> Meet The Parents > by FourShadow > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "You want to do WHAT!?" Trixie's heart was racing, pounding against her chest. Sweat started to fall from her head, and she felt her legs start to wobble and shake. And standing across from her was her girlfriend giving her a raised brow. "I said I want to meet your parents." Trixie felt like she was going to faint. And instead, her back slid against the wall and she hit her bottom. "Trixie, it can't be that bad, can it?" Adagio squatted down to look at her girlfriend in the eyes. She moved her hand under her chin, raising her head up to look at her. "I'm sorry Dagi..." Trixie frowned. "I just... I haven't told them we were dating yet." "Why not? Are you... ashamed of me?" Trixie's eyes bolted open. "No no no no no! I'm not! I swear, I'm not ashamed of you, it's just... oh, how do I put this lightly..." Trixie bit her lip. "They, um... they don't know I'm head over heels for... you." Adagio blinked. And then she started to smirk. "Well I think your parents might like me. I'm sweet, I've got a sexy bod, I'm strong, I..." she stopped to think, a moment of some worry hit her head. "I'm good to you, aren't I?" "Oh, Dagi..." Trixie's hand caressed Adagio's cheek. That innocent look that her girlfriend would give her always made her heart melt in an instant. "You are, it's just... I don't know how to say it. Um... They don't know a little thing about me..." "What, that you're dating?" "No, um... they don't know this one particular thing about me..." Adagio tilted her head out of confusion, eliciting a groan from Trixie. "They don't know I like girls!" Trixie said with exasperation. A moment of silence fell over the two lovers. And Adagio rethought Trixie's statement, making sure she heard her words exactly. "So let me see if I understand this correctly," Adagio said, her hand scrunching her face. "Your parents don't know you're dating... and they don't even know that you're gay?" "Noooo..." Trixie said with some melodramatics. "How can you keep that a secret?" "It slipped my mind?" Trixie guiltily said, receiving a look of derision. "Adagio, you don't understand. I'm not the most social person in the world, I've been extremely quiet about topics like this with them. Whenever they even mention the subject or idea, I get really anxious about it! But if I tell them, I... I don't know. What if they don't like that I'm dating? What if they don't like that I'm into girls, I'm just... I don't want them to hate me," Trixie moaned, putting her face in her hands. "I can't handle that kind of rejection..." Adagio didn't need any other clues to sense how Trixie felt about the situation, and a frown was on her face. She kneed down to Trixie's level and rubbed her shoulders. "Sweetie, I'm so sorry. I didn't know." Trixie sniffled. "I just... I don't know. If they kick me out, then I won't have anywhere to go and I'll be homeless and I don't want to be alone..." "Trixie?" Trixie looked back up to Adagio who was frowning before, but now she was smiling with some confidence. "Your parents love you, don't they?" "Well, yes--" "--Then I think it's okay to tell them." "Adagio!" Trixie swatted her hands away and yanked her close. "It's not that simple! You can't just go up and say 'hey guess what, I'm gay!', that's not something you can casually say out of nowhere. That'd be like if suddenly I said, 'I ran over someone with the car!'" "Trixie!" Adagio grabbed her shoulders. "Listen to me. Breathe..." Trixie stopped and did what she asked, taking a deep breath to try and calm down. "Now listen to me. I know it's scary, but it's okay. They're your family. I'm sure they love you no matter what. If they have supported you up to this point, I'm absolutely positive they'll be okay with you dating. Especially us," Adagio smiled, stroking her girlfriend's cheek. "Are you sure?" Trixie cooed, looking up into Adagio's beautiful eyes. "I'm positive." Adagio kissed her cheek and pulled her in for a hug, to which Trixie embraced. "I don't wanna lose my mama..." Trixie whispered. "Shhh... it'll be okay, I know it," Adagio said, holding her close. "Look. How about this? If you're that worried, maybe we won't rush into this. How about they get to know me first, see what they think of me. And if they're perfectly alright with me, then we tell them the truth. Sound fair?" Trixie took some thought. It sounded fair for the most part. But still though, something would go wrong for sure! But this was Adagio here, she'd have her back no matter what! But... "Well... okay. I'll ask them," Trixie said, admitting some defeat. Adagio's only response was to hold Trixie close and nuzzle her, purring like a cat as she was embracing her lover. "I love you so much, sweetie," Adagio sighed as she continued to stay in Trixie's embrace. Trixie's only response was to nuzzle her back and snuggle up. That evening at Trixie's house, she couldn't stop thinking about her talk with Adagio. She felt tense just thinking about the outcome if she revealed her secret love life. Hate, prejudice, anger. Perhaps a hidden desire to kick Trixie out of their home and never see her again? Welp. They weren't going to find out now, but she could at least pop the question about inviting her friend over for the sleepover. With her father typing at a desk, writing to a family member and her mother emptying the dishwasher, she figured now could be the best time. At least, she hoped. "Hey Mom, Dad? Mind if I ask something?" "Of course, sweetie," Sunflower said, smiling at her as she put some dishes away. "Um... is it okay if I can have a sleepover here on Friday?" Trixie asked, clearly nervous. The two froze, trying to think something Trixie. Having a sleepover? The idea along seemed very foreign to them. Trixie wasn't the biggest socializer in town, but now she was asking about having a friend over? "I should think so... you want to have a sleepover?" Trixie meekly nodded. "Yeah...?" "... Well that's okay!" Jack, Trixie's father said. "You're welcome to have friends over, always." Trixie sighed in relief. "Thanks." "Who is this friend of yours anyway?" "Oh, she's the new girl at school," Trixie explained. "Her name's Adagio, she's... honestly, one of the best girls I met. She's sweet, she's funny, she's really smart, she's just..." she sighed. "She's just amazing." "Well if you want to have her over, that is more than okay with us," Sunflower smiled. "Great!" Friday evening came. Adagio was walking down the sidewalk with a suitcase in her possession. Trixie's house was just around the corner. She had packed everything needed; fresh clothes, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo (just in case), hairbrush, some old video games, extra snacks, everything to be prepared. Walking up to the front door, it looked like your average every day house. Car parked in the driveway, plenty of flowers and lively plants surrounded in a flower bed. And a nice patio where you could sit outside and watch the sun rise or the rain fall under the dry cover of a roof. Her finger pressed the doorbell on the left hand side, and now, she just had to wait. On the other side, the doorbell ringing made Trixie nearly jump up in surprise. "Oh, she's here! Oh, I'm not ready, uh, uh, am I missing anything, is she going to hate it, is--" "--Trixie. Calm down. It's okay," Sunflower smiled, calm as could be. She opened up the door, and there on the other side was Adagio Dazzle. She was dressed in more casual clothes than her usual outfit that she wore to try and show off her all her best features. But she still chose some things that would try to accentuate her beauty. Smooth skin, a little bit of some mascara, skin-tight jeans, that was mostly it. Aside from that, she wore a cute t-shirt with a short-sleeved jacket, and her classic heels. "Hello there. You must be Trixie's friend, Adagio Dazzle?" Adagio smiled and nodded. "Yes. You must be Trixie's mother, very nice to meet you." The two shook hands, greeting each other properly. "Please, come on in," Sunflower smiled, allowing her to come in, Adagio pulling her suitcase behind her. "Do you want me to take off my heels, or...?" "You didn't walk through any puddles, did you?" "No." "Then I think you'll be okay," Sunflower smiled. "Adagio!" Trixie squeaked. Adagio grinned, seeing her girlfriend (in secret) come up to her with that giddy squeak. She almost had Pinkie Pie levels of excitement, so cute. She gave a brief hug to her, but Trixie had slightly pushed her away. Adagio whimpered; she wanted more sugar, dang it! Why did she have to deny her affection? Whyyyyy??? "So, Adagio, you go to the same school as Trixie, right?" "Canterlot High, yes," Adagio nodded. "In fact, I met her on my first day, she was the one who gave me the tour of the place." "Mmmhmm," Trixie nodded. "Oh well it sounds like you two had a great first meeting then, correct?" "Y-Yeah... though it was kinda awkward, we bumped into Sunset Shimmer a few times..." Trixie said. "Oh... her," Sunflower said with some gloom. "I never liked that little... mmmf! You know what I mean." "Oh trust me, I do," Adagio said with a smirk. "But nothing she's done could ever keep me down." "That's great," Sunflower smiled. "So then, Trixie, what do you want to do?" "Well... you wanna play a game?" Trixie asked, sheepishly. "Sure. You lead the way," Adagio smiled as she followed Trixie over to the living room. Sunflower smiled as she shut the door, realizing she was alone. And she said only one thing, the only thing that was running through her head. "Yep. They're dating." > Chapter 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- After settling her suitcase to the side, she followed Trixie over to the main living room where the father was helping out by cooking a part of the dinner. Adagio took a whiff of the air which made her mouth water. A fish being grilled on the stove, and the hot sushi rolls steaming. Both were enough to make her hungry in an instant. "Already, I'm loving what you've got planned for mealtime..." Adagio smirked. Trixie blushed. "Heh, I kinda figured you'd want some seafood, so..." "You guessed correctly," she said before whispering in her ear, "my beautiful girl." Her cheeks went red again. "Heh, heheh..." "So you must be Trixie's friend. Nice to meet you, young lady," Trixie's father greeted. "Pleasant to meet you sir," Adagio smiled, shaking his hand. "Please, just call me Jack." "Very well then, Jack," Adagio winked. "My name's Adagio. Adagio Dazzle." "Nice to meet you," Jack smiled. "So you're new around here? I remember Trixie saying that you were the new girl at school." "Mmmhmm," Adagio nodded. "But I've mastered my way around this city for quite some time now." She turned her head around, looking at the interior of Trixie's home. Nice colorful baby blue wallpaper with a few patterns of stars in some places. "I love your place by the way, looks very... how do I say... dazzling," she winked. "Well you are talking to the 'Great and Magnificent Jack Pot!'" Adagio was intrigued. "You're a magician?" "Why yes..." Jack slammed a smoke bomb onto the floor, and through the usage of flash paper, he was no longer wearing his casual clothing, now he was all dressed up, clean shaven, and bursting with energy. "In my day, I was the Great and Magnificent Jack Pot! People for miles were all dazzled by my shows! And now--" He tossed another smoke bomb down, the flash of light hitting her eyes again. Adagio coughed as she tried to clear some of the smoke, but it was revealed he was changed right back into his casual clothing like he had one before. She was about to raise a finger and question it, until-- "You probably shouldn't ask," Trixie interrupted, sheepishly. "Magician's code; a magician never reveals their secret. That includes me." Jack nodded with a smile. "You still remember it?" "Always have, dad," Trixie nodded. Adagio's eyes didn't look back at Trixie's father. But instead, she was mesmerized by the decor of their house, looking around some more. Some old furniture that looked beautiful even after all these years. A nice glass cabinet against the wall holding all sorts of glassware and dishes. And on a set of drawers, she could see a few pictures of the family. The first photograph looked innocent enough, a picture of both Sunflower and Jack Pot on their wedding day, as implied by the tux and the wedding dress. The second photo next was a picture of them clearly moving into their new home, showing the sold sign next to them. The photo next to that was a picture of them both in the hospital, with Sunflower in a hospital gown holding a baby wrapped up in a blanket; obviously the day that Trixie had been born. Adagio couldn't help but smile a bit at how cute Trixie looked as a baby. But the picture next to it made her gush even more. Trixie at an estimated age of six-years-old, looking cheerful and bright and in front of kindergarten. "Aww..." Adagio melted. "Trixie, is this you?" "Uhhhh... yes," Trixie blushed. "You look adorable." Trixie shook her head. "No I'm not..." "Oh hush, you're adorable and you know it," Adagio said, now knowing the parents were not within earshot. She teased Trixie with a boop to her nose, making her nose scrunch up a little bit, enticing Adagio to giggle. The siren immediately ran back to looking at pictures, distracted. The next one that caught her attention was another one of her that looked like a six-year-old, and it looked like she was performing magic tricks in front of a few kids who were very intrigued. "That was Trixie's first performance," Sunflower said, seeing Adagio's eyes glued to the photo. "It was?" "Yeah. I remember I was on my way to pick her up from school when I saw she was doing a show for the kids. That little girl kept them all distracted even when the power was out." Adagio smiled, looking at the cute six-year-old in the photograph. "I can imagine she was adorable." Sunflower chuckled. "She was. And it was from there that I learned my little girl wanted to be a magician... and I learned what happened to Jack's hat and magic wand." "Mom!" Her mother just chuckled some more, ignoring the embarrassed Trixie in the living room. Adagio giggled as well before looking at some more. Some family photographs, some showing Trixie and family having wonderful times; some taken during her birthday, Christmas, Thanksgiving, other various holiday pictures. Even a few cute Halloween pictures were shown. "Hey Adagio?" Trixie asked, finally grasping Adagio's attention. She held up a game controller. "Want to play?" "Ooh, color me intrigued," Adagio said, instantly distracted by the thought of video games. She sat on the cushion next to Trixie and clutched the controller. "So what are we playing?" "Trust me, I think you will like it..." The first images that flickered on screen were showing two animated characters drawn in a rubber hose animation style, similar to the cartoons of the 1930s and 40s. The animations alone made Adagio's eyes sparkle in awe and wonder. "Oh my goodness..." "Just wait. You haven't seen anything yet..." A little bit of time passed and Trixie and Adagio were mashing the buttons on the controllers with great intensity. Both of their faces were furled up in anger. Their old school looking run-and-gun game wasn't as easy as they had hoped. In fact, they died. A lot. So much so there was a place to go to in the game that tracked the amount of deaths they had which did nothing but spit at them for every time they failed. "Watch out for the barnacles!" Adagio shouted as her character jumped over onto another platform. "Dah, I hate those things!" Trixie said as she dodged the incoming fire. "Look at all of this, there's flying fish, there's angry crabs, swimming crustaceans, there's no way to dodge or avoid all of them!" Once again, they both died. "Dang it!" Trixie moaned. "You know, lets take a break from this level. We still have a few other bosses to fight, lets take on them. How hard could they be?" Five Minutes Later "Come on, come on, you've got this..." Trixie smiled. "Ugh, why did they have to make this extremely difficult!?" Adagio snarled as her fingers kept slapping against the controllers. Jack chuckled. "I see Trixie's got you playing that game?" "It looked beautiful! The 1930s aesthetic pulled me in and then all of the sudden it slaps me with it's insane difficulty!" Adagio cried with over-dramatics. "I swear, that mermaid reminds me of the Sally Siren cartoons I used to--Oh great, one life left, come on, I can do this, I can do it..." "Come on, you got this!" Adagio put her focus onto finishing the last phase of the boss fight. It was one more to go. She just needed to deliver one final blow to that siren mermaid boss, and she'd be done. Just one more until-- BAM! The screen blared with the same 'Game Over' screen that flashed in their faces over 50 times now. Adagio's face scrunched up when the boss quote loaded on the screen. Out of instinct, the eldest Dazzling reached for the pillow next to her and pressed it against her face as she screamed in rage. It wasn't loud, but they could hear the muffled shrieking in the cushion. She lifted the pillow off and panted, finally done with all the screaming. She rubbed at the temples above her head before moaning. "... Can I get through this game without being a hazard to myself!?" Adagio whined. "Girls! Dinner's ready!" "Oh sweet, food!" Almost immediately she forgot about her continuous losses as she tossed the game controller to the side. Trixie soon got up and followed her to the family dinner table, immediately in awe at what they set out on the table. "No... no way... you prepared sushi?" Adagio squeaked. Trixie giggled; her happy squeak, so cute. "Yes we did," Sunflower nodded. "Trixie told us it was your favorite." "Oh yes it is..." Adagio's mouth watered seeing the sushi put onto her plate. When everyone sat themselves down, they soon dug in. And Adagio was more than happy with the sushi she was given. Cooked to perfection, and with a side dish of cooked fish. "Mmm... this is delicious," she said, eliciting a chuckle from the parents. "You really like seafood, don't you?" "Mmmhmm," Adagio said without saying it, wiping the food off her mouth. "I suppose I'm just... connected to the ocean. I've always been attracted to the sea. It's a dangerous and fascinating environment..." Sunflower giggled. "I see..." "So, Adagio, tell us a bit about yourself. Is there anything you're looking to do in life, or..." Adagio stopped for a minute to think about what to tell him. "Well, I don't truly know. Part of me just wants to keep on trucking, see where the road takes me. But right now, I'm just content with performing for my friends and of course, helping this sweet girl with her magic works," she winked, eliciting yet another blush from Trixie. "Dagi..." "Wait, wait, wait. You're helping her... with magic? Trixie, I thought you gave it up years ago," Sunflower asked. "I... I did. But I don't know. After I met her, and when Sunset's reign ended... I felt like I could get back out there. She volunteered to help me, and I thought maybe I could do magic again." Jack Pot nearly dropped his silverware. "Trixie, that's amazing!" Trixie sheepishly smiled. "It's not that amazing..." "But it shows you're brave enough to try something again, that's a good thing. You should never be afraid to try something, even if you aren't sure of how it will go." Trixie's head turned back to Adagio who gave her a duck-lipped expression before giving her a wink and silly grin. See Trixie? What'd I tell you. Rolling her eyes, she just took another bite of her sushi. "So Adagio, do you have any other interests other than performing?" "Why yes, I do. I suppose you can say I'm a little geeky," Adagio giggled. "How geeky are we talking?" Jack asked. "I've got stashes of comic books in mint condition," Adagio winked again. "And I've seen every episode of Transformers and C.O.B.R.A and I can recite every line in Star Wars by heart." Jack chuckled. "I bet you and Trixie get along great." "Oh we do!" Trixie nodded enthusiastically. "More than you know it," Adagio said suggestively, giggling. "What's that supposed to mean?" Jack Pot asked, confused with some suspicion. "Oh, it's just a little joke, that's all. I am a little bit of a tease, I suppose. ... Though I am guilty enough to admit that I do have fun with it," Adagio blushed for the first time that night. "Well that's no worry," Jack said, losing suspicion. "Just as long as it doesn't get overdone, I suppose there's nothing wrong with it. You're not intending to make others mocked, are you?" "Oh good heavens, no," Adagio said. "I'm a tease, but I only do it because I like everyone. I only take it a bit far if it's with people who aren't so nice; say like, that Sunset Shimmer girl." The two parents gave it some thought. "Well, I suppose it's not too bad..." Jack Pot nodded. "Anyways!" Sunflower cut in, hoping to change the subject without any more awkwardness at the dinner table. "So, Adagio, tell me, are you... dating, anyone?" Trixie nearly coughed up her food from the sudden question. "I'm sorry?" "I was just curious," Sunflower asked innocently. "Mom..." "What? Is it wrong to want to know their daughter's friend some more?" "Yeah, but you can't just ask something like that!" "It's fine, Trixie," Adagio patted her lap discreetly. "But no, I am not currently dating. It's a bit difficult with all of the crazy schedules and finding the right one." "Trust me, I know. But you'll find the right one, I'm sure of it," Sunflower smiled. "You're too adorable, how can anyone not fall for you?" "Oh trust me," Adagio looked back at Trixie with a smirk, wiggling her eyebrows at her. "I know." The dinner continued some more, eventually everyone hit a point where they were stuffed and couldn’t touch any more. Jack cleared some of the plates while the rest of the family sat lazily at the table, feeling bloated. “Oh that was so good…” Adagio patted her belly. “Thanks, Sunflower.” “It’s no problem at all." "I haven't felt this full since last Thanksgiving... and all I ate was just the turkey," Adagio said, laying back in her chair. Trixie got up to the kitchen, trying to help her dad by putting some plates and silverware into the dishwasher. "So, uh, Trixie?" Jack Pot asked. "Yes Dad?" "... Your friend seems nice," Jack said, trying to make conversation. "She is, isn't she?" Trixie smiled. "Sweet girl. Though I don't know..." Trixie's shoulders tensed up. "I feel like there's something else about that girl she's not telling us..." "Y-Yeah?" "Yeah..." Her heart began to pound against her chest. Was he about to pry her for the question of their secret dating life? Was it all about to get revealed right here, right now-- "... Why does that girl act all suggestive and flirtatiously?" Trixie's anxiety began to melt away, smiling in relief. He wasn't asking the question now, thank goodness. "Well, Dad, that's kind of how she is, honestly. Apparently at the last school she went to, everyone was pretty toxic and the only way she could really communicate with anyone or get any information was by acting flirty like a... how do you say... um... siren? You know, like those sea sirens that attracted the attention of sailors?" Jack was blanking until he put two and two together. "Ohh..." "She acts like that with me a lot, almost every day. Though honestly she does it mostly to me because she considers me to be her best friend." The middle-aged man listened to Trixie's explanation, giving her statement a bit more thought. "Well I suppose that's not so bad," Jack shrugged off. He clamped the dishwasher shut, finally turning it on and allowing it to run it's cycle and clean everything inside. "If you want, you can just take your friend upstairs and show her you're room." "Yay! Thanks, Daddy." She skipped out of the kitchen and back to her friend who was pulling herself out of her seat. "Mind if we go upstairs?" "Go right ahead," Sunflower smiled. "Follow me. You haven't seen my room yet," Trixie said with some excitement. She had already seen Adagio's bedroom, but now she was getting to show her room to her girlfriend. She was going to love it! Adagio raced up the stairs to follow her, and followed her right into her room. Trixie’s room was a little chaotic, though of a different aesthetic than the calm and mundane suburban style that dominated the rest of the house. The wallpaper was night sky blue with a few stars spread all around. Posters of sci-fi movies, shows, comedies, pop stars, and magicians littered the walls. The shelves were full of various knick knacks, toys, action figures, and what appeared to be props for magic shows. Several outfits were hanging in her closet, obviously intended for magic performances as hinted by the glitter and sparkle. "Oooh... I like your room. Very stylish. And rather fitting," Adagio grinned. Her eyes lingered to a few of the props sitting on a dresser drawer, immediately looking at the magic wand sitting there. She picked it up, her eyes analyzing it. "Oh this ole one," Trixie giggled, reaching for the wand. She plucked it out of Adagio's hand, but as she did, there was another wand clenched in her hand. She pulled it again, and there was still a wand in Adagio's hand. She pulled more and more, and the ensuing multiplication of wands just made Adagio giggle like a little girl. After retrieving the last wand, she placed it all on her dresser. Once she saw they were out of ear shot, Trixie slowly pushed the door closed until it was only slightly ajar. "Okay, so--mmm!" Adagio had yanked Trixie close to her and embraced her with a tender kiss on her lips. Trixie was about to fight, but she slowly gave in, holding Adagio and kissing her back. "I wanted to do that for a while," Adagio purred. Trixie blushed, yet again. "Dagi..." "I'm sorry, but I just wanted to snuggle you," Adagio said innocently, nuzzling her cheek. Trixie sighed and nuzzled her back. "I know, but I just didn't want to do it in front of them." "Sweetie, I think it's safe to say they're perfectly accepting of me now," Adagio said. "Well, yeah, but... I don't want to tell them you're dating me!" Trixie whined. "Trixie. You made me a promise," she said, holding her hands on her hips with pouty lips. "I know, but--" "--No butts! Only my butt!" Adagio teased, winking at her. "Look, Trixie, I don't want you spending the rest of your life in fear of something you may not need to be afraid of. I told you, if they really love you, you should be able to trust them and tell them the truth!" "I know!" Trixie yelled before plonking down on the bed. Adagio stopped insisting. She could hear Trixie was almost about to cry from the shakiness in her voice. She slowly walked over to the other side next to her, and sat down. She scooted close and wrapped an arm around her side. "Baby? Are you mad?" Trixie sighed. "No..." Adagio sighed in relief. In the clear! Well, hopefully in the clear. "I'm sorry for pushing you. I wasn't trying to make you upset," Adagio apologized. "I just want you to finally be able to tell them so we don't have to keep dating in secret." Trixie scrunched her face. "I know..." Adagio pulled her over and let her girlfriend rest her head on her shoulder. She pulled her closer, slowly laying back on the bed. "Hey. It'll be okay." She pulled her closer, pressing her chest against her girlfriend's. "I'm gonna be with you, all the way. And if they don't approve... then they're going to have to deal with me." Trixie turned her head, smiling at her girlfriend. "Thank you..." "Hey, hey," Adagio cooed, pulling her closer and nuzzling her. "It's what I'm here for." For a while the two of them were at ease. While Trixie's mind still lingered on the possibility of her parents not approving of their relationship, Adagio quickly came to make her completely forget it. "Hey. I think I know something that'll make you feel better," she smiled. "What?" Trixie asked. "... Want to play a tournament fighter game?" She smirked. Trixie smirked back. "I'd like that." "Perfect. Let me just get my PJs, first." A pair of pants and heels were tossed and Adagio slipped into a pair of comfortable shorts. Soon their game controllers were ready. Both of them sat on the end of the bed, cuddled close together as the loading screens began to, well, load. Once the game was ready, they were ready to begin. "This match is about to get red hot! And begin!" The evening went on, and it became time for everyone to hit the sack. Both parents had already got their PJs and brushed their teeth, and both girls had already brushed and rinsed and everything they needed to before heading to bed. Of course they set out a soft air mattress for Adagio, but Adagio had other ideas in mind... "Alright you two. I know teenagers like you stay up for a little while, so if you do, please try to keep the noise down, okay?" "We will," Trixie nodded. "Of course," Adagio winked with a suggestive grin. "Good night you two," Sunflower waved. "Night Mom!" Once they were clear, Trixie opened up the bed on her left side and allowed Adagio to slowly crawl into the space next to her. Adagio smiled and purred as she cuddled up next to her girlfriend contently. "Thanks for letting me sleep next to you," she cooed. Trixie stroked Adagio's left cheek. "How could I not?" Adagio gave Trixie a kiss on the cheek. “I’m right here for you, Trixie. Sweet dreams, beautiful.” Trixie looked behind her, using her hand to bring Adagio in for a goodnight kiss. “Thanks, Dagi." Trixie whispered. “Goodnight.” Adagio gave Trixie one more kiss on the cheek before she fell back asleep. Se took a moment to just watch her sleep. It was perhaps the most adorable thing she had ever seen. She looked so at peace. The sweet scent of her hair enraptured her senses. The moonlight shined through the window, making her look like she was glowing, and she was beautiful. Then again, she always is. “I’ll never let anyone hurt you, my beautiful magician,” Adagio whispered. She kissed her cheek again. “Goodnight, my beautiful girl.” Adagio relaxed, and eventually let the clutches of sleep take him, and the comfort of her girlfriend provided all the warmth she needed. > Chapter 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "What do you mean they're dating?" Jack asked, trying to comprehend what his wife just told him. "I'm telling you, they're dating, I know it," Sunflower shouted from their bathroom. She was in the midst of brushing her teeth when she had popped her thoughts to her partner. "Come on, you can't be serious. What makes you so sure?" "Lets break it down, shall we?" She stepped out of the bathroom for a quick second. "Clue number 1; Her friend arrives to the door. Trixie shows great enthusiasm and excitement to see this girl come over, and before that, she acted like she was deeply in love just talking about her. Clue number 2, if it wasn't obvious enough, was Adagio's constant flirty attitude around Trixie and making her blush... a lot. And if that wasn't a cue enough, the minute I asked Adagio about dating, Trixie starts hacking up a hairball." "... Okay, those are some good clues there, but come on, some people just like to act flirtatiously. You know my brother was when you met him," Jack called back. "That's because he was trying to hit on me!" She yelled from the bathroom. "And he failed, didn't he?" "Well, yeah, but--that's not the point!" She quickly rinsed and spit out the mouth wash. She stepped out the bathroom, hands on her hips. "Trixie and Adagio, are dating, I know it." Jack was dubious. “If you say so. I dunno, I just can’t see it.” Sunflower shakes her head, halfheartedly exasperated with her husband. “And why not?” Jack considered the question for a moment, putting down the book he’d been trying to read during this whole discussion. Finally, he said, “I don’t really know. I guess, it’s just – we’re her parents. I mean, I just think that Trixie would have told us that she’d met someone, or that she was seeing someone, that’s all.” Sunflower smiled slightly, a little wistful. She came over to Jack and sat by him, talking more quietly. “You know that Trixie’s always been shy. If she found someone, she might be nervous.” “Nervous? What’d she be nervous about? I love her, you love her, Trixie knows that. I wouldn’t hate whoever she wanted to date.” Sunflower smirked with a little tease in her voice. “Not even if she brought home someone from Cloudsdale High?” Jack scoffed. “Oh yeah, like that’d happen.” Sunflower laughed softly as she gets under the covers with him. The two of them settle down again, in comfortable silence. Sunflower reached over to the bedside table to shut off the lamp for the night, before Jack speaks up again. “You’re really certain she’s with Adagio?” “Absolutely.” “All right then.” Jack chuckled softly, but she heard him. Sunflower glanced back at him knowingly. “All right, mister smarty pants… care to make it interesting?” Jack smirks at her. “I’m listening.” “I’ll stake money on it.” Jack laughed softly. “All right. How much?” “Ten bucks.” “Twenty.” Pause, then he added jokingly, “I could use the cash in pocket.” Sunflower laughed, and playfully smacked her husband. He laughed it off, and to show no hard feelings, gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. Then, as she reaches for the lamp once more…. "You really want to bet on this?" Sunflower stopped. She looked at her husband with a smirk. "You mean like all those bets we kept placing on each other in college?" "Maybe," Jack chuckled. "Alright, tell you what. $20 says Trixie is dating Adagio, done and done. Deal?" "Deal," Jack nodded. "Though I'm telling you, that girl is not dating her." "You do realize I'm Trixie's mother, right? Sometimes moms just know things," she said. "And sometimes dads know things too," Jack replied as slowly snuggled up with her. "... maybe even more. And better." And all he got in response was a swat to the face with a pillow. The morning light from the sun slowly crept into Trixie's bedroom. She along with Adagio were still peacefully asleep in bed together, snuggled up nice and cozy. Adagio kept her close the entire night, making sure she felt safe in her grasp. And with the stresses of yesterday, she needed that close comfort. And Adagio was more than happy to give her that comfort. When the sun hit her eyes, she slowly winced and slowly opened them, trying not to fidget too much from where she laid. But she slowly was gaining the energy to pull herself up. But there was one other thing she had to do first... She leaned down and gave a soft kiss on Trixie's cheek with a smile, following up with her leaning close and nuzzling her, purring like a cat. "Morning sweetie," Adagio whispered. Trixie's eyes slowly opened and she looked over to her girlfriend with a happy expression. "Morning Dagi." "How are you, baby?" Adagio asked as she cuddled closer. "I'm fine. Better with you cuddled up close to me," she cooed, giving her a kiss. Adagio smiled before pushing herself out of bed. She bent over to pick up her shirt before putting it back on, and then jumped right back into bed with her girlfriend. "Say Trixie... if you're feeling perfectly alright and up to it... could I ask you to do something for me?" Adagio asked, whispering into her ear. Trixie blushed even harder. "W-What's that?" "... tell your parents we're dating at breakfast." "What!?" Trixie yelped. She pulled herself up. "Dagi!" "Trixie, come on, breakfast is the perfect time! They've gotten to know me, and I think they really like me," Adagio whimpered, putting on her best puppy-dog eyed look. "Pleasssseeee????" "Dagi..." "Please, please, please pleaseeeeee???????" Adagio begged. A knock was at the door. "Trixie? Adagio, you up?" Out of fear, she shoved Adagio's body out of the bed and she hit the floor with a slam. "Ow!" "U-Uh, yeah, we're up!" Trixie shouted, trying to pull herself together. "Alright, well, when you two are ready, come on down. Your mom's making breakfast!" "Okay!" Adagio slowly pulled herself up, looking at Trixie a semi-amused face. "Guess I know if you're going to kick me out of bed, I won't underestimate your strength." "Sorry..." Trixie blushed. "I thought they were going to open the door and come in, I didn't want to tell them like that." Adagio perked up. "So does that mean... you're finally going to tell them?" Defeated, she sighed with a nod. "Yes. I'll tell them. Soon as I get some food into my system, I will tell them I'm gay and I'm dating you." Adagio squeed with some excitement, yanking her girlfriend out of bed and swinging her around like a little girl. "Yes yes yes yes yes! Thank you thank you thank you!" She hugged her close to her body and nuzzled her again. "... Dang it, why can't I stay mad at you," Trixie said, giving into the nuzzles. "Because you really love me?" Adagio said, rubbing her cheek against Trixie's like a cat. "... Yeah." After prying her girlfriend off her body and making a quick run to the bathroom, Adagio wandered downstairs to where the parents were busy cooking breakfast. The smell of fresh pancakes and bacon were in the air, making Adagio's mouth water. "Mmm... bacon." Sunflower chuckled. "Morning Adagio." "Good morning, Sunflower," she smiled. "Sleep well?" "Why yes, I did. How about you?" "I slept wonderfully," Adagio said, leaning against the counter with a suggestive grin. "Mind if I steal a piece of bacon?" "Go right ahead," Jack nodded. Adagio quickly swiped a piece of bacon, munching on it happily. And it just so happened that was the moment Trixie finally came downstairs. "Hey Trixie," Dagi smirked, swaying her hips a bit at her girlfriend, once again, making her blush. "... Please don't do that while we're here," Trixie blushed, walking past her. "Alright everyone, grab a plate, grab whatever you like and dig in!" Jack hollered. Everyone grabbed their own pancakes, some pieces of bacon, and their own individual drinks. They sat down at the table, finally digging in. "Mmm, this is very delicious, Sunflower. Did you cook these yourself?" "That would be Jack's doing," Sunflower nodded to her husband. "Old family recipe, Adagio. Passed down from my mother, and her mother before that, and her mother before that, and her mother before that. A long line of passing down," Jack explained. "Ah, okay," Adagio nodded before taking a sip of her drink. Trixie was mostly quiet as she nibbled on her food. If she was going to tell them anything, she wanted to at least have some food before speaking the truth. And thanks to the milk, she was able to get her mind together and think straight. A boost of that always helped her when she needed some focus. That, or the delicious sensation of peanut butter crackers which she usually snacked down on at lunchtime. Added with a slight nudge from her secret girlfriend, Trixie sighed. The time was now. "Um... Mom. Dad. Can I tell you guys something?" "Of course, sweetheart, what's up?" Jack said, taking another bite of the pancake. "I, um... Ooh boy. Um... Dad. You and I, um... we have something in common." "Yeah, what's that?" Jack asked, taking a sip of coffee. "Well, um... this is hard, um..." Trixie gulped. "... We both like the ladies." Jack chuckled. "Well of course we do, we..." he stopped. "Wait a minute. What do you mean, we both like the ladies?" Trixie gulped. No turning back now. "Dad. I'm... I'm gay. I'm a lesbian, and I always have been. Adagio isn't just my friend. She's my girlfriend. I didn't know how else to tell you guys, but... I wanted you to get to know her before I finally said something. I've been dating her for the past few months, and every second I'm with her I wouldn't give up for the world. She's always been there when I needed her, and she helped me be a little more confident in myself. I... I thought now was the time that I told you two that I was seeing her." There's a long pause. It was like if glass had just shattered, completely shutting up all noise and sound around. And both of the parents were quiet. Not a word was spoken, not even a beat. Sunflower gets up, slowly almost as if she was pondering something important. She slowly stepped to the kitchen, for a few seconds of uninterrupted silence. No one knew what she was doing, not even Adagio knew and she was starting to grow fearful. Were they about to break the love of her life's heart? A few seconds later, the mother came back out, and approached her husband. She held one arm on the chair and the other arm on the table, leaning over. And while she looked him in the eye, she said with a slow smirk, "Jack. You owe me a twenty. Because I CALLED IT!" She cackled with joy as her husband reached for his wallet, slapping a $20 bill on the table. Trixie was shocked. "Wait... you knew!?" Sunflower smiled with smart aleck grin. "I knew the minute she walked through the front door! Something about her just screamed girlfriend to me." Adagio giggled. "Well what makes you think I don't act like this with everyone I talk to?" "Come on," Sunflower smirked back. "W-Was it really that obvious?" Trixie asked, afraid to know the answer. "... Yeah." Sunflower admitted. "I mean I knew something was up, but I didn't think that maybe you would be dating! But I knew it, I knew this was the case, I just knew it!" "Ohh..." Trixie moaned as she planted her face her arms, embarrassed as the day she tried to perform in front of a crowd back in 8th grade. Sunflower could see Trixie was a little more than distressed. But just like many times before, her motherly instincts kicked in and she knew how to help her child. "Hey. Trixie?" She put her hand on Trixie's hand. "Look, sweetie, I knew when she walked in. But it doesn't mean I'm mad at you." "You're not?" Trixie moaned into her arms. "No, sweetie, I'm not. I'll admit I'm a little surprised you waited until now to tell us, but it doesn't mean I don't love you." Jack nodded, stepping into the conversation. "Kiddo, we just want you to be happy. And if you like girls, then that's okay." Trixie was shocked. "You... you're okay with it?" Sunflower smiled. "We are. We love you Trixie, and we always will." Jack nodded. "In fact, you know what's surprising to me?" "What?" Jack grinned. "The only thing that's surprising to me is that you, my daughter, got yourself a beautiful young lady. I'm really impressed, Trixie. I bet a lot of boys are really jealous of you." Trixie blushed harshly yet again, and once again making Adagio laugh. "Dad..." "Well I can turn a few heads, that's for sure," she smirked. "And this sweet girl gets to have me all to herself," Adagio leaned her head against Trixie, nuzzling her. "Dagi..." Trixie said, twirling her hair. "Look. Kiddo, in the end, it's okay. We're happy for you. And we want you to be happy." "Really?" Sunflower nodded. "Really. Now come here...", she opened her arms up, offering a hug. Sunflower pulled Trixie into a hug, and Jack joined in the hug as well. All three of them finally at ease, and Trixie could feel a heavy weight being lifted off her shoulders. So long she feared their reactions, only to see there was no fear to be found no more. "Thanks guys," Trixie sniffled. "Oh, sweetie, don't you worry about a thing," Sunflower said, patting her daughter's back. She sighed as she continued to hug her. "Oh, you don't know how proud of you I am... a year ago, I didn't think you would be dating, but now?" "You've come a long way, kiddo," Jack complimented. "And you can bet your rabbit filled hat I'm proud of you." Adagio smiled as she watched the family hug it out. A feeling of pride beaming inside. "Heyyy... how about a little sugar for meee?" Adagio said, trying to get Trixie's attention. The magician giggled as she pulled Adagio in for a hug as well, holding her in a warm hug. "Isn't that just the cutest thing?" Sunflower gushed. "Kinda reminds me of the day I first met you," Jack said, holding his wife close. "Dad..." Trixie whined. "Kiddo, you know we're only teasing you because we love you. Now, if you don't mind, I like to say something to your girlfriend." Adagio pulled out of the hug and looked at Trixie's father, dead in the eye. "So... Adagio. You really love her?" She nodded. "Absolutely, sir." "You promise me you won't hurt her? Because if I find out you do..." "Sir." Adagio interrupted. "Hurting her is the last thing I want to do. I love her more than anything, and I would never want or let anything bad happen to her." That was all Jack Pot needed to hear. With a proud smile, he patted Adagio's shoulder with a look of approval. "You're a good girl, Adagio. Just make sure you treat her right, okay?" "I know how to. In more ways than one," she gave a naughty wink. Jack laughed. "Okay, easy up there, tiger." The two couples were finally at ease with one another. Now everything had calmed down. Only one question remained; what to do now? Should they celebrate, should they do something about it... what? "Hey. Tell you two what. Since we know you two are officially dating now, what do you say we have a proper date with the family? We'll take you two out to lunch somewhere, and get to know the real you." "Well, I know I would, but it's all up to my girlfriend," Adagio said, looking at her girlfriend. "What do you want to do, babe?" "Um..." Trixie was almost at a loss for words. She had anticipated Adagio and possibly herself out the door before breakfast was over. She hadn't planned for her parents being accepting of her relationship. She didn't even know what to do now! "It's okay if you don't know. Maybe you two should think about it. I'm gonna go take a shower and get dressed, you two can discuss what you want to do," Jack said before going upstairs. "I'm going up as well," Sunflower said before heading upstairs. Their slippers made soft slapping sounds as they walked up the rickety staircase. Once the parents were upstairs, Adagio wrapped her arms over Trixie's shoulders, resting her head on her left shoulder. She purred softly, almost like a cat. Even more so because now she could nuzzle and hug her without having her girlfriend fearing her parents. "See? What did I tell you," Adagio sassed, placing her hands on Trixie's sides now. Trixie smiled back, stroking Adagio's cheek. "Yeah... you were right." Adagio kissed her cheek and held her in a big hug. "As I said, you just need to believe in yourself, baby." Trixie smiled and kissed her cheek back, nuzzling her as she held her close. Adagio nuzzled her as well, staying in the comfortable embrace. As the two held each other more and more, Adagio kissed her again. "I love you, baby," Adagio said. "I love you too," Trixie cooed, holding her some more. She stroked Adagio's cheek with a proud smile and boost of confidence. "Now come on, lets get dressed. You wanna look nice for me, don't you?" Trixie said with a wink. "Keep it up, and I just might," Adagio sassed as she followed her girlfriend up the stairs. "Oh, hey, Dagi?" "Yes Trixie?" "Well... um... I know I already met them, but... could we do a dinner with just us and your sisters?"