Lyra grumbled again as she double checked her watch, the mint-haired lyrist cursing colorfully under her breath. The elevator doors finally opened, admitting the fidgety musician to the quiet hallway. Quickly making her way down the hall and around the bend, Lyra paused at the correct door before pounding on it, irritated.

"Damn it, Scratch! Open the door!"

After long moments of stillness on the other side of the door, Lyra fumbled with the keys in her pocket, fingers angrily flipping through them before finally revealing the proper key. With an air of defiance, Lyra slid the key into the lock and turned before pulling it out and doing the same with the deadbolt. Finally granted access, Lyra pushed on the door, thankful Vinyl hadn't used the chain. Charging quickly through the apartment, Lyra slipped inside the DJ's dark, quiet bedroom, golden eyes surveying the peacefully slumbering Vinyl with barely controlled disdain.

The night owl DJ lay sprawled across her mattress, body almost half on the floor as she snored gently, wild blue-streaked hair seemingly more untamed in her state of rest. The black sports bra she wore left little to the imagination, though the rest of her was tucked away from sight. Lyra tapped her foot anxiously, eyes roaming the form of her sleeping best friend before her ire grew too substantial. Approaching the snoozing woman, Lyra stopped just short and knelt down, mouth hovering just near Vinyl's rarely-headphoneless ears.

"SCRATCH, FRONT AND CENTER."

Easily rousing from her slumber, Vinyl stretched her arms above her head, her knuckles brushing the floor at her awkward angle. Sleepy carmine eyes peaked open at the loud intrusion, seemingly unfazed by the outburst. Smiling up at her best friend, Vinyl stretched her back, allowing her body to slip from the bed to the floor, the blue sheets wrapping around her pale legs as she settled on the hardwood.

"Mm, mornin', Lyr."

Lyra stood back up, her angry eyes staring down at the still slumbering Vinyl, temper sizzling just below the surface.

"Vinyl, seriously. Get your ass up, we have lunch plans with Symphony and Fred about the dinner at the Castle! You know they both hate when anyone is late going anywhere!"

From the floor, Vinyl grumbled before rolling on her back and absently started moving her legs to rid herself of the sheet she had become so inexplicably trapped within.

"Keep your shirt on, Imma get there 'ventually."

Rolling to her knees, Vinyl wiped a lazy hand down her face before finally standing to her full height, the sheet sliding slowly down the rest of her legs. Out of reflex, Lyra's eyes skipped downward to the sheet as it fell before finally dragging back up to the mirthful eyes of the DJ.

"Last time I checked, ya had to be dating me to eyesex me that hard, Heartstrings."

Lyra's eye twitched before she lashed out, hands spinning Vinyl toward the bathroom to help speed up her morning preparations.

"Go. Now. We have to be there at 12 and it's already 11."

Vinyl swatted her away before continuing on her own, the jockey slamming the door behind her for effect. Unamused, Lyra shook her head before looking around the room. Out of habit, she picked up the sheet and threw it haphazardly across the bed; before it settled, the lyrist was walking around the bed to tug at the heavy curtains, allowing sunlight to filter through the glass. Walking back around the bed, Lyra approached the bedroom door and opened it before venturing out to the large living room of Vinyl's apartment.

The space was clean and organized in a Vinyl-centric way, giving way to the intense passion Vinyl had for music and things of the like. A large, covered piece sat off to a corner of the vast room, seemingly untouched, but kept with utmost care. Her golden eyes scanned the room some more, her sights taking in the large speakers and equipment that dominated a good deal of the room. Few pictures littered the colorful decor, but the mint-haired woman knew of their importance.

Distracted by a noise, Lyra flicked her eyes toward the bedroom, focus landing on the DJ as she shuffled out of the hallway, phone clasped in her lips and her spare boot in a free hand. The trademark purple glasses sat delicately over wild bangs, unwavering. The plain black button-up the jockey wore hung open, revealing her new form of under attire and the mirrored, bridged eighth notes that adorned her pale hip. Smiling against her better nature at the moment, Lyra chuckled as she took in the sight of her friend.

"You look positively radiant this morning, V."

Looking up from beneath her wild, two-tone bangs, Vinyl smiled around her phone. She slid her foot into the remaining boot, slamming it against the floor to help force her foot inside. Bending down, she quickly tied to black laces on her favorite pair of blue boots before straightening to look at the other musician, a smile forming around the device as it fell from full lips.

"Do I look okay enough for our dainty violinist, Lyra? Or should I change?"

Unperturbed at the sarcasm, Lyra did a quick check of the DJs appearance, mostly pleased at her attire.

"Well, if you put your boobs away and wear a less obnoxious belt, take out the double studs in your eyebrow... and maybe you could skip the sunglasses... oh, and if you could totally not wear blue boots in view of the high societies at D'Urberville's, we'd be golden."

Crinkling her nose in mock understanding, Vinyl approached her old friend and ruffled the white-striped hair, causing a mild growl to bubble from within Lyra at the action.

"So in other words, you want me to go be Vinyl Scratch without being Pon-3? No can do, good buddy, we're a packaged deal."

Lyra smiled at the DJ and tugged at the hem of the still open button-down before her eyes flicked down to the small piano charm that hung on a chain just above the DJ's chest. Without a thought, Lyra reached up, her fingertips gently brushing the smooth surface of the charm, face pensive. Sensing the shift, Vinyl gently clasped her hand around Lyra's, smile warm.

"Besides. Mom wouldn't have cared what I wear in front of those guys. They're just high society players, not actual human beings."

Snapping out of the trance she had unknowingly fallen into, Lyra shook her head before nudging the DJ and pushing back toward the door.

"You are so good at wasting time. But we need to go, now."

Vinyl smiled devilishly before raising her arms, face a mask of innocence.

"Oh, come on, Lyra! You just can't keep your hands off me and my sexy bod, don't pretend you hate it. Now just come fondle me so we can continue with our day like civilized adults. Come on, come lay some love on me."

Lyra stood perfectly still, eyes burning their way through Vinyl's skull at the comment as she continued to smile. The DJ still remained, arms outstretched, shirt hanging open to reveal the impossibly pale skin and the music note marring the perfect curve of slender hips. Taking only one step forward, Lyra crossed her arms before leaning forward on her toes, golden eyes fiery.

"Button up your shirt before I take it off you and force you to go in your bra. Now. Let's. Go."

Vinyl, attempting to quell the chuckle bubbling its way up, quickly shrugged out of her shirt and tossed it at Lyra before skirting around her and disappearing into the hallway, a loud laugh echoing behind her retreat.

Growing, Lyra turned and bolted out the door, slamming it behind her as she furiously waved the black garment at the hysterical jockey.

"Knock it off!"

Lyra casually opened the door the large restaurant and slid inside, pausing only for a moment to allow Vinyl to rejoin her before nodding toward the maître d'. Walking as quickly as she dared in such an atmosphere, Lyra picked her way around tables before her eyes finally landed on the violet-haired socialite that sat with a stern-looking gentleman. Lyra slowed only slightly, intent on keeping up her outer calm. Finally being recognized, the violet-haired woman looked up, teal eyes catching the dancing lights of the restaurant.

"Lyra! Vinyl!"

The violinist stood up and met the other two as they approached, pausing to throw her arms around the lyrist as her smile grew in size. Once slipping free of Lyra, Symphony turned to Vinyl, nose crinkling in delight at seeing the DJ.

"Scratch, you look incredible."

The DJ smiled and leaned forward, wrapping the diminutive woman in a quick hug as the jockey reached down to place a quick peck on her cheek.

"How's it hangin', Strings. Good to see ya."

The man stood quietly at the table, green eyes roving over the newcomers with glittering intrigue. Noticing Vinyl's approach, he offered his hand, smile richly sparkling.

"Hello, I'm-"

"Freddie Horseshoepin, the pianist. I've seen you play."

Vinyl slapped her hand in his and shook firmly, reveling in his surprise. He cleared his throat before turning to greet Lyra with a gentle handshake. As the quartet took their seats, the bright green eyes of the pianist landed upon the DJ once more.

"You know of my work?"

Vinyl, who had slid up her glasses and popped open a menu, peaked at him, eyes mischievous.

"Yeah. Went to a show with you and Parish headlining. That and I've seen you around some other events. You played at the Gala, right?"

He huffed, his shoulders bouncing as if to shake off a heavy coat. He straightened the tie he wore before leveling the DJ with a withering gaze.

"If you please, I'd rather not talk about that degrading piece of showmanship. Why, that childish little mistake nearly cost me my career as a serious pianist! And that pink-haired-"

Lyra cleared her throat in that moment, sensing the sour turn of the conversation and Vinyl's inability to remain quiet where her friends were concerned. Instead, she cautiously patted the back of her friend's hand before turning to regard the equally nervous violinist.

"So, Symphony... Where's your girl Octavia?"

At hearing the name, Vinyl broke off the stare she had pinned the pianist with and focused on the violet-haired woman.

"Yeah, wasn't she supposed to come?"

Symphony sighed heavily at the question before taking a long swallow of her drink. After a moment, her teal eyes flicked between the two before she resolved herself to explain.

"Well, in all actuality, yes. She was supposed to attend, as she has been asked to perform at the Charity event at the Castle... But the events of the Gala have painfully destroyed her confidence in herself and her music. From what she tells me, she hasn't touched or even seen her cello since that night."

Vinyl frowned before absently closing her menu and leaning forward, carmine eyes serious.

"Symph, the Gala was months ago. Haven't you talked to her about it?"

The teal-eyed violinist huffed and crossed her arms, though the crease in her forehead betrayed her distressed emotion at the topic.

"Yes, of course. I've done everything I could to get her to play. She simply insists that she cannot. Why, I haven't the slightest."

Frederick chuckled, drawing the focus toward him. He paused a moment before his molten emerald orbs flicked between the women.

"If you ask me, Symphony, Octavia never had the gall to make it far in this business. She attempted an air of confidence, but really she never gathered enough gusto to work the classical circuit. I knew it was only a matter of time before the fair Octavia Melody had had enough of the pressures associated with being a classical artist."

Symphony's race reddened at the comment, her teal eyes dilating as she opened her mouth to speak. Vinyl, however, was first to respond.

"Says the asshole who blamed the flub you made at the Canterlot Festivus on Nadermane. No thanks, pal. I'm out."

She stood beside the already anticipatory Lyra and the uncertain Symphony before pinning him with a tumultuous glare. She tossed her menu on the table before leaning forward on her palms, fiery gaze level with the white-haired pianist's.

"And another thing? If you think you're playing this event, you're sadly fucking mistaken. I will not have the memory of Camille Violoncelle besmirched by some pompous tightwad like you."

With that, she pushed off from the table and slid her glasses over her eyes. Turning her head toward the waitress that stopped awkwardly just a few feet away, Vinyl nodded her head.

"Sorry about that, hun. We're not having anything."

The DJ turned and walked easily out of the building, leaving the seething Frederick alone at their table. Once out the doors, she walked the few steps to reconnect with the two remaining musicians, jaw tight with irritation. Symphony regarded her seriously, eyes haunted.

"You did go easy on him, didn't you? I have dinner plans with him, Beauty, and Parish later, and I don't want to deal with a pissy Fred."

"Yeah, I went easy on him. But I'm not having him perform at the dinner. I'm not going to deal with his damn attitude all night, I just don't have it in me."

Lyra nudged the DJ before regarding her.

"You still have some time to find a replacement piano player, V. Don't worry, we'll figure it out. I'm sure a bunch of pianists would jump at the chance to play the event."

Vinyl nodded, though her frown deepened.

"I'm not really worried about the piano, I'm more concerned that I might not get Octavia. Symph, can you find out where she is? Maybe I can talk to her or something."

Lyra snorted, unable to help herself.

"Yeah, Scratch, she's gonna be super excited to see a random DJ waltz up to her and lecture her on the importance of playing the cello. You know, I think I'd pay to see that. Octavia would probably faint just looking at you and your hair, not to mention those glasses."

Vinyl slipped off the offending purple lenses before narrowing her eyes at the lyrist, pierced left eyebrow disappearing into wild bangs.

"Hey, Heartstrings, just because I'm hotter than you doesn't mean you get to be a bitch about it. I happen to have awesome people skills, especially concerning the high society crowd."

Symphony interjected, her own smile threatening to split her lips in amusement.

"Octavia is a high tea and crumpets kind of girl, I think you would have an adverse effect on her. Just because you've tasted the sweet elite doesn't mean she wouldn't react negatively to your persona. She's as nice as the next girl, but she's also society's child. She gets all of her hoity-toity behavior directly from the hydra she calls a mother."

Vinyl rolled her eyes before perching her beloved glasses just above her forehead.

"No faith, ladies. Just find out for me and I'll take it from there."

Symphony giggled before fishing free her phone from her purse, her thumb scanning through her contacts until she landed over the cellist in question. Pausing a moment, she put the phone to her ear and waited.

"Hello, Symphony."

"Hey, Octavia. What are you up to? I missed you at the luncheon today."

"Oh, I'm just having some tea at Tasse de Thé, contemplating taking a trip to the Harwan. Maybe they'd let me in again, just for old time's sake."

"Octavia, you know you can just play again. No one's holding the Gala-"

"Maybe one day, Symphony. I'm sorry. I'll talk to you later."

The phone call ended abruptly, causing Symphony to sigh deeply. She sensed the upset in the cellist's voice, knowing turning down an invitation to play at the Charity Event weighed heavily on her. Her teal eyes passed between Lyra and Vinyl, resolute in their upset.

"She's right up your alley this time, Vinyl. She'll probably take a trip to the Harwan after her tea. She visits there often, just to wander around the stage. It kills me sometimes."

Lyra frowned before moving forward to gently rub the violinist's arm, offering her silent support. The violet-haired woman nodded her thanks to the mint-haired lyrist before turning to regard Vinyl once more.

"Maybe you could do something to get her out of this funk, who knows. But I've got to get back inside. Considering Frederick didn't leave yet, he's probably just been sitting there stewing. I'll do damage control, but I won't give in to him."

She turned to wrap Lyra up in a hug before stepping into Vinyl, her body melting for a moment against the blue-haired DJ.

"Take care. I'll be seeing you both again soon."

She pulled away, and with a final look, slipped back inside.

Vinyl then turned on her heel and began walking down the street toward her home, preventing Lyra from properly addressing the DJ. Annoyed, the lyrist walked quickly, moving just enough to stop the DJ in her tracks with a well-placed hand to the chest.

"V, where are you going?"

"Home, to get my keys to the Harwan. Where are you going?"

"I was going to see if you wanted to go and talk to Octavia together."

Vinyl smiled before swatting the hand off her chest. "No, Lyr, I think I got this. B's shop is close by, why don't you stop by there and get me some caramel squares to take home later?"

She smiled and stuck her tongue out, the metal ball of her tongue ring catching the light of the afternoon. Lyra frowned at the gesture, her hand skimming her hair in thought.

"Do you think it's such a good idea to talk to Octavia?"

"Why wouldn't it be? We're both musicians, maybe I can offer insight that the other high society boneheads just don't have."

The blue-streaked DJ ducked around Lyra and attempted to walk faster before Lyra snagged her wrist.

"V... Watch yourself."

Vinyl turned back around, large smile playing on mischievous lips.

"It's just a crush, Heartstrings, relax."

Smiling nervously, she finally released the DJ and watched as she marched down the street to disappear behind a corner. Sighing deeply, Lyra ran a hand across her eyes and turned on her heel, feet taking her in the direction of the candy shop.

Vinyl pushed into her apartment, cellphone tucked between her shoulder and ear.

"Yeah, Dad, I know. I told you, I'm not having that asshole perform at mom's thing. I don't have time for his ego."

"Vinyl, love, to you? Everyone's an asshole."

She heard the humor in his voice and smiled at it, pleased he wasn't upset.

"I'll get somebody, don't worry. For now, I'm gonna go butter up Octavia. She's been reclusive since the Gala incident with Pinkie."

"I heard. Best of luck, kiddo, I'll see you later."

"Bye, Dad."

She hung up the phone and slipped it back in her pocket before blowing out a strong sigh. She lifted her hands to unbutton the shirt she wore before sliding it from her shoulders and tossing it over her elbow before absently shaking her hair. Guiding herself down the hallway, she stopped at her door, pushing it open with a booted foot before slipping easily inside. She tossed the shirt over her shoulder toward the hamper, pleased to see it disappear into the open container. Approaching her closet, she pulled at the top drawer and fished out a white tank before slipping it on, finding comfort in the familiar weight.

Turning around, the DJ approached her side table and slid open the top drawer, plucking out the small set of keys that rested peacefully in the wooden haven. The jockey headed toward the door before pausing, carmine eyes turning to look back at the messy bed. Without thinking, Vinyl approached the queen sized bed and made it, neatly tucking the sheet in and folding down the covers. Pleased, the DJ left the room, leaving the door cracked in her wake. Upon entering the living room, Vinyl made a beeline for the coffee table and picked up her earbuds, her fingers nimbly placing the rubber stops in their rightful place before heading for the exit. Locking the door in midstride, Vinyl clicked the door shut behind her and continued downstairs, her journey stopping for a moment in the elevator as it descended the few floors to the lobby.

Once inside the lavish downstairs, she nodded her head to the doorman who tipped his hat in response, a large grin shaping his young face. Vinyl pushed open the glass doors and stepped back into the sunlight, her fingers playing with the audio settings on her phone as she connected her headphones and slid the device back into her pocket. A smooth bass soon greeted her, allowing a cheshire grin to twist her mouth and her head to bob sensuously with her newest tune. Hailing a cab, Vinyl was shocked as one stopped almost immediately. Once inside, her sunglassed focus landed on the driver, her chin tipping in direction.

"The Harwan, please."

Octavia sighed as she ran her hands over the cloth armrests of her chair. She had been sitting in the empty theatre hall for what felt like hours, though she was aware it had only been less than one. She fidgeted, her mind recalling the horrible emotion she had felt that night at the Castle all those months ago. Her throat almost closed at the aspect, the intense feeling stealing her breath with its icy fingers. Feeling compelled to pace, Octavia bounced out of her front row seat and began to pace before the stage, mind racing.

Swallowing her despair, Octavia turned her attention to the stage, her feet unknowingly moving her toward the side steps that led to the massive platform. Quietly, Octavia slipped into the shadows, her muscle memory taking her the well-travelled path to the steps. With ease she climbed them and stood just behind the curtain, her teary amethyst eyes trained on the shiny floor of her favorite venue. Slowly, she moved forward onto the polished floor of the stage, the click of her heels echoing loudly in the empty space.

The cellist stopped just beside the piano that sat on stage just outside the halo of light, her bare fingers moving up to dance along the silky black surface of the grand piano. Her eyes lost focus as her mind replayed the shows she had performed on that very stage, the pain of those memories threatening to spill over into the tears currently stinging her eyes.

"You know it's just a piano, right?"

Upon hearing the voice, Octavia snapped her head around, mulberry eyes focusing on the blue-haired DJ hovering near the front row of seats in the auditorium. Her eyes narrowed as she stepped forward, eyebrows knitting in concentration.

"Can I help you?"

Vinyl walked into the light, a grin tugging at her lips.

"You're Octavia, right?"

"I am. I suppose you've come to laugh at me, is that it? Well, you can forget it, I won't stand here and-"

Vinyl held up her hands, the motion ceasing Octavia's hurried exit of the stage.

"Whoa, calm down. I'm not here to laugh at you, promise."

"Then who are you?"

"I know your friend Symphony, if that helps."

"Symphony Strings? How could someone like you know someone like her?"

Vinyl chuckled and walked forward, her bespeckled gaze never leaving Octavia. She disappeared for a moment before reappearing on the opposite side of the stage, her hands up in a sign of peace.

"Oh, I've been around. I know most of the Orchestra, as a matter of fact."

Octavia eyed her suspiciously as she crossed her arms over her chest, attempting to hide her discomfort. Her eyes looked Vinyl up and down, the emotion in them well hidden from the DJ.

"And you are?"

Vinyl smiled and walked a few more steps before stopping to reach her hand out. She smiled again, attempting to reassure the other woman.

"The name's Vinyl Scratch, or Pon-3. Depends who you talk to."

Octavia looked at the hand, uncertain. However, her societal upbringing refused to allow the dismissal of the gesture, and she walked the two steps to shake the DJs hand. She receded shortly after, eyes never leaving the strange form. Vinyl, to her credit, took the scrutiny well as she offered a small smile as comfort. Octavia again crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing once more at the DJ's presence. Vinyl took the initiative, her mouth opening to speak.

"I heard you're done with playing the cello. How true is that?"

Octavia huffed and grasped tightly at her upper arms, an unwanted chill skittering down her spine.

"Though it's of absolutely no concern of yours, the statement is implicitly true. I feel as though I no longer deserve the right to play."

Vinyl was slightly taken aback at the tone in which the cellist responded, her heart instantly reaching out to the hurting musician. Still, Vinyl remained calm, the small smile still present on her lips.

"And if I could ask, why are you giving it up?"

Octavia shot her eyes back up and rested on the large purple lenses currently looking back at her. She couldn't make out the reasoning behind the situation, and a voice in her mind whispered negativity in her ear, adding to her unease. Her face twisted in anger, normally placid eyes igniting.

"Surely you have heard the news of the Gala and that horrible display of the uncivilized mingling with the upper class."

Vinyl's smile only grew at the information, her brain casting aside the mild jab at her favorite party girl.

"I didn't hear about it, per say, but I was there."

Octavia torched the DJ with a withering glare, her eyes mixing dangerously with her outrage and inner turmoil.

"Surely you can understand my predicament. I can't even show my face around this city anymore. My biggest critics were there that night, forever blacklisting me to the Elite of this town. To put it plainly, my career is over."

Vinyl shook her head, her feet moving a step closer to the cellist.

"You weren't the only one on that stage, if I can remember. Beauty, Frederick and Parish were also there. Are they blacklisted, too?"

The cellist focused on the DJ, the tears she felt earlier attempting to reappear. She shook her head, a manicured hand moving up to sweep away the black locks from her shoulders. The mental reliving of that moment sat painfully in her chest, causing a potent nausea to swirl in the deepest recesses of her soul.

"That's different."

Vinyl raised a pierced eyebrow, perturbed.

"It's not different, Octavia. You just lost your nerve. And if you like, I'd be more than happy to help."

The raven-haired woman stared at the DJ, face twisting in a hideous mask of anger and shock.

"I don't even know you. I don't take well to your street-walking kind, either. Now if you please, vacate the stage and leave me to my misery."

Octavia turned toward the piano and approached before collapsing on the piano bench, tears again stinging her eyes. Vinyl waited for a moment, the humor of the cellist's comment tickling her intrigue. Slowly, she approached the cellist before she stood just before her, hidden eyes roaming the dejected form of the musician.

"I want you to play right now because when you play, it's one of the most incredible sounds I've ever heard. I'm not going to sit idly by and let that talent go to waste because you lost your confidence. Got me?"

Octavia looked up, eyes ringed red. She shook her head, defiance strong.

"You don't know anything about me. And I'd be hard pressed to think that someone like you even knows anything about classical music. Please, just leave me alone."

Vinyl knelt before her, her body twisting so she could peek at Octavia from below the halo of black hair she hid within.

"I know that you play with heart, and that's more than most musicians in your line of work. I'm going to get the cello from the back, and you are going to play it."

With that, Vinyl stood and approached the rear curtains before disappearing between them. For long minutes, Octavia sat in the silence of the venue, heart aching in her chest. The rustle of fabric caught her attention, her eyes turning toward the noise against her will. Her eyes took in the sight of Vinyl as she carried the large case and a chair, the cellist's emotional pain slightly ebbing away. She stood reflexively as Vinyl placed the chair and then sat down the case before kneeling to undo the snaps. Octavia felt herself drawn to the large instrument, a familiarity building in her chest as her eyes raked over the polished body of the house cello.

Vinyl lifted the large instrument before refocusing on Octavia. After a moment, the jockey smiled and offered the instrument. Octavia reached up before hesitating, her eyebrows twitching with heavy thought. Finally, she closed the space between them and clasped the neck of the cello, the familiar feel of the wood under her hands making her tingle with forgotten energy. Vinyl knelt again before plucking free the bow and handing it over to the silent Octavia. Bending a third time, the blue-haired DJ clicked the case closed before hefting it out of the way to lean against the piano.

"Just one song."

Octavia breathed deeply before beginning the slow approach to the chair that sat lonely at center stage. She sat down gracefully and positioned the cello to rest against her at the perfect angle, her body falling into its normal stance. The foreign cello felt strange in her hands, the weight just slightly different from her own. She arranged herself, forcing her tense muscles to relax. Bringing the bow upwards, she felt a tremble in her hand, an alien feeling to her when holding the familiar instrument. She again attempted to bring up the bow but faltered, a growing strain morphing into a slight panic that welled up within her ribcage.

The cellist squeezed her eyes shut, hoping to kill the fear that tickled the back of her mind as her memories of the Gala renewed with vigor in their onslaught. Her bow hand dropped as she leaned her chin on the bridge of the instrument, an unearthly defeat settling in over the musician.

Vinyl, from her position just on the cusp of light, frowned. She walked toward the piano and sat down, her hands moving to lift the cover before her fingers gently tapped the keys. After a moment, she looked up to see Octavia eyeing her strangely, her lavender eyes brimming with raw emotion. Vinyl smiled reassuringly before cracking her knuckles.

"Play what you feel."

Her voice was barely a whisper that was covered a moment later by a soothing melody coming from the piano. Vinyl closed her hidden eyes as she played, the notes flowing from her easily, her fingers dancing nimbly across the white and black keys. Her head weaved in time with the music, the notes cascading across her subconscious with perfected grace. Octavia, upon hearing the soothing tune, closed her eyes as well, her mind sorting through the many songs in her repertoire, her hands going up to play on their own accord.

Gently, the cellist played slowly at first before gaining courage, the enchanting music from the piano backing her own confidence. As the second passed, Octavia's fervor increased, the tone of the music shifting to deepen, the melody pulsing free of the instrument as Octavia passed with sure, easy strokes. So enthralled with her music, the cellist had failed to notice the piano ebbing away before finally ceasing, allowing Vinyl to look over Octavia with a contagious smile.

For long minutes, Octavia played passionately, the song spilling forth encompassing her entire focus. Eventually, the song wound down, and as the final note played, Octavia opened her eyes to the applause from the DJ behind her. Red-faced, the cellist turned to regard the jockey.

"I hadn't realized you had ceased your playing or I myself would have ceased as well."

Vinyl shook her head, her smile growing brighter as she leaned her chin in the palm of her hand, elbow perched on the piano.

"I wouldn't have let you stop. How do you feel?"

Octavia paused for a moment, her eyes shifting with her thoughts.

"I feel... light. I didn't think I'd ever feel it again."

Vinyl nodded and stood, pushing the bench back with her legs before closing the lid of the piano. She approached the cellist before stopping just beside her, her sunglass-ridden eyes scanning the still flushed Octavia.

"Do you think you can honestly quit?"

"No, I... I don't know. I'm still so very uncertain. But it simply feels marvelous to play again. I've craved my cello with such fervor, but my fear was too daunting."

The cellist looked up, her eyes taking on a new emotion as she looked at the other musician.

"You play the piano- that song... did you write it?"

Vinyl shrugged, smile mysterious.

"Yeah. I know my way around some tunes."

"It helped. I don't think I would have been able to begin without it. So thank you."

Vinyl nodded before holding out her hand, waiting patiently as the cellist unfurled from the instrument and handed it back to the musician; Vinyl carried the cello back to the case and slipped it inside before bringing the case over to Octavia. The raven-haired woman handed over the bow and watched as Vinyl carefully packed up the large instrument. Vinyl lifted it and headed back toward the curtains, intent on returning the cello to the storage area. Reflexively, Octavia followed.

"How did you get the cello?"

Vinyl absently waved her free hand before slipping through the heavy curtains, stopping to keep them open for Octavia before continuing onward toward the back.

"Oh, my uh, friend's dad owns the place. I borrow her keys from time to time and sneak around. I used to play here a lot, but with the DJing picking up, I haven't had too much time. I miss it, it's peaceful."

Vinyl reached for her keys as she stopped at the proper door, her hands moving to prop the cello up against the door. Unlocking the massive door, she pulled, opening it up just enough to slip inside. She disappeared for a moment as she returned the cello before reemerging and locking the door behind her. Both women headed back toward the stage, an easy silence between them. As they passed through the curtains once more, Octavia turned a serious eye to the blue-haired woman.

"What was your original reason for coming here to the Harwan?"

Vinyl faltered a moment before looking up, the reflective purple lenses she wore catching the bright stage lights.

"Honestly? I wanted to come help you out. You know, one musician to another."

Pleased with the answer, Octavia nodded before setting her eyes forward across the large expanse of seating before them.

"I'm still afraid. I felt so absolutely terrified when I sat down on that chair, and you were the only one here. I don't know if I'll ever shake that feeling... Not knowing- it's killing me."

Vinyl nodded before turning to face the cellist head on.

"Well, don't worry. We'll work on that tomorrow."

Octavia snapped her head to the side, eyes clouded with confusion.

"I beg your pardon?"

Vinyl pulled free a card from her pocket and handed it to the cellist, a smirk shaping her lips.

"What time's good for you? I got a gig later tonight, so I'll probably sleep til like... noon."

Octavia looked at the DJ for a moment before a small smile traced her lips, a small chuckle escaping as her eyes checked over the card.

"Well, Pon-3, I suppose you won't grant me the allowance of declining your invitation?"

"Not a chance."

Octavia thought for a moment before looking over the DJ again, her head nodding after a moment.

"I suppose 1 o'clock then?"

Vinyl offered her hand, intent on finalizing the deal. Octavia shook it firmly, an innate sadness echoing from her eyes. Vinyl bowed gently as their hands released, drawing an embarrassed chuckle from the cellist before she straightened, smile ever present.

"Bring your cello, it'll make you feel better. And now, if you're ready?"

Octavia nodded as they left the stage and headed up the middle row for the exit. Once outside, Octavia squinted before regarding the DJ seriously.

"Tomorrow, then?"

Vinyl nodded before tossing up her hand in a small wave as she turned to walk toward her destination. Octavia looked after her for a long while, eyes focused on the mysterious DJ. After a moment, Octavia smiled and scanned the street before tossing up her hand.

"Taxi!"

Octavia kicked open the door to her apartment a few hours later, her body exhausted but her thoughts buzzing. Kicking off the black heels she wore, she approached her expensive couch and collapsed on it, her breathe shooting upward to move a bang from her face. Lifting her arm above her head, her hand felt around for the phone on the side table before eventually bringing it forward. Scanning the contact list, Octavia paused over the number to her closest friend and pressed dial, waiting patiently for the woman to pick up.

"Oh, hey, Octavia. What's up?"

"Symphony, I had the strangest encounter this afternoon. A DJ with blue, two-tone hair crept up on me while I was in the Harwan... and scared the living daylights out of me. She said she was a friend of yours, is that true?"

"Oh yeah, that's Vinyl... What happened? Everything okay?"

"Yes. Fine, actually. I played the cello today, Symphony..."

Tears unwittingly sprung to her eyes, the thick droplets squeezing free before Octavia could properly react to their presence.

"Wow, Octavia! Vinyl got you over your fear?"

Octavia sniffled, her uncertainty slipping away.

"For the moment, yes. It felt incredible to play. It was strange, the effect she had. I don't even really know her, though she helped me effortlessly. She said she'll work with me again tomorrow. It's so very bizarre."

"Tomorrow? Really? Are you excited?"

"Yes... I think I am. I can't stop thinking about it."

"Congratulations, Octavia. I hope you can get back to it, we all miss you."

"Thank you, Symphony. Good night."

The cellist hung up her phone and crossed an arm over her eyes, smile crinkling her lips. She sprung up suddenly, body humming with nervous energy. She approached the window and slipped it open, the cool night breeze ruffling her thick, black tresses. Leaning on her arms, Octavia closed her eyes, basking in the feeling of the night's cool breeze. After a moment, the lavender eyes opened again, her focus on the city below.

"Until tomorrow, Vinyl Scratch."

This is by far the longest opening chapter I've ever written, ever. Anywhere. For anything.

Vinyl sighed heavily as she trekked toward the front doors of the Harwan, coffee clenched loosely in her hand. Leaning against the heavy door, the DJ slowly pulled her keys from the shorts she wore, pausing only to rearrange her cup before sliding in the key and unlocking the tumbler. Pushing back from the building, Vinyl leaned backward and tugged on the handle, pulling open the ornate doors before slipping inside the lobby and heading toward the main stage. The normally energetic DJ lagged as she walked, the lack of sleep from last night catching up quickly.

Moving into the main room, Vinyl brought up the lights and then stepped outward, direction heading toward backstage. The DJ approached the large black piano and sat at the bench, her tired arm allowing her a long swallow of the still-hot coffee. Leaning back against the piano, Vinyl let out a long breath as she relaxed a moment, chancing closing her eyes for a second. Briefly feeling herself slip away, Vinyl jerked forward, sunglasses jostling slightly at the violent motion. Grunting to herself, the DJ hefted to her feet, the exhaustion in her body greatly hampering the normally fluid motion.

Taking a moment to walk around the stage, coffee in hand, Vinyl languidly paced, attempting to shake the sleep from her eyes. It had been almost 5 by the time Vinyl had returned from her DJing at Rave, having been kept by a drunken Lyra whose only intention was recanting all of her childhood in one mistake-riddled night. Even after sleepily stumbling in her door at the ridiculous hour, Vinyl had been drawn to her equipment, a new muse taking hold of the DJ for long hours. After she had eventually finished, the time had worn to almost ten, causing the DJ to curse her habits as she attempted to switch back into a normal mode of existence.

A smile formed on the DJ's lips as she recalled the session she went through just this morning, the splendor she felt at creating new music helping in the release of sleep from her sore body. Pausing just beside the large piano, Vinyl tucked her free arm around her midsection, her thoughts again wandering to the powerful urge to create musical perfection. Tossing a look over her shoulder, Vinyl ran her glasses-covered eyes over the piano, a mischievous grin taking shape on perfect lips.

Turning to face the piano, Vinyl placed the throwaway cup on the edge of the instrument before taking a seat, her hands moving up to reflexively uncover the keys. Flexing her fingers, the DJ placed her hands before playing softly, an unnamed tune pouring out of the blue-haired woman with incredible precision. After playing the piece in its entirety, Vinyl leaned back, body humming with energy at the music. Pushing the bench back with her legs, the DJ began an energetic pace of the stage, her fingers itching to create once more. Flipping her sight upward, Vinyl peered at the clock hidden just out of sight, mind ticking away the time it would take for Octavia to arrive.

Pleased at the hour she still had, Vinyl slipped through the back curtains and turned, feet taking her toward a back office. Taking out her keys, Vinyl used the correct one, skillfully unlocking the door as she slipped inside. Grabbing the black hardcase from the corner of the room, Vinyl exited just as easily as she came, stopping briefly to lock the door behind her. Moving along the back hallways of the venue, Vinyl stopped at the stage to drop off the instrument before heading toward the storage closet. Again, she disappeared before emerging, a large amplifier pushed under her direction toward the stage.

Shuffling through the curtains, Vinyl disappeared to another part of backstage as she set up the amp, connecting it to the main power of the large theatre. Plugging a long cable in the amp, Vinyl slowly slid back toward the stage, smile only growing as she continued. Moving back toward the lights of the stage, she tossed down the cord as she bent down to open the hardshell, eyes glittering with pleasure at seeing the sleek instrument in the silk-lined case.

Lifting the revered guitar upward, she slid the blue strap over her shoulder and settled the weight of the instrument against her hips, pausing to revel in the familiar feeling of the V. Stooping to grab the cord, the DJ hooked up her guitar and adjusted the volume just slightly, spine tingling as the gentle hum greeted her. Fingers absently moving up to stroke the strings, Vinyl settled her fingers in a simple chord before bending again to grab a pick from the case. Kicking away the case, Vinyl settled into her familiarity, left hand again shifting upward to tickle the frets of the custom V, a small 'heh' escaping the DJ as she plucked a string.

The soundwave washed over her, chills exploding across the pale skin to leave fields of goosebumps across her flesh. Sliding her fingers down the strings, she reveled in the sound from the amp before she fell into playing, fingers shifting quickly across the neck as she played. For long minutes, the DJ played, the almost forgotten song working to ignite an intense flame in the woman, the sound erupting a long-dormant passion inside her that shifted into a heat that warmed her entire body.

Skilled fingers shifted easily over the strings, alternating between trills and gentle strumming, her body eventually fading into a full song, causing the DJ to bounce around the stage in overjoyed motion. After a while, the DJ stilled, her hands dropping the guitar to hang against her hips, her smile impossibly wider after the shortened session. Again her eyes drifted to the clock, a chuckle escaping after realizing she had spent almost the whole hour playing. Laugh growing, Vinyl slid off the guitar and unplugged it before tossing the cord just behind the curtain, intent on moving it later. She placed the V back in its case and closed it before placing it on top of the piano. Grabbing the cold coffee, Vinyl made quick work of the center walkway, her body exploding out of the building as her eyes searched the street for any signs of Octavia.

Exactly at one, a large yellow cab pulled up outside the Harwan, the back door opening to reveal the cellist as she slid smoothly from the rear seating. From her perch against the wall, Vinyl whistled low, shadowed eyes taking in the exquisitely dressed Octavia as she slammed the door shut, rearranged her purse, and approached the trunk, the lid having been popped by the driver that scrambled out of his seat to assist the musician. Vinyl smirked as her eyes slid over the nervous Octavia, carefully taking in the pencil skirt and plain gray blouse she wore, fingers tingling at the sight. Seeing the man struggling to free the large cello from the back, Vinyl pushed off from the building and tossed her empty cup in the trash as she approached.

Nodding to the driver, Vinyl turned toward Octavia, smiled etched on her face.

"How punctual. Back it up, I got it."

Octavia stepped back from the car, allowing Vinyl the room to easily slide the cello and its case from the trunk of the cab. The driver, thankful it was out of his car, tipped his hat to the women before sliding back in and pulling easily back into traffic. Octavia turned her attention back to the DJ, her lavender eyes taking a long minute to travel across the white camisole and gray-and-black plaid board shorts that the DJ wore, focus hovering over the chain attached to musician.

"What... are you wearing?"

Vinyl, amused, looked down at the simple outfit before glancing back up at the socialite.

"Clothes? What are you wearing?"

Absently, Octavia straightened her blouse.

"I had brunch with my parents."

Vinyl nodded before turning toward the Harwan, cello in hand. Octavia shuffled forward until she was beside Vinyl, heels clicking against the sidewalk before entering the building. Vinyl made easy work of the center walk before shifting over and heading toward the side steps, stopping only when she leaned the cello against the piano.

"Sorry, I forgot the chair. Be right back."

Octavia placed her purse to the side and settled on the stage, hands clasped in front of her as her eyes wandered the vast space. Looking toward the right, she paused for a moment, mulberry gaze taking in the large amp just inside the curtain. Vinyl's reemergence distracted her from the thought, however, and she smiled automatically at the DJ as she placed the chair back at center stage. Once she straightened, Vinyl smiled at Octavia.

"Do you want to try and play on your own, or should I play for you again?"

Octavia frowned suddenly, the unease in her shoulders building quickly.

"I don't... know. I suppose I'll try on my own, first."

Vinyl nodded and went to remove the cello from its case, the weary eyes of the cellist working her over as she carefully lifted the large instrument. Grabbing the bow, Vinyl walked the few steps to the tense Octavia and offered the well-loved instrument to its master. Nodding, Octavia reached out, pausing just for a moment before grasping the instrument and sitting down. Adjusting her angle, Octavia pulled the cello against her, the large instrument finding its nook instantly. Pleased, Vinyl smiled and receded, her body moving to sit on the bench just out of sight of the cellist.

Octavia breathed in deeply before exhaling slowly, her bow hand lifting to rest against the strings, though it moved no further. Octavia shuddered, shoulders tensing as she looked down at her beloved cello, feeling instantly ashamed of the large instrument in her grasp.

"Octavia?"

The cellist jumped at the voice, not realizing Vinyl had come to stand beside her. Octavia shifted her focus over, lavender eyes staring intently at the blue Chucks the DJ wore. Swallowing, the musician finally lifted her eyes to regard the jockey.

"Yes, Vinyl?"

"When did you learn you loved the cello?"

Octavia blew out a breath, the motion causing the carefully placed bangs to shift gently. Slipping her eyes closed, Octavia focused on the memory, a familiar feeling building in her chest at recalling the first time she had heard the alluring music. Opening her eyes, she refocused on Vinyl who had dropped to the stage to sit Indian-style, mouth curled up in innocent curiosity. Offering a sad smile to the DJ, Octavia inhaled before responding.

"When I was a little girl, I had gathered a love for all things classically composed. Being the daughter of Virtuosa Cash and Viktor Melody, I grew up knowing and loving the finer things in life. On my eighth birthday, my father finally caved at my wishes for seeing a live, classical music act. So on that same night, my father and I arranged a trip to this very theatre."

Vinyl snickered, smile widening at the cellist.

"Got a lot of memories here, don't you, Tavi?"

Reacting instantly to the nickname, Octavia scrunched her nose, displeased.

"If you would be so kind, could you please refrain from using that name? It's simply barbaric."

Vinyl laughed out loud at the offense, drawing a red-faced huff from the dark-haired woman. Holding her hands up in surrender, the DJ flicked her fingers forward, silently urging onward.

"Sorry, sorry. I'll be good. Now, you were saying?"

Taking a moment to smooth her hair out of habit, Octavia readjusted herself and cleared her throat, lavender eyes shifting to focus on the smirking DJ.

"Yes, as I was saying... It was a chilly night, having been in the dwindling days of November... I remember being bundled up in my favorite pea coat and clinging to my father's hand as he led me through the front doors and toward our seats. It was the most incredible thing I'd ever seen... This theatre, so rich in class and steeped so deeply in culture... I'll never forget the sensation I felt the moment I saw it lit up before the show."

The lavender eyes of the cellist moved across the auditorium before her, a strong sense of reverence echoing through her. She chuckled to herself and shook her head before bringing her emotionally-fueled gaze back to the DJ.

"It's still the same, this place. Not a detail has changed, and it is still my absolute favorite place to perform. This is the same place I saw her, and felt an incredible need to pursue, just as she did that night. After my father and I sat, not long after the lights dimmed, a surreal silence swept across the entire gathering. Instantly, I felt the anticipation buzzing around me. My heart almost burst free of my chest at the tremor that pulsed through all those people."

Vinyl nodded in respectful silence, intrigued as she watched the cellist vividly recall the memory from so long ago. Octavia, who had closed her eyes as if to watch the memory dance across her mind's eye, shifted to refocus on the DJ, hooded lavender eyes glowing.

"After a moment of waiting, a lone spotlight lit the stage, and from the left, she emerged. She was elegantly dressed in a pitch black performance suit, and around her neck was the trademark emerald bowtie. She was the very image of class and grace; her long red hair had an energy all its own, and from my seat in the very front row, I could see the fire in those sharp, carmine eyes. That image struck me so, I was virtually speechless for the entire performance, so wrapped up in the sight of her."

Octavia stared outward as she recanted, her eyes losing their focus as the image of the musician came rushing back to her with force.

"I watched in rapt silence as she played the cello with absolutely no effort. The entire performance, her eyes remained closed, as if playing directly from her soul with little regard. So much passion, so much skill and poise... Camille Violoncelle captured everything I ever wanted in one, solitary moment... The very next day, my father bought me my first cello, and I dedicated my life to perfecting the craft."

Vinyl nodded before getting to her feet, smile mysterious.

"That feeling... remember that feeling, Octavia, and play."

Octavia relaxed for a moment before lifting her playing hand once more, this time allowing the bow to slide sensuously across the strings. Taking her cue, Vinyl back pedaled before sitting on the bench, her focus enthralled by the music currently coursing through the atmosphere. For a long time, Octavia simply played, switching between pieces with practiced ease. The tempo shifted every so often, the tone of the music fluctuating as Octavia played with varying degrees of emotion. Vinyl sat on the piano bench, hand in her chin as her elbow leaned casually on the instrument just beside her, smile pleased. The DJ slipped her eyes closed as she focused on the notes, the soothing music swirling masterfully around her.

Eventually, Octavia slowed her play before finally stopping to collect herself, bothered by the thin layer of sweat forming at her hair line. The cellist turned in her seat, lavender eyes searching for the DJ. For a moment, she simply stared at the blue-haired woman before Vinyl finally reacted, her body shifting backward to stand. Slowly approaching the cellist, the DJ kept her movement smooth, mouth twitching in a smile. She stopped just beside the raven-haired woman before a full smile split her lips, causing the cellist to shift nervously.

"That was... incredible."

Octavia flushed at the compliment, suddenly apprehensive.

"I played what I felt."

Vinyl nodded and gently nudged the cellist, grin cheshire.

"Know how long you played?"

Octavia shook her head at the question, unsure of what time had transgressed.

"No. How long was it?"

Vinyl chuckled for a minute before refocusing her shadowed gaze on the cellist.

"Almost two hours."

"Two- Goodness, Vinyl, I didn't mean to..."

The DJ shook her head quickly, the motion drawing a frown from the seated player.

"Relax, Octy, it was amazing just to watch. You lost yourself in your music, and that's something you need if you're gonna get back on that horse of yours."

Narrowing her eyes, Octavia stood, balancing her cello on its retractable endpin before moving her supporting hand to clasp the scroll atop the large instrument, allowing the cellist to lean toward the DJ with little restraint.

"My name is Octavia, Miss Pon-3."

Vinyl chuckled at the attempted menace before sticking out her tongue at the cellist. Octavia, upon seeing the metal ball of the DJ's tongue ring, jerked back reflexively.

"My word, what is that?"

Vinyl pulled her tongue back in and paused for a moment, mouth twitching into an even larger smile.

"It's called a tongue ring, prissy pants."

Octavia tore her eyes from the DJ's mouth to shift upward to the double stud in the jockey's eyebrow. Laughing humorlessly, Octavia straightened in her pose, face twisting with displeasure.

"You have metal in your face, metal in your mouth... Is there anywhere else on you that has metal where there should not be metal?"

Vinyl stood for a moment before shrugging, hands moving to tug at the hem of the camisole she wore. Octavia reacted quickly, free hand shaking before her as she shifted her focus away from the DJ, mildly horrified.

"Oh, for the love of Celestia, please don't."

Vinyl paused, shirt up just enough to expose the bar in her navel. For a handful of seconds, Octavia kept her eyes shut and face turned before slowly opening the nervous lavender eyes to peak meekly at the DJ. Gaze landing on the black note beside the third offending piercing, Octavia shifted forward at the sight.

"Your eighth notes are backwards!"

Vinyl chuckled at the statement, causing the muscles in the toned stomach to twitch as she laughed. Sliding her shirt back down, Vinyl put her hands on her hips as she regarded the appalled cellist.

"Yep. Always been a little off the beaten path. I can't help how nature decided to brand me, now can I? Personally, I think they're awesome."

Octavia leaned back on her heels, her mind reeling at the backward notes.

"That would drive me absolutely insane."

Vinyl laughed again before poking at the cellist's hip, lip sliding between white teeth as she rocked forward on the balls of her feet.

"Why, what's your mark?"

Huffing, Octavia absently smoothed the fabric of her blouse before shaking her head at the curious DJ.

"Sorry, Vinyl, but that is for my eyes alone."

Smirking, the blue-haired DJ shook her head.

"I can just ask Symphony, she'll tell me."

Octavia, having started toward her case, turned to look over her shoulder before ignoring the question and reaching for the handle. Opening the snaps with her free hand, she slipped the case downward to lie open on the stage before gently placing the prized cello back into the safety of the hard case. Sliding her bow into its rightful place, Octavia closed the lid and secured it before standing up once again, lavender eyes focused on the quiet DJ.

"Symphony hasn't ever seen the mark on my skin."

Vinyl nodded, hands moving upward in surrender.

"Okay, you win."

Satisfied, Octavia nodded before hefting the large case and walked a few steps forward, focus set on exiting the stage. Vinyl walked the few steps to stop her, hand absently reaching for the case in her hand.

"Ya know, you can just leave it here. There's no point in lugging it back and forth if you're just going to keep coming back to practice."

Octavia hesitated for a minute before slowly nodding, gracefully handing over the instrument to Vinyl. The pair headed toward the back of the stage and slipped through the curtains, Octavia reflexively walking toward the storage area. Confused when Vinyl turned the other way, she walked quickly to catch up to the DJ.

"Where are we going? Aren't you putting it in storage?"

Vinyl shook her head at the question and shot a quick smile to the confused cellist.

"Nah, it might get confused back there. I'm gonna put it somewhere safe, so nobody touches it."

Walking a few more steps, Vinyl stopped suddenly before cursing under her breath, body twisting back around to regard the raven-haired musician.

"I left my damn guitar on the stage piano."

Shifting the large instrument over to the smaller woman, Vinyl slipped past Octavia before disappearing. Emerging from the shadows a moment later, Vinyl continued her journey toward the back office, stopping only to switch cases with Octavia to make the transition easier. The glasses-toting DJ stopped at the proper door and stooped to stand up the cello before fishing out the keys and unlocking the heavy door. Once inside, she flipped the switch on the wall and motioned for Octavia to follow.

Octavia gasped at the large space, eyes instantly drawing toward the large desk positioned tastefully in the corner.

"Vinyl, what on earth are you doing in Record's office!?"

Tossing a delinquent smile toward the cellist, Vinyl laughed out loud in the space between them.

"I keep my guitar in here. Guy's never back in, don't worry."

Suddenly feeling nervous, Octavia stepped backward.

"Vinyl, how can you just waltz into this man's office and stow your instruments in it?"

Her whisper was harsh in the still atmosphere, causing Vinyl to chuckle mercilessly.

"Relax, Octavia. We're just keeping our things safe."

Propping the large cello case in the corner, the blue-haired jockey turned and held her hand out to Octavia, motioning for the case she still held tightly in her grasp. Uncertain, Octavia clenched it tighter before finally relinquishing control and sliding the handle into Vinyl's waiting grasp. Leaning the guitar against the cello, Vinyl finally turned and grabbed the cellist's hand, pulling both of them out of the vast office before closing and locking the door behind them. Vinyl turned toward Octavia in that moment, shadowed face alight with mischief.

"Calmed down yet?"

Octavia shook her head before following Vinyl out of the web of hallways and back onto the stage. Once in the open space, Octavia sighed deeply, mood suddenly shifting. Vinyl, sensing the sudden change, approached Octavia to stand just before her.

"Hey, why the long face?"

"I don't think I can do this. It feels good while I'm doing it, but the after effect... It's just..."

Vinyl nudged the cellist, waiting patiently until she looked up.

"You got this, Melody. Don't even worry about it, okay?"

Octavia shook her head, nerves humming.

"You don't know that. As much as I want it to be behind me, it's still very much in the way."

Vinyl frowned at the news before she tilted her head up, lips moving in a pout as she thought for a moment. Seconds later, she refocused her sunglass-covered eyes to quietly regard the cellist.

"Octavia, have you ever written your own music?"

Caught off guard from the question, Octavia looked hard the DJ for an extended period before sighing, shoulders sagging in defeat.

"Once. I never finished the piece."

"What stopped you?"

Octavia absently rubbed her upper arm, a strange feeling swirling in her gut.

"Honestly, I don't know."

Vinyl nodded to the woman before heading toward the stairs. Octavia followed, stooping as she walked to retrieve her purse before rejoining the DJ, mind blank. Both women walked down the center aisle in companionable silence before slipping outside. Vinyl turned to lock the doors behind her before zeroing in on the cellist.

"Okay, then your homework is to finish."

Octavia looked closely at the DJ, attempting to judge her seriousness. Seeing no waver in the straightened mouth, Octavia smiled out of reflex.

"You're serious."

Offering only a nod, Vinyl smirked.

"Very. You never know what'll happen."

The cellist thought for a moment before half shrugging, her lavender eyes moving to look the DJ up and down. Stopping for a moment, the cellist looked up at the sky before looking back at Vinyl, mind racing.

"Would you like to get some coffee? I'm beginning to feel faint."

Vinyl grinned at the question before lifting a hand to run through the wild blue hair.

"Wow, only our second encounter and already you're asking me to coffee. Look at you, tiger."

Flushing at the statement, Octavia narrowed her eyes at the jockey, eyes flashing.

"Excuse me. I was only trying to-"

Vinyl laughed out right at the comment, her humor tickled at the emotions Octavia so easily cycled through.

"Just bustin' your balls, Mizz Melody. I'd like some sort of sustenance, I'm still running on that protein bar from this morning and the caffeine high wore off two hours ago."

In that moment, Octavia twitched, hands moving to seek the cellphone that vibrated in her purse. Seeing the contact name, she grimaced before answering the call.

"Hello, Mother."

Vinyl watched in fascination as Octavia spoke quietly into the phone, her face morphing into an array of emotions before her eyes narrowed dangerously. Conversation drawing to a close, an irritated smile crossed the cellist's face automatically, shaded eyes flashing.

"Kisses, mommy."

Octavia slid the phone back into her purse and exhaled sharply before focusing back on Vinyl.

"I'm sorry-"

Vinyl smiled and half-shrugged at the attempted explanation.

"No worries, kid. I need to crash anyway, haven't slept yet. See you tomorrow?"

Octavia frowned at the news before bobbing her head in affirmation.

"1 o'clock, sharp."

Pleased, Vinyl yawned and started off in the direction of her building, hand going up in a half-hearted goodbye, feet lagging just slightly in her gait. Octavia watched the DJ for a moment before hailing a cab, waiting patiently for one to stop.

It was the eighth day of stepping out onto the curb before the Harwan that Octavia noticed a form of happiness resurfacing in her chest. After turning back to close the door of the cab that kindly dropped her off for the eighth time, Octavia stopped in her forward journey toward the doors to look around the front of the large theatre. Vinyl had not been out front to greet her today, and Octavia frowned at the newfound information, unsure of how to proceed. Cautiously approaching the doors, a small bit of relief flooded her mind as the door opened at her command.

As she walked into the open lobby, a loud burst of music greeted her sensitive ears. Sliding through the inner doors, Octavia paused just inside the entryway, mulberry eyes trained on the DJ as she played her guitar with wild enthusiasm. The cellist watched carefully, mind twirling in wonder at the pure energy pouring from the DJ as she performed, hair wildly shaking as she tuned more into her performance.

Octavia hadn't realized she walked forward until she was just inside the first row of seats, eyes still glued on the other musician. The DJ's wild hair was damp with sweat, and the half-tank she wore clung to every curve of the jockey's lithe form, stopping just above the black and blue barbell. Spinning around in her session, Vinyl stumbled upon noticing the cellist, the music stopping suddenly as she smiled slyly, body straightening.

"Shit, it's one already? Sorry, Octavia."

Vinyl unplugged the guitar and kicked the long cord aside before wiping the blue sweatband on her upper arm across the damp forehead, cheeks flushed with effort. Octavia smiled and moved towards the steps, finally reaching the stage and approached the DJ in a smooth motion. Vinyl slid the guitar around to rest at her lower back before absently running her hand through the wild locks.

"I didn't know you played guitar, too. What can't you do?"

Vinyl chuckled and shrugged, face twisting into a wry grin.

"Eh, I have a few hobbies. I'll go get your cello."

Moving toward the piano, Vinyl lifted the guitar over her head before resting it on the piano and then disappeared through the curtains. After a moment, she reemerged, familiar case in hand. Octavia smiled at the blue-haired woman, elated as seeing the instrument again, her fingers missing it since the day before. Vinyl did as she had the past seven days, pausing to place the case before pulling the instrument free. She approached Octavia, arms outstretched to offer the instrument.

Octavia, purse still on the crook of her arm, shook her head a minute before moving to dig through the large bag. Taking out a small packet of worn papers, she offered the sheets to Vinyl. Reaching out her free hand, Vinyl gently accepted them before looking them over in curiosity.

"What's this?"

"It's my... my piece. I believe I've finished."

Vinyl looked it over, mind working to hear the notes in her head as she scanned the sheet, smile widening.

"This'll be perfect for tonight."

Confused, Octavia frowned before sliding her purse to the floor and accepting her instrument from the DJ.

"What's tonight?"

Vinyl looked up and smiled, forehead smoothing in her contentment.

"Your show at the Harwan."

Octavia blanched at the news, her hands almost dropping the instrument and its bow.

"My what!?"

I really want to strive to make them as much like themselves as I can. This story is so difficult for me to write for some reason, but I do so enjoy it. Maybe I'm too used to my dramatic action. Vinyl is my favorite backgrounder, I want her to be so awesome! And just a reminder, this story does not stop at Octavia's redemption: that is merely the catalyst to get them together! This story is about what happens when you mix Vinyl with Octavia.

Vinyl held her hands up reflexively, though the ever present smile remained.

"I said-"

"I know what you said! My question is what does that even mean?"

Vinyl chuckled as she carefully handed back the sheet music to the cellist, mouth twitching into a more mischievous grin.

"What that means is you have a scheduled show for this evening. Curtain is at seven, and please... Be punctual. It's impolite to keep your fans waiting."

Vinyl grinned at the cellist, her hidden eyes surely sparkling in amusement. Octavia, still with the cello in her grasp, stepped toward the DJ, face flushed and eyes squinted in outrage.

"You. Booked. Me. A. Show?"

Vinyl nodded. She stood quietly as she watched Octavia slowly turn to approach her cello case and lovingly stow away the large instrument. Straightening, the raven-haired cellist paused for a moment before turning around, an unknown emotion flittering across her face.

"How could you do that to me?"

Vinyl shook her head and carefully approached the upset musician, a soothing whisper escaping her lips as she moved forward. Stopping just before Octavia, Vinyl peered slightly downward at the cellist as she stood, shoulders slack in her upset. After waiting a moment for the cellist to finally look up at her, Vinyl smiled instantly.

"I wouldn't do this if I didn't think you could handle it. The longer you wait, the harder it will be for you to gather your courage. I figured, if I surprised you with it, you wouldn't have enough time to think about it and back out."

Octavia shook her head and backed up a step, suddenly uncomfortable in the space.

"Yes, Vinyl, and then what? No one comes, or I choke, or I get laughed at by the same people that were appalled at the Gala all those months ago!"

Tears pricked at her eyes and she moved to shake her head, attempting to stop the emotion she felt burning its way out of her body. Shaking, she took two steps forward, body swaying on the high heels she wore. Vinyl reached out to both steady and stop the cellist, her voice still at a low register to help calm the frazzled musician.

"Octavia, wait, stop. Look at me."

Once in the clutches of the DJ, Octavia began to cry almost uncontrollably, her body shaking violently as her mind vividly imagined the worst case scenario for the evening. She looked up at Vinyl and shook her head, confused at the blue-haired girl's action.

"I can't do this, I'm not ready- how could you do this to me?"

Vinyl shook her head and bent downward, attempting to look at Octavia from below the hair that fell across her face, successfully blocking half in the emotional turmoil. Finally catching the eyes of the cellist, Vinyl brought them to stand fully and face one another. Automatically, the jockey lifted her hands to soothe the emotional cellist, her hands gently clasping the woman's upper arms, thumbs circling.

"You are ready. Finishing your piece meant you have the drive and passion to continue with your career. And your show? Sold out. People from all over Canterlot bought up the tickets, and even some people from out of town. There are people here who still respect you and revere your talent, and tonight? Tonight you're going to knock the socks off all the people from the Gala, and reaffirm your seat as Equestria's most talented cellist. Okay? Can you do that?"

Octavia shuddered as she still continued to cry, her bloodshot lavender eyes looking at the DJ as she felt her body cautiously start to unwind. Eventually the tears stopped and as the cellist sniffed, she glared at the ever-confident DJ.

"You don't know what it's like to be where I am, Vinyl Scratch."

"Yeah, I do. Trust me. Are you going to do the show tonight? Or am I gonna have to call all those people and tell them that baby Tavi decided it was too scary to play at the Harwan?"

Octavia straightened at the jab, her tear-streaked face twisting in mild irritation at the DJ.

"My name is Octavia. And no, I will do this silly show, make no mistake."

Vinyl smiled and tilted her head, glasses catching a glare from the stage lights.

"What's your name again? Octy?"

"I said it's Octavia."

Vinyl began a slow pace before the cellist, her hand going up to thoughtfully rub at her jaw line, smile barely contained.

"Octavia, huh? Sounds familiar, I guess. What do you do, Miss Octavia?"

Gritting her teeth, Octavia followed Vinyl with her eyes as she casually walked a circle around her, the motion drawing out her ire.

"I'm a cellist."

"A cellist? What, is that some sort of special violinist or something?"

Blowing a short breath out her nose, Octavia crossed her arms over her chest, face twitching as she closed her eyes in irritation.

"I am a renowned solo cellist with an association to the largest Orchestra in the world."

"Wait, wait. What was your name again? Something... something..."

Opening her eyes, she turned, mouth curled in anger.

"God damn it, Vinyl! My name is Octavia Primrose Melody and I am the Principal Cellist in the Canterlot Orchestra and the recipient of the National Medal of Arts for outstanding contribution to my craft. And if you ask me one more silly question, I'm liable to bludgeon you with my cello. Do I make myself clear?"

Vinyl stopped in her casual walk, smile growing wider with each passing second. Nodding to the emotionally wound Octavia, the DJ bowed deeply.

"Crystal, my dear."

After a moment, Vinyl stood and approached Octavia, stopping just in front of the lavender-eyed woman.

"Now Octavia, take that fire in you and play my goddamn socks off."

Octavia stood perfectly still for a moment as she stared at the DJ, arms still crossed. After a long moment, Octavia's face twitched into a smile, causing the woman to shake as laughter pulsed its way through her body. She playfully nudged Vinyl before shaking her head, hands moving up to wipe the tear-streaks off her cheeks.

"You know something, Vinyl? You're one of the most unorthodox people I've ever met."

Pleased, the blue-haired woman bobbed her head before sliding back toward the piano. Hopping to sit on the large instrument, Vinyl motioned for Octavia to remove the cello from the case.

"Really, O. Play me your song, I'd like to hear it."

Octavia approached the open case and slid free the cello before approaching the chair in its place at center stage. She cast her eyes back to the DJ and smirked, red eyes cheerfully glowing.

"Well, since you've decided to make the important decisions in my life all of a sudden, I've decided to make you wait to hear my song."

Vinyl frowned suddenly, the movement catching Octavia by surprise. Narrowing her eyes in suspicion, Octavia stood and turned to regard the now silenced DJ.

"You made a face. What does that face mean?"

"I'm... not going to be at the show."

Octavia frowned instantly before her eyebrows turned up in anger.

"Why not? Vinyl, you've worked just as hard as I have, why wouldn't you come?"

"I'm sorry, Octavia. I've had an important gig set up since well before this. I can't... break commitment."

Eyes hardening, Octavia straightened to her full height before nodding curtly.

"Very well."

She spun and returned to her seat, face set in stone. From her perch atop the piano, Vinyl frowned before sliding downward and approached the cellist.

"Hey, Octavia-"

"That's all right, Vinyl."

She turned her face up, lavender eyes igniting.

"I suppose I'll have to learn to play without you one way or another."

Vinyl winced at the acid in the words before slowly backing up to reclaim her seat at the piano. Octavia began to play in that instance, the intense music working its way around the DJ, leaving fiery trails across her distracted conscious. Vinyl sighed heavily, discontent.

For only an hour, Octavia played, pleased enough with her performance. She turned to stand before making her way toward the case to pack up the instrument. Once secure, Octavia stood before the downcast Vinyl, face neutral. Without a word, Vinyl stood and took the cello from the woman before walking to return it to its safe place. The blue-streaked woman appeared not long after, face set as she slowly approached the waiting Octavia. The raven-haired woman tapped her foot absently, her steely gaze shifting around the auditorium as her mind raced. Turning to regard Vinyl, the lavender-eyed musician nodded before beginning her retreat for the door.

Vinyl filed out just behind Octavia, briefly stopping to make sure the doors were secure before turning toward the stone-faced performer.

"Octavia, I'm sorry."

Shaking her head, she pinned the DJ with a smoky gaze, lips twisting in a frown.

"I want you to be there. You've done so much for me already, Vinyl... It doesn't seem fair for me to be up on that stage and not have you reap the benefits of your hard work."

Vinyl scoffed, a bemused smile forming.

"I didn't do any work. All I did was throw you out of an airplane without a parachute and told you to fly."

Octavia's eyes softened at the comment, smile tugging at her lips.

"This'll be the last time we meet here at 1 o'clock, isn't it?"

Vinyl chuckled before shrugging, hands moving up to tangle in the already-wild hair.

"Probably."

Concerned at the word, Octavia shifted forward, eyebrows drawn in concentration.

"Will I never see you again, either?"

Vinyl chuckled at the cellist before gently poking at the other woman.

"Jeez, Octavia, I'm not dying. You still have my number, right? Hit me up sometime."

Chuckling to relieve the tension she felt building in her shoulders, Octavia nodded in affirmation.

"Yes, your card is still somewhere in my possession. Maybe I will call you sometime, who knows? Maybe I'll miss your horrible fashion choices. Maybe I'll even miss those dreadful piercings."

Vinyl took the ribbing well, hand moving to ruffle the perfect bangs of the cellist. Octavia absently swatted at the hand, a joyful laugh erupting from her chest at the simple motion. Sobering a moment, Vinyl focused on Octavia as they stood quietly for a moment.

"Good luck tonight, Octavia Melody. Knock 'em dead for me."

The jockey offered her hand in truce to the woman, calm smile a lasting presence on her placid face. Pausing to look down at the offering, Octavia crinkled her nose as she smiled before moving to wrap the surprised DJ in a hug.

"Thank you, Vinyl Scratch, for helping me fly."

Vinyl pulled back after a moment and nodded her consent before turning to walk toward home. Octavia turned as well, unable to watch her walk away. She hailed a cab a moment later and headed toward her home, mind spinning.

Symphony stood just behind the cellist's chair, teal eyes sparkling.

"I'm so proud of you, Octavia. Truly, I'm so beyond happy that you're playing tonight."

Octavia flicked her eyes upward to look at the violinist's reflection in her mirror before sighing heavily.

"Yes, it's certainly happening quickly, isn't it?"

Confused, Symphony tilted her head.

"What's wrong, dear? You don't seem happy."

"Oh, it's nothing. I'm all right."

She pushed back from the bureau and spun, looking directly at the surprised violinist.

"Do you think this is crazy? I'm not ready for this."

Symphony smiled sweetly at her friend before gently clasping her hands in hers, attempting to reassure the frazzled musician.

"Octavia, you're ready for this. I agree with Vinyl's decision to have you play tonight. You'll do wonderfully. And besides, all of us will be there to support you. Beauty and Parish, even Lyra is coming. Frederick is an asshole and was not invited, but trust me, he won't be missed."

Octavia smiled briefly at the crack before her face fell once more. Symphony squeezed the hands in her grasp, teal eyes searching the infinitely sad face of her best friend.

"It's Vinyl, isn't it?"

The cellist jerked at hearing the name, eyes flying up to lock on the understanding gaze of her fellow strings player. Tears unwittingly sprung to the cellist's eyes, causing the lavender-eyed woman to wave her hands in an attempt to quell the flow.

"Of course it's Vinyl! She spends hours a day with me, has me work up enough courage to perform, and then leaves me to my own devices. I wanted her to be here with me, she has the most overwhelming influence- I can't even begin to explain it you, Symphony."

Smiling at the cellist, the lavender-haired violinist moved to wrap up the distraught musician in a hug, eyebrows drawing in remorseful understanding.

"Oh, Octavia. I know Vinyl tried everything she could to get here, but the timing was just off. Vinyl's never broken a commitment to perform, and as much as it is killing her to miss this, she had to."

Octavia pulled back just slightly, though the violinist reflexively held tight to one of her hands. She raised her free hand and fanned at her face, the tears storming forward once more.

"God, no, not tears. I have to get ready to go."

Symphony smiled sadly at her friend before gently shaking her hand, eventually letting go. Moving to pick up the woman's performance jacket, Symphony looked over the distraught cellist.

"Vinyl knew this is what you needed, Octavia. Just remember that."

Nodding through her tears, Octavia silently moved forward to follow Symphony out and down to the car that waited to take her to the show.

Backstage, Octavia sat in her chair, eyes closed as she attempted to calm her beating heart. An uneasy feeling welled up deep within her chest and spread, snaking its way down her arms, choking out the tentative confidence the woman desperately clung to. Hearing the door open, Octavia turned and stood to regard the newcomer, nerves soothing after noticing Symphony. Without a word, the lavender-haired violinist approached only to stop just before her, kind eyes shining.

"You're gonna be great, Octavia."

Symphony brought up her hands to smooth out the small ripples on Octavia's shoulders before moving to fluff the lapels of the fitted coat. Her focus landed on the impeccable pink bowtie, her fingers moving up to gently tug on the silk, perfectly straightening it with the motion. Her eyes flicked up to land on the haunted visage of her dear friend, causing a small grin to form.

"Play like you own it, love. Don't worry about the other people, just worry about the music. The other guys be damned."

Octavia nodded at the words before leaning her forehead against the bare shoulder of her friend, the strapless dress leaving her upper body exposed to the cool air. Straightening in her spot, Octavia hardened her emotions, the tears she felt stinging her eyes dutifully disappearing. Satisfied, Symphony nodded.

"I'll see you after the show. Good luck."

The cellist watched as the woman left just as quietly as she had come, leaving Octavia alone with her thoughts. She flicked her focus to the clock, brain reminding her of how close curtain was. Taking a deep breath, Octavia approached the hardcase and stopped, eyes roaming the surface for a moment. Bending, she undid the clasped and opened the case, smile forming reflexively upon seeing the perfectly polished instrument. Carefully pulling out the cello and bow, Octavia felt the worry in her seep away, replaced with a certain feeling of contentment. Walking toward the door, she slipped through it and walked the familiar path to the stage.

Waiting for the cue, the spotlight illuminated just before her as she walked out on stage, small smile wrenching outward as the familiar tingle of a performance swept through her. Bowing gently, Octavia gracefully took her seat and positioned her cello, body flexing in tune with her movements. After a short pause, Octavia played the first note, the final remnants of doubt instantly leaving the player.

She felt the eyes of the audience on her as her performance continued onward, the ensuing feeling one of confidence instead of dread. For a moment, her eyes slipped closed, allowing her senses to focus solely on the music as she played, the melodies passing over her body like a familiar wave, leaving an enchanting tingle along her skin. Octavia shuddered gently as she reached the crescendo of one piece, the accompanying music punctuated with the overjoyed beat of her pulse. Her body shifted in time with the strikes of her bow, the practiced precision of the movement a doting familiarity to the passionate cellist.

Finishing the final portion of Suites for Cello, she slipped seamlessly into her own creation, body remembering the notes as she played them, chest bursting with the elation that filled her at the sound. Feeling the song around her, Octavia closed her eyes once more, losing herself in the magic of performing, relishing in the notes as she played them in rapid succession. She felt her head sway in tune with the notes, the thought bringing an illuminating smile to her already glowing visage.

As the last note drew to a lengthy close, she released the breath she hadn't realized she had held, waiting as the last of the hum echoed through the auditorium. A moment later the audience erupted into a crescendo, cheers and whistles assaulting her already-overdriven emotion. Waiting a moment to stand, Octavia finally climbed to her feet and bowed gracefully, drawing more cheers from the normally reserved audience. As she deftly left the stage and disappeared behind the curtains, tears stung at her eyes and fell for a moment before quelling, leaving a feeling of completeness in their wake.

Approaching the door to her preparation area, it was not long after that her friends burst through the door, the leading violinist snatching her up in a bear hug.

"Goodness, Octavia, that was magnificent!"

Laughing gently at the other woman, Octavia nodded her head, pleased.

"Thank you. Really."

Her eyes shifted to the others that accompanied the violinist, smile only standing to grow as she recognized her good friends. Approaching the harpist, Octavia wrinkled her nose at the cobalt-haired man before gratefully accepting his hug.

"Octavia, cher, that was simply breath-taking. Was that last piece your own?"

Sheepishly, she nodded.

"Yes, it was started a long time ago. Vinyl requested I finish."

Beauty squeezed between them at the moment, the sousaphone player nudging her boyfriend away to fawn over her old friend.

"I agree with Parish, love. That last piece was incredible."

Symphony approached the two after a moment, her teal eyes glowing with a contagious light.

"Octavia, Parish wants to treat you to dinner, so whenever you're ready, we can get going to D'Urbervilles to celebrate!"

Octavia laughed lightly at her friend's enthusiasm before looking again to the grinning harpist.

"Parish, you don't have to treat. I'll gladly accompany, but I'll pay my share."

Shaking his head, he nudged the cellist with a well-placed elbow.

"Nonsense, cher, it would be my pleasure."

The group continued to talk for a few minutes before a presence absently knocked at the door frame, causing all eyes to turn toward the shadowed entry. Upon recognizing the lyrist, Octavia smiled and welcomed the mint-haired girl into the room.

"Lyra, I haven't seen you in so long, thank you so much for coming."

The two embraced for a short period before Lyra broke away, a large smiling framing her kind face.

"Octavia, I'm glad to have attended. Your performance was inspiring."

The raven-haired cellist nodded her appreciation before turning toward the remaining occupants of the room. Parish approached the lyrist and smiled stunningly, emerald eyes glowing.

"Lyra, darling, we're just about to leave for dinner, care to join us?"

The mint-haired player smiled but shook her head, politely declining.

"Thank you, Par, I would, but Bonbon and I have plans."

"And where is your delectable BB this evening?"

"She ran into one of the Apples in the foyer, and they're swapping candy recipes. I know Vinyl'll be happy about that, there's caramel involved."

Hearing the name of the missing DJ, Octavia shifted backward, her smile falling slightly at the thought. Octavia lifted her lavender eyes to focus on Lyra as she absently chatted with the harpist, Beauty and Symphony, an innate sadness filtering though her body at the missing party. Hearing her name, her focus shifted over to Symphony, the violinist urging her forward to join in the conversation. Octavia nodded and straightened before her eyes were drawn toward the new figure knocking at the threshold of the door. Her eyes widened at the sight, voice stolen in shock. Vinyl pushed up from the door jamb, a confident smirk gracing full lips. The remaining occupants watched with glittering intrigue as the fully-suited DJ waltzed into the room, focus solely on the stunned cellist.

"Evening, Miss Melody. Splendid performance."

Octavia's gaze slowly took in the form of the DJ, mouth agape. Vinyl wore a black on black suit that seemed to fit like a second skin, perfectly accentuating the very effeminate body beneath the heavy, tailored fabric. The blue silk bowtie matched perfectly to a blue in her hair, adding already to the intensity of her look. Her trademark purple-lensed glasses sat snuggly over mysterious eyes, forever shielding them from view. Shaking off the shock of seeing the perfectly dressed DJ, Octavia walked forward to gently slap the jockey's arm.

"Wha- I'm standing here dressed to the nines, and you assault me?"

"You lied to me, Vinyl Scratch."

Vinyl bobbed her head in understanding.

"I didn't really. When I told you I couldn't make it, I really thought I couldn't. But let's be honest, did you really think I'd leave you hanging? I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Octavia frowned in confusion for a moment, black hair shaking.

"I thought you had a performance?"

"I still do. But I wanted to make sure I made it to the show. Lyra helped me get most of my stuff together so I could be here for you."

The DJ smiled brilliantly, her glasses catching the low light of the room. Octavia looked at the jockey for a long period before stepping into the blue-haired girl, arms moving up to snake around the DJ's neck as her tears finally sprung free.

"Thank you."

Octavia jerked back before snapping into the situation, her eyes moving back to focus on the four smiling musicians that watched the exchange. She released the DJ and turned to regard the others in the room, her cheeks coloring at her manners.

"I'm sorry, everyone, I seem to have forgotten my manners. This is-"

Parish nodded to the DJ and moved to bump knuckles with the woman, million-watt smile lighting his face.

"Yeah, Vinyl Scratch. How's it hangin', Pon-3?"

"Pretty wicked, Nandy. How you doing over there, Brass?"

The petite sousaphone player smiled at the DJ, violet eyes glowing.

"Phenomenal, Scratch, as usual."

The two shared a quiet laugh, the exchange further confusing the cellist.

"Wait, you all know each other?"

Vinyl slid in beside the cellist, elbow going up to gently nudge the perturbed woman.

"Told ya, Tavi, I know most of the orchestra. And on that note, I really have to get going. Still some prep left before later. Heartstrings- get to steppin'. Au revoir, classy people."

With a final nudge to the cellist, Vinyl made her quiet exit, Lyra in step behind her. In their wake, Octavia turned a serious eye on the amused violinist that practically vibrated in the corner with laughter.

"You knew she was coming, didn't you? All of you did."

Symphony shook her head, hands moving up to exemplify her innocence.

"No, Octavia, we didn't. I bumped into Vinyl just as I was going back to my seat; originally, I was told she had too much to do to make it."

The cellist huffed and crossed her arms, eyes scanning the other two faces before refocusing on Symphony.

"Then what is so funny?"

"Your face when these two already knew our delinquent DJ."

Snorting, the cellist slipped between the musicians and packed up her cello before hefting it, eyes bouncing between the humored faces of her friends as she turned to pin them all with an angry gaze.

"Whenever you are all ready."

Octavia and Symphony tumbled into Octavia's quiet flat many hours later, both sharing a fit of giggles at the night's memories. Once inside the quiet apartment, Symphony kicked off her heels and stumbled toward the couch, graciously collapsing on it and releasing a pleased hum as she settled. Octavia snickered at her friend's antics, the champagne she had earlier tickling her brain with its soft, fuzzy fingers. Undoing her bowtie and shrugging off the suit coat, Octavia collapsed beside the violinist, each of them bursting out in a new fit of chuckles. Symphony turned slightly, glassy teal eyes moving to look at the cellist.

"Hey, Tav, got jammies?"

Chuckling at the slightly slurred speech of her dearest friend, Octavia absently waved her hand before responding with an equal slur.

"In the... dresser, bottom drawer?"

Symphony rolled off the couch, careful of the silk dress that clung to her every curve, and continued toward Octavia's bedroom. Reemerging just a few moments later, she headed back to the couch and melted on the cushions, face morphing into an exhausted sight of pure happiness. Octavia smiled down at the tipsy violinist before she too leaned backward and undid the top two buttons of her undershirt, attempting to loosen the normally fitted cloth.

"Hey, Octavia, you were... awesome tonight."

Grinning, the cellist in question lolled her head to the side to regard the other woman.

"I was so... nervous. Just glad to have gotten it out of the way."

"Yeah, and even Vinyl showed up. Good day all 'round."

"I cannot believe you got me... drunk. This... is unacceptable."

Symphony chuckled at the cellist before ruffling the already tousled hair, drawing a lengthy laugh from the raven-haired woman.

"Have some fun in life! So we got a lil toasty, who cares?"

Octavia only nodded and hummed before pausing, the silence dragging out before both collapsed into more giggles. The cellist shifted further into the couch, her body relaxing completely as she lay sprawled across the plush top of the sofa. After the giggles subsided, she tossed another look to the relaxed violinist, hand moving over to gently shove the violinist's side.

"You know, Vinyl looks good in a suit."

Symphony cackled at the statement, face crinkling in a smile.

"Heck yes she does."

Octavia flushed at the response, already ruddy cheeks growing more red. Her eyes fluttered closed, the alcohol in her system sneaking its way through her brain.

"I'm glad she came. 's good to see her, happy she made it. Good little DJ."

The half-dozing Symphony nudged Octavia, a grunt accompanying the motion.

"Go get comfy, 'fore you get too tired."

Octavia nodded before hefting to her feet and staggering toward her bedroom. Changing quickly, and with some mild difficulty, she headed back out to the living room, a snort escaping her as she focused on the fetal violinist. Moving around the coffee table, Octavia nudged the other woman over before collapsing back into her spot, the warmth of the cloth causing her to chuckle. Symphony peeked up at the cellist and smiled, glassy eyes alight with mischief.

"Scratch ain't so bad, eh? Big ol' softy."

Octavia, eyes closed, nodded slightly.

"She's incre-dible."

Symphony nodded, a shady smile passing her lips before she slipped further into unconsciousness. Feeling Octavia shuffle beside her, the violinist let out an amused chuckle before finally succumbing to sleep, the cellist not long behind her.

An incessant ringing eventually pulled Octavia from her alcohol induced slumber, causing the cellist to groan loudly as she eventually came to. Taking a moment to glance around, she noticed her couch she spent the night on, and then focused on the violinist as she lay beneath the table, snoring softly, throw pillow across her chest. Grumbling, Octavia absently reached for the cell phone on the coffee table and answered it.

"Yes, hello?"

"Good morning, Starshine, this is the office of Doctor Scratch calling. We'd like to survey your time with the Spin Doctor, do you have a moment to answer a few quick questions?"

Octavia grinned into the phone before stifling a yawn. She curled back up on the couch and positioned the phone just so, smiling growing wider.

"I don't mean to be rude, but isn't it a little early for a follow up survey?"

"Early? It's almost noon."

Octavia shot up on the couch, head snapping to the side to peer out the crack in the curtains. Seeing blazing sunlight, Octavia hurried off the couch toward her room, motions frantic.

"Oh my goodness, I didn't know it was so late! I have an appointment with Mr. Record this afternoon! I'm so glad you called me, Vinyl, but I have to go- call you later-bye!"

Octavia tossed the phone on her bed as she approached the closet and picked out an outfit, hoping she wouldn't be too late. Getting a quick shower, Octavia burst from the bedroom, dressed, save for the heels she searched for. Noticing the still sleeping violinist, Octavia kicked gently at the foot, hoping to wake the other woman. Hearing a muffled groan, Octavia smiled quickly before returning to her search.

"Symphony, get up! It's almost 12:30, and I have to meet Record at Tasse de Thé! How much did we drink last night?"

The violinist slowly uncurled from beneath the table and stood on shaky legs before stretching languidly.

"I guess enough to have a good time and to knock us out. And calm down, Octavia, you'll get there."

Finally finding the heels she sought, she sat on the couch to quickly put them on before standing to gather her phone and purse. Stopping just enough to look at Symphony, Octavia opened the door.

"I'm sorry, Symphony, I've got to go. Do lock up when you leave, and please call Vinyl and apologize for me, I hung up on her to get ready. I'll see you later, bye!"

With that, she slammed the door shut, leaving Symphony alone in the vast apartment. Smiling to herself, the sleepy violinist picked up Octavia's house phone and dialed a number from memory, pleased when the DJ picked up on the second ring.

"Hey, Scratch. Octavia told me to call you and apologize for her for hanging up on you."

"Yeah, she practically lost her marbles when I told her what time it was. You guys have fun getting wasted last night?"

"I wouldn't say wasted-"

"Babe, you called me at 4 this morning and asked me if I had beans in a can, and then demanded I set them free. I thought the other three were dying in the background because they were laughing so hard."

The violinist snorted, vaguely remembering the four of them calling around to different people for different things. Parish and Beauty had eventually called it a night and the string players had hailed a cab to get back to Octavia's. Still, the night had been solid, and much needed by the musicians. Symphony smiled into the phone, free hand playing with messy bangs.

"I guess I can remember that. What are you doing?"

"Waiting on a call. Not important. Lunch?"

"Love to. Let me get back to my place, shower and get dressed. Meet me at 1:30."

"Yes, ma'am. See you later."

Hanging up the phone, the violinist retrieved her clothes from the night before and deftly left the apartment, locking up as she left. Hailing a cab on the street, she eventually made it back to her apartment and changed before heading downstairs to wait for the DJ.

Octavia slid into the tea shop just before 1 o'clock, lavender eyes casually searching the cafe before landing on the man she sought. His perfectly styled blue hair seemed to glow with an inner luster, and the gray eyes he had locked on her danced with inner glee. Approaching with an air of confidence, Octavia smiled as he stood to greet her, hand going out automatically.

"Mr. Record, it's an honor to finally meet you."

The man's smile was genuine as he heartily shook her hand, steel eyes glowing in the light.

"Miss Melody, a pleasure. I heard your show at the Harwan last night was a smashing success?"

Pleased, she nodded and sat in the chair he dutifully pulled out for her before taking a seat as well, fixing her with an intrigued gaze.

"Yes, sir. I'm very relieved that it was a definite success. But I can't take all the credit for my performance. I had help in my preparations."

He nodded before taking a sip of his tea, mysterious gray eyes looking at her from under the perfectly placed blue bangs.

"Yes, Vinyl Scratch called my people and booked your show; luckily the time slot hadn't been filled. I was originally perplexed as to why you hadn't accepted the invitation to perform at my wife's charity benefit this year, but Vinyl offered a brief explanation to me. I was thrilled to hear you wanted to play at the theatre again!"

She smiled, face flushing at the compliment.

"I'm glad you brought up the event, sir. You see... I was wondering if the invitation was still valid?"

His eyes danced with joy, smile lighting up his features.

"Why, yes, Miss Melody. It would do my heart well to hear you perform at Camille Violoncelle's charity dinner. A member of our board put all her faith in you, knowing of your talent and passion for the instrument. My wife would have loved your performance."

Tears unwittingly stung at her eyes at the compliment, her mind again shifting to the first time she saw the woman play, the idea of her loving her performance settling comfortably over her.

"I'm very honored. I will not let you down, I assure you. Thank you for this opportunity, and for allowing me the honor of playing in the Harwan."

Record smiled, the motion causing his eyes to wrinkle in delight.

"Absolutely, Miss Melody. Please, give my regards to your father. I look forward to seeing you in the future."

They both stood and shook hands once more before he led her out of the restaurant. Bidding her a farewell, she watched as a black limo pulled up beside him. And as he slid into the vehicle, he tossed her one last smile before closing the door and being whisked away toward another engagement.

Elated, Octavia breathed easy before turning and slipping back inside the shop, face plastered with a permanent smile. Looking over the barista, her lavender eyes sparkled.

"French Earl Grey, please."

Pausing to wait as the drink was prepared, she dug the phone out of her purse and hovered over the new contact, hand hesitating. After a moment, she eventually accepted her disposable cup and turned to leave, phone in hand, a distraught look suddenly marring her otherwise peaceful face. Quickly tapping the button she blew out a quick breath before placing the phone to her ear and waited, hoping for a familiar voice.

"Oh, hello Miss Melody. Alcohol have ya sleepin' in late?"

Octavia smiled into the phone, lips twisting in a wry grin.

"I may have gotten a little into celebrating last night. Are you free this afternoon?"

"Actually, Symphony and I were just about to get some food, you want in?"

"Oh, if you and Symphony already have plans, I can-"

"Yeah, shaddup. We'll be there in a bit to pick you up. Still at the tea shop, right?"

"Yes, still here."

"Awesome. Be there in a bit."

Octavia nodded before ending the call and exhaling deeply, face drawn in thought. A short time later, a cab pulled up outside the tea shop, allowing Vinyl to kick open the door and address the cellist.

"Get in if you ever want to see your precious iguana again!"

The cellist stood there for a moment, mouth slack in shock at the DJ's public outburst. Seeing the blue-haired woman's tongue curling mischievously across her upper lip, Octavia shook off the shock and leveled the DJ with a tumultuous glare.

"I beg your pardon, madam?"

"I mean... Good afternoon, Octavia, our meter is running. Get your ass in this cab."

Chuckling despite herself, the cellist slowly approached the cab and waited as Vinyl slid over, allowing the raven-haired musician enough space to fit in the back seat with the two other occupants. Settling into her seat, she tossed a look over her shoulder to the DJ as the driver pulled into traffic.

"You know, Vinyl, you could attempt some sort of decorum in public."

"Nah, I like the looks you give me when I say outrageous things."

The DJ nudged the cellist, mouth spreading into a playful grin. Symphony peaked over the DJ's shoulder before snaking her hand around the jockey to snag Octavia's cup.

"What'd you get this time, Octavia?"

"Oh, French Earl."

Wrinkling her nose, she handed the cup back to the cellist, mouth twisting in a disgusted frown.

"No, thanks. Too strong for me."

Vinyl passed her attention between the two before snagging the cup and taking a sip of the warm liquid, a pleased hiss escaping her after the swig. She wiggled her hips to better position her body in the middle seat, torso moving to recline against the back. Turning toward the critical Octavia, she offered the cup back to her.

"It needs more rose and a pinch of honey, but otherwise, not bad."

The cellist flushed at the response, her body tingling at the heat flaring between her and the DJ as they sat pressed together in the small space of the cab. Seeing their destination, Octavia let out a sigh and turned toward the other two, lavender eyes twinkling.

"Oh, good, we're here."

After the cab shifted toward the curb and stopped, Octavia quickly piled out and turned, waiting patiently as the other two vacated the cab. Vinyl, after handing the driver his fare, turned her attention to the two strings players.

"Let's eat!"

"Heartstrings, I'm going to crawl through this phone and slap the life out of you."

"Good luck getting those hips through that tiny phone. And come on, you know I'm just kidding. You've been all sulky because Octavia's been busy. 'Octavia's busy, when do I get to see Octavia, life is sooo hard.'"

"I do not act or sound like that, idiot."

"Oh, right. It's more like 'I have such feels for the super hot cellist with the sweet ass legs that hasn't even noticed me really yet, WOE IS ME.'"

"I will not humor you with a response, you vile overlord. I'm going to bed. Make sure you check your closet for zombified DJ murderers, or you could get got."

"Say 'hi' to your girlfriend when you get around to seein' her, Scratch! LOVE YOUR FACE, SEE YOU TOMORROW FOR OUR VG MARATHON! BYE!"

Vinyl hung up the call and ambled slowly into her room, face scrunched in displeasure, body devoid of any real energy. She had been up the entire night and day before and still had not been able to sleep. Almost noon, and the DJ was forcing herself to finally attempt to lie down and catch the rest that had been alluding her for almost two days. Stripping out of her clothes, Vinyl turned down the covers to the large bed and sighed happily, body already anticipating the feel of the luxurious mattress. Slipping under the covers, Vinyl moaned quietly as the cool silk soothed her burning skin, gently cradling the soft shell in a calming embrace. Bloodshot carmine eyes fluttered closed after a moment, a wide smile forming on her face as her body finally began to relax.

For a few moments she laid, body tingling in anticipatory giddiness of the sleep she so desperately craved. The silence of the dark room was suddenly shattered by a thumping bass beat, the wubs from the offending device echoing deeply through the room. The DJ let loose a whine as she turned her head toward the charging cell just beside her bed, eyes falling shut in defeat. Forcing her body to turn, she grabbed the phone off the nightstand and answered it, barely suppressed groan causing her voice to drop an octave.

"Scratch.."

"Hello, Vinyl. Did I wake you?"

Sitting up at hearing the soft accent of the caller, Vinyl scrubbed at her eyes with her free hand.

"Nah, girl. I'm up. What's shakin'?"

"I'm sorry it's been so long since we've spoken- my schedule was bombarded with people wanting my company at various events. I've-"

"No problemo, Octavia. You don't gotta report to me. People been cool with you getting back to playing, I guess? Your popularity must have skyrocketed again."

"Yes, well. You know how people can be, they want what's hot and in."

Vinyl chuckled to herself and resettled under the covers, her exposed skin prickling as a sudden chill passed over her. The red-eyed DJ propped her phone against her cheek as she curled up, eyes attempting to close against her will.

"Yeah, I hear ya. So what's up?"

"Well... I was wondering if you were at all busy today?"

"I'm pretty wide open, just a concert I wanted to go to later tonight. You?"

She could practically hear Octavia think through the silence that stretched on for a moment, allowing the DJ a moment of content. Eventually, the cellist spoke up, cutting into Vinyl's focus.

"Actually, I was curious to know if you'd like to spend the day together. I need to escape the monotony, my mind has been spinning for days. I've called off two appointments just this afternoon for some time to breathe."

Vinyl was sitting up again, her interest piqued at spending the day with the raven-haired cellist. It had been almost three weeks since she had lunch with the two strings players, and all subsequent contact had been rebuffed by the cellist's busy schedule. Vinyl's smile brightened at the aspect as she was already throwing the blanket off her bare legs.

"So you want to play hooky? I am so game!"

The jockey heard the other woman laugh gently on the other end, the sound causing an echoing wave of elation to spread through her like wildfire.

"I wouldn't be opposed to some sort of adventure today..."

Vinyl paused in her step, smile growing even larger at the words. Still, she maintained her composure, even as she happily paced the hardwood of her bedroom, legs moving her in a small circle beside her bed.

"Adventure is my middle name. I just need a shower and I'll come pick you up. You at the tea shop or something?"

"No, I'm at home. I've been playing a little this morning, and I'm just finishing some tea."

"Okay, you do that, and I'll wash off my day-old dirt and throw some clothes on. And where is it you reside, prissy pants?"

"I live at the Waldorf, number 614."

Vinyl, who had grabbed a pen and paper to write down the address, chuckled as she straightened at the information.

"Shit, that's like, three blocks away. I'll be there in a bit. Make sure you wear practical shoes!"

Octavia peered down at the phone in her hand and then at the black Manolo stilettos she wore, her perfectly sculpted eyebrows crinkling in thought as she heard the DJ disconnect the call.

Vinyl finished tying the laces to her knee-high blue boots before bouncing upward and approached the coffee table, eyes set on the half-gone cup of caffeine and sugar that awaited her. She wiggled her body, attempting to quickly drain herself of the lingering exhaustion she felt pulling at her conscious. Downing the rest of the drink in one fell swoop, the jockey bounded into the kitchen to deposit the cup before turning on her heel to return to the living room. Snatching up her glasses, she slid them snuggly over her bloodshot eyes and nodded in satisfaction before grabbing at the small set of keys just beside her mail.

Rocketing herself back toward her bedroom, the blue-streaked woman kicked at the door and trotted toward her bedside table to pick up her charged phone, sliding it deftly into her front pocket. Stopping quickly to make the bed into a semi-decent state, she grabbed at her earphones and connected them to the jack on her phone. Taking one more second to check her appearance in the mirror, she grinned at what she saw, mostly pleased at the sight. The skin-tight, dark blue jeans that tucked into her boots clung perfectly to her and were torn in all the right places, tastefully adding an edge to her already frayed style. The blue and white leather studded belt was partially visible from beneath the hem of a comfortable black tank, the large reverse quaver buckle glinting wonderfully in the filtering sunlight of the room.

Vinyl snatched her thick-banded watch and put it on as she walked back toward the front door, smile glowing despite the glaring exhaustion she felt settling in her bones. Pausing a final time, Vinyl carefully picked up the piano-charm necklace she wore and slid it around her neck, fingers easily hooking it in place. Taking a final look around, Vinyl picked up a few more things and finally opened her door and stepped out, turning to quietly close and lock the heavy wooden door. Making quick work of the hallway, Vinyl opted for the stairs in an attempt to keep her body at a higher level of activity, and she quickly descended the few levels.

Hidden red eyes peered thoughtfully at the watch on her wrist, the time causing a mischievous grin to spread.

"Octavia won't mind me stopping by a little sooner than expected, right?"

Vinyl popped out of the elevator and strolled leisurely down the hall. She peered thoughtfully at the numbers as she walked by, pausing just slightly at each one. Eventually arriving at the correct door, Vinyl rapped her knuckles gently on the polished wood of the opposing object before withdrawing her hand and tucking it easily into her front pocket. She rocked on the balls of her feet as she waited patiently for the cellist to open the door. A loud bang from inside the apartment gathered the DJ's wandering attention, and the muffled scream had her plowing through the door in a panic.

"Oct-"

The cellist was sitting on her kitchen counter, wide lavender eyes looking in horror at the waves of water currently pouring out from beneath her sink. Vinyl dropped her cargo at the threshold and rushed toward the water, pausing long enough to stuff her cell into the shocked cellist's hands before dropping down toward the flood. Sliding on her knees through the water, Vinyl opened the cabinets and was greeted by a wall of the rushing stream, momentarily blinding her sight from the spewing break in the plumbing. Thankful she was wearing her glasses, she lifted her hands and quickly reached through the geyser to fumble blindly with the shut off valve. Dropping her head down, Vinyl ducked below the water and lunged forward, slippery fingers finally finding purchase on the knob as she violently twisted her wrist.

Turning the spigot quickly, Vinyl cursed colorfully as the water finally weakened before stilling to a humble drip. Letting out a breath that sounded oddly similar to a beast-like growl, Vinyl unfolded her long frame from beneath the cramped space of the sink, her bent elbows knocking cleaning bottles down as she detangled herself. Once free of the cramped space, she sat back on her heels and shook the droplets free that clung to the wild tips of her now soaked hair, ineffectively clearing her of the cold water that currently clung to her skin. Half turning toward the red-faced Octavia, Vinyl blew tiny droplets from her lips before smirking up at her companion.

"What the hell'd you do, call the pipe a mean name?"

Octavia looked down at the small lake on her floor before looking back up at the wet Vinyl and smiled sheepishly.

"No, I... I don't know what happened. I was washing my teacup when I heard a horrible sound..."

Vinyl attempted to wipe her wet hands on her equally soaked jeans and grimaced at the lack of progress. Standing slowly, so as not to slip in the large puddle, she turned her torso toward Octavia before a small chuckle escaped her trembling lips.

"I think you're emotionally abusive to your plumbing."

Octavia smiled kindly at the words before her eyes dropped to scan the jockey. Not an inch of the spin doctor's front was dry, and the already tight fitting clothes seemed to hug her body even moreso than before. The lavender gaze slowed as her focus steadied on the clear outline of the jockey's navel piercing that stood out against the thin, wet material currently covering the well-toned stomach. Frowning slightly, Octavia turned her lips up in thought before her eyes shifted passed the slowly rolling droplets covering the neck and face of the drenched jockey before eventually reconnecting with the ever-present glasses of her musical friend.

"Goodness, Vinyl, I'm sorry! I'll get you a towel!"

Before the cellist could step down into the puddle, Vinyl whipped her hand out to stop her.

"Don't worry about it. I'll run to the hardware store and pick up the stuff to fix your sink. You just avoid the ocean, and I'll be back in a bit."

Vinyl turned to walk back toward the door, her heavy boots making small splashing sounds as she walked through the mass of water. Stopped just at the edge of the tile, Vinyl hesitated, eyes looking angrily down at her wet boots. Weakly, Octavia threw the hand towel at the DJ as she stood thinking, a small smile forming as Vinyl turned and caught it without effort. Putting the towel on the plush carpet, Vinyl dried the soles of her boots as well as she could before she made slow work of the carpet separating her from freedom, mindful of the water that still rolled down her body in an attempt to escape.

Stopping at the door, Vinyl turned to regard the still-unsure cellist.

"Try not to get too wet. I won't be too long."

Octavia nodded weakly before watching Vinyl leave as quickly as she had come.

A little more than a half hour later, and Vinyl was shuffling through the door, plumbing supplies in hand. Her clothes can dried to a less-wet state, though she was still uncomfortably damp in the sticky clothes. Vinyl smiled wide at Octavia as she stood at the edge of the kitchen, conflicted eyes staring intently at the group of towels currently covering her floor. While Vinyl was away, Octavia had attempted to clear the water as best she could, and she had removed all the supplies from beneath the sink to allow easier access to the makeshift plumber.

Setting down her bag, Vinyl quickly looked over the sea of towels before acknowledging the strings player.

"Good job, O. I'm just waiting on uhh, my buddy Cross to drop off some tools. I... assumed you had zero in your apartment."

Octavia turned her head, face warped in humored disbelief.

"Why, Vinyl. You should have asked."

"...you have tools somewhere?"

Octavia hesitated before grinning sweetly at the DJ.

"No, I don't. I may have a small screwdriver somewhere, but... I'm sorry, Vinyl. I wasn't planning for our fun, adventurous day to start out wet and... under a sink."

Her voice trailed off as the sculpted eyebrows drew tightly together in her guilt and upset. Vinyl only laughed it off and moved to kneel before the sink again, damp head shaking in amusement at the delicate cellist.

"Chillax, homeslice. Doctor V will have your mess all cleaned up in a jiffy."

Her cellphone, that Octavia had safely placed on the coffee table, began to ring, signaling the arrival of the tool-bearing Cross. Vinyl stood up as Octavia bent to gather the ringing phone and closed the distance between them. Vinyl accepted the phone before answering it quickly.

"Yo, Cross, you here?... Yeah, 6th floor. Meet you at the elevator."

She gave the phone back to Octavia and quickly left the apartment, only to return a moment later with a small box of tools. Holding up the tools in mild victory, Vinyl headed back toward the sink; she gathered a few tools and knelt down before twisting over and sliding underneath the cramped space. The red-eyed jockey grimaced as she settled, the wet frame of the cabinet painfully digging into her back, surely leaving a wet spot in its wake. Octavia, in her curiosity, had stepped nimbly over Vinyl and hopped atop the counter as the two-tone musician shifted her hips to give better leverage on the pipe.

A metallic clang and a slew of creative curse words had the cellist blushing and casually leaning over to look more at the DJ.

"Is there anything I can help you with, Vinyl?"

"Yeah, you got a fucking hacksaw?"

Octavia straightened at that and thought for a moment before the sound of laughter wafted up to her. Her dark lavender eyes focused on the visible legs as they shook with the jockey's snarky laughter. Vinyl cursed again before wiggling her body free of the confining space and cast a seemingly annoyed look up at the cellist.

"Do you at least have a flashlight?"

Octavia nodded and slid down before climbing over the DJ once more to disappear down the hallway. A few moments later, she came back into view, large black Maglite in hand. Vinyl nodded her approval and waved the player back over.

"You're gonna have to hold it for me, that little flashlight Cross gave me ain't doin' jack squat."

Octavia nodded enthusiastically, face breaking into a large smile at being able to assist the DJ. Vinyl again laid back and slid her body under the sink. She lifted a finger to point where she needed the light.

"Right here, as steady as you can. I have to get this jacked up pipe out of the way. Jeez, when was the last time these were looked at?"

Octavia nodded quietly, forehead set in concentration as she point the strong beam at the rusted pipes. She watched in mute fascination as the DJ lifted her well-toned arms up to set the wrench against the rusted connection before coiling her core and pushed, voice coming out in a growl as the jockey attempted to turn the busted connector. From her position beside Vinyl's hip, Octavia could see the muscles in the jockey's taller body twitch and shift with the effort, drawing the eyes of the cellist in with distracting gravity.

Eventually, the rusted pipe had given way, causing the DJ to jerk painfully with the failing seal, her elbow knocking the inside of the cabinet as her body fell back against the lip of the sink. She hissed in discomfort, which instantly worried the focused Octavia.

"Honestly, Vinyl, are you okay?"

Grumbling incoherently, Vinyl regained her relaxed position as she continued to twist the pipe wrench in hopes of dislodging the smug pipe.

"Yeah, Tav. Fine."

After a few more tense moments, Vinyl tossed the busted P trap out from under the sink before eventually pulling herself out for a quick breather. Black and orange-red particles littered the DJ's arms and chest, a few even having enough nerve to take refuge on the irritated face of the blue-streaked woman. Absently wiping her hands on a dirty rag, she jerked her head toward the supplies, white teeth standing out against the smudges on the sarcastic face.

"Octavia, be a love and fetch me that nonsense so I can reassemble your blasted sink."

The raven-haired musician bit her lip to keep from laughing as she stood to retrieve the requested items. She returned to her seat on the floor and held the bag open for the grumpy DJ; Vinyl picked through the items before finding what she looked for. She sighed before shifting her body back into the cramped space, eventually waving her finger for Octavia to shine the light.

For long minutes they worked in silence, the cellist handing the needed items to Vinyl as they were required. The force of the water had misaligned one of the pipes, which called for Vinyl to curse steadily as she continued her work. Eventually though, Vinyl had finished wrapping the seal around the trap and slid it into place before tightening it in an almost hateful motion. She scurried out from under the sink and rolled to her knees, back protesting at the uncomfortable position. Absently waving her hand at the sink, she focused her hidden eyes on the nervous cellist.

"It's now or never, Octy. Flip-a the switch-a."

Snorting at the silly words, Octavia stood and cautiously approached the sink. She placed an unsteady hand on the tap before exhaling and quickly turning the knob. For a second, there was just a gurgle, before the water came rushing out with the proper force, the simple motion drawing an excited squeal from the normally reserved cellist.

"Oh my stars, you fixed it!"

Vinyl nodded slowly, the exhaustion from her morning knocking gently at the backs of her eyes. She cracked her back into place and twisted this way and that, attempting to loosen the tense muscles. Moving to look at her watch, she frowned before sighing heavily.

"Ah, damn it."

Octavia turned her still-excited attention to the DJ and pouted as she watched the large watch slip off the DJ's wrist. Realization dawned on her as Vinyl stood, sullen, at the busted timepiece.

"Oh, Vinyl... your watch."

"It's cool. Forgot I was wearing it."

Vinyl knelt to collect the trash from the new equipment and deftly tossed the watch in the trash bag before tying it closed. Octavia frowned but bent to help pick up the wet towels. After the quick clean up, Vinyl stood in the newly dry kitchen, hands at her hips, and snickered.

"Okay, since we've now wasted like, two friggin' hours on your sink, are you ready to go out and have some actual fun?"

Lavender eyes lit up as full lips twisted into an excited smile.

"Absolutely."

"Good."

The DJ closed the tool box and tossed it under the organized sink before turning back toward the door. Stooping to pick up what she had originally entered with, her face morphed into a mischievous mask, broken only when Vinyl began to laugh. Octavia eyed the object warily, stomach tensing at what it represented.

"Vinyl... please tell me that's not a motorcycle helmet."

The DJ pulled up smoothly to the curb and stopped gently before killing the engine of her bike. The cellist, who had clung almost painfully to the DJ in the short commute, lifted her head reluctantly from the jockey's shoulder. Vinyl chuckled as she flipped down the kickstand and shifted her hips to better support the weight of the woman that was practically attached to her.

"Was that really so bad, Octavia? We only went four blocks."

With a trembling hand, Octavia straightened slightly before warily moving her booted foot toward the ground. Once anchored for a minute, the muted cellist slid off the bike and stumbled before regaining her footing; Vinyl slid off the machine and removed her helmet in a fluid motion.

"You know, we can take some cabs today if you're really uncomfortable with it."

"N-no... I-I'll be okay... Once I can... feel my legs."

Laughing heartily, Vinyl approached the cellist and wrapped her arm around her shoulders as she led them toward the front doors. Snapping out of her shock, Octavia looked up in wonder at the large building.

"Vinyl, you live in the Astoria?"

"Yep. Last couple'a years now. We'll only be here a sec, I just want to get changed."

Amazed, Octavia nodded dumbly as she walked through the front doors, the large helmet still planted firmly on her head. Vinyl playfully nudged the cellist as they waited for the elevator, lenses sparkling merrily in the bright lights of the lobby.

"You look cute in a motorcycle helmet, O."

Blushing furiously at the comment, Octavia casually slid the helmet off and shook free her hair, perfectly manicured nails brushing through the soft bangs. Vinyl swallowed gently at the sight, mouth smiling reflexively. They both entered the elevator at the same time before Vinyl tapped the '4' button and leaned casually against the wall. Octavia swung the helmet back and forth as she nervously wrung her hands, her flushed cheeks burning gently in the rear of her conscious. With hooded eyes, Vinyl looked over the cellist and smiled warmly at the meek woman. With a ding, the heavy metal doors opened, allowing both musicians to skip easily into the hallway. Making quick work of the long hallway, Vinyl coasted around the corner and stopped outside her door. Quickly selecting the right key, she was turning the tumbler and stepping inside, cellist in step.

Tossing her helmet on the couch, Vinyl flopped down on the overstuffed sofa and began to undo the high laces of her blue boots. Octavia walked casually around the living room, impressed.

"You have a very nice place, Vinyl. Not at all what I was expecting..."

"Were you expecting a hovel, with stuff lying around and basic chaos?"

"...I wouldn't say hovel."

Vinyl snorted out a laugh before sliding her second foot free of the boot. Without thinking, she stood and pulled the damp tank over her head, playfully shaking her hair as it settled wildly. Octavia turned quickly at the sight, cheeks burning at the casual act of the relaxed DJ. Vinyl continued toward the bedroom before calling over her shoulder.

"Back in a sec!"

Octavia, after standing still for a long minute, released the breath she had been holding and turned back around. She approached the couch and sat, curious eyes still wandering around the apartment. She tilted her head at the large, covered object in the corner, mind drifting with her thoughts as she disappeared into herself for a moment. Vinyl reappeared a few minutes later, dressed in equally tight black jeans and a white tank. She stopped suddenly once she noticed the spacey Octavia, feet taking her toward the prone cellist. Vinyl sat on the coffee table across from the black-haired player and reached for one of the boots before carefully brushing her hand across Octavia's left knee.

Jumping almost out of her skin, Octavia focused her eyes on the smiling DJ and playfully slapped the jockey's arm.

"You scared me, Vinyl."

"Sorry."

She retied the second boot and then shot up, energy returning with vigor.

"You ready to go have some fun now, Mel!?"

The cellist in question wrinkled her nose at the newest nickname.

"My name's-"

"I know, I know. Octavia. I'll get a nickname for you yet, believe it!"

She grabbed her helmet and bag off the couch and then tugged the other woman by the hand and pulled her to stand. Octavia followed just behind her company as they both strode out of the apartment.

"So where are we going first?"

Smiling brightly, Vinyl threaded her arm through Octavia's and leaned in suspiciously.

"You'll see."

Vinyl coasted to a stop just outside their destination and sighed happily as she looked up at the building. Octavia, head buried between the DJ's shoulder blades, relaxed slightly as she felt the bike shut off.

"Are we... there?"

Vinyl nodded and grabbed at the hands locked around her waist and gently pulled them apart. Still holding one of Octavia's hands, Vinyl slid from her seat and turned toward Octavia, face flushed and eyes closed tightly.

"Come on, you big puss. We're here, you can breathe now."

Octavia relaxed just slightly as she blinked her eyes open, violet orbs bright in the glittering sunlight. She cast her eyes to Vinyl and then to the rather nondescript building just behind her, her face morphing into confused skepticism.

"Where are we?"

Vinyl slid her helmet off and reached her hand for Octavia's, allowing a quick moment for the cellist to remove the headgear and hand it over. Connecting them and tossing both over the handlebars, Vinyl offered a steady hand to the still seated cellist. Octavia gave her hand to the ever-grinning DJ, uncertain still about the vehicle beneath her. Simply enough, she threw her leg over and dismounted cleanly, stumbling just a little in the last second before standing firmly on her own two feet. With a giddy smile, Vinyl tugged the hand still in her grasp and pulled Octavia toward the brick building.

"Vinyl, what is this place?"

Her searching eyes scanned the building's exterior for any sign, but only saw the sign '5C' done up in common, neon lights that crawled halfway up the building.

"...what's '5C?'"

Vinyl laughed out loud at the question before opening the door and pulled the cellist inside. Octavia's mouth opened in shock as she absorbed her surroundings, eyes widening at the many sights and sounds of the massive building. Vinyl laughed once more before guiding the dazed musician toward a small booth to the side. She released her grip on Octavia and shifted the bag she carried to her back to reach in her pocket for her wallet. Placing a bill on the counter, she smiled widely at the clerk.

"Change it up for me, Carnivale."

The elderly man smirked and nodded before sliding the bill off the counter, only to replace it with a hefty bag of coins a moment later. Octavia, from just behind the DJ's shoulder, frowned at the hefty sack.

"Vinyl, if you'd like, I can chip in-"

Vinyl snatched up the bag before spinning around to keep her shouldered bag out of reach of the cellist.

"I said you could bring your purse if you really needed to, but I told you: I'm treating today. And don't you dare think otherwise."

Octavia frowned and motioned to the large trove of coins the DJ still held.

"That was a good deal of money you just turned into simple pocket change, what's this even for? And what's 5C?"

The older man behind the counter chortled at the bereaved Octavia, his creamy orange eyes twinkling in the flashing lights of the building.

"Vinyl, who is this marvelous young lady?"

"Oh, Carny, this is my friend Octavia Melody. You know, Cellist Extraordinaire."

His smiled widened beneath the gray mustache as he reached his hand out in pleasant greeting. Smiling through her confusion, she moved forward to shake his hand.

"You... know of my work?"

The question was tentative, unsure of whether he was being sincere or just polite. Again, the man chuckled.

"No, ma'am. I've heard your music, you play marvelously. And to answer your question, 5C means-"

"Carmine Carnivale's Crazy Convivial 'Cade."

Octavia blinked at the mouthful before laughing gently at the name.

"I can see how that can be a pain to relay."

Vinyl smiled before nodding to the man and slid her hand into Octavia's once more.

"You can explore in a second, I want you to play Alien Apathy 7 with me!"

Octavia blanched at the name as Vinyl led her through the boisterous arcade.

"That... doesn't sound promising."

Vinyl stuck her tongue, ball and all, out at the cellist before winding her way through the many machines on the floor before stopping at her desired console. After released the cellist, Vinyl shifted her bag strap to cross over her chest before digging in the coin bag for the required number of tokens. She gestured to Octavia to pick up the blaster as she loaded the coins; Octavia frowned deeply but did as asked and picked up the neon blue gun. The machine made a noise as the last coin was slid into the slot, the large screen jumping to life before her very eyes, causing her to flinch unexpectedly.

Vinyl straightened and smirked at the cellist as she stood, tense and still, blaster dangling from her left hand, as her wide eyes scanned the shifting scenes of the game. Vinyl slid in behind her and nudged at the gun, signaling for Octavia to lift it. She did as instructed, and looked at the screen and the bouncing crosshairs, her eyebrows drawing even tighter against her forehead.

"Vinyl... is this some sort of gory, killing, shooting all-violence-and-no-fun game?"

"Yep. Now relax, spread your feet, and aim."

"Vinyl, I'm not comfortable with killing... things."

"They're alien monsters that look nothing like anything you'll ever see in your lifetime. I have to teach you how to shoot, there's a tutorial."

Octavia cast her eyes back to the screen and attempted to do as told and forced her body to relax slightly. Her eyes focused on the screen and the blue crosshairs as it moved along with her. Exhaling shortly, she rolled her neck and prepared herself. She split her attention between the game and Vinyl's words as she explained various things about how to play before she finally began to shoot. It was easy, once she got used to it, and she watched in merriment as her score grew. From her placed behind the cellist's shoulder, Vinyl chuckled and moved to the slot next to Octavia.

The DJ knelt and added her own tokens and pressed the button as she picked up the red gun. She nudged Octavia with her shoulder and placed the gun casually over her shoulder.

"You're player one, don't get us killed."

Feeling a rush of excitement roll through her, she nodded confidently and refocused her vision on the screen.

"Bring it on, you alien menace!"

Vinyl chuckled incredulously before falling into her own relaxed stance.

"Get ready, here it comes."

The game opened and they began their assault on the many enemies on screen. Vinyl shook with laughter as she saw Octavia almost duck and jump at various things throughout the game, causing her own focus to shift more from the game to the cellist. After only two levels, they had both been killed, and as the Continue screen counted down, Vinyl holstered her gun and held her midsection in burning laughter. Octavia smiled wide as she holstered her own gun, her flushed cheeks adding to her appeal.

Vinyl straightened after a moment and playfully shoved the beaming musician.

"Not too bad, Octavia, I gotta say. But you totally distracted me with your moves!"

Both women shared a laugh before Octavia jokingly punched the DJ's arm.

"That was actually fun!"

"Yeah, that's the point. Come on, this place is three stories, we have a lot to look at!"

Octavia wandered aimlessly through the massive crane game wing, her eyes delightfully scanning the many prizes in the cases. She had tried her hand at a few and found them both fun and marvelously infuriating. Still, she was drawn to them, and was happy to look over the many booths. Turning the corner of one set of cranes, Octavia stopped suddenly at one, her eyes staring intently at a small, stuffed raccoon. She approached the crane and stopped, heart melting in her chest at the simple cuteness of the stuffed toy. The raven-haired player slid her hand into the pocket of her designer jeans in search of one of the many tokens Vinyl had bestowed upon her when they parted ways just a short while ago. Happily finding one, she slid the coin into the slot and steadied her hand on the control stick.

Tongue out in concentration, Octavia positioned the crane just above the creature and hit the drop button, eyes delighted as the crane clamped directly on the fuzzy animal. She watched with barely controlled glee as the raccoon was scooped up and raised, her body bouncing on the balls of her feet as the small plush began its ascent. Her happiness turned to stress a second later, however, as the raccoon began to slip from the steely fingers. Octavia pressed her hands to the glass as the crane began its sideways journey, all while the raccoon slipped further and further. Much to her dismay, the adorable stuffed raccoon, along with Octavia's heart, slid free of the crane and fell awkwardly against the outer wall of the drop chute.

Octavia stared longingly at the creature before she shoved her hand back in her pocket in search of another token. A dozen tries later, however, and she was coinless and distraught, standing in front of the head-standing raccoon. Dejectedly, she left the crane hall in search of Vinyl, her heart illogically breaking in her chest. Eventually she found Vinyl in Racer Alley, shamelessly whooping a teenager at Street Racing Nitro, her tongue out in smug victory.

Upon seeing the cellist, Vinyl slid out of the bucket seat and bounded up to the woman, already sensing a mood shift.

"Well, I'm all played out. You hungry?"

The cellist nodded and attempted to shake free the melancholy she felt settling over her. They both turned toward the exit, but were stopped when Vinyl suppressed a shudder.

"Sorry. I'm gonna hit the little girl's room, then we're all set. Meet me up front?"

"Yes, of course."

Vinyl nodded and then took off in a random direction, leaving Octavia to wander toward the front. Eventually, Vinyl had found her way back down and led the way to her bike. Once outside, she turned toward the cellist and lightly tapped her arm in disguised support.

"What happened, did you lose at a game or something?"

Octavia hesitated at the answer before smiling sadly at the DJ.

"Yes, I was doing so well. But I eventually lost."

"What were you playing?"

Octavia scrambled for the name of a game she had passed, finally blurting out the first title to cross her mind.

"Pac-man!"

Vinyl smiled sweetly at the cellist before handing her the helmet.

"That game is such a bitch. You'll get better at it, don't worry."

Octavia smiled at the simple gesture, a comforting heat spreading through her body at the DJ's genuine concern. She waited patiently for Vinyl to straddle the powerful machine before she slid in behind her, hands going up to gently hold the DJ's waist. After the arcade, the motorcycle didn't seem so bad. Vinyl turned her head to regard the cellist before firing up the loud engine.

"Anywhere you want to eat?"

Octavia shook her head and settled against the DJ as she turned over the massive engine, causing the arms around the jockey to tighten slightly.

"Surprise me."

Sorry it's taken a bit to update, I've just finished a monumental fic! I know this chapter starts weird, but it was fun to write!

Vinyl guided the rumbling cycle to a smooth stop just outside a large, stainless-steel building trimmed in red and blue neon lighting, accentuating the large windows that featured a plethora of neon signs. Killing the engine, Vinyl held out her hand for Octavia, who graciously took it and slid off the back of the bike. Removing her helmet, Vinyl threw her leg over the side of the machine and stood just beside the unconvinced cellist before placing both helmets on her handlebars. The raven-haired strings player looked at the building for a long moment, eyes scanning the strange outer appearance of the supposed restaurant.

"You know, I've passed this eyesore of a building many a time, and never once knew it was a restaurant. What kind of place is this?"

Vinyl looked in merriment at the old-style diner before readjusting her bag and grabbed the hand of the cellist.

"It's a diner. Don't let the outside deter you, their food is incredible."

"And what kind of food do they serve at a diner?"

Snorting at the comment, Vinyl led them to the door and respectfully held it open for the still-unsure cellist. Once inside, Octavia looked over the decor, eyebrows drawing in deep thought. Vinyl slid in beside her and elbowed her gently before smiling at the woman who greeted them.

"Welcome to the Peg's. Hello, Vinyl!"

The DJ nodded to the server and tugged Octavia along to follow her to their seats. The woman placed down the menus and winked at the pair before skirting away, saying she'd return shortly. Octavia looked at the red vinyl booth before wrinkling her nose and slid in across from the exuberant DJ.

"Stop making faces or they'll stick."

Octavia made an even more displeased face at the DJ before curling her mouth to hide the smile that threatened to show. Instead, she picked up the menu and scanned it, lips pursing in thought. Vinyl chuckled at the cellist before looking over her own menu, her focus stopping to stare hungrily at the dessert section.

"No idea what I want for lunch, but there needs to be something sweet in my future. I'm banking on a big ass shake. What about you, Princess? What are you in the mood for?"

Octavia scanned the menu again, nose wrinkling in thought.

"Well, I've never had diner food, so I'm not sure. I don't normally eat at places like this."

"Oh, right, you're a D'Urberville's girl. Only the finest food from the finest ingredients in all of Canterlot. Well, I'll tell you something else: Peg's burgers are to die for, and they make the thickest shakes this side of the Everfree Forest."

Octavia flushed at the jockey's pleasant tone, her lavender eyes crinkling at the enthusiasm in which the jockey spoke. Still, she bit her lip in consternation, those same lavender eyes focusing intently on the DJ's smiling face.

"Would you be upset with me if I told you I've never had a milkshake before?"

Vinyl stilled her movement, mouth dropping open in shock. Quickly tilting her head, she waved the waitress over, making the older woman move faster in her approach. She sidled up to their table, kind blue eyes smiling.

"Yes, Pon. What'll you have?"

"Not sure yet, Dottie, but my friend here needs a milkshake, stat!"

Octavia blushed before waving her hand at the musician.

"N-no, that's not necessary. I could do without the calories and-"

"Nonsense. What do you want, chocolate? Vanilla? Peanut butter!?"

Octavia flushed at the discomfort that started to build in her shoulders. Passing her desperate eyes to the server, the cellist flashed a nervous smile at the other woman. Catching the hint, the older woman tapped her ticket book and gently patted the cellist on the shoulder.

"Take your time, hun. I'll be back in a bit to check on you girls."

Once gone, Octavia cast an uneasy smile to the DJ and leaned forward, voice escaping in an exasperated hiss.

"Please don't put me on the spot like that!"

Vinyl held up her hands and smiled apologetically before leaning forward to peer at Octavia's menu.

"Sorry, O. It's just crazy that you've never even had a milkshake. You have to get one, you won't regret it!"

Octavia turned her attention back to the menu, lavender eyes thoughtfully scanning each choice on the long list. Vinyl hovered just before the cellist, foreheads almost brushing as they both read the list, the blue-striped DJ offering her own thoughts and reviews of the choices as they both perused the items. Octavia stopped just above one, a manicured fingernail going up to slide along the words as she read them.

"A delicious cocktail of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice creams, mixed with fresh bananas and strawberries and topped with hand-made whipped cream, drizzled with hot fudge, and topped with a single cherry. Nuts upon request."

Vinyl nodded approvingly and smiled at the cellist as she raised her eyes to gauge the jockey's reaction to her choice. Pleased, her focus shifted back to the menu as Vinyl receded back to her own seat and closed her menu. Dot, after allowing the cellist ample time to choose, returned to their table.

"All right, ladies, what'll it be?"

Octavia cleared her throat and smiled thankfully at the older woman.

"Yes, ma'am. I'd like your tomato-basil veggie burger? And is it at all possible to get that without the mushrooms?"

"Of course, love. Mozz okay? And to drink?"

"Yes, the mozzarella is fine. The Banana Split shake, please."

"Excellent choice. V? What about you?"

"You know what I like, Dot. Make sure you burn it and throw in some flare. And get me the trashcan shake, if you'd be so kind."

Smiling at both women, the waitress collected the menus and left to place the order. Once gone, Octavia cast an amused look to the relaxed woman.

"What did you order?"

"A shake with a bit of anything and a burger with absolutely everything."

"Do you come here often?"

"Nah, like once or twice a month, tops."

Octavia nodded and sat back in her seat, eyes shifting to look out the large windows. Her thoughts wandered aimlessly for several seconds before a question surfaced in her subconscious, causing her focus to pull back toward the DJ.

"Vinyl... how do you know Symphony?"

The musician straightened at the question and pinned her lenses on the cellist.

"Symph and I went to school together. She was the new girl-transferred in midyear-, and shy, and I got to talking to her a bit. Her inner beast came out once when she got into an argument with Sapphire Shores, though, and I had to break them apart. I thought it was the most awesome thing ever witnessed, and we've been friends ever since."

Octavia chuckled at the visual image, smile glowing brightly.

"Yes, Symphony can have quite a temper on her, but I love her dearly."

"How'd the two of you get to talking?"

Octavia bit her lip in thought as she remembered the first time she'd ever spoken to the violinist, the vivid memory causing a short laugh to escape her.

"Symphony and I went to Miss Lenoir's Academy for Gifted Musicians... I bumped into her when I was rushing to get to a rehearsal, and I wound up hitting her in the head with my cello case while she was bent down tying her shoe. It was mortifying- I was in my first year, and she was a year ahead, and I almost fainted from the shock!"

Vinyl was shaking with laughter as the cellist recanted before both broke down into veracious giggles. The DJ shook both her hand at the strings player before choking out another laugh.

"Wait wait wait, you bludgeoned Symphony Strings with a giant cello case your first year?"

Octavia, red-faced from both her embarrassment and her giddiness, only nodded, causing the jockey to laugh even harder. Octavia managed to calm herself just enough to finish the story, waiting for the DJ to settle before she continued.

"Yes, well. She stood up and looked as though she was about to tear me to pieces, but from what she tells me, I looked so pathetic that she didn't have the heart to scream at me. Instead, she took my case and walked with me to rehearsal, where we were both supposed to be, and we talked after. From then on, we met up for rehearsals and then had lunch, and before I knew it, we were spending almost all of our time together."

"So your cute little sad face saved you from a reaming and gained you a friend? Damn, and I thought I had skill."

Octavia smiled brilliantly at the DJ before she heard the waitress walking up with their tray of food. Dot opened a stand and placed down the large tray before skillfully dishing out the plates to the two musicians. After placing the large milkshakes, she collected her stand and tray and paused just beside their table.

"Look good, girls?"

Octavia nodded to the waitress, smile widening.

"Wonderful, thank you."

Vinyl merely nodded, mouth already full with her first bite. Octavia focused on the DJ and the large pile of food that the DJ joyously referred to as a burger. The cellist shook her head at the happily munching jockey before eyeing her own burger. Pausing to look at the sandwich contents, Octavia finally managed to slide her hands under the soft bun and lift the burger to eye level. Smelling it gently, she leaned forward and took a small bite, jaw moving slightly as she chewed, the intense flavor instantly greeting her hesitation. Her eyes fluttered closed as the sensation splashed through her before finally swallowing.

"That is incredible."

Vinyl wiped her hands on a napkin and took a sip of her shake before grinning at the impressed cellist.

"Taste the shake, and you'll be in heaven."

Shifting one hand from her burger, Octavia moved the large cup closer and took a long drag off the red-striped bendy straw. A moment later, an appreciative moan wafted gently from the cellist.

"Oh my goodness, I'm never leaving."

Vinyl nodded enthusiastically, grin smug.

"Ha, I told you. No faith in the Pon 3."

They ate in companionable silence for a time, both swept up in the flavors as they gratefully ate. Vinyl, having quickly devoured her monstrous burger, pulled her shake before her and sipped on it thoughtfully. Octavia glanced up at the empty plate and laughingly exhaled through her nose, sauce-covered fingers grabbing at a napkin to wipe at her face.

"You're finished already?"

"Yeah. I have a big appetite, and I needed the energy boost."

Octavia nodded and finished the remaining bites of her burger. Placing her plate on top of Vinyl's, she too pulled her shake forward to finish the last few sips of the thick beverage.

"So tell me how you and Lyra met."

Vinyl snickered and pushed her empty cup away before thoughtfully scratching at her cheek.

"Heartstrings and I have known each other since kindergarten. Once, on the playground, some big bitch took Lyra's toy and I dropkicked her in the chest. The teacher told my parents and I got in trouble, but Lyra thanked me for saving her monster truck. We've been best friends since that fateful day."

Octavia grinned, eyes crinkling with elation.

"That does seem very like you, being protective I mean."

"You have no idea."

Dot returned to clear the table and inquire about their meal and ask about desert. Having both women decline, the waitress placed the check with a smile and floated away from the table. Vinyl plucked up the bill and folded it before her, elbows moving up to lean on the smooth surface of the table. From across the way Octavia beamed, eyes shining with simple happiness.

"Vinyl, are you going to the Canterlot Musician's Academy show this weekend?"

"Nah. I've made plans in P-ville with some friends. I need to get fitted for some digs. And besides, that's red carpet and VIP treatment, you only go if you get an invitation, or you're added to the guest list months in advance. I know the deal. Are you?"

"Yes, I... I go almost every year. But this year... Concerto asked if he could 'have the honor' of taking me. So this will be the first year Symphony isn't my date."

Vinyl nodded and cast her eyes toward the windows.

"Yeah, Strings told me that Pitch asked her to go, too."

"Yes, we're sharing a limo. I just didn't know if I'd see you there..."

The jockey turned back toward the cellist and smiled brightly.

"What do you want to do now, Octavia? Your choice."

"Oh, I-I've just been going wherever you wanted, it's easier."

"Well, that's not what I asked you. What do you want to do?"

Octavia frowned at the question, eyebrows drawing lines in her forehead.

"I don't... know."

"Come on, girl. You always do what everyone else wants of you, what about you? What do you want for a change?"

"Oh, I have no-"

"You do know."

Octavia searched the purple lenses across from her, face warping in confusion for a moment. After a second she sighed and forced herself to relax, eyes closing as she filed through her mind for something she'd been meaning to get to recently. For a few seconds, Vinyl searched the placid face, smirk growing wider with each passing moment. Eventually, Octavia opened her eyes, vision zeroing in on Vinyl.

"Well, the Monet exhibit is still at the-"

"Aw, man, the Art Museum! I haven't been there in ages, I heard they got in some Dali paintings and expanded the surrealism stuff. Let's go!"

Slightly taken aback by the DJ's contagious enthusiasm, Octavia still remained in the booth even after the jockey slid out to stand.

"You... know art?"

Vinyl fished free her wallet and scooped up the check; she paused and offered her hand to the thoughtful Octavia.

"I'm just full of surprises, aren't I?"

"Yes, you... certainly are."

Octavia and Vinyl started toward the large set of stairs that led up to the Art Museum, both seemingly excited to see the treasures inside. Octavia threaded her arm through Vinyl's and bumped into her, a carefree laugh echoing from the player.

"Oh, Vinyl, it feels so absolutely rebellious to pull up outside such a cultural icon on the back of a motorcycle!"

Vinyl grinned evilly as they continued their journey up the steps. Once paid for and inside, Octavia breathed in deeply and detached from the DJ, booted feet taking her a few steps toward the right. Vinyl stepped up beside the cellist and spread her arm out in a low bow, causing Octavia to playfully swat the DJ.

"Lead the way, Miss Melody."

Octavia nodded and began their journey through the many winding halls of the Museum. They began in the Equestrian Art galleries, which allowed the cultured cellist to prattle on about the different pieces and time periods as if she were an expert on the subject. Vinyl smiled at the cellist, humored by her soulful direction and over-joyed explanations of the exhibits. The blue-haired DJ respectfully followed behind Octavia as they moved, her attention split between the joyful cellist and the artwork as they made slow work of the massive museum.

Eventually leaving the Equestrian wing, they wandered through European and Asian galleries, filtering briefly through the American wing before eventually breaking apart at the cusp of Modern and Contemporary Art. Vinyl exited toward the Dali exhibit, leaving Octavia to pass through the halls and make a beeline for the Photography and Prints part of the museum. After almost an hour, and Octavia was slowly strolling through the black and whites of the exhibit, sighing happily as she stopped before her favorite photograph, eyes scanning the familiar planes of the picture with controlled nostalgia. Eventually, however, she tore her sight away from the picture and continued onward, intent on finding her boisterous friend.

Returning to the large Modern galleries, Octavia stopped before a particularly interesting piece, eyebrows drawing in thought as she looked over the curves and dips of the thick lines of the painting. Vinyl, who had also begun a journey to find her companion, finally stumbled across the cellist as her eyes were glued to a particularly abstractly explicit piece in the gallery. Smiling mischievously, she sidled up to the cellist and stopped to stand beside her, head tilted to look up at the painting.

"The female body is a beautiful thing, isn't it?"

Snapping her head to the side, Octavia frowned in thought.

"I beg your pardon?"

Tugging on the back of the cellist's designer blouse, she backed them up a few steps and had the raven-haired player tilt her head just so. After a moment, a dark blush covered the cheeks of the flustered cellist, her hands flying up to cover her mouth in distress. Vinyl curbed her laughter and playfully nudged the cellist, whose eyes had brimmed with barely controlled tears of embarrassment.

"Oh my goodness, I didn't even notice! I was trying to figure it out for almost fifteen full minutes!"

"Hey, hey... Calm down, no need to get yourself all worked up. It's just a painting, nobody here is judging you for being fascinated by it. The guy who painted this wanted people to think about his work and take their own thoughts away from it. That's the point, isn't it?"

Octavia nodded and blinked away the fitful tears before turning toward the DJ and smiled sadly.

"Thank you, Vinyl. For being so wonderful today."

Nodding happily, the DJ put her arm around the cellist and steered them toward the exit. Octavia relaxed easily in the jockey's embrace, her face lighting with a brilliant grin. Vinyl slid her arm down from the cellist's shoulders as they approached the doors of the museum before opening the exterior door for the cellist. Once outside, Octavia stopped, rapt attention focused on the breath-taking sunset unfolding before her.

"I've never seen the sunset from up here before... It's astounding."

Vinyl nodded and watched the colors for a moment before sliding her phone from her pocket, low whistle escaping her at the time.

"Well, I can honestly say I've never spent two hours in the Art Museum at once."

Octavia tore her eyes from the sky long enough to peer over the DJ's shoulder to catch the time. She smiled and nudged the jockey, lavender eyes bright in the dying rays of the sun.

"Well, we started our day late, then spent hours in the arcade, almost an hour at lunch, and now two in the museum. All in all, I'd say it was a pretty good day!"

Vinyl chuckled as she tugged on the hem of the cellist's shirt before starting toward the stairs.

"Yeah, but we're not done yet. It's almost concert time, and I don't want to miss out."

Octavia fell in step with the DJ as they descended the stairs, eyes going up to regard the spin doctor.

"Do I know of this band? Will I like them?"

"I think you're going to have a blast."

The two musicians walked down the block, having parked almost two blocks from the venue. Octavia frowned in the low light of twilight, the sun having all but disappeared from the sky. A large group of people stood in front of the building, sectioned off by red velvet ropes. Octavia moved a subconscious step closer to Vinyl, lavender eyes widening the closer they walked to the group.

"Vinyl, you remembered your tickets, right? I know we stopped so you could get changed-"

"What tickets?"

Mortified, Octavia peered up at Vinyl, only to be met with an impish grin. Waltzing up to the large bouncer, Vinyl tipped her chin at the big man. Slowly, the man flicked his eyes up to the grinning DJ and nervous cellist.

"Names."

"Pon 3 and company."

With an exaggerated sigh, he scanned the list of names before him, slowly licking his thumb before flipping down the top page. With a bored grunt, he shifted and jerked his head to the side.

"Proceed."

Smiling smugly, Vinyl led the uneasy cellist past the tall man and into the neon atmosphere of the club. There was already a large group of people inside the venue, taking up most of the floor space of the hall. Swallowing nervously, Octavia shook the hand in her grasp, stress settling hotly in her belly.

"Vinyl, I don't like this."

"It's okay, I'll be right here."

Another group of people filtered in behind them, finally filling the floor to capacity. Shuddering against her will, Octavia stepped back into Vinyl, nerves fraying as the people moved in around them. The DJ put her hands on both the cellist's hips and leaned down to talk over the loud hum of the chatter in the room.

"I won't lose you."

Threading her thumbs in two loops of the cellist's jeans, she shifted them toward the front, the DJ's guidance making quick work of the throng of people. Upon seeing the barrier, Octavia reached for it and gripped it tightly, her heart rate through the roof in her stress. Vinyl slid in behind her and placed her hands on either side of the barrier, effectively protecting Octavia from the moving entity of the crowd behind her.

"You'll be safe here. If you can't deal, we can leave, no problem. Just let me know."

Her voice resonated deep in the cellist as she shook her head, intent on toughing it out through the concert. It wasn't long before the opening act came on, effectively pumping up the crowd. Octavia had relaxed significantly, almost enjoying the strange music the band performed. Vinyl had leaned in occasionally, offering different tidbits of information as the openers finished their set. The DJ had released her hold over the cellist, allowing her an ease of movement, but never going far enough to upset the musician. The stage lights dimmed as the main act was being set up, allowing Octavia a moment to look at the jovial jockey.

"I'm sorry for freaking out before!"

The noise of the crowd was still above a normal speaking level, causing the cellist to lean close to the DJ and attempt to yell over the noise. Vinyl nodded as she heard the cellist before leaning down to respond.

"I hope you're at least having fun!"

Octavia nodded happily and readjusted to her place beside Vinyl. After a long wait, the stage lights finally came up, revealing the band as they filtered onto the stage. The cheers from the crowd made the cellist wince, but she flashed a reassuring smile to the DJ. The two singers approached their mics and addressed the audience, a second wave of shouts causing a tingle to bolt down through the cellist, her shaking hands moving to grasp the barrier in her discomfort. Vinyl, after her voice died down, quickly squeezed the cellist before refocusing on the musicians as they began to play.

The first song wasn't as bad as Octavia had been expecting; the second song had her bopping her head with the beat and by the fourth song she was dancing along with the strangers around her, lavender eyes shining in the many lights of the show. The music had slowed down for a few songs, allowing the audience to settle enough and sway together as the soft music filtered over them. Octavia smile widely at the powerful voices as she closed her eyes, mind drifting in time with the words as they trickled through to her subconscious. Blinking open her eyes, she looked over at Vinyl as she swayed as well, lips silently singing along with the words, cheshire grin taking permanent residence on her face.

As the slow song ended, one of the singers stood and picked up the mic before kicking over the stand.

"Let's crank this shit up!"

The opening to the song took Octavia by surprise, the strings section of the tune making her smile brightly. The drums added, followed by the guitars and the second singer approached her mic, mouth opening to sing. Octavia felt her body move in time with the beat, her hands going up as her body bounced along with the people around her. She opened her eyes to look at Vinyl, smirk growing.

"Don't even talk about the consequence, cause right now you're the only thing that's making any sense to me. And I don't give a damn, what they say, what they think think- cause you're the only one who's on my mind. I'll never ever let you leave me, I'll try to stop time forever, never wanna hear you say goodbye-bye."

Octavia bumped into Vinyl, eyes wrinkling in merriment before the jockey started dancing with her, in time with the beat pulsing around them. Octavia threw her hands up, hair shaking as she moved.

"I feel so untouched and I want you so much that I just, can't resist you. It's not enough to say that I miss you. I feel so untouched right now, need you so much somehow. I can't forget you. Been going crazy from the moment I met you."

The song continued, the infectious beat causing the cellist to throw all inhibition to the wind and simply enjoy the music. The lyrics filtered almost unacknowledged through her psyche, though the felt a strange pull at their message. She opened her eyes to look at Vinyl again, the movement drawing the focus of the DJ as she lipped the words to her, smiling breaking through as she pulled the cellist into dancing yet again. Eventually the song had wound down, but segued perfectly into another. Octavia kept pace with the crowd around her, striking her as the mass of people moved as a perfectly in-tune unit. Vinyl stayed just by her side, her focus bouncing between her and the band as they continued to play.

Eventually, the musicians stopped the music for a moment and left the stage, before coming out for the obligatory encore. Octavia found herself right at the front, screaming along with the mass of fans behind her. The twin singers approached their mics for a final time, one of them offering a bright smile to the crowd before her.

"Okay, fuckers, you deserve it! Final song and then we gotta bounce!"

Vinyl's voice joined in as the crowd screamed a final time before the guitarist began the last song, causing an even louder scream to echo through the crowd. The players on stage smiled.

"Here we are, so whatcha gonna do? Do I gotta spell it out for you? I can see that you got other plans for tonight, but I don't really care. Size me up, you know I beat the best. Tick-tock, no time to rest. Let 'em say what they're gonna say, but tonight, I just don't really care."

Octavia locked eyes with the DJ and smiled as they moved together.

"Come on, baby, we ain't gonna live forever. Let me show you all the things that we could do. You know you wanna be together, and I wanna spend the night with you, yeah-yeah. With you-ou. Yeah yeah, come with me tonight, we can make the night last forever, oh-oh."

Vinyl grasped both the hands of the cellist and spun her before they broke apart to jump along with the music. The crowd around them rocked along as more of the song continued, the musicians on stage bouncing along with the fans as they played.

"Let's pretend you're mine- we can just pretend, we can just pretend- yeah-yeah. You got what I like. You got what I like, I got what you like. Oh come on, just one taste and you want more. So tell me what you're waiting for!"

The chorus began again as the two musicians danced together in the audience, the two-tone DJ mouthing the words as they spun around each other and laughed, the cellist bopping her head along with the familiar words as they washed over the audience. The song finally ended and a chorus of cheers and screams rocked the house, the reserved cellist screaming out her excitement before she turned and squeezed the DJ in a surprise hug. Smiling down at the cellist, Vinyl grabbed at the small wrist and tugged her, signaling the idea for a quick escape.

Once through the large group and outside, Octavia chuckled as she stumbled into Vinyl, humored energy igniting a burning joy deep within her chest.

"Oh, Vinyl, that was so much fun!"

"Glad you liked it. It's gotten pretty late, you ready to go home?"

Octavia narrowed her eyes in thought as they continued the journey toward Vinyl's bike.

"Actually... no. Do you have your keys to the Harwan?"

Vinyl looked down at the small set of keys that she had fished from her bag and frowned.

"Uh, no. They're at home, why?"

"Would you play with me again?"

Vinyl smiled as the words trickled through her brain before nodding at the expectant cellist. Squealing with delight, Octavia threw an arm around the DJ and chuckle softly.

"Thank you, Vinyl!"

Beaming down at the strings player, Vinyl nodded. They approached the bike and climbed on before heading toward Vinyl's apartment; stopping off to grab the keys, the two musicians made the familiar journey toward the famous theatre. Pulling up just outside the massive front doors, Vinyl killed the engine and both women slid off the cycle. Grabbing the bigger set of keys out of her pocket, Vinyl unlocked the doors and quickly slipped inside, feet making short work of the space separating her from the alarm. Dialing the code, she sighed deeply as her phone began to ring a moment later. Answering it on a whim, she smiled even before hearing the familiar voice on the line.

"Yeah, just me. Don't call the cops... Yeah, I'll reset it, don't worry. Thanks, night."

Octavia smiled teasingly at the jockey, eyebrows drawn high on her forehead.

"Do you break in here often in the middle of the night?"

"Nah, not too much. Just when good-girl cellists feel like being breaking a few rules!"

Octavia laughed joyfully before tugging Vinyl toward the large center doors. Vinyl veered toward the left to head through a side door and into the switch room. Hitting the proper switches, the house lights were brought up to burn low and the stage lights were switched on, illuminating the polished floor in a familiar soft glow. Vinyl slid out of the booth and rejoined the cellist before guiding them toward the stage. Once there, the jockey left to gather the house cello and chair for the blissful strings player.

Returning just a moment later, Vinyl placed the chair and opened the familiar case, a wave of remembrance sweeping through her at the motion.

"Remember the first time I handed you this cello?"

Octavia nodded and chuckled low, her earlier excitement having been dialed back to her normal, calm state.

"Yes, I... I didn't know what to make of you. But you blew me away with your manner and talent."

"Ooh, my talent? Why, Octavia, you do care!"

The cellist snorted before graciously accepting the cello from the snarky DJ. She took her seat beside the massive black piano and positioned herself just so. Lifting her eyes to peer at the DJ as she cracked her knuckles, Octavia smiled peacefully.

"I'd like for you to start, if you don't mind?"

Vinyl nodded and rolled her shoulders before she lifted the cover and placed her fingers on the black and white keys. Counting briefly in her head, she finally began to play a slow, soulful piece. For a moment, Octavia allowed the music to flow through her before picking up her bow to play. She fell into herself as she played, body swaying gently as the two pieces harmonized, adding a growing feeling of completeness to the music.

Seconds turned to minutes, and minutes to hours as they played with felicity, their own music bending and cascading through each other, creating a brilliant symphony with their melodies. Octavia finally felt the music coming to a close and pulled a long note, allowing Vinyl to finish her own piece before a thick silence settled over the two musicians. Suppressing a shudder, Octavia finally opened her eyes to settle on the DJ, dazzling smile glowing beautifully in the lights of the stage.

"I've never harmonized so well with someone before, and I play with an orchestra. Your music seems to have a life of its own."

Vinyl nodded before she slid back the bench to stand and stretch. The exhaustion she had felt creeping upon her all day was suddenly back with a vengeful force, causing her energy to sap almost entirely. Tiredly, she walked to the center of the stage and plopped down, legs curling beneath her as she leaned her elbows on her knees. Octavia smiled and stood as well, shifting her body over to place the cello on the stand before approaching the tired DJ. The cellist sat as well, legs folded the same, knees faintly brushing the DJ's as they sat across from one another.

"Vinyl, can I ask you something?"

"Shoot."

"Do you... sing?"

Vinyl smiled reflexively before running her hand through the wild hair. She turned her head to look out over the many rows of chairs that littered the auditorium before refocusing on the raven-haired woman. For a moment, she paused, words tumbling in her brain as she mulled over her answer.

"I... used to. I don't anymore."

"Symphony told me you have an amazing voice."

"Symphony needs to shut up sometimes."

Vinyl leaned back on her hands and tossed her head back, breath escaping in a deep sigh.

"I haven't... I- My. Fucking Celestia, why can't I-"

"I'm sorry, Vinyl. I didn't mean to-"

The DJ sighed heavily again before tilted her body forward once more, elbows returning to rest gently on her knees.

"I... I haven't sung since the night my mom died."

Octavia frowned deeply at the simple statement before moving her hand to rest gently on the DJ's forearm, thumb rubbing small circles on the pale skin.

"I didn't mean to bring up bad memories, Vinyl. I was just curious. So much of you is interesting to me, I was just wondering about how your voice sounded."

"It's not your fault, Tav. You don't know."

"No, I... I don't. Would you... like to talk about it?"

Vinyl exhaled sharply and snapped her head to the side, face bowing toward the stage in thought. Eventually she tilted her head back up to peer at the patient cellist.

"It's a long, sad, aggravating story about giving up hope and me losing my shit, you sure you want to sully our good time with something like that? I don't know how you'd hold up."

Octavia's frown only deepened at the words, though her deep lavender eyes offered silent sympathy to the pensive jockey.

"I'm sorry, Scratch... I didn't mean to- You can talk about it if you like, I'm always here if you need someone. No strings."

For a long time, Vinyl simply looked at Octavia, lips neutral. From behind her glasses, her eyes skipped down to the hand that still warmed her skin and the thumb that hadn't ceased its movement. Smiling to herself, she refocused on Octavia's kind eyes.

"Are you sure?"

Octavia nodded softly and offered a sweet smile to the hesitant pianist in hopes of calming her mood. SIghing deeply, Vinyl nodded and began.

"I was less than three days from graduating... The night my mom died, I was at school, in the mixing booth, just trying to keep my head straight. My dad called me in a panic and told me I needed to get to the hospital immediately, that my mom didn't have much time. I blew out of there in a hurry and put a call in to Lyra to let her know what was going on. I got to the hospital like, twenty minutes later and almost tackled a nurse that got in my way. I managed to get to my mom's room in time to see my aunt come out in tears and basically collapse in the hallway."

"I came around the corner and stopped dead. She looked so little in her bed, and I was afraid to get much closer to her, like I'd break her or something. But my dad called me over- I'll never forget the look on his face. I'd never seen anyone so lost. But I looked down at her, and she managed to open her eyes and smile at me."

Vinyl's knees began to bounce in her nervous emotion, a flurry of tears swirling just behind her eyes that she tried desperately to kill. Shaking her head, she moved her palms to rub down the cloth of her jeans, just to keep her hands moving. Biting her lip, she shook off the uncertainty and continued.

"She told me that she was proud of all I was doing and all that I had become. She told me, 'Vinyl, you've got so much passion in you, I don't want to see it go to waste. Follow your heart, wherever it may lead you. Always have a voice.' I had been crying so hard at that point, I almost didn't hear the last part. She looked at my dad and told us she loved us both and then she just died. She just fucking died."

Octavia was unsuccessful in stopping her tears, and she sniffled gently as they came in waves. Still, Vinyl shook with pent up energy, knees still bouncing wildly against the stage floor.

"I flew outta there like a fucking bat out of hell and disappeared. I didn't know what to do. I wound up in a park somewhere and just cried all night. A part of me shattered that night, and I started to spiral into a black, black hole. I threw all of my attention to the pain, ignored everybody in my life, and trucked through graduation. I was top of my class."

Vinyl absently cracked her knuckles as she continued her story, legs never ceasing in their movement.

"After graduation, I just disappeared. I started drinking heavily, I tried drugs, I broke up with the strings player I had been dating for two years... I stopped talking to Lyra. Nothing felt important. I poured all of my grief into my music, but I couldn't bring myself to sing it. I tried. I tried everything."

"Eventually, Spitfire found me almost a month later and started hammering shit into my head and told me I was being selfish and that I had no right to abandon my friends like that... We got into a huge argument, which turned into a brutal fist fight... I broke her arm, she broke my nose, I attempted to punch her, missed, hit a wall, broke my hand... The noise alerted the neighbors and the cops were called. My hand was casted; I couldn't even write or play music..."

Octavia shuddered at the emotion coursing through her and forcefully stopped herself from hugging the oddly disconnected DJ. Her own knees felt as though they were shaking, though they were visually still. She reached a hand out to the DJ and squeezed the lower leg that was still curled underneath the woman. Vinyl tilted her head up to look back at the cellist before shaking her head sadly.

"The only thing I had to get me through that pain was now gone. So then everything got worse. I was a raging alcoholic with a busted hand and strong ass painkillers. Lyra tried every day to get in to see me, so I just stopped coming home. I lived out of my friend Bone's place. The drugs I was on really fucked with my head, and one night, I took a walk through downtown Canterlot... I was super drunk on 101 Rum, and high as a kite on some cocktail of drugs... I stumbled into an alley and fell in front of a busted whiskey bottle. Without even a second thought, I grabbed a piece of it and sliced my arm..."

The DJ tilted her arm, underside up, to the cellist, the pale, jagged white scar now glaringly obvious. Octavia gently grasped the forearm and slid her free fingers down the long, deep scar, tears splashing against the pale skin as her emotion bubbled to the surface.

"Oh, Vinyl..."

"Yeah. Got my vein. I bled a lot. A part of me wanted to just bleed out in the alley, but something in my head told me not to. I remember casually scanning my contact list and then just randomly called Lyra... I felt so calm then, like everything was fine. She picked up on the second ring, even though it was like 4 in the morning. I told her what happened, and kinda described where I was, and she freaked the fuck out. Like, totally flipped her shit."

"Well, do you blame her?"

Vinyl smiled gently, breaking the tension she could feel building in the cellist.

"She called an ambulance and beat it there. She was crying and calling me stupid and took her shirt off to stop the bleeding and then hugged me like she was never going to let me go. The EMTs got there a few minutes later, and they rushed me to a hospital... Needed stitches, they kept me for a psych test and then had me stay at the hospital for two weeks. It turns out that Lyra had been so beyond worried about me that it put a strain on her and B's relationship. Luckily though, Bonbon came to the hospital to curse me out but told me she still loved me, and that I should stay okay so that she could have Lyra back."

"Needless to say, I got my ass back on the straight and narrow, went to AA for 8 weeks, and turned my shit around. Spitfire didn't talk to me for almost three years, but recently we got back into it, so that's good. Lyra now won't go more than two days without talking to me and demands we hang out at least once a week. Bonbon likes to slap me around from time to time, and Symphony pretends that I didn't lose my mind for a while. It hit her pretty hard. So uhh... moral of the story is that I uh. I haven't sung in a number of years."

She smiled cutely, attempting to change the mood that had settled heavily over the pair. Octavia finally released her hold on the DJ's leg and wiped quickly at her eyes before laughing loudly, to keep from crying harder.

"Oh my goodness, Vinyl, I probably would have lost my mind if you ever did that to me. You're okay now, though, right?"

"Yeah, I'm okay. Sorry, I didn't mean to go all postal on you, but you asked."

Octavia nodded and smiled, despite the harrowing story. Still, she tilted her head in thought, puffy eyes looking over the exhausted DJ.

"And how do you feel?"

"Ehh... I don't know. Weird? I've never talked about it with anyone else, so I guess I feel a little lighter?"

"Those songs you played tonight, they have music, don't they?"

"Yeah, they do."

Octavia stood and offered her hand down to the seated DJ, smile wide, nose crinkling as she sniffled.

"Vinyl Scratch... sing for me."