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

"I said--"

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

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

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

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

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

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

"How could you do that to me?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"What's your name again? Octy?"

"I said it's Octavia."

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

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

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

"I'm a cellist."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Crystal, my dear."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Octavia frowned instantly before her eyebrows turned up in anger.

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

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

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

"Very well."

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

"Hey, Octavia--"

"That's all right, Vinyl."

She turned her face up, lavender eyes igniting.

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

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

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

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

"Octavia, I'm sorry."

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

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

Vinyl scoffed, a bemused smile forming.

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

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

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

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

"Probably."

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

"Will I never see you again, either?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Confused, Symphony tilted her head.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You're gonna be great, Octavia."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Goodness, Octavia, that was magnificent!!"

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

"Thank you. Really."

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

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

Sheepishly, she nodded.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"And where is your delectable BB this evening?"

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

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

"Evening, Miss Melody. Splendid performance."

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

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

"You lied to me, Vinyl Scratch."

Vinyl bobbed her head in understanding.

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

Octavia frowned in confusion for a moment, black hair swaying as she shook her head.

"I thought you had a performance?"

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

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

"Thank you."

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Phenomenal, Scratch, as usual."

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

"Wait, you all know each other?"

Vinyl slid in beside the cellist, shoulder going forward to gently nudge the perturbed woman.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Then what is so funny?"

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

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

"Whenever you are all ready."

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

"Hey, Tav, got jammies?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Heck yes she does."

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

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

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

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

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

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

Octavia, eyes closed, nodded slightly.

"She's incre-dible."

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

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

"Yes, hello?"

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

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

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

"Early? It's almost noon."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I wouldn't say wasted--"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She smiled, face flushing at the compliment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"French Earl Grey, please."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Yes, still here."

"Awesome. Be there in a bit."

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

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

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

"I beg your pardon, madam?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Oh, French Earl."

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

"No, thanks. Too strong for me."

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

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

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

"Oh, good, we're here."

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

"Let's eat!"

Author's Notes:

I hope flow is successful.