It is dark.  The only light glimmering in to the small room is of the ceiling fan shining onto a single table.  There are no windows, or any other source of light.  It is just a dim room in the basement with a single table suited with multiple chairs.  Now be advised, those chairs are not empty.  In fact, every chair in the room is occupied with a pony like object.

The table itself is not empty either.  Sprawled across the green and white surface is multiple multicolored chips.  Not the chips that one would eat, but chips one would use to play poker or dodge hold 'em with.  Accompanying the playing chips are playing cards.  A deck is stacked off to the side, and five cards face up are placed in the middle while each pony, excluding me, had two cards in their hooves.  

I am not at a casino.  I am not in a bar or poker club.  I am at home, in my basement, with Vinyl sitting next to me as well as a few of her friends.  Once every month, Vinyl and her friends get together at her house for a game night, and today is one of those nights.  

There are a total of four other ponies at the poker table.  To my right is Vinyl, and to my left is that barmare I met a while back.  Sour Grapes is her name.  Yes, the oh so very lovely pony to be around.  I honestly don't like her that much.  She's just such a...snarker.  Very blunt with her words and just seems to enjoy getting ponies aggravated.  Although I never thanked her for...unconventionally getting Vinyl and I together in this relationship.  

Across the table is the only male in the room.  A pegasus stallion by the name of Steelwing.  He is a gray stallion whose coat glimmered even in this low light.  His mane is short and brown.  He is very muscular and well built, one fit to be a soldier.  In fact, he is an Officer in the Equestrian Army.  What was his rank again?  I think Vinyl said he was a Leftenant.  

To Steelwing's left is his wife, Angel.  She is also a pegasus.  Her coat is bleach white, with a shining mane of pure gold.  Her hooves rested on her expanded stomach as she stared at it and smiled.  Her husband would occasionally hold her hoof while it is situated on her stomach and smile at her.  Angel was close, only a few more months left until their new child would arrive.  I believe when I was discussing it with Angel earlier she told me it is going to be a boy.

The last pony sat to Sour Grape's left.  This one is a little...I'm not even sure what to call her.  'Crazy' would be an understatement.  The best word...or actually phrase to describe her would be 'Completely defiant to the laws of physics.'  I honestly don't know how to feel about her.  She's always smiling and happy, but then again she's always hyper.  I don't have a problem with optimism, but she seems like there is not one single strand of anything bad on this earth.

Now, I know of her.  Pinkie Pie is her name.  Yes I know all about her and her friends and the Elements of Harmony.  Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends have saved Equestria multiple times on almost catastrophic levels.  With the coming of Nightmare Moon, Discord, Cerberus leaving his post, the Changeling Invasion, the Return of the Crystal Empire, the Conversion of Night and Day, and the most devastating one, the Return of Tirek.

"Alright ladies,"  I heard Vinyl say as soon as she showed her cards.  "and gentleman.  Full house.  Whatcha got Steelwing?"

The stallion smirked as he showed his hoof.  "Four of a Kind.  Grapes?"

Sour Grapes shrugged.  "I got jack."  She tossed her cards onto the table face up, showing nothing of significant value.  "Pinkie?"

The pink mass of a living sugar rush giggled.  "Go fish!"  A sudden silence befell the room.  Five ponies all cast their glares at Pinkie.  It took her a few seconds before she finally figured it out.  "Opps!  Silly me, wrong game!"  I am resisting the urge to facehoof.  "Five aces!"  I blinked.  You can't have five aces in a dodge hold 'em game!  You can't even have five aces in any legitimate card game!  The room soon filled up with sounds of audacious laughter, groaning, 'oh c'mon', 'are you serious', and other noises.

Steelwing started chuckling after the noises died down.  "Pinks, I don't know how you do it, and I don't think I want to, but jeez girl, give us a chance at winning once in a while!"

Pinkie Pie started giggling again.  "Sorry Steelie!  It's just that when Vinny dealt the cards out I had two aces in my hoof, then the rest of the aces were shown on the table and I just had to win this round!  I mean how many times do you see a pony with five aces?  It's like super-duper-extra-rare!  OOOH just like the Cakes' secret chocolate fudge sundae recipe!  I wish I can make it for myself because it's the bestest most delicious desert I've ever tasted but they won't tell me the secret recipe because it's a secret even though I Pinkie Promised them like a bajillion times not to tell anyone else--"

"I THINK...we get it, Pinkie."  Thank you Vinyl for successfully cutting off that hyperactive pink pony shaped pile of sugar.  "Ok, next round.  Ante up your chips ladies.  You wanna play a round this time, Tavi?"  Vinyl asked, turning to me.

I looked at the table, thinking.  So far, Pinkie had the most chips with a pile that if placed in front of her would almost completely cover up her entire head.  Sour Grapes had half the amount as Pinkie, Steelwing had almost the same as Grapes, and Vinyl had a pile about the size of the deck situated off to the side.

"I'm not much of a card player..."  I started.

Vinyl smiled at me.  "Oh c'mooooon!  Just play one round!"  She leaned in close to whisper in my ear.  "Win me some chips, will ya?"  

I smiled at Vinyl.  I guess I'll play one game, it sounds like fun.  "I suppose."  I replied.  

"Awesome!"  Vinyl replied before handing me the deck.  "So I just dealt, and we're rotating clockwise.  So it's your turn to shuffle and deal."

Steelwing turned to his wife.  "Honey, you wanna play a round too?"

Angel gently shook her head.  "No thank you, dear.  I'm fine with just watching."  Her voice is smoother than any silk known to ponykind.  It's as if her vocal chords are made up of a choir.

"Alright then.  Would you like me to get you something before we start?  A drink or anything?"

"Thank you dear, but I'm fine.  Go have your fun!"

"Love you."  Steelwing then kissed his wife on the cheek.

"Love you too."  Angel returned the gesture.

I then began to shuffle the cards.  Once I finished and cut the deck, I dealt two to each pony at the table, excluding Angel.  Once everyone had their cards, I placed five face down on the table, and flipped three.  We placed our bets, and I looked at my cards.  King and queen of hearts.  I looked on the table.  There is a jack of hearts, a six of diamonds, and a two of clubs.  Hmmm, jack, king and queen of hearts...now what was that one hoof called again with all the royal cards?

To my left Grapes tapped her hoof on the table.  "Check."

Pinkie Pie giggled before banging her hoof on the table.  The force from the bang sent three chips from her pile flying into the air until they landed gracefully on top of one another in the pot.  "Raise three!"

Steelwing chuckled and shook his head.  He then grabbed three chips from his pile and tossed them into the pot.  "Call."

Vinyl took the same amount of chips and repeated the action.  "Call."

Now...I think I have to do the same.  I can either call or raise even more.  Hmmm, I have three royal cards of the same suit...I think there's a hoof for that.  Bloody hell what was it called again?  Royal something...  If I'm lucky enough the other face down cards could be the ones I need.  Should I take the risk?

"Pssst,"  I turned to the sound of the voice.  Vinyl is leaning towards me and nudging me.  "You're supposed to put the same number of chips in the pot that they did."  Calm down, Vinyl.  I somewhat know what I am doing.  

I rolled my eyes and continued contemplating my next move.  There is a small chance that I will get the cards I need, but there's still a larger chance I will get something else that I can make do with.  Eh, what the hell.  "I raise three more."  I said before grabbing a hooffull of chips and tossing them into the pot.  

"Oh ho, getting risky now aren't we?"  Steelwing said.  "You ever play dodge hold 'em before, Octavia?"

I shook my head.  "Can't say I've ever played any card game before."

"Eeeeeasy pickins."  Sour Grapes commented as I rolled my eyes again.

"Just because I've never had the opportunity to take part in a card game myself does not mean I don't know how to play one."  One thing I do know about card games is bluffing.  Hopefully mine will work.

Grapes took off her glasses and magically floated them in front of her with a small black piece of cloth to clean them.  "Well then, Ms. Fancy Flank, we all put our bets in, flip the next card."

I obeyed and flipped the first face down card.  It is a ten of hearts.  Splendid!  I have everything I need for a...a...bloody hell what is the name of that hoof!

"C'mon Grapes."  Steelwing continued, "Don't be such a sour puss."

"Wow, how long did it take you to come up with that one, Metalhead?"  Her hoof tapped on the table.  "Check."

Pinkie Pie giggled again.  "Metalhead!  Snnnk...Good one!"  Once her laughing calmed down she tapped her hoof on the table.  "Checky-check!"

Steelwing smirked.  "I've been saving that one for years!"  His voice oozed sarcasm.  "Check."

Vinyl waved her hooves in the air as if flagging down a flying pegasus.  "You and you're frikin puns, Steelwing!  They hurt my brain cells!"  Her hooves then positioned themselves on her temples before her magical grip on her cards faded.  The cards lay flat on the table face down.  "Fold."

I guess it's my turn to voice some sort of joke or 'zing'.  "More than your headbanging music?"  A round of laughter filled the basement.  

Vinyl just adjusted her glasses and placed her hooves on the table with her head resting on top of them.  "Nyeh nyeh nyeh shut up."

I tapped my hoof on the table.  "Check."  Then flipped the second face down card; two of spades.  Drat, I can't use it.  

"Ooh!  Tavi, turn up the radio, I like this song!"  The radio that has been going on in the background just changed to a new song, apparently it is one that spikes Vinyl's interest.  I leaned back to where it is situated and turned the nob a click or two, raising it's volume.  Vinyl started to bob her head up and down to the rhythm.  "Show me how to lie, you’re getting better all the time and turning all against the one is an art that’s hard to teach!"

Living with that crazy DJ for all these months has gotten me used to all the different music she plays out loud constantly.  It took a while for the dubstep to be completely drowned out, and need I remind you how painful that was.  Then there was her 'rock n roll' music.  I'll admit it was more bearable then anything else that had the misfortune to cross paths with me, but still it is annoying.

To my left, Sour Grapes groans.  "Octavia, please tell me how you put up with that."

I shoved my face into my hooves.  "Grapes, there is not a day that goes by where I don't ask that question myself."

The radio suddenly went quiet.  When I opened one eye to see what happened, Vinyl was looking at me with a quivering mouth.  Her voice is shaky and feigning sorrow.  "That hurt, Tavi.  How could you say such a thing?  I thought we were friends!"  

We are only 'friends' because you refuse to tell anyone of our relationship in fear of judgement.  "I'd use that term lightly."  I replied.

"So you're saying we're not friends?"

"If that's what you want to think."  Where is this joke even going?

She crossed her arms.  "So I guess I'm just gonna have to make you pay rent then."  She finished her statement with a smirk.  

Bastard.  "Then I guess you'll just have to cook for yourself then."  I have her now.

Vinyl's face fell for a split second before perking up with a cocky grin.  "You are mistaken, my foolish roommate.  For you see, I have a secret weapon of sorts.  One that will rend you useless."

"Render."  I corrected automatically.  "What, pray tell, is that?"

Vinyl cleared her throat, then turned towards the staircase leading out of the basement.  "MOM!"

Instantly hoof steps from above could be heard.  A second or two later, a creme unicorn descended the staircase while holding a tray in her magical grasp.  Once she reached the bottom, she levitated the tray to the table.  "I'm right here, Vinyl.  And I brought cupcakes for all your friends!"

"Yay cupcakes!"  Pinkie blurted out before diving right into the pile of colorful pastries.  Before she started chomping down on one, she reached into her mane as if trying to grab something.  After some strange metallic clanging sounds, Pinkie was able to pull out a bottle of hot sauce that she poured onto the cupcake.  "Mhmmmm!"  It finally dawned on Pinkie that everyone in the room was gawking at her.  "What?  It's good!"

...I'm not even going to ask.  

"Anyway..."  Vinyl started.  "Thanks mom!"  A hug between the two followed her statement.  

"Is there anything else you need before I go back up?"  Bluebelle asked.

"Nah, we're good."  Vinyl replied.  Bluebelle leaned forward to kiss Vinyl on the cheek, to which she reacted with a flailing arm and a whine.  "Mom, stop!"  Her voice then lowered to a whisper uttered through clenched teeth.  "Not in front of my friends."

Bluebelle smirked.  "Oh, am I...embarrassing you?"

"Kinda!"  Vinyl replied.

"But, Vinny, I never got to do this to you when you were a foal.  And you can bet your backwards-eighth-noted-flank that I'm going to take every opportunity that comes.  Ooh!  Sweetie, there's a smudge on your glasses."  With a flicker of magic, Bluebelle levitated a cloth and rubbed it against the left lens of Vinyl's glasses....Much to her disapproval.  "I'll be upstairs if you need me."  With that said, Bluebelle ascended the stairs and left to do whatever she was doing before.

Once the mother was out of the room the other ponies started hysterically laughing.  I myself started to chuckle as well.  Oh if only you could see the look on Vinyl's face!  She's completely flustered from embarrassment!  In an effort to hide away her shame, she levitated one of her portable music players with a pair of headphones.  Apparently she is going to drown out all the laughter and jeering with music.  

When the laughter died down, Steelwing is the first to speak.  "Oh Vinny, what are we going to do with you?  Sometimes--OOF!  Oh, hey there bud!"

The interruption in the officer's sentence was caused by a smaller pony shaped object jumping onto his lap.  Steelwing's son, Ironwing, an almost spitting image of the soldier himself, chose this moment to come into the scene.  He is only a toddler himself, about five years of age.  I had the opportunity to meet him yesterday, actually, when he randomly appeared in the house.  No joke, I was just watching some television in the living room when I noticed the colt staring at me off to the side of the room.

☭

It was early yesterday morning.  I had just finished washing the dishes from breakfast and decided to settle down for a little television.  It was in the middle of a commercial when I peeled my eyes away from the television to investigate the gray spot in the corner of my eye.  I turned to face the gray spot and noticed the foal with a blank look on his face as he stared at me from the foot of the couch.

"Hello."  I said to him.  

He said nothing in return.  

"Are you lost, young one?"  I had asked.

He still kept quiet.

At the time I didn't quite know what to do at that moment.  I thought he was probably one of the nearby neighbor's foal who stumbled into the wrong house.  I was going to get Vinyl and ask her if she knew him, but she beat me to it.  

"Hey there kiddo!"  Vinyl said when she entered the room.  "Watcha doing here?"  She then scooped up the foal onto her back, and in response he laughed with glee.

"Vinyl,"  I started, "do you know this foal?"

"Yeah I do!  This is my neighbor Steelwing's kid.  He comes around my place every now and then and likes to just hang around and watch me make music."

I grumbled to myself.  Even the youth of our nation is succumbing to this generic rubbish.  Question now, contemplate life and the future of ponykind later.  "Then how come I've never seen him until now?"

"Steelwing and his wife went on vacation for Hearths Warming.  Since this little guy's here, I bet they're back in town!"

☭

And that was the story of how I met Ironwing.  Such a curious little guy, but awfully quiet.  I haven't heard him speak a single word yet.  He just seems to innocently stare at everything around him as if observing the world for anything exciting.  

"Came to watch me win?"  Steelwing continued.  He then showed his hoof to Ironwing.  "Watcha think I should do here, bud?  Raise or check?"  Ironwing simply stared at the cards before pointing at the pile of chips at his father's disposal.  "That's my boy!"

"Finally we can get on with this game!"  Grapes chimed in.

Oh right, I almost forgot we were still in a card game.  Where were we?  Ah yes, Vinyl folded, I checked and revealed the next card, now it's Grapes' turn to do something.  

Said pony grabbed two chips from her pile and tossed them into the pot.  "Raise two."

Pinkie is too preoccupied with eating a cupcake to pay attention.  It took a grunt and a shove by Grapes to snap her back to reality.  "Oopsies!  I forgot we were playing a game!  Now let's see....hmmmm....I fold!"

It is now Steelwing's turn.  "I see your two chips, and raise you two more."

"You've activated my TRAP CARD!"

Everyone turned towards Pinkie, while Sour Grapes facehoofed.  On the table in front of Pinkie is a purple colored card with a picture of what looks like a minotaur or something inside a deep hole.  Now, I'm not one who plays card games, nor have ever played one before, but I'm sure this card is not part of dodge hold em.

"Pinkie!"  Grapes started, clearly aggravated.  "Wouldya stick to one game already!"

Pinkie scoffed and looked offended.  "I already folded, I was playing this game with Ironwing!"  She then pointed to the young colt, who somehow now had four cards in his hooves with a brown and black swirl pattern as well as two face down cards and a face up light khaki card with a picture of a blue dragon.  He flipped one of the face down cards up, showing a purple card with a picture of a Swiss army knife.

Pinkie's jaw dropped, literally.  "Awww poo.  I don't have any monsters on the field, and that direct attack puts my life points to zero.  You win!"

"Can we just continue with this game?!"  Sour Grapes yelled.  "Octavia, flip the last card."

I rolled my eyes.  "Fine fine."  The card is flipped, showing an ace of spades.  No matter, I have everything I need already to win this game.  I smiled to myself, this is going to be good.

Once the last bets were placed, we all showed our cards.  Steelwing ended up having a three of a kind with the aces, and Sour Grapes had four of a kind with the twos.  Little did they know that I will dominate this game!  All shall bow before Octavia Harmonious!

I lowered my cards and smirked.  "I'll admit this game has been rather...interesting...but I do believe I have the highest hoof:  Ten, jack, queen, and king of hearts!"

All noise in the room stopped.  All eyes turned to my cards, then to me, and back to my cards.  I knew it.  They're too shocked by being beaten by a new player to accept their fate.  I guess then I'll---wait, why are they laughing?  Yes, laughing.  They seem to find their loss amusing.  

"Oh ho ho ho...poor Octavia."  Grapes started.  "You aint got jack shit!  Ha ha ha ha!"

"Grapes,"  Steelwing said sternly, "watch the language around my kid.  And yes, Octavia, you have junk."

I raised a brow.  "Junk?!  I have...that one hoof with all the royal cards of one suit."

"A Royal Flush."  Angel whispered to me.

"Yes...that one."  I replied, nodding to the white pegasus.  "A Royal Flush."

"You do realize any Flush requires five cards, not four?" Steelwing said.

Bloody...hell...PLEASE tell me Vinyl is still not paying attention to us!  I'll never hear the end of it if she knows what happened here!  I turned to my right, and sure enough Vinyl was still bobbing her head and singing along to her music.

..."Rag doll, livin' in a movie!  Hot tramp, daddy's little cutie!  So fine, I never see ya leavin' by the back door!.."

Thank Celestia at least one of us is saved from embarrassment from the other.  If it would have come to her ridiculing me for my lack of card skills, I would just jeer her over her mother's motherly attitude.  I won't lie, I'll still do it, but just when the moments are right.

Ironwing allowed a yawn to escape his throat.  He then proceeded to circle around in his father's lap until he settled down and threatened to fall asleep.  The parents noticed this, and Angel gently picked up her foal with a hoof and nestled him into her wings for comfort.

"Well."  Steelwing started, "It's been fun and all, but I think it's time for us to get going."

"Bout time."  Grapes commented.

The soldier shot her an aggravated glare that soon turned to an amused one.  "Oh don't be so whiney, Grapes."

"Wouldya look at that!  Another pun referencing my name and profession!  Bravo, bravo!  Got anymore good jokes in that so called brain of yours Spearhead?"

"I'm afraid all my jokes aimed towards you have been...spoiled."

"....I'm going to shank you..."

Steelwing ignored her threat and turned to me while pointing at Vinyl.  I immediately got the hint and snatched her headphones off of her ears.

"C'mon, C'mon listen to the money talk - OW!  What was that for?"  She yells in protest.

I pointed to the three pegasi in the room.  "Your friends are leaving.  It would be polite if you said 'goodbye' to them."

"Oh yea...See ya Steelwing, Angel, Ironwing!"  

Two of the three pegasi voiced their own goodbyes and waved at Vinyl before ascending the stairs and disappearing.  Pinkie Pie and Sour Grapes are the only two ponies left in the room besides Vinyl and I.  The former is too busy with scarfing her face with hot sauce drenched cupcakes, while the latter is cleaning her gold rimmed glasses yet again.

Once the final cupcake found it's way into Pinkie's powerful and somehow slim stomach, she proceeded to stand up and get ready to leave.  "Well, I have to catch the next train back to Ponyville in thirty minutes.  Thanks for the super-duper fun card game, Vinny!  Oh, and tell your mom I said thanks for the cupcakes!  They were extra-extra-EXTRA delicious!  See ya next month!  Oh!  I almost forgot!"  With a blur, Pinkie zipped up the stairs and back down.  Only this time she was carrying a cannon with her.  Yes, you heard me right.  A cannon...

Pinkie pulled a string on the back of the weapon and out launched a barrage of colorful confetti.  "I almost forgot to give you the 'I met a new friend through an old friend' surprise party cannon blast!  You see, Octavia, I love meeting new ponies.  And when I mean love I mean LOVE!  Meeting new friends is like the bestest feeling in the world!  Well, that and Mister and Misses Cakes' super secret chocolate fudge sundae recipe!  Did I ever tell you the story--"

"Pinkie!"  Vinyl yelled.

"Yes?"  Pinkie replied innocently.

Vinyl pointed to the exit of the basement.  "Train?"

Pinkie blinked.  "Oh yeah...well bye!"  With that, she is off.

Now only Sour Grapes remained in the basement.  She continued to clean her glasses for a few more seconds before resting them back on her muzzle.  A smirk formed as she stared at Vinyl and I.  "So,"  She started, "am I the only one around here who knows you two are banging?"

Dammit Grapes!  Why do you have to be so blunt!  Now you've got me blushing and staring at the floor.  I'll have you know that we've only had intercourse one time!  Once!  Mainly because the morning after that night was the day Vinyl's parents came over, and afterwards Vinyl has been busy trying to find a soundproofing spell.  This house may be relatively large, but there is little to nothing in here that absorbs sound.

"No!"  Vinyl yelled almost instantly.  "My mom does..."

Grapes started snickering.  "Well, that must be embarrassing.  You haven't told Spearhead or Pinkie yet?"

Vinyl crossed her forelegs behind her head and leaned back in the chair.  "Nope."

"C'mon Vinny.  Why you always keepin' these secrets from us?  First your eyes, then what happened in sophomore year," with that said, Vinyl involuntarily flinched, "now this?  Are you really that embarrassed?"  Is it just me, or is Sour Grapes attempting to be sympathetic?

Vinyl looked to the floor.  "Well, i-it's not just that it's...uh..."

Grapes raised a brow.  "Out with it.  C'mon, mare up!"

"It just...wouldn't look good for our names ya know?  I mean, look at Tavi.  She's supposed to be this uptight refined noblemare that's rising back up in fame as a classical musician.  I don't think her fans would take kindly to it if they found out she was a...fillyfooler...and also dating a DJ nonetheless."  Ahhh...I see.  I can tell that she is referring to my father.  Dammit, why does he have to be so...prejudiced?  So close minded?  I never would have thought that my father of all ponies would be just like the stereotypical high class snob.

However, I do have to agree with Vinyl.  The nobles don't take too kindly to...homosexuality.  They'd rather stick to tradition and pure noble bloodlines.  I used to think that way.  I used to believe that the high class of Canterlot were the 'master' ponies and everyone else were just low life commoners.  All of that changed when I met Vinyl.  She showed me how much of an uptight snob I used to be and made me realize that these social classes mean nothing.

Sour Grapes nodded her head at Vinyl's explanation.  "Ok, ok that makes sense, but am I an elitist prancy?  Do I frolic around with an over-sized hat with my nose in the air like I own the place?  No.  You didn't have a problem with me knowing you're gay.  I genuinely don't give a fuck, and I DOUBT Metalhead, Angel, or even PINKIE PIE would give one either."

Vinyl sighed.  "I know.  You guys are my friends and I'd never think that any of you would do something like that to me.  It's just that...I'm kinda paranoid that it's somehow gonna get out that I'm gay and dating Octavia Harmonious and then all hell breaks loose.  I just don't want to put that kind of stress on Tavi.  It's her I'm worried about.  My fans would take it a lot better than hers would."  I smiled and nuzzled Vinyl.   You're so good to me, love.

"Awww, now ain't that sweet...faggots.  But seriously, we don't care, we're not gonna parade it around the entire city, and you know as well as I do that Pinkie can--and will--keep a secret to her grave."

The room stayed quiet for a minute as Vinyl silently contemplated Grapes' proposal.  In my opinion, I don't particularly mind being open about our relationship.  Well, within the boundaries of Vinyl's friends.  I wouldn't want ponies like Fancy Pants to know about it.  However, Vinyl seems to be paranoid about this information being leaked into the media somehow.  Just like the time Vinyl returned my cello to me.  When I kissed her cheek there, coincidentally, was a paparazzi standing outside the window with a loaded camera.  The next day almost every magazine had that picture with some sort of title referring to a relationship.  It was lucky that Vinyl's manager pulled the story out and told the media it was slander.

"Fine fine alright."  Vinyl finally voiced.  "I know for sure that Pinkie won't have a problem keeping her mouth shut, and I can trust Steelwing.  He's a good friend, I know he won't do anything to, like, make me wanna kick his shiny ass.  Ya know what?  Next time we all meet back here next month I'll tell everyone." I soon felt a foreleg wrap around my waist and pull me closer to Vinyl.  I had to turn my attention to a nearby corner of the basement to hide my red tinted cheeks.  "Don't even care anymore.  YOL--"  I had to cut her off with a well-deserved good-old-fashioned back-hoofed slap.  I swear to Celestia that stupid phrase or whatever is more annoying than her music.  

Sour Grapes clapped her hooves to her face.  Ah yes, a double hoofed facehoof.  Appropriate.  "No, Vinyl.  Just...no.  Do not speak to me.  I'm leaving now.  Go have your sex now or whatever.  If you'll excuse me, I'll be going home.  Bye."  Then she is gone.  I started with only a small stain of scarlet on my cheeks, but now it spread like a virus and covered my whole lower face and muzzle.

"Ya know, I was just joking around."  Vinyl said.  "Whatever."  She then turned to me, took off her glasses, and gave me those 'bedroom eyes'.

Oh no...not this again.  Why is it that I feel so powerless when those damn beautiful eyes of hers stare at me like that?  I just become a whimpering submissive weakling whenever she does that.  Vinyl then began to walk around me in a circle.  Every couple of passes she would brush her tail against some part of my body.  I can't do anything but stand here, blushing as if my veins ruptured, and shake.

My heart is racing.  My adrenaline levels are increasing.  My whole body is fidgeting for some action.  I've only had intercourse once with Vinyl, and that was a week and a half ago!  As soon as Bluebelle moved in, Vinyl was scared that she could hear us through this bloody echoing house.  So of course she would try to learn a soundproofing spell; Celestia knows how dense her magical abilities are...

Do you know how much it hurts right now?  Just all these stockpiled feelings and thoughts of Vinyl just ravishing me on the spot pains me!  I need a release.  I need Vinyl to take me right now, and ravish me, and make my lower regions feel like jelly when she is done!

I thought Vinyl was going to pounce on me right here right now.  Oh but no!  She's taking her sweet bloody time!  I hate you so much Vinyl.  I love you so much.  Just do something already!  Don't just intertwine your tail with mine, or nuzzle me and purr.  If you don't do something right now, I will!

Suddenly, the sound of hoofsteps were heard.  My whole body is paralyzed, even more than when Vinyl was teasing me.  My marefriend sidestepped to the left, making a small gap between us.  I followed the hoofsteps from above; they were heading towards the basement door!

When the door opened, a mare that looked like an older Vinyl except with one shade of blue mane instead of two appeared.  "Vinyl, Octavia!"  Bluebelle called.  "I'm heading out to the market.  Would you like me to get you two anything specific while I'm out?"

"Nah I'm good, mom!"  Vinyl replied.

I took a deep breath to calm myself from the on-edge teasing.  "N-no thank you.  I'm fine..."  Don't worry, my pudding supplies are still stocked.

"Alright then, I'll be back in less than an hour!"  Once the hoofsteps sounded no more, I knew we were completely alone.

"Weeeeeeelllll, now that we're aloooooone--"  I'm not waiting for Vinyl anymore.  There are times when this slow seducing is just too much to bear.  The very second I knew for sure there was not another single living creature in this house, I dove straight for that blue-maned scarlet-eyed goddess of a mare.  There is no mercy.  There is no hesitation as I lunged my lips straight for hers.

The force from my pounce sent us both reeling backwards until Vinyl fell over on top of the table, and I stood above her in front it.  Even with all the movement and toppling we still remained lip-locked.  I've only experienced intercourse once, and I'll admit I still don't know exactly what to do during intercourse.  Well, since I'm on top this time...I guess I'll just do what Vinyl did to me the first time.  

I started with moving one hoof from her head down her back while my other hoof stayed underneath her head.  After a few more seconds of passionate kissing, I broke away from her lips only to move my own in a line from her cheek to her ear.  Vinyl moaned in pleasure and turned her head, giving me a better angle for more ear nibbles.  Splendid!  I'm doing it right!

Alright what's next?  Ah yes!  With the hoof I had under Vinyl's back, I moved it downward even more until I came into contact with her flank.  I massaged her cutie mark slowly and gently in a circular motion, receiving more pleasurable moans from my marefriend.  This is going better than I expected!  Ahhh, It feels so good to be in control here rather than have her being on top.

My other hoof traveled to her opposite flank.  My lips ceased nibbling and proceeded to kiss in a line around her neck.  I dug my hooves deeper into her flank.  In response, Vinyl gasped and moaned.  I felt her legs wrap around my waist and her forelegs wrap around my neck, attempting to pull me closer.

Alright, time to quicken things up here, but not too fast.  I slowly dragged my line of kisses down her to her chest, then down to her belly.  Ok...I can do this.  I am now approaching the target...Carefully, slowly, sexily....

"OH SHIT!"

My concentration and my actions broke when I felt a pressuring pain on my chest and ears.  I soon found myself face-up on the floor staring at the ceiling.  I groaned as I got up and rubbed my back and chest.  What the bloody hell just happened?  What was that, a scream?  Oh no...oh no!  PLEASE don't tell me someone walked in on us?!

I slowly turned my head to the staircase.  Please please please don't have somepony there!  I opened one eye...only to find an empty staircase.  Thank Celestia!  Oh I don't know what I would've done if somepony walked in on us!  I'd probably faint, or my head would explode from all the blood rushing up to it.

Still, what was that scream?  I turned back to the table, and Vinyl is missing.  A quick glance to the left corner of the room confirmed Vinyls whereabouts: backed into a corner with her eyes wide and her hoof on clenching her heart.

What the deuce?  "Vinyl."  I said, my voice full of worry.  "Did I hurt you?  Oh my I'm so sorry!"  I soon rushed to her side, holding her head and stroking her mane.

She immediately returned the embrace.  "N-no...I-It's not that.  You were fine.  It felt amazing!  But...I kinda..saw something.

"What was it, dear?"

She mumbles something incoherent.

"What was that?"  I ask.

"A spider."

"A splinter?"  

She shook her head.  "A Spider."

"A Spinner?"

Instead of mumbling something else, she pointed to a spot on the table.  I squint, and with a few eye adjustments I saw a small arachnid looking object hanging from a web in the same area that we were making sweet love.

"I-I mean c'mon!  Look at it!  We were all like 'mmhmhmhmhmhmh' and then it came down on its web all like 'eyyyyyyy' and-and it was so gross with its...its legs and-and just hanging there and...and it totally wanted to bite us and infect us with spider venom and kill us and...and it was just terrible.  Terrible."

"Are you bucking kidding me?!  A spider?  That's what all this fuss is about?!"  I scream.  I mean really!  A bloody spider was what got her all worked up!  I can understand that mutant radioactive steriods-spider last time, but this one?  It's the size of a bloody poker chip!  

I got up with a huff and walked over to the table.  When I saw the eight legged wanker I charged my hoof up and brought it down on the damn thing.  The force was almost enough to break the table as I heard a few cracks.  Oh, and just for emphasis, I twist my hoof as if I am holding a dagger.

Vinyl soon fell to my side.  "So uh...I kinda killed the mood didn't I?"

"Oh no..."  I replied.  "You didn't just kill it, you slaughtered it like lambs in the field!"  I huffed and turned to the staircase.  "I'm going upstairs."

"Oh!"  Vinyl replied instantly.  "So we're continuing this in the bedroom?"  She asked with a sultry tone.

"No..."  I said calmly with an exaggerated smile.  "It's four o' clock, I'm going to the living room to watch some Twilight Zone in peace.  You're welcome to join me.

Vinyl tilted her head in bemusement.  "Twilight Zone?  Wazzat?"

Did she just ask 'what is The Twilight Zone?  "Vinyl....I love you to death, but sometimes I feel like throwing you off a cliff.  How do you not know what Twilight Zone is?"

She shrugged.  "Am I supposed to know?"

I stood up and looked her dead in the eye from point blank range.  "It is only the most genius, deep minded, contemplative, inspiring, emotional, greatest show that ponykind has ever had the gracefulness and honor to observe!  Rod Serling, the creator, the stallion whose mind matches to no others, the stallion whose philosophy is unopposed by any other stallion, mare, gryphon, minotaur, dragon, or princess that has ever lived or is still living.  Plato, Demosthenes, Socrates, none of them even come close to understanding the mindset of pony then Rod Serling."  There, I think I made my point.

Vinyl only blinked as she attempted to process the flow of information.  "What does 'contemplative' mean?"

Why wasn't I born with more hooves for more facehoofs?  Because I need those right now.  Double facehoofs plus the wall doesn't come close to the amount I am in need of.

☭

That's not fair.  That's not fair at all!  There was time now!  There was...was all the time I needed!  That's not fair-air-air!  That's not fair-air-air-air-air!

The best laid plans of mice and men...and Bookworm.  The small stallion in the glasses who wanted nothing but time.  Bookworm, now just a part of a smashed landscape, just a piece of the rubble, just a fragment of what mare has deeded to herself.  Mr. Bookworm.  In the Twilight Zone.

Every time.  Every single time I finish watching an episode of The Twilight Zone I always find my mind journeying to a realm of deep philosophical contemplation.  I always find myself re-thinking life and its meanings, and what ponykind plans to do in its future.  What are we but not enemies among ourselves?  Is it our eventual destiny to turn against our own brothers over futile meaningless things such as small golden pieces of metal.  

There are times when I have given up on the future of ponykind.  Corruption reigns and spreads like a plague amongst our people and our neighbors.  The fog of this corruption clouds our minds and our judgements, telling ourselves where are moralities lie and who we are loyal to.  The fog of greed is thick and heavy, few have lifted it, and others prefer to be lost in its eternal torment.

Our own greed will eventually be our downfall.  The Darkness inside our souls will consume our purity and destroy our sanity.  Only those who are strong minded and unshackled by the chains of life will see the truth.  They will know about their Darkness, and how to control it.  Because once you fall too far into the Darkness, there is no Light to save you.  Those are my thoughts and perceptions on ponykind and life as we know it.  

Ahh!  Another episode is coming on.  

There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to mare.  It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity.  It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of mare's fears and the summit of her knowledge.  This is the dimension of imagination.  It is an area which we call the Twilight Zone.

The camera panned down from the night sky to a bird's eye view of a neighborhood.  I gasped!  I know this episode!  It is my favorite one in the series!  The Monsters are due on Maple Street!  Lucky me, they don't often play season one episodes anymore.  I am going to enjoy every minute of this.

Until the doorbell decided to be a wanker.  Bloody hell, "Vinyl!"  I yelled.

A second or so later the white mare emerged from her studio, music blaring from behind her.  "I heard it I heard it!"  What?  What is this!  Vinyl actually heard something over her ear-murdering music?  I must be in the Twilight Zone myself!

Alright, back to some good ol' black and white old school television.  

"Octavia."

My ears perked up.  Did..did Vinyl just use my full name?  Something must be going on here... I turned around and looked at her.  Her glasses were off and her eyes were locked on to me in what I could best explain as a stone hardened expression.  "Something wrong, dear?"  I asked.

A shadow washed over her features as she cast a glance to the direction of the door.  "It's your dad."

F-father?  He's here?  Now?  Why?  Ok...ok calm down Octavia.  He's probably here to apologize.  Yes, that's right.  He had his time to think all this through, now all he needs to do is apologize to both Vinyl and I and we can all live happily ever after.  We can all be one happy family, where we all love and care for each other without judgement.

Oh who am I kidding?  He's just here to renounce me as his daughter because of the reputation that I will give him as the father of a fillyfooler who's in love with a DJ!  My father is a nobleman that works as a professor in Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns.  If the other nobles were to know about me and my sexual orientation, father's reputation would be destroyed!  I've brought shame to his name!

"Get a hold of yourself, Octavia!"  

When my mind returned to the real world, I found Vinyl holding me by the shoulders and roughly shaking me back and forth.  I placed both my hooves on her shoulders and pushed back in return, signaling her to stop shaking me.  She released me, and I took a deep breath to calm my mind.

"Listen Tavi,"  Vinyl started.  "He's not here to renounce you or anything.  He's here to apologize and for you to forgive him so you two can be all happy and stuff again."

I looked deep into her scarlet eyes.  They graced me with a feeling of re-assurance and support.  "Are you sure, love?"  I asked quietly.

Two white hooves soon found their way around my back as I am pulled into a hug.  "Totally sure.  If not, cut off my horn and feed it to a dragon."

We stayed embrace for a moment longer before I broke the hug.  "Alright then.  I trust you."  Wait a second..."Wait, how did you know I was thinking my father would renounce me?"

A flash of blue emitted from her horn.  "Mind reading, baby!"

I gasped and took a step back.  "You did not!"

Vinyl started giggling.  "Kidding, kidding!  C'mon, I don't know any mind reading spells!  You were thinking out loud again!"

Thinking out loud?  Dammit.  "Again?  Since when do I think out loud?!"

"When you get all panicky I hear ya do it sometimes.  It's kinda cute ya know."

I sighed.  "Whatever.  Where's my father?"

"Door."  Vinyl pointed to the front door.

"Very well."  I stood up and stared at the direction of the door.  The feeling of dread loomed in the air and chilled me to the bone.  The anticipation held me by a noose, just waiting to pull the lever and drop me.  I slowly proceeded forward, putting one hoof in front of the other, in front the other, and the other, and the last.  

I rounded a corner to face the front door.  There he is, staring blankly at a non-existent spot in space.  My word, he looks horrible!  Not only are his eyes bloodshot, but from the amount of bags he has it looks like he didn't sleep in weeks!  His suit is faded and raggedy, and his tie is torn.  

I couldn't help but feel my heart break at the sight.  It seems as if he took the news rather...harshly.  The stress from processing all of this at once certainly took a toll on his physical health.  I can't believe that I put him through all of this.  Is it just because I'm in love with another mare?  Is it because of who that mare is perceived to be?  

Growing up, my father was the only one I had in my life that I was really close to.  Him, as well as one or two of his close friends who I started calling 'uncles' during my younger years.  Of course I knew I wasn't related to them, but it just felt as if they were family to me.  Now, seeing him in this condition makes me want to cry.  

"Father!"  I shrieked, taking a step back.

I watched him as his eyes slowly closed for a few seconds, then he turned to regard me.  I can see the pain and hurt in his eyes as clear as day.  It seems as even just looking at me tears him up from the inside.  "Octavia."  He said after a long time of just staring at me.  "How have you been these past few weeks?  Hopefully better than I have."

"Father..."  I said again.  "What happened to you?"

He gently ran a hoof over his face and through his mane.  "That bad eh?"

I turned to one side and motioned towards the inside of the house.  "Please come in."

He obeyed with a little hesitation.  As the old stallion slowly tread his way inside, leaving behind him sorrow in every hoofstep, I couldn't help but feel guilty about all this.  I mean, yes he was the one who overreacted, but still...I put him through so much unnecessary pain.  Damn myself for being a daddy's girl!

I followed closely behind him.  As we neared the couch, I noticed Vinyl, with her glasses on, sitting and twiddling with her hooves.  The mare soon saw us coming and got up.  "I'll just...uh...be somewhere else."  A quick pivot and she was exiting the room.

"No, Vinyl."

Vinyl immediately stopped and turned around, noticing my father beckoning her.  "Please, stay."  He continued.  "This concerns you just as much as it concerns Octavia."  His tone is very gentle and welcoming.  Vinyl, too, had her doubts, but obeyed nonetheless.  

In this living room, there are two couches that sit at a right angle to each other while a spinning chair sits at the opposite angle.  The couch that father and I are sitting at is facing at the direction of the fireplace, while the other is facing towards the television.  The spinning chair Vinyl is situated at is in front and between the fireplace and television, facing us.

A long silence descended on us.  Father has his head hung low and his eyes closed.  His breathing is heavy, as if he is thinking hard about what he is going to say.  Vinyl's gaze is attuned to some random spot on the wall behind us, most likely.  It's hard to tell who or what she's focusing on with those glasses.

More time has passed, and with each passing second my anxiety levels increase.  My heard rate started to speed up as well as my sweating.  Everything around me started to look...off.  Some of the picture frames on the walls are...a tad crooked.  I need to fix those.  Even my cravat seems to be...not aligned.  That won't do.  Let me see if...no it's still crooked.  How about...bloody hell.  That's not right either.  What the deuce?  Come on now.  Dammit why can't I fix it!

"Remember the day I gave that to you?"

I stopped attempting to fix my cravat and looked up to my father.  

"You were only a wee filly back then."  He continued, while simultaneously using his magic to properly fix my cravat, to which I blushed out of embarrassment at.  "You look so much like your mother.  When I watched as you...appropriated yourself to her cello.  I wanted to stop you.  You knew very well that that cello was off limits, but you still played it anyway.  I watched as you tried...and tried...and tried to play it.  You wouldn't give in.  It's as if that cello was calling to you."  He lightly chuckled.  "You're a spitting image of your mother, Tavia.

"I don't know how long, but eventually you tired out.  That's when I revealed myself, and let me tell you the look on your face when you knew you got caught!"

My ears folded against my head as I tried to make myself look as small as possible.

"That's when you started rambling on and on about how sorry you were.  I was never really mad at you, Tavia.  I just wanted to wait until I knew you were ready to play that cello.  Apparently you knew you were ready before I did.  So once I was able to sooth your mind from all the crying and sang you a lullaby-"

Even more embarrassment.

-"I showed you that cravat.  Do you remember that?  How I told you about your mother and how she was a musical prodigy?  And how that cravat is a family heirloom?  Passed on from her mother, and her mother's mother."

He took a long pause, clearly holding back tears...something that I couldn't...

"I made a promise that day...A promise that I almost broke on this day.  I promised you the moment you were born, and revealed it to you the second I handed that cravat to you.  That promise I made was to never abandon you.  That I would never turn my back on you no matter what happens.  You are the only one left in my life...The only pony who I love and care for.  Without you...I'm completely alone.  I realize that now."

At this point, my father couldn't hold back anymore tears.

"I was wrong...I allowed my prejudices to cloud my judgement.  My mind was so set on protecting you that I didn't see to reasoning and cast away all better knowledge.  I was a fool, an overprotective fool.  I was too scared that you would become what I always feared: A drug addict, or an alcoholic, or a...a whore...

"And Vinyl."  Father turned his attention to the said mare.  "I was wrong to believe you to be all that I said.  My judgement was so clouded by my fear and prejudice that I didn't even see before my own eyes what you have actually done to my little Tavia.  You offered her a home without even knowing anything about her, and for nothing in return.  You helped her get back on her hooves and play music again.  And best of all, you offered her your heart.  Now believe me when I say I am truly...truly sorry for ever believing you to be...all of that.  Could you ever forgive me, Vinyl?"

With a shaky hoof, Vinyl slowly reached up to take off her glasses.  With a spark of magic, she levitated a handkerchief to wipe her tears away while nodding to my father.

"Please, Octavia, I don't want to lose you again.  I can't live with myself knowing that I turned my back on you over something so...miniscule and foolish.  I love you, Octavia.  You are my daughter, and nothing will ever change that- OI!"

This is the part where I lunge at my father and hold him in a vice-grip like hug.  My tears ran freely, like as if the dam in my eyes had broken again.  I felt my fathers strong arms gently wrap around me and hold me close.  I let out all my emotions in this single hug.  All of my tension, my stress, my love and forgiveness.  I just want nothing more now then to hold my father and never let him go.

"Don't be shy now, Vinyl.  Come here!"

I grunted as another pony-shaped object impacted my side and wrapped her hooves around both my father and I.  I smiled, both from my body and soul.  My father accepts Vinyl.  My father accepts Vinyl!  I'm so happy!  

"I should be blessed, really."  He said through a strained voice.  "The gods have given me not one, but two girls to look after and protect now."

"Thanks, Mr. Arpeggio."  Vinyl whispered.

My father chuckled and ruffled up Vinyl's mane.  "There's no need to call me 'Mr.' or 'Sir' anymore, Vinyl.  You're like...family to me now."

"Can I call ya dad?!"

"Umm...well..."

"How about pops?"

"You see-"

"Daddyo?"

"I don't think-"

"Dadarama?"

"Is that even a-"

"Papa?"

"...Maybe..."

"Daddy-kins-"

"How about we just stick with 'Arpeggio' for now, and I'll consider later if you want to call me 'Papa'."

"Awww...how 'bout Reggie?"

My father looked at her with a confused expression.  I just shrugged and motioned for him to go along with it.  Vinyl can have her little nicknames for everyone if she desires.

Father rolled his eyes, but kept his smile.  "Alright then."

Vinyl squee'd and hugged us both tighter.

This has to be one of the best days of my life!  Vinyl and I have been through a few tough spots, but we carried on.  Just look where it's gotten us.  Vinyl's long term tension with her parents has been resolved, as well as having her mother free from domestic violence and finally able be a true mother.  My father accepted Vinyl and holds no more prejudices against her.  Life is turning out fairly well for us, and I intend to keep it that way.

☭

Later today; it is about six o' clock.  Vinyl, Bluebelle, father and I have all gathered around the table and have dinner.  Shortly after all the group hugs, father excused himself to the bathroom and freshen up.  I don't blame him, he looked like I did when I was living under a bridge.  Once he finished, and had the chance to iron his suit jacket, Bluebelle came back from grocery shopping.  

I introduced my father to her, and as a family custom, my father kissed her on her hoof.  As a result, Bluebelle flinched and shied away.  The poor dear, I don't blame her.  Living with the same abusive stallion for most of her life must of put her in sort of a state of fear for other stallions.

At least it wasn't too embarrassing for them.  My father sparked up a conversation just as he quickly and smoothly as he always does.  They seemed to get along quite well, save for Bluebelle visibly on edge the entire time.  Give her time...give her time, she will eventually own up enough to trust him in due time.

Vinyl was the one who spoke out the idea of having a dinner together as a family.  The idea stayed popular in everyone's minds as Bluebelle and Vinyl prepared dinner while my father and I mingled.  I had discussed to him while the mother and daughter were preoccupied about Vinyl's parents; more specifically her father.  He understood completely, and figured out why Vinyl was so quick to accept him as a father figure.  He decided that he will allow her to call him 'Papa' if she so pleased.

We now catch up to current time.  Where all of us are currently seated at the table.  The room is silent as we all enjoy our food.  A few thanks were given out to Bluebelle and Vinyl from my father and I.  I'll admit, Vinyl's cooking skills have...improved.  Still I wouldn't trust her anywhere near an oven alone, but it's a start.

I reached to grab a fork--huh?  Did it just...move?  Hmmm, strange.  Oh well, at least I have it in my hoof now.  What the deuce?  Did my broccoli just move too?  I swear I saw a blue...Vinyl...I looked over to her only to see her focused on her own plate and ignoring my gaze.  Yes, play it innocent now.  I turned back to my plate, and the second my gaze left her, I heard snickering.  I quickly looked back up to find her whistling and staring out the window.  Sometimes...

I went to grab my glass of water.  Success!  However that success quickly drained away.  Once I put the glass to my lips, I felt no refreshing water go down my throat.  I looked at the glass again, yes it is filled with water...Damnit Vinyl stop messing with my head!  Wait...that aura wasn't blue...it was grey...Father!

The stallion at the table simply wiped his mouth with a napkin, but it is still easy to see the smirk that he attempted to cover up.  How...why?  Is this some kind of joke?  At lease I am able to get some food onto my fork before more magic interrupted me.

Ok, now let's see if I can finish my dinner before anymore interruptions.  Water: Check.  Fork: Check. Food: Check.  Napkin: Bloody hell!  Ok Vinyl I clearly saw that blue aura!  Wait...Bluebelle's horn is flickering this time...Oh I give up!

"Blooming unicorns..."  I muttered.

The whole table erupted with bulked up laughter.