The applause was thundering; the wave of noise escalated as the people before her lifted to their feet, a dissonance of mingling voices and extravagant cheers assaulting her senses as she and the massive unit left their chairs for a final bow. As the curtains closed, mulberry eyes blinked closed, dark eyebrows drawing wistfully as the sensation washed over her before she felt hands at her shoulders, excited cheers reaching deaf ears as her section members joyously congratulated the team on their final, stellar performance. She smiled, the light not quite reaching her eyes as the players swarmed her, needless chatter escaping the small group as they stood huddled together against a backdrop of similar scenarios.

Violet eyes flicked up and focused on an oddly smirking redhead as she stood at the edge of the curtains, blue eyes shimmering with an indistinguishable emotion before she melted into the shadows and disappeared, polished cello in hand. Octavia felt a crippling dread settle hotly in her stomach before she swallowed the discomfort, focus sliding over toward the massive team of violinists as they started to clear the stage. Symphony stood tall, teal eyes watching over the cellist carefully, guarded vision unwavering from the rattled player. Octavia cleared her own group of ecstatic players and approached the violinist, lashes fluttering as she closed the distance between them.

Stopping just before the wanton musician, Octavia clenched and unclenched her jaw before slowly reaching for the limp hand that hung by the violinist's side. Lips pursing, Symphony gazed evenly at the cellist, eyebrow inching just slightly upward. Opening her mouth to speak, Octavia offered a small smile before suppressing a shudder that threatened to spider across her skin.

"Can we talk? Please."

The words were simple, though the emotions behind them were anything but. Symphony narrowed her eyes but nodded slightly before leading the cellist toward the side of the stage. Both women silently packed up their instruments before filing directly forward and toward the doors. Noteworthy stood just behind them, booming voice offering words of enlightenment and encouragement, the silky voice incensed with utter pride in his players and their empowered playing on their long journey. Symphony tugged her fellow strings player toward a side wall and leaned against it, violin hanging loosely in her grasp. Octavia, too, leaned backward, large case resting gently against the polished wood floor, two sets of eyes watching with mild interest as the full faction of musicians filtered out the side doors.

Few stragglers remained before the two women pushed up from the wall and headed toward the double doors, easily falling in step as they were removed from the comfort of the venue. Shoes crunching on the asphalt of the parking lot, Symphony breathed out a puff of warm steam against the chilly, northern air, teal eyes focusing on the bus as they approached. A voice from behind them stopped the violinist in her tracks, a sudden burst of heat whipping up from her stomach to settle hotly in her chest. Octavia turned first, placid mulberry eyes igniting as she regarded the woman behind her.

"You've a lot of nerve showing up here--"

The words died on her tongue, quelled by the intensity in the brown eyes that stared, unabashedly, at the violinist. Symphony stood, rigid, back still to the enigmatic presence. The driver of the bus approached and nodded to the lavender-haired musician before carefully taking the hardcase from her harsh grip. Her bare hands, licked painfully by the bitter cold, clenched before she turned suddenly, fiery teal eyes zeroing in on the body that stood just steps away, shoulders drooped in defeat. Octavia inhaled sharply as she felt the electricity pass between the two, her own eyes dropping as she side-stepped toward the man that held his hand out for her instrument.

Octavia turned back and took a half-step toward the still-rigid Symphony, her own numb fingers lifting carefully to drop gently on a squared shoulder. The violinist stepped forward and away from the touch, orbs trained on the clearly submissive woman that still waited to be acknowledged. Slitting her eyes, Symphony again stepped forward, breath escaping in ragged bursts as she attempted to control the embattled emotions powering through her chest. A smile, small and tentative, greeted the violinist, though the eyes of the woman captured a harrowing sadness that seemed to be etched within her very soul itself.

Nodding carefully, the familiar figure took a half step forward, hands flexing absently at her sides.

"Hello, Symphony."

Teal eyes blinked closed as the normally soothing voice carefully crafted her name into a sweet caress, lasting only moments before the bitter reality of their final meeting came crashing down upon her shoulders, instantly igniting a long buried pain from deep within her. Almost at a snarl, Symphony practically ground out the name she promised herself she would never utter again.

"Spitfire."

Octavia hovered, unsure, just behind the violinist, torn between tugging the woman away and crashing between them and screaming at the Wonderbolts' Captain for even thinking about hurting her friend. Spitfire cleared her throat before focusing her bright brown eyes on the infuriated violinist just before her.

"I came to see you... Can we talk?"

Almost feeding the fire burning in her gut, Octavia stepped up beside Symphony, eyes flashing in the low light of the moon hanging heavy above them.

"You most certainly cannot--"

Symphony held her hand up, effectively silencing the venomous words before they could escape. Eyes trained on the flyer, Symphony spoke softly.

"I'll see you back at the hotel, Octavia."

Silenced, the cellist turned toward her friend, amethyst eyes swirling with blatant shock.

"You can't be--"

Finally tearing her eyes from the Captain, Symphony turned and nodded, eyes offering no room for argument.

"Go."

Swallowing gently, Octavia merely nodded before tossing a spiteful look to the flame-haired woman before finally turning to board the still-waiting bus. From her seat at the window, the raven-haired player watched sharply as the smartly-dressed Wonderbolt followed just behind Symphony; Octavia closed her eyes, an unknown sensation fluttering up from her belly.

Symphony quietly entered the hotel room hours later, suit jacket casually tossed over the crook of one elbow. The light was still on, alerting her to the fact that the cellist had stubbornly awaited her return. Passing through the small entry way, Symphony came into the room, teal eyes trained on the other player as she sat, curled up in bed, eyes glassy with thought. Mulberry eyes snapped up and focused on the violinist, a silent moment stretching between them as they regarded one another. Octavia carefully studied the other woman's demeanor, conflicted over how relaxed she seemed to be, considering her previous company.

Clearing her throat, Symphony edged toward her bed and tossed the jacket carelessly across the foot before lifting her fingers to begin undoing the buttons to her undershirt. Leaving the shirt on but open, the violinist sat at the edge of her bed and unlaced her shoes before absently kicking them off and stood once more, hands moving to run slowly down her face. Octavia, from her position just to the side of the strings player, coughed gently, drawing the sight of her friend. Holding the guarded gaze, Octavia frowned.

"So are the two of you back together now?"

Symphony sighed before shrugging out of her shirt and threw it to lie across her suit coat, body shifting around to center on the other woman. Mulberry eyes casually scanned the new, soft bruising on the violinist's body, eyes staring unwavering at the large mark just above the flag of the reverse purple eighth note that adorned the violinist's hip. Flicking her eyes back up, the cellist frowned and tossed the pillow that had been curled into her arms onto the bed before standing to face her companion.

Symphony pinned her with an intense look, teal eyes dancing with a menagerie of emotions, each one swirling dangerously in the dark orbs.

"We worked some things out, yes."

"So that's just it? She hurts you, leaves for months, and now you're just fine?"

Symphony scoffed and turned toward her suitcase before rifling through it for clothes to change into. Snatching a towel, she pivoted to glare at the cellist.

"You know, Octavia, I don't need-- I'm getting a shower and then I'm going to bed."

She headed toward the room but faltered as Octavia's own ire festered in her words.

"We're not finished."

Pausing, she half turned her face before shaking her head and entered the room, sure to slam the door for effect. Octavia grumbled before plopping back down on her bed, brows drawn tight on her forehead. She crossed her arms and settled on the edge of the bed to wait, foot bobbing absently as a foreign anger continued its rampant stampede through her head. Eventually, she heard the water shut off, and not long after, a dressed and irritated Symphony waltzed back into the room. Throwing a mild scowl toward the cellist, she launched the towel toward a chair in the room before spinning back around, hands at her hips.

"Are you really going to be a bitch about this? Last I checked, Spitfire was my problem."

Octavia pushed to her feet and closed the distance between them, suddenly toe to toe with the strings player.

"It becomes my business when I have to pick up my heartbroken friend from a very dark place. Spitfire kissed Fleetfoot, didn't talk to you about it, left for months, and didn't speak to you the whole time she was gone. So yes, excuse me for being irritated that you'd so easily fall back into things with her after what she did to you."

Symphony curled her tongue over her top lip before shaking her head, teal eyes softening slightly at the words as they tumbled out. Still, she shook off the feeling and stared solely at her friend as they stood facing one another.

"You know, sometimes when you love someone, you're willing to forgive more than you ever thought possible."

Her voice was barely a whisper, tempered by a wistful remembrance and still lingering feeling of completion from just a few hours prior. Octavia shook her head and turned to begin pacing as her mind began to race. A deep frown stretched across her face before she shifted to half-look at the violinist.

"You're still in love with her... even after all she's done?"

Symphony smiled, a light sparkling in her teal eyes as she walked over to the cellist.

"Yeah. We talked when we got back to the hotel. Screamed at each other, actually. For a while. I wanted nothing more than to beat her into oblivion for being such an arrogant asshole. But in all that screaming, somehow we found the words we needed to say, needed to hear. She cried. She bared everything, opened herself up to me, to choose whatever path was best for me. I floated there for a moment, but then I realized that things are better with Spitfire than without her. So I let it go."

"...just like that?"

"That's love, Melody. Forgiving and forgetting. Growing, changing-- It's all about how you come through it all that defines you. Nobody on this planet it perfect."

The words echoed through the cellist as she stood, jaw slack at the easy simplicity of the words. An uneasiness festered deep within her, a pulsing agony crashing over her as a jumbled mass of thoughts spiraled through her conflicted brain. Symphony narrowed her eyes as she watched the cellist's face change so suddenly, a familiar unhappiness filtering through her psyche as she recalled her earlier promise.

"Okay, Octavia. You said you wanted to talk to me tonight... What about? How you've been treating Vinyl? Because I'd really like to talk about that."

The cellist's face morphed instantly at the presumptuous words, a strange, white-hot anger exploding across her synapses.

"Would you get off this subject? I told you before--"

"Yeah, that you're just fine. Then how come you're being such a bitch? I saw the two of you that night in New York three weeks ago, you were almost like ice. That's not you."

Crossing her arms across her chest, Octavia practically hissed at her fellow strings player.

"Maybe you don't know me as well as you believe, Symphony."

Tilting her head, Symphony frowned deeply before pursing her lips and stepped forward.

"I do know you. And you've been acting off for this whole damn trip, and even the week before. Something happened, and that something has to do with Vinyl. Now what aren't you telling me?"

The mumbled words caught in her throat as Octavia made a quick dash for her bag. Clawing through it, she produced a nondescript manila folder and angrily tossed it on her bed. Symphony looked at the object before looking back up at Octavia, teal eyes swimming with irritation. Octavia took two steps forward as she pointed at the folder, amethyst eyes almost black with a crippling displeasure.

"When were either one of you going to tell me that Vinyl is basically a violent criminal?"

Symphony reacted to the words, eyebrows spiking in instant concern.

"What the hell are you talking about, violent--"

She was cut off as the cellist hefted the folder and thrust it into the violinist's hands. Grunting, the lavender-haired player dropped her eyes to the folder and opened it, instantly greeted by a familiar mugshot. Vision blurring as an innate fury started to erupt in her stomach, she casually flipped through the pages in the folder, face warping further the more she continued. Once finished, Symphony slammed the folder back onto the bed and focused her sights on the equally enraged cellist, head shaking in disbelief.

"You've been avoiding Vinyl because of this bullshit fucking police report? Really?"

"Bullshit?? Look at it! It's dated and stamped with the Canterlot Police badge, how can you even pretend that this isn't a very real thing?"

"Because it's a goddamn lie!"

Octavia scooped up the folder and thumbed through it before extracting the mugshot. Snapping it at the violinist, she scowled harshly, teeth gnashing together.

"Look at this picture. You mean to tell me that she didn't get into a fight with those men? That the bruises on her knuckles aren't from pummeling a woman for calling her a dyke? That the damn bandages on her hand aren't from assaulting someone while in a drunken, drug-induced stupor? You and I must be looking at a different photograph."

Symphony tore the picture from her hands before tossing it angrily over her shoulder.

"She got into a fight that night, but this picture is from her fight with Spitfire! Are you really trying to preach this ridiculousness to me? I know Vinyl, I've been with Vinyl for many, many years, and she never once got into any sort of fight that this report dictates. It's a fucking forgery."

"Stop protecting her. I read this report! I know what I know, Symphony. You don't need to keep up the charade any longer. She lied to me, plain and simple. About that night, about school, about herself. Everything. I don't need that in my life! So yes, I brushed her off. She can't take a damn hint as it is!"

The lavender-haired player growled as her hands began to flex at her sides, barely controlling her urge to scream at the cellist. Octavia clicked her tongue before again approaching her bag. Pulling out what she sought, she spun before casually tossing the object at the violinist. Once caught, Symphony passed her eyes downward, jaw tightening as she read the front cover. Octavia stood stock still, foot tapping as she chewed her bottom lip.

"My father stopped this story from running. It would have ruined my life, my career. I will not be seen as some abomination like this... with her. And because of Vinyl and her less than stellar past, I now have Stella Artois breathing down my neck every second, waiting for me to slip up and give her something to upstage me and claim my seat. I don't need someone like her destroying everything I've worked for."

Tossing the magazine on the bed, Symphony exhaled sharply before licking her lips.

"Abomination? Fuck you, Octavia."

Symphony flexed her fists, far beyond any normal level of manageable rage. She breathed slowly out her nose as she attempted to combat the violent fury that threatened to spill forth. She opened her mouth to speak again before Octavia cut her off.

"You're the 'Strings player' that Vinyl dated, aren't you?"

A curt nod was the only response. An uncomfortable silence stretched between them for long minutes before Octavia scoffed and tossed her hand up at the woman.

"I can't even believe this. You're just the same as she is. A liar. A manipulator. What, did you just think that I would go along with this forever? My mother was correct in her assumption about Vinyl. I should have listened to her when I had the chance, maybe then I wouldn't be in such an uncomfortable place. I mean, that... thing got so close to me so quickly."

Symphony finally broke, a stream of curse words escaping her as she barely controlled the urge to physically attack the cellist.

"I cannot even believe you're fucking saying this garbage. But fine. You want to be in your own little bubble of skewed reality, do whatever you feel is necessary."

Symphony finally broke contact and turned, bending to collect her things. Octavia grumbled behind her, mulberry eyes never leaving the violinist as she quickly packed her bags. Gathering both large cases, she walked toward the door before stopping just short. Digging through the purse on her elbow, she pulled out the card key and tossed it on the side table. Pinning the cellist with a poignant stare, she shook her head.

"The only one damaging your career is you, at this point. Without Vinyl, you'd still be at home, complaining about a simple party girl from the plains forcing you to play the Pokey. You're just lying to your fucking self, Octavia. If you really believed half of what the fuck you just spewed at me, you wouldn't have that look on your goddamn face. I'll see you back in Canterlot, four days from now, when I'm forced to share the stage with a bitch like you in the name of Camille Violoncelle. Good night."

Symphony quickly exited, half-slamming the door behind her. Octavia burst into tears in that moment, a dark agony filling her chest as bitter confusion spiraled out of control. She curled up in the bed and cried herself to sleep, lights blazing.

Vinyl absently wrung her hands, feet anxiously pacing the wooden floor of the apartment. Spitfire, from her sprawled position on the couch, lifted her head to regard the nervous jockey.

"Hey, Pon, would you sit the hell down? Symph'll be ready in a minute and then we can all get going. You'll do fine tonight."

Vinyl flashed a quick smile before dropping back into her thoughts. Symphony entered the room a moment later, dressed in the familiar performance suit, offset by a purple tie instead of the traditional black. Offering a small smile to the fidgety DJ, Symphony moved forward to wrap the woman in a hug.

"Relax, Vinyl. You'll be perfect."

Pulling away, she straightened the jockey's suit coat and fluffed the emerald bowtie before holding her hand out for Spitfire, eyes never leaving the two-tone spinner.

"Let's head out."

The trio headed down toward the waiting limo before slipping quickly inside. The trip to the Castle was short and silent, each woman lost in her thoughts as they moved. Pulling up outside the mighty structure, Vinyl exited the backseat and waited patiently for the two to join her. Once inside, Symphony quickly kissed Spitfire before breaking apart to prepare herself for her performance. Vinyl smiled after the violinist before jerking her head toward the large doorway that led to the main hall.

Slipping past a group of milling debutantes, the two women approached their table. Record lifted steely gray eyes as the two women approached, face brightening with a pearly smile. Standing, he drew the two-tone DJ into a quick hug before firmly shaking hands with the Captain. Once settled, the tall man pinned the newcomers with a mischievous smile.

"Good evening, girls. How are you both doing?"

Spit leaned back in her chair and smirked before gently elbowing the jockey.

"I'm good, Rec. Glad to finally be home and back under Symph's scrutiny."

He smiled knowingly before regarding the quiet DJ.

"And how are you, Vinyl?"

"Good. Nervous. Irritated. Freaking out? I wish I could have found a goddamn replacement, but it was too late. And besides, I'm not immature enough to fire a cellist three days before the show because she said mean things about me."

Record's smile faltered as he tugged anxiously at his bowtie, eyebrows wrinkling his forehead.

"Hey, c'mon, kiddo. Don't let her ruin this, not tonight. Not when you're honoring Miss Violoncelle herself."

She smiled at the mention of Camille, carmine eyes dropping to the table as she picked absently at her napkin. Spitfire leaned forward and clasped a hand on the jockey's shoulder, brown eyes glowing with silent understanding. A familiar, chipper voice reached them in that moment, three pairs of eyes swiveling to focus on the sound; Vinyl smiled and stood as the pink-haired girl launched into her arms. Once Pinkie was placed back on her feet, the jockey turned her attention back to the five women that trailed, smile glowing.

"Hello, ladies. Thank you so much for coming."

Rarity sidled up to the jockey and pulled her in for a firm hug before pulling away.

"Oh, darling, we wouldn't miss it for the world."

Vinyl hugged each of the girls before leading them to their seats at the table just beside her own, a chorus of laughs echoing from the women as they talked. Dash pitched forward, arms crossing on the table as she leaned in.

"So you and the cellist get together yet or what?"

Crimson eyes darkened instantly at the mention of the woman, blue eyebrows bunching painfully on her forehead. Dash sat back at the reaction, cerise eyes shimmering with pained confusion. Flashing an unsteady smile, Vinyl flicked her eyes around the table at the women before clearing her throat.

"I don't talk much with Octavia these days."

Fluttershy frowned before cooing softly, small hand lifting to wrap around Vinyl's forearm as she leaned into her shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Vinyl."

Half-shrugging, she smiled down at the meek girl before patting the hand planted firmly on her arm.

"Not a big deal. Well, actually... Anyway. Seriously, thanks for coming, guys. It means a lot to me."

Twilight offered a sad smile as she nodded.

"Nothing was stopping us from coming."

Applejack bobbed her head in agreement as she leaned back in her seat, arm moving up to encircle Rarity's chair. The women sat chatting for a time before Vinyl excused herself back to her own table. Lyra and Bonbon entered the massive hall not long after and made quick work of the audience before reaching their table. Bonbon slid into the empty chair beside Record, soft smile etched across her face. Lyra bent to wrap her arms around the emotionally tense Vinyl, the familiar touch drawing a violent shudder as the jockey lifted her hands to grasp at the arms. Lyra then sat down in the seat between Bonbon and Vinyl before grabbing the jockey's limp hand and threaded their fingers together.

With her free hand, Vinyl slid her glasses over her eyes and leaned toward the lyrist, a shaky breath escaping her as she settled. The hall began to fill up quickly as Record excused himself to make his rounds. Vinyl collapsed in her seat, the stress beginning to take hold. Beauty Brass quietly approached and offered a friendly squeeze to the jockey before she took her place beside the Wonderbolts' Captain. The flame-haired pilot leaned back and wrapped her arm around the jockey's chair, light brown eyes offering sympathy to the quiet musician.

Symphony entered the preparation area, face neutral as she scanned the few faces before stepping forward. Staff Notation, a young violinist recently added to the Orchestra's roster, smiled and approached his section leader.

"Hello, Symphony. How are you this evening?"

"Fine, Staff, thank you. Are you nervous?"

"Nervous? Are you kidding? It's such an honor to perform at this event. I never got the chance to see Mademoiselle Violoncelle perform, but I've heard her music. It's simply awe-inspiring."

"Much agreed. Tell me, have you seen Octavia yet?"

"She came in just a few minutes ago, I think she's in the powder room. What happened between you two the other night?"

Symphony waved off the question before excusing herself to prep her violin. A shadowed door opened as the cellist reentered the room, her mulberry eyes darkened by a residual sadness. Noticing the violinist, she slowly approached.

"Symphony..."

Tossing a look over her shoulder, Symphony scoffed before adjusting a string on her violin. Not to be outdone, Octavia walked around the violinist and stood just before her, expression grave as she watched the other strings player. Parish, from just a few feet away, watched with guarded interest, his sharp emerald eyes flicking between the women as they stood in tense silence. Octavia cleared her throat, shoulders dropping just slightly.

"Symphony, can we talk for a minute? Please?"

Sighing deeply, the violinist carefully placed her instrument back in its case before grabbing the cellist's hand and led her off. Chancing a quick glance to Parish, Symphony nodded stiffly before disappearing out a side door. Once clear of the room, Octavia turned quickly, body trembling just slightly as she locked eyes with the agitated Symphony. Fighting back a strong wave of emotion, Octavia swallowed roughly.

"Symphony, I'm sorry."

"For what exactly?"

"For... I checked out the police report--"

"For Luna's sake, Octavia! You really were so dead set on that being the truth that you refused to believe both of us? You're a joke, you know--"

"Stop. I had to be sure. The report... it was a fake. I talked to the Officer that arrested both Vinyl and Spit that night. He confirmed that it was just a fight and that neither one of them pressed charges. The report and the photos are still part of records at the station. I just--"

"Just what? Wanted something so badly that you believed a bold-faced lie? Told to you by a notoriously manipulative woman that just so happens to be your mother? What did you gain from this, from hurting Vinyl? From hurting me? I hope it was worth it."

She moved to step around the cellist but was stopped by a firm hand on her upper arm. Quelling her boiling rage, Symphony turned back toward the raven-haired musician.

"Symphony... I'm sorry. I'm just so sorry. I just... I didn't know what to... I'm so lost and confused and it was just easier to--"

"It's easy to hurt someone, it protects that which you hold dear. You're so caught up in not getting hurt that you've gone and emotionally destroyed other people in your quest. For what? Look at you now. I told Vinyl what you said to Stella that day at practice. You don't have to worry about protecting yourself from her anymore."

Octavia began to shake violently, tears silently spilling forward. Releasing her hold on the violinist, she stood awkwardly, hands balling at her sides.

"I didn't mean for this to happen."

Shrugging, Symphony headed toward the door and turned the knob. Before pulling on the heavy door, she turned to regard Octavia once more.

"Clean yourself up. We have to be on stage in five minutes, get ready."

As the four musicians continued to play on the stage, the lights began to lower to a soft, ethereal glow. The many tables, lined with eager, yet respectful attendees quieted quickly as Record took the stage. Approaching the microphone, the tall man smiled towards the room, gray eyes swimming with emotion.

"Thank you all for coming this evening. I'm very proud to be up on this stage tonight as we honor the memory of my wife and of all those that have been touched by this disease. Camille Violoncelle was only 40 years young when she succumbed to an aggressive brain tumor... I've had the privilege of speaking with countless families changed forever by cancer's unforgiving hand. My daughter and I started this Foundation in honor of Camille and the millions of people affected by this disease. This year alone we've managed to raise over three million dollars, all in the name of finding an end to the suffering. Please, enjoy this evening and revel in the fact that, slowly, we are making a difference."

The massive group of people applauded the man as he gracefully exited the stage. The musicians still on the stage picked up their playing once again. Numerous others approached the stage for speeches or relations as the event moved smoothly along. Vinyl fidgeted in her seat, fingers absently playing with a fork as one of the Chairmen from the Board continued with his speech about their recent breakthroughs. Record, after reclaiming his seat, eventually focused his attention back on the jockey as she sat, surrounded, by her most passionate supporters. Leaning forward, he absently tugged the fork from her hand and clasped it firmly in his own. Smiling, he squeezed the chilled hand and chuckled.

"I'm so proud of you, Vinyl."

Flashing an uneven smile, the jockey's focus snapped to the stage as the soft music floated gently over her. Nodding her head, she extracted her hand and stood before weaving through the many tables and disappeared through a small, hidden door. Symphony and the remaining musicians ceased their playing and quietly exited the stage before a spotlight illuminated the stage. Octavia deftly made it back to her assigned table and sat down, hands still trembling as she fluffed her napkin and tucked it on her lap. Mulberry eyes watched, intrigued, as Parish quickly joined Beauty at her table. Scanning the other occupants of the table, Octavia passed over the empty seat between Lyra and Spitfire, knowing Vinyl had been the body in the seat.

Again scanning the table, she focused on the empty chair beside Spit, wondering where Symphony had gone after they vacated the stage. After the food was served, the large hall became filled with sounds of absent chatter and clinking silverware as the meal wound down before a resounding echo of footsteps bounced around the interior. All eyes slowly shifted toward the stage and the still empty spotlight as a familiar, suited body suddenly stepped into the circle of light. Octavia focused on the suit, eyes widening in wonder as she felt her body flush with emotion. Vinyl Scratch slowly approached the microphone, her normal black suit replaced by a perfectly tailored performance tuxedo, a trademark emerald bowtie wrapped snugly around her neck. Lifting a hand to her mouth, Octavia choked back a sob as she focused on the violet lenses of the DJ.

The lights came back up slowly as the spotlight dimmed just slightly, allowing the jockey to clear her throat. The audience sat quietly, watching in silent interest as the woman smiled gently.

"Good evening, everyone. I know some of you are still finishing your meal, but I'd like to take this time to say just a few words."

Taking a moment, Vinyl casually waited for a single player to settle on the stage behind her before turning her attention back to the audience.

"Most of you in this room have no idea who I am. Some of you may have seen me around town, and even fewer of you know my name. My name is Vinyl Scratch, and... Camille Violoncelle was my mother."

A collection of gasps reached the jockey as she removed her violet shades, the all too familiar crimson eyes suddenly in full view. Smiling sadly, she leaned into the microphone.

"I was 17 when my mom died, just a few days before I was to graduate with Honors from Lenoir's Academy. I have never... never felt a distinct sadness or emptiness before or since that moment when I watched her slip away those five years ago. I came up with this idea for a charity in her honor months after her passing. My dad-- you all know him, your own Mr. Record Scratch-- was elated at the idea. And so we did. And I've watched it grow into a real powerhouse for good. This year, our attendance numbers have blown last year clear out of the water."

A happy murmur tumbled through the crowd at the news, earning a quickly growing applause. Vinyl chuckled before waving her hand to settle the crowd.

"I really just want to thank all of you guys. Your devotion and dedication to both this charity and my mom's memory make it that much easier to get through missing her. I've never spoken at this event before, and I've always just watched from the wings... But recently, I've found my voice, and if it's okay with you all, I'd like to sing tonight. For my mom, for all those people that have lost a loved one... and for my dad."

A quiet round of applause gently urged the musician forward, their silent support spurring her confidence as she faded from the spotlight and approached the large piano sitting patiently on the stage. Cracking her knuckles, she began to play, the hidden strings player quietly waiting to be counted in at the right moment.

"Playground school bell rings again..."

Octavia fought hard to stop the strangled cry that threatened to spill forth as the jockey's infinitely sad voice poured over her.

"Rainclouds come to play... again..."

Octavia stifled yet another sob as Vinyl continued to sing, hands trembling violently as the tears kept coming.

"Has no one told you she's not breathing? Hello, I am your mind, giving you someone to talk to. Hello."

Symphony grasped Spitfire's hand as her own tears started to fall.

"If I smile and don't believe... soon I know I'll awake from this dream."

Record absently cleared his throat as Vinyl continued, eyes watering.

"Don't try to fix me, I'm not broken. Hello, I am the lie, living for you so you can hide. Don't cry."

The strings player was suddenly encased in soft light as she began her solo, large cello hiding the minute creature as she played. Octavia finally let the tears fall as she broke down, drawing concerned looks from her tablemates as she cried into her hands.

"Suddenly I know I'm not sleeping. Hello, I'm still here. All that's left of yesterday."

As Vinyl reached her high note, Lyra broke into her own fit of tears as she clung almost painfully to Bonbon's hand. Octavia merely covered her face with her napkin as she lost the fight against her already flowing tears, the white-hot streams burning her skin where they fell. As Vinyl finished the last few notes of her song, she released a shaky breath and settled behind the piano before casting a thankful look toward her young companion. The normally reserved elite suddenly began an uproarious applause, each member of the black-tie affair standing to passionately applaud the pianist. Standing on shaky legs, Vinyl motioned for the young cellist to come forward before they took a small bow.

Vinyl approached the microphone and absently sniffled, the subdued tears in her eyes clinging dangerously to full lashes as she smiled.

"Thank you, everyone. Enjoy the rest of the evening."

Exiting graciously, Vinyl quickly passed through the many tables and exited out a rear door. Octavia scrambled to her feet and followed, spurned by a burning need to comfort the musician. Symphony absently blew her nose as the tears continued to fall; Lyra cast a look over her shoulder, red-rimmed golden eyes looking carefully at the door before turning back toward the table.

Octavia slipped through the crowd, unnoticed, as she all but crashed through the door. Making a turn around a marbled corner, she stopped dead as she noticed Vinyl, hands flat against the wall as she struggled with the tears threatening to tear her apart. Spinning at the small noise, Vinyl whirled around, face instantly souring as she took in the sight of the cellist.

"I'm not in the fucking mood for you right now, Melody, back off."

Inhaling deeply, Octavia took a few steps forward before exhaling, a muffled sob escaping with her breath.

"Vinyl, I..."

"You what? You really want to come kick me while I'm down?"

"No, just the opposite. I--"

Vinyl growled and stood up straight, red eyes glowing with a soul-scorching bitterness.

"I don't give a damn what you have to say. I get that you just wanted to fucking get rid of me, but you could have done the adult thing and just fucking talked to me! I know what the hell you said to Artois, that I was just the best of a bad situation. Well, thanks, Melody. Glad I could get you off your ass and back into the fucking spotlight."

Octavia absently waved her hands, brain failing to articulate what her mouth so desperately needed to say. She sniffled and coughed back another whimper before she stepped closer to the DJ.

"Vinyl, I-I'm so--"

"Sorry? Fuck your apologies. Fuck your stupid cello and fuck your lame, meaningless words. I have never been more open with an almost perfect stranger than I was with you that night in the Harwan. The drugs, the booze, the emotional goddamn pain-- I shared everything with you because I trusted you, I thought you were different. You're just as closed-minded as everyone else. Yes, I'm a lesbian. I fuck women and I love it. I'm good at it. I'm sorry I'm not fucking perfect like you."

Octavia huffed out a breath and stepped up to Vinyl, amethyst eyes flashing behind the tears that still fell.

"I didn't follow you back here to get into a fight with you, I wanted to come the hell back here to explain--"

Vinyl ground her teeth together before pinning the woman with an icy stare.

"Explain why it was so easy for you to blow me the fuck off? To believe some bullshit lie fed to you by some snake of a fucking mother? She hates my guts because I could taint her little girl and because I simply exist. Be fucking honest for once in your goddamn life. That is, if you can find time in your shallow existence to actually care about somebody other than yourself."

Octavia closed the small space between them to stand almost nose to nose with the pianist, her emotional disillusions finally exploding into a mindless response.

"At least I have a mother!"

The words escaped before she could stop them, her hand instantly flying to her mouth in shock as the words sunk into Vinyl. Clenching her jaw, the jockey ignored the tears that suddenly fell, her crimson eyes turning over in pain. Octavia put her hands up and stepped toward Vinyl, mulberry eyes watering again as the tears fell harder.

"Vinyl, please, I didn't mean--"

"No. It's fine. You're right. Though at this point, I'd prefer to have my mother six feet under than be anything like yours. Enjoy your misery, Mel. You fucking earned it."

Turning, Vinyl stormed toward an exit and kicked the door, splintering it before she disappeared into the darkness. Octavia tangled her hands in her hair and slid to the floor, sobs breaking free from her chest as her cries renewed with vigor. Minutes later saw Symphony bursting through the doors, her teal eyes frantically searching. Finding the cellist instead of her intended target, she cautiously stepped toward the other woman.

Sensing a presence, Octavia snapped her head up, small cry escaping parted lips as she stared blankly at Symphony.

"Strings... I've made a terrible mistake."

Frowning, Symphony gathered the cellist by her arms and lifted her to her feet.

"What do you mean you made a mistake?"

Octavia shook her head violently, small sobs escaping as she stumbled, knees weak.

"I-I got into an argument with Vinyl and she stormed out of here. Oh, Celestia, I just wanted to talk to her, to comfort her! I didn't mean for this to happen. I wanted to apologize. I was wrong. So so wrong about everything."

"What the hell happened? Where is she? What did you say!?"

Octavia began to cry again in earnest, words caught in her throat as she began to shake. Symphony sat her back down and crouched before her, an intense worry building in her chest.

"What happened, Octavia?"

"We-we argued about my ignoring her a-and my naive want to believe even the most incredible of lies. And oh, she mentioned my sadistic mother, and I just... Oh, Symphony. I said 'At least I have a mother.'"

Symphony's mouth fell open in shock, teal eyes widening at the unfounded comment.

"You... what? You actually said those words to Vinyl? Tonight? Of all nights!?"

"Yes."

Symphony sprung to her feet and began to pace, hands tangling in the soft, lavender hair. Pinning the cellist with a wild look, she violently shook her head.

"Vinyl's in no emotional condition to have to deal with that extremely emotional performance and then you bursting back here all off-kilter and throwing the fact that she's motherless in her face. I'm so beyond furious with you, I could fucking scream!!"

"It was an accident! I wanted to come back here to try and fix this nonsense that I've caused, but she just kept harping on me for being soulless and self-centered and shallow and close-minded, that I just snapped. I've been under emotional stress, too! I'm sorry, I really am truly so damn sorry that I can't even stand myself right now."

Symphony cursed under her breath before extracting her phone. Quickly typing out a text, she sent it and waited impatiently, unbelieving teal eyes focused on the cellist while she waited. Footsteps soon greeted the women before three familiar faces came bursting into the hall. Lyra approached Symphony first, molten gold eyes focusing harshly on the violinist.

"What the hell happened?"

Symphony motioned to the emotionally unbalanced cellist as she continued to sit on the floor, eyes overflowing with hot tears. Shaking, the lyrist grasped the violinist's upper arms and gently shook her.

"What is it?"

Beauty and Parish suddenly crept through the door, concern etched across their faces. Lyra flicked her eyes to the pair before spinning to pin Octavia to her spot on the floor. Taking a few steps forward, she knelt to one knee before the cellist, eyes flickering between fear and frustration.

"Tell me that the hell happened before I completely lose my shit on you, Melody."

Sniffling, Octavia lifted her eyes to meet Lyra's heated gaze.

"I told Vinyl that... at least I had a mother."

The words sent Lyra into a downward spiral, surprising tears bursting forth.

"You did--"

Standing, she let out a controlled scream before heading toward the door that Vinyl left through almost twenty minutes ago. Turning just before heading out, Lyra shot a deathly glare at the cellist.

"If anything happens to Vinyl, it's on your fucking hands."

The lyrist then disappeared into the darkness. Spitfire was just at her back, quickly slipping into the night to help look for the jockey. Bonbon and Parish quickly moved around the cellist before escaping as well. Symphony walked slowly to stand beside the cellist before look down at her, teal eyes swarming.

"I can forgive a great deal of bullshit... But you've gone too goddamn far, even in anger. Vinyl's one of the most sensitive people I've ever friggin' met. And with you being so cold toward her, and then just spitting out probably the most singularly heartbreaking thing you could have tonight... I'm not surprised that she broke. You don't deserve her."

Symphony walked toward the doorway and slipped through it, never chancing a look back. Octavia sat there, dumbfounded for a moment, mulberry eyes staring blankly at the dark exit. Beauty moved to the cellist and gently pulled her to her feet. Octavia looked over at the sousaphonist, eyes haunted.

"Beauty... I really messed up, didn't I?"

Holding the gaze for a moment, Beauty sighed and closed her eyes, nodding gently. Octavia shuddered as another sob exploded from her chest. Turning to shakily grab the brunette's arms, Octavia curled her lip inward, haunted eyes fluttering closed as her eyebrows twitched together.

"Brass... I think I've fallen in love with Vinyl Scratch."

Lyra cursed brilliantly, almost failing to quell the tears that threatened to fall. They had been in the city for over an hour searching for the jockey and had simply turned up empty. Sliding her hands through her hair again, she pulled out her cellphone.

Any luck?

She slipped the phone into her breast pocket as she came upon the Harwan for the second time that night. Her phone buzzed as she pulled it back out before opening the text from Bonbon.

Nothing so far. Spit's gone to Bone's. We'll find her, love, I promise.

Lyra forced back the cold fear that she felt building. Her mind had transported her back all those years ago, to the moment she found her friend almost bleeding out in an alley. Failing to suppress the shudder that accompanied the thought, Lyra approached the front doors again and tugged, surprised when the handle finally gave way. Plowing through the doors, she sped through the foyer and past the doors at the top of the main hall. Stopping just beside some seats, she felt a familiar drop in her stomach as she took in the sight of the jockey slouched over the piano. The jockey's faint sobs echoed eerily around the lyrist, further spurring her toward her friend.

Taking the aisle in long strides, Lyra quickly faded to the right toward the stairwell before climbing and headed toward the stage. Stopping at the cusp of light, Lyra swallowed hard before slowly approaching the jockey.

Lifting her head from her crossed arms, Vinyl coughed as she blindly reached for the lyrist, tears blurring her vision. Stumbling forward, Lyra straddled the bench and pulled the pianist into her arms, her own tears finally bursting free as she cradled the sobbing jockey. For long minutes they simply sat as the jockey cried before finally pulling away, bloodshot crimson eyes looking longingly at her best friend. Catching the deep suffering in the golden orbs, Vinyl frowned before squeezing the lyrist's hand.

"I-I'm so sorry, Lyr. I didn't mean for you t-to worry again."

Lyra blew out a breath as she whimpered before pulling Vinyl back into her arms. She squeezed the jockey hard before pulling away again, finally looking over the DJ's appearance. Her suit coat had been tossed onto the stage, her white sleeves sloppily rolled up to her elbows. Scanning the woman's body, the golden eyes stumbled upon the jockey's bloody forearm. Slowly pulling the arm forward, Lyra flicked confused eyes up to the raw crimson gaze that watched her.

"Oh, I uh... I accidently put my hand through a window."

Lyra shook her head, the old memories still a fresh burn in her chest. Lyra shook her head and dropped the woman's arm before lifting her own hands to cradle the spinner's tear-splattered face.

"God, Vinyl, you fucking scared the life out of me."

Weeping softly, Vinyl offered a small smile before she was tucked back against the lyrist's chest as Lyra nuzzled the blue hair, eyes shut tight against the pain building in her chest.

"We have to get you to a hospital. Get your arm fixed up."

Vinyl shook her head gently, words muffled by Lyra's neck as she shifted her head upward. Trying again, she pulled back slightly and shook her head.

"I want to stay here for a bit longer."

Against her better judgment, she nodded before releasing Vinyl. Fishing free her cellphone, she dialed a number and put the receiver to her ear. A moment later, the call picked up.

"Hey, it's uh. I found her. We're at the Harwan."

"We'll be there in a flash."

The call disconnected as Lyra lifted her hands to again touch the jockey, silently reconnecting with woman's pulse. Vinyl whimpered softly before collapsing against the mint-haired player again, tears renewing in anguish. Lyra simply held her and hummed, hoping to calm them both from their rampant emotions. Breathing heavily, Vinyl forced out her words.

"I think I'm in love with Octavia."

Lyra slipped her eyes shut at the admission before squeezing the DJ harder and dropped a kiss on her temple, her inner turmoil thumping wildly in her gut.

"I know you are, kid."

"Why does it hurt so much?"

Heart shattering at the words, Lyra remained silent, though her grip on the jockey remained constant as the two-tone player continued to cry. A loud bang startled them both as the double doors at the top of the auditorium opened, admitting the search party into the haven. Barreling down the center aisle, Symphony quickly changed directions and flew up the side steps before bursting onto the stage. Rounding the piano, Symphony approached the huddled pair and threw her arms around them both.

"Oh my god, Vinyl, where the hell were you!?"

Holding back her tears, Symphony simply buried her face in the DJ's shoulder and attempted to settle her rapidly beating heart. Spit and the others entered the stage and stood, obviously relieved. Vinyl shook her head and scanned the faces of her closest friends, an overwhelming guilt washing over her.

"I'm so sorry, guys. I just... it was too much."

Symphony pulled back and lightly smacked the jockey's arm before tilting her head down. Catching sight of the bloodied arm, she gasped sharply, eyes cutting to stare into Vinyl's.

"What the hell happened!? You're still bleeding!! Heartstrings, why didn't you call an ambulance!?"

Lyra grunted and opened her mouth, but Vinyl shook her head.

"I put my hand through a window. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry everyone. I'm sorry. Bon, Spit, Parish?"

The three waved off the anguish, simply elated that the DJ was safe, albeit a little worse for wear. Stepping back, Symphony helped Lyra stand before they pulled Vinyl to her feet. Stooping to gather the jockey's coat, Symphony led the woman toward the side stairs. The small group headed toward the exit, stopping only to let Vinyl set the alarm before locking up. Once outside, Vinyl turned toward the small group, tear-stained face cracking into a small smile.

"Thanks for always looking out for me, guys."

The group nodded before Spitfire walked toward her waiting car and got in, starting the engine as the group piled in. Once situated and on their way to the hospital, Bonbon tilted forward and softly ruffled the two-tone hair.

"Hey, V. What happened to your phone?"

Sighing, Vinyl adjusted the coat wrapped around her arm and leaned tiredly back against the seat.

"It wanted to meet a wall. Sad to say, the wall was pretty abusive. Little guy never stood a chance."

The car ride was silent until Spit pulled up outside the emergency room doors. Vinyl staggered out of the passenger seat and fumbled before being steadied by Parish. She felt faint as she stumbled into the ER before being taken back behind the counters toward the rooms. Redheart entered the room not long after, blue eyes surveying the many, well-dressed occupants of the room; Vinyl unfurled the coat from her arm and offered it to the nurse. Passing her eyes to Lyra, the pink-haired nurse shook her head before focusing on the DJ.

"What are we going to do with you?"

Vinyl smiled sadly, red eyes freshly covered by the familiar lenses. Redheart shooed the people out of the room to allow her more breathing room to clean and dress the wounds. Lyra anxiously paced the hallway before stopping suddenly, eyes narrowing in thought; she turned to Parish, golden eyes dangerous.

"Par, find out where Octavia went. Beauty stayed with her, right?"

The harpist nodded before sliding his phone from his suit coat and dialed the number.

"Hello, darling."

"Hello, Parish. How is everything? Did you find her? Is she okay?"

"Yes, love. We're at the hospital now. She had a minor mishap with a window, but the nurse is taking care of it as we speak. Is Octavia still with you?"

"No, she went home. I'm on my way back to Vinyl's as we speak, so I hope to see you all soon."

"Right, darling, see you soon."

He ended the call and pivoted to focus on the lyrist.

"Octavia's gone home."

Nodding, she sneered and jerked her head toward Spitfire.

"Spit, let's go. We've got some things to take care of."

Spitfire was on her feet in an instant, only to be grabbed by the testy violinist.

"What are you going to do, murder Octavia? We can worry about this later. Right now, you two need to sit down and calm down. Vinyl is okay, remember? Granted, Octavia put her through far too much and is basically a gigantic target at this point, but getting the two of you arrested isn't good for anyone."

Bonbon, who had approached the player, bobbed her head in agreement.

"Symphony's correct. Both of you bursting in on Octavia can be better accepted at a later time. I want to focus on getting Vinyl home before anything else happens. Okay?"

Both women nodded begrudgingly before falling into a familiar pace. A short time later saw Vinyl exiting the back area and rounding the corner toward the front desk. Five pairs of eyes followed the woman before Lyra and Spit approached the desk, each one sliding in on either side of the jockey.

"You doing okay, Scratch?"

Smiling at the lyrist, she nodded before signing more of the paperwork. Redheart came around the corner, medication in hand.

"I gave you your shot, but here are your meds. Take it easy, okay? Let your muscles relax for a few days so you heal. Find that she does, okay, ladies? Good night."

Vinyl turned and stopped suddenly as she watched her father burst through the doors before stepping right up to her.

"Are you okay, kiddo?"

"Yeah, dad. Fine. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to freak you out."

"Doesn't matter. As long as you're safe?"

She nodded. Lyra glided up to the tall man, a small smile on her lips.

"Vinyl's staying with me and B for the night, so you don't have to worry."

Record smiled and nodded before ruffling his daughter's wild, two-tone hair.

"Take care of yourself. I love you, kid."

"Love you too, Dad."

The tall man quickly pulled her in for a small hug before releasing her. He turned, promising to visit tomorrow, before exiting the hospital. Vinyl led the small army toward the car outside before climbing numbly into the passenger seat. She relaxed as the engine kicked over, red eyes staring out the window as they started the journey toward home.

Author's Notes:

This chapter was written over like... three days. My brain may or may not melt out of my ears. I hope you enjoy this chapter? Seriously. Hurt is a four letter word, much like love. Winkitywinknudgitynudge. As always, forgive mistakes and spacing. I hate copying over from GDocs. Happy Saturday!