> Like a Broken Record > by HeartBeat > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1: Sad Songs > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1: Sad Songs "Just get the hay out of here!" Daizy yelled as she threw my bags out the door. "Please! Why can't you believe me?" I begged. "I just can't anymore! We're through!" She finished, slamming the door in my face. I took a deep breath and began to trot away from Daizy's house. This was the 5th time we had a fight. And there is no chance of us getting back together this time. I looked in my bag to see my house key and some bits. My first instinct told me to head home and forget the rest. I followed that and continued to trot to my house. I suddenly heard loud base thumps that echoed through the night's street. Looking around for the source of the sound, I see a neon sign hanging above a set of open doors. "The Sugar Club" was displayed on the blue and purple neon sign. I occasionally came here for a drink, if I ever felt the need of one. My head was pounding with anger, so I thought a drink would be my medicine tonight. Trotting through the open doors, I ignore all of the happy ponies and hop onto a barstool. I look at the barpony and I give him a nod. He turns to the rows of bottles behind him and begins making my drink. He turned back to me and poured the light blue liquid into the glass. I set down the bits for the drink and he scooped them up. Taking a sip, I feel the burning in the back of my throat from the strong liquor. I guess some things can drive you to drinking. My reason, is that my relationships aren't going as well as they used to. Daizy, my most recent ex, had got into an argument with me, for some reason she thought I never loved her. As much as I tried to please her, she was never satisfied. But I'm trying my best to move on, by dousing the sorrow in alcohol. This is never a great way to forget my problems, but for some reason, I never went anywhere else for a drink. This club was always filled with many ponies of the night-life. Every time I come here, there is live music. Tonight is a famous DJ who is pretty well known in Ponyville. Her stage name is DJ Pon3, and nopony knows what her name really is. Maybe I just come here for the music instead of the drinks. I finish my drink and push the glass away. The barpony returns to me and takes the glass up. I turn in my chair to see the dance floor crowded by all of the happy ponies. The room was full of purple, green, and blue lights. Some of the ponies had glowing bracelets and necklaces that would glow when the lights flashed on and off. I looked around and saw Daizy entering the club. I felt the need to confront her, until I saw her turn to the doors behind her. A large blue stallion entered the door and he smiled at her. He wrapped a hoof around my ex and I felt like jumping off a building. Trying my best to ignore them, I turn back to the bar and place more bits on the counter. The barpony placed another glass in front of me and filled it again. This time, I knock my head back and drink the whole thing down. My stomach didn't take too kindly to that, because now it felt like exploding. I closed my eyes and set my head on a hoof, trying to calm my throbbing headache. "Hey, pal? You alright?" The bartender asks. "Huh? Oh. Yeah I'm okay." I lied setting my head back on my hoof. "Alright, just tell me if ya' need anything." He said, returning to the many bottles behind him. I began to calm down again and heard Daizy's voice near me. I heard some giggles and a chuckle next to me and I opened my eyes. I look slightly to my left and see Daizy laughing with her date. He tapped his hoof on the bar and the barpony set down two glasses and poured in the liquid. The stallion gave the barpony a smile and a wink. He nodded and put something in one of the glasses. I let out a small chuckle at the sight. He didn't love her, but just wanted her wasted enough to get in Daizy's bed. Playing the "Cold-Hearted Pony" card, I just let it happen. Something burned in me to stop it, but I wanted her to know how it feels to really not be loved. They both drank down their shots and Daizy instantly looked drunk. I turned my gaze away from the "happy couple" and looked down at my empty glass. I closed my eyes again to just try and forget the past few months I spent with her. "Hey... Hey, pal. Wake up!" I felt nudging on my shoulder and I looked up. Apparently I had fallen asleep and most of the ponies have left the club. I looked around and saw on the clock how late it was. "Closing time, Friend." The barpony told me. "Ah... Okay, I'll be on my way." I mumbled shaking the sleep out of my eyes. I hopped of the barstool and saw a mare going back and forth on the stage. I began to move to the stage and thought it was just the stage-hoofs moving the DJ's equipment off. She had been trying to move this rather large speaker off the stage. I climbed up and approached her. "Need a helping hoof?" I asked the mare. "I'd really appreciate that." She said turning to me. I saw that it was the DJ herself. Her red eyes glowed in the lights as she looked up to me. I smiled and nodded to her. The speaker box seemed to weigh as much as a house. After a few attempts, we got the speaker backstage and I leaned against the box as soon as we set it down. My stomach began to churn and I closed my eyes and leaned over. "Hey, are you okay?" She asked, placing a hoof on my back. "Yeah, the drinks were just getting to me." I said, sitting back up. "Yeah, they can do that. You must have drank alot, so whats the occasion?" She asked with a smile growing on her face. "Well, lets just say that some relationships can end better." I said looking at the floor and frowning. "Oh..." Her smile faded and she began to scratch the back of her head. "Hey, maybe we can hang out sometime?" She asked. Hope began to fill my head, but faded as quickly as it came. I thought that the only reason she wanted to hang out, was because she felt sorry for me. I lowered my head. "I don't want you to do things for me because you feel sorry for me." I said sitting on my haunches. "That's not why I wanted to hang out! You seem like a pretty cool dude." She said lifting up my head. "I don't know..." I said looking away again. "Well can I get your name?" She asked me. "I'm Snow Storm." I told her. "I'm Vinyl Scratch." She said, holding out a hoof. I gently shook her hoof with a smile on my face. " "Well, it's been a pleasure meeting ya. If you change your mind, here's my address." She said handing me a piece of paper with an address scribbled on it. "Um, thanks." I said, placing the paper in my bag. "Yep, well I'll see ya' around." She said waving and leaving through the back door. I waved back and got off the stage. The club was now empty and all of the ponies are gone. The lights have turned off and the only source of light were the dim stage lights. I trotted to the door, and for some reason, I couldn't keep a smile off my face. The trot home was cold, but I didn't mind the fresh air. My head was now cleared and I had began to feel sober. Although I told Vinyl I wasn't that interested, I began to wonder if I should take her up on that offer. I threw my bags on the couch and slowly trotted upstairs. I looked at my comfortable bed and collapsed on it. I was far too relaxed to even pull the covers over me. Luna's moon glowed through the window as I began to drift into a peaceful sleep. >Author's note: Okay, so here is what I will be working on for a while. I hope this will satisfy some of you readers out there, and if not, PLEASE tell me. I appreciate all of the feedback that I get, because it helps my horrible writing become something decent. Please leave comments and suggestions. Everything is much appreciated. > Chapter 2: Getting to Know Her > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 2: Getting to Know Her My head instantly began to throb as I opened my eyes. No doubt the drinks were coming to bite me back. Letting out a yawn, I trotted to the kitchen to look for medicine. I grabbed the green bottle of pills and swallowed two down with a glass of water. The pantry had a selection of food, but I instantly went for an apple. The apple didn't last long, because I hadn't eaten in quite some time. I was so tired from last night, I skipped dinner. I laid out on the couch and knocked over my bags. The contents spread over the floor and I looked down at a familiar piece of paper. I picked it up and unfolded it. I felt an unexpected smile grow on my face as I looked at the address of Vinyl's home. Setting the paper down, I sat up and held my hooves behind my head. The thought of something like another relationship burned in my head. I hated the thought of this ending up like Daizy and I. But I felt something with her. Something that I haven't felt with Daizy. The paper fell off the table and landed right in front of me. "Alright... Buck it." I said grabbing the paper and moving towards the door. The town seemed full of happy ponies who were enjoying their day. I occasionally got a "good afternoon" from some of them. I trotted down the street that was listed on the paper. Counting the houses, I found Vinyls's at the end of the road. I should have know it would have been the house with music that can be heard from a block away. I gave the doorbell a ring and the music seemed to fade. A unfamiliar pony answered the door. It was a light brown pony with purple eyes. "Hi. Is Vinyl here?" I asked, the mare. "Of course, just a second." She closed the door and a few moments later, Vinyl appeared at the door way. "Hey! You decided to stop by!" She said, looking surprised. "Of course. I thought that I should get to know a little more." I said, feeling a little strange at what I said. "Oh. Well, I'm kinda busy at the moment. But, if you want, we can catch dinner tonight. Maybe we can catch up then?" She said, letting a little blush color her white cheeks. "That could work." I said, smiling at her. "Alright come back around 8, okay?" She said looking happy. "Sure thing! See ya then." I turned away and heard the door close. The music picked back up again and I began to trot down the path back to the dirt road. Suddenly I was stopped by the mare who answered the door. "Listen, I hope your good enough for her. Her last few relationships, were torn to shreds and I was the one who always has to help her back up." She told me, looking completely serious. "I assure you, that there will be no problem. For what I can tell so far, she is a really nice mare." I assured her. "Somehow, I am having a hard time believing you. And if you tear her heart out, I'll come for you." she threatened and turned back. I stood in the road, speechless and somewhat afraid. I shook my. Head and began to trot back to my house. My head was fogged with worry and doubt. I felt a hoof tap my shoulder and I turned to see my good friend, Flare. "Yo! I've been saying things to you for about 3 blocks. You okay?" He said with a raised brow. "Yeah, I just got... A lot on my mind." I lied to him. "Okay? I heard what happened to you and Daizy." I was amazed at how fast things get around this town, especially relationships. "Yeah... But I've met a new mare. And I think this can go somewhere." I said with a smile "Okay, so do you want to get a few drinks?" He said pointing down to a bar. "Oh, hay no." My stomach began to churn at the thought of more drinks. "Maybe some other time." "You're missing out, I'll see ya round." He said trotting to the bar. "See ya!" I smiled and continued to my house. The snow had finally began to fall around me, sprinkling on the roads of the busy town. I loved winter because of the holidays and the weather. I may be the only one who enjoys the cold air, than just the snow that comes with it. I reached my house and lit the fireplace inside. The fire shot up the chimney and glowed in the partially dark room. I looked out the window and saw the little ponies play in the snow. They remind me of when I was a young colt, having the best of time in the snow. I looked over to the clock and saw that it was about 6:30. Time flys when you doze out and reminisce in memories. I hopped in the warm shower and let the water soak my mane. After a few minutes, I get out and comb down my mane. The air in my house was warm and comforting against the cold outside. I watched as the time ticked to 8. Excited, I hop off the couch and put out the fire. I grabbed a scarf from the rack and threw it around my neck. I picked up my saddle bags off the floor and tightened it around me. I opened the door and a bast of cold air flew into the house. Locking the door behind me, I took a deep breath and watched the burst of fog come from my muzzle. I trotted to Vinyl's house with a big grin on my face. Even though I felt nervous, I felt more excited. I guess that I'm pretty confident things will work out. But then worry took over and I begin to pray that I wont buck things up. I arrived at her door and heard no music this time. The knock on the door was responded with a little squeal and quick hoof-steps. The door swung open and I saw Vinyl's glowing red eyes. "Hey! Let's get going!" She said excited. "Sure!" I said with a smile. She closed the door and she began to trot down the snow covered road. The streetlights turned on one-by-one and lit up the streets. The snow had slowed to small flutters. "So, where are we heading?" I asked her. "Hm... Well, we could go to this pretty cool shop that I know about." She said scratching her head. "Sounds good to me." I said feeling a little excited. We trotted together in the cold night to the shop. The snow crunched underneath our hooves. Some ponies were still out playing in the snow. A few couples sat together and nuzzled one another for warmth. We arrived at a coffee shop that had a pretty big fireplace in it. We trotted inside and headed to the counter. "Hey Opal. Can I get my usual cup?" Vinyl said to the pony behind the counter. "Sure thing. And what would you like sir?" He said turning to me. "Hmm... I'll just have a cup of hot chocolate, please." I said looking at the large menu of drinks. "Alrighty, go ahead and have a seat and I'll bring you your drinks." He said turning to the machines behind him. Vinyl turned to a large red couch that was against the wall. I sat next to her and she turned to me. I looked into her red eyes and smiled. "So, what do you like to do?" She asked me. "Hmm..." I brought a hoof to my chin to think. "Well, I like to relax and watch the weather outside. Like just earlier, I sat for a few hours watching the snow fall. Kinda boring I guess." "Not at all! I do that sometimes to just think about things." She said smiling. "Okay, what do you like to do?" I asked, feeling kinda lame for asking the same question. "I like to make music." She said plainly. "Right, your a pretty famous producer." I laughed, remembering how I met her. "Nah, I'm not that big." She said modestly. "Are your kidding? I hear about you all the time!" I told her. She smiled and her cheeks flushed red. The waiter placed the cups in front of us and placed the receipt on the table. I reached down to grab the piece of paper and so did Vinyl. I quickly snatched it up before she could and I looked down at the paper. I was a little surprised at how cheep the drinks were. The scenery should add a little to the price, but it was only 15 bits. I reached into my bag and placed the bits on the receipt. Vinyl smiled at me and used her magic to bring her cup to her mouth. I reached down for mine and took a gulp. Almost spraying the burning liquid off my tongue, I put a hoof over my mouth and let out a small groan in pain. Vinyl covered her smile with a hoof and giggled at me. My face had turned red and the pain finally died down. "I forgot it was going to be hot." I told her, taking a much smaller sip. "Yeah, I could tell." She laughed again. "So you have met Octavia, my roommate?" She said taking another sip. "Yeah, wait... Octavia, the famous Canterlot Cellist?" I asked placing my drink down. "That's the one." She said with a smile. "Why?" "No reason, it's just that you two are really famous and I've never would have guessed that you two live together." I said, picking my drink back up. "Oh... Hm, ya know, I never thought of that!" She laughed. Its a lot of fun talking to Vinyl. We told each other a lot of things before we relaxed. We finished our drinks and left the shop. The night's air had really gotten colder. The moon had began to shine through the thin clouds above. We began our trot back to Vinyls home and the wind blew hard against our fur. Vinyl let out a long shiver and clenched her teeth from chattering. I looked over to the freezing cold mare and got an idea. "Here..." I took off my scarf and wrapped it around her neck. She let out a small sigh and she smiled at me. The smile soon faded and a frown appeared. "But what about you? Aren't your cold now?" She worried. "Nah, I don't mind the cold. I grew up in Manehatten, so this is nothing compared to the winters there." I said to her. "Oh, well thank you." She nuzzled my neck. My muscles tensed and my hooves turned to jelly. A sudden burs of warmth covered my body and shivers raced up my spine. Struggling to stand up straight, I looked in her red eyes as they glowed in Luna's moon and smiled. We reached her house and I sat at her front door. She turned to me and winked at me. "Thanks, I'd like to go out again!" She said blushing again. "Sure thing! How about tomorrow afternoon?" I asked. "It's a date. Goodnight Snow." She said and opening her doors. "Goodnight Vinyl." I said softly. I turned to the path back to the dirt road and began to trot. I heard the door open again and the light from inside shined through the path. "Hang on! I forgot to give this back." She said holding out my scarf. "Thanks." I told her. I hadn't actually forgotten about it. I just thought she may want to keep it. "Um..." Vinyl sat in front of me and her cheeks flushed red. "What is it?" I asked her. "N-Nothing... See you tomorrow!" She said dashing back inside the house. I wrapped the scarf around my neck and turned back to the path. I felt confused as why she didn't tell me what was wrong. I felt a little bad about it, because I thought I had done something wrong. The cold air beat against my coat and I began a faster trot back to the warmth of my home. >Author's Note: Man, it took me forever to write this chapter. I hope its not total crap. I, for some reason, want to write a crap ton of fics now. So I have a whole page so far full of ideas of fics. Please leave comments and suggestions! > Chapter 3: Fun with Snow > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 3: Fun with Snow I trotted around the house trying to find my old jacket. I figured a scarf wouldn't hold me up for long if we were going out. I looked in the closet and finally found my coat. I threw it around me and put my hooves through. The collar was snug against my neck, to keep in the warmth. I noticed that there was something in the pockets still. I reached in and pulled out a piece of paper and unfolded it. Dear Snow Storm, I realized that I want to be together still. We have gotten through worse and I want you to give me a chance again. I want- I stopped reading and threw the paper in the trash. It was always about what she wanted, never considering what I wanted. It pained me to see her pleading, even though she was always the one to end it. I don't know why I got back together with her that day. I trotted out of my room and grabbed my scarf off the rack. Outside, the snow had stopped and all of the ponies were out with their families. The schools were out today and the hills were covered with ponies sledding. I smiled and hummed to myself while trotting to Vinyl's house. The path was covered in snow, which made it hard to get to her door. I gave the doorbell a ring and waited. After a minute of waiting I gave it another ring, yet still no answer. I shrugged and turned back. While I wondered why nopony answered, suddenly something cold bursted against my neck. Quickly shaking the cold snow off me, I turned to the laughing ponies behind me. Octavia was giggling and Vinyl was in an all out burst of laughter. I smiled and figured out what our plans were for the day. I leaped behind a pile of snow for cover and picked up a hoof-full. Forming it into a ball, I leaped up and threw the snow at Vinyl who was still laughing on the floor. In one quick movement, Vinyl dodged the snowball as she saw it coming. An evil grin appeared on her face and she slid her glasses over her red eyes. "Oh, it's on! C'mon Tavi!" She said digging her hoof into the snow. Octavia did the same and waited for Vinyl, who was making a much larger snow ball. At the same time, they launched the snow right at me. As Octavia's missed me and hit a tree, Vinyl's felt like a brink hitting my chest. I was shocked at the power this mare had. I dug my hoof in the snow and threw it in the air. Turning around, I bucked the snowball and it launched at Vinyl. The ball exploded into powder against her face. Octavia was shocked and Vinyl was dying of laughter. I picked up another hoof-full and launched it at Octavia. She turned to me with anger in her eyes. I felt a sudden fear as she glared daggers at me. She dug both of her hooves in the snow and began launching snow-balls at me like a machine. I did not expect this at all from a pony who plays a cello. The snowballs whizzed over my head and shattered against the tree. The snowballs stopped and I peeked over the snow wall. I saw the chest of a white mare and I looked up. Vinyl was holding a huge snowball over her head. The size of it could have been as big as a train's wheel. An evil grin appeared over her face again and she dropped the heap of snow over my head. The snow exploded against my head and nearly covered my whole body in snow. Digging my legs out, I saw Vinyl in the snow laughing. Octavia was giggling again and leaning over her wall. "That was fun!" I said sitting on the pile in front of Vinyl. "Sure was!" She said spreading her hooves out to make a snow pony. "Now what?" I asked, landing in the snow next to Vinyl. "How about some hot cocoa?" Octavia said, trotting up to us. "That sounds good to me. How about you Snow?" She said, sitting up in the snow. "A good cup of cocoa sounds nice right now." I said, getting up to my hooves. I followed them inside their home and sat on the couch next to Vinyl. I looked around the beautiful house. The fireplace crackled as it burned in the chilly room. I watched as Octavia returned with the cups. "It's hot, Snow." Vinyl teased me. "I know." I laughed, giving her a playful shove. Octavia sipped her drink with her eyes closed and sat in a rather large chair, big enough for 2 ponies. I looked over to Vinyl who looked over to me and smiled. I almost bursted out of laughter to see some foam was covering her upper lip. "Um, Vinyl? You got a little foam on you lip." I told her, trying to contain myself. "Oh?" She looked down and used her small, pink tongue to lick off the foam. After a few minutes of drinking the rest of the cocoa, all three of us talked. We just had idle chitchat of basic things. I looked at the clock above the fireplace and saw that it was almost 7. "Well, I guess it's getting late. I'd better get going." I said throwing my jacket over me. "Oh, okay. You think we can catch dinner sometime?" Vinyl said, walking me to the door. "Sure! When are you free?" I said, putting on my scarf. "How about Friday?" She said with a smile. "Okay, I'll see you Friday." I said opening the door. She stopped me and turned me around. I looked into those red eyes and again my heart began to beat out of my chest. Vinyl left a small kiss on my cheek and nuzzled my neck. My head began to spin as my body began to warm. The cold air from the open door seemed to vanish. I smiled and looked down to Vinyl who was looking up to me. "Goodnight Vinyl." I said nuzzling her back. "Goodnight, I'll see you Friday." She said. I waved goodbye and Vinyl shut the door. I heard the two mares talking and a squeal sounded from inside. I laughed a little and began to trot home. The setting sun warmed my coat and the snow crunched under my hooves. I trotted to the door to my house and unlocked it. The house was dark and cold. I lit the fireplace and sat on the couch. I laid my jacket and scarf over the arm of the couch and relaxed. I looked out the window and watched the sun set behind the many mountains outside of the town. I began to feel really anxious for Friday to arrive. > Chapter 4: Passing Time > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 4: Passing Time I watched as the wood began to burn away in the fireplace. The snow had began to fall again, adding a new layer of white. A sudden knock on my door startled me. I opened the door to see Flare. He had a big smile on his face and a scarf around his neck. "Hey, whats up?" I asked him opening the door wider. "I just got two tickets to the winter gala! You wanna come?" He asked, holding out two tickets. "How in the hay did you get those?" I asked him. "My parents decided that the gala would be too much for them. So for some reason they gave them to me." He explained. "Do you think you should, I don't know, ask a mare to go with you?" I told him. "Hm.... But who would I ask?" He said tapping his chin with a hoof. "How about that mare you've been telling me so much about?" I asked, thinking of the many times he had spoken about her. "I don't know. She may not say yes." He said scratching his head. "Never hurts to try." I told him. "I guess you're right. I'll go talk to her today." He said looking down at the tickets. "Go get her, friend." I said, patting his back. He dashed out into the snow covered road and was on his way to get the mare of his dreams. I closed the door and returned to the couch. I looked around my house to come up with something to burn some time while I am waiting for tomorrow to come. I trotted around the house to find something that would take a while. My stomach growled and echoed thorough the house. Instantly, I got the idea to make myself something to eat. I opened the pantry and got the bread and a soda. From the fridge, I got some sweet daisy flowers that were wrapped in a bag. I also grabbed some hay and placed it in the oven, just to make them crispy. After a few minutes of preparation, I looked over my masterpiece of a sandwich. The three layers of flowers made my mouth water. The hay fries let out an amazing aroma that made my stomach growl again. Just as I was about to take a bite, I loud banging on the door interrupted me. Sighing, I placed the sandwich on the plate and opened the door. "Hey man..." Flare said, holding the tickets in his mouth. "Whats up, did you chicken out?" I teased. "No... She is going with somepony else." He said. "Oh, that's a bummer." I said, sitting in front of him. "Here," He placed the tickets in my hoof and smiled up at me. "Take that new mare you met to the gala." "No way, man. These tickets are too much for me to take." I said holding the tickets back out. "Nope. You take them. I'm not a dancer anyway." He said backing up. "Well... Thanks. I owe you big time." I said looking down at the two tickets. "I'll see you around, Snow." He began to trot away. "See ya, and thanks again!" I said, closing the door. I looked down at the two tickets and couldn't believe it. I got two tickets to the winter gala in Canterlot. And I have a chance to go with Vinyl. I set the tickets on the table and looked over to the kitchen. "Now. About that sandwich..." I returned to my seat and delved into my delicious meal. It didn't seem to last long because of my hunger. I looked out the window and chewed on a piece of hay. The snow sprinkled around the neighborhood. I looked over to a mountain and saw a rather large hill. Ponies of all ages were sledding down the steep slope. I got an idea that may cheer up Flare with his failed attempt with that mare. I threw my coat around me and tightened down my scarf. I grabbed something out from my shed and was off to Flare's house. I approached his door and knocked on it a few times. The colt answered the door and gave me a depressing smile. I held up the sled in front of me and smiled. "Let's go sledding, and get a few drinks to warm us up afterwards!" I said, trying to excite him. "Hm... I guess? Isn't sledding for little ponies?" He said grabbing his coat. "Hay no! This is the most fun thing to do during winter!" I said, sarcastically. "Okay, I guess I'll grab my sled then we'll head out." He said returning into his house. We approached the large hill and began the climb to the top. After a few tiring minutes, we got to the top and collapsed in the snow. Standing back up, we positioned ourselves on the edge of the slope. A competitive expression grew over our faces, as if we were little colts again. "Okay. Last one to the bottom, buys the drinks!" I grinned. "Sounds agreeable." He said, looking down to the bottom. "GO!" We shouted, and launching ourselves down the hill. The snow was kicked up as we sped down the hill. I looked over to see that Flare was laughing as he sped past me. I leaned forward and began to gain on him. He looked over to me and stuck out his tongue. The forest below was approaching at high speeds. Then the greatest question at the time rang in my head. "How the buck do we stop?!" I yelled, smashing into the snow and trees below. I flew a good ten feet before landing face-first in a pile of snow. Flare landed a few feet away from me and we both began to groan in pain. I leaned up and shook my head of the snow. I held a hoof to my aching neck. "Okay, let's just skip ahead to the drinks. Agreed?" I said, trying to get on my hooves. "Agreed." He mumbled, leaning against a tree for support. We somehow managed to get to the bar in one piece. The barpony greeted us and gave us two shots of their special for the day. Not even knowing what was in the drink, we gave a toast and knocked the drinks down. The cold suddenly vanished as the strong alcohol burned at my throat. I looked over to see Flare couching. "Smooth..." Flare roughly said through his coughs. I laughed and began to add our drinks to my tab. A few drinks later, I decided to cut myself off. Flare, on the other hoof, decided to have a cider drinking contest with some work stallion. The large red stallion drank about a whole barrel's worth before Flare gave in. The large stallion bit down again on his piece of hay and returned outside to the cart of apples. I was shocked that he could still stand up straight after drinking so much, but he also managed to haul a cart down the snow covered road. I turned back to see Flare with his face plastered against the bar. I laughed and helped him up. I trotted outside and called a cab to get us to his place. Flare began to sing "Winter Wonderland" and the cabpony and I almost died of laughter. Not only did he forget the lyrics, but his constant hiccups interrupting the song was brilliant. We got to his house and I helped him inside. The cab driver waited in the road for me to return. I opened his door and Flare collapsed on the couch. Of course, he instantly fell asleep and I trotted out the door. The cab driver took me home and I payed for the trip. I entered my house and looked around. The dark room was welcoming. I was far too tired to do anything else. So, I went upstairs and crawled under the covers. I blinked a few times and let a heavy slumber take over. >Author's Note: Okay, so if you haven't read my most recent blog post, I am very happy to wake up to 22 new notifications. It makes me very happy to know that there are someponies out there who really like my fics. This story will continue for a few more chapters, unless I come up with more story to tell. I hope that my editor will start to look over my stories again, I kinda miss him :c But Flare is his OC and I thought he may find it quite humorous as I make him seem. Anyway, please leave any feedback for me. Everything is really appreciated. > Chapter 5: A Proper Date > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 5: A Proper Date I glared down at the tickets as they teased me to run straight to Vinyl and ask her to come with me. I put the tickets back down on the table and continued to eat my breakfast. I set the empty bowl in the sink and turned to the window. The sun had began to shine through a break in the clouds. I saw ponies decorating the town for the festival that will be held here. Unfortunately, the gala was at the time of the town's winter parade. I smiled and looked over to my coat rack. I threw the hood over my head and began to trot to the market. I decided that I should probably look nice for our date tonight. So I entered a small clothes shop that had many shirts and coats for sale. I looked around and found a nice collard shirt for 55 bits. As much as it was, I think it was worth the money. I trotted outside and folded up the shirt and placed it in my bag. I noticed a familiar face in a coffee shop sitting with some mare. Moving a bit closer, I see that Flare was having a lively conversation with her. I laughed a little and continued down the road. Back at my house, I brushed back my mane. Which didn't look good at all. So I brushed it back down and put my hooves through the sleeves of my new shirt. I buttoned it up and fixed the collar. I wasn't very fond of long-sleeves so I rolled them up. Looking at myself in the mirror, I decided that I didn't look too bad. Shrugging, I turn to the hallway to grab my scarf and bits. I looked in my bags and grabbed the tickets and put them in the shirt pocket. I opened the door and trotted down the road under the sunset. I knocked on the door and began to look behind me, just to check for any more sneak attacks. I set out a small laugh as I heard frantic giggling from inside the house. Vinyl opened the door and greeted me with a big smile. "Hey, Snow. Nice shirt!" She said feeling the collar with a hoof. "Thanks, I just got it today." I said sitting in front of the mare. "Oh that explains it. Hang on, is that the tag in the front pocket?" She said pointing to a corner of one of the tickets in my shirt pocket. "Oh, um... Nah that's for later." I said, trying to push the ticket back down. "Okay?" She said confused. "Shall we get going?" I asked pointing a hoof out to the path. "Alrighty." She said, looking at me with her glowing red eyes. She shut the door and we began our trot into town. We watched as the town had finished decorating and the large tree in town square glowed. Every block held a festive theme that warmed the hearts of ponies who trotted in their roads. We found a nice restaurant that was light entirely by candles. We entered the door and a pony took my scarf and hung it on one of the many racks. We were shown to our seats and sat across from each other in a booth. The other source of light was a large fireplace against the back wall. We looked at the menus for a while and I heard Vinyl mumbling to herself as she frantically looked around the menu. I leaned in closer and heard her softly reading out numbers. It took me some time to find out she was reading the prices of the food. I tapped her on the shoulder. "Get what ever you like. I'm buying." I said, tapping my pocket. "But I don't want to make you spend so much." She said, looking at me with worried eyes. "Nah, it's okay. Get what you want." I said, giving her a smile Vinyl gave me a small smile and looked back down to her menu. I chose a panini that had onions and some assortment of flowers on it, and Vinyl got the potato salad. The waiter gave us our plates and I looked down at the toasted bread. Vinyl looked at the large bowl in front of her that was full of salad. She gave a coy smile and began to eat. We finished our meals and sat together as we finished our wine. I began to feel a little awkward as the date turned out a little too romantic than it should have. I reached into my pocket and pulled out the two tickets and set one of them in front of Vinyl. She almost spat out her wine and held a hoof to her mouth. She swallowed down the wine and looked up at me. "How in the hay did you get these?" She asked softly. "I got them from a friend. Would you like to go with me?" I asked, trying to be smooth. "I'd love to!" She said, kissing my cheek. My face suddenly get very warm and I tried to keep calm. Vinyl had a little blush on her cheeks as we sat up. I placed the bits on the table and we left out the front doors. A sudden flash of white brightened my eyes. Blinking many times, I tried to regain my vision and looked around. "Look it's DJ-PON3!" I heard from down the street. "Oh no..." Vinyl said softly. We tried to escape down the street but it was too late. Ponies began to gather around her and flash their cameras. They began send a barrage of questions at her. She was trying to cover her eyes and find a break in the large circle of ponies. She was struggling in the center, being blinded and pounded with questions. I felt the need to do something so I kicked up a pile of snow on the photographers and they stopped their flashing. "Enough!" I roared at them. "This mare clearly doesn't want to deal with this garbage at the moment. So I suggest you leave her be, or I'll break every one of you cameras." The ponies gave me a snarl and backed off of Vinyl. They spread out and returned to their business that they had before they found her. Vinyl looked over to me and ran up to me. "Thanks!" She said, giving me a hug. "No problem. C'mon lets get you home before somepony else decides to blind us." I said leading Vinyl to her home. We reached her door and she turned to me, looking down at the ticket again. She opened the door and used her magic to bring out a quill and paper. She put them in front of me and I looked over at her. "Can I get your address?" She asked. "Sure thing." I said, taking the quill in my hoof and began to write on the floating paper. I let go of the quill and she used her magic to place them back inside. She was about to go inside, but then she turned back to me and closed the door. She looked up to me and began to blush again. I noticed that look when she gave me my scarf the first date. I lifted her head up and looked in her eyes. "What's the matter? You seem so pent up." I told her. "Well, I have had... An urge to do something for a while." She said sheepishly. "What's stopping you from doing this?" I asked, concerned. "I don't know. I just think it could have a bad effect." She said scratching the back of her head. "Well, I'm sure whatever it is, the bad effect could be fixed overtime." I said smiling at her. "I don't know..." She said blushing intently. "You'll never know if you don't try." I said putting a hoof on her shoulder. "Goodnight, Vinyl." I turned to the path and began to trot away. Suddenly I was brought back, now facing Vinyl. She looked at me and closed her eyes and leaned in. My muscles tensed up as our lips collided, but soon I relaxed and kissed her back. My mind began to fog and I could no longer concentrate on anything. My body became warm against the cold night air. Her hooves were wrapped around my neck and she broke the short kiss. She looked up at me and I gave her a smile to insure her that everything is going to be alright. I hadn't expected that her problem was just a kiss. "Goodnight, Snow." She whispered, nuzzling me. "I'll see you around." I said nuzzling her back. > Chapter 6: At the Gala > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 6: At the Gala I sat in my room taking deep breaths. I hadn't been to a dance in many years. I never really knew how to dance, especially in front of a crowd. The last time I attempted at dancing, I ended up tripping on my own feet and loosing my chance to have the mare I liked from school. Putting that in the past, I think the gala could go down easily. I just hope Vinyl doesn't like to dance as much as I don't. Then again, she is a DJ so, she will probably want to. I took another deep breath and stood up, determined to make sure Vinyl has the best night ever. I looked around and grabbed the red bow-tie off the dresser. Not knowing what hay I was doing, I struggled for a while trying to remember how my dad taught me how to tie it. Eventually I got it tied and straightened it out. I gave me mane another couple of brushes, just to be sure it will stay straight. I grabbed my red scarf and headed out the door. I began to grow more nervous as I saw the many people at the train station waiting to go to Canterlot. Vinyl said she would meet me by the ticket booth for the train tickets. I went inside the small office and looked for the ticket vendor. "Yo! Snow!" I heard over the many excited ponies. I looked around and saw Vinyl stretching her hoof up and waving me down. Trying to make my way through the crowd, I heard some of the ponies talking. They spoke of a snow storm coming in around the end of the gala, which made me even more nervous. I made my way around and finally was standing next to Vinyl. She held out one train ticket and I picked it up, then placed it in my shirt pocket, along with the gala ticket. Than I looked back up at the beautiful mare who was my date. Vinyl was wearing a beautiful blue and teal dress, just like her mane. Her eyes glowed under the light of Celestia's setting sun. She began to blush intently when she realized I was looking at her. Her cheeks flushed red and I laughed a little. "You look very beautiful tonight, Vinyl." I said, sitting in front of her. "And you look handsome." She said, blushing. "Thank you, do you have your gala ticket?" I asked, patting my pocket where my ticket was. She nodded and pulled the ticket out, insuring me that she didn't forget it. The ponies became louder as we heard the train arriving at the station. The train doors opened and the ponies gathered at the doors. In a line, they boarded the train to a box. Vinyl opened the doors to ours and sat next to the window. I closed our box's doors and sat next to her. Vinyl was almost jumping out of her seat, she was so excited. I heard a sudden tapping on the glass of the doors. I turned to see Octavia, who was excited to see that we were going. Vinyl stood up and opened the doors for her roommate. "I hope you don't mind if I share a box with you two. All the other ones are full." She said sitting on the bench in front of me. "Nah, it's okay, Tavi." Vinyl said sitting back down next to me. "Heading to the gala?" I asked, already knowing the answer. "Of course! But I hadn't planned on going with anypony, but it turns out I had been gotten an invitation from a secret somepony in a box of assorted chocolates." She said, showing us the invitation. "Tavi's got a secret somepony." Vinyl said, teasing her. Octavia turned a bit red and gave a sheepish smile. The trains horn roared and we began to move. Vinyl took a deep breath and a smile grew on her face. I looked out the window and watched the town slowly pass out of view. Octavia and Vinyl talked about the past galas. I was shocked to know that Vinyl has never gone to one before. Octavia plays her cello every year, but never had a date. Just like Vinyl, I've never been to a gala, so I don't know what to expect. The train had entered the tunnels through the mountain and everything around us became dark. I rested my head against the window and waited for the rest of the ride to pass. Vinyl pointed a hoof out the window and I turned my head to see the beautiful city of Canterlot. I sat up and watched as the train station came to view. The train came to a halt and the doors opened. We left our box and made our way to the nearest set of doors. Trotting into the cold, snowy streets of the town, we followed the ponies who were heading to the gala. I looked around and saw the town decorated in a festive manner. The streetlights hung high and light up the road to the palace, where the gala was held. Vinyl began to hop for a short distance, than Octavia told her to stop or her dress will get ruined. I looked up and saw the snow picking up. My worry about the snow storm grew. We approached the doors to the castle and the guard looked at our tickets. After Vinyl stepped inside, I showed the guard my ticket and trotted through the doors. We looked at the large ball room where the winter gala was held, and Vinyl let out a squeal in excitement. I trotted along with Vinyl to the open doors of the ball room. The music could be heard from outside in the courtyard. We trotted to the mass of ponies who were standing around talking with their dates. "I'm sorry to say, but the invitation told me to meet him by the bar." Octavia shouted, to let us be able to hear her over the music. Vinyl nodded her head and Octavia waved goodbye. Vinyl turned to me and gave me a hug. "Whats this for?" I asked her. "For letting me come with you! I had always wanted to come here!" She told me, letting me go. "Well, you're here! What would you like to do first?" I asked her. She was about to answer but then the music stopped and an orchestra began to play. She turned back to me and smiled. I returned her smile and pointed a hoof to the dance floor. "Lead the way." I told her. She let out a small squeal and grabbed my hoof. Nearly dragging me to the crowd of ponies dancing, I tried to remember how to dance. I found myself standing in front of Vinyl who leaned to the right. I remember seeing some ponies do this before, so I leaned to the left and we locked our heads around each other's neck. I felt Vinyl rest her head on the back of mine for support and I did the same. Together, we moved fluently to the music. I felt a sudden warmth all over my body. My mind was spinning and I could hardly thing straight. I felt her gentle breathing on the back of my neck and continued to dance with her. We moved together in unison and I was shocked that I hadn't messed anything up yet. I closed my eyes and continued to move with her. The music faded to a stop and I nuzzled the back of her neck. We let go of each other and I looked into Vinyls eyes. She gave me a smile and was blushing. A smile rose on my face and looked into her beautiful eyes. Her eyes closed and she leaned in. My heart began to race a mile a minute. Not knowing what else to do, I leaned in and closed my eyes. Our lips touched and I felt Vinyl's body become stiff. She relaxed and we continued our kiss for as long as we could. A few ponies had been watching us and we heard a few "Aww" or some even stomped their hooves in applause. We broke our kiss and I looked back into her eyes again. She nuzzled me and thanked me again. After a few minutes, Vinyl decided that we go and find Octavia and see who her secret date was. We were half way to the bar when we found Octavia with her date. Vinyl said we should probably keep our distance, because they seemed to be having a good time. I looked at the stallion and my blood began to boil. I recognized that stallion from many nights ago. He was with Daizy and he slipped her that dirty drink. I had to stop it this time. Octavia was a great friend to me, and especially to Vinyl. I couldn't let it happen, not this time. "That's a bad stallion. He dated my ex and slipped her a bad drink. I got to stop him before he does the same to her!" I told her. Vinyl's face turned to worry and followed me to the bar. I watched as he gave the same smile and wink to the barpony. He nodded and added something to the one of the drinks. Octavia almost picked up her drink and I placed a hoof over it to stop her. I glared at the stallion and he gave me a quizzical look. "You think you can just drug up any mare and get away with it?" I asked, trying not to make a scene. "Rustle, what is he talking about?" Octavia asked the stallion. "Get out of here kid, I ain't done nothing wrong." He said sipping his drink. "What did you do to her drink?" I asked the barpony. He respond with a guilty smile and turned away from us, returning to the many bottles behind the bar. "Octavia, go with Vinyl." I told her. Octavia quickly got up and moved away from us. The stallion snarled at me and I ignored him. He trotted through a large crowd and I hated myself to let him go. I moved over to where Vinyl was sitting with Octavia, who was crying. I sat down and held my hooves to my head. "I'm sorry." I apologized to her. "Sorry?" she asked, lifting her head up. "I should have stopped him a long time ago. He drugged my ex and I was a heartless bastard to let him get away with it." I began to feel sorrow. "You basically saved me from that lunatic. Thank you. I knew I should have gone with that nice stallion who asked me not that long ago. At least he was upfront about asking me." Octavia said, cleaning the tears away. I began to wonder who that other stallion was. Than it hit me. I had to talk to somepony once I get back into town. I looked over to Vinyl to see her comforting her friend. She gave me a smile and continued to rub Octavia's back. I looked around and saw that the snow outside had definitely picked up. My head began to fill with thoughts of what happened to Daizy that night. My stomach churned and I felt like passing out. I took a deep breath and tried my best to enjoy the rest of the night with Vinyl. The gala was soon over, because the snow had cut it short. If it had gone on any longer, we would have been snowed in. We arrived at a train station and some guards informed us that the trains are shut down for the day. If the trains were to run in this much snow, they were surely to get stuck and de-rail. I turned back to Vinyl and Octavia and told them the bad news. They both sighed and I reached into my shirt pocket and counted my bits. "Okay, I have enough bits to get a room or two at an inn." I told them. "I'm going to chip in bits too. It's the least I can do for what you did." Octavia said to me. We arrived at a nearby inn and got two rooms. I handed Vinyl a key and she handed it to Octavia. I had to get my thoughts together, because I knew Octavia was in no position to sleep alone for the night. I approached my door and slid the key in. Octavia passed by me and I noticed that Vinyl was right behind me, waiting for me to open the door. I unlocked the door and opened it. I turned to Vinyl who was looking up at me. "Vinyl, I can't tell you how happy I am that you choose to stay with me. But I think Octavia needs somepony to hold. You should go stay with her for the night." I told her, trying my best to not sound like I didn't want to sleep with her. "Oh... I understand." Vinyl sighed and slowly trotted to Octavia's room. I couldn't let her go away thinking that I didn't want to sleep with her. I grabbed her and spun her around back to face me. I leaned in and kissed her deeply. She returned the kiss and wrapped her hooves around my neck. I pulled away and looked her in the eyes. "Goodnight, Vinyl... I love you." I hadn't even planned on saying that last part. My mind just forced the words out of my mouth. "You do?" She asked, with wide eyes. "Yes, Vinyl. I love you." I told her, not keeping my emotions in. "I love you too, Snow." She almost screamed. Our embrace lasted a while longer before she let go. I nuzzled her and she blushed at me. I turned back to my door and saw that Vinyl had already gone inside with Octavia. A smile grew on my face and I had a warm, fuzzy feeling grow inside of me. I told Vinyl I loved her, and she loves me. "Best night ever." I whispered to myself. > Chapter 7: Hearth's Warming Eve > --------------------------------------------------------------------------  Chapter 7: Hearth's Warming Eve We were snowed in at Canterlot for two days before the train was equipped with a proper plow to drive through the snow. Sure it was a slow ride, but we eventually got back home and I was so happy to be back in Ponyville again. The snow hadn't hit as hard here as up in the mountains. Octavia is much better now. I had hoped that she wasn't going to  be dramatized by the incident. Vinyl stayed with her the entire time, and I hope Vinyl knows that I care so much for her. But here I am now, about to spend Hearths Warming Eve alone. My family still lives in Manehatten and I didn't plan on making a trip there anytime soon. Not that I don't miss them, they just aren't the festive type of people. I was about to head upstairs to take a nap, when I heard a sudden knocking on my door. I trotted back towards the door and opened it. Vinyl stood before me and had a huge smile on her face.  "Hey!" She nearly yelled. "Hello, Vinyl." I said. "Hey, where is everypony? Don't you have a family?" She said, making my teeth cringe. "Yeah, I do. They just aren't the festive type of ponies." I told her. "So you're spending Hearth's Warming Eve alone?" She asked, looking mortified. "Yeah, I have been ever since I moved here. But it's not that big a deal, I'm kinda used to it." I said, trying to keep her from feeling bad for me. "That sucks..." She said, looking down at the ground. "I know!" She said, like a lightbulb went off in her head. "You can spend the day with Octavia and I!" "I don't know..." I said, looking away. "C'mon!" She started to basically drag me towards her house in the snow.  I finally got my hooves on the ground to allow me to trot beside her. Her house had been fully decorated with festive lights and red bows. We entered the house and I took my scarf off and hung it on the rack. "Yo, Tavi?" I heard Vinyl say in the other room. "Yes?" Octavia replied. "I hope its okay that Snow stays here for the day. He was going to spend Hearth's warming alone." She said, nearly whispering the last sentence.  "Oh, of course! Nopony should spend today alone." Octavia insisted. "Thanks." I saw her hug her roommate I spent the while day with them. Vinyl had me bake with her to help make dinner and dessert. While she and Octavia made the dinner, I was on "cake baking duty," as Vinyl liked to call it. I wasn't the best baker, but I managed to prepare the mixture. I was gently stirring the liquid, like the box said, when Vinyl decided to give it a try. She grabbed the mixer and flipped her glasses over her eyes and gave an evil grin. "Max power, baby!" She said, turning the speed all the way up. "Oh dear..." I hardly heard Octavia say over the loud whirling of the mixer. Vinyl hardly got the mixer in the bowl before the mix went flying into the air. Basically covering the kitchen in cake batter, Vinyl took off her glasses that protected her eyes. Perfect circles were clean over her eyes where her glasses shielded some of it. She looked at the batter that was spread around and looked back at Octavia and I. She seemed as if she was going to cry, than laughter took over. Octavia looked at the batter that covered her and let outa small giggle. I guess it was kinda funny, so I decided to join in.  Together we shared a good laugh as we looked at the mess. I felt strange after the laughter passed, because it seemed as if we were a family. I hadn't experienced this feeling in a while. My family hadn't really celebrated holidays, even when I was young. I was happy to be out of the house and experience the full celebration of Hearth's Warming Eve.  The mess was soon cleaned up and I had to mix a whole bowl of cake batter again. This time Vinyl just watched as I slowly mixed the batter in the bowl. After pouring the liquid in the pan, I slid it in the oven. I looked around and saw Octavia bring a rather large box from upstairs. Vinyl instantly recognized the box and trotted over to the tree in the living room. I followed them and watched as Octavia opened the box.  She and Vinyl began to pick things out of the box and hang them on the tree. I remembered this from long ago. So I decided to help, and I reached into the box and lifted out a red ornament. Gently hanging it on one of the branches, I looked over to see Vinyl trying her best to reach the top to put the star on. Not knowing why she didn't just use her magic, I lifted her up and balanced her above me. She laughed and placed it on top. After placing hear back down on the ground she pulled me into a hug. "Thanks!" She said. I patted her on the back and gave her a smile. We got all the decorations on the tree and Vinyl plugged up the lights. We watched as the tree glowed and lit up the living room. The timer in the kitchen went off and I got the cake out of the oven. Together, we decorated the cake in red, white, and, green icing. Octavia was the expert her, so we let her do most of the work. After that the sun had set behind the mountains in the distance. Octavia set the table and Vinyl and I brought the food into the dining room. We all sat at the round table and ate together. Finishing my plate, I looked up at the two who were laughing at a conversation they were having.  "I'd like to say thank you, to the both of you." I said. "Dear, it's no trouble at all." Octavia said. "Yeah, nopony should spend this holiday alone." Vinyl added. A smile grew on my face and we all stood up to clean or plates. Octavia took the plates and began to was them. Vinyl and I sat on the couch and watched as the fireplace burned the wood inside. Octavia sat on her chair and sipped a glass of wine. Vinyl rested her head on my shoulder and Octavia gave a loud yawn. "Sorry, but I'm awfully tired. Goodnight and happy Hearth's Warming Eve." Octavia said, trotting upstairs to her room. "Happy Hearth's Warming Eve." Vinyl and I said together. "Aww bummer..." She said. "What?" I asked. "I didn't get you anything for Hearth's Warming Eve... Sorry." She apologized. "Don't be, because I haven't gotten you anything either. Since I hardly ever celebrated it, gifts didn't really come to mind." I told her. "Wait, I got an idea!" She said, trotting over to the box of ornaments that was basically empty.  She rustled around inside and found what she was looking for.  "One sec." She said' disappearing around the corner. "Happy Hearth's Warming Eve!" She said, with a red bow tied around her waist. "What's this?" I asked, knowing how cliche this actually was. "I'm giving me to you as a gift." She said, approaching me. "Oh really?" I said, knowing what she was trying to do. "Mm-hm." She said laying on top of me on the couch. "Well, in that case..." I said, leaning up and kissing her. She opened her mouth and so did I, letting our tongues venture around. They would occasionally tangle around and I would feel Vinyl shiver. Her face was a bright red, and by the feeling of my face, I was must have been blushing too. Vinyl reached down in between us and I let out a  moan, telling her that what she was doing felt great. "Wait, aren't you afraid I'll get you pregnant?" I asked, stopping her. "No, it's okay. I'm safe." She whispered, continuing where she left off. After finished exchanging 'presents,' we collapsed on the couch. Breathing heavily, we wrapped our hooves around each other.  "I love you, Vinyl." I whispered. "I love you too, Snow." She whispered back, kissing me on the lips and closing her eyes. Together, we fell asleep in a warm embrace. I'm so happy that I found a relationship that worked out for once. I may not have realized it at first, but now I see it clear as day. Vinyl is the one, the mare that I would love to spend the rest of my life with.  Vinyl and I woke up in the morning to the sound of birds chirping. We looked at the mess that we made form our 'gift giving' last night. Vinyl gave me a coy smile and a giggle. I kissed her on the cheek and heard a sudden crash of glass. We turned to see Octavia had dropped her glass of orange juice and was in shock at what she saw. Her face flushed red. "My couch!" Octavia nearly screamed, glaring at the stained couch. All Vinyl and I could do was smile sheepishly and say were sorry. > Epilogue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I stepped out to the cool summer's afternoon, greeted by the warm smile of my beautiful wife. Vinyl lifted her shades and leaned in, pressing her lips against mine for a brief moment. We separated and looked into each other's eyes as the wind blew her mane gently over her eyes. Using my hoof, I brushed her soft mane out of the way so her beauty was fully showing. She gave me a wink as she pushed her glasses back over her eyes. I wrapped my hoof around her and pulled her to my side, so that we were both facing out to the road that had trees leaving this beautiful shading on the earth below them. It had been almost a year after that wonderful night on Hearth's Warming Eve. I remembered how beautiful she looked in her gala dress that night. I remembered the song we danced to and how we moved in unison to it. I felt as if I were there again, standing in front of her and wishing for nothing to change that moment. I opened my eyes and I was back to reality again. Vinyl leaned her head onto my shoulder and I could feel the soothing beating of her heart. Taking a deep breath, I looked around me to see our house that was built just outside of Ponyville not to far into the forest. Ponyville had become more of a city over the years, so we were just along the outskirts so that Vinyl could still play music for her club. I also had to start looking for a job to support us both, but I am yet to find one that suits me. Vinyl keeps me going by giving me hope to keep looking for what my calling is. "Hey." Vinyl said, soft enough to keep a calm feeling around us. "Hmm?" I hummed, listening to her soft, soothing voice. "This house is a little big for just the two of us, ya know?" She said, looking up at me now. "What do you mean?" I looked down, feeling confused. "I'm saying its time we had a little filly or colt trotting around our house." She said now winking at me under her glasses. "Ah." I turned my gaze back up to the sky. "I think that's a great idea." We sat for a few more moments before I could feel Vinyl somewhat moving next to me. She seemed to be shaking with a big smile on her face, like she was about to burst. "Well?" She said looking up at me. "What?" I chuckled. "Lets Go!" She said looking up at me with a smirk on her face. "What? Now?" I said, feeling a little shocked. "Yeah!" She stood up and grabbed my hoof. "Wait! Can't we-" "Nope! C'mon!" She interrupted, now dragging me on the floor. "Aww, we can't just let this last for a while longer?" I laughed, trying to tease her as she tried to drag me to the door. "In we go, Babe!" She said, pulling me through the door. "Okay, fine." I pretended to sight as I shut the door behind me. "Now, C'mere!" I leaped and pinned her to the couch. Her glasses hit the floor as our lips pressed together, which began the best moment of our lives; starting a family.