Paper Chains

The next morning was relatively uneventful. With Rarity’s sister, Sweetie Belle, gone for the weekend the couple had the apartment to themselves again, but both had responsibilities to attend to all the same. After a simple breakfast of fruit, toast, and tea they went their separate ways. Rarity went downstairs to tend to the boutique and Fluttershy retreated to her study to take care of her schoolwork. Her volunteer work at the animal shelter was both fun and fulfilling, but she was studying to one day become a professional veterinarian.

Rarity spent her time tending to a modest backlog of dress orders. It was she that the other two relied on to keep the rent paid, and while she was more than happy to provide for her lover and her sister, she did it mostly for the thrill of having her creativity recognized.

They missed each other for lunch, as Fluttershy only took some chips to her room to eat whilst studying and Rarity skipped the meal altogether. Thus it was that once evening rolled around both girls were quite ravenous. They met up in the apartment around five and decided to make a date of it.

An hour later they were showered and dressed in preparation for their date. Rarity wore a tight black shirt with long sleeves, loose khaki pants, a bright red neckerchief and a black beret to pull it all together. Fluttershy was dressed more simply, opting for jeans, a green tee, and a light jacket to ward against the evening chill. October was just around the corner and the nights were again starting to get cold.

“Ready, darling?” Rarity asked, giving Fluttershy a quick peck on the cheek.

Fluttershy nodded, and together they left the boutique, strolling comfortably arm in arm. They were fortunate enough to live in a fairly lively area of town, and in just a few short blocks they had left their neighborhood and strode out onto one of Canterlot’s main streets.

The strip had a number of trendy restaurants, and the two chose one of their favorites, a small café that was rather popular for its excellent turkey subs. Ordering their food, the two managed to snag a quiet corner booth where they could talk quietly, away from the relative noise and bustle of the restaurant. It was moments like these that truly made up their relationship, as exciting as their love life may have been.

“So, how did the studying go?” Rarity asked, sipping on her iced tea as a waiter brought their sandwiches.

“Good,” Fluttershy smiled. “We’re learning about larger farm animals right now! Did you know that horses-”

Rarity held up a hand, cutting her off. “Fluttershy, darling, you know I love to hear about your studies and whatever interesting tidbits you pick up. But please, not while I’m eating, okay?”

Fluttershy giggled, blushing a little. “Sorry, I sometimes forget you aren’t as interested in biology as I am.”

Rarity smirked at that. “Oh, believe me dear, I am quite fascinated in biology, just not the sort you mean.”

The two shared a laugh, then began eating. They continued talking between bites, Fluttershy asking about Rarity’s latest projects, and smiling fondly as the fashionista listed off the projects she had finished and the handful she still had to complete over the weekend. They shared a couple of laughs as Rarity shared some of the more outlandish requests she had taken of late, and altogether had a great time, just talking and catching up with each other’s day. Finally, though, they reached dessert, and Fluttershy brought up the topic that had been on her mind most of the day.

“So, um… about last night…”

Rarity, carefully swallowing her bite of pumpkin pie, looked around to make sure no one was eavesdropping on their conversation. Seeing no one paying them undue attention she nodded and leaned forward. “Yes?” She asked, voice barely above a whisper.

Fluttershy leaned forward similarly, sharing a conspiratorial smirk. “Remember how you said we should do a little research before we tried anything else?”

“Yes,” Rarity said again, somewhat hesitantly.

“Well, I um… did a little research. There’s a place not far from here, fairly new, and it’s within walking distance!” Her voice, though a whisper, peaked with excitement.

Rarity blinked, once again taken aback by how excited the normally reserved Fluttershy became when discussing the topic. “Fluttershy, I know what I said, but are you suggesting that we go visit some kind of… of sex shop?”

Fluttershy blushed, but nodded in excitement. She grinned at Rarity as she sat back, contemplating her girlfriend’s suggestion. Forking another piece of her pie, Rarity chewed slowly, giving herself time to mull it over. She had agreed to give Fluttershy’s idea another chance, and she would be lying if she said she had not enjoyed it herself. But the idea of going to a place like that made her shudder. She could only imagine what kind of depraved, twisted… She shook her head. Better not to let her imagination get carried away.

“Darling,” She said after finishing her dessert. “Are you… are you sure about this?”

Fluttershy nodded again, her grin widening. “I know it may seem odd, but… I just think that it may be the best thing. I… I’ve looked online, of course, but I’ve always been too shy to really ask anyone. But, but having you with me, I think…” She trailed off, her nerves once again getting the better of her.

Rarity sighed, dabbing her lips with a napkin. “I, suppose a short visit couldn’t hurt. But if there is any funny business, or if either of us feels uneasy we absolutely must leave right away!”

Fluttershy nodded. “Of, of course! But… you will give it a chance?”

“One.” Rarity said adamantly. “There are other ways to learn things than to throw ourselves directly into the lion’s den, as it were, but I will trust your judgement. Shall we?”

Stopping by the counter to pay their bill, the two of them left down the street. They did not have far to go as their destination was only a few blocks farther, but they did have to take the next street over. The area was less busy than Main Street, although it was still well kept and well lit. Rarity remained apprehensive as they approached the shop, however. The mirrored windows and the fact that it shared its strip with both a bar and a tattoo parlor did little to instill confidence in the woman.

Nevertheless she followed closely as Fluttershy practically skipped to the door. A glowing sign identified the store as Siren’s Song in flowing silver letters. Another glowing sign sat next to the door, indicating that the store was, indeed, open. Unlike Rarity’s imagination, the exterior was not covered in “XXX” signs and silhouettes of naked girls, so that was somewhat comforting. Finally catching up to her girlfriend, they opened the door and peeked inside together.

“Oh my,” Fluttershy blushed. Rarity covered her mouth as she gasped involuntarily. She had very little idea what to expect, but still managed to be taken completely aback.

On first impressions, the store was not the filthy den of depravity and debauchery the fashionista had been expecting. To the contrary, the place had a strangely comfortable, inviting feel. Soft, warm lights hung from the ceiling, illuminating the classy, black-stained concrete floors and polished wood walls. There was a small, intimate seating area off to one side, furnished with a comfortable looking leather sofa and two matching arm chairs, as well as a small coffee table. Quiet music played in the background, a soft, pleasant blend of strings and vocals. All in all the place had the feel of a chic downtown coffee house.

The illusion was spoiled by the fact that the walls were neatly packed with hundreds of assorted dildos, whips, and lingerie. In one corner sat a large wooden wedge with a number of leather straps dangling off the sides. In another corner stood a tall metal frame, proudly displaying a splayed mannequin in a full-coverage gimp suit.

“This is… bizarre,” Rarity murmured, stepping into the shop behind Fluttershy. The pinkette nodded, at a loss for words.

“Hello, and welcome to Siren’s Song.” The sudden greeting startled the girls, and they whirled to see who had spoken, finally noticing the shop’s proprietor. Their eyes widened in recognition. They knew the woman, her golden skin, her perfect figure, and her huge mass of voluminous orange curls. She wore a dark leather fetish outfit, a tight red dress with a black corset and leggings, complete with a pair of four inch stilettos. The entire outfit only served to accentuate her curves, presenting a stunning, goddess-like figure. She stepped forward, heels clicking sharply on the hard floor.

“Adagio Dazzle,” Rarity hissed. Fluttershy let out a startled squeak and ducked behind her lover.

Adagio just stood there for a moment, looking just as surprised as her guests. Then the shock was replaced by a predatory grin. “Giiiirls,” She purred, “What a pleasant surprise! Come in, why don’t you have a seat?” She said, stepping behind the girls and placing a hand on each of their backs, pushing them gently but firmly towards the nearby seating area. Rarity’s hand instinctively clutched her kerchief. She suddenly regretted not wearing her medallion instead.

At Adagio’s insistence the girls sat, eying the siren warily. They fidgeted nervously as she stood in front of them. She crossed her arms and fixed them with an imperious glare. “So,” She said darkly, “We meet again.”

Fluttershy squealed and cowered behind Rarity, who’s face had gone red with protective anger. “Now look here, Adagio! I don’t know what you’re planning-”

A bark of laughter cut her off, and Adagio’s stern expression dissolved into one of mirth. “Oh, you girls should see the looks on your faces!” She doubled over, clutching her stomach. “I’m sorry, I was just messing with you.”

Rarity and Fluttershy exchanged confused glances. “Messing… with us?” Rarity asked, raising an eyebrow.

Adagio’s grin widened, taking no small amount of pleasure from the girls’ discomfort. But she quickly reestablished her professional air. Waving off Rarity’s question, she got straight to the point. “Now, what can I help you with?”

The couple again shared a glance. Fluttershy scooted into view, but kept a tight grip on Rarity’s arm. “Why, um, why would you want to help us?”

Adagio smirked, holding up two fingers. “Because first, Fluttershy, this is my store, and you don’t turn a profit by alienating potential clients. And second, about what you girls did, I’m over it!” She winced, scratching her head. “Well, mostly over it… To be honest you girls aren’t exactly the most pleasant surprise I’ve had lately, but… well I’ll leave it at that.”

Rarity nodded in acknowledgment, but remained unconvinced. Despite her doubts, though, the siren had not made any hostile moves, so perhaps…

“You own this place?” Fluttershy asked in wonder, cutting off Rarity’s train of thought.

Adagio nodded as she sat down, a look of pride in her eyes. “Yep, I had to figure something out, and, well, here it is. Now enough about me. Seriously, my time is precious, so what did you come here for?”

“W-well you see,” Rarity began as Fluttershy fell silent with a blush, “The two of us are, well, um… seeing each other.”

“Really,” Adagio rolled her eyes. “Would never have guessed.”

Rarity cleared her throat. “Yes, well. My uh, girlfriend and I have decided to pick up some new hobbies as it were, to ah, spice things up as they say…”

Adagio’s eyes flared with sudden interest and she leaned forward in her chair. “Fluttershy, roll up your sleeve,” She demanded.

“W-what?” Fluttershy stammered, “Why me!?”

Adagio rolled her eyes. “Because it’s obvious. You guys tried something crazy, probably bondage, and it went wrong. You obviously aren’t the top, so I want to see the rope marks.”

The pair blushed as she realized how easily the siren had seen through them, and Fluttershy nodded, obediently rolling up her sleeve. Adagio whistled as she saw the nasty rope burns. They were fading, but even after nearly twenty-four hours her wrists still showed an angry pink.

“Yep, I knew it. You girls are gonna need some special help.” She eyed the clock on the wall, signaling quarter to eight. “Alright, tell you what. I’m closing up the shop early. Then you two are getting some private lessons.”

Rarity’s blush deepened at the scandalous suggestion. “W-wh-WHAT!?” She demanded.

Adagio sighed, slapping her face with her palm. “Not like that,” She said, turning the lock. She took a second to flip off the switch on the “Open” sign before turning back to the girls.

“Well, I must say, your apparent hospitality is a pleasant surprise…” Rarity said, still not feeling entirely comfortable.

Adagio smirked as she sauntered back to the others. “Well, you can thank your friend for that. For a while I was holding onto a pretty big grudge. And for good reason too! But… well let’s just say she can be quite persuasive.”

Fluttershy finally managed to roll her sleeve back down. “Twilight talked to you?”

“Ha!” Adagio laughed, “That nerd? No, no it definitely wasn’t her. I don’t think she could have managed it, not back then.” With a smirk she made her way over to the corner of the store, the one with the display frame. “In fact, why don’t I let her explain it for herself,” Adagio said, reaching up for the mannequin’s head and turning it to reveal a striking red and gold ponytail cascading through the metal ring in the back.

“No…” Rarity whispered in disbelief as Adagio unzipped the mask, revealing the sweaty, red face of Sunset Shimmer. Sunset said nothing, as her eyes and ears were covered with cotton and her mouth was stuffed with cloth. She moaned as the leather peeled away from her face, allowing her to spit her gag onto the floor, revealing two soaked pairs of wadded up panties, in pink and black respectively.

“Adagio Dazzle, what have you done!?” Rarity demanded, jumping to her feet, followed closely by a concerned Fluttershy.

Sunset turned her head, confused by the sudden, muffled outburst. The voice was familiar to her, but she could not place it immediately. “Adagio?” She asked, voice strained from hours of disuse. “Dagi, is someone here?”

Rarity and Fluttershy froze, dumbstruck by Sunset’s endearing form of address. This allowed Adagio the time to remove the gauze blocking the redhead’s eyes and ears. “We have some special customers tonight,” Adagio crooned, “Some friends of yours paying an unexpected visit.

“Rarity!? Fluttershy!?” Sunset exclaimed as her vision refocused on the pair. Her face, already flushed from the heat of the mask, turned positively crimson in embarrassment. “What are you two doing here!?”

“Well!” Rarity exclaimed, “We could ask you the same thing!”

Adagio scoffed. “Please, like you can judge. Look where you’re standing!”

Rarity blushed, unable to find a counterargument. Fluttershy patted her back comfortingly. “I, I suppose you’re right,” Rarity admitted. “I was just caught off guard is all.”

Sunset chuckled, giving Adagio a peck on the cheek as the siren released her wrist cuffs. “I can’t blame you I guess. I wasn’t exactly expecting Dagi to go and out our little secret like that either.” She shot Adagio a half-hearted glare.

“Sorry~!” The siren sang as she knelt to remove the ankle cuffs. She stood quickly, offering a supporting shoulder to Sunset and walking the redhead unsteadily toward the couch. Fluttershy helped her lie back until she rested comfortably against the cushions. She and Adagio worked together to loosen the multitude of straps and laces trailing the entirety of the outfit. Rarity looked on, completely at a loss.

“So,” Sunset said with a laugh, “It seems live we’ve got a lot to talk about.” She stretched, reviving her sore muscles and popping her back and shoulders, much to the dismay of everyone else. “Ugh, that’s gonna have to wait ‘till after I shower though. Let’s have dinner, ‘kay?” With two dumbstruck nods from her friends, and a smack on the ass from Adagio, Sunset made her way to the employee area at the back of the shop and, more importantly, the shower that was hidden there.

“What. The. Hell. Was. That?” Rarity demanded, whirling on the siren once her friend was out of earshot.

Adagio sighed, seeming to deflate as all the humor left her. “Look, it’s a long story, and I really don’t think I can explain it without pissing you off, not without Sunny here.”

Rarity ground her teeth and was about to retort when she felt Fluttershy’s hand on her shoulder. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. Fluttershy smiled gently. “It’s okay, you don’t have to tell us right now,” She said. “I think it’s pretty clear you two care for each other, and it looks like you know what you’re doing.” She nudged Rarity in the shoulder. “Right, Rarity?”

Rarity grimaced. “I… suppose I can give you the benefit of the doubt, at least until we hear Sunset’s side of things.”

Adagio sighed in relief. “Thanks, girls. That means a lot.”

The rest of the time passed in awkward silence, until twenty minutes later Sunset finally reappeared, sauntering into the room wearing her street clothes, black jeans and sneakers, a purple shirt, and the old leather jacket she’d worn since high school. “Shower’s free love,” She said, patting Adagio’s shoulder.

“Thanks,” Adagio said, giving Sunset her seat. “Leather starts to smell after a while.” She smirked. “But you already knew that, didn’t you?”

“Bite me, Dazzle!” Sunset retorted playfully.

“Later,” The siren winked before turning to sashay out of the room. No one said anything as they watched her leave.

“So, uh,” Sunset said, breaking the awkward silence, “You two are finally branching out huh?”

Rarity pinched the bridge of her nose, fighting off a growing headache. “Sunset Shimmer, I am trying to remain calm and collected for the sake of our friendship, but would you mind explaining just what the hell is going on?”

“W-well, you see,” Sunset began, “Adagio and I are sort of… well, we’re dating. In fact we’ve been living together for the past several months. Well, the other two are there, but we do have our own room so it’s like our own place. A-and the others are pretty cool once you know them!” She finished, smiling hopefully. Her face fell when she saw Rarity’s expression. “No?”

Rarity sighed. “Look, I don’t want to be judgmental, I really don’t. But, how could you be with her!?”

Sunset smiled sadly. “Please, Rarity, I understand how you feel, but just give her a chance! She means a lot to me, and she’s really turned her life around since then. I mean, admit it, she has just as much reason to hate us as you do her. Maybe even more. And yet she’s been nothing but polite to you! I understand if you can’t trust her yet, but can you at least trust me?”

“I trust you,” Fluttershy said meekly.

Sunset’s smile turned genuine. “Thanks Shy, that means a lot.”

Rarity shook her head, realizing that she was outnumbered. “Fine, for your sake I suppose I can give her the benefit of the doubt. Though I’m not so sure I’d be ready to trust her with the intimate details of our love life! Couldn’t you help us out instead?”

“Thanks, I appreciate your faith. But to answer your question, sorry but no. She’s the expert, I’m really just learning. She has literal decades of experience on me, plus it’s her shop. No one could be better to give you advice. Just talk to her at dinner, I think you’ll really get along.”

“That sounds like a wonderful idea,” Fluttershy agreed.

“I’m sure,” Rarity said doubtfully.

Adagio chose that moment to return, looking no less stunning than before in a short purple dress, grey jacket, and black heels that, while shorter than her previous pair, retained an impressive height. Her hair was, miraculously, just as dry and poofy as ever. “Ready to go girls?” She said, stopping with her hand on her hip. Reservations aside, Rarity could not help but appreciate the siren’s look, her clothes, body, and attitude all working in perfect harmony to create a veritable bomb of sex appeal. A slight whimper to her side revealed that a similar thought had crossed Fluttershy’s mind. Rarity could see Sunset smirk out of the corner of her eye.

Locking the store behind them, Adagio led the girls to her car, a sleek black sedan. They piled in, Fluttershy and Rarity in the back and Sunset in the front passenger seat. Adagio turned the key and revved the engine as the radio blasted out heavy metal music, catching the couple in the back entirely by surprise. The music was loud, and any attempts at conversation were drowned as Adagio sped down the street, reaching her destination in under three minutes. As they reached the restaurant, Rarity offered a silent prayer of thanks that she did not have to put up with Adagio’s music or her driving any longer.

Adagio led the way into the restaurant, a late night sushi bar. They were greeted by the host, who ushered them to a private back room that the siren had reserved. A waiter took their orders almost immediately. Rarity and Fluttershy, having already eaten, settled for soup and fresh tea. They made small talk until the waiter returned with their orders.

“Sushi?” Rarity asked incredulously, “Isn’t that kind of odd for you?”

Adagio let out one of her loud, barking laughs. “Oh sure, like you’ve never eaten anything mammalian before! Please, the girls and I grew up in the ocean. Fish was like, a hundred percent of our diet.”

Rarity blushed at the obvious answer, but Adagio was quick to wave it off. “Don’t worry about it, I guess I can see where you’re coming from. But no, the girls and I love it. Sonata has even become a pretty decent sushi chef.” Her eyes took on a mischievous gleam. “Maybe you girls can join us for nyotaimori night some time.”

Rarity arched a brow in confusion as Sunset almost choked laughing and Fluttershy let out an embarrassed “Oh my.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t think I understand…”

Fluttershy tugged on her sleeve and shook her head. “I’ll, um, explain it later.”

Rarity frowned but decided to let it pass. She had more important matters to discuss. “So, I must say I am still very curious about how you two began dating.”

Sunset and Adagio looked at each other awkwardly. “It’s… not the nicest story,” Sunset said.

Rarity eyed them sternly. “Normally I wouldn’t pry, but I do believe the truth will be quite essential if we are expected to trust her with the details of our own love life.”

Fluttershy put a calming hand on her girlfriend’s shoulder. “We promise to keep an open mind.”

“Well, I guess it started about a year ago. I was thinking about how close we all were in high school, and how even though we keep in touch we’ve kind of been drifting apart. And them I began to wonder about Dagi, Aria, and Sonata. As far as I knew no one had seen them since the B-o-t-B, though I discovered later that Pinkie and Sonata had secretly kept in touch.” Sunset giggled. “Anyway, you know computers have always been my thing. So I did some digging, and I actually found them. They never left Canterlot. That got me concerned. I was worried that they had stuck around planning some sort of revenge. With us being so out of touch and all, I realized that it probably wouldn’t have been hard for them to track us down if they had wanted.”

Here Adagio cut in with a laugh. “It was just a normal evening for me. The girls were out, as usual. We didn’t talk much those days, even though we couldn’t bear to live apart. They had both managed to move on, more or less, but stubborn me refused to let go of the grudge. Then out of nowhere this one knocks on my door, demanding an explanation.”

Sunset scratched her head, blushing. “I had worked myself up into a paranoid frenzy by the time I got there. I remembered how I had been before I reformed, and truth be told, I could not think of a single reason that the sirens wouldn’t want to get back at us. Looking back, that was pretty arrogant. But I had a reason.”

“See, beneath all that, I guess I felt kind of guilty. I know what it’s like to rely on magic your whole life, only to have it stripped from you. They had been even more reliant on their magic than I ever was, and for a lot longer too. But then I had managed to regain a bit of my old powers when we found those amulets, and that made me feel even worse about what we had done.”

Adagio smirked. “You know, if you had brought that pendant that day, you would have saved yourself a lot of trouble.”

Sunset rolled her eyes and grinned. “Yes, but then I wouldn’t get to tie you up every other weekend now would I?”

Rarity, enraptured by the story, motioned impatiently. Her romantic nature was getting the best of her. “Well, go on! What happened next?”

No one answered for a moment. Sunset and Adagio gave each other an awkward look, causing Rarity and Fluttershy to do the same. Finally, Sunset took over again. “Well, like I said, I wasn’t really thinking straight. I had worked myself up with fear and guilt, and I did what seemed the only logical thing at the time. I, well…” She trailed off with a cough, blushing profusely.

Adagio laughed, despite the seriousness of the story. “She offered herself up as a bargaining chip, a sort of sacrificial lamb to ensure that I wouldn’t be coming after you. I believe her exact words were: ‘Do whatever you want with me, I promise I won’t resist! Just don’t hurt my friends!’” Fluttershy and Rarity laughed softly at the clichéd line, and Sunset managed to turn even redder, but Adagio’s expression turned regretful. “I’m ashamed to say it, but I… I took her up on that offer.”

The laughter ceased, and Adagio hung her head as Rarity and Fluttershy looked at her with shocked expressions. Sunset wrapped a comforting arm around her girlfriend’s shoulder. “It’s okay, really. We… We were exactly what each other needed at the time. It may not have been perfect, but it allowed her to work through a lot of the rage and grief that had been festering for years. And as for me, well, I already told you about the guilt I was feeling. In her own way, she helped me through that too. Maybe it wasn’t the most romantic or healthiest of relationships, but it’s what worked. Dagi and I, we don’t just love each other. We need each other. And, in a way, we need S and M.”

Sunset’s look hardened. “And don’t you even think of bringing up any of that Stockholm bullshit. I went to her first, I offered myself consensually, and even when she was at her worst she never, ever took things too far. As angry as she may have been, as much right as she may have had to hate me, she never took advantage of me beyond what I allowed. I… I never really appreciated that early on.” She blinked back tears, pulling Adagio tighter into the hug.

Adagio smiled. “No matter how much I wanted to hate her, no matter how many times I told her to go and never return, because next time I would hurt her for real, she always came back. Once or twice a month at first, then a couple of times a week. I think she realized, even before I did, just how much good she was doing me.”

Sunset giggled. “Now I’m ‘doing her good’ in a different way.” Adagio rolled her eyes.

Rarity blinked, stunned by their words. “Then, what we saw today?”

“That,” Adagio said sternly, “Was revenge.”

Grinning sheepishly, Sunset nodded. “See, recently, we’ve been trying switching positions. I was fine being the sub, but Dagi thought that it would be healthy for me to try being the top for once. I, um, was really good at it.”

“And that’s enough about that.” Adagio announced. “So, is that explanation good enough for you two, are you willing to give me a shot?”

Fluttershy squeezed Rarity’s shoulder, giving her a hopeful look. Rarity sighed. She grabbed Fluttershy’s hand and gave it a return squeeze before nodding. “All right, Adagio. I… I’m still hesitant, you understand, but I will hear you out if you are still willing to help.”

Adagio smiled in relief. She was surprised at how happy Rarity’s words made her. Perhaps Sunset had rubbed off on her more than she had thought. “That makes me happier than you could guess, both of you.” Sunset nodded in agreement.

“Now,” Adagio said, “Why don’t you tell me your story now, so I know exactly what I’m working with.”

“Well…” Fluttershy began, “Rarity and I were just m- um, making love, l-l-like we normally do, and I finally m-managed to work up the courage to ask her to try something, um, new…”

Rarity nodded. “Honestly I was quite surprised, though perhaps I shouldn’t have been. I was nervous, but I was determined to give it a shot. For Fluttershy, of course. It went rather well at first, actually, if I do say so myself. I have no experience with this kind of thing you understand, but I believe we were both rather enjoying it, right darling?”

Fluttershy blushed, a small smile playing along her lips. “Oh, um, yes. Definitely.”

Adagio smirked, nudging Sunset’s arm. “You were right, these two are adorable!”

“I know, right?” Sunset giggled.

“Yes, well,” Rarity continued with a blush, “As I said all was going well, up until the end. Fluttershy was suddenly in immense pain, and no matter how hard I tried I could not get her free! It was as if the knots had tightened all on their own, and if it weren’t for my medallion I fear I might have done some permanent damage.”

Adagio nodded, a serious expression on her face. “I see. You two were very lucky. It’s a good thing you had Equestrian magic to bail you out, or else you’re right, Fluttershy could have come to serious harm.” She sighed. “Rope is very difficult to use right, and can be very dangerous if used wrong. Fluttershy, can I see your arm for a minute?”

Fluttershy obeyed, shyly rolling up her sleeve and holding out her arm. “See this?” Adagio said, pointing to the pink marks circling her wrists, “This is bad. Tying the ropes there is not only painful for the sub, but risks cutting off circulation to the hands entirely. Fluttershy, you work with animals, right? So you know how dangerous a blood clot can be.” Fluttershy nodded solemnly.

Adagio moved her finger about two inches further up Fluttershy’s arm, where the skin was still its unblemished, buttery yellow color. “You’d want to tie her here instead, on the meatier part of the arm. Much safer, and much more comfortable for the sub. Same goes for legs too of course. But honestly? I’m gonna ask you to stay away from ropes for a while. If it has to be tying that gets you off, use some soft scarves or something, but I personally recommend cuffs for beginners like you. They can be applied or removed almost instantly, and are pretty comfortable too. But leave the ropes until you have some more experience.”

Rarity and Fluttershy nodded. “I- I’d be okay with just cuffs, if it makes things easier on Rarity.” Fluttershy said.

Rarity smiled at her. “Honestly, I would like to give the ropes another chance, some day, but you’re right, I think Adagio has the right idea for now. But I promise to learn, if you would like.”

Fluttershy smiled. “I’d like that.”

“Good!” Adagio said, clapping her hands together. “Now, with that settled, here is the absolute most important thing: communication! You two are just starting out, so until you get some real experience under your belts, just keep it simple. You may think you know how to communicate in the bedroom, but S and M is a different beast. A lot of times a sub won’t be able to help herself. Rarity, as domme it would be your responsibility to watch her and listen to her. Don’t just assume everything is all right just because she doesn’t complain. And Fluttershy, if something goes wrong, or is uncomfortable, it is your responsibility to tell your domme immediately, in any way that you can. Got it?”

The girls nodded. “You are very passionate about that,” Rarity noted.

“Yeah, well, I like to see this shit done right,” Adagio said, leaning back. “It’s my business, and I don’t want anyone getting hurt because of my stuff or my advice. And… and I don’t want you two repeating my mistakes.” She suddenly got quiet, crossing her arms and pulling her jacket close. Sunset reached over and gave her a hug. Fluttershy and Rarity got up as well, rounding the table to pull their one-time rival into a warm three way embrace. Adagio giggled, wiping away a tear that was beginning to fall.

“Thanks girls, that means a lot to me.”