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For the Record: Chapter 3

By: Fillydelphian on Aug 14th, 2012 | syntax: None | size: 22.14 KB | hits: 396 | expires: Never

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>The violet unicorn regains her composure after a second and you see her expression shift to one of curiosity
>You glance back at Octavia, who's staring daggers at you, before responding
My name's Anon. This quiet one behind me is Octavia. We're in town for a gig and I saw a flier for your library. I'm wondering if I could rent out the space for my client to practice in? Normally I'd have her set up at the concert hall, but it's still under construction, from what I've seen
>The unicorn seems to mull it over for a moment before looking at Octavia, then back to you
>”I don't know... I've got some pretty important research going on right now...”
>She's eying you suspiciously. Clearly she's inquisitive; probably has questions about you. There's leverage there
If I may? How about in exchange for letting Octavia practice here, I let you interview me about where I come from? Academic pony such as yourself must be interested in learning about a new species?
>”How did you know-”
>You tap your nose
Trade secret
>She looks apprehensive. Given that she still hasn't introduced herself, she must be a reserved kind of mare, not one to actively socialize like Applejack or Pinkie Pie. That means she's either inexperienced socially or she's jaded
>”Alright, but you'd better be ready to get in-depth with the background, Anon. Come in. You can set up in the upstairs, Octavia. Follow me”
>You wait downstairs and look around the bookshelves
>Lots of academic titles. How-to guides, young-mare fiction, advanced magical theory...
>You'll go out on a limb and say she's not much of a socialite
>Good. The less social ones are a fun challenge
>You straighten your tie and check your watch
>Time to get to work
1/x
>You keep looking through the shelves to pass the time, thumbing past volumes on botany, transfiguration, obscure unicorn history, and whatever “Quasistatic Dimorpho-flux Inhibitor Manipulation for Dummies” is about
>As you reach for a book you've found about the Manticore Wars, you hear the violet unicorn coming back downstairs with Octavia
>”...So you'll come over around 11 or 12 and practice, Octavia?”
>”Sounds good”
>”Great! I was sort of worried you'd be playing something loud and obnoxious, but it's so nice to meet somep0ny who knows a thing or two about the more intellectual musical theory!”
>”Right? It feels like we're few and far between these days a lot of the time. Are you going to be at Pinkie Pie's party tonight?”
>”Of course! Nop0ny misses a Pinkie Pie Party. I'll see you there!”
>”Alright! See you later, Twilight!”
>So that's her name? You step up as Octavia walks out the door, completely ignoring you
>Twilight turns around with a guarded look on her face
>”Alright, Anon. Let's have our interview. I'm Twilight Sparkle, by the way. I don't think I've introduced myself
>You put a hand out to shake
Nice to meet you, Twilight
>”Make yourself comfortable. I'll be right back”
>She's acting formally and academically. You're not going to be able to get this one without some effort on your part
>Then again, that's half the fun
>Twilight comes back into the room with a ream of paper and a studious gleam in her eye
>”Okay, let's get started. What's your full name? Is 'Anon' short for something?”
Anonymous. It's short for Anonymous
>She starts scribbling on the paper and mumbling to herself
>”Bipedal, forelegs branch at the carpal bones into separate phalanges...”
>She addresses you again as she tosses you a book
>”Catch”
2/x
What's this?
>”I wanted to see if you've got the same level of fine motor control as, say, a minotaur”
...Right
>”Moving on. Take off your shoes?”
I thought this was just an interview, not a strip-show
>She does not return your playful grin
>”Humor me”
>She looks at your feet before scribbling more on the paper
>”Feet appear anatomically similar to hands with elongated metatarsals and shortened phalanges...”
>She looks up again
>”Wiggle those for me?”
>You move your toes around
>”Much less dexterity. Not used for manual tasks...”
>Your shoes are levitated back over to you
>”Thank you. Now we'll get to the interview. What species are you a member of?”
Human
>”Genus?”
Well I don't like to brag...
>She plants her face in her hoof
>”It's the level above species...”
...Oh...
>She thinks for a second
>”Okay, okay, how about this: What's the closest relative to humans?”
Uh...Chimpanzees? You have those here, right?
>”Oh! So you're a primate? That would explain the placement and shape of your maxillae, the flat face of the frontal bone, and the opposable digits. Hold on”
>She roots around for a book on the shelves
>”Primates...Primates...AH! This should help. You seem a little different from the chimps we've got, but you're still essentially a monkey”
Don't call me a monkey. I'm a human
>”Right, a kind of monkey”
>She doesn't look up from the book
>”Let's see... population distribution, physiology, diet...”
>Finally she looks up from her book
>”Do you like bananas?”
...What?
>”Well it says here that primates eat bananas. Do you not?”
Not really
>”Are you sure? The book says-”
Who are you going to believe? The book about chimps or the actual human in front of you?
>...
>Dammit, she's actually weighing that option?
3/x
>The questioning goes on for an hour
>With business out of the way, you'll start working on getting her interested at the party
>This mare is a lot more intriguing than you thought
>On the way back to the hotel you see a pink-maned mare walking down the street with a heavy stack of papers
>She looks like she's having some trouble
>You go over and steady the stack
Need some help, miss?
>She lowers the papers and looks up at you
>”I'd love some, thanks. Grading tests gets hectic”
>You take a large part of the stack in your hands
>“I'm Cherilee, by the way”
Anon. Nice to meet you
>You see her brush her mane over her ear
>She starts walking and you follow only a little behind her
So you're a teacher? That sounds rewarding
>”Oh it is. I love helping the students learn and grow. I feel like another parent to some of them...”
>She's nurturing. Clearly she's passionate about her job
>You catch yourself holding your gaze on her legs
>Easy on the eyes, too
That's a noble cause. Sort of makes my line of work seem shallow
>She gives a half-turn to look back at you
>”Oh? And what might that be, Anon?”
Music
>”You play?”
No, I'm a manager
>Silence
>You chuckle
I know, I know. Not the noblest venture, but I do it for my friends
>She cocks her head to the side, having slowed down to walk next to you
>”For your friends?”
Yeah. A friend of mine is in classical. Real talent, her. I want her to get the recognition she deserves
>You look down at the mare
And I wouldn't have gotten to meet you if not for my job, so it can't be all bad
4/x
>”I bet you say that to all the mares you meet”
>You give a smug smile
Got me all figured out, huh?
>She laughs
>”I've seen my fair share of guys who think they're charming, Anon”
I hate those guys. They make it harder for the guys who know it
>”Like you?”
I'm glad you think so too
>”I think you're trouble”
You don't know the half of it, ma'am
>Cherilee stops in front of a modest house
>”Well, Anon, this is me. Thanks for the help and the company”
>She flashes a coy smile
>”So is this the part where the bold young stallion asks the older mare if he can come in for some coffee?”
Thought never crossed my mind
>You smile slightly, trying to hold back the devious grin threatening to come over your face
>She looks surprised. Time to make your move
...Though if you're interested, there's a party over at Sugar Cube Corner tonight. Maybe I'll see you there?
>The mare thinks it over for a second before letting out a giggle
>”You just might”
>You look over your shoulder down the road
Well it's getting a little late. I should get ready and make sure my client knows where she's going. See you later, Cherilee. And good luck with the grading
>”See you, Anon”
>You turn to go. As you do, she calls after you
>”Oh, and Anon?”
Yeah?
>”When is your friend playing?”
Friday at the new concert hall. Spread the word: Octavia has arrived
>Nice mare, that Cherilee. She seems genuine and kind. Probably a pillar of the community
>With any luck, her telling ponies about Octavia will generate some buzz that you can tap
>...Among other things
>This is win/win if you ever saw it
5/x
>Octavia is tapping her hoof on the floor as you walk into the room
>Downstairs Pinkie and Vinyl are preparing for the party
>”You were at the library an awfully long time, Anon...”
Strictly business, Octavia. I promise nothing happened
>She looks relieved
>”I'm sorry. Just you being, well, YOU-”
Not promising anything for the party though
>Octavia's face falls
>She rubs her temple with her hoof
>”Ponies' sake, Anon...”
Hey, I didn't say I was going to make a move on her tonight. I have to lay the groundwork first. I have a feeling she'll be more work than your average mare
>”Glad to see you're still a champion of upholding stereotypes, Anon. Why can't you discuss these things with Vinyl?”
Because she's all the way downstairs and I like seeing your reactions
>”I hate you”
Hey, I can set you up too, if you want
>Octavia turns red, her face scrunched up in indignant fury
>”Of all the-”
>Vinyl's voice echoes from downstairs
>”Hey, Nony! Get your monkey butt down here and introduce yourself to the gang!”
>Octavia looks at you quizzically
>”Nony?”
Funny story. You should ask Pinkie about it
>You head downstairs to see who Vinyl is talking about
>Descending the stairs, you find Vinyl standing with a circle of mares
>You recognize Pinkie, Twilight, and the orange one
>Must be friends
>Better get in good with them if you want to stand a chance of reaching your goal
>”Alright, girls. This is Anon. Anon, this is Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and-”
Applejack. We met earlier today
>The orange pony returns your smile. Vinyl gives you a questioning look
>You give the DJ a subtle shake of the head 'no' before motioning to Twilight with your eyes
>She just mouths “Really?”
6/x
>You turn to the three ponies you don't know
Nice to meet you
>The one with the pink mane shrinks back while the blue one, Rainbow, looks you over inquisitively
>”Doesn't look like any pony I'VE ever seen. What do you think, Fluttershy?”
>The yellow mare mumbles something too quietly to hear as Rainbow Dash is cut off
>”Now, Rainbow, stop being rude. He's already got Pinkie's seal of approval
>”Pinkie likes EVERYP0NY, Rarity. I wanna make sure he's alright”
>”Well you're not going to find out by staring at him, Rainbow”
>Rarity turns to you as Rainbow flies off to help Pinkie with some speakers
>”I'm sorry about her. She-”
-Doesn't like the unfamiliar? I see her type a lot in my line of work
>”Once she comes around she's as loyal as you'll ever see somep0ny. Don't worry”
I'll hold you to that
>”So what is it you do? Vinyl mentioned something about working in recording?”
More or less, yeah. I'm Octavia's manager. She'll be down in a few minutes, probably
>You see Rarity eying your suit
Like what you see?
>She looks up
>”I've never seen a design like this. Who made this?”
>She's examining the jacket closely. You see Rainbow Dash roll her eyes
I've got a buddy in Canterlot who has a boutique
>”But who is it? I must know!”
>By her near-crazed tone of voice, you figure she REALLY must
Hoity Toity. Nice guy. I helped him meet his wife a couple years back
>Rarity's jaw is on the ground
>”Y-you know th-th-THE Hoity Toity?? The Canterlot fashion industry innovator and genius Hoity Toity?”
>You get the feeling that she'd be the type to be swayed by your connection with Hoity, but your attention is deflected when Octavia comes downstairs
7/x
>”Tavi! Finally! Get down here and meet everyone!”
>Vinyl abandons the sound equipment and bolts over to the gray mare, dragging her to the center of the room
>”We're gonna have a friggin' blast! Everyone, this is Tavi. Tavi, everyone”
>Octavia looks sheepish
>Twilight steps forward and comes over to her
>”Come on, I'll introduce you”
>You see Octavia let out a sigh of relief
>She was never one for parties. At least, not the ones you and Vinyl tended to throw
>Maybe somep0ny like Twilight will help her out of her shell a little bit
8/x
>The party starts off a little while later and soon Sugar Cube Corner is filled with ponies from all around town
>You decide to take the opportunity to get some buzz going for Octavia. From what you've seen of Ponyville, it'll take more than the promise of culture to get the concert hall filled
>Fancypants might have a PR department and a horde of marketers working on this thing, but they're focused on impressing the big-wigs
>Besides, the everyday ponies are the ones who buy the records and the concert tickets
>While you set about talking up the ponies who look like they have some social pull, you make sure to keep an eye on your other goal
>Twilight is keeping Octavia occupied talking with her friends. They look to be getting on well enough
>Those six are apparently somewhat prominent here. Most of the ponies you talk to know them, especially Pinkie Pie, who is evidently best friends with every living soul in Ponyville
>You can see the pink pony bouncing about excitedly, socializing with as many p0nies as she possibly can as she moves around the bakery
>”Hey, why the serious look?”
>Vinyl tugs on your sleeve and looks up at you
>Her cheeks are flushed and she looks wobbly
Getting in the spirit of things already, Vy?
>”Better question: You seriously WORKING right now? What have you done with Anon?”
>A cup levitates up to you
>” It's your first night here, man. Let's just PARTY!”
>You look down at the cup. You HAVE been more focused on work than usual...
>She's tapping her hoof on the floor
>After a quick glance at Twilight's group, you down the drink
We're gonna friggin' tear this place up, Vy
9/x
>”THAT'S my Anon! I'll go get Pinkie! She does these cotton candy shots that'll make your head explode!”
>Looks like it's time to get into party-mode
>Vinyl comes back with Pinkie Pie in tow
>She grabs you and drags you both to a table where the bubbly pink mare puts down a platter of bright pink shots topped with some kind of blue foam
What are these?
>”Pinkie Pie's Patented Pink Party Punch Shots!”
...Couldn't think of something with a 'P' for the last part?
>”What do you mean?”
>She cocks her head to the side
>Vinyl looks at you and shrugs
...Nevermind. We doing this?
>”We're waitin' on you, dude!”
>Vinyl and Pinkie each grab a shot
>”On three! One! Two! Three!”
>The three of you knock back the first shots
>It's insanely sweet; like liquid cotton candy. Just the sugar burns as it goes down
What proof is this drink, Pinkie?
>She rubs her chin thoughtfully for a moment
>”Uh.....I dunno....150, 160?”
>You look wide-eyed at Pinkie, who starts laughing with Vinyl
>”What's the matter, Nony? Too strong for you? Do you want a glass of milk or something?”
>The table shakes as you slam your fist down on it
Just checking. Let's do this
>You grab another shot glass
Count of three?
>Vinyl is beaming
One!
>You hold your shot in front of you
Two!
>Pinkie and Vinyl do the same
Three!
>All three of you drink. You feel a warm sensation in your stomach
>These things are goddamn strong...but Pinkie is reaching for a third and you're not going to be outdone by somep0ny that pink
>”One! Two! Three!”
>Another round down the hatch
>The room is starting to wobble
>”You want another, Anon?”
>Vinyl and Pinkie are holding glasses, cheeks flushed and heads swimming
10/x
>If you keep going, you're never going to be lucid enough to talk to Twilight
>You decide it's time to cut this little unspoken challenge short for now
One more. I want to be able to actually do stuff tonight
>”Alright, only one more because Anon's no fun!”
>”Woooo!”
I resent that! Let's go! One! Two! Three!
>Vinyl and Pinkie shake their heads as the concoction goes down
>You try to keep a poker face, but it fails the second you make eye contact with Vinyl
>She suddenly perks up when Pinkie tugs on her foreleg
>”Oooh! Scratchie! Scratchie! Get on the soundboard! We have to liven this party up!”
>You burst out laughing as the DJ tries to get up and immediately falls over
>Pinkie follows her to the floor and the two lie there giggling and trying to get up
>You stand up to make a jab at the two of them, but the floor is made of jello and trampoline
>You fall back against the table as Vinyl and Pinkie finally heave themselves back up into their seats
Maybe I'll stay here a while until the floor wants to be a floor again
>”Sounds like a plan, Nony”
>After a couple minutes Pinkie wanders off into the crowd and Vinyl slides over to you
>”Soo... what's your game plan?”
For what?
>”Twilight, obviously. You don't usually go for the bookish types. I would've pegged you for going after the white one”
What're you, racist?
>You both fail miserably to hold back your drunken laughter
>”That was a terrible joke. Hope you don't use that one on HER”
I won't. I'm gonna get over to the library whenever I can to work her over. It'll take a bit of work, but I like a challenge
11/x
>”You're awfully underhanded when you're drunk”
That doesn't sound like criticism
>”That's 'cause it's not. I wanna see if you can actually pull this off. She's practically a shut-in, from what Pinkie's told me”
Then I'll have to get her to open up. You'll see. Every mare has something you can use as an 'in'
>”Oh yeah? What's mine?”
If I knew that, we'd have gotten together by now
>”Not on your life, Anon”
>You shrug
Your loss
>”You think you can get yourself over to Twilight? I think Octy's been talking to her so she might be on to you already”
That just makes it more fun
>You get up. The floor cooperates a bit more and you take a couple wobbly steps before turning around
Oh, and Vy?
>She leans back in her chair and looks over at you
>”Yeah?”
Remember how I said I'd get you back?
>Her eyes go wide as you start towards her
>You stop right before reaching the DJ
When you least expect it
>You turn back around loopily and wobble away into the crowd, leaving Vinyl sitting at the table, eye twitching nervously
12/x
>Octavia is glaring at you as you approach the group
>Almost telepathically you know what she's thinking
>”NO. Don't you bucking dare. Nonononono. You're going to come over here aren't you? Celestia, dammit... Leave this ONE mare alone... Buuuuuuuuuuuuck...”
Heyyy, Octy! Made some friends?
>”You're drunk”
Only slightly
>She jabs a leg out at you
>You deftly avoid it by jumping back, staggering into a table, and flailing your arms until you upturn a platter of cupcakes
>”I take it back. You're VERY drunk”
I resent that
>”You should. What did you come over here for, anyway?”
>You walk back over to the group
I wanted to see how my favorite cellist is doing at the party!
>”Well I'm fine, thanks”
>She sure is in a mood, isn't she?
Ah, lighten up, Octy
>You turn to Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Twilight
Don't worry. Once she gets into the spirit of things she's less serious
>Octavia's face goes red
>You see Pinkie approaching out of the corner of your eye
>”Girls! Girls! What are you doing standing around? We should be partying! Come on!”
>Rainbow gives you a narrow-eyed look before walking off to the dance floor with Pinkie
>Fluttershy looks at the floor and fidgets
>You lean in to Octavia
Get out there, Octy. Have some fun
>”And leave you here with Twilight? Fat chance”
What? Fluttershy's here, isn't she?
>Octavia looks between you and the yellow pony before sighing and looking out at the dance floor
If not for me, do it for you. It'll be good networking if you're out on the dance floor socializing instead of staying here on the sidelines
>”Fine, but I swear to Celestia, Anon, don't make me regret this”
13/x
>She trots off into the crowd, following Rainbow and Pinkie
>It's just you, Twilight and Fluttershy
>Fluttershy looks at the floor and you alternately for a minute before scurrying off sheepishly, mumbling something about animals
>You pull up a chair next to Twilight, who's taken a seat at one of the tables to watch the dancing
So how do you like...
>Without a word she throws you a look of disdain before getting up and walking away
…the party...
>Across the room you can see Vinyl smiling smugly at you
>Guess Octavia didn't need to worry after all
>You sit alone for a couple of minutes, thinking over what happened, before a familiar voice rings in your ear
>”You certainly look lonely”
14/x
>A pink mane brushes past you as you turn around
Not so much anymore. Get that grading done early?
>Cherilee smiles
>”I decided to take a little break”
I'm glad you did
>She giggles as you sway a little in your chair
>”Having a good evening?”
It just picked up. Come on, let's get a drink. Do you dance?
>”Yes and yes”
>The mare crosses in front of you as you get up
>”Shall we?”
After you
>As the two of you cross the room to get to the counter, which Pinkie has converted into a bar for the party, you see Vinyl come up to the soundboard
>She's got her goggles on and a couple of records floating next to her
>It's about to get loud
What'll you have?
>”A Manehattan”
>You wave the pony behind the bar over
A Manehattan for the lady and a Whiskey Sour
>”Got it, boss”
>You lean against the 'bar' with Cherilee next to you
>Just before she starts spinning the records, Vinyl looks over at you
>Seeing you with the pink mare, she stops short and you grin at her
>”That one of your friends?”
>Cherilee looks up at the DJ as the beat drops
>Over the cacophony that follows, you turn to her
Yep, she's a good friend of mine. Down here for the show on Friday
>The bartender taps your shoulder and hands you your drinks
>Cherilee lifts her glass
>”Well here's to a good night, Anon”
>You return her coy smile
Cheers to that
End

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>The violet unicorn regains her composure after a second and you see her expression shift to one of curiosity
>You glance back at Octavia, who's staring daggers at you, before responding
My name's Anon. This quiet one behind me is Octavia. We're in town for a gig and I saw a flier for your library. I'm wondering if I could rent out the space for my client to practice in? Normally I'd have her set up at the concert hall, but it's still under construction, from what I've seen
>The unicorn seems to mull it over for a moment before looking at Octavia, then back to you
>”I don't know... I've got some pretty important research going on right now...”
>She's eying you suspiciously. Clearly she's inquisitive; probably has questions about you. There's leverage there
If I may? How about in exchange for letting Octavia practice here, I let you interview me about where I come from? Academic pony such as yourself must be interested in learning about a new species?
>”How did you know-”
>You tap your nose
Trade secret
>She looks apprehensive. Given that she still hasn't introduced herself, she must be a reserved kind of mare, not one to actively socialize like Applejack or Pinkie Pie. That means she's either inexperienced socially or she's jaded
>”Alright, but you'd better be ready to get in-depth with the background, Anon. Come in. You can set up in the upstairs, Octavia. Follow me”
>You wait downstairs and look around the bookshelves
>Lots of academic titles. How-to guides, young-mare fiction, advanced magical theory...
>You'll go out on a limb and say she's not much of a socialite
>Good. The less social ones are a fun challenge
>You straighten your tie and check your watch
>Time to get to work
1/x

>You keep looking through the shelves to pass the time, thumbing past volumes on botany, transfiguration, obscure unicorn history, and whatever “Quasistatic Dimorpho-flux Inhibitor Manipulation for Dummies” is about
>As you reach for a book you've found about the Manticore Wars, you hear the violet unicorn coming back downstairs with Octavia
>”...So you'll come over around 11 or 12 and practice, Octavia?”
>”Sounds good”
>”Great! I was sort of worried you'd be playing something loud and obnoxious, but it's so nice to meet somep0ny who knows a thing or two about the more intellectual musical theory!”
>”Right? It feels like we're few and far between these days a lot of the time. Are you going to be at Pinkie Pie's party tonight?”
>”Of course! Nop0ny misses a Pinkie Pie Party. I'll see you there!”
>”Alright! See you later, Twilight!”
>So that's her name? You step up as Octavia walks out the door, completely ignoring you
>Twilight turns around with a guarded look on her face
>”Alright, Anon. Let's have our interview. I'm Twilight Sparkle, by the way. I don't think I've introduced myself
>You put a hand out to shake
Nice to meet you, Twilight
>”Make yourself comfortable. I'll be right back”
>She's acting formally and academically. You're not going to be able to get this one without some effort on your part
>Then again, that's half the fun
>Twilight comes back into the room with a ream of paper and a studious gleam in her eye
>”Okay, let's get started. What's your full name? Is 'Anon' short for something?”
Anonymous. It's short for Anonymous
>She starts scribbling on the paper and mumbling to herself
>”Bipedal, forelegs branch at the carpal bones into separate phalanges...”
>She addresses you again as she tosses you a book
>”Catch”
2/x

What's this?
>”I wanted to see if you've got the same level of fine motor control as, say, a minotaur”
...Right
>”Moving on. Take off your shoes?”
I thought this was just an interview, not a strip-show
>She does not return your playful grin
>”Humor me”
>She looks at your feet before scribbling more on the paper
>”Feet appear anatomically similar to hands with elongated metatarsals and shortened phalanges...”
>She looks up again
>”Wiggle those for me?”
>You move your toes around
>”Much less dexterity. Not used for manual tasks...”
>Your shoes are levitated back over to you
>”Thank you. Now we'll get to the interview. What species are you a member of?”
Human
>”Genus?”
Well I don't like to brag...
>She plants her face in her hoof
>”It's the level above species...”
...Oh...
>She thinks for a second
>”Okay, okay, how about this: What's the closest relative to humans?”
Uh...Chimpanzees? You have those here, right?
>”Oh! So you're a primate? That would explain the placement and shape of your maxillae, the flat face of the frontal bone, and the opposable digits. Hold on”
>She roots around for a book on the shelves
>”Primates...Primates...AH! This should help. You seem a little different from the chimps we've got, but you're still essentially a monkey”
Don't call me a monkey. I'm a human
>”Right, a kind of monkey”
>She doesn't look up from the book
>”Let's see... population distribution, physiology, diet...”
>Finally she looks up from her book
>”Do you like bananas?”
...What?
>”Well it says here that primates eat bananas. Do you not?”
Not really
>”Are you sure? The book says-”
Who are you going to believe? The book about chimps or the actual human in front of you?
>...
>Dammit, she's actually weighing that option?
3/x

>The questioning goes on for an hour
>With business out of the way, you'll start working on getting her interested at the party
>This mare is a lot more intriguing than you thought
>On the way back to the hotel you see a pink-maned mare walking down the street with a heavy stack of papers
>She looks like she's having some trouble
>You go over and steady the stack
Need some help, miss?
>She lowers the papers and looks up at you
>”I'd love some, thanks. Grading tests gets hectic”
>You take a large part of the stack in your hands
>“I'm Cherilee, by the way”
Anon. Nice to meet you
>You see her brush her mane over her ear
>She starts walking and you follow only a little behind her
So you're a teacher? That sounds rewarding
>”Oh it is. I love helping the students learn and grow. I feel like another parent to some of them...”
>She's nurturing. Clearly she's passionate about her job
>You catch yourself holding your gaze on her legs
>Easy on the eyes, too
That's a noble cause. Sort of makes my line of work seem shallow
>She gives a half-turn to look back at you
>”Oh? And what might that be, Anon?”
Music
>”You play?”
No, I'm a manager
>Silence
>You chuckle
I know, I know. Not the noblest venture, but I do it for my friends
>She cocks her head to the side, having slowed down to walk next to you
>”For your friends?”
Yeah. A friend of mine is in classical. Real talent, her. I want her to get the recognition she deserves
>You look down at the mare
And I wouldn't have gotten to meet you if not for my job, so it can't be all bad
4/x

>”I bet you say that to all the mares you meet”
>You give a smug smile
Got me all figured out, huh?
>She laughs
>”I've seen my fair share of guys who think they're charming, Anon”
I hate those guys. They make it harder for the guys who know it
>”Like you?”
I'm glad you think so too
>”I think you're trouble”
You don't know the half of it, ma'am
>Cherilee stops in front of a modest house
>”Well, Anon, this is me. Thanks for the help and the company”
>She flashes a coy smile
>”So is this the part where the bold young stallion asks the older mare if he can come in for some coffee?”
Thought never crossed my mind
>You smile slightly, trying to hold back the devious grin threatening to come over your face
>She looks surprised. Time to make your move
...Though if you're interested, there's a party over at Sugar Cube Corner tonight. Maybe I'll see you there?
>The mare thinks it over for a second before letting out a giggle
>”You just might”
>You look over your shoulder down the road
Well it's getting a little late. I should get ready and make sure my client knows where she's going. See you later, Cherilee. And good luck with the grading
>”See you, Anon”
>You turn to go. As you do, she calls after you
>”Oh, and Anon?”
Yeah?
>”When is your friend playing?”
Friday at the new concert hall. Spread the word: Octavia has arrived
>Nice mare, that Cherilee. She seems genuine and kind. Probably a pillar of the community
>With any luck, her telling ponies about Octavia will generate some buzz that you can tap
>...Among other things
>This is win/win if you ever saw it
5/x

>Octavia is tapping her hoof on the floor as you walk into the room
>Downstairs Pinkie and Vinyl are preparing for the party
>”You were at the library an awfully long time, Anon...”
Strictly business, Octavia. I promise nothing happened
>She looks relieved
>”I'm sorry. Just you being, well, YOU-”
Not promising anything for the party though
>Octavia's face falls
>She rubs her temple with her hoof
>”Ponies' sake, Anon...”
Hey, I didn't say I was going to make a move on her tonight. I have to lay the groundwork first. I have a feeling she'll be more work than your average mare
>”Glad to see you're still a champion of upholding stereotypes, Anon. Why can't you discuss these things with Vinyl?”
Because she's all the way downstairs and I like seeing your reactions
>”I hate you”
Hey, I can set you up too, if you want
>Octavia turns red, her face scrunched up in indignant fury
>”Of all the-”
>Vinyl's voice echoes from downstairs
>”Hey, Nony! Get your monkey butt down here and introduce yourself to the gang!”
>Octavia looks at you quizzically
>”Nony?”
Funny story. You should ask Pinkie about it
>You head downstairs to see who Vinyl is talking about
>Descending the stairs, you find Vinyl standing with a circle of mares
>You recognize Pinkie, Twilight, and the orange one
>Must be friends
>Better get in good with them if you want to stand a chance of reaching your goal
>”Alright, girls. This is Anon. Anon, this is Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and-”
Applejack. We met earlier today
>The orange pony returns your smile. Vinyl gives you a questioning look
>You give the DJ a subtle shake of the head 'no' before motioning to Twilight with your eyes
>She just mouths “Really?”
6/x

>You turn to the three ponies you don't know
Nice to meet you
>The one with the pink mane shrinks back while the blue one, Rainbow, looks you over inquisitively
>”Doesn't look like any pony I'VE ever seen. What do you think, Fluttershy?”
>The yellow mare mumbles something too quietly to hear as Rainbow Dash is cut off
>”Now, Rainbow, stop being rude. He's already got Pinkie's seal of approval
>”Pinkie likes EVERYP0NY, Rarity. I wanna make sure he's alright”
>”Well you're not going to find out by staring at him, Rainbow”
>Rarity turns to you as Rainbow flies off to help Pinkie with some speakers
>”I'm sorry about her. She-”
-Doesn't like the unfamiliar? I see her type a lot in my line of work
>”Once she comes around she's as loyal as you'll ever see somep0ny. Don't worry”
I'll hold you to that
>”So what is it you do? Vinyl mentioned something about working in recording?”
More or less, yeah. I'm Octavia's manager. She'll be down in a few minutes, probably
>You see Rarity eying your suit
Like what you see?
>She looks up
>”I've never seen a design like this. Who made this?”
>She's examining the jacket closely. You see Rainbow Dash roll her eyes 
I've got a buddy in Canterlot who has a boutique
>”But who is it? I must know!”
>By her near-crazed tone of voice, you figure she REALLY must
Hoity Toity. Nice guy. I helped him meet his wife a couple years back
>Rarity's jaw is on the ground
>”Y-you know th-th-THE Hoity Toity?? The Canterlot fashion industry innovator and genius Hoity Toity?”
>You get the feeling that she'd be the type to be swayed by your connection with Hoity, but your attention is deflected when Octavia comes downstairs
7/x

>”Tavi! Finally! Get down here and meet everyone!”
>Vinyl abandons the sound equipment and bolts over to the gray mare, dragging her to the center of the room
>”We're gonna have a friggin' blast! Everyone, this is Tavi. Tavi, everyone”
>Octavia looks sheepish
>Twilight steps forward and comes over to her
>”Come on, I'll introduce you”
>You see Octavia let out a sigh of relief
>She was never one for parties. At least, not the ones you and Vinyl tended to throw
>Maybe somep0ny like Twilight will help her out of her shell a little bit
8/x

>The party starts off a little while later and soon Sugar Cube Corner is filled with ponies from all around town
>You decide to take the opportunity to get some buzz going for Octavia. From what you've seen of Ponyville, it'll take more than the promise of culture to get the concert hall filled
>Fancypants might have a PR department and a horde of marketers working on this thing, but they're focused on impressing the big-wigs
>Besides, the everyday ponies are the ones who buy the records and the concert tickets
>While you set about talking up the ponies who look like they have some social pull, you make sure to keep an eye on your other goal
>Twilight is keeping Octavia occupied talking with her friends. They look to be getting on well enough
>Those six are apparently somewhat prominent here. Most of the ponies you talk to know them, especially Pinkie Pie, who is evidently best friends with every living soul in Ponyville
>You can see the pink pony bouncing about excitedly, socializing with as many p0nies as she possibly can as she moves around the bakery
>”Hey, why the serious look?”
>Vinyl tugs on your sleeve and looks up at you
>Her cheeks are flushed and she looks wobbly
Getting in the spirit of things already, Vy?
>”Better question: You seriously WORKING right now? What have you done with Anon?”
>A cup levitates up to you
>” It's your first night here, man. Let's just PARTY!”
>You look down at the cup. You HAVE been more focused on work than usual...
>She's tapping her hoof on the floor
>After a quick glance at Twilight's group, you down the drink
We're gonna friggin' tear this place up, Vy
9/x

>”THAT'S my Anon! I'll go get Pinkie! She does these cotton candy shots that'll make your head explode!”
>Looks like it's time to get into party-mode
>Vinyl comes back with Pinkie Pie in tow
>She grabs you and drags you both to a table where the bubbly pink mare puts down a platter of bright pink shots topped with some kind of blue foam
What are these?
>”Pinkie Pie's Patented Pink Party Punch Shots!”
...Couldn't think of something with a 'P' for the last part?
>”What do you mean?”
>She cocks her head to the side
>Vinyl looks at you and shrugs
...Nevermind. We doing this?
>”We're waitin' on you, dude!”
>Vinyl and Pinkie each grab a shot
>”On three! One! Two! Three!”
>The three of you knock back the first shots
>It's insanely sweet; like liquid cotton candy. Just the sugar burns as it goes down
What proof is this drink, Pinkie?
>She rubs her chin thoughtfully for a moment
>”Uh.....I dunno....150, 160?”
>You look wide-eyed at Pinkie, who starts laughing with Vinyl
>”What's the matter, Nony? Too strong for you? Do you want a glass of milk or something?”
>The table shakes as you slam your fist down on it
Just checking. Let's do this
>You grab another shot glass
Count of three?
>Vinyl is beaming
One!
>You hold your shot in front of you
Two!
>Pinkie and Vinyl do the same
Three!
>All three of you drink. You feel a warm sensation in your stomach
>These things are goddamn strong...but Pinkie is reaching for a third and you're not going to be outdone by somep0ny that pink
>”One! Two! Three!”
>Another round down the hatch
>The room is starting to wobble
>”You want another, Anon?”
>Vinyl and Pinkie are holding glasses, cheeks flushed and heads swimming
10/x

>If you keep going, you're never going to be lucid enough to talk to Twilight
>You decide it's time to cut this little unspoken challenge short for now
One more. I want to be able to actually do stuff tonight
>”Alright, only one more because Anon's no fun!”
>”Woooo!”
I resent that! Let's go! One! Two! Three!
>Vinyl and Pinkie shake their heads as the concoction goes down
>You try to keep a poker face, but it fails the second you make eye contact with Vinyl
>She suddenly perks up when Pinkie tugs on her foreleg
>”Oooh! Scratchie! Scratchie! Get on the soundboard! We have to liven this party up!”
>You burst out laughing as the DJ tries to get up and immediately falls over
>Pinkie follows her to the floor and the two lie there giggling and trying to get up
>You stand up to make a jab at the two of them, but the floor is made of jello and trampoline
>You fall back against the table as Vinyl and Pinkie finally heave themselves back up into their seats
Maybe I'll stay here a while until the floor wants to be a floor again
>”Sounds like a plan, Nony”
>After a couple minutes Pinkie wanders off into the crowd and Vinyl slides over to you
>”Soo... what's your game plan?”
For what?
>”Twilight, obviously. You don't usually go for the bookish types. I would've pegged you for going after the white one”
What're you, racist?
>You both fail miserably to hold back your drunken laughter
>”That was a terrible joke. Hope you don't use that one on HER”
I won't. I'm gonna get over to the library whenever I can to work her over. It'll take a bit of work, but I like a challenge
11/x

>”You're awfully underhanded when you're drunk”
That doesn't sound like criticism
>”That's 'cause it's not. I wanna see if you can actually pull this off. She's practically a shut-in, from what Pinkie's told me”
Then I'll have to get her to open up. You'll see. Every mare has something you can use as an 'in'
>”Oh yeah? What's mine?”
If I knew that, we'd have gotten together by now
>”Not on your life, Anon”
>You shrug
Your loss
>”You think you can get yourself over to Twilight? I think Octy's been talking to her so she might be on to you already”
That just makes it more fun
>You get up. The floor cooperates a bit more and you take a couple wobbly steps before turning around
Oh, and Vy?
>She leans back in her chair and looks over at you
>”Yeah?”
Remember how I said I'd get you back?
>Her eyes go wide as you start towards her
>You stop right before reaching the DJ
When you least expect it
>You turn back around loopily and wobble away into the crowd, leaving Vinyl sitting at the table, eye twitching nervously
12/x

>Octavia is glaring at you as you approach the group
>Almost telepathically you know what she's thinking
>”NO. Don't you bucking dare. Nonononono. You're going to come over here aren't you? Celestia, dammit... Leave this ONE mare alone... Buuuuuuuuuuuuck...”
Heyyy, Octy! Made some friends?
>”You're drunk”
Only slightly
>She jabs a leg out at you
>You deftly avoid it by jumping back, staggering into a table, and flailing your arms until you upturn a platter of cupcakes
>”I take it back. You're VERY drunk”
I resent that
>”You should. What did you come over here for, anyway?”
>You walk back over to the group
I wanted to see how my favorite cellist is doing at the party!
>”Well I'm fine, thanks”
>She sure is in a mood, isn't she?
Ah, lighten up, Octy
>You turn to Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Twilight
Don't worry. Once she gets into the spirit of things she's less serious
>Octavia's face goes red
>You see Pinkie approaching out of the corner of your eye
>”Girls! Girls! What are you doing standing around? We should be partying! Come on!”
>Rainbow gives you a narrow-eyed look before walking off to the dance floor with Pinkie
>Fluttershy looks at the floor and fidgets
>You lean in to Octavia
Get out there, Octy. Have some fun
>”And leave you here with Twilight? Fat chance”
What? Fluttershy's here, isn't she?
>Octavia looks between you and the yellow pony before sighing and looking out at the dance floor
If not for me, do it for you. It'll be good networking if you're out on the dance floor socializing instead of staying here on the sidelines
>”Fine, but I swear to Celestia, Anon, don't make me regret this”
13/x

>She trots off into the crowd, following Rainbow and Pinkie
>It's just you, Twilight and Fluttershy
>Fluttershy looks at the floor and you alternately for a minute before scurrying off sheepishly, mumbling something about animals
>You pull up a chair next to Twilight, who's taken a seat at one of the tables to watch the dancing
So how do you like...
>Without a word she throws you a look of disdain before getting up and walking away
…the party...
>Across the room you can see Vinyl smiling smugly at you
>Guess Octavia didn't need to worry after all
>You sit alone for a couple of minutes, thinking over what happened, before a familiar voice rings in your ear
>”You certainly look lonely”
14/x

>A pink mane brushes past you as you turn around
Not so much anymore. Get that grading done early?
>Cherilee smiles
>”I decided to take a little break”
I'm glad you did
>She giggles as you sway a little in your chair
>”Having a good evening?”
It just picked up. Come on, let's get a drink. Do you dance?
>”Yes and yes”
>The mare crosses in front of you as you get up
>”Shall we?”
After you
>As the two of you cross the room to get to the counter, which Pinkie has converted into a bar for the party, you see Vinyl come up to the soundboard
>She's got her goggles on and a couple of records floating next to her
>It's about to get loud
What'll you have?
>”A Manehattan”
>You wave the pony behind the bar over
A Manehattan for the lady and a Whiskey Sour
>”Got it, boss”
>You lean against the 'bar' with Cherilee next to you
>Just before she starts spinning the records, Vinyl looks over at you
>Seeing you with the pink mare, she stops short and you grin at her
>”That one of your friends?”
>Cherilee looks up at the DJ as the beat drops
>Over the cacophony that follows, you turn to her
Yep, she's a good friend of mine. Down here for the show on Friday
>The bartender taps your shoulder and hands you your drinks
>Cherilee lifts her glass
>”Well here's to a good night, Anon”
>You return her coy smile
Cheers to that
End

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