> I Wanna Be Your Pony
>  by The Last Mari Lwyd
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> I Wanna Be Your Pony
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	You're insane, Sunset Shimmer told herself. Utterly fucking insane. What sort of sensible person would even think of arranging such a thing?

She peered out her apartment window into the evening, searched the street three stories below, and drummed her fingers in the window sill. Nope, nothing.

She retreated and sat on the edge of her bed. Her heart was thudding. Yes, it was insane. Yes, she would catch hell if her friends ever found out. That was the point. That was what made it so hot.

She lay back and, slipping her fingers down the front of her skirt, thought of Adagio.

Adagio who kept to herself even after Sonata and Aria had started to make friends.

Adagio who, when Sunset sat with her had whispered harshly: “I'm not an 19-year-old ape thing. I'm not even a fickle little pony who threw a sulking fit because she wasn't good enough to make the grade. I'm an millennium old demon, and I will not play magic-is-friendship with you lot. Not even now.”

Adagio whom Sunset found sitting alone and miserable in a club a couple of weeks later.

Adagio who was proud and arrogant and sneering – and yet vulnerable in her own way.

The buzz of the phone broke through her thoughts. Startled, Sunset withdrew her hand and clambered off the bed.

Yes!

It was Adagio: “I'm here,” she said. “Let me in.”

“Yeah, sure. Just wait there.” Sunset swallowed. The thoughts telling her this were insane were coming back.

“And I was just about to walk off,” Adagio said, then hung up.

Sunset shrugged and headed downstairs to open the door.

Illuminated in the pale yellow streetlight, staring up at the apartment complex was Adagio. With one hand she held a leather bag; with the other she fiddled with the unused belt loops of her jeans. She wore a gauzy shirt over a violet camisole. When she saw Sunset she offered a thing, brief smile.

How to greet her? Anything affectionate was surely off the table. After some hesitation, Sunset gave her a little wave. “Hey,” she said.

“Hey,” said Adagio. “So, er,” She nodded towards the stairwell.

“Yeah, come on. By the way, you're looking … really sexy.”

That got a real smile. “Thank you,” said Adagio, in a tone that said I know.

Leading her upstairs, Sunset began to feel more confident. “Remember what we agreed on?”

“Yep.”

“What was it?”

“Oh, come on.”

Sunset stopped at the next landing and turned. “Look, if you can't do this properly, I'm not playing. You can go back home right now.”

Adagio threw her hands up. “Okay, chill. You're only mine when we start playing. Nothing that'll leave a permanent mark. You say the safeword and I stop immediately …”

Sunset smiled and, because it felt appropriate, reached forward and gave Adagio's hand a quick squeeze. “Good. Now what else?”

The rest of the way, Adagio recited everything. She got it all right.

“Loving the room,” she said, dropping her bag in the corner, when Sunset let her in. Sarcasm? Probably. The room was tiny; there was little there save the bed, the desk, the ensuite, a full length mirror on the closet door. Back when she was playing alpha bitch at Canterlot High, she had never let anyone round to see it. 

Still, Adagio was in her room. Adagio was in her room! And her bag, holding who-knew-what toys. The thought was enough to send an electric shiver up Sunset's spine. “So,” she said, “do you wanna begin now?”

Adagio nodded.

“Okay,” said Sunset. “Go. I'm all yours.”

The words brought another smile to Adagio's face. Her voice was at once commanding: “Back against that wall. Arms by your sides.”

Sunset did as she was told. Adagio stood in front of her, looking her up and down. “All mine, huh?” she said, running her fingers idly across Sunset's body. Without warning she reached up and grabbed Sunset's hair, pulling her head back, and bit her jaw.

Sunset yelped. The sudden pain, the knowledge that it was Adagio's decision and she had no choice in the matter sparked a twinge between her legs.

“Good pony,” Adagio said, caressing the spot she just bitten. “Come on now, aren't you a good pony?”

“Yes, ma'am,” said Sunset.

“Open your mouth.”

Sunset did as she was told. 

In response she found Adagio's index and middle fingers in her mouth. “I don't want you to gag.” The fingers slid deeper, deep as they would go. A fraction of a second later, trying not to, Sunset started choking. 

The fingers were gone immediately. Adagio tutted. “Too bad,” she said. “Maybe later.”

Sunset nodded.

“Hold on there just a moment.” Adagio opened her bag, searched through for a moment, and retrieved a crop. “You know they use these on ponies here?” she said with a smirk. She sat on the bed in front of Sunset, leaning back and supporting herself with her hands, and crossed her legs. “Anyway, where were we? Time to see the goods, I think. Take your top off.”

Sunset shed her jacket, laid it beside the bed, lifted her top over her head. She could feel Adagio's eyes on her all the time.

“Did I say stop?” said Adagio. She sat forward and with the crop swatted Sunset just under the ribs.

“Oh! Sorry, ma'am.” As Sunset reached up to the clasp of her bra, her fingers were trembling. She was about to expose herself. And to Adagio! Adagio, who was still unrepentant about everything she'd done to the school.

The bra dropped to the floor. Sunset could feel her cheeks burning. 

Adagio tilted her head to one side. “Hm,” she said, like someone trying to figure out whether they liked an odd piece of art. “Not bad, not bad at all.” Then, in one motion, she reached forward and pinched Sunset's left nipple – hard.

Sunset let out a squeal of pain and tried to pull back, bumping into the wall.

“Oh, come on, you can do better than that,” said Adagio. “Stand up straight.”

She stood in front of Sunset, taking her tits in her hands, caressing them, and then leaned forward to whisper in Sunset's ear: “This time, keep quiet.”

“Yes ma'am.”

A moment later came the sharp pain, from both nipples this time. Sunset grimaced; her knees almost went from under her; she managed to keep her mouth shut, but couldn't help a pitiful moan come from her throat.

Adagio took her hands away. Sunset looked up at her to see her smiling. 

“Good girl,” she said, stroking Sunset's hair. She sat back on the bed. “Not perfect, but better than I expected. Now, about that skirt.”

Sunset started to unbutton it.

Adagio slapped her hands away and shook her head. “No. Lift it up.”

As Sunset did so, Adagio traced a line on her inner thigh with the crop. When it touched her crotch, she let out a little gasp.

“Ha!” said Adagio. “We've barely started and you're already practically dripping.” She pressed two fingers briefly against the fabric, summoned Sunset closer with a gesture, then lifted them to her mouth. “Open!”

Sunset could taste herself on them, musky and ever so slightly sweet. Was she really that wet already?

She saw Adagio reaching between her legs again and tensed up, not knowing whether to expect pain or something else. But Adagio stopped just before touching her, and instead made a “spin” gesture.

She heard a brief chuckle. “You put on a thong! Did you do that just for me?”

“Yes, ma'am.”

She felt Adagio's fingertips lightly stroking her up her legs to her ass. Then nothing. Then – smack! The pain of the crop. She managed to stop herself from crying out just in time. 

Behind her, Adagio chuckled.

The crop came up between her legs, landing right on her pussy. She squealed. 

“Sunset Shimmer! What did I say?”

She swallowed. “That I should keep quiet, ma'am.”

“Yeah, I did. So keep quiet.” Adagio idly brushed the crop against Sunset's legs. “That was just a tap. If you can't do it this time, I'll do it twice as hard. At least. Understand?”

“Yes, ma'am.”

“Open your legs a bit more.”

Sunset held her jaw as tightly closed as she could and did as she was told. 

When the crop came again, she just about stopped the scream in her throat. She put her head against the wall and sighed with relief.

“You're such a good girl,” said Adagio. She said it in a tone that sounded genuine, a tone that make Sunset's heart melt and her face light up.

Behind her, Adagio stood. “This way,” she said, grabbing Sunset's hair and dragging her over to the mirror on the closet door. “I want you to see yourself.”

There she was. Breasts exposed, skirt hiked up, showing her thong, a damp spot on the crotch. And behind her, looking over her shoulder, Adagio Dazzle, smiling confidently and fully in control, her hands on Sunset's hips.

“How does it feel?” asked Adagio. “Being at the mercy of the evil leader of the sirens?”

Sunset took a breath, shivering. “It feels good, ma'am.”

Adagio's smile broadened. “And why is that?”

“Because … because I adore you.”

“Yes, you do,” said Adagio, stroking Sunset's arms. “You're just my little pony who adores me, aren't you?”

“Yes, ma'am.” Sunset swallowed and nodded.

Adagio's hands were all over her. On the left, one sliding over her hips, over her belly, cupping her breast. The other playing across her back, momentarily under the band of her thong, then caressing her ass and thighs, moving between her legs. All very gentle. Even when Adagio bit her shoulder and her neck it was gentle. Between her legs, fingers momentarily pushing the fabric aside and resting against her bare pussy; the other fingertip playing with her nipple.

And in the mirror she could see the effect it was having on her: Her expression. Her chest heaving.

Adagio pulled away and in one smooth motion raked her nails down Sunset's back. 

Sunset kept quiet. She could see her own grimace in the mirror. 

Adagio reached forward and did it again, this time across her chest, between her breasts, leaving four red streaks.With one hand around Sunset's throat, she pulled her back. With the other she presented two fingers to Sunset's mouth.

“Don't gag,”

Sunset nodded and opened her mouth.

Adagio's fingers went in, deeper, deeper. She could feel the tips against her palate, but managed not to gag. Seeing herself in the mirror, with Adagio's fingers in her mouth up to the knuckle, other hand around her throat, with those marks on her chest, made her pussy ache. She wanted, she needed Adagio – her mistress – to fuck her.

Adagio held her like that for several seconds, then released her, slowly easing her fingers out of Sunset's mouth. She led her over to the bed and sat down. “Over my lap,” she said. “Face down.”

Sunset did as she was told, lying on the edge of the bed, her hips positioned over Adagio's legs. 

“Such a good pony,” murmured Adagio, her hands on Sunset's ass. “Now, before we begin.” She turned and pulled something out of her bag. Sunset couldn't see what it was. 

“Count these for me. But don't cry out.”

“Yes ma'am.”

Whack! The crop came down on her ass. Sunset stifled a yelp and said, “O-one.”

“Thank me for it.”

“Thank you, ma'am.”

Whack!

“Two. Thank you, ma'am.”

Sunset felt Adagio's free hand between her legs, pulling the fabric aside, letting the cool air play against her pussy. She moaned a little.

“Quiet.”

Whack!

“Three. Thank you, ma'am.”

Adagio started to caress her inner thighs, every so often brushing her pussy lips. Sunset bit down on her hand to stop making any noise – except when she had to count.

After “Eight”, Sunset felt something cold press against her pussy, slowly entering it. She ground her hips and stifled a moan.

Again – Whack! Sunset managed to get out a “N-nine.” The toy slide further into her, and when she said “Thank you, ma'am” it came out tremulous and punctuated by gasps. 

After “Ten”, Adagio started fucking her with the dildo.

After “Eleven” she left it buried deep in Sunset's pussy and started to stroke her clit.

She kept on like that, randomly alternating between the two. 

After “Nineteen”, Sunset's knuckles were white, grasping mounds of bedsheet as hard as she could. She was rolling her hips, fucking the dildo and trying to get it to go even deeper.

Whack!

“T-t-twen-ohfuck!” The attempt to count dissolved into a long, drawn out moan.

Adagio stopped immediately, laying the crop to one side. Sunset lay there for a moment, tensing her pussy against the dildo, trying to extract all the pleasure she could from it and waiting for the return of Adagio's touch.

Nothing.

“Please?” Sunset managed to choke out.

“What?” said Adagio.

Sunset buried her face in the bedsheets. “Please let me come,” she begged.

She felt motion, Adagio's hand on the dildo. And in one motion it was out of her, and she was left empty.

“Let's get to, hm, thirty first,” said Adagio. Sunset could imagine her sadistic smile.

She nodded. “Yes, mistress.”

Adagio patted her on the head. “Starting at twenty again, alright?”

Whack!

“Agh! Twenty. Thank you, ma'am,”

Whack!

They kept going:

Whack!

“Thirty. Thank you, ma'am.” Sunset wriggled on Adagio's lap. “Please. Please fuck me, ma'am.”

She gasped as the dildo slid back into her. Now, crop laid aside, Adagio had both hands to work on her. One fucking her; the other caressing her clit, her lips, then away to tease her nipples for a moment. 

Very quickly she came to a shuddering orgasm, biting her hand again to stop herself from crying out, and mostly succeeding. Adagio kept up her motions, expertly working the dildo, and soon Sunset came a second time and a third.

At last, Adagio took the dildo out and removed her hands from Sunset's body. Sunset lay there, panting, and bunched up the bedsheets and cuddled them against herself.

She felt Adagio's hand against her own, and looked up to see an expression that was not the usual haughtiness. If anything, it looked warm and even a tiny bit concerned. 

“Fun?” Adagio said.

Sunset nodded. “Mmhmm.”





Adagio let her lay there for a few moments, then, her imperious tone returning, told her. “We're not finished. Get up!” She pushed at Sunset, who rolled off her lap, off the bed, and landed awkwardly on the floor.

When she got up, Adagio leaned forward, unbuttoned her skirt, and pulled if off along wth her thong, leaving her naked.

“I think it's time I got some fun, don't you?” said Adagio, standing in front of her.

“Yes, ma'am.”

“On your knees.”

Sunset did so.

Adagio played with a strand of her hair. “Tell me, little pony, what do you want to do?”

Sunset  looked up at Adagio. “I want to please you ma'am,”

The pressure on her scalp became pain as Adagio yanked her hair. “Boring. You can do better than that.”

“I want to lick you out. I … I want to taste your pussy. I want to SEE your pussy.”

“Better. Give me your hand.”

Adagio took Sunset's hand and placed it between her legs, taking a deep breath when it made contact.

Sunset's chest heaved. The denim against her fingertips and the pressure of the flesh beneath. The flesh – Adagio's pussy. Just two layers of fabric away.

Adagio held her hand there. “And why do you want to do such a thing?”

“Because you're gorgeous. I've thought so since I first saw you in school.” Sunset pressed a little harder between Adagio's legs , and heard a catch in the rhythm of her breath in response. “Because I adore you.”

“Oh, you,” said Adagio. “How could I turn down such a good little pony. Just – one more thing.” She pulled Sunset's hand away, then leant over the bed to get something from her bag.

It was a blindfold. “You don't need to see to use your tongue, now do you?” she said, smirking at Sunset. “Don't worry, little pony, I'll guide you.”

“Yes, ma'am.” Sunset felt a twang of disappointment, immediately followed by a surge of excitement as Adagio put the blindfold on her.

“Ready?” she heard Adagio say. “Put your hands out.”

She did so; she felt Adagio take them, move them forward, bring them against the the top of her jeans, against the top button.

“Go on,” said Adagio.

With trembling hands Sunset fumbled with the button, finally managing to undo it. She took the zipper and, after pausing for a moment, moved in down. She felt her knuckle brushing against the fabric of Adagio's panties.

Adagio took her hands again and moved them to the belt loops.

Sunset tugged Adagio's jeans down.

Again, Adagio took her hands. “Ready?” she said.

“Yes, ma'am.”

Sunset tried to move her hands. Adagio held them firmly in place.

“Ask nicely.”

“Please, let me take off your panties, ma'am.”

Adagio guided her, hooked her thumbs under the waistband.

Sunset slid them down, feeling her hands stroke against Adagio's hips. Anticipation wrapped itself around her throat. She felt herself shivering.

She could smell Adagio's arousal. The thought of Adagio being turned on – being turned on by her no less! – Made her own pussy tingle. With Adagio's hand in her hair, guiding her, she moved in closer.

There! She couldn't be more than a couple of inches from Adagio's pussy. And seconds away from tasting her.

A tug on her hair stopped her, then pulled her away. She yelped, half with surprise and half with frustration. A shuffling noise, followed by a command: “Take off the blindfold.”

She did so, to see that Adagio was once again fully dressed, with a smile that had a sadistic edge.

“I've decided that I don't want you to taste me,” she said. “Do you know why, little pony?” 

“Why, ma'am?” Kneeling in front of Adagio, Sunset almost felt like crying.

“Because I felt like it.”

Sunset looked down and didn't say anything.

“And why can I do that? I'm sure you know the answer to that one.”

“Because –” Sunset swallowed. “– you can do whatever you like. I'm your little pony, and I adore you.”

Adagio ruffled her hair. “Exactly! Whatever I like.” She leaned over the bed to retrieve something from her bag. “Stand up. I have something for you.”

She turned back holding a pair of nipple clamps connected by a length of string. “Made sure they won't leave any marks,” she said with a smirk. Said in a tone, Sunset thought, of someone who was proud she'd done so well and wanted approval.

She brushed her fingers against Sunset's nipples. “Ready?”

Sunset nodded. 

“Now, which one. Or both?” Adagio waved one of the clips from left to right, holding it open. “Oh, choices, choices.” And without warning, she closed it on Sunset's left nipple.

Sunset grimaced, but didn't make a sound.

“Oh, good girl,” said Adagio. She put the second clamp on, and gave both a tug.

Sunset whimpered a little without opening her mouth.

“Now, get on the bed. On your hands and knees, facing away from me.”

Sunset did as she was told.

Facing away, she felt Adagio's fingers caress the back of her legs, the heard her searching the bag one more. “Don't worry, little pony. We're nearly done,” she said.

Without warning something cold pushed up against her anus and started to enter her. Sunset cried out and moved forward to evade it.

Then nothing. No chiding from Adagio, no punishment. Sunset looked round and saw her holding the offending instrument – a clear butt plug on the end of which was a tail, correctly coloured in red and yellow just for her. Adagio's sadistic appearance had vanished. Now she looked, well, concerned.

She's waiting for the safeword! Sunset realised. Of course. This was something they hadn't discussed. Not forbidden, but questionable. And when Sunset had reacted like she did after enduring everything else so far – that must have seemed like a red flag.

And all that must mean that under the sarcasm, under the sadism, Adagio actually WAS concerned about her wellbeing. Sunset's heart did a little flip at the thought. 

“I'm your little pony,” she said. “And you can do whatever you like.” She looked forward again, away from Adagio, and hung her head. “I'm sorry I made a noise ma'am.”

There was no reply, but she felt Adagio's hand on her side, a comforting gesture.

A couple of seconds later, and the tail started to enter her. Sunset tightened her jaw and endured the pain.

“There we go!” said Adagio. Her dom tone was back. She patted Sunset's ass and gave her tail a little tug. “Last thing.” She slid the dildo from earlier back into Sunset's pussy as deep as it would go. “All done, I think.”

She grabbed Sunset's hair and pulled her round. “Follow me, pony.”

Adagio led her off the bed, across the floor on her hands and knees until the mirror was behind her.

“Stop,” she commanded. “Look round.”

She saw herself, utterly debased – hair a mess, naked, red marks across her ass, tail hanging between her legs. Adagio lifted it up so she could see the dildo sticking out of her pussy.

She could Adagio, her mistress, too – smiling imperiously, holding her tail, unruffled, fully dressed and fully in control. The contrast sent twinges up her spine.

But, she thought, looking at Adagio's body, I still know you're turned on.

After giving her a few seconds to take the image in, Adagio said, “You've been such a good pony. I think you deserve a reward.” She squatted to take the dildo out of Sunset's pussy, then, offering a hand, said: “Stand up.” 

Sunset did as she was told.

“Take off my shirt,” she said.

Sunset swallowed. Was she actually going to do it this time? And without the blindfold? She took the edges of the shirt and opened it, letting her hands stroke Adagio's shoulders as she did so, removed it and dropped it on the bed.

“Keep going,” Adagio whispered in her ear. “And don't be afraid to touch me.”

Sunset stroked Adagio's arms, pulled her close, took her camisole off, and ran her hands over her exposed back.

She unhooked Adagio's bra and paused – she was about to see her naked!

The bra dropped to the floor, and Sunset, throat tight, slowly ran her hands over Adagio's breasts. She moved forward to take the left nipple in her mouth, then looked up. “Ma'am, may I?”

Adagio, smiling down on her, nodded. 

As she did so, she heard Adagio moan, felt her stroke her back. Sunset moved on to the right nipple, this time adding little bites along with the caresses of her tongue and lips. She grasped Adagio's hips, then ran her hands up her sides.

“Oh, you fucking brilliant pony, you,” murmured Adagio. She pulled Sunset's hair, directing her downwards. “Don't get stuck there. Keep going.”

Leaving a string of kisses and bites down Adagio's belly, Sunset dropped to her knees. They were in same position as earlier, but now she was without the blindfold. She ran her hands over Adagio's thighs, across her ass, between her legs – getting a gasp and a moan in response.

She unbuttoned Adagio's jeans and slid them down, all the way down, and off.

Just one thing left. Adagio stood in front of her wearing just pale blue panties, looking down on her with a smile. Sunset reached forward and brushed her fingers against the fabric, feeling the outline of the slit beneath. She saw Adagio close her eyes and breath in at the touch.

Sunset's fingers came back damp; she put the to her lips and tasted Adagio. 

She was ready. Slowly, slowly, she took Adagio's panties down. Her pussy was bare save for a thin, perfectly trimmed strip.

“Like what you see?” said Adagio, obviously appreciating the attention. 

Sunset wasn't sure whether she could form words. She nodded quickly, then managed to get out, “Yes, ma'am. Oh, fuck yes.”

This got her a stroke from Adagio, who then sat on the edge of the bed, opened her legs, and pulled Sunset forward.

Sunset didn't need any more signals. Kneeling on the floor, she leaned forward and buried her face between Adagio's legs.  Licking and nibbling her slit, feeling Adagio's thighs against her cheeks. With one hand she caressed Adagio's clit; with other the stroked her own.

“Yes, yes, fuck me. Oh, you brilliant little pony, you fucking gorgeous …” moaned Adagio. She pushed Sunset against her pussy and rolled her hips. Her juices covered Sunset's lips and chin. Sunset purred with pleasure, and slid her tongue over Adagio's clit. Adagio lifted her legs a bit and brought her feet together against the small of Sunset's back.

Sunset came moments after Adagio, whose legs squeezed her head and whose fingers pulled her hair. They remained in that position for a while, cooing and murmuring together. 

Feeling Adagio's legs release her, Sunset sat back. With her fingers to help, she gathered the fluid on her face and licked it up. Adagio seemed to enjoy the spectacle. 

Adagio stood and stretched, making soft growls of pleasure deep in her throat. Then, looking down at Sunset, she said, “There's one more thing I want to do. Something we haven't done yet.” She reached down, put an index finger under Sunset's chin, and with gentle pressure commanded her to stand. 

When they were face to face, Adagio cupped Sunset's face in both hands. There was only warmth in her expression, her eyes searching Sunset's. “Kiss me,” she said. 

Sunset did as she was told.
> Overnight
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunset Shimmer lay in her pyjamas, on her bed, cuddled up amongst the duvet, listening to the shower. The purple camisole was bunched up on the pillow next to her face; she could smell Adagio on it. Every so often she nuzzled it and murmured contentedly to herself.

They had lain silently in each other's arms. They had cleaned up. Then Adagio had announced she needed a shower – “You don't mind if I use yours, do you?” – and gone in without waiting for a response. Taking a liberty like that, taking it for granted that the world owed her everything. Sunset found it endearing and worrying all at once.

There was something else troubling her. Something about her own behaviour. The last thing she wanted to do was slip back into the old Sunset Shimmer. 

The shower turned off. Adagio came out, towel hanging over her arm instead of wrapped around her. She stopped in front of the mirror and fiddled with her hair to give it more volume. Sunset knew all this was deliberate: Adagio wanted to be looked at, wanted to be admired. And Sunset, well, Sunset was all too happy to oblige. Adagio was gorgeous.

Hair fixed, Adagio dried herself.

“Hey,” said Sunset. “There's something I need to ask you.”

“Yes,” said Adagio. “I always look this good.”

“No. Well, uh, yes.” Sunset cleared her throat. “I mean, did I, uh, do you feel like I took advantage of you?”

“Huh?”

“When you were alone in The Starburst, you know?. By figuring out what you wanted and inviting you back?” 

Adagio shrugged. “I dunno. Maybe. So what?”

While Sunset was struggling to find something to say, Adagio started to get dressed.

“Look, if you want someone to tell you when you've been a a naughty pony. Actually, no, I'll do that. But not like THAT. I don't give a fuck how well you're doing redemption.”

Sunset allowed herself a brief smirk. “You're so hot when you're articulate.”

Adagio strode forward and snatched up her camisole from the pillow.

“Anyway, I'm sorry if I did. Even if it doesn't matter to you.”

Adagio acknowledged this with a brief nod, then peered through the curtains. Seeing how dark it was outside – just the pale glow of streetlamps – Sunset sat up and checked the clock beside her bed. Quarter to ten.

“Damnit,” Adagio muttered softly.

“What?”

“It's raining.” She looked back at Sunset. “Didn't bring an umbrella.”

“Oh,” said Sunset. “Where DO you live, anyway?”

“Skewbald Heights.”

That was the other side of town – a good forty minutes by bus if you were lucky, plus a ten minute walk. If Adagio was willing to come all that way to get to her apartment, that meant something, surely?

“Do you wanna stay here tonight?”

“What, like a sleepover?” Adagio raised an eyebrow.

“Sure, why not?” Sunset grinned at her. “I promise we don't have to make friendship bracelets or anything.”

“You trust me enough for that?”

“Adagio, if I didn't trust you, you wouldn't be here.”

Adagio looked into Sunset's eyes. She had the almost-vulnerable look again. “Okay,” she said. “I'll give it a go.”

“Do you wanna call your fr – uh, Sonata and Aria and tell them you won't be home?”

Adagio shook her head. “They won't care.”

Sunset reached out and clasped Adagio's hand. “Come on. We can watch a movie. You like movies, right?”

“Yeah.”

Sunset retrieved her laptop from her desk and shifted over so Adagio could sit beside her at the head of the bed. 

“Nothing mushy,” said Adagio. “I can't stand that stuff.”

“Yeah, okay. Hm. Oh, I know! Heathers.”

Adagio shrugged.

“You'll love it. I promise.”

With everything set up – laptop balanced on a sturdy book in front of them, screen angled right, speaks turned up, movie running – Sunset put her arm round Adagio. She got no resistance. In fact, Adagio leaned into it, and soon was resting her head on Sunset's shoulder, with her arm around Sunset's waist.

Cuddling like that, feeling the warmth of Adagio's skin against her own, feeling Adagio's curls tickle her cheek, listening to her breathing, inhaling her scent, was different to cuddling after sex. Sunset felt like it had more import. Like she was seeing Adagio a more intimate way than when she had her face buried in her pussy.

There's something in you, she thought, that craves tenderness and warmth and companionship. Just like the rest of us. No matter how much you try and tell me otherwise. No matter how much you try and tell yourself otherwise.

Adagio stirred briefly and sniggered at a line of onscreen bitchsnark.

After a second movie, they got ready for bed. Sunset leant Adagio a baggy white t-shirt to sleep in. 

Lying beside her, Adagio asked: “What the deal with the apartment?”

“The school starts to wise up after you've spent more than five nights in the library.”

“I mean: You need to pay rent, right?”

“Oh, yeah.” Sunset shrugged. “They have this thing called 'internet marketing.'”

“Isn't that supposed to make you rich?”

Sunset made a show of sitting up and looking around the tiny room. “Yeah,” she said, lying back down. “I'm really rolling in cash.” 

Adagio smiled and said, “Knew I was on to a winner.” 

She wouldn't explain further. Sunset reached over and switched the lamp off.









In the middle of the night, with only the faint light of the street outside crawling through the curtains, Sunset Shimmer woke briefly to find Adagio curled up next to her, grasping her arm and nuzzling her shoulder.

And drooling over her pyjamas. So much for untarnished beauty, she thought.

Looking closer, she noticed a crease on Adagio's brow.

In her sleep, Adagio mumbled something that sounded like, “You're never beaten so long as you have …” Her grip on Sunset's arm tightened briefly.

Sunset stroked her cheek with her free hand and went back to sleep.









Morning. Sunday morning. Warmth of Adagio's leg against hers. No obligations, no schedule. Maybe call the girls up and hang out, play some games or something?

Beside her, Adagio shifted. When she rolled on her side, she found Adagio looking at her with a smile that was half sleepy and half imperious. Even with no makeup and her hair a mess, she still looked amazing.

“Good morning, little pony,” she said, shifting closer and running her fingers down Sunset's chest. 

Sunset arched her back at the touch. As she felt Adagio's hand slide under her top and run their way up again across her belly, she let out a small moan.

She moved closer, leant in, and started kissing Adagio's neck. 

Adagio's hand cupped her breast briefly, then moved round to her back.

Sunset brushed some of Adagio's hair back from her ear and whispered, “You're so fucking gorgeous, you know that?”

“I do.” Adagio's fingernails raked down her back. 

She felt Adagio's leg slide between hers, thigh against her pussy, separated by only the thin fabric of her pyjamas. The exploring hand rode over her sides, her belly, her hips. 

Adagio moved her leg, tugged Sunset's pyjama bottoms down, and placed it back against her bare pussy. Her face buried in the crook of Adagio's shoulder, Sunset pulled her closer and mewled in pleasure. She hooked her legs around Adagio's and rolled her hips.

Adagio's wandering fingertips slid between her legs and found her clit. Her other hand ran up and down Sunset's body, caressing her arms and back, playing with her nipples, grasping her hip.

She came gently, moaning Adagio's name into the mass of her hair. Adagio kept going, only moving away when Sunset had came twice more. “I'm going for a shower,” she said.

Sunset pulled hey pyjama bottoms up and lay spread out across the bed, enjoying the sleepy, post-orgasmic haze listening to Adagio in the shower again. That was surprisingly tender, she thought to herself. And then: Should I tell my friends? 

She knew she should. This was the sort of thing you told your friends about, surely. But what would that accomplish? Would they think she was going redeem Adagio – or that Adagio was going to corrupt her?

And with all that, the thought of redeeming Adagio through sex – or even through a relationship – left a sour taste in her mouth. It felt horribly manipulative.

Sunset closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead. Way to ruin a good moment with worries, girl. You're always doing that, aren't you? Can't you just roll with it for a while and enjoy life?

Well, no, actually, replied another part of her mind. Because when you do that, when you let your passions get out of control, things go wrong. Things like turning into a crazy demoness and leaving the school with a big fucking hole in the facade.

She cut off this line of thought, but it was no longer fun to just lie there and enjoy being, so she stood, stretched, and padded across the room to open the window.

When Adagio came out the shower, Sunset went in without speaking. She thought about Adagio's tenderness again, about not telling her friends, about doing good. 

She found Adagio had taken the only towel out with her, and came out dripping to get it.

Adagio, already dressed, was using Sunset's deodorant. She sat on the bed and slid her feet into those absurdly large boots. “I'm gonna head back,” she said matter-of-factly. “Let's do this again sometime.”

Sunset pulled on her top and started at her. “I, uh, I can't tell if you're being serious.” She finished getting dressed without a response.

“Oh, fuck it,” said Adagio eventually. “You know what? I'm not going to screw around with 'it's not like I like you or anything' bullshit. I have more self respect than that. Yes, Sunset Shimmer, I DO like you. I think.” She scowled and held up a hand to command silence while she thought. “What I mean to say is: I would like to see you again. And not just for sex.”

Sunset smiled at her. “Yeah. We can see each other again. I'd like that.”

“Right. Good. Don't think this means I'm gonna buddy up with your friends. This offer is for you an nobody else, all right?”

“Sure.”

“I'll call you you to arrange something.” Adagio stood, hesitated, then strode over to Sunset, took her arms, and brought her in for a gentle kiss. “See you later, little pony.”




> In the park
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Now,” said Adagio, obscuring her grin with steepled fingers.

“Now?” asked Sunset. “Here?”

Adagio nodded and took a sip of her coffee.

Sunset looked around. Yes, they were in another district, unlikely to run into anyone from CHS. And yes, the cafe was mostly empty. But they were outside near the steet, and someone could walk past at any moment.

She'd hoped they'd be in the park by the time Adagio gave the command. That was foolish. Obviously Adagio would take the sadistic option.

“Well? I'm waiting.”

“Yes, ma'am,” said Sunset softly. Another look across the street to check if anyone was passing. Nope. Okay. She hiked up her skirt – this one shorter than her usual – until she could reach the waistband of her panties. A third glance, then she lifted off her seat and quickly slid them down from under her skirt, over her knees, over her shoes. She dropped them into Adagio's bag which was under the table. 

Fresh air played against her pussy. She closed her legs and sighed in relief. At least if anyone came by, they wouldn't notice.

As she was reaching for her milkshake, Adagio grabbed her wrist. “You're not done,” she said, still grinning. 

Sunset slumped back. “Yes, ma'am,” she said in resignation. She shrugged her jacket off, slid the straps of her bra down over her shoulders and off. After another check in case anybody was walking by, the unhooked her bra and started to pull it out from beneath her top.

Just as this happened, she heard the door to the cafe open – to her left, just behind her. Footsteps between the outside tables. Sunset quickly pulled her bra the rest of the way out and hid it on her lap.

She glanced to the right to see who had just walked past – a young couple, maybe mid twenties, walking side by side with fingers intertwined. They must have seen her, right?

The woman turned at Sunset, looked briefly at her chest, then at her face. Eye contact for a fraction of a second, then the woman's head whipped forward, and she was out onto the street.

Sunset looked down. The fabric of her top was thin; her nipples, already hard, were quite visible. 

She could feel her cheeks burning, and looked up to see Adagio staring intently at her. In … what? Sadism? Adoration? 

“Beautiful,” said Adagio. She reached out and held Sunset's breast through her top, the pad of her thumb brushing the nipple. “I knew this would get you going! All that fire you have, and yet you're eager to be humiliated. And so obedient.” She moved her hand upwards and traced Sunset's jawline with her fingertips. Her eyes were softer now. “I love that.”

Sunset smiled despite herself. This tenderness, she thought to herself, this was why she was here – more than the physical attraction, more than the thrill. Not that those weren't important too, mind.

Adagio's commanding tone came back: “Touch your pussy. Just for a moment.”

Sunset nodded, and without looking around this time, dropped a hand beneath the table, pushed her skirt up a little, and touched herself. Her fingertips came back damp and glistening.

“Give me your hand.”

Adagio took Sunset's fingers in her hand. Seeing her lips wrapped around the knuckles, feeling her tongue, knowing she was tasting Sunset's juices, here in public, was more of a turnon that the touch itself had been. Sunset inhaled sharply.

“Mmm,” said Adagio, eyes closed, sliding the fingers out of her mouth. She gave Sunset a half-lidded smile and returned to her coffee. “Finish up. We're going for a walk.”

They left the little cafe and headed down the street. Under the pressure of her jacket, Sunset could feel the fabric of her top rubbing against her nipples. They passed a few people along the way – no one she recognised – and each time came a twinge of fear and excitement of knowing how close she was to having them see her body.

A little way into the park a copse began, where things were wilder and you had to negotiate tangled roots and uneven ground underfoot. But it was here, near the entrance, all trimmed grass, neat flowerbeds, tidy gravel pathways, where Adagio stopped her.

“Let's stop a moment, enjoy the scenery.” She sat down on a bench, legs crossed and arms stretched out along the top of the backrest.

As Sunset settled down to the right of her, she noticed the bench opposite them across the pathway: On it were four boys – maybe a couple of school years below her – chattering away and trying to upstage each other with bawdy jokes and self-aggrandising stories.

She felt Adagio's right hand stroke her shoulder from behind, then move along, fingers caressing the back of her neck.

“Talk to me,” said Adagio quietly. 

“About what?”

“Anything you like.”

Sunset, mind blank, scanned the park for inspiration.

“Not those lot in front of us,” commanded Adagio.

A sparrow landed beside them, skittered about, then took off again. “Birds,” set Sunset, painfully aware of how lame it sounded.

“Okay,” said Adagio. “Birds it is. Open your legs a bit.”

Sunset froze and turned to Adagio.

“You heard me.”

Sunset swallowed and looked forward again. “Y-yes, ma'am.” She shifted, opened her legs so there were maybe six inches between her knees. She glanced at the boys on the opposite bench. They weren't paying any attention to her. In fact, she noted with a twinge of jealousy, seemed to be looking at Adagio.

“Do you like birds?” asked Adagio in a conversational tone. “Most of them are pretty pathetic, I think.” She threw a sidelong glance at Sunset. “But I have some respect for ravens and crows. There's something … I don't know … coldly magnificent about them, don't you think?”

“I suppose,” said Sunset. She took a moment to try and forget the feeling of her exposed pussy on concentrate on what Adagio was saying. “I'd, uh, I'd have thought you would like eagles.”

“Open your legs wider,” said Adagio. “Yeah, eagles are fine. A bit obvious, though.”

Sunset did as she was told. Her pussy was definitely visible now. Another glance at the boys; the one who had been looking at Adagio now had his gaze directly between her legs. She swallowed and pulled her attention back to the conversation. “So … you prefer ravens to eagles?”

“Mhm, I think so.”

Something occurred to Sunset. Even given the situation, she couldn't hold back a smirk. “Are you telling me you're secretly goth. Is that it?”

Adagio made a little growl in the back of her throat.

“Maybe you could come back to the school with your hair dyed black,” suggested Sunset. “And loads of eyeliner?”

“A bit wider,” said Adagio. “There's a good pony.”

Another glance at the boys opposite, and Sunset's mirth evaporated. She had the attention of all four now. Their conversation had died away. Two on the end were whispering to each other and intermittently looking between her legs.

She felt her cheeks warming and looked away from the opposite bench. Out of nowhere came Adagio's finger stroking the nape of her neck, and sparks of arousal jumped up her spine. She gasped involuntarily.

“Now that you mention it, it would be fun to do some goth style,” mused Adagio as if nothing were happening. “Would you like that?”

Sunset took a deep breath that almost became a moan under the ministrations of Adagio's fingers on her neck. “Mhm,” she managed eventually.

Adagio reached across with her left hand and stroked Sunset's leg, upwards, then pushing her skirt further upwards to rest against her inner thigh. Little waves of pleasure radiated from every point of contact; eyes closed, Sunset arched her back and murmured Adagio's name. And then for the briefest moment, Adagio's fingers brushed against her pussy, and she let out an audible moan.

As Adagio's hands retreated, Sunset opened her eyes to see all the occupants of the bench staring right at her. She could feel slick wetness on her crotch and the inside of her leg. On the left side, her skirt was all the way up to her hip, displaying everything. She looked down immediately, brimming with shame. And yet simultaneously wishing Adagio would touch her again.

“That's enough of a rest, I think,” Adagio said cheerfully. “Come on, let's get going.”

“Yes ma'am,” Sunset replied. 

Adagio stood, helped Sunset up, and started walking to the copse. Walking beside her, Sunset made to smooth down her skirt, but Adagio grabbed her wrist. “Not yet.”

When they were a few metres down the path, Adagio turned and waved goodbye to the boys. Sunset kept her vision forward. Then she felt her skirt being lifted from behind, higher, higher, until she could tell everyone behind her had a clear view of her ass as she walked away. Finally, Adagio slapped her behind, eliciting a yelp.

“Okay, now you can straighten it,” said Adagio, looking forward again. Sunset did so as quickly as she could.

They walked for a few minutes, Adagio humming to herself. The trees grew denser and wilder.

Adagio stopped and looked around. “Here,” she said.

Sunset checked too. She couldn't see anyone now, and all she could hear was the sussuration of leaves in the wind, mixed with birdsong. “Here's good.”

Adagio put her hands around Sunset's waist and pulled her close, kissing her deeply, then nibbling her lower lip, biting her jawline and chin, and nuzzling her neck. “That was brilliant,” she said. “Your face was so red! So very hot.”

Sunset ran her hands over Adagio's body, over her surprisingly delicate shoulders, over her back, her hips. She couldn't help but smile. “Yeah,” she whispered. “I'm yours and you can show me off to whoever you want to.” 

“Exactly,” said Adagio. She released Sunset and stepped back. “So, let's continue.” She extended a hand.

Sunset shrugged her jacket off and let it fall to the floor, took another look around the forest, listened, then pulled her top up and over her head. Her breasts free, her nipples rock hard in the chill air, she handed the top to Adagio.

All she had on was her skirts. Well, and …

“Shoes too?” she asked.

Adagio nodded. “Everything.”

So Sunset removed her shoes, peeled her socks off, and put them all to the side.

The soil against her feet was as startling a sensation as the air against her breasts, and brought home how exposed she was. As she fumbled with the buttons on her skirt, she realised she was shivering, as much with anticipation as with cold. 

She slid her skirt down, picked it up from the ground, and gave to Adagio. Top and skirt went into Adagio's bag.

Goosebumps prickled her skin. A rustle somewhere. Sunset looked around frantically, strained her ears, but heard nothing further. Instinctively, she covered her breasts with one arm and put the other hand over her crotch. 

Adagio was standing back, arms crossed, grinning widely. “There, naked in the open air. Just like a pony should be,” she said. 

Sunset looked around. “Now can I … ?”

“Not yet,” said Adagio. She pulled Sunset into a kiss, hands running over her body. One ran over her belly, grasped just above her hips. One slid between Sunset's legs, fingers brushing her lips and clit, and sending waves of pleasure up through her abdomen. A finger slipped inside her. Sunset moaned into the kiss. 

Adagio pulled her hand away, and put her slick fingers into her mouth and Sunset's as they kissed. Sunset could taste herself on Adagio's fingers and Adagio's tongue in her mouth, and she moaned again.

Then Adagio pulled away. She was grinning again. “You can finish by yourself,” she said. “Oh, and the bag doesn't open again until you've come. No matter who comes by.”

Sunset stared at her, then swallowed. “Yes, ma'am,” she said.

Somehow, masturbating outside seemed more embarrassing then sex outside. But then Adagio probably knew that. Which was why she was doing it.

Sunset started to gently stroke her clit with one hand, and brought this other to cup her breast and play with her nipple.

She was already aroused, and quickly found herself unsteady, knees weak, and close to falling over. She looked around, then settled back as best she was able against the nearest tree. There, legs spread, feeling the rough bark press into her back and buttocks, she began to touch herself again.

That was it. That worked. Soon she was furiously rubbing her clit, occasionally slipping her index and middle fingers inside her pussy. The tree rubbing up behind her only served to turn her on more. She moaned loudly, bit her lip, rolled her hips. All out in the open. All with Adagio watching.

“Stop,” said Adagio.

Sunset did so, and looked up at her, breathing heavily.

“On your hands and knees. Continue like that.”

“Y-yes ma'am.” Legs weak, Sunset stumbled forward, dropped to her knees. She struggled for a moment to find a good position, finally settling on resting on her left elbow and touching herself with her right hand. 

The ground was a few inches from her face; she felt roots pressing into her knees and elbow. When she moved her hand to play with her nipple for a moment, her fingers left a slick trail across her belly. 

She couldn't see Adagio, but heard her walking. A moment later, Adagio's boot appeared between her legs, moving up until it pressed briefly against her pussy. She moaned, started frigging herself harder. Close now, very close.

Next, she felt Adagio's boot treading on the small of her back. Not hard, not enough to hurt, but an insistent pressure. A reminder: She was Adagio's – debased, naked in the woods, getting herself off, while Adagio stood unsullied. The thought took her nearly to the brink, and she squirmed, rolling her hips and mewling.

“Listen,” said Adagio. “Someone's near.”

A cold dread worked its way up Sunset's spine, intertwined with the pleasure. She paused for a moment, long enough to hear faint movement. 

But she was close. All she could do, all she wanted to, was keep going, even if it meant getting caught. As she stroked her clit again, she imagined getting caught, imagined being seen by a stranger on the ground masturbating, under Adagio's boot. And that thought, the fear and the excitement, finally brought her over the edge.

She stifled a cry, shuddered as she came.

And then she decided to keep going. How could she stop? The thought of someone so close was just too hot to ignore. 

She came again – harder. This time she did cry out, not caring who heard. Exhausted, she rolled over onto her side, and lay there panting.

Adagio looked down on her, smiling. “Well done, little pony,” she said, and offered Sunset a hand up.

Sunset realised she couldn't quite stand on her own, and had to lean on Adagio for support. When was settled, though, she realised Adagio was looking at something.

Her gaze was directed at one of the boys from earlier – the one who had looked first -- standing a dozen metres away, with eyes lie saucers. Unperturbed, she made a gesture to shoo him away, and he complied, retreating silently, running back towards the park's entrance. 

Sunset swore and buried her face in Adagio's hair. “How long was he there?”

“Arrived just in time to see you come the second time,” said Adagio. “How's that for good luck?”

Sunset groaned.

“Whenever you're ready,” said Adagio, her voice softer.

Sunset nodded. She didn't feel quite capable of doing anything except, perhaps, cuddling. “Will you … dress me?”

“Sure.” Adagio smiled at her. “You'll have to let me get my bag.”

“Yeah, I think I can do that,” said Sunset. Shakily, she managed to stand while Adagio retrieved her clothes.

A thought occurred while Adagio was sliding up her panties.

“It's weird how well we've adapted. Clothes never used to mean anything …” She lifted her arms to let Adagio clasp her bra.

“Take anyone, pony or human,” said Adagio, “and tell her it's wrong to, I dunno, not stroke her nose at midday. Here, step in.” – she offered Sunset her skirt, and Sunset obliged – “Put her in a community who all follow this rule and mock anyone who doesn't. Then get her to break it, and marvel at how much shame she feels.”

“Good hypothesis,” said Sunset.

“Siren. Comes with the territory.” Adagio pulled Sunset's top over her head. “You can do the shoes and socks.” She stroked Sunset's hair idly. “So is that your post-orgasmic fun? Hypotheses?”

Sunset was silent as she put her shoes on. “I guess so,” she said, standing. “I like thinking about that sort of stuff. I don't do it so much here, because in high school culture it marks you as a geek. And that's not the image I wanted to build.”

“But you're happy for me to see,” said Adagio.

“Yeah, my geeky side is TOTALLY the most embarrassing thing I've had on show today.”

Adagio laughed and put her arm over Sunset's shoulders. “I like it. You're not an airhead, which is more than I can say for … well, whatever. It's hot, seeing you go from writhing naked on the ground to geeking out about magic.”

They started walking further into the woods, arm in arm, towards the park's second exit. 

“You think so?”

“Mhm. Especially when your hair is all tousled like that.”

“You wanna hear what I think?” said Sunset, running her fingers through her hair in an attempt to tame it.

“Go for it.” 

“I think it's in the mapping. The mirror between Equestria and here. It turned me and Twilight into humans. But there has to be some mental side to it too, since we both knew how to walk on two legs. More than that, we both knew the language. So the mapping doesn't just give you a human body, it also gives you culturally specific awareness. Like, for example” – Sunset opened her hands in rhetorical flourish – “nudity taboos.”

Adagio stopped. “Hold on for just a moment.”

“What?”

Adagio pulled her into a kiss that lasted several seconds. “Definitely hot.” she said, and started walking again. “Now why couldn't you come up with a topic like this when we were on the bench?”

Sunset squeezed her hand. “Because I wanted to concentrate on what you were telling me to do.”

Adagio smirked.

“Was there a mapping like that for you?” asked Sunset.

“Hm?”

“When you came here.”

“No. We arrived as sirens.” Adagio held out her hands and stared at it. “We made these bodies later.”

“Really?” said Sunset. “That's …”

A look towards the park exit silenced her. 

Standing there, staring at them, was Rainbow Dash.
	
	
	
	
	
	
> Discovery
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunset Shimmer felt very much like a deer in the headlights of Rainbow Dash's gaze. All the ways she'd rehearsed explaining her relationship with Adagio to her friends evaporated from her mind, and all she could process was I've been caught over and over again.

Surging towards them, Rainbow Dash broke the silence: “What the hell is going on, Sunset?”

Sunset looked to Adagio, who looked entirely unruffled, then back to Rainbow. “I, uh …”

“What are you doing out here with her?”

Adagio put her arm round Sunset's shoulder's. “What does it look like?”

Rainbow glared at her.

“We were just … out for a walk?” said Sunset.

Rainbow wrinkled her nose, and she looked Sunset up and down: hair still messy, clothes a state. Then her eyes widened in realisation. “Oh, god,” she said. “You've …”

“Energetic walk,” put in Adagio in a carefree, almost mischievous tone.

“Ugh!” Rainbow turned and strode away from them.

“That went well,” said Adagio once Rainbow had gone through the exit.

Sunset swallowed. “Come on! We've got to go after her.”

“'We'? She's your friend, not mine.”

Sunset said nothing. She just stared at Adagio, then pulled away from her and ran out through the park exit and down the street. Adagio didn't follow.

She caught up with Rainbow at the bottom of the street.

Rainbow sighed and turned to face her, then glanced over her shoulder down the way they'd come. “At least she's not following …” She put her thumb and forefinger to the bridge of her nose and sighed again. “Just … lemme get this straight. Not only are you hanging out with Adagio Dazzle, but you've just … screwed her? In public?”

Sunset nodded, eyes downturned. An overwhelming feeling of shame was creeping up on her. 

“What the hell is wrong with you? After everything she's done.”

A twinge of anger. Sunset looked up. “Oh, come on. You were all for befriending Aria and Sonata!”

“Not the same,” said Rainbow. “One: We all chose to make friends with them together. I didn't run off and screw them in secret. Two: Aria and Sonata apologised. Adagio …” She grimaced and looked back towards the park exit again. “You remember the things she said. Fluttershy was almost in tears.”

“So you can forgive her trying to take over the world with mind control but not being a bitch?”

They glared at each other in silence before Rainbow relaxed and gave a small grin. “At least you admit she's a bitch.”

“Oh yeah. She really is.” Sunset couldn't help but smile back. “But she can be tender.”

“So …”

“She's proud, Rainbow. Incredibly proud. Don't lie to me – you know what's that like.”

Rainbow responded with a little yeah, okay gesture. “Fine, redemption. That's totally awesome if you can do it. But where does having sex with her come in?”

Sunset smiled sheepishly and looked down again. “I just … I like her,” she admitted. “Even after what she's done.”

“I'm not gonna ask. But why didn't you tell us what was going on?”

“It's my relationship. My business.”

“Not when it's with a girl who tried to take over the school and still swears we enemies!” Rainbow snapped. “What if … what if she's trying to corrupt you, huh? Get the old Sunset Shimmer back so she can …”

“What?” said Sunset. “Take over the world with her cruel wit? Her powers are gone.”

“I bet there's something she could do. There's always something. And if you decided to help her –”

“I'm not going to help her! For fuck's sake, Rainbow Dash, I thought we'd finished with all that.”

“Yeah, well I thought we had too, before I saw you and her.” Rainbow closed her eyes and shook her head. “I'm not gonna get into this. You've gotta tell the others.”

“But –”

“This Monday. And if you don't, I will.”

Sunset said nothing. She just stared at Rainbow, who turned and walked off. She returned to the park, muttering under her breath.

Adagio was sitting on the grass, looking at the clouds. She waved when she noticed Sunset. “Looks like things went well,” she said with a smirk. 

“Not now. I'm not in the mood.” 

“What happened?” Adagio's smile dropped away. She gestured for Sunset to sit beside her.

Sunset did so, and Adagio took her hand. “She doesn't like you.”

“You think?”

“And,” said Sunset, “I have to tell the rest my friends about us. Or she'll do it for me.” She kicked at the ground with her heel. “Fuck.”

Adagio stiffened. “Huh. And you really don't want them to know we're together?”

“Oh, don't take it like that. I didn't mean –”

Relaxed again, Adagio smiled at Sunset and held up a palm. “It's not an issue for me. I know I'm not something you'd want to show off to your friends, and I don't care.” She looked ahead again. “Anyway, let me get this straight: Rainbow Dash, who calls herself your friend, has insisted that you tell your friends about your private life? And if you don't, she'll tell them whatever she thinks she's figured out?”

“Pretty much.”

“Speaking as a former demon here: That's really unpleasant behaviour. Especially coming from one of the self-appointed heroes of Canterlot High. I'm almost impressed.”

Sunset nodded. “Yeah. It really is.”

“Hypocrites.”

“Hold on.” Sunset felt a chill go through her. She pulled away from Adagio. 

Adagio responded with a bemused look. “What?”

“What is this? Are you trying to drive a wedge between me and my friends? Are you trying to corrupt me?” She grimaced. “Rainbow Dash said …”

Adagio stared at her for several seconds, then broke out laughing. “Fuck me, she's really done a number on you, hasn't she?” She shook her head and took Sunset's hand. “You know I don't like your friends. I don't like their self-righteousness, their presumption, their sugary optimism. 'Oh, we all have to be friends and love puppies and go prancing through fields throwing daisies about in front of some pink-filtered lens.' And I'm not gonna pretend I do like them. But you're smart enough and strong enough to decide who your friends are. I don't care, and it's not my business anyway. Alright?”

Sunset hesitated, then squeezed Adagio's hand. “Alright.”

With a small smile, Adagio reached out with her free hand and brushed a stray strand of Sunset's hair back. “But I don't want to see them hurt you.” She stretched. “I think we've been here long enough. Let's get going.”

“Just one more thing,” said Sunset. She grabbed Adagio's collar and pulled her in for a kiss.








On Monday lunchtime, Sunset Shimmer stood clutching a tray and watching her friends sat around a table. Sour anticipation clawed at her throat.

No matter how much you redeem yourself, no matter how final the proof, your past always stays with you, she thought. It's a stain that never washes out. Both outside, in the expectations of the people around you, and inside, in the part of you that you have to keep on a leash because you know you're still capable of behaving so viciously.

She took a deep breath and began to walk over to them. You can do this, she told herself. You're smart enough and strong enough.

Just like she said.

At least Aria and Sonata weren't there. She doubted she could have admitted it if they' been listening too. The former sirens sometimes joined her friends for lunch, but today they'd gone to eat off campus.

“There she is! Hi Sunset Shimmer! We're over here!”

“Uh, she's walking towards us Pinkie. I think she knows where we are.”

Sunset put her tray down and gave the group a little wave. “Hey, girls,” she said, settling opposite Rarity.

“Hello, dear,” said Rarity. “We were just talking about how Aria and Sonata are getting along.”

“Anything I should know?”

“Sonata's been having fun!” announced Pinkie from the far end of the table.

“You always say that,” said Rainbow Dash.

“Because she's always having fun, silly. Anyway, sometimes she starts talking about how she wants to be all mind-controlly but THIS –” Pinkie produced a small pig toy and put in on the table. “is my secret weapon.” She pressed its tummy, and the pig responded by making a noise that sounded vaguely like “Oink”.

“Y'what?” Applejack raised an eyebrow.

“It's simple! Sonata has a very short attention span, so whenever she – Hey! Sunset, your jelly is green! But everyone else's is red!”

“Uh, yeah. I think it's lime You want it?” Sunset offed her tub of jelly to Pinkie, who nodded and eagerly took it.

“Anyway,” said Applejack. “Short version is, we don't have to wonder about Sonata. What about Aria?”

“Aria's been having fun!”

“Pinkie!”

“No really, she came to hang out with Sonata and me yesterday and we had fun.”

“And I had a lo-o-ong talk with her about how to make one's ensemble sexy without being classless,” added Rarity. “I feel we both learned a lot and enjoyed ourselves a great deal. And Pinkie Pie is quite right. In fact, I think she gets along with Sonata better now than she ever did before. It's just … ” She frowned.

“The inconsistency?” offered Sunset. 

“Yes! That's it precisely.”

Aria, though she had apologised and did seem to enjoy hanging out, was prone to intermittent periods of sullen silence, sometimes for several days in a row, and according to Sonata, spent the time outside of school alone in her room playing music.

“I wish she'd have more fun,” said Pinkie.

“Give her time,” said Applejack. “She's just taking a while to adapt is all.”

Silence reigned. Sunset twiddled her fork.

“So!” Rarity said. “Rainbow Dash said you have something to tell us.”

Silence again, this time with all eyes on her. “Right,” said Sunset. “Yeah. It's … it's about Adagio.” A murmur; a set of expectant expressions. She looked down at her lunch, fiddled with her fork again, then deliberately put it down. “Adagio and I … We're … together.”

“And when you say 'together',” said Rarity in a slightly-too-friendly tone, “you mean …”

Sunset closed her eyes. “In a relationship. A proper relationship.”

“Ah.”

“So, yeah.” Sunset ran a hand through her hair. “That's my news.”

Rarity gave her a strained smile.

“Forgive for being a mite confused here, but how in the world did that happen? And when?”

“And why?” added Fluttershy.

“And where? And …” said Pinkie Pie. Then in response to a glare from Rainbow Dash, “What?”

“A couple of weeks ago,” said Sunset. “I ran into her in a club …”

“She didn't insult you?” Applejack frowned.

“No. So we got talking … and I guess I found I really liked her.” Sunset finished with an apologetic shrug.

“You liked her?” said Fluttershy.

“Yeah, I reckon that's the bit we're all kinda stuck on,” said Applejack.

“Sweetheart, you know we all support you. But Adagio acted so abominably even when we offered her our full support, so it's a bit of a struggle to understand how she has not only earned your friendship, but your affection too.”

“I know.” Sunset put her head in her hands. “It's hard to believe. And I know she has problems. But I do like her. Adagio is … is …” She shook her head, struggling to encompass everything that attracted her.

“Hot? Good in bed?

“Rainbow Dash!” said Rarity.

Applejack gave Sunset a penetrating look, then turned to Rainbow Dash. “Do you have somethin' to tell us, Rainbow?”

“Uhh, I don't think so?”

“It strikes me that Sunset here seems might uncomfortable talking about this, almost to the point that she doesn't want to tell us. And since you were to one goin' around this morning sayin' that she had some important news for us. So again – do you have something to tell us?”

“Yeah, okay. I saw them together at the weekend. I told her she had to let everyone know.” Rainbow Dash looked at Sunset, then back to Applejack. “And I totally stand by it. If it were someone else, then yeah, I'd be out of line, but this Adagio we're talking about!”

Applejack shook her head. “No, that doesn't change anythin'.”

“Of course it does!”

“Girls!” snapped Rarity. Then to Sunset, more softly: “Were you planning on telling us?”

“Of course!”

“When?”

Sunset looked down at the table. “I don't know. When it felt right?” But she knew as she said it how flimsy that sounded. She held up a hand to forestall reactions while she tried to be more honest. “I didn't want to hide it from you, but I was scared you wouldn't trust me. I mean, nobody's saying, not even Rainbow Dash, but it comes down to a relationship between the two girls who tried to turn the whole world into an army of mind-controlled slaves.” She gave them a weak smile. “I know that would concern me if I were in your place.”

She looked around the table to see unsure faces and no replies. That was it, then. 

“Um ...” Fluttershy raised her hand.

Sunset braced herself for more criticism.

“I support you,” said Fluttershy. 

“You support her?” said Rainbow Dash.

Fluttershy nodded. She looked around the table. “I don't want to upset you by disagreeing, but, um, since everyone is saying how terrible Adagio because of what she said to me, I thought I should give my opinion too.”

Sunset smiled. “Thank you,” she said. “That means a lot to me. But ...” She ran a her fingers nerviously across the tabletop. “ … why?”

“I don't know if Adagio is really really mean or if she only said awful things because she was lonely and hurt. But if she is hurt then we'll make things worse by pushing her away, and I don't want to risk that.”

“Fluttershy needs a wisdom crown!” announced Pinkie Pie. She produced a crepe paper crown from her bag and placed in on Fluttershy's head.

Fluttershy made a little squeak, but left it on.

“I'm guessin' that means you agree?” said Applejack.

“Yuhuh! It would make Sonata and Aria so happy if they were friends with Adagio again.”

Rainbow Dash shook her head, then slowly raised her hands. “Alright,” she said. “I support you too. I trust you, Sunset Shimmer. Don't let me down.”

“Well, I think that settles it,” said Rarity. “I know you don't need it, but you have out blessing anyway.”

Sunset looked around that table. “Thank you. All of you.”

“It's what friends do,” said Rarity with a smile.

With that, the mood lightened, and they talked of other things. It wasn't until after lunch that Sunset truly realised she had been bestowed with the position of Adagio's reformer.
> Hot and Cold
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Adagio came by on Wednesday evening, wearing jeans and a hoodie, and again carrying her bag.

“Hello, lover,” said Sunset when she opened the door to let Adagio in, and kissed her before she could reply.

“Hey,” said Adagio, smile broadening. “Quite a greeting.”

“Not finished yet,” said Sunset. She closed door, took Adagio's bag from her and dropped it on the floor, then grabbed the girl's shoulders, pushed her against the wall of the stairwell and kissed her again more forcefully.

“There. Now I'm finished.” she said.

Adagio's chest heaved. Her face was flushed already. “What's brought this on?” 

“I have an amazingly hot girlfriend. And my friends approve of her! Also, I'm acing math without breaking a sweat because I already learned everything about ODEs before I came to this world. Now come on!” She grabbed Adagio's bag – heavier than the last time – and started climbing the stairs.

“They approve of me?” asked Adagio behind her.

“Yep.” 

“Well thank fuck for that. I was on the verge of a panic attack until you told me.”

“Adagio,” said Sunset, feeling slightly needled, “I actually had realised what my friends think doesn't matter to you. Since, y'know, you tell me every hour on the hour. But it does matter to me, alright?”

Adagio was silent for a few seconds. “Alright,” she said. “I'm glad you're happy.”

Sunset stopped the smile at her. “Thanks.”

They continued up to her apartment.

Adagio stopped at the doorway. “Go,” said. “I'll wait out here.”

“What?”

“It won't be as fun if I watch you get changed.” Adagio smiled at her and pushed her into her room. “Tell me when you're ready.”

Sunset looked at the bag in her hand then back up at Adagio. She closed the door, dropped the bag on the bed, and with a pounding heart investigated its contents.

Clothes were on top, all black. Beneath them, a blindfold, candles and some thin red rope. She took a moment to investigate the rope, cool and smooth between her thumb and forefinger.

Better not keep Adagio waiting.

She laid out the clothes Adagio had prepared for her: A sheer lingerie top, thin lace panties, a very short multilayered skirt, and fishnet stockings to be held up with a garter belt.

When she'd changed and her clothes were stowed away, Sunset took a moment to admire herself in the mirror. The skirt didn't quite cover her ass, and her nipples were clearly visible through the top. She rather liked the effect. It was odd, she thought to herself. Before she'd met Adagio, she'd never thought of herself as sexy. Not in this form. She'd been aware of sex appeal, of course, mostly as a means of control. But this was different. She felt attractive, she knew Adagio would find her attractive, and she revelled in it. 

She opened the door a crack. “Adagio?”

The hallway was empty. For a brief moment she was being subjected to some unplanned game, but then Adagio appeared from the door to the communal kitchen. “Don't worry,” she said. “I'm here. Just checking on some stuff.” She strode into Sunset's room and closed the door behind her.

She ran her fingers down Sunset's arms from her shoulders, finishing by taking her hands. “Don't you look lovely?” she said, and nuzzled her neck. Then pulled back and slapped her on the ass. “On the bed, little pony. Hands above your head.”

Sunset did as she was asked, and Adagio retrieved a length of rope from the bag. Evidently she'd been practicing, or had done this before. Within moments Sunset's wrists were bound together to one of the metal bars that made of the headboard, rope tight enough to hold her steady, but not digging in unless she pulled too hard.

“Spread your legs.” – and each ankle was bound to a a lower corner. 

Task accomplished, Adagio stood at the foot of the bed and examined her handiwork.

Sunset wriggled, testing the bonds. Nothing gave. She knew from where Adagio was standing, she could see right up her skirt. The thought gave her a frisson of joy, and she tried to close her legs to ensure that she couldn't.

Adagio seemed to enjoy watching Sunset struggle. She pulled her boots off and crawled over the foot of the bed until she was on top of Sunset. “Little pony,” she said softly, “all trussed and ready for me to have my way with her.” She moved in closer, to the side; Sunset could feel Adagio's unsteady breath against her neck. No kissing; just breathing. Auburn hair draped around, tickling her face. Sunset wriggled again, anticipation burning.

The kiss when it came was just a single, brief touch of Adagio's lips against her neck. Then Adagio moved away, sat up so she was straddling Sunset's waist. The denim of her jeans pressed against Sunset's sides and front. Adagio traced a middle finger lightly over Sunset's body, starting on the sheer fabric covering her ribcage, down and over her bare tummy. 

Gentle touches, singular touches, but carrying with them an immense power of command; Adagio could do as she pleased without resistance, so only the lightest contact was all she needed. And each touch further carried through its subtlety a surge of pleasure.

Adagio straightened, pulled off her hoody and top, unhooked her bra, removed it. Sunset had a brief moment to admire her lithe topless form. Then she leaned forward.

Sunset took Adagio's nipple in her mouth. It was already hard, and she could hear the girl moan – or possibly growl – as she ran her tongue across it. Adagio shifted so Sunset could kiss her other nipple. Then back to the first. Sunset could feel Adagio grinding against her, denim rubbing against her skin. 

One hand occupied to steady herself on the bed, Adagio stroked Sunset's hair with the other. “You're … you're wonderful,” she said between moans. “But now it's time to begin.”

She straightened, got off Sunset, off the bed, and looked in her bag. Sunset craned her neck to see what she was getting.

The blindfold. Of course. The world went dark as Adagio put it on her. Sunset shivered with anticipation, unable to move, unable to see, trying to hear what Adagio was doing.

Rustling in the bag. A click of something. Motion. 

Adagio's lips against her right hip, kisses and soft bites, accompanied by caresses against her thigh. Sunset gasped.

Fingertips and lips traced patterns across her thigh, across to her other thigh, then her hips again, her tummy, every time coming closer to her crotch but never actually touching it. 

Sunset's breath became shallow, punctuated by little murmurs, as she tried to shift her hips so Adagio's touch would become intimate, but to no avail. 

At her hips again, a fingertip slid under the top of her skirt and panties, only going a little way in, then moved across her mound until it was right next to her slit – then pulled away. Sunset moaned again, this time half in frustration. Above her, the bar her arms were tied to squeaked as she pulled against it. The fabric of her panties pressed insistently between her legs. It wasn't enough. “Please,” she said.

“Shh,” said Adagio. “When I'm ready.”

The touch around her legs ceased. More motion. The fabric of her top was moved aside, so only her breasts were still covered. A pause. Then – 

Burning.

A circle of pain on her ribs, to the right. She cried out. A rivulet of hot wax ran down her side. 

Of course, the candles. She'd almost forgotten.

Adagio kissed her on the cheek and whispered, “Good?”

Sunset nodded.

Another splash of pain just below her collarbone, on the left. This time she managed to stifle a cry.

Her skin sang with anticipation – not knowing where the wax would land next.

Pressure on her tummy. Not wax, just a series of kisses and Adagio's hot breath playing against her skin. 

Burning – this time on her thigh. Followed moments later by another spot on her hip.

Again featherlight touch. Again pain. Unpredictable in form and location. Adagio's fingertips teased between her legs, around her nipples, circling without touching, then dancing away to wring surges of pleasure from innocent spots on her arms or sides or neck, even her bound hands. At one point she thought she felt Adagio's breath against her pussy and thrust forward to try and make contact, but met with nothing. Moments later another sting of hot wax hit her leg.

Her lingerie was pushed aside and for the first time Adagio's fingers came in contact with her bare nipple. Sunset gasped and managed to get out something that sounded a bit like “please”, but moments later the touch was gone.

A pause. The sound of her door moving.

“Adagio?” she said weakly.

A few seconds later, the door again, closed firmly with a click. “I'm here.”

Fingers caressed her body. Then Adagio climbed onto the bed, grabbed her top and tore it open. Sunset felt Adagio's warm lips, then tongue, against her nipple. She mewled and pushed forward.

Something against her other nipple –

Cold! Very cold.

Sunset yelped. 

The sensation of cold slid down over her breast, over her sternum, over her tummy, moving between the marks of wax, leaving a chill wet trail. It stopped just before it reached the hem of her skirt.

“I found ice cubes in the kitchen,” said Adagio, sounding very proud of herself. She moved to the nipple she'd just touched with the ice and took it in her mouth, tongue dancing across the sensitive skin.

She ran a finger up Sunset's inner thigh. But instead of moving away at the last second, she deftly caught Sunset's panties and moved them aside, exposing her pussy. Sunset wriggled. The bar above her creaked.

For the briefest moment, ice touched her naked pussy. Sunset gasped, tried to retreat – but immediately after, she felt Adagio's fingers, still cool and wet, exploring her folds for the first time that night. Again the bar above her creaked' again she moaned. But the touch was gone again in a moment. 

“Don't stop. Please.”

“Hush,” said Adagio.

A spatter of hot wax between her breasts, pushed aside and replaced by the chill touch of ice. Then ice against her thigh followed immediately by wax. The same counterpoint in different orders followed elsewhere. Her skirt and panties were pulled a little way down, and wax and ice stung against her mound. Every time Sunset ground her teeth and managed not to make a sound, beyond a tiny whine once or twice. The bar above her squealed for her as she pulled against it. 

The sensations stopped. She heard Adagio moving. Her panties being moved again – and Adagio's hand pressing gently against her pussy. She shivered and suppressed a moan. 

“Little pony,” said Adagio. “You may speak. What do you want to ask me?”

Sunset realised she was rolling her hips against Adagio's firm touch between her legs. “Let me come. Please, ma'am.”

Adagio's touch against her pussy grew firmer. “I don't know. Do you deserve it?”

Sunset swallowed and took a moment to string together her thoughts. “Ma'am, your little pony is begging you to let her come. Please don't disappoint her.”

Silence. Adagio's hand moved away. Then: “After that, how could I turn you down?” Adagio moved in and kissed her deeply.

Motion again. Adagio grabbed her skirt and panties. A moment later fabric tore over her hip, and both were gone. Adagio moved forward again and said, “Actually, I want you to see this.” She tugged off Sunset's blindfold.

Sunset blinked against the light. Adagio stood above her, still topless, with her usual wolfish grin. Glancing down, Sunset saw her body, naked and covered with spatters of wax. Beyond, the extinguished candle and ice tray sat innocently on the window ledge. 

“Comfortable?” asked Adagio.

“Yes, ma'am.”

“Good.” Adagio strode down to the foot of the bed, climbed on the mattress and kneeled between Sunset's spread legs.

She gave Sunset another grin, then moved down to lick her pussy. 

Sunset gave a long, drawn out moan of relief. Finally. The touches were light at first. A nuzzling then a kiss against her slit, followed by Adagio's tongue delicately exploring her folds.

Sunset rolled her hips. Moving as much as she could. The bar whined again.

One of Adagio's hands grasped her thigh tightly, fingers digging into the flesh. The other aided her mouth, playing with Sunset's pussy. 

Adagio's tongue touched her clit, sending a fresh wave of pleasure through her body, then retreated.

And again. At the same time Adagio's fingers slide inside her. Sunset moaned and bucked her hips. 

Another retreat. Another tease. Another return. She felt Adagio's fingers curling inside her, moaned, then moaned more when Adagio's attention returned to her clit.

This time there was no retreat. Inside her, motion, pressure. Sunset glanced down once to see Adagio eagerly working away between her legs, then closed her eyes to let herself succumb to the rolling surges of pleasure coming up through her body. 

Nearly.

Nearly.

There.

The bar squealed again.

Adagio didn't stop when she came. Of course not.

Sunset felt another finger inside her, more motion against her clit. 

Pressure inside. Building.

And again she came, crying out Adagio's name as she did so.

Sunset lay there panting, barely aware of Adagio's motion until she kissed her. Adagio silently moved about the bet, loosening Sunset's bonds until she could move again.

Sunset rubbed her hands to get some sensation back into them, then, started to idly pull patches of dried wax off her body. They left sore reddish patched. Nothing that wouldn't heal quickly. “I hope you didn't get any of this on the sheets,” she murmured.

Adagio finished untying her ankles, dropped the rope on the floor, then spread her hands. One palm had a similar sore patch running along one side. “A couple of close calls, but I think I saved it.” She collected the dried wax from Sunset, dropped it on the shelf, then crawled onto the bed beside her. “That's your fault, though.”

Sunset followed Adagio's gesture – the central headboard's bar was visibly bent. “Eh, okay.”

She grabbed Adagio's waist and pulled her in to cuddle.





> The sort of things you talk about after sex
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

They lay together for a while, not speaking. Sunset, now in her pyjamas, rested her head against Adagio's chest, listening to her heartbeat, arms around her, stroking the bare skin of her back.

She considered saying “I love you”, but unsure if it was appropriate, decided not to.

“Adagio?”

“Hrm?”

“Just wanted to make sure you were still awake.”

Adagio squeezed her shoulder. “Just about.” Gently disentangling herself from Sunset she sat up and stretched, then stood and walked over to the window. There she was silent again, looking out onto the street with a slight crease to her brow.

“What're you thinking?” asked Sunset.

“Nothing.” Adagio shook her head. “Nothing important.” She looked round at Sunset and gave her a not-quite-convincing smile.

Something on Sunset's desk caught her attention, and she walked over to investigate. “What's this? A diary?” She flipped open a book and started leafing through the pages before Sunset could respond.

“Commonplace book. I like to write stuff down so I don't forget what I learned back in Equestria.” said Sunset. “Look through it if you want,” she added lamely.

After a moment, Adagio slowed down and was evidently reading the contents. “I like the little pictures …” she said quietly.

Sunset smiled.

“'Sirens'! Well …” Adagio turned a page. “Hah, it's us.” She frowned, then held up the page to Sunset. “No way am I that wide.”

“Yeah, but I gave you bigger tits to make up for it. Look, you even have cleavage in the picture.”

Adagio glanced at the picture, then cupped one breast in her hand. With an overdramatic pout she picked up a pen that had been beside the book on the desk and threw it at Sunset. “You are cruel, Sunset Shimmer.”

Sunset nodded, grinned, and got a wolfish smile in return.

After scanning the pages, Adagio looked up. “What's the squiggly T thing?”

“Tau nought. Thaumic permittivity.”

“Oh, right. Well, that makes things much clearer.” Adagio walked back, handed Sunset the book, and lay beside her. “Explain it to me. I'm not big on maths.”

“You're really interested?”

“You've got a picture of me in there. How could I not be?”

Sunset put an arm around Adagio and pulled her closer. Looking at the scattered equations and jargon-laden notes, she tried to remember what she'd been trying to express. “Right,” she began. “You know how you found it harder to use your magic here?”

“The energy in this world isn't the same as in Equestria,” muttered Adagio.

“Yeah, sort of. And that's all because the thaumic permittivity in this world is much higher. In other words, for a given amount of magical energy, it's harder to get an effect in this world than it would be in Equestria.” She turned to Adagio. “Does that make sense?”

Adagio nodded. “Go on.”

“I had an estimate for tau-nought before. I had to take in into account back when I … y'know.”

“Did mind-control on the whole school?”

“Yeah.”

Adagio smirked. “I'm sorry I missed that.”

Sunset sighed. “Anyway, after you'd done mind-control on the whole school, I came up with this: The Siren Equation. You were stuck because the amount of energy you used to stir up negativity was exactly the same amount of energy you could extract from that negativity, so you could never build up reserves. So using that equation, and with some research on the remains of your gems, I was able to get a clear value for tau-nought.” She smiled sheepishly. “Turns out my original estimate was pretty close.”

“Hm,” said Adagio.

“Hm?”

Adagio nuzzled her cheek. “Clever little pony,” she said softly. 

“It's nothing, really.”

“Too modest, though,” said Adagio, taking the book from her and flipping though the pages again. “So is there anything in here about how to get my powers back?”

Sunset shook her head. “Nothing.” 

“And you wouldn't tell me if there were …”

“No,” said Sunset. “Adagio –”

“It's fine,” said Adagio. She snapped the book shut and dropped it beside them on the bed. “I know we're not on the same side. And I'm pleased you're not lying to me about it.”

A brief, unsure silence ensued.

“What happened when you came here?”

“What?”

“Back in the park, you said you came through as sirens. But you're human now. What happened?”

Adagio nodded. “We came through as sirens, but we were bound to humans. Part of the spell that old pony used. Three children, each born with a gem in their mouth, on the same day in the same village. Became something of a local legend. Understand, I say we were bound to humans. That doesn't mean we were humans. They were independent, with their own minds and wills. We were just along for the ride – we retained our original forms, but we had to stay close to our hosts. Nobody could see us. Nobody could hear us sing. We could talk to each other, but that was all.” Adagio paused, and Sunset felt her take a deep breath. “I suppose the idea was to have us live and die as mortals.”

“But it didn't work?”

“Nope. Our hosts died, but we kept going. We ended up bound to their remains instead, which was as fun as it sounds. But here's the good part: Sonata came up with a way to free us.”

“Sonata?” 

“She's smarter than she seems …” Adagio paused. “Actually, no, she isn't. Except when it comes to magic. Anyway, she came up with a spell that used the binding to create new human bodies for us. Immortal ones, after our own image, that could channel our magic. Our gems had been sitting in some old charlatan's collection, all the while quietly picking up a lifetime's worth of negativity. Just enough to power Sonata's spell.”

Adagio lay back and chewed her lip. “Aria and I … we owe a lot to Sonata. I …”

Sunset took her hand, waiting for more.

Adagio shook her head. “Forget it. It doesn't matter.” She stretched and sat up again. “Have you got any plans for the rest of night?”

“No …”

“Wanna watch a film?”

Sunset closed her eyes. Give her time. She's just not ready. “Okay,” she said. “Nothing mushy right?”

“Definitely not,” said Adagio with a smile.
> Aquaria and the nature of evil
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Saturday, Sunset Shimmer went with Adagio to the aquarium.

It was the first time, she reflected as she walked down the road, that Adagio had really invited her anywhere. A sign that the walls were coming down, perhaps?

“Have you been here before?” she asked.

“A couple of times. Not since I …” Adagio's hand went up to play with the pewter ornament on her necklace. “ … became human.”

Sunset took her hand and interlaced their fingers. Adagio gave a little squeeze in response.

They continued in silence until a few minutes later they came upon the aquarium – a large building, three stories high, with its name stamped in ocean-blue letters against a facade of metallic panels.

“Have you?” said Adagio as they stood in line.

Sunset looked at her.

“Been here before?”

“No. I always kind of meant to, but I just never get round to it.”

Adagio smiled at her. “Too busy climbing the social ladder?” Before Sunset could respond, she leaned in and kissed her, then looked up at the facade. “I guess now we have no plans for world domination, we can relax and just … enjoy ourselves.”

Inside, the path from tank to tank spiralled up through the building. A few other couples milled about past the ticket office, but they were outnumbered by children, gleeful and entranced, accompanied by sometimes harried but mostly cheerful parents.

Adagio moved slowly, taking care to look through each pane of glass. She was silent, hands clasped behind her back; her expression was steady, almost haughty, but Sunset, who was paying as much attention to her as the fish, saw her eyes alive with motion and taking in everything she could.

Halfway through the first loop, when Sunset was reading one of the little text boxes about the habits of moray eels, Adagio grasped her shoulder. “Pathetic,” she said.

Sunset looked at her. “What?”

Adagio gestured at the text. “There's so much more you could say about these creatures. To be so simplistic …” She grimaced. “Like I said, pathetic.”

Sunset looked back at the morays. “Tell me.”

Beside her, she heard Adagio breath deeply. “Okay,” she said, and began. The contempt vanished from her voice, and though she kept a steady tone, Sunset thought she could hear shades of eagerness creeping in as she continued.

When she had finished her talk, she glanced back at Sunset, who gave her an encouraging smile. Then she moved two tanks along, beckoning Sunset to follow, and told her about its inhabitants. 

As they progressed, Adagio began to pick up an audience of the more free-range children. Just one or two to begin with, some of whom left, but more gravitated towards her. A young boy dragged his mother by the hand to see; both stayed to listen. 

Sunset hung back a way to give the audience room, just as interested in Adagio as the fish themselves. Adagio shed the last of her haughtiness and became ever more animated and passionate, gesturing to illustrate her points.

Of course! Sunset felt foolish for not realising sooner: It was a performance. Even without her magic, even without singing, Adagio knew how to hold her audience rapt. And even without her magic, she fed off being the centre of attention.

When they were almost at the top of the building, nearing the end, there came an announcement over the tannoy. A feeding was about to begin, some way back. Adagio's followers remained until she had finished her current fact, then dispersed. A few remained, but they too left before she had finished the next talk.

Adagio looked around where her audience had been. A little growl sounded in her throat, and she went back to looking at the fish.

Sunset walked over to her and took her arm.

“That's never happened before.” Adagio stroked the back of Sunset's hand. “Still, I guess there are some things I can't compete with.”

Sunset put her arm around Adagio and held her close. “I'm still here.” 

“You are.” 

They continued forward. The pathway terminated with a pair of elevator doors.

“Is this the end?” asked Sunset.

“Not yet. We still have to see the sharks, down in the basement.” Adagio smiled faintly. “My favourite.” She took Sunset's hand and led her forward.

They took the elevator down and emerged at the start of the shark tunnel.

Sunset didn't bother looking at the information cards. She just led Adagio point out the creatures as they passed beside, or overhead:

“These lot are yellow tangs. Look, there – an eagle ray. They're related to sharks. They both lack bony skeletons.” Adagio took her arm and pointed upwards at the shape gliding above. “There's the main attraction. A Blacktip Reef shark.” She fell silent as the shark passed them, moved onwards and out of sight, was replaced by another which swam up to the side of tunnel and alongside it before turning away.

They walked forwards.

“There are so many things I could tell you about sharks,” Adagio said. “Their sense of smell … you've heard how powerful it is, right?”

Sunset nodded.

“Well, what I find more interesting is another sense.” Adagio pointed at a passing snarks nose. “Look closely. You see all those pits?”

“I … think so.” Sunset squinted.

“They're called ampullae of Lorenzini. Sharks use them to sense electrical fields in the water.” Her predatory smile was creeping back. “And electrical fields are given off by muscle contractions. Imagine that. Their prey can hide in the sand. Hard to smell. Impossible to see. But the moment it moves, it lights up. No way it can hide it.” She touched her fingers to the glass, looking at a shark beyond. “It sort of … glows, but that's not the right word.”

Sunset touched her arm. “You could … ?”

“Yeah. Not to hunt; we didn't need to eat. But we could still sense it. The ocean shining with life.” Adagio stepped back from the glass and leaned into Sunset. “I can barely remember it.”

“Did you go in the ocean a lot?”

“We lived in the ocean. Yeah, we could fly. But humans can swim. Does that make them any less creatures of the land?” She fell silent to watch a ray pass above them, then continued: “I tried, you know. I went out into the water, swam for as long as I could, but it wasn't the same. I had to come up to breathe. I couldn't hear properly. Even the water felt wrong. Sticky and slimy instead of smooth. The sea hadn't changed; I had.”

“Oh, Adagio.”

Sunset made to hug her, but Adagio pulled away.

“It was a long time ago,” she said. “No use worrying about it now.” She looked around the tunnel. “I think it's time to leave.”

Sunset hung back and clenched her fists as Adagio strode away. Sometimes it seemed like she was making progress, and then … this. She wanted to say something, but what was there that wouldn't just push Adagio away?

She trailed behind, out the tunnel and through the crowds milling about the gift shop to find Adagio waiting for her. They entered a second elevator to take them up to the surface.

Outside, a harried woman rushed towards them, beset by a double pushchair, half a dozen gift shop trinket, and accompanied by two older children. Sunset moved to the side to make way for them. Adagio gave the woman a wave of acknowledgement and pressed the button to hold the doors open.

The doors closed.

Looking again, Sunset saw Adagio's finger wasn't on the Open Door button, it was on Close.

The elevator took them back to the ground floor. As they were leaving the building, she grabbed Adagio's shoulder to halt her and asked, “Why did you do that?”

“Do what?”

“Close the doors on that woman?”

Adagio shrugged. “I felt like it.”

She began to walk forward again. And again, Sunset stopped.

“Is that it? Is that all you have to say?”

“What do you want me to say? I've been perfectly clear about this: I'm not on your side. I'm not reformed.”

“Yeah,” said Sunset. “Adagio Dazzle, the noble predator, sating her lust for power by closing the elevator doors on people. Real villainous. Real magnificent.”

Adagio glared at her, lips pulled back in a silent snarl. When she spoke, it was in a measured, even tone: “Let me tell you about the nature of evil, since you seem to have forgotten. You've seen the sorts of villains they have here. They're not all that different from those back in Equestria. Tyrants. People, ponies, sirens, spirits, whatever. In the end they all want the same thing: Power.”

Sunset responded with a brief laugh. “Is that what you've got to say? 'It's not about evil; it's about power'? Even here, that's a cliché!”

“No” said Adagio. “Evil is just what they call the desire for power when you're not holding back. And what is desire for power, hm? Just the desire to impose your will on the world. The need to do something just because you can. Mind-controlling the entire world or pushing the elevator buttons – it's just the same thing on a different scale.

“That's the true nature of evil and power, Sunset Shimmer. It's always petty.” 

Something caught in Sunset's throat. She tried to suppress it while she looked Adagio up and down. “Then why?” she asked. “Why do you concern yourself with something so petty?”

“Because it's everywhere,” Adagio said softly. “Why do you think it was so easy for us – either of us – to shatter Canterlot High's supposedly wonderful harmony? We never had to create negativity. It was already there, hidden in the desire for power. We just brought it to the surface.” She shrugged. “Everyone wants to impose their will on others. It's just that you and I are better at it … were better at it, anyway.”

With her last admission, Adagio's tone and poise faltered. Sunset felt herself torn between the desire to use the opportunity to tear her down and win the argument, and the desire to hug her.

She did neither. The two girls stood facing one another outside the aquarium, inches apart. The silence drew out.

“What about me?” Sunset asked.

Adagio inclined her head.

“Your desire for power, however petty. Does that include power over me?”

“I can already tell you what to do. That's how we got together, remember?”

“Only because I let you.”

A grin crept back across Adagio's face. “And there she is, exercising her power. See? You might be a nice little friend in public, but underneath it all.”

“That's it, isn't it? You want me to take control, don't you? You want to see Bad Sunset Shimmer.”

Adagio's smile widened. 

Sunset grabbed her arms, fingertips digging into the bare skin. “Well, then,” she said, “I have an idea …”














> Switch
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Yes,” said Adagio. “I'm sure I want to do this.”

Sunset examined her face for any sign of worry. Nothing. “Okay. I just wanted to be certain I'm not pressuring you into anything.”

Adagio rolled her eyes, then took her cup and finished the last of her coffee. “Let's get going,” she said.

As always, sweeping confidence and casual command. What would she be like as a sub? Sunset wondered as they left the cafe. It was likely Adagio didn't know either – she had just admitted moments ago that she'd never been in that position before. Sunset could remember the first time she'd tried it out with an old girlfriend back in Equestria, and how nervous she'd been. Adagio didn't seem nervous at all.

Sunset trailed a step behind Adagio to get a full look at her body as she walked, and tried to imagine her – on her hands and knees, naked save for a collar, ready to cry out in pain. A twinge of pleasure came between Sunset's legs.

“Same rules we agreed to the first time?” asked Adagio.

Sunset broke from her reverie. “Yeah. Same safeword too.”

Adagio nodded.

“I want to do it in your room,” said Sunset.

“Why?”

“I haven't been in your room yet. Besides, it feels nicely symmetrical. Unless you're worried about Aria and Sonata overhearing us … ?”

“No,” said Adagio. “They're out of time, unless Aria's in one of her moods.” She frowned briefly. “Okay. My room, Friday then?”

“Sounds like a plan.”










On Friday evening, Sunset Shimmer took a taxi up to Skewbald Heights. Standing outside the Dazzlings' house, an unassuming semi-detached, she paused and shivered, less from cold than anticipation. In her hand she clutched the same bag Adagio had brought to her room a month ago. But this time Sunset had chosen its contents, and it was Adagio's chance to be surprised.

She rang the bell and waited. Motion inside; footsteps becoming clearer. Her throat felt tight, and she shivered again.

The door opened to reveal Adagio, who was wearing a dark blue shirt and the same purple leggings she'd had on when she first came to Canterlot High. She grinned at Sunset and pulled her in for a kiss.

She led Sunset down a small hallway to the back of the house. Sunset admired her form as she walked, the curves of her thighs, hips and ass clearly visible through the tight leggings.

Adagio's room was larger than Sunset's, with a double bed and a large wardrobe. The carpet, the wallpaper, the perfectly-made bed all came in elegant shades of brown and carmine, and the surfaces were decorated with ornaments. A faint hint of some rich, lulling perfume hung in the air. As she put her bag down in the corner, Sunset wondered how pathetic her room must have seemed to Adagio on their first meeting, but she put it out of her head.

“Aria and Sonata are out. They should be gone for a few hours,” said Adagio. Her fingers played against the back of a chair beside the bed. “I've started talking to them again, you know. They …”

Sunset smiled at her. “I'm glad.”

Adagio shrugged. “Would you like a drink?”

“Are you stalling?”

Adagio's eyes widened. “Of course not,” she said, recovering her composure almost immediately. 

Sunset grabbed her shoulders and looked into her eyes. “Then let's begin.”

“Yes, mistress.” Despite her words, there was nothing in Adagio's expression or body language that seemed the slightest bit submissive.

“Stand up straighter. Eyes forward.” 

Adagio did so. Sunset slowly circled her. She was aware of how lacklustre that first order sounded, and when she was out of sight behind Adagio, she grimaced and clenched her fists.

Get it together, Sunset, she thought. You can do this. You just need to let that side of yourself out.

She walked around Adagio a second time, trailing her fingers over Adagio's body. Inside she shivered. For as long as she'd been going out with Adagio, she'd only really seen her naked once, and that was the first time they'd been together. This would be different; this time she was in control. The thought energised her, and as she finished her second circle, she pulled her hand away and brought it down with a forceful slap on Adagio's outer thigh.

Aside from a small wince and sharp intake of breath, Adagio gave no response.

Sunset stopped in front of her. “Open your mouth,” she ordered. 

Adagio did so, and with a thumb under her chin, Sunset slid two fingers inside, running them over her tongue, her lips, the roof of mouth. Her teeth were perfectly formed, apart from the canines, which were a little more pronounced and sharper than normal.

Seeing Adagio respond to her orders, even for a small thing like that, sent a thrill up Sunset's spine. She told Adagio to stay put, then retrieved the first two items from her bag: A spiked collar and a lead to go with it. She gently fitted the collar around Adagio's neck, and looped the lead around her skirt for when she needed it.

And that was it. She felt properly, truly in control. Adagio still had that insouciant, almost smug expression, but only because she didn't know what was coming.

Sunset ran her hands over the front of Adagio's shirt, feeling her tummy and breasts through the fabric. “Unbutton it,” she said softly.

“Yes, mistress.” Adagio's hands went to the top button, opened it, went to the second button – 

“Not quick enough!” And Sunset stepped forward, brushed Adagio's hands aside, and tore open her shirt. Buttons flew onto the floor. Adagio froze, looking bewildered. Revelling in her surprise, Sunset tore open her bra, snapping the clasp. 

No time to stop and let Adagio get her bearings: “On your knees, now!” Sunset pinched an exposed nipple and pulled downwards. Adagio yelped in pain – the first time Sunset had ever heard her do so – and fell gracelessly to her knees.

“What are you –” began Adagio, glaring up at her.

Sunset slapped her hard across the face. “Don't speak unless spoken to. Understand?”

Adagio's throat bobbed.

Sunset slapped her again. “Too slow. Understand?”

“Yes! Yes, mistress,” Adagio choked out.

Sunset bent down to look Adagio in the face, and gave what she knew was a vicious grin. “What, did you think I would be all nice and sweet? I thought you'd heard all about me …”

She took Adagio's shoulder and pushed her down further, then back until she was lying flat on the ground.

Adagio lay there, still looking bewildered at the rough treatment. A huge mass of auburn hair splayed out underneath her. Her ruined shirt hung open, her exposed breasts flattened again her chest and the toned muscles of her stomach moving with her heavy breathing.

Sunset stood astride her and looked down at her. “Open your legs.”

Sunset kneeled and put her hand on the exposed crotch of Adagio's leggings, feeling the warmth through her palm. Moving her hand a little bit, she could feel the outlines of Adagio's pussy beneath. She gave it a light slap, and when this elicited on a short gasp, a second, harder slap. Adagio squeaked in pain. Much more satisfying, especially when Adagio's face began to redden at having made so undignified a noise.

Sunset hiked her skirt up and moved forward so she was straddling Adagio, and ran her hands over Adagio's breasts. “Barely a handful,” she commented. “No wonder you needed magic to entrance people when you're this small.”

Adagio glared again, but kept her mouth closed.

Sunset leant forward and began to kiss Adagio's neck. Adagio moaned, her hands sliding up Sunset's thighs.

“I've only seen you come once,” said Sunset between kisses. “You're going to make that up to me. You're going to come as much as I want. Say it.”

“I … uh …”

Sunset pinched her nipple again. “Faster!”

“I'm going to come as much as you want,” said Adagio.

“Because your body belongs to me.”

“Because my body …” Adagio paused to gasp as Sunset took her right nipple in her mouth. “ … my body belongs to you.”

Sunset moved forward again and stroked Adagio's hair. She took one of the ginger curls and looped it around her finger, playing with it. She made a motion as though she was going to pull – Adagio winced – but went back to playing instead. Adagio's breath was shallow; clearly she was expecting an actual pull.

Which meant she didn't notice Sunset's other hand coming down between her legs to slap her pussy again. She gasped. Then with Adagio off-guard, Sunset pulled the strand of hair as hard as she could.

She went back to playing with Adagio's hair, while her other hand, behind her, slipped under Adagio's leggings and panties.

Sunset closed her eyes just for a moment so she could concentrate on the sensation of the mound beneath her hand: The strip of hair brushing against the base of her thumb, the soft lips beneath her fingers, the warmth and wetness between them. 

She moaned simultaneously with Adagio. She sought Adagio's clit, finding it quickly, a little nub against the pad of her index finger, and began to play with it. Adagio moaned again, her fingers digging into Sunset's thighs and her body writhing between Sunset's legs.

Sunset shifted her attention and slid two fingers inside Adagio. The first time she'd done so, she realised. Adagio was tight – tighter than Sunset had expected. 

She pulled her fingers out of Adagio. They were slick with fluid. She grinned and offered them to Adagio.

Just before Adagio could take Sunset's fingers in her mouth, Sunset had an idea. She pulled back. “Wait.” She put her other hand between her legs, pushed her panties aside, and put two fingers inside her own wet pussy. 

She leant forward, offering her first the fingers covered in her juices, which Adagio dutifully licked clean, then the fingers with Adagio's own. And then she kissed her, tasting them two of them mixed together.

Adagio murmured into the kiss; She still had her eyes closed when Sunset pulled away, and a trickle of some mixed fluid lay across her lower lip and chin. 

Sunset brushed Adagio's hands from her legs, then moved from astride her, sitting to Adagio's right.  “Take yourself,” she ordered, putting Adagio's hand between her own legs.

Adagio looked up at her. “Yes, mistress,” she said, and put her hand under her leggings. Sunset could see the motion as she began to work at her own pussy. Soon she started to wriggle, arching her back.

Sunset sat back and watched the waves of ecstasy cross Adagio's face as she masturbated. She was almost silent, but her breathing became deeper and more ragged, and soon she raised a hand to her small breasts and began playing both her nipples.

Sunset grabbed Adagio's legs and pulled them up, right above her head, so her hips were lifted into the air and only her back was on the ground. With one arm holding Adagio's legs up in that position, she brought her hand down as hard as she could on Adagio's ass. Even through the leggings, the sound of the slap echoed through the room.

Adagio gasped and froze.

“Keep going,” Sunset ordered. She slapped a second time.

Adagio winced, but beneath her leggings her hand resumed its motion.

Sunset brought her hand down again. And again. Each time Adagio briefly froze up, and each time she kept going. 

After a few more slaps, Sunset could tell Adagio was close: Her brow creased, her eyes closed, little cries escaping her when she wasn't biting her bottom lip.

Sunset gave her ass one last whack, then released her legs, letting her hips drop inelegantly to the floor.

“Stop!” said Sunset.

No response.

She grabbed Adagio's wrist and forced her hand away. Adagio glared up at her. “But … I …” she choked out.

Sunset slapped her across the face. Not too hard, but enough to bring her to attention. Her face inches from Adagio's, she dug her fingers into her wrist. “I. Said. Stop,” she snarled.

Eyes wide, Adagio nodded. “Yes, mistress,” she said quietly, her voice and her body still trembling from being so close to orgasm. 

Sunset moved back and patted her on the head. “Now sit up,” she said, and grabbed a tangle of Adagio's curls and pulling them to guide her. “It's time for a walk.”

Adagio scrambled into a sitting position. Her chest heaved.

Sunset took the lead from around her waist and hooked it onto Adagio's collar. She stood and started to walk across the room. After a quick tug, Adagio followed on her hands and knees. 

After taking her across the room and back again at a speed just a little too fast for comfort, Sunset turned to look at Adagio. That smug expression was long gone. In fact, she had a look on her face that Sunset had only seen once before – just after her defeat at the Battle of the Bands.

Defeat, she thought. The idea gratified her; Adagio was hers! Her conscience twinged in sympathy. But, she reminded herself, Adagio knew the safeword, and she hadn't used it. 

She led Adagio over to the bed. “Climb up.” Adagio did so, still on hands and knees.

Sunset noticed she rubbing her legs together, trying to relieve the need inside her. “Stop that,” she ordered, giving Adagio a quick swat on the thigh. “Good girl.”

She stepped back to admire Adagio's form through the leggings. The shirt was in the way, though, dangling shapeless about her body. Sunset unclipped the lead and pulled the shirt up, and with it the bra, giving Adagio a moment to let each arm out. That done, she threw it into a corner.

She traced her fingers over the defined muscles on Adagio's back, then underneath to her breasts, tugging her nipples. Adagio made a little noise deep in her throat, and moved her hips back and forth. Like she was getting fucked from behind, Sunset realised with a smile.

“Do you want to come?” she said, resting her hand between Adagio's legs.

“Yes, mistress.”

“Too bad.” Sunset moved her hand away, then brought back down – another whack against Adagio's rear. A second time. A third. She got into a steady rhythm of spanking her, occasionally stopping and caressing her pussy to keep her warmed up.

After fifteen of so, Sunset took hold of her leggings and tugged them down to reveal her plain white panties. It might've looked innocent, but the gusset was so soaked that her pussy was clearly visible beneath. Adagio's own juices ran down her inner thigh, and the air was thick with her scent.

Sunset continued to spank. Another ten before she pulled down Adagio's panties. For a brief second she caressed Adagio's reddening ass, then went to work again.

“Okay,” she said at last. “Do you still want to come?”

Nothing in response but a little squeak.

Sunset dug her fingers into Adagio's thigh. “I said …”

“Yes, mistress. Please, mistress.”

“Good. Roll over onto your back.”

Adagio did so, wincing as she rested her weight on her ass.

Sunset pulled the bunched leggings and panties off, leaving Adagio at last naked. She rested her hand between Adagio's legs. “Who does your body belong to?”

“You, mistress.”

Sunset slid her index finger inside, eliciting a gasp. “And who gets to decide if you can come?”

“You do, mistress.”

Sunset added her middle finger. In response, Adagio let out a rare moan. 

“Beg me.”

“uh Please, m … mistress. I … beg you.”

Sunset pulled her fingers out and went back in with a third finger added. Adagio's tight pussy stretched to accommodate them. She could see Adagio's brow creased with pain.

And again: Four fingers, pushed in the way to the knuckle. Adagio was panting, her hands clenched. Sunset brushed her clit with a thumb, and Adagio twitched and gasped. Her pussy tensed around Sunset's fingers.

“What do you reckon?” asked Sunset. “Think I can get my thumb in there too?”

She was about to try when Adagio grabbed at her other wrist. “Sunset …” she gasped, shaking her head. From her expression, she clearly didn't want to try.

For the briefest moment Sunset thought about going ahead anyway. Then, looking at Adagio's face, compassion won out. She squeezed Adagio's hand to reassure her, then pulled her fingers out. They ached from the released pressure, and a thick layer of Adagio's juices coated the skin.

Adagio gasped and let her head roll back against the bed. Her body was still quivering. Sunset's hand returned to her pussy – this time just to play with her clit. Her back arched, and her hands grasped in a frenzy at the bedsheets, then at her voluminous curls. 

Moments later she came with a stifled cry, a small fountain erupting briefly between her legs and soaking Sunset's hand even further. 

Sunset watched her lying in a post-orgasmic haze as her breathing slowly returned to normal and her tensed muscles relaxed. When Sunset raised her hand, she lapped at the fluids covering it. After a moment Sunset pulled her hand away, and smeared the rest across her cheeks and jaw.

Kneeling beside the bed, Sunset leant and kissed her, feeling the stickiness against her own lips. Eyes still closed, Adagio smiled and stroked Sunset's arm.

“Okay, enough relaxing.” Sunset hooked the lead to Adagio's collar and pulled her forward. “On the floor. Now.” 

Adagio rolled off the bed and scrambled after Sunset, who led her over to the bag. She retrieved from her bag a small vibrator – and the remote control to go with it. “Roll over. On your back,” she ordered, pushing Adagio's bare hip with the tip of her boot. “And open your legs.”

When Adagio had done so, Sunset slid the vibrator into place. It went only a little way inside, but fit snugly in place, with an extension pressing against her clit.

Sunset switched on the remote control and gave it a push to test. She was rewarded with a satisfactory buzz – and a gasp from Adagio.

She tugged the lead. “Come along.” Deciding the room wasn't large enough, she took Adagio to the door and pulled it open. “Give me the tour. Let's hope you're right about Aria and Sonata being out for a few hours.”

There was a pull at the lead as Adagio paused. Sunset looked down at her. “Maybe I should just tie you up and leave you out there for when they get back. Would you like that?”

“No, mistress.”

Sunset grinned at her, then turned and, giving the lead a good pull, walked out into the hall. She took Adagio around her own house, naked and on her hands and knees. Eventually, she headed to the living room and settled on the sofa. She sat back and instructed Adagio to crawl in front of her so she could rest her boots on the naked girl's back. She gave the remote control a press and enjoyed the sensation of Adagio faltering.

For a while Sunset just sat there, playing with the remote, listening to Adagio's breathing, and snapping at her if she moved too much.

“I could get used to this,” Sunset said, and leaned forward to swat Adagio's ass. “But there's still something I want to do.” She stood and stretched. “Stay there. Even if you hear your friends come through the door, do you hear me?”

“Yes, mistress.”

Sunset smiled to herself as she left the room. 

Just before she entered Adagio's room, Sunset pressed the remote. A soft but audible gasp came down the hall. Holding the button down, she grabbed her next item – a thin, silver dildo. On the way back, she stopped by the bathroom and took a towel for good measure. 

Thumb still on the remote, she tiptoed back into he living room. Adagio, facing away from the door, couldn't see her. She was rubbing her thighs together and moving back and forth, again as if she were being fucked. As Sunset watched, she moved one hand from the floor and put it between her legs.

Sunset released the button and strode into the room. “Did I say you could touch yourself? Did I!?”

Adagio's head snapped round to look at her. Her hand dropped to the floor immediately. “No, mistress.”

Sunset dropped what she was carrying behind Adagio, then brought her hand down on Adagio's ass as hard as she could. A second and third time on each thigh. And finally, more gently, between her legs. 

“Well?”

“Well what … mistress?”

Sunset slapped her pussy again, harder this time. “Aren't you going to apologise?”

Adagio tensed. “S … sorry, mistress. For touching myself.”

Sunset patted her head. “Good girl.” She sat cross legged behind Adagio, then cupped her pussy. The pressure of the vibrator, surrounded by the soft, slick flesh of her slit pushed against Sunset's palm. She pressed the button; buzzing against her hand. A pause, then another press, and Sunset began to move her hand slowly back and forth; Adagio's breath quivered.

Once she was sure Adagio was lost in bliss, unaware of the world, Sunset released the button, then picked up the silver dildo and slid it between her hand and Adagio's pussy. A couple of turns ensured it came back shining with lubrication.

She pushed the button once more, so Adagio would notice nothing amiss.

And in once smooth motion she placed the dildo against Adagio's anus and pushed. A moment of resistance, then the dildo entered her ass, and almost immediately was buried deep within her.

Adagio's body tensed. Her eyes shot open. Her fingers dug into the carpet, knuckles white. At first she made no sound – her mouth working, but her system too shocked to respond.

“Fuck,” she choked out eventually. “What …?”

Sunset gave the dildo a little twist. This time Adagio did yelp. She slumped forward, head resting against the couch, and shivered.

“Hypocrite.” Sunset couldn't help the broad grin spreading across her face. “I did say the same rules as last time, didn't I?”

Adagio, head still against the couch, nodded as best she could. “Yes, mistress.”

“Give me your hand.”

After shifting a little to remain stable, Adagio took her right hand from the floor and offered it to Sunset behind her. Sunset placed Adagio's grasp on the base of the dildo and wrapped her fingers around it.

“Steady?”

“Yes mistress.”

Her own hand around Adagio's, Sunset pulled the dildo back a few inches, then pushed it back inside. “There,” she said. “That's how you can touch yourself. Keep going.” She let go of Adagio's hand.

Hand trembling and body still tense, Adagio began to tentatively fuck herself with the dildo. After a few strokes she began to moan quietly.

Sunset stood and grasping Adagio's hair, pulled her back a little to free up space on the couch. She lay the towel across the seat and, after hiking up her skirt, sat with her legs spread in front of Adagio.

At first, Adagio didn't seem to notice. Her eyes were closed, and her jaw was trembling. Sunset gave the button on her remote a quick push, at the same time saying sharply, “Pay attention!”

Adagio's eyes snapped open. The motion of the dildo slowed  as her gaze followed Sunset's thigh's to her crotch. She looked up at Sunset.

Sunset ran a finger across her damp panties, shivering as she did so. “Well?”

Adagio's throat bobbed. She moved forward towards Sunset, crawling awkwardly with just one hand to spare. 

Sunset gave the remote another push, and Adagio gasped, nearly falling over. But she steadied herself just in time, and continued forward.

Sunset moved her gusset aside, exposing her glistening slit, and Adagio brought her mouth upon it.

A surge of pleasure ran through her body as Adagio's tongue touched her. A series of light kisses by her thighs followed, each with its own spark, building up to a crescendo of joy. She gasped and slumped back against the couch.

Adagio's attention moved to her clit, and her thoughts became hazy. More out of instinct, Sunset grasped the remote and pressed the button. She felt, rather than heard, Adagio panting, warm breath against her pussy.

Sunset recovered her wits enough to check Adagio was still fucking herself in the ass – she was, now faster and more forcefully, and rolling her hips as she did so. The sight brought another wave of pleasure, which doubled a second later as Adagio's tongue penetrated her. 

She grabbed auburn curls and tugged, pulling Adagio towards her pussy, and cried out.

Immediately after, Adagio's attentions increased. And again. Sunset tried to pick up the remote, but it toppled from her grasp as she came.

When the waves of pleasure finally subsided, she grabbed Adagio's hair and pulled her away. Sunset shivered, then shuffled back and straightened her skirt.

Adagio was still working away at herself with the dildo – she was close now, eyes closed, biting her lower lip. Every now and then she would release a little gasp or moan, or the arm she was supporting herself with would twitch, and she'd have to rebalance herself. Her face was thick with Sunset's and her own juices.

After finding the remote, Sunset pressed the button and held it down. Adagio murmured to herself.

Sunset climbed off the couch, sat beside Adagio, and ran her index and middle fingers over her inner thigh. She brought them back and popped them in her mouth, savouring the taste. Then she slipped them into Adagio's pussy, with her other two fingers resting gently against Adagio's labia and the thumb across her perineum, its tip brushing the surface of the dildo as it moved in and out.

With her free hand she pressed the remote; the vibrator buzzed against her fingers. Adagio's breathing became more ragged, and the motion of the dildo more irregular

Seconds later, Sunset felt Adagio's pussy clench around her finger. For a moment she froze, coming in silence. Fresh fluids ran down Sunset's palm, past her wrist. She grabbed the towel from the couch and dropped it between Adagio's knees.

Sunset curled her fingers inside Adagio. This earned her a gasp which turned into a moan, and Adagio began to fuck herself with the dildo once more. Sunset aided her with the vibrator.

Adagio came again, and a third time almost immediately.

Sunset stepped up her efforts, working her fingers in and out beside the vibrator, sliding the tip of her thumb inside Adagio's ass. When she wasn't pressing the remote, she ran a hand over Adagio's sweat-slick back, her sides, her tummy, her breasts.

Adagio came a fourth time, cursing as she did so. Juices ran freely from her pussy. The arm she was supporting herself with gave way and she sunk to the floor. She released the dildo, leaving it buried in her ass. Her hands, now free, clenched and unclenched and her words devolved into soft murmurs. 

After extracting her fingers from inside Adagio, Sunset leant over and kissed her hip. “We're done,” she said. The only response was a a small, muffled noise. She took the toys out of Adagio – earning another noise – and went to wash them.









Only once she had finished did Sunset notice she was shaking. She stared at her quivering hands as she ran them under the cold tap, well past the point of cleanliness until they were almost numb.

There's something in you, she thought. Something unpleasant. No … you've always known it was there.

But bringing it to the surface, revelling in it …

Had Adagio been right? If not in general then for Sunset, at least?

She shook her head and splashed water on her face. There would be time to worry about that later.

Once she'd dropped the toys in her bag, she returned to the living room to find Adagio still lying naked in front of the couch, the towel bunched up beside her. When she saw Sunset coming over to her, she looked up and gave a small smile.

“Comfortable?” 

“Mhm.” Adagio wriggled a bit. “Feel like I could stay here all night.”

“Even when your friends come back?”

A shrug and a noncommittal noise.

“Come on,” said Sunset. She offered a hand to Adagio, who took it and slowly climbed to her feet. An idea came to Sunset. “Here. I'll carry you.”

Adagio looked at her for a moment, then nodded.

She was surprisingly light, Sunset thought, as she carried her out of the room. Her hands supported Adagio's rump, with Adagio's legs wrapped around her torso. She would've peered over Adagio's shoulder, but masses of curls obscured most of her vision. Somehow they made it. Sunset lay Adagio down on her bed, and dumped the towel – which had been draped over her shoulder – on the floor.

“That was fun,” whispered Adagio, stretching on the bed.

Sunset leant over and kissed her. “Just one more thing.” She swept into the bathroom, came back with a damp flannel and dabbed Adagio's face clear of stickiness.

Adagio, who was clearly still in something of a daze, lay back with her eyes closed and smiled. When Sunset got up to wash the flannel, she grabbed her wrist. “Leave it,” she said, eyes still closed. “Hold me.”

Sunset smiled to herself and dropped the flannel.

From down the hall came a noise at the front door.

Sunset slipped from Adagio's grasp and padded over to shut the door to the room, then returned to the bed and wrapped her arms around Adagio. Amid clunks, she could hear animated voices punctuated by laughter: Aria and Sonata. 

Then, silence save a small thump.

Adagio smiled to herself. “Perfect timing,” she said, as her hand sought out Sunset's and their fingers intertwined.

From outside, Aria's voice: “Stop slobbering on me, you fool!”

Then, the sound of Sonata giggling, followed by the clatters of running footsteps up the hallway. “Gotcha!”

“Gerroff! You'r ruining my …”

The exchange devolved into both of them laughing, then fell into silence again.

“Oh,” said Sunset.

Adagio pulled her closer. “Stop eavesdropping,” she said, burying her face in Sunset's chest.

Sunset ran her hands over Adagio's hair. For a while, neither of them said anything, and while the girls outside frolicked and eventually calmed, Sunset's attention lay with the sensations in front of her.

She realised, in an idle, relaxed sort of way, that this was some new level to Adagio, beneath the pride and the arrogance, that she'd not seen before. And while there were things she'd wanted to ask, right now they didn't seem important. All that mattered was to simple exist together and enjoy being. 

“I love you,” said Sunset.

Adagio nuzzled against her chest, and replied, “I love you too, Sunset Shimmer.” 

> Meeting your friends is always a good idea
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Idyllic puffs of clouds drifted across a pale sky. Sunset, lying on a park bench with her head resting on Adagio's lap, glanced at her phone. “I have to go meet my friends at The Dorch soon.”

Adagio's fingers ran through Sunset's hair. She look ahead, chewing her bottom lip. “I might come along,” she said at last.

Sunset stared up at her. 

Spoken as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Spoken as if Adagio hadn't ruled out all contact with her friends since their relationship had began.

“I'm going to go shopping with Aria and Sonata,” said Adagio. “We're meeting close to the Dorch anyway.”

That was it, then. It had been a week since Sunset had gone to Adagio's house, had learned that the former sirens were on speaking terms again. Since then, Sunset had heard about a tentative friendship growing between the three of them, hindered sometimes by pride on Adagio's part, inconsistency on Aria's, and obliviousness on Sonata's, but progressing nonetheless.

With that as a foundation, she supposed, perhaps Adagio was at last ready to befriend the rest of the girls.

She lifted her head from Adagio's lap, stood, and stretched. “Come on, then,”

Adagio gave her a brief smile and accompanied her out of the park. Sunset said nothing as they headed down the street, feeling that despite Adagio's insouciance, her resolve was fragile, and any attempt to push or investigate would shatter it.

As they approached the Dorch, where Sunset's friends would be hanging out, Adagio took a firm hold of her hand.

Pinkie's voice carried across the outside seating zone. There – she was sat at one of the larger outdoor wooden tables, telling a story to the rest of the group.

Rarity was the first to look round and see Sunset walking with Adagio. She raised her hand halfway in greeting, then froze.

Sunset put on the best smile she could, and announced, “Hey, guys!”

“Hi Sunset Shimmer! Hi Adagio!” shouted Pinkie before she looked over.

The rest of the group started, and Sunset was greeted by four bewildered faces and one broad smile as she walked towards them. Beside her, Adagio broke away and strode forward. She grabbed a seat at the head of table, sat, and swung back. Not as though they had always been friends – more as though she had always been their undisputed leader. Sunset took a nearby chair and squeezed in at the corner of the table between Adagio and Fluttershy.

Adagio surveyed the group. “I can't stay long,” she said. “I'm meeting Aria and Sonata soon.”

“That's … fine, darling,” said Rarity.

“Yeah,” said Applejack. “We're just glad you've decided to come and talk to us at last.”

“Actually, I – Ow!” Rainbow Dash stopped to glare at Applejack. She seemed to be rubbing her shin under the table.

For a brief moment it looked like Adagio was about to say something to either Rainbow Dash or Applejack, but she relaxed and gave a smile that wasn't entirely friendly.

Sunset realised that Fluttershy had retreated a little, so she was out of Adagio's line of sight.

“So!” said Rarity, “Now that we're no longer mortal enemies, it finally seems appropriate to say, I love your sense of style.”

“Couldn't allow yourself to show any respect to the leader of the enemy, hm?” said Adagio.

“I mean,” continued Rarity, “It's so flamboyant! And somehow you manage never to fall into the trap of gaudy. Aria and Sonata too, but I feel like you, my dear, still have them beat in that department.”

Adagio looked down, scanning her own outfit, then back to Rarity. “You've got a good eye,” she said, hesitated, then continued: “Thank you.”

“Oh, you're very welcome,” said Rarity. “And that new necklace works perfectly. I daresay it's even better than the …” She blinked, pressed her lips together, and glanced down at her drink. “Oh, I do apologise if that's still –”

Adagio held up a hand to stall. “It's cool. Don't worry about it. No point in pretending that the past didn't happen.” She looked around the group. “That goes for the rest of you: I'd prefer openness about the past if we're going to … talk.”

Her hand went to her collar. Not, Sunset noticed, to touch her necklace, but to trace the outline with thumb and forefinger of a gem that was no longer there.

“That's might good to hear,” said Applejack. “I can't say much for your style, but I know decency when I see it. And –”

“How didja get together?” asked Pinkie, leaning forward. She looked at the eyes on her. “What? It's like all we've been talking about since Rainbow Dash told us all. So how didja?”

“Um,” said Sunset. She ran her fingers across the table's edge. How she'd met Adagio, and that first night in her room were secrets she'd rather keep.

“Ha! Now there's an odd story,” said Adagio. “You know the nightclub the Starburst? It was there.”

Sunset felt her inside's tense. Beside her, Adagio reached over and squeezed her shoulder before continuing.

“I'd gone there. Honestly, it was just to get away from Aria and Sonata. You know I wasn't on the best of terms with them back then? So, I went to the Starburst, just intent on drinking a little and enjoying the music. And there, of all places, I bumped into Miss Sunset Shimmer. Literally bumped – I spilled half my rum and coke. I was angry at first! Not about the drink, but about the intrusion …”

And just like that, effortless, Adagio was again in performance mode. She recounted the night in a way that, while without lies, elegantly avoided the topic of sex which had been the core of their first interaction. In its place, other things took central place – the respect she'd felt from Sunset, the lack of patronising overtones. And of course, Adagio's own narcissism still shone through – she told the group how many times she'd been asked to dance, how many compliments she got.

It ended simply with them arranging a second meeting, watching a film in Sunset's room, and the decision to keep seeing one another.

Once Adagio had finished, Sunset, on a wave of admiration and relief, pulled her in for a quick kiss. Adagio responded with no surprise, as if she'd known that reaction was coming, then sat back to bathe in her audience's attention.

There came a simultaneous “Aww” from Rarity and Pinkie Pie.

Fluttershy peered out from her hiding place beside Sunset Shimmer and spoke in a barely audible voice. “That's so sweet.”

Sunset smiled at her. Adagio shrugged. 

“Well, I reckon you're gonna do mighty fine now you're reformed,” said Applejack.

“Hrm,” said Adagio. For a fraction of a second her teeth bared in a snarl; Sunset wasn't sure if anyone else noticed it. 

“Yeah, you did a real good job!” Pinkie said to Sunset.

Adagio's gaze went from Pinkie to Sunset and back again. When Sunset reached under the table to stroke the back of Adagio's hand, Adagio pulled away.

“I –” began Sunset.

“Rainbow Dash.” Adagio's commanding tone had returned. “You've changed your tune. What happened there?”

“What?”

“In the park. Don't you remember? You weren't just angry, you were disgusted by the thought of Sunset and I being together. And now you're playing the nice, quiet little girl who does as she's told.”

“Uh, Adagio, Sweetheart,” said Rarity.

Adagio made a show of putting her hand on Sunset's shoulder. “When my girlfriend came back from talking to you, she was pretty upset.”

Sunset looked from the group to Adagio, feeling entirely at sea. She knew Adagio was just using her as a prop, but to tell her off at this stage would make it seem like she taking sides and undo all the progress she'd made so far.

“Yeah,” said Rainbow Dash. “I was disgusted! Shouldn't I have been? Last time we tried talking to you …”

“I'm not saying that. Think whatever you like about me. I don't care. I just wanted to know what made you turn all nicey-nice.” Adagio's gaze flicked to Applejack and back again. “Under someone's thumb, are we?”

“Come on now,” said Applejack, turning to Adagio. “That's really ain't a proper way to speak to my friends.”

Adagio sat forward and wrung her hands, expression a caricature of penitence. When she spoke, her tone was high with mockery. “Oh, in that case, maybe you don't want to be my friend anyway.”

“Sunset!” said Rainbow Dash. “What –”

Fluttershy, back in hiding, was reaching forward for her glass. Before she could, Adagio had swept it up. She took a long draught and set it down in front of her.

“The heck d'you think you're doin'?” 

“Adagio! We don't –”

Rainbow stood, knocking her chair over behind her. “You've not changed at all!” She turned to Sunset. “Don't you see? Or are you on her side? Huh?”

“No!” said Sunset. “I … we …” she turned to Adagio, looking for some support.

Adagio was just giving Rainbow an acid smirk.

“Maybe we just didn't kick your ass hard enough the first time,” said Rainbow.

Silence hung over them. Sunset stared at her. So did the rest of the table. Applejack began to reprimand her, when there came a loud crash. Fluttershy squeaked.

Adagio was standing. Her smile was gone. She'd thrown the glass down on the tabletop – fizzing cola puddled between the shards and dripped through the wooden slats. 

“Fuck me gently with a chainsaw,” she growled, addressing the whole group. “All of you, self-appointed force for good. At least I was open about what I wanted.” She briefly closed her eyes and sighed. “I'm sorry, Sunset Shimmer, but I can't do this.” In a smooth motion, she pulled out a small purse, extracted a few notes from it, and threw them across the dry part of the table. “In case they charge you for the glass,” she muttered, and stalked off towards the street.

Rainbow Dash's fists unclenched. She stared at the broken glass and the cola and the money. “Wwwwhat just happened?”

Sunset stared at her, then at Adagio's retreating back. In the end it was logic rather than loyalty that lead to her choice. “I need to … I'll come back,” she told the group as she stood.

When Sunset called after her, Adagio drew to a halt, leant against the side of a building and waited for her to catch up. 

“What was all that about?” asked Sunset.

“Like I said, I can't do it. I can't play nice with those girls.” Adagio shrugged. “Is that a problem?”

“I … I don't know.” Sunset's gaze fell to the floor.

“Don't ask me to choose. Your friends or nothing. I like you, Sunset Shimmer, but I'd have to choose nothing.”

“No,” said Sunset “No ultimatum. I just wanna know why.”

Adagio looks into Sunset's eyes. It was some time before she spoke. “Do you know why I agreed to talk to you when we met at Blue Stallions? Even when I rebuffed you and your friends every time before?”

“Because you realised I'm actually pretty sexy?”

Adagio smirked briefly. “Yeah, that's part of it. But also …” She stroked Sunset's forearm with the back of her hand. “I could see it in your eyes: You wanted me. Me. Not some pathetic, defeated wretch. Not some helpless little girl to be saved. 

“It was just lust at the time. But even now, with whatever's developing between us, I can still see it. Respect for who I am. Your friends aren't like that. They just want some reformation story, a good little former-villain to prove they're right and cool and always prevail. I'm not going to be that for them. I can't.

“That's why.”

Sunset stepped back. “That's not true,” she said, aware of how hollow it sounded.

Adagio shrugged. “Well, I don't see it.”

Sunset was trying to formulate some response when a voice called out from down the street: “Hiya Adagio! Hiya Sunset Shimmer!”

Sonata skipped towards them, trailed at a brisk walk by Aria.

Sunset waved to Sonata, then turned back to Adagio. “Can I see you tonight?”

Adagio nodded. “I'll text you.” Then: “Hello girls!”

“Hey,” said Aria as she and Sonata came to a halt.

“You coming too?” asked Sonata. 

Sunset smiled at her. “Nah, I gotta get back to my friends. Maybe some other time.”

“Aw, okay. Tell them hi from me and Aria!”

Aria nodded. “Yeah, that.”

“Sure,” said Sunset. She squeezed Adagio's hand and bid the girls goodbye. They returned in kind.

As she walked away, she heard Adagio speaking: “Glad to see you out and about, Aria.”

Aria replied, “Yeah, well … And what's up with you?”

And then they were out of earshot.

Her friends talked in hushed voices. The only evidence of the drama was a sequence of dark, damp stains in the wooden tabletop. Fluttershy was tentatively drinking through a straw from a new glass, and Rainbow Dash had returned to her seat.

Sunset sat at the head of table, where Adagio had been, flanked by Rarity and Fluttershy. 

“How did it go?” asked Rarity, putting her hand on Sunset's.

“'How did it go?' Are you serious?”

“Hush, Rainbow Dash!”

Sunset look down. “I don't know. Alright, I guess.” She pressed the heels of her hands again her eyelids and sighed. “Fluttershy, I'm so, so sorry.”

“Oh, it's okay. Really.”

“No,” said Sunset. “It's not. It's not okay at all. Adagio has treated you horribly.”

“Glad you could see that, at least,” said Rainbow Dash.

“And I can't help but feel complicit,” continued Sunset.

Fluttershy sipped cola through her straw. “Oh … well, I accept your apology then.”

Sunset smiled thinly at her, then looked around the table. “Have I just convinced you all that Adagio is irredeemable and going to drag me back to the dark side, then?”

A murmur.

“Nuhuh!” said Pinkie Pie. “If you were close to turning bad again, you wouldn't be all apologetic and worried and stuff.”

“Plus, if you did, it's not like we'd have a hard time smacking you down again,” said Rainbow Dash. “So, y'know, totally not an issue. We just wanna help you. Adagio, though …”

“Well, darling, it's after today's little performance, it's hard to imagine anyone getting along with her. At least not for any reasonable length of time. And I think we're struggling a lot to understand what you see in her.”

Sunset sighed. “Sometimes I struggle with that, myself. Honestly? Yeah, she's selfish, narcissistic, arrogant, vain and entitled. And she's incredibly proud, sometimes to self-destructive lengths. And yet …” She scratched at the surface of the table. “I don't know how to put it into words. I wanna say I like her confidence and strength, but it's more that that. All I have is this: When I'm with her, everything feels right, you know?” She put her head in her hands and sighed again. “I don't know how to explain it.”

Silence hung over the table.

Applejack spoke first. “You ain't the only one who knows what it's like to fall head over heels. I reckon the point of the thing is how hard it is to explain. But I dunno if that's enough. I can't stop you from seein' Adagio, but I can't really give it my support either. Not the way things are now.”

“Damn straight,” said Dash.

Sunset looked around the table. Pinkie nodded; Fluttershy averted her eyes; Rarity …

“It's your choice,” said Rarity. “And we'll be there for you no matter what.”

“Okay,” said Sunset. “Thanks.”

She sat back while the conversation about Adagio guttered and was replaced by another of Pinkie's stories.









> Comfort
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Adagio's text, saying she was coming over at eight, was simply an announcement – no question of what time might be best for Sunset, no question of whether she might have changed her mind, no allowance for compromise.

Sunset didn't mind, though – she did want to see Adagio, she told herself, and eight was a good time for her. 

She spent the hour after the text running through lectures and argument in her mind about how her friends did respect her individuality, how they would respect Adagio's, how she didn't need to become something else for them, how they'd accept her as she was …

Except Sunset didn't know how much of that was true. Except maybe Adagio was wrong, and really they shouldn't respect her individuality when it meant behaving poorly.

But then – Adagio had never spoken in shoulds or oughts, merely in how she was willing to be treated.

When, at last, Adagio turned up, Sunset flung herself at her, and they embraced in silence for some time. Plans of how to discuss the issue flitted through her mind. She released Adagio and looked in her eyes. “How was your shopping trip?”

“Good,” said Adagio. “I got some new clothes.” Evidently so: She was wearing a dark blue cotton skirt and a denim jacket over a thin, translucent blouse. “Shall we go up?”

Sunset kissed her, and held her hand as they walked up the flight of stairs.

“And I got a new shirt to replace the one you ruined,” teased Adagio.

“Ruined? The buttons came off. You can sew them back on. Or just –” Sunset had been about to suggest asking Rarity. “Or just take it to a tailor.”

“Hm.”

Up at her flat, she made offered to made some coffee. Adagio accepted, and then they sat opposite one another, Sunset on her bed and Adagio on a chair.

Sunset rubbed the rim of her cup, “Anyway,” she said.

“If you're not going to bring it up, I am,” said Adagio. “Earlier today, at the Dorch. I didn't get on with your friends.”

Sunset looked up from her coffee and nodded. 

“So what now?”

“I dunno. I was really hoping you'd like them and they'd like you, but …” 

“Yeah, I wish I could like them too,” said Adagio. She didn't sound in the slightest remorseful.

Sunset scrunched her eyes shut and sighed. “Oh, fuck it.” She rose, took the half-empty cup from Adagio, who gave it up without resistance, and put both cups aside. “I'll get over it. Come here.”

She pulled Adagio up and embraced her. For a moment they remained like that. Pressure and warmth, contact, Adagio's breath on her neck and fingers running through her hair, softened her worried.

“I don't want to lose you,” Sunset said. Her hands slid down Adagio's side to her hips. 

Adagio caught her up up in a long kiss. “Then don't,” she said.

Sunset reached up, pushed Adagio's jacket off her shoulders, then pushed her onto the bed and straddled her. Adagio's hands came up, under the fabric of her top, and touching over her waist. Sunset against Adagio and kissed along her jawline and neck.

In response, the motions of Adagio's hands became more insistent, roving over Sunset's back. She grabbed the hem of Sunset's top and pulled it up and over her head.

Free of her top, Sunset moved upwards a little, allowing Adagio to bite at her collarbone and kiss the swell of her breasts. Soft fingers traced her spine, making her shiver. In a deft motion Adagio unhooked her bra, and moments later it was off and Adagio's warm mouth was against her nipples.

Sunset moaned. Her fingers dug into Adagio's arms hard enough to leave temporary marks. She let Adagio continue until both nipples were hard and slick with saliva, then moved down until they were level. She pulled up Adagio's skirt to expose sky blue panties and caressed her exposed thighs, coming teasing further and further between her legs.

Adagio's throat bobbed. She reached with one hand, grabbed Sunset's hair, and pulled her closer to bite her lip and then kiss her forcefully. She shifted below, interlacing their legs, then rolled her hips to rub her crotch against the fabric of Sunset's jeans.

Pulling her skirt up and out of the way, Sunset caressed Adagio's waist, moving downwards across the broad swell of her hips, then round to her ass. She dug her fingers into the soft flesh and pulled forward, increased the pressure against Adagio's pussy.

Adagio gasped. Her fingers raked up Sunset's back, leaving stinging trails.

With her head resting against Adagio's shoulder, Sunset moved a hand across and lay it against Adagio's warm pussy, then pushed the fabric of her panties aside and slid a finger inside her. A little mewl came as a responder, and the assault of Adagio's nails again her back resumed with greater force.

Then, without warning, Adagio grabbed Sunset's wrists and pulled her hands away, and in one motion rolled them on the bed, so Sunset now found herself beneath a viciously grinning Adagio. Adagio released Sunset's wrists and set about stroking her nipples.

Sunset reached down, hooked her thumbs under the waistband of Adagio's panties and skirt, and yanked the two down in one motion. Adagio gave a little cry of surprise, but already Sunset had kicked the clothes away. She returned her hand to Adagio's pussy, seeking her clit; Adagio gasped as she found it.

Adagio's hands, starting at the back up Sunset's neck, moved upwards, fingers running through her hair and caressing her scalp. Warm, joyous feelings ran down Sunset's spine, like she was a pet being stroked by her mistress. She could feel Adagio's juices slicking her fingers, Adagio's weight against her hips. 

Adagio was whispering something furiously, but Sunset only caught fragments like “beautiful little pony” and “so fucking gorgeous”. Then those soft caresses against her scalp became more forceful, turned to a hair pull from the root, and Adagio descended on her for a forceful, almost violent kiss.

Writing beneath Adagio, Sunset moaned into the kiss. Somehow she gathered the presence of mind to slide two fingers inside Adagio's pussy, then curl them to press against the wet, warm flesh inside. Adagio pulled back, her mouth trailing a couple strings of saliva which broke as the retreated. Her chest was heaving, her eye's meeting Sunset's own.

“Cheeky little …” she murmured with a smile. She raised herself up on her knees, and with some fumbling unbuttoned Sunset's jeans and pushed them down over her hips. Sunset curled her fingers inside Adagio's pussy again, making her shiver. But with a second motion, Adagio had Sunset's panties down and bunched with her jeans around her knees. Sunset kicked them off without hesitation. 

Adagio reached down. One hand grasping Sunset's thigh, thumb threatening to touch her pussy; the other palm down, stroking upwards from her pubis across her tummy towards her breasts. Two sources of electric joy. Sunset moaned and arched her back. Eyes closed, in the thrall of Adagio's touch, she just about managed to reach up and begin unbuttoning Adagio's blouse. 

She had just reached the last button when Adagio's fingers penetrated her. She yelped, and fell back, dragging her fingernails down Adagio's front. For a moment, Sunset lay there letting waves of pleasure flow up through her from the touch inside her. Then she grabbed Adagio's shoulders and hauled herself up to a sitting position.

Now the girls sat face to face, naked, legs wrapped around one another. Sunset could feel the silk-smooth touch of Adagio's breasts and tummy against her own. She grabbed Adagio's broad hips and pulled them closed to her, and began kissing her neck. The motion of Adagio's fingers inside her and against her clit became faster.

Sunset stifled a moan, and let her kisses turn into bites. She pulled Adagio's hand from between her legs and brought it up to her mouth she she could taste her own juices. With the taste still in her mouth she looked up and kissed Adagio deeply.

Sunset's hands roamed across Adagio's soft thighs and ass. From there, coming from behind, she found Adagio's pussy, reached further and starting caressing her clit. Adagio let out a little moan, whispered some affectionate curse, and arched her back. Sunset shifted her up a bit to get better access, and so she take Adagio's nipple in her mouth. 

Adagio's hand was back between her legs; the other was scratching fresh lines up her back, then pulling her hair. 

Sunset felt a fresh swell of pleasure flowing through her body. She was close. Ad by the look of it – biting her lip, eyes closed, back arched, rolling her hips – Adagio was too. Her skin, lightly slicked with sweat, rubbed against Sunset's own, brushing her nipples and sending fresh sparks of joy through her.

Sunset buried her face against Adagio's shoulder and moaned, overtaken by an unstoppable tide. She pulled back a little she she could stare up at Adagio. “Look at me,” she managed to gasp. “As we …”

Adagio did so – and a few seconds later they came together clasped tightly in each other's arms. Sunset felt Adagio's juices squirt against her.

Even through the orgasm, neither of them let up. Adagio kissed her through the second time, muffling Sunset's moans. Sunset's whole body was alive with burning ecstasy, multiplied by the knowledge that against Adagio was experiencing the same. 

At some point, after some eternal moment of joy, they finished. They must have gone down to lie beside one another, though she couldn't remember that happening; as the haze receded, she found she was lying on her side, studying Adagio's features in profile. Adagio was lying on her back, looking at the ceiling, her chest moving gently up and down. Drops of sweat sat on her forehead and chest like gems. Her mass of hair spread out around her like a halo. Her arm was interlaced with Sunset's. 

She looked over at Sunset, meeting her glance, and smiled. Then she brushed an errant strand of Sunset's hair back. They said nothing; nothing needed to be said.

For a while, Sunset felt like crying, though she didn't know why. In time the feeling passed, and when she was cool enough she cuddled up close to Adagio and pulled up the bedclothes to surround them both.
> Interlude I
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The next morning, after she returned from a quick walk, Sunset found her commonplace book placed prominently in the centre of her desk. She stopped and stared at it, trying to recall where she had last left.

Two days ago – she'd scribbled down some idle thoughts about magical biochemistry. And afterwards, she'd put the book in the desk drawer.

Frowning, she picked it up. It naturally opened on the page full of her notes about siren magic, and from between the pages something dropped out onto the floor. 

A photograph?

She squatted down to pick to photo up, looked at it briefly, blinked, then stared at it. 

“Damn,” said to herself.

Turning it over, she saw writing on the other side – elaborate and curlicued, but entirely readable:

In case you're still worried you haven't seen me naked enough.

-Adagio

A few minutes later, Sunset tucked the photo away in the drawer, beneath her commonplace book.




> Unresolved
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunset was talking to Adagio when she was interrupted by a young, shabbily-dressed man. He ignored her and spoke directly to Adagio.

It had been just over a week since what Sunset thought of as The Disaster, and she was just starting to feel like things were getting back to normal. When they made plans to spend the day together, Adagio had insisted they hang out for a while in the park. 

And then along came this man. Evidently Adagio was expecting him: When he offered a small package – maybe She held out her hand and took a small object he was offering. Then with her free hand she extracted a bundle of notes from her pocket and offered them in return, all the while looking at the object rather than the messenger. Sunset couldn't see what it was. The messenger riffled through the notes, counting them with practiced ease – it looked like a good sum of money – then left.

Like that, the transaction was over.

A grin flickered across Adagio's face – one which was less wolfish than outright malicious.

Sunset leaned forward. “What was all that about?”

Adagio tucked the package away in her bag. “Nothing important,” she said.

“Really.”

“Just some personal entertainment.”

“Adagio …”

Adagio stared at her, then sighed. “Fine.” She pulled the object back out and waved it at Sunset. It was a small, black phone. “See? Not weed, not coke, not fucking … anthrax or anything. Nothing you need to worry about.”

Sunset half considered letting it drop, because the memory of Adagio's smile came back to her. “You already have a phone,” she said.

“Yeah, I do,” said Adagio. She moved to put the it back in her bag.

Sunset reached forward and snatched the phone from her grasp. Adagio didn't bother to try and get it back; she just sat back and shrugged. It occurred to Sunset that a month back, she wouldn't have done such a thing; Adagio's lack of respect for boundaries was rubbing off on her … or, rather, reigniting her own.

She pressed the screen and found it unlocked. A full list of contacts, many of whom she knew of from Canterlot High. 

“Can I have my phone back now?” said Adagio. 

Sunset looked up. “It's not your phone.”

“You just saw me pay for it.” Adagio reached forward and opened her hand. “Any time you're ready.”

“Who does it belong to?”

Adagio said nothing.

Sunset opened the contacts list again and turned the phone towards Adagio, holding it just out of reach. “Look at all these people I could ask.”

“Fine,” said Adagio. “I should've know you'd ruin it. Vervain. It belongs to Vervain.”

Sunset was faintly familiar with the name; Vervain was a student at Canterlot High in the year below her. “And why did you take his phone?”

“Are you sure you want to know?”

“I really am.”

A faint echo of that malicious smile crossed Adagio's face. “You know he has a sister? Graduated last year.”

“No …”

“Well, he does. And back when she was at Canterlot high, she accumulated a few pictures of herself in compromising positions. Kept them too, and without much security.” Adagio nodded at the phone. “So once I'd got my hands on them, I just needed a distribution method.”

For a few moments, Sunset struggled to speak. “Why?”

Adagio's voice had slipped back into its dominant and unrepentant tone. “Because I wanted to see what would happen. Because it's fun. Because I felt like it. Because … why not?”

“But … how could you even consider such a thing? I mean –”

“Yeah, yeah. Get offended as you like. It's not going to happen. And you're the one who insisted on knowing.”

“That's not the point!”

“Then what is? That I'm still not oh-so-lovely-and-sweet?” Adagio leaned forward. “We've already been over this, I think. And that whole discussion about power? I don't recall you winning.”

“This isn't the same as pushing some elevator buttons because you felt bad. What you were planning to do, it's horrible!”

“Oh, stop pretending it's so incomprehensible. You would've done the same, once.”

Sunset closed her eyes, shook her head, then sighed. “Yes,” she said quietly. “Honestly, if it had helped me get ahead, I would have. But not any more.”

“Of course not, because you've changed. You're miss goody-two-shoes now.” Adagio rose from the bench to look down at her. “But I'm not, and I've never pretended to be.”

“There's a huge difference between not being nice and screwing with innocent people for the sake of it.”

“Sure – ”

“I'm not finished.” Sunset stood, and turned face to face with Adagio. “You know what? All that stuff you told me about power, I don't think it's the full story. We never resolved that either way. I think there's more going on here.”

Adagio responded with a short bark of a laugh. “Go on then, Miss Shimmer. Tell me.”

“You're lashing out. You're nowhere near as in control as you say you are, or as you want to be. You're scared. But instead of doing the hard thing and admitting it, you're being cruel for the sake of it.” Sunset realised her fists were clenched, she was on the verge of shouting. She knew she should pull back. She didn't.

“Oh yeah,” said Adagio. “Well, all our problems are solved. That must be it!”

“After our first night together, when you said you wanted to see me again, you told me you had more self-respect than to lie about you felt. I admired you so much for that. Honestly, I did. But now … now you're hiding. You're scared, and you're hiding from it. You've thrown away self-respect so you can scrabble after meaningless power. You were magnificent once. Now you're just pathetic.”

“Well, fuck you too!” said Adagio.

For a moment they glared at each other. Then Adagio grabbed Sunset by the shoulders and kissed her. Sunset, after a bewildered moment, pushed her off, hard enough to make Adagio stumble back, and slapped her.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” said Sunset.

Adagio stared back at her. “We … We argued. That's how we make up.”

Sunset shook her head. “No. It isn't. I can't let this lie. I'm sorry Adagio … I can't do this anymore.” 

Adagio said nothing. Sunset chewed her lip, and eventually turned and began to leave

“Fine,” said Adagio behind her. “Go ahead. Leave. Go back to being … Just go!”

Sunset knew she'd start crying if she turned back to Adagio, so she just kept walking.

Adagio didn't follow.
> A return
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunset returned Vervain's phone, calling one of his friends and saying she'd found it lying around school. 

For the next few days she expected to see the pictures Adagio had talked about descend on the school, but nothing came. Indeed, she heard nothing from Adagio at all. 

She told her friends about the breakup – including Sonata but not Aria, who had apparently vanished because of another depressive episode. They were supportive to a woman, as Sunset had expected. 

After a week, Aria had returned to their midst. Sunset listened intently to what the former sirens had to say, eager for news of Adagio but too proud to ask outright how she was doing. While they did mention Adagio, it was only in passing and told Sunset nothing.

After a second week, Sunset received a note in her letterbox. Written in an elaborate and curlicued but entirely readable hand.

A hand she recognised as Adagio's:


Sunset Shimmer,

I want to talk.

I understand if you don't want to. But just grant me this.


Sunset headed upstairs and there spent the next ten minutes or so pacing the room and re-reading the note. She still had Adagio's number. Of course she did. But was there anything to be gained from it? Would it be worth it?

She sat on her bed, read the note once more, then got her phone out and sent a text.







The next evening, when Adagio turned up, she was holding a half empty bottle of reasonably expensive beer in one hand and a half-smoked cigarette in the other. She had gone back to the hoodie and jeans outfit and makeup that was, for her, fairly restrained.

“Hey,” she said with a brief, thin smile.

After two weeks without talking to her, it struck Sunset again how Adagio was able to make even the most banal syllable sound sultry – and how, unlike nearly every other aspect of her sex appeal, she seemed utterly unaware of it.

“Hey,” said Sunset. Then: “Woah, woah,” as Adagio stepped forward. She gestured at the cigarette.

Adagio flicked it to the ground and crushed it beneath the heel of her sneaker.

They ascended the stairs in silence, Adagio still carrying her beer. Sunset's heart was thudding away in her chest, but she did her best to keep a cool front. In her room, they sat beside one another, not touching, on the bed. Adagio took a long gulp of her beer, nearly finishing half of what was left, and put the bottle on the beside table.

“You had something you wanted to say, then?” said Sunset.

Adagio was staring straight ahead, looking without looking at the door. Without glancing at Sunset, she nodded. Her hand went to her neck, where her pendant once was; even her pewter necklace was absent. She sighed. “You were right, Sunset Shimmer. I am scared. I didn't want to admit it, but I am. So this is me, admitting it. Self-respect is all I have left.” She looked over at Sunset briefly, then stood. “That's all.”

As Adagio made for the door, Sunset grabbed her wrist and pulled her back. “No, it isn't. You didn't come all this way just to admit that. Sit down.”

Adagio sat back on the bed. She looked ahead again and fiddled with her curls. It was some time before she spoke:

“It all used to be so simple, you know? We just had that one focus: Get home. That was it. That was all we needed to know. Nothing else was important. We knew what we were, and we knew what we had to do. Hundreds of years like that, without deviation. 

“Then you came along, and you fucked everything up. You're an angler fish; you lured us in with your lightshow, and when we fell into your grasp, you destroyed us. Except we didn't even get that. We're still here – a fragment of what we used to be.” Adagio looked over at Sunset and smiled thinly. “I'm not offending you, am I?”

Sunset shook her head. An urge to reach out and stroke Adagio's arm welled up inside her, but thought better of it. “Keep going.”

“I'm never going to rule here or Equestria. I can't sing. I can't swim, not the way I used to. I'm not even the leader of the sirens anymore – I mean, what is there to lead them to now? Nothing. I'm not a siren, but I'm not really human either. And the worst thing …”

Adagio rubbed her eyes with the heels of her palms, then turned to look at Sunset. “My head is so full. So many desires, fears, dreams, wishes … and all of them murky and half-formed. I don't even know if I really want what I want anymore. Every night, I lay awake, everything in there churns, and I find myself wondering what will become of me, what I am, what value there is in … anything, really. It used to be simple. Now it's a mangled mess. I'm being pulled in a thousand directions at once.” Her voice was becoming more tremulous. She reached over with a shaking hand to drink more beer before continuing:

“I considered ending it, you know. Oh, don't look so surprised. May as well, right? But … no. I can't even suicide properly. I didn't want to. Perhaps. Perhaps … Oh fucking hell.” She finished the last of the beer and put the bottle on the floor. Her breaths were coming in short gasps. “I'm a tiny mote adrift in immensity, and it fucking terrifies me. I can't even … I mean … when we were together, none of that mattered, and everything was wonderful. But then we had to part, and I was alone with my thoughts again, and they just kept coming. And just … look at us! Look at me, Adagio Dazzle, former siren, former haughty idol of millions of ponies, now … pouring her heart out to the girl who … who ruined her.”

The final part of her speech came out almost as a choke, and when Sunset looked over she saw Adagio's cheeks wet with smeared makeup. Adagio clutched aimlessly at the bedclothes beneath, failing to hold back more sobs. Eventually she fell sideways and collapsed into Sunset's arms, then retreated even further until she was curled up on the bed with her head on Sunset's lap and her chest heaving.

Sunset wasn't sure how long Adagio wept. She alternated between holding her hand, rubbing her back, and caressing her hair. She murmured comforting nothings. In time, Adagio's breathing slowed, her sobs became more infrequent. 

“I,” she began, then took a moment to steady herself and continued, “I feel a bit better now.” Her voice was muffled; her face was still hidden in Sunset's lap.

Sunset waited for a while, in which Adagio remained curled up, before prompting her: “Do you wanna sit up?”

“Mmn. I must look a complete mess.”

Sunset squeezed her shoulder. After a few halting moments, Adagio pushed herself up so she was sitting cross-legged on the bed, facing Sunset. Her eyes were red, her skin smeared with makeup. She wiped the back of her hand across her mouth and cheeks, and blinked in the light.

“You look beautiful to me,” said Sunset.

Adagio looked away. “Don't be sentimental,” she said.

Sunset took her chin. “Look at me. Look into my eyes, remember?”

After a few moments of studying her gaze, a small but sincere smile flickered across Adagio's face. “Okay,” she said. “You win.” And as they embraced, she whispered, “You're the only person who has ever seen me cry, you know that?”

More silence after they broke away, broken by a sniffle from Adagio.

“I wish” said Sunset, “I could tell you that it was all going to get better. But I'm not sure if it will.” She reached out and took Adagio's hand. “Being confused about who you are, about where you're going, about what you want. That seems to be pretty standard for most people. And yeah, realising you're just a tiny dot in a huge world, that can be pretty scary. That's how I feel a lot of the time, anyway.”

Adagio nodded. “That's what I like about you, Sunset Shimmer. You've never tried to be condescending.”

Sunset squeezed her hand and thanked her. “But I can promise you this: You're strong enough to deal with it. It's going to be hard, maybe forever, but you'll get along. And, even though I know you could do it without me, I'll be there for you.”

“Breaking down in my ex-girlfriend's room,” muttered Adagio. “Yeah, real strong.”

“That doesn't make you weak. You're allowed to stumble occasionally. Just believe me, I know you're strong. And maybe … maybe you just need some time, to go out the world a bit more, find some stuff you enjoy doing, find your bearings. That makes it easier.”

“Hm. And I don't think I'll ever be a good person …”

“Maybe not. But still, I'll support you.”

Adagio said nothing. After a moment she pulled Sunset into a tight hug again. As they retreated, Sunset found her face inches away from Adagio's, warm breath against her lips. For a drawn-out instant they looked into one another's eyes. Then Adagio came forward and kissed her.

The next moment they had rolled over, Sunset on top. Her hands stroked upwards from Adagio's thighs to her hips, then under her hoodie and the top below, pulling them up. Sunset kissed her again, more forcefully. She felt her skirt being tugged up, Adagio's hands exploring her inner thighs.

She found Adagio wasn't wearing a bra as she lifted the top the rest of the way, and moved down to take one of the exposed nipples in her mouth. Adagio murmured in response.

As Sunset was unbuttoning Adagio's jeans, she heard her speak:

“Wait … wait.”

Sunset pulled away and look up at her. “What's wrong?”

Adagio swallowed. “I don't know if …” She brushed a tangle of hair back, as the two girls extricated themselves and sat up. “I don't know if I feel up to this right now. Is that okay?” She straightened her top and then her hoodie, and went to work buttoning her jeans.

“Of course!” said Sunset. 

“Our first night together, when you were worried you might be taking advantage of me,” said Adagio. “It didn't matter to me. Now it does, and I'm not sure I'm in the best frame of mind to have sex with you right now.”

Sunset stroked her hand. “It's alright. You don't have to worry about it.”

Adagio nodded. She was silent for several seconds. “I want to be with you. So much. But I think I need to … I don't know, steady myself first. Find my bearings, like you said. I want to be worthy of you, and I can't do that when I'm snivelling wreck.”

“Adagio –”

“No, really. I know I am. But I also know I can do better.” Adagio smiled to herself. “I can be fucking amazing when I put my mind to it.”

“You really can.”

“But I need time to work on it. Some time with just me, to make sure I'm not becoming dependent. I … Well, I don't expect you to wait for me.” 

Watching Adagio's face, still tear-stained, but full of resolve and just a hint of justified arrogance, Sunset couldn't help by smile. “You'll be awesome,” she said. “I know you will.”

“I will,” promised Adagio. “But I don't think I'll ever be a good person. Not by the way you and your friends measure it.”

“You don't need to be. Just keep away from the cruelty and we'll be fine.”

She stood. “But I think it's about time I got going.”

“Sure thing.” Sunset pulled her in for a hug.

After Adagio had left, Sunset stood at her window staring out into the night. A light rain fell, glistening in the light of her room and the orange streetlamp. On a whim she opened the window, stuck her head out for a moment, and felt the water running against her face. It smelt of renewal.

> Interlude II
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Tuesdays and Thursdays the Catweasel Club held open acoustic performances. Drop by on the previous day, sign the form, and the following evening you'd have a slot – between ten and twenty minutes – in which to play whatever you wished. Ability varied from the raw beginner to the beloved professional. It rarely received visitors from Canterlot High, despite being less than a half hour walk away.

All of this meant Sunset had found it a great place to perform while she was learning to play guitar – as a break from clawing her way to the top of the social ladder – but since her reformation, she had stopped visiting. The place held too many bad associations – which, she had to admit, were all her own fault and nothing to do with the club. 

She would not have entered this Tuesday, either. Except, as she was walking past, she thought she heard a familiar voice. After some indecision, she slunk inside to confirm what she'd heard:

On the other side of the crowd, bearing a big acoustic guitar with what looked like seahorse stickers decorating its soundbox, sat Adagio.

Anyone who had not spent as long as Sunset looking into her eyes and studying her face would have struggled to recognise her.

Straightened hair – still striking because of its length. Muted, sensible clothes. Flat heels. No makeup beyond eyeliner.

Her voice was ropey – sometimes she struggled to hit the right notes or get a clear timbre. Sometimes she fumbled with the guitar. But she was performing. And she was wringing every drop of emotion from the melancholic, downbeat song she was singing.

She was so absorbed in it that she didn't notice Sunset. 

Which was how it would stay: Sunset retreated behind the crowds, out of sight. She stayed long enough to hear the end of the set, the applause that came with it, and Adagio thanking the crowd.

Then, with a lump in her throat, she slipped out the door and headed home.

> Sort of a first date
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Three weeks since Adagio had come to Sunset's room. And, save for once at the Catweasel, not a peep. 

Until now.

A letter – elaborate and curlicued but entirely readable – had arrived in her letterbox that morning. Adagio was inviting her out on a date, two nights from now. She was coy about where they would be going, save to say that she had planned it out, and to instruct Sunset to wear something nice – “And by that, I don't mean flashy, and I don't mean rock-chic. Something elegant.”

Once she was sure she wasn't dreaming, Sunset texted Adagio to accept. The reply, I'm glad, came ten minutes later.

Then she spent an hour choosing something to wear, eventually settling on a backless dress she'd picked for one of the formals.







As she sat on the bed, Sunset's heart was hammering. She hadn't been this excited since … since, she supposed, the first time Adagio had come to her room. She stood, looked in the mirror,and adjusted the straps of her dress once again. Another look, and she started adjusting her hair. She'd tried putting it up, but wasn't entirely satisfied with the result. And with everything else … dangly earrings, a necklace, bangles – was it too much?

Not much to do about it now.

Just as she was about to sit down again, her phone rang. It was Adagio: “Are you ready?”

“Yeah.”

“Come down, then. Get everything you need.”

Getting everything she needed consisted of Sunset slinging her purse over her shoulder. That done, she raced downstairs as quickly as her dress would allow her, and opened the door to the evening.

And there was Adagio, standing in the pale glow of the streetlight and smiling in her insouciant I-own-this-place sort of way. She wore a velvety, dark blue gown, covering her shoulders and upper arms on top, hugging every curve on the way down, ending with an ankle-length hem. As a concession to exposure, it was a slit ran all the way up to her hip. The gown slinked catlike as Adagio strode forward on her heels. As they hugged, Sunset caught a subtle trace of perfume, something sweet and lulling. 

She realised she had no perfume; she realised she was at once under- and overdressed, with her run-of-the-mill dress and proliferation of jewellery (Adagio had none, save her pewter necklace).

“You look beautiful.” Adagio said it with such smooth, easy confidence that Sunset couldn't doubt it.

“Thank you,” she said. “You too.”

Adagio nodded. Head cocked, she brushed her fingers against one of Sunset's earrings and smiled. “Come on.” She took Sunset's arm and led her over to a taxi waiting by the side of the road.

The girls spoke little as the taxi rolled through the streets, but after a while, Sunset sought out Adagio's hand, and they interlaced fingers. She found herself studying Adagio's profile, then her gown as it traced her her breasts, her stomach, her thighs. It was entirely possible she was wearing nothing underneath. The thought made Sunset smile to herself. Part of her wanted to touch those curves, but it felt like doing so would break the spell of the evening. Soon after, they arrived.

A cocktail bar. Spacious, dark, with tables set into alcoves surrounding a central dance floor. A Wurlitzer jukebox beside the polished mahogany bar. Ambient jazz. Irrepressibly elegant. How like Adagio! Sunset followed her over to their booked table, and settled into the plush seat that surrounded it. 

“Like it?” asked Adagio as Sunset was mulling over the menu. Her eyes twinkled.

“Oh, yes. It almost makes up for these prices.”

“Hah. Yes.”

They ditched the classics: Sunset ordered something with a sweet note and a horrible pun for a name; Adagio went for a cocktail that looked like its principle ingredients were espresso and midnight. 

Conversation came easily and wandered over light topics: Sunset's adventures with math; Adagio's adventures with hairspray; Sonata's and Aria's growing relationship.

They swung towards more sensitive topics, with Adagio talking about ocean life, with an aside: “When I said you were like an anglerfish, it was just metaphor. Looks-wise, you're the total opposite.”

“Charmer. You too.”

Adagio grinned. “I know.” She finished the last of her cocktail, and after glancing around to see if anyone was watching, licked the inside of the glass. “I went down to the aquarium again,” she continued, dabbing at her lips with a napkin. “I want to volunteer there. Talking about the exhibits, like you saw. I have an interview soon. Just … something I'm good at, something I enjoy.”

Sunset stroked her hand. “That's wonderful.”

“Ha! If you say so.” Adagio's face and tone softened. “I do hope I get it, though.”

They ordered a third pair of drinks. This time, Sunset chose a mint-green something with an even worse pun for a name.

“You know,” she said., “I went the the Catweasel the other day …”

Adagio stared at her. “Oh,” she said quietly. 

“I wasn't sure if I should tell you, but …”

“Ah, screw it. I don't mind.” Adagio leaned forward. “Was I any good?”

“Not as good as you used to be, but not terrible.”

“Good answer. Not as good as you, though?”

Sunset shook her head.

“It's odd. I was steeped in music for most of my life, but only ever as a tool. Coming to it again, it's like learning something entirely new.” Adagio leaned back and inspected her nails. “I'll conquer it, though.”

“I know you will.”

Adagio sipped her cocktail in silence.

Sunset fiddled with her glass, then looked up. “I understand if you don't want to answer this …”

“Oh, this should be good.” Adagio, sitting back, holding a cocktail in on hand, smiled at her.

“When you came to my room last time.” Sunset looked up to see if there was any sign for Adagio that she should stop; none came. “Everything you said about being scared. How are you feeling about it?”

Adagio gave no sign of being troubled. She held her pose, though a small crease appeared on her brow and her gaze wondered off to the side as she considered the question. “I'm still scared sometimes,” she said at last. “And I still have sleepless nights. And, I wasn't going to mention it, but you may as well know: I still feel angry about losing my magic.” She shrugged. “But I can deal.”

The surface of Sunset's cocktail quivered as she held it. Her heart fluttered as she looked at Adagio's face.

“Thank you, though,” said Adagio. “Without you, I don't know what I would've done.”

“It was nothing.”

“But you really need to get over that false modesty thing.” And, after emptying her glass, Adagio continued: “Anyway, I think that's enough touchy-feely crap for tonight. Wait there.”

Adagio stood and sauntered over to the jukebox to choose a song. Halfway through her return, there came an energetic glissando from the speakers, and a swing song burst into life. She began to step in time without the music – that gown was perfect for showing off her swinging hips.

At the table she extended a hand, palm up. “Sunset Shimmer, would you like to dance?”

Don't waste time on words. Sunset Shimmer placed her fingers over Adagio's, and let herself be pulled up and onto the dance floor.

For the first half of the song, they were the only couple on the dancefloor. Then others began to join them. Effortless centre of attention, shading into leader of the pack. Sunset twirled. Some of her hair had escaped and flew up as she did so; she didn't try and fix it. A second song came on, and she reached out and pulled Adagio in close. Again that hint of perfume. The soft velvet gown against her fingers. Adagio's hand on the small of her back.

And then the dance drew them apart again. Another strand of hair escaped. Glimpses of Adagio's leg through the gown's slit as it billowed out. Even with her heels, she was graceful. The tempo slowed, and they drew together again. Sunset's hands came to rest on Adagio's waist; Adagio's went to Sunset's shoulders. 

Sunset could feel the pressure of Adagio's body against her own, smell her perfume, feel her breath. She looked up into Adagio's eyes. Adagio smiled at her, at once powerful and serene. As they swayed together, Sunset moved her hands down, taking in the breadth of Adagio's hips, and coming to rest only when she could slide her fingers on one side beneath the gown's slit to rest against the skin.

Adagio breathed in. A tiny tremor went through her body, and her lips parted briefly. Sunset looked into her eyes for what seemed like an eternal moment. Then, moving together, they both came forward and kissed. 

After they drew away, Sunset found herself trembling. Her hands dug into Adagio's hips.

Adagio reached up and twisted a free strand of Sunset's hair round her finger. “I think it's time to leave,” she said. 





> Sort of a first date II
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A taxi ride; giggling and chattering; a flurry of thoughts and desires.

They swept into Adagio's room, kicking off their shoes as they went. When the door was closed, Adagio grabbed Sunset, picked her up, hands supporting her ass, and carried her over to the dresser. Sitting on it, Sunset was a couple inches taller than Adagio. She wrapped her legs around Adagio, and pulled her in close.

In between kissing Sunset's neck, Adagio whispered, “I've … missed you … so … much.” Her hands ran up Sunset's thighs, pushed up her dress until they settled on the bare skin of her waist. “You are the most wonderful little pony I have ever known.” She nuzzled Sunset's jawline, then went back to her kisses, interspersing them with gentle blows against the skin.

Sunset moaned. She grasped Adagio's shoulders – delicate beneath the soft velvet – and shivered.

Adagio moved to her shoulder and, her hands still busy caressing Sunset's waist and hips, took the strap of the dress and the bra beneath it in her teeth and pulled it down. Then she did the same on the other side. Her kisses moved across Sunset's collarbone, down over her breasts, down to where the nipple was almost visible. Sunset, lost in bliss, didn't notice the motion of Adagio's hand until it exposed her nipple and pinched it. Sunset yelped. Again, the pinch; this time she managed to stifle the cry. 

“Good girl,” murmured Adagio. She leant forward to take Sunset's nipple in her mouth.

Sunset grabbed her hair and pulled her back. “Not quite,” she said. She pushed Adagio away from the dresser, stood and straightened her dress.

Adagio stared at her . “What –”

“Keep up,” said Sunset. Grabbing Adagio's curls again, she pulled downwards. “And get on your knees.”

Adagio hesitated, then smiled and sank to her knees. “Yes, ma'am.”

Another loose strand of hair was hanging in Sunset's face. She brushed it back. Her nipple was still exposed; she let it. For a moment she let Adagio wait, stroking her neck and chin, The she walked round behind Adagio and moved her forward. Adagio followed the direction, going on her hands and knees. The velvet gown draped over her, showing in outline the curves of her ass. 

Sunset stood admiring, then with her foot moved Adagio's knees further apart. There. Perfect. “Stay there,” she ordered, and on a whim check the dresser. There! In the second drawer down lay the crop Adagio had first used on her. She took it, swished it gently. Adagio, facing the other way, couldn't see her.

Sunset brought it down hard on her ass. A loud and satisfying thwack; Adagio tensed and gasped. She looked around for a moment, and her eyes widened. A second smack. A third. The forth went against the back of her thighs. The next three on her sides and back. Aside from brief gasps and stifled moans, she was quiet.

Adagio on her hands and knees, body tense and trembling, but still cloaked in the gown. Sunset dropped down beside her and ran her hands over Adagio's back, trailing down to briefly rest on her ass, then over her legs. She found the gown's slit and opened it, moving the rear part of the skirt up to reveal Adagio's ass. So she was wearing something under it – a tiny black thong, with a waistband high on the hips.

Sunset ran her hands over the bare skin of Adagio's ass, squeezing and gently slapping the soft flesh. The outline of Adagio's pussy was clearly visible through the cotton, slicked with fluid already. Much as she wanted to to, Sunset avoided touching it.

Instead, she grasped the crop firmly, doing her best not to let Adagio know – and smacked it firmly against her pussy.

This time Adagio did make a noise – a shriek of surprise as much as pain. Quickly, while she was still off-guard, Sunset brought the crop down on her ass. Another cry, quieter this time, and stifled halfway through. Sunset moved round to see Adagio's face – blushing for having lost control – and smiled sweetly at her. Adagio pouted.

After shuffling back behind her, Sunset saw the hit had moved the fabric. Half of Adagio's pussy was exposed to the air. Sunset reached out with the crop and with it gently stroked the bare lip. Adagio shivered at the contact. The tip of the crop pushed, sliding into Adagio's slit, moving up. It must have touched her clit, because Adagio tensed up and let out a soft moan. Her fingers dug into the carpet.

“Stay still,” ordered Sunset. She pulled the thong aside, exposing everything. After a moment to admire the view, and after dropping the crop on the dresser, she lay down on her back and shuffled between Adagio's legs – the girl's pussy right above her. From here the scent of Adagio's pussy was strong, irresistible. Sunset lifted her head and brought her mouth against Adagio's pussy. Musky, sticky fluid on her lips, inside her mouth. Soft flesh parting as she slipped her tongue inside. With one hand she held Adagio's thigh; the other came up to play with her own exposed nipple. A wave of pleasure; she moaned into Adagio's pussy, and Adagio murmured in response.

There – she found Adagio's clit, and again Adagio tensed up. Her legs spread further, her hips lowered until she was resting against Sunset's face. Sunset continued to play with her clit. She moved her hand from Adagio's leg up to slip a finger inside her pussy.

Adagio shifted, moving backwards and rising so she was straddling Sunset. She grabbed Sunset's wrists and forced her hands above her head. “Keep up,” she said.

Sunset nodded up at her. “Yes, ma'am.” 

Adagio released her wrists, grabbed the top of her dress and pulled it down to her tummy. Then she unhooked Sunset's bra in one smooth movement and threw it across the room. Her hands mauled Sunset's breasts mercilessly, making her yelp. Fingernails raked down her sides, leaving red marks.

After a few more scratches, Adagio gathered up the skirts of her gown to expose her crotch once again. She shuffled forwards – her pussy hovering over Sunset's mouth, her thighs pressing against the sides of Sunset's head. “Finish what you started.”

“Yes, ma'am.” Sunset lifted her head and kissed Adagio's labia. A fresh layer of fluid stuck to her lips. She slid her tongue into Adagio's folds. For a moment, the pushed-aside thong fell back into place; Adagio moved it aside, and started to stroke herself.

Soon after, Adagio began to curse under her breath and murmur fragments like “wonderful little pony” and “Sunset Shimmer, you beautiful …” Sunset could just about see her chest heaving, they outlines of her stiff nipples visible through the velvet. She grabbed Sunset's hair and pulled hard.

Adagio tensed; shivered. Her juices gushed briefly against Sunset's face. Amid chokes and splutters, Sunset managed to swallow some. The rest went down against her cheeks, her hair, her neck.

Relaxing, Adagio sank back to straddling Sunset's chest. She looked down at Sunset and smiled. Then she leaned over and kissed her, fully and deeply. Her tongue, soft and warm, in Sunset's mouth.

“Wonderful,” she said softly as she moved back and crawled off Sunset. With one sweep, she pulled Sunset's dress the rest of the way down, catching her panties in the process and leaving her naked.

Sunset sat up slightly, glanced down at her body – lightly covered in sweat.

Adagio's hand came down, pinched one of her nipples. “Down!”

Sunset obeyed. Adagio caressed her body, fingertips running lightly over her neck and breasts and tummy. One hand came to rest between her legs, then came back up so Sunset could lick her own juices from the palm. 

Adagio looked down on her, eyes full of warmth, even when she pinched and scratched.

Reaching up to touch her arm, Sunset said, “I love you.”

Adagio took her hand. “I love you too.”

Sunset smiled at her. “My turn.” She scrambled up as quickly as she could and wrestled Adagio to the ground. For a moment or two they rolled, and it seemed like Adagio might regain the upper hand, but after another twist she ended up face-down on the carpet with Sunset on the small of her back. 

And there, on her back, was the zip of her gown. Sunset unzipped it, and slipped the gown off Adagio's shoulders. Adagio had given in by this point and allowed Sunset to take it off entirely. Sunset considered throwing it aside, but instead just folded it over a chair.

Adagio wasn't wearing a bra. Her thong was all that was left, still pushed to one side and wet with her juices. Sunset slapped her ass, then rolled her over onto her front and straddled her. Holding Adagio's arms steady, she brought her mouth down to the small breasts below her, taking to already hard nipples in her mouth, running her tongue and lips over them, biting occasionally. Adagio closed her eyes, murmured to herself, and scratched at Sunset's legs. 

Sunset rose and stretched. “Stay there,” she ordered.

“Yes, little pony,” said Adagio, grinning.

Sunset retrieved a thing, silvered vibrator from the drawer of toys. Then she settled over the girl once more, her pussy just above Adagio's face, and her face above Adagio's pussy. “Lick me out,” she said.

The surge of pleasure between her legs was immediate and shocking. Sunset trembled and nearly collapsed, mewling with joy.

She struggled to regain herself control – on the second try it worked, and she grabbed the vibrator and in one motion slid it inside Adagio. Beneath her Adagio tensed. She turned on the vibrator, a medium setting.

Adagio paused and let out a brief cry. Sunset lowered her head and, while slowly fucking Adagio with the vibrator, extended her tongue into Adagio's folds and sought out her clit. Adagio returned the gesture.

More surges of pleasure like waves crashing against the beach. Sunset was just about aware of Adagio's hips bucking beneath her, of the slick vibrator in her hand, of Adagio's pussy against her lips. She kept going, harder and harder. Adagio's fingers dug into her ass, moving occasionally to scratch her sides. Orgasm came closer and closer.

Sunset came, crying out as she did so. The vibrator fell from her hand. Her head rested, caught between Adagio's legs.

Adagio stopped. She was shivering, still close. “Get … get off me for a moment,” she said weakly. “Get on the bed.”

Sunset rolled off Adagio and lay on her side.

Adagio struggled to her feet. “Something I want to try,” she murmured, kicking off her thong.

Sunset crawled over to the bed and climbed up.

When Adagio came back, it was clear she'd retrieved something from the drawer. A double-headed dildo. Without needing to be asked, Sunset lay on her back. Adagio moved between her open legs and kissed her. The taste of Sunset's juices still clung to her lips. For a moment they just kissed, and the toy lay forgotten.

Then Adagio was moving again.

“Wait,” said Sunset. “I thought … maybe if you want to fuck your little pony, she should have her tail?”

Adagio broke into a smile. “Good idea.” She walked back over to the drawer, came back with the tail, and handed it to Sunset. “You put it in.”

Sunset felt the smooth surface and looked up at Adagio, who stood there, waiting for her and grinning. She'd never done this before. She spread her legs and, hand trembling a little, moved it in place. A shiver rolled down her as the tip touched and began to penetrate her ass. She kept going – twinges of pain, sparks of pleasure – until it was wall the way in.

Adagio patted her leg. Looking down, Sunset saw the red and yellow hair draping over the bed. She felt full but comfortable.

While she was still musing at that, Adagio nudged one end of the dildo up against her pussy. Sunset's back arched, and she let out a little yelp. She grabbed ineffectually at the bedclothes as it entered her. She looked down again when it stopped – above the tail now stuck several inches of sleek black, Adagio holding the other end.

For a moment she lay back with her eyes closed, feeling the fullness and pressure inside her, soaking in the little jolts of sensation each time she shifted. She reached out to Adagio, who was standing beside the bed, and stroked her leg. “Your turn.” She held the end of the dildo steady. 

Adagio nodded and clasped her hand. Then she climbed onto the bed, positioned herself above the dildo, and slowly lowered herself onto it. Sunset felt the motion of as it penetrated Adagio, and moaned softly.

And then it was inside both of them. Adagio leant forward so she was above Sunset. Her eyes closed; she bit at her lip, shivering, then moved down to kiss Sunset. Ginger hair draped all around Sunset's face as they kissed. She ran her hands over Adagio's body – over her back, squeezing her ass, holding her waist. Adagio began to rock her hips back and forth, fucking her. As her kisses moved down to Sunset's neck, she reached down and tugged Sunset's tail, eliciting a little yelp of surprise. 

They moved in harmony. Pleasure built inside, faster and faster. Adagio's hands came up to stroke Susnet's face, and they looked into one another's eyes as they came together. Once, twice. The third time came with a plateau of pleasure so great Sunset didn't know how long it lasted. The world dropped away, and it was just her and Adagio together.

Eventually it was over. Adagio slid off the dildo and fell to the side, murmuring. Both their bodies were covered in a glistening sheen of sweat. Adagio curled up beside Sunset and kissed her forehead.

Sunset nuzzled her. “I love you.”

“I love you, Sunset Shimmer.”

After tidying, they showered together, too tired for more sex, but cuddling each other under the running water. And finally, they slept, with Adagio clinging to Sunset and murmuring.
> The bitter longing and the keen desire
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pale morning sunlight lancing through a crack in the curtains. Warm behind her. Slow, soft breathing.

Sunset woke slowly and lay for some time, just listening to Adagio breathing behind her. She was overcome with a wish to stretch this moment out – just her and Adagio, comfortable, together, satisfied.

But reality, being reality, intruded. Time crawled onwards. A tiny twinge of restlessness intruded, and Sunset soon found the need for motion.

Adagio stirred, her arms wrapping around Sunset. Her greeting came as a gently kiss between Sunset's shoulderblades, and a series of further kisses tracing a little way down her spine.

Sunset took her hand, holding it close to her chest. “Hello,” she said.

“Mm,” said Adagio sleepily. Sunset heard her yawn. Then she murmured something in a language Sunset didn't recognise.

Sunset rolled over. “What?”

Adagio nuzzled at her neck before responding. “I never used to understand what it meant. An old language. Older than I am, even.” Eyes closed, she offered a translation:



"The bitter longing and the keen desire,
The sweet companionship through quiet days
In the slow ample beauty of the world,
And the unutterable glad release
Within the temple of the holy night."



She smiled to herself. “Something like that, anyway.” 

Sunset stroked her hair in silence. For a while Adagio seemed to be going back to sleep, until she rolled on to her back and said, “It's okay if you want to get up. Dressing gown's in the wardrobe. Coffee's in my cupboard in the kitchen. Take whatever you want. You'll see it.”

Sunset held her for a little while more before slinking out of bed, getting Adagio's dressing gown, and heading out into the kitchen. 

Three cupboards were labeled, from left to right:  “Adagio”; a smiley face drawn with a blue gel pen; and “Keep the fuck OUT, Sonata!!!” with a small frowning face, also drawn with a blue gel pen, immediately below it.

From Adagio's cupboard, she made some buttered toast and black coffee, and sat at the table. Intermittently she pulled the gown tighter around her and caught a hint of Adagio from the caress of the fabric.

It was, she thought to herself, just so pleasant to be sitting here. The last few weeks, up to last night, had taken on an unreal quality for all the intensity of emotion they's contained. Now, she was just sitting and eating toast, and everything was going to be okay. She played her fingers against the table, imagining she was running them through Adagio's curls.

Behind her the door opened, and someone padded across the kitchen floor. Sonata. She was singing to herself, in a voice as untrained as Adagio's, “dance, magic dance”, and she was wearing nothing but a pair of boxer shorts. 

She didn't look at Sunset, and she continued so unselfconsciously that Sunset wasn't sure whether she'd noticed her or not. She cleared her throat.

“Hi Adagio!” said Sonata. “Like the new hair!” She opened the rightmost cupboard, rifled around, and took out a biscuit. Quickly cramming it in her mouth, she opened up the middle cupboard and took out a box of cereal.

Then she turned around a saw Sunset. She blinked a couple of times. “Hi Sunset Shimmer! I thought you were Adagio.” 

Sunset smiled and greeted her.

Sonata finished making her cereal and sat opposite Sunset with her bowl. “You and Adagio have made up then?”

“Yeah, I guess so.”

“Yay!” Sonata knocked her bowl and sent some milk over the edge. While she was mopping at the table with a napkin she continued: “She got so sad when you weren't around. And she was so excited yesterday. She didn't want to let anybody know, but it was obvious.” She rolled the damp napkin into a ball and fiddled with it, staring into the distance. “I hope I can make Aria happy like that too. But she still keeps hiding away in her room.”

“Oh, Sonata …”

“It's okay though, 'cause I've got a special present I'm going to give her next week which should cheer her up. Then we'll all be happy and everything will be okay.”

Sunset couldn't help but smile. “I hope she enjoys it.”

“Me too.” Sonata jumped up as if stung and ran across to the kitchen door. “Aria!” she shouted. “Adagio and Sunset Shimmer are back together!”

And now the neighbours on both sides would know the good news too, thought Sunset.

Aria's voice came back more controlled: “Have you stolen any of my food?”

“Nuh-uh!” Sonata turned to Sunset Shimmer. “I actually have,” she whispered.

“Alright,” called Aria back.

Sonata returned to her place and grinned while she was eating her cereal.


> Lose your heart on the burning sand
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunset was in Adagio's room, listening to her struggling with a new guitar piece, when they were interrupted by a buzz. Adagio finished the chord sequence she was on before fishing her phone out of her pocket. 

She glanced at it, then stared. “Huh,” she said.

“What is it?”

Adagio handed the phone to her. “It's a text from Aria,” she said 

Get your butt to the vacant lot on Cedar Road asap. I mean it. NOW.

“That's not ten minutes from here,” said Adagio. 

Sunset handed the phone back and climbed to her feet.

The walk was brisk and in silence, save for one comment from Adagio: “I wish you had a motorcycle of something.”

“A motorcycle?”

“You seem the type.”

“Oh.”

The lot's floor was concrete covered with a thin layer of sand and spotted with cracks through which sprouted sickly weeds. Aria stood at the far end, leaning against a graffiti'd wall. She was smirking. 

And clinging to her neck was a bright red gem. She extended her hand to reveal two more.

Adagio came to an abrupt halt. “Aria …” she said.

Sunset stopped only momentarily, then left her behind and strode forward.

Aria murmured some sickeningly familiar note, and before she was halfway across the lot, Sunset's legs froze. She tried to step forward again, but they refused to obey.

“Don't be stupid,” said Aria. She turned to Adagio. “She did it! She made sense of those notes after all!”

Sunset craned her neck to look round. Adagio was slowly walking forward. She came to a halt when she was level with Sunset.

“And they're fully charged!” continued Aria. “We're free again. Properly, truly free. We can take this entire continent before we need to feed again! Or we can return to Equestria and take that too!” 

When Adagio spoke, her usual tone of command and confidence had dropped from her voice. Quiet, high pitched and almost girlish instead, she said, “Oh … fuck.”

Aria's eyes flicked to Sunset and back again. “You wanted this,” she said. “You gave Sonata those equations.”

“Adagio?” said Sunset.

“I did.” Adagio pursed her lips. “Took pictures of the pages of your notebook. She … she told us she couldn't do anything with them. That was when I …”

Aria had lost her smirk. Now she had a frown verging on being a snarl. “I only called you as a courtesy,” she said. “These will work on any human. If you want to stay, that's fine. I'm sure Trixie would jump at the opportunity.” She looked back at Sunset. “You can take her back with you, anyway. Sunset Shimmer, concubine of Empress Adagio. What do you think?”

Adagio looked at Sunset and put a hand on her shoulder. “Free her,” she ordered Aria.

A brief sung note. Sunset stumbled as feeling came back into her legs. Adagio held her steady.

“You could be on a level with me,” Adagio said. “Have your own palace, your own domain.” Her normal tone crept back into her voice. Her free hand went up to touch her pewter clef necklace.

Sunset studied Adagio's face. It was impossible to read her expression. Except: There seemed to be no trace of warmth in there. A prickly feeling grew behind her eyes.

“No …”

The steady hand on her shoulder shoved backward without warning. Adagio's boot was behind her heel, tripping her. Her outstretched hard didn't stop her from thumping hard on her rear. When she looked up from her scraped, dirty palm, it was through a veil of tears.

Adagio was striding towards Aria, hand outstretched. “Goodbye, little pony,” she said, without looking back. She ripped the necklace off and threw it to the ground.

Behind her a car screeched to a halt. A clatter of opening doors, then voices.

“What in the …” That was Applejack.

Adagio kept walking.

“Aria?” Sonata's voice.

Aria sung another progression.

“What the hell are you doing?” called Rainbow Dash.

Sunset glanced behind her. A Morris Minor – Sonata's car – lay parked at an awkward angle by the road. Applejack and Rainbow Dash flanked Sonata, apparently locked in place like Sunset had been.

Adagio reached Aria, took the gem from her hand, and placed it against her chest. She trembled, eyes closed, like she was caught in some moment of bliss. When it was over, she stood in front of Aria. Her wolfish grin had returned.

“Sonata–” began Aria.

“You opened your present early!” cried Sonata. An accusation in a childish voice. A backwards glance confirmed she hadn't moved.

“Never mind that,” said Aria. “Just get over here. Everything's going to be fine again!”

“Don't,” said Applejack. “Please, Sonata.”

Adagio glanced at Aria. “Let me try,” she said, holding out a hand.

Aria gave her the final gem. 

Slowly, Adagio brought it forward and offered it to Sonata.

Then her hand closed around it. She swung round. Her fist came up and connected with Aria's chin. The blow was hard enough to knock her down. Immediately Adagio was kneeling beside her her, reaching down. Aria screamed, a haunting, melancholic sound, as Adagio took the gem from her.

“Little pony! Catch!” Adagio stood and hurled the two gems towards Sunset. She scrambled forward, missed them. The gems thumped against the sand without breaking, and Sunset grabbed them. 

Adagio's trembling hand went to her own gem. She closed her eyes as her fingers wrapped around it. A pause, then she pulled. She trembled. Her expression spoke of some great anguish and physical pain. And the gem came away. She threw weakly – the gem landed halfway between her and Sunset, bounced, skittered across the sand – then dropped to her knees and sat heavily on the ground. 

Sunset moved forward to grab the final gem. For the briefest of moments, she was entranced by them. She could feel their puissance, magical energy so strong it made the air around them ripple. It could be hers if she wanted it. She swallowed, called to Rainbow Dash, and threw the gems to her. The next moment she was running towards Adagio.

Adagio was on her hands and knees, vomiting. After, she shakily tried to stand. Sunset offered her hand, and Adagio took it. Her face was pale and covered with a thin sheen of sweat. She was still panting, and her knees were trembling.

“Didn't want to hurt you, but …” she said.

Sunset hugged her as tightly as she dared. Behind them, she was vaguely aware of Aria retching. Sonata was beside her.

Adagio began to laugh. “I … I think I just saved the fucking world,” she choked out.

Sunset stroked her hair. “I think you did.” She leaned forward and kissed her.

As they pulled away, Adagio said, “Ugh. Sicky mouth.”

“I know.”

Adagio turned and stared into the distance. “I was hoping our last kiss would be a bit more glamorous.”

“What?”

“We ...” Adagio swallowed. “We just had out true forms ripped away from us. I don't think we're strong enough to survive a second round …”

Sunset froze. She stared at Adagio's pale face. In the background, Sonata held Aria, rocking her gently. She struggled to speak, but no words came out.

Adagio looked into her eyes. Her lips formed a thin smile. “Gotcha,” she said.

“Then …”

“I'll be fine in a few hours.”

“If you hadn't just saved us all, I'd slap you.”

Adagio squeezed her shoulder. “Save it for the bedroom, sweetie.”

Aria was sitting up now, head in her hands. Sonata sat beside her, arm around her, but talking to Rainbow Dash and Applejack.

Sunset looked back to Adagio. “Why did you throw the gems to me?” she said.

“You could have used them.”

“And …?”

“I'm sure you can work it out,” said Adagio.

Sunset looked at her, then pulled her in for a kiss.

“You two might wanna get a room,” said Rainbow Dash, walking over. She paused, pursed her lips, then looked at Adagio. “And I, uh … I guess we were wrong about you.”

“I wouldn't go that far,” said Adagio. She gently moved from Sunset's arms, standing on her own feet, though it still looked as though her knees might give in. “I don't think either of us wanna drag this out. Just – I can't say I'm your friend, Rainbow Dash, but I respect you.” She offered a hand.

Rainbow Dash looked at her for a moment, then shook it. “Deal.”

“And the same goes to you,” said Adagio, walking over towards Applejack, who was still standing beside Aria and Sonata. They too shook hands.

Rainbow Dash brought one of the gems out of the pocket. “I suppose we oughta do something with these?”

“I'll send them back through the portal to Twilight. Best place for them,” said Sunset.

Adagio moved towards Aria – stumbling but regaining her balance – and looked down at her. “Idiot,” she said. 

Aria muttered something that sounded like “Fuck off.”

“If we couldn't win when I was in charge, what made you think you had any chance at all?” Adagio sighed and lowered herself to sit beside Aria. And then she reached over and hugged her. Aria didn't respond. For a moment the three former sirens sat in a row together, locked in embrace. When they were finished, Adagio looked up. “Anyone who shares what just happened gets their arms ripped off. You get me?” Silence. “Good.”

Aria and Sonata were whispering to one another, their fingers interlaced.

Adagio tried her to stand. Sunset helped her up.

“I think we need to go home,” said Adagio.

“Good plan.” Sunset kissed her on the cheek.





> Epilogue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It had taken two months of calculations, even with additional help from Twilight. It had taken weeks of negotiating and cajoling the princesses back in Equestria. It had taken dozens of tests to make sure the portal mappings were correct.

At last everything was ready.

And Sunset was terrified.

She sat looking at the great disc of pale blue haze as it descended into the water. A rhythmic patter of waves slapped the hull of her little boat. The soft breeze carried the smell of salt. The moon shone bright enough to cast shadows. A different moon. The original moon. Luna's moon, motion governed by magic and not mechanics.

Here were the rules: Take a creature from Equestria and send it through the mirror-portal to Earth. It will turn into a different creature – the same species as its counterpart in Earth. Take a creature from Earth and send it through the mirror-portal to Equestria – same thing.

But the sirens had not come through the mirror portal. Their forms, though human, had come from a combination of a spell from Starswirl, a spell from Sonata, and losing their gems twice. No mapping rules existed for that. Send them through the mirror-portal to Equestria and you wouldn't get a pony; you'd get a null result. In practice, that meant something Sunset didn't want to think about.

But that wasn't what scared her. She knew the changes she and Twilight had made would work.

The disc was now submerged. The water around it glowed like liquid dreams. The disc rippled. Sunset's heart pounded, but she didn't know whether it was fear or elation or both. She was on the precipice of the future, about to tumble.

The disc rippled again. And then, from the blue haze, a great golden shape emerged. Adagio slipped through the water with effortless grace. The moment she was clear of the portal she banked, swam in a great circle around the boat, then breached. She came down with a thunderous splash that soaked Sunset and sent the little boat dancing in the waves.

It took a moment for Sunset to realise she was shrieking and laughing. Water ran from her mane. She brushed it from her eyes. Beside her, Adagio's head – large as Sunset's whole body – emerged from the water. Moonlight glittered in her scales and fins, reflected in her eyes.

“Look what you've done!” cried Sunset. “I thought you were supposed to be graceful.”

Adagio grinned. Predator teeth, several inches long.

And on her neck, where her gem would have been, just an indentation. That was what the mapping rule gave her: The physical aspect of a siren, but bereft of aetherial presence. No magic. Just flesh.

“Oh, hush, little pony.” Recognisably Adagio's voice, and yet different. This was an overtone, dancing on a barely-audible contrabass rumble. 

“How does it feel?” A fraction of her joy vanished, replaced by anxiety, as Sunset asked the question.

“Wonderful.” Adagio slid back into the water and dove.

Sunset peered over the side of the boat. Already Adagio was just a dark shape below, barely visible. “I'm glad,” she said at the water.

A moment later Adagio surfaced again on the other side of the boat. She moved her head over the side and nudged at Sunset. “Thank you, Sunset Shimmer,” she said. “I really do mean that.”

Sunset leant forward and put her head against the tip of Adagio's muzzle. Her scales were warm and soft. Her breath, soft and lulling. 

Adagio reached out with a hoof and tried to stroke Sunset's mane, but she was too large, too ungainly to do it properly. 

In time they broke away. Adagio frolicked again, diving, rolling, breaching. Sprays of water glittered in the moonlight like a million glowing tears. Adagio hooked the little boat with her tail and swam forward. They talked intermittently. All the while, Sunset bathed in Adagio's joy. This was her home, her true home, her true body, which she hadn't seen for centuries.

And she was beautiful. She was Adagio; of course she was beautiful. But she wasn't human.

Sunset asked Adagio to hold the boat steady. Then the slipped over the side, immersed herself in the ocean. The change in temperature made her shiver, but them she was there, swimming beside Adagio.

“May I?” she asked, reaching out towards Adagio's great, gauzy fins.

“Of course. Be gentle. They're sensitive.”

Sunset brushed her nose against Adagio's fin. In response, she heard something like a rumbling purr.

She swam for a while, but she couldn't match Adagio. She was barely more effective that when she'd been in the boat. And soon she returned to it.

Adagio travelled further and further afield. How much time passed? Sunset wasn't sure. Hours, at least; Overhead the moon swam through the sky.

Eventually Adagio came up and looked over the side of the boat. Water ran from her crest; reduced to rivulets, then drips, then nothing. “It's odd,” she said.

This is it, thought Sunset. You're home at last. Why return to Earth when you have all this?

“I can't put into words how much I've enjoyed this. I'm resplendent in a way humans couldn't even hope to grasp. Even without my gem. You've given me something wonderful Sunset Shimmer, but …”

“But?”

“Part of me wants to go home, so I can hold you properly.” Adagio looked into Sunset's eyes for a moment. Her frill twitched. Those immense carnivore teeth moved. “I don't know if I'll ever get used to feeling conflicted.”

Sunset was still struggling to find something to say. At last she jumped forward and gave Adagio the closest thing to a kiss she could. It didn't quite work, but that was okay. And it was all that needed to be said – Sunset knew enough of Adagio that she didn't need to patronise her to say it was okay to feel conflicted, or that she could come home any time. 

So she just reached out and nuzzled Adagio's soft golden frills.