A gentle, wafting echo of soft hums danced idly along the walls before finally piercing a warm embrace, a certain, shifting mass groaning as consciousness finally overtook peaceful slumber. Clear, amethyst eyes blinked open, a wild nest of raven locks tangled carelessly around a sleep-creased forehead, cascading wisps clinging to hunched shoulders. Thick lashes fluttered as a wide yawn overtook perfect full lips, the piercing gaze momentarily falling shut as sensitive ears strained to focus on the shifting sounds.

Octavia sighed gently before burrowing further in the covers, a late fall chill rapping gently against her comforting cocoon. Sneaking a hand downward, the raven-haired woman grinned slightly as her tingling fingers met with the warmed sheets beside her. Smiling, the groggy player cast her eyes to the tussled side of the massive bed, expressive eyebrows drawing high on the olive forehead. Sliding the mass of blankets from her naked flesh, the cellist stretched, grimacing at a crippling tension in her shoulder, warm eyes instantly falling to the permanent bump on her bare joint.

Those same amethyst eyes casually drifted downward to study the blissful jockey, the talented fingers of the pianist dancing idly over a bare hip, a devious smile tugging at the intoxicating lips. Wide, playful eyes glanced up to the elated cellist, a bright smile lighting the spinner's relaxed features as her fingers traced the naked flesh beside her, hands idly sliding over the flat stomach of her current companion. Dropping a lingering kiss to the lavender clef, Vinyl kicked the blankets off the bed and shifted to support herself on an elbow.

"Good morning, Octavia. I'm sorry that I woke you."

Shaking her head, the cellist grinned before pushing up from the bed, nimble fingers gliding easily across the expensive silk sheets. Approaching the patiently hovering jockey, Octavia breathed out a small laugh, fingers lifting to slowly comb through the wild blue hair. Leaning into the player's offered warmth, Vinyl hummed, eyes slipping closed as her free hand crept across the burning skin of her cellist, stopping to settle high on the shuddering ribs. Gasping slightly, Octavia groaned and curled into the spinner, arms wrapping around the woman's neck before falling backward, pulling the player down to settle comfortably atop her bare flesh. Almost purring with satisfactory bliss, Octavia pulled Vinyl down for a long, satisfying taste, finally breaking the embrace to grin up at the flushed musician.

"How long have you been awake?"

"A few hours now?"

Frowning, the cellist detangled from her lover, amethyst eyes curious as she peered up into the glaringly exhausted face. Souring, the dark-haired musician cast her eyes to the bitter, gray morning, intense orbs flicking over to focus on the clock just beside their bed.

"Vinyl, it's just passed seven. Couldn't you sleep?"

Smiling deviously, the jockey ran a trembling hand through her hair before pursing the pale lips.

"I did. Dreamt, even. And then I woke up to something better, so here I've been."

Ignoring the growing smirk, Octavia curled her arms around the player's neck and nuzzled the jockey's jaw, elated when the pulse beneath her lips almost doubled in speed.

"You should have woken me sooner, Vinyl."

Tangling her fingers in the soft, short hairs at the base of a pale neck, Octavia trailed light kisses along the woman's neck and face, pausing only to drop a meaningful kiss to the trembling lips, pulling away just enough to study the relaxed expression. Again running her hands through the wild hair, Octavia studied the closed eyes, her own softening.

"Vinyl... about last night, I--"

Red eyes opened, stealing the words from her very soul as Vinyl smiled down at her.

"Last night was one of the most heart-stopping moments of my entire life, I hope you had the same experience."

Ruby eyes scorched a fiery trail across the cellist's exposure, the hands covering perfect hips flexing tightly. Accepting the answer, Octavia leaned upward, catching the DJ in a powerful, lingering kiss. Vinyl retreated after a moment, her eyes curiously scanning the blissfully happy face of her cellist. Running her hands further over the soft skin, Vinyl purred as she dropped her head to nuzzle the woman's neck groaning at the soft whimper escaping the woman in her arms.

"How's the shoulder after last night?"

Flushing, the cellist shied from the heated embrace to lock eyes with the other woman. Silence passed for a moment, an increasingly sad smile curling the spinner's lips.

"Sit. I'll get you some meds."

Placing a quick kiss on the cellist's shoulder, Vinyl removed her hands from the intoxicating skin and moved to slide from the rumpled sheets, only to be stopped by an arm tugging her backward. Moving easily with the pressure, the grinning player crawled back to the blushing cellist, a dazzling smile curling perfect lips.

"Yes, m'lady?"

"Stay with me?"

Chuckling, Vinyl nodded and settled in beside her lover, propped up on an elbow as garnet orbs purposefully scanned the bare expanse of the cellist. A dark blush colored olive cheeks, desperate hands curling around the DJ, the cellist turning to her side as Octavia buried her heated face in the DJ's shoulder. Suppressing a devilish chuckle, Vinyl smoothed her palms down the woman's exposed side, gaze stopping above the lavender clef. Running her thumb across the mark, she reveled in the gooseflesh that prickled flawless skin, her lips itching to caress the newly discovered secret.

Gently pushing the cellist to lie on her back, Vinyl grinned and moved to crawl over the dark-haired player, eyes shining down at the flushed player as she lay, arms folded across her bare chest in adoring modesty. Mouth curling into a satisfied smile, Vinyl dropped her lips downward, peppering soft pecks on the large note. Murmuring against the quivering hips, burning red eyes lifted to shock the strings player, smiling at a darker blush crawling up the pale throat.

"I always knew your mark was going to be purple, Tav."

Ignoring the burning heat in her cheeks, Octavia lifted an arm to tangle her fingers in the short hairs at the base of the jockey's neck, gently tugging her upward to place a sweet kiss on the playful lips. A brutal knock suddenly shook through the apartment, almost sparking the two women apart. Smiling, Vinyl ignored the pounding and leaned down for another kiss, blinking when a firm hand to the chest ceased the movement. Lifting her eyes to worried mulberry, Vinyl smirked before again reaching for a kiss. Octavia slid backward, fingers flexing against the spinner's pale chest.

"Vinyl."

Sighing, the jockey dropped her body to the blue silk before rolling to her feet and stretched, eventually heading toward the bedroom door. A bereaved whine from the cellist stilled her movement, humored red eyes skipping over to look curiously at the burning face of her lover.

"Vinyl!!"

Snorting out a laugh, Vinyl pointed an accusatory finger to the cellist as she sat up in the bed, sheets pressed tightly to her bare chest, the fiery blush crawling down the player's neck and shoulders.

"Modesty will get you nowhere, sweetheart."

Vinyl deftly approached her closet, casting a devious wink to the newly-modest cellist before disappearing for a moment, finally emerging in simple lounge pants and an electric blue sports bra. The knocking resumed once more, almost rattling the door in its housing as Vinyl tugged open the bedroom door and slammed it behind her, feet quickly taking her toward the rarely locked front door. Sliding free the chain and undoing the tumbler, Vinyl swung open the door, her wide eyes finally landing on a nervous business man, a dusky blush coloring his pale face at the jockey's attire.

"Yeah, can I help you?"

The man warily eyed the stoic player, trembling fingers tightening on the leather handle to the briefcase he carried.

"I'm looking for o-one Octavia Melody."

"Who are you and what's your business with Miss Melody?"

The man soured, face twitching into blatant annoyance before crumbling into a nervous half-smile.

"Please, I merely n-need to see M-Miss Melody for a moment!"

"I don't know who you--"

A soft hand to her lower back stilled the venomous words, red eyes falling to slits as she stared at the man. Octavia peered around the spinner, a disarming smile framing the calm face.

"Vinyl, love, there's no need to scare the poor man. Hello, Def."

The man gripped tightly to his tie knot, face instantly falling into palpable relief.

"Oh, Miss Octavia! Thank goodness!"

The suited man fumbled with his briefcase, quickly dropping to one knee as he retrieved the correct bundle of papers before standing once more, offering the packet with a small smile.

"These are for you."

Accepting the papers, Octavia folded them under her arm and nodded to the man, the same smile plastered on her lips.

"Thank you, Counselor."

Def bowed low before straightening, his eyes briefly landing on the half-dressed jockey before another blush colored his cheeks. Raising wide eyes to the spinner, he stood for a moment before practically sprinting down the hall. Chuckling, Vinyl closed the door and turned, watching as the cellist tossed the packet of papers on the coffee table before heading to the kitchen. Confused, Vinyl stepped into the apartment, hands lifting to her hips.

"Aren't you even going to look at what that is?"

Defeated, the cellist placed her hands on the counter, mulberry eyes converging on the DJ.

"Well, Def is one of my mother's lawyer's lackeys, so I can only imagine it's terrible news."

Interest piqued, Vinyl moved to gather the papers, garnet eyes carefully scanning the many pages as she looked over the carefully printed words.

"It looks like a will."

A heavy sigh greeted the spinner as a response, the raven-haired player skirting around the counter to approach the woman. Carefully extracting the packet, Octavia flipped to the final page and briefly closed her eyes before offering the document to Vinyl.

"The final page hasn't been notarized. This is basically a precursor of what's to come should I choose to continue my relationship with you."

Octavia slapped the bundle closed and again tossed it on the table before returning to the kitchen, absently floating around the room to prepare for her morning tea. Vinyl remained, hovering uncomfortably beside the table, red eyes staring hard at the taunting pamphlet. Tearing her eyes from the document, Vinyl studied the subdued cellist, blue eyebrows drawing as she carefully looked over the hunched shoulders of her companion. With a sharp inhale, Vinyl took the few steps toward the kitchen, stopping briefly at the helm to lean against the entryway.

"Tav?"
Humming as a response, Octavia perched on the counter, casually biting into an apple as her gaze refused to waver from the silent kettle. Curling her hands into fists, Vinyl lurched forward, pausing before the cellist before nudging her knees apart to stand just before the player, fingers curling softly into the gray flannels of the musician.

"Octavia?"

Subdued amethyst met soulful garnet, a tense smile curling the former's face in reflex. Vinyl passed her hands over the woman's, lashes fluttering as a chill thundered down her spine.

"Octavia, are you sure about this? I mean, really sure?"

The pensive cellist locked eyes with her lover, fingers rising to tangle gently in the sleep-tousled blue locks, a tentative smile twitching beautiful lips.

"I'm very sure, Vinyl. I told you before that I was more than willing to do anything to have you, and even more to keep you. Last night solidified that for me."

Vinyl scrunched her brows, eyes blinking closed.

"Yeah, but Tav... you're practically giving up family for--"

"No."

Octavia trickled her fingers through the choppy hair, eyes glistening with unshed tears as she waited for the piercing red gaze to focus. Pulling her in for a long, steady kiss, Octavia retreated just slightly away, forehead gently brushing Vinyl's.

"I'm not giving up family, I'm gaining it. My mother and I have been at odds for quite a number of years, and if she should so choose to write me out of her will, then so be it. I will not be bullied into submission."

Vinyl shook her head, gently stepping out of the soothing grasp.

"And you're sure I'm worth the abandonment and the cold shoulder-ing your mom's been giving you? We've only just gotten together, and she's threatened both of us multiple times. I don't want to be the thing to break your family."

Stubbornly ignoring the tears that escaped thick lashes, Octavia drew the jockey inward, lips finding Vinyl's with practiced ease as she poured all she had into the fiery kiss. Finally breaking contact, Octavia nuzzled the jockey's cheek, a heartfelt smile spreading across her face.

"Vinyl Scratch, you needn't worry about that. You're all I could ever want in a person, regardless if you're a man or a woman. My mother is the least of my concerns; I only care about you and us and how madly I adore everything about you."

Vinyl smiled ruefully, glistening carmine eyes falling closed.

"I love you, Miss Priss."

Stifling a chuckle, Octavia again kissed her DJ before peeking over the woman's shoulder, a playful giggle bubbling free of her chest. Turning, the jockey smiled as well before moving forward, turning off the flame beneath the screaming kettle before pinning the woman with an amused smile. The sudden influx of soothing music caught the jockey by surprise, interested crimson eyes turning to stare at the cellist's phone. Squirming free of her lover, Octavia lowered herself to the tiled floor before scooping up her cellphone, answering it with minimalistic flare.

"Yes, hello?"

"Good morning, Octavia. How are you doing today?"

Smiling, the cellist absently flexed her stiff arm, a warmth flooding her at the soothing voice.

"I'm fine, daddy. Stiff today, but none too severe. To what do I owe so early a pleasure?"

"Business, angel. Are you free for breakfast?"

Twirling a lock of her dark hair, Octavia cast a questioning look to the pianist as she leaned against the wall, abdominals twitching as she suppressed a chuckle. Vinyl merely waved a hand, carmine eyes igniting with peaceful admiring for her cellist. Passing an elated grin to the two-tone spinner, Octavia cast her gaze out the window, eyes aimlessly scanning the gray morning.

"Yes, daddy, I am. If you'd like, I can be ready within the hour."

"Marvelous, pumpkin. I'll have Martin fetch you around 8 o'clock. I love you, I'll see you soon."

A dazzling smile lit the player's face as she ended the call, carefully spinning to regard her waiting companion.

"Vinyl, darling, daddy requested we meet for breakfast. I assume it has something to do with my mother... is that all right?"

Sighing dramatically, Vinyl drummed her fingers on her chin before smirking and pushed up from the wall, slowly descending upon the woman.

"I suppose I could let you out of our love nest for a bit, but I do expect you back shortly."

Fighting to keep the blush off her cheeks, Octavia playfully smacked the jockey's bare stomach, an embarrassed chuckle flittering from the player as she headed toward the bedroom. Vinyl followed diligently, easily sliding passed the woman to crash onto the bed, playful red eyes following closely as the cellist coasted into the room. Waving a stern finger at the spinner, Octavia gathered clothes from her bag in the closet and moved to approach the door, stopping only at the small noise emitted from her lover. Pivoting, the cellist raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing through the mulberry eyes.

"Yes, Vinyl?"

"You can get changed in here, you know. Ain't nothing I haven't seen."

Disregarding the blush crawling up her neck, Octavia carefully closed the distance between them, mouth twisting into a sultry smile.

"My wonderful Scratch... I've learned you can't keep your hands to yourself, and I'd like to keep this breakfast date."

Vinyl merely grinned wickedly, those same hands slowly crawling up the cellist's shirt. Exhaling through her nose, Octavia slapped the hands away before leaning down to press a lingering kiss to the talented lips before pulling away, quickly scrambling out the door. Vinyl sighed happily and collapsed back against the bed, hands shifting to curl beneath her head as she stared at the abstract shadows dancing across the ceiling. Moments passed as the sounds from the bathroom generally died away, the familiar creak of the bedroom door alerting her to the strings player's return.

Sitting up, Vinyl grinned as she took in the cellist, wonderful body dressed well for the early morning. Octavia swiped the hair from her shoulders, eyes piercing the DJ with a mindful gaze.

"I won't be gone long, Vinyl. As wonderful as brunch is, I'd much rather be here in your arms right now. So please, do stay comfortable, and I'll return as soon as I can."

Vinyl bobbed her head in agreement, eventually climbing to her feet to walk the cellist to the living room. Octavia busied herself with slipping into her boots, taking the time to tighten and lace the knee-high footwear. Vinyl perched on the couch beside her, kind eyes swirling as she watched the cellist. Almost sensing the persistent gaze, Octavia cast a playful smirk to her lover before bounding to her feet, slowly approaching the seated Vinyl. Curling in the woman's lap, Octavia relaxed into the heated embrace, eyes slipping closed.

"I love the feel of you, Vinyl."

Pleased, the jockey wrapped her lover in a strong hug, pulling a surprised giggle from the cellist as they settled on the couch. Stillness passed for long minutes, each player lost in her thoughts as they remained tangled together on the over-stuffed sofa. A soft knock sounded, the quiet rapping echoing eerily through the apartment. Detangling from Octavia, Vinyl stood as the door opened, admitting the violet-haired violinist to the placid apartment. Octavia was on her feet in an instant, dark brows bunching as she took in the sight of the painfully subdued strings player.

"Symphony..."

Cracking a sad smile, the violinist jerked her thumb over her shoulder, teal eyes swimming.

"Hey, uhm... Martin just pulled up outside for you. Scratch, you uh... you got a bit?"

Nodding, Vinyl reached a hand out to the player, red eyes burning with concern. Octavia breezed past the taller player, hands instantly lifting to clasp gently on the woman's trembling forearms.

"Goodness, Symphony, what's the matter?"

"Nothing, really. I'm okay. I'll see you when you get back, yeah?"

Suppressing the harrowing unease, Octavia nodded before pulling her fellow strings player in for a hug before stepping away, a nervous smile flashing as she looked to Vinyl.

"I'll be back soon, darling. Be safe."

Ushering the cellist out the door, Vinyl dropped a quick kiss to the waiting lips, offering the cellist her coat before Octavia receded down the hall. Closing the heavy door, the two-tone DJ turned to lean against the door, red eyes carefully searching her friend. Symphony smiled darkly, tears pricking the otherwise clear eyes.

"You wouldn't believe the crap I've seen today."

Octavia burrowed further into Vinyl's pea coat, her eyes carefully scanning the scenery as she was driven through downtown Canterlot. Martin had been quiet, merely offering a small smile to the woman before closing her in tight, slowly driving them toward their destination. Pulling up to the curb, Octavia smiled reflexively, eyes dancing as she took in the sight of D'Urberville's, her hand automatically reaching for the handle. Martin pulled the door open the remaining way, offering a steady hand to the woman as she climbed out of the limousine. Passing a respectful nod to the older man, Octavia pulled the coat around her frame and stalked toward the establishment, thankful to be dressed appropriately.

Swinging open the door, Octavia smiled at the waiting hostess before heading further into the restaurant, knowing well where her father sat. Moving idly through the tables, Octavia couldn't help the grin that spread as she approached her father's normal table. Amethyst met amethyst, the seated CEO smiling cheerfully at his daughter. Rising to his feet, Viktor pulled her in for a quick hug, carefully shrugging the still-healing cellist from her coat before tucking her in at the table. Reclaiming his seat, Viktor raised his teacup in greeting.

"Good morning, angel. How are you feeling?"

"Better, daddy. Stronger every day."

The man smiled brightly, eyes dancing like diamonds in the stubborn sunlight that battled the exterior blandness. Taking a sip of the strong tea, Viktor silently placed the cup back on the saucer, hands quietly folding to rest before him. Taking a moment to look over the glowing countenance of his daughter, the tall man smiled wistfully.

"You look very happy today, Octavia. Happier than I've seen you over these past few weeks. I'm glad that you and Vinyl have finally gotten together."

Eyes crinkling, Octavia ignored the blush coloring her cheeks as she took a sip of her own tea.

"Thank you. It's still so new and still strange, but I am happy. Vinyl's very incredible, I'm lucky to have fixed things between us. I'm also relieved you support us."

The man's smile faltered briefly, his eyes sparking with something akin to regret. Quickly grinning, he dabbed at his lips before picking up the forgotten menu, fingers absently perusing the front of the bound book. Sensing the mild tension, Octavia chuckled wistfully, her own fingers dancing across the small breakfast menu.

"Daddy, you had mentioned business when you called... what is it we have to discuss?"

Waving off the concern, Viktor picked up his menu, careful mulberry eyes blindly looking over the items.

"It's nothing to fret over, darling."

Quickly making his choice, he slipped the menu closed and placed it neatly at the edge of the table, his free hands sweetly reaching for the cellist's idle hand. Tucking her own menu away, Octavia flashed a charming smile to the man, her hand flexing against the offered warmth. Grinning foolishly, Viktor winked at his daughter.

"Tell me, sweetheart, how goes the cello playing?"

Instantly the player's face fell, a small, desperate smile clinging to the player's paling face. The CEO instantly released the player's hand and straightened, eyes catching with stiff concern.

"Octavia?"

The woman quickly shook her head, hands falling to her lap as she cast her eyes to stare over her father's shoulder, tears unwittingly springing to the bright eyes. Frowning, the man leaned forward, the familiar orbs glowing with understanding. Octavia bit her lip, her fingers crawling up to gently rub her sore shoulder self-consciously, the pads of the pale fingers absently tracing the bump through the thick sweater. Waving her hand dismissively, Octavia lifted a shaking tea cup to her lips.

"It... it goes."

Viktor merely nodded, lips twisted in dissatisfied worry.

"Your shoulder... It's not getting better?"

The conversation ceased as a young waitress finally came to gather their order and quickly skirted away, leaving father and daughter in heavy silence. Octavia traced patterns on the napkin beneath her trembling fingers, eyebrows drawn tightly on a worry-creased forehead. The man's larger hand came into view, softly covering the quaking fingers in warm strength.

"I can make you another appointment to see the specialist, if you like. I know you're worried about being prepared to play for Hearth's Warming Eve. I'd like to do all that I can to make this pain go away."

Nodding thankfully to her father, the raven-haired player steeled her nerves as she locked eyes with the man.

"In the short time Vinyl and I have been a couple, she's asked me about my progress. And every time, I've lied to her. She gave me Camille's Fleur Noire, one of her babies... I can't even play it. Every attempt ends in pain."

She watched his jaw tighten, his jovial orbs darkening as he squeezed her smaller hand.

"I'll do everything I can for you, angel. I promise."

Merely, she nodded, conversation all but falling off. Their food was served a short moment later, easily taking the focus off both for a time. Octavia casually scanned the restaurant as she ate, eyebrows thumping in time with her coursing thoughts. The waitress returned to retrieve their dishes, stopping again to drop off a carafe and two mugs before flittering away again. Octavia absently poured the dark liquid, coloring it with the cream before stirring, sighing wistfully as she dropped the small spoon on the saucer.

Casting her eyes to finally study her quiet company, the cellist offered a small smile.

"Daddy, your original reason... What business were you referring to?"

Viktor Melody groaned softly, forehead breaking into a web of worry. Steadily gazing at his companion, he offered quiet solace.

"It's about your mother."

"Of course it is."

A humorless smile twisted his stress-lined face, his facade cracking faintly.

"We're divorcing."

Vinyl stood under the steady beat of blistering water, thoughts casually drifting away with the fiery spray. A small smile ghosted pale lips, ruby red eyes slipping closed as the two-tone head fell back into the soothing stream, mind blanking in peaceful reduction. Cold fingers jolted a sharp gasp from the surprised woman, a grin following instantly as two tanned arms curled tightly around her midsection. Wrapping her warm, wet hands around the forearms, Vinyl smiled, leaning back into the shivering, frigid form of her love.

"Tav?"

The arms merely tightened, alerting the spinner to the cellist's spiraling displeasure. Turning in the icy embrace, Vinyl lifted her hands to the tense face of her player, red eyes burning.

"What happened?"

Ignoring the question, Octavia stepped into the tall spinner, fitting her curves against Vinyl as the water beat down upon them, wrapping them in an ethereal haze. Stifling her cries, Octavia buried her face in the woman's chest, arms dropping to wrap tightly around the spinner's flared hips. Upset, Vinyl took the musician into her arms, offering silent support to the distressed woman. Time crept on slowly, ticking absently in the back of her mind as Octavia remained, still in her arms. Eventually breaking away to quickly shower off, Vinyl turned off the tepid water and stepped out, wrapping a towel around her before pulling the cellist out behind her.

Curling the mute player into her robe, Vinyl clasped hands with the woman and led them into the bedroom, carefully turning down the sheets and gently pushed the player onto the soft, blue silk. Running her hands through the damp hair, Vinyl slid to her knees before the distant cellist, red eyes carefully searching the clouded orbs. Almost instantly, Octavia snapped back to reality, tortured amethyst staring wildly down at her partner. With a shuddering sigh, Octavia curled backward, pulling the jockey into bed beside her, anxiously tugging the towel from her lover's body, instantly calmed by the feel of the warm skin.

Vinyl smiled sadly, arms moving to wrap the cellist in a loose embrace, long fingers trailing through the soaked locks of the strings player. Deadly quiet clung to the ambience, echoing the festering despair with brutal integrity. Octavia slowly pulled back, casting her eyes upwards to study the painfully confused garnets staring back at her.

"Vinyl, I can't play."

Bewildered at the admission, Vinyl pulled further away to better study the other woman.

"I... what? I didn't think that's why you came home upset... What happened with your dad?"

Shaking her head, Octavia curled her hand into the DJ's hip, fingers distorting the backward quaver as her nails dug into the pale flesh.

"Please don't."

Pinning the woman with a disconcerting look, Vinyl casually ran her fingers down the cellist's burning cheeks.

"Okay, Tav. And what's this about playing? Your shoulder hurting again? I thought you were--"

"I lied. I'm so sorry."

Frowning, Vinyl continued to stroke the player's face and head, drawing a sad smile from the jockey.

"I know. You're not the best liar. I'll make you an appointment, just to make sure nothing worse is going on. Okay?"

Nodding her head, Octavia bit her lip, fresh tears squeezing down the ashen face as she buried her sorrow in the arms of her DJ. Vinyl held fast to the rattled cellist, a cold discomfort snaking its way through her gut. The raven-haired player finally stilled, eventually falling back into fitful slumber. Vinyl peaked at the time, eyes fluttering closed as she relaxed against the distraught player, serene darkness niggling at her focus. Hearing a distant clap of thunder, Vinyl absently tightened her grip on the smaller woman, gently succumbing to the blissful arms of sleep.

It was a few hours later that a grating bass beat startled the jockey into wakefulness, arms still full with a calmly resting cellist. Slowly detangling her arm, the two-tone spinner fumbled around with the phone before silencing it, bringing it forward to look at the screen. Rolling her eyes, she dropped her focus to the woman tucked tightly against her, a regretful smile curling her lips.

"Tav. Hey, Tav. C'mon, wake up."

Mulberry eyes fluttered open, a sour scowl twisting the beautiful face. A short grunt was the only response, the woman squeezing her eyes shut and further burrowing into the spinner's arms. Chuckling, Vinyl gently tickled Octavia's good side, earning a light smack to the stomach. Withdrawing from the comfort, the strings player sat up and rubbed at her eyes, grimacing as her fingers tangled in the messy black locks.

"Yes, Vinyl?"

"Sorry. I got a text saying we need to get down to the Harwan."

Turning a suspicious eye to the disc spinner, Octavia licked her cracked lips.

"I'm sorry, what? Why? And from whom?"

"My dad."

Grimacing, Octavia rolled her shoulder before shaking free the tangles from her bangs.

"Well, that doesn't bode well."

"Uhm... that's up for interpretation."

Worry sparked the amethyst eyes, instantly spurring the cellist into movement. Vinyl followed suit, dressing quickly before brushing the tangles from the feral blue locks. Octavia trailed close behind, hair obeying gracefully as she dressed for the second time that morning. Pulling on her coat, Octavia gathered her things and opened the door, pausing as Vinyl swept in behind her, shooing the cellist out of the apartment. Quickly descending in the elevator, the pair slipped into the foyer and through the front doors, fighting the rain before stopping beside the blue sports car that sat diligently outside the building. Unlocking the doors, Vinyl slid around to the driver side and climbed in, strapping in before turning over the powerful engine.

Tossing a reckless smirk to the other woman, Vinyl revved the pedal, a woeful smirk pursing the full lips.

"I think it's time I switched my bike for a car, eh?"

Nodding thoughtlessly, Octavia cringed as a bolt of lightning lit up the sky, fingers digging into the leather of her armrest. Vinyl deftly pulled into traffic and headed toward the large theatre, eyes shadowed in thought. The cellist threaded her fingers with the hand resting on the gear shift, a repressive shadow weighing heavily on her mind. Vinyl smiled over her shoulder, squeezing the fingers in her grasp. The remainder of the trip was in silence, the purring rumble of the engine pulsing soothingly over the pair.

Pulling up to the massive building, Vinyl cut the engine, breaking contact with the cellist to undo her belt and quickly scramble out of the car. Pulling open Octavia's door, Vinyl helped the strings player out of the car and lead them quickly through the towering double doors. Shaking water from her hair, Vinyl smirked up at the cellist, hands reaching to smooth the lapels of the woman's coat before pushing through the inner doors, stopping at the top of the aisle as they watched a flurry of people move around the venue. Record Scratch stood in the middle of the aisle, a blue hollow-body guitar strung casually around his lithe frame. Waving a masterful hand, the man gestured to the hands on stage.

"Gentlemen, can we please adjust the backdrop? This needs to be perfect for tonight, as you know. We can't go upsetting our little pianist, can we?"

Grinning, he ran his hands through the normally perfect hair, a silly grin lighting his features with boyish grace. A short cough caught his attention, causing the lanky man to spin, gray eyes instantly landing on the newly arrived couple. Laughing, he approached his daughter and her lover, a wider smile splitting his joyous face.

"Good morning, ladies. I'm glad you could make it!"

Wrestling his daughter into a tight hug, he snickered as she fussed in his grip, breaking free to punch his arm.

"Hey, Pops. What's up, why the enigmatic text?"

Ignoring the question, the tall producer turned a perfect smile to the cellist, eyes fluttering closed as he jokingly bowed low for the player.

"And Miss Octavia, a pleasure again to see you."

Coloring with a soft blush, Octavia waved her hand as he straightened, amethyst eyes dancing with elated humor at the man.

"Good morning, Mister Record."

"Please, just Rec. And I asked you both here for a small favor."

Turning, he motioned for both women to follow behind, hands moving to clasp the neck and body of the hefty guitar. Vinyl shrugged and locked hands with Octavia, slowly leading them down the center aisle and followed along the edges, respectfully trailing the musician. Stopping in the middle of the glossy black stage, Record turned, eyes glowing with bursting excitement.

"As you both know, Fall Fest was a wondrous success, as it is every year. Vinyl, you know better than I, having played it yourself. Well. The city council has approached me about starting a new tradition, a certain character piece to accompany the festivities of Hearth's Warming Eve."

Vinyl nodded, arms shifting to cross in thought.

"Okay, so what does that have to do with us?"

The elder laughed melodiously, a wave of cheer cascading across his attractive features.

"Vinyl, you never allow me the chance to explain! You and Octavia here would be perfect for such a thing... Princess Luna has requested that we hold a concert before Hearth's Warming Eve, benefitting the less fortunate of our fair city. And seeing as how you two are both wildly talented, I'd like for the two of you to spearhead the event."

Octavia swallowed harshly, a nervous tingle spreading across her chest. The ache in her shoulder renewed with bitter fortitude, the pulsing reminder amplified by her unease. Adjusting her coat, Octavia flexed her hands before stepping forward.

"And might I ask, when is this concert supposed to take place?"

"Three days before the Hearth's Warming Eve celebration at the castle. Miss Octavia, I know you already have an engagement, as the Orchestra is to be playing for the first time in the celebration... If this is too much for you to take, I will understand completely!"

The raven-haired cellist grinned, a nervous chuckle escaping her as she fidgeted with the buttons on her coat. Vinyl merely slipped in beside her, arm lifting to encircle the player's waist.

"Actually, Dad, Octavia's not really--"

"I'd be honored."

Record smiled, his gray eyes igniting as he nodded his consent.

"Wonderful. Vinyl, I'd like for you to spread the word for me as well. I've already contacted many talents from all across the country, and many have agreed to perform. I'm afraid it's growing rather exponentially, but both the Princesses assured me, the more the merrier."

Vinyl nodded, hand running soothing circles across the cellist's lower back.

"Yeah, no big. Pon-3'll get the word out. Is there anything else you need?"

Tapping his chin, the man nodded, snapping his fingers.

"Actually, if you've got some time... I need someone to run back to the Tower and alert Harmony to your involvement. I know she's been needing some help organizing, and with your combined talents, we should have no problems at all."

"Sure thing, Pops. Do you want us to go now?"

The blue-haired guitarist smiled brightly, eyes focusing on Octavia.

"Certainly, though I'd like for Miss Melody to hang back with me. I could use a woman's opinion on some things, if that's all right with you?"

Octavia smiled, cheeks coloring faintly at the comment. Vinyl, feigning hurt, smirked at her lover.

"Okay with you, Tav?"

"Of course."

Placing a quick kiss to the dark crown, Vinyl saluted her father before quickly vacating the stage, quickly heading up the center walk. Record offered a charming smile to the woman, quickly shrugging off his guitar before handing it off to one of the many workers. Octavia grinned as she moved to walk in step beside the man, hands curling into her pockets as they walked toward backstage. A moment's silence blinked by, crushed as Record opened his mouth to speak.

"Miss Octavia, if I may... I'm very honored that you've agreed. I think the two of you make a fine compliment to one another."

"Thank you, sir. Vinyl and I have played together on just a few occasions, and never for very long. I wonder if she'd somehow find a way to fit me in with her style of music for the show."

Nodding, the man grinned as they continued to walk slowly through the many twists and turns of the Harwan, drawn into respectful silence.

"I'm ecstatic that Vinyl's begun to sing again. It broke my heart when she stopped, and I do believe I have you to thank for that."

Flushing, the cellist flashed a proud smile, mulberry eyes singing with adoration for the jockey.

"I'll never forget the moment I heard her sing..."

Stopping at a large door, Record turned to study the elated musician.

"Miss Octavia, I'd really like to thank you for the change you've instilled in that wild kid of mine. When Camille died, I saw a part of Vinyl go with her... I hope you'll one day understand the kind of impact you've had on her. I know I do."

Fighting the surprising wave of tears, Octavia licked her lips and bowed her head in respect for the older man. Smile growing, Record turned the handle to the large door and ushered the cellist inside. Taking in the striking details of the large room, Octavia exhaled in amazement. Equipment of all sizes and colors lined the walls, shimmering vividly in the bright lights. Seeing the look of wonder in the mulberry eyes, Record crossed his arm across his waist in a small bow.

"I wanted a lady's intuition concerning my daughter and her hobbies."

Vinyl, soaked from the rain, kicked open the large double doors, holding the left side open for her companion. Stopping midway down the aisle, a familiar smile crawled across the soaked visage, red eyes glowing in the bright lights of the venue. Octavia sat at the edge of the stage beside Record, their legs hanging off as they talked with animated glee. Octavia coughed out a hearty laugh, her hand reaching up to playfully slap the man's arm, eyes closed in ecstatic joy. Vinyl chuckled and continued forward, the orange-haired woman behind her following suit.

"Hey, you two!"

Two sets of eyes glanced up, twin smiles echoing from the duo. Octavia tossed up a small wave, feet kicking harder as she winked at her lover.

"Hello, darling. Did you have fun?"

"Yeah, a blast. Dad, Har wanted to come talk to you. Or murder you. Not really sure which."

The short woman stalked around the DJ, stopping to stand below the stage, glasses glistening in the stage lights.

"Record, you must be insane."

Laughing merrily, the man rolled to his feet and reached to pull Octavia with him.

"Nonsense, Harmony. I'm perfectly sane. We'll be fine!"

Unamused, the stern woman tapped her pen against her clipboard, the tight bun at the base of her neck almost trembling with the movement.

"Ridiculousness. We have much to discuss."

Winking, Record turned to Octavia, reaching to shake the woman's hand.

"Thank you for your time today, Miss Octavia. I look forward to working with you in the coming weeks."

Curtseying dramatically, Octavia suppressed a laugh before deftly exiting the stage, emerging to skirt around the irritated businesswoman as she approached the chuckling jockey. Hooking her arm through Vinyl's, the pair started up the middle aisle, suppressing hefty laughs as she heard Harmony tear into the giddy producer. Closing both doors behind them, Vinyl opened the outer doors for her companion, bobbing her head as Octavia exited and approached the trusty sports car.

Once settled inside the comforting leather, Vinyl turned a curious eye to the strings player.

"What'd you and my dad talk about?"

"Oh, just some things. How did your meeting go with Harmony?"

"Ya know. She cursed my dad with every name under the sun and then demanded to come down here and straighten him out."

The women shared a laugh as Vinyl pulled into the streets, heading back to the apartment. A familiar beat filled the car, causing the jockey to claw her phone from her jacket pocket. Raising a perturbed brow at the number, Vinyl pursed her lips and slowly dropped her phone in the cup holder dividing them. Intrigued, Octavia peered at the number just as the screen went black.

"Who was that?"

"Oh, just someone my dad wanted me to call. Another band he wanted at the venue."

"Why didn't you answer?"

Vinyl shrugged, turning a half-smile to her girlfriend.

"I've got better things to worry about in this instant, rather than fielding calls for work."

Ignoring the blush coloring her cheeks, Octavia leaned forward, placing a quick kiss on the jockey's cheek before tangling their fingers together.

"Take me home, Vinyl Scratch."

Nodding, the DJ smirked and jammed on the gas, steering the car toward home.

Author's Notes:

OKAY, SO IT'S NOT SATURDAY. I will not make a habit out of Sunday updates. And also, this story picks up directly after W&L, if you couldn't tell. As such, I hope you guys enjoy this one as much as the other one. Forgive any errors in grammar/spelling/spacing. I've been at this for the past two days and I'm about to combust. Happy SATUR.... Sunday.