Octavanon Part 1

>The last echoes of the final note fade away to the drumming sound of applause and the occasional cheer from the audience.  You hold your applause - you always do.  You learned quickly that while your presence may no longer be a complete distraction, the awkward sound of your solo clapping is usually enough to startle anyp0ny near-by and cause unwanted attention.

> It is a late spring evening with midnight fast approaching.  The sky is beautiful and clear with only the occasional wisp of a cloud drifting in front of the nearly-full moon.

>The performance has just ended at the modest P0nyville Amphitheater, and you are seeking to make your way to the stage where the string quartet is politely discussing their performance with a few members of the audience.

>Your nerves are starting to get the best of you, but miraculously no one up front seems to have noticed your awkward shuffling toward the stage.

>”I can't believe Twilight backed out on me!  This would be awkward enough to do with a friend.”

>You cast your eyes around, feeling like everyone in Equestria must be staring at you, despite the fact that most ponies have already left and those that remain seem absorbed in their own business.

 

>Your foot suddenly connects with something in front of you, not hard, but you immediately take a step back and return your attention to where you are going.

>”I am so sorr-” Your foot kicked the first marble step of the amphitheater.  How did you even find yourself up here so fast?  For not the first time it occurs to you that you spend entirely to much time wrapped in your own thoughts.  Back in the real world someone is already laughing at your mistake, albeit quietly.  In fact, it's more of a girlish chuckle.

>You look up and, oh.  Maybe you were not ready for this.  

>”You seem a little out of it, I hope we didn't drive you to sleep walking tonight.”  She is looking down on you from just a couple of feet away atop the dais, and she is wearing the most endearing smile.

>”I-I am really sorry.  I mean, your music was wonderful as always, I just...”  You trail off, afraid of embarrassing yourself further

>Octavia chuckles again, it's such a delicate and melodic sound full of care-free mirth.  You can't help but crack a smile yourself while she speaks.  “I don't think any harm was done, and I am happy to hear you enjoyed everything tonight.  It's those like yourself that truly appreciate the music that makes it worth playing.  Or at least I hope you do, otherwise you must have been subjecting yourself to some  cruel punishment for quite some time.”  She tilts her head a little to the side, her charcoal mane swaying lightly.  “You must be Anon, I doubt you have any lookalikes in all of Equestria.”

 

>Okay, take a deep breath.  She is as charming as she is talented, and maybe more attractive up close than you were ever willing to admit to yourself.  Oh, and she has apparently noticed your continued presence at her performances.  No big deal.

>”I guess I can't be too shocked that my reputation has arrived ahead of me, although it hardly seems fair with you being the celebrity and all.”  She snorts lightly at that word, grinning, but does not interrupt.

>”Ever since I arrived here I have felt..well..out of place obviously.  Don't get me wrong, almost everyone here has been far kinder than I could hope but...But your music just makes everything click.  When I'm listening to you play, everything is.. right.”  You sigh and shake your head, disgusted with your inability to express yourself adequately.  

>Octavia turns for a second to retrieve something from a bag sitting just behind her, the movement seems almost awkward, like she turned around to fast, uncharacteristic compared to her abundant grace with the cello.

>She turns back and leaning down on her front hooves 'hands' you a small gray envelope, sealed with her lavender cutie mark.

>”I am having a small exhibition next week in Canterlot performing some of my original Cello compositions.  I would be thrilled to see you there.  It's going to be a bit more formal and intimate, but I am sure you will fit right in.”

 

>Your stomach did a little flip in the use of the word “intimate” despite the fact that she is only talking about the venue.

>”Awesome!  Uh..I mean, of course I will go!  I wouldn't miss this for anything.”

> Octavia's smile that seems to have been on her face for the entire conversation features brighten visibly.  “Then its settled!  See you soon, Anon!”

>It is only as after she turns away and has gathered her things that your focus returns and you notice several other ponies have been watching you two, some looking at you with a little confusion, others outright disapproval.

>Looks like you have managed to overstay your welcome, but even the withering glares from a couple of the more genteel ponies can't dampen your spirits.

>You quickly exit, holding the envelope firmly while trying to act as casual as you can with the torrent of emotions you just experienced.

 

>The long walk home gives you time to realize just how tired you are, which is impressive considering how you have difficulty tearing your thoughts away from the night's music and a particular gray pony.  

>You arrive at your modest home and immediately strip down and climb in bed, laying the letter on your nightstand.

>Sleep comes easy, and you awake in the morning feeling refreshed and optimistic.

>After a quick shower you pocket your letter head out to meet Twilight for breakfast.  She bailed on last night's concert to work on yet another research project, some theory involving the constellations and relative strength of certain magics.

>You arrive at the bistro to find she already has a table, and wouldn't you know it, a book.

>You sit down across from her and have to clear your throat to get her attention.

>”Oh, hey Anon!  You just wouldn't believe what I found last night: Starswirl ACTUALLY did the exact same research I was attempting last night BUT we got completely different results!  Do you know what this means?!”

>”Uhhh..you screwed up?”

>”What?  No!  This sheds an entirely new light on the possibility of Magical Relativity Theory!  The positions of the stars have changed, albeit subtly since his time, but the properties of some magic has actually changed with them!”

>You don't want to be rude but this is just about as far from interesting as conversation can get.  Sure, magic was amazing when you first arrived.  Sadly, you quickly learned it was forever out of your reach as a mere Human, and with that realization came a backlash of...not quite disgust.  Certainly disinterest though.

 

>Twilight picks up on this and when the waiter comes by and takes your orders she takes the opportunity to shift the conversation.

>”So how was the concert last night?  I hate that I had to miss it.”

>You can't help but grin.  “The performance was just as good as I had hoped...but I sort of bumped into Octavia afterward.  You remember, she's the Cellist I was telling you about?  And she gave me this!”  You produce the gray envelope triumphantly, only to realize you haven't actually opened it.

>”Well, what does it say?”

>You open the envelope, careful to life the wax seal with a knife from the table to avoid breaking it.

>”It's an invitation to see her perform next week in Canterlot.  It says she will be preforming a series of original compositions at...Princess Celestia's Rose Garden.”

>”What!”  A purple aura surrounds the letter as it is jerked almost violently from your hands.  Twilight reads the letter, looks up at you, then rereads the letter.

>”How in Equestria did you get this?”

>”What's wrong?  Like I said, I sort of ran into Octavia after the show and told her how much I enjoyed  her work so she invited me.”

>Exasperated, Twilight proceeds to explain the exclusivity of the Royal Rose Garden.  How you will be surrounded by the crustiest of the upper crust, the filthiest of the rich, and generally the most influential ponies in all of Equestria.

>”This is no mere exhibition, Anon.  This is a performance for Celestia, Luna, and their closest friends.  You will be sitting with maybe a dozen of the most powerful ponies in the world!”

 

>You blink a few times before rolling onto your side.

>Staring at four purple hooves you realize you must have fallen and hit your head.  That seems odd though, why would...Oh.  Shit.  You attempt to jump up and bang your head on the table, mutter a curse and try again.

>”Twilight, I can't do this!  I don't mean to seem like I care about material things, but I have absolutely no social status to justify my going to this!”

>”Well its not as if Celestia doesn't know you.  You were a pretty hot topic for awhile, and Celestia even visited you once to make sure you were settling in to P0nyville okay.”

>”And that was totally awful!  I get nervous enough around minor authority figures!  I just want to see Octavia again.”

>”See her again huh?  She must be really, really good.”

>You blush a little “You know what I mean, see her play.  And yes, she is incredible.”  Your blush intensifies a little with the inadvertent double meaning behind that word.

>She is wearing an annoying smirk now, but does not push the issue.  “I see.  Well we can go pay Rarity a visit today, I have nothing else planned and you definitely need some new clothes if you are going to blend in.  I can't say she won't be a little jealous but she won't turn down the opportunity to work on something this big for a friend.”

>And just like that the decision has been made for you.  In spite of everything, it is impossible for you to be upset.

 

>The next two hours are spent alternatively explaining, placating, goading, and generally dealing with all that is Rarity after she learns of your upcoming trip.

>Despite all the drama, she agrees to help fashion you some formal attire for the performance, and just as Twilight suspected, once she starts she is extremely pleased to be working.

>An hour or so later she feels she has a solid idea based off a combination off popular p0ny fashion and what little information you could remember about your own world's dress attire.

>You leave her to her work with the promise to have the “ensemble” delivered within three days.

>Twilight was polite enough to stay with you through the whole thing, knowing you don't exactly treasure time spent around Rarity.

>You return the favor by taking her out to lunch and sitting through what amounts to a lecture on her continued thoughts about p0ny magic mutability.

>Many of her ideas are genuinely interesting, but you once again find yourself mentally drifting to Octavia.

>The thought of her is a multi-sensational experience.  You see her mane shaking back and forth as she works the bow during a more vigorous piece, and can almost hear the music again.

>You startle yourself back into Twilight's conversation when you begin to hum along with the music in your head and have to pass it off as an agreement to...whatever she just said.

>Well at least you cared enough to try.

 

>The rest of the week seems to pass at a crawl.  You are currently out of work after helping with spring maintenance around P0nyville, and no one seems to have a job that they want filled bad enough to take you on as a full employee.

>Twilight, being the best friend that you could want, or at lest hope for, always allows you to work with her.

>You pass the time as best you can with varying degrees of interest as the reading you are doing seems to jump randomly from one topic to the next:  Everfree Ecology, Action at a Distance, Architectural Coatings.

>A day later than expected your clothing arrives, heralded by a loud thump at your door.  You open it in time to see a light gray pegasus flying off shakily, the package at your feet.

>You unpack everything and try it on, surprised in spite of Rarity's boasting at how well everything fits.

>You look in the mirror and can't help but smile.  You might actually be able to pull this off!

>Despite your mixed feelings for her, Rarity did a fantastic job.  The suit is dark gray, the undershirt a simple white, the tie a light gray featuring angular stripes of lavender, accented wonderfully with a pocket square the same colour as the stripes.

>The last bit you had insisted on incorporating, despite not wanting to really explain why.

>Everything seems to be going well, as long as you can keep the anxious thoughts about the evening's company safely pushed away.

 

>The final days tick away until you find yourself riding on a train bound for Canterlot.  Octavia's performance doesn't begin for several hours, but it seems every mile that brings you closer twists the knots in your stomach a little tighter.

>This is exactly the sort of encounter you have always wanted to avoid.

>You have kept your head down in the months...no its been over a year now hasn't it...since you arrived, wanting to live as quite of a life as possible.

>The music was your one indulgence, the one thing that you have truly embraced in your time here.  And now it has brought you here, where god only knows what could happen.  You are still a stranger in a strange land after all.

>Here?  You look out the window to see you have already arrived.

>The sun has already begun to set, illuminating the clouds in a fiery orange.  You know there should be no rain until tomorrow, but it looks like this will be a dark night without any moon or star light.

>”Well Anon, you are here.  Just focus on the positive and surely everything will turn out alright.”  It has to, you will get to see her again soon!  Clearly you are attracted to more than her music, but only now are you finally allowing that idea to fully form.

>You slowly make your way across Canterlot toward the royal castle, earning the occasional glance of curiosity, but generally enjoying the walk.

>You finally find yourself at the entrance after taking what may have been the most winding route possible.

>At the bridge stands a stern pair of colts who seems intent to ignore you and passively bar your way until you force their attention with the letter.

>”I hate to be a bother, but I have this invitation...” You trail off, producing the paper.

>Their eyes widen initially when reading, but after a quiet discussion and several steady glares your way, one of them speaks up.

>”Follow me, and keep your hooves...ahem, to yourself.”

 

>You are led through the castle by the indifferent guard, but you have plenty to hold your interest in spite of his silence.

>Beautiful art seems to adorn every wall, tapestries depicting everything from Celestia's coronation to what actually appears to have been open conflict between two factions of ponies.  

>Stained glass with what you assume to be magical illumination at this late hour throws beautiful colours across the mosaic tile floor.

>Niches in the wall hold exquisite pieces of art, flower arrangements in vases almost dwarf the artistry of the vases themselves.

>There is so much to this world that you have taken for granted, the narrow view you have clung to since you arrived seems almost comical right now.  Passing through the castle has revealed a civilization at least as rich and storied as your own.

>You make a silent promise to visit Twilight as soon as possible to study Equestria in earnest.

>The guardspony in front of you suddenly stops at a massive wooden door, framed on all sides by windows.

>You attempt to sneak a glance outside, but it's too dark now, and there seems to be no lighting.

>You hear the steady clop of the guard returning to his post, and notice a unicorn levitating a shuttered lantern has opened the door just enough for the two of you.

>Taking a deep breath, you follow him through the door.

 

>Initially, you see nothing but the slash of light across the grass from the lantern.

>As your eyes begin to adjust and you can vaguely make out the shapes of what you assume to be rose bushes as you are led down the path.

>Suddenly the bushes fall away and you are in a small clearing with several p0ny silhouettes reclining on what appears to be cushioned chaise lounges.

>There is a quiet murmur through the crowd, but conversation is subdued.

>This might not be so bad, its actually dark enough out here that no one will even know who's here.

>Except your usher seems to be steering you toward an empty seat positioned next to a p0ny with a mane that seems to shine like the night sky itself.

>And thats it, with the slightest of bows he shutters the lamp closed and is gone, leaving you next to Luna herself.

>”Thou must be Anon.  We are delighted to make thy acquaintance.  We were informed there wouldst be a special guest, but we had no idea t'would be a Human!”

>”Special guest?  I am expected?”  Unreal.

>”But of course!  If thou art here, thou must have been.”

>Well, yeah, that makes sense I guess.  Not exactly a long guest list is there?  “It is a pleasure to meet you too Luna.  Seriously, you are much kinder than I...Not that I expected you to be rude but...”

> You have been speaking quietly but Luna cuts you off with a laugh, honest and loud enough to draw the attention of several other ponies.

>”We are glad to have outdone thine expectations Anon!  But we believe it is time to focus our attention ahead.”

 

>You aren't sure what cue seems to have silenced conversation, but you nod to Luna before adjusting in your lounge again to focus ahead.

>You sit there for a moment in silence, when suddenly a flat E note seems to rise from the darkness ahead of you.

>It breaks into a small series of flourishes and already you can feel your heart rising.  This, in spite of all the relative kindness and generosity, is what has kept you going since you arrived in Equestria.

>As the brief piece comes to a sharp end, a spotlight seems to suddenly illuminate the stage.

>You gasp audibly at the effect, but you are not the only one.  Octavia is stunning.  Her mane seems to have been woven through with a few diamonds, shining and contrasting wonderfully with the dark gray.  Her usual bow-tie is in place, along with a classy vest that matches her coat over a white dress shirt with the lightest of ruffles at the fetlock.

>Smiling, she gives a slight bow to the crowd, and then another that seems directed to the sky.  You look up to see the cloud cover has broken just enough, and at just the right angle to allow the full moon to illuminate the stage.

>You return your attention to the stage as the next piece begins, and allow yourself to be lost in the music and the flowing form of Octavia.  It occurs to you somewhere in the back of your mind that you are truly witnessing a virtuoso of the cello who is likely unequaled in all of Equestira.

 

>The music pulls you along through such powerful emotions.  She builds anxiety and shatters it with swelling glory.  You are dragged into the depths of despair only to be rescued by the lightest of touches of hope.

>The performance is unlike anything you have ever heard in your life.  At the end, you are unabashedly wiping away tears between applause.

>Octavia bows repeatedly to the crowd before placing her cello on a stand near the back of the stage.

>That done she begins to make her way though the crowd, stopping at each p0ny or group.

>Your heart begins to hammer in your chest.

>She works her way closer, taking her time with each group, but you could almost swear she is looking your way sometimes.

>Several ponies begin to file out after exchanging pleasantries, and you realize that she is coming to see you last.

>Well, not you, obviously.  You just happened to get stuck next to a princess.  Still, this is an opportunity beyond anything you could have expected.

>”That was magnificent!  Thou art truly a master!”

>Octavia smiles and bows again for the princess.

>”It is always a pleasure Your Majesty.”  And then she turns to you.

>”A-Anon, I hope you enjoyed yourself too.”  Is her face a little flushed?

>Your mind is racing, as you try to sort out the most extravagant display of appreciation you can get away with and still be appropriate.

>You did not prepare for this moment very well.

>Without another thought you lean in and hug her.  “You were perfect!”

>Whoops.

 

>The moment your hands hit the back of her mane several thoughts erupt.

>Oh.  Oh Wow.  That is soft!  It feels as smooth as silk!  Jeez she feels goo-Oh.  Oh Shit.  This was not the appropriate response.

>You quickly right yourself with a strong heat rising from your neck to your face.

>”I am so sorry!  I was just-”

>”HA HA!  Yes!”  Luna leans in and attempts to also give Octavia a hug.

>This just might be the only thing more awkward than your own idiocy.

>You are staring at Octavia with a blank look on your face, trying to sort out what is going on.

>She is staring right back at you.  Her face is definitely as red as yours feels.

>”Thy performance was most deserving of an amiable leg wrap!  We are most pleased!”  Luna fumbles her way back to a standing position.

>Octavia takes this is an opportunity to bow again.

>”Thank you so much Princess, I am honored to have elicited such...strong reactions.”

>When she raises her head again, she seems to have composed herself but she still has a smile.  For you.

>And god she has such a beautiful smile, it's so sincere.

>The hug didn't somehow ruin the entire night?  Time to go all in.

>”I know you must be tired, and probably have plenty of things you need to do..”

>ALL IN DAMMIT

>”But would you like to get coffee with me?  I would really like a chance to talk.  I don't think I have ever been so moved by music in my life.”

>Your heart is trying to bash its way out of your chest.  What if you got it all wrong?

>”Anon, I would like nothing more right now.”

 

>”Allow me a moment to pack my things and we can be on our way!”  She seems pretty excited about this whole thing.

>Octavia returns to the stage, and you follow, unsure of exactly what to do.

>She nimbly moves her Cello from a stand into a beautiful leather case.  This is the first time you have really seen the instrument up close.

>The wood is a beautiful gradient of gold to light brown, the bow seems to be exclusively the golden color.

>You are impressed by her dexterity, and doubly impressed with her strength when she steps into a strap and shoulders the case across her back.

>With a quick tug from her teeth she tightens the strap and trots up to you as if she doesn't have an instrument larger than her body weighing her down.

>”Ahm...any way I could help you with that?”

>For a split second she seems confused, but it immediately passes.  

>”Oh, this is nothing at all.  I would not dream of it.”  She flashes you another smile.  “But thank you for the offer.”

>You walk side by side out of the garden and back through the castle discussing options for where to go.

>The late hour limits choices and you are only able to guess what might be available based on your trip to the castle, but as soon as you mention Le Lac Vierge her eyes light up.  

>Seems like that one is a winner.

>You exit the castle and pass between the same colts who were on duty when you entered.  Both of them are openly showing confusion at seeing you with Octavia, and you can't help but throw them a wink as you look back.

 

>As you make your way down the cobblestone streets with Octavia at your side, you find it impossible to stop sneaking glances at her.  

>Gas lamps create pools of yellow light that plays off the subtle gemstones threaded through her mane in a way that constantly draws your attention.  And once she has your attention it is hard to look away.

>”This weather is wonderful.  I love the feeling in the air just before it rains.”

>You take a deep breath, and you have to agree.  “This is awesome.  Everything tonight is.”

>You arrive at  Le Lac Vierge and immediately see why this is such a good choice.

>The restaurant stands at the edge of a large lake, and extends seating out over the water.

>You make your way out to a table on the end of the canopied pier next to the building proper.

>The location gives you a nice a cool breeze blowing off the lake, and would provide a beautiful view any other time.  As is, the ambiance is perfect.

>Small torches spaced down the edge of the pier provide just enough light to see where you are going, and a candle at the center of each table manages to give the impression that the rest of the world has melted away.

>You get situated with Octavia sitting across from you, her cello stored away underneath the table.

>A tray is brought out with two carafes of different coffee, cream, sugar, biscotti, and cups.

>Just as you have finished settling in the rain begins.

>You pour two cups and fix your own with a little cream.

>The sound of the rain on the canopy and the water is incredibly soothing in combination with the warm beverage and beautiful company.

 

>”Thanks so much for coming out with me.  I really wanted an opportunity to tell you how much I have enjoyed your music.  Not just tonight I mean, but, ever since I  first heard it.  It was like the bridge between my...old life and now.”

>The look she gives you is full of compassion and sympathy.

>”I can appreciate that.  In a way, I understand it all too well.  I don't want to trivialize your situation Anon, I know this must have been uniquely difficult for you.”  She gestures vaguely with a hoof, looking about her and speaking softer now  “All of this...this is not my home either.  You could say my music has been a bridge for me as well.”  She smiles a little sadly at this.

>She returns her eyes to your own and gives you another of those genuine smiles that makes you feel so good inside.  ”I'm sorry, I just want you to know think I can understand a little of what you mean.”

>You want to ask about just exactly what she is referring to, but it seems like a topic for another time.

>You smile back at her.  “Thanks, it means a lot to me that you have even considered that.  Most ponies seem to have treated my arrival like I didn't exist before I was here.”  

>You shake your head, dismissing the thought.  “That's beside the point though.  Your music, Octavia, is something amazing.  Hay, you are something amazing!  The first time I saw you play I was entranced.  You could probably say that was when I decided my time here would be okay after all.”

>Octavia reaches a hoof out across the table and places it on top of your own hand.  You didn't realize it was shaking until she steadied it.

 

>”Anon...I think.  I want you to be more than just okay here.  I want you to be happy.”

>This is almost too much.

> You take another sip of coffee to help swallow your rising emotion before you speak.  

>“Octavia...”  You give her hoof a light squeeze.  “I have been happier with you than I have been in a long time.  Just getting to share this little bit of time with you is more than than I would have dared to hope for.”

>She looks into your eyes, head tilted to the side like the first time you met, that same amazing smile on her face.  It fills you with a kind of warmth you can't explain.  When she's smiling like that you feel like you could take on anything.  

>“You keep talking like I am Celestia herself instead of a simple musician...You are the one that is truly special Anon.  I hope you know that”

>This is surreal.  The candle flickers between you, the reflection in her eyes is mesmerizing.  The rain has continued to softly fall, bringing a slight chill to the air.  For a moment you fear it could all be just a dream.

>You whisper to yourself “But this is no dream is it?”  

>Softly, but with increased volume.  “This is my life now.  Here, in Equestria.”  

>The light in her eyes is more than just candlelight.  They shine with their own brilliance.  

>You speak up just a bit more, you want this to be clear: “And I want to spend it with you.”

>You didn't realize as you were speaking softly you both leaned in a little closer.  

>Her face is so close to your own.

>Your right hand still holding her hoof.

>You reach out with your left hand and caress her cheek lightly, its just a touch but you can feel her warmth, the fine hair of her coat tickling your skin.

>And then your eyes are closed, lips are against hers, as soft as the touch of her hoof on your hand.

 

>You are both hesitant to pull away and when you open your eyes Octavia is just as flushed as you, mouth slightly open.

>You suddenly remember to breathe and you almost gasp for air.

>The corners of her mouth slowly turn up, the tip of her tongue rolls across where your lips just touched.

>”Anon.  I don't want you to go anywhere.”

>This table is turning out to be really inconvenient.

>You get up from your chair and carry it around to sit beside her.

>She presses as close to you as possible and lays her head on your shoulder.

>You slip your arm around her and you both let out a contented sigh, Octavia giggles a little at that and snuggles against your neck tighter.

>You don't know how long you stayed that way, simply enjoying the comfortable weight pressed against you.  Every breath you take is faintly floral...the scent of her mane reminds you of...wisteria.  Same color as her eyes...

>...You awaken to a stirring at your side, accompanied by a small moan.

>Blinking, you stifle a yawn, afraid of disturb the sleeping mare at your side.

>The rain has stopped and the sun is rising, not quite cresting the distant hills beyond the lake.  The sky is an amazing shade of purple and the remaining clouds are on fire with orange and pink.

>”So beautiful...” Seems she just woke up as well.

>“Yeah, it really is.”

>”Anon, thank you.  For everything.  I'll never forget this.”

>You hug her a little tighter, and turn to kiss the crown of her head, imagining pressing your face into the softness of her mane.

>Instead, she is looking up at you, and you can't resist another chance to press your lips against hers.

 

>Octavia is just as eager as you, pressing into the kiss harder than before.

>When you are finally able to pull apart, she is smiling at you once again.

>You grin and give her a little peck on the nose, eliciting another little laugh.

>She finally stands up to stretch and you immediately miss the feel of her beside you.

>Like a yawn the feeling is contagious so you stand and stretch too, which Octavia seems to enjoy watching.

>She sighs, a little sadly this time.  “I guess I get to be the one to ruin everything.  I to have to head back home.  I have an appointment back at the castle I must get ready for.”  Her lower lip is stuck out in a little pout, and even that is adorable.

>You hate to hear it, but somewhere in the back of your mind you know this was coming.

>”You know couldn't ruin this if you tried.  Can I at least walk you home?”

>You fish around for enough bits to cover the service, and plenty more for a significant tip.

>Octavia retrieves her cello case, pre-empting you offering to carry it for her.

>You follow Octavia through Canterlot in a companionable silence.

>You only pass a couple of ponies going about their business and can appreciate the serenity of the city in the early morning light.

>After a short walk you arrive at a rustic stonework building.  

>You almost think you could have picked this house out of all Canterlot it seems to fit her so well.

>She stops with you just in front of the door.

>You kick at a pebble, suddenly feeling a little awkward.  ”When, uh..When do you think I could see you again?”

>”You live in Ponyville, right?  What if I come see you tomorrow?  Is that soon enough?”

>You can't help but laugh.  “Of course!  How about I meet you at the platform at noon, we can get lunch.”

>She nuzzles up against you.  ”I am already looking forward to it.”

>You give her one more brief kiss before she goes inside.

>For a moment, all you can do is stand outsider her house and wonder at just how lucky you are, but you finally get yourself moving.

>The train ride back to Ponyville is spent wrapped in thought.  Your mind wanders between the past week and tomorrow as you stare out the window, the features of the world a blur to your distracted mind.