> How Vinyl Scratch Met Stevie Wonder > by Artist > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > How Vinyl and Stevie Wonder met > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- One warm summer afternoon in Ponyville, Vinyl Scratch and her friend Octavia were sitting on a park bench, trying to come up with a song. Ponies came and went doing their daily tasks, every once in a while one would stop to listen to them as they worked. But the two mares felt like what they wanted to accomplish wasn’t going to happen anytime soon. “Uhh!! why can’t we come up with any songs!?” Vinyl yelled. “It’s hopeless, we have been trying to find a good tune for over an hour!” “Don’t say that Vinyl, I am sure it’s not hopeless,” Octavia said trying to calm Vinyl in her usual respectful, and often refined voice. She started to say something else to help encourage her roommate but whatever it was turned into background noise. Instead, Vinyl’s ears popped up and all she could focus on was a soft but catchy tune she heard coming from across the street. A short distance away on the corner of an intersection, there was an old stallion playing the piano, this stallion had a black mane and brown fur, with black shades on. “Vinyl, are you even…” “Shh…” Vinyl cut her off by raising a hoof up to her mouth. She got up and went to the other side of the road and sat down in front of the musician, the song he was playing was one they had heard before. If they remembered correctly it was called Superstition. Octavia was quick to follow her friend. As they approached, both listened to him for a good while. They eventually found themselves keeping rhythm by either nodding or tapping a hoof. Octavia could see he had talent while Vinyl could tell he had style worth mentioning. “This old stallion has style,” Vinyl whispered softly. Octavia nodded in agreement, closing her eyes as she listened to the melody of the keys playing in perfect sequence. Vinyl and Octavia were standing in the midst of a large crowd which had gathered to see the old stallion play. The last notes resonated in the air and the gathered group gave their applause. Vinyl walked up to the pianist with a satisfied grin, “That was really inspiring! Name’s Vinyl, Vinyl Scratch. My roommate and I here were just having trouble coming up with a new song but I think you gave us the breakthrough we needed.” She said holding out her hoof to shake his. “Uh…” Octavia snapped out of her mild state of euphoria, “Oh, my name’s Octavia by the way. I’m a cellist, but the piano is also a favorite of mine, and from the way you were playing, I can tell you’re very skilled.” “Hey, thanks for complimenting my playing,” The stallion said not showing any signs of shaking Vinyl’s hoof in return. Vinyl looked confused but Octavia picked up on the situation quickly. She leaned over, whispering in her roommate's ear to inform her. “Hey Vinyl, I think he’s blind, he can’t see your hoof,” Octavia whispered. “Oh,” Vinyl said lowering her hoof. Looking at the stallion, she noticed he didn’t seem to make eye contact with her either. “So, you figure it out I can’t see you,” The Stallion said with a grin. “Well, yes,” Octavia said chuckling in embarrassment for being overheard. “Ah, where am I?” The stallion asked, the question stunning the two mares. “You don’t know??” Vinyl said in surprise. The stallion shook his head, “Well you’re in Ponyville my good sir,” Octavia interjected. “Are you just passing through? Where are you heading to?” “I want to stay here a while,” The stallion answered. “Why do you want to stay awhile?” Vinyl asked in response to that sudden statement. “Because my friend Ray is here, I am visiting him for a couple of days,” the stallion said. “Do you mean Ray Charles!” Octavia excitedly asked. “Yes, my name is Stevie Wonder by the way,” the stallion said with a wide grin. “That is awesome!” Vinyl yelled. “Yeah, but It would be even more awesome if I had a room to stay in.” “You don’t have anywhere to stay?! Well, in that case, do you want a room at our place?” Octavia asked, her question sounding more eager than she wanted it to. “We’ve got an extra bed.” “Yes, I do,” Stevie answered. Vinyl looked at Octavia and whispered, “We do?” which earned her a hoof to the mouth. “Yes! we do.” Octavia said. “Wonderful, I just need to go get my luggage from the train station, I’ll be right back,” Stevie said with a grin and then he left in the direction of the station to do just that. Octavia let out an excited squeak which wasn’t very ladylike, but in the heat of the moment, she did not care. “Um, Octy? Are you feeling alright?” “Yes, I’m fine,” Octavia said only half understanding what she heard. “Because you don’t seem fine, I mean your allowing a complete stranger, yes he’s famous, but he’s still a stranger, into our home.” “It’s the polite thing to do. Besides, he doesn’t have a place to stay,” Vinyl could almost see the excitement dripping out of the grey mares’ ears. “And he could help inspire us more on the song we were having so much trouble with.” “Well, I guess that sounds good,” Vinyl responded. “But last time I checked there’s my bed and your bed. You better explain to me what ‘extra bed’ you’re talking about and where we are going to get it.” It was at this moment Octavia realized what situation she put herself in. “Vinyl,” she said sounding like she just made a mistake, “I’m going to the furniture store. Can you make sure our place is tidied up before he gets there.” The white mare looked towards the train station to see Stevie Wonder already on his way back, “You’re really going to go through with this aren't you?” she turned back around only to find that Octavia was nowhere to be seen. “I’ll take that as a yes.” Vinyl watched Octavia go with a small grin. When the stallion reached Vinyl she said, “So I guess it’s just you and me, I’ll lead you to our place.” “Where is Octavia at?” Stevie asked. “She went to our home, so she could prepare the bed for you,” Vinyl explained. “Good,” Stevie said with a smile. “I think that Octavia really admires you, I certainly do!” Vinyl said as she guided Stevie along to her and Octavia’s home. “With my chill personality, I get that quite a bit,” he said in a matter-of-fact mannerism. “Actually I think it’s more the way you play your music, if only you could see the look on her face when you were playing. Which brings up another question. “How can you play the piano like that if you’re blind?” “No offense or anything,” Vinyl said trying not to sound rude, “it was really good, but being someone who isn’t blind I just have to ask.” “Well, because I’m blind, it’s a different learning process. I have to memorize where the keys are and what sounds they make. But I’ve always had a knack for music, so my talent came easily.” Stevie answered. Out of nowhere, there was a loud gasp, “Oh, my, GOSH!! It’s a pony I’ve never met!!” A pink pony raced up to the two ponies and began shaking Stevie’s hoof. “Hi my name’s Pinkie Pie, I know everypony and everypony knows me, but I don’t know your name, can you tell me your name? This is Vinyl Scratch, she’s roommates with Octavia but you probably already knew that because I saw you talking to her and she most likely told you. They’re both interested in music, you look like you’re interested in music, are you interested in music? Because if you are you're talking to the right ponies. What’s your favorite instrument?” “My guess is the piano, oh! I know what I’ll do, I’ll make a piano-shaped ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ cake and then we can all bring our favorite instruments, I can’t decide on a favorite instrument so I just play all of them at once, would you like to see? Wait right here I’ll show you.” Said the pink mare in somehow one breathe before zipping off, leaving Vinyl and Stevie to process the information. “Uh… what just… happened?” Vinyl lifted her sunglasses up and smiled at Stevie, not that it mattered. “Welcome to Ponyville, if you're going to be staying here for a while, you’ll get used to Pinkie Pie doing... whatever it is she does pretty quickly,” Vinyl said. Pinkie zipped back in front of them, “Actually ‘scratch’ that, see what I did because you’re talking to Vinyl Scratch, anyway I actually do have a favorite instrument. It’s called the Yovidaphone, an instrument that the yaks have been playing for generations, It kind of looks like a bagpipe but trust me they are totally different. I’ve been working on a new song, would you like to hear it? It’ll knock your socks off.” Pinkie Pie giggled as Vinyl looked like she just bit into a brick sandwich, “Silly Pinkie, ponies don’t wear socks, well not everypony at least, I wear slippers with my sister Maud that’s pretty close. By the way, she’s into rocks, oh, maybe I can have a rock band at your ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ party. Anyways, stay here I’ll be right back with the Yovidaphone.” Vinyl put her hoof on Stevie’s shoulder, “Let’s go before she gets back, you’re already blind I don’t want you tone-deaf too.” “I like the sound of that.” The stallion said in agreement. By the time Pinkie came back with her instrument, she saw that Stevie and Vinyl were nowhere to be found. Night had now fallen in Ponyville, and at this time Stevie and Vinyl were going into a bar, to get something to drink, once they walked into the bar they were greeted by piano music, Stevie was slightly swaying. Vinyl noticed this and asked, “Are you drunk?” Stevie let out a light chuckle. “Oh, no that, it’s just an old habit,” Stevie answered. “Sometimes I don’t know I’m doing it,” he continued. “Hey Stevie, is that you?” A raspy voice asked. The stallion wasn’t expecting somepony here to know his name, seeing as he just arrived in Ponyville that afternoon. But he intended to find out who it was, “Yes, it’s me, may I ask who am I talking to?” Stevie asked. “Of course you can ask, but you should already know,” The raspy voice answered. It was then he realized who the voice belonged to, “Ray!” Stevie said in excitement. “You got that right baby!” Ray shouted in greeting. “Sounds to me like you brought a friend along.” “This here is Vinyl scratch, I'm staying with her for a couple of days while I visit you,” Stevie said. “Hey,” Vinyl said because she knew Ray couldn’t see her. Ray sat down in his chair, which he had been previously sitting on, and lit a cigar. “So, I heard from Stevie, that you couldn’t come up with a song,” Ray said removing his cigar from his mouth and placing it into an ashtray. “Yeah, we heard Stevie playing across the street while we were trying to come up with something original,” Vinyl chuckled nervously. By now the bar was full of ponies because it was a Saturday night, and Saturday nights were usually good nights for having a drink with your pals and listening to piano music play. “Well you’ve come to the right bar, believe me, this place is full of ponies who would like to be like me, but they’re not. Here, let me show you what I mean,” Ray said as he walked over to the piano and sat down “Instead, they come here to drink and then they ask me for advice.” He started playing a song that vinyl had heard before, the song was called hit the road jack. Stevie and Vinyl enjoyed their cider as they listened. Vinyl got Sweet Apple Cider while her stallion friend went for the stronger stuff. The ponies that were sitting at the bar started putting money in a jar that was placed on the piano lid. “Yeah keep it coming,” Ray said as he felt the jar getting fuller. “This is the most awesome thing ever,” Vinyl whispered to Stevie. “Yeah,” Stevie said as he started to sway a little bit more. “Hey, are you ok?” Vinyl asked. “Yes, I’m fine!” Stevie answered. “It’s just you started swaying again,” Vinyl said. Stevie didn’t acknowledge what Vinyl had said to him Once the song was over there was an applause and then Ray made his way back to Stevie and Vinyl. “So what kind of advice are you looking for?” “Well, like I said before, my roommate and I were trying to come up with a song earlier, but we couldn't, so I guess what I'm asking is could you look over what we have?” Vinyl said as Stevie took another sip of his beer. “Yeah, Vinyl I'll help you,” Ray said as he picked up his cigar and placed it in his mouth. Vinyl hoofed over a piece of paper with writing on it, Ray felt the piece of paper in his hoof but could only feel the smooth surface on it so he put it back where Vinyl had placed it. “Vinyl, there ain’t no braille,” Ray said as he took the cigar out of his mouth and exhaled some smoke. “Braille?” Said Vinyl drawing a blank on what he meant. “I’m blind, I don’t read with my eyes as you do,” Ray explained exhaling more smoke. “Braille’s a type of writing that you feel, designed for blind ponies like me and Stevie.” Vinyl chuckled nervously, “sorry about that,” Stevie picked up the piece of paper, as he turned it over seemingly trying to look for something. “Stevie, what are you looking for on that piece of paper?“ Vinyl asked. “Hey, what do you mean?” Stevie asked in an unusually calm tone. “He’s drunk. He always gets that way when he has been drinking a couple too many,” Ray explained. “In that case, let's get you home,” Vinyl said taking back the paper. “Good idea, Vinyl,” Ray said getting up and walking over to Stevie, to help him get up from the chair. “Hey, Ray, what are you doing?” Stevie asked in annoyance. “We need to take you home,” Ray responded in a very calm tone. “I ain’t no baby, Ray, I can take care of myself!” Stevie yelled at Ray, then he stormed out of the bar. Vinyl looked at Ray and asked, “Should I go after him?” “Yes but I will come with you,” Ray said in his calm voice. “Let’s go,” Ray said as he reached for Vinyl’s hoof. Vinyl took Ray’s hoof and let him out of the bar, once they were outside. “Vinyl, I know where Stevie is!” Ray said as he started walking to Vinyl’s house. “Ray, slow down!” Vinyl said as she tried to keep up with Ray. “Sorry,” Ray said as he slowed down a little bit so that Vinyl could keep up with him. “So how do you know where Stevie is at?” Vinyl asked. “My ears are very sensitive, almost like a superpower,” Ray said in his calm voice. Sure enough, when they arrived at Vinyl’s house, there was Stevie sitting outside on one of the front steps. “I knew I would find you here,” Ray said to Stevie. “Yeah totally,” Stevie said in his unusually calm tone of voice. “Where is Octavia?” Vinyl asked. “She’s inside,” Ray said as he listened. Once they were inside, Vinyl laid Stevie on the couch, where he drifted off to sleep pretty quickly. Ray went over to Octavia to introduce himself, clicking his tongue to find that he was in the kitchen. “Is something stuck in your teeth?” Octavia asked. “No, I use echolocation to get around, bats use that as well,” Ray responded. “Stevie doesn’t use echolocation, he uses his sense of touch to get around, and he uses his hearing, and sometimes his sense of taste.” “Well, hi, may I ask who are you?” Octavia asked when she noticed Ray. “My name is Ray Charles,” Ray said to Octavia. “I’m an old friend of Stevie.” “Octavia,” the grey mare said in greeting. “Yeah that’s awesome,” there called a voice from the living room, Octavia knew that Stevie had come home, but she did not know how drunk he was. “Hey sorry about that Stevie always gets very drunk when we go bar hoppin,” Ray explained. “Are you also drunk?” Octavia asked. “No, ah ain’t,” Ray responded. Octavia went back into the kitchen as Ray made his way back to the living room. > Breakfast at Twilight's > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The next morning, Stevie woke up to a pounding headache. The byproduct of his night in the town threatened to do him in completely. Pain shot through every fiber of his being as he swung his legs over the side of the bed. In the end, his efforts to do something as basic as rising for the day proved fruitless, and he collapsed back onto his pillow. “Ray!” Stevie called. “Yeah?” Ray asked. “What happened last night, man?” Ray stumbled out of his room, and felt his way over to where Stevie lay on Vinyl’s couch. He could feel that it was battered and scratched a little bit. Some of it sagged, while lumps as high as the average molehill made their presence known. He managed to find a seat in one of the valleys between these peaks. “You got completely wasted, my man,” Ray said, “so Vinyl and I had to carry you back here.” “Oh…,” Stevie said in realization, “...damn.” “You ok?” “Yeah, I’m fine,” Stevie said as he snapped out of his small daze. “Good, now let’s go to breakfast,” Ray said as he helped Stevie up. Considering the sluggishness with which the average being coordinates himself after the consumption of alcoholic beverages, this was no easy task. When coupled with Stevie’s weight, it became nearly impossible. But by and by, Ray was able to get Stevie upright. “Where are we gonna eat?” Stevie asked with interest. “We’re gonna dine real fine with some chick named - get this one - Princess Twilight,” Ray explained. “Who’s Princess Twilight?” Stevie asked in surprise. You think I have any more ideas than you do? I'm a clueless man, but Vinyl said that she knows Princess Twilight.” The two left their room and felt their way downstairs. The saying “blind leading the blind” would be quite apropo here, as the famous musicians stumbled down the flight. The banging eventually attracted Vinyl, who came rushing out of her kitchen to observe the scene. “Oh, my!” She said, “let me help you!” She put her shoulder out for Stevie to grab, and Ray grabbed onto Stevie. The trio finally made it down the stairs, and Vinyl was able to turn and get a good look at each of her guests. They looked terrible, but then again, they had been out quite late. They didn’t look presentable, but she figured Twilight would overlook that. After all, she thought, Twilight’s the Princess of Friendship. What could happen? “Are you two ready to go?” She asked out loud. “Yeah!” Stevie said. “Let’s go!” Ray shouted, then turned and yelled back upstairs, “OCTAVIA! GET YOURSELF DOWN HERE!” “Good grief!” Vinyl said, “there’s no need to scream.” “I’m coming!” Octavia said as she came down the stairs. She was dressed up a bit, knowing that she was on her way to meet royalty. She always enjoyed being proper, and this was no exception. She wasn’t overbearing about it, but she figured that her outfit was appropriate. It was a simple black dress with some white overlay that she had received as a present from Vinyl. “Aw...you’re wearing the dress I got you,” Vinyl said. “Yes, I am,” her friend replied curtly, “but I don’t want you getting any ideas.” “Perish the thought.” The group went outside, and trotted along the way towards Twilight’s castle. It was a beautiful day, and Cloudsdale seemed to be quite agreeable. The sun shone down upon them through patches of white, fluffy clouds. Ponyville had not seen any rain in a week, and some of the ponies were beginning to wonder where it could be. But whenever they spoke to Rainbow Dash about it, the rainbow mannered Pegasus always told them the same thing: “when the clouds come, I’ll make it rain!” Just as Vinyl was beginning to question whether or not Dash’s oft chanted mantra would ever come to pass, they ran into her and Fluttershy on the road through downtown. The blue mare took one look and recognized the two famous ponies and raced up to embrace them. She had been told, in a meeting held between Vinyl, Octavia, Twilight, and their friends, that the famous ponies were in town. But the shock of seeing them in the flesh was a little too much for the starstruck mare to take, so she began yelling. “I can’t believe it!” Rainbow shouted, “imagine, Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles here in Ponyville! Who would have thought?! I mean, this needs no added coolness! Not 20%, not 50%, not 100%! This is already a thousand percent cool!” “It’s wonderful to meet you,” the much calmer yellow Pegasus said, “and I’m a big fan of your music as well. But, Stevie, if you don’t mind me asking, how did you become blind?” “Oh, I don’t mind you asking,” Stevie said kindly, “I get that question all the time. Fact is, I was born blind.” “Oh, you poor thing!” Fluttershy said, wrapping her wing around Stevie. “What about you, Ray?” Rainbow asked. “I went blind when I was 6!” Ray shouted. “Oh, sorry,” Rainbow said. “Hey, Stevie you're swaying,” Rainbow said. “He often does that!” Vinyl cut in before Stevie could say anything. “Um, why do you sway like that Stevie?” Fluttershy asked nervously. “It's a habit,” Stevie replied as they arrived at Twilight’s castle. Rainbow knocked on the door, and then a female voice greeted Ray’s ears. “Well hi guys, i'm assuming you're here for breakfast.” The female voice said. “Yeah” Ray chimed in. “I'm assuming that you are Twilight Sparkle?” Stevie inquired raising his eyebrow. “That's right,” Twilight said as she led the friends inside her castle and down the hall to the dining area. “Describe this place to us!” Ray told Twilight. “Ok, my castle is made out of crystal, and the dining hall we are about to see has a long table, and chairs on each side of the table,” Twilight described the castle. “Nice,” Stevie approved as he imagine what the castle would look like. “Who else is here?” Ray asked as he listened to his surroundings to try and get a feel for the castle. “My assistant Spike,” Twilight spoke up. The castle was pretty quiet except for Spikes snoring in the other room. “Your little assistant is sleeping,” Ray said to Twilight. “But it isn't his naptime,” Twilight whispered to Ray. “Then why can I hear him snoring?” Ray asked. “Must've been tired from the day's work,” Twilight said as she made her way to Spike who was indeed sleeping. “Hey, Spike, we have guests,” Twilight said as Ray walked in the room as Spike got up from his bed. “Hi, the name’s Spike!” Spike said to Ray. “I’m Ray Charles,” Ray said to Spike. Spike looked confused as he took it in the newcomers. “I’m sorry but I do not know who you are?” Spike said. “Where we come from we used to be musicians,” Ray explained. “Where do you come from?” Twilight asked. “We come from another planet, the planet where we come from is called earth, it is pretty similar to this planet but the only difference is that it is populated with a species called humans,” Ray continued explaining. Then he went back to Stevie who stood in the doorway, Ray laid his hoof on Stevie’s shoulder. “This here is Stevie,” Ray said before the other stallion could say anything. “Nice to meet you,” Spike said as he attempted to shake Stevie’s hoof. Spike pulled back his claw realizing that the stallion wasn’t looking at him. Spike looked very disappointed at his claw, then he went back to his room. “What did I do?” Stevie asked as he heard Spike leave. “Not sure,” Ray said comforting his friend. “So how did you come to equestria?” Twilight asked once they had sat down for breakfast. “Well, I'm not sure how Stevie came to Equestria, but I know how I came here, see I was trying to rescue my brother from drowning in our small village,” Ray said. “And then what happened?” Rainbow asked eager to hear the rest of the story, “He unfortunately didn’t make it, I was so mad that I jumped in after him but I did not tell my mother what had happened, and then I ended up here, I've been here ever since,” Ray finished his story. “We are so sorry about your brother,” Twilight said embracing Ray in a tight hug. “Thanks so much,” Ray said, returning the hug. “What about you Stevie, how did you come here?” Twilight asked letting go of Ray and turning her attention to Stevie. “Well I’m not really sure, all I remember is that I was on tour in a town called New York which we have on earth, and that’s about all I remember before I ended up here, but I do believe that I was in an accident,” Stevie said hanging his head. Then there came a knock on the door, once the door had magically opened an orange earth pony with a cowboy hat on and three apples for a cutie mark appeared. “Hey, y’all, sorry ah’m late, Pinkie was spoutin’ somethin’ bout two musicians being here,” The orange pony said in a very thick southern accent. “That would be us,” Ray said. “Well, if it ain’t Ray Charles!” The orange earth pony said. “I’m Stevie wonder,” Stevie spoke up. “Well it’s a pleasure to meet y’all,” Applejack said as she proceeded to shake Ray’s hoof. Ray just looked ahead and didn’t shake Applejack’s hoof. “Now that ah think bout it Pinkie didn’t say nothin’ bout you being blind, Ray.” Applejack said as she pulled her hoof back. ”What song would you like to do?” Ray asked Vinyl who was sitting across from him. “Hm, I would like to do a jazz number,” Vinyl replied. “OK great, but before I can help you, I would like to explore some of your town!” Ray said as he got up, and walked over to Stevie. “If you wanna help with this song, we could write it together, that sounds like a blast?” Ray said to his companion. “Yeah that’s not great,” Stevie said, making an attempt at getting up, which proved to be a difficult task since Stevie was still kind of drunk. “Let me help you up,” Ray said. “No, thank you but I’m ok,” Stevie said as he was trying to stand up with Ray’s help. But soon as Stevie was upright he fell back into his seat. “Let’s go into town,” Stevie said with a slight waiver in his voice. “Ok, good,” Twilight said standing up. “This should be very interesting,” Rainbow thought to herself. “Then what are we waiting for!” Applejack said as she got up and helped Stevie to the door. Once they were outside Twilight’s home, Ray and Stevie started walking. “Well, what should we look at first?” Twilight asked with a little laugh. Twilight noticed that Ray and Stevie were wandering off, “hey guys, where are you going?” she shouted. “We don’t know,” Ray said with a lighthearted chuckle. “Well you better get back here this instant,” Rainbow Dash shouted. “Hey cool off, Dash, we cool,” Stevie said. Ray and Stevie went back to their friends, and Stevie had to sit down. “Listen boys, I don’t know how it was in the human world, but around here we’ve got some rules, rule number one no running off unsupervised, rule number two no talking back to your elders,” Twilight said seemingly in one breath. Ray looked in the direction of Twilight’s voice and started to laugh. “Now you listen here, Twilight, Stevie and I ain’t no kids, we can take care of ourselves, right Stevie?” Ray said. “Yes,” Stevie acknowledged. “Um, Ray, do we know if Stevie is on the autism spectrum?” Twilight whispered. “Hey guys let’s go to Town Hall!” Stevie suddenly piped up. Twilight looked startled as though she had just seen a ghost. “Ray, I never got your answer,” Twilight whispered as the friends walked to Town Hall. “No, Stevie doesn’t have autism, at least not in the human world, maybe it is different,” Ray answered. “Hey, I heard that!” Stevie shouted. “Damn, Stevie you should really start learning distance, I'm standing right beside you, I don’t want to be deaf because of you,” Ray said as he put his hands over his ears. “You shouldn’t talk about other ponies behind their back, that was a little bit rude of you, Ray,” Fluttershy said softly. “Oh, So we are basically your kids?” Ray asked with sarcasm dripping from his words. “No, but I’m just telling you that it is a bit rude to talk behind somepony’s back,” Fluttershy said. “Oh please!” Ray said with a roll of his eyes. “Ray, please stop your rude behavior!” Twilight advised. Then Ray felt Fluttershy getting extremely extremely close to him. “RAY, SAY SORRY,” Fluttershy almost shouted. Stevie could feel Fluttershy’s anger, so he walked up to where he believed Fluttershy to be standing. “Fluttershy, calm down he didn’t mean it,” Stevie calmed Fluttershy. “I know he didn’t mean it, I just think that Ray should be a bit more respectful,” Fluttershy said with a little bit of anger in her voice. “Have you ever meditated?” Stevie asked the yellow pegasus. “Um, no I haven’t, should I be?” Fluttershy asked. “Yes, it might be good for you,” Stevie said, giving Fluttershy a hug. “Aww, this is so cute!” Twilight said sweetly “Get a room, you two!” Rainbow said to Stevie. A couple minutes of awkward silence followed, permeated only by Rainbow’s growing laughter. “So, who’s up for ice cream?” Twilight asked. “ME!” Pinkie shouted behind Twilight. Twilight turned around to stare at the pink pony in shock. “Pinkie, warn me next time before you do that or just don’t do it!” Twilight advised. “I could’ve told you she was there,” Ray said mockingly, “Ray I thought I told you to keep your mouth shut!” Twilight shouted. “I’m sorry,” Ray said sheepishly. All was silent on the way to the ice cream shop on the other side of town. Ray was walking with Vinyl and they were discussing the jazz number that Ray was going to do with Vinyl. “This feels like we’ve been walking for hours,” Ray complained. “Yeah you one to talk, you’re so old your bones are probably breaking with each step you take!” Rainbow said mockingly. Stevie started to laugh, “Hey, Ray I know we’ve been friends for years, but you’ve got to admit that’s kind of funny.” “Maybe for you, but she called me old, I'm not that old, I'm 67 now,” Ray said, sitting down on a nearby bench with Twilight by his side. “Hey guys it’s nice and sunny out, the birds are chirping and the sun has come out to play, Ray we are to go on without you if you want to take a break,” Fluttershy said as she continued walking with Stevie. “We can’t just sit around here all day, let’s go see what Rarity is up to.” Twilight said getting up. “Who?” Stevie asked. “You’ll see, she’s one of the best fashionistas ever,” Twilight said. When they arrived at the carousel boutique, Twilight knocked on the door, shuffling could be heard from inside, then Rarity opened the door. “What a pleasant surprise, may I ask what brings you here?” Rarity asked, embracing Twilight. “We just want to show our guests around.” Twilight said. “Well, come right in, I'm actually hosting a guest of my own today, he’s pretty famous in Ponyville.” Rarity excitedly announced. As Ray listened to his surroundings he could hear singing in the back of the boutique, he had heard this song before in the human world. “Hey guys I can hear singing,” Ray said to nopony in particular. “Oh that must be my guest now, he might’ve come in the back door, let me go check,” Rarity said as she walked off. “If this is who I think it is we’re going to have so much fun,” Ray whispered to Stevie who wasn’t listening, he was exploring everything that was within his reach. “Hey Stevie are you listening to me?” Ray asked. “Huh, oh sorry I wasn’t listening,” Stevie said. “Here he is the one and only Moonwalker!” Rarity announced. “Moonwalker?” Stevie and Ray said in surprise. “That’s me,” Moonwalker announced. “We had a singer on earth called Michael Jackson, he could do the moonwalk but unfortunately he died,” Ray said in disappointment. “Dude that’s trippy, but he ain’t dead,” Moonwalker said with swagger in his voice. “Michael?” Ray and Stevie said in unison. “Yup that’s me, but I prefer to be called Moonwalker, do you know after I overdosed I fell into a coma instead of dying, then when I woke up I ended up here, always let me tell you this place is cool,” Moonwalker said. “Well these are our friends, say hello guys,” Ray said. “Hi,” The main six said in unison. “How long have you been staying at Rarity’s boutique?” Twilight asked. “Oh man, I don’t know, since I came here,” Moonwalker said as he sat down. “Hey let’s get high,” Moonwalker said as he handed Ray a cigarette, “Oh Moonwalker you do realize that this is a kids story right?” Pinkie said out of nowhere. “Whatever man I just wanna have some fun dude,” Moonwalker said, not paying attention to Pinkie. “Let me show you my mansion on the edge of Ponyville, I had that built for me, reminds me of the mansion back home I had,” Moonwalker said. Twilight lit up her horn and teleported them all to Moonwalker’s mansion. “What is my mansion that I called nowhere land, let me show you around,” Moonwalker gleefully said as he skipped along like a child. Twilight and Pinkie looked at each other. “This is my bedroom, and here I can basically do anything I want. I can jump on the bed, I can have breakfast in bed when I want, isn’t it awesome?” Moonwalker said as he led the friends into his bedroom. Moonwalker’s bedroom looks like a child’s bedroom, with famous cartoon characters on the walls, in the corner stood a big four poster bed. Moonwalker went over to the bed and started jumping on it. “Woo hoo this is fun, hey Ray come join me,” Moonwalker said in excitement. “I think I’ll pass,” Ray said. “What about you Stevie, you want to come jump with me, it’s lots of fun,” Moonwalker tried to coax Stevie into jumping with him. “I don’t think so Moonwalker, listen there is a time for fun and there’s a time for business!” Stevie huffed in annoyance. “I know that man, but every once in a while when I come here I just have to have fun, I even had a gigantic amusement park built, want to see it?” Moonwalker asked eagerly, still jumping up and down. “No thank you, I think we’ve had enough sightseeing for one day,” Ray said before Stevie or any of the others could answer. “Alright, but if y’all need me I’ll be here,” Moonwalker said jumping down from the bed. “Guys let’s go home!” Twilight said as she teleported them back to her castle. Vinyl and Octavia walked home with Ray and Stevie, just as the sun was setting on the horizon. > Lovers or just friends? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The next morning, Ray was already sitting downstairs with Octavia and Vinyl. "So I'm thinkin' that we should start writing the song that you want to write." Ray said as he took a sip of his coffee. "Yeah, thing is I am not sure how to start." Vinyl murmured. "Well that's why we are here, me and Stevie are here for ya!" Ray said. "Where is Stevie anyway?" Vinyl asked. "He is probably still sleepin’, see blind folks like us, have a hard time wakin up in the mornin' ya know?" Ray replied. "Oh I see, shall I fetch him?" Octavia asked. "Nah, it ain't gonna work, we just need to leave him be for now. I'll go upstairs to check on him." Ray said. "Ok, you go do that!" Octavia exclaimed. In the meanwhile, Stevie had woken up and was trying to figure out how he could go downstairs by himself. "Ray?" Stevie called out, though he got no response. Defeated, Stevie went back to his bed and sat down. Downstairs Ray and Vinyl were working on Vinyl's song. "Oh yeah, that's something great!" Ray proclaimed as Vinyl played him the song, stomping her hooves on the table. “It's not done yet, we just need to add something more... but I don't know what.” Vinyl said as she got up from her seat and went to her mixing board, Ray followed and sat down in a chair. Vinyl put the song into the board, adding in some violins,drums, and a synthesizer to give the song a slight kick. "I like it too, but it's not your usual style so I'm not sure how your fans will like it." Octavia commented. "You have a good point, but I have come this far! I don't wanna go back to rewriting it." Vinyl sighed. "I agree, but I need to check on Stevie." Ray said softly as he got up and went upstairs. As he got to Stevie's room, Ray careful opened the door and made a beeline to Stevie's bed, sitting down next to him. "Hey, I see you're up but I can also tell that there is something bothering you, want to tell me what's going on?" Ray asked gently. Stevie looked in the direction of Ray's voice but didn't say anything. "Stevie, you know that you can tell me anythin' I'll listen to ya, I'm your friend." Ray said, trying to figure out what's going on with his friend. "You have it all!" Stevie yelled. "What do you mean?" Ray asked. "You have a mare friend, and you even wrote a song together!!" Stevie yelled. “Oh Stevie, Vinyl ain’t my mare friend, we’re just friends.” Ray said as he stood up and walked out. “Yeah right.” Stevie mumbled under his breath as he followed Ray downstairs. "You know I can hear you, right?" Ray deadpanned. "Yeah, but why would I give a damn about what you care about!" Stevie yelled. "Hey, I'm just tryin' to help ya!" Ray said as he turned around to face Stevie. "Ugh, I don't care about what you are trying to help me with!" Stevie said as he went back to his room and slammed the door. Ray just shrugged and walked down the stairs. As Ray came into the dining-room, Octavia saw the defeated look on Ray's face. "What's wrong, Ray?" Octavia asked as he sat down. "Oh, nothin', Stevie is just mad because he thinks that ah'm in love with Vinyl, but we are just friends!" Ray said. “Yeah, sure, I mean we did write a song but that doesn't mean that we are a couple.” Vinyl said, blushing slightly. "Then why are you blushing?" Octavia smirked. "Um, Octavia I don't know what you are talking about!" Vinyl said quickly. Upstairs, Stevie was laying in bed crying, his tears soaking his bed and his coat. There came a knock on the door and Octavia came in before sitting down on Stevie's bed. "Hey Stevie, it's Octavia, I just wanted to check on you!" Octavia said. “I know that you are there. Please go away, I don't want to talk to you!" Stevie barked as he got up and stormed out. "Stevie please wait!" Octavia called after him but Stevie was already out of the house. Octavia went downstairs and sat down at the table. "What happened, I could hear yelling!" Ray asked. "I tried to talk to Stevie but he just shut me out and then he left." Octavia explained. "To go where?" Vinyl asked. "I don't know, but I might have an idea as to where he went!" Ray said. "Yeah?" Vinyl asked. "He went to see Twilight and her friends!" Ray said. "How do you know that?" Octavia asked. "Well let's just say that I was born with a certain set of skills." Ray said, raising a brow. Stevie ran through town, trying to avoid obstacles the best he could. "Hey watch where you're going!" Somepony yelled out as Stevie ran past. "You don't belong in Equestria, you should have never come here, go back to where you belong!!!" Ponies yelled as Stevie kept on running until he got to Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack came out of the barn to see Stevie running towards her. When he got closer she could see that he had been crying. "Hey sugar, what's wrong?" Applejack asked. "Ray has a mare friend, and it's Vinyl!!" Stevie said between hiccups. "Let's get you inside first, and then you can tell me all about it!" Applejack said as she took Stevie inside. "So what's the matter, sugar?" Applejack asked as she sat down next to Stevie who was already sitting on the couch in the Apple family's living room. "I don't want to-" Stevie got cut off by a young mare coming into the living room. "Hey sis, who is this?" The young mare asked Applejack. "Applebloom this is my new friend Stevie Wonder, he is a great musician, Stevie can't see ya, but ya can talk to him like anypony else, ya hear?" Applejack said to her sister. "Yeah, hi Stevie, my name is Applebloom, it's nice to meet you!" Applebloom said as she stuck out her hoof to shake Stevie's hoof. "Um, aren't you going to shake my hoof?" Applebloom asked Stevie. "What, oh I'm sorry, you need to tell me what you want me to do!" Stevie said. "Ok, I will!" Applebloom said. "Apple Bloom honey, ah'm going to talk to Stevie for a while, why don't you go help your brother." Applejack said to her sister. "Ok, bye Stevie, it was nice talkin to you." Applebloom said as she left the room. "So what's been goin on?" Applejack asked. "I'm very mad at Ray, he has a mare friend, and I don't even have any friends, no pony likes me!!" Stevie almost yelled. "Stevie, sugar, ah'm your friend and so are the rest of my friends!" Applejack said softly. “Yeah, right, you should have heard what happened the minute after I left Vinyl's home, ponies were telling me that I don't belong here in Equestria!!" Stevie shouted. "Hey, hey, sugar, ya need to calm down, ya hear?" Applejack said calmly, as she hugged Stevie. Stevie took a deep breath as he calmed down. “There you go, hun, your friends all love ya.” Applejack said as she continued to hug her friend. “Thanks, that means a lot,” Stevie said. “You're welcome, I'm happy to help ya!” Applejack responded. “Well, I need to be going now, I'll probably be back!” Stevie announced. “Well, ok, be safe out there.” Applejack smiled. Stevie walked to the door then he turned around to look in the direction where Applejack was standing and smiled and then he left. Applebloom came to where her sister was standing and smiled. “Ya love him, don’t ya?” She asked her older sister. “No, what makes you say that?” Applejack asked Applebloom. “Yur blushin’ like crazy!” Applebloom said. “There ain't nothin’ goin’ on between me and Stevie ok, we are just friends is all, ok?” Applejack said, still blushing. But Applebloom could tell when her sister was lying about something, especially when it involves a stallion. > The Grand Galloping Gala. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The main six, Vinyl, Octavia and the two musicians were at Sugar Cube Corner, talking, and having cupcakes. “Well, since the Gala is only in a few days, we best get prepared!” Octavia spoke as she took a bite of her chocolate cupcake. Ray nodded in agreement. “Yeah, I can’t wait!” Pinkie squealed in sheer delight. Stevie was sitting a few feet away in a corner. “Hey, Stevie, come join us.” Fluttershy spoke as she noticed Stevie sitting by himself, he looked like he was on the verge of tears. Ever since coming to Equestria, Stevie felt like he wasn’t accepted, like he didn’t belong. Fluttershy looked at Applejack with a worried look on her face. Applejack went over to where Stevie sat and sat down beside him. “Tell me what’s bothering you, sugar?” The orange cowgirl questioned. “I don’t want to talk about it.” The brown stallion mumbled turning his back to AppleJack. “I also tried to get him to tell me what is wrong, but he wouldn’t, but I might have an idea what is bothering him.” Ray spoke as he came over. “Yeah?” The orange pony asked. Ray leaned over and whispered in her ear, AppleJack’s eyes went as wide as sauces. ”He..” she managed to get out. Ray simply nodded and went back to the table to finish his cupcake. “What’s wrong AJ?” Twilight asked seeing her friend visibly upset. “Ray told me that Stevie doesn’t love me” Applejack answered before running out the door. The main six all looked at Stevie, who was still sitting in the corner his back turned to them. “Oh dear.” Fluttershy softly spoke as she went over to where Stevie sat. “Why don’t you love AJ?” The Pegasus asked. “It ain’t that simple, I mean I do love her, but I don’t know how to tell her.” Stevie almost shouted. “Is that all, well, I can help you with that.” Pinkie spoke. All of the ponies looked at the pink earth pony in surprise. “What?” She asked as she hopped over to Stevie and put a hoof around his shoulder. “Pinkie, you really are full of surprises.” Rainbow commented. The pink pony only shrugged. “How?” Stevie asked removing his glasses and wiping away his tears. “Well, I don’t really know yet, but we will figure something out.” Pinkie reassured the brown stallion. A few days later, at Rarity’s boutique, Moonwalker, Ray and Stevie were fitted for their tuxedos. “Hold still, Moonwalker!” Rarity complained as Moonwalker fidgeted. Moonwalker let out a heavy sigh as he kept still, keeping still wasn’t really what he was known for, but he knew he needed to do it, so Rarity could fit his tuxedo. “There you are, you look adorable!” Rarity beamed as she was putting the finishing touches on the tuxedo. Moonwalker smiled and went over to a mirror to admire himself. “Wow, I look awesome, thank you, Rarity!” Moonwalker gushed as he admired himself. “You’re welcome, dear!” Rarity smiled as she admired her work. Moonwalker was wearing a black tuxedo with white horseshoes and a black top hat. Next up it was Stevie’s turn. “Darling, it’s your turn to be fitted for your tuxedo!” Rarity said to Stevie as he stepped up on to the platform. As Rarity went to get Stevie’s tuxedo, Ray cautiously approached the platform. “I think we need to talk about what happened a few days ago at Sugar Cube Corner!” Ray spoke softly as he got closer. “Can’t you just drop it already?” Stevie nearly snapped. “Hey now, I just wanted to clear something up, didn’t mean any harm!” Ray was taken aback by his friend’s outburst. “I’m sorry, Ray I didn’t sleep well last night!” Stevie lied. Ray raised an eyebrow at that, he knew that his friend was lying, but he didn’t say anything. When Rarity came back with Stevie’s tuxedo, she started taking measurements. When she was done with taking the measurements. “I’m so excited to go to the Gala this year!” Moonwalker spoke as Rarity continued with Stevie’s tuxedo fitting. “Yeah, it will be very exciting!” Ray agreed. A day before the Gala, Twilight’s friends went to Canterlot, Twilight already was there preparing for the Gala. “Ohhh, this is so exciting!” Pinkie squealed as she waited with her friends at the train station for the train to Canterlot. “Now Pinkie ah know yrr excited, I’m also pretty excited after all, this will be my first Gala.” Ray calmed her. “That’s right, you’ve never been to the Gala before, neither has Stevie!” Rainbow agreed. Stevie was standing next to Ray. “Even I’m pretty excited for it!” The brown stallion spoke with a grin on his face. “I think I see the train!” Rainbow spoke as she hovered. As the train arrived, a loud whistle could be heard, and the doors opened and ponies filed out. “Come on girls!” Rarity spoke as she and her friends boarded the train. Once the train arrived at Canterlot station, and the doors open ponies filed out in all directions. Stevie and Ray were guided out by Rarity. Welcome to Canterlot, home of the Grant Galloping Gala!” Rarity spoke in a dramatic fashion. “Wow.” Stevie said, without knowing what the city looked like. The friends walked through Canterlot to the castle where the Gala was held. The city was bustling with activity from ponies doing various activities, they were getting ready for the Gala, ponies bustled around with last minute preparations. “This is just so incredible!” Vinyl wowed. “Canterlot, is one of the most awesome cities ever!” Rainbow agreed. “Yeah!” Fluttershy quietly agreed with her friend. After a few moments of walking, they arrived at the castle and went inside. The inside of the castle was decorated with cool decorations, Princess Celestia and Twilight stood at the entrance, greeting ponies as they came in. “Girls, you made it!” Twilight excitedly shouted as she raced over to her friends. “Do you really think we would miss this, no way!” Ray asked. Twilight smiled. “Hey Stevie, how are you doin, sugar?” Stevie heard a voice behind him say, he turned around. “AJ, is that you?!” Stevie asked. “Yeah, um, you look…nice!” Applejack nervously touched the back of her head with a hoof. “Well, thank you, I’m sorry I don’t know what you look like!” Stevie apologized. “Well, I have a beautiful orange dress on with apples on the hem of it, and I got a cowboy hat on and some boots.” Applejack describe her dress for Stevie. Stevie blushed as he realized that this would be his chance to tell Applejack how he really felt about her. “AJ, I….” Stevie began, but was cut off by Ray pulling him away. “Come on, let’s go inside!” The stallion said guiding his friend inside. Stevie let out a heavy sigh as he was guided away from his only chance of telling the one that he loved how he felt about her. > Drama at the gala. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Grand Galloping Gala was underway, every pony was dancing to Vinyl’s new song that she had created. Stevie was standing at the edge of the dance floor with Twilight and Moonwalker. “Ain’t this just cool.“ Moonwalker spoke slightly. “Yeah, ah guess so.” Stevie said dreamily, clearly thinking about Applejack. “Dude, are you even listening to me?” Moonwalker asked. “Huh, oh yeah sorry, I was….” Stevie trailed off. Moonwalker looked at his friend in surprise, then looked out at the dance floor, to see Applejack dancing by herself. “Come on, go out there, you go get her, lover boy!” Moonwalker smiled. "Moon please, I don’t feel like that about her!” Stevie lied. "Yeah, right, bro I know the way you get around her, you always get weak knees around her, it’s so cute!" Moonwalker gushed. Stevie just rolled his eyes and went out onto the dance floor. “Hey, Applejack, you wanna… dance?” Stevie awkwardly asked. “No, ah don’t, Ray told me that ya don’t love me!” Applejack screamed. “But I…do!” Stevie spoke. “Ah don’t believe ya, yerr lyin!” Applejack shot back. “I’m not, I do love you!” Stevie complained. “AJ please listen to me.” Apple jacks eyes stung with tears as she looked at Stevie. Then she ran out of the ballroom. All of the noise on the dance floor seemingly slow down, as Stevie set down on the floor, as he felt the tears fall from his eyes. “Stevie, you ok?” Stevie heard Twilight’s voice through the quiet. “Does it look like I’m ok, AJ don’t even love me.” Stevie cried. Twilight glanced at Moonwalker who stood beside her. “Stevie, I know how it feels, not to be loved!” Moonwalker spoke softly. “Yeah….well I bet you never felt a broken heart, th…the way ah’m feelin’ it.” Stevie sobbed, flinging his hooves around Twilight’s neck. Twilight padded him on the back. “Hey, it’s gonna be ok.” She spoke softly. Out in the garden, Applejack was sitting and sopping, she didn’t understand why Stevie didn’t love her. Then again, maybe when Ray was just saying that as a sort of joke. Rarity found Applejack when she went out into the garden. “Hey, darling, what’s wrong?” The white unicorn asked her friend. “Oh Rarity, Stevie don’t love me, but it ain’t like you’d understand!” Applejack cried. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Rarity asked in surprise. “Ah mean you got Spike.” AppleJacks snapped. “Oh, Applejack, Spike and I are just friends, nothing more.” The white unicorn said. Applejack rolled her eyes and walked away. Why couldn’t she have what Rarity had, the white unicorn had a perfect love life, and all Applejack had was a crush on a pony who didn’t reciprocate her feelings. “Why can’t she understand that I love him, but he doesn’t seem to get it!” The orange pony thought to herself. Back inside, Twilight had gotten Stevie back onto his hooves and held him close as he cried. Ray came over when he heard Stevie crying. "Hey, what’s goin' on here?" He asked. “Is it true that you told Applejack that Stevie didn’t love her?” Twilight glared at Ray. “Well, yeah but ah didn’t think that it would hurt him so much if Apple Jack knew the truth.” Ray said nonchalantly. “It did, I don’t know where you got the idea that I didn’t love her, but I do love her, just don’t know how to say it.” Stevie exploded before storming out into the garden, where just moments before Applejack had stormed off to as well. “Ray, I think you have a lot of explaining to do.” Twilight demanded looking at him with a stony gaze. "I’m going after Stevie before he does something we will regret!" “But, Twilight I didn’t….” Ray began, but Twilight had already used her magic to teleport herself into the garden. Ray hung his head in shame, Moonwalker just looked like he was about to cry as well, but held it together, and looked at his friend with a disappointed look before walking off. Twilight teleported into the garden to find Stevie sitting by one of the flowerbeds. “Hey, Stevie, I know you’re upset but Ray didn’t mean it.” Twilight sat beside him. “And ah’m supposed to believe ya.” Stevie spoke. Twilight let out a heavy sigh, and put a wing around Stevie and pulled him into a hug. “What’s really going on?” She asked. Stevie took a deep breath, and started explaining that Vinyl was in love with Ray, and he only went to AppleJack, because he didn’t know where else to go. Twilight raised an eyebrow when Stevie had finished. “So, that’s why you’re so upset, because you think that is something between Vinyl and Ray?” The purple alicorn asked. Stevie nodded as a few tears run down his face. “Listen, let’s go back inside.” Twilight advised gently as she guided Stevie back into the ballroom. Once back inside, Ray was standing with Rainbow Dash by the punch bowl, when rainbow noticed that Stevie had come back she mentioned this to him. Rainbow and Ray went over to where Twilight and Stevie were standing. “Hey, Stevie ah’m sorry that ah hurt ya, Ah didn’t mean it.” Ray spoke solemnly. Stevie didn’t say anything he didn’t need his friend’s apology, Ray had broken his trust, and now he needed to earn it back. “Please, Stevie, say somethin.” Ray begged. “I think you’ve done enough for one day, don’t ever want to speak to you again.” Were the only words out of Stevie’s mouth. Ray was taken aback by Stevie’s words, he had known him for much longer than any of the girls had, so why did Stevie like the girls more then he liked Ray after all he was his friend, was he not? “Fine.” Ray angrily stormed off but he didn’t go to the garden, instead, he went out of the castle completely, and found a quiet corner and sat down “Umm, why does there has to be so much fighting at these things?” Rainbow who had witnessed the whole exchange spoke up. Twilight simply shrugged and went back over to Moonwalker with Stevie by her side. > 12 months later > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stevie never thought that he would never talk with his friend again and yet it happened. Ray was sitting on the opposite side of the living room in Vinyl’s house. “Come on, guys, it’s been 12 months since the gala!” Vinyl exasperated as she walked into the room. “Yeah, well, we still ain’t speakin’ to each other, it ain’t gonna happen!” Ray fumed. Vinyl let out exasperated sign. “Why won’t you 2 just let it go?” The DJ asked. The room descended into an eerie silence, devoid of any uttered words, save for the subdued sound of Stevie's tearful sobs echoing through the stillness. Vinyl let out a heavy sigh again and walked out of the living room, she didn’t need this, if those two didn’t wanna talk to each other, fine. In the kitchen, Vinyl found Octavia preparing lunch “What’s wrong?” Octavia asked seeing her friend’s angry look. “Stevie and Ray will not talk to each other, and I don’t know what to do, it’s already been 12 months, so shouldn’t they get over it already?” Vinyl exasperated. “Well, it might not be quite that simple, I mean Ray did withhold information about Applejack, and how she feels about Stevie!” Octavia said, as she lifted a pot of pasta off the stove with her magic. “I don’t know, I feel like somethings missing, 12 months ago Stevie told me that he didn’t fit in Equestria, but I don’t think that’s it!” Vinyl said as she brought the plates out and set the table for lunch. “What about you and Ray?” Octavia asked suddenly. Vinyl nearly dropped the plate, she was levitating in her magic. “What about us, do you think there is something between us, well, there isn’t!” Vinyl snapped putting the plate down with so much force that is nearly broke. “Vinyl, I’m sorry, I didn’t know!” Octavia apologized. “How could you?” Vinyl angrily stormed out. “Vinyl, it was only a question!” Octavia said going after her. “Yeah, well it’s none of your business, and neither Stevie’s!” Vinyl screamed as she ran upstairs. Octavia let out a heavy sigh, she honestly didn’t know how they were gonna get through lunch without fighting. She went back into the living room where Ray and Stevie still sat on opposite sides of the room. “Hey, it’s Octavia, what’s with Vinyl why is she acting so weird?” Octavia asked approaching Ray. The stallion only shrugged. “I don’t know, haven’t spoken to her about it, why what do you think what’s up?” “You…. You love her, right?” Octavia asked nervously. “No, there’s nothing between me and Vinyl.” Ray spoke calmly. “But….” Octavia trailed off when Ray held up a hoof. “There is nothing between us, and there ain’t ever gonna be!” Ray spoke as he got up and walked into the kitchen. Octavia let out a heavy sigh and followed him. “I know it sounds bazaar, but I’ve never had feelings for Vinyl, she may think differently, but I don’t!” Ray said as he spun around to face Octavia. “I know, I just don’t want her to be disappointed, like what happened with Applejack!” Octavia spoke as opened the fridge and got out some stuff. Meanwhile, at Sweet Apple Acres, Apple Bloom was comforting her big sister who was crying on her bed. “Why doesn’t he just admit that he don’t love me?” Applejack cried into her pillow. “Ah understand that yerr upset, but it ain’t like there no other stallions.” Apple Bloom calmly spoke. Applejack set up a properly and stared at her sister in shock. “"How..." she began, her voice echoing in the cozy room adorned with wooden walls painted in warm, earthy tones. Sunlight streamed through the curtained windows, casting a soft glow on the rustic furniture. "Why would I want another stallion if I can have Stevie!" "Well, it was just an idea!" Apple Bloom spoke, her small figure surrounded by the charming clutter of apple-themed decorations. Applejack let out a heavy sigh, the creak of the wooden floor beneath echoing in the room as she lay back down on her straw-stuffed bed. The scent of fresh apples lingered in the air, a reminder of the orchards just outside. "Ya don't get it, sugar cube," Applejack continued, her eyes fixed on the worn ceiling beams. "Ever since ah met him, ah loved him." She sniffled, the room embracing the emotions that hung in the air like the sweet aroma of ripening fruit. In Twilight Sparkle’s opulent Castle of Friendship, adorned with glittering crystal spires and vibrant tapestries depicting magical tales, Spike and Twilight found themselves in the grand throne room. Moonwalker and Rarity joined them, surrounded by the ethereal glow of enchanted gems embedded in the walls. “I had an enchanting time at the gala!” Moonwalker beamed, the room reflecting the joy in his eyes. Twilight nodded, the ambient magic in the air making the moment even more magical. “Indeed, but the lingering issue is Stevie and Ray’s feud. Ever since they returned from Canterlot, Stevie has been harboring resentment towards Ray,” Rarity voiced, her words echoing in the spacious, regal chamber. Moonwalker chimed in, emphasizing the discord. “And for no apparent reason!” As the discussion unfolded in the Castle of Friendship, the mystical atmosphere seemed to hold the weight of both camaraderie and unresolved tensions. The group of ponies gathered their belongings and headed out of the castle, the sun casting a warm glow over Ponyville. The vibrant colors of the town greeted them as they trotted through, a sense of determination in their steps. Twilight, Spike, and the others were on a mission to visit Vinyl and lift Stevie’s spirits. The streets were alive with the hustle and bustle of ponies going about their day, unaware of the important journey the friends were about to embark upon. Vinyl’s house stood at the edge of Ponyville, adorned with vibrant neon lights that reflected her love for music. The exterior was a mix of modern architecture and whimsical charm, featuring a sleek DJ booth visible through large, soundproof windows. The front yard boasted an array of speakers and subwoofers, hinting at the lively atmosphere within. As Twilight, Spike, and their friends approached, the bass thumped in sync with the beats escaping the house, creating an irresistible invitation to the music-filled world inside. “What’s happening here?” Moonwalker inquired, his eyes widening as he stepped into the living room. He observed Stevie on one side, his brow furrowed, and Ray on the other, expression unreadable. Vinyl released a heavy sigh, her shoulders slumping with the weight of the situation. Octavia, joining the room, chimed in, “It’s a long story.” Twilight settled onto the couch beside Stevie, concern etched on her face. “We’re here to try and get Stevie and Ray to talk again.” Moonwalker, with a puzzled expression, approached Ray, asking, “So, tell me what’s up?” Ray turned away, his face a mask of emotional turmoil. “And now you’re not even talking to me?” Moonwalker questioned, visibly offended, his features reflecting a mix of hurt and confusion. “We’ve got to find a solution,” Twilight declared to Vinyl. “But how do we get them to talk again?” Vinyl questioned. “"Hmm..." Twilight tapped her chin in contemplation, her gaze sweeping across the room, which was adorned with tastefully chosen furniture in warm hues that complemented the gentle ambiance. A plush, burgundy sofa sat against one wall, its cushions neatly arranged and inviting, while a mahogany coffee table adorned with an assortment of well-thumbed books and a delicate vase of fresh flowers occupied the center of the room. "I've got an idea," she announced decisively, her lavender eyes alight with determination. Closing the distance between herself and Ray, Twilight's steps fell soundlessly on the rich, mahogany flooring that gleamed in the soft glow of the room's ambient lighting. "Ray, you and Stevie need to sort this out, and I'll help you," Twilight assured, her voice a soothing melody that resonated with the harmony of the room's carefully chosen decor. "I could use your help, Twilight," Ray acknowledged, slowly rising from the plush cushions of a velvety armchair, which cradled him moments before. Approaching Stevie, Ray took a seat beside him on a loveseat upholstered in a luxurious shade of deep sapphire blue. The fabric felt soft under his hooves as he nervously clasped his hooves together. "Sorry, didn't mean it. Can you forgive me?" Ray asked sincerely. Stevie, seated across from Ray, was on a well-crafted wooden chair that matched the coffee table's rich mahogany. The grains of the wood spoke of craftsmanship, each curve and line telling a silent tale of dedication and skill. "Yeah, I'll forgive you," Stevie nodded understandingly. Ray and Stevie, in a shared moment of reconciliation, embraced in a hug. The room seemed to hold its breath, the warmth of forgiveness permeating the air. Twilight looked on in amazement, “Another job well done.” She thought to herself as she sat there.