//------------------------------// // Comments and Concerns // Story: Shimmer-Shammer Dizzle-Dazzle // by Shaud //------------------------------// Aria Blaze was in quite the predicament. She slouched in her seat as those around her stared at her. Her scowl made many look away, but not all of them. It wasn't the staring that bothered her, though. It was the fact that she had to go to school As Aria, not Blaze. Ever since the incident with Trixie she had rather enjoyed the name she had given her masculine self, even if it was cheesy. The main problem, however, was that Trixie attended that school. And it wouldn't be long before she realized who exactly Aria and Blaze were. Aria didn't think it would raise a fuss or anything, and she certainly could control Trixie. But the fact that she knew, while even Adagio and Sonata didn't, made her on edge. Why am I even in school, anyways? She huffed, I've almost got that spell perfected, and then no one will bother me again. She allowed herself a small smile. She had confidence that things would go her way once she harnessed the limited magic in the human world. But, for the time being, she was still stuck in high school with a diva who knew her secret. Aria scowled at her desk and ignored everyone around her as she worked on a possible plan. She had her beanie with her, at least, so if she needed she could tuck her hair in. She didn't have her binder, but her vest hid her chest fairly well at least. And Adagio kind of knew what was going on. She knew parts, at least. So if Aria had to disguise herself at least Adagio would only tease her, at worse. Sonata probably wouldn't react at all, which was a comforting thought. She sighed to herself. Part of her was glad, in a way, that Trixie knew who Blaze was. She had never introduced herself as a boy to anyone, and it was a terrifying experience. But it had gone well with Trixie, something she never would have expected. But there was still meeting her again. And if Trixie wanted an explanation... The bell rang, and the class filed out into the halls. Aria pulled on her beanie and stuffed most of her hair in it before she joined the crowd of students. Make it up as I go, I guess. She mused to herself. She had made up more important things on the spot, and she highly doubted anything Trixie could throw at her would really affect her in any way. Though she figured she was better safe than sorry. Might be a good idea to get Adagio on my side for this one, though. She cringed slightly. At best, maybe Adagio could keep Trixie off her back should something go wrong. Of course, that meant telling Adagio more than she had originally planned about herself, and she wasn't sure if that was a good idea. Though she hated to admit it, Adagio was very much like a big sister to the other two sirens. While Aria normally resented this, she just hoped that, this time at least, she could use it to her benefit. Or it could all blow up in her face. Who knew. Sunset was more than a bit surprised when Applejack led her to the music room. When they walked in she saw Rainbow, Rarity, and Fluttershy also in the room. She furrowed her brow and tilted her head. "Okay, what's going on?" "It's... about Adagio." Applejack sighed and sat on a chair. Rainbow sat on the ground and Rarity grabbed the chair next to Applejack's. Fluttershy and Sunset stayed standing. "Really? Again?" Sunset visibly deflated. "This is like the fourth talk about this. What could you possibly say about her this time?" Her irritation spiked and she crossed her arms angrily. Ever since their first date (Sunset reluctantly called it so; she didn't know what else she could call it) her friends had been supportive but doubtful. Any conversation about the Dazzlings led to talks about Adagio, and if Sunset was sure and safe and not being mind controlled. They had good points. That was what made Sunset mad. "We're just trying to look out for you." Rainbow said defensively. Rarity nodded. "Indeed, Darling. We just don't want to see you hurt." "We've had our... concerns about Adagio." Applejack said slowly. She looked deep in thought, and her brows furrowed together. "Concerns for you. But that doesn't mean we don't want to support you." "The first time could be supportive. Maybe the second. But all you guys ever seem to talk to me about is how bad she is, and how awful a decision this is, and any other bad thing you can think of." Sunset practically snarled, which had surprised them. "You've never once asked if I was happy. It's always been about your concerns, how you can't trust her." The others didn't respond, different levels of shock on their faces. Sunset took a deep, calming breath. "I don't trust her completely, we've been over that. But I don't trust any of you completely, either." At their indignant protests she held up a hand. "No, listen. I don't trust any of you completely, and I think you know why. I think it's why you're so quick to blame Adagio. You think she'll leave me like you did." The silence that followed was thick, and none of her friends could look at her. The mere reference to Anon-A-Miss was enough to punish them, she knew full well, but she knew that would explain their motives. They didn't want to see her hurt again, and she respected that. Appreciated it. But there was a line, and they had crossed it. "We saw how you reacted to being alone." Fluttershy whispered. She had already begun crying, of course, and Sunset cringed. "We saw how awful you felt, and we didn't want anyone else to do that." "And Adagio..." Rarity looked up, apologetic, "Even without her magic she's a threat, certainly. But as your girlfriend, and someone that could hurt you... We didn't want to see it happen." "She is a real threat, to some degree." Applejack said firmly. Rainbow nodded. "But... You know how to handle yourself, I suppose..." It was as close to an apology as Sunset would get, and she was okay with that. They would continue to snoop and protest, of course, but to a degree she couldn't blame them. She wouldn't say it out loud, but she was scared of Adagio, too. Their jump into a relationship made her on edge and uncertain, there was no denying. But she also knew how Adagio felt. The crash from the high that is having power. The feeling of the Elements stripping you bare. The pure loneliness and self-hatred that came with a failed plan. Sunset ached as she thought about it, and thought about how Adagio felt. Sure, Adagio had her sisters, but she had been the leader. Her and Sunset understood each other on a deeper level than any of the others. Maybe a relationship was too much. Sunset had already thought of that. But at the same time, it was the only thing she felt she could do. She knew what it was like to project feelings onto those that save you, no matter how that may be. And at the beginning of the week, she never would have thought they would last. But as the week went on she had found she actually liked Adagio and she hoped that the feeling was returned. "I just... Don't want to talk about this any more. I'm tired. If I need help, I can ask for it. Most of the time." She smiled, and the others offered weak smiles as well. "As of right now, nothing's wrong. That may change, of course, but you guys really don't need to tell me all of this over and over again. I got it." Rainbow nodded. "We'll back off." "But you must tell us the moment something goes wrong." Rarity looked at Sunset with large, concerned eyes. "Of course." Sunset promised. "Now... We should all get to class. Who knows how much trouble we'll be in." They all agreed, and Sunset stayed happily in place as her friends hugged her. She grinned and waved as she walked out of the room and down the hall before she finally disappeared from sight. "...Plan B, right?" "Eeyup."