Wasted Time (Anon x Octavia) [part 2]

> As the last notes ring out through the crowded ballroom, you and Octavia stand there awaiting their reaction.
> At first it was so silent you could hear a pin drop, but after a couple seconds, the crowd erupted in cheers.
> Some yelling encore while other whistled with their... hooves?
> You’re not even going to begin thinking about that one.
> The bow in your hand slides down to your side as you remove the violin from your cheek.
> Octavia on the other hoof leans against the cello you made, her raven-black hair drooping across it.
> She looks exhausted from the performance.
> Then again you did kind of spring this on her.
> With a little bow the two of you leave the stage where five ponies await.
> They all wore expensive suits and ties.
> Fiddlesticks was among them still wearing her own homemade dress.
> It looked like your work here was done, Octavia would now hoof pick her producer.
> A feeling of pride filled you as you gave Octavia a little nudge and a smile.
> That smile however faded as the first stallion pushed past her and walked up to you.
> "I have never seen talent like that before, and from an exotic being such as yourself too!" The first stallion claimed happily as the others honed in on you.
> This was not going to plan!
> It wasn't supposed to be you that they liked!
> Before the last of your vision was crowded by the producer ponies you can see the rather pissed off Octavia in the background.
> The pride in you turned to guilt and shame as they all started offering you contracts.
> By the time you managed to get through them all, Octavia was already gone.
> Your cello packed in its black case sitting against the wall.
> This was not what you wanted at all...
> Even fiddlesticks left, her instrument nowhere to be seen.
> Sadly, every direction you went, you came across a producer pony of some sort.
> You were a goddam luthier, not a violinist! If only these ponies could see that.
> "Sir I have to say the three of you make amazing music!" Another stallion claimed.
> You really had enough of this shit, it was about time you fixed this.
"Yes, yes, I’m sorry but I really must be going."
> your tone was bitter from the constant bickering.
> Turning around your eyes lock onto the ballroom doors.
> "I wanted to offer you all a contract!" The stallion yelled out.
> This got you to stop dead in your tracks.
> A contract that involved Octavia and Fiddlesticks?
> Turning back to the pony you walk up to him, he smiles warmly as you stop in front of him.
"All three of us?"
> The pony nods, "Yes, you the cello and the bass. I say this could be revolutionary!"
"What’s your name again?"
> You don't want to be rude to the pony that might have just saved your ass.
> "I'm Mr. Quartertone. I think it's safe to say you will be considering my proposition?" he ends off in questioning tone.
"I really do need to be going. Is there another time we can talk about this contract another time?"
> Funny thing is this isn't even the least professional you have been.
> Once again you look around the ballroom, Octavia and her sister still missing.
> "Of course, here's my card. I'll make time for you... say... two days’ time, Friday. does that fit your schedule?"
> heh, you schedule.
> You nod as he levitates a business card your way.
"Works for me."
> Plucking it from his magical grasp you look it over.
> 'The music hole, 69 horseshoe lane'
> Your right eye twitched.
> Not from the innuendo, but that he managed to steal your name.
> Then again how could you not go for something sexual when your street number is 69.
> Poor foals of Canterlot are going to be so confused when they see their parents laughing at it.
> "I hope all of us can come to an agreement." Quartertone states as he hoofs you his... well... hoof.
> A quick shake and the two of you split.
> Him to other nobles and producers, while you go off hunting for Octavia and fiddlesticks.
> You were pretty sure that they left the gala altogether.
> You know you would if your friend seemingly backstabbed you.
> Grimacing at the thought you push through the crowd towards the ballroom doors.
> Ponies all around were trying to stop you for a chat.
> You just ignored them.
> Simply plowing past.
> You even think you pushed one so hard they tripped and face planted into a punch bowl.
> Fuck reputation, you had to fix this before it got out of hand.
> Outside the castle was what you expected it to be, dark and cold as fuck.
> Thankfully the Canterlot weather team has yet to schedule any snow storms yet.
> Maybe they lay off when it comes to Canterlot.
> You know to make it look prettier and shit.
> 'But wouldn't that cause some sort of disturbance in weather patterns?' you think to yourself.
> 'Oh right they don't have natural weather here, plus magic.' With that problem solved you head off down the cold cobblestone streets.
> Your tuxedo doing little to shelter you from the harsh winter winds.
> Yet that does not stop you from searching for the two mares.
> In fact, it made you want to find them more.
> If they were out here this late at night they could run into some serious trouble.
> "You really shouldn't have done that..." A stallion spoke out from behind you.
> Turning around you come to see that prick of a producer with a little smirk on his face.
"Consider it payback for spitting on my fucking shoe. You’re lucky I didn't punt your pony ass across Canterlot."
> You spit out.
> "My, my what a colorful vocabulary you have there. No matter, after our encounter here you will learn not to mess around with me." The producer stated as two more ponies approached from behind you.
> Truth be told you were never the one for fighting and here you are being surrounded by three ponies.
> Each one looking like a body builder on roids.
> Silence fell between the four of you as they slowly advanced. Your mind attempting to find an easy way out of this situation.
> Which for you was an escape plan, no way you were winning this.
> Sadly, before you can even think of acting the first stallion bucked you right in the stomach sending you tumbling down the street.
> With your luck you manage to land right in front of the producer pony.
> He smiles wickedly at you before kicking your downed body.
> Each kick felt like a freight train slamming against you, the cold of winter forgotten as the adrenaline attempts to cover up the pain.
> After another kick lands your mind starts to yell at you.
> 'You going to let these ponies beat the shit out of you?' you asked yourself as another bolt of pain shoots through your right side.
> You don't know how much of this you can take.
> 'Well what can I do? I can't even get up?' You question yourself.
> You’re not insane you promise!
> your sure everyone has these voices in their head.
> The producer pony takes this time to stomp on your stomach completely winding you.
> Grasping for air your body does something you never thought it would do.
> Without even thinking your right arm shot out punching on of the producer pony in the jaw.
> 'Ah fuck that hurt!' You claim mentally as you bring your fist back cradling it.
> The stallion, on the other hand, backpedaled before tipping over out cold.
> 'Really? that’s all it too-' Was all you could say before the other pony bucked you in the head.
> Hello darkness my old friend.
> I've come to talk with you again.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zLfCnGVeL4
> Just like that you were out like a old street lamp.
> Your entire body going limp with a small smirk on your face.
> At least you got to punch that asshole in the muzzle.
> Honestly you didn't think that Canterlot ponies were willing to even start a fight.
> You would think their way to deal with things would be talking it out.
> Obviously, you were wrong.

> You are fiddlestick, bet you didn't expect that one.
> Because... you know... no one wants to be fucking fiddlesticks.
> Even fiddlesticks didn’t want to be herself right now as she attempted to calm Octavia down.
> You knew Anon's intentions crystal clear.
> It really sucked that it would play over like this.
> Octavia here took it the complete opposite way than you were thinking she would.
> She had it set in her mind that he was out to get her, just like every other pony in Canterlot.
> So seeing Anon struggle to get rid of all those ponies you did him a solid and continued to look after Octavia.
> Which to be truthful wasn't that bad.
> While she was royally pissed off -set on the idea that Anon is literally the cancer of this world- she managed to keep her perfectional demeanor.
> No doubt from being a cellist, and a business mare.
> If there’s anything you know about your sister, it’s that she can keep it cool.
> But Celestia have mercy on your soul when she blows her top off.
> You did it once and you learned your lesson.
> "I can't believe that he would do that! Use me as a tool to get his own hoof in the door!" Octavia huffed as she turned into another street.
"I told you this a hundred times Octi that was not what he was planning on happening."
> "How do you know?" Octavia stopped and turned towards you.
> "How do you know this was not secretly his plan all along. He was using you too!"
"Because he made that Celestia damned cello for you!" You slammed your hooves against your mouth.
> Anon told you to keep that a secret.
> You thought it was obvious, but apparently, Octavia didn't know if her expression said anything.
> Octavia seemed to be in a perpetual state of shock until she shook herself out of it.
> Which would kinda make the word perpetual useless there, but fuck you let me use big words!
> "I don't believe you-"
> You’re really tired of her shit and the cat was out of the bag so you just budded into her sentence to lay in the finishing blow.
"Use your brain for once and think about it! Not even a day after you visited him in his shop he started working on that cello."
> "That’s just a coincidence."
> Okay maybe it wasn't really the final blow in this argument, but you’re sure the next one will me.
> reaching back into the base case you've been lugging around you produce a couple small pieces of paper.
> before she could object you shoved them in her face.
"Fine, don't want to believe your sisters own words then maybe this will set you right. I got these from Anon."
> With a humph you sit down on your haunches and watch her read the papers.
> Each one detailing how the gala was supposed to go down, along with the sheet music for the various songs you all played.
> As she read through the multitude of sheets her emotions changed visibly.
> From anger to neutral, neutral to confused, then finally from confused to... embarrassed? wat?
> This was really not the expression you were expecting.
> guilty is probably how you would have felt, maybe even a bit sad for leaving the poor guy to handle all the producers.
"You get it now? He was doing this solely for you. Don't know why, but when he came to talk to me he made his point pretty clear."
> Octavia stood in her spot shuffling a bit as played around with her hoof on the cobblestone street.
> "But my career-"
> And that’s when you slapped the sense back into her.
> "What in Tartarus Fiddlesticks! That hurt!" Octavia yells as she rubs the sore spot on her face.
> You smacked her so hard you think you might have leveled up your strength by one.
> only thing left to do now is roll the charisma check and see if it was all worth it.
"Who the buck cares about your career! If I had a stallion doing this for me I would be bending over for him!"
> "How could you say that! My future is in my career not in Anon."
> Damn looks like you rolled a 1.
> You really hoped that she would have got your point, maybe even acted upon it.
> But it looks like she won’t budge, just like everything else you try to push on her.
"Okay."
> You say in a disappointed and defeated tone.
> "What?" Octavia asks when she hears the sudden change in tone.
"You win. I'll go back and help Anon out, you can continue what you were doing."
> Once again Octavia was speechless, but that didn't really matter now did it.
> She failed to realize what you were getting at, and perhaps she never will.
> With everything you could do said and done you turn around and start walking back to the castle.
> Octavia behind you, her face stoic as she holds the papers you gave her in her hoof.
> A couple seconds pass and you turn the corner out of Octavia’s view.
> The gala was a bust
> Anon’s and Octavia’s relationship hit 'buck you island'
> And now you feel like shit for being in the middle of it.
> With a large sigh you turn the next corner.
> And immediately scream as you see Anon laying on the cobblestone street in a pool of his own blood.
> 'No no no no' You yell to yourself as you run to his side.
> This night was just getting worse and worse by the second and this could be the icing on the rather cynical cake.
> He wasn't moving at all which furthered your worry.
> You knew nothing about first aid, which in turned started to make you have a mini panic attack.
> Okay maybe it wasn't mini per say, but the panic and attack part was pretty accurate.
> Let’s be honest here, who wouldn't be having one with your best friend laying on the ground bleeding out.
> The chill of the early winter air was forgotten by you reach down to check his pulse.
> Thankfully it was there, which led you to immediately get up and race back where Octavia stood.
> However, turning the corner you come to find her gone.
> 'of course' You state rolling your eyes as you race back to Anon’s body.
> The blood pool had gotten bigger.
> It had to be today didn't it.
> The one day that everpony and their mothers were at the gala.
> All the shops littering the walls were closed and there was not one single pony wondering the streets.
> The only light that held any hope was the fact that you knew where the hospital in Canterlot was.
> That light was quickly snuffed out when you realize it's on the other side of the city.
> Looking down at anon you give him a small wry smirk.
"You’re going to owe me big time."
> With that said you dropped your base and grabbed the back of his tuxedo with your mouth.

> You are Anon and you don't feel too well.
> Currently your stomach is in a civil war with your intestines which resulted in a quite abrupt wake-up.
> And by abrupt you mean projectile vomit into the nearest bucket.
> Which was conveniently placed next to you.
> Awh fuck your in a hospital.
> The event of the past came flooding back into your mind as you started to regain your senses.
> With one of them being pain.
> What would you do without it.
> Probably bite your tongue off but nevertheless your whole body ached.
> Those ponies sure know how to kick a man while he’s on the ground that’s for sure.
> at least you have this soft gray pillow on your lap.
> Wait a minute...
> Looking down at the gray object you come to see Octavia sound asleep.
> 'Oh now she’s here when I get sent to the fucking hospital. Girls never change do they.' You say to yourself as the door swings open.
> "Anon! You're awake!" Fiddlesticks yells out in glee.
> Octavia, on the other hand, mimicked a cat and jumped about two feet before landing on her flank.
> You really wish you had a camera to record that.
> Shit was funny.
> Nevertheless fiddlesticks continued her vector like a sidewinder.
> With no chaff at your disposal, you were left defenseless as the pony slammed into your already hurting body.
> Once again 'ow'
> You think it’s safe to assume that these ponies don’t get into this situation a lot.
> Which is good for them, but bad for you.
> As you have to now deal with the onslaught of their uninformed minds.
"In... a lot of... pain.. here"
> You manage to get out with your jagged breath.
> Hearing your words fiddlesticks dematerializes and rematerializes beside Octavia.
> "Hehe sorry, you were out for two days I’m just a bit relieved." She covers up.
> Wiggling into a more comfortable position you spark the conversation.
"One hell of a gala am I right?"
> Octavia not being ready for the blunt joke let out a little giggle before covering her muzzle delicately.
> The mood, however, was killed when both of their expressions drop.
> You weren't going to have any of this so you pushed on with the good news you had.
"I managed to get a producer to contract all three of us."
> You state trying your hardest to lighten the mood.
> Both of their ears twitched at that.
> Brining Octavia to be the first one to enter the conversation.
> "I don't think it matters anymore." She commented, her head hanging low.
> You don't know much about hospital greetings, but aren’t they supposed to be happy?
> Fiddlesticks had it right at the beginning, but right now it seems like you kicked her newborn baby.
"Alright, something’s wrong and you two are going to tell me."
> They both look at each other, none of them wanting to be the bearer of bad news.
> But no matter how long they try and stall, they know it has to be said.
> Fiddlesticks looks at Octavia one more time before backing down.
> Seeing her sister’s movements Octavia takes a step towards the hospital bed.
> Her head still hung low.
> All of this anticipation is starting to gnaw on your nerves.
> You were never the one for waiting on bad news and here you are doing just that.
> Really is funny how the world works sometimes.
> Taking a deep breath Octavia relays the information you sought.
> "I'm really sorry Anon, but you lost your right hand." Octavia claims
> 'WHAT' You yell in your head as you quickly tear off the hospital covers.
> What greeted you was just a stump.
"RIGHTY NOOOOOOO"
> You yell out as you realize that self-pleasure is going to be way more difficult now.
> Attempting to keep up with the situation, your mind goes into overdrive as more and more thoughts enter your mind.
> Within seconds you're once again passed out.
> A couple hours later you awaken
> Octavia and fiddlesticks are still there having a small conversation with each other as they munch on some hospital food.
> You, on the other hand, sat up slowly and brought your new stump into your view.
> Out of all the hands it just had to be the right one.
> "How are you holding up there Anon?" Octavia asks seeing your emotionless stare.
> Slowly turning your head around you look at Octavia.
> Your mind not really processing anything at the moment.
> Was this what shock felt like?
> Because you don't like it, not one bit.
> "You want something to eat? maybe a drink?" She asks again only reviving the same silent treatment.
> It wasn't like you didn't want to reply, it was that you couldn't.
> Your body refused the words to come out of your mouth like a Christian mother refuses her son to swear.
> Except here you would rather take the beating.
> So instead of vocalizing your thoughts you simply nodded your head.
> Your throat was dry while your stomach was empty.
> Something to eat and drink would be heavenly right about now.
> Letting a little smile escape her lips she gets up and wonder out of the room in search for said items.
> Leaving you alone with fiddlesticks.
> This was going to be fun.
> That was sarcasm in case no one caught that.
> "So how’s it going stubby." Fiddlesticks bluntly claims.
> It was so out of the left field that you couldn't help but let out a little chuckle.
> Which in turned made the pain in your stomach rise.
> Whoever said laughter is the best medicine was a big fat liar.
"better than you look."
> you barely get the words out of your mouth.
> It felt like someone was cleaning your throat with sandpaper.
> Fiddlesticks blows a raspberry your way as she continues the conversation.
> "Octavia feels really guilty for what happened to you. When you were out she kept telling me that it was all her fault."
> You kinda saw this one coming.
> She was the reason you ran out of the castle, so something like this was inevitable.
"I'm assuming you told her otherwise?"
> You cough out.
> Dear Jesus that hurt like a son-of-a-bitch.
> "Yeah, but you know Octavia. Always so stubborn, she gets that from our dad."
> you raise your eyebrow at this, Octavia talked about her family but never really went into detail about it.
> A question that you would have to ask later.
> Right now you didn't really feel like talking, for obvious reasons.
> Time seemed to fly by before Octavia once again entered the room.
> A glass of water and a lowly apple on a tray in her grasp.
> Placing the tray onto your lap Octavia sits back down beside her sister.
> "So what are you going to do now?" fiddlesticks asks as you take a large swig of the water.
> The cold liquid felt heavenly as it slowly cured the soreness in your throat.
> if you listened closely you could hear the words 'Bless the rains down in Africa!' echo.
"I have no idea. I already missed my ride home, and re-learning how to be a luthier is going to be hard with only my left hand."
> At least now you could talk without wanting to kill yourself.
> You are actually quite proud of with how much you said there.
> before anyone could say anything the door to the room opened again revealing a pony with a cross on his flank.
> "Mr. Anonymous." The doctor stated as he walked up to the bed with a small clipboard in his magical grasp.
"Give it to me straight doc, how long do I have left?"
> Your little joke seemed to lighten the mood a bit.
> "Very funny, but now that your awake we have no reason to keep you here. All your wounds have been healed leaving only a little bit of soreness behind." He lectures.
> Little bit my ass, it hurts to just sit here.
"Kicking me out already?"
> You ask looking rather worried.
> It would have been better if you had at least a day to plan on what to do.
> You had no place to stay, not to mention no money to pay for another ticket.
> "Yes." was the doctors simple answer as he floated over the clipboard over to you.
> On the clipboard you could see multiple lines where they needed your signature. On the top in bold letters was the phrase 'Release Form'.
> letting out a sigh you comply with the doctor's wishes and sign all the necessary paperwork.
> At least the health care system is free here.
> Once you hand him the papers he gives you a small smile and leaves.
> "I already have plans to stay at a friend’s till the next open train arrives. I can help you find a place to stay tonight if you want." Fiddlesticks states.
"But I got no bits to my name. I didn't think I would be buying anything here."
> "you can stay with me." Octavia blurts out.
> You and fiddlesticks both turn your heads to look at her thinking the same thing.
> She answered that way too fast.
> Fast forward a couple hours because getting out of a hospital is not as eventful as one may think.
> Literally the only thing skipped here is piles of paperwork.
> which was much harder now that you only have your left hand.
> Like what the fuck was that pony thinking?
> Right handed people use their left hand to play notes on the violin.
> Nevertheless you’re going to have to start from the ground up.
> Holding the bow will never be the same again.
> Waving farewell to the hospital staff they give their hollow goodbyes in return.
> Why you even give fucks is an enigma, but someone has to do it.
> Maybe if you give them out here it will balance out for all the people back home.
> Who are you kidding, there's no species out there that can balance that shit.
> Either way, your quite happy that Octavia is taking you in, what a bro she's turning out to be.
> As if sheltering you wasn't enough she also agreed to help with your stump problem.
> Since ponies don’t have fingers anyways she thought that she could teach you how she does it.
> And here you thought it was magic.
> The world truly works in wondrous ways.
> Oh how you wish you were actually this optimistic right now.
> The truth is, you miss righty.
> You miss him so much that you would press f to pay respects.
> "Alright, so you ready to go?" Octavia asks as she wraps her lavender scarf around her neck.
> It's a nice piece of clothing you'll say that much, it brings out her eyes.
> The only thing missing here is some nice fuzzy earmuffs.
"Yeah, just about"
> You state picking up your violin that Fiddlesticks so kindly brought back from the castle.
> With all your possessions on, you join Octavia by her side.
> She gives you a warm smile before opening the hospital doors.
> And holy fuck it's Christmas!
> Lights were strung from building to building, trees were decorated with ornaments, and ponies wearing festive gowns.
> To top it all off everything was layered with soft white snow.
> The only thing wired was that large ass candy cane just chilling by the street.
> You were so shocked by the sudden change in scenery that Octavia had to shake you out of it.
> "Anon, anon... Anon you okay?!" She blurted out.
"Huh, oh yeah... let’s get going."
> Fucking Pegasus and their weather manipulation.
> It always gets you.
> You've seen this happen twice before and yet it still catches you off guard.
> Guess old habits die hard.
> By the time your mind settled down you and Octavia arrived at your destination.
> To say it was a bit run down was an understatement.
> Guess you didn't really know what to expect in all honesty.
> Something downtown, or maybe an apartment.
> Instead she lived in a small house that would probably fail standard building code regulations.
> Not like you minded at all, you've lived in far worse places.
> the thought alone sends shivers up your spine as you and Octavia walk into the house.
> "Sorry about the mess, I would have cleaned up if I knew somepony was coming over." She claimed
> walking through the door frame was like walking through a portal to another dimension.
> The inside looked immaculate.
> She managed to make the rundown appearance work by giving it a nice cozy cottage feel.
> And mess, where the hell was it! The floor looked so clean that R. Lee Ermey could eat his dinner off it.
> Thinking it over it kind of made sense.
> She's a minmaxer at heart.
> A true business mare.
> Take the old rundown lot and turn it into something way more valuable.
> You heard of this before back on earth, house flipping is what they called it.
> If she's already doing it, then she's probably on her way to becoming a millionaire.
> But her true passion was not for flipping real estate prices, no.
> What brought joy to her world was sitting in the corner of the room on a nice little stand.
> Not one but two cellos stood side-by-side, their willow wood glistening in the light the fireplace brought.
> As soon as you saw it you couldn't help but wander towards it.
> The one on the right was the very same cello you made.
> "That engraving on the neck is what made me change my mind about you. I didn't think you would add onto it." Octavia stated with a small smile.
> This mare...
"Well... how could I not."
> Octavia's smile grows as she disappears into the next room.
> "I don't have an extra bed, so I hope you don’t mind sleeping on the couch." Octavia commented.
"I'm more than comfortable sleeping on the couch."
> You confirm as you tear your gaze from the two cellos and follow Octavia into the next room.
> Not knowing the layout of this house you soon find yourself following her all the way to her room.
> Which was pretty small as to be expected from this property.
> Only a bed, closet, and desk were occupying this small space and just like before she managed to make it hold that cottage feel.
"I wish my house was this cozy."
> Octavia's ears perk up as she puts away some items.
> As she does so you take note of the pictures littering her desk.
> Some of them you can see her with Fiddlesticks while others you couldn't guess the ponies name to save your life.
> That’s probably because you never even seen the ponies in the picture before.
> "You always invade mare’s rooms when they invite you over?" Octavia rustles you from your thoughts.
"Hey, I was just following you."
> You retort while continuing to look around the room.
> Octavia rolls her eyes as she trots past you into the main room.
> "You hungry?" she asks.
"I can eat. As long as it’s not that food paste that the hospital serves."
> Taking one last glance around her room you walk back out.
> "Are you implying my cooking is as bad as the hospitals?" Octavia questions with her sly tone.
> This 'cat and mouse' game was starting to get annoying, but you'll put up with it for the sake of staying here.
> Following her voice you enter find yourself in the kitchen.
> Nothing really special, a normal kitchen you would assume everyone in Equestria had.
> Her wood stove was burning dimly, casting a gentle amber glow around the room.
> There wasn't anywhere really to take a seat so you just opted to lean against the wall.
"Can't say anything till I eat it, now can I?"
> Octavia graces you with another one of her smiles.
> "Alright chef Anon, sit down I’ll be done soon." Octavia states as she plops a pan down on the oven before collecting some items.
> Before long the pan is sizzling and you can see Octavia flipping the contents to the other side.
> Following your hosts wishes you leave the kitchen and head towards the main living room.
> It doesn’t take long before your settled down on the couch, looking out into the snow-covered streets.
> Traffic in Canterlot at this hour was pretty slow, enabling you to take in the beautiful view.
> Cold cobblestone patches peaked out of the snow ever so often, as the lonely lamps stood vigilant throughout the cold night.
> The passage of time was left behind as your mind started to wonder
> You had a lot ahead of you, things would only get harder from here on out.
> Not to mention you have to talk to Mr. Quartertone about his proposal.
> "Here," came the soft voice of Octavia as she hoofed you a plate.
"Thanks."
> You reply taking it.
> She seemed to have figured out your one weakness.
> Grilled cheese and tea.
> Octavia slides in next to you as the both of you mow down on your respected meals.
> Her cooking wasn't perfect, but nor was it horrible.
> It was just a nice normal grilled cheese.
"So how long do you think it's going to take for me to get back on my feet?"
> You ask taking a sip of the tea.
> "I don't think it'll take long, maybe two or three weeks of practice." Octavia replied.
> While you wanted to believe her, something told you it was going to take much longer than that.
> Hell, just writing those release forms for the hospital was a task.
> Either way as you continued to look out of the window onto the streets your worries started to wash away.
> As if the divines were watching over you now, snow started to gently make its way down.
> "I'm really sorry for what happened." Octavia broke the silence
> You could sense the tension and fight happening within her from where you sit.
> Stating the opposite is probably the right thing to do here, but you opted to pull her in with your arm.
> Octavia didn't seem to resist as she leaned her body against yours.
> Her eyes dancing from snowflake to snowflake.
> Your wordless phrase seemingly saying more than you could ever relay verbally.
> This is nice.
> Sitting here with Octavia.
> The soft rhythmic breaths of Octavia peaked your interest.
> Looking over, you come to see Octavia sound asleep against you.
> If losing your right hand was what caused this, then you wouldn't mind losing your left as well.
> Soon a smile of your own comes to see the light.
> As much as you wanted to stay awake the sleepy mare beside you convinced you otherwise.
> Her rhythmic breathing, your full stomach, and beautiful relaxing view slowly started to get to you.
> Every passing second your eyelids got heavier.
> A few moments later and your head was leaned against hers with your consciousness slowly fading.
> Sleep came easily.
> You only wish that the morning could have come just as easily.
> Sadly, Celestia wasn't feeling too happy today and placed the sun at just the right height to weave between the city buildings and bombard your eyes.
> You really wish you could blame her but it was pretty much your fault for her current state.
> What with her now trying to solve the Rubik's cube, life was going to get pretty frustrating for her.
> Little did she know those things actually have an algorithm to them.
> Shielding your eyes from the sun’s rays you get ready to tackle the day ahead of you.
> Well you were ready till you realized the weight against your right side.
> 'Right, Octavia’s still sleeping.' You deduced from the gray fuzz ball hugging onto your right arm.
> With excellent stealth you slide your arm out of her grasp, stand up, and slowly proceed to trip over a lone ripple in the carpet causing you to fall back onto Octavia.
> Now this wasn't a traditional anime style 'fall on top of a girl in a very sexual way while she slowly states "Anon-kun."' no this was more like your ass full on slammed into her chest.
> Which of course caused her to yelp, making you shoot right back up tripping on the same ripple and faceplanting onto the nice hardwood floor.
> Fuck mornings, like really... F.U.C.K, mornings.
> Having regained her senses Octavia jumped off the couch and wandered over to you.
> Not wanting to make this any more awkward she handed you her hoof before saying, "Tea?"
> This mare, you’re going to marry this mare.
> Grasping her hoof you forget your weight and actually use it to pull you up.
> This, of course, causes Octavia now to fall on you.
> Of course when she fall's though its lewd as fuck.
> She’s full on straddling you now.
> 'is it getting hot in here or what?' you ask yourself as Octavia's face starts to burn red.
> As stated in the laws of the universe: "Fuck over Anon."
> And just like that Fiddlesticks came walking through the front door not even bothering to knock.
> Seeing the sight she lets out a nice big smile.
> "Well I can see the two of you made up." She stated with her sly smile.
> Octavia wanting to save what little rep she had left jumped off and immediately started to explain what went down.
> You, of course, were still laying on the ground, mind trying to process everything.
> If you listened closely you could even hear the dial-up connection within your brain.
> Man you miss the internet.
> Hearing Fiddlesticks laughing you shake your head and regain your bearings.
> "Looks like you had and entertaining morning." Fiddlesticks comments.
"It would seem so."
> All signs of embarrassment from Octavia’s end was gone.
> Like a professional she is, she easily tossed her thoughts away.
"So, tea?"
> Octavia's ears twitch at that
> "Oh but of course!" She claims before cantering off towards the kitchen.
> You and Fiddlesticks, however, stay in the main room.
"You always burst into your sister’s house without knocking?"
> Your question brings Fiddlesticks out of her thoughts.
> "Well duh, we're sisters! We're supposed to be annoying to one and another." She claimed like it was the most obvious thing ever.
> "Plus if she wanted some privacy she would have locked the door." Fiddlesticks continued.
> You roll your eyes at her.
> You'll never get girls, and that statement seems to carry on over to Equestria.
> Shortly after Octavia comes out of the kitchen with three tea cups, a kettle and a platter of jammy dodgers.
> Oh god it's been so long since you had jammy dodgers and tea.
> You can practically feel the European atmosphere filling the room.
> Placing all the items on the coffee table you all take your respected seats across from each other.
> Wasting no time you pick up a jammy dodger and shove it in your mouth.
> Holy fuck was it good.
> If your life was one big green, you would assume the reader would be drooling by now.
> Before the taste leaves your mouth you grab the tea cup and down the tea with it.
> While it did burn your throat, the taste was worth it.
> Fiddlesticks looked at you with an unamused expression.
> Octavia, on the other hand, followed you in suit.
> While the tea and jammy dogers depleted the conversation took over.
"About Mr. Quarternote's proposition, are you guys feeling up to it?"
> You asks taking the last sips of your delicious green tea.
> "I would be more than happy to join in on this collaborative contract." Octavia obviously accepted.
> What you didn't expect was for Fiddlesticks to shoot you down like a C-47 over Omaha beach in 1944
> "Sorry Anon, but I have a job back in Ponyville that I have to look after." She claimed.
> It was true, you did kind of spring this on her.
> You look towards Octavia,
> She looks back at you with hope in her eyes.
> If you don't come up with a solution, her career might be over.
> All due to your silly stunt.
> In all honesty, your starting to regret doing it.
> You wonder if Octavia and Fiddlesticks both feel the same way.
> Was all your effort for nothing?
> Well one thing was for certain if you kept sitting here twiddling your thumbs then it would be for nothing.
"I see, I won’t force you into this contract."
> You then proceed to look over to Octavia, her head was held low.
"But, I'll go over to Mr. Quarternote’s place and see if we can find a work around with just the two of us."
> Hearing your words she lifts her head up a bit.
> That’s all you needed, just a little bit of positivity to get things rolling.
> "So I guess it's safe to assume you're not coming back to Ponyville for a while then?" Fiddlesticks questions.
> You nod before Octavia enters the conversation.
> "I'll come with you to Mr. Quarternote’s place. Maybe with both of us there we can strike up a deal."
> With a plan now set, Octavia gets up and starts to take the dishes back into the kitchen.
> This meant she left you and fiddlesticks alone.
> Which is never a good thing.
> Turning your head you come to see her smiling at you.
> Like you said, never a good thing...
> "Take care of her Anon." She states in a serious tone.
> Wait, what? Fiddlesticks is never this serious.
"I think you should be saying that to Octavia, not me. She's the one taking care of me right now."
> You counter with a small chuckle.
> Fiddlesticks gets a long look on her face.
> "Not all scars are visible." She says just above a whisper.
> You're pretty sure you heard what she said, but just to confirm you say,
"What was that?"
> Before Fiddlesticks could repeat what she said Octavia walks back into the room.
> "Nothing." She dismisses before looking over to Octavia.
> "So, I'll get out of your way. Say hi to Mr. Quarternote as well as an apology." She continued.
> Octavia nods to her sister as all of you headed towards the front door.
> Fiddlesticks and Octavia adorned scarfs both matching their eye color.
> Octavia, however, took it a step further and put on some puffy earmuffs.
> By the time you and Octavia split apart from Fiddlesticks; you're starting to wish you had a pair for yourself.
> "Do you think he will change the terms?" Octavia asked, her breath visible in the cold winter air.
> You've been pondering this very question since you left the house.
"I honestly don't know. He proposed the idea with all three of us in mind."
> While you wanted to brighten up the atmosphere, you didn't want to give her false hope.
> Octavia glances ahead to see where she's going before re-centering her attention onto you.
> She had a little smile on her lips.
> The way she has to look up to meet your eyes made it that much cuter.
> "Any plan B's?" She claimed tilting her head to the side.
"You know as well as I do the answer to that question."
> You joke back.
> Octavia lets out a little snort in response.
> "As weird as this may sound, I wouldn't want it any other way."
> You cast her a raised eyebrow.
> "What? Sometimes it's nice going with the flow." Octavia continued once she saw your expression.
> Just before you were about to reply to that, the both of you find yourselves in front of Mr. Quarternote’s humble abode.
> Nothing really special, then again you didn't really expect anything else.
> Only the 'snobby' ponies owned the big house and Quarternote didn't really strike you as the 'snobby' type.
> Not one to waste anyone's time you walk up to the door and knock.
> Hopefully he wouldn't mind you missing the appointment.
> Hell he better, or else he's the one going to be begging.

> With a loud creak the old oak door swung open revealing Mr. Quarternote
> "Ah, Mr. Anonymous, how great it is to see you again!"
> Well at least he's not holding a grudge for skipping the meeting both of you scheduled at the gala.
"Y-you too."
> Octavia feacehoofed beside you.
> Why the fuck do you have to be so god damned awkward in the worst places.
> Nevertheless, he gestured for you and Octavia to enter the estate.
> Following his lead you both passed the threshold of the door.
> Just like Octavia’s house the inside was way nicer to look at.
> He had hoof drawn paintings adorning the walls, red velvet carpet spanning the hallway.
> Real swanky place if you must say so.
> And you do say so!
> As the three of you walked down the hallway the oak door slammed shut behind you.
> The only items lighting the hallway were expertly spaced candles radiating a nice warmth that filled the house.
> "So where is Mrs. Fiddlesticks?" Asked Quarternote.
"That’s actually something I would like to discuss with you today."
> Quarternote raised his brow at this but kept his mouth shut till the actual discussion.
> The more you spend time with this producer the more you like him.
> Chill, calm, collected, business savvy and knows when to draw the line.
> You just hope that he'll still accept to your new terms.
> "Ah, here we are." Quarternote commented as he led you into a relatively spacious office room.
> A solitary desk sat in the middle of the room accompanied by three chairs.
> One behind it and the other two in front.
> Making his way around the desk he sat down.
> "Let’s get down to business, shall we?" He claimed gesturing to the other two seats in front of him.
> Both you and Octavia nodded before seating yourselves in the two chairs.
> As soon as she sat down Octavia immediately took off her accessories.
> Since you didn't have any you simply started the discussion.
"I would like to start off talking about Fiddlesticks."
> Once again Mr. Quarternote raised his eyebrow.
> "Yes, what is it that you wish to discuss about her?" He questioned
"She doesn't wish to join."
> You liked being straight to point, no need for tedious how’s and whys.
> And now you have an image of Farengar in your head.
> Great, just great.
> Quarternote let out a long sigh before scratching the back of his head
> "This really throws a wrench into my plans..." Quarternote trailed off.
> "I'm sure we can make this work out as a duet," Octavia stepped in.
> Quarternote stopped scratching and placed his two hooves onto the desk.
> "There's no doubt we can make a duet work, the trio just had that spark to it." Quarternote claimed with a long look in his eyes.
> You know what he's talking about.
> A duet is probably done a lot around here, but a trio is kind of unique.
> Then again you're a luthier first a violinist second.
> Even joining this duet is stretching it.
> In all honesty, while you liked playing the violin the workshop back in Ponyville was calling you.
> Nevertheless, this was to get Octavia going, and you'll pull through to make this work out.
> You've come to like this gray mare with the raven-black hair.
> "This is also not the only problem I assume..." Quarter note trailed off as he looked at your right arm.
> You confirmed his thoughts as you pulled out your stump.
"Just a minor setback."
> This got Quarternote to chuckle, a little humor to lighten the mood.
> "Minor setback, my I wonder what you would call a normal or major setback." Quarternote claimed inbetween his chuckles.
"It's nothing really to worry about. Octavia here said she would help me get used to having no fingers."
> Looking over to Octavia she nodded.
> "Splendid, then how about we talk about our contract now." Quarternote replied
> With a swift flourish of his hooves he brought forth a small scroll.
> "This is the original contract I had in mind when we met at the gala. We'll have to do some adjustments to it to make it work, but I’m sure we can come to an agreement."
> Pushing the scroll forwards you take it in your left hand.
> The scroll might have been small, but the text was even smaller.
> Just from a glance you can tell this is going to be a long meeting.
> And indeed it was a long meeting, four hours to be precise.
> Everything from sheet music to preferred string brands was talked about.
> Thankfully, the meeting started to slow down and the end was finally in sight.
> "Thanks for coming by Mr. Anonymous and you as well Ms. Octavia. I'll have the new contract written up within the next month."
> You and Octavia nodded in response.
> "It was nice talking with you as well Mr. Quarternote." Octavia added.
> Mr. Quarternote let a small smile grace his features.
> And just like that, you went your separate ways.
"Feeling hungry?"
> "Huh, what?" Octavia asked clearly distracted by her accessories.
"I said you feeling hungry?"
> "Oh, yeah I can eat." She replied.
> The two of you walked down the cobblestone streets making idle chit-chat now and then.
> Most of which were about the new contract and how you both had high hopes for it.
> It wasn't till later on in the walk that something noteworthy actually happened.
> As you were talking to Octavia about possible duet songs to play your eye caught sight of a familiar stallion.
> Snapping your head towards him you come to see him walking the other way within a group of ponies.
> The moment you both passed each other on the street he gave you a little wink.
> This snapped what little tolerance you had with the guy.
> Turning around in the attempt to fuck his day up, you come to see him completely gone.
> The massive group he was traveling with gone as well.
> "Everything alright Anon?" Octavia questioned
"Yeah, thought I saw someone I knew."
> You reply back as both of you walk up to a random eatery.
> Octavia was the one leading, she said this place was one of her favorites.
> Which now that you look at it is kind of surprising.
> It didn't look high-class, in fact, it kind of looked like that one bar back in Ponyville.
"Joey’s?"
> You stated the name of the establishment out loud.
> "They serve the crispiest hay fries this side of Equestria!" Octavia commented getting all giddy.
"You go here often?"
> Your simple question seemed to have the opposite effect.
> The simple yes answer was replaced by a small blush adorning her muzzle.
> "Not really, it's more for when I'm with company." She claimed.
"Oh, so you and fiddlesticks used to come here?"
> With a brain that thick you might actually survive the blow Octavia wanted to give you.
> Either way, your conversation ended there as the two of you enter the establishment.
> "Hello! and welcome to Joey’s!" Exclaimed a preppy pink mare.
> She stood behind a small podium.
> "Seat for two?" She asked.
"Yes please."

> You're Octavia, the one and only.
> Like how all restaurants work, the two of you followed the mare through the restaurant till you came across a spacious booth.
> You're actually surprised that there was no wait seeing as it was a Saturday.
> Nevertheless, both you and Anon sat down across from each other.
> As all waiters do the pink pony laid down the menus before introducing herself.
> "I'm Sunshine Smiles and I'll be your server for today. Can I start you guy's off with anything to drink?"
> Anon got a simple water while you got a nice red wine.
> With the drinks out of the way Sunshine Smiles wandered off.
> this left you alone with Anon.
> He's actually started to grow on you.
> At first, he was just a luthier that fixed your sister's bow, but now he’s becoming a close friend.
> You over anypony knows that a close friend is really hard to come by
> looking over to Anon you can see that his face is all scrunched up as he looks at the menu.
> Everypony who reads the news knows he has a specific 'diet'.
"Having trouble there?"
> You question him with an amused tone, your two hooves supporting your head.
> To tell the truth, he looked adorable all frustrated like this.
> "Just a bit, why do you ponies put flowers in every dish!" He exclaimed placing the menu down in mock defeat.
"Because they're delicious that’s why. Why don’t you try their spaghetti?"
> Anon mumbled under his breath, something about already having some in his pockets.
> Shaking the thought out of your head Sunshine comes back with the drinks.
> The orders go smoothly, well as smoothly as it was ever going to go with Anon at the table.
> He seemed to be very picky about the spaghetti he ordered.
> You never knew this place served meatballs.
> Guess they have to cover all their bases.
> To tell the truth, you didn't really know Anon all that well.
> Sure you knew each other for quite a while, but you rarely got the chance to actually 'get to know him'.
> Stumbling across that thought you started to take in the surroundings.
> Nice restaurant, decent music a lone candle standing vigil in the middle of the table.
> 'Is this a date?' you ask yourself.
> Shrugging the thought out of your head you act on what you thought before.
> Getting to know Anon.
"What was it like suddenly appearing in Equestria?"
> Your question hangs in the air.
> Anon no doubt heard it because his attention is now directed at you.
> Seconds pass and still he has not said anything.
> You're starting to think that maybe asking that wasn't the wisest thing to do.
> He probably misses his home.
> All you're doing is opening up an old wound.
> Panic starts to set in, you didn't mean it like that.
> what if he takes it the wrong way!
> Is it getting hard to breath in here?
> "It was nice," Anon responded.
> Nice! Nice? *tongue click* noice.
> He was taken away from his world! How is that nice!
> "Never really got any attention back home. Sometimes it's nice to be in the spotlight."
> Oh, that actually makes a bit of sense.
> "Thankfully by the time it got annoying the press stopped bugging me and ponies ceased screaming."
> Anon gets this glossy look in his eyes, no doubt remembering the glory days in the spotlight.
"Well, you do perform well in it."
> "In what?" Anon replies moving his thousand-yard stare to you.
"The spotlight, you did amazing up there with your violin."
> Your response is a small frown.
> How does he take that negatively!
> The awkward moment doesn’t last however as Sunshine comes back to the table.
> With practice from years of working the same job, Sunshine quickly distributes the food.
> It's sad how such a happy mare is making minimum wage.
> You'll be sure to give her a hefty tip.
> "Is there anything I can get you two?" She asks.
> You and Anon both shake your heads sending Sunshine to some other table.
> Turning your head back to the table you come to see Anon staring at your meal in disgust.
> A small smirk works its way onto your muzzle.
"Want to try some?"
> "Very funny, those flowers would destroy me," replies Anon.
"To each their own."
> What you weren’t expecting, however, was for Anon to turn the tables.
> "You want to try some of mine?" He asks holding out a fork of spaghetti.
> You eye the fork, all you can see is spaghetti wrapped around it.
> With nothing ticking off your Tavi senses you lean in and take a bite.
> And instantly regret it.
> That smug bastard covered a meatball with the spaghetti!
> Even now you see him laughing it off as you spit it out onto the table.
> If he wanted to play it dirty, you were going to play dirty.
> You may not look like it, but you have a few tricks up your sleeve.
> "Oh man, I didn't think you were going to take the whole thing," Anon comments.
> That’s right laugh it all up now, just you wait. I'll have my revenge.
"I didn't think my friend would try and poison me."
> With his laughter finally dying down, he recomposed himself.
> You were actually quite surprised when he asked you the next question.
> "Do you like it here in the city?"
"Yeah, everything's nearby. I don't think I would be able to live out in the country."
> Anon lets out a little chuckle.
"What’s so funny?"
> "Has anyone told you that you look adorable when you lie?"
"What?!"
> "Your eyes wander to the left and you semi scrunch your muzzle when you lie. It looks adorable."
> Your completely flustered, he's right you were lying. You love it out in the country, it’s quite and relaxing.
“N-No I don’t!”
> “Ha there you go again!” Anon points out.

> Anon is you.
> You lucky smug bastard.
> And this spaghetti is actually good, you were skeptical at first but you're glad you gave it a shot.
> Ponies sure do know how to prepare those meatballs even though they rarely do it.
> Either way, you got Octavia in a pediment.
> As you come to know, ponies suck at lying.
> Hell, each one has their own little thing that gives it away.
> It just so happens that Octavia's 'thing' was pretty cute, even though she doesn’t think so.
> So now you're sitting here munching happily on the spaghetti, sprinkling some pocket parmesan on it every now and then.
> While Octavia blushes furiously as she tries to come up with another clever lie.
> Being the nice person you are, you end her suffering early.
"Anyways, what're we doing after dinner?"
> "I was thinking about starting your lessons today, but that meeting with Quarternote took longer than I expected."
> Seems like Octavia doesn’t have any plans for the night, time to put on your good old Anon charm on her.
> And by charm you mean that you’re going to completely wing it.
> Because winging it has always worked flawlessly for you in the past.
> With that being said the dinner goes by with some small chit chat back and forth.
> All of which was centered around getting to know each other.
> Sunshine comes back to the table and places the bill upside down on the table.
> Instinctively you reach for the bill as does Octavia.
> Within seconds your hand is over Octavia’s.
> If this shit isn't lewd enough you don't know what is.
"I'll pay."
> You claim not taking your hand away.
> Octavia gives you her signature 'really' face.
> "With what money?" She asks.
> Shit, she got you there.
> The only thing you have is spaghetti which is currently spilling out of your pockets.
> Sucking up what little pride you have left, you release your hand.
> You'll just have to repay her some other time.
> Once the bill is paid you and Octavia get back up and exit the establishment.
> The temperature once again dropped, and the sun in the sky was nearing the horizon.
> You don't think you'll ever get over the beauty of this city.
> The winter only seemed to amplify the effect.
> You stand idly by as Octavia reacquires her accessories, she looked all nice and cozy with her scarf and earmuffs.
"Since we don't have much waiting for us back at your place want to take a walk?"
> As she finishes tying the scarf around her neck she happily replies, "Sure, we can go to the park next to my house."
> Flash-forward a couple of minutes and the two of you are walking along the snow-covered paths of the park.
> The lanterns that hang from the trees cast an amber glow that leads the way.
> For the first time in a long-time, things feel right.
> "Don't you just love the winter?" Octavia comments as she leans against your left leg.
"Personally, I like fall, but winter has that nice cozy atmosphere about it."
> Octavia hums in response as the two of you seat yourselves at a nearby park bench.
> The both of you sit there looking out into the park.
> "Aren’t you scared about running into those same ponies that took your hand?" Octavia claims catching you off guard.
> You look to your left to see Octavia once again leaning up against you.
> Her eyes are barely staying open, today was kind of a stressful day what with Mr.Quarternote’s meeting.
> He really went ham on you guys.
"He got the jump on me then, I'm sure I'll get him the next time."
> Octavia chuckles, her eyes getting heavier until she closes them.
> Her little breaths puff out white smoke in the night air.
> Within a couple of seconds Octavia goes completely limp on your side.
> A quick flash blinds you for a second.
> Looking around you find nothing out of the ordinary.
> Looks like you’re getting just as tired as she is.
> Looking back at Octavia a small smile carves its way onto your face.
> Not wanting her to catch a cold you pick up the little pony.
> She’s heavier than you would have thought, but it’s nothing you can’t handle.
> The thing is, a small part of your wishes she could tell when you’re lying too.
> You guess somethings are meant to be done alone.
> Just like lugging this grey furball back to her house.
> At least now you can say that the both of you are even.
> By the time you reached her house the sun had finally dipped below the horizon, presenting yet another problem.
> How the hell were you planning on opening the door with booth your hands full?
> Improv, what else were you thinking? It’s always gonna be like that with you.
> Crouching down you try to put the doorknob as close to your hand as possible.
> You've done this multiple times back at home when coming back from the store so it should be a walk in the park.
> Quickly switching from holding Octavia to twisting the knob you come to realize two things.
> One Octavia is a lot heavier with one hand then you expected, and two the door was fucken locked.
> With the sudden change of weight, you attempt to balance it by stepping back.
> But with winter being well, winter you slip on the cobblestone and fall right on your ass with Octavia.
> FuckenOw.mp3
> Thankfully even with you managing to fuck up something as simple as opening a door. Octavia seems to be still sound asleep.
> Which was cute and all, but really not helping you at the moment because she had the key.
> Or at least you hope she did.
> Nudging little sleeping beauty from her sleep she slowly flutters open her eyes.
> "Has the tea been steeped for an hour Anon dear?"
> Wat?
> Who steeps tea for an hour?
> As Octavia wipes the sleep from her eyes she looks up towards you completely unaware of what she had just said.
> And then goes right back to sleep.
> Welp you tried being nice.
> Time to bring out bad boi Anon.
> Walking over to the side of the path where a nice snowbank lay you promptly toss Octavia in.
> To say the toss was anticlimactic was an understatement.
> She just kinda sat there face down in the snow not moving.
> You can't tell if she's still sleeping or dead.
> With the latter now in your head you move in to make sure your equine friend is okay.
> Unexpectedly, when you bend over to check on her a grey hoof pushes you from behind into the same snow bank.
> you should have seen that one coming with her not moving and all.
> she pulled a classic on you.
> "Its what you deserve for tossing me in" Octavia huffs.
> You reply, but its muffled by the snow.
> "What?" she says with a little giggle.
> Pulling yourself out you once again repeat.
"You wouldn't wake up any other way. Now open the door it's locked."
> Octavia gives you a confused look as she walks up to the door and pushes it open.
> who, what, how?
> you don’t think you quite understand what’s going on here.
> Looks like you're definitely gonna need that strong tea after this one.
> Entering her humble abode once again you both make your way back to the kitchen.
> Octavia immediately fills the kettle and sets it on the stove.
> While you try not to ransack Octavia's kitchen for those delicious jammie dodgers.
> "What are you doing?"
> Okay maybe you were going to ransack her kitchen.
> Who could blame you?
> Those things were perfect with tea.
"Looking for those cookies."
> You now just realize how childish this all was.
> Too bad you don't really give a fuck, being a child was the only thing people said you were good at.
> Rolling her eyes Octavia points to the cupboard above you.
> Opening said cupboard rewards you with the treasure you seek.
> "So, about your living arrangements here."
> Popping a dodger in your mouth you look towards her and nod.
> "You can have the couch. It may not be the comfiest, but its the best I can do until the next train arrives."
> Finishing off the dodger you once again nod as she makes her way out of the kitchen.
> "I'll bring out a blanket and pillow from the linen closet. Just make sure to watch the kettle."
> People still had linen closets?
> To be fair all your life you lived in apartments and shops, so who were you to question it.

> You now exist as Octavia,
> And for some reason butterflies are flying around in your stomach.
> No matter what you do they just keep on flapping away.
> The cause of all this giddiness that would make a school filly blush was obvious.
> The events of today kept playing over and over in your head like a broken record.
> A compromise with the contract, the walk with Anon and him carrying you home.
> It made you think of him less of a friend and more of a gentlecolt.
> You truly wish you had another bed for him.
> But you would be damned if you gave him yours.
> What with him already pillaging your kitchen, who knows what embarrassing things he'll dig up in your room.
> Letting out a sigh of contempt you open the closet and take the spare comforter and pillow out.
> Maybe you'll treat him to breakfast in bed tomorrow?
> Well it would be more like 'breakfast on couch'.
> You know, as a little get well soon gesture.
> Walking by the couch you lazily toss the sheets and pillow on top.
> No need to make things tidy when their gonna be messed up in a couple of minutes.
> With that done and done, you make your way back into the kitchen.
> What greets you is a disaster.
> Anon is running around with a cup, the floor is wet and lastly, the kettle is somehow on fire.
"What the buck is going on in here!"
> "I forgot Mr.Righty was gone," Anon retorts tossing what little water the cup held onto the burning kettle.
> He, of course, misses with his left hand and ends up spilling more water onto the floor.
> You now know why the floors are all wet.
"One job Anon, you had one job!"
> Filling up the cup he once again attempts to toss the water onto the kettle.
> This was going to take all day if he continued.
> So instead, like a normal pony would do; you grabbed the fire extinguisher from the corner and sprayed it onto the fire.
> Within seconds the fire was gone and with it your lovely kettle.
> Grandma Melody gave that kettle to you...
> "It's not my fault your kettle was made out of some sort of flammable material," Anon huffs.
> You wanted to slap him, you really did.
> But since you were the one paying him back, you let it slide.
> This, however, was not going to take away your tea time with Anon.
> In fact, this made you want a nice cup of tea more.
"I guess we'll just have to boil the water the old fashion way,"
> Pulling out a pot, you fill it with water and switch it with the kettle.
> Tossing the kettle into the trash you frown.
> Turning back over to the stove, Anon nudges you with the jammie dodgers box.
> "A jammie for your thoughts?"
> You really, really, wanted to be mad at him.
> But instead a smile came to the surface as you reached into the box.
> Waiting for the water to boil you and Anon opt to sit down by the table.
> Both of you snacking away on the cookies as you wait for the sweet release the tea will give you.
> What you didn't expect, however, was for Anon to go all serious mode on you.
> "Sorry about your kettle. To tell you the truth, there's a part of me that still doesn't believe my right hand’s gone."
> You don't know what to say.
> 'It's alright' probably would have been the right way to respond, but you didn't want to ruin this moment.
> Hoping that he would just continue to talk bring you closer together.
> To tell the truth, it was kinda cool seeing this side of Anon.
> Usually he's aloof and carefree like in the kitchen, but knowing that he can be serious at times is humbling.
> "I guess that's what everyone says though,"
> You watched as Anon let out a small chuckle.
> "Either way, all jokes aside, I'm really happy that you took me in."
> And here comes the butterflies again...
"Think nothing of it,"
> The bubbling water left your reply short and sweet.
> Taking the pot off the burner you pour the contents into two mugs before placing in the tea bags.
> Walking back over to the table with both mugs you come to see Anon staring at his stub.
> It was a somber sight.
> But one that left you thinking.
> What must be going through his head at this moment?
> Whatever it was must have been heartwarming as he let a small smile escape his lips.
> Turning his attention back over to you he grabs his mug.
> "Green I take it?" Anon asks taking a small sip.
"Indeed, it's one of my favorites. I get from the shop just down the road. The owner there grows the plants herself in the shop, so you know you're getting the good stuff."
> You join Anon in taking a sip of the tea.
> Brining it down gently, you wrap your hooves around it to warm up.
> It was nice sitting here in the comfort of your own home chatting idly with another.
> It's been so long since you've had anypony over other than Fiddlesticks.
> Interestingly enough Anon didn't continue the conversation.
> Instead the both of you simply enjoyed the peace and quiet while the snow continued to fall outside.
> Something about drinking tea always brought out this calm atmosphere.
> To you tea was more than just a drink, it was a lifestyle.
> Placing the mug back to your lips you take another small sip.
> "What was your life like? How did Octavia grow up?" Anon pondered.
> And now you're choking on your tea.
> Irony at its finest.
> You really didn't expect a personal question like that to just come out of the blue.
> Thankfully before Anon could notice, you recomposed yourself.
"Where to even start,"
> "At the beginning, I suppose," Anon answered finishing the last of his tea.
> You had to take a bit of time to think back, memories of old flooding your mind.
"I rarely saw my mother and father growing up. Since they were both business ponies they spent most of their time working."
> Anon already seemed interested, asking questions I would have answered if he waited.
> "If your parents were out all the time who looked after you?"
"Believe it or not the apple family did. Since they had ties to my mothers work she arranged for us to stay there when they were working."
> "I take it that's why Fiddlesticks is so close to them,"
"Exactly, but I'm not trying to put my mother and father down. They were both really nice parents when they were around. My father was the first one to get me into music. Every time he had scheduled time off he would take me to a play."
> I could feel the pain in my chest rise as I continued to talk.
> But interestingly enough I also felt relieved that I was close enough with someone that I could talk to so openly.
"things were looking up. I and Fiddlesticks enjoyed the farm and my mother and fathers businesses were growing."
> "I take it something happened?"
"A gas leak at the house killed my father and mother while they slept. No fancy explosion nor terrible homicide, it was just a hose with a hole in it."
> No matter how long I tried to get over their deaths, I could still feel the tears start to form.
> I was so concentrated on the story that I didn't even notice that Anon was now right next to me, trying to give as much support as he could.
> Steeling myself away, I wiped the tears and continued on.
"After that, we were taken in by the apples. Once I was of age, I got this house and started playing professionally."
> Ending on that note left a somber feeling in the air.
> Yet, when mixed in with Anon's warm embrace made you feel safe and secure.
> Together, it snuck up on you as the tears came back.
> Shoving your muzzle into his chest you let go.