After settling her suitcase to the side, she followed Trixie over to the main living room where the father was helping out by cooking a part of the dinner. Adagio took a whiff of the air which made her mouth water. A fish being grilled on the stove, and the hot sushi rolls steaming. Both were enough to make her hungry in an instant.
"Already, I'm loving what you've got planned for mealtime..." Adagio smirked.
Trixie blushed. "Heh, I kinda figured you'd want some seafood, so..."
"You guessed correctly," she said before whispering in her ear, "my beautiful girl."
Her cheeks went red again. "Heh, heheh..."
"So you must be Trixie's friend. Nice to meet you, young lady," Trixie's father greeted.
"Pleasant to meet you sir," Adagio smiled, shaking his hand.
"Please, just call me Jack."
"Very well then, Jack," Adagio winked. "My name's Adagio. Adagio Dazzle."
"Nice to meet you," Jack smiled. "So you're new around here? I remember Trixie saying that you were the new girl at school."
"Mmmhmm," Adagio nodded. "But I've mastered my way around this city for quite some time now." She turned her head around, looking at the interior of Trixie's home. Nice colorful baby blue wallpaper with a few patterns of stars in some places.
"I love your place by the way, looks very... how do I say... dazzling," she winked.
"Well you are talking to the 'Great and Magnificent Jack Pot!'"
Adagio was intrigued. "You're a magician?"
"Why yes..." Jack slammed a smoke bomb onto the floor, and through the usage of flash paper, he was no longer wearing his casual clothing, now he was all dressed up, clean shaven, and bursting with energy. "In my day, I was the Great and Magnificent Jack Pot! People for miles were all dazzled by my shows! And now--" He tossed another smoke bomb down, the flash of light hitting her eyes again.
Adagio coughed as she tried to clear some of the smoke, but it was revealed he was changed right back into his casual clothing like he had one before. She was about to raise a finger and question it, until--
"You probably shouldn't ask," Trixie interrupted, sheepishly. "Magician's code; a magician never reveals their secret. That includes me."
Jack nodded with a smile. "You still remember it?"
"Always have, dad," Trixie nodded.
Adagio's eyes didn't look back at Trixie's father. But instead, she was mesmerized by the decor of their house, looking around some more. Some old furniture that looked beautiful even after all these years. A nice glass cabinet against the wall holding all sorts of glassware and dishes. And on a set of drawers, she could see a few pictures of the family. The first photograph looked innocent enough, a picture of both Sunflower and Jack Pot on their wedding day, as implied by the tux and the wedding dress.
The second photo next was a picture of them clearly moving into their new home, showing the sold sign next to them. The photo next to that was a picture of them both in the hospital, with Sunflower in a hospital gown holding a baby wrapped up in a blanket; obviously the day that Trixie had been born. Adagio couldn't help but smile a bit at how cute Trixie looked as a baby.
But the picture next to it made her gush even more. Trixie at an estimated age of six-years-old, looking cheerful and bright and in front of kindergarten.
"Aww..." Adagio melted. "Trixie, is this you?"
"Uhhhh... yes," Trixie blushed.
"You look adorable."
Trixie shook her head. "No I'm not..."
"Oh hush, you're adorable and you know it," Adagio said, now knowing the parents were not within earshot.
She teased Trixie with a boop to her nose, making her nose scrunch up a little bit, enticing Adagio to giggle. The siren immediately ran back to looking at pictures, distracted. The next one that caught her attention was another one of her that looked like a six-year-old, and it looked like she was performing magic tricks in front of a few kids who were very intrigued.
"That was Trixie's first performance," Sunflower said, seeing Adagio's eyes glued to the photo.
"It was?"
"Yeah. I remember I was on my way to pick her up from school when I saw she was doing a show for the kids. That little girl kept them all distracted even when the power was out."
Adagio smiled, looking at the cute six-year-old in the photograph.
"I can imagine she was adorable."
Sunflower chuckled. "She was. And it was from there that I learned my little girl wanted to be a magician... and I learned what happened to Jack's hat and magic wand."
"Mom!"
Her mother just chuckled some more, ignoring the embarrassed Trixie in the living room. Adagio giggled as well before looking at some more. Some family photographs, some showing Trixie and family having wonderful times; some taken during her birthday, Christmas, Thanksgiving, other various holiday pictures. Even a few cute Halloween pictures were shown.
"Hey Adagio?" Trixie asked, finally grasping Adagio's attention. She held up a game controller. "Want to play?"
"Ooh, color me intrigued," Adagio said, instantly distracted by the thought of video games. She sat on the cushion next to Trixie and clutched the controller. "So what are we playing?"
"Trust me, I think you will like it..."
The first images that flickered on screen were showing two animated characters drawn in a rubber hose animation style, similar to the cartoons of the 1930s and 40s. The animations alone made Adagio's eyes sparkle in awe and wonder.
"Oh my goodness..."
"Just wait. You haven't seen anything yet..."
A little bit of time passed and Trixie and Adagio were mashing the buttons on the controllers with great intensity. Both of their faces were furled up in anger. Their old school looking run-and-gun game wasn't as easy as they had hoped. In fact, they died. A lot. So much so there was a place to go to in the game that tracked the amount of deaths they had which did nothing but spit at them for every time they failed.
"Watch out for the barnacles!" Adagio shouted as her character jumped over onto another platform.
"Dah, I hate those things!" Trixie said as she dodged the incoming fire. "Look at all of this, there's flying fish, there's angry crabs, swimming crustaceans, there's no way to dodge or avoid all of them!"
Once again, they both died.
"Dang it!" Trixie moaned.
"You know, lets take a break from this level. We still have a few other bosses to fight, lets take on them. How hard could they be?"
Five Minutes Later
"Come on, come on, you've got this..." Trixie smiled.
"Ugh, why did they have to make this extremely difficult!?" Adagio snarled as her fingers kept slapping against the controllers.
Jack chuckled. "I see Trixie's got you playing that game?"
"It looked beautiful! The 1930s aesthetic pulled me in and then all of the sudden it slaps me with it's insane difficulty!" Adagio cried with over-dramatics. "I swear, that mermaid reminds me of the Sally Siren cartoons I used to--Oh great, one life left, come on, I can do this, I can do it..."
"Come on, you got this!"
Adagio put her focus onto finishing the last phase of the boss fight. It was one more to go. She just needed to deliver one final blow to that siren mermaid boss, and she'd be done. Just one more until--
BAM!
The screen blared with the same 'Game Over' screen that flashed in their faces over 50 times now. Adagio's face scrunched up when the boss quote loaded on the screen. Out of instinct, the eldest Dazzling reached for the pillow next to her and pressed it against her face as she screamed in rage. It wasn't loud, but they could hear the muffled shrieking in the cushion.
She lifted the pillow off and panted, finally done with all the screaming. She rubbed at the temples above her head before moaning.
"... Can I get through this game without being a hazard to myself!?" Adagio whined.
"Girls! Dinner's ready!"
"Oh sweet, food!" Almost immediately she forgot about her continuous losses as she tossed the game controller to the side. Trixie soon got up and followed her to the family dinner table, immediately in awe at what they set out on the table.
"No... no way... you prepared sushi?" Adagio squeaked. Trixie giggled; her happy squeak, so cute.
"Yes we did," Sunflower nodded. "Trixie told us it was your favorite."
"Oh yes it is..." Adagio's mouth watered seeing the sushi put onto her plate.
When everyone sat themselves down, they soon dug in. And Adagio was more than happy with the sushi she was given. Cooked to perfection, and with a side dish of cooked fish.
"Mmm... this is delicious," she said, eliciting a chuckle from the parents.
"You really like seafood, don't you?"
"Mmmhmm," Adagio said without saying it, wiping the food off her mouth. "I suppose I'm just... connected to the ocean. I've always been attracted to the sea. It's a dangerous and fascinating environment..."
Sunflower giggled. "I see..."
"So, Adagio, tell us a bit about yourself. Is there anything you're looking to do in life, or..."
Adagio stopped for a minute to think about what to tell him. "Well, I don't truly know. Part of me just wants to keep on trucking, see where the road takes me. But right now, I'm just content with performing for my friends and of course, helping this sweet girl with her magic works," she winked, eliciting yet another blush from Trixie.
"Dagi..."
"Wait, wait, wait. You're helping her... with magic? Trixie, I thought you gave it up years ago," Sunflower asked.
"I... I did. But I don't know. After I met her, and when Sunset's reign ended... I felt like I could get back out there. She volunteered to help me, and I thought maybe I could do magic again."
Jack Pot nearly dropped his silverware. "Trixie, that's amazing!"
Trixie sheepishly smiled. "It's not that amazing..."
"But it shows you're brave enough to try something again, that's a good thing. You should never be afraid to try something, even if you aren't sure of how it will go."
Trixie's head turned back to Adagio who gave her a duck-lipped expression before giving her a wink and silly grin. See Trixie? What'd I tell you.
Rolling her eyes, she just took another bite of her sushi.
"So Adagio, do you have any other interests other than performing?"
"Why yes, I do. I suppose you can say I'm a little geeky," Adagio giggled.
"How geeky are we talking?" Jack asked.
"I've got stashes of comic books in mint condition," Adagio winked again. "And I've seen every episode of Transformers and C.O.B.R.A and I can recite every line in Star Wars by heart."
Jack chuckled. "I bet you and Trixie get along great."
"Oh we do!" Trixie nodded enthusiastically.
"More than you know it," Adagio said suggestively, giggling.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Jack Pot asked, confused with some suspicion.
"Oh, it's just a little joke, that's all. I am a little bit of a tease, I suppose. ... Though I am guilty enough to admit that I do have fun with it," Adagio blushed for the first time that night.
"Well that's no worry," Jack said, losing suspicion. "Just as long as it doesn't get overdone, I suppose there's nothing wrong with it. You're not intending to make others mocked, are you?"
"Oh good heavens, no," Adagio said. "I'm a tease, but I only do it because I like everyone. I only take it a bit far if it's with people who aren't so nice; say like, that Sunset Shimmer girl."
The two parents gave it some thought.
"Well, I suppose it's not too bad..." Jack Pot nodded.
"Anyways!" Sunflower cut in, hoping to change the subject without any more awkwardness at the dinner table. "So, Adagio, tell me, are you... dating, anyone?"
Trixie nearly coughed up her food from the sudden question.
"I'm sorry?"
"I was just curious," Sunflower asked innocently.
"Mom..."
"What? Is it wrong to want to know their daughter's friend some more?"
"Yeah, but you can't just ask something like that!"
"It's fine, Trixie," Adagio patted her lap discreetly. "But no, I am not currently dating. It's a bit difficult with all of the crazy schedules and finding the right one."
"Trust me, I know. But you'll find the right one, I'm sure of it," Sunflower smiled. "You're too adorable, how can anyone not fall for you?"
"Oh trust me," Adagio looked back at Trixie with a smirk, wiggling her eyebrows at her. "I know."
The dinner continued some more, eventually everyone hit a point where they were stuffed and couldn’t touch any more. Jack cleared some of the plates while the rest of the family sat lazily at the table, feeling bloated.
“Oh that was so good…” Adagio patted her belly. “Thanks, Sunflower.”
“It’s no problem at all."
"I haven't felt this full since last Thanksgiving... and all I ate was just the turkey," Adagio said, laying back in her chair.
Trixie got up to the kitchen, trying to help her dad by putting some plates and silverware into the dishwasher.
"So, uh, Trixie?" Jack Pot asked.
"Yes Dad?"
"... Your friend seems nice," Jack said, trying to make conversation.
"She is, isn't she?" Trixie smiled.
"Sweet girl. Though I don't know..."
Trixie's shoulders tensed up.
"I feel like there's something else about that girl she's not telling us..."
"Y-Yeah?"
"Yeah..."
Her heart began to pound against her chest. Was he about to pry her for the question of their secret dating life? Was it all about to get revealed right here, right now--
"... Why does that girl act all suggestive and flirtatiously?"
Trixie's anxiety began to melt away, smiling in relief. He wasn't asking the question now, thank goodness.
"Well, Dad, that's kind of how she is, honestly. Apparently at the last school she went to, everyone was pretty toxic and the only way she could really communicate with anyone or get any information was by acting flirty like a... how do you say... um... siren? You know, like those sea sirens that attracted the attention of sailors?"
Jack was blanking until he put two and two together. "Ohh..."
"She acts like that with me a lot, almost every day. Though honestly she does it mostly to me because she considers me to be her best friend."
The middle-aged man listened to Trixie's explanation, giving her statement a bit more thought. "Well I suppose that's not so bad," Jack shrugged off. He clamped the dishwasher shut, finally turning it on and allowing it to run it's cycle and clean everything inside. "If you want, you can just take your friend upstairs and show her you're room."
"Yay! Thanks, Daddy."
She skipped out of the kitchen and back to her friend who was pulling herself out of her seat.
"Mind if we go upstairs?"
"Go right ahead," Sunflower smiled.
"Follow me. You haven't seen my room yet," Trixie said with some excitement. She had already seen Adagio's bedroom, but now she was getting to show her room to her girlfriend. She was going to love it!
Adagio raced up the stairs to follow her, and followed her right into her room.
Trixie’s room was a little chaotic, though of a different aesthetic than the calm and mundane suburban style that dominated the rest of the house. The wallpaper was night sky blue with a few stars spread all around. Posters of sci-fi movies, shows, comedies, pop stars, and magicians littered the walls. The shelves were full of various knick knacks, toys, action figures, and what appeared to be props for magic shows. Several outfits were hanging in her closet, obviously intended for magic performances as hinted by the glitter and sparkle.
"Oooh... I like your room. Very stylish. And rather fitting," Adagio grinned. Her eyes lingered to a few of the props sitting on a dresser drawer, immediately looking at the magic wand sitting there. She picked it up, her eyes analyzing it.
"Oh this ole one," Trixie giggled, reaching for the wand. She plucked it out of Adagio's hand, but as she did, there was another wand clenched in her hand. She pulled it again, and there was still a wand in Adagio's hand. She pulled more and more, and the ensuing multiplication of wands just made Adagio giggle like a little girl. After retrieving the last wand, she placed it all on her dresser.
Once she saw they were out of ear shot, Trixie slowly pushed the door closed until it was only slightly ajar.
"Okay, so--mmm!"
Adagio had yanked Trixie close to her and embraced her with a tender kiss on her lips. Trixie was about to fight, but she slowly gave in, holding Adagio and kissing her back.
"I wanted to do that for a while," Adagio purred.
Trixie blushed, yet again. "Dagi..."
"I'm sorry, but I just wanted to snuggle you," Adagio said innocently, nuzzling her cheek.
Trixie sighed and nuzzled her back. "I know, but I just didn't want to do it in front of them."
"Sweetie, I think it's safe to say they're perfectly accepting of me now," Adagio said.
"Well, yeah, but... I don't want to tell them you're dating me!" Trixie whined.
"Trixie. You made me a promise," she said, holding her hands on her hips with pouty lips.
"I know, but--"
"--No butts! Only my butt!" Adagio teased, winking at her. "Look, Trixie, I don't want you spending the rest of your life in fear of something you may not need to be afraid of. I told you, if they really love you, you should be able to trust them and tell them the truth!"
"I know!" Trixie yelled before plonking down on the bed.
Adagio stopped insisting. She could hear Trixie was almost about to cry from the shakiness in her voice. She slowly walked over to the other side next to her, and sat down. She scooted close and wrapped an arm around her side.
"Baby? Are you mad?"
Trixie sighed. "No..."
Adagio sighed in relief. In the clear! Well, hopefully in the clear.
"I'm sorry for pushing you. I wasn't trying to make you upset," Adagio apologized. "I just want you to finally be able to tell them so we don't have to keep dating in secret."
Trixie scrunched her face. "I know..."
Adagio pulled her over and let her girlfriend rest her head on her shoulder. She pulled her closer, slowly laying back on the bed. "Hey. It'll be okay." She pulled her closer, pressing her chest against her girlfriend's. "I'm gonna be with you, all the way. And if they don't approve... then they're going to have to deal with me."
Trixie turned her head, smiling at her girlfriend. "Thank you..."
"Hey, hey," Adagio cooed, pulling her closer and nuzzling her. "It's what I'm here for."
For a while the two of them were at ease. While Trixie's mind still lingered on the possibility of her parents not approving of their relationship, Adagio quickly came to make her completely forget it.
"Hey. I think I know something that'll make you feel better," she smiled.
"What?" Trixie asked.
"... Want to play a tournament fighter game?" She smirked.
Trixie smirked back. "I'd like that."
"Perfect. Let me just get my PJs, first."
A pair of pants and heels were tossed and Adagio slipped into a pair of comfortable shorts. Soon their game controllers were ready. Both of them sat on the end of the bed, cuddled close together as the loading screens began to, well, load. Once the game was ready, they were ready to begin.
"This match is about to get red hot! And begin!"
The evening went on, and it became time for everyone to hit the sack. Both parents had already got their PJs and brushed their teeth, and both girls had already brushed and rinsed and everything they needed to before heading to bed. Of course they set out a soft air mattress for Adagio, but Adagio had other ideas in mind...
"Alright you two. I know teenagers like you stay up for a little while, so if you do, please try to keep the noise down, okay?"
"We will," Trixie nodded.
"Of course," Adagio winked with a suggestive grin.
"Good night you two," Sunflower waved.
"Night Mom!"
Once they were clear, Trixie opened up the bed on her left side and allowed Adagio to slowly crawl into the space next to her. Adagio smiled and purred as she cuddled up next to her girlfriend contently.
"Thanks for letting me sleep next to you," she cooed.
Trixie stroked Adagio's left cheek. "How could I not?"
Adagio gave Trixie a kiss on the cheek. “I’m right here for you, Trixie. Sweet dreams, beautiful.”
Trixie looked behind her, using her hand to bring Adagio in for a goodnight kiss.
“Thanks, Dagi." Trixie whispered. “Goodnight.”
Adagio gave Trixie one more kiss on the cheek before she fell back asleep. Se took a moment to just watch her sleep. It was perhaps the most adorable thing she had ever seen. She looked so at peace. The sweet scent of her hair enraptured her senses. The moonlight shined through the window, making her look like she was glowing, and she was beautiful. Then again, she always is.
“I’ll never let anyone hurt you, my beautiful magician,” Adagio whispered. She kissed her cheek again. “Goodnight, my beautiful girl.”
Adagio relaxed, and eventually let the clutches of sleep take him, and the comfort of her girlfriend provided all the warmth she needed.