Vinyl watched with mild interest as the dimly lit buildings passed by her window, red eyes bloated with sadness. The car was deathly silent, the only noise echoing up from the engine as Spitfire piloted the borrowed SUV through the streets toward the Astoria. Pulling up smoothly, she unlocked the doors and cut the engine before climbing out into the chilly, late night air. Vinyl slammed the passenger door and sulked toward the entrance of her building, the mixed crew following quietly behind her. Parish skirted around the silent jockey and opened the door before allowing the other women into the building.

Beauty was on her feet the instant the jockey entered the lobby and quickly ushered forward to wrap the melancholy DJ in a tight embrace, violet eyes fluttering shut as she held the musician. Releasing her hold, she smiled sadly at the two-tone spinner before Spitfire walked forward to claim the despondent woman. Shaking off the contact, Vinyl simply nodded toward the brass player and continued on toward the elevators. The large group silently filed into the large car and stood patiently as they ascended upward. Reaching the intended floor, Vinyl easily exited and headed toward her apartment, her free hand searching blindly for her keys.

Lyra smiled and walked ahead of the DJ, hand absently waving the jockey's keys as she approached the door to the eccentric living space. Smoothly unlocking both locks, Lyra pushed on the door and led the group inside before absently strolling around the apartment to flick on the few lights scattered around the living space. Vinyl stepped into her place and sighed heavily before sinking hopelessly into the over-stuffed arm chair near the large couch. Parish and Beauty sat as well, the petite sousaphonist curling up on the man's lap as a heavy exhaustion settled over the room. Symphony and Spitfire entered the kitchen area simultaneously as they ambled around the area, more out of anxiousness than necessity.

Lyra sat down on the armrest of the recliner the jockey was currently curled in, golden eyes focusing wistfully on the down-turned head as Vinyl sat staring blankly at the bandages covering her hand and forearm. Bonbon gently brushed the lyrist's head as she passed before settling comfortably on the couch beside Parish and Beauty, blue eyes falling shut. Spitfire and Symphony entered the living space shortly thereafter, offering drinks before taking their seats, the violinist collapsing beside Bonbon before Spitfire settled on the floor before her.

There was a charged silence covering the room, the intensity drawing a small smile from the jockey as she finally lifted her head, visible red eyes scanning the many faces of her friends. Tossing a look up at the lyrist that was currently tucked in beside her, she turned her focus forward to address the small group.

"Guys, I'm okay. I'm not drunk, I'm not thinking of offing myself. Just... I really appreciate you all being here, but go home."

Lyra grunted in disapproval before throwing her arm across the back of the chair and leaned closer to the jockey. Beauty and Parish exchanged glances before ultimately standing. Beauty approached the two women and tugged at Vinyl's good arm, bringing her to her feet to hug her tightly.

"We love you, Vinyl. But I know you're safe here. Call us if anything changes, okay? Take care."

Vinyl nodded and squeezed the short woman with her good arm before turning soulful eyes to the harpist.

"Thanks, Par. Take Brass home, you guys deserve some rest."

The blue-haired man smiled and nodded and quickly hugged the DJ after Beauty released her before both bid their farewells. As the door clicked closed, Vinyl sank back in her chair and tossed a furtive glance to the three women near the couch.

Symphony smiled, her teal eyes tired but laced with heart-breaking understanding.

"Don't even think about it, Scratch. We're staying."

"You don't have to. Go home. Chill out. Go have crazy monkey sex and call it a night. You don't have to babysit me."

Spitfire snorted at the comment before flashing a dazzling smile.

"Who says we're not going to have sex on your couch after you go to bed?"

"You know the rules: No sexytime on the couch unless I'm present. And considering I'm down an arm, sex is totally out of the question."

Bonbon chuckled warmly at the words before rustling the pilot's fiery orange hair, drawing a playfully swat from the seated flyer.

"Vinyl's right. And besides, nobody here's sleeping tonight, sexual or otherwise."

Lyra watched the exchange in silence, golden eyes bouncing between Vinyl and Bonbon as they spoke. Bonbon lifted her face to her lover, sapphire eyes glowing with unhindered reverence for the lyrist. Stifling a yawn, Vinyl leaned back against Lyra's side and closed her eyes before grinding out her words.

"Seriously. Spit, Symph... go home. I don't want to keep you guys here and I don't want to be a pain in the ass. I just want to be alone to think or do whatever I need to. Okay?"

Chancing a look to her friends, Vinyl opened her eyes, pleading silently for the pair to leave. Spitfire opened her mouth to vehemently shoot down the words, but Symphony quickly slipped a soft hand downward to cover her mouth. Grinning at the DJ, the lavender-haired violinist nodded and climbed over Spit to stand. She strolled up to the jockey and sat across her lap before curling her arm around the musician's neck, pulling her close.

"I love you so much, Vinyl. If you want us to go, we'll go. But know this: I'll be here bright and early to drag your ass out of bed and make us breakfast. Spit, too. I'm not letting you disappear into yourself over this, okay? One day at a time, Pon-3."

"One day at a time."

Their eyes locked before Symphony squeezed the jockey in an air-stealing embrace before climbing off her lap. Red eyes shifting, Vinyl took in the sight of the visibly upset pilot as she finally stood, keys hanging loosely in her hand as she heftily warred with herself. Straightening, Spitfire exhaled loudly before urging forward, hands dropping to slide around the DJ's neck as she leaned down to hug her.

"Don't be a jerk, V. We'll see you tomorrow."

Pulling away, she smirked sadly and grasped Symphony's hand before slowly receding toward the door. Tossing a look back towards the musicians, the couple smiled and quietly exited. Vinyl was on her feet in the next instant, red eyes bouncing back and forth between the two remaining women.

"You guys, too. Bon, take Lyra home and keep her there. I'm okay. Really."

Running her good hand through her hair, Vinyl flashed an uneasy smile before heading toward the bathroom. Despairing gold eyes followed, the lyrist slowly stepping down from the armrest to stand uncomfortably beside the chair. Hearing a small noise from behind, Lyra spun and focused on Bonbon as she cautiously approached. An ache began to spread through the mint-haired player, adding to the growing grief already filtering through her body. Bonbon silently approached and slid her arms around her lover's neck, peaceful blue eyes offering quiet solace to the visibly shaken lyrist. Tilting her head, Lyra moved her hands to rest gently on curvy hips, a palpable sadness flowing from deep within her chest.

"I'm sorry, B."

Smiling, the confectioner shook her head before placing a chaste kiss on the pouting lips.

"Don't be. I'm going home. Stay and take care of her."

"I... You know I can't leave her. Please don't be mad."

Bonbon again smiled that same disarming smile before planting a firmer kiss on the anxious lips.

"I accepted your relationship with Vinyl a long time ago. I used to be so insanely jealous... but you're the best friend on the face of this planet, and I wouldn't change that about you for anything. It doesn't bother me anymore. The two of you have been through so much together, things I can only dream of understanding. Stay. Do what you do best, love."

Lyra bit back her tears, overcome at the simple words.

"I love you, Bon. So much. I'm so sorry."

The blue-eyed candy maker gently shushed the distraught woman before wrapping her snuggly in her arms. She mumbled soft words into the lyrist's neck as she helplessly struggled to contain her emotions. Pulling back slightly, Bonbon moved her hand up to tenderly wipe the few tears that had escaped the normally unflappable control.

"Just promise me you'll be home for breakfast, okay?"

Releasing a surprised chuckle, Lyra slid her hand behind the woman's neck and captured her lips in a soul scorching kiss before reluctantly pulling away. Pressing her forehead to Bonbon's, Lyra smirked.

"I'll make you toast that isn't burnt, and maybe even pour you some cereal that doesn't spill."

Bonbon chuckled quietly locking her eyes on the lyrist.

"You spoil me. I love you, I'll see you later."

Running her thumb over the soft cheekbones of her lover, Lyra smiled and detangled from the comforting embrace before placing one final kiss on the tender lips.

"I love you, too. Text me when you get home."

Bon nodded before collecting her things and easily slid out the door. Blowing the bangs from her eyes, Lyra shrugged out of her suit coat and tossed it over the back of the chair before heading in the direction of the bedroom. Pushing open the door, she focused on the simple lamp before fully entering the room. Vinyl still remained locked in the bathroom, sure to remain for just a while longer. Fishing through a familiar drawer, Lyra pulled out a pair of blue shorts and tossed them on the neatly made bed. Squirming out of her suit pants, she tossed the dark garments toward a nondescript corner, followed by her dress shirt and socks. Slipping into the shorts, Lyra slid beneath the covers of the bed and settled, arms crossed beneath her head

Vinyl entered the room not long after, red eyes swimming with unshed tears. She passed a strange look to the lyrist, hands moving to clamp at her hips in irritation.

"What are you still doing here?"

Lyra smirked and rolled to her side before propping herself up on her elbow.

"I'm your bed buddy for the night, sucker. Get used to it."

Ignoring the lyrist, Vinyl lifted her free hand to the lamp to click it off. Curling into the bed, Vinyl sighed deeply and forced her body to relax ever so slightly. Lyra shifted next to her as she resettled on her back, breathing even. Staring through the darkness, Vinyl lost herself to her thoughts, eyes tearing slightly as she lost focus. It was silent for a while, the lull almost pulling the mint-haired player into the forgiving arms of sleep. She heard Vinyl shudder, her focus instantly sharpening as the DJ licked her lips.

"You're not the person I wanted to be sharing a bed with this evening."

Lyra chuckled lowly and searched for the jockey's hand, happy when she finally found it. Squeezing the chilled fingers, Lyra turned her head, eyes adjusting to the low light of the room.

"Back at you, homo."

Vinyl smiled briefly before returning to her normal resting state. Lyra maintained their contact, thumb absently brushing small circles on the back of the jockey's non-bandaged hand. The pianist tightened her grip on the hand still in her grasp before suppressing a shiver.

"I want so much to hate her, Lyr."

The lyrist paused in her movements to focus on the words, the bitter turmoil in the solemn voice violently washing over her. Returning to her tracing of the DJ's hand, she sighed before responding.

"I know you do, V."

"I can't. I've tried. I just... I don't know how to feel or what to do or where to direct all of this hurt. Not even when I lost my mom did anything hurt this bad. I mean, who the hell does she think she is treating me like that? Being such a... a--"

"Prissy bitch?"

Vinyl smiled quickly before frowning once more, eyebrows furrowing in thought.

"I just want to forget how she makes me feel. I don't want to remember what that smile does to my knees or what her voice does to my senses. I want to just fucking forget that look in her eyes when she's happy or that sassy smirk she gives me when I say something completely out of the blue. How do I let that go?"

Lyra was silent for a while, weighing her thoughts.

"Do you want to see her?"

"Yes. No. I don't. But I do. But I can't. It just all really sucks."

Lyra rolled to her side and stilled the antsy musician with a soulful look.

"Yes was your first answer."

"I want to see her and scream at her and kiss her and do all sorts of things, but I can't. I can't. She's made it perfectly clear that I'm not worth her time. So I'll just have to find a way to make her not worth mine."

Lyra lifted her hand to gently brush away the wild blue bangs that hung low over the emotional red eyes, her lips twisting in thought.

"You love her too much to let her go."

The words were barely a whisper, but Vinyl snapped her head to the side at their presence, orbs locking painfully on the lyrist. Smiling, Lyra brought their hands up and placed a quick kiss on the bruised knuckles of her closest friend.

"Vinyl, I hate her so much right now that my blood boils. A deep, dark part of me wishes you had never met up with her that day. Call me cynical, but the heartbreak... Octavia's not the easiest person in the world. I didn't want to see you get hurt, but I also didn't want to stand in your way. I knew you'd fallen for her... at first sight, right?"

Vinyl offered a humorless smile, red eyes finally releasing the tears she tried so desperately to avoid.

"I was taken the second I saw that girl pacing the stage in her black spikes and ridiculously attractive pencil skirt."

"She's got great legs."

Lyra smiled wide, drawing a bemused chuckle from the silently crying jockey.

"You're a fucking nut, Heartstrings."

Nodding, Lyra shuffled forward and wrapped an arm across the DJ's stomach before tucking her head beneath the jockey's chin.

"I want you to know that I'm trained to kill on sight, you just give the word."

"I think I'd miss her too much. I miss her now. But I have to get over it. No point in worrying about something I have no control over, right? As much as it kills me..."

A heavy silence stretched on for a time, each player absorbed in thought. Eventually Lyra pulled back from the warmth of her companion and propped up on her elbow to look down at the jockey's tense face; Vinyl opened her eyes at the scrutiny before speaking.

"I told Octavia about that night in the alley."

A red-hot bolt of nostalgia crashed through Lyra at the memory, golden eyes squeezing closed at the image conjured at the simple words.

"I didn't know you were so open with her..."

"I sang for her."'

"She's not good enough for you."

"I love her."

Lyra bit her lip at the small confession, a heart-breaking tension suddenly filling her shoulders.

"I know. We'll find a way past this, V."

"I'm so fucking scared. I don't trust her not to hurt me anymore. I don't want to see her."

"I know. Don't think about it right now. Sleep, rest. Please."

Nodding, Vinyl closed her eyes for the final time before curling into the comforting embrace, the tears returning with fervor.

Octavia squinted her eyes at the bright ray of sunlight that crashed through her window and peaked over her couch. She had remained stretched on the expensive sofa for the entire night, never having lifted from her lying position. The normally bright, amethyst eyes were darkened and red, encircled by heavy bags of emotional exhaustion. The sun attempted to peek over the buildings as morning finally came, drawing a spiteful ire from the cellist. Sniffling, Octavia managed to roll off the sofa and fall to her knees beside it, heavy-lidded orbs absently scanning the room. Symphony hadn't returned any of her calls, and she was almost certain that Spitfire was lying in wait to slay her.

The cellist's mind wandered for a moment, tears still falling against her will, though long forgotten. A fiery annoyance began to fester and spread, sparring with the harrowing emptiness that currently encased her wounded soul. The anger gained a surprising amount of momentum, eventually pulling her to her feet. Clenching her fists, Octavia turned and headed in the direction of the bathroom.

Turning on the water, Octavia stripped out of her rumpled performance tuxedo and angrily threw it in the hamper before stepping into the tepid water. Jaw clenched, she powered through the shower and quickly turned off the water. Sure, rapid steps found her in her room, a large, soft towel wrapped securely around her still dripping body. With a garish ease she briskly dried and pulled clothes from her massive closet. Slipping into a plain gray v-neck and skin-tight jeans, Octavia bent to retrieve the knee-high boots before jamming her feet inside and quickly laced the long boots. Kicking open her bedroom door, she quickly entered the living room, brush in hand. Quickly brushing her still wet hair, she tossed the object on the couch and snatched up her phone and keys. Pausing to rifle through her purse, she quickly took out some cash to jam in her pocket before spinning toward the door.

Slamming the door behind her, the cellist speedily went down the stairs, her inner fury building with each passing step as she descended the six stories. Bursting into the lobby, she practically stomped out the door and approached the street, willing a taxi to stop. Almost immediately she saw a cab swerve toward her and stop smoothly. Sliding easily into the backseat, she slammed the door and pinned the nervous driver with an icy glare.

"To the Tower, please."

Nodding, the man pulled into traffic and sped off toward the skyscraper in question, arriving quickly. Pulling money from her pocket, Octavia handed the bill to the man before climbing out.

"Keep the change."

Closing the door with more force than necessary, Octavia huffed and approached the large, glass doors of the building. Throwing them open, she stormed through the downstairs lobby, ignoring the trepid doorman as he tossed a half-hearted greeting to the cellist. Slamming her fingers into the Up arrow next to the elevator, she leaned back and tapped her foot, waiting for the car to arrive. A trio of suited men scurried out of the car at her aggressive stare before she smoothly slid into the car. Tapping the desired number, Octavia leaned casually against the stainless steel wall and waited.

With a small ding, the elevator doors opened and admitted Octavia into the bustling area of the building, dark violet eyes flicking aimlessly along the faces she passed. Turning, she opened heavy glass doors and stepped into an inner office area, face set in an icy fire, mouth upturned in a humored snarl. Shuffling workers quickly cleared her path, muttering unintelligible words under their breath as Octavia breezed passed them. Taking a corner, she lifted her hands to open yet another door before sidling confidently into the room.

Three assistants jumped at the sudden intrusion, eyebrows furrowing as Octavia continued her journey toward a final door. The tallest lifted her hand and called after the cellist as she reached for the doorknob.

"Miss Melody, you can't--!"

Pivoting smoothly, Octavia pinned the frightened girl with a dark stare, bloodshot amethyst eyes narrowing dangerously.

"Watch me."

Yanking open the door, she slid inside before forcing it closed behind her. The tall woman behind the desk jumped slightly but quickly recovered, instead climbing to her feet to lean menacingly across her massive desk space.

"What on Earth do you think--"

Octavia closed the space between them quickly, her own hands moving to crash down on the desk surface, allowing her to lean almost nose to nose with the woman.

"I hope you are fucking satisfied."

The older woman snarled and leaned backward to stand, hands moving to smooth the suitcoat she wore.

"Octavia, watch your language."

"I will most certainly not. You got what you wanted, mother. And I hope you're satisfied."

Virtuosa Cash almost growled before scorching the young player with a deadly glare.

"I have no idea what you're--"

Raising her voice, Octavia stood as well, hands balling into fists at her sides.

"I know you faked that police report. I talked to the arresting Officer on the actual case. He arrested Vinyl and Spitfire that night for getting into a brutal fist fight, a fight Vinyl herself told me about weeks prior. But I chose to believe your foolish story, and do you know why?"

Sliding her tongue across her front teeth, the tall woman crossed her arms, eyebrow twitching.

"No, darling. Why?"

"Because I was afraid. I was so terrified of what would happen if I didn't. You've got this incredible darkness about you that I've been ignoring for years. You told me about that story so I would stay away from Vinyl. It worked, I didn't talk to her the entire time I was on tour with the Orchestra. And when I finally get home, I had this unnerving guilt that had been eating me alive for weeks."

Virtuosa scoffed and waved off the woman, pinning her with her fiery eyes.

"You're so--"

"I wasn't finished."

Snapping her mouth closed, the raven-haired woman curled her lip but remained silent.

"The guilt had been eating me alive for my entire trip. It made me edgy and unhappy. I couldn't stop thinking about that report. When I arrived at the Violoncelle banquet, I sought out Symphony, and she confirmed my absolute worst fear: it was a forgery, and I had given into it. I wanted to hide behind a lie instead of acknowledging what I had been running from. It was easier to stop talking to Vinyl, in hopes that those feelings would go away, that I wouldn't be different..."

Octavia released an uneven breath, more tears stinging her eyes. Shaking off the feeling, she refocused her vision on her enraged parent.

"But I am different. I refuse to hide behind false feelings and lies. I'm in love with a woman. A woman you so clearly hate. I won't dare pretend that I'm not one-hundred percent taken by that DJ with the wild hair and the piercings in strange places. No amount of--"

Cash finally snapped, her feet moving her in an almost blinding speed around her desk.

"That is enough! I will not have any daughter of mine spewing such nefarious filth!"

"I'm not denying any further, not when all it does is cause me pain! I didn't come here for your blessing, I came here to tell you that your master plan failed. Somewhere I fell, and I fell hard. And I will not be made out as the enemy. I may have fucked up my only chance at happiness because I was so caught up in what other people thought!!"

"This will destroy this family, Octavia. How dare you--"

"The only thing this will destroy is your carefully constructed plans to keep me at bay and try and turn me into the daughter you've always wanted. Daddy told me not two months ago that it wouldn't matter if I was with Vinyl, because he knows she's good. She's so good and I absolutely ruined it."

Virtuosa straightened at the news, her red-gold eyes glowing almost eerily in the light of the room.

"If it were meant to be, it would be. Your career will be over with the Orchestra and with any dreams of every being a successful soloist. You don't know what you want, you're simply confused. You need to get your head back into the thick of things, some street-rat DJ is worthless."

Closing the small gap between them, Octavia invaded her mother's space and snarled up at her.

"Vinyl's the only thing worth fighting for right now. If people should turn on me for being attracted to her, then so be it. It's not unheard of for musicians to be gay. Hell, half of my Orchestra is gay. So if you're using that as a reason for me to ignore these feelings, it's not going to work. I won't be rejected for it. Those that mind are dead to me, anyway."

"You're so naive, Octavia."

Smiling, she shook her head, mouth twisting into a self-satisfied smirk.

"You have no power, here, Virtuosa. Your power lies only with Stella Artois and Sapphire Shores. Yes, I figured out that those two were following your orders to keep me under control. I also found out on the ride over here that you hired Big Shot to follow me that night at the Academy event because you heard I had gone with Vinyl. I was furious at first, but now... I feel sorry for you."

Virtuosa inhaled sharply, molten eyes igniting as she violently shook her head.

"You're making a terrible mistake with this one, Octavia. Your father and I won't be there to pick up the pieces when that harlot destroys you, just like I know she will."

Stopping mid-turn, Octavia smiled sadly.

"The only one destroyed here is Vinyl. And I know you and daddy won't be there for me, just daddy. Goodbye, mother. Thank you for finally giving me the strength to accept this new development in my life. Now I just have to find a way to fix it."

Face morphing into smug satisfaction, Octavia turned and strolled out of the room, gently closing the door behind her. Her mother's assistants stood their awkwardly, faces spread into embarrassed acknowledgement. Octavia grinned at them and moved forward, stopping when her mother's shrill voice echoed around the small room.

"OCTAVIA PRIMOSE MELODY!!"

Grinning, Octavia rested her hand on the door handle before turning backward to focus on the enraged woman, her shrug noncommittal.

"Yes, Mrs. Cash?"

"If you think for one moment that this will not have consequences--"

"I don't much care for your threats anymore. I know what I need to be happy, and I'm going to do everything I can to get there. Goodbye, Cash, ladies."

Opening the large glass, doors, Octavia slipped between them and walked confidently down the hallway. Once leaving her mother's company area, she shuddered and coughed back the tears that relentlessly pounded the backs of her eyes. Pressing the elevator button, she leaned against the wall, body exhausted. Swiping her phone from her front pocket, Octavia flicked through her contacts before dialing a familiar number. Waiting for the voicemail, the cellist stepped into the elevator car before sighing into the phone.

"Symphony, it's me. I was wrong."

Spitfire climbed out of her recently reclaimed convertible and sighed heavily. Symphony exited the passenger side of the car and nudged the door closed before passing a knowing look to her lover. Reaching out her hand, the violinist waited patiently for Spitfire to circle the car and join their hands before they headed into the ornate building. Smiling kindly to the doorman, they both entered the elevator and waited as they headed upward. Exiting, the pilot led her companion toward the familiar door before pushing through the threshold and stopped suddenly once inside. Symphony peeked around her lover and smiled, teal eyes filling with elated tears.

Vinyl looked up at the two women and smiled, red eyes tired yet bright. She sat on the bench behind the recently uncovered grand piano, pages of sheet music spread across the polished black surface. Flexing her sore hand, Vinyl nodded toward the two women.

"I already had a bowl of cereal and like, ninety strawberries, but you're welcome to make breakfast anyway."

Symphony chuckled and slid around Spitfire before approaching the surprisingly calm DJ. Wrapping an arm around the woman, Symphony sighed.

"How are you doing, V? And where's Lyra?"

"I'm writing music. And she went home a little bit ago so she could make breakfast. You know how Bon is."

Looking down at the many pages spread before her, Symphony pulled her lips into a melancholy smile.

"You write when you're upset."

"Yeah, you know. Just... keeping my hands busy."

Spitfire walked forward to lean against the piano, honey brown eyes staring intently at the jockey.

"How's the hand? Heartstrings change the dressing?"

"Nah. I'm good though, I can do it."

Symphony shook her head and pulled the DJ to her feet. Pushing her toward Spit, Symphony flashed a small grin before ushering the women toward the bathroom.

"Spit'll change your bandages, I'm going to make some sort of breakfast."

Nodding silently, the two-tone spinner followed her friend into the bathroom. Spitfire closed the door behind them reflexively, eyes suddenly raking down the jockey's subdued presence.

"How are you actually doing, Scratch?"

Fumbling with her glasses that sat on her bangs, she shrugged, unimpressed. Red eyes watched with mild interest as Spitfire moved around the large bathroom, all too familiar with the layout. Pulling out the needed supplies, Spitfire rolled up the sleeves to the dark blue flannel she wore and began to prep. Lifting nimble fingers, the pilot unwrapped the bandages from the pale forearm, eyes sharply focused.

"Everything hurts."

Without ceasing her movements, Spit looked up and locked eyes with the pensive jockey. Once the wrapping was balled and thrown away, the flame-haired woman smiled softly at the DJ.

"I'd be worried if it didn't, to be perfectly honest."

"How did... how did you and Symph get back together?"

Chuckling, Spitfire turned on the warm water and gently cleaned the angry cuts on the woman's arm, a satisfied grin taking up refuge on playful lips.

"Well, I was at their final show... I waited outside the doors for her to come out. She was one of the last few, and she came out with Octavia. I called her name, asked if we could talk. Tav almost hurled fury and brimstone at me, but Symph told her to back off. So then we left to go back to my hotel and talk. Well..."

She patted the area with a soft cloth before moving to grab the salve that sat patiently on the counter. Flicking her eyes up, Spitfire grinned again, undeterred when the jockey didn't return the gesture.

"She screamed at me for a while, called me all sorts of names. I screamed back at her, you know how we do. I told her what happened, that it was all just... some stupid mistake. I told her how sorry I was that I left things hanging between us like that, and that I didn't try and contact her while I was on maneuvers."

The tall pilot wiped her hands on the small towel hanging off her shoulder before reaching for the patches to place over the stitches, absently reaching for the gauze with her free hand. Unrolling the bandages across the inflamed skin, Spit shook her head, eyebrows drawing on her forehead.

"After she screamed at me some more, we actually started to say what we were thinking, instead of just yelling at each other. I cried. I friggin' broke, man. I told her I was sorry, that I was stupid, that I loved her... I was terrified she'd just drop me right then. I didn't know I could ever be so scared of anything, and here's this small little violinist with a fiery temper basically holding my life in the palm of her hand... I was freaking the fuck out so bad, Scratch. But she let it go. Somehow, she let it the hell go."

Finishing with the bandages, she tied a small knot at the base of the jockey's elbow before straightening and tossed a confident smile to the jockey.

"She forgave me. And I cried harder. And then she kissed me. Things got pretty crazy after that, you know how it goes. Hell, I still think I have bruises from that night."

Vinyl broke in that moment, a strangled laugh escaping her as the tears fell quietly. Spitfire chuckled softly and pulled the jockey into a fierce embrace. Swallowing the lump in her throat, the blue-haired musician coughed briefly.

"I'm glad you guys are back together. Symphony was bitter for a while. I wish Octavia and I had love to fall back on, but we don't. We were just friends. I don't know how to fix something like this. I don't know a lot of things."

Pulling away, the pilot moved her hands up to gently squeeze the DJ's arms.

"I'll work on the cellist, don't worry."

"Spit, I don't... I don't know if I can see her again. I don't know if I want to. There's just... so much--"

"You don't have to do anything you don't want to do, V. You know we all have your back, kid."

"Yeah, the motley crew of dainty musicians, a bi-polar candy maker and one pompous stunt pilot. Lucky me."

"Watch your mouth. It's Captain Pompous Stunt Pilot to you, Spin Doctor."

Snickering, Vinyl punched the pilot with her good arm, sobering quickly before opening the door to file out toward the kitchen. Looking up from the stove, Symphony smiled and nodded her head to the women.

"Omelets. Sit the hell down. Spit, make toast."

Grumbling playfully, Spit slid around the violinist and headed toward the toaster. Symphony flipped one of the omelets before sighing dramatically. Pulling her phone from her pocket, she pressed a button, illuminating the screen. A single voicemail notification sat blinking on her screen, drawing a pained grunt from the player. Pressing the icon, Octavia's name and number popped up. Relocking her screen, the lavender-haired player tossed the phone onto the counter and refocused on the pan.

Vinyl knitted her brows together and carefully slid the phone off the counter before opening the screen. She stared blankly at the number and the small time counter beside it, thumb hovering over the screen. Instead, she flicked her eyes back to the violinist, blue eyebrows twitching.

"Did... Octavia try contacting you at all last night?"

Hesitating, Symphony licked her lips and nodded gently.

"She called me a million times, it seemed like. Texted, too."

Swallowing, Vinyl refocused on the phone in her hand.

"...did you see what she wanted?"

"No. I was too angry last night. I would have said something stupid."

Running her thumb across the phone's screen, she exited the voicemail screen and held the phone up to the violinist, red eyes shimmering with an unknown emotion.

"Call her."

Spitfire passed her eyes between both women, hovering awkwardly in the tense space. Symphony searched the red eyes before slowly reaching for the device. Eyes falling to find the contact, she quickly raised her eyes to Vinyl as she pressed the dial button. After a moment, the call came through.

"Hey."

"Can we talk? Please."

Teal eyes fluttered, hand lifting to run absently through her hair.

"About what?"

"Last night. Please, I need to explain."

"Where?"

Red eyes snapped up at the revelation, the DJ quickly standing to stare intently at the violinist.

"Anywhere. Please."

"When?"

"Whenever."

"Peg's, 2 o'clock."

She ended the call abruptly and released a labored breath. Teal eyes searched the carmine eyes before her, unsure of herself. Vinyl merely blinked and reclaimed her seat at the bar, carefully eyeing the omelet that was burning in the pan. Cursing, Symphony scooped it out and tossed it half-heartedly on a plate. Spitfire smirked and pointed to the plate, eyes dancing with humor.

"Dibs on the black one."

Spitfire pulled up to another red light, bright brown eyes skipping over to focus on the irritated profile of her girlfriend. Symphony sat in the front seat, arms crossed defiantly over her chest. Seeing the light change, the pilot pressed the gas and continued toward the diner in silence. Lifting her hand to rest gently on the violinist's jean-clad thigh, Spitfire cleared her throat.

"Do you think this is the best thing to be doing right now?"

"Vinyl asked me to call Octavia."

"Yeah, but I don't think... I don't know. Vinyl doesn't want to see Octavia. Not now, at least. She's torn up. What do you think Octavia wants to talk about?"

"Oh, I don't know. How sorry she is that she ripped out Vinyl's heart with those words, after stringing her along for weeks or months? Beats me. I'm going more to yell at her than to hear what she has to say."

"Babe, relax. You going in guns blazing won't help--"

"Don't."

Spit closed her mouth and continued quietly toward the diner. Pulling up outside the metallic building, she put the car in park and turned to regard the bothered player.

"Chill a bit, okay? You're here for Vinyl, yeah? So we can try and fix this and erase all this hurt that's flying around here."

"I know."

She opened the door and stepped out of the car before forcing the door closed. She offered a small smile to the pilot before steeling her nerves and turned toward the doors. Grinning sadly, Spit steered her car into the street and headed back to Vinyl's. Symphony tugged hard on the smooth handles of the door before slipping gracefully inside. Instantly spotting the dejected cellist, she made short work of the space between them before sitting down across from the other woman. Mulberry eyes shot up at the sudden presence, mouth opening to speak before Symphony raised a stern finger.

"You don't get to talk right now. Do you have any idea what the hell you've done? How much pain you've caused? Did you even think of what you were doing when you were stringing Vinyl along for whatever ride you wanted?"

"I can only imagine. Symphony, please. I want to do anything I can to make this right. I don't want Vinyl to hurt, that's the last thing I wanted. When I went back there last night, it was to comfort her and to try and erase all that I'd done weeks before. I wanted to curl her in my arms and just be sorry for how I had so badly mistreated her--"

"I don't believe that. I'm sorry, but I don't. You spend all this time with Vinyl, learning her deepest, darkest secret that you use to throw in her face at her most vulnerable? I'm not buying your innocence routine. You knew what you were doing--"

"Enough. I know I made terrible mistakes and even worse choices, but you have to believe I never intentionally wanted to hurt Vinyl. I was confused and afraid and I didn't understand all that I was feeling, and when she snapped at me that night, all of that came to a head. I snapped back, and I regretted it the instant it happened."

Symphony narrowed her eyes at the cellist, teal eyes gleaming with untapped emotion.

"What the hell could you be afraid of? You're practically untouchable, what with your mother being how she is."

"She was the problem. Symphony... I--"

They locked eyes, broken amethyst meeting inflamed turquoise.

"I've fallen in love with your blistering jockey and I've made a stupid, terrible mistake."

The teal eyes widened at the admission, the confused, lavender eyebrows crawling quickly up the wrinkled forehead. Leaning forward, Symphony ducked her head, eyes shimmering.

"Do you want to run that by me one more time?"

Wiping angrily at a wanton tear, Octavia sniffled before leaning forward as well, bloodshot eyes flittering closed.

"Somewhere between 'You know it's just a piano, right?' and the V concert, I found myself falling in love with her. And that was bloody terrifying for me. That, on top of my mother's diabolical scheme with Shores and Artois to topple me at my most vulnerable, I fell into a horrible routine. It was so much easier to not be in love when I wasn't near Vinyl, or so I tried to tell myself. I was so undeniably wrong."

Symphony sat back against the booth, mouth slack in shock. Her hands picked at a napkin, brain working to digest all that tumbled from Octavia. Squeezing closed her eyes, Symphony let out a small whimper before bringing her hands up to roughly scrub her face.

"Octavia, you're so stupid! Vinyl doesn't even want to see you right now, or ever again for all I know. And what's worse is that when somebody wounds Vinyl, it awakens the inner beast in Lyra Heartstrings, making her a tunnel-visioned killer out for blood. It doesn't matter how you feel at this moment in time, the only thing that matters is the DJ holed up in her apartment, nursing a brutally shattered heart and a shredded forearm."

Octavia frowned at the news, crystalline eyes watering quickly.

"What does that mean? Is she okay?"

"I don't know, Octavia, you tell me. When we eventually found Vinyl last night, she had broken her phone and put her hand through a window somewhere. She needed stitches. All of us tried to stay, but she kicked everyone but Lyra out. I don't know how she was last night, I don't know a lot of things. I only know that there's a great deal of hurt out there, and for no good reason."

"I know. I... I never wanted this to happen. I hid behind my mother's stupidity because I was too afraid to admit to myself that I was falling for another woman. I mean, for Celestia's sake, I'm 21 years old and I have the best career ahead of me... how could who I fall in love with be so difficult? It's not supposed to be. I want to be with Vinyl, no one else."

Symphony cracked a small smile before it faltered, her eyes squeezing shut as she shook her head.

"You're a dumb ass. An idiot. A complete and total fluke, actually. I don't know if I want to hug you or beat the stuffing out of you. So much of this could have been avoided weeks ago..."

Octavia mindlessly wiped the tears from her face, mulberry eyes falling as she focused on the table. Breathing deeply, she raised her focus to Symphony, an impossibly sad smile curling her lips.

"I love her, Symphony. I want to fix this, and I want to be with her. Please... help me."

Staring hard at the open, soulful eyes, Symphony sighed heavily.

"This is not going to be easy. Are you prepared to deal with all the venom that's going to be thrown at you?"

"Yes."

"Good. Then tonight, meet me at Sweetie Drop's, five minutes before close. We have to deal with Lyra."

Blanching, Octavia gripped the napkin and nodded.

Bonbon continued to wipe down the surfaces in her shop, lips pursed in a quiet whistle as she worked. The bell to her door chimed, causing her to call over her shoulder before turning.

"Sorry, but we're closed."

Turning, she froze, sapphire eyes focused on the cellist as she hovered uncomfortably behind the violinist. Growling, Bonbon was moving out from behind the counter in an instant, only to be stopped by the lavender-haired player. Passing furious blue eyes to the strings player, Bonbon ground out an icy remark.

"What the hell is she doing here?"

Symphony focused a stern yet vulnerable look on the confectioner, eyebrows knitting in frustration.

"Calm down, B. There are things we need to talk about."

Shaking her head, she brutishly broke the hold Symphony had on her before capturing the cellist in a violent gaze.

"You need to get out before I throw you out."

Snapping her eyes to Symphony, the candy maker pointed an outraged finger at the cellist, temper roiling through her chest.

"Lyra's going to be here in ten minutes, get her the hell out of here before this gets ugly."

Standing straight, Symphony slowly shook her head. The door opened behind them, admitting Parish, Beauty, and Spitfire into the quiet candy shop. Skirting around the tense cellist, the trio moved to occupy a small cafe-style table, all eyes flickering between the women facing off. Spitfire focused hard on the cellist, confused as to why Symphony had ordered them all here under such a strange pretense. The only concerning thing was that Octavia was going to come up against Lyra in a matter of minutes.

Symphony held her hands up and approached the skittish confectioner, her teal eyes calming.

"Octavia has something to say, that we all need to hear--"

The cellist stepped forward and walked around Symphony, her amethyst eyes again misting over as she approached the woman.

"Bon, please. I don't want to hurt anyone. I want to fix this."

"You only want to fix this so you can be guilt-free. Don't play this game with me, Melody."

Octavia shook her head before chancing another step forward.

"I'm not. I-I love Vinyl, and I want to make things right. I made horrible mistakes that I know I must deal with, but if I stand any chance of fixing this terrible mess, I have to apologize to all of you first. Including Lyra."

Bonbon shook her head and opened her mouth to retort, but was stopped by the petite brass player as she stood.

"It's true, Bonnie. Last night after you guys left, it was... It was bad, to say the least. But Octavia's telling the truth."

Capturing the cellist in a steely, blue gaze, Bonbon finally relaxed and exhaled dramatically.

"You're a stupid girl, Octavia."

Moving to approach the table, Bonbon dropped into a seat and crossed her arms, face souring. Shivering, Octavia hesitated before Symphony grasped her arm and walked them both over to the table. Spitfire slid out a chair for the violinist before pausing to offer the cellist one of her own. Narrowing her eyes, the pilot shoved another chair out for the raven-haired player before shocking her with a brutal glare.

"I don't agree with sitting here like this. You fucked up, Melody. Big time."

Octavia, shaken, dropped gracelessly into the chair and nodded her agreement to the pilot.

"You're right. And I'm so damn sorry. I never meant to hurt her, please believe that. It isn't fair to any of you to try and pretend that I haven't been a monster recently. I was scared of feeling what I was feeling, so I ignored them. I'm sorry to have put all of you through that. All I want is for Vinyl not to hurt anymore because of my transgressions."

Spitfire scoffed and crossed her arms, remaining stoically silent. Parish merely bobbed his head, emerald eyes watching the cellist intently. A familiar voice suddenly drew the room's attention as Lyra emerged from the back.

"Oh, so B, I got-- what in the hell!?"

Lyra was around the counter and heading toward the table at breakneck speed, tripped up only when Spitfire captured her in a bone-crushing hold.

"What the fuck is she doing here!? Are we having dinner with the devil??"

Symphony and Octavia stood suddenly, knocking their chairs down at the harshness of the movement. Lyra snarled and fought against the hold she currently found herself encased in, golden eyes darkening in rage. Bonbon stood and reached out to touch the raging lyrist, only to be avoided and ignored. Looking around the confectioner, Lyra burned the cellist with a spiteful sneer.

"Get the fuck out of here, Octavia, you're not welcome here. What the hell happened!? Why are you all so buddy-buddy with this bitch!?"

Octavia put her hands up in submission, amethyst eyes burning with tears.

"Lyra, please. I'm so sorry. Let me explain. You see, I--"

"I don't want your fucking bullshit lies. You might be able to charm these people, but not me. You didn't see Vinyl, you don't know. She fucking cried herself to sleep in my arms last night, and you have the balls to stand here in my girlfriend's shop and talk lies? Fuck that!"

"Lyra! Please. I only want to help, I want to make this right. You see, I love--"

Releasing a guttural scream, Lyra broke the flyer's strong hold on her and quickly moved to stand directly in front of the mortified cellist.

"Are you really going to stand here and tell me that you love Vinyl? Really? That you're just so in love with her you could die? Well let me fucking tell you something, sweetheart. People don't do those sorts of things to people they love. They don't go out of their way to avoid somebody, or to turn something so heartbreaking into a fucking attack. Bullshit."

Octavia huffed and wrung her hands, but didn't break the woman's gaze.

"I know what I did was terrible and wrong, but I want to fix it. I do love her, and if I have to spend the rest of my life trying to get you two to believe it, then I will. But I don't want her to hurt anymore. Please help me stop the pain."

Lyra curled her lip in displeasure before stepping just an inch closer, golden eyes glimmering with an inner agony.

"Five years ago I found Vinyl Scratch bleeding out in an alley, and five years ago I watched my best friend spiral into a deep, dark void that I didn't think she'd ever get out of. Even when she got the hell out of it, she was never truly happy. But when she met you? You made her smile, you made her laugh. You brought things out in her that I thought were long gone. And you took all of that and broke it. You just shattered it. So fuck you. I'm not going to betray Vinyl by helping the enemy."

Holding the heart-broken gaze a moment longer, the lyrist shook her head before pushing away from the group and disappeared out the back door. The room was deathly silent for a moment before Octavia hiccupped a sob, her barely constructed resolve finally breaking.

"I'm so s-sorry."

Spitfire focused on the cellist for a moment, brown eyes searching the woman for any emotional giveaway. Bonbon stood and exited behind Lyra, blue eyes swimming. Symphony rubbed a careful hand down the cellist's back before Beauty lifted herself to move around the table and hug the distraught player. Parish simply remained seated, eyes heavy with confusion as he locked eyes with the pilot, each sharing a resolute nod.

Bonbon found the lyrist seated on a box in the alley, head tucked in her hands. Hearing a sniffle, Bonbon smiled and approached her lover before pulling her to her feet. Tucking the emotionally exhausted player against her, Bon sighed.

"Lyra..."

"Don't say it, B."

"Vinyl is in love with her."

Shuddering, Lyra lifted her arms to encircle the woman.

"I know."

"Don't you think it'd be better for everyone if we tried to fix this?"

"We can't. Only Vinyl and Octavia can fix this."

Stepping back in the embrace, calm blue eyes focused on stormy gold, a quiet understanding surfacing between them.

"I know she hurt Vinyl, love. But she's also the key to mending the heart she broke, too. It's a sloppy mess, but I think Octavia really, truly does love Vinyl. Who are we to stand in the way of that, huh?"

"I can't betray Vinyl like that."

"You won't be. But don't stand in the way of it, either. They belong together and you know it."

Lyra was silent for a time, eyes scanning Bonbon's for answers she sought. Smiling slightly, she half-shrugged in agreement.

"I won't interfere. But she does not have my blessing."

Smiling, Bonnie nodded and tugged the lyrist back inside. Once visible, Octavia stood to regard the mint-haired player.

"Lyra, I--"

"Stop. My heart lies with Vinyl, but I won't jeopardize your quest to fix this mighty goddamn wrong, either. If you fuck up again, game over."

Breaking free of Bonbon, Lyra walked toward the entrance but stopped beside the cellist, eyes glittering with a quiet intensity.

"Vinyl's head over heels in love with you. Devote all that you have into making her smile again."

Octavia inhaled sharply, her breath catching in her chest as more tears squeezed from her eyes, floored at the simple fact. Lyra held her gaze for a moment longer before exiting the shop and disappeared from the storefront. Spitfire nodded to the cellist before heading toward the door as well, turning briefly to regard the remaining individuals. Rendered speechless, the pilot merely shrugged before heading after Lyra. Turning toward Symphony, Octavia choked out a sob.

"What do I do now?"

Author's Notes:

SO. MUCH. DIALOGUE. We'll get to an actual somewhere next week, but things take time. They need to be sorted and talked about and then taken back and apologized for. Work with me here, guys, I'm trying to get over the dull, boring stuff to get to the juicy filling! As always, forgive mistakes and spacing. I'm running out of time today, but try to enjoy! Happy Saturday!