CYOA - Octavia

>at night time you sat down in your comfortable chair
>all around you were high-class ponies
>for the first time ever, everyone in the room was wearing clothes
>you felt far more at home here
>even though everyone was dressed in their finest clothes
>Rarity had been generous enough to take you to this concert in Canterlot
>she had planned to go with Twilight, but the poor pony had fallen ill no more than two days prior
>you were her second choice
>partially due to your knowledge of classical music
>partially because you let her sew clothes for you
>you weren't quite sure how free clothes were considered at favor on your part, but you took any free cards you could get
>the concert lasted two fulls hours
>and what splendid hours they were
>the grand hall was flooded with the greatest music you had ever heard
>everything from Bethoofen to Marezart
>ponies' ability to name things never ceased to amaze you
>during these two hours you felt warmth, coldness, joy and pain
>the musical skill of this orchestra was beyond anything you had ever heard
>and as you sat there, watching them make emotions themselves come to life
>you notcied one particular, grey cello-playing pony
>her grace and beauty as she masterfully played those strongs was spellbinding
>her composure and class was simply a joy to watch
>watching her was almost a greater joy than the music in your ears
>at the end of the concert, you went mingling with Rarity
>but your mind was locked on the gery cello pony

>you walk throughout the building alongside Rarity
>you were her "date" after all
>granted, you weren't of high class here in Equestria
>but Rarity was proud to show you off to everyone
>and you turned out to be quite the conversation initiator
>practically everyone came over to ask about you
>everyone was quite nice about it, too
>after a quick exchange with a rich businesspony, you pull Rarity to the side
>"Oh, darling, aren't you simply having the greatest time?"
>she's been all smiles and laughter the whole night
>it was quite refreshing to see her relax
>she always put so much effort and energy into her work
>particularly your suit, which was astounding
"Yes, this really is amazing. But, I was wondering something."
>Rarity looks to you with surprise
>you hadn't shown much interest in this event prior to arriving
>"Do tell, darling."
"Well, during the concert I noticed this grey pony. She was playing the cello. Who is she?"
>now Rarity looks even more surprised
>but she does answer you
>"Oh, her name is Octavia. She's a quite new addition to the orchestra. Quite young, too. But her musical skill is beyond most ponies thirty years her age! She truly is a talented pony."
>you nod to her and smile
"Yeah, she was fantastic."
>Rarity gives you a sly smile
>"Why do you ask, I wonder?"

"I've always had an appreciation for classical music done right. I thought that was most of the reason you brought me, my dear."
>you give Rarity a knowing smile as you finish
>she simply shakes her head gently and look to the sky
>"Oh, Anon!"
>she pokes your shoulder with her hoof
>"Always going on about laides, aren't you?"
>you shrug and shoot her another smile
"Well, I did quite enjoy the concert, actually. I never got around to going to one back on Earth, but this was far better than I expected."
>Rarity gives you a genuine smile at that
>"Well, I'm glad to have invited you, then. You are quite the handsome 'date', too."
>you can't help but blush slightly at that
>you're still not used to getting compliments
>something ponies seem far better at than humans
>the two of you stand there, looking at the mingling ponies before you
>a break from all of this was quite nice
>you enjoyed playing along with the high class games
>but it was tiring nonetheless
>you didn't notice Rarity leaving before she returns with a drink
>she levitates it over to you
>you hold up your glass and nod to her
>she returns the gesture
>it's quite a nice drink
>on the dry side, but extremely tasty
>you shudder to imagine what this cost
>"So, Anon. Will you be pursuing this cello-pony of yours tonight, then?"


>with a cheeky grin on your face, you reply
"Tell me where she went, and I'll be on my merry way to conquer her heart."
>Rarity giggles at your remark
>"You never were much of a sophisticated conversationalist, but I'll give you points for trying at the end, there."
>at least Rarity was always nice enough to let you have at least some glory
>even though she was absolutely correct
>"Well, although it isn't proper for a stallion to leave his mare to go in search of another pony."
>she stares ironically at you
>"I think I can let it slide it just this once."
>at the sound of her words you beam
>"It's not like I expected you to follow me around like a dog all night. Go and have some fun, dear."
>you're glad she isn't angry about this
>although she is your friend, you could never know in these situations
>you're pumped and ready to go
>ready to go talk to that spectacular pony
>you turn to leave Rarity but realise something
>she didn't tell you anything yet
>in your stupidity, you turn to face her again
"So, uh, where is she?"
>Rarity simply giggles
>"How would I know, darling? I'm not the one keeping my eyes on ponies the entire night."
>with a cheeky smile she walks off to a group of ponies
>well, you sort of expected more from her
>anyway, how hard could it be to find one pony?
>in a crowd of at least 200
>maybe pretty difficult, after all
>but you'd have to start somewhere
>and there were a lot of somewheres

>there were so many ponies in this damn hall
>finding a single, grey one would be damn difficult on your own
>so you decide to get help from everyone around you
>by mingling
>you weren't quite used to this, but being a human had benefits
>the conversation was always the same in the start
>you could pull this off, no sweat
>you look around for a few seconds before you spot three ponies talking to each other
>they look happy and friendly
>with as much confidence you can muster, you walk over to them
>far before reaching them, they notice you
>and for once you actually guessed correctly
>these ponies were extremely nice
>and the conversation went as you had expected
>human this, human that
>it was getting boring after a while
>unfortunately, they weren't of any help regarding Octavia
>with no use for them, you excused yourself and moved on
>this continued for a while, unfortunately
>after the fifth try with no look, you're ready to give up
>but just as you leave you spot something good
>a pony you recognise from the orchestra is in the bar
>you quickly go to him and sit down on the bar stool beside him
>you don't make it obvious you're here because of him
>so you order a drink
>turns out the drinks were free for the event
>these ponies sure must have a lot of money to hand out free drinks
>but you weren't complaining
>now to tackle the orchestra pony
>you notice he doesn't look too happy
>like something's bothering him

>you honestly feel bad for him
"Why the long face?"
>he looks to you and smiles
>"Oh, you know. The usual. Trouble with the wife 'n all."
>he just slumps back into his seat and stares at his drink
>you've already forgotten about Octavia
>this man's melancholy is really getting to you
>you gently push his shoulder with a fist
"Come on. You should be celebrating! You just played an amazing concert!"
>it takes your all of your performance ability to sound chipper
>he just looks to you and gives you a weak smile
>"I guess I should. Cheers."
>you lift your glass as he does the same
>as you start drinking you wish it never had to stop
>sweet Jesus this stuff was good
>you're not sure if this is proper etiquette
>but hot damn you don't care right now
>you chug all of your likely expensive drink in one go
>you slam the glass onto the table with a loud smack of your lips
>the orchestra pony is simply staring at you in disbelief
"Oh, uh, sorry. Forgot this is a fancy party and all that."
>he bursts into laughter
>you fail to see the humor, but it's nice that he's happy
>"Oh, my. I haven't seen anyone do that in years! It's quite refreshing, actually."
>he proceeds to perform the same action as you
>he even lets out a quiet burp at the end
>again he giggles
>it feels good to cheer ponies up
>no wonder Pinkie loves it so much
>as his happiness returns, so does your thoughts of Octavia
>but whether you should ask now or not is the real question

>Octavia can wait
>you're actually starting to get interested in this guy's life
>maybe the drink was slightly stronger than you thought
>or maybe you suck at mingling
>but your mind decided to go with
"So, does divorce exist in Equestria?"
>you almost slap your hand in front of your mouth at the end
>the very least you do is mentally slap yourself silly
>the pony is just staring at you
>like you're a real annoying asshole
>truth be told you kind of were after that
>"Uh, yeah, it does. Now, if you'll excuse me."
>with those words he gets up and leaves
>you bash your forehead into the table a few times before letting out a frustrated sigh
>you really should learn to think before you speak
>well, he may have been a good lead, but he isn't the only one in here
>you should still be able to find out about Octavia somehow
>and although you lost a good step toward finding that magnificent mare
>you feel yourself getting annoyed not learning more about him
>helping him overcome his troubles
>you were looking forward to being the hero who saved the day
>well, can't have everything, you guess
>it's time to focus on the cello-pony

>yeah, you had to find her
>but drinks first
>who could say no to free drinks this good?
>or free drinks in general
>you order a few more drinks and down them each in one go
>probably not the brightest of ideas
>but they were just so tasty
>when you've had three more, you stop
>either ponies make drinks stronger than humans
>or you really are a lightweight
>either way, everything is getting blurry
>the hall is gently wobbling about
>you immediately regret this decision
>how would you ever find Octavia while drunk?
>just as you're cursing best at yourself internally, a freak chance occurs
>a pony sits down next to you
>and she speaks with the most sophisticated, calm voice you have ever heard
>far more so than Rarity herself
>completely dumbfounded you stare at Octavia
>you look to the ceiling and silently thank God for this occurence
>he doesn't reply
>what a jerk
>"A maretini, please. An extra olive, if you would."
>the bartender simply nods and goes about his business
>within record time, Octavia is sipping from her glass
>all the while you're simply staring at her
>luckily she hasn't noticed
>or she's just ignoring you
>could be either
>realising what you're doing isn't very smart, you return to looking at the wall
>you gotta plan every move carefully
>and when drunk, that's easier said than done

>you feel ready to speak
>you have crafted an eloquent introduction for her
>it will be good
"You... you're the cello pony from the thing."
>fuck
>Octavia turns her eyes towards you
>she simply inspects you
>somehow she doesn't seem too surprised at the whole human thing
>"Yes, quite right. And you must be the human accompanying the white dressmaker from Ponyville, correct?"
>holy shit
>this mare is psychic!
"Yeah. Yeah, I am. How did you know?"
>a tiny smile appears on her lips
>you've never in your life seen a smile so tiny
>"Well, for one, you were watching me the entire night."
>double fuck
>she wasn't supposed to notice that!
>then again, you did only look at her throughout the entire concert
>you add another point to her tally
>Octavia 2, Anon 0
>"Plus, my former housemate tells many stories of you."
>triple fuck
>you hope those stories are the good ones
>but you also wonder who this housemate could be
>"It's not every day a new species suddenly appears here in Equestria."
>you notice she's actually turned her head towards you
>all right, making progress
>maybe the human thing did work, after all
>but you couldn't let her run the show
>she would wipe the floor with you in this state

you desperately needed to sober up
>drinking this much was a terrible idea
>the entire room is spinning quickly
>you look to the bartender and speak
"I'd like a big box of crackers."
>and with those words, you fall backwards
>as you hit the floor, the world goes dark

>some time later you finally regain consciousness
>your head is throbbing violently
"Ugh..."
>you can do nothing more than groan as you wake
>you make every move so very carefull
>wouldn't want to throw up in this position
>when you finally have the strength, you open your eyes
>you're in a dark room
>lying on a bed
>this definitely isn't where you were before
>it seems somewhat familiar, but you can't really tell
>all you can do for now is stare at the ceiling
>you simply haven't the strength to get up
>laying here is quite fine, too
>the bed is soft and comfortable
>a sound from outside the room grabs your attention
>suddenly it flies open
>you can't even lift your head to see who enters
>all you can hear is grumbling
>as it comes closer, you can finally make out the words
>"Of all the things I've seen, this takes the cake. I really should tell him a thing or- Anon!"
>oh dear God, why?
>Rarity enters your field of view
>she looks upset
>"What in the world have you been doing? Do you have ANY idea how far I had to carry you with my magic? It was exhausting! You better explain yourself right now!"

>you groan at Rarity before speaking properly
"Why does this keep happening? ... Also, where am I?"
>Rarity just snorts at you as she gets into the bed next to you
>"Carousel Boutique. And it keeps happening because you can't control yourself, Anon."
>if it weren't for this massive headache, you'd be afraid of her
>"Now I had to leave the biggest social gathering of all the high class ponies in Canterlot because SOMEONE had a little to much to drink!"
>with that she lies down on her side and snorts once more
"Sorry."
>you can only manage a half-assed apology in your current state
>"I'm sure you are."
>you sigh
>this night did not turn out at all as expected
>you barely talked to Octavia
>Rarity's furious
>what a fan-fucking-tastic turn of events

End.

Anons done goof'd.