A word of caution: If you're assuming this is a clop-fic, YOU'RE WRONG. Go away.
"Nostalgia"
It was just another of those cold, autumn nights. Nights that would soon become winter nights, in only a month's time. Nights that Octavia always enjoyed in sitting by a warm fire, wearing her favorite pair of striped socks, or simply drinking a cup of hot chocolate. Ah, how she did love winter, even if she had never been able to choose between it or autumn for her favorite. And normally, she would've been enjoying herself already, as the night already had the feel of one of those winter ones; not to mention, she had already started to make some of her favorite chamomile tea. Tonight, though, she was not in the mood for enjoyment. Tonight, she was feeling quite a bit…nostalgic.
Nostalgia was definitely something the musician had grown used to. Especially considering she had one of those fillyhoods: neither particularly wonderful nor terrible. Life on the rock farm had indeed been difficult, especially once Pinkie had left, and she'd had her reasons for leaving. It'd been nearly three years since Octavia had moved to Canterlot. Perhaps, though, her feelings of nostalgia weren't even that at all. Perhaps she was simply reminiscing.
That did happen from time to time.
Why am I thinking about you again?
She felt herself grow a bit tense as the question passed through her mind. Why was she thinking about him? She hated thinking of that part of her past, the other reason she'd eventually left, and the main reason other than the sheer disagreement they'd had, that her parents probably wanted nothing more to do with her anyway. Sometimes she couldn't help but wonder if they were…right. But each time, including this time, she immediately shut her eyes, along with the thoughts, and went back to the safety of her own truths. And the guilt that came with even considering the things she still remembered them saying to her, those years ago.
Swiftly, Octavia rose to her hooves and looked around her quiet, candle-lit living room. She couldn't deal with these thoughts anymore, and she needed comfort. The comfort that only those closest to her could bring. Spotting her double bass and cello sitting side-by-side against the wall (Oliver and Sophia, she both affectionately and respectfully called them), she softened just a bit, and approached them. Octavia raised a hoof once she reached the two instruments, and tenderly rested it upon Oliver, while she gazed at him a moment, and then turned her attention to the cello beside him. Yes, this was exactly what she needed right now.
The grey pony gave a soft sigh and leaned forward just a moment, to rest her head against Oliver. Every so-often she had nightmares that would reflect one of the past events she always tried so hard to forget. She had to keep reminding herself, though, that she was in Canterlot, and she was an adult now, living on her own; there was nothing her parents could do to her now, nor to her beloved partners in music. Ever so hesitantly, Octavia lifted her head and moved back a bit, bringing the double bass with her. She moved to the center of the room, and set him upright, again taking a moment to think before she lifted the bow and readied herself to play.
As Octavia began, she closed her eyes. It wasn't as if she needed them, after all: she knew her double bass, perhaps better than any of the instruments she'd ever treasured. Though she still tried to give Sophia the same amount of affection.
Oh Oliver, dear friend… Don't think I'm only using you as a crutch right now… I really need you.
The low sounds of the strings breaking the silence as Octavia began her playing instantly hit her straight in the soul, with not even a few seconds to spare. For this, she was grateful. She kept her eyes closed and slowly continued, allowing her other hoof to rest upon the base of his neck. She wanted terribly to forget her long-past, fillyhood friend, but it was simply one of those nights she could not. She didn't want Oliver to think she was merely using him due to her own nostalgic sorrow, but even she knew that in part, it was true. However, she also knew that Oliver loved her. Just as she loved him.
She carried on, shutting out the rest of the outside world, and focusing only on the beautiful sounds of her double bass and the soft vibrations she felt under her hooves. They were indeed gentle, but they were more than enough to excite the beating of her heart. There was no feeling she loved more, as it assured her that they were together, truly in sync as instrument and musician. It was a perfect relationship, and one she wouldn't trade for the world.
Octavia had always been a bit…different than the other ponies she'd known. It wasn't until her parents had discovered this that she had even noticed it as anything strange, though. Back when she still lived with them, she'd had an instrument as well: a clarinet, whose name was Louis. It'd been the first strong relationship she'd had as a musician. And tonight, it was the relationship she'd found herself reminiscing over again. She'd loved Louis as well, though she'd been young, barely a teenager. She'd spent hours playing him, whenever she hadn't been working the farm with the others. But there was more to her relationship with her instruments than most would assume, and when her parents had discovered this, they'd taken her beloved away from her. They'd destroyed him.
With the memories invading her once again, the pony only shut her eyes tighter as her playing became a bit more passionate than before. She bit her lip and tried again to focus on the sounds from Oliver, and the soothing vibrations. Unconsciously, she clung to him. She allowed the music to flow with itself, and slowly found herself more and more lost in it.
I couldn't save you… I'm sorry! I miss you!
It was true she had Oliver and Sophia now, both just as dear to her as Louis had been; but nevertheless, she couldn't help but feel as if there must have been something she could've done! She'd just been too scared to try anything! They'd been so…so angry. Feeling her eyes begin to sting at the thought, Octavia gave an annoyed grunt and played her double bass harder, though she did her best to stay gentle with him. He was everything to her at the moment, after all, even if her heart was aching for the one long gone.
She was married to her music, was what she usually told anypony who was curious about why she'd never seemed to have even the slightest interest in other ponies around her. Oh, if only they knew how true that statement really was.
Octavia felt as though her heart was flying as she finally managed to focus on Oliver again, and tried to forget the pain she felt. They two of them were reaching the finale of their piece, together, as they always did, and there was never anything the mare cherished more. It was sensual, intimate, regardless of it also being as innocent as it was. And while she often performed with Oliver and Sophia in public, even for royalty, those performances would never compare to the personal ones she had alone with them, right here in her quiet living room. Not to her. She didn't care about fame. She didn't care about showing off. She only cared about the perfection and harmony she witnessed when she played with her beloveds. It was all that had ever truly mattered to her.
And finally, with a few final notes, they ended the number. Octavia held the bow against her double bass for a moment, eyes still closed, as she waited for the vibrations to dissipate completely. Softly, she breathed. Only once she released her stance and lowered the bow did she slowly open her violet eyes again. It was true – there was no better healing than music. Especially the music she made together with the partners she loved.
Oliver and Octavia stayed in their position for a while longer, simply basking in the silence that had now taken over a second time. She continued to hold him close to her, and eventually settled for gently resting her head against his upper bout. Slowly, she blinked. With a sigh through her nose, she looked down to him, and rested her other hoof upon him again.
"I know, Oliver," she finally whispered through the air, and waited a moment before she continued. "…I wish you could've known him, too… He was a great friend."
Another few moments of silence passed before Octavia released their position, and gently carried her instrument back to the side of the room. She placed him against the wall beside Sophia again, and sat down, gazing ahead sadly. It was rare that she ever got that close to crying. But it was a lot easier if it pertained to them. No matter how sad she got sometimes, though, there was still no language she cherished more than the language of music that her instruments would only ever share with her.
Perhaps her parents would never understand. Perhaps no one would. But she did. Maybe that really was all that mattered.
...If you're still wondering what the hell you just read...I guess all I can tell you is to go YouTube "Erika Eiffel." She was technically my inspiration for this mess. And, well, also just that I think the idea of Octavia as an objectum-sexual is adorable.
Anywhoooo. Yeah, I totally support the "Octavia is Pinkie's sister" theory. If you don't like it, that sucks. The bit of background info I provided for Octavia...was really pretty much just for this story, mostly. Unless I end up keeping this as part of my main continuum. Which I still haven't decided on yet. And YEP! I gave Octavia both a double bass AND a cello, so hopefully everyone is happy!
As for the names... Oliver was actually SoundofRainfall's idea, not mine. He was kind enough to let me use it, because I love it so! Sophia, however, is all mine. Feel free to use it, though; just please do give me credit.
Reviews & favs are very appreciated! (: Thanks for reading, lovelies! And don't worry - I have not abandoned the Twinyl Trilogy!