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Octavia and Vinyl left the bar together, the other bar-goers wishing them all the best in the future. They walked so closely to one another it was a wonder that they hadn't tripped over each others hooves. Vinyl was smiling from ear to ear, content in the fact that her words had reached Octavia. She gently snaked her tail around Octavia's, whose tail responded in kind.

"I'm sorry for reacting so badly, Vinyl...I still haven't quite forgiven myself for it," Octavia said softly as she looked at Vinyl.

"It's fine Octy," Vinyl smiled. "I really should have seen things from your end. I can't even begin to imagine what it looked like," Vinyl said. "Ugh...I'm still trying to get his disgusting taste out of my mouth," she gagged.

Octavia giggled slightly. "I can understand why you broke up with him before," she said. "He had no idea what he had, and he let it go," Octavia smiled.

"Aww, Octy...that's so nice of you to say," Vinyl said with a small blush.

"Believe me...I made that mistake once, and I learn from my mistakes," Octavia said as she shared a gentle kiss with Vinyl. "Do you still have the key to the motel? I am thoroughly exhausted," she said with a yawn.

"Same here...last night wasn't exactly easy for me," Vinyl said as she thought back.

"I understand completely..." Octavia said, doing the same. "I just want to get a good night's sleep..." she said as she leaned into Vinyl again. "...and put this all behind us."

"Yeah...sounds good," Vinyl said, planting a kiss on her cheek. The two made their way back to the motel, Vinyl retrieving the key from her saddlebags and opening the door. Octavia entered first, looking around with a mix of shock and sadness. The room was completely untouched, save for the bed. This indicated that Vinyl had not even bothered to get out of bed the entire day until her surprise set.

"Vinyl...I..."

"Octy, it's alright...I'm better now, trust me." Vinyl then walked past her, grabbing a towel. "I'm gonna take a quick shower. Be out in a minute!" Vinyl said as she shut the door behind her. Octavia then took a few moments to readjust a few things as well as unpack her saddlebags for the night. Once done, she slipped into bed and quietly waited. After a little while, Vinyl emerged from the bathroom, having dried off. She found Octavia waiting for her, and smiled as she climbed into bed. Octavia immediately moved up against Vinyl, showering her with kisses and the affection she felt she owed her. Their hearts began to race as they moved closer and closer to one another, the warmth between them slowly growing with the passionate fires between them. They broke the kiss, simply staring into each others eyes as they held each other, gentle nuzzles leading into yet another fiery kiss, the two forced to stop again for breath.

"Well? What are you waiting for?" Octavia asked in a sensual voice, a sultry expression gracing her face.

"Who said anything about waiting?" Vinyl smirked in response. Octavia then felt Vinyl's tail began to shift position and smiled.

"Never one to wait for the green flag," Octavia said softly.

"I wait for no pony...except a certain cellist," Vinyl returned. The two shared yet another kiss as they disappeared beneath the covers.

*~*~*~*

Octavia slowly opened her eyes, feeling better rested than she had in days. She rolled over to face Vinyl, who was soundly asleep, snoring her life away. Octavia chuckled a little as she leaned forward and planted a kiss on her cheek. She got out of bed and made her way into the shower. She exited shortly thereafter, drying her mane as she gently nudged Vinyl awake. "Vinyl, wake up. We need to get moving, the movers should be arriving soon," Octavia said. Vinyl sat up and looked around, confused and still somewhat asleep.

"...How long until they get here?" Vinyl asked as she climbed out of bed.

"Four hours," Octavia said as she made her way over to the mirror and began to brush her mane.

"...You woke me up four hours early, why?" Vinyl asked, flopping back down in bed.

"Because I want to make final preparations as well as make one last pass in terms of checking the apartment for anything we might have forgotten before we make the move," Octavia explained. Vinyl groaned in response.

"Octy, I told you, we aren't forgetting anything!" Vinyl whined.

"And I believe you, but I want to make sure anyway," Octavia said.

"Urgh, fine." Vinyl then got out of bed and went to the bathroom to brush her teeth. Once they had gathered all their things, they left the motel and returned the key to the concierge at the front desk. As they walked, they moved past a store that Vinyl had passed by all the time as a filly- a pet shop.

"Oh my gosh...Octy, we HAVE to get a pet!" Vinyl squealed.

"Vinyl, there are PLENTY of animals back in Ponyville that you can adopt," Octavia said, raising an eyebrow.

"C'mon, Octy! It'll be something reeeeeally cool, and it'll act as a reminder of our time here in Canterlot. Pleeeeease, Octy?" Vinyl begged, puffing out her lower lip in an attempt to act cute.

"That has never worked on me before, why do you expect it to work now?" Octavia asked with a small chuckle.

"Because you love me and you want me to be happy?" Vinyl answered for her.

"While that is true, yes, I still do not understand why you are so insistent on this..." Octavia said. "...but I suppose there is no harm in a pet."

"YESYESYESYESYES! Thank you, Octy! You're the best!" Vinyl squealed with delight, giving Octavia a huge kiss on the cheek.

"I am aware, now go on and get your pet," Octavia said with a small smile. Vinyl made her way into the store and began to peruse the selection. The store owner, a mare with a maroon colored coat, bright orange eyes and a black mane with a paw print for a cutie mark made her way over to Vinyl.

"Welcome to Perfect Pony Pets! Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Yeah, actually. I'm looking for a pet that doesn't require much maintenance, is easy-going, and is as cool as I am," Vinyl grinned.

"Well, our reptiles are towards the back if you wanna look over there," the mare offered.

"Reptiles?! COOL!" Vinyl said as she hurriedly made her way over. She examined all the different cages, not quite pleased with everything. She then saw one particular cage, and smiled.

*~*~*~*

Vinyl exited the pet-store, extremely pleased with her purchase. "Oh this is so cool! I love it!" Vinyl grinned.

"That was quick. So what did you-" Octavia turned to face Vinyl, but instead of seeing the face of a pony, she was nose-to-nose with a big, green iguana.

*~*~*~*

Twilight was muzzle-deep in one of her favorite books when she looked up, having heard something strange. "Spike, did you hear that?"

"Hear what, Twilight?" Spike said, carefully balancing a stack of books on his head as he tried to put them back on the shelf.

"It sounded like...a scream..." Twilight said, confused.

"A scream? You've been reading too many horror novels, Twiliiiiight!" Spike yelled as he lost his balance, falling off the ladder and ending up underneath all the books he had been balancing.

"Hmm...maybe I have..." Twilight said. She thought about it for a moment, and went back to reading her book.

*~*~*~*

"VINYL, GET THAT THING OUT OF MY FACE!" Octavia yelled, absolutely terrified by the lizard now perched on Vinyl's head.

"He has a name, you know! His name is Unts, and he is my pet. I shall love him forever," Vinyl giggled as Unts readjusted his position on her head.

"Take him back! Take him back RIGHT THIS INSTANT!" Octavia yelled, afraid to go near Vinyl.

"Oh, come on, Octy! He's not gonna attack you! Isn't that right, Unts? Who's a good iguana? You are! Yes you are!" Vinyl cooed as she scratched his back with a hoof, to which Unts gave a small smile. "Besides, they've got a no-refund, no-return policy. He's ours for good! Now come over here and meet Unts!"

Octavia edged her way over to Vinyl, gingerly reaching a hoof to stroke the spines on his head. "N-Nice to meet you, Unts..." she stuttered, gently brushing back the spines. Unts shifted slightly and made a slight groaning noise as the sac under his jaw began to fill with air. Octavia recoiled immediately, expecting it to spit acid or something else equally dangerous, and blushed in embarrassment when he snorted slightly and laid back down. Vinyl started laughing, causing Unts to move back a bit so he would not fall off her head. "Stop laughing at me! It is not that funny!"

"Oh, oh my stomach! Octy, you are adorable!" Vinyl laughed. "Ahh, that made my day. Let's go get ready to make the move." As they walked, Vinyl tried to get Unts to attack and eat flies, but he would simply sit lazily on her head.

"C'mon Unts! Just do it once!" Vinyl pleaded.

"What are you doing, Vinyl?" Octavia asked.

"I'm trying to get Unts to attack something," Vinyl explained. "C'mon, Unts! Sick 'em! Sick 'em, colt!"

"Vinyl, I am certain that addressing an iguana like a dog will not yield results..."

"It'll work, Octy. You'll see!" Vinyl said, trying once more.

"You really do have quite the twisted mind, Vinyl..." Octavia muttered.

"Twisted, or brilliant?" Vinyl grinned.

"I would say 'brilliantly twisted'," Octavia remarked.

"Well, well, well. Look what we have here," a voice said. The two mares turned around, and both scowled heavily as Neon approached them. "So I guess it's safe to say my little plan failed. Makes no difference to me, really. I got what I wanted- and that was to see you suffer, Vinyl."

Vinyl then smirked. "You know what? You're right, Neon. I did do a pretty horrible thing. I shouldn't have broken up with you over something so dumb, and to make up for it, I got you something."

"Is that so? Well, what is it?" Neon asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Octy, would you do the honors?" Vinyl smiled.

"Absolutely. Unts, sick 'em," Octavia ordered. To Neon's horror and both Octavia and Vinyl's surprise, Unts reared back and LEAPT off of Vinyl's head, launching himself at Neon's face as he began to scratch and bite at him.

"Wow! He actually listened! That must mean he likes you Octy," Vinyl grinned.

"How sweet...I must say I am beginning to like him. How much was he?" Octavia asked.

"Two-hundred bits," Vinyl said. "Why?"

"Best two-hundred bits we have ever spent," Octavia laughed, Vinyl watching as Unts played havoc on Neon's face. After a little while, Neon finally forced Unts off of him, and scampered off. Unts made his way over to Octavia and clambered onto her back, perching himself on her head between her ears.

"Awww, he likes you, Octy." Vinyl smiled.

"Well, he certainly was a good boy, so he is more than welcome up here...though it may take some getting used to..."

The two then continued back to their old apartment, laughing the entire way.

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Vinyl and Octavia sat on the front porch of their apartment, watching other ponies pass by as they waited for the mover's to arrive. "Today's the day," Vinyl said.

"It sure is, Vinyl...I find it so hard to believe how much our lives have changed in the last month and a half," Octavia said. "To think that on top of the baby, we now have a pet in our family." She then looked over at Vinyl, who had Unts slung over her shoulder, the iguana dead asleep.

"Unts really is the coolest pet. It was awesome watching him maul Neon like that. I don't think I've ever seen him run away so fast," Vinyl laughed.

"Too true...he deserved everything he got, and I still do not think he has gotten ALL that he deserves," Octavia said. "Ah well, his former marefriend already did to him what I would like to do."

"What'd she do?" Vinyl asked, turning her head to face Octavia.

"To put it simply Vinyl, he received a hoof that had an iron shoe in his 'family jewels,'" Octavia said.

"Oooh, sounds like something I wish I could've been there to see," Vinyl said, wincing slightly. "How'd you find out about that?"

"Well, before I arrived at the bar before we made up, I bumped into her. She told me the whole story, as well as her 'parting gift' to him," Octavia chuckled.

"I REALLY wish I coulda been there to see that," Vinyl said sadly. "I would've made sure he coughed up his 'family jewels' as well as roughing him up a bit."

"Now, now Vinyl. I do not need my child growing up with a parent in jail. You got me into this, so the only option you have is to see through being a parent until the end," Octavia smiled.

"When do I start?" Vinyl grinned.

"In about nine months," Octavia said.

"Not soon enough," Vinyl said, leaning in and giving Octavia a small kiss. To their surprise, Unts had woken up from his nap and crawled up Vinyl's side, made his way over to her head, and used her head as a springboard to hop on Octavia's. "Ha, I think somepony's a little jealous," Vinyl laughed.

"...This will definitely take some getting used to..." Octavia shuddered as Unts got comfortable, taking his usual spot between her ears. He let out a satisfied grunt, and fell back to sleep.

"Octy, you have no idea how cute you two look. I gotta admit, I'm a bit jealous," Vinyl laughed.

"Well, as much as I like Unts, I still have a fear of reptiles. I can only hope Gummy is as friendly as Unts..." Octavia said with a shudder as she thought back to the site of Gummy latched onto Pinkie's mane.

"I can totally see Gummy and Unts starting a bromance," Vinyl said.

"A 'bromance?' What in Equestria is a 'bromance?'" Octavia asked, confused. She jumped slightly when she felt Unts tail brush the back of her neck.

"A bromance is kinda like a really close friendship between two guys, but it's not like a relationship like the one you and I have," Vinyl explained. Octavia merely stared at her, still trying to make sense of it.

"I...suppose that makes sense..." Octavia said, giving up.

"You know Octy, you never did tell me why you have such a huge fear of reptiles," Vinyl said, curious to know.

"It happened when I was a filly. My father was busy tilling our barley fields, and I was just playing in the grass not too far from him. I remember hearing a noise, then I got up to follow it. When I found it, it was a snake. At the time, I had no idea that it could bite me or hurt me, so I started poking and prodding it...until it bit me on the ankle. I remember feeling its teeth going into my skin, and I could feel the poison flowing into me. I immediately began to feel weak, and my head felt like it was spinning. My vision went blurry, and it was hard to breathe..." Octavia explained as Vinyl listened intently. "...the next thing I knew I was waking up in the hospital, my mother and father sitting on both ends of the bed. The doctor told me what had happened, and that snake bites can be fatal. Ever since then, I have had a fear of reptiles," Octavia finished.

"Wow, Octy...I just gained a lot of respect for you," Vinyl said.

"Why is that, Vinyl? I do not see how being afraid of reptiles is worthy of garnering respect," Octavia asked.

"Well, you got bit by a snake and you survived. That's pretty awesome Octy," Vinyl grinned.

"I suppose. The only current exception to the rule would be Unts, seeing as he has shown no signs of wanting to hurt me...in fact, I find him rather cute. You know, once you get past the spines and the scales..." Octavia said, looking up.

"Yes, he is a cutie, isn't that right Unts?" Vinyl said as she gently rubbed his forehead with a hoof. Their conversation was cut short when the moving carriage pulled up outside their apartment, a pair of burly stallions moving around from the front to find the girls.

"Are you two the ones moving to Ponyville?" The taller one asked.

"Yes we are, our possessions are ready to be moved," Octavia said.

"Good. C'mon, Heave. We've got work to do!" he yelled as he moved past Octavia and Vinyl.

"Comin', boss!" The other stallion said, following close behind. Octavia and Vinyl watched the two stallions carefully move their furniture out the front door and onto the carriage. A few moments later, the land-lord pony walked up to them, smoking a cigarette.

"Sorry to see you two go. As much trouble as you two caused, it definitely kept the place interestin'," he said as he stood in front of them. "You two got the key?"

"Oh, yes of course," Octavia said. She fished through her saddlebags and retrieved the key, hoofing it over to the land-lord. "It has been a pleasure living here, sir. Take care, and give your wife my regards," Octavia said with a smile.

"Sure thing," the stallion responded. Vinyl simply stared at him, unamused.

"I still think you're a jerk," Vinyl said flatly.

"I still think you're a nuisance," he responded just as flatly.

"Good, then we're on the same page," Vinyl said.

"I'm so glad," he growled.

"Alright! That should be everything! You two did a good job packing up your stuff!" The lead mover said.

"Come along Vinyl, we must be going-" What Octavia saw next shocked her. Vinyl turned to leave, but at the last second, whipped a rear hoof back and planted it right on the land-lord's knee, causing him to topple over.

"Augh! My knee! YOU LITTLE- AGH!" He yelled.

"V-VINYL! What was-?" Octavia started.

"Octy, just shut up and move before he gets back up!" Vinyl said as she hurried past, Octavia doing the same. The two hopped into the carriage, and watched the apartment complex shrink away as the land-lord got back up, cursing and yelling obscenities at them.

"Vinyl, why in EQUESTRIA did you do that!?" Octavia asked.

"He was being a jerk, and that was for all the times he milked tickets out of you. I know how tough it is to make money through sales, and free tickets really hurt your business, so I gave him a 'freebie' from me," Vinyl winked.

Octavia simply stared at Vinyl, and sighed. "You truly are a special one, Vinyl..."

"But you love me anyway," Vinyl grinned as she leaned up against Octavia.

"Yes, yes...I suppose I do..." Octavia chuckled as the two shared a kiss. Yet again, Unts found his way between them, gently scratching Octavia's ear for attention. "Unts, stop that! That tickles!" she laughed.

"Aww, he wants your attention, Octy. Well go on, give him some loooove~" Vinyl said, making pretend kissy-faces.

"Oh, be quiet!" Octavia said with a blush as she reached up to pick up Unts off her head. She then held him in a foreleg, and began to scratch his belly. Unts gave a small smile and one of his legs began to twitch involuntarily. "How cute..."

"Do you have any idea how cute you two look, Octy?" Vinyl laughed. "I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship."

"Maybe so, Vinyl...maybe so," Octavia smiled as Unts climbed his way back up onto Octavia's head, satisfied with the attention he had received.

They then stared out the window of the carriage, watching as Canterlot shrunk in the distance.

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The carriage moved quickly and smoothly, Vinyl napping as Octavia read a book to pass the time. Unts was snoozing peacefully on Octavia's head, tuckered out from assaulting Vinyl's ex. Octavia looked up when she felt him shift slightly and get comfortable, then remaining still. I must say, I think I just might be getting used to this... she smirked slightly as she reached up and patted him gently. Vinyl then gave a loud yawn as she sat up and stretched.

"Any idea how much longer until we get to Ponyville?" Vinyl asked.

"We are still a good ways away, Vinyl. I would say another good hour or so," Octavia said as she read.

"Octy, how can you read with the carriage rocking back and forth like that? Doesn't it make you dizzy?" It wasn't until Vinyl pointed it out that Octavia suddenly became aware of how much the carriage was moving, and felt her stomach turn slightly as she focused on the text. She shut the book, and sighed.

"Thank you for that Vinyl," Octavia said.

"No problem, Octy. The last thing I want to see is you yakking all over the floor 'cause you're trying to read," Vinyl said. "Glad to be of some service to you," she grinned.

"I was doing just fine until you brought it up," Octavia said.

"What book are you reading, anyway?" Vinyl asked, curious.

"It is titled 'Dancing Flames and Shifting Shadows,' it is a mystery novel that has to deal with romance, betrayal, and murder..." Octavia explained.

"Ooh, sounds cool. What's it about?" Vinyl asked.

"Well, it starts with three kingdoms that are constantly having diplomatic problems-" Octavia started, but stopped short when she saw the blank expression on Vinyl's face. "What?"

"You had me, and you lost me," Vinyl said.

"Vinyl, it would not kill you to read a book every now and again. It is good for you- it keeps your mind from rotting," Octavia said. "Then again, you cannot regrow what you have already lost..." she smirked.

"Ain't that the truth- wait a second..." Vinyl said, narrowing her eyes as Octavia laughed. "That wasn't very nice!"

Octavia managed to calm herself down enough to speak again. "You are right, Vinyl. I am sorry...it was just far too easy," Octavia admitted. "Besides, that was for scaring me with Unts earlier."

"Oh, c'mon Octy. It's easy to see that you like Unts, and Unts has already claimed his territory on your head," Vinyl chuckled.

"Yes, well...he certainly earned it," Octavia smiled. "You know, now that I think about it, Neon sure went through a lot of trouble to cause as much chaos as he did between us...I remember you saying you broke up with him because he went off with a group of other mares and stallions instead of you, but-"

"It was on my birthday, Octy. He ditched me on my birthday..." Vinyl sighed bitterly.

"Oh...I see. I can understand why. That is something you just do not do," Octavia said. "I am so sorry he put you through that...and I am even more sorry that I believed his words over yours...I truly was foalish," Octavia said softly. She let her head hang low as she felt tears stinging at her eyelids. She blinked in surprise when she felt Vinyl move up closer to her, raised her head with a hoof and shared a soft kiss with her.

"Octy, listen to me...it's okay. I'm just glad you realized that Neon was lying to you. I'm pretty sure I didn't do a great job of defending myself or you. If anything, I'm the one who's sorry," Vinyl said. "Don't cry anymore, okay? Your eyes are much prettier when you smile," she winked. Octavia wiped her eyes with a hoof, and gave a small smile. "See? That's the Octy I know."

"Thank you, Vinyl...I just feel like I did something horrible to you...and on top of it all, I hit you..." Octavia said. "I have no idea what came over me...it was the look on your face when you asked me if I 'enjoyed' it...like you had just done something I should have been proud of..." Octavia explained. "What hurt me even more though, was the way you looked at me afterwards..." Octavia shook the image out of her mind. "I do not want to think about it..."

"Well, I gotta admit, it was shocking. One minute I'm sitting there all loopy and happy, and the next my face felt like I was on fire, and you're looking like you're ready to tear my head off. What REALLY got to me was the fact that you were crying, and it seemed like it was my fault...if there's anything I don't ever want to do to you Octy, it's make you cry," Vinyl said as she nuzzled Octavia. Octavia merely smiled, and returned the nuzzle. "Hey Octy, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, Vinyl. What is on your mind?" Octavia asked.

"Well...I wasn't really sure how to ask this, but I figured I might as well just ask..." Vinyl said as she fidgeted a bit. "Um...I was wondering if maybe you'd be into the idea of doing a collab project?"

"A collaborative effort? Really?" Octavia asked, surprised. "I would have never guessed you would be interested in including my work with yours. What brought this on?"

"Well, I've been keeping an eye on what's popular in music nowadays, and with dubtrot and house really picking up steam, I've noticed that to keep it fresh, other artists have started bringing in piano and guitar tracks into their mixes, so I was wondering if you'd be cool with using your cello for one of my mixes," Vinyl asked. "I think you're not nearly as popular as you deserve to be, and I figured I would help you out with that," she smiled with a small blush.

"Vinyl, that is one of the sweetest things I have heard you say...I would love to collaborate with you," Octavia smiled as she snuggled into Vinyl.

"Great...we'll work on that after we get set up in Ponyville. Sound good?" Vinyl asked.

"Sounds wonderful," Octavia replied with a smile.

Sometime later, the carriage pulled into town, stopping just outside their house. Vinyl and Octavia exited the carriage, the two movers beginning to unload the furniture off the cart behind them. "Just open up the house and we'll put the stuff where you want it," the lead stallion said.

"Sure thing," Vinyl responded. They made their way over to the door, Octavia retrieving the key and unlocking it. They entered the house and flipped on the lights.

"SURPRISE!" A group of voices yelled, causing both Octavia and Vinyl to jump. Unts was startled so badly he fell off of Octavia's head.

"What- what is all this!?" Octavia asked as she looked around. The entire first floor had been decorated with streamers, a banner saying "WELCOME HOME" hanging over the staircase. In the dining area stood Lyra, Bonbon, Twilight, Trixie, Spike, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Rarity, all wearing party hats.

"We knew today would be the day that you were moving in, and I was afraid you were gonna be sad because you moved away, but then I thought 'They're moving into town!' and that's when I decided to throw you a HOUSE-WARMING PARTY!" Pinkie said in one breath.

"We all came together and got y'all a little somethin' from all of us," Applejack said as she pulled a large, gift-wrapped object on wheels.

"We had it shipped all the way from Fillydelphia," Rarity said. "I made sure that only the best woodwork would suffice," she smiled.

"We hope you like it...I think it's absolutely lovely..." Fluttershy said with a demure smile.

"Yeah, nothing cooler than sleeping in style, right?" Rainbow Dash grinned.

"This is our special way of saying that you're one of us now," Twilight smiled. Lyra and Bonbon then made their way over to Octavia and Vinyl.

"Bonbon and I made the final decision on it. We really hope it's to your liking," Lyra said as she moved over to the gift. She pulled on the bow, and the gift-wrapping fell away, revealing a magnificent, wooden crib, complete with hoof-carved musical notes as well as a mobile that hung above it.

Octavia choked back tears, absolutely touched by the gesture her friends had made. Vinyl was grinning from ear to ear. "We absolutely love it!" They said in unison. The group then began the festivities as the two movers began their work, moving stuff back and forth throughout the new house. Once they were done, Vinyl paid the movers.

"Thanks for everything, guys!" Vinyl said.

"No problem. Congrats, by the way. Good luck to ya- as a dad, kids are something else," the lead stallion said as they lead the cart away.

Vinyl then shut the door, and returned to the festivities. Octavia and Vinyl laughed and partied long into the night, surrounded by the love of their friends and the comfort of their new home.

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Octavia shifted slightly in bed, rolling over to shield her eyes from the light peeking in through the window. The party went into the wee hours of the morning, the other mares deciding to head home close to two. Octavia and Vinyl showed them out, thanked them all for the gift and for the party, and went to bed. Octavia gingerly opened her eyes, and smiled when she saw the ruby red eyes of her lover staring back softly. "Morning, sleepy head," Vinyl said softly.

"Good morning, Vinyl...did you sleep well?" Octavia asked just as softly.

"Like a rock. I haven't gotten that comfortable in ages...it's nice to sleep in our bed again," Vinyl smiled.

"Agreed," Octavia smirked, leaning in and sharing a gentle, yet passionate kiss with her. "We have truly gained some wonderful friends in our travels."

"No doubt about that, Octy...I still can't believe they got us that crib. Saves us tons of trouble," Vinyl said as she wrapped her forelegs around Octavia.

"It is absolutely darling. The little musical notes could not have been more perfect," Octavia smiled.

"It really is cute," Vinyl grinned. "I can't wait until our kid gets to use it."

"Soon enough, Vinyl. Soon enough..." Octavia whispered as both she and Vinyl placed a gentle hoof on her belly.

"Y'know, I've been thinking...what kind of instrument do you think it'll play?" Vinyl wondered out loud.

"Vinyl, you need to take into account that our child's special talent may not revolve around music," Octavia said. "It is entirely possible that our child will not be involved with music in any way."

"I get that, and I'm okay with that. I was just curious what instrument they might play if they took up a hobby or something," Vinyl said.

"Hm. I think it would be wonderful if I were able to teach my child to play the cello..." Octavia stopped short when she heard Vinyl snort with laughter. "What is so funny?"

"Octy, I can handle one cellist in the family, but two? Not happening," Vinyl said. "Maybe an electric guitar! That'd be wicked awesome! I can see it now- our kid, rocking out with a band on stage in front of thousands of clamoring fans!" Vinyl gushed, stars in her eyes.

"No," Octavia said flatly.

"'No?' What do you mean, 'no?' That would be AWESOME!" Vinyl expressed. "Oh, oh! It'd be even cooler if my kid would be willing to spin a set with me, or maybe even emcee for me! Gah, this is only making me that much more excited!" Vinyl said, literally shaking with excitement.

"It is official. Vinyl, you are out of your mind," Octavia said.

"Why do you say that, Octy?" Vinyl asked.

"You are out of your mind if you think for even a MINUTE that I will let my child do something so out of control!" Octavia said sternly.

"Oh, look! There it is again!" Vinyl said, looking at Octavia's lower half.

"What? What is?" Octavia asked, somewhat startled.

"Oh, never-mind. It's just the stick in your rump," Vinyl smirked, to which Octavia's expression fell flat.

"Was that really necessary?" Octavia asked.

"Absolutely," Vinyl snickered. She immediately stopped when Octavia began to make her way to the edge of bed. "Hey, where you going? I'm sorry, Octy!" Vinyl said, unable to keep a straight face.

"Well, I do not intend to stay in bed all day," Octavia said. "As good as your figure is, you are going to gain weight quickly if you do nothing but lay in bed all day."

"While you are right and wrong, I do feel like getting out of bed," Vinyl said, pretending to get out of bed of her own volition. She made her way over to the mirror where Octavia was brushing her mane, and simply shook her head, her electric-blue mane almost snapping into place. Octavia looked over at her and shook her head.

"I will never understand how you are able to do that...it takes me a good ten minutes to get my mane under control," Octavia said.

"Personally, I think bed-mane Octy is best Octy," Vinyl winked, gently whipping Octavia right on her left treble clef cutie mark as she walked out of the room, causing Octavia to yelp and jump in surprise.

"Vinyl!" When she looked back in the mirror, all the work she had just done had been completely undone. "Urgh...now I have to start over," Octavia grumbled. Once done, she made her way downstairs and found Vinyl staring out the window. "Vinyl, what are you-"

"Octy, you gotta come see this!" Vinyl said, waving her over. Octavia took her place next to Vinyl, and gasped when she looked outside. The entire town had been completely blanketed in snow, the only thing not of the color white being the small puffs of black smoke exiting several of the chimneys.

"What a beautiful sight...it would make sense why it is so cold this morning," Octavia said. "One moment." She then made her way into the hall closet, and retrieved a sweater, slipping it on and immediately reveling in the comforting warmth it provided. "I love the cold weather, but too much of it is excessive I believe," Octavia said. When Vinyl turned around, she blinked in surprise.

"Where'd you get the sweater?" Vinyl asked. Wow she looks cute...

"Oh, this old thing? I received it as a gift from my mother about a year or so ago for Hearth's Warming. Do you like it?" Octavia asked, laying on the couch sideways with her forelegs tucked under her torso.

"Y-Yeah...it looks good on you," Vinyl stammered slightly, looking away with a small blush.

"Hmm...my eyes are a little uncooperative today...it has been a while," Octavia mumbled to herself as she moved over to the buffet near the dining room table. She opened a drawer, and retrieved a little case, flipping it open. She slipped on their contents and turned to face Vinyl. "Much better," Octavia said with a smile. Vinyl's jaw hung slack as she saw a different side to Octavia that she had never seen before- a nerdy, glasses-and-sweater-wearing, strangely sexy Octavia.

"Wuh- where did the glasses come from?" Vinyl asked.

"Oh these? Every now and again I have a bit of trouble seeing, so my optometrist prescribed these for when I wake up with blurry vision," Octavia said. "Something tells me you approve," Octavia chuckled.

"What makes you say that?" Vinyl asked.

"Well, for one you are blushing, and two you still have not picked up your jaw," Octavia snickered behind a hoof. Vinyl blushed even brighter when she saw the cute display.

"Hey Octy...you know what you haven't done in a while?" Vinyl said as she took a seat next to her.

"What would that be?" Octavia asked in return.

"I think I'd like another private concert. I've seen regular Octy play, but I wanna see the new, sexy Octy play," Vinyl smirked.

"Hmm...it has been some time since I have practiced. Fair enough, I will put on a private performance just for you," Octavia smiled. She moved over to the far wall and retrieved her cello, wheeling the case next to the sofa. She sat back down, and opened the case. She gingerly pulled out her cello, and sighed as the familiar scent of the burnished spruce and maple wood filled her nostrils. She removed her bow, enjoying the feeling of the worn wood in the crook of her ankle. "It has been too long, my dear friend," Octavia smiled fondly as she gently ran a hoof up and down the neck. "I apologize if I am a little rusty. Falling out of practice will do that to you," Octavia said as she readied herself to play.

"Yep, I know the feeling, Octy. I'm sure you'll be fine, though. You are Canterlot's finest after all," Vinyl winked. Octavia smiled and began to play . Vinyl watched intently as the bow danced across the strings, the notes swirling and building slowly into pure, harmonic bliss. Vinyl then shifted her focus to Octavia. She watched as she gracefully swayed back and forth, her violet eyes hidden by her eyelids as she played. She felt herself completely captivated by the beauty of Octavia's playing, but more-so by the beauty of Octavia herself.

Her delicate features- gently illuminated by the soft, morning light. Her gorgeous, raven mane- cascading ever-so-gently down her back. Her slate gray coat- kept trim and neat, and more plush than anything she had ever felt in her life. The light violet cutie mark that graced her flank- curving gracefully within itself, much like the beautiful music that rose from her cello. Vinyl felt her heart racing as she watched- every time Vinyl listened to Octavia's playing, it was like she was falling in love with her all over again. There was no other cello she would rather hear, and no other cellist she would ever love like Octavia. Octavia pulled the final chords out, ending on a major note and sighed. "Truly a beautiful piece..." Octavia smiled.

"Not nearly as beautiful as you are," Vinyl said as she looked at Octavia lovingly. Octavia blushed hotly, and laid her cello back in its case. She moved over to Vinyl, and shared another gentle, yet deeply passionate kiss. After what seemed like forever, the two broke the kiss, breathing in much needed air.

"You know what today feels like, Octy?" Vinyl said as she rose up from the couch and made her way over to the fireplace, which already had logs that the girls had brought in the night before.

"What, Vinyl?" Octavia asked as she watched Vinyl use her magic to light the logs, a comforting warmth permeating the living room area. Vinyl then returned to her spot on the couch, and snuggled up against Octavia.

"A do-nothing day...a day where it's just you and me," Vinyl smiled.

"That sounds lovely..." Octavia said as she kissed Vinyl on the cheek.

The two then simply sat on the couch as they reveled in not only the heat of the fireplace, but of one another's presence.