According to Plan!

by The Buck It Bros

First published 9th of August, 2018

After reading a letter from her parents Octavia and her friends make a plan to stop her arranged marriage.

Ever since she was a young filly Octavia had everything planned for her by her parents. What schools she would go to, what instrument she would play, what career she would have after school. Everything went according to plan. That was until Octavia moved away to Ponyville. However, Octavia's parents have one more plan and that is to marry off Octavia. Octavia will not be a part of that plan and with the help of Vinyl Scratch and a few other friends they create a plan to stop the arranged marriage and free Octavia from her parent's hold.

Artwork isn't mine and was found on google. It will be taken down is artist requests it.

Rosa dubbed this the official theme song for According to Plan!: Theme Song

Story written and edited by: Coco the Bearded and Rosa Gears (This story turned into more of a collaboration than it was at the start so we will both get credit)

No Bucking Way!

We expect you home as soon as possible and no later than Hearts and Hooves day.

- Mother and Father

Octavia had finished reading the letter that just arrived from her parents for the third time. The grey mare threw the letter onto the table with a frustrated groan. She didn’t like this one bit. Octavia had thought that she would be free from things like this after moving out of their house. She began to pace back and forth by the table that held the letter, shaking her head and making angry glances at it with each pass.

“No bucking way. No Bucking Way! I will not go along with this!” Octavia shouted to herself getting louder as she became increasingly angry at what her parents were trying to do.

Octavia continued this pattern for what seemed like an hour when she was stopped by the sound of the front door opening. A white mare with an electric blue mane walked in with her trademark purple shades. Her head was bobbing up and down in rhythm to a song playing through her headphones. The bass was thumping loud enough to be heard from across the room. Octavia’s onyx mane was a disheveled mess at this point, however the sight of her roommate brought a smile to the young mare.

“Vinyl! Oh thank Celestia you are home, I need somepony to vent to.” She said to the DJ who heard nothing over the sound of her music. Once the song ended Vinyl’s horn glowed a light blue color which stopped the music player and floated her headphones to a nearby table. Vinyl used that same magic to raise her purple shades from her face to rest on top of her horn. A pair of red eyes now stared at what seemed to be a stressed out and angry roommate.

"OK, if this is about the dishwasher I can explain." Said Vinyl waiting to hear yet another one of Octavia's rants. However, when no reply came out of the mare’s mouth, Vinyl knew that something was off. “Hey Octy, is everything okay? It looks like somepony hit you with a train?” Vinyl asked with a bit of concern in her voice. For as long as the DJ known her, she had only seen Octavia look like this two other times. The first being the night that Octavia’s parents stopped by unexpectedly and did nothing but complain about the living arrangements and how Vinyl was a bad influence. The other was when she accidently broke the strings on Octavia’s bow an hour before a concert.

The comment earned a growl unlike a noise you would normally hear from the calm and refined mare. She pointed a hoof to the letter that was thrown onto the table and then looked back at the DJ. “Well Vinyl, I'll have you know that I have just received a most horrible letter from my parents. You will not believe what they did this time.” Octavia said resuming her frustrated pacing.

“That bad, huh? What could your parents have possibly done to get you this worked up?” Vinyl asked walking over to the table. She sits down, pulled the letter closer with her hoof and began reading.

Dearest Octavia,

We are pleased to inform you that your parents have chosen a better path for you. With our great wisdom, we have guided you to become the successful mare you are today, and know that you are once again in need our guidance. Ever since you moved out to that country town Ponyville, that is no doubt filled with ruffians, we have been concerned about you Octavia. You haven’t sent word to us since our last visit, so we assume that you have not found any pony worthy of your refined grace and class that we have educated you with. For that we are proud of you for not staining our good family name by consorting with those country bumpkins.

As you are surely aware you are getting up there in years and are not a young filly anymore. That is why your father and I have arranged for you to be wed before you get too old and start to wither. We have found the perfect stallion to suit you and expect you to meet him on Hearts and Hooves day for a romantic candle lit dinner. This is not a request Octavia. The wedding is already being arranged for both our families and will have them here to attend the ceremony a week after your rendezvous. We expect you home as soon as possible and no later than Hearts and Hooves day.

- Mother and Father

The DJ read over the letter several times just like Octavia had done. She looked at the Cellist with a questioning look as if she was missing something important. “Wait a second, they arranged for you to be married, to a Stallion? They do know that you are into mares right Octy?” Vinyl asked setting the letter back on the table.

“Well that's the thing Vinyl, I told them that I was attracted to mares the day I left Canterlot.” she said scratching her mane with her hoof, which only made it messier. “Do you know what they said? Oh dear it’s just a phase like you wanting to move out of Canterlot. You belong here with your own kind of ponies." Mimicked Octavia, acting posh while doing so. "A PHASE!? Can you believe that Vinyl!” She yelled stomping her hooves on the floor with anger. She glanced back to the wide-eyed DJ and began recomposing herself, only to start pacing again.

“Oh? Really?” Vinyl asked raising a hoof to her chin thinking about the situation. “Have you ever brought a mare home with you as proof that you are not into stallions?” She asked thinking that would be a great solution to Octavia’s problem.

“Oh yes Vinyl, why didn’t I think of that?” She snapped at her sarcastically and facehoofed. Octavia dropped the hoof to the floor making a loud thump and she resumed her pacing.

"Wait, you did that already? When?" Asked the DJ trying to recall past events to no avail. The Cellist glared at Vinyl sending a chill down the DJ's mane.

“I did just that when I returned home from my last family reunion. You remember my last fillyfriend and how she broke up with me after I took her to meet my parents?” Octavia asked through gritted teeth.

“Ah, now I remember. Wait, back up, I thought you said that she couldn’t handle the pressure of meeting your parents?” Vinyl asked putting her memory into question.

Octavia sighed before commenting "That's what I told you so that you wouldn't run when my parents decided to invite themselves to our place."

Just remembering the first time that she met Octavia’s parents caused another shiver to run down her electric blue mane. Octavia introduced them to Vinyl their first Hearths Warming together as roommates. They wanted to make sure that Octavia was living up to their standards which after more and more disapproving comments began to put the room on ice. The cold vibes they were putting off were almost like the Wendigoes came to Ponyville and decided to stay in their house. All they did was complain about the living conditions and about Vinyl. They called her a bad influence on Octavia and other belittling terms that were better left forgotten. It was a horrible first meeting, but Vinyl somehow managed to survive. "Which reminds me, How did you manage to put up with my parents with losing your cool?" Asked Octavia snapping Vinyl back to the present.

She smiled at Octavia and pointed a hoof to her ears "Wireless ear buds, I got tired of listening to them complaining at me, so I turned on my music. I figured they weren't looking for a response, so I didn't have to worry." Vinyl winked at Octavia hopping to lighten the mood, which worked for a bit. A small chuckle came out of the cellist before reality sweep back on top of her causing her to sigh and sit next to vinyl.

“Look, the point is that even with the kissing, cuddling and catching us in bed together they just laughed it off and said it was still a phase. That I was just playing a prank on them. That was why we broke up, because she believed them.” Octavia said putting her head down on the table.

It killed Vinyl to see her best friend this depressed and angry, she wanted to do something to cheer her up...but what? She thought for a while about the best way to make her friend feel better, to forget the letter and the arranged marriage. "A hug would be too small and wouldn't change the current state of mind Octavia was in. A kiss maybe... No, while nice to think about this isn't the time or place for that. How about cuddling her... no no no Vinyl, it's still not the right time and place for that either."

The DJ looked back at Octavia who was still sulking in frustration when something hit her. "That's It!" shouted Vinyl startling the gray mare sitting next to her. Vinyl had just thought of the best solution to this problem. It was time to throw caution to the wind and to drink enough liquor that both herself and Octavia would have a hangover that would last for a full day at the least. “Don't worry Octy, your best friend Vinyl will make you forget all about that letter.” She said with a smiled. The DJ stood up and trotted over to the phone and called some friends. Lyra picked up the phone after a few rings.

“Hello, this is Lyra and Bon Bon’s residence, Lyra speaking.” She answered the phone sounding like she was bored out of her mind. While Vinyl could hear it clearly, Octavia heard nothing but the banging of her head on the wall and her steadily loader thoughts that caused her face to turn redder by the minute. The gray mare had resumed mumbling to herself since Vinyl said Don't worry Octy, a quote which only leads to more trouble when spoken from the mouth of a certain DJ. She would mutter things like I wasn't worried until now and this is the last thing I need after that awful letter from my parents. Vinyl just rolled her eyes seeing the Cellist once again pacing back and forth angrier than before.

“Lyra drop whatever you are doing and grab Bon Bon. We are having a girl’s night out. I can explain more when we are at the bar. We will meet you at that new bar near Sugar Cube Corners. You know the one, The Golden Horseshoe.” Said Vinyl. Before Lyra could reply she hung up the phone and put it back on the receiver. Turning to the still red faced and muttering Octavia Vinyl sighed as her horn light up a light blue color again. Using magic, she got a glass of water from the kitchen and splashed Octavia in the face with it.

Octavia was shocked at this action and just stood there looking at Vinyl, her face and a portion of her mane were now soaked. She was at a loss for words for a minute before her face turned from shocked to a mix of distain and calm. The redness in her face was gone but she still wore the scowl that was now directed at the pony before her that dared to throw water in her face.

“What was that for Vinyl?” She asked with one of those this had better be good expressions on her face. Vinyl smiled.

“Nothing really Octy. I was just trying to put out the fire. It worked.” She said with a goofy yet cocky smile. She put a hoof over the soaked mare and continued “Octy, I am going to take you out tonight. We will get so drunk that you'll forget all about that stupid letter, the arranged marriage and who knows, maybe we can even make a plan that will get you out of this mess.” She said, slowly levitating a towel to Octavia. “Dry off first. We're meeting Lyra and Bon Bon at The Golden Horseshoe. Refusal is not an option.” She said standing tall as if she won some argument that wasn’t happening.

Octavia grumbled about having Vinyl demanding her to go out she didn’t want to go out feeling like she did. She rubbed the towel over her mane and face slowly. “I don’t know Vinyl every time we go out to a bar things get out of hoof.”

“Oh, come on Octy. When have I ever steered you wrong. Name one time.” Vinyl protested with confidence.

Octavia pulled the towel away from her face revealing that the front of her mane was now dry but even messier than before...she would need to brush it before going out with Vinyl. “Oh, I can name more than one account of that Vinyl. You steer me wrong every occasion that we go out. Would you like me to list them in alphabetical order or in the order of how much trouble you have gotten us in?” She asked with a playful hmm at the end of the question. While the water may have snapped her back to her normal self, the DJ knew that the letter and arranged marriage still plagued the back of her mind.

“That's beside the point Octy. The point is, is that we always had fun, like we will tonight. Just you, me, Lyra and Bon Bon. Together we will be able to come up with some plan and have fun. Two stones one bird.” Vinyl said happy to see Octavia acting like herself again. The white mare smiled foalishly as she watched Octavia walk towards the bathroom.

“Fine you win Vinyl. I don’t know why I always let you talk me into these things.” Octavia said with a sigh as she disappeared into the bathroom and started to fix her mane. The brush pulling at tingled strands of her mane causing her to slightly groan as she pulled them free.

“Don’t worry Octy. I will make sure that we come up with something." Octavia groaned once again after hearing the words Don't worry Octy. Vinyl passed it off as her finding another knot in her mane and continued "There is no bucking way that I’d let you get married to anypony you don’t want to.” Vinyl called out loud as Octavia was fixing her mane. “After all you should be my wife.” Vinyl whispered to herself as she was still too scared to tell Octavia how she really felt about her.

Vinyl was in love with Octavia and had been for a few years now, but that was the problem. She was her best friend and if she didn’t feel the same way it could ruin that friendship forever. That worry that the DJ was feeling was quickly hidden as the sounds of hooves on the hard wood floor grew closer. Octavia was back to looking like her perfect self again, a new pink bow tie on that wasn’t soaked and her saddle bag resting on her flank. She smiled softly at Vinyl and walked to the door with a motion for Vinyl to follow. Once outside their house Octavia dug through her saddle bag moving her bits pouch and grabbing her keys. She pulled it out with her teeth locking the door behind them and put the keys back into her saddle bag. The pouch of bits she had placed in there with the intent to spend as much of it at The Golden Horseshoe as she could. The night was young and that only meant that there was a lot of time for her and the girls to drink and plan to stop her parent’s plan. The last thing that was going through the two mares’ minds as they left their home was the name that Bon Bon and Lyra would come up with for their plan. A plan that would always be remembered as Operation ColtBlocker.

Author's Notes:

This is our first attempt at MLP fan fiction. Coco the Bearded and Rosa Gears hope you enjoyed this first chapter. More fun to come.

Drunken Plans are the Best Plans

Drunken Plans are the Best Plans

Octavia and Vinyl turned and started walking down the small dirt road that lead to the main road of Ponyville. Celestia had started lowing the sun which filled the sky in a nice orange tint, however Octavia had her mind elsewhere. She couldn't help but remember the earlier conversation with Vinyl about the dishwasher. No longer being able to wait, Octavia looked at Vinyl, who was still wearing that foalish grin of hers, and asked “Vinyl, you mentioned something about the dishwasher when you got home. What did you do to our dishwasher?”

“The dishwasher?” Vinyl asked, trying her best to appear innocent.

Octavia saw right through the DJ's attempt to brush off the subject, so she walked in front of Vinyl, stopped and asked again. "Yes, the dishwasher. What did you do?"

Vinyl smiled sheepishly and replied “Don’t worry Octy. Nothing is wrong with our dishwasher."

Octavia groaned in frustration and facehoofed. “Now I am more worried about the dishwasher. Vinyl you better not have done anything to it. We are still making payments on it.” She put her hoof back on the ground.

Vinyl let out a small chuckle before continuing to walk towards the bar. Thanks to the DJ's shades, Octavia was unable to see Vinyl darting her eyes around nervously trying to avoid the gray mare. The chuckle itself was a dead giveaway but Octavia just sighed and decided to drop the subject, there were more important things to worry about. An awkward silence fell between the two for a short while before they had arrived at the Golden Horseshoe.

Octavia stopped outside the bar and looked around. “I thought you said that Lyra and Bon Bon were going to be here. You did ask them to come right?” Octavia questioned as she stood near the door. The pop music playing from the bar was deafening to the cellist’s ears however, she was certain that enough drinks would fix that.

It was then that a familiar voice came out from behind them. “You mean told us to come with no explanation as to why, other than a girl’s night out.” said a slightly annoyed Lyra, shooting Vinyl a glance that read, this had better be good. “You had better be buying the drinks tonight after forcing us to come here on a whim.” Lyra huffed with a cocky grin plastered on her face.

Bon Bon, who had been quietly standing near Lyra, began shaking her head and bumped her flank against Lyra’s. “Calm down Lyra, we are not here for free drinks. Haven't you not noticed that Octavia is troubled?” Bon Bon asked pointing a hoof to Octavia. “I assume something happened to you recently that has you all worried.” She said walking to Octavia and giving her a hug. It was quick but effective as the cellist started cheering up.

“Wait a sec? Octavia is troubled?” Lyra asked looking at Octavia who didn’t look to be stressed out at all. As far as she could tell, Octavia looked the same as she always does, but Bon Bon has a gift for telling when something was bugging somepony.

“Y-yes something has happened recently, however I would rather not talk about it out here. If we can we go inside, that horrible music will make it a bit more private than out here.” Octavia said walking into the bar, intent on finding a table for them.

The other three stood outside for a moment with surprised look on their faces. Octavia wasn’t normally one to go into a bar first, in fact, it was practically unheard of for her to do. The three looked at each other until Vinyl just smiled and followed in after Octavia. Lyra looked back to Bon Bon who just shrugged and trotted into the bar, playfully beckoned Lyra with her tail.

The bar was dimly light but looked stunning. The bar top and was made of fine red wood and looked like a large horseshoe. The right half of the bar had booths and tables for ponies to sit at, and the left side had the jukebox sitting near several pool tables which some stallions were playing on. Several ponies could be seen tending to the bar, but one stood out above all the others. This familiar looking plum pony seemed to be managing not only the other bartenders but tending to patrons as well. Sure enough it was Berry Punch, who was doing all of this while drinking out of a wooden tankard that she would refill after every few orders.

“Drinking on the job, Berry really is something else. Really, any profit she stands to gain will be lost with how much she’s drinking.” Octavia commented after watching Berry pour herself another tankard of beer. Octavia drew her eyes away and spotted an open booth.

“Octavia’s right, this place might not be in business for long if Berry keeps drinking the profit like that.” Lyra said looking away to see which booth they were going to be sitting at. Octavia sat at the booth furthest from the jukebox and the others followed. Lyra trotted over just in time to watch Octavia plant her face to the table with flattened ears.

Lyra and Bon Bon sat across from Octavia and Vinyl and watched as the DJ began patting the back of the face down Cellist with her hoof. Vinyl was about to cheer her up when something caught her attention. “What the?” asked the DJ causing all the mares at the table to look in the same direction as Vinyl.

Everypony’s attention was now fixed on the drunken plum mare stumbling over to their table. Any pony would be amazed watching Berry splash her tankard around without spilling a single drop. “How she does that I’ll never know” stated Bon Bon who, like everypony at the table, was impressed by Berry’s performance.

“Hello ladies.” greeted Berry astonishing the four with the sobriety in her voice, hiccup aside. “What will you be having tonight?” She asked before drinking from her tankard.

It was then they noticed the black book on the table with the bar’s name embroidered in gold lettering. They looked over the menu and the many choices for food and drinks. Lyra and Bon Bon eyed the same item and smiled they pointed a hoof to a picture of a fish bowl shaped drink.

“We want to share the blue raspberry fish bowl please.” They said in unison causing Bon Bon to giggle and look at Lyra. Vinyl looked over the menu and she ran a hoof over the different drinks and food.

“I will an Applejack Daniels for a start.” She paused looking at the food selection being a little hungry. “And a large order of hay fries.” She smirked as she wanted to share them with Octavia in hopes that it might give Octavia the hint.

Octavia looked at Berry questioningly. “Shouldn’t you be writing the orders down Berry? I mean with the state you are in…” Octavia started before being cut off.

“You don’t need to worry about that. If there is one thing that I never forget, it’s anything to deal with alcohol.” She stated as if it was a known fact. Berry tilted her head back downing the rest of her tankard. After it was empty she slammed it down on the table and gave a satisfied sigh. “Now what will you be having?”

Octavia was stunned but accepted it as she didn’t want to argue right now. She looked over the menu once more not seeing anything strong enough listed. “What is the strongest thing you have?” She asked looking to Berry whose eyes lit up.

“I have two drinks that may satisfy what you’re looking for. Wonderbolt Whiskey or Alicorn Ale. Wonderbolt Whiskey will make you feel like you are soaring through the clouds. Alicorn Ale is new with all the power of an Alicorn in a bottle. It is also brewed and bottled, right here in Ponyville inside Princess Twilight’s castle, by me.” Berry proclaimed excitedly.

“Is Princess Twilight okay with you using her castle for brewing beer?” Lyra asked raising an eye brow. The rest of the girls were interested in knowing the answer as well.

“Ummm….I sure she is.” Berry said with an unconvincing smile. “Ok, she might not know about it but what she doesn’t know won’t hurt her. Beside she’s neither here or there so what will it be hun?” Berry asked and smiled brightly.

“Right, well I will have the Alicorn Ale and I will try a shot of Wonderbolt Whiskey as well.” Octavia ordered reaching in her saddle bag and hoofed over the bit pouch. “Oh and keep the drinks coming until you run out or have to close.” Octavia instructed.

Berry nodded taking the pouch and placing it in a special place behind the bar. The food was ordered and Berry began filling everypony’s order… and her empty tankard.

With a heavy sigh Octavia started her story. “The reason we are here tonight is because of my parents. They had controlled every moment of my life until I left Canterlot which made me think I was free from that. Apparently I was wrong and now they have arranged for me to wed some stallion in the coming weeks. I don’t want to get marry to somepony I don’t love, let alone a stallion.” Octavia looked down and continued. “They refuse to accept me for who I am, please help me, I need a way out of this.” She pleaded with her friends.

“Why not just ignore the request? It isn’t like they can drag you back home and force you to marry somepony you’ve never met.” Bon Bon suggested. As she finished speaking the drinks and hay fries were walked over by the stumbling Berry. She balanced a large tray with the order on her other free hoof making her walk very unstable on two rear legs. She tripped falling forward causing her to roll a few times until she stopped and was standing before them. The group watched in awe as she managed to not spill a single thing as this happed. Berry placed the items before each pony and smiled before turning to leave the group to drink.

“Wait!” Vinyl shouted. “How did you do that?”

“Do what?” Berry asked, not knowing what the DJ was asking about.

“You know, tumble that bad but not to spill anything.” Specified Vinyl

“Oh that.” Berry said with a giggle and a hiccup. “Years of practice.” Replied the plum mare staggering back to the bar.

Octavia drank the Wonderbolt Whiskey first to start the night off. She looked to Bon Bon and after the burn of the Whiskey was gone she spoke. “I don’t want to ignore them. My mother may be an insufferable bitch, and my father may have his head so far up his own flank he can’t see the light of day, regardless they are still my parents and I love them. I don’t want to lose them or not speak to them again. I just want them to respect and accept me for who I am, and let me make my own choices, good or bad.” She then drank from the Alicorn Ale. She was already feeling something from the strength of the Whiskey and the Ale was only helping.

Lyra nodded in agreement as it wasn’t a good idea to just ignore it. She took a sip from the fishbowl and thought. “Well I mean you could go to your parents and tell them that you will not marry somepony you just met, and never a stallion.” Lyra suggested and Octavia just shook her head knowing that wouldn’t work.

“I got it!” Vinyl exclaimed levitating her glass and taking a decent sized drink form it. “We find and tame a Bugbear, have it attack the wedding and bust Octavia out of there before the, I do’s.” The DJ beamed with triumph. Bon Bon’s face changed from contemplation to worry as she looked around to see if the Bugbear was there.

“NO!” cried Lyra and she put hoof around Bon Bon. “And don’t talk about that thing in front of Bon Bon. It has caused her enough trouble.” Lyra said and rubbed Bon Bon’s back softly to comfort her. After she was calmed down the two kissed and continued drinking the fishbowl. The DJ thought for a second when a different idea hit her.

“I got it! Knights, new plan.” Vinyl said trying to rally the girls into a new crazy scheme.

“But we’re not_” Bon Bon started to say but was stopped by Octavia holding up her hoof.

“It’s best to ignore her when she is like this, she will just say whatever stupid or crazy idea pops into her head. It’s easier to just role with it for now.” Octavia said, and the other two mares nodded in response. Meanwhile, Vinyl had started on with her new plan.

“We need to find a legendary pool of water with magical properties. Which we can then make a clone of Octy and have her clone get married and live the boring life, while the real Octy lives here and never speaks to her family again.” The DJ smiled.

Octavia shook her head again. “That plan is worse than the first one, and besides, I still want to see my family after this. I still love them remember.” She rubbed her forehead with a hoof. “I need a real idea on what to do Vinyl.” She groaned putting extra emphasis on the word real.

The table was silent while everypony was thinking of a way for Octavia to get out of this arranged marriage. Every time that they were about to finish their drinks, Berry came back and quickly refilled them. Sure, Octavia instructed her to keep them coming but it was like the plum mare had a pinky sense when it came to drinks. Octavia was sharing the hay fries with Vinyl and didn’t seem notice anything strange about Vinyl feeding them to her with magic. Lyra and Bon Bon took notice of this however and tried to keep from giggling.

The night was going by and every pony at the table had more than their fair share of drinks. They all had pitched a few ideas to Octavia, but she was sure that none of them would work. Lyra suggested getting Octavia thrown into jail to get her out of the marriage. All be it bad, it was a better plan then faking her own death... Octavia hoped Vinyl was just joking with that one. The “best idea” that she heard so far came from Bon Bon who suggested a fake kidnapping. The “Worst plan”, which should receive an award of its own, was masterminded by the DJ. A plan that involved C4, a bass drop, and a rubber chicken that didn’t sit well with anypony.

“W-Wait?.. Won’t you p-parents plan on you trying to stop the wed-ding?” Bon Bon asked, using Lyra for support, as to not fall out of the booth.

“Of courzse… That’s why we’re planning around the planzs…. That they’re planning around our planzs” The DJ quipped, a drunken smile spread across her face as she leaned on Octavia.

“Vinyl…*hic*… you’re a genius...*hic*” Said Octavia. This was the most drunk that any of the mares had seen her, and they had to admit that her hiccups were too cute. Octavia leaning in on the DJ placing her foreleg around her neck. “Vinyl can you *hic* scoot over… I need to use the *hic* fillies room.” She whispered in the DJ’s ear causing her to start blushing. She stood up to let Octavia out. As Octavia slowly walked to the bathroom Vinyl couldn’t keep her eyes off Octavia’s flank.

Lyra and Bon Bon giggled at this and cuddled into each other. Lyra had her foreleg around Bon Bon and was whispering to her before looking to the DJ. “Vinyl, Vinyl, listen…I got to ask you. How long have you liked Octy?” Lyra asked giggling again as Bon Bon was nuzzling her neck.

“Something like…. umm” She thought for a moment and with a sigh sat back down at the table and slowly placed her head down and putting her legs over her head. “Two… No, Three yearzs… I really, really, lovezs her but shezs my best friend…Wha should I do?” She asked and looked at the Lyra.

“Listen, listen to me Vinyl. You need to tell her how you feel…If you don’t, nothing, nothing will change between you two lovebirds.” Said Lyra, Bon Bon nodding in agreement reaching a hoof over the table to pat the DJ’s head.

The DJ downed her drink and polished what was left of Octavia’s drink as well. With a sigh she thought about telling her causing a blush and a smile to appear on the white mare’s face. Vinyl stood up to go get her and Octy more drinks when she noticed that the glasses where full again. Surprised by this, she looked around and saw Berry walking away while giving her a wink and Octavia returning to the table. Vinyl let Octavia back into the booth and saw something that sparked a new idea in the mare’s head. “Octy! I hazs it, a new plan.” She said taking another drink from her glass.

“Ohhh?..*hic* What is it this time? Going to shrink me down to the size of a bug…*hic*? Raise enough bits with your music to…*hic* buy me from my parents? Oh, or maybe you plan to have discord turn me into a stallion…*hic*” Octavia blurted out, everypony at the table just looked at her weirdly.

“Uhhh no, I wazs going to azsk Trixie if she would help with her disappearing magiczs!” Vinyl said joyfully turning around to pounce on Trixie with a hug and pulling her to their booth. She held Trixie close with her hoof to the point where their cheeks were touching, far too friendly for the magician’s liking.

“The Great and Powerful Trrrixie has heard you fools talking for the past few hours. Trixie isn’t touching this problem with a ten-hoof pole.” Trixie said pushing the DJ away.

“Awww” replied the DJ watching Trixie quickly pay her tab and leave before Vinyl could hug her again.

“G-guess not.” Bon Bon said with a giggle. She looked at Vinyl and Octavia a grin spread across her face. She pointed to Octavia and laughed playfully. “Oh Octy, i-if only you were with so-mepony else.” Bon Bon hinted to the DJ.

“*hic*…I would like nothing more than to be *hic*… betrothed to somepony else Bon Bon.” Octavia said with a sigh.

Vinyl stood in place a confused and pondering looked making its way over her face. She seemed to be deep in thought. “Be what?” Vinyl asked having trouble with the word.

“You know, betrothed…*hic*” Octavia said focused on clarifying the word for Vinyl, only to receive a blank stare in return. “Intended?” Octavia said in hopes Vinyl would understand but still getting the same look as before. “Affianced?” Octavia said beginning to get a little frustrated with Vinyl now.

“I hazs no idea what you just said, but I’mzs inspired.” The DJ said earning a groan and facehoof from Octavia. Vinyl took her seat next to Octavia again and Lyra tapped Vinyl’s foreleg.

“Vinyl, she means engaged, hitched, together forever. You know, like how you want to be with O_” began Lyra, who was swiftly cut off by a now blushing DJ reaching her hoofs over the table to muffle the mint green mare.

“Ok, Ok, I got it!” exclaimed Vinyl returning back to her seat, face still red. Octavia looked at the two puzzled but decided not to probe for more information. However, this scene caused Bon Bon to smile with delight.

“S-say…Vinyl. Why don’t you be-troth Octy so she c-can’t go off with that stallion?” said Bon Bon, trying to innocently play cupid for the two mares in front of her.

“I’d love to but I don’t see howzs that will help.” Replied the DJ not realizing what she just implied.

Octavia lifted her head and smiled and almost tackled Vinyl with how fast she hugged her. It was a perfect plan. Trick her parents with Vinyl would be easier than anything suggested that night. However, with how drunk Octavia was now, even the plan involving the C4 seemed like a good idea.

“Oh Vinyl *hic*… it’s the perfect plan… Let’s get engaged right away…*hic*” Octavia said and nuzzled the DJ’s neck playfully and having corrected herself in word choice. She looked into Vinyl’s red eyes and she couldn’t help but wink at her.

Vinyl’s heartrate increased as Octavia hugged and nuzzled her. She could feel her cheeks turn to a deep shape of red and felt like there were multiple butterflies in her stomach. The DJ hugged her back tightly before pulling away slowly to look into Octavia’s eyes.

Lyra and Bon Bon giggled to themselves about the scene and decided to leave the couple on the other side of the table alone. They left the bar quietly and Octavia noticed only moments later pulling away from Vinyl and blushed. “Umm...*hic* Where did Lyra and Bon Bon go?” she asked not seeing the two mares anywhere.

The DJ shrugged not knowing letting out a small giggled followed by a hiccup. She finished her drink and wave to Berry that they were done. Getting up, Octavia also finished her drink and followed the DJ’s lead. Berry rushed over to the pair and smiled holding Octavia’s bit pouch in her mouth and put it in her saddlebag for her. “Come again, and watch out Octavia, the cold outside air will kick in the Ale’s secret effect. You might just black out when you step outside.” She said before going back behind the bar to start closing up for the night.

“What a *hic*…. nice bar owner.” Octavia said softly as she leaned on Vinyl for support after that and they walked to the door. Once outside, Octavia found that Berry’s warning came true as the cool air made her feel drunker than before.

Octavia and Vinyl slowly started their walk home this alone was hard on the DJ as Octavia wasn’t just leaning on her for support. She had started nibbling at the DJ’s neck playfully and nuzzling her behind her ears her hot breath was making her tempted. This isn’t Octy doing this. It is the alcohol. She thought to herself over and over trying to maintain their friendship, but the Alicorn Ale was making her feel frisky as well. The two arrived at their front door with great self-control on Vinyl’s part. Octavia put her head into the saddlebag looking for the keys but was having difficulties finding them. Vinyl ended up using her magic to locate the keys and unlock the door… which took a few tries.

Octavia started to stumble her way up the stairs to get to her room however was finding it increasingly difficult with the state that she was in. After climbing three steps she fell backwards on top of Vinyl and started laughing hysterically. “Hahaha *hic*I fell Vinyl. Can you help me up dear…*hic*.” teased Octy not realizing that her soft cushion was the DJ. Vinyl rolled her eyes and with a blue glow picked Octavia up with her magic and began taking her to the bedroom. “Look Vinyl…*hic* I’m swimming on blue air.” Octavia giggled swinging her legs around.

Vinyl smiled putting the cellist down on her bed turned and started to leave. That was until Octavia wrapped her forelegs around her and pulled her onto the bed with a forceful tug. The DJ was too drunk to care anymore as she looked at Octavia who processed to kiss the white mare on the lips. There was no turning back now, it was time to throw caution to the wind and spend the night in bliss.

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Meanwhile in Canterlot.

Two ponies sat in a large room filled with expensive musical instruments in display cases, red carpet with matching velvet drapes hung on each window. A fire was raging in a marble fireplace cascading an orange glow over the two. One an older mare unicorn, her coat was ruby in color and her mane a sapphire blue, her cutie mark being a string of musical note and her name was Harmony, Octavia’s mother. The other being an older stallion earth pony, his coat a silver color and mane onyx like his daughter’s, his cutie mark being that of a conductor’s stick tapping a stand, his name Alto Tempo. The stallion was reading over the Canterlot newspaper until his wife broke the silence of the room.

“Octavia should be happy that we found her a husband. Can you imagine how it would look if our daughter was found consorting with a country bumpkin? We would be a complete disgrace.” The mare said.

“It would be more disgraceful for us is she really was a fillyfooler. Good thing that Octavia was only going through a phase.” The stallion stated.

“Yes darling. That had to be what was going on.” She replied.

Both had made names for themselves in the music industry long ago. Harmony was a renowned singer and Alto Tempo was the best conductor of his time. The two stood and prepared to head off to bed.

“Darling, you made sure that everything will be perfect for the wedding did you not?” She asked as she could trust her husband with a lot of things, but the wedding was a big deal for them. Everything had to be perfect.

“Yes, my dear. Everything will be perfect for the wedding. Every, last little thing will go according to plan. Mark my words our daughter will wed that stallion and that will be the end of our worries.” He said putting his hoof down as if it was an order.

“You are right darling, everything will be perfect. Octavia will come home and do exactly as we say. What could possibly go wrong?”

Author's Notes:

Hello everyone and thank you for reading chapter 2. I do hope that you enjoyed it as much as chapter one. I am having so much fun writing this story and more will come as soon as I type it up.
Story written by: Coco the Bearded
Story edited by: Rosa Gears

About Last Night

About Last Night

The morning light filtered into Octavia’s room as Celestia raised the sun. The light illuminated her bed which was a mess of sheets and pillows from the night before. The two mares lay cuddled into each other as the light bothered Octavia’s eyes. She groaned and shut her eyes more trying to stay asleep and avoid the impending hangover that was sure to come when she opened her eyes. She rubbed her face into the soft pillow that she had been resting on, but something was off about it. It was steadily rising and falling, warm and she could hear a heartbeat with it. She opened her eyes and was shocked to see she was laying on a sea of white fur, Vinyl’s fur. She tried to sit up but the DJ’s strong forelegs was wrapped around her. “Oh no... Oh no oh no sweet Celestia no.” Octavia said franticly trying to get out of the grasp of her friend. In one last attempt she shot up as quickly as she could and the force made her fall off the bed waking the DJ.

“Huh? Wha?” The DJ looked around the room. It was Octavia’s room and the memories of last night washed over her causing her eyes to widen and frantically think. Oh my gosh, that's right. Me and Octavia did it last night... Oh sweet Celestia what do I do? What do I Do?! Okay Vinyl, let's not panic, play it cool, just like DJ Pon3 would...What would DJ Pon3 do in this situation... Thoughts played in her mind before she noticed a dark spot on her chest and chuckled softly. Got it. “Wow Octy, I didn’t know you drooled in your sleep, or do you only drool over awesome mares like me?”

“Um no… I um…” Octavia blushed deeply as this was new for her. Sure, she had fillyfriends before and experienced such things but not with her best friend. “I don’t… Did we? What happened last night?”

The DJ stood up on the bed and looked it over. “What happened last night? Do you really want to know?" She said with a grin.

“Vinyl please get serious.” Octavia said and groaned. She wasn’t in the mood to play games with her head pounding the way it was. She closed her eyes and rubbed her temple with a hoof. “Oh, my head is killing me.”

“Isn't it obvious Octy. We bucked all night, I have to say though, I never pegged you for a screamer.” answered the DJ smiling foalishly.

“Oh, Celestia no. How could I... with my best friend? I mean sure we are… What was the plan again?” Octavia asked herself thinking and hissed as the hangover looming over her. “Oh, right we are...” She stopped and blushed more shaking her head. “That can’t be right.”

“Well it is right, we got engaged and had crazy…” The DJ started but stopped with a glare from Octavia.

“Can we please not talk about the events of last night?” She asked giving a stern look over at Vinyl.

"I don't see why it's such a big deal?" answered Vinyl who got up to stretch.

Octavia was about to respond when she noticed something on the white mare that made her blush profusely. “W-why is my bowtie around your thigh Vinyl?” She asked becoming more embarrassed by the second.

Vinyl looked down and blushed for a second before remembering that she needed to play it cool. She gave Octavia a devious smile and replied “I thought you didn't want to talk about last's nights buck fest.”

This comment earned Vinyl a stern look from Octavia, but continuing to play the part of DJ Pon3, she just started to the bathroom to take a shower. She put a hoof on the door and looked back at the cellist “I will say that you are very talented though. I've never been with a mare so flexible before.” said the DJ winking at Octavia and walking through the door.

Octavia fell to the floor and covered her head with her legs. “VINYL!” Octavia exclaimed embarrassed and blushing like mad now.

Vinyl popped her back out of the door “Oh and let me just say that your cello isn't the only thing you can handle with skill.” Teased Vinyl twirling Octavia's bowtie around her hoof.

"V-Vinyl Scratch, stop that this instant...and give me back my bowtie." Demanded Octavia walking over to the DJ face flush with embarrassment and anger.

"Are you sure? You know where it's bee_OW" The DJ was cut short by a hoof smacking the top of her head. "What was that for?" asked Vinyl rubbing her head.

"That was for being insensitive." Replied Octavia grabbing her bowtie and putting it back on. “Now, we will forget this mistake ever happened and you will not mention this to anypony EVER.” Octavia order.

“Awww, your no fun Octy. And here I wanted to tell Lyra and Bon Bon." replied the DJ shutting the door and walking into the shower. She really was happy that they did it but she also was hiding her embarrassment from her with the teasing. She was actually more scared that Octavia would find out her true feelings, especially after hearing her call it a mistake.

Octavia walked into the bathroom and huffed. “If you tell anypony, so help me Vinyl.” She said before rubbing her head. “This bucking headache.”

She walked to the cabinet and took some aspirin. “You know what Vinyl. I am going to make Pancakes but you are not welcome to any if you plan to tell anypony about last night.”

“But pancakes.” Whined the DJ from inside the shower but Octavia had already left the bathroom and headed to the kitchen. When she was sure she was alone the DJ hoofpumped and thought. Nailed it. For the time being, the DJ was able to hide her true feelings for Octavia a little while longer.

When the cellist got to the kitchen she started making the batter slowly, trying to make as little noise as possible. She grumbled as this morning could have gone better. Of all the ponies she had to sleep with, it had to be Vinyl. She shook her head and concentrated on the task at hoof hoping it would help her forget. It didn't take long before she made a nice stack of pancakes for them. “I should really shower myself, I smell of alcohol...and Vinyl.”

Turning off the stove she trotted to the second bathroom and took a quick shower. Surprisingly she was out and dried off before Vinyl was even downstairs. “Vinyl Scratch the pancakes are getting cold.” She called out in slight annoyance.

Octavia’s voice was loud and clear inside the upstairs bathroom where the DJ had fallen back to sleep standing in the shower. The word pancakes rang in her ears waking her up immediately. She quickly got out of the shower and dried off with a simple spell that made the water on her body evaporate into steam. She looked at the mirror placing her trademark sunglasses over her eyes. “Okay no more hiding it, so what if she called last night a mistake. Today is the day your going to tell Octy how you really feel.” She said pumping herself up smiling at the mirror before looked down with a sigh. “Oh, who are you fooling? You'll chicken out just like every other time.” She said to herself knowing that if she put herself out there and was rejected, they might not be able to be roommates anymore, or worse, friends. She soon made her way down stairs and couldn’t help but watch Octavia setting the table.

“Remember Vinyl not one word to anypony or you will have to cook for yourself.” Octavia said trying to stay composed and proper.

“What about telling them with hoof gestures?” The DJ asked a foalish grin plastered on her face.

“No Vinyl, and you just lost a pancake for that.” replied Octavia, taking one off of her plate

“Okay okay Octy, you win...I will just have to draw it out.” The DJ said under her breath teasingly only to receive a hoof to the back of the head from Octavia. “Oww, hey that hurt.”

“Serves you right for trying to tell ponies about my sexual exploits.” Octavia said with a hint of poshness in her voice.

“It's my sexual exploit too Octy.” huffed the DJ before watching her plate of pancakes scoot a bit farther from her. “Okay I’ll be good, just please let me have some pancakes.” She said staring at the delicious golden mountain in front of her.

“Mark my words Vinyl, should anypony find out about last night I will find a new place to store my bow.” Octavia stated and glared to the DJ though judging by the weird smile that spread across the DJ’s face it wasn’t effective.

“Ohhh, Kinky.” Said the DJ winking at Octavia.

Octavia groaned and facehoofed at the comment. “I didn’t mean it like that Vinyl.” She said with anger and frustration in her voice. “And don’t wink at me like that.”

“Wait… What? How in Equestria could you possibly know that I winked at you? I am wearing my shades.” The DJ remarked pointing a hoof to the purple shades that hide her eyes.

“Vinyl I have lived with you long enough to know when you are doing something behind those glasses. Last night for example, I know you were giving me the shifty eyes when I asked you about the dishwasher.” Octavia stated as she sat down at the table and plated herself some pancakes. After pouring some syrup on the hot golden pancakes she took a bit of one chewing it slowly.

“For the last time Octy, there's nothing wrong with the dishwubber.” The DJ said taking her own seat across from Octavia and some more pancakes onto her plate.

The DJ’s words hit the grey mare like a kick to the stomach. She gasped and shallowed the pancake she was chewing causing her to choke a bit. After a few pounds of her own hoof against her chest she took a deep breath, coughing a few times after and glared at her roommate. “What did you say?” she asked her voice a bit horse from choking and coughing.

“Dishwasher… I um… I am not sure what you heard me say.” The DJ’s response was fast and clearly trying to cover up the issue at hoof. The doorbell rang, and the white mare shot up. “Oh, we have a visitor, I’ll get it you just stay here, forget about what I said and enjoy your pancakes.” She said and rushed off to answer the door.

“We are not done talking about this Vinyl Scratch!” Octavia yelled out as the DJ left her sight and she sighed facehoofing. “That mare will be the end of me.”

Vinyl sighed in relief as she stopped at the door. Opening it with a smile just happy that again a distraction came at the right moment to avoid the topic. She smiled even wider seeing who was at the door. “Lyra, Bon Bon what perfect timing, it is good to see you girls. What brings you over this early in the morning?” She asked and let them in.

As Lyra and Bon Bon walked into the house Bon Bon answered the question. “Nothing much really, we just never seen Octavia drink that much before and were worried about her. We wondered if you needed help comforting her this morning.”

“Nah, she’s all good.” The DJ said bumping the door with her flank to shut it. “She actually made pancakes if you want to join us. She made quite a lot so there is plenty to share.” She said and smiled.

“That would be nice if it isn’t imposing on your two lovebirds.” Lyra teased causing a blush to appear the DJ’s white cheeks.

“We are not lovebirds.” replied the DJ, looking back to make sure that Octavia didn't hear the comment.

“Well from what we saw last night…” Bon Bon giggled as she watched the white mare’s face turn red. “Oh come on Lyra and I both remember what you said about Octavia. Why not just tell her how you feel?” She whispered as to not let Octavia hear the secret.

“T-that I can’t do. It could ruin our friendship forever if she rejects me.” She whispered back and looked to the kitchen hearing Octavia voice.

“Who is it Vinyl? If it’s a salespony tell them we don’t want or need anything.” Octavia called from the kitchen.

With that both Lyra and Bon Bon started to laugh. It was just all too familiar to them. “Yeah you aren’t lovebirds at all. You are a full on married couple.” Lyra commented quietly. “Me and Bon Bon act the exact same way at home.” She tried to hide her laughing behind a hoof.

“No it’s Lyra and Bon Bon, they are here to make sure you are okay. I invited them to have pancakes with us.” The DJ said rubbing the back of her neck. She did her best to stop blushing before she walked back into the kitchen with Lyra and Bon Bon following close behind. They smiled and took a seat at the table before nodding to Octavia in thanks.

The two new guests plated themselves some pancakes and there was an awkward silence in the kitchen for a little while. “So about last night…” Bon Bon started and was cut off by Octavia.

“Nothing happened after we left the bar if that is what you are thinking.” She quickly stated trying to cover up last night, though it was clear that she was trying to hide something.

“I was just going to ask you girls if you had talked about the pretending to be engaged plan or not yet.” Bon Bon finished and tapped a hoof to her chin. She didn't know what happened after the two left but something seemed off to her...Octavia was too quick to denounce last night.

While Bon Bon was watching Octavia, Lyra had been keeping a close eye on Vinyl. Something seemed to be different since last night and she just couldn’t put her hoof on it. That was until Lyra spotted something, something big, and game changing for Vinyl and Octavia’s relationship. “Oh, oh sweet Celestia you didn't...you did, you did it with Octavia last night didn’t you Vinyl?” Lyra asked with amusement in her voice.

Hearing this almost made Vinyl choke on her pancakes if it weren't for the cellist patting her back. “W-what would make you think that?” Octavia asked nervously her eyes shifting back and forth nervously.

Lyra pointed to the DJ’s horn and chuckled a bit. Bon Bon and Octavia both looked up to see that the glow around the DJ’s horn was not blue like it had been before, but instead was a grey color that matched Octavia’s fur. This caused the grey mare to groan and lay her face down on the table in embarrassment. “The horn never lies. It normally changes color…” She started to explain before a white hoof covered her mouth as the DJ motioned her head to the living room. Lyra could feel the death stare she was being given even if she couldn’t see it. She nodded and slowly left with the white mare.

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Bon Bon nibbled on a pancake before she spoke to Octavia. “You know that is a special thing for a unicorn.” She smiled nibbling on the pancake more. “I remember the morning after me and Lyra, well that isn’t important, but when I noticed her horn color changed.” Bon Bon was stopped by another one of Octavia’s trademark groans.

Sitting up to full attention Octavia looked at the mare before her. “Bon Bon that isn’t the problem. I know it can happen to unicorns and that it means that they slept with a pony that they are very close to. The problem is that she was making a big joke about it.” She pouted. “I haven’t been able to tell anypony about this before, but I will tell you. Though you have to Pinkie promise me not to tell anypony, especially Vinyl.” Octavia pleaded.

“Okay, I Pinkie promise.” She said and smiled but when met with a glare from Octavia Bon Bon sighed. “You're not really going to make me say it are you?... Fine, cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” She said doing the gestures with her hoof as she made the promise.

“She checks out.” Said Pinkie Pie as she randomly appeared in the kitchen window giving Octavia a hoof up in approval. This confused both Octavia and Bon Bon as Pinkie Pie came out of nowhere and was gone just as fast.

“Oh, she is good.” Bon Bon stated and chuckled behind a hoof at just how Pinkie seemed to know when a promise was made...it must be part or her Pinkie sense.

“I… I don’t…” Octavia was at a loss for words but just sighed and looked back to Bon Bon. She was about to speak again but she stopped and looked around the room for any sign of the white unicorn before whispering softly. “I am in love with Vinyl. I have been hiding it from her because she is this famous DJ and super into Techno music. There is no way in Tartarus that a pony like her would have the faintest interest in a classical pony like me.” She bowed her head blushing from the embarrassment of having said it out loud.

Bon Bon was at a loss for words for a moment. How could it be that her friends that have lived together for so long as roommates not have a clue the other was completely in love with them. The light yellow mare gave a soft reassuring smile to Octavia and put a hoof to her chin pulling her head up to make eye contact. “How long have you been in love with Vinyl?” She asked quietly as to keep to the Pinkie promise.

“It started after she met my parents the first time. I don’t know how she did it but she survived the encounter without leaving because of how overbearing they can be. I was impressed and, well... after that I started noticing the little things about her that were both irritating and cute at the same time. I don’t know, it was just everything about her seemed so different from what I was use to and she grew on me.” The grey mare whispered and smiled to herself daydreaming about her roommate.

Bon Bon just let Octavia have her thoughts as she continued to eat her pancakes. It was starting to feel almost unreal at how blind the two were of each other’s feelings. It was funny in a mundane way to Bon Bon who knew they would be good for each other.

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Lyra was stopped by Vinyl as they entered the living room. Looking back to the DJ she could feel as if she had been close to getting a hoof to the top of her head. “Watch what you say to Octy. Remember I am still hiding my true feelings from her.” The DJ said in a harsh whisper.

“Vinyl you need to just mare up and tell Octavia how you feel about her already. I mean the worst thing is that she says no. She wouldn’t just stop being friends with you over something like this.” Lyra said and sighed. “You are worse than Bon Bon was when trying to hide her feelings from me.” She said and moved a hoof through her mane.

“That was you and this is me. I am DJ Pon-3, you know, big disk jockey that plays awesome mixes. Octy, she is more refined and classy. You think a pony like her would every give a DJ like me the time of day?” The white mare took off her purple shades revealing her saddened red eyes.

“You won’t know unless you tell her. Trust me Vinyl, Octavia is a good friend and she cares about you. I can tell by how you act together.” Lyra said putting a hoof around Vinyl. “Plus pancakes the morning after. That is a mare you don’t want to let go.” She teased.

“That is easier said than done. I had to act like last night was nothing, like how she would think DJ Pon3 would act. She has no clue that I would like nothing more than to be her special somepony.” The DJ sighed softly as she hung her head putting her shades back on.

“Well I told you what I think about the subject, it's up to you to make the final step.” Lyra said poking Vinyl's horn. “But that magic will help in convincing her family that you two are engaged. I mean you can’t argue with magic color.” Lyra smiled as she walked back to the kitchen.

The DJ followed the green mare into the kitchen snapping Octavia back to reality but not before Lyra noticed the daydreaming look she was wearing. Lyra dismissed it and dug into her pancakes with Vinyl and her new grey colored magic. “Are you sure we can’t go with my plan?” The DJ asked looking at everypony at the table.

“NO!” Shouted everypony at the table.

“I might have been pretty drunk last night, but I can remember the worst idea you ever had. We will not be doing that.” Said the cellist turning her head away from the DJ with her hooves crossed over her chest.

“She’s right Vinyl that plan was dangerous, and I would almost say criminal.” Lyra stated as she finished her plate.

“Now we need to work out who proposed to who, how the proposal went and how long you have been dating before the proposal. After all, this won't work if you two can’t keep your stories straight.” Bon Bon said looking at the two mares and smiling thinking about it.

“Yes, it will need to be very convincing and romantic. Something that will make your parents believe that it’s true no matter what.” Lyra said.

“We have done almost everything together since becoming roommates. I think that vacation we took to Las Pegasus would be a good place to say we started dating. You remember right Vinyl? You got into a fight with that mare at the poker table for hitting on me.” Octavia said and laughed a little at the memory.

“Hey, she was all over you and that wasn’t something that I could stand for.” The DJ said and nodded. As funny as it sounded, that was actually when Vinyl realized that she was in love with Octavia. “But I agree that would be a great story of how we started dating. There is no mare I wouldn’t fight for you.” She stated and puffed out her chest to be triumphant.

“Right, well than we will say that Vinyl asked Octavia to be her special somepony after that fight.” Lyra said looked to Bon Bon nodded feeling the two mares were blind.

“How about we have Octavia be the one that proposed to Vinyl, for obvious reasons.” Bon Bon said eyeing Vinyl after getting a look of hurt.

“What, you don’t think I could plan something romantic for my special somepony?” The DJ asked putting her hoof over her heart making a pouting face.

“Vinyl, everypony here has heard the kind of plans you come up with last night. I don’t think there is a single plan that you could come up with that doesn’t involve wubs or somepony getting hurt in the process.” Octavia said looked to the DJ who pouted even more.

“But the wubs, everypony loves the wubs.” The DJ responded quietly.

“So if I were to propose to Vinyl I think…” The grey mare tapped a hoof to her chin thinking long about what kind of proposal she would think Vinyl would enjoy. “I would assume nothing to fancy. I guess I surprised her at one of her shows with flowers and a ring topped with a beautiful Ruby engraved with a treble clef and double note that were intertwined.” She said looked at the group who wore shocked faces. “What?” She asked.

“Not a diamond? I mean come on why a Ruby?” Lyra asked as that wasn’t the normal thing to have on an engagement ring.

“Well this one always hides her best features behind those purple glasses of hers. Those red eyes are beautiful, and she just hides them away so a Ruby to match her eyes and well the cutie marks being etched onto the top of the Ruby was a personal touch.” Octavia said defending herself.

Everypony looked to the DJ as if to hear her say that wasn’t something she would go for but the look on her face read differently. “Are you okay Vinyl?” asked Octavia.

“Yeah, you got a tear running down your face.” Commented Lyra.

Snapping back to reality, Vinyl quickly wiped the tear off her face with a hoof “I’m fine, just had something in my eye is all” lied the white unicorn. The truth was that she couldn’t have imagined a more beautiful way of proposing if she tried.

“You know Vinyl, if you don’t like it we can always change it.” Said Octavia trying to figure out what the DJ was thinking about.

“NO…I mean no, It’s perfect Octy…I just…I need to go to the bathroom. Whatever’s in my eye just doesn’t want to leave.” Replied Vinyl getting up from the table and walking out of the room.

A bit confused at what just happened, Octavia looked to the others hoping for some sort of explanation, but only got shrugs from the other end.

“Soooo… I guess you two will be going with that story then.” Said Bon Bon trying to break the awkward silence caused by Vinyl’s sudden absence.

“What are you going to do about the ring?” asked Lyra

Octavia thought about it for a second and replied “I could say that she got it dirty from one of her shows and had to get it cleaned… I’m sure they’d believe that.”

“Yeah, that’ll be perfect” replied Bon Bon clapping her hoofs together for a bit and stopped causing the silence to return.

“She sure is taking a while.” commented Lyra.

Octavia sighed and sat up to say “I’ll go check on her.” And with that, she walked upstairs to find the DJ in question.

Bon Bon and Lyra looked at each other for a bit before giggling. “It’s so obvious, how has Octavia not noticed how Vinyl feels about her?” Asked Lyra.

“I know, the way she teared up after hearing Octavia’s proposal was just adorable.” Replied Bon Bon.

“Do you think Octavia feels the same way about Vinyl?” asked the mint green unicorn. Bon Bon opened her mouth for a second ready to answer her but quickly cut herself off. She smiled and raised her hoof to make a zipping her mouth shut gesture. This confused the other mare. “What’s wrong Bon Bon, why’d you stop talking?”

The yellow mare pointed a hoof to the window and simply answered “I made a Pinkie Promise, but I’m sure you’ll piece it together. Besides, I think it’ll be way more fun to watch things unfold between the two from a distance.” said Bon Bon winking at Lyra who immediately pieced the whole story together.

With a small giggle from the unicorn she stood up “Well, we should head home. I’m sure they have much to talk about” With that said they both walked out the house wishing the best for their two hopeless lovers.

✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨

The DJ walked into the bathroom and shut the door. The white unicorn took off her glasses and stared into the mirror with mixed emotions. “Way to go Vinyl….Way to keep your feelings in check” thought the DJ wiping the tears from her face. They weren’t exactly tears of sadness or joy, but something in the middle that just wouldn’t go away.

“Why am I even crying, Octy’s proposal was beautiful…I love it…I love…her…that’s why…” The DJ grabbed a tissue from the counter with her magic and noticed the new color of her horn for the first time. This made her cry even more “Why… Why can’t I bring myself to tell her…tell her the truth, how I really feel?” Vinyl blew her nose and looked back at herself, horn still glowing gray. “I know why…It’s because I’m a coward…that’s why I hide behind my shades…that’s why I hide behind DJ Pon3…”

A small knock at the door startled the white unicorn. “Vinyl? Are you okay? I’m coming in.” Said Octavia opening the door.

“W-Wait Octy” replied Vinyl scrambling to grab her glasses to hide her face but knocked them over. Not thinking about her magic, she once again attempted to pick them up with her hoof but kicked them in front of the gray mare instead. Octavia looked at Vinyl who had obviously been crying the whole time.

“Oh my, what’s wrong Vinyl?” asked Octavia, worried about her best friend.

“N-nothing” answered the DJ, sitting down and trying to hide her face behind her hooves.

Octavia picked up the purple shades and placed them on the counter. She walked next to vinyl, sat down, and hugged her. Holding the embrace, she asked “Do you want to talk about it?”

Vinyl, still sniffling, lowered her hooves “I…I…I’m sorry Octy.” Said the unicorn digging her face into the mare’s chest while returning the hug.

“What in Equestria do you have to be sorry about?” asked the cellist combing the DJ’s blue main in comfort.

“I’m sorry about how I acted this morning...It…I…I didn’t want to ruin our friendship so I tried playing it off, like DJ Pon3 would…but then you, and then I… I’m sorry Octy.”

Octavia was taken aback for a second, as long as she’s known Vinyl, she’d never seen her like this. “Is this what she hides behind her shades?” thought the cellist before smiling and leaning in "Don’t worry Vinyl, it’d take a lot more than that to split us up. And besides, it was my fault, I was the pony who got you all wrapped up in my problems, and I’m sorry for that.” She pulled the white mare back to look into her eyes and said “Just know this, whatever happens, we'll always be best friends."

Vinyl cheered up a bit after hearing that. "You promise?"

Octavia smiled "Pinkie Promise."

After Vinyl finished cheering up, the two mares walked back to the kitchen and saw that Lyra and Bon Bon had left. Not surprising considering how long they had been. The two sat back down and pick up where they left off. They continued to talk about the details of their fake relationship. They were surprised as to how many things they did together seemed to fit into either a dating type of situation or a romantic getaway with just a few changed details. After their talk Octavia noticed it was lunch time and decided to make them Lily and Daffodil sandwiches with chocolate oak shakes. As they sat to eat she looked at a calendar on their wall and sighed.

“Only a few more days before Hearts and Hooves day. We should leave to Canterlot soon to start trying to convince my parents about us.” Octavia said with no drive to do so.

“Why not just take the last train tonight? That way we can get there in the morning and spend the whole day avoiding them while doing some shopping.” The DJ said and smiled. “I have my heart set on a new record just begging to be remixed.”

Octavia smiled and thought to herself "Well, at least she's back to her normal self again."
“You are right Vinyl, let’s start to pack after lunch and take the last train to Canterlot. It should be less crowded and give us a chance to have you practice some quiet dignity and grace.” Octavia said taking a bit of her sandwich.

“Don’t worry Octy, I got this.” The DJ boasted with a foalish smile.

Author's Notes:

This was a very chapter to write for me and I hope it was enjoyable for everyone. The plot thickens and more fun is to come with the coming chapters.

I would also like to thank everyone that has been reading and supporting this story with comments and thumbs ups so far. It is very much appreciated.

- Coco the Bearded

All Aboard

All Aboard

“Don’t worry Octy.” The words played over again in Octavia’s mind but for once they didn’t worry her. She hadn’t believed them for a long time though seeing Vinyl's confidence reassured her. Octavia watched as Vinyl bit into her daffodil and daisy sandwich and smirked when a pedal was caught on her cheek. Seeing this reminded her of a scene from a romance novel she read before and sparked an idea in her head. “Ok Octavia, if you’re going to convince any pony that your engaged with Vinyl, you’ll have to step up your romance game.”

“Vinyl, you got a daisy pedal on your cheek"

"huh?" replied the DJ looking up at her

Octavia let out a small giggle "Here, let me get that for you." she said leaning in and licking the pedal off and returning back to her seat. The cellist watched as the white unicorn's face turned three shades of red and her magic failing causing her sandwich to fall to the plate.

“O-Octy, what did you…?” responded an awestruck DJ unable to grasp what just happened.

"Oh no, did I mess that up?" thought the cellist trying to come up with an excuse.

“Well, I...um... if we want to be convincing, you know… as a couple... we need to, um, act like one. So I just tried to be romantic…you know...like the books, hahaha…ha” The kitchen was silent as they both tried their best to comprehend what the other one was thinking.

“I messed it up.” Octavia thought to herself again and again.

The DJ’s mind was racing with questions. “There's no pony here... Why would she... flirt with me like that? Was that flirting or just acting? Does she...like me?...Would it be too soon for a practice kiss?”

The awkward silence was brought to an end by the familiar sound of Derpy once again crashing into their mailbox. “I brought you a letter.” She called out before unhinging herself from the mailbox and flying off to the next house to repeat the process. This snapped the girls out of their thoughts and realize that they should start packing.

“Um right, act like a couple.” The DJ nodded as she stood up. “I think we should start packing, I’ll uh, get the mail.” she said walking out of the kitchen, relived to have a moment to collect her thoughts.

Octavia didn’t get a chance to reply as the white mare had already left the room. She headed to her room thinking about what she had just done. “Classy Octavia, way to keep your cool...was I always this bad at flirting?” She continued contemplating how else that scene could have played out while packing some of her stuff. A toothbrush, her comb, it was when she couldn't find her spare bowtie that she became a bit frustrated "Oh, where did I put that thing?" she said looking around. She turned around and saw it hanging off of her cello case when she remembered where it had been. The events from earlier flooded her mind before she shook her head "Get a hold of yourself Octavia, your acting like a young filly again."

She grabbed the bowtie and put it into her bag. "Right, what else do I need" said the gray mare opening her closet. She grabbed a black formal dress, and opened her dresser to get the matching pair of shoes. It was then that she noticed her black and purple lacy lingerie set. Octavia stared at it for a while debating if she should bring it or not ".....I would like to surprise Vinyl with this...but is this really the right time......" The gray mare put it into her bag though she continued to stare at it starting to convince herself otherwise. "...maybe I should put it b_"

"I GOT THE GIG OCTY!" shouted Vinyl galloping up the stairs as fast as she could.

Octavia in a panic quickly throw her black dress into the bag to cover up the lingerie and snapped the saddle bag closed. That was when the excited looking unicorn busted into her room holding a piece of paper.

“Octy, Octy I got it, I got the gig. They signed me up for the main stage at Wubapollusa!” The white mare yelled out after reading the letter.

"That's great Vinyl, I know you've been looking forward to this for weeks now" replied Octavia.

“I know right, it took them long enough. I'll need to be back about a week after Hearts and Hooves day so I can get all my equipment ready. That'll be plenty enough time to ruin this arranged marriage.” said the DJ lowering her glasses to give Octavia a reassuring wink before sliding the glasses back up her muzzle. That was when she noticed that Octavia already had her bag packed.

"Wow Octy, that was fast. Here I'll get that for you." Said the white unicorn levitating the bag in a gray aura.

"Wait, Vinyl...umm" said the cellist causing the DJ to turn around "I, umm, you see... oh nevermind."

"Ooookaaay?" replied the unicorn going back down the stairs to place her bag by the door.
Walking back to her room she placed her letter on the kitchen table. When she got into her room, she turned on her music and started packing her bag. Bluetooth headphones, toothbrush, and a rather revealing red dress for ruining a curtain date. It was when a rubber chicken started floating over to the saddlebag that Octavia walked into the room with her cello on her back to congratulate Vinyl again.

Seeing the rubber chicken Octavia gasped and rushed over pulling it out of the saddlebag before it was closed. “Vinyl I said no to that plan. You will not be bringing this.” Octavia said and tossed the rubber chicken away with a sigh. “Please Vinyl I am serious about this.”

“Oh, come on Octy everypony needs a Plan G.” The white mare smiled foolishly sliding she purple shades down her muzzle slightly to reveal her playful red eyes.

“Don’t you mean a Plan B?” The grey mare questioned looking a bit confused at her friend.

“Nah, Plan G.” The DJ smiled brighter then before but was met with a groan and a facehoof from Octavia.

“The answer is no you are not bringing that rubber chicken.” The grey mare said walking out of the room. “And congratulations on getting picked for Wuba...what was that tour called again?”

“Wubapollusa, and thanks Octy. You should come to one of the shows. I can get you a back stage pass.” The white mare pushed her shades back up her muzzle and collected her saddlebag.

“That would be lovely but I might not be able too if this plan doesn’t work.” Octavia said as she looked down. “I would hate to be taken away from this place.” She whispered to herself.

“Don’t worry Octy, I won’t let them marry you off, I promise.” She said putting a hoof around her friend and gave her a one-legged hug.

“Thank you Vinyl, I don’t know what I would do without you.” The cellist said collecting her things and headed to the door.

“Probably be bored out of your mind in a place just like your parents house.” The DJ said not even having too think about it.

“VINYL...!” Octavia exclaimed. “You’re absolutely right.” She finished after a pause and they both laughed making their way to the train station.

The walk to the train station was uneventful for the two mares. Their saddle bags only carried what was needed for the trip and nothing else much to the DJ dismay. They took their rest on the platform as they waited for the train. Octavia set her cello case down and sighed softly. “Do I really have to even go on a date with that stallion?” She asked looking at the wooden boards under her.

“Everything will be fine. I promise. They will think that we are engaged and that arranged marriage will be called off.” The white mare smiled and thought for a moment. “But something just came to me. What if they make us get married in place of you and this mystery stallion?”

“That is a good point… I…wouldn't be ag_” She replied slowly getting quieter and trailed off as the train started to pull into the station. The train hissed as it stopped on the platform.

Once the train was at a complete stop the two mares heard the loud voice of the conductor call out. “Ponyville, All off going to Ponyville.”

The train was slowly emptying as Octavia walked to the ticket booth and bought tickets to Canterlot. When she returned to Vinyl’s side she noticed her looking at something near the back of the train. There was a muffled voice inside the train and it sounded like it said. “This seems far enough.” A moment later two ponies came off the train. One a brown coated stallion with a blue mane and goatee bearing a chocolate candy bar cutie mark. The other one that was being levitated off of the train was a cute pink pony with a hot pink mane wearing a small hat with a gear on it bearing a gear cutie mark.

"Come on Rosa, this is far enough, get up" said the brown stallion.

The pink pony rolled over in the air and replied "Five more minutes."

The brown stallion just sighed and stopped levitating Rosa causing him to fall to the ground.

"OW, what was that for Coco?" said Rosa rubbing his flank while levitating his hat back on.

"Oh good, you're up?" replied Coco with a grin.

"Where are we anyway?" asked Rosa bushing himself off.

"Some place called Ponyville." answered the brown stallion.

"Ponyville? Never heard of it." replied the hot pink pony.

"Yeah, me either." said Coco.

"It's perfect! Now remember, not a word about Saddle Arabia you got that." said Rosa extending a hoof.

"Yeah, yeah." sighed Coco reaching out and shaking Rosa's hoof and heading for the exit.

“Did you see that Octy? That Stallion totally dropped that mare” The DJ said after the two stallions were out of ear shot.

“I’m not a mare Damn it!” yelled Rosa from outside the station causing the two mares to jump in shock.

“H-how did she hea… wait... not a mare? That was a stallion!?” The cellist asked looking back at Vinyl who just shrugged looking just as confused. "Huh... anyway let's get on the train" She said collecting her cello case and holding her hoof out to Vinyl with a ticket.

“All Aboard!” The conductor called out. The DJ took the ticket and the two walked into one of the cars on the train and looking for a seat. The car was completely empty except for them. In fact they were the only ponies that were taking the last train out.

Vinyl and Octavia made their way to a couple of seats and placed their saddle bags down with the cello being placed down beside them. She opened the case and looked it over carefully. Putting a hoof to the wood of her cello she sighed.

“I was meaning to ask you Octy, why did you bring that? I am sure you won’t need it.” The DJ said looking at the instrument and the grey mare looked over her shoulder with a smile. “Um, what's with that look Octy?”

“Oh Vinyl, that's where you are very wrong. As part of your practice of quiet dignity and grace you will have to sit through classical music at my parent’s house. No headphones are allowed during dinner.” She said with a frown and took the cello from its case standing there tuning it. “You will listen and love it.” She said pulling out the bow and closing it in the nook of her leg.

“No, anything but that Octy, please don't make me listen to that.” The white mare pleaded jokingly. “That's what you were expecting me to say right? I love all types of music, you know that. I just can’t stand the older pieces; I mean if I have to listen to another Beehoofen piece again I will scream. The new ones that you compose are awesome.” She said and smiled thinking. “Anything Octy plays is great. I could listen to it for hours.”

Octavia closed her eyes as she brought the bow to the strings. Her mind filtered through piece after piece of the music that she had composed over her years of playing the cello and nothing seemed to fit the mood she wanted to make. The train ride would be a long one and she wanted to show Vinyl that she cared about her in ways she didn’t know. She then just started to draw the bow over the strings. The white mare before her filled her mind, if only for a short time the DJ was hers and only hers. The song that started playing was slow and somber before turning to a joyous and loving tune.

Octavia seemed to play for what felt like forever to the DJ as the sound made time not matter, only her Octy mattered. She clapped her hooves together after the cellist stopped playing and she could only think. “Wow I need to add some cello into my mix somehow.” “You know Octy, I think that was the first time I heard that song. When did you write it?” She asked watching the cello being put away.

“Write it? Oh, I didn’t write that piece it just uh came to me.” The grey mare blushed as she clasped the last lock on the cello case. “And I thought you only liked Techno music, it shocked me to hear you like all types.” She said softly taking a seat across from the white mare.

“Octy, music is my life, just because I have a preference for wubs doesn't mean I don't like other genres as well. I listen to all sorts of music for inspiration, I've been getting quite a bit of it from a particular artist as of late.” The DJ said with a smile looking at the cellist. “Now since we have some time, what should we do? Oh I know, how about I tell you the story of the Rail Tracer?” She said with a devilish smirk.

“What is the Rail Tracer?” asked Octavia causing the smile to grow wider on Vinyl's face.

“The Rail Tracer is a mystical creature that hunts down…” The white mare started before a hoof being pushed to her lips made her stop.

“That was a test Vinyl and you failed it. I don’t care what the Rail Tracer thing is; we are to be practicing quiet dignity and grace. Not wasting time with fantasies.” Octavia stated slowly moving her hoof from the DJ’s mouth. She cleared her throat getting prepared for the next lesson.

“A test? You know I hate those.” The white mare slumped into her seat. She looked out the window and was transfixed on something outside.

“Okay so when we are having dinner with my parents…” The cellist started only to stop seeing that her words were having no effect on the unicorn. Octavia groaned as she hit Vinyl in the back of the head swiftly with a hoof.

“Ouch, Apples!” Exclaimed the DJ rubbing the back of her head. She frowned and looked to her pretend special somepony. “Octy, save that for the bedroom. Though if you’re into public play I …” She stopped talking upon seeing the death stare from the grey mare. “Sorry it’s just that…” She pointed outside the window and after rolling her eyes Octavia looked out with Vinyl.

Octavia was completely dumbstruck as floating outside the train in a bathtub was Discord. He had a rubber duck, a back scrubber and bubbles hiding most of his body as he washed his back. The two mares didn’t know what to make of this and were lost in the confusion of what the lord of chaos was doing. It wasn’t until Discord let out a high pitched girlish scream that they snapped out of it. “Do you mind? I am in the middle of a very relaxing bath. The nerve of some ponies.” He said reaching his lion arm out and pulling a drape closed from nowhere to block their view.

“I don’t… Nevermind back to the lesson.” Octavia said as she looked to Vinyl. “Now you have to remember that my parents are very stuck up and posh. So you will need to appeal to that part of them at dinner. In other words, no hay chips and try to sound like you have some class about you.” She said and pointed at her with a hoof and a glare that could melt ice.

“And if I don’t?” The DJ asked and winked. “What if I want to announce how hot and…” She was stopped again by another hoof across the back of the head. “Ouch! Apples Octy.” said the DJ.

Octavia was a bit confused by that but decided to dismiss it. Instead, she face hoofed with one of her trademark groans. “Vinyl, my dear, sweet, easily distracted Vinyl. Please be serious.” She said and looked at her only to see that the unicorn waving her hoof up in the air like a young school filly. “Yes Vinyl?” She asked a bit annoyed.

“I have to use the bathroom!” answered Vinyl still waving her hoof in the air.

This outburst from Vinyl wasn’t something that Octavia was use too and it only caused her to sigh. Looking down she shook her head and just shooed the DJ away with a hoof. “Oh fine, but when you get back we will return to the lesson.” said Octavia.

The white mare smiled as she got off her seat and trotted towards the front of the train. “Don't worry, I’ll be right back.” She said leaving the car with a smile on face.

The cellist waited for the DJ’s return so that the lesson could continue though it seemed to be taking quite a while. She decided to wait a little bit longer before coming to an enraging realization. There were no bathrooms on the Friendship Express. The train rides from station to station were long, but not long enough to require restrooms. Glaring at the realization that she was made a fool of she went on the hunt for the missing mare. “Oh you are going to get it Vinyl Scratch.” She said beginning to search each car to find her. It wasn't until she reached the very front of the train that she spotted her target talking with the conductor.

“Look, all I'm saying is that you guys should totally hook up a sound system in here and play some fresh beats during these longer trips.” Vinyl said as the conductor was doing his best to ignore her. He continued to shovel in the coals to make the train run. He had noticed Octavia before Vinyl had and his eyes pleaded with her to remove Vinyl so he didn’t have to listen to her ideas anymore.

"Hey, are you even lis…" Vinyl started before Octavia grabbed her tail and started dragging her back into the passenger cars. Once they were a few cars away she let the tail go and moved to face her friend with a rather stern look on her face.

“Do you want this to work out not? Honestly I think you want me to marry that stallion.” She said with hurt and frustration in her voice.

“Wha? No Octy, what made you think that? I just find these lessons on grace and... that quiet dignity thing boring. Besides we have the train to ourselves, why not teach me more lessons on being a couple? We can start with kissing.” Suggested the unicorn before getting another hoof to the back of the head. “Oww, Apples Octy.”

“Why do you keep saying apples? I don’t understand.” Octavia said as she looked at the DJ confused about why she would keep saying that.

“Duh, it’s my safe word for when you get to rough with me. You should remember, you're the one who came up with it last nigh_…” She said and swiftly covered her head with her legs. “Ah! Apples! Apples!” She called out avoiding getting hit again.

Octavia sighed and turned around to get something from her cello case. Vinyl, not being hit, peeked her head out from the cover of her hoofs to be greeted with some scrolls. "Huh, what's this?" asked Vinyl.

"A list of topics that can and cannot be talked about while having dinner with my parents." answered Octavia.

"What the, why do I need this?" questioned the DJ looking at how long the scrolls were.

“Seeing how you like to joke around so much, I've taken the time to write out the does and don'ts so you don't embarrass me out there.” replied the cellist.

"What? When did I ever embarrass you before?" asked Vinyl.

Octavia looked at the DJ and said "Oh I don't know, how about the time you brought your own hay chips into the restaurant, or how you insist on telling the waitress that it's my birthday anytime I leave to go to the fillies room. I can go on."

"But it's free cake." Vinyl said in her defense.

"Hush you, if I were to add all the times ponies sang me happy birthday to me I would be as old as Celestia. Now back to the lesson at hoof, let's begin with the don'ts" said Octavia grabbing one of the scrolls and undoing the band around it.

"You never complain when you're eating the cake with me" whispered Vinyl under her breath. It was then that Octavia got the band off and the scroll started rolling down, first the floor, then to the second chair, and before she knew it, it had rolled out the car door. "What the buck? Octy, is there anything that you can talk to you folks about?" asked Vinyl trying to see if the scroll had stopped rolling.

"That'll be covered after I cover the things you should NEVER talk about. Number one, the most important one, don’t EVER talk about my sexual exploits, number two DON’T talk about my sexual exploits, number three NO talking about my sexual exploits. Am I making this clear for you Vinyl?” She asked and was met with a groan from the white mare across from her.

“But that's like, over half the topics I had planned.” Replied Vinyl who immediately ducked just barely dodging a hoof from the grey mare. “Ha! You missed.” she said in celebration but was quickly met with a hoof to the gut. “Apples.” She groaned before hitting the floor.

"Are you going to listen or do I need to get out my bow?" asked the frustrated cellist.

“Can’t we save that for the bedroom?” said Vinyl poking her head up playfully only to see a death glare from the cellist. "Ok, I'll be quiet now." replied the DJ lowing her head back down. A few seconds later she got back up and sat on the seat again. "Ok Octy, I'm ready."

"Alright, now item number four, don't talk about wubs. Number five...~” Octavia continued reading the list and for a while she was actually kind of happy that Vinyl was not trying to avoid her advice with her usual shenanigans. "You know Vinyl, I think that'll be enough. I'm actually getting quite tried reading all this myself."

Vinyl didn't move or reply to this at all.

"Vinyl?" asked Octavia, going in to investigate. It was when she heard the faint snore followed by a soft whisper “Wub, wub, wub.” from the white mare. The Cellists eyes narrowed on to the mare's purple sunglasses. She took them off to see if her suspicions were true only to see that she was wearing a sleeping mask underneath.

A bit frustrated, she was about to smack her so called fiancé when she read the message on the mask that said "I Wub U". The gray mare just sighed after reading it and looked back at the sleeping unicorn

"Honestly, what am I going to do with you?" she asked herself. She smiled and rested her head on Vinyl's, with the soft sound of the DJ's breathing and the moving tracks, Octavia yawned "Maybe, just a little nap won't hurt." she said before quickly falling asleep next to her DJ.

Some time had passed and Vinyl slowly woke up levitating her mask off with a gray aura. She stretched and looked down only to see Octavia cuddled up on her sleeping. The white unicorn began to blush, mind now racing "Oh my gosh, Is Octy sleeping on me. She Is So CUTE!!!! Oh please Luna, if this is still a dream, I don't want to wake up!"

It was then that the train began to slow down and the conductor came on the mic "Now arriving at Canterlot Station."

The Voice woke the Cellist up, and she got up with a yawn. Rubbing her eyes she looked at the unicorn and said "Morning Vinyl" and started gathering her items to leave the train. The DJ made a mental note to write an angry letter to the Conductor's manager about being a dream wrecker as they left the train.

“It took you girls long enough to get here. Bon Bon was getting tired of waiting.” said a familiar voice and the two looked at a mint green mare.

“Lyra, no it can’t be. How did you get here before us?” Vinyl asked.

“Well, you got me. By all accounts it doesn’t make sense.” answered Lyra shrugging.

“Huhhh we took an earlier train Lyra, you know this. By Celestia if it wasn’t for your flank.” The yellow mare said as she walked into view. “We even got a couple of hotel rooms for cheap in an area lite up with the most beautiful red lights.” She said with a dreamy smile.

“You mean the red light distract? Wait… rooms?” Octavia asked as she looked to them and they nodded.

“Oh yes we figured that you would want to stay away from your parents as long as possible, so we rented two rooms.” Lyra said and puffed out her chest as to say it was her idea.

“I suggested we get the two rooms. Lyra was more obsessed with what one we would get. She was so excited to get the Daring Do room that I had no choice, you know how Lyra gets.” Bon Bon said making the mint green unicorn deflate her chest and frown.

“You didn’t have to tell them that Bon Bon. But I am excited! Our room even came with its own whip.” Lyra said excitedly clapping her hooves together.

“Sweet! What room did we get?” Vinyl asked and got a hoof to the side from Octavia. “What? I want to know what theme we got. Oh and apples by the way.” She smirked, and Octavia facehoofed.

“We got you the second-best room available. It the honey-moon suite I am sure you both will know what to do with that.” Bon Bon chuckled as she winked at them.

The two mares blushed but walked with their friends towards the red light distract. Octavia tried to keep a low profile hoping not to be seen by her mother and father in this area of Canterlot. They made it to the hotel without being stopped or harassed by anypony. The Cellist was just thankful that they were not noticed by anypony she knew.

Upon opening the door to their room Octavia and Vinyl stopped in their tracks and just stared. The room was pink and filled with hearts and the scent of strawberries. It didn’t help the fact that romantic music started playing when they opened the door and rose pedals lined the way to the big heart shaped bed. While Vinyl would have normally made a joke about this, it was just far too much and too awkward so she decided against it. They looked at each other and wore the same expression.

“Um… I… Sleep.” Octavia stammered out as he walked to the bed and laid down on it.

"Yeah, me too....um Octy...there's only one bed." Vinyl pointed out

"Don't remind me, let's just go to sleep." replied the cellist

“Okay, so we're going shopping tomorrow then?” Vinyl asked.

“Yes Vinyl, right after breakfast.” She said as she turned off the lights and closed her eyes. Both the mares tried their best to fall asleep, but the room kept them both up for a while.

"Hey Octy... you asleep?" asked Vinyl

"No, you?" asked Octavia

"No" replied Vinyl

Octavia sighed "This is going to be a long night."

Author's Notes:

Thank you guys for reading and let's just get this out of the way. Yes Rosa and I Stan Lee'd ourselves into the story. If you guys didn't like it I blame Rosa it was his idea. I have been putting references throughout the chapters that I hope some people have made notice of. It is a fun game to say how many you found in each chapter. This chapter has four in it. The Stan Lee cameo is one of those four. How many can you find? Thanks again for reading and sorry it took so long to get this chapter out to you guys.

- Coco the Bearded

Explorer, Scholar, Gentlecolt

Explorer, Scholar, Gentlecolt

A few hours have passed since Octavia and Vinyl had checked into their room and the two found themselves having difficulty sleeping for completely different reasons. Octavia's mind was racing with worries and thoughts about their current situation and the day to come. “How should I reintroduce Vinyl as my fiancé? What if Vinyl and I mess up playing as a couple? What if she finds out my true feelings about her and leaves?" Octavia opened her eyes a bit and saw how close her muzzle was to Vinyl's. Blushing a bit, she swiftly rolled over to face the other way. "Ohhh why did Bon Bon have to give us a room with only one bed? She knows how I feel about Vinyl...she did this on purpose... This would happen right after last night.” Thoughts of what she and the DJ might have done together flooded her head. “Did we really do...that?... Was I any good?... Accursed ale, I will never drink you again.” She rolled back over trying to shake those thoughts out of her head, however, was unable to when the pony of her affections was right there. “How can she fall asleep so easily?”

It was then that Octavia started to hear mumbles coming from the white unicorn. "Hmmm, no....Octy come back... I love yo-" a yawn interrupted the DJ's sleep talking.

The Cellist began listening closer. “Could... could she be confessing to me in her dream?” thought Octavia as the mare stopped yawning and continued.

"your pancakes..." Octavia shot the sleeping mare an angry glance before rolling back over in annoyance taking the bed sheets with her.

Not long after, Vinyl woke up feeling a bit cold. She never had a hard time falling asleep before, in fact, she prided herself on the skill of being able to pass out immediately. However, the constant shifting and rolling that Octavia was doing made it next to impossible. It seemed that every time she did manage to fall asleep, she'd get hit with a pair of grey hooves from a certain mare rolling over for the hundredth time. She looked over at Octavia and realized that she had taking the bed sheets. Vinyl just sighed and decided to get up and go to the bathroom, stretching in the process.

The white unicorn walked into the bathroom, and upon finishing her business, she began looking around. She was kind of surprised and impressed by what she was seeing. “Heart shaped hot tub, a shower for two, heated floors. It almost seems too fancy to be a love hotel...I wonder if they got free toothpaste in here?” She asked opening one of the drawers. She looked inside, gasped, and quickly shut it, face now bright red. “Nope, it's definitely a love hotel." said Vinyl, turning off the lights and continuing to quietly explore the other room in their suite.

Vinyl walked in and dimly turned on the lights to see that this room had a desk in it. “Love hotel or not this place is really nice.” She thought to herself talking a closer look at the desk. The DJ tapped a hoof to her chin for a second and smiled as she remembered something that she wanted to do earlier. She sat down and reached into the desk pulling out a pile of scrolls and a writing quill. The scrolls were as pink and full of hearts as the rest of the room. She reached for the ink to begin writing an angry letter to the dream wrecking conductor’s supervisor but almost knocked it over. Quickly catching it, Vinyl peaked her head around the corner to see if she disturbed Octavia. “Hey Octy, you still asleep?” She said just barely above a whisper.

“Yes Vinyl, I’m sleeping. That is how I am answering you right now.” Octavia hissed as she pulled the pillow over her head to cover her ears. “Can’t you hear it?” asked Octavia.

The white unicorn paused for a second. “Hear what?”

Octavia took the pillow off of her head and replied “All the debauchery that has taken place in this room, I can’t sleep just knowing what somepony must have done in this bed. Just thinking about it is …” her face quickly turned bright red as thoughts of her and Vinyl partaking in such improper, undignified, and tempting acts together fill her mind. Octavia quickly hid underneath the sheets to hid from the curious looking unicorn. She wanted Vinyl to hold her, to kiss her, to embrace her but it was all just a filly’s dream right now.

“You know Octy, debauchery is the best part of staying at a hotel. You don’t even have to clean up afterward.” replied the DJ with a sheepish grin on her face knowing what her mare friend was thinking about.

With a slight bit of annoyance, the cellist uncovered herself and asked. “How is it you know the definition of debauchery but not betrothed?”

“Do you really want to know?” asked the DJ with a suggestive look on her face.

“N-nevermind” sighed Octavia putting her head back down.

Vinyl got up and walked over next to the cellist “Come on Octy, try and get some rest. You’re going to need it when we meet your folks tomorrow.” she said giving Octy a small hug and with a grey glow, she straightened out the tangled bed sheet and re-tucked her in.

“You’re right Vinyl, thanks.” She yawned again closed her eyes though her heart and mind were racing. Thoughts of Vinyl, some pink fluffy hoof cuffs, and a can of fluffy whip. Octavia knew that at this point she wouldn’t get a wink of sleep, she couldn’t let Princess Luna see what she was going to dream that night.

Vinyl walked back to the desk to get to work on her letter. Levitating the quill, she dipped the tip into the ink and thought about what to write. “Dear Manager of the Buckface Conductor of the Friendship Express…” After writing that she crumpled up the parchment and tossed it to the side. She grabbed a new piece of parchment and tried again. “To who it may concern? Or is it whom?... Why am I writing my thoughts?” She once again crumpled the paper and tossed it aside. This had happened multiple times through the night as she tried to get the best letter. She was down to her last piece of parchment and she sighed. “This is the last one I better make it count.”

Vinyl would dip the quill into the inkwell one last time her magic making it very easy to write what was on her mind. She smiled as she finally had the perfect way to word her letter.

“Dear Owner of the Friendship Express,

I have several complaints about a particular Buckface conductor you hired for the Friendship Express. There I was waking up from a nice nap to find the mare of my dreams cuddling with me. It was a dream come true, I mean, she was laying on me in the cutest way. But before I had a chance to relish it, that FLANKHOLE had to wake her up. Now I don’t want to cost somepony their job but that bucking dream wrecker deserves a good talking to. I mean, nopony should have their dream of cuddling with their special somepony wrecked so that a train conductor can leave right away.

P.S. I suggest that there be an awesome sound system added to the train as it is a rather boring ride. Feel free to contact me for detail about the sound system, I can hook you up with some wicked stuff. The wubs need to be shared.

P.P.S. Please ignore the pink heart covered parchment, it was the only one I had available and shouldn’t be seen as a way to lighten the message. Reprimand that conductor now so that no other ponies' dreams will be wrecked.

P.P.P.S. Follow me @theazurebuckr.

Sincerely,

DJ Pon-3

It had taken the DJ all night to come up with that perfect letter. The floor was covered in the remains of the fail letters but she chuckled softly after sealing the letter with a stamp. A groan from the bedroom made her ears perk up.

Octavia slowly got out of bed and stretched, her mane a mess from all the tossing and turning she did. “Vinyl I couldn’t get a wink of sleep because of this place. *yawn* what about you?” asked the cellist walking to the bathroom.

“Same, every time I did, you’d roll over and smack me with your hoof... and not in the fun way.” replied the unicorn.

“Vinyl if you're going to be so crude, please save it f-.” Octavia started and was cut off by Vinyl.

“For the bedroom?” Vinyl said with a wink pointing at where they were. This comment earned her a tired groan and facehoof from the grey mare. Vinyl smiled and walked over to the cellist and softly poked her nose. “Come on Octy, let’s find a place to get some breakfast. Coffee would do us both good right now.”

“I agree but where can we even find a place that would serve breakfast at this time?” Octavia asked pointing her hoof to the clock that showed how early in the morning it was.

“Not sure, but there has to be a place in town that has breakfast.” The DJ replied and with a quick adjustment of her glasses up her muzzle she walked towards the door the letter she wrote in her saddlebag and Octavia following in tow.

Having noticed the massive amount of parchment that riddled the floor the cellist was confused and looked to the DJ. “Vinyl why is that room littered with parchment?” She asked as she looked from the crumpled-up letters back to the DJ.

“Do you want the long version or the short one?” Vinyl asked and Octavia just shook her head and kept walking.

“You know what, I'm just going to let it go. Yes, let it go.” Octavia said more to herself than to the Vinyl.

“And here I thought you couldn’t hold it back anymore.” The unicorn said with a snicker before she followed the grey earth pony to the lobby. Right as they were about to head out the door, Octavia suddenly stopped causing Vinyl to bump into her with a umph. “What the buck Octy? Why'd you stop?” She asked to which the grey mare pointed to a pony standing at a podium.

“Look Vinyl that mare seems to be letting ponies into a place that looks like a restaurant.” Slowly walking over, she looked around confirming that it was indeed a restaurant. “What kind of love hotel has a kitchen, let alone a restaurant area?” She asked not noticing Vinyl sneaking off to mail the letter and quickly returning.

The yellowed maned mare smiled and laughed a little and she heard the comment from her new guests. “Oh, this isn’t a love hotel. This is actually a normal hotel and as our hotel’s name suggests, a hidden gem of Canterlot. This hotel is just like any other one outside the red-light district. We built here because it is cheaper for us and we pass the savings on to you ponies. My name is Sunflower Shine and I will be taking care of you today. Can I get you ponies a table?” She asked with a smile.

“Wait but if this isn’t a love hotel why are the rooms themed?” Octavia asked standing in shock.

“The hotel is modeled after a casino in Lost Pegasus. Plus, the themed rooms get us more visitors.” answered Sunflower.

“That explains it, and yes, table for two please.” replied Octavia.

“I just need a room card to check you ladies in.” said the yellow mare.

“Ok, here you go” said Vinyl levitating the card to Sunflower.

The mare looked at it and blushed. “O-oh, you two are staying in that room. Okay, you newlyweds are all checked in. Enjoy your continental breakfast.” She said returning the keycard with a small chuckle.

“What was that about?” asked Vinyl

“I don’t want to know.” replied Octavia as they made their way to their table. On the way, the cellist saw the object of her desire sitting on the burner. She walked over and grabbed the entire pot of freshly made coffee, sat down at the table, and started drinking it. As she lowered the pot, she saw Vinyl levitating a cup in front of her

“Mind topping me off their pal, be a friend. ha, ha, ha....” asked the DJ looking at Octavia who gave her one of those “mine” looks. “On second thought, I’ll just get it from the other pot.” she walked over and pored some in her cup sat back down and took a drink from it with immediate regret “Hoooot!” exclaimed the DJ waving her hoof at her tongue.

The cellist chuckled “What’s the matter Vinyl? Can’t handle your drink?”

“About as well as you can with Alicorn Ale Octy” replied the white unicorn earning her swift hoof to the back of the head. “Ow, Apples Octy. How do you still have so much energy after last night?”

“It wasn’t my fault that we didn’t get any sleep.” replied the gray mare.

“The way you kept shaking the bed I’d be surprised if you didn’t keep the neighbors up.” commented the unicorn.

Octavia was about to comment when she noticed not only Sunflower Shine blushing with a hoof up to her face to hide her smile but the other ponies around them as well. Thinking for a second the cellist realized how their conversation must have sounded to every pony else. This caused her to turn bright red.

“I mean seriously Octy, I didn’t know you could be so-” Vinyl got cut off by a grey hoof covering her mouth.

“Shhhh” said Octavia nudging her head to the other ponies.

“What?... O-oh.” replied the DJ understanding how this must have sounded to the other ponies.

“I swear Vinyl, you're going to have me die of embarrassment one of these days.” commented the cellist. “Now, let's get some food.” She said before walking to the tables looking over the spread.

Vinyl followed her and began looking over the assortment of food. “Continental breakfast huh? What is this? The pit of the donut obviously from Yakyakistan, and what do we have here? Tiny plums, these must be imported from the Badlands. And what is this strange tool? It’s not a fork and yet not a spoon, but something in-between, a Fopoon. Haha, what will you think of next Saddle Arabia?” Said the DJ making her way down the line levitating each object onto her plate as she commented.

Octavia groaned “Vinyl what in Celestia’s name are you talking about?”

“It’s continental breakfast, so the food is obviously from all around the world.” The DJ smiled as she looked at the cellist who just face hoofed in response.

“You know full well that Donuts were first made in Equestria, and those are grapes. The only one that confuses me is you calling a Spork a Fopoon.” replied the grey mare shaking her head. “Come on Vinyl, let’s just eat and go shopping.” said Octavia trying to ignore Vinyl’s antics.

After they collected their food, they sat back down at the table and began eating. At a certain point in their meal, they both began taking turns drinking from the pot of coffee sitting at their table. They were surprised to see that Sunflower Shine kept replacing the entire pot when it got low without any questions. When they had finished their breakfast, the mares left the hotel and made their way out of the red-light district to start shopping.

“Okay so the only thing I want is the latest record from Mystery Skulls, but it’d will be nice to just look around. I haven’t been here in a long time so it’d be cool to check out some of the new shops.” Suggested Vinyl pointing a hoof at the main district in Canterlot.

The two mares looked around from shop to shop though most of them weren’t open yet. Octavia showed the DJ some of the places that she’d frequently attend when she was a filly. “That is where I went to school and learned how to play the cello. My parents thought that instrument would make an Earth pony like me stand out in the music world. Well, at least they were right about one thing, despite being a pain in my flank.” Said the cellist looking at the school with found nostalgia, remembering a time when she admired her parents. A sigh left her before she moved on to the next area.

It was a park she used to play at but had to stop, something about needing to uphold a public image. “I used to come here often with my parents until they decided to forbidden it. I haven’t seen this place since. I always wondered what it looks like now.” She commented and started to walk away before being stopped by a tug of her tail.

“Well, they can’t stop you now Octy. Let’s go explore the park.” The DJ said with a smile and dashed to the park making Octavia run after her.

“Vinyl no. That park is…” The grey mare protested but it fell on deaf ears. Once inside the small park, she looked around at the flowers and trees. A small fountain with the royal sisters shooting water from their horns stood in the middle of a small pond. The pond led to a river that traveled over the side of Canterlot itself. The park was simply stunning and seeing the white unicorn resting her forelegs on a railing as she watched the water rush towards the edge of the city plate Octavia couldn’t help but feel calmed and a little romance in the air.

“This park is awesome. Look at the waterfall over there and the statue in that pond there. Why wouldn’t they let you come to this park?” Vinyl asked.

“They didn’t want me associating with the common ponies, we had to keep a public appearance so I just stayed at home practicing the cello as all my old friends would be here.” The grey mare sighed as she looked around. “I, just listened to them thinking they knew what was best.” She said and looked around the beautiful park. The white mare followed alongside her as they wasted time before that they would go shopping.

Vinyl noticed that there were more ponies on the streets now and smiled pointing it out to Octavia. “Look every other pony is up and about. The shops must be open by now. I tell you what, I’ll let you pick the first shop to cheer you up.” She said putting a foreleg around the grey mare in a half hug.

“Cheer me up? I’m not upset.” replied Octavia

“Sure, anyway let’s ditch this scene, we got shops to explore!” said vinyl pointing enthusiastically to the streets of Canterlot.

“That will be your biggest mistake of the day Vinyl Scratch.” The cellist said with a devilish grin. She pulled away from the DJ and took her to a rather small shop that was full of glassware.

The unicorn’s face dropped the moment she noticed Octavia walk into the shop. The shop was full of tea sets and other expensive China that Vinyl really didn’t care for. She knew if she walked in there that Octavia would ask her what tea sets, they should get that would match their home. She quickly looked around trying to find a way out when she noticed something. Her eyes lit up seeing a particular shop right across the street from the China shop. The white unicorn double checked that the grey mare was distracted and made a dash into the other shop to look around.

The cellist didn’t notice the DJ’s absence at first, not until she picked out a new tea set and some decorative plates. She turned and looked around to get vinyl’s opinion and noticed that she wasn’t there. Octavia sighed “Somehow, I just knew she was going to do this. Oh well, I’m getting these anyway.” she said with a smile walking to the check out.

The cellist left the shop careful not to break her new items which she had in her saddlebag. As she was leaving the China shop, she bumped into the DJ. “Get lost in front of the door?” Octavia asked a bit sarcastically knowing that Vinyl hates these kinds of places. It was then that she noticed a small object floating next to the white mare in a grey aura. “Vinyl.” Octavia said face dead panning. “I thought I told you to leave that rubber chicken at home.”

“Don’t worry Octy, this one is new and he is a hundred times better than the one I left at home.” Vinyl said with a smile giving it a hug.

“Vinyl Scratch I told you that we are not doing that plan.” Octavia said in annoyance.

“Come on Octy this little guy was begging to get bought, I mean, look what he’s wearing.” The DJ said moving the toy between them to give her a closer look. The chicken sported a black tuxedo coat with a small monocle and top hat that would flip up when squeaked and lastly, a mustache painted on the beak.

“Look what he’s wearing?!” Exclaimed the cellist.

“It’s classy.” replied the DJ making the chicken give Octavia a small bow.

“Oh okay.” Octavia said seeming to calm down only to flip right back to annoyed. “No, no it’s not okay.”

“Come on Octy, check this out.” said Vinyl squeezing the chicken.

To the grey mare’s surprise, it didn’t squeak but instead said “I say.” in a posh Canterlot accent causing the unicorn to laugh like a young filly. Octavia grabbed the chicken and squeaked it herself chuckling a bit hearing after hearing it go “I say.” again.

“Ok, I’ll admit that’s cute however, I demand you return it. I don’t want you getting any more ridiculous ideas from it” said Octavia hoofing the chicken back.

“Return Sir Reginald? Never.” replied Vinyl hugging the rubber chicken protectively making it squeak again. “Besides, I couldn’t even if I wanted to. You see I spotted Sir Reginald in the window of a store called Chicks R’ Us and went inside to buy him. Sure, there were other kinds of rubber chickens there but I just had to get him. And well long story short, after I left the shop, it mysteriously vanished, leaving only an empty lot and a bit of tumbleweed.” The DJ smiled sheepishly as she noticed that Octavia was looking right behind her.

“Ok, I’m not going to question why you went into a shop called Chicks R’ Us but the shop is literally right behind you Vinyl.” The cellist said pointing her hoof at it. “Now, let’s go and return it.” She walked up to the store and noticed a sign in the window in big red letters. “Per the Owner Marcus Moneybags: NO REFUNDS. Octavia turned to face the DJ “You knew about this didn’t you?”

“Ha, ha, ha... well you see, that detail was in the long version of my story.” answered the unicorn with a silly grin on her face.

Octavia face hoofed “Fine, but he stays at the hotel. Do I make myself clear?”

“Crystal. Hear that little buddy, your part of the family now.” replied Vinyl giving him one last squeak before putting him away in her bag with a smile.

The two musicians continued making their way around Canterlot stopping at random shops along the way. They visited some music shops, a candy shop, a dress store, even a parts place that many DJs would go for new equipment. Octavia had some fun learning about some of the parts that made up Vinyl’s turntable and what caused it to make distortions.

As they continued their small escapade Vinyl noticed something that got her excited “Hey look Octy, there’s a new movie out. Dangeresque 1: Dangeresque, Too?” said the DJ looking at the sign.

“Why did you say that as a question?” Octavia asked raising an eyebrow.

“No that is the title. Dangeresque 1: Dangeresque, Too? It’s the new film by Matt and Mike Canterman, you remember, they are the same ponies that directed Trogdor the Burninator. You loved that movie.” The DJ said looking at the movie poster eyes lit. “We have got to see this one.”

“No, I remember Trogdor, that movie was horrible. It looked like the whole thing was drawn by a pony wearing boxing gloves. You lost your movie picking rights for a year because of that, are you sure you want to risk that again?” asked the grey mare with a smile.

“Oh, come on Octy, live a little. Oh?... The Cutie Mark Crusaders are credited as co-directors and set designers? Huh, they really were into everything.” commented Vinyl. she turned back and looked at Octavia with puppy dog eyes and asked “So, we’re not going to see it then?”

The cellist sighed as she thought to herself. “If Vinyl only knew the pain, she puts me through to make her happy. Though I will admit, as terrible as Trogdor was, it was entertaining in a funny sort of way. Plus, Vinyl was so cute bouncing around waiting for the tickets.”

“Octy?” Vinyl asked a little concerned as the grey mare didn’t respond to her right away and it was odd. The silence was making her nervous as she stepped away from the poster.

“Fine, we can see it, once it comes out on video.” Octavia replied in defeat "I can never say no to those ruby eyes of hers”

The DJ was ecstatic and with a quick lunge hugged the cellist tight and repeated again and again. “Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.”

Shaking her head with a small chuckle Octavia pushed Vinyl away slowly. “Yes, yes you are welcome Vinyl. Now I think that we have a record to buy. As much as I would love to continue avoiding my parents, I think it would be best to get it over with. We’ll tell them about our engagement and be on our way home before dessert.” She said holding her head up high having faith that their plan would work. “Now then, where is this store anyway?” asked Octavia

“Hold on, let me check” said Vinyl pulling out a flyer for a record store called 4y-Records from her saddle bag. “It says here that it’s right across the street from the train station” she answered, placing the flyer back in her bag.

“Well, at least we don’t have far to go.” replied the cellist as they made their way to the store.

Upon entering 4y-Records the two musicians branched off each looking around at different genres of music. As Octavia was looking at different orchestral ensembles to listen to in her free time, she overheard a pony at the register talking to the shop keep. “Hey, buddy, dude, guy, stallion, friend I need some new music.” he said in a saddle Arabian accent. The grey pony couldn’t help but giggle upon hearing that.

Meanwhile, Vinyl was intently looked for the record she wanted. Upon finding it, she saw to her dismay that it was already being listened to by another pony. This Earth pony looked very out of place inside the record shop. His coat was a light brown color, his mane was wild and onyx in color with sideburns that lead to a rather wild and bushy mustache. His front right leg was metal and he was wearing an explorer hat with a tan safari vest and a monocle. His cutie mark was a compass with a mustache over it just like the one he sported. Clearly, not what any pony would expect to see in a record shop. It surprised Vinyl enough to walk over to Octavia and point this stallion out.

“Hey Octy, you have got to check out this weird posh-ish looking pony listening to the record I was going to buy.” The white unicorn said with a pout.

“Uh huh.” The grey mare said still looking at the records only half paying attention to what Vinyl was saying at this time. “Sounds nice.”

“Wh… Octy, come on look at him. He has this wild mustache and funny looking explorer hat.” The DJ said pointing.

The description made Octavia snap her head up and look “Wait, could that be?” the moment she saw the stallion Vinyl spoke of a very uncharacteristic scream left Octavia’s mouth. “UNCLE TROTTERLOT!!!” The scream made everyone in the shop stop what they were doing, and look as the grey mare dove clear over the stand of records and tackling the explorer looking pony in a hug.

Vinyl just stood there as an awkward silence that filled the shop. The DJ’s bag dropped to the floor and the silence was broken with a “I say.” from Sir Reginald.

After that, the other ponies in the shop went back about their business and the white unicorn smiled and looked at her bag and said. “Thanks Sir Reginald.” and then walked to the pair of ponies.

The stallion stood back up and straightened out his hat as he looked at who caught him off guard. “Dear me, is that you Octy? I know I told you that silence is the best way to caught your target but that scream knocked even me off my guard. What brings you to this neck of the woods?” Trotterlot asked looking from her to the white unicorn that just walked over.

“Oh, Vinyl was looking to buy a new record from an artist she admires” said Octavia releasing her grip from her uncle to point at the DJ looking baffled.

“I see, so this must be your special somepony, and this must be the record your looking for.” deduced Trotterlot spinning the disk on his hoof

“Okay Octy, three questions; who is this guy? why is he calling you Octy? How do you know that we're special someponies? And lastly, how do you know I like Mystery Skulls?” asked DJ both confused and amused.

“How rude of me I haven’t introduced myself. It’s a pleasure to meet you Vinyl Scratch I am, Sir Trotterlot, at your service.” Trotterlot said with a wide-smiled and a salute to Vinyl with an odd twinkle coming off his mustache.

“Did his mustache just twinkle?” The DJ asked as she looked to the cellist.

“It is best to not bring attention to it.” Octavia said and smiled. “Also, I send him letters all the time.”

“Octy is very good at keeping correspondence. She writes about you a lot Miss Scratch and I knew that you just had to be her special some pony the moment I heard about the wedding. In fact, I was going to buy you this record as a wedding gift.” Octavia’s uncle said putting the record back in its sleeve.

“Really?” Vinyl said eyes lit up “But I gotta say, I am shocked that a pony like you digs the wubs, or believes Octy into mares.” commented white mare.

Trotterlot let out a small laugh before replying “Well I should know that, I practically raised her after all Miss Scratch. Her parents entrusted Octy to me over most of her younger years. I started to call her Octy when she started to play her cello and she hated it for a while. I just loved watching her get so worked up and the stunts she would try and pull to get back at me, but that’s a story for another time.” He said with a boisterous laugh.

“Uncle Trotterlot...” The cellist groaned in embarrassment as she looked down blushing.

“Not to worry Octy, I’ll keep those stories between us.” Trotterlot said with a wink before continuing “As for my liking of those wubs it reminds me of the tribal beats I heard in the Marezon. The Marezonians really knew how to boogie.” He stated as he began walking to the check out. "And as for Octy’s preference in pony's, you would have to be blind as a bat or in complete denial to not know.”

“Uh, well...” Octavia started and was cut off by her uncle who finished paying for Vinyl’s new record.

“This calls for a celebration. We are going to one of the finest drinking establishments that I know. Any pony who know anything about fine drinks knows that Celestia’s Castle is that best place to go.” The stallion stated.

“You are got it get us into the Princess’ castle?” Vinyl asked in excitement.

“What no, Celestia’s Castle is a hole in the wall establishment that I discovered years ago. It is the perfect place to celebrate your betrothal.” Sir Trotterlot said with a smiled leading the way to that hole in the wall he was talking about.

As Sir Trotterlot led the way, Octavia couldn’t help but notice that they were heading in the same direction as the red-light district. This worried Octavia for a second until her uncle turned and took them a different way more towards the castle itself. Just across the street from the castle was a building with an entrance that was a hole in the wall stood with the sign Celestia’s Castle. “So, it is a hole in the wall Uncle?” She asked confused.

“Indeed, it is pretty clever don’t you think?” Her uncle said with a smiled as he walked in. “They use magic to keep the temperature and weather controlled, pretty clever if you ask me.”

“That is cool and all Troty but why are we celebrating all the way out here when Octy’s parents are in the other direction.” The DJ asked as she followed Sir Trotterlot inside with Octavia bringing up the rear.

“Vinyl don’t call my uncle Troty, he hates it when ponies call him by that name. But she’s right uncle, we should really get going, Mother and Father will be furious if they find out we have been avoiding them all day today.” The cellist said concerned that she would get scolded for not reporting to them as soon as possible.

“Not to worry Octy, if this mare was good enough to strike your fancy, then Miss Scratch has well earned the right to call me Troty. And as for Harmony, you two just leave that to me. As much as I love spending time with my dear sister, I can’t see myself spending a full day with her much less an evening. Drinking will help make it bearable, and besides each time my sister speaks I feel my brain cells committing suicide one by one” He said taking a seat and looking through the drink selection.

Octavia and Vinyl did the same and looked over the drinks. Octavia didn’t want to drink too much after what happened last time. “At least I am not the only pony that finds spending time with mother unbearable at times.” She thought as she looked over the wine selections as she wanted to treat herself.

“Hey, look Octy, they have Alicorn Ale.” Vinyl said in a teasing tone.

“Never again Vinyl.” replied the grey mare giving the unicorn a look to end that conversation.

“Spoilsport.” retorted the DJ as she continued to look over the drink selection. “I think I will Minotaur Harvest. It says that it is an import.” She said smiling.

“I think I will stick with red wine tonight.” said the cellist.

“That is the spirit Octy, and I will try that Alicorn Ale you mentioned earlier. I will retrieve these drinks for us at once, Fun times hoooo.” Sir Trotterlot said as he walked to the bartender.

Once he was out of earshot Vinyl waved a hoof to get the grey mare’s attention. “Hey Octy, does your uncle know that the marriage is arranged or that it is too a stallion.” The white mare questioned

“I don’t think so, knowing uncle Trotty he probably invited himself unbeknownst. After all, he and mother don’t get along.” answered Octavia.

“Ok, then second question. how come you never told me you have a cool Uncle?”

“Vinyl my uncle is always away on explorations and researching the animals of this world and I knew you would want to meet him as soon as you heard about him. It is almost impossible to interrupt his research so I never said anything.” The cellist admitted sheepishly.

“Well, he seems like a cool pony. Why don’t we fill him in on what's going on and what we are doing, maybe he’ll help us out.” The DJ said thinking of ways he might help them out.

“You are right Vinyl but let me tell him okay. It needs to be broken to him gently.” The grey mare said softly as he was returning with the drinks.

“Fine, but if you take too long, I will step in and tell him myself.” The white unicorn said talking her drink from Sir Trotterlot.

“Did I miss something, tell me what Octy?” Troty asked as he looked at the two mares. He slid her wine over the table to her as he waited for her response.

“Well, it is complicated.” The grey mare started to say. She started to lose her nerves so she took a sip from the wine glass. The small sip turned into half the glass in a second before she tried to speak again. “You see the wedding that is happening next week is... Well, you see.” She said having a hard time getting the words out.

“Her parents arranged for her to marry a stallion. We don’t know his name or what he looks like. The only thing I know is that Octy is disgusted by the idea so me and some friends came up with some ideas to sabotage it. That’s why we’re pretending to be engaged to break off this yak shit wedding.” Vinyl blurted out causing Sir Trotterlot spit out his drink.

“You must be joking. Her own parents are trying to marry her off to a stallion? How can they not know?” He asked in shock as it was clear to anypony that Octavia wasn’t into stallions.

“They thought it was just a phase Uncle and think that if I marry a stallion, I will stop loving mares. I still love mother and don’t want to lose her so my friends are helping me find a way to break it off in a way that won’t upset her too much.” She said looking down at her glass nervously.

“I see” replied Sir Trotterlot taking a drink of his ale before continuing. “Well if there’s one thing I know, it’s that I will not stand idly by as my niece is wedded off to some undeserving pompous pony. You two just let me know if there is anything you need from me.”

“See Octy I told you Uncle Troty would help us out.” said the DJ putting a hoof around Octavia’s shoulder smiling.

“Thanks Vinyl, you really are the best roommate I could have ever hoped for” replied the cellist giving Vinyl a small nuzzle on the cheek.

“That reminds me, Miss Scratch mentioned earlier that you two had some other companions helping you out with this plan. Who are these ponies?” inquired Sir Trotterlot as he finished his drink.

Vinyl finished her drink before answering “Let's see, we have Lyra, Bon Bon, annnnd” the DJ scanned the bar for a second and smiled “Trixie.”

“Trixie?” questioned Octavia setting down her empty glass.

The DJ winked at the grey mare from under her glasses and began walking over to another table that had a blue unicorn sitting down enjoying a drink. “Trixie, I knew you would help us out.” Vinyl said wrapping a foreleg around Trixie and pulling her over to the table.

“The Great and Powerful Trrrixie, does not know how you keep finding her but Trixie will not be-” started the blue show pony before getting cut off by Sir Trotterlot introducing himself.

“A pleasure to meet you Miss Trixie I am Sir Trotterlot. At your service” said the explorer having his mustache twinkle again.

“That is the Great and Powerful to you simpleton.” replied the increasingly annoyed blue unicorn.

“My apologies young miss. Let me make that up to you. Barkeep, another round for us and the Great and Powerful Trixie!” Said Sir Trotterlot waving down the bartender.

The blue unicorn sighed “The great and powerful Trixie will have this one drink with you, but Trixie does not want anything to do with your plans”

The bartender brought the drinks to the table and walked back. Sir Trotterlot lifted his mug and said “Here Here, to Sabotage. Cheers!” And with the sound of clinking glasses they began to drink.

The four ponies had a few more drinks before Trixie left. Sir Trotterlot left the table to go and pay off the tab when Vinyl noticed Octavia looking a bit worried. “Hey, what’s up Octy?”

“Oh, nothing... I just wanted to apologize to you Vinyl.” answered the cellist

“Apologize? What the buck for?” questioned the white unicorn.

“Ever since I received that stupid letter, I have been so stressed and worried about everything. You must think of me as some silly filly for not wanting my life to change form what it is like now.” She said leaning on Vinyl’s shoulder for comfort.

“Octy, you’ll never be alone, not as long as I’m here with you. I am nervous to, but look at every pony that is here to help you. Trust me Octy, if there is one thing I know, is that I don’t ever want to lose you, and I’ll do everything I can to make sure that doesn’t happen.” Vinyl said in reassurance, resting her head on Octavia’s. For a moment, the two stayed like that and all their worries started to vanish.

“Well then, as much as I’d like to delay the inevitable, let’s make haste to get your idiotic parents. I for one...Oh...Sorry...am I interrupting?” Sir Trotterlot asked, just now noticing the how the two were perched up together like lovers.

Octavia blushed and pulled away from Vinyl as affection in public wasn’t something she was used to. She felt like everypony was looking at them. She looked around and her uncle laughed. “That isn’t funny Uncle Troty, you know full well that public displays of affection are frowned upon in Canterlot high society.” She looked down blushed wildly.

“Oh, to Tartarus with the high society. If you want to be affectionate with your marefriend then I say do it Octy.” He said with a smiled.

Octavia was going to say something but drink from her wine glass and sighed. Her stomach growled which caused her to look at the clock and sighed. “We should probably get going to Mother and Father’s house. Dropping in on them without notice will be worse if they started dinner before we got there.” She said.

Vinyl was about to protest but her stomach growled as well. They hadn’t eaten since breakfast and she was finding herself hungrier than she thought. “Yeah, as much as I don’t want to deal with your parents at this time, I am getting very hungry.”

“Agreed, but family does eat together.” Sir Trotterlot said as he looked thoughtful for a moment. “How silly of me, I forgot to bring your gift Octy, it’s a family heirloom I’ve been holding on to until your special day. I know we are not planning on having this wedding go through but I think you're ready to have it. I will accompany you ladies to the manor and part ways with you. Fret not, I shall return before dessert though I hope to make it back before dinner is over.”

The three ponies started the walk towards the area of Canterlot where the richer ponies lived. This made Octavia feel like a young filly walking home after school again but something inside her was telling her that she didn’t have to worry. Something about having her cocky DJ at her side gave her all the courage she needed. Holding her head up higher she took a deep breath and exhaled. “No matter what they say I will not go through with this. I am not a little filly anymore and I know what I want...and what I want is Vinyl.” She thought to herself, draping her tail over the other mare’s side.

Upon feeling Octavia’s tail draping over hers, the DJ smiled and walked closer to her cellist. The two leaned on one another as they walked toward the house and this didn’t escape the notice of Sir Trotterlot. He left the mares at the front door and turned to the two mares. “Ladies this is where we part ways for now. Give your parents no doubt that you and DJ Pon-3 are engaged.” the explorer said galloping off as to make it back before dinner was over.

The two waved goodbye and Octavia turned to face the DJ with a smile “Well, it’s now or never Vinyl. Please remember what we practiced on the train. Quiet dignity and grace.” said the cellist reminding the white unicorn as she tended to forget things, she didn’t deem relevant.

“Don’t worry Octy I got this.” The DJ said straightening her glasses with an evil grin. There was no time for Octavia to react as Vinyl reared up both hind legs and kicked open the two huge doors leading into the manor. She stepped inside and yelled out. “DJ Pon-3 in the house... Yeah, Yeah, Yeah.”

Octavia facehoofed after hopelessly watching the events unfold. “What part of that was quiet and graceful?” She asked in a groan.

“The lead up to me kicking the door open was pretty quiet and me not breaking anything walking in was graceful.” The blue-maned mare said holding her head up proud. It wasn’t until she heard the sound of glass shattering that she stopped and her ears dropped. “Okay, so I broke one thing but it’s not like it was anything priceless.” She said smiling sheepishly.

“’Octavia Melody!” Came an extremely displeased female voice from the upstairs. The two mares looked towards the inside of the house where the voice was coming from. The hardwood floors lead to a large white marble staircase that branched off to the right and left near the top leading to separate hallways. The place was blazoned with red and gold as it had been all her childhood. “You were meant to come alone. The letter didn’t tell you to bring your... so-called friend.” Harmony said as she walked down the stairs. She was about to continue when she noticed a shattered vase behind the white unicorn and gasped. “T-that was a priceless Steinway vase!” She said glaring at the DJ.

Vinyl looked at the vase and back at Harmony “Not any more...ha, ha, ha...I’llll stop talking now” The white unicorn said walking back next to Octavia.

The cellist nudged Vinyl and whisper “Say you are sorry.”

“Sorry mom, I didn’t mean to break the vase.” Vinyl said with as must sincerity as she could muster looking down.

“Did you just call me mom?” Harmony asked as she stepped back and scuffed. “That can’t be what I heard because you are not my daughter.” She shuddered at the thought of it.

Octavia knew she heard what her mother had heard. “Vinyl you have to be one of the dumbest ponies I have ever fallen in love with.” She thought and there was only one thing to do. Octavia hit the DJ hard in the back of the head.

“Ow, Octy you’re embarrassing me in front of mom.” Vinyl said and was once again met with a hard whack to the back of the head. This punch knocked her glasses down her muzzle. “Okay Octy, I get it. I’ll stop. Oww” Winced the DJ rubbing the back of her head with a hoof.

“I knew this would happen when you moved to Ponyville, we gave you too much freedom and this ruffian has begun to turn you into a violent pony. Octavia, you should move back at once, lest you turn into a ruffian yourself.”

“No, I will not return to this place and it isn’t what you think. It is just the only way Vinyl will stop talking about things she shouldn’t. I am not a violent pony Mother.” Octavia protested.

Alto Tempo walked into the main hall looking a bit annoyed at all the commotion taking him away from reading the paper. “Oh, Octavia you’re home.” He said in a rather far off tone. Alto never was the type of pony that took an interest in much but the news and his daughter when he had the time. Despite his career as a conductor he preferred to avoid having conversations with ponies outside of conducting his orchestras. He would mostly only talk with Harmony, while everypony else just got short comments or quick replies. He turned and looked at Vinyl “Oh, it's you.”

“Hey, what's that supposed to mean.” asked the DJ with a pout.

Octavia just facehoofed. “Vinyl, you are not helping matters right now” thought the cellist as she looked back at Harmony. “Look Mother, I brought Vinyl here to tell you that we are engaged.”

“How convenient that you would tell us of your betrothal after we had arranged for you to be wed. Your father and I went through great pains to find you a great stallion worthy of the Melody name.” replied Harmony, not buying it for a second.

“But we are, the timing was just coincidence. Look Mother, can’t we talk about this over dinner?” asked the cellist.

“Alto tell the chief to make extra seeing as our daughter brought along an uninvited guest.” said Harmony, a bit annoyed at the situation.

Alto nodded “Yes, whatever you want Dear.” and walk away.

Octavia’s mom looked back at the two “I can’t wait to hear the story of how you two got engaged. I trust there won’t be any inaccuracies in the stories you have.”

Harmony led the two into the dining room, Octavia and Vinyl sat down next to each other. Alto came back from the kitchen and sat next to Harmony on the other side of the table. One of the service ponies walked out caring some salad. After setting them down in front of every pony at the table he made his way back to the kitchen to prepare the next course.

“So, Miss Scratch was it? I thought that I wouldn’t have to deal with you again after our first encounter. Assuming this is not a charade, what made you fall in love with my daughter.” Questioned Harmony, looking at the two intently.

“Oh, that is an easy question. It was back when I got really sick after one of my tours. I came home exhausted and became really sick from eating nothing but hay burgers, drinking coffee, and getting little sleep. She took care of me as I was recovering but it stuck with me seeing how that was first time since I was a filly that any pony took care of me. That's when I started to have feelings for your daughter.” Said the DJ, digging into her salad.

“That’s right, I almost forgot about that, it was a little bit after you two came over to visited our house out in Ponyville. I thought it was the medications that were making you say that you loved me.” said the cellist chuckling at the memories of Vinyl over exaggerating her condition to get Octavia to keep bringing her hot coco and pudding in bed.

“So, you didn’t know when she fell in love with you Octavia? How odd for a pony not to know that.” Her mother commented.

Octavia, becoming increasingly annoyed at this interrogation answered “No Mother, I did not fall in love with Vinyl right there and then. I found her behavior to be foalish and annoying, and it stayed that way for the first few months we lived together. She was loud, messy, and if left to her own devices, would find new ways to prank me or change something in the house.”

“Octavia, if you are trying to sell me this farce of you two being engaged, then you are doing a poor job of it. Those seem like awful qualities for you to like from any pony in any sort of relationship.” commented Harmony.

“Yes, Mother but if you would stop interrupting me and just listen.” snapped the cellist before recomposing herself “I know those all seem like bad qualities but it was different with Vinyl. It’s how she acts about everything that attracted me to her. Carefree and yet caring, Cocky and yet sincere, she was so different from what I was used to that everyday seemed like a new adventure with her. I just didn’t realize it until she left for another one of her tours leaving me alone in a quiet empty house, just like how you raised me mother.”

Vinyl sat there shocked but didn’t show it any pony. The inside of her heart was fluttering like crazy hearing Octavia go on with the story. “This is just her acting? There is no way that is what she thinks. Or is it? I-I've never seen Octy like this before.” She thought to herself, finishing her salad.

“Watch you tone Octavia Melody, the disrespect your showing us is unacceptable.” Said Harmony looking over at Alto for support only to see him continue to eat his food. Octavia’s mom jabbed her father in the side to get his attention.

“What? Oh, right. Listen to your mother Octavia.” replied Alto, causing Harmony to facehoof.

“Stay here, we will be right back” said Harmony standing up and gesturing Alto to follow.

As Octavia’s mother disappeared from view the DJ turned to face her cellist. “Um, Octy it doesn’t seem like she's buying it.” She said in a whisper.

The grey mare shook her head and whispered back “It’s not that she isn’t buying it, it is that she won’t buy it.”

“Oh. But buck you were doing some good acting, I'm not sure how anypony could not be convinced that you love me.”

“Yeah, acting.” Octavia said quietly. Though she looked calm on the outside, the inside was a blender of mixed emotions. She wasn’t acting at all, the affection she felt for Vinyl was all too real...Not that she could tell the unicorn...couldn’t she? “What if she leaves... Vinyl I-I can’t lose you” thought the grey mare before her train of thought was cut off by a hug.

The white unicorn let go, hovered her glasses on top of her horn and looked the cellist in her eyes. “Octy I know it was a good try, but don’t think that this is your only hope of getting out of this arranged marriage. Even if they don’t believe us now, I’ll find a new one, after all, I made you a promised and not even Princess Celestia can make me break it.” The DJ said and then thought to herself “I won’t lose you Octavia.”

Feeling reassured, Octavia looked back at the DJ and chuckled a bit “You, you got a bit of lettuce on your nose Vinyl.”

“What, awww why didn’t you tell me sooner Octy.” said the DJ wiped off her nose and continued “And here I was trying to be cool.”

Octavia finished giggling and wiped a tear from her eye and said “Well, it worked. Thanks Vinyl.”

Harmony and Alto finished their conversation and walked back into the room and sat down just in time for the main course to arrive. A big bowl of spaghetti was placed at the center of the table and four new plates laid out before every pony. Each pony filled their plates and began to dig in.
“So, Miss Scratch what are you really doing here?” Harmony asked and looked to Alto for support only to see him not noticing once again as he was about to dig into his dish. The older mare groaned and facehoofed before jabbing her husband with a hoof “Alto, we just talked about this.”

The DJ chuckled and whispered to the cellist “I see where you get it from now Octy.”

“Um y-yes, why are you here Miss Scratch?” asked the stallion rubbing his side.

“I already told ya, to ask for your daughter’s hoof in marriage. Just because we are engaged doesn’t mean I can’t ask for permission.” Vinyl said still trying to salvage the plan.

“That’s nice in all but I’ll have you know that our daughter is straight Miss Scratch.” Harmony said through almost gritted teeth.

“So is spaghetti until you get it wet.” The DJ retorted waving a hoof over the dish before her. This comment earned her yet another hoof across the back of her head. “Ow apples, Octy. apples.”

“The only thing that this relationship has shown me is how this country musical charlatan has changed you.” Harmony said with great distain for the white unicorn.

“Frankly, Mother I don’t give a buck. You are disrespecting my fiancé and I will not be part of this wedding unless it’s to Vinyl.” Octavia said very clear to her mother.

“Sorry Octavia but that isn’t how this will go. Our family’s reputation is on the line and I will not have you ruin it.” Harmony said standing up and looking over at them. “So, I demand you stop pretending to be a fillyfooler and follow the plan your father and I have made for you.” she said

“Look Mother, you just have to accept the fact that I am not into stallions and don’t want to marry this mystery pony you picked out.” The cellist replied trying to be civil about it.

Alto cleared his throat as he prepared to say something to his daughter and Vinyl, but was interrupted by the door to the dining room busting open. In the door stood Sir Trotterlot with a saddle bag on and he smiled.

“Ah Octy, Miss Scratch, I see I made it back just in time for the main course.” Sir Trotterlot said as he walked over to the table and pulled the plate away from Alto. “Alto old boy, how are you?”

“Well, I...” Alto started but was cut off by the other stallion again.

“That’s great let’s catch up again later. Dear sister, what is this I hear about you trying to force Octy to marry a stallion? You can’t be that blind to not know she likes mares.” Uncle Trotterlot said and causing his sister to scowl.

“Troty what I do with my daughter is none of your business.” Harmony stated.

“Don’t call me Troty, Only, my closest of friends and fondest enemies may call me that, and you are neither.” The gentlecolt said to his sister. “Plus, I raised her more then you two ever did so it is my business.”

“That was an epic entrance Uncle Troty.” The DJ said clapping her hooves together and looked to Octavia but she had facehoofed from embarrassment.

“The only way to make an entrance is to make it big and loud right Miss Scratch.” He said with a hearty laugh.

“I thought you hated being called Troty.” Harmony said and eyed him for his reaction.

“By you dear sister yes, but Octy and my new niece over there have my full permission.” He said.

Harmony’s face grew red as that was taken as an attack on her. “Well I hate to burst your bubble Brother but you weren’t invited to the wedding.” She said in a cold tone that caused an uncomfortable silence to spread over the room.

The silence was unbearable for Vinyl so she started to fidget in her chair. She happened to kick her saddlebag knocking it over a familiar chicken squeaked upon falling. “I say.”

“Thank you, Sir Reginald.” The DJ said as she looked at the saddle bag.

Octavia looked around the room and slammed her hooves on the table. “Mother this is ridiculous. I can’t believe that you would even think that an arranged marriage would be a good idea.” She stood and walked over to her Uncle and hugged him. “He stays because he is family, just like Vinyl so get used to it.” Octavia said waving a hoof for Vinyl to join in on the hug which the white mare walked over and joined the hug.

“Octavia...” Alto started to say but was cut off by his wife.

“Octavia you will do as your told. I am your mother and I know you are lying about liking Miss Scratch and you are not engaged to this Ruffian!” She exclaimed in a fit of anger.

“How can you say that sister? It is as plain as the muzzle on your face. The only reason they are pretending to be engaged is because they haven’t worked up the courage to tell each other their true feelings yet UMPHH....” He was stopped by a hoof from both Vinyl and Octavia connected with his stomach. He gasped and groaned out holding his stomach. “I’m...I’m sorry Octy, I just got carried away.” Sir Trotterlot fell to the ground.

Vinyl stood there looking at Octavia a blush on her cheeks. “Octy I...”

“No, Not now Vinyl. Let’s just go back to the hotel.” She said and started walking to the door before turning around with a tear forming in her eye “It’s like I don’t even know you any more mother.” With that, she took off out of the manor in a gallop not wanting to be there anymore. She knew she would go back because they were her parents and no matter how upset she was at them, all she really wanted was their love and acceptance.

Vinyl helped Sir Trotterlot up and he dusted himself up. “Thank you, Miss Scratch. I guess I will have to give Octy her gift tomorrow. I believe that you and my dear Octavia have some things to talk about. Remember Vinyl, never let your target out of your sight.” He said with a smile and patted the DJ on the head softly and leaned in whispering. “I will do my best to change their mind.”

Nodded the white unicorn took off after the one she loved. It was out there now and it hadn’t come from her. Many thoughts ran through her mind as she galloped back towards the hotel. “Was Uncle Troty right? Did he see something through our act that we didn’t? Is Octavia really in love with...me?” She was out of breath by the time she reached the lobby. Slowly she made her way back to the honeymoon suite. She pushed open the door and would see Octavia sitting on the bed holding a heart shaped pillow, and a few tissues thrown about the room though she seemed to be done crying.

“Look Octy about what your uncle said...” The DJ stated but stopped when the cellist put up a hoof.

“No more lies, no more secrets. Vinyl I need to say something before I lose my nerves.” The grey mare started. While the DJ opened her mouth to speak, she just nodded. “Good, Vinyl earlier when you said I did some good acting when I was talking with Mother. Well, it wasn’t acting, I meant every word of it. You annoyed me so much when we first moved in together and you still do Vinyl but... whenever you went away for your shows, I found the house not as lively. I found myself missing those annoying things you did.” She paused and her ears fell flat on the back of her head. “Vinyl I miss hearing you in the house when you are gone, I miss your voice, your wubs, I miss everything about you when you are not with me.” She said and took a deep breath. “Do you know how hard it feels to hide your true feelings from a pony you love with all your heart but are scared that she will reject you because you are complete opposites.” Octavia buried her face into the pillow.

Vinyl stood there listening to Octavia till she was done talking. The unicorn walked to the bed slowly and sat next to the cellist and gave her a soft nuzzle at her neck. “Octavia I... I know exactly how that feels. I wasn’t acting either during that talk. I never told you my feelings because of the same fear. You took care of me with more care and love than I thought I deserved. I also found myself missing you when I left home. I started to bring a small cello key ring with me to make it feel like you were there with me when you were not. I agreed to this whole plan because the only pony that I wanted to see you marry was me.” She said stroking Octavia’s mane.

The cellist dropped the pillow and pulled the DJ into a tight hug. Her ears were no longer against her head but alert and listening to the pony she cared about most. “Vinyl, I know this seems a little silly question to ask now but... Will you be my special somepony?”

“Oh Octy, that is a silly thing to ask. Of course, I’ll be your special somepony. I have been since that day you took care of me. So, don’t worry Octy, you are the only pony for me, and that’s one don’t worry you can count on for life Octy.” The two mares looked into each other’s eyes and shared a tender kiss. Octavia leaned back on the bed pulling her marefriend with her into a warm and tight embrace. A weight was lifted off their chests no longer having to keep their feelings secret now. Their cares would melt away in the embrace that was long overdue.

“I love you Vinyl.” Octavia said with a tired smiled.

“And I wub you Octy.” Vinyl said sleepily the day finally catching up with them and they fell asleep in a loving embrace.

Author's Notes:

Thank you all for the wait on this chapter. There was a lot that happened from the file being corrupted to the size of it. Rosa and I worked hard to get this out as well as something special. We hope that you like this chapter and read the additional story that was is a Hearth's Warming Special. There are a lot of references in this chapter for those playing along. Thank you again for reading and the comments. You all are great.

- Coco the Bearded

The Big Reveal

The Big Reveal

Upon Vinyl dashing out of the dining room, Sir Trotterlot closed the doors. He stood facing away from them as he took in a calming breath. “What the buck happened to you, dear Sister?” He said slowly turning around to look at Harmony and Alto.

“Excuse me? Nothing happened to me Dear Brother. I’m the same pony you grew up with.” Harmony retorted mustering as much disdain in her voice as she could towards the explorer.

“No, you are not the Harmony I grew up with anymore. There was a time that you were caring and sweet, a time where Octy was the most important thing in your life. But that isn’t the case anymore now is it?” Asked Sir Trotterlot calmly trotting closer to his sister.

“How dare you suggest that I don’t care about my own Daughter? She is my only child and I want the very best for her. That is why I picked a wealthy stallion from a proper family to be her husband.” Answered Harmony maintaining her sense of pride.

“How can you claim to have Octy’s best interests in mind when you blatantly ignore the fact that she doesn’t like stallions. Do you know how much she used to look up to you? When I looked after her, all she ever talked or asked me about was you. She couldn’t wait to go home and spend time with you.” Said the Explorer knowing that his sister had either forgotten or did not know.

“As all young fillies do, you act as if that ever changed.” Harmony retorted giving a scuffed laugh at that idea of such a thing.

“Oh, but it did, around the time that you cold-heartedly switched focus from your daughter to your career. She just entered middle school and you began passing her off on me more times than not.” Sir Trotterlot countered and glared at her showing a bit of anger.

“That is a lie, and Octavia still looks up to me.” She snapped back at his comment.

“Less and less with each passing day. You are losing your daughter with your poor choices. You care more about your career and the name you built than the ponies that are tied to it.” The Explorer said narrowed his eyes.

“I worked hard to make sure that Melody is a name that means something. I insured my place in history and in doing so I acquired fame, fortune and everything that goes with it. What have your life choices brought you Brother? A metal leg and no home?” Asked Harmony mockingly looking to end this argument.

“You are right, Dear Sister. I don’t have a home and I did lose my leg, but you know what? I don’t care, for I have something that you don’t. Something I wouldn’t trade for all the bits and fame that Equestria could ever offer.” Trotterlot sly said walking over to the doors and opened them with a hoof looking out to the Canterlot streets.

“Oh, and what is that? Research on beasts and animals no pony cares about?” She teased thinking his career to be meaningless.

Sir Trotterlot turned to face Harmony, sad expression on his face “The love and respect of your daughter. Farewell, Dear Sister.” He spoke in a sad tone turning back to the streets and started walking “I suggest you take good a look in the mirror and reflect on what kind of pony you’ve become Harmony. Do that before you lose your only chance of regaining Octy’s faith in you.” And with those words, the Explorer walked away, the doors closing softly behind him.

Harmony stood dumbstruck and huffed as she started to pace before speaking aloud. “How dare he? I don’t care for his opinions. Octavia loves me, she has to, I am her mother.”

“Whatever you say dear.” Alto spoke up after his plate was clean and he wiped his mouth free of the sauce.

“Why didn’t you defend me Alto?” Harmony asked through gritted teeth very irritated with her husband.

“The food was getting cold, and I will not eat cold or reheated fo...” He started but was hit in the back of the head by his wife.

“Can you think about more than your stomach you fool. I am going to bed, for your failure you can sleep in the guest bedroom.” Harmony said with anger and stormed out of the dining area.

Alto watched and just sighed as he called for the table to be cleared then walked over to grab his newspaper. He sat in his chair opening it to where he left off reading. “Things sure are lively here now.”

As Harmony trotted her way to the bedroom, she put a hoof on the door to open it but not before looking at a picture that hung on the wall. She looked past the picture seeing her reflection on the glass and scuffed “What does he know, I’m exactly the pony I wanted to be” and without a second thought, she walked inside and closed the door, not noticing that the picture was of her and a young Octavia smiling and hugging after her daughter’s first concert.

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After the long day that the two mares had, Octavia and Vinyl slept very well that night. The exhausted mares had managed to become tangled into each other in a comfortable mess. Octavia was the first to wake up finding herself in a Bearbug like hug from Vinyl. The gray mare smiled and nuzzled her adorable marefriend’s neck. Just being able to enjoy the embrace brought the cellist great joy. The nuzzling eventually caused the DJ’s grip to loosen up just enough for Octavia to slip away from the white unicorn.

A groan left the white mare as she turned over pulling a pillow into a hug. “Yes Octy, I’ll have more syrup.” The DJ mumbled into the pillow.

Octavia shock her head and giggled. “Pancakes again? Is food the only thing you dream about?” She asked quietly as to not wake up Vinyl. She turned around and walked to the bathroom to take a shower before the DJ woke up. Octavia stood under the cascading hot water just letting it relax her a bit as she began thinking about the tasks she would have to do today. “I have to go back and face mother again... even after last night... Oh wait! It’s Hearts and Hooves day, maybe I could take vinyl out somewhere special and... oh... that’s right... I have to meet that stupid stallion for a date today... I wonder how can I ruin it?” She thought to herself. Upon finishing her shower, she reached out to grab a towel from the rack only to see it missing. "Of course, it’s going to be one of these days huh.” she stepped out of the shower and looked around for a towel to dry off with. “Maybe they are in one of these drawers.” she thought and started to look in the drawers under the sink. “Hmm, toothpaste, empty, empty and...Nope!” She instantly slammed the drawer shut with both hooves, her face instantly turning into a dark shade of crimson.

The loud slamming noise quickly woke up the unicorn that was cuddling with a pillow. “Pancakes!” She exclaimed looking around. She got out of bed to investigate where the noise originated from only to see a red-faced Octavia in the bathroom holding a drawer shut with both hooves. The DJ giggled a bit knowing exactly what drawer she had opened and walked over to her crimson-faced partner to tease her some more. Vinyl moved in and let out a seductive breath behind the cellist’s ear. “I see you found the hidden gem of this hotel, let’s see what kind of fun we can have.” She whispered, nuzzling the gray mare’s damp neck while reaching a hoof out to open the drawer. She gave the drawer a small tug but it wouldn’t move. “What the?” she pulled harder and even resorted to magic but to no use, the drawer was broken shut by the embarrassed earth pony. “Holy buck Octy, how hard did you clos-” Vinyl looked to her special somepony and began laughing. “Octy, your face, it’s priceless OW!” The DJ was cut short by hoof to the back of the head by the now fully crimson Cellist.

“Stop that Vinyl, your only exacerbating things.” Retorted Octavia, trying her best to regain her composure.

“Ex_ac_er what?” asked the unicorn not knowing what her marefreind just said.

Octavia sighed “Nevermind, it’s bad enough I haven’t found a towel, but for this hotel to have that, just when I started trusting this place.”

The DJ ears perked up “No towel?” she asked and gave Octavia a playful smile “So does that mean your we-” the DJ stopped seeing the Cellist’s hoof lift up. The white unicorn quickly ducked covering her head with her hooves and levitated a towel in front of her marefriend “I’m sorry please don’t hit me.”

The Gray mare grabbed the floating towel “Thank you Vinyl” Regaining her composer, Octavia began drying herself off. She watched as Vinyl opened the drawer to grab the toothpaste and felt a little guilty “Sorry to have woken you honey...” She said and stopped, looking at Vinyl they both had the exact same cringy expression on their face from hearing the pet name.

“I am not sure I like being called that Octy.” Said the DJ, breaking the brief awkward silence.

“Y-yeah... just forget I said it.” Octavia replied covering her face with a towel.

The white unicorn looked at her marefreind and tried to find a way to rectify the situation. “I mean, we are a couple and all but I prefer you keep calling me Vinyl, I like the way you say it. And besides, not many ponies call me that, it’s always DJ Pon-3 or hey you.”

The Cellist laughed and poked her head back out from under the towel. “I can live with that.” She turned to Vinyl and placed a soft kiss on her muzzle before she set the towel down and started to brush her mane.

“Octy, what are we going to tell Lyra and Bon Bon? I mean, we should let them know that things changed right?” The white unicorn inquired and started brushing her teeth.

“Vinyl the only thing that has changed is that we are no longer keeping secrets from each other. But I suppose we should tell them that we are a real couple now... How should we tell them?”

“I don’t know.” Vinyl said toothbrush still in her mouth. She placed the brush down and rinsed her mouth before continuing. “How about we invite them to lunch. That would be a good place to tell them.”

Octavia sighed and put down her brush. “That would be nice if I didn’t have to meet my mystery date today.”

“That’s today? But it’s Hearts and Hooves day.” Said the DJ, disappointed in the idea of having to spend their first day as a couple away from each other.

“I know Vinyl, but it was my parents that set this up. Don’t worry, it’s only for lunch and I plan on ending it as soon as possible.” the Cellist said reassuringly.

“Yeah but...” Started the DJ before trailing off.

The gray mare looked at her marefreind and realized something else was bugging her. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s...nothing.” Vinyl said looking down. She glanced back up to be met with a concerning pair of purple eyes. The DJ sighed. “Okay, Okay. Just...promise not to laugh alright.”

“I’m listening.” replied the cellist

The unicorn took a deep breath before mumbling. “Relationships scare me.”

Octavia gave her a puzzled look. “What?”

“Relationships scare me. It’s not the dating or commitment that gets me it’s the idea of messing things up. That’s what stopped me from confessing to you for a long time, where I would get scared and hide behind my DJ Pon-3 persona. I just don’t want things to end badly and ruin what we have together.” Elaborated Vinyl.

Octavia gave a reassuring hug to the DJ. She let go of the embrace and looked into the unicorn’s timid red eyes “Just because other relationships end badly doesn’t mean that this one will. I promise I would never let something like that happen between us.”

Vinyl smiled and hugged her gray marefreind. “Thanks Octy, that means a lot to me.”

“Your welcome dear. Now, let's go get some breakfast. I don’t know about you but I’m famished.” Octavia said walking towards the door before remembering something. “Oh, and no playing around in line today.”

“Awww, but Octy.” The DJ whined following her.

“No buts Vinyl. I will not have you making a scene in the restaurant like yesterday.” The cellist said as she left the room followed closely by her white marefriend.

Upon reaching the main lobby the mares turned their attention to the hotel’s restaurant where Sunflower Shine was again the hostess pony. She smiled and waved a hoof to the two. Vinyl and Octavia smiled back and walked over to greet the energetic yellow Pegasus. “Good morning Miss Shine, two please.” Octavia said politely smiling as the hostess swiped their card like the day before.

“I see you ladies had a better night last night.” Sunflower commented and returned their card with a smile “Enjoy.” And with a nod the couple walked into the restaurant area.

As Octavia was looking for a place to sit, she spotted Lyra and Bon Bon sitting at one of the tables. She grabbed a plate and gathered some food before joining her friends for breakfast. It wasn’t until she sat down that she noticed Vinyl’s absence. She looked up and found the DJ talking to Sunflower Shine.

“Um, Sunflower, would to mind having a repair pony take a look at the special drawer in the bathroom. Octy was a little rough on it this morning and broke something inside.” Vinyl whispered looking back at Octavia and waved a hoof.

“Oh my, but of course. I’ll see to it personally Miss Scratch. Please enjoy yourself.” The yellow mare said cheeks red from the misinterpreted information.

“Thanks, you really know how to hook a pony up.” replied Vinyl walking inside to get herself some food. She finished collected her meal and took a really close seat next to Octavia.

Lyra and Bon Bon smiled across the table not noticing anything different about the two yet. “So, how’d it go at your parents last night Octavia?” Lyra asked tilting her head wondering what happened.

Octavia groaned and told them the story of their dinner. “They saw through the being engaged act right away. I went off on my mother and...” Her ears flattened and she whispered. “Yelled at my parents telling them that Vinyl was part of the family.”

Vinyl was listening to the conversation but was eating a nice creamy oatmeal with fresh blueberries. She licked her lips and put a foreleg around the gray mare to comfort her. “Octy, relax, we’ll think of other ways to break this wedding off.” The DJ said taking a spoonful of her oatmeal and moved it towards Octavia. “Here, try this Octy, it’s amazing.” The cellist leaned in a took the bite of blueberry oatmeal.

Bon Bon watched this and tapped a hoof to her chin and grinned. “That’s interesting. The plan failed and yet you two are acting closer than ever.” She quipped looking towards Lyra. “What do you think?” She asked obviously hinting at the change in the relationship.

“Yeah, they have gotten really good at acting, it's like they are a real couple now.” Lyra responded, completely missing Bon Bon’s hint that the two were an item now.

All three mares facehoofed at the mint green mare’s comment. “Lyra, they obviously told each other their true feelings. This is exactly how we acted after confessing our love to each other remember.” Bon Bon teased and leaned closer to Lyra and poked her stomach. “Thank Celestia you’re good at other things.” She smiled back across the table. “Congratulations on finally getting together.”

“You can thank Octy’s cool uncle for that. She has been hiding him from me which I’m a bit upset about. I always wanted an uncle like him.” Vinyl commented looked to Octavia with a playful glare.

“Vinyl there is a reason that I never introduced you to Uncle Trotterlot.” The gray mare retorted softly before being interrupted by a familiar voice.

“Octy? Miss Scratch? Fancy seeing you here. I trust that you caught your target last night Miss Scratch.” Sir Trotterlot said walking up behind Lyra and Bon Bon. “Oh dear, are you two friends with my niece?” The two looked at the explorer pony as Vinyl nodded. “Well, where are my manors? A pleasure to meet you two, I am Sir Trotterlot.” He saluted them with a respective mustache twinkle. “At your service.”

“How did you do that?” The mint green mare asked looking at Trotterlot’s mustache in wonder.

“Well you move your hoof up to your forehead and with a fast swiping motion away from your face you complete a salute.” Trotterlot replied getting a confused look from Lyra and Bon Bon.

“No, she meant...” The cotton candy maned mare started to talk about the twinkle but was stopped by Octavia.

“Don’t ask, he isn’t aware of it. No pony understands how it happens, we just role with it.” The cellist explained and looked to her uncle. “I didn’t know you were staying here as well Uncle Trotterlot.”

“Oh yes, it is was the best place I could get on such short notice that was far away from my Sister.” He responded and sat at the table looking to his niece and her marefriend. “You would be happy to know that I gave your mother what hooo for her behavior towards you and Miss Scratch last night. Give her time Octy, I’m sure your mother will see the light, I promise.”

Bon Bon began giggling and whispered something to Lyra about something she noticed. They both began to giggle as they looked at the fancy explorer stallion and the disk jockey mare. There was an air about Sir Trotterlot that reminded them of a certain pony with an electric blue mane and purple sunglasses.

“So, Miss Scratch did you corner your target and give her whatfor?” Sir Trotterlot’s inquired with his volume being loud enough to draw the attention of everypony in the restaurant.

Lyra and Bon Bon looked dumbfounded at how her uncle seemed both cool and dense at the same time. “Uncle Trotterlot, please don’t ask that so loud.” Replied Octavia hiding her face in embarrassment.

Lyra giggled a bit seeing how flustered the cellist looked and decided to continue teasing her “Well Vinyl? Did you buck her all night long?” Lyra questioned hoping for a juicy answer.

“Well ya see...” The DJ started to explain when the hostess Sunflower Shine walked over with a blush on her face.

The yellow Pegasus leaned in and quietly whispered to the ponies at the table “Miss Scratch, I’m sorry but I wasn’t able to fix the toy drawer.” She looked at Octavia “You must have been really rough with her to break it like that. But don’t worry you two, I will personally go out and get a box of new toys for you use for the rest of your stay. Have a great day ladies.” Sunflower Shine winked at the two before walking away from the table. Though she whispering, the quiet restaurant was about to pick up on the entire conversation. As every pony now began giggling at the two, the cellist felt like she would die from embarrassment.

“Sweet Celestia, please kill me now.” Octavia groaned as she tried to sink deeper into her seat and hide. “I’m just going to go and meet this mystery stallion and have him dump me as soon as possible. That will be far less embarrassing than this.” She said stepping out of her hiding place and quickly finishing her drink, face still a bright shade of red. “Well, wish me luck ladies, Uncle Trotterlot, would you come with me?”

“Of course Octy, Tallyho!” Trotterlot exclaimed, excited to see his niece off on her mission to be free of this stallion and get her mother to see how she feels in the process.

After Octavia and Sir Trotterlot were out of sight Vinyl looked to Lyra and Bon Bon. “Okay Fillies, let’s start coming up with some ways to ruin their date, I’m thinking we should have some sort of call sign.” The DJ said thinking of what kind of bird call she could pull off.

“Well Vinyl, there is a reason I picked this place over the other hotels.” The candy maker spoke and smiled.

“I thought you say that Lyra picked out the rooms” Vinyl inquired.

“Well yes, she was in charge of rooms, but the hotel was my decision, let me explain. If you recall, I was once a secret agent for Celestia called Secret Agent Sweetie Drops. Well, when the gang disbanded, this hotel employed the pony that made all our devices and gadgets. Her name is...” She was interrupted by the yellow hostess pony walking right next to the table.

“Sunflower Shine but you can call me S.” The Pegasus interjected with a smile.

“You!?” Exclaimed the white unicorn.

She gave Vinyl a hush gestor with her hoof looking at the other patrons before following up with. “Follow me I will get you fitted with some gadgets and information you’ll be needing for your mission.” Lyra and Vinyl were confused but they followed Bon Bon and S to the elevator. “I’ve got all your stuff prepared in the basement.”

The four stepped into the Elevator when Lyra noticed something amiss with Sunflower’s comment. “Wait, but this Hotel doesn’t have a basement.” Said the mint green unicorn pointing a hoof at all of the buttons on the panel.

“Your right, it doesn’t.” S said with a giggle as she pushed a number of buttons in a weird order. All of a sudden, Vinyl and Lyra were surprised when they felt the elevator start to move down. The Door opened up revealing a huge room filled with all sorts of gadgets, testing areas, and computer screens.

Vinyl took off her purple shades, eyes wide open taking in the unbelievable scene. “Sweet Celestia, it’s just like in the spy movies me and Octy watch.”

S laughed at the DJ’s comment as she walked them over to a big computer. Bon Bon hoofed over a small stick that S plugged into the machine. They looked up and saw all sorts of information about Octavia and the melodies flood the screen in front of them. “This computer will take the information we know about Octavia and her family and compare the data with all the stallions in Canterlot. It’ll run each candidate through an algorithm and generate a small list of potential stallions that could be Octavia’s mystery date with their weaknesses attached.” S explained walking them over to one of her tool benches.

“Ok, two questions for ya. Why are you helping us? And how will that computer narrow down the selection?” Vinyl asked trying to wrap her head around all of this.

“The computer is programmed to sort information into three different categories. There are known knowns and known unknowns but there are also unknown unknowns, things we don’t know we don’t know. Though the computer doesn’t bother with unknown unknowns seeing how there isn’t much rich Canterlot ponies can hide from us. It’ll take the information I feed it and make a list of potential suspects along with information about what their personalities are like and what they hate or are afraid of, perfect for this mission.” Answered S.

“I have no idea what you just said, but I’m inspired” Commented Vinyl

S laughed before continuing. “As for your other question, I owed Sweetie Drops a favor after pinning a royal cake theft on some new guy, Agent Chocolate was his name or something. Anyway, seeing how it was me that stole the cake she really saved my flank that day, and we’ve been friends since.” S explained with a smile as she waved a hoof over some watches and a pair of purple shades on her bench. While Lyra and Bon Bon looked at where S was pointing Vinyl noticed that the yellow Pegasus was stealing glances at Bon Bon’s flank.

“It also helps that she has a huge crush on me. Not that I would do anything with her, after all, I’m married to the best mare in Equestria.” The Bon Bon whispered to her wife.

Lyra looked back and noticed S drooling over Bon Bon’s cutie mark. Her eye’s narrowed as she hugged Bon Bon’s flank, trying to hide it from S. “Don’t even think about it. I’m her wife and the only pony who can have a piece of this flank.”

“All because there’s a goalie, doesn’t mean I can’t score.” The yellow Pegasus teased giving the couple a playful wink. Bon Bon rolled her eyes and held Lyra back from attacking the energetic tech pony. “Anyway, these are the gadgets I pulled out for this missi-”

“Dibs on the shades!” The DJ interrupted levitating the glasses towards her and putting them on. “Huh, they feel the exact same as my old pair.” She commented, still trying to figure out what they do.

“Not quite, you see those glasses can magnify your sight a hundred times your normal vision by adjusting the small wheel on the right. The wheel on the left shots out lasers of different colors. I originally meant for it to cut through objects but I couldn’t get the power converter to fit in such a tiny space. Though the light show looked cool so I kept it.” S explained watching as a tear ran down Vinyl’s cheek.

“These are mine now, I’m not giving them back...ever.” The DJ said protectively held the glasses on her face.

Lyra laughed at the white unicorn and looked at the watches “What do these do?”

“These are a communication device I made look like a watch. It will help keep you in contact with me and the other ponies involved in Operation ColtBlocker. Your sunglasses also have this feature Vinyl. Just say the name of the pony you want to talk to and it will connect you with their device. The watch also tells the time.” S commented as the computer made a funny noise and started to print out a few pieces of parchment. Each held the names and info of five stallions that could potentially be Octavia’s mystery date. “Okay Fillies, here are the candidates; Affero, a high class and he has been to the Grand Galloping Gala in the VIP section. Prince Blueblood... dear Celestia I hope not, Hoity Toity... Though it says his already in a relationship... oh well, that never stops any pony am I right Bon Bon?” This comment earned S a glare from Lyra. S chuckled before continuing down the list “Next up is Fancy Pants...I can see that, and lastly a Royal Guard...well, with so many I guess one was bound to make the list. Anyway, these are our five stallions, with this info, you ladies can start hatching out your plans.” S said hoofing out the parchments.

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Octavia and Sir Trotterlot walked towards her parents’ manor with a sense of purpose. The cellist wasn’t going to let this mystery stallion off easy, she was going to make sure that this would the worst date he ever. No stallion would want to marry the kind of mare she was going to be on this date.

Trotterlot noticed a familiar spark in his niece’s eye which brought a smile to his face. “I recognize that look Octy. You have something planned that would make your dear Uncle proud, don’t you?” He inquired while laughing as he could only imagine the scheme she was plotting.

“Oh yes Uncle, that stallion won’t know what hit him. He will rue the day he ever tried to date Octavia Melody.” Octavia responded getting more heated up about her plan, drawing attention from the ponies walking nearby.

“Now remember Octy, the most important thing is to never give up. Make your dreams come true, that’s what us Melodys do best. You and Miss Scratch will show your mother the way, I’m sure of it.” The explorer said smiling as he hugged his Niece in front of Harmony’s manor.

Octavia rejoiced in the hug and would return in with greater force. “Mark my words, he will not know what hit him.” She said with looking back at the explorer with a grin on her face and determination in her eyes.

“That’s my Octy.” Replied Sir Trotterlot rubbing his hoof on the gray mare’s mane.

“Stop that Uncle Trotterlot.” Octavia laughed, brushing his hoof off her head and fixed her mane. She started walking to her mother’s front door when she noticed the Explorer wasn’t next to her. She looked back and saw him waving a hoof at her from the street. “Are you not coming in?”

“Your mother and I aren't exactly on speaking terms right now. Besides I need to pay a visit to a research companion of mine, she made a new discovered about a creature I meet in the Marezonian.”

“Just a companion huh Uncle Trotterlot?” Octavia teased, knowing how much time he spends with her from his letters. The way he always describes her always led Octavia to believe that there’s something more to their relationship than just casual acquaintances. Though she knows the Explorer was a little dense when it came to things like this. The thought of her Uncle finding a Special Somepony with similar interests had always captured Octavia’s interest.

“But of course, she and I have been working together on this one for a while now. She wrote me yesterday personally inviting me to have a look before any other pony.” Responded Sir Trotterlot

“Perhaps you should pick up the mare some flowers to celebrate the occasion.” Octavia Suggested, knowing that her Uncle forgot what today was.

“What a splendid idea Octy, I know just the ones too. Oh, before I forget.” He said pulling out a small box from his saddlebag and held it out to her. “Your gift, you left before I could give it to you yesterday, though it wouldn’t have been a good time anyway. It is a music box you’re Grandmare left to me and I believe you are ready to have it.” He smiled as she took the box and opened it.

The music that emanated from the beautiful oak box was gentle and warm, much like the feeling a pony would get from being safe at home with their friends and family. A feeling that was amiss at the Melody manor for a long time. Octavia closed her eyes and found herself humming along with the tone and it hit her. “She used to hum this song to me when I was a little filly.” The cellist spoke before she opened her eyes to find her uncle was gone. She blushed and closed the music box slowly and carefully put it in her bag. “Well, it’s time to meet my enemy face to face.” She thought and turned to enter the manor.

Upon entering, the gray mare heard her mother talking to somepony in the living room. She walked in seeing a small school-aged colt standing in the room looking up at her mother. The colt was a bit on the chubbier side though something seemed off-putting about him. Both his coat and mane were the same sickly color of dull gray. Surprisingly, he had a cutie mark just slightly darker than his coat that looked like a metronome, though it could barely be seen. If a pony hadn’t been looking closely, it would seem like the young colt was still blank. “Don’t worry, she will be here soon.” Harmony said to the young colt.

“I didn’t take you as the type to teach school ponies Mother.” Octavia remarked breaking the conversation between her mother and the young colt. “Are his parents coming to pick him up?” She asked, not wanting a young colt to see what she was going to put this mystery stallion through.

“Actually, this is Monotone Symphony. He is your betrothed.” Her mother said plainly pushing the colt sized stallion a bit closer to her daughter and his face showed no emotion at all.

“Hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you Octavia but it is even better to meet me. I am Monotone Symphony.” His said with a voice that was just as dry and devoid of any emotion as his name implied, monotoned. The short chubby pony looked up at the cellist the with a blank expression on his face.

“Um, mother, I need to speak with you please, in private.” Octavia replied grabbing Harmony and walking into the other room. “Mother, are you feeling ill?” She asked trying to comprehend what her mother was thinking with that pint-size stallion.

“No Octavia, I’m feeling perfectly fine.” Her mother answered

“Oh, Okay. Then I must ask. Have you gone Mad?” inquired the Cellist.

Harmony began to explain “No Octavia, Monotone is perfect for you. He too is from a family of musical ponies, is an up and coming conductor like your father and is quite funny.”

“Yeah, funny looking.” Octavia interjected.

Harmony coughed in her hoof and continued “As I was saying, he is the perfect stallion. His parents are very well-respected ponies that will help boost our family name as well, so try not to mess this up.”

“Mother, you can’t be serious. He has got to be the worse pony you could have possibly found. He doesn’t even look like an adult. Even if I liked stallions, which I don’t, I wouldn’t want to marry that colt looking freak. He doesn’t have any emotions and I have a creepy feeling about him.” The cellist complained looking around as if he was watching. It wasn’t until she looked down that Octavia saw him standing there causing her to jump.

“That isn’t true, I have a wide range of emotions. Just watch, this is me happy... sad... angry...” He started listing off emotions and show her how different each expression and tone of his voice was. However, the expression and voice never changed.

Octavia looked from her mother to Monotone and back again before facehoofing. "This can’t be happening. There is no bucking way my mother is this clueless.” Her thoughts turned from her mother’s madness to how she could scare this guy off.

“Well I will leave you two so you can go on your date.” Her mother joyfully said and walked away before calling out. “Try winning her over with a joke Monotone. She loves to laugh.”

“Mother wait! We aren’t done her- Oh Buck!” Octavia started but tripped over the small stallion that seemed to always be in the way.

“I will tell you a joke now.” The emotionless pony said standing as tall as he could and cleared his throat. “Knock, Knock.”

“For the love of Celestia, a knock, knock joke? Really? You can’t be serious.” Octavia responded looking to the pony before her but him not saying anything she knew he was. “You're serious...Fine, who's there?” Octavia prepared herself for a lame schoolyard joke.

“That’s the joke, there is no door to knock on. Ha ha ha.” His said with a laugh as dry and creepy as his voice that it sent a chill up the cellist’s spine. She backed away from him but knew that she had to deal with him.

“Right, well, as lame as that joke was, I think we should get this date of equal stature over with. I assume you have a place picked out.” The gray mare said.

“Your mother made a few suggestions however I have a better place. I know what is best.” Monotone responded dryly and walked out ahead of Octavia, he was surprisingly fast for being short, but that wasn’t the problem. Monotone kept walking in front of her like they weren’t equals.

Octavia was not pleased with this one bit. Ponies were watching them as they walked past, though it wasn’t because they were a couple, but because they looked like a mother and a foal out on the town. She started to think of how best to describe him to Vinyl later on. He was seeming very self-centered and bland. "I can’t believe mother would think that this pony was a good fit. Oh well, at least I’ll get a free lunch out of the deal... assuming he doesn’t say anything to make me gag.” Octavia thought and stopped as she once again almost tripped over the pint-size stallion yet again. She sighed wondering why they stopped so suddenly.

“We are here.” The stallion said as he looked at their destination. Octavia couldn’t believe it when she saw it, Mc Hayburger.

Octavia’s jaw dropped looking at the place he dragged her too. Not a fancy restaurant but a fast food joint that wasn’t even that good. She would have smiled thinking it was a joke but she knew this pony didn’t know how too.

He walked inside and Octavia followed. The place was pretty must empty as no pony in their right mind would take a date to this place on Hearts and Hooves day, even school ponies had more class. Upon making it to the counter he placed his order before the teenage pony could ask how he could help. “I will have the Hayburger foal meal.” Mono said looking at the cellist waiting for her to order.

With a sigh she looked at the menu, this place was embarrassing. “I will take a double hayburger with fries and a milkshake with extra Oats.” She said and looked to her forced date to pay. He just stared back at her. “Are you not going to pay?”

“Your food costs more than mine. Therefor you should pay.” He reasoned with his monotoned voice only making Octavia even more upset than she already was. She took out her bag of bits and paid the worker. The rest of the date was silent as again a plan would fail. How could she or anypony scare away a self-centered pony with no emotion like him? She took a bite out of her hayburger before thinking Buck this. She slammed her shake and stood up.

“Where are you going?” asked the little gray abomination.

“Fillies room, wait here. I’ll be right back” Octavia said grabbing her saddle bag. She turned the corner and snuck out of the restaurant and into the streets of Canterlot. It was nearing dinner time when Octavia got back to the hotel and barged into their room with a huff. “Vinyl this stallion is the worst!” She exclaimed.

“Oh, is he really that bad? I mean your mother hoof picked a stallion that she thought would be great right?” Vinyl said shivering and stuck her tongue out in disgust. “Ah that left a weird taste in my mouth.”

“Oh, he is that bad Vinyl. If you took the emotionless tone of Maud Pie and mixed it with the self-centered narcissism of Prince Blueblood you would only scratch the surface of what is wrong with this pony.” Octavia replied walking over and hugged Vinyl. “I couldn’t think of any way to scare that stallion away. What’s worse is that my mother has gone mad. She actually thinks that short stallion is funny.”

“How short are we talking?” Vinyl inquired pulling away from the hug raising an eyebrow in confusion, making a mental note to check Prince Blueblood off the list of potential stallions.

“There are toys in that drawer that are bigger than him.” Octavia quipped pointing a hoof to the bathroom in anger.

“Wait you saw his...” The unicorn started to ask.

“I’m referring to his height Vinyl. He looks like a pudgy foal. He thinks he is the greatest thing since zap apple jam and you will never guess where he took us on the most romantic day of the year. Mc Bucking Hayburger!” The cellist growled out before sighing as she looked out the window. “He even made me pay because my meal because it cost more. Of course it would, seeing how he got a foal meal.” She groaned and rubbed her temples trying to calm down.

“Wow he sounds horrible. Is it weird that I want to meet him just to see what kind of stallion could be that bad?” The DJ asked wondering if Octavia was just blowing things out of proportion. “I tell you what Octy. It is Hearts and Hooves day and I hoped that you would be back in time. I planned a nice romantic date for us to celebrate our first one as a couple, though you will need to wear something fancy.”

Octavia chuckled “Oh, you actually made reservations at a fancy establishment?”

“Hey, what's that supposed to mean. I can be classy when I need to be.” The DJ replied, puffing her checks a bit.

Octavia laughed “Oh Vinyl, you really are too good to me.” She said walking over and nuzzled her marefriend. “Can you bring me that bag over there? It has my dress in it.” The cellist pointed a hoof to the bag forgetting one important thing about the contents of the bag.

“Okay” replied Vinyl picking it up with a gray aura and started levitating it over to Octavia. However, the bag was upside down and the contents of the bag spilled out onto Vinyl’s face. “Opps, sorry Octy. I should have...” Vinyl started to say as she stepped out of the clothes that had fallen on her only to find that there was something on her horn. Using her magic she hovered it in front of her to inspect it. She blushed seeing that it was sexy lingerie. “Umm, Octy I think we should skip the restaurant, you should put this on and I’ll eat you instead.”

“What are you tal-” Octavia turned around and gasped seeing what Vinyl was holding. The cellist rushed over and took the sexy lingerie from the DJ and found herself blushing as hard as her marefriend. “I most definitely will not be wearing this, and you will not be eating me tonight. This was a gag gift from Bon Bon and I wasn’t planning on ever wea...” She started to explain but stopped after seeing her marefreind giving her puppy dog eyes. Octavia sighed “Fine...If you are good at the restaurant, and it’s romantic enough, you might see me in this tonight.”

Vinyl’s face lit up hearing this and she collected her own red dress from her saddlebag. Octavia put the lingerie away and grabbed her black dress. The cellist was sure that no matter what happened, this date would easily be one hundred times better than the one with Monotone.

The two mares freshened up, put on their dresses, and grabbed their smaller saddlebags that matched their formal wear and made their way into town. Vinyl led the way as she wanted to surprise the cellist this evening. Unlike earlier Octavia’s date was walking alongside her, not in front of her. “So where are we going?” The cellist asked interested in seeing what romantic evening roommate thought up.

“Don’t worry Octy. You’ll see.” The DJ replied smiling as she thought about what she had to do to make tonight perfect. After her meeting with S, she left the hotel to look for the perfect date with Octavia. She remembered a restaurant that Octavia always wanted to try but it was always too busy to get a table. Vinyl used her fame as DJ Pon-3 to help get them a table last minute, a few tickets to her next show was a small price to pay to make Octavia happy.

“Oh, okay.” The cellist said not knowing what else to say. She just followed the unicorn as they walked toward a place that was rather well known to the Canterlot locals. A high-end restaurant call “A Restaurant” run by a young chief that found the name to be fun and easy to remember. It was also a way to make fun of the other restaurants in the area that had fancy names but horrible service. Seeing the building caused Octavia to gasp. “A Restaurant! Oh, my Celestia. How did you get us a reservation?”

“I would do anything to make you happy Octy.” She commented nuzzling Octavia before walking in and talking to the hostess pony to get their table. The ambiance of the dining room was very romantic, dim candlelit tables, soft orchestral music, and the warm fireplace in the corner of the room being ablaze made this feel very special.

The dinner started with an order of red wine as they looked over the menu. It was a bit pricey for the DJ but seeing how it was their first Hearts and Hooves day together, Vinyl was sparing no expense. The dinner they had was the special of the day a three-course meal meant to be shared by couples. The first course a Lily and Daffodil salad, the main course being a fancy tofu spread only made here, and finally, a chocolate lava cake to end the meal. It seemed like a nice dinner to share.

When the salad came the two mares would plate themselves some and talked about their day. Vinyl laughed at hearing how horrible Octavia’s forced date was in more detail which looking back at it made Octavia laugh as well. “So, you were serious, that he is as short as a school colt?” Vinyl asked trying to hold back the laughter.

“Yeah and as selfish as one.” Octavia said laughing and she leaned on Vinyl. “This night is very special though, thank you Vinyl.” She blushed when a fork wrapped in a gray aura was held in front of her mouth with a little bit of tofu on it. She took the bit and smile happily.

“Well, if you think this is special, just wait until you see the gift I got ya.” The DJ said putting a toy that had a plastic dome and removable bottom that you would get from any one-bit toy crank machine.

“Um Vinyl, that I a toy from a crank machine.” The gray earth pony commented bluntly and moved away to look at it. “Why would you get me this?”

“Don’t tell me you forget. It was a crank machine that brought us together.” The DJ said and could see the confusion on her marefriend’s face and laughed a bit. “It was the day we met, I was dying to get a rare toy from a crank machine at the train station but I was out of bits. You saw how I was disappointed and bought me the last one. So this one is for you.” She smiled shyly blushing the whole time.

“I had completely forgotten about that.” Octavia replied smiling and then laughed. “And you lost that toy a week after I bought it for you.”

“Lucky for me you replaced it. You were the best friend a mare could ask for Octy.” They both laughed and continued their meal in the dull roar of the other couples enjoying the holiday there. The chocolate lava cake was a great end to the dinner especially when Vinyl burned her mouth on the hot chocolate sauce only to get brain freeze trying to cool off her tongue with the vanilla ice cream the came with it.

After dinner, Octavia opened the capsule and looked at what was inside. It was a plastic necklace with two strings. The gray mare tilted her head trying to figure out what the strings were for until she dumped it out on the table and it broke into two pieces. One half was single music note this half would fit into the second half like a puzzle piece to make a heart. Vinyl put the half with the music note outline around Octavia’s neck and the half with the music note around her own.

Octavia laughed, not so much at the gift, but the fact that it had Vinyl written all over it. What other Pony in Equestria would buy their special somepony a crank machine necklace on their first Hearts and hooves day. Octavia wiped a tear from her eye after catching her breath “Vinyl, it might not have cost you that much but it is beautiful.” She said giving the white unicorn a kiss. “I am just sorry I didn’t get you anything.”

“Nah, it’s cool Octy. Besides being with you is gift enough.” The DJ responded.

Octavia giggled “What movie did you get that line from?”

“You don’t like it, I thought it worked perfectly.” The two laughed a bit and then the bill showed up. Octavia was use to paying when they went out but was shocked to see Vinyl covering it this time.

The sun had set over Canterlot giving way to Luna’s moon when the couple left A Restaurant. The streets were lit by street lamps and the lights from inside of the shops making the walk back to the hotel beautiful. Vinyl stopped in the center of town and smiled seeing a street performer wearing a white vest and white sunglasses holding a sax. She looked to her date and smiled. “Care to dance?” Vinyl asked sheepishly held a hoof out to her.

“I’d love to.” Octavia replied and took the white hoof and pulled her closer to the street musician. The Cellist put a hoof full of bits into the pony’s hat. “Can you play us something we can dance to?”

The stallion nodded and stood up on his hide legs. The Stallion began playing a catchy tune on his sax while gyrating his hips to the melody. The two smiled started to dance, circling around each other with a few dips in their dance. They were having a wonderful time together and when the song was over, they thanked the epic sax pony and continued back to the hotel.

Octavia shivered a bit as the cool air of night was starting to get to her. Vinyl moved closer to Octavia to help keep her warm. She smiled as she whispered an idea into the gray mare’s ear causing her to blush and nod. This got the DJ to smile as it was going to be fun.

Once inside their room, there was a box on the bed with a note. The cellist walked over and read it as Vinyl walked into the bathroom after taking off her dress. She had turned on the hot tub’s jet and bubble functions and tested the water as Octavia got out of her dress. “What’s in the box?” The DJ asked from the bathroom.

“Oh Celestia.” The cellist muttered to herself and blushed hiding her face. “It’s a box of new toys signed by Sunflower Shine. She said use them well.” She took this time to take off her dress.

“I knew she had our backs.” Vinyl said happily as she slowly slid into the hot tub.

“That’s not what I... Oh nevermind...What am I to do with you Vinyl?” She asked and blushed knowing the response to come.

“What aren’t you going do with me?” Vinyl answered, the cellist seeing that response coming from a mile away.

Octavia walked into the bathroom and slid into the hot tub next to Vinyl enjoying the relaxing heat of the jets and bubbles. She leaned on Vinyl and sighed in content. “Now that was a perfect Hearts and Hooves day.” She said happily nuzzling into the DJ’s neck and gave her a loving kiss.

“My, my aren’t you affectionate tonight. Does that mean what I think it means?” Vinyl asked taking off her purple shades. Those red eyes hopeful yet playful at the same time.

“I’m sorry Vinyl, after everything that happened today, I’m afraid I have no energy left. I blame that soul-sucking stallion.” The cellist responded resting her head on the DJ’s chest and smiled as she was planning something.

“Oh, I just thought... Well, I think I will go to bed then.” The unicorn sadly muttered out before slowly getting out of the hot tub and dried herself off with magic. She was disappointed but understood where her marefriend was coming from. After she left the bathroom Octavia got out and looked for a towel again. She opened her dresser drawer and looked to Vinyl smiling, picking up something else up and carried it under her towel back into the bathroom. Once she was dry Octavia changed into her sexy lingerie and gulped as she peeked out the door.

“Oh Vinyl.” Octavia said sounding so nervous as she leaned in the door frame. “W-what do you think? Are you up for a Hearts and Hooves day to remember?”

Vinyl’s jaw dropped and all she could do was shake her head yes and admire the view. Octavia chuckled knowing that she had surprised her marefriend. Tonight was going to be a long night that the two wouldn’t soon forget.

Author's Notes:

Well, there we have it everypony the mystery stallion has shown his face. There are more references for those that are playing along with the game. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter there is more fun to be had and more plans to save Octavia. Thank you for reading and feel free to comment about what you think about the story so far.

Sinking Feeling

Sinking Feeling

Celestia was just starting to raise the sun as Alto made his way down the stairs to collect his daily paper. He had found himself in Harmony’s good graces again after taking her to A Restaurant for dinner on Hearts and Hooves day. After hearing his wife talking with Monotone about how their daughter always wanted to go there, he figured it would be a nice place to go too. Alto looked out at the calm city streets and smiled picking up the newspaper in his hoof. He took a seat in his favorite chair and started to read about the recent happenings in Canterlot.

“Oh, they’ve opened the Boating Pony early this year.” The stallion said looking at the front page. Being an earth pony he had a tendency to fold close and reopen the paper when turning the page, and when annoyed, he would be more aggressive about it. His night with Harmony had caused him to sleep in a little later than normal so he didn’t have long before the distractions would start. Alto’s assumption was correct as he didn’t even finish reading the second page of the paper when he heard the sound of his wife coming down the stairs.

“Alto, Alto my love, where are you?” Harmony called out clearly in a much better mood since Octavia finally met and went on a date with Monotone, as well as her own husband taking her out for Hearts and Hooves day. “Oh, there you are dear.” She said smiling trotting over happily. “Those roses were beautiful, thank you for a wonderful night.” She said kissing her husband on the cheek.

“Well, I just...” Alto started to say but was interrupted by his wife.

“Speaking of yesterday, I wonder how Octavia’s date with Monotone went. She must have been so excited when she went to A Restaurant. Thanks again for making their reservation for lunch and ours for dinner dear.” The mare said nuzzling Alto’s neck.

“Anything for you dea...” Alto attempted to respond before being cut off again by Harmony grabbing the paper looking at the front page.

“Oh, look Hun, they opened the boating pony early this year”

“I was about to t...” The ringing of the doorbell cut the Silver station short as Harmony jumped to her hind leg clapping her front hooves together excitedly.

“That must be Monotone. I can’t wait to hear how their date went.” She shoved the paper back into Alto’s hooves and rushed to the door as it was opened by a worker pony of the manor.

“Hello Harmony, the date with your daughter was a complete success.” Monotone spoke in his dry emotionless voice.

“Oh, that’s great to hear, why don’t you come in and tell us the details. I want to know everything.” The ruby mare practically dragged the short stallion into the living room and sat him on the couch before taking a sit in the chair next to her husband who went back to reading his paper.

“As you suggested I took her to a restaurant. We ordered at the counter and ate at a table by the window...” The short pony started but was cut off by a question from Harmony.

“What do you mean ordered at the counter?” She asked as her happy mood was slowing disappearing.

“I took her to Mc Hayburger. You order at a counter there.” The gray stallion said matter-of-factly. “Anyways the meal was silent.”

“You did what?!” The mare exclaimed having heard where her daughter was taken. Knowing what was about to happen Alto silently stood up, grabbed his paper, and began to walk out of the room. He hoped that the kitchen might offer him a quiet sanctuary from the yelling that was undoubtedly about to occur.

“Mc Haybuger!? I told you to take Octavia to A Restaurant!” Snapped the Ruby mare.

“I did as you asked. Mc Hayburger is a restaurant.” Mono said plainly. “We ate after she paid for the meal and...”

“You made her pay?!” The ruby mare exclaimed in shock and anger.

“Her meal costed more so she paid. Fair is Fair.” The short pony had no clue how close Harmony was to smacking him into next week.

Holding back her hoof and her building rage akin to the calm before the storm, she asked “So let me get this straight. On one of the most romantic days of the year, you took my daughter out to a fast food establishment and made her pay? How can you call that a success?” In her anger she enunciated the words slowly.

“We went out and ate. Therefore, it was a success.” He answered.

Harmony got up, walked over to the short stallion, picked him up with magic and smacked him with a hoof “That date was not successful” she smacked him again “You will fix this Monotone.” she smacked him once more time for good measure before dropping him on the floor.

“Ow” Replied the gray stallion, not breaking his dry voice.

Harmony’s horn glowed a silver color as she snatched Alto’s paper out from his hooves and levitated it in front of Monotone pointing a hoof to the cover. “You will take Octavia to the Boating Pony, and this time you will pay for it, like a gentlecolt should.” She ordered anger still in her eyes. “I don’t want to hear of another failure.”

“I never fail.” Monotone responded dusting himself off.

“Except on dates apparently.” Alto muttered as walked back into the room to retrieve his stolen paper.

Harmony glared at Alto as he grabbed the paper and left the room. Turning that glare back to Monotone. “Now you listen to me. I have a lot riding on this marriage and I can’t have my daughter hating you.”

“Don’t worry future mother-in-law, nopony can resist my charm.” Replied the short pony. “I will sing for her in the middle of the lake.”

Harmony doubted that him singing would win Octavia over but before she could comment the front doors busted open as Sir Trotterlot rushed in. “Is Octy here yet?” The explorer pony asked in a frantic rush hoping he didn’t miss her. He was unable to make it back to his hotel room until late that night but had a feeling that Octavia would come see her mother again to get out of this marriage.

Harmony rubbed her forehead and groaned in frustration. “Trotterlot, please stop slamming the doors open. Between you and that DJ, one of you ponies are going to break it.” She spat out in annoyance.

“Is Octy here?” Trotterlot repeated a little annoyed himself.

“No and if you’ll excuse me, I have more important matters to atten...” She started interrupted by her brother.

“More important than your own daughter? You see Dear Sister, this is exactly what I was referring to.” The mustached stallion said. “You would ignore her for this young colt who is here for what? Lessons?” He asked mistaking Monotone for a school foal.

“I am Monotone Symphony. It’s a pleasure to meet you, but even better to meet me.” The short stallion stated looking up at Sir Trotterlot. “I am going to marry her daughter.”

Trotterlot looked at the small stallion and then back to Harmony. After repeating this cycle a few more times his expression darkened. “Pardon me but it sounded like you said you would be the stallion to marry my dear niece Octy.” The explorer pony looked over the small one before him watching a slow nod.

“This stallion is perfect for Octavia. He has a musical background like her, has a career in music like her, and above all, is in a good social standing.” Harmony said proudly putting more emphasis on the last part than the others. “Not that I had to tell you Dear Brother, you have no say in Octavia’s life.”

“Neither do you Sister.” Trotterlot responded wiping the smug look off the ruby unicorn’s face. “You continue to deny it but you are way too controlling over Octavia’s life. You use to be a happy go lucky and fun-loving mother, wife and sister. I know that you use to plan things for Octy in the past when she was but a foal but it’s gotten out of hoof in the last couple of years.”

“I am not contr...” Harmony interjected but was cut off.

“I am not finished. You took it to far Sister. You planned every second of her life after switching your priorities to your career. That is why she left to live in Ponyville and hardly talks to you anymore.” He said still trying to get through to her.

“That isn’t...” She tried to start again and was once again interrupted by Trotterlot.

“I’m still not finished. Do you not see the pain you are causing Octavia? She is her own mare and can make decisions for herself just like you did at her age. I know that fun-loving sister of mine is still in there somewhere, so let go of this illusion that you need to be in control and give your daughter the love and support she deserves.”

Harmony glared growing tired of not getting a word in. “Don’t lecture me like I’m a little filly Trotterlot.”

“Can I finish, Please?! Please, can I finish?!” Trotterlot asked in almost a yell and after a moment of silence spoke again. “Alright, I’m finished.” He said smiling.

“You think you are being cute but Octavia will marry Monotone here.” The ruby mare said waving a hoof over the short stallion.

“Indeed, she will. Only I can make Octavia happy.” Monotone said his expressionless dry voice made Trottlerlot shiver.

“Shut up you disgust me.” The explorer said looking at the small pony with nothing but distaste on his face.

The room was dead silent for a while until a new voice broke the silence. “Uncle Trotterlot? Mother? What is going...?” Octavia’s question was cut short when she spotted the tiny terror that she had come to know as her betrothed. “You.” She said glaring at the small pony. “What is he doing here? I was going to talk to you about that ‘Romantic Date’ he took me on.” She said being very sarcastic with the words romantic date.

“Octavia, sweetie, I heard all about it and everything has been taken care of.” Harmony said as everypony looked to Octavia.

“It has? So, I don’t have to marry this complete disaster of a stallion?” Octavia asked hopefully.

“No Octavia, you misunderstood me.” Her mother said chuckling a bit. “I talked with Monotone and he is going to make sure that you are well taken care of on your date today.”

“But that date was horrible. I had a better time with Vinyl on our date.” The cellist complained making both Harmony and Monotone cringe at hearing it.

“I told you not pretend to be with that mare.” The ruby unicorn said coldly to her daughter.

Both Octavia and Sir Trotterlot were about to interject when another voice cut them off. “Indeed, could you image my bride-to-be being a fillyfooler?” Monotone asked following up with his cold dry laugh making every ponies’ skin crawl.

“How dare you say such a rude thing to my precious niece. This calls for hooftycuffs.” Sir Trotterlot challenged putting his hooves up to fight the short pony but was stopped by Octavia.

The gray mare shook her head. “This isn’t the time or place for that Uncle Trotterlot. Mother, you can’t be serious about this. I don’t love this...well... I would say fun-sized stallion but he’s not any fun to be around. Mother, I love Vinyl, and I want to be with her.”

“Octavia, that DJ won’t do anything to further your career. I’m trying to look out for your best interests dear. Just go on a few more dates with Monotone, I’m sure that you will see that he is perfect for you.” Harmony replied.

“She is right. Come on Octavia, I thought of the best date idea ever.” The short chubby stallion said before pulling her away from her family.

Octavia looked at her mother and Uncle with pleading eyes as she was dragged away. “Mother, I don’t want to do this.” Were the last words that the cellist’s family heard before she was out of sight.

Sir Trotterlot turned on his sister with a new-found glare plastered on his face. “Well Dear Sister, tell me again how that stallion perfect for her and how much you care about your daughter? Explain to me how ignoring Octavia, when she tells you she doesn’t want to do this is in her best interest.” He said turning away.

Harmony for once had nothing to say. She was at a loss for words because there was something about what Trotterlot told her that rang true. She had completely ignored Octavia’s plea that she didn’t want this.

The Explorer sighed “Remember this Sister, it’s only too late to change when you refuse to see what is true. I don’t believe that you’re beyond redemption yet. Your daughter needs you now more than ever, not as you are now, but as you use to be when she looked up to you.” Trotterlot said and walked towards the door. “I am going to watch over them, I have a sinking feeling about this date, as well as that stallion.”.

Harmony watched as Sir Trotterlot walked off into the distance before shutting the door. She was a bit shaken as it had been quite some time since she had been at a loss for words like that. The more she thought about it, the more she had to agree with her brother for once. The ruby unicorn walked up the stairs and look at herself in the same picture reflection as before. “I hate to admit it... but I’m starting to get that sinking feeling as well Dear Brother.” She said in earnest looking past the glass of the picture catching a quick glimpse of her and Octavia.

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Vinyl found herself sleeping in that morning as her late-night activities with Octavia had left her happily exhausted. Rolling over with a yawn the white unicorn cuddled with a body pillow thinking that it was her marefriend. With a yawn Vinyl greeted the pillow. “Morning Octy” Giving the pillow a hug Vinyl stood up and stretched. Feeling something weird on her leg, she looked down only to see a familiar looking bowtie around her thigh...again. With a small grin she made the comment “This is a morning tradition I can get used to.” Looking back at the bed Vinyl couldn’t help but want to get her cellist going. “What do you want to eat for breakfast Octy? I’m down for some leftovers from last night if you catch my drift.” she said immediately putting her hoofs over her head to shield the inevitable impact only to peek up when nothing happened. “What the...Octy?” Walking back to the bed, she removed the covers only to see a body pillow with Octavia’s lingerie on it. A bit confused, she walked around their hotel room to see if she could find the gray mare. Walking into the bathroom she looked around only to see something weird in the mirror. Looking closer, she saw a small piece of pink parchment stuck on her horn with some writing on it. “Huh?” the DJ asked using her magic to levitate the note in front of her.

“Dear Vinyl, I am going back to my mother's place to try and talk her out of this wedding. She is sure to stop this madness after hearing about how bad the ‘date’ with Monotone went. Love, Octavia.”

After reading the note, the DJ smiled. “Yeah, you tell her Octy.” Setting the note down, Vinyl was going to freshen up and get ready for the day when an urgent thought crossed her mind. “Oh buck! What if she makes Octy go on another date?” Vinyl thought causing her to quickly run out of the room and into the restaurant to look for the team.

She spotted Lyra, Bon Bon and S sitting at a table enjoying their meal. Vinyl ran over to them panting “Octy... gone... date... thirsty...” The DJ reached over and grabbed a cup in front of Bon Bon and started drinking it thinking that it was juice...it wasn’t. “Hot!” She whined dropping the cup waving a hoof over her tongue after drinking some coffee.

“Wooh” Lyra said catching the coffee with her magic. “Careful Vinyl, what’s got you all worked up?”

“Yeah? What's going on?” Bon Bon asked pushing the glass of Orange Juice in front of the distressed DJ.

“Yeah, what's got you all riled u...” S began to ask before catching something strange out of the corner of her eye. She looked closer at Vinyl’s hide leg while she was chugging Bon Bon’s OJ and began to blush. “Oh my...”

Finishing the drink, the white unicorn looked to her friends and answered. “I think Octy might be forced to go on another date with that stallion. We need to hurry.” Her horn lit up in a gray aura as she stole a few bites of Lyra’s muffin and shouted “Let’s go.” And began running out the door.

“D-did she just eat my muffin?” Lyra asked a bit upset.

“She drank my coffee Lyra, what’s your point?” Bon Bon said standing from the table.

“Did any other pony notice what Vinyl was wearing around her thigh?” Asked S.

The two thought back for a moment when the realization struck them “Oh Buck!” Exclaimed both Lyra and Bon Bon.

“We need to stop her before she gets to Octavia’s parents.” commented Lyra.

“On it.” S replied grabbing her watch, and Bon Bon’s flank, before flying out of the hotel.

“Hey! Hoofs off my wife!” Shouted Lyra running after the Yellow Pegasus. Bon Bon sighed as she grabbed their watches and proceeded out the hotel.

“Vinyl! Wait a sec!” S called out tackling the White unicorn.

“Ow, hey, what gives S?” Vinyl asked standing back up.

“You kind of forgot about something” Sunflower replied pointed a hoof to the unicorn’s hind corners.

“What...Oh...” The DJ turned a deep shade of red as she took Octavia’s Bowtie off her leg and levitated it in front of her. “I don’t suppose you have a saddle bag on you?”

The yellow Pegasus shook her head. “No. You ran off so quick that all we managed to grab were our watches.”

“Awww. What am I supposed to do with this then...Octy would kill me if I left her Bowtie in the street.” The white unicorn replied, staring at her marefriend’s attire.

“You could put it back in the hotel.” S suggested.

“I don’t have time for that. Octy could be going on a date at this very moment...aghh buck it.” Vinyl said putting the bowtie around her neck.

“There you are you hhhaaarrrlot... What the buck?” Lyra stopped and started to laugh at the sight of Vinyl Scratch wearing a pink bowtie. “That’s an interesting look for you.”

“Yeah, yeah, get your comments out now.” the DJ replied.

“There you are, you forgot your watch Lyrrraaa... That’s an interesting look Vinyl.” Commented Bon Bon trying to hold back a giggle.

“Yes, I get it. I look stupid in a bowtie. Can we please move on?” Said the blushing unicorn turning around and continued to trot to Octavia’s parents' house with haste.

“Hey, wait up marestro.” Replied Lyra as the three followed closely behind. Vinyl wasted no time in busting in through the front doors finding no sign of Octavia. A low groan would be heard from the adjustment room that got everypony’s attention.

“I know that groan.” The DJ said happily. “Come on fillies, Dad will know where Octy is.”

“Dad?” Lyra and Bon Bon questioned together looking at each other. They were both confused as to why Vinyl was referring Alto as ‘dad’. After a brief moment, they just shrugged and followed Vinyl’s lead.

“Hey Dad, have you seen Octy?” The DJ asked as she stood before Alto who was once again trying to read his paper. He said nothing as he flicked the paper to restraighten it as he was reading.

“Um Vinyl, I think he just wants to read. Maybe we should ask somepony else.” Bon Bon said softly.

“Nah, his future daughter-in-law is waaaaaaay more important right dad?” The white unicorn asked with a smile still receiving no response from the silver pony. “But seriously, you have to tell me where Octy is, I have to save her from being bored to death.”

The silver stallion closed his paper and glared at Vinyl Scratch and aggressively opened to paper back up to hide behind it again.

“I think Bon Bon is right, we should really find somepony else.” Lyra said walked over to pull Vinyl away.

Not wanting to give up, Vinyl poked her head over the paper and gave her best attempt at puppy dog eyes. “Pleeeeaaaassseee.”

Octavia’s dad folded the paper down for a second and looked at the white unicorn in annoyance before saying “I am trying to read, go away.” He raised his paper back up and aggressively turned the paper to make the DJ get the hint that he didn’t want to talk.

“Come on Vinyl, he’s not going to tell us. Let's go.” Said S.

“I didn’t want to do this, but you left me no choice.” Replied Vinyl clearing her throat. The three mares looked at the DJ expectantly, not knowing what she was about to do. “Dad. Dad. Dad. Dad.” Vinyl started to repeat dad over and over again causing the three mares to facehoof all at once.

The announce finally was too much for the Silver stallion to bare. Alto rolled up his newspaper and bonked the DJ on the head with it as if she were a pesky fly. “Enough! And stop calling me Dad. My wife told me not to tell you so go away.” He said throwing the paper down on the floor and began walking away mumbling his frustrations. “All I wanted to do was to read my paper but nooo, everypony has other plans.”

“Well that was rude.” The white unicorn said rubbing the top of her head.

The girls started laughing. “Well, you were being rude as well you know.” Commented the yellow Pegasus.

"Yeah, and why were you calling him dad?” asked Bon Bon.

“Yeah that was kind of weird.” Lyra said and watched as Bon Bon was reading the paper on the floor. “What are you doing?”

“I call Octy’s parents' mom and dad for two reasons. One, it annoys them. And two, they will be my in-laws someday so they better get used to it....” The DJ replied and watched as the candy maker picked up the paper and began folding it. “Yeah, what are you doing Bon Bon?”

“Well, while you two were talking, I think I might have found out where our missing cellist has gone.” Answered Bon Bon pointing a hoof to the article about the Boating Pony being opened.

S looked at the article and commented. “Well, a nice boat ride does sound like a date classy ponies would think of.”

“Octy...and a stallion... alone on a boat? Not on my watch.” Replied the DJ. “We need to see if Octy is at this boating pony at once.”

“I already see my pony.” S said looking at her watch’s display which had a picture of Bon Bon’s flank on it.”

“What the buck? Where did you get that...and change that image at once!” Lyra exclaimed as everypony was looking at the picture.

“No, I took it when Bon Bon grabbed the paper, but that’s not what’s important right now. I pulled up the data from the Boating Pony and look at who made reservations recently.” S replied sending the information to everypony’s device.

“I forgot these glasses could do that.” Vinyl said laughing a bit before getting serious again. “We should probably get going.”

The four left the house and started to make their way to the Boating Pony. Just as the front door closed, a silver stallion walked back to grab his paper. “Finally, I can finish reading my-”

“Alto, who was that?” Harmony asked causing the stallion to sigh and walk away from the one thing that he wanted to do today.

✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨

Octavia groaned as she looked at the pony behind the desk. “Don’t have any boat that isn’t so... flashy?” The gray mare asked looking at the boat that was near them. A white wooden boat with hearts painted on it.

“Well it is perfect for a...date?” The clerk pony said looking at her and then the short stallion.

“Yes, this is a date. I am paying because I was told too.” Monotone said bluntly and gained a facehoof from Octavia and a confused look from the clerk pony.

“Look lady, that's the only boat that I have. Its either that or Old Leaky there.” The clerk pony said pointing a hoof at an old boat whose paint has been worn out from the passage of time.

Octavia look at the older boat and before Monotone could say anything she spoke up. “We will take Old Leaky.” She said, making sure that Monotone paid. She laughed as she watched him try to get his bits on the counter by jumping. The cellist hoped that the leaky boat would shorten their time on the pond.

“Octavia, you have to help me into the boat.” The dry voice of the short pony said in a demanding tone.

“Okay.” The gray mare said with a smile pushing him into the boat hoping to knock him into the water. “Oh, so sorry Monotone.” She said while gravely disappointed that he didn’t fall in.

The short chubby pony spread all his legs out as far as he could. He tried to keep his balance. “That wasn’t funny Octavia. I can’t swim.” Monotone remarked, still no emotions or expressions from him even when in trouble.

The cellist rolled her eyes and got into the boat with the stallion. Octavia had hoped that talking with her mother would result in this whole thing being called off. However, that not being the case, she regretted not staying in bed with Vinyl. The cellist sighed as she would have to figure out how to sabotage this date without the aid of her friends. It was then that she noticed that they haven’t left the dock yet. Looking at the small conductor she asked. “Well aren’t you going to row us around?”

“I am too short to reach both paddles, you will have to row us.” The gray stallion said plainly and stared at her intently.

“You can’t be... you are, aren’t you?” Octavia sighed and took to paddles in her forelegs and started to row them out to the middle of the lake. Hoping to break the awkward silence she asked. “So... um... what do you do for fun?”

“I like to watch paint dry.” Monotone responded as serious as he always was.

Octavia burst out into laughter upon hearing this. She laughed so hard that she was rocking the boat causing the gray stallion to hug the seat. “Oh, that was a good one, and here I thought you were terrible at jokes.” She said panting a bit trying to catch her breath.

“Why are you laughing. That wasn’t a joke. I like watching the shine slowly fade.” The short conductor informed his date, loosening his grip as the boat stopped rocking.

The cellist rolled her eyes and looked off to the side. “Oh... that’s just sad.” She whispered under her breath.

The short stallion sat there looking at Octavia as the boat slowly moved across the small lake. As the name of the boat suggested, it was slowing leaking causing a small puddle to form at the bottom. Octavia sighed as she wished that the leak would be faster to end her torture. Still trying to break the silence she came up with another question to ask him. “Sooo, what kind of music do you listen too?” The cellist asked thinking that he would have some long response working in the music industry like she was.

“I don’t.” Monotone responded.

“Don’t what?” Octavia asked a bit confused.

“I don’t listen to music.” Monotone said blatantly.

“B-but you’re a conductor, aren’t you?” The gray mare asked in shock as she stopped rowing the boat. “How can a conductor not listen to music?”

“I like to keep work at work. No music is allowed in the house at all. Speaking of which, when we are married, you are not allowed to practice in the house.” The short stallion commented.

“What?!” Octavia shouted, outraged by the thought causing her to stand up on her hind leg to tower over him.

The cellist’s voice was heard all over the lake, even reaching the ears of Vinyl and the rest of the girls who had just arrived. “That was Octy.” Vinyl said looking around only to spot her marefriend standing up on an old boat. “Don’t worry Octy I’ma coming.” She ran to the only available boat at the dock. “Yo, rental pony, I am commandeering this boat.” She said jumping on the white boat covered in hearts. With one hoof on the bow of the small ship her horn lit up causing the paddles to start rowing towards Octavia.

“You know, Vinyl kind of looks like that pirate on the Captain Griffin bottles.” Bon Bon commented watching the DJ speed away with the clerk pony watching.

“Vinyl? A pirate? No way, I just can’t see it.” Lyra responded shaking her head.

“Yaarr! I’m off to reclaim me stolen booty.” The white unicorn called out pointing a hoof to Octavia’s direction.

“You were saying?” Bon Bon commented.

“I...Nevermind” Lyra replied in defeat.

“Well if it means anything, I don’t see it either.” S said agreeing with Lyra.

The mint green unicorn turned around to thank her only to catch the real reason why the yellow Pegasus didn’t see. “S! Stop staring at Bon Bon’s flank!” she said standing between Sunflower Shine and her wife.

“Come on Lyra, I was just enjoying the view.” The Pegasus said in her defense.

Bon Bon turned around and wacked both S and Lyra on the back of the head. “Stop that you two, we are here for Vinyl and Octavia, remember?”

“Fine.” They both said together and looked the other way.

“You didn’t say for how long.” S mumbled to herself with a smile.

“Ok, here’s the plan. When a new boat comes back to dock, Lyra and I will go out on the lake to assist Vinyl. S, you stay by the docks in case we lose them. Sounds good?” Bon Bon asked as the two nodded. “Sweet, let’s go.” Replied Bon Bon as they all just stood there waiting for a boat that may or may not come.

“Soooo...what do you want to do in the mean time?” Asked the mint green unicorn trying to break the silence.

Both Bon Bon and S shrugged as they continued watching Vinyl speed her way across the lake to reach Octavia and the mystery stallion.

As Vinyl approached her targets, she tried to slow down but the boat was coming in too fast. “Ah oh. Brace for impact!” Vinyl shouted as her boat rammed into Old Leaky causing Octavia to fall into Vinyl’s hooves. Trying to play it off, the DJ quickly added. “Ahoy me lady, it’s time to set sail.” Before bucking Old Leaky causing the two boats to separate.

“What the? Vinyl? What are you doing here?... And why are you talking like a pirate?” Octavia asked very confused as to what just happened.

“Just play along Octy, I always wanted to do this.” Vinyl whispered looking back at the boat “Yarg, I’ve reclaimed me booty. What say yo-” Before she could finish, Vinyl began breaking out in laughter seeing Octavia’s date for the first time. “You got to be kidding me. That’s him? He’s so bucking short.” The DJ wiped away some tears.

Octavia sighed. “I thought you were trying to be a pirate”

“Oh yeah, ahhem. Ye need to find yourself another mare matey. This one be taken.” Vinyl said, looking back at Old Leaky.

Monotone clung onto the boat as it rocked not noticing that the two ores fell into the water. Standing back up, the gray stallion looked at the unicorn pirate and said “Hey, that’s my betrothed. Give her back.”

“I'm disinclined to acquiesce to your request.” After a brief moment of silence Vinyl continued “That means no.”

“Vinyl, I’m just dumbfounded that you know that but you didn’t know what betrothed meant.” Replied Octavia

“I-” started the DJ before hearing a dry voice from the other boat.

“Vinyl. I have heard that name before. Though I thought it was the name of a DJ.” Monotone said giving the white unicorn her another taste of his voice this time she shivered in disgust. “You have got to be the worst Pirate I've ever heard of Miss Vinyl.”

“But you have heard of me.” She replied looking back to Octavia. “Way anchor matey, we’ve got our heading.”

Octavia facehoofed “Vinyl stop it, you are not a Pirate... and where did you get the parrot?” Octavia asked.

“Parrot?” The white unicorn asked turning her head. She was shocked to see that there actually was a bird resting on her shoulder. “What the?”

“Raa, shiver me timbers.” The parrot squawked.

“Cotton, get back here.” A mare in a boat from a few yards away called to the parrot. It gave a sad squawk before flying away to the mare.

“Ooookay... that was weird.” Vinyl commented as she began rowing their boat away from the short stallion.

The small conductor was about to protest when he saw that Old Leaky was taking in more water from being rammed. “Can you help me out friend?” He asked in his same emotionless tone. “I can’t swim.”

“I’m not your friend, guy.” Vinyl replied as her boat started to get farther away.

“I’m not your guy, buddy.” Monotone was quick to respond but with no emotion it made Octavia laugh a bit.

“I’m not your buddy, friend.” Vinyl said back to the small stallion the distance being greater.

“I’m not your friend, guy.” Monotone’s voice was becoming hard to hear the farther they got.

“I’m not your guy, bud- Ow!” The DJ was stopped by a hoof to the back of her head. “Octy why?”

“That is enough of that.” Octavia said shaking her head. “Besides, we should help him. He can’t swim.”

“But he started it.” Vinyl whined and pouted.

“And I finished it. Now are you going to go back and help?” The cellist asked a bit annoyed she was being ignored.

“He’ll be fine, the water is only like three feet deep.” The white unicorn said leaning back and waving a hoof dismissively.

“He is only three feet tall.” Octavia said facehoofing after explaining it. “Oh, nevermind, it looks like the parrot mare is helping him out.”

“Well since we don’t have to worry about him.” Vinyl said pulling Octavia to close to her. “How about you and I enjoy ourselves.” She said using her magic to slowly row them around the lake.

The cellist smiled. “Fine. I was getting tired of rowing anyway.”

Octavia laid down next to Vinyl as they both looked up to the sky. The clouds that hung in the sky which had just been placed there by the weather ponies. There was a scheduled storm to come in a few days, but right now, the clouds seemed perfect. As the boat made its way around the lake with no real direction, they passed under a few trees with flowers on them. Octavia was enjoying every minute of it, though when the cellist looked back at Vinyl, she noticed something odd about the DJ’s attire.

“Vinyl, why are you wearing my bowtie?” The gray mare asked.

“What? Oh...that... ummmm... it’s a long story.” Replied the DJ with a sheepish grin, hopping her marefriend won’t prod any deeper into the subject.

“We are in the middle of a lake with nothing but time. Flatter me.” Rebutted Octavia now suspecting something bad.

“It’s nothing really...is it hot out here?” The white unicorn asked waving her hoof, desperately trying to change the subject. Octavia stared at the DJ causing her to break down. “Ok, I’ll tell you, just promise you won’t get mad.”

“Nooooo.” Replied the cellist slowly slightly glaring at Vinyl.

“Weeellll, there I was in bed right. I woke up and hugged a pillow thinking it was you and are you sure you’re not hot? I can row us back into the shade.” Vinyl said with a nervous smile.

Octavia facehoofed and grabbed the DJ’s glasses. “Tell me now or your glasses are going for a little swim.”

In a panic, the DJ quickly told the cellist of the morning events “Your bowtie was on my hind leg and I wanted to get you going so I made a comment about leftovers but you didn’t react like you always do. So, I pulled the sheets off only to see that you weren’t there but then I saw your note and panicked and ran out of the room looking for girls and found them in the restaurant. I told them that you went to your parent's place, and that we need to go there ASAP and please pull my shades back in the boat Octy.”

“You didn’t.” Octavia said, a blush now forming on her face realizing that everypony seen her bowtie on her marefriend's thigh.

“I did but S tackled me before I reached your parents place, I didn’t want to go all the way back to the hotel or leave your bowtie in the streets so I put it on and please give me back my shades Octy. I really love that pair.” The DJ pleaded.

Octavia groaned and facehoofed again while hoofing the unicorn’s sunglasses back causing the unicorn to smile again. “How many ponies saw you like that?”

The DJ put her shades back on. “Just our friends, I swear.”

“Well, I suppose it could have been worse. Though if that was the long story, what was the short version?” Octavia inquired.

“I bucked up.” The DJ answered causing the cellist to chuckle at the response.

Leaning back into the white unicorn, the cellist asked. “You know the difference between you and me Vinyl?”

The DJ gave Octavia a puzzled look. “What?”

The gray mare pointed a hoof at her neck “I make this look good.” She said with a giggle.

With a frustrated groan, Vinyl replied. “Aghhhh I get it, I look stupid with a bowtie.”

“Maybe, but you do look good with a little gray.” Octavia said hugging the DJ and pulling her back down in the boat. The two laughed and enjoyed a peaceful moment together until something broke the silence.

“Get back here.” Came an emotionless voice over the water.

The two mares poked their heads up and saw the parrot pony rowing her boat towards them with Monotone onboard. “Oh, you cannot be serious.” Replied Octavia, upset that her real date was interrupted.

“Don’t worry Octy, I got this.” Said the DJ standing up.

“What are you pla-” The cellist started before the boat started moving really fast causing her to sit back down.

“After them.” Monotone said to the Pegasus as the chase began.

“Vinyl, I really think you should slow down. I’m not sure if this boat can handle going this fast.” Said Octavia holding the side of the white boat.

“I’m sure it’ll be fine. All we need to do is ditch the plus one...or half of one... you get what I’m saying.” Replied the DJ using her magic to propel them at an incredible speed.

“We’re losing them.” Commented the Pegasus.

“Then flap faster, I’ll pay you double if you catch her.” Monotone said, dead set on getting his date back.

Back on the shore, Lyra pointed to a boat that was coming onto the shore. “Look Bon Bon, there's our ride, and... wow... it's coming in fast.”

Bon Bon looked closely at the two boats heading to the docks. “Is that, Vinyl and Octavia?”

S took a picture with her watch and quickly zoomed in revealing Bon Bon’s guess to be true “Yep.” Looking back up, the yellow Pegasus asked. “... do you think they are going to slow down?”

Bon Bon sighed. “You might want to get ready to catch them S.”

“Vinyl! Turn the boat! We are going to crash!” Shouted Octavia pointing a hoof at the docks.

“I can’t! Get ready to jump!” Replied Vinyl.

“We almost got them.” said Monotone still with no emotion.

With a loud bang, it seemed like time slowed down. The two boats crashed into the docks causing Vinyl and Octavia to go air born. Before panic could set in, Octavia found herself in the hooves of the parrot pony and Vinyl in Sunflower Shine’s. The Pegasus' lowered the two safely down to the ground while the conductor found himself landing face first in the dirt next to them.

Before Monotone could get up the Parrot pony walked over, opened his bit bag, and grabbed the agreed number of bits. “I caught her just like you asked. Have a good day.” And with that, she flew away with her parrot in tow.

“Thanks S, that was a close one-Ow!” Exclaimed the DJ rubbing a hoof on her head.

“Never do that again, do I make myself clear Vinyl.” Octavia said looking directly at the white unicorn.

“Ok, Ok, it’s not like we got hurt or anyth-I'll stop.” The DJ answered shielding her head after seeing the gray mare raised her hoof.

“Good” The cellist replied with a smile on her face.

“Ouch” Came a dry voice besides them. “What happened?” Asked the short stallion getting up off of the ground and rubbing his head.

“Not you again, go back asleep will ya.” Said the white unicorn.

“Who’s that Octavia?” Inquired Bon Bon, asking the question that the three mares wanted to know.

“That is-” The Cellist started before getting interrupted by the little conductor.

“I’m Monotone Symphony. It’s a pleasure to meet you, but even better to meet me. I am Octavia’s betrothed.” The small stallion said.

The three mares paused for a second before simultaneously breaking out in laughter. “You can’t be serious.” Said Lyra, wiping a tear from her eye before she noticed that Octavia’s face did not change. “You’re not serious, are you?”

“I am, I was hoof picked by Octavia’s parents.” Replied Monotone.

Vinyl grabbed a sheet of parchment from S that had the list of potential stallions and looked back at the short stallion and started to laugh. “Ok, you have to tell me short-stack. How did you become a member of the Royal Guard? I thought there was a height requirement.”

“My name isn’t Short-Stack, it’s Monotone, and no, I am a conductor. I was too good for the royal guard.” He said dully.

Vinyl’s expression shifted from mocking to confused as she looked at S and then back to the parchment. After repeating this cycle a few more times she ripped the parchment in half and turned her attention to the yellow Pegasus. “What the buck, S? I thought you said that your computer thingy would narrow down the possible stallions.” She said in slight anger.

“He was an unknown, unknown. How was I supposed to know ponies like him existed?” S asked defending herself and her computer.

“What do you mean? Isn’t it your job to know these things for this mission?” Vinyl asked stomping a hoof on the dock.

“Damn it Vinyl! Mission etiquette says you can’t criticize the mission plan during the actual mission. You have to wait till the mission is over.” S responded a little annoyed herself.

“Girls, stop fighting.” Bon Bon interjected before looking back to the small emotionless stallion. “But still, I can’t believe your parents want you to marry this guy.”

“Yeah he looks like a breathing statue.” Lyra commented as everypony nodded in agreement.

“I can hear you, you know.” Monotone said stepping towards the girls and they took a step back.

“Yes, we know, we just don’t care.” Octavia said. “Look this will never happen Monotone. Vinyl is my marefriend and I will never marry you. This group of ponies are going to do whatever it takes to end this charade.” She said pointing to her friends.

“That is funny but not as funny as my jokes.” Monotone said.

“Wait you tell jokes?” Vinyl asked a bit unsure given how he sounded that anything he said would be funny.

“Really, you have to tell us.” Lyra said excitedly.

“Yeah, I love jokes.” Bon Bon said as the wedged herself between Lyra and Vinyl.

“This is my best one. Knock, Knock.” He asked the group and Octavia just facehoofed.

“Who’s there?” The candy making mare asked as excited as her wife to hear a good joke.

“That’s the joke. There is no door.” The small conductor said and after the joke the air felt dense with disappointment.

“Wow... um... that was bad.” Bon Bon said looking to Octavia. “Are you sure your mother is well?”

“Yeah no offence but she really has a horrible taste in stallions.” Lyra agreed with her wife as a new voice was heard from behind them.

“You are correct friends of Octy.” Sir Trotterlot said proudly was he walked up behind them. “My dear sister hasn’t been in her right state of mind as of late.”

“Uncle Trotty!” Vinyl exclaimed turning around to hug him. “Save us from this pony before he bores us to death.” She looked at him pleadingly and pointing a hoof at the small gray pony behind them.

“Indeed, I shall, you girls go on ahead, I will catch up.” The explorer pony said shooing them.

“Uncle Trotterlot? How did you know where to find us?” Octavia inquired as he didn’t seem to be in the right place at the right time.

“Simple Octy, I followed you to make sure he didn’t try anything stupid. Though, I wasn’t expecting to witness a high-speed pursuit on the lake.” Her uncle replied and smiled at her. “Unfortunately, me interfering wouldn’t make your mother see this as any less of a bad date.” He said anticipating her next question of why didn’t he help.

The cellist just sighed as her friends began to walk away. “Fine, but before I go, you have to tell me. What did your associate think about the flowers?” She asked wondering if her set up worked.

“Oh, you mean Lora Troft? Yes, she seemed more excited about the flowers than the actual research. I don’t understand her, first she wanted me over to look over her findings on an animal that I have been working with. I gave her the flowers and the next thing I know, Miss Troft had tackled me to the floor thanking me again and again for being so thoughtful on that day in particular... whatever that meant. I couldn’t get a word in edgewise but the thing I still can’t figure out is why she gave me a disappointed look when I had to go. Something I was meaning you ask you about later.” Her uncle said having completely missed what Octavia did.

Octavia facehoofed and sighed. “I swear you can be so dense Uncle.” She thought as she walked away with her friends.

To make sure that Monotone didn’t follow them Sir Trotterlot stood in front of the small pony blocking his path. “You are not going to go after them, and you will not marry my niece.” He said as he looked at the emotionless pony.

“I will marry her and there isn’t anything you can do to stop me. Her mother wants it so it will happen. Monotone always wins.” The small gray stallion said causing Sir Trotterlot to raise an eyebrow in confusion.

“No, I will personally see to it that you don’t marry her. Octy loves Miss Scratch and I suspect to hear news of their engagement in due time.” Sir Trotterlot replied.

“You know, we have a lot in common Sir Trotterlot.” Monotone said and this caused Trotterlot to recoil a bit.

“No we don’t. Don’t ever say that again.” The explorer pony said walking away. He looked over his shoulder and shook his head. “You are not worthy of Octy’s time.” He stated before leaving Monotone by himself.

As the short pony started to walk away from the dock, he was stopped by the angry looking pony that ran the Boating Pony. He pointed a hoof to the damaged dock and three broken boats on the lake and land. “Where do you think you’re going? You’ll have to pay for that, ya know? That Boating Pony property.” The clerk said not backing down.

The small conductor pulled out his bit bag to start counting only to have the whole thing taken out of his hoof by the clerk. Out of bits and no sign of Octavia, the short conductor decided to call it quits and head home.

Octavia and her friends went to the hotel and the packed up a picnic basket to have a nice lunch at the park. Vinyl was happy to finally take off the bowtie that plagued her all day. Sir Trotterlot arrived shortly after and accompanied them to the spot that Bon Bon picked out earlier. The group ate their daffodil sandwiches and watched as the sky slowly became cloudier thanks to the Pegasus ponies that were covering all of Canterlot.

“I heard that they needed more time to gather the clouds so the storm will now take place in three days' time.” The yellow Pegasus said looking at the white fluffy clouds. With a smile, S rested her head on Bon Bon’s shoulder causing the candy maker to stand up and move away. This movement made S fall her side.

The girls and Trotterlot laughed and spent the rest of their day together talking about different things that they might be able to do to stop this marriage. Now that they all knew the face of the enemy all sorts of new plans were flying around again, though Sir Trotterlot seemed to have the best plan. Keep ruining the dates while having a good time together. That was the best way to show Harmony that what she was doing is wrong and Octavia did in fact love Vinyl. They made their way back to the hotel were everypony made their way to their respected rooms.

The two musicians walked into their room. The DJ smiled as she ran and jumped into the bed with a big flop. “Ahhh, how I missed you.” The unicorn said burrowing herself in the sheets.

“I swear Vinyl you can be such a filly sometimes.” The cellist said and walked over to the bed getting in next to her marefriend.

Vinyl started laughing. “I still can’t believe how short that stallion is. He wouldn’t even be able to kiss you at the wedding unless he was standing on a box or you leaned waaaay down.”

Octavia giggled as well before she whispered what he did for fun into Vinyl’s ear. They spend the next hour poking jokes at the small conductor until Octavia finally fell asleep in her marefriend’s embrace. Vinyl brushed some of Octavia’s mane out of her face and kissed her softly. “Good night Octy.” Vinyl said softly and went to sleep herself.

Author's Notes:

Again thank you all for reading this chapter and for continuing to read this story. In a blog post a little while ago I had a poll to find out What do you think about Monotone? the link to the poll is there. I will be having the poll in these notes from now on if anyone wan't to vote feel free to do so. Comments are always welcome and we will respond to your comments. You all make this so much fun.

-The Buck It Bros,
Coco the Bearded PS: Rosa says Hi.

Octy on Ice

Octy on Ice

The sun was just moments away from rising on the streets of Canterlot but Octavia found herself unable to fall back asleep. Wanting to avoid kicking her marefriend like the last time she tried forcing herself to sleep, the cellist decided to get out of bed. The gray mare stretched her hide legs and back before walking into the adjacent room. When she entered the room, she saw her cello and the small music box that her uncle gave to her as a wedding gift sitting in the corner. Even though the wedding that Octavia originally told him about was a fake, she was still happy to get it. She grabbed the music box and gave it a small crank hearing a familiar tone that her Grandmare used to sing. Though she passed while Octavia was still a foal, she remembered all the stories her mother and uncle told about her and how courageous she was. “I wonder what you would do if you were in my hooves.” Octavia commented to the music box.

The tone slowly came to a stop after looping for the third or fourth time and the gray mare set the box down on the desk. Octavia looked back at her cello sitting in the corner and smiled as she picked up the bow that Vinyl got her for last Hearth Warming Eve. “For all the trouble you get yourself into you always managed to pull through time and time again... Perhaps I should take a lesson from you one of these days.” The cellist thought rubbing a hoof over the engraving on the bow.

Octavia grabbed her cello and walked to the middle of the room. Standing on her hide legs, Octavia placed her bow on the strings and began playing the same tone from the music box. Knowing that nothing short of a thunder storm would wake up Vinyl, the cellist only played softly as too not disturb the other guests in the hotel. As Octavia played the nostalgic melody, she closed her eyes and began remembering a time where her whole family was happily together. First thought was a scene of Alto pushing a young Octavia on the swing set and jumping off only to be caught by Harmony’s magic. Then it was her birthday and Uncle Trotterlot stopped by and regaled the entire family of stories of his most recent adventure. Harmony was in tears from laughing so hard. This brought up another memory of Octavia listening to her Grandmare, Amelia Melody, talk about her life and how she was torn between choosing between being a musician or an explorer. Being torn between two things she wants is something that Octavia could definitely relate to now. All of the gray mare’s memories seemed nice until she remembered the funeral for her Grandmare.

Octavia stopped playing the tune to wipe a tear from her eye. Everypony Octavia knew loved Amelia, she was an inspiration to many ponies throughout her days. Though Octy’s mother took it the hardest and began focusing on her career to get away from the pain. The family started drifting apart after that, Octavia shook her head to stop herself from diving into that train of thought. Setting her cello down and sitting down, she raised her two hoofs and gave herself a light smack on her checks. “Stop it Octavia, this is supposed to be a happy song. And I for one-” Thought the cellist until she felt the cold sensation of ice being pressed on the back of her neck.

“Ahhh, Vinyl!” Yelped Octavia jumping a bit and turning around to see a laughing white unicorn holding a piece of ice in her gray aura.

“Hahaha, your reaction was priceless Octy.” Replied the DJ pointing a hoof at her marefriend.

“You better have a good reason for doing this.” Retorted the cellist.

“Well I was trying to see if you wanted to go get breakfast with me but you were really into that song.” Answered Vinyl.

Octavia looked at the clock and realized that it was still early. “Wait, what are you doing up this early?” Inquired the gray mare surprised to see the DJ up at this time.

“I was having an awesome dream where me and Princess Luna were DJing and right as I was about to drop the bass I fell out of bed. My dream wasn’t going to get any better than that so I decided to get up and when I did, I heard you playing music in here. I tried asking you if you wanted to go to breakfast like a dozen times before deciding to grab some ice.” Vinyl responded smiling playfully.

Choosing not to comment on her marefriend’s dream, the cellist sighed and smiled as she walked closer to the DJ. “Alright Vinyl, let me just brush my mane first.” She leaned in and gave the white unicorn a small kiss while simultaneously grabbing the hoovering ice cube and placing it on the back of the DJ’s neck.

“Ahhh! Not fair Octy.” Vinyl replied rubbing the back of her neck trying to warm it up.

“Neither was your sneak attack.” Retorted Octavia walking into the bathroom.

“I...yeah, you got a point” Vinyl said walking to the door waiting for her marefriend to finish brushing her mane.

“Well, I suppose we'll be the first ones at the table today.” The cellist commented walking out of the bathroom.

“Right, nothing could wake Lyra up this early in the morning.” Replied the DJ as they made their way to the hotel’s dining area.

Silence. The two musicians stood just outside of the dining area in an awkward silence as they watched three mares arguing at a coffee table.

“It’s her fault.” The green mare said pointing a hoof at Sunflower Shine.

“No, it’s her fault.” Retorted the yellow pegasus pointing her hoof back at Lyra.

Octavia and Vinyl walked up to them. “What’s going on?” Asked the DJ.

“Where do I begin?” Bon Bon said taking another sip of her coffee before continuing. “Well, I woke to a lot of screaming and spitting. Apparently, Sunflower wanted to give me a good morning kiss but instead of me she kissed Lyra because it was too dark to see. They have been shouting and ready to fight each other ever since.”

“Wait, what? S you kissed Lyra?” The cellist asked while taking a seat at the table with Vinyl. She was quite taken aback by this news because she didn’t expected Sunflower to be that bold with a married mare.

“See, it’s all her fault that she wasn’t Bon Bon.” S commented pointing back to Lyra wiping her mouth with the other hoof.

“How is that my fault. I was sleeping with my wife...and what where you doing in our bed anyway?” Asked Lyra.

“I was doing my job and offering room service to Bon Bon.” The yellow Pegasus answered.

“That's absurd, what kind of room service can you do while lying in bed?” Replied Lyra giving Sunflower the death glare.

“The kind that only a true lover can offer.” Said S turning her back on Lyra with a humph.

“Why you...” Started Lyra but was stopped from retaliating by Bon Bon who was now hold the both of them back.

“Ok, that’s enough you two. Sunflower while I am flattered you want me you have to stop. Lyra you have to stop getting so worked up over her.” Lyra and Sunflower turned to argue with her but seeing the darkness on the candy maker’s face shut them up and they looked down.

“Yeah, why don’t you two just kiss and make up-Ow!” Teased the DJ before getting hit in the back of the head. “Why Octy?” Responded the white unicorn rubbing the back of her head with a hoof. Though when she looked at Octavia she shook her head and pointed a hoof at the cotton candy maned mare sitting next to her with an annoyed expression on her face.

Bon Bon put her hoof down and regained her composure before looking at the cellist. “So, what date will we be ruining today?”

“Um...yes well that is the thing Bon Bon. I am sure that my mother has undoubtedly thought of something else for me to do with that poor excuses of a stallion, but enough is enough. I’ve had it, with these mother bucking dates with this mother bucking stallion. It was because of them that Beauty Brass left me, but I refuse to let them buck this relationship up.” The gray mare said frustrated before letting out a sigh. “I swear, I could marry Vinyl tomorrow and they still wouldn’t understand how I feel.”

“Ha ha ha...well... let's not get too hasty because of your parents. I mean, we can keep dating for a while longer before we get to that point right Octy?” Replied Vinyl a bit apprehensively.

“Yeah, I’m just upset that they haven’t got the message yet.” Replied the cellist taking a drink of coffee.

Lyra noticed Vinyl’s reaction to what Octavia said and made a mental note to ask her about it in private later. “Yeah, so if your bailing out on your arranged dates, what do you two plan on doing today?” The mint green unicorn asked.

“Don’t know. I’ve pretty much been planning my days around sabotaging Octy’s dates. What do you want to do?” Asked the DJ.

Octavia thought for a moment before she remembered some unfinished business from yesterday. With a small chuckle she took another sip of coffee before answering. “Ladies, I have another favor to ask you. Instead of ruining a date, I need your help setting one up.”

The girls paused for a bit. “Okaayyy...who exactly are we trying to hook up?” Asked Lyra.

“Is it me and Bon Bon!” S said extatically before receiving the death glare from the mint green unicorn. “What, can’t blame a mare for trying.”

“Jokes aside, who are you talking about Octavia?” Asked the candy maker.

“Well, I believe that one of my uncle’s associates has feelings for him. Though Uncle Trotterlot is very perceptive on many things, he is blind to how those around him feel about him...especially when it comes to love.” The cellist commented.

Lyra and Bon Bon looked at each other for a second before giggling. “Sounds familiar.” Whispered the green unicorn.

“I know right?” Replied the candy maker in a whisper as well.

“Oh snap, Trotty has some potential special somepony? We got to help him, especially with him stopping that little creep from following us to our picnic.” Replied the DJ hovering over some pancakes from the breakfast table and setting them down in front of her. “So, who is this special somepony anyway? Have you met her?” Vinyl asked getting ready to dig in.

“Well, no, I haven’t met her officially, but I do consistently read about her in my uncle’s letters. He always writes about bumping into this mare named Lora Troft during his expeditions, and the way that he describes her always made me think that there might be chemistry between the two. That and every time they are both in Canterlot, he will go out of his way to meet up with her. That’s not even adding the fact that he lets her call him Trotty.” Octavia said holding up her empty cup to Lyra.

“Is that nickname something special?” Asked the mint green unicorn topping off the cellist’s cup.

“Only my closest of friends and fondest enemies may call me that.” Vinyl mimicked holding up her fork to replicate a mustache on her face.

“Yes, thanks for that Vinyl.” Replied the gray mare grabbing some creamer and sugar and pouring them into her cup.

“No problem Octy.” Grinned the DJ as she continued eating.

“But like she said, I’ve only known of three ponies call him by that name...four if you count Vinyl. My uncle wasn’t really one for relationships when I was a filly because he was to focused on his research. Though with how often the two bump into each other on the field, maybe a pony with a similar occupation might do the trick.” Octavia said setting down her spoon and having another sip.

“Do you think Lora feels the same way about your uncle?” Asked Sunflower taking a bite out of her muffin.

“I wasn’t really sure until yesterday when I asked him about how his Hearts and Hooves day went. I told him to bring her a bouquet of flowers on that day knowing that my uncle would forget about the holiday. From the sounds of it, she took them very well, though unfortunately for Lora, you have to be very direct when it comes to my uncle.” Octavia answered.

“Really? I thought he was sharp when it came to stuff like that. He had me and you pegged as an item when I first meet him.” Commented Vinyl.

“Well yes, it’s how others feel for him that go unnoticed by his explorer senses.” Replied the cellist.

“Ok, so what do you have in mind?” Bon Bon asked curious as to how their day was going to go. The candy maker wouldn’t tell it to them personally, but the last few days have been some of the most entertaining in a while.

“Well, I remember how much he loved ice skating with me when I was younger. Maybe if we can get them both at Butler Skateland.” Octavia answered.

“Yeah, that would be a great spot to break the ice...no pun intended.” Bon Bon chuckled.

“Does it have to be on ice? Can’t we do a roller blade park instead?” Vinyl questioned.

“Well, the ice paints a prettier picture in my head for one and two, Uncle Trotterlot only ice skated. He learned the same time as I did...why, do you not like ice skating Vinyl?” The gray mare inquired.

“It’s not that I hate ice skating...it’s just that it’s cold...and on ice...which is colder.” The DJ answered looking down at her empty plate of pancakes.

“Have you never been ice skating before?” S asked.

“I’ve been roller blading, you know. Where it’s warm and the ground isn’t slippery or has the chance of breaking.” Replied the white unicorn.

“You’ll be fine Vinyl, I’ll show you. And besides, they sell hats and scarfs over there too.” Commented Octavia putting a reassuring hoof on the DJ’s back.

“Fine...though next time, we’re going roller skating.” Vinyl answered.

“Ok, though I still don’t get where we come in.” Lyra said, trying to figure out what her friend was planning.

“Well, that’s just it. If I tell my uncle that Lora is interested in him in that sort of way, he’d tell me that’s preposterous, as if their relationship could only be that of friendly acquaintances.” Answered Octavia.

“Oh, I think I get it now. So, you think if we can get them both at Butler Skateland, the surprise date will give them the push they need to get over the acquaintance barrier?” Asked Bon Bon

“Precisely, though there is one hick up to this plan.” The gray mare responded.

“What's that?” asked Vinyl.

“Well, I don’t know where Lora Troft lives. I’ll have to go to the post office or something to try and get that information...however long that’ll take.” Replied the cellist sighing into her cup.

Every pony at the table besides Octavia looked at Sunflower Shine. “Ok, ok, I get it. Just give me a sec.” S said standing up and walking out of the restaurant.

“Wait, can she really get her address from here?” Octavia asked.

“You’d be surprised what she can all do from here.” Replied Bon Bon with a small smirk on her face knowing that Octavia wasn’t filled in on who S really was.

It didn’t take long for S to find the address of one Lora Troft. She wrote it down on a piece of pink parchment paper and walked back into the cafeteria to give it to Vinyl and Octavia. “Here you go.” The yellow pegusus said hoofing it over.

The cellist almost did a spit take at how quick S got the information. “Wow, that was quick.”

“Well, it helps that she is the only pony with the last name Troft in Equestria.” S replied taking a seat.

“Well however you did it, thank you. I’m going to go and get my saddle bag from my room and go talk with her. If you girls don’t mind waiting her for Uncle Trotterlot, please tell him that me and Vinyl went to the ice rink and that I wanted to skate with him again I'm sure he’ll come.” Octavia said as she gestured for Vinyl to come with her.

As the two got up and started walking away, Lyra remembered that she had a question for the DJ. The mint green unicorn got up and followed after the two outside of the dining area. She caught up with them in the lobby of the hotel and asked. “Hey Vinyl, can I talk with you for a sec? I had something I wanted to ask you.”

“Uhh, sure. You can go on ahead Octy, I’ll caught up with ya.” Replied the DJ.

“Ok but try not to take too long, this address shows her on the other side of Canterlot.” Replied the gray mare as she continued up to their room to get a few things for the day.

“So, what's up?” Asked the DJ.

“That’s what I wanted to ask you.” Replied Lyra.

“What ya talking about?” Vinyl inquired.

“Back at the table when Octavia made the comment about marrying you tomorrow. Usually, you would have made some sly or cunning remark but it seemed like you were, oh what's the word I’m looking for...hesitant?” Explained the green unicorn.

Vinyl sighed. “Was it that obvious?”

“Obvious enough for me to catch it. You did something similar when me and Bon Bon were at your place and you ran away when Octavia said how she would propose to you. I thought the idea of you two getting married would excite you.” Lyra said confused.

“It does, but it scares me at the same time.” Vinyl replied.

“What’s there to be afraid of?” Inquired the lyrist still trying to understand her friend's hesitation.

Vinyl looked back at the green unicorn. “Do you remember my ex before Octavia became my roommate in Ponyville?”

“Are you talking about Countess Coloratura?” Asked Lyra.

“Yeah, her. Well anyway, the thing is, I thought I had something special with her, like I do with Octy. I first met her at a nightclub during one of my gigs. As you can imagine, the place was hopping to the sounds of my wubs. That was when I saw her having a drink at the bar. I finished my set and walked over there to have a drink and talk with her. We partied all night and started dating shortly after that. Everything seemed to move so quick, dating, touring, making out, so when she proposed to me, I thought it was a dream come true. I accepted her proposal and started making arrangements for the ceremony.”

“Wait, I don’t remember her proposing to you. What happened?” The lyrist asked starting to understand but needed more information.

Vinyl took off her glasses and continued. “It was right in-between tours for me so I was taking it easy and being myself, not the gung-ho DJing party pony everypony thought I was. That was when it happened, I was talking with Coloratura and told her the date I planned for the wedding take place. She told me that I’d have to reschedule it because it conflicted with one of her tours. I told her buck the tours and let's take it easy for a bit, be ourselves. We got into an argument and just like that, she broke the whole thing off. She told me you’re not the pony that I fell in love with and I thought you wanted to be more than just a country bumpkin. If this is how Vinyl Scratch is perhaps you should have just stay as DJ Pon3...”

“Ouch, but still, you know Octavia would never say something like that to you.” Lyra replied.

“I know but it still hurts ya know. I really lost my self-confidence that day and hide behind the persona of DJ Pon3. I was afraid of letting ponies know the real me because it wasn’t good enough last time.” Vinyl said holding back a tear.

Lyra hugged her. “It’s okay Vinyl, if there’s one thing I know, is that Octavia much prefers Vinyl over DJ Pon3.”

Vinyl hugged her back. “I’m just scared of things moving too fast again. I’m scared of bucking things up with Octy and ruining what we have, that’s why I want to take this relationship slow. But with everything going on between Octy and her ma, I’m afraid that the same thing is going to happen with us as it did with Coloratura.”

“Don’t worry Vinyl, I know Octy is going through a lot with her folks, but I don’t think she would try forcing you into a situation like that.” The mint green unicorn replied reassuringly.

“Thanks Lyra.” The DJ said letting go of her friend.

Lyra hovered Vinyl’s glasses back to her “Alright, time to cheer up filly, you and Octavia have some ice skating to do.”

“Uhhgg, why did it have to be ice skating.” Complained the white unicorn dawning her shades.

“Could be worse.” Lyra commented.

“How?” Asked the DJ.

“It could be snowing.” She answered with a grin.

“Not helping Lyra.” Vinyl said walking away to meet Octavia in their hotel room.

“I think I did.” Thought the mint green unicorn as she made her way back to the table only to see that Sunflower had closed the distance between herself and Bon Bon. Immediately getting annoyed by this, her horn lit up as she engulfed the yellow pegasus in her magic lifting her to the other side of the table. “You stay over there.” Lyra said sitting down next to Bon Bon.

“Awww, You’re no fun. There is plenty of Bon Bon to share.” S said giving her a playful wink.

“I’m not sharing my wife Sunflower.” Lyra snapped.

Bon Bon sighed and tried to defuse the sparks between the two. “Don’t you have work to do S? For the hotel I mean.” Bon Bon inquired knowing how much she has been helping them out lately.

“Oh that, don’t worry, I took the week off so I could help ya hun. Besides, I haven’t had this much fun in a while.” Sunflower replied excitedly with her wings flaring out in her excitement.

“Took off?... But earlier you said you were giving us room service.” Lyra said flustered and getting angrier.

“Yes, I was planning to give Bon Bon a special service in a room, hense room service.” She responded with a wave of a hoof to Bon Bon winking seductively.

“That’s it.” Lyra said as she attempted to jump over the table to attack Sunflower but the candy maker held her back.

“Your help is very appreciated but you need to stop all the over the top flirting.” Bon Bon commented.

“Fine...So, what’s the deal with Octavia anyways? I agreed to help you out but I never got the full story from ya Bon. Earlier, she mentioned somepony named Beauty Brass, did something like this happen before?” S asked leaning on the table a bit wanting to hear the story.

“Well, it was kind of similar to what happen before but not to this extreme.” The candy maker started. She took a sip of her drink before continuing. “I’ve known Octavia for a while now and she talks to me about a lot of these things. Her first serious relationship was with a mare from her orchestra named Beauty Brass. Their relationship was cute. It started when they were stuck in the concert hall after a performance due to the weather. They hadn’t really gotten to know each other until then but after that storm, they started talking some more and before I knew it, they were dating.”

“Aww, that is kind of cute.” Sunflower said smiling.

“Yeah, though it didn’t last.” Lyra interjected with a grime face.

“Yes, well you see Octavia’s parents are not the most understanding of ponies. She had come out to them long before moving to Ponyville and they didn’t believe her. They still didn’t believe her when she introduced Beauty Brass to them on a visit back home. That visit changed everything for them and Beauty Brass left Octavia a week later. I think she told Octavia something like ‘I’m not your pawn for convincing your parents you love mares’ and ‘Buck you for playing with my heart.’ She left right before Hearts and Hooves day, the same day that Octavia was planning on proposing to her. She was mad at her parents but blamed herself mostly. She thought she might have been to slow in their relationship and in the process of trying to get her parents support, dragged out her relationship with Beauty. It’s no wonder why Beauty felt like she was being used even though Octavia loved her.” Bon Bon finished and looked to S. “So you see, her parents have ruined one serious relationship before and are on track to ruining this one.”

“I didn’t think that anypony’s parents could be so blind.” Sunflower commented.

“Well, that’s kind of a sore subject for her. Octavia doesn’t like to show other pony’s when she's hurt, and after Beauty Brass left her, she tried to hide all her emotions. There was a while that she put up walls to block anypony from hurting her again but living with Vinyl in Ponyville changed that. I’d like to say that she is back to her old self again though I think she does need some kind of closure with her parents.” Lyra added and looked to S. “But for now, let’s help her Uncle. I think this might help clear her head so she doesn’t do something that she will regret.”

“Well then, let’s do this.” Sunflower said feeling more resolved to help Octavia and her uncle.

“Do what?” Asked the familiar voice. The mares turned their head to see Sir Trotterlot standing next to them.

“Um...taking you to Butler Skateland.” Lyra said a bit nervously as they were not expecting to see him this early.

“Butler Skateland? Ah yes, I remember that place fondly. Ice skating was all that little Octavia wanted to do when I used to foal sit her. I was rubbish at first but have gotten a lot better thanks to her. So tell me ladies, why are you taking me there again?” Sir Trotterlot inquired.

“To spend time with your favorite niece and Vinyl.” Bon Bon replied with a smile doing a better job at hiding the nervousness of making this work.

“Yeah, she was really excited to go but didn’t know when you were going to wake up so she and Vinyl went ahead. Vinyl needed to get something from the store first so Octavia asked us to wait for you and see if you wanted to come.” S said trying to cover up the fact that they were not ready to see him yet.

“Is that so? Well then, let’s not keep them waiting. Tally ho girls, off to the ice rink.” Replied the explorer before a mint green hoof blocked his path.

“Wait, uhh, wouldn’t you like some breakfast first. I mean, that would give Octavia and Vinyl enough time to, uhh, shop.” Lyra suggested, trying to buy her friends some time to find Lora.

“Oh yeah, besides, you got to try out this place’s Muffins.” Bon Bon suggested.

“And Coffee.” Added the mint green unicorn

“You’re right, I could go for a splash of coffee before going to the ice rink. Besides I know how Octy gets while shopping she could go for hours in one shop. It would be best to give her some time.” Replied Sir Trotterlot. The mares looked at each other knowing that they would have to stall for the cellist if this plan of hers was going to work.

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Octavia looked down at the address that she got from Sunflower and groaned a bit. “Of course, Lora Troft had to live on the other side of Canterlot... At least we won’t be that far from Butler Skateland.” She looked at the note again and read it aloud. “Go to main street and take a left at the fountain, go up two streets and take a right onto Luna Lane. Look for the two-story yellow house with black shudders.” Octavia looked up and facehooved.

“Hey Octy...They’re all yellow two-story houses with black shudders on this street.” Vinyl commented pointing a hoof at their surroundings.

“Would it kill these ponies to hire another Architect? We’ll have to go by the number then.” Octavia said looked at the number listed on the address. “There isn’t a number.” Octavia sighed softly once again.

“Hey Octy, how can anypony find their way back home after they get drunk?” The DJ asked scratching her head.

“Vinyl I don’t think that anypony in this part of Canterlot gets drunk, they are... oh how do I put this lightly?” The cellist asked looked around at the homes.

“Stuck up? Uptight? Posh? Party poopers?” The white unicorn said before gasping at her last thought. “Wub haters?”

Octavia rolled her eyes as she looked for a house that would fit a mare explorer. “I was going to say responsible.” She replied.

“Pshhh, please Octy, I drink a buck ton and am still super responsible.” Vinyl proclaimed receiving a knowing look from Octavia. “Okay not as responsible as most ponies...” She stopped seeing Octavia smirk. “Fine, not responsible at all but that’s why I have you Octy.” She said batting her eyes playfully at the cellist knowing she could see through her shades. “The point is they need to learn to live a little...and paint their house a different color.”

“Hold on. I think that is the place.” The gray earth pony said pointing to a house that finally looked different. There were stranger torches that lined the walk way up to the door. She had a good feeling about this one.

“Ya see, now that’s what I’m talking about. This is way easier to find.” The DJ commented.

The gray mare walked to the front door and knocked very excited to meet Lora Troft. The knock echoed throughout the house as Octavia and Vinyl waited to see if anypony would answer. The two waited a bit for Lora to open the door but nothing happened. She sighed and rubbed her forehead groaning a bit. “Well she isn’t home, maybe we can find her at the market.” She suggested feeling a little more determined to find her.

“Or we could just wait here for her. I mean she has to come home sometime right?” Vinyl suggested in response but the cellist was already moving.

“Vinyl that might take too long. We’re supposed to meet the girls and Uncle Trotterlot at the ice rink. Let’s go find her.” The gray mare rushed off towards the market nearby.

The white unicorn sighed. “Or we could show up fashionably late. You know, stay warm...” Shaking her head, the DJ took off after her marefriend.

Once they were at the market Octavia began looking around for Lora, which confused the DJ. “Ummm, what are you doing Octy?”

“Looking for Miss Troft or have you forgotten already?” The cellist asked a bit annoyed.

“No, I haven’t forgotten it’s just. Do you even know what she looks like?” Vinyl asked trying to get an idea of what she should be looking for.

“Judging from how my uncle described her in our letters, she would be wearing some kind of explorer shirt and have a saddle bag with equipment in it...” The cellist said thinking aloud.

“Ok, do you think you could be a little more specific Octy?” Asked the DJ.

Octavia turned around to look at her marefriend when something caught her eye. “Ok, I believe we are looking for a tan earth pony about my uncle’s size wearing a gray tank top with a small saddle bag for her equipment. She has a braided mane, a temple cutie mark, and a bandage wrapped around her front right leg.”

“That’s oddly specific. How do you know that?” The DJ asked confused.

“Because she is standing right behind you.” Octavia said pointing a hoof to the tan earth pony that was standing behind the DJ smiling at them.

Lora Troft moved around Vinyl and hugged Octavia. “Greetings you must be Octy.” She let go of the cellist. “You look exactly like Sir Trotty described you. I wanted to thank you for having him bring me flowers the other day.” Lora said smiling.

“H-how did you know I was responsible for the flowers?” The cellist asked sheepishly.

Lora shot her a knowing glance. “Really, like Trotty remembers holidays.”

“Hahaha, right.” Octavia replied rubbing a hoof on her front leg.

“Hey, you call him Trotty as well?” Vinyl asked standing next to Octavia to get a closer look at the mare explorer.

“I do indeed, he always says that it is very unprofessional which is why I keep doing it.” The tan mare said with a grin before sighing. “Though he is completely clueless as to how I feel about him. At least his niece gets the hint.”

Octavia smiled looking at Lora Troft. “Well Vinyl and I are here to help you. My uncle can be very... oblivious when it comes to how others feel about him. So, my friends and I have decided to help it a long a little.”

“What do you mean?” Lora asked a bit confused.

“We plan on hooking you and Sir Trotty up on a secret date. Our friends were going to tell him to meet Octy and I at Butler Skateland, but instead of hanging out with us, he’ll be with you.” The DJ said with a smirk.

Lora nodded getting a little excited. “Well I am all for going with you girls to this date you planned, but I’m not sure if it’ll work out like you think. I’ve tried many of these kinds of things before all to no avail. Do you know what I might have been doing wrong?” She said thinking about it?”

“Uncle Trotterlot sometimes needs a more...direct approach.” The cellist answered.

“Meaning what exactly. I’m quite sure that my past few attempts at him have been very direct.” The explorer mare said with a slight pout.

Vinyl thought about it for a second before shrugging her shoulders and nonchalantly replying. “Ya could just kiss him.”

“What?! No! That would be a horrible idea Vinyl. Uncle Trotterlot is far too delicate for a bold move like that. Besides, my Uncle would never fall prey to such abrupt debauchery.” Protested the cellist.

“Come on, think about it Octy. I might not have known your uncle for long, but just look at Lora, I'm sure that would get Sir Trotty’s attention.” The white unicorn explained pointing a hoof at the adventurer.

“While that might get my uncle’s attention it’s just so uncouth.” Replied Octavia.

“Ok, then what would you do if you were Lora?” Asked the DJ.

Octavia blushed a bit before responding. “I-If I was Lora, I would just tell him out right that I wanted to date him.”

“...How is that any different from what I suggested? It is as forward as you can be before skipping a base!” Vinyl exclaimed.

“Most definitely not, my way has way more class.” Retorted the cellist.

“My way has way more ass-Ow! Why Octy?” The white unicorn said rubbing a hoof on her head.

“I will not have you make light of my Uncle like that.” Huffed Octavia.

“Okay Ladies, I think I get the idea. You two said Butler Skateland correct? Let’s not keep Sir Oblivious waiting.” Lora replied walking out of the store.

“Oh, wait for me.” Said the DJ following after the tan earth pony “Ya comin Octy?”

“Yes, I’ll be right there.” The cellist replied following after them. She was just thinking about how nice it would be for her uncle to finally have some other pony looking after him. According to the letters, Lora Troft has saved Sir Trotterlot time and time again on their ventures. She could tell by the way that her uncle wrote about Lora in their correspondents that he had a fond affection for the tan adventurer but didn’t want to push his luck past being associates.

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Sir Trotterlot, Lyra, Bon Bon and S were the first to arrive at the ice-skating rink. The air was chilled and the explorer was looking around for his niece and her marefriend, though they were nowhere to be seen. “Are you certain that Octavia said Butler Skateland?” Questioned the explorer, growing a bit suspicious by their absence.

“They’re here...umm... maybe they’re just getting skates.” The candy maker suggested and smiled seeing Octavia and Vinyl walking towards the ice on the other side of the building.

“See there they are.” S said pointing a hoof at them.

“Ah, good show Miss Shine” Trotterlot said patting her on the shoulder before making his way to greet them.

The three mares let out a collective sigh. “That was close.” Lyra said.

“How about we watch the show over there.” Bon Bon suggested pointing a hoof to some stands that overlooked the ice rink.

“Sure, I'll get us some snacks, anything you ponies want?” S asked getting ready to fly to the food court.

“I’ll have some popcorn.” Answered the mint green unicorn.

“I’d like something sweet.” Added the candy maker.

“Don’t worry Bon Bon, I’ll give you some sugar when I come back.” Replied the yellow pegasus with a wink.

“Hey! I thought we told you to stop that.” Lyra said turning red.

“You didn’t say for how long.” Sunflower teased dodging a hoof from the mint green unicorn and flew off to get the food.

“Just wait until I get my hooves on that mare.” Lyra said trying to regain her composer.

“S will be S. Let's just enjoy the show.” Bon Bon reasoned giving the unicorn a small kiss on the cheek and left for the stands.

Octavia noticed her uncle was on his way over to greet them. Octavia smiled knowing that her uncle had no idea that Lora Troft was hiding right around the corner out of sight.

“Hi Uncle Trotterlot. We didn’t keep you waiting, did we?” Asked Octavia.

“Not at all, your friends told me that you two need to do a little shopping before hoof and insisted I have breakfast before coming.” The explorer answered.

“Well, me and Vinyl were about to get our skates if you care to join us. Keep in mind that it’s Vinyl’s first-time ice skating so we might be a bit rubbish at first.” The cellist said.

“That alright, I haven't been on the ice since I’ve gotten this metal leg so I get the distinct feeling that I too will be rubbish at first. But nothing ventured nothing gained, come on Miss Scratch, let's get our skates.” Replied Sir Trotterlot.

Octavia and Vinyl got their skates and were out on the ice before Sir Trotterlot who was still trying to fit his metal limb into the bladed shoe. The Cellist noticed that her marefriend was shivering as if she were extremely cold.

“It’s too cold Octy, why couldn’t we go roller blading again?” The shivering DJ asked giving the gray mare a slight glare.

“Oh, come on Vinyl it isn’t that cold.” The cellist said rolling her eyes at the white unicorn.

“Oh yeah?” The DJ asked pointing a hoof towards two ponies wearing multiple jackets shivering next to them with their breathing visible.

“Hey Sanka, Whatcha Smokin’?” The taller of the two ponies asked the other.

“I’m not smokin’, I’m breathin’.” The other pony replied.

Octavia sighed as she shook her head. “I see your point but there's more than one way to stay warm.” She said pulling Vinyl in close to her.

“O-oh... Ya know, this is something I can get use too. Don’t expect me to let go until we leave.” The white unicorn said pulling the cellist into a hug causing them both to lose balance and fall on the ice.

Sir Trotterlot chuckled watching Octavia and Vinyl having fun on the ice. “Well, looks like they won’t be needing me. I’ll just put these skates back.”

“Not so fast Trotty, how about you accompany me instead?” Lora asked playfully coming out from around the corner.

“M-Miss Troft, I wasn’t expecting to see you here.” Replied Sir Trotterlot surprised to see his associate here.

“Indeed, Octavia invited me but it seems like she already has a plus one.” The tan adventurer began walking closer to the brown stallion. “Looks like you’ll have to be my partner.”

“I say this is rather unprofessional Miss Troft.” The explorer stallion said about to stand up but Lora put a hoof on him and pushed him back down.

“That is the point Sir Trotty.” The tan earth pony said in a seductive tone. Lora tried to figure out what to do next. After quickly remembering what Octavia and Vinyl said on how to approach him, she sat on his lap and wrapped her front legs around his neck. “I want to be more then associates.” Before the explorer could react, Lora pulled him into a passionate kiss.

The three mares sitting in the stand gasped as they watched the two fall off the chair in each other’s embrace. “Oh wow.” Bon Bon said impressed at the adventurer’s boldness while Lyra and S just clapped their hoofs.

“Damn, you go girl.” Vinyl said seeing the event play out as her and a now speechless Octavia rounded the corner of the rink just in time.

Lora broke away from the kiss and looked directly into the wide-eyed stallion. “I want to date you Trotty.”

Sir Trotterlot stared blankly into the eyes of his colleague. At a loss for words, he tried to come up with something to say to the adventurer. “I-it’s a pleasure to meet you M-Miss Troft... I am S-Sir Trotterlot,... at your service.”

Lora Troft looked back at Vinyl and Octavia nervously “Was that too direct? I think I broke him.” She asked pointing a hoof at the explorer as the two approached.

Octavia looked at her flustered uncle and back to Lora “No, I say that you got the message across.”

Lora looked back at Sir Trotterlot. “Equestria to Trotty, anypony there?”

The stallion shook his head snapping out of it “M-My apologies Miss Troft. I tend to get so wrapped up in my work that I block out everything else.” He stood up and dusted himself off. “I hope you can forgive me for being so oblivious Miss Troft.”

“Yes, well, I’ve always found your ignorance quite amusing Sir Trotty. It was a major factor in me falling in love with you.” She said bumping him with her flank playfully “Now, how about me and you hit the ice, it looks like you need to cool off.” Commented the tan adventurer as she dragged him to the ice.

Sir Trotterlot stood close to Lora as they got onto the ice. He was a bit nervous as he hadn’t tried ice skating since he got his metal arm.

“You know you owe me a real date after this Trotty, and not one set up by your niece. I’m talking a dinner at a fancy restaurant with cocktails.” Lora said leaning in close to the explorer stallion. “No excuses this time.”

“Don’t you think that we are moving a bit fast?” Sir Trotterlot asked.

Lora Troft sighed and gave him a slight smack to the back of his head with a hoof. “No excuses.” She repeated and puffed her cheeks out in annoyance.

“A date it is then.” The mustached stallion replied rubbing his head only to lose balance and fall over. Lora gave him a helping hoof to stand back up. He smiled at her before commenting. “I thought you were supposed to catch me.”

“Haven’t you learned anything in the Marezon?” Replied the tan adventurer causing the two to chuckle.

The three mares in the stands watched excitedly as Octavia’s Uncle and Lora got hooked up without a hitch. They started celebrating when S noticed a certain somepony walking into the building.

“Oh, you have got to be kidding me.” Bon Bon said.

“What wrong hun?” Lyra asked turning around to see what her wife was looking at. “Oh...that...”

The three mares watched as a small gray stallion came walking in as if he was looking for somepony. “What should we do? He wasn’t supposed to be here.” Pointed out the mint green unicorn.

“Looks like we have to run interference. S, warn Vinyl. Make sure she doesn’t tell Octavia, I want her to enjoy herself. Lyra, come with me.” The candy maker stood up and started figuring out a plan to keep her friends hidden from the unwelcomed nonsense.

Sunflower Shine tapped her watch and called Vinyl on her glasses “Vinyl, It’s S. We have a problem but you can’t tell Octavia, Monotone is here, I repeat, monotone is here. Do you read me?”

“Yes, I hear you.” Vinyl said causing Octavia to give her marefriend a weird look.

“Who are you talking to Vinyl?” The gray mare asked.

“Huh, nopony. Nopony at all” Replied Vinyl with a grin.

“I repeat, did you hear me Vinyl. You have to hit the button on the side of your glasses to respond.” Explained the yellow pegasus.

“Oh, for buck sakes.” Vinyl hit the button and repeated herself “Yes, I copy.” The DJ put her hoof back down and looked at Octavia who was giving her a explain now look.

“Vinyl, what's going on?” The cellist asked.

“What, nothing, nothing at all hahaha...I wub you....” She looked at Octavia who expression deadpanned. 'She’s not buying it.’ Thought the DJ quickly tiring to come up with a distraction. “Ummm, hey, check out what these can do.” Vinyl said nervously pulling off her shades and tapping a button with her hoof. The two stood in an awkward silence as nothing happened.

“Vinyl, I don’t see what that has to do with...” Octavia started to say but was interrupted by Lora who was passing by the two with Sir Trotterlot.

“No, no she’s got a point.” The adventurer commented as they passed on by.

“Vinyl start explaining yourself now!” Demanded Octavia but Vinyl was trying to figure out why the lasers didn’t come out of her glasses.

“That’s not what was supposed to happen.” Vinyl commented before slipping on the ice causing her glasses to fly out of her hoofs. When the shades hit the ground, the light show began.

Meanwhile Bon Bon and Lyra were hiding with Monotone in sight trying to think of a way to get rid of him. As soon as a buck ton of colorful lasers began filling the ice rink an idea popped into the candy maker’s head. “Everypony Bailout! Don't Let the Lasers Hit You!” She shouted causing a group of ponies to begin trotting out of the door taking Monotone with them. Before they knew it, there were only four skaters left in the rink; Octavia, Vinyl, Trotterlot, and Lora.

“Don’t worry guys, I got this.” Vinyl said taking off after her glasses which were still sliding across the ice.

“Vinyl!” Octavia called out skating after her.

Lora grabbed Sir Trotterlot in a dancing position as the lasers shot around them. The explorer saw a blue beam heading their way and twirled Lora around to dodge it. Then Lora dipped Trotterlot to avoid a red laser. The two looked like they were performing a dance of some sorts to avoid each beam that came their way. “This is just like the museum in Saddle Arabia.” Lora commented as she pulled Trotterlot close to avoid another color beam.

“Yes, but if memory serves me correctly you were the one to trigger that show.” Replied the explorer lifting Lora up in a twirl and setting her back down.

“What can I say, I needed that compass more than the museum. Besides, I returned it when I was done.” Explained Lora continuing the dance on ice.

“You mean the replica from the gift shop?” Inquired Sir Trotterlot.

“Tomato Tomata. You know how dangerous that artifact would be in the wrong hoofs, I couldn’t just leave it there.” The tan adventurer said with a smile.

“Agreed, though I was not expecting that security system. It must have been upgraded right before that heist.” The brown stallion said leaning Lora back.

Octavia noticed her uncle and Lora Troft dancing together to avoid the lasers. She turned her attention back to the white unicorn who kept getting close to her glasses before knocking them away when trying to grab them. The gray mare shook her head as she positioned herself in front of the sliding glasses finally stopping its movement. The white unicorn quickly picked them up and turned off the lasers. “Finally, it’s all good everypony, I turned them off.” Vinyl said looking around to see that with the exception of their party, the whole ice rink was empty. “What the? Where did everypony go?”

Octavia sighed as she rubbed her eyes. “Why did you pick them up with your hooves Vinyl?”

“Duh, how else would I pick them up Octy?” Vinyl asked sarcastically.

“You have a magical horn, why didn’t you use that?” The cellist inquired.

The DJ looked up. “Hahaha, opps.” She replied with a sheepish smile.

“Come on Vinyl, let’s just keep skating.” Octavia said grabbing Vinyl’s hoof and started to skate with her again.

Though as they started to skate again, the unicorn hit a patch of ice that was thinner thanks to the light show. The ice cracked under the DJ but before she fell in, Vinyl grabbed onto Octavia in a panic. “Octy, I’ll never let go!” The DJ called out.

“Vinyl stop or we both will...” The cellist started but the ice broke under her as well and the two fell into the cold puddle of water. The water that soaked both mares was freezing cold. “Vinyl! Just look at what you did, I’m all wet now because of you.”

“Wow Octy, I didn’t realize I made you feel that w-” Vinyl started but stopped and covered her mouth with her hooves seeing Octavia’s death glare.

“Finish that sentence and I’m getting my bow.” The gray mare softly said still glaring at her.

“Promise?” Vinyl asked excitedly.

Octavia rolled her eyes and slowly got back onto the ice shaking off the cold water the best she could. Vinyl soon followed her and smiled. Using her horn, she quickly dried and warmed both herself and Octavia. “Thank you, Vinyl.”

“No Prob.” Replied the white unicorn. “Now can we get off of the ice? I’m freezing.”

Octavia sighed “Fine, but we will go ice skating again.”

Meanwhile Lyra and Bon Bon noticed that the small gray stallion was making his way back into the building. “What the buck, doesn’t this pony know when to call it quits?” Asked Lyra.

“No time for that Lyra, we have to stop him.” Bon Bon said looking for anything else to use as a distraction.

“How did he even find us?” The mint green unicorn asked also looking for something to detour the tiny conductor.

“Maybe Octavia’s mother had him follow her uncle or something.” The candy maker reasoned as she watched Lyra stand in front of the pony to block his path.

Monotone had been looking for Octavia since she didn’t show up at her mother’s that day. He was searching low and lower trying to find her. He was determined to make Octavia is bride and assumed that he only needed to try harder to make the cellist love him. He walked right up to the mint green mare that was blocking his path. “Excuses me miss, I’m here to see my mare and you are in the way.” Monotone said dryly not recognizing Lyra from the other day.

As the pony tried to walk by her, she quickly blocked his path again. “Ummm, excuse me, but I seem to have lost my... ear rings while everypony was running out of the building... Could you lend me a hoof to find them?” Lyra asked with a sheepish smile hopping that Bon Bon would come up with something to get rid of this stallion soon.

The short pony shook his head. “I have no time to look for your dumb ear rings. Octavia’s mother sent me to the show Octavia how awesome I am though there is no need. Octavia should be grateful that I will be her husband.” The short pony said making Lyra suppress a gag.

It was then that Bon Bon noticed a loose sign hanging above the door way. “Huh, it must have come loose when everypony trotted outside.” The mare thought as an idea popped in her head. The candy maker tapped her watch. “S, do you read me?”

“Loud and clear Sweetie drops, what ya need?” Replied the yellow pagasus.

“When I give you the signal, I need you to cut the sign that’s loose hanging above the door where we came in.” The candy maker answered.

“Roger that.” S responded quietly flying by the sign ready to let it drop on their target.

Bon Bon snuck around the conductor without him noticing. She signaled Lyra to back the stallion up to the door pointing a hoof at S and the sign.

Lyra nodded and looked back at the stallion. “I’m sure your mare can wait but I think I see something shining on the ground behind you. Would you mind grabbing it.”

“Your earrings your problem.” The gray stallion replied trying to walk past the mint green unicorn who was becoming increasingly annoyed by this pony.

“Please, I insist” Lyra said pushing the short stallion back causing him to fall backwards onto the mark. Bon Bon gave the signal and S dropped the sign on top tiny conductor.

“Ow.” Monotone said dryly still standing there unfazed. “Did any pony get the number of th-” Before the small stallion could finish his sentence, he collapsed on the floor, knocked out cold.

“Ughh, what a pain in the flank. Seriously, what’s with this pony?” Asked Lyra.

“Beats me but we still need to get him out of here before Octavia comes by.” Bon Bon said looking at S “Do you know of something S?”

“Consider it done.” S said flagging down a buff looking pegasus stallion with tiny wings walking by them. “Excuse me sir, this foal got hit with a sign while a bunch of ponies were running out. Do you think you can take him to the hospital?” The yellow pegasus asked.

“Sure thing little Lady. Come on little pony.” Replied the buff stallion picking the small conductor up in his pecks and made his way to the hospital by walking through the wall.

The three mares sighed thinking that they managed to get him out of there without Octavia noticing. After all, the cellist had been through a lot the past few days and they felt like she could use some time off with Vinyl. Though as the three mares turned around, they noticed that the rest of the group that had been skating stopped and watched everything unfold.

“Was that who I think it was?” Octavia asked moving towards Lyra, Bon Bon, and Sunflower.

“I don’t know what you are talking about. Nothing was going on over here.” Lyra quickly replied as she looked back and forth several times.

“Come, Come Mrs. Heartstrings, we saw you talking to somepony. Could you please enlighten us as to who?” Sir Trotterlot asked as Lora Troft moved closer to him.

“Don’t scare the poor girl Trotty. Now come along, you owe me a dinner.” The tan adventurer said pulling the explorer away.

“Save me Octy, she wants to talk about things other than work!” Trotterlot exclaimed as he was pulled away.

Octavia chuckled a bit before turning back towards her friends. “He was here, wasn’t he?” She asked her voice sounding serious.

Lyra sighed. “Yeah, he was here, but we didn’t want to ruin your fun with Vinyl and your uncle. I guess we didn’t do a good job of being stealthy.”

“What the buck, how did that creep even find us?” Vinyl inquired as she looked over Octavia. “Maybe he placed a tracking device on you somehow.” She reasoned looking around her marefriend for anything odd.

Octavia sighed and moved away from Vinyl. “I doubt its anything like that. No, I think he must have stopped by my parent’s manor or followed Uncle Trotterlot here on her orders. I can’t believe that they would send that stallion after me even when I didn’t show up at their manor.” The cellist said, starting to get frustrated.

“I’m so sorry Octavia I know things didn’t work out the way you wanted them too but you still have Vinyl and us.” Lyra said pulling Vinyl and Bon Bon into a group hug smiling at Octavia.

“Hey what about me?” Sunflower complained looking at the group.

“What about you?” The green unicorn replied narrowing her eyes at the yellow pegasus.

“Bonnie your wife is being so mean to me.” S pouted hugging Bon Bon.

Bon Bon blushed at the sudden hug from S causing Lyra to grit her teeth. She pulled the Pegasus off of her wife with her magic. “Why you little.” The lyrist growled out at the mare trapped in her magic.

The yellow pegasus broke free from the grip of Lyra’s magic and started to flap her wings before winking at her. “Meep, Meep.” S said playfully before taking off towards the exit leaving a cloud copy of her body behind before them.

“Get back here!” The green unicorn yelled as she ran off after Sunflower breaking the cloud copy.

Bon Bon sighed and facehoofed watching her wife running off after her friend. “I am sorry about them; it’s been like this all day. I’ll see you back at the hotel I need to take care of this.” She said softly and slowly walked off in the direction the two went off in.

Octavia and Vinyl both stood there confused as to what just happened. “Okay, anyways can we leave now Octy? It’s too bucking cold here.” Vinyl remarked as she once again moved closer to Octavia to warm up.

“Okay, we can go Vinyl. I would like to get ready to leave as soon as we can tomorrow.” The cellist replied as she rested her head on top of Vinyl’s.

“You know Octy the night is still young, why don’t we get something to eat before heading back?” The DJ asked feeling a bit hungry.

“I am not really that hungry Vinyl. We should just go back to the hotel and pack.” She replied only to blush and look away when her stomach growled much like a manticore.

“Your stomach is telling a different story.” The DJ said poking softly at the gray stomach next to her. “Come on there was this nice place I saw near the hotel that makes pizza. Pizza Octy, I can taste it now.” She continued her mouth started to water.

Octavia sighed “Okay Vinyl, but we’re taking it to go. I would rather not be spotted by that creep my mother keeps sending after me.”

“That's cool, nopony ruins pizza night. So what movie are we going to watch back at the hotel?” Vinyl asked.

“As long as it’s not something incredibly stupid I'm alright for anything.” The gray mare answered as they made their way to the pizza place. There wasn’t too long of a line at the restaurant Pizza Planet. As they waited for their turn to order Octavia read the restaurants slogan. “Forgiveness is divine, but never pay full price for late Pizza.” They placed their order and began walking back towards the hotel.

When they got back into their hotel room, Vinyl immediately hopped on the bed and began looking through the channels on the TV to find a movie they could watch. She looked at all the titles that were available to rent and grinned when she found the two great movies that she wanted to watch. She rented both and patting the bed softly for Octavia to join her. “Come on Octy, Trogdor or Hot Furz?” The DJ asked.

Octavia groaned and facehoofed at the movies she had pick from. “Which do you think I would prefer?” She said sounding a bit defeated knowing she would have to watch something Vinyl found funny tonight.

“No which would you like to watch first?” The DJ remarked as she took a slice of pizza and bit into it.

“You are pulling my leg.” The cellist commented thinking her marefriend couldn’t have possibly rent two movies.

“Nah, you said I could pick so I picked two.” The white unicorn smiled playfully causing the gray mare to sigh.

“Fine Trogdor first then Hot Furz.” Octavia relaxed and took a piece of pizza. She cuddled into her marefriend and settled in to watch some movies. It didn’t take long for both mares to be completely invested in the movie. “Do it Trogdor, burninate that county side.” Octavia called out to the TV before grabbing another slice of pizza.

“Yeah! And those grass roof cottages!” Vinyl added.

After Trogdor was finished Vinyl got out of the bed to grab some drinks from the mini bar. Vinyl walked back with two mixed drinks for them to enjoy during the next movie. Floating one over to her marefriend, they cheered before starting the next flick. They laughed throughout the whole movie Octavia not knowing what to expect next.

“You mean this pony made more of these movies?” Octavia asked having another sip of her cocktail.

“Buck yeah, mare of the dead was my fav-” Vinyl said before letting out a yawn. “Buck, didn’t realize I was this tired.”

“I must admit, I’m feeling rather sleepy myself. You just want to call it a day.” Octavia said setting her drink off to the side.

“There’s an idea I can get behind” The DJ answered stretching her front legs up and flopping backwards on the bed. “Good Night Octy.”

“Good Night Vinyl” The cellist said turning off the light and joining her marefriend.

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The next morning, Vinyl found herself being the first one awake. She stretched and was about to go back to bed when a thought crossed her mind. Getting out from under the covers, the white unicorn brushed her teeth and walked into the other room to grab a pen and parchment. 'Morning Octy. There is something I wanted to take care of this morning. I’ll be back before noon. Wub ~ Vinyl'. Putting the pen down, she placed the note on top of Octavia’s cello and made her way out the door.

As the DJ made it to the main lobby, she saw Sir Trotterlot saying goodbye to Lora Troft. The white unicorn grinned and walked up behind the explorer. “Moving fast I see.”

Surprised, the stallion turned around to face the DJ. “Oh, Miss Scratch, Sorry, I didn’t see you there.”

“Had your eyes elsewhere, I get it.” Vinyl teased.

“I’m afraid you have the wrong impression of us Miss Scratch, Miss Troft had a bit too much to drink last night so I brought her back here to sleep it off. It was far closer than her estate.” Sir Trotterlot reasoned.

“Uh huh, anyway I was just on my way out, it was nice seeing ya Uncle Trotty.” The DJ said walking for the door.

“Same, I have some matters to discuss with my dear Sister.” Replied the explorer also making his way out the door.

“Oh, you're going to Octy’s ma’s place as well?” Vinyl asked.

“Indeed, though I’m surprised to hear that is your destination as well. Pardon my curiosity but why are you going there?” Inquired Sir Trotterlot.

“I wanted to tell Harmony to stop sending that buck face creep after Octy and stressing her out.” The DJ answered.

“Ah yes, I too wanted to inquire the reason for Monotone’s presences at the ice rink. Seeing how we both have the same heading; shall I accompany you Miss Scratch?”

“Sure, I didn’t want to admit it, but I already forgotten how to get to her place.” Vinyl answered sheepishly.

Sir Trotterlot let out a short chuckle. “Well then, follow me.” And with that, the two began making their way into the manor.

When they arrived at the manor, the two knocked on the door but weren’t greeted by anypony.
“Maybe they are still asleep?” Suggested Vinyl looking at the explorer.

Sir Trotterlot looked back towards the street and then back at the door. “No, they’re awake, just not here. They must have gone out for breakfast.”

“What? How would you know that?” Vinyl asked, turning around to see if she missed something when walking in.

Sir Trotterlot pointed a hoof at the mailboxes “See how every other mailbox on this street has a copy of Equestria Daily besides this house. That’s because my brother in law already got it and was meaning to read it. There are only two ponies I know of that could stop that chap from reading his paper, one of which is my sister.”

“Uh huh...who's the other pony?” Vinyl asked still amazed that he figured all that out from a glance.

“You Miss Scratch. Now, let’s head inside, I suspect they’ll be back in a few.” The explorer said opening the door.

The two of them walked into the manor and looked around at the décor. There were the usual things you’d expect: vases, paintings, antiques, though Vinyl was kind of surprised by how many decorative weapons there were. All across the manor you could find Sheilds, sabers, and other weapons all lined up in the hallways and other corridors. “I’m kind of surprised I didn’t notice these before.” Commented the DJ.

“Ah yes, Harmony doesn’t like to admit it, but she too has an explorer’s spirit. Our mother used to collect these things too, reminds me of the good old days.” Sir Trotterlot said rubbing his metal leg with a hoof.

The white unicorn looked at his prosthetic leg and figured now would be as good of a time as any to ask “Sooo...How did you get that metal leg Uncle Trotty?”

“Oh this?” The brown stallion said lifting his metal ligament. “Have you ever done hooftycuffs with a manticore before? If not, I wouldn’t recommend it.” He said setting down his leg. “The creature attacked me as I was tracking it’s nesting habits. It took my leg but I gave it what hooo and knocked the creature out.” He smiled standing tall happy to tell the story.

“Coooool.” Vinyl said with an excited look on her face. She looked around the room and smiled. “Think you can show me some of those moves?” The DJ asked pulling two decorative swords off the wall and tossed one to Sir Trotterlot. “On guard.” She said holding the sword in her hoof.

The Explorer chuckled. “Well then, let us dance.” The stallion bowed to his opponent before he was eagerly rushed by the DJ. Sir Trotterlot parried each of her swipe with his sword before their swords locked. "Good show Miss Scratch but your announcing your movements.”

“Ha, well what about this?” Vinyl ask pushing in only to cause the two swords to brake. “...Opps...”

“Not to fret Miss Scratch” Sir Trotterlot said tossing his aside and grabbing two more from the wall. “There are plenty more where that came from.” The brown stallion tossed Vinyl her new saber and waited for her to prepare herself. “Now, let's see how you handle this.”

“Whoa!” Vinyl said ducking and retaliated. “Nice try Uncle Trotty but you’ll have to do better than that.”

“Good show Miss Scratch. Where did you learn to move like that?” Sir Trotterlot inquired.

“Raving.” Answered the white unicorn taking another swing causing the two sabers to break again. Her horn lit up in a gray aura as she grabbed another two replacements to continue their sparing match.

“Have at you.” The stallion called out leading another offensive.

“Nerf this!” Vinyl replied in retaliation missing the explorer and destroying Alto’s copy of Equestria Daily instead. They took pair after pair of decorative weapons from the wall to fight breaking artwork and decorations along the way.

Sir Trotterlot looked behind Vinyl and saw an opportunity. He lifted a fake ax and shouted “Hammer down!”

Vinyl jumped out of the way only to fall backwards on the stairs. She looked up and saw the explorer standing in front of her holding out a hoof. “Looks like I won this round Miss Scratch.”

The DJ smiled and replied “Not so fast Uncle Trotty.” Her horn lit up and the explorer jumped to avoid getting hit from a falling shield. “DJ’s never die. Now, where were we.”

Their sparing match continued up the stairs until they were reaching the end of the hall. Panting, Vinyl grabbed the last two weapons off of the wall, giving one to Sir Trotterlot. “Looks like this is it old man, time to end this.”

“Couldn’t agree more Miss Scratch. On Guard!" Replied the explorer also running out of breath. Right as the two got ready to charge both of their weapons broke at the handle “...Well...that was certainly anti-climactic.”

“Awwww, and I was going to win too.” Commented the DJ.

Sir Trotterlot chuckled “Well, there’s always next time Miss Scratch. Though I have to say, you hold your own as good as Lora.”

“Oh, so its Lora now?” Vinyl teased.

“Ahem, I meant Miss Troft.” Trotterlot replied coughing into his hoof. “Anyways, my dear Sister should be here any time now. Let's say we head...back.” The two turned around and realized exactly how much damage they caused during their sparing match.

“Don’t think we’ll be going back down that way.” Vinyl commented.

“Indeed, we’ll have to find another way.” Said the brown stallion looking around.

It was then that Vinyl saw a window and nudged Sir Trotterlot causing him to look as well. “You thinking what I’m thinking?” Asked the white unicorn.

“Aim for the bushes?” Answered the explorer. The two nodded and jumped out breaking the plants on their landing. Luckily for the two, it did cushion their fall. They got up and dusted themselves off.

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Earlier that same day, Octavia was having a nightmare where Monotone kept appearing everywhere, she went. The dream started out fine with Octavia and Vinyl going for a quick bite to eat at Mc Hayburger and Monotone walked in looked at her and said in his deep creepy voice. “Marry me Octavia, It’s for the greater good.” His words made her skin crawl and she took off running with Vinyl close behind her. The gray mare dashed to the docks of The Boating Pony and took a boat with Vinyl out to the middle of the lake. However, the short stallion was there as well. “The greater good.” He spoke again. Octavia gasped and took off again. She hid at Butler Skateland on the ice looked around and sighed softly looking to Vinyl. She thought it was over but the speaker system turned on and there he was sitting on a slow-moving Zamboni with his voice echoing over the speakers. “The greater good Octavia.” She screamed and took off to the hotel and when she opened up the door to her room, she saw him and her mother this time.

“Octavia stop fighting it and marry this stallion he is really good for you.” Harmony said smiling coldly.

“But Mother I don’t love him and I could never love him.” Octavia pleaded with her dream mother.

“Love has nothing to do with marriage dear. It should only be use to further careers. You know, the greater good.” Her dream mother replied.

“The greater good.” Monotone and her mother said in a creepy unison looking at the cellist with wide eyes that seemed to looked past her.

“Stop that!” The gray mare demanded to no avail.

“The greater good.” The pair in the room kept repeating as they closed in on her.

“Nooooo!” Octavia shouted waking up in a cold sweat. She panted and looked around. Realizing that it was a just a nightmare, the cellist sighed in relief. “I just had the worse dream Vinyl.” She slowly got out of bed and she started to pace back and forth. “I can’t do this anymore. I didn’t want to have to do this but she pushed me too far. I’m going to tell my parents I’m not going along with anything they ask ever again... Do you hear me Vinyl...Vinyl?” Octavia asked flipping over the blankets only to see that her marefriend wasn’t there. The cellist looked around the room only to find a note on her cello signed by Vinyl.

Octavia read the note and sighed. “The one time she wakes up early she leaves me alone, and this is the one time I need her... No matter, I’m sure that Vinyl and I will be much happier after I do this.” She said as she got ready to go to her parents’ manor.

Octavia paced in front of the manor a few times trying to find the courage to face her parents. “Ohhh, why aren’t you here Vinyl? I really need you.” She thought as she turned around to walk up to the manor again. It was then the cellist saw her parents walking up to their estate from the other direction. “Buck up Octavia, you can do this... for Vinyl” Filled with newfound confidence, the gray mare began walking up to the front door. When she got to the front door, she stopped and took a deep breath before slamming the door open. “Mother! Father! I demand your presence right now!” The cellist shouted scarring Harmony and Alto who just got in themselves.

“Octavia? What is the meaning of this?” Harmony asked annoyed at the door being slammed open again.

“Mother, I have a lot to say and I will not be interrupted, not this time.” The cellist said standing her ground.

“Can’t this wait until after we set our things dow-” The ruby mare started to ask but was interrupted again by her daughter.

“No mother, I will not wait. I’m tired of being ignored. Now you will stand there and hear me out!” Demanded Octavia stomping her front hoof on the ground for extra emphasis.

Octavia’s mother sighed and turned around. “Fine, speak your mind.” She said a bit annoyed by how her daughter was speaking to her.

“I’m no longer going on these dates that you and father keep insisting on! I don’t care what that tiny conductor can do for my career so stop trying to force him on me! I’m not some little toy for you two to play with, I’m a full-grown mare capable of making her own decisions! Whether you two accept it or not, I am in love Vinyl, and plan on starting a life with her in Ponyville! Do I make myself clear!” The cellist shouted hoping to get the message across to her parents.

“Octavia, we-” Started Alto before Harmony interrupted.

“We hear you perfectly clear Octavia, now hear me out. You’re acting on negative emotions and not thinking of the consequences. You say you don’t give a buck about your career and I say you have your priorities backwards. You say that you’re a full-grown mare and I say that I’m still your parent, and as such it is my responsibility to enlighten you of the correct path. Don’t go chasing waterfalls Octavia, stick to the to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to.”

“Don’t go chasing waterfalls? What do you mean by that?” The gray mare asked.

“What I mean is don’t go chasing after a dream that leads you to unknown waters. You want to start a life with Vinyl but that kind of relationship will destroy your fanbase here in Canterlot. It’s career suicide Octavia, what would you do then?”

“I don’t care if the path is unknown, that makes it more exciting! I don’t care if I end up playing my cello in a grad orchestra or a fiddle on an apple farm! As long as I have Vinyl by my side, I’ll be happy! If you two are too blind to see that then maybe...Maybe you should just stay out of my life!” Octavia said tears starting to form in her eyes.

Harmony and Alto gasped, shocked at what their daughter just suggested. “Surely you’re joking Octavia.” Replied the ruby mare.

“I am dead serious, if you can’t accept me for who I am then what's point of even taking with you!” Octavia had enough and she looked into her mother’s eyes showing her sadness and anger with her. “Mother, if you could only see the way she loves me, then maybe you would understand. Why I feel this way about our love, and what I must do.” She said with a heavy heart.

“I was looking out for your best interest Octavia, is that really so bad?! Would you really choose that mare over us?! Your own parents!” The ruby unicorn questioned.

"Are you making me choose?” Octavia asked tears flowing down her face like a river.

“Yes.” Responded Harmony, immediately regretting it.

Octavia looked down and in anger she pulled off her bowtie which she got as a gift from her parents before her first concert. She tossed it on the ground at her mother’s hooves and exclaimed. “...Goodbye mother!”

“O-Octavia wait... I-I didn’t mean that...” She said, reaching a hoof towards her daughter but it was too late, Octavia turned around and slammed the door hard making a picture frame fall onto the ground somewhere on the second floor. At the same time, a loud sound echoed from somewhere else nearby causing everypony to jump. Octavia, Harmony, and Alto rushed out to see what had happened only to see Sir Trotterlot and Vinyl pulling themselves out of two broken bushes covered in leaves.

“That was fun we should do that agai...” Vinyl started before noticing Octavia, Harmony, and Alto were staring at them.

“What in Equestria are you two doing?” Harmony asked clearly distressed about the bushes being destroyed.

“Do you want the long answer?” Sir Trotterlot started.

“Or the short answer?” Finished the DJ smiling.

Octavia and her mother both facehoofed and groaned at the situation. “It’s spreading.” Harmony said to herself.

“What is?” The explorer asked innocently.

“Come on Vinyl, we’re leaving. I don’t want to be here anymore.” The cellist said walking passed her marefriend.

“O-oh. Ok.” Replied the DJ following the gray mare.

Harmony lifted a hoof to stop her but there was no changing Octavia’s mind at this point and she glared at her brother. “Are you hurt?” She asked looking over her brother.

“I can explain, you see....” The explorer pony stopped talking and blinked in surprise. “Wait... what?”

“Are you hurt?” The ruby mare repeated as she looked him over. “You know for being the older one you certainly cause most of the trouble.” She dusted him off with a hoof and then hit him on the back of the head seeing he was okay. “Stop making me worry about you.” She said backing away.

“So, you don’t want to know what happened?” Sir Trotterlot inquired, expecting to feel his sister’s wrath.

“You can explain everything over tea. I...I need some advice.” She said walking back into the manor.

Sir Trotterlot began straightening his hat he heard a deafening scream from his sister as she saw the full state her manor was in. “This will be a fun one to explain” He thought to himself making his way inside.

There in the Dining Room, Sir Trotterlot sat across the table from Alto, who was staring at his ripped-up newspaper and Harmony who was staring at a broken picture and Octavia’s pink bowtie. It was the picture of her and her daughter hugging after Octavia’s first concert, though the glass was cracked between the two of them. Harmony filled in Sir Trotter about what transpired between her and Octavia.

“Brother, if I didn’t need your advice, I would be scolding you for destroying my house.” She said levitating her teacup to her mouth taking a sip.

“I don’t know what shocks me more, the fact you aren’t raising Tartarus itself after seeing your estate or the fact you actually want my advice.”

The ruby mare was carefully removing the picture from the broken frame, her expression growing sadder by the minute. “Shut up Trotterlot.” The mare put the picture on the table and sighed. “This isn’t easy for me to admit... and pardon the undignified language, but... I think I completely bucked things up with Octavia.”

Sir Trotterlot spat out his tea hearing those words from his sister. Harmony groaned seeing her brother make another mess in her manor. The stallion held up a hoof as he tried to stop coughing. Once the brown stallion caught his breath, he looked back at his sibling and asked. “I’m sorry, but could you repeat that?”

“I bucked up. I’m sure you are aware that I only wanted what was best for Octavia. I thought that an arranged marriage to a pony like Monotone would help boost her career and ensure her future. And before you say anything I see now that, that was wrong. That there are other things more important than a career.” She looked away after she finished talking.

“So, you aren’t going to keep trying to convince Octavia to go through with this wedding?” Sir Trotterlot asked.

“N-no, I don’t give a buck about the wedding anymore... I wanted to give her a future, but now...I just want my daughter back.” The ruby mare said touching the picture, tears starting to form in her eyes.

“I would say that this was all your doing dear Sister. I have no idea what you were thinking but you’ve been pushing your daughter away for years. Did it really have to come to this to make you see the truth?” Her brother asked in a slightly scolding tone.

“Please stop brother, I already have enough guilt and don’t need you adding to it.” Harmony snapped and looked to her brother. “I want to speak with her again, I want to set things right.”

“Are you sure that is wise dear Sister? From the sounds of it, she doesn’t want to see you anymore, I warned you that this would happ...” The explorer stopped when he noticed his sister crying. “Look, it’s not going to be easy to fix things between you and Octavia.”

“Don’t you think I know that? Just tell me how can I get my daughter back. Please, I need your help brother.” Harmony begged with pleading eyes.

Sir Trotterlot sighed softly and rubbed the back of his head. “I honestly don’t know where to begin... it seems like it’s beyond fixing.” He mumbled out softly.

“Don’t say that, you told me it’s only too late to change when you refuse to see what is true. You believed that I wasn’t beyond redemption and I will prove it. I just need to know where to find her. Can’t you ask her to see me one more time?” The ruby unicorn asked with hope in her eyes causing the explorer to sigh.

“I will try to talk with her only if you are serious about this. However, if this ends up being another trick to marry Octavia to minitone, I will not cover for you again.” The stallion said in a serious tone.

“I promise you Brother, no tricks, no lies, I just want my family back.” Harmony said as Sir Trotterlot stood up and began heading to the door.

“I’ll see what I can do.” The brown stallion commented pushing open the door only to watch the whole thing come off the hinges and hit the ground. “...Opps”

Holding back her frustration Harmony asked. “Before you go, could you at least tell me where she’s staying?”

He coughed and looked out to the city street. “The Hidden Gem’s Honeymoon Suite with Miss Scratch, in the red-light district.”

“What?!” She screamed in shock and disbelieve.

“Oh, look at the time, I should be going. Goodbye dear sister.” The explorer said before dashing from the scene.

“Wait get back here. Why is she in the part of town?” Harmony called out to her brother but he too was gone. “Relax Harmony, she’s your daughter and knows better to get herself into trouble” She said rubbing her temples. She turned around and walked back into the manor levitating the door back onto the hinges. She looked around at the state of her manor and sighed. “This whole wedding idea has been nothing but a mess. Maybe I should have left well enough alone.” She thought to herself.

As the ruby unicorn was about to go talk to her husband, she suddenly heard a tapping, as if somepony gently rapping, rapping at the manor door. Harmony walked back and carefully opened the door so it wouldn’t fall again. She glanced outside but didn’t see anypony until she looked down seeing Monotone. “Hello Harmony, I found Octavia and tried to go on a date with her yesterday. I don’t remember what happened but I’ll keep trying.”

“Don’t bother, the wedding's off” Harmony stated plainly with frustration in her voice.

The short stallion let out a dry laugh. “That’s a funny joke. You don’t need to worry; Octavia will be mine. While the previous dates have been ruined, I will make sure today’s date will be better.”

The ruby mare was growing increasingly annoyed by the tiny conductor “Look there is no date today, just like there wasn’t one yesterday, nor will there be any more dates for you with my daughter. The wedding is off! You lose! Good day sir!” The ruby unicorn said slamming the door causing it to fall off the hinges again and crash on the tiny pony.

Alto watched as his wife stormed passed him. He walked to the door, picked it up and put it back on the hinges. He turned around and walked upstairs to comfort Harmony.

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Once Octavia and Vinyl have returned to the privacy of their hotel room the DJ told the cellist what happened in the manor. The gray mare couldn’t help but shake her head. “Let me get this straight, you and Uncle Trotterlot destroyed my parent’s manor in a sparring match?” She asked as the situation almost seemed unreal.

“I wouldn’t say destroyed. We just broke a few things. You know, some paintings, and a vase or two, all their fake weapons...a window...ok you may have a point.” The DJ said thinking about what they did.

The cellist just sighed. “What am I to do with you Vinyl?”

The unicorn grinned “What wouldn’t y-” she started but was cut off by Octavia putting a hoof over her mouth.

Octavia moved in and hugged Vinyl for comfort. The cellist didn’t want to admit it, but she felt like she casted away a piece of herself when she told her mother off.

“Sorry Octy...is there anything that you want to do before going back to Ponyville?” Vinyl asked trying to cheer her marefriend up.

“No... the sooner we leave the better.” Octavia said looking down at her saddlebag. As she started to pack, she heard a noise that made her jump.

“I Say.” Squeaked a classy looking chicken as it was being loaded into Vinyl’s saddlebag.

The gray mare looked at the DJ who paused in place “...What?” The unicorn asked breaking the awkward silence.

The cellist giggled a bit, “Nothing...” She replied. As she was about to continue packing there was a knock at the door “Who would that be at this hour?” She asked walking to the door. The cellist cracked open the door to see who it was. To her surprise is was her uncle standing there. She opened the door all the way and greeted the explorer. “Uncle Trotterlot? What are you doing here? ...Did you need some help with Lora?”

“What, no. Our date went just fine. Turns out that Miss Troft has had a liking me far longer than I had realized. Though, that’s not the reason I’m here.” Sir Trotterlot answered placing his metal leg in front of the door predicting Octavia would soon slam it in his face “I am here to talk to you on behalf of your mother.”

Sure enough, the cellist tried to close the door on her Uncle “I am not interested in hearing anything my mother has to say. She made her choice.” Octavia stated glaring at Trotterlot.

“She made a mistake and wants to apologize.” The explorer reasoned.

“Apologize for what? Making Beauty Brass break up with me? Not accepting the fact, I love Vinyl Scratch? Not letting me make my own decisions? Living my life?” Octavia franticly listed multiple mistakes her mother made.

“Yes, all of those things she bucked up on. Look, I’m right with you as far as pointing out the things your mother did wrong. And trust me, if she was still acting like she was prior to this, I wouldn’t be lifting a single hoof to help her out. But this time she’s being sincere, she wants a second chance with you.”

“She had her chances uncle. I’ve given her plenty of chances time and time again, and each time she’s failed. All I wanted from my mother was for her to love me for who I am. How’s this time any different? I’m done giving her chances, she can go to Tartarus for all I care.”

“Octy, listen to me. I know she's not the most reasonable pony in Equestria, she's not the even most understanding pony in Equestria, but believe me when I say that my sister has finally changed. The only reason I’m doing this is because she came to me for help with tears in her eyes.”

“After everything she’s put me thought you now expect me to believe that she has changed. How can I trust anything that mare says to be true?” Octavia asked in frustration and turned away trying to not cry.

“I know your mother hasn’t been the most reliable pony in your life, so let me rephrase myself, can you trust me Octavia?” Sir Trotterlot asked causing Octavia to look at him weird.

“W-what?” The cellist questioned a bit confused.

“I know this is the last thing in Equestia you want to do, and I don’t blame you one bit. But if you can find it in your heart to give my sister one last chance for me, I’ll never ask anything of you again Octavia.”

The cellist sniffled. “Do you really think they can change Uncle?”

“If given the chance, yes.” Trotterlot leaned on and gave Octavia a comforting nuzzle on her cheek. “Be brave Octy, no matter what happens, I will always be there for you.” He commented before returning to his room for the night.

Octavia nodded and slowly shut the door. She turned around to rejoin her marefreind in packing only to see that she stopped. “I take it that you heard our conversation?” The cellist asked softly, still confused as to what she should do.

“It was kinda hard not to.” Vinyl said pointing a hoof at their surroundings.

“Right...what do you think I should do?” Octavia asked not sure she wanted to talk to her parents again.

“I think you should give her one last chance. Worst case scenario, she’s still a buck up and we leave. I just don’t want to see you go back to Ponyville and regret not talking with your ma one last time.” The white unicorn answered hovering over a box of tissues for her marefreind.

Octavia took one and blew her nose. “I think your right Vinyl. I will hear them out and if I don’t like that they have to say or it turns out that she did send Monotone again there is nothing more to talk about.” Octavia said hugging Vinyl. “I just hope this is the right decision.”

Author's Notes:

Thank you all for waiting for this chapter. This was the hardest chapter by far to edit and Rosa and I did a lot of adding to this chapter to make it better than what it was before. We hope that you enjoyed this chapter and as always would love to hear your thoughts and comments if you want to give them. Again we would like to know. What do you think about Monotone?

-The Buck it Bros

Skyfall

Skyfall

Late in the night, the manor was silent and dark, with the exception of the moonlight shining through the drapes onto a sobbing ruby mare. Harmony found it hard to sleep with her mind replaying the events between her and her daughter again and again. Trying to escape her guilt, she curled into a ball on her chair hugging the only two things that reminded her of her little cellist; their picture and her bowtie. “Why did I make her choose? Why did I push her away?” She asked as another tear ran down her face. Closing her eyes, she started to reminisce about when she gave Octavia that pink bowtie. It was meant to be a gift for after her first concert, but Octavia was so nervous that Harmony put it on her before hoof telling her it was magical. That as long as she wore that bowtie, everypony would love her performance. The little gray filly preformed beautifully and they celebrated with a picture and some ice cream. The ruby mare tried to remember other times that she and her daughter were happy together but came up blank. She could only remember harping about her career, arguing about her love interests and... Octavia running away in tears. The more Harmony wallowed in regret, the more exhausted she became until fatigue finally took over. The ruby mare fell asleep in her chair grasping Octavia’s bowtie and picture.

A few hours later, Alto woke up as the first beams of light shined through the torn curtains caused by his brother-in-law and Vinyl. He yawned as he got out of bed slowly and stretched out his legs before heading down stairs. The conductor was careful to avoid the rest of the mess left throughout the manor by the dynamic duo. He was intent on finally getting to read his paper, a feat that has been seemingly impossible since Octavia and her friends showed up in Canterlot. A smile grew on the stallion's face as he retrieved his copy of Equestrian Daily and walked into the living room to finally read it. As he walked in, Alto set the paper down on a side table and opened the curtains. Upon turning around, he noticed that Harmony was sleeping in one of the chairs and the light was waking her up. The Conductor quietly walked back to his favorite chair to try and read his paper, but just as he was about to sit down, he heard his wife speak.

“A-Alto?” The ruby unicorn asked sleepily straitening herself up. “Alto we have to go talk to Octavia. I can’t leave things the way they are. I have to see her right now.” She placed the picture on the nearest side table and draped Octavia’s bowtie around her neck.

“I understand but-” He started before Harmony interrupted.

“No buts dear, you heard our daughter, she plans to leave and never see us again.” The ruby mare said, getting more frantic by the minute.

“Harmony, it’s very early and...” He started and stopped talking in case he was going to be interrupted again but when his wife didn’t say anything, he continued. “I think she-”

“What if she takes the early train? I know it opens at-.” Harmony started before getting cut off by her husband placing his hoof over her mouth.

“Shhh, you asked Trotterlot to convince her to see us one more time. That chap is very persuasive and Octavia trusts him, I am positive that our daughter is still there.” Alto said finally getting a full sentence in. He moved his hoof from her mouth to let he talk now.

“Y-you’re right dear, I’m sorry. It’s just that I can’t help but feel that the slightest mistake will ruin any chance of us seeing her again, like trotting on glass.” Harmony looked down her ears falling flat on her head.

“I know honey, I just think that storming over this early in the morning is not the best idea. Let’s give her some time to wake up and collect her thoughts, something you should be considering. Did you get any sleep at all last night?” Alto asked happy to finally get in full sentences in for the first time in a while.

“I got a not so good forty minutes but I can’t rest until we get our daughter back.” The ruby mare looked up in desperation.

“I understand your frustration Darling but forty minutes isn’t near enough sleep. Tell you what, why don’t you take a quick power nap and I’ll wake you up as soon as I’m done reading the paper.” The conductor said brushing a bit of his wife’s messy mane behind her ear.

“Yeah, I guess you're right...Wait...You're just making up an excuse to read your copy of Equestrian Daily aren’t you?” She asked a little annoyed.

“I-I’m just so behind on the news honey. I don’t even know what the weather is supposed to be after tonight's scheduled storm.” The Silver Stallion explained shooting his wife a sheepish smile.

“Alto, this is kind of important.” Harmony replied not amused by his ulterior motives when it was unclear if Octavia would take the first train out of Canterlot.

“...What about pancakes?” He asked a little nervously as his wife seemed to be in a mood.

“Well, I suppose there is time for pancakes.” She said thinking about it as she was hungry herself.

“And coffee?” He asked hopefully nodding his head.

“Alright, a quick cup of coffee. Then we go to the Hidden Gem and fix things with Octavia.” She replied and they walked into the kitchen to get themselves a little bit of breakfast.

Harmony finished her breakfast quickly and spent the rest of her time rushing her husband to do the same. There were more important things to do today and eating wasn’t one of them. Harmony paced around and contemplated tipping Alto’s coffee up with her hoof so he would be forced to finish it. Becoming slightly annoyed at his wife's behavior, he set his cup down and turned to face her “Harmony, really you need to...” He started.

“No I will not calm down. What if Trotterlot didn’t convince her to stay? What if they decide to take the first train out of here? We have to go now before it’s too late.” The ruby mare said pulling her husband along before he could finish his drink.

“Okay but be careful of the-” The stallion started before Harmony slammed the door open making it once again fall off his hinges and hitting the ground with a large bang. “Door.” He finished before getting pulled away again. From an outsider's perspective, it looked like Queen Chrysalis’s army came to their mansion and raided it.

Harmony lead the way to the Hidden Gem with her daughter’s bowtie still draped around her shoulders with the intent of returning it. The pair didn’t even seem to notice the door shaking on the ground as Monotone stepped out rubbing his head. “Ow...that hurt.” Commented the short stallion as he looked back at Alto being dragged along by his wife. He decided to follow them as he was sure that they would lead him straight to Octavia. He just needed to corner her by herself to convince her that she couldn’t do better than him.

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The table was quiet after Octavia explained the events of last night to her friends and how she decided to hear her mother out one last time. She wanted to believe that what her uncle said was true but she wasn’t sure if she could trust her. “Do you girls think I’m doing the right thing? By hearing her out I mean?” She asked looking for her friends' input.

Bon Bon smiled softly. “Octavia, it isn’t always easy for others to admit that they’re wrong. And from the sounds of things, your mother definitely has a hard time doing that. But if what your uncle said was true, then she really wants to fix things between you too.”

“Yeah, and isn’t this kind of what you wanted from the beginning? For you and your mother to be close again and accept you for who you are?” Lyra asked looking at the gray mare.

“W-well I suppose. But did it really have to come to this for her to see that? It’s not like this is the first chance I have given her.” Replied the cellist.

“True, but do you really want this to be the last? I just don’t want to see you beating yourself up over this later Octy. If you want, we can tag along for support.” Vinyl said hugging her marefriend.

Octavia hugged back and whispered into Vinyl’s ear “Thank you, but this is something I want to do alone.” she let go of the DJ and looked at her friends “I appreciate the offer girls but I want to make sure that this is not just another act from mother. Nothing against you mares but it will be much easier to determine that without distractions.” The cellist said sipping her tea.

“I understand Octavia, we’ll leave you alone.” Sunflower commented with a wink.

“Sunflower I can see you winking. I was being serious when I said don’t do anything, this is a family matter.” Replied the cellist. She looked over at the clock and realized it was about time to go. “Thanks again for the advice girls, I need to get ready.” She said touching her bare neck and sighing. Octavia wished she hadn’t tossed her bowtie, the gray mare felt naked without it so she left to go see if she had another one in her room.

“What was with that wink?” Lyra asked getting annoyed. “Hitting on my wife isn’t good enough, you have to hit on Octavia as well?"

“What no, flirting is exclusively reserved for Bon Bon. I was simply telling Octavia that we will be there to back her up.” Answered S.

“I don’t know S, she made it pretty clear that she didn’t want our help on this one.” Commented Vinyl.

“Which is exactly why we must go; we need to make sure her mother isn’t up to some sneaky business. The first rule of being a spy is don’t get caught, so we will help her from the shadows. She’ll never know we were there.” Said the yellow pegasus.

“I have no idea what ya said but I’m inspired. So what’s the plan?” The DJ asked causing S to smile.

“Well, I’ve got some new gadgets for us to use but first, Let's Sync our watches... or glasses in Vinyl’s case.” S answered standing on her hide legs holding up her right leg with the watch on it. The mares stood up and got ready to push their respective buttons. S placed her wing on the button and looked at the girls with a smile “Okay everypony, on the sound of my hoof clapping. Three, two, one” A loud smack was heard and everypony synced their watches... except for Bon Bon who yelped, after getting slapped on the flank.

“That’s it.” Lyra replied about to charge at the yellow pegasus but was stopped by the candy maker.

“Calm down Lyra that’s just how she is.” The candy maker said rubbing her flank. She then glared at S. “Do that again and I will break your leg.” She said a bit annoyed.

“Okay, okay spoil sport.” Sunflower pouted as she looked to Vinyl who was laughing quietly the whole time. “Okay, for real this time, on three. One, Two, Three.” She said and everypony hit the buttons they were told to and the times synchronized with a beep.

“Right, now let me go get the gadgets for this mission.” The yellow pegasus said leaving the cafeteria.

“What is wrong with that pony? I swear she is a crazy, stalking, pervert.” The green mare said crossing her forelegs in a huff.

“Relax Lyra, I know she can be a bit much at times, but she is harmless. Sunflower Shine has always been over the top on flirting but never did anything to harm another pony or that was illegal...Well except for that one time...” Bon Bon responded.

“Ah ha! I told you she was trouble!” Lyra exclaimed.

“Hold on now that wasn’t just her. Look, we done a lot of things we weren't proud of. Robbing Cakes, Plundering Sweets, double parking. But, no pony go hurt...okay maybe somepony got hurt but nopony we knew.” Bon Bon said putting a hoof on her wife’s hoof. “The point I’m trying to make is that Sunflower isn’t that bad when you get to know her... just a hoof full. S was one of the best agents of the old team so please bear with her.”

“Yeah, chill out Lyra. Besides, she’s super hilarious.” Vinyl said getting a glare from Lyra before she just sighed. “That’s it filly, fellin better?”

“No, I swear that pony is up to something. I just can’t place my hoof on it.” The mint green unicorn commented and tapping a hoof to her chin.

Sunflower Shine returned to the table with a metal briefcase. She smiled widely as she placed the case down and looked at the three mares. “I have the best tools for stealth and recon work in this case.” She opened the case up and turned it so the other ponies could see its contents.

“Wow...what’s this?” Vinyl asked picking up a weird gadget with a tri hook at the end.

“Careful.” S commented taking it from the DJ and giving it to Bon Bon. “That is a grappling hook, great for earth ponies to get out of sticky situations.”

“Neat, so what do I get?” Inquired the white unicorn getting excited and impatient.

“I have your gadget right here” Answered the yellow pegasus holding up another pair of purple shades.

“But I already have that.” Vinyl replied pointing a hoof to her face.

“This is a different version. It has a camera and a cloaking ability that will make you look like whatever pony you take a picture of.”

“Wait, so no lasers?” Questioned the white unicorn.

“No, it has one other ability but I think it’ll be safer for all of us if you don’t know about it. I’ll hold on to your old pair for now.” S said holding out a hoof.

“Fine, but remember that I called dibs on that pair.” Replied the DJ trading her shades.

“Noted.” The pegasus said putting that pair back into her brief case.

“Wait a second don’t we need to Sync our watches again? Vinyl has a new pair of shades.” Bon Bon interjected.

“Normally yes but these shades sync up with each other when they get close.” S said with a smiled turned her attention to her wings. “And for the last gadget, I have two candies; Z-sweets and T-treats.” She grabbed the identical looking red and blue candy drops in the brief case and held them out in front of Bon Bon and Vinyl. “The Blue one is a Z-sweet, this one will put any pony instantly to sleep making them forget about the last few minutes. The red one is a T-treat, this one will make any pony tell the truth for a period of time. So, what do you mares choose?”

The two looked at each other for a moment and both started to reach for the Red candy but the yellow pegasus dropped both of them into one of the three tins on the table. “Don’t worry, each of you will have both in your own tin, I just like seeing what each pony would grab first.”

“When did you put them in these tins?” Lyra asked not seeing when she took them out of the brief case.

“I did that while you mares were looking at the candies in my wings. Now this one is for you and these are for you two.” S answered pushing each of the tins in front of each pony at the table.

“Thanks S, these will help out great.” Bon Bon said putting her tools in her saddlebag.

“One question, why did we need to synchronize watches?” The mint green unicorn asked curiously.

“Duh, haven’t you seen any spy movie ever? They do it at the start of the mission to count down to the awesome success party at the end involving mares and booze.” Vinyl said looking towards S and Bon Bon for confirmation.

“N-no, it’s to make sure that we all have the same time on our watches. If I needed you somewhere at a certain time, I'll know that you’re going to be there at the exact time I specified. No earlier or later.” Sunflower explained and she looked at her watch.

“So, what do we do now? I mean it’s not like her parents would walk right into this hotel....” Lyra started to say before her mouth hung open a bit in shock. Bon Bon closed her mouth as she looked to where her wife was staring.

“They’re here.” The candy maker whispered and gestured her head towards the two out of place older ponies that walked into the lobby and stopped at the front desk for information.

“Looks like our mission starts now.” S said watching the pair walk to the elevator and hit the button to go up.

As the ruby unicorn waited for the elevator to arrive, she contemplated what she should say to her daughter. Alto on the other hoof was putting their lunch reservations in his saddlebag. He trusted that his brother-in-law convinced Octavia to hear them out so he got them in advance. Looking over to his wife he sighed when he saw her getting more and more worried by the second.

The silver stallion put a hoof over his wife’s shoulder. “Relax Harmony, we...”

“RELAX?! How can I relax Alto? Our daughter is about to be gone and it’s all my fault!” Harmony exclaimed causing a young stallion who was also riding the elevator to smile awkwardly and push the button to get to the next floor.

Alto noticed this and mouthed. ‘Sorry’ “Dear, you need to calm down. I’m sure she and Miss Scratch will be there.” He commented as he watched the young stallion rush away to avoid dealing the awkward situation.

“I-I just wanted to see her succeed. I can’t believe how blind I was being...what were we thinking?” She said softly leaning in on Alto for support as the elevator reached their destination. The door opened and the two broke their embrace walking towards the honeymoon suite. When they reached their daughter's room, Harmony raised her hoof to knock on it but froze in front of it.

Alto watched her for a moment before breaking the silence. “Aren’t you going to knock?” He watched as his wife hesitated and put her hoof down rubbing foreleg while looking away. The silver stallion sighed and knocked on the door.

“Coming.” Octavia called from deep inside the room. The cellist opened the door thinking it was somepony else. “Perfect timing Vinyl, have you seen another bowtie around her... Oh...it's you.” The grey mare commented, the expression changing on her face after seeing her parents.

“Yes, um...you see... I wanted too... return your bowtie. It’s yours after all.” Harmony spoke out nervously and held the bowtie towards Octavia in her magic. Her daughter took it and put it on as Alto leaned in and whispered something into Harmony’s ear. “A-and I would like to apologies for what happened yesterday. I should have never made you choose.” She said her ears holding back against her head.

“Well, you did and I chose Vinyl. But Uncle Trotterlot and my friends think that you can change so I am giving you one last chance. I will hear you out over lunch... and please don’t lie to me mother. No schemes, no secret agenda, and no Monotone...do I make myself clear?” Octavia said coldly only because she was still hurting.

“Yes Octavia, I’ll never force Monotone on you anymore. I already told that little creep the wedding was officially off last night when he stopped by the manor.” The ruby unicorn said looking down again before muttering. “I was wrong... and I am sorry for that...”

“It’s true, your mother dropped the front door on him.” Her father said smiling.

“Alto Tempo!” Harmony exclaimed in slight disbelief that he would tell her that.

“Is that true mother?” The onyx maned mare inquired looking at her mother with a raised eyebrow.

“Y-yes. Though not intentional I was just so angry that the slam the door and it fell on his head.” Her mother replied.

Octavia smirked for a moment before looking serious again. She didn’t want to drop her guard until she knew she could trust her mother again. “So where are we going to have our little discussion and lunch? The manor?” Octavia inquired.

“Well, the manor is...” Alto started only to be interrupted again by Harmony causing him to huff in annoyance and roll his eyes. ‘One day I’ll get to spoke in full sentences again.’ He thought to himself.

“Destroyed thanks to my brother and your companion. However, those things can be replaced, you can’t... So we got some tickets for the maiden voyage of the Skytanic, the largest dirigible built yet.” The ruby mare said smiling nervously hoping her daughter will agree with the arrangement.

Octavia had read stories about the Skytanic and wanted to go on it, she just preferred not to be stuck with her parents in the sky for hours if it turned out to be another trick. She forced a smile and looked at her parents. “I always wanted to go on the Skytanic ever since hearing about it. Though I was hoping to have Vinyl with me.”

“She is more than welcome to come along.” Harmony said quickly. “This is a family trip after all. Even if I do question your choice of um...mares.” She said forcing a smile trying to get more comfortable the fact that her daughter loves mares, and a DJ.

“No, I would rather take care of this myself... and if you insult my marefriend again I will leave. Now, shall we?” Responded the gray mare as she walked out of the hotel room making sure to lock the door behind her.

It wasn’t long before Vinyl spotted the family leaving the elevator and heading towards the exit. She pushed the button on the side of her glasses contacting her friends. “Yo, I got a visual on our target.” She said softly letting go of the button.

“Roger that.” Sunflower responded into her watch. She was stationed outside the hotel trying to find out where they were going.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were afraid of heights Alto? I would have never told you to get tickets for the Skytanic if I knew.” The ruby mare commented a little worried about her husband.

“I’ll be fine, I just need a drink...or fifteen.” Alto responded as they walked past Sunflower Shine who was hidden in the bushes.

Once they were out of ear shot S held up her watch. “We have a location. Let’s randevu.”

“Roger.” The rest of the group called out as they set out on their plan to keep an eye on Octavia to make sure that everything would be okay.

The four mares met up and slowly tailed Octavia and her parents, unaware that Monotone was also tailing them from across the street. When the ponies ran into a crowd, the mares seemed to lose their target while the tiny pony was able to sneak through and keep them in sight.

“Buck, we lost them.” Bon Bon said groaning a bit looking around, debating if she should use her grappling hook to get a higher vantage point.

“It’s okay Bonnie, I see where the Skytanic is docked.” Sunflower said in the air pointing a hoof towards the airship.

“What are we waiting for? Let’s go.” Vinyl said taking off straight in the direction that S had pointed in towards a wooden fence.

“Vinyl, what are you doing?” Lyra asked a bit confused.

“What’s the matter? Never taken a shortcut before?” The DJ responded and she jumped over only to realize that there was no ground there and started to scream. Sunflower dashed after her and caught the white unicorn putting her back on the ground. She smiled sheepishly. “Haha, thanks S didn’t know there was a cliff on the other side.”

Lyra rolled her eyes and pulled Vinyl along the street. “Don’t do that again. Octavia would be devastated if you got hurt or worse.” Scolded the lyrist as they followed Sunflower on the roads this time.

“You’re no fun.” Vinyl mumbled under her breath and looked away from her friend as they continued following the yellow pegasus. It didn’t take long for them to reach the dock that held the Skytanic. It was a massive dirigible with many rich and famous ponies making their way on. Vinyl used her telescoping shades to look through the crowd. “Ah ha! I found Octy and her parents. They just picked up their tickets and...Wait... is that? It can’t be.” She almost growled out seeing Monotone getting a ticket in another line.

“What’s wrong?” Lyra asked looked around but not seeing anything.

“Minitone just got a ticket as well. We need to get on that ship.” The DJ said annoyed knowing she needed to tell Octy that it was a trick after all.

“Tickets for the Skytanic? Do you know how expensive those tickets are right? And considering it is the ship’s maiden voyage the cost is probably doubled.” Bon Bon reasoned as she watched all the ponies boarding.

“So how do we get on then?” The white unicorn huffed as she paced around trying to come up with a plan.

“We need some sort of distraction.” S said thinking out loud. Looking around she smiled and pointed to some ponies who were loading supplies for the Skytanic. It was like an open invitation with fewer guards and protocols. “There, all we have to do is blend in with the workers.”

“Oh, that might work” Lyra commented as she signaled the group to follow her but Sunflower shook her head. “What’s up?”

“We should go one at a time. It’ll look suspicious if four of us try trotting on together.” S suggested.

“Well yeah but who should go first?” The mint green unicorn asked looking around the group noticing everypony looking at her. “Why is everypony looking at me?”

“Thanks for volunteering Lyra.” S commented.

“I knew we could count on you.” Vinyl said smiling putting a hoof on her shoulder.

“Go get em dear.” Bon Bon added.

Lyra sighed and nodded. “Fine, I'll go first. It will give me a chance to test out my spy skills.” The green mare stated with a sigh and started to make what soundly like theme music as she snuck around the dock. The girls watched her confused.

“Is she making her own sneaking music?” The DJ asked the group. Sunflower facehoofed as Bon Bon nodded.

“She is.” The candy maker answered trying not to laugh as they watched Lyra pressing herself against a wall as two workers passed. The workers looked at the unicorn confused then at each other shrugging and walked away.

S watched and waited for the right moment before smiling. “Well it looks like it’s time us to get on the ship.” Bon Bon and Vinyl looked confused as the yellow pegasus flew over to a group of guards. “Hey, not that I am telling you ponies how to do your job or anything but, aren’t you guards supposed to be stopping things like this?” S said pointing a hoof over toward the mint green unicorn doing a horrible job sneaking aboard the Skytanic.

“What? Oh! Hey you! Stop right there!” The guard yelled seeing Lyra.

Lyra stopped seeing Sunflower Shine standing near the guard that yelled at her and the other guards in the area had their eyes on her. “Oh you mother bucker!” She yelled as she ran off. Both the guards and the workers were distracted by the mint green unicorn that nopony was paying attention to the loading dock.

S waved a hoof signaling the other two to walk onto the Skytanic. “But my wife...” Bon Bon started before being picked up in a gray aura.

“Come on Bon Bon, we’re not gonna to get another chance like this.” The DJ said feeling a bit guilty.

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As Lyra ran from the guards, she found herself in a dead end. She turned around to see the two guards standing there “Come on miss, we just have to hold ya until the ship departs.”

Trying to think of a way out, Lyra remembered that S gave her a tin with Z-sweets inside. “Wait.” The mint green unicorn said holding out a hoof and pulling out the tin with the candy inside. “Would you guys like a piece of candy first?” She asked making an awkward smile.

“The two guards looked at each other in confusion before looking back at the mint green unicorn “Are you trying to bribe us with sweets?” Asked one of the guards.

“...Nooo...” Replied Lyra trying to hold onto her cool. “I just thought you guys might want to try out these new flavors before taking me in.” Her horn lit up as she hovered two blue candies in front of the guard.

After a small awkward pause the two ponies smiled. “Sure, we’d love to try these out.” The two ponies ate the candy. “Thanks, that was good. Ok miss, let’s go.”

“... Aren't you ponies feeling sleepy?” The lyrist inquired expectedly.

“Umm, no more than usual.” Replied one of the guards.

“I’m actually feeling more awake. Sugar does that to me.” Answered the other guard.

“That can’t be right.” Lyra muttered looking inside the tin. “What the?” Inside of the tin, were some empty candy wrappers from Bon Bon’s shop and a small picture of S winking with her tongue out and Bon Bon’s flank in the background. “Oh, you son of a Bitch!”

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Once they were all inside Sunflower smiled. “Well, that worked out nicely.”

“Wait? Did you planned on using my wife as a distraction from the beginning?” The cream earth pony asked in shock.

“Yeah, pretty smart huh?” The yellow pegasus smiled posing triumphantly.

“Clever girl.” Vinyl responded smirking.

“We have to go back and get Lyra. She needs to be here.” Bon Bon whined standing up to move from their hiding spot.

“Wait, if you leave now, we’ll all be kicked off the ship and the mission will be over. Do you want to help Octavia or not?” S replied as she pulled Bon Bon back in. “She’ll be fine without you love. They’ll only detain her till the ship departs.”

“Please Bon Bon, I need to help Octy. Will you help?” The white unicorn asked.

The candy maker sighed and looked away. “Fine. Secret agent Sweetie Drops is on the case. Let’s get up there and scout the area first.” She said in a commanding tone as she led the way up a staircase with the other two close behind. The three mares reached the top floor and stood in front of the door looking into the Control Cabin.

There, they saw a white female unicorn with an electric blue mane wearing a white captain’s hat and uniform jacket speak into a mic. “Mares and gentlecolts this is your captain speaking. The Skytanic will be departing shortly. We of the White Horseshoe Line invite everypony a spot on the top deck to watch the maiden departure.”

The girls didn’t know what was stranger, the fact that the captain looked just like Vinyl or how much the two sounded alike. “Ok Vinyl, go ahead and use those glasses to copy her image...”

Vinyl looked at the captain and back at the candy maker. “Do you really think that’s necessary?”

“It’s more or less just to copy her cutie mark.” Answered Bon Bon.

“Ok, if you say so...which button was that again?” Vinyl asked reaching for a random button on the other side of her glasses.

“Wait Vinyl! Not that one!” Shouted S but she was too late.

“Glasses will self-destruct in 5-4-3"

“Oh Buck!” Exclaimed the DJ throwing her shades at the door and taking cover. The small explosion was enough to pop the door open. The three mares slowly popped their heads up assessing the damage.

“That was close” S commented using her wing to wipe a bead of sweat from her forehead.

“What the buck S?! Why didn’t you tell me these things could blow up?!” Vinyl shouted in anger.

“I thought we’d be safer if you didn’t know about that little feature.” The yellow pegasus said in her defense.

“Safer!? I had a bomb on my face S! How is that safe?” Asked the DJ, still upset at Sunflower Shine.

“Eh-hum, what do you ponies think you are doing?” Said a somewhat familiar sounding voice by the door. The three mares looked over and saw the captain of the ship standing there with an upset look on her face.

Before anypony could react, Bon Bon swiftly moved behind the captain giving her a hoof chop on the back of her neck knocking the mare out. Bon Bon caught the unicorn and set her down on the floor gently taking off her hat and jacket. “Here Vinyl, put these on.”

Vinyl caught the clothes and looked at the candy maker scared. “Holy buck Bon, did you kill her?”

“No, she is just knocked out.” Bon Bon answered waving S over to help her move the knocked-out mare. “We’re going to lay her in bed in the Captain’s Quarters for now, in the meantime, just act like the captain.”

“Can’t one of you fillies do it? I don’t know the first think about these ships. I always thought that they were just slower trains.”

“Yes Vinyl, I’m sure nopony would notice the difference if the captain suddenly changed color and species.” S said lifting up the knocked-out captain.

“...Okay, but who is going to fly this thing?” Vinyl asked seeing the other two ponies look at her. “You can’t be serious?”

“Come on Vinyl, it’s only got a few buttons and levers. It’s probably just like your turntable.” Bon Bon said with a sheepish smile.

“My turntable doesn’t fly Bon Bon!” Exclaimed the DJ.

“We’re sure you can figure it out. We got to go now bye.” S said closing the door before Vinyl could protest further.

The white unicorn turned around and looked over the controls. “Let's see here, we got a few buttons here and four levers here...why are there only four levers if there are six directions...”

As the DJ was trying to figure out the controls, the door swung open startling the unicorn. Vinyl quickly turned around hitting one the levers with her tail. “Captain, it’s time to depart.” Said a blue stallion wearing a crew men’s outfit.

The DJ turned around and noticed that they were slowly ascending. “Uhhh...” Mumbled Vinyl figuring out what lever she hit.

“Is everything alright Captain? Aren't you going to make an announcement?” Asked the blue stallion.

“R-right.” Vinyl grabbed the mic that the real captain used earlier. “Ummm, Mares and Gentlecolts, we have lift off?” Sounds of cheering and applause filled the ship as they continued to ascend into the sky.

“Good job Captain, now if you don’t need me, I’ll go and attend to the engine room.” The stallion said giving the captain a salute.

“Yeah, you go do that.” Vinyl said returning the Salute. After the crew pony left Vinyl looked back at the controls and found a button labeled ‘Auto-Pilot’. “Sweet” thought the DJ as she pushed it and watched as the four levers started moving on their own flying the ship in its predetermined route. Vinyl started to walk towards the door when it suddenly flung open.

Sunflower Shine bolted in and shut the door immediately holding herself against it. She was panting and looked to Vinyl with a smile. “On second thought, I think I will hang out here in the control cabin. I can keep an eye out on the controls and let you know what's going on behind the scenes” She said laughing nervously as there was banging on the metal door.

“Smack Bon Bon’s flank again?” The DJ asked.

“What? No. Don’t be silly.” S replied hearing another bang from the door. “It was just a love tap but that’s not important right now. I’ll stay here and you can scout with Bon Bon.” The yellow pegasus locked the door and traded spots with the DJ.

The white unicorn chuckled and moved to the door. “Okay S. I already put the ship in auto-pilot. If a blue stallion comes in here, just say you’re standing in for me until I get back.”

"Roger that.” Sunflower said giving Vinyl a salute.

The white unicorn returned the salute and thought to herself ‘I can get use to this’.

Vinyl opened the door and pulled Bon Bon away from the cabin. “Don’t worry Bon Bon, it’s just how she is right?” The DJ said jokingly using her own words against her.

“She’s really pushing her luck.” Replied the candy maker.

“Come on Bon Bon, we need to find that small freak before he meets up with Octavia.” Vinyl said letting go of her friend.

"Aye, Aye Captain.” Sighed the candy maker as she followed Vinyl into the Skytanic.

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Octavia looked up to the speaker becoming suspicious of the voice that came from it. “It can’t be... There’s no way Vinyl could be here.”

“Is everything alright Octavia?” Asked a ruby unicorn snapping the cellist out of her daze.

“Huh, yeah. I just thought I heard somepony familiar is all.” The gray mare answered and took a seat at the table. “So, where do you want to start?”

“Let me start off again by saying I’m sorry. And not just for how I acted last night, but how I’ve been treating you for a while now.” Said Harmony.

“Are you talking about how you scared away all my marefriends? Or how you kept insisting that my sexuality was just a phase? Oh, or are you talking about how you constantly call all my friends Country Bumpkins?” Octavia replied causing her mother to lower her ears and cringe.

“I...I just...” Started Harmony, trying to get her words out.

After a brief pause from his wife, Alto spoke up “Octavia, It’s true that w-”

“Hello everypony. My name is Ultra Violet and I will be your server today. Can I start you ponies off with something to drink?” Asked the purple pegasus interrupting the silver stallion.

“I’ll have a glass of water please.” Answered the cellist.

“Um, yes, I’ll have a glass of water with a slice of lemon.” Continued Harmony.

“I’ll have a Stable Adams.” Finished the Silver stallion earning a look from the other two at the table. “What?”

“It’s still morning Alto.” replied the Ruby unicorn in shock.

“I already told you I was getting a drink remember? Me and heights? Earth ponies don’t belong up here.” Responded the Silver stallion causing his wife to facehoof.

“On second thought, I’ll have a Stable Adams too.” Said the cellist holding back a chuckle at her mother.

“You too?... fine, I’ll change mine to a glass Riesling wine, sweet please.” Replied Harmony in defeat.

“Alright, I’ll be right back with your drinks” Ultra Violet said walking away.

“So, what were you going to say?” Asked Octavia getting back on track.

Alto looked around to make sure that his daughter was in fact talking to him. “Yes, What I was going to say was-”

“Was that I have been an awful mother since your Grandma Amelia passed?” Finished Harmony.

“Yes, but why mother? You became a different pony after that.” Inquired the gray mare.

“I don’t handle stress that well... and not even a week later when I left you in the care of my brother you almost... to many things seemed like they were out of my control, so I tried to focus on the one thing that was...my career.” Answered the ruby mare.

“And just how long were you planning on hiding behind that excuses?” Replied Octavia.

“Till I was ready to move on, but I didn’t realize until now that my career was keeping me away from the thing I needed most, my family.” Responded Harmony looking down trying to escape her shame.

“It wasn’t like I was hiding mother; I’ve been here the entire time.” The cellist commented a little harshly.

“I-I’m sorry Octavia... I was letting my fear and misunderstanding get the better of me...” The ruby mare confessed.

Another awkward silence fell on the table when Alto decided to say something “Listen Octavia, your mothe-”

“Here are your drinks.” Interrupted the purple pegasus placing them down in front of each pony. “Are you ready to order or should I come back later?”

“...We’ll stick with the drinks for now thanks.” Answered Octavia.

“Okay.” Replied Ultra Violet leaving the table again.

“You were saying Fathe...” the cellist stopped when she saw the silver stallion downing the drink while simultaneously waving the waitress back. “Wow, I didn’t realize he was this afraid of heights.”

“Me either.” Commented Harmony. The two mares looked at each other for a second before laughing.

“What are we doing?” Asked the cellist wiping a tear from her eye.

“Trying to make up.” Answered the ruby mare also catching her breath from laughing.

“Maybe my friends were right. Maybe we should start over.” Octavia said, slowly becoming convinced that she could trust her mother again.

“I would love that Octavi-” Started Harmony before she saw a familiar short gray stallion walking around the dining area. “It can’t be...”

“Can’t be what?” The cellist asked turning her head to see what her mother was looking at.

“I-It can’t be that time already. I think we should order something before it’s too late.” Quickly answered the ruby mare holding up the menus.

“Yes, I guess you're right.” Replied Octavia looking through the menu that her mother gave her.

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Vinyl and Bon Bon looked through their tenth room in search for Octavia and Monotone. All the different rooms in the Skytanic made it difficult to pin point where they could possibly be. If the ship’s layout wasn’t challenging enough, the fact that every other upper-class pony tried striking a conversation with the ‘Captain’ prolonged their efforts.

“Do you think she is in here?” Bon Bon asked opening another door and looking around.

“I hope so, I don’t know how much longer I can keep fooling everypony with this captain stuff.” Vinyl replied walking in.

“Fooling everypony? Your last answer was 42.” The cream Earth pony commented in a harsh whisper.

“What, I heard that it’s the answer to everything.” The DJ remarked defending her answer.

“The pony asked if the captain would fancy a chardonnay.” Bon Bon groaned facehoofing.

“Isn’t that the speed of the ship?” Asked the white unicorn.

“It’s a drink Vinyl.” Answered the candy maker.

“Well sorry I don’t understand posh-” Started the DJ before stopping and ducked under a table forcing Bon Bon to join her.

“What are you doing?” Questioned the cream-colored mare in annoyance.

“There she is.” Responded Vinyl pointing a hoof to where Octavia and her parents were eating lunch. “Now we just have to find... Him.” She said groaning as if there was a bad taste in her mouth having seen the mini monster. “Come on Bon Bon, we need to go and tell Octy that it’s a trap-” Started the DJ getting up only to be pulled back down into cover by the candy maker.

“Did you forget that we are sneaking around because Octavia didn’t want us to be here?” Bon Bon asked.

“...Oh yeah” Replied the white unicorn rubbing the back of her head with a hoof. “Wait...but how are we supposed to help Octy then?”

The cream mare thought for a moment before a plan popped into her head “We should split up. I’ll interrogate the small one while you find a way of hiding Octavia until we know it’s safe. If you use your Z-sweet on her, she won’t remember that you were here.” Answered Bon Bon.

“Great idea” Replied Vinyl reaching for her saddlebag only to realize she left it in the control cabin when she disguised herself as the captain. “Not so great...I forgot my bag... Can I have one of yours?”

Bon Bon sighed and opened her tin and stared at two identical-looking candies with different colors. “... Wait... was the Z-sweet the red one or the blue one?”

“I don’t know...I was kind of hoping you’d remember...” Replied the DJ as an awkward silence fell over the two of them. “Wait, you got your watch on, can’t you ask S?”

“Oh yeah.” Bon Bon said pushing the button on her watch. “Hey S? Do you read me?”

“Loud and clear hun, what's up?” Answered the yellow pegasus in a cheery voice.

The candy maker sighed hearing S call her ‘hun’ but decided to let it go. “Which color candy was the Z-sweet again?”

“Oh that? That’s easy. It was the... uhhh... red one.” Replied Sunflower.

“...You sure? That didn’t sound to convincing from my end.” Bon Bon questioned looking at Vinyl who also seemed unsure about that answer.

“Don’t worry about that Bonnie, you know how bad the reception can get on these sometimes.” S stated when she heard a knock on the door. “Up, gotta go, that blue stallion is back again. I convinced him that I was the co-captain." She said in a whisper before another knock came. “Coming! Good luck girls. S out.”

“...Well there you have it I guess.” Responded Bon Bon hoofing over Vinyl the red candy. “You ready for this?”

“Oh yeah, let’s do this.” Replied Vinyl as they hoof bumped and went their separate ways.

Bon Bon made her way through the crowd and sat down at a table near her target. While her skills were a little rusty, she was able to get close enough to hear the conversation between the Bartender and the tiny conductor.

“Bartender, I’ll have an Appletini...easy on the tini.” Monotone said dryly and emotionless as he looked up from the menu.

“Sorry little buddy, we don’t serve alcohol to colts here. Try coming back when you reach drinking age.” The bartender said shooing the small pony away with a hoof.

“I am of legal age.” The small gray pony put his ID on the counter for the bartender to see.

Upon looking over the ID and then back to the small pony before him. Taking several glances at the ID he slid it back to Monotone. “Easy on the tini?” The bartender questioned as everything checked out it was a real ID.

“Very easy.” The tiny conductor said grabbing his ID back from the bartender.

When the stallion turned around to start making the drink, Bon Bon saw her opportunity to snatch the little gray stallion away without anypony noticing. She pulled out the T-treat and right as Monotone yawned, she popped it into his mouth and dragged him into a vacant room next to the bar.

As Bon Bon looked the out door to see if anypony noticed her Monotone recognized his ponynapper. He tried to stand tall and think what he was going to say. “I have some questions for you and I’m not leaving until they are answered. Right I will say that.” He mumbled to himself.

The candy maker locked the door and turned around to face the tiny conductor. Before Monotone could say his line, the cream-colored mare pointed a hoof at him and said “I have some questions for you and you are not leaving here until they are answered.”

“Ah, okay.” The tiny conductor said standing a little less tall.

“Let’s start off with why are you here?” Bon Bon asked.

Monotone just stood looking at her not answering her question. Bon Bon thought he might not have heard her so she tried again. “Did Octavia’s mother tell you to come here?” Again, the tiny conductor just stood in place not responding to anything.

“Hello?” Bon Bon asked waving a hoof in front of his face “Is anypony in there?” The cream mare poked the conductor softly on the shoulder causing him to lean over and fall on his side with a loud thud. The candy maker winced and looked back at the pony who was now snoring on the floor.

“That can’t be good.” Replied the cream mare hitting the button on her watch “S? Are you there?”

“Bonnie! I knew you couldn’t stay mad at me. Let’s cuddle to make up.” Sunflower remarked.

“Now is not the time. What color was the T-Treat again?” Bon Bon asked a bit scared for her friend.

“Blue, I thought I told you guys that already?” Answered Sunflower before pausing a second “Wait a sec...opps. Sorry Bon, I got them mixed up Blue is the Z-sweet and Red is the T-treat... I should really make those look more different from now on.”

“B-blue Z?... But if I gave Monotone the Z-candy, then that means... S contact Vinyl and tell her not to give Octavia the candy.” Bon Bon said dragging monotone over to a closet.

“I’d love to hun but I can’t.” Replied S.

“What do you mean you can’t?” Inquire the candy maker shoving the tiny pony in the closet and shutting the door.

“Vinyl’s glasses blew up remember.” Answered the yellow pegasus.

“...Buck!” Bon Bon exclaimed to herself.

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Vinyl slowly made her way to Octavia’s table trying her best to avoid getting caught up in another conversation with the ponies on the ship. She found out earlier that if you keep walking like you have somewhere to be, the passengers will just greet her with hello captain or good afternoon captain. Great if you are just passing by, annoying if you trying to be stealthy.

“Good after noon Captain.” Spoke a green mare from one table.

“Beautiful sky today, isn’t it, Captain?” Asked a Turquois Stallion from another table.

‘Captain this, Captain that, can’t every pony buck off and leave the Captain alone? They are going to blow my cover...calm down Vinyl. Just smile and wave girl, smile and wave.’ Thought the DJ doing her best not to draw too much attention to herself.

All the noise that started coming from the dining room caught Octavia’s attention as she turned around to see what was going on. There she saw a white mare in a captain’s uniform though something seemed off. Octavia meet the captain of the Skytanic when they got aboard, she was shocked to see the striking resemblance between Edelle Smith and Vinyl Scratch.

The cellist thought back on that moment “If it wasn’t for her cutie mark, I would have reprimanded her for coming when I told her not to interfere... Perhaps I should greet the captain officially now that I know it isn’t-...Vinyl!?” As the DJ waved at another passenger, the gray mare couldn’t help but see a double note on the mare’s flank.

“Pardon me Mother, Father, I have to take care of an urgent matter.” Octavia said excusing herself before walking over towards the 'Captain’. “Vinyl what are you doing here?”

“Vinyl? Who’s Vinyl? I’m uhhh, Mare Incognito.” The white unicorn responded as she looked at her marefriend. “...How can I help you passenger?”

“Vinyl, as impressed as I am that you know the word incognito, I know it’s you.” The gray mare stated looking unamused.

“Awww... What gave it away?” Vinyl asked pouting as she thought her disguise was perfect.

Octavia pointed a hoof at Vinyl’s cutie mark. “Really?” She asked giving the ‘Captain’ a playful grin.

“Alright, ya got me. But hey, since you’re here, would you mind trying this?” The DJ asked popping red candy into Octavia’s mouth.

The gray mare chewed on the candy and swallowed it “Don’t think sweets are going to get you out of this, I’m very upset that you came here...what are you doing?” Octavia asked seeing Vinyl holding her forelegs out.

“Ummm, catching you...aren’t you feeling sleepy Octy?” Vinyl asked expecting her to fall over any second.

“No Vinyl, I’m feeling angry that you came here when I told you not to.” Octavia said and turned around to walk back to the table only to see her mother standing there. “M-mother?”

“I see Miss Scratch is here. Would you like join us for lunch?” Harmony asked with as sincere a smile as she could muster.

“...Don’t mind if I do.” The DJ replied as she walked towards the table.

Octavia stood there shocked until the ruby unicorn snapped her out of it. “Are you coming Octavia?” She asked giving her daughter a puzzled look.

“C-coming.” The cellist replied as she took a seat next to Vinyl. The gray mare leaned over in her seat and whispered “We’re still going to talk about this when we get ba-”

“So what were we talking about?” Interrupted the DJ trying to avoid Octavia’s glare while getting ready to catch her. Harmony began filling in Vinyl on their conversation while Alto flagged the waitress for another drink. Though the white unicorn was trying to keep up on the conversation, she couldn’t help but think why it was taking the candy so long. “Just how long does that pill take to work?... Is it defective?... No, that can’t be it. But if it didn’t put Octy to sleep then...” Suddenly, it dawned on the DJ. “Opps.”

“What do you mean opps?” The onyx maned mare asked looking at her marefriend.

“Nothing, I just need to test something.” Replied the DJ trying to think of a question that her marefriend wouldn’t normally answer in public. “How come your bowtie always ends up around my hide leg after we buck?” Vinyl asked causing Alto to spit take his beer and Harmony to drop her jaw.

“I put it on you because it’s a cute reminded that we bucked. Not that I would tell you something so inappropriate at lunch with my parents.” Octavia said getting shocked gasps from her parents and a cocky smile from the mare besides her. “...W-wait...did I just say that?” Octavia covered her mouth blushing.

“I guess she does take after you.” Alto remarked getting a swift hoof to the back of the head. “I deserved that.”

“Umm, Octavia, this isn’t proper table talk in public.” The ruby unicorn whispered to her daughter.

“I know, I just don’t understand why I said that.” The cellist said looking towards Vinyl who had a hoof over her mouth trying to hold back her laughter.

“H-hey Octy, what’d you break in our hotel room?” The DJ asked knowing full well that Octavia was going to get her back later for this.

“I-I broke the sex toy drawer in the bathroom.” Octavia said immediately covering her mouth.

“Miss Scratch, what did you do?” Harmony asked concerned for her daughter who was as red as she was now.

“Nothin, but while we are on the subject of telling the truth. Why did you invite Monotone here?” Vinyl inquired as she leaned on the table.

“I-I don’t know what you are talking about.” The older mare replied starting to sweat a bit.

“Mother, is that true? Is Monotone here?” Octavia asked looking for the truth.

“No, he isn’t Octavia. It’s just us and your marefriend here. Why don’t we continue to enjoy our lunch before it gets too cold?” Her mother said, not wanting to admit that the tiny conductor was here.

“You're not lying to me are you mother?” Inquired the cellist, starting to grow suspicious of her mother’s intentions.

Harmony looked back at her daughter and tried to put on her most convincing smile “N-no dear, I just want us all to enjoy this lunch togethe-” Harmony was cut short by a load crashing noise came from the room by the bar.

Everypony looked to see what was going on only to see a small gray stallion laying on the floor still sleeping. “Sorry little guy, didn’t realize you were sleeping in there” Apologized one of waiters who was going to retrieve more plates from the closet.

The cellist glared at her parents. “You were saying?”

“I swear I didn’t invite him Octavia. I have no idea why he’s here.” Harmony answered, trying her hardest not to lose her daughter.

“That doesn’t change the fact that you still lied to me. Y-you lied to me once again Mother, just when I was starting to trust you.” She stood up and looked at her parents with a mixture of anger and sadness. “I-I’m leaving...Good bye mother.” She said walking away with Vinyl in tow.

As the two left the dinner area, they heard sobs coming from behind them. Octavia sped up trying to get away from the noise, not stopping for anything until a white unicorn blocked her path. "Hey, talk to me filly. What’s up?”

Octavia looked at her marefriend “I-I really thought that I could trust her again Vinyl. We were all enjoying ourselves like we use to, before grandma died... I-I had hoped we all could be-” The cellist was cut off by the Skytanic suddenly shaking followed by a loud scrapping noise that could be heard throughout the ship.

The two mares looked at each other nervously “W-what was that Vinyl?” Octavia asked.

“I don’t know...but I get the feeling that we should go to the Control Cabin...like now.” Answered the DJ running towards the control cabin.

“W-wait for me” Replied Octavia making haste after her marefriend.

Vinyl slammed the door open and looked around seeing Bon Bon and S staring at the controls trying to figure out what to do. “What’s going on here?!” Asked the white unicorn trying to gauge the severity of the situation.

“Do you want the good news or the bad news?” S asked.

“Just tell me” Vinyl said looking over the controls to see if she could figure out what to do.

“Well, the good news is that we will be landing shortly. The bad news is that it will be a crash landing.” S answered with a nervous laugh.

“What? That can’t be possible, I heard the Skytanic was unsinkable.” Octavia commented looking around and seeing that the ship was slowly going down.

“Unsinkable huh? I think this gauge labeled altitude has something else to say about that.” Bon Bon said pointing a hoof at one of the needles.

“How did this happen S? It was in Auto-Pilot, right?” Vinyl asked trying to figure out if she should touch some buttons or leave them be.

“It was in auto the whole time. The ship started flying into some still clouds when all of a sudden, I heard the door open. At first I thought it was the captain but I jump in joy seeing that it was Bon Bon instead. I was about to give her a hug when that blue stallion shouted ICE CLOUD! Over the intercom but it was too late, and now the ship is taking in air.” S explained.

“What are we going to do?” Octavia inquired as she looked around seeing that nopony knew how to fly the ship.

“What is going on in here?!” The real captain asked walking back into the Control Cabin rubbing her head. “What the...?” She exclaimed seeing that the ship was heading for disaster and rushed to the controls. Edelle started to work on landing the Skytanic safely.

“I think now's a good time to bail out.” S whispered and pulled Bon Bon along with her out the door.

“FORWARD!” The DJ exclaimed quickly taking off the Captain’s uniform and grabbing Octavia in her magic.

“Vinyl! What are you doing? Put me down.” Insisted Octavia.

“Awww, and here I thought you liked this.” Joked the white unicorn still levitating her in a princess carry.

“I like this a lot but I’m not about to tell you that.” The gray mare said and covered her mouth. “What is going on?”

The four mares stood next an exit so when the ship landed, they would be able to sneak off without anypony noticing. In the ballroom next to them there was a four-string quartet playing a song for the passengers.

Octavia hugged Vinyl for comfort. “What’s the matter Octy?” The white unicorn asked softly.

“I just can’t believe that mother would lie to me when everything was going back to how it used to be.” Answered the gray mare.

“Don’t worry Octy, the Skytanic will be landing in the port soon. We can go home after this and give you some time to think.” Reassured the DJ.

Captain Smith spoke into the intercom for everypony to hear. “Mares and Gentlecolts this is your Captain speaking. We have hit an ice cloud and the Skytanic is taking in air. I request that everypony remain calm as we attempt to make a safe crash-landing back on the port.”

Once the announcement was over ponies everywhere were starting to panic and run around knowing that the ship was sinking. While it was a rather slow crash-landing the leader of the four-string quartet looked to his bandmates and nodded. “Right, that’s it then.” He readied his violin and started to play the song ‘Nearer My Celestia to Thee’ and slowly the other three started to join in.

“Is that really ness-” Bon Bon started to question but was cut off by Octavia.

“Shhh, let them have this Bon Bon. It’s a great sign of respect.” The cellist said listening to the music.

Once the song ended the leader of the quartet nodded to his band mares. “Gentlecolts it’s been a privilege playing with you tonight.”

Octavia and the girls just waited in silence as the ship descended back to port. As all the panic continued to wash over everypony, the only thought that plagued Octavia’s mind was why her mother would betray her like that.

The Skytanic finally struck the ground in what can only be described as the slowest crash-landing in history. Once the ship stopped moving Captain Smith sighed in relief and turned around to address the miscreants that sabotaged the dirigible's maiden voyage. “Okay you mares have a lot of explaining to do.” She said turning around. “...Where did they go?... In all my years-” She started but was cut off by a beep that came from the landing platform opening up to let all the passengers off.

Once they snuck off the ship a rather pissed off green unicorn walked up to the group. “What the buck S? You think that stunt was funny? I have half a mind to... What’s wrong with Octavia?” Lyra asked not noticing the deflating ship behind her.

“Shhh.” Bon Bon said pulling Lyra off to the side. The cream mare leaned in close to whisper in her wife’s ear “I’ll explain what happened on the way back.”

Sunflower poked her head in-between the two being muzzle to muzzle with them both. “Octavia just needs a little space right now.” S commented looking over to Vinyl and Octavia who were making their way out with the crowd.

“I still have some choice words for you.” The green unicorn said pushing Sunflower away from Bon Bon as the scheduled storm started to darken the sky overhead.

Octavia and Vinyl didn’t pay much attention to the storm clouds above them as they walked towards the hotel. That was until a large bolt of lightning shot through the sky and rain came pouring down soon after. The two rushed into the hotel before the winds picked up and dried off in their room.

Octavia set the towel down and looked out the window grumbling. “I forgot there was a scheduled rain today.”

“Same here. At least we’re inside now right Octy?” Vinyl chuckled a bit thinking about what to do now. “Sooo what now? Are we going to head back to Ponyville after the storm?”

“No, I want to do one last thing while here Vinyl. I want to put an end to this stupid game once and for all.” The cellist turned towards her marefriend. “Vinyl let’s get married tomorrow.”

“W-what?” The DJ asked shocked her Octy would say such a thing.

“I said let’s get married tomorrow. My uncle is here, so are our friend Vinyl. Now is the perfect time. Besides once I’m married, mother will have no choice to acknowledge my sexuality and stop trying to force me to marry that bucking tiny pony.” The gray mare stated in a rather bad mood.

“No Octy, you’re not acting like yourself.” The white unicorn said stepping back as memories of the last pony she loved leaving her just before getting married began flooding her mind.

“But I am acting like myself Vinyl, don’t you see? They pushed me to this. You don’t think I want to wait? You don’t think I want to enjoy dating? They’ve cut my life into pieces; this is my last resort. I don’t care if she thought she was doing this for my future. The fact is that she lied to me and she’ll continue to lie until she gets her way.” The lightning flashed as Octavia yelled in a mix of pain and frustration.

The white unicorn remembered that her marefriend was still under the influence of the T-treat and wanted to ask a question...though she was scared to hear the answer. “Octy...be honest with me... Is this because you love me or because you want to use me as a means to an end?” Vinyl asked hesitantly.

“Both Vinyl, I want to marry you for both reasons.” Answered the Cellist.

“O-Octy I...I can’t... I’m sorry...” Vinyl said turning around and running out of the room with tears in her eyes. She couldn’t go through with this.

"Vinyl?” Octavia asked softly after the DJ had left the room. She rushed to the hall but couldn’t see any sign of her so she took to the window. Outside, she could see her marefriend running out into the heavy rain. Lightning stuck the ground just in front of the hotel, and with the blinding light and the roar of the thunder, the white unicorn was no longer in view. The thunder had shaken the cellist to her core as she realized how badly she bucked up. “S-she left me... and it’s all my fault.” Octavia walked out of the room aimlessly until she ended up in the lobby of the hotel. She decided that anywhere was better than here and headed towards the door but not before running into Bon Bon.

“Hey Octavia... Why the long face?... Where is Vinyl?” Bon Bon asked as she walked up towards the gray mare.

“Long story short I pushed Vinyl into leaving me and now she’s gone. I’m going to get some Alicorn Ale and accept what I should have from the start.” The cellist said walking passed her friend out into the rain.

Bon Bon looked over to Lyra and Sunflower with a concerned look. “She said she was going to get Alicorn Ale.” The candy maker said looking out towards the street. “I think we should find Vinyl and talk to her.”

“No, it would be best to let them be for now. I am sure nothing we say will make any of this better.” Sunflower said calmly but was sad for them.

Octavia had made her way to into a bar. Depressed and soaking wet, the cellist ordered herself an Alicorn Ale which quickly turned into five as she tried to drown her sorrows. When she ran out of bits to pay, Octavia pushed herself to head towards the only place she knew she would be welcomed. Staggering to the front door, the gray mare raised a hoof and knocked on a damaged front door and waited. After a few moments, a teary ruby unicorn opened the door and gasped seeing her daughter standing out in the storm.

“O-Octavia y-you're here? Why?” Harmony asked confused yet happy that she was there.

“You were right Mother *hic*. I should have focused on my career...Not *hic* love.” Octavia said a bit drunk.

Her mother stood there confused for a second before realizing that her daughter was still standing out in the storm. “Come in you’ll catch a cold out there.” The gray mare stepped inside and Harmony closed the door carefully. “What happened?”

“Vinyl left me... you were*hic* right mother... I-I should just marry Monotone and *hic* boost my career... Love is nothing but *hic* trouble...” The cellist said as she walked in and passed her mother. “I-I’m going to take a bath... *hic*.” She said.

“Octavia, you are speaking out of hurt... Promise me you’ll think about it.” The older mare asked knowing that she wasn’t in the right state of mind. Silence filled the manor as Harmony thought about how to fix this. ‘This isn’t how today was supposed to go. I can’t let this happen... but what can I do?’

Suddenly, the door slammed open making way for the explorer stallion to walk right into the home. “Dear sister I have obtained the bits to help you fix your blemished manor.” Sir Trotterlot announced only to stop and looked at his sister who was deep in thought. He soon felt the weight of the air in the room. “Wow, who died Sister?”

Hearing her brother burst in would have normally made her groan in frustration as his hyper energy was too much at times but not in this moment. “It seems a lot happened today that I am not happy about Trotty. I lost my daughter again because of a lie, Miss Scratch broke up with Octavia, and worst of all, she wants to marry Monotone now. It’s purely out of heartache but I refuse to let her go through with that kind of mistake.” The ruby mare said turning to her brother.

Trotterlot stood shocked. “Octavia and Miss Scratch broke up? That can’t be.” He replied and looked at his sister not sure what to do.

“Trotty I need another favor of you.” Harmony stated as she moved closer pushing him towards the door.

“Another one? The first one was free because you’re my sister. This one is going to cost you a favor in return that I can collect at any time.” The explorer pony said as he looked back at his sister.

“Fine, whatever you want Brother, however you must find Miss Scratch and get her to come back and talk with Octavia.” Harmony stated with great concern.

“Now where have I heard that one before?” Asked the Explorer remembering a similar conversation with his sister yesterday.

“Please Trotty, I’ve already lost my daughter twice, I will not lose her to a short idiot that doesn’t think about anypony but himself.” The ruby unicorn said in a harsh tone. “I have to go check on my daughter and see if I can snap her out of this.” She stated turning towards the stairs.

“Fret not dear sister, I will find Miss Scratch and talk some sense into her of my name isn’t Sir Awesome Von Trotterlot!” He exclaimed with a smile causing his mustache to twinkle and he took off into the night and storm to find Vinyl Scratch.

“I hope you do brother... this family wouldn’t be complete without her.” Harmony reluctantly admitted as she made her way up to the bathroom to talk with Octavia.

Author's Notes:

Thank you all for making it this far with us. I know Rosa and I said we don't like cliffhangers but we had to have one. What will happen next? Chapter ten holds the answers and if anyone is still playing along with the hidden reference game what did you find?

-The Buck It Bros

Come and Get Your Love

Come and Get Your Love

The ruby unicorn let out a sigh as she looked towards the staircase before her. Harmony knew she wasn’t winning the mother of the year award any time soon, but she couldn’t let her daughter go through with this. She walked up the stairs and stopped in front of the door that Octavia was staying in. “...Well, it’s not like she doesn’t already hate me. I just can’t stand by and let Octavia make the biggest mistake of her life... not after everything she and her friends did to avoid it.” Harmony took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

“Go away, I don’t *hic* want visitors.” Octavia called out from the other side.

“Octavia, I’m coming in.” Harmony said reaching for the doorknob.

“Nice try mother. I locked the door...*hic*” Responded the cellist.

“Nice try daughter, the door is broken.” Replied the ruby mare pulling off the already broken handle and pushed the door open.

“Go away, I don’t want to talk to you.” The gray pony said burring herself in the bed pulling the covers over herself so see wouldn’t be able to see her mother.

Harmony walked in and sat at the end of the bed “Octavia, I really think we should talk about this.”

“What's there to talk about? You were right, I was... less right. Love is silly and I should just focus on my career.” Pouted Octavia curling up into a ball.

“Well, judging from your lack of hick-ups, I can only hope that you're coming out of your drunken haze. You might actually be able to listen to reason.” The older mare said looking over to her daughter. “It hurts right? Losing Miss Scratch.” She asked carefully wondering how to make Octavia feel better.

Octavia popped out of the covers. “Hurt? Who does she think she is? That mare has tangled with the wrong cellist. Nopony says no to Octavia. In fact, I'm glad she is gone, who needs somepony that runs out on you when things get serious anyways?” The cellist responded trying to hold back her tears.

“Normally I’d offer you a drink to calm down but I think you had enough. Can I get you some orange juice instead?” Replied Octavia’s mother.

“What for? Nothing helps.” Answered the gray mare.

Harmony sighed before putting a hoof on her daughter’s shoulder “I don’t think you mean whacha say Octavia. When the roof caved in and the truth came out you just didn’t know what to do.” Harmony removed her hoof from the cellist and looked at the floor. “You loved Miss Scratch, and you still do.”

“And what would you know about love mother? You didn’t seem to care until I was leaving.” Octavia commented harshly.

The older mare sighed knowing how hypocritical this conversation must sound like coming from her of all ponies, but that wasn’t going to stop her. “Yes Octavia, I was blind and foolish. After losing Mum and almost losing you right after, I-I lost it. Your father stayed by my side and did his best to support the lie that was keeping me going. If it wasn’t for you and Miss Scratch, I would still be living that excuse. You two made me realize just how important my family is and how much I love you two. Now I’m trying to do the same thing for you Octavia.”

“Well much good that did me now mother. If there was a prize for rotten judgment, I guess I’ve already won that. No mare is worth the aggravation. Which is why I'm marrying Monotone. It will boost my career and I won’t have to see him that much.” Octavia said sadly and sighed. “Besides, Vinyl means nothing to me anymore.”

“Now stop right there Octavia, we both know that’s a lie. You’re just trying to bury your feelings but I can see right through it. Don’t put your career before love, it only brings greater pain in the future... Promise me that you’ll at least think about it.” The ruby mare said waiting for her daughter's response.

“Fine, I’ll think about it. Can you please go now?” The cellist whined as retreated back into bed pulling the covers over her head to sulk.

“Okay, I’ll leave you alone.” Harmony replied standing up and walking towards the door. Before closing the door, the ruby unicorn looked back “Goodnight Octavia...I love you...” And with that, she shut the door.

Octavia sighed as she spent the rest of the night thinking about her decision; marry monotone, or listen to her mother...

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The rain was pouring down hard as Sir Trotterlot ran around the streets of Canterlot looking for the missing DJ. From what his sister had told him, Octavia was on the verge of making one of the biggest mistakes in her life and Vinyl was the only pony who could stop her. Though every location that the explorer searched came up empty.

“Think old boy, where would a heartbroken mare go? ...The bar?...” The brown stallion asked himself immediately shaking his head. “No, Miss Scratch would want to go to someplace quiet to think...and someplace to get out of this storm...” A new thought came to the explorer. “I wonder.” He ran into the Canterlot park and there, sitting on a bench underneath a big tree, was his target. Her horn was glowing in a grayish-blue aura as she made a magic bubble around herself to act as an umbrella. As Sir Trotterlot approached, he overheard the white unicorn talking to herself.

“Why Octy?... Why couldn’t we just go back to Ponyville and take things slow?... Why do I have to be such a coward?” Vinyl asked herself.

“Mind if I sit with you Miss Scratch?” Asked the brown stallion snapping the DJ out of her thoughts.

“Huh? Ahhh, sure...” Answered the white unicorn without thinking.

“Thanks.” Replied Sir Trotterlot taking a seat on the far side of the bench.

As the explorer took his hat off to shake the water droplets off Vinyl was having an internal argument in her head. 'Buck! Why’d I say that? I wanted to sort things out by myself not talk with Octy’s Uncle... Why is he out here anyway?’ That last thought raised a good point though. Why was Sir Trotterlot here in the storm?

The DJ looked back at Sir Trotterlot and asked “Um, don’t take this the wrong way but what are you doing here Uncle Trotty?... Did Octy send you to find me?”

“No, this request came from Harmony of all ponies.” Answered the brown stallion pulling out a hooferchief from his vest and held it out to Vinyl.

“No thanks, it’s probably soaking wet anyway.” Responded the DJ.

The explorer looked at the piece of fabric in his hoof and smiled sheepishly realizing just how soaked it was. “My apologies Miss Scratch, force of habit when I see a mare crying.” He put the hooferchief back in his breast pocket and looked back at the white unicorn. “So, what seems to be troubling you?”

The mare looked back at the park that was still getting pelted with rain and sighed “Honestly, I’m still trying to figure that one out myself. Have you ever felt so sure of something only to have it blow up in your face? I kind of felt that way today.” Vinyl paused for a moment to see if Sir Trotterlot had anything to add but the explorer seemed content with just listening for now, so the DJ continued. “Before coming here, I wanted nothing more but to spend every moment with Octavia in hopes that we could take our relationship to the next level. But with all the chaos that’s happened over this week, things progressed faster than I could have ever imagined. We only just became marefriends and not even a few days later she’s talking about marriage. I-I panicked...I’ve been down this road before but everything seems different now...I don’t want to buck things up... does any of this make the scene to you Uncle Trotty?”

The brown stallion took a brief moment to think about what he was going to say before answering. “Do you remember around the time that we first met Miss Scratch? I made a comment to you about never letting your target out of sight. I know this may sound like exposition but please hear me out, after all, this was a lesson I learned the hard way.” Said the stallion rubbing his metal leg. “Back when Octy was still young, and we all had recently lost Grandmare Amelia, my sister had some business to attend to which required me to watch over her. At the time, I heard rumors of a manticore being sighted outside of its natural habitat, which scarcely happens. The researcher in me just had to know if it was true, so I grabbed my effects and took young Octavia with me on my adventure. During that trip, I became so distracted with my own things that I didn’t even realize I had lost Octy along the way. It wasn’t until I heard a scream coming from somewhere inside the woods that I realized the dreadful mistake I made. I managed to reach her in the nick of time and fended off the beast. Fortunately, I only lost my leg... Don’t let your lost be greater...”

Vinyl looked at the brown stallion confused “What do you mean greater? What’s going on with Octy?” She asked, become more worried by the second.

“Fret not Miss Scratch, Octy’s life is not in jeopardy, just her future. She is currently at the manor, with my sister trying to talk her out of marrying that small conductor tomorrow.” Responded Sir Trotterlot.

“...Wait, don’t you have that backwards?” Questioned the DJ not knowing what was going on with her marefriend.

“I’m afraid not, poor girl must have taken your retreat as a sign of separation. Add alcohol to the mix and I can’t imagine what's going on in that head of hers, which is why Harmony asked me to find you.” Answered the brown stallion.

Hearing the explorer say it again made Vinyl curious. “Wait, I thought Octy’s mom hated me?”

“You’ll have to forgive her previous behavior; extravagances can often lead to narrow mindedness. But my sister was certain that if anypony could talk my niece out of this marriage, it was you Miss Scratch.” Sir Trotterlot said, hoping he got through to the DJ.

The white unicorn looked back at the park again trying to process everything that was going on with Octavia, and what was going on with herself. After a moment of silence, The DJ had a clear picture of what to do “I understand Uncle Trotty, and I know what I need to do.” Vinyl said determined now more than ever to save Octavia from that marriage, and herself from her fears. Her horn glowed in the gray aura again as she pulled out her saddlebag looking for a particular object.

“And what is it that you plan on doing?” The explorer asked curiously.

“A plan that requires a bass drop, C4 and him.” The DJ replied pulling Sir Reginald out of her saddlebag before her. She pushed a hoof into the rubber chicken.

“I say.” The rubber chicken squeaked as she moved her hoof away.

“Oh my, and what kind of plan is that? If you don’t mind me asking.” Asked Sir Trotterlot, amused by the items involved.

“Plan G... Only problem is, I don’t know where to get my hooves on some C4.” The DJ said, disappointed that the plan wouldn’t be at full strength.

“You’re in luck, I believe I know just the mare that can help, free of charge no less.” The explorer said with a smile.

“Awesome-Sauce! Who is she?” Vinyl asked getting off the bench and expanding her magic umbrella over the brown stallion.

“A fellow adventurer, and a personal fan of yours Miss Scratch.” Sir Trotterlot answered as the two made their way through the storm to a yellow, two-story house, with black shudders.

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Lyra sat across from Sunflower as they waited for Bon Bon to return. Both looked uncomfortable sitting together in a room without the cream earth pony. “Soooo... you like music?” Lyra asked, trying not to argue with Sunflower Shine for once as she lightly tapped her hooves.

“Yeah, I listen to some while I work on my gadgets.” S responded.

“Nice, nice...” Commented the mint mare as an awkward silence filled the room again.

“So, what do you think was in that letter Bon Bon got?” S asked looking to the door.

“Not sure, though it had to be important for her to rush to the phone like that... Who would drop off a letter in weather like this anyway?” The lyrist inquired as S was the one that brought the letter to Bon Bon.

“A carrier pigeon; the letter was just addressed to Octavia’s friends.” The yellow pegasus shrugged.

The door opened and Bon Bon walked in looking a bit distressed. “Okay we have no time to waste. The letter was from somepony that works at Octavia’s parent’s manor. It said she came back to the manor and decided to marry Midgetone. Apparently, the wedding is tomorrow afternoon in the Canterlot Castle.

“WHAT?!” Both Lyra and Sunflower questioned in shock at the same time.

“I know this is bad but I already came up with a plan that can’t backfire on us. I put in a call to an old friend and she’s sending something to us right away.” The cotton candy maned mare informed them.

“Once again, I don’t know of anypony that would come out in weather like this to deliver a package.” The mint green mare said pointing a hoof at the window to remind everypony of the storm. Almost if on cue, a gray pegasus with a blond mane crashed through the window and landed on her head, soaked from the rain.

As Derpy was regaining her senses from her landing, she noticed something off. “...Hey, why is everypony on the ceiling?” Asked the mailmare causing Lyra to shake her head and used her magic to flip her right side up. “Oh, that’s better, thanks Lyra. I got your package from Berry, Bon Bon.” The mailmare said digging into her pouch and pulling out a twelve-ounce, purple bottle labeled ‘Berry’s Punch’.

“Thanks Derpy, would you like to say a bit and warm up?” Bon Bon asked.

The mailmare shook her head. “I need to get home. Things to do you know.” She smiled and took off as fast as she could crashing through another window.

“I don’t know if she does that on purpose or not.” Lyra commented watching her fly off. “And what the buck is Berry’s Punch?”

“Better yet, who’s Berry and how come you never told me you were seeing somepony else?” S interjected getting weird looks from both Lyra and Bon Bon.

“Berry is a friend of ours who bartends back in Ponyville. She’s almost always drinking and built up such a high tolerance that she was having difficulty getting drunk. That was until she made this.” Bon Bon said holding up the bottle in her hoof.

“So, let me get this straight, Berry’s Punch is a drink meant to get a drunk, drunk?” S questioned.

“Basically, or so she told me on the phone. Berry also warned me that it was best not to let anypony drink the whole bottle, it could have dangerous results.” Replied the candy maker setting the punch on the table.

“So, what are we going to do with that stuff?” Sunflower asked as she and Lyra looked at the purple bottle.

“We are going to get Monotone to drink this before the wedding. He will pass out and Octavia will be free, end of story. So S, think you can get us into the Castle?” Bon Bon asked causing Sunflower to smile.

“Like you had to ask, I was waiting to test this gadget out myself. I was originally planning on using it on you two but Vinyl blew up the first one. Luckily for me, I still had the working prototype in my lab.” The yellow pegasus said as she played around with her watch. She hit a button and turned into Princess Celestia. “So? How do I look?” She asked smiling at the girls.

“Wow, you look and sound just like Princess Celestia?... Wait... Just what were you planning on doing to us with that gadget?” Asked Lyra getting annoyed by Sunflower’s antics.

“Just a little harmless fun, which reminds me, I have another gadget for you Lyra.” Started the yellow pegasus only to be quickly interrupted.

“Oh no, I’m not falling for that again.” Replied the mint green unicorn.

“From now on, you include all of us in your future plans okay S? I am not leaving my wife behind like last time.” Bon Bon said sternly as to make sure Sunflower Shine didn’t interpret her wrong.

“Fine, from now on, I’ll include both of you in all my plans.” Responded S transforming back to her original appearance.

“Perfect. Now, let’s run through the plan.” The cream earth pony said as they started to work out the best way to get to and take care of Monotone to miss the wedding.

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Harmony paced around the kitchen the following morning. There was still no sign that Octavia was up except for a maid making runs to her daughter’s room every so often. She hadn’t heard back from her brother so she assumed that Sir Trotterlot had yet to find Vinyl. “Where are they?” She asked herself before walking to Octavia’s room and knocked at the door slightly harder than she should have. “Octavia are you feeling better?”

“Yes mother, I’m fine... *hic*… you can go back downstairs.” The cellist replied.

“She can’t be...” Thought the ruby mare as she looked over and saw the maid carrying a bottle of ale up to Octavia’s room. The service pony bowed to Harmony and knocked on the door.

“Excuse me Miss Melody, I have another bottle as you requested. Would you like for me to bring it in?” Asked the maid.

“Yes please.” Answered the Cellist.

The maid nodded and opened the door to Octavia’s room. Harmony looked inside and gasped at all the empty bottles that lined the dressers and end tables. The ruby singer walked into the room “Have you been drinking all morning?”

“And night... *hic*… can’t be sober when you plan on marrying that stallion.” Answered the gray mare grabbing the bottle from the maid. The service pony bowed and made her leave.

“Octavia, this is madness. You can’t put yourself through this.” Responded Harmony, worried at her daughters' current condition.

“Madness? No mum, this is Canterlot.” Octavia said before downing her drink and kicking the end table. The cellist fell backwards onto the bed and dropped the bottle. “Now if you don’t mind mother, I have a wedding to attend... *hic*”

“Octavia? Octavia if you would just listen to me. Octavia?” The ruby singer asked but was meet with the cellist shewing her mother away with a hoof as she attempted to get off the bed. Harmony sighed and walked back downstairs, pissed that her daughter was acting as stubborn as she had been.

Harmony let out a large groan of frustration as her horn glowed in a silver aura and an explosive pop could be heard from the other side of the room. She blinked and turned her head to see Alto covered in tiny pieces of his newspaper that he just unfolded to read. He still had his front legs outstretched holding a paper that was no longer there. “Why Harmony? Just why?” Alto asked slowly putting his forelegs down.

“Oh, sorry honey, it’s just that Octavia is still drunk and intends to marry Monotone. I’m trying to reason with her but she’s being so, so, Stubborn!” Harmony replied in aggravation.

“Like mother, like daughter.” Replied the Silver stallion causing the Ruby mare to shoot him a nasty glare. Alto quickly back-traced “W-well if that is indeed the case, why not stop the wedding yourself. It is in Octavia’s best interest after all plus Monotone’s family is paying for everything so it won’t affect us at all.” The silver stallion stated and smiled at her.

“That might work dear, sometimes I forget how smart you are.” Harmony said softly smiling back.

“Well, if you would let me ta-” The conductor started to say before being pushed along by his wife.

“Come on Alto, there’s so much time and so little to do... Scratch that. Reverse it. Point is we need to get ready.” The ruby mare said pushing him with new found determination to stop the wedding she once wanted.

“What’s this ‘We’ stuff? This was all your fau...” Alto started again and was met with a swift hit of a hoof on the back of his head.

“No backtalk, WE have a wedding to ruin. This time, it will go according to plan.” Harmony commented as they both got dressed for the ceremony. The ruby singer still had hopes that she could talk her daughter out of this on the way there.

Octavia and her parents entered a carriage and began to travel to the castle. Octavia sat in front of her parents trying to get another drop of Alicorn Ale to come out of an empty bottle. Her mane was a mess and her dress was not fastened correctly.

Harmony sighed and sat next to her daughter “Here, let me help you.” The ruby unicorn straightened out her daughters' gown and began brushing her mane. “Octavia, you know you don’t have to do this. I was wrong for trying to marrying you off to better your career. What good is a future if you have nopony to share it with?”

“But isn’t that what you and father did?” Octavia asked finally giving up on her empty drink.

“Well, yes, but that was not the same. For starters, I grew to love Alto before I married him, and second, I wasn’t planning on going far with my career. I was perfectly content with singing in a little lounge bar in Canterlot. After marrying your father, he pushed me to go further and express my talents to all of Equestria. Octavia, I want you to answer me honestly, you’re still in love with Vinyl Scratch, right?” Harmony asked hopeful that saying the name would snap her out of it.

“I do love her but she ran out on me like everypony I date. It’s all because of me and how crazy this family is. Regardless of if I like Monotone, he has been the only pony to put up with this family. Plus, his family’s record business will ensure my music’s success...Can’t you just pretend that this will make me happy? Like I am?” Octavia said putting on a fake smile as they pulled up to the castle. The gray mare left the carriage and started to walk to an area she was directed to.

Harmony looked to Alto and knew what she had to do. “I guess there is no choice but to take matters into our own hooves.” The ruby mare said stepping out of the carriage and pulled her husband along to go find somewhere to sit to wait for the right moment.

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Lyra and Bon Bon walked through the castle halls with Sunflower who was disguised as Princess Celestia. “I still can’t believe this is working.” Lyra said softly to Bon Bon as they walked past another bowing guard.

“I can’t believe you won’t stop saying that.” Bon Bon replied in a harsh whisper.

“I can’t believe that I saw Vinyl messing with a speaker on the second floor above the alter.” Sunflower said softly.

“What?” The lyrist asked. “We have to go talk with her.”

“No time Hun, we need to get Monotone to drink this.” The cotton candy maned mare whispered pointing a hoof at the bottle of Berry’s Punch in her saddlebag. The three mares continued to look around until Bon Bon finally spotted the tiny conductor entering a room. “S stand guard here, Lyra and I will give him the drink.” Sunflower nodded as the couple slipped into the room.

Even though S was supposed to keep watch, she couldn’t help but wonder what Vinyl was up to. The pegasus looked around and saw nopony in sight. “I’m sure they’ll be fine” S told herself and flew to the second floor where Vinyl was doing something. “What are you doing Vinyl?”

Vinyl turned around and had a look of dread on her face. “P-Princess Celestia! It’s not what it looks like I swear.”

“What are you talking about?” S started but realized that she still had her disguise on. “Oh, hold on.” The mare hit a button on her watch and turned back into her yellow pegasus self, causing Vinyl to let out a huge sigh of relief.

“Don’t do that to me S, you almost gave me a heart attack.” The DJ said putting a hoof on her chest.

“Sorry about that. Sooo, what are you doing anyway? Don’t you know that Octavia is getting married to the wrong pony soon?” Sunflower inquired looking at all the gizmos that Vinyl was installing into the speaker.

“Don’t worry S, I’m going to put an end to this wedding once and for all. It’s time for Plan G... I just wish I had my shades; it’s just not gonna look as cool without them.” The DJ said a bit disappointed.

“You mean this pair that you called dibs on?” The yellow pegasus asked pulling out a pair shades and tossed them over to the white unicorn who caught them in a gray aura.

“Sweet, thanks S.” Vinyl said putting her purple sunglasses on. “So, what are you doing here, and disguised as Princess Celestia no less?”

“Oh that? Me and the girls are on a mission to get Monotone drunk. Some pony named Berry gave us a drink called Berry’s Punch and-” Sunflower started to explain.

“Wait, that stuff actually exists?” Vinyl interrupted.

“You know of it?” S asked intrigued.

“I always thought it was a myth, a drink that can actually get Berry drunk. I don’t even know if it’s on the proof scale.” The DJ replied in awe.

“Wow, that stuff is that strong?” The yellow pegasus inquired.

“You have no idea.” The white unicorn responded with a knowing smirk.

“Sounds like it’s going to work out perfect then. Well, I should really get back to Lyra and Bon Bon, I just wanted to see what you were up too. Give us a good show.” S said smiling back to the DJ.

“Ah, Yeah! That little pony will rue the very day he stole my Octy from me.” Vinyl replied, getting back to work on Plan G.

Sunflower Shine looked out the window to the door that she was supposed to be guarding but still saw no pony in sight. "I’m sure they’ll be fine.” S thought as she dawned her disguise and made her way through the castle. It wasn’t every day that she had an opportunity to tour the grounds with no restrictions. As S went on her tour, a few more guards bowed to fake Celestia. "It’s good to be the Princess.” Sunflower thought as she walked up to a Fountain of the two sisters.

“Sunflower Shine, is that you?” Asked an angelic voice as hoof steps could be heard getting closer.

“No, I’m Princess Celestiaaaaaaaaaaa.” Sunflower said looked over to see Princess Celestia walking towards her. She fiddled with the watch again and changed into the Princess of the night. “Luna! Ha za!” She said smiling awkwardly getting a raised eyebrow from the Princess.

“Sunflower, these kinds of antics are the reason why I banished you from the castle.” The Princess said shaking her head.

“Oh that? I quit that when I found out I needed to help a friend. Besides, I never look back Princess, it distracts from the now.” S said as turning off the hologram turning her back to her true form.

“You quit being banished?” Celestia asked confused as a door opened from one of the chambers behind Sunflower, Lyra and Bon Bon stepped out looking for Sunflower Shine and spotted her by the fountain.

“There you are.” Bon Bon said quickly running up to the yellow pegasus. The cream mare bowed to the Princess and grabbed Sunflower Shine “We have to go now.”

Celestia stood there in awe as the three mares ran back into the castle. “What strange little ponies.” She said and smiled. “I get the feeling that this wedding will be more entertaining than I had thought.” She said to herself with a filly like joy.

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(Moments before)

Lyra and Bon Bon snuck into the room that Monotone was getting ready for the wedding. He already had his suit and top hat on and was currently in the slow process of attempting to tie his tie. Lyra couldn’t help but giggle at the fact that the conductor’s hat stood taller than him. “Cut it out Lyra, you're going to get us caught” Whispered the candy maker.

“I can’t help it, it's just too funny. The top of his hat is at eye level with us.” Commented the mint green unicorn pointing a hoof at the accessory.

The giggling caught the attention of the small gray stallion as he made his way over to investigate. Bon Bon saw Monotone making his way over so she put on her best smile and tried to pass herself off as a service pony that worked in the castle. “G-good afternoon Mister Symphony, can I offer you something to drink before the ceremony?”

The tiny conductor looked at the two for a bit. Something about them seemed familiar but he couldn’t put a hoof on where he seen them before. “You two look familiar, don’t I know you two from somewhere?”

“I don’t think so, we work here at the castle.” Bon Bon answered trying to cover up their identity. “So, what can we get you to drink?” She asked quickly trying to change the subject.

Monotone thought about it for a second before replying “Nothing, I’ll drink after I marry my prize.”

“Are you sure? A little liquid courage goes a long way.” The candy maker replied, trying desperately to convince the tiny stallion to have a drink of Berry’s Punch.

“No thank you, now if you don’t mind, I have to tie my tie.” Monotone said dismissing the two mares and trying once again to figure out how to do a Double Windsor knot.

The cream earth pony was about to try again but was stopped by Lyra who held up her hoof to stop her. The mint green unicorn gave Bon Bon a smile and a wink as she grabbed the purple bottle from her marefriend and made her way to the tiny conductor. Along the way, her horn lit up in a golden aura as she also grabbed a clip-on tie and two big googly eyes that just happened to be sitting nearby. She stood next to the gray stallion taking off his poorly tied tie and swiftly replacing it with the clip-on. The unicorn simultaneously adjusted the mirror so he could see the tie but not the top of his hat that now had a pair of eyes attached.

“Thank you, service pony. You can go now.” Said the conductor looking back into the mirror.

Lyra took a deep breath “Hey, do you wanna feel so Energetic? Try PowerThirst, the energy drink for ponies that need gratuitous amounts of energy. I’m sure you’ll need it to stay awake through the ceremony.”

He looked at the bottle hovering in front of his face and thought about it for a second. “You make a good point; these events are boring.” Replied Monotone talking the bottle from Lyra.

“Now you only need to drink a small amoun...” Started the mint green unicorn but the stallion downed the whole bottle and hoofed it back to her.

“Thank you, I feel much better. I need have to go now. Bye.” Said the tiny conductor taking his leave.

“H-he drank it all...” Lyra commented looking concerned.

“I don’t like the stallion as much as the next pony but that stuff seems dangerous...” Replied Bon Bon as the two stood there dumbfounded, wondering when the drink would take effect.

Suddenly a guard walked through the room and noticed the two mares standing there. “Hey, what are you two doing there?”

“Oh buck! S was supposed to warn us!” Lyra stated only to feel a hoof on her shoulder.

Bon Bon looked at her and said “Cheese It!” And the two started running from the guard.

“Wait you two!” Replied the guard who took off after them. The two mares ducked around a corner and waited silently as the stallion ran past them. Once the coast was clear, the two when through a door and saw S talking with Princess Celestia.

“What’s she doing there?” Lyra asked.

“I don’t know, but we got to blend into the crowd asap.” Bon Bon replied running over to retrieve the yellow Pegasus.

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The three mares snuck into the crowd of ponies that entered the main hall and took a seat not that far behind of Octavia’s parents. “Wait, so he drank the whole bottle?” S asked after Lyra filled her in on what she missed.

“Yeah, he just downed it.” Replied Lyra.

“Oh, that’s not good. Bon Bon, that’s not good right?” Sunflower asked.

“No, very bad.” Answered the candy maker.

“Thank you, Bon Bon.” Replied the yellow pegasus.

“Yeah but the weird thing is that after he drank it, it didn’t seem to have any effect on him. He just walked out like nothing happened.” Commented the mint green unicorn trying to figure out what was going on.

“...Maybe it’s a creeper. You know, one of those drinks that hits ya later.” Responded Bon Bon thinking about the situation.

“I hope so, otherwise, we’re gonna have to this the old fashion way.” Lyra said.

“What’s that?” asked S.

“Object to the marriage on the grounds that Monotone is a Buck Face Loser who doesn’t deserve Octavia.” Answered the mint green unicorn.

“I got ya.” Replied S as the three of them waited impatiently for the ceremony to begin.

Monotone stood at the altar waiting for his bride to be to walk down the aisle. He was receiving a lot of weird looks from ponies that noticed the googly eyes on his top hat but nopony bother to say anything. Finally, the wait was over as the disheartened Octavia walked towards the altar. She put on a fake smile as she slowly made her way down the aisle and stood next to Monotone. She turned to face him but was met with a pair of googly eyes glued on a top hat. A bit taken aback, she looked down at the tiny and realized that he didn’t seem to notice the new addition to his apparel. Getting her hopes up, Octavia looked out at the crowd searching for a white unicorn with an electric blue mane but was disappointed not to find her.

“Of course, she’s not here... You chased her away remember.” Thought the cellist turning her attention to the alter.

“Mares and Gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to support the union of Monotone Symphony and Octavia Melody.” Princess Celestia started.

As her speech continued, the cellist slowly toned out everything, the crowd, the tiny stallion who was starting to have difficulty standing up straight, and Princess Celestia. The gray earth pony could only think about Vinyl and how it should be her up here, not him. She imagined her marefriend standing in front of her wearing a white wedding dress and standing next to her would be her parents who supported her.

Octavia continued her fantasy until she heard Princess of the Sun say. “If for any reason these ponies should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace.” Celestia gave a moment for anypony to object.

Lyra, Bon Bon, and S looked at each other and nodded, but just as they were about to stand up, they heard somepony shout. “I object!” The three looked over and saw Harmony standing up and moving forward. The objection was loud enough to be heard from across the castle. Octavia looked at her mother as the main hall became filled with gasps and whispers.

“What are you doing Harmony? We had a deal remember? He was almost somepony else’s problem.” A slightly shorter cyan earth pony from the groom’s sidestepped forward. It was clear she was Monotone’s mother by the somewhat plain expression on her face.

“Well the deal is off. I can’t let you do this Octavia.” The ruby mare replied and hugged her daughter. “Hate me all you want but your career isn’t worth giving up on love.” The ruby singer let go of the embrace looked her daughter in the eyes. “Besides, you don’t even like stallions.” She said causing monotone’s side of the family to gasp.

“Mother I...” Octavia started before she was cut off by an explosion above them.

From the ceiling came Vinyl Scratch crashing down on top of a large speaker landing right behind everypony. As the dust began to clear, the DJ straightened her shades and swiftly pointed a hoof at Princess Celestia shouting “Objection!”

“V-vinyl? You came back for me?” Octavia asked as tears of joy starting to fill her eyes.

“Of course Octy, I’m not about to let you marry somepony who isn’t me.” Answered the white unicorn holding her hoof out to Octavia. The cellist grabbed it and was pulled on top of the speaker.

“Ummm, sorry to steal your thunder Vinyl but I already objected.” Harmony said, still surprised by her entrance.

“What?...Really?... Not Lyra, Bon Bon or S but you?” The DJ asked looking out at the crowd only to see her three friends waving back at her with a sheepish smile as Harmony nodded.

“H-hey you, t-that'ssss my w-wife.” said Monotone stumbling towards the speaker.

Harmony held out a hoof tripping the tiny conductor. “Now Miss Scratch, get my daughter away from here.”

“Will do ma.” Vinyl said giving her a quick salute. She held on to Octavia with one leg and pulled out Sir Reginald with her magic. “It’s time to blow this joint Octy.”

“Wait...is that?...” The cellist started to asked but was cut off by her marefriend.

“Oh yeah, Plan G Mother Bucker!” The DJ exclaimed flipping Sir Reginald’s top hat up and pushing the small red button on top of the chicken’s head. With an ‘I Say’ coming from the chicken, a large explosion and bass drop was triggered on the speaker causing them to go flying forward. Monotone was hit by the speaker as he tried to get up while Vinyl and Octavia went sailing towards the entrance. The force of the speaker that the two were now riding blew the doors off their hinges and broke a stain glass window depicting Twilight’s coronation.

Monotone got back up and threw his top hat on the ground in anger. “We could’ve had something special, but you’re one crazy-ass bitch!” He shouted, expressing emotion for the first time in his life. Unfortunately, it wasn’t long-lived as he shortly passed out in front of the alter. The tiny stallion landed on his face as Berry’s Punch began working its magic.

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Vinyl and Octavia held on for dear life as the speaker they were riding flew across the streets of Canterlot at an amazing speed. “Octy! Can we talk about why your backup plan for me leaving was to marry Minitone?!” Vinyl asked annoyed.

“I don’t think now is the best time for this argument Vinyl!” Octavia replied as she tried to lean the speaker to avoid hitting ponies in the way.

“Why not?!” Inquired the DJ as the speaker hit a sales cart completely destroying it.

“My Cabbages!” The owner cried out.

“Sorry!” Called back the white unicorn looking back at Octavia “So?!”

“Seriously Vinyl!? We are careening down the streets of Canterlot on a flying speaker with no way to steer! Ponies lives are in- Watch out random background pony!” Exclaimed the cellist waving her hoof.

“Oh, don’t mind me just crossin’ the street. Ahhhh!” The pony said jumping out of the way in the nick of time.

“I think you're just trying to avoid the subject Octy!” Retorted the DJ.

“The only subject I am concerned with right now is how to stop this thing! Didn’t you install brakes of some sort?!” Questioned the cellist.

“I didn’t think that far ahead! Like you marrying Minitone!” Vinyl answered ducking to avoid hitting a sign.

Octavia sighed in anger. “Fine! Seeing how you won’t drop this subject I didn’t know what to do after you left, so I started to drink Alicorn Ale!”

“Damn Octy! You really can’t handle your Ale can you!? Remind me to never let you drink that stuff again!” Vinyl said as the two of them leaned to the side to avoid another obstacle.

“Now your turn! Why’d you leave me without saying anything?!” Asked the gray mare.

“I got scared!” Replied the unicorn.

“You?! Scared?! You can’t be serious!” Octavia said jumping over a banner and landing back on the speaker.

“I am serious! I’m not as strong and carefree as you think! I was afraid that if we went through with it, it would end up in failure and we’d end up leaving each other!” Explained Vinyl.

“I thought you were leaving me when you ran away!” Stated the cellist.

“Well now I’m here to stay! For better or for worse!” Replied the DJ.

“D-Do you mean that?!” Asked the Octavia looking at her marefriend.

“Of course, I do! So long as you don’t leave me!” Vinyl answered locking eyes with the earth pony.

“Not in a million moons!” Commented the cellist moving in to kiss the DJ. The two stayed locked in their passionate embrace as they continued to fly down the streets of Canterlot. Soon the speaker started to slow down to a stop and the two mares broke their kiss to see where they ended up. Oddly enough, they stopped in front of a familiar-looking two-story yellow house with black shudders and torches along the walkway.

A tan mare walked out holding a champagne glass and smiled knowingly at the couple. “Soooo, how’d it go?” Lora Troft asked taking a sip.

“Save the cellist, save the world.” The DJ stated hopping off the speaker.

“I fail to see how saving me from myself constitutes saving the world Vinyl.” Octavia replied slowly getting off the speaker herself.

“Octy, you are my world.” Vinyl replied smiling sweetly at her sliding her shades down a little showing her sincere looking red eyes.

“Awww.” The gray mare replied putting a hoof over her heart. “Though I’m still mad at you for going through with Plan G.”

“Come on Octy, nothing bad happened...” The white unicorn said as about fifteen royal guards surrounded them.

“Hooves up where we can see them. You are under arrest for destroying parts of the Royal Castle.” One of the guards yelled out as the rest moved in holding spears at Octavia and Vinyl.

The two mares slowly raised their hooves up “You were saying Vinyl?” Octavia asked a bit annoyed.

“Don’t worry Octy, I got this. Come on guys, ponies do crazy things when they’re in love.” The DJ said causing all the guards to look at each other confused.

Octavia groaned and facehoofed “That’s not helping Vinyl.”

Just as the guards were going to apprehend the musicians, a joyful laugh could be heard slowly approaching. Everypony looked up only to see Princess Celestia flying towards them still laughing. Everypony bowed as she landed and wiped a tear from her eye “That was the best wedding I ever had the pleasure of conducting. Guards, leave these mares be. I haven’t had this much fun since I invited Discord to the Grand Galloping Gala.” After dismissing the guards, the Princess flew away, laughing once more.

As the guards put away their weapons and walked away, they started talking to each other. “I am starting to question Princess Celestia’s sanity.”

“You’re just now questioning it? I questioned her sanity when she said she wanted to reform Discord.” Said another guard pony. Soon, they disappeared into the crowd leaving the musicians alone.

“...Sooo...That was a thing.” Stated Vinyl surprised that they were off scotch free.

“Y-yeah...” Replied Octavia as a breeze blew past the dumbfounded mares.

“Looks like I missed the show.” Sir Trotterlot stated snapping the two mares back to reality. They turned around and saw the explorer walking towards them with their saddlebags. “I figured you two might want to head back to Ponyville and lie low a bit after this fiasco. So, I took the liberty of obtaining your belongings.”

Octavia smiled widely as she rushed over to the brown stallion and hugged him tightly. “Thank you Uncle Trotterlot!”

“I say. Is everything alright Octavia?” Asked the explorer.

“Everything is perfect.” Answered the gray mare letting go of her uncle.

“Ahem, well, as I was saying. I got you two tickets for the first train out of Canterlot, unfortunately that train departs tomorrow.” Said Sir Trotterlot.

“Tomorrow? But I already signed us out of the Hidden Gem.” Replied the cellist figuring out where they could sleep.

“No need to worry about that, fortunately I have a spare room that you two can crash. Trotty and I will clean up the mess you two left on the streets. Needless to say, I suggest staying in the house for the time being.” Lora said pointing a hoof down the street that was filled with angry shop owners.

“Good point.” Replied the DJ grabbing her saddlebag.

“How can we ever thank you Lora?” Asked Octavia.

“You already have.” Replied the adventurer leaning on Sir Trotterlot. The gray mare looked closer and saw that the two were wearing engagement bands on their left foreleg.

“I will inform my sister and brother-in-law about your departure time. I’m sure they would like to see you two off.” Added the explorer.

Octavia hugged the couple and joined Vinyl inside her future aunt’s house. The two found the spare bedroom upstairs and set their saddlebags down on the ground so they could jump in bed. After everything that happened, the two were so exhausted that they fell asleep in each other's embrace.

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It was early in the morning and the Friendship Express was finishing up its preparations to depart. The Canterlot Station was filled with ponies waiting to board the train. Near the rear of the loading platform, a small group of ponies were saying their goodbyes.

Octavia hugged her parents and then her Uncle and Lora. “I’ll miss you all, stay in touch.” She said as she looked to her mother. “I hope to see you and Father under better circumstances soon.”

“Agreed, though it might be a while Octavia.” Harmony replied.

“Perhaps not as long as you think dear sister, what with you accompanying me to Wubapollusa and all.” Sir Trotterlot said as if it was a known fact.

“WHAT?! Wubapollusa?!” The ruby mare yelled out getting the attention of everypony on the platform before they again went about their business.

“That’s right, it’s the favor I’m calling in for running out in that storm to find Miss Scratch. Surely you remember.” Replied the explorer.

“I remember giving you a favor, you mentioned nothing about going to a rave brother.” Commented Harmony.

“Huh, is that so?... Well, now you know.” Sir Trotterlot said with a laugh patting his sister on the back.

The ruby singer groaned and facehoofed while Vinyl was chuckling. “Don’t worry Harmony, I’m sure you’ll love it. You’ll get to see me and Octavia plus Princess Luna will be attending.” said the DJ.

“The Princess? Why would she be there?” Harmony asked, surprised to hear of royalty attending an event like this.

“Well it is a week-long, dusk till dawn event. I heard she was so ecstatic for another nighttime event that she sponsored the whole thing. Truly, a pony of the night.” Replied Vinyl with a newfound appreciation for Princess Luna.

Octavia tapped Harmony’s shoulder and whispered “You may want to invest in earbuds.”

“Will that help drown out the music?” Asked the ruby singer.

“Not at all, it will just ensure that your ears aren’t ringing the next day.” Answered the cellist.

“All aboard!” Called out the conductor of the Friendship Express.

“That’s our cue.” Octavia said grabbing her saddlebag as she started to walk towards the train. Just as the cellist was going to board, she remembered something she wanted to ask the tan adventurer. “Go on Vinyl, I’ll be right there.” She said walking to her future aunt. “Hey Lora, would you mind watching out for Uncle Trotterlot? He has a natural attraction for trouble.” Whispered Octavia.

Lora Troft chuckled. “Of course, and don’t forget to write.” The adventurer gave the gray mare a hug.

Vinyl walked back out and started looking around. “What seems to be the problem Miss Scratch?” Asked Sir Trotterlot worried that the unicorn may have forgotten something.

“Um, where are Lyra and Bon Bon?” The DJ asked looking for the missing couple.

“Odd, they should have been here by now.” Replied the explorer looking around.

“There they are.” Lora said pointing a hoof at three ponies walking through the station.

“Huh, I wonder what was ke-” Alto started only to be cut off by his wife.

“Hush Alto, they made it that’s all that matters.” Harmony stated watching Octavia’s friends get closer.

The yellow pegasus stood happily in-between the couple with her wings over the two mare's shoulders. Both Lyra and Bon Bon appeared to have a mixture of regret and relief plastered on their face. “Thanks fillies, that was the best night I ever had.” Sunflower said joyfully.

“Don't mention it.” Bon Bon said looking away embarrassed.

“Ever.” Lyra added as she looked away.

Sunflower chuckled softly. “Okay, Okay, but let’s not wait for the next wedding to do this again.” She said softly kissing both Lyra and Bon Bon on their cheeks while slipping a piece of paper into Lyra’s saddlebag without her noticing. S flapped her wings and took off in the direction of the Hidden Gem.

The group watched as the two mares slowly walked past them avoiding eye contact with a blush on their face. “...What happened to you tw-” Octavia started to ask but was stopped by Lyra putting a hoof over her mouth.

“Don’t ask.” The mint green mare started taking her hoof off of the cellist’s mouth.

“Don’t tell.” Finished the cream earth pony said as the two took a seat next to each other.

Vinyl and Octavia looked at each other in confusion before shrugging it off. They waved goodbye to the family and rushed onto the train right before the doors shut. Just as the two took a seat across from their friends, the conductor walked by checking everypony’s tickets. His attention turned to the DJ and he sighed softly. “Sorry for being a dream wrecker. I was just doing my job. Please enjoy your trip.” He said punching their tickets and walking away.

“What was that about?” Octavia asked.

Vinyl blushed and rubbed the back of her neck. “I kind of sent a strongly worded letter to the owner of the Friendship Express the day we arrived. I guess he read it. Ha Ha...” The white unicorn said as she looked down in embarrassment. It was then that the DJ noticed something interesting laying on the floor next to Lyra’s bag. “What the?” Asked Vinyl picking up the small piece of paper. The DJ started chuckling before breaking out in all-out laughter.

“What is it Vinyl?” Questioned Octavia, curious as to what was on the piece of paper hovering in front of her marefriend. The DJ levitated the paper in front of Octavia who quickly after viewing its content, turned a deep shade of crimson. “Oh my...”

“What, can we see?” Asked Lyra wondering what the two were now laughing at.

“Sure thing.” Replied Vinyl turning the paper around causing Lyra and Bon Bon’s heart to drop. It was an intimate picture of the two in bed with S in the middle winking at the camera. In the lower right hoof corner, there was a heart drawn with a number and the words ‘Call Me’ written inside.

“When did she?” Started Bon Bon wondering if it was possible to die from embarrassment.

“How did she?” Continued Lyra, also turning a deep shade of red.

“Well that explains why you two were late this morning.” Teased Octavia putting a hoof over her mouth to cover her smirk.

“Yeah, you might say they had a rough night.” Added Vinyl only to get tackled by the mint green unicorn.

“Give that to me.” Lyra said, trying to get the picture away from the DJ.

“Why, can’t wait to call S-Ow! Why Octy?” The white unicorn asked rubbing the back of her head.

“That's enough Vinyl, give them back their photo.” Octavia answered. The gray mare knew that the couple had way more dirt on them and didn’t want to provoke it.

“Fine, spoilsport.” Mumbled Vinyl hoofing the picture back to Lyra who immediately hid it in her saddlebag.

“So, on another note, when is Wubapollusa starting?” The cellist asked.

“Today, we got to grab my equipment when we get back to our place and leave right away.” Answered the DJ.

“Today?! But I haven’t even gotten my Tickets yet.” Replied Octavia, worried that she might not be able to attend her marefriend’s show.

“Don’t worry Octy, I got you a backstage pass. I even got one for you two...” She started but stopped when she noticed that Lyra and Bon Bon were sleeping.

“I think S finally got what she wanted.” The gray mare chuckled softly.

“Yeah, and Lyra was along for the ride.” The DJ quietly added as to not disturb the couple.

“Oh, stop it Vinyl.” Giggled the cellist playfully shoving her marefriend.

“Not a chance” Replied the DJ leaning back on the gray mare. “I love ya Octy.”

“I love you too Vinyl.” Octavia replied kissing the DJ softly.

The rest of the train ride was quite as every pony fell asleep, getting ready for the dusk till dawn event. It was nice to be back in Ponyville, even if it was only for a little bit. Vinyl started to pack up her equipment and records while Octavia went to check the mail. There wasn’t anything out of the ordinary except for a small package with Octavia’s name on it. She took the small box to her room and opened it reading the note that was inside. The gray mare smiled and put the package in her saddlebag and went to help Vinyl repack hers. Octavia finished and was about to leave Vinyl’s room when she noticed Sir Reginald sitting on her marefriend’s bed. The cellist chuckled and grabbed the rubber chicken, placing it on a shelf above the fireplace for everypony to see.

“Ready Octy?” Asked the DJ standing in front of the door.

“I’m ready” Replied Octavia grabbing their saddlebags and heading out the door.

Author's Notes:

Thank you for reading chapter ten everypony. Rosa and I hope you are enjoying the story and thought the chapter title worked out well considering the theme of this story it Come and Get Your Love. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qKGWY1T32k Also be honest who here thought Plan G would be used? Did you get any references in this chapter? Only one more chapter to go. We hope you are ready. Also, we have two polls we would like to ask our readers.
How long Should Monotone be Drunk for?
And
How long should Monotone's Hangover be?
The results will be posted in a blog just before the last chapter is released so please vote.

-The Buck It Bros

According to Plan!

According to Plan!

Harmony woke up early and yawned as she got out of bed. She looked over at her still sleeping husband and smiled. The ruby mare wanted to treat Alto to some breakfast and his paper, seeing how he had not been able to read it while the service ponies were fixing up the manor. The singer looked around her place as she made her way downstairs. ‘Those ponies really did a good job; I can’t even tell that this manor was destroyed by my brother and Miss Scratch.’ She thought to herself. Opening the front door to the manor, she levitated the morning paper off the ground and made her way to the kitchen. She started a pot of coffee and looked at the calendar immediately sighing with quiet frustration. “That’s right, I have to attend the last night of Wubapollusa with Sir Trotterlot... I wonder if I could feign sickness...” Harmony started to think of a few ways to bail out but sighed knowing that she made a promise. “Cursid integrity.”

It was then that she heard her husband start to walk down the stairs. Casting her future problems aside for the moment, her horn lit up as she filled a cup with coffee and placed it on the table next to the paper. “Morning Hun, I made you...” The ruby singer paused seeing Alto wearing a tie and a fedora instead of his morning robe. “Alto? Are you heading out somewhere?” She inquired looking back at the calendar with her head slightly tilted to the side.

“Ah yes, sorry dear, I forgot to mention that I have some things to do this morning.” Said the silver stallion giving his wife a hug and began walking towards the door.

“Things? You don’t to things.” The ruby mare remarked as she looked questioningly at the stallion.

“Yes I do, I thank enthusiastic walk through the streets.” The conductor replied gaining a groan and facehoof from the mare.

“But what about your paper?” Harmony asked pointing a hoof at the table.

The conductor looked longingly at his issue of Equestrian Daily and shook his head “Sorry paper, not today. I have an important meeting that is long overdue and can’t be late for it. I’ll be gone for most of the day so if I don’t see you before you leave.” Alto kissed his wife and started walking to the door again “Have a good time at the show.”

The ruby singer groaned and sat at the table putting her forelegs over her head. “Don’t remind me.”

The stallion chuckled at his wife acting overdramatic. “Say hello to Octavia and Miss Scratch for me.”

“Will do.” Replied Harmony, still buried in her hooves.

Alto shut the door behind him and started making his way down the streets of Canterlot. The sun was shining bright and the birds were chirping as the conductor made his way to a small diner on the outskirts of town. He had agreed to catch up with an old friend of his while he was still in town. A small bell rang as he opened the door alerting the staff of his presence. A host pony walked over to greet the customer.

“Morning Alto, would you like your usual booth?” Asked the worker in a cheerful tone.

“Yes please, I’m expecting an old friend of mine. If he's not here already that is.” Answered the silver stallion looking around the diner.

“Oh, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you both here together.” Commented the host pony.

“Yes, well, when you're constantly ‘exploring’ breakfast tends to a bit challenging. Ah, there’s that crazy stallion now.” Alto commented looking back at the door.

The bell chimed and a brown earth pony wearing an explorer’s hat came walking in and spotted the conductor. “Alto old boy!”

“Trotty! Good to see you again!” Replied Alto Tempo giving Sir Trotterlot a unique hoof shake and a quick hug.

“It's been too long old friend.” Said Sir Trotterlot as the two took a seat at their usual booth.

“Can I get you two some coffee?” Asked the host pony setting down two menus and levitating a note pad to jot down their order.

“Yes, I’ll have mine with cream and two sugars.” Answered Alto taking off his hat and setting it down next to him.

“Same.” Added Trotterlot also setting his hat down. The host pony scribbled down their order on the paper and walked away to get their drinks. “So, what have you been up to Alto?”

“Dealing with all the contractors fixing up the manor as of late. I finally don’t have to worry about dropping the front door on guests anymore.” The silver stallion commented happily.

“Ha ha ha, somehow, I just knew that you were going to bring that up.” Replied the explorer.

“Don’t worry about it, I hated the décor anyways, you and Miss Scratch really did me a solid.” Commented the conductor.

The host pony came back and dropped off their coffee. “Are you two ready to order?”

The two looked at each other for a second and replied. “We’ll have the usual.”

“Ok, one giant stack of pancakes and two plates coming up.” Replied the host taking the menus off the table and walking over to the chief.

The two stallions took a sip of coffee and looked around the diner. “Sure has been a while huh?” Commented Sir Trotterlot.

“Yeah, we haven’t eaten here since our University days.” Added the silver stallion.

“Every day it seemed like we were planning some sort of prank, capper, or party in this booth.” Reminisced the brown explorer.

“Right, this booth is where I came up with my second greatest plan of all time.” Alto said.

“You mean the one that landed you a date with my sister?” Inquired Sir Trotterlot.

“Indeed, she was always playing hard to get. But enough about me, word on the grapevine says that you and Lora are an item now. Took you long enough mate.” Alto stated chuckling.

“Ahem, yes, well, I have Octy and her friends to thank for that. I never knew Miss Trof- I mean Lora was interested in me that way. I thought we were just close colleagues through and through.” The explorer commented.

Alto shook his head and laughed. “Trotty you wouldn’t know you were in water if you fell out of a boat.” The conductor stated taking another sip from his coffee. “Honestly, all the letters you wrote about her screamed that she liked you.”

“I had other things on my mind brother, like science!” Sir Trotterlot exclaim in excitement as the host pony came back and placed down two plates and a big tray of pancakes in front of the gentlecolts. “Enough about that, I think you know the real reason I wanted to catch up with you Alto. I’ve been dying to know why you did it ever since I received your letter requesting my help.”

“Wasn’t it obvious old friend, the rift between our family was growing bigger and bigger with each passing year. It was at the point where I had to do something to get us all back together, the hard part was figuring out what. Harmony was growing as uptight as all those Canterlot nobles she works with and Octavia was growing more independent with her friends in Ponyville. I had to come up with something drastic to get them both out of their comfort zones in hopes that they would have no choice but to hash out their feelings towards each other.” Explained the silver conductor taking a bite out of his breakfast.

“That may be true Alto but an arranged marriage in this day and age? What if Octy said no to begin with, or worse, listened to her mother and went through with it?” The brown stallion asked brushing a crumb off his mustache.

“That's why I asked you to come here on such short notice. I knew Octavia would at the very least humor our ridiculous request with a visit and find some way of saying no. Figured with you here, she would stay long enough to go along with my plan and I can always count on you getting your sister going. As for the second point, I didn’t think I had to worry about my daughter marrying a stallion anytime soon knowing she’s had a preference for mares since high school.” The silver stallion said taking a sip of his coffee.

“You knew? Because it seemed to me that you didn’t understand your daughter’s sexuality.” The explorer stated taking a sip of his own coffee.

“That’s nonsense and you know it Trotty. Just because I don’t care, doesn’t mean I don’t understand. It’s hard not to notice the way she blushed or felt bashful towards the other mares in her orchestra. I didn’t mind it one bit, Harmony on the other hoof was in denial because she didn’t want that ruining her reputation with her associates.” Alto replied and he sighed softly. “Honestly, the only thing that threw me off that whole week was when my daughter suddenly agreed to that wedding. Well, that and how destructive my daughter’s friends are.”

“Ha ha, yes they certainly do have quite a knack for mischief, don’t they? Kinda reminds you of some ponies doesn’t it?” The explorer quipped with a smirk

“Ha ha, yes indeed it seems history does repeat itself.” The silver stallion commented with a chuckle.

“But still old boy, how did you ever convince my sister to agree to an arranged marriage? I didn’t think I was gone for that long and she surely wouldn’t have gone for something so ridiculous before.” Replied Sir Trotterlot

“Convincing my wife was the easy part, all it costed me was a bit of pride. Just thinking about how I had to act in front of her-” The conductor shivered in disgust remembering how he had acted before Octavia showed up. “No, the hardest part was finding a pony so repulsive that not even Harmony could stand him for long. I needed somepony who represented the ugly side of the Canterlot nobles and thank Celestia that I was able to find Monotone, talk about the perfect pawn.”

“And what if my sister didn’t come around in the end?” Inquired the mustached pony.

“Really? Between you constantly berating her on her actions and Monotone being... well Monotone, you’d have to be Prince Blue Blood not to change.” Alto replied and ate a little more of his breakfast.

Sir Trotterlot chuckled a bit before commenting. “Surely, you didn’t orchestrate everything that happened.”

“Not at all...And don’t call me Shirley.” Added the silver stallion getting a smirk from the Explorer “No, after getting everypony together, I had to stay in the background to not raise suspicion with my wife. All I could do was nudge everypony in the right direction and let events unfold. Honestly, if it weren't for you Trotty, things would have gone a lot differently.”

“Not to sound condescending old boy but what did you all do, after getting us all here that is?” Asked the brown stallion.

“Let me think here. Well, I felt really bad for putting my daughter in this situation so I pulled some strings with the owner of A Restaurant to let Miss Scratch get a reservation on Hearts and Hooves day. I gave him two tickets to the next symphony that I’m conducting and told him not to mention me when Miss Scratch called. Harmony and I went there so I could hoof over the tickets and when the bill came back, he gave me the two tickets to Wubapolusa that Miss Scratch tried to bribe him with.” Alto stated.

“You mean the ones you gave me?” Asked Sir Trotterlot.

“Indeed, I laughed when I heard you were taking Harmony as your plus one. Funny how things play out. After that, Miss Scratch came in wearing my daughter’s bowtie and kept bugging me for Octavia’s location. I tried being subtle and flashed the circled article in the paper about The Boating Pony in her face to no avail.” The conductor chuckled a bit before continuing. “I literally had to hit her on the head with it for her to get the hint.”

The explorer shared a laugh with his friend. “Yeah, that seems about right. From the little time that I have been acquainted with Miss Scratch, subtlety is not her strong suit.”

“After that, I had to get tickets for the Skytanic but something happened between Miss Scratch and Octavia that night. I had to hoof write a letter to Octavia’s friends pretending to be one of the service ponies that work at our manor. Figured I could use all the help I could get if things didn’t go right. It was a good thing I did too, thanks to whatever those mares slipped in his drink, I was able to wave all the castle repair costs on Monotone. His parents weren't too happy about that and cut off his allowance, you might be able to read more about it in the paper.” Alto commented and sighed. “I can’t wait to read the paper again.”

“Well, I have to hoof it to you Old Boy, it definitely seems like you truly brought the family together.” The brown earth pony said smiling.

“I’m just happy that everything went according to plan.” Alto stated as she finished his breakfast and coffee. “Thanks again Trotty, I really couldn’t have done this without your help. Now then, I am sure you have a rave to attend.”

“That I do brother, just do me a favor next time and fill me in on your plans before hoof.” Sir Trotterlot requested putting down some bits and getting up from the table. “Breakfast again tomorrow? I’m sure Lora would love to get to know you and my dear sister.”

“It would be a pleasure.” Alto replied tipping his fedora as he nodded.

“What do you plan to do now that it’s all over Alto?” The brown stallion asked.

“Isn’t it obvious? I’m going to read my newspaper.” He put some bits down for himself. “Try not to tease Harmony too much.” He joked leaving the diner to take a walk around the city.

“No promise their old boy, I plan on making her pay for all the trouble she put me through.” Trotterlot replied making his way to Lora’s place to grab a few things for Wubapollusa.

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There at a yellow house with black shutters, the adventurer was standing there with Sir Trotterlot’s saddlebag. “There you go, your tickets, a few glow sticks, and the tee shirts you wanted.” Said Lora Troft holding up one of the shirts for him to see.

The explorer looked at the shirt and smiled “Thanks Lora, these are perfect.” He commented giving the tan mare a kiss. He placed the shirt back in the bag and dawned it on his back.

“Don’t stay out too late, we have to leave first thing in the morning. King Midas’ golden hoof won’t find itself.” The tan mare explained.

“That will indeed be a most excellent adventure, after breakfast of course.” The mustached pony responded.

“Breakfast? You know we can eat on the boat.” Commented Lora.

“Yes, but Alto and Harmony would like to meet you officially before hoof. I’m sure King Midas can wait for pancakes.” Trotty said.

“Alright, but we leave right after.” Replied Lora giving the explorer a quick slap on the flank to send him on his way. The brown stallion smiled and waved as he left for a night of bass, family, and no doubly, complaining.

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Harmony was pacing around the front hall of the manor waiting for her brother to arrive. “Surely, he’s joking, there’s no way he’s serious about taking me to a... rave.” She said shuddering at the thought. Though a loud and confident knock on the front door seemed to reaffirm her worse fear. She slowly opened the door and folded back her ears at the sight of her brother. He was wearing a neon green shirt with the words ‘I know this’ on it and had tied two glow sticks on his explorer’s hat. ‘Sweet Celestia... He is serious.’ Thought the ruby mare.

“Greetings dear Sister, I hope you are prepared for a night of lights, dancing, and amplified Tribal Beats. I believe Miss Scratch calls them Wubs.” Sir Trotterlot exclaimed holding out his hoof in hopes that Harmony would take it.

The singer rubbed her foreleg and hesitantly asked. “U-um...Brother... C-can’t we do anything else? Other than this I mean.”

“Now now dear Sister, you promised me anything and I agreed to those terms. Are you trying to go back on your word?” Sir Trotterlot asked.

“No, I’m just not sure about this rave thing, can’t you make an exception just this once?” Inquired Harmony.

“I meant what I said and said what I meant and a Trotty is faithful one hundred percent.” The brown earth pony replied gaining a facehoof from his sister.

Harmony looked at her brother’s attire and had to ask. “At least tell me the meaning of your shirt. I know this...what?”

Sir Trotterlot smiled reaching into his saddlebag and pulling out a neon pink T-Shirt with the words ‘Pretty Rave Girl’ on the front. “You like it? I had Lora get us matching shirts for tonight's festivities.”

“No, No, No. There is no Bucking way I’m wearing that in public Brother.” Complained the ruby singer.

Sir Trotterlot chuckled. “Come on Harmony, it’s an old school song for some old school ponies... What are you doing?” Inquired the brown stallion seeing his sister bury her head in her front hooves.

“Please Princess Luna, wake me from this Nightmare.” Stated the ruby mare in hopes that she would open her eyes somewhere else.

“Nightmare? Don’t be silly sister, I bet you’re going to have a tremendous amount of fun. More fun then you have had in the past several years I wager ha ha...” Sir Trotterlot cut himself off after seeing Harmony raise one hoof to shot him a glare. The explorer coughed in his hoof “Ahem, anyway. The point I’m trying to make is that if you just relax and take in this new experience with an open mind, you may actually enjoy yourself. And besides, I’m sure Octy and Miss Scratch will be thrilled to see us there, so what do you say, dear Sister?” Asked the explorer holding out the pink raver shirt.

The ruby singer stood up and thought about it for a second before sighing in defeat. “Fine, Let’s go.” Harmony grabbed the T-shirt with her magic and put it on.

“You won’t regret this dear sister, Electronic music hoo!” Exclaimed Sir Trotterlot leading the way to the train that would take them to Wubapolusa.

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Vinyl was backstage with Octavia looking through her records trying to figure out what kind of mix she should play tonight. “Hmm, what do you think Octy? Should I keep playing my usual stuff or should I switch things up a bit for my last set?” She asked levitating a few of her older EDM records for her marefriend to see.

“Oh, you want my opinion?” The cellist asked playfully walking over to the records that Vinyl had pulled out. “Let’s see what you have.” The gray mare looked over Vinyl’s selections and noticed that all the songs she picked out were classics for the genre. “Feeling a bit nostalgic?”

“Ha ha, so you noticed?” Answered the DJ, feeling a bit bashful for her choices but loved them nonetheless.

“I think anypony who listens to music has heard of these songs at least once... What’s got you in such a retro mood?” Asked Octavia.

“Don’t know, just seems like a fun way to wrap up Wubapolusa.” Vinyl replied.

“Well, I for one, second that idea Miss Scratch.” Said a voice walking in behind them.

“Mother, Uncle Trotterlot!” Octavia exclaimed and rushed over to greet them with a hug. “So good to see you again.”

“Hello to you too Octavia, I hope you are well.” Harmony said returning her daughter’s hug.

After they broke each other's embrace, the white unicorn couldn’t help but notice the bright shirts that the two were wearing. “I know this – Pretty Rave Girl? Ha ha ha, I love it. We need to get one of those Octy.” Vinyl said pointing a hoof at the two.

“A-Absolutely not. There’s no bucking way I’d wear that in public.” Replied Octavia who was now blushing like Harmony.

“Like mother like daughte-” Started the brown stallion who was cut off by a hoof to the gut. “Humph...Okay, you made your point.”

“Did I miss something?” Octavia asked tilting her head slightly.

“Nothing at all.” Replied the ruby mare, trying her best to maintain her composer.

“Anyhow, I’m glad you two made it just in time for my set. I wanted to play some old hits that got me into this genre, any here that strike your fantasy Harmony?” Asked the DJ floating a few records in front of her in a gray aura.

“Me? I don’t think I know any of these...songs...” The singer stopped when she noticed a record that she once owned.

Sir Trotterlot looked over the mare's shoulder and saw what she was eyeing up. “Oh, I remember this one. If memory serves me right, I caught you singing along to this song when I had forgotten my saddle bag years ago.”

“Y-you heard that?” Harmony asked wanting to bury her head in her hooves.

Vinyl lifted up her glasses revealing a pair of now sparkling red eyes. “You can sing ‘One More Time?’ by Daft Pony?”

Right as Harmony was about to interject, Sir Trotterlot spoke up. “Well, of course, she can, my sister can sing anything after hearing it once.”

“Then it’s decided, I’m doing a retro set.” Replied the DJ turning back to her records to finish selecting her tracks.

“...What are you up to Vinyl?” Octavia asked seeing her trademark smirk that always leads to trouble.

“Nothing at all Octy.” Replied the white unicorn as she slid her shades back down and winked at the gray mare.

Before Octavia could continue Sir Trotterlot spoke up. “Do you hear that Sister? Did Lora pick out the right shirts or what?! Come on Harmony, let's make our way to the front of the crowd.” The brown stallion grabbed his sister’s hoof and started making his way to the crowd though the ruby mare let go. “Huh, what’s up Harmony?”

“Thanks for the invite but I’d rather watch the show from here.” The ruby unicorn answered, uncomfortable with joining the crowd.

“Suit yourself, I’ll meet you back here after Miss Scratch’s show.” The explorer said cracking the glow sticks on his hat.

Harmony sighed in relief as her brother made his way through the crowd of ponies. “Thank Celestia.”

“So, how's everything back in Canterlot Mother?” Octavia asked.

“Huh? You mean our manor?” Replied the ruby singer trying to figure out what her daughter was asking.

“Well, that, and everything else. Vinyl and I had to leave in such a hurry after all.” Clarified the cellist.

“Yeah, what happened to Minitone?” Inquired the DJ.

“Well, after the wedding, Monotone’s family was billed for all the damages that happened to the castle. His folks cut off of his allowance and he lost his only two fans after news spread of the Canterlot conflict.”

“He had fans?” Octavia questioned trying to think up of anypony who could possibly listen to something so devoid of emotion.

“Let me guess, Snips and Sails.” Commented Vinyl.

“Yes, I do believe those were their names, how did you?” Harmony started to ask before the DJ replied.

“Obvious choice is obvious.” Vinyl responded.

“Anyway, he tried to earn his money back with his conductor job but was fired for showing up each day drunk. He’s currently working at McHayburger cleaning up the foals play center. Apparently, he’s the only one small enough to do it.” Explained Harmony causing the other two mares to laugh.

“Oh, that’s perfect.” Stated Octavia.

“I know right?” Agreed Vinyl. It was then that the DJ notice somepony she had requested to aid her final set. “Oh, I’ll catch up with you ponies later, there’s something I need to take care of. Yo Trixie! Glad you could make it.”

“Let's get one thing straight, The Great and Powerful Trrrrixie is only here to help you with the special effects. It’s not like Trixie likes you ponies or anything.” Replied the Magician.

“...Well, that’s certainly an interesting pony.” Commented Harmony as the two walked away.

“Yes, she certainly is... umm, mother. May I ask you a question?” Octavia asked softly.

“Of course, what's on your mind dear?” Inquired the ruby singer.

“W-well, there's this thing I’ve been avoiding doing since I got here b-but it didn’t go so well the last time I tried... I know things are different from before but I can’t help but think that I’m rushing things again...” Octavia said nervously looking down at the ground rubbing her hoof on the ground.

“Is this about Vinyl?” Harmony asked trying to figure out what might be troubling her daughter.

“Shhhh, not so loud mother.” Replied the cellist looking quickly looking over to her marefriend to see if she heard anything. To the cellist’s relief, the white unicorn was still talking over the details of her stage with Trixie.

“Okay, so what exactly have you been avoiding with the mare in question?” Asked the ruby unicorn.

“W-Well, you see, I... I mean, after everything that happened over last week, I know she’s the pony I want to spend the rest of my life with but...but after what happened last the time... I-I just don’t know if I’m rushing things again. I mean, just how will I know when the time is right mother? What if she gets scared off again? What if she-” The cellist was cut off by her mother putting a hoof over her mouth.

Harmony took her hoof off the gray mare’s mouth and held her in a hug. “Octavia, sweetie, I am certain that if you tell her exactly how you feel, anytime would be a good time. Stop worrying about what happened in the past and talk with her.”

“B-but what if she feels like I am rushing things again?” Octavia questioned feeling a little more relaxed in her mother's embrace.

Harmony began brushing her daughter’s mane before replying “Shhhh. Octavia, I said don’t worry, about a thing.” The ruby mare put her hooves on Octavia’s shoulder moving her back a bit so she could look her in the eyes. “Because every little thing, is gonna be alright.”

Octavia smiled and put her hoof over Harmony’s. “Thank you, mother.”

The music stopped as one of the DJ’s finished up his set. He grabbed the mic and pointed to the crowd “Thank you everypony for coming! I’m DJ Kelb and yall have been-”

“Kleb-tastic!” Shouted the audience.

“Oh, looks like Vinyl’s up next.” Octavia said pointing a hoof to the stage.

Harmony turned around in time to see the announcer walk up and grab the mic from DJ Kelb. “Mares and Gentalcolts! Make some noise for one of your favorite Bass Droppers, DJ Pon3!”

Every pony in the audience started cheering while stomping their hooves on the ground. Vinyl got on stage and walked behind her turntable waving at the crowd. She levitated the mic from the announcer and shouted. “What up every pony!” She waited a bit for the crowd to finish their cheers before continuing. “For my last set, I plan on mixing things up by bringing you guys back some classic Wubs! That’s right, I’m talking all your favorite tracks from years past. And as an added bonus to all my fans out there, I’m bringing in a special guest singer to start us off, Harmony Sung!” Vinyl pointed a hoof at Octavia’s mom as a spotlight shined on her.

Harmony’s ears folded back. “W-wha-” She started but before the singer could protest, the announcer pony gave her a mic and pushed her on stage as Vinyl started playing Daft Pony. The ruby unicorn looked back at her Daughter for help but she just started clapping her hooves. Now standing on center stage in front of DJ Pon3, Harmony shook her head sighing, took in a deep breath while undoing her hair clip and started singing. “One More Time!”

Octavia chuckled seeing her mother going from never seeing a rave to being a part of one. Looking back over to her marefriend, the cellist noticed that she was completely focused on her turntables. The gray mare slowly reached in her saddleback and pulled out a small black velvet box. She opened it up revealing an engagement ring fitted with a ruby engraved with Octavia’s and Vinyl’s Intertwined Cutie marks. Inside the top was a hoof written note from Bon Bon: ‘Lyra and I loved your idea so much that we couldn’t help it. Call it a thanks for helping us get together. Love, Bon Bon’.

Octavia smiled taking Bon Bon’s note out of the box and placed both items back in her bag. “Okay Octavia, no more stalling. Tonight, you’re going to ask Vinyl properly.” She thought to herself looking back at her marefriend on the stage. Between the Music, Lights, and Trixie’s fireworks, Vinyl and Harmony were actually drawing in a huge crowd with ponies coming in from all over the place.

“Music’s got me feeling so free, we’re gonna Celebrate, Celebrate and dance so free.” Harmony finished the song bowing to the audience. As a bell in the song chimed, a Trixie smoke bomb engulfed the ruby mare as she unknowingly fell through a trap door and was caught by Sir Trotterlot.

“Nice of you to Drop in.” Commented the explorer setting his sister safely back on the ground.

“Mark my words I’m going to find a way to legally murder that mare.” Harmony said irritated for being put on the spot for something she never wanted to do.

The brown stallion laughed at her frustration. “Ha ha ha, you said the same thing to me years ago.”

“I am still working on it.” Replied Harmony brushing herself off. “So how do we get out of here?”

“Right through here dear sister” Answered the explorer opening a door that led into the crowd.

“...This is going to be one of those nights, isn’t it?” Commented the singer.

“If you are referring to a night of fun then yes! Onwards dear Sister, I hear my song playing!” Sir Trotterlot said dragging Harmony into the crowd that was dancing and jumping to Vinyl’s music.

Octavia watched as her uncle gave Harmony some glow sticks and proceeded to dance. Looking at a clock, the cellist saw that she had enough time to go to a stand that was selling flower headbands. The cellist knew it might be a long shot, but she hoped that they would have some hydrangeas to make a bouquet.

As the cellist approached the stand, she noticed Derpy Hooves buying a flower headband. Dawning the headband, the gray pegasus turned around and noticed Octavia. The mailmare smiled and waved at her “Hi Oct-” The pegasus was about to greet her friend only to trip over a cup causing her to fall in a summersault.

The cellist helped the mailmare back on her hooves “Are you alright Derpy?”

“I’m fine, thanks, Octavia.” Said the gray pegasus patting her head noticing that her head ban was no longer there. “Uh-oh, have you seen where my flower band went?”

The cellist pointed her at the mare’s neck. “It appears to be a necklace now.” Derpy looked down and smiled at her new accessory. Thanking Octavia once more the gray pegasus flew off to the main stage where DJ Pon3 was playing.

“That mare is certainly something.” Commented the pony behind the stand.

“Roseluck? What are you doing here?” Octavia asked, surprised to see another familiar face from Ponyville at this event.

“Oh, just making a few extra bits. Glow sticks, flowers, and drinks sell well at these kinds of events. So, what can I get you, Octavia?” Replied the florist.

“W-Well, I was wondering if you happened to have any blue hydrangeas on hoof?” Inquired the cellist.

The red-maned mare reached under her stand and pulled out a box filled with all sorts of hydrangeas. With a smirk, the mare looked back at the cellist. “We got ya covered. So how would you like them arranged?”

Octavia blushed a bit as she reached into her saddleback and pulled out the black velvet box. “Could you make a bouquet with this in the middle?”

The onyx maned mare gave the box to Roseluck who opened the box and smiled when she saw a ring. “So, who’s the lucky pony?” The cellist bashfully pointed Rose’s attention to the main stage.

“What? You and Vinyl are an item now?” The flower seller inquired.

“Y-yeah. A lot has happened over the last two weeks and, well, I’m hoping she’ll be my fiancée by the end of tonight.” Replied the gray earth pony.

“Say no more. I’ll make this bouquet right away.” Said the florist immediately getting to work. Octavia watched as she skillfully arranged each hydrangea in the bouquet in such a way to allow the velvet box to sit on the inside. For the final touch, Roseluck added a small pink bow tie onto the velvet box so it would stand out a bit for the special pony to see. “There you go Octavia, hope everything goes well.”

“Thanks Roseluck, I can’t thank you enough.” The cellist said giving the red-maned mare some bits and headed back to the main stage.

Vinyl just finished her set as the announcer came back on stage “Alright Everypony, Let’s hear it one more time for DJ Pon3!” The audience cheered as Vinyl left the stage. “And now for our final act, Stomp your hooves for the Princess of the Night, DJ LUNA!”

“HAZA! The Wubs shall Last Forever!” Exclaimed the black alicorn starting her mix.

“Good Show Miss Scratch! Wouldn’t you agree Sister?” Asked Sir Trotterlot.

“I-I suppose...” Answered the ruby unicorn.

“Come come now, it wasn’t that bad was it Harmony?” Questioned the brown stallion.

“No, it was rather enjoyable. That’s the problem.” Replied the singer.

The explorer chuckled. “Well if you want, I can drag you along to the next one.”

“Don’t push your luck Brother.” Stated Harmony giving him a stern look.

“Oh well. In any case, it’s getting rather late. We should say goodbye to Octavia and Miss Scratch.” Said Sir Trotterlot as he started walking towards their direction only to be stopped by his sister.

“No, I think it’s best if we make our leave here. Octavia probably has some private business to take care of.” Commented the singer lowering her hoof back on the ground.

Sir Trotterlot thought for a brief second before piecing together what his sister was talking about. “Ah, very well. We will be on the way then; I wouldn’t want us to oversleep and miss breakfast tomorrow.”

“About that, exactly what kind of mare is this Lora Troft?” Harmony questioned as the two made their way to the train station.

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As Vinyl left the Stage, she noticed her marefriend waiting for her. “What’s up Octy? Did ya like the show?”

“Y-yeah, it was lovely Vinyl.” Replied the cellist, trying to think of what to say to the white unicorn.

“Huh, is something wrong? Your acting kind of weird.” Inquired the DJ, wondering what was going on with her marefriend.

“What? No. T-there’s nothing wrong... I just, have something that I wanted to say to you is all.” Octavia said trying to muster up all her courage. ‘Oh come on Octavia. Now’s not the time to become nervous. Mare up, you can do this.’ She thought trying to psych herself up.

As Vinyl watched Octavia trip over her own words, she noticed something blue behind her marefriend’s back. “Hey, what's that Octy?” The DJ asked pointing a hoof at the bouquet of flowers.

“T-this is.” Octavia paused taking a deep breath to calm herself down “I wanted to give you these.” The onyx maned mare said holding out the hydrangeas while gaining the confidence she needed to tell Vinyl her true feelings.

Vinyl, not knowing what the gray mare had in mind, was excited to see the little arrangement. “Thanks Octy, how’d you know these were my favorite flowers?”

“Oh, a mare has her ways.” Replied Octavia smiling and waiting in anticipation.

Vinyl leaned in to smell the blue flowers when she noticed something weird sitting inside of the bouquet. The DJ’s horn lit up in a gray aura as she lifted a small velvet box with a small pink bow tie out of the flowers. “...Octy...is this?” Vinyl took off her glasses and opened the box revealing the ruby engagement ring.

“Vinyl, I know that you don’t want to rush things between us... And I know that I can be a little selfish sometimes, but hear me out. After everything that we’ve been through, I can always count on you to help me overcome any obstacles that life throws at me. I just wanted to remind you, that you can count on me to do the same. And if your still not ready, I’m willing to wait however long it takes. But trust me when I say that there is no other pony I’d rather spend the rest of my life with than you. So, I guess what I’m trying to say is. Vinyl, will you marry me?” The cellist shut her eyes after the confession, not quite knowing what to do next. But after a brief moment of silence, Octavia wondered what was going on so she opened her eyes to see Vinyl crying and smiling at the same time. “V-Vinyl?”

“Yes.” Uttered the DJ wiping the tears from her eyes.

“I’m sorry, what did you say?” Asked the cellist, not hearing her over the music.

“Yes!” Repeated Vinyl quickly wrapping her hooves around Octavia and giving her a long, passionate, kiss. The gray mare was a bit shocked at first but soon began reciprocating her fiancée's raw emotion. The music seemed to fade as fireworks lit up the sky, marking the end of the two mare's perfect night.

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We expect you both to be there so we will be in touch with the date.

-Love Octavia

Harmony had finished reading the letter that just arrived this morning from her daughter for the third time. The ruby mare placed the letter on top of the latest copy of Equestrian Daily as a small smile formed on her face.

“No bucking way, no bucking way. Alto! Alto get down here and read this letter from our daughter.” The joyful mother yelled out.

Alto Tempo was grumbling as he made his way into the room. “What is with all the yelling Harmony? I finally get some peace and quiet and you start yelling.”

“I can’t help it look at the letter.” Harmony pointed to the parchment resting on his morning paper.

“Can’t I read the Equestrian Daily first?” The stallion asked yawning before fear completely overtake him noticing the death glare his wife was giving him. “O-okay honey, let me see this letter.” He said picking up the parchment.

Dearest Mother and Father,

I am pleased to inform you that Vinyl and I are engaged and plan on getting married soon. There are still a number of things that we need to do before hoof and I was hoping you both would be able to help. Vinyl is working out a date for us to properly meet her parents for dinner, FYI, she also invited some of our close friends as well as Uncle Trotterlot and Lora Troft. Knowing Vinyl, I expect her family to be an interesting bunch of ponies but don’t you dare make that an excuse to not show up. You need to meet my friends and Vinyl’s parent’s formally before our wedding. We expect you both to be there so we will be in touch with the date.

-Love Octavia

Alto smiled as he reached the end of the letter. Octavia was once again reaching out to her family and Harmony seemed excited to hear from her. “Well, that will certainly be an interesting party. We’ll have to pick up a nice gift for the couple beforehoof.” Alto said setting down Octavia’s letter. ‘And now, time for this.’ The stallion thought to himself reaching for his paper.

“Sweet Celestia you’re right, we have to find the perfect gift for those two... We should talk to that yellow pegasus that I noticed following the girls for ideas. She seemed close with them. Come along dear.” The ruby mare responded pulling Alto away from the table.

“B-but my paper.” The silver stallion whined as he was pulled away.

“The paper will have to wait till later dear, we have things to do.” Harmony replied dragging her husband out into town to find a Sunflower Shine.

“Bucking running gags.” Alto muttered under his breath knowing that he wouldn’t get to read his paper today.

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Octavia opened the door to their home taking in a deep breath and letting out a sigh of relief. It was finally over and they were home to stay for a while. She walked to the couch and flopped down on it. With everything that has happened over the past two weeks, the gray mare was exhausted.

Vinyl walked in shortly after carrying her records and equipment. “Buck I can’t wait to just lay on the couch and pass out.” As the DJ walked to her room, she noticed her fiancée had the same idea “You too huh?”

“Uh-huh.” She muttered, face still buried in the pillows.

Vinyl finished levitating all her stuff into her room and walked back into the living room falling back onto the couch across from the Octavia. “Ahhh, time for some R and R.” After a brief bit of silence, a thought struck the DJ “Hey Octy?”

“Yes Vinyl?” Replied the gray earth pony.

“With the two of us being engaged now, who's bed are we sharing?” Asked the white unicorn.

Octavia thought about it for a second before answering. “I’m not sure... I guess we could talk about it over tea, I have been craving some earl gray for a week. Would you care for a cup?”

“Sure, why not.” Replied the DJ.

Octavia got up and walked into the kitchen to get the pot started. The cellist opened up the cabinets to grab some teacups only to notice that they were running low on dishes. “Hey Vinyl? Did you run the dishwasher before leaving?”

“No, I thought you had it.” Answered the white unicorn feeling like she was forgetting something.

“It’s okay, I’ll just start it now...huh... That’s odd, I don’t remember the dial going up to eleven before.” Octavia commented.

“Eleven huh... No, Octy wait!” Shouted the DJ but it was too late. The cellist turned on the Dishwasher but instead of the normal noises of water spraying, loud music started blaring out of the unit. The kitchen shook as the Dishwubber proceeded to clean their plates.

“VINYL!!!!” Octavia exclaimed in anger.

Vinyl giggled at her fiancée's reaction before replying. “Don’t worry Octy, I got this.”

The End

Author's Notes:

Heyo everypony thank you all for reading According to Plan! It has indeed been a wild ride and we thank you all for your support. Rosa and I had blast writing this and we hope that you enjoyed the story as much as we did. We hope you enjoyed the final chapter of According to Plan! Feel free to comment what you thought about the story or chapter if you like and stay classy everypony. Also what did everypony think of Monotone's fate?

-The Buck It Bros