The Nerd and the Cellist

by HAKDurbin

Chapter 20

After taking photos, Twilight stepped up as a staff member handed her her pen and clipboard, and she began directing the guests to their tables. Eventually, Twilight came to me, Goldblood, Pureblood, Principal Celestia, and Vice Principal Luna and told us to follow her. I softly whimpered as it hit me that I was going to dine with Blueblood's parents, but at the same time, it was still comforting that Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna would be joining us. Guess it pays for Blueblood to have some family members with decency.

My dread softened when we followed Twilight, and she stopped before a table next to the dance floor. She guided Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna to take seats with their backs facing the dance floor while I was to sit facing it with Goldblood and Pureblood beside me. My dread returned when I realized I was to be surrounded by Blueblood's parents. I wondered if they did this intentionally as some form of punishment or if it was planned to be this way if Blueblood hadn't fallen off the balcony. Either way, I was still trapped by the parents of my enemy for Octavia's affections. The only comfort was that I practically had a front-row view of seeing Octavia perform during the wedding reception.

Once everyone was seated, dinner was served, containing soup, chicken, and salad. I was thankful there were all the same spoons and silverware for the specific course of the meal. It may not be the 1910s, but after Blueblood decided to use a reference from Titanic to reward me for bringing back Octavia's ring, I wouldn't put it past his parents to arrange it that way in a high society wedding.

After dinner, Cadance and Shining Armor cut the wedding cake before the servers served slices of the cake to the guests. Shortly afterward, the bride and groom had their first dance. Cadance rested her chin on Shining Armor's shoulder and rested her head against his as they danced. She smiled with her eyes closed as Shining Armor held her close. The hopeless romantic in me smiled as they danced, for it was clear as day that Cadance and Shining Armor were filled with sweet love for each other. I noticed Principal Celestia and vice principal Luna watching with fond smiles, happy for their dear niece.

I looked in Octavia's direction and noticed that while her bandmates played with eyes closed and their chins held high, Octavia also watched the bride and groom with a serene smile. She wasn't playing the song for money or notoriety but because she felt the couple's love and joy for being united and holy matrimony. Seeing Octavia enjoying her role on this occasion so much made me smile. At that moment, I didn't care if Blueblood's parents were sitting beside me, waiting for an excellent cause to punish me or talk down to me. It was worth it just to see Octavia be happy doing what she loved.

The song ended, and Cadance and Shining Armor kissed as the guests applauded. The newlyweds returned to their table while guests walked to the dance floor. The wedding band began to play a calm, soothing melody as the couples began waltzing. Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna hummed to the tune as they watched people dance until Vice Principal Luna whispered into her older sister's ear, and they glanced at the remains of the wedding cake. Principal Celestia rubbed her chin before whispering back, and the sisters quietly excused themselves before casually walking over to the wedding cake, hoping to get another slice or two.

I felt uneasy again as it was just me and Blueblood's parents again, but I kept my gaze on Octavia, wanting to focus on her music as if there wasn't any trouble. Unfortunately, Pureblood snapped her fingers in front of me, startling me to gain her attention.

"So, tell me, have you been serving Ms. Melody obediently?" She asked.

"Y-yes, ma'am," I said, feeling like I was under interrogation.

"And do you regret laying a hand on my Blueblood?" Pureblood asked with venom in her voice.

"Yes, ma'am, I do. Full-heartedly," I said.

"Good. My boy is the future of Manehattan. You should be grateful that Octavia Melody was there to protect you from giving you and your family the punishments you deserve," Pureblood said.

"Yes, ma'am. Very grateful," I said.

Goldblood uttered a growl with his mouth closed that sent a shiver down my spine and he said, "Speaking of Octavia Melody, what can you tell us about this childish matter of her and Blueblood on a break?"

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Did you talk Octavia Melody into thinking she can put her and our son on a break?" Goldblood asked.

"Me? Why do you think I would have anything to do with that?" I asked.

"Don't play innocent. You have been by Octavia Melody's side on Blueblood's orders for weeks," Pureblood said. "She had never shown any contempt with Blueblood before you came along. The only logical conclusion is that you tried brainwashing her into thinking it was a good idea."

"Brainwash? Excuse me, Mrs. Blood, but that is ridiculous," I said. "Even if I wanted to do that for the sake of argument, how would I know how to brainwash somebody?"

"Stop playing ignorant with us! It's all too clear that you are responsible for this little mishap between them!" Goldblood growled. "You had the motive, if nothing else, to get back at Blueblood for making you be his girlfriend's servant. It's the only reason you would attempt to use her against him, knowing how important she is to him and his social status."

At this, I furrowed my brow and stood up, giving Goldblood a cold glare.

"Let's get one thing straight, sir. I admit I am not on great terms with your son, but whether Octavia decides to put her relationship with Blueblood on a break is beyond my control. Octavia can decide how to handle things if her relationship has any problems. If Blueblood is causing issues with their relationship, the only blaming party is your son. If I were you two, I'd consider even the 1% chance in your mind that Blueblood is not this perfect Prince of Manehattan that everybody in the city deems him to be!"

The blood drained from my face as soon as I let it out. Goldblood and Pureblood looked at me, astounded for a moment before their faces turned barn red with Goldblood's teeth clenched. He stood up from his seat, establishing how he was ahead taller than me, grabbed me by my suit, and pulled me until our faces were close to each other.

"That does it, you mulling pissant!" He snarled. "I've been more than tolerance dealing with your presence and my property, but if you dare to speak to my son and air that way, then I shall -"

"Excuse me."

My heart froze. If it were virtually any other person, I would be thanking the Lord that someone was stepping in, but the familiar voice only made matters worse. Goldblood, Pureblood, and I turned to see Adagio walking toward us. She wore a red wine, off-shoulder dress with a black belt and a right knee-high slit. She walked tall, wearing black high heels with the yellow gem from her cutie mark at the center. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Why? Why did Adagio Dazzle, of all people, have to be here? It was as if fate ruined the night I looked forward to with Octavia by dealing with her boyfriend's parents and now the last girl I wanted to see. A part of me hoped Blueblood's parents would tell her to go away even though Goldblood was about to do who-knows-what to me, but while Goldblood was irritated, Pureblood smiled and walked over to meet Adagio.

"Adagio Kristina Dazzle. What a pleasant surprise," she said.

"Mrs. Blood, good to see you too," Adagio said, mimicking Pureblood's mannerisms.

"Sweet Pea, you know this girl?" Goldblood asked.

"Of course. This is the young singer from that little cafe near Blueblood's school," Pureblood said. "Remember when I said how she has such a lovely voice?"

"Oh, come now, Ms. Blood. You're too kind," Adagio said.

"Nonsense. I know a talented musician when I hear one, and your singing is as beautiful as Octavia playing the cello," Pureblood declared.

"Adagio's right. She is too kind," I thought.

"I see," Goldblood said, unfazed. "And how pray tell, are you a guest for this wedding?"

"I'm one of the photographers’ plus one," Adagio said, pointing at Camera Flash. "Dear Camera Flash was so kind to ask me to be his date so I could enjoy such a wonderful wedding. Had I known that you are related to the bride and are hosting this event, I surely would have tried to find a way to let you know so my presence would not be such a surprise."

"Well, I don't mind, because this is a lovely surprise," Pureblood said. "Are you here with anyone else?"

"Nope. It's just me, Camera Flash, and his parents," Adagio said before her eyes turned to me. "Though, with my date and his father at work and his mother interacting with people I don't know, I must admit I've been feeling rather lonely. That's why I was coming to Rough Draft, not knowing you two are with him. I was hoping that he and I could dance."

Pureblood's friendly smile evaporated in a blink of an eye, looking at Adagio as though she had directly insulted her. Goldblood furrowed his brow again and stepped up in front of me.

"I'm afraid that is out of the question, young lady," he said. "This boy is not permitted to do anything outside of sitting here where we can keep an eye on him."

"Aw, why would you keep him from doing anything to enjoy the festivities?" Adagio asked.

"Have you not heard? This is the scoundrel who pushed my Blueblood off the balcony," Pureblood said. "He also brainwashed Octavia Melody to put her relationship with Blueblood on a break out of vengeance."

Adagio stared at Pureblood for a moment before she burst out laughing while holding her gut. Goldblood and Pureblood looked at her appalled, and even I was surprised, thinking she had suddenly ruined her positive relationship with the rich and powerful couple.

"Brainwashed? Rough Draft brainwashing Octavia Melody?" Adagio chortled. "With the deepest respect, my gracious host, surely you jest. The concept of brainwashing is pure science fiction, and no offense to Rough Draft, but he is a teenager from a little town far away in the desert. Does it really make sense that someone from some run-down town like Appaloosa would know how to do something that is practically witchcraft or some sort of mad science? A boy of poor class?"

I glared at Adagio for her condescending words until I saw Pureblood rub her chin and Goldblood look away, humming.

"I suppose it's a little far-fetched when you put it that way," Goldblood admitted.

"Indeed, and as a classmate, I know Rough Draft is kind-hearted. He is not the type of soul who would intentionally hurt anyone. I mean, has Blueblood given you any special reason why Rough Draft would hate him?"

"Well, I suppose our son has told us more about why he loathes this boy rather than what issues he has against our son," Pureblood admitted.

"And has it occurred to you that Octavia Melody would decide for herself if she thinks she and Blueblood should go on a break?" Adagio asked. "After all, she is human and can think things for herself."

"But why would Octavia Melody want to do that? My boy is the most handsome, rich, and of the highest class. A girl should fear him putting his relationship with her on a break or ending a relationship rather than the other way around," Pureblood said.

"I couldn't agree with you more, Mrs. Blood. A chance to date and maybe one day marry a handsome and charming guy like Blueblood is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. To throw that away is just inconceivable," Adagio said.

"Exactly. So, why on Earth would Octavia Melody do that to our boy?" Goldblood asked.

Adagio let out a dramatic side and said, "Alas, I wish I knew. Regardless, as a girl myself, I can testify that Octavia Melody can make her own decision, whether it's rational or not. Thus, it is only reasonable to say that the fault should rest on Octavia Melody and not Rough Draft, no matter how long he's been around in Blueblood's absence."

I raised my eyebrow at the extent of how Adagio was speaking in my defense. Then I looked at Goldblood and Pureblood and saw, to my surprise, that they were seriously considering Adagio's words. After half a minute, the wealthy couple looked at each other and nodded before they turned back to Adagio.

"Ms. Dazzle, you speak with wisdom beyond your years," Goldblood said.

"Quite so. I dare say it's clear we have been laying blame on the wrong party," Pureblood said. "We shall have to take measures with Blueblood to ensure that Octavia Melody will see reason."

My frown deepened from the condescending way they spoke about helping Octavia, completely missing Adagio's point about Octavia being allowed to decide things for herself.

"Happy to help, Mr. and Mrs. Blood," Adagio said while moving closer to me. "And now that we have that cleared up, I presume it would be no trouble to you if I do borrow Rough Draft for just one dance?"

Goldblood and Pureblood's smiles disappeared again, and Pureblood asked, "Why are you so insistent on wanting to dance with this low life? You said that he is a poor boy with few skills."

"You misunderstood me, Mrs. Blood. I didn't say anything about Rough Draft having no skills," Adagio said. "His family may not be wealthy, but what Rough Draft lacks in wealth, he makes up tenfold in caliber. Besides, it just so happens that he owes me a dance. Isn't that right, Rough Draft?"

My hands turned into balls of fists, and I kept my mouth closed to hide clenching my teeth. I wanted to scream "no" and accuse Adagio of maliciously ditching her date just to pursue me using our rain check. I didn't know for sure then, but I didn't put it past Adagio finding out about me being Octavia's date and using Camera Flash to get to the wedding. It was cruel she picked now of all times when I wanted no one to dance with me but Octavia. Goldblood and Pureblood were waiting for me to answer, leaving me with no choice.

"Yeah, that's right," I said.

"I see," Goldblood said. "Very well. You can borrow him for a little while."

I mentally groaned as Adagio grabbed my wrist and pulled me toward the dance floor. She led us to the center and put my hands on her waist before wrapping her arms around my neck to pull me closer to her. Adagio gave the count of three at the beat of the music as she began leading. I glanced at Octavia, playing with her eyes closed, and began stepping off-beat, making it look like I couldn't dance. Adagio kept her cool, adapting to my clumsy dancing, making it as though we were performing a goofy dance together. I thought of trying to make my dancing worse, but from the confident way Adagio looked at me, I could be moving like a drunk person, and she would adjust her body so that we would dance close together no matter what. All I could do was keep up my act out of hopes that Adagio would make a mistake and embarrass herself at some point.

"You know, Rough Draft, you need to watch your temper when being around Blueblood and his family," Adagio said. "You worried me when I walked over there, and you were arguing with Mr. Blood."

"I worried you, huh?" I asked flatly.

"Of course. Mrs. Blood is a dear friend, but she can be unreasonable, to say the least," Adagio said. "Not to mention you're still in hot water from knocking Blueblood off the balcony. I shudder to think what his father would have done after you spoke to him that way on his property."

"I can't help it if he was being irrational. They think so highly of Blueblood that they thought I used Octavia for revenge," I said.

"I hear you, Rough Draft. I think calling them irrational is being charitable. I mean, brainwashing? Call me quick to judge, but I don't think grown-ups more than twice our age can get sillier than that," Adagio said. "Still, I am concerned that you will get into worse trouble if you stoop to their level. So, please be more careful. If not for me, then at least your friends."

I gave Adagio a suspicious look at how she acted concerned, yet I couldn't deny that Applejack, Soarin, Rainbow Dash, Caramel, Rarity, and the others would say the same thing. I could only imagine how Octavia would have reacted if she saw me disregard her warning against Blueblood's parents. It came to show that I wasn't keeping my cool if Adagio Dazzle, of all people, was telling me to watch my temper.

"You're right," I said begrudgingly. "My friends wouldn't want me to be so reckless. And thank you for saving me back there."

"You are most welcome, Rough Draft," Adagio said sweetly like a comforting lover.

My suspicion grew, but I hid it from her to show my appreciation. After half a minute, she cleared her throat to create small talk.

"So, Mr. and Mrs. Blood aside, are you enjoying yourself?" She asked.

"I suppose so," I politely replied.

"The bride and groom look lovely together. Don't they?" Adagio said.

"They do," I said.

"Have you ever thought about what your wedding would be like, Rough Draft?" Adagio asked.

I paused and thought carefully about how to answer.

"Sometimes," I admit. "Nothing as big as this, though."

"Why? You don't want your wedding to be as big and special as possible?" Adagio asked.

"Sure, but even if I had half of Blueblood's wealth, I'd have no reason to make it as big and fancy as this," I said. "I'd be perfectly happy celebrating it with my parents and friends back at CHS."

"That does sound lovely when you say it like that, '' Adagio said. “Just as well, too, I suppose. I can't imagine Mr. and Mrs. Blood using a venue like this for anybody that's not family at the very least, even if things between you and Blueblood aren't fragile at best."

"You think? You and Octavia might be the only people I know capable of talking any sense to him or his parents," I said.

Adagio chuckled and said, "That's nice of you to say, Rough Draft. Considering their pride, wealth, and lack of reason, the apple hasn't fallen too far from the tree. Has it?"

I couldn't help but snicker.

"No, not very far at all," I said. "Actually, when you say it like that, it sounds like you've had some experience dealing with Blueblood."

Adagio's smile disappeared before I finished that sentence. Her eye twitched, and I thought I felt her hands turning into balls of fists behind my head. Adagio let out a low growl with her mouth closed until she took a deep breath and regained her smile.

"Let's just say while I did donate to save the Tasty Treat because I wanted to make you happy, you aren't the only reason I wanted to do that," she said.

"Oh? Care to tell me what the other reason is?" I asked.

"Maybe when you begin to trust me," Adagio said.

I furrowed my brow again. I was curious about what sort of beef Adagio had with Blueblood, but hardly enough to let my guard down. As we danced, I decided I had enough of beating around the bush. Perhaps expressing straight out why I will never return her feelings without bringing up my feelings for Octavia might get the leader of the Dazzlings to back off.

"You know what, Adagio? If that's the way it is, let's settle a score as to how trusting you, much less having an interest in you, is a tall order.

"I'm listening," Adagio said without skipping a beat.

I paused momentarily, taking a back from how she was unfazed by where I was going before I continued.

"Well, ever since I moved to Canterlot, my friends didn't hesitate to warn me about certain students in our school for me to stay away from and why. Those said people being Blueblood, Octavia, you, and your sisters."

“Really? It seems you've done an abysmal job taking their advice," Adagio said with a chuckle.

"Duly noted," I said. "That said, in your case, you approached me, except it wasn't right away. You were there when I was talking to Sonata on the first day of school, and you didn't even notice me. Then suddenly, after my fight with Blueblood, you pursued me.

"Uh-huh," Adagio said.

"Therefore, considering how my friends warned me that you woo guys to get them to do what you want and you that you just admitted that you have bad blood with Blueblood, it is obvious that you are trying to manipulate me, and it's as a means to agitate Blueblood. That's your angle," I said.

For several seconds, Adagio said nothing. I hoped calling her out would leave her worried her plan wasn't working. Maybe be irritated because I kept saying I was on to her. Instead, Adagio laughed in amusement and began leading.

"That's one of the things I admire about you, Rough Draft. You have your wits about you more than most boys," she said. "In fact, since we're being brutally honest with each other, I think it's only fitting to know where I'm coming from with tricking boys and then suddenly wanting to be by your side."

"Oh really? What, pray tell, motivates you to do what you do?" I asked, amused.

"Simply put, I don't believe in love."

My amused face melted into a look of confusion. I expected her to boldly claim that she was seeking love or something that contradicted her deeds against other guys. How could anyone react when the person you know likes to play with other people's feelings to get what they admit that they don't believe in romance while trying to pursue a romance with you? She may as well have called herself a coldhearted, manipulative skank to advertise herself. Adagio chuckled again, knowing she had taken me off guard.

"Allow me to elaborate," she said. "It's not that I'm entirely against love per se. A lifetime of being with someone you want to be with always and willing to do anything to make them happy, and they do the same? That sounds like a pleasant way to live. And to act that way unconditionally and can trust that person to always be faithful? Even better. That said, I believe it’s not real. It's in our nature to believe those kinds of emotions we feel are something special, and thus we will do anything to gain that person's affection, even if only one side benefits from that. Yes, I've used the feelings of some boys to get what I want, but the reality is they only adore me because of my looks and my attitude around them. So, even if I wanted to start something with them, the foundation of their wish to be with me is shallow at best. And it's not as though whatever experience I loosely have with love, in a sense, is solely on me manipulating gullible guys. I know what it's like to be tricked into thinking I'm in love myself.

"Wait a minute. You've been tricked into thinking you're in love?" I asked.

"Twice," Adagio said. "It's not as though my case involves the guys being so handsome that I was fawning over them practically on the spot like the boys who pursue me. My exes and I had a lot in common. We spent a lot of time together. We had fun together. I thought there was something real, but reality eventually sank in. Both were already in serious relationships long before they met me."

"For real?" I asked with suspicion in my voice.

"For real," Adagio said. "My first ex didn't just have another girlfriend. He had been seeing her since middle school. One of those childhood friends-turned-lovers type of deal, or so he claimed. The other wasn't even really affectionate toward his girlfriend from the get-go. He's only committed to the relationship, pretending to be in love, just because of the publicity he would gain if they married. And where did I fall in? I was their escape. They wanted company with someone more fun to be around whenever they could. And, if you pardon me for blowing my own horn, what better company than a girl who is 10 times more attractive than their girlfriends could ever be?"

"You're right. You are blowing your own horn," I thought.

"The point I'm making is those two were in committed relationships, and yet both of my ex's girlfriends and I had one thing in common. We were nothing more than a means to an end. Even when one of my exes was "in love" with his girlfriend, he still wanted more than just what he had with her. That she wasn't enough, and neither was I. And that's when I accepted that the whole concept of unconditional love, to be with it somebody wholeheartedly, is nothing but a mere illusion. You're just using one's assets to entertain each other to get with the other ones. Boys get\ time with someone as incredible and easy on the eyes as me, and I get whatever I want in return."

"Which means I'm right that I have something you want in exchange for me to be graced with your presence or however you put it. Right?" I remarked.

"On the contrary, the only thing I want from you, Rough Draft, is you," Adagio replied. "Whether you believe me or not, you stand out from any guy I've ever known. You dare to stand up to bullies like Blueblood and his parents, even when it gets you into trouble. Plus, while you were bashful around me when I first approached you, you had the willpower to think of more than my beauty. Granted, you weren't thinking anything positive, but you still see me as a person. That's more than I can say about most guys. Even my exes to an extent."

"That sounds incredibly sad when you say it like that," I said.

"Oh, it is, but I still like that about you," Adagio said. "You know I'm not a saint, and I know you're not gullible, which means we can take each other seriously. And if all that I've listed so far isn't enough, then there's the factor of how kind you are. You supported your friends, Soarin and Rainbow Dash, by going to their soccer game, and you didn't hesitate to be Sonata's friend when no one else would. Also, as I understand it, you supported Sonata's idea of your friends building the fundraiser. Bottom line, I mean it when I said I couldn't believe girls thought so little of you before you moved to Canterlot. It's so unfair that girls only recognize your value in the past couple of months. Me, Starlight Glimmer, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Sonata -"

"And Octavia," I added.

Adagio froze and took a deep breath through her nose.

"Yes…her too," she said with her teeth clenched. "No matter what, there's more to you than meets the eye, and I want that. You've grown so special that I believe you can prove that love is real. That's why I pursue you even when the odds of you returning my feelings are bleak. You are my only hope."

"Hope for what? For better amusement than any of the other guys?" I challenged.

"Better amusement? Haven't you been listening? I view real love, if it exists, as a lifetime of being with someone you want to be with always and willing to do anything to make them happy, and they do the same," Adagio said. "When I say that you're my only hope, I mean that you're my only hope for something that falls perfectly into that description. No manipulation, no using you or vice versa, no playing with emotions. It's two people together forever as their true selves. Now, I'm no fool. I am perfectly aware of how you feel about me because of my mistakes, but I want you to someday see past that and give me a real chance. If we try this together and what we have is real love, then I will always be yours, and you will never have to worry about me manipulating other boys. I will always be faithful. I won't even look at another guy. You will never feel alone again."

It took the first few seconds of silence before I realized she had finished saying her peace. Adagio kept her smile with evident confidence that what she said would persuade me. I am ashamed to admit it now, but a part of me thought she was telling the truth. Maybe she was a lost soul who needed to be truly loved. If nothing else, her logic behind how I view her compared to most other guys made sense. After all, I didn't hear anybody who resisted Adagio's charms apart from Soarin, Caramel, and Big Mac, and neither of them said anything about her chasing after them. At that moment, I considered letting her down by confessing that I didn't want to be with anybody but Octavia Melody and hoped somebody out there would lead her to believe in love. However, as soon as that moment passed, I remembered my friends' warnings about Adagio's tricks and knew how to respond.

"It's not that I don't appreciate that or that I don't want a girl to talk to me that way, Adagio, but you're hoping for too much," I said. "How do I know what you're saying isn't a means to manipulate me? How do I not know that you've said words like this to other guys who might have been suspicious of you at first before they let their guard down? Even if what you're saying is true, it doesn't overlook your past. I know far too much to be able to trust you. So, if you want someone that will want you to help you believe in love, you're better off looking for someone else because that guy is not me."

"That will never happen, Rough Draft,” Adagio said. "When I set my mind to pursue something, I do not give up on the fly simply because it looks dead on arrival, and I have less reason to give up on what I can have with you. And if that isn't enough, I have never confessed my views on love to anyone else. Ask any of the other boys. They will be shocked to learn that I ever had any boyfriends before, much less reveal about them to anyone. I'll even give you a list of their names. You can go talk to Camera Flash right now as a start."

"Even so, that doesn't guarantee anything," I said. "For all I know, this is a new method to woo guys and the fact that you've never said it to anyone before is supposed to be your advantage against me.

Adagio let out a low chuckle with her mouth closed and said, "Your cautiousness is very sexy."

"You don't help your case by saying that," I said.

"I'd be disappointed if I did," Adagio said.

My suspicious look faded to another look of confusion. I opened my mouth to ask what Adagio meant but stopped myself when I realized the music had ended and Adagio had stopped leading. The other dancers turned to face the band and clapped, and I quickly joined with my eyes on Octavia. Adagio halfheartedly applauded, then looked around to ensure Camera Flash was not around before she stepped closer toward me.

"Well, I'm glad we got to dance and had our heart-to-heart chat, Rough Draft," she said. "Consider yourself officially forgiven."

"Thanks," I said flatly. "I should get back to my table now."

"Of course. Be sure to keep your temper around Mr. and Mrs. Blood," Adagio said. "But before you go, there's one more thing."

Before I could ask what, Adagio put her hands on my cheeks and smashed her lips against mine. My eyes widened, and I froze in shock. Adagio moaned as she put her tongue in my mouth. At the same time, Octavia and the band began playing a new song. Octavia smiled as she was in the zone until she noticed Adagio and me from the corner of her eye. She gasped sharply and moved her bow forward too hard, making her cello's strings squeak. Her bandmates looked at Octavia while still playing, and she flushed as she went back in tune. Octavia looked away from her bandmates to pretend nothing had happened, but inside, her heart ached. When Adagio pulled her head back, she looked at me with a pleased smile.

"For the record, that was my first kiss too. Not even my exes can claim they have that," she said in a flirtatious tone. "I hope you will put that into perspective for the next time we meet Rough Draft."

With that, Adagio walked away, most likely looking for Camera Flash. I, however, remained still, processing what had just happened. I had my first kiss. My first kiss. It was with Adagio Dazzle, not Octavia Melody, and I didn't do a thing to prevent it. I tried to reason with myself that it was beyond my control, and there was no way of knowing she would have the gall to kiss me then and there, but no matter how I tried to reason with myself, there was no denying the cruel truth that the evil queen bee of my school stole my first kiss.

Eventually, I snapped out of my frozen state and returned to my seat at Goldblood and Pureblood's table. Fortunately, Blueblood's parents were out socializing with guests, so I was left alone to sit down and ponder what had just happened. Octavia wanted to strangle her rival for attending the wedding, danced with me when I was Octavia's date and stole my first kiss. Still, it was a comfort that I took no pleasure in Adagio's move. It gave Octavia hope that she still had a chance. Applejack's words about not trying anything were still in Octavia's mind, but she didn't care. Her enemy struck first, and she wasn't going to let the unknown third girl make another move.
"Tonight when we dance. That's when I will tell him," she thought to herself. "He might say yes, or be interested in the third girl, but I won't be the last girl to make a move. You better watch out, Rough Draft, because tonight you’re getting your first confession, and hopefully your last.”