Octavia skipped merrily towards the hotel doors. She pushed through them, stopping for a moment to shake the chill from her coat and adjust to the much more comfortable temperature inside, a wide and peppy smile on her face.

"You're in early." The receptionist waved, looking up from some papers.

"Yes, I got off work early for my birthday, and spent some time with a friend," Octavia explained, eager to tell somepony about her experience.

"Oh, so you had fun?" The mare winked and placed her cheeks on her hooves, leaning on the desk.

"Yes, of course I... Oh... wait a minute, you." Octavia shot off a glare of disapproval. "She isn't that kind of friend."

"Right, right. Whatever you say." The teasing mare batted her lashes, and sighed happily.

Octavia frowned, and headed towards the stairwell. Glancing back, her curiosity got the better of her. "Why are you suddenly so interested in my personal life, anyway?"

The receptionist grinned and tilted her head. "I can see it all over your face. Somepony has a crush."

Octavia raised her hoof to speak, but only huffed, before turning and trotting into the stairwell.

A crush? On Vinyl? No way... She shook her head and made her way to her room, entering and placing her bits and bow on her nightstand.

She picked the bow back up with one hoof and twirled it around, her joint popping. A forlorn sigh escaped her chest. She missed her cello, and missed playing. She cast her eyes down at her pile of bits, where a slight glimmer caught her attention.

DonCello

Octavia snatched the reflective card up and dropped her bow on the bed. She read over the information on the back a second time, noting the contact address. She moved to the desk at the other end of her room, grabbing a quill and dipping it into an inkwell, then found a notepad and began to write.

To the esteemed gentlecolt, DonCello.

I am accepting your invitation to learn more about your company. I'd like to meet with you and discuss exactly what it is you want from me, and what it is I have to offer. Thank you for your time.

Octavia Oatsenburg

She folded the letter and left it at one corner of the table, not quite sure what to do next. Shaking her head, Octavia made her way to her bed. Thoughts of Vinyl crept into her mind as she climbed under the covers, feeling warmer than ever.

A crush... Is it true?

Octavia giggled and placed her front hooves on her chest. "No way." She rolled over and hugged onto her fluffy white pillow, nuzzling it affectionately as she drifted off to sleep.

"Impossible."

Tap Tap Tap

Octavia jumped out of bed, startled. She'd never had a visitor before, and wasn't quite sure what to expect. She picked herself off the floor and slowly made her way over to the door. Tentatively, she placed a hoof to the handle, gulping, and not quite sure why she felt so nervous.

Tap Tap Tap Tap!

Octavia shrieked and fell backwards, scurrying away from the door.

The sound of laughter came from the other side. "Bwahahaha! Oatsy?! Why so jumpy?"

Octavia groaned and rubbed her hoof down her face. She jumped up angrily and pulled the door open. "Vinyl, so nice to see you. Why, how did you... What's this about?"

"Ah, I have some news for you, kiddo. Looks like we get to go apartment shopping sooner than I thought." Vinyl grinned and scratched at the back of her mane.

"Oh... Okay then." Octavia raised an eyebrow and stepped aside to let Vinyl in.

"This is a nice little room you've got here. So clean and organized. Not like my place." Vinyl trotted around, lifting random things up and inspecting them, before dropping them sloppily back down.

"Yes, and as long as you stay out of here, it'll remain that way." Octavia trotted up to her friend and began pushing her back towards the door.

As she scooted past the desk, Vinyl spotted the letter dangling over the corner. "Ooh, what's this?" She grabbed it in her magic and began reading.

"That's just... Come on, you didn't see me trotting around your place reading your personal mail, did you?!" Octavia attempted to snatch her letter back, but Vinyl lifted it out of reach as she read it over.

"Oh, nice! You're going to check them out after all, eh? You should hook me up when you get famous." Vinyl winked behind her glasses and grinned.

"It's easy to see why you don't have any friends!" Octavia snarled and finally snatched her letter back, noting that it was now distastefully crinkled. "Look! You've ruined it!"

"I don't know what you're talking about. I have plenty of friends." Vinyl lowered her glasses, making sure Octavia saw her wink.

Rather than the expected retort, Octavia huffed, and turned away. "Come on, let's go already."

Vinyl chuckled and lifted her glasses back over her bright red eyes. "Right. So I looked a few places up, and thought you might be interested as well."

"Why's that?" Octavia asked, attempting to flatten her letter back out as she led the way out the door.

Vinyl shrugged and trotted ahead.

Octavia frowned and rephrased the question. "Why do you think that I, in particular, would be interested in these places? Do you know something I don't?"

"I know plenty you don't, Oatsy. It's just that they're close to work and seem... decent. Sheesh, why you gotta be so weird all the time?" Vinyl shook her head and pressed forward.

Octavia glanced back and rolled her eyes. "I'm not weird, just a little curious... Speaking of which, how did you find me here?" she asked, trotting after her friend.

"The receptionist was pretty quick to let me know. She actually seemed happy to tell me as soon as I mentioned your name," Vinyl explained.

"Oh, that little..." Octavia snarled under her breath.

"Easy, killer. Cheer up, it's a bright and sunshiny day." Vinyl pushed through the hotel doors and took a deep breath.

Octavia shielded her eyes. "I haven't seen the sun in days... It's blinding."

"You'll get used to it in a minute, stop bein' such a baby." Vinyl pointed at her sunglasses and grinned. "Maybe you should get a pair of these babies."

"Right, and I'll pick up some leather chaps while I'm at it." Octavia scoffed and lowered her hoof, looking up at Vinyl with a smug smile.

"There she is! I was waiting for a smile." Vinyl tapped her friend's cheek with a hoof. "And I was meaning to ask you, how many bits do you have saved up?"

Octavia stopped to think for a moment. "Well, I've hardly spent anything, other than my nightly fees and food here and there. Last I counted, I had just over thirteen-hundred, and my fee will take another one-sixty-five this evening."

"What?! You're paying a hundred and sixty-five bits a night to stay there? That's pretty pricey doncha think?" Vinyl cringed as she calculated how much had already been spent.

"Well, it's nice, and I don't see that I have much of a choice right now," Octavia admitted, defending her actions.

"I'd recommend getting your own place ASAP. You'll be paying a third the amount you are now, and you'll have at least triple the space."

"Well, that's why you're helping me get to that point, and I do appreciate it." Octavia smiled and placed her hoof on Vinyl's back.

Vinyl laughed and looked away. "Yeah, don't mention it. I'm glad to help."

"Oh, do you mind if we stop at the post on the way? I'd like to mail this letter." Octavia tapped her saddle bag.

"Sure, it's on the way." The pair made their way down the street, trotting in silence for a few moments.

"It sure is nice to see the daylight again. I'll admit that I've missed it these past few days." Octavia stuck her muzzle in the air and closed her eyes as the warm light washed over her face.

"The nightlife does get old pretty quickly, doesn't it?" Vinyl stood by her and took a moment to enjoy the beautiful day. "Come on, time's tickin' away."

Octavia nodded and turned the corner, spotting the post office down the block. "Ooh, I'll be right back!" She trotted ahead, then stopped to glance back at her friend, who stood watching her with a soft grin.

"Go on. I'll wait for ya." Vinyl shooed her away and smiled wider, feeling almost responsible for the young mare in front of her as she trotted away.

Vinyl made her way to the front door, taking a seat on an outside bench. Glancing down at her saddlebag, she began to wonder just how she was going to make it on her own. Very few bits lined the bag, and both she and Octavia were scheduled off for the next couple nights, so tips weren't an option.

"All set. Let's carry on then." Octavia appeared, lifting Vinyl off of her seat and instinctively twirling her around.

"What? Are you trying to earn some tips off the street?" Vinyl laughed, leaning backwards, supported by her friend's front hooves.

"Eh... Sorry." Octavia laughed and blushed, gently releasing her. "So like I was saying, let's go then."

They each brushed themselves off and made their way down the sidewalk.

After a few moments of awkward silence, Vinyl decided to speak up. "So, what made you decide to write the EME guy back? I thought you wanted to avoid a musical career."

Octavia stopped and looked away. "I suppose that isn't entirely true. I realized this morning that I really do enjoy playing, and I miss it. What I want to avoid is having my life dictated by my parents. As long as I'm doing this the way I want to, then I'll be happy."

"Well, that sounds awesome. I hope everything works out for ya. Maybe you can move on over to the nice side of town pretty soon," Vinyl joked, smacking her friend's shoulders.

"Yeah, maybe. Well, what about you? Your music is amazing. Maybe you should write this guy a letter as well," Octavia suggested.

Vinyl shrugged and casually waved her hoof in the air, dismissing the thought. "I'm sure they get a lot of letters, and I'm not exactly known for anything. Not yet, anyway. I have a gig lined up that I'm really looking forward to. I think it might actually be my big chance to get noticed. My cousin's pet dragon told me about a fashion show a few months back that Hoity Toity actually showed up to. I got to DJ for the event, but it turned out to be kind of a disaster. Next week is her brother's wedding, though. He's marrying Princess Mi Amore Cadenza."

"Really?! A Royal Wedding? That's impressive. I'm sure there'll be plenty of attention there. Have you already composed a piece?" Octavia asked, genuine excitement shining through her eyes for her friend.

"I'm prepared, if that's what you're asking." Vinyl messed up her friend's mane and trotted ahead. "So, you miss playing music, do you? What did you say you played again?"

"I play a variety, but I prefer the cello."

"Cool beans. Follow me." Vinyl quickly rounded a corner, with Octavia sticking close behind her.

Down the block, there was a small music store with several instruments displayed in the front window. The two friends made their way to the shop, and Octavia placed her front hooves against the glass, eyeing all the beautifully-crafted instruments.

"Come on, let's look around." Vinyl opened the door and held it for her friend.

Octavia rushed in, wide-eyed as a filly in a candy shop. Vinyl laughed and followed her in, hoping the excited mare wouldn't break anything.

"These are beautiful. Just look at this!" Octavia pointed at a large grand piano with glossy black finish.

"Yeah, and just look at that price tag." Vinyl lifted it up with her magic and gulped.

"Can I help you two with anything?" An elderly-looking mare came trotting around from behind a desk.

"Just lookin', if you don't mind." Vinyl looked away and guided her friend towards the strings section.

Octavia looked up, slack-jawed and misty-eyed. Dozens of finely polished, brand-new instruments were displayed across one small section of the store. "I've never seen so many amazing instruments all in one place."

"Heh. Wanna try one out?"

"I'd love to..." Octavia gazed around with starry eyes.

"Excuse me, ma'am," Vinyl called out to the store clerk.

"Yes?"

"My friend here wants to try out that beaut of a cello right there." Vinyl pointed to the finest looking instrument of the bunch.

"You play?" the old mare asked, trotting up behind Octavia.

"I do." She lifted her hoof, lightly touching the strings with the tip.

"I haven't seen another earth pony musician in quite a while. I must say, I'm intrigued." The old mare tapped her own forehead, pointing out her absence of a horn. "Go ahead."

Octavia delicately lifted the instrument off its stand with her front hooves and rested it on the floor in front of herself. She stood up on her back legs and balanced herself, gripping a bow off a nearby stand. She cleared her throat and closed her eyes, softly running the bow across a string, sampling the instrument's unique sound.

"Woo! Yeah! Encore! Encore!" Vinyl cheered and stomped her hooves.

Both of the earth ponies glared at her.

"Sorry." Vinyl lifted her hooves as if to surrender. "I'll be quiet."

Octavia sighed and smiled. She looked at Vinyl's bright, reflective glasses and cleared her mind.

She began with three short, sharp staccato notes, followed by a long, drawn-out low one. She paused then, and tilted her head, like she was listening to something far off. With a small nod to herself, she raised the bow again, and started a simple, rhythmic tune, the two notes flowing easily into each other as she jumped from one string to the other. She repeated the phrase, increasing the interval between the notes and finshing it with a quick legato flurry, before returning to the first variation.

After the second time, she diverted suddenly into a much quicker tune, rapidly ascending and descending, scale after scale, each time stopping just before reaching the root note, and gradually allowing her hoof to creep up the neck of the beautiful instrument. As the pitch rose, she gently began applying more and more force with the bow, increasing the volume and biting into the string.

Suddenly, a memory ocurred to her, unbidden. An anger slipped into her playing, and she swept down into a low, warning tune as the thought of every time her parents had forced her to play for hours on end filled her mind. She held the bass note, slicing the bow back and forth, creating a rapid, tremolo effect, and slipping in a dissonant note at random moments.

Grimacing, she opened her eyes, not realising she had closed them, and caught sight of Vinyl staring at her. She had removed her glasses and was watching intently, her mouth hanging slightly open. Octavia felt her frown slowly melt away at the sight of her entranced friend.

With an octave leap, she jumped up the fretboard, slowing down and adding some swing to the new tune. It was light and airy, with a slightly jazzy feel. She smirked as she remembered the last time she had properly played, at the palace. She recalled the melody she had improvised that night perfectly, adding an echo of it into what she was playing.

With a fluid motion, she swept the bow around, lifting it out of the way so she could pluck the string with her hoof. She chuckled as her good mood grew, picking out a catchy pizzicato melody, and winked at Vinyl as she saw the mare realise that the tune was based on her own song, the one she had showed Octavia last night.

The grin on her face grew wide as she brought the bow back into contact with the stings for the final time, playing short, detached, double-stopped notes. She looked her friend straight in the eyes as she brought the piece to a conclusion with the same three sharp notes she had begun it with, followed by the long bass note.

"So," she said, lowering the bow, her smile playful. "Whaddya think?"

Vinyl swallowed, raising her glasses and clapping her hooves, a crooked smile growing across her face. "That was... really great, Oatsy. Just awesome. You've got skills, I'll give ya that."

The store-owner gently took the bow and cello away from Octavia, placing them back on their stand and shooting a narrow-eyed look towards Vinyl. "She has a lot more than that!"

Vinyl cringed away and looked to Octavia, who shrugged and returned her bemused expression.

The old mare shook her head and shoved her hooves beneath Octavia's forelegs, flexing her joints and simulating the movement of stroking her bow. "You see this? You can't do this with your magic."

Vinyl laughed and trotted closer, observing the movements. "Yeah, sure I can." She took Octavia's other foreleg in her magic and began mimicking the movement.

"That's not what I meant, and you know it. I'm talking about an earth pony's magic. She lets the music flow from her heart and mind, through her hooves, and into the instrument. There's a physical connection between an earth pony and their instrument. From a cello to a lasso, an earth pony will bond with her tool until the two are one. This young mare was born to create. She plays from her heart, not from memory. What you heard was a musical reflection of her emotions, and it was beautiful." The old mare turned and placed a hoof on Octavia's cheek, looking down into her wide, purple eyes. "You remind me of myself at your age. Don't waste your talent."

Octavia nodded and looked back at the instrument, fighting the urge to pick it back up.

"You really like this one, don't you?"

Octavia nodded again, this time with a gentle smile easing its way across her face.

"That is a pretty hefty price-tag." The older mare began to look the instrument over, dusting it off with her tail. "Look, I don't normally do this, but I would be willing to negotiate with you if you were interested in purchasing the item."

Octavia's eyes lit up and she began rapidly nodding, but before she could open her mouth, Vinyl shoved her way between her and the instrument, wrapping a hoof around her neck and huddling away from the sales-mare.

"Psst," she whispered. "Look, I know you like that, and you look great with it, but this might not be the best time to invest in something quite so pricey. Trust me, I've been there."

Octavia's smile fell to the floor, and she nodded.

Vinyl looked to the sales-mare with an apologetic smile. "Sorry, but we're a bit short on bits right now. We'll definitely be back, though."

With a sigh, Octavia dipped her chin and headed towards the exit, and the pair were waved off as they trotted outdoors. Vinyl looked over to see her friend moping, and couldn't help but feel partially to blame.

"Hey. Cheer up, Oatsy. I'll make you a deal: smile for me, and I'll buy that gorgeous cello for you some day. Deal?" Vinyl smiled as wide as she could, her teeth gleaming in the sunlight.

Octavia looked up at Vinyl, the wide and obviously forced smile bringing a grin to her own face. "Deal." She matched her friend's expression and giggled.

"Awesome! Now, let's go check out these apartments, alright?" Each mare nodded and trotted side by side down the road.

Vinyl glanced over at Octavia as she trotted, a thought occurring to her. Normally, she'd have been the one urging her friend to do what she wanted in the spur of the moment. Where's this sudden sense of responsibility coming from? she wondered.

She shook her head and cleared her mind as the first turn came about. "Come on, this way."

Octavia turned to see a group of large, dramatic-looking buildings at the end of the street, and Vinyl hesitantly led the way towards them.

"Check it out. Looks nice, huh?" Vinyl gestured ahead, each structure several stories high, and lined with countless windows and balconies.

"Golden Oats Complex." Octavia read the sign aloud. "It does look nice, but are you sure I can afford it?"

"At first I didn't plan on stopping by this place, but... Well, I was thinking about something." Vinyl looked down and trotted up to the sign.

"Wait. What is it? What's on your mind?" Octavia trotted up to her and placed a hoof on her friend's back.

"Ah, it's nothing serious. I just had an idea. Might as well throw it out there, I guess... Y'see, we could each probably afford to live here on our own, but it might be a lot more comfortable with a roommate," Vinyl explained. "And, well... There's something else. It's hard to explain."

Octavia placed a hoof on Vinyl's cheek, gently pushing her concerned frown into a crooked smile. "Would you at least try? For me?"

Vinyl sighed and backed away. "Gah! You're lucky I like you so much... Look, it's just that I think you bring out another side of me. A better side. I feel more responsible with you around, and I think that if you were relying on me, then I could be a better mare, and maybe I'd actually get something accomplished. I don't know. It's just an idea I had."

Octavia's eyes fell to the sidewalk as she processed what she had just heard. "I'm not sure. I mean, nopony's every relied on me for anything. I don't know what I'd do."

Vinyl looked to the sky and laughed. "Come on Tavz. You don't have to do anything. Just stick with me, and we'll be fine. It's just like dancing. Without you, I wouldn't want to. That song I played for you back at my old apartment was the first thing I've done so spontaneously in a while. It felt good, like back when I first got into music. I really feel like I'm finally finding the will to turn my life around for the better and become the mare I want to be, and somehow you seem to be at the bottom of it. This past week has been great, and I'm glad we're friends."

Octavia looked back up with gleaming purple eyes. "You've helped me this past week too. I probably would have quit or gotten fired by now if not for you and your strange methods. I don't really know where I'd be right now if I hadn't met you, and I'm very glad to call you my friend too."

Each mare stood quietly in front of the building, looking off in random directions.

"So uh... Wanna be my roommate, then?" Vinyl broke the silence, kicking at the ground and casually leaning on the sign.

"Sounds like a good idea to me. I'd love to be roommates, to be honest." Octavia looked up and nodded towards the front door.

Vinyl let out a deep breath and began trotting towards the building. "Thanks, Octavia. I promise I won't mess this up for you. And hey, maybe we'll only have to make one stop this way. Let's go check it out."

The two friends turned to head into the apartment's lobby, now in high spirits. Vinyl was quick to spot the appropriate pony in order to get things started.

"Hello there. My friend and I are both interested in renting."

"Ooh, very well then. Right this way." The young mare led them into her office, offering each a seat. "Hello, my name is Locksy. Are you planning on being roommates?"

Octavia and Vinyl glanced at each other, then nodded. "Yes, we are."

"Excellent. If you'll just fill out these forms, we'll get started." Locksy slid two sheets across her desk and stood up to leave. "I'll be just out here if you have any questions."

Octavia began filling her paper out, periodically stopping and skipping sections. Vinyl scanned over the contents, then her heart sank into her stomach.

"Uh, Tavz?" Vinyl glanced over to her friend.

"What is it?" Octavia looked up, detecting the worry in Vinyl's voice.

"This is a pretty big deposit. More than I thought it'd be. I... don't exactly have enough yet. We might have to come back in a couple days," Vinyl admitted, shame filling her stomach.

Octavia cleared her throat and skimmed down the rest of the paper, noting the amount needed. "Well, I can cover whatever you can't afford. You can just pay me back later. It's really no trouble, since I don't have anything else to spend the bits on."

Vinyl sighed and pressed her forehead against her hoof. "Okay... I just... I hate borrowing money from ponies."

"Well, I'm not just any pony, am I? I'm your friend, and what are friends for?"

Vinyl looked up, taken by Octavia's kindness. "You're probably the coolest mare I've ever met."

Octavia smiled, and returned to filling out her form. "What should I put where it says references?"

"Just put N/A, unless you feel like putting your parents' info there." Vinyl considered writing her old landlord's info there, then decided against it with a chuckle.

"Okay. This wasn't so hard after all." Octavia signed the bottom of the paper and stretched her hoof.

"Nope, easy-peasy." Vinyl did the same, standing up. "Excuse me, we're done in here."

Locksy came trotting back into the office with a bright smile. "Great! I'll just look these over, then."

Vinyl nervously twiddled her hooves while they waited. Octavia glanced over at her, noticing her agitation.

"I'll need to see your proof of income," Locksy said, looking the two over.

"Sure thing." Vinyl reached into her saddlebag and drew out two sheets of paper, spotting Octavia's crooked frown as she placed them down. "Don't worry, Tavz. I got yours for ya." She winked and slid the papers across the desk.

"Ah, excellent. So, will you be needing two bedrooms, or one?" she asked, her gaze shifting between the two mares.

"Two!" they chorused.

"Right then." The mare winked and wrote a few things down. "You both exceed the minimum income requirements individually, so there's no issue at all there. Then there's the matter of the deposit. You'll have twenty-four hours after I give you the keys to pay it in full, along with the first month's rent, which is the same price as the deposit. Now, if you're both ready, I'll give you a short tour of your new home."

They each nodded and stood up to follow her. Vinyl grabbed a pamphlet in her magic and began to read it as they walked.

"Psst. Tavz." She nudged Octavia with her hoof, getting her attention. "Check it out: these places come fully furnished and look crazy nice. The rent is pretty much triple what I was paying at my last place, but as long as we're dancers, it won't be a problem at all. We can make this rent in a week between the two of us."

"Oh, darn. Fully furnished, you say? I was hoping you'd bring that lovely couch of yours. The stains and tears really add character." Octavia giggled, then stopped to think. "You do realize I won't tolerate such filth if you're living with me, right?"

"Psh, that nasty couch was there when I moved in. The whole place was already trashed, and I didn't see a reason to clean it up. Plus, the crappy landlord kept raising the rent on me after I stopped dancing. So I think things will be different here with you. Things'll be better."

"I hope so. I really do." Octavia turned and looked into Vinyl's eyes, raising her glasses with a hoof. "I'll make sure to keep you in check." She smiled, reaching to hug her friend.

"Thanks."

"Ahem. You two need some privacy or something?" Locksy winked and carried on towards their apartment, entering an elevator.

Vinyl blushed and tried to pull away, but Octavia held tight. The embarrassed unicorn giggled and pushed Octavia down with her front hooves. "Settle down there, Miss Affectionate."

Octavia put on a coy smile and ducked away, scratching her mane as they followed their guide up the elevator and to their door. "Heh, sorry."

"Here we are, then." The mare placed the key into the door, pushing it open and letting the two new tenants enter first.

"Ooh, it's beautiful in here. I love it!" Octavia twirled around and made her way through each room. "Vinyl, come look!"

Vinyl chuckled and nodded towards Locksy, before heading over to see what Octavia wanted to show her. She entered the bedroom, where Octavia stood pressed against the window.

"Look, you can see the palace from here! Isn't it beautiful?" She pointed out over the city towards the mountain-side where the Royal Palace rested.

"It is. Definitely the best view I've ever seen." Vinyl sounded happy, but didn't smile.

She took a seat on the bed and fell over on her back. "This bed..."

"Well, you can bring the deposit back to me in the morning, or any time tomorrow. I'll leave your keys on the table here. Welcome to your new home." Locksy trotted away, quietly closing the door behind herself.

"Hear that? This is our new home." Octavia laughed and jumped onto the bed next to her friend.

"Yeah... I guess it is, isn't it?"

"Woo! I can't wait to show the place to Raindrops." Octavia bounced up and down on the bed, watching Vinyl's expression slowly becoming more and more disgruntled.

"Will you stop?! Jeez!" Vinyl jumped up and trotted into the front room.

Octavia placed a hoof over her mouth and giggled at her own immaturity. "Come on, Vinyl. Don't be like that."

"Why are you so eager to get Raindrops in here?" she asked, slouching down on the couch.

"Because I just had a great idea, that's why!" Octavia trotted up to her and jumped onto the couch.

"You and your great ideas... What is it?" Vinyl asked hesitantly, looking over with a questioning frown.

"What do you mean by me and my great ideas? When have I ever even said that to you before?" Octavia crossed her hooves and huffed.

"Doesn't matter. What's the big idea?" Vinyl raised an eyebrow, curiosity getting the best of her.

"Ah. I've decided I'm going to set you up on a blind date with Raindrops tomorrow night. Well, you'll know. That way you can get all the complaining out of the way before your date shows up." Octavia stood up off the couch and twirled into the kitchen.

"Whoa! Hold on just a minute. We already talked about this, and I thought you got it." Vinyl stomped off the couch and followed her.

"Right, and you said that you didn't want to risk losing your only friend. Well, take a look: she isn't your only friend anymore. And I think you could use a nice mare in your life to straighten out that hot temper of yours." Octavia began sifting through the cupboards and cabinets, noting that they were completely empty.

Annoyed, Vinyl smacked her hooves on her face and groaned. "Tavz, what is it gonna take to get you to let this go?"

"That's easy. Just give her a chance." Octavia winked and let out a deep breath, relaxing against the counter.

"Fine. One date then. What are you even planning? It's not like this place is set up for a good time, and we can't make a lot of noise or anything. Especially not at night."

"Just a nice little dinner, prepared and served by me, during which you two can talk and get on the same page. She clearly likes you, and you're single, so I don't see what the problem is." Octavia looked around again, then opened the refrigerator. "I'm going to have to do some shopping."

"A dinner, huh? Alright, fine. But as far as Raindrops knows, I had no idea this was coming. Got it?" Vinyl sighed and rubbed her forehead as she trotted back over to the couch.

"Sure thing, whatever you say." Octavia began writing out a list of things to pick up for the apartment. "Oh, and chin up. You're not gonna regret this."