Civilized Discussion

Brianna had gotten into Fizzy's car and not really said anything after shutting the door and putting on her seat belt. Fizzy had some errands to run and Brianna had elected to wait in the car while Fizzy had gone into a store. It was then that she had replied to Storm's text and now she sat and stared out the passenger side window while waiting for her sister. Her mind couldn't be stopped from returning to that moment earlier in the day when she had upset Megan. Brianna looked at Megan's broken leg as Megan sat in the wheelchair she was for the moment restricted to. Tears came to Brianna's eyes and she thoughtlessly said. "It should have been me that got hurt Megan. This happens to me a lot so I should have been the one and not you."

"That's enough Brianna!" Megan said actually raising her voice slightly. "It's never a good thing when you get hurt! It hurts me whenever you get hurt and it's not going to better if you get hurt instead of me. You need to quit thinking that way because it's wrong of you to devalue yourself like that!"

Megan's words had been a poor mask for her pain. Megan was actually hurt more by Brianna's self derision than by her injury. Brianna sniffled a little and silently berated herself for having been so selfish like that. She lifted her head when she heard Fizzy get back into the car.

Fizzy smiled "Everything will be fine between you two Brianna."

Brianna smiled "I know, I just can't believe I was that selfish."

"You're not perfect Brianna, you made a mistake that's all." Fizzy replied

"I know." Brianna said with a sigh.

Fizzy smiled again. "It will be fine, you two will talk it out and have dinner together with us and that will be it."

Brianna didn't respond and went back to gazing out the passenger side window until they returned home. Brianna slowly walked to the door not wanting to face Megan even though she had to. It had not been her best moment earlier that day and she felt badly for what she had done. She walked inside and went to the downstairs guest room that they had moved into during Megan's recovery.

"Megan..." said Brianna

Megan smiled at her. "Hi Brianna, how did it go with Storm?"

Brianna snickered "He really was a mess. He actually read a dating advice book."

Megan stared at Brianna shocked. "He did that?"

Brianna nodded "Yeah, he really did that." Brianna giggled "At least he admitted it though, most people would not have done that when they were called out on it."

Megan laughed "Well at least had the courage to admit it. I take it he was actually very nervous then?"

Brianna nodded and was quiet for a moment. Finally she spoke no longer wishing to delay what needed to be done. "Megan, I'm sorry I said that it should have been me that had gotten hurt instead of you. I, I wasn't thinking and what Mary did on Monday just made everything worse." She got down on her knees to look Megan in the eyes. "I know that we need to be equals in the relationship, but that's hard for me after mom and dad died. I'm still trying to figure out who I am and who I want to be. I don't know much, but I know I want to be by your side when that day comes. I just, I just can't be with anyone else. I don't want to be with anyone else."

"I know Brianna, and I want you to be happy. Ever since Bob and Karen died I have done my best to support you, we all have. Whatever you decide to do with your life I'll support you. And I'll help you in every way that I can. So don't worry alright? I'm not going to leave you over a silly mistake like this." said Megan "So we've got some time before dinner, why don't you tell me about this unicorn of yours."

Brianna blushed and started telling Megan the details she could remember until they had dinner and then went to bed.

Thursday after school would prove to be another moment for the three sisters as Adagio and Sonata helped Aria with more date prep. Or at least the two of them were trying. Aria had decided to make things somewhat difficult for them and was being stubborn, again.

"Seriously you two are making me go date prep shopping? Storm would be over the moon that I'm just showing up." Complained Aria in the back of Adagio's car. After her and Sonata had to practically carry her out of the house.

"Storm had to do a lot to get ready too Aria. So the least you can do is put some actual effort into this guy," Adagio shot back

"Yeah!" Sonata squealed "Because he is totally worth it Ari."

"Really? You mean cause he's rich? So are we. Because he's smart? Big whoop. Because he has a half rocking body? Okay that last one is a point for him." Said Aria trying to sound aloof.

"Yes because he is smart Aria." Adagio said over her shoulder. "Storm is a very smart guy and he likes you." Adagio said emphasizing the last word.

"Yeah," Sonata squeaked "he could have just about any girl in school and he picked you for some reason. And besides smart is sexy Ari. You may not know this but Marble is really smart. It's just hard to see because she is so shy and cute. I mean those are really nice bonuses and all, but smart is where it's at Ari."

Adagio laughed "Yeah any guy I get with had better be able to use his brain or I'm not interested. And you should realize just what a big deal this actually is for you Aria. Storm can give way more than some typical rich good looking playboy like Blueblood can."

"DO NOT BRING HIM UP AGAIN!" Said Aria, almost growling. "He was the last mistake I made dating and why I haven't bothered with another one of these losers since." She folded her arms and looked out the window.

"And that is why you need Storm Aria, because he is not some shallow playboy who thinks he is the best gift to every girl in school." Adagio replied evenly. "No this guy is special, he has a backbone and the brains to go with it."

"Yeah definitely." Said Sonata as they pulled into the mall parking lot.

"Fine I'll get a new outfit this time. But mention HIM, again and you will find out how much water that new toy of mine can carry the hard way." said Aria

"You'll see Aria, this one is worth your time." Adagio said as she parked her car.

"So where is the half-pint taking me. He only said a club. I'm guessing you know the dress code for the place otherwise this would be a waste of money." Said Aria as she got out.

Sonata giggled "Of course we know, and I can say that you won't be disappointed Ari." Sonata stopped and turned thoughtful. "I wonder if Marble would like the wings over at that barbecue place across from the Steel Dragon? I'll have to ask her sometime."

Adagio laughed "As long as you don't take her to the Steel Dragon Sonata I'm sure it'll be fine. It helps to know the tastes of who you're dating after all." Adagio said as they walked into the mall and into a store that resembled a heavy metal concert.

"Wait, why you mentioning the Steel Dragon? And wait, Twin Stud? The heavy metal outfitter? He's actually taking me to a metal club?" Said Aria not quite getting the full picture.

Adagio and Sonata looked at each other and then looked to Aria. "Whoa!" Sonata gasped "Aria clueless? Wow I guess Pinkie got it right it after all. Huh she is good at that."

Adagio nodded "Yeah it's like she can predict things or something. Now Aria let's get you done up right for this. Shall we?"

"Well if he's taking me some place worth it. Then I should put on good stuff." Said Aria looking at the racks.

"That's why we're here Ari." Sonata said

"Hmm." Adagio said looking around. "Since we are here perhaps we should also consider some new outfits for the musical showcase coming up soon as well."

"Um Dagi isn't that in the spring?" asked Sonata

Adagio smirked "Actually the last one was such a hit last year they decided to have a fall showcase this year as well as the one next spring."

"Oh. Okay then." Sonata said with a smile.

"So let's see here. So what would make him and everyone drool." Said Aria looking at quarter fish net top.

Sonata was looking over some fishnet stockings when she turned to Adagio and asked. "Hey do you think Marble would like to see me in these Dagi?"

Adagio looked Sonata over and replied. "Maybe, but those are not good for the cold weather we've been having."

Sonata facepalmed "Right." she said "Okay let's what else I can find then."

Adagio smiled at Sonata's absent minded antics. She then looked at Aria. "I think the leather skirt might be overkill Aria. You don't want Storm to die from a nosebleed do you?"

"If he is not man enough to handle it then that proves he's wasting my time. Besides, it matches the studded leather bra I'll wear under the fish net top." Said Aria showing that she was not pulling the punches with Storm.

"Self sabotage shows that you are wasting his time Aria." Adagio shot back.

"I'm sorry but when was your last date, dear sister?" asked Aria

"Two weeks ago, and it didn't go so badly. I'll be meeting with him again on Saturday." Adagio said with a smirk.

"And besides," Sonata broke in. "this one would look lots better on you Ari." She said holding up another studded leather bra as opposed to the studded one Aria was looking at.

"Okay Sonata has a point on that one." lamented Aria

"I know right? It's so you Ari." Sonata replied while Adagio laughed.

"Yeah now some new thigh highs." said Aria

"Oh like these over here?" Sonata said somehow having moved across the room to where the boots were on display.

"Got anything in higher heals?" asked Aria

"Yeah." said Sonata "But that might not be a good idea because it's kind of icy still."

Adagio looked at the boots. "Maybe not for the date, but we could really wow them during an on stage performance with heels like those."

"Speaking of, BIG sister what's the plan for our performance?" asked Aria

Adagio smirked "First we get our outfits Aria, then when we get home we plan. I'll need to talk to Storm at lunch tomorrow because we'll need him for the technical support for our performance. And we'll need it too if we're going to stand out. The girls said that Octavia will be playing her cello and from what I hear she is very good. Then there are the Rainbooms and Sunset and her friends turned out to be quite good as well. I sat in on a practice after school today. Also I think Megan will be able to persuade Brianna into a duet during the Fall Showcase as well. So there is going to be a lot of musical talent on display girls and we need to make sure ours don't fall short."

"Yay!" Sonata squeaked "It will be so much fun!"

"Do we really need him to win." asked Aria

"It's not a competition Aria, it's a chance to showcase our unique vocal talents to the whole school and help raise money for the after school programs. Like that motocross club you're in for example. And with Storm's help we can really show our talents in a unique way." said Sonata

Adagio nodded "She is right Aria, we can show what we can really do with Storm's help. And in doing so we can help our school out. I'd call that a win."

"Really? He just shows up we accept him as one of us?" asked Aria

"Think about Aria." Adagio replied "If we really do have a career on the road then we'll need to work with people like him constantly. So why not start now?"

"Yeah." said Sonata "And besides daddy has really good friends among his road crews from back in the day."

"It's not like he dated them." She crossed her arms. "Look I'm going on the date aren't I? He's the one that's pursuing me. So it's up to him show me he's worth a second date." said Aria

"Wrong Aria." Adagio said "You have to show him that you're worth his time or he'll just lose interest and go on to some other girl. Dating is a two way street and you'd better put as much into it as he is willing to."

"Oh? And how much is he willing to do? Oh dating guru." asked Aria

"A lot." Adagio answered plainly. "He is willing to go not the extra mile to make sure this date goes well, but the extra light-year Aria. So if you screw this up it'll be entirely on you."

"Wait, what? Light-year? You're making it sound like he is building the club just to take me to it. Though given the random gift he gave me makes me think that's actually a possibility." said Aria

"Fine I'll lay it out on the line for you Aria. Rarity, Applejack, Brianna, Rarity's aunt Heart Throb and I all had to get Storm to dial it back so he wouldn't antagonize you with what he had planned. It took us two hours after school yesterday to get him to level off. This is his very first date ever Aria and I can't allow you to screw it it up for just because you have a history of making bad decisions when it comes to dating." Adagio whispered hotly. "He is giving his all for this and you'd better respect that."

"Yeah," Sonata said "poor Stormy wants this to be a good time for you Ari. So don't step on the guy okay? He really is worth it Ari, you'll see it if you let yourself see it."

"Come on how over board could he go?" asked Aria

"He spent almost three thousand dollars on a custom pocket knife on the advice of a dating book." Sonata replied flatly.

"Wait he had a three thousand dollar pocket knife made for me in under a week?" Aria asked stopping and spacing out little. "What did he do? Have a blade made of diamonds or something?" She asked after she shook herself out of the shock.

"Not quite, but it was titanium blade that was molecular sharpened. It's the kind of gift you only get for someone on an anniversary and not a first date." Adagio replied

"Yeah definitely." said Sonata "I'll only get some really nice for Marble like that when it's the right time."

"So he is actually serious, serious about me? As in he looks at me the way Brianna and Megan look at each other?" Aria was sounding nervous now that she realized he was not some player looking to score.

"As serious as a heart attack Ari." Sonata replied

Adagio cocked her right hip and place her hand on it. "More like cardiac arrest actually." Adagio said plainly.

Sonata giggled "Oh yeah, that's way more serious Dagi."

"So he's not just playing. That calling Sonata sister thing was no joke?" Aria visibly looked shaken now. She had never had a boyfriend that actually saw her as a part of his future. "He actually is imagining us..."

"Ari!" Sonata squeaked fearfully as she rushed to prop her sister up.

Adagio had rushed over to Aria at the same time. "Perhaps we should go to the food court and get something to eat and drink and sit down for a while. you seem a little overloaded Aria."

"Yeah that guy seems to have about half dozen girls Sonata's age fawning over him, and he is pursuing me. The girl that probably holds a rep as one of the iciest and is looking to not just date or bed me but wants the whole life long couple shtick that Megan and Brianna are running. Oh and he probably has a allowance as big as dad's pay check. I need a smoothie, extra spicy." said Aria

"To the curry place!" Sonata said pointing her index finger into the air causing Adagio and everyone with earshot to laugh.

Aria just facepalms at her sister's antics.

"Come one Ari, we'll get you some of that really spicy curried chicken you like so much." Sonata said as she practically drug Aria from the store.

Adagio just smiled at both of her sisters. Aria was stubborn and aloof, but she was Adagio's sister. And even though she was cranky and being around her was like hugging a cactus she wouldn't trade her, or Sonata for anything.

After a few plates of very spicy food. "Okay that knife? Did you talk him in to returning it or just not giving it to me yet?" Asked Aria having regained her composure.

"Oh no," Adagio replied "he still has it. But it's the kind of gift you get for someone on an anniversary and not a first date."

"Yeah that kind of thing on a first date makes a really bad impression." Sonata said flatly sounding like their mother.

True but now that I know, how nice a knife did he get me?" asked Aria

"It was very nice Aria." Adagio replied "It has a pearl handle and everything."

"And he got your name put on it too from what Dagi told me. Sonata said

"Engraved pearl? Shoot, he is serious." Aria took a sip of her drink. "So he really wants me bad, the whole I'm his destiny kind of thing?"

"I wouldn't go that far Aria." Adagio said after polishing off the last of her curried chicken. "It's more like this is his very first attempt at a serious dating relationship and her wants it to be his last. That said it's not very likely simple because these things don't always work out like that. I think he sees Megan and Brianna as an example of what it's like rather than the exception they are."

"Yeah, I mean I get it." said Sonata "But there aren't any guarantees on it."

"So in short he wants the happy ever after with me. But he is not sure how to get it." said Aria

"I don't think anyone knows how to get that Aria." Adagio replied "Even Megan and Brianna aren't sure how they are going to get there. Relationships are really just a work in progress."

"Oh yeah, for sure." Sonata said with a nod.

"Yeah, but is that what I want? I mean what is his vision of it?" asked Aria

"That's for the two of you to work out Aria. We can't make that decision for you guys." Adagio replied "Now let's finish up here shall we? Mom will get worried if we take too much longer because of the bad weather."

"Well at least he drives a truck, that way if we get stuck in the snow he can give us a ride." Said Aria cracking a joke.

Adagio and Sonata laughed as they left the food court and returned to the Twin Stud store.

Aria got a few extras that were still meant to give Storm a hard time and nose bleed still, but she at least is actually trying now whether or not that makes her choices harder on Storm or not still waits to be seen.

The girls got home and began planning for the Fall musical showcase as well as their appearance at the soon coming Pumpkin Ball for the school's Nightmare Night celebration. The night passes somewhat uncomfortably for Aria due to an unexpressed excitement for that weekend's events.