//------------------------------// // Chapter 18- A Totally Platonic Sleepover // Story: Neighbors // by Tethered-Angel //------------------------------// A low groan filled Rarity’s bedroom as Adagio rolled her shoulders, working the tight knot that was beginning to form between her shoulder blades. She had been stuck in the same position for nearly an hour, standing as straight as possible with her arms stretched out to her sides. Of all the titles she had held in her life, she never expected “World’s Sexiest Mannequin” to be among them. “Sorry darling, just a few stitches more,” Rarity assured her, deftly working the hemline at Adagio’s back. “Almost got it.” “Take your time,” Adagio shot back sardonically. “It’s not like I’m aging.” “Very funny,” Rarity huffed, snipping the thread. “Aaaaand, finished! Magnifique! Now give me a twirl, darling!” Adagio rolled her eyes, but a twitch of her lips betrayed the underlying smirk. She chuckled, taking a step toward the tall, full length mirror on the back of Rarity’s door. “Fantastic work, dear Rarity. It looks simply marvelous.” Rarity blushed lightly at the praise. “I couldn’t have done it without your help. Lifeless mannequins are so… uninspiring. Thank you for being my muse.” The siren turned dress form laughed. “If a pretty girl in a short dress is what it takes to get you going, who am I to deny that?” “Really now!” Rarity huffed, crossing her arms with a pout. Adagio just smirked, turning back to the mirror to give the dress a more thorough inspection. It was a lovely piece. Fun, yet classy, meant more for a party or an evening out than anything truly formal, and yet it oozed elegance. Deep maroon in color, its single shoulder strap dipped toward a daringly low neckline, hugging her modest chest alluringly. A short skirt of three ruffled layers swayed around her wide hips, exaggerating her curves, and a belt of silver fabric tied it all together around the waist. Rich purple tights hugged her legs, and a set of silver heels brought the whole thing together. Adagio struck several poses to show off both the dress and her own curves, giggling whenever she got a reaction out of the fashionista. Rarity hummed thoughtfully, tapping her chin as she examined Adagio from every angle. “No, I think I was right before. The purple totally clashes with the maroon. What was I thinking? The silver tights and maroon platforms would fit the dress much better. Do you mind?” Adagio huffed in feigned annoyance before grabbing the previously discarded articles and stepping toward the hall. “Um, Adagio?” Rarity asked, tilting her head in confusion. “Where are you going?” “To get changed,” Adagio responded, half turning and throwing a smirk back over her shoulder. “The model work is fine, but if you want a striptease it’s going to cost extra.” She chuckled as Rarity’s face reddened enough to match the dress she had made. “I-I-I didn’t mean that!” Rarity protested, toying nervously with the measuring tape draped across her neck. “I didn’t plan to look!” “Relax, darling, I was only teasing,” Adagio said with a gentle chuckle. “I’ll be right back.” She shook her head in amusement as she reached the bathroom and kicked off the heels Rarity lent her. The girl was simply too much fun to tease. Adagio knew how strong she could be. The young fashionista had helped her through a rough time in her life, and for as little as the siren had known her she seemed to be always lending a hand. All the girls were like that, ready to come aside each other with a helping hand or encouraging word; it was little wonder they had managed to survive the Dazzlings’ attempts to sabotage their friendship. But Rarity had shown that same generosity to her and her sisters, even from the very start, when they had encountered each other for the first time at the Apple farm after the Battle of the Bands. It was not as if she was unused to that sort of special treatment. When she had her magic, people would all but dance at her command, offering her whatever comforts she demanded… at least as long as she had enough power to waste on such frivolities. But Rarity was different. She had offered her aid voluntarily, without expecting anything in return. Not just to a friend, but to someone who had once been an enemy. Adagio bent down and rolled the leggings down her legs, shivering as she stepped out of them into the cool air of the bathroom. It was strange to Adagio, to be given something without having to demand it. Without having to offer up something in return. So when Rarity had asked her for help with her dresses, Adagio could not refuse. No, it was not that she was incapable, that was the whole point, was it not? Rather, she would not refuse. She found that the thought had not even crossed her mind. How… curious. Shaking her head, she grabbed the second pair of tights and pulled them on. It was odd for her to hold so much respect for another person. Normally it was her that was demanding the attention, the praise. So why Rarity? Sunset she could understand. She had bested Adagio in combat, and still felt comfortable to extend her hand in truce, and even friendship. She had earned Adagio’s respect. But the others? They had lost. And yet, Adagio had learned to tolerate, and before long enjoy their company. She enjoyed Rarity’s company. She was both artiste and artist, traits Adagio had come to admire greatly. Since losing her voice, she had gained a newfound appreciation for the struggles of mortal humans. Her siren magic almost felt like a mockery to the blood, sweat and tears human artists put into their crafts. What right had she to be proud of talents granted her by a magical artifact? But Rarity was not like her. She had seen the dressmaker at her craft, sitting at her desk for hours at a time, the clatter of the sewing machine never ceasing until her hands cramped up and her eyes refused to stay open. She had watched her practice her instrument, that strange keyboard guitar hybrid. She had seen her on stage, singing her heart out with her little quartet, the quarter that she organised and managed. And on top of all that, she was positively adorable when she was flustered. Adagio froze, blinking at where her train of thought had taken her. Where had that come from? Sure, Rarity was fun to tease, but then they all were. Twilight, who melted into a puddle at the idea of physical intimacy. Fluttershy, who squeaked and hid behind her hair when she received a compliment on her looks. Sunset, who gave as good as she got. So why was she having these thoughts about Rarity of all people? Her thoughts drifted to a brief conversation, seven weeks ago. A hasty invitation, and a bouquet of roses. “Psh, you’re overthinking things, Adagio. Of course she likes you. You’re you.” But… that was not what she had been asking herself, was it? Adagio scoffed at her stupidity. What a time to be worrying about something so juvenile. She stepped into the provided heels, all but kicking herself for her distraction, before straightening up and readjusting her hair and skirt in the mirror. Satisfied, she threw back her shoulders and strutted back to the bedroom. “Oh! Much better!” Rarity squealed happily after casting an appraising eye over the change. “I don’t know what I was thinking with the other. But it still feels like it’s missing something… Oh, I know just the thing!” She snapped her fingers, and the crystal pendant on her neck lit up with an icy blue glow. Adagio felt the weight of her dress shift as it grew subtly heavier. Looking down at the outfit, she gasped in surprise and delight as it sparkled in the gentle light of the bedroom. Inlaid into the fabric were hundreds of tiny gems, catching the light and throwing it back in a dazzling display. Rubies swirled around the skirt and top in a complex swirls, while lines of diamonds crossed each other in geometric patterns along the length of the belt. She swished her hips, causing the skirt to swirl around her legs and glitter wildly. “It’s… amazing,” She said with a sense of awe. Although she had heard about the girls’ powers from Sunset, this was her first time seeing Rarity’s gift in person. But it was more than just the magic that impressed her. It was the sheer artistry of it. Not just the manifestation from thin air, but the precise and elegant way in which it had been integrated into the outfit. It reminded her of her music, in a way, harmonies and symphonies bound together in perfect harmony by their magic. “Incredible,” Adagio breathed, before fixing Rarity with a piercing look. “With a gift like this, I imagine you do not lack for money.” “Oh, I wish,” She said passionately. “I would love to design a whole line like this, but I’m afraid such a thing is simply not meant to be.” She sighed, and the glow from her pendant faded, and with it the extra weight on the dress. “I suppose I shall have to continue to make do with sequins.” “A shame,” Adagio pouted, “For a moment, I thought…” She sighed, shaking her head. “No, nevermind.” Rarity gave her a sympathetic look, smiling sadly. “Your gems?” Adagio shook her head. “No, I doubt something like those could ever be recreated here, even with the limited magic you girls have discovered. I was simply having a moment of nostalgia, for an old dress I used to own.” “Was it important to you?” Rarity asked, sitting down on the bed and patting the cushion for Adagio to join her. “I suppose it was, strange as it may seem coming from a girl who could have nearly anything she wanted for a song. But it managed to find a place in my heart, even after all these years.” She sighed wistfully, leaning back on her hands. “It was the dress that was given to me for my wedding to Sultan Hisan. It was made of the richest of silks, blue as the sea on a cloudless day. The stitching was lined with real silver, and it was inlaid with the brightest, most flawless sapphires I’ve ever seen. It was the only thing I kept when we finally fled Saddle Arabia.” Her voice wavered. “I held onto that dress for a long time. It was the nicest thing I’ve ever owned. Even if I couldn’t stand the man who gave it to me,” She laughed drily. “For a man with so many wives, he had no idea how to please a woman. But the dress, it was- I don’t know how to explain it. When you live life like we did, we could have anything we ever wanted, but we also had to be ready to abandon it all at a moment’s notice. Was it too much to ask that I was able to keep one nice thing, after all those years?” “What, what happened to it?” Rarity asked. Adagio sighed. “For as often as we managed to con our way into the high life and slip our hands into the pockets of the rich and wealthy, we spent almost as much time destitute, laying low while suspicions died and people forgot about us, or just too low on magic to afford even a modicum of power on anything other than sustaining ourselves. Over time, the dress grew old. I tried to keep it safe, but there is only so much one can do against time, and the magic that preserves us does not extend to our belongings. One emergency after another forced me to begin selling the stones, until eventually I only had a couple left. We used the last ones to purchase passage on a ship across the ocean, to here, some three hundred years ago.” “That must have been quite the adventure,” Rarity said, eyes wide with interest. Adagio shrugged. “The time on the ship was actually rather tame. We didn’t dare feed on the crew, lest we wind up lost at sea. Our Equestrian bodies may have been natural to the ocean, but our human forms certainly aren’t.” She sighed. “In the long run, coming to the colonies was a mistake. In those early days everyone was still so focused on survival and building their new lives that it was surprisingly hard to stir up trouble. Moreover, there were a lot fewer people on the whole. It was rare to even find a settlement with enough people for the three of us, and laying low in a community that size was impossible. Worse, some religious revival sent the people into a fit of paranoia, hunting down anything they deigned to be ‘evil magic.’ It was a dangerous time for us.” She rubbed her legs together uncomfortably. “But… it did eventually lead you to us,” Rarity offered with a hopeful smile. Adagio chuckled. “Yes, the worst and best thing to happen to us in this world. We lost our power, but gained freedom. The gems no longer force us to feed, and we have friends, real people we can count on rather than thralls to do our bidding. But it’s not without its struggles.” “I know darling,” Rarity said with a comforting pat on the shoulder, “But remember, you have us to help you. And your sisters as well.” She gave her arm a squeeze. “For what it’s worth, I’m glad to have met you.” Adagio’s breath hitched, heart pounding at the contact. Why? She took a deep breath, hoping Rarity wouldn’t notice as she fixed a smile to her face. “It has been an interesting few months, hasn’t it?” Rarity smiled back. “I daresay we are all better off for it.” The siren nodded. “I suppose so…” “RAAAAAAARITYYYY! WE’RE BAAAAAACK!!!” Rarity sighed, collapsing back onto the bed. “It sounds like Sweetie and her friends are here. Thank you for agreeing to help me look after them. They’re all sweet girls, but they can be such a handful.” Adagio chuckled. “Looking after your younger siblings can be quite the chore.” “RAAAAAAAARITYYYYYY! ARE YOU HOOOOME?” Groaning, Rarity pushed herself to her feet. “Coming, Sweetie, there’s no need to shout!” She called back. She glanced back at Adagio. “Well then, Princess Dazzle, are you ready to face the barbarian hordes?” Adagio levered herself up, glad for the distraction. She laughed, taking a moment to straighten her hair and dress. “I hardly count as a princess anymore. I’ve outlasted the Furusiyya Principality by a good four centuries.” She gave Rarity an teasing wink. “But I suppose I don’t mind getting my hands dirty.” The pair headed downstairs to find the trio of rowdy teens already raiding the refrigerator. “Sweetie Belle, what did I tell you about snacking before dinner?” Rarity scolded. Sweetie turned around, guiltily sliding a quart of ice cream behind her back. “Umm, we were just looking for some fruit?” Her eyes fell on her sister’s guest and her expression brightened. “Adagio! Hi!” The other girls whirled, finally noticing the siren. “Woah, one of the Dazzlings? What’s she doing here?” Asked the one with short, magenta hair and a raspy voice. “Aw, go easy on ‘er Scoots,” Chastened the redhead with a massive pink bow in her hair, “Mah sister says they’re alright.” She turned back to Adagio and extended her hand. “Ah’m Apple Bloom. Pleased to meetcha.” Adagio smirked, taking the girl’s hand and giving it a shake. “Applejack’s sister, I take it. Lovely to meet you.” She turned to the magenta haired girl. “And you must be Scootaloo. Sunset Shimmer has told me all about you three.” The three girls winced, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo glancing away. Even Sweetie rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly. Adagio grinned. “She says you three are always quite well behaved, so I’ll expect you to not cause us any trouble tonight, got it?” The three relaxed, letting out sighs of relief before turning back to the siren with earnest grins. “Ya got it, Miss Dazzle!” Apple Bloom said with a salute. “Yeah,” Scootaloo agreed, “We won’t cause too much trouble!” “Rarity’s really scary when she’s mad,” Sweetie agreed with a nod. “Sweetie Belle!” Rarity exclaimed, glaring at her little sister. Sweetie squeaked and hid behind Apple Bloom, who laughed. Rarity crossed her arms with a huff. “Well, I was going to order pizza, but if I’m such a monster-” “No, wait, I meant it in a good way!” Sweetie protested and the other two nodded vigorously. “Yeah, you’re like, the nicest!” “Ain’t half as scary as Applejack!” “Oh, very well,” Rarity huffed, crossing her arms as she turned away to hide her smirk, “I suppose I can overlook it this once.” Adagio had to cover her mouth with a hand to hide a smirk of her own. Rarity was playing those kids as easily as her instrument. She might have made an excellent siren in another life. ==O== The girls had settled down somewhat by the time the pizza arrived, about half an hour later. Rarity sent them upstairs with two full boxes, as well as some sodas and a stack of paper plates. “Have fun, girls!” She called after them as they barreled up the stairs with their spoils. “But do try not to get too rowdy! Oh, and no R rated movies! I don’t care if it’s Nightmare Night next weekend!” Adagio chuckled as a chorus of okays and promises to behave tumbled down the stairs behind the trio of teenagers. She grabbed a couple of pizza slices from the third box and put them on plates for herself and her host. “You do realize Scootaloo had a couple of DVDs tucked into the back of her shirt, don’t you?” “Naturally.” Rarity grinned. “I say let them have their fun, but this way no one can say I let them watch scary movies. Besides, if they think they’re getting away with something they will keep quiet and out of our hair.” Adagio snickered. “You are quite the schemer when you want to be, aren’t you?” Rarity winked, giving her styled hair a seductive toss. “I try.” “Well, what are your plans for me then?” The siren asked, giving her a taunting look. Her heart seemed to hammer in her chest, and for some reason her face felt warm. Rarity gave her a knowing look, and smirked. “I thought we could pop in a movie, sneak a couple of bottles from daddy’s wine collection, and eat enough junk food to make us hate ourselves in the morning. “That does sound like a good time,” Adagio grinned, before shifting to an expression of concern. “You won’t get in trouble though, will you? I don’t mind being a bad influence, but I don’t want to cause problems for someone who helps me as much as you have.” “Oh, don’t worry about that, I’ve been doing it for a couple years now, and have yet to get caught.” Rarity said easily, waving away her concerns. “Well then, let’s pick out that movie.” ==O== “I will never understand the modern obsession with vampires,” Adagio complained as the lead actress waxed poetic about some glorified pretty boy. “I swear they’re just a cheap knockoff of sirens.” Rarity giggled as she took another bite of her pizza. Chewing thoughtfully, she swallowed before humming in consideration. “I suppose I can see some similarities there. You never seem to go out before noon if you can help it.” “Oh ha ha,” The siren shot back sarcastically. The two had taken over most of the living room, the coffee and end tables strewn with paper plates and half eaten cartons of ice cream. They had changed into their pajamas some time ago, well before starting their second movie. Adagio, naturally, wore her rich silken nightwear, one of the few luxuries she had afforded herself in the time after the Battle of the Bands. Rarity wore a long, lightweight nightgown, one which the siren would have insisted was far too light for the chilly autumn weather were it not for the long, fuzzy stockings both girls wore. Though they were tacky, and clashed horribly with their sleepwear, Adagio could not deny that they were incredibly comfortable. The girls lounged comfortably on the oversized couch, leaning against opposite arms with their legs tangled together in the middle. Adagio shivered at the contact. It had been a long time since she had been so physically close with anyone but her sisters. But it was a good kind of shiver, and she found she quite enjoyed the contact. As they lapsed back into comfortable silence, Rarity’s attention returned to the film, soaking in the teenage melodrama playing out on the screen. Adagio’s, however, was on the girl across from her, straining desperately to figure out how they fit together. Rarity had feelings for her. Anyone with half a brain and an inch of worldliness could see it. It was plain the first time they spoke, in the hallway of the apartment only a few days after Sunset had moved in. Whether that had been the start of it or not, Adagio could not say, but it was obvious to her that something had happened in that first meeting. One did not harvest affection and adoration without learning to see the signs. At first Adagio had thought nothing of it. She was beautiful, and not shy about using her body to attract attention. It was hardly surprising that one of the girls had developed a crush on her, but it was not as if she had any intention of pursuing a relationship with one of the girls who was responsible for the loss of her powers. Even after she had come to terms with the loss, thanks to her talk with Sunset, she was not exactly looking for a relationship. And, as she became more familiar with their group, their interactions came easier and easier, and Adagio assumed that the crush had done what crushes do, and petered out. Then came that fateful day, when everything seemed to crumble around her after she lost her job. Rarity’s feelings had been the last thing on Adagio’s mind when she stumbled onto her porch and fished the key out from under her mat. Sunset would have been her first choice, had she any way of contacting the fiery girl without tipping off her sisters to the situation. So what had driven her to Rarity, of all of them? She took another glance at the girl, who was staring at the screen, enthralled as the lead made tearful declarations of undying love. Perhaps, even then, she had had an inkling, one even she had missed despite her centuries of experience. A feeling that had crept up on her without her noticing. Maybe it was the way she smiled, or her genuine, ringing laugh, pure and clear like a bell. Maybe it was those deep sapphire eyes, so close in color to the dress she had loved so long ago. Perhaps it was how she carried herself, or that flawless beauty even a siren might envy. Whatever it was, something had sparked in Adagio too. It had first begun on that fateful day, when she poured her heart out on Rarity’s couch. A feeling, of being vulnerable, and yet secure. She had opened up to Sunset in the past, but never to the extent she did with Rarity. And yet she was not judged, not attacked. Her weakness had not been twisted and used against her as she herself might have done, not very long ago. That night changed something in her. She had not noticed it at first, caught up as she was with the fear and drama of her job hunt, but she had grown attached to Rarity. She relied on her so much in that week, and afterward it had felt odd not to see her every day. She wanted to see her every day. They still met up sometimes, but between her job and Rarity’s schooling, it never felt like enough. She just wanted to be near her. And that was strange. Adagio was the siren. The temptress, the seductress, the ruiner of men. She was not supposed to be on the receiving end of these feelings. And the worst part, she had done it with no apparent effort. Rarity had wormed her way into her heart, not through seduction, or courtship, or deception. Black waters, she probably didn’t even realize she had done it. But she had, and Adagio had no idea what to do about it. Taking another glance at her companion, Adagio bit her lip. It wouldn’t do to bring it up now, not when she wasn’t even sure of her own feelings or how to face them. Best to just push those thoughts to the back of her mind, deal with them later. She was here and now, and she enjoyed Rarity’s company. Why risk spoiling the evening by ruining a good thing? Downing the rest of her glass, she let the warmth of the wine wash over her, drowning her confusion for a moment in a sea of liquid courage. She took a deep breath, envisioning her myriad thoughts being trampled to pieces underhoof. Nothing was wrong, everything was perfect. “Your parents have excellent taste,” Adagio said with a chuckle, making a point to hum appreciatively as she topped off her glass from the open bottle on the table. Rarity smiled at her, then scoffed. “More like their clients do. Daddy only ever drinks beer, and mother is just as happy with boxed wines.” The girl shuddered. Adagio laughed. She could feel the wine doing its work, distracting her from less important matters. “Well, I suppose someone ought to drink it then, lest it go to waste.” She took another sip. Then she blinked. “Rarity? What is it your father does, exactly? I’ve been here so often the last couple of weeks, and yet I’ve yet to meet either of your parents.” Rarity sighed, leaning back into the couch and swirling her own glass. “Mother and Father are in the startup business. A client wants to start a new venture, my parents pack up and go where they are needed for a few months to get the business off the ground. I believe they are currently in Fillydelphia, working on some tech thing or other. I really stopped following the details years ago.” Adagio quirked an eyebrow at that. “And they just leave you here alone? I mean, you are obviously responsible enough to handle it, but isn’t Sweetie pretty young?” “Oh, that’s a recent development. They used to have us stay with Fluttershy’s family, when we were younger. But that was so inconvenient for my dressmaking, and Sweetie despised having to share a room with me and Fluttershy every other month. Especially once she got into high school. So I convinced my parents to let me and Sweetie stay here, with a generous allowance for groceries and necessities, of course.” She shrugged. “It’s easier this way.” Adagio smirked. “Sounds like every teenager’s dream.” Rarity rolled her eyes. “Only until they learn what it takes to maintain a home.” “Touche.” Adagio grinned, raising her glass. “To laundry and dishes.” Groaning, Rarity tapped her glass against the siren’s. “That may be the worst toast I’ve ever heard.” Adagio blushed gently, glancing away. “It is, um, excellent wine.” “Of course, darling,” Rarity said with a patronizing grin. A small chime went off at the table and Rarity grabbed her phone, glancing at her messages. “Ugh, Pinkie Pie, why?” Adagio laughed. “What’s made you so flustered?” “Look at this!” Rarity huffed, turning the screen toward the siren. Adagio read the message and nearly choked on her wine, hiding her surprise behind a series of coughs she only wished were fake. “A-a date!?” She squeaked in surprise, praying that her little coughing fit would explain the shakiness in her voice and the blush on her cheeks. She coughed a few more times into her hand, more to give herself a moment to compose herself than from any real need to clear her windpipe. “W-whatever gave her that idea?” She asked coyly, hoping Rarity would miss her sudden nerves. “This is obviously a totally platonic sleepover. I didn’t even bring flowers.” Rarity chuckled, shaking her head wryly, but Adagio could have sworn she saw a pinkish tint to her cheeks, just for a moment. “That’s just Pinkie being Pinkie, I’m afraid,” She said. “There’s no way of knowing what goes on inside that head of hers. Oh my, I’ll never forget the look on Sunset’s face the one time she made the mistake of using the amulet on her.” Adagio managed a laugh at the mental image. “Oh, if what’s in her brain is half as crazy as I think it is, that must have given Miss Shimmer quite the experience. She’s a dear, but I swear she is even more harebrained than Sonata.” “Yes.” Rarity sighed again. “I do wish my friends would stop trying to set me up with people. Just because I’ve had a couple of unfortunate relationships.” “Really, you?” Adagio said with some surprise, eager to latch onto the change in subject, as well as learn a little more about her… friend. “I um, I had gathered that you were somewhat of an aficionado on the subject of romance.” “Knowledgeable, darling, but woefully inexperienced.” Rarity groaned. “No matter what I try, I always seem to attract the worst types. I wish I had your luck.” “I’d hardly call it luck,” Adagio said uncomfortably. “More experience, combined with magic and blunt manipulation. I never exactly left things to chance.” “Oh, whatever darling! At least you’d know what to do with the likes of Blueblood and Trenderhoof.” Adagio cocked an eyebrow. “Who?” “My first woeful attempts at romance,” Rarity said dramatically. “Blueblood was the son of one of father’s clients. He was quite handsome, and seemed like such a gentleman when I first met him. I must admit I was quite smitten, so when he asked me out of course I said yes.” “I’m guessing that didn’t work out so well,” Adagio said sardonically, feeling much more comfortable as the attention shifted off of herself. “Heavens no!” Rarity exclaimed, encouraged by Adagio’s obvious interest. “He was an absolute villain! He was rude to the waitstaff, insulted my clothes, even threw a fit because his steak was touching his mashed potatoes. But the last straw was at the end. Sweetie somehow snuck into the restaurant to spy on our date, and managed to trip up the waitress bringing dessert. And the brute used me as a shield against the flying cake! And then he had the gall to yell at my little sister!” “Black waters, that is just awful.” Adagio shook her head. “Was he trying to ruin the date?” “Well,” Rarity said uncomfortably, “As it turns out, yes, he was. You see, his parents caught on to his infatuation and- ahem- encouraged him to ask me out in order to strike a better deal with my father. Blueblood didn’t want to, but he lacked the stones to tell off his parents or be honest with me, so he settled on making me miserable and humiliating me in front of the entire restaurant!” “Ah…” Adagio winced. She had never thrown a fit in a restaurant, but she had been on more than one date with the express purpose of conning someone out of their money. A brief pang of guilt struck her. Fortunately Rarity didn’t seem to notice. “Trenderhoof was even worse. Blueblood may have been a spineless coward, but at least he had his reasons, awful and pathetic as they may have been. But Trenderhoof dated me for an entire month, for the sole purpose of getting closer to Applejack. He was planning to dump me for her at the first opportunity! Thankfully Applejack is a true friend, and on top of that cannot stand that kind of behavior. She slapped him silly for me, and I’ve since sworn off Crystal Prep boys.” She sighed. “That didn’t save me from making the same mistake with Rover.” “Rover?” Adagio asked, pushing aside her moment of doubt. This story sounded too juicy to miss. She leaned in, raising her eyebrow in interest. “Who’s-” “We do not. Talk about. Rover.” Rarity said with finality. Adagio chuckled, leaning back in her seat. “Very well, I’ll let you have your secret, for now. I’m sure I’ll get the story out of you eventually.” She shook her head. The girl’s luck seemed nearly as bad as Aria’s. “You know, if you really wanted dating advice, you should ask Sonata. I could teach you a thousand ways to make a man want you. Or a woman,” She added, noting Rarity’s blush. “But if you want relationship advice, I’m afraid I am not the person to go to.” “Sonata? Really darling?” Rarity asked incredulously. Adagio grinned. “She’s always been quick to take to human interests. Food, movies, holidays, even human music. She was the first of us to try sleeping with one, and she would not stop talking about it for days. I swear she’s taken hundreds if not thousands of lovers over the years. And yes, I do mean lovers,” She said, catching the way Rarity’s interest seemed fixed on her. “She actually courted them, although it does not take much for a pretty girl like her to get someone to bed. They were always short, torrid affairs, but she loved every one of them in her own way.” She sighed. “As for me, I never was much interested in relationships. I had sex of course. Admittedly, some really good sex. But that was all it was, never more. Sometimes it was for pleasure, sometimes for a mark, but there was never any real emotional attachment. I was always more focused on keeping my sisters and myself alive than consorting with- ah, excuse the phrasing- mere humans.” She sighed, feeling shame, whether for her arrogance or for the missed opportunities she could not be sure. “To be honest, I only ever tried to pursue a genuine relationship once. It… did not end well.” Rarity leaned forward, eyes wide with interest. “What happened?” Adagio winced, but hid it with a false smile. She adored the girl’s attention, the way she hung on every word, but that story was too painful to share. “Let’s just say he was my Rover.” “Adagio,” Rarity began, but stopped herself short with a sigh. “I suppose that’s only fair.” “Thank you,” Adagio said with a nod. Then she smiled. “Still, if you are still looking for someone after all that, you are a braver woman than I. Who knows, maybe you’ll find that special someone among the fairer sex.” She grinned, winking at the girl, and was gratified to see the return of her blush. Adagio knew it was mean to tease her like that, but she just could not help herself. For some strange reason, the reaction stirred a warmth inside Adagio, a little flutter in the bottom of her stomach. Adagio felt her own cheeks warm up from the unfamiliar feeling. Shaking her head, she tried to chase her thoughts away. She was still new to all the ins and outs of friendship, after all. Surely there were still many new feelings to be explored. It was little wonder some of them would catch her by surprise. She smiled gently, then grabbed the bottle and once again topped off each of their glasses. “But enough of our relationship woes. Sleepovers are supposed to be for friends to have a good time, are they not? So let’s enjoy ourselves for a while!” Rarity returned the grin with a warm smile, raising her own glass. “Agreed.” She tapped it against Adagio’s. “The night is still young, and we still have several more movies to watch if we want to get you up to speed in time for Nightmare Night.” “Excellent,” Adagio chuckled, “Let’s get started.”