Title:           Secret Melodies Part 3
Author:          Teegray
Pastebin link:   http://pastebin.com/iBNxGmQ5
First Edit:      Thursday 16th of February 2017 01:28:03 PM CDT
Last Edit:       Thursday 16th of February 2017 01:28:03 PM CDT

>Not looking up, you hold a small tuft of Rainbow's tail, feeling the eyes of more Ponyville denizens, but it'll be okay. Rainbow said she'd protect you.
>"You're gonna love this place Ant! They have this Eggs Benedict that's just as cool as me! Well....maybe not as cool as me, but it's up there!"
"H-heh. i-it's that good huh?"
>She notices your shaking hand.
>"Dude. It's gonna be okay. Just hold on, and we'll get there in no time at all okay?"
"Y-yeah. Thanks again for this Rainbow."
>Her grin couldn't be wider, and cheeks redder.
>"Geez Ant. Don't look like that...it's no problem..."
>You take several deep breaths as you continue on, ignoring the looks and hushed whispers.
>Why can't they just mind their own business? You haven't done anything to them. You just want to be left alone. You didn't ask to be brought here! You jus-
>"Ant. Chill."
"Huh?"
>You look up sweat slowly running down your face.
>"We're here. Let's go in."
>You run a hand down your face, and sigh, inspecting the building.
>It resembles those old timey diners, with malts and jukeboxes, but for them it would be current. You haven't seen much of Equestria, and the bit you've painfully witnessed, they seem to be in the locomotive age.
>She holds the door for you, with a coy grin.
>"After you~"
>You cross your arms, and cock an eyebrow.
"Really?"
>"Mhm."
>Shaking your head, you walk in, ruffling her mane.
>"No fair! I'm holding the door!"
>Once inside you look around, not spotting many patrons. There's a pony reading a paper on the far right side of the room in a fedora. This isn't bad actually. He clearly doesn't care about your presence or hasn't noticed.
>"C'mon let's get a booth."
>Rainbow snaps you from your investigative stupor, and leads you to a fairly empty area of the diner.
"This is actually pretty nice."
>"Yep. I come here all the time! It's under the radar, and they make amazing pancakes!"
>You stare at her intently.
>"Not as good as yours. but close."
"That's better."
>After a momentary gigglefit, you and Dash sat there for a moment, catching your breaths.
>You stare at each other for an unexpected awkward moment.
"S-so thank you for this."
>"It's no problem. I couldn't let you waste away in your home after how far we've come, you know?"
>She fiddles with her hooves, with a cracked smile.
"I do. I think I would've just stayed in my home forever after--"
>"Son't even think of that anymore! We're moving on as of today! Got it?"
"But-"
>She leans over the table, pressig her snout to your nose.
>"Got it?!"
>You nod.
>"Good."
"You're so forceful."
>Making half-lidded eyes, she grins.
>"I thought you liked it rough though!"
>Your eyes pop open in surprise, and a different type of panic arises. The panic of suddenly being flirted with. Wait, is she flirting? She's said things like this before, but this is implying-
>"Dude. Calm down. I was just being silly."
>Her hooves are in the palms of your hands.
>You both seem to notice this at the same time, and retract back to your sides of the table.
>"Uh.."
"Y-yeah.."
>You hear her audibly gulp.
>"I need to go to the b-bathroom.."
"O-okay."
>She hurriedly flies away, as you duck your head down to avoid any attention, head still filled with thoughts of what happened. Maybe you're just reading too much into this. You never thought of Dash in "that" way, or maybe it's more accurate to say romantic things never really interested you. Mostly, because you figured no one would ever want a wimp like you.
"Oh geez..."
>You could go for some water or something right now.
>You hear ruffling behind you. Someone must've taken the booth behind you, and judging from the sound they're back to back with you.
>"Antoine."
"Wha-?"
>You look over your shoulder.
>A gray pony in a trenchcoat and big hat is looking back at you.
>"H-hello, Antoine."
"...W-who are you?"
>Your heart starts to pump.
>"I know it's been a couple days, but I'd hope you wouldn't have forgotten my voice?"
>It can't-
"Octavia?"
>She looks around before responding.
>"Yes. It's the terrible me..."
>You can hear the regret in her voice, but remnants of yesterdays anxiety is returning in full force.
>What does she want?! WHAT DOES SHE WANT?!
>"HELLOOOO! Are you there hon?"
>Drenched in sweat, you whip your head to a hair bunned unicorn, loudly chewing gun.
"Y-yes?!"
>I said, "what do you want to drink"! Are you alright? You look super pale."
"I-I-I-I'm fine! Water please. Muh-myfriend is in the restroom, and I'm waiting t-t-t-t-"
>She raises a hoof.
>"I got it. I'll come back later. Celestia help me..."
>She walks off with an arrogant sway of her hips.
>"Are you okay?"
>You breathe deeply through your nose.
"You d-don't get to ask me th-that. You don't associate with monkeys. R-remember?"
>Her stature visibly shrinks.
>"I want to apologize about that. It was absolute rubbish of me to do, and I don't know how I can make it up-"
>Her voice cracks a little.
"How did you even find me here?"
>She takes a deep breath.
>"I saw you through the window on my way to your cottage to try, and speak with you again."
"Again?"
>She nods.
>"After my unforgivable display, I waited until the group parted ways for the eve, and followed your Rainbow friend to your house. She must've came there at least Twelve times. I had to hide for some time."
>So that "hallucination"-
>"Did you get my letter?"
"You left a letter?"
>"On your front doorstep, since it seemed you weren't going to answer..."
>You didn't see a letter. To be fair you weren't looking at the ground until Rainbow dragged you out to Ponyville.
"I s-see. Why are you in Disguise though?"
>She remains silent.
"Octavia?"
>"I-I don't want Rainbow Dash to see m-me."
>Of course it's bullshit.
"Can't you just tell me--"
>Your line of questioning is interrupted when Dash slides back into her seat loudly.
>"I'm back! Did you miss me?!"
>You can hear Octavia squeak in shock from behind you.
>"Hold on..."
>Dash glares at you.
>She gets closer to your face, her eyes never leaving your face.
>"You're pale, and sweaty. Did something happen while I was gone?"
>You try to control your breathing.
"I-N-no."
>"Is that so?"
"Yes."
>She leans back in her seat, clearly still suspicious.
>"I was serious about my promise."
"I-I know."
>She crosses her hooves.
>"If somepony is making you uncomfortable, all you have to do is tell me. I will make it go away. It's okay."
>You gulp, licking your lips slightly.
>Dash looks around you, with annoyed eyes.
>"All you have to say is what it is Ant. Just tell me if somepony is bothering you."
>Octavia's breaths are as ragged and coarse as yours right now.
>You think of all those pained emotions you suffered through yesterday. All the times people, and ponies hurt you-
>Never have you had the chance to get payback. To sic an attack Dog on them.
>It's rude to think of Dash as a dog, but she herself volunteered to be a weapon that you can aim at your enemies.
>Octavia's eyes fearfully watch you.
>Girl has probably never been in a fight in her life, not to mention Rainbow Dash is an element of Harmony.
"Well..to be h-honest-"
>"No..please."
>"Yes?"
"The thing is-"
>Rainbow stands up ready to pounce on the pony behind you, as if she knows who it is.
>You're sweating heavily. The tension is so thick, the air becomes thick, and everyone can feel it.
>Why is Octavia not running away?
"Th-the waitress forgot the menus."
>Rainbow Dash looks down at the table.
>"Huh. I guess she did..."
"Ye-yeah."
>She stands op waving the waitress over."
>"Can we get a couple menus over here?!"
>"Thank you."
"I didn't do it f-for you. I just don't like violence."
>"What are you whispering over ther to yourself?"
>Rainbow has that suspicious glare again.
"I-I was just thinking of how I can thank you for this. It was amazing of you to do for me."
>Dash grins, and starts playing with her mane.
>You feel awful, lying to Dash like this. Absolute scum.
>"You creep..d-don't start flattering me like that! I already know I'm awesome--WHERE'S THOSE MENUS?!"
>With a red face, she races to the front counter in a flustered rush.
"I can't believe I did that."
>"If it means anything I'm truly sorryAntoine..."
>You heard.
>"Okay, to tell you the truth, I was on y way to see y-you again."
"I figured that. Is that why you're in that getup? Scared to be seen with me?"
>Octavia falls silent once more.
>"It-it's complicated. I truly, and honestly want to know more about you, but due to an ongoing situation, I have to treat this delicately..."
>You can feel her looking at you.
>You twiddle your thumbs nervously, wondering if you should take her at face value. Do you want to risk opening yourself up again?
>What would you do if she hurt you again?
>"Please say something..."
"Hu-huh? What did you say?"
>"I was asking if I could visit you, and try to make things right? Face to face? Please allow me to explain myself, and maybe we can see if there's any potential for anything to continue?"
"I-I don't know."
>"I promise, I'll give you the whole truth. I so desperately want to have more conversations with you like at S4LT. You're actually quite fascinating. A once in a lifetime type-"
"Please stop. I get it."
>You don't want to let your guard down, but that fleeting ember of hope is slowly building into a raging fire.
>You take a deep breath, wringing your clammy hands together anxiously.
>Do you say yes, or just refuse?
>What if she's for real?
"...Is this serious?"
>"Yes."
>You take a deep breath.
"F-fine. Come over later tonight. After it's dark."
>She shifts in her seat, as if she's cheering silently.
>"Brilliant...! I shall come after Nightfall then."
>That well-spoken manner of hers was missed in this short time.
>She leaves the booth, keeping her head down as she passes by a blushing, and babbling Rainbow Dash.
>Guilt replaces those feelings of positivity.
>Rainbow Dash buzzes back to the table, with the biggest smile she can muster, which only makes you feel even worse.
>"Here, I got the menus! I'm sorry I took so long, but they were telling me about this special that if-"
>She places a menu down still babbling on about whatever the diner is doing. To be honest, you're not listening too hard right now.
>You're freaking out internally. This is a bad idea. What if she's just looking to break you again?
>This was uncharacteristically rash of you if you're being honest. That second slice of humble pie is gonna be a killer.
>"Uh...are you alright? You've been sitting there in silence for some time dude."
>Looking to Rainbow Dash, who is holding her menu up, with concerned eyes you hide shaking hads under the table.
>"You've been spacing out this whole time. Are you sure something didn't happen while I was gone?"
"I-I want to ask you something."
>She puts the menu down.
>"Okay. Go ahead."
>You lick your dried lips, and muster up your courage.
"Do you believe in second chances?"
>She tilts her head.
>"Hah? What do you mean?"
"Like, do you think everyone deserves a second chance? A chance to do what's right?"
>Her confused face softens.
>"Do you mean you? You know you don't have that sort of thing with me. Your chances are infinite!"
>She smiles brightly.
>"I mean, look at you now, and last night. You're doing what you're supposed to do! I'm proud of you. I want to stick by you the whole way until you start going out yourself! Even past that."
"Y-yeah! It's about me...oh b-boy."
>She nods still smiling, and picks her menu back up.
>"So what are we doing tonight?"
>You double-take.
"Wh-what was that?"
>"What are we doing tonight? Movies? Games?"
"I-I didn't know we were spending the night together also..."
>"Uh, DUH. You think after yesterday, I'm letting you out of my sight? I need to make sure you'll be okay!"
"I can handle myself in my own home Rain-"
>She sits the menu down calmly.
>"It's fine Ant. You don't have to worry anymore. I got you! I said I'd protect you, and I will."
"But do you need to protect me in my own home?"
>She smirks, leaning back once more.
>"Are you saying you don't want me alone in your house? Others would have tried to take over Equestria for less."
>She's so sure of herself, you can't help but laugh at the comment.
"You're crazy."
>"You love it."
>With that the conversation ends, and she picks the menu back up.
>That's not enough though. As it stands now, Octavia is in trouble. She's going to walk right into a Rainbow Dash infused beating.
>You still don't want to lie to her, but she can't come over. Not tonight at least.
>You weakly clear your throat.
>"Was there something else?"
"I-it's...I was just planning on going to bed early."
>"What? Why? Is something wrong? Did somepony say something to you?!"
>You put your hands up defensively.
"N-no! I just feel a little tired, and I meant to go to sleep early so we could...uh h-hang out tomorrow..."
>Rainbow Dash narrows her eyes.
>"Really? You want to hang out with me tomorrow?"
"Y-yes. I'm trying to be proactive like y-you want..."
>She inspects your face, looking at you from different angles.
>You audibly gulp.
>"Are you sure you want to do something tomorrow instead of tonight? Like seriously for real?"
"Y-yes I am."
>Your hands are still shaking underneath the table.
>"Ok! Sounds cool. We can do it after work then."
>You release a breath you didn't know you were holding.
>"Besides, I know you wouldn't lie to me or anything like that. Like if you were meeting with a certain pony that hurt you or something! That'd be crazy right?"
>She looks at you with half-lidded eyes, and a neutral expression.
>You however can't stop shaking.
>Rainbow is scaring you right now. Does she know?
"Y-Y-Yeah...that'd be i-i-insane..!"
>"So go ahead, and order something. My TREAT."
>Rainbow stares hard at you with narrowed eyes.
>You pick up the menu with a clammy mitt and try to hide away from her gaze.
>She snorts.
>"I want to ask you something Antoine."
>She used your full name. She means business.
>"How long have we know each other?"
>Keeping the menu up, you do your best to answer.
"A-about six years."
>"Do you trust me?"
"O-o-"
>Her hoof comes over the menu pushing it down to the table.
>"Look me in the eyes and answer."
"Of course."
>Your lips tremble, in the wake of her magenta eyes.
>"I trust you too. I don't I've ever been so loyal to anypony outside my friends. It's a rare thing."
"I can understand that."
>"I'm glad. I never gave up on you, despite everypony's efforts to break you from this shell. I kept hammering on it. ME. ALONE."
>You listen intently searching her face.
>"You know why? Because I understand you. I've spent 6 years of my life, caring for you. Trying to lead you into a brighter world. Coming by your home everyday, and finally getting you to come out. You're important to me."
>You try to suppress a blush.
>"Don't hurt me Ant. Please. I trust you. I trust you to make the right decision whenever I'm not around. To think of me like I think of you. Okay?"
"Y-yes. But where is this coming from?"
>She keeps a stern face not breaking eyesight.
>"I think you know what I'm talking about Ant."
>You feel absolutely ill to the stomach. This is wrong.
>How could you hurt her or even think of it? She has done so much for you.
>Rainbow has been by your side. She's precious to you. You love her like-
>Like-
>Your eyes open in realization.
>"Uhhh...."
>You both look to the waitress.
>"Should I come back later?"