Quite frankly, Seth couldn’t be happier. The promise of seeing Octavia again seemed to fill the unicorn with a sense of energy that he had long since forgotten was even possible. The days passed swiftly and the nights peacefully, as all of Seth’s attention was focused upon seeing that marvellous musician on the now rapidly approaching date.

On Friday night, the night before he was meant to meet Octavia again, the practically glowing unicorn stepped onto his balcony and breathed a sigh into the twilight. The cool night air calmed the pony, reminding him of the effect Octavia’s voice had on him. He rolled his eyes. He was hopeless. He knew it, but he didn’t care.

It took a certain kind of pony to become so infatuated in such a short period of time. It required a certain naivety, perhaps. An innocence that when imbued with hope became a beacon against all manner of troubles and woes. Seth knew he was old fashioned and he knew he was a hopeless romantic. However, if he was being honest with himself, he wasn’t completely sure how he felt about Octavia so far. He didn’t quite know what direction he wanted this to go.

What the pony did know, though, was that she had filled him with a sense of hope, something that had been missing from his life for too long now. As a result, while unsure over the particulars of the emotions flooding through him, he was certainly excited to find out exactly what they were or where they might take him.

While Seth was not a complete stranger to love or relationships, he never did quite grasp them. Ponies baffled Seth. He wanted nothing more than to bestow happiness on everypony, but he struggled to connect with them individually. He was a big picture pony: he saw the world clearly in abstract concepts and ideas, but the erratic nature of pony emotions left him confused and bewildered. But the notion of love thrilled him, the passion and the intensity of the feeling naturally fit well within his personality.

Seth stared up toward the heavens, smiling at Luna’s gorgeous moon, floating serenely in the sky. The stars twinkled nearby, each pin-prick of light a bastion of beauty in the inky blackness of the night.

There really is so much wonder in the world… Seth marvelled.

Still smiling, the pony turned and went back inside. Right now, it was time for sleep. Tomorrow was going to be a big day.

Seth rose soon after sunrise, and pressed through his morning routine with vigour. The uncharacteristic energy that still flowed through him prompted the pony to go for a run. It had been too long since he had exercised properly, and besides, he needed to maintain his shape after all.

Pounding away through the streets of Canterlot, his surroundings little more than a blur, Seth felt the thrill of freedom course through his veins. He laughed out loud, earning more than one strange look from passers by. He couldn’t care less. After all, the sun was shining and a soft wind was blowing from the south, granting a cool reprieve from his efforts. Seth revelled in the feeling of power that surged through his muscles with every stride and the satisfaction he got from the acute burn in his lungs.

Sweet Celestia, why did I stop doing this everyday?

Seth couldn’t stop smiling. Even when he finished, gasping for breath in the foyer of his apartment building, he still kept up his grin. He ignored the looks of distaste at the sweat in which he was drenched from several of the other ponies who lived in the building, and headed towards the elevator.

Today is off to a flying start, even if I do say so myself, the unicorn thought with yet another smile. A great start indeed.

The rest of the day passed quickly for Seth. He wrote a few letters to colleagues at work, more out of a sense of obligation than any real concern or interest. The pony tried very hard not to let his thoughts lapse too often toward the charcoal coloured mare. However, he failed spectacularly, filled with equal parts excitement and nervousness over the imminent meeting.

Eventually though, evening did fall and Seth felt the butterflies in his stomach writhe uncomfortably, the feeling in stark contrast to the serenity that was settling on most other ponies in the twilight. He rushed around his apartment, trying to decide what to wear.

“Ugh,” he said out loud, to nopony in particular. “Why must this insist on being so difficult?”

Met with nothing but silence the pony shook his head. Sighing, he settled on a simple black jacket, choosing to leave the tie behind.

“Far too formal,” he said again to the silence. “Right?”

Realising that, despite his best efforts, neither the furniture nor his clothing was going to respond, the unicorn gave up, condemning himself to his selection.

Simple and classy. Of course she’ll love it. He really hoped he was right.

Seth left his apartment and slowly meandered through the streets of Canterlot, reminded of the night he first saw Octavia play at the CCMA. He gazed around at the numerous vendors still open for the night to come, their neon signs casting a surreal glow onto the street. Ponies passed him in groups or in pairs, all seemingly laughing or joking with each other, dressed in strange fashions or way too formally. Canterlot in the evening truly was a unique experience.

He paused in front of a flower store, a sudden idea engaging him in an intense internal debate.

Is it too weird? Yeah it is, I shouldn’t worry about it. I mean who gives a flower to somepony like that? It’s not even like this is actually a date… But still, what if she likes it? Maybe I should… Oh, I don’t know!

His tirade was broken by a sudden realisation.

“Oh,” he said to himself, his cheeks flushing crimson. “It’s shut.”

Seth quickly left the scene, knowing full well that even though his self-consciousness was very much unwarranted as nopony would have noticed him, he would still prefer to forget that the whole thing had ever happened.

Realising he would soon be late if he didn’t hurry, Seth quickened his pace and soon found himself standing outside the arranged meeting place: the bar, ‘The Golden Glow’. Seth inhaled deeply and opened the door, trying to prepare himself up for whatever lay ahead.

The familiar décor and lighting washed over Seth and he suddenly felt very much at home. He walked in slowly, casting his eyes around the classy furniture and their inhabitants for a certain grey mare. His efforts were soon rewarded and he found her sitting in the exact same corner of the room she had been the first time he met her.

She smiled when she saw him, and beckoned him over. Butterflies again gripped his stomach as he picked his way through the assortment of classic wooden and leather furniture. His heart skipped a beat when he saw she had already got him a drink.

“Why hello there, Seth.” Octavia smiled at him.

“Greetings.” Seth returned the sentiment just as warmly.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I went ahead and ordered you something I think you might like.”

He laughed. “Not at all. I am always willing to try new things.”

Using his magic, the unicorn lifted the glass to his lips, smiling at the soft clink the ice cubes made as they were moved. He sipped at it, allowing the taste to wash over him a second before the burn hit. He gasped.

“That was…wow.”

She smirked. “I thought you might like it. So tell me, what have you been up to since I last saw you?”

Seth was still unaccustomed to anypony actually asking how his days have been. The fact that the query was coming from Octavia no less, actually stunned him.

“Not a lot, I suppose,” he said, taking another sip. “I really do live such a boring life now that I am on… holiday.”

“Nonsense! Surely you have been doing something?”

Seth chuckled. Pondering about you really isn’t an appropriate response, is it?

“No, really, I have been bored half to death,” he said.

“But don’t you have any sort of hobbies or pastimes?” Octavia seemed genuinely perplexed by the unicorn’s lack of entertainment.

“Nothing long term,” Seth said with a contemplative look. “I mean, I’m normally so wrapped up in work that I usually have never needed anything like that. Sad really.”

Octavia looked shocked. “Now, now, this simply won’t do! You enjoy music don’t you?”

The unicorn laughed. “Yeah, I guess that is correct. I don’t really listen to a whole lot though.”

Octavia shook her head. “Rest assured, I will soon change that. Nopony should be without their passions.” She paused. “Outside of work, that is.”

Seth laughed again. “I guess you’re right. What about you then? Music is your passion, what are your extra-curricular activities?

Octavia stuck her tongue out at Seth’s light teasing before replying, “Well, I actually like to paint.”

“A mare of many talents then?”

This time, it was Octavia’s turn to laugh. “Not at all. It’s just something to keep me entertained outside of music.”

“I would like to see some of your paintings then. If you are half as good at art as you are with music, I think that I will be very impressed.”

Octavia shook her head, laughing bashfully. “I doubt that very much, I am really not very good!”

“Let me be the judge of that.” Seth smiled at her, before a sudden thought jumped into his head. “Hey, have you eaten yet? We could get something here?”

Octavia looked at him incredulously. “Forgive me, I do appreciate the thought, but I have already eaten.” She paused, looking around the bar. “Though Seth, they may have a wonderful selection of drinks, but you cannot eat at a place like this!”

Seth was confused. “Why?”

The musician just shook her head. “You can get much better food elsewhere. In fact, I bet I could make a better meal than a place like this.”

“So you can cook now, too?” Seth teased. “I should have known.”

Octavia shot him a look, but her smile belied any irritation. “Bah! I am an incredible cook I should have you know!”

“Oh I believe you.” Seth’s grin was huge, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

Octavia pouted, mock offended by Seth’s condescending. Suddenly, she smiled, a glint in her eyes. “Oh, I know. If you are willing to put your money where your mouth is, that is.”

Seth stared at her, unsure at where she was going with this. “Yeah sure, I guess.”

Her smile grew larger. “Well, since you’re so convinced that my cooking abilities are overrated, why don’t you actually try them?”

Seth froze; he was not expecting this.

“Unless of course, you want to admit that I am right, now…?”

This could not be happening, there was no way she was serious.

“Of course not, what do you have in mind?” he tentatively asked the pony.

She laughed. “What say you come over to my place sometime and I treat you to a proper meal?”

Seth was stunned; this he was definitely not expecting… Not that it wasn’t welcome. However, years of political sparring helped to keep his emotions hidden this time, aided somewhat by the promise of competition presented by the musician.

“That sounds most agreeable, what do you have in mind?”

She thought for a moment. “Monday? At six?”

Seth nodded. “I look forward to it.”

She smiled at him and wrote down her address on a sheet of paper.

The rest of the evening passed far too quickly for Seth’s liking. He really did enjoy talking to her; she was just fun to be around. They chatted amicably for several hours before Octavia left, touching him gently on the shoulder with her hoof as she said her goodbyes. Seth’s heart had skipped a beat and had then frozen completely at the look she had thrown him as she walked out the door.

She really is…something. Something special.

Seth sighed in contentment. A dinner date? He was thrilled.

“Well that went well,” Seth said quietly as he walked home. The cool night air refreshed the unicorn, adding to his good mood.

He laughed at the understatement. His stomach twirled gently as the butterflies continued their dance.

Sunday passed without event for Seth, being entirely focused on the next day. To break up the monotony, he made a trip into the city’s shopping district, browsing music stores until he found his prize: The one album Octavia and her band had released. It was an EP, something that Seth found strange. It was an odd match, such a modern medium of content for the classic style of music that Octavia produced. Regardless, Seth was thrilled with his find and listened to it several times that day, loving every second of the small collection of songs on the disc.

By the time Monday afternoon had crept up on the unicorn, he had listened to the album well in excess of twenty times. His favourite piece, a sad melody whose lamenting tone echoed through the house, played quietly in the background as he got ready.

Not exactly inspiring… Seth thought with a chuckle as he flicked through potential jacket candidates for his ‘date’.

Settling on a straight up black affair he left the house, whistling to himself in an attempt to keep the army of butterflies at bay. Fighting a losing battle, the pony picked up the pace.

He made one stop on the trip, grabbing a single rose from a (making sure to check twice), definitely open flower store.

Octavia lived in an apartment building similar to his own, a tall structure of glass and steel very much unlike the stone that comprised the royal castle and the adjacent complex. He entered the foyer, noting the water feature in the corner.

We don’t have one of them… he grumbled.

The musician lived on the 33rd floor, a fact that gave Seth a rush of guilty pleasure. At least he lived higher.

Getting off at her floor Seth walked slowly toward room 334. He stopped directly in front of it and sucked in a deep breath. Raising his hoof, he knocked three times.

Seth heard the rapid pattern of hoofsteps race toward the door, slowing to a complete standstill directly in front of him. A second passed, Seth waited quietly. Suddenly, the door opened and the unicorn found himself face to face with the smiling features of Octavia.

“Seth! How wonderful to see you! Please, come in!”

“Why thank you,” Seth said as he levitated the rose over to the musician.

Octavia’s eyes widened and her face became a deep shade of red. “Oh Seth,” she breathed, looking down. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Seth was thrilled

He smiled at her and walked past, into her home. Seth looked around pleased, but not at all surprised by what he saw. Octavia’s apartment was the combination of a very stylish and very old sense of décor. Antique pieces of period furniture littered every room. Looking over the cosy, scarlet leather sofa’s and mahogany bookshelves, Seth couldn’t help but smile. However, perhaps the objects that most captured Seth’s attention was the large number of paintings featured on the walls. A mixture of both contemporary and traditional artworks placed in no real sense or order, Seth felt he had stumbled into a private art gallery.

“Wow, this place is…”

“Do you like it?” Octavia’s voice was hopeful.

He turned to her so she could see his smile. “I actually love it,” he admitted.

Octavia laughed. “Oh good. I know it’s a little old fashioned, but I love it as well. I really feel like it makes it mine. My own space.”

Seth’s stomach jolted at the realisation that he was very fortunate indeed to be let in here. It seemed like not just anypony was invited.

“It suits your personality perfectly.”

She smiled at him. “Well then, I hope you are prepared, dinner is almost ready. Would you like a drink?”

“I would love one thankyou. What do you have?”

Octavia smirked, took a deep breath and then promptly recited a long list of various alcoholic beverages (some Seth had never even heard of), along with various comments about the nature and quality of each drink.

“… And then finally, I have water. Which is rather boring, if you ask me. You could do so much better.”

Seth stood there, not at all sure what to say. “…Uh, you choose?”

Octavia laughed, a sweet sound that was music to Seth’s ears. “Of course. I’ll be a minute.”

She disappeared into another room, leaving Seth to stare awkwardly around the room. He walked over and started to examine the various paintings on the wall, his hoofsteps silent against the lush carpet. A particular piece caught his eye: a landscape, looking out over Canterlot, the rich red sun setting in the distance, washing out the colours as they blurred into each other. It was a mesmerising image. Seth could only wonder at the inspiration for such a picture. It made him feel small, overwhelmed and awed by the natural beauty that was ever present around them.

A soft noise snapped Seth’s attention back to present. He turned and saw that Octavia had returned and a silver tray now sat on the coffee table in the middle of the room, two wine glasses and a bottle sitting upon it.

“Well, here’s something a little special, a bottle of Pinot noir from near Golden Meadows that I have had for quite a while now.”

“Golden Meadows? Sounds delicious.” Seth levitated his glass toward him, and sipped at it experimentally, his eyes widening as the liquid hit his tongue. “Oh sweet Celestia, that is incredible!”

Octavia laughed, sipping her own glass. “I thought you would like it. Maybe now you will admit wine has its place.” She smiled at him. “However, I must ask, you have been to Golden Meadows?”

“Oh, once or twice. Family holidays and the like.” Seth coughed, not at all sure why he lied. He didn’t think Octavia would judge him for his parents owning a summer house in one of the most coveted regions in Equestria.

I mean, look at the furniture here…

“I have always wanted to visit Golden Meadows,” Octavia said, trailing off slightly at the end.

“It really is beautiful. The sunsets are amazing. Speaking of actually, this painting here is incredible.” Seth gestured over to the piece he was so engrossed over earlier.

Octavia blushed, and suddenly looked down at her hooves. “Oh that?”

“Yes, it’s sublime. Who is the artist?”

She smiled awkwardly at him before replying, “That might have been me…”

Seth stared, not at all sure why he was surprised. “Wow.” Suddenly remembering their previous conversation, he burst out laughing. “Ha! I knew it! You most certainly are a mare of many talents!”

Octavia blushed again. “I am not too sure about that.”

Seth rolled his eyes. “Shh, you have proven me right, I am not going to let you take that away from me.” He smiled at her mischievously.

She laughed softly, accepting the compliment with a petite nod. “Fine, you can have this one. However, I must warn you, next time, you will be admitting I am right. After all, dinner is ready.”

Seth chuckled before speaking, “I am beginning to think that you may be correct.”

Seth followed the musician out of the living room and into the kitchen. This room was much more modern and looked very similar to Seth’s own. Though, he was certain this one got a little more use than his. She seated him at the table, another antique this time with ornate patterns carved into the edging. Seth was beginning to love her home.

The unicorn sipped softly at his wine as Octavia served dinner. The first course was soup, a delicious blend of ingredients that Seth had no idea what they were, but yet threatened to overwhelm his tastebuds with pleasure. Next came the main course of the evening: a salad whose components seemed to form an artwork of their own, all of the colours complimenting each other while a drizzle of dressing circled the meal. The aesthetics alone were incredible, and the taste was even better.

Damn, I’m going to have to concede that she was right, aren’t I? Not that I’m surprised.

They chatted amicably together throughout the meal, simply enjoying each other’s company. Seth was radiant.

I could get used to this, he sighed, not a little depressed at the impossibility of his wish.

“Well Octavia, I must relent. You are right. Congratulations, this meal was fantastic,” Seth said, as they were starting to clean up after dinner.

Octavia laughed, another faint tinge of red noticeable on her cheeks.

Oh my. She is rather cute when she does that, isn’t she?

“Why thank you. I must admit, I am very glad you enjoyed it.”

“It was marvellous. So thank you,” Seth said, trying to reflect as much appreciation as he could within his words.

“You’re welcome.” They smiled at each other.

After the dishes had been put away, Octavia led Seth to the living room where she had made coffee. They sipped at it quietly, getting comfortable on the marvellous antiques Octavia was fortunate enough to call furniture.

Seth felt a warm contentment grow as the two ponies sat, simply enjoying the night. While the butterflies had temporarily quietened their dance, his heart still got a work out almost every time Octavia looked at him.

“That was actually fantastic,” Seth stated again, for the fourth time that evening.

Octavia laughed. “Well I enjoyed making it, I don’t get to do that as often as I would like. Tonight has been lovely.”

“It really has been.” Seth smiled. “But how come you get to do this so seldom? Are you busy?”

Octavia paused, a sadness creeping into her eyes. “I... you could say that, yes.”

Seth felt his heart freeze, the pain in her voice was subtle and obviously concealed, but it was there. “Are... are you ok?” he asked gently.

She looked up at him, and a smile that did not reach her eyes danced across her face. “Of course, why would I not be?”

“Are you sure? I mean, finding you in a bar, drinking alone the night we met doesn’t exactly hint at that everything is fine.” The information fell into place nicely in Seth’s head as he spoke it out loud, adding to his concern.

Octavia looked at him for a long moment, her expression torn. Eventually, her eyes hardened, but Seth could still see the pain behind them. “Relax. I assure you, I am fine.”

“Octavia-”

“Seth. I am fine. Please,” Octavia cut him off, her voice firm.

Seth’s heart melted as he registered the slight crack in her voice when she had said ‘please’, but he chose to back down. Retreat to fight another day. It was not an easy decision though, for worry gnawed at his insides.

He nodded his head slowly. “I understand, but remember, if you ever need to talk… I am here,” Seth said, his words heavy with affection.

Octavia looked away. “Thank you,” she said quietly.

Desperate to break the silence, Seth stumbled for another topic of conversation.

“So, uh, tell me. Where did you get the inspiration for that painting? It really is amazing.”

Octavia looked at him, obviously grateful and plunged into a description of the event with vigour. “Well, it was early evening one day in autumn last year, I was on my balcony and the sun seemed to melt the horizon…”

Glad to have returned the conversation back to its normal, Seth allowed some of the concern to disappear. However, he still felt a pang of distress for his friend.

The rest of the evening passed without incident, the two ponies soon back to their normal style of conversation. Seth mentioned that he had bought her EP, to which Octavia blushed again, saying something about ‘modernising for a greater range of potential listeners’. Seth had laughed at that one. Late in the evening, Seth looked over at the old grandfather clock in the corner or the room.

“Oh goodness! Look at the time! I apologise, Octavia, I seem to have forgotten my manners.”

“Oh, that’s quite alright,” Octavia said, her voice laced with thinly-veiled disappointment. “You should be getting home.”

“I am sorry about intruding for so long…” Seth trailed off.

Octavia smiled at him. “Oh, that’s fine. I think I can manage your company.”

Seth chuckled at her teasing. “Well, thank you so very much for this evening. I really enjoyed it.”

“Me too, Seth. I had a wonderful time. We should definitely do something like this again soon.”

“I agree.” Seth walked over to the door, opening it with magic. He stepped out into the hallway and turned to look at Octavia, shocked to see that her face was torn between expressions. “Octavia are you alr-”

Without warning, the charcoal mare suddenly reached up and kissed Seth lightly on the cheek. He froze: his heart pounded rapidly, his face warm from where her lips had touched him.

“Good night, Seth. And… thank you.” She smiled at him one last time before closing the door.

Seth stood there, stunned. Adrenalin coursed through his veins, and the butterflies resumed their performance with a vengeance.

Wow.

Back at his apartment, Seth paced in near darkness, not bothering to turn on the lights. He could not stay still for he was torn; he couldn’t decide what that kiss meant. Did it mean anything? Was it just a sign of appreciation, of goodwill between friends? He groaned. He was not cut out for this level of emotional turmoil.

Despite the confusion, Seth couldn’t help but notice a warmth grow inside of him. It took him a while, but he finally figured out what it was. Hope. It was hope.

The pony smiled, and dared to dream.

Despite the happiness though, Seth knew that a shadow still lingered. Something was wrong with his Octavia, something she was trying to hide away from the world. And deep down Seth knew that while she still kept whatever it was locked away inside of her, a wall would forever remain between them.

Sighing, assaulted on all sides by emotional feedback, Seth finally stopped his pacing. He looked down at his cutie mark, the golden olive branches barely recognizable in the shadows.

Helping ponies, that was what it meant. That was his special talent. So why couldn’t he do it any longer? What had changed? Seth felt hopeless. Work had beaten him. He wasn’t even sure of his own special talent anymore.

He stopped. The anger rose up, growing in intensity.

No. He thought.

He would not be beaten. He would not go quietly. He would not fade away into obscurity. Not this time, not when it was Octavia at stake.

I just want her to be happy…

Seth nodded his head slowly, his mind now made up. Suddenly, the pony felt a little better. Finally, he had something to work towards again, something to work for. Somepony to help.

Octavia.

Seth smiled into the darkness, a light onto himself.

A big thank you to Dcaz5 for putting up with me, a huge thank you to Sessalisk for editing and an equally big thank you to HeWhoErasesMost for the cover image! Also, thank you everypony for reading this! It really means a lot! :)