Seducing Success

Chapters

New Designer
Model Troubles
Heated
Planning
The Plan
Trapped Rarity
Lost Rarity
Comfort
Delayed
Hurting Herself
Interlude: The Call
Rocky Start
Fight

New Designer

Rarity smiled as the door finally closed, letting out a relieved sigh. She just got her first paid internship in a major fashion show. Hoity Toity had found one of her designs while visiting the store she had been working at and instantly offered her the internship. Rarity had, of course, jumped at the amazing chance, and now she was here on location! Rarity had to take a small pause and a few deep breathes to prevent herself from freaking out. Her friends tolerated her drama, but she didn't think her new co-workers would be so forgiving of her eccentricities. Rarity smiled at her desk and started to put away her note pads and everything she'd brought with her. Despite being told she would be provided with everything she needed she had still brought her own sketch pads, in case she ever needed some inspiration. She looked up at the state of the art computer, with drawing pad and everything on her desk. She couldn't believe how lucky she was! Big fashion show, big name, and her own office! She wasn't getting coffee, she was designing for models!

Rarity looked up at a knock on the door and waited, before realizing that the person wasn't announcing their entrance they were requesting permission to enter. She smiled, even as an intern she was getting the respect of her own personal space, this was amazing! "Come in!" Rarity couldn't hide the excitement in her voice.

A nice looking though not particularly handsome man opened the door giving her a very kind smile. "You're the new intern Rarity right?"

"I am!"

The man chuckled. "Excited are we? Understandable. I'm Hoity Toity's brother, More Modest." Rarity opened her mouth then snapped it shut before she could say anything about the name but More laughed. "Oh yes, I get the question all the time. Our parents have a unique sense of naming. Though not as bad as some. One of my friends growing up? His name was Steve."

Rarity blinked and tilted her head. "What's a Steve?"

More shrugged. "I have no idea. But anyway, we'll get you assigned to an executive assistant sometime this week. To be perfectly frank we didn't plan to have another intern but with how much Hoity makes me if he wants another intern he gets another intern."

Rarity giggled slightly. "You're rather blunt aren't you? Wait, makes you?" She blushed a little. "A-Are you the owner?"

More nodded, chuckling again. "Yes I am, me and dad put up the money for Hoity's first show when he couldn't get attention from any of the established folks. Which is why he's always so quick to snap up young new talent like yourself." More walked over and held out a card that Rarity took, though when she looked down it wasn't one of More's business cards. "That's the number of my assistant, Red Drop. If you need anything before we get you assigned to someone else call him, he'll get you squared away."

Rarity nodded and slid the card into her pocket. "Well thank you Mr. Modest. I'll make sure to do so if I need to. Though to be honest I don't even know what my actual job is yet."

"Please, just More." He pulled out his phone as the screen lit up. "I should have expected you didn't know yet, Hoity's not great at the business side of things, let me see what job you got assigned." After a few moments, More obviously found whatever he had been looking for on his phone and nodded. "Ahh, well Hoity didn't want to put too much stress on you for your first week so you won't need anything ready for the next show." Rarity couldn't suppress her sigh of relief at that news, causing More to chuckle slightly. "We're not monsters Rarity, we don't expect you to design a new dress in..." he gave his phone another tap, "three days. You're going to be designing a new dress for one of our models for the next show. I'll have her come up so you can meet her, get some measurements and see her style and what she likes, sound good?"

Rarity nodded but raised her hand hesitantly, More let out another small chuckle and nodded to her to ask her question. "Her style More?"

More raised an eyebrow before groaning. "I would have thought that he would have at least told you the theme he hired you for! Goodness Hoity." He shook his head and grinned. "Not that I should complain too much, I mean if he wasn't this bad at business it'd be harder for me to justify my salary when he's the one with all the fashion talent." Rarity giggled again, she liked More, for the owner of arguably the biggest, and at the very least one of the three biggest clothing companies in the world, he was very friendly and easy to talk to. "Anyway the style for these shows is to try and show off "the personal style" of the models, so the outfits don't necessarily really follow a theme." Rarity nodded, pretty sure she got what they were going for with the show, More smiled a bit wider. "I'm glad you got that, I'm utterly baffled by the description. He did take you to HR to get everything signed right?"

Rarity smiled and nodded, giggling quietly. "Oh yes. He complained about how much you harp on about it to him. Though I do have one other question, I appreciate this but... Uh... If you're the owner..."

More let out a single bark of laughter. "Yes, while I try to meet all the employees it's usually not on their first day. But you're special. Hoity brought you in personally, you didn't come in with a group of onboarding, and with how much Hoity talks about you he either is planning on marrying you or thinks you're going to be the next big thing. And his proclivities don't tend in that direction." Rarity couldn't suppress another giggle, everyone knew that Hoity Toity was about as gay as someone could get. "Well, if you don't need anything else I'll let you get familiar with your workspace."

Rarity nodded, walking back behind the desk. "Oh nothing else thank you. I'll be here getting used to it until the model comes, then I can get some creating done!"

More nodded, turning and walking out the door. "Have a good first-day Rarity." Before his head popped back around the door. "Oh, your model's one of Hoity's favorite up and comers, she's a bit demanding and bossy just a heads up. Though she's about your age, so maybe she won't feel the need to throw her weight around like she does with the older designers."

"Oh, I'm sure I'll be able to get along with her. I've had harder challenges." More laughed and closed the door as Rarity grinned herself. More had no idea the extent of the challenges Rarity had been referring to. Rarity started to get used to this stylus and her computer until she heard the door open again. Rarity frowned a little but didn't look away from her screen, apparently not everyone here was as respectful of personal offices as More, but if the person didn't feel the need to alert her beforehand she didn't feel the need to give them her immediate attention.

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me..." The familiar voice that Rarity couldn't quite place did make her look up, only to have her eyes widen in shock.

Model Troubles

Rarity lept to her feet as she saw Adagio standing across from her. She scowled as she raised a hand threateningly at the Siren. "So you've come to try and ambush me when I'm alone! Don't think that just because I'm proper I can't lay down the hurt on you!"

Adagio was taken aback for a moment, but then she just laughed at the other girl. "Oh shut up you idiot." Rarity blinked, she hadn't expected... That. Adagio waved a hand to herself, drawing Rarity's attention to her designer outfit, expensive purse and flawlessly looked after skin, of which a rather generous amount was revealed by her outfit. "I, the beautiful and talented Adagio Dazzle, am one of the most successful models in our age group." She leaned down over the desk, grinning as her blouse fell open slightly giving Rarity a fine view start down it, causing the poor designer to blush gently as she quickly looked back up to meet Adagio's eyes. "You, I hear, are my designer for the next show are you not?" Rarity gave a hesitant nod, this had not been what she was expecting. "Good girl, this is going to be fun."

Rarity had to swallow a few times as Adagio walked back over to close the office door that she had previously left open. Rarity finally found her voice again, licking her lips to wet them properly. "Adagio, you're the model!?"

Adagio smiled and nodded, walking back over to Rarity, though around the desk this time. Such closeness caused Rarity to take a step back only to hit her computer chair halting her retreat. Glancing back at said chair Rarity didn't see Adagio close the last few feet between them. Rarity's eyes widened at the single finger Adagio raised to Rarity's chin. "You know I think thi... URK!" With a single hand thrown out, Rarity produced a large diamond that carried Adagio away from her and slammed her into the wall opposite her. Adagio groaned and rolled onto her hand and knees, coughing slightly. "New powers... Impressive..."

Rarity flushed a little brighter, she had acted on instinct throwing out that diamond, but she wasn't sure she regretted it or not. She allowed Adagio to stagger to her feet, a bit ruffled and obviously winded, but not looking too much the worse for wear. Rarity, however, did keep her fingers spread and her palm pointed at the other woman, obviously ready to toss another shot at Adagio if she needed to. Adagio took in said hand with a glare before looking up at Rarity, scowling.

"Don't you dare, I'll let that first one go, but do it again and I'm telling Hoity Toity." Rarity narrowed her eyes slightly but slowly lowered her hand., with Adagio keeping a careful eye on her until it was done. Adagio walked back over to Rarity, not missing the opportunity to give the best runway walk, swaying hips as she watched Rarity blush slightly brighter. Adagio grinned, confirming her suspicions that Rarity either was into girls or was into both. Either result was something that Adagio could work with. The pretty fashionista would be a fun tumble. Adagio smiled. "Sooooooooooooo, I bet you need to get my measurements don't you?" Adagio glanced down, gratified to see that Rarity hadn't raised a hand to shoot her again, she leaned in and whispered to the other girl. "Though silly me, I forgot to wear my underwear today, I hope that won't be an issue."

Rarity blushed brightly but managed to keep her head, glaring at the other girl, putting her hands on her hips. "Your measurements are on file, and you are wearing underwear."

Adagio didn't let her mental scowl reach her lips, she hadn't counted on Rarity having been that familiar with the system yet, but she had left an opening of attack. But Adagio would let it rest for a while, so Rarity wasn't ready for it. Adagio gave a fake frown of defeat and let out a small scoff. "Fine, party pooper." She walked back around the desk, giving Rarity space to breath. Adagio sat down in the chair on the other side of the desk. "So, what are you going to design for me?"

Rarity took a few moments before she too sat in her computer chair, eyeing Adagio with suspicion but picking up the stylus, not really drawing anything specific but tracing out a few lines. No one would have mistaken it for actual work, or even pretending to work, she was just fiddling. "You can't seriously think I'm going to design anything for you."

Adagio raised an eyebrow. "If you don't you're gonna get fired. I am a model, I can be obtuse as I want and so long as I don't refuse to talk to you I can't be blamed for you not working."

Rarity rolled her eyes, but she had to admit that Adagio was right, she had a task to design something for the past siren. Rarity took a deep breath before letting it out in a huff and steepled her fingers together, actually examining the other woman for the first time, now in a clinical designer fashion, not in a fight or flight process of thought. Adagio noticed the change and decided that she would let Rarity be for the moment. She did have her own devious plans for the fashionista, but Rarity getting fired would make it quite a bit harder for Adagio to lure the pretty thing into her bed. Rarity leaned back after two whole minutes of silence and started to sketch faintly on the pad before her. Obviously nothing concrete, but these motions were actually far more intentional than the previous ones of her just fiddling.

"You gonna tell me what you're up to there, pretty girl?" Adagio smile, she liked to shower all the new interns and other models with compliments. They were little things, that didn't cost her anything, and often got her special consideration. While her main target were the other models, male and female, pretty or handsome interns/employees were also fair game. Adagio made a bit of a game to see how long it would take her to bed a new target. Though some were sadly not viable targets. Like More, he was annoyingly devoted to his wife, and Adagio's careful prodding to discover that had nearly gotten her in trouble. Hoity Toity was of course into men, and even Adagio's skill set couldn't overcome that.

"You're a seductress." Adagio raised an eyebrow, wondering faintly if Rarity's powers didn't extend to mind reading. If so it would make it annoyingly hard to explore that alabaster body. "You like to be looked at. You like to use your feminine wiles to get what you want. You dress like that so that every eye will be on you, and you're not afraid to use that attention to your own gain, so you're going to want something that does exactly that, gets you attention for all the wrong reasons."

Adagio chuckled gently. "Oh don't be like that there Rarity, you can't tell me you've never flirted to get something you wanted." Rarity blushed a bit and looked to the side, causing Adagio to know she hit the nail on the head. "See? I just took it a step further to help me in my career!" Adagio didn't add the other places it had helped her get, though the twinkle in her eye did tell Rarity she had left something unsaid. "I could help you, you know Rarity. A pretty girl like you could get all sorts of places. If you just knew how to... Properly motivate those you meet."

Rarity scoffed, shaking her head at the siren. "Really, you may be willing to flirt your way to the top, but I'm going to get there on skill."

Adagio grinned widely and said quietly, a stage whisper still clearly understandable from Rarity's seat. "Oh, I've gained lots of skills on my way to the top."

Rarity scoffed, grinning as she pulled out a water bottle she's brought with her and undoing the top. "Oh yeah? Like how to lean forward and push your breasts together? I can totally see that as a refined skill." Rarity took a victory sip of her water while grinning at Adagio.

Adagion grinned, she didn't usually verbally slap those she intended to attempt to seduce, but this opportunity was just to perfect to put the little princess in her place. "Not only that, I've also mastered suppressing my gag reflex." At that Rarity spit out in a small fountain what she had intended to be a victory sip. Luckily she turned her head in time to prevent it from becoming a shower for either Adagio or the computer. "Don't poke the lioness there princess."

Rarity was still coughing slightly as she dabbed at her mouth with a hanky, glaring at the other girl. "I don't need to be lectured by the likes of you."

Adagio just laughed, nothing that the girl said could hurt her, but she was curious of what Rarity had up her sleeve. It might ruin her chances of getting the girl undressed Adagio had to admit that this time that was more of a pipe dream than anything else. "Oh? And what am I?"

Heated

”You're a slut.” Rarity didn't feel the need to be nice. She’d design an outfit for Adagio, but she didn't have to like the past siren.

Adagio just grinned at Rarity at the insult, causing Rarity to flush in annoyance. ”If by slut you mean easy, no. But if you mean I get lots of pretty girls like you into bed then yes. By the way want to go out to dinner?”

Rarity could only stand there for a good ten seconds before she exploded. ”What!? I would never...! You...!”

A loud knocking interrupted Rarity’s tirade, along with a voice calling out, ”is everything ok in there?”

Rarity looked in a quick panic at the door but if wasn't opening. She answered in a raised voice, but quieter than she had been using a moment ago. ”Oh yes! Sorry we were just disagreeing on a design. I'll keep it down, sorry.”

”Ok then.” Rarity fumed as whoever had been walking by walked off. Glaring at Adagio who was grinning at her, having taken Rarity’s distraction to slip sideways on the chair, letting her long legs hang over the armrest.

Rarity huffed as she crossed her arms, glaring. ”You are insufferable.”

Adagio leaned back slightly, grinning as Rarity went back to her drawing. ”Well, you'll have to suffer a fair bit of me for a while. But I'm sure I can think up a few ways to keep us... Entertained.”

Ratify groaned and looked back at Adagio. ”I don't suppose telling you I'm not interested wouldn't work?”

Adagio shrugged while examining her nails. ”Well it would depend on if you told me that or if you meant it. You ever get with that cute farm girl Sonata caught you kissing behind the bleachers?”

Rarity sighed and sunk back into her chair, looking sulkily off to the side. ”For a little but she didn't think our lives were compatible so we broke up.”

Adagio grinned, lowering her voice to a gentler, more coaxing level. ”So you might want to consider a girl with a more similar lifestyle?”

”Well I suppose that might be a better choice. I’d still prefer trying again with AJ but she's made her stance clear. She won't risk our friendship on something she thinks...” Rarity’s eyes went wide when she remembered who she was talking to. She was about to yell at Adagio but then remembered where she was. Hissing at the other girl instead she leaned forward as she glared. ”You manipulative bitch.”

Adagio chuckled with actual mirth at that response, reaching out and giving that cute pert little nose a boop. Rarity blinked, her anger taken over by unexpected confusion. ”Sweetie if I was trying to manipulate you you'd never know it. Is it really too much to believe I've turned over a new... Ok, a mostly new leaf? I mean I haven't reported you for attacking me with a diamond.”

Rarity grumbled a bit, looking away from Adagio with a scowl. ”Fine, if I grant you might be going straight...”

”Oh, I'm far from ’straight,’ beautiful.”

Rarity scoffed, but couldn't hide the tiny twitch upwards at the corner of her mouth. ”Terrible. But you know what I meant. Even if you have turned That doesn't mean we’re friends, I don't like you, and I'm not interested in a relationship with you, got it?”

Adagio grinned a bit too widely at that. ”Who said anything about a relationship? I could always just go for a good hate fuck.”

Rarity just stared at Adagio, realizing that the model was completely serious. Rarity blushed a bit brighter as she shook her head. She wasn't the most conservative girl around but the concept of just sleeping with someone for the fun of it wasn't an idea she entertained. Especially when she didn't even like the person! ”No Adagio.”

Adagio shrugged again. ”Whatever you say.” Adagio wasn't going to give up. She had heard such things before and still lured the pretty young ladies into her bed. And even if that didn't work flirting was just plain fun. Seeing Rarity blush was also a bonus, made her all the cuter. ”Too bad though.” Adagio leaned forward slightly, causing Rarity to back up slightly into her chair. ”I’d have loved to hear the sounds you made at my fingertips.”

Rarity flushed brightly and scowled at Adagio, pointing at the door. ”Out!”

Adagio raised an eyebrow but she had to admit she was impressed. She hadn't been expecting Rarity, as a brand new intern, to kick the model she’d been assigned out of her office. Adagio considered for a moment before smiling and standing up. ”Sure thing cutie. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.” Adagio took her time sashaying to the door, until she gave a peek over her shoulder catching Rarity staring at her rear end. Grinning back at her Adagio couldn’t stop herself from commenting. ”It'd be more convincing if you weren't staring at my ass. Then again you already stared hard enough to know that I didn't forget to wear underwear so that's not surprising I suppose...”

Rarity flushed and just simply emphasized her pointing. Adagio chuckled to herself as she walked out, letting the flustered girl be, for now. Rarity huffed a bit as the door closed, groaning slightly. That was worse than when she was getting shown around by Hoity Toity and she was worried about offending him! Rarity rubbed her temples, eyeing the door in announce. What made it worse for Rarity is that on a physical level she was attracted to Adagio, not many people into chicks wouldn't be, that's kind of why the girl was a top model, she was hot. But Rarity wouldn't be foolish enough to ever consider going down that road.

Though Rarity couldn't really stop her mind going down that road. She balanced the stylus on her finger, thinking to herself, "well, darling, the girl may be a bit... Too forward but she is very pretty Rarity. Really? Do you really think this is anything remotely like a good idea? Seriously the girl admitted she just wanted to sex us and be done. Well, that's not the worse... Quiet brain! We're not that kind of girl! Well, we haven't gotten any since Applejack! You really should consider how a nice roll in the hay... Brain brain! Just because we haven't gotten any hot girls in bed recently is no reason to jump into bed with the first pretty girl who expresses interest! Bu... SHUT UP BRAIN!" Rarity huffed and paused, waiting but then smiling a little, good, she'd beaten some sense into herself, no touching that girl with a ten-foot pole.

Adagio tapped her lips in consideration as she stood outside of Rarity's new office door. She had to admit the fact she had just been rejected not because Rarity was shy, she was in a relationship already, or because of her religious beliefs gave Rarity a certain allure. Rarity had outright challenged Adagio's desirability. By denying the advances because Rarity just simply didn't want to sleep with Adagio. Such a challenge was strangely refreshing, she felt the need to work for the designer's affections. Adagio grinned and turned to walk down the hallway, she'd catch her fish, she knew it, but this time, it would take more work.

Planning

Adagio had her plans for Rarity, but first, she had to make sure that no one scared off the new intern, and for that she needed it to be made clear that Rarity was hers. It was the beginning of the day, and she knew exactly who she needed to talk to. Reaching up and knocking on the door waiting a moment until the, "come in," came through the door. One of the few doors Adagio was willing to knock on, More's executive assistant. Adagio walked into the well-decorated office, with its sinfully comfortable chairs and she grinned.

"Hey there Red Drop, you have a second?"

Without even looking up from his computer Red Drop nodded and motioned to the chairs. "Yeah, whatcha need Miss Dazzle?"

To most people, this would seem flippant or insulting that Red Drop wasn't giving their attention to the person he was talking to, but Red Drop was one of the few people Adagio knew that seemed to be able to actually multitask. That was why More paid him stupid amounts of money, the guy did the work that it would take three or four people to do half as well. Adagio had even tried to seduce the man, he was handsome enough. Her only other failure without an outside influence beside Rarity. The case was very different with Red Drop, the guy just had seemed completely oblivious. Not uninterested, he just completely missed every signal thrown his way. "I want to talk about the new intern."

Red Drop nodded, not glancing away from his screen as he typed rapidly. "Rarity, wasn't she assigned to make you a new dress? What's the matter, don't like it?"

Adagio shook her head. "No, I haven't seen it yet, that's all fine. I just want to make sure... Well... Red Drop could you do me a favor?"

"Sure thing Miss Dazzle, need to show Rarity that you're in charge? You want some new brand of water to show her you're important enough to demand your own water? Or fake a fit over your snacks maybe? We've done the water one a few times, probably don't want to play the same trick too many times in short succession."

Adagio chuckled, smiling at the man who had helped her strut her stuff so much. He had realized that she had a desire for importance and power and rather than let her either ruin her career by throwing fits, or succeeding and causing a bunch of headaches he had purposed letting her fake a few scenes that would let her establish her place as important. All while saving the company any real issues. She was pretty sure that Red Drop had brought the people who he had said it was ok to yell at in on the scam, but she was ok with that so long as they didn't reveal the con. "No. I..." Adagio licked her lips, how exactly could she phrase this... "I want you to see that she's not hazed."

At that, Red Drop's eyes actually flicked over to Adagio, eyeing her for a moment before he looked back at his screen, even though through even that brief examination his fingers hadn't stopped their work. "That's a new one Adagio, and not easy, you know the designers are a pretty close clique."

Adagio nodded, but grinned, he was immune/ignorant of her attempts to flirt, but everyone knew what flattery was. "I know, and that's why I came to you, I can yell at the other models to be nice, but I don't have as much leverage with the designers, you do."

Red Drop chuckled at that. "Fine, flatterer, I'll put out the word that the new girl is off limits. I can't promise there won't be anything but I will make sure that everyone knows that Rarity is under the personal interest of Hoity Toity, and that'll keep everyone in the range of friendly banter/small jokes. And it has the benefit of being true anyway. That good enough for you Miss Dazzle or were you interested in shielding her more than that?"

Adagio waved a hand. "Oh no, that'll be good enough thanks. So, what do you want in return?"

Red Drop cracked another small grin at that. "You know me so well Miss Dazzle. I do think this is worth... Oh... A thousand signatures for pictures without complaints, deal?" Adagio started to groan; without missing a beat Red Drop raised a finger to her, still typing away with one hand. "Ah! No complaining, deal?"

Adagio grinned, she was a magical siren from another dimension, and even she was impressed by how many things this guy could do at once. It was almost magical. "Yeah, you got it, slave driver."

Red Drop grinned and went back to typing with both hands. "Well, you were the one asking for a favor."

Adagio chuckled as she stood up, shaking her head. "Yeah yeah. Thanks, Red Drop."

"Hey, it saves me from listening to the photographers complain about your complaining."

Adagio let out a small laugh as she walked out, not bothering with any of her seductive walks for Red Drop. "Talk to you later Red Drop." She genuinely liked the strange man. While she'd have liked to let the designers know that Rarity was off limit because of her personal interests in the new designer, she had to admit that Hoity Toity was going to be better protection for the pretty new intern. The rumors would work their way up from the models to the designers anyway, it would take a bit longer for the news to get around, but she could work with it. Adagio decided to give the rumors about a week to get around. She'd be civil and mostly normal with Rarity for the next week, until the word got around to the other designers, and maybe a little to Rarity. Of course Adagio would flirt like she always did, but unless Rarity actually expressed interest she would bide her time, and plan, waiting to get the pretty alabaster girl into her bed.

The Plan

Adagio smiled as she walked into Rarity's office. Causing Rarity to look up and just roll her eyes. "You could knock you know." Adagio had chosen an especially revealing outfit today, knowing that Rarity wouldn't be able to stop herself from staring, which Adagio was gratified to see was true. Rarity quickly looked back at her computer, but Adagio could see the faint blush on the girl's cheeks. Adagio had to admit that her job was made easier when the girl was pure white she couldn't hide her embarrassment.

"Now beautiful, how else would I ambush you?" Rarity rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"You really need to stop with the pet names."

Adagio grinned, sitting down in one of the comfy chairs in Rarity's office. "You know sweetie." Another eye roll. "I like using pet names with you. It really tells everyone that you're mine."

Rarity sighed and leveled her eyes at Adagio. "You done?"

"For now."

"Ok." She swiveled the computer's screen to show Adagio her most recent sketch. Adagio's eyes lit up and Rarity smiled, that was something that could distract Adagio from her endless flirting. The dress was more covering than Adagio usually went for but it was still fantastic. The dress was floor length but the front was slited to allow her to show off her legs as she walked. And the bodice was latticed around the belly that would give half the show but still artistically hide part of it. She smiled as her eyes tracked up to the top, which sadly didn't seem to have any cleavage, but then when she glanced to the side her eyes widened a little to see that there actually was a bit of sideboob since from the waist up there wasn't actually any side to the dress until the shoulders that flared out into long sleeves. Adagio wasn't sure about the sleeves on the dress but otherwise, this was something she really liked.

"That's great Rarity!" Adagio was actually grinning widely as Rarity turned it the screen back to her. "I'm going to look sooooo hot in that!"

Rarity rolled her eyes. "Yeah, isn't that your thing? Just wanting to get all the eyes on you?"

Adagio smiled, kicking back into teasing. "Oh yeah, though there's one pair of eyes I'm most interested in right now."

Rarity groaned and looked upwards. "Really? We were just getting work done!"

Adagio shook her head. "Oh no, you just did all the work, now we send it down to the workers, then I put it on and look hot." She smiled as she leaned back in the chair. "You should design yourself something there too hot stuff. You could model too! You'd make for some great arm candy for me."

Rarity rubbed her temples as she leaned back in her chair. "Really Adagio, you were doing so much better this week! I mean, you were just... You come in, be weird and flirty for five minutes then we get to work with me designing and you actually making good suggestions! But now you're just acting like... Ugh, like when we first met again! Don't think we didn't notice you hitting on Trixie at school!"

Adagio chuckled. "Well, you're done with the next four designs now Rarity! We don't have anything to do for... A month! I mean we should take most the time off and go out on the town!"

Rarity threw her stylus at the other woman. "For the last time, I'm not interested in you Adagio! Stop with inviting me out, stop with trying to get me to peek down your blouse, stop with..."

"Woah, go back there princess, you've been peeking down my tops?" Adagio grinned, well this actually hadn't been her plan, she'd been intending to lead Rarity down a path of it being a business ploy then after the ploy was going she'd lure Rarity into an actual night but this new piece of information set her up for far more immediate results.

Rarity blushed brightly. "No, I'm not! I'm meaning you're the one wearing revealing outfits to try and seduce me!"

Adagio smiled and shook her head. "Oh no, sweetie, I am not wearing them for you, they're a gift to the world! I can't keep a body like this all to myself!" Adagio caught the twitch at the corner of Rarity's mouth.

"Oh shut up!" Rarity closed her eyes, rubbing them genty and shaking her head. "Oh just get out Adagio! I'll find something else to do with the time until we need to meet again!" Adagio got up, Rarity surprised but thankful to hear the chair moving as Adagio left. Or at least Rarity thought that Adagio left. She heard her desk creak and groaned loudly, opening her eyes and looking over to see Adagio sitting up on her desk, facing her.

"You know I think we could do some more designing on this one." Adagio grinned at Rarity as she pointed at the second file on Rarity's desktop, that she had open in the background and Rarity frowned at her.

"Hey, that's my favorite one!" Rarity's emberassmentand annoyance forgotten when she was defending her design. "What’re you talking about anyway!? We already agreed that one was great!"

"It's too conservative." Adagio didn't really care about that, it was still pretty damn good, but she was bored and being kicked out wasn't any fun.

Rarity scowled, raising her voice slightly. "Just because not everything I design is meant to elicit an erection doesn't make it bad you... Oversexed nympho!"

Adagio laughed loudly and shook her head. "Oh, you little girl, you haven't even had a girlfriend since high school!" Which admittedly was only a few years but the point stood.

Rarity jumped to her feet, the chair clattering against the wall as she opened her mouth to yell before remembered that they were in the workplace and she said in an angry whisper. "Listen to me! You leave Applejack out of this! She's too good for you to even speak of!" Rarity was obviously still extremely sour about that breakup.

Adagio grinned, ok, plan aborted, fighting with the new intern was the new plan. Adagio had a small amount of regret for abandoning her plan to bed Rarity. But she'd failed before, and there were other pretty girls around, fighting with Rarity was fun. "Yeah! Too good for you it looks like!"

Rarity's eyes flew open wide and she reached out, grabbing Adagio by the shoulders and pulling her up off the desk. Her nails digging against Adagio's skin hard enough to leave little red marks. "You say that again... I'll... I’ll make you regret it."

Adagio knocked the other woman's arms aside, keeping her own voice down like Rarity, but now it was laced with a lethal poison that she was used to using on mouthy photographers. "Oh don't make empty threats there drama queen, one word to Hoity Toity and I could have you fired!" Rarity raised her hand, cocking it back as if she was ready to slap Adagio. Adagio crossed her arms with a raised eyebrow, waiting for the slap, she would end Rarity's career right then and there! "What? You gonna slap me right now? Go ahead, it'll be great fun telling Hoity Toity about..." And then the hand came down, slapping Adagio across the cheek hard. At least hard for Rarity, which was still painful but not enough to leave a mark.

Rarity huffed loudly, breathing heavily, trying to keep herself from panicking. She had just ruined her entire career! Rarity swallowed, she could still put up a brave face, not letting Adagio get satisfaction from what had just happened. Rarity took a deep breathe standing up straight and glaring. "Go ahead and tell hi... Urk!" She was interrupted by Adagio pushing her. Grabbing her by the shoulder's Adagio pushed Rarity backward, almost barreling her over she hit the wall behind her. Rarity did actually open her eyes, she was a bit scared at the moment, thinking that Adagio might actually hurt her. Having forgotten her powers for a moment, she started to raise a hand to use them now... Only to freeze as she felt warm lips pressing against her own, her eyes widening as she saw Adagio not attacking her, not yelling, not going to get someone... But kissing her!

Trapped Rarity

Rarity flushed brightly as she felt Adagio pushing her hard against the wall behind her, pressing her warm lips against her own. Rarity let the hand she had just raised to defend herself fall as she felt Adagio pull back, staring into her eyes hard. Rarity was panting gently, trying to get herself under control as she squirmed under the other woman's intense gaze. She opened her mouth to protest but nothing came out as she shifted in the other woman's grasp, only causing Adagio to grin, and speak instead. "Well looks like you're all out of arguments there princess." Adagio raised a hand and grinned, grabbing Rarity's chin right as she tried to look away. In response, Rarity whimpered and struggled against the hand holding her. "Funny, you could easily blast me against the wall but you're not..." Adagio leaned in, looking like she was going for another kiss but pausing in front of the other girl's face. "I think you like this."

Rarity shook her head, as best she could while her head was being held in place. "I-I would never...! I-I don't like you Adagio!"

Adagio chuckled throatily as she leaned in, giving the other girl another kiss, a little deeper this time. Pressing her tongue up against the cute fashionista's lips. Adagio was disappointed for a few moments thinking she might actually not be getting what she wanted but then she felt Rarity slowly, hesitantly open said lips. Adagio pressed her tongue into the other's new mouth, smiling as she tasted the cute young lady. Adagio sought out Rarity's own tongue, meeting Rarity's eyes as they made out. Despite blushing brightly during the kiss Rarity was still maintaining eye contact throughout the kiss until she felt Adagio's tongue touch her own. Quickly closing her eyes, Rarity hesitantly responded, her own tongue pressing nervously up to meet Adagio's. While Adagio was enjoying her time exploring Rarity's mouth but she didn't want to overindulge herself in only one area. Adagio pulled back and grinned. "You were saying?"

Rarity looked to the side, Adagio having let go of Rarity's chin during the kiss to allow for easier movement. But this time Adagio would let the girl have her way for a bit, she had learned that rushing some girls ruined the magic. Adagio knew that didn't mean that you should leave them completely alone though. Rarity let out a loud meep and looked back at the grinning Adagio as she felt Adagio's hand slide down around her rear end and gave her ass a gentle squeeze. Rarity couldn't stop herself from at least respond to that somehow... "I-I'm not some... Some piece of meat for you to play with Adagio!"

That actually caused Adagio to raise an eyebrow. "Just because I'm interested in your body doesn't mean that I wouldn't be interested in you as well there pretty girl. If you want to try and go out a few times..."

"Oh just shut up!" Rarity snapped, tears starting to well up in her eyes. "You'll just use me and leave me! Just like..." Rarity trailed off and looked to the side, a few tears trailing down her cheeks.

Adagio's eyes widened a little and she dropped her hands from restraining Rarity, she was aggressive, she would make assumptions (that usually ended up being right) that the other being hesitant was really just them being shy and that they did actually want her. She wouldn't actually try to force herself on others if she believed they didn't want her, but she wasn't sure that was the case here. She just had to be a bit more careful, that was until she realized what happened. Much to Rarity's surprise when she looked back Adagio's eyes had softened and she brought up a hand, wiping the tears away from the fashionista's cheeks. Her voice had also softened greatly, like the other day when trying to coax more details out of Rarity, but this time it lacked the undertone of duplicity that time had had. "Hey there pretty girl, Applejack really hurt you didn't she?" Rarity scowled and opened her mouth to obviously retort harshly before Adagio continued. "Aria did similar to me." Rarity's eyes widened a bit and her mouth snapped shut. "We weren't in a relationship, obviously, but she abandoned me and Sonata shortly after we lost our powers."

Rarity squirmed a bit and bit her bottom lip, reaching up a little nervously before she dropped her hand back to her side. Not willing to offer the other woman comfort but she could see that Adagio maybe wasn't such a monster as she had been warry of even after their second meeting. "And... I’m not sure this is true but... You three are sisters right?" Adagio nodded and Rarity let out another small whimper, as much as she had little tiffs with Sweetie Belle she couldn't imagine having Sweetie Belle walk out of her life. Though Rarity couldn't really see any burning hurt in Adagio's eyes, she could tell that even Adagio didn't relish talking about the subject.

Adagio considered her options and slowly raised her hand to grasp Rarity's chin again, though this time gently. Pulling Rarity into a far lighter kiss this time before letting the white girl go and backed up a bit from Rarity. She looked the girl up and down and gave her a smile. Adagio would come back to this, but she wasn't confident enough on Rarity being up for it for her to be willing to go down that path at the moment. "I'll see you tomorrow Rarity." She turned and walked over to the door, smiling at Rarity one last time before walking out and closing the door behind her.

Rarity stood there, staring at the closed door for a good ten seconds before walking silently over to the chair, pulling it upright, and sitting in it, staring at her computer silently. Wiping her eyes gently with a hanky she pulled out a small makeup kit, giving herself a quick touch up, the motions cathartic to her and allowing her to not think about what had just happened for a few minutes. She swallowed as she finished, shutting her makeup kit and looking at the door again. "Oh good God what am I going to do...?"

Lost Rarity

Adagio leaned back in her changing room's luxurious chair, sipping from her stupidly expensive imported water bottle. She looked up at the knock on her door, raising an eyebrow wondering who that could be. "Come." She realized a moment later that it probably was someone with all those dang pictures Red Drop had conned her into signing and groaned. She closed her eyes with a sigh as the door opened. "Yeah, leave them wherever. Tell Red Drop I'll get them all signed." Adagio really wasn't looking forward to that but she agreed to do it, and she wasn't about to double cross Red Drop, that guy was dangerous. However Adagio waited to hear the loud thump of a thousand pictures hitting a table. But she didn't hear that, she let out a loud oomph as an unexpected weight was added to her lap. Adagio opened her eyes, there were three possibilities. One, it was one of her regular nightly partners. Someone who had heard of her reputation and wanted to be. Or... "RARITY!?” Rarity definitely wasn't what Adagio had been expecting.

Rarity blushed as she squirmed on the other woman's lap, biting her bottom lip, looking very nervous but she thought this might be the best way to get her answers. "You're going to... Going to answer my questions Adagio!"

Adagio raised an eyebrow and nodded, raising her hands to the other girl's hips, pulling her first just down a bit off of her own stomach, letting out a sigh, that was far more comfortable than it had been. "Sure thing pretty girl. Seems like you want my phone number, or maybe even my address."

Rarity blushed gently and glanced to the side. "D-Don't even think about it Adagio!"

That caused Adagio to raise an eyebrow, she was a bit confused at the moment, not that she'd reveal that. "You walked in and sat on my lap beautiful, what else am I supposed to think? You wanting something casual in my dressing room?"

Rarity blushed even brighter as she swallowed and shook her head. "Th-This was the best way I could think to get you to stand still and answer my questions!"

Adagio considered for a moment then shrugged. "Fair enough point there. Though I have a feeling you have... Other reasons too." She grinned as she ran her hands up Rarity's sides. "What do you wanna ask me then, pretty girl?"

Rarity squirmed, biting her bottom lip as she looked to the side, licking her lips nervously. "W-Well... You floated the possibility of going out...” Rarity let out a small meep as Adagios hands climbed her sides, glancing down at the offending appendages.

Adagio grinned but slid her hands back down to rest softly on Rarity’s hips. ”Are you asking me out Rarity?” Rarity shook her head, causing Adagio to frown. ”Ok then, you're sending some mixed signals here. I'm going to need a bit of a road map."

Rarity bit her bottom lip and shifted, looking into Adagio’s eyes for a few moments. ”H-Help...?”

Adagio frowned as she raised a hand, she wasn't sure what Rarity wanted from her. Adagio had had lots of fun, but she wasn't opposed to a more serious relationship with someone else, that someone else might be Rarity, but she could also be misreading Rarity's request, maybe she just hit a block on designing, though this was a rather intimate way to ask for that kind of help. Adagio ran her hand up over the white girl's cheek, causing her to let out a small coo. "Help you with what?"

Rarity bit her bottom lip and shook her head, Adagio frowned in irritation but then Rarity started to speak, apparently, she had been shaking her head at herself. "Well... I... I mean... I've had... Offers." Adagio raised an eyebrow and Rarity explained her vague statement. "I've had offers of dates from guys and girls but... I haven't said yes since... Well... You know..."

Adagio nodded, rubbing the girl's cheek again, preemptively wiping away one of the tears she saw starting to fall from Rarity's eyes. Adagio started to speak softly again, a more kindly understanding tone than her usual semi-commanding talking voice. "You really really built yourself up a little future in your head with Applejack didn't you?" This time instead of reacting poorly, almost yelling, Rarity just nodded in confirmation. "And you don't want to let go of that." Adagio wasn't the touchiest feeliest girl, but she knew what Rarity was dealing with. She and her sisters had their... Desires but didn't get to live that life. For a while, the three had fought, and Aria had outright left, but Adagio and Sonata eventually got over the change. Now Adagio was a supremely successful model, and Sonata was going to college.

Rarity looked to the side. "I had everything planned... We could live on her farm if she wanted... It'd have been a commute for me but that'd be ok. And then I'd be able to have a little studio of my own, after I became successful I might be away a bit but we could face time and..." She sighed and shook her head. "It doesn't matter, that's not going to happen..."

Adagio smiled gently at Rarity. She wouldn't tell Rarity that she could relate, because Rarity wouldn't appreciate the reasoning behind that she could relate. "It hurts doesn't it?" Rarity nodded. "But you seem to know that dream is gone." Rarity nodded again, whining gently. "And so maybe you want to make a new dream?" Rarity nodded again.

Rarity nodded, biting her bottom lip and shifting a bit nervously. "And... Uh... Well, you've been the most recent one to express interest so I would... I mean if you wanted..."

Adagio chuckled and shook her head. "Oh, pretty girl, I hate to say no, but I don't think I'm the type of girl you're looking for."

Rarity's eyes widened and she frowned. "Wh-What!? But you said that you wanted to... And that we could go out!" Rarity frowned and raised herself up a bit to sit up straight, though the effect was lessened by the fact she was on Adagio's lap. Before she quickly deflated and sighed, leaning up against Adagio, much to Adagio's surprise. "Why...?"

Comfort

Adagio wrapped her arms around the sad fashionista. It would be so easy to just say yes, get to spend her time with the fine young woman. Get to explore her and... Adagio scowled at herself. She’d enjoy that on a physical level but she wasn't going to emotionally abuse the poor thing like that. She still needed to answer Rarity’s question as to why she wasn't a good choice to date. ”Because pretty girl, I'm not... I'm not nice. I mean we argue all the time. We’re like two pegasi w... Yeah, you don't know that saying... We’re like water and oil.” Adagio couldn't keep herself from gently stroking that beautiful hair as Rarity more or less laid atop her.

”No.” Adagio took a moment to register that Rarity had just disagreed with her. Looking up at her Adagio could see the tears glistening in Rarity’s eyes. But they were, as of yet, unshed. ”Yes we butt heads, but you're nice.” Adagio opened her mouth to protest but Rarity continued. ”You were so concerned about me you thought to warn me.”

Adagio shook her head, she had to put an end to this line of thought. ”Just because I don't want to emotionally wreck you...”

Rarity smiled and leaned in, shutting Adagio up with a gentle kiss on the lips. ”You could have blackmailed me after that slap. You could have had me fired. You had some... Fun but even after I rejected you, you didn't try anything.”

Adagio pursed her lips in annoyance. ”Now really just because I'm not trying to ruin your life...”

Rarity smiled faintly. ”And who’s paying for Sonata to go to college?”

Adagio frowned at the change in subject. ”Huh? I told you I am. It's not like she has money Rarity.”

”Sounds pretty nice to me.” Adagio scowled again and opened her mouth as Rarity interrupted her. But this time with a softer voice like how Adagio had earlier. ”I don’t think I'm the only one holding onto an old dream.”

Adagio opened her mouth before she stopped, leaning back slightly in the chair. Pulling Rarity a bit closer to her as she groaned. ”Oh, you're fucking kidding me...”

Rarity giggled a little as she nuzzled into the other woman. ”You're not evil anymore Adagio. You're even... A bit sweet, in a clumsy way.” Adagio sighed and wrapped her arms around the white girl.

”Ugh, can't you girls just leave me alone and let me live out my life how I want to?” Adagio was irritated, but if she was honest with herself she wasn't very irritated.

Rarity frowned and sat up slightly, adopting a more serious voice. ”That time yes. But if you want me to leave you be now and you just continue to... Eep!” she let out a small sound of surprise ad Adagio grabbed her and pulled her back down into cuddle territory.

Adagio grinned gently, holding Rarity close to her and slowly stroking her hair. ”This isn't me agreeing, just so we're clear here, Rarity." Though they both knew that it was Adagio agreeing; she had to ease herself into such a change in lifestyle.

Rarity grinned as she nuzzled into the model, closing her eyes. She had to admit she still would have preferred to be snuggling with Applejack but she also had to accept that wasn't how her life was going to play out. Adagio had turned over a new leaf, and despite them butting heads she was actually kind underneath it all. Rarity had to also, secretly admit that Adagio being obscenely hot didn't hurt her opinion on the matter. Rarity would have preferred an immediate admittance but if Adagio needed some time she supposed that was the least she could give the other woman. Though she couldn't help taking on a mock earnest voice. "Oh of course darling. This is just you wanting to snuggle a cutie like myself."

Adagio snickered and nodded. "Exact... Oh, damn it!" Rarity looked up in surprise as Adagion rolled her eyes. "If... I repeat, IF. We were to be in a relationship you'd expect me to stop my consorting with other girls, wouldn't you?"

Rarity shot upright, glaring at Adagio now, frowning and putting her hands on her hips. "Of course I would! And furthermore! The fact that you even have to ask is a grave insult to my noble personage!"

Adagio grinned. "There's the firey spirit I was looking for." Rarity's eyes widened and she blushed faintly.

"You did that on purpose!"

"Of course I did pretty girl." Rarity let out a small harumph but laid back on top of Adagio, closing her eyes as she laid her head against the other woman's neck again. Missing Adagio's relieved flush, she absolutely hadn't done that on purpose, but she thanked whatever power or powers that be that she was a quick thinker, that could have turned out a lot worse than it had.

After about ten minutes of Rarity laying contentedly on her new girlfriend and Adagio still adjusting to the idea, the knock at the door pulled them both out of their stupor. Rarity bolted off the other girl's lap, quickly running her hands over her dress to get all the wrinkles out and get herself presentable, quickly stealing Adagio's mirror for the purpose. Adagio chuckled but was kind enough to let Rarity get her self care done before she turned her chair towards the door, she wasn't getting surprised again this morning. "Come."

Red Drop pushed the door open with a large pile of paper that Adagio recognized as about a thousand pictures. She groaned but quickly cut herself off at a raised eyebrow from Red Drop. "Hello Miss Dazzle, Miss Rarity. I have these for you to sign Miss Dazzle." He walked in and put down the twenty pounds of paper in front of Adagio who sighed but nodded.

"Yep, I'll get them done as quick as I can." Adagio smiled in apology at Rarity who nodded, smiling at Red Drop herself.

"Well, I'll let you get to that then darling, we can continue our talk later." Rarity gave a small nod to Adagio and Red Drop before quickly retreating from the room.

Red Drop raised an eyebrow at Adagio. "I do hope I didn't interrupt anything."

Adagio waved a hand dismissively. "Just talking, nothing important."

Red Drop nodded and turned, waving over his shoulder as he left. "You have a good day, Miss Dazzle."

Adagio waved a hand as she pulled the first glamor shot of her over. "Yeah, yeah, you too slave driver."

Hours later Adagio groaned as she signed the second to last paper, looking down at the last paper she saw it wasn't a photo. She frowned and picked it up looking it over.

Human Resources Department
Declaration of Romantic Relationship
Form HR109B

Adagio Dazzle and Rarity hereby declare that they have begun a romantic relationship. As such...

Adagio glared at the door that Red Drop had left through earlier. "You magical bastard..."

Author's Note

Is it bad that I'm inordinately proud of the fact I didn't have Red Drop say Adagio had to sign "pictures" just said that she had to sign everything he was holding?

Delayed

Rarity gasped loudly as she pushed Adagio back slightly, evoking a predatory grin from the model. Adagio grinned but did let Rarity have her way for a bit at least, her hands resting on the designer's sides slid downwards slightly as she worked her fingers up under Rarity's shirt, caressing her bare sides. "What's the matter, pretty girl? Can't keep up?"

Rarity blushed a little brighter and shook her head. "Adagio, what if someone walks in?" She glanced over Adagio's dressing room door. It was closed and locked, but still, people had keys, and also even just them knocking would be embarrassing. "The HR form was pretty explicit about fraternizing at work..."

Adagio rolled her eyes and frowned at her girlfriend. She was really getting tired of how timid Rarity was at times. She enjoyed being in charge but Rarity could raise objections about the most meaningless things. "Rarity, the door is locked and they really don't care, it's just them covering themselves for legal reasons." Adagio waited for Rarity's hesitant nod before she smiled and ran her hands up Rarity's sides. Gently fingering the side of Rarity's bra, causing the girl to blush even brighter. "Come on, pretty girl, we've been dating for weeks now. I want to see what you're hiding from me."

Rarity bit her bottom lip and nodded again. "I-If you really want..."

Adagio sighed and dropped her hands out of the girl's shirt. "Rarity, it's about us both wanting this I'm not going to... Well, you know. I'm not going to make you do anything. I mean if you take too long we might break up but-"

Rarity's eyes widened and she reached up quickly wrapping her arms around her girlfriend's shoulders. "N-No I want to Adagio re-"

"Ugh! Rarity! Calm down!" Adagio took a moment to take a deep breath and raised a hand, rubbing the girl's cheek and smiling at her. "Seriously Rarity I'm not going to dump you over you giving me blue balls for a bit." Rarity calmed down a little but still shifted uncomfortably, Adagio thought of a way to maybe fix that a bit. "Remember the first time I said that?" Rarity blushed a bit and looked away, but Adagio caught the twitch at the corner of her mouth. "It took you ten minutes to ask me if I was being literal. Little miss 'I don't know siren physiology!'" Rarity couldn't help but giggle gently at the memory, it was embarrassing as heck at the time, now it was quite amusing. Adagio smile as she saw her girlfriend smiling faintly. "There's my pretty girl."

Rarity smiled at her girlfriend. "S-So if you still want to I..."

Adagio sighed lowly and shook her head, taking Rarity by the hand and sitting down in one of her large cushioned chair, leaning back in it and pulling Rarity on top of her, holding her girlfriend close to her. "I think we need to talk about this." Adagio couldn't believe she was the one who was being touchy-feely in this relationship, she was supposed to be the hard ass.

Rarity bit her bottom lip as she nuzzled into Adagio, but she really didn't want to talk about her issues... Maybe she could distract Adagio. "You know Adagio you could come over to my apartment tonight... I'll make us a nice meal and... I mean... In a more appropriate venue... We could... And I'd... I mean I would be more willing..."

Adagio looked into Rarity's eyes and she trailed off, looking to the side. Adagion reached up and gently rubbed Rarity's back. "Fool me twice shame on me." She shook her head and booped the girl's nose as she started to look down in shame. "Now I'm willing to wait, but we -do- need to talk about this Rarity. Or else it will become a problem." Rarity let out a small whimper but nodded. "That's my pretty girl. You know why you're so... Nervous about the physical aspect of a relationship?"

Rarity shook her head, she wasn't sure, she had had three partners in her life... One she was... It was one of those foolish young and in love at camp... Then she was seeing Octavia for a year. After the group's big fight she'd found some comfort in the pretty cellist arms, they were still friends but they simply hadn't worked as a couple. Then there was Applejack, who broke her heart... Rarity blinked as she looked up, biting her bottom lip. "Uh... Sorry I was thinking..."

Adagio smiled gently. "I assumed, so do you have any ideas?"

Rarity shook her head. "No. I don't. I mean... Uh..." Rarity blushed a little brighter, but maybe Adagio could help her figure it out. "M-My first partner was from camp, nothing serious, camp romance we thought was going to end up with us getting married when we grew up... But we barely kept in contact for a month after camp. Nothing unusual except for two girls being completely lost for what to do with each other..." She smiled a bit, it was actually a pretty fond memory of her foolish little youth. "Then there was me and Octavia. We dated for a year so we... Had our times together. But nothing unusual. She knew more than me but she... Was very kind and patient, never made me feel bad when she was showing me things."

Adagio nodded and waited for about thirty seconds before prompting Rarity. "And Applejack?"

Rarity flushed a bit but as much as Rarity didn't want to continue she couldn't just leave the issue there. She swallowed as she looked into Adagio's eyes and shook her head. "I-I don't think it's because of Applejack..."

"Why's that?" Adagio was curious to hear the reasoning, and very much didn't believe the reasoning, though she would grant that Rarity probably believed her reasoning.

Swallowing Rarity smiled nervously. "W-Well I mean we only did it once, so that can't have caused anything..."

Adagio cooed to the nervous girl. "Tell me a little more beautiful, why only once?"

Rarity let out a low whimper but nodded. "W-Well... We were talking about... Applejack didn't think we were compatible and she... I mean... I was trying to convince her... And she said she thought it was better that we break up... Then I convinced her that... That I could show her we belonged together... She didn't want to but I insisted that we... That we do it and... And I couldn't convince her..." Rarity's eyes were filling with tears as she recounted it. It took all of Adagio's will power not to sigh at how the girl had blinded herself not only to her causing her own intimacy issue; but also that she herself had definitely put the final nail in the coffin of having a relationship with the woman she obviously still held a torch for.

Adagio pulled the girl close to her and just held her, giving her a few minutes to recover from her memories before she broached the subject of Rarity's issues. Adagio took those minutes to wonder how she, the one who'd been hunting around for a fun lay had gotten tangled up in a relationship with the admittedly pretty, but emotionally needy designer. Adagio though couldn't help but feel... Happier with this than her conquests. She enjoyed bedding pretty girls and handsome men, but when she went home after an evening or a day with Rarity she had a warm feeling that lasted a heck of a lot longer than the afterglow did. She raised a hand and gently ran it through Rarity's hair while holding the other girl close to her. "Rarity, I think I know what has you so nervous."

Hurting Herself

Adagio gently rubbed Rarity’s arms as she held her close. “Pretty girl...” Rarity let out a small pathetic whimper as she could hear the doom in Adagio’s voice. “Well, I agree that your camp romance and the one with Octavia isn’t your problem. With Applejack you...”

“I acted like a whore!” Rarity’s interruption caused Adagio’s eyes to widen in surprise as Rarity continued. “I’m not stupid Adagio! I... I didn’t examine it because I didn’t want to but now that I mention it how I acted with Applejack was...”

Adagio raised a hand trying to get Rarity to calm down. “Now beautiful...”

But Rarity barreled over Adagio’s protests. “No wonder she ran for the hills! I am nothing but a common...” Her next words were muffled by Adagio’s hand clamping over her mouth.

“Now I think that’s enough of that, Rarity.” Adagio wasn’t going to let Rarity berate herself. Adagio agreed that that had been a stupid, stupid decision on Rarity’s to try and get a real relationship. But mistakes were part of life. Adagio scowled at herself wondering when she’d be one such a damn softie that she was comforting Rarity rather than manipulating her right now. Slowly Adagio removed her hand and when Rarity didn’t start talking again she rested it on the other’s belly. “You made a mistake, I agree. A rather big, huge mistake.” Rarity started to turn indignantly as Adagio continued. “But you’ve grown.” Rarity blushed a little and finished her squirming turn, but only to lay her head on Adagio’s shoulder. “You’re a very beautiful girl.”

Rarity let out a small sigh as she looked up at Adagio from her place on her lap. “You’re not going to leave me too will you Adagio...?”

Adagio took a deep breath before shaking her head gently. “No, I won’t Rarity.” She reached up starting to stroke her girlfriend’s hair again. “I know what it’s like to be abandoned.”

Rarity blinked before sitting up on the other woman’s lap. “A-Adagio maybe we should get some work done...”

Adagio smiled as she rested her hands on Rarity’s hips. “We’ve been dating a month and a half Rarity. Whenever I start telling this story you try to hide, why is that?”

Rarity flushed a little and looked to the side. “Well... Uh...” Rarity whined a little before shaking her head hard. “Fine! You want the truth!?”

Adagio raised an eyebrow and nodded. “I would like it, yes.”

Rarity huffed a little before sighing, reaching up, tugging nervously at her hair. “Because I’m selfish.” At the continued raised eyebrow she continued. “I-I... I want you to be my strong invincible girlfriend...”

Adagio couldn’t help but grin a bit at that. “How would the story stop that? I mean it’s true by default.”

“Well if you are... I’m sorry I’m terrible...” Rarity shook her head, tears glistening in her eyes. “T-Tell me the story, Adagio.”

Adagio cooed to the girl, lifting a hand and rubbing it gently through her hair. “Not gonna happen pretty girl.” Rarity blinked and stared in surprise. Adagio grinned as she met that surprised stare. “I don’t need to tell the story, Rarity. I just thought it’d make for a good connection. But if it helps you to not, that’s ok.”

Rarity stared for a few more moments before smiling. “Invincible.” Leaning in she deposited a gentle kiss on Adagio’s lips. Cuddling into her girlfriend with a bit of weight off her shoulders

Adagio smiled as she continued to stroke her girlfriend’s hair gently. She knew that Rarity would need some more time to get over her issues but this couldn’t have done anything but help her. Adagio rolled her eyes as she realized that probably the reason she was so good at dealing with negative emotions as she was used to causing them.

“Adagio?” Adagio snapped her mind back the present. “Do you know if we can get Monday off?”

Adagio blinked, thrown off by the change in subject. “Uh... Probably. We’ll need to go suck up to Red Drop but yeah. Why?”

Rarity bit her bottom lip, squirming a little. “Well, I was wondering if we... If you’d like to maybe... Go on a little vacation with me?”

Adagio smiled as she nodded. “Ooh, that’ll be fun. But where to, beautiful?”

“Well, my parents have a timeshare...” Rarity interrupted herself with a snicker as she saw Adagio’s rolling eyes. “I never said they made good decisions, darling. Anyway, it is a rather nice little cabin. They couldn’t use it this weekend.”

Adagio raised an eyebrow as the subject came up. “Why didn’t you mention that earlier? We could have asked for time off. Now we gotta do Red Drop a favor.”

Rarity looked off to the side blushing gently. “Well... Uh... It’s... A more adult timeshare...”

“Adult time sh...” Adagio’s eyes widened along with her grin. “Oooh, you sure about this, pretty girl?”

Rarity blushed a little brighter and nodded. “Yes, I think I am, darling.” She leaned in giving her girlfriend a long lingering kiss on the lips. Before getting up and walking slowly over to the door.

Adagio stared after her girlfriend for a moment before letting out a small growl. “Dang it, Rarity! You can’t just...!” Adagio clenched her fists for a moment, then lett out a loud laugh. “We have got to get you on the runway, sexy.”

Rarity grinned over her shoulder. “Oh? Are you sure you’d want to share me like that?” And with that Rarity exited the dressing room.

Adagio grinned absently as she got up, shaking her head. “Man, that girl goes from shy to seductress at the drop of a hat.” Sighing Adagio got up, walking over to the stack of things she was to sign today. “Guess I should do some actual work. I’ll need to go butter up Red Drop to get Monday off too.”

Rarity bounced on her heels right outside the door. Blushing brightly she grinned. “I did it! I did it! I invited her to the retreat and... We’re going too...!” Rarity giggled like she was back in high school as she hurried down the hall.

Interlude: The Call

Rarity bit her bottom lip. She heard the ringing on the other end of the phone. It had taken all of her courage to make this call! If it didn’t go through she wasn’t sure she’d be able to again. Thankfully she heard a click on the other side. “Hey there, sugar cube. What’s up?”

Rarity bit her bottom lip as she quickly sat down. “Hello Applejack. Uh... Do you have a minute to talk?”

“Sure. What do you wanna talk about? Your new job?” Rarity could faintly hear the scrapping of one of a chair as, she assumed, Applejack sat down as well.

“Oh, it’s... It’s really perfect darling. I... Uh... I met one of the models and... We’ve been dating for a bit over a month.” Rarity had been derailed but she welcomed the distraction. “How’s the apple farm?”

“It’s doin’ great. But what the hay Rarity, you haven’t said anything ‘bout havin’ a new girl! Just cause you’re in a new city doesn’t mean we don’t wanna know what’s happenin’ in yer life.”

Rarity smiled a bit and nodded, though Applejack obviously couldn’t see her. “Sorry darling, it’s... A little complicated.”

Rarity was interrupted by an amused chuckle. “Oooh, not supposed to be dating the models eh?”

Rarity had to giggle slightly at that. “No worries there, darling. They have an entire form for it. But... On the subject of dating.”

Rarity could hear the apprehension in Applejack’s voice at that. “Yeah...?” Rarity took a bit too long of a pause, prompting Applejack to prod her. “Rarity?”

Rarity paused for another moment before speaking. Her voice small and timid. “I’m sorry, Applejack.”

“Huh? Whatcha sorry for?”

Rarity whimpered for a moment before she shook her head. “Well... Th-The night we broke up... I’m sorry...”

There was an extended silence on the other side of the phone. Rarity shifted nervously, knowing better than to interupt Applejack’s thoughts. “Rarity...” Rarity flushed, sitting up a little straighter. “That ain’t a fond memory for me.”

“I know Applejack! I’m so sorry! I-I was being...”

“Rarity, let me finish.” Rarity blinked, not having expecting Applejack to sound calm after her previous statement. “That isn’t a fond memory. But I’m glad you realized that wasn’t good.” Rarity could hear the expulsion of blown air on the other side of the phone. “Ok, that’s an understatement. But I’m glad you came ta peace with it.”

Rarity nodded a bit. Waiting for a long moment. “And... Is there anything else you want to say Applejack...?”

“Uh...” There was a short pause before Applejack caught on. “Oh! Sorry about that sugar cube. I forgive ya Rarity.”

Rarity let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Applejack.”

After an extended, slightly awkward pause Applejack spoke again. “So, when're you coming back for a visit?”

“Oh, I’ll see about getting some time off next month.”

“It’ll be good ta see ya. Now, tell me ‘bout this new girl of yours.”

Rarity flushed, biting her bottom lip. She could only imagine that this wouldn’t go well. “Uh... I’m afraid I gotta go Applejack. I’ll tell you next time, ok?”

“Sure thing. Bet you got a new dress idea you need to jot down dontcha? Well, hope it’s a good one.” After a small pause Rarity could gear just the slightest break in her friend's normal voice. “And... Thanks again for apologizin’ sugar cube.”

Rarity smiled. “Goodbye, Applejack.”

Rocky Start

"You know, Rarity..." Rarity grimaced as Adagio spoke. "This really isn't an adult timeshare."

Rarity groaned and shook her head gently. "I guess when they said that they just meant they didn't want to bring us kids."

Adagio snickered gently and shrugged. "Well we could make it pretty adult in here I think..."

Rarity blushed a bit and turned, sticking her tongue out at her girlfriend. "We can always go home if you want."

Adagio gave a wry smirk. "Well my apartment is fancier than this... and I have toys...." Rarity blushed a bit brighter as Adagio continued to tease her. "But I do have prime now so I could get some here..."

"A-Adagio!" Adagio grinned, knowing that Rarity would eventually break and interrupt. Though it was a little earlier than usual. "Really darling! What would people say!?"

Adagio snickered, not willing to stop her teasing so soon. "That we'll be having a good time. I mean if the delivery girl is hot..." She grinned as she had to duck the incoming pillow.

Rarity hissed in annoyance. It was one of Adagio's favorite jokes, and one Rarity despised. "If for a moment I thought that you were serious..."

Adagio chortled as she grabbed Rarity by the hands and pulled her in close, hugging her close. "Well, if for a moment I was serious..." She trailed off before pinching Rarity's side causing her to meep loudly. "I wouldn't tell you!"

Rarity took a moment to look indignant before starting to laugh. "Oh, darling! You are truly terrible!" She grinned as she turned, then frowned as a bucket was shoved into her hands. "Darling?"

Adagio grinned as she walked towards the bedroom, where their bags were. "Get us some ice, we'll need it later."

"A-Adagio!" Rarity blushed brightly and shook her head. She wasn't a virgin, but she wasn't experienced like... She assumed Adagio was, she didn't really want to start at that level of intimacy. "Can't we just... You know... Normal...?"

Adagio chuckled, rolling her eyes as she shook her head. "Rarity, I'm teasing! I'm just getting you out so I can change! I promise we'll be "normal" tonight, ok?"

Rarity whined a little as she turned towards the door. "Fiiiiiiiine. But... Really darling don't tease me!" She grinned as she opened the door, they both knew Rarity did enjoy a fair bit of teasing. So long as it was good-natured. She hummed happily to herself as she went to the ice machine down the way. She really was regretting taking her parents up on their offer for the free weekend. But really, she and Adagio could have afforded such a better place than this! It was a little ridiculous that she had to go down the hall to a dang ice machine.

Opening the door she giggled at the change. The room's lights had been dimmed and Adagio was nowhere to be seen. She grinned, knowing exactly where she was. But her path was interupted by two different voices. The first one she'd expected, Adagio's coming floating out of the bedroom. "Rarity, I'm waiting. And don't forget the ice."

The joke would have been chuckle worth had Rarity not been completely distracted by the voice from the hallway. "Miss Rarity?"

Rarity turned with her arm full of ice and sighed in relief. She had recognized the voice but she couldn't quite place it. It was Aloe from the spa, carrying a small traveling bag. A person she was quite friendly with, but not so close that she'd owe and explanation. And Aloe was far too polite to pry. "Aloe! What a pleasant surprise! We must get together some time this weekend but I'm slightly busy at the moment. Could you come back later?"

Aloe nodded, bobbing her head slightly. "Of course Miss Rarity. I'm in room B 12." She pointed down the hall three-door across the hall and Rarity nodded. "I'm sure Dash will be happy to see you too."

Rarity paled instantly as Aloe said Rainbow Dash's name. Hurrying to end the conversation "Oh well, I'll ha..." She cursed silently as she heard a door behind her open. Praying it was random chance. Apparently her prayers wouldn't be answered this day.

"Hey, Aloe, what's taking you so... Hey! Rarity!" As Rainbow Dash jogged over from her door Rarity put on her best actor smile, stepped back into the hallway and slammed her door shut. "Woah! Something bugging you Rar..." She slowed down as she looked between Aloe and Rarity, grinning a bit sheepishly. "Ahh... Hey... I mentioned I was dating Aloe, right?"

Rarity blinked for a moment but then grinned, mentally. She had just found a way to cover her own upset, for the moment at least. Adagio being here wasn't something she could hide, but it'd be better if she planned for it. "You most certainly did not, darling! I must say it's..." She couldn't lay it on too thick since she was literally doing the same thing, though for her it was on purpose, Rainbow Dash it was probably negligence. "It's a little frustrating that you didn't tell me Rainbow Dash. I know you both so well. Aloe isn't some girl that I met once or twice you know!"

Aloe giggled and walked a few steps to stand next to Rainbow Dash. And though Rainbow Dash gave her a piteous look Aloe just raised an eyebrow. She didn't owe Rarity information about her personal life, they were friendly, but it was a client-provider relationship. Rainbow Dash groaned. "I forgot, sorry! I mean it's not like I know who your girlfriend is Rarity! AJ says you got a new one."

Rarity shook her head, she knew that'd come back to bite her, she just didn't expect Rainbow Dash to know already. "Well... You'll meet her later darling, now she's expecting this ice if you please?"

Rainbow Dash opened her mouth but thankfully for Rarity, Aloe took the hint. Poking her girlfriend in the side. "We have to go unpack." Rainbow Dash grumbled but know when she was being prodded to do something at least. Rarity sighed in relief, that was a train wreck that was delayed, and they could prepare fo...

Her thoughts were interrupted by another door opening sound. The one behind her. "Hey, Rarity, why'd you close the door?"

Fight

Two things happened pretty much instantaneously. Rainbow Dash pushed Aloe behind her and grabbed Rarity pulling her away from Adagio. At the same moment, Rarity was lunging forward to grab Rainbow Dash to stop her from doing anything. The end of the interaction ended with them both in a pile covered in ice.

Adagio and Aloe simply stare at the two friends as a mass of confused argument game from them. It took Rainbow Dash a good minute to figure out Rarity wasn't ineptly trying to help, she was actively hindering Rainbow Dash's attempts to stand. Rainbow Dash finally had enough and grabbed Rarity by the shoulders, actually using her superior strength. "Rarity! It's Adagio! Get out of the way!"

"I know it's Adagio, Rainbow Dash! She's here with me!" Despite it having been said about three times, this was the first time that Rainbow Dash had been listening. Rainbow Dash stared at her for an extended period before Rainbow Dash let go of Rarity. Standing back up she crossed her arms and stared at Adagio and Rarity, tapping her foot pointedly.

Adagio looked down at her robe and frowned a bit. "I'm... Going to go change..." She took a step back and paused for a moment before deciding to leave the door open as she went back to the bedroom.

Aloe nodded, apparently deciding that the argument wasn't for her either. She did first catch Rainbow Dash's arm, smiling gently. "Be nice."

Rainbow Dash frowned. "Aloe she'..." Her sentence was interrupted by a grunt. Rainbow Dash quickly reached up, with obvious effort prying Aloe's fingers off her arm. "Ok, ok! Sheesh, Aloe!" Aloe just continued with her placid, apparently deceptively placid smile. Leaning in and leaving Rainbow Dash a kiss on the cheek before heading down towards their shared room. Muttering to herself Rainbow Dash rubbed her arm. "God she has a strong grip..."

"She's a masseuse Rainbow Dash..." Rarity was getting up and dusting herself off. Rainbow Dash turned eyes back on Rarity, opening her mouth but Rarity quickly raised her hands. "Rainbow Dash I know how this looks! But I swear Adagio's changed!"

Rainbow Dash drew in a large breath and blew it out through her nose, shaking her head. "What the heck is this Rarity? Do you think... I mean you actively hid that from us!?" She motioned down the hall. "You know me, I'm an idiot! I forgot to mention Aloe because I just didn't think of it. But this! You can't pretend that you weren't telling us because you didn't like how we'd react!"

Rarity grimaced slightly, that was exactly why she'd been keeping it from the others. She shook her head. "Well, she's ok now! Really Rainbow Dash! She is just... I mean... She's still a little rough around the edges but she isn't a danger to me! Really, I'm perfectly safe, and so is everyone else!"

Rainbow Dash sighed in exasperation. "Yeah? I knew that Rarity! You're not someone who even I can push around so I don't think you're in danger. But you... I mean you didn't think that "oh hey guys, I found the dazzlings. And now I'm dating their leader!" How long has this been going on?"

Rarity blinked, the change in topics seem to take her by surprise. After a few moments of thinking, she answered. "About a month, so what?"

Rainbow Dash crossed her arms, she wasn't sure about all the math but she knew the averages. "So that's what... Twenty-five or so conversations?" Rarity blinked and tilted her head in confusion before Rainbow Dash shook her own head. "We text about once a week, and I bet you do about the same for the other girls. I know Fluttershy calls you at least once a week. In all that time you never thought that we might like to know about... This!?"

Rarity frowned and wrinkled her nose. "What? You don't need to know every detail of my life Rainbow Dash! I can have a life outside of you and the girls. I mean I'm in a different city now!" Rainbow Dash scowled and cleared her throat significantly. Rarity swallowed as she was reminded that Rainbow Dash was literally constantly traveling for her own career. "Uh... Well, I mean you..." Rarity scowled, she wasn't doing anything wrong! "Look Rainbow Dash! You don't have any right to yell at me for... For... For trying to keep my own business!"

Rainbow Dash's eyes narrowed slightly for a few moments before she adopted a pretty much completely flat voice. "So, that's how you feel then Rarity? Like it's not our business who you date?"

Rarity was too angry to read into the fact that Rainbow Dash was the one she was speaking with. "Well.." Rarity knew she should walk it back, she had overstepped the statement but that reasonable part of her brain was crushed by the part annoyed with her supposedly romantic weekend being in this crappy timeshare, be interrupted by her loud, judgemental friend, and she was already nervous enough that she was going to screw up her relationship with Adagio. "Yes, Rainbow Dash! That's exactly what I feel! So if you could kindly keep your nose out of my business I'll thank you to leave me to my weekend!" And with that, she took a step back and slammed it in Rainbow Dash's face.

Adagio, now in everyday clothes raised an eyebrow, opening her mouth but Rarity simply stormed past her and slammed the door into the bedroom. Adagio frowned a bit. She saw that conversation crashing and burning and she was actually fairly certain why it had. Not too much was Adagio's fault per se. Her thoughts were interrupted by a surprising knock at the door. She hesitated a moment before sighing and shrugged. It seemed that it was her turn to fight with Rainbow Dash but she was surprised to find Aloe at the door. "Oh... Aren't you Rainbow Dash's girlfriend?"

Aloe nodded, holing out her hand to shake Adagios. "Aloe. Is Rarity not talking to you either?" Adagio laughed and nodded, grinning as she shook Aloe's hand.

"Adagio."

Aloe grinned conspiratorially. "Well, not that I'm being manipulative or anything, but the four of us should have dinner." Adagio blinked, staring at the woman. "Forcing them to confront their feelings and not letting them brood on them is probably better. At least, it's better for Dash. Then again that woman is a lot more surface than Rarity. She doesn't spend a lot of time in deep thought, so confronting her with action is usually best."

Adagio thought for a long moment then grinned. "You know Aloe, I think you're onto something there."