` Vinyl Scratch smiled cheerfully as she turned over in her bed, looking over at her and Octi’s new bed-partner. Nightsong had been stripped out of all but her stockings before being tucked into her bed. Her mane had fallen out of its bun and was spread around her head like a little raven halo, and Vinyl’s glasses were stuck on her head. Her muzzle was still curled in a dazed little smile, and that got a near-silent chuckle from the unicorn. Octi had that same face after her first dance, too.

Octavia was nestled gently against Nightsong’s other side, breathing deeply of her scent. Vinyl loved how peaceful she looked, sleeping. When they first started dating, it was all Vinyl could do to not be creepy and watch her sleep, relaxing into her forelegs and dreaming the day away…

“V-vinyl?”

The soft voice was tremulous and awed, with just a little bit of fear edged in. Those bright slitted purple eyes stared up at her, and Nightsong had drawn her hooves to her chest, looking panicky and vulnerable. Vinyl darted in as the batpony began stammering, catching her in a gentle kiss; she smiled as she trailed her hoof along the younger mare’s cheek.

“We didn’t,” she whispered sincerely, “I promise. Me and Octy? We’re going to make sure your first time is something you /never/ forget.”

The panic drained out of Nightsong immediately, little tears in the corners of her eyes as she smiled up at Vinyl. A little mrrfle echoed in the room as Octavia suddenly shifted, and Vinyl slinked back, grinning knowingly. She could get a tad… cuddly, in the morning. Right on cue, Octavia turned to hug tight onto Nightsong, iron strong Earth Pony strength keeping her nice and snug. Nightsong squeaked and wiggled- which only redoubled when Octavia began nibbling on her ear.

“A-aah! V-vinyl, help! Nnnh, n-no, don’t lick…”

Vinyl Scratch snickered and abruptly spun around, all but prancing downstairs. Hrm. Maybe waffles for breakfast!

Octavia smiled happily as she nosed Nightsong down the stairs, shooting the shy pony a wink as they headed into the kitchen. That had been a very nice way to wake up. Nightsong’s fur was very fluffy and warm, even more so when she was blushing when having her ear groomed. She had not spotted Vinyl in bed, but judging from the smells in the kitchen…

The meal was, yet again, already set up, with three plates piled high with food- this time, steaming waffles and bottles of syrup for each, topped with fried eggs, and hay-bacon. While Nightsong gave a happy squee, Octavia eyed a slyly grinning Vinyl, then peered around the kitchen. No open windows, no suspicious pink plants or tails sticking out of the pantry. ...hrm.

“I will find out who’s cooking for you,” she whispered to her marefriend, flushing as Vinyl’s only response was an ear nip.

Nightsong had scurried into her seat, whispering quietly in Thestral as she bowed her head. Octavia smiled over at the mare gently, mentally reminding herself that she needed to learn that musical language. She was such a fascinating mare… She and Vinyl quickly scooted their chairs to either side of the batpony; Octavia dug into her waffles cheerfully, hiding her grin as she felt Nightsong heating up.

“I was thinking, girls,” Octavia began as she finished a bite, grinning over at them, “Why don’t we all work Nightsong’s stall today? Might bring in the crowds.”

Her new marefriend perked her ears and stared over at Octavia, fidgeting in her seat.

“You don’t… well…” Nightsong began to reply, then paused, wings fluttering.

Vinyl smiled gently and leaned against her, “It’s up to you. But the three of us can get the wagon out there faster, get the whole thing set up. I can handle inventory while Octi helps you sell. She knows the most about instruments.”

‘Atta girl, Vinyl.’

Nightsong glanced between them, giving that trademark little smile that had drawn them both in so thoroughly.

“A-and you’re sure you don’t mind?” she asked softly, blushing deeply as Octavia hopped down to rub into her free side.

“Of course we don’t mind, we-” Octavia began, only to be interrupted by a quick series of knocks at their door.

She knew that cadence! Beaming, Octavia scurried to open the door, tail giving a pleased swish. Lyra and Bon-Bon had cleaned up from the dance at least- they had been drinking and dancing, grinding against each other- having a damn good time. At one point in her life, Octavia would have been flabbergasted- now, it was routine, and pleased her to no end.

“Come on in, guys.”

“Thanks Tavi,” Lyra replied first, always the talker of the pair- her tail was entwined with Bon-Bon’s as they walked in, golden eyes sparkling, “How’s the newbie doing?”

“Not even a hangover!” Vinyl called out cheerily, thumping Nightsong’s back and getting a squeak out of her, “So proud.”

“Glad to see her sober,” Bon-Bon added, grinning, “Haven’t been kissed like that since Lyra and I’s first date.”

“OHI’MSOSORRY!”

The house was filled with good-natured laughs and hugs; Octavia beamed as she watched Bon-Bon embrace the young mare, ears laying back in relief as Nightsong visibly relaxed and broke into giggles herself. This was what she wanted to see out of her marefriend- to undo the damage of whatever happened in the past. To see more of that smile and sparkling eyes.

With a pleased look to Vinyl, Octavia trotted back to the table to finish planning the rest of the day. It was going to be a good one; she hoped.

Vinyl had been right, three ponies did make setting up faster! Despite appearances, Octavia could pull a wagon with the best of them, and they made it to the market in record time. Once the blocks were in place, Vinyl’s magic had already set up their tables and gotten the merchandise in place. One table held the various toys and knick-knacks she made out of spare materials and parts (never let anything go to waste!), while another held her cheaper pieces. A few violins, some recorders, and a few brass trumpets. The more expensive pieces were on display in cases, leaned against the wagon for protection.

Other ponies were eying her stall and wagon thoughtfully- which was a good start! In Nightsong’s experience, the first day tended to give a microcosm of the sales season. ...this had to go well. She did not want to become a burden on her new marefriends.

Marefriends. The thought sent a shiver of fear and pleasure up the young batpony’s spine. It was not something she had expected here, not in a largely Earth Pony town. Honestly, Nightsong had not expected just how open and mixed the town was. A whole club scene; libertine attitudes towards the gay and possibly even the herd movements…

“Miss?”

Nightsong squeaked and jumped a bit, blinking down at an Earth Pony colt who was standing in front of her stall- and holding one of her ebony puzzle-boxes. Several other foals stood behind him- one peering longingly over Nightsong’s shoulder towards the instruments.

“O-oh yes! Hi! That uh, is…”

The cello flashed through her mind for a split second… and then the wide brown eyes of the colt.

‘Heh.’

“Five bits,” she told him gently, smiling as his eyes sparkled in response.

The knick-nacks had been an idea from the past season- using leftover wood and wire to make toys, puzzle-boxes and little statues to help even out costs. They always had brought in a few bits, even in the worst towns. A black and white unicorn colt was fifth in line, eagerly leaning his forehooves on the counter- in the corner of her eye, Octavia was beaming, and quiet chuckles from Vinyl were bubbling out from the wagon. The colt was bouncing excitedly, horn glowing a dim white as he set a little bag that jingled with bits out on the counter.

“How much for that keyboard, miss?” he asked with all the barely controlled politeness of youth, “The one with the crystal amplifiers!”

Nightsong glanced over at the pouch- instinct and experience told her that it held, at most, about a hundred bits. Not bad! But her new pricing, thanks to Octavia’s coaching, had the piece at four hundred bits. She pursed her lips.

“Do you know how to play?” Nightsong asked thoughtfully, grinning at the colt’s eager nods.

“My mom taught me to play piano, I still do lessons,” he replied cheerfully, “But I listen to DJ-PON3 and DJ-Scrawlz, and I can learn more! I wanna be a DJ.”

‘Goddess, he’s adorable.’

Nightsong waved a hoof to calm the bouncing colt, steeling herself.

“Well dear,” she started slowly, heart tightening at the way the colt froze, “That board goes for… well, three hundred bits.”

Octavia let out a soft, wounded noise as she peeked at the colt, and Nightsong’s will quavered at the puppy eyes sent their way.

‘That’s not fair! Aaah!’

“But!” Nightsong added quickly, ears flat, “We can work out a plan! Is this allowance money?”

Sniffling, the colt nodded slowly, scuffing a hoof over the packed dirt of the marketplace, “Y-yes miss, um, t-twenty bits a week.”

The batpony let out a breath, ears twitching- the transaction had gained notice. Several ponies were outright watching the little gathering- others had an ear swivelled towards them.

“I’ll tell you what- bring me ten bits a week, and I’ll sell it to you for two hundred and fifty. That way, you still keep bits for things you need during the week.”

The colt’s smile returned, times ten, as he eagerly nodded and reached for his pouch again-

“Concerto!”

High Standard’s voice was sharp and piercing, and the effect was immediate- the colt scrambled back with a panicked squeak, white as a sheet. Blue magic grabbed the pouch and yanked it to float by the glowering mare as she stormed over. Panic squeezed at Nightsong’s heart.

‘Oh shit.’

“You will not sell him instruments for use in that noise,” she growled at Nightsong, azure eyes locked with her own, “Your degenerate of a roommate might get by with it and the filth she brings in, but my son will not be apart of it.”

Nightsong was frozen in place, ears splayed out- Octavia stepped forward, face stormy and hoof pawing at the ground.

“Vinyl is NOT-”

“Do not start with me, Octavia!” Standards snapped back with an angry snort, “Your relationship with her is a double disgrace!”

The angry unicorn put her hooves up on the counter and leaned forward, two telekinetic pokes pressing through Nightsong’s apron- hard.

“You need to watch them, and watch what you get involved with, Nightsong,” she continued quieter, but with the same angered conviction, “Sin follows them, and their-”

“Vinyl Scratch is my marefriend.”

Nightsong barely recognized her own voice, deep and growling with outrage, and she realized that she was baring her fangs, “As is Octavia. Watch. Your. Words.”

Anger had burned away the panic, wings spreading instinctively as she attempted to puff herself up. To her credit, High Standards did not back down. Surprise had turned quickly to disgust and anger again.

“Vinyl Scratch is a snake,” she hissed to the batpony, “Brings in whores and thugs- makes the whole town looked like some part of Las Haygas. I won’t stand for it. You shouldn’t either.”

‘Brings them… in?’

The mare’s muzzle curled in a slight smirk, and she stepped back, turning around sharply, “Ask her- see what she says to justify it. The church’s cleansing pool opens at seven in the morning.”

Celestian.

“I’m a Lunarian,” Nightsong growled out, though the force seemed to be draining out of her- she winced at the dismissive snap of a tail from High Standards.

“Pity. Go home, Concerto. Now!”

The colt yelped just as a snap of telekinesis on flank sounded through the market, little hooves scrambling on the cobblestones. High Standards spared the ponies not a second glance as she strolled after him.

“Nightsong…”

The batpony had slowly sat back on her haunches, sniffling as she glanced over at Octavia. The earth pony was struggling with emotion herself, slowly nosing her cheek.

“O-octavia, I… I’m so-”

“Go speak with Vinyl. Trust me.”

...she hadn’t defended Vinyl. She had let High Standards say all that; all those things… Nightsong weakly rubbed her eyes and turned away from the stall, making her way back to her home.

‘The doors open... ‘

Nightsong peered inside, sniffling slightly; Vinyl was settled down on her cot, eyes hidden by her shades, the rest of her face more impassive than she had ever seen the normally exuberant mare. At the unicorn’s motioned insistence, Nightsong slowly moved to sit in front of her, ears splayed back. A slow breath blew out of Vinyl’s nose as she pulled off her glasses- she was looking at Nightsong worriedly.

“I… I-I guess you heard all that,” Nightsong mumbled, wings fluttering lightly, “I-I should’ve…”

“All that would’ve done was cause a bigger scene, Nighty,” Vinyl cut her off gently, “S’why I didn’t come down and tell that bitch just where to shove her opinions.”

The small unicorn let out a breath, “Look. I know what most ponies think of sex workers, and it ain’t good. Some of the rep? It’s justified. But most of it isn’t. I was one of them, once.”

Vinyl nodded as Nightsong tensed up, grinning slightly, “Before I got big in music. Ponies gotta make bits somehow out in the city. Did for… shit, couple years.”

She rubbed the back of her head, “So I know what they go through, and I try to make things as easy as I can- give him help. The club gives the ponies a safe place to rest and recharge, I provide drug rehab if they need it.”

The DJ’s eyes hardened slightly, “I don’t lure in new ponies to the life, but I don’t stigmatize them like High Standards and ponies like her, Nightsong. Ah, ah, ah…”

Nightsong had started to droop again, stammering out shamed apologies- only to be silenced by a kiss and firm hug. Heat rushed through the batpony when her lips were released, leaning her forehead to one side of Vinyl’s, resting against her horn. Vinyl chuckled softly.

“No cryin’, no sorries. You didn’t know.”

Her soft hoof gently traced over her cheek, “But you do now. Do you understand?”

“Y-yeah,” Nightsong croaked out sheepishly, “I-I do. ...t-thank you.”

Vinyl grinned and poked her chest fluff playfully, “No problem, kiddo. Come on, we need to help Octi.”

‘Shit.’

Nightsong groaned and held her head, shaking it slowly, “There’s no way we’ll get business after that, Vinyl. That’s a nightmare. The constables will show up, I just know it…”

“I think the ponies of this town might just surprise you, Nighty. Trust me on that.”

Happy VERY belated New Years!