucky Streak, there are some things I should tell you,"

Octavia then proceeded to explain how Caramel has really been for years. She told him how he insulted her, how he hurt her friends, everything.

Once she was finished, Lucky Streak was staring at her with wide eyes.

"Holy shit," Was all Lucky Streak could say.

The two then sat there in silence for a few minutes. As Octavia had continued to open up about her life to Lucky Streak, the more she felt she could trust him.

"You are dating Vinyl, aren't you?" Lucky Streak asked after a long period of silence.

Octavia sighed, "Yes,"

Although she was worried how Lucky would react, she felt that he was like Beauty Brass, always seeing everypony's opinion.

Lucky Streak chuckled, "Good, you deserve somepony that treats you good. I used to have a crush on you for the longest time, I lost it once you and Caramel got married because I knew you were happy. So if being with Vinyl makes you happy then I’m happy too,"

Octavia blushed before she hugged Lucky Streak.

"Thank you Lucky Streak. For listening,"

"No problem Octavia,"

Once the hug broke, Lucky Streak said, "I promise you, I will make sure you get the divorce. If you need any help just call me, I hope to meet Vinyl soon,"

Octavia nodded, "Thanks again Lucky Streak,"

And with that, Octavia left.

~•~•~•~•~

Vinyl was pacing up and down the block. She didn't care that ponies were staring at her, she was just worried about Octavia.

It's been hours. I hope she's alright.

Vinyl then heard the bar door open and she saw Octavia walk out.

"Hey!" Vinyl greeted, "How'd it go?"

Octavia smiled, "It went good," She then kissed Vinyl on the cheek, "Let's go home now Vinyl. I'm tired,"

Vinyl smiled, "Whatever you want Octy,"

~•~•~•~•~

“So, where to now?” Neon asked while him and Caramel stood at the Ponyvillie train station.

“Well, that depends on how you answer this question,” Caramel replied.

Neon turned to him, “And the question is?”

“Where do Vinyl’s parents live,”

Chapter 18

View Online

As Celestia's sun went up, the light shined all across Equestria. However, some of the light had chosen to instead wake up a certain pony by shining directly in their eyes.

That pony was Octavia. She opened her eyes, only to be blinded by the sun. She quickly covered her eyes with her hoof in an attempt to stop the light.

I can see why Vinyl wears glasses all the time...

Once Octavia realized it was morning, she looked around only to realize she was not in her house. She then noticed a certain DJ that had their forearms wrapped around the cellist's torso and who was also softly snoring.

Octavia smiled and snuggled closer to the mare, causing the unicorn to mumble some incoherent gibberish.

This was only the second time Octavia had woken up like this but she was already starting to get used to it.

Don't get used to it Octavia. You know what happened the last time you did.

With that thought in mind, she realizes that Caramel was supposed to have returned from Ponyville last night.

"Drat," Octavia whispered to herself.

Octavia then attempted to get to her phone without waking up Vinyl. After some struggle, she finally accomplished her mission, but not completely.

Because of the movement, Vinyl had woken up.

"Good morning Vinyl," Octavia said as she noticed the mare had awakened.

"Hey," Vinyl replied, groggily.

Vinyl then started stretching while Octavia checked her phone.

She had many new texts, although she did not know who they were from. Before she could check, however, the phone had died.

Octavia sighed in defeat before putting her phone down and then laying back down on Vinyl's chest.

Vinyl wrapped her hooves around Octavia again, and the two just sat there for awhile, both happy with each other's company.

"So, what are we going to do today?" Vinyl asked after a moment of silence.

"Well, I promised my ensemble that I would meet them for breakfast so I will probably have to leave soon," Octavia replied.

"Awww," Vinyl pouted, "Does that mean we don't get to cuddle?"

Octavia chuckled, "Well we have now,". With that, Octavia buried her muzzle into Vinyl's neck.

Vinyl smiled and nuzzled closer to the cellist. The two stayed like that for only a few seconds before they heard loud knocking coming from the front door.

"I should have seen that coming," Vinyl commented with a sigh.

Vinyl lets go of the cellist, and Octavia walked to the front door while fixing her mane to look at the very least presentable.

As Octavia opened the door, she realized again that she WAS NOT in her house. She re-discovered it when she found two shocked mares standing at the other end of the door.

"OCTAVIA?!" Lyra and Bon Bon yelled in unison, both having wide eyes.

Octavia blushed slightly and gave them a sheepish smile, "I think I know where all those texts came from now,"

"So, did you speak to Vinyl?" Bon Bon asked, hopefulness in her voice.

"Well she is inside her house, and it looks like she slept here, so I'll say it went REALLY well," Lyra commented with a grin.

"Who's at the door Tavi?" Vinyl called from the bedroom.

"Hello, Vinyl! How do you feel?" Bon Bon called back.

"Glad to see you're not dead," Lyra teased.

"Oh! Hey, Bonnie! Hey, Lyra!" Vinyl greeted as she walked out of the bedroom, putting on her glasses.

Bon Bon and Lyra walked into the apartment, as soon as they were in, they saw that the place was messy.

"What happened in here? It's a mess!" Bon Bon asked in concern.

"Yeah, it's really messy, well, messier than usual," Lyra agreed.

"Oh! It's a new type of 'fun' me and Tavi are working on," Vinyl replied with a smug grin, causing Octavia to whack her on the head.

"This place was a mess when I got here, I cleaned it up as much as I could," Octavia explained.

"You cleaned this place up, Octavia?" Bon Bon asked, "Did Vinyl at least help?"

"I would have," Vinyl responded, "but Tavi forced me to take a shower,"

"Something tells me you wouldn't have help," Lyra said, unconvinced.

"Well, now that Vinyl seems to be stable. We should talk about why she has not been talking to anypony for the past week," Bon Bon said, sounding slightly annoyed.

"Well I would love to stay and chat but I have to meet my ensemble for breakfast," Octavia explained, looking over at the clock before grabbing her bow from the bedroom.

"Yeah! And I have to come!" Vinyl lied in an attempt to not have to endure the scolding she knew she would receive.

"No you don't," Octavia replied, putting her bow on.

"Please let me come. Bon Bon is like a mother when I go into a drinking phase," Vinyl pleaded in a whisper.

"Goodbye Vinyl," Octavia said before giving the DJ a kiss and leaving.

"Oh come on! I thought you were cool!" Vinyl yelled as Octavia closed the door to the apartment.

Vinyl turned to her two friends who were sitting on her couch. The earth pony had a look of annoyance, while Lyra had a look of 'You are in trouble and I get to watch you suffer'.

Vinyl sighed, this was not going to be fun.

~•~•~•~•~

"I'm sorry I'm late!" Octavia apologized as she walked up to her ensemble.

"You're only a minute late Octavia," Harpo commented, laughing slightly.

Octavia sat down next to Beauty Brass. Across from her was Fredric and next to Fredric was Harpo. They had all agreed to meet at a diner for breakfast at their last meeting.

"So, how's Vinyl?" Beauty Brass asked, almost maniacally.

"She's good," Octavia replied, looking at the menu.

"Hm," Fredric grumbled at the mention of Vinyl's name. He also started looking at his menu.

"So, have you told Vinyl that you like her yet?" Harpo asked.

"Oh, she didn't tell you?" Beauty Brass responded with a grin, "They started dating,”

"WHAT?!" Fredric and Harpo yelled at the same time.

Octavia blushed and sunk more into her seat, causing Beauty Brass to giggle.

"That's great!" Harpo exclaimed in joy.

"Or not!" Fredric argues, "May I remind you that you are still married to Caramel. And also, how do you know that you don’t just like Vinyl because she is a way of escape from Caramel?"

Octavia paused to think for a moment but then shrugged, "I know, but I will get a divorce with Caramel eventually. Also, why would I like Vinyl for that reason? By your logic, I could have started liking anypony,"

"She's got you there Freddy," Harpo teased.

Fredric glared at Harpo, "Don't call me that,"

"Good morning everypony, what can I get you all today?" The waitress asked. The waitress then took the ponies orders and left the table.

"So, when do we get to meet Vinyl?" Fredric asked, in an almost interrogation tone.

"I don't know," Octavia replied, "I can try to work things out with Vinyl, maybe we can all have a dinner together. I can bring Lyra and Bon Bon as well,"

"Yeah! I love those two!" Beauty Brass agreed.

The waitress then brought the ponies their drinks.

"How's Caramel? Does he know about you and Vinyl yet?" Harpo asked, taking a sip of coffee.

"He's.... Interesting. He is currently out of town at the moment," Octavia responded.

"With Lucky Streak?" Beauty Brass assumed.

"No, with Neon Lights," Octavia corrected.

"The DJ? Why in Equestria is he with him?" Fredric asked.

"Well.... He's Vinyl's ex..."

Everypony went silent and stared at the cellist with wide eyes.

"Her ex?" Fredric said in an almost enraged tone as he got up from the table, "That stallion is known as one of the most rudest ponies in all of Equestria! Why would she ever date him?! Vinyl is probably just as-"

"FREDRIC!" Beauty Brass almost shouted also getting up from the table, "May I speak to you in private?!"

Octavia and Harpo looked at each other, both with confused and worried looks.

"Alright," Fredric replied, regaining his composure. And with that, the two ponies walked out of the diner, leaving Octavia and Harpo sitting there in silence.

"So," Harpo said after a long period of silence, "see the game last night?"

~•~•~•~•~

"What were you thinking? What if you got hurt! Or cheated on Octavia!" Bon Bon yelled as she repeatedly whacked Vinyl with a book.

"Ow! Ow! I'm sorry! Stop hitting me Bonnie!" Vinyl pleaded, covering the top of her head.

After a few more minutes of this, Bon Bon stopped and let out a sigh. She then hugged the DJ.

"We were worried sick about you! Especially Lyra," Bon Bon said as she hugged the mare.

"Hey!" Lyra protested with a blush, "Octavia was way more worried!"

"That is true," Bon Bon agreed as she stopped hugging Vinyl.

"Yeah, Octy's awesome," Vinyl said with a smile.

"Well, I am going to make us some breakfast," Bon Bon announced, exiting the room and going into the kitchen.

"I wonder how much worse Octavia will be once you do something stupid," Lyra commented with a grin.

"Instead of a book, she'll probably hit me with an anvil," Vinyl joked, "The only mare worse than Bonnie or Tavi would be my actual mother,"

Just then, they heard the doorbell ring. Vinyl got up from the couch and walked over to her door and opened it.

"Hello-"

"VINYL RECORD SCRATCH, YOU ARE IN BIG TROUBLE!" The mare from the other side of the door yelled.

"M-mom?!" Vinyl stammered.

"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH TROUBLE YOU ARE IN?!" Vinyl's mother yelled as she started hitting Vinyl on the head with her purse.

"OW! OW! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" Vinyl yelled in pain.

Lyra, luckily, swooped in and moved Vinyl away from the attack.

"Hello, Mrs. Scratch. Why are you here?" Lyra asked, trying to keep Vinyl away from the angered mare.

"Don't think you are out of this Lyra!" Vinyl's mother replied, "You two are both in trouble!"

"BONNIE! DID YOU CALL MY MOM HERE?!" Vinyl asked angrily.

Bon Bon came out of the kitchen with a confused look, "No. Why- Oh! Hello, Mrs. Scratch!"

"You are just as guilty as them Bon Bon!" Vinyl's mother said as she walked into the apartment.

"Guilty of what?!" Vinyl asked.

"Don't play dumb with me missy!" Vinyl's mother said, pointing a hoof at Vinyl.

"No seriously," Lyra asked, "What?"

"Last night, two stallions came to my house. One of which was crying! According to them, you, Vinyl, are with somepony who is having an affair!" Vinyl's mother explained.

At that, all three ponies in the room became silent. Their eyes wide and mouths open.

~•~•~•~•~

"Fredric!" Beauty Brass scolded once they were outside the diner, "What has gotten into you!"

Fredric didn't say anything, only glared at Beauty.

Beauty's eyes went wide, "Do you still like Octavia?"

"What?! No!" Fredric yelled, "I am just worried!"

"Worried about what? I've meet Vinyl and she is a very sweet and kind mare who truly cares for Octavia," Beauty Brass argued.

"You know who else was like that? Caramel! And look where that got her!" Fredric replied.

"So what? Does that mean that every pony that is romantically interested in Octavia is going to end up like Caramel? What about you! You used to like her!" Beauty Brass asked.

"Who knows! From what I have heard, Vinyl acts similar to Caramel is some ways! And I am nothing like that sad excuse for a stallion!" Fredric responded.

"Neither is Vinyl! Vinyl may act like Caramel in some ways but she is also nothing like him!" Beauty Brass argued.

"How would you know? You barely even know the mare!" Fredric yelled.

"You know what," Beauty Brass said, "I don't need this. I am going to go back in there and enjoy time with two of my best friends. You can keep thinking whatever you want of Vinyl but remember this, Vinyl is the light in Octavia's life. No matter how much you are against it,"

And with that, Beauty Brass walked back into the diner, leaving Fredric to rot.

"Heyyyyyy Beauty!" Harpo greeted with a wave as he saw Beauty Brass enter the diner.

"Hey," Beauty Brass said in a small voice, kissing Harpo on the cheek and sitting back down next to Octavia.

"Where's Fredric?" Octavia asked in concern.

"He-" Beauty Brass started but stopped when she saw Fredric walk back into the diner.

"Hello, everypony. Why don't we talk about the new ensemble members we may be receiving," Fredric said as he sat down next to Harpo.

And with that, the ensemble started to speak of other things. But Octavia couldn't help but notice that Beauty Brass was almost completely silent throughout the whole time.

~•~•~•~•~

"What did the stallions look like?" Lyra asked, after a very long period of silence.

"One of them was Neon Lights, and the other was an orange stallion with a brown mane and tail," Vinyl's mother replied.

"Why would you believe anything Neon says? Don't you remember what he did to me?" Vinyl asked, her voice rising.

"I do. And I was not happy to see him, but the stallion explained he was only there to help," Vinyl's mother explained.

"But he is Neon! You should never believe anything about Neon!" Vinyl yelled.

"Do not yell at me! Neon did not even seem invested in the conversation, he walked away half way through it!" Vinyl's mother yelled back.

"HE WAS ACTING!" Vinyl shouted.

"If he was acting, then why do you all seem so bothered by the mention of an affair? Hm?" Vinyl's mother asked.

Vinyl froze. She then slowly deflated and looked down at the ground.

"I am going out," Vinyl said and galloped out of the apartment.

"COME BACK HERE THIS INSTANT!" Vinyl's mother called out.

"Mrs. Scratch," Bon Bon said, "There are some things we should tell you,"

"Yeah, but first. I need to find Vinyl, and somepony else," Lyra agreed, leaving the apartment.

"Take a seat," Bon Bon invited, "This is going to be a lot,"

~•~•~•~•~

"And then, the guy almost fell off the building!" Harpo exclaimed as he told the ensemble a story.

"Interesting story Harpo," Octavia commented with a raised eyebrow.

"I somehow doubt that happened," Fredric said, taking the last sip of his tea.

The ensemble was basically done with their meal. At this point, they were just sitting there chatting. All of a sudden the diner door burst open and a very familiar green unicorn came into the diner.

"Lyra?" Octavia asked in shock.

"Hi, Lyra!" Beauty Brass greeted with a smile.

"Octavia there you are! I need your help! Some stuff is going on and we need to go!" Lyra explained, out of breath.

"Oh, so you're Lyra. Vinyl's friend," Fredric said in an almost skeptical tone.

"Yeah, that’s me. Anyway, we need to go, Octavia," Lyra said again.

"Not so fast. I want to hear more about you fi-" Fredric started but was interrupted by Lyra.

"OH, MY CELESTIA I NEED TO GO NOW!" Lyra shouted and grabbed Octavia. She rushed the cellist out of the diner and started pushing her away from the diner.

"Lyra! What is going on?!" Octavia asked.

"You'll see. First, we need to find Vinyl. I think she went to a bar so we need to search every bar in the city," Lyra explained.

"Wait, what happened to Vinyl? And how did you find me?" Octavia questioned.

"No time to explain, I searched all nearby diners. Let's go now!" Lyra said and she started galloping, Octavia following close behind.

A few hours later, Lyra and Octavia finally found Vinyl drinking some cider in a bar.

"Vinyl!" Octavia said exhausted as she walked up to the DJ.

"Oh! Hey, Tavi. How'd ya find me?" Vinyl asked with a smile.

"We checked every bar in the city," Lyra explained, panting.

"Oh... Hey, Lyra hehe. Are you going to kill me?" Vinyl said with a sheepish smile.

"No. That comes later," Lyra replied, almost threateningly.

"Can somepony please explain what is going on?" Octavia asked, slightly annoyed.

"Follow me and you'll find out," Vinyl explained, and the three made their way back to Vinyl's apartment.

~•~•~•~•~

"I am getting impatient Bon Bon!" Vinyl's mother said angrily.

"They should be back any minute!" Bon Bon explained, "I hope..."

Just then, they heard the door to the apartment open.

"Okay, we're back!" Lyra announced.

"Thank Celestia!" Bon Bon exclaimed, relieved.

The three ponies walked into the apartment, where a very angry looking mare sat on the couch, glaring at Vinyl.

"Who's that?" Octavia whispered to Lyra and Vinyl.

"Tavi, this is my mom," Vinyl introduced, "and mom, this is Tavi,"

"Pleasure to meet you," Octavia greeted, putting a hoof out to shake.

Vinyl's mother looked at the hoof, and then back to Octavia, "Do you have any idea what you are putting your husband through?"

Octavia's eyes widened.

"Wh-what?" Octavia stammered.

"Your husband came all the way to my home and begged me to stop my daughter from dating you because you were already married!" Vinyl's mother explained, her voice full of rage.

"Mom! That's not fair! You don't know what he put Octy through!" Vinyl defended, standing in front of Octavia.

"What she's been through? Probably nothing! When I met the stallion he was a very sweet and kind soul, what could he have possibly done?!" Vinyl's mother asked.

Vinyl quickly grabbed Octavia's phone and showed her mother the texts.

"That's all? Of course, he would be mad if his wife was cheating on him!" The mother argued.

"He also kissed Bonnie! And gave Lyra and a black eye!" Vinyl argued back.

This whole time, Octavia had been completely silent, still in shock at what she had heard.

He... Contacted Vinyl's family?

Octavia's face became angry. Lyra and Bon Bon both noticed and shared a look of worry. Vinyl and her mother were too busy arguing to notice, however. Octavia then grabbed her phone back from Vinyl, causing the two other mares to look at her. The cellist quickly dialed in Caramel's number and waited for him to pick up.

"Hello-" Was all Caramel got through before Octavia blew up.

"CARAMEL! WHAT IS CELESTIA'S NAME ARE YOU DOING?! WHY DO YOU KEEP CONTACTING PONIES WHO KNOW VINYL! THIS IS NOT OKAY!" Octavia screamed into the phone.

Octavia put the phone on loudspeaker so everypony in the room could hear his response.

"I just don't want to lose you!" Caramel yelled from the other end.

"Vinyl and I aren't even dating!" Octavia yelled.

Vinyl's mother opened her mouth to protest but Octavia waved her hoof up as a signal to wait.

"How would I know that? You could be lying!" Caramel replied.

"You did this before! With Bon Bon! You took action before actually speaking to anypony!"

"Would you stop bringing that up?!" Caramel yelled.

"No! You kissed one of my friends because you thought I was dating them! That is not an okay thing to do Caramel! And now you are contacting everypony and trying to ruin Vinyl's life for the same reason!" Octavia screamed again, "Why do you keep doing this with everypony I talk to?!"

"Maybe he thinks he's not good enough for you," Vinyl mumbled jokingly.

"I am not stopping until Vinyl stops speaking to you!" Caramel said, ignoring everything else Octavia had asked. And with that, Octavia hung up the phone.

"He... Actually kissed Bon Bon?" Vinyl's mother asked after a moment of silence.

"Yes!" Everypony yelled.

Vinyl's mother sighed and started walking out the door, "Next weekend, you two are going to come to Vinyl's old house. We are not done with this conversation," She said pointing at Vinyl and Octavia.

And with that, the mother left.

The ponies sat there in silence for a few minutes before Octavia started to walk out the door.

"Where are you going Octy?" Vinyl asked.

Octavia turned to Vinyl, "I am going to kill Caramel,"

~•~•~•~•~

"He what?!" Beauty Brass asked in shock.

Octavia had gone back to her home, only to find Caramel had fled but not before leaving a very creepy love note in the kitchen. After that, Octavia decided to go and talk to Beauty Brass again to let off some steam.

"I know! He is so.... Unbelievable!" Octavia exclaimed.

"Do you think Lucky Streak is going to help them?" Beauty Brass asked, fearfully.

Octavia smiled, "No. I actually spoke to him yesterday, he's on our side,"

This caused Beauty to smile as well, "Good! That means we have something against Caramel,"

The two then took a sip of their tea.

"Hey," Beauty Brass asked, "Now that you are going to meet Vinyl's family, when will she meet your's,"

"In due time," Octavia replied.

Beauty Brass paused, "Wait. Caramel already contacted Vinyl's family and ex.... So does that mean-"

Octavia's eyes went wide and she dropped the tea to the ground, "I'm next,"

Chapter 19

View Online

The Friendship Express rolled towards Ponyville late at night. The moonlight shined into the train and the trees passed by with great speed.

A white unicorn with purple sunglasses sat on the train, looking out the window.

Vinyl, I am afraid that Caramel and Neon are going to be going to my parents next.

The unicorn's face became one of anger as she remembered a thought.

The train pulled up to the station, and ponies started filing out. Once the unicorn was on the platform, she looked around in hopes of finding the pony she had been looking for.

"Bingo," The unicorn whispered to herself as she spotted two stallions, seemingly waiting for a train. She then took off her glasses and started walking towards them.

"Hey, can you go get us some coffee?" Neon asked.

"Sure, I'll be right back," Caramel replied, walking towards the inside of the station.

"You," Vinyl growled, walking up to Neon, "What the hell are you two doing?"

"Oh hey babe," Neon greeted with a grin, causing the unicorn to shake slightly in rage, "I am going to that earth pony's house with Caramel,"

"Why?" Vinyl asked sharply, almost as soon as Neon finished his response.

"To help Caramel," Neon replied, nonchalantly.

"But why are you helping him?" Vinyl asked, getting more and more frustrated.

"Cause, I think we should be back together," Neon explained, "I mean, we used to be the king and queen of the DJ world! Everypony envied us,"

Neon paused to grin, causing Vinyl to glare harder at the stallion.

"And the sex was pretty sweet too,"

"I should punch you right now," Vinyl said, her voice full of anger.

"Why don't you?" Neon asked, his grin growing, "Maybe it's because a part of you still likes me,"

Neon chuckled, "You're almost like a dog, always coming back to its owner,"

"Buck you," Vinyl yelled.

"Whatever," Neon replied, "I know you'll be back soon,"

At this point, Vinyl looked like a bull. Her breathing loud, her body shaking, and her red eyes full of rage and anger.

Vinyl was ready to unleash onto him, until she looked around, and found everypony looking at them.

So Vinyl, let out one last big breath, before turning and walking away towards the next train to Manhattan.

After a few minutes, the train rolled into the station, and Vinyl practically bolted into it. Once inside, she found an empty area and sat down, only to start crying.

"Hey, are you okay?" A voice asked, sounding full of concern.

"Go away," Vinyl growled, not facing the pony. She then put on her glasses again, not wanting the pony to see her eyes.

"Well, this is the last empty area so I can't," The voice replied.

Vinyl could make out the voice as a stallion's voice, which made her even more angered due to her past experiences with them. Vinyl then heard the stallion sit down on the seat in front of her.

"Hey, you look familiar," The stallion commented.

"Of course, I do," Vinyl replied.

"Hey, hey. Calm down. There's no need to get hostile," The stallion responded.

"Whatever," Vinyl said.

After a moment of silence, the stallion's eyes went wide, "Are you DJ PON3?"

"Yeah, I am. But I swear to Celestia if you ask me for anything I will punch you,"

"Well... Can I ask a question?" The stallion asked, hesitantly.

"If it has to do with why I am upset, then no," Vinyl replied.

"Are you dating Octavia Melody?"

Vinyl's head snapped towards the stallion. For the first time, she finally saw what he looked like. The stallion was light gray with a jet black mane and tail.

Vinyl's eyes narrowed, "Who the hell are you?"

"My name's Lucky Streak," Lucky Streak greeted, putting a hoof out to shake, "Nice to meet you Vinyl!"

Vinyl hoof bumped Lucky Streak, "You're Caramel's friend, right?"

Lucky Streak cringed, "More like ex-friend...... He and Neon just came to my house about an hour ago. They asked me if I wanted to help them but I said what they did was wrong and then we kind of got into a fight,"

Vinyl grinned, "You're alright Lucky Streak. You're alright,"

Lucky Streak smiled, "Thank. So why were you crying? If you don't mind me asking,"

Vinyl sighed, "I just spoke with Neon,"

"Ahhh," Lucky Streak said in understanding, "I get it now. What did you two talk about?"

Vinyl then told Lucky Streak about the conversation between her and Neon, including what had happened the day before with her mother.

"Octavia told me your mom came over. Why did you think talking to him would help anything?" Lucky Streak asked once Vinyl finished her story.

"I honestly don't know what I was expecting," Vinyl replied, sounding defeated.

"Is it true though?" Lucky Streak asked, "Do you still like Neon?"

Vinyl sighed, "I... I guess a part of me still remembers how he was before. I don't like him, though, Octy is way better than he could ever be,"

Lucky Streak raised his eyebrow, "Octy?"

"Yeah," Vinyl said, perking up, "I like to call her that. I also call her Tavi,"

"Made it up all by myself my ass," Lucky Streak mumbled angrily.

"What was that?"

"Nothing!" Lucky Streak replied, nervously, "So, what are you going to do now?"

"Well, I don't know what I am going to do but I think Tavi is planning on making me meet her parents,"

"That makes sense, she wants to get ahead of Caramel," Lucky Streak said, nodding his head.

"So," Vinyl said after a moment of silence, "Why are you coming to Manehatten?"

Lucky Streak grinned, "Oh, you don't know? I was invited to have dinner... With Octavia,"

Vinyl started to glare, "You're not planning to do anything to Octy... Are you?"

Lucky Streak laughed, "No! I thought you were coming. I mean, everypony else is going to be there,"

Vinyl gulped, "Everypony else?"

~•~•~•~•~

"I wish you told me about this earlier," Vinyl said, slightly annoyed.

"Sorry, I wanted to get this out of the way before you would have to meet my parents," Octavia replied, picking some empty beer bottles from the floor.

"Why are you here again?" Vinyl asked, "I mean, don't get me wrong I love it when you are here but... Why are you here?"

"I was going to continue cleaning yesterday but I never got the chance, remember?" Octavia replied, looking up at Vinyl who was sitting on the couch.

Vinyl gave Octavia a confused look and Octavia sighed.

"Of course, you don't," She said, annoyed before she continued cleaning.

"Sooooo," Vinyl said after a second of silence, "Where are we all eating dinner?"

"I made reservations to a very fancy restaurant," Octavia replied, "So you better wear something nice,"

Vinyl grinned and got off the couch before walking over to Octavia, "I think you just want an excuse to see me in a dress again,"

Octavia smiled, "Whatever you say Vinyl,"

"Well too bad for you, I am going to wear a suit," Vinyl said, puffing her chest out, "Cause I am the stallion of this relationship,"

"That may be true," Octavia replied with a grin, "But I wear the pants,"

Vinyl deflated slightly, "Wha- Hey!"

Octavia giggled while Vinyl just glared at her.

"I'm just kidding Vinyl," Octavia said as she nuzzled the DJ's cheek with her muzzle, "This is more of a shared relationship, that being said... If you were the one in control of this relationship, it would burn to the ground,"

"Since when has today been tease Vinyl day?" Vinyl pouted.

"Oh Vinyl," Octavia replied in a soothing voice, "That's every day,"

Vinyl glared again at Octavia again causing the cellist to laugh.

"Yeah yeah, laugh it up Tavi," Vinyl growled before sitting on the couch.

"Aw," Octavia said, giggling slightly, "Look at the bright side love. This will be the first time you'll see me in a dress,"

At this, Vinyl's ears perked up and her eyes went wide. Her head tilted slightly at Octavia, causing the cellist to smirk slightly.

After a moment of silence, the unicorn bolted out of the room in a flash.

"I am going to start getting ready now!" Vinyl called, failing at hiding the enthusiasm in her voice.

Octavia chuckled, "The dinner's not for another few hours Vinyl,"

But the DJ didn't listen, and the sound of the shower turning on was heard, causing Octavia to shake her head, giggling.

"She is such a silly mare," Octavia whispered to herself with a smile.

~•~•~•~•~

"Hurry up Tavi! We are going to be late," Vinyl called, "Not that I care,"

Vinyl was wearing a dark blue suit and a red tie.

"Alright, Vinyl, just one second!" Octavia called back from the other room.

After a few minutes, Octavia came out of the other room. What Vinyl saw, caused her glasses to fall off her face, her mouth to fall agape, and make her eyes wide.

Octavia came out from the other room, she was wearing a black dress with gold earrings.

"Are you alright Vinyl?" Octavia asked, slightly concerned.

"Uh... Yeah, yeah! I'm good," Vinyl stammered, a blush forming on her face

Octavia smirks slightly, rolling her eyes, "Come on, we don't want to be late,"

With that, Octavia kissed Vinyl on the cheek, practically making the DJ putty. Octavia walked out of the apartment, followed by Vinyl but only after she spent a few minutes standing there, love struck.

~•~•~•~•~

"I thought I'd never see the day," Lyra remarked with a grin, "The day when I would get somewhere before Octavia,"

"Hello Lyra, hello Bon Bon," Octavia greeted as her and Vinyl walked to the front of the restaurant.

Bon Bon was wearing a dress that was the same color as her coat but it had a pink and white stripe going down the sides.

Lyra was wearing a suit like Vinyl but her suit was black. She also had a turquoise bow tie.

"Hello Octavia, hello Vinyl," Bon Bon greeted, shaking Octavia's hoof.

Vinyl and Lyra just looked at each other for a moment before hoof bumping.

"Yo,"

"Yo,"

Bon Bon giggled and Octavia just shook her head at the way the two greeted one another.

"I'm so glad that you two were the first ones here," Vinyl said, sounding relieved.

"Really? Why's that Vinyl?" Octavia asked.

"Because I feel like everypony else is going to judge me," Vinyl replied.

"Well not everypony," Lyra said, making everypony look over at her. In response, Lyra pointed a hoof behind them. As the ponies turned, Octavia was brought into a bone crushing hug.

"Hello, Octavia!" Beauty Brass greeted as she broke the hug.

Beauty Brass was wearing a dark blue dress with small white dots all over it. The white dots almost looked like stars.

Once Beauty broke the hug, she took a look at the other mares there, which caused her to frown slightly.

"Why are you two wearing suits?" Beauty Brass asked, pointing at Vinyl and Lyra.

"Because, suits are cool," Vinyl replied, causing Octavia to facehoof.

"Yeah!" Lyra agreed.

"You two are impossible," Bon Bon commented, shaking her head slightly.

"Yeah, but that’s why you guys love us," Vinyl replied, moving up next to Octavia and putting her hoof around the cellist. Lyra copied the action but with Bon Bon instead.

"This night is already terrible," Octavia said, rubbing between her eyes.

"And it's all downhill from here," Vinyl replied, causing Octavia to glare at her and also causing everypony else to laugh slightly.

"Geez Beauty," Harpo said breathlessly as he finally caught up to his marefriend, "Could you have slowed down at least a little?"

Harpo was wearing a light brown suit with a red bow tie.

"Harpo, this is Vinyl, Lyra, and Bon Bon," Beauty Brass introduced, pointing at the three mares.

"Oh! Hello, nice to finally meet you three... Other than just seeing you for a few seconds," Harpo greeted, putting his hoof out to shake.

Vinyl and Lyra hoofbumped him while Bon Bon actually shook it.

"Harpo, why are you wearing your work bow tie?" Octavia asked, pointing at the tie.

"Because, bow ties are cool," Harpo replied.

"Yeah, they are!" Lyra cheered, and the two hoof bumped again.

"Well at least they're getting along," Bon Bon commented.

"I would prefer if they didn't," Octavia said annoyed.

"Don't ponies here normally go into the restaurant to wait for their friends?" Lucky Streak asked as he walked up to the group.

Lucky Streak was wearing a black suit and a red tie.

"Hello, Lucky Streak!" Octavia greeted, hugging the stallion.

"Sup Lucky," Vinyl greeted, hoofbumping the stallion.

Lyra and Bon Bon shared a confused look. Harpo looked over at Beauty Brass for some insight but the mare was too busy introducing herself.

"Hello, Lucky Streak!" Beauty Brass greeted, shaking the stallion's hoof.

"Oh! Uh, hello Beauty Brass," Lucky Streak greeted, slightly surprised by how the mare actually greeted him.

"Wait a second," Beauty said, a smile forming on her face, "You're single, right?"

"Oh no," Harpo said in a fearful whisper.

"Uh... Yeah?" Lucky Streak replied confused.

"Perfect!" Beauty Brass said, putting her arm around the stallion, "You can be the pony I help next! If you need any proof of my past jobs well just look at the DJ and cellist,"

"Technically, we helped," Lyra commented.

"Lyra, please don't. I don't want to get sucked into... Whatever she is planning," Bon Bon begged.

"Hello Fredric," Octavia greeted with a smile as she noticed the stallion walking up towards them.

Fredric was wearing a white suit with a red tie.

"Hello Octavia," Fredric replied, shaking Octavia's hoof.

Once the stallion had made his presence known, Bon Bon noticed that Beauty Brass seemed to deflate and hide behind Harpo. Harpo didn't even seem to notice.

Fredric had a smile, but it quickly changed to a frown and glare as he noticed the white unicorn.

"So, you're Vinyl," Fredric said.

"Yep," Vinyl replied, "And you must be Fredric, Octy's told me lots about you. Mind if I call ya Freddy?"

"I do mind actually," Fredric replied, still glaring at the DJ.

"Alright then, Fred it is," Vinyl said enthusiastically. This caused Fredric's face to show more anger.

"Why don't we go inside now?" Bon Bon said quickly as she sensed a fight starting.

And with that, the ponies walked into the restaurant, but not before Bon Bon stopped Beauty Brass.

"May I speak with you alone in a few minutes?" Bon Bon asked, Beauty Brass smiled and nodded her head. Bon Bon returned the smile.

~•~•~•~•~

The group of ponies took their seats at a large table, after a few minutes the ponies made their orders and began waiting for their food.

"So," Lyra started, "Lucky Streak, I've heard you've been friends with Caramel for a long time,"

Lucky Streak sighed, "Is that seriously what everypony remembers me for? Anyway, we were fillyhood friends but I stopped being his friend this morning when he tried to get me to help him ruin Vinyl's life or whatever,"

"Does he even know that they are actually dating?" Beauty Brass asked.

"No!" Octavia said, her voice rising slightly, "So if we weren't then this is totally out of line!"

"But you are," Fredric reminded, "Speaking of which, how are you and Vinyl's relationship?"

"Well I think it's going good," Vinyl replied with a smile, "Do you think so Tavi?"

Octavia sighed, "Yes, I do, but it would be much better if I didn't have Caramel watching over me like a hawk,"

"Well, can you blame him?" Fredric asked, "You are cheating on him,"

Beauty Brass started glaring at Fredric, though only Bon Bon seemed to notice.

"Well yeah," Lucky Streak agreed, "But he doesn't know that, he is doing this entirely off what he thinks! What if he thought you and Octavia were dating? Then he would do the same thing,"

"He's got a point there," Lyra agreed, taking a sip of her water, "Besides, who the hell contacts somepony's ex stallionfriend?"

"Nutcases," Vinyl mumbled, angrily.

Octavia chuckled, "I can agree with that Vinyl,"

"Are we just going to talk about Caramel?" Harpo asked, "I came here to see drama! I thought we were like going to interrogate Vinyl,"

Fredric nodded his head, "I agree with that,"

"Yeah!" Lyra agreed, before getting close to Vinyl, "Did you eat my chocolate bar in high school?!"

"Oh Celestia Lyra, will you ever let that go?" Bon Bon asked, slightly annoyed.

"I ain't talking," Vinyl replied with a Manehatten gangster accent.

"You better talk," Harpo said in the same accent, getting into the game, "Or the lady gets it," With that, Harpo pretended to hold a gun up to Octavia's head.

"Fine! I'll talk, I'll talk!" Vinyl replied.

"You have got to be kidding me," Octavia said, facehoofing again. Meanwhile, Beauty Brass and Bon Bon were attempting not to laugh while Lucky Streak snickered. Fredric however, looked unamused.

Beauty Brass then felt somepony tap her shoulder. Beauty turned to find Bon Bon, tilting her head towards the bathroom.

"We'll be right back," Beauty Brass said getting up from her chair, "Bon Bon and I are going to go powder our noses,"

"I'll come as well, I need to get away from this," Octavia said as she started to get up from her seat.

"Sorry Octavia," Bon Bon apologized, "but you're stuck on foalsitting duty,"

Octavia sighed in annoyance, "Of course I am,"

And with that, the two mares made their way to the bathroom.

"What did you want to talk about Bon Bon?" Beauty Brass asked once they were inside the restroom.

"Well, it's just that you seem to be acting strange around Fredric, why is that?" Bon Bon replied, her voice full of concern.

Beauty Brass frowned slightly before sighing, "Well, Fredric is just... Being over protective of Octavia. He believes Vinyl is going to break her heart like Caramel. The only problem is, Fredric won't give her a chance so I am afraid that Fredric will make a scene, and knowing Vinyl she will probably fight back,"

Bon Bon's eyes went wide, "Oh.... Well then I guess it is up to me and you to make sure that doesn't happen,"

Beauty Brass smiled and nodded her head, and with that, the two mares made their way back to the table, where their food awaited them.

~•~•~•~•~

The ponies had finished their food, and as the night went on the ponies became closer and closer. Everypony that is, except Fredric, who seemed to be extremely distant.

"I'll be right back, I am going to go get a quick drink," Vinyl said as she got up from the table.

"I'll go as well," Fredric said almost as soon as Vinyl got up.

Octavia smiled, maybe this could finally be the chance for the two of them to become friends.

Bon Bon and Beauty Brass shared a look before they snuck away from the group and followed after the two ponies.

"I'll get a shot of whiskey please," Vinyl ordered as she sat down at the bar.

"I'll just have some wine, thank you," Fredric said as he sat down as well.

"So, Fred, tell me about yourself," Vinyl said after a moment of silence.

"Well, I am a pianist, I am a part of an ensemble, and I hate being called Fred," Fredric replied.

Vinyl waved her hoof, "Yeah yeah yeah, I already know all of that! Tell me something new!"

Fredric rolled his eyes, "I am not a very interesting stallion, why don't you tell me about you? I would love to know more about you and Octavia's relationship,"

"Well," Vinyl stated, "I am a famous DJ by the name of DJ PON3, my brother is Long Play, and I have weird eyes,"

"Okay," Fredric said with his eyebrow raised, "Could you tell me more about you and Octavia's relationship?"

Vinyl shrugged, "What is there to tell? She's a cellist, I'm a DJ and we date, the end,"

Fredric's eyes narrowed, "Do you love her?"

Vinyl's eyes went wide and panic spread throughout her, "Well... Uh.... Love is kind of a strong word Fred,"

"Not that strong, I hear Beauty and Harpo use it all the time," Fredric replied, "I even heard Lyra and Bon Bon use it from time to time,"

"Well yeah, but they have been dating much longer than me and Octavia," Vinyl responded.

Fredric just examined her for a minute before asking, "What would you do if Octavia left you?"

"Wait what?" Vinyl asked, taken aback by the question.

"What would you do if Octavia left you," Fredric repeated.

"Well..... I guess I would continue my life," Vinyl replied before drinking her shot of whiskey.

"Would you try to keep her," Fredric asked, his voice getting a little more accusing, "Would you force her to stay with you,"

"What?!" Vinyl asked her voice rising, "Why would I- wait... Are you trying to compare me to Caramel?! Why the hell would you do that?!"

"Because, you act like him, who knows if you will end up like him," Fredric replied.

"Just because I act like him in some ways, doesn't mean we are the same pony!" Vinyl yelled slightly, getting up from her seat.

"Hey, guys! You two should probably calm down," Bon Bon said, getting between the two.

"I bet you are just dating Octavia because she's vulnerable!" Fredric said, his voice rising as he got up from his seat as well.

"And I bet you don't like me because you still like Octy!" Vinyl yelled back.

"Fredric! I told you to not do this!" Beauty Brass said as she got behind Fredric.

"Uh, guys," Lucky Streak said from the table as he noticed the fight that was starting, "I think they need some help,"

Everypony else at the table turned to find Fredric and Vinyl glaring at once another, Bon Bon in the middle with her hooves against the two and Beauty Brass behind Fredric.

The four ponies that were at the table got up and quickly galloped over to the others.

"You're probably just as bad as you're ex stallionfriend!" Fredric yelled.

"And you probably just lost your marefriend because she saw how much of a stuck up asshole you are!" Vinyl yelled back.

"What has gotten into you, Fredric!?" Harpo asked Fredric.

"Vinyl, I swear to Celestia, don't do what I think you are going to do," Lyra commanded.

Fredric and Vinyl looked about ready to fight. Their friends, however, were trying to stop it to no avail.

Lucky Streak and Octavia watched from a little further away.

"What do we do?" Lucky Streak asked, only to get no response.

"Octavia?" Lucky Streak asked, turning to where the mare was standing only a few minutes prior but found the mare walking towards the exit of the building.

Everypony heard the door shut, but no one paid any mind to it except Lucky.

"Hey guys!" Lucky Streak yelled, finally getting everypony's attention, "You idiots just made Octavia storm out of the restaurant!"

Vinyl's face completely lost all anger at those words and in a second, she was galloping out of the restaurant. Lyra, Bon Bon, and Lucky Streak followed quickly behind. The other three ensemble members watched as they left the restaurant.

Beauty Brass turned to Fredric, "I hope you're happy,"

And with that, Beauty Brass and Harpo galloped after the group.

~•~•~•~•~

"Give me something hard," Octavia demanded as she sat at a nearby bar.

"You don't look like the drinking type," The bartender commented, "What's eatin' ya filly?"

The bartender passed Octavia a judge full of cider and the mare started drinking.

Once she finished, Octavia sighed, "My life has gone from me being a trapped bird to me being on a roller coaster of emotions,"

"Why's that?" The bartender asked.

"I am married to a nut case, narcissistic, emotionally abusive husband who has made my life a living hell for fifteen years. I got a new job where I fell in love with my boss and started having an affair with her. Although most of my friends are supportive, one of them is being rude to marefriend. Not only that but now my husband is going around trying to ruin my marefriend and my life with the help of my marefriend's ex stallionfriend,"

The bartender stared at her with wide eyes before speaking, "Actually you do seem like the drinking type,"

Just then, they heard the door to the bar open, and multiple hooves walk into the place.

"I need to speak with her alone," A voice said, which Octavia recognized as Vinyl's voice.

The cellist then heard the hooves walk back out of the bar before she heard a single pair of hooves walk towards her.

"I'll have a cider," Vinyl commanded and the bartender left the two.

There was a pause and a moment of silence. The bartender brought Vinyl her drink but left the two alone immediately after.

"I'm sorry," Vinyl said after a moment of silence.

"I know," Octavia replied, not facing the unicorn, "And I know Fredric is too,"

"So, you're not mad?" Vinyl asked.

Octavia sighed, "No. I just wish that my life could be normal. That I could have a dinner with all of my friends without something happening,"

"Oh," Vinyl replied, "I'm sorry,"

Octavia chuckled, "I know Vinyl. I understand where you two are coming from and I am not mad,"

With that, Octavia laid her head down on Vinyl's shoulder. In response, Vinyl laid her head down on top of Octavia's.

After a long period of silence, Octavia spoke, "You know that I am going to force you and Fredric to have a long talk to one another about this, right?"

Vinyl chuckled, "Yeah,"

There was another period of silence before Octavia spoke again, "Everypony is outside staring at us, aren't they?"

Vinyl chuckled again, "Yep,"

Octavia sighed, "Of course,"

After the third period of silence, Vinyl spoke, "We have some awesome friends,"

"What makes you say that?" Octavia asked.

"Well, they support us and are always trying to be there for us," Vinyl explained, "Even Fredric, even though he doesn't like me, he does care for you,"

"Yes, they are pretty amazing," Octavia agreed, "And so are you,"

With that, Octavia kissed Vinyl.

Their kiss lasted a few seconds but once it broke they heard everypony in the bar say,

"Awwwwww,"

Octavia blushed and Vinyl chuckled.

And with that, the two ponies went back outside to greet their friends.

~•~•~•~•~

"Hey Vinyl," Octavia said, closing her book.

The two of them were laying in bed together. Octavia was reading while running her hoof through Vinyl's mane, causing the DJ to purr. Vinyl was laying down close to Octavia.

"Yeah, Tavi?" Vinyl asked.

"Would you be alright meeting my family?" Octavia asked.

"Of course Octy! Why wouldn't I be!" Vinyl exclaimed.

"Good," Octavia replied, "because we are seeing them this tomorrow,"

Chapter 20

View Online

The Friendship Express rolled down the tracks, colored leafs flying past as the train shook them off their trees.

A gray earth pony sat next to a white unicorn on said train. The white unicorn had a face of worry while the earth pony seemed to be calm, she was reading a book.

"Are you sure they will be fine Tavi?" Vinyl asked, panicked, "I mean, my mom was pissed so they will probably be pissed but what if they hate me? What if they never let me see you again? What if-"

The DJ was shut up by Octavia's hoof as it was shoved into her mouth.

"Vinyl, they loath Caramel. I doubt they will be as bad as your mother,"

"You know who else loathed Caramel?" Vinyl asked once Octavia took her hoof out, "Fredric! And he still hates me!"

Octavia rolled her eyes with a sigh, "I thought you two forgave each other,"

"I did, but I know he still hates me," Vinyl growled.

Octavia rolled her eyes again, "Well stop panicking, it is unlike you,"

Vinyl grinned, "You're right, it's more like you,"

In response, Octavia whacked Vinyl on the back of the head, causing the DJ to let out a yelp of pain.

Vinyl rubbed the back of her head, smirking at the now glaring cellist.

After a moment, Octavia let out a sigh and she laid her head against Vinyl's chest.

"I am worried too Vinyl, they are my parents,"

Vinyl wrapped her hooves around the cellist and pulled her closer. She then gave her a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry, no matter what happens I'll be there- not in a creepy way,"

Octavia giggled and pecked Vinyl on the lips, "I know. Thank you,"

Octavia closed her eyes and drifted into sleep, meanwhile Vinyl watched the leafs fall.

I hope Caramel and Neon didn't make it there first...

~•~•~•~•~

"How do you not remember where they live?" Neon asked, annoyed.

The two stallions had train trouble on their way to Octavia's parents' house. Once they got to Canterlot however, they ran into another problem.

"I don't know!" Caramel exclaimed, "I just... Never go there! Octavia never lets me talk to them,"

"If you don't mind me asking, why do you want Octavia so much?" Neon asked.

Caramel sighed, "Because she is beautiful and smart, and we have so much history together,"

"Yeah but she doesn't like you," Neon pointed out.

Caramel started glaring at Neon, "And Vinyl doesn't like you,"

Neon shrugged, "Fair point,"

"So what about you, why are helping me?" Caramel asked.

"Well, I guess a part of me wants to be with Vinyl again, I mean, she is pretty hot and we act a lot alike…. And the sex is amazing,"

"Then why do you like to treat her badly?" Caramel questioned.

"I don't know, I guess it is just cute to see her get so mad," Neon replied.

"Huh," Caramel responded, "Well, let's continue looking,"

And with that, the two stallions continued looking for the parents.

~•~•~•~•~

"Why are we here?" Fredric asked as he got off the train, followed closely by his ensemble members.

"Well," Beauty Brass responded, "We are here to help Octavia! Caramel is probably already here so we need to make sure he doesn't get to Octavia's parents before her and Vinyl do,"

"Plus," Harpo added, "You wanted to interview Octavia's sister for the ensemble,"

Fredric sighed, "I understand the last one but Beauty, I don't understand why you want me to help, why not just get Lyra and Bon Bon?"

Beauty Brass put a hoof to Fredric's chest, "Because you owe Octavia AND Vinyl for how you acted last night,"

Fredric sighed again, "Fine, but I want you to know I am completely against this and I am only doing this for Octavia,"

"There they are!" Harpo exclaimed as he noticed the two stallions walking around Canterlot, looking lost.

Fredric snorted, "They are too stupid to even find where they live,"

"Perfect!" Beauty Brass cheered, "Now c'mon, let's go find a place to spy on them!"

And with that, the ensemble found a building and hid behind it while they watched the two stallions hunt.

~•~•~•~•~

"This... Is where.... Your parents live," Vinyl asked, stunned at what she was seeing.

Octavia blushed slightly, "Yes, I know it's pretty-"

"Big," Vinyl finished, "Like really fucking big,"

What the two ponies were staring at was a giant brown mansion, it was extremely beautiful. There was a large, long gate guarding the mansion. Behind the gate was an enormous garden, that even included a fountain in the middle.

"You... LIVE HERE?!" Vinyl yelled, causing Octavia to jump.

"I LIVED here when I was a filly," Octavia corrected.

"Tomato, Tomato. The fact is, YOU'RE RICH!" Vinyl exclaimed excitedly.

"Actually my parents are rich. I personally wanted to try living on my own, unlike my sister," Octavia explained.

"Well then your sister is smart," Vinyl replied, causing Octavia to glare at her.

Octavia sighed, "Let's get this over with,"

With that, Octavia walked up to the large gate and pressed a button. After a few seconds, a voice was heard coming from a speaker connected to the gate.

"Melody residence, who might this be?" An old sounding stallion with a British accent asked through the speaker.

"Hello Buffered, it's Octavia," Octavia replied into the speaker.

"Madam Octavia! I was not expecting you! Your family will be thrilled to see you," Buffered exclaimed before opening the gate doors.

Octavia let out a sigh of relief, "It seems we made it here before Caramel and Neon,"

Vinyl threw her hoof into the air, "Aw yeah! Score for the good guys!"

Octavia rolled her eyes with a chuckle before she started trotting into the mansion, Vinyl following close behind.

A gray stallion with a slightly darker gray mane, and tail stood at the front of the mansion, holding the door. Said stallion was also wearing a black suit with a red bow tie.

"Greetings Madam Octavia, shall I alerted your parents of your presence," Buffered greeted.

Octavia smiled, "Yes Buffered. My... Friend, and I will wait in the living room for them,"

Buffered nodded before holding the door for the two mares to enter the mansion. Vinyl gave Octavia a confused look about why she had been referred to as 'friend'. In response, Octavia just mouthed 'wait'.

The two mares sat down on the couch in the giant living room, Vinyl shocked by the place. Meanwhile, Buffered went another way to go and get Octavia's parents.

"Sorry I called you my friend Vinyl, I just wanted to tell everypony about our relationship at the same time," Octavia apologized. After a few moments, when she didn't get a response, Octavia turned to face the DJ.

"Vinyl?"

The unicorn was staring with wide eyes and a shocked expression at everything in the room.

"It's so big,"

"Yes it is Vinyl,"

"Like, really big,"

"I know Vinyl,"

"Like, bigger than my whole apartment,"

"I get it Vinyl,"

"Just... So big,"

"You have already said that Vinyl,"

"So... Big",

"VINYL!" Octavia yelled, causing Vinyl to jump.

Vinyl looked over at Octavia, before looking back at the living room. After a moment of silence, Vinyl spoke.

"Hey, if we got married, do you think I would get half this mansion?"

Vinyl's answer came in the form of a very hard slap to the head.

"OW!" Vinyl cried in pain.

"Are you done?" Octavia asked, annoyed.

Vinyl pondered for a moment, before a grin broke out onto her face, "Yes,"

"Good, because I really don't need to deal with your antics right now Vinyl," Octavia said, firmly.

"Awwww, but my antics are fun!" Vinyl pouted with a smile, causing Octavia to glare at her.

"I'm just kidding," Vinyl chuckled, "You know I only tease you because I wub you, right?" Vinyl asked, nuzzling Octavia's cheek with her muzzle.

Octavia let out a sigh of annoyance, causing Vinyl to laugh.

"Octavia!" A yellow mare with a light gray mane and tail greeted, excitedly, "How are you!?"

Octavia smiled and got up from her seat to hug the mare, "Hello mother,"

"Nice to see you, Octavia," A yellow mare with a purple mane and tail, who was also wearing a purple bow greeted.

"Hello Symphony," Octavia greeted, hugging her sister as well.

"Oh! Who's this?" Octavia's mother asked as she saw the white unicorn sitting on the couch.

"The name's Vinyl Scratch! Nice to meet you, Miss.... Octy's mom," Vinyl greeted. Octavia facehooved at Vinyl's hello while her mother just giggled.

"Oh! You seem like a fun mare," Octavia's mother commented with a smile.

"Yep!" Vinyl exclaimed putting a hoof to her chest, "That's me! The life of the party!"

"Oh Celestia," Octavia whispered to herself. Octavia then looked around and noticed somepony was missing.

"Symphony, where is father?" Octavia asked.

"He's out of town at the moment. He will probably be back for dinner, though," Symphony explained.

Octavia then started thinking,

Father is probably going to be the one that is harder to get on board. So I may as well tell these two first.

"Mother, Symphony, I have something I must tell you," Octavia announced, causing everypony to look at her.

Octavia then walked up next to Vinyl. As Vinyl realized what was happening, she quickly put her hoof around the cellist as a sign of support. Octavia smiled at her marefriend before turning to her family with a determined expression.

"Mother, Symphony, this is Vinyl Scratch, my marefriend,"

~•~•~•~•~

"We have been walking in circles, can't you just call them or something?" Neon asked, slightly annoyed.

Caramel sighed angrily, "I told you I can't! They would never answer me!"

"You could at least try!" Neon argued.

"This is boring," Harpo commented from an ice cream shop, close to the two stallions.

"I know I know, but this is for Octavia!" Beauty Brass reminded.

"This is stupid, we should be interviewing Symphony right now!" Fredric exclaimed.

"Not yet!" Beauty Brass hissed.

"Nothing is happening Beauty," Harpo commented.

"We just have to be pa- OH SWEET CELESTIA!" Beauty Brass yelled causing the other ensemble members to look in the direction of the stallions.

What they found was the two stallions talking to a purple stallion with a dark gray mane, tail, and mustache. Whatever they said to the stallion, caused his face to become one of disgust and anger. Then, the three stallions ran off in the same direction.

The ensemble members sat there for a few minutes in silence before one of them spoke up.

"I think we should go see Symphony now," Beauty Brass said, breaking the silence.

~•~•~•~•~

Nopony had moved or even said anything since what Octavia had announced. If a needle was dropped, anypony could hear it. Octavia's mother and Symphony both shared a look of no emotion like they could not comprehend this new information. Meanwhile, Octavia and Vinyl shared a look of determination, though as the minutes ticked by their faces slowly fell.

"What?" Octavia's mother asked, finally breaking the silence.

Octavia gulped. "T-this is my marefriend, Vinyl Scratch," Octavia repeated, this time with much less confidence.

Octavia's mother looked as though she was about to speak again, but Vinyl beat her to it.

"Listen, before you say anything bad about this. I just want you to know that we both know what we are doing is wrong in so many ways, but the fact it that Caramel will not let Octavia be happy, so is it really her fault if she tries to?" Vinyl explained, "I also want you to know I like Octavia... Like a lot, like more than I ever thought I would like somepony, and I like her enough that I know to let her leave if she wants to,"

Everypony in the room, except for Vinyl, now had wide-eyed expressions.

The room then went back into silence. But this silence was not as long.

"Does Caramel know?" Symphony asked.

Octavia cringed slightly, "No... But he does believe she is dating me. He has already set out on ruining her life even though he has no proof of us dating. This wouldn't be the first time either, he did something terrible to one of my friends because he thought I was cheating on him with her,"

Symphony sighed, "Listen, I need a moment to process this. Come up to my room in ten minutes Octavia," she then turned to Vinyl, "alone,"

With that, Symphony left the room. Leaving just the mother's reaction.

After a few more moments of silence, Octavia's mother sighed.

"Octavia, sweetie, I love you, and I want you to be happy. But is this really the answer? You know how Caramel can be, this could just make him worse," Octavia's mother explained, "I... I am going to go into the kitchen,"

And with that, Octavia's mother left the room, leaving the two mares alone.

"Tavi?" Vinyl asked after a few minutes of silence. When she got no reponse, Vinyl turned her head to find Octavia galloping out of the mansion.

Vinyl quickly chased after the mare.

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia's mother was cleaning dishes, going fast as she thought.

She's having an affair? What is she thinking? Caramel is unpredictable, he could kill them!

"Lady Melody, are you alright?" Buffered asked as he walked into the kitchen.

"Yes, why do you ask?" Octavia's mother replied.

"Because you just broke one of the plates," Buffered said, pointing at where she had been placing the clean plates. What she found was that a few of the plates had been put down so hard that they broke.

Octavia's mother sighed before looking at Buffered, "Buffered, Octavia is having an affair with that white mare,"

"I know," Buffered responded.

Octavia's mother eyes went wide, "What? How?!"

"Well, before you came downstairs I went back to the living room where I found the two of them... Flirting in a way. I could tell by the way the two spoke to one another that they felt something between the two," Buffered explained.

"And, you think this is okay?" Octavia's mother asked.

Buffered shrugged, "It does not matter what I think, all that matters is what you think. Look out the window, I saw Madam Octavia crying out in the garden, no doubt her unicorn friend will join her there shortly,"

Octavia's mother nodded before she went to the window to watch what would happen.

~•~•~•~•~

"Hey Octy, you alright," Vinyl asked as she finally found Octavia crying in the gardens.

"Oh Vinyl, if my mother and sister can't even accept this, then I doubt my father will. My father will probably be worse than they are," Octavia replied, her face buried in her hooves, "We should have never come here,"

Vinyl sat down next to Octavia, she then forced the cellist to lay her head down on Vinyl. The DJ then started running her hoof through Octavia's mane in an attempt to comfort the cellist.

"Don't say that Octy. It is probably better we told them then Caramel. I mean, you saw how my mother was, she was pissed! They are just shocked and worried for you," Vinyl explained.

Octavia didn't look at Vinyl, she only wept.

Vinyl sighed, "Octavia... Do you want to break up?"

Octavia's head snapped to Vinyl as soon as she heard her whole name used.

"No Vinyl, why would you think that?" Octavia asked.

Vinyl sighed, "Well... It just seems like our relationship is causing more problems then fixing them,"

"Vinyl," Octavia said, touching the DJ's cheek, "I don't care, everypony says love is worth fighting for. And you make me feel that, love. I care about so much Vinyl,"

With that, Octavia kissed Vinyl.

Octavia's mother watched from the window, a small smile on her face and tears forming in her eyes.

"She isn't thinking. She is feeling," Octavia's mother said to herself in realization, "She is listening to what her heart is telling her,"

Once the kiss broke, Octavia continued,

"You are so amazing Vinyl, and I don't want to lose you,"

Vinyl smiled, tears now forming in her eyes, "Aw shucks Tavi, now you got me crying,"

Octavia giggled before kissing Vinyl again.

"I think I understand now," Octavia's mother said, causing the two mares to jump and stop kissing, "You want to be happy, that's it,"

Octavia's mother sighed before sitting next to the mares, "I am willing to agree to this relationship. I am willing to even celebrate the relationship. I am happy for you both. But I want you to know that you need to be careful, keep your friends and family close at all times,"

Octavia and Vinyl nodded. Octavia had tears in her eyes but a smile on her face. She then moved forward and hugged her mother.

"I love you, mother,"

"I love you too sweetie,"

"Alright sweet!" Vinyl exclaimed, "One out! Two more to go,"

Octavia's mother chuckled while Octavia just shook her head with a smile.

"Speaking of which," Octavia's mother started, "I think your sister is waiting for you, Octavia,"

"Oh right!" Octavia said before getting up and galloping towards her sister's room.

Vinyl and Octavia's mother looked at one another. After a moment, Octavia's mother smiled an evil smile while Vinyl gulped.

"Well, now that you are dating my daughter, there are a few RULES I need to tell you about," Octavia's mother said, with an evil glint in her eyes.

"Celestia save me," Vinyl whispered fearfully.

~•~•~•~•~

"Hello Symphony," Octavia greeted as she entered her sister's room, "Are you ready to talk now,"

Symphony sighed, "Yes,"

Octavia closed the door to the room. Her sister was sitting on her bed, looking out the window at the night. Octavia walked over and sat down next to her sister.

The two sat there in silence. As the seconds ticked by, Octavia became more and more concerned.

"So, Vinyl Scratch. She is also DJ PON3 right?" Symphony asked after a long period of silence.

Octavia's wide went wide, "Yes, how do you know that? You don't seem like the type who would know about that genre of music,"

Symphony chuckled, "I've been around,"

There was another period of silence.

"Do... Do you like Vinyl?" Octavia asked.

"Well, I don't know her that well and I have never really listened to much of her music," Symphony replied.

"What do you think... About the affair?" Octavia asked, getting bolder.

"Honestly, my biggest problem is that you are attracted to Vinyl because you are just so tired of Caramel," Symphony explained.

"Fredric thought the same thing. He also thinks that Vinyl is going to break my heart,"

"Hm, I can see why. I am willing to support you, Octavia, as long as you are smart about this. I would also like to know more about this Vinyl first," Symphony explained.

Octavia's head snapped towards her sister, "So, you are going to support Vinyl and I's relationship,"

Symphony held up a hoof, "I am willing to, but I want to know more about this Vinyl first,"

Octavia smiled, tears forming in her eyes. She hugged her sister and Symphony hugged her back.

"Thank you Symphony," Octavia thanked as she hugged her sister.

"Of course Octavia, you are my sister and I will always try to support you," Symphony replied.

Then, all of a sudden, the two sisters heard the door open with such force it made a loud bang noise. They then heard what sounded like yelling.

Octavia and Symphony looked at one another before quickly galloping downstairs to where the front door was.

~•~•~•~•~

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!" The purple stallion with a dark gray mane, tail, and mustache yelled.

"Calm down dear! I have no idea what you are talking about!" Octavia's mother exclaimed.

"HER!" The stallion yelled, pointing a hoof a Vinyl who was standing next to Octavia's mother.

Vinyl, however, was too busy glaring to notice the stallion yelling about her.

"You," Vinyl growled.

"Sup Vi. I didn't know I would get to see you so soon," Neon replied with a grin.

"Where is Octavia?" Caramel demanded.

"F-father?!" Octavia stammered as she and Symphony made it downstairs.

"YOU ARE IN HUGE TROUBLE OCTAVIA MELODY!" Octavia's father announced.

"Well, I am guessing we didn't get here fast enough," Harpo commented.

"Harpo?" Symphony asked, tilting her head.

"WE TRIED TO STOP THEM! BUT IT FAILED," Beauty Brass explained as she walked up next to Harpo.

"We never tried to stop them. We spent the whole day spying on them," Fredric corrected.

"What are you three doing here?!" Octavia hissed.

"We just told you," Harpo replied.

"Could somepony please explain what is going on?!" Octavia's mother exclaimed.

"With pleasure," Octavia's father said, anger in his voice.

Octavia gulped.

It seems I am in for one hell of a night...

Chapter 21

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"Okay, listen. We are going to have a family meeting," Octavia's father announced, "Everypony who is not in my family, go to the living room,"

Octavia, Symphony, and their parents started walking away towards the dinning area but stopped when Caramel caught up to them.

"I said go to the living room," Octavia's father growled.

"But I am in the family!" Caramel argued, "I'm married to Octavia!"

"Not for much longer," Symphony mumbled.

"I want to just speak with my wife and kids, so would you kindly go with the others," Octavia's father said, his voice rising slightly.

Caramel mumbled something before walking back to the other group of ponies.

The family continued walking for only a few seconds before they were stopped again.

"PLEASE DON'T MAKE ME GO WITH THEM," Beauty Brass begged, sounding like she was desperate.

"I AM AFRAID TO WITNESS VINYL AND NEON TOGETHER,"

Octavia's father opened his mouth to scold the mare, but Octavia had beat him to it.

"Beauty, you are the only one I trust to keep an eye on Vinyl and to make sure she doesn't do something she will regret. So please stay with the group, for me?"

Beauty Brass sighed before smiling a sad smile.

"Only for you, Octavia."

With that, Octavia hugged Beauty before the mare left.

And so, the groups went their separate ways.

~•~•~•~•~

"Mr. Melody would like you all to stay in here until they are done speaking. I will stay outside this room, so come to me if you need anything," Buffered explained.

Vinyl, Beauty Brass, and Harpo all sat on the couch where Octavia and Vinyl were just an hour prior. Across from them, on another couch, Caramel and Neon sat. Fredric sat at a small chair that was between the two couches.

Before Buffered left, he looked back to the group of ponies.

"I highly suggest you do not cause any sort of physical fighting or shouting, for yours and the Melody's sakes,"

Buffered then shut the door behind him. The sound of the closing door echoed through the room. As the echoing stopped, the room was enveloped into silence.

Beauty Brass looked around, Neon and Caramel both seemed to be glaring at Vinyl, and said unicorn was glaring back at them. Fredric look completely bored and Harpo just looked worried.

"So," Harpo said, breaking the silence, "anypony here watch TV?"

Vinyl's head snapped to Harpo and she almost looked offended, "Is that even a question? We all
watch TV! TV is awesome!"

"Damn right it is!" Harpo agreed.

Relief washed over Beauty.

I am not the kind of mare who can deal with this! This is an Octavia thing... Wait, is it wrong to say that? Oh, I don't bloody know anymore!

"I don't watch television," Fredric replied in a slightly annoyed tone.

"Of course you don't, Freddy, you're boring," Vinyl said with a grin causing Fredric to glare at her.

"I watch TV, does that mean I'm cool, Vi?" Neon asked, a smirk growing in his face.

Vinyl growled slightly but did not turn to face him.

"Oooohhhh the silent treatment, very mature," Neon said, teasingly.

Vinyl's eyes glared at him for a moment before looking away from him.

"Awwww, you're pouting. I know what will-"

"Neon, leave her alone," Beauty Brass snapped, interrupting the stallion.

"Oh, so the Octavia wannabe finally decides to say something," Neon said, his smirk now gone, looking to Beauty with no amount of respect.

"Hey! Don't speak to her like that," Harpo said, getting up from the couch.

Neon looked at Harpo for a few seconds, seeing the threatening look in Harpo's eyes before the stallion reseated himself, slightly afraid.

"Okay, enough of this!" Caramel said, stomping his hoof on the ground, "Are you dating Octavia?!"

"It doesn't mater," Vinyl snapped back.

This left Caramel speechless, making him stutter out "D-doesn't matter?! How the hell could you think that?!"

"Because you're already trying to ruin me and Tavi's lives, even though you have no proof of us even dating!" Vinyl exclaimed.

"Well, I'll stop if you tell me that you and Octavia are not dating!" Caramel argued.

"Well then too bad that isn't the case," Vinyl replied, her voice laced with coldness.

Everypony in the room froze when those words were uttered. Everypony stared at her with wide eyes, not expecting her to confess.

Caramel had a face purely emotionless as he got up from his seat and slowly walked over to Vinyl, before tackling the DJ to the ground.

~•~•~•~•~

"So, Octavia," Octavia father started as the family say around the dining table, "Care to explain why Caramel came with some random stallion all the way out here to tell me you are having an affair?"

Octavia's father say at the end of the table, to his right was Octavia and Symphony and to his left was his wife.

Octavia let out a sigh, "Listen father, Caramel doesn't really know what he is talking about. He keeps thinking I am cheating on him with every pony I talk to. As for the random stallion, that is Neon Lights, Vinyl's ex stallionfriend who he contacted so he could ruin Vinyl's life,"

"So you came here with that unicorn in order to clear things up?" Octavia father asked, raising an eyebrow.

Octavia cringed, "Well.... Not exactly.... You see, I am dating Vinyl ,but-!"

"I knew it!" Octavia's father yelled, hitting his hoof onto the table and getting up from his seat, "I knew you were up to something!"

"No, father!" Octavia argued, getting up as well, "Caramel has no idea!"

"So that make it right?!"

“Stop!” Octavia’s mother pleaded, getting up, “Honey listen, Octavia and Vinyl both know this is wrong but they continue to anyway because it makes them happy!"

"Makes them happy? Who gives a damn!" Octavia's father screamed, "It doesn't matter how happy it makes Octavia, it is still wrong! Would you let our daughters do drugs because it made them happy? No!"

"That’s different!" Symphony argued, finally getting up as well, "There is nothing that can hurt Octavia from this!"

"Yes there is! Caramel could kill her!"

"I doubt he would go to that extreme!" Octavia said, her voice shaking as she raise her voice.

"He may not for you, but what about Vinyl?" Octavia's father asked coldly.

The room went into silence as they contemplated this.

Were they really safe? If Caramel could know so much about Vinyl in so little time, he could easily do worse.

Octavia sat down, looking down and not making eye contact with anypony.

Octavia's father glared at his daughter, while Symphony and Octavia's mother looked her with sadness.

Just then, they heard the door open.

"Hey Octavia?" Beauty Brass asked in a small voice, "I know this may not be the best time but.... CARAMEL LOST HIS SHIT!"

Everypony stared at Beauty with wide eyes before they galloped towards the living room. What they found made them all shocked.

Caramel and Vinyl both had cuts and bruises on them, as if the two had been fighting. Fredric was holding Vinyl and Harpo was holding Caramel, clear struggle in their faces as they tried to stop them.

Neon, however, just watched with a face of slight amusement, still sitting on the couch.

Octavia stomped over the stallion and grabbed his collar forcing him to look at the cellist.

"Aren't you going to help?" Octavia asked.

"I don't know, this is kind of entertaining," Neon replied with a grin.

Octavia let out a long breath, "Okay, fine, let me put this into words you will understand. GET OFF YOUR FAT FLANK AND DO SOMETHING WITH THAT MISERABLE EXCUSE YOU CALL A LIFE!"

Neon scrambled to his hooves before helping Harpo hold back Caramel.

"She's scary," Neon mumbled.

Octavia galloped over to Vinyl and started to help Fredric.

The other ponies got a clue, Beauty helped hold back Caramel, while Symphony went over to Vinyl. Octavia's parents just watched, one with a face of shock, and the other with a face of disgust.

"Vinyl! What has gotten into you?!" Octavia asked, only to get no response.

"Enough!" Octavia's father yelled, stomping his hooves causing everypony to look at him, except the two who were fighting, "What happened!"

"I knew it!" Caramel yelled, "I knew it this whole time, and the fucking DJ finally admitted it!"

Octavia's eyes went wide but before she could say anything, Vinyl started speaking.

"Of course you knew it! Because a part of you knows how much of a horrible husband you are!"

Caramel let out a growl as he attempt to punch the mare, but was stopped by the ponies holding him. However, he was very close, which meant the ponies were losing their grip.

"PLEASE DON'T MAKE THIS WORSE!" Beauty Brass begged, sounding like she was crying.

Octavia's father let out a sigh before he started walking towards the two.

"What are you doing?" Octavia's mother asked. The father didn't respond, only kept walking. He walked in front of the two and faced Caramel.

"I am going to get marriage concealing for you and Octavia," Octavia's father announced causing the stallion to calm down.

"WHAT?!" Everypony yelled, all having faces of shock except for Caramel and the father.

He then turned to Vinyl, "As for you, I don't want you to speak to my daughter anymore," Vinyl's mouth fell slightly.

Octavia's father then turned and walked out the door of the room.

After a second of silence, everypony heard a cry of pain. Vinyl fell slightly to the floor, one of her hooves clutched around her side.

"Vinyl!" Octavia said in worry as she went down with Vinyl, slowly followed by Symphony and Fredric.

Vinyl coughed, "Heh, I guess all the adrenaline from the fight made me ignore any pain. Too bad it's running out now,"

"I am going to talk to him," Octavia's mother said, still facing the door. She then turned to the group of ponies, "You all take those two to the hospital, now,"

Octavia nodded, and the mother left the room.

"Wait! We still need to interview Symphony!" Fredric complained.

"Now is not the time, Fredric!" Beauty Brass commented, sounding pissed.

"No, it's alright," Symphony replied with a smile, "I'll do the interview with Fredric, you all take them to the hospital,"

Beauty Brass let out a sigh of annoyance, "Fine,"

With that, Symphony and Fredric walked out of the room.

Vinyl let out a moan of pain, and Beauty quickly helped Octavia lift the unicorn up from the ground.

As they lead the two hurt ponies out of the room, Octavia called for Buffered.

"Buffered! Could you please get us a ride to the hospital!"

"Right away Madam Octavia," Buffered replied before getting going to get their limo, thinking about his warning to the others about the fighting.

He knew this would come to this, he knew ponies would get hurt, physically and mentally, yet he didn't do anything.

As the ponies waited, Octavia looked down at Vinyl worryingly.

I hope you're okay Vinyl, and that I will be able to see you after this is over.

~•~•~•~•~

"Dear?" Octavia's mother called as she opened the door to her husband's study.

"May I speak with you?"

"What is it, love?" Octavia's father asked, writing in a piece of paper. "I am working on setting up Octavia and Caramel's marriage concealing,"

"I thought you wanted our daughter to leave Caramel," Octavia's mother questioned walking over to the stallion.

Octavia's father let out a sigh, "I do. But I think the only way to calm him down enough until Octavia finally gets the divorce done is to make him believe there is still a chance,"

"Oh, but why do you not want our daughter to see her marefriend anymore?"

Octavia's father started to glare at his wife, "I thought that was obvious! Our daughter shouldn't even be thinking about doing something as terrible as cheating, even to a stallion like Caramel,"

Octavia's mother paused. What could she say? It was obvious that her husband was not going to change his opinion anytime soon.

"Why don't you try talking to Vinyl?" Octavia's mother asked after a moment of silence.

Octavia's father look at his wife with a look of 'seriously?' But did not say anything.

So, she decided to keep going.

"It's just, our daughter seems so happy with that mare, and the mare seems to care for Octavia, a lot, but not like Caramel. Could you at least talk her? If she makes Octavia happy then she can't be too bad."

Octavia's father let out a sigh, "I'll make you a deal: Octavia can keep dating Vinyl until I speak to the mare. If I deem her worthy then they may continue. However, if I do not, then they will not have any right to continue their relationship, ok?"

Octavia's mother smiled, "Thank you,"

With that, she kissed her husband on the cheek causing the stallion to smile.

~•~•~•~•~

"Okay, so let's begin," Fredric announced as he sat at one end of the dining table. Symphony sat at the other end, and waited for the questions.

"So, what made you want this job?" Fredric asked.

Symphony shrugged, "I want to try showing my musical talents to Equestria, and I want to be able to spent more time with my sister,"

Fredric nodded his head as he wrote down everything onto a clipboard. "What are your past experiences with ensembles and music in general,"

Symphony tapped her chin, "Well, I performed at one of the Canterlot garden parties once,"

Fredric's eyes widened causing Symphony to grin.

"That's very interesting," Fredric replied, his eyes still wide as he wrote it down, "We were actually invited to perform at the party this year,"

"Really? What an honor," Symphony commented.

"Yes, what do you think of the other ensemble members?" Fredric asked.

"Well, Octavia is my sister, so I care very much about her," Symphony responded, "Beauty and Harpo are kind ponies who are nice to talk to sometimes. Though, I can find them annoying from time to time,"

Fredric nodded his head. He felt almost the same way about the ensemble members.

"As for you... You seem like a very kind and handsome stallion," Symphony commented, smirking slightly.

"O-oh, thank you," Fredric replied, a small blush forming on his face.

She is just a potential coworker Fredric, nothing more, nothing less. Besides, I already have a marefriend..... But she is quit pretty- UH! I HAVE BEEN SPENDING TOO MUCH TIME WITH OCTAVIA AND VINYL!

"Are you alright? You have been staring at the clipboard blushing for the past few minutes," Symphony commented, causing Fredric's head to snap up.

"Oh! How rude of me, I apologize for my behavior, I seem to have gotten caught in my own thoughts,"

Symphony smiled, "It's no problem,"

Fredric blushed again.

That smile.... It's like Octavia's- UGH STOP THAT! I don't want to get stuck in....what does Beauty call it? Oh! Yes, a love square!

Symphony giggled, "You are doing it again,"

Fredric groaned and rubbed between his eyes, "I must be out of it due to all that has happened today,"

Symphony let out a sigh, "Yes, I can understand that. I hope Vinyl and Caramel are doing alright,"

~•~•~•~•~

"Alright, you may come in now," The doctor announced to the group of ponies who were sitting in the waiting room of the hospital. The group quickly followed the doctor as he explained the injuries.

"There is nothing major," The doctor explained, "mostly cuts and bruises. Though, the unicorn does have a fractured rib,"

Octavia breathed his deeply at this news but said nothing.

"Actually, that is pretty major," Harpo commented, causing Beauty to glare at him.

The doctor stopped at a spot in the hall that had two doors facing one another. The doctor pointed to the door on the left. "This door is where Vinyl Scratch is," He then pointed to the door on the right, "This is where Caramel Chance-A-Lot is,"

The ponies nodded their heads in understanding before entering Vinyl's room. Neon, however, went over the Caramel's room first.

When they got into Vinyl's room, they found the unicorn laying on the bed, with a phone in her hooves.

Beauty and Harpo looked over at Octavia, expecting her to say something, but all she did was watch the DJ.

After a few seconds, Octavia walked over to Vinyl, who looked up from her phone to see the cellist walking towards her.

"Hey, Tavi," Vinyl greeted, with a smile.

Octavia stopped right by the edge of the bed, no emotion on her face.

"So, you are feeling alright now?" Octavia asked, to which the unicorn replied with a happy "Yep!"

"Good," Octavia said walking closer to the DJ, "That means I can do this,"

Vinyl let out a yelp of pain as Octavia whacked her on the head, much to everypony's shock.

Before Vinyl could say anything however, Octavia started going off.

"Why did you tell Caramel?! What the bloody hell were you thinking?!"

Just then, Octavia hugged the DJ, putting her face into Vinyl's chest.

"He could have killed you! I was so worried that you suffered something terrible!" Octavia half sobbed.

Vinyl hugged Octavia back, causing Harpo to have to put a hoof to Beauty Brass's muzzle in order to make her not squeal at the scene.

"Y-yeah, that was kind of stupid of me," Vinyl agreed, "But I don't think I got anything too bad out of that fight.... Though, you may have given me brain damage from that hit,"

Octavia looked up to her marefriend, a smile on her face and tears in her eyes. "Oh shut up you," Octavia said as she playfully whacked the DJ on the head, not hard enough to cause any pain.

"Ow," Vinyl said, playfully.

"As much as I don't want to ruin the moment," Harpo started, only to pause when his marefriend started glaring at him, "and I mean really don't because Beauty will probably kill me, don't you have to see Caramel, Octavia? I mean, you should probably talk to him, especially since he knows that you and Vinyl are dating now,"

Octavia nodded her head, "You're right, Harpo. You two keep an eye on Vinyl, I am going to go to Caramel's room,"

With that, Octavia walked into the hallway. Before she entered Caramel's room, however, she passed Neon as he left Caramel’s room.

The two made eye contact as Neon had his glasses over his horn. It was a moment of where new and old looked at one another, both full of hatred for one another, both-

"Beauty," Harpo called as his marefriend started at the hallway, "Stop trying to narrate Octavia's life like a soap opera,"

Beauty Brass looked over to her stallionfriend.

Damn.... He knows me too well.

~•~•~•~•~

"Hello Caramel," Octavia greeted as she entered the stallion's room.

"Hello honey!" Caramel greeted with a smile.

Octavia froze, why is he so happy?

"How.... How are you feeling?" Octavia asked, not that she cared too much.

"I feel great now that you're here!" Caramel exclaimed, "But a kiss would make it feel better,"

Isn't he going to mention Vinyl? Shouldn't he be yelling at me and-

Octavia's eyes widened.

"Oh bloody hell Caramel, not this again!"

Caramel tilted his head in confusion, "What's wrong?"

"You can't keep doing this!" Octavia exclaimed, "You can't act like nothing is going on when I am with you! You can't pretend our relationship is stable! You need to accept the truth!"

Caramel just stared at Octavia, still with a confused look.

Octavia yelled in anger before walking out of the room.

Once Octavia was gone, Caramel took out his phone.

He started typing something into his phone, once he was finished, he smiled.

"Well Vinyl, it seems you and I are going to have a long chat about this,"

Chapter 22

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Vinyl, Octavia, Beauty Brass, Harpo, Caramel, and, Neon all walked back to the Melody residence in silence.

Caramel made sure to walk close to Octavia, but he was not the only one. Vinyl was also getting close to the mare, it was almost as though the two were silently fighting over the cellist.

Vinyl had bandages going around her sides.

Behind the three were Beauty, Harpo, and Neon. Neon was watching with a slight smirk, Beauty just glared at Neon, while Harpo was completely oblivious to everything.

"So," Harpo said, breaking the silence, "How are you feeling Vinyl?"

"I feel alright, but it kind of hurts to breathe, or laugh," Vinyl replied.

"How did you hurt your ribs anyway?" Harpo asked, only to have his muzzle shut by Beauty.

"Caramel bucked her in the ribs," Neon answered, nonchalantly.

Octavia glanced at Caramel, before looking straight ahead.

Sweet Celestia, poor Vinyl.

The group continued in silence until they finally saw the Melody mansion in view.

As they got closer to the building, they could see Octavia's parents and Buffered waiting for them at the door. Octavia's mother and Buffered both shared a look of worry while Octavia's father just had a face of stress.

Once they were close enough, Octavia's mother came rushing towards them.

"Oh thank Celestia! I was so worried about you two!" Octavia's mother exclaimed.

Buffered's face was washed with relief, while Octavia's father just became one of determination.

Octavia's father slowly trotted towards the group. Vinyl was the first to notice, once she did, she frowned. Everypony else noticed as well and they also frowned, except for Caramel, Neon and Octavia's mother.

Once he reached the group, the stallion cleared his voice.

"You all may stay the night, but in the morning I expect you all the leave," Octavia's father then stared directly at Vinyl, "I would also like to speak with Miss Scratch alone,"

Vinyl nodded and followed the stallion into the mansion.

The group of ponies watched them leave. As soon as they were out of sight, the group started walking to the mansion.

"Don't worry about Vinyl," Octavia's mother whispered to her daughter.

Octavia turned towards her mother, "Will she be alright?"

Octavia's mother smiled and nodded her head, "Your father wants to give Vinyl a chance,"

Octavia's eyes widened, "So everything depends on this conversation with Vinyl?"

"I guess so," Octavia's mother replied slowly, realizing how much of a bad idea it was to tell her daughter that.

Octavia let out a long breath, "Oh.... Great,"

~•~•~•~•~

"Here Miss Scratch, take a seat," Octavia's father offered as he sat at one of the couches. Vinyl sat across from him on the other couch.

Octavia's father expected for Vinyl to start fidgeting in worry but the mare was completely calm, as though she was ready for this.

After a moment, Octavia's father cleared his voice, "So, Miss Scratch-"

"Call me Vinyl," Vinyl interrupted, causing the stallion to glare at her.

"Alright.... Vinyl. How long have you been dating my daughter?"

"A few weeks now," Vinyl replied quickly.

"Did you know about Caramel when you started dating my daughter?"

"Well," Vinyl responded, "I guess technically. She didn't tell me about him until I kissed her for the first time. She explained to me how she was tired of him and just wanted to be free and how she liked me and stuff. I was pissed at her, but I thought, oh what the heck, and we started dating,"

Octavia's father nodded his head. "Do you love my daughter?"

Vinyl's eyes went so wide, they could have fallen out of her head.

"W-wh-wha?" Vinyl stammered.

"Do. You love. My daughter?" Octavia's father asked again, getting impatient.

Vinyl opened and closed her mouth a few times.

Did she love Octavia? Or did she only like the mare?

"Well... Uh... Love is kind of a strong word Fred,"

"Miss Scratch?" Octavia's father asked as he got no response.

Vinyl snapped out her thoughts and looked at the stallion. Her eyes darted around the room for a second before she breathed in and out.

"Yes,"

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia was walking down the hall towards her old room where she would be sleeping tonight when she found Beauty Brass looking through the crack of a door.

"Beauty? What are you-" Octavia started questioning, only to be shushed by the mare.

Beauty Brass then made a movement that indicted for Octavia to come closer and to look through the crack.

Octavia raised an eyebrow but did as told. What she saw was Symphony and Fredric sitting at the dining table, having a conversation. However, Fredric was not interviewing Symphony anymore, which was shown by the clipboard that was now on the floor.

Octavia turned to Beauty, slightly confused. What she found was that the mare had a giant grin on her face.

Octavia looked at the mare in confusion for a few more moments, before her eyes widened in realization. The cellist then facehoofed.

"Beauty!" Octavia hissed, "Are you kidding me?!"

"Oh c'mon!" Beauty Brass exclaimed, "Can't you see the sparks?!"

Octavia let out a groan, which caused the two ponies in the dining room to look towards the door.

"Octavia!" Symphony exclaimed, "You're back!"

Octavia let out a sigh, "Yes, I am, and sadly, so is Beauty,"

"Hey!" Beauty pouted.

"What were you two doing?" Fredric questioned, his voice demanding.

Octavia blushed while Beauty shot Fredric a knowing smile, causing the stallion to blush.

"Am I missing something?" Symphony asked, between the three ponies.

"Oh, nothing," Beauty Brass replied in an innocent voice.

"Excuse me while I go beat my head into a wall," Fredric commented, causing Symphony to giggle.

"I think I'll join you," Octavia replied, and with that, Fredric and Octavia left the room.

"No, but really, what is going on?" Symphony said, turning to Beauty.

"Nothing!" Beauty Brass said in the same voice as she took out her phone.

'Guy!,' Beauty texted, 'I have our next mission!'

'Mission?' Bon Bon texted into the chat.

'Yeah! Symphony (Octavia's sister) and Fredric!'

'Uh Beauty, I thought we were only going to help Vinyl and Octavia', Lyra texted into the group chat.

'We must spread love across the world!' Beauty Brass renamed the chat.

'Oh Celestia save me' Bon Bon texted.

~•~•~•~•~

"Do you think Octavia is worth the risk?" Octavia father asked.

Vinyl looked at the stallion in confusion, "That's it? I just admitted that I love your daughter and you just move on to the next question?!"

Octavia's father let out a sigh, "Vinyl, I am not the type of father who gets protective of his daughter when it comes to dating. Well, not anymore. You see, Symphony was the first one born, I was protective of her love life but once I realized that I shouldn't be, Octavia was born,"

"Oh," Vinyl replied, "Alright I guess... Continue,"

"Do you think Octavia is worth the risk?" Octavia's father repeated.

"What risk?" Vinyl asked.

"The risk that Caramel will probably try to ruin your life," Octavia's father explained.

"Yes. A million times yes," Vinyl replied, too quickly for Octavia's father's liking.

"What would you do if Octavia wanted to break up with you?"

"Move on," Vinyl replied, "I would move on. Maybe I would try to fix things but I would eventually move on,"

"You would never try to keep her?" Octavia's father asked.

"Never. I would never treat her like how Caramel does. I won't leave her for years, I won't keep her trapped, and I won't force her to stay with me," Vinyl reassured.

Octavia's father let out a sigh, before rubbing in between his eyes.

"I don't understand why my wife thought this was a good idea," Octavia's father said, "Anything you have said could be a lie. This doesn't make anything easier,"

"May I suggest something?" Vinyl asked, causing the stallion to look at her.

"What?"

"Why don't you let me and Tavi date, see how we act and if you don't like it, then you can have us break up, heck you can even still have Octavia and Caramel go through concealing, I don't care. As long as Octavia is happy,"

Octavia's father let out a sigh, "Alight Vinyl, I will try your idea,"

Vinyl smiled, "Thank you, Sir,"

~•~•~•~•~

Everypony sat at the dining room table. Octavia's father sat at the end, to his left sat Octavia, Vinyl, Symphony, and Fredric. To his right sat, his wife, Beauty Brass, Harpo, Caramel, and Neon. Beauty Brass was looking at Fredric and Symphony with a knowing smile, causing Fredric to blush and Symphony to just be confused.

Octavia's parents were having a conversation and were completely ignoring the rest of the ponies. Caramel watched Vinyl and Octavia intensely but the couple was too busy watching Beauty. Harpo was the only one actually eating other than the parents and Neon.

"Okay, what did I miss?" Vinyl asked finally.

"I, don't know," Symphony replied.

Octavia let out a sigh before moving close to Vinyl and whispering,

"Beauty Brass thinks Fredric and Symphony should date-"

"Stop trying to make love to my mare!" Caramel exclaimed, causing Vinyl and Neon to look at him in confusion, and Octavia to look at him with a mix of annoyance and sadness.

"You... Do know how sex works, right?" Neon asked.

"Of course I do! Just ask Octavia!" Caramel exclaimed causing Octavia to start bashing her head repeatedly onto the table and Neon to fall out of his chair laughing.

"You know, you really shouldn't say that to your wife who you are getting divorced with," Symphony commented.

"Oh! So now we are open about the divorce and affair now?!" Caramel exclaimed.

Symphony smiled, "Yep! Now I get to say all the horrible things I wanted to say to you but never could,"

"TO FREEDOM OF SPEECH!" Beauty Brass exclaimed, lifting her glass in the air, causing Octavia to facehoof.

"I don't know what I thought would happen this dinner, but it was certainly not this," Octavia said, shaking her head with her hoof still on her face.

Vinyl snickered, "I don't know, I am kind of enjoying this,"

"Of course you are, but I'm not!" Fredric complained.

"Oh shut it, Fred, go make out with your new marefriend or something," Vinyl replied, waving her hoof.

Fredric's jaw dropped and Beauty Brass fell out of her chair laughing.

"Oh! You have a new marefriend Fredric?" Symphony asked with a smile, causing Vinyl to start laughing as well and for Beauty to laugh even harder.

"I am so confused," Harpo said as he ate his food.

"Would you ponies stop changing the subject?!" Caramel exclaimed.

"What do you want to change it back to? How you fucked Octavia?" Vinyl asked with a grin, " Because I can totally join that conversation because I've also had the same experience,"

"SWEET CELESTIA VINYL!" Octavia exclaimed with a burning blush, causing Vinyl to laugh, followed by Symphony, Harpo, and Beauty. Even Neon laughed a little. Caramel, however, was shaking in rage.

"I didn't know we were trying to get Vinyl killed!" Fredric exclaimed.

"Well, if Caramel and her ribs don't get to her first, then Octavia will probably kill her," Symphony commented with a smile.

"Sweet Celestia my sides feel like a bitch," Vinyl said, clutching her sides.

"You deserve it," Caramel snarled.

"Yo dude, calm down. I was only joking," Vinyl said, she then paused. "I can hear Lyra saying, 'whatever you say Vinyl',"

"Huh," Harpo said, surprised, "I'm surprised Octavia hasn't done anything to Vinyl yet,"

"I'm just waiting until everypony is done speaking," Octavia responded.

"Wait wha-" Vinyl started before Octavia whacked Vinyl hard on the head.

"Aw yeah honey! Do it again!" Caramel exclaimed.

"Okay, I think we should all eat now before somepony ends up back in the hospital," Octavia's mother said, causing everypony to turn towards her.

Everypony silently agreed and finally ate there food. All the while Caramel glared at the white unicorn. Once they finished, the ponies got up from the table and went to their separate rooms.

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia finished her shower as she walked into her bedroom, a towel still over her head. The room was dark and she assumed most ponies in the mansion were asleep at this moment.

Octavia took the towel off of her mane and started making her way towards her bed when she heard a knock at the door. Octavia had locked the door so Caramel could not try to get into Octavia's bed as she slept.

"I do not want to sleep with you Caramel," Octavia yelled to the door.

"Uh, it's not Caramel," Vinyl replied, "But I do want to sleep with you,"

Octavia opened the door to a Vinyl not wearing her glasses.

"Hey," Vinyl greeted with a sheepish smile.

"Hello Vinyl, would you like to come in?" Octavia asked, moving out of the way for the DJ.

Vinyl smiled before running and jumping onto the bed, causing Octavia to giggle at the foalish excitement.

Octavia then shut the door and locked it before walking towards the bed where Vinyl was laying, waiting for the cellist.

As soon as Octavia got onto the bed, she was brought into a hug by the DJ as she forced the cellist to lay on top of her. Vinyl then started nuzzling the exposed neck of Octavia causing the cellist to let out a hum of content.

"Hey, Octy?" Vinyl asked as she stopped nuzzling the cellist.

"Yes Vinyl?" Octavia replied, looking up at her marefriend.

"Are you mad about what I said at dinner?"

Octavia frowned and moved so she could look directly at Vinyl, "Well, I would by lying if I said that it didn't bother me but I am not mad, just, don't do it again,"

Vinyl's ear folded down and she looked away, "I'm sorry Tavi,"

Octavia put her hoof under Vinyl's chin and forced the DJ to look her her, "It's alright Vinyl. It doesn't bother me too much, besides,"

Octavia then kissed Vinyl passionately causing Vinyl's eyes to go wide.

"It's not like you were lying," Octavia finished as the kiss broke.

Vinyl smirked. She started laughing before she tackled Octavia causing the cellist to let out a squeal. Vinyl then started tickling Octavia causing the her to start giggling.

"Vinyl, stop!" Octavia pleaded as Vinyl continued her onslaught.

~•~•~•~•~

Meanwhile, outside the room, a certain stallion was listing to the two in the room. Hearing the two laughing and obviously happy. This caused said stallion to let out a growl.

"That should be me in there," Caramel growled as he continued listing to the mares.

Caramel then heard the sound of hooves and he turned to find Beauty Brass frozen in place.

"Did you help out those two together?" Caramel asked, his voice full of anger.

Beauty's eyes quickly flicked to the side before she bolted back towards her room.

Caramel let out a sigh before growling once more.

"That DJ will get what's coming to her,"

However, what Caramel did not know, was Beauty had not fully run away. She heard what the stallion said and it caused her to gulp.

"I need to warn Lyra and Bon Bon," Beauty Brass said to herself as she galloped back to her room.

Chapter 23

View Online

It had been a few days since everypony had returned to Mainhatten from Canterlot and life was getting back on track for everypony.

The ensemble continued to prepare for new members, Caramel started working again (thank Celestia), and Vinyl's office was back to its normal ways.

Although everything seemed to be going smoothly, there was a lingering feeling that something was going on... Which caused the employees to start to question their boss.

Now, they didn't think she was doing anything illegal, but they could tell that something was going on between her and their coworker, Octavia.

This was only made worse by the fact that the two mares seemed to be avoiding one another. This caused them all to think that they were avoiding one another in order to not cause any suspicion. But, there was actually another reason for this.

"I am so bored!" Vinyl whined as she smacked her head down onto her desk.

"Well then, maybe next time you will think about this before you decide to take another week of work off," Bon Bon commented with a glare.

Vinyl lifted her head from the desk. "It's not my fault that Caramel brought Neon here."

"That's true," Bon Bon agreed, "but you should have at least told us you needed a break or something! You scared everypony, especially Octavia!"

Vinyl's ears fell and she frowned. "Yeah."

"How are you and Octavia? It seems like you two are avoiding each other."

Vinyl raised her eyebrow, "What gave you that idea?"

Bon Bon opened her mouth but shut it when she heard the office door open.

"Hello, Bon Bon, hello Vinyl," Octavia greeted with a smile as she walked into the office.

"Hey, Tavi!" Vinyl replied with an enthusiastic wave.

"Oh! Hello, Octavia!" Bon Bon said with a smile, "I was worried you and Vinyl were avoiding one another."

Octavia raised an eyebrow, "What in Equestria made you think that?"

"Well, you two haven't said anything to each other all week since you got back from Canterlot," Bon Bon explained.

"Yeah Tavi, you haven't been giving me attention," Vinyl pouted, causing Octavia to giggle.

"That's because I don't want to distract you from your work," Octavia replied.

"Well, you are pretty distracting," Vinyl said with a grin causing Octavia to blush.

"I can see you two want to talk, I'll be with Lyra if you need me," Bon Bon said as she excused herself and left the room.

Once the mare was gone Octavia walked up to her marefriend, sat next to the DJ, and looked at the work on Vinyl's desk.

"How is it going?" Octavia asked, looking over to Vinyl.

"It's boring," Vinyl replied, slightly annoyed. She then turned to the cellist with a grin, "But it's much better now that you're here."

Octavia smiled and nestled her head under Vinyl's and closed her eyes. She then let out a content sigh.

After a few moments of silence, Vinyl spoke.

"How's Caramel?" Vinyl asked as she started working on her paperwork again.

Octavia then sighed again, "He is being his regular clingy self, which I guess is a good thing since at least he is not going all over Equestria with Neon trying to ruin your life."

Vinyl nodded. "Yeah.... How is Caramel... Himself?"

Octavia moved her head and looked at her marefriend with both confusion and disgust. "Since when did you start caring about Caramel?"

"Well... It's just that....," Vinyl paused to let out a sigh, "I've been thinking, and I feel kind of sorry for him."

Octavia opened her mouth to respond but Vinyl continued before she had the chance.

"It's just that, I've been in his position. I know how it feels to learn somepony you care for has been cheating on you and it sucks. I hate that feeling."

Octavia closed her mouth and thought about the words Vinyl had said.
The mood of the room quickly changed back to how it was during the weekend; the mood of uncertainty and regret.

Feeling this change Vinyl quickly started grinning.

"And also, I feel bad because he could never stand up to me."

Vinyl smiled as she heard her marefriend let out a chuckle.

"You always have to stroke your ego after everything you say, don't you?" Octavia asked, smiling at the DJ.

Vinyl shrugged. "It's a gift."

Octavia let out a sigh before placing her head back to where it was a few minutes prior.

"When are you guys going to start the marriage concealing?" Vinyl said, breaking the silence again.

Octavia cringed. "I forgot to tell you.... Didn't I?"

Vinyl looked over at the cellist with confusion, giving Octavia her answer.

Octavia let out a sigh, "Blast."

"Did your father cancel it?" Vinyl asked, a small amount of hope washing over her.

"Not... Exactly," Octavia replied, "It's starting after work today."

Vinyl frowned and her ears folded before she looked down to the desk.

"Oh..."

Octavia frowned at the sight of her marefriend. She quickly looked at the clock, getting an idea.

"How about this," Octavia started, causing the DJ to face her once again, "For lunch today, I will cook you whatever you want."

Vinyl's eyes went wide and her ears snapped back up. A giant smile, similar to a foal's, was plastered on the unicorn's face, "Really?!"

Octavia smiled at the enthusiasm that had returned to Vinyl, "Yes Vinyl, but first, we need to go to the store in order to buy the food."

In a flash, the DJ had jumped to her hooves before grabbing her black leather coat and galloping out of the room.

Octavia got up to her hooves before she started to chuckle.

"Sometimes, you are too easy Vinyl."

With that, Octavia followed after her very happy marefriend.

~•~•~•~•~

"Hey Bonnie," Lyra greeted as she walked into the kitchen area.

"Hello, Lyra!" Bon Bon greeted happily while she organized the food in the cabinets.

"What are you doing in here? I thought you were helping Vinyl in her office," Lyra asked as she sat at the table.

"I was, but Octavia came in and I decided I should leave those two alone," Bon Bon explained.

Just then, they heard the sound of galloping hooves run past the kitchen area and towards the elevators, at the same time, they saw a white blob go past the entrance to the kitchen. A few moments later, they saw Octavia walk by, a smile on her face and her purple coat on.

Once she was out of sight, Lyra and Bon Bon looked at one another with a knowing smile.

"Those two are so cute," Bon Bon commented before going back to her work.

"Yeah," Lyra agreed.

"They sure are," A third voice agreed, causing the two to jump.

They turned to find a very familiar blue mare standing by the front of the door.

"BEAUTY?!" They both yelled at the same time.

"Hi!" Beauty Brass greeted with a smile.

"What in Equestria are you doing here?!" Lyra asked.

"We have a problem!" Beauty explained, before seating herself at the table.

"What is it? Did Caramel contact more ponies? Did Neon get Vinyl drunk and sleep with her? Did-"

"What? No! This has nothing to do with Vinyl and Octavia!" Beauty Brass said, interrupting Lyra.

Lyra and Bon Bon looked at one another before looking back to Beauty Brass.

"So... What is the problem?" Bon Bon asked after a moment.

"The love triangle!" Beauty explained.

The... What?" Lyra asked. In response, Beauty took out a piece of paper that showed all of their friends with different colored lines connecting certain ponies.

"Beauty... What is this?" Bon Bon asked, slightly fearful.

"My shipping chart!" Beauty Brass explained with a smile.

"And.... What do we have to do with it?" Lyra asked, fearful as well.

Beauty then pointed to a stallion who the mares recognized as Fredric. Fredric had a pink line arrow pointing to a yellow mare who had the name 'Symphony' under her. There was another pink arrow pointing to Symphony but this one was from another brown pony that had the name 'Concerto' under him.

"Concerto?" Bon Bon asked, "Isn't that one of your new ensemble members?"

"Yep!" Beauty Brass replied.

"So... What does this mean?" Lyra asked, pointing to the pink arrows.

"The pink arrows indicate who somepony has a crush on," Beauty Brass explained, "For you two to fully understand, I will explain what happened earlier today."

~•~•~•~•~

"We need to be in tip-top shape to welcome our new ensemble members. Make sure all the instruments are tuned and are ready for playing!" Fredric commanded as he paced back and forth in the concert hall.

"Why are you so nervous Fredric, they aren't going to just leave because we were a little unprepared," Harpo commented as he watched the stallion.

"He's nervous because his marefriend is going to-" Beauty Brass started in a teasing voice before she let out a squeak when she was almost hit by a conductor stick.

Fredric glared at the mare, while Beauty Brass hid behind a chair in fear.

Just then, they heard a knock at the door, and Fredric practically galloped towards the door.

Harpo got up from his seat, went over to Beauty Brass, and helped his marefriend up from the floor.

"Are you okay?" Harpo asked.

Beauty Brass nodded before kissing Harpo on the cheek, "I'm fine! I'm used to almost getting hit by Octavia,"

"Wow you're lucky, I always get hit. Well.... Not as much as Vinyl I presume," Harpo said, causing Beauty Brass to let out a giggle.

The two ponies heard the sound of somepony clearing their voice. They turned to find Fredric standing there.

"Are you two done?" Fredric asked, causing Beauty Brass to glare at him.

"Shouldn't we have waited for Octavia to be here before the new members came?" Beauty Brass asked.

“We could not sadly. If Octavia chooses to spend time with that marefriend of hers, she can," Fredric responded, causing Beauty to glare more.

"Where are they, anyway?" Harpo asked.

Fredric let out a chuckle, "Why they are right next-"

Fredric paused when he turned to find nopony next to him.

Fredric then turned around and found Symphony and Concerto moving at a slow pace towards them, the two wrapped up in a conversation.

Harpo grinned, "Ooohhhh~ Looks like Freddy's got some competition."

Fredric gritted his teeth.

Beauty Brass looked between Fredric and the two ponies who were obviously enjoying each other's company before she let out a gasp and ran out of the building.

~•~•~•~•~

"So.... You just left your whole ensemble in the middle of practice to come and tell us about some love triangle?" Lyra asked once the story finished.

"Yep!" Beauty Brass replied with a grin.

"I thought you hated Fredric, why would you help him?" Bon Bon asked, tilting her head.

"I don't HATE Fredric, I am just upset with him at the moment. And I am not helping Fredric, I just want you two to help me find out who Symphony likes back!" Beauty Brass replied.

The two ponies looked at one another before facehoofing.

"What?" Beauty Brass asked.

~•~•~•~•~

"Vinyl!" Octavia yelled as Vinyl threw another thing into the cart.

"What? You said you would make me anything for lunch!" Vinyl pouted.

"Yes I did, but I am not going to make you a whole meal!" Octavia replied, her voice still loud.

Vinyl sighed before she used her magic to lift the item out of the cart, "Fine..."

"Good," Octavia said, nodding her head.

The two continued to make their way down the aisle. Vinyl looking at everything on the shelves, probably wanting to eat it all, and Octavia watched Vinyl, to make sure she wouldn't try to get more things into the cart that they didn't need.

"Can I at least have this?" Vinyl asked, lifting up a box of cake mix.

"Vinyl, I am not going to make you a whole cake," Octavia said, annoyed.

Vinyl groaned, "But everything you are willing to make is so.... Gross!"

"Vinyl! You haven't even tried half of the things I suggested," Octavia argued.

"That may be true, but I can tell by the way they look that they'll be bad!" Vinyl explained.

"The only things you want are foods that have sugar in them."

"Not the pizza!" Vinyl argued.

"Okay, MOST of the things. The rest are too much for me to make for a single pony," Octavia responded.

Vinyl let out a sigh before she started to put the box of cake back. She then paused.

"How about, you make me the cake," Vinyl started, putting her arm around the cellist, "And in return, I'll give you something to eat tonight~" Vinyl then started nuzzling behind Octavia's ear.

In Vinyl's past experience of relationships, this would have worked one hundred percent. However, the only pony she had dated before Octavia was Neon, which she realized once Octavia smacked Vinyl.

"Ow!" Vinyl cried as she rubbed her head.

Octavia was glaring daggers at her marefriend and she had a burning blush across her face.

"Vinyl! Why in Equestria would you think that was a smart idea?! And why the bloody hell would you do that to me in a STORE!" Octavia yelled, her voice full of anger.

"Uh.... Because it worked on other ponies?" Vinyl replied with a sheepish smile. Octavia let out a groan of anger before she continued down the aisle.

Octavia was still mad as she walked, she was so mad that she didn't realize that Vinyl had stopped walking with her. Octavia turned to find Vinyl looking down sadly at her hooves. She resembled a dog who had been yelled at and now had their tail between their legs.

Octavia let out a sigh. In the time she had spent with Vinyl, she was quickly learning how the mare worked. She had learned that Vinyl almost never had bad intentions, and most of the stupid things she did were a result of her not thinking them through.

"How about I make you a carrotdog and some fries for lunch?" Octavia asked.

Vinyl looked up, a glint of happiness in her eyes, "Okay, sure."

Octavia smiled, and she continued down the aisle towards the area where the ingredients were.

As Octavia searched for the things needed, she felt somepony tap her shoulder. Octavia turned to find Vinyl holding a cookie in her magic and she had a sheepish smile on her face.

"Uh, apology cookie?" Vinyl offered.

Octavia smiled. There was another thing she learned about Vinyl, that even when she makes a mistake, she will always try to fix it.

Octavia leaned in and took a bite of the cookie. Once she swallowed it, she looked over at Vinyl who was smiling a relieved smile.

~•~•~•~•~

"Huh, I would have thought Lyra and Bon Bon would be here," Vinyl commented.

Vinyl and Octavia had come back to the office from the supermarket. Once they got back, they went straight to the kitchen where Octavia started cooking for Vinyl. When they got to the office, Vinyl noticed how almost all of her employees were eyeing them, as if watching and hoping something would happen.

"It is quite odd," Octavia agreed, "Maybe they left work because they felt they should have as much time off work as you."

"Is everypony going to keep nagging about that?!" Vinyl whined.

"Well, you did scare everypony Vinyl." Octavia pointed out.

"I'm sorry." Vinyl apologized.

Octavia turned to the DJ, "I know you are Vinyl, and we forgive you, but we are still worried about you."

"But I'm a grown mare! I can take care of myself!" Vinyl argued, Octavia just raised an eyebrow but she said nothing.

The room went into silence as Octavia continued cooking. After a few moments, however, Vinyl started speaking.

"Hey, Octy.... What's this?"

Octavia turned to her marefriend to find Vinyl looking at a piece of paper.

"What does it say?" Octavia asked.

"It says 'shipping chart' and it has almost everypony we know on here," Vinyl replied.

Octavia walked away from the food to look at the paper. It was, in fact, a chart.

"I believe this is Beauty's" Octavia commented as she viewed the paper.

"What makes you say that?"

In response, Octavia pointed to a blue mare on the paper that had the word 'me' under it.

"Those could be initials," Vinyl argued.

Octavia raised an eyebrow at the DJ. But when all she got was a grin back, she ignored the mare, knowing there would be no way to win this battle.

"I wonder why Beauty was here," Octavia said.

~•~•~•~•~

"Symphony!" Beauty Brass called as the yellow mare came into view.

"Oh! Hello Beauty Brass," Symphony greeted as she turned to the mare. Symphony then noticed two unfamiliar mares following behind her. "Who are those two?"

"Not important," Beauty Brass replied, "I just need to know who you like."

"Why?" Symphony asked, tilting her head.

"Because, I need to know."

"Okay, but why?"

"Because then I can help you get with Fredric or Concerto!"

"How do you know I like one of them and not somepony else?"

"If you like somepony else then who is it?"

"Why do you-"

"WOULD YOU PLEASE JUST TELL HER!" The green unicorn begged, "I WANT TO GET THIS OVER WITH!"

"I still have no idea who you are," Symphony commented causing Lyra to let out a growl.

"Lyra, stop," The pale earth pony commanded. "Listen, Symphony, I am Bon Bon and this is Lyra. Could you please just tell Beauty what she wants to know so that we can go back to work."

Symphony looked between the three before a smirk spread across her face.

"A lady never tells her secrets."

"Well then I guess we can’t hope you get with the pony of your dreams!” Beauty Brass said dramatically.

Symphony’s eyes widened before she let out a sigh of defeat.

"Fine. I like-

~•~•~•~•~

It was the end of the day, ponies were leaving the office, all excited that the weekend was finally here once again.

Lyra and Bon Bon still hadn't returned from where they had gone, but it seemed nopony noticed or cared. Except for of course Vinyl and Octavia who tried to contact them, only to find out their phones were off. The two made an agreement to wait at the very least a day to search for them.

Right now, Vinyl was in her office doing some paperwork, she was trying to finish everything before she had to leave for Ponyville the next day to see her parents. As she was working, she heard the door open.

"I am going now Vinyl," Octavia said from the door, her coat on, "Please don't overwork yourself."

Vinyl got up from her seat and walked over to her marefriend. "Don't worry about me Octy, just be careful during the counseling thing."

Octavia smiled, "I promise I will be careful. Now promise you will not work yourself ragged."

Vinyl smirked, "I promise. Now give meh a kiss ya big stick in the mud,"

Octavia giggled before moving in to kiss the DJ. Vinyl was expecting the kiss to be a short yet sweet one, but when she felt Octavia's hooves wrap around her neck, she realized that would not be the case. Not that Vinyl was complaining.

The two stayed there for awhile before they finally broke the kiss for air. When they broke it, Vinyl opened her eyes to see Octavia looking at the ground.

"You alright Tavi?" Vinyl asked, causing Octavia to look up at her.

"Yes... I just don't want to have to go to this thing with Caramel."

"I don't want you to go either. I was really hoping we could get some alone time instead," Vinyl said with a sad smile.

Octavia smiled a small smile. "If all goes well with your parents then we can go out to do something together, how does that sound?"

Vinyl smiled her regular bright and foalish smile that always made Octavia happy, "Yeah! That sounds awesome!"

Octavia then left, but not before giving Vinyl one more kiss, however, this one was a lot shorter.

~•~•~•~•~

Once Octavia got outside, she found Caramel in his car waiting for her. Octavia let out one last sigh before getting into the car with Caramel.

This was not going to be fun.

Chapter 24

View Online

"How?!" Beauty Brass asked as she walked into the office kitchen, "How can one pony like two ponies?!"

"Well, look at the bright side," Lyra said as she entered the room, "at least you were right about there being a love triangle."

"Actually Lyra, a love triangle would mean that each pony liked a different pony in the triangle," Bon Bon corrected as she finally joined the two.

"So then what is this?" Lyra asked as she seated herself.

"A love SQUARE!" Beauty Brass exclaimed.

"Wouldn't that need four pon-"

"Shhhhhh, it is a love square," Beauty Brass shushed, interrupting Lyra.

"Oh Luna! Everypony's gone!" Bon Bon cried.

"What?!" Lyra exclaimed, getting up from her seat to check the offices.

Bon Bon was in fact right. The offices were completely empty. However, the lights were still on.

"Huh, I wonder how we didn't notice that when we walked in," Beauty Brass commented, tilting her head, "Why are the lights still on?"

"I guess either Vinyl is still here or she forgot to turn off the lights," Lyra replied, reseating herself.

"I'll check then," Bon Bon stated before leaving the room.

Once Bon Bon had made her way to the front door of Vinyl's office, she opened the door to find her friend passed out on the table. Bon Bon then quietly shut the door before making her way back to the kitchen.

"It seems Vinyl has fallen asleep on her desk," Bon Bon explained as she entered the room.

Lyra smiled evilly, "Oh she did?"

Lyra then got up from her seat and started to walk to Vinyl's office.

Beauty Brass looked over to Bon Bon, "Should we be worried?"

Bon Bon paused to think, "Possibly."

Once Lyra opened the door to Vinyl's office, she smiled as she found that in fact Vinyl was sleeping. Lyra then quietly made her way over to Vinyl, her mind thinking of way to wake up the mare.

An idea popped into the unicorn's head, causing her smile to grow. Lyra slowly lifted her hoof up from the ground, and moved it towards the sleeping DJ. Once her hoof was halfway to the unicorn, she shot it into Vinyl's side.

Vinyl let out a squeal as she fell to the ground from the sudden touch. This caused Lyra to fall onto the floor laughing.

"Seriously Lyra?!" Vinyl asked in annoyance as the lyrist continued to laugh.

"Yep!" Lyra replied with a grin.

Vinyl rolled her eyes and let out an annoyed sigh, "Whatever, I'm just going to go home,"

With that the unicorn walked out of the office, locked it, and turned off the lights.

"WHY ARE THE LIGHTS OFF?!" Beauty Brass panicked.

"Hey guys," Lyra said as she entered the kitchen with a sheepish smile, "Vinyl kind of locked us in the office,"

Bon Bon let out a sigh, "You poked Vinyl in her sleep again, didn't you?"

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia and Caramel walked into the room where they would be for the next few hours. In the room was a couch and one single chair. In the single chair sat a pale unicorn mare with an orange mane and tail, and red glasses. The unicorn was holding a notepad and pencil in her magic.

"Hello you two, take a seat, we will begin shortly," The unicorn greeted with a smile.

Octavia sat down on the left of the couch so she was facing the mare, and Caramel sat on he left, but he was pushing against Octavia as though he was attempting to morph with the mare.

"Hello miss-" Octavia started.

"Remedy Cure," The mare finished.

Octavia smiled, "Hello Miss Cure, I am Octavia Melody and this is-"

"Her amazing husband, Caramel!" Caramel finished with a smile. Octavia gave Caramel a look and Remedy Cure just looked between the two as she examined them.

Remedy cleared her voice, causing the two other ponies to look over at her. "Let's begin. When were you two married?"

Octavia opened her mouth but Caramel was too fast, "For fifteen AMAZING years."

Octavia let out a sigh while Remedy Cure wrote down the answer.

"And, when exactly did these problems start?"

"They started five years into our marriage," Octavia explained, finally being allowed to speak, "Once we were married, Caramel stopped being around the house."

Remedy wrote down everything Octavia said. "Is that problem still going on now?"

"No!" Caramel exclaimed, "I have been spending all my time with her and somehow she is still unhappy!"

"That's the problem Caramel!" Octavia replied, her voice rising slightly, "Now you spend too much time with me!"

"Let's move on," Remedy Cure interrupted, not wanting the fight to escalate, "How was your relationship before the marriage?"

Caramel's face became one of delight as he thought of his and Octavia's past, while Octavia had a face of regret.

~•~•~•~•~

"Let's play spin the bottle," A mare suggested with a grin.

The crowd of ponies cheered as they seated themselves around in a circle. One of said ponies, was Octavia, who had had too much to drink and was a little tipsy.

It was a high school party, meant to celebrate their last week of school.

"Are you sure we should let her play?" Beauty Brass asked as she watched the ponies play the game.

Harpo shrugged, "Why not? In all the movies I've seen this always ended happily."

Beauty Brass perked up, "Yeah! All those romantic first kisses that have happened as a result of this game."

The ponies kept spinning the bottle, some hoping to land on crushes, and some just hoping to land on anypony in hopes of having a good time.

In the circle, were mostly ponies Octavia didn't know. The only ponies she did know were her ex-marefriend, Sassaflash, and Sassaflash's new coltfriend, Caramel.

"Yo, Octavia, it's your turn," One of the stallions called with a grin.

Many ponies in her school were attracted to Octavia, and she knew this. If she was not so tipsy, she would have reconsidered playing the game.

Octavia moved a hoof forward and spun the bottle. Everypony in the circle watched it with both excitement, and nervousness. After a few seconds the bottle stopped... on Sassaflash's coltfriend.

Now again, if Octavia was not so tipsy, she would have apologized and refused to do it. But Octavia was tipsy, so she did in fact kiss the stallion.

She was expecting for Caramel to break away, as he was already dating somepony, but he actually pushed forward and turned the single kiss into a full make out.

The ponies cheered as they watched the two go at it, causing other ponies to run over and watch them. This included Harpo and Beauty.

"Is Octavia still a virgin?" Harpo asked, slightly concerned.

"Yep, and knowing her she doesn't want to lose it until after marriage so.... WE SHOULD PROBABLY STOP THIS," Beauty Brass replied before her and Harpo broke through the group of ponies to stop the mare from doing something she regretted.

~•~•~•~•~

"And when I felt that kiss, I knew we were meant to be," Caramel said, pulling Octavia into a side hug.

"And after that kiss, I realized I need to stop drinking," Octavia said in an annoyed voice.

"Wait, that would mean that you two were married at-"

"Eighteen," Octavia finished, regret clearly in her voice, "I know, my father told you my age is thirty three."

"That's quite young," The Councilor commented.

"I had to make sure that I wouldn't lose this one," Caramel replied, kissing Octavia on the cheek.

"Anyway," Octavia continued in an annoyed voice, "Sassaflash broke up with Caramel after that night."

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia was laying in her bed with a massive hangover as she tried to finish her homework.

Once she had returned home from the night previous, she was of course grounded for drinking.

"I still can't believe you went to a party!" Symphony said, causing Octavia to look up from her book, "And not only that, but make out with your ex-marefriend's coltfriend!”

"I was drunk Symphony," Octavia replied grumpily before going back to her work. Just then, there was a knock at the door, Symphony opened the door and was surprised at what she saw.

"Caramel?" Symphony asked.

"Hi, uh, can I talk to Octavia alone please?" Caramel asked.

Symphony looked over at her sister as she contemplated what to do. Finally, with a sigh, Symphony let Caramel in before leaving the room.

"What are you doing here Caramel?" Octavia asked, putting her book down and sitting up in her bed.

"I... Sassaflash broke up with me this morning," Caramel started.

"Oh no! I am so sorry!" Octavia apologized.

"Actually, that's a good thing, you see, I like another mare at the moment," Caramel said with a slight blush.

Octavia tilted her head before her eyes went wide.

He... he doesn't.

"Basically, what I was wondering was.... would you like to go see a movie this weekend?" Caramel asked.

Octavia didn't say anything, instead she thought. She kept thinking for a few minutes, causing Caramel to get more and more worried.

"Well, I guess we could give it a try," Octavia replied with a slight smile.

"Alright, awesome!" Caramel exclaimed, "I'll pick you up at eight on Saturday"

And with that, Caramel left Octavia alone to continue her homework.

~•~•~•~•~

"That was one of the best days of my life," Caramel said, fondly.

I regret all my high school choices, Octavia thought to herself.

"When did you two decide to get married?" Remedy Cure asked once she was finished writing down everything that had been said.

"We got married a year and a few months into our relationship," Caramel replied cheerfully.

"But Caramel proposed to me only a few months into our relationship," Octavia explained.

"And then I proposed every day for a year! Just like in fairy tales, I mean, what mare doesn't want a fairy tale romance?" Caramel elaborated.

"I think the only mare that wants a fairly romance who is not a filly is Beauty Brass," Octavia mumbled.

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia and Caramel had agreed to meet at a fancy restaurant for dinner. Right now, the two were enjoying some spaghetti and salad. The two were laughing and enjoying each other's company.

"Listen Octavia, there is something I need to ask you," Caramel said, getting out of his seat.

"Alright," Octavia replied, skeptical.

Caramel then pulled out a ring, "Will you marry me?"

Octavia's mouth dropped, she was shocked, no, stunned! They have barely even been dating! How could he already be thinking about marriage?

"Caramel listen, that is very sweet but I am not ready for marriage. Not only that but we aren't even old enough to get wed" Octavia explained.

However, Caramel's smile did not fade, "THEN I SHALL CONTINUE TO ASK YOU EVERYDAY UNTIL YOU SAY YES!"

Octavia giggled, she believed that Caramel was joking at first, until he actually did it the next day, and the day after that, and the day after that, and the day after that, and every day until Octavia finally said yes.

~•~•~•~•~

"Do you two have any foals?" Remedy Cure asked once she finished taking notes.

Octavia breathed in slowly before answering, "No."

"I wanted foals," Caramel interjected, his voice slightly annoyed.

"But I don't Caramel, and we already talked about this years ago," Octavia replied, her voice matching his tone.

"Do you believe that is your main problem?" Remedy Cure asked.

"Yeah!" Caramel replied, sounding happy, "We found the problem! If we had foals then you would have never been alone and we would have been happy!"

"Then I would have been alone with a foal Caramel," Octavia practically yelled.

"Then why not now?" Caramel asked, "Maybe that will be what brings us back together!"

"I DON'T WANT TO HAVE A FOAL CARAMEL AND YOU KNOW WHY!" Octavia finally yelled, causing everypony to stare at her with wide eyes.

After a moment of silence, Remedy spoke again, "What does this relationship mean to the both of you?"

"Everything," Caramel answered.

"Nothing," Octavia answered, coldly.

Remedy Cure wrote it down, as she had been for everything. As this session went on, she was losing more and more hope.

"Do you two believe you have a lack in communication?" Remedy Cure asked.

"Yes!" Caramel exclaimed, "She never told me how she felt until five years later!"

"And then when I did, you made things worse!" Octavia argued.

"Are you seeing somepony new?" Remedy Cure asked quickly, in hopes that the problem did not end up as bad as it did before.

Octavia then had a burning blush appear across her face, while Caramel had a scowl.

"I would never do that to Octavia," Caramel practically growled.

"I.... I am," Octavia stammered.

Remedy Cure's eyes widened at this but she said nothing, only wrote it down.

Remedy Cure then opened her mouth to ask the next question, but she was interrupted by Caramel, "Yes you are, you are seeing that sad excuse for a mare."

"EXCUSE ME?!" Octavia asked, sounding extremely offended.

"Yeah, you heard me!" Caramel said, getting up from his seat, "That mare probably only thinks about sex all the time! I bet if you don't please her enough she'll just go back to Neon. And don't even get me started on that freak's eyes,"

Octavia froze, "H-her eyes?"

"Yeah! They're red! Neon told me!" Caramel replied.

Octavia didn't say anything, so Caramel continued.

"Finally! Now you see that mare for the horrible pony she-"

"At least fmdjdjfb" Octavia mumbled.

"What was that?" Remedy asked, extremely concerned.

"AT LEAST SHE LOVES ME MORE THAN YOU EVER COULD!" Octavia yelled, tears in her eyes and her face full of rage.

Caramel's face become one of shock, and so did the counselor.

The room was stunned into silence, so Remedy Cure asked another question.

"What do you see in the future?"

"Me with Vinyl, and away from Caramel for the rest of my life," Octavia responded, "And I am finally happy."

Octavia then, walked out of the door, leaving Caramel still in shock and Remedy Cure in fear.

~•~•~•~•~

"Finally, now I can sleep without Lyra poking me" Vinyl said to herself in relief as she plopped onto the bed.

Before she could drift off to sleep, however, she heard a knock at the door.

"Are you bucking kidding me," Vinyl grumbled as she got up from the bed and made her way to the door.

Vinyl's original plan was to yell at the pony who woke her up. Her plan changed, however, when she opened the door to find Octavia standing there, her mane covering her eyes.

"Can I sleep here tonight Vinyl?" Octavia asked, coldly.

"Tavi? I thought you were-"

"Vinyl," Octavia interrupted, "Can I sleep here?"

Vinyl frowned, "Sure Tavi."

With that, Vinyl moved out of the way so Octavia could enter the apartment.

But before Octavia could go to the bed, Vinyl grabbed Octavia's hoof in her magic.

"What happened Octy?" Vinyl asked, her voice serious.

"Let me sleep Vinyl," Octavia demanded.

Vinyl then pulled Octavia so they were facing one another. Vinyl put her front hooves onto Octavia's shoulders.

"Tavi, I'm your marefriend, tell me what's wrong," Vinyl pleaded.

Octavia didn't respond.

"Tavi?" Vinyl asked, moving Octavia's mane.

What she found was that Octavia was crying.

"I am so stupid Vinyl," Octavia replied, tears falling down her face.

"What?! No way Octy! You're so sm-"

"NO VINYL!" Octavia yelled, causing Vinyl to remove her hooves from the cellist, "I married a stallion who I kissed over SPIN THE BOTTLE! And if that's not dumb enough, I married him at the age of eighteen!"

Vinyl hugged Octavia, forcing the mare into the DJ's chest. Octavia sobbed hard into Vinyl's chest, all the while, Vinyl stroked Octavia's mane.

"Tavi listen to me," Vinyl said after a few minutes of crying. Octavia looked up at Vinyl, her eyes red from the tears, "We all do dumb things when young, and we can't hold ourselves against them forever. All we can do, is try to fix them,"

"I guess that's true," Octavia replied, however she did not smile.

"Yeah, now c'mon, smile," Vinyl encouraged. Still nothing.

Vinyl let out a sigh and thought for a moment before letting out a chuckle.

"What?" Octavia asked.

"I just realized you're thirty three" Vinyl replied.

"So?"

Vinyl grinned, "I'm thirty five,"

"YOU'RE OLDER THAN ME?!" Octavia exclaimed, causing Vinyl to laugh.

"Well Tavi, it seems I am the mature one in this relationship," Vinyl said, putting her hoof around the cellist.

"Says the pony who wanted me to bake them an entire cake," Octavia replied with a slight smile.

Vinyl returned the smile.

As long as Tavi is happy, I'm happy.

"Let's go lay down Vinyl," Octavia said. Vinyl nodded in response.

And with that, the two made the way to their bed.

As Octavia was wrapped in Vinyl's hooves, her muzzle buried in the DJ's chest, Octavia watched the mare sleep.

"I am so lucky I found you," Octavia said to herself with a smile before she too went to sleep.

Chapter 25

View Online

"Where are they?" Vinyl asked, pacing back and forth.

Her and Octavia were currently at the train station. They were going to be taking a train to Ponyville, which was where Vinyl's family lived.

"Why are Lyra and Bon Bon coming?" Octavia asked, watching her marefriend panic.

"Uh, moral support? Your friends came when I met your parents so mine should come when you are meeting my family," Vinyl explained.

"We're here!" Bon Bon called, as her and Lyra walked up to the two other mares.

"What took you guys so long?" Vinyl asked, almost demanding.

"Oh sorry, did you forget that YOU LOCKED US IN THE OFFICE?!" Lyra shouted.

"Vinyl did what?!" Octavia asked, walking up next to Vinyl.

"Oh yeahhhhhh," Vinyl remembered, nodding her head.

"How do you forget something like that, Vinyl?!" Octavia asked.

Vinyl shrugged in response, causing Octavia to groan.

"How did you guys get out anyway?" Vinyl asked, turning back to her two friends.

"Beauty kind of panicked and threw a chair at the window," Bon Bon replied, slightly nervous at the response she may get.

"It was awesome!" Lyra said, ecstatically.

"Wait.... YOU LOCKED BEAUTY BRASS TOO?!" Octavia shouted, now angry.

"I locked Beaut in there?" Vinyl asked, tilting her head.

"All aboard!" The train conductor yelled, causing the group of ponies to turn towards him.

"We'll talk more about this once we're on the train," Octavia said, to which the other ponies nodded in agreement.

And with that, the group of mare made their way onto the train.

~•~•~•~•~

Vinyl looked outside the train and watched the leaves fall, attempting to ease her fear.

Octavia was sitting next to Vinyl. She was asleep with her head on Vinyl's shoulder.

In front of Vinyl and was Lyra and next to Lyra was Bon Bon.

"What do you think will happen?" Vinyl asked, her voice almost too quiet to be heard.

Lyra just shrugged while Bon Bon actually gave a response, "I bet that if you explain everything to them, they will understand,"

Vinyl forced out a laugh, "I doubt it. You know what happened. Pretty ironic in some ways."

"Is your brother going to be there?" Lyra asked.

"Yeah. He may understand, but I don't know," Vinyl replied.

Vinyl then turned to the sleeping cellist and moved the mare's mane in order to see her face.

Tavi looks so peaceful while sleeping, Vinyl thought with a small smile.

"I'm guessing the marriage counseling didn't go well," Lyra commented.

Vinyl shrugged, "She didn't tell me much. But whatever happened in there, caused Octy to think that she is stupid."

Once that was said, the train became silent. Vinyl continued to watch Octavia sleep, while Lyra and Bon Bon looked out the window.

"What will happen if everything goes badly?" Vinyl asked, her voice as quiet as before.

Vinyl's eyes finally moved off her marefriend when she felt a hoof touch her other shoulder. Vinyl looked up to see Bon Bon giving her a reassuring smile, and Lyra a determined one.

"If everything goes bad, we'll find a way to fix it," Bon Bon answered, causing the DJ to smile back at her friends.

The unicorn then looked back at Octavia, her smile still there.

Don't worry Tavi, I'll make sure you get the happiness you deserve.

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia woke up from the feeling of somepony poking her side. However, she refused to open her eyes as she was too comfortable. The poking however continued, much to the cellist's dismay. Octavia let out a groan before moving just enough that her side was covered.

There was just one problem, now her other side was exposed.

Once Octavia felt her other side get poked, she let out a sigh of defeat before opening to her eyes to view the culprit. What she found was her marefriend, looking down at the cellist with her signature grin.

"I know I'm comfy, but you'll have to wait til we're alone in order to continue cuddling me," Vinyl said.

Octavia glared slightly at the mare, before lightly hitting the hoof that kept poking her. "Hello Vinyl."

"Damn, I was hoping Octavia would hit Vinyl once she finally woke up," Lyra commented with her own grin.

Octavia's head snapped to the other seat facing her. She blushed when she found that Lyra and Bon Bon had been watching the whole display.

How did I forget that they were here?!

Octavia quickly jumped off the DJ, causing Lyra and Vinyl to laugh.

"Leave her alone you two," Bon Bon said, Rolling her eyes with a smile.

"We have arrived at Ponyville station!" The loudspeaker announced.

"Well," Lyra said, getting up from her seat, "Let's start going before we get trapped in a line,"

And so, the mares made their way off the train.

"Hey Octavia, didn't you say Lucky Streak lives in Ponyville?" Bon Bon asked as the ponies walked through the town.

"Yes I did. Maybe we can stop by and say hello to him at some point," Octavia replied with a smile.

"Uh oh. It seems that Vinyl is going to start having some competition," Lyra teased, bumping the DJ.

"Psh, yeah right. Octy is completely seduced by me," Vinyl replied, puffing out her chest, "Right Octy?"

Vinyl turned forward to where her marefriend was walking when the cellist hadn't responded.

"Octy?" Vinyl asked, slightly panicked.

Although Vinyl couldn't see her marefriend's face, Bon Bon could. Bon Bon had to stop herself from giggling as she saw the grin on Octavia's face. Bon Bon knew that Octavia was teasing Vinyl, and it was both adorable and hilarious to view.

"Taviiiii," Vinyl called as she trotted up to the cellist. This caused Octavia to wash away her grin and try to successfully ignore the DJ.

Bon Bon stopped walking for a moment, until Lyra had caught up to where she was. Once that happened, Bon Bon started walking next to her marefriend.

"I never thought Octavia would be the one who would tease Vinyl," Bon Bon commented.

"I know right? It's amazing. I should give her some tips about how to annoy Vinyl more," Lyra replied with a evil grin.

"Octy?" Vinyl asked, nudging the cellist.

Then, Vinyl saw something. The hint of a smile.

"OH WAIT I GET IT!" Vinyl shouted, causing everypony to start laughing. Vinyl just glared at them.

"You're mean Tavi." Vinyl grumbled.

Octavia stopped laughing but she kept smiling. She then grabbed the DJ and kissed her on the cheek, causing the unicorn's ears to perk up and her eyes to go wide.

Octavia then winked at the DJ before continuing to walk. This caused Vinyl to completely stop, stunned.

Once Lyra and Bon Bon caught up to the mare, they looked at one another.

"Uh, Vinyl?" Lyra asked, trying her best to not burst out laughing at her friend's state.

After a moment, Vinyl bolted after her marefriend, causing the two other mares to start laughing before continuing to walk.

Once Vinyl caught up to her marefriend, she found that Octavia was standing and staring at something. Vinyl followed her marefriend's eyes to find that she was looking at her house. The house looked like every other house in Ponyville, it was almost impossible to tell them apart.

"Is this your home Vinyl?" Octavia asked.

"Yep, that's it." Vinyl replied, before stepping towards the home.

Lyra let out a nostalgic sigh once she reached the house, "This place brings back old memories, don't it Bonnie?"

Bon Bon nodded her head before laying on her marefriend's shoulder, "It sure does,"

Octavia smiled at the display of affection before turning back to the house, where Vinyl was standing at the door, too afraid to knock.

"Are you alright Vinyl?" Octavia asked as she walked up next to the mare.

"Y-yeah. Just.... nervous," Vinyl replied, her voice shaky.

The DJ jumped slightly as she felt Octavia touch her shoulder.

"It will be alright. Even if they don't accept us, they will still love you," Octavia reassured.

Vinyl smiled at Octavia before turning back to the door with a determined smile, "I'm ready."

Octavia nodded and she turned to the door as well.

And with that, Vinyl knocked on the door.

~•~•~•~•~

"What? Are you crazy?"

"No, it's the last pony I needed to contact."

"I doubt that will get you anyway. How will it help in anyway?"

"It will make it harder from them to accept the relationship if they are reminded of what happened."

"Listen, I want Octavia back, but this is a little bit too far."

"Trust me. This will work."

"Alright fine. But you better not think of having me take the blame."

"I won't. This guy is actually a pretty cool dude so I doubt anything will harm Octavia. I will meet him at the train station, alright?"

"Alright..."

~•~•~•~•~

Once Vinyl had finished knocking, the outside of the house was engulfed into silence. Then, the group of ponies heard the sound of hooves walking in the house, as well as some murmuring. After a few more minutes, the door opened.

"Hey Vinyl," A white stallion unicorn greeted with a smile.

"Hey Long Play," Vinyl replied, sticking her hoof out to bump her brother's.

Octavia examined the stallion. He looked almost exactly like Vinyl, except his mane was red instead of blue, he wore red glasses, and he had a yellow loop earring on one ear.

"I can see you brought your luggage with you," Long Play commented as his eyes found Lyra and Bon Bon.

"I think she takes better care of her luggage than us," Lyra replied with a grin.

"Hello Long Play," Bon Bon greeted, nodding her head.

Long Play's eyes then fell onto Octavia. This caused his smile to fall slightly.

"So, are you the one my mom's been freaking out about?" Long Play asked.

Octavia cringed slightly before she let out a sigh. Octavia then stook her hoof out to shake. "Greetings Long Play, my name is Octavia. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Long Play's eyes darted from Octavia's face to Octavia's hoof for a few minutes before he bumped the hoof. "Sup."

Although Vinyl kept her composure, Octavia could see the relief wash over her.

"Come on in guys, mom's starting dinner," Long Play offered as he moved out of the way so the group could walk in.

The first thing Octavia noticed as she walked into the house was how messy the place was, causing the cellist to cringe.

Vinyl, noticing this cringe, started grinning. "You're going to have to excuse Tavi over here, she's a bit of a germaphobe."

Octavia's eyes snapped to Vinyl and she started glaring. "I am not a germaphobe."

Vinyl's grin only grew, making Octavia sigh in frustration.

Long Play chuckled. "Are they always like this?" Long Play asked Lyra and Bon Bon.

"You get used to it after awhile," Bon Bon replied.

"WHO'S AT THE DOOR LONG PLAY?" A voice shouted from the kitchen.

"VINYL AND HER FRIENDS, MOM!" Long Play yelled back.

Vinyl then started panicking once again, "Long Play. WHY?!" She hissed.

"Vinyl's here?" Vinyl's mother asked, poking her head from out of the kitchen.

Everypony, except Long Play, froze at the sight of Vinyl's mother. She was a white unicorn with a dark blue mane and tail.

"Hey mom," Vinyl greeted, slightly nervous, "Please don't hit me again."

"That depends on your explanation, young lady," Vinyl's mother replied sternly.

Vinyl gulped.

"Sooooo," Lyra started after a few minutes of awkward silence, "What now?"

Vinyl's mother opened her mouth, but Bon Bon beat her to it. "How about we split up and spent an hour with each pony. Vinyl and Lyra can spend an hour with Vinyl's mom, and Octavia and I can spend an hour with Long Play. Then, we will switch."

Everypony blinked at Bon Bon. Nopony said anything until Long Play shrugged. "Sure, that sounds good."

Vinyl's mother let out a sigh of defeat, "Alright, but at dinner I expect to speak with all of you,"

The group of mares nodded in response before they went off into separate groups.

~•~•~•~•~

"Long Play... why is there a DJ set up in your room?" Bon Bon asked as she examined the room.

Long Play shrugged, "You never know when there's a party."

Octavia giggled, causing Long Play to turn for the cellist, "You really are a lot like Vinyl."

Long Play grinned, "Yeah. Except my music is actually good."

"Hm, we will have to see that," Octavia replied.

Long Play smiled but said nothing.

"So... what exactly are we doing here?" Octavia asked after a moment of silence.

"Well, I need to finish setting up the wires inside the speakers," Long Play replied before opening the speaker and starting to move wires around.

"Wait. Did you agree to my plan so you could work on your DJ set?!" Bon Bon asked.

"Yep," Long Play replied nonchalantly "But also for you guys to help."

Bon Bon let out an annoyed sigh, before walking to another one of the speakers.

"You really are like Vinyl," Octavia commented, shaking her head.

Octavia walked over to Long Play and watched the stallion work. After a few moments however, she got bored. Octavia started looking around before her eyes landed on a framed photo. The photos had Long Play, Vinyl's mother, and a red stallion unicorn with a red, white, and a blue mustache, mane, and tail.

"I'm guessing you want to know who that guy is, huh?" Long Play asked, causing Octavia to jump.

"I... I assume it's your father," Octavia replied, to which Long Play nodded.

"Yep. Did Vinyl tell you about him?" Long Play asked. Octavia shook her head in response. Long Play let out a sigh before he stopped speaking. His face became one of concentration and thought.

After a few minutes, he looked back up at Octavia.

"Our father cheated on our mom,"

Octavia was taken aback by this.

What?

Long Play forced a laugh, "Yeah I know. That's one reason why my mom is freaking out so much. I am guessing she sees herself in that stallion that you married."

Octavia was stunned, she didn't know what to say. She eyes flicked over to Bon Bon. The mare was watching them, with a concerned look.

"I'm.... I'm sorry," Octavia apologized, looking at the ground.

"Vinyl never met him," Long Play explained, "But I did. I saw the pain my mom went through when she found out. And the worst part is that it wasn't even like a one night thing, they were a whole couple."

Octavia didn't respond, how could she? What could she say?

"There was one question I always wanted to ask my dad but never got the chance to," Long Play continued, "I would like to ask you that question."

"Alright," Octavia replied, looking back up at the stallion.

"Why not wait? Why start dating somepony before the divorce?" Long Play asked.

"Were your parents getting a divorce?" Octavia asked.

"Answer the question," Long Play snapped, "Please."

Octavia looked over to Bon Bon. Her heart fell when she saw Bon Bon mouth the words 'No'.

Octavia looked back down at the ground as she tried to think of a way to answer.

After a few moments, Octavia let out a sigh. "I think the reason I started dating Vinyl before my divorce... is because I missed feeling love. I think it's because I felt attraction for somepony and that pony felt the same so I just... latched onto it."

Octavia looked back up to the brother, tears forming in her eyes, "Vinyl really is an amazing mare and I am so glad to have found her. I know what we are doing is stupid and dangerous but.... we're happy. I am happy. She is happy. I know you may be thinking about Caramel but... Our case is a little different. I have been married to Caramel for fifteen years but I have not been happy for most of of that time. I have tried to get a divorce with Caramel for the longest time but he keeps forcing me to stay with him. I wish him well but if he really loved me, he would let me go off on my own."

The room then went into silence. Octavia had tears running down her face, Long Play just seemed to be thinking, and Bon Bon just watched the two.

After a few moments, Bon Bon walked over to Octavia and put her hoof around the mare in a side hug. But the room continued in silence.

"Ok," Long Play said after a long period of time, "I may never know why my father did what he did, but I know that he was more in the wrong. Your case is so similar to him yet so different. I would like to know more about your relationship with Vinyl and the stallion during dinner but as for now.... Ok."

Octavia and Bon Bon both smiled at the stallion, and he returned the gesture.

And with that, the two made their way out of the room. However, before the left. Octavia heard Long Play say one last thing.

"Please take care of my sister."

~•~•~•~•~

"Well isn't this great," Lyra commented, "You got the two mares who have no idea how to cook to help you cook."

"Vinyl knows how to cook," Vinyl's mother stated, causing Lyra to give Vinyl a 'WAIT WHAT?!' look. "If you don't know how to cook Lyra, then you can sit in the living room or something,"

"Actually there was something I wanted to check on," Lyra replied, before exiting the kitchen. After a few moments, the two mares heard the sound of the front door closing.

"LYRA NO! WHY DID YOU LEAVE ME?!" Vinyl shouted at the window as Lyra passed. Lyra stuck her tongue out in response.

Vinyl turned back to her mother who had her eyebrow raised. Vinyl giggled nervously before moving over to help her mother cook.

"So Vinyl," Vinyl's mom started after a few seconds, "Tell me more about this Octavia."

"Well," Vinyl started, "She is a cellist. She is kind of a stick in the mud. She is really hot... like, really hot. She has a really sexy accent. And she gets angered easily."

"I meant tell me about your relationship with her. And her relationship with that stallion who came here."

Vinyl's ears folded, "Oh.... right. Well we have been dating for a while-"

"DID YOU SLEEP WITH HER?" Vinyl's mother demanded, causing Vinyl to jump.

"Uh, what does that have to do with the affair problem?" Vinyl asked.

Vinyl's mother opened her mouth to respond but closed it as she couldn't think of anything.

Vinyl grinned as she saw her mother's struggle, "Anyway. She has been married to Caramel for fifteen years now but has been unhappy for most of that time. As for Caramel, he is a big asshole who likes to ruin ponies' lives, just to get what he wants, and he also is a really ugly dude, like, really ug-"

"You do know that said ugly stallion used to be attractive to your marefriend, right? The one who also finds you attractive," Vinyl's mother commented.

Vinyl opened her mouth, but closed it as she couldn't think of a response.

Vinyl's mother let out a sigh, "You do understand why this bothers me so much, don't you?"

Vinyl sighed as well, “Yeah...."

"So can't you see why this is so wrong Vinyl?" Vinyl's mother asked, looking at her daughter almost pleadingly.

"Yeah. But this is different! Caramel is treating Octavia like garbage! He-he won't let her be happy! He won't let her be free!"

"But can't you see how this affair is as bad as what he is doing?"

Vinyl opened and closed her mouth a few times, but nothing came out.

"Vinyl, this would be a much easier problem to solve if Caramel was physically abusing Octavia but he is not. Caramel is probably just as lonely as Octavia seems to be, except he found a happiness. However the happiness is betraying him and becoming darkness."

"But like you said, that's like Octavia!" Vinyl exclaimed, "I am that happiness for Octavia, except I am not becoming darkness. And isn't emotionally abusing somepony just as bad as physically abusing them? I mean, some ponies have mental scars because of the emotional abuse they receive. They start to think of themselves as wrong, and broken, and bad, and-"

"Like you?" Vinyl's mother asked.

"Wha-what?" Vinyl stammered.

In response, Vinyl's mother took off her daughter's glasses so her eyes were fully revealed, "Didn't Neon insult your eyes and make you think that there was something wrong with you all because of your eyes?"

"Yea-yeah, I guess. But he didn't manipulate me like Caramel. Caramel tries to make Octavia seem like a monster for trying to leave him. But Octavia's strong and she doesn't let his words get to her. Unlike me."

Vinyl's mom opened her mouth to respond but Vinyl continued to speak.

"And maybe that's another reason I like her, because she is strong. Because she doesn't let these things get to her, and she keeps trying to be happy."

Vinyl's mother smiled. "She sounds like an amazing mare."

Vinyl nodded, "She is."

Vinyl's mother opened her mouth to say something, but she was interrupted by the doorbell.

Her and Vinyl looked at one another before they walked towards the door. They looked up to see Octavia and Bon Bon were coming down the stairs in order to switch.

They all turned to the door.

"It's probably Lyra," Vinyl said, her mother nodded in response.

Vinyl's mother opened the door.

"Sup," Neon greeted.

"Neon," Vinyl growled.

"Are you alright Mrs. Scratch?" Octavia asked as she walked up next to Vinyl's mom, who was now frozen.

There was a stallion standing behind Neon. Vinyl examined him, however she did not recognize him, even though he seemed familiar. Somehow, Octavia seemed to recognize him as her mouth was agape.

Bon Bon walked up next to Vinyl, sharing the confusion.

"Y-YOU," Vinyl's mother shouted, her face full of rage.

"H-hi honey," Vinyl's father stammered.

Chapter 26

View Online

"Out."


"What?" Vinyl asked, turning to her mother.

"Everypony out," Vinyl's mother stated, "except for the two stallions outside."

"Wait!" Vinyl complained, "Who is this guy? And why did he call you-"

"Vinyl," Octavia interrupted, putting her hoof on the DJ's shoulder, "we need to go."

Vinyl opened her mouth to argue but when she saw the pleading in not only her mother but Octavia's eyes, she just sighed before walking out.

Octavia followed Vinyl close behind, and Bon Bon followed after the two. However, before Bon Bon was fully out of the house, she turned back.

"Where's Lyra?" Bon Bon asked.

"She said she had to go take care of something," Vinyl's mother replied.

Bon Bon looked confused,but she nodded her head and left.

"LONG PLAY!" Vinyl's mother called, "I NEED YOU TO LEAVE THE HOUSE FOR A FEW HOURS!"

"Why-" Long Play asked, walking down the stairs. He froze when he saw his father standing there. "Dad."

Vinyl's mother sighed, "Yes I know, so could you please leave, Long Play?"

Long Play turned to his mother. "No way! Unlike Vinyl I actually remember our dad. I'm staying."

Vinyl's mother sighed again, "Fine."

And with that, the stallions entered the house.

~•~•~•~•~

Vinyl, Octavia, and Bon Bon wandered the streets of Ponyville in silence, none of them knowing what to say, or knowing where to go.

After a few more minutes, Bon Bon finally spoke.

"Listen guys. I need to go find Lyra because I don't know what she's up to," Bon Bon explained, "You can come along if you like."

Octavia opened her mouth to respond but Vinyl beat her to it. "Nah, that's okay. I wanted to take Tavi somewhere."

Bon Bon smiled and nodded her head before leaving to find her marefriend.

Once Bon Bon was gone, Vinyl and Octavia continued to walk in silence.

"Where did you want to take me, Vinyl?" Octavia asked, turning to the unicorn.

Vinyl grinned. "I'm going to take you down memory lane."

Octavia raised her eyebrow but said nothing. She then turned back forward and continued walking, her mind full of thoughts.

Did Caramel contact Vinyl's father too? If he did, how did he find him? And why is Caramel not here with them? Sweet Celestia... this is never ending.

All of a sudden, Vinyl stopped walking. Octavia turned to find the DJ looking at something with a grin. Octavia followed her marefriend's gaze to find that she was staring at Sugarcube Corner.

Octavia let out a sigh and rolled her eyes with a smile. "Of course. I should have known you would come here."

Vinyl turned to Octavia, "Hey! You wanted to go on a date, so here's a date. Besides, it's not the only place I'm taking you."

Octavia looked towards the sun to see it setting before turning back to Vinyl, "Vinyl, your mother is making dinner."

"I know, we'll just grab a milkshake, that's it," Vinyl explained.

"No Vinyl," Octavia started, stomping her hoof on the ground.

Vinyl shrugged, "Suit yourself."

And with that, the DJ walked towards the sweets shop.

"Vinyl!" Octavia called, sounding like an angry mother.

When Vinyl didn't turn back and continued walking, Octavia let out an annoyed groan before walking after her marefriend.

Once Octavia caught up with Vinyl, they were right outside Sugarcube corner. Vinyl flashed one more grin at Octavia before walking in, causing Octavia to roll her eyes.

Octavia looked around the building, it was filled with all different kinds of ponies, and there were some sort of sweets always in sight. The place smelled of sugar and candy, and the sound of ponies talking to one another could be heard.

Then, all of a sudden, a pink pony appeared in front of her, almost out of thin air. This caused Octavia to jump back in surprise which made Vinyl laugh.

"Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie!" The pink pony greeted with a smile.

Octavia's eyes narrowed.

No.... it can't be....

The pony then let out a gasp of excitement. "I remember you! You were at the grand galloping gala!"

It is....

Somehow, Vinyl could sense Octavia's anger. "Hey Pinkie. Sorry to cut this short but I am in kind of a rush. I'm also here on a date with this pony so we would like to be alone."

"That's alright Scratchy," Pinkie Pie replied, causing Octavia to let out a low growl, "I'll just get you your milkshake and be out of your mane in no time!"

With that, Pinkie Pie zoomed away towards the kitchen.

Vinyl and Octavia walked over to an empty table, Octavia glaring the whole time.

That pink pony... how dare she be here....

Well, she technically caused you to be alone with Vinyl and then eventually kiss her.

I know.... but how dare she call my Vinyl, Scratchy- wait... AM I JEALOUS?!

Well, Vinyl seemed to think so. "You know Octy, jealously doesn't fit you well."

Octavia glared over at Vinyl. Vinyl's eyes widened and she quickly looked away. Hopefully Octavia wouldn't maul her or Pinkie.

The two mares sat down and Pinkie Pie brought out Vinyl's milkshake, before leaving once again.

"I just realized," Octavia stated suddenly while she was watching Vinyl drink, "when did you tell Pinkie Pie what drink you wanted."

Vinyl stopped drinking and grinned, "I didn't."

"Wait. So how did-"

"Tavi," Vinyl interrupted, "she's Pinkie. Asking questions just makes things worse."

Octavia opened her mouth to respond but stopped and decided to take Vinyl's word for it.

Vinyl continued to drink her milkshake while Octavia just looked around the building. After a few minutes, Vinyl was starting to feel uncomfortable with all the silence, so she spoke up.

"You sure you don't want some of this milkshake Octy? It's really good."

"I'm positive Vinyl," Octavia replied, not even looking at the mare.

"You suuuurreeee?" Vinyl asked, slowly pushing the drink towards the cellist.

Now, Octavia turned towards Vinyl and pushed the drink back. "Yes Vinyl. Because unlike you, I am going to eat something healthy, instead of spoiling my appetite like you."

"Whatever you say, grandma," Vinyl replied before she continued to drink.

Then, all of a sudden, she felt a sharp pain in her leg and she let out a yelp of pain. She looked up to see Octavia giggling behind her hoof.

"Sorry," Octavia apologized between giggles, "I guess I was still a bit mad about Pinkie Pie. That was meant for when you called me 'grandma'."

Vinyl rubbed her leg and glared at the cellist. Then, after a moment, a grin started forming on her face.

Octavia was still giggling, she continued to giggle until she suddenly let out a squeal. She covered her muzzle with her hooves, and a healthy blush started to form on her face. Somepony, specifically the one of front of her, used magic to pinch her flank.

Octavia glared at her marefriend, who wore a triumphant smirk. Vinyl then continued drinking her milkshake in victory as she acted like nothing ever happened.

Then, Vinyl heard the noise of Octavia slowly getting out of her seat. The DJ looked up to find that Octavia was in fact, very slowly and menacingly getting out of her chair. This caused Vinyl to let go of her straw and swallow the rest of her milkshake in one big gulp, before left out a "Meep."

Vinyl then booked it out of Sugarcube Corner, but not before throwing some bits towards the cashier area.

"BYE PINKIE!" Vinyl yelled as she ran out, Octavia close behind her.

"Bye Scratchy!" Pinkie Pie responded with a wave.

~•~•~•~•~

"Pick up. Pick up." Bon Bon whispered to herself as she tried to contact her marefriend.

"Hey! This is Lyra! Please leave a message after-" The phone repeated for probably the tenth time.

"Ugh!" Bon Bon groaned in frustration, "Where is that mare?"

"Hey Bonnie!" Lyra greeted, causing Bon Bon to jump.

"Lyra?" Bon Bon asked, turning towards the mare, "Where have you been! I've been looking everywhere for you!"

Lyra grinned, "I was talking to somepony. C'mon, follow me."

Bon Bon gave Lyra a confused look but she followed her marefriend towards a house. Once they were in front of the house, Lyra knocked on the door. After a few minutes, a stallion opened the door.

"Hey Bon Bon!" Lucky Streak greeted.

Bon Bon turned to her marefriend, "You went to see Lucky Streak?"

Lyra nodded her head. "Yep! I thought we should talk to him about Caramel since, well, you know, they were best buds before."

Bon Bon then turned back to Lucky Streak, "Hello Lucky Streak. How have you been? I hope Lyra didn't give you too much trouble."

Lucky Stream chuckled, "Don't worry, Lyra has done nothing. Would you guys like to come in?"

Bon Bon nodded and Lucky Streak moved out of the way for the two mares to enter.

Once inside, Bon Bon could see some coffee on the table, meaning that Lyra and Lucky Streak had been talking before Bon Bon found them.

Lucky Streak walked over to one of the couches, while Lyra sat down on the couch facing Lucky Streak. Bon Bon, of course, sat down next to Lyra.

"So," Bon Bon started, "what have you two been talking about?"

"Remember when Beauty Brass told us about how Caramel said 'that DJ will get what's coming to her?" Lyra asked.

"Yes I remember that. Beauty Brass was in hysterics." Bon Bon replied.

"Well, it's obvious that Caramel is planning something," Lucky Streak explained, "Although he may have been talking about contacting Vinyl's dad, I doubt that. It doesn't seem like something he would do."

"Seriously?" Lyra asked, her voice slightly annoyed, "You do realize you are talking about the stallion who contacted Vinyl's ex stallion friend AND her family?"

Lucky Streak opened his mouth to respond but Bon Bon interrupted him.

"No no, I think Lucky Streak is onto something."

Lyra opened her mouth to argue but Bon Bon stopped her. "Wait wait, hear me out. Neon and Vinyl started their careers together, but once they broke up Vinyl tried to erase any trace of their relationship. However, if you just do a little searching you can still find him."

"Yeah yeah. We already know that Bonnie." Lyra said, slightly annoyed.

Bon Bon glared slightly at her marefriend, "So, how did Caramel find Vinyl's parents?"

"From Neon!" Lyra exclaimed, starting to understand where this was going.

"Correct. Lucky Streak, do you think, in all your time with Caramel, that he would plan to contact Vinyl's family?" Bon Bon asked.

"No. Knowing Caramel, he probably wanted to contact Neon in order to scare Vinyl off. Then finish it by getting Octavia's family on his side," Lucky Streak replied.

"So, you think Neon planned to get Vinyl's family involved?" Lyra asked, her voice rising slightly in anger for Neon.

"That's my guess. I think we need to stop focusing on just Caramel and start focusing on the other stallion in the picture," Bon Bon explained, "We still don't know why Neon is helping Caramel, and, knowing Neon, he would never help somepony if it didn't benefit him in some way."

"Well great," Lucky Streak exclaimed, "Now we went from one problem to two. Not only do we have to figure out what Caramel is planning for Vinyl, but we need to figure out why Neon is helping Caramel, too."

"I am going to kill that stallion," Lyra growled.

"How about we get a spy," Bon Bon suggested, causing Lyra and Lucky Streak to look at her as though she was insane. "We will never stop Caramel and Neon's plans if we keep waiting for them to happen. We need somepony to gain their trust and give us intel."

"I guess I could try," Lucky Streak suggested, shrugging.

Bon Bon smiled, "Perfect, now we just need to tell Octavia and Vinyl about our plan and everything can be set into motion."

"Sweet Celestia, Bonnie!" Lyra exclaimed in shock, "Where in Equestria did you learn to plan like that? That was totally hot."

Bon Bon blushed and gave a sheepish smile, "Books..... I learned it from books."

~•~•~•~•~

Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.

Vinyl continued running through Ponyville, knowing damn well that if she stopped, she'd be dead meat.

She can't still be chasing me.... right?

Vinyl took the chance and looked behind her. What she found was a still very angry Octavia, chasing her.

SHIT. SHIT. SHIT. SHIT. SHIT. SHIT!

Vinyl had been running for so long, she was almost all the way to Sweet Apple Acres. She was slowly losing speed as she got more and more tired.

WHY VINYL?! WHY DID YOU HAVE TO DATE AN EARTH PONY?!

Once she was near the entrance of Sweet Apple Acres, she was panting and barely even running. She was praying that Octavia was just as tired as her, or that somehow, Octavia was far enough that she could catch her breath.

However, her prayers were not answered.

All of a sudden, she felt somepony push her to the ground from behind. She was rolled around until she was looking towards the sky, but instead of the sky, she saw a very angry looking cellist.

"H-hey Tavi," Vinyl wheezed out.

"I am going to kill you Vinyl Scratch," Octavia stated coldly.

Vinyl gulped.

Shit.

"C-c'mon. Can't we talk about this?" Vinyl offered with a sheepish smile.

Octavia narrowed her eyes.

Shitttttttt.

An idea then popped into Vinyl's head.

"Listen and listen good Vinyl," Octavia started to explain, "Whatever was going through your mind at that moment in-"

Octavia was cut off as she let out a squeak. Her body instinctively jerked to the side as she felt Vinyl poke her hard in the side.

Vinyl smirked before used all her strength to pull the cellist off her and down to the ground.Once Vinyl was straddling Octavia, she moved down and kissed Octavia right on the lips.

Vinyl felt Octavia sigh into the kiss before she wrapped her hooves around the DJ's neck.

The two stayed there, locking lips for a few minutes before they broke, both panting heavily.

"Do you really think a kiss is going to make up for what you did in Sugarcube Corner?" Octavia asked. She looked annoyed, but Vinyl could see a shadow of a smile.

Vinyl grinned, "Well, you seemed to really enjoy that kiss, so I am guessing it will."

Octavia rolled her eyes, a slight smile on her face. Then, she realized something.

"Vinyl. We are on the ground."

"Glad you finally noticed," Vinyl chuckled.

In response, Octavia bucked Vinyl off of her, causing the DJ to laugh.

Octavia huffed, "We should go back now, Vinyl."

"Aw, but I wanted you to try an apple" Vinyl pouted, looking towards the farm.

Octavia sighed in annoyance, "You're not going to let me leave until I eat something, are you?"

"Nope."

"Of course," Octavia sighed again, "Let's go then. The sooner I eat something, the sooner we can go back to your home."

Vinyl smiled, wagging her tail slightly. The DJ then ran into the farm. Octavia smiled at the display of excitement.

Octavia followed Vinyl as they walked around the forest of apple trees, trying to find a tree that was not empty.

"Vinyl, I don't think it is legal for us to be out here." Octavia commented.

"Nah, trust me, we'll be fine. I used to do this all the time when I was younger." Vinyl reassured, putting her arm around the cellist.

"That does not surprise me." Octavia replied.

The two continued walking for a few more minutes, until they finally found a tree with a few apples on it.

"Sweet!" Vinyl exclaimed as she pulled off two apples.

Vinyl then levitated one apple over to Octavia. Octavia looked at Vinyl, who was watching her, waiting for her to eat. Octavia sighed before she finally gave in and bit off a piece of the apple.

Octavia had to admit, it was a very delicious and juicy apple. It was probably the best she has ever had.

In the corner of her eye, she could see Vinyl smiling, triumphantly, causing the cellist to roll her eyes.

The two stood there, chewing their apples in silence, when Octavia noticed something.

"Vinyl, why is your magic blue but your eyes are red? I thought unicorns' magic matched the color of their eyes."

"They do. But I didn't want ponies to know about my eyes," Vinyl explained, "So I got a magical operation that would change it so my horn would have a different color magic."

Octavia nodded her head in understanding. And with that, it went back to silence.

Octavia watched Vinyl eat her apple, she seemed to be enjoying it as more of a old love then a new experience, which made sense due to her living here as a filly.

Then, all of a sudden, when Vinyl took another bite of the apple, a worm came out of the apple.

Vinyl, in shock, spit out the apple in her mouth. Octavia started to giggle at the shocked expression on the DJ's face. Vinyl then pulled out the worm which was still wiggling. The unicorn threw it to the ground, and the two watched it squirm away.

"You should probably throw away the apple," Octavia pointed out, still giggling slightly.

Vinyl shrugged, "An apple's still and apple, even with a worm." Vinyl then took another bite out of her apple.

"Ew, Vinyl!" Octavia exclaimed, disgusted. However, she was still giggling.

Vinyl smirked, "You want a bite?"

"No! That's gross!" Octavia laughed, slowly backing away from the DJ.

Vinyl's smile became predatory as she slowly walked closer to the cellist.

Octavia then took off running, Vinyl close behind her.

Unlike before, this chase had a feeling of playfulness while the other was filled with fear. This caused the chase to not be taken seriously, and for Vinyl to actually catch up to Octavia.

Once she caught up to the cellist, she tackled her, the both of them laughing. They rolled around for a few seconds before they stopped, Vinyl on top of Octavia. The two started kissing again, except this time, instead of one long kiss, it was many short kisses.

They continued for a few minutes before they stopped, both panting.

Vinyl then rolled over so she was lying down on the grass next to Octavia. Octavia moved her head over so she was laying on Vinyl's chest. The two were both staring at the sky. Vinyl started to run her hoof through Octavia's mane, unintentionally causing the cellist to hum in content.

The two stayed there for a while, just staring at the sky in silence. After a few moments, a question popped into Vinyl's head.

"Hey Tavi?" Vinyl asked as she continued to stroke Octavia's mane.

"Hm hem." Octavia responded, her eyes closed.

"Who was that stallion with Neon?" Vinyl finished, looking down at the cellist.

Octavia's eyes snapped open, causing Vinyl to stop petting her. Octavia then leaned on one hoof so she was looking at Vinyl.

"That... that was your father."

~•~•~•~•~

"What are you doing here?" Vinyl's mother asked, coldly.

Vinyl's father jumped back due to the sudden anger. Before he could answer however, Neon started speaking.

"I invited him here." Neon explained.

"Aren't you and Vinyl done? Are you trying to get back with her or something like that?" Long Play asked, anger in his voice.

Neon shrugged, "Reasons. I have my reasons for being here and doing this."

"Are you going to tell them to us?" Long Play questioned.

"Nope."

"What about you?" Vinyl's mother asked, turning to the father again, "Can you finally do something useful and explain what the hell is going on?"

Vinyl's father gulped before clearing his voice, "I came here to talk to you, actually. As for Neon, I have no idea why he is here. He contacted me and told me that he could help me see you and the kids, so I agreed to come."

Vinyl's mom narrowed her eyes. "Fine. Let's talk." She then turned to Long Play and Neon. "You two talk out here. Me and your father will go upstairs to talk."

Long Play and Neon nodded their heads, and the two ponies left.

"I still don't like you." Long Play stated.

"I know. Why would it have changed in the last five seconds?" Neon replied, smugly grinning.

Meanwhile, the two ponies were upstairs, walking into the mother's room to talk.

"So, what do you want?" Vinyl's mother asked.

"I fucked up." Vinyl's father stated.

"Yeah, you fucked up and and you fucked a random mare, what's the point?" Vinyl's mother stated coldly.

"I want to fix things-"

"Bullshit," Vinyl's mother replied, rolling her eyes, "I bet you just want to get laid because your marefriend left you."

"No. No. I... I would love to be with you again, really, but that's not what I meant," Vinyl's father explained, "We have two kids. Both of them are grown ponies. One of them will probably hate me forever and I understand that, but I want to fix that. And.... I want to finally meet my daughter."

"Even if I for some reason agreed to this I don't think this would be the right time. Vinyl is currently in a very dangerous place, and she has a lot on her plate- wait.... did Neon tell you anything about a stallion named Caramel?"

Vinyl's father's eyes flickered, "Well.... Caramel was actually the one who contacted me, but they made me agree not to tell you that or anypony else that."

"Why?" Vinyl's mother demanded, stomping her hoof.

"I don't know." Vinyl's father confessed, "Also, side question: who is Caramel?"

~•~•~•~•~

"Oh yeah, and I'm Princess Celestia." Vinyl replied, chuckling.

Octavia frowned, "I'm not joking, Vinyl."

"You don't even know about the divo- wait... how do you know about the divorce?" Vinyl asked, sitting up as well.

"Your brother told me," Octavia explained, "He even showed me a picture of him."

Vinyl's eyes went wide. "Wait... Long Play doesn't have a picture of our dad."

Octavia eyes also went wide.

No wonder she had no idea who he was... They never even showed her a picture!

"They've never showed you the picture?" Octavia asked, shocked.

In a flash, Vinyl's face became one of rage as she got up from the ground and started to walk away.

"Vinyl!" Octavia cried, following after the unicorn.

"Are you kidding me.... They never fucking showed me who my father was... They would rather show Octavia my father then his own fucking daughter?" Vinyl mumbled to herself.

"Well, doesn't that mean that they at least trust me," Octavia said, causing Vinyl to turn to look at the cellist, "I mean. Of course they should never hide something like that from you. But that at least means that they are willing to let us be together... right?"

"Yeah. I guess." Vinyl grumbled as she turned around and continued walking.

Octavia frowned and followed after her marefriend.

Once Octavia caught up to the mare, she attempted to study the unicorn's face, however, this proved unsuccessful as Vinyl's glasses covered her eyes.

Octavia let out a sigh before she wrapped one hoof around Vinyl to pull the unicorn closer. Once she did that, she kissed the DJ on the cheek, causing the dam to break.

Vinyl then started weeping, and in a second, she was galloping out of Sweet Apple Acres.

"Vinyl!" Octavia called, chasing after the unicorn.

The two ran all throughout Ponyville, until they were all the way back at Vinyl's home. Once there, Vinyl busted the door down.

"I WANT ANSWERS!" Vinyl demanded.

But, what Vinyl and Octavia found, caused their eyes to go wide.

There was Neon, on the wall, being almost choked by Lyra who was being held back by Bon Bon. Meanwhile, Long Play watched the display with slight amusement, and Lucky Streak just watched with both worry and awe.

"What in Equestria is going on?!" Octavia exclaimed, causing everypony to turn at them.

~~~Five seconds ago~~~

"I AM GOING TO BUCKING KILL YOU!" Lyra screamed as she opened the door. The unicorn then pushed Neon to the wall and started choking him.

"LYRA!" Bon Bon exclaimed, grabbing one of the unicorn's arms, "STOP! WE CAME HERE TO ASK QUESTIONS, NOT COMMIT MURDER!"

"Aw yeah, get him in the eye Lyra!" Long Play cheered.

"Is this normal?" Lucky Streak asked, watching the fight.

"Probably," Long Play replied.

~•~•~•~•~

"What answers do you want Vinyl?" Bon Bon asked, finally getting Lyra off Neon.

In response, Vinyl walked right up to Long Play so that their muzzles were touching, "You lied to me."

"What?!" Long Play exclaimed.

"You had a picture of dad and you never showed it to me." Vinyl explained, walking towards the stallion as he started to back up.

"Oh yeah... well you see, there is a perfectly good answer to that." Long Play replied, nervously.

"Listen. Before anypony starts fighting," Lyra started, causing Bon Bon to glare at her, "Let's get the parents out here so they can all talk together, alright?"

Everypony nodded in response.

"I will get them." Octavia volunteered before going up the stairs towards the room.

She then knocked on the door. "Hello. It's Octavia. We were hoping that all of us could talk together down stairs."

Halloween Special

View Online

Refound Love


~The Halloween special~

It was a normal night in Manehatten. Ponies were working and running around the city, cars honked, foals ran around and laughed, and Octavia was practicing her cello.

However, as the cellist continued her art, she couldn't help but feel.... watched.

Now, this was a regular thing for Octavia to feel at her home as Caramel watched her all the time, however, these eyes felt different.

Octavia opened her eyes and found two red eyes staring back at her. She jumped and let out a squeal.

The pony belonging to those red eyes started laughing, causing the cellist to glare.

"Vinyl Scratch. Why in the wide wide world of Equestria are you here?" Octavia asked, sternly.

"Awww, I thought you would be happy to see me Tavi," Vinyl pouted.

Octavia then noticed the DJ's attire. Instead of her wearing her normal glasses and... well, nothing else. She was wearing a black cape with a red bottom, and fangs.

"Vinyl.... what are you wearing?" Octavia asked, slightly concerned for her marefriend's mental state.

"I'm a vampony, of course! I mean, it is Nightmare Night!"

Octavia facehooved. How could she forget about Nightmare Night?!

"That still doesn't explain why you're here," Octavia said, removing her hoof from her head.

"We're going to get candy!" Vinyl exclaimed.

"Vinyl. You are a grown Mare who owns a whole office. Trick or Treating is for foals," Octavia replied, rolling her eyes.

"Aw, c'mon Octy! Don't be such a stick in the mud." Vinyl then put her hoof around Octavia, pulling the mare closer. Then, in the most sexual voice she could muster, she said,"I bet you would make a sexy werepony."

"It's not even a full moon tonight," Octavia pointed out.

"Then... you can be a sexy Lycan?"

In response, Octavia hit the unicorn on the head.

Vinyl huffed as she watched Octavia go back to her cello. Then, an idea popped into her head.

"Ohhhh. You could be a freaky puppet instead."

Octavia turned to Vinyl, her eyes wide with confusion, "A puppet?"

"Yeah! A mare who was abused by her parents in order to become their puppet to fame."

"Vinyl. Where in Equestria did you get that idea?"

"Fine. Then you can be a ghost!"

"A ghost? Really Vinyl?"

"Yeah! A ghost who was trapped in a theater after being killed. That is until a dashing and amazing unicorn sweeps the ghost off her hooves and teaches her about true love!"

"Have you been hanging out with Beauty Brass again?"

"Or, you could be in the mafia! And-"

Vinyl was interrupted by Octavia shoving her hoof into her mouth.

"Listen Vinyl. Although I will admit it is slightly adorable how excited you are for this holiday," Vinyl smirked at that comment, "I will not be joining you. Why don't you just go with Lyra and Bon Bon?"

Vinyl sighed, "Fine. I was just really hoping that we could spend our first Nightmare Night together... well, together."

As Vinyl walked out of the door, Octavia couldn't help but feel a little bad.

Vinyl paused when she heard a sigh.

"Fine. I will come with you."

"Alright, Octy! This is going to be so awesome!" Vinyl exclaimed as she ran over to hug the cellist.

"BUT!" Octavia continued, causing the DJ to stop running, "I am not going to dress as anything."

"Fine fine," Vinyl replied, unconvincingly. "But mark my words. I will get you into a costume by the end of the night!"

Octavia rolled her eyes, this time with a slight smile, "Whatever you say Vinyl."

And with that, the two mares left to go have a fun night filled with frights and candy.

~•~•~•~•~

"Wow. You actually did it Vinyl. I'm impressed," Lyra grinned as the two mares walked towards them.

"Hello, Octavia! Happy Nightmare Night!" Bon Bon greeted.

Octavia was taken aback as she saw what her other friends were wearing. Bon Bon seemed to be wearing a costume that was exactly what was in the books Lyra always reads. Lyra looked the same except she had a.... fishtail?

"Sweet Celestia. And I thought Vinyl's costume was odd," Octavia exclaimed, causing Bon Bon to blush.

"I know. I was going to go as something else but Lyra insisted I go as a human," Bon Bon explained.

"Well, I couldn't go as one! I already got this costume before the human one came to mind," Lyra argued.

"What are you exactly, Lyra?" Octavia asked.

"I... am a seapony!" Lyra exclaimed, flipping her tail dramatically.

"Vinyl. Where did you get those red eye contacts? They look so real!" Bon Bon asked in awe.

Vinyl blushed slightly, "I have my sources." Octavia gave Vinyl a questionable look, but said nothing.

The four ponies then started walking down the streets of Manehatten. Everywhere they looked, they could see ponies wearing some sort of costume.

"Wait!" Lyra exclaimed, causing everypony to freeze. "We forgot something!"

"What?!" Bon Bon asked, frantically.

"I don't know!" Lyra replied, causing Bon Bon and Octavia to give her annoyed looks while Vinyl snickered. "I just... feel like we forgot something really important. Like, some sort of storyline that was not finished."

"Lyra. What are you-" Bon Bon started asking when all of a sudden, they heard the sounds of ponies' hooves galloping. Then, they saw a yellow pegasus mare with a blue mane and tail fly past them.

"I AM SORRY FOR THE CLIFFHANGERS!" The yellow mare screamed.

Just then, a group of ponies started passing them, all with angry looks.

"I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED!" A white mare with a black mane and tail yelled back.

The group of mares watched the mob chase after the pegasus for a few more minutes, before they continued walking in silence.

"So, uh, are we going to talk about that or-" Vinyl started asking before she was interrupted by Lyra.

"Look! Haunted house!" Lyra exclaimed, pointing at a building.

"AW YEAH!" Vinyl yelled, throwing her hoof in the air.

"Oh Luna," Octavia groaned, causing Bon Bon to giggle.

The four mares then walked towards the scary house. They could see foals screaming and laughing as they exited the building.

"Celestia, I am stuck with crazy ponies," Octavia whispered to herself as they entered the building.

As they walked through, there were a few jump scares of just monsters painted on cardboard.

"Aw c'mon! This haunted house is terrible!" Vinyl exclaimed, stomping her hoof on the ground.

"Well, what were you expecting Vinyl? This is meant for foals!" Octavia replied.

The group of ponies continued walking through the house, when all of a sudden, the lights all went out.

"Now we're talking!" Vinyl said, excited.

"Uh, Vinyl.... I don't think that was supposed to happen," Lyra replied, pointing a shaking hoof at the foals running out of the place, terrified.

"Pfff, they just can't handle REAL horror," Vinyl argued as she continued walking.

However, once she had only gone a few steps, four walls suddenly dropped around them, causing them to be closed in.

"You know Lyra, you might actually be right for once," Vinyl said, turning back to her friends, now slightly afraid.

The ponies stood close to each other in silence waiting for something to happen. Each staring at a different wall.

"In case this is what I think it is, let's go over some horror movie cliches," Vinyl suggested.

"Yeah!" Lyra agreed, "First off, the black guy always dies first."

"Lyra, honey, what does that mean?" Bon Bon asked, looking over to her marefriend.

"I don't know. I read it in a human book once, it was about horror movies they have," Lyra replied, shrugging.

Vinyl, Lyra, and Bon Bon then all looked over to Octavia.

"What?" Octavia asked, glaring slightly at the ponies.

"Well, you are the pony closest to the color black," Lyra explained, causing Octavia to groan.

"Oh for the love of- Do you all really believe that this is real?!" Octavia yelled, getting extremely annoyed.

"Don't worry Tavi!" Vinyl exclaimed, wrapping her hoof around the cellist, "I won't let anypony hurt you!" The DJ then leaned into Octavia's ear, "And maybe you can reward me for my bravery in bed."

"I would rather take my chances with the monsters," Octavia replied, smacking Vinyl on the head.

All of a sudden, two of the walls opened up. What stepped out was a completely black glowing stallion, with two red glowing eyes.

The stallion took one step forward and the rest of the ponies started galloping out of the other opened wall.

"It must be from outer space" Lyra yelled as they ran.

"We should kill it instead of leaving!" Vinyl yelled back.

"After this, you two are no longer allowed to watch horror movies!" Octavia yelled, finally fed up with the two.

The ponies then stopped when they found the pathway splitting in three different directions. They looked behind to see the stallion close. Without thinking, each pony ran into a different corridor, except for Lyra and Bon Bon who went the same way

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia was out of breath as she walked around a maze. The corridor she went through had led her to a maze of mirrors.

"Bloody hell. Why did I go with Vinyl into this stupid house," Octavia grumbled to herself.

"Because," a mysterious voice replied, "you feel like you must."

"What?!" Octavia asked, snapping her head around ," Who said that?! And what have you done to me and my friends!"

"It's sad really," the voice continued, "You are worried, worried that you love Vinyl only for what you see her as, not as what she actually is."

"How... HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?!" Octavia yelled, slightly afraid now.

"I know many things," The voice replied, "Like how you are married to Caramel, who even though you completely loathe him, you can't help but feel sorry. Heck, a part of you even slightly misses-"

"STOP!" Octavia screamed, tears forming in her eyes.

"It's Nightmare Night Octavia, a time of fear, so instead of the normal frights everypony else gets, you get to face the worst fear of all: your own psyche," The voice explained.

"Why?" Octavia asked in a quiet, almost pleading voice.

"Why? Because you need to face these things if you ever want to go on in your life," The voice responded before continuing her onslaught of knowledge, "You are afraid that you are making the wrong choice sometimes, you are worried you will end up hurting both Caramel and Vinyl."

"No... I love Vinyl, I don't think I am making any wrong choices," Octavia argued.

"Don't lie to me, I already know all of this," The voice demanded, "It's a natural thing of course. As long as you still have good memories of the pony, you'll still feel bad to leave them. I would think you should know this since you think this is how Vinyl will feel about Neon."

"It's stupid... why should I even think these thoughts?" Octavia asked.

"It's not stupid. Jealousy, regret, these are all things everypony feels, even if they don't realize it right away," The voice comforted.

"What should I do?" Octavia questioned. At this point, the mare had decided to listen to the voice, no matter how stupid this all seemed to her.

"Talk to Vinyl," The voice answered, "That's really all you can do."

Octavia nodded her head, "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Oh by the way, have you told Vinyl that you loved her yet?"

Octavia's eyes went wide.

I never have... have I? I probably should... but, isn't it too soon? Wouldn't Vinyl find it slightly... uncomfortable for me to be attached so quickly?

"Nice going, now you made her have even more problems!" Another voice said, causing Octavia to jump.

"It wasn't my idea," The voice replied.

"Who is that?" Octavia asked, tilting her head.

"Oh shit, you can hear that? I mean... THE VOICE HAS SPOKEN! GOOD DAY!" The voice yelled before the room was enveloped in silence.

Octavia had many questions floating through her head. While most had to do with a certain white unicorn, some had to do with what had just happened. But even with all these questions in her head, there was one thing she knew.

"I need to find Vinyl," Octavia whispered to herself as she started running through the maze.

~•~•~•~•~

"Hello! Tavi! Lyra! Bonnie! You guys there?!" Vinyl called as she walked through a hallway with many doors, said doors would open to hallways that looked exactly the same as the last. "Please don't tell me that you guys choose me as the one pony who gets separated from the group and dies! I was hoping me and Octy could be the two who die because they were too busy making out."

"Hello Vinyl Scratch," A voice greeted, causing Vinyl to jump.

"Who's there?! Whoever you are, come and fight me!" Vinyl yelled.

"I am not going to leave where I am," The voice replied.

"Oh yeah? Let me guess. You want to play a game?" Vinyl asked, rolling her eyes.

"No. I wanted to talk," The voice explained.

"About what?" Vinyl asked, skeptical.

"About how you feel sympathy for Caramel." The voice replied.

"What?!" Vinyl exclaimed, "Who the buck told you that bullshit!"

"Nopony, I could just tell," The voice explained, "You feel sorry for Caramel, you see yourself in Caramel. You think your relationship with Octavia is wrong."

"N-no you're lying!" Vinyl stammered, backing up into a wall.

"Not only that, but you are afraid of Lucky Streak."

Vinyl laughed, "Okay, now I know you're lying!"

"Am I? You may like Lucky Streak, but you can't help but be afraid that Octavia will date him. I mean, he is kind, and he cares about Octavia so much-"

"SHUT UP!" Vinyl screamed, covering her head.

"Face the facts Scratch. You're afraid. Afraid of cheating, afraid of Lucky Streak, afraid of yourself! You think that somehow, you will ruin everything, you'll become Caramel. You think you ARE Caramel! You think that-"

"I said, SHUT UP!" Vinyl screamed again before she started running through one of the doors.

Instead of the door leading to another hallway that looked identical to the others, this one was a long black one. As she ran through, she could see scenes from her life playing.

She could see her and Neon together, happily. She could see when he cheated on her. She could see when her mother told her about how her father cheated on her. She could even see things she never saw, like Octavia's wedding, Octavia and Lucky Streak at the bar, and Caramel dating Octavia.

But Vinyl kept running, she refused to watch the scenes. She didn't know where this came from or how this was happening, but all she knew was she wanted it to end.

As she ran, she could hear the voice yelling.

"Talk to Octavia!" The voice echoed.

Vinyl closed her eyes, in case she saw something worse, like Lucky Streak and Octavia together, doing what she and Octavia were doing now except Vinyl was Caramel.

After a while, she stopped hearing the voice, but she didn't stop running. She kept running until she ran into something that let out an "oof".

Vinyl fell to the ground after the sudden collision. She rubbed the back of her head as she opened her eyes. What she found, was Octavia standing and rubbing her forehead.

"Tavi!" Vinyl practically cried as she jumped up and wrapped her hooves around the mare.

"Oh! Vinyl! Where were-" Octavia started, but was stopped when Vinyl pushed her lips against her own.

Octavia's eyes went wide in shock but after a while, she started to relax into the kiss.

The two continued to kiss for a few minutes before they broke. They were panting and staring at one another.

Octavia opened her mouth to speak until she heard a voice.

"There you two are!" Lyra exclaimed, Bon Bon next to her, "What part of the haunted house did you guys end up at? The area we went to was complete crap."

"I keep telling you Lyra, it's meant for foals, not grown mares like us," Bon Bon explained, rolling her eyes.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. C'mon, let's get out of here," Lyra replied before she and Bon Bon started walking out.

"Actually, I think I will go home," Octavia said, causing Lyra and Bon Bon to look back.

"I-I'll go with you Octy," Vinyl replied.

"Aw, are you sure?" Bon Bon asked.

"Definitely," Octavia and Vinyl said at the same time.

"Fine, whatever. More candy for me then," Lyra said with a grin before the four ponies started walking out of the haunted house.

"Well, well. It seems that that's another point for me," Moonshine said to herself with a grin as she watched the ponies walk out of the house.

"Are you sure we didn’t mess up Octavia even mo-" A red pegasus stallion with a black mane and tail started arguing before he was interrupted by a voice.

"I AM GOING TO KILL BOTH OF YOU!" The yellow pegasus from before yelled.

"Well, that's our cue to go! Happy Nightmare Night everypony!" Moonshine yelled before she started running.

~•~•~•~•~

"V-Vinyl, why are we watching this again?!" Octavia asked, clinging to Vinyl for dear life.

Vinyl grinned, "Because it's Nightmare Night which basically means we have to watch horror movies."

The two were sitting on the couch in Octavia's apartment, watching a horror movie, well, at least Octavia was watching it. Vinyl just watched Octavia as she hugged Vinyl's waist, shaking in fear. The scene of her marefriend hugging the DJ for protection caused Vinyl to smile. However, this smile vanished as a thought entered her mind.

Soon Tavi. I will talk to you soon.

Little did Vinyl know, that Octavia was thinking the same thing.

I just hope that Vinyl will understand.

Chapter 27

View Online

Everypony sat in silence.

What could they say? What SHOULD they say?

Vinyl glared at the two ponies who had created her, and her one and only brother. Octavia watched Vinyl, worryingly. Lyra, Bon Bon, and Lucky Streak looked at one another, almost frightened. Vinyl's parents shifted uncomfortably. Long Play glared at his parents as well. And Neon just looked bored.

They were all seated at the table as dinner was almost ready. However, nopony made a move to check on the food.

After a few minutes, the sound of a timer in the kitchen went off, causing Vinyl's mother to get up silently in order to get the food.

She came back and placed food on the table, ignoring the glares her foals gave her. Once she finished, she sat back down next to her ex-husband.

Everypony started eating, except for Vinyl and Long Play. The ponies that were eating, didn't take their eyes off the other ponies.

After a few more minutes of this, everypony heard a groan. They turned to find Neon looking annoyed.

"Okay, seriously, this is getting boring. Is anypony going to say something or are we just going to sit here all day?" Neon asked annoyed, causing Octavia, Lyra, and Bon Bon to glare at him.

"Do you want them to talk because they should resolve their problem, or do you want them to talk because you’re bored?" Lyra questioned, her eyes narrowing.

Neon shrugged before he continued to eat.

"I believe Neon is right," Octavia stated, finally causing Vinyl to stop glaring in order to look at her marefriend in confusion, "I believe we should all leave the Scratch family alone to talk."

With that, Octavia got up with her food and walked out of the room. Everypony watched her leave before Lyra, Bon Bon, Lucky Streak, and Neon joined her.

Once everypony was out, the room went back into silence. After a minute, Vinyl's mother let out a sigh.

"I'm guessing I'll have to explain some things."

Vinyl and Long Play nodded, still glaring.

Vinyl's mother let out one more sigh before she started to explain what had happened.

~•~•~•~•~

"Caramel is the husband of that gray mare that was with our daughter before," Vinyl's mother explained, slightly shocked that the father did not know this already.

"Oh.... and why is he important?" Vinyl's father asked, tilting his head.

Vinyl's mom let out a slight groan of annoyance before she continued to explain, "That gray mare is named Octavia and is dating Vinyl."

Vinyl's father's eyes went wide.

"Yep," Vinyl mother said, laughing slightly, "Just like us, isn't that just peachy? Well, at least she has a good reason for it. Caramel is emotionally abusing the mare, so she is trying to move on. Unlike you who just decided to date some random mare."

Vinyl's father's eyes shifted around the room, causing the mother's eyes to narrow. He was definitely hiding something.

"S-so who is Neon, exactly." Vinyl's father asked.

"Neon is Vinyl's ex-stallion friend, who ALSO cheated on her, just like you," Vinyl's mother replied, her voice sounding slightly hurt.

"I'm guessing they all came here to explain the situation better?" Vinyl's father questioned, causing the mother to nod her head in response.

And then, it became silent. They stayed there silent for a while, until suddenly the mother looked up, tears in her eyes as she asked,

"Why?"

"I'm gay."

Vinyl's mother's eyes widened.

"W-wha-"

"I'm gay," The father stated again, "Well, I think I am. I might be bisexual. I don't know what I am. You see, that 'mare' you keep referring to was actually a stallion. I met him and was instantly attracted to him but that just made me more confused because I also liked you."

"THEN WHY DID YOU MARRY ME?!" The mother screamed, tears rolling down her face.

"I-I don't know!" The father exclaimed, "I've been trying to figure out my life the moment since I met that stallion! Sometimes I feel attracted to a stallion and sometimes to a mare, but the weird thing is, is that sometimes I feel I don't like them at all! Yeah that’s right, one minute I'll go from being in love to wanting to break things off!"

"W-why did you date him?!" The mother asked, still trying to comprehend the situation.

"Because I thought it would clear things up but it only made it worse! I would have probably just left him for you since we had foals but then you found out I was dating somepony and we broke it off!"

It was too much, the mother collapsed to the floor, shaking and sobbing. It was too much for her to comprehend.

She looked up when she felt her once lover rub her back. He was frowning, he looked as though he was in regret.

"And that's why I'm here. I don't want to bring up old scars, but I need to. I need to explain what happened and I need to meet my foals. But most of all, I need to apologize. So I'm sorry. I'm sorry for the pain I've brought to you and the rest of our family. And I know you may never want to forgive me, but I need to tell you that."

The two never broke eye contact as the father stated his apology. Once he finished, the mother wrapped her hooves around the stallion and pulled herself up. Once up, she pushed the stallion onto her bed before crawling next to him and wrapping her hooves around him.

"A part of me never stopped loving you. There are still some nights I stay up thinking about what life could have been like if we were together," The mother confessed, staring up at the ceiling.

"I've done that too," The father replied, "I have also wondered what our foals are like. I've wanted to meet them for so long."

The mother froze slightly as she felt the father run his hoof through her mane. After a second, however, she started to relax into the touch.

"I'm sorry." The father apologized.

"I know."

And with that, the two became silent, enjoying the embrace before they drifted off into slumber.

~•~•~•~•~

"YOU'RE GAY?!" Long Play screamed.

Vinyl's father nodded, "Yes. I am. And I know this is probably a shock to you."

Long Play did LOOK shock, his glasses were falling off and you could see all the emotions he was going through by just looking at his eyes.

"Okay. Good for you. Can we move on to the next problem?" Vinyl asked, sounding slightly annoyed.

Vinyl's mother blinked. "You're not shocked?"

"Well, maybe I would be if you guys ACTUALLY TOLD ME ABOUT HIM!" Vinyl exclaimed.

Vinyl's father turned to the mother, "You haven't told her about me?"

Vinyl's mother and the Long Play cringed.

"Well... I told her about what happened to you.... but nothing else," Vinyl's mother explained.

"Yeah!" Vinyl said, getting up from her seat, "You guys even had a picture of him and you didn't show it to me!"

"I didn't want you to know the pain I went through. Or the pain our mom went through," Long Play explained, sounding as though he was pleading.

"I'm not a foal!" Vinyl yelled, tears forming in her eyes, "He's my dad! I need to know these things! I could understand if you waited until I was older, but not so old that I live in my own apartment!"

"Vinyl, listen, we needed to because-"

"NO NO!" Vinyl screamed, interrupting her mom, "I don't want your bullshit excuses! I’m done! You want me to tell you all about my relationship with Octy, but you won't even tell me about YOUR relationship with my OWN FATHER!"

"Vinyl, listen!" Long Played yelled, however, Vinyl ignored him as she stormed out of the room.

~•~•~•~•~

"Are we really just going to play cards?" Neon asked, extremely bored.

"Well, it's the only thing we can do without making me want to murder you," Lyra explained, "and even it's barely working."

When everypony left the Scratch family, they had decided to play poker. However, Octavia could not pay attention as she was too worried for her marefriend.

"Are you alright?" Lucky Streak asked, noticing how Octavia kept looking at the door.

Octavia sighed, "Yes Lucky Streak, I am just worried. Knowing Vinyl, she is a pony who won't listen to reason for things that have caused her pain.

Lucky Streak raised his eyebrow, "What do you mean."

"Well-" Octavia started explaining before she heard the door slam opened. If everypony were too focused on their game, they may not have noticed the white and blue flash that zoomed out of the room and out of the house.

It didn't take long for everypony to realize what was going on.

"Vinyl!" Octavia exclaimed as she chased after the mare.

"Shit," Lyra said, worried as she and Bon Bon followed after Octavia.

"Shouldn't you go follow them?" Neon asked.

"No, I want to stay here," Lucky Streak replied, glaring at the stallion, "I want to ask you some things."

~•~•~•~•~

Why don't they trust me? Why do they think I can't handle things I can? Why do things just keep getting worse? Why, why, why, WHY?!

These were the things Vinyl thought as she ran, she didn't know where she was running but she kept on running.

She ran past the homes, around ponies, through the woods, past lakes. It seemed she was going to keep on running until she made it all the way to Mainhatten, however, she soon learned this was not the case when she ended up to Sweet Apple Acres.

To think, just an hour ago she was here with Octavia, kissing, wrestling, and laughing. As Vinyl scanned the farm, more tears fell down her face.

"Vinyl!" She heard somepony call.

She didn't take the time to analyze the voice before she ran into the farm. She was afraid it would be her family, the last ponies she wanted to see at this moment.

They don't care. If they cared they would tell me the truth, so they don't care. Why should I trust them if they don't even trust me?

Vinyl then stopped. She was panting and she believed she lost whoever was chasing her. Vinyl looked up, she was on a hill, the same hill she and Octavia were laying before. She could see the beautiful night sky. She sat down, staring at the sky.

She didn't cry. Only sat and stared. She was thinking of her life, everything in her life.

Her thoughts were stopped when she felt somepony rub her back.

She jumped, prepared to yell at her mother, only to find Octavia there.

Vinyl closed her mouth. She let Octavia pull Vinyl into a hug. Vinyl buried her muzzle into Octavia's chest as she cried.

These tears were not just for how her family never told her of her own father. These were tears for everything. Today she had hit her breaking point. After getting cheated on, lied to, hurt, she had finally hit her limit.

"How do you do it?" Vinyl asked, sniffling.

"Do what?" Octavia asked in a motherly tone.

"How do you handle everything? I could barely handle the things I've gone through, and those things passed on, well, until now. But you, you handled fifteen years of pain and even now it's not over."

Octavia chuckled, "To be honest with you Vinyl, I don't know. I guess I just never gave up hope that I would one day be free and find somepony who I loved."

Vinyl sniffled again, "You're really strong Tavi."

Octavia smiled, "You're strong too Vinyl. You're the strongest mare I know."

"Thanks, Octy," Vinyl replied, nuzzling closer to the mare.

"Thank Celestia you found her!" A voice exclaimed, causing Vinyl to jump.

"You alright Vinyl?" Another voice asked getting closer to the two mares.

Vinyl finally lifted her head up from Octavia to see her best friends standing there, worried.

"What did you guys think I would do? There aren't any bars in Ponyville," Vinyl asked with a grin.

Lyra grinned back, "You know, your grin doesn't work when you have tear stains on your cheeks."

Vinyl blushed before rubbing her cheeks, "Oh what?!"

Lyra laughed while Bon Bon got closer to the DJ before hugging her.

"Are you alright Vinyl?" Bon Bon asked.

Vinyl chuckled, "Yeah, I'm alright Bonnie. But you should probably stop hugging me, I think Lyra is getting jealous."

"Nah," Lyra replied, "We can just share marefriends." With that said, Lyra put her hoof over Octavia.

"Off," Octavia commanded.

"Yes ma'am," Lyra replied, taking her hoof off the cellist.

"C'mon Lyra! You need to be more persistent if you want to date Octy!" Vinyl exclaimed before getting up.

"Vinyl, what are you-" Octavia asked before Vinyl brought her into a bone crushing hug.

"Vinyl. Stop. You’re crushing me!" Octavia yelled, however, Vinyl stayed clung to the cellist.

"Nah. Besides, I know you like this Tavi," Vinyl replied as she hugged the cellist even harder.

"Okay Vinyl, I think you should stop before you kill the poor mare," Bon Bon said, worried.

"C'mon Bonnie! Let them hug. You know what? We should do it too!" Lyra exclaimed before she hugged her own marefriend.

"Ah! Lyra!" Bon Bon giggled.

~•~•~•~•~

The four mares stayed there for awhile, just talking and having a good time.

They were now on their way back to Vinyl's old home, where they knew drama awaited them.

However, when they opened the door, what they didn't expect to find was everypony gone except for Long Play.

"Long Play, where is everypony?" Vinyl asked.

"Thank Celestia, you're back!" Long Play exclaimed, relieved, "Well, something happened between Lucky Streak and Neon which caused them to both storm out of the house. Me, mom, and dad all waited for you four to get back before mom and dad decided to go to sleep."

"I'm guessing we are now all going to have a long conversation in the morning," Lyra assumed, to which Long Play nodded.

"Well then, we all better get some sleep," Bon Bon suggested.

Once that was said, the ponies all made their way to their rooms.

Vinyl sat down on her bed, ready to get a good night's sleep with her marefriend. She expected Octavia to join her immediately, however, she found that the cellist was not even in the room.

With a groan, Vinyl got up to find her marefriend. After some searching, she found Octavia on her phone in the living room.

"You alright Tavi?" Vinyl asked.

Octavia nodded her head, "I’m just trying to contact Lucky Streak to ask him what happened."

Vinyl seemed slightly worried by this, which confused Octavia.

"Well, I bet he'll answer in the morning," Vinyl reassured.

Octavia sighed, "You're probably right. Come on, let's get to bed."

Vinyl smiled before she rushed upstairs, causing the cellist to laugh.

As Octavia made her way up the stairs she stopped when she felt a buzz.

She took out her phone to find a new message from Lucky Streak.

'Hey. I’m guessing you're calling about Neon. Well, I don't really want to talk about it now. However, I will tell you one thing. What I learned in that conversation, may change how we view this whole thing.'

Chapter 28

View Online

When Octavia woke up, it took her a moment to remember where she was. When she had first gained consciousness, she was panicking at the unfamiliar surroundings until she found a familiar white unicorn wrapped around the cellist’s waist, snoring softly.

Octavia smiled at her marefriend as the thoughts of the previous day flooded back into her.

Octavia moved Vinyl's mane in order to see the mare's face fully.

Poor Vinyl. She has had such a hard time here. This visit has been much worse than the one at my parents.

Octavia jumped slightly when she felt the unicorn start to stir. After a second that said unicorn opened her eyes and smirked.

"Wow, Tavi. Watching ponies sleep. That's pretty friggin creepy," Vinyl teased.

Octavia glared at her marefriend, a blush quickly spreading across her face. This caused the DJ to laugh, which was stopped abruptly by Octavia pushing her off the bed.

"Ow!" Vinyl cried, "I thought you wubbed me Octy."

Octavia went to the edge of the bed in order to look down at the DJ. Vinyl grinned at the cellist, causing Octavia to roll her eyes.

"Honestly Vinyl, you really act like a foal sometimes."

Vinyl jumped back onto the bed, "Yeah but you totally like that."

Octavia rolled her eyes again, this time with a smile. Vinyl noticed this, causing her to suddenly wrap her hooves around the cellist and push the earth pony down.

The two mares looked at one another for a few minutes, both having grins on their faces. After a few more seconds of this, Vinyl started moving in to kiss her marefriend, only to be stopped by a hoof.

"If you want to kiss me, you need to brush your teeth first," Octavia said, smirking slightly.

"Mph Mph," Vinyl replied, her voice muffled by Octavia's hoof.

"What was that love?" Octavia asked, moving her hoof off the DJ.

"I said, you've let me kiss you with grosser things in my mouth before," Vinyl repeated, grinning.

Vinyl already knew what was about happen. In a flash, Vinyl was off the bed and in the bathroom, door locked. It didn't even take a second before Vinyl started to hear banging from outside the door.

"Vinyl Scratch! Open this door so that I may kill you!" Octavia yelled, anger clear in her voice.

"That doesn't sound like a very fair deal!" Vinyl yelled back, "Unless you mean killing me with sex, which in that case I will totally take you up on that offer!"

Octavia let out a roar, which just made Vinyl more sure to not unlock the door.

I bet I could survive off eating toilet paper. Or maybe I could get somepony to bring me food, yeah that sounds good.

After a few more minutes, the banging stopped. However, Vinyl knew this was a trick.

"Nice try Tavi! I'm not that stupid! I am not coming out of here!" Vinyl stated, stomping her hoof.

Vinyl got no response.

No Vinyl, don't let this get to you, don't think she left because she didn't. You are a smart pony who is going to stay in here.

Minutes ticked by, and there was still nothing. Vinyl was starting to get bored.

No Vinyl, this is life or death here! You can't just go out because 'you're bored'. You need to survive!

After a few more minutes, Vinyl let out a groan as she finally gave in.

Fine, but don't say I didn't warn you.

Vinyl opened the door, wincing as she prepared for an onslaught. However, nothing happened.

Vinyl looked around to find her marefriend nowhere in sight.

Vinyl started walking forward when all of a sudden, Octavia ran into the room.

Vinyl scrambled around in an attempt to escape, but it was too late.

~•~•~•~•~

"Did you hear that?" Harpo asked, looking around.

"Get back to work Harpo, it was nothing," Fredric commanded.

"I heard it too," Symphony commented, putting down her violin.

"O-oh! Then something must have happened," Fredric stammered, causing Beauty Brass to silently squee.

"It kind of sounded like a smack," Concerto agreed, much to Fredric's anger.

~•~•~•~•~

"You didn't have to hit me so hard Octy," Vinyl poured, rubbing the back of her head.

Octavia said nothing, she only glared at the mare.

However, as thoughts of the past twenty-four hours flooded back into the cellist's head again, she started to frown.

I shouldn't be so hard on Vinyl, especially after yesterday.

Vinyl's eyes went wide in shock as she felt Octavia pull her closer before kissing the spot she was hit.

"Better?" Octavia asked, blushing slightly.

Vinyl stared dumbly at her marefriend for a few seconds, before a smile spread across the DJ's face, making Octavia's blush grow even more.

"A little, but I know what will make me feel A LOT better," Vinyl replied with a grin before she kissed Octavia.

Octavia decided to let Vinyl have this one kiss, even if she hadn't brushed her teeth yet.

The kiss lasted a few more seconds before Octavia broke it.

"We should probably get some breakfast now," Octavia suggested, smiling.

Vinyl smiled back, "Yeah! I'm starving!"

And with that, the two mares got ready for the day before they went downstairs.

~•~•~•~•~

When the got downstairs, they found that Lyra, Bon Bon, and Vinyl's mother were already there. Lyra and Bon Bon were watching TV, cuddling, and Vinyl's mom was cooking breakfast.

"Hey, guys!" Vinyl greeted, causing Lyra and Bon Bon to jump off one another.

Lyra glared at the DJ, "You have great timing Vinyl. Octavia, can you hit Vinyl for me?"

"No can do Ly, Tavi already hit me pretty hard today," Vinyl replied with a grin.

Bon Bon's eyes went wide, "Is that what that smacking sound was?"

Octavia blushed, "I may have hit her harder than expected."

"Yeah," Vinyl started, putting her hoof around the cellist, "but she already made it up to me."

"With hot sex?" Lyra asked smirking.

Vinyl smirked back, "Yep!"

Octavia facehooved, "I would hit you again if I didn't feel so bad for hitting you as hard as I did."

"Oh c'mon Octy, we all know you don't want to hit me because you care about me too much," Vinyl teased, nuzzling the cellist's cheek.

"Vinyl Scratch. If you do not stop now I will kill you when we get back from Manehatten," Octavia threatened, causing the DJ to practically jump off her.

"I think Vinyl's mother said that breakfast will be ready soon," Bon Bon said as her two friends sat down next to her and Lyra.

"Alright sweet," Vinyl replied, excited.

"Vinyl, are you and your family going to have to talk again?" Octavia asked. Vinyl just shrugged in response.

"Don't you guys still have to talk about your relationship? We also never finished that thing where we each took a turn talking to somepony," Lyra pointed out.

"I'm not answering their questions if they don't answer mine," Vinyl growled angrily.

However, Vinyl's anger vanished when she felt somepony squeeze her hoof. She looked up to find Octavia smiling at her reassuringly, to which Vinyl smiled back.

"No matter what happens Vinyl, we'll still be there for you," Octavia said, comfortingly.

"Yeah! We got your back!" Lyra agreed.

Vinyl smiled at her friends.

Damn, what the hell did I do to deserve these guys?

Their moment was cut short as they heard a pair of hooves walk down the stairs. The group turned to find Long Play coming down.

"Morning guys," Long Play greeted.

In response, everypony said hi back.

"So, when are we going to have our big talk?" Long Play asked, sitting down on a chair near the couch.

"Presumably during breakfast," Octavia replied.

Long Play nodded his head before the room was back into silence.

After a few minutes, they heard another pair of hooves coming down the stairs.

They looked over to find Vinyl's father looking at them. Nopony said anything as they did not know exactly what to say.

Here is this stallion who cheated on his wife, left Vinyl's life completely, and now just came back telling everypony how he’s gay.

Octavia couldn't help but feel a little bad for the stallion. Maybe it was because he was the father of the mare she dated, or maybe because she saw a little of herself in him.

The father cleared his voice before he walked towards the kitchen, in order to stop the eyes that were following him.

After a few more minutes of the ponies waiting in awkward silence, they heard the mother call out, "Breakfast is ready!"

They all got up and went towards the table area, where the parents already were with the food.

Once the table was set, each pony took a seat.

Vinyl's parents both sat at the front of the table. To their right was Long Play, Lyra, and Bon Bon. And to their left was Vinyl and Octavia.

The ponies all started eating, the silence still present.

Octavia watched Vinyl, she looked as though she was having the hardest time eating that she has ever had. This caused Octavia to smile slightly.

Poor Vinyl, trying to seem professional by not devouring her food in one gulp.

The ponies continued to eat, until Octavia cleared her voice, gaining everypony's attention.

"Not to be rude but, shouldn't we start talking?" Octavia asked, "The four of us need to get back to Manehatten and our train leaves this afternoon. I believe we still have many things to talk about, including Vinyl and I's relationship."

Everypony seemed stunned at Octavia sudden determination to start the conversation, especially the mother.

"I would think that you didn't want to talk about your relationship," Vinyl's mother replied.

"I would like it more if Vinyl's family was okay with me dating her daughter rather than skipping the whole conversation," Octavia explained, "besides, you still need to explain to Vinyl why you have to hide facts about her father for so long."

The room went back into silence as everypony thought of Octavia's words. After a few more moments, the mother spoke.

"I suppose you're right. Let's start with the more major problem," Vinyl mother agreed.

"And what would that be?" Lyra asked, "No offense, but it's not very obvious when basically our whole lives at the moment are ten different problems going on at once."

"I believe she means Vinyl and Octavia," Bon Bon replied.

Vinyl raised her eyebrow, "Really?"

"Yes actually," Vinyl mother confirmed, "I know you want to talk about your father first Vinyl, but right now you all are in danger. This situation needs to be clearer if you want us to help."

Vinyl's eyes went wide, "Y-you want to help?"

"Of course Vinyl! You're our family!" Long Play exclaimed with a smile.

Vinyl returned the smile.

"Wait, what happened to the whole 'Octavia is bad because cheating is a bad thing? Are we just going to-"

"Lyra. Stop," Bon Bon commanded.

"Oh, sorry," Lyra apologized, sheepishly.

"No, you are right Lyra. We still need to know a bit more about this situation in order to also trust the mare we are trying to help. But so far, it seems as though she is a nice mare who just wants to move on in life," Vinyl's mother explained, smiling at the cellist.

And with that, the ponies explained the whole story. About everything that had happened to leave them to this point.

"Jeez, the amount of crap you guys have been through could be in a book," Long Play said, causing Octavia to blush slightly, "Like, a book with almost thirty chapters."

"That's ..... quite the story. I don't know what I was expecting but it was certainly not that," Vinyl's father said in shock.

"Yeah yeah, we get it, our lives are weird. And Caramel is a piece of crap," Vinyl said, waving her hoof around.

Vinyl's mother didn't say anything, it looked as though she was thinking. After a few more seconds, the mare suddenly jumped up causing everypony to jump as well.

"I've got it!" Vinyl's mother exclaimed, "To make sure this is all true and to help Octavia's father with knowing Vinyl. How about we all meet!"

WHAT?!" Vinyl and Octavia exclaimed at the same time.

"I thought the in-laws are supposed to meet during the wedding," Lyra teased.

"Oh yeah! I would totally like to meet these other ponies. Including Octavia's sister," Long Play said in a slightly slurry tone.

"Oh no, you don't! This love square has got to end!" Bon Bon stated, pointing a hoof at the stallion.

"It's settled then," Vinyl's mother said, sitting back down, "We'll work out a time and place later, for now, we have other things to discuss."

"Miss Scratch, while I am sure this might seem like a smart idea in your head... let me tell you now that it’s probably not the smartest idea," Octavia said, nervous.

"Yeah! Octy's right! There are so much smarter and less stressful ways to deal with this," Vinyl agreed.

"Oh c'mon Vinyl, what's the worse that could happen?" Long Play asked.

"Everything," Vinyl, Octavia, Lyra, and Bon Bon all said at the same time in a voice that sounded so sure it was almost scary.

"While I would love to complain about how bad of an idea this is for longer," Lyra started, staring at the clock, "Our train leaves in a little while so if we still want to talk about Vinyl's family problems then we better hurry it up."

Vinyl's mother seemed to deflate slightly at this, "Oh, right."

And once again, the room was back in silence.

That is until they heard another groan.

"Guys! Seriously?! We stop talking for one second and we stop the whole conversation!" Lyra exclaimed, annoyed.

"Lyra!" Bon Bon scolded, whacking the mare's arm.

"What?! It's true! Do you guys want us to leave again for this?" Lyra asked, turning towards the family.

"That.... that would be best," The mother replied, nodding her head.

With that, Lyra, Bon Bon, and Octavia got up to leave.

"If anything happens Vinyl, please talk to me instead of running through Ponyville," Octavia pleaded, "And if you do run away again, then Celestia help you."

Vinyl gulped at the threat but nodded her head.

Once the ponies were gone from the room, Vinyl's mother spoke.

"I believe that this time we should try taking turns to speak, and we should also make a rule to not interrupt one another," Vinyl's mother suggested, everypony else nodded in response.

"Who's going first?" Vinyl asked, her voice sound slightly more angered than before.

"I will," Long Play offered, "The reason we hide most things about our dad from you was because... well, for one you don't really need to know much about him."

Vinyl opened her mouth to argue but Long Play continued, "I mean, you know that he cheated on mom and left, what else do you really need to know? Not only that but also the fact that I went through the divorce with mom and trust me, it was not fun. So I didn't want you to go through it as well."

Vinyl opened her mouth again to respond but her mother interrupted her.

"Although I will take blame for not telling you sooner," Vinyl's mother admitted, "We should have told you long before you moved to Manehatten."

Vinyl once again opened her mouth only to be interrupted by her father, "I understand why you two did this. I would have done the same thing in your shoes."

Once he finished, everypony turned towards Vinyl for her response.

"Oh, so it's my turn now?" Vinyl asked, sounding annoyed, "Well, okay. I GET the fact you were trying to protect me or whatever, but he still is my dad! And how would telling me about my father even hurt me? I would probably just be like, meh okay whatever. So why did you guys think it would help me?"

"Well," Vinyl's mother explained, "knowing how you are Vinyl, although you may not admit it, you are an extremely curious pony. Knowing you, you would probably try to find him and talk to him, or do something insane."

"So, wait. You didn't want to tell me because you thought I would do something stupid?!" Vinyl asked, getting up from her seat, "How reckless do you think I am?!"

"No Vinyl! Well, I did think that you would-"

"So you DO think I’m reckless!" Vinyl yelled, interrupting her mom.

"No, she thought you would do what I did," Long Play replied coldly.

Vinyl stared at her brother wide-eyed, "Wha-what?"

"After our parents divorced, I ran away. I ran away to find my dad. I don't really remember what I was going to do, but I wanted to find him. However, my adventure was cut short as the police found me and brought me back home," Long Play explained.

Vinyl and her father stared at the stallion with wide eyes. Vinyl had returned to her seat, her anger completely gone.

"How long were you gone?" Vinyl asked, tilting her head.

"A week," Long Play replied, looking down at the table in shame.

"I'm sorry," Vinyl's father apologized.

Long Play just lets out a hum in response.

The room went back into silence for what seemed like the tenth time that day. The mother looked towards the clock before she said, "You better get going Vinyl, your train is leaving soon."

Vinyl nodded before she walked towards the door. She paused at the door and turned back towards her family.

"I love you guys. And I'll see you whenever we do that dinner thing," Vinyl said quickly before she left the room.

~•~•~•~•~

"Honestly, at this point, I feel like everything we try to do to fix something just gets us nowhere, or in an even worse position than we were in before!" Vinyl exclaimed, sliding down her chair.

Vinyl, Octavia, Lyra, and Bon Bon were all back on their train to Manehatten. It has been a very eventful weekend for them and they all couldn't wait to get back home.

Octavia sighed, "I know that pain."

"Well, not exactly," Bon Bon argued, "You're now closer to your family and now somepony else is going to help Octavia with Caramel!"

"Sounds like a win to me," Lyra agreed with a grin.

"Attention all passengers! The bar area is now open!" The loudspeaker announced.

"Oh sweet! C'mon Vinyl, let's go get some candy!" Lyra exclaimed, getting up from her seat.

Vinyl smirked before turning to her marefriend. Octavia was staring out the window in thought, she looked almost depressed.

"Uh, you guys go ahead, Imma chill here for a while," Vinyl replied.

Lyra shrugged, "Alright, we'll bring you back something. C'mon Bonnie, let's go!"

Once Lyra and Bon Bon had left, Vinyl moved closer to the cellist before wrapping one hoof around her neck. Vinyl then nuzzled her neck, electing a sigh from the other mare.

"Vinyl, where is this all going?" Octavia asked.

"Where is what going?" Vinyl questioned, tilting her head.

Octavia turned towards her marefriend, "All of this! I- I just- there is so much going on! What did Lucky Streak find out? What is Caramel planning? What is going to happen to-"

Octavia was silenced by Vinyl planting a kiss on her lips. Once Vinyl moved away, she smirked.

"I was wondering where my worry wart cellist went," Vinyl teased causing Octavia to whack her lightly on the side.

Vinyl then gave the cellist a sad smile, "But to answer your question, I have no idea. But something tells me that as long as we got one another and our friends, we'll be fine. Besides, Caramel can't really do anything too bad without it being illegal."

Octavia sighed again, before she rested her head on the DJ's shoulder, "I suppose you're right."

Just then, Lyra and Bon Bon walked to their seats before stopping as they noticed the two mares.

"I think we should leave them alone for now Lyra," Bon Bon suggested.

"Yeah, you're right," Lyra replied, smiling at her marefriend.

And so, the two mares walked away, leaving Vinyl and Octavia happy in their embrace.

Whatever the future holds for us Vinyl. I hope we'll make it through together.

Chapter 29

View Online

It's been about two weeks since Vinyl, Octavia, Lyra, and Bon Bon have returned from Manehattan, and everything was going back to the way it was.

Octavia continued to work her two jobs, earning more money for a lawyer to divorce Caramel. Once she was back from ponyville, one of the first things she did was tell her ensemble everything that happened. Everypony was shocked with the events that had taken place during one weekend.

Vinyl and Octavia were also working on setting up a dinner between their families when they weren't busy or doing something together. Since that weekend, the two have been spending more and more time together out of work. This of course, just made Caramel more mad.

Speaking of Caramel, he's seemed to start acting like his old self again. Instead of spending his time planning revenge, he's just sobbing or doing something 'romantic'.

As for everypony else, they've been living their normal lives. Except for Lyra and Bon Bon, who are now sucked into Beauty Brass's love square plan.

Yes, everything seemed just normal. At least, Octavia believes that. However, there was still some thoughts lurking in the back of her head. She still hasn't heard back from Lucky Streak, and she is worried for what Caramel's next move will be. There was also the fact that she had had a very odd Nightmare Night, which made her realize that she is hiding some emotions inside.

But for now, she is content with her current situation. What could possibly go wrong?

"Are you bloody kidding me?" Octavia cursed to herself, in a voice that sounded odd.

Octavia had awoken that day to find she was sick. She was coughing, wheezing, she had a temperature, and she all around felt bad.

Now, while most ponies hated getting sick for the obvious reasons, Octavia hated it for a whole different reason.

"Alright, so I've taken off work for the day and I'm going to go get you some medicine now," Caramel announced as he walked through the door.

"Caramel, listen, this is very sweet but I don't need somepony taking care of me," Octavia replied, smiling.

"Nonsense! I am your husband and I will take care of you!" Caramel argued, before kissing his wife on the forehead, "I'll be back soon. Get some rest! Love you!"

Octavia just waved as Caramel left. Once she heard the front door shut, she let out a sigh.

Why me? Why did I of all ponies have to get sick!

Octavia let out another sigh as she looked at her phone.

I guess that also means I won't be able to see Vinyl today.

~•~•~•~•~

"Bored, bored, bored. Bor-bor-bor. Bored Bored!" Vinyl sang as she spun around her chair.

The DJ let out a groan, "Where the heck is Tavi?"

Vinyl then got up and started to make her way to the kitchen area of her office.

Could Caramel have locked her in her home? Nah, that's not his taste. I hope she's alright, though.

"Hey guys, do you know where Tavi is-" Vinyl asked as she walked through the door, only to pause when she found a giant chart on the wall.

"Don't. Ask," Lyra stated. She and Bon Bon were sitting on the table in the center of the room, Beauty Brass was also sitting, however, she was pointing at things on the chart.

"Oh hello, Vinyl! I wanted to ask you some-" Beauty Brass started while she turned around in her chair. However, when she started getting up, she stopped speaking.

"AHHHH! MY SHIN!" Beauty Brass cried before falling to the floor, holding her hind leg in pain.

"I haven't seen Octavia today, Vinyl," Bon Bon said while Beauty Brass continued to cry in pain.

"Oh, okay. Do you think I should text her, or does that seem clingy?" Vinyl asked, tilting her head.

"You're her boss. You're allowed to text her and ask where she is," Lyra replied, giggling slightly at Beauty Brass's pain.

"IT'S NOT FUNNY!" Beauty Bras yelled causing Lyra to start laughing.

"Alright, well I guess I'll call her," Vinyl said, "Thanks, guys, and be more careful Beaut."

"I AM CAREFUL!" Beauty yelled while Lyra continued to laugh in the background, "STOP LAUGHING!"

Vinyl then left the kitchen area and made her way back to her own private office. Once she was back in her seat, she took out her phone and started calling Octavia.

"Hello Vinyl," Octavia greeted.

"Woah Tavi, what the heck is up with your voice? Have you been doing weird things with your mouth again?" Vinyl asked, grinning slightly.

"Oh ha ha. No, I'm just sick," Octavia replied in a deadpanned voice.

"Wait, you're sick?!" Vinyl exclaimed.

"Yes. Why, do you miss me, Vinyl?" Octavia asked.

"Wha-what, no! I'm just like.... your boss so I should know where you are... and stuff," Vinyl replied.

Vinyl didn't hear anything for a few seconds until she heard chuckling coming from the phone.

"You're really cute sometimes Vinyl," Octavia said, still chuckling.

"Bitch, I'm adorable," Vinyl stated.

Then, all of a sudden, Vinyl could hear the sound of a door.

"Oh, it seems I must go. Caramel is back, I apologize for my absence at work and I hope to see you soon Vinyl," Octavia said very quickly before she hung up on the phone.

Oh, crap... Octy's all alone with Caramel. Maybe I should go visit her...

After of few minutes of pondering, Vinyl made up her mind and started packing her things.

She then left the office but not before going into the kitchen one last time.

"Hey guys, I'm taking the day off from work," Vinyl announced.

"What?! But Vinyl, you took a whole week off alre-" Bon Bon started protesting, only to be interrupted by Vinyl.

"Here's the keys to lock the place up. Until I'm back, you guys are the bosses," Vinyl explained before leaving the building.

Lyra caught the keys but Beauty Brass took them from her before the mare could even realize she caught it.

"Perfect! Now our plan can be set into motion!" Beauty Brass exclaimed with a smile.

Lyra and Bon Bon looked at one another. "Uh, what plan?"

~•~•~•~•~

"Where in Equestria is Beauty?" Symphony asked as she looked around the office.

"I have a better question, where are we and why did she call us here?" Concerto questioned.

"I presume she called us here because it has something to do with Caramel," Fredric assumed.

"Hey, guys!" Beauty Brass greeted, causing the ponies to jump, "Welcome to the office! Today, I am going to solve your little love problem!"

Symphony and Fredric stared at her wide eyes while Concerto just looked confused.

"Love... problem?" He asked.

Beauty Brass just smiled, causing Symphony and Fredric to blush.

"Run while you can!" Lyra cried, running out of the kitchen.

"Lyra... that's not helping," Bon Bon said, a hoof to her forehead as she walked out of the kitchen.

"Something tells me this is going to be an interesting few hours," Concerto commented as he noticed Symphony and Fredric's blushed.

~•~•~•~•~

"Okay, so you have your medicine-"

"Caramel,"

"You have a hot air machine-"

"Caramel,"

"And you have your-"

"Caramel!" Octavia screamed.

Caramel jumped back at the sudden rise in volume.

Octavia sighed, "Caramel, I'm fine. I just want to rest, is that alright?"

"O-oh yeah sure! I love you!" Caramel stammered before kissing the mare on the forehead and leaving the room.

Once Caramel was gone, Octavia let out an annoyed sigh. She then picked up her phone to check if she had any new messages.

I wonder what happened to Vinyl.... Even when I am at work, she continues to spam my phone with pictures she finds on the internet.

Little did she know, that said mare was just outside her apartment, about to knock on the door.

Shit, what if Caramel's in there?

Meh, we can take him.

With that thought in mind, Vinyl knocked on the door. After a few moments, Caramel answered the door. Anger immediately showed up on his face.

"What are you doing here?" Caramel asked.

Vinyl instinctively flinched. After she recovered, she snuck her hoof towards the door.

"I, uh, came to see Octy?"

"She's not here," Caramel stated as he shut the door, only to be stopped by her hoof.

"I'm her boss, she had to tell me she was sick," Vinyl explained.

Caramel's response was to groan in anger as he started stomping towards the room Octavia was laying in. He left the door completely abandoned, allowing Vinyl to enter.

Caramel flung the door open, causing Octavia to wake up with a start.

"What the bloody hell Caramel?" Octavia asked, slightly angered at suddenly being awoken.

"You know. You invited that mare here!" Caramel exclaimed.

"What mare?" Octavia asked tilting her head.

Please don't tell me...

Caramel then left the room, only to come back dragging in the one pony she was hoping not to see.

"Hello Vinyl," Octavia greeted in an annoyed voice.

Vinyl gave her a sheepish smile, "Heh, hey Octy, how ya feeling?"

"Well, my throat feels horrible, I won't stop coughing, and, oh yeah! I have a massive headache that just increased tenfold," Octavia replied, rubbing between her eyes.

"Oh.... sorry," Vinyl apologized.

Vinyl then suddenly felt the hoof that was holding her, stop holding her. "Oh no! Do you need something? More medicine?"

"I'm fine Caramel," Octavia stated, "I really just need some rest. Could you please go back into the other room while I speak to Vinyl?"

Caramel narrowed his eyes, "This is a trick to get alone with Vinyl, isn't it?"

"Caramel, I really don't have the energy to fight with you right now. So could you please just do this one thing for me," Octavia asked.

"This one thing? I do many things for you! Like how-"

"Caramel!" Octavia finally yelled, "Please go into the other room!"

"Fine," Caramel grumbled as he left the room, but not before glaring at Vinyl one last time.

Once Caramel was gone, Vinyl turned back to Octavia.

"Sup?"

"I've already answered that."

"Right, sorry... again. I guess I didn't really think this through, did I?"

"Why are you here, Vinyl?"

"I wanted to see how you were doing... and I didn't want you to be alone with Caramel," Vinyl explained.

Octavia let out a sigh before waving her hoof, signaling Vinyl to come closer.

Vinyl did that and sat down on the bed next to the cellist.

Vinyl was ready to feel the wrath of her marefriend, so imagine how surprised she was when said marefriend started laying on Vinyl's chest, her eyes closed.

"Uh, Tavi?"

"Em hm," Octavia hummed as she nuzzled more into Vinyl.

"Aren't you going to kill me now?"

"Vinyl, I have a massive headache, I feel like utter crap and I honestly could care less about anything else right now. I'll yell at you for your stupid idea once my headache has passed, as for now, you are going to make it up to me by being my pillow."

Vinyl grinned, "Hey, no complaints here."

Vinyl got no response as Octavia was already fast asleep.

Caramel watched from a crack in the door, his inner anger growing.

Calm down Caramel, your revenge will come in due time.

Caramel then went over to the kitchen and started making tea for the mare he loved.

Even if we have to wait for our larger plan, can't we at least have a little fun?

With that thought in mind, Caramel took out his phone and started calling somepony.

"Hello?" Lyra asked into the phone.

"Hey it's Caramel, Vinyl came over here and for some reason and I want to know if she is needed at work," Caramel stated.

"Uh, how did you get this number?" Lyra asked.

"That is not important, please answer the question."

"Not until you-"

"Lyra! We are doing important love business right now! You can continue the call later!" Another voice stated, which Caramel recognized as Beauty Brass's voice.

"But-"

"Hush! Bon Bon, take the phone!" Beauty Brass exclaimed.

"Noooo! Bonnie don't!" Lyra pleaded, her voice getting softer as the phone was moved further away.

"Lyra, the faster we do this, the faster we can go back to our normal jobs," Bon Bon replied.

"Does Vinyl have any work she needs to do!" Caramel practically screamed into the phone.

"Well not really," Bon Bon answered.

"HOW DID YOU GET THIS NUMBER?!" Lyra screamed.

"LYRA! GET BACK TO WORK!" Beauty Brass screamed back before the phone hung up.

Caramel let out an annoyed sigh.

Maybe if I invite somepony else here, Vinyl will leave...

~•~•~•~•~

"You do realize that was Caramel, right?!" Lyra exclaimed as Bon Bon hung up the phone.

"How do you know? Caramel doesn't even have your number," Bon Bon replied.

"Why do you think I was asking how he got the number!" Lyra exclaimed.

"Guys! Can we get back to work!" Beauty Brass yelled.

"No!" Fredric and Symphony yelled at the same time.

"I would like to, actually," Concerto agreed, "I would like to know why there is a giant chart on the wall."

All the ponies were now in the kitchen area, where Beauty Brass's shipping chart still hung.

"This," Beauty Brass started, pointing at the chart, "Is my chart! It has who everypony likes on it! We are especially taking interest on this one spot with-"

"No! I don't think we need to!" Symphony stated, getting out of her seat.

"Yes, we do!"

"No, we don't!"

"Yes, we do!"

"No, we don't!"

"Yes, we-"

"Wait, why does it say that Symphony likes both me and Fredric?!" Concerto asked.

"Heh heh," Symphony sheepishly chuckled.

"What?! She likes us both?!" Fredric asked in both happiness and anger.

"I know! She should just like me!" Concerto exclaimed.

"Correct- wait, what?!" Fredric yelled.

"Oh please! It's so obvious how much you are angered by me! It's so rude! Symphony deserves a gentlecolt, like me!" Concerto stated.

"What?! At least I am not gloating about how 'great' I am!" Fredric argued.

The two stallions continued to argue while all the mares watched on with wide eyes.

"Beauty... why did you think this would be a good idea?" Symphony asked, the coldness in her voice almost identical to Octavia's.

Beauty Brass flinched while Lyra and Bon Bon just stared at the sister with wide eyes.

"Shit... She's like Octavia," Lyra said, backing up slightly.

"And knowing Octavia-" Bon Bon continued, backing up as well.

"WE'RE SCREWED!" Beauty Brass finished as the three mares started running away from the embarrassed and angered mare.

The chase continued for awhile until Bon Bon grabbed Symphony, completely stopping the mare.

"Jeez Bonnie, where did that strength come from?!" Lyra asked.

"I'm an earth pony remember?" Bon Bon replied, "Anyway, we now have two very angry stallions-"

"And mare!" Symphony interrupted.

"And mare.... We can't afford to start running around the place in fear when we now have a huge problem. Not only that, but we could get fired for doing this!" Bon Bon continued, "So, are we all going to continue to run around afraid, or are we going to fix this 'love square'?"

Lyra and Beauty Brass looked at one another, before turning back to Bon Bon and nodding their heads.

"How bout you Symph, you going to help us fix your problem?" Lyra asked.

Symphony sighed, "If I must. But if this destroys either my friendship with the stallions or their friendship, I will kill you all."

"Well that's pretty easy since they didn't really have a friendship to begin with," Lyra said, matter of factly.

Bon Bon then let go of Symphony before they made their way back to the kitchen area.

When they got back there, they found that the two stallions were still arguing.

"Well Bonnie, you've got us this far, what do we do now?" Lyra asked, turning to her marefriend.

Bon Bon sighed, "I'm not trained for these kinds of problems. Do any of you have an idea?"

"I've got it!" Beauty Brass exclaimed before she stomped her hoof on the table, getting the stallion's attention.

"What do you want, Beauty Brass? Can't you see I'm busy?" Fredric asked.

"You two.... shall have a duel!" Beauty Brass exclaimed.

"What?!" Symphony yelled, "Beauty Brass, what kind of an idea is that-"

"You will have the rest of the day to prepare! Then, tomorrow you guys will have a musical duel! Whoever wins, gets Symphony's heart!" Beauty Brass explained.

The two stallions looked at one another for a second, their faces became one of determination.

"A duel it is," Concerto agreed.

"I shall see you at sunset tomorrow, Concerto," Fredric said.

And with that, the two stallions left.

"Beauty!" Symphony practically screamed, "Why did you do that?!"

"Because it's romantic!" Beauty Brass replied, "Two stallions fighting for one mare's heart... with music!"

"Wait, I just realized something," Lyra said, causing everypony else to look over at her.

"And what's that, Lyra?" Bon Bon asked, going next to her marefriend.

"Doesn't Fredric already have a marefriend?"

~•~•~•~•~

"What do you mean you can't come?!" Caramel yelled into the phone.

"I have a job you know! And don't you have one too? Don't you need to also work or some-" Neon started before Caramel hung up the phone.

Stupid Neon. He's no help at all!

Caramel then started pacing around the apartment, grumbling to himself.

I need to get Vinyl out of here... but how?

Meanwhile, in the bedroom, a certain cellist was waking up from her long nap.

That was some of the best sleep I've had in awhile.

Octavia snuggled closer to her pillow, feeling like she had forgotten something.

She realized what that something was when she heard soft snoring. Octavia looked up to find Vinyl asleep, drool hanging out of her mouth.

Vinyl! She came here! And while Caramel was here and... I am going to bloody kill her.

Octavia then used her hoof to wipe the drool off of the DJ's mouth. What Octavia wasn't expecting was for said DJ to snuggling closer to her hoof.

That was.... quite adorable. Maybe I should... what am I thinking?! She is an imbecile.

With that thought in mind, she then used the same hoof to smack Vinyl on the head.

"OW!" Vinyl cried as she rubbed her head, "What was that for?!"

"You know exactly what that was for!" Octavia replied, "I told you Caramel was here! I had hoped you would get the message and stay away from here but apparently it wasn't clear enough for you!"

"Hey! I just thought you wouldn't want to be alone with Caramel!" Vinyl argued.

"I don't! Honestly, the best part of my day has been the time you've spent here, but that doesn't matter when you're in the same building as the stallion who put you in the hospital and has been contacting your family!" Octavia argued back.

Vinyl then started smirking slightly, "So you're only mad because you care about me?"

"Of course I care about you! I-" Octavia started before she covered her mouth, blushing.

Vinyl's smirk grew, causing Octavia to glare daggers at the mare.

"I hate you," Octavia stated when she finally moved her hooves.

"No, you wubbb me," Vinyl teased.

"Shut up Vinyl."

"Aw c'mon Tavi, just admit how much you care about me."

"Shut up Vinyl!"

"Nah, you're too cute like this. I bet you like it when I call you cute don't you- OW!" Vinyl cried in pain again as Octavia whacked the mare in the stomach.

Octavia was still glaring at Vinyl, and once the pain vanished, Vinyl was smirking again.

"That's it, come here!" Vinyl said as she suddenly grabbed the cellist and started kissing the mare's neck.

"Ah! Vinyl no! I'm sick!" Octavia commanded as she tried to push the unicorn off her.

"C'mon Octy! I know you like this!" Vinyl teased as she continued to kiss the mare.

Octavia let out a laugh as she felt Vinyl poke her. Once this happened, the two fell over, with Vinyl now straddling Octavia.

"Sup," Vinyl said, grinning down at the mare.

"You really shouldn't be this close to me," Octavia pointed out, panting slightly. She was attempting to glare at the mare, but the smile that wouldn't leave her face, was ruining it.

"Hm, nah."

Octavia rolled her eyes as she moved Vinyl off of her. Once they were sitting up, Octavia laid her head back down onto Vinyl's chest.

"You really need to leave, Vinyl," Octavia stated, looking up towards the unicorn.

"I know, but I really don't want to," Vinyl replied as she pulled Octavia closer to her, "I like moments like this, with just us, in a bed, cuddling, and having s-"

"Of course you had to mention sex again," Octavia groaned, rolling her eyes. Vinyl just smiled.

"I would love to spend all day in a bed with you. But I'm sick, and I don't want you to get sick. And also, no doubt Caramel's trying to come up with a way to get you out of here," Octavia explained.

"How about this. I'll leave for lunch and then sneak back in later?" Vinyl suggested.

"Vinyl, it's past lunch," Octavia replied, deadpanned.

"Oh shit, it is?!" Vinyl exclaimed as she looked at the clock, which did, in fact, read 3:17, "Well shit, I should probably call in and check on them."

And with that, Vinyl picked up her phone and started calling Bon Bon. After a few seconds, Bon Bon picked up the phone.

"Hello, Vinyl."

"Hey Bonnie, I just wanted to check in. What's going on in the office."

"Everything is going smoothly, we're actually about to go to a meeting right-"

"Vinyl!" Lyra's voice yelled from further away, "We did something stupid! Basically, we let everypony leave the office, and now Concerto and Fredric are going to have a music duel!"

"Lyra!" Bon Bon scolded.

"Woah, wait. That Concerto guy and Fred are having a music duel?"

Octavia stared at her marefriend with wide eyes as she heard what Vinyl just said.

"Yes!" Lyra and Bon Bon replied at the same time.

"Why?" Vinyl asked.

"Because they both want to win the heart of Symphony!" Vinyl heard Beauty Brass's voice exclaim in the background.

Vinyl then started laughing, "What time is the duel? I totally want to be there!"

"Are you kidding me Vinyl?!" Bon Bon yelled through the phone while Lyra's laughing could be heard in the background.

"At sunset tomorrow!" Beauty Brass answered.

"Me and Octy will be there!" Vinyl exclaimed before she hung up the phone.

"Do I even want to know what happened?" Octavia asked, shaking her head.

"Nope!"

Octavia then started to cough.

"Woah Tavi, you alright?"

"Yes I'm fine Vinyl," Octavia replied, her voice sounding croaky, "I just need some water that's-"

Octavia interrupted herself with more coughing.

"Do you have any cough drops or anything?" Vinyl asked, looking around at all the medicine on the bed.

Octavia then facehoofed, "Of course Caramel would buy medicine for things I don't even have."

"That makes sense. That or you have explosive diarrhea."

"Wait what?!" Octavia exclaimed, causing Vinyl to laugh. Octavia grabbed the medicine Vinyl was holding, which was in fact for explosive diarrhea.

"Here Tavi, I'll go get you some cough drops from the deli," Vinyl offered, getting up before Octavia grabbed her hoof.

"Caramel won't let you back in," Octavia reminded.

Vinyl grinned, "Oh, so now you don't want me to leave Tavi?"

Octavia blushed, "No, you would need to come back in order to give me the cough drops. I honestly think you should go since it's not very safe here."

Vinyl rolled her eyes, "I'll be fine Octy. I'll just come up the fire escape."

"Wait, what?!"

"Bye Tavi!" Vinyl yelled as she walked out.

"Vinyl Scratch! You will not go up the fire escape!" Octavia yelled back.

As Vinyl walked through the living room, she found a Caramel still thinking of how to get Vinyl to leave.

"Bye Octavia's soon to be ex-husband!" Vinyl said as she walked by.

"Wait what? Wait, did Vinyl just leave?!" Caramel asked as he realized that Vinyl had just walked by.

~•~•~•~•~

"I cannot believe you actually went up the fire escape," Octavia said, shaking her head.

"What? I needed to save my princess from the tower!" Vinyl replied, smirking slightly.

Octavia chuckled, "You're crazy Vinyl."

"And you're also crazy, in your own special way," Vinyl teased.

Octavia sighed before she took one of the cough drops Vinyl had given her.

Just then Caramel came through the door.

"The tea is re- WHY IS SHE BACK HERE?!" Caramel exclaimed.

"I came through the fire escape," Vinyl replied, nonchalant with a shrug. While Octavia just shook her head, her hoof on her forehead.

"Wha- what?!" Caramel asked, in complete shock.

"Yep! And Octy was totally like 'Oh wow Vinyl! That's so hot and amazing of you to do that!',"

"I would never encourage something so stu-" Octavia started but was interrupted when Caramel suddenly went out to window to the fire escape.

"You're not the only pony who can climb a fire escape!" Caramel exclaimed.

Just then, Vinyl locked the window.

Caramel's eyes went wide and he started to bang on the window.

"Vinyl! Did you just lock Caramel out!" Octavia yelled.

"Yep!" Vinyl replied with a smile before nodding her head to the side, "C'mon, let's go into the living room."

With that, Vinyl walked out of the room, followed hesitantly by Octavia.

When Octavia walked into the living room, she found Vinyl going into the kitchen.

"What are you doing Vinyl?" Octavia asked as she sat down on the couch and grabbed a blanket from nearby.

"I'm going to make you some soup!" Vinyl replied with a smile.

Octavia's eyes went wide, "Should I get the fire extinguisher?"

Vinyl rolled her eyes, "Haha, don't worry, I've made this for my mom before when she was sick."

"Wait, if you can cook then why do you never have any food in your own apartment?" Octavia questioned.

Vinyl just shrugged, "Cause making food is too much work. I only make food for others, like my marefriend who is sick."

Octavia rolled her eyes but smiled at Vinyl's sweetness.

All of a sudden, the two mares heard banging on the front door.

"Let me in!" Caramel demanded.

Vinyl's response was to cast a spell. Once it was cast, Octavia couldn't hear Caramel anymore.

"Vinyl, what did you do?" Octavia asked in a demanding tone.

"I put up a soundproofing spell. He can't hear us and we can't hear him," Vinyl explained, "I learned it so I wouldn't get kicked out of my house."

Octavia then sighed, "How long are you going to keep him out of the house?"

"I guess until I leave," Vinyl replied.

"But that-" Octavia started but stopped when she smelled something coming from the kitchen.

That smells divine.

Vinyl looked into the living room when Octavia suddenly stopped talking. The DJ started to smirk when she saw Octavia practically drooling.

Once the soup was done, Octavia completely devoured it, much to Vinyl's amusement. After that, Vinyl and Octavia cuddled until Octavia was fast asleep. When that happened, Vinyl kissed Octavia on the forehead and left.

Caramel heard the door opened and practically bolted towards it, ready to fight the unicorn. However, he found no pony, little did he know that Vinyl had run back inside and exited out of the fire escape.

As Vinyl walked away from the home, she looked back and smiled.

"Get better Octy. I love you," Vinyl whispered to herself as she walked to her home in the cold night.

~•~•~•~•~

"Where is it, where is it," Remedy Cure mumbled to herself as she searched her drawer.

"Ah ha!" Remedy Cure exclaimed as she found the folder she had been looking for. Remedy Cure then went back to her phone.

"I found the file, what did you want me to do with it?" Remedy Cure asked.

"Destroy it and never think about that case again," The voice demanded.

"But-"

"Just do it, Remedy Cure," The voice said before the phone hung up.

Remedy Cure looked at the file and frowned.

This was one of the most broken cases I have ever seen.

Remedy Cure let out a sigh as she carried it to the trash.

I should do something. They both seem so unhappy. That poor mare stuck with that stallion who obviously needs some kind of help.

Remedy Cure stopped.

No.

I am not going to do this.

I will find out everything I need to know. And I will help this mare.

Unlike how nopony helped me.

I swear on that, Octavia Melody.

Chapter 30

View Online

"Perfect, I'm halfway done," Octavia announced to herself as the elevator went up.

She had spent yesterday working on her divorce papers while she was sick. Although it was not as fun as the time Vinyl spent with her it was still very useful.

Octavia stepped out of the elevator as it finally reached the office floor.

"Ok, now the next step is-" Octavia started when she was suddenly hit by something. She heard a small thud on the floor and she looked down to find a dart.

"What in Equestria," Octavia mumbled to herself as she examined the dart.

"ACK!" Octavia jumped as she heard somepony cry out in pain. She looked around until she heard chuckling from below her.

"Hey, Octavia! Long time no see!" Lyra greeted from the floor.

"Greetings, Lyra. May I ask why there are darts everywhere and why you are holding a toy gun?" Octavia asked, tilting her head.

"It's our annual nerf war!" Lyra exclaimed.

"And I’m guessing you’re out?" Octavia assumed to which Lyra nodded.

"Yep, we're all getting crushed by-"

"HA!" Vinyl laughed, "That's the best you've got?! Come at me!"

Octavia looked up to find Vinyl hiding behind one of the desks. The DJ turned and locked eyes with the cellist. In a blink of an eye, Octavia was on the floor with a happy unicorn crushing her.

"Tavi! You're back!" Vinyl said happily as she hugged the mare.

"It's nice to see you too Vinyl, but could you please get off of me," Octavia pleaded as she was losing air.

Vinyl jumped off and held out a hoof so Octavia could pull herself up.

"Sorry, I'm just happy to-" Vinyl started until all of a sudden, she pulled Octavia to the ground with her.

"Ah, Vinyl! What are you doing?" Octavia demanded.

"Shhh!" Vinyl shushed, "Ws need to keep our eyes opened, she could be anywhere."

"Who could be anywhere?" Octavia asked.

"The one who wins every year. The same pony who killed Lyra. I mean she brutally killed her! There were guts and-"

"Vinyl, Lyra is fine. I assumed you were the one wreaking havoc. So, who is this pony that somehow is beating the 'great DJ PON3'?"

"It's-" Vinyl stopped and her face went white. The unicorn then dramatically dropped to the ground as she clutched her chest.

"No! I've been shot!" Vinyl coughed, "You have to go on without me Octy! Don't worry, I'll be fine. I've always l-" Vinyl stopped speaking as she 'died'.

Octavia sighed, "Seriously Vinyl? You don't need to be so dramatic."

Octavia then felt a slight pressure hit her skin before another small thud was heard, she turned around to find Bon Bon holding a giant nerf gun.

"I win," Bon Bon stated in an almost evil tone.

Octavia sighed again, "Hello Bon Bon."

"Hello, Octavia!" Bon Bon greeted in her normal cheery voice, "I'm glad to see you're doing better!"

Octavia smiled, "Thanks. Might I ask why everypony is acting like we are in some kind of war?"

"We do this every year. It's our way of letting out some steam," Bon Bon explained, "As for why they act so dramatic, I have no clue."

"Cause it's fun," Vinyl replied, getting up from the floor.

"Seriously Bonnie, where did you learn to use a nerf gun like that? I've never seen anypony so good since the military!" Lyra exclaimed as she got up at well.

Bon Bon blushed, "That's sweet of you to say Lyra, but-"

"Oh Luna, save it for the bedroom," Vinyl groaned.

"Says the pony who talks about fucking Octavia all the time," Lyra snapped.

"What?!" Octavia exclaimed, causing Vinyl's face to go white...er.

"Heh, Tavi we can talk about this," Vinyl started, backing up.

Octavia didn't say anything, only glared and slowly walked towards her.

"I will kill you," Octavia said in the surest voice Vinyl had ever heard.

This was enough to cause Vinyl to start running, Octavia close behind.

"Vinyl never talks about sleeping with Octavia," Bon Bon said, looking over to her marefriend.

Lyra grinned, "I know, I just wanted to screw Vinyl over."

Meanwhile, Vinyl had made it back to her office and was trying to shut the door, however, Octavia was too fast.

Octavia crashed into Vinyl and the two tumbled onto the floor.

The two sat there on the floor for awhile. Vinyl was waiting for Octavia to kill her, but the cellist didn't do anything.

"You.... don't really talk about that, do you?" Octavia asked in a demanding tone.

Vinyl shook her head, "Nah, Lyra was just messing with you. I went along with it cause it seemed like fun."

Octavia rolled her eyes while Vinyl just smirked.

"I'm glad you're feeling better Octy," Vinyl said, nuzzling the cellist affectionately.

Octavia sighed contently as she enjoyed the moment with her marefriend. However, this moment was cut short as the door opened.

"Hey, Octavia, you dropped this," Lyra said, dropping the papers right by the two mares.

Vinyl grinned, "Did Bonnie get mad at you for teasing Tavi?"

Lyra smirked, "Yeah, but she said I'd get sexy times if I returned these papers."

"I did not need to hear that," Octavia commented as she straightened her papers.

Lyra's eyebrow raised, "Why are you two on the floor?"

"We were about to have se- OW!" Vinyl was cut off as Octavia hit her, "I mean... Octy was going to murder me."

Lyra snorted, "That sounds pretty accurate."

And with that, the green unicorn left the room.

"What are those?" Vinyl asked as Octavia got up from the floor.

Octavia sighed, "Divorce papers. I am working on serving Caramel."

"Serving Caramel? Like, serving him food or sexually?" Vinyl smirked.

Octavia rolled her eyes at the terrible joke before explaining, "When you serve somepony in a divorce, you first fill out some documents. Once you finish, you have to get them notarized by a notary. They will then hopefully serve the pony, which means they swear they sent the papers to Caramel. Once that is finished, you file it with the court."

"Ohhhhhhh," Vinyl said before she paused, "I don't get it."

Octavia sighed and then chuckled, "It doesn't matter Vinyl. All that matters is I am closer to getting a divorce with Caramel."

"So wait, does that mean you guys will be divorced in like a few months or so?" Vinyl asked, excited.

Octavia cringed, "No, you see, there are two types of divorces. Contested and uncontested. Uncontested divorces are when both ponies agree on the divorce, while contested means one of the ponies is fighting the divorce. The problem is, contested divorces basically means that I will have to meet with a judge more than if it was uncontested," Octavia sighed, "Which means it will take longer."

"Oh," Vinyl replied, her ears folded and her excitement gone.

Octavia sighed again, "Yes, and it will be even harder since I don't have a lawyer."

"Why don't you have a lawyer?" Vinyl questioned, tilting her head.

"I can't afford one Vinyl. I mean, it's not impossible to get a divorce without a lawyer but it will be harder."

"I can help you hire one," Vinyl offered, nuzzle Octavia on the cheek.

"Oh Vinyl, that's very sweet but this is my problem, not yours. I could not possibly ask you to pay for a lawyer," Octavia explained.

"But I want to! I want this to end, I want us to be able to date without a constant fear of Caramel doing something," Vinyl argued.

Octavia gave a sad smile before kissing Vinyl. "I know, I do too," Octavia said as she broke the short kiss.

Just then, the door to the office opened again. Lyra was on the other side again, except this time she was holding a phone in her magic.

"You got a call Oct- OH SHIT," Lyra shouted as she was almost hit by something. The unicorn looked down and smirked. "Hey Vinyl, you threw the same porn magazine that I threw at you when Octavia first came here."

"Wha- GIVE ME THAT!" Vinyl exclaimed as she chased after the laughing unicorn.

Octavia walked towards the door and watched the two unicorns chase. She shook her head before she picked up the phone from the floor.

"Hello?" Octavia asked through the phone.

"Hello, sweetheart. I was wondering if we could continue to discuss our plans. I also have a question to ask you," A stallion responded from the other side of the phone.

Octavia sighed, "Hello father. I was guessing you would call again soon. What did you want to ask me?"

"Do you remember that marriage counseling visit you and Caramel had? You never told me about it, I would like to know what happened," Octavia's father explained.

"Oh! Well, Caramel and I basically told the mare there, I believe her name was Remedy Cure, about our relationship. After a while I sort of... lost my temper, and stormed out."

"That's all? The mare didn't even give you advice?" Octavia's father asked, shocked.

Octavia shook her head before realizing her father could not see, "No father, may I ask why you wanted to ask me about that topic in particular?"

"Well," The father started, "they want to make another appointment."

Octavia opened her mouth to deny their offer but her father kept speaking.

"Alone."

"I beg your pardon?" Octavia asked, surprised.

"They would like to have a session with just you alone," He repeated.

"Oh, well I guess that's alright. May I ask when they would like to?"

"Next week," Octavia's father answered.

"Oh, alright. I'll be there. Now, what did you want to discuss about the dinner?"

"Oh! Well, your mother and I were wondering if Symphony will be joining us."

Octavia facehoofed. I forgot to invite Symphony!

"She has not answered yet, I will tell you as soon as I know," Octavia replied.

"Alright good. If we have any more questions, we'll be sure to let you know. Goodbye, Octavia, I love you."

"I love you too father, have a nice evening."

And with that, Octavia hung up the phone.

The cellist let out a sigh as she made a mental list of the things she had to do today.

I shall wait until lunch to talk to Symphony. After that, I should probably continue my work on these divorce papers.

Octavia's train of thought was broken by the door as Vinyl opened it.

"Well, I got my magazine back. I also got hit a lot by Bonnie," Vinyl announced as she rubbed the back of her head, the magazine in her magic.

Octavia raised her eyebrow, "Why did you want to get the magazine back so badly?"

Vinyl grinned, "So I can keep it forever and then one day when you bring over your boss I can creepily show it off."

Vinyl and Octavia shared a laugh.

"Nah, I just don't want the rest of my workers to see them," Vinyl said as she put a hoof around Octavia.

"If you don't want them to see it, then you should probably do a better job of hiding them," Octavia pointed out, giggling slightly.

"Good idea Tavi. You can take them home with you so you can study them for the next time we have some fun in bed," Vinyl teased, giving Octavia a sexual look.

Octavia's giggling stopped as she smacked Vinyl on the chest.

"Well, I better get to work. I don't want to have anything left to do tonight," Vinyl stated as she walked towards her desk.

"You actually want to do your work? Where are you and what have you done with Vinyl," Octavia teased.

"Don't worry Octy, this is a one in a lifetime thing."

"I better treasure this moment then."

They both chuckled.

"You better finish your work too, so you aren't busy tonight," Vinyl said.

Wait, is there something going on tonight? Did I forget a date we are having or something?

Vinyl noticed Octavia's confused look and smirked.

"Wow Octy, I thought I would be the one who forgets our date," The DJ teased, "Tonight's the musical duel between Fredric and Concert."

"Concerto," Octavia corrected in an unamused voice.

Vinyl waved her hoof, "Yeah yeah, Concert is much easier to say."

"Vinyl, there is just one more letter at the end, it's not that hard," Octavia said, annoyed.

"Whatever, just get to work so we can see your imbecile-"

"Ensemble," Octavia argued, her voice rising.

"Imbeclien."

Octavia groaned causing Vinyl to smirk.

"Goodbye Vinyl."

"See ya Tavi!" Vinyl waved.

Before Octavia left the room, she heard Vinyl call her name.

"Wait, Octy!"

"Yes Vinyl?" Octavia asked, turning towards Vinyl.

"I- uh," Oh come on dude! Just say it! Just say those three easy words! "I.... like you."

"I like you too?" Octavia replied in a confused tone as she left the room.

Once the door shut, Vinyl let out an annoyed sigh.

Seriously?

What?! I said two out of the three words, I should get some credit!

Meanwhile, outside, Octavia stood by the door as she thought about what just happened.

Was... was she going to say I love you?

Not now, Octavia, we need to focus on our work. We can think about this tomorrow.

~•~•~•~•~

Work carried on as normal. However, Octavia couldn't stop thinking about what had happened before she left Vinyl's office. This led to some awkward interactions between the two mares, almost every time they saw one another.

However, other than that everything was about the same.

Once lunch finally came around, Octavia grabbed her coat and started making her way to the theater her ensemble works at.

Once she got there, she realized the theater seemed... quiet.

Octavia walked around until she found about half of her ensemble, playing cards.

"So, what is this game again?" Symphony asked.

"You pick two random cards and figure out if they are a compatible relationship or not by reading the facts about them!" Beauty Brass explained.

"Why couldn't we just play charades," Harpo poured.

"You just want to have a chance to play your favorite movie characters again, Harpo," Octavia teased, causing all three ponies to jump.

"Octavia! What are you doing here?" Symphony asked.

"I wanted to ask if you can come to a dinner with Vinyl and me next week," Octavia explained, blushing slightly.

"What?!" Beauty Brass explained getting out of her seat, "No way! You two need to spend that time alone doing romantic things!"

"It's not a romantic dinner, Beauty," Octavia stated, "It's the dinner between our families."

"Ohhhh," Beauty Brass said in understanding.

"Of course Octavia!" Symphony exclaimed, "Only if I can spend the rest of today hidden inside your apartment."

"I guess that's al-" Octavia started before she was interrupted.

"NO!" Beauty Brass yelled, "Symphony cannot miss the love duel!"

"But I don't want to go!" Symphony whined.

As the two mares argued, Harpo walked up to Octavia.

"They've been like this all day, it's best if you run while you can," Harpo explained.

Octavia nodded her head before she snuck out of the theater.

~•~•~•~•~

Once Octavia returned from the theater, she continued to work.

The day went on normal until the office came to a close.

"So, you ready for this amazing battle of the bands?" Vinyl asked, bumping Octavia on the side.

Octavia chuckled slightly, "Well, I did already see how Symphony is taking this. Just by that reaction alone, I know this will be very interesting."

Vinyl smirked before the two started walking to the theater.

"Where's Lyra and Bon Bon?" Octavia asked, looking around.

"They're going to meet us at the theater," Vinyl replied, "Beaut is taking my employees, I swear."

Octavia giggled at that comment, causing Vinyl to smile.

The two continued to walk in silence until something entered Octavia's mind once again.

"Hey Vinyl, why were you acting so oddly before?" Octavia asked.

Vinyl immediately stiffened, "I thought I always act oddly."

Octavia's eyes narrowed slightly, that answer was definitely forced.

"Vinyl, is something going on?" Octavia asked, "You know you can tell me anything, right?"

"Yeah I know, I- I just- I l... No," Vinyl commanded as she stopped walking.

Octavia froze as she watched her marefriend, slightly worried. "Vinyl?"

"Listen, Octavia, I lo-"

"There you guys are! C'mon! The duels about to start!" Lyra exclaimed.

"Oh! Sorry Lyra! Yep, I'll go inside now!" Vinyl stammered as she quickly went inside the building.

Octavia frowned before she too walked inside.

Once they got inside, they found Harpo, Bon Bon, and Symphony all sitting in the middle of the seats. On stage, Fredric and Concerto were readying their instruments, both occasionally glaring at one another.

Symphony noticed the mares walking in, and immediately jumped up from her seat and galloped over to her sister.

"Thank Celestia you're here, I am panicking. Help me! You've dealt with this before, you have a husband and marefriend, GIVE ME ADVICE!" Symphony pleaded.

Octavia glared slightly at her sister before sighing, "Symphony, I have no advice I CAN give you. My situation is completely different, in the sense that I only like ONE of the ponies who is attracted to me."

"And luckily, I'm that one," Vinyl announced happily as she put her hoof around Octavia.

Octavia rolled her eyes before continuing, "If you want them to stop, you need to pick one of them. Or pick neither."

"Well, actually, they could be one of those couples who have like, multiple relationships," Lyra interjected.

Symphony sighed, "You're right, I guess I'll talk to them-"

"Attention, fillies and gentlecolts!" Beauty Brass announced from the stage, "It is time for the musical duel to begin!"

The lights turned off and two spotlights flashed onto Fredric and Concerto.

Symphony gulped before they all sat down in their seats as they waited for the show to start.

Once everypony was in their positions, Beauty Brass cleared her throat.

"Concerto will go first because.... alphabetical order."

Concerto smirked, causing Fredric to glare at him.

Concerto then started playing. Once he finished Fredric played. They each played one last time before they finished.

The whole time, Symphony had tears in her eyes from how amazing the pieces of music were. Octavia could tell by how Symphony's face kept changing, that she was having more and more trouble choosing which stallion.

Once Fredric finished his final song, the two stallions looked towards the audience. Everypony looked over at Symphony who was trying to sink further into her chair.

"Wait, so, how do we know who wins this duel?" Bon Bon asked.

"Symphony has to choose!" Beauty Brass announced from the stage.

"I hate my life," Symphony mumbled as she sunk into her chair.

"Well Symphony, who do you choose?" Concerto asked.

Symphony's response was to bury her face into Octavia’s neck. Octavia patted her sister's back before she let out a sigh.

"This is a stupid idea, you two need to wait for Symphony to make her own decisions," Octavia said.

"Or you can both take her out on a date," Bon Bon suggested, "That way, she can see how you two are in a relationship environment."

Concerto and Fredric looked at one another, both glaring slightly.

"Fine," They both said in an angry tone.

Symphony sighed, "Thank you, Octavia."

Octavia smiled at her sister.

"But which one of us played better?" Concerto persisted.

"In my opinion, you both suck," Vinyl replied with a shrug.

"Vinyl!" Octavia scolded.

"We weren't asking you," Fredric said, annoyed.

"You guys were meh," Lyra replied.

"We are asking Symphony!" Concerto explained, his voice rising.

"Or Octavia!" Fredric interjected.

"That's an idea. How about you end up with Octavia and I'll go with Symphony," Concerto suggested causing Fredric to glare at him.

Octavia opened her mouth to respond but Vinyl beat her to it.

"If Fredric wants to try to date Octy, he'll have to go through me," Vinyl paused, "And also Caramel, I guess."

Octavia blushed slightly at that, while Beauty Brass internally celebrated.

"How about Concerto takes Symphony out on Saturday while Fredric takes her out Sunday," Bon Bon said.

"But that's not fair, if they decide to have sexy times, Fredric and Symphony will have work the next day," Vinyl argued.

Symphony looked at the DJ mortified, while Octavia just looked at her marefriend with a look of 'I'm not surprised anymore'.

"Well then, I guess this whole musical duel was for nothing," Fredric stated as he started to put away his things.

"Not really," Symphony argued, "You two played amazing. And in a way, I could tell you guys opened up your souls to me when you played."

Fredric and Concerto both blushed but said nothing.

And with that, the ponies all went home.

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia let out a sigh of relief as she finally got home.

On her way there, she and Vinyl stopped at a grocery store and picked up some food. Vinyl wanted to come over to Octavia's apartment to spend the night. The cellist was a little tempted but denied the offer as Caramel was most likely already there.

Octavia could hear the sound of a shower and the sound of Caramel's horrible singing as she walked by.

Octavia wanted to go straight to bed, however, she noticed some mail on the table.

She walked over to the table and started going through the mail. Although most of them were bills, one thing caught her eye.

"It's... my old high school," Octavia said to herself in shock.

She quickly pulled the paper out of the letter, which had already been opened, and read it.

Once she finished, she put the paper down and sat on the table to think about what she had just read.

"A high school reunion.... and Caramel has already read it,"

"Bloody hell."

Chapter 31

View Online

Octavia opened her eyes to find the ceiling. She sighed and turned over to her phone. The first thing she noticed was a new text from Vinyl.


'Hey beby juss wanna says that u arw prtty great like i thinl i libe yiu?$'


Octavia raised an eyebrow.


Was Vinyl drunk?


Octavia quickly asked her marefriend that questions.


'Vinyl, did you go drinking?'


No response.


Octavia waited a few minutes, and still got nothing.


Don't panic Octavia. Vinyl is a grown mare, don't be so overprotective of her.


After a few more minutes, Octavia still didn't have a response.


The cellist sighed before she got out of her bed.


I will text her again later, if she doesn't respond, I'll go and check on her.


With that thought in mind, Octavia opened the door to the living room.


Well, it's Saturday. Hopefully, I can find some way to prevent Caramel from finding out about the dinner.


Octavia froze as she noticed something on the table.


Oh, Luna.


Octavia sighed again and continued walking.


"Good morning honey!" Caramel exclaimed as he kissed Octavia on the cheek.


"Hello Caramel, I see you made breakfast again," Octavia pointed out as she greeted him.


"Yep! Anything for my lovely wife!" Caramel replied, to which Octavia rolled her eyes.


Octavia sat down at the table, quickly followed by Caramel.


Once they were seated, they started eating.


While Octavia was eating, she felt an odd feeling. She looked up to find Caramel watching her with a loving smile.


"Caramel, what are you doing?" Octavia asked.


"Nothing, just admiring my wife," Caramel replied as he continued to stare at the mare.


Octavia sighed for the third time that day as she continued to eat.


"You know, I was thinking," Caramel started after a few minutes, "It's been awhile since we've done anything together. Why don't we do something today?"


"I can't Caramel, I have a work dinner tonight-"


"ARE YOU SEEING THAT MARE?!" Caramel yelled, getting up from his seat which caused Octavia to jump.


Octavia waited for a second for Caramel's anger to cool down. When that didn't happen, Octavia said in an unsure voice, "It's for my ensemble."


"Oh," Caramel said as he sunk back into his chair.


The two then went back to breakfast, this time in complete silence.


Speaking of my ensemble, Symphony has her date with Concerto today. I wonder how that will go.

~•~•~•~•~

Knock knock knock


Symphony groaned and rolled more into her bed.


Please, not now, world. I need a break, this whole love drama is taking a toll on me.


KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.


"UGGGGGGH!" Symphony groaned as she got up from her bed.


As she passed the mirror, she paused and turned towards it.


"I can't answer the door like this!" Symphony exclaimed as she quickly grabbed the brush and started to do her mane.


KNOCK KNO-


"Just a minute!" Symphony yelled.


Once Symphony thought she was presentable, she went to the door and opened it.


"Good morning Symphony, you look very nice today," Concerto greeted with a smile.


Symphony returned the smile, "Oh, hello Concerto. I wasn't expecting you to show up so early."


"I apologize, I was wondering if we could grab brunch since I know you have your dinner with your family tonight," Concerto offered.


It was true. Before Symphony had left the theater, she went back and told Concerto that whatever his plans were, they couldn't be late since she had to meet her family for dinner.


"I would love to. Just let me take a quick shower first. You may sit on the couch if you like," Symphony offered.


Concerto nodded and he entered Symphony's apartment.


There were still many boxes in her apartment, as she was still moving in some things. Concerto sat on the couch as Symphony went towards her bathroom to shower.


As Symphony showered, she couldn't help but let her thoughts run wild.


I forgot about today! Oh bloody hell, why couldn't I just make up my mind between the two?!


Symphony banged her head against the shower wall as she groaned.


Once she finished her shower, she got out, dried herself, and brushed her mane again.


Once she was all ready, she came out from the room and the two ponies left to brunch.


"Where are we going?" Symphony asked.


"To a nice Prench place," Concerto replied.


"Oh, that sounds lovely," Symphony commented, causing Concerto to smile.


Symphony blushed when she noticed this.


I hate this curse that seems to run in my family.

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia put down her bow and checked her phone.


Once she and Caramel finished breakfast, Octavia decided to practice her cello.


When she stopped, she noticed the time was closer to noon. So, in hopes her marefriend had responded, Octavia pulled out her phone.


"No new messages," Octavia said with a sigh.


Octavia put her phone back down and she continued to play her music.


However, she kept messing up.


Focus Octavia. Don't think about Vinyl, how she was most likely drunk last night and might have been hurt or even ra-


Octavia put her cello down as she galloped out of the room.


She then grabbed her things before opening the door to leave.


"Where are you going?" Caramel asked.


"I need to go," Octavia explained before she left.


"That didn't answer my question!" Caramel yelled as he opened the door again.


However, the cellist was already out of sight.


"Taxi!" Octavia called from outside her apartment.


A taxi quickly stopped right in front of her and Octavia jumped in.


"Where to miss?" The driver asked.


Octavia gave the stallion Vinyl's address and the taxi went off.


As the taxi sped through the city, Octavia stared out the window in thought.


I hope Vinyl is alright.


You know who would do something like what you're doing? Caramel.


This is different, Vinyl was drunk.


You don't know that! She could have been joking!


I doubt she would do that!


Are you more willing to race down to Vinyl's apartment than to tell her you love her?


Octavia closed her eyes as she laid her head back on the seat.


"Are you alright?" The driver asked, noticing tears forming in the mare's eyes.


Octavia sighed, "Yes, I'm just worried about somepony, that's all."


I'm also worried that I'm doing something stupid, Octavia continued to herself.


"Oh, well I hope that whoever you're talking about is alright," The driver said in a caring tone.


Octavia opened her eyes and smiled. "Thank you."


The stallion returned the smile before he continued to focus on driving.


Once the stallion stopped at the front of Vinyl's apartment, Octavia gave him some money and a big tip before rushing to the building.


Once she was in there, she went up the stairs and to Vinyl's apartment.


Once Octavia was at Vinyl's front door, she knocked.


No response.


She knocked again.


KNO-


"What?!" A voice groaned from the other side. The voice was croaky, but it was still unmistakable.


"Vinyl, it's Octavia. Could you please open the door."


Octavia heard another groan before hearing hooves stumble around and a few curse words.


When the door was opened, Octavia's theory was confirmed.


Vinyl had a messed up mane and had baggy red eyes.


"Hey Tavi, why are you here," Vinyl asked.


Before Octavia could respond, Vinyl facehoofed. "Did I send you- Ow, something stupid?"


Octavia cringed slightly, "Well, you did send me a text."


Vinyl's eyes went wide, "What did it say?"


Octavia took out her phone and showed it to the mare.


Vinyl squinted as she read. When she finished, she groaned again, "Sorry."


"It's alright Vinyl, I assume you have just woken up?"


"Yeah, you woke me," Vinyl replied.


"I apologize, I was just worried about you," Octavia admitted, blushing slightly.


Vinyl grinned, "Aw, you care about me Tavi."


Octavia smiled before kissing the mare on the forehead. "C'mon, let's go inside."


And with that, the two mares entered Vinyl's apartment.


As Octavia entered, she was surprised to find no traces of alcohol anywhere. Meanwhile, Vinyl immediately laid down onto the couch.


"Why were you drinking so much?" Octavia asked as she sat down next to the mare.


"I had a gig," Vinyl explained, "and normally, I drink a lot at gigs. But that's enough talking."


Vinyl then painfully pulled herself up before laying her head down onto Octavia's chest.


Octavia smiled before she started running her hoof through the unicorn's mane.


Vinyl purred slightly before she fell fast asleep.


Octavia watched the unicorn sleep, smiling at how Vinyl kicked slightly and how her ears moved around.


A thought enters the cellist’s mind as she grabbed her phone before going back to the text Vinyl had sent her.


"Maybe I can try to decode this," Octavia mumbled to herself.


She started reading the text again, this time looking at the phone keyboard in order to guess how Vinyl might mess up some of the words.


Could she have been trying to say... I love you?


Octavia looked down at the sleeping DJ.


Maybe I'll ask her once she wakes up again. I should prepare for that.


With that thought in mind, Octavia attempted to move Vinyl. Vinyl, however, just grumbled before using her hooves to pull Octavia closer and then nuzzling into her fur.


Octavia sighed.


I guess I'll just have to ask somepony else.

~•~•~•~•~

"And he kept playing a high note instead of a low note!" Concerto stated before he broke off into laughter.


Symphony chuckled slightly, however, she was actually extremely bored.


As the date went on, Symphony started to realize what she liked about Concerto was more what he represented than who he actually was.


I wonder if I think of Fredric like that?


Symphony's curiosity turned to realization as she thought about the reasons she liked Fredric.


While Concerto was a sudden crush, Fredric's had built up over the years, the more Octavia brought her ensemble to the house.


"Are you alright, Symphony?" Concerto asked, breaking Symphony from her thoughts.


"Y-yeah. I'm just thinking," Symphony replied with a reassuring smile.


"Care to share?" Concerto asked, causing Symphony to cringe.


"I'm just worried about how the dinner will go," Symphony lied.


"Yes, I would love to hear about it once it happens. May I ask why your sister is in such a... odd situation?" Concerto questioned.


Symphony sighed, "She married wrong and is trying to move on. I hope she'll end up happy, but I don't know if she is making the right choices at times."


"I can see that," Concerto agreed, "It's probably not a smart idea for her to date that DJ."


"Why do you think that?" Symphony asked.


"Well, it kind of stupid. Why leave a reckless relationship if you're just going to go back into one!" Concerto exclaimed.


"What makes it reckless?" Symphony asked, her voice rising slightly.


"Well, I mean. Those types of ponies are-"


"Those types of ponies?" Symphony almost yelled.


"Well yes! She's a DJ! They come from the streets, doing drugs and-"


"You can't just judge her for what she does!" Symphony argued.


The two ponies would have continued their small argument if it wasn't for all the ponies staring at them.


Concerto cleared his voice in embarrassment before saying, "Check please?"


A few minutes later, the waiter came by and gave them their check. Once they paid, the two left to return Symphony to her apartment.


"I had fun," Concerto said as they walked to Symphony's door, "Except for our little argument."


"Yeah," Symphony replied.


Before the mare could react in any way, Concerto kissed her. Symphony let it happen. It only lasted a few seconds before Concerto broke it off.


"I shall see you at our next ensemble meeting," Concerto said before he left Symphony alone with her thoughts.


I wonder how my date with Fredric will go.

~•~•~•~•~

Vinyl woke up with a groan.


No.
I want to sleep.


Vinyl nuzzled closer to her pillow. However, she stopped when she felt the pillow move and when she heard a giggle.


"Hello Vinyl," Octavia greeted.


Vinyl looked up. "Hey, Tavi."


Vinyl then paused to rub her head as she still had a small headache.


"There's some orange juice for you on the table," Octavia offered.


Vinyl grabbed the drink and chugged it down. Once she finished, she realized something.


"Wait... how did you get this?" Vinyl asked.


Octavia blushed slightly, "I asked Bon Bon to come over and bring some for you since you wouldn't let me get up."


Vinyl chuckled lightly, "I'm not surprised."


Octavia smiled and the two entered a comfortable silence.


After a few minutes, Octavia sighed.


"Vinyl, can we talk about something?"


Vinyl looked up at Octavia and shrugged, "Sure."


Vinyl then moved off of Octavia in order to face the mare.


The two stared at each other for a few seconds, this time in awkward silence.


Octavia sighed again. "Vinyl, what were you trying to text me while you were drunk?"


"I don't know. I don't really remem-"


"I believe it's connected with what you were trying to tell me yesterday."


Vinyl's eyes went wide and she started to sweat a little bit.


"Vinyl... what are you-"


"I love you."


Octavia was taken aback.


"Wha-what?"


"I didn't want to say anything because I was worried you would find it creepy or something," Vinyl confessed quickly, "So yeah... I love you."


Octavia stared at Vinyl, her mouth agape. Of course she thought that's what she was going to say, but actually hearing it was a completely different thing.


Vinyl looked around the room, trying desperately to not make eye contact with the mare. However, when Vinyl saw Octavia in the corner of her vision, she finally faced her in concern.


"Octy, don't cry," Vinyl said as she hugged the mare, "Aw crap, this is all my fault. I shouldn't have tried to say anything to you."


"N-no. I'm happy you said it Vinyl, really," Octavia replied through her tears, "I just. I don't think I can say it back."


"That's fine," Vinyl said, trying to hide the sadness in her voice.


"I do too. But, I don't think I'm ready to say it yet. But I do feel the same way," Octavia said, finally moving off Vinyl to look at her.


Vinyl smiled as she heard that, happy that Octavia felt the same way. In a second, the two started kissing.


"Hey, Vinyl?" Octavia said as she broke the kiss.


"Yeah?" Vinyl replied.


"Do you... want to go into the bedroom?" Octavia asked, a blush forming on her face.


Vinyl grinned, "Hell yeah."


And with that, the two enjoyed the rest of their afternoon together.

Chapter 32

View Online

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK


Vinyl groaned as she moved in an attempt to muffle out the sound. However, the mare's movement was stopped abruptly as she felt moving from right next to her.


Vinyl looked over at Octavia, whose mane was a mess, had no bow tie, and had both her hooves around the DJ's barrel. The mare also had a peaceful smile on her face.


Vinyl smirked a little as she noticed her marefriend.


Heh heh, oh yeah, forgot about THAT.


KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK


Vinyl sighed, the knocking hadn't stopped. So, she decide to investigate.


However, her plans were stopped by the same mare who stopped her from moving only a few seconds prior.


Vinyl couldn't help but crack a smile as she heard small complaints from the cellist.


"I know I'm fun to cuddle with, but I gotta answer the door," Vinyl said, nuzzling Octavia's cheek.


Octavia smiled before sighing tiredly, "Alright fine, but be back soon so we can continue our fun~"


After hearing this, the unicorn grabbed her glasses and practically bolted out of the bed, causing her hooves to get caught in the covers which made her stumble.


This didn't stop her, however, as she continued to make her way to the door. Vinyl glared at the ground slightly as she heard the sound of Octavia's laughter coming from the other room.


Before Vinyl opened the door, she paused and decided to look into the peep hole.


Vinyl almost fell to the ground as she saw who was on the other side.


"Caramel," Vinyl hissed.


KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK


Thankfully, Caramel hadn't noticed Vinyl, which meant she had time to plan.


Shit shit shit. I knew it was only a matter of time before he came here.

Vinyl silently made her way back over to the bedroom. Vinyl peaked through to find Octavia on her phone, texting somepony. The DJ then set her plan into motion. Vinyl set a silent spell which would cause Octavia to not be able to hear Caramel and for Caramel to not be able to hear her. Once that was done, Vinyl locked the door and went back to her front door.


Well, you've made it this far, now what?


Um, let's answer the door!


Vinyl started moving her hoof towards the door.


What?! Are you crazy?! Remember when Caramel almost BROKE YOUR RIBS?!


This thought caused Vinyl to stop again.


Alright fine, what do you think we should do?


How about we-


Vinyl's thoughts were interrupted by a buzzing. Vinyl turned around where her phone was still sitting on the living room table.


The DJ levitate her phone over to her and checked it.


'I know you're in there'


Vinyl's eyes went wide. It was from an unknown number.


'Who is this?'


'Where is my wife?!'


Well, at least he's very forward about it, Vinyl thought to herself.


'I don't know. Unlike you I don't stalk everything she does, so you're probably the one who knows where she is.'


'Cut the bullshit. She left our house in a hurry without explaining anything, she must be with you.'


'Well, she's not.'


'Then what's that smell?'


Vinyl froze.


Shit.


'What smell?'


He can't mean that, out of anything he CANNOT mean that.


'I'm at your house. It smells like c-'


Vinyl didn't even bother to read the rest.


Octavia is going to bucking kill me. Whatever, that's future me's problem. I need to deal with this first.


'Why the hell are you at my house?!'


'You've done it with Octavia, haven't you? I'm going to bust this door down and beat the ever living shit out of you!'


With that text sent, Vinyl heard the sound of somepony ramming against the door. This set Vinyl to panic mode.


C'mon! Open the door! We can take that dumbass!


But would Octavia be okay with that?


Vinyl groaned again.


Why do I have to love her...


Vinyl galloped to the bedroom and unlocked the door. Octavia stared at the mare wide-eyed as she burst through the door.


"Vinyl, what's-"


"Caramel, is here," Vinyl said between pants, "And he is trying to burst the door down."


Octavia's eyes went wide with fear.


"Call the police!" Octavia exclaimed.


"And the firemen?"


Octavia glared, "Now is not the time to joke Vinyl!"


"Right right, sorry!" Vinyl quickly apologized before she started to call the police.

~•~•~•~•~

"Soooo, you don't think you want to be with Concerto?" Beauty Brass asked.


Symphony sighed and nodded.


Once Concerto left, Symphony decided to call over Beauty Brass to have some tea with her.


"WOOOO!" Beauty Brass cheered, causing Symphony to almost fall out of her seat, "That means we know who your future husband will be!"


"What?!" Symphony exclaimed.


"What? Now is the time of year when we meet our future spouses!" Beauty Brass replied causing Symphony to groan.


"I don't even know if I like Fredric enough to date him," Symphony pointed out.


Beauty Brass shrugged, "You could ask Octavia about her relationship with him."


Symphony's eyes went wide, "Wow Beauty, that's actually a good idea!"


Symphony got up and started leaving.


"Wait, what do you mean by an actually good idea?!" Beauty Brass exclaimed.


Symphony paused to give Beauty Brass a look.


"Also, why not just wait until dinner to ask Octavia?" Beauty Brass asked.


"Because," Symphony started, "something tells me this dinner won't be a good time to talk about anything that isn't related to Octavia's situation." With that said, Symphony closed the door and left.


"I wish I could be there," Beauty Brass pouted.


Symphony trotted down the streets of Manehatten, looking around the city. As Hearth's warming eve approached, more and more decorations were being put up around the city, making everything light up in a festive light.


However, Symphony was too busy admiring the sights to realize where she was going, causing her to bump into somepony. This caused the both of them to fall onto the floor.


"Oh! I'm sorry, are you al- Lyra?" Symphony exclaimed as she realized who she had just bumped into.


Lyra's eyes snapped open as she heard her name, she looks up to find Symphony looking down, worryingly.


"Hey, Symphony. Sorry, I'm in a rush, I need to go," Lyra said quickly before galloping off.


Well... that was odd.


Symphony shook her head before she continued walking, only to bump into another pony.


Instead of saying an apology like before, Symphony immediately opened her eyes to find out who the pony was. She was not too surprised to find Bon Bon rubbing her head.


"I'm guessing you're chasing after Lyra?" Symphony asked.


Bon Bon nodded her head, "Did she not tell you what happened?"


Symphony's eye widened.


What now?


"No... What happened?"


Bon Bon's eyes became full of worry. "Caramel attempted to break into Vinyl's apartment... while Vinyl and Octavia were there. They called the police and-"


Bon Bon would never ever get the chance to finish that sentence as Symphony was already halfway down the block.


The three mares ran towards Vinyl's apartment, all extremely worried for their friend's safety. Once they got there, they found police outside the apartment.


Lyra and Bon Bon looked at each other worryingly before the three continued walking towards the apartment door.


"Sorry, no pony can enter this apartment at the moment," The police pony explained.


"Where Vinyl and Octavia?" Lyra demanded.


The police's eyes narrowed, "Who are you?"


Lyra opened her mouth to respond but Symphony beat her to it. "I'm Symphony Melody, sister of Octavia Melody. These two are friends of theirs who I brought with me, may we see my sister please?"


The police pony examined the mares for a second before turning to another police pony and whispering something to him. The second police pony then disappeared into the apartment before coming out with Octavia and Vinyl.


"Vinyl! Octavia!" The three mares exclaimed at the same time before running over to them.


The two sisters hugged one another while Lyra and Bon Bon interrogated Vinyl.


"What happened to you two?" Bon Bon asked.


"Yeah, and where's Caramel? I want to punch him right in the muzzle," Lyra said, moving her hoof to punch the air.


"Me and Tavi woke up to the door knocking. I came in and saw Caramel on the other side, banging on my door. He texted me, don't know how he got my number but we talked. It ended with him attempting to break the door down because he thinks he smelled the scent of two ponies doing it."


Bon Bon raised an eyebrow, "Think?"


Vinyl blushed slightly, "Okay he DID but don't tell Tavi I told you that."


Lyra smirked, "Hot."


Vinyl smiled before continuing, "Caramel left before the police got here."


"Oh. So I'm guessing they're going to find him now and like, arrest him?" Lyra asked a small hint of happiness in her voice.


Vinyl frowned slightly before taking a small glance at Octavia who was talking to her sister, "I'm not pressing charges."


"What?! Are you crazy?!" Bon Bon exclaimed.


Vinyl sighed, "Octy wanted me to but... I could tell that it would hurt her to so... I decided not to."


"Vinyl, that's very sweet. But he's dangerous and-"


"I know," Vinyl stated, interrupting Bon Bon, "that's why I'm going to change my number, move to another apartment, and start planning out how I hang out with Octy more thoroughly."


Lyra and Bon Bon looked at one another before looking at Vinyl again.


Bon Bon sighed, "Alright, but if he does something like this again, press charges."


"Yeah! Or let us beat him up for you!" Lyra agreed.


Vinyl smiled, "Thanks, guys."


The DJ then hugged her friends before turning towards Octavia and her sister.


"So, we should probably start getting ready for the dinner we have to go to," Vinyl said, getting the mare's attention.


Octavia raised her eyebrow, "Since when did you become so excited about this dinner?"


Vinyl grinned, "I'm not, just excited about what might happen after it."


Octavia's face turned completely red as Vinyl just smirked.


"OW!" Vinyl yelled as Octavia whacked her head, causing the other ponies to laugh.

~•~•~•~•~

"My Celestia, what are you going to do?" Symphony asked.


Lyra and Bon Bon had made their ways back to their home while Vinyl, Octavia, and Symphony got ready for dinner at Symphony's home.


"I don't know," Octavia replied sincerely, shaking the tea she held slightly, "I can't believe he freaked out like that... Well, I guess I kind of did since she smelled... well, you know."


"Yes," Symphony said, blushing slightly, "but this is insane! Are you going to tell mom and dad about-"


"No!" Octavia exclaimed, causing Symphony to jump, "If father still doesn't like Vinyl, then I shouldn’t even consider telling him that we." Octavia trailed off at the end, too embarrassed to continue.


"Yeah," Symphony replied.


After a moment of silence, Octavia decided to change the subject, "So, how was your date with Concerto?"


Symphony sighed angrily, "Better get comfy, this is a long story."


Meanwhile, as the two sisters talked to one another, Vinyl was in Symphony's bathroom, showering.


"This’ll be the day that I die," Vinyl sung as she washed her mane. However, her voice was not cheery, it was low and sad.


It's all our fault that happened with Caramel.


No, it's not.


If you didn't decide to have fun with Tavi, this would never have happened.


Shut up.


You know who wouldn't have had his problem? Lucky Streak.


"Shut up!" Vinyl said to herself as she hit the wall.


"Vinyl, are you alright?" Octavia asked in concern as she heard the sound of something hitting the wall.


"Y-yeah yeah! I'm fine!" Vinyl yelled back. The DJ then sighed and looked down at the floor.


"Just fine."


Once Vinyl finished her shower, Octavia took her turn while Vinyl brushed her mane. Symphony meanwhile, was cleaning up the tea she and her sister had had.


"I'm sorry," Vinyl said suddenly, causing Symphony to turn around.


"What?"


"I'm sorry the thing happened with Caramel," Vinyl replied in a sad voice as she put the brush down.


Vinyl jumped when she felt Symphony out her hoof on Vinyl's shoulder.


"Vinyl, it's not your fault," Symphony comforted, rubbing Vinyl's back, "Octavia doesn't hold it against you, I don't hold it against you! I mean, you did basically say the two of you had sex at dinner before."


Vinyl chuckled, "I thought everypony thought I was kidding."


"Oh, we did!" Symphony confirmed, "Just not anymore."


Vinyl laughed before turning to Symphony, "Thanks."


Symphony smiled, "You're welcome Vinyl."


The two smiled at one another for a second before Symphony returned to her kitchen and Vinyl returned to brushing her mane.


After a few minutes, Vinyl heard the noise of the shower stopping, giving the DJ an idea.


Vinyl quietly snuck around and hid by the bathroom door. She waited a few seconds before the door opened, revealing Octavia with a towel over her mane.


Vinyl took this moment of blindness to wrap her hooves around the earth pony's torso, causing said mare to let out a surprising sequel.


"Vinyl!" Octavia scolded, a blush forming on her face as Vinyl nuzzled the back of the cellist's neck.


"Yeah?" Vinyl asked in a teasing tone as she started nuzzling behind Octavia's ears.


"Get off me!" Octavia said giggling, pushing Vinyl off her.


Octavia attempted to glare at the mare, which didn't work due to the smile on her face, Vinyl just smirked at the mare. The two then moved in for a quick kiss before breaking it.


Octavia then went over to where Vinyl had left the brush and started brushing her own mane.


Once she was done, the three mares started getting dressed and ready for dinner.

~•~•~•~•~

"Why do I have to wear a dress?" Vinyl whined.


"If you want to impress our parents you need to wear one," Symphony replied, a matter of factly.


Vinyl groaned, "Where's Tavi?"


Symphony rolled her eyes, "She needed to grab something from upstairs."


Vinyl let out an annoyed sigh as she waited. Although Vinyl didn't care about this dinner, she did want to see Octavia in a dress again.


After a few seconds, Octavia finally came outside the apartment where Symphony and Vinyl were waiting for her.


Both Octavia and Vinyl froze as they took in what the other was wearing. Symphony getting the cue to leave them alone, started walking.


"I'll go get us a taxi," The mare said before walking away, leaving the two mares to stare at one another.


"Y-you look... good," Vinyl stammered.


Octavia didn't reply.


She looks.... dashing.


Octavia then realized Vinyl had complimented her. "Thank you!" The cellist replied quickly, "You... you look positively amazing."


Vinyl blushed, looking down at the floor with a small grin. Octavia opened her mouth to speak, only to be interrupted.


"Are you two love birds coming or what?!" Symphony called from the corner of the street where a taxi waited for them.


"Coming!" The two replied at the same time as they quickly galloped towards the car.


Symphony got in first followed by Octavia and then Vinyl.


"Where to?" The stallion asked.


Octavia replied with the name of the restaurant before the car took off.


Once the taxi stopped by the restaurant, the three mares got out of the car and made their way to the restaurant. When they got there, they found Octavia and Symphony's parents already there.


"Octavia! Symphony! Hello!" Octavia's mother greeted, hugging the two.


"Vinyl," Octavia's father greeted, walking up to the DJ.


"Octy's dad," Vinyl greeted as well, causing the father to smirk slightly.


"Do you still not know my name?" The father asked.


Vinyl shook her head, "Nope. But even if I did, I'd still call you Octy's dad just to spite Octy."


Octavia's father shook his head laughing slightly.


"Hello father," Octavia greeted as she finished hugging her mother.


"Hello, my fillies," Octavia's father said affectionately before hugging his daughters.


"Vinyl! Hello again! You look nice," Octavia mother said with a smile, to which Vinyl returned it.


"Hey, Tavi's mom. You look great too," Vinyl complimented.


"Oh, be careful with who you compliment my dear, you might make your marefriend jealous," Octavia's mother teased.


"Mother!" Octavia exclaimed causing the mother and Vinyl to start laughing.


"So where are your parents Vinyl?" Octavia's father asked once the laughing died down.


"I don't know. How ‘bout you guys go into the restaurant while I wait outside for them," Vinyl offered.


"Nonsense! We can wait with you!" Octavia's mother persisted.


"Well, we do need to get inside so they don't cancel our reservations," Symphony pointed out.


"Symphony's right, besides, you two need to hear about Symphony's love problems," Octavia agreed, causing Symphony to look at her sister with a 'You will bleed and no one will find your body’ look, which was a look Vinyl knew all too well.


"Oh! Symphony! You MUST tell us!" The mother exclaimed, pushing the mare inside.


Symphony groaned before the door to the restaurant closed.


The father followed after them. He paused as he opened the door and turned towards Octavia.


"Aren't you coming as well?" The father asked.


Octavia shook her head, "I'll stay here and wait with Vinyl. You go ahead."


Octavia's father nodded his head before entering the restaurant, leaving the couple alone.


Once her father was out of sight, Octavia turned towards Vinyl who was staring at the night sky in thought.


"Are you alright Vinyl?" Octavia asked, getting closer to the mare.


Vinyl turned towards her marefriend, "Heh, yeah Tavi. I'm just thinking ‘bout stuff."


"Care you share?" Octavia offered, getting even closer to the DJ.


Vinyl chuckled, putting her hoof around the cellist, "I'm thinking about a lot of stuff. This dinner, Caramel, us."


"Us? What about us?" Octavia questioned, tilting her head.


Vinyl shrugged, "I don't know. Like, what do we do after your divorce."


"Vinyl," Octavia said in a comforting voice as she put her hoof to Vinyl's cheek, moving the DJ to face her, "That's all things in the future. You need to think about what our current problem is and that's this dinner."


Vinyl laughed, "You're really bad at not showing that you're panicking."


"Oh shush," Octavia replied, swatting the mare.


Vinyl just smiled and kissed her marefriend on the cheek.


Octavia blushed at the gesture, and let out a content sigh.


"Awww. They don't even realize we're watching them!" Long Play teased, causing Vinyl and Octavia to jump.


Octavia's face turned completely red while Vinyl's just slightly darkened.


"Long Play! What the hell?" Vinyl said with a chuckle while Octavia attempted to bury her head into her hooves.


"It's good to see you too," Long Play said, rolling his eyes.


"Oh stop. Look what you're doing to Octavia!" Vinyl mother exclaimed, laughing slightly.


Vinyl and Long Play laughed at the cellist's situation while said cellist just glared.


"I forgot Vinyl's whole family has the same horrible sense of humor," Octavia growled.


"More like we actually have a sense of humor," Vinyl teased, causing Octavia to hit her on the chest.


"Is that her family in there?" Vinyl's father asked, making his presence known.


The ponies turned to look into the restaurant, where Octavia's parents were clearly interrogating a blushing Symphony.


Octavia sighed at her family's antics, "Yes, that's them. We should probably get inside."


The family nodded their heads as they entered the restaurant and walked towards the table.


Octavia's parents noticed them and stopped bothering their daughter, causing her to turn around to see what they were looking at. Once she noticed Symphony she started glaring at her sister.


Octavia's parents then got up to greet Vinyl's parents, as Long Play, Vinyl, and Octavia all sat down.


"I will kill you," Symphony whispered.


"I'm sure you will, Symphony," Octavia said rolling her eyes.


"Huh, so THIS is Octavia's sister, eh?" Long Play asked as she noticed the other mare, "She is pretty hot."


Symphony eyes went wide as she blushed at the comment.


Vinyl laughed, "Oh please, you're not her type. Symphony's only into rich snooty types- OW!"


Vinyl shouted in pain as Octavia slapped her arm.


"What?!" Vinyl asked in pain.


"Don't insult Fredric like that!" Symphony all of a sudden exclaimed, causing Octavia and Vinyl to stare at her wide eyed. Symphony then blushed even more and sunk more into her seat.


"Uh, who?" Long Play asked, "He sounds like some stupid fancy guy who likes swim in his money."


"That's because he is-" Vinyl paused as she felt Octavia's glare on the back of her head, "a pianist from Octavia's imbecile."


"Ensemble!" Octavia's whole family corrected at the same time causing the DJ to almost jump out of her seat.


Long Play started laughing, while Octavia's while family glared at the mare.


"Uhhhh, mom, help me," Vinyl pleaded.


"I can't dear," Vinyl's mom started as she seated herself next to Long Play, "You've brought this mess onto yourself."


Vinyl gulped while Octavia's family just sighed before seating themselves. The order of the table was, Vinyl and Octavia next to each other. To Octavia's left was her sister, next to her sister was her mom and then her dad. Next to Octavia's dad was Vinyl's dad, next to him was Vinyl's mother, and next to her was Long Play.


The waiter then came to their table to take their orders. Once everypony was done, the waiter left and the table became silent.


"Soooo," Vinyl started, breaking the silence, "how do we start this train wreck?"


Octavia's mother's response was to pull out a stack of papers, causing everypony to look at her wide eyed.


"What?" She asked, "I came prepared."


"Yeah okay now that is officially scary," Long Play commented.


"I should take notes," Vinyl's mother thought out loud, scratching her chin.


"Wha- mom!" Vinyl and Long Play exclaimed causing the mare to laugh.


"Ha! Wow, and I thought my interrogation was bad!" Symphony teased, causing Octavia to glare at her sister.


"Oh don't worry sweetie, you'll get your own list soon!" Octavia's mom replied in a loving voice, causing Symphony to gulp in fear.


"What's that list for?" Vinyl's father asked, tilting his head slightly.


"It's a list of questions for not only you all but for Vinyl and Octavia. Oh! And also things you can ask us!" Octavia's mother replied with a smile.


"Wow! That's amazing!" Vinyl mother exclaimed, causing Octavia's mother's smile to grow.


"Well at least our moms are getting along," Vinyl whispered to Octavia.


"Yes, but I cannot tell whether that's a good or bad thing," Octavia whispered back.


"Alright, first question," Octavia's mother announced, "What do we all think of Octavia and Vinyl's relationship."


"Oh, I think you can answer this question first," Vinyl's mother said, nervously.


"Oh no, please, go first," Octavia's father insisted.


"No no, it's alright. You go!" Vinyl's mother replied.


"No, really it's al-"


"I think their relationship is fine," Symphony said, interrupting the father, "I mean, it's not like Octavia is just using Vinyl for sex or something like that, she's just moving on."


Octavia glared at her marefriend as she could basically see what Vinyl was thinking through her glasses.


The parents turned to face one another.


"Wow, guys. So afraid that your own daughter is more willing to talk," Long Play laughed.


"Shut up Long Play," Vinyl's mother growled slightly.


"I also think their relationship is good!" Octavia's mother agreed, "They're both happy so who am I to complain?"


Octavia smiled at her mother, who gladly returned it.


"Well," Vinyl's father started causing everypony to look towards him, "I don't really know that much about... anything going on so I don't think my opinion really matters."


"What do you mean you don't know anything? How do you just feel about your daughter dating a married mare?" Octavia's father questioned.


Vinyl's father just shrugged, causing Vinyl's mother to sigh. "He didn't spend his time around them while they were foals. He barely knows Vinyl, the two of us are divorced actually."


"Oh," Octavia's mother exclaimed, "I'm sorry."


Vinyl's mother chuckled darkly, "It's fine. I guess that's why in a way I don't really know how I feel yet. I still see myself a little in the husband of Octavia but from what I've heard, and have partially seen, Octavia is really just trying to move on."


"I have the opposite problem," Octavia's father replied, "I know all about Caramel and what he's done, but I don't know much about this Vinyl or if she's even worthy of my Octavia."


"Dear, that's not something you say to the parents of the mare you said may not be 'worthy' of our daughter," Octavia's mother said annoyed as she rubbed her eyes.


"Nah it's cool," Vinyl said, causing everypony to look at her, "Sometimes I don't know if I'm worth Octy myself."


Octavia's mother and Symphony both went "Awwww!" Meanwhile, Octavia just smacked her head onto the table with a groan, in order to hide her blush.


Vinyl's mother chuckled at the scene, shaking her head, "You two are something."


"Something terrible," Octavia replied, head still on the table.


"Don't say that Tavi! You love this relationship!" Vinyl teased as she ruffled the mare's mane.


Octavia finally lifted her head again to glare at her smirking marefriend before she then fixed her mane.


"Hello! Is anypony going to ask how I feel about their relationship?" Long Play asked in an annoyed tone.


"Sure, how do you feel sweetie?" Vinyl's mother asked her son.


Long Play shrugged, "Meh."


This caused Vinyl's mom to facehoof.


"Hey, we should totally do this again!" Vinyl exclaimed, "Except this time with Frideric, Concerto, and Symphony."


"No!" Symphony stated, getting out of her seat. This caused Vinyl to laugh while Octavia just giggled.


"What's our next question?" Vinyl's father asked, facing Octavia's mother.


Octavia's mother went through her list before pointing her hoof at a spot on it.


"Do you/we want to help the two in their journey to make their relationship a thing and to get the divorce?" Octavia's mother read before turning back up to the table.


"Hell yeah!" Long Play yelled, causing everypony to jump, "I could beat the crap outta Neon! Or even that guy, what's his name? Carmel?"


"Caramel," Octavia corrected.


"Yeah yeah, Caramel, Carmel, same thing," Long Play said, waving his hoof.


"I can see you and Long Play both dislike pronouncing words correctly," Octavia commented, causing Vinyl to smirk slightly.


"I would also like to help!" Symphony agreed, "Although, I don't think we'll have to resort to violence."


"Like that's not gonna happen," Vinyl replied with a laugh.


"I would also like to help!" Octavia's mother said, "I want my daughter to be happy after all."


"I still have no idea what's going on," Vinyl's father said, putting his hooves up.


"I've already said that I am willing to help," Vinyl's mother reminded.


"And I'm already trying to help my daughter get her divorce," Octavia's father answered.


"Well look at that!" Octavia's mother exclaimed, "We all easily agreed on something and it didn't take forever to do so!"


The ponies chuckled. Just then, the waiter came back carrying their food. Once their food was placed down, they started eating.


While they ate, they decided to skip the main topic so they could just enjoy their food, and so they could know each other better.


However, once they finished eating, they continued their topic.


"You know, at this point. I wonder if I even needed the list," Octavia's mother said as she pulled back out her list.


"Of course you didn't!" Octavia exclaimed.


"Well actually it kind of helped at the start," Symphony pointed out, causing Octavia to groan.


"Yeah, good thing Symphony gets one too when it's her turn," Vinyl teased, causing Symphony to glare at her.


"Shut. Up," Symphony replied, causing Vinyl and Long Play to laugh.


"So," Vinyl's mom started, "what's our next question?"


"Hmmm let me see," Octavia's mother said, going through the list.


"I actually have a question for Octavia and Vinyl," Octavia's father said, interrupting them, "I was wondering if Caramel has done anything new."


Vinyl, Octavia, and Symphony all froze. They knew this would happen at some point, too bad they didn't plan for it.


Vinyl and Symphony looked over to Octavia. Although everypony else just took it as them waiting for an answer, they were actually just afraid to say something that would upset the mare.


Octavia sighed, "N-no. Nothing has happened for awhile, thankfully."


"Oh, that's good," Octavia father said in a relieved voice.


"Yep! Now let's continue!" Vinyl's mother exclaimed.


"Alright!" Octavia's mother started, "What's our next steps?"


Everypony stared at the mare who just asked a question nopony was ready for. Said mare looked up confused, "What? It's my final question! We ran out of time with all of the talking while we ate!"


"Our next steps," Vinyl repeated to herself quietly as she looked at the table.


Octavia let out a long breath through her nose, "I would think our next step is to work on the divorce with Caramel."


"Yeah," Long Play agreed, "but what about Vinyl? Can't she be in danger because of this?"


"That is true," Vinyl's mother agreed.


"Oh please!" Octavia's father exclaimed, "Caramel is completely harmless!"


Octavia's mother raised an eyebrow at her husband, "Did you forget when Caramel put Vinyl in the hospital?"


"I'm also worried for Vinyl's health. But what about Octavia?" Vinyl's mother said, "What if their relationship becomes a physically abusive relationship?"


"I doubt that," Octavia interjected, "He only hurts ponies in the way of what he wants, not what he wants. He wants me so he'll only hurt the ponies stopping him, like Vinyl."


The cellist then turned to her marefriend, "It doesn't help that said pony continues to aggravate him in the stupidest of ways."


Vinyl put her hooves up, "What did I do?!"


Octavia raised an eyebrow, "Remember when I was sick?"


Vinyl slowly put her hooves back down and gave a sheepish chuckle, "Heh heh haaaaa sorry."


"This is why Vinyl and Octavia shouldn't date until after the divorce!" Octavia's father exclaimed.


"But, what if they just hide it," Long Play argued, "If they make sure to keep Vinyl far away from Caramel while still keeping their relationship, everything could turn out well!"


Octavia smiled at Long Play, remembering the conversation the two had at Vinyl's mom's home.


"Yeah! They could even come to one of our homes and spend the time there in case they just can't find time without Caramel around," Vinyl's mom suggested, "That could also help with Vinyl getting to know her father more."


Vinyl's father looked at his ex-wife with hopeful eyes, to which Vinyl's mother just smiled back.


"But what if it doesn't work?" Octavia's father persisted, "What if he gets Vinyl cornered and takes action? We don't know what he's capable of."


"He can't be that-"


"You're right," Octavia agreed suddenly, interrupting Vinyl's father, "It took me years to see the crazed stallion he really is, who knows how deep he'll go? All I know is that he won't hurt me, but to what extent will he go for Vinyl?"


"Maybe his parents would know," Octavia's mother suggested, "They are his parents, they know things before their foals realize it."


"Caramel's parents? No, thank you," Vinyl replied.


“They're actually very nice ponies," Symphony said, turning to Vinyl, "Honestly, it'll be a little sad to not be able to see them anymore."


"Yeah but now you got us, and we're a ton better!" Long Play said with a grin.


While the families laughed at Long Play, Octavia was deep in thought of Caramel's parents.


His parents?


I never even thought about them.


I've always thought of them as... a part of my family.


How will they react to this? To learning their son's wife is cheating on him?

~•~•~•~•~

"Hey Octavia, can I ask you something?"


"Sure?"


"Are you happy?"


"What?"


"Do you feel abandoned? And lonely?"


"What- why are you asking me this?"


"Because, I know my son is never around for you anymore. I know that you spend almost all your time alone at home. So, do you?"


"I.... I don't know."

~•~•~•~•~

"Yo Tavi, you alright?" Vinyl asked, snapping Octavia out of her thoughts, "You were like, zoning out."


"Oh! Yes, I'm fine Vinyl. What's going on?" Octavia asked.


"We're leaving," Vinyl answered, a grin forming on her face, "It's the first time we've had a successful dinner without some weird shit happening, or some kind of fight happening."


Octavia giggled, "There's a first time for everything I guess."


Vinyl smiled, "Yeah. C'mon let's go."


With that, everypony got up and started getting ready to leave by putting on their coats and other winter clothes.


"Goodbye, dears! I hope to see you all soon!" Octavia's mother said as she hugged her daughters.


"Bye mother, bye father," Octavia said as she kissed both her parents on the cheeks.


"See ya bro," Vinyl said as she hugged her brother.


"See ya, don't screw over your marefriend too much alright?" Long Play said with a grin.


Vinyl laughed, "No promises."


Once everypony finished their goodbyes, they all went their separate ways. Vinyl and Octavia walked Symphony home before saying goodbye to her, and of course wishing her luck on her date the next day.


Once that was done, the two mares made their way to Vinyl's apartment, before going inside and laying down on the bed.


Vinyl was almost fully asleep when she heard a voice.


"Vinyl? May I ask you something?"


Vinyl groaned slightly before looking down at her marefriend who was laying on her chest. The DJ has one hoof draped over the cellist.


"What's up?"


"I was wondering if you think our parents liked each other," Octavia said.


Vinyl chuckled, "Yeah, I think they fucking loved each other." The DJ then closed her eyes again.


Octavia giggled, "Well, you get very dirty mouthed when you're tired."


Vinyl smirked, eyes still closed, "Babe, my mouth is always dirty after I spend time with you."


Octavia laughed, "What?"


"I don't know, that sounded a lot better in my head."


Octavia continued laughing, causing Vinyl to smile.


"Do you think we should talk to Caramel's parents?" Octavia asked once she stopped laughing.


Vinyl shrugged, "I don't know. It's up to you. I mean, I would like to get some revenge for all the times he's contacted ponies I knew."


Octavia sighed, "Alright, I shall think about it then."


"K cool," Vinyl replied.


Octavia giggled slightly at the sleepy-sounding voice Vinyl had.


The room then became silent for a few more seconds before Octavia spoke again.


"Hey, Vinyl?"


"Yeah?"


Octavia's heart raced as she squeezed Vinyl's hoof.


"I love you."


Vinyl's smile grew, "I love you too Tavi."

Chapter 33

View Online

Octavia woke up with a start. She looked around, forgetting where she was until her eyes rested upon the sleeping unicorn below her.

Octavia smiled at how peacefully the unicorn slept before she got up and started getting ready for the day.

While she got ready, she recalled the events that have happened the day prior

Alright, so I went over to Vinyl's house, we had a little... fun, Octavia blushed, Caramel attempted to break in, we had our dinner and talked about Caramel's parents, and then... I said I love you to Vinyl.

Octavia froze.

I said I love you.

Octavia turned back around to face the sleeping unicorn, who was snoring softly.

Am I really ready for that kind of commitment? The last pony I said that to.... almost broke into her house yesterday.

Octavia started pacing as she panicked.

Oh no no no no no! Vinyl probably thinks I love her now! I mean, do I? I would think so, after everything we've been through. But, do I really? Am I ready to even say it? What if-

Octavia froze as she heard moving coming from the bed. After a few seconds, a very tried looking Vinyl sat up and looked around, until her red eyes landed on Octavia.

"Sup," Vinyl greeted in a tired voice.

Octavia giggled slightly, "Sup."

"Can you come back to bed?" Vinyl asked in a voice that almost sounded like a little filly.

Octavia tilted her head, "Why?"

All of a sudden, Octavia felt herself getting pulled towards the bed by Vinyl's magic. Once the cellist was standing right next to the bed, Vinyl wrapped her hooves around the mare and started rubbing her head against Octavia's chest.

"Cause you're soft," Vinyl replied simply as she continued her affections.

Octavia rolled her eyes with a smile, before pushing the DJ off of her.

"I would love to but I need to go to the courthouse today," Octavia explained.

"Oh! Ok, that's alright!" Vinyl exclaimed, happily, causing Octavia to smile again.

"But I do have a few minutes," Octavia said in an offering voice, causing Vinyl's smile to grow and her tail to wag.

In a second, Vinyl leaped up and grabbed the cellist, making the mare laugh.

Vinyl pulled Octavia on top of herself and the two started nuzzling their muzzles against each other, both having a goofy smile.

The two pulled away from one another, both still smiling. Vinyl then started moving in to kiss Octavia, however, Octavia put a hoof up to stop her.

"You have to brush-"

"Yeah yeah," Vinyl said, interrupting Octavia as she waved her hoof and moved away from Octavia's hoof, "I know I know."

Vinyl then got up and walked towards her bathroom before turning around and flashing a grin and then turning back around.

Octavia rolled her eyes with a smile before grabbing her phone as she started going through it.

Octavia paused, her phone activities as she gets a message. She opened it to find it was from
Symphony.

'OCTAVIA I AM PANICKING. SEND HELP NOW.'

Octavia raised an eyebrow.

'Hello Symphony.'

'COME OVER TO MY HOUSE. NOW.'

'Why?'

'BECAUSE YOU'VE DATED FREDRIC BEFORE. THEREFORE YOU NEED TO GIVE ME ADVICE. PLEASE.'

Octavia pondered for awhile, thinking back to the time the two dated. She then went back to her phone.

'Oh alright. Let me just tell Vinyl first. I also need to go to the courthouse today.'

'Ok! Thank you!'

Octavia smiled as she closed her phone.

The cellist then closed her eyes as she continued to think of the day prior.

However, this didn't last long as her eyes shot opened when she felt a pair of lips against her's.

She jumped back with a gasp, while the culprit laughed.

"Seriously Vinyl?" Octavia asked, annoyed as her marefriend continued to laugh.

"What? You said I could kiss you after I brush my teeth, so here I am," Vinyl responded with a smile, causing Octavia to roll her eyes.

"Well, it seems Symphony wants to talk to me after I go to the courthouse. Which means I should probably get going," Octavia explained as she started putting on her bow tie.

Vinyl saddened slightly, "Oh, so we can't hang out anymore today?"

Octavia gave her marefriend a sad smile before kissing her on the tip of her muzzle, "I'm afraid not. And I won't be able to see you again until Wednesday."

Vinyl continued to look sad until she suddenly perked up. "No, cause I'm seeing you on Monday."

Octavia gave the DJ a confused look, "Why?"

Vinyl grinned, "Cause I gotta know what happened between Symphony and Fredric."

Octavia rolled her eyes again, this time with a smile. Although she wouldn't admit it to herself, she was a little afraid Vinyl was getting clingy, however, her fears disappeared after that explanation.

"I mean, Beaut would kill Lyra and Bonnie if they didn't come. And as their boss, I would fire them if they didn't take me," Vinyl explained.

"I don't think that's legal," Octavia pointed out as she started to pack her things.

Vinyl shrugged, "Yeah but they don't know that."

Octavia chuckled before she went into the bathroom to brush her mane.

Meanwhile, Vinyl grabbed her glasses as she poured her and Octavia some cereal.

Once she was done, Vinyl sat down on her couch and started watching cartoons.

After a few minutes, Octavia came into the room, her mane like it always was and her bow on.

"What are you watching?" Octavia asked as she noticed Vinyl's TV on.

"Certews," Vinyl replied with a mouth full of cereal.

"Vinyl, don't talk with your mouth full," Octavia scolded.

Vinyl swallowed and gave her marefriend a sheepish smile, "Sorry. I'm watching cartoons."

Octavia raised her eyebrow, causing Vinyl to tilt her head in confusion. "What?"

"Cartoons? Really Vinyl?"

"What! They're great!" Vinyl argued.

Octavia just shook her head and laughed as she walked up to her marefriend.

The cellist then kissed Vinyl on the forehead, "You really are a filly, aren't you?"

"If I was then you'd probably go to jail," Vinyl joked causing Octavia to give her an unamused look.

"Do you have time for cartoons and cereal? I made you some," Vinyl offered as she pointed towards the kitchen.

Octavia turned around and walked towards the kitchen. A few seconds later she came out holding the cereal Vinyl had prepared her.

Vinyl smiled as she moved down the couch to make room for Octavia.

Octavia sat down next to Vinyl and the two enjoyed some cartoons and breakfast.

~•~•~•~•~

"Finally! You're here!" Symphony exclaimed with relief as she pulled her sister into the apartment.

"Yes yes, I'm here. Now, what do you want Symphony?" Octavia asked as she seated herself on the couch.

"I told you what I want!" Symphony replied, "I want you to tell me about how Fredric was as a stallionfriend."

"Well, Symphony, all of our opinions are different-"

"Yes I know I don't have the same taste in ponies as you do, I mean, Caramel, really?" Symphony stated, cutting off Octavia. Octavia glared at her sister for the comment about Caramel.

"Well then, should I just tell you stories about our relationship then?" Octavia asked.

Symphony's response was to sit on another chair in the living room and look at her sister with interested eyes.

Octavia rolled her eyes before sighing, "We started dating near the beginning of high school-"

"I know that."

Octavia sighed again, "I know you know that but I'm just saying it so I can go into more details."

Symphony waved her hoof to continue and Octavia obliged, "We started dating near the start of high school."

~•~•~•~•~

"Octavia?"

Octavia stopped packing her cello as she turned around to face Fredric.

"Yes?"

For some reason, her friend seemed to be standing straight, showing that he was confident.

"May I ask you something?"

Octavia raised any eyebrow, why was her friend acting so formal?

"Of course Fredric."

Fredric then cleared his voice, "Would you like to accompany me to dinner this evening?"

Octavia was taken aback, she had never gotten any signs of Fredric feeling anything more than friendship for her.

She then realized that she'd never even heard of Fredric liking any mare at all.

This must be his first time asking somepony out.... I can't break his heart on his first try. I mean, he is my friend.

Octavia smiled before nodding her head, "I would love to."

Fredric returned the smile, "Then I shall pick you up at six."

With that, Fredric left the school's music room.

Octavia sighed as she thought about what had just happened. Her train of thought was broken, however when she noticed Beauty Brass freaking out behind a piano while Harpo tried to keep her silent.

This is going to be an odd night.

~•~•~•~•~

"Wait, how is this story going to help you on your date with Fredric tonight?" Octavia asked, turning towards her sister.

"I don't know, but you've never told me this so I wanted to hear," Symphony replied.

Octavia rolled her eyes, "How about I just tell you how he acted on the date and then we can get you ready?"

Symphony pondered this for a second before she shrugged, "Alright."

Octavia nodded her head, "Alright, well he is a gentle pony. Very sweet and kind. He'll always be very polite and look out for you."

Symphony kept nodding her head as she heard her sister speak.

"Is that all?" Symphony asked once her sister finished.

"You've known him for years, Symphony. He isn't very different when dating then he is normally."

Symphony sighed, "Alright I guess. Do you think you could hang around the restaurant while we're having the date?"

Octavia raised an eyebrow, "Why are you so paranoid about this date than the one with Concerto?"

"Because!" Symphony suddenly yelled, causing Octavia to jump, "Concerto's went horribly, what do I do if Fredric's goes just as bad?"

Octavia's eyes softened as she hugged her sister, "Don't worry, Symphony. Fredric will still be friends with you, even if your date doesn't do well."

Symphony pulled away from her sister's hugged and faced her, "Octavia, what are bad traits Fredric has?"

Octavia thought for a moment, "Well, he can be overprotective to the point of annoyance. For example, he hates Vinyl because he thinks she'll become Caramel or something like that."

Symphony narrowed her eyes, "And you don't?"

"I don't what?"

"You don't worry that Vinyl will become like Caramel?"

"No! Of course not!" Octavia said in a voice that didn't convince Symphony.

Symphony continued to glare at her sister while Octavia attempted to keep her posture.

"Symphony, I may have done something stupid," Octavia suddenly blurted.

Symphony's eyes instantly became full of worry, "What happened?"

"I.... I told Vinyl I loved her," Octavia confessed, slumping down.

"What did she say?" Symphony asked.

"Well, she said I loved you too. She told me she loved me yesterday before... that happened. But now I'm worried what will happen to her. Will she start becoming clingy? Or obsessed with me? Why do I have this worry when I know she is not Caramel?!" Octavia exclaimed, tears in her eyes.

Symphony frowned as she wiped away her sister's tears, "Because Caramel is the only other pony you've ever loved. You're afraid to feel that again as your only other memory of being in love is a stallion who is extremely clingy."

Octavia sighed, "You're right."

"I think you should talk about this with Vinyl," Symphony suggested, "Who knows, maybe you're both hiding something from one another."

Memories of nightmare night flashed into Octavia's head as she remembered that mysterious pony who forced her to face all of her problems.

"Alright, I will," Octavia said with a smile, "But later, I have a very busy week ahead."

"Alright," Symphony said, returning the smile.

"Now, c'mon!" Octavia exclaimed getting up, "Let's get you ready for your date."

Symphony's eyes became wide with horror as Octavia dragged her to the bathroom.

~•~•~•~•~

"Are you sure I'm ready?" Symphony asked as she examined herself.

Octavia smiled, "You look great, Symphony."

Symphony blushed before she hugged her sister, "Thanks for helping me."

Octavia chuckled as she kissed her sister on the cheek, "You're welcome. Fredric will most likely be here soon so I should probably get going."

Symphony nodded as Octavia left her apartment.

The cellist paused as she was halfway through the door, she turned back. "Good luck, Symphony."

And with that, Octavia was gone.

Symphony let out a stressed sigh as she paced around her living room.

"Okay, okay. You can do this, Symphony. Fredric likes you, and you like him. If something happens, Fredric will still be my friend. What could possibly go wrong?!"

Knock.

Symphony jumped and spun around towards her door.

Here we go...

Symphony walked up to the door and opened it.

"Hello Symphony, are..." Fredric trailed off as he noticed how Symphony looked.

She is enchanting.

"Fredric?" Symphony asked.

Fredric jumped, "Oh, I'm sorry! I lost my train of thought! Shall we go?"

Symphony giggled, "Yes, we shall."

Symphony wrapped one hoof around Fredric's and the two made their way to the restaurant.

"So, I've been meaning to ask. Everypony keeps saying you have a marefriend, what happened to her?" Symphony asked.

Fredric rolled his eyes, "We just broke up, not every couple has some dramatic story behind their break-ups."

Symphony laughed at that, causing Fredric to smile.

Maybe tonight won't be so bad after all...

The two continued to walk and talk until they finally made it to the restaurant. Once they were there, they were seated and they started selecting their food.

The two talked and talked until they ordered their food, and then they continued to talk.

All a while, they had no idea what was going on just a table away.

"This is much easier!" Beauty Brass commented.

"Well, for you maybe, for us we have to sit under this table!" Lyra exclaimed from below the table.

"Yeah, but you guys didn't even care too much. Unlike Harpo and I!" Beauty Brass replied.

"Muph mah mupa," Harpo replied with a mouth full of bread.

"What?" Bon Bon asked.

Harpo swallowed the food, "I said I'm only here for the food."

"Shhhh, you're here for the romance," Beauty Brass purred as she hushed her stallionfriend.

"At least I know what you three did when spying on Vinyl and I," Octavia commented.

Beauty Brass and Harpo were dressed up and seated at a table, looking like they were there for a nice dinner. However, under the table, were Lyra, Bon Bon, and Octavia.

"I can't believe you're here, Octavia! This is, like, the next step in our friendship!" Beauty Brass exclaimed, happily.

"I'm only here because Symphony asked me to and because our mother is forcing me," Octavia explained.

"I am now seeing your mother in a new light, Octavia," Bon Bon said.

"What's going on now?" Lyra asked, sounding extremely bored.

"They look like a couple having a good time," Harpo replied.

"Yes!" Beauty Brass celebrated.

"Did you do this with Symphony and Concerto?!" Octavia asked, now extremely worried.

"Nope!" Beauty Brass replied.

"Why? Don't you eat this stuff up?" Lyra asked.

"I do!" Beauty Brass confirmed, "But I must say, I do prefer Fredric and Symphony."

"We should have set bets," Lyra pouted.

"No!" Bon Bon exclaimed.

"Why?" Lyra whined.

"Because that would be wrong!" Bon Bon yelled.

"Excuse me, what would this lovely couple like?" The waiter asked, coming up to Harpo and Beauty Brass.

"Hey! Ask for Prench fries," Lyra whispered. "Ow!" The same mare cried in pain as Bon Bon slapped her arm.

"Oh I'll have nothing," Beauty Brass said as she continued to stare at the couple.

"More bread please!" Harpo replied.

The waiter raised his eyebrow before he took the menus and walked away.

"You two bought reservations to a restaurant just to get bread?" Octavia asked, annoyed.

"No!" Beauty Brass responded, "We bought reservations to watch Symphony and Fredric's date!"

~•~•~•~•~

Symphony and Fredric laughed as Symphony finished her story.

"Octavia really did that?" Fredric asked as he continued to laugh.

"Yes!" Symphony replied through her laughed, "my parents were furious!"

They broke out into more laughter.

"This is boring," Lyra commented from under the table.

"Then why did you agree to this?" Bon Bon hissed.

"Because I've got nothing better to do," Lyra replied with a shrug.

"Fredric!" A mare voice called, causing everypony to freeze.

Oh no, everypony except Symphony, Lyra, and Bon Bon thought.

Who's that? Symphony thought to herself.

"Oh hello, Fredric! Funny seeing you here," The mare greeted.

Fredric slowly turned to the mare, a forced smile on his face.

"What are you doing here?" Fredric hissed.

"Well, that's a rude thing to ask," The mare huffed, "We may have broken up but that doesn't allow you to be rude to me."

Symphony's eyes widened in realization. The mare then noticed Symphony staring at her.

"Oh... who's this?" The mare asked, facing Fredric again.

"This is Symphony," Fredric replied, "My date."

This time, the mare's eyes went wide with realization. And Symphony swore she could see a flick of jealousy in her eyes.

"Oh! Nice to meet you, I'm Sweet Song," Sweet Song greeted through her own forced smile.

"Hello, I'm Symphony," Symphony greeted as she shook the mare's hoof.

Fredric all the while seemed completely uncomfortable with the whole ordeal, and sadly, his ex marefriend noticed.

"Why don't I tell you about my dating experiences with Fredric, hm?" Sweet Sound asked in an almost evil tone as she seated herself.

"Well, I, uh-"

"I insist!" Sweet Song exclaimed, cutting off Symphony.

"What is she doing?!" Beauty Brass hissed.

"Talking?" Harpo joked, causing Beauty Brass to glare at him.

"She's ruining the whole plan!" Beauty Brass exclaimed.

"Wait, since when have we had a plan?!" Bon Bon asked.

"Since now. Lyra, go out there and stop this," Beauty Brass commanded.

"What! Why me?!" Lyra exclaimed.

"Because! You're a great distraction!" Beauty Brass explained.

"I think you're more distracting when you're running out from under a bar and attempting to kill the bartender," Octavia said, drily.

"Whatever! One of you just-" Beauty Brass trailed off as she saw both Fredric and Symphony blush at whatever Sweet Song said.

"I really don't need to know this," Symphony said as her blush grew.

"Wait! I'm not done! So then-" Sweet Song was suddenly interrupted by an insane mare.

"Don't you dare continue!" Beauty Brass yelled.

"Beauty Brass?!" The three all exclaimed at the same time.

"I have been through too much for this not to work!" Beauty Brass yelled as she put her hoof to Sweet Song's chest.

"Okayyyy, please ignore miss crazy mare here," Lyra said as he attempted to push Beauty Bras away.

"Lyra?! Why are you here?!" Symphony asked.

"Well, uh, we decided to take the Octavia route and date other ponies in order to strengthen our relationships," Lyra explained with an innocent smile.

"That would implying that I'm going back to Caramel," Octavia commented.

"Octavia! I wouldn't expect this kind of behavior from you!" Fredric exclaimed.

"That's because I was forced here by my mother," Octavia explained.

"And I'm just here for the bread," Harpo said, happily.

Both Symphony and Fredric facehoofed at the same time.

"Alright, everypony out. Let's leave the couple alone," Bon Bon said as she pushed the whole ground of ponies out.

"Wai!t No! I didn't finish my story!" Sweet Song protested.

"And I didn't finish my stalking!" Beauty Brass whined.

The couple watched the ponies get pushed out by Bon Bon. Once they were gone, the two looked at one another and laughed.

"Well, that certainly made our night one to never forget," Fredric said as he chuckled.

"Yes, I definitely won't forget this night," Symphony agreed as she finished laughing, "However, it is not over yet. Even when we leave this restaurant."

Fredric's eyes went wide with what she was implying.

She can't mean that, can she?

His answer came in the form of an amazing night that sealed their relationship.

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia returned home and attempted to walk straight to her bed, however, she was stopped by a loud voice.

"Where were you?" Caramel demanded.

Octavia turned around, already angry, "I was with my friends. They told me how you tried to break into Vinyl's apartment, what were you thinking?!"

"Oh don't give me that! You slept with her, I know it!" Caramel yelled.

"And what if I did?" Octavia asked, "Face it Caramel, we're over! I want to move on with my life and you should do the same! Why don't you just let me be happy?!"

"I want you to be happy!" Caramel argued, "Just not with her!"

"Why?" Octavia asked, "Because it's not you?!"

"Yes!" Caramel answered.

Octavia let out an annoyed roar as she turned towards her bedroom.

"You are insane. When we first met I thought you were a sweet and kind stallion. But you're actually insane. You do whatever it takes to get what you want without thinking of the consequences," Octavia hissed before she shut and locked the door.

Once her door was shut and locked, she sunk to the floor and cried.

She could hear Caramel's loud sobbing from the other room, but she ignored it.

Nothing matters to her anymore. She'll be rid of him, won't she?

"I hope Vinyl doesn't leave me," Octavia whispered to herself, "I cannot imagine how it feels to basically share your marefriend."

Octavia thought back to the previous night, the two laying in bed almost asleep.

"I also hope she loves me as much as I do," Octavia whispered to herself.

Chapter 34

View Online

"So, shall we begin?" Octavia asked as she entered the concert hall. She placed down her things and looked up.

She frowned when she only saw Beauty Brass and Harpo there.

"Where's Fredric, Symphony, and Concerto?" Octavia asked tilting her head.

"I have a better question!" Beauty Brass said, angrily, "Where's Lyra and Bon Bon?!"

"I was summoned?" Lyra asked as she opened the door, followed by Vinyl and Bon Bon.

"Sorry we're late," Bon Bon apologized, "Vinyl wouldn't wake up."

"Hey! That doesn't mean you can pour ice water onto me!" Vinyl complained, causing Lyra to laugh.

Octavia opened her mouth but closed it am just shook her head.

"Are you sure they won't be here?" A mare's voice whispered.

The group of ponies turned back towards the door as they heard voices coming from the other side.

"Yes, they are late almost every single day," A stallion's voice replied.

The door then opened, revealing Fredric and Symphony. The two froze instantly as they saw the group of ponies staring back at them.

"There they are!" Beauty Brass exclaimed happily, "Now, tell us how the rest of your date went!"

Fredric and Symphony looked at one another. They then smiled before turning back.

"That is only between me and Fredric," Symphony replied, a slight blush forming on both of their faces, along with a goofy smile.

Everypony looked at one another in confusion at the couple's response, except for Vinyl, who seemed to be sniffing the air.

The ponies watched as Vinyl kept sniffing until she was close to Symphony and Fredric. When she stopped she grinned at the couple.

"I called it," Vinyl said as she walked back to the group of ponies.

Symphony and Fredric looked at one another confused.

Vinyl continued to grin as she walked up to Octavia and whispered something into her ear.

Nopony could hear her, but they saw her eyes go wide in realization, and then a blush form on her face.

Nopony understood what was happening, until Harpo's eyes went wide.

"Wait, did you two?" Harpo asked, causing the couple to blush as they finally realized what they had been talking about.

"OH MY GOSH!" Lyra exclaimed as she fell to the floor laughing.

"Wow and I thought what happened to me and Tavi was bad," Vinyl commented.

"We agreed to not speak of that!" Octavia yelled, pointing a hoof at Vinyl.

"We did it!" Beauty Brass celebrated, "Hoof bump!"

"What?! Seriously?! You want me to hoof bump because they did... that?!" Bon Bon exclaimed, causing Lyra to fall back down on the floor, still laughing.

"I-I bet next thing Beauty is planning is to get a sex tape of them," Lyra joked between pants.

Symphony and Fredric's eyes widened as they both blushed even harder.

"Nah, if that were the case she would have already have one of me and Octy," Vinyl pointed out.

"Vinyl!" Octavia exclaimed, blushing as the two unicorns laughed.

"Huh. Now I just see Octavia instead of Symphony in my mind," Harpo said, squinting at the two blushing ponies.

"Celestia Harpo!" Octavia yelled as her blush grew.

Just then, a very angry looking Concerto stormed into the concert hall.

"You!" Concerto growled as he walked towards Beauty Brass.

"Oh! Look at the time! I've got to go!" Beauty Brass said suddenly as she bolted out of the room.

"Concerto? What happened to you?" Octavia asked.

"That mare locked me in the closet!" Concerto exclaimed.

"Of course she did," Octavia said as she facehoofed.

Concerto suddenly paused as he sniffed the air.

"What is that smell?" He asked.

This caused the couple to blush once again as the two unicorns fell back down onto the floor laughing again.

"Don't ask," Bon Bon said in an annoyed tone, turning to Concerto.

Concerto opened his mouth and then closed it. He shook his head and sighed, "Let's just get to work."

"You hear that? Work! That means leave!" Symphony exclaimed as she pushed her Lyra, Bon Bon, and Vinyl out of the room.

"No! We want to keep talking about how you two had se-"

"GOODBYE!" Symphony practically screamed as she interrupted Vinyl.

Once the three mares were out, Fredric quickly locked the door.

The couple turned back to face their ensemble.

Concerto looked almost menacing, Octavia just looked tired, Beauty Brass had a big smile on her face, and Harpo wasn't paying attention.

"So," Concerto started, stepping up to Fredric, "How'd your date go?"

Fredric glared at him with a smirk, "Well, we are actually dating now."

Concerto and Symphony's eyes both went wide.

Beauty Brass squealed, while Symphony sneaked closer to Fredric.

"Fredric, I don't think that's the best way to tell him that we're together," Symphony commented in a whisper.

Concerto turned to Beauty Brass, glaring at the mare, "I blame you."

"Hey! It's not my fault I'm the guru of couple making," Beauty Brass replied with a shrug.

"You're not a love guru!" Symphony argued, "This happened because we had a nice date!"

"And after," Harpo added silently.

Concerto rolled his eyes before grumbling something. He then walked towards his spot and he started getting ready.

Fredric and Symphony looked at one another before Fredric shrugged and the two went off to their spots.

~•~•~•~•~

"Great day everypony!" Fredric announced.

The ensemble continued to pack their things so they could return home. The ponies started filling out, until Symphony felt a hoof stop her.

"May I speak with you?" Concerto asked.

Symphony looked around, seeing everypony was gone, she shrugged and nodded her head.

Octavia paused as she left when she noticed Symphony was no longer with them, she turned around to find her sister talking to Concerto.

Octavia felt a little worried, so she decided to wait outside the theater for her sister to come out, if she didn't after a long time, Octavia would go back inside.

"What'd you want to talk about?" Symphony asked.

"Are you two really dating?" Concerto asked, causing Symphony's face to drop.

I didn't think this part of my plan out, did I?

"Yes, we are," Symphony admitted with a slight blush.

This time, Concerto's face fell, "Oh. Well if you don't mind me asking, why did you end up choosing him?"

Symphony cringed, "Well... I guess I just liked him more. No offense to you! I just... well, like him more."

Concerto sighed as he looked at the ground, "I understand."

The stallion walked away, leaving Symphony to feel guilty.

Symphony slowly walked out of the concert hall, looking down at the ground in shame.

"Hello Symphony."

Symphony looked up to find her sister looking at her worryingly, "Are you alright?"

Symphony sighed, "I think I broke Concerto's heart."

Octavia frowned before she took her sister into a hug.

As they hugged, Octavia heard Symphony ask, "Is this how you feel around Caramel?"

Octavia sighed, "A little bit."

The two stopped hugging in order to look at one another.

"I mean, I don't regret my choice. I just wish that he didn't know about Vinyl. It just makes me feel even worse," Octavia explained, "However, almost everypony in their lives will break somepony's heart, it's a sad truth."

Symphony sighed, "I guess so."

Octavia continued to frown as her sister looked even more distraught.

"But," Octavia started, "if he really is a good stallion, he'll understand that you like somepony else and then he'll move on."

"I hope your right," Symphony replied.

Octavia smiled and rubbed her sister's back, "Trust me, he can't like you forever. It's even hard for me."

Symphony glared at her sister, however a small smile started forming on her face.

"You spend too much time with Vinyl," Symphony commented.

"Oh I know," Octavia agreed, "I've started eating like a pig since I meet that silly mare."

Symphony giggled, making Octavia smile.

"Well, I'll be off Symphony," Octavia explained, "Good night."

"Good night Octavia. I love you," Symphony said as her sister turned to leave.

"I love you too."

“Wait, Octavia,” Symphony called, causing Octavia to turn back around.

“Yes?”

“Did you talk to Vinyl?” Symphony asked.

Octavia frowned, “No, I did not.”

“You probably should soon, before it eats you up inside,” Symphony suggested.

“Alright, I will,” Octavia replied, smiling.

Symphony smiled back before she turned around and left.

~•~•~•~•~

Vinyl jumped when she heard the sound of somepony knocking on her door.

"Who is it?" Vinyl yelled.

"It's Octavia," Octavia replied from the other side of the door.

Vinyl looked at the door confused before walking up ti it and opening it.

"Hey Tavi. You alright? Did you and Caramel get into a fight?" Vinyl asked.

Octavia sighed, "No, we didn't get into a fight. I came here to talk to you actually."

Vinyl's eyes went wide and she gulped, "Oh, ok."

Vinyl then let Octavia into the apartment. The cellist immediately sat onto the couch. Vinyl followed and sat next to her marefriend.

"What did you wanna talk about Octy?" Vinyl asked, attempting to hide the fear and worry in her voice.

"I wanted to talk about our relationship," Octavia replied, causing Vinyl's ears to perk up.

Is she going to... But why? I thought she was happy.

"W-what about it?" Vinyl stammered.

"I want us to talk about our worries in this relationship," Octavia explained, "I want us to be open."

"Aren't we already?" Vinyl asked, tilting her head.

"Well... yes. However I must admit I have been hiding some emotions from you. And I wish to share them now, so please keep an open mind," Octavia replied.

Vinyl nodded her head.

Octavia sighed again, "When I told you I love you... I believe that was in the heat of the moment. That being said I do... well you know. I just...- Oh bloody hell I can't even speak!"

Octavia froze when she felt Vinyl touch her shoulder, "I can wait."

Octavia smiled slightly before continuing, "Caramel is the only other pony that I've been in a relationship with who I told I loved them. This of course makes me, well, afraid to open myself up again like that as it ended terribly for me the first time. Which brings me to another problem I have..."

Octavia trailed off as became afraid to admit her next secret.

"And the problem is?" Vinyl questioned.

"That... I'm afraid you'll turn out like Caramel," Octavia said slowly, "You two do act similar in some aspects but you two are also completely different ponies. Now this fear is probably because, as I said before, that I had such a terrible relationship that I am afraid to try again."

Octavia looked down at the ground, both in shame and in fear. She felt tears start to form in her eyes as Vinyl still hadn't said anything.

Then, she heard a dry chuckle.

"Well, if you're going to be honest, I might as well," Vinyl started, causing Octavia to look back up to face her, "I.... I'm also afraid that I'll end up like Caramel. Not because I have weird urges to constantly call and text you. But because of two reasons. One is that a part of me is afraid you'll cheat on me. This is probably because of my own past relationships but it still worries me. And then above that, I'm..."

Vinyl paused as she couldn't believe what was about to come out of her mouth.

"I'm jealous of Lucky Streak."

Octavia's eyes went wide as she jerked back in shock.

"Wh- how- Why?" Octavia stammered.

"Well, why not? I mean, he's known you longer than me. He's admitted to liking you in the past. He gave away his best friend for you. He's doing everything in his power to help you! Meanwhile I just sit here on my ass and watch cartoons," Vinyl yelled as she went into a sudden rant.

Octavia noticed tears starting to fall down Vinyl's face as she quickly wiped them away.

"What do you mean you sit on your ass all day," Octavia started, "Are sure we're talking about the same mare? The mare who offered to pay for my lawyer? The mare who risked her safety just to take care of me? The mare who loves me?"

Octavia pulled Vinyl into a hug, causing the unicorn to freeze, "You've done so much for me Vinyl. You've done so much that I can never repay you for it all. And that scares me. It scares me because you make me feel strong emotions towards you, and said emotions scare me."

The two were now hugging onto one another, both crying.

After a few minutes of this, Vinyl spoke.

"Do you notice how much we cry since we started dating?" Vinyl asked, her voice cracking.

Octavia laughed, "Seriously Vinyl?"

The two pulled away from one another. Both smiling with tear stains on their faces.

"So, what now?" Vinyl asked.

"Well. Maybe we should try to concur these emotions. We should stop them from letting us be together happily," Octavia replied.

"O-Kay, but how would we do that?"

"I guess together," Octavia said, grabbing Vinyl's hoof, "If we face these problems together then we'll be able to stop them, right?"

Vinyl smiled, "Yeah."

And with that, the two kissed before they went off to sleep.

Chapter 35

View Online

"Got any threes?" Vinyl asked.

"Go fish," Lyra responded.

Vinyl sighed before she grabbed one of the cards from the middle of the table.

"Hello everypon- what are you two doing?" Bon Bon asked as she entered the room.

"Well, we have cards and we decided to play go fish," Lyra explained.

"I would prefer poker, but I'm only willing to play that with Tavi," Vinyl grinned, "And by poker, I mean strip poker."

"Of course," Bon Bon commented dryly as she walked towards the coffee machine.

"So, Vinyl, how's the moving going?" Lyra asked.

"Pretty good. I found this nice place with a great view of Bridleway," Vinyl replied.

"That sounds nice!" Bon Bon commented.

"Yeah, I'm actually going to go there today to look around, would you guys like to join?" Vinyl questioned.

"Hell yeah!" Lyra exclaimed.

Bon Bon shook her head with a smile, "Skipping more work, I see? We'll go during lunch, so we won't miss too much."

"Aw, but I wanted to try this really nice pizza place nearby," Lyra whined.

"We can just grab some food after we look around," Bon Bon offered.

"I'm in!" Vinyl said excitedly.

"Well, then you should probably get to work," Bon Bon teased before turning back around to the machine.

Vinyl rolled her eyes, stating "I swear you sound like Octy sometimes."

"Well, she was the one who told me to keep bugging you," Bon Bon replied.

Vinyl rubbed between her eyes in annoyance while Lyra laughed, "Of course she did."

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia walked up the stairs to the lobby of the therapist who she had last seen only a few days ago. The cellist then walked up to the receptionist who was doing something on a computer. The receptionist noticed Octavia, so she turned to face her.

"Hello, do you have an appointment?" The receptionist asked with a smile.

Octavia nodded her head, "Yes, my name is Octavia Melody, and I am here to see Miss Cure."

The receptionist turned back to her computer and quickly started typing on it. After a minute, she said, "Ah! Here you are, Miss Melody! We'll be with you in a moment. Please take a seat while you wait for us to call you."

Octavia nodded her head again before moving over to the lounge in order to rest. She sat down with a sigh before she looked around the room. The lobby was completely void of any ponies other than the receptionist and herself.

What a comforting feeling, Octavia thought to herself.

She had spent a percentage of the morning panicking over her meeting with Remedy Cure. Not only because the last meeting they had ended terribly, but because she didn't exactly understand why she was here alone. Her father signed Octavia and Caramel up for marriage counseling, so why in the world would Octavia have to come here alone?

Octavia shook her head.

I should just try to find something to calm me down.

Octavia pulled out her phone. She scrolled around, trying to find something to do.

Sweet Celestia, is there anything I can do on this bloody phone to calm me down?

Just then, almost as though her pray was answered, she was texted.

Octavia opened the message up without any hesitation, hoping that whoever was texting her was willing to talk for awhile.

Octavia couldn't help but smile when she saw the text was from Vinyl.

'Hey'

'Hello Vinyl.'

'Sup babe, how's the thing going?'

'Vinyl did you forget where I'm going today?'

'Maybe'

Octavia sighed in annoyance.

'I was talking about it all morning! How could you forget?!'

'Idk, I was really tired'

Octavia sighed again as she rubbed between her eyes.

'My therapy appointment.'

'Oh yeah! For your anger issues!'

'I don't have anger issues, Vinyl!'

'It's alright Tavi, the first step is admitting you have a problem'

Octavia could almost hear Vinyl's grin as she read the text in her head.

'Goodbye Vinyl.'

'Wait wait! I'm sorry. I’m just really friggin bored. What are you up to?'

'We were just talking about that.'

'Oh, yeah, oops. So why are you there again?'

'I actually have no clue. The last time I was here was for marriage concealing so I have no idea why I am here alone.'

'Maybe cuz they realized you had anger issues'

'Vinyl!'

'Lol, jk. Idk actually. I hope things go well'

'Thank you Vinyl. Now what are you, as you would say, up to'

'Luna you're adorable. I'm just doing work stuff'

'If that's the case then we should probably stop texting so you can get to work.'

'But I'm boredddddd.'

Octavia giggled slightly, shaking her head.

"Miss Melody?" The receptionist called.

Octavia looked up to see that the receptionist was looking at her, "Miss Cure would like to see you now."

"Oh! Of course, thank you," Octavia replied before turning back to her phone.

'I need to go now, my appointment is starting. Bye Vinyl.'

'K bye, love ya'

Octavia smiled at that last text. After her and Vinyl admitted to some feelings they had been having for awhile the night before, the two came up with ways to resolve these issues. One of those problems was how Octavia was too afraid to say I love you. So, they decided Octavia could wait until she was ready to say it, and Vinyl could just say it whenever she wanted. Octavia at first was a little worried for how this would play out, but she was already learning to enjoy hearing Vinyl say I love you.

Octavia made her way to Remedy Cure's office, looking around at all the other rooms. Once the cellist reached the mare's door, she held her breath and opened it.

The room was exactly the same as it was the last time she was there, except for one thing; There was a different couch, which seemed more for one pony to lay in, unlike last time where the couch was obviously for both Caramel and Octavia to sit in. There was another chair where Remedy Cure sat, she had a comforting smile on her face and a notepad in her magic.

"I'm glad you came, Octavia," Remedy Cure greeted.

Octavia gave her a shaky smile before she laid down onto the couch.

Here we go.

~•~•~•~•~

"Are you done sexting your marefriend?" Lyra teased.

"Yep, she went off to go enjoy the footage I gave her," Vinyl replied with a grin.

Bon Bon rolled her eyes, "Octavia would kill both of you if she knew what you two were talking about."

Vinyl, Lyra, and Bon Bon were all walking down the streets of Manehatten on their way to Bridleway where Vinyl's new apartment was.

"Relax, Bonnie, Tavi knows we're joking," Vinyl replied, waving her hoof.

"That won't stop her from killing you," Bon Bon pointed out.

"Yeah, I know, but maybe she'll go easy on me," Vinyl said with a hopeful smile.

"Damn Vinyl, how the hell can you afford a place so close to Bridleway?" Lyra asked as the ponies started entering Bridleway.

"Cause I'm DJ PON3!" Vinyl exclaimed.

"Exactly, and DJ PON3 spends thousands of dollars on special effects for her shows," Lyra replied.

Vinyl rolled her eyes, "Yeah but I make that all back, plus I save money with other things I do."

"Like, not eating," Bon Bon said, annoyed.

"What? Vinyl eats a ton of food," Lyra argued.

"Not at home, Octavia told me, she found almost no trace of food in her home," Bon Bon explained.

"Damn it, Octy," Vinyl cursed under her breath.

"Jeez Vinyl. No wonder you don't gain any weight," Lyra exclaimed.

"Lyra!" Bon Bon scolded.

"Nah, Lyra's right," Vinyl chuckled, "It's like a diet for me I guess. I don't know, Octy's been coming up with this whole plan in order to get me to buy myself more healthy food."

"Well, that's sweet of her," Bon Bon commented, causing Vinyl to smile.

"Yeah, you two are so sweet we get diabetes from just being around you," Lyra joked.

"Lyra!" Bon Bon scolded again, making Lyra laugh.

"Yo, bone heads, we're here," Vinyl called, getting the couple's attention.

The two ponies looked up to see the apartment building. It was a very modern building with mostly glass instead of actual building materials. On the other side, there were balconies facing towards Bridleway.

"Wow," Lyra said breathlessly.

"I know, right?" Vinyl said with a grin, "Wait till you see the inside."

And with that, the three made their way upstairs.

~•~•~•~•~

"I'm guessing you're really confused on why I called you here," Remedy Cure started.

"Well, I assumed you wanted to talk more about Caramel and mine's relationship," Octavia replied.

Remedy Cure nodded her head, "Yes, but this is going to be a little different. First, I would like you to explain the whole thing going on with you, Caramel, and... your marefriend?"

Octavia blushed slightly.

"Alright, I can do that."

Octavia then started telling Remedy Cure the story of her romance with Vinyl. Remedy Cure's face was kept void of emotion, most likely to not threaten the cellist.

Once Octavia finished, she sighed in relief.

Although, this wasn't the first time, telling somepony her whole situation was now becoming relaxing.

"Wow, have you ever considered writing a book about this?" Remedy Cure asked.

Octavia blinked, surprised at the question, "No, I haven't."

"Hm," Remedy Cure grunted before she finished writing something down onto her note pad.

"Now, Miss Melody, I must tell you something," Remedy Cure said, putting her note pad down.

Octavia tilted her head, curious. "What must you tell me?"

"Well, I have a boss. This boss controls every case going on here. I am no longer supposed to be on this case," Remedy Cure bit her lip, "But, I wanted to help... Does that make sense?"

Octavia nodded her head, waiting for her to continue.

Remedy Cure sighed.

"I couldn't help but... sympathize with your situation. You see, I came here to help couples like you, or couples like-"

Remedy Cure paused for a moment, thinking of what words she was willing to let loose.

"Or like mine." She finally said.

Octavia's eyes went wide in surprise. However, she couldn't help but think how ironic this situation was.

"However," Remedy Cure continued, "I soon realized that most couples that come here, only have minor problems. I mean, sure, sometimes you have the occasional 'oh, you kissed some mare at a bar', and 'oh, you called me stupid', or something like that. But, mostly they have the problems of how they don't talk enough or they don't agree on something. But then, you two came along. From the moment you two started talking, I could tell that you had completely given up on this marriage, which made me assume something was going on. You confirmed my theory today when you told me of all the horrible things Caramel has done to you. And so, I want to help you."

Octavia nodded through everything the mare was saying. Once she finished, Octavia spoke.

"What do you have in mind?"

"Well, I have some experience in the legal field. From what I've heard, it seems you've been doing this all on your own," Remedy Cure explained.

"Yes, I have," Octavia replied with a sigh.

"So, what I would like to do, if you let me, is become your lawyer," Remedy Cure offered, a smile slowly forming on her face, "I could also help you get a restraining order for both you and Vinyl, I just need more evidence from the ponies you described in your story."

Octavia started smiling herself, not believing how kind this mare was being.

"However, I won't do this unless you agree to it. I can give you time to think if you li-" Remedy Cure was cut off by Octavia suddenly getting up and hugging her.

"Thank you," Octavia whispered.

Remedy Cure returned the hug, tears streaming a little out of her eyes.

You've done well, Remedy Cure. You've done well, Remedy thought to herself.

~•~•~•~•~

"My Celestia, Vinyl, that place is awesome!" Lyra exclaimed, a slice of pizza in her magic.

"I know, right," Vinyl agreed, before taking another bite out of her pizza slice.

"Yes, yes, Vinyl found a very nice place to live in, now let's make our way back to the office so we can get some actual work done, so Vinyl doesn't lose said apartment," Bon Bon said.

Lyra and Vinyl nodded as the three continued their walk, each eating a slice of pizza.

As they walked, the three talked and laughed, enjoying each other's company. When suddenly Lyra stopped.

"Woah, Lyra, are you alright?" Vinyl asked as she noticed Lyra was staring at something, no emotion on her face.

"Lyra?" Bon Bon asked, her voice full of worry.

"Look," Lyra commanded.

Vinyl and Bon Bon looked at one another in concern before turning towards where Lyra was looking. What they found, made their eyes go wide.

Lucky Streak was there, walking and talking with... Neon Lights.

"Oh my," Bon Bon said, completely shocked.

"I knew it, I knew that piece of shit never switched sides. I knew he was still best buddy fuck friends with Caramel," Lyra said, angrily.

Vinyl didn't say anything, instead she started walking forward.

"Vinyl! What are you doing?!" Bon Bon asked in a worried tone.

"Shit," Lyra cursed as she chased after her friend.

Vinyl didn't hear them, she was too mad. Neon Lights, the pony she hated most in all of Equestria was talking to Lucky Streak, the stallion who made her feel like nothing to Octavia.

"What the hell is this?!" Vinyl asked, her voice completely lanced in anger.

"Vinyl?" Lucky Streak asked in both a surprised and afraid tone.

"Give me one good reason not to throw you onto the street," Vinyl threatened.

"Jeez, calm down there. Is it your time of the month or somethi-" Neon attempted to cut in before Vinyl interrupted him.

"Shut it, Lights!" Vinyl screamed, pointing a threatening hoof at the stallion.

"Vinyl, let me explain-"

"Save it!" Vinyl yelled, interrupting Lucky Streak, "Do you know what kind of shit Octy's been through? She needs everypony she has. And here you go, leaving her in her time of need to go off with one of the stallions trying to ruin her life!"

"Vinyl, maybe we should let him explain," Bon Bon pleaded.

"Or not," Lyra argued, her tone cold and unforgiving.

"No, really! I need to tell you all this-" Lucky Streak tried explaining, only to be interrupted again.

"I don't give a shit! I know for a fact you're probably just going to lie! You probably just wanted Tavi's trust so you and Caramel could always be one step ahead!" Vinyl exclaimed, before turning and starting to walk away.

"We shouldn't come to any conclusions before we have more fac-" Bon Bon started, only to be interrupted by Lyra.

"Bon Bon, just stop. Wait until Vinyl and I are no longer pissed,"

Bon Bon shut her mouth and nodded.

"I'm going to tell Tavi everything. I'll see you in Tartarus dirt bags," Vinyl shouted one last time before they turned around the block, making it impossible for the stallions to see them any longer.

Chapter 36

View Online

"You cannot tell my parents under any circumstances!"

"But they should-"

"UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES!"

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia stood up in her bed. She was gasping for air as sweat trickled down her face.

I... I forgot about that.

Octavia shook her head.

S-so what, just because Caramel asked me to, doesn't mean I shouldn't go.

Octavia then felt her hoof hit something. She turned to find Caramel lying down next to her on the bed.

Octavia let out a frustrated sigh before grabbing a pillow and blanket to then leave the room.

She laid the pillow down onto the couch, before resting her head on top. She then put the blanket over her body.

She closed her eyes in an attempt to fall asleep, but the thoughts kept pledging her mind.

Octavia kept rolling around until she let out an annoyed sigh as she got up from the couch. The cellist then put on her coat, grabbed her keys, and left the apartment to take a walk.

Once she opened the door to the building, the air immediately flooded out, causing her mane to fly behind her. She ignored it and continued to walk.

As she walked around the street, she thought about Caramel, Vinyl, and Remedy Cure. She thought mostly, though, about the dream, or more accurately, the memory she just had.

As Octavia rounded the corner, she noticed a couple walking on the street next to her. They were joking, having a good time together. Octavia smiled, it reminded her of Vinyl.

Maybe I should go to Vinyl's apartment...

Octavia shook her head. It would be too dangerous to go there now. She knew Caramel would come back to kill Vinyl if she went back there.

With another sigh, Octavia continued walking.

~•~•~•~•~

"Are you still mad about this?" Bon Bon asked, slightly annoyed.

"Hell yeah, I am!" Vinyl exclaimed, "Octavia trusted Lucky Streak, and he goes behind her back!"

"You don't even know what exactly they were talking about," Bon Bon argued.

"Oh, come on, Bonnie! It's obvious!" Vinyl yelled.

"Guys!" Lyra hissed as she suddenly appeared in the doorway of the kitchen area.

"Lucky Streak could have easily just bumped into him on the street and was asking him why he was working with Caramel," Bon Bon pointed out.

"Yeah well-" Vinyl started.

"Guys!" Lyra hissed again, this time interrupting Vinyl.

"What is it Lyra?" Bon Bon asked.

"Octavia is-"

"What are you two talking about?" Octavia asked as she suddenly appeared behind Lyra.

"Here," Lyra finished.

"O-oh, hey Tavi!" Vinyl greeted, attempting to keep her cool.

"We were just talking about the work we did yesterday," Bon Bon said bluntly.

Octavia's eyes narrowed, "I heard Lucky Streak's name, as well as Neon’s."

Vinyl inhaled sharply, "Oh yeah! We were- um- wondering why Lucky Streak still hasn't spoken to you about Neon!"

Octavia's eyes narrowed, making Vinyl gulp.

"You, me, office, now," Octavia demanded, before turning around and heading towards Vinyl's office.

Vinyl let out a long breath before she hesitantly followed after her marefriend.

"Oh shit, Vinyl's in the dog house,"

"Shut up, Lyra," Bon Bon said with a roll of her eyes.

~•~•~•~•~

"Soooo.... Wassup?" Vinyl asked as she leaned onto her desk.

Octavia raised her eyebrow.

Vinyl grinned nervously.

Damn, why does she have to break me so easily?!

Vinyl sighed in defeat, "Okay fine, I'll tell you what we were talking about."

Octavia smiled, satisfied, "Good."

She kissed the DJ on the cheek as a sign of gratitude.

Vinyl smirked slightly at this before clearing her voice.

"So, yesterday, Lyra, Bonnie, and I were out of the office, just hanging out and eating pizza. When we saw Lucky Streak on the street across from us, speaking to Neon."

Octavia's eyes went wide.

"And then what?"

Vinyl winced, "Er- I kinda... screamed at both of them and left."

Octavia opened her mouth and then sighed.

"Vinyl, listen. I can understand why you'd be upset with him. But you should have at least let him speak."

"Yeah but-"

“Vinyl," Octavia interrupted in a comforting yet stern voice, "You're getting over your jealousy of Lucky Streak, seeing him talk to your ex probably doesn't help."

"Yeah, I guess," Vinyl grumbled.

"We should talk to them, both of them," Octavia insisted.

"Yeah, yeah, I know. But don't expect me to be very nice to them," Vinyl replied.

Octavia sighed, "Could you at least try to be pleasant?"

"Hey, either I go and act like an asshole, or I don't go, your call," Vinyl said, stubbornly as she turned the other way so she was no longer facing Octavia.

Octavia rolled her eyes, then an idea popped into her head.

"Fine, then I guess I'll just have to go alone."

Octavia had to hide her smirk as Vinyl's ears perked up. The DJ quickly turned back around to face her.

"Uh, really? I mean, shouldn't I come if you're going to talk to my ex?" Vinyl questioned.

"Well, yes," Octavia agreed, "but I don't see the point if you're not going to let them tell their side of the story."

Even through her glasses, Octavia could see Vinyl's eyes fill with worry as she contemplated what to do.

Octavia waited a few more minutes for Vinyl to say something else. When she didn't, the cellist shrugged before kissing her marefriend on the cheek.

"I'll be back soon enough, Vinyl," Octavia said as she left the room.

Once Octavia was outside the room, she parked herself next to the door and waited. After a few seconds, Vinyl came rushing out, frantically looking around. Once her eyes caught Octavia, she visibly relaxed.

"Hey, uh, I think I'm going to come," Vinyl said, trying to sound calm and collected.

Octavia tilted her head, a smirk planted on her face, "You think?"

Vinyl blushed slightly, "I mean, yeah, I'm coming."

Vinyl then puffed her chest out, "I mean, you need somepony to protect you from those stallions if they are working for Caramel."

Octavia rolled her eyes, the smirk still on her face, "Why yes, I need somepony strong and fearless like you to protect little old me."

As Octavia started walking away, she poked Vinyl in the side, causing Vinyl to jump back.

Octavia let out a laugh while Vinyl glared slightly at her.

Octavia continued walking towards the recording studio, only to hear Vinyl say,

"Wait... you planned for me to come back! Didn't you!?"

Octavia's facade broke as she started to laugh. Vinyl pouted at this.

"Aw," Octavia said through her laughter, "I'm sorry. It's just so easy to trick you into coming with me, I had to try."

"Jeez Octy, you really are becoming like me," Vinyl pointed out with a grin.

"That's not necessarily a bad thing," Octavia purred as she nuzzled her face next to Vinyl's.

"You want to know the best part about this?" Vinyl asked as they continued nuzzling with both their eyes closed.

"What?"

Vinyl grinned as she opened her eyes, "That everypony is watching us."

Octavia's eyes snapped open, revealing that most of Vinyl's employees were, in fact, watching them share their affection.

Octavia's face became completely red as she pushed Vinyl away from her, making Vinyl laugh.

"You are insufferable!" Octavia exclaimed as she marched towards the studio.

"Ha ha, still got it," Vinyl said to herself as she turned back into her own office.

~•~•~•~•~

Lucky Streak stopped washing his mane as he heard his phone go off in the other room. He sighed in annoyance.

Why do ponies only want to contact me when I'm in the shower?

Lucky Streak quickly got out of the shower and dried off his mane as he walked towards his phone.

For the past two days, Lucky Streak had been spending his time at a hotel in Manehattan. He wanted to go here for some time since he knew this was where all of the Caramel drama roamed.

He grabbed his phone and was sadly not surprised to see who was texting him.

"Octavia," Lucky Streak said to himself in a sad voice.

He knew this text would be coming after Vinyl saw him with Neon Lights the other day, and he had been dreading it.

Lucky Streak hesitantly opened the message.

'Hello, Lucky Streak. It's been awhile since we've last spoken. Vinyl said she saw you yesterday with Neon Lights. Now although Vinyl has insisted that you have bad intentions, I know you better than that. Which is why I would like to see both you and Neon for lunch today at Manehattan Cafe, at around 2 pm. I shall see you then.'

Lucky Streak blinked. He was pleasantly surprised by this message.

I guess that's what I get for assuming Octavia would be like Vinyl and completely turn me into some kind of villain.

Lucky Streak shook his head as he responded to Octavia's message.

'It's nice to hear from you Octavia. I would love to see you today for lunch, and 2 pm sounds fine. I will see if Neon can come as soon as possible, and I assume Vinyl will be there as well. Other than that, I'll see you soon enough.'

Once he finished texting Octavia, Lucky Streak quickly switched over to Neon's contact and started calling him.

"Yo," Neon greeted, his voice slightly croaky.

Lucky Streak sighed, "Of course you were drunk. Anyway, get yourself ready, we're going to have lunch with Octavia and Vinyl."

"Oh shit," Neon replied, "Cool, uh, shit, when?"

"At two pm today," Lucky Streak answered.

"Uh, why so early? Can't we do like, two.... am?"

Lucky Streak rolled his eyes, "No, now get ready, I'll pick you up at one."

And with that, Lucky Streak hung up the phone.

"This is going to be one long lunch," Lucky Streak said to himself as he continued his morning routine for the day.

~•~•~•~•~

"So, what are you going to do if Lucky Streak is lying and he IS working with Caramel? He could be sending intel to Caramel or… something" Vinyl asked as they walked down the street.

Octavia just shrugged, "Well then he better not be lying," Octavia paused, "Intel? Vinyl you have been watching too many spy movies."

"Well, what else am I supposed to do while I'm at work!" Vinyl whined.

Octavia raised an eyebrow, "I would presume you would do actual work."

"Actual work is just a conspiracy," Vinyl exclaimed.

Octavia let out an annoyed sigh, "You've been talking to Lyra about humans, haven't you?"

"Nah," Vinyl replied, "I just wanted to rile you up."

Octavia let out another annoyed sigh, making Vinyl smirk.

"Oh would you look at that, we're here," Octavia said as they finally reached the cafe.

Vinyl let out a groan, "Can't we just go on a date or something?"

Octavia rolled her eyes, "The sooner we get done with this, the sooner we can go home."

Octavia opened the door to the Cafe. She paused when she saw Vinyl wasn't moving and instead was sitting there.

Octavia sighed again as she attempted to think of a way to tempt Vinyl into going inside.

Then, an idea hit her.

"Who knows," Octavia started, causing Vinyl's attention to go back to her, "Maybe if you're well behaved, I may consider doing something physical that isn't in relation with cuddling."

Octavia hid her grin as Vinyl suddenly appeared next to her, the DJ's eyes as big as a foal in a candy store.

"Fillies first," Vinyl offered, her voice shaky with excitement.

Octavia rolled her eyes with a smile as she entered the cafe, Vinyl right behind her.

The two mares looked around until they noticed Neon's signature glasses.

"I swear, he bought those glasses from some cheap gas station," Vinyl growled under her breath.

"Vinyl," Octavia threatened.

Vinyl sighed, "Sorry."

As they walked up to the table, the two stallions noticed them.

Lucky Streak greeted them with a warm smile, which Octavia gladly returned. While Neon just grinned at Vinyl, who in return just glared at him.

"Octavia, Vinyl! It's great to see you guys," Lucky Streak greeted as he got up to hug Octavia.

Now, Vinyl’s glare had moved over to Lucky Streak. When Neon noticed this, he smirked slightly.

"Wow Vinyl, I didn't take you as the jealous type."

Vinyl's head snapped to Neon.

"Shut up Lights."

Neon laughed, "Hey hey, calm down. I'm just teasing."

Vinyl rolled her eyes.

Why the hell am I here? I shouldn't be anywhere near these assholes.

Then, Vinyl eyes fell back onto Octavia, who was laughing at something Lucky Streak has said.

She's lucky I love her, Vinyl thought, joy spreading through her as she heard Octavia laugh.

The four ponies sat down at the table. Octavia was next to Vinyl, and the two were across from Lucky Streak and Neon.

"So," Neon started, "Are we going to actually eat anything or?"

Lucky Streak sighed, "This isn't really about the food. But if you want some you can go get it."

Neon rolled his eyes before getting up to order something.

The three watched him leave. Once he was gone, Lucky Streak turned back to the mares.

"First, I'm sorry for how our last encounter ended, Vinyl. I've been meaning to talk to you and Octavia for some time now, but I never had enough time."

Vinyl rolled her eyes, making Octavia kick her from under the table.

Lucky Streak paused when he noticed the slight movement under the table, after a second he continued, "Well, anyway, I wanted to tell you something about Neon, you see-"

"Wait, are you two gay together?" Vinyl asked suddenly.

"Vinyl!" Octavia exclaimed, slightly mortified at the sudden question.

"What?" Vinyl asked with a shrug, "My dad suddenly blurted his sexuality to my mom so I may as well be prepared for it to happen again."

"That doesn't make what you said any less rude!" Octavia argued.

The two paused when they heard Lucky Streak laughing. They snapped their heads towards him.

"Luna, you two already act like a married couple."

Octavia's face turned completely red at that comment, while Vinyl just looked confused.

"No, we're not gay. And even if I was, Neon is definitely a mare kind of pony."

Vinyl chuckled darkly, "You're telling me."

Lucky Streak then cleared his voice, "As I was saying, Neon Lights is-"

"A pretty fucking awesome stallion," Neon finished, causing the other ponies to look over at him in annoyance.

"No," Lucky Streak sighed, "What I was going to say was-"

"Woah! Lucky Streak I didn't know you were gay!" Beauty Brass exclaimed as she suddenly appeared beside the table, "Same thing with you Neon. And you guys are on a double date! That's so cute! We should do a triple date!"

"Oh come on!" Lucky Streak groaned, making Vinyl laugh.

"Nah, I don't swing that way," Neon replied, taking a bite of the brownie he bought, "However, I'll totally take you up on that threesome idea."

Beauty Brass's eyes went wide at what Neon had just implied out of her original offer.

"She said a triple date, Neon," Octavia said, annoyed.

"I know, but only the best kind of dates end with a crazy night in bed, isn't that right Vinyl?"

"I swear to Luna I will smash your face into the table so hard you'll see lights," Vinyl growled, "And by lights, I mean ambulance lights."

"Vinyl," Octavia warned.

Vinyl grumbled something as she shut her muzzle.

"Beauty Brass, would you please leave for now? This is an important meeting between the four of us," Lucky Streak asked in the kindest voice he could muster.

"Alright!" Beauty Brass replied with a smile, "I'll see you guys later!"

And with that, Beauty Brass left the cafe.

"Sooo," Neon started, "Are you going to continue what you were saying, Lucky?"

"No, because every time I do, somepony says I'm gay," Lucky Streak grumbled.

Octavia rolled her eyes, "Don't over exaggerate Lucky Streak, just say it already."

"Fine," Lucky Streak sighed, "Neon is-"

"If you were gayyyyyyy," Somepony started singing from the other side of the window, "That'd be okayyyyy-"

"Oh my Celestia! Shut up!" Lucky Streak exclaimed, making the pony laugh.

"Alright fine, you're no fun. See you later Octavia!" The pony said as they walked away.

Octavia's eyes moved over to see who was talking, she then looked back at her friends, only to snap back to the window, "Moonshine?"

"You know what Neon," Lucky Streak said, exhausted, "Just tell them yourself."

Neon shrugged, "Alright."

The unicorn then paused to take another bite of his brownie.

"Well, I'm on your side. And I've been on it this whole time," Neon explained casually.

Octavia's eyes went wide, "What?"

"Yep, you see-"

"Bullshit!" Vinyl yelled, grabbing the attention of the other ponies in the cafe.

"Vinyl!" Octavia hissed.

"No! Buck this! I thought I could handle this but I can't. No way in hell am I going to believe a stupid story like that!" Vinyl yelled as she grabbed her things and walked towards the exit.

"Vinyl!" Octavia called again.

The DJ ignored it and left the cafe.

"I should go-"

"I'll go talk to her," Neon said in the most serious voice Octavia had ever heard from the stallion before.

Neon then grabbed his own coat and walked out after his ex marefriend.

It surprisingly didn't take him long to find her, as she was standing just around the corner.

"Let me guess, you're standing here waiting for Octavia?" Neon asked.

"Piss off," Vinyl cursed before she started to walk away again.

"Wait, Vinyl," Neon said as he used his magic to grab the mare.

Vinyl's head snapped towards him, "What the fuck do you want?"

Neon paused, before he sighed, "I want to explain myself. And I want to apologize. Can you let me at least do that?

"Let me think. No," Vinyl replied as she attempted to walk away again.

"You won't have to speak to me ever again," Neon called, making Vinyl stop, "Just hear me out."

"Fine," Vinyl hissed.

Neon sighed again, "I... When I cheated on you, I was young and stupid. Sometimes I don't think I've even fully grown up. But, after you left, I learned how hard it was to live my life without you. Sure, it was fun getting to be with a different mare every week, but I missed the feeling of coming home to somepony, you know?"

"So you did all this to win me back or something?" Vinyl asked, turning to him.

"No," Neon said flatly, "I did this to make it up to you. Once I realized how badly I fucked up, I wanted to get you back. But as I saw the way your career grew and how popular you had become, I realized there was no way I could ever get to you. Then Caramel contacted me. I remember thinking how this could finally be my chance to make things right with you, but then Caramel explained Octavia to me, and I realized you'd moved one," Neon stopped as he chuckled, "I mean, you moved on to an already taken mare, but as I quickly realized, Caramel was bat shit crazy. So I decided that if I could sabotage Caramel's plans to ruin your life, then maybe-"

Neon trailed off. He looked over up at Vinyl, who was staring intently at him. He lifted up his hoof, and in a quick motion, took off the mare's glasses.

Vinyl had a serious face, however, tears were streaming down her face.

"Then maybe I could mean something to you. And I know I'll probably never get the chance to date you again, at least I could try to be your friend."

Vinyl looked at the ground, then back up at him. Finally, she put her glasses back on her face.

"I need time," Vinyl stated, "I need time to think about this. This is just so sudden, and I still don't fully trust you."

Neon nodded, "I understand that."

"But, I'll think about it, I swear."

Neon smiled, and for the first time in years, Vinyl returned it.

Then, suddenly, Vinyl let out a laugh.

"Not to break the mood or anything, but could you get Octy out here? I don't think I'll be allowed back into the cafe after my little scene."

Neon laughed, "Sure."

He turned around and then paused.

"Oh, and one more thing," he started, "The mare you decided to replace me with is pretty damn hot."

Vinyl grinned, "Hell yeah she is."

Once Neon was out of sight, Vinyl looked down at the floor in thought.

Can I really trust him? Is this another trick? Or does he really want to make amends with me?

Vinyl's ear twitched as she heard a familiar set of hooves walked towards her, in an almost panicked walk.

Vinyl grinned, Well, I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Chapter 37

View Online

Today was just like any other day for Octavia.

She got out of bed, got ready for her day, and left.

Sure she had a few problems with Caramel but that's nothing new.

When she got to work, everything seemed the same. Bon Bon was happily working in the kitchen, and Lyra was in the recording studio.

Yes, everything was normal..... Until she walked into Vinyl's office.

"Bon Bon," Octavia started as she walked into the kitchen area, "May I ask where exactly Vinyl went?"

"Oh hello, Octavia!" Bon Bon greeted cheerfully, "I don't know where Vinyl is, maybe you should ask Lyra."

Octavia nodded her head before making her way towards the recording studio.

Calm down, Octavia. She probably just slept in or had a meeting.

However, Octavia continued to panic. Yesterday, she and Vinyl met up with Lucky Streak and Neon Lights. While there, the two had learned Neon was actually trying to help them all along.

Not only this, but he still seemed to harbor some romantic feelings for Vinyl.

Now, Octavia never really thought of herself as a jealous type, but she had quickly learned that bad relationships seemed to follow her wherever she went.

She did, however, express these fears to Vinyl, which she quickly laughed off as she didn't even know if she wanted to be friends with the stallion.

But Octavia would be lying if she didn't say a part of her was still worried.

Octavia was snapped back into reality when she almost hit the door of the recording studio.

Octavia shook her head in an attempt to rid herself of these thoughts before she entered the studio.

"Lyra?" Octavia asked as she opened the door.

"Oh, hey Octavia," Lyra greeted, "Did you need something?"

"Hello Lyra," Octavia said with a smile, "I was just wondering if you knew where Vinyl was."

Lyra gave Octavia a confused look, which both confused and worried Octavia.

"She didn't tell you?" Lyra asked, "Vinyl's moving into her new apartment today."

~•~•~•~•~

New apartment?!

Octavia marched down the street, still mad that her own marefriend hadn't even told her that she was moving.

I swear to Celestia Vinyl when I get to you...

Thankfully, Lyra had given her the address to Vinyl's new apartment, making it easier for her to yell at her marefriend.

As Octavia continued her way down, she started to see all the theaters. Once she saw them, she finally realized exactly where Vinyl was living.

"Bridleway?" Octavia whispered to herself in shock.

I must have been too mad to even realize exactly where her apartment building was....

Octavia shook her head before continuing her march down the sidewalk towards Vinyl's new apartment building.

Once she reached it, she looked up at the building.

Wow.... I am definitely killing Vinyl.

Octavia walked inside, ready to go straight to her marefriend's apartment when she realized it.

Lyra didn't give me the bloody apartment number!

"Hello, Miss."

Octavia jumped. She snapped her head around to find a doorstallion standing there.

"Are you here to see somepony?"

Octavia nodded her head, "Yes. Could you please tell me what apartment Miss Scratch is in?"

The doorstallion tilted his head in confusion, "Are you one of the movers?"

Octavia blushed, "No. I'm her marefriend actually."

"Ah," The doorstallion said in realization, "Well, Miss Scratch is on the top floor. Her door is Fourteen C."

Octavia nodded her head hesitantly before entering one of the elevators. She clicked the top button and the doors closed.

"The top floor of an apartment that's on Bridleway?" Octavia said to herself, "How much money did that mare spend?"

Octavia's thoughts were stopped when she heard the ding of the elevator indicating it was on the top floor. Once the doors opened, she exited the elevator and made her way to Vinyl's apartment.

This building was strange, all the apartments were on the same side as the elevator, while the other wall was one giant window.

However, Octavia didn't take her time to view it as she was too angry with Vinyl to notice. Once she reached Vinyl's apartment, she noticed that the door was opened.

She took in the view from outside the room. There were many boxes everywhere, yet the apartment was big enough that it didn't cause any inconvenience.

She could see Vinyl in the center, she was facing away from the door, looking out one of the windows.

Octavia let out a sigh before her face turned into one of confidence. She then walked into the room.

The front door led to the living room, which was connected to the kitchen. However, this kitchen was quite large but not as large as the living room. There was a bathroom on the right of Octavia, while the kitchen was on the left.

On the far right wall of the living room, there were two doors. One that leads to what seemed like a studio, and another that led to an enormous bedroom. The wall facing the entrance was one enormous window.

As Octavia walked further into the apartment, Vinyl's ears perked up as she heard the hoof steps.

"Finally! Sweet Celestia, how long does it take you guys to bring up some boxes?" Vinyl complained as she slowly turned around, "I mean, you bozos almost broke my reco- OH! HEY, Octy!"

Octavia's eyes narrowed, making Vinyl sweat a little, "Greetings Vinyl."

Vinyl cocked her head to the side, "Uh, did I do something?"

"Your apartment," Octavia stated blankly.

"Yeah? What about it?" Vinyl asked, obviously completely confused.

"Shouldn't you tell your marefriend about your new apartment?" Octavia asked.

Vinyl's eyes went wide, "Oh shit. I didn't tell you?"

Octavia shook her head.

"I'm dead. Aren't I?" Vinyl asked.

"Yes," Octavia answered, "But not only because of that. Would you please tell me how you got this obviously expensive apartment when you don't even buy food for yourself?"

Vinyl let out a sheepish chuckle, "I, uh, I don't know?"

Octavia let out an annoyed sigh.

"Well... since you're here.... do you want to look around?" Vinyl asked.

"I don't know. I'm still quite mad at you," Octavia replied.

"Well... Would you not be mad at me if I told you that I got this apartment for us?"

Octavia raised her eyebrow in confusion and intrigue, "Go on."

"After the time when Caramel almost broke down my fucking door," Vinyl explained, "I realized I need to be a bit smarter about how I hang out with you."

Octavia snorted, "I doubt you can get any smarter than you are now, Vinyl."

Vinyl rolled her eyes, "Yeah, yeah. Anyway, I've decided to move to a new place, so that Caramel can't disturb us when we want to be together and stuff. What do you think?”

Octavia's face changed as she considered this for a moment. After a second, she walked over to Vinyl.

"That's actually quite smart of you Vinyl," Octavia said, surprising Vinyl, "However, I am still a little upset with you."

Vinyl then grinned, "Don't worry babe. I know just the thing that'll stop you from wanting to kill me, and instead make you want to make sweet love to me on the floor."

Octavia opened her mouth to object to that last comment, however, Vinyl was already using her magic to drag Octavia towards the end of her living room.

Vinyl then opened two glass doors and pulled the cellist out to the balcony. Once she was pulled out, Octavia's mouth dropped.

She could see Bridleway, but not just Bridleway, she could see all of Manehattan.

"It's... stunning," Octavia said breathlessly.

Vinyl turned towards her, however, Octavia's eyes were glued onto the view.

Vinyl grinned, "Pretty friggin cool, right?"

Octavia simply nodded her head. Vinyl then turned back towards the view. The two continued to stare out at the city, both completely silent.

So, needless to say, Octavia jumped when she felt something wrap around her.

She finally stopped staring out at the city to face Vinyl.

Vinyl had put her glasses above her head as she continued to stare out at the city. However, she now had one hoof wrapped around Octavia.

Octavia didn't say anything, instead, she turned back to the view.

Vinyl smiled suddenly when she felt Octavia lie her head down onto Vinyl's shoulder. The cellist slightly buried herself into the crook of the DJ's neck as the two continued to stare out.

Without even realizing it, their tails began to intertwine as peaceful smiles grew onto their faces.

This perfect scene, however, was suddenly ruined by the sound of boxes being placed down hard onto the floor.

The two mares jumped off one another as their heads snapped towards the source of the sound.

"There, that's the last of it!" The mover announced.

"Finally! You really took your time!" Vinyl exclaimed, walking towards the stallion. Octavia stayed on the balcony as she attempted to hide the burning blush on her face.

"Whatever. We finish, didn't we? Now, pay up!" The mover demanded as he brought his hoof out for money.

Vinyl grumbled something before handing the stallion a sack of bits.

And with that, the stallion left.

Vinyl used her magic to lock the door before she spun back around to her marefriend.

"So," Vinyl started, re-wrapping her hoof around Octavia, "Now that we're alone... Do you want that tour?"

Octavia opened her mouth before closing it. She shook her head with a smile, "That sounds delightful."

~•~•~•~•~

"What the hell is the point of this?" Lyra asked, completely annoyed.

"Relax," Lucky Streak said in a soothing voice, "We are here to make amends."

"Well, more like Neon is," Bon Bon interjected, "You have nothing to say sorry for, Lucky Streak."

Lucky Streak turned towards Bon Bon with a smile, "Thank you, Bon Bon."

"C'mon Ly!" Neon exclaimed, "Vinyl forgave me, why can't you?"

"I should take that thing between your legs and-"

"Lyra!" Bon Bon yelled, completely mortified.

"Huh," Neon said, surprised, "Vinyl's insults weren't even this bad."

"Well, that makes sense!" Beauty Brass said, causing the group to look over at her, "The ponies who care for the one you hurt will always be more upset when they get hurt than the pony themselves."

"How did she get in here?" Neon asked.

Bon Bon sighed, "Our receptionist keeps letting her in."

Lyra chuckled, "I think she has a crush on her or something."

"Aw, you guys sound like you don't want me here," Beauty Brass pouted.

"We do Beauty," Bon Bon insisted, "This is just a serious topic between us."

"I can be serious!" Beauty Brass exclaimed.

"Beauty Brass, could you-"

"Actually," Lucky Streak started, interrupting Bon Bon, "I think Beauty Brass is much more serious than Neon."

"Hey!" Neon complained.

"Ha!" Lyra laughed.

"Could we please just continue our conversation?" Bon Bon asked.

"Yeah, yeah," Neon said, rolling his eyes, "Okay look. I fucked up, okay? And I want to make things better with not only Vinyl but all of you. Could you at least give me a chance?"

"Hell no!" Lyra yelled.

"Why not?!" Neon asked.

"Do you have any idea what Vinyl went through? Heck, what me and Bonnie went through?!" Lyra yelled.

"Lyra, please calm down," Bon Bon pleaded.

Lyra's eyes flash towards Bon Bon. After a minute, she let out a sigh.

"Fine," Lyra mumbled as she sunk down into her chair.

Bon Bon flashed a grateful smile as her marefriend, which Lyra returned with a shaky smile.

"I have an idea!" Beauty Brass exclaimed, making everypony jump, "How about we come up with some kind of challenge, and if Neon does it, we can trust him."

"Good idea!" Lyra agreed, joyfully.

"Uh, no!" Neon disagreed.

"Oh?" Lyra said, turning towards the stallion, "Does that mean we can't trust you?"

Neon's eyes narrowed, "Bring it on."

~•~•~•~•~

"Did they really drop the whole box down the stairs?" Octavia asked, laughing.

"Yeah!" Vinyl exclaimed, "And all because they were too impatient to wait for the elevator!"

Octavia laughed more, making Vinyl smile.

The sun was starting to set by the time they had gotten back outside. Octavia didn't originally intend to spend such a long time in Vinyl's apartment, however, she didn't regret the change in plans.

What should have been a few minute tour, turned into hours as the two mares kept joking around with every room they entered.

I forgot how nice it is to be around a pony you love, Octavia thought to herself with a smile.

The two continued walking down the street back towards the office, joking all the while.

Once they were in front of the building, Octavia started to enter the building, however, she paused when she realized Vinyl was not next to her.

She turned around to find Vinyl kicking at the ground.

"So uh," Vinyl started awkwardly, "I know you don't really like public displays of affection but we had a really cool day so-"

Vinyl was cut off as Octavia pressed her lips against her's.

Vinyl closed her eyes as she started kissing back. Octavia smiled as she felt this.

The two kissed for a few minutes, enjoying the feeling of one another.

Once they finished, Octavia let out a dreamy sigh. Vinyl grinned before she started nuzzling the cellist.

The two continued to nuzzle until Octavia pulled away.

Vinyl smirked as she noticed the slight blush on the mare's face.

Octavia cleared her voice, the blush still on her face, "Let's go inside the office now."

Vinyl shrugged, "Alright."

And with that, the two entered the office building again.

They entered the elevator and after a few minutes, they exited after a few minutes.

Once they exited the elevator, they froze.

"HOW DOES THIS PROVE ANYTHING?!" Neon screamed.

"I agree!" Beauty Brass exclaimed, "How DOES this prove anything?!"

"Shhhh," Bon Bon shushed, slightly into what was going on.

"Heh heh heh," Lyra laughed evilly, "I've been waiting to do this." Lyra then lifted a frying pan above Neon's head.

"What in Equestria?!" Octavia exclaimed, causing everypony to look over at her.

"Oh my gosh!" Vinyl exclaimed, laughing hysterically, "How the hell did you even- Ha!"

"Heyyyy, Vinyl!" Lyra greeted.

"Sup," Vinyl replied.

"Sweet Celestia," Octavia said, shaking her head in her hooves.

"Before you ask, it's a long story," Lucky Streak says, shaking his own head.

"Hey, pretend we're not here," Vinyl said, lifting her hooves up, "Go on, continue what you were doing."

"Wait wh-"

Neon's question was interrupted as the pan made contact with his head.

~•~•~•~•~

"Sweet Celestia Lyra, you almost killed him!" Octavia exclaimed, holding an ice pack to Neon's head.

"You make that sound like a bad thing," Lyra replied.

"I hate you," Neon hissed, making Lyra grin.

"Good," Lyra says, sticking out her tongue.

"So," Lucky Streak started, "Are you going to give Neon a chance now?"

Lyra shrugged, "I guess. I mean, he DID let me hit him on the head with a pan. Besides, if Vinyl trusts him, I trust him too."

"I mean, I only slightly trust him, but okay," Vinyl replied.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Neon said, rolling his eyes.

Chapter 38

View Online

"Are you alright Octavia?"

Octavia paused her activities as she looked up.

Lyra was looking down at her, concerned, inside the viewing area of the recording studio.

Octavia nodded her head solemnly, "Yes, I'm fine."

With that said, Octavia continued playing her cello. However, Lyra was not convinced.

Lyra quickly made sure all the settings were correct before she left the recording studio.

"Where are you going?" Octavia asked as she noticed Lyra was almost out the door.

"I need to take care of something. Don't worry, everything's in place so you should be fine," Lyra replied before leaving the studio.

Octavia blinked, before letting out a long sigh.

Today is going to be a long day....

~•~•~•~•~

"Yo, Vinyl. I think you need to talk to Octavia or something," Lyra said as she walked into Vinyl's office.

"Why? Did something happen?" Vinyl asked with concern laced her voice.

"I don't know, she's just acting really weird," Lyra explained.

"Alright, I'll go check on her," Vinyl announced as she got up from behind her desk. The DJ then made her way to the recording studio.

Vinyl slowly opened the door, which revealed her marefriend on her cello.

Octavia seemed extremely tired and annoyed as she played her cello.

"You know, maybe I should go in-"

"She's your marefriend genius," Lyra pointed out, interrupting Vinyl, "Do you really want to leave her like this?"

"Well, no," Vinyl admitted, "But she is really scary when she's like this."

Lyra rolled her eyes, "Then take one for the team and let her yell at you."

Vinyl opened her mouth and closed it. She then paused to think.

Okay, so either Octy kills me, or she spends the whole day upset at whatever she is upset about.

Vinyl sighed in defeat, "Fine."

And finally, Vinyl spun back around to the recording studio as she entered.

"Ug! Bloody hell," Octavia cursed as one of her strings broke.

"Maybe if you didn't play that thing so hard, it wouldn't break," Vinyl pointed out as she walked up to behind the mare.

"What do you want, Vinyl?" Octavia asked, annoyed and completely unfazed by Vinyl's suddenly entrance.

Vinyl gulped at Octavia's immediate aggression, "Well, I, uh, wanted to see how you were? Cause you seemed upset, and stuff."

Octavia turned to Vinyl, her eyebrow raised. Vinyl smiled nervously.

After a moment of the two staring at one another, Octavia turned back to her music sheet without saying another word.

"C'mon Tavi!" Vinyl exclaimed, "I can handle anything you throw at me!"

Octavia froze. Vinyl becomes even more nervous at this.

"Uh, Oc-"

Before Vinyl finished, the music sheet hit her head.

"Ow!" Vinyl cried in pain, "What the hell Octy?!"

"What?" Octavia asked simply, "I thought you could handle anything I throw at you."

Vinyl rubbed the spot where she was hit, "Not what I meant but okay. Two can play at this game."

Octavia let out a small squeal as Vinyl suddenly hugged her.

The cellist hit the DJ on the head in response.

"Ow," Vinyl whispered in pain, "You can't stop me Tavi! I'm invincible!"

Octavia just continued to smack the unicorn in an attempt to get her off.

Vinyl then decided to kick it up a notch by nuzzling Octavia with her muzzle.

Octavia growled slightly before she continued to hit Vinyl.

After a few more minutes of this, Octavia let out a defeated sigh.

"Fine, you win," Octavia exclaimed, rolling her eyes.

"Ha!" Vinyl said triumphantly, "Now tell me what's wrong Miss Priss."

Octavia smacked Vinyl once again on the forehead before she sighed, "I'm just stressed."

Vinyl raised her eyebrow, "Stressed? I'm not dumb Tavi, what's really wrong?"

"That is my problem!" Octavia yelled, annoyed.

"Alright, well then what are you stressed about?" Vinyl asked, skeptical.

Octavia sighed, "Tonight, Caramel and I are going to a high school reunion."

"Oooohhhhh... I don't get it," Vinyl said.

Octavia sighed again, "All night I am going to be alone with Caramel, surrounded by ponies who either bullied me or thought Caramel and I were a great couple. Not only that but...."

Octavia trailed off. "Sassaflash will be there."

"Oh yeah, you're marefriend who also dated Caramel," Vinyl remembered.

"Yes," Octavia said, her voice sounding sadder.

Vinyl frowned, "H-hey! If you really want I can-uh- come?"

Octavia for the first time that day smiled and chuckled, "You're sweet Vinyl, but we both know that it's not safe for you."

"Yeah," Vinyl agreed.

The two stayed in silence for a few minutes, both thinking what to do now.

"Well," Vinyl started, getting Octavia's attention, "If you have nothing to do this weekend we can like, cuddle and stuff."

Octavia giggled, "Are you attempting to ask me out on a date?"

"Please Tavi, DJ-PON3 doesn't try to ask a mare out, she succeeds."

Octavia rolled her eyes, "I'm tempted to say no just to hurt your ego," Octavia paused, before she started smiling, "However, I won't because a date would sound lovely Vinyl."

"Alright, sweet!" Vinyl cheered, "See babe, what did I tell ya? DJ-PON3 always get the mare."

Octavia rolled her eyes again before kissing Vinyl on the lips, "Oh shush."

~•~•~•~•~

"Aren't you excited?!" Caramel exclaimed happily.

Octavia nodded her head, an unsure smile on her face.

Caramel returned the smile before turning back to the train's window.

Octavia's smile vanished as she grabbed her phone.

'Where are we all meeting?' Octavia texted inside of a group chat with her ensemble.

'Outside the school.' Fredric responded.

'Octavia! Symphony and Fredric are going to be going together! :D' Beauty Brass texted.

Octavia couldn't help but smile and shake her head.

"Who are you texting?" Caramel asked, suspicious.

"My ensemble," Octavia responded, "I was finding out where we were meeting them."

Caramel's eye narrowed, making Octavia sigh.

Instead of saying anything, Octavia ignored the stallion and continued texting her friends throughout the train trip.

Once the train stopped in the Canterlot station, Caramel ran out happily while Octavia walked out.

'Isn't this great Octavia?" Caramel asked with a smile, "It's like a trip down memory lane. It'll be just like high school! Friendship, mischief," Caramel then nuzzled up to the cellist, "And love."

Octavia chuckled awkwardly, attempting to ignore what Caramel had just done.

The two continued to walk down the streets of Canterlot. Caramel would constantly point out any buildings that in some way were related to him and Octavia.

"And we made out under that tree," Caramel exclaimed, "And there's the restaurant where I proposed to you! Ah, true love."

Octavia didn't say anything, she just thought of how much she would prefer being with Vinyl right now.

After only a few minutes, which felt like hours to Octavia, the two finally made it to their old high school.

"Octavia!" Beauty Brass exclaimed, hugging the cellist.

"Hello Beauty Brass," Octavia greeted as she returned the hug.

"I bet you didn't expect to see me here," Symphony said with a smile as Octavia and Beauty Brass broke their hug.

"How could I not? Beauty Brass wouldn't stop talking about it," Octavia said as she hugged her sister.

"Caramel," Fredric greeted, stoically.

"Fredric," Caramel returned.

"I'm just going to go greet the mares," Harpo said with a nervous smile before walking over to the mares.

"Harpo!" Beauty Brass exclaimed, grabbing her stallionfriend, "Isn't this exciting?! We're going to all our old friends! And not to mention the opportunities!"

"What opportunities?" Symphony asked. Harpo's eyes went wide as he made the motion to stop speaking, but it was too late.

"To update my shipping chart!" Beauty Brass yelled ecstatically, "Imagine how different all the old high school couples are now!"

Octavia and Symphony simultaneously facehoofed at this.

And with that, the group of ponies made their way into the school.

~•~•~•~•~

"Thanks for making sure my set ups all good, Vi," A stallion thanked.

"No problem, Buzzer," Vinyl replied, getting out from under the turntables, "I can't believe you're putting this much work into a high school reunion party.

Buzzer shrugged, "Hey, I went to school with these guys for four years. I need to take every chance I have to brag off about how great I am."

Vinyl laughed, "True."

"So," Buzzer started in an attempt to start a conversation, "Why aren't you hanging with your new marefriend tonight?"

"Cause she's at her own high school reunion," Vinyl explained, casually.

Buzzer laughed, "Wow, really? What are the chances this is the same reunion party."

"Not very high," Vinyl replied, "Tavi comes from a rich family, her parents probably sent her to a private school, not a public one."

"Ew," Buzzer groaned, "Private schools SUCK. I went to one and it was horrible! Everypony acts like some kinda cliché."

Vinyl laughed again, and the two continued joking around.

Little did they know, that just outside the curtains was the one pony they were talking about.

"So, are we going to stick together or split apart?" Fredric asked as the group walked into the gym.

"Well, I was hoping we could-"

"Oh, my Celestia!" Beauty Brass exclaimed, "Look who it is! Harpo c'mon! We need to say hi!"

"Okay, but what about-" Harpo was cut off as Beauty Brass dragged him across the room.

"Well, that answered your question," Symphony commented with a giggle as Fredric rubbed between his eyes.

"Octavia! Let's go say hi to my old friends!" Caramel said as she started dragging Octavia in the opposite direction.

Octavia sighed. This is going to be a long night.

And it was, as Caramel kept dragging her to a group of ponies upon the group of ponies who would constantly remind her of how 'romantic' it was for her and Caramel to still be together.

Finally, Caramel needed to use the restroom, which left Octavia alone at the snack table.

"Hey," Symphony greeted as she slid up next to Octavia.

Octavia flashed her sister a tired smile, "Hello Symphony, how has your night been."

Symphony shrugged, "Well I don't really remember or know anypony here, so it's mostly been a series of, 'Wow, Octavia, you died your coat and mane?"

The two sister laughed before entering a comfortable silence.

"Is Beauty Brass having a field day with her shipping chart," Octavia asked.

"Oh my Luna," Symphony groaned, making Octavia chuckled, "She won't stop!"

"That's Beauty Brass for you," Octavia said with a smile.

"Yeah," Symphony agreed.

The two went back into silence, this time it felt a little more awkward.

"What about you? How has your time here been?" Symphony questioned.

Octavia rolled her eyes, "Caramel dragged me around, making me feel bad, nothing new," Octavia closed her eyes, "I miss Vinyl."

Symphony opened her mouth to console her sister, only to be interrupted by yelling.

"Who's ready to party!" Buzzer screamed from the stage.

The crowd of ponies cheered, making Buzzer grin. "Well then let's get this party started!"

The music then blasted out of the speakers, making the whole crowd cheer again and start dancing.

"That was not what I had in mind when I said I missed Vinyl," Octavia commented with her eyebrow raised.

"Ha! Did you know he used to have a huge crush on me?" Symphony asked as she watched the stallion.

Octavia's eyes went wide, "Really?"

Symphony grinned, "Yeah!"

"Tell me everything! Right. Now!" Beauty Brass yelled as she jumped out from behind the table.

"Ah! Beauty Brass?!" Symphony exclaimed.

"Tell me now," Beauty Brass demanded.

"I'll see you later Octavia!" Symphony said as she quickly started running away.

"Get back here!" Beauty Brass called as she ran after the mare.

Octavia giggled as she watched her friend's antics. Once she stopped, she took a drink from her punch.

"Well well, if it isn't the stallion stealer herself."

Octavia knew that voice. She used to love the pony who belongs to that voice.

Octavia had to use all her strength to not spit out the drink. Once she swallowed it, she spun her head around to find Sassaflash staring at her with a grin.

"Woah, calm down," Sassaflash said with a laugh, "I'm just kidding, I wouldn't hold a grudge for this long."

The mare was a cyan Pegasus with a yellow mane and tail. She then flew over the snack table so she was right next to Octavia.

"You look really good," Sassaflash commented.

Octavia blushed, "T-thank you. You look great."

"Woah Octavia, you're a married mare. I'm not here to flirt," Sassaflash said with her eyebrow raised.

"But-" Octavia paused. She'd spent enough time with Vinyl to know where these conversations would go.

"Kidding," Sassaflash said with a grin, "So what has the great lead cellist been up to?"

Octavia sighed, "I would tell you but I'm probably not allowed to."

Sassaflash raised her eyebrow, "O-kay? Well, I'm doing good. I'm actually dating that pony on stage right now."

Octavia's eyes went wide, "You're dating Buzzer."

Sassaflash grinned and shrugged, "Who would have thought? I never thought you two would have lasted this long either."

Octavia sighed, "Yeah."

The two went into a silence for a few minutes, only for it to be broken by Sassaflash gasping.

"No way! It's DJ-PON3!" Sassaflash exclaimed.

Octavia's eyes went wide.

"What?!" Octavia hissed as she snapped her head towards Sassaflash.

"Wow, I never knew you would know who DJ-PON3 is," Sassaflash said, impressed.

"Know her?! I don't just know her! I-"

"Tavi?!" Vinyl exclaimed, interrupting Octavia.

Octavia gritted her teeth before slowly turning to Vinyl, "Hello.... Vinyl."

"Hey, Tavi! What are you doing her- Ohhhhh," Vinyl paused to read the name tag on the cyan Pegasus, "Oh shit."

"I don't know whether to be happy or upset that you actually remember I went to a high school reunion tonight," Octavia said, rubbing between her eyes.

"Uh, happy?" Vinyl offered.

"No way," Sassaflash exclaimed, walking up to Vinyl, "You're FRIENDS with DJ-PON3?!"

"The one and only," Vinyl bragged, puffing her chest out.

"Sadly," Octavia said, rubbing between her eyes.

"And you must be Sassaflash," Vinyl stated, "Octy's told me a ton about you."

"No, I haven't."

"Yes, you have."

"No, I haven't."

"Yes, you have."

"No, I haven't."

"Yes, you-" Vinyl was cut off as Octavia shoved her hoof into the DJ's muzzle.

"No I haven't," Octavia hissed.

Sassaflash laughed, "Wow! You two act just like a married couple!"

Octavia's face turned completely red at that comment, while Vinyl just smugly smirked.

"I know right!" Beauty Brass agreed, walking up next to Sassaflash, "Aren't they cute?"

Sassaflash nodded her head in confirmation.

Octavia removed her hoof from Vinyl's mouth in order to glare at the two mares, meanwhile Vinyl continued to grin.

"Oh! Sassaflash! I need you to help me update my chart," Beauty Brass exclaimed, pulling out said chart, "Would you like to be added to the love square going on between Vinyl-"

"No!" Octavia blurted, making the two look back up at her.

Sassaflash smirked, "Please explain this love square."

"Well-"

"Nope!" Symphony said as she threw the chart across the room.

"My chart!" Beauty Brass screamed before chasing after it.

Octavia sighed, "Thank you Symphony."

Symphony smiled at her sister.

"Woah-woah-woah," Sassaflash started, "Now you guys HAVE to tell me. What's this love square with Vinyl?"

Sassaflash's eyes flashed to Octavia," And Octavia."

Octavia's eyes went wide, she opened her mouth, only to be interrupted by Vinyl.

"Well you see Sass, I have a crush on Miss Octavia here," Vinyl explains, putting her hoof around the cellist, making Octavia's face go completely red.

"Well, she is pretty hot," Sassaflash commented.

"Hell yeah, she is!" Vinyl agreed.

"Kill me, slowly and painfully," Octavia pleaded.

"Hey, guyssssss," Harpo says as he walks up to them, "I kinda need to tell you some-"

"How could you do this to me Symphony?!" Beauty Brass asked, sad.

"Because you shouldn't be talking about their situation willy-nilly," Symphony hissed.

"Don't worry Beauty Brass, I already know Vinyl has a crush on Octavia," Sassaflash reassured.

"Guys," Harpo said, panicking.

"Wait, so how do you guys know each other," Sassaflash asked.

"I'm her boss," Vinyl explained, proudly.

"How did that happen?" Sassaflash asked, half laughing.

"It's a long story," Symphony warned, half laughing as well.

"Excuse me, fillies," Fredric announced, clearing his voice, "But we seem to have a situation."

"What's wrong, love?" Symphony asked.

"Woah, Freddy and Symph? Never thought I'd see that." Sassaflash joked.

Fredric smiled, "Yes. It's nice to see you again Sassaflash. But our formal meetings will have to wait as there is a fight going on in the stallion's room."

Octavia's eyes went wide in fear.

Oh no. Please don't tell me.

"So what? Isn't that a normal thing in high school?" Vinyl commented, tilting her head.

Fredric's eyes went wide, "Vinyl? What in Equestria are you doing here?"

"I would like to know that too," Octavia agreed in a commanding voice.

Vinyl gave a sheepish smile, "Heh heh. So that guy on stage, we're kind of old friends."

"Really?! I date him!" Sassaflash exclaimed.

Vinyl smiled, "No way! What a small world."

"Yes, yes. This is all very interesting," Fredric said, rolling his eyes, "But Caramel is in the bathroom fighting Lucky Streak."

"Lucky Streak?!" They all screamed, causing all their old school mates to look at them.

"Wait why? Aren't they best friends," Sassaflash questioned.

"Long story," They all said at the same time.

The group then started galloping towards the bathroom. However, no pony noticed when Octavia stopped, except for Vinyl.

"Vinyl, may I talked to you for a second?" Octavia asked.

"Uh, sure,"

Vinyl walked up to Octavia, so the two were now close to one another.

"Could you please leave?" Octavia asked.

"Why? Don't you need help with-"

"No Vinyl," Octavia said, in a pleading voice, "Out of everything, the last thing I want is for you to get hurt, okay?"

Vinyl opened her mouth to object, but instead, she sighed.

"Yeah, yeah I get it. But like, Buzzer doesn't want me to leave in case he needs help. So can I stay backstage?"

Octavia sighed in defeat, "Alright, but please Vinyl, be careful."

Vinyl smirked, "Don't worry babe, you'll see this flank another day!"

Octavia's mouth hung open, ready to yell at the mare, but she was already half way across the gym, laughing to herself.

Octavia sighed, before turning back around towards the stallion room.

Once she got outside it, she could already see a group of ponies crowding around it.

Suddenly, the door burst open, revealing some of Octavia's old classmates attempting to hold Caramel and Lucky Streak so the two would stop fighting.

"Let her go!" Lucky Streak screamed.

"Focus on your own life!" Caramel screamed back.

Suddenly, two police ponies came, dragging the two apart, taking them both out of the gym.

The gym became silent as they all tried to understand what had happened.

After a few more minutes, the ponies started talking in an attempt to comprehend what they had all just witnessed.

"I can see he's still crazy," Sassaflash commented in a whisper.

Octavia's eyes went wide, "Wait, so you-"

"Yes," Sassaflash replied, "I know about how he acts around mares, it's why I'm surprised you two are still together."

Octavia looked at the ground, then back at Sassaflash, "I'm getting a divorce with him actually."

Octavia paused to look up at Vinyl, who was now outside to see the commotion.

"And I'm dating Vinyl."

Sassaflash chuckled, "I could kind of tell."

Octavia looked at the ground, smiling and blushing.

"We should probably go outside," Fredric commented.

They all silently agreed and walked outside. When they got out, they could see the police stallions talking to them.

Caramel and Lucky Streak both had some obvious bruises on them, and some cuts too.

Once the two stallions left, the group went over to them.

"Are you two alright?" Beauty Brass asked, worryingly.

"Let's go, Octavia," Caramel demanded.

"What? But Caramel, what about-"

"NOW," Caramel screamed, making the ponies all jump back in fear.

Octavia gulped before saying goodbye to her friends.

"Hey," Sassaflash said, taking out a piece of paper, "Take this, and call me if you need to talk, alright?"

Octavia smiled, "Thank you, Sassaflash."

Once Octavia finished hugging the mare, her and Caramel made their way to the train station, when Octavia suddenly stopped.

"Oh! I forgot! I need to go grab my purse from school," Octavia exclaimed before quickly galloping back to the school.

Once she got inside, she quickly made her way to the stage, where Buzzer was still playing.

Right by the stage, she could see Vinyl looking down at her phone in worry.

Just then Octavia got a text.

'Hey, are you alright?'

Octavia smiled and closed her phone.

"I'm alright Vinyl."

Vinyl jumped back in surprise.

"Oh shit. Hey, Octy."

"Hello Vinyl, I just wanted to say goodbye."

"Oh, alright, well By-"

Vinyl was cut off as Octavia pressed her lips again her own.

"Bye Vinyl," Octavia giggled, "I love you."

A goofy smile spread across Vinyl's face, "I love you too, Octy."

Octavia smiled before she walked off back to where Caramel was waiting for her.

~•~•~•~•~

"Caramel, I need to speak to you about something."

Caramel's head snapped towards Octavia.

"What?"

Octavia gulped, "There is going to be a business trip tomorrow."

"A business trip?" Caramel questioned, his eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"Yes," Octavia said, nodding her head, "It’s a business trip for the weekend."

Caramel's eyes narrowed more, "This is some trick to see your marefriend, isn't it?"

Octavia sighed in annoyance, "Caramel, we're getting divorced. You-we need to move on."

"But we're still married!" Caramel argued.

"I would have waited until the divorce was finalized but you keep postponing it!" Octavia yelled, stomping her hoof.

"You didn't answer my question!" Caramel said, ignoring Octavia's last point.

"No!" Octavia exclaimed, "This is just a regular business trip."

"Prove it!" Caramel demanded.

Octavia groaned, "Fine. You can take me to the train station tomorrow."

Octavia rolled her eyes as she saw how pleased Caramel looked with himself.

Chapter 39

View Online

Octavia watched the buildings fly by as the car continued down the streets of Manehatten.

Caramel was in the front seat, babbling about how she didn't love him and so on.

Octavia wasn't completely paying attention. Instead, she was thinking of how she would explain her situation to Caramel's parents.

Pegasi flew across the city, all just as fast and stuck as the cars below them.

Octavia sighed.

I wish I could just fly to the train station instead of having to endure this bloody ride.

"We're here, honey," Caramel called.

Octavia rolled her eyes as she attempted to unlock the door. Only to find that it was locked.

Octavia looked at the driver seat, confused, to find Caramel gone.

Octavia jumped as the door next to her unlocked. Caramel opened the door with a big smile, making Octavia roll her eyes.

Octavia got out and started walking towards her train's station, only to feel somepony tap her on the shoulder.

The cellist turned around, only to find her lips pressed against Caramel’s.

"Uh oh, is somepony jealous~" Lyra teased before taking another bite of her hayburger. Her and Vinyl were sitting next to a window in a hayburger place near their terminal.

"Uh oh, is somepony jealous," Vinyl repeated in a nasal voice.

Lyra laughed, making Vinyl huff in frustration.

Octavia smiled awkward before pulling away from Caramel's grasp.

"Goodbye Carame-"

"I love you!" Caramel shouted, making a few ponies look towards them.

Octavia cringed, "I love you too."

Caramel smiled before finally entering his car and driving away.

Octavia cleared her voice, making most of the ponies stop looking at her out of politeness.

Octavia then walked towards the hayburger place, where she had agreed to meet her friends. All the while, she was looking down in order to avoid the few ponies who were still staring at her.

Octavia entered the restaurant and started looking around for her friends. She smiled when she found her two unicorn friends sitting by the window.

As she got closer to them, she stopped as she watched what they were doing.

Vinyl seemed to be squirming as she attempted to hit Lyra who was poking the mare.

"Admit it! You ARE jealous!" Lyra demanded as she laughed.

Vinyl just growled she continued to attempt to hurt her friend.

"Are you two really having a debate about how Vinyl is jealous of Caramel?" Bon Bon asked, just coming back from the bathroom.

"Is that what this is about?" Octavia asked, "I would be more surprised if she wasn't jealous."

"Oh shit!" Vinyl exclaimed, pushing Lyra off of herself, "Sup Tavi!"

"I believe I should be asking you that question," Octavia replied, raising her eyebrow.

"I've been trying to kill Lyra," Vinyl explained, nonchalantly.

"Okay," Octavia said, skeptically, "Shall we go off to our station?"

"Sure, because we're probably going to get kicked out of here soon," Bon Bon agreed.

And with that, the four mares started making their way to the train.

"Hey Octy, hold up for one sec," Vinyl called, making Octavia stopped.

Octavia turned around to face the DJ, "What is it, Vinyl?"

Vinyl grinned before kissing Octavia on the lip, making the cellist's eyes go wide in surprise.

Once Vinyl stopped, she grinned again, "Just wanted to clean your lips from Caramel germs."

Vinyl continued walking after her other two friends, leaving Octavia dumbstruck.

Octavia smiled, shaking her head.

Meanwhile, a certain stallion was watching them with complete and utter anger.

"I fucking knew it," Caramel hissed under his breath as he hid behind a bush, "Ha, at least I got to anger that stupid mare by kissing my WIFE in front of her."

"Excuse me, sir, I'm going to have to ask you to move," A police stallion demanded, getting Caramel's attention.

"You!" Caramel exclaimed, grabbing the police stallion, "Can you arrest somepony for dating your wife?!"

"I will have to ask you to let go of me sir," The police stallion demanded, "And no, I cannot arrest them, unless they break a law."

Caramel growled, letting go of the stallion and leaving the area he had been hiding.

~•~•~•~•~

Vinyl watched as Manehatten got further and further away, and as she got closer and closer to her doom.

At least Caramel will get what's been coming for him.

"Hey Lyra," Bon Bon said suddenly, getting the mare's attention, "Would you mind coming with me to explore the train?"

Lyra looked at her marefriend, confused, "Why would I-"

Bon Bon tilted her head toward the two mares sitting across from them.

"Oh!" Lyra exclaimed in realization, "Sure! Let's go, Bonnie!"

The two mares quickly left, leaving the couple alone. During that whole interaction, Vinyl's eyes hadn't even left the window.

A few minutes after the two left, Vinyl felt a weight on her shoulder and somepony's mane touching her cheek.

"How much are you willing to bet they left just so we could talk," Vinyl asked with a slight smirk.

Octavia shrugged but didn't say anything.

"Yo, you alright, Octy? Did Caramel really get you sick with his germs or something?" Vinyl asked, concerned.

Octavia chuckled darkly, "No, no. I'm alright. I just.... Vinyl, do you really think we should be doing this?"

"Hell yeah, I do!" Vinyl exclaimed, "I want him to feel how it feels to have somepony conspire with the ones you care about!"

"I know you do. But by doing this, doesn't that make us just as bad as him?"

"No, because we're the heroes," Vinyl argued.

"Vinyl, there are no heroes!" Octavia yelled, making Vinyl jump slightly, "I don't know if you've noticed, but our whole situation isn't exactly black and white."

Vinyl kept silent, letting Octavia relax from her sudden outburst.

"Yeah, it's grayer," Vinyl stated with a smirk, "And that's not too bad, I like the color gray."

A small smile formed on Octavia's face, as well as a small blush, "You dork."

"What? What'd I do this time?"

Octavia rolled her eyes, "Don't play dumb Vinyl."

"I thought I WAS dumb," Vinyl playfully argued.

"You are," Octavia said finally turning to face Vinyl, "But right now you're playing dumb."

"But I'm not acting any different, Tavi," Vinyl commented, shrugging, "Does that mean I've been playing dumb this whole time?"

Octavia rolled her eyes, "Oh shush."

Vinyl just smirked in response before she nuzzled Octavia with her muzzle.

Octavia leaned into her, enjoying the sensation.

"If you really don't want to. Me, Lyra, and Bonnie could just talk to them," Vinyl offered.

Octavia sighed, "No. If I did that, then they would probably get a restraining order placed on you."

"Hey! I'm not that bad!" Vinyl exclaimed, slightly hurt.

Octavia giggled, "I'm only joking, Vinyl."

The cellist then leaned in, kissing Vinyl on the muzzle.

"You better be," Vinyl threatened with a chuckle.

The two continued to lean into one another, both with smiles on their faces. Octavia, however, kept her eyes close while Vinyl's kept her's open.

"How did you know that would work," Lyra asked, taking another bite of her new chocolate bar as her and her marefriend watched their friends from a few seats away.

"Are you eating more food?" Bon Bon asked, surprised.

"Yeah. What's wrong with that Bonnie?" Lyra said with a smirk, "I thought you liked mares with a big appetite."

Bon Bon shook her head with a smile before kissing her marefriend on the cheek.

The train ride continued at a very peaceful pace. Octavia ended up falling asleep as she stayed next to her marefriend, while everypony else just played card games.

Finally, the conductor announced that the train was about five minutes away from Canterlot.

"Huh, it's odd to think how I was here just yesterday," Vinyl commented.

"Yeah yeah. We get it, you guys decided to have an adventure in Canterlot WITHOUT us," Lyra said dramatically.

"I actually come here quite often," Bon Bon whispered to herself.

"What was that Bonnie?"

"Uh... Let's go get out bags," Bon Bon replied quickly as she grabbed her marefriend.

"Octyyyyy. Octy, get up," Vinyl called as she shook the cellist.

Octavia let out a grunt before snuggling closer to the mare.

Vinyl couldn't help but grin at this. She then decided to kick things up a notch.

Octavia jumped before smacking Vinyl's chest when she felt the unicorn poke her side. After a second she shifted around in order to glare at the mare.

"What?"

"We're here, sleeping beauty," Vinyl explained.

Octavia rolled her eyes at the last comment before getting up out of her seat.

Vinyl followed after her marefriend as they left the train.

Ponies flooded out of the train, including Vinyl, Octavia, Lyra, and Bon Bon. Said four ponies quickly made their way out of the station to the streets of Canterlot.

"So," Lyra started, "Where do his parents live?"

"I would assume they still live with their son," Octavia replied.

This caused all of them to stop walking. Octavia turned around, confused when she noticed her friends looking at her with both a questionable yet amused look.

"Caramel's brother lives in his parent's basement?" Vinyl asked, snickering slightly.

Octavia rolled her eyes, "No. His father fell twice about a year ago, making it hard for him to move anymore. They lost a lot of money because of it and now live with their son."

This caused the three mares to look guilty. Octavia smiled, sympathetically.

"It's alright. You guys just didn't know."

"Yeah, but it's still wrong for us to assume," Bon Bon argued.

Octavia just shook her head before turning around and continue walking. Her friends followed after her.

"Wait, so I'm going to have to talk to his brother too?!" Vinyl questioned, worried.

Octavia nodded solemnly, "At least Caramel's older brother isn't there."

"How many brothers does this guy have?!" Vinyl exclaimed.

"Two," Octavia answered, "His older brother, Burnt Oak lives in Ponyville. And his younger brother, Cherry Fizzy, lives in Canterlot."

"Oh fun," Vinyl commented, sarcastically, "Now I can be beaten by three stallions at once!"

Octavia raised an eyebrow as she looked over at the DJ.

"I mean," Vinyl started, suddenly, "I could take 'em, it's just more work."

Octavia rolled her eyes, making Vinyl smirk.

"So, are we also going to come to the house?" Bon Bon asked, "I assumed that we just had to come to the train station in order to get Caramel off our backs."

"That was your main purpose," Vinyl explained, "But we also need you guys in case things get out of hoof."

"Makes sense," Lyra agreed, nodding her head, "That way, it can be a three v three."

"You aren't going to fight his brothers!" Octavia exclaimed, annoyed.

Lyra and Vinyl laughed, while Bon Bon just looked concerned.

"Octavia, do you want to just go there alone with Vinyl? Lyra and I could just hang around Canterlot," Bon Bon offered.

Octavia sighed, "I think that'd be best if you two don't mind."

"Nah, we've already missed half of this adventure, why not miss a little more?" Lyra joked.

"Lyra!" Bon Bon scolded.

"We're here," Octavia announced in a low voice.

"Oh, alright. Well, I guess we'll see you guys later?" Lyra said, uncertainly.

"Yeah, see you guys," Vinyl replied.

Vinyl and Octavia watched as Lyra and Bon Bon walked away, waving back at them.

"You ready Octy?" Vinyl asked.

Octavia smiled tightly, "I suppose."

Before Octavia could knock, her hoof was stopped by Vinyl's magic.

"Hey. Don't worry Octy. This isn't the first time something like this happened, no matter what happens, they can't stop you from getting the divorce."

Octavia sighed, "I know. But I still care about them, and I feel so bad doing this to them."

Vinyl opened her mouth to respond, but Octavia had already knocked on the door.

"Octavia! What a surprise!" A light peach colored earth pony mare exclaimed. She as well had slightly darker peace for her mane and tail.

"Hello, Miss. Chance-A-Lot. I hope I'm not dropping in at a bad time," Octavia greeted, politely.

"Not at all!" Caramel's mother exclaimed, "Come in! Come in! Oh! Who's this?"

"That's my...... friend, Vinyl Scratch," Octavia explained.

"Sup," Vinyl greeted, putting her hoof out to bump, making Octavia facehoof.

"It's very nice to meet you Vinyl," Caramel's mother said, shaking the DJ's hoof.

"Cherry Fizzy isn't home right now," Caramel's mother explained, "Honey! Octavia is here!"

"Octavia?" A stallion's voice exclaimed, sounding both surprised and excited.

The mare then leads Vinyl and Octavia to the living room, which was where Caramel's father was resting.

"Hello again sir," Octavia greeted with a smile as she went over to hug the red earth pony stallion while Caramel's mother snuck off to the kitchen.

"Oh, what a surprise!" Caramel's father commented.

"I would like you to meet my friend, Vinyl Scratch," Octavia said, pointing to her marefriend.

"Hey," Vinyl greeted, sounding a little... off.

"Well, hello! Any friend of Octavia is a friend of mine," The old stallion said, shaking Vinyl's hoof.

"Sweetie, would you come in here and help me prepare some food for our guests?" Caramel's mother yelled from the kitchen.

"Sure! Once second!" Caramel's father yelled back as he slowly got up to help his wife.

Once the couple was alone, Vinyl turned to Octavia.

"These are CARAMEL's parents?!" Vinyl asked.

"Yes, I know they seem a lot more different than you would expect."

"Hell yeah! I was expecting Caramel's parents to be like.... insane asylum patients."

Octavia quickly put a hoof up to her mouth to stop herself laughing, "That's not funny, Vinyl."

Vinyl smirked, "Then why are you laughing?"

"Shush," Octavia demanded lightly, pushing the mare.

"Is there some secret you're not telling me? Like, do they have a super pony laboratory in the basement. Or do they like killing their neighbors’ pets and stuffing them?"

Octavia looked mortified, "Sweet Celestia Vinyl, where do you come up with these things."

Vinyl opened her mouth to answer, but Octavia stuck her hoof out to stop her, "On second thought, don't tell me."

Octavia then paused as she thought of something she hadn't told Vinyl.

"Well, they are seventeen years apart in age."

"Holy shit!" Vinyl exclaimed, "And I thought I was too old for you."

Octavia glared at her marefriend, while Vinyl just smirked.

~•~•~•~•~

"Why the hell are they at my parents' house?!" Caramel screamed to himself, making ponies look over at him.

"Oh shit."

Caramel's head snapped towards the source of the voice, to find Lyra and Bon Bon staring at him.

"You two," Caramel growled as he started marching towards the two.

"Lyra I think we need to go," Bon Bon said, backing up quickly.

"Uh, what about-"

"Now!" Bon Bon exclaimed, as she grabbed her marefriend and ran.

Ponies on the streets watched as the two mares ran from an obviously mad stallion.

"Somepony! Call the guards!" A mare exclaimed.

~•~•~•~•~

"So, what brings you two here?" Caramel's mother asked, sitting down on the couch and putting down some tea.

"Well-"

"Hey what's going on out there?" Vinyl asked.

Octavia glared at her marefriend for interrupting her before looking out the window.

There were a ton of police cars, surrounded by a crowd of ponies. However, what she saw next, made her freeze.

It was Lyra, Bon Bon, and Caramel. All being held by police ponies.

On no...

Chapter 40

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"Are you alright, Octavia?" Caramel's mom asked, worried.

"Ye-yes," Octavia stammered, "I... just need to go outside for a few minutes."

Octavia then got up and quickly made her way outside, filled with worry.

Once she got outside, she found the police ponies were questioning not only Lyra, Bon Bon, and Caramel, but ponies that had viewed the whole catastrophe.

As Octavia walked up to the group of ponies, Caramel noticed her and started freaking out.

"That's her! That's my wife!" Caramel exclaimed, pointing at the mare.

Octavia raised her eyebrow at her husband before turning to the police pony.

"What was he talking about with you?"

The police pony shook his head, "He hasn't answered any of our questions and has instead just gone on some kind of rant about you and your marefriend?"

Octavia blushed, "Oh. May I ask what happened?"

"Are you really this stallion's husband?" The police pony asked.

Octavia let out a long sigh, "Yes."

"Well then. Your husband here attempted to harm two other ponies," The police pony explained.

"I'm assuming those two ponies are Lyra and Bon Bon," Octavia assumed, pointing over to her two friends.

"You know them?" The police ponies questioned.

Octavia nodded her head, "Yes, we're friends."

The police pony narrowed his eyes, unsure.

Suddenly, another police pony, the same one who had been talking to Lyra and Bon Bon, came over.

"They aren't pressing charges."

The first police pony looked at the other one, surprised, "Really?"

The other police pony nodded, making the first one sigh.

"Well, it seems you're free to go," The police pony said, turning towards Caramel.

With that, the two police ponies walked away.

"You!" Caramel exclaimed, "You have some explaining to do!"

Octavia rolled her eyes, "As do you. Like I said, I'm on a business trip-"

"Then why were you at my parent's house with... Her!" Caramel yelled, interrupting Octavia.

Octavia sighed, "I decided to visit your parents because mine were not home today."

"Yeah right!"

"It's true!" Lyra insisted as her and Bon Bon walked up to them.

"I didn't ask for your opinion!" Caramel snapped.

Bon Bon rolled her eyes, "It's not really an opinion, more of a-"

"Shut it!" Caramel demanded, pointing at the earth pony.

"Caramel, could you at least try to act polite? They did just decide to not press charges on you," Octavia pointed out.

"So what?!" Caramel yelled, "They deserve to go to jail with that stupid unicorn!"

"How? You're the only one who's done anything illegal," Bon Bon commented.

"I said shut up!" Caramel repeated.

"I studied law for years, trust me, you're the only one in the wrong,"

Lyra raised her eyebrow at her marefriend, "You didn't tell me that you studied law."

Bon Bon cringed, "You... never asked?"

Lyra shrugged, "Fair point."

Bon Bon heaved a sigh of relief.

"You know what," Caramel started, "Fine. I'll believe this whole business trip bull crap-"

"Thank you, Cara-"

"IF! I can come with you to my parents!" Caramel finished, interrupting Octavia.

"What?!" They all exclaimed at the same time.

"What? Is there a problem with that?" Caramel asked, narrowing his eyes at his wife.

"Not at all," Octavia said through her teeth. Lyra and Bon Bon looked at one another concerned.

"Are you two coming?" Caramel asked, obviously hiding his anger.

Lyra looked at Octavia for help, while Bon Bon answered.

"Actually, we're-"

"Coming!" Octavia interrupted, "They are coming inside with us!"

"Great!" Caramel said, through his teeth as well.

And with that, the four ponies re-entered the home of Caramel's parents.

When they entered, the first thing Octavia noticed was that Vinyl and Caramel's father seemed to be talking. However, it was too quiet to hear them.

"Caramel!" Caramel's mother exclaimed as she came out of the bathroom and noticed her son.

"Hey mom," Caramel greeted.

"I was hoping you were coming as well! Oh! And who are you two?" Caramel's mother asked.

"I'm Lyra, and this is my marefriend Bonnie," Lyra greeted, shaking the mare's hoof.

"Bon Bon, actually," Bon Bon corrected.

"Yeah, but it's much more fun to call ya Bonnie," Lyra said with a shrug.

"They're co-workers of Vinyl and I's. And are also close friends of ours," Octavia explained with a smile.

"Well, how lovely!" Caramel's mother said with a smile, "Please, come sit! We've put some cheese and crackers out for you all!"

As they went to sit down, Lyra opened her mouth to talk to Octavia, only to be interrupted.

"I know," Octavia said, rolling her eyes as she already knew Lyra was going to make the same comment as Vinyl.

Octavia sat down next to Vinyl, causing Caramel to immediately sit on the other side of the mare as he attempted to get closer and closer to the mare. Meanwhile, Lyra and Bon Bon opted to just sit down next to Vinyl.

"Hey, son!" Caramel's father exclaimed.

"Hey dad," Caramel greeted.

"I thought I saw police ponies outside, are you all alright?" Caramel's mother asked, concerned.

Octavia opened her mouth to respond, only for Caramel to cut her off.

"Yep! We're fine!"

Caramel then glared at his wife, as if saying "Not a word."

Octavia's ears folded back as she looked down to the floor.

"So," Lyra started, "What did we miss?"

"Nothing much," Caramel's father responded, "Vinyl and I were just talking about some upcoming movies!"

Octavia then noticed that Vinyl seemed to be fidgeting. The cellist gave Vinyl a confused look, to which Vinyl just sheepishly smiled back.

She has to be hiding something....

"Oh! I forgot you tell you! Cherry Fizzy will be coming home soon," Caramel's mother explained, "We told him that Octavia was here so he's on his way home now."

"Oh alright," Octavia replied with a shaky smile.

Caramel's mother nodded before turning to the three new mares, "Cherry Fizzy is Caramel's brother."

"Octavia informed us of him, as well as Burnt Oak," Bon Bon said.

Caramel's mother nodded her head again before finally sitting down on the couch across from them, next to her husband.

"Oh, this is so cute! All of us here!" Caramel's mother suddenly said with a smile, "What brings you all here anyway?"

"We're here on a business trip so we decided to drop by to say hi," Vinyl explained casually.

"And what do you all work for?" Caramel's father questioned.

"We work for this unicorn here," Lyra said, wrapping her hoof around Vinyl.

"Yep!" Vinyl agreed, "I'm the great DJ-PON3! And these here mares are my workers!"

"Oh! DJ-PON3? What does DJ-PON3 do?" Caramel's mother asked before taking a sip of tea.

Vinyl blinked, before she suddenly slouched, "You've never heard of me?"

"Well, I haven't," Caramel's father answered.

"Same here!" Caramel's mother stated.

"Taviiii, how could they not know me?" Vinyl asked with a pout.

"Honestly Vinyl, I don't think you're as famous as you claim to be," Octavia said, rolling her eyes.

"Oh, but we're too old to know these kinds of things," Caramel's mother interjected.

"Yeah, that makes sense," Vinyl agreed, "See Octy, I am famous!"

Octavia just rolled her eyes.

"Anyway," Vinyl continued, "I'm a DJ! The greatest DJ you'll ever meet!"

"Wow!" Caramel's mother said in awe.

Vinyl puffed her chest as she enjoyed the raise in her ego, which made Octavia run between her eyes in annoyance.

"Be careful guys. If Vinyl's ego grows any more, she could blow up all of Equestria," Lyra joked.

They all laughed, except for Caramel who was sitting there angry.

"So, what movies were you two talking about?" Octavia asked once the laughter died down.

"You know, upcoming movies," Vinyl answered with a shrug.

Octavia narrowed her eyes, "I don't know movies very well, could you maybe elaborate?"

Vinyl cringed, "Like... we didn't talk about certain movies. More just how upcoming movies are not as good as.... older movies?"

"You sound unsure about that," Lyra pointed out with a grin.

"It was quite the interesting conversation," Caramel's father commented, nodding his head.

Octavia raised her eyebrow but said nothing, they were definitely hiding something.

"So," Caramel's mother started, "How are things with you, Caramel?"

"Great!" Caramel exclaimed, startling the ponies sitting on the same couch he was, "Octavia and I are in love as ever!"

With that said, Caramel wrapped his hoof around Octavia, pulling the mare closer.

"Well, that's great!" Caramel's mother said, happily, "How about you three, anypony you fancy?"

"Yep! Me and Bonnie go way back," Lyra replied, wrapping her hoof around Bon Bon, who blushed slightly.

"I also got somepony," Vinyl said with a slight smirk as Caramel started to glare at her, "She's a really great mare. Both kind, and really hot."

Octavia had to use all her energy not to kick Vinyl as a giant blush spread across her face.

"Wow! I wasn't expecting for all three of you to be into mares. Did you know I've done some work with supporting gay couples?" Caramel's mother asked.

"No! That's really great!" Bon Bon exclaimed.

And with that, their conversation turned into a conversation about gay rights, however, Octavia wasn't paying attention, she was too busy trying to find out what happened when she had left.

After a while, their conversation was stopped as the front door was heard opening.

"Hey, everypony!" Cherry Fizzy greeted as he entered the door.

"Hello Cherry Fizzy!" His parents greeted at the same time.

"Hey bro," Caramel greeted, nonchalantly.

"Hey bro- Woah, who are these ponies sitting on my couch?" Cherry Fizzy asked as he entered the living room.

"Greetings Cherry Fizzy," Octavia greeted, warmly.

"These three mares are Octavia's coworkers," Caramel's father explained.

"Oh, nice," Cherry Fizzy commented, "Are any of them single?"

"No," The three mares replied simultaneously.

"Well damn," Cherry Fizzy then shrugged, "Can't blame a stallion for trying, right?"

Caramel laughed while Octavia and his mom just shook their heads.

"So, why are they all here?" Cherry Fizzy asked as he sat down next to his parents.

"We're here on a business trip," Bon Bon explained.

"Oh, that's cool what do you work for- wait.... Is that DJ-PON3?!" Cherry Fizzy suddenly yelled.

"Ha!" Vinyl cheered turning towards the cellist, "I told ya Tavi! I AM famous!"

Octavia just rolled her eyes.

"And yes!" Vinyl said, turning back towards Cherry Fizzy, "I am the one and only, DJ-PON3!"

"That's awesome!" Cherry Fizzy exclaimed, "How the hell did you let somepony like Octavia work for you?"

Vinyl shrugged, "I needed to spread out my music, you know, to please the fans?"

"Ohhhh," Cherry Fizzy said in realization.

"Uh, guys? Maybe we should change the subject before Octavia blows a blood vessel," Bon Bon suggested as she noticed Octavia's anger rising.

"Oh! That reminds me! Dinner is ready!" Caramel's mother announced as she got up from her seat.

"How does she-"

"She keeps a timer on her phone," Cherry Fizzy explained, interrupting Lyra.

And with that, the ponies made their way into the kitchen.

~•~•~•~•~

"Hey."

Vinyl snapped her head around to find Octavia exiting the house.

"I saw you step out, are you alright?" Octavia asked.

Vinyl just shrugged, "Yeah. I'm just not really used to Caramel being all over you."

Octavia raised her eyebrow, "How?"

"Well, normally you would come closer to me as I guess a way of protection?" Vinyl laughed when Octavia started blushing.

"Yeah, I noticed that," Vinyl said with a grin, "But anyway, I'm used to you protesting against his affections. But now you have to go along with it so you don't hurt his family."

Octavia sighed, "Yes, I can see how that could bother you."

Silence then fell over the two. Vinyl stared out into Canterlot while Octavia just looked at the ground.

"Vinyl is it alright if I ask you something," Octavia asked suddenly.

Vinyl looked over at her marefriend, "Yeah, what's up?"

"What did you REALLY talk about with Caramel's father," Octavia questioned, her eyes narrowing.

Vinyl cringed, and then chuckled, "Wow Octy, I really can't get anything past you, can I?"

Octavia smiled triumphantly.

"Well," Vinyl stated, "I kind of, maybe, possibly, a little bit, could have, told him that you two were getting divorced."

Octavia's eyes went wide with anger, "What?!"

Vinyl's ear folded down in shame as she cringed, "I know, I know! You wanted to tell them, but we were alone and he asked me if Octavia and Caramel were doing fine and I just couldn't lie to the old guy!"

Octavia groaned loudly, "You love to lie! Why couldn't you just lie the one time I asked?!"

"Hey! I like to lie only when it's fun," Vinyl argued, "And besides, he wasn't even bothered by it!"

Octavia opened her mouth. She wanted to scream at Vinyl, she wanted to let out all of her anger onto the mare. But she didn't because she remembered the conversation.

Are you happy? Do you feel abandoned and lonely?

So instead of screaming, and letting out all of her anger, she cried and left out her frustration and fear instead.

The cellist hugged Vinyl, and Vinyl reflexively hugged back, even though she had no idea what just happened.

"Uh, isn't this the part where you kill me?" Vinyl asked.

Octavia let out a small chuckle, "I will."

Vinyl rubbed Octavia back as the mare continued to cry.

"I swear, at this point, we should be keeping a crying chart," Vinyl joked in an attempt to stop the mare's tears.

This time, Octavia let out a laugh, which made Vinyl smile.

Octavia continued to cry for a few more minutes before she started stopping.

"Are you alright Tavi?" Vinyl asked.

Octavia broke the hug and smiled at her marefriend, her eyes still red, "Yes. I'm sorry Vinyl, I just really needed that."

"Hey it's no problem," Vinyl said with a shrug.

"Now, we should probably head inside," Octavia commented.

"Yeah," Vinyl agreed.

And with that, the mares made their way back inside.

~•~•~•~•~

"Shouldn't you four get back to your business trip?" Caramel asked, his eyes narrowing.

The group of ponies had just finished their meal and were now back in the living room.

"Yeah! I bet DJ-PON3 has a show tonight!" Cherry Fizzy agreed.

Vinyl waved her hoof around, "Nope. I'm meeting somepony who could possibly join my business, and they wanted me to bring some of my workers with me."

"So you choose to bring Octavia," Caramel asked, his voice threatening.

"Well, it was more of a vote. I had a meeting about it with my producer," Vinyl explained.

"So why did they choose Octavia?" Caramel's father asked.

Octavia jumped and glared at Vinyl when she felt the DJ slap her back.

"Cause she's a great worker!"

"Unlike you," Lyra joked.

"Oh put a sock in it Lyra," Vinyl replied.

"You all seem really close as workers, which is really nice," Caramel's mother commented.

"Well, you see, Lyra, Vinyl, and I all went to high school together," Bon Bon explained.

"Ohhhh," Caramel's family all said at the same time.

"And I think it's time we start to head off," Octavia said, getting up from her seat.

Her friends got up as well. Lyra gave Vinyl a confused look, as she was wondering if Octavia ever said anything about the divorce to them.

"Oh, well it was great seeing you!" Caramel's mother said as she hugged Octavia.

"Hey, bud. Maybe I can get you some tickets to see my show sometimes," Vinyl offered.

"Hell yeah!" Cherry Fizzy cheered.

"It was so nice meeting you all," Caramel's mother said as she started hugging Octavia's three friends.

"Bye Octavia," Caramel's father said as he hugged Octavia.

"And good luck with your divorce," He whispered into her ear as they hugged.

Octavia's grip around the stallion tightened, "Thank you. And please tell the rest of the family."

The two broke the hug and Caramel's father nodded.

The group then said their final goodbyes before they left.

"So," Vinyl started, "Are you going to go back to Manehatten now?"

Caramel narrowed his eyes, "No, I want to see how REAL this business trip really is."

Vinyl rolled her eyes before she started walking away.

Octavia and Bon Bon looked at one another before the rest of the group followed after Vinyl.

After a few minutes of walking, the group stopped in front of a house. Vinyl then rung the doorbell.

After a few minutes, Buzzer opened the door.

"Hey Vinyl! Come inside!" Buzzer greeted.

Vinyl turned around and smirked at Caramel before she entered, followed by her friends.

Once the door was shut and locked, Octavia started speaking.

"Vinyl, why are we here?" Octavia asked.

"What? I thought we would need a backup plan," Vinyl commented.

"Wow Vinyl, I'm surprised, that's actually a good idea!" Lyra exclaimed.

"Oh shut up Lyra," Vinyl said, hitting her friend.

As Octavia watched her friends, she sighed.

It seems things are going to get much easier from now on.

~•~•~•~•~

“Hey, uh, I need to talk to you about something,” Caramel’s father said, sitting back down onto the couch.

“What is it, dear?” Caramel’s mother asked, sitting down next to him.

Caramel’s father sighed, “Sweetie… Octavia’s getting a divorce.”

Hearts and Hooves day special!

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"And then we left."

"Oh shit," Sassaflash commented from the other side of the phone, "Okay, the only I got from that story is that Caramel is a psychopath."

Octavia sighed, "You're telling me."

"Wait, why are you telling me this stuff?" Sassaflash suddenly asked, "I mean, I would guess you normally talk about this with like Beauty Brass or something."

"I do," Octavia confirmed, "But her and Harpo are on a date today. Along with Lyra and Bon Bon, as well as Fredric and Symphony."

Octavia paused as she realized something, "Shouldn't you be going on a date with Buzzer?"

"Yeah," Sassaflash replied," But we're going like, later. And shouldn't you be on a date today?"

Octavia rolled her eyes, "Why should I? Either I go on a date with the stallion I'm trying to divorce, or I go on a date with my marefriend with the cost of her possibly getting hurt."

"Fair point," Sassaflash commented, "But couldn't you just go into your marefriend's apartment? Cuz like, didn't she move so he couldn't find her?"

Octavia let out a dark laugh, "I bet Caramel has other ways of tracking my every move."

Sassaflash frowned, "Well, I should be going now. I hope you have a nice day Octavia."

Octavia smiled, "You too Sassaflash. Goodbye."

And with that, Octavia hung up the phone.

The cellist then puts down her phone and picked up her bow in order to play her cello as she was already sitting in her practice room.

~•~•~•~•~

"This will be perfect Neon!" Caramel exclaimed as he grabbed more things off the shelves.

"Y'know, when you originally came to me for your help with the whole affair thing, I wasn't expecting to go shopping with you," Neon commented as he roamed around the grocery store.

"But you're a mares stallion!" Caramel explained, "You get laid all the time, that means you MUST know the secrets!"

Neon grinned," Hoping to get lucky tonight, eh?"

"Well, I more want her to just love me but-"

"Alright! I'm always willing to help a fellow stallion in need!" Neon announced before dragging the stallion down the aisle.

As Neon helped Caramel prepare for a romantic dinner for his wife, he pulled out his phone to text somepony.

Let's just hope I'm still not blocked.

'Hey', he texted.

'Sup'

Neon smirked.

It's been a long time since Vinyl and I texted.

'I'm helping Caramel prepare a romantic dinner for your marefriend. So you should probably go get her before she's stuck with him'

'Oh shit. Good thing I already got something planned. Thanks, Neon. Happy Hearts and Hooves day'

Neon felt his heart tighten slightly as he read that last line.

'Happy hearts and hooves day, Vi'

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia's ear flattened as she let out a small growl.

Who in Equestria is that?

Octavia sighed in an attempt to call herself down. Just because the pony disturbed her practice, does not mean they have bad intentions.

Octavia put down her bow and cello before making her way towards the front door.

Octavia then opened the door, to find somepony she was both hoping and not hoping to see today.

"Hello Vinyl," Octavia greeted, sounding slightly exhausted.

"Sup Tavi," Vinyl greeted. She was wearing a black suit with a blue tie, she also, of course, had her signature glasses on. Not only that, but she had a bouquet of flowers in her magic.

Said flowers then suddenly flew closer to Octavia.

"Uh, this is for you," Vinyl offered with a sheepish smile.

"I assumed so," Octavia said with a smile, "And thank you. But, may I ask why you're here? I've told you to never come here in case Caramel was around."

"Yeah, yeah I know. But love makes you do crazy things," Vinyl replied, shrugging.

"You mean love, and stupidity makes you do crazy things," Octavia corrected.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Vinyl said, rolling her eyes, "Anyway, would you like to go out for Hearts and Hooves day?"

Octavia sighed through her nose as she thought.

Of course, she wanted to say yes, almost every part of her wanted to say yes. However, there was still the hidden fear of Vinyl getting hurt by Caramel.

Octavia opened her mouth, but Vinyl beat her to it.

"I know what you're going to say Octy. But I've planned this out, and I know exactly what to do in case Caramel shows up."

Octavia closed her mouth with a frown before sighing once more.

"Alright," She said with a smile, "I'll go out with you. But please give me a few minutes to get ready first."

Vinyl pumped her hoof in the air, "Aw yeah!"

Octavia rolled her eyes with a smile before holding the door open to let the unicorn in.

Octavia then started getting ready, feelings both terrified yet excited for her date.

I haven't felt this way in years, Octavia thought with a smile, It's almost like I'm a filly again!

Once Octavia finished getting ready, she stepped out, wearing a long purple dress.

Vinyl, who was sitting on the couch, became wide eyed as she viewed her marefriend's sudden change in appearance.

Octavia raised her eyebrow, "Vinyl, are you really going to have the same reaction every single time you see me in a dress?"

Vinyl blinked before shaking her head, "Nope- nope I'm good!"

Vinyl then got up from the couch and wrapped her hoof around Octavia's, "Let's go!"

Octavia shook her head with a small smile as her marefriend started leading her out of the apartment building.

As the two walked down the street, Octavia couldn't help but notice that Vinyl seemed to be constantly checking her phone.

However, little did the cellist know that it was all a part of Vinyl's plan.

'Okay, make sure to keep Caramel out of this restaurant, alright?'

'Yep,' Neon texted back, 'Tho, the chances are pretty small that we'll end up at the same place as you two'

Vinyl sighed a sigh of relief before finally putting her phone away. She then noticed Octavia was looking at her.

"Sorry, it was a work problem," Vinyl explained, "I got it all sorted out, though."

Octavia raised her eyebrow was a smirk, "They needed you to fix the problem? I highly doubt that."

"How could you say that Octy!" Vinyl cried dramatically, "I thought what we had was special!"

"Oh shush you," Octavia said, slightly slapping her marefriend's arm.

As the two continued their way down the sidewalk, Vinyl could feel Octavia's head nuzzle under her neck the further they got, not that Vinyl was complaining.

"Alright, we're here Tavi, time to stop cuddling me," Vinyl then winked, "But I wouldn't mind if you cuddle me later."

Octavia smacked the DJ's head, making Vinyl laugh.

And with that, the two made their way into the restaurant.

Once they were seated, the two started looking at the menu.

"Vinyl, you really didn't have to do this much for me," Octavia said as she looked around the restaurant, "Besides, this isn't really your kind of tastes."

Vinyl waved her hoof around, "Pff, DJ-PON3 is the fanciest pony you'll ever meet, baby."

Octavia raised her eyebrow, "Yet you still cannot pronounce ensemble."

"Imbecile?"

Octavia just rubbed between her eyes, making Vinyl grin.

"But really Vinyl," Octavia insisted, "We should do something that we would both like."

"Nah Tavi it's fi-"

Vinyl froze as she noticed something in the window.

~•~•~•~•~

"Uh, where are you going?" Neon asked, slightly worried as Caramel seemed to be going somewhere he memorized.

"I'm going to a restaurant Octavia and I went to when we first moved to Manehatten!" Caramel exclaimed happily.

"Oh," Neon replied, unsure.

As they walked down the streets, Neon paid attention to each of the street signs.

Then, Neon started to freak out as he saw the restaurant Vinyl was at getting closer and closer.

Neon pulled out his phone before Neon was pulled next to Caramel, who was pointing at the window of a restaurant.

"Aw, look at all those couples!" Caramel exclaimed.

Neon looked around in an attempt to find Vinyl and Octavia. After a while, he suddenly made eye contact with said DJ.

Neon cringed.

Well, shit.

~•~•~•~•~

"Uh, you know what Octy? Let's ditch this place," Vinyl said, getting up from her seat.

"What? But Vinyl, didn't you make reservation-"

"C'mon! The night is still young!" Vinyl exclaimed, grabbing her marefriend.

Thankfully, Neon could understand what was going on and quickly got Caramel's attention.

"Yo, Caramel," Neon said, getting Caramel's attention, "Come in close, I've got a step for like, getting with the mare."

Caramel eagerly went over to Neon, like an excited dog.

Meanwhile, Vinyl quickly rushed Octavia away.

"Vinyl, Vinyl. Vinyl!" Octavia yelled, making Vinyl stop.

The DJ quickly looked back to where Caramel and Neon were, to see them walking towards the restaurant. Then she looked back at Octavia.

"Sup babe?" Vinyl asked, slightly nervous.

Octavia narrowed her eyes, "What was that?"

"What was what?" Vinyl questioned, shrugging.

"You know! How you just suddenly left the restaurant?!" Octavia exclaimed, waving her hoof in the air.

"Uh, oh you know Tavi. I'm a party mare, and I like to do random shit," Vinyl explained, "Now, c'mon! Let's go see a movie!"

Octavia opened her mouth to object, however Vinyl was already pulling her down the streets.

Once they made it to the theater, Vinyl walked up to the ticket booth.

"Two movies fooooooooooor-" Vinyl held that word as she viewed Caramel and Neon walking up the street.

Are you bucking kidding me?!

"Never mind," Vinyl said quickly before grabbing Octavia, "Let's go to the park Tavi."

"Vinyl, no," Octavia demanded, stomping her hoof on the ground, "You are going to tell me what's wrong, right now."

"Uh," Vinyl started until she looked behind Octavia, to see Caramel and Neon.

"So, then you have to-"

"Wait," Caramel said suddenly, cutting off Neon, "Do you see that?"

"See what-" Neon started only for Caramel to start galloping down the streets.

"Well?" Octavia persisted, impatient.

Vinyl stopped watching the two stallions and turned back to Octavia, now completely panicked.

"Uh, I...." Vinyl trailed off, before smirking.

"Vinyl Scratch!" Octavia practically screamed as Vinyl grabbed her bow tie and started running down the block towards the park.

Vinyl looked behind her to find both Octavia and Caramel on her trail.

Well, this feels familiar.

Vinyl ran into the entrance of the park, making multiple turns in order to lose Caramel.

I hope Octy keeps up with me.

Vinyl turned around once more, to find Octavia was still behind her.

~•~•~•~•~

"Caramel, where are you-"

"Aw shit!" Caramel said, frustrated, "I was hoping we would make it to the store before it closed!"

Oh, Neon thought, he didn't see Vinyl and Octavia.

Neon let out a laugh of relief, "You'll make it next time big guy."

Meanwhile, Vinyl was still being based by Octavia as they went further and further into the park.

Finally, Vinyl stopped, only to run into by Octavia a few seconds later.

The two rolled around until finally, Octavia has Vinyl pinned down under her.

Octavia ripped the tie out of Vinyl's grasp before placing it back on her neck.

"Now," Octavia started, panting, "YOU are going to tell me what in Equestria is going on!"

Vinyl cringed, before sighing, "Yeah yeah. Alright, you deserve to know. C'mon, let's go sit on that bench over there."

Octavia looked at her marefriend skeptically, before sighing one of defeat.

"Fine."

Octavia then got off of the DJ, allowing her marefriend to walk over to the bench.

The two sat down next to one another, both staring out into the night sky.

"I thought I was smart," Vinyl stated after a few minutes of silence, "I got Neon to help me be one step away from Caramel so we could spend our first Hearts and Hooves day together." Vinyl then chuckled darkly, "I had a whole night planned out, but Caramel ended up being everywhere we went, so I had to speed us through everything." Vinyl then paused to sigh, "It seems Caramel wasn't the pony who bucked up this Hearts and Hooves day."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Octavia asked.

"Cause I knew you would have said no, and you would have been all worried instead of having a fun time," Vinyl laughed again, "I guess it went the other way around."

Octavia frowned, before touching Vinyl's cheek and forcing the DJ to look at her.

"The night isn't over," She said with a smile, "We still have the rest of the night. How about we go to your apartment and order something there?"

Vinyl looked down at the floor in thought for a moment, before she started smiling, "That sounds fucking awesome."

Octavia smiled before looking back at the night, "But first, let's enjoy this for a little longer."

And with that, the two continued their night.

~•~•~•~•~

"You know what Tavi," Vinyl said taking another bite of her pizza, "This is bucking awesome."

"Y-yes it is q-quiet-" Octavia jumped as another pony on the screen screamed, "nice."

The cellist was gripping onto Vinyl for dear life as the two enjoyed the movie together.

"After this, do you want to watch that cheesy romance you suggested?" Vinyl asked, enjoying Octavia's comfort in hugging Vinyl.

"Yes please," Octavia pleaded.

"Well then," Vinyl continued, "you better kiss me."

Octavia rolled her eyes before moving up to kiss her marefriend.

Vinyl laughed as Octavia jumped a mile when the DJ decided to poke her sides.

"Vinyl!"

Chapter 41

View Online

The sound of a phone buzzing was what woke up Octavia this morning.

She sighed before sitting up in the bed and grabbing her phone.

However, it was too late and the call had ended before she could press pick up. But that didn't stop the Cellist from checking who had called her.

Her eyes went wide as she saw that she had six missed calls from Caramel, as well as three missed calls from Cherry Frizzy.

Octavia sighed once again.

Oh, Luna...

After stretching for a few seconds, Octavia started getting out of the bed, only to be stopped by two hooves around her waist.

She turned around to find Vinyl sleeping. Octavia smiled as Vinyl twitched and kicked like she did when she would sleep.

The cellist then moved up to kiss her marefriend on the tip of her muzzle, and then unwrap herself from Vinyl's Hooves.

First, she decided to call Caramel, much to her dismay.

"Where were you yesterday?!" Caramel screamed into the phone, startling Octavia.

"There was an emergency that my orchestra. And since everypony else was out, I offered to fix the problem," She explained.

"Bullshit! What did you have to fix?" Caramel replied.

"One of the pipes burst-"

"Lies!" Caramel interrupted, " Lies, lies, LIES!"

"Caramel!" Octavia exclaimed, "If you aren't going to believe anything I say, then why should I tell you?!"

"See!" Caramel yelled, "You hate me!"

Octavia groaned, annoyed before hanging up the phone.

She didn't feel like dealing with her husband, not after the amazing time she had had with Vinyl last night.

She let out a sigh before walking towards Vinyl's balcony. Once there she leaned over the railing to watch the city as it awoke.

The wind caused her mane to fly back, but that didn't stop her.

Her phone rang a few times. Knowing this was Caramel, Octavia let it run to voicemail.

The Cellist jumped slightly when she felt somepony wrap their hooves around her waist.

"Good morning, Vinyl," Octavia greeted as said mare laid her head down atop the cellist's.

"Taviiiii," Vinyl whined, "Come back to beeeeeeed."

Octavia rolled her eyes and sighed, "I'm not in the mood right now, Vinyl."

"Oh shit," Vinyl replied, groggy, "What happened?"

Octavia just showed Vinyl the phone as a response.

"Did you call them both back?" Vinyl asked.

Octavia nodded her head, "I called Caramel. But after our conversation, I didn't feel like being harassed anymore today."

Vinyl hummed in understanding and exhaustion.

Octavia couldn't help but smile as she felt the DJ start resting atop her head.

"Somepony's still sleepy," Octavia teased.

"No, you just have a comfy mane," Vinyl replied snuggling more into her marefriend's head.

Octavia chuckled, "Are you hungry?"

"Yes, but I'd rather continue cuddling you," Vinyl answered.

Octavia rolled her eyes, "Well, I'm hungry. What would you like for breakfast?"

"You." Vinyl said, wiggling her eyebrows.

Octavia responded with a smack on the head.

Vinyl rubbed the spot and smirked, "What? That would mean we could eat breakfast in bed."

Another smack.

"I'll just go see what you have in your kitchen," Octavia said with a huff before turning around and walking towards the kitchen.

Vinyl watched her leave, before the DJ turning back around towards the city and waited.

3....2....1

"Vinyl Scratch! Do you seriously have no food, again?!"

~•~•~•~•~

"And then, we kiss under the stars!" Symphony exclaimed, "It was so romantic."

"Harpo and I watched romantic comedies together!" Beauty Brass said, "But your story was way better!"

"Buzzer and I just made out," Sassaflash said, shrugging, "Okay well MORE than just making out but I doubt you want to hear that juicy stuff."

Octavia wasn't paying attention to their friends as they spoke of their romantic Hearts and Hooves day, she was too busy thinking of other things. She had agreed to join her friends for a little tea party.

"How about you Octavia?" Symphony asked, breaking Octavia’s train of thought, "Did you have a nice Hearts and Hooves day?"

"Yeah, I was worried you'd be alone all day," Sassaflash commented.

Octavia smiled reassuringly, "No, I wasn't alone. I actually had an amazing night with Vinyl."

Beauty Brass gasped, "You spent Hearts and Hooves day with Vinyl?!"

Octavia nodded her head, "Yes, it was quite wonderful."

"Tell. Me. Everything!" Beauty Brass exclaimed, shaking the poor mare.

"Especially the sexy parts," Sassaflash said with a grin.

Octavia raised her eyebrow as she attempted to hide her blush.

"Anyway, Vinyl and I spent the night watching horror movies."

"And cuddling?" Symphony asked, teasingly.

Octavia glared at her sister, "Yes, and that."

"Did Caramel find out?" Beauty Bras asked, concerned.

Octavia sighed, "No, but there were a few close calls. Speaking of calls, he called me this morning and proceeded to yell at me, asking where I was."

She paused, as she realized something.

"I never called Cherry Fizzy."

"Cherry Fizzy?" Symphony asked, confused, "Why would you call him?"

"He called me last night," Octavia cringed, "Three times."

"Oh," Symphony said in realization.

"And you didn't call him back because?" Sassaflash questioned.

"I got distracted by Vinyl," Octavia explained.

"Well, you can call him back later, for now," Beauty Brass started before grabbing her friend by the shoulders again, "Tell. Me. EVERYTHING!"

Beauty Brass looked back to find Symphony and Sassaflash looking at her with their eyebrows raised.

"I mean... Tell US everything.... heh heh," Beauty Brass chuckled sheepishly.

Octavia rolled her eyes before telling her friends about her Hearts and Hooves day.

~•~•~•~•~

Once Octavia left Beauty Brass's apartment, the sun had already set, meaning Caramel would most likely be home soon.

With a sigh, she started walking down the streets towards her apartment, anticipating for her inevitable argument.

But when do I call Cherry Fizzy? I didn't have time at work today, and I can't do it when I'm home with Caramel.

Octavia pulled out her phone, looking down at it in thought.

Maybe I could call while I make my way home?

She shook her head.

Maybe, if I get home fast enough, I could call before Caramel gets here.

With that thought in mind, Octavia hailed for a taxi. After a few minutes, one stopped right by the cellist and she got in.

As soon as she finished telling the driver where to go, she got a text from a certain blue maned DJ.

'Sup babe, how was Beaut's?'

'Good. We talked about Hearts and Hooves day.'

'Cool, did you talk about our hot night after? ;)'

Octavia couldn't help but roll her eyes.

'No, but Sassaflash was very persistent.'

'Me and Sassaflash should become Bdb'

'Bdb?'

'Best drinking buddies'

'I'm starting to learn what kind of ponies I'm attracted to, and it's getting more and more terrifying.'

'I'm like the Caramel and Sassaflash love foal'

'Vinyl, never put that image in my head again'

Octavia then proceeded to ignore her phone after Vinyl sent her a picture of herself with Caramel's and Sassaflash's colors.

Only after her phone had buzzed for around a minute is when she decided to check it again.

'Tavi'

'Tavi'

'Tavi'

'Octy'

'Octy'

'Tavi'

These stream of messages continue ten more times before it finally said,

'Taviiiii, come baaaaaaaaaaaaack. I need you and I'm booooooooooooored. Plz, I wub you ;-;'

'Vinyl, I swear you have some dependent issues.'

'Yay! Your back! I missed you'

'*you're'

'Your'

'Vinyl, don't tempt me.'

'Do you just say my name anytime your mad at me? XD'

'*you're. And yes I do.'

'Good to know'

Octavia rolled her eyes again, only to realize that she was a block away from her house.

'Although this conversation is.... invigorating, I must go. Goodnight Vinyl.'

'Night Tavi, love you'

Octavia smiled at the last text before putting away her phone and leaving the Taxi.

Once she was upstairs and in her apartment building, she dropped off all her things and took her phone back out.

Here goes nothing....

She scrolled through her contact list before landing on Cherry Fizzy. She clicked the contact and pressed the call button.

It rung for a few minutes before somepony picked up.

"Well, you finally called back, took you long enough," Cherry Fizzy said.

"Hello Cherry Fizzy," Octavia greeted, "May I ask why you've been trying to contact me?"

"I wanted to ask why my dad was saying you and Caramel are divorcing," Cherry Fizzy explained in a slightly impatient voice.

Octavia sighed, "Listen, Vinyl told him about it once I was gone so I don't exactly know what he knows."

"All he knows is that you two are getting a divorce!" Cherry Fizzy replied, raising his voice.

Octavia stained silent for a few minutes as she thought of what to say.

"Cherry Fizzy. For years of my life, I was alone, Caramel was never around and I had nopony. Because of this, the two of us grew apart. I still love Caramel, I really do, but not the way I used to. We've both changed, and sadly because we didn't change together, all it did was make things harder for us."

Now Cherry Fizzy went silent.

Then, suddenly, he whispered, "Then why does it seem Caramel doesn't want the divorce."

Octavia opened her mouth, only to close it.

That's a good point. Why does he? I mean, obviously he just can't accept we aren't the same ponies we once were, but if I say that, would that be like calling him stupid? Could there be another reason?

"I guess because Caramel believes there is still a chance. He doesn't realize I've given him all the chances I have left."

Cherry Fizzy didn't respond.

"How did your mother take the news?" Octavia asked, concerned.

"She's sad," Cherry Fizzy replied, his voice cold. "but she understands."

"Good," Octavia's voice got softer, "I really do think of you all as my family, though. And I don't regret being with Caramel, I really did love him."

Cherry Fizzy continued to stay silent.

That is true, well most of it.

"Have a nice night Octavia," Cherry Fizzy said, suddenly.

"Thank you. You too, Cherry Fizzy."

And with that, the call ended.

Octavia stared at her phone, for a long time. There was only one thought running through her mind.

What now?

"You!"

Octavia snapped her head as she heard the sound of the door slamming open and a stallion yelling.

"I knew I would find you here!"

"Well this is my house Caramel," Octavia replied drily.

"You know what I meant!" Caramel yelled.

Octavia just rolled her eyes.

"Now, where were you?!" Caramel asked.

"I told you where I was!" Octavia yelled.

"You were with that mare, weren't you?!" Caramel screamed, ignoring Octavia's reply.

"No! We stop dating, and we're JUST FRIENDS," Octavia exclaimed.

"Even if I did believe you, you still CHEATED ON ME!"

"Caramel, you need to accept it, WE ARE NOT TOGETHER!" Octavia screamed.

Caramel then collapsed to the floor as he started sobbing.

Octavia sighed, before turning around and walking towards the bedroom.

Once she entered it, she locked the door and fell right onto the bed.

She ignored the banging and sobbing from Caramel and continued to lay on the bed face down.

She only looked up, when she heard her phone vibrate.

Once she picked it up, she saw she had one new message from the mother of Caramel.

'I would like to meet with you, alone.'

Chapter 42

View Online

"C'mon, c'mon!"

Caramel continued to search through Octavia's workspace, trying to find something before Octavia woke up.

"There has to be something that proves that unicorn has had her hooves on my wife!"

Caramel jumped as he heard a ringing sound. His head snapped to his phone.

Before he had started exploring Octavia's room, he had set an alarm in order to warn him for when Octavia would wake up.

In a panic, Caramel grabbed his phone and ran out of the apartment.

Meanwhile, in another room, Octavia was stretching as she awoke.

She then grabbed her phone and made her way to the bathroom in order to get ready for her day.

Once she was done, she entered the kitchen and started getting out things to prepare for breakfast.

As she started cooking her meal, she realized something.

Where is my cello?

Octavia turned around and entered her practice room, however, when she was at the doorway, she froze.

"What in Equestria?" Octavia asked herself in shock.

Her room seemed messy, as though somepony had gone through it.

Then, she realized something else.

"Where is Caramel?"

~•~•~•~•~

"So you just left her room as a mess?" Neon asked.

"I panicked!" Caramel exclaimed.

"So, you decided to call me and ask me to come to your work?" Neon questioned.

Neon was in fact at Caramel's work. In fact, Caramel was working while Neon was talking to him.

"Maybe she's telling the truth and she really isn't dating Vinyl," Neon pointed out.

Caramel stayed silent for a second, before suddenly jumping out of his seat, startling Neon.

"That's it!" Caramel exclaimed, "The only way to find out if Vinyl and Octavia broke up, is by having you two date."

"Hell yeah!" Neon cheered, "And maybe I can get a little something from her after."

Shit, Neon thought to himself, fucking shit fuck shit fuck fuck fuckidey FUCK

~•~•~•~•~

"So you need to meet Caramel's mom alone? That totally doesn't sound suspicious," Vinyl commented sarcastically.

Octavia rolled her eyes as she continued to set up her cello. The two of them were in the recording studio, where Octavia was going to record some music for Vinyl's next song.

"I'm sure Caramel's mother just wants to speak with me about the divorce. A common response from a mother who just learned her son is against the divorce with his wife."

"Yeah I guess," Vinyl replied, "But could you like, text me when you get home? So I know you're okay?"

Octavia couldn't help but smile. She stopped working on her cello and looked up at her marefriend who seemed to be shifting uncomfortably. Octavia loved the moments when Vinyl would become embarrassed as she attempted to act kind. This, of course, made sense as the normal thing the DJ would act is flirty.

Octavia grabbed the unicorn's face and kissed her on the cheek.

"Of course," She said sweetly once she stopped kissing Vinyl.

Vinyl just smirked in response.

The two looked at one another for a long period of time. Only to stop when Octavia cleared her voice.

"Shouldn't you leave so I can record?" Octavia pointed out, turning back to tune her cello.

"Hm, nah. Staying here is fun," Vinyl replied.

"Yes, but you pay me to play my cello," Octavia commented, rolling her eyes.

Vinyl grinned, "I don't pay you for that, I pay you to look hot."

Octavia smacked Vinyl on the muzzle.

The DJ let out a yelp of pain before rubbing her hurt muzzle.

"You're mean Tavi."

"Goodbye Vinyl."

Octavia's face was suddenly spun around to meet Vinyl's lips.

"See ya, babe," Vinyl said once she stopped kissing Octavia.

The cellist shook her head as Vinyl left, however, there was a small smile forming on her face as well.

"What a silly mare."

~•~•~•~•~

The day was half over, and it was the time for everypony's lunch break, meaning Octavia was leaving for her meeting with Caramel's mother.

"Good luck Octavia!" Bon Bon said as her friend prepared to leave.

"Don't die, or else Vinyl will have no pony to fu-OW!" Lyra started, only to be interrupted when Bon Bon smacked her.

"If you need anything just call," Bon Bon reassured.

Octavia smiled before turning towards her marefriend.

"Bye Octy. Text me when this is all done, Kay?"

Octavia nodded her head before then pecked Vinyl on the lips.

And with that, Octavia made her way out of the office.

Once outside, she quickly hailed a taxi, got in and the taxi started going to the restaurant where she was planning on meeting Caramel's mother.

Of course, Caramel didn't get her mom to help him in his quest. Not only would Caramel's mother never do that, but Caramel is too afraid to actually TELL his family about the divorce. But... What are we going to talk about? I mean, of course, it will be about the divorce but will she be hostile towards me, will she want to help me, or will she just accept the divorce as it is?

Octavia shook her head.

I'm over thinking this. She probably just wants more details about the divorce.

Then, she realized something.

Would that mean I will have to tell her the truth about Vinyl? What if she can already tell like Sassaflash did.

Octavia's ears perked up as she thought of Sassaflash. So, she decided to call her.

"Greetings Sassaflash," Octavia started into the phone, "How are you doing today? I was wondering if you could help me."

"Hey Octavia," Sassaflash replied, "I'm good, thanks for asking. And sure, what's the problem?"

"Well, you see, I'm meeting Caramel's mother to talk about the divorce and I was wondering if you could tell me how she reacted when you and Caramel broke up."

"Good. She still sends me holiday cards in the mail," Sassaflash answered, making Octavia sigh in relief.

"However,"

Octavia's sigh stopped when she realized Sassaflash wasn't done.

"When we broke up, Caramel wasn't heartbroken. He just wanted to date you."

Octavia let out a groan, "Celestia, why me?"

"I dunno, cause you're hot?"

Octavia grimaced, "You really sound like Vinyl sometimes."

"I know," Sassaflash replied, "I stole that line from her. We texted one another once and she said that about you."

Octavia sighed, annoyed, "Of course she did. And now I can tell my friends that my current marefriend and my ex marefriend are friends."

"Hey, it's better than if Vinyl was friends with Caramel," Sassaflash commented.

"Yes, I suppose so," Octavia agreed, "Well, it seems calling you wasn't very helpful so I shall just hang up now. Goodbye Sassaflash."

"Cya," Sassaflash said right before the call ended.

Octavia let out another sigh, "It seems nopony can help me with this meeting."

Even after saying this, Octavia continued to think of ponies she could talk to so she would feel more prepared to meet Caramel's mom.

When Vinyl flashed into her head, she started to miss her marefriend.

"I wonder what it would have been like if Vinyl and I met under different circumstances."

This sent Octavia into a spiral. She kept thinking of different ways the two of them could have met and have fallen in love. She thought of they had met in a university, or if Vinyl was a teacher and they formed some kind of romance, or even if they met and Vinyl was secretly a vampire.

Octavia giggled, "Maybe the two of us should go out for dinner soon."

With that said out loud, Octavia agreed internally.

After this, the two of us will enjoy a date together.

~•~•~•~•~

Vinyl bobbed her head to the beat. She was working on her newest song, using the music given to her by the ponies she worked with.

"That's good," Vinyl said to herself, "But this'll make it better!"

She then quickly started putting in some of more of Octavia's recordings, as well as a pinch more of Lyra's.

"Perfect," Vinyl whispered as she listened to the song once more.

"Wow, that's a lot of cello music, that's favoritism."

Vinyl jumped, quickly pulled her headphones off and snapped her head towards whoever had commented.

Lyra was standing there with a grin, "What? Did I scare you?"

"Screw off," Vinyl said, pushing Lyra playfully, "Why are you here?"

"Cause somepony who doesn't work here is coming up the elevator. They may be an important visitor so you may wanna go meet them."

Vinyl raised her eyebrow, "Wait, how do we not know who this pony is?"

"The receptionist is sick," Lyra replied, "So there's a replacement who won't friggin tell us who the pony is."

Vinyl laughed, "Wow, if they weren't temporary, they would totally get fired."

"Says the boss who does almost no work," Lyra teased.

The two shared a laugh as they exited Vinyl's office and made their way to the elevators.

They watched as the numbers got closer and closer to their floor. Finally, the elevator dinged and the doors opened.

What the two mares saw, made their eyes go wide.

It was Neon, standing there with his glasses on and a big grin on his face.

"Sup," Neon greeted.

Lyra gave Neon a skeptical look, while Vinyl just looked confused.

"Hey dude," Vinyl replied hesitantly, "What's up?"

Neon stepped out of the elevator and turned towards Vinyl.

"Nothing much. I'm here for Vinyl."

Lyra looked over a Vinyl, confused.

"Oh alright," Vinyl replied, finally understanding, "So this is about Caramel, right?"

"Nope! I'm here to tell you that today is your lucky day!" Neon exclaimed. "You get to go on a date with me!"

"What?!" Both Vinyl and Lyra yelled at once.

"Yep," Neon then brought his hoof around Vinyl, "So what do you say hot stuff, wanna go another around with the Lights?"

Vinyl's response was to kick Neon in the hoof.

"What the hell Neon?!" Vinyl screamed.

Neon suddenly pulled out what looked like a walkie talkie and pressed a button on it. Then, he chuckled,

"Sorry about that. Caramel thought it would be a good idea if I asked you out. If you said yes that would mean you were no longer with Octavia."

"How would that work?" Lyra asked, "You cheated on her, so wouldn't she not want to date you even if she was single."

Neon shrugged, "Fair point."

"And also, you could have texted me that you were going to do, instead of coming here and asking me out," Vinyl pointed out.

Neon opened and closed his mouth a few times, before blinking, "Shit."

"Wow, out of everypony who could have been our spy, it had to be this idiot," Lyra commented.

"Hey! I thought you trusted me again!" Neon exclaimed.

"I do, but I still don't like you," Lyra answered.

Neon sighed, annoyed, "Well I better turn my walkie-talkie back on and tell Caramel that there was static."

"Wait, what are you going to say my answer was?" Vinyl asked.

"I'll tell him you said no," Neon replied.

"Don't do that! Lie! Then he'll back off," Lyra suggested.

"I like the way you think Lyra," Neon complimented with a smirk.

Then, he turned on the walkie-talkie and said, "She agreed to the date, I'm coming back now."

And with that, Neon left.

"Wait," Vinyl started, "Does this mean I have to pretend to date Neon?"

Lyra grinned, "Took you long enough to realize."

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia walked down the block, towards the restaurant. She had decided to stop further away from the cafe so she could clear her mind.

The closer she got to the restaurant, the more dread she felt.

Finally, she was outside the restaurant, where a familiar looking mare was waving at her.

Octavia smiled and walked over to Caramel's mother.

"Octavia! It's great to see you again, thanks for coming! I hope you don't mind that I got us a seat outside but it's so hot today!"

"Hello again Miss Chance-A-Lot, it's great to see you. And I'm glad you got a seat outside, it is a lovely day," Octavia replied before seating herself at the table.

Caramel's mother smile before she started reading the menu.

"Oh! I'm in the mood for brunch, how about you?"

Octavia nodded her head, "Sounds good to me."

And with that, the two made their orders.

"So," Octavia started, "May I ask why you called me here today?"

Caramel's mother took and a sip of her water, before placing the glass back down with a sigh, "I think you know."

Octavia stopped smiling and sighed, "Yes, I do. May I ask what you would like to know?"

Before they could continue, a waiter brought the two the drinks they ordered.

"Well, I would first like to let you know that we understand," Caramel's mother started, stirring her coffee, "And that we aren't mad at you, we understand that the two of you just aren't in love anymore."

Caramel's mother giggled when she saw the relief spread through Octavia's body. This was noticeable by how less stiff the cellist looked, and by how her muscles seemed to relax.

"Oh! Good," Octavia exclaimed, relieved, "Because I still see you all as my family, and it would hurt to know that you all hated me just because of my choice."

Caramel's mother smiled warmly, "Of course not dear! These things happen and we'll just have to accept it."

Octavia nodded her head in agreement before taking a sip of the tea she ordered.

"Now... onto my questions...."

Octavia inhaled sharply as she heard the mother say that.

"I would first like to ask, when did you start feeling this way?" Caramel's mother questioned.

"Years ago," Octavia answered, "These feelings have built up over years and years of neglect."

Caramel's mother frowned but nodded her head, "I see, and when do you think the divorce will be happening?"

"I don't exactly know, but it could possibly be soon depending on how well I filled out the papers," Octavia explained.

Suddenly, the waiter returned carrying the two's food.

As they started eating, Octavia asked, "What's the next question?"

Octavia gulped as she saw Caramel's mother seem to cringe.

"Well.... as a mother I would like to know, how is my son taking this?"

Octavia stared at her food, thinking of how she would answer this. If she told her that, 'Oh! Your son is sobbing on the floor every night and beating up my friends because he thinks they’re dating me', then either she would think Octavia was evil, or that Caramel was emotionally abusing her.

Somehow, even though all of this drama, I still can't bring myself to tell his mother what Caramel is doing....

Octavia sighed.

I guess because I don't want to break up his family, when that will be all he has left after the divorce is finalized.

"He's.... upset," Octavia started hesitantly, "He cries some nights, but he also tries to pretend things are alright between us."

Well.... I'm not lying. Just not going into full detail.

"That must be hard to deal with," Caramel's mother commented in a comforting voice.

Octavia chuckled darkly, "Yes, I don't want to hurt him as much as I am, but I don't want to force myself just for the sake of his happiness."

Octavia froze when she felt somepony touch her cheek. Caramel's mother had wiped a tear from Octavia’s eye.

"I can tell you still care for him, especially because of the fact you were crying," Caramel's mother said, rubbing the earth pony's back slightly.

Suddenly, without control, Octavia started to weep. Caramel's mother instinctively started to hug the mare as she continued to rub her back.

Thankfully, the restaurant that day was not very busy, so nopony could see what was happening, say for a few passerbys.

This scene continued for a few more minutes until Octavia was mostly sniffling instead of crying.

"Would you like to leave now?" Caramel's mother asked.

Octavia just nodded her head.

"Alright, well let me just quickly go inside and pay, and then we can leave."

And with that, Caramel's mother went inside in order to pay.

While she was gone, Octavia got up from the ground to recompose herself. She looked around until her eyes fell upon the food they had been eating. Both meals were barely eaten.

That poor mare, she really didn't deserve to be stuck in this mess.

Octavia's attention was then directed towards the door opening, which revealed Caramel's mother walking out.

"Let's go," Caramel's mother said.

Octavia nodded her head.

The two made their way to the end of the street where they then hailed a taxi.

For the whole ride, the two mares were silent, neither knowing what to say.

Finally, they ended up at their destination. Once they stepped out of the car, and the taxi drove away, Octavia started speaking.

"I would like to apologize for my behavior at the restaurant," Octavia apologized, "It was unprofessional of me to act the way I did."

"Oh Octavia," Caramel's mother said, shaking her head, "You did nothing wrong. You've been under a lot of stress with both your new job and your divorce, so of course you broke down when I started asking you such personal questions."

Octavia smiled, "T-thank you. And thank you for.... comforting me as I was letting out my emotional baggage."

Caramel's mother returned the smile, before turning towards the building.

"Wait, did you and Caramel move?" Caramel's mother asked.

Octavia gave the mare a questioning look before looking up at the building.

Bloody hell! I went to Vinyl's apartment!

Octavia groaned and smacked her forehead.

"This is Vinyl's apartment," Octavia explained, "I go here whenever I need somepony to talk to."

"Oh! Well, that sweet," Caramel's mother commented.

Suddenly, Caramel's mother's face got a little more serious, "Octavia, do you harbor romantic feelings for Vinyl?"

Octavia stiffened, "Well.... I do harbor some romantic feelings...."

Caramel's mother smiled, "Good, I'm glad you can already find somepony who can make you feel loved like Caramel once did."

Octavia returned the smile.

And with that, the two hugged, said their goodbyes, and went their separate ways.

~•~•~•~•~

"Vinyl are you alright?"

Once Octavia had entered Vinyl's apartment, she found said DJ lying face down onto the couch.

"Oh shi- Hey Tavi!" Vinyl exclaimed, quickly flipping over to face towards the mare.

However, she did it too fast and fell face first on the floor.

Octavia stifled a laugh before helping her marefriend up.

Once she was let back up, Vinyl smiled sheepishly.

"Hey so, turns out, I have to date Neon again. Well, not actually date, more like pretend date."

Octavia opened and closed her mouth and few times, before just giving up and shaking her head, "I don't want to know."

Vinyl just smirked, "So, uh, you wanna cuddle on the couch and you can tell me how your day went?"

Octavia smiled, "I would love to."

Chapter 43

View Online

It was Friday, meaning the weekend was coming in, and Octavia couldn't wait.

Today was the day she and Vinyl were going to go on a date together. Even though they did have a date on Hearts and Hooves day it was cut short, sadly.

But now, Octavia was ready to enjoy some time with her marefriend.

Or that's what she thought, until she got into work.

"Where's Vinyl?" Octavia asked as she entered the kitchen.

"On her fake date with Neon," Lyra replied as she continued to read a book about humans.

"Her what?!" Bon Bon exclaimed, turning around from her spot in the kitchen.

Lyra looked over at her marefriend, confused.

"I didn't tell you? Her and Neon are fake dating so Caramel will get off Vinyl's back."

Bon Bon gave Octavia a concerned look, saying "Please tell me they at least told YOU about this."

Octavia nodded her head in confirmation, making Bon Bon sigh in relief.

"She'll be back before lunch," Lyra explained, "so don't worry about your date, Octavia."

"Well, that's good." Octavia commented before seating herself next to Lyra. Meanwhile, Bon Bon continued her work.

Lyra smirked, "It seems Vinyl's turning into a real ponies mare."

Lyra let out a laugh as both Bon Bon and Octavia groaned.

The topic then changed and the three continued to talk, however, Octavia couldn't stop thinking about Vinyl.

I wonder how her fake date is going...

~•~•~•~•~

"Why in Equestria did I ever date you?" Vinyl laughed, "This 'date' is terrible!"

Neon sneered, "Oh, so now that you have yourself a fancy schmancy marefriend means you need to have a fancy schmancy date too?"

"No way! I friggin hate when I have to take Tavi to a fancy place," Vinyl corrected, "I just go cause it makes her happy."

Neon raised his eyebrow, "So you aren't happy when you guys go on dates?"

"No! I love Octy, I just prefer the dates where we sit on the couch cuddling while eating takeout," Vinyl explained.

"How is that better than this?!" Neon questioned.

"You took me to a bar. I go there all the time with Lyra and we aren't dating!" Vinyl exclaimed with a laugh.

Neon pouted, making Vinyl laugh again.

"Well, hey, for a friend's hangout, this is pretty chill," Vinyl commented. However, this made Neon cringe.

"Don't say that! Caramel is watching our date!" He explained in a hushed tone.

Vinyl just shook her head, "Whatever."

An awkward silence then formed between the two. Neon played with his glass as he tried to think of something to say, while Vinyl just chugged down her drink.

Neon then opened his mouth to say something, when suddenly the bartender came over to them.

The pony pushed two envelopes forward, towards the ponies.

"Open yours when you're alone," The pony started to Neon, "And you, open yours when you're alone with your marefriend."

The bartender then winked and walked away.

"What in Equestria?" Neon whispered to himself, looking at the envelopes in curiousity.

Vinyl just shrugged, "Random stuff happening is pretty normal for me and Tavi."

"Neon? Vinyl? What are you two doing?"

The two ponies' heads snapped towards the voice, to find Lucky Streak standing there.

"Yo! Luckayyyy!" Neon called out.

"Are you two.... What about Octavia?!" Luck Streak yelled, making someponies look at them.

"Calm down Lucky," Vinyl said calmly, "We're just chilling!"

She then used her magic to pull the stallion closer, "We're on a fake date so Caramel will leave us alone. Could you stay? I can't handle being with Neon anymore."

Lucky Streak gave Vinyl a questionable look before shrugging and seating himself next to Vinyl.

The two stallions started talking, which allowed Vinyl to sneak off to the outside of the bar.

Vinyl felt bad for doing that. Neon had no idea, but Vinyl had called Lucky Streak over so she didn't have to keep pretending to be on a date with him.

"Hey." Neon said.

Vinyl jumped.

"Sorry. I just saw you went off and I realized something was up. Do you mind telling me?"

Vinyl let out a shaky sigh, "I just didn't want to continue. I can't even handle pretending to be on a date with you without feeling the pain I felt years ago when you cheated on me."

Neon frowned but didn't say anything.

"Not only that, but I feel like I'm cheating on Tavi, even though I'm not," Vinyl continued, "I just, can't continue. I'm leaving."

"But what about-"

"We were in there long enough that Caramel will probably understand. He may be stupid, but he'll be able to tell that I couldn't handle the date."

Vinyl refused to look at Neon, she knew she had hurt him.

Finally, Neon sighed, "Goodbye Vinyl."

"Have a good day," Vinyl said before she walked off.

~•~•~•~•~

Lyra jumped as she heard one of the kitchen drawers slam shut.

She looked up from her book to find her best friend chugging a drink.

"Where'd you get that?" Lyra asked, putting down the book.

"I've had it hidden in the back," Vinyl explained in a groggy tone before drinking more of her drink.

"Okay.... You do realize you shouldn't drink at work."

"Whatever," Vinyl replied. She then took another drink.

Lyra sighed, "Alright, enough small talk, what happened?"

"I just couldn't handle dating Neon again," Vinyl explained.

"Because of how he cheated?"

Vinyl nodded her head and took another drink. Lyra sighed.

"Maybe you should go talk to your marefriend instead of drinking," Lyra explained, "Y'know, the marefriend who would never cheat on you."

Vinyl looked at her drink for a few minutes before whispering, "Okay."

And with that, Vinyl walked out and went towards the recording studio.

"Hey, babe, ready for our hot date?" Vinyl asked, slightly woozy as she opened the door.

"Vinyl, our reservations aren't for another few hours and- Have you been drinking?" Octavia questioned when she turned towards the mare.

"Yeah," Vinyl replied before falling down onto the carpet.

Octavia walked towards the mare and look down at her with a raised eyebrow and unamused smile.

"Hey," Vinyl croaked.

"You shouldn't be drinking while at work," Octavia stated.

"Sorry," Vinyl croaked again.

Then, Octavia remembered something.

"Is this about Neon?" Octavia asked, suddenly full of concern.

Vinyl smirked, "Awww, is somepony worried about me?"

The cellist glared at the DJ.

"Yeah," Vinyl finally answered after a few minutes of Octavia holding her glare.

Octavia then pulled Vinyl onto her hooves.

"What happened?" She asked.

Vinyl shrugged, "I don't know. Stupid feelings of betrayal and anger and sadness got in the way and I called Lucky Streak and then Neon felt bad and I wanna die."

Octavia just looked at her marefriend utterly confused.

"Alright... I understood most of that, I think?" She sighed and pulled Vinyl into a side hug, "Listen Vinyl. I know how it feels when you have to spend time with somepony you feel hurt by, trust me I live like it. And it's okay that you feel that way, it doesn't matter what Neon feels because as long as you're not comfortable pretending to date him, it shouldn't matter how he feels."

Vinyl started at the ground for a few moments before suddenly kissing Octavia smack dab on the lips.

The cellist broke away in disgust, "Vinyl! Your mouth tastes like alcohol!"

Vinyl just smirked, "Heh heh, yeah I drank a fuck ton."

This made Octavia sigh in annoyance, "You should probably go home and rest for awhile."

"Oh? So now it's okay if I leave work?" Vinyl asked with a grin.

"That's not what I- Oh whatever," Octavia said defeated as she started dragging her marefriend out of the office.

~•~•~•~•~

Vinyl woke up with a groan.

Shit.

What happened?

The last thing I remember was Neon, and Lucky and Oct-

Vinyl stood straight up, "Octavia!"

However, this was a bad idea as Vinyl howled in pain at the sudden blood rush.

Vinyl rubbed her head as she took in her surroundings.

She was home, on her couch.

Then, she noticed a note sitting next to her on the coffee table.

"I assume you've just woken up by the time you are reading this. I've gone back to work. Once you feel up to it, please return as well. Love, Octavia."

Vinyl smiled slightly, "Tavi's the best."

Then she saw the clock.

Oh shit, she's gonna kill me!

Their reservations were less than an hour away, meaning she had missed basically her whole day at work.

Vinyl scrambled to her hooves as she quickly tried to get ready for the date the two were having.

Bucking Neon, bucking alcohol, BUCKING HEADACHE!

Vinyl growled slightly but continued to attempt to get ready in time for Octavia's date.

~•~•~•~•~

"So she was out cold? Just like that?" Lyra asked, slightly shocked.

Octavia nodded her head solemnly.

"Damn," Lyra commented, "I didn't think she drank that much."

Octavia let out a sigh before drinking down some of her tea.

"Well, that's Vinyl for you," Bon Bon said as she brought her own coffee and sat with the two other mares.

"Yes, yes," Octavia replied quietly, still staring at her coffee.

"Are you alright, Octavia?" Bon Bon asked, concerned.

Octavia sighed again, "Yes, I'm just worried about Vinyl. She drank so much and just because she went on a fake date with Neon."

"It hurt her a lot when he cheated," Lyra explained, "I'm glad I never had to feel that kind of pain."

Bon Bon and Octavia both nodded in agreement.

"H-hey Tavi."

The three mares turned around to find Vinyl in the doorway. She was panting and had her blue suit on.

"And L-Lyra, a-and Bonnie," Vinyl continued, her stutter following along.

Octavia raised her eyebrow, "You do realize our reservations aren't for another two hours."

Vinyl opened and closed her mouth a few times, feeling utterly stupid as she tried to think of what to say.

"Awwww," Bon Bon dawned.

Octavia couldn't help but shake her head, "Typical Vinyl. Either late or two hours behind."

Vinyl let out a strained laugh.

Octavia then got out of her seat and walked out of the kitchen area.

Vinyl watched her walk away, before turning towards her two friends.

"What's up with Octy? Is she mad at me or someth-"

Vinyl answer came in a form of Octavia suddenly coming back, her hoof around the DJ's neck, and her lips on Vinyl's cheek.

Then, Octavia walked away once again, this time looking at Vinyl.

"I think she's calling you," Lyra commented with a grin.

Vinyl blinked towards her friends, before racing off towards her marefriend.

Once she caught up to Octavia, she kept up with the mare's pace.

"H-hey," Vinyl stammered.

"Hello."

"Uh, so you aren't mad or anything?"

Octavia smiled, "No. I was just worried about you."

Vinyl then smirked, "Aw, Tavi, you really do care about me!"

Octavia shook her head with a smile, "You’re a dork."

"The coolest dork," Vinyl stated, her chest puffed out.

Octavia shook her head again, "You should probably get to work you know."

"With the suit on, Or off?"

"That depends on if you want to sweat in the suit," Octavia commented.

"Alright, you wanna watch me get undressed?"

Her response was a smack to the head.

"Ow! Ya know Octy, there are days I wish we were like that movie. Where the boss and coworker just fuck all the-"

Another smack.

"Ow! Alright fine I'll stop," Vinyl then leaned closer towards Octavia's ear, "For now."

Octavia sighed, "That's the best I'm going to get, isn't it?"

"Yep!"

~•~•~•~•~

"So, tell me again why you can't just get dressed at the office?"

Octavia sighed angrily, replying with "Because I don't want gossip to start about is."

"Wow Tavi, I never thought you cared about that kind of thing," Vinyl commented.

The two were walking down the dark streets of Manehatten, on their way to Octavia's apartment as that was closer to the office.

"Oh shut up and get in the apartment," Octavia demanded.

"So demanding today Oct- Ow! Okay, okay," Vinyl started, only to be interrupted by a swing from Octavia.

As the two entered the lobby and then elevator, they continued to tease and joke with one another.

"Why do you tease me so much Vinyl?" Octavia asked, extremely annoyed.

Vinyl shrugged, "I don't know, cause your cute?"

Octavia just sighed.

"Do you notice how much you sigh and eye roll around me?" Vinyl asked with a slight smirk.

"Yes, I do. And I'm starting to think I need to take a stress ball with me whenever we're together."

"Awww, but that would take all the fun out of it!" Vinyl whined.

Finally, the elevator doors opened and the two entered Octavia's apartment.

"Now Vinyl, don't touch anything. We can't let Caramel find out you've been here," Octavia explained.

Vinyl nodded her head in understanding before plopping herself down onto the couch.

Vinyl continued to sit there for a few minutes, humming out songs as she bobbed her head.

Then, suddenly, the sound of the front door unlocking was heard.

Vinyl jumped and quickly hid behind the couch.

"But does this mean she is still dating my wife?!" Caramel asked, annoyed.

"I. Don't. Know!" Neon yelled, his tone getting annoyed as he continued. "I don't think so! If she was then she’d probably wouldn't have agreed to the date in the first place!"

"That is true," Caramel commented.

Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Octavia overheard loud noises coming from the living room.

What is that unicorn doing?

"Vin-"

"Hey, Octavia!" Caramel yelled, "Are you in the bathroom?"

Oh, Celestia no....

"Yes, I am just getting ready for a dinner with my ensemble," Octavia explained.

"Really? Or a date with that stupid unicorn!" Caramel accused.

Octavia sighed, feeling her blood getting hotter as she began to get annoyed.

Here we go....

"Hey! She's not stupid, she's hot!" Neon argued.

Where in the bloody hell is Vinyl?

Octavia finished getting ready and left the bathroom.

In the living room, she found that Neon and Caramel were the only ponies there.

Confused, Octavia walked towards the door to leave.

"So you're going to go to a dinner with you 'ensemble' like that?" Caramel asked, suspicious.

"Yes," Octavia answered flatly.

"Or are you going on a date with-"

Here we go.... again, Octavia thought as she prepared herself for Caramel’s response.

"Fredric!"

"What?!" Octavia and Neon both exclaimed at the same time.

"Ha! I knew it! I was right!" Caramel cheered.

"Fredric is dating Symphony!" Octavia exclaimed, a blush slowly forming on her cheeks.

"Or so you say."

Octavia let out an angry groan before she continued her way to the front door. Only to then feel somepony pull her dress slightly.

She turned back to find Vinyl crouching behind the couch.

Octavia's mouth dropped at this. Thankfully, the two stallions were too busy talking to notice.

Quickly, Octavia pulled her marefriend from behind the couch and the two quietly made their way to the door.

Before they left, however, Neon turned towards the front door, to find the two half way through the door.

Even through his glasses, the two could tell his eyes went wide.

Vinyl saluted the stallion before the cellist pushed Vinyl out of the apartment. Octavia joined the DJ right after.

The two didn't say anything as they made their way down the hall, out of fear Caramel would hear them.

Finally, the two made it to the elevator, where they both let out a sigh of relief once the doors closed.

"Thank Celestia he didn't see you!" Octavia exclaimed.

Vinyl laughed, "Yeah! Sheesh, that was fucking scary."

The two shared a laugh before going back into silence.

Suddenly, Octavia started to lean closer to Vinyl, close enough that her head was against Vinyl's.

Octavia then nuzzled her unicorn. She wasn't just scared, she was terrified. Who knows what Caramel could have done to Vinyl if he found her.

"You alright?" Vinyl asked, attempting to hide the worry in her voice.

Octavia hummed a 'yes' before saying, "I'm just happy we can finally enjoy our date together."

Vinyl chuckled, "Yeah, me too."

Chapter 44

View Online

Octavia let out a small groan as the sunlight which snuck through the blinds fell upon her.

She rubbed her eyes before finally opening them.

What she found was she was face to face with a snoring unicorn.

Octavia smiled before moving some of the unicorn's mane away from their face before kissing them on the forehead.

Vinyl shifted around for a second before suddenly pulling the cellist closer to her.

Octavia let out a small squeak of surprise. Once she was sure Vinyl wasn't going to move again, she unleashed herself from the DJ's grasp.

Finally able to sit up, Octavia took in her surroundings. Her eyes landed upon a torn up envelope and a letter next to it on the bed stand.

Immediately, Octavia's eyes went wide as she remembered what had transpired that night.

~•~•~•~•~

"Aw yeah! Punch him right in the muzzle!"

Octavia jumped slightly as an explosion blasted on screen.

After Octavia and Vinyl's romantic date, the two had decided to head back to Vinyl's apartment. Once there Vinyl felt the need to unwind which resulted in Octavia agreeing to watch a movie with the mare.

Currently, said DJ was cheering as the hero finally fought the villain in an over the top action scene, however, she still kept one hoof over her marefriend. Meanwhile, Octavia was nuzzled close to the excited unicorn, not really enjoying the movie but more enjoying the company.

Finally, one cheesy line later, the two main characters kissed by the sunset as the credits began to fall.

"That was bucking awesome! Don't you agree, Tavi?" Vinyl asked excitedly.

Octavia just nodded her head before yawning and cuddling closer to her marefriend.

Vinyl couldn't help but grin at this. She pulled the cellist closer before asking, "Sleepy?"

Another nod of the head was the response. Octavia’s eyes began to flutter shut when suddenly a blaring came from the screen.

The two mares jumped off the couch in surprise. Quickly, Vinyl grabbed the remote with her magic and turned down the advertisement.

Once the ad was almost unintelligible, Vinyl turned to Octavia.

The DJ gave a breathless chuckle, "Damn foal ads."

Octavia giggled, "I thought you would be one to enjoy those kinds of advertisements."

"Not unless I'm having my own foals," Vinyl commented, pointing at the diaper ad.

Octavia's eyes went wide. She had thought the advertisement was for some kind of television show, not an advertisement for parents.

Vinyl chuckled again as she noticed the small blush around the cellist's face.

She then flung herself back onto the couch, "I mean, it's possible for unicorns to have foals with other mares but I'd think you'd want to be hitched first, ya know?"

Octavia didn't say anything, instead, she stared off.

Vinyl raised an eyebrow.

Then, she suddenly remembered something.

"Octavia you would be a great mom."
Octavia almost choked on her food but spit it out. Vinyl just stared at Caramel with wide eyes.

"Caramel," Octavia said in a venomous tone, looking down at her food, "We already talked about this. If we are going to speak about this again then I do not want to in front of Vinyl."

"Hey Octy, you alright?"

Finally, Octavia snapped out of her trance and she turned towards the mare

"Sorry Vinyl. My mind sort of wandered there for a second."

Vinyl frowned, "Hey Tavi.... Do you want foals?"

Octavia's eyes went wide once again, "Well... Isn't it a little soon to be thinking about that?"

"Well, yeah," Vinyl agreed, "But you seem to act really weird whenever the idea of foals is brought up."

Octavia sighed before seating herself next to the DJ.

"Vinyl, I am about to tell you something that I haven't told many ponies-"

"Did you like, foalsit some foal once and like, they died?" Vinyl asked bluntly.

"What! No, Vinyl!" Octavia exclaimed, mortified, "Not everything has some dark backstory to it!"

"I know, I know! I was just joking!" Vinyl said with a laugh.

Octavia rolled her eyes before getting up. She wasn't in the mood to continue this conversation.

"Wait, Octy, don't be like that," Vinyl pleaded, pulling the mare on top of her, "I'm sorry. I should have realized that this is something personal."

Octavia didn't say anything for about a minute; before she suddenly started giggling.

Vinyl raised her eyebrow, confused.

"Of course, you're not smart enough to realize what's going on," Octavia joked.

"Ha, ha. I get it."

Once Vinyl said that Octavia was laughing.

"Alright, you got me. You can stop now Tavi."

Finally, Octavia stopped laughing and she sighed.

"When Caramel and I first got married, one of the first decisions we talked about were foals," Octavia explained, "Caramel was ecstatic with the idea, while I was a bit more skeptical."

She sighed again, and Vinyl noticed tears starting to form from her eyes.

"But I decided to try. After some time of us...."

Octavia paused, a blush forming on her face.

She let out a small squeak when she felt Vinyl get closer to her ear, "Making love?"

"Trying," Octavia continued, ignoring what Vinyl said, "I decided to ask a doctor if there could possibly be something wrong with my body."

Vinyl waited for Octavia to continue. However, time continued to tick with no response from the mare.

"Oct-"

"There wasn't," Octavia finally continued, "There was something wrong with his body."

Vinyl said nothing, she could hear Octavia's voice rising.

"But for whatever bloody reason, I decided it would be a good idea to not tell him that!"

Octavia let out a laugh.

"I decided I should say I didn't WANT foals. Little did I know that he would never let me live THAT down. Oh, Celestia, I've lost count of how many times we got into fights because I didn't want foals."

With her story finished, Octavia laid back onto Vinyl, using the DJ's chest as a pillow.

Vinyl moved some of the cellist's mane so she could see her face more. She then kissed Octavia on the cheek.

"I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault Vinyl," Octavia said in a comforting voice, "Thank you for letting me get that off my chest."

"No prob babe!"

The room then became silent as the two held one another close.

However, this peace was ruined when Vinyl suddenly stood up.

"Oh! I just remembered!"

This sudden movement caused Octavia to fall off the couch.

"Ah! Vinyl!"

However, Vinyl was too busy finding something to hear Octavia.

Finally, she brought out a letter and showed it to the mare.

"When I was on my date with Neon, we both got a letter from the bartender. They told me to open it with you alone so...."

Octavia rolled her eyes before lifting herself up onto the couch.

Vinyl tore the letter open and started reading it.

"Dear Vinyl and Octavia. You two are cordially invited to a dinner at my residence. The address to my home is on the back of this letter. Sincerely me."

"Huh," Vinyl said, surprised.

"That's odd, we probably shouldn't attend," Octavia commented.

"What?! C'mon Tavi, it's a party!" Vinyl exclaimed.

Octavia rolled her eyes, "This seems too suspicious to be real."

"Pleaseeeee," Vinyl begged.

"Fine. But we'll stay here only for a few minutes to make sure it isn't a trap."

"It's a trap!

Octavia raised her eyebrow, making Vinyl smirk.

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia sighed before laying herself back down.

That night had been more emotionally draining than Octavia could handle.

Thankfully, the moment she felt her head lay against a certain unicorn's white coat, she smiled.

Once again, Octavia closed her eyes and snuggled closer to the mare.

I'm glad I told Vinyl that. Who knows, maybe we will have a foal in the future.

Suddenly, Octavia felt the pony beneath her start to stir.

"Good morning love," Octavia greeted, kissing the half asleep mare below her horn.

"Morning Tavi," Vinyl returned, however in a much more incoherent manner.

Octavia giggled, "How about we go out for breakfast? And before that, the two of us could shower together."

Vinyl's eyes snapped open, "Together?"

Well, that's a sure way to get her up in the morning.

Octavia rolled her eyes with a smile, "Yes, now are you coming or not?"

In a flash, Vinyl was out of bed and in the bathroom.

Octavia followed after her marefriend with a sigh.

Or maybe we won't have one, living with her is already like having a foal.

~•~•~•~•~

"Oh, this is so exciting!" Beauty Brass exclaimed, "Remember when it was just you and me, Octavia? Now, look at us! A whole group!"

Octavia rolled her eyes with a smile.

She was having another visit at Beauty Brass's apartment, where she was having tea with her closest friends.

"It is quite nice," Symphony agreed, "But, Sassaflash, do you really want to take a train here every time we decide to get together."

Sassaflash laughed, "You make it sound like I actually have somewhere else to be."

"I'm still surprised you all invited me," Remedy Cure commented. She was, in fact, the newest member of their little tea group.

"Because you're Octavia's lawyer!" Beauty Brass answered, "Or I think. I don't really understand how it works."

Sassaflash snorted, "I don't understand how anything in Octavia's life works."

"Neither do I," Octavia whispered to herself.

"So how have you and Vinyl been, Octavia?" Symphony asked, taking a sip of her tea.

Octavia smiled a small smile, "Good."

The four other mares watched Octavia, waiting for her to continue, only for her to say nothing.

"Is that all?" Remedy Cure asked.

Octavia nodded her head as she sipped her own tea.

Suddenly, Sassaflash started grinning, "Did something happen last night? Something hot."

A blush formed on the cellist's face as she glared at her ex marefriend, "No, nothing like that."

The room went back into silence for an about a minute until suddenly Octavia whispered.

"I just told Vinyl about why I didn't want foals."

"WHAT?!"

Octavia jumped as all her friends screamed in shock.

"That's great!" Symphony exclaimed.

"I agree. It really shows you must trust this mare," Remedy Cure commented.

"OH! Does this mean you're going to have foals?!" Beauty Brass asked excitedly.

"Wait, why am I surprised? I didn't even know you didn't want foals," Sassaflash realized with a confused look.

Octavia couldn't help but laugh at her friends' excitement, however, she was a little embarrassed at how enthralled the mares were in the relationship between her and the DJ.

"This is great! Now, all we need is for Symphony and Fredric to have foals and we're set!"

"Excuse me?!" Symphony yelled, her face now red, "We haven't even dated for that long!"

"And what about Lyra and Bon Bon?" Octavia reminded.

"And you and Harpo," Sassaflash also reminded.

"I know, I know! Don't worry! I'll get everything sorted out!" Beauty Brass reassured.

"But, Octavia, are you really planning on having foals with her?" Remedy Cure asked.

Octavia became sheepish as all of her friends stared at her, waiting for an answer.

"I don't know right now," Octavia explained, "I'm still married to Caramel and I haven't even thought of what will happen to Vinyl and I after the divorce is finalized."

"Are you afraid that you'll lose interest in Vinyl after the divorce?" Symphony asked, slightly concerned.

Octavia shook her head with a small but reassuring smile, "I care about Vinyl too much."

Or, that's what Octavia planned to say, what she ended up saying was, "I love Vinyl too much."

Wait... Oh, bloody hell! Did I just-

"LOVE?!"

Oh, Luna what have I done?

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia was back home after her visit with her friends. Once she got home, she decided to practice some more of her cello for a show her ensemble was planning to have soon.

However, halfway through her first song, her phone started ringing.

Octavia sighed, annoyed, before picking up the phone.

"Hello?"

"Hello, my love!" Caramel exclaimed from the other end of the phone, "Let's go out to dinner tonight! My treat!"

"Oh, hello Caramel. I'm sorry but I'm afraid I'm too tired to go out tonight."

Here it comes, Octavia thought in anticipation of Caramel screaming at her.

"Oh alright. I'll bring something special home than!" Caramel replied, still in the same happy tone, "Goodbye Octavia, I love you."

"Goodbye Caramel," Octavia said, unsure as she hung up the phone.

Well, that was odd. Normally Caramel would be furious at me for declining his offer...

Octavia shook her head.

He's probably just in denial right now, it'll wear off soon.

However, Octavia couldn't shake the weird feeling she felt that something was wrong.

"I'll just go for a walk to clear my mind."

With that thought in mind, she grabbed her things before going outside for a walk.

As she walked down the streets towards the park, she decided to plug in her earbuds and listen to some music.

She continued to listen to music as she walked down the park, taking in the beautiful scenery.

As spring was returning, the park was coming back to life with green grass and green leaves.

Octavia found herself getting lost in the scenery, her thoughts clearing away as she finally relaxed.

No longer would she stress herself out about Caramel, her divorce, foals, or her job. Right now she was alone and was enjoying her life.

If only Vinyl was here, Octavia thought with a sigh.

Her mind started to wonder as the name of the DJ was mentioned.

That silly mare came into my life from a place I wasn't expecting, however she couldn't have chosen a better time in my life. I don't know how I could have done anything without her.

However, the cellist was quickly reminded of how easily joy can be taken out of her life as her music suddenly stopped.

"I forgot to charge my phone!" Octavia exclaimed annoyed as she realized her phone had died.

She then prepared herself to turn back around and head home, however, her eyes continued to scan the beauty of nature, which caused her to change her mind.

"I don't need music to enjoy this," Octavia realized before she started walking again.

And Octavia was happy.

She was happy as she walked more and more around the park, enjoying everything about it, and enjoying her life.

She continued to walk and enjoy her life until the sun was setting. She watched it set for a few minutes before she turned around and started walking out of the park.

Octavia ended up further away from her home than she had intended to go.

Too tired to walk all the way back, she hailed a taxi who started driving her back to her apartment building.

Once she was back in her apartment, she was not surprised to find Caramel waiting for her.

"There you are! The food was getting cold!" Caramel exclaimed before kissing Octavia on the lips.

The cellist was taken aback by this. For the second time, that day Caramel was acting stranger than normal.

Octavia then noticed the set table.

"Are you going to join me or not?" Caramel asked.

"Oh... Oh! Caramel this is lovely but would you mind if I could charge my phone first?"

"Of course not!" Caramel replied, "Just don't take too long!"

Octavia hesitated before she walked into her practice room.

She was surprised to find everything untouched from how she left it.

Shaking her head, Octavia grabbed her charger and started charging her phone.

To her dismay and annoyance, the phone came back on immediately after getting plugged in.

Once the phone came back on, the battery percentage read 30%, however, that was not the most shocking part.

The most shocking part was that she had hundreds of missed calls and messages.

She grabbed her phone and scrolled through.

"Neon, Lyra, Bon Bon, Symphony, Sassaflash, Lucky Streak, Fredric, Harpo, Beauty Brass," Octavia whispered in shock as she read the names of the ponies who had contacted her.

It was everypony she considers a friend. But there were two names which stuck out the most.

Long Play and Vinyl's mother?!

She scrolled back to the top to see who was the last pony who tried to contact her.

It was Lyra, she called her only two minutes ago.

She pressed the message and the phone started ringing.

It only got through one ring when the phone was picked up.

"Octavia?! Octavia are you out there?!" Lyra asked frantically.

"Yes, yes it's me Lyra! What in Equestria is going on?"

"Did you read the messages we sent you?" Lyra questioned, confirming Octavia's suspicion that they were all contacting her for the same reason.

"No I didn't, but I saw that you all texted me," Octavia explained, "Now could you please tell me what is going on!"

There was a panicked laugh on the other end.

"What's going on? Oh! Why you're husband did something great!" Lyra exclaimed.

"What happened?!"

"Vinyl's in jail."

Chapter 45

View Online

A thud echoed throughout the home as the phone hit the ground.

What? He did what?

"Octavia? Hello? Octavia?!" Lyra shouted from the other end of the phone.

However, Octavia completely ignored her friend's calls as she turned back around and went straight towards the kitchen.

There, Caramel sat as happy as he was before Octavia had left.

"Caramel."

Caramel froze, Octavia's tone was cold, completely void of any emotion. He'd never heard her sound like that for the whole time he's known her.

"I just got a very interesting call from my dear friend Lyra," Octavia continued in the same tone, "She told me that a certain somepony I know was in jail because of you, would you care you explain?"

Caramel blinked a few times, "Uh."

He had planned for this, ready to explain exactly how horrible that mare actually was. However, once he heard Octavia's tone, his mind had gone completely blank.

"Well?"

"I, uh," Caramel stammered, "Ye-yeah. I-I put that mare in her place! She tried to come between us!"

Octavia didn't say anything, and her face didn't change.

He waited a few more seconds until suddenly a small smile formed on Octavia's face.

"Oh, alright then," Octavia replied in the same tone.

She then started walking towards her seat in order to seat herself at the table.

That's when Caramel jumped out of his chair as said seat was thrown directly at him.

"Octavia what-"

"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU, YOU BLOODY EXCUSE FOR A STALLION! I WANT YOU FUCKING DEAD, DO YOU HEAR ME?!" Octavia screamed louder than the stallion had ever heard.

Caramel couldn't even get a response out before Octavia had grabbed all her belongings and had rushed out of the apartment.

~•~•~•~•~

"What happened?" Bon Bon asked, concerned.

"I don't know!" Lyra exclaimed, "She isn't responding."

With that said, the unicorn hung up the phone.

With a sigh, she seated herself next to Bon Bon.

"Okay, so, can you finally explain exactly what happened?" Lyra asked looking towards Neon who was seated in the seat in front of them.

Neon Lights, Lyra, Bon Bon, Lucky Streak, Beauty Brass, Fredric, Harpo, Symphony, Sassaflash, Remedy Cure, and Vinyl's family were all seated in the police station as they waited for Vinyl's questioning to be done.

"Yeah, yeah. It all started early this morning...."

~•~•~•~•~

"Where is she?!"

Neon jumped as the door shut. He was just in the middle of something a little.... private when Caramel has entered his apartment.

This is what I get for giving him keys, Neon thought, annoyed.

"Octavia is gone! She's been gone since Vinyl left your... date," Caramel said slowly as a realization came into his head.

"First, you could knock, and second, what?" Neon asked.

"Vinyl! She must have gone out with Octavia!"

Then why would she go on a date with me?" Neon questioned, getting slightly worried.

"To throw me off track!"

Damn, he's smarter than I thought.

"I think it's time to play out my plan," Caramel stated, as though Neon knew what that meant.

"Your plan?"

"You know!" Caramel exclaimed, "The pieces have been falling into place and it is finally time!"

"I am so confused," Neon stated.

"You'll see," Caramel replied, "Let's just say it's the reason why I've done so much research on her."

"Uh, so what do I do?" Neon asked.

"You just have to get Vinyl alone," Caramel answered simply.

"I doubt she'll want to talk to me after the date we had yesterday," Neon mumbled.

"Then find a way to get her to talk to you or something!" Caramel exclaimed.

Neon rolled his eyes, "Yeah, yeah. What should we do first?"

"First, we'll go to Vinyl's apartment."

~•~•~•~•~

"What do you mean Vinyl Scratch doesn't live here anymore!" Caramel screamed, banging on the desk.

"She moved! And wait," The old landlord examined the stallion, "Aren't you the pony they arrested for attempted break-in?"

"I don't have time for this!" Caramel stated before bursting out of the building.

"So, I'm guessing it didn't go well," Neon asked with a slight smirk as he laid against the wall of the apartment complex.

"Yes, it seems that stupid unicorn has some tricks up her sleeve, no matter, I have OTHER ways of tracking her down."

Neon gulped.

~•~•~•~•~

Caramel banged the computer, "What does it mean, "Number no longer in use?!"

"I guess she changed her number," Neon assumed.

The two had gone back to Neon's apartment in order to track down Vinyl using her number, only to find that her number had changed.

"I paid fifty dollars for this program to find that fucking unicorn and it couldn't even do that!" Caramel yelled, "This Vinyl is smarter than I thought."

Neon sighed internally, she's smarter than I thought, too.

Caramel continued to use different programs to find Vinyl's home to no avail.

Neon, getting tired of sitting there watching this train wreck, got up and laid down on his sofa, "I'm going to sleep dude, wake me up if anything interesting happens."

However, once he was asleep, Caramel went for his last resort.

Neon woke up a few minutes later to Caramel shaking him violently.

"Neon!" He exclaimed, "I need you to go to the address on this paper and wait."

Neon let out a groan as he grabbed the paper in his magic, "Alright, alright, sheesh."

And with that, Neon left the apartment and made his way to the street.

Once he got there, he looked around only to find nothing.

With a sigh, he laid against the wall.

"Sup Neon."

Neon's head snapped towards the familiar voice to find Vinyl standing there with her glasses on.

"What did you need to talk about?"

Neon looked around, completely confused.

Was this Caramel's plan? If it was, when did he set it up?

"H-hey Vinyl," Neon stammered.

Vinyl raised her eyebrow with a small grin, "What's wrong? Think I'm going to maul you or some thin?"

Neon opened his mouth to respond only for the sound of sirens to interrupt him.

About three police cars stopped right in front of the two, and the cop ponies ran out and tackled Vinyl to the ground.

"Vinyl Scratch, you are under arrest for breaking and entering, anything you say will be used against you in court."

"What the buck?!" Vinyl exclaimed, "What the hell is going on?"

The police ponies didn't answer, instead, they shoved her into the car.

Neon attempted to convince one of the ponies that she had done nothing but they didn't listen and instead informed Neon that if he wants to testify for the mare's innocence he has to go to the police department.

And with that, they drove away, leaving Neon completely and utterly shocked.

~•~•~•~•~

"That's it!" Lyra exclaimed, "You didn't tackle them or anything! Why I outta-"

Bon Bon quickly grabbed Lyra as she attempted to tackle Neon.

"Calm down. If he did that, then he would also be in jail which means we would learn Vinyl was arrested later," Lucky Streak explained.

"Don't worry," Remedy Cure comforted, "Vinyl doesn't have to answer any of the police's questions until she gets a lawyer."

"Yeah, but does Vinyl know that?" Vinyl's mother commented.

Lyra, Bon Bon, and Lucky Streak cringed.

"But.... she'll probably know her rights... right?" Beauty Brass asked.

"Actually, the police are obligated to tell you your rights," Fredric explained.

"And you think Vinyl would listen to them instead of yelling bloody murder?" Long Play asked.

Fredric and Beauty Brass shut their mouths.

They then all turned towards the door when they heard the sound of it being opened.

"You may enter the detention center now," The police pony announced before turning back the way he came.

The group of ponies followed after him.

Once they got there, they found Vinyl, still with her signature glasses on, sitting at a seat next to a window.

They all rushed towards the mare, however, there was only one chair.

"Vinyl are you-"

"Vinyl! What-"

"Vinyl-"

"Vinyl-"

"Vin-"

"Guys!" Vinyl exclaimed, "One at a time! I just- NEON!"

Suddenly, Vinyl smacked up against a screen, "What the hell have you done?! Did you know?! I am going to bucking kill you!"

"Woah! Woah!" Neon said, "If this was my idea than I wouldn't be here! And I didn't even ask to meet you! Caramel used my phone."

Vinyl just grumbled to herself in response.

"Now, Vinyl, did you answer any of the police ponies questions?" Remedy Cure asked, concerned.

Vinyl gave them a sheepish smile, making them all groan.

"Well, it was less answering questions and more... yelling," Vinyl explained.

"Buck Yeah!" Sassaflash cheered.

"Why am I not surprised," Fredric commented, annoyed.

"Have you found a lawyer yet?" Bon Bon asked.

"Nah, I don't even understand exactly what's going on," Vinyl answered.

"I have the perfect lawyer for you Vinyl!" Lyra exclaimed, "Phoenix Wright!"

The group blinked.

"Who?" Lucky Streak asked.

"Phoenix Wright! Ace attorney! He helped Rainbow Dash win a case against some flyer," Lyra explained.

The group turned towards Bon Bon, hoping she could enlighten the situation.

She sighed, "Phoenix Wright is a-"

"Human!" Lyra squealed.

Again, the group all groaned.

"What are they charging you for?" Harping questioned.

"Breaking and entering," Vinyl explained, "Apparently, Caramel decided to hook up some cameras around his house and he showed the time when I-"

Vinyl then started laughing.

"When you what?" Beauty Brass asked.

"It better not be what I think it is!" Vinyl's mother scolded.

"Oh no! The time when Octavia was sick and I locked Caramel out of his own house by getting him to get on the fire escape."

This caused, Lyra, Sassaflash, Neon, Long Play, and Harpo to start laughing.

"So he used the footage of you entering the house?" Remedy Cure asked.

"Yeah, I kinda enter through the fire escape," Vinyl explained sheepishly.

Before the group could ask more questions, Symphony got a phone call.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Symphony, I'm at the police department, where are you all?"

"Hold on, I'll show you where Vinyl is."

With that said, Symphony hung up the phone.

"We should probably leave Vinyl and Octavia to talk alone," Vinyl's mother suggested.

"What?! But I want to see the adorable reunion!" Beauty Brass exclaimed.

Fredric glared at Beauty Brass while the group started leaving.

Once they were back in the waiting room, they found a very worried looking Octavia.

"Just go through the door we came out of and you'll find her at one of the windows," Bon Bon explained.

Octavia gave the group a thankful smile before rushing to the detention center.

Once she saw Vinyl, she quickly ran over and seated herself.

"Vinyl! What happened? Are you alright? I swear to Celestia you better have not done something stupid!"

All Vinyl did was smile.

Octavia raised an eyebrow, "What?"

"Nothing, I'm just happy to see you. I honestly have no idea what's been going on for the past few hours so it's nice to see you."

Octavia smiled, a blush forming on her face, "Don't think your sweet talk will get you out of this so easily."

Vinyl barked out a laugh, "Yeah, I know that. And neither will the fact I yelled at the police for about an hour."

"Vinyl!"

Vinyl just smirked.

Octavia sighed, "Why do I feel that you're not taking this very seriously?"

"Cause I'm not. I don't think Caramel can actually get me into jail. But he may get me to pay some fines," Vinyl explained, rubbing the back of her head.

Octavia sighed, "We'll get you out of here, I swear."

Vinyl smiled and Octavia returned it, "I know you will. And so will the giant group of ponies waiting out there. I mean, seriously they all tried to squeeze themselves into that tiny chair."

Octavia laughed at that before she smiled again, "I love you."

Vinyl's eyes went wide slightly, it was still a rare thing for her to hear that. "I love you too."

With that said, Octavia left the detention center, she knew that all the questions she wanted to ask Vinyl had already been asked by them. So, she decided to give Vinyl a break and instead ask her other friends the questions.

~•~•~•~•~

"So," Symphony started once Neon finished re-telling his story, "Now that you know what happened, what did you do with Caramel?"

Octavia blushed, "I... screamed at him."

"Awwww," Beauty Brass squealed.

"You go, girl!" Sassaflash cheered.

"I'd pay to see that," Lyra commented.

Octavia's blush deepened, but a smile formed on her face.

"I know we're all happy that Octavia told Caramel off," Lucky Streak started with a grin, "But, what now?"

~•~•~•~•~

Caramel walked down the streets of Manehatten, trying to find some way to pass the time. He knew that going to the police station now was a bad idea as everypony who cared about Vinyl was currently there, including Octavia.

Caramel felt a tear fall down his cheek, which he quickly wiped angrily.

“Stupid mare, what the hell does she have that makes her SO much better than me?” He growled, “I hope everything will turn out alright. Why can’t Octavia see that I just want things to go back to the way they were?”

The more he spoke, the more angry Caramel became. He got so angry he ended up kicking a trash can into an alleyway.

“I swear on my love of Octavia that Vinyl Scratch will get what’s coming to her, whether I have to do it legally or not.”

April Fools Chapter

View Online

Caramel was walking down the street, looking around to make sure nopony saw where he was going.

He was going to meet somepony who could help him in his situation, the one with the taxes - wait a second I mean the one where his wife is trying to get a divorce from him and is currently having an affair with a fucking dj.

Yeah, that sounds about right.

He stopped walking when he reached his destination, a dark alleyway, where he saw a silhouette of a stallion.

“You there?” Caramel asked hesitantly, feeling spicy.

And no, that’s not a mistake, he literally felt spicy.

Nah, just pranking y’all. He felt like his stomach was about to do 27 summer sults, exit through his throat, come back, beat the shit out of his insides like a professional sumo wrestler, and then throw up.

“Yeh, now what you want, Earthy?” The stallion asked, his voice sounding deep and scratchy.

“Uh. . . I - I want you to get rid of Vinyl Scratch!” Caramel finally said through his nervous stuttering, sounding a little too loud in the end and flinching back in fear.

The stallion chuckled darkly, and sighing.

“Ah, so you think it’s smart to kill a famous dj who is currently dating your wife and how recently you filed a report against her.”

“I - I don’t care! I just want her away from my wife!” Caramel yelled.

“... Nah.”

“WHAT?!” Caramel screamed.

“BECAUSE I AIN’T EVEN A CANON CHARACTER IN DIS STORY BITCH!” Moonshine yelled as she jumped into the light, scaring the daylights out of Caramel.

“AHHHHHHHHHHH!” Caramel ejactulated, screaming like a girl and fainting.

“Oh shit, uhhhhh, gotta hide the body!” Moonshine yelled, using her magic to lift Caramel off the ground and teleported him to a river, where the water was MORE THAN WILLING to take Caramel away with absolute GLEE.

And not the show Glee, it sucks.

Moonshine then wiped her hooves off like she got into dirty work even though she didn’t really do anything besides making Caramel ejaculate, scream like a girl, faint, and toss him into a river.

“MOONSHINE!” Gamertag yelled as she galloped to her.

“Oh, hey Ch - I MEAN GAMERTAG,” Moonshine yelled.

“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING IN MY STORY??” Gamertag yelled, fisting Moonshine.

“I was bored, lol,” Moonshine casually snored, leaning against the wall behind her.

“OH MY GOSH YOU ARE AS BAD AS MOONSHINE!”

“I am Moonshine.”

“I MEAN THE FUCKING DRINK.”

“You cannot deny da Moonshine, lady.” Moonshine hummed.

“Oh God please don’t tell me we’re in a shitty fanfic,” John groaned as he is essentially dragging by his tail by Kiara, who is jumping around happily towards Gamertag and Moonshine.

“GAMERTAG, MOONSHINE~” Kiara called out happily.

“I thought I told you to stay inside the house until we get out of my book!” Gamertag climaxed, breathing heavily in anger.

“I know, I thought I should tell you that Divina kind of flipped and jumped out the window to kill Caramel.” Kiara sing songed, skipping around John, who is still lying on the ground.

“John, get the fuck off the ground,” Gamertag whined, train railing into him.

“I may be a part of your mind, but I am my own pony now!” John fadoodled his noodle.

“John, stop riding the dragon, you know you cannot deny the Kiara.” Moonshine avolated.

“OH SNAPPLE!” Kiara yelled.
“LE CRAPPLE!” John followed.

“HEY, THAT’S MY CATCHPHRASE!” Gamertag yelled.

“GAMERTAG, DIVINA ESCAPED AND KIARA IS HIGH ON ACID!” Game Shard screamed as she ran to Gamertag and entrapped her into a loving embrace that is inescapable on top of John.

Moonshine smirked. “Kiara will never be as high as my dick is.”

“Well, you’re Moonshine, so…” Game Shard said matter of factly as if it was a scientifically proven fact.

“Are you coming or what??” Blaze yelled at Sound Blast.

“I’m not but I am breathing hard,” Sound Blast, called out, breathing heavily.


“I’m always coming,” Moonshine said seductively, winking at Blaze. “If ya know what I mean.”

“Ya’ll are weirdly dirty minded today,” Skyler noted, raising an eyebrow at everypony.

Nopony ever knew how she got there but fuck it.

“Well, Skyler, let’s unzip our genes and mix code together, if you know what I mean, giddity giddity.” Moonshine flirted as she teleported behind Skyler.

“Can we, like, find Divina or something instead of say a bunch of random sexual innuendos and shitty pick up lines?” Gamertag asked as she roughly pushed Game Shard off of her #ForeverAlone and got off of John.

Morbidly Artistic than showed up and started singing “Shape of You” By Ed Sheeran and sounded really good.

“MA, why are you singing that song?” Gamertag asked.

“Because I’m in love with the shape of you,” Morbidly Artistic sang, licking Gamertag's cheek seductively.

“... Let’s find Divina!” Gamertag yelled.

“Ok,” Moonshine said, teleporting everypony to a dark room.

“... Why are we in a dark room from Life Is Strange?” John asked as he FINALLY GOT OFF HIS LAZY ASS and walked around.

“Because I like Life Is Strange!” Moonshine sobbed, feeling discriminated.

“Don’t worry baby, I like LIS too,” Morbidly Artistic cooed.

“I SHIP IT!” Kiara screamed like a dying cat, soundly close to Nepeta.

John rolled his eyes. “You ship everything.”

Morbidly Artistic made her way over to John and draped her arm over his shoulders and whispered: “If you were a drum, I’d bang you all night~”

John’s facial expression turned from a look of boredom to a look of disgust in a matter of seconds.

“WHAT?!?” He yelped. He quickly ran into the darkest corner of the room, which wasn’t very hard seeing as how it was a dark room.

“HEY!” A voice yelled.

Gamertag cocked her head to the side, a look of confusion on her face. “Vinyl?”

“EXCUSE ME, ME AND MY MAREFRIEND ARE TRYING TO HAVE SEXY TIMES IN THE SHOWER!” Vinyl yelled, Octavia hiding behind the shower curtain.

“VINYL, COVER YOURSELF!” Octavia ejactulated.

“WE DON’T EVEN WEAR CLOTHES WE’RE GODDAMN PONIES!” Vinyl climaxed.

“WE’RE NOT IN THE DARK ROOM IN LIFE IS STRANGE, WE’RE IN A GENERALLY DARK ROOM WITH A SHOWER.” Rift Raft exclaimed.

“Where the fuck did you even come from?” John asked.

“Who are you?” Morbidly Artistic asked foolishly.

“And you,” She added, pointing to Shooting Star.

“I AM THE INTELLIGENT FUCKING SHOOTING STAR!” Shooting Star exasperated.

“You’re fucking a shooting star? Damn, that’s so intense on so many levels.” Moonshine complimented.

“And I am Rift Raft.” Rift Raft said blankly.

“She’s really competitive.” Shooting Star said.

“AM NOT!”

Shooting Star and Rift Raft then started to have an intense makeout session and fall on the floor.

“Where are we though, exactly?” Gamertag asked.

“We’re at Vinyl’s apartment, duh, you wrote this story.” Moonshine insulted.

“WELL SORRY I DIDN’T GIVE MUCH DETAIL ABOUT THE SURROUNDINGS IN MY STORY BESIDES GENERALIZATIONS AND SHIT.”

“Jeez gurl, calm yo tits,” Divina said.

“WHY IS EVERYONE TAKING MY CATCHPHRASES I WILL SUE YOU ALL - DIVINA!” Gamertag yelled as she ran to Divina.

“Well, Moonshine did take us to Div,” Game Shard shrugged.

“Where were you?? And did you do anything to Caramel??” Gamertag asked fearfully.

“Well…” Divina started.

~~~

“Hello, mother fucker,” Divina hissed seductively, keeping Caramel in a dominatrix style room, and Caramel himself duct taped to a wooden chair.

“Wha - SOMEPONY HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP!” Caramel climaxed, screaming like a girl.

“This,” Divina said as she looked to the readers - yes, YOU, you dumb - stating “is for you, GT’s blood lusting Caramel haters,” Divina then grabbed a chainsaw, and started it up, Caramel still screaming like a girl.

“PLEASE HAVE MERCY, I HAVE A FAMILY!” Caramel cried.

“No, you don’t. Not.” She said slowly, bringing the chainsaw close to his side. ‘Any.” She inched the swivelling blade closer. “More.” She whispered.

~~~

“And?” Kiara asked.

“That’s it.” Divina said.

“WHAT?? ARE YOU KIDDING ME??” John yelled.

“Well, I can say I’m not the only one who loves a good cliffhanger ~ or at least tease the readers into thinking they’re getting what they want when really it’s a troll.”

“I have raised you well, my student.” Gamertag calmly said as both her and Divina bowed to each other, animoo style.

“... I hate everyone.” John said, leaving the apartment.

“LET’S GO HAVE AN ADVENTURE!” Gamertag yelled in a husky anime boy style voice while pointing her hoof to the ceiling.

“Sure, why the hell not.” Morbidly Artistic said.

“Eh, I’m single and bored, sure.” Divina said, grabbing onto MA’s and GT’s hooves as they fly up, crashing through the ceiling.

“MY CEILING!!!!” Vinyl ejactulated as she ran outside the shower, still soaking wet.

“Eh, it’s ok, we break a lot of stuff.” Moonshine said, juggling a bunch of items, like a lamp, a computer, a couch, etc.

Vinyl screamed like a child was going through her and also doing the macarena.

~~~

“Wow, why is this my life?” John asked as he drank a hardcore moonshine.

~~~

“Happy April Fools Day, everyone!” Divina said as she popped up from a black void.

Morbidly Artistic smiled without the slightest hint of sexual tension for the first time ever. “Happy April Fool’s Day. My new album will be coming out soon!”

Which really means never but who cares GO ALONG WITH IT SHE’S MY SIDE HO YOU READERS. It’s hella kinky.

“Anyway, we would like to say before you have any weird speculations, these characters are from a story Gamertag wrote before Refound Love, check it out, it’s really funny ^^.” It’s called Why Is This My Life? Also none of the characters are canon to this story. Duh.

Ending Credits; We promise no roof-chans were injured, and unfortunately Caramel is not injured. *dabs*. Also there were a few references to things, find them!

P.s. The amazing, wonderful, and lovely Gamertag, the obvious author of Refound Love, had no part at all as to what the hell is going on, this was a fucking April Fool’s Day joke if you didn’t get it by this point.

P.p.s. Buffered is best pony.

P.p.p.s. Moonshine is on all the drugs

P.p.p.p.s. Lucky Streak is my husband - Divina

P.p.p.p.p.s. Divina is now a dangerous combination of Morbidly Artistic and Gamertag

P.p.p.p.p.p.s. This is the end of the p.s’s *dabs*

Chapter 46

View Online

"That was a weird dream," Octavia stated as she stood up in her bed.

"And who the bloody hell were those ponies?"

With a sigh, she laid back down on her bed.

She had spent the day working on getting Vinyl out of jail with the help of her friends. They were pretty sure Neon should give his side of the story, however, this would most likely result in him no longer working with Caramel.

I don't care what we give up as long as it's for Vinyl....

She's had a very restless night. This was the third time she had woken up from a dream. The first two dreams were nightmares, however, this time it was from some sort of fever induced dream.

Octavia sighed again, "I hope I don't have another dream tonight, especially one like THAT."

She closed her eyes and attempted to fall asleep. She did, but only after half an hour of trying.

And this time, she dreamed about what had happened the day before.

~•~•~•~•~

"Well," Remedy Cure started, "According to my research, Vinyl will most likely just have a month probation."

A sigh of relief swept through the room.

"That's all?" Harpo asked, "No offense but wouldn't Caramel want Vinyl to be in jail for a long period of time?"

"I don't think that's his angle," Lucky Streak explained, "I think what he plans to do is to ruin Vinyl's record in some form or another."

"But how would that change anything?" Beauty Brass asked, slightly concerned.

"Well, for one it could make her lose money. Ponies won't want her to play at their clubs," Bon Bon replied.

Neon shrugged, "I don't know, ponies love it when DJs go rogue and start doing crazy shit."

"Like drugs?" Lyra asked with an accusatory look.

"Hey! It was only one time!" Neon exclaimed.

"Did you have my daughter do drugs?!" Vinyl's mother yelled, getting out of her seat, making Neon flinch.

"Everypony calm down," Fredric stated, getting out from his seat, "We need to think, what is Caramel planning?"

"Honestly, I feel like this was his plan, Caramel isn't very smart y'know," Sassaflash commented with a shrug.

"While that may be true, we shouldn't underestimate him," Lucky Streak explained.

"I agree with Lucky Streak," Remedy Cure commented, "From what I can tell Caramel seems to be in a very dangerous mental state."

Octavia gulped in fear, not for herself but for Vinyl.

Lyra snorted, "I think he's been in that mental state since he was born."

Sassaflash shrugged, "I don't know. When I dated him he seemed fine."

Symphony grimaced, "You were either high or drunk for basically all of high school."

Sassaflash opened her mouth to argue, only to stop and blink, "Huh, you're right."

Fredric facehoofed.

Octavia was in another world. She had stopped listening after Remedy Cure has commented about Caramel's mental state.

However, she wasn't the only one who wasn't paying attention.

Long Play was staring at Octavia, he had noticed her silence and decided to watch the mare.

Octavia then had an idea, something that could fix everything.

She opened her mouth and stood up, prepared to get everypony's attention when Long Play stood up.

"Octavia, may I speak with you alone," He asked.

Everypony stared at the two. Neither one had said anything up to this point and now both were standing up as though they had something to say.

"I- sure," Octavia replied after a minute of silence.

Long Play nodded his head and the two exited the police office.

"What's wrong Long Play?" Octavia asked once they got outside.

"What were you going to say?" Long Play demanded.

Octavia looked at him unsure before saying, "I was going to say I should break up with Vin-"

"No," Long Play practically yelled.

Octavia glared at him, "Why not?"

"The first time we ever talked to each other you told me about how important Vinyl was to you, and why you were dating her even though you're married. You said-"

"I know what I said Long Play," Octavia interrupted, "But that doesn't matter. I love Vinyl, so much it scares me. But I would rather never be with her than to have her get hurt by Caramel even more."

Octavia shook her head, tears rolling down her face, "And even after the divorce, it still won't be over. Caramel will just keep trying to get revenge."

Long Play shut his mouth, he didn't know what to say.

"Wow, you're falling back into the same rut you've been in for fifteen years."

Long Play and Octavia's heads snapped towards the door where they found Fredric standing there, looking at them with disappointment.

"Octavia, do you remember the reason why you wanted to date Vinyl so badly?" Fredric asked.

Octavia opened her mouth but Fredric continued.

"No. Because if you did you wouldn't be saying this stuff. Of course, you wanted to date her because you liked her but there was another reason. You dated her because you wanted to be happy again. You were tired of never feeling loved," Fredric looked over at Long Play, "Isn't that right Long Play?"

Long Play stiffened, "Uh- yeah! Listen, Octavia, we get that you want Vinyl to be safe. But Caramel can't keep going like this forever, and there are ways to stop him, like a restraining order! You shouldn't keep throwing away your happiness because of Caramel."

Octavia wiped her eyes, "Alright. I'll talk to Vinyl about this once she gets out. But I'm not throwing the idea out of my head just yet."

~•~•~•~•~

A weight pressed against Octavia, waking her up from the memory.

She didn't open her eyes, she knew what it was.

"Caramel, get out of here."

The response she got was sobbing.

Octavia sighed and attempted to fall back asleep.

Caramel continued to sob for a few minutes until his sobbing became sniffling.

"I'm going to the police station for more questioning," Caramel explained through sniffles.

"Good," Octavia snapped.

The weight atop Octavia lightened as Caramel got off the bed.There was silence after that. Complete silence. Octavia was tempted to look up to see if Caramel had left but she didn't want to deal with him if he hadn't.

However, she didn't have to look to see if Caramel was there.

"What the hell Octavia?!" Caramel exclaimed, "What did I do that was so evil that it made you date this mare?!"

Octavia didn't respond.

"You know what? You're a traitor!" Caramel yelled, "A fucking lying, backstabbing, traitor."

And with that, he left, slamming the door. As he walked away faint sobbing could be heard.

Once the faint sobbing could no longer be heard, Octavia started to cry.

Normally when she was sad, she would text or call Vinyl who could always make her feel better (or just annoy her until she forgot about what she was sad about).

She missed Vinyl. She missed Vinyl so much.

I should visit her.

You can't, Caramel will be there.

I don't care. I need to see her.

She made up her mind and got up quickly.

Once she was done getting ready she grabbed her things and made her way to the police station.

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia arrived at the police station. There was almost nopony there.

There were two policestallions in the corner of the room drinking coffee and eating donuts. There was also a receptionist sitting at her desk behind a glass. Other than that, there was nopony.

Octavia sighed through her nose before walking towards the receptionist.

"Hello, may I visit Vinyl Scratch? My name is Octavia Melody."

The receptionist wrote something down before nodding her head, "Just wait in one of the seats while we get Vinyl Scratch."

Octavia nodded her head before seating herself.

After a few minutes of waiting, the receptionist called her over.

"Vinyl's waiting for you."

"Thank you," Octavia thanked before quickly walking into the guest area.

She found Vinyl where she was the last time she saw her, behind a glass sitting in a chair.

Octavia quickly galloped over.

"Sup Octy," Vinyl greeted.

Octavia smiled, almost relieved. That's when Vinyl noticed the bags under Octavia's red eyes.

"Oh shit! Tavi are you alright?!" Vinyl asked, extremely worried.

Octavia rubbed her eyes, the smile still on her face, "Yes Vinyl, I just," She sighed, "Really missed you."

"Well, yeah I missed you too Tavi but you look like crap."

Octavia raised her eyebrow.

Vinyl panicked, "Uh! I mean you look great!"

Octavia just shook her head, laughing, "I even missed you annoying me."

"So can I-"

"NO!"

"Damn. I was hoping for a get out of jail free card," she paused, "For both annoying you and actual jail."

Octavia looked around nervously before turning back to Vinyl, "Sorry, Caramel's here today, he's being questioned."

"Oh? Maybe he can visit me," Vinyl said with a devilish smile.

"We're trying to get you out of here for breaking and entering already, we don't want there to also be a murder charge," Octavia warned with a smile.

"But who would be the murderer, me or you?" Vinyl asked with a grin.

Octavia laughed, "Don't tempt me."

Vinyl snickered, making Octavia smile again.

After a second of silence, Octavia's face got serious.

"So Vinyl, after doing some research it seems you're most likely going to get around a month of probation."

"Oh, then why the hell am I still here?" Vinyl asked.

"Because they are waiting for your court date, which will hopefully be soon," Octavia explained.

"How long does it normally take?"

Octavia bit her lip, "A month."

"WHAT?!" Vinyl screamed.

"Vinyl! Calm down-"

"No! Tavi, I could barely handle one night in this hell hole! But a week?! Are you fucking kidding me!"

Octavia's eyes flicked to the police pony watching her, he seemed like he was going to pull her away quickly, "Vinyl please-"

"I miss my office, I miss Lyra and Bon Bon, I miss my home, I miss you! Sweet Celestia do I miss you! Sure, you've been here, but I miss holding you, annoying you, kissing you, everything!"

"Vinyl," Octavia said firmly but kindly.

"What?" Vinyl asked in an almost pleading tone.

"We are finding you a lawyer, if we can find one fast enough the court date could be as fast as two weeks."

Vinyl opened her mouth to argue but Octavia interrupted her.

"I know it's tough here, but you're going to get out, trust me. I will get you out of here no matter how hard it is."

"But what about your divorce?" Vinyl asked.

And then, it clicked.

That's it. Caramel wants Vinyl in here so I couldn't focus on the divorce....

Octavia got out of her seat.

"Where are you going?" Vinyl questioned.

"I need to go talk to somepony," Octavia smiled, "I'll be back, I swear."

Octavia kissed the glass, ignoring the fact that it was probably very dirty, "I love you."

"I love you too Octavia," Vinyl replied truthfully.

And with that, Octavia left.

~•~•~•~•~

"That makes a lot of sense," Remedy Cure agreed, nodding her head.

"But isn't Vinyl stacked? You won't lose any money because of this," Sassaflash commented.

"Yes, but she'd still be losing time, the time she'd used to get a divorce with Caramel," Symphony explained, "Which will make the divorce longer."

Octavia sighed, defeated and tired. The four of them were now at Symphony's apartment talking about Vinyl's current situation.

"Octavia, we'll take care of it," Beauty Brass reassured.

"We will?- OW!" Sassaflash cried as Symphony kicked her.

"Yes, continue to work on your divorce, Vinyl is in good hooves," Symphony agreed.

Octavia smiled, "Thank you, that means a lot but Vinyl is my marefriend, it should be my job to make sure she gets our alright."

"Octavia, you aren't the only pony who loves Vinyl and is trying to get her out," Remedy Cure explained, "There is also Lyra, Bon Bon, and Vinyl's family. Don't take this problem into your hooves and your hooves only, that's too much."

Octavia sighed, "You're right Remedy Cure."

"I'm not saying don't help," Remedy Cure continued, "I'm saying that you need to let others help Vinyl as well."

Octavia didn't say anything, she just looked down.

Beauty Brass then got out of her seat, "You need to relax Octavia, how about you and me go to the spa?"

Octavia smiled, "That sounds nice."

"Great! We can talk about couples while we're there," Beauty Brass exclaimed as she started pushing Octavia out of the apartment.

"Goodbye Sassaflash,Remedy Cure, and Symphony, thank you all for letting me coming over," Octavia yelled before the door was shut.

"So," Symphony started once they left, "Who is going to be Vinyl's lawyer."

Remedy Cure smiled, "We'll isn't it obvious? Me."

~•~•~•~•~

Caramel slammed the door shut to his apartment. It shut so hard that all of the things nearby fell.

"Stupid lawyer, how the hell is my case stupid?! It's a flawless case!" Caramel exclaimed to himself.

He quickly drank a bottle from the fridge before he slammed down into the couch and growled.

"Vinyl Scratch is ruining my life!"

He then snaked his head into the couch.

After a second of staying like that, he started to laugh.

"At least their relationships will be over. Once that DJ gets out she won't be the same mare she once was, and Octavia will never love her again."

Caramel continued to laugh, he laughed for so long and hard he started to cough.

Then his coughing became harder until blood started coming out.

And it kept coming out until he eventually passed out.

Chapter 47

View Online

"Thank you, Beauty Brass," Octavia sighed in relief, "I really needed that spa trip."

"No problem Octavia!" Beauty Brass exclaimed, "Anything for a friend!"

Octavia smiled.

The two were walking towards Octavia's apartment. The cellist was hoping Beauty Brass would stay a little longer so she wouldn't have to deal with Caramel when he got home.

However, once they got through the door, they soon learned Caramel was already there. He was asleep on the couch.

"Do you want me to stay for a little longer?" Beauty Brass offered once she noticed Caramel.

"You wouldn't mind would you?" Octavia asked.

"Not at all!" Beauty Brass replied.

Octavia quickly made her way to the kitchen to make her friend some tea. She was halfway through the process when she heard a scream come from the living room.

Octavia rushed back to find Beauty Brass pointing at Caramel.

"Beauty? What is it?!" Octavia exclaimed.

"Blood!" Beauty Brass yelled in horror as she pointed at Caramel.

Octavia looked at the stallion. She rolled her eyes when she saw he was still breathing.

"He's probably faking his death so we'll pay attention to him," Octavia explained.

"What?! No! It's real blood! He's passed out!" Beauty Brass argued.

Octavia started to shake Caramel, "Quit the act Caramel, we aren't falling for it."

No response.

Octavia shook harder, "If you don't get up this instant Caramel, I am going to march over to the police station and spend the rest of my day with Vinyl."

Still no response.

Octavia stopped shaking. She looked down at her hooves which now has some blood on them.

She smelled it and tasted it.

It was real.

"Beauty Brass, call the police," Octavia demanded.

Beauty Brass didn't argue, she quickly pulled out her phone and dialed the police.

Meanwhile, Octavia attempted different methods to wake the stallion. Water, ice, alarms, even kissing but he wasn't fazed.

In only ten minutes, the police ponies arrived along with an ambulance and they took Caramel away. Leaving Octavia and Beauty Brass in a state of shock.

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia rushed down the hallway of the hospital. She couldn't believe- no, she wouldn't believe that this was real.

Caramel was a healthy stallion, well at least physically healthy.

Could he have done this to himself? No, there weren't any cuts on his body.

Octavia had sent Beauty Brass home before she hailed a taxi. While on her way there, she had called Caramel's family to inform them that their son was unconscious in the hospital.

Caramel's mother and brother were on a train as Octavia walked down these hallways.

The cellist had just been let out of the waiting room and was now on her way to Caramel's room.

They had yet to inform her of what caused these problems, but if Caramel was put into the hospital than whatever happened to him really happened to him.

But even though Octavia knew this, she didn't believe it.

Finally, after walking what seemed like an endless hallway she finally made it to Caramel's room.

She walked through the doors, only to stop and gasp.

Caramel was in a bed with a life support machine attached to him. He looked horrible, his mane a mess and his eyes baggy.

"Are you Octavia Melody?" The Doctor asked who was seated next to Caramel.

Octavia couldn't speak, she only nodded.

"Well, I'm guessing you want to know what happened to your husband. It seems he somehow consumed a dangerous poison. The blood that was on him was from when he coughed. This poison is deadly, and he could very possibly die in the coming months." The doctor informed, "I'm sorry Miss Melody."

Octavia couldn't believe what she was hearing. How could this be fake? And if it wasn't, how is Caramel going to die? She didn't want him to die.

"H-how could he have consumed said poison," Octavia finally stammered.

"A few years back this poison was found to be used in a restaurant to keep bugs and rats from eating the food. It's very possible that another restaurant could be using this poison for the same reason and your husband was unlucky enough to eat it."

Octavia just nodded her head.

After a second of silence, the doctor cleared his voice, "I'll leave you two alone."

And with that, the doctor left.

Once she heard the door shut, Octavia walked slowly towards Caramel. Tears were already forming in her eyes. However, once she was close enough, she broke down crying.

Yes, she hated Caramel for the way he treated her. She hated how he treated her friends. But she still cared about him. They've been together for fifteen years, of course, she cares about him.

Octavia froze when she felt a hoof touch her cheek. She looked towards Caramel who was smiling at her.

"I- no.... thank you for being here Octavia. It means the world to me that you're here," Caramel said in a hoarse voice.

Octavia smiled, tears still in her eyes, "Of course I'm here Caramel. I care about you."

Caramel smiled weakly before lying down, "I can't believe I'm going to die," he chuckled, "there are still so many things I wanted to do."

Octavia frowned, "Don't talk like that, just be happy for the life you have."

Caramel looked at Octavia, "My life is nothing without you Octavia."

Octavia sighed before kissing Caramel on the forehead, "Get some sleep, love:"

She got up to leave, only to feel somepony tug her hoof.

She looked back at Caramel who was staring at her with pleading eyes, "Please. Don't leave me."

Octavia sighed, holding back tears, "I won't."

She sat back down next to Caramel and watched him sleep. All the while, Octavia thought about what had happened, and try to comprehend the fact that Caramel was in fact dying.

She continued to think until the sound of the door opening interrupted her.

She turned to find Caramel's mother and Cherry Fizzy standing there with worried expressions.

In a second, their expressions became ones of complete horror as they saw the state Caramel was in.

The two rushed over to the other side of Caramel's bed as they too watched him sleep.

Caramel's mother rubbed her hoof on Caramel's cheek.

"Caramel," She said in a mournful voice.

"What happened?" Cherry Fizzy asked, looking at Octavia.

Octavia sighed, "It seems he's eaten something which contained a very deadly poison," she paused, "which gives him possibly only a short amount of time to live."

It was too much, and Caramel's mother broke down sobbing. Cherry Fizzy quickly caught the mare before she could fall on top of Caramel.

Octavia teared up at the scene. She couldn't imagine the pain a mother must go through to learn her son only has so long to live.

Octavia then remembered that Beauty Brass asked for Octavia to call and give any details she could about what had happened to Caramel.

"Would you two please watch Caramel for a second, I need to make a phone call," Octavia asked.

Cherry Fizzy nodded, still holding his mother.

Octavia then got up and went outside the room. Once she was back in the hallway she pulled out her phone and quickly called Beauty Brass.

The phone rang two times before the sound of Beauty's voice could be heard.

"Hello Octavia, are you okay?"

"I-I don't know," Octavia replied truthfully, "I just learned Caramel only has a short time to live."

She could hear Beauty Brass gasp, "Why?! What happened to him?!"

Octavia sighed, "He consumed a poison which caused him to cough up the blood we saw."

"Do you need me to come over?" Beauty Brass offered.

"No, I'm fine to thank you. I was just about to-"

"Octavia?"

Octavia's head snapped back towards Caramel's room where Cherry Fizzy's head was sticking out.

"Caramel woke up and he calling for you," Cherry Fizzy explained.

"Oh, alright I'll be back in a minute," Octavia replied.

Cherry Fizzy nodded before going back inside.

"Octavia? Is everything alright?" Beauty Brass asked, concerned.

"Yes, yes. Caramel woke up and he wants me there. I'll call you back later, alright?" Octavia explained.

"Yes, bye Octavia."

"Bye Beauty Brass," with that said Octavia hung up the phone.

With another sigh, she hung up turned around and went back into Caramel's room.

Once she entered the room, she saw Caramel was in fact awake. At the sight of her, Caramel seemed to physically relax.

"Oh, you're still here. I was worried," Caramel said, relieved.

Octavia sighed through her nose.

Even when he's this sick, he's still as clingy as ever.

Octavia reseated herself next to Caramel, who immediately laid himself closer to the mare.

Caramel's family started to drown Caramel in questions about what happened and how this happened.

All the while, Octavia was mentally trying to sort her feelings out.

How should she feel? On one hoof she doesn't want to be around Caramel since he won't let her leave his room for a second, plus he could be faking all of this.

But what if he's not? What if Caramel will die soon and he just wants to spend the time he has left with the only pony he ever loved.

All at once, Octavia was angry, upset, tired, and sad. And even with all those emotions, she didn't know what they were for.

She was angry that Caramel faked this. She was angry that the world made Caramel this sick. She was upset and tired of Caramel's clinginess, but she was also tired and upset of her world falling apart. And she was sad to be able to watch her world fall.

Her feelings were conflicting, and she wasn't sure what she should do.

How could Caramel fake this if he's in the hospital?

I don't know but there must be some way.

I think you just want to find a reason to blame Caramel for what's happened. But he didn't cause this.

Octavia closed her eyes.

Her mind, body, heart, everything was telling her this was real, that Caramel is going to die.

But even then, there was still a small voice in the back of her head telling her,

This isn't real.

He couldn't be sick.

He isn't dying.

"Octavia?"

Octavia opened her eyes, the three ponies were staring at her.

"Are you alright?" Cherry Fizzy asked.

Octavia nodded her head solemnly.

"She's just been through a lot," Caramel's mother explained, looking at the stallion, "We should give them some time alone."

As the two left the room, Caramel's mother looked back at Octavia and the two made eye contact.

She knew there was something wrong.

I bet she has no idea what to think, Caramel's mother thought, this was so sudden, and it's happening all while she's trying to get a divorce.

Caramel's mother shook her head before closing the door, leaving the two alone.

Once the door was shut, Caramel looked towards Octavia.

"Are you okay?" He asked in a still croaky voice.

"Yes, I'm just tired is all," Octavia explained.

Caramel then suddenly moved over, "You can lay down if you want."

Octavia wanted to get in, to make this dying stallion happy during his final days.

However, the voice was still there.

Don't do it.

Don't get in the bed.

You're making a mistake.

She got in the bed. As soon as she laid down, she closed her eyes.

While she drifted off to sleep, she could feel Caramel wrap his hooves around her, spooning her.

Octavia couldn't help but remember the time when she told Caramel she wanted a divorce, how she fell asleep that night in his hooves believing everything would be fine.

How wrong she was.

~•~•~•~•~

After that day, Octavia continued to visit Caramel every single day.

The voice in the back of her head was getting quieter and quieter.

Each day she would bring Caramel something to eat, she just wanted to make the stallion happy.

It was much easier for her to do this since the office was currently down due to their boss being in jail. In order to prevent curiosity, they told the workers that they were off for a spring break.

They thankfully ate that answer up and nopony knows what is actually going on, nor do they expect anything.

Octavia's ensemble expressed concern for the cellist's well being as how she was acting towards Caramel has been extremely different than how she was acting for the past ten years.

She explained to them that she just wanted to keep the stallion happy until he passes to which Beauty Brass supported.

Harpo also joined Octavia's side, mostly because his marefriend did, however, Symphony and Fredric were still skeptical.

"They are both stubborn and snobby," Harpo whispered to Beauty Brass.

"I know! It's a match made in heaven," Beauty Brass sighed dreamily.

As for Octavia's other friends, she hadn't heard from most of them.

Remedy Cure would occasionally call her to discuss details of the divorce, however, Octavia would have to make sure these calls happened somewhere where Caramel couldn't hear.

The divorce seemed almost pointless now as Caramel wouldn't be around for its end anyway.

Sassaflash and Lucky Streak both dropped by to see Caramel before his death.

Caramel basically refused to talk to Lucky Streak, as for Sassaflash he was more than happy to start a conversation with.

Lucky Streak also expressed his concerns for Octavia, however, he understood why Octavia was doing this.

"You're pretending to be the happy couple he pictures in his head," Lucky Streak commented, "It's the thing he's always wanted, I guess."

Even Octavia's parents dropped by to see Caramel.

While Octavia's mother was very upset about the situation Caramel was now in, Octavia's father didn't care and even commented under his breath that he deserved it.

I guess I should have expected that, Octavia thought with a sigh, He's always been protective over me.

It had been about two weeks of this routine when one day Neon dropped by.

The three talked for a little bit before Octavia excused herself to grab some snacks from one of the vending machines near the cafeteria.

She left the two stallions and walked down the now familiar hallways.

After putting in a few dollars and grabbing about five different kinds of snacks, Octavia made her way back to the room.

However, when she was about to turn a corner, she almost ran right into Neon.

"Oh!” Octavia exclaimed, surprised. This caused her to drop a few of the snacks.

"There you are," Neon said as though he wasn't fazed by their collision at all.

"What's wrong Neon?" Octavia asked, picking the snacks back up.

"There are going to be police ponies coming here soon looking for me," Neon explained to a now scared Octavia, "so I am going to tell you this as fast as I can before I leave."

"Tell me what?"

~•~•~•~•~

The door shuts as Octavia left the room, leaving the two stallions alone.

Neon turned towards Caramel who was now coughing.

"Damn dude, are you sure there is no way to stop you from dying?" Neon asked.

Caramel let out a laugh, which formed into a cough, "I'm not dying."

Neon chuckled, "Are you like high on medicine or something?"

Caramel shook his head with a smile, "I poisoned myself."

This made Neon's eyes go wide, "Dude... were you trying to kill yourself?"

"What? No!" Caramel laughed again, "It was a part of my plan! You see, Vinyl is in jail right now, meaning she needs Octavia more than ever. So, I 'poisoned' myself with a potion which would temporarily give me extreme sickness. It has symptoms similar to those of the poison they think I had. The reason why I did that was so Octavia would spend all her time with a dying stallion, trying to make him happy for the time he has left. Then I would suddenly get better, and if by that time Octavia doesn't love me again, Vinyl won't want her back since she left her when she needed her most!"

Neon didn't say anything, instead, he calmly walked over to Caramel, and then punched him in the face.

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia's mouth was agape and her eyes were wide. She had dropped all the snacks in shock.

"Don't go back there, or else they may take you under custody," Neon explained, "I need you- No, you need to run, run to where Vinyl's case is taking place and find her."

Her case is today?!

"Where is it?" Octavia asked.

Neon quickly pulled out a piece of paper and wrote something down, he then handed it to Octavia.

"That's the address, now go!"

Octavia didn't have any second thoughts, she just ran.

Octavia couldn't believe it, that voice she tried to mute out was right, this whole time Caramel was faking it.

And in that process, she had completely forgotten about Vinyl.

Not once did she think about her.

Tears started to fall down her face.

I am such a fool. I should have followed my instincts. Or at the very least see both of them!

The voice was back, but this time it was saying something else.

You're so stupid.

You betrayed Vinyl.

You left her.

And she needed you.

You are a terrible pony.

Octavia finally made it to the courthouse. She entered and after going through the check in attempted to enter Vinyl's courtroom.

"Hello, could I please enter to view Vinyl Scratch's court case? My name is Octavia Melody" Octavia pleaded to the police pony standing outside the door.

"Sorry Miss I was requested to not allow you inside," The police pony explained.

Octavia hiccuped a cry before she walked back towards the entrance.

She didn't want anypony to see her like this, but she didn't want to stay in the courthouse.

So she left and sat on the steps of the courthouse, crying.

After a few hours, she heard the door behind her open.

She looked to find Vinyl, Lyra, and Bon Bon.

"Vinyl!" Octavia exclaimed as she ran up towards the mare.

"I'm so sorry Vinyl!" The cellist explained, "Caramel put himself in the hospital and they said he was going to die so-"

"Shut up," Vinyl hissed, interrupting Octavia.

"W-what, but Vinyl-"

"I don't care!" Vinyl yelled, "Don't you understand? I don't care! You fucking left me alone, you promised me you'd be back and you left me. You left me alone in that hell hole when I need you most."

"I know! And I'm sorry! Vinyl please listen-"

"Fuck you, Octavia," Vinyl stated, coldly. With that said, she turned around and walked down the stairs.

I don't know what hurts more, the 'fuck you' or the fact she called me Octavia instead of Tavi or Octy....

Lyra walked by, not even looking at the mare.

The cellist saw a glimpse of her face. Lyra looked both angry, sad, yet unsure. Almost as though she doesn't know how she should feel towards Octavia.

Octavia felt herself get turned around. She was now face to face with Bon Bon.

"Listen, Octavia," Bon Bon bit her lip, "I don't know what happened or why you weren't around. But I want to hear your explanation."

Octavia opened her mouth but Bon Bon interrupted her.

"I want to hear it when I'm less upset with you," Bon Bon explained, "Because I know I won't think with a straight mind if I listen now. And I know Lyra and Vinyl want to hear it too, especially Vinyl. But we're all in a sensitive place right now, especially Vinyl. I think you need to give her some space."

Octavia nodded, before hugging Bon Bon.

"Thank you, Bon Bon."

"Anytime Octavia," Bon Bon replied sincerely.

They broke the hug and Bon Bon followed after her two friends, leaving Octavia once again alone on the steps.

She was no longer watching her world fall apart, she was now watching the broken pieces sit on the floor.

With herself now alone, Octavia collapsed to the ground and cried.

Chapter 48

View Online

Octavia sat in her apartment. She refused to move.

Even since her world had crumbled to the ground, Octavia had spent all her time in her apartment.

Most of the time she would sit in her bed, but she would sometimes get up to create music. Every song she wrote came out sadder and sadder.

By this point, she had stopped crying and was instead grieving on the inside.

The cellist would continue to check her phone to make sure that Bon Bon hadn't texted her. She was waiting for the time to explain her story.

Her ensemble, Lucky Streak, Remedy Cure, and Sassaflash would all attempt to come over. She would never let them in, nor would she respond to them. Symphony, however, continued to leave Octavia food every day, which Octavia would end up eating.

Rock bottom seemed like the time when Caramel wouldn't leave her alone when she was never able to be free and happy.

But little did she know that even that wasn't rock bottom. Rock bottom was your husband taking advantage of your kindness and destroying her last chance at love.

Her life was hopeless.

~•~•~•~•~

Caramel sat in his bed, staring up at the ceiling.

He was alone, Neon had left him just like Lucky Streak and Octavia.

Neon probably told Octavia about his plan, which is why she hasn't visited him in so long.

Maybe I can frame Vinyl for poisoning me...

But she was in prison when you got 'poisoned'.

She could have done it BEFORE she got into prison!

Genius!.... wait but they had already found the source!

It was true. The police had investigated into finding the source of the poison by looking at restaurants Caramel had been to in the past few days. One of them ended up containing the poison, however, it was not in a meal Caramel had eaten.

The police didn't know Caramel didn't eat that, but Caramel said he did in order to convince the cops he was really poisoned.

So now it was probably too late for him to frame Vinyl.

"And now I have to go to court against him," Caramel grumbled.

~•~•~•~•~

"Vinyl, isn't that dinner next week?" Bon Bon asked.

Vinyl had come over to Lyra and Bon Bon's apartment unsurprisingly. She'd been spending basically all her time there when she wasn't working on music or at her office.

"What dinner?" Vinyl asked from the couch.

"That one we were all invited to," Bon Bon commented, "You, Neon, Lyra, Oc-"

"Don't say her name," Vinyl warned.

Bon Bon sighed before entering her living room from the kitchen. Vinyl was laying down on the couch so Bon Bon forced the mare to move over in order to seat herself next to the DJ.

"You can't stay mad at her forever, Vinyl," Bon Bon explained, "you love her, don't try to deny it because we all know you love her."

"So what?" Vinyl snapped, "She doesn't love me back so why should I waste my time with her?"

"You don't even know what happened," Bon Bon pointed out.

"So what?!" Vinyl exclaimed, "What reason could there be as to why Tavi left me alone!"

Even through that anger, Bon Bon could hear Vinyl's sadness. Especially when she called Octavia Tavi.

For the past few weeks, Vinyl and Bon Bon would get into fights about what they should do about Octavia. Most of the time Vinyl would call her Octavia, however, there were times she would call her Octy or Tavi, the affectionate nicknames she almost always called the cellist.

Bon Bon sighed, it saddens her to see her friends in such a state.

"We should have let Octavia come to the courtroom," Bon Bon commented, "Like Remedy Cure said, she was our only witness. Thankfully Caramel wasn't there either so we were still even."

"I don't care!" Vinyl exclaimed, "I'm out aren't I?! Does it really matter if Octavia was there or not?"

"Honestly Vinyl, you probably only got out because of how terrible our justice system is," Bon Bon explained.

"Okay! Great! It's the fucking past, Bonnie! Just give it up!" Vinyl yelled.

Bon Bon sighed once more before leaving Vinyl alone in her living room.

I'm going to see if I can talk some sense into Lyra.

With that thought in mind, Bon Bon made her way to their bedroom.

There she found Lyra, her muzzle deep in a book.

Bon Bon smiled, feeling slightly lucky to still have her relationship intact.

She then laid down next to the lyrist, kissing her on the cheek to get her attention.

"Hey Bonnie," Lyra greeted, nuzzling the mare.

Bon Bon sighed, "Hello Lyra, may I ask you what you're reading?"

Lyra grinned, "The biology of humans, volume four!"

Bon Bon couldn't help but shake her head.

Same old Lyra.

"Would you mind if I could talk to you about something?"

Lyra, worried about her marefriend, set the book down, "Yeah sure."

"I want you to help me get Vinyl to talk to Octavia."

Lyra blinked a few times but didn't say anything.

Bon Bon sighed, "I know you're Vinyl's best friend and you also feel a little betrayed by Octavia. But she really isn't the kind of mare to suddenly leave Vinyl like that, she must have a good explanation."

"But what if she doesn't?" Lyra questioned.

"Then I was wrong," Bon Bon answered with a shrug, "And Vinyl will continue to sit heartbroken on our couch."

Lyra cringed, "She not only acting like this because she is heartbroken but okay."

Bon Bon rolled her eyes, "How about I finally go talk to Octavia, and if she has a good explanation then you can help me convince Vinyl to see her."

Lyra scratched the back of her head, "I mean, that sounds like a good idea, but like Vinyl will probably be pissed and-"

"Lyra," Bon Bon started, "Every other time something bad had happened to Vinyl you've followed her blindly. However, this time you've been questioning her actions, isn't that a sign?"

"I mean, it could just be that I liked Octavia-"

"Lyra."

"Yeah, Bonnie?"

"Help me with this or you'll be in sleeping on the couch with Vinyl for the rest of the year."

Lyra gulped, "You're really serious about this, huh?"

Bon Bon sighed, "Yes, Octavia truly cared about Vinyl, even if she did make some mistakes. I trust that she has a good reason as to why she wasn't around."

"Well, if you're going to make me choose," Lyra started until she kissed her marefriend, "Then I choose you."

Bon Bon smiled before getting up, "Get Vinyl out of the house in twenty minutes so she doesn't suspect anything."

With that said, Bon Bon left.

"Damn, Vinyl was right, romance movie lines get chicks to dig you faster," Lyra commented to herself.

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia closed her eyes as she began to play the cello. However, she didn't get very far before she broke down.

"I can't believe I feel for his mind games," Octavia cried, "I'm such an idiot."

Just then, the doorbell rang.

Octavia ignored it as she continued to weep.

The bell rang a few more times before it stopped.

Suddenly, Octavia could hear the sound of her phone buzzing.

With a sniff, the cellist grabbed the phone and looked at it.

It was a message from Bon Bon.

'Octavia, are you home? I'm finally ready to talk. I'm currently outside your apartment, please text me as soon as you read this.'

She couldn't believe it. Bon Bon actually meant it when she said would come back to listen to her story.

Without a second though, Octavia got up from the floor and quickly ran over to the front door.

She opened the door and found a surprised looking Bon Bon.

The two started at one another for quite a long period of time.

It wasn't until Bon Bon hugged Octavia that either one said anything.

"Thank you," Octavia said as she hugged the mare back.

The two stayed there for a few minutes before they broke the hug.

"Would you like to come inside?" Octavia asked.

Bon Bon nodded her head and Octavia let the mare in.

"I must apologize, the place is a bit of a mess," Octavia explained.

Bon Bon looked around. The place seemed to be almost completely near, aside from a few sheets of music here and there.

"This is a mess to you?" Bon Bon asked with a laugh.

Octavia could only smile, overjoyed that her friend was talking to her once again.

The two mares seated themselves on the couch in Octavia's living room.

"Aren't you worried Caramel may see us?" Bon Bon asked.

A few tears formed in Octavia's eyes, but she ignored them, "Not at all."

Bon Bon's eyes went wide, how was Octavia not at all worried?

Octavia sighed, "I guess I should start at the beginning?"

"That would seem like a fitting place to start," Bon Bon commented.

With one more sigh, Octavia started to tell her story.

~•~•~•~•~

"Here you go ladies," The bartender said as he handed Vinyl and Lyra their drinks.

The both of them took a sip of their drinks.

"So," Vinyl started once she finished drinking, "Why'd you want to take me here?"

"I dunno, to talk I guess? A lot of shit has gone down so, how's you been?" Lyra asked before taking another drink.

"Shitty," Vinyl replied simply.

"Okay... why?"

Vinyl glared at Lyra, "What do you think?"

Lyra just shrugged again.

Vinyl sighed, slightly annoyed before she took another drink.

"Did.... Anything happens to you while you were in prison?" Lyra asked, extremely worried.

"Well, other than getting pushed a few times and glared at a lot, not really," Vinyl explained.

"Oh, is that really it? Because you seem to act like something worse-"

"It's fricken prison Lyra!" Vinyl yelled, "How do you think I should act?!"

A few ponies started looking at the mares, making Lyra panic.

"Dude, calm down," Lyra hissed, "Look, I'm sorry. You're right, prison is a pretty shitty place. I was just worried that somepony raped you or some shit."

"No, nothing like that happened," Vinyl replied, rolling her eyes.

Lyra sighed, "Listen, me and Bonnie are worried about you. You aren't eating much again, you're always lying on the couch but not sleeping. It's just, not good for you to treat your body like that."

"So what? I didn't eat much before anyway."

"Yeah, but you were starting to eat more. And now you're back to square one. You were getting so much better after you started dating-"

Lyra shut her muzzle.

Vinyl started at Lyra for a long time. Almost like she was studying the mare.

Then, Vinyl suddenly chugged the rest of her drink.

"I need another drink," Vinyl stated groggily.

Lyra sighed once again before taking another sip.

I hope Bonnie's right.

~•~•~•~•~

Bon Bon couldn't move. She couldn't think either. She couldn't really do anything once Octavia had finished her story.

Octavia has some tear streaks on her face, as while she was telling her story she was crying a little.

"I never thought he would go that far," Bon Bon finally commented.

Octavia sighed, "Neither did I."

"But may I ask, why didn't you see both Vinyl and Caramel?"

"I think because I was so shocked about Caramel," Octavia explained, "I'll never forgive myself for how I almost completely forgot about Vinyl. But at least I can try to make it up to her."

Bon Bon looked down at the ground in thought. After a few seconds, she looked back at Octavia.

"I honestly cannot tell you if what you did was wrong or right. The only pony who can do that is Vinyl."

"I know," Octavia agreed, "But that can only happen if she agrees to see me."

"Or she's going to agree. I'm tired of having her moping on my couch all day. I was thinking we can lock you two in a room together until Vinyl finally listens to you," Bon Bon joked.

Octavia giggled slightly, "Has she really been moping on your couch?"

Bon Bon sighed, "Yes. It's sad but also a little annoying."

"I'm sorry."

"It's fine," Bon Bon replied, "I would prefer her sitting on my couch all day to her getting herself drunk."

~•~•~•~•~

"Why do I have the feeling I did something Bon Bon is going to kill me for?"

"Because you didn't put your horn in the happy hole," Vinyl commented drunkenly before she burst into a fit of giggles.

Lyra sighed as she continued to carry the DJ on her back.

"Awwww, what's wrong Lyly? You used to always laugh at meeeeee," Vinyl slurred.

"I mean, you are pretty funny when you're drunk," Lyra agreed, "But right now I just want to get you back home in once piece."

Once that was said, the conversation suddenly stopped, and they were left in an odd silence.

Lyra assumed Vinyl had passed out until she heard faintly,

"I miss Tavi."

Lyra blinked, "Huh?"

"I miss the way she used to hold me," Vinyl continued, "And how she would tell me everything was going to be okay, and how she used to nag me about everything, and how she used to get so frustrated with me, and how she would moan every time I would-"

"O-Kay, I think you should stop right there before you make it so I can never see Octavia the same again," Lyra interrupted.

However, she really didn’t need Vinyl to finish that sentence for Lyra to realize what she was going to say.

Put the horn in the ‘happy hole’, great….

Vinyl again burst into another fit of giggles. Once it died down, she continued again.

"Everyday I would sit alone in my cell, wishing I could see her face again. I just wanted to see her, not in my head but actually her. It was so weird to be alone without her. I just wanted my Octy," Vinyl confessed.

Lyra didn't say anything. She didn't really know what to say. Normally Vinyl wasn't this open unless she was drunk.

Which obviously, she is.

After what seemed like an endless amount of time, Lyra finally made it back to her apartment.

Once she was finally inside, she shoved Vinyl off of her back onto the couch. Thankfully, the mare was now actually passed out.

Lyra, finally able to relax, went into the kitchen to get a glass of water.

When she was starting to enjoy her refreshment her phone started to ring.

Lyra groaned, before picking up the phone.

"Hello?"

"Hey Lyra," Bon Bon greeted, "Octavia and I are talking about our apartment now, do you think you can get Vinyl into a place where we can lock them in?"

Lyra blinked, "Wait, you want to lock them in?"

"I thought she was joking too, Lyra," Lyra could hear Octavia comment into the phone.

"Well, okay but we have one problem," Lyra cringed, "Vinyl is kinda... passed out drunk."

"LYRA!" Bon Bon screamed into the phone, "The whole reason I let her stay at our house was so she WOULDN'T DRINK!"

Lyra held the phone far away from her face in order to not go deaf, "Yeah, yeah I know. Don't worry, she'll wake up sooner or later."

Lyra heard Bon Bon groan in annoyance before she hung up the phone.

She then turned around to face the living room, where she could still see Vinyl passed out on the couch.

Lyra sighed, "This is going to be painful."

~•~•~•~•~

Bon Bon unlocked the door where she found Lyra chugging a ton of water.

"Where's Vinyl?" Bon Bon questioned.

Lyra breathed in as soon as she finished her water. After breathing hard for a few seconds she answered.

"She's in the bathroom. Luna does that mare move in her sleep"

Octavia looked at Bon Bon questioningly, "Why does the bathroom lock from the outside?"

"They put our door on backward," Bon Bon explained.

"So," Lyra started, "Do I get to hear this story?"

"That depends," Octavia replied, "Is Vinyl awake yet?"

"Nope!" Lyra answered, "And by the looks of it, she won't be up for awhile."

Octavia sighed, "Then I guess I shall tell you the story before I tell Vinyl it."

With that said, Octavia repeated her story to Lyra.

Once she was finished, Lyra headed straight for the front door.

"Lyra, where are you going?!" Bon Bon exclaimed.

"To go talk to Caramel," Lyra replied simply.

"Lyra don't you-"

Bon Bon was interrupted by the slam of a door.

Bon Bon sighed, "I better go after her."

"But what about-"

Octavia was interrupted by another slam of the door.

"Vinyl," Octavia finished.

Well, I may as well get ready to talk to Vinyl.

With that thought in mind, Octavia started to grab some food and water for the hangover Vinyl would most likely have once she wakes up.

With everything done, she entered the bathroom where Vinyl was asleep on the cold floor.

Octavia frowned at Vinyl's current state.

The cellist put down the snacks before picking Vinyl up and laying her down onto the bathmat.

She then left the room again, only to come back with a blanket. She placed it over the unicorn and kissed her below the horn.

Octavia swears she saw a faint smile on the DJ's face.

With a sigh, she sat down on top of the toilet and waited for Vinyl to awake.

~•~•~•~•~

Lyra stormed down the hallways of the hospital, completely filled with rage.

Caramel had gone way too far.

Bon Bon quickly followed after the unicorn as she continued to try and get Lyra's attention.

However, the lyrist has completely blocked out all sound while she was under this rage.

Then, sound quickly returned to her when she slammed the door to Caramel's room open.

Caramel almost jumped out of his bed.

"I see you're already getting better from the 'incurable poison'," Lyra commented with a glare. Bon Bon stood behind her, slightly afraid of what would happen.

Caramel quickly returned the glare, "You."

Lyra smiled tightly, "Glad to see you remember me so fondly."

"L-listen, Lyra let's just go-"

"So," Lyra interrupted, "How were you going to explain to the doctors that you suddenly just healed miraculously?"

"I don't know, how about through Octavia's love? You've seen what the power of friendship has done, why not the love of a mare and stallion?" Caramel questioned.

"And if Octavia didn't love you by the time you were gone?" Lyra asked.

"Then my love for Octavia brought me back or some shit," Caramel waved off.

"Honestly ponies would probably still be susp-"

"Shut up!" Caramel yelled, interrupting Bon Bon again.

"Don't tell her to shut up!" Lyra yelled as she charged forward, only for Bon Bon to grab her tail and stop her.

"Lyra," Bon Bon hissed, "We should go. Now."

"But he hurt our friends!" Lyra argued, "And he-"

"I don't care Lyra!" Bon Bon exclaimed, "Yes, he did something horrible because he thought it was right. But if you try to get some sort of revenge on him, then you're being just like him!"

Bon Bon looked over at Caramel, "Listen to me. I don't hate you. I don't even dislike you. I just feel sorry for you-"

"Thank you! Finally somepony-"

"No," Bon In interrupted, "I don't feel sorry because Octavia is leaving you. I feel sorry because you don't understand it when somepony wants to leave you, that means they aren't happy. Octavia didn't hate you, she just didn't want to be married to you. And honestly, I don't think you love her because if you did you would know when to let her go."

With that said, Bon Bon pulled Lyra out of the hospital and left.

~•~•~•~•~

"Shit, my head," Vinyl groaned as she rubbed her throbbing head. She looked around the room, however, everything was blurry.

The DJ blinked a few times until her vision was clear again.

"Why am I in the bathroom?" Vinyl asked herself as she noticed the tiled floor.

She looked up, to find herself face to face with Octavia.

Vinyl had her glasses on, effectively hiding her emotions from Octavia, however, underneath them her eyes were wide.

Octavia shared the same look as Vinyl, however, her face wasn't shielded by anything.

"What are you doing here?" Vinyl finally spat.

Octavia suddenly started to hyperventilate slightly as she realized she hadn't been breathing.

Octavia gulped once before her face went completely serious, "I'm here to talk to you."

"Great, well I'm not here to listen."

With that said, Vinyl stood up and opened the door.

Or that was her plan until she found the door to be locked.

"What the hell?!" Vinyl yelled.

"I locked it when I came in."

Vinyl's head snapped to Octavia who was looking down at the floor.

Vinyl glared at the mare for a few seconds before she started yelling, "LYRA! BONNIE! OPEN THE FUCKING DOOR!"

No response.

"They aren't home," Octavia explained, "They left to go talk to-"

"I don't care," Vinyl interrupted, "Didn't you hear me the last time we spoke? I don't care. Now could you please just stop talking-"

"No," Octavia said simply, finally having the courage to look at her once lover, "No, I will not stop talking until I explain my side of the story."

Vinyl laughed, "Okay, well have fun explaining your story to nopony, as I'm not going to listen."

"You are," Octavia replied, "Because I know you want to."

"No, I don-"

"What if I was locked up by Caramel. And I had no control over whether I could see you or not? Hm? And then we both leave heartbroken because you didn't want to hear the truth."

Vinyl blinked.

That shut her up.

"While that is not what happened," Octavia sighed, "what happened was still out of my control... partially."

Vinyl didn't say anything, so Octavia continued.

"After the last time I visited you, I decided to go to the spa with Beauty. Once we were done, we went back to my apartment to find Caramel passed out on the couch. He has blood all over his chest. We called an ambulance which thankfully came immediately. I went to the hospital as soon as I could, where I learned Caramel only had a few months to live. So, I decided to spend my time with this dying stallion. I thought I should at least give him what he wanted," Octavia sighed, "However, there was a cost, and that cost was I didn't have time to see you. And because of this, I forgot about...."

Octavia didn't want to say the next word, as what she was about to tell Vinyl was probably her biggest regret.

"You," She finally finished, "I was so caught up with this sudden change I didn't have time to think at all about you. And I soon learned that this was a mistake, as it turns out Caramel faked his poison with a potion, and he's fine."

"You forgot about me," Vinyl stated coldly.

"Yes, but Vinyl please understand, it is my greatest regret and I was so wrapped up with Caramel. It was like if Lyra was in the hospital-"

"That's different!" Vinyl yelled, "Because I actually care about Lyra!"

Octavia jumped off her seat and started backing away into a corner in fear.

"I thought you said you didn't want to be married to him, that you were done with him-"

Vinyl started to straddle the cellist, who was now laying in the corner.

"I am! Vinyl please-"

"Maybe you've just been lying to me."

"Vinyl, no!"

"Maybe this whole time you've just seen me as your fuck buddy-"

"Vinyl!"

"Maybe YOU STILL LOVE HIM."

"VINYL STOP!"

Vinyl froze as she finally realized her position.

Her hoof was held up in the air, directed towards Octavia's face.

Speaking of Octavia, she was completely on top of the mare.

And that's when she saw her.

Octavia was staring up at Vinyl with fearful eyes. She'd never seen the mare so afraid before. She was crying.

The cellist was hyperventilating once again, sweat was rolling down her face along with the tears.

Vinyl slowly put her hoof down, her eyes still on Octavia.

Then she sat there. She didn't make a sound.

Octavia continued to hyperventilate with a mix of crying, however, her eyes didn't leave the DJ as well.

The two stayed like that for what seemed like hours before Vinyl suddenly started to cry.

Octavia reflexively wrapped her hooves around the unicorn. And the two sobbed into each other's shoulders.

"I don't know if I can forgive you," Vinyl explained through her tears.

"I know," Octavia replied through her own tears, "I don't know if I can forgive myself."

"I-I thought about you, every day," Vinyl confessed, "I felt so alone there, I just wanted to be with you."

"I missed you too, Vinyl. Even when I wasn't thinking about you, I felt like there was something missing in my life. Something annoying me, or comforting me."

Vinyl just continued to cry.

They sat there for a few more minutes before Octavia finally spoke again.

"Maybe we should take a break."

"What?" Vinyl asked, finally breaking away from the hug.

Octavia sighed, "Maybe we should stop dating for awhile. We'll be friends, but I think we need some time to recover."

Vinyl nodded her head, "Y-yeah that sounds like a good idea. B-but we'll still be there for each other, right?"

Octavia smiled, tears still in her eyes, "Of course. And whenever we're ready, we'll go right back to dating."

"Okay," Vinyl agreed, finally taking off her glasses.

The two just smiled at one another for what seemed like a long time. It wasn't until they heard the door unlocking that they finally stopped smiling.

"Ready to get out of here?" Octavia asked.

"Whenever you are, Tavi," Vinyl grinned.

~•~•~•~•~

"I can't believe you did that!" Lyra exclaimed, "It was so freaking hot!"

Bon Bon blushed, "Well, somepony had to tell them off so I thought why not me-"

"LYRA, BONNIE, YOU BETTER LET US OUT OF HERE OR ELSE I AM GOING TO DEMOTE BOTH OF YOU!"

Lyra looked over and Bon Bon who sighed, "Just ignore her."

"Please excuse Vinyl, but yes, could you please let us out of here?" Octavia asked.

Lyra smiled, "Aw shit it worked!"

Bon Bon gladly returned the smile.

"YOU HAVE FIVE SECONDS TO LET ME OUT OR I'M LOWERING YOUR PAY!"

Lyra and Bon Bon looked at one another before they ran towards the bathroom.

Chapter 49

View Online

"There!"

Octavia stepped away from Vinyl as she finally finished tying the tie Vinyl was wearing.

"Now you're ready for the party," Octavia said as she straightened Vinyl's suit.

Vinyl wasn't really paying attention, she was too busy watching Octavia.

It's been about a week since the two decided that they should take a break. In that time, they continued to spend as much time as they could with one another.

At first, it was very awkward and almost uncomfortable, but they soon grew closer to one another once again.

However, Vinyl was starting to become dangerously attracted to Octavia again, even if she didn't realize it. The DJ often caught herself staring at the cellist whenever they weren't talking.

"Vinyl?"

Vinyl snapped out of her trance to find a very confused Octavia looking at her.

"H-huh?"

Octavia giggled, "I finished tying your tie. We're ready for the party now."

"Oh... oh yeah!" Vinyl exclaimed as she finally remembers what was going on.

The two of them had been invited to a party by an anonymous pony. However, they soon learned that Neon, Lyra, and Bon Bon had also been invited.

I wonder who else will be there, Octavia thought to herself.

"So, shall we go, Milady?" Vinyl asked, bowing slightly as she held out a hoof.

Octavia giggled again before wrapping her hoof around Vinyl's. The DJ grinned before the two started walking out of Vinyl's apartment.

Vinyl was wearing a dark blue suit with lighter blue stripes, she also had a white tie with her cutie mark on it. And of course, she had her signature glasses on.

Octavia was wearing a purple flowing dress, which had small white dots, resembling stars around it.

Once they were walking, Octavia had the sudden urge to kiss Vinyl on the cheek.

While Octavia hadn't thought much of Vinyl when she was in the hospital with Caramel, she was still in love with the unicorn. She would have gone right back into their relationship if they didn't get into such a big fight. However, she knew that their relationship needed time to recover, and so did Vinyl.

While the two were in the elevator, Vinyl decided to start some small talk.

"So," Vinyl started, "You seem pretty happy today."

Octavia laughed, "Am I really that obvious?"

Vinyl just grinned.

Octavia sighed happily, "You're the first pony I'm telling so please don't mention it at the party."

Vinyl chuckled, she enjoyed seeing Octavia act so uncharacteristically happy from time to time.

"Alright, well.... the divorce is happening soon," Octavia explained.

Vinyl's eyes went wide, "Wow! Tavi that's great!"

Octavia squealed as Vinyl sudden hugged her, spinning her around slightly.

"Vinyl!" Octavia exclaimed, laughing.

Vinyl stopped spinning and the two made eye contact.

They quickly realized what position they were in and blushed. Vinyl quickly put the cellist down, and they continued the ride in awkward silence.

The two finally made it down to the lobby, where Lyra, Bon Bon, and Neon were waiting for them.

"Neon? I thought you were in prison," Octavia stated bluntly.

"Psh. That was easy. I got my ex marefriend to pay for me. I once dated this supermodel and she was stacked," Neon explained.

"And you pleaded with the mare on the phone until she finally agreed to let you out," Bon Bon stared blankly.

"Because nopony else cared about him," Lyra added, shaking her head.

"Hey!" Neon protested.

"Wait, why couldn't you get her to break ME out?!" Vinyl asked.

"Because," Neon started, "Uh.... that mare is scary."

This caused everypony to facepalm.

"Let's just get to the train," Octavia suggested, slightly annoyed.

The rest of her friends all nodded in agreement before they left the apartment on their way to the train station.

Outside Vinyl's apartment was a red convertible, which had five seats.

Vinyl whistled, "Who's car is that?"

Neon grinned, jingling the keys in his magic, "Mine? Wanna ride?"

"I'm assuming that's how we're getting to the train station," Octavia commented.

"Yep! Now hop in!" Neon exclaimed.

Lyra went in first, followed by Bon Bon, who was then followed by Octavia. Vinyl jumped in the front, excited to be in such a fancy car.

Octavia felt slightly hurt that she wouldn't be next to Vinyl, and instead that the unicorn would be next to her ex stallionfriend.

Who still has feelings for her, a voice in the back of Octavia's head reminded.

Octavia shook her head, ignoring the voice.

"Are you alright Octavia?" Bon Bon whispered.

Octavia nodded her head, "Yes, I'm just a little nervous for tonight, that's all."

"Same here," Lyra agreed, "I mean, how do we know if they aren't going to just send us to some abandoned factory for something?"

"Actually I looked up the address online," Bon Bon explained, "It's really fancy mansion that people can rent out for parties."

"Sweet!" Neon exclaimed, "Maybe I can have a little fun while I'm there."

"Yeah, good luck with that. I doubt anypony would want to have around with you," Vinyl joked.

The car stopped at a red light, giving Neon and Lyra time to look over at Vinyl.

"What?" Vinyl asked, confused.

"Oh Vinyl," Octavia said, putting her hoof on Vinyl's shoulder, "I'll explain it to you later."

"Uh, okay," Vinyl said, still confused.

Everypony else just chuckled at Vinyl's cluelessness as they continued on their way to the train station.

Once they got there, Neon parked outside the station, before the five of them all entered the station.

Once they got to their track, they checked the time.

"Alright, only a few more minutes until our train gets here," Bon Bon exclaimed.

"I can't believe it's all the way out in Baltimare," Octavia commented:

"Octavia! Lyra! Bon Bon! Vinyl!"

The five turned around to see a blur of blue suddenly hit Octavia.

"Hello Beauty Brass," Octavia greeted as the mare hugged her.

"Well, isn't that a coincidence."

The group looked up to find Fredric, Harpo, and Symphony all standing there with smiles on their faces. Fredric had his hoof around Symphony.

"What are you guys doing here?" Vinyl questioned.

"We've all been invited to a party," Symphony explained holding out her invitation."

"That's odd," Octavia commented, "We've been invited to the same party."

"And it seems I am too."

Everypony turned to find Remedy Cure standing there.

"Oh! Sorry to eavesdrop," Remedy Cure apologized sheepishly.

"Okay, okay, let me get this straight," Neon started, "We've all been invited to the same party? By somepony, we don't even know?"

Everypony nodded their heads.

"Wow, this is like everypony we know," Harpo commented, "All we're missing is-"

"Me."

The ponies turned once again towards the train station, to find Caramel standing there.

"You," Vinyl almost growled.

However, Caramel wasn't paying attention to any of the glares he was getting, his eyes were only on Octavia. Said mare had her eyes on Caramel, not breaking eye contact.

Just then the train rolled in.

"All aboard! The conductor announced.

"Well," Remedy Cure started, "It seems we're in for quite an interesting night."

~•~•~•~•~

The train rolled down the track, getting closer to its destination.

"Okay," Bon Bon started, "Whoever invited us to this party, gave us all no information on who they were, and somehow rented us a private cart in the train they didn't know we would take."

"Private you say. So if there were to be a murder on this train, nopony but we would see," Lyra commented, looking straight at Caramel.

"Um, should we do something about her?" Remedy Cure asked Bon Bon, slightly concerned.

"Just ignore her. She won't do anything while I'm here," She then glared at her marefriend, "Will you Lyra?"

Lyra glanced over at Bon Bon and sighed, "No."

"Well, nopony is holding me back," Vinyl said as she started walking towards Caramel, only for Fredric and Harpo to hold her back.

"Ha! Does that mean you two broke up?!" Caramel asked, slightly ecstatic.

Octavia cringed, "I wouldn't say 'broke up'. We're just on a break."

"Wait... WHAT?!" Beauty Brass yelled, "When did this happen?!" The mare then looked over at Caramel, "I WILL KILL YOU FOR DESTROYING MY SHIP!"

Harpo quickly let go of Vinyl to grab his own marefriend, "Oh come on! I thought I was the lucky one with a sane marefriend!"

"Your first mistake was thinking Beauty Brass was a sane pony," Fredric commented dryly.

"Everypony calm down and listen to me!" Bon Bon exclaimed, "This train has two more stops before Baltimare. Canterlot and-"

"We are now making our first stop in Ponyville!" The speakers announced.

The train stopped at the Ponyville station as ponies started entering and exiting the station.

"That's it! I'm leaving!" Octavia exclaimed as she started to exit the train.

"Wait, Octy!" Vinyl pleaded, grabbing the mare's tail in her magic, "Don't you want to see how this ends?"

"Not particularly, no," Octavia commented before continuing to attempt to leave the train.

"Octavia?!"

The mare suddenly stopped when she heard her voice get called by somepony new.

"Oh Celestia no," Octavia muttered.

Lucky Streak entered the train, extremely confused to see the large group of ponies he had now associated himself with.

"THIS is what I'm trying to tell you all!" Bon Bon exclaimed, getting the group's attention again, "Whoever this pony is, they're inviting everypony in relation to Octavia and Caramel's divorce!"

"Lucky Streak," Caramel greeted, no emotion in his voice.

"Hello, Caramel," Lucky Streak greeted, slightly sheepish and slightly angry.

"Listen, Bonnie," Vinyl said, putting her hoof around the candy maker, "I can see why you're making that connection, but I think whoever this pony is just wanted to invite some ponies to a party so they would look popular and it happened to all be us! It's a perfectly normal occurren-"

"Vinyl!"

Vinyl's glasses almost fell off her face when she heard that voice.

Vinyl's mother, father, and brother all entered the train, with faces of shock and happiness.

"You were saying Vinyl?" Octavia said, looking over at the DJ.

"H-hey guys," Vinyl greeted, her voice completely laced in shock.

Long Play noticed Caramel and scoffed, "Why is he here."

"I don't know!" Neon exclaimed, "I don't know why anypony is here and it's super fucking freaky!"

"Did you not hear a thing I just said!" Bon Bon yelled, getting extremely tired.

"Wait," Symphony started in realization, "Bon Bon, where did you say the next stop was?"

"Canterlot," Bon Bon answered.

Symphony looked over at Octavia in concern, however, the cellist had already made the connection.

"Oh Celestia no," she whispered to herself.

The doors to the train closed and it continued on it's way to Baltimare.

~•~•~•~•~

"How is this even possible?!" Remedy Cure exclaimed, "How could one pony know all about Octavia's life and somehow plan this whole thing?!"

"I don't know!" Bon Bon commented, "It's impossible! Simply impossible!"

"I mean," Long Play started, "It isn't that bad. However, I suggest we throw Caramel off this train so we can enjoy our night as friends."

"I second that!" Vinyl agreed.

"Third!" Lyra continued.

"Any objections?" Long Play asked.

"YEAH! I have some objections!" Caramel yelled.

"You don't count," Lyra said, waving her hoof.

"I'll take that as no objections," Long Play said as the three started moving in on Caramel.

"Oh, would you three stop," Octavia groaned, "Just leave him alone."

"Ha!" Caramel laughed, "You heard her! Don't throw me off because she loves me!"

"I don't think that's what she said at all," Symphony commented.

"Meh, screw Octavia, let's throw him off anyway," Lyra stated as she and Long Play continued to move it.

"Nah guys," Vinyl said, putting her hooves on their shoulders, "I gotta listen to Tavi on this one."

"Wow. Do you remember Octavia forgot about you, right? Unlike me, she's never forgotten about me. It's because she loves me and not you." Caramel said.

Vinyl suddenly grabbed a chair in her magic and lifted it into the air, ready to throw it at Caramel.

"Woah, woah! Calm down!" Lucky Streak exclaimed, grabbing the chair, "Just calm down Vinyl."

Vinyl growled before placing the chair back down. She then walked over to Octavia and sat down next to her.

Octavia smiled at the DJ, who gladly returned it, "Thank you."

Vinyl chuckled, "No problem babe."

"SEE!" Beauty Brass yelled, "Even when they aren't dating they're adorable!"

"Shut up Beauty Brass," Caramel snapped.

"Hey!" Harpo exclaimed, getting out of his seat, "Don't tell her to shut up!"

Caramel just glared at the stallion for a few seconds before he sat back down in fear.

"Sorry," Harpo mumbled.

"At least you tried," Beauty Brass comforted, kissing the stallion on the cheek.

"Did you have something to do with this insane plan?" Vinyl's mother questioned, looking at Caramel.

"What? Why would you think that!?" Caramel asked.

"Well, you did have the stupid idea to POISON YOURSELF!" Neon yelled.

"Wow, and when Neon calls you stupid that means you've really fucked up," Lyra commented.

"Hey!" Neon complained.

"We are now arriving in Canterlot!"

Octavia and Symphony simultaneously gulped.

The train stopped at the station, and again ponies entered and exited the train.

"Woah, this place is fancy," A voice exclaimed as they saw the train.

"Hello, Sassaflash," The group all greeted, no longer surprised.

"Oh shit! Sup guys!" Sassaflash greeted, "Why is there like, so many ponies here?"

"Sassaflash!" Caramel exclaimed happily, "Finally' somepony ELSE I enjoy talking to!"

"Else?" Lyra questioned, "Who is the first pony?"

"My lovely wife of course!" Caramel explained.

Octavia just sighed sadly.

"Octavia! Symphony! How great it is to see both of you!"

Octavia and Symphony's parents then entered the train.

"Caramel," Octavia father said darkly, "What are you doing here?"

"I-uh- got better!" Caramel explained.

"They know you faked it Caramel," Octavia stated.

"Honestly, we have no idea why anypony is here," Bon Bon explained, "All we know is that everypony here was invited to a party and all know about Octavia's divorce."

"Caramel! What are you doing here?"

Caramel's eyes went wide in fear.

Caramel's parents entered the train, along with Cherry Fizzy.

"Oh, my!" Caramel's mother exclaimed as she saw Octavia's parents, "It's been so long since we've seen you!"

"Yes! We really need to see each other more often!" Octavia's mother exclaimed.

"Dad, be careful," Cherry Fizzy warned as the old stallion walked.

"I'll be fine, son," Caramel's father said, rolling his eyes.

"Phew!" Neon said, relieved, "Vinyl was right! It's just a bunch of random ponies! Like these old ass pon- OW!"

Neon cried in pain as Vinyl smacked his head.

"What was that for?!" Neon asked, rubbing his head.

"Those are Caramel's parents and Octy's parents," Vinyl explained.

"Oh okay... Wait then why did you hit me?!" Neon exclaimed.

"Because you called Octy's parents a bunch of old ass-"

"Vinyl," Octavia interrupted, "It's alright."

Almost instantly, Vinyl softened, "If you say so Tavi."

"Am I the only one seeing this?" Beauty Brass asked, pointing towards Vinyl and Octavia.

Octavia just raised her eyebrow, while Vinyl grinned.

"Nah," Vinyl replied, putting her hoof around Octavia making the cellist blush, "Everypony sees it, they're just too busy admiring it."

Vinyl's grin grew even more as she noticed Caramel's blood vessel looking like it was about to pop.

"Just... ignore them," Caramel explained to his parents as he laughed nervously, "They're just good friends."

"REALLY good friends," Lyra continued, making Caramel scowl.

"You could say the best of friends," Beauty Brass chimed in.

"Or even friends with benefits," Sassaflash said, shrugging.

"Ha! I wish," Vinyl laughed until Octavia smacked her upside the head.

"Wait... but you said you two were on a break!" Caramel exclaimed, turning to the two mares.

"And you just blew your cover," Lucky Streak commented.

Caramel panicked, looking over at his family, "I'm joking! I'm only joking."

The family looked over at Octavia, expectantly.

Octavia sighed, her hoof on her face, "Just tell him."

They turned back to Caramel.

"We already know about everything," Caramel's mother explained.

Caramel's jaw hit the floor.

"Can somepony please explain what in Equestria is even going on?!" Octavia's father yelled, getting eveypony's attention.

"Nope!" Sassaflash replied.

Octavia sighed again, "Maybe while we all wait here, we should go over this whole mess."

"Or, maybe we should wait until the party."

Everypony looked towards Bon Bon, who was staring out the window.

"Because something tells me that's exactly why we were called here in the first place."

~•~•~•~•~

The train finally stopped in Baltimare, after a long journey of silence.

Nopony wanted to talk, what could they say? It was all so much at once nopony knew what to do.

As the train's doors opened, the group of ponies flooded out of the train station. Once they were outside, they found a large limo.

"Greetings," The limo driver greeted, "I am here to drive you to your destination."

Vinyl and Octavia looked at one another in concern before they entered the limo.

Once everypony was in the limo, they took off towards the party.

After a half an hour of driving, they finally arrived at the mansion. It was extremely large, and a mix of modern and old. It was painted white and was lighting up like a hearth's warming eve tree.

Nopony could stop staring at it.

"Holy shit," Vinyl said in complete and utter shock, "And I thought Tavi's parent's had a nice house."

"I think we've all had some kind of drug and are now hallucinating what heaven looks like," Sassaflash suggested.

"Hopefully it's not the kind of stuff Caramel's always on," Lyra commented.

Caramel finally took his eyes off of the mansion to look over at Lyra, "Hey!"

"Let's just go inside," Remedy Cure said, taking her eyes off of the mansion as well, "I want to see what this whole thing is about."

With that said, everypony entered the mansion.

Once inside, they saw an amazing ballroom, which had a large shining light at the top.

"Greetings," A dark voice greeted, "You're probably all wondering why I've called you all here. Well, I've seen the mess you've ponies have all found yourselves in, and I decided it was high time that you all finally spoke together."

"While that's a...... kind offer," Bon Bon started, "I don't really see the point in having us all here. It's just a divorce, it'll end pretty soon."

"No, it won't!" Caramel exclaimed.

"Yes, it will, Caramel," Octavia stated, her hoof on her face.

"Yes, I know," The voice replied, "But you can't tell me that none of you have any burning questions? Or any feelings never fully expressed?"

"You're right," Caramel agreed, "Octavia, I love you more than life itse-"

"We know," Everypony said, simultaneously.

The voice sighed slightly annoyed, "Okay let me help you. Caramel, don't you wonder how your parents know about the divorce?"

"Yeah! Why is that?!" Caramel asked, looking at a now sheepish Octavia.

"Wow, so are you just here to screw Octy over more than she already is?" Vinyl asked.

"No, I'm just here to ask the unanswered questions. Like, Neon, you say you've been on Vinyl's side this whole time, but what exactly have you done to help them?"

"Hey, yeah! What have you done Neon?" Lyra asked, extremely suspicious.

Neon opened his mouth only to be interrupted by the voice.

"Those are just some examples of the questions still floating around, and I believe it is time for them to be answered! I shall leave you all alone to speak now."

With that said, the voice stopped speaking.

"Okay! I want to know how you know about my divorce," Caramel demanded, looking at his family, "And also how you know about Vinyl and Octavia!"

"Sweet Celestia Caramel, is it really that hard for you to understand?" Octavia exclaimed, "I told them!"

"You told them?!" Caramel screamed, "I told you to never fucking tell them! How dare you, you.... you, YOU FUCKING TRAITOR!"

"Caramel!" Caramel's mother exclaimed, mortified.

Octavia's father started walking over to Caramel, however, somepony beat him to it.

"Don't you ever fucking call her that you asshole!" Vinyl yelled as she punched Caramel in the face.

Lyra and Bon Bon quickly rushed over to hold Vinyl, while Cherry Fizzy and Lucky Streak rushed over to hold Caramel.

"Listen, this whole thing is honestly just a waste of time so let's get out of-" Vinyl's mother started before she found the front door to be locked, "here."

"How about you!" Caramel yelled, pointing at Neon, "Do you want to explain how you've been betraying me this whole time?!"

"Uhhhhh," Neon looked around for help, the only response he got was Octavia shaking her head.

"Yes!"

Octavia facehoofed.

"Well," Neon started, "It was my idea to reunite Vinyl's family with her father, or whatever."

Vinyl, Vinyl's mother, and Long Play's eyes all went wide in shock.

"Really?" Vinyl asked.

"Well, yeah. I mean, it was always a sensitive subject with you, so I thought it could be one way I could make it up to you," Neon explained.

Vinyl suddenly hugged the stallion, much to his surprise.

Octavia felt a pang of jealousy.

Calm down Octavia, you two are just on a break, it's not forever.

But what if Vinyl moves on?

Vinyl broke the hug with Neon, looking extremely happy.

Then I'll let her go.

"Are you alright, Octavia?" Symphony asked, looking concerned by her sister's odd look at the two DJs.

Octavia just nodded.

Before Symphony could say anything else, she was interrupted.

"Hey, voice!" Sassaflash yelled, "What do we do now?!"

"I don't think that's how it works, Sassaflash," Fredric pointed out.

"Wait," Caramel started, walking up to Sassaflash, "How about you? Have YOU been on their side too?!"

Sassaflash shrugged, "I dunno, I'm kinda doing my own thing."

"That's not surprising," Octavia's mother commented.

"Awww, you remember me!" Sassaflash exclaimed.

Octavia's father grimaced.

"Hmm, I have a question," Lucky Streak started, "What exactly is the point of Remedy Cure being here? Isn't she just Octavia's lawyer?"

"Hey!" Beauty Brass complained, "She is also our friend!"

"Also, it's not like you really have a point either," Remedy Cure commented, "You've just kind of been along for the ride because you used to be Caramel's best friend."

The two glared at one another for a long period of time.

"It doesn't really matter what we all did in the long run," Caramel's mother explained, "We all ended up here because we knew and cared about Octavia and Caramel."

"Or just Octavia," Vinyl corrected, nudging Octavia slightly.

"I wonder what this voice is expecting us to do," Bon Bon wondered.

"I think they just want us to talk," Symphony said with a shrug.

"But about what? Newsflash, there aren't many mysteries left anymore," Vinyl stated.

“Well, if we are all going to admit things,” Caramel started, “Then I must admit…. OCTAVIA DISLIKES FOALS!”

“What? Caramel! Just because I didn’t want to have foals, does not mean that I hate them,” Octavia argued.

“I don’t believe it!” Caramel exclaimed.

Octavia had her last straw, “Caramel you can’t have foals!”

The room went silent.

“What?” Caramel asked, shocked.

Octavia sighed, saying “I tried to help you by lying to you so you wouldn’t be heartbroken since I know you wanted foals! But the truth is you can’t have any.”

“I-I- you’re a bitch!” Caramel exclaimed.

Octavia froze before she started to cry slightly.

Everypony rushed over to her.

That is except for Caramel and Vinyl.

The two were too busy making eye contact.

There is one thing, Vinyl thought to herself, I never properly got my conversation with Caramel. And I think it's time I fix that.

"Yo Caramel, can I-"

"Dinner is ready!" The voice announced, scaring everypony, "We have cake!"

"Is it a lie?" Vinyl asked, a small smirk on her face.

"Nope! It's in the other room!" The voice replied before disappearing once again.

Everypony walked into the kitchen area, however, Octavia couldn't get her mind off what she thought she heard through the crowd of congratulations.

Was Vinyl going to talk to Caramel? Octavia asked herself.

The ponies then seated themselves down the long table.

On the left side of the table, from top to bottom was, Harpo, Beauty Brass, Fredric, Symphony, Octavia's father, Octavia's mother, Octavia, Vinyl, Lyra, Bon Bon. On the right side of the table, from bottom to top is Long Play, Vinyl's mother, Vinyl's father, Remedy Cure, Lucky Streak, Sassaflash, Caramel's mother, Caramel's father, Cherry Fizzy, and Caramel.

The ponies started eating, surprised to find the food not only warm but amazing. It was a five-course meal!

Vinyl started to think back to the time when she had dinner at Octavia and Caramel's. How she and Octavia held hooves under the table around when they first started dating. Vinyl had the urge to grab Octavia's hoof but resisted herself.

"Pssst, yo Vinyl."

Vinyl turned towards Lyra who was trying to get her attention.

"Is everything going to turn out well between you and Octavia?"

Vinyl sighed, shaking her head, "I don't know- wait.... why do you ask?"

Lyra lifted up a note in her magic, "Beauty Brass asked me to."

In the corner of Lyra's vision, she could she Beauty Brass slicing her hoof over her neck.

"By that, I'm assuming you mean I'm not supposed to tell Vinyl that," Lyra commented to Beauty Brass, who in response nodded her head.

"Well, divorce and affair aside, this is a lovely little get-together," Caramel's mother commented, happily.

"I agree," Octavia's mother said, taking another bite of her salad, "It's so great to have such a nice dinner with such kind ponies."

"Thank you!" The voice started, "I'm happy to see that somepony appreciates all the work I've done."

"Oh Luna and now they're talking to the voice," Octavia groaned.

Vinyl chuckled, "Wow Tavi, I thought I was the one with the crazy parents."

"If you don't mind me asking, what is the relationship between you two?" Caramel's mother asked, pointing at Vinyl's parents.

"Oh uh, we were married," Vinyl's mother started.

"But I'm gay, so- uh," Vinyl's father continued.

"So we decided to become separate!"

"But now we're together again?"

"As roommates? Yeah, roommates."

"Never mind," Vinyl commented as Octavia shot her a look.

"Oh," Caramel's mother said, "Well, um, how's the relationship between Vinyl and Octavia going?"

"Are you two thinking of marriage?!" Octavia's mother squealed.

"We aren't even divorced!" Caramel screamed.

"You will be soon," Remedy Cure whispered loud enough so Caramel could hear.

"Actually we're on a.... break right now," Octavia explained.

"Y-yeah, we don't really know when we'll start back up again," Vinyl continued.

"Finally! A good topic!" Caramel cheered.

"No! It's not! It's horrible!" Beauty Brass argued, "No ship should ever be broken!"

"If that's so then why do you think Octavia and I should get a divorce?" Caramel asked.

"Because I ship Octavia and Vinyl more," Beauty Brass explained as though it was a plain fact.

Caramel let out a roar before leaving the table.

"I'll go after him," Cherry Fizzy offered as he started to get out of his chair.

"No, I'll do it."

Everypony looked at Vinyl who was now starting to walk after him.

"Vinyl, stop," Octavia demanded, getting out of her seat as well.

Vinyl looked over at the cellist, "What?"

"What do you mean what? Vinyl, I've told you, it's too dangerous to be alone with Caramel."

"But don't you see, Tavi?" Vinyl asked, "The whole reason the voice sent us here was to tie up loose ends, and that includes mine with Caramel. Even Lyra has been able to tell him off."

Lyra just nodded proudly.

"It's my time to talk to him."

Octavia frowned, she was ready to stop Vinyl more but the voice intervened.

"Well, it seems somepony finally understand why I've called you all here," The voice commented, "Go forth, Vinyl."

Vinyl nodded with a smirk before leaving the room, leaving Octavia standing there, worried and terrified.

Vinyl walked around the mansion, trying to find where the hell Caramel had gone.

Finally, she found him standing in one of the hallways.

"You know, it's funny," Vinyl started, getting Caramel's attention, "We're the two ponies 'fighting' for Octavia's heart, yet we've never really had any time alone together."

"Probably cause Octavia knows I'll kick your ass," Caramel threatened.

Vinyl chuckled, "Let's cut the bullshit. There are some things unsaid between the two of us, and I think it's finally time that we talk."

Caramel nodded, "Alright. I think you're a fucking whore who only wants Octavia for her body."

"And I think you're a colt trapped in a stallion's body. You act childish in all the wrong ways."

"Oh, so you act childish in the right ways? Don't you find it weird how Octavia fell in love with two ponies who have similar traits?"

"Are you implying that I'm your replacement? Because in a way I am, but not because we have similar traits."

"Actually, I meant something more over the lines of, she still loves me, and just loves you because you're similar to me."

"Wow, great plan. Love how you skipped the part where you don't explain why she doesn't want to stay with you and instead goes after somepony who is 'similar' to you."

Caramel's eyes narrowed.

"By the way, what is your reason for Octavia leaving you?" Vinyl continued, "Because I put her under a spell? That can't be it since she was getting a divorce with you YEARS before she even knew me!"

"Fuck you," Caramel hissed.

"I never thought I would be the kind of pony to rationalize a situation," Vinyl laughed, "I always thought of myself as a pony who has trouble accepting new things, turns out there was somepony even worse than me."

"Get the fuck out of here before I kill you," Caramel growled, "You're a disgusting demon mare who can't ever learn to grow up."

Vinyl laughed again, "You're right. But you wanna know something? At least I don't fuck up ponies and screw them over for my own gain. You keep saying that you love Octavia, but you never know when to let her go. And you treat her like shit."

Caramel clenched his hoof.

"Octavia is the most beautiful, talented, and amazing mare to ever exist in all of Equestria. And it's sad to see that you threw her in a cage for fifteen years of her life. She deserves to be treated the way she wants to be."

Caramel started charging towards Vinyl. However, he was cut short by her magic.

"Y'know," Vinyl started, "I don't know what I was expecting to gain from this conversation. But I think I've realized something I've needed to all night."

With that said, Vinyl dropped Caramel, causing him to fall on the floor before the DJ galloped towards the group of ponies.

Downstairs, everypony waited, afraid to see what had happened between Vinyl and Caramel.

As the clock hit twelve, the doors to the mansion suddenly flung open, revealing the night sky.

"You're all free to go," The voice announced, "A limo is waiting for you outside."

"You all go," Octavia stated, "I'll stay here and wait for Vinyl."

While everypony looked unsure, they complied and made their way to the limo.

Once Octavia was alone, she sat on the floor and waited. As every second ticked by, she continued to feel more and more stressed.

"You alright babe?"

Octavia's head jerked up to find Vinyl standing there, her head tilted and a grin plastered on her face.

"Vinyl!" Octavia exclaimed, hugging the mare, "Ready to go home?"

Vinyl smirked, "Yeah, I just gotta do one thing."

Octavia's eyes went wide and a blush spread across her face and she felt Vinyl press her lips against her's.

She hadn't felt that sensation in weeks, and yet it felt just the same as before. Just as amazing as before.

Octavia sighed once they broke from the kiss.

"Let's go," Vinyl said, laying her head against Octavia's.


Meanwhile, a few minutes before Vinyl and Octavia kissed, Beauty Brass was sitting in the bushes using binoculars to watch them. Lyra stared down at Beauty Brass in shame.

“You do realize they can’t see you? You don’t have to sit in the bushes,” Lyra pointed out.

“SHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Beauty Brass hushed.

She continued to watch until she saw the two kiss.

“MY SHIP LIVES!” Beauty Brass screamed as she threw the binoculars, which ended up hitting Lyra in the face.

“OW! What the hell!” Lyra yelled.

Vinyl, Octavia, Lyra, and Beauty Brass then walked to the limo, entered, and the limo drove away.

Meanwhile, inside the mansion, Caramel walked outside to find a cheap looking taxi waiting for him.

There was a note on the door which said,

"Hope you enjoyed your night! Especially that fun talk with Vinyl. And yes, I planned for this."

Caramel ripped off the note from the door as he started to sob. And he didn't stop sobbing until he fell asleep when he was finally back home in Mainhatten, and only after finding out Octavia wasn't home.

Chapter 50

View Online

The wind blew Octavia's mane back as she stood on the balcony.

She sighed, trying to relieve her stress.

The cellist smiled as she felt somepony wrap their hooves around her barrel.

"Well, doesn't this seem familiar?" Octavia asked with a small smirk.

Vinyl smiled, her eyes closed, "Shut up and come back to bed so we can cuddle."

Octavia sighed solemnly, "I can't Vinyl. I need to go soon."

"Wait why?" Vinyl asked, opening her eyes and looking and Octavia.

"It's today."

Vinyl didn't need any more explanation, she just kissed Octavia, surprising the mare.

"Let's go get some breakfast at a diner or something," Vinyl offered.

Octavia smiled, "Alright."

Quickly, a now excited Vinyl rushed towards her bedroom to grab her glasses. Octavia went inside, laughing at the antics of her marefriend.

Once they were all ready to go, the two mares made their way to a diner only a few blocks away from the apartment. Once they got there, the two took a seat next to one another in a booth. After a few minutes, the two ordered their food and started waiting.

It was a Saturday, and exactly a month since Vinyl and Octavia had gotten back together. It was also exactly a year since something else happened.

"I can't believe I'm getting the divorce, today of all days," Octavia commented as the two walked down the street.

Vinyl raised her eyebrow, "Why? What makes today so special?"

Octavia smiled sadly, "It's Caramel and I's anniversary."

Vinyl’s jaw dropped, "So now you've been married to Caramel for-"

"Sixteen years," Octavia sighed, "I'd prefer if the divorce happened next week.

"Why?"

Octavia suddenly kissed Vinyl's cheek, surprising the mare.

"Because it will be exactly a year since I first started working for you."

Vinyl blinked, "It's already been a whole year?"

"I know!" Octavia laughed, "It seems like just yesterday I was walking into your office for the first time."

Vinyl grinned, "Remember how I poured a bunch of bugs and snakes onto you?"

Octavia glared at her marefriend, "Yes."

This glare only lasted for a second before the two started laughing.

"We've had some great times together, Octy," Vinyl said, wrapping her hoof around the mare.

"Yes we have Vinyl," Octavia agreed, "and hopefully, we'll have much more."

Vinyl suddenly smirked, "Does this mean that we've been dating more than you and Caramel dated before he proposed to you the first time?"

"Somehow, yes," Octavia commented, "Honestly, I would have assumed I would have killed you by now."

"Hey! I'm not that bad!" Vinyl pouted.

Octavia giggled, "No, I suppose you're not."

With that said she kissed the DJ on the head.

"Hey, Tavi," Vinyl started, "I've been wanting to talk to you about something."

"Oh? And what is that Vinyl?" Octavia asked.

"I've been wondering what we're going to do now that the divorce is over. Like where are you going to live and stuff."

Octavia blinked, "Well I was going to attempt to keep my apartment but if that doesn't work I could always just get a new one."

"W-why don't you move in with me?" Vinyl stammered.

"What?"

"Well, we've been dating for a year and we work together," Vinyl grinned, "And we can sleep together more often if you know what I mean."

Octavia blushed before kicking Vinyl under the table.

Vinyl let out a yelp of pain before clutching her back hoof.

"That's for the last comment," Octavia explained, still blushing, "As for your offer, I think it's a wonderful idea."

Vinyl's eyes went wide, "Wait, really?"

"Well, I don't see why not," Octavia sighed, "That apartment is filled with terrible memories of Caramel and me, as that's been the only apartment we've ever shared, it would be nice to find a new place to go with my new life."

"Hell yeah!" Vinyl cheered, pumping her hoof into the air.

"It's also convenient for me as my ensemble works nearby," Octavia explained, "and also because your house is basically empty."

"It's not that bad," Vinyl commented.

"There are still moving boxes piled everywhere," Octavia stated, "And you've been living in your apartment for a few months now."

Vinyl scratched the back of her head sheepishly, "I just, haven't had the time?"

Octavia rolled her eyes, "I can also make sure you eat properly. Not just pop tarts and junk food."

"Hey! Pop tarts are awesome!" Vinyl argued.

"Yes, but they are a foal's breakfast snack made for weekday mornings so they can quickly get to school since they cannot get up very early. You're a grown mare quite capable of cooking on your own and of waking up at a proper time."

Vinyl opened and closed her mouth a few times. Before she just smirked.

"I'm still going to eat it."

Octavia sighed, "Of course you will."

"Here's your food," The waiter announced as she placed their food down in front of them.

Vinyl, of course, had pancakes, while Octavia decided to go with a healthy fruit salad.

While the two were eating, Vinyl suddenly paused.

"This place is good, but do you want to know my favorite place to eat?" Vinyl asked.

"Where?"

Vinyl smirked, "Between your back hoov-"

Octavia's blush reappeared as she kicked Vinyl again, a lot harder this time.

"Ow!"

Everypony in the diner looked towards them as they heard the cry of pain.

"Uh, the food's just a little hot! Nothing to worry about," Vinyl lied, causing everypony to go back to what they were doing.

Octavia just continued to glare at the DJ.

"This reminds me of the time I went to one of your shows," Vinyl commented.

"Oh? And why is that?"

"Because you keep kicking me!"

"You deserved it," Octavia said simply before she continued to eat her food.

Vinyl just pouted but didn't say anything.

The two continued to eat until Octavia looked at the clock.

"I think I should be leaving soon," Octavia explained, looking at Vinyl.

Normally, Vinyl would try to stop the cellist from leaving. Not because she wanted her all to herself like Caramel does, but because it was one of the ways Vinyl liked to flirt.

And Octavia wouldn't admit it to herself, but she extremely enjoyed Vinyl's flirting methods, even the more aggravating ones.

"Well, hey babe I won't stop you," Vinyl stated, lifting her hooves in the air, "It's your big moment, you shouldn't be late."

Octavia smiled before she started to leave.

"Wait, Tavi."

Octavia looked back at Vinyl.

"Can I go with you?"

Octavia shook her head, "Caramel will probably be in an even worse mood than he has been for the past year. Having you there would only make it worse."

Vinyl nodded her head, "Can I meet you after?"

"I was assuming you would."

Vinyl smirked, "Sweet."

With that said, Vinyl came up and kiss Octavia.

Normally the cellist would stop her in embarrassment, but she knew she would need this kiss to get through the final few steps.

Once they broke the kiss, Octavia flashed Vinyl one last smile before she left the diner. Vinyl watched as Octavia quickly hailed a taxi before they drove away.

Vinyl sighed, "Good luck Octavia."

~•~•~•~•~

Octavia walked out of the taxi. As soon as she was outside, she looked up at the courthouse.

A chill ran up her spine as she remembers what had happened the last time she was there.

Everything is okay between us now, Octavia remainders herself, you and Vinyl may even move in together!

That made Octavia smiled confidently.

"Well, I've come this far," Octavia said before she finally entered the courthouse.

Once inside, she immediately headed for the waiting area. There were many ponies there but only one really stood out to Octavia.

"Hello Octavia," Remedy Cure greeted, hugging the mare.

"Greetings Remedy Cure," Octavia said, returning the hug.

"So, how do you feel?" Remedy Cure asked once they broke the hug.

"Nervous, terrified, but excited," Octavia replied with a smile.

Remedy Cure returned the smile, "C'mon let's take a seat while we wait for us to be called."

Octavia nodded her head and the two took a seat.

"Is Caramel here yet?" Octavia asked.

Remedy Cure shook her head, "Not yet. Are you afraid he'll make a scene?"

Octavia sighed, "I KNOW he will cause a scene."

"Well, it doesn't matter now, there isn't anything he can do to stop the divorce now."

~•~•~•~•~

"Game over."

Vinyl groaned as the TV announced that she had died once again. She'd been playing video games ever since Octavia left. It was her attempt at calming herself down.

"Caramel better not try anything," Vinyl growled.

She used her controller to re-try before she started playing again. She continued to play until she suddenly remembered something.

"Can I meet you after?"

"I was assuming you would."

Then, an idea popped into the DJ's head.

Quickly, Vinyl grabbed her phone and called her best friend.

"Hey Vinyl, what's up?" Lyra greeted.

"Nothing much, I was hoping you could help me with something really important."

"Bonnie told me if it's anything illegal, I'm not allowed to do it."

Vinyl laughed, "Nah, this is legal. I want you to help me get everypony who went to the party to go to a bar at around-"

Vinyl paused to look at the time.

"Eightish."

"Everypony?" Lyra asked, hesitantly.

"Except Caramel's, Octavia’s, and my family," Vinyl corrected.

"Oh alright, I guess I can help with that."

"Cool, meet me at my apartment as soon as you can," Vinyl commanded before she hung up the phone.

Vinyl quickly started to make a list of the ponies she remembers, desperately wanting to set her plan into action.

After a few minutes, Vinyl heard a buzz. She quickly let Lyra in.

"So, may I ask why you want to get so many ponies into one bar?"

"I mean, I don't know if I can tell you, or anypony," Vinyl explained, "But we're going to throw a party, a DJ PON3 party!"

"Oh Celestia, you're calling yourself DJ PON3 in the third pony again, aren't you?"

"DJ PON3 does what DJ PON3 wants, so you better not complain as DJ PON3 is your boss," Vinyl threatened.

"Oh do realize you said DJ PON3 three times in one sentence?"

"DJ PON3 demands you to shut up."

"And now you're not even talking in the third pony."

"Whatever, it's time we started working," Vinyl stated.

Lyra sighed, "Alright. What do we do first?"

"Contact everypony to meet us at a club."

"Which club?"

"Any club," Vinyl grinned, "Well, a club that will let me perform."

"Oh-Kay? Wait are you just doing this so they'll all listen to your music?"

"What? No! I have an actually good reason," Vinyl explained before mumbling, "this time."

"So, who are we inviting?" Lyra questioned, looking around the apartment.

Vinyl quickly handed the lyrist her list, and Lyra quickly scanned it.

"So we're not inviting Octavia?"

"She'll be there, don't worry," Vinyl reassured.

Lyra just rolled her eyes, "Okay, I think we can do this."

"Sweet," Vinyl cheered, "How about you get the gig, and I'll make the calls?"

"Good enough for me," Lyra said with a shrug before handing the paper back to Vinyl.

Vinyl pumped her hoof in the air before she quickly went to grab her phone. The DJ also quickly handed her laptop to Lyra, who was going to use her phone to contact night clubs.

"Wait, shouldn't I call your agent to do this?" Lyra questioned.

"If you do that then there'll be a crowd there," Vinyl explained.

"Isn't that what you should want?" Lyra asked.

"I mean, having a crowd of fans there would be pretty cool," Vinyl admitted, "But this isn't for me, this is for Tavi."

"Oh so now you give me some kind of clue as to what you're doing!" Lyra exclaimed, "Wait..... are you proposing to her?!"

Vinyl blinked, "Uh.... Would Octy want that? I would assume she would want to wait awhile longer before we go that far."

"No! She's still married! At least wait until she is getting the divorce!"

"So, when she gets the divorce, propose to her?" Vinyl asked, looking at Lyra.

"I mean that depends on when the divorce is. Were you actually thinking about proposing to her today?"

"Nope! You just started talking about it so I assumed it was time for me to do that," Vinyl paused, "Wait, why the hell did I think that? You've been dating Bonnie for like eighteen years now."

Lyra blinked, "Shit, has it really been that long?"

"Yeah dude, you guys started dating in friggin high school," Vinyl reassured, "Why the hell haven't you proposed to her yet?"

"I don't know, I kept thinking it was too early," Lyra slid down the couch, "I've been DATING Bonnie longer than Octavia's been married to Caramel."

"Technically, longer than both the time they spend dating and married," Vinyl corrected.

"M-maybe I should do it today," Lyra suggested.

Vinyl cringed, "I mean, you can, it's just that's it Octy and Caramel's anniversary."

"Oh... Oh! Is that why you want to throw this party? To cheer Octavia up or something?" Lyra asked.

"Y-yes?" Vinyl lied, unsure.

"Well, isn't that sweet," Lyra teased with a smile.

Vinyl stuck her tongue out at her in response.

Lyra just shook her head before turning her attention back to the laptop.

"I mean," Vinyl started, "you could do it today, or wait another day. Either way, I'm totally willing to help you out."

Lyra smiled, "Thanks. I think I'll wait just a little longer."

"But not next week!" Vinyl exclaimed, "That's the anniversary of when Tavi first started working for us!"

Lyra blinked before grinning, "Did Octavia tell you that?"

"Maybe," Vinyl replied before she paused, "Shit, I should write the date down."

Quickly, the DJ grabbed a piece of paper before pausing again, "What day did she join again?"

Lyra laughed, "She's your marefriend, shouldn't you know?"

"Do YOU remember what day was the first day you saw Bonnie?"

Lyra opened and closed her mouth a few times before just saying, "Shut up."

Vinyl laughed before putting her pen back on the paper, "Now tell me the day!"

Lyra rolled her eyes, "Octavia joined your office on May fifth."

Vinyl wrote the date down, "Thanks, I'll propose to her someday in the future, and that can be our wedding day."

"Huh, that's actually a good idea," Lyra commented, "How many romance movies did you steal that from?"

"Probably all of them," Vinyl replied with a smirk.

Lyra rolled her eyes with a smile, "Let's just started working on this."

With that said, the two continued working on the party.

~•~•~•~•~

Remedy Cure and Octavia had been waiting for almost a two hours at this point, but even with all the time passed, Octavia still felt as stressed as ever.

Remedy Cure continued to reassure the mare that Caramel would not show up, as it was already so late.

However, the cellist still had a feeling in the back of her head that Remedy Cure wasn't correct.

This feeling, of course, grew when Caramel walked through the front doors.

This caused Octavia's blood to run cold once again, and for Remedy Cure's eyes to go wide in both shock and fear.

Caramel scanned the room until his eyes landed on the two mares. Once they made eye contact, Caramel quickly started to change over towards the mares.

"You're really going to continue this?!" Caramel yelled once he was finally in front of them, "And on our anniversary?! Are you kidding me?! You're such a bitch! And un-"

"Excuse me," Remedy Cure interrupted, "I would prefer if you didn't speak to my client in that manner."

"And I would prefer if this divorce didn't happen!" Caramel exclaimed.

Caramel then sat down next to Octavia and started to sob uncontrollably.

Ponies attempted to look like they weren't watching, but Octavia knew they were seeing this.

Tears started to fall down from Octavia's eyes as well. It wasn't because of the same reason Caramel was sobbing, but more because she was afraid.

She'd never thought what would happen after the divorce, she'd become so used to being in such a terrible state with Caramel that she was slightly afraid for everything to change.

But she was also excited. Excited to finally be able to date Vinyl without a lurking fear of Caramel, or without guilt for the stallion.

She'd finally be able to enjoy her life.

"Are you okay?" Remedy Cure asked, extremely concerned.

Octavia just nodded her head with a smile before mouthing, "Thank you."

Remedy Cure gladly returned the smile.

And that's when their names were called.

Octavia somehow couldn't believe it, that their names were called and that this was actually happen.

Octavia quickly wiped the tears from her eyes, it was time.

Remedy Cure held out a hoof and lifted Octavia off the ground.

"Traitor, traitor, TRAITOR!" Caramel continued to yell as the three made their way to the courtroom.

Octavia ignored him though, she was too ready for this moment to deal with Caramel.

As they finally entered the room, Octavia could finally accept that what was happening was truly there.

And Octavia was happy.

~•~•~•~•~

"So, why are you calling us again?" Fredric asked.

"For the hundredth time, it's for a party!" Vinyl exclaimed.

"What's the party for?!" Symphony asked for what seemed like the tenth time.

Instead of responding, Vinyl again started to chuckle.

"Why do you keep laughing instead of answering my question?!" Symphony exclaimed, frustrated.

"Sorry," Vinyl apologized, still laughing, "I just can't get over the fact that you're both lying in bed together. As a non-virgin, I KNOW what that means."

"I'm hanging up the phone now," Fredric stated sternly.

"No, no, no, no, no, no! Wait!" Vinyl exclaimed before Fredric hung up the phone, "Listen, the party is to cheer Octy up since today is her and Caramel's anniversary. I am trying to get all of her friends to be there!"

Vinyl heard some whispering from the other end before hearing Fredric sigh.

"Fine, we'll be there. Where and what time?"

"Yesssss!" Vinyl cheered quietly, "Nightfall, eight tonight."

"We'll be there!" Symphony exclaimed from the other end of the phone.

Before Vinyl could hang up the phone, she heard Symphony speak once more.

"Oh! And Vinyl!" Vinyl put her ear back to the phone, "Thank you for being such a good marefriend for Octavia."

Vinyl smiled, "Heh, I try."

With that said, she hung up the phone.

"Alright, that's two ponies down," Vinyl cheered before turning towards Lyra, "How’s your conversation going Ly-"

"No, it's not a shipping party! Why would that even exist," Lyra paused as the pony on the other end spoke, "Be-beauty- BEAUTY BRASS! Nopony is going to propose! Oh, my Luna- Beauty just give the phone to Harpo. P-please, just. Beauty Brass! Holy shit! Stop talking about Vinyl and Octavia getting married! Just listen to me! Oh, my Celestia- Beau-"

"Why would I propose to Octy if Lyra and Bonnie aren't even married?" Vinyl yelled, causing Lyra to look at her with terrified eyes.

There was a long silence on the phone before an ear bleeding sequel came out, making Lyra practically throw the phone away from her.

"Yep!" Vinyl yelled once the squealing was done, "And we'll maybe talk about Lyra and Bonnie getting married if you go to the party with Harpo at Nightfall, eight tonight!"

"We'll be there!" Beauty Brass yelled from the phone before it hung up.

Vinyl pulled out her list and quickly checked off the for ponies who they'd just finished inviting.

"I-I hate you so much right now I can't even describe it," Lyra stated coldly, making Vinyl grin, "There will be a reckoning."

"Yeah, yeah. Good luck with that," Vinyl said waving her hoof, "Let's just move on to the next few calls we have to make.

Lyra sighed, "Who's left?"

Vinyl looked down at her list, "Sassaflash, Lucky Streak, Remedy Cure, Neon, and.... that's it!"

Lyra raised her eyebrow, "Shouldn't you also invite Octavia and your families?"

"Nah," Vinyl replied, waving her hoof, "Old ponies are so boring."

Lyra just rolled her eyes.

Vinyl quickly pulled out her phone, "Alright, so I'll call Lucky Streak and Sassaflash, and you can call Remedy Cure and Neon."

Vinyl started to dial only for Lyra to interrupt her.

"Great plan but one problem. I don't have Remedy Cure's number."

Vinyl opened and closed her mouth a few times, "Shit, I don't either."

Vinyl then started to grin, "But I know who does."

Lyra's eyes went wide, "Oh hell no! I am NOT calling Beauty Brass again!"

"But Beaut is the only one other than Octy who has her number!" Vinyl whined.

"Not true! Symphony AND Sassaflash have her number!"

"Symphony is too busy having sex with Fredric," Vinyl explained, "And Sassaflash.... Uh..... crap."

Lyra smirked.

"Wow, you're a killjoy."

"Yeah, yeah. Let's see what you say when Beauty Brass is freaking out over your wedding plans."

Vinyl rolled her eyes before dialing Sassaflash's number.

It rang once before she picked up.

"Yo," Sassaflash greeted.

"Hey, it's Vinyl. Wanna go to a party at Nightfall, eight tonight?"

"Hell yeah, I do!" Sassaflash exclaimed.

"Alright, sweet. Could you also text Remedy Cure about it so that she'll come there?”

"I gotchu," Sassaflash replied.

"Alright, thanks, dude, see you then."

With that said, Vinyl hung up the phone.

"Well, that was easy," Vinyl commented, "How's this conversation going for you Lyra-"

"No Neon, you can't bring drugs!" Lyra exclaimed, her hoof against her face, "Why? Because it's a bad idea! My Luna, just go to the party, okay?" Lyra paused as Neon said something, "Okay, cool, see you then."

Once she hung up, Lyra sighed, "Why do I get all the crazy ponies?"

Vinyl laughed, which Lyra quickly joined in.

"Alight, just one more call and we're all good!" Vinyl exclaimed.

~•~•~•~•~

After another few hours, mostly delayed due to how much Caramel was sobbing and protesting, the case was nearly over.

Once they had all seated themselves, the judge talked about the conditions of the divorce with them, as they went over exactly what was going to happen with certain things once they were separated.

The whole time, Octavia was silently freaking out, thankfully, Remedy Cure stayed cool and calm throughout the whole thing, even when Caramel continued to be a nuisance.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of talking about money, property, and health, the judge finally finished.

"You two are now officially divorced," The judge announced.

Octavia had to use all her strength to not start crying tears of joy right there.

However, Caramel didn't try.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" He screamed the loudest Octavia had ever heard before he then banged his hooves against the table and continued to sob.

Remedy Cure titled her head towards the exit, signally to Octavia that they should go.

Octavia nodded her head and the two snuck out.

Once they were outside the courtroom, Octavia quickly pulled Remedy Cure into a bone crushing hug before she broke down and started crying tears of joy.

"Thank you, thank you so much!" Octavia exclaimed through tears.

Remedy Cure rubbed her back, "I'm glad I could help."

Remedy Cure looked down, tears forming in her eyes while Octavia continued to hug her.

I did it.

I helped her.

Just like how other ponies should have helped me.

The two stayed there for a little longer before they finally broke the hug.

Octavia wiped the tears from her eyes, smiling all the while.

"While we're here, do you want to get a restraining order from Caramel?"

Octavia shook her head, "No, but I will return here soon with Vinyl to get her one."

"That makes sense," Remedy Cure agreed, "But are you sure it's safe that you don't get one?"

Octavia sighed, "I already feel a little bad for Caramel, I don't want to make it even worse."

Remedy Cure just looked at Octavia unsure.

"Alright, fine. I'll do it when I take Vinyl here to get one."

"Thank you," Remedy Cure said, pleased with herself.

The two walked outside and down the stairs of the courthouse. There, they found Vinyl standing, waiting for Octavia.

"Hey, Tav-"

Vinyl would never get the chance to finish that sentence as Octavia suddenly kissed Vinyl on the lips.

Vinyl reflexively started kissing back while Remedy Cure watched the two happily.

Once they broke the kiss, Vinyl smirked.

"I could get used to that."

Octavia giggled, "Don't. It's not going to happen very often."

Vinyl laughed, "So, I'm guessing it went well."

Octavia smiled and nodded, "It went perfectly."

"Awesome!" Vinyl cheered, making Octavia smile.

Octavia then looked over at Remedy Cure, "Do you think we should get the restraining order now?"

"Well, you need evidence as to why you don't want Caramel near you two, so I suggest waiting."

Octavia nodded her head.

Vinyl then took out her phone and looked at the time.

"Shit! Tavi, we gotta go!"

"Uh, al- oh!" Octavia exclaimed as Vinyl started dragging her, "Vinyl! Ugh! Bye, Remedy Cure!"

"Oh, Remedy Cure! Sassaflash texted you!" Vinyl called.

"Wait, you didn't tell anypony about the divorce? Did you?" Octavia asked, looking at Vinyl.

Vinyl smirked, "Nope, don't worry babe you still get to tell everypony the great news!"

Meanwhile, Remedy Cure watched the two ponies until they were out of sight. Once they were gone, Remedy Cure quickly checked her phone.

'Yo Remedy, Vinyl says there is going to be a party at Nightfall at eight tonight. You better go or Imma be pissed.'

Remedy Cure just shook her head at Sassaflash's odd way of texting. She then looked towards the direction Vinyl and Octavia had vanished to and smiled.

A surprise party for Octavia, Vinyl? You're definitely much sweeter than I first assumed. I better get there fast.

With that thought in mind, Remedy Cure quickly hailed a taxi.

~•~•~•~•~

"Vinyl, we've been walking for almost an hour now!" Octavia exclaimed.

Vinyl laughed, "What's wrong Octy? I thought I was the unathletic one."

Octavia rolled her eyes, "That's not the problem. I just don't understand what you're trying to do."

Vinyl put her hoof around Octavia, "Maybe I just want to walk about Mainhatten with my newly divorced marefriend."

Octavia sighed happily before leaning into Vinyl, "Flattery will only get you so far."

"Hey, we've been dating for a long time, something tells me that flattery isn't going to stop taking me far."

Octavia just rolled her eyes again.

"Also we're here babe," Vinyl announced.

Octavia looked up to see that they were at the same nightclub Octavia first saw Vinyl perform at.

"Nightfall? Why are we here?" Octavia questioned looking at a smirking Vinyl.

"Well, let's go in and see," Vinyl replied before leading her marefriend inside.

Meanwhile, a few minutes before that, everypony who was invited by Lyra and Vinyl were sitting inside the club next to the bar area.

"Lyra, why is Beauty Brass looking at us like she is going to burst from joy?" Bon Bon asked, looking over at Lyra.

Lyra just laughed nervously, "Ignore her, please."

"Of course Vinyl would invite us to something and not even show up," Fredric commented.

"It's a surprise Fredric," Symphony explained, "Vinyl is probably out getting Octavia."

"Jeez, calm down Freddie, she'll be here," Sassaflash commented.

"I'm surprised that we all got here so early, yet we're still complaining that Vinyl is not here," Lucky Streak pointed out.

"Yes, we just need to be patient," Remedy Cure agreed.

Right when that was said, Octavia and Vinyl entered the nightclub.

"Hey, Octavia!" Everypony greeted, making Octavia freeze in shock.

"W-what are you all doing here?" Octavia asked.

"Vinyl invited us and gave no context!" Beauty Brass exclaimed.

"She DID," Symphony corrected, "To cheer Octavia up because today is her and Caramel's anniversary."

"I still believe that's a bullshit response," Fredric argued.

"Same here," Lucky Streak agreed.

While the ponies debated for the true reason Vinyl had invited them there, Remedy Cure made eye contact with Octavia. The two shared a smile.

Suddenly, everypony heard Vinyl speaking.

"Hey, everypony!" Vinyl greeted, causing the crowd to cheer, "DJ PON3 is here to party! Tonight's show is dedicated to my marefriend, Octavia!"

With that said, Vinyl started playing a song, and the crowd immediately started dancing to it.

Octavia blushed in embarrassment when she heard her name get called, however, it overjoyed her.

She then turned towards her friends who were all just looking over at Octavia confused.

"I'm officially divorced from Caramel!" Octavia exclaimed happily.

All of her friend's jaws dropped. After a second of recovery, everypony flooded over towards Octavia.

Everypony asked her questions, congratulated her and so on.

"Seriously guys?"

Everypony turned to find that Vinyl had returned from her spot at the DJ stand and she was now standing there.

"It's time to party!"

Octavia response was to kiss Vinyl smack dab in front of everypony, to which the whole club cheered on.

Once they broke the kiss, everypony headed to the bar and started ordering drinks.

Once they all had their drinks, they made a toast to Octavia's divorce and drank.

"I still can't believe it's finally happened," Octavia admitted.

"That's not surprising," Symphony commented.

"Are you excited?!" Beauty Brass exclaimed.

Octavia laughed, "Of course!"

Bon Bon smiled, "Good."

"Damn, you ponies REALLY know how to party."

That voice.

Octavia's head snapped up behind the bar, where a mare stood, juggling three glasses.

"M-Moonshine?!" Octavia exclaimed:

"Who?" Everypony asked confused.

"Hey! You remember me!" Moonshine cheered, "Yes, it is I, Moonshine, the queen of Tartarus."

"What?" Beauty Bras asked confused.

"Nah, I'm kidding! Does nopony else here know who I am?" Moonshine asked.

Everypony else shook their heads.

"Well, let's see. I was the bartender at Vinyl's gig-"

"No, you weren't! You locked the bartender in the closet!" Octavia exclaimed.

Moonshine chuckled, "Yeah, it took A LOT of laughing gas to knock him out. Anyway, I was also that voice in that Halloween house you four went in. Oh, and I also like, called Remedy Cure once or whatever, and I was that voice in the mansion!"

Vinyl's eyes went wide, "WHAT?!"

"Voice?" Bon Bon questioned, raising her eyebrow towards her friends.

"I was also the pony who invited you all to that mansion!"

This, made everypony to freeze. Their jaws dropped and their eyes wide.

"Y-YOU DID THAT?!" Fredric yelled.

"Yep! The jigs up!" Moonshine replied, "I'm also the greatest matchmaker in the land!"

"Hey! I'M the greatest matchmaker in the land!" Beauty Brass argued, "Give me one good couple you've put together!"

Moonshine pointed towards Lucky Streak and Remedy Cure who were passionately making out.

Vinyl and Sassaflash fell out of their chairs laughing at this, while everypony looked on in shock.

Beauty Brass blinked before quickly turning towards Moonshine, "Teach me your ways, master."

Moonshine shrugged, "Alcohol, mostly."

Octavia facehoofed.

"Well, I think that's enough for my Camino," Moonshine stated, "I hope you both have a great time together! Oh, wait. I already know what will happen, bye!"

"Wait no!" Everypony yelled before Moonshine teleported away, leaving the group confused.

"Well, that was weird," Vinyl commented after a minute of silence.

Everypony just nodded.

Finally, Lucky Streak and Remedy Cure stopped making out.

Remedy Cure then sighed sadly, “What am I going to do about my documentary.”

“Documentary?” A yellow pegasus asked with a light blue mane.

“Yeah, it’s about my friend having an affair with a DJ because her husband is a bitch,” Remedy Cure explained drunkenly .

“What’s wrong with it?” The pegasus asked.

“Well my dear…” Remedy Cure waited for the mare to finish.

“Gamertag,” The mare announced.

“My dear Gamertag, I have no time to finish it!” Remedy Cure exclaimed.

“Well… Maybe I can finish it? Well, I could make it a book if you want,” Gamertag offered, “I’ve been trying to improve my writing.”

Remedy Cure smiled, “That would be perfect.”

"So, shall we party?" Sassaflash asked.

With that said, everypony got up and went towards the dance floor. The start to an amazing night.

~•~•~•~•~

"Thanks," Caramel sighed as he was handed the ticket.

The stallion walked towards his track, attempting to not cry.

After a few minutes, the train rushed into the station. As ponies rushed out, Caramel entered the train, ignoring ponies who pushed past him.

He found his seat next to a stallion.

Caramel sighed, I don't even get the window seat.

He seated himself and waited.

"The train is now making it's way to Canterlot!" The train conductor announced.

As the train started moving, Caramel started to sniffle, it was the most pain he'd ever been in.

"Are you alright?" The stallion asked, putting down his newspaper.

"Mind your own business," Caramel hissed.

"Yeah, no," The stallion replied, "If you're going to be crying for the whole ride than I want to know what the hell is wrong."

Caramel sighed, "You know what? Fuck it. I just lost the love of my life to a DJ."

The stallion raised his eyebrow, "And how did this happen?"

"They had an affair against me since Octavia kept wanting to get a divorce!" Caramel growled, "She's such a traitor."

The stallion sighed, looking sad, "I've felt like that before."

Caramel looked over at the stallion, looking slightly surprised.

"There was this mare I was married to," The stallion chuckled, "I treated her like utter shit. I was so mad when she left me, I hit her!"

"What?!" Caramel exclaimed, "Even I never hit Octavia!"

"I know! Listen, we all have things we regret okay?" The stallion explained, "She was my everything. Honestly, I still wish that I could see her again."

"Listen," The stallion started, "Take this as a note on your behavior. You need to move on and maybe one day, you'll be able to make it up to Octavia."

Caramel scoffed, "What do you know?!"

With that said, Caramel got up and sat somewhere else.

The stallion sighed before looking out the window.

"I miss you, Remedy Cure."

~•~•~•~•~

"Thank you for inviting everypony Vinyl, it was very sweet," Octavia said, her head against Vinyl's chest as the two lay on the bed.

"Anytime babe," Vinyl replied.

Octavia sighed, "You know you're going to have to help me move my things in here tomorrow?"

"Oh joy," Vinyl said sarcastically.

Octavia chuckled before she turned herself to face Vinyl.

"How about I make it up to you?" Octavia asked seductively.

Octavia took Vinyl's increase in breathing as a yes as she moves in to kiss Vinyl.

Sixteen years ago today she thought she had had her fairytale ending. But it turns out it was only the start of the adventure. This was the fairy tale ending she wanted. Sure it wasn't a normal story or even a normal ending, but she didn't care. She'd found love, and she was happy.

Epilogue

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A small white unicorn mare ran down the halls excitedly. As she passed the large windows of the apartment, her gray and light blue mane glowed off the sunlight.

Once she had made it to her destination, she opened the door. Her red eyes scanned the room until they landed on two lumps on the bed.

The mare ran before jumping on top one of the lumps. Said lump made an "oof!" noise before groaning.

"Remix, what in Equestria are you doing here?" Octavia questioned, extremely tired.

"What am I doing in here? Sweet Melody, Lyra, and Bon Bon are going to be here soon!" Remix exclaimed.

"They aren't going to be here until" Octavia froze as she looks at the clock.

Oh bloody hell, I overslept!

"Remix, would you mind making me some coffee?" Octavia asked.

"Already done!" Remix exclaimed.

Octavia smiled before kissing her daughter on the head, "Thank you, sweetie. I'll be out there soon."

Remix squealed with excitement before rushing outside once again.

"And you said teaching her how to make us coffee was a bad idea."

Octavia sighed, "Good morning Vinyl."

"Sup, babe," Vinyl greeted as she turned toward Octavia.

"I also still stand by what I said," Octavia explained, "She is only ten after all."

Vinyl just smirked before leaning in to kiss her wife.

Octavia, of course, stopped her.

"I'm not kissing you until you brush your teeth," Octavia reminded.

"Awww," Vinyl pouted, "Not even today?"

Octavia smiled, "You actually remember what today is?"

Vinyl smirked, "May fifth, our anniversary. How could I forget?"

Octavia raised her eyebrow, "Well, you've forgotten about last year."

"Y-yeah, that's true. But this year is important!"

"And why is that, my love?" Octavia questioned.

"Because it's our fifteenth anniversary," Vinyl grinned.

Octavia's eyes went wide, "Oh my Celestia."

"We should call it the year of the Caramel."

Octavia laughed, "Don't even joke!"

While at this moment the two had been talking about Caramel, in actuality Caramel was a topic almost never mentioned. He would be mentioned at most once or twice a year.

Vinyl just smirked before she started kissing a now giggling Octavia.

The two continued to kiss each other repeatedly before they heard,

"Are you guys done making out?! The coffee's getting cold!"

"She is way too smart for her age," Octavia stated.

Vinyl smirked, "She got that from you."

"And she got her energy from you," Octavia teased, "A dangerous combination."

With that said, the two finally left their bedroom, Vinyl grabbing her glasses and Octavia grabbing her bow tie. While Octavia went into the bathroom to freshen up, Vinyl went into the kitchen to drink her coffee.

"Morning Remix," Vinyl greeted, ruffling the filly's mane.

Remix giggled, "Morning mom!"

Vinyl smirked before taking a sip of her coffee and starting to make breakfast.

After a few minutes, Octavia exited the bathroom, with her pink bow tie on and her mane in its normal state.

Octavia took a sip of her coffee and sighed, "Thank you for making these, Remix."

"No problem, Mum!" Remix replied before seating herself at the table. Octavia quickly started to set the table before she seated herself next to her daughter. Vinyl followed after Octavia and the three started eating breakfast.

~•~•~•~•~

Once the three of them were done eating, the door buzzed and of course, Lyra, Bon Bon, and Sweet Melody entered.

Sweet Melody was a small green filly with a white, pink, and purple mane. She was also a unicorn, who was the same age as Remix.

The two fillies hugged one another while Lyra and Bon Bon sat next to Octavia and Vinyl on the couch.

"Happy anniversary you two!" Bon Bon exclaimed.

"Thank you, Bon Bon," Octavia thanked.

"Yeah, thanks, Bonnie," Vinyl seconded.

"How was your anniversary?" Octavia questioned.

When Octavia finally got her divorce from Caramel, almost a week after Lyra proposed to Bon Bon. Lyra, of course, had help from Vinyl and Beauty Brass (against her will).

Vinyl ended up proposing to Octavia almost two years after the divorce, on of course May fifth. This meant that the four mares had anniversaries extremely close to one another. Once Lyra and Bon Bon were married, the two ended up moving to ponyvillie.

The four mares continued to speak, however, their minds started to wonder slightly and they found themselves hearing in on their fillies conversation.

"Wow, you have a crush on the new mare?" Sweet Melody exclaimed.

"Shut up!" Remix exclaimed, a large blush forming on her face.

"Well I mean I guess she's kind of cool," Sweet Melody admitted, "But her stepfather is really weird."

"Caramel?" Remix asked.

"You know his name?! Are you stalking them?" Sweet Melody asked with a smirk.

"What?! No!" Remix replied, her blush growing, "She just told me!"

The four mares looked at one another.

"No bucking way," Vinyl whispered.

"Vinyl! Language!" Octavia scolded.

"Did you guys ever get those restraining orders?" Bon Bon asked, concerned.

Vinyl blinked, "Shit I knew I forgot something."

"Vinyl!" Octavia hissed.

"Well, you know what they say," Lyra started, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree."

I guess I'll never really get my fairytale ending, Octavia thought to herself in realization, no one really ever will. Life just doesn't work like that, we have our ups and downs, but the trick is, always fight for the ups.

Octavia looked over at Vinyl and smiled before grabbing Vinyl's hoof.

Because you never know how far that up it'll take you.