I woke up with the sound of birds chirping. I lifted my head up and looked outside through the living room windows. I slowly stood up and gave out a stretch.

"Good morning, Jake," I said to myself, as I scratched the back of my head.

I slowly walked towards the television and pressed the power button. The TV immediately showed the news, as they explained more about that kid that went missing. It is said that they found him under a creep's house with chains. I then went to guide and flipped through the channels. Nothing was too good to watch. I decided to turn off the TV and placed the remote on the coffee table behind me.

"Now for some breakfast. I think I should make pancakes for the girls. I'll even decorate them with strawberries and bananas," I said to myself, as I walked into the kitchen and opened one of the cupboards.

I took out the pancake mix and set it on the counter.

"I hope these girls love pancakes," I said to myself, as I went to grab more ingredients.

"There we go," I said, as I placed a pancake on top of the second one, "Now for the bananas and strawberries."

I walked to the fridge and took out some bananas and some strawberries. I then placed them on the counter and went to the silverware and pulled out a knife and four folks for the girls and I. I placed them on each side of the table for each individual and then went back to the kitchen to cut up the strawberries and bananas.

"I can't wait to see what their reactions will be when they see their breakfast," I said, as I began cutting the bananas.

I then heard the sound of the door upstairs opening. I then hurried into the living room and stood there to give them a comfortable morning. I want these girls to have a good start on Earth. As they levitated towards me, I gave them a warm smile.

"Good morning, girls. I made us some breakfast. Are you girls hungry?" I said, as I walked over to the kitchen.

"Yeah, we're totally hungry," said Sonata, as she gave out a stretch.

"What's for breakfast?" asked Adagio, as she rubbed her eyes.

I couldn't help, but look at their cleavage. It's really distracting.

"You know what. Girls, I want you to go back upstairs with me. I'm going to give you my shirts to wear because your breasts are distracting me and I don't want to be a perv and stare at them all day," I said, as I looked away from them.

"Breasts? You mean these things?" said Aria, as she pointed to her breasts.

"Y-yes, those things," I said, as I glanced at them for a second, but then looked away with a flushed face.

"I was wondering what these were," said Adagio.

"Same here," said Sonata.

I glanced at them and saw the three girls fondling their own breasts.

"Stop doing that!" I yelled, as the girls stopped what they were doing, "let's go upstairs and get you shirts."

I walked up the stairs, as the girls followed me. As we arrived in front of my bedroom door, I opened it and saw how messy my bed was with the covers on the ground. I ignored it for now and opened my closet. I took out three random shirts; a Godzilla one, a Berserk one, and a shirt that had Goku on it.

"Here, you girls go," I said, as I handed the girls the shirts, "Wear these for the time being. I'll soon go get you girls bras and dresses."

"What are bras?" asked Sonata, as she placed her shirt on.

"They're undergarments for women to support their breasts."

"Oh, okay."

"How do you girls like them?"

"I like the look of this one. It looks badass," said Aria, as she looked at Guts killing the snake baron.

"It's pretty gross," said Adagio, "And mine looks like a monster-like lizard."

"True, but it looks pretty cool," said Sonata, "I like the human on mine. He looks like a stud."

"That's Goku from Dragon Ball Z," I informed her.

"Dragon Ball Z? What's that?" asked Adagio.

"It's a TV series and a book series that I enjoy reading."

"What's a TV series? Does it involve with that device downstairs that you call a television set?" asked Aria.

"You are correct, Aria."

"Who's the character on my shirt?" asked Adagio.

"The creature on your shirt is called Godzilla. I've seen movies of him since I was little and he's coming out with a new movie in 2018. He's a giant atomic-breathing lizard that destroys towns and fights monsters."

"Interesting," said Adagio with interest.

"And mine?" asked Aria.

"That's Guts from Berserk. A swordsman that has been through a world of hell."

"Cool."

"Alright, girls. Let's go downstairs and eat breakfast before it gets cold," I said, as the four of us went downstairs and to the dinning room.

"What are these things?" asked Sonata, as she and the girls sat down on their chairs.

"They're called pancakes. Oh! I forgot to cut the strawberries and get the maple syrup. Stay right here," I said, as I got up from my chair and walked over to the kitchen.

I opened up the fridge and pulled out the maple syrup, placed it on the table and then went back to cutting the bananas and strawberries.

3 minutes later after cutting...

"Here you go," I said, as I spread the maple syrup all around their strawberry and banana covered pancakes.

Sonata took her fork and looked at it for a few seconds not knowing what to do. I chuckled and walked up behind her.

"Here, you hold it like this," I said, as I moved her fingers.

"Oh… thanks," said Sonata, as I notice she had a blush on her face.

I looked over to the other two and did the same thing.

"Your welcome. After breakfast, I want you girls to talk to me about where you girls came from and what your original forms look like," I said, as I ruffled Sonata's hair and then walked back to my seat.

"Sure, but one more thing," said Adagio.

"Yes?"

"Can you teach us how to cut it?"

"Sure. I'll teach you that," I said; as I stood up and helped them cut their pancakes using the side of their forks.

"That was delicious, Jake. Thanks," said Sonata, as she grabbed ahold of her napkin and wiped her face.

"It really was delicious," said Adagio, as she placed her used napkin in the middle of the empty plate.

"Not gonna lie, but this is the best breakfast I ever had," said Aria, "I even love the strawberries."

"Same," said both Adagio and Sonata.

"Glad you like my pancakes. My parents really liked them as well," I said, as I grabbed ahold of our plates on top of one another.

"Really? You have parents? Where are they now?" asked Adagio.

My smile went to a straight face and I ignored her question. Instead, I walked away with our plates and began cleaning them.

"Jake? what's wrong with me asking you about your parents?" asked Adagio, as she levitated towards me while I continued to ignore her, "Jake… JAKE! ANSWER ME!"

I jumped and stopped the water from running.

"SHUT UP, ALREADY!" I shouted at the top of my lungs.

Adagio flinched and levitated five feet away from me.

"Jake… I'm sorry. Did… did something happen to them?"

I let out a sigh and looked away from her and the other two.

"… They're gone… they died a few weeks ago and I'm… still depressed by it," I said, as I dried my hands with a cloth and walked towards the living room.

I walked towards the fireplace and took down a picture from above it. It was an old photo I had of myself when I was six and my parents beside me with such happy smiles. My vision went blurry and I hugged onto the picture and fell to my knees.

"I miss you two so much," I said with tears flowing out my eyes.

I stood there on my knees crying, till ten seconds later, I felt a hand on my right shoulder that made me flinch. I looked up and saw Adagio with a sorry-like face.

"I'm sorry for asking about them," said Adagio, as she patted my shoulder a few times.

I stood up and wiped away my tears with my arm. I then placed the picture back above the fireplace.

"I forgive you," I said with a sniffle.

I then saw Sonata floating up to me and giving me a hug. I couldn't help, but hug her back. Adagio joined in on the hugging. I looked over to Aria who had a somewhat sorry look and joined in on the hugging.

"Again, I'm sorry for asking," said Adagio, as we all broke the group hug.

"I forgive you. I'm sorry for snapping at you," I said, as I held out my hand.

"Apology accepted," said Adagio, as she shook my hand and then let go of it.

"Are those your parents on that… what do you call it?" said Sonata, as she looked at the picture of me and my parents years ago.

"It's called a photo or a picture," I said, as I grabbed ahold of it and gave the girls a full view of what my parents looked like, including my six-year-old self.

"So these are your parents?" asked Aria.

"They are," I said.

"And who's this cute little guy? Is that… you?" asked Adagio.

"That's me when I was six."

"D'awwww," said the girls, "You looked so cute back then."

"Thanks girls," I said with a blush.

"Would it be inappropriate to ask what your parents were like?"

"No… it's ok. They were very sweet parents. They loved me with all their heart, even if times got rough, we still love each other."

"And how did they… you know," said Adagio, looking away scratching her elbow.

"… They were gunned down by robbers while they were at a supermarket," I said with a sigh.

"What do you mean by 'gunned down'?" asked Sonata.

"They were shot by guns. A weapon we humans use… to kill," I said, looking away from them.

I looked back at them when I heard their gasps.

"How horrible… what meanies they were," said Sonata, covering up her mouth out of surprise.

"Were they ever caught?" asked Aria.

"They were caught by the police and are now in jail. Good riddance."

"Phew. That's good to hear," said Adagio.

I placed the photo back above the fireplace and looked back at the girls.

"Now that you girls know about my parents, do you have parents? What were they like?"

The girls looked down and gave me a depressed look.

"Our mother… is gone too… she was trying to protect us from some ponies that wanted to us dead," said Adagio, " We were five when she was spiked with spears right in front of us. We luckily ran away before they can find us. Ever since then, we decided to take our revenge on every pony in Equestria by absorbing his or her negative energy to make us sing better and stronger. We could've made everypony adore us, until that Stawswirl guy showed up."

The three girls gave out an angry look and made fists.

"He ruined everything!" shouted Aria, "he took away our abilities and banished us here to your realm."

"He even changed our forms," joined in Sonata, "we used to have pony-like features on our upper halves. Now we have an upper half of a human."

The girls levitated towards the couch and placed their hands over their faces.

"Why… mother… if you were here, what would you do?" said Adagio, as she and her sisters began to sob.

I walked up to them and stood right in front of Adagio. She looked up to me with tears in her eyes.

"These girls… are just like me," I thought to myself, as I hugged Adagio.

Adagio flinched, as I hugged her tighter.

"It's ok… let it all out… you girls… are just like me," I said, as a tear rolled down my eye.

Adagio clenched onto my shirt and sobbed. Aria and Sonata joined the hug and sobbed away.

The crying stopped three minutes later and we all looked at one another.

"Jake… you're such a nice person… thanks," said Adagio, as she rubbed her eyes.

"Your welcome," I said, as I patted her back.

"So what now?" asked Aria.

"Now? How about I play a movie on for you girls," I said, as I walked towards the TV and pressed the power button.

The girls stood there on the couch with wide eyes. They were really interested on what was on the screen.

"So this is the TV? What's it for?" asked Sonata.

"It's entertainment for those who finish work or are bored and have nothing to do," I said, as I grabbed the remote and flipped through the movie section.

I then noticed they were playing the movie The Last Unicorn. I remember seeing that film when I was five. I clicked onto the channel and the opening began to play.

"What kind of entertainment is this called?" asked Adagio, as the movie continued.

"It's called animation."

"Interesting," said the three, as they watched the movie with fascination.

"Now I want you girls to stay down here, while I go take a shower. Understand?"

"Yes, Jake," said the girls in a hypnosis-like way.

I gave out a chuckle and walked up to my room.

"Perhaps I can look for a job tomorrow. Also, how the hell could a pony lift up a spear and stab a person?" I thought as I opened my bedroom door, "Well… perhaps I shouldn't remind them about their mothers death… but I would like to know about this Equestria place."

I took out another thing of PJs and another shirt and headed into the bathroom.

5 Minutes later…

I got out of the shower and began drying myself off with my black towel. Suddenly, the door bursts open and came in a surprised Adagio, which made me fall back into the tub and hit the back of my head.

"How can there be a last uni-oh!" said Adagio, as she looked down at me with a flushed face.

"STOP LOOKING DOWN THERE!" I yelled, as I grabbed ahold of my towel and blocked my junk from her looking at it.

"Sorry, but it looks different than the ones me and my sisters see back in Equestria."

My face went red, as I stood up, wrapped the towel around my waist.

"STAY DOWNSTAIRS!" I shouted, as I pushed Adagio and slammed the door behind her.

I walked back downstairs and saw the three whispering to one another, until I reached the bottom.

"What were you girls whispering about?" I asked.

The girls started to snicker.

"It's nothing," said Adagio between giggles.

"Then care to tell me why you three are giggling?" I asked, as I sat on the chair beside the couch and tapped my fingers.

"I… was telling them a joke."

"Care to tell?"

"No."

"Why not? Is it inappropriate?"

"Yes."

"I don't care, I was just curious to what type of joke it is."

Adagio scratched her head, as she was giving me a thinking phase.

"I can't remember."

"You're lying. Tell me the truth."

"… I told them of what I saw when I burst into the bathroom."

My face lit up with embarrassment.

"You… told them… what?"

"About your… thing."

"You know what, keep it to yourselves. I don't wanna hear it," I said, as I looked towards the movie.

"Sorry, but I-"

"It's too late. The damage is done," I said with a grumble.

As the movie ended, I turned it off and sat back down on the chair.

"So… now that you know about my world. Tell me about yours. Tell me about this Equestria."

"Sure. We live in a place that is very different compared to yours," said Adagio, "Equestria is a land filled with magic and full of ponies, unicorns, pegasi, alicorns, and many other creatures that would be considered fantasy to you and your race. My sisters and I are what you would call sirens. Are you familiar about our species because you seem to be calling us 'floating mermaids' as I recall."

"Well… here on Earth, there have been old tales about creatures called mermaids or sirens. In my world, these creatures lure men to their deaths by giving out a song that will put them under their spell and make them crash to their deaths. At least that's what I have heard from my grandfather when I was five. The beach ten miles away from here has a legend of mermaids that lived here before the first settlers came here. That was back in the year 1839."

"Really? That's what humans think of sirens or what you would call floating mermaids."

"That's the other thing; mermaids don't levitate. I have never heard of floating mermaids before."

"Well, we're mermaids and we levitate," said Aria.

"I know that. Anyway, back to the topic about your world. So you're telling me that you came from a world full of talking horses and other creatures? I know what ponies, pegasi, and unicorns are. Ponies are real, but they don't talk at all. As for the pegasi and unicorns, those things are considered fictional. Also, who are these alicorns? I never heard of something like that?"

"Alicorns are immortal creatures that are tall, powerful, and look like a combination between a pegasi and a unicorn," said Sonata.

"Huh…"

"Ponies are real in this world, even though they don't talk?" asked Adagio.

"Yep."

"And pegasi and unicorns are considered fictional?" asked Aria.

"Yes. The only thing you'll hear about unicorns and pegasi are in stories and movies."

"We're definitely not in Equestria anymore," said Sonata.

"Anyway, tell me more."

The day went on, as the three sirens told me more about their customs, homes, these things called cutey marks, and much more. It was a lot to take in, but I had to learn this stuff to understand them more.

7:01 PM

After listening to them throughout most of the day, I then told them more about the customs of my world and how they work. I especially told them that I need to get a job to pay bills and what not.

Aria looked outside, as the moon began to rise in the distance.

"Man, I'm now bored after talking through most of the day," said Aria, as she leaned back on the couch.

"Sorry, but you ladies are gonna stay here for who knows how long. I can't take you girls out there because if you go out there, people will be scared and you could cause a panic."

"We understand, but how can we go out there without being called a monster?" asked Adagio.

"I was thinking about that the other night and I have an idea, but it'll cost a lot of money and tomorrow I need to find a job."

"What's your idea?"

"As soon as I get a job, I can get money. And when I get money, I can buy things and pay off my bills."

"And what are you gonna do with this money for us?"

"I plan on getting you girls wheelchairs so that you can blend in with society and let you girls wear long dresses to cover your tail fins."

"How much do these wheelchairs cost?"

"Well they're $113.48 dollars each. Since they're three of you, I'll be spending $340.44."

"Yikes," said Aria.

"And those dresses and bras are gonna bring up the price and I could be possibly spend more than five-hundred dollars."

"So what do you expect us to do all day? Nothing?!"

"Um… well…"

I began to ponder on what these girls could do while I'm away. They can hang around at the pool, but they might catch the attention of my neighbors. By the time they look over my fence, they'll flip and call the police.

As I thought more, I got an idea.

"I got an idea."

"What?" asked the three girls.

"Every night, I can take you girls to the beach since no one goes to the beach at night time. I can take you girls by car, but I need you to wear a sheet over your tail fins so that no one looks down at your tail fins and flips out. Unless, they have bad eyesight that is."

"The beach? You wouldn't mind taking us to the beach at night? Are you okay with that?"

"Sure, I don't mind taking you ladies over there to make you feel home. I go to the beach every once in a while at night and look up at the starry sky. It's really pretty over there."

"If it's gonna make us feel like back home, then I sure don't mind going there. To the beach," said adagio.

"To the beach!" said Sonata with joy, as she gave a little jump.

"Sure, whatever," said Aria with a faint smile.

"Then it's settled. We'll go to the beach every night, starting tonight," I said, as I stood up and then made it to the start of the stairs, "Do you girls mind the cold? It gets pretty cold tonight and I wanted to get a hoodie for the four of us."

"We don't mind the cold. Remember, we're sirens. We can swim very deep within the ocean."

"Okay then," I said, as I walked up the stairs towards my room to change into my outside clothing.

Four minutes later…

"You girls ready?" I asked, as I turned around my seat towards the girls who were buckled up and wearing the sheet that covers up their tail fins.

"Ready," said the girls with smiles.

"Now don't freak out, I'm turning on the engine," I said, as I turned the key.

The car made a noise and the girls held onto one another.

"Don't worry, girls. You'll love the ride over there. You'll especially love the look around the town at night compared to the daytime," I said, as I pulled out of the garage and pressed the button to close the garage doors for them to close while we're out.

"Okay, everybody, here we go," I said, as I drove forward.

As I quickly looked back at the girls, they were fascinated by the looks of the neighborhood and the lamp posts.

"Would you girls like some music?" I asked, as I pulled out my phone from my pocket.

"Music? You can play music in this thing?" asked Adagio.

"Indeed I can. Watch this," I said, as I connected my phone to the care and played a song from my music.

"What's this song called?" asked Sonata.

"It's called Beyond The Sea by Bobby Darin. I heard this song from a video game called Bioshock. I'll show you girls video games on Saturday."

"Really? Wait, what day is it?"

"Thursday. I'll show you the day after tomorrow."

The girls let out a moan.

"Okay," said the three.

"You girls are so cute. Enjoy my music and enjoy what you see outside before we make it to the beach." I said, before I made a right turn towards the town.

Twenty Minutes later…

We were getting close to the town, as the girls and I were just about to finishing singing Roundabout together.

"I'll be the roooooooundabout
The words will maaaaaake you out 'n' out
I spend the daaaaay your waaaaaaay
Caaaaall it morning driving through the sound and
In and out the valleeeeeey

In and arooooound the lake
Mountains come out of the sky and they stand there
One mile over we'll be there and we'll see yooooou
Ten true summers we'll be there and laughing tooooooo
Twenty-four before my love you'll see
I'll be there with yooooooooou

Dadadadaaaadada! Dadadadaaaadada! Dadadadaaaadada! Dadadadaaaadada! Dadadadaaaadada! Dadadadaaaadada! Dadadadaaaadada! Dadadadaaaadada!" sung the girls and I before the song ended.

"That was a lot of fun," said Adagio, "even though we don't sound as good as we did before, we can still at least sing."

"Jake, I'm really digging your music. Who introduced you to this music?" asked Aria.

"My parents, movies, and TV shows that I watched."

"Cool. Where did you hear the song that we just finished singing?"

"Roundabout? I heard it from an anime series called Jojo's Bizarre Adventure. Perhaps over the weekend we can watch it."

"I'm cool with that," said Aria.

Just as I made another turn, there were bright lights further ahead of us.

"Ladies, here is the town that I've been talking about," I said, as we entered the border of the town.

There were bright lights all around us. They were coming from brighter lamp posts, sighs on windows, vehicle lights and more. I turned my head to the girls during a stoplight and they were very impressed to what they saw.

"So this is a town?" asked Adagio.

"Indeed it is," I said, as the light turned green, allowing me to continue driving forward.

"It's really cool here. Oh! What's that over there", asks Sonata as she pointed towards a Taco Bell.

"That place is called Taco Bell. They make good tacos and burritos, even though they aren't good for you. I like to have one every once a month or so."

"Really? Can we have one tonight? PLEEEEEEASE?" said Sonata, as she gave me puppy dog eyes.

"Hehe. Sure. After being at the beach for a while, let's go get some tacos," I said, as I made a stop at a stoplight to ruffle sonata's hair.

"You're a very nice guy, Jake," said Adagio, "don't ever change your personality. I like you this way."

"Same," said both Aria and Sonata.

I gave them a smile.

"Sure… I pinky promise," I said, as I held out my pinky to them.

"What does that mean?" asked Adagio, as she and the girls cocked their eyebrows at me.

"It's a promise; a pinky promise. You wrap your pinky around my pinky."

The girls looked at their pinky's and they began to wrap their pinky's around my pinky.

"This is a bond between the four of us," I said, before we let go of each others pinky's.

The light went green and I continued forward.

Five Minutes later, we arrived at the beach. I was correct; there wasn't a single person around the beach enjoying the water around this time of day. Plus, the water is too cold.

"Here we are, girls. The same beach that the first settlers saw the mermaids, many years ago. I hope you like it," I said, as the girls and I got out of the car.

They followed me down the stairs and we were staring into the beautiful night sky. I even noticed the stars of Draco.

"Oh cool, I can see the stars of Draco," I said, as the girls and I looked up at the stars.

"Where?" asked Aria.

"Here," I said, as I pointed it out to them, "see that group of stars?"

"Oh! I see them!" said Sonata, as she pointed.

"Oh! Same!" said Adagio.

"Me too," said Aria.

"Can you tell me what Shape they are making?"

The girls squinted their eyes upon the stars:

"It looks… like a dragon?" said Sonata, wondering if she was right or wrong.

"You're right. The first time I learned about those stars was from the movie Dragonheart. Great film by the way."

The girls then looked forward towards the beach and levitated over to the edge. Sonata placed her hand into the water to feel its temperature. She then jumped with glee and dipped into the water further away. Adagio and Aria laughed, as they did the same. The girls swam through the dark and cold waters as if they were dolphins. They had splash fights, they jumped from the water and back as high as they could, and would even fly above the water and then dive back in.

"Woohoo!" shouted Sonata, as she jumped out of the water and back.

"Hey Sonata, come catch me," said Adagio, as Sonata chased after her.

"Same here," joined in Aria, as she and Adagio ran away from Sonata.

I sat on the sand and watched these girls have their fun.

"These girls are having much fun than I expected. They're like children when their in the ocean," I said, as I began to look up at the full moon.

I then looked back at the girls playing and then looked towards the rocky area that was a mile away. I also saw something that didn't look like the girls. I leaned forward and squinted my eyes. I saw a pair of yellow glowing eyes staring at me from afar. The thing appeared to be hanging on the side of the largest pointy rock.

"Hey Jake! What are you looking at?" asked Sonata, catching my attention.

"Huh? Come again?" I said, as I looked towards Sonata and the girls.

"I saw you squinting your eyes. Is there something you see?"

"Yeah, I saw a pair of yellow eyes over at that ro-" I was cutoff, as I noticed that the yellow eyes I saw before were gone.

"What? I don't see anything," said Aria.

"Me as well," said Adagio.

"Me three," said Sonata, as she and her sisters looked back at me.

"Perhaps I'm seeing things," I said, as I rubbed my eyes, "Perhaps it was the moonlight reflecting against the water."

"Oh… well, can we stay here for another ten minutes?" asked Adagio, "This place… takes me back when mother taught us how to swim."

"Sure. Go right ahead and swim to your hearts content," I said, as the girls gave me smiles.

"Thanks Jake. You're awesome," said Aria, as she dunked her head into the water.

"You're such a sweet guy," said Sonata, as she did the same.

"Thank you… for everything," said Adagio, "perhaps… I can get use to this world."

"Your welcome," I said, before Adagio disappeared beneath the waves to play with her sisters.

I looked back at the rocky area and couldn't see anything, but the rocks.

"I swore I saw something over there," I said to myself, as the three sirens resurfaced from being in the water.

I laid back and looked up at the stars, while the sounds of splashing and laugher came from the sisters and their water play.

I then began to sing a song that I heard from a cute film I saw last year:

As I finished, I heard the sound of trickling water. I stood up and saw the three girls levitating in front of me with looks of awe.

"Jake… what were you singing?" asked Adagio.

"It was… pretty," said Sonata.

"It was not half bad," said Aria.

"It's a song from an animated movie I saw last year. It's a song called Song of The Sea from the movie with the same name."

"It… reminded me of mother. She used to sing something like that to us, when she was getting us to sleep," said Sonata.

"She had a beautiful voice," said Aria.

"Could you show us that film at some point?" asked Adagio.

"Sure. Are you girls done by the way?"

"We are. We'll be back here tomorrow, right?"

"We will. And if I find a job tomorrow, we'll celebrate by having a nightly picnic out here."

"A picnic? What's that?" asked Aria.

"It's when we get a basket and fill it up with a bunch of stuff and take it somewhere to eat."

"I like the sound of that," said Adagio.

"Also, before we go home, cane we have tacos from that place that we went past by?" asked Sonata.

"Sure," I said with a smile, "Let's go get us some dinner."

The girls and I went up the stairs. As we did, I looked back towards the rocky area, but didn't notice those yellow eyes from before.

"It… it couldn't be," I thought, as I turned my head forward and continued up the steps, "Could it?"

Author's Note

Phew! This was a long chapter to write. Possibly the longest chapter I ever wrote.