For the Record Chapter 15

>”Your coffee is getting cold,” Octavia remarks flatly.
>When you don't respond, she taps her hoof on the table with a sharp clack.
>”Anon.”
“Hrm?”
>”How late did you stay out last night?”
“I... five? Five.” Your head droops again.
>”I knew I should have forced you to go home when I did.”
“Vy insisted. She was going hard. It's been a while.”
>”Well maybe think about dialing it back. You look worse than you usually do after these romps.”
“It was a long night.”
>You chug the coffee. It's ice cold.
“Did you get to hang out with Twi before she left?”
>”Yes, despite you hogging her all weekend. We went to the gallery up in old town and looked at some very interesting pieces.”
“Sounds fascinating.”
>The cellist takes a long sip.
>”She was in a very good mood. Did something happen?”
“We had a little breakthrough.”
>”Was this 'breakthrough' related to her project or do I not want to know?”
>You shrug.
“Little of column A, little of column B.”
>She nods.
>”You seem to have taken an interest in what she's doing. I hadn't taken you for the historical type.”
“I wouldn't go that far.”
>”Please don't tell me this is all just part of your game.”
“It's more interesting watching her work. She's really passionate about this.”
>”I've noticed. Things are going well with you two, then?”
“I'd say so.”
>You rest your head on one of your hands.
>”Has the label called?”
1/

“Not in the last week or so.”
>”What does that mean?”
“Means they're taking their time. You've got plenty of gigs here in town for now, right? I thought you were liking your sets at Diamond's place?”
>”It's not that I'm not enjoying the opportunity to play here. I just want to know what's happening in Fillydelphia.”
“Give it time. Minnie'll come through.”
>Octavia nods and fiddles with her empty mug.
“How's it going with Arpeggia? She was in town a few weeks ago, I know.”
>You smile as  a blush comes over the mare's face.
“I'll take that as a sign you're having a good time with her. How long have you been crushing on her? Two years?”
>”Three...” she mumbles.
“I'm happy for you. Usually you aren't supposed to meet your heroes.”
>”I suppose she's one of the good ones.”
“She seems just like you. It's a perfect fit.”
>”You didn't happen to have something to do with her surprising me when she was last here, did you?”
“What makes you think that?”
>”Looking back, it's really got you written all over it.”
“You're welcome.”
>”You're like a filly playing matchmaker, you know that?”
“I know what makes ponies happy. I could have set you up with some mystery mare, you know.”
>You had one picked out, but Octavia started seeing Arpeggia before you could introduce them.
>”But regardless of your motivations -and I know yours began and ended at 'get me laid,' so don't pretend otherwise- it's worked out very well.”
“I'm glad you appreciate it. You really do deserve a mare like her.”
>”You aren't getting sentimental all of a sudden, are you?” Octavia laughs.
“Want me to ask about how she is in bed instead?”
>Octavia's blush reddens.
“Thought so.”
2/

>After a few more minutes, the two of you pay your check and start walking to the office.
>The streets are full of ponies making their way around town.
>After seeing Fillydelphia, though, the Canterlot roads seem almost sparse.
>”Has Fancypants said anything about the deal? You know he has to have heard about it.”
“Haven't heard a peep from him. Either he's seething or he doesn't care that much.”
>”No contact from Miss Maxie?”
“Not since a few weeks ago. It's been pretty quiet all told. If there's any new gossip, ask May about it. She's more in the loop than me.”
>The cellist nods. Once a few seconds pass, she looks up at you again.
>”What was the breakthrough in Twilight's project, anyway? She didn't say much of anything about it.”
“Oh, that? We found where her lost city might be.”
>”What!?” Octavia shouts.
“Yep.”
>”I'm surprised she was even coherent when we got together. She must have been beside herself.”
“Yeah, the moment took her a little. It was cute.”
>You get to the office building and start up the stairs. May Bell is waiting at her desk.
>”Good of you to show up, Anon,” she says, half-cheerily.
“Morning, May. Any calls?”
>”One from Diamond Gem about Octavia's pay and one from the owner of the Downbeat, Bee Sharp?”
“What'd Sharp call about?”
>”He wants to book Octavia for next week. Four night engagement, standard pay.”
>You look to the cellist. She nods tentatively.
“Set up a meeting with him for tomorrow and we'll hash out the details. Was there a problem with Diamond?”
>”No, she just wanted to let you know that the check would be in the mail after Octavia's last day there. You know how she is about these things.”
“True. Thanks, May. I don't have any appointments today, do I?”
>”No, I scheduled all your last-minutes for tomorrow.”
“Great.”
>Octavia snickers at your sudden drop in tone.
3/

“So are you okay with playing at Sharp's place?” You take a bite of sandwich.
>The cafe is across the street from the office. Octavia pokes at her salad.
>”He pays well and it's a pretty nice venue.”
“Four nights is a good run, too. Anything you want me to bring up in the meeting? Any green room stuff?”
>”Just some water.”
“The big places are going to love you. I knew a guy way back who wouldn't perform without three bowls of color-sorted candies and a bottle of vodka in his dressing room,” you laugh.
>Octavia balks.
“Yep. So just water, then? I'll see what I can do.”
>”How many meetings did May schedule tomorrow?”
>You frown.
“If it's all my last-minutes, ten. No, eleven.”
>”You're going to be busy.”
“Of course. We'll get a lot out of it, though, hopefully. Besides, it's all part of the job. Not like you don't pull your weight.” You smile and lean back in your seat.
>The cellist nods, but you can see her face fall a little.
“What is it?”
>”Is everything alright with Vinyl?”
>You put the sandwich down.
“How do you mean?”
>”I don't know. She just seems more stressed than usual.”
“It's probably her tour creeping up on her. She's gonna be on the road for like three months soon.”
>”Yeah, that makes sense.”
“That reminds me, though. We're doing paintball later this week. Vy wants to get one more game before the tour. You in?”
>”Will there be--”
“Of course we're drinking. I think Vy's got some other stuff, too, so that'll be fun.”
>”I suppose I'll have to come along to make sure the two of you don't kill yourselves.”
“That sounds like your kind of job.”
4/

>”Somep0ny has to do it.”
>You laugh.
“Yep. You'd better play, though. You were great last time. Just make sure you're on my team alright?”
>Octavia smirks.
>”I will, as long as you make sure not to give me a reason to be mad at you.”
“I'll do my best.”
>”What's the plan for the rest of the day, then? I'll be practicing, but do you have anything going on?”
>You shrug.
“Probably head to the Steel Horse and hang out for a while.”
>”It's one in the afternoon.”
“Plenty of time, then.”
>”I guess it would be too much to ask that you go home early?”
“When have I ever done that?”
>”It was worth a try.”
“It was a noble effort.” You finish your sandwich and stretch your arms.
>”So I'll see you tomorrow?”
“Yeah, once I'm done with meetings. I'll meet you down at Diamond's place. Paintball's the day after that. We're going at eight.”
>”I'll be there.”
5/

>The Steel Horse is active despite it only being early afternoon. You're sitting at a table a few feet from the bar.
>One of the stallions slumped over the counter prompts you to start ponywatching.
>You arch your fingers and watch as the bartender tries to talk to him.
>”Hey, Bronze? You alright?” the bartender asks.
>He must be a regular.
>”M'fine,” Bronze mumbles. “Bring 'nother one.”
>Anyone can see he's not fine. You aren't looking for that. You look him over quickly.
>Brown coat, orange mane, cutie mark of a hard-hat...
>Must be in construction.
>There's a new office going up a few blocks away. He must be working that site.
>You check your watch. It's too early for him to be off.
>He's got a lunchbox with him. It's lying on its side next to the bar stool.
>The bartender slides him a glass of brown liquor. Your eye flits to the bartender as he puts the bottle back.
>Whiskey. Cheap brand. Barely drinkable.
>Bronze downs it in one go.
>Clearly he's not going for taste at this point.
>Working class, obviously. Salt of the earth type of stallion. Probably just lost his job. Uninteresting.
>You turn your attention to the group of mares at the end of the bar.
>Three of them. Middle aged. Attractive, but nothing to write home about.
>You sip your drink.
>They're talking amongst themselves, but you can't hear them.
>The one on the end is sitting farther away than the other two.
>Middle mare is animated. She's telling a story. The one closest to her seems interested, but the one on the end is only half paying attention.
>She raises a hoof and waves the bartender over.
>You lose interest quickly and turn back to your own glass.
>Then you notice the couple at the table next to yours.
6/

>You hadn't noticed them before, but the mare has just made an offhand comment about work.
>The stallion's face falls.
>You find yourself wishing someone was around to watch the incoming fight with.
>”You know I'm only working there until things pick up.”
>”That's what you've been saying for months.” The mare sounds calmer than you expected.
>The stallion is less composed.
>”Look, I'm trying my best here. It's not like I like working for Fancypants.”
>The mare sighs. You catch the exasperation. ”I know. Maybe if you'd let me work too--”
>”Not a chance. I have to be able to take care of you.”
>”There's an opening at-”
>”Glitter, please.”
>”What? We have to make rent, don't we?”
>”Once my book gets published-”
>”When is that going to be? Hm? I'm sick of these promises.”
>”I'm not giving up on-”
>”Nop0ny is asking you to!”
>Here we go.
>”For Celestia's sake!” the mare continues, “you make it sound like I want you to drop your book! I just want some stability!”
>The stallion rubs his temples. You finish your drink and smirk. They'll be broken up by the end of the month, you think to yourself.
>A hoof lands on your shoulder.
7/

>”Nony!” a mare behind you yells. You turn around to see a bright pink mane hanging in your face.
>Your eyes widen.
“Pinkie Pie?”
>”You remember!” she cries. Vinyl comes up behind her.
>”What're you doin' here, Anon?” she asks.
“Hanging out, ponywatching.”
>”Usual, huh?”
“Yep. What about you two?” You turn to Pinkie. “Visiting?”
>”I'm showin' her around town.”
>”Twilight always shows us around when we come here, but it's usually just the castle and libraries.”
>Pinkie looks at the bar.
>”Do they have-”
>”Sweets? Yeah, of course. Go order a couple of something.”
>The pink mare trots off. Vinyl sits down across from you.
>”So. You free tonight?”
“Sure.”
>Pinkie returns to the table bearing two bright blue drinks.
>”I'm bringing the walking sugar rush over here to the dance place downtown. I think it's called Oingo.”
“Boingo?”
>”That's the one.”
>You lean over the table and look at your empty glass for a moment.
“Sounds like fun. What time are you heading there?”
>”Around ten. We're gonna crawl around before that. You can join in if you want. Already got a head start on us.”
“Eh. I'm gonna kick back after this. I'll meet you there.”
>Vinyl eyes you.
>”Well, more fun for us. But when you get to us we're gonna have to get the gossip out of the way.”
>Pinkie giggles.
>”You're gonna tell me all about how you and Bookie are doing, alright? Don't think I forgot about seein' you two  up at makeout point.”
>”Twilight looked really happy when she got back home,” Pinkie adds. She looks at you slyly.
“I'll make sure you're filled in, Vy.”
8/

>When you get to the club that night, you find Vinyl and Pinkie at a booth with two bottles of some purple liquor.
>The mare spots you from across the room and has a drink poured for you by the time you sit down.
>”Glad you made it!” she yells over the music.
“Wasn't hard to find. You been here long?”
>”Hour or so! Get comfy! We're gonna be here a while! The manager gave us free bottle service!” she gestures excitedly to the table.
“Nice.”
>She finishes her drink and immediately pours another.
“How long are you in town, Pinkie?”
>”A few days,” Pinkie answers between sips.
“Great. Hope Vy's got enough to keep you entertained.”
>”Do I ever disappoint?” the DJ says.
>She knocks back another drink.
>You watch her refill her glass.
“Your tour starts in a week, doesn't it?”
>Vinyl looks up.
>”Oh, yeah. I'm really pumped for it! Everyp0ny's gearing up!”
>”Rainbow Dash is taking me out to Las Pegasus to see Vivi's show!”
“Nice. That's the one at the big arena with the glass floor right?”
>”Two hundred feet above the water!” Pinkie cries excitedly.
“Sounds like fun.”
>”You're buckin' right,” Vinyl adds.
“How about the new record?”
>”Tour's to promote it.”
>She suddenly smiles and gestures at you.
>”But hey, let's talk about you!”
“What about me?”
>”Don't play dumb! You've had a busy couple weeks and you know it!” She nudges your arm with her elbow. “Gettin' Octy in with the label, getting' in good with Twi... You two make any progress?”
“She found that lost city.”
>”Did you find her lost city? No, wait, I can do better. Did... you... find... shit...” She trails off.
“Well, not in the same day. But yeah. If you're asking what I think you're asking.”
>”That explains why she was so happy when she came back,” Pinkie adds.
9/

>Vinyl's smile widens.
>”Finally sealed the deal, huh? Took you long enough. So what's the plan now?”
>She takes another drink.
“Dunno. She's coming back in a week or two. Guess we'll figure something out then.”
>The DJ looks at you, almost confused. Instead of saying anything, though, she looks out at the dance floor in silence.
>You have a sip of the ridiculously sweet violet liquor.
>”We should dance!” Pinkie suddenly exclaims. Vinyl perks up.
>”Yes! Dance! Let's dance! Let's go!” She nearly jumps out of her seat and heads to the dance floor.
>Pinkie follows her, bouncing in time with the music.
>You stay at the table and watch the two mares.
>Pinkie is as energetic as you remember. Vinyl, on the other hand, is struggling to stay vertical.
>Just as she lurches forward, you get up and walk to her.
>When you get to the mares, Vinyl is propping herself up on Pinkie's side. You put a hand on the DJ's shoulder to steady her and lead her back to the table.
“Hey, take it easy. The night's still young, you know,” you say when she floats the bottle to herself.
>”What're you, my dad?”
>She pours another drink.
“Everything alright?”
>Pinkie slides into a seat.
>”I'm fine,” Vinyl answers.
“You sure?”
>”Just tryina have some fun 'fore I gotta spend months and months on the road.”
>She gets up. “But if you're not into it, we'll go somewhere else.”
“That's not what I--”
>”C'mon, Pinkie. I'm tired of this place.”
>Pinkie looks between you and Vinyl for a second before getting up as well.
>”We'll see you later, Anon,” Vinyl mutters.
>You watch the two of them leave the club. Pinkie shoots you an apologetic glance when she gets to the door.
>One more shot and you push the bottle away.
“Great.”
10/

>You take the long way home, walking downtown through the theater district.
>Shows are letting out. The street is packed.
>It's relaxing. The crowds give a certain unmatchable life to the night.
>”Anon!”
>You turn. There's a bouncy off-white mare coming towards you.
>”What are you doing out all alone?” She asks when she arrives in front of you.
“Just getting some air.”
>What's her name? You know this.
>”Oh?”
>Seriously you know this. Fancypants' secretary.
“Yeah, not a lot going on. Been pretty boring around here lately.”
>”It's been about the same for me, truth be told. I guess it's just slow in the business right now. I heard you and Octavia got signed at Minor Seventh's label, though. Congratulations!”
“Thanks. She's been really excited about it.”
>It's Maxie. Maxie is her name.
>”Well, if you're not doing anything, would you like to come with me? I'm going up to the Hen's Roost to meet some friends. We can celebrate.”
>She shuffles sheepishly.
“Alright That sounds like fun. Beats wandering.”
>”I'm sure it does,” she laughs. “Come on. I'll buy you a drink.”
End