Una Nota Dolce Chapter 14 - Ora e Sempre (clop)

>You sigh and fold your hands as you bow your head.
>Your breakfast was proving to be especially difficult to keep down this morning.
>Nerves…yeah, must be nerves.
>The last time you remember your hands shaking this much was the first time you tried out for a school orchestra.
>You were so nervous back then…but compared to this, that was nothing.
>A drop in the bucket.
>You get up for what must have been the twentieth time.
>Pace around a little. Check your tie. Pick lint off your tuxedo jacket.
>You wonder if Octavia’s just as nervous as you are.
>Spike sighs and leans on his claw, getting tired of you circle the room like a shark.
>”Relax Anon, it’s almost time.”
>Oh yeah, easy for him to say.
>He’s not the one fixing to get married.
>The worst part of waiting?
>It gives you a chance to address second thoughts.
>You mean, everything is just going so fast…
>It’s now late fall, and you’re in a tux.
>Fixing to marry a mare you met just at the start of summer.
>You stare at yourself in the mirror.
>Recalling something Octavia told you, that night at the reservoir.
“Hey, Spike…”
>”What’s up, bro?”
>Well, got to give it to Spike, he looks rather dashing in his tux.
>He’s not really a man, so would it be right to call him a best man?
>Best dragon?
>That just sounds silly.
“Do you really think candles can become stars?”
>”Like…literally?”
>You sigh. Guess he’s still a bit young for such concepts.
>That night, when Octavia came back, she asked you who your star burned for.
>The answer was easy, it burned for her.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrGqC6tKeN8
>She told you that a friend told her that in the hot summer nights, love and passion burns hot and strong, flaming up with ease.
>Sometimes, the flame goes out as easily as it appeared, like a candle in the wind.
>Sometimes, that flame slows to a slow burn, that burns on forever.
>”Well…I guess, stars and candle flames are both made of fire, right? If they’re made of the same thing, I guess a candle could be a star. It just depends on how long you keep it burning.”
>You look down at Spike.
>You can’t help but chuckle.
“Yeah…you’re right.”
>You adjust your tie once more, this time a smile wide on your face.
>Second thoughts are traditional, after all.
>But you chased this mare across Equestria to win her back.
>You kept that fire burning.
>If that doesn’t make it a star, then nothing ever could.

--------------

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtyLfUbD_IQ
>You are Octavia.
>You raise your forehooves, struggling to balance as Rarity finishes adjusting the wedding dress.
>Simple and delicate, just like she wanted.
>Sweetie Belle plays in the back, obviously bored.
> “Sweetie Belle, don’t mess up that dress!” Rarity is quick to admonish her.
>SB: “Auuugh…is it time yet?”
>You can’t help but giggle.
>”Hey, Tavi, the guests are all about done sittin’ down.”
>Vinyl Scratch tugs at the straps of her bridesmaid’s dress, obviously as eager to get out of it as Sweetie Belle is.
“Vinyl, please don’t wear those glasses during the ceremony…”
>Vinyl snorts with a grin as she takes them off.
>”Easy there Tavs, I know what I’m doing.”
>You sigh and look in the mirror as Rarity finishes her adjustments.
>This is it…
>Today’s the day.
>To borrow a phrase, this day is going to be perfect.
>Sure…there were some jitters, you expected that.
>You’re sure Anon has them too.
>But you knew this is what you wanted, the moment you saw Sonnet’s violin on Anon’s workbench.
>Mother…
>You feel a pang in your chest as your face turns to a frown.
>You wish she was here, to be with you on this day of days.
>But…
>If you learned anything lately, it’s that life never turns out as you want or expect it too.
>Sometimes for worse.
>A smile creeps back across your face as you think of Anon getting ready in another room.
>Sometimes for the better.
>Rarity finishes buttoning up your dress as you fall back to all fours.
>”That should do it dear. I’m going to go take my seat. Good luck!”
>Your two bridesmaids follow Rarity out, leaving you alone with your thoughts.
>This is really happening.
>You take a deep breath, the nerves creeping up on you…
>Wait.
>That reminds you of something.
>You walk over to your saddlebag and fish out a beaten envelope with your name on it.
>Anon said Pinkie left this for you.
>You had always been scared to open it.
>Especially after Anon told you everything that happened, what she did.
>You take a deep breath and break the seal.
>You pull out two pieces of paper.
>The first one contains a note.

“Dear Octavia,

As I write this, Anon is off trying to get a ticket to get in to your concert, to try to get you back.

I imagine you hate me, and I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t, but I can’t apologize for anything.

Anon can be a little dense, but he’s a pure soul. Everything that happened between us was by my own deception…again, I won’t apologize, but I want you to not blame Anon. Blame me.

Octavia…I realize only you can make Anon happy. It breaks my heart, but I cannot. He has given me a truly precious gift…but it wasn’t mine to take.

So I want you to love him more than I do. Be there for him, hold him close in sadness and joy, embrace everything he wants to give you and return it a thousandfold.

If you don’t, I’ll come back and take him back, because you wouldn’t deserve someone like him.

-Pinkie Pie”

>You fold the piece of paper up and place it on the table.
>You won’t have any problem fulfilling that request.
>You look at the second piece of paper.
>A recipe for…cherry pie?
>You smile and place that one back in your saddlebag.
>It’s Anon’s favorite, after all.
>You take a deep breath and step towards the door.
>It’s time…

-------------

>You are Anon.
>You fidget nervously in front of everyp0ny.
>The wait for Octavia to come down that aisle is maddening as leaves blow in the wind, sending the streamers tied across the benches aflutter.
>You feel Spike elbow your shin, looking up at you with a grin.
>You take a deep breath. He doesn’t have to say a word to be right.
>Sure, she’s probably as nervous as you are…
>But you both want this.
>More than anything.
>If you’re sure of anything, it’s this fact.
>Then…the music starts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOA-2hl1Vbc
>The ceremony passes like a haze.
>You watch as the bridal procession comes down the aisle.
>There’s Sweetie Belle with Octavia’s friend…Vinnie? Vyna? Valarie?
>VINYL! Yes, that’s it.
>You see Spike steal a quick wave to Sweetie Belle as she takes her position.
>She just blushes and smiles, looking away in response.
>Wait a minute.
>Is he….
>…oh Spike, you suave little devil.
>Well done.
>The crowd draws a collective gasp as Octavia makes her grand entrance.
>None could drown out the sound of your own gasp though.
>In your mind, you are taken back to that first night you two met, in a Manehattan fashion expo banquet.
>You didn’t notice at the time just how beautiful she really was.
>You were too busy trying to prove a point.
>But now, you find yourself forgetting to breathe as she comes down the aisle, drawing glowing reactions from the crowd.
>As the golden autumn sun dances in her flowing black mane, she walks eyes closed, a soft smile on her lips.
>Absolutely radiant.
>As she draws close, she opens her eyes and looks straight at you, her bashful smile growing wider.
>All you can do is return it.
>Someone once said that music was the doorway to the soul, one’s true feelings.
>You don’t need music anymore to understand the love this mare has for you, and you for her.
>You and Octavia, your feelings are their own music, a symphony for just the two of you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02VxUR-v7Yw
>You don’t hear the mayor’s words as she officiates, you just can’t keep your eyes off Octavia next to you.
>Seems she has the same issue, lavender orbs sparkling in the sunlight.
>Your attention is grabbed just long enough to hear the most important part.
>”…Anon, do you take this mare as your wife, to love and cherish, to hold in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?”
>”I do.”
>Thanks brain, it would have been bad if I zoned out on that part.
>Word, I got your back, homes.
>You barely register the mayor asking Octavia the same question.
>You only care about the answer.
>”I do…”
>The mayor smiles as she reaches her favorite part.
>”Then, by my authority as mayor of P0nyville, I now pronounce you husband and wi-“
>She’s cut off as Octavia leaps up into your embrace, hugging you by the neck tightly as your lips meet hers and interlock.
>You open your eyes as you and Octavia part lips.
>And the crowd goes wild.
>Confetti flutters down through the sky with the wilting leaves.
>Octavia looks absolutely stunning in that white wedding dress.
>Rarity sure does know her craft.
>Octavia closes her eyes and nuzzles your chest.
>”We did it…”
“Yeah…we did…”
>This elicits a collection of dawws from the gathered crowd.
“From here on out…”
>Octavia smiles, drawing close to your face.
>”We sing our song.”
>Damn this wonderful mare.
>The crowd cheers as you pull each other close again, lips locking together.

-------------

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGtGcs0z-0c
>Wow, the reception feels like a day job.
>Of course, there was no place to hold it than at the Highland Reservoir.
>You and Octavia make your rounds, greeting individual p0nies, thanking them for attending.
>As you take your seat back at the head table with an exhausted sigh, you spot Spike and Sweetie Belle off in a corner, talking and laughing like a pair of little lovebirds.
>Spike, you playa.
>You can’t help but smile. Time does indeed pass quickly.
>You wonder if you’ll ever have a son to steal some girl’s heart someday.
>Oh god…what if it’s a daughter?
>You have to deal with horny young colts trying to steal her heart?
>You don’t think you can take it.
>Sure, you talked with Twilight. The odds of children are stacked against the two of you.
>But still…you hope you get a boy, if you ever do.
>”AUUUGH! This classic music is seriously harshing my vibe…”
>You roll your eyes as Vinyl complains a few seats down from you.
>”Vinyl, I’m sure it won’t kill you.”
>Octavia giggles at her friend’s discomfort as she sits next to you, leaning over as you two exchange a kiss.
“Talk to everyone?”
>”Yes, finally…I don’t remember inviting so many p0nies!”
>You laugh as you wrap your arm around Octavia.
>She instinctively leans into you, laughing as well.
>The sound of you two laughing together.
>It’ll take work, but that’s a sound you plan to hear for a long time.
>Man…wow.
>Wife.
>Your wife.
>You wonder if your mother would have approved.
>Not just you marrying a p0ny, as weird as that sounds…but her, as another being.
>You instinctively look up to the sky.
>”Thinking about something, Anonymous?”
>You smile and lean over, sharing a kiss with your beloved before looking back up.
“Just wondering what my mom would be saying right now.”
>Octavia smiles and leans further into you, looking up at the sky as well.
>”Probably the same thing mine would say.”
“What’s that?”
>”Congratulations….and I love you.”
>She sniffles as you hug her tighter.
“You’re probably right…”
>You look down at her with a smile, eyes intertwining.
“…and I love you too.”
>You reach in for another kiss when the screech of the microphone floods your ears.
>The two of you wince and recoil as you look up at the source of the wailing.
>”Is…is this thing on?”
>Wait…what?
>DERPY?
“Umm…Derpy, what are you doing?”
>Derpy looks at the two of you, a big grin extending from ear to ear.
>You hear Octavia mutter under her breath.
>”Where the bloody hell is her eye going?”
>You suppress a chuckle. Barely.
>DH: “Alright everyp0ny, I need everyone to get off the dance floor! Anon, Octavia, get up here!”
>You shrug at each other as the crowd obliges.
>You and Octavia walk to the center of the floor, confused.
>DH: “Octavia, Anon, it’s traditional for the bride and groom to have the first dance…and I wanted to give you something for that.”
>Octavia blushes as you scratch the back of your head.
“Aww, Derpy…you really didn’t have to…”
>DH: “But to do it, I need some help. Honey Muffin, would you come up here please?”
>You blink as a mountain of a unicorn stallion stands and makes his way to the stage. A big red beast with a black mane and gold eyes, a golden ouroboros adorning his flank.
>Derpy mentioned she had a husband…is this him?
>Wow…how does she handle a guy that size?
>ifyouknowwhatImean.jpg.
>The mares all seem to steal glances as he makes his way to the stage.
>Even Octavia.
>You give her an annoyed elbow.
>Octavia just giggles. “Anon, it’s just a look.”
>You sigh and grin.
“I’ll remember that if you ever catch me sneaking a peek.”
>Octavia puffs her cheeks, annoyed, before you both share a small laugh.
>DH: “Mares and Gentlecolts, meet my husband Sorcerer Horsestartes! You ready?”
>Sorc: “…Ditzy, are you sure this is a good idea?”
>DH: “Come on honey muffin, just like we rehearsed. If you do it, you get a treat when we get home!”
>That seems to be all the convincing he needs.
>Guess you’re not the only one getting lucky tonight.
>As the music strikes up, you turn to Octavia, who stands on two hooves.
>She leans against you, using you for support as you take one hoof in your hand, your other hand wrapping around her.
>The two of you set off as Sorcerer and Derpy start to sing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nZGv8VTBVE
>You forget everyp0ny watching the two of you dance, your perception of reality outside the mare in your arms fading away like smoke in the breeze.
>Octavia.
>Your wife.
>Part of you still can’t believe it’s real.
>Like you’ll wake up, and you’re back on earth.
>If this is a dream, you hope to dream forever.
>Your mind wanders as your gaze locks in to hers.
>The weight of the new life you’re stepping in to falls upon your shoulders as the two of you twist and spin.
>You know this will not be easy.
>There will be good times and bad.
>Happiness and sadness.
>Sometimes you will just want her to go away.
>Sometimes, you will wish she was there with you when she’s not.
>And then starting a family…it will be difficult and dangerous.
>No marriage is perfect.
>But…
>This mare.
>This kindred soul.
>There is nobody else you could ever imagine meeting the challenge with.
>You will succeed.
>You know it.
>As the song winds down, you pull Octavia in for one more kiss.

---------------

>You break the kiss as Octavia gives you a sultry look, shimmying as you help her slip out of her dress.
>The party is done, the guests have gone, and silence has descended across P0nyville with the light of the moon.
>That night at the reservoir, when she came back to you, there certainly was passion expressed.
>But tonight feels different, as Octavia takes her turn in helping you disrobe.
>This is no carnal act, driven by physical lust.
>Octavia draws you down with her as she lays on the bed, eyes firmly locked in to yours.
>You don’t need physical teasing and the like tonight.
>No, not tonight.
>It’s time.
>Your final duty on this day of days.
“Are you ready?”
>Her hoof snakes behind your head as she whispers her positive response, her tongue searching for yours as two sets of lips meet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDtTerDzoXA
>The sensation feels like electricity coursing through your whole body.
>You feel the fine hairs of her coat waver and wiggle under your fingertips as your arms encircle her body tightly.
>Her forehooves encircle you as the two of you intertwine.
>You feel her chest rising and falling against you as your lips part for the shortest of instances, letting ragged gasps escape your bodies.
>The soft candlelight of the room flickers as you two writhe against each other, strands of her mane tickling your senses.
>She takes a sharp breath as you break the kiss, turning your attentions to the base of her neck.
>Octavia lets out a soft moan, nibbling on your ear as she withers under your ministration.
>Every movement of her body against yours sets your senses aflame, as the two of you connect on every level.
>Mentally, spiritually.
>And now, physically.
>Octavia raggedly moans your name as the two of you merge, letting nature and instinct take over as your bodies move in rhythm against each other.
>Wandering limbs grip and grasp as you two find leverage against each other, husky breaths splashing across skin as flesh parts and comes together in a universal waltz.
>Time slips from your perception as the two of you explore each other’s bodies.
>You aren’t even sure where yours ends, and Octavia’s begins.
>When that final moan escapes her lips, the two of you reaching your shuddering crescendo, your symphony is complete.
>The two of you lie there panting, awash in a warm glow as you draw the covers in around you.
>”I love you…Anon…”
>Octavia snuggles into you, pressing her body against yours as you share one last kiss.
“I love you…Octavia.”
>Whatever happens, whatever challenges come your way.
>You will meet them together.
>Now and forever.
>In a corner of the room, a cello sits, snug in the case.
>A violin rests securely on top.
>In music and silence, eternally paired.