Octavia Story, apparently.
Working title, "Just talk to him".


>Be Octavia
>Frowning
>....fucking sakes, couldn't this town just... put these cafes a little closer to the playground?
>You squint - maybe, maybe he's the-
>*paf*
>Your ear flicks, but you pay no attention
>Th-THERE. There! Th... 
>You sigh
>He's put on a little weight, but he's growing very well. At least that FUCKING HOMEWRECKER is actually taking care of him
>Aww... he's got his mane back in a little scrunchy
>*paf*
"Vi, I'm trying to see my son."
>"Yeah, I get that sis, but if he catches you lookin' at him with that scowl he'll fuck off-"
>You sigh and adopt a neutral look, watching your colt dive into the sandbox with a couple of his friends
"Thanks..."
>"No sweat."
>It's been 8 months since the finalization
>That FUCKING WHORE TIME TURNER took YOUR SON and FUCKED OFF TO THE COUNTRY
>"Manehatten is no place for a growing colt!"
>"He'll be taken when I turn my head!"
>"You only hang out with other mares! My boy needs better!"
>The jackass
>....no racism
>*paf*
"Ugh."
>"You're makin' that face again, Octy." Vinyl smirks, wadding up another napkin to toss at your head. "Stop living so hard in the past-"
"Vinyl... I just. I don't mind the alimony, we both make enough-"
>"Shit, I still do, you ain't got-"
"We BOTH make enough, but... he took my son, Vinyl. He took little Treble just as he was getting big-"
>You hear a sigh, and th-
"FUCK"
>You have a small seizure as a wadded up napkin is SHOVED DOWN YOUR EAR
"You ASS-"
>Vinyl laughs, and you turn your attention to the table
>You can't be mad
>She's... she's your sis
>If you were gonna herd with anyone, it'd be her
>Best friends since music school, she just dropped everything and moved out here with you
>....for what?
>What are you hoping to do, Octavia? Seriously.
>You travel 20 weeks out of the year, you practice with the other 32....
>Maybe that judge was right
>Maybe you aren't fit to be a mothe-

>"Oi. That's enough of that. You get upped visitation due to us moving to flankfuck, equestria, right?"
>You nod
>"So then it's not all bad. Take what you can get, we'll fight for more later - alternating weekends is better than 2 weeks a year. But let him... yanno. Breathe."
"...I hate you for making sense. They made him testify, Vi. They fucking brought 'im up-"
>"Hey. Heeeey. Stop. Seriously, something's gotten into you recently. Is spring hitting you that hard?"
>Your lip twitches, and Vi grins
>"Oh, oh wow, I heard it's so much worse once you pop your first one out-"
"You are absolutely disgusting, Vinyl-"
>"Like, did you just squat and grunt and he just tumbled ou-"
>Growling, you pick up the napkins and launch them all back at your friend, causing her absolutely horrid comments to stop in laughter
>The cunt
>The absolutely lovable cunt
>You sigh, and the waiter slides by, dropping off your salads
>Aah. Rose. Light, yet filling.
>You start to dig in, noticing Vinyl hasn't moved
>Huh... wait
>You smile in your bowl and wait
>5....
>4...
>3.
>2-damnit
>The human, Anonymous, walks by the square, arms filled with some paperwork or some such
>Seems your internal timing was a bit early
>Swallowing, you clean your muzzle with a napkin
>Yanno. Using it for it's actual purpose
"Vinyl... you know, if he catches you lookin' at him like that he'll fuck off-"
>You grin and Vinyl snaps her gaze to you, frowning. "Shutup. He's just..."
"Awkward? Tall? Surprisingly lewd? Probably a serial killer-"
>"He's fucking perfect!" Vinyl cries out, raising her hooves up
"Shenanigans. You just like that all his eye candy is at eye level-"
>"Ok, NOW who's being the lewd one here?" Vinyl quips, quirking an eyebrow
"Fine, fine. I'm just-"
>"I know. You're burned out on colts - but I'm not... and hell, one of us has to bring in a boy if we're gonna make this work."
>You nod softly before her words catch up to you, a deep blush spreading across your face

"V-VINYL. Are you i-insinuating th-"
>Vinyl's chuckle interrupts your whispershouting. "Shit, mare. Why the hell do you think I left everything to join you? You put up with my quirks, like hell I'm going to try to join a herd I can't be myself in."
>You blink, that blush not going away
"D-does...does this mean th-"
>"Nooooooo. I'm not gonna be a rebound. You just... get set right, and then we'll figure it out. Just like I'd like to figure out that colts' pants-"
>You turn to see that Anon's lost some papers and he's-
>Celestia help you he's bending at the waist
>Just
>You angrily devour your salad
>Great
>Hormones, Hunger, Hatred and Hope
>This is gonna be a GREAT fucking day.

>BE ANON
>Horses don't believe in binder clips
>You will bring in your superior office supplies one of these days and RULE THEM
>YOU WILL RULE THEM WITH BINDER AND PAPER CLIPS
>Sighing, you squat, chasing after the last few papers
>Or... you would, if there wasn't a light red glow around a few of them
"Uh...?"
>"I-it's mY-"
>You turn to your squeaking paper savior, a white unicorn with piercing red eyes
>"MY p-pleasure, Anon."
>She ends with a winning(tm) smile, which on her face looks more like a rictus grin
"Thhhhhanks."
>You smile softly and take the papers from her magical grip
>....why did your fingers glow red for a moment
>Ignoring the gentle caress that you're now CERTAIN just happened, you restack your papers
>"S-so, uh, I was wondering if you wanted to go to Club 5 ton-"
"I'm really happy you helped me out, but clubs aren't really my scene-"
>"O-oh! W-well we don't have to go! I mean, I just, uh-"
>The unicorn mumbles something, kicking her hooves against the ground
>You sigh internally
>Alright. Just save her pride and move on
"I'm sorry. What was that?"
>"I-I just..." she looks up at you, eyes slightly wet. "I'm just... not good at this, but you're one of the most handsome colts I've ever seen. I was just hoping to spend a little more time with you, that's all."

>You can tell your mouth is hanging open because it's suddenly dry
>You swallow, blinking a couple times
>That was surprisingly honest.... and touching
"I uh...w-well..."
>shit why are you blushing
"I get off work a-at uh, at 6... Mayor's office. Would you like to get coffee?"
>She seems as taken back as you that her flirting worked, and her eyes grow wide
>Her beautiful, ruby-red eyes
>"Uhh, uhh.... uhhh......"
>You look around
>FUCK WHY ARE YOU BOTH SUDDENLY AWKWARD
"Th-there. That cafe over there-"
>You nod your head to where you assume a good joint is
>Hell, there's just this one earth pony sitting alone outside
>OH SHIT IT'S A SHIT JOINT WHY DID-
>"Y-yeeee. Ye."
"Y-you too."
>FUCK
>Holding the straightest face you've ever had, you spin on your heels and powerwalk away
>The spaghetti is too strong
>But you've got a date??
>At 6????
>....FUCK YOU DIDN'T SPECIFY WHAT DAY FUCK
"I MEAN TONIGHT, OK?"
>WHY ARE YOU YELLING
>DON'T LOOK KEEP GOING
>"AAAHKAAAY." she replies

>You are Octavia Dulcet Philharmonica
>Holy shit that worked?!

>You are Vinyl Scratch
>HOLY SHIT THAT WORKED
>THE MARES ON 4CLOVER WERE WRONG
>You just... TALK to colts
>And they respond!
>Your mind is fucking blown
>Wait, did he just blow you?
>....shit wait does that mean you have to blow him now too?
>H-how does this work?!
>You were the beep boop music nerd
>Computers are your thing, not colts!
>Why is your vision blurri-OH LUNA YOU'RE HAVING A SEIZURE

>You are Octavia again
>You're shaking Vi because she's been standing in the middle of the road, mouth open, drooling for about 5 minutes
"Would you fucking Get. With. It-"
>"OCTY!"
"Gah!"
>You jump back as Vinyl swings around to you
>"I-I, I have a date! I have a date with HIM!"
>You smile and shake your head
"I saw that. What the actual fuck-"
>"Does this mean I have to deepthroat him?"
"What the actual FUCK?"

>>27162110
>"I mean, he blew my mind, so I ju-"
>You're about to lay into your friend about how NOT to get arrested on your first date when a soft, warm voice pipes up
>"M-mommy?"
>Vinyl shuts her damn mouth and moves to the side, and you smile warmly
>Covered in sand, scrunchy hanging limply at the back of his mane is Treble Clef
"H-hey there, sport."
>You crouch down, giving him a light nuzzle.
"How're you doin' today?"
>Eyes shining, he starts babbling at you the only way a 5 year old can
>You nod and add in the "ah" and "uh-huhs" and encouragement that you can
>It's just... a few precious moments stolen away, and you're cherishing him - it. It. 
>. . . your heart hurts so much
>"an' then a potato was on the counter but cheeriee says its a special one know why?"
"Hmm?"
>"cause it'll GROW! An so we get to garden an' Bimmac gonna help digs and-"
>"Treble, honey! Come back away from those mares."
>You smile becomes forced as your Ex makes a very unwanted appearance
"T-Time Turner. Hello. I was having lunch-"
>"I can tell - it's still on your face. I just don't care. You don't get Treble until next Sunday, so, leave." Time Turner curtly responds, narrowing his eyes at you.
>You would kill this colt
>No, you will. His body can fit in your cello case, you travel the world - just over the side of a ship, nopony would kno-
>a hoof on your shoulder snaps you out of your thoughts, and you look down at little Treble, who's looking up at you with a questioning look
>he's studying your face
>. . .
>You smile once again
"Treble, it's ok. It was nice hearing your story about the potato, but listen to your father-"
>"As you SHOULD."
>...breathe, mare
"a-and go back and play. We'll hang out later, ok?"
>Treble nods, cantering back to the playground
>Apparently he's old enough to read the atmosphere, because he doesn't stop until he's far and away from the three of you
"....was that actually necessary, Turner? It was just a fe-"
>"I don't care."

>>27162216
"I don't c- Turner, the colt is barely 5, he doesn't need to be dragged through thi-"
>"No, I don't care what your excuse is, or reason. You don't see him for another week; if you're too stupid to follow court orders I can always get a restraining order from the ponice. Now I don't want you or your broke degenerate friend-"
"Degenerate?! You ungrateful limp-dicked swine-"
>"Oi oi oi. Vinyl, he's not worth it-"
>"Honey, I'm worth more than you can afford-"
>Vinyl turns as she starts nudging you away. "Last I checked, two items off the dollar menu at Burger Queen was well within my pay grade, Turner."
>"Y-you loose cun-"
>"Aaaand we're off."
>Vinyl's turned you fully away from your HORRIBLE BLOOD-SUCKING TRAMP OF AN EX, and you make your way back to the cafe
>...you're going to kill him
>You're just going to
>"Hey... hey. Enough. Ignore him, help me."
>You look at Vinyl, hard, before sighing
"....don't blow him on the first date, Vinyl."
>"O-ok... ok... but like, do I present so he knows what I've got, or-"
****
>'You are Time Turner
>And you're a smarmy cunt
>You know everypony hates you, but you just don't care
>And you have a tiny dick and can only last 5 pumps and-'
>A white hoof gently rests ontop of yours, pushing the pencil down. "It's time to stop writing, Octy."
>You growl at your journal, sliding it down the apartment's kitchen counter
>It bangs against the wall, flopping open
"It helps me just... get it out. My therapist-"
>"Wait, you have just ONE?"
"Ass. She says to write everything out to stop bottling it up-"
>"Or, or, or. You can do what I do, and doxx your ex."
>You sigh
"Maybe. But my son's living with him-"
>"Aaah, yeah. And internet mares are... weird."
"Mmm. So. It's almost 5:30... want to go down the checklist again?"
>"O-ok. I showered, twice."
"Excessive, but ok."
>"I have 50 bits on me, plus 20 for emergencies."
"Alright. Coffee is 2 bits at most, but, you never know-"
>"T-ten condoms and pepper spray-"
"Wh-no. No. Drop them both."

>"B-but, what if he springs a leak?!"
"Dicks don't work like that-"
>"O-or what if we're mugged?!"
"It's afternoon, firstly, and secondly it's literally in the middle of town-"
>Vinyl looks at you intensely. "Groundhogs."
>You sigh
"Vinyl Scratch. You don't need either of those things-"
>"But-"
"Ok, say you do take them. What's more likely? Leaky-dicked Groundhogs mugging you in the middle of town, or Anon thinking you're going to mace him then rape him?"
>Vinyl blinks, then sheepishly puts the offending satchel on the counter
"Good. Now, let him order whatever he wants, you'll pay. Don't try to impress him by dropping bits; that just leads down a bad road."
>You lick your hoof and start fussing with Vi's hair
"Make small talk, mostly about him. Find out what he does, what he likes to do. If he wants to go to dinner, offer to go somewhere where you can get a value, but not cheap-"
>"So no dollar menu items-"
"Vinyl I will buck your head in if you take him to Taco Bell."
>"R-right. But chalupa-"
>You give her a look, and she grins. "Fiiine."
"And, try to break it off at 9 or so. Offer to take him to HIS house, don't push it. Be a gentlemare, but at the end ask for another date."
>"R-right. Ok. Break it off at 9 - if it feels right, right?"
>You muse
"Yeah... you don't want to keep him out forever. Since it's just coffee, don't... don't push it, alright?"
>She nods
>Both of you look at the clock
>5:45
"You should go. Be early."
>"R-right! Ok! OK. Date, with a cute colt. Right. Ok. ok."
>You smile, patting her on the shoulder
"Hey. You got this."
>"Y-yeah. Ok. Ok. Ok."
>Puffing her chest out, she trots to the door, swinging it open - striding triumphantly down the street
>You smile, then look at the table
>....you open the satchel
>....
"You forgot THE MONEY-"
>you hear a distant "RIGHT, FUCK" before the sound of galloping gets closer

>>27162432
>You are Anon
>Knees weak arms are heavy
>You're early but there's spaghetti already
>Mom's spaghetti
>.....
>OK FUCK
>You shake your head, the soft smile on your face feeling like a permanent fixture
>The office was curious as to what happened when you got back, but... don't start no gossip
>It's just coffee, after all
>But she just seemed so honest... it was refreshing!
>No more accidental dick-boops with muzzles
>Or catcalls
>Just an actual, honest pickup
>You sigh, rolling your shoulders
>The afternoon came and went, and now it's about 6:15 - you're lateish, but not too late
>Is it ok to be fashionably late?
>What IS horse dating etiquette?!
>You make your way to the main square, past the park - aah
>The cafe comes into view
>And right out front is a white unicorn, turning around in circles
>....oh shit you're so late
"H-hey! Hey!"
>You wave, and she turns to face you - the smile that spreads across her muzzle brightening up her whole countenance
>That's....so cute
>"H-hai! Eer, Hey!"
>She trots over to you, her smile wide and genuine.
>"Damn, colt - I thought you stood me up!"
>Your smile falters
>Oh shit you're a jackass

>You are Vinyl
>His smile and optimism: gone
>WHY DID YOU SAY THAT WHY DID YOU SAY THAT WHY DID-

"I-I, uh, I'm sorry. The Mayor kept me a little late, and-"
>"N-no, I just. I'm sorry. That was... that was weak of me to do that, bro-"
"Bro?"
>She winces. "E-er, not bro! Not bro, uh. Dude?"
>She runs her hoof through her mane, swallowing hard
"Anon is fine. I never did get your name, though-"
>"V-vinly. Vinly Skretch."
>You stare at her, and she coughs. "Aah, sorry. Had something, uh, in my throat."
>Sure you did
>"Vinyl Scratch. I'm a traveling DJ and Electronic Music Artist."
"Aaah. Well, I just shuffle paper about in the Mayor's office, but your stuff sounds much more interesting-"
>"R-really?!"
>You smile and nod, walking towards the coffee joint
"Yeah. Is that why you wanted to take me to that club?"
>"M-maybe?"

>>27162548
"Heh. Showing off so soon?"
>She blushes, pouting. "Why you gotta bust my bean like that?"
>Both of you are grinning at each other, though
>Yeah. Tonight's gonna be a great night
* * *
>*tick*
>inhale
>*tock*
>exhale
>*tick*
>You place the bow and drag out a slow, deep note
>Deeper than your sorrow
>Deeper than the abyss
>Slowly, you work it up
>A shaft of light in the darkness, dust motes playing innocently in oblivion
>The black turns to grey, like rainclouds
>A few more strings are brought to life, and a melody is formed
>The rain is present, but it's necessary.... it washes away everything
>From sorrow and blackness, the hope of spring and new growth
>The promise of green and life
>Of the future
>Your melody gets more complex as you pour your heart and soul into your cello, the one companion who always got you, who never left
>You smirk as a dirty thought crosses your mind
>The only hard wood that didn't have a headache-
>*BANG*
>You jump, the bow flying from your hooves
>What the fu-DID SOMEPONY KICK IN YOUR DOOR?!
>In a flash you grab your iron metronome, ready to launch it at the skull of a mare who's so stu-
>"AAAAOOOOIIIIII OK.TY."
"Oh fuck you're drunk."
>You leave your study, grumbling
"Vinyl Scratch you were supposed to get coffee, not get wasted! What would Anon think if he saw you like this after your... first..."
>The complaint dies in your throat
>Anonymous closes the door, turning to face you
>Vinyl's back hoof stretching out the fabric of his shirt
>The shirt that she's currently snuggled under?!
"Wh. Wh?"
>"Ah, sorry. She kicked before I could stop her..."
>"AHM THE BEST AT COFFEE." Vinyl crows, tilting her head back
>Anon tilts his head to the side, dodging her horn
"I-I'm so terribly, terribly sorry about this sir. Just put her down and don't call the ponice; I'll make sure she doesn't walk again-"
>He laughs, and you frown
>You were serious, damnit
>"How about this? Let's just drop her off in her bedroom, and we'll go from there. No bodily harm necessary."

>>27162634
>You pour him a cup of coffee
>He takes his like you do; black, straight. 
"So, first, I want to thank you for being an overall wonderful... uh-"
>"Human being."
"Yes, that. How exactly did my herdmate come to shame us so completely?"
>Anon laughs a deep laugh, sipping his coffee. "It's... it's interesting."
"Well. If you've got the time-"
>"I really should be going back-"
"Sir, it's nearly midnight. Please, we have a guest room, it's alright."
>Anon the human shrugs. "Alright. So, you want the story?"
>You nod
>You need to have this written down for the murder-suicide
>"Well. Basically, your little friend and I hit it off quite well. She's very nice once she opens up."
>He smiles... well that's a good thing
>"And apparently we hit it off so well, she wanted to have a few drinks."
"Oh... dear."
>"Mmm. I don't know if she needed the liquid courage or what - there were no condoms, so I think Vinyl wasn't doing anything underhanded-"
>Thank Celestia you caught that
>"But she ordered me a couple drinks, and apparently it turned into a drinking contest?"
>You blink slowly, and he shrugs
"....I don't really have words."
>"She's a cute drunk." he smiles, sipping his cup once more.
"Yes, but I hardly believe that's enough to warrant a second date!"
>"Mmmm, maybe, maybe not. I'm more curious to see what she'll do tomorrow morning. The awkwardness will be incredible."
>You smirk
"Indeed. If I wasn't so embarrassed myself, I'd relish it more..."
>"Well. Don't worry. I still had fun, she was a perfect gentlemare, and save for the vandalism-"
>Waitwhat
>"-everything is fine. But I do need to get up at 5, so-"
"Aah, right, this way. The guest bedroom is down that hall, 2nd door to your right. Bathroom's right across from it."
>He gets up, and you stand up as well
>Might as well have SOME courtesy in his night
>"Thank you very much, Miss Octavia. I hope you have a good night."
>You smile, giving him a little bow.
"You as well, Anonymous."

>You are Anon
>and that little gray horse is full of shit
>You peek out from the "guest" room, able to quite clearly see her form sleeping on the couch
>Marely pride
>....
>sighing, you close the door and sit on her bed
>It's obvious it's a lived-in room
>The pictures are a dead giveaway
>dead giveaway
>You pick one up, noticing a somewhat-familiar colt
>Yeah you've seen this dude like everyday
>But, it's not with Octavia
>It's with 'single father' Time Turner, who escaped from an 'abusive relationship in the city'.
>One of your special cases, the little bastard asked for every single assistance that your office provides
>Housing, Food, inserted into schooling between seasons...
>You frown slightly
>All of these pictures in here are of Octavia and this colt...
>Hm.
>You place the photo down and lay on her bed
>Your knees hanging down, of course
>fucking tiny horse beds
>What... an interesting night you've had.
>Damnit
>You sigh
"....why are you suddenly so interested?"
>No sleep tonight, it seems
--------------
>Inhaling deeply, you smell
>....eegh, you smell
>You try to open your eyes, but the gunk is keeping them solidly shut
>Fuuuuuckkkkkkkk
>You rub that shit off, and then cringe as your eyes burn, the sudden air stinging the inside corner of your eyelids
"Gggnnnnhhh-"
>You feel like shit
>Your mouth tastes like shit
>Did you do ketamine last night? Ugh, no
>Never again
>It was... oh, right. That date - Anon
>Mmmmm you don't give a shit right now
>Somewhere in your brain you know you should be pleased, but, you're not cuddling him right now and your ass doesn't hurt, so, it couldn't have gone THAT well
>But it was a good night, right?
>Rolling over, you flop out of bed, your legs crumpling under you
>Warm tummy meet cold floor. Cold floor, tumtum.
"Fuuuuuuuck-"
>Groggily, you stand to your hooves, your white fur matted in sweat and.... no, just sweat. Drunksweat.
>You feel a pain in your abdomen, and you know what this means
>[spoiler]whiskeyshits[/spoiler]
>You open the door to your room, eyes bleary, and make your way to the bathroom
>Apparently you drank enough to give you the shits, but not enough to stop you from getting home??
>....fuck why can't you remember big blocks of last night?
>You sit upon the throne and ponder
>....no he was definitely over you, but, it wasn't sexual?
>....what the heeeNNNGGGOOHHLUNAFUCK-

>You are Anon now, because ain't nobody want to read that other shit
>After a somewhat restful night, you phoned into work, letting them know you'd be late
>Although chivalry is dead
>It's been replaced with...[spoiler]horsery[/spoiler]?
>Whatever
>You're gonna cook these little pones some breakfast
>Octavia, because she really didn't have to do that, and Vinyl, because... well, you're already cooking for two.
>So at 5 you woke up as you usually do, damn work hours, and gently roused Octavia with the scent of coffee
>And the two of you have passed the time with the light conversation that only comes from early morning risers
>That is, until the moaning started about 5 minutes ago
>The two of you smiled at each other with a knowing look
>"Drinking contest, eh?"
>You shrug
"Hell, she rallied herself to challenge herself to a fight with herself to see who would win. I think she lost, though."
>Octavia chuckles, sipping at her coffee. "Mmm, it seems so. Hopefully she's just going to be sick and done with it this morning, I don't want to-"
>And it's at this point that your comfy little morning is ruined forever
>For, even through 2 walls and a length of hallway, Vinyl's voice rings out
>And it's very obvious she forgot you came home with her
>"FUCK'S SAKE. OCTY, I'VE SHAT OUT MY HEART."
>You bite your knuckle, trying to stifle your laughter as Octavia's forehead meets the kitchen table
"I-heh-is she always lik-"
>"NO REALLY. CALL THE PRINCESS, I'M GONNA DIE-"
>Octavia rolls her head on the table, signifying 'no' + 'please, Celestia, kill me now.'
>"P-please, Anon. I swear, we are adult mares in this household."
>Smiling, you nod
"Oh, I'm certain of it. At least, I'm certain you are.... tell me, when did it happen?"
>Octavia looks up at you, furrowing her eyebrows
"I mean, of course, the accident. Did Vinyl hit her head hard one day, or-"
>She grins, rolling her eyes. "No, sadly, she's been like this since I met her."
>"PLEEEEEASE. PLEASE END ME-"
"So, she was dropped as a foal?"
>"Multiple times, I think."
>You hum softly as a devious idea floats through your brain
>"....I know that smile. What's on your mind?"
"Would you like a little revenge?"
>"You really are perfect. Yes."
>You lean down and whisper your plan to your new friend and she joins you in a manic smile. "Oh... oh no, Anon, that's just way too cruel!"
"So you're not going to?"
>"Oh fuck yes I am, especially since I have a witness with me."
>Octavia hops down from her chair and trots over to the hallway entrance, making sure to be as loud as possible
>"Vi?! VI."
>"DOC OC! PLEASE, KILL ME. THE BLEACH IS IN THE KITCHEN-"
>Octavia stamps her hoof. "Vinyl Scratch, stop bitching for five minutes. I'm getting ready for the day, and I wanted to know what to make you. Do you need oats? Or can you handle toast and eggs?"
>"I WANT THE SWEET RELEASE OF DEATH, OCTY. THERE ARE FARMS HERE; TAKE ME TO ONE AND LET ME FREE-"
>"So, oats?"
>"....AH, YEAH. SURE?!-"
>Octavia, grinning madly, turns her head to you and yells as loud as she can, "ANONYMOUS! VINYL SCRATCH WOULD LIKE SOME WARM OATS, PLEASE."
>You grin as you inhale deeply, belting out your response in a rich, smooth baritone
"SURE THING, OCTY. DOES SHE NEED ANY SPECIAL HELP FOR HER TUMMY TUM?"
>There is utter silence for about five seconds
>Then this piercing wail just.... starts
>It's soft at first, but raises in pitch and loudness
>You're drawing blood from your knuckle, biting it so hard to stay silent, but your whole body is convulsing with the bottled-in laughter
>Octavia is just.... doing a mixture of a waltz and an LSD-trip dance, having as close to a full-body orgasm as she possibly can
>So this is the sound of one mare dying by embarrassment
>Finally the fine white whine starts to form words
>"OOCCCCTTTTYYYYYYYYYYYY~ WHYYYYYYYYYYYY~"
>"Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm........ooooh...." Breathless, Octavia stops dancing, her eyes fluttering open to look at you. "Oh.... oh Anon...."
>Woah, her purple eyes are.... impressive
>Man, if you didn't know any better, you'd say she was lusting after you
>Time to be cheeky
"Was it good for you too?"
>She grins. "Oh, colt, you don't know what you've done for me~"
>"I'LLL NEVERR BEEE ALLLPPHAAAAA~"
* * *

>You are Vinyl Scratch
>And you're dead
>just
>You're dead. Your heart is beating, you're in the shower, you're feeling sensations, but you're dead
>That... tile infront of you has been your world for about an hour now
>Anon came and went, apparently
>And your executioner wiped her blade and tried to get you to come out of your porcelain coffin
>Wanted to make sure you were dead, prolly
>"Vi... Vi~"
". . ."
>"Vinyyylllll. Come ooonnnnn, it's been an hour. It's damn near 8AM-"
"Time has no meaning for the dead."
>"Vinyl Scratch, please."
"No you please! You're grinning right now, aren't you?!"
>".....mayb-"
"Octy you are tearing me apart~"
>"Oh come off it, Vi! He's interested in a second date!"
>You blink, raising your head
"He....what?!"
>You can feel the smug coming out from the other side of the door. "I said, he's interested in a second date. Apparently you're a cute drunk, which is the only thing saving you right now."
"I... I'm still not happy!"
>"He made you breakfast, you know."
"...."
>"Oats with fruit and a sprinkle of brown sugar."
".....ok for the record, he's a keeper and you're a cunt."
>"Love you too, Vi. I'm going to go practice at the amphitheater; see you for lunch?"
"fmbgmbfine."
>You hear your traitorous herdmate leave the apartment
>And....now you're alone
>But you're smiling for some reason
>....a second date?! Eeeeeee-
* * *
"Huuhhnnh~"
>"Woah, Anon hon, you alright? Are you sittin' under a vent again?"
>You finish your sudden and violent shivering, looking around
"I uh... I don't think so?"
>Triplicate smiles at you, the wrinkles around her eyes forming into little smiles. "Well, I know how you sweet things are. If you need a blanket, or want a desk in the sun, let me know."
>You sigh internally, but smile
"Will do."
>You can't be mad at her - she's like, as old as Granny Smith
>....pretty sure she's dead but her body doesn't know it
>regardless, if you're called 'sweet thing' by any other pony, they'd get a backhand
>Triplicate just gets a headpat on her little mane-bun
>[spoiler]And maybe a boop when nopony's watching[/spoiler]
>"So, are these all the resettlement forms you wanted, dear?"
"Mmm, yeah. I just wanted to check on a few things, that's all."
>"Oh? Well, what can this old mare help you with? I know you colts are good at paperwork and stenography, but are you sure you can navigate this?"
>Awwww
>She's actually genuinely concerned about your wellbeing, not 'concerned' to want to 'help you' and show off
>She's definitely [spoiler]getting a boop[/spoiler]
"Yeah, I'm fine. We've only had, what, 5 resettlements this year so far?"
>She hums softly, trying to remember
>"I...that sounds about right, I think. Nothing like that wave of farmers back in '37. Now THAT was a flood of new ponies. Did I ever tell you that's how the Carrots actually settled he-"
>You begin to nod automatically as you pour over the records
>Hmm. Let's see... Caramel, stallion, from Applanta.
>Discord from *^&%$#@*!~!#
>The pronunciation key under it reads "Chicago" but, eh.
>Genderfluid-
>No, there's actually some gender fluid on this paper
>You set it aside to be burned and make a note to ask him to refill it out
>Ah. Here we are.
>One Time Turner, stallion, with colt Treble Clef - Manehatten
>A month later, Octavia Philharmonic from Manehatten and followed by just a few days-
>A sigh escapes your lips
>Vinyl Scratch from 'call me, cutie'.
>Of course her sex is marked 'frequently'. 
>. . .
>You set the three aside
>Let's see. So Octavia's obviously related to Treble - name's a dead giveaway, but... divorce?
>Probably. TT's single.
"Oh."
>Her ears perking up, Triplicate smiles. "Why yes! That is how the mirror pool was capped! Although thousands of mares lost their lives-"
>You furrow your brow
>'Time Turner Claimed Assets: None. Claimed Income: None. Claimed other Income: None.'
>....that doesn't seem right. He should at least be getting state-mandated alimony...
>And you know Octavia has a job
>....and she's not the type of mare to skip out on it. Why else would she move from Manehatten to here, especially-
>You check again
>-yeah... to follow her old family. 
"Whelp."
>"And-th...oh? What is it, sweetpea?"
>You lean back
"I think I just found some fraud."
>You are Anon
>Still
>And at your insistence, Triplicate is letting you handle this "delicate situation arising from a clerical error"
>She just doesn't have the stomach to tie up this loose end
>Turns out you do! Who knew?!
>With copies of the offending errors in your messenger bag-
>because they STILL DON'T HAVE BASIC OFFICE SUPPLIES
>you make your way to the park
>Odds are, with how nice a day it is out here, Time Turner will be milling about; if not looking after his colt, then being sortof an alpha stallion for the playground
>Like a soccer mom, but with more opinions
>You stand at the front of the park, watching the little anklebiters frolic without a care
>....how dare they enjoy life
>Some [spoiler]standardized testing[/spoiler] will take care of that!
>You mull over how best to show that particular bill to Mayor Mare before larger movement catches your eye
>Ah. There he is, in the pagoda
>Thankfully, the pagoda is asleep, so you can approach it without fear
>He perks up as he sees you, waving you over - excellent
>"Heeeeyyyy~! I see you survived last night!"
>You furrow your eyebrows as you duck in, taking a seat on a bench nearby
"Wait, what?"
>Time Turner chuckles. "Well, word on the street is that you had to carry your date home-"
>You groan
"Ugh, sometimes I forget I live in a small town-"
>"Hehe, yeah. Though, did she really vandalize th-"
>You cut him off with a wave of your hand
"Hey now. I cannot confirm nor deny anything. Twilight was nice enough to just magic away the graffiti, so, there's not going to be an actual investigation."
>Time Turner smiles, humming softly. "Mm, yeah...she's a handful - ah, from what I've heard."
>Sure, little horse, 'from what you've heard'
"Oh?"
>He shrugs. "Yeah, she's a party mare - it's from all that club music she does. I don't see what everypony likes, it's just UNTZ UNTZ UNTZ and then smokey clubs and hooves all around your flank-"
>He shudders, shaking his head. "I know it takes all kinds, but still..."
"That sounds like you've got some history with her."
>He hums again. "You could say that. You helped me with my relocation, so... You helped her with hers?"
>You nod, pulling your bag strap over your head
"Yeah, I did - all of y'all from Manehatten-"
>"Yeah, the big city... always busy."
>Time Turner sighs, rolling his shoulders. "Really, it was no place for me after all. No real place to raise a colt, eith-"
"Ah, forgive me for interrupting, but... I did come out here to talk with you, yanno."
>"Oh?"
"Yeah... now, ah. I did some digging around - papertrails and all that - and I remember that we got you both residency, food and income assistance?"
>". . .yes? All my paperwork should be in order, right? I only do that once every year or so-"
"Well, normally, yes, but-"
>"But what?"
>You rummage around your messenger bag, pulling out his files. Placing them on the table between you, you start pointing out discrepancies
"Well. It says you have no assets - which, ok, we don't count things like clothing or incidentals. But you also claimed no income-"
>"That's right. I was a stay-at-home father."
>You sigh
"Time Turner, I asked if you had any income - any income from any source at all. I even broke it down for you saying gifts from friends or family counted-"
>"And I said I didn't have an-"
"You get alimony. I checked."
>don'tcallmybluffdon'tcallmybluffdon't-"
>"Wh-well yes, but, that's all money that I deser-"
>You cut him off with a wave of your hand
"Turner, I don't know how much it is, but we gave you all this based on an income of 0 bits. If you told us this incorrectly it would be considered fraud, which is a felony-"
>"We-we can change it, right?" He leans over the table, looking into your eyes. "We - it was an accident, I just didn't know what you meant, it's just paperwor-"
"Turner."
>He sits down, breathing heavily
>"I- I just, I.."
>You lean back, sighing
"Look. I'm not in the business of ruining lives, but...we have to do something about this. I know, my office now knows, we can't sweep it under the rug. If you came to us on your own, th-"
>"But you can't! I-I have a little colt! We, we just moved in and I needed the help and I just-"
>You reach forward, human instincts kicking in, and [spoiler]boop him gently[/spoiler]
"Hey. Breathe. Just.... why? Tell me the reason, I can work with you."
>Time Turner looks away, swallowing hard
>"I...what do you want to know?"
"Well. Start back at the beginning. Why'd you leave Manehatten, why did you come here and commit fraud?"
>His ears splay back at 'fraud', but he begins softly.
>"I uh... well. It's no secret I was married to Octavia."
>You nod
>"And, I mean, for a time it was great. She was never abusive, didn't drink - she loved her music, and I loved talking with her about it, and listening. Still do, really. When she told me she was pregnant, I was so happy, but..."
>He looks at you, softly. "Anon, how often do you think she's on the road?"
"Hm. Professional musician, I'd think more often than not."
>"S-sure. At least 30 weeks out of the year, gone. When she was in Manehatten, she was practicing - which was fine. I'd go see her, bring her lunch... it worked. We made- no... I made it work. For the first few months of her pregnancy, everything was normal."
>Time Turner suddenly inhales deeply, letting it out in a shuddering breath
>"Anon... Anon she's a workaholic. Do you know how I met my colt?"
>You furrow your brow
"Met? I thought-"
>"No! No, I *met* my colt, because she refused to take maternity leave. Anon, for fuck's sake, I got a call that she went into labor in CANTERLOT."
"Oh. That's...."
>"Yeah. I missed my only son's birth because she put her music above our family. I met my son a day later."
>You sigh
"Damn... I'm sorry."
>"Mmm."
>You let a few moments of silence drag out, and Turner collects himself
>"So... no big deal. Mares will be mares, gotta be macho to the end - so, I thought new colt... surely she'd slow down. Or at least take maternity."
"She didn't?"
>"She did after her tour. I went home with little Treble and cared for him for another two weeks."
>He smiles, but it's not a happy one
>"So... she comes home, on maternity, and I still hope. But, she... she's just in love with that cello! Anon, do you know what it's like, fighting for the affections of your mare with a bucking inanimate object?!"
>You smile wryly - as a government worker, you're incapable of feeling emotions
>But you nod sofly
>"And I just couldn't take it anymore. If you want to be with me, be with me - if you want to be single and tour, do it! I tried getting her friend Vinyl to help, but she just laughed it off and told me to buck up, like - like just because I wasn't working now, I had it easy! A feeding every 2 hours, 24 hours a day for a month. EASY."
>Oh, he's angry. His jaw is clenching as he talks
>"S-so, buck it. One day when she was out on her month-long tours, I filed for a divorce. Ah!"
>He waves his hoof at you, cutting you off
>"I know, I know. It was a cold move, but. I thought the shock might get to her. Know what happened instead?"
>You shake your head
>"She missed the first court date. So I got primary custody. She missed the second court date - so I got alimony... she missed her third, and I didn't want to bother anymore, so I let her keep her shit."
>He snarls the last bit, and you mentally take note
>That's the first time he's cursed
>"She just wanted to postpone each hearing TO NOT TAKE TIME OFF FROM TOURING-"
"Well... alright, so that brings us to you leaving. I'm assuming you didn't keep her residence-"
>"No, no, I don't give a hay about that high-rise apartment. But..."
>He sighs
>Here we go
>You reach forward and grab his hoof.
"Hey. It's ok. From where I'm from, you'd be facing 20 years in jail. I've seen train robbers behind bars here for a month with a stern talking to afterwards-"
>You're not lying, you know
>But tiny drama horses are inconsolable
>"B-but... but he'll, I just know he won't be taken care of, I just - and putting him in a home, I just - please, just not that!"
>You smile softly, rubbing his hoof - your other hand scratching the back of your head
"Look, I'm certain it'll be alright. That was worst case scenario - it'll be ok, ok?"
>"O-okay... I just... I just wanted the best for him."
"I know. Nopony is going to fault you for that."
>The sound of hooves on wood breaks his heavy breathing, and you turn towards the ponicemare. 
"Hey."
>She nods at you. "Mr. Turner? We can go now - we'll pick up your colt, and you can stay with him, ok?"
>Time Turner looks at you with a questioning glance, and then back at the uniformed mare
>You give his hoof a reassuring squeeze
"It will be alright. Just be honest, and ask for forgiveness."
>"B-but what if-"
"Turner. In the few short months you've been here exactly how many evil creatures have been turned good and shown mercy?"
>He blinks, then blushes softly. "W-well-"
"A lot. You horses are big on forgiveness."
>"Mr. Anon, if you could release Mr. Turner?" The mare interrupts, smiling softly.
"Yeah. Ah, here."
>You release his hoof, scooping up his files and putting it in your bag.
"Here's everything you need."
>The ponicemare takes the bag from you, giving you a knowing nod.
>"Hmph. I don't... I don't even feel mad at being setup." Turner sighs. "Honestly, it's been a weight on my chest..."
"I know. You look happier already."
>"Yes, well... I guess, see you around?"
"Sure. It's a small town, after all."
>"A-and my son?"
"I'll make sure he's alright after this, ok? Like I said, I'm here to help."
>"T...thank you."
* * *
>You are Octavia 
>And you are confused as hell
>You saw the GOOD AND RIGHTEOUS MAREFRIEND-FREE COLT Anonymous apparently get that BLOODSUCKER Time Turner ...arrested?!
>You wiggle in the bush, trying to get closer without attracting attention
>On your way back from mid-morning practice, you usually swing by the park
>Sometimes Treble's there, and you can watch him for a while
>Then it's a quick lunch, afternoon practice, dinner, chores and an evening unwind session
>But seeing Anon and Turner talking under a wild pagoda has totally ruined your schedule!
>You're not, ah, stalking him for your sake
>No
>You're stalking him for your herdmate's sake!
>.....which, I guess in a court of law would still be a roundabout benefit to you bu-
>You digress
>You have to make sure that Turner isn't poisoning the well here
>Vi deserves to be happy... or at least, taken care of
>...kept out of jail
>......ok maybe just bailed out regularly?
>You roll your eyes and scoot forward just a little bit more
>Well... ok, Turner's leaving with the ponicemare, and Anon's headed... 
>You lie perfectly still as Anon starts walking towards you
>Don't freak out don't freak out
>He's just on one of the many paths that criss-cross the park
>There's no way he-
>"Octavia?"
>FUCK
"N-no?"
>"Oh, well then. You won't mind me taking this cello?"
>He points behind you, but you still don't move
>DON'T PLAY INTO HIS GAME
>"You know. The one in the black-and-gold case? The one laying on the park bench? Right there? That's ok for me to take?"
"....No! No, it is... uh, it's not yours! Stealing is bad!"
>The human smiles, and you silently curse yourself
>"Oh, well then. I'll just donate it to the ponyville school. I'm certain some little filly or colt would love to learn how to play on-"
"DON'T YOU DARE!"
>You burst out of the underbrush in an explosion of melodic justice!
>you flick the twigs out of your tail as you prepare to give him a dressing-down on just how expensive a 300-year-old hoofington cello is-
>But his laughter diffuses your anger
>"Well, hello there! Fancy meeting you here - did Vinyl send you, or are you just making a habit of stalking her friends?"
>You grumble, scrunching up at the human
"I... I was searching for something!"
>"Oh?"
>You remain silent, scrunch intact
>You ain't gonna break first
>Nope
>He sighs
>"Well, alright then. Care to walk me home? I actually have the rest of the day off-"
"W-well, I uh, I mean, I'd be happy to, but..."
>"Need to find your someone?"
"Yes."
>"Not thing?"
"What?"
>He smiles, and you replay what he said in your mind
>....Celestia damnit
"Yes, ok. I was hoping to see Treble before I go to lunch-"
>He hums softly. "Well... that won't happen for a little while."
"Why? What - what's going on?"
>He slowly starts to walk away, and you trot to catch up - can't forget your cello afterall - but once you're out of the park he talks
>"I'll... give you a head's up, seeing as how you'll be pulled in anyway. Time Turner's got some... discrepancies that he needs to address, and you'll be there to verify them."
"Hmph. Great, living up to his name - how much time is he going to take from me now?"
>Anon frowns. "Well. That depends on how long horse justice takes."
"Well. He'll get whatever he deserves."
>"I wonder if he did..."
"What?"
>"Nothing." Anon shakes his head. "Just musing aloud. So you often come to the park to see Treble?"
>You nod
"Of course. Morning cello prep - which sadly I skipped today, and my rehearsal showed it - breakfast, check the schoolyard, then mid-morning practice, check the park, lunch, then work until dinner. I try to see him as often as I can."
>You look up to him, and he's... studying your face
"W-why.... is he going to be alright? Anon, you have to tell me-"
>"Treble will most likely be fine-"
"Most LIKELY?!"
>"Ugh, fine, he'll be fine. I know that look - don't you judge me, tiny horse."
>You scrunch up again
>"Anyway. What do you do with Treble when you have him?"
"On my weekend?"
>He nods 

"Is this some sort of civil-servant trap?!"
>He laughs. "No, not at all. Vinyl's close to you, so I might as well learn about you too."
>...makes sense
"Well. We wake up, I make him breakfast, then I do my prep and practice at home. Usually he colors or plays in the house. We go out for lunch, spend some time at the park or at a shop - I try to dote on him when I can - and then back home to relax."
>"You... play your cello to relax?"
"Of course! And he enjoys it - I love seeing his eyes sparkle when I play for him."
>"Mmm. That sounds nice."
"Y-yes..."
>But that didn't sound sincere
>You spend some time in silence, before clearing your throat
"You think I'm a bad mother, don't you?"
>"I think you could do better. But you're not bad, no. I've seen a lot worse."
>Your heart quickens, and you feel bile in your throat
>That slut got to him
"A-and let me guess, you think Turner's perfect?! That he never had a pro-"
>"HEY."
>You stumble a bit and look up at-
>Oh wow that's an angry face
>"I'm not getting in the middle of your failed marriage, alright? I'm not here to judge. But damn, woman, calm down. Not everything's an attack."
>Your ears flat against your head
"I'm... I'm sorry. It's just, Treble's dear to me-"
>"Question."
"A-an...oh?"
>"If you stayed at home, and Time Turner had your schedule, would you have divorced him?"
". . .I uh. O-of course not! His sacrifice for me-"
>"Have you ever not played the cello for a day?"
"Only when sick. What's your point?"
>Anon sighs, muttering something under his breath
>"Look...You need to be honest with yourself, and you need to see what truly matters-"
"My work touches thousands of ponies every day! Music is the lifeblood of this nat-"
>"And if I held your cello and your child over a fire and told you to pick one, which would it be?"
>Your rebuttal dies in your throat
>There's silence between you now, and he stops walking
"...I-I'm not a bad mare, Anon-"
>"No, I know. This is me."
>He points to the nearest townhouse 

>He sighs softly. "Look, I know you're not a bad mare. Like I've said, I've seen worse. Hell, there's one family that sincerely thought they could survive off of one type of fruit, forever."
>He laughs, shaking his head
>"Nutritional counseling became mandatory, but ... anyway. Your horse magic must be working on me, cause I used to not give this much of a damn about my constituents."
>Kneeling, he boops you on your muzzle
>"What is the most important? You're trying to have your cake and eat it too, and that's not how families work, that's not how any of this works. You do love your son, right?"
>You nod
>"And you love your music?"
>You nod again
>"You can have both, but one comes naturally at the expense of the other. I'm not saying quit one, but, prioritize."
>You look down at the ground, the growing pit in your stomach rooting you to the spot
>"....anyway. I'm going to clean up, but... I'll see you around, alright?"
"...yeah."
>"Yeah."
>You don't move once he goes up the steps and shuts his door
>You don't move for a long while, even after the sun pushes your shadow out from under you to before you
>Somewhere in the back of your mind, you know you're missing practice
>Somewhere in the back of your mind, you don't know if that's important or not anymore
* * *
>You are Anon
>And you spent the last half of your day off making sure your possibly-new-girlfriend's-friend didn't have a mental breakdown infront of your house
>I mean, it was mainly looking at her through your window and making shooing motions
>But you started to come and go through the back door, just so you wouldn't disturb her
>Damnit... why are you growing a heart?
* * *
>Hm.
>You are still Anon, and there's this THING making a face at you
>So you make it right back!
>Aaah, the tongue-hanging-out googly-eyes
>A very good riposte
>BUT NOT GOOD ENOUGH!
>Crossing your eyes, you try to lick your ear-
>The boyish giggling means you've won
>"Staaaaaaaaahhh~no no no no~"
>OR maybe it's because you're tickling him now
>It's been about a week since Turner...turned himself in
>Ugh fuck you brain
>And Octavia's been taking care of little Treble the best she can
>Since you and Vinyl are apparently a thing - 4 dates and counting - and since you're involved in the case, you kill two birds with one stone
>Check up on the child and hang out with your marefriend
>Working the system never felt so good
>A tiny hoof lightly kicks your abdomen
>Ok, not so good
>You roll him off your lap, and he giggles, running away to some other room of the apartment
"I'm not going to chase after you, yanno~"
>A high-pitched squeal is all you get in response
>Damn adorable tinyhorses
>"You know, I thought colts got foalcrazy AFTER marriage-"
"Shut up Vinyl."
>"But you just took to it like a duck to water-"
"Says the mare who volunteered us to watch after him while Octavia goes to practice-"
>"Shush."
>You sigh, reaching over to boop her nose
>She licks your finger
"Lewd horse-"
>"We are a proud and noble people-"
>You hear a distant giggle
"....go get him already-"
>"Ugh, ok! But if he goes under the bed again-"
"I'll make sure you don't get stuck-"
>"I was taking a STRATEGY REST." Vinyl clarifies, hopping off the couch and trotting down the hallway
>You watch her leave
>....I mean, you weren't no horsefucker when you got here
>But, those asses
>......you bite your knuckle slightly
>Well. And apparently you get multiple asses all to yourself?
>Stallions got this shit on lockdown
>Aaaand now your mind's wandering
>You sigh and look up at the ceiling
>Octavia didn't make the right choice
>Your afternoon right here is proving that
>I mean, you're C O M F Y right now, so you can't complain, but...
>....you were supposed to get dinner
>Then, dessert
>Then 'dessert', maybe, if she wanted to. 5th date is long enough, and Vinyl's been nothing but patient and [spoiler]teasing[/spoiler].
>But you're good to go to tap that ass
>Anyway
>Here you are, date 5, looking after a child that's not yours because their parent was too busy....
>Damn. You had hope.
>"Ablablablablaoonsoonsoonsoons-"
>"Yeah, little man! I'll cut that into my next track and give you credit-"
>The little earth pony colt, aglow in red magic, hovers over to you
>Aww, it's making mouthsounds
>You grab him and he's released from the magic into your hug
>"Nuuuuuhhhh~" Treble squirms
"Hmm, what?"
>"Caaayyooonnnnn~" he whines
"You can draw in here, ok?"
>"KAaaaaaayyy-"
"No, look at me-"
>Treble looks at you
>...good boy
"Draw in here, ok?"
>"Okay Misser anon."
"Ok."
>You let him down with a smile and he trots over to his playbag, rummaging around
>Suddenly there's another weight on your lap
>"Oh, Misser Anon~"
>You roll your eyes
"Vinyl, that is not sexy at all-"
>"Do you have a crayon I can play with, hmm~" She grins, grinding her hips into your lap
>You lean down with a smile
"You want to flirt with me infront of a child? You're a pervert-"
>"Says the one covered in clothing-"
"-and I didn't know foals got you hot-"
>"Ugh. Darn you, Anon, I don't want no kids right now-"
"Woah! Hey, someone's assuming I'm talking about having a baby with you! You don't know, I could have other mares-"
>Vinyl starts laughing, and you grumpily push her off
"Jerk."
>"Jurk!" Treble absentmindedly replies
"No, Treble honey, don't say that word"
>"Kaaay~" he agrees, sitting down to start coloring
>Vinyl hops onto the couch beside you this time, her eyes matching her smile. "Well... look at you, so good with kids-"
"Don't. They're like sponges, ok?"
>"Hmph. Fine...."
>The two of you fall into a warm silence.
>You sigh
>"What's up?"
"Mmm."
>"No no. None of that, what's up."
"I'm just disappointed in - in her."
>"You mean O-"
>You shush her with a look and headtilt to Treble
>"Aah, yes. Her. Why?"
>You motion around the apartment
"Cause we're here. Cause this is our fifth date, and our fourth was here too - twice in a week we're caring for him for the whole day."
>Vinyl purses her lips as you continue
"I just... I tried to give her a do-or-die moment and laid it all out for her, but... this is it. If I'm called to testify, I'm going to have to give my opinion that, ah, HE keeps him."
>"Babe."
>You blink and grin slightly
"Babe?"
>Vinyl huffs, blushing softly. "Shush, I was trying something, ok?!"
"Hah, sure."
>"A-anyway. Do you know why she's been gone on the regular this week?"
>You drape your arm across her back, stroking her barrel softly
"I can guess..."
* * *
>12:45
>You sigh, shifting on the court bench
>The clock marks the time, in it's own sweet time, and it's always so slow-
>He's taking more of your time, yet ag-
>No
>no no no, not going down that path. Not again.
>You inhale deeply, holding it in before you let it out
>Your colt is safe at home, being cared for by your .... friends
>You feel a little sad about that
>At first, with what he's done, you thought... maybe, you had a chance?
>But you could see it in Anon's eyes, when you talked to him
>When you tried to engage
>He wasn't judging you, but...
>No. It wasn't pity, it was just...
>You had other priorities now, and he saw that. It just took you a while to see that too.
>You focus on the tiled floor, letting your mind wander
>It's been a hectic week
>There's been a lot of work to do, a lot of scheduling and-
>The clock chimes, and your ears strain
>....he should be out of court by now. Should've - it should've ended at noon.
>why are you so impatient
>You shift on the bench, giving your front hooves a rest
>. . .
>A soft click snaps you out of your funk, and your head swivels down the hallway
>"-am, yes ma'am. Thank you again, ma'am."
>A brown flank exits the opened double-doors
>You know that flank
>....damnit
>Hitting yourself mentally, you straighten up as your Ex, Time Turner, leaves the courtroom
>He makes it a few steps before stopping, looking directly at you
>You stare at him
>. . .
>Fuck SAY SOMETHING
"Oh... ah... fancy meeting you here?"
>His ears go flat against his head
>Damnit
"Waitwaitwait-"
>"Are you here to rub lemon in my wound, Octavia? I have nothing to say to you-"
"I'm sorry."
>He stops talking and looks at you
"I uh.... I'm sorry."
>"I... heard you. What are you sorry for?"
>You hop off the bench, shaking out the pins and needles
"Ah... want to... want to take a walk? To the park, maybe?"
>"....alright."
* * *
"So... well...here we are."
>"Yeah."
>You're sitting on the bench together, in the park on a lovely spring day
>By all rights, you're a couple
>Yet, the maximum distance between you two tells otherwise
>"So. You're sorry."
>You sigh and swallow your pride
"Yeah... I... a friend of mine pointed out to me what I was ... putting first. What I have been putting first in my life."
>"Your damn music."
>You feel the heat rise, but you tamp it down
>Be the bigger pony
"My...music, yes. And I realized that I wasn't..."
>You look at him now
>Really look at him
>He's not a bloodsucker
>He's not living high on the cob
>He's in flankfuck, equestria, lying to make ends meet
>And on this bench, curled up on his side, he really looks alone
"I wasn't fair to you. Or to Treble. I told myself I was doing this to provide for you, to provide for us, but I left you out of the conversation. When you filed, I didn't... it didn't even register to me."
>He shifts to face you now, studying you
>Don't fuck this up
"So... you left, I came home, and it hit me - what, well. What I lost. And that's why I'm here, really."

>"You want another chance-"
"No-"
>"Just because you apologized, you think I"ll welcome you back with open hooves?! Nothing's changed, Octavia! You'll start tou-"
"I've changed my schedule."
>"Oh, so what, now you get to hold onto Treble a little longer instead of-"
"I'm not touring."
>Time Turner's mouth opens and closes a few times, but no sound comes out
>You swallow again, steeling yourself
"I'm...I'm not a perfect mare, and I was not a perfect wife or alpha, and I shirked my duties. I'm playing catch-up here, and I'm not used to being in that position. Ever."
>You face him, and look him in the eyes
"I'm... trying. That's all I'm doing, I'm trying. Just like I do with my cello, I'm trying with my son - our son. And I'm not asking for you back - I don't think you want me, and I don't know what I want - but I do know that our son deserves better, and I'm going to give it to him."
>Why are you breathing so hard
>"So..." Turner softly says, tilting his head to the side. "...what do you want from me?"
"I...can we try something?"
>"What?"
"Can... can we try being friends again? If not for our sake, at least for his?"
>Time Turner, the afternoon sun hitting his mane, making it shimmer with hidden golden strands, smiles softly and nods.
>And it's the most beautiful thing you've ever seen.
=====
>"Honey, I'm hom-here~"
>You smile softly at Turner's slip, and at the excited ball of energy that careens into his legs, making them buckle
>"anthendrawedanringswithfuntiahan-"
>"Yes, yes, ok ok ok. Let me hold you, foal, let me hold you for a moment~"
>Sitting down, your... friend holds your son tightly, peppering him with kisses
>You turn to look away... and notice something odd
>The couch is blocking the hallway
"Sweetie? Where is Aunty Vinyl and Uncle Anon?"
>Your innocent colt looks up at you with bright, shining eyes.
>"Dey sayed gon' fuck like minxes cause dat ass don kwit."
>Time Turner dry-heaves as your eyes twitch, violently

THE END