A lonely DJ and a depressed musician meet in an unfortunte way. Can Vinyl help this poor soul or will his life forever be singing the blues.
A lonely DJ and a depressed musician meet in an unfortunte way. Can Vinyl help this poor soul or will his life forever be singing the blues. Join Steady Beat and Vinyl on a musical journey that will bring two musicians closer than they thought possible.
Finally I though up a good story for Vinyl, hope this comes out well! Vinyl X O.C.
Disclaimer: I do not own any music featured in this fic. All credit goes to the people who made it.
A dark blue unicorn stallion with a black mane ran through the snow covered street’s of Canterlot, tears running down his face. He ran through the crowd, ignoring their stare’s and looks. His mind was like an abstract puzzle, the pieces disorganized and in utter chaos, the event’s leading to his current state started to play themselves back in his mind.
Two Hours Earlier
The shape of a music store came into view, a dark brown earth pony sporting a fedora was manning the counter while a dark blue stallion was in the back wrapping packages.
“Hey Steady Beat. You almost done packing those stereo’s?”
“Last one.” he said as he finished wrapping the box. “Done, can I leave boss?”
“Yeah, just lock up the back.” he said as he threw the unicorn a set of keys, Beat locked the back and proceeded to exit the store and make his way out into the cold snowy night. He galloped back to his apartment with flowers in hoof and a grin on his face.
I hope Lilly likes these. It’s been three years and I think it’s time I ask her.
He reached his apartment’s door and withdrew his key, as he put it into the lock he noticed that the lack was open. Beat put the thought out of his mind and continued inside, he found the warmth of his home welcoming, he heard a noise come from the bed room.
Strange, I thought Lilly had a double shift tonight..
He snuck up to the door, he heard a moan come from the other side. Not a moan of pain, a moan of pure ecstasy. Fear spread across his face.
No....please no.
Beat opened the door just a crack, enough fro him to poke his head inside to see his mare-friend being ravished by a grey pegasus stallion. His best friend. He heard another moan escape the mare’s lips, he dropped the flowers and ran out of the apartment slamming the door behind him.
Present
Steady Beat continued to make his way through the city. His best friend had betrayed him, his girlfriend cheated on him, he had no-pony to turn to. He went to closest bar and started to drown his misery in alcohol. Soon a grey pegasus stallion made his way through the door and sat down next to the unicorn.
“Hey buddy what’s going on?” Beat stood up and slugged the pegasus in the stomach, sending him to the floor. “What......was........ that for?” he said as he regained his breath.
“Like you don’t know traitor!” he said as tears started to form in his eyes.
“What are you-”
“I saw you two!” the pegasus soon caught on to what his friend was saying, Beat had tears streaming down his face and had a look that could kill a dragon. “Why? Why Thunderlane, you were my best friend! How could you?” the grey pegasus got to his hooves and returned the blow to the unicorn.
“Not my fault you can’t satisfy your mare-friend.” he said with no remorse in his voice. “I was only friends with you because I felt sorry for you, you’re pathetic. Clinging to life with no direction, they say that a ponies life is based on their capacity to fulfill their purpose. I can’t even begin to imagine what disappointment your parents must feel.” that last comment pushed Beat over the edge, he tackled the stallion and began to beat him to a pulp. Thunderlane found an opening and pushed the unicorn off him, he grabbed a bottle of liquor and smashed it on the unicorn’s head. Beat dropped to the floor in pain, the pegasus grabbed the unicorn’s horn and began to use his face as a punching bag. Thunderlane pulled the unicorn by his mane and threw him out the door, Beat heard the sounds of laughter come from inside. He got to his hooves and spat blood out of his mouth. Beat stumbled away from the bar and continued down the road, he could feel blood beginning to flow from his scalp, he made his way towards the outer part of the city.
“Hey watch where you’re going!” a white unicorn mare said with an aggravated tone in her voice, she then noticed his current state as he bumped into her. “Hey, are you okay?” Beat ignored the mare and made his way towards the only place he felt at home, his source of inspiration. ‘The Luna Bridge’ it was the same color as Luna’s full moon during the Nightmare Night Celebration and shined like a bright star. Beat climbed on top of the railing, he felt the snow hitting his coat and mane. He paused for a moment to take in the scenery, as he did he could have sworn he heard some-pony call out to him. Beat closed his eyes and jumped, he felt his body fly through the air and smacked against the ice that formed on the river. The ice began to crack under his weight, he felt the ice cold water envelope him in a freezing embrace.
Steady Beat then heard a splash and felt himself being dragged out of the water and felt the cold ground underneath his coat. He opened his eyes to see a soaking wet white mare with an electric blue mane and piercing red eyes glaring at him.
“What were you thinking!? You could’ve died!” she bellowed as her face turned to a frown. Beat was about to speak up but felt a cold grasp take him and he slipped into unconsciousness. “C’mon stay with me!” the mare yelled. She began to press on his chest and beginning to breath into his lips. She continued the process until he coughed up the water he had swallowed. “Thank Celestia.” she said to herself, she then waved over a passing pony, they brought out their phone and dialed 9-1-1. Two ambulances soon came to them, the medics loaded the unconscious stallion onto a stretcher and wrapped the mare in a wool blanket and helped her into the ambulance.
Steady Beat woke up in an unfamiliar room, he heard the electronic beat’s of a heart monitor filled the room. He looked to his right and saw a white unicorn mare sleeping calmly. Beat scratched his mane as the event’s from the previous night began to appear in his mind. Beat then started to sob at the memories.
“Hey!” Beat turned his head to see the white mare sitting up glaring at him with daggers in her eyes. “What the buck were you thinking?!” she yelled. Beat looked away from the mare’s gaze and stared down at his hooves. The white unicorn got out of her bed and pressed her hoof on the stallion’s chest forcing him back against the head board. “Listen pal! I just pulled your flank out of a frozen river! So I suggest you start talking!” her vibrant red eyes bore holes through his own.
“I’m sorry.” he said as he looked away from the mare’s death stare. She then backed off and looked at him with sad eyes.
“What happened?” she asked as she sat on his bed.
“I tried to kill myself.” he said as he looked up at the mare.
“Why?” she said in an angry tone. Beat began explaining what had happened the night before, by the end the mare’s expression was filled with sadness. She put her hooves around the stallion and brought him into a hug. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.” she said as a tear rolled down her cheek.
“It’s okay.” he said as he broke the hug and gave a weak smile at the mare. She then wiped the tear away and looked back at him. “I’m Steady Beat, what’s your name?”
“Vinyl...Vinyl Scratch.”
“Thank you Vinyl, I owe you my life.” he said as he put a hoof on the mares shoulder, Vinyl looked back at the stallion and smiled.
“Beat! You’re okay!” the two unicorns turned to see a light orange unicorn mare with a brown mane and tail standing in the door way, she wore a pair of black rimmed oval shaped glasses over her teary blue eyes. She galloped over to the stallion and wrapped her hooves around him. “I came as soon as I heard.” Beat returned the hug.
“Thanks Velvet.” he said as he broke the hug and looked back at the mare, he then lifted his hoof towards Vinyl. “This is Vinyl, she dragged my sorry flank out of the river.” the white mare was soon caught in a hug by the strange unicorn.
“Thank you so much for saving my big brother!” she said as tears began to flow. Vinyl managed to wiggle her way out of the hug.
“Your welcome, I was only doing what was right.” she said as she struggled to be free of the mare’s death grip.
“Well thank you anyways. I would stay if I could but I need to make my train to Trottingham. I’m sorry.” she said in a regretful tone.
“Sis it’s fine. Go! You need that promotion.”
“Are you sure? Because I can totally reschedule-”
“GO! You’ve worked your flank off for that job, I’ll be fine!”
“Okay....I’ll visit as soon as I can. I promise! Nice meeting you Vinyl.” she said as she trotted out of the room. Vinyl began to rub her arms, soothing the pain she received while she was enveloped in the mares hug.
“Sorry about that. My sister has a killer grip.” he said with a smile.
“It’s fine, she seems nice.” the two were interrupted by an earth pony mare in a white coat entering the room.
“Ah good your both awake. My name is Dr. Stable.” the two unicorns nodded at the mare. “Mr. Beat, you have a slight concussion, nothing serious.” she then turned to Vinyl. “Ms. Scratch you have a small case of Hypothermia. Nothing life threatening, but I suggest you spend a few days in bed.” Vinyl let out a loud groan.
“Ugh! What am I gonna do for three days?”
“That is your problem Ms. Scratch. Both of you are cleared to leave when ever you wish to.” the doctor said as she trotted out of the room. Vinyl stared back at the stallion with an angry look, he gave a weak smile.
“Thanks a lot!” she said in an aggravated tone.
“Sorry.....How bout I pay for breakfast?” he said in a nervous tone. Her eyes lit up at the mention of food.
“Deal, I know the perfect place.” she said with a grin. The two unicorns got to their hooves, Vinyl put a white and blue scarf around her neck, Beat couldn’t help but look at the pretty mare. As she caught him he looked away with a blush on his face. “Enjoying the view?” she said in a playful tone.
“Um......Sorry.”
“What do you have to be sorry for? You’re single now aren’t you?” the two started to laugh.
“Thanks Vinyl, I needed that.” he said with a smile.
“Don’t mention it. Now come on I’m starving!” the two unicorns left the hospital and continued down the path. The two walked in silence, Beat caught a few glances coming from Vinyl, but ignored the mare’s actions for the time being. He glanced at the mare’s cutie mark.
“So Vinyl, what do you do for a living?”
“I’m a DJ.”
“Really? That’s cool.”
“It pay’s the bills and really fun, you ever been to a rave?”
“No, not my type of scene.”
“Well what do you do?” she asked as she glanced at his cutie mark, it was a pair of headphones around an eighth note.
“Currently, working at a music shop selling instruments and sound equipment.” he said in a low grumble.
“You’re into music?”
“Who isn’t?”
“What kind?” Beat thought for a moment.
“I guess all kinds.”
“What about electric or dubsteb?” she asked with a small grin.
“They’re okay, not may favorite, but still good.” he said back to the mare.
“Do you play any instruments?”
“Yeah, I play guitar and piano.” Vinyl looked at him in wonder.
“Really are you any good?”
“Yeah I guess, I’ve written songs but nothing ground breaking.” Beat stopped walking at a sudden realization. “Oh no.”
“What?”
“My coin pouch and all my stuff is at home.”
“So?” she said with a confused look on her face.
“That’s where my mare.......ex mare-friend is.” he said in a grumble.
“Oh.....do you have a place to stay?” she asked in a concerned voice.
“Once I get my bit’s I think I’ll have enough for a motel room. Why?”
“Well.....I was just wondering......If you didn’t then you could....stay..with me...maybe.” she said as her face turned bright red in embarrassment.
“I don’t want to intrude Vinyl, you’ve already saved my life. I don’t want to be a pest.” he said in a low tone.
“It’s fine. My roommate is doing a gig in Trottingham, she won’t be back for at least another week. Plenty of time for you to find a place.” she said with a small grin.
“Thanks Vinyl. I appreciate it. Looks like I’m going have to pay for quite a few more meals then aren’t I?” Vinyl laughed at the statement. The two continued walking until they stopped in front of an apartment complex, Beat inserted his key and turned it. “Good she’s already left for her shift.” the two unicorns entered the small apartment. “This’ll only take a moment.” Vinyl followed him into the bedroom, he trotted over to the dresser and retrieved his coin purse and cell phone. As he trotted back over to the white mare, he looked down at the bed with rage and tears in his eyes.
“Beat? You okay?” the unicorn asked in a sympathetic tone. The blue unicorn then looked over towards Vinyl.
“Y-yeah. I-I just need to get out of here.” he said as he walked out of the room. Vinyl took another look at the bed and something clicked in her mind. She galloped after the stallion who was waiting outside for her. He quickly wiped the tears from his eyes as the mare came up and put a hoof on his shoulder.
“Beat was that where-”
“Yeah.” she then brought him into a hug, he gladly accepted it. “C’mon let’s get something to eat.” he said as he broke the hug. Vinyl nodded in agreement and the two made their way to a nearby cafe. It was small and quiet, the floor’s were black and white tiled in a diagonal direction. The booths’ seats were lined with red leather and sat two each. Vinyl and Beat sat down at a booth and waited for some-pony yo take their order. A waitress came to the pair and withdrew a note pad and pencil.
“Okay what can I get you today sir?”
“I’ll just have an egg and some coffee thank you.” the mare wrote the order down and then turned to Vinyl.
“I’ll have the same only make my egg sunny side up.”
“Alright just give me a few minutes and I’ll be right back with your food.” the mare trotted back into the kitchen. Vinyl and Beat then started to shoot the breeze, Vinyl tried to keep the subject of relationships as far away as possible. Soon the waitress returned with their food and the two began to eat, after they finished the waitress came back and delivered them their check. After they paid and tipped the waitress the two got to their hooves, as Vinyl did something fell. Beat picked up the object, they were a pair of violet tinted sunglasses.
“Nice shades.” Beat said as the handed them to Vinyl.
“Thanks.” she said as she put them on her face, as she did something clicked in the back of Beat’s mind. He started to stare at the mare like he was studying a book. “Um dude, you’re staring at me.”
“Sorry, but I feel like I’ve seen-” the waitress then hurried up to the two.
“OH MY GOSH! DJ PON3! I’M-” she was cut off by Vinyl putting a hoof over her lips making the ‘hush’ gesture.
“Shhh! I’m on vacation, so I would appreciate it if you could keep this between us?” she whispered to the mare.
“Of course I won’t say a word....but could you sign this for me?” the mare asked in excitement as she withdrew a picture of Vinyl using a turntable.
“Sure, what’s your name?”
“It’s Star shine!” Vinyl then levitated the pen and began to write.
Star shine,
You make excellent Coffee.
~ DJ PON3.
“Thanks so much! My friends are going to be so jealous.” the mare trotted off giggling to herself. Vinyl looked back at the blue stallion who had a priceless look on his face.
“Did I forget to mention that I’m a famous DJ?” *Squee* Vinyl said as she gave a sheepish grin and put her sun glasses away.
“Um..yeah! Why didn’t you tell me?!”
“I thought you already knew.” she said as the two began to trot through the cold street’s of Canterlot.
“I thought you looked familiar.” he said with a grin.
“So can you please not tell any-pony I’m here?” she said in a pleading voice.
“Who am I going to tell?” he said as he gave her e quizzical look.
“I dunno, friends and family?”
“The only friends I had stabbed me in the back and I don’t talk to my family....Except for my sister of course.” he said with a low grumble.
“Why don’t you talk to your parent’s?”
“Just something about them having a pole shoved so far up their plot’s that you can see it in the back of their throats when they talk.” Vinyl burst out in laughter.
“Yeah my folks are like that too. What do they do?”
“My dad’s a banker and my mom’s a lawyer.”
“Ouch!” Vinyl said as she gave small flinch.
“What about your parents?” Beat asked as he looked back at the mare.
“Mom’s a dentist and my dad is a psychiatrist.”
“That must have been hell, having a parent that can get in your head is a scary thought.”
“Ugh, you have no idea, when I was in high school my dad would psychologically analyze the stallions I would date.” she said as she rolled her eyes.
“That sucks.”
“Yeah, tell me about it. But your sister seems nice.”
“Velvet? Yeah she’s great.”
“What does she do?”
“She’s the vice president of a major corporation, hopefully not for long though. The president just retired and she’s in line for a promotion. Which is why she had to leave so quickly.” Vinyl’s eyes went wide.
“Wow, good for her.”
“Yep, I’m the prototype and she’s the finished product.” he said in a low tone
“What do you mean ‘finished product’?” She asked as she raised and eye brow.
“ Well for starters I’m one year older than she is and if you compare us then you’ll find that my sister is smarter, sharper and better looking.”
“Well I wouldn’t give her the credit in the looks department.” Vinyl just realized what she said and instantly blushed, Beat looked over at the red faced mare who was now avoiding eye contact.
“Um...Thanks.” the two continued to walk in silence, suddenly his phone starts to ring, he answers the phone and begins to talk. “Hello?...Hey what’s up?......WHAT!.......Look man I can explain I was in the hospital.......I.....Well Buck you!” he hung up and let out a loud groan of aggravation.
“What was that about?”
“I just got fired.”
“What! Why?” Vinyl shouted in surprise.
“Because I didn’t show up to work today.” he said as he hung his head in shame. Vinyl put a hoof on his shoulder, he was fighting back tears. “Great, I have no friends, no job and no apartment. What am I gonna do now?” Vinyl wrapped her hooves around him.
“You can stay with me, like I said my roommate is out of town and I’m sure you could find work in my town.”
“Where is it?” he said as he suppressed his tears.
“It’s a quiet town called Ponyville.”
“Thanks Vinyl, for everything.” he hugged the white mare who started to hug him back.
“Hey what are friends for?”
“Thanks. I just have to go do something really quick.” he said as he broke the embrace.
“Can I come?”
“Sure, time to make a house call.” he said as he started to backtrack through the snow covered city.
Steady Beat and Vinyl made their way through the snowy street’s of Canterlot. Beat kept silent as the two walked taking in deep breaths to calm his ever growing nerves, Vinyl was there for moral support and in case things went sour. When they arrived at the apartment Beat hesitated as he went to knock on the door. He looked over at Vinyl and gave a final sigh.
“You sure you want to do this? I mean we can always send for your stuff and-” she was cut off by him raising a hoof.
“No, I have to do this. If I let this go then they win, I won’t let them have the last laugh.” Beat then opened the door slightly to see the inside chain lock drawn across, he gave a small grin. “Perfect.” he breathed out.
“I guess we’ll come back later when-” she was cut off by Beat turning around and kicking the door open. Vinyl looked in surprise with her jaw hanging low. Beat looked back at her with a smile on his face.
“I have always wanted to do that!” he said as he trotted inside. Soon a pink pegasus with a light blue mane came running out.
“WHAT IN THE NAME OF CELESTIA IS GOING ON OUT-” she stopped as soon as she saw the blue stallion standing in the door way with a blank look on his face.. “Oh......Beat......I-” she said weakly.
“I’m only here to collect my things.” he said coldly. His attention then turned to a familiar grey pegasus trotting out of the bathroom. Beat ignored the two and trotted over to his piano, his horn began to glow and the large instrument vanished. “I’ll be out of your manes soon, just a few more items.” the pink pegasus opened her mouth to talk but couldn’t find the words, the grey pegasus trotted over to him and started to shout every obscenity ever used by ponies. Lilly tried to calm him down but it wasn’t working. Beat continued to pack up his things without muttering a word, once he was done he had a small duffle bag and a guitar strapped to him. As he was leaving Thunderlane blocked his path.
“When you die cold and alone I hope I’m the last face you see, just so I can laugh at your death.” Lilly was in tears, sobbing on the floor.
“Thunder......please....that’s enough.” she begged.
“No! This guy is so stupid that he couldn’t satisfy his mare friend and lost his only love to his best friend! What a riot, and he knows that he’ll never feel that way again. Not that any mare would go out with him.” Anger was burning in Beat’s eyes, his hoof was shaking in rage. He was about to clobber the pegasus until Vinyl came in wearing her sun glasses. The two pegasi looked at her in surprise. Vinyl trotted over to the blue unicorn and brought him into a kiss. Beat’s mind was racing he looked at the her, she gave him the ‘play along’ gesture. As they separated Beat looked back at the pegasi, their faces were in utter shock. Beat made his way towards the door.
“Thanks for the concern Thunderlane but I think I’ll be fine. Good luck to both of you.” he said with a smug grin. Once the two unicorns were away from the building the two broke into laughter.
“And they say I can’t act!” Vinyl said with a laugh.
“I know, very nice touch with the kiss, that sold it.” he said with a smile.
“It looked like you were about to kill him, so I figured just some psychological trauma would suffice.” she said with a grin.
“I have no complaints, I think I preferred to see their faces like that rather than in black and blue.”
“Yeah, I call it a ‘fake out make out’.” she said with a small blush.
“Yeah....I know.......totally platonic.” he said with a small blush. “So where to now?”
“Next stop, Ponyville!” Vinyl said as she raised a hoof.
“Fantastic! Lead the way.” he said with a smile. Vinyl and Beat managed to make the train in time. Beat spent most of the time looking out the window admiring the scenery. He looked next to him to see Vinyl who had a pair of headphones over her ears and was snoring away. Beat gave a small grin and laid his head back to catch some sleep. He started to dream, about his parent’s and sister. Beat felt himself being jostled awake by the train stopping, he looked to his side to see Vinyl’s head resting on his shoulder, as he began to move he felt her grip tighten around his arm. He leaned in and took off her head phones and began to whisper. “Vinyl, wake up, we’re here.” the white mare’s eyes fluttered open. Her red eyes then fell upon the blue stallion, she got up and stretched for a moment. “Sleep well?” he asked as she rubbed her eyes.
“Yeah. Well let’s go, time to meet the town folk.” she said with a smile. The two unicorns got off the train and walking through the snow covered town. He saw ponies bustling around, a pony was giving out red hat’s with a red band and white ball on top. Vinyl got two, as she put it on Beat couldn’t help but stare at the mare’s beauty. He quickly adverted his eyes and threw on the hat. “C’mon, follow me.” she said as she grabbed his hoof and pulled him through the street’s. “Want some lunch?” she asked.
“Sure, any good places?”
“Yeah, Sugar Cube Corner. I know the owners, they’re really nice.”
“Sounds good to me.” the two unicorns entered the bakery. The smell of sugar and frosting filed Beat’s nostrils. They sat down at a booth and were greeted by a hyperactive pink mare.
“Vinyl! You’re back!” the mare said as she hugged Vinyl.
“Hey Pinkie.” she said as she broke the hug. “We’ll have the usual.” Vinyl said as Pinkie shifted her gaze to the blue unicorn stallion.
“HI! I’M PINKIE PIE!” she said with a massive grin.
“Hello, I’m Steady Beat. Nice to meet you Pinkie.” he said as he shook her hoof.
“Cool! Are you Vinyls colt-friend?” the two unicorns looked at one another and began to laugh.
“No, Vinyls’ just allowing me to crash at her place while I look for a job here in Ponyville.” Beat said as he finished laughing. Pinkie started to laugh as well.
“Oh sorry, I tend to jump to conclusions sometimes. I’ll be back with your food.” the pink mare soon trotted away.
“She alway’s like that?” Beat asked as he looked at Vinyl.
“Oh yeah. Pinkie is our neighborhood party thrower. I suggest you prepare yourself.”
“For what?”
“For the party she’s going to throw you.” Gear rolled his eyes.
“Could you please ask her not to I’m not really in the mood due to......you know.” Vinyls eyes shrank.
“Oh right. I’ll see what I can do.” Vinyl said as she went after the pink mare. Beat continued to sit and wait for the mare’s return, soon he heard the door open, a lavender colored mare with a purple and red striped mane trotted into the shop. She trotted over to Pinkie who was still talking to Vinyl. The three mares then trotted over to him. “Beat this is Twilight our local librarian.” she said as she pointed to the purple mare. He gave a nod and then looked at Pinkie who had a sad look on her face.
“Hey Beat, Vinyl just told me and I completely understand that you’re not in a party mood, right now. So we’ll party later?” Beat looked back at the mare who’s lower lip started to quiver.
How can I say no to that look?
“Yeah fine by me, thanks for understanding. I’ll let you know when I’m in the mood.” he said as he gave the group a smile. Pinkie grinned back.
“Oh right your food! I’ll be right back.” she then zipped away from the group, Beat and the two mares sat down a the table, Twilight sat across from Vinyl and Beat.
“So Beat what do you do for a living?” Twilight asked.
“I’m in the music business.”
“Really? So’s Vinyl.”
“Yeah, she told me.”
“So how did you two meet?” Twilight asked Beat’s eyes shrank at the question, he looked over to Vinyl with a nervous look.
“I saved his life.” Vinyl said in a cocky tone.
Vinyl please don’t.
“How so?”
“He got drunk and fell in the river, I jumped in and dragged his flank to shore.”
Close call.
“WHAT? How did you get that drunk!?”
“I just found out that my mare-friend cheated on me with my best friend, so I wasn’t exactly in the right mindset.” he sat in a low grumble.
“Oh....I’m sorry I had no idea!” Twilight said with a nervous look on her face.
“It’s fine. You didn’t know.”
“So what type of music do you like?”
“All kinds.”
“Do you know any-pony famous?”
“Other than Vinyl? Yeah.”
“What? Like who?” Vinyl asked.
“Well, I sold Living Tombstone some amps. I met Pony Cash while I was learning guitar and I’ve met a few others.” he looked back at the mares who’s jaws were hitting the table.
“Beat, can I be your best friend?” Vinyl asked.
“What?”
“We have so much in common!” Beat started to laugh and ruffled her mane.
“You know when I woke up this morning I had a feeling that today was gonna be a total bust, but I got payback on the ponies who stabbed me in the back, found a nice town to live in and I’ve got a new best friend.” he said with a warm smile, Vinyl smiled back at him.
“So do you play any instruments?” Twilight asked.
“Yeah, I can play the piano and guitar.”
“Can you sing?”
“A little....I’m not that good though.” he said as he scratched his mane. Twilight then got to her hooves.
“Well I’d love to stay and chat but I need to get back to the library. Nice meeting you Beat.” she said as she trotted away from the unicorns. Pinkie soon returned with their food and the two scarfed down their food. The ventured back out into the snow covered town, as they walked through the snow covered town something in the back of Beat’s mid was eating away at him.
“Hey Vinyl can I ask you something?”
“Yeah what’s up?” she said as she looked at him.
“Are you only hanging out with me because you feel sorry for me?” he said in a flat tone. Vinyl looked back at him with surprise.
“What? That’s crazy! You’re a really nice guy plus we have a lot in common, why are you asking me this?”
“Before I jumped off the bridge I had a fight with Thunderlane at a bar, he ended up winning. While he was beating my face in he said that he only hung around me was because he felt bad for me. At first I didn’t listen but what he say’s make sense, he was my only real friend.” Vinyl put a hoof on his shoulder. “Before I met him, I was a loner, never talked to any-pony. I was even distant towards my family, and now that I know that it was all a facade I just don’t know if I can-” he was stopped by Vinyl who enveloped him in a hug.
“Beat, you have nothing to worry about I would never do something that mean, not to any-pony and definitely not to you. I mean I’m letting you stay in my house, are you saying you don’t trust me?” she said as she gave him a sad look.
“No! It’s just that....I........ugh....I just need some time to get over this whole situation. I do trust you Vinyl, I really do and I appreciate all you’ve done for me.” he said as the white mare started to smile. “But, I just need some time to sort everything out and get my head straight.”
“Yeah I can understand that with everything you’ve been through and all. Let’s just get you settled first.” she said as she stopped walking and looked towards a two story house. “C’mon let me give you the tour.” she said as she trotted inside with a smile. Beat followed her inside, It was a little cold but nothing too bad, she trotted upstairs she opened the door to reveal a very well kept room, spotless and not a thing out of place. “This is my roommates room, she’ll be back in a week, I’m sure that we can figure something out by then.” she said with a smile. Beat put his bags and guitar down and followed the mare to the other rooms, the next one was in complete and utter chaos, clothes were scattered, some empty soda and beer can’s were left lying on the floor. Beat looked over at the mare with a look of shock, Vinyl scratched the back of her head in embarrassment. “Heh-heh, I guess I should clean soon.”
“Yah think?” he said in a sarcastic tone. She frowned back at Beat with an angry look and led him downstairs, Vinyl showed him the kitchen and living room. he took a moment o examine the game consoles she had collected. “No way, you have a Pony-dream cast, and Ninten-pony 64!”
“Yeah my cousin was really into this stuff and so am I. I also have a new P-Box 720, you play?”
“Oh yeah. Big time, do you have a Pony-Cube?”
“I had one but it’s long gone, I think I lost it when I moved here. Bummer too, my favorite game was still in it when I lost it.” she said with a disappointed look in her eye. “Why?”
“What was the game?”
“Ugh! Why can’t I remember? It ad a blue hedgehog and some fox thing as his side kick, and they were fighting against some water monster.” A grin appeared on Beat’s face as his horn glowed, a plastic sphere with wires running through it materialized next to the two unicorns, soon a small box with a picture of the blue hedgehog on the cover. Vinyl’s eyes went wide at the items. “NO WAY!”
“Yes way, this is my favorite game too, I’ve had it since I was a colt.” he said as he put the items beside the television set. “We can play after the tour.”
“Awesome!” Vinyl then pulled a lever and a hidden door appeared from the wall. She trotted down the stairs and turned on the light. Beat followed her, his jaw dropped at what he saw. Vinyl had a full recording studio complete with a sound proof room and switch board. “My own recording studio/office. Feel free to use it anytime you want. Now c’mon let’s go play!” Vinyl hurried back upstairs with Beat in hot pursuit. Beat plugged the console into the television, he summoned two controllers and the two began to play, by the eighth our of playing Beat was beating Vinyl sixteen to three.
“Ha-ha. Score one for me!” Beat said with a laugh.
“Give me a break! I’m rusty.” Vinyl complained.
“Yeah so am I, I haven’t played this game in years.”
“Why? This game is awesome!”
“My ex didn’t approve of me playing video games.”
“WHAT! This game is a classic.”
“I know! This game is my foal-hood in a nut shell.” he said as he raised his hooves.
“Yeah man Sonic is a classic. Who’s your favorite character?” Beat took a moment to ponder.
“I’d have to say, Gamma.”
“Why? Isn’t he like a bad guy?” she said as she raised an eyebrow.
“More of a tragic hero he-” he was cut off by Vinyl grabbing his arm, he looked over to see the white mare shivering. “Vinyl? You okay?”
“N-no....I’m fr-freezing.” her shivering increased and began to feel light headed. Beat grabbed a thermometer and put it in the shivering mare’s mouth, after waiting for a few minutes he examined the thermometer.
“Oh no...you’re hypothermic. I’ll be right back.” he teleported away and returned with a large wool blanket, he wrapped both himself and Vinyl inside of it. Vinyl’s face started to blush.
“W-what are y-you d-doing?”
“Using my body heat to slowly warm yours. If your temperature rises to quickly.....you could have a heart attack and die.” he said as he wrapped the mare in his hooves with the blanket around them both.
“Wh-where did y-you learn this?”
“I payed attention in health class.” he said with a grin. Vinyl tried to grin but the shivering didn’t allow her to move that much. “Hang on.” his horn began to glow, he levitated a filled tea pot onto the stove and ignited it. “Do you have a fire place?”
“Y-yeah, it’s o-over there.” she said as she pointed with her hoof to the back corner of the room. Beat’s horn started to glow and instantly the fire place was ignited, he moved himself and Vinyl towards the raging fire. “H-how did you d-do that?”
“I may have been a roadie for a heavy metal band who had a penchant for pyromania.” he said with a weak grin. Vinyl’s shivering started to subside, Beat’s horn began to glow, he started to pour the tea into two glasses and levitated them over to them. He looked at Vinyl who tried to grab the tea cup i her shivering hooves. “Looks like you need a hoof.” he levitated the cup to her lips and she began to drink the tea. She felt the warm liquid move down her throat warming her body, she wasn’t sure if it was the tea or the stallion with his hooves still wrapped around her that was making her face turn red. Somehow she felt safe in his hooves, she leaned her head back against the stallions toned chest and gave a heavy sigh. Beat’s face started to turn red and looked down at the mare.
“Looks like I owe you one.” she said with a smile. Beat glanced at the clock and realized how late it was.
“Whoa, it got late quick. It’s 11:00 pm.” Vinyl glanced at the clock and saw he was correct.
“Where does the time go?” as she got to her hooves she stumbled, Beat caught her and hoisted her onto his back.
“Let’s call it a night.” he said with a smile. He shut off the television and proceeded to trot upstairs with the white mare hanging onto his neck. Vinyl’s face was bright red as she hung on to him. They entered Vinyls mess of a room, Beat put the mare down on her bed. “Goodnight.” he said with a smile as he left the room. Beat closed the door and made his way to the other bedroom, he spent the next hour taking in the day’s events. Eventually his fatigue took him and he drifted off to blissful sleep.
Steady Beat woke up with the sun pouring through the window, as he yawned and stretched his front hooves he noticed a sleeping Vinyl lying next to him. At first he was shocked and surprised, as he looked at the sleeping mare she let out a small snore, her electric blue mane was draped over her face. Beat reached over and pushed her mane back.
She’s really cute when she’s sleeping. he thought to himself.
Ugh! Shut up brain, she’s probably taken. Plus remember how things went with Lilly? Who’s to say that she won’t do the same thing?
No! Vinyl’s not like that. She-
“WHAT IN THE NAME OF CELESTIA IS GOING ON HERE?” a voice bellowed from the doorway. The shout startled the sleeping mare, she hopped out of bed sending Beat down with her. Vinyl got off the floor and looked over to see an angered grey earth pony mare with a charcoal colored mane glaring at her with anger filled purple eyes. “HONESTLY VINYL! IN MY OWN ROOM! IN MY BED!” the angered mare yelled. Beat got to his hooves and looked over at the mare.
“Look miss I know this look bad but.........OCTAVIA? Is that you?” he said as he looked at the mare. Her eyes shrank to the size on pin tips.
“BEAT?” the stallion nodded and the two hugged each other while Vinyl looked at them in confusion. “I can’t believe it! I haven’t seen you in years, how are you? What are you doing here?”
“I’m fine, as to why I’m here Vinyl offered me a place to stay until I find a place of my own. I didn’t know you two were roommates!”
“Okay can some-pony please explain what the buck is going on? How do you two know each other?” Vinyl asked in an annoyed tone. Beat turned to her with a smile.
“Sorry Vinyl. Octavia and I go way back. We went to the same High School and we tore it up in the music department.” he said with a laugh.
“Oh please, you were the one who always caused me so much trouble!” she said with a sly smile. “But a bigger explanation is needed, why are you two SLEEPING IN MY BED!” she said as she began to frown.
“Right that, well as I explained Vinyl offered me a place to stay and she offered me this room until you came back. As to why we’er in the same bed is a surprise to me too, last time I saw her she was in her own room.” the two ponies looked at the now blushing white mare.
“I got cold.” she said with a weak smile.
“That’s no excuse!” Octavia interjected.
“It is when your hypo.....hypo.....what was that word?”
“Hypothermic.” Beat said in a flat tone.
“Right Hypothermic.”
“How did you get Hypothermia?” Octavia asked as she raised an eyebrow.
“I pulled your friends flank out of a river.” Vinyl said as the grey mare glared at the blue stallion. Beat rubbed his head.
“Look girls, how about we all calm down and have this conversation like mature adult’s down stairs?” the two mares nodded in agreement. The three ponies trotted down stairs and Beat told Octavia the whole story, from Lilly cheating on him to his move to Ponyville. Octavia brought him into a hug.
“Oh Beat, I’m so sorry about Lilly I feel so guilty.” Octavia said in a sad tone.
“Why do you feel guilty?” Vinyl asked.
“I introduced them to one another, I never expected Lilly to do something so horrible.” she said as she broke the hug.
“It’s fine Octy, you couldn’t have known.”
“And you just slipped into the water?” she said with a quizzical look.
“Y-yeah that’s what-.” Vinyl was cut off as Beat raised a hoof.
“No, to be honest Octy, I jumped off.” he said in a sad tone. Octavia put a hoof on his shoulder.
“I can understand why you would feel that way I mean you two-” Vinyl then coughed loudly. “What I mean to say is that I’m glad Vinyl saved you.”
“Yeah so am I.” he said as he smiled to the white unicorn who blushed. “But enough about that, how have you been? Vinyl said you had a gig.”
“Ugh! The entire trumpet section got food poisoning. We had to cancel the whole thing.” she said as she rolled her eyes.
“Bummer. You still playing the cello?”
“Yes. Piano for you?”
“Not really, before I moved here I worked in a music shop selling amps and instruments for eight bit’s and hour.” he said in alow grumble.
“WHAT! Why would you take a job like that with your talent? You could always join my-”
“No, I don’t like massive bands. Plus I usually write my own material.”
“Can we hear something?” Vinyl asked.
“Maybe later.” he said as he got to his hooves. “I’m gonna go look for an apartment nearby.”
“You don’t have to do that! We’d love to have you stay.” Octavia said.
“Yeah, stay as long as you want.” Vinyl added. Beat looked at the two mares who had concerned looks on their faces.
“Well.....okay. If you two don’t mind that is.”
“Of course not. Stay as long as you need.”
“Thanks, but I still need a job. So I’m off to town to see if any-pony’s hiring.” he said as he began to leave the room.
“Can I come?” Vinyl asked.
“Mind if I come along too? It’ll give us time to catch up.” Octavia said.
“Sure, I don’t see why not. We’ll leave in a few minutes.” he said as he trotted back upstairs. Octavia then turned to Vinyl with a smug grin on her face.
“What?”
“Don’t ‘what’ me Vinyl. It’s obvious that you like him.” Vinyl’s face turned bright red.
“What? that’s crazy. Wh-what gave you that idea?” she said with a sheepish grin.
“Let’s see, blushing every time he talks to you, always looking at him when he isn’t looking at you and the fact that you snuck into MY bed just so you could sleep next to him.” she said as she cocked an eyebrow. Vinyl was about to protest but found it futile.
“Alright I like him, I admit it, he’s so nice, funny and he’s in the music business.”
“I know, he’s a good stallion. But he needs time, he’s still getting over Lilly. You of all ponies should know how it feels to be ch-” Vinyl shot an angry look at the grey mare.
“I get it, I’ll give him his space, I just don’t want to wait to long.”
“Good idea, and Vinyl one more thing.”
“What?”
“If you hurt him, I swear to Celestia I will ram my cello bow down your throat so far it will stick out your flank.” she said in a cold tone. Vinyl looked back at her with fear in her eyes. “We may be best friends, but Beat and I have been through a lot together, and I will hurt any-pony who tries to hurt him. Understand?” she gave the white unicorn a stare that would make Princess Luna cringe in fear.
“G-got it.” Vinyl said in a scared tone.
“Good.” she said as she trotted over and put on a purple scarf and purple ear muffs, soon Beat came back sporting a blue and white striped scarf and was sporting a brown flat cap hat.
“You two ready?” he asked.
“Yes.” Octavia chimed.
“Cool. Vinyl, you okay? You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.” he said with a confused look on his face.
“Y-yeah. Let me just get my scarf and shades.” Vinyl levitated the two items onto her body and joined her two roommates. The three made it their way through the snow covered town, Vinyl mostly listened to Beat and Octavia shoot the breeze. Eventually Beat went inside a store, Vinyl and Octavia went to go get a cup of coffee. The two sat in silence until Vinyl spoke up. “So Tavi, how far back do you and Beat go?”
“Well we went to High School together and-”
“C’mon it’s gotta be more than that. In the entirety that we’ve been roommates never have you threatened me like that evan after I broke your cello for the sixth time.”
“I guess you have a right to know, Beat and I have a.....complicated history.” Vinyls’ eyes went wide.
“Please tell me you two didn’t date!” Octavia burst into laughter.
“Of corse not, you know I like mares.” Vinyl breathed a sigh of relief. “But it does have something to do with that.” Vinyl looked back at her friend in confusion. “I was in High School when I ‘came out of the closet.’ When I did, no-pony looked at me the same way again, my friends abandoned me and even the teachers started to treat me differently. Colt’s and mares started to make fun of me every chance they got, they made my life a living hell. It was so unbearable that I almost decided to kill myself.” she said as she looked away from the mare. “But Beat stopped me, he was there for me every step of the way, he was the only one who supported me. One time, some colt’s from school tried to ‘correct my mistake.’ Beat defended me, when the police finally arrived he had three broken ribs, a fractured tibia and a concussion, he spent three months recovering in the hospital.” Vinyl looked back with tears in her eyes.
“What about the colt’s?”
“Beat had completely pulverized them. They were hospitalized for six months each, after that no-pony messed with me or him. When graduation came I changed from a shy little filly to a pony who could stand on her hooves, he always watched my back, when I got accepted into the orchestra I was scarred. Beat reassured me that he would be there if I needed him, he attended quite a few of my performances, after I introduced him to Lilly he started coming less and less. I didn’t mind, he had his life to lead and I had mine.”
“But he doesn’t seem like the violent type.”
“He isn’t. But if he get’s angry, he can cause some damage, especially if he’s using his screech.” Vinyl tilted her head in confusion.
“His what?”
“His Screech is when he-” they were cut off when Beat joined them at the table. “How’s the job hunting going?”
“Bad, that was the tenth shop I’ve been to. I guess there’s no work around here for a musician.” he rested his head on the table in disappointment. Vinyl put a hoof on his shoulder and gave him a grin.
“I’m sure something will turn up eventually.” Octavia said.
“Yeah....I guess.” he said in a low grumble. Octavia looked over at Vinyl with a concerned look.
“How about we get ourselves a real drink. There’s a bar not to far from here.” Vinyl suggested.
“I’m in.” Beat said as he got to his hooves.
“I suppose I could go for some wine.” Octavia added.
“Alright then, follow me!” Vinyl said as she trotted off with the two ponies following close behind.
Vinyl led the two ponies to a red bricked building, the bar was wooded with a black finish. The bar tender was a tan earth pony with an orange mane and mustache, he waved over Vinyl and the others.
“Vinyl Scratch, am I glad to to see you. We need some music to get these drinks flowing and the ponies to start drinking.” the three ponies looked around to see that only a few ponies were inside and that it was close to dead silent. Vinyl pondered the though for a moment, her eyes lit up and a smile grew across her face, she than gave a fake cough.
“Sorry Whiskey, but I’m not feeling to well but my friend here can play.” she said as she pointed to Beat who had a surprised look on his face.
“What!”
“Well, I’ll take Vinyls word for it. If you want to that is.” Beat looked back at Vinyl who still held the same goofy grin, then he glanced at Octavia who nodded in agreement.
“Fine. But can I use my own instruments?”
“Sure, if you can get them here.” Whiskey said as he shrugged his shoulders. Beat ordered a shot of Applejack Daniels, after he drank the auburn liquid he trotted over to the stage. His horn began to glow and a piano materialized, it was jet black. Soon an acoustic guitar appeared, Beat swung the guitar over his shoulder and started to tune it. Whiskey looked back at Vinyl with a confused look. “Why does he have two instruments? Can he multitask?”
“Something like that, just watch, you two are in for a treat.” Octavia said as Whiskey handed her a glass of red wine. Beat’s horn began to glow again after a cloud of smoke had evaporated an exact copy of Steady Beat materialized. The copy moved over to the piano and started to test the pedals and keys. After the sound test the two were set and ready, the eat holding the guitar trotted over to the microphone.
“Okay every-pony, I’m Steady Beat and we’ll be your entertainment for this evening does any-pony have any request’s?”
“How about some country?” Beat looked over to the corner of the bar to see an orange mare sporting a stetson hat.
“Alright then, here you go Miss....”
“Applejack.”
“Okay Applejack, heres an old favorite written by Pony Cash.” Beat started to strum the guitar in a nice even beat and began to sing.
After he had completed the song the bar was close to capacity with ponies. As he took a step back the crowd cheered, he looked over at Vinyl who had a massive smile on her face and was clapping her hooves over her head. He trotted over to the bar, even Whiskey was impressed.
“Boy, that was some of the best music we’ve had here in months. No offense Vinyl.”
“None taken. I totally agree, that was awesome!”
“It was nothing, I’m still rusty. Haven’t had time to practice with job hunting and all.” Whiskey’s ears perked up.
“You don’t have a job?”
“Nope.” Beat said in a grumble.
“Would you like one?” Beat looked up at the stallion in surprise. “You cold come by say...five night’s a week play some music and I’ll give you a cut of the profits.”
“How much of a cut?”
“We’ll start out at 10% and see how it goes from there.”
“Deal.” Beat said as he shook the stallions hoof. “Mind if I mix it up a little?”
“I don’t mind as long as it brings in a crowd.” he said with a grin. Soon a maroon colored mare with a pink mane trotted over to him
“Excuse me, I don’t think we’ve met I’m Cherilee, I run the school around the corner.” he shook her hoof.
“Nice to meet you Cherilee, I’m Steady Beat. What can I do for you?”
“I was wondering if you could do a music demonstration for the kids sometime?”
“Sure, mind if I bring some ponies to help me out?”
“The more the merrier.”
“Awesome. Vinyl, Octy want to help me out with this?” he said as he glanced over at the mares.
“Sure!” Vinyl said with a smile.
“Um...I’m not really good with children.” Octavia said with an unsure look.
“Don’t worry, I can handle the kids.” Beat said with a smile.
“Well alright.”
“Splendid, I’d better start planning the lessons. I need you all tomorrow by 9:00 am.” the maroon mare wrote her number downa on a napkin and handed it to Beat, she soon trotted away from the three musicians.
“Thanks guys, I’m gonna need a hoof with the students.”
“No problem I love kids.” Vinyl said with a smile.
“Well I think it’s time I call it a night. Goodbye you two.” Octavia said as she trotted away from the unicorns. “Beat don’t let Vinyl stay out to late.”
“Will do.” he said as he waved at the mare. Vinyl then ordered quite a few shot’s of liquor Beta looked over at Vinyl with a concerned look in his eye. “Vinyl I think you’re over doing it.”
“Are you saying I can’t hold my drink?”
“I’m just saying it seems a bit.....excessive.”
“Is that a challenge?” she said as she pushed her glasses over her eyes.
“No I’m just saying....”
“Challenge Accepted! Whiskey, Get the good stuff!” the earth pony reached under the bar and withdrew a bottle of fifty year old scotch.
“Vinyl, I really don’t think that-”
“Backing out huh? Can’t say I blame you you pianists are usually light weights.” she said with a cocky grin. Beat looked at her with a blank look.
“I was going to say that’s it’s not a good idea for you to challenge some-pony and expect an easy win. “ he said as he slammed back the first shot.
“Cocky huh? How about a wager then?”
“What is it?”
“If I win you give me something, you win I give you something.” she said as she matched his drink.
“What do you want?” he said as he swallowed the second shot.
“I’ll tell you after you lose.”
“Then I guess I won’t know then.” the two continued to match each other shot for shot. Vinyl’s vision began to blur and she started to feel woozy, she lifted the last shot to her lips as the liquid touched her lips she collapsed. Beat rushed over to the white mare on the floor. “Vinyl, you okay?” Vinyl’s eyes snapped open to see the blue stallion looking down at her, her face instantly turned crimson. Beat helped her to her hooves and the two heavily intoxicated unicorns made their way out of the bar and back onto the snow covered street. Vinyl was on Beat’s back as the two made their way home. “So Vinyl....what would you.....have me do if .....you won?” he said in a slurred tone.
“I *hic* can’t tell you.”
“Well *hic* since I won. I *hic* demand you to *hic* tell me.” Vinyl then slid off his back and onto the snow covered ground. Beat looked at her lying in the snow. The only thing that he could see was he beautiful red eyes glaring up at him half lidded.
“C-come closer and I’ll tell ya.” Beat lowered his head closer to the mare. “Closer.” Beat did. “Closer.” she said in an annoyed tone. Beat lowered his head so that their snout’s were touching which was causing him to blush profusely.
“What were you going to have me-” he was cut off by the white mare grabbing his head and bringing him into a passionate kiss. Beat could feel her tongue exploring his mouth, sliding across his molars and starting a wrestling match with his own tongue, he was in utter bliss Beat forced her tongue back into her mouth, she tasted like fifty year old scotch and mint. As the two broke the kiss a they stared back at one another, they were both breathing heavily. He could feel her warm breath against his lips, he saw that her lower lip was quivering, her eyes started to tear up.
“I’m sorry.” she said as she sat up and began to sob. “I-I don’t know why I did that. Wh-whenever I’m around you everything get’s complicated.” Beat put a hoof on the mares shoulder. “I’m sorry I know you’re going through a rough time right now and I understand how you wouldn’t be interested in-” she was cut off by Beat pressing his lips against hers. Vinyl looked back in surprise as he removed his lips.
“Vinyl , I’m over my ex. She hurt me in a way I could never forgive her for. You saved me from myself, rescued me from my loneliness and given me a feeling I haven’t felt in years.” Vinyl looked up at he stallion as she wiped her tears away. “Even when I was with Lilly I was un happy. You make me feel alive, want to try new and exciting things.” he said as he brought her into a hug.
“R-really? Y-you mean it?”
“Yes.” he gave her a quick peck on the cheek. The two sat there sitting in the snow watching the flakes come down and mix with the already fallen snow.
“What were you going to ask me?”
“Pardon?”
“For the challenge what were you going to ask me?” Vinyl said as she looked up at him.
“I was gong to ask you if you wanted to have dinner with me tomorrow.”
“Does that offer still stand?” she asked as she smiled at him.
“Yes, why?” he asked in an oblivious tone.
“Then I’d love to have dinner with you.” she started to nuzzle his chest. The two unicorns made their way back to their house, once they went inside Vinyl stopped him at the foot of the stairs. “Slow down there sailor, you still have to buy me dinner first.” she said with a sly grin. Beat gave her a goodnight kiss and made his way over to the couch.
Beat woke up on the couch to see Vinyl sleeping in his chest, he gave a small smile and drifted back into his blissful sleep. Beat was awoken five minutes later by Octavia splashing a bucket of cold water onto the sleeping unicorns. Beat and Vinyl rocketed off the couch in surprise.
“What the hell was that for Tavi?” Vinyl barked.
“Remember our talk Vinyl?” Vinyl was about to protest but let out a loud groan and clutched her head in pain, Beat did the same.
“Octy, please not so loud.” Beat said as he got to his hooves.
“I can’t even remember what happened last night.” Vinyl added.
“I think I can remedy that.” Beat’s horn began to glow, a projection appeared on the television.
“What is that?”
“This is a way for me to review my memories in case I forget something.” He turned his attention back to screen. “Okay, last thing I remember is Octy leaving the bar and Vinyl challenging me to a drinking contest.” the three started to watch as the event’s folded out, by the end Vinyl and Beat’s faces were bright red and Octavia’s jaw had hit the floor. The grey mare looked over at the two unicorns who both had a guilty grin on their faces.
“I think I’ll leave you two alone for a while.” Octavia said as she trotted out of the room. Beat and Vinyl looked at one another with a blush thrown across their faces.
“So.......um.” Vinyl began.
“Yeah.....I should probably call Cherilee to cancel the music-” he was cut off as his phone began to ring, he looked at the screen to see it was the school teacher “Well that’s convenient.” he said as he lifted the object to his ear. “Hey Cherilee I was just gonna call......uh-huh....okay....Fine by me, have a good day.” he said as he ended the call. “Cherilee had to cancel school because of the snow so we have the day off.” he said as he looked back at Vinyl who had a grin across her face. “So.....do you want to....I don’t know go out?” he said in a nervous tone.
“Sure...I’d like that.” she said with a grin. The two unicorns ventured out into the bright morning, they trotted over to sugar cube corner and grabbed themselves some breakfast, as they sat down they were greeted by a happy pink mare.
“Hey you two, enjoying your date?” Pinkie said with a wide grin.
“Pinkie how did you know that we-” Vinyl was cut off.
“Oh please almost every-pony saw you last night.” Vinyl and Beat’s faces turned bright red. “Sorry, but it’s true. So what can I get you?”
“I’ll have an egg, sunny side up.” Vinyl said with a low grumble.
“Same.” Beat said as Pinkie trotted away leaving the two unicorns alone. Beat looked over at Vinyl with a nervous grin. “Look Vinyl....” he was stopped by her raising a hoof.
“Just tell me one thing, did you mean it? What you said last night.” she looked back at him with a worried look. Beat rubbed his chin for a moment and gave it deep thought.
“Yeah, I guess I do.” Vinyl had a massive grin across her face. “I like you Vinyl I really do, your smart, funny, beautiful and have an excellent taste in music. I just want to take this slow if that’s alright with you.”
“I totally understand. I haven’t had the best luck with relationships either.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, my last relationship ended in disaster.”
“What happened?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.” she said as tears began to form in her eyes.
“Hey listen to me. I’d never do anything to hurt you, I promise.” he said as Pinkie came back with their food.
“Pinkie Promise.” she said as she looked up at him.
“What’s a Pinkie Promise?”
“If you make a Pinkie Promise than you cant break it and have to keep it FOREVER!” Pinkie chimed in.
“Okay, how do I make the promise?” Pinkie then went through the proper motions. “Okay, cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a needle in my-AH!” he accidentally poked himself in the eye with his hoof, which caused both mares to laugh at him. “You get the idea.” he said as he began to eat his food. Pinkie left the two unicorns to dine in peace. “So Vinyl what type of music do you listen to?”
“Well I listen to some rock, dance, video game soundtracks and a little clas-” Vinyl shut her mouth.
“What was that last one?”
“N-nothing.” Beat had a blank look on his face.
“Vinyl there is nothing wrong listening to classical music.”
“It is when you’re a DJ. I have a rep to protect, if the tabloids ever found this out it could ruin me. ”
“I see.”
“Yeah, hey why don’t you get a record deal? You have the skill.”
“I don’t like record companies. They’re a bunch of stuck up plot-holes that only care about lining their pockets.” he said in a grumble. Beat’s phone began to ring, he levitated the devise to his ear. “Hello?...Velvet hey, what’s up?.........I’m in a small town called Ponyville.......I’m staying with Vinyl.....Vinyl, the mare that saved me.........yeah I know she’s cute........Yes we’re together, but what did you need?.......Visit? I need to check with my roommates.” he looked over at Vinyl who nodded with a smile. “Yeah, they’re fine with it.......Okay see you soon.” he hung up the phone and looked back at Vinyl. “My sister want’s to visit.”
“Fine by me. I’d like to have a chat with her anyways, she seems nice.”
“She is, she’s always had my back and I’ve always had hers.”
“Is she older or younger?”
“She one year younger than me, she was the....favorite of the family, where I was the black sheep.”
“What do you mean?”
“She became a business mare like my parent’s wanted. Where I decided to go into the music business and unlike my parent’s she supported the idea. She even got my my first guitar for my tenth birthday.” he let out a sigh. “don’t get me wrong I like the piano but I wanted to learn more about music not just the sound but the feel of it.”
“The feel?” Vinyl said as she tilted her head in confusion.
“C’mon Vinyl you’re a DJ. Surely you know what I’m talking about. The feel of the rhythm’s and beat’s flow through your body, plus there’s the whole guitar note sex legend.”
“The what?” Vinyl had a look of confusion and shock on her face.
“You don’t know? Apparently theres a note on a guitar that could make a mare orgasm just by listening to it.” he said with a grin.
“That’s crazy! No way would that work.”
“Call it whatever you want but it’s true.”
“Yeah right, keep dreaming.” she said as she lightly punched him in the arm, the two ponies finished eating and made their way out back into the snowy streets of Ponyville. The unicorns made it way into the park and marveled at the scenery, Beat stopped for a moment and picked up a ball of snow.
Should I? or Shouldn’t I?
Beat threw the ball of slush at the white mare.
Too late I did!
Vinyl let out a surprised squeak as the cold sphere made contact with her back. She looked back at the stallion with a cold stare.
“You are going to pay for that!” she said as she levitated three snow balls and threw it at the blue stallion. Beat took cover behind a nearby tree, Vinyl continued her barrage as Beat made a copy of himself. He nodded at the copy who jumped out from the tree and was bombarded by the white mare’s snow balls. Beat then jumped out and levitated five snowballs, he launched them at the white mare. “NO FAIR!” They hit her dead on, Vinyl then charged forward with snow ball in hoof. Beat tried to run but found that Vinyl was too fast, the mare tackled him and the two rolled down the hill. When the two stopped Vinyl was sitting on top of his chest with a snow ball in hoof, Beat opened his eyes just in time to see her slam the snow ball into his face. Vinyl started to bang on her chest while letting out a victory yell. Beat tried to get up but felt himself being pinned by the white mare, as he looked up he saw that a light red blush was starting to form through her coat, she leaned in and locked her lips with his. He could feel her warm breath mix with his, as they separated they looked back at one another. Vinyl helped him to his hooves and brushed the snow oof of him.
“Let’s go get warmed up.” Beat said with a grin.
“Good idea.” The two made their way out of the park. The two unicorns then decided to head back to the house and play some Colt of Duty. Beat and Vinyl were a force to be reckoned with, their strategy was perfect. Vinyl would go onto the front lines and cause some damage with the RPG while Beat would pick off the stragglers with his sniper rifle. “Oh Yeah! You best be fearing The Scratch!” Vinyl yelled over the mic.
“Did you just refer to yourself in third person?” he said as he looked at the white mare.
“Yeah, it’s fun! Especially when your destroying ever-pony, try it!” Beat thought for a moment to come up with a good saying.
“Prepare to feel the Beat’s of your destruction! How’s that?”
“Awesome!” the two were interrupted by Octavia coming down the stairs.
“Ugh, Beat please tell me that you don’t like playing this idiotic game.”
“Idiotic? This game is awesome!” he retorted. “The soundtrack is amazing, you might like it.”
“I doubt that, I prefer the classical aspect of things.”
“Classical is so boring.” Vinyl lied.
“Okay, no offense but you two living together would make a pretty good sitcom.” he said with a grin. “The Wacky Times of Octy and Vinyl guest starring Steady Beat.” he let out a loud roar of laughter, Vinyl threw a pillow at his face and started to chuckle. Octavia rolled her eyes at the idea, she made herself some tea and sat down next to the blue unicorn.
“So..are you two dating now?” she asked as she sipped her tea.
“Yeah. We’re deciding to take things slow.” Beat said as he put an arm around Vinyl. “Oh and Octy my sis is coming to visit, just wanted to let you know.” Octavia’s face turned red.
“R-really? When is Velvet coming to visit?”
“She’ll be at the train station tomorrow at around noon.”
“Oh...I see. Mind if I tag along? It’s been ages since we’ve seen one another.” she said with a nervous grin.
“By all means.” he said with a grin.
“Thank you...now if you’ll excuse me I must practice.” she said as she shot up the stairs. Beat started to giggle to himself as Vinyl sat there in confusion.
“What’s so funny? and why did Tavi get all red faced when you mentioned......No way!”
“Ding, we have a winner!” he said in a cheery tone.
“Tavi.....and Velvet!”
“Well....Tavi’s had a crush on my sis for a while. I didn’t know she still did until just now.”
“Is your sister-”
“Yup.”
“Do your parent’s-”
“Yeah and boy were they pissed when she told them, I was there to support her. I actually think that’s when they kicked her out.” Vinyl looked at him in surprise.
“They kicked you both out! But you told me that your sister was the favorite.”
“She still is, my parent’s talk to her. They just avoid her personal life as a topic and stick with business talk. Where as they don’t talk to me, period.”
“Have you ever tried to patch things up?”
“Yeah once or twice but it always ends with an argument about my career.” he said in a defeated tone. Vinyl gave him a small peck on the cheek and smiled at him.
“Their loss.”
“Thanks Vinyl.”
“No problem, I’m gonna lay down for a nap. You want in?” she said with a sly smile.
“Nah, I think I’m just gonna keep playing this for a while.”
“Okay, if you change your mind I’ll be upstairs.” she gave him a quick kiss and trotted upstairs. As soon as she was out of range Beat turned off the console and headed down stairs to the studio. When he got inside he teleported his piano and guitar inside. He sat down and tuned his piano he began to play the 'Gamma Theme' from Sonic. As he did a small tear started to well in his eye, this song always reminded him of his childhood. How his parent’s would berate him for his talent, when he had no where to go he would always listen to the music and it would always console him. As he finished he trotted over to to his guitar case he withdrew a music sheet and set it up in front of him. He materialized a copy of himself, the copy picked up the guitar and tuned it. The two stallions began to play a song that sounds like this. As he finished he looked up to see Vinyl staring at him in awe. He quickly made the clone disappear and put the note sheet back inside his guitar case as he stepped out of the room Vinyl wrapped her hooves around him and smiled in excitement.
“Beat....that was amazing.”
“Nothing special, just something I’ve been working on.”
“That song was awesome!”
“It’s okay. I thought you were taking a nap?”
“I got lonely.” she said as she put on a cute face.
“Awwe, little Vinyl wanna snuggle?” he said in a baby voice. The white mare looked back at him with cross look on her face.
“Shut up. C’mon you’re taking me to dinner.” she said in an annoyed tone.
“Since w-....oh right now I remember. So where to?”
“I don’t know, how about that bar we went to last night.”
“You sure that’s a good idea? I mean from what Pinkie told us we left quite an impression last night.” Vinyl’s face turned red as she remembered.
“Well you have to play tonight anyway.”
“True. Okay you talked me into it, let’s go.” he said as the two ponies made their way upstairs and trotted out of their house. They walked through the snow covered street’s in silence. Beat noticed that Vinyl kept glancing at him as they walked. “What?”
“Nothing just enjoying the view.” she said with a grin. Beat rolled his eyes and smiled as they entered the bar. The inside of the bar was pitch black, as he walked inside the door closed behind him. The light’s suddenly turned on and the place was filled with ponies.
“SURPRISE!” they yelled. Beat felt his heart jump as he looked at them with a smile. Soon a familiar pink mare trotted up to him.
“Hey! Vinyl told me you were feeling better and I decided to throw you a party! Do you like it?”
“Yeah, looks great and thanks Pinkie I needed this.” Pinkie smiled and wrapped him in a tight hug.
“No problem, anything for my new friend.”
“Pinkie.......can’t......breathe!” he said as he tapped on her back.
“Sorry!” she said as she broke the hug, Beat gave a massive sigh as the air entered his lungs. He was introduced to the rest of Pinkie’s friends and began to finally relax. As the night continued some of the ponies became bored, a familiar orange mare trotted up to Beat and Vinyl’s table.
“Howdy there Beat.” she said in a southern accent.
“Hey....Applejack right?” the mare nodded. “What’s up?”
“Mah friends were wondering if you could play something for us.”
“Well...” he looked at Vinyl who had a large grin on her face. “Sure any requests?”
“Nah, just make it good.” she said with a smile. Beat got to his hooves and made his way over to the stage and summoned his piano. The ponies cheered as they saw him take a seat at the instrument and began to talk into the mic.
“Evening ever-pony, I’m Steady Beat and.....apparently I’m the entertainment for my own party.” The ponies let out a synchronized laugh at this. “I think I’ll Jazz it up tonight.” the ponies nodded in acknowledgement. “On the way over here my mare-friend over at table number......12. Asked me how I was feeling.” the ponies then shifted their gaze to now embarrassed Vinyl. “And to quote Neighna Simone ‘I’m feeling good.’” he began to play. After he had finished the ponies began to cheer and whistle as he took a bow. He trotted off the stage and returned to his table Vinyl gave him a quick kiss.
“You can do Jazz too!?” she said with a surprised look on her face.
“You’ll find that I’m a stallion with many talents.” he said as he ordered a drink.
“Think you could do some dubsteb?” Beat shrugged at the mares suggestion.
“Don’t know, I could give it a shot.” she squeaked in excitement and clapped her hooves together. They soon headed home, as Beat walked to the couch Vinyl made a loud coughing noise.
“Y’know my bed is built for two right?” she said with a smile.
“Am I going to trip over anything if I need to get up in the middle of the night?”
“Umm......I can’t promise that.” she said with a pouting face.
“I’ll be right up...let me just get my HAZMAT suit.” he said with a laugh. Vinyl rolled her eyes and trotted upstairs. Beat took his coat off and grabbed his pillow and blanket from the couch and trotted up the stairs. As he walked by Octavia’s room the charcoal mare grabbed him by the ear and pulled him into her room. “Ouch! Jeez Octy.”
“Can I just ask you something?” she said in a stern tone.
“Sure. What is it?”
“Are you using Vinyl as a rebound?”. Beat was shocked at the mare’s statement.
“No! Sweet Celestia Octy you know me better than that I’d never do that to another pony.”
“Remember Note in high school?” Beat cringed at the memory.
“I was a kid back then, a stupid kid. I actually bumped into her a few years ago and I apologized for what I did.”
“How did that go?” she asked as she raised an eyebrow.
“She splashed a martini in my face, but I was very sincere with my apology.” he said in a bold voice.
“Listen I know you’re a good stallion, I just don’t want to be caught in the crossfire if you and Vinyl break up.” she said as she sat on her bed “Vinyl’s been through a lot of heart break and I’m usually there to pick up the pieces, but since my oldest friend is dating her...I don’t know what I’ll do if you two do break up.” Beat put a hoof on the mares shoulder.
“I’m hoping it will never come to that and if it does I won’t pull you into it.” he said as he gave her a smile. Octy nodded her head in agreement. Beat left the mares room and braced himself for the never ending clutter that is Vinyl’s sleeping quarters. As he opened the door he saw that a path had been made to the bed. He walked carefully on the cleared path and got under the covers of the warm bed. He looked over to see that Vinyl was already asleep, her electric blue mane was draped over her white face, Beat gently moved the hair back in it’s proper place and gave her a kiss on the forehead. Vinyl moved over so that she was laying so that her back was resting against his chest, Beat wrapped his hooves around the unicorn and drifted off to sleep.
Beat, Vinyl and Octavia were waiting at the train station for Velvet’s train to pull in. Vinyl had her headphones over her ears and was blasting her P-Pod. Beat looked over towards Octavia who was shifting in her seat uneasily. Beat leaned over and tapped her on the shoulder, causing the charcoal mare almost jumped out of her seat.
“Jeez Octavia you’re jumpy....like.....fresh prison meat jumpy. You need to relax.”
“You need to shut up.” She spat at him. “Sorry Beat, I’m just really nervous.”
“It’s fine, I know that you have a thing for my sister and you’re just......anxious.”
“Do you know if she’s seeing any-pony?”
“I think she’s single but no promises.” Octavia let out a sigh of relief and possible disappointment. “Ah, heres her train now.” He tapped Vinyl on the shoulder and got to his hooves. Vinyl put her P-Pod away and slung her head phones around her neck. The massive train pulled into the station and let out a massive hiss as steam escaped from the engine, ponies started to exit the cars. Soon a a light orange unicorn mare with a brown mane and tail, she was sporting a fedora and her usual black rimmed glasses that accented her deep blue eyes. Beat waved her over and the mare galloped towards them.
“Beat! Hey how are you?” She said as she wrapped him in a hug.
“I’m good. You?” She took a step back and readjusted her glasses.
“You are now addressing the President of Sour Note Electronics.” She said with a smile. Beat’s jaw dropped.
“You got the job! That’s great!” Vinyl was dumbfounded.
“Y-you’re sister in charge of THE Sour Note Electronics! I use all of their tech for my DJ’ing.” She yelled. Velvet looked over at the white mare and wrapped her in a tight hug.
“Vinyl right?”
“Yes,...and I still have bruises from the last time you hugged me.” She breathed out.
“Sorry I tend to-.....Octavia is that you?” She said as her eyes fell upon the charcoal mare who had a bright blush on her face.
“H-Hello Velvet I-it’s been, ah!” Octavia could feel her spine being pulverized as the orange mare hugged her.
“It’s been ages! How are you?” She said as she broke the hug. Octavia was speechless.
“I think you squeezed all the air out of her sis.” Beat said with a laugh.
“Sorry, like I was saying I have a tendency to hug.” She said as she blushed. “So what should we do?”
“Let’s show you around town.” Vinyl suggested.
“Alright! Let’s go.” She said as she trotted ahead. Vinyl waved a hoof in front of Octavia who remained unresponsive.
“I think your sister just broke our roommate.” She said with a grin.
“Hang on, I know how to wake her up.” Beat spat on the tip of his hoof and stuck it in the mare’s ear.
“Ah! Beat you know I hate that!” she said with an angry face.
“Works every time.” He said with a smug grin. “C’mon, let’s go find my sister before....Too late.” He said as he saw the orange mare talking to Pinkie. The three ponies then trotted up to them with a smile. “Hey Pinkie I see you’ve met my sister Velvet.”
“SHE’S YOUR SISTER?” The pink mare said in surprise.
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner!” She said as she shook the blue stallion.
“Easy there Pinkie, I just got here and the visit was kinda lat minute.” the orange mare said with a smile. Pinkie stopped shaking the stallion who’s eyes were spinning in his head. As she let go he stumbled back onto Vinyl.
“Oh! Sorry Beat.” she said with a weak smile. Beat regained his balance and looked bak at the mare with a smile.
“It’s cool.” he said as he collected himself.
“We were just about to give her a tour of the town.” Vinyl added.
“Cool that’ll give me time to make a game plan. See you later!” she said as she sped off towards the town.
“Well ,that was interesting.” Velvet commented.
“Yup that’s Pinkie for you. C’mon let’s get going.” Beat said as he and the mares made their way though town. Beat and Vinyl were up in front, while Velvet and Octavia were following them. Velvet motioned for Octavia to come closer.
“Hey Octy, hows my brother holding up?”
“He seems to be fine, but I think that he’s still adjusting.” she said in a nervous tone.
“Keep an eye on him for me will you?”
“Of course. Beat is like a brother to me.” she said with a smile.
“Thanks. So what’s new with you?”
“Nothing much, still playing the cello for the band.”
“Oh yeah! I saw you when you guys played in Detrot. Simply amazing.” Octavia felt her cheeks flare up.
“R-really? I didn’t see you there.”
“Yeah I wanted to talk but I had to catch a meeting.” she said with a smile.
“Y-you wanted to talk to me?”
“Yeah...I do.” She said as she put a hoof around the mares neck, causing her to blush brightly.
“We’re here.” Beat said as they stopped in front of their house. The ponies made their way inside the apartment.
“Wow, cool place. I hope you’re not mooching off of these two Beat.” Velvet teased.
“No. I have a job.”
“What do you do?”
“I entertain down at the local bar some nights.” He said proudly.
“Your brother always draws in a crowd.” Octavia said with a smile.
“In fact, I have to play there again tonight, you should totally come along!”
“Awesome!” Velvet exclaimed. The ponies sat around and shot the breeze for the next few hours. Beat and Velvet reminisced about their foalhood and talked about recent events. Things started to wind down as it got closer to dusk. The ponies decided to make their way to the bar.
“Okay here we are.” Beat said as they trotted inside. The light’s flicked on to reveal at least twenty ponies grinning at them.
“SURPRISE!” they cheered. Velvet felt her heart skip a beat.
“What in the name of Luna?”
“It’s Pinkie’s way of welcoming you to the town.” Beat said with a smile.
“Awesome welcoming committee.” She said with a smile. The party was in full swing as the ponies socialized and drank. Beat stuck by Vinyl and Velvet for most of the night. Velvet trotted up to her brother with a smile on her face. “Hey Beat can we have some entertainment?”
“Sure.” He said as he got to the stage. The ponies quieted down and waited for Beat to start playing. “Hey everypony, lets give a warm welcome for my sister over there!” He said as he pointed to her table. His horn flared and his piano appeared before him. “Let’s start out with a nice song about my families opinion of me.” He cracked his neck and began to play.
By the end the ponies were laughing and clapping to his makeshift song. The stallion went back to his table where Vinyl and the others were sitting. “Dude! Awesome!” The white mare said with a kiss. “Can you do another?” She asked as she made a pouting face.
“Sure but I think I need somepony to help me sing.” He said as he gave Velvet a nudge.
“Oh please it’s been years.” Velvet said with a smile.
“You can sing?”
“Oh yes. Velvet is amazing.” Octavia said with a smile.
“Oh please Octy. You’re making me blush.” She said as her cheeks turned bright red.
“Come on Velvet. It’ll be just like old times. Please?” He said in a pleading voice.
“Fine, what song though?”
“The one we ALWAYS did.” He said with a smile.
“Then I am in!” She said as the two got to their hooves and made their way to the stage. Ink made the piano vanish and replaced it with a guitar. The orange mare made a duplicate of herself holding a trumpet while the original picked up a microphone and began to sing. By the end everypony in the bar was on it’s hooves clapping for the duo. The two unicorns took a bow and hopped off the stage. “I forgot how much fun that was.”
“Now you see why I do this for a living.” He said with a laugh.
“That was awesome!” Vinyl said as she got to her hooves. “You could get a record album if you wanted to!”
“Nah. I prefer to work small jobs like this. I hate record companies.” He said as he took a drink. A bright green Unicorn stallion slowly made his way over to their table with a drunken grin on his face. He looked over at Velvet who was chatting with Octavia.
“Hey, there sexy how’s about you and I go for a walk?” He said as Velvet looked at him with a blank expression.
“No thanks.” She said without making eye contact with the stallion.
“Oh come on. You look like you need a stallions touch.” He said as he staggered to the right. Velvet finished her shot and a smile spread across her face.
“I don’t think my mare friend here would appreciate it.” She said as she pointed to the charcoal mare who spat her drink out in surprise.
“She’s you’re mare friend?’ The stallion said with a confused look on her face.
“Duh, can’t you see that she’s all over me?” Velvet said as she grabbed the grey earth pony and pressed her lips against hers. Octavia was frozen in surprise as she felt her crush’s lips coming into contact with her own. As they broke apart Velvet saw the stallion leave their sight. The unicorn looked back at the musician with a blushing grin. “Sorry about that Tavi.”
“Why did you just do that?”
“Well, to be honest I’ve wanted to do that for a while.” She said as she looked at the stunned mare. The unicorn lowered her head and let out a sigh. “Sorry, I should’ve known you wouldn’t feel the same way and-”
“NO! I mean I do like you like that. I just thought it would be weird since you’re Beat’s sister and you’re the President of a company. I thought you wouldn’t like to have me a s a mare friend or-” She was cut off as the mare pressed her lips against hers for a second time. Tis time Octavia returned the gesture and felt the mares tongue inside her mouth.
Beat and Vinyl looked with their jaws hitting the floor across the table. “Well, that escalated quickly.” Vinyl said as she slammed down another shot.
“I’m not sure whether to be happy for my sister or creeped out.”
“An even mix of both I’d say.” Vinyl said with a shrug.
“Maybe we should give these two some privacy.” He said as he got to his hooves and left the bar with Vinyl following close behind. “What should we do now?” He asked as he looked at the mare.
“I’ve got an idea.” She said with a devilish grin. She leaned in and whispered something to the blue stallion who’s face turned bright red.
“Are you sure? I don’t want to rush you or-” He was cut off by Vinyl who pressed her lips against his and prodded her tongue inside his mouth.
“That answer your question?” She said as she broke the kiss. Vinyl took the stallions hoof and raced back to their home. As Vinyl stepped through the doorway the brushed her tail under the blue stallions chin and started to take long strides making her flank sway. Steady retrieved a pair on sunglasses and bit his lip.
Dat plot. He thought as he followed her upstairs and threw the glasses away. As he entered the mares room he saw the white mare laying o her bed with a seductive look in her eye.
Like what you see?” She asked as she flicked her tail her against her thigh. As Beat stepped in the room he heard the door lock behind him.
Steady Beat, Vinyl and Octavia made their way into the school house where several foals were patiently waiting in their desks. Cherilee stood at the front of the class with a smile on her face. “Good morning class.” She said with a smile. “I have a very special treat for you today. Steady Beat, Vinyl and Octavia have volunteered their time to teach you about music.”
“Hi.” Beat said with a smile.
“Sup?” Vinyl said with a wave.
“Good morning children.” The charcoal mare said with a smile. The foals smiled at them and gave them a nod.
“I shall leave the lesson to you three then.” The maroon mare said with a smile. The blue stallion gave her a nod as she sat down. Beat took a step forward.
“Okay question number one; Who here likes music?” Every foal raised their hooves. “Good, now who here knows what sound is?” The foals looked at one another in confusion. “Sound is made by vibrations that beat against your eardrums.” The foals looked at him in confusion. “I didn’t believe it at first either.” He said with a smile.
“No way.” An orange Pegasus filly said.
“Trust me, that’s how it works. Luckily we have a little demonstration for you all.” Vinyl said as she brought out a small amp. Beat stretched a piece of cellophane across the top and put some goop on the plastic surface. The blue stallion motioned for the foals to come closer. The foals crowded around the front desk. Vinyl plugged the amp in and turned the volume on. The goop started to dance around and jiggle to the children’s amazement.
“See?” He said as Vinyl turned the amplifier off. The foals took their seats and faced the front of the class. “Now who here can sing or play an instrument?” The foals all looked at one another and kept quiet. “C’mon then speak up. There must be one of you in here that has some musical talent.” A pink filly wearing a tiara had a smirk on her face and raised her hoof. “Oh good a volunteer. What’s your name?”
“I don’t have any musical talent, but I happen to know that Sweetie Belle over here can sing.” She said with a wicked grin as she pointed to a white unicorn filly behind her. The white filly immediately hid behind her book and tried to lay low.
“Really?” He asked.
“I can sing a little bit.” She said in a timid tone.
“Well, some is better than none. C’mon up and let’s see what you got.” Vinyl said with a smile.
“I-I’d rather not.”
“Oh come on Sweetie Belle we all want to hear you sing.” A silver filly added.
“Shut it Spoon. Leave her alone.” The orange filly said in a challenging tone.
“What? It’s not our fault that she’s talentless.” Tiara said. Beat frowned and glared at the bickering foals.
“ENOUGH!” Beat yelled. The volume from the stern voice caused some settled dust on the floor to rise and be pushed back. “I will not tolerate that kind of talk during my lesson.” He said as he narrowed his eyes. “However, that has given me an excellent idea.” The foals looked back at him in confusion. “I’m assuming Ms. Cherilee has told you all about the upcoming talent show the town is putting on this weekend correct?” The foals nodded. “Well, thanks to Ms. Tiara’s little comment and with permission from Ms. Cherilee, the contest will now be changed to a musical talent show.” He said in a flat tone.
“What?” The foals yelled in collective surprise.
“It will be the same concept as the talent show only that what ever you chose must be music based.” He said as he looked at the maroon mare. “Is that alright with you Cherilee?”
“I think it’s a wonderful idea.” She said with a smile.
“Thank you.” The blue stallion then turned back to the foals. “Your act can be a dance routine, a song you wrote or an imitation of one that is already out. As long as it has something to with music it will be admissible. I will be one of the three judges.”
“Who are the other two?” Octavia asked.
“You two.” He said with a grin. The charcoal mare looked at him in shock.
“Awe yeah!” Vinyl said with a smile. Beat noticed that some of the foals looked uneasy.
“Now if any of you need help with selecting something or practicing. Myself, Ms. Scratch and Ms. Octavia will be more than happy to help you.” He said with a smile. The ponies heard the bell ring and saw the foals getting to their hooves. Beat quickly exited the building with the two mares by his side. The cellist glared at him with a blank look on her face. “What?”
“You just volunteered us to judge a talent show!” She yelled.
“Oh lighten up Tavi. It’s not like you had a gig this weekend anyway.” Vinyl said with a smile.
“I don’t know about you two but I could go for a round of Palo 4.” Beat interjected.
“I’m in!” Vinyl said with a grin as the three hurried off to their home. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Ha! Overkill!” Beat yelled into the mic as he scored a head shot.
“OUR VENGEANCE SHALL BE QUICK AND JUST!” A loud voice bellowed over the microphone.
“Sheesh, calm down. It’s only a game.” Vinyl said over the headset.
“You are correct. We are sorry, you have excellent aim Soundwave17.” The voice said in amore relaxed tone.
“Don’t beat yourself up. You got quite a few kills on me.” Beat said over the mic. A small notification appeared on the screen. *LunarPrincess sent you a friend request.* Beat scrolled through the messages and accepted it before he heard three knocks on the door. The stallion set down his controller and trotted over to the door. He opened it to see three familiar fillies with blank looks on their faces. “Hi girls what can I do for you?”
“We need some help with our act.” Sweetie Belle said.
“Okay, come inside and we’ll discuss it.” He said as he held the door open for the three fillies that trotted inside. Vinyl shut off the console and sat down on the couch. She gave the fillies a friendly wave as they sat down across from her. Beat sat down next to Vinyl and smiled at the group of friends. “So, what are you three going to do?”
“That’s the problem.” Applebloom said. “We tried a musical act last time and it didn’t go....quite as well as we had hoped.” She said as the fillies shuddered of the memories of that night.
“What went wrong?” He asked.
“We want to find our special talent! We’ve tried everything from gardening to zip lining.” Beat looked at the three in confusion.
“Okay, I don’t even want to know how you three tried that.” He said as he sat back. “So what exactly did you three try?”
“An epic rock ballad.” Scootaloo said with a grin. “I was the lead singer.”
“I did the dance moves.” The yellow filly said with a grin
“I was in charge of the set.” Sweetie Belle said as she raised her hoof.
“Okay and from what you’ve told me it didn’t work out.”
“Nope, but we did win the best comedy act.” The yellow filly said with a smile.
“I see. How about this we head down to the sound studio and we’ll see if any of you can sing. How’s that sound?”
“Okay.” The three said as they followed the two adults down stairs. Scootaloo entered the booth while Sweetie Belle and Applebloom waited on the other side with Vinyl and Beat.
“Okay Scootaloo, lets just get a basic reading.”
“Got it.” The filly said as she sat on the stool and adjusted the microphone.
“Okay now read the lyrics I gave you.” The filly nodded and read aloud the words. Beat grasped his ears in pain as the sound filled the room that he, Vinyl and the fillies were sitting in. Scootaloo looked at him and lowered her head.
“Sorry Beat.”
“It’s fine. Singing isn’t for everypony. Applebloom do you want to give it a try?”
“No thanks. I know I’m not much of a singer.” She said in flat tone..
“Sweetie Belle?” The white filly gulped and felt her heart beat increase.
“N-no thanks. I’m not that good.” The filly said as she looked down.
“C’mon Sweetie Belle, you’re awesome!” The orange filly said as she came out of the sound proof room.
“Yeah, you came up with the song Scootaloo messed up.”
“Hey!” The orange filly yelled. Beat face hoofed and put a hoof on the white filly’s shoulder.
“Sweetie no pony here is going to make fun of you.” Beat said with a grin.
“P-promise?”
“Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” The blue stallion said with a smile. The filly looked at her friends who nodded. Sweetie let out a sigh and made her way into the sound booth. The filly sat on the stool and waited until the stallion turned the mic on. The filly read the lyrics with determination in her voice. As she finished she looked up to see the group looking at her in amazement.
“Was it that bad?” She asked.
“Bad? Bad? Sweetie that was amazing!” Beat said with a smile.
“Yeah you got some real talent kid.” Vinyl said with a grin.
“R-really?” Sweetie said as she walked out of the booth. Beat bent down so that their eyes met.
“Yeah, it’s awesome.”
“I guess I’m just....nervous.” She said in a low tone.
“Hey Sweetie look at me.” The filly met his gaze. “I was shaking in my hooves the first time I played in front of ponies.”
“Seriously?”
“Every musician has to cross that bridge when they come to it.” Vinyl added. “I used to have killer stage fright when I was your age.”
“How did you get over it?” Sweetie asked.
“Simple. I just took a deep breath and zoned everything out.” The fillies looked at him in confusion. “I told myself that it didn’t matter if I failed. Only that I tried my best.” He said with a smile. “That’s the best advise anypony can give you.” The fillies all looked at one another and smiled.
“Okay so I’ll work on my singing.”
“Good, just don’t over do it.” He said as he pointed to his throat. “This is just another muscle and the more you exercise it regularly the stronger it will become.” He said with a smile.
“What about us?” Scootaloo asked.
“Well, can you two play any instruments?”
“Bongo drums!” Scootaloo said with a smile.
“No way, you almost burst my eardrum last time.” Applebloom said. “Hey, didn’t your dad get ya a guitar for Hearths Warming’s Eve?” Applebloom said.
“Yeah, but only know like three chords.”
“So? Scootaloo, there are hundreds of songs that only have three chords in them.” Beat said with a smile. “What kind of guitar is it?”
“Electric.”
“Do you have amps?”
“Yep.”
“Okay so you are the guitarist.”
“What about me?” Applebloom asked with a concerned look on her face.
“Right, Applebloom.” He said as he scratched the back of his head. “Can you play the drums?”
“My family’s pots and pans. Never really tried for real.” She said with a shrug.
“Better late then never I always say.” Vinyl said as he horn glowed and set of electric blue drums appeared in the sound proof room. The mare levitated her sticks over to the filly who put them in her mouth and trotted inside the booth. The ponies took a seat and waited for the filly to begin.
“What am I supposed to do?”
“Just play whatever. This is only practice.” He said with a smile.
“Okay, here goes nothing.” She said to her self as she took a deep breath and started to play. The ponies were stunned at the filly’s performance. “How was that?”
“Girls, you have the making of a band.” Beat said with a smile. The three fillies all high hoofed and giggled.
“Awesome! We gotta have a name.” Scootaloo chimed.
“How about Prestige Worldwide?” Sweetie Belle chimed.
“Nah, sounds too.....proper.” Applebloom said with a smile. “What about The Rocking Crusaders?”
“A little better.” Scootaloo said. “I got nothing.”
“Look girls, names aren’t important to a band what is important is that you do something that you all agree on and never let it come between you three.” He said in flat tone.
“Has that ever happened?” Scootaloo asked.
“More times than I’d like to admit. So long as you remember your friends then it won’t happen.” He said with a grin.
“C’mon Crusaders. We gotta go practice.” Applebloom said with a smile. “Hey Ms. Vinyl can I-”
“You can use them whenever you want Applebloom and you all can just call me Vinyl.” The unicorn mare said with a smile. The three fillies smiled and Beat levitated his guitar over to Scootaloo who smiled. the fillies soon left and ran down the street with smiles on their faces. “That was nice of you to help them out like that.”
“I said I would.” He said as he and the mare walked back upstairs. “So what should we do now?” Beat asked as they sat on the couch.
“Hmm.....I have an idea.” Vinyl said as she licked her lips.
“Are you trying to seduce me Ms. Scratch?”
“That depends, is it working?”
“Oh yes.” He said as the mare pushed him down on the couch and gave him a seductive smirk. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ One Week Later.
Beat sat in between the DJ and the Cellist at a table right in front of the stage. Beat looked back to see ponies filling the seats and waiting for the show to begin. Back stage The CMC were going through their routine one more time before the show started. Ms. Cherilee took the stage and held a microphone in her hoof.
“Good evening Fillies and Gentlecolts. It is with great pleasure to welcome you to the Ponyville Musical Talent Show.” Several ponies cheered and stamped their hooves on the ground. “Allow me to introduce our three judges; Vinyl Scratch.” The mare stood up and smiled. “Octavia.” The charcoal mare gave the crowd a slight nod. “Last, but not least, Steady Beat.” Beat smiled and waved to the crowd.
Cherilee then handed the mic to the blue stallion. “Thank you Ms. Cherilee. I just want to remind everypony of the rules. One; The act must be music based. Two; Lip singing is an automatic disqualification. Three; Have fun. Good luck everypony.” He said as he gave the maroon mare the mic back and the trio took their seats.
“Let’s have a round of applause for out first act; Snips and Snails!” The ponies cheered as the two colts took the stage and started to sing. By the end everypony (except Octavia) was in a fit of laughter at their song. The two colts smiled and took a bow before they left the stage. The next pony up was a mint green Unicorn mare. “Let’s hear it for Lyra Heartstrings! What will you be singing us tonight Lyra?”
“It’s an original piece by me.” She said with a smile. The mare took a deep breath and started to sing. The three judges looked at her in confusion.
“That was very interesting Lyra.” The maroon mare said with a smile. The mare bowed and walked off stage. “Our next act is a duet performed by Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.” The two fillies took the stage and let out a deep breath. The pink filly winked over to the stage curtain where a stallion put a disk into the CD player and started their act. Halfway through the song the CD skipped and started to fade out as the fillies kept moving their lips to the words.
“Stop.” Beat said as he stood up. “Disqualification.”
“WHAT?” Tiara yelled.
“No lip singing allowed.” He reminded her. The two fillies trotted off stage in a huff.
“Our next act is Big Macintosh.” Cherilee said with a giggle. The large red stallion sat on a stool with a guitar in his hooves.
“Howdy, Ah’ll be doing a piece by Pony Cash. Hope y’all enjoy it.” He said as he started to play. As he finished the ponies roared in excitement.
“Very good Big Mac.” Cherilee said as he gave her a nod and walked off stage with his guitar slung over his back. “Our next act is a Dance Routine Performed by a group of foals led by Rumble and Pipsquak.” The light blue Pegasus was donning a white fedora and the white earth pony was wearing a black version of the same hat. Other foals fell in behind them and were donning the same hat's in a checkered pattern. They took their stances and waited for the music to begin. The judges watched in amazement as they finished their routine. “Excellent job boys. Our final act for this evening is the Cutie Mark Crusaders.” Almost everypony face hoofed as they remembered the last show.
The three fillies took their positions. Beat saw them gulp and gave them a reassuring wink. The three took a deep breath and started to play for the crowd. As they finished the entire crowd was silent. Beat got to his hooves and started to clap. He was soon joined by Vinyl and the other members of the audience. The three fillies took a bow and walked off stage. The maroon mare smiled and returned to the center of the stage.
“The judges will now go over the results.” As the minutes passed the tension in the air seemed to thicken. Beat got on the stage with an envelope levitating beside him.
“Best comedy act goes to.....Snips and Snails.” The ponies cheered and the two colts trotted out onto the stage to receive their awards that were in the shape of a jesters hat. “Best original performance goes to......Lyra Heartstrings.” Once again the ponies cheered as the light green mare trotted out. “I have no idea what you were singing about Lyra, but it was good.” The crowd laughed as she stood off to the side. “Best dance act goes to.......Rumble and Pipsqueak.” The colts happily went out and received their medallions that were in the shape of horseshoes. “Finally, I am please to announce that first place goes too...” The ponies were all biting their hooves in anticipation. “The Cutie Mark Crusaders!” The three fillies quickly got onto the stage and took a bow. Beats handed them the pendants with the number one on them and smiled.
Beat instantly shielded his eyes as three bright lights shined from the fillies. The crowd went dead silent at the sight. “Why’s everypony staring at us?” Applebloom asked.
“See for yourselves.” Vinyl said as she pointed to their backs. The three friends all looked and saw the prize they really wanted. Their Cutie Marks. Sweetie Belle’s was a pink heart with an eighth note inside. Scootaloo had an electric guitar shooting sparks and Applebloom had a drum set with an apple on the bass drum. The three fillies had tears in their eyes as they smiled. Beat turned back to the audience who were cheering and clapping for them.
“That’s all folks, but before we go there’s one more thing that everypony should know.” The ponies in the audience fell silent. “Music isn’t just orchestra’s, pop stars, albums, downloads and concerts. It’s you. The music of the world is all around you. When you’re alone, just close your eyes and you’ll hear it.” The ponies all closed their eyes and listened. “Music. Inside your head. Cause everyone’s a musician. Everyone has a song inside. Every single one of you.” The ponies all nodded. “Goodnight folks!” He said as the curtains closed.
As the curtains closed the three fillies tackled the blue stallion and hugged him tightly. “You did a great job girls.” Beat said with a smile.
“Thanks to you!” Sweetie chimed.”
“Yeah, you helped us earn our Cutie Marks.” Scootaloo yelled.
“Alright girls take it easy. Looks like some ponies want to talk to you.” He said as he pointed over to Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash. The two sisters had tears in their eyes as they hugged their sisters.
“Oh Sweetie I’m so happy for you.”
“Who’d think that those pots and pans would help ya find your special talent.” The farmer said with a smile.
“That solo was sick Scoots!” Rainbow said as she wrapped a wing around the filly. Beat stood back and smiled at the fillies. Vinyl and Octavia walked up next to him and nodded.
“Brings back memories doesn’t it Octy?” He said as he looked at the charcoal mare.
“It certainly does.” She said with a smile.
“What are we standing around here for? Let’s party!” Pinkie said as she hopped out of nowhere.
“Yeah! Can Beat come too?” Sweetie asked.
“Why of course! He’s the one to thank for this.” Rarity said with a smile.
“I just showed them the way. They did the work.” He said with a blush.
“Stop being modest and lets get going!” Applejack said with a smile.The ponies nodded and trotted back into town. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As the ponies left their seats a pink Pegasus mare with a light blue mane wearing a dark hood felt a tear roll down her face as she saw the curtain drop on the blue stallion. The stallion that she had wronged and the one she had left her home to find.
Beat sat alone in the bar with a drink on the table and a pen and pad in his hoof. He tapped the pencil on the table as he thought of the lyrics to his new song. He took another sip from his drink and let out sigh.
“Beat?” As the stallion looked up his eyes shrank as his eyes fell upon a pink Pegasus mare wearing a dark hood. The same mare that had shattered his heart months ago. He gritted his teeth in frustration and cracked his neck. “Can we talk?” She asked in a timid tone.
“You’ve got some nerve showing up here.” He said in a cold tone.
“I know what I did was wrong and-”
“Wrong? It was more than wrong. You tore my heart out and stomped on it!” He bellowed with rage in his eyes.
“I know and I feel awful about it.” She said as she lowered her head.
“Why? We were together for three years! Three bucking years!” He yelled as tears formed in her eyes.
“I don’t know. I felt vulnerable and weak.” Lilly said with tears in her eyes.
“That’s your excuse?” He said with words so sharp they could cut through iron. “You were weak? If something was wrong you could have told me! Instead you go and sleep with a jack off like Thunderlane!” He yelled.
“I know.” She said as she started to cry. “You have every right to hate me.” She said as she lowered her head. “I just....”
“You just what?”
“I just thought that it wasn’t going anywhere!” She yelled with a river of tears running down her face.
“What wasn’t going anywhere?”
“Us! Whatever we had! It felt like a stagnant pond!” Beat looked at her with rage in his eyes. Beat thanked Celestia that it was only him the mare in the bar.
“NOT GOING ANYWHERE?” Beat yelled causing the hanging light to shake.
“Yes! You hadn’t taken me out in months, I barely saw you and it was driving me crazy!” She fire back.
“Did you ever think that there was a reason for that, huh?” He bellowed.
“Like what?”
“This.” His horn flared and a small magazine clipping holding a picture of a golden band with a diamond on it. The mare felt distraught at the sight of the wedding band. “I loved you Lilly. I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you.” He said as he made the piece of paper vanish.
“Is there.....Is there still a chance for us?” She asked.
“Not in the slightest.” He said in a flat tone. The mare rested her head on the table and cried harder than she had in her life. “You hurt me Lilly. You hurt me in a way I thought you never could.” He cocked an eyebrow as he saw her dark attire. “Why are you wearing that thing?”
“What?” She asked as she lifted her head up.
“You always told me that you’d rather have your wings clipped than wear black.” The mare fell silent and lowered her head. As the light from the bar hit her face Beat could see some discoloration in her pink coat. “Lilly, what aren’t you telling me?” The stallion’s horn glowed and the hood came off. Beat’s eyes narrowed as he saw a massive black and blue bruise on the right side of her face. “What happened?”
“Thinderlane.....he.....hits me.” She said as she broke down and cried. Beat hurried over to her side and wrapped a hoof around her. “That’s why I came here. To get away. I didn’t know that you moved here, I swear.” She said as she cried into his chest. “I saw you the other night at the talent show and I couldn’t believe my eyes. I just don’t know what to think anymore.”
“Why come to me?” Beat asked in a flat tone.
“I’ve got no one else. I needed to get away from Thunderlane not just for my sake.” She said as she wiped the tears away.
“What?” He asked in a confused tone
“Beat......I’m pregnant.” The musician felt as though somepony had just dropped an anvil on his head. He looked down at the mare’s stomach and noticed that it was a tad larger than the last time he saw it.
“Is it-”
“I don’t know. I Haven’t been to the hospital recently.” She said as she pointed to her face.
“Does Thunderlane know?”
“I’m not sure. He’s bound to wonder where I’ve run off to.” She said in a frightened tone. “He’s horrible Beat!” She said as she buried her face in his chest. “He drove my friends away, practically bankrupted me and he brags about it to his friends. I thought.....I thought he was nice.” She said with a sniffle.
“Just when you think you know a pony.” He said in a flat tone.
“Okay, I deserved that and I’m really, really sorry for what happened. I never told Thunderlane to say those things when you came to collect your stuff.” She said as she cried again. “I know that no matter what I say won’t change how you feel. I just wanted to say it.” The blue stallion comforted her and gently rocked her body back and forth as they sat there.
“How much money do you have?” He asked.
“Not a lot. I took whatever I had left in my purse and booked.”
“There’s an inn two houses down. The rooms are good and cheap.” He said as he put pile of bits in front of her. “Three houses down from that there’s a flower shop run by a mare named Roseluck. She’s nice and is looking for some help.” He said as she let go of her and got to his hooves.
“Thank you Beat I-”
“Save it. I’m not doing this for you.” He said as he looked at her bulging stomach. “Better get going.” He said in a flat tone. The mare took the bits and wrapped him in a hug. Beat stood still as a statue as the mare exited the bar. As the door closed The blue stallion quietly walked over to the bar and slammed his hoof on the wooden counter. A loud yelp and a groan was heard from the stallion who was laying down on the floor. “Whiskey.” He said in a flat tone.
“Oh....Hi there Beat....I was just um.....dusting! That’s it dusting.” He lied.
“If you tell anypony about what you heard then-”
“I swear on my mothers grave that I won’t tell a soul.” He said as he raised his right hoof. The blue stallion let out a sigh. As Beat opened the door to leave the tan stallion spoke up. “You’re a good stallion Beat. Don’t let anypony else tell you different.”
“How so?”
“I’ve seen plenty of stallions that would have kicked her sorry plot to the curb without a shred of remorse. Even if they had a foal.” He said as he cleaned a glass with a wash rag.
“Yeah, but that doesn’t make my situation any better and I’m not a heartless bastard.”
“True. If you need the night off then your welcome to it. You might need it to think.”
“Thanks Whiskey.” The earth pony then trotted over to the bar and handed him a bottle of Applejack Daniels. “What’s this for?”
“To help you think. On the house.” The stallion said with a smile. The unicorn took the bottle and shook his hoof. The blue unicorn put the bottle in a bag and trotted out of the bar with his head held low. The stallion walked to the park in silence. He sat down on a bench and pulled out his phone. He selected a contact and dialed.
"Hello?" The voice belonged to the charcoal mare.
“Hey Octy. Are you doing anything?” He asked.
“No, I just got done with practice. What’s up?”
“I just.....need to talk to you. It’s important.”
“Sure. Where?”
“I’m in the park and come alone. Please don’t tell Vinyl.”
“Okay.....Is everything alright?”
“I just.....I just need to talk to somepony right now.” He said as he hung up the phone. The stallion let out a groan and sat back against the bench. Beat picked up the bottle and took a swig from it. The stallion hung his head and tried to sort out the utter chaos in his mind.
“Beat?” The stallion looked up to see Octavia staring at him with a concerned look on her face. “What’s wrong?” She asked as she sat next to him and put a hoof on his shoulder.
“Lilly is in Ponyville.” He said in a reluctant tone. The cellist put a hoof to her mouth in shock. The mare wrapped him in a hug and sighed.
“What did she say?”
“She apologized and I rejected it.”
“I see. What else?”
“She came here to get away from Thunderlane, the stallion she cheated on me with.” The blue stallion said in a low tone. “He beats her. The right side of her face looked like a swelling eggplant.” He said in a low tone.
“What did you do?” Octavia asked.
“I.....gave her some bits to pay for a room and told her that Rose has a job opening.” The grey mare looked at him in confusion. “Despite what she did to me, no pony deserves to be treated like that.”
“I see. I still can’t believe that you did that.” She said as she rested her head on his shoulder.
“Honestly, it wasn’t for her.” The mare looked at him in confusion. “Lilly is pregnant.” He said in a low tone. The cellist let out a gasp and wrapped the blue stallion in a hug. “She doesn’t know if it’s mine or not.” He said as a tear rolled down his cheek. “I just don’t know what to do.” He said as the mare put a hoof on his back. “If it’s not mine then I don’t have to worry if it is......I just don’t know.”
“What about Vinyl?”
“Vinyl is the best thing to happen to me since she cheated on me. I don’t want to lose her.” He said as he lowered his head.
“We’ll figure something out.” She said as she comforted him. “I suggest you at least tell Vinyl.”
“NO! I can’t tell her, not yet.” He said in a worried tone. flared “I can’t think right now.” He said as his horn flared and a lighter along with a packed of cigarettes appeared in his hooves. Octavia immediately snatched the items away from the stallion.
“NO! You quit remember?” She said as she narrowed her eyes.
“I know. I just....I just don’t know what to do anymore!” The charcoal mare drew him in tighter.
“You’re a smart stallion. Just give yourself some time.” The blue stallion wiped the tears from his eyes and nodded.
“Y-you’re right. Please don’t tell Vinyl. This is my mess and I have to fix it.” He said in a reluctant tone.
“Of course Beat. Whatever you need I’m here for you.” Octavia said as she got to her hooves. “I think you should tell Vinyl soon. The sooner the better.” She said before trotting away. As she reached the edge of the park she pulled out her phone and selected a contact.
"Hello?"
“Velvet? It’s Octavia.”
"Hey boo. What’s up?"
“Beat is in serious trouble and he needs your help.”
"What? What happened? Is he alright?"
“He’s fine for now. I can’t give you the details over the phone.”
"I’ll be there by three is that okay?"
“Perfect I’ll see you then.” Octavia said as she closed the phone. The charcoal mare let out a sigh and made her way through town towards a flower shop. As she entered she saw a familiar pink Pegasus mare shaking hooves with Roseluck. As Lilly turned towards the door she froze as she saw the cellist.
“Octavia? It’s been ages how have you-” She stopped talking as she saw the mare narrow her eyes. “I take it Beat told you?”
“Yes.” She said in a stagnant tone. “I just came here to tell you one thing.” The charcoal mare closed the gap between them and bore holes through her eyes. “I’m not as forgiving as Beat. Try to screw him or Vinyl over and I will personally kick you out of this town.” She said in a stern tone.
“Beat made it clear that we’re through. I didn’t come here on purpose, I just had to get away from Thunderlane.” She said as she hung her head.
“You won’t get any sympathy from me.” She said in a flat tone. “If I find out that this is some act then I’ll send you home in a match box.” With that Octavia turned and left the store in a calm fashion. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Across town Beat made his way into the library to see Twilight sitting with a white unicorn stallion and a pink Alicorn mare.
“Oh hey Beat!” Twilight said with a smile. The blue stallion put on a fake smile and nodded.
“Hey Twilight, I was wondering if you had any Colt Brown books.” He then noticed the other two ponies in the room. “Oh sorry I didn’t know you had company.”
“It’s fine.” The white stallion said with a smile. “Shining Armor.” He said as he walked over and shook his hoof.
“Steady Beat. How do you know Twilight Captain?”
“She’s my little sister.” He said with a grin. “Twilight says you’re quite the musician.”
“I’m okay.” He said with a shrug.
“Oh he’s being modest.” Twilight said as she levitated the book over to him. “Here you go. It’s the new one.”
“Thanks.”
“So how are things with Vinyl?” Twilight asked. Beat felt a bead of sweat form on his forehead.
“We’re good.” He said with a smile. The pink Alicorn felt a small shiver run down her spine.
“Oh right this is my wife Princess Cadence.” Shining said as he looked at the pink mare.
“Hello.” She said with a wave.
“Nice to meet you. Sorry, but I gotta get going.” He said as he made his way out of the library. Cadence watched the stallion leave and looked back at her husband and sister in law.
“Something wrong hun?” Shining asked.
“Sorry dear, but duty calls.” She said as she walked out the door and went after the stallion. The alicorn trotted beside the blue stallion as he made it to his door step.
“Can I help you Princess?” Beat asked as he looked at the Alicorn.
“Look Beat, I know that you don’t know me at all but I can tell that there’s something bugging you and I want to help.” She said with a weak grin. The blue stallion looked at her in surprise.
“No offense Princess, but I don’t see how my love life is any of your business.” He said in a flat tone.
“I’m not one to brag, but I am the Princess of love.” She said with a sigh. “The least I can do is help you talk about it.” She said as she lowered her head. The blue stallion weighed his options and held the door open for her.
“Okay fine. Just don’t tell anypony about this okay?”
“I give you my word.” She said with a nod. “Thank you for allowing me to help.” Beat let out a groan and closed the door behind her. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Octavia waited in the park for her mare friend to arrive. She looked towards the park entrance to see the light orange Unicorn mare trot up to her. She gave the cellist a small peck on the cheek and sat down next to her.
“Sorry I’m late, the meeting lasted a little longer than I had intended.”
“It’s okay, I just got here ten minutes ago.”
“So what’s wrong Tavi? You sounded serious when you spoke on the phone.” She said in a worried tone.
“Yes, Lilly is in Ponyville.” The Unicorn’s eyes shrank and she cracked her hooves.
“Where is she? I’ll grind her into dust!” She snarled as her mane started to become flames. Octavia put a hoof on her shoulder.
“I know how you feel but you can’t.”
“WHY NOT?” She yelled.
“Lilly is pregnant.” The business mare looked at her mare friend in shock. Her mane had returned to normal and she sat back in her seat. “Neither she or Beat knows if it’s his or not.” The orange mare held her head low. “I talked with her and she’s not after Beat. At least from where I’m standing.”
“If she tries anything, then I’ll end her!” Velvet said with another snarl.
“I understand, but right now Beat needs our help.”
“Does Vinyl know?”
“Not yet. I told Beat that he should tell her.”
“Yeah, that’s not gonna be easy.” Velvet said with a sigh. “I guess all we can do is hope for the best.” Octavia put a hoof around her mare friend. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Beat sat across from the pink Alicorn as he finished his predicament. The pink Alicorn cleared her throat and gathered her thoughts.
“Well, I’m not gonna lie to you Beat. That is an issue.”
“Yeah. So have any advice?”
“First, tell your mare friend. Vinyl right?”
“Yeah, I’m just scared.” He said as he hung his head. “I love Vinyl and I don’t want to lose her. I just don’t know what to do.” The pink mare walked over to him and put a hoof on his shoulder.
“Just tell her the truth and it will all work out.” She said with a reassuring smile. “I’m sorry but I must go.”
“Thanks Princess. Sorry I was so....defensive before.” He said with a small nod.
“It’s alright.” She said with a smile. After the Alicorn left the musician trotted down to the studio and started to sing. He stopped as he heard his phone ring.
“Hello?”
"Beat you need to get down to the bar pronto!"
“Tavi? Why? What’s wrong?”
"Lilly is here and Vinyl just walked in! I’ll try to stall her until......Oh shit too late! Get down here NOW!" The stallion closed his phone and teleported in front of the bar where a group of ponies had gathered. The musician forced his way through the crowd to see the charcoal mare and orange Unicorn holding back the enraged DJ while Lilly backed into a corner.
“You got some nerve bitch!” Vinyl yelled.
“P-please I don’t want any trouble she said in a fear filled voice.”
“You got trouble!” Vinyl broke free and galloped at the Pegasus only to be held back by a blue aura. She spun around to see Beat with his horn glowing. “Beat? What are you doing?”
“Vi we need to talk.” He said in a flat tone. “We all do.” he said as he looked at Octavia, his sister and the Pegasus. The DJ looked at him in shock and worry. “Let’s just talk about this like adults and in private.” He said with a sigh as he set the mare back down on the wooden floor.
“Fine. For you Beat.” Vinyl said as she glared at the pink Pegasus who was still shaking in fear.
“Alright show’s over folks!” Whiskey said as he slammed his hoof on the bar. The crowd quickly dispersed and the group of ponies left towards Beat’s home. The stallion was trying how to break the news to his mare friend about his potential child with his ex. As the group walked out of the bar Beat’s and Lilly’s eyes shrank as they saw a grey Pegasus stallion glaring at them with rage in his eyes.
Beat felt hatred burning in his eyes while Lilly was cowering in fear behind him. The dark stallion took a step forward only to be blocked by the blue musician.
“Never thought I’d see you again.” He said in a rough tone.
“What do you want Thunderlane?”
“I’m not here for you.” He said as he looked at the shaking pink Pegasus. “Lilly get over here now!” He barked with rage in his voice. The mare was literally shaking in her hooves and tears formed in her eyes.
“She’s not going anywhere with you!” Beat said as he held out his hoof in front of the mare. Vinyl looked at him in surprise.
“I get it. You think it’s yours isn’t it?” The dark Pegasus said with a laugh.
“What’s he talking about Beat?” Vinyl asked.
“I’ll explain later. Get Lilly out of here and-” He was cut off as the dark stallion charged and delivered a quick uppercut to the stallion. Beat fired a volley of spells at him and made him fly up in the sky. “GO!” He ordered. Octavia and the other mares gave a reluctant nod and galloped with the pink Pegasus away from the two. Beat’s horn flared and shot a few blue bolts at the grey stallion who easily dodged them.
“Think I’m letting them leave?” Thunderlane said as he put a hoof to his mouth and let out a high pitched whistle. Three Pegasus stallions leapt from a cloud and chased after the group of mares. One of them closed in on Octavia. The Cellist took a fighting stance and delivered a series of punches and kicks to the grey stallion. Vinyl and the other mares blinked twice in shock.
“What? Twelve years of Hoof-boxing.” She said with a grin. The grey stallion quickly got to his hooves and charged while the other two converged on the other group. Velvet’s horn glowed and a brass trumpet appeared in her hooves. She turned around to face a charging brown stallion. Velvet’s horn flared and she blew through her instrument. The brown stallion was hit with a massive wall of sound that sent him flying back into a nearby building.
“Keep going!” Velvet yelled. Vinyl nodded and started to run with the pink mare behind her. Lilly felt a crippling pain in her stomach and collapsed.
“What’s wrong with you now?” Vinyl asked in an icy tone.
“Contractions.” She said with a groan.
“What?”
“I’m pregnant you idiot!” Vinyl felt her world stop as the words left her lips.
“Did Beat-”
“If you’re wondering if he cheated on you then no.” Lilly said as she slowly got to her hooves. Vinyl let out a sigh of relief. “I’m not sure who’s it is.” She said in a saddened tone. “Look, despite what you may think about me, I don’t want to hurt Beat anymore than I already have.” She said with another groan. “Can we please just get to the hospital?”
Vinyl nodded and helped the Pegasus mare to her hooves and the two hastily made their way towards the edge of town. Beat was firing spells left and right hoping to catch the dark Pegasus off guard. He looked around to see his sister and best friend struggling with their opponents. The blue stallion looked up to see Thunderlane about to dive bomb him when an idea came to him.
“Velvet, Octy.” He yelled as he dodged the enraged stallion. “Get them in front of me and keep back!” The two mares nodded and started to lead the stallions closer to the blue Unicorn. Beat closed his eyes and focused his magic. His horn was blazing a magnificent blue aura. Thunder lane held back for a moment and let his three associates charge at him. “THIS ENDS NOW!” He yelled. Octy and Velvet both jumped behind him as the three Pegasi charged at him.
Beat’s horn stopped glowing and the stallion dug his hooves into the ground. He took a deep breath and grinned. “To quote a friend of mine.” He said as the trio reached point blank range. “FUS ROH DAH!” As the words left Beat’s lips a massive blast of magic and sound struck the three ponies. The force was deafening and windows in the surrounding houses were shattered. The three Pegasi were sent flying into the ground each creating a crater. The blue stallion started to pant and collapse.
“Beat! Are you okay?” Velvet asked as she caught her brother.
“I’ll be okay, I just need to rest for a bit.” He said as he staggered. He looked over to the fallen Pegasi and his brain clicked. “Wait, where’s the other-” he was cut off as he felt a blunt object strike the back of his head. The two mares then felt a pair of hooves connect with their faces, knocking them away from the blue stallion. They looked up to see Thunderlane hovering over them with a steel crowbar in his hoof.
The grey stallion smirked and flew over to Beat’s unconscious form. He twirled the bat in his hooves and smirked. “Well, time to finish the job.” He said as he raised a bat.
“Hey ass hole!” Thunderlane looked over to see Vinyl holding what looked like a combination of a speaker and a cannon. “Taste my BASS CANNON!” She yelled as her horn flared and bright blue beam. The beam knocked the grey Pegasus stallion back through a nearby wall. Vinyl dropped the weapon and hurried over to the blue unicorn stallion. “Beat hold on!” She said as she held him in her hooves.
Thunderlane crawled out of the rubble and grunted. He looked over to see the white Unicorn mare crying over the musician. As he took flight he was soon trapped by a magical force. He looked to his right to see Shining Armor, Princess Cadence and Twilight Sparkle all with their horns flaring and angry looks strewn across their faces. Cadence and Twilight rushed over to Beat’s side While Shining trapped Thunderlane and the other three stallions inside a magical cage.
“You four are under arrest!” Shining said in a rough tone. Cadence’s horn ignited and scanned the blue stallion.
“Is he okay?” Velvet asked with tears in her eyes.
“I’m not sure. He needs to get to a hospital.” She said as she levitated him onto her back. “I’ll meet you girls there.” She said before vanishing in flash of pink light.
Vinyl sat in the lobby along with Octavia, Velvet and Lilly with looks of concern strewn across their faces. Occasionally, Lilly would catch the death stare Vinyl was giving her. The doctor trotted out of the hospital room and sighed as the mares crowded around him.
“Beat is going to be just fine.” He said with a smile. “He has a small concussion and is currently unconscious.” The mare’s all let out a sigh of relief. The doctor then noticed the pink mare’s slightly bulging stomach. “Excuse me ma’am, but how far along are you?”
“Two months.”
“Have you been to a hospital recently?” He asked.
“N-no.” She said in a low tone. “I don’t have that much money and-”
“Send me the bill.” Velvet interjected.
“Very well, follow me then.” Lilly looked at the Unicorn mare in surprise. Velvet just frowned at her.
“Just so you know I’m doing this for Beat’s sake. Not yours.” She said in a flat tone. Lilly gave her a nod and followed the doctor down the hallway. Vinyl sat on the floor with her head held low.
“Why didn’t Beat tell me?”
“We don’t even know if it’s his and it probably isn’t.” Tavi said as she comforted her friend. “He was scared to tell you.”
“Why?” Vinyl said with a groan.
“He just found out this morning and he didn’t want to lose you.” Velvet said. “He loves you Vinyl. I can see it in his eyes.” The white Unicorn mare sniffled and rubbed her eyes. The three mares then saw a familiar whit nurse trot up to them.
“Beat is awake if you want to see him.” The three nodded and followed her inside. The blue stallion let out a sigh and looked at the white mare.
“Vinyl....I....” The white mare then wrapped her hooves around him.
“You’re an idiot ya know that?” She said with a sigh. “Beat, I know that Lilly’s foal might be yours and....I don’t care.”
“What?” He said as he looked into her bright red eyes.
“I know you didn’t cheat on me and that you agreed to help her even after what she did to you.” She said as she nuzzled his chest. “You’re the kindest stallion I know and I’m here for you.” She said with a smile. Velvet lightly blew her nose into a tissue as Octavia wiped some tears away. The door opened and the pink Pegasus mare entered the room with her head held low.
“Beat....I’m so sorry. I never wanted any of this to happen.” She cried. The doctor then walked in behind her. “It’s a Pegasus colt and it’s Thunderlane’s.” She said with a sigh. The blue stallion felt as though a ten ton bag of bricks had been lifted off his shoulders. He looked at the mare who slumped to the floor in sadness.
“What will you do?” He asked.
“Not sure.” She said as a few tears formed in her eyes. “Rose gave me the job and I found a place to live not too far away.” She said with a sigh. “If you don’t want me here then I can leave and-”
“Lilly. Ponyville is a nice town to grow up in. It’ll be a crime to send him away from here.” He said with a sigh. The pink mare cried and hugged the stallion.
“Thank you Beat!” She cried into his chest. “If I could change things then I would.”
“Ahem, hooves off.” Vinyl said as she glared at the pink Pegasus.
“Sorry Vinyl.” She said as she broke the hug. “Look, I know that we got off on the wrong hoof.” She said in a nervous tone. “Do you think that we could...start over?” Vinyl looked at the pink hoof and sighed. She lightly shook it.
“I’ll do it for Beat’s sake and you seem.....kinda nice.” She said as she rolled her eyes.
“Thank you.” She said with a small smile. As she started to leave the three, she turned around and smiled. “He’s a good stallion Vinyl. Don’t lose him.”
Things returned to normal on Ponyville, or as normal gets in the small town. Beat’s music soon spread across Equestria and the small bar was transformed into a club where he and Vinyl plaid on a normal basis. They even performed at Princess Luna’s video game themed birthday party.
Beat was decked out in a Dragonbourne outfit while Vinyl was dressed like Chell from Portal. After the festivities had died down, the two cosplaying ponies took the center stage. Vinyl was behind the mix table as Beat summoned his Violin. The two were in perfect sync as he played.
After the song ended the two took a bow. Beat then turned to Vinyl and grinned.
“Vi we need to talk about the music for the next wedding.” He said with a grin.
“Why, aren’t we going to be doing it?” He took off his helmet and summoned a small box.
“Hopefully not.” He said as he took her hoof and slipped a golden band around it. Her dark red eyes shrank to the size of pin tips and smiled. The crowd cheered as Vinyl tackled him and kissed him. Once the two were off stage Vinyl and Octavia rushed towards them.
“Oh my gosh!” Velvet said as she gave her brother a tight hug.
“Velvet....spine.....crushing.” The blue stallion wheezed out.
“Sorry! I’m just super excited!” She yelled as the other six girls walked up to them.
“I had better start on your dress darling.” Rarity said as she chatted with Vinyl.
“Can I host the reception?” Pinkie asked.
“Hell yeah!” Beat said. He walked over to Applejack and Dash who gave him a hug and a hoof bump. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Seven months later.
Beat waited nervously in his tux. Octavia was by his side and rolled her eyes.
“Relax Beat you look fine.” She whispered.
“I know, I’m just really-” He stopped as the door opened and showed the DJ sporting a beautiful dress. The ceremony was beautiful and with Pinkie in charge of the reception the party was soon blazing. Velvet trotted over to her brother and tapped him on the shoulder. Beat saw Lilly with a small red Pegasus colt. She wished them both the best of luck in their marriage.
“Um Beat, theres somepony here to talk to you.” Beat shrugged and followed his sister. His eyes shrank as he saw a red Unicorn stallion in a nice suit and a blue Unicorn mare in a dress.
“Mom? Dad?”
“Hello son.” The stallion said. “Look, we know that we were never the best of parents and we only wanted what was best for you.” Beat started to frown at the two. “I now see that what I thought was wrong and I’m sorry. I’m sorry for not being the supportive father I should have been, I’m sorry for....we a lot of things.” Beat gulped as he tried to think of what to say when a familiar white mare trotted up next to him.
“Hey hun.” She said as she gave him a small peck on the cheek.
“Vinyl these are my parents.” Velvet said. The DJ’s eyes shrank and remembered what the stallion had told her.
“Nice to meet you Vinyl.” The blue mare said with a small gulp.
“You too.” She said with a nervous grin.
“I’m glad that my son met a mare that makes him happy.” She said with a small smile.
“Thank you both for coming.” Beat said with a nod. “I’m too nice a stallion to hold a grudge against my own parents.” He said with a smile. “C’mon lets party.” The two older ponies sighed and joined in on the festivities. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Two years later
Octavia was walking with Vinyl in the streets of Ponyville with a cross look on her face.
“You need to tell him Vinyl!”
“I know! I know!” The white mare said with an agitated look on her face.
“If you don’t then I will!” Octavia said as the two entered the club. Beat was up on stage with his piano. As he finished his song a grey mare with a blonde mane trotted up to him with a letter in her mouth.
“Thanks Ditzy.” He said as he gave her some bits. He scanned the note and chuckled. “Listen to this folks.” He said as he started to read the letter.
“Dear Steady Beat,
I just found out today that I was pregnant, but I haven’t told my husband. I remember you playing a song about love. Could you sing it for us?”
Signed, a fan.”
“No problem.” He said as he summoned a microphone and a clone got on a piano. He started to sing. During the song he went around a few different tables to try to guess who the couple were. He reached Vinyl’s table and the white mare gave him a nod. Beat paid little attention and continued on to the next table.
“I love when you sing to....” He froze and immediately rushed back over to Vinyl. “R-really?”
“Yup.” She said as she bit her lip and smiled. The crowd cheered for him.
“I’m gonna be a dad!” He yelled. “Next round is on me!” He yelled as he hugged the white mare. “I love you Vinyl. You make this stallion’s heart beat with love.”
“Wow, that was the worst line ever. Of all time, you big softie.” She said as she kissed him.
