Vinyl looked up at the cellist as she stood, hand out in patient wonder, face bearing a soft smile. The two-tone jockey flashed a small grin before accepting the hand and was pulled easily to her feet. They stood before one another for a brief period, hands still clasped as Vinyl searched the raven-haired woman's pleasant violet gaze, heart pounding harshly in her chest, stomach knotted in nervousness. Finally, she nodded, mouth twisting in a wry grin before she led the strings player to the piano. Octavia tilted her head at Vinyl as she settled behind the keys before moving over to lift the cello free of the stand. Taking her place just beside the Grand, Octavia settled and looked up at the uneasy jockey.

"I can play you in."

Vinyl nodded and gestured for Octavia to begin, the strings player falling easily into a soothing melody. Vinyl looked down at the keys and began to play her own tune, mind shifting as the words spun in her brain. She focused hard on the keys as she played, a bitter tightness growing in her stomach, stress level rising at the impending song. She shifted her gaze to Octavia as she played softly, face relaxed and gentle as the music rolled through her, the jockey's own fingers playing automatically as she watched. Attempting to shake free the tension, Vinyl slid off her glasses, eyes closed, and placed them on the top of the piano before falling back into playing.

Octavia, having opened her eyes, felt her pulse quicken as she noticed the DJ's stress-lined face, finally visible from beneath the ever-present lenses. The cellist continued to play as she watched the DJ battle an internal war, heart going out to the distressed pianist as they both played softly together. Watching carefully, Octavia noticed Vinyl's face relax, the thick lashes fluttering softly against pale cheekbones as her mood shifted into astute determination. Octavia refocused her playing, body sensing a change in the music as Vinyl played with deep, sure strokes of the keys. Eyes never leaving the DJ's face, Octavia dialed back the tones of her own instrument as Vinyl opened her mouth to sing.

"Under your spell again... I can't say no to you. Crave my heart, and it's bleeding in your hand. I can't say no to you. Shouldn't let you torture me so sweetly. Now I can't let go of this dream, I can't breathe but I feel... good enough. I feel good enough. For you."

Octavia's play had ceased as the low, powerful voice swept through the massive auditorium, effectively rendering her speechless. She felt her heart begin to beat wildly in her chest, vision transfixed on the DJ as her voice cascaded over them before breaking off to play a short instrumental piece.

"Drink up sweet decadence. I can't say no to you. And I've completely lost myself, and I don't mind. I can't say no to you."

Vinyl had opened her eyes as the high note escalated, crystalline carmine orbs lifting to focus on the rapt cellist. Time escaped the player as their eyes finally met, the dulcet tones of the jockey's voice causing a bolt of breath-stealing electricity to shake through the raven-haired musician as the pianist continued to sing.

"Shouldn't let you conquer me completely. Now I can't let go of this dream, can't believe that I feel good enough. I feel good enough. It's been such a long time coming, but I feel good."

Vinyl finally broke eye contact with the cellist as her voice strengthened, face changing as the emotion in her bubbled forward, eyebrows drawing deeply as she hit her note with long-forgotten perfection, fingers moving perfectly along the keys as she sang.

"And I'm still waiting for the rain to fall. Pour real life down on me. Cause I can't hold on, to anything this good enough. Am I good enough? For you to love me, too?"

Octavia felt a dark blush crawl up her neck from the intensity, an explosion of gooseflesh prickling her skin as the DJ's voice echoed a long high note, red eyes once again opening to focus on tearful violet as the jockey's voice dropped low to finish.

"So take care of what you ask of me. Cause I can't say no..."

Vinyl finished and lifted her hands to fold into her lap, nervous red eyes peering thoughtfully at the astonished Octavia. Eventually, Octavia released the breath she had been holding and slowly moved to stand before quietly placing the cello back in its stand. Turning to face the jittery Vinyl, Octavia released a short laugh and smiled wide at her companion. She approached the seated player, face still aflame, though her eyes sparkled with amazement; she stopped just beside the bench and leaned heavily on the piano as she shook her head.

"Your voice... is incredible."

Her words were breathy and low, tempered by the intensity that settled between them. Vinyl, chest heaving, smiled quickly at the cellist.

"I'm... a little rusty."

Octavia shook her head before taking both of the jockey's hand and tugged her away from the bench to stand before her.

"You astound me... How do you feel?"

Releasing one of the cellist's hands, Vinyl moved a shaky hand to glide roughly through her hair. Her body trembled with pent up emotional exhaust, a fact that was not lost on Octavia.

"Crazy."

Carmine eyes searched patient violet, inner turmoil spilling over to the bright red gaze. The cellist simply moved forward and slid her arms up around the DJ's neck and pulled her downward in the hug to rest against her shoulder; Vinyl brought her arms up to encircle the cellist, body shaking as she clung to the other woman in hopes of conquering the lingering tension. For long minutes they simply stood, Octavia's mind playing the performance over and over again, chest pulsing with pride for the surprisingly sensitive musician. Finally, Vinyl tore herself away and glanced down at the strings player, an easiness returning to the red orbs.

"Thanks, Tav. Really."

Octavia nodded and smiled, eyes glowing with adoration for the vulnerable jockey.

"Can you sing something else for me?"

Vinyl chuckled and shook her head before turning to retrieve her glasses. Instead of sliding them over her eyes, she simply placed them in the wild bangs above her forehead before spinning to pin the cellist with a mischievous glint.

"No, I can't. Not tonight. Would you play something for me instead?"

Octavia smiled and nodded and retrieved the cello once more. Vinyl hopped up on the piano, legs dangling just beside Octavia as she settled in. Octavia began a low, slow tune, the deep tones washing over the frayed nerves of the jockey. Vinyl listened to the melody, eyes falling closed as the baritone sounds swept over her, instantly relaxing her. Once the cellist finished, Vinyl lifted her head, eyes locking on Octavia.

"I should carry you around in my pocket so you can play for me always."

Smiling sweetly, Octavia stood and faced the two-toned singer.

"Sing for me, and I'm yours whenever you want me."

Vinyl looked seriously at the cellist for a moment, the words filtering through her body, sending shivers across her shoulders at the innocent words. She smiled reflexively before putting her hand out. The cellist chuckled before shaking the offered hand heartily, violet eyes glittering under the stage lights.

"Deal."

Vinyl slid down from the piano and grabbed at the cello case. Allowing a moment for Octavia to pack up the instrument, the two gathered up the items and headed back toward the closet to stow them. Once clear, Vinyl led them through the darkness to clear the lights and head toward the front door before finally leaving the Harwan secure for the night. Once outside, Vinyl fished out her phone to check the time, her breath escaping in an incredulous huff.

"Well damn, way past 4 o'clock."

The dark eyebrows of the cellist lifted high after hearing the time before she began to laugh gently.

"Oh, is that all? I was hoping for 7."

Vinyl playfully shoved the cellist before approaching her bike and lifted the helmets, arm sliding over to offer the second to Octavia. Taking it thankfully, the strings player slid it over her head with practiced ease and waited while Vinyl settled over the cycle; she slid on and adjusted her position before wrapping her arms around the DJ in a tight hug. Smiling wide, Vinyl kicked over the engine and pulled into the empty street before heading toward the Waldorf.

Finally pulling up outside the massive building, Vinyl killed the engine in the quiet neighborhood and again offered her hand to the cellist as she climbed off the cycle. Vinyl, too, dismounted, but merely turned to lean against the leather seat. Octavia removed her helmet and gave it back to the jockey before smiling at the casual musician.

"Thank you for today, Vinyl. I had... such fun."

Vinyl nodded before sliding her bag around to the front and unzipped it, hand moving in to grab the cellist's purse. Handing over the large bag, Vinyl slid her glasses up from her eyes and grinned at the player.

"You're welcome. I did, too. We'll have to do it again soon, there are things you still haven't seen yet."

"What's on your agenda for tomorrow?"

Vinyl shrugged, her sleep-fuzzed brain drawing a blank.

"No idea. I just hope I get some shut-eye. You?"

"The Orchestra is meeting bright and early to prepare for our move up to New York for a performance. It's been quite some time since I've been with everyone."

The jockey smiled and stood to stretch before pinning the cellist with a playful smirk.

"I'm proud of you, Miss Priss. Make sure you own that cellist posse of yours."

Octavia nodded and grinned softly, face colored with a faint blush. She stepped closer to Vinyl, dazzling smile lighting her face. The jockey snorted and quickly straightened to wrap the cellist in a friendly bearhug. Laughing from within the musician's arms, Octavia stepped back and lightly punched the woman in the arm.

"Good night, Scratch."

"Night, Melody."

Octavia turned and walked toward her building before slipping through the front door and headed toward the elevators. Vinyl looked after her, eyes transfixed as the cellist turned to look back, smile lighting her face before she threw up a small wave and finally entered the elevator. Grinning to herself, Vinyl straddled her bike once more and turned over the engine before making the short journey back to the Astoria.

Lyra whistled as she strolled happily down the familiar hallway, a large sack over one shoulder. Pausing at the correct door, she knocked three times and waited. After a moment, she casually slid her hand into her pocket to retrieve her keys. Shifting the weight on her back, she picked the correct one and slid it into the lock before turning it over and opened the door. She looked down at her watch, eyes glowing with a dark mischief as the blue-lit numbers stared back at her. 5:58.

Fully kicking open the door, she was greeted with an exhausted, half-naked DJ as she towel-dried her wet hair, eyes closed in exhaustion. Once the door connected with the wall behind it, the jockey jumped, bloodshot red eyes snapping open to look at the load-bearing lyrist.

"For Luna's sake, Heartstrings, don't you friggin' knock?"

"I did, three times. Figured you were pre-occupied."

She came in and closed the door behind her before heading toward the couch, body crouching to turn on a lamp as she went. Vinyl stood in the center of the hardwood and stared strangely at her friend, eyebrows scrunched in confusion.

"Okay, Lyr, what in the hell are you doing here again?"

"Video game marathon. Do you not remember?"

Vinyl blinked twice before the phone conversation from the day before came rushing back to her, an amused smile splitting her tired face.

"Yeah, now I remember. You were being a bitch and I threatened to kill you."

Making a face at the freshly showered DJ, Lyra began to unpack the large sack. Vinyl, disinterested, continued her slow pacing as she continued to shake the wet hair. Sighing heavily, she plopped down in an arm chair and covered her eyes with her free hand. Lyra paused in her unpacking to study the slouching DJ, golden eyes alight with curiosity.

"So, yesterday was Tuesday... I called you around 11:30, talked to you about today, you seemed to agree. I figured you'd gone to sleep, but apparently you didn't? And judging by you showering at such a weird hour, that means you haven't been home very long, because you always shower after you come home for the night. So tell me, what were you doing all day that you still didn't get any sleep for the fourth night in a row?"

Vinyl's smile only widened the further Lyra explained before she was laughing almost hysterically, her exhaustion mixing dangerously with her cognitive processes.

"Do you have a tracking system on me or something, you freakin' beast?"

"Habitual creature; I know you better than anyone else. Now answer the question."

Vinyl stared at Lyra for a second, red eyes fluttering closed before she chuckled humorlessly.

"I spent the day with Octavia. I only just got home about an hour ago."

Lyra's eyebrows instantly shot up and she was up and approaching the DJ with blinding speed.

"What?? Oh man, give me details! What did you guys do?"

Vinyl smiled before closing her eyes, focus pulling hard toward sleep. Lyra, sensing the drifting DJ, plopped down hard on her lap and leaned sideways against the jockey, elbow propping her up to have her peer down at the woman. Grunting at the weight currently settled against her chest, Vinyl cracked open one eye to glare at the smiling lyrist.

"Get off me before I throw you off me."

"No, you're keeping secrets. What did you do? Was it a date? Come on, Vinyl, give me something."

"I'm not keeping secrets, nothing too special, it wasn't a date, and I did give you something."

Lyra tilted her head and looked down at the musician, fully unconvinced. She sucked her teeth before leaning closer to the DJ, golden eyes alight with irritation.

"Okay, Scratch, I can torture it out of you."

"It wasn't a date."

Vinyl leaned her head back from Lyra and smiled nervously; Lyra only moved closer, grin evil.

"But you wanted it to be one."

"Shut up, Heartstrings."

Grinning smugly, Lyra leaned back and shifted her legs sideways across the DJ's lap, crossing them at the knee before smiling down at the jockey.

"Tell me about your almost-date with that hyper-attractive Octavia, Miss Pon 3."

"I fixed her sink, we went to 5C, then to Peg's, the Art Museum, the V's concert, then chilled at the Harwan. End of story."

"What happened with the sink?"

"Pipe was old. Water everywhere."

"Okay, and you took her to Carny's?"

"She sucks at crane games."

"And then to Peg's?"

"Yep, had her first milkshake."

"And you willingly walked around a museum?"

"For almost two hours."

"Then you took Miss Melody to a club to see our girls play?"

"She loved them."

"What did you guys do at the Harwan?"

"Played."

Vinyl closed her eyes after that, her body beyond tired from the past few days. Lyra looked quizzically at the DJ, mind whirling at the information. There was something else, but would have to wait to properly grill the exhausted jockey. Instead, she slid off Vinyl's lap and pulled her to her feet, golden eyes scanning the exhausted woman with interest.

"Okay, V. You're gonna nap a bit, and while you do that, I'm going to play Call of Modern Battlefield 14, because your TV is huge and we're not cancelling our plans for today. Deal?"

"Deal."

Lyra led the exhausted jockey toward the large, over-stuffed couch and gently pushed her to sit. Rubbing at her eyes, Vinyl yawned loudly before gesturing toward the side table. Understanding the obscure movement, Lyra plucked up the brush and handed it to the DJ. After brushing out the tangles of her two-tone hair, she carelessly tossed the brush and flopped down on her side, breath escaping in a huff as she settled. Lyra lifted the jockey's bare legs and patted the skin before moving to kneel near Vinyl's head.

"Since I've burst in on you in your underwear, would you like a blanket?"

Shaking her head softly, Vinyl absently felt for her MP3 player. Finally finding it, she opened her eyes to regard Lyra.

"Mm, no. 'm hot. Do you see my headphones?"

Lyra turned her attention to the living room, her golden eyes making quick work of finding the large, white headphones. Sliding them off the coffee table, she handed them to the DJ, smiling softly as Vinyl slid them comfortably over her ears.

"Just wake me in a few hours."

Lyra nodded and patted the jockey's bare stomach before climbing to her feet, her eyes scanning the room. Dropping to move the coffee table, Lyra made space for her to sit before approaching the TV and consoles. Turning on the massive TV, she loaded her profile and started her game. Scooting backward, she turned to look at the DJ as she lay, headphones snuggly over hidden ears, and the large red eyes closed peacefully in much needed sleep. The MP3 player lay tucked in the black sports bra the jockey normally wore to bed, matched by the black boy shirts that currently left the long legs exposed to the cool air of the room.

Fetching a blanket from the nearby armchair, Lyra tossed the hefty material on the floor beside her as she sat down, legs moving to curl underneath her as she leaned back against the couch. Shifting her focus once more to Vinyl, she smiled, the loud beats from the headphones reaching her ears as the DJ slept. Shaking her head, she pressed start on the game and chuckled darkly as it began.

Octavia paced her apartment as she brushed her freshly blow-dried hair. A smile had found permanent residence on her face as she continued her movements, eyes momentarily shifting to the clock on her wall. 6:43. Finally finishing with the brush, she turned toward her bedroom, carefully sliding inside to stow the item. Taking one last look at her casual, yet stylish attire, she smiled at her reflection and headed back toward the living room. She casually picked up her purse and phone and headed toward the door, pausing for a moment to look over the immaculate apartment. Finally opening her door, she stopped suddenly at a small bag tucked against her door frame. Bending to one knee, Octavia spun the tag and read it, smile widening. 'Tav.'

Grabbing at the small handles, Octavia stood and closed her door as she approached her kitchen. Dropping her purse on the counter, Octavia curiously turned over the closed bag, eyes scanning the glittery purple tote with controlled enthusiasm. Placing down the small gift, she tugged at the handles and peered inside. Amidst the tissue paper, she pulled out a collection of CDs, an excited laugh escaping her lips as she looked over the bundle. Peering back inside the bag, she plucked free a tissue-wrapped mass that lay still at the bottom of the bag. Looking over the small, wrapped item, she carefully ripped at the thin paper before stopping suddenly.

Fully unwrapping the small present quickly, her eyes watered with unshed tears, her smile only spreading as she looked down at the small stuffed raccoon. Laughing despite her tears, she hugged the toy to her chest for a long moment before sitting him down on the counter. Snatching up the bag, she peered inside to make sure it was empty before plucking free the folded note at the bottom of the bag. Quickly unfolding it, her teary eyes scanned the note as she began to laugh, causing the tears to drip gently in the motion.

'I'm pretty sure you're the most animated crane player I've ever seen. I've named your raccoon Smithy, please refer to him as such. And for the love of Celestia, don't ever make a sad face like that again!'

Octavia shifted her eyes down to the simple signature at the bottom of the note. 'V.' Wrapping the note back up, she placed it and the CDs back in the bag and started toward her bedroom. Stopping short, she turned and picked up Smithy from the counter and walked to deposit the items on her coffee table. Bending to place the small raccoon on her couch, Octavia set him just so, large dark eyes shining above a cute, stitched smile. Patting him on his head, Octavia straightened and reached for a tissue. Popping out her compact, she checked her mascara before ultimately readying to leave once more. Finally outside, she closed her apartment door and started toward the lobby, a bounce in her step.

A short while later, and Octavia was walking meaningfully down a long hall before arriving at the proper threshold; she lifted her hand to knock, smile never leaving her face. Eventually, after a long period of knocks, a disheveled and irritated Symphony answered the door. Her face turned from irritation to surprise, however, as she took in the sight of the excited Octavia. Waving her in, Symphony closed the door and leaned heavily against it once inside.

"What on Earth are you doing here so early in the morning?"

Waving her off, Octavia sat on the couch and smiled up at the cranky violinist.

"Oh, I couldn't sleep! I figured I'd come see you before you had to get ready for this morning."

Shifting her eyes toward the large wall clock, Symphony checked the time before tracking her eyes back toward the ecstatic cellist.

"Yes, Octavia, darling... But it's barely 7:15. I don't have to be up until 8, and our meeting is at 9."

"Well, you're more than welcome to go back to sleep, Symphony. I just needed to get moving."

Warily eyeing the energetic cellist, Symphony cocked her head to the side.

"Why are you so awake this early in the morning? Normally you're worse than I am."

"Oh, I haven't sleep yet. I was up all night with Vinyl!"

Mouth opening in shock, Symphony quickly approached the couch and slid in to sit beside the happy cellist.

"Explain exactly what that means."

Octavia laughed gently and playfully nudged her violinist companion.

"Well, I wanted to play hooky yesterday, and it turned into an all-day event."

"So you called Vinyl to play hooky with you? What did you two do all day?"

Octavia smiled, eyes crinkling in her glee, as she shook her head at the previous day's memories.

"Well, it started out a little off-handed. My sink ruptured and wound up getting water all over my kitchen. Vinyl burst through the door after I had screamed, and had quite a time trying to get the water to turn off. She was absolutely drenched, the poor thing. She managed to get the things I needed and fixed my sink for me though, which was simply wonderful of her."

"Wet Vinyl isn't happy Vinyl. So where did you go, what did you do??"

"Oh, she took me to this arcade! It was very loud at first, and quite dark, but once I adjusted, I actually had a splendid time! We had separated briefly, and I wandered around a large room with many crane machines-- I tried to win a stuffed raccoon, but failed. This morning though, before I left, I found a gift from Vinyl and inside was my raccoon! She won him for me at some point during our visit, though I'm unsure when. She named him Smithy."

Symphony laughed joyously at the news, touched at Vinyl's small gesture. She turned her teal eyes toward Octavia, beyond intrigued at their day.

"So then where did you go?"

"Oh, we went to eat at this metal building. Peg's, I think. I had the most incredible vegetarian burger there, and I had my first milkshake! I thought Vinyl would die from the shock of it, me never having had one before."

"Oh, goodness. Peg's does have incredible food. So then after Peg's, what happened?"

"She took me to the Art Museum and we perused the many exhibits for a while. But the time had started to run out, and then she took me to a concert at some little place down near the District."

"Oh, right. I remember hearing about the V's being back in town. They put on an amazing show. Did you get to meet them?"

Octavia frowned at the question and gently shook her head.

"No, I didn't. It would have been very interesting if I had, they're very talented musicians."

"I would have thought for sure Vinyl would've taken you backstage. She mixes for them!"

Impressed, Octavia half shrugged before grinning again.

"Maybe one day. But... After the concert, Vinyl pulled me out of the crowd and I asked if we could go to the Harwan to play together again... And oh, Symphony..."

The cellist began to tear at the memory, the familiar chills returning as she recalled the jockey's incredible singing voice. Sensing the change in her friend, Symphony scooted closer and gently rubbed Octavia's forearm, eyebrows drawing in mild concern. Leaning downward to peer up at the cellist, she smiled.

"What is it, Octavia? What happened?"

With teary eyes, she focused on Symphony, trembling lips twisting into an elated smile.

"Vinyl... she sang. It was the most incredible thing I've ever heard."

Unable to stop the shock, Symphony's mouth fell open, eyes widening at the information.

"You... you got Vinyl to... to sing?"

Unable to speak, Octavia simply nodded. The violinist blinked rapidly, her brain refusing to process the information. She moved to clasp the hands of the cellist, two sets of eyes connecting at the contact.

"It's been... almost five years since Vinyl Scratch last sang. I-I can't believe you... you got her to do it."

"I... I asked her. She told me about what happened with her mother and how everything spiraled out of control. And I asked her to sing for me. It took her a bit, but she did... And it was beautiful."

Symphony bit her lip as her own tears sprung free, the memories from all those years ago suddenly crashing back to her with crushing force.

"That's incredible."

Stiffly, the violinist stood before sniffling loudly. Dropping her eyes back down to Octavia, she smiled weakly.

"I'm going to get a shower, and then we can go get some coffee and head to practice."

The two strings players approached the massive Concert Hall and strode confidently inside, instruments in hand. Octavia swallowed her pride and walked toward her group of cellists, nodding at the gathering.

Her reception was warm, one of her players even approaching her to offer a hug for her return. Relief flooding her, she smiled at the small group before a sharp voice cut in, instantly causing Octavia to frown. Turning to regard the sharp-tongued woman, Octavia coolly crossed her arms and pursed her lips.

"Artois."

"Melody. I heard you were coming back. So nice to see you."

The group of strings players stood tall behind their Principal Cellist, causing a dour snarl to mar the red-haired woman's otherwise attractive face.

"I see how your little sheep jumped back on the wagon."

She walked the few steps to stand nose to nose with the slightly taller Octavia, icy blue eyes attempting to torch the savvy musician. The raven-haired player, however, accepted none of it and scoffed before pinning the angry woman with a poignant stare.

"I'm the rightful lead of this section. If you have any qualms with that, I suggest you take it up with Noteworthy. Until that moment, however, get back in line and prepare to play."

Growling under her breath, the fiery redhead forced through the group that had gathered and approached her seat, eyes staring intently at Octavia once she was settled. Calmly, the dark-haired cellist turned and regarded her troupe, smile subdued.

"Thank you, everyone."

Just then, the conductor entered the room, his kind honey-brown eyes twinkling as he looked over the musicians. Approaching his stand, he cleared his throat, all eyes turning toward him at once.

"Hello, everyone. Places, please."

Noteworthy scanned over the music in his folder, mouth twisting as he thought. Choosing a piece, he announced and waited for everyone to settle. After a moment, he looked to his concertmaster, Concerto, and nodded to him. For a short time, the Orchestra went through the trials and motions, stopping to adjust under the order of Concerto, before they had all fallen back into the familiar tune of harmony. Noteworthy smiled and raised his hands before signaling for the Orchestra to begin.

The long-separated musicians harmonized almost perfectly, the practice going increasingly well. Noteworthy, from his place before the many players, smiled as he closed his eyes, arms moving in familiar motions to direct the massive orchestra. Octavia performed perfectly, her focus centering her, allowing her to adjust as needed to fit into the motion of play as it moved around her. Symphony, as the Principal Second violinist, fell in easily with her familiar members, her teal eyes glowing with pride as they continued onward.

After a lengthy rehearsal, the group began to disperse, each of the musicians moving to pack up their instruments and prepare for the rest of their day. Octavia approached the side where her case was laid, but was intercepted by the still-fiery Stella.

"You sounded good, Melody. But I sounded better."

Annoyed, Octavia yanked up her case and carefully stowed her instrument and secured the clips before turning a burning gaze to the spiteful woman.

"You're sadly mistaken, Artois. And as such, your dismal display of showboating is very ill-advised."

Moving to lift her cello, Octavia took a step forward, only to be physical stopped by the crook of her elbow. Eyes flashing, Octavia turned toward the other cellist, teeth clenched dangerously. Stella sneered, her pearly teeth catching a strange glint in the light.

"I know you've been fucking around with that show-off dyke Vinyl Scratch. Do us all a favor, and keep your street-rat friends away from the upper class, Melody."

Temper to an almost impossible boil, Octavia opened her mouth to respond but was quickly cut off by a swarming Symphony.

"You should know street rats better than anyone, Artois. I hear you've been sleeping with Neon Lights."

Huffing incredulously, Stella turned her hateful glare onto Symphony, her eyes narrowing in devilish delight.

"Well, if it isn't the lesbo calling the kettle black. At least I can keep track of my partners, Strings, when's the last time you heard from Spitfire?"

Lunging against her better nature, Symphony was stopped by Octavia's iron grip on her arm. Sensing the building display, Concerto quickly descended upon the group, Noteworthy in step behind him.

"I beg your pardon, ladies! What is this ridiculousness??"

Three pairs of angry eyes turned to greet him as he straightened under the heated fury. Noteworthy pushed passed him and moved to stand between Symphony and Octavia and the acidic Stella.

"Miss Artois, we'll be seeing you at the next meeting. Please, travel safely."

Taking her cue from the conductor, she hefted her case and charged through the group behind her before slamming open the door and disappearing. Sighing heavily, Noteworthy turned to regard the two women standing together.

"Octavia, welcome back to the Orchestra. I know you'll handle Stella better in the future, if she has a future. Miss Strings, are you all right?"

Both nodded, the gesture drawing a smile from the man.

"Good, good. Now get home and enjoy the rest of your days. Fabulous performance today, ladies."

Taking his leave, Noteworthy approached his podium to gather his things and prepare his exit. Concerto, who remained behind, cast his gaze to the still-bothered Octavia. Taking the hint, Symphony nodded to the cellist before smiling at Concerto.

"Octavia, I'll meet you outside."

Concerto watched the violinist leave before turning a charming smile to Octavia. Grinning fitfully, the cellist attempted to shake free the anger that still clung tightly to her skin.

"Hello, Concerto. Brilliant performance, as always."

Nodding slowly, he closed the space between them, hand reaching for Octavia's to place a kiss on the back.

"I look forward to our night out this weekend, Miss Melody... So very much."

Leaning forward, he gently brushed his lips to her temple and pulled away, eyes dark. Smiling nervously, Octavia nodded politely before bidding him goodbye and made a quick retreat to the door. Once outside, she shook free the uneasy feeling she felt building and sought out the darkly brooding Symphony.

"Today sucked, let's go drink."

Octavia smiled softly at the violinist before hailing a cab for them both.

"I'd rather spend time with some friends."

A taxi pulled over for them, the kind driver leaving his seat to help the women stow their instruments. Once in the back seat, Octavia turned a wistful eye to her friend.

"...have you heard from Spitfire recently?"

Souring, Symphony turned painful teal eyes to the cellist.

"Not since she kissed Fleet and then left to go do maneuvers with her Wonderbolts."

Frowning, Octavia grasped the violinist's hand and laid her head gently on her shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Symphony."

"Not as sorry as she'll be once I get my hands on her."

The violinist fished for the phone in her pocket and dialed a familiar contact. Octavia lifted her head from her shoulder and peered thoughtfully at the lavender-haired player.

"Who are you calling?"

"Vinyl."

Lyra cursed out loud as she paused her game and angrily reached for the bass-thumping phone. Seeing a familiar face on the screen, she finally answered the call.

"Are you in prison or something?"

"Oh, hey, Lyra. Where's Vinyl?"

"Asleep on the couch behind me, what's up?"

"Octavia and I were wondering what she was up to. What are you doing there if she's asleep?"

"We're supposed to be having a video game marathon, but a certain unnamed cellist kept her up all hours last night. She's been asleep for a few hours."

"Well, wake her up, we're headed your way."

"Yes, Commandant."

Disconnecting the call, she put the phone on the floor beside her and continued her game. Not long after, and Symphony was pushing open the door to Vinyl's apartment, Octavia following just behind. Smiling, Lyra again paused her game and tossed her head back to greet the women.

"Well, good afternoon, ladies. Wonderful day for a blood bath, eh?"

Setting her case against the wall, Symphony turned on her heel and smiled snidely at the lyrist before taking in the sight of the still-slumbering DJ.

"Are you deaf or something, Lyra? I told you to wake Vinyl."

Chuckling ruthlessly, Lyra turned to smack the bare stomach of the DJ, the shockwave causing the slumbering jockey to jerk awake, a sharp hiss escaping her lips well before her eyes opened.

"The frig, Lyr."

Blinking open her eyes, Vinyl sleepily sat up on the couch and pulled off her headphones. Rubbing at her eyes with the back of one hand, she smiled to the newcomers.

"Mornin', ladies."

Octavia, from behind Symphony's shoulder, blushed at the DJ's state, mouth smiling nervously. As if sensing the discomfort of the cellist behind her, Symphony jerked a thumb over her shoulder, teal eyes glittering with humor.

"Go put some clothes on, you're making Octavia uncomfortable."

Nodding weakly, Vinyl threw her legs over the side of the couch and stood, hand moving to slap the back of the lyrist's head as she stood. The mint-haired musician merely chuckled and turned her attention back to the television. Moving out of the jockey's way, both Symphony and Octavia tilted backward, allowing ample space for the woman to pass. Both sets of eyes curiously followed as she disappeared into the hallway. Lyra, whose focus had shifted back to the newcomers, smiled knowingly.

"You guys see something you like?"

Two heads snapped back, one face colored in a deep blush, as Lyra laughed heartily. Symphony moved to sit on the couch behind Lyra as Octavia moved to sit in the arm chair just to the side of the sofa. A few moments later, Vinyl reemerged in a tank and shorts, her lenses propped up on her forehead. Skirting past Octavia, the DJ plopped down on the couch beside Symphony, red eyes tired.

"How was Orchestra practice?"

Symphony scoffed and crossed her arms, the wounds still fresh. Offering a sad smile to her friend, Octavia focused on Vinyl as she leaned forward.

"The performance went well. However, both Symphony and I had a minor run-in with Artois."

Lyra snorted ruefully before turning her body, arm going up to lean against Vinyl's knee.

"I cannot stand that bitch. She and Sapphire have been making our lives miserable for years. It's a pity that Noteworthy let her into your orchestra."

Vinyl nodded in agreement, though she remained quiet. Instead, she focused her tired eyes on the obviously upset Symphony.

"Hey, Symph, what happened? What'd she say?"

Turning stony teal eyes to the DJ, Symphony curled her lip before responding, the words like venom on her tongue.

"She mentioned Spitfire, called me a lesbo, and you a street-rat dyke. Needless to say, she needs to be beaten into the earth and forgotten."

Impressed, Vinyl nodded before absently ruffling the lyrist's mint-striped hair, drawing a playful swat from the woman.

"That's a new one. And Octavia, she bitch at you, too?"

"She wants my position as Principal cellist, and insists she performs better than I do."

Lyra laughed loudly from the floor, her golden eyes narrowing as she responded to the cellist.

"That crazy friggin' bitch has been gunning for your position for the past year and a half, you'd think Note would just can her ass and fill her spot."

Octavia shrugged half-heartedly before collapsing back into the large chair. Symphony sighed and lightly slapped at the DJ before turning her attention to the TV.

"I hope you have a violent video game, I want so much to kill something right now."

Vinyl grinned and handed over a controller.

It was hours later that the two strings players finally left Vinyl's and caught a cab to Octavia's. Once inside, Symphony collapsed dramatically against the cellist's couch and snatched up the raccoon, teal eyes glowing.

"Is this Smithy?"

Stowing her cello carefully, Octavia nodded and kicked off her shoes before sitting on the free space of the couch.

"Yes. Adorable, isn't he?"

"Oh, yes. So are you at least excited about the Event on Friday? Concerto's a big deal."

"Yes, he's very... charismatic."

Grinning, Symphony turned to curl on her side, Smithy tucked under her chin as she focused on the distressed player.

"He seems like a smashing good time."

"Yes, well. He seems to be very fond of me, and I suppose it's an honor to be asked. Are you definitely going with Pitch?"

Shrugging, Symphony refocused on the raccoon in her arms and smiled sadly.

"I guess I should. I wouldn't have a date otherwise. And besides, if Spit wants to be a total douche, I'm going to have to be okay with it. Pitch is cute, maybe it could work."

"Symphony, you know that isn't true. Why didn't you take Vinyl?"

Laughing softly, the violinist sat up and smiled smartly at her friend.

"Vinyl Scratch doesn't go to things like that for just anyone. You have to really be special."

Octavia cast her eyes out the window, mind again wandering to the jockey; she smiled.

Author's Notes:

This ends in a weird place, and the chapter itself is simply a filler for the next chapter, but these things are necessary for plot development sometimes... I still hope it pleases, and again, forgive any mistakes. I catch them eventually.