Low, haunting tones coursed deeply through the chilled atmosphere, sensually bouncing off the high ceilings of the immaculate venue. Two musicians, so different in style, harmonized peacefully, slow, quiet notes melding together into a masterful tune. Octavia Melody sat in a singular chair, alone at center stage, as she slowly, meticulously played the polished midnight cello, shimmering jet black hair thrown carelessly over one shoulder. Amethyst eyes were closed lightly, her body humming with music as the bow caressed the taught strings of Fleur Noire, the bass music flooding her senses, chipping away at the lingering discomfort at her core. The normally fluid motions were tempered by a stinging soreness, the music more edgy and unpredictable as the cellist played from memory.

Vinyl Scratch sat at the piano, fingers dancing lovingly over the ivory keys. The black grand lay off to the side and away from from the edge, though no less lovingly under the spotlights of the Harwan. Burning garnet eyes were wide and shining, carefully watching the cellist play, her own fingers moving off muscular reflex as they worked, the sounds potent and strong in the relative stillness of the space. A smile found permanent residence on the disc jockey's face, lips twitching as musical warmth enveloped her, casting her into a blissful fog. Vinyl absently tossed her head, readjusting the wild peaks of hair that fell before those same eyes, her face warping into a blinding smile as she watched her lover's raven tresses shift as well.

Long, gorgeous locks slipped from a sore shoulder, fluttering to lay quietly at the cellist's back as she continued to play, shoulder blades absently flexing as the weight settled at her spine. Vinyl watched, transfixed, as Octavia's fingers nimbly twirled down the long neck of the instrument, her face tilting to reveal a focused profile, mulberry eyes still hidden from view. A fiery blush crawled up Vinyl's neck as she remained shocked into rigidity, fingers stilling in their movements over the keys. She was struck, inspired as Octavia twisted in her seat, face warping in confusion as her hands eventually ceased their melodic touch, bright eyes finally flickering open to peer thoughtfully at her lover. Vinyl smirked then and stood, silently pushing the bench backward before taking a few steps passed the board prop, the pads of pale fingers absently tracing the dip of the grand.

Leaning against the edge of the piano, Vinyl simply shrugged her shoulders and crossed her arms, sparkling eyes quietly regarding the seated performer. Octavia shared a similar motion before finally standing, balancing the cello on its endpin before lifting it and turned to walk a few paces behind the chair to the patiently waiting case. Kneeling, Octavia tucked the cello away into the emerald silk before stowing the bow and closing the lid, clicking the snaps into place. Vinyl reacted in kind, pivoting on her heel to lift the piano lid and released the prop, slowly lowing the top board before closing the instrument. Octavia smiled brilliantly as she eliminated the space between them, easily leaning her large case against the piano. Grinning sweetly, the cellist slipped her arms upward, locking her forearms behind Vinyl's neck.

Lifting to her tiptoes, the cellist drew the jockey downward, their lips meeting in a slow, tantalizing kiss that saw them both breathless as they separated with a quiet smack. The house lights flickered then, crimson eyes skipping over toward the control area, pierced brow lifting upward in silent query. Octavia merely hummed and nuzzled the pale throat, dropping small kisses along the sturdy column in her grasp. A dull hum electrified the atmosphere, pulling an amused chuckle from the DJ as the speaker system came to life around them.

"Splendid performance, ladies."

Octavia hissed and quickly pulled away from Vinyl, her cheeks colored high with guilt at being caught. The hum of the PA dissipated, though a hearty laugh echoed from the well-hidden booth. Vinyl shook her head and smiled, turning as she lifted the cello before heading off-stage, gesturing for Octavia to fall in step behind her. The women were silent as they walked through heavy, though familiar, shadow, the hands linking as they broke into the halo of light splayed across the center aisle. A tall silhouette appeared at the lobby doors, the shape easily discernible. Vinyl briefly squeezed the hand in her grasp as they stopped just before the man, deep red eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Sorry, were we interrupting?"

Record Scratch laughed heartily and stepped forward, the drop lights above him illuminating his steel gray eyes as a large smile framed his face.

"Of course not. Though you know how Frederick can be before a performance... the longer we leave the venue alone before tonight, the better."

Without waiting for a response, he turned, silently requesting that the women follow. Octavia pulled up beside Vinyl as they emptied out, leaving the mighty auditorium doors ajar before meeting the man near the entrance. Smirking wonderfully, Record opened the outer doors and gestured grandly, inviting the two players into the rain-drenched atmosphere. Octavia released her grip on Vinyl in favor of curling her pea coat tighter around her body, the wind already chilling her as they stopped just outside the doors. Slipping back inside, Record armed the system and quickly exited before securing the building. Curling his hands inside his jacket pockets, he grinned stupidly, blue hair askew as he rocked on his heels. Pinning Vinyl with a knowing smile, he looked to his daughter's car.

"You had better get a move on, Vinyl. The skies look like they could open up any second."

Dismissing the concern, Vinyl lightly punched at her father's arm, a rebellious eye roll her only response. Tugging Octavia once by her coat cuff, Vinyl dug her keys from her pocket and unlocked the white low rider, skillfully stowing the large case into the rear seats. Opening the passenger door, Vinyl spun and winked at Octavia before hurrying around to her own door. Wrenching the door open, she paused as Rec called out to them both.

"If that's how you'll both be performing for Hearth, I think all of Canterlot will weep at its beauty."

Octavia whirled around, her hand grasping the door for support before she flushed, a humble smile curling her lips.

"Thank you, Mister Record."

Waving off her formality, he winked at Vinyl before quickly approaching the black sedan parked at the curb and slid into the passenger seat. Recognizing the car as Harmony Inkwell's, PA to the recording company's CEO, Vinyl chuckled and threw her arm up in a wave. Harmony returned the motion in kind, her orange hair still pulled into its tight bun from earlier this morning, though her anger had seemed all but forgotten. Collapsing into her own car, Vinyl slid her key into the ignition and turned over the engine, red eyes flicking over to peer thoughtfully at Octavia. Noticing the scrutiny, Octavia grinned, fingers reaching to absently smooth the hair from her forehead before twining her fingers with Vinyl's.

Vinyl inclined her head toward the windshield, questioning silently as Octavia casually mulled over their seemingly limitless options for the day. A familiar jingle from the phone between them had mulberry eyes casting downward, staring thoughtfully at the large screen that jumped to life. Laughing, Octavia detangled her fingers and lifted the phone, scrunching her nose at the number of missed calls. Turning the screen toward Vinyl, Octavia tilted her head in wonder, eyebrows raising in silent question.

Vinyl accepted the phone and scowled, quickly thumbing through the myriad of missed calls, ignoring all but one of them. Pressing the caller number, she lifted the cell to her ear, vision shifting over toward Octavia as she mouthed an apology. An irritated voice answered on the third ring.

"Where the hell have you been? I've been calling you for over an hour!"

Snickering, Vinyl relaxed into her seat and fiddled with her wiper blades, tongue dashing out to swipe across her lower lip.

"Keep your shirt on, Lyra, I've been at the Harwan. What's up?"

"I'll tell you what's up! If I get one more damn phone call from Dahlia Trill, I'm going to murder myself. Brutally. And with--"

"Relax, Heartstrings, I'll take care of it. No need to get all worked up."

Before the lyrist could continue, Vinyl ended the call and smiled devilishly at Octavia. The raven-haired musician merely flicked her wrist, almost failing to hide her smile. Vinyl dropped her phone back into the cup holder before shifting into gear and smoothly pulled from the curb. Passing her eyes between phone and driver, Octavia shifted in her seat to look curiously to her lover.

"What was that all about, anyway? And who were all those calls from?"

Laughing lightly, Vinyl reached for Octavia's hand, her smile growing as their fingers fell perfectly into place with one another. Stopping at a red light, Vinyl dismissed the concern, her focus shifting to look thoughtfully around the intersection.

"Nah, it's nothing. Remember that call from this morning? Just someone my dad wanted to play for the concert. She's been harassing Lyra since she can't get ahold of me."

Mulling over the response, Octavia hummed in acceptance, gaze sliding over the watch Canterlot pass her by. A comfortable silence settled between them as they drove, Octavia noticing the familiar neighborhood as Vinyl piloted them toward the old-fashioned Astoria. Pulling around to the side of the building, the low rider stopped smoothly before Vinyl cut the engine, kicking her door open to pile out of the car. Grabbing the black case from the back, Vinyl smiled enigmatically at her companion before waltzing around the car, offering her elbow to the woman before they strolled toward the building. Octavia continued to hum in the silence between them, amethyst eyes rising to the many windows as they approached the structure. Pulling on the glass doors, Vinyl tugged Octavia in behind her, both players smiling at the man behind the desk before approaching the elevators.

Journeying inside, Vinyl put the case on its end and leaned her elbow on it, eyebrows waggling playfully at Octavia as they rode the four stories before stepping out into the hall. The man from 414 exited his apartment as the two women strode down the hall, his scratchy, tobacco-strained voice calling out behind his fellow tenant.

"Oh, Pon3!"

Turning, she peered at the man over her shoulder, eyebrows twitching in silent question. The older gentleman waved her back down, his eyes staring hard at Octavia. Shifting her cargo, Vinyl leaned the cello case to Octavia and closed the gap separating her from the man. Shoving her hands into the pockets of her jeans, Vinyl tilted her chin to the elder.

"Hey, Mister Ep, what can I do for you?"

Again shooting a stern look to Octavia, he approached the young DJ, tossing an arm around her shoulders as he turned them away from the now-insulted cellist down the hall. Gently grasping the woman's shoulder, he leaned in conspiratorially, eyes burning.

"A woman was here for you a little while ago, looked to be some trouble. She practically beat your door down before giving up and leaving. I'd watch out if I were you, Pon, she doesn't seem like the type to mess around with."

Frowning, Vinyl tossed a bereaved look at the impatiently waiting cellist, mouth curling into an appreciative smile before refocusing her attention to Ep.

"Did you get a good look at her?"

He scowled then, as if the very memory of the woman offended him.

"A'course I did. She was tall. Black hair, eyes like the devil. I've seen her here before."

Grimacing, she patted the man's shoulder and shrugged out of his clutches, a strained smile ghosting pale lips.

"Thanks, Ep. I'll keep an eye out for her."

Grumbling, the old man threw his arms up in disgrace, his green eyes darkening as he focused on Octavia. Waving a threatening finger at the cellist, he scoffed before scurrying inside his apartment, effectively slamming the door behind him. Quickly covering ground, Vinyl snatched up Fleur Noire and tugged Octavia with her free hand, almost rushing them down the hall to her apartment. Releasing the cellist, Vinyl tugged free her keys and unlocked the door, pushing her way inside. Octavia followed slowly, lips pursed in irritation as she slowly slid the door shut with a soft click. Taking a moment to study Vinyl, Octavia crossed her arms and pinned the spinner with a tumultuous gaze.

"What was that all about?"

Sighing, Vinyl ran a hand through her choppy hair, pushing the messy bangs from her forehead before smiling offhandedly.

"Oh, nothing... crazy neighbor saw your mom stop by while we were out, just wanted to tell me. You know, make sure I'm not in trouble with the mob or something."

Octavia merely suffered a long-standing sigh, her eyes drifting closed as she pinched the bridge of her nose. Vinyl paused a moment before chancing movement, happy when the cellist didn't snap at her. Rifling through a cabinet, Vinyl plucked free a small bottle and poured out two pills into her palm before stowing the container. Pivoting, she slammed in and out of the refrigerator, tucking the cool bottle under her arm as she approached the tense woman still standing against the door. Pulling on a dark gray sleeve, Vinyl waited patiently, instantly smiling as the sharp, violet eyes peered up at her. Accepting the medication, Octavia popped the pills into her mouth and swallowed with a cool sip of water, scowling as the recapped the bottle.

Shrugging out of her coat, the dark-haired strings player hung it on the rack by the door before entering the apartment, rolling her shoulder as she clasped the drink in her hand. Collapsing rather ungracefully on the over-stuffed sofa, Octavia sighed loudly, an arm reaching up to cross over her eyes. A sharp bass tone bore into the silence of the apartment, silenced as Vinyl opened the text message and hummed aloud, fingers quietly tapping out a response before she plodded over to her girlfriend. Taking the cushion beside Octavia, Vinyl smiled casually, body turning to face Octavia while her fingers fiddled with the cellist's borrowed shirt. Almost feeling the eyes dance over her skin, Octavia smiled and opened her eyes, fingers rising to mindlessly brush away wild blue bangs.

Breathing out a short laugh, Octavia silently inclined her head, waiting for the comment she knew to be coming from her companion; Vinyl grinned and waved her phone at the cellist.

"That was my Dad. Apparently, the Hearth's Warming concert is going to be a multi-day event and he was wondering if you knew of any other classic musicians who'd want to join in? He wants there to be all types of music for all types of people."

Octavia took a moment to mull over the many people in her head, her good shoulder half-raised in uncertainty.

"I'm sure I could ask some of the Orchestra, though I don't know who'd want to perform together without the whole ensemble."

The phone between them made the same sound once more, momentarily gathering the DJ's entire focus; again, she typed a reply before regarding the cellist.

"He actually wants to know if you know, or know people who could get ahold of, Andante Stanza?"

Tan skin flushed, the cellist quickly dropping her eyes to focus on the bottle between her palms. Forcing a smile, Octavia rolled her aching shoulder and tilted her eyes up to lock on the DJ.

"I do, actually. I'll... I'll give him a call for you."

Frowning, Vinyl watched every tiny movement of the cellist as she stood to retrieve her purse, recklessly tearing through it before uncovering her phone. Turning away from the two-tone woman, Octavia typed out a quick text message before slowly thumbing through the many contacts living with her phone. Snorting out a quick breath, she jammed at the call button and quickly lifted her phone, her feet begin a less-than-subtle circling of the apartment.

The phone rang four times before a deep voice finally answered the call.

"Hello, Octavia?"

Vinyl stood before the mirror, hands clenching the edge of the sink as she carefully mulled over her reflection. Squinting her eyes, she smiled, fingers absently adjusting a lavender bowtie as garnet eyes traced her reflection. Her mouth stretched into a wider smile as her hands abandoned the bowtie in favor of the wild, two-tone hair sitting atop her head. Brushing her fingers through the naturally choppy locks, she pursed her lips in thought, thumb tapping her temple as she buried her digits into the silky mane. Sighing, she dropped her hands to the taps, twisting both handles to warm the water before wetting her fingers. Shaking free the excess droplets, she slid her hands through her hair, effectively slicking back the messy peaks. Shrugging, she peered at her reflection before turning off the water and stepped back, snagging a towel from the hook beside the sink.

Drying her hands and replacing the towel, she pivoted and peered around the immaculate bathroom, crimson eyes absorbing every striking detail of her lover's luxury suite, her mind drifting to less than honest thoughts about the cellist sure to be pacing in the living room. Without hiding her smile, Vinyl tugged down her suit jacket and smoothed down the front, huffing in preparation; she flitted out of the bathroom, a permanent smile plastered across her face.

Stepping from the hall, Vinyl failed to keep a chuckle in, her earlier thoughts on the cellist correct as Octavia nervously paced around her apartment. Amethyst eyes immediately cut to the source of the sound, the flustered eyes narrowing dangerously at the DJ. Grumbling, Octavia darted towards the other woman, the silk of her dress fluttering beautifully behind her. Stopping in front of her lover, Octavia pressed her lips together, mulberry eyes scanning the damp hairline.

"Honestly, Vinyl, did you have to touch your hair?"

Fighting a snicker, Vinyl lifted her hands in surrender, bright orbs sparkling with mischief. Clicking her tongue, Octavia combed her fingers through the damp hair, ruffling out the soft peaks of the messy style. Vinyl merely smiled, eyes never leaving the determined face of her lover as she muttered angrily under her breath. Violet eyes flicked down to the smiling face, flickering between the hair and the woman before ultimately settling on the stupidly grinning jockey.

"What?"

"Nothing, you're just cute. Why are you freaking out about this dinner date? It's not like you've never met the guy."

Octavia sighed heavily before releasing the blue locks and stepped backward, eyes shifting to look toward the still open window. Waving her hand in a dismissive gesture, she turned back toward the sofa and walked towards it, seating herself on the edge of an expensive cushion to delicately slip on her black spike heels. Ruffling the bottom of her dress, the cellist stood again, vision tracking over to quietly regard the woman. Floating toward her girlfriend, she pulled to a stop just before her, nervous hands lifting to smooth the shoulders of the immaculate black suit. Smiling wistfully, her thumbs brushed the lavender silk of the bowtie, unnecessarily straightening it before inhaling a quiet breath.

"You know I've met Andante, Vinyl. He went to Lenoir's like the rest of us, as you're probably aware. But it's been many years since I've seen him, and we used to be very close friends before he graduated... He's been living in London ever since."

Tilting her head, Vinyl lifted her hands to gently clasp the player's wrists, a timid smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

"You never told me that... How did you know him, anyway? He was two years ahead of you, and not even a strings player. He plays the saxophone for Celestia's sake."

Octavia chuckled, albeit painfully before she half-turned from the curious red gaze.

"The same way I met Beauty Brass, Vinyl. Socializing. My mother is good friends with his mother, though, and introduced us at one of her benefits for the school. He made it a point to see me when we had time between classes and rehearsals."

Simply accepting the explanation, Vinyl shook her head, freeing her hair from the dampness keeping it in place. Heading toward the door, she slid her pea coat from the hook and approached Octavia, smiling as she presented the coat. They shared a quiet laugh as Octavia shrugged on the pilfered coat, nudging the DJ in the ribs as she settled the jacket across her shoulders. Vinyl grabbed her keys off the small table by the door and pulled her coat off the rack, tossing it over her elbow before opening the door. Gesturing to the cellist, she winked as Octavia breezed past her and settled into the hall, waiting as Vinyl clicked the door shut and locked it. The two women started down the hall in relative silence, their hands brushing as they walked. Vinyl rounded on the elevator, her thumb bumping the red down arrow as she rocked on her heels, red eyes staring up at the many numbers above the heavy, metal doors.

Chancing a quick look to the raven-haired player, Vinyl lovingly scanned every inch of the other woman, an impromptu grin tugging across her face.

"You look beautiful, Octavia."

Snapping her eyes toward Vinyl, she beamed, a faint blush crawling up her neck.

"Thank you, Vinyl."

Vinyl shook her head and turned to fully face the other woman, eyes again scanning the gorgeous attire. The cellist wore a striking yet simple ankle-length dress, rich burgundy in color, the expensive silk hugging her hips in an almost-provocative way. The bodice draped from her bad shoulder, effectively covering the permanent bump the cellist had recently been blessed with. Vinyl gathered the player's hands in her own, garnet eyes fiery with their reverence.

"No, I mean it. You're so fucking gorgeous, it's almost illegal."

A melodic laugh sounded from the woman as the elevator doors opened beside them, causing Octavia to tug her lover into the car with a grin. Lifting her arms around Vinyl's shoulders, she melded her body to the DJ and grinned as she nuzzled the pale throat.

"I can feel your eyes on me, sometimes, Vinyl, and it really makes me feel incredible."

Vinyl chuckled as she locked her fingers behind the shorter woman's lower back, garnet eyes darkening as she leaned down to kiss the shell of a flushed ear.

"Are you sure we can't skip this dinner? I mean, I can think of some other things we could be doing."

Grinning, she flashed a small grin before placing a tender kiss on Vinyl's jaw.

"I wish we could, darling, really. But Andante canceled some performances for me to make it here within the week. I couldn't reschedule if I'm the one that made the date."

Sighing heavily, Vinyl nodded and retracted her arms just as the doors opened, admitting the finely dressed pair to the lobby. The doorman waved adoringly, bowing gently as he held the door open for the pair. Octavia tossed a small wave at the man as they exited, her free arm curling around Vinyl's elbow as they approached the car. Vinyl opened the door and offered her hand, lowering the woman into the seat before dancing around the hood and dropped behind the wheel. Turning over the ignition, she lowered the bass and volume, waggling her eyebrows as she slipped her glasses from her pocket and propped them up on her forehead. She flicked on her signal and merged into traffic, heading toward D'Urberville's.

Octavia gently plucked at the edge of her linen napkin, hands trembling as they waited. D'Urberville's was achatter with activity, many well-dressed and esteemed couples dotting the immaculate decor. Octavia glanced sideways at her date, the mussed, untamable hair of her lover a glaring contrast to the well-coiffed hair of the Elite. Octavia grimaced slightly as she again noticed the purple lenses hanging off the DJ's breast pocket, tucked up against the lavender pocket square accenting the inky black of her tailored suitcoat. Octavia leaned toward Vinyl, arm snaking around to grip firmly on the back of the woman's chair.

"Please, Vinyl, can you make your glasses a little less... visible?"

Pursing her lips, Vinyl held the desperate gaze for a moment before sighing, giving in easily as she plucked the glasses from their resting place. Pulling her jacket forward, she slid them to her inside pocket smoothly, perturbed crimson eyes never breaking the trance with the cellist.

"Tav, what in the hell is the matter? You're practically vibrating the table with your fidgeting."

Scoffing, the cellist straightened in her seat, quickly dismissing the concern with a somewhat-snobbish flourish.

"I'm not fidgeting, Vinyl. Merely waiting. It's unlike him to be late."

Shrugging off the tone, the DJ lifted her glass to take a sip of the water, brilliant, dark orbs scanning the restaurant for the tall aficionado. Octavia again returned to her nervous tick, mulberry orbs flicking anxiously around the room. A tall man abruptly caught her focus, his height standing out amongst the sitting patrons of the large dining area. Andante Stanza was a staggering height, his thick, wine-colored hair combed back into a neat, expensive style, the luster of gel glittering in the intimate lighting. His suit was a dark gray, the white undershirt offset by a deep blue necktie tucked into his blazer. Intense, amber eyes casually sought Octavia's, his brilliant smile wide across tanned flesh as he led his date toward the table.

Octavia instantly noticed the other woman, her smiling widening slightly as she noticed a former classmate, the woman offering her own timid grin as they approached. Emerald Mortstone was dressed in an elegant gown, sparkling midnight in color, her snowy white hair offset by twinkling green eyes. Noticing both women, she gently squeezed the man's upper arm as they pulled to a stop before the other two musicians, kind eyes passing between Vinyl and Octavia as they respectfully stood in greeting. Octavia practically exploded with elation at seeing the pair again, her smile wide as she was gracefully pulled in for a hug.

Laughing melodiously, Octavia pulled away and peered up at the tall man before focusing on Emerald, her smile twitching wider as she reached out for her friend.

"Oh, it's so amazing to see you both! Andante, Emerald... how marvelous!"

Both chuckled at the contagious enthusiasm, two sets of eyes shifting over toward Vinyl as Octavia tugged her forward.

"Andante, Em, this is my friend Vinyl Scratch. Vinyl, this is Emerald Mortstone and Andante Stanza!"

The twitch of a blue eyebrow was imperceptible, the cocky lips twitching into a forced casualness, the garnet eyes squinting as she shook both the musicians' hands. Gesturing to the remaining two chairs, the spinner sat stiffly, guarded carmine orbs carefully flicking between the newcomers as they settled in across the table. Octavia patted her lover's wrist, drawing in her attention as she smirked happily, nodding her head toward the other woman.

"I don't know if you know of Em, but she--"

Vinyl half-shrugged, a smug smile pulling at her face as she nodded toward the white-haired beauty.

"Yeah, we've met. She was the flautist for one of Note's productions. How have you been?"

Emerald flushed, the twinkle in her eyes intensifying as she smiled.

"I've been doing wonderfully, Vinyl, thank you. I've heard good things about you as well!"

Both women leaned into the conversation, almost ignoring the other two occupants of the table. The blinding smile on the man's face never once faltered, his bright, golden orbs almost dancing in the low light. Leaning forward, he covered Octavia's hand with his own, dark eyebrows rising as he bent forward.

"It's very nice to see you again, Octavia. You're looking well. Beautiful, just as you always were."

The cellist fought off her smile, squeezing the hand over her own before pulling away. Lifting the glass to her lips, she took a sip of the wine before replacing her glass, hands curling nervously in her lap.

"Thank you, Andante. I'm sorry to have called you out of the blue... Record Scratch asked if I knew how to get ahold of you. He's more than curious to see if you'd like to perform in the first ever Hearth's Warming Eve concert? Your talents would do well to fit into the classical section."

Before he could open his mouth to speak, Emerald darted in, her excitement palpable.

"Oh, that sounds exquisite. Is this an invitation only concert? I'd like to be a part of it, if that's okay?"

Octavia nodded, equally enthralled by the idea.

"No, he's said the more talent, the better. I'm sure Vinyl could set something up with him, yes?"

Three pairs of eyes suddenly skirted in her direction, regarding her curiously. Andante smiled ruefully, amber eyes aglow with humor. Vinyl clicked her tongue and nodded, hands bridging beneath her chin as she passed her attention from musician to musician.

"Yeah, I can talk to him, of course. He's respectfully asked for my assistance with the event anyway, and I have his secretary on speed dial. I'll have him be in touch, Em, okay?"

The woman grinned before finally lifting her menu, eyes thoughtfully scanning the list of items. Stanza cleared his throat and leaned a casual elbow on the table, his jaw falling placidly into a waiting palm as he studied the DJ.

"So, tell me, Vinyl, what do you do with your free time? Judging by your hair style and piercings, I can only imagine it's something colorful."

His tone grated her nerves, her fingers flexing against her chin as she smiled sweetly at the man.

"I mix and record sets of music, sometimes for personal use, sometimes for other names in the business. I'm the go-to for a great stylistic flare."

He chuckled before taking a sip of her drink, his menu pushed to the side as he continued to study the increasingly irritated disc jockey.

"So, you're a DJ? That's... respectable work."

Octavia interjected, her hand slipping beneath the table to grasp her lover's knee. Using her thumb, she traced a soothing circle along the tensing muscles along the shapely thigh, eyes silently pleading for her to hold her temper. Turning toward Andante, she smiled briefly, free hand drumming against the tablecloth.

"Vinyl does more than DJ. She's actually an accomplished pianist and an amazing singer."

He seemed surprised, dark eyebrows floating upward to rest high on his forehead. Chuckling, he nodded his head in deference to Vinyl, a genuine smile creeping across his face.

"I'm sorry for being so presumptuous, Vinyl, forgive me. I never would have pinned you for the piano, though maybe guitar or drums. Have you been classically trained?"

Narrowing her eyes conspiratorially, she leaned in, voice airy.

"Yep. Graduated from Lenoir's the year behind you, actually. But don't worry about it, I can see where you'd make a mistake."

Emerald piped up, sensing a growing tension, her head bobbing in agreement. Stanza merely chuckled and grinned wryly, amber eyes darkening to a molten honey as he waved a waitress over. The remainder of the evening passed with little incident, the conversation lively amongst the old friends. With dessert put away, the quartet quietly stood and exited after paying the tab, Emerald leading the troupe toward the door. The night was still but frigid, late fall seeping slowly into winter. Octavia shivered beneath the heavy wool as she pulled it closer against her lithe frame, shining amethyst eyes floating happily from player to player. Grinning, she pulled Emerald into a hug, lingering for a moment before stepping back.

"It was so good to see you, Emerald. I wish you'd visit Canterlot more often!"

The flautist snickered, shoulders shrugging as her attention skipped to Vinyl.

"The playing is good over in London. And Vinyl, it was so nice seeing you, I hope we can catch up more since I'll be in town for a while."

The DJ smirked, tugging the woman in for a quick hug.

"Yeah, definitely."

Disentangling, the flautist poked at Vinyl, barking out a laugh.

"And do bring Lyra, she was always my favorite." They shared a knowing smile.

Octavia smiled up at Andante before folding herself in his arms, grinning brightly as they pulled away. Locking eyes, the pair smiled knowingly, the nervous energy quickly returning to the cellist as she shuffled on her feet. Andante chuckled lowly, focus dancing across Octavia's face as he clasped her hand, dropping a soft kiss to her knuckles. Vinyl tensed, voice crumbling to a harsh clearing of her throat, the sound ignored as Stanza straightened to his full height before the raven-haired player.

"Wonderful seeing you again, Miss Octavia. I look forward to working with you over the next few weeks. Maybe we could get some lunch soon and catch up, just the two of us."

Octavia flushed and nodded, returning her hand to her pocket as her jaw clenched, almost feeling the displeasure pouring off of Vinyl in tumultuous wave. Giving both women a nod, he offered his arm to Emerald before leading her toward the waiting taxi, opening the rear door for her before he climbed in after, lifting a small wave to the two women before heading off down the road. Vinyl scowled and ran her hand through the soft, blue peaks, sights settling on Octavia as she continued to stare down the street. Tugging on the cellist's sleeve, she jerked her head toward the car parked just down the block, wordlessly leading her lover toward the automobile. They climbed in in silence, the low purr of the engine filling the space between them.

Three red lights later and Vinyl inhaled sharply, head snapping over to regard her contemplative passenger.

"He seemed nice."

Octavia merely smiled softly, ignoring the blistering tone as she gestured forward. Vinyl clenched her jaw and drove the rest of the way home in oppressive silence.

Practically kicking the door in, Vinyl thundered into the apartment, her mood black. Octavia followed much more calmly, face a placid mask of understanding. Merely shrugging out of her coat, she hung the garment by the door before skirting around the stormy woman, bee-lining directly for the kettle settled on the rear burner. Placing her clutch on the counter, she spun before plucking the metal pot from the stove, swiveling to refill the container before replacing it and flicked on the gas beneath it. Fetching two cups and the Earl from the cabinet, she plunked the teabags into the mugs and exited the kitchen, waiting, hands folded before her.

Vinyl grunted as she quickly undid her bowtie and slid it off, jamming it into the front pocket of her coat before snatching her glasses from her inside pocket. Sticking them into their favorite resting place, Vinyl shrugged out of her jacket and blazer simultaneously, roughly tossing them onto the cream sofa at her left. Wrinkling her lips, she dug her fingers into her hip and stared at the cellist, licking her lips as she took in every striking detail of the steady woman.

"Stop looking at me like I'm a treacherous five-year-old."

Octavia couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips, regardless of the biting retort. She slipped her fingers through her dark tresses and sighed, knowing Vinyl enough to know the evening did not have a desirable outcome. Still, she approached the DJ, stopping within arm's reach before she smiled that same, disarming grin.

"Vinyl, I'm sorry for Andante. He can be--"

Growling, Vinyl turned on her heel and stuffed her hands into her pockets before beginning a frenetic pace, teeth running roughly along her bottom lip. Stilling suddenly, she whirled around on Octavia, her left hand bursting free to gesture wildly.

"Do you really think that Stanza was the reason for my mood? Please, after dealing with your mother, his snooty bullshit is like a walk in the park. And besides, he wasn't as bad as I was expecting. He's a stuck up tightwad, but he's not too bad a guy. I could have totally done without the eyesex he was practically undressing you with."

Octavia was more successful in hiding her grin, though she crossed her arms in barely-masked distress.

"I don't understand, Vinyl... Why are you so displeased? I don't recall anything out of the ordinary. He was genuinely sorry for the DJ comment, that I know... And he didn't do anything completely unbecoming toward me. Is this about him kissing my hand? Is this some jealousy thing?"

She couldn't help the heat of her anger spiking, but she tried desperately to reign it in once an icy darkness passed across her lover's face. Octavia sighed and clenched at her upper arms, attempting to patiently await the answer.

Vinyl narrowed her eyes and shrugged her shoulders, mirroring Octavia as they stood across the coffee table from one another.

"No, it's not really about the hand molesting, but that didn't help me feel any better."

Octavia scoffed, "Hand molesting?"

Vinyl dropped her arms to crack her knuckles, eyes slamming closed as she paced a brief circle beside the coffee table. Dejected, her shoulders slumped, her back still to Octavia as the red orbs crept open, glistening with unspent moisture. Steeling her nerves, she cast a worried look over her shoulder, clearly surprising Octavia. Twisting her body, Vinyl helplessly lifted her hands, lips tugging into a frown as she gestured to the air between them.

"No, Tav, I just... I don't know, forget about it."

The spinner collected her jacket and coat, tossing a small smile toward the cellist before heading toward the door. Octavia scrambled after her, stopping the movement with a firm tug to the woman's elbow. Her eyes silently searched the guarded red eyes, her own swirling with uncomfortable confusion. Vinyl smiled, attempting to remove herself from the flexing fingers, an action that proved fruitless. Octavia lifted the clothing from Vinyl's slack grip and turned, hanging them up before refocusing her attention to the blue-haired pianist.

"Vinyl, what?"

Gritting her teeth, Vinyl snapped her eyes away, lips pursing as a new surge of anger bubbled its way through her chest. Shrugging off the careful touch, she leveled the cellist with an annoyed glower.

"I didn't know I was just your damn friend," she spat, eyes igniting as the familiar hurt returned.

Octavia reeled backward, eyes open with confusion. She quickly thought over their night, her own words ringing in her ears as the memory returned to her. Guilt slammed into her with blinding force, the crippling tension threatening to drown her in her own mistake. Backpedaling, Octavia violently shook her head, hands sliding upward to clasp Vinyl's crossed forearms. Pleading, wide eyes peered up at Vinyl, screaming for forgiveness.

"Vinyl, I'm so sorry. I didn't even realize... I-I guess I'm just not... used to it? No, that's not right. I'm sorry, I'm just afraid."

The taller woman growled but didn't retreat, her eyes instead challenging the cellist to say more.

"I know this is new for you, Octavia, I get that. I was new to the gay world before, too, and I once stumbled over getting that out. But I did, there's no other way to get comfortable in your own skin than to be proud of it. You just had dinner with two people that, I'm guessing, used to be important in your life, and you couldn't even admit that I was your girlfriend."

Octavia sighed and shifted forward, resting her forehead against Vinyl's tense shoulder.

"You're right. I know you're right. I didn't even think about it, Vinyl."

Deafening silence blanketed the room for a time, the steaming of the kettle the only noise for a long stretch. Octavia sighed and nuzzled her forehead against the firm shoulder, eyes fluttering as her hands flexed against the strong forearms beneath the thin cloth. Vinyl shuddered as she shuffled her weight, her throat twitching as she swallowed.

"Are... you ashamed of me, Tav?"

Octavia jerked backward, almost losing her balance at the severity of the movement. Determined mulberry eyes met the swirling displeasure with gusto, her mouth twitching into a resolute frown.

"No, absolutely not. You're a DJ by choice and by trade, and a very talented one. You're talented in all you do, Vinyl, please don't doubt that. I was just stupid tonight, clearly. I shouldn't be so concerned with how people that aren't even really in my life view me. Please, darling, please understand that. I'm so sorry."

Vinyl sighed heavily before guiding the cellist to rest in her arms, the embrace returned with growing nervousness. Resting her cheek on a dark head, Vinyl squeezed the woman in her arms and smiled briefly.

"It's all right, Tav. Okay? Don't worry. Now let's just have our tea so I can get ready to go, remember? Creature won't wait forever."

Octavia squeezed one last time before detangling from her lover, dark eyes watching carefully.

"Okay. I love you, you know. Very much."

Vinyl grinned and placed a quick kiss on the beautiful lips.

"I know you do, Miss Priss. Now are we going to have tea or what?"

Octavia rolled her eyes and breezed past Vinyl to settle in the kitchen, quickly shutting off the gas and removed the kettle. Pouring what was left of the water into both cups, she paused as a chime rang out from her clutch, pulling at her attention. Replacing the kettle, she picked up the small purse and unzipped it, the phone easily sliding into her palm. Unlocking the screen, the message icon blinked as she opened it, a message from Andante illuminating her screen.

How about tomorrow?

Hesitating, Octavia looked up toward Vinyl, lip worrying between her teeth before she typed out a quick response and dropped her phone on the counter. Turning off the ringer, she hefted both mugs and scurried toward her DJ, mouth flashing a timid smile.

A moment later and the screen brightened, a new message popping up.

Fantastic! See you then, darling.

Author's Notes:

I'm just going to leave this here. I'm trying again. Thank you to everyone who sent me such positivity. Please do forgive any mistakes, and if the tone is off. It's been quite a long time since I've written, especially for Vinyl/Octavia, so I may need some time to find my voice and comfort with this style again.

And just as a small note, I'm posting this from BronyCon. I figured it would be fitting for the weekend.

Enjoy?

Bone, out.

EDIT: Oh my god, I opened FIMFic to check something and Kiss Me Deadly was in the fucking feature box and oh my god, I just want to cry, that's never happened to me ever and oooooh fuck. I WILL REMEMBER THIS MOMENT. 8:55 PM EST, AUGUST 2ND.