Vinyl walked slowly down the long hall, frigid fingers curled helplessly around the silver travel mug trapped within her grasp. Suppressing a shiver, Vinyl stopped in front of the proper door and knocked roughly, the same hand absently smoothing the choppy, damp tufts of hair that clung to her face and neck. Feeling a rush of warmth, Vinyl lifted her eyes to Octavia as she stood in the doorway, violet eyes swimming. Frowning, the cellist tugged the jockey inside, concerned eyes raking the sodden form of the DJ.

"Goodness, Vinyl..."

Fussing, the cellist helped removed the black bag slung across the jockey's torso before tugging the warm mug from the jockey's hand. Stripping the chilled jockey of the soaked jacket, Octavia absently smoothed the wet bandage over the spinner's forearm before gently nudging her toward the bathroom.

"I'll start some tea. Please, go warm up, you look positively frigid."

Cracking an amused grin, Vinyl headed toward the large room and slipped easily inside, trembling fingers lifting to lock the door out of reflex. Grinning, the curious red eyes panned around the immaculate room, taking in each striking detail of the expensive suite. Sighing, Vinyl forced her tired body into movement, legs walking stiffly toward the large shower. Turning on the water, Vinyl hummed, satisfied at the steam that almost instantly began to swirl around the room. Peeling the sodden clothes from her raw skin, Vinyl trembled with a violent chill, furthering spurring her toward the molten stream.

Releasing a pleased groan, Vinyl leaned back into the fiery spray, emotionally tense muscles relaxing just slightly under the alluring beat of water. Lifting her fingers to run through the soaked blue hair, Vinyl opened her eyes and searched the foggy interior, thoughts blazing quickly through her head. Curling her lip at the memory of Stella Artois, Vinyl quickly turned and scrubbed her face, hair shaking off the excess water as she finished the impassioned movement. Placing both her palms on the cool tile of the shower wall, Vinyl leaned her head under the boiling liquid, eyes falling shut in thought.

The two-tone spinner eventually removed herself from her thoughts and quickly showered, face scrunching in displeasure as the sweltering fluid finally ceased its supportive beat against her aching skin. Grabbing a large towel from the rack beside the shower, Vinyl curled it around her lithe form and pushed on the glass to step out. Drying hastily, the DJ slid into dry clothes from her bag and packed up the sodden pile before tossing her towel over her hair and finally left the safety of the bathroom.

Crimson eyes instantly found the cellist leaning against the wall beside the kitchen, hands clenching a large, purple mug, eyes wandering in deep thought. Casting her eyes to the clock on the wall, Vinyl smiled briefly before dropping her bag onto the floor beside her. Mulberry eyes snapped to the DJ, the cellist's face instantly twisting with a small grin.

"There's tea on the counter, if you'd like some. Your coffee might be cold by now."

Nodding, Vinyl walked toward the kitchen, breezing just slightly passed the cellist. Pivoting, Octavia watched the DJ carefully pick up a large, blue mug, lips pursing to blow across the heated liquid. Taking a small sip, Vinyl exhaled quietly before turning to regard the tentative cellist.

"Your worry wrinkle is showing."

Frowning, Octavia entered the kitchen and placed her mug on the counter, eyes dropping to focus on the soaked bandage still desperately clinging to the jockey's forearm. Sensing the impending question, Vinyl sighed and lifted her fingers to slowly unravel the wet wrap, red eyes guarded. Octavia quickly approached the sink and opened a lower cabinet, hands fishing out a small first aid kit before setting it quietly on the counter. Almost wincing at seeing the large gash on the pale skin, Octavia clicked her tongue and reached for the jockey's uninjured arm, gently tugging her out toward the couch. Pulling the DJ to the soft cushion beside her, Octavia frowned, violet orbs watering slightly at the violent display. Pushing back the still wet hair, Vinyl sighed, wordlessly offering the wound to the cellist, red eyes swirling with repressed emotion at the injury.

With trembling fingers, Octavia began to gently clean the healing gash, carefully ignoring the smaller, more frequent cuts peppering the smooth skin. Chancing a glance to the jockey, Octavia quickly dropped her eyes as she bit her lip, eyebrows drawing tight in confusion.

"I'm sorry, Vinyl."

Nodding, the DJ slipped the towel from her hair and settled it around her shoulders, face twisted in mild discomfort at the sting in her wound. Squeezing her fingers into a fist, Vinyl watched in heavy silence as Octavia began to dress the wound, visage haunted. Once finished, the cellist silently cleared the old bandages and gently stowed the kit back under the cabinet. Returning to the couch, Octavia sighed heavily before melting into the seating, tired face scrunching in worry. Opening her eyes to study the quiet jockey, Octavia gently cleared her throat.

"Can you... what did Stella say?"

Sighing, Vinyl traced an exquisite pattern on the couch cushion before lifting her focus to study the cellist.

"Just that you'll get what's coming to you, and that we should have known when to quit."

"I had her fired from the Orchestra today."

Surprised, Vinyl pursed her lips and shrugged.

"I'm impressed. She needed to go."

A hefty silence stretched between them for a moment, eyes trained cautiously on each other, studying each aspect of the unspoken communication passing between them. Vinyl blinked her eyes closed for a moment and smiled before refocusing on the cellist.

"Get some sleep, Tav. You look exhausted."

Shaking her head, Octavia suddenly stood from the couch and headed toward the kitchen, returning a moment later with both cups of tea. Reclaiming her seat on the sofa, Octavia curled her legs beneath her and pulled free a blanket before bundling herself within the soft warmth.

"No. I want to stay up with you. I've missed you."

Stunned at the minor confession, Vinyl took a small drink of the potent drink before leaning back against the couch, eyes burning a peaceful trail of warmth across the cellist's already heated skin.

"You really should sleep, you know."

Octavia shrugged and dropped her eyes to study the dark liquid, fingers dancing idly along the rim of her cup as her thoughts again began to wander. Without breaking her trance, Octavia snuffed the silence between them.

"Vinyl... when did you know you liked women?"

Eyebrows instantly rising, Vinyl chuckled before taking another long draw off her teacup. Octavia bravely lifted her eyes, a potent curiosity buzzing deep within the violet pools. Licking her lips, Vinyl absently rubbed the towel along the wild blue hair, a dashing smile twisting her lips.

"I kinda realized it when I was... twelve, I think? There was this really attractive woman that worked at my dad's building, and I'd see her every once in a while when I had lunch dates with the parents. She was stunning. Still is, actually. She still works in my dad's building."

Grinning, Octavia placed her cup on the table beside them and burrowed further in the fleece wrapped around her shoulders.

"Did you ever tell her that?"

Releasing a short laugh, Vinyl flashed a devilish grin to the cellist.

"Yeah, I did, actually. A few years ago. She thought it was hysterical and then tried to set me up with her cousin."

Giggling, Octavia thoughtlessly swatted at the DJ.

"Of course that would happen to you, Vinyl."

"Yeah. I've got a few weird stories from my lesbian antics."

Octavia snickered briefly before falling silent, eyes calmly searching the relaxed form of the DJ. Braving a second topic, the cellist cautiously tipped her head toward the jockey in quiet sentiment.

"Vinyl... it occurred to me, while you were in the shower, that there's still so much about you that I just don't know yet."

Guarded, the spinner took another sip of the tea before nodding slightly.

"Okay. Yeah. What did you want to know, specifically?"

Taking a moment to mull over the many thoughts skittering through her mind, Octavia smiled bashfully.

"Anything, really. You've always sort of fascinated me, and I'd like to know more about you. Tell me something, anything."

Taking a long moment to sort through the numerous memories flittering through her subconscious, Vinyl offered a sad smile before placing her own cup on the table and turned to fully face the cellist.

"I've always wanted to be a professional chef."

Caught off guard at the revelation, Octavia quickly suppressed a chuckle.

"Really? A chef? Why aren't you?"

Relaxing against the cushion, Vinyl snickered and crossed her arms across her chest before responding.

"Honestly? I like writing music. Too much to give it up. I mean, being a chef is a full time thing, but I still love to cook. I just love music more, so I created a career out of it."

"You really can do anything, can't you?"

"Nah. I can't juggle."

Snorting out a laugh, Octavia quickly regained face and smiled knowingly at the jockey.

"You're a very interesting creature, Vinyl Scratch."

"Well, what about you? Tell me something about you."

Taking a moment to think, Octavia absently reached down to pick up her mug before taking a quick sip, lost in a swirl of thought for a moment. Shaking her head, Octavia cracked a small smile.

"I've always wanted to take up archery."

Impressed, Vinyl nodded her head and tipped her mug to the cellist.

"That'd be pretty freakin' hot, you totally should."

Chuckling softly, Octavia fell back into thoughtful silence. Vinyl eventually stood to return the towel to the bathroom before lifting both of the now empty mugs and returned them to the sink. After washing the two dishes and stowing them carefully in the drain board, Vinyl returned to the sofa and sat down, body shifting to recline against the soft backing. Octavia studied the soft face of the DJ, mulberry eyes carefully taking in every detail of the jockey as she mused internally. Shuffling forward, Octavia shrugged off the blanket from her shoulders and folded her legs beneath her before leaning forward to tap the jockey.

Opening one eye, Vinyl smiled up at the cellist.

"Yeah, Tav?"

Beckoning the woman upward, Octavia resettled as Vinyl hefted her body upward before curling her legs and sat across from the cellist, knees gently brushing at the soft contact. Reaching for the warm hands of the pianist, Octavia tugged them into her lap, mulberry eyes thoughtfully looking over the planes and lines of the larger palms. Turning over the pale digits, Octavia carefully traced the veins and bones in the slender hand, eyebrows twisting with absent thought. Thumb smoothing the many angles of the talented hands, Octavia opened her mouth to speak, a breathy sigh escaping the pale lips.

"You know, Vinyl, when I first met you... I had no idea what to expect. I thought you were the strangest creature I'd ever seen... Your hair, the glasses, your blue boots. You talked to me with such warmth and reverence that day, a perfect stranger. You waited patiently, when no one asked you to. You played for me then, knowing what I needed without ever having to ask. Did you have feelings for me, then?"

Vision focused on the tanned fingers still absently tracing her hands, Vinyl swallowed gently, eyes never leaving the careful touch of the cellist.

"I think I was crushing on you, then. I'd seen you around the circuit and I was impressed with your passion and talent. Not to mention the fact that you're friggin' beautiful... The feelings came later."

Eyes still drawn to the pale fingers, Octavia again swept her fingers along Vinyl's, intrigued when the digits flexed in her grip.

"When you told me we'd work on it tomorrow, meaning I'd see you again, I felt a strange sensation wash through me. I wanted to ask you to coffee, to maybe talk to you and determine what it was that I felt in that moment. But then I got a phone call, and I chose to forget about that feeling for a while. But every day, when I'd pull up to the Harwan, the butterflies would start back up again."

Vinyl watched with silent fascination as Octavia paused in her story, face scrunched in exhaustive thought, eyes glassy with memory.

"When I found you playing your guitar that one day, the only day you never met me outside, a different feeling passed through me. Watching you play with such devastating passion was almost like an impossible dream. Seeing you in that state, I could practically feel myself hum with appreciation for you. You stole my breath and obliterated any chance I had of speaking... I could do nothing but simply watch you. I feel like that, now. Hopelessly lost in you, profoundly taken by you, incredibly awed by you."

Octavia lifted her eyes, a shocking intensity pulsing from the violet orbs. Vinyl licked her lips absently, eyes widening at the confession. Squeezing the fingers still tracing her hands, the cellist flashed a tired smile to the jockey.

"When you sang to me... I felt the entire earth shatter around me before dashing back together in perfect harmony. Your eyes are mystifying, Vinyl. You could never understand the effects they have."

Grinning, Vinyl nodded, those same eyes fixated on the cellist.

"I've been told they move whole mountains."

Chuckling, Octavia nodded before closing her fingers around the jockey's hands, eyes fluttering with fatigue.

"I was foolish to think I could rid myself of you. Even after I had inexplicably caused immense damage, I knew it was for nothing, and that just devastated me further. I hurt you, and for no reason. For that, I will never cease to be sorry."

"Nobody can really rid themselves of me, just ask the girls. And now, Octavia, I really must ask that you sleep."

The cellist blinked back the exhaustion she could feel attempting to creep into her brain suddenly, her hands tightening around the jockey's in weak protest.

"Don't change the subject, Vinyl."

"I'm not. You just really need to sleep."

Mumbling, Octavia waved her hands at the jockey before lifting the blanket back around her shoulders and settled against the back of the couch.

"Have I ever told you how attractive you are, Scratch? You're magnificent."

Chuckling, Vinyl tugged the blanket tighter around the cellist, fingers slipping up to lightly pinch the player's cheek.

"You know how to flatter a girl, Tav."

Annoyed, Octavia forced her eyes to open fully as she studied the grinning jockey.

"I'm serious, you know."

"Go get some sleep."

Blinking slowly, Octavia offered a half-hearted sneer before her hands again sought the DJ.

"You're ignoring me spilling my heart out, Vinyl."

"No, I'm just saving it for another rainy day, because you need to sleep, and we need to talk about it when we're both fully alert."

Grumbling, Octavia pushed away the warmth of the blanket and leveled the jockey with a petulant stare.

"You're a pain in the ass, too, Pon3."

Smile widening, Vinyl soothed the wrinkles on the cellist's forehead, pleased when the violet eyes fluttered closed. Uncurling her legs, Vinyl slid her arms under the shorter woman and lifted, curling her safely in her arms as she headed toward the bedroom. Humming peacefully, Octavia tightened her arms around the jockey and smiled, tired eyes opening to watch the DJ as they made quick work of the short journey.

"You just wanted to hold me, Scratch... admit it."

"Mm, yep. You caught me."

Settling the cellist on the massive bed, Vinyl tugged the covers over the player before dropping a quick kiss to the wrinkled forehead. Standing, Vinyl turned before surprisingly strong fingers twisted into the soft material of her black lounge pants.

"Get yourself in this bed before I'm forced to get back up and hurt you."

Snickering, Vinyl turned around and focused on the vulnerable eyes glowing up at her, quickly taken by the raw emotion pooling in the dark eyes. Nodding, Vinyl slid into the enveloping warmth of the large bed and sighed, the lack of sleep suddenly crashing into her with violent force. Octavia hummed low, body shuffling forward to gently curl into the jockey's side, a bold hand snaking out to wrap around the jockey's toned midsection. Burrowing her head into the DJ's neck, Octavia sighed deeply before softly kissing the spinner's jaw.

"Good night, Vinyl."

A soft snore was her only response.

Symphony slapped the pilot's hand away for the second time in as many seconds, an exasperated smile curling her lips as she continued to get dressed. Spitfire lay atop the rumpled sheets, the naked, tanned skin of the pilot glistening wonderfully in the bright light of the morning sun. Symphony slapped again at the wander hands, an elated smile again breaking across her face. Pinning the playful flyer with a treacherous glare, Symphony lifted the brush to run through her damp locks.

"For the love of Celestia, Spitfire, I have to get ready. Octavia and I are spear-heading a group rehearsal with the strings sections today, and I cannot be late."

Offering a wicked smile, Spitfire climbed to her knees and tugged the violinist into her arms, pleased when a sharp gasp escaped the pouting lips of her lover.

"Oh, come on, Symph. You can be late. For me?"

Ignoring the blistering look from the violinist, Spitfire continued to pepper light kisses on the exposed neck, earning her a playful nudge to the ribs as Symphony broke free from the strong grasp.

"Seriously, darling. If I don't get out of this room now, I'll never get anything accomplished because I'll wind up at your mercy for most of the day. And because I'm the leader of my section, I cannot be late."

Pouting, Spit sat back on the bed and sighed dramatically, hands reaching up to comb through the hopelessly mussed hair.

"Fine. I'll just go crawl in bed with someone who wants me."

Sticking her tongue out, Symphony gathered her things and left the bedroom, a knowing smile passing across her lips as she heard Spit climb out of the bed. Stopping at the door, Symphony picked up her violin case before spinning toward the interior of the apartment, teal eyes landing on the sultry form of the still-nude stunt pilot. Swallowing hard, Symphony flashed the woman a dazzling smile.

"I won't be gone long, darling. I have to fetch Octavia and be on our way. Be sure to stay just like that for when I get home."

Raising a challenging eyebrow at the strings player, Spitfire merely bowed and blew her a kiss.

"Have fun, babe."

Symphony nodded and deftly left the apartment before heading down toward the elevator. Once on the street, Symphony piled into the sports car parked just outside and started the rumbling engine before heading toward the Waldorf.

Making quick work of the drive, Symphony pulled up outside the large structure and cut the engine before slid out of the car. Breathing deeply, Symphony smiled at the chilled air before heading into the building and up to Octavia's floor. Swiping the spare key from her pocket, Symphony unlocked the door and stepped inside, only to be greeted by the familiar spinner.

"Vinyl?"

Octavia suddenly entered from the hallway, a warm smile plastered on her lips as she greeted the violinist.

"Hello, Symphony."

"Morning, Octavia."

Scurrying toward the kitchen, Octavia quickly finished the rest of her morning tea and placed the empty cup in the sink. Motioning toward the fumbling DJ, the strings player smiled ruefully at the woman.

"Are you ready, Vinyl? We still have to stop at the Harwan, don't forget."

Nodding, Vinyl slung her bag over her shoulder and nodded before approaching the door, stopping just before Symphony as she stood, partially blocking the exit.

"Morning, Strings. I'll meet you guys at the Harwan."

Nodding dumbly, Symphony watched the spinner disappear out the door before pinning an amused look at the nervous cellist.

"My, my... What have we here?"

Blushing gently, Octavia sat on the couch to slide on her boots before offering a look of foreign innocence to her companion.

"Why, nothing, of course. What gives you any indication otherwise?"

"Oh, I don't know. The love of your life being in your house well before the time Vinyl should even be conscious. You guys--"

"Oh, no. No no no."

A colorful blush colored the cheeks of the cellist, drawing a hearty laugh from the violinist as she smiled wickedly at the flummoxed player.

"Vinyl spent the night, though, yeah? How'd you manage that?"

Sobering, Octavia quickly pulled on her second boot before standing and waltzed around the coffee table to grab her purse off the wing chair.

"Stella... uhm. Stella Artois was waiting for Vinyl when she got home last night and threatened me. Vinyl merely stayed here as a precautionary tact, nothing more."

"Wait, she threatened you? Again? What happened?"

"I'm afraid you'll have to ask Vinyl for more details. Now if we please, I have to stop off at the Harwan to fetch my cello before we can go to the meeting. Have you reached Concerto?"

Rolling her eyes, Symphony opened the door for both of the women before filing out, pausing to allow Octavia to lock up before they began the familiar walk down the hall. Pressing a finger to the elevator button, Symphony scrunched her face in displeasure.

"Yes, I got ahold of him, he'll be there. He doesn't sound too thrilled about it, though. But it is important, so he'll just have to get over himself."

"I'm not exactly looking forward to him, either."

The ride down was in silence, both women carelessly heading toward the car parked just outside. Octavia slid into the passenger seat and settled, eyes lifting to look wistfully out the window. Symphony paused to look at the cellist, eyebrows drawing as she turned over the ignition without a second thought. Sighing, Octavia leaned her head against the window before twisting to look back at the violinist.

"I slept curled up to Vinyl, you know. She was asleep almost instantly."

Grinning, Symphony flicked her signal on before pulling into the little amount of traffic on the wide street.

"That's not surprising. The last real sleep she got was Sunday, I'm surprised she lasted that long. What'd you guys talk about?"

"Nothing, really. She told me that she wanted to be a chef, and I told her I wanted to take up archery. I told her about my feelings, and when they started to come into effect. She told me I should sleep instead."

Biting her lip, Symphony cast an uneasy smile to the cellist.

"You know Vinyl's still torn up about things, love. I'd watch with the pushing."

"I didn't push."

Curling her lips into an exasperated smile, Symphony casually flipped her hair over her shoulder before nodding.

"Maybe not, Octavia. But don't smother, either. Vinyl works through things differently than most other people. Considering you slept in the same bed last night, I'm surprised she's even still talking to you at all. With her, sometimes it's one step forward, three steps back."

Sighing tiredly, Octavia nodded, eyes focused on the many puddles still littering the streets as they continued. Eyes finally catching the sight of the Harwan, Octavia smiled reflexively. Pulling up, Symphony idled for a moment before seeing a familiar motorcycle pull up behind the sports car, pleased when the rider climbed off the side and approached the driver-side door. Leaning her head down, Vinyl smiled into the interior, eyes hidden behind the violet lenses.

"License, registration, proof of insurance, please."

"Mm, I'm sorry, Officer. I stole the car. Maybe... I can do a little something to get out of this ticket?"

Chuckling, Vinyl grinned at the violinist.

"You little tramp. I'll be right back."

Watching the DJ slide around the car, Octavia carefully drew her eyes back to the snickering Symphony, mulberry eyes swirling with confusion.

"You two are rather shameless, Symphony."

"Shamelessly flirting with attractive women is one of my favorite past times; Vinyl and I have been playing this game for quite some time. So tell that green-eyed monster of yours to take a backseat, yeah?"

Snorting, Octavia crossed her arms and stared at the entrance doors, tickled when the jockey finally emerged with the cello. Unlocking the doors, Symphony peered around Octavia to watch the jockey walk easily forward before opening the door and swiftly slid the cello inside. Walking back around the car, Vinyl again leaned down to peer inside the interior, a glorious smile lighting the pale face.

"Hey, Strings, your girl just called me and asked me out on a date to the gym, so I'll be sure to see you later."

"Oh, marvelous. The two of you sweating all over the place, I cannot wait."

Vinyl smirked playfully before sliding the glasses down her nose, red eyes staring pointedly at the flushed cellist.

"I'll see you later, sweetness."

Blushing, Octavia ducked her head before smiling shyly at the DJ, eyes shimmering.

"Good day, Vinyl."

Straightening, the two-tone spinner walked back around the hood of the car and winked at both women before heading back toward the Harwan. Laughing gently, Symphony revved the engine before cruising back into traffic and started toward the hall.

Arriving shortly thereafter, Symphony cut the engine to the car and stepped easily onto the pavement. Pulling open the rear door, Symphony dipped inside to retrieve her violin and assisted in dislodging the cello case from the small backseat. Octavia finally straightened, cello clenched tightly in her grasp as she stepped around the car to approach the large double doors. Slipping inside, both players were instantly greeted by the baritone voice of Concerto, causing Octavia to sour instantly at the familiar voice. Entering the mostly empty hall, the women quickly approached the stage and placed their instruments before turning toward the three other musicians on stage.

Parish lifted his head from the conversation and smiled before approaching both women, stopping to hug each in return.

"Good morning, ladies. How are you both doing?"

"Fine, Parish, as you know. Almost didn't make it today! How's Beauty?"

The harpist smiled kindly to the violinist, green eyes glittering with elation.

"She's wonderful, Symphony, thank you. She's spending some time with Pitch today. And Octavia, how are things?"

"Better, actually. Vinyl's speaking to me again."

Leaning in, Symphony nudged the cellist, drawing a beatific smile from the woman.

"They spent the night together."

Parish chuckled and lifted a hand to squeeze Octavia's shoulder reassuringly.

"Just sleeping, I surmise?"

A quick nod.

"Wonderful. Really, don't worry. We've got some work to do this evening, I hope to perfect this new challenge. We've never been asked to the Eve celebration before."

The trio continued to chatter aimlessly before Concerto swept onto the stage, dark eyes focused on the cellist. Pushing quietly in between Parish and Symphony, he smiled charmingly to the raven-haired player.

"Good morning, Miss Octavia."

Leveling him with a cool gaze, Octavia bobbed her head respectfully.

"Concerto, hello."

The remaining two men on stage joined the group as well, thoughtfully nodding to each other section leader. Royal Riff roughly rapped the concertmaster on the shoulder, drawing a pained smile from the taller man. Grinning toward Octavia, the white-haired viola leader bowed respectfully to the cellist.

"Good morrow, Miss Melody. I hear good things are befalling you as of late?"

"Yes, they are. Thank you."

Baritone, a deeply voiced man with a skillful dominance of the double bass, smiled kindly to Octavia before focusing on the lavender-haired violinist.

"And Miss Strings, you seem to have gotten quite skilled at your handling. I'm very impressed."

"Thanks, Bari. And now if Concerto here would get over wasting a precious free day to meet with the Strings sections, we'd be good to go."

Huffing, Concerto straightened his collar before grinding out a garish reply.

"It's not my concern here, Symphony. If the two of you are so unimpressed with your sections, then maybe you might consider future meetings away from the rest of Strings."

Eye twitching, Parish stepped forward and in between the women and Concerto.

"Relax, Concerto. The strings sections make up more than half of the orchestra. It's actually very wise to make sure everyone harmonizes here, first, to ensure proper execution of our music. Both of these women are exceptional at their craft, and if you cannot get over that fact, I suggest you remove yourself."

Royal cleared his throat loudly, signaling the slow arrival of the almost eighty musicians that make up the massive strings sections. Sectioning off, each leader separated to gather the respective groups, first. Octavia tentatively waved over the remaining members of her section, mulberry eyes aglow with well-fought emotion.

"Good morning, everyone. As some of you may already know, Stella Artois is no long apart of our section, meaning we are down our final member. Noteworthy and I have requested someone that has agreed, but she's brand new to an orchestra, and still very young. As such, I was hoping to request the lot of you remain behind after the larger practice to... get acquainted with our newest member?"

Hearing an echo of agreement, Octavia sighed heavily, relieved at the acceptance of her section. Turning, the cellists quickly regrouped with the rest of the strings sections. Settling, the small army of players quietly gathered, under the direction of Concerto, and began to slowly play. For hours the many players performed, stopping briefly to adjust a certain aspect of the playing, before starting up again. It was almost evening before the group stopped a final time, earning a collective appreciation from the many players. Disbanding, the musicians left almost as quietly as they had come, save for the cellists, that stood off to the side quietly conversing.

The five section leaders gathered at center stage, each player relieved at the day's performance. Concerto cleared his voice before casually scanning each other members around him.

"As expected, we're in marvelous shape. With the celebration still weeks away, we'll be ready to go with little to no problems from strings."

Octavia merely nodded, foot absently kicking at the smooth finish of the stage.

"Yes, I do agree. The previous tour did wonders for our timing already. And I assure you, my section will be one-hundred percent up to speed after our newest addition gets used to our style."

Riff nodded and smiled, running a large hand through the pale hair.

"Agreed. I have the utmost faith in you, Miss Melody. But if it's all the same to the rest of you, I'd like to adjourn this unofficial meeting of Strings and head back home. My wife won't be happy that we've been here so long as it is."

The players chuckled and quickly dispersed as well, leaving Symphony alone with the pensive cellist.

"You okay, Octavia?"

"Yes, of course. You get going, I'll be fine here. My cellists and I are going to get some dinner and then meet with my newest member. I hope all goes as well, I'm going on memory."

"Who's your new cellist?"

"All I know is that her name is Rosin Baroque and--"

"Rosie is your newest member? Wow, that's amazing."

Confused, Octavia trapped the violinist with a poignant stare.

"You know this woman?"

Attempting to quell the laughter that wanted to escape, Symphony covered her mouth and smiled up at the cellist.

"Rosin Baroque is Vinyl's cousin."

Lyra pulled open the heavy chrome door and slipped easily inside, golden eyes searching the brightly lit interior. Grinning, the lyrist made it over to the pair sitting alone at the back and slid in beside the flame-haired stunt pilot.

"Greetings, fellow gaybors."

Spitfire quickly turned to the strings player and grinned evilly, honey brown eyes alight with mischief.

"Fucking Scratch spent the night with Octavia!"

Coughing on her drink, Vinyl hastily kicked the pilot in the shin, drawing a loud hiss from the flame-haired flyer. Lyra torched the DJ with a pointed stare, golden eyes narrowing conspiratorially.

"You did, eh?"

"Not like that. I passed the hell out for a few hours, that's it."

Spitfire, still bent and rubbing her shin, managed a half-smirk.

"You know you wanted to do dirty, dirty things to that cellist, V. Don't even pretend like you didn't."

Slapping the pilot's resting hand, Vinyl slid up her lenses and cast an annoyed look at her friend. Lyra merely chuckled and leaned back against the booth, a satisfactory smirk shaping her face.

"Are you going to honestly deny that you have less than stellar thoughts about the cellist, Vinyl? Really? Okay, so what was it like, being in bed with Octavia?"

Ignoring the snicker from Spitfire, Vinyl absently thumbed the placemat before her, red eyes falling to study the checkered tabletop.

"Would it be totally creepy of me to say that it was awesome for the five seconds I was awake?"

"Of course not. Who was the last person you got to cuddle with, huh?"

Pinning the lyrist with a pleasant smile, Vinyl propped her chin up on her hand and winked at the mint-haired player.

"Why, that'd be you, sweet cheeks."

Failing desperately to hide her laughter, Spitfire quickly picked up her menu and hid behind it, lip captured between her teeth in an attempt to remain quiet. Elbowing the pilot, Lyra grinned up at the spinner, golden eyes sparkling.

"Have you talked about it yet?"

"No. We haven't even really talked about how we feel yet. I mean, she started to last night, you know? She told about everything she felt when we first met and the butterflies she'd get when we'd meet at the Harwan, stuff like that."

"So she's being a complete and total open book and you're being..."

"Deflective and avoid-y, right, V?"

Again kicking the pilot, Vinyl sighed and collapsed against the booth, eyes lifting to stare at the mirror on the ceiling.

"I don't know how to act around her sometimes. Sometimes I want to kiss her, sometimes I want to be as far away from her as possible. But I can't even tell her that. It just doesn't come out."

Returning her eyes to the two women across from her, Vinyl chuckled despite the swarming sadness tapping in her gut. Lyra frowned and twisted her fingers in her hair, a loud sigh escaping parted lips.

"I don't know how to make that better, Scratch. Normally you're so great at expressing yourself. I guess your brain is still split between loving and hating Tav, and I can't really say I blame it. What does your heart still say?"

"That Octavia's a beautiful creature who loves me, but it doesn't trust her right now? I don't know, let's ignore my feelings for once and get some super greasy diner food."

Spitfire nodded quietly, eyes casually skipping over to look hopelessly at the lyrist. Lyra simply sighed and cast her eyes out the large windows, focus shifting to the last, dying rays of the sun on the building across the street. Picking up her menu, she quickly perused the list before making a choice, hands slipping the menu closed and off to the side. Vinyl closed her menu as well and leaned backward, left thumb wordlessly dropping the lenses to cover the red eyes once more. Spitfire nudged the lyrist under the table, a harrowing concern swimming in the bright brown orbs. Chancing a look to the jockey, Lyra leaned forward, stopped only when the chime on the door went off.

Turning out of reflex, Lyra smiled and waved the woman over. Beauty grinned and quickly approached before sliding in beside Vinyl.

"Hello, my lovely lesbians."

Chuckling, Spitfire tossed her menu down and winked at the brass player.

"That'd be a cool bowling team name."

"If we bowled."

Vinyl tossed her arm along the back of the booth and leaned toward Brass, mouth curving into the smallest of smiles.

"Hey, Brass?"

"Yes, Vinyl?"

"Why didn't you tell me Octavia was in love with me that night?"

Octavia laughed cheerily as she led her section members out of D'Urberville's, the twilight sky illuminating the street in a beautiful rose color. Smiling at the group of players, Octavia slowly led the people back toward the hall on foot, the squadron enjoying the crispness of the beautiful fall night. Sidling up to the massive front, Octavia held the door for the cellists as they filtered inside the warmly lit hall, stopping just inside to gather and focus on their principal. Offering a placating grin, Octavia bobbed her head to the crew.

"I really do appreciate you all staying behind. It's of the utmost importance that we all seamlessly join together, especially for the Hearth's Warming Eve celebration. I'm touched you all are so invested."

Enjoying the quietly ecstatic group, Octavia smiled before the opening of a door distracted her attention. Pivoting, Octavia smiled widely at the petite girl before offering to help with the large cello case. Adjusting the wire frame glasses, Rosin smiled, flushed. Noticing the tentative response, Octavia offered the cello to one of her group mates before offering her hand.

"Nice to see you again, Miss Baroque."

Grinning sheepishly, the girl bowed her head quietly.

"Please, just call me Rose."

"Marvelous. Rose, then? I'd like you to meet the section."

The raven-haired player quickly introduced the shy girl to the friendly group of musicians just beside her. After the short round, Octavia led the group back up toward the stage before grabbing her chair, swiveling it to face the players. Gesturing for Rosin to take the vacant seat, Octavia settled the cello against her masterfully, mulberry eyes flicking up to focus willingly on the newcomer.

"As I'm aware, you've never performed with a group before?"

"O-once, in class. I tend to just play alone, though I'm amazingly honored that you accepted my audition. You and Noteworthy are both splendidly supportive."

Smiling sweetly, Octavia nodded her head, cheeks lightly colored at the comment.

"Thank you. It's really very simple, I'm afraid. It's not as glamorous as you may think, though you do have to keep in line and follow closely. The people in this section follow my lead, and fall in tune harmoniously behind me. I've spent the past few years with these players, and I've grown accustomed to their devotion. I hope to see the same passion from you, Miss Ba-- Rose."

Nodding, the small player settled the cello against her and waited for Octavia's signal. Gently the raven-haired player directed the section into familiar reps, noting with quiet direction. Eventually, Rose fell expertly into playing beside the group, her vibrant green eyes falling closed in peace. Octavia smiled to herself, her focus settling easily on the player as she continued in harmony.

After a time, Octavia slowly led the players to wind down, all but impressed with the group's work ethic. Mulberry eyes scanned the tired, yet excited faces of her devoted strings players, a growing adoration festering within her chest.

"That will be all, everyone. Thank you all so much for this evening. Please, enjoy the rest of the night, and I'll see you all at the next practice."

A flurry of goodbyes greeted the elated player, causing a wide grin to spread thoughtfully across the tired face. Stopping to help the newest member, Octavia carefully packed the instrument for the young woman before stowing her own. Hefting the large case, Octavia led the young girl out of the Hall and stopped to lock the doors, carefully stowing Noteworthy's keys in her purse for a later time. Pausing beside the small woman, Octavia smiled brightly at the girl.

"You did wonderfully, Rose, really. I'm very excited to have you aboard."

Blushing, the shy girl ducked her head again before smiling softly.

"Thank you, Miss Melody. I've watched the Orchestra every time I could, and you truly are astounding and very talented. I was so nervous to meet you, but I'm very honored to know you, ma'am."

Chuckling, Octavia squeezed the girl's arm before casually scanning the street.

"Are you catching a cab home, dear?"

"No, Miss Melody, my mother's driver will be picking me up. He's on his way."

"Your mother? I heard through the grapevine that you're--"

"Yes, ma'am. Vinyl is my cousin, on her mother's side. Camille was my aunt, and my very reason for becoming a cellist."

Fighting the surprise flow of tears, Octavia simply nodded her head.

"She, too, is the reason I became a cellist. I watched her perform at the Harwan just days after my eighth birthday... I was simply awe-struck by her... much in the same way I'm struck by her daughter."

Feeling the kind eyes of the young cellist on her, Octavia lifted her head to regard the woman. Rosin grinned and bobbed her head at the woman.

"Vinyl told me about you after she asked me to perform with her at the banquet... It's very strange meeting you here, now. But it does not take away what this is, or what you are. You're a very passionate cellist, one my aunt would have surely been proud to know."

Overwhelmed, Octavia shook her head, attempting to clear the creeping emotion coursing up her spine. Instead, she smiled softly at the young woman and again squeezed her arm.

"That's very sweet of you to say, Rose."

Seeing the black town car pull up, Rose nodded and tossed a bashful grin to the cellist.

"Thank you very much for this opportunity, Miss Melody."

"Please, call me Octavia."

"Octavia... I will see you again, soon. Good night!"

Quickly scurrying into the backseat, Rose settled with a small wave. The driver grinned at Octavia before gently closing the back door. Tipping his hat to the remaining musician, the man walked back to the driver side and slipped behind the wheel before smoothly pulling away. Suddenly left with her thoughts, Octavia placed her cello on the ground beside her and dug through her purse, chortling when she finally unearthed the elusive cellphone. Opening the familiar contact, she sent a quick text message before grinning foolishly, mulberry eyes swimming.

'I miss you.'

Vinyl walked arm in arm with the lyrist, her glasses perched carefully over the wild bangs, red eyes glassy with thought. Spitfire had gone after the meal, taking Brass with her after the emotionally trying affair. Lyra hummed lowly to herself, golden eyes flickering between the street lights as they walked casually toward Sweetie Drop's. Vinyl snapped her attention back to the present when her phone went off, causing her to jerk the lyrist to a stop as she fished free the device. Opening the message, she grinned briefly before her brows furrowed, causing her to simply slip the phone back into her pocket. Red eyes skipped upward to settle on curious gold, a twisted confusion marring the pale visage.

"That Octavia?"

"...yeah."

"Not gonna respond, eh?"

"I... No. Not right now."

Lyra accepted the response as they continued toward her girlfriend's shop, a warm comfort spreading through her at the thought of her lover. The lyrist smiled to herself as Vinyl softly cleared her throat, signaling her need to speak.

"I don't know, Heartstrings. A part of me wants to just be, you know? But another part of me is still so worked up. I've never been like this before. I don't... I can't think straight. Do you think taking some time away to think is a bad idea?"

Tugging on the arm in her grip, Lyra hummed for a moment before responding.

"I think you need to get your head on straight before both of you wind up getting hurt again. If taking a few days to clear your head helps, then she'll just have to accept it."

"It's not that easy, Lyr. She's in a just as vulnerable place, too. One push too hard in either direction could fuck us both over."

"I told you this before, but I'll say it again now... You have to make a choice. Octavia's already invested in this, in you... you just gotta make it right. Either accept that heartache and be happy, or cut yourself loose and suffer for a while before you get over it."

Vinyl sighed, rubbing her free hand down her tired face.

"You're supposed to just tell me what to do, not give me more options. I thought you knew what your job was, moron."

"My job would have been over with if Spitfire hadn't stopped me that night. I was literally about to tear her apart. But then I figured it'd fuck our relationship up, and I'm not giving you up for anything."

"No wonder Bon can't stand me."

They both laughed quietly in the space between them, falling into an important safety brought on by their comfort. Vinyl grunted and kicked at a loose piece of sidewalk as she walked, red eyes swirling with unshed tears.

"I need to lock myself away and work through this shit in my head... it's affecting every part of my life."

"If by lock yourself away, you mean 'Let Lyra in to see me,' then by all means, go for it."

Smiling ruefully, Vinyl nudged the lyrist.

"I won't do that to you again, Heartstrings. I learned my lesson."

"Good. Because I will literally murder you and rot happily in prison for the rest of my life."

Stopping outside the quiet candy shop, Vinyl pulled her companion to face directly in front of her.

"Tell me honestly, Lyr... what do you think I should do?"

"I think you should take tomorrow for yourself, to do whatever the hell you feel like, and then sit Octavia down and finally talk it out. You're running, and I hate seeing you run. I've seen you stand and fight for causes more lost than this, so really, what's stopping you?"

Vinyl squeezed her eyes shut, hand flexing around the lyrist's arm as she fended off the encroaching tears.

"I'm afraid to actually fall in love, I think. I've loved before, but never like this. Never all consuming, all motivating, all crippling. I can't make Octavia my everything if I'm afraid she'll leave me with nothing."

Inhaling sharply at the words, Lyra roughly pulled the jockey into her arms.

"I'll level with you... Bonbon is my everything, and that used to scare the hell out of me. But then, after a while... I can't picture my life any other way. If she breaks my heart one day, at least I can look back and know that I gave her my everything... and that is something I will never be afraid of. Feel it all, V, don't run away from it."

Burrowing her head into the lyrist's shoulder, Vinyl released a shuddering breath. Pulling back, she detangled from Lyra's grasp before running a shaking hand through the two-tone hair.

"Maybe. I just need a minute to sort through all this bullshit. I'll catch you later, Heartstrings. Take care of Bon tonight."

Quickly pulling the lyrist back into a tight hug, Vinyl released her before placing a small kiss on the strings player's cheek.

"Night, Lyr."

"Night, V. Call if you need anything, promise?"

"Promise."

Vinyl swiftly exited the space between them and headed off toward home, thankful for the quiet darkness surrounding her as she walked. Casting her eyes to the sliver of moon that hung above her, Vinyl exhaled, watching with silent wonder as her breath mingled with the atmosphere before dissipating. Closing her eyes, the jockey focused on the rhythmic thumping of her boots on the walk, the constant motion softly soothing the fray of her nerves. A midnight cloud rolled lazily across the sliver of light in the sky, momentarily casting the street into monotonous shadow.

A heavy bass beat suddenly shattered the tenuous haven the jockey found herself in, drawing a wistful sigh from deep within the woman. Ceasing all movement, the DJ picked the phone from her pocket and regarded the glowing screen, a swirling heat taking up ground in her subconscious. Seeing the cellist's name steadily gazing up at her from the screen, Vinyl hesitated before silencing the call and pocketed her cellphone, the call going unanswered.

Octavia flushed against the cell in her hand, mouth twisting into a dissatisfied frown. Dropping the phone back into her purse, Octavia juggled the bag and cello before settling comfortably in her walk, her nose burning gently from the frosty air. Amethyst eyes casually roamed the street as she walked, thankful for the quiet silence of a late week night. A scraping sound momentarily pulled at her focus, causing her to stop in her lazy stroll toward home. Straining to hear any further sounds, she was quickly blindsided by a knee slamming into ribcage.

Releasing a strained cry, Octavia released her cello and bag, hands flying up to grip tightly at the bruised area. Still off balance, she was easily pulled backward by her thick, raven locks, body crashing harshly against the cold brick of a nearby building. Gasping against the white-hot flashes of pain, Octavia blinked open her eyes, instantly greeted by painfully familiar sapphire eyes.

"St-stella."

Snarling, the redhead tugged hard on the cellist, pulling her forward so as to slam her knee back into the woman's midsection. Crumpling to her hands and knees, Octavia released a pained gasp, her vision darkening against the physical anguish. Feeling two hands gripping tightly to her shoulders, Octavia was quickly thrown back against the building before two hands balled furiously into the lapels of her pea coat.

"I should just destroy you, Melody."

Blinking away the resounding agony settling hotly in her skull, Octavia struggled against the enraged hold.

"You did this to your.... s-self, Stella. I'm sorry things--"

Another devastating blow met the cellist head on, the impact from the frozen fist causing her knees to buckle. Stella merely pressed her harder into the building, keeping her precariously swaying on her feet.

"You're not sorry, darling. You did this to me, you put me in this place."

"I-if this is about Vinyl, I--"

A pulsing chill suddenly engulfed her wrist, the redhead's icy fingers curling forcefully around the slender joint.

"It's never been about Vinyl, Octavia, it's always been about you. Miss Perfect, Never-Hurt-a-Fly Octavia."

The pressure on her wrist increased, causing her to gently cry out into the frigid atmosphere. Fighting hard against the stress on her body, Octavia thrashed against the other woman.

"Release me, Artois. Now."

Chuckling at the normally mild cellist's bravery, Stella pulled back for a step before curling her body upward again, knee slamming into the uninjured side of the cellist. Keeping her upright by the wrist still held firmly in her grasp, Stella smiled down at the gasping player.

"Why couldn't you just see what was right in front of you, Mel, huh? I was always there. You just never took the time to see me. And when Vinyl came into the picture? I don't even think so."

Swallowing the burning nausea, Octavia lifting her focus to the towering woman, amethyst eyes clouded with confusion.

"You mean... you've had--"

"Feelings for you? And here I thought you didn't notice."

Kneeling to be level with the agonized woman, Stella casually ran a hand through the dark hair, blue eyes softening just slightly before she crashed her lips to Octavia's. Gasping at the contact, Octavia jerked back, roughly tearing herself away from the whiskey-stained lips. Stella purred, the stillness almost pulsing with the sound. Cupping the cellist's cheek, Stella lifted her face, eyes locking automatically.

"I imagined a perfect world, Octavia. A world you've all but destroyed."

A dark rage clouded the clear, sapphire orbs, allowing a shock of potent fear to bolt through Octavia. Curling her lip, Stella increased her pressure on the helpless arm, a dark smile twisting her lips.

"You've never known pain before, have you, Octavia?"

Furiously shaking her head, Octavia ignored the tears spilling from her eyes.

"Stella, please just let me go. I'm sorry for--"

A resounding crack echoed around the quiet neighborhood, coupled with a high pitched scream.

Author's Notes:

DON'T EVEN START. Now that that's out of the way... enjoy? I've got to start working on my time management skills. HAPPY SATURDAY NIGHT.