Dawn Fire found herself in something of a weird predicament. On one hand this felt amazing! On the other hand she was kinda literally holding onto her life. Because right now she was holding onto the one person willing to look out for her and help her establishing an entirely new existence, and because letting go right now was really not adviced for continued health.

Riding a bike was a very interesting experience and she wasn’t even the one driving. Instead she was seated behind Aria, arms slung around the other's waist, while they manouvered through the streets.

Dawn didn’t know how long they drove, ten minutes, twenty, twenty-five, maybe more. She was too busy enjoying the fuzzy feeling in her gut, the sight of store fronts and buildings passing by too fast to make out their names and details. Whenever Aria sped past a car or a traffic light turning to red, her heart accelerated. A part of her wanted to take of her helmet, to feel the sensation of the wind on her long hair. Yet she left it securely on her head. Aria had told her to do so.

It was only in those brief moments, when a red light commanded them to stop, that her sensational high faded and her thoughts wandered about the gravity of this ride. But when red turned yellow and yellow turned green, those thoughts were pushed away and adrenaline again filled every vain on her body.

But all things must come to a stop and in the end Aria pulled out of the streets into a small courtyard, which was bordered by three apartment buildings. The bike stopped and Dawn felt firm, solid ground beneath her feet once more. It was… a funny feeling.

The buildings surrounding her were not bad but not exactly beautiful, atleast from the outside. Yet this would be her home now. Her first real home… since ever… kinda...

There it was again, that strange feeling of severity. Until more memories returned to her, if that would even happen, she was living an entirely new life. She had no family, friends, foes, possessions, alliegences, money, proberty, relations, jobs, convictions; technically this was only her second day of being alive.

She was literally born yesterday! At that point her knees started to give out.

“Come on, almost there.“ Aria pulled one of Dawn’s arms over her shoulders in one fluid motion and began to enter the building. “We’re second floor.“

There were only two doorways per floor, hopefully that meant the apartments were decently spaced. Soon enough Aria fumbled out a small keychain, put one of them into the corresponding hole and sure enough, the door opened.

They immediately went for the sofa, past the small coat-rack, and Aria carefully set Dawn Fire down. The red-skinned girl looked around, silent but this time in no way dazed, this time she was fully aware of everything. If she were to be honest, it made it a bit more frightening.

But when she took in the room, her body began to settle down. This was a nice place. No actual pictures in sight, but a few small paintings here and there. Next to the coach was a rather luxurious looking reclainer, with an almost warming mulberry colour.

On her left was an opening where she could see into the kitchen area, which seemed fully stocked if a bit small, on her right a small hallway with the rest of the necessary rooms, presumebly.

A shuffling behind her made Dawn realize that Aria was gone. Looking on her shoulder she could see the fuchsia girl had finally hung up her grey coat. The difference between it and the clothing underneath was astounding.

Aria wore a sleeveless red top with black trims, the words Keep close your friends for a laugh and family for a hugprinted in blue on it. Her tight pants were a deep purple and had a few small stars on her hips. Aria crossed her arms before her chest, her face betraying no emotion.

“And? Like the place?“

“Y-yes, its very cozy.“ Dawn managed to get a few more glimpses of Aria’s arms, as her new roommate made her way into the kitchen area. The word „amazonian“ came to her mind. Then she saw the backside of Aria’s top, and therefore the rest of its inprint.

Cause the world is out to get you!

Supressing a childish giggle, Dawn’s mind began to drift around the room before settling on the hallway. She wanted to explore the other rooms, but wouldn’t that be rude of her? Also Aria might not like her snooping around personal stuff, and she liked Aria so far, she didn’t want any bad impressions or any conflict between them.

So instead, she laid back and closed her eyes, breathing in and out. She realized, the entire time she had been kept at the hospital, calmness had elluded her. There was no closure in waiting for nothing and anything at the same time, there was no relaxation when her existence could only be described as uncertainy. Now things were certain, some atleast. She had a home and quite possibly a friend, even if they would be nothing more than roommates it would be great.

But… there was something she thought she could feel in Aria. What irked her was a single sentence only a short time ago, in her hospital room.

“Also they know me, and since I have my own check ups here it would be kinda practical if you lived by me.“

Aria had said that so nonchalantly, as if she shared some detail that most would immediately forget about. Maybe she wanted just that to avoid uncomfortable questions, but why say it then? Aria looked completely healthy, no she was fit as a Martial Artist.

Maybe she IS a Martial Artist. Did she have an accident? I shouldn’t ask her anyways, if she doesn’t want to tell me…

Deep in thought, she turned her head towards the kitchen, only to see an intense purplish face almost in her own.

The sun began to set, tinting the sky in a wonderful orange glow. Dawn Fire and Aria Blaze were walking towards the Mall, intend on getting new clothes for the newest resident.

The bike ride hadn’t been nearly as great this time around, but Dawn kinda knew that was how things were for her now. It did not sadden her, she had things to concentrate on and look foward to.

There was not much talk as they got to one of the cloth stores. Aria seemed to be naturally taciturn, with a sort of grumpy and bored look, although when she did speak none of that was in her voice. Or when she decided to spook the other girl by sneaking up on her, then she had actually laughed. Well, it had been more of a cackle really.

Dawn herself was still fully taking in the world around her, almost hellbent on discovering little details as they walked by. But as they neared their destination a bit of nervousness came over her.

“A-Aria? I know I said you owed me for that scare, but I can still pay you back when I have some money. I don’t want to be a burden.“

Aria just shot her a short look, maybe grumpy was just her default expression when outside? They entered the store and walked right to the female section.

“You need them and I have more than enough. Now go on, pick something already.“ Her last sentence sounded so different all of a sudden. The fuchsia girl had turned while speaking and leaned against one of the shelves, crossing her arms and looked around with definite boredom.

Dawn felt… lost. Partly she was overwhelmed by all the choices, she had hoped to get a bit of help. Her memory was really fickle on simple and more mundane stuff such as some common knowledge. She could recount some facts or physical theories but could not remember how all the months of a year were named (she knew there were twelve, but three eluded her and she wasn’t sure if Octabia was the correct name). More importantly, trying to think what clothes she would need when it was Wind-, Wihner?... December!, caused her brain to run useless circles around itself.

Three forths of her mind that is, the last one was slowly sinking into doubts. Was Aria mad at her right now? It was so hard to tell.

She tried to breath and calm herself down, then turned towards her and asked rather timidly “Uh Aria? Could… could you help me a bit? I don’t think I know what would be necessary.“

This certainly triggered a response. The fuchsia girl in the grey trenchcoat turned towards her as if only now noticing that she still stood there. Surprisingly, her eyes slowly widened and her bored expression fell away to one of distressing… realization.

“I… S-sorry, I just… Lets get you some pants first.“ With that she took Dawn’s arm and carefully pulled her towards the corresponding articles.

Aria seemed to calm down from her almost shocked state as they steadily collected a small array of clothing pieces. Not much, Dawn insisted she would need only two or three of each, to which Aria responded with getting atleast one additional sample just to tease her.

But when Dawn peeked out of the changing stall, she could see the girl rubbing her face and shaking her head.

Taking the time for changing to safely think about all that happened, Dawn grew a bit worried. She was sure Aria had not meant it badly by letting her stand there, it seemed more like she was just used to do so when shopping with others.

And it wasn’t the only time this had come to Dawn’s attention. Early today, before Aria had talked with her about going the mall in the first place.

Absentmindedly she turned her head towards the kitchen, only to see an intense purplish face almost in her own. Dawn shrieked and fell from the coach onto the, thankfully, soft floor.

Aria just cackled and waited for her to get up. But when Dawn gave her an angry pout, which was only mostly serious as she couldn’t prevent herself from blushing, she spotted a small crack in Aria’s face.

For a mere moment, sudden sadness flashed in those purple eyes.

Dawn Fire donned the clothes lend to her and walked out of the stall.

“It fits. Is that enough now? I really don’t need that much clothing.“ Aria just nodded.

She seemed reliefed once they were out of the clothing store.

“Uhm… do we need anything else?“, Dawn asked tentively, she didn’t want to cause her roommate more discomfort right now.

“I’m starving right now. Lets get something to eat.“ With that Aria once again took point and lead the way into the food court. Dawn realized just now that the mall was positively massive! The Crystal Emporium.

Snapping back to attention, Dawn stopped herself just as Aria turned around. They were standing before a small restaurant that seemed to specialize in making various sandwiches.

“Pick what sounds good to you, my treat.“ Dawn opened her mouth but Aria just continued talking. “Don’t even attempt it, I pay.“ She smirked. “Or do you want to try and pay with your own money?“

Dawn huffed in played annoyance and simply picked the first one that sprung into her eye, not like she could remember what food she liked or not. It was a matter of trying and learning.

As they sat down and waited for the food, Aria took out a rectangular device that lit up and… AN I-PHONE! Smiling for her own little achievement, Dawn gave the fuchsia girl a curious look. But she would need to wait until their meals had arrived for Aria to say anything.

“So. I texted a couple of friends of mine. They were making a few errands in town anyway and they agreed to meet us here soon. Is that okay with you?“

“Hm? Yes, of course! Why shouldn’t it be?“ Dawn just received an unidentifiable motion.

They continued eating, but this time Dawn would not content herself by leaving things like that. She waited for Aria to finish chewing before shooting her next question.

“What can you tell me about them? How did you meet, what are they like and so on.“

Aria was currently mid-bite, looking a bit annoyed. Taking the bite regardless, she stretched out her chewing while giving Dawn a long stare, although the red girl was sure she saw those purple lips pulling upwards.

Finally swallowing, the trenchcoated girl took another look at her phone before answering.

“The only information you’re gonna get from me is this: They are really cool people, they are siblings. Also as a heads up, don’t let their outwards attitude put you off.“

Her new roommate nodded, thought for a bit, then she grinned. “So they’re like you? I mean you look so grumpy all the time, but I am sure you are more than that?“

Aria just stared at her, blank and emotionless. Looking down she gave her head a small shake before muttering a ‘somethin like that.‘ Dawn grew more and more worried as an akward silence enveloped their table. Luckily for them a voice heralded new arrivals coming towards them.

“Yo, Blaze! Whats up!“

The two girls that joined them could not have been any different, yet they shared a certain similarity with their bodies. Both were simply different complexions of the same colour, but their clothes and faces were quick to inform one about their personalities. The taller one had short bright hair and skin of a somewhat blueish grey tone, she wore dusty and slightly torn jeans and a T-shirt that revealed a bit of her shoulder. Her counterpart had simple grey for her skin, the hair was a darker tone and drapped on her left side of her head, although unlike with the other one, hers partially covered her face. She wore a long and plain dress that went down well past her knees.

Aria greated them with a nod and gestured towards two other seats. There was a bit of a delay as the smaller one hesitated, before Aria simply pulled Dawn to her side of the table. That seemed to do it, as the new arrivals finally set down.

“Okay girls, this is Dawn Fire. She will live with me for the forseeable future. Dawn, these are Limestone and Marble Pie. They are my best friends.“

Dawn held out her hand and tried a small smile. “Hi. It’s nice to meet you.“

“Hey! So, Aria has decided to let you live with her, hm? Oh, I really want to know how that came to pass. That she finally found someone that she can stand spending her days in one room, never thought it'd happen. Marble, come on, I don’t think she will bite.“ The older-looking sibling said, prompting her sister with an elbow, albeit very gently.

The smaller young, Marble it seemed, raised a hand to a shy wave instead of shaking it, before hiding behind her personal hair-curtain. Nevertheless, they had asked her to tell her story and she saw no reason not to. If they were Aria’s friends, maybe they could be hers as well.

Next to her, Aria puffed her cheeks in played annoyance before she could say anything. “What is that supposed to mean Lime? I am able to be around people. I can tolerate you and your sisters just fine.“

“Oh, is that so now? You've begun to actually warm up us? Don't suppose I am your favorite?“

“No. Because unlike you, Marble can keep a quiet.“

Surprisingly, Marble was the first to break the silence with an almost cute little giggle, followed by her elder sister’s chuckle. Dawn, who had been feeling a tad uncomfortable through the whole exchange, gave a careful smile. After they had all calmed a bit, and the Pie sisters ordered their own food, the conversation from before was picked up again.

“Soo…“ Dawn said, thinking about how to tell what was pretty much her entire life story at this point. “To be honest it is a rather short story, albeit a really strange one I admit. I…I lost my memories. I just kinda… woke up somewhere yesterday. The only reason I know Aria is because of pure chance, really. Somebody found me and brought me to their home close by, Aria was working at the family’s mechanic I think, from there it was to the hospital. Today she visited me there, and since I wasn’t injured and not doing anything, she offered to let me live by her until my memories or my family comes back.“

This time, the silence was even longer, even more uncomfortable. Looking up, Dawn could see their reactions. Marble, as best as she could tell, looked at her with wide, sad eyes, meanwhile her sister seemed more shocked. They didn’t mean bad, she knew, but Dawn started to wish that she had not said it like this. It felt so akward, she wanted it to end, to talk about other things. She turned to Aria and gave her an almost pleading glance. Fortunately, her fuchsia-coloured partner seemed to understand the message and cleared her throat loudly, following up with another topic to talk about, although Dawn did not get all of it.

Soon enough, they all got up and started walking towards the entrance. While Dawn tried to initiate a conversation with Marble, which was not really successful, with the grey girl hiding behind her hair and the red-haired one not wanting to push too much, Limestone held back Aria until she was sure they could not be easily heard by their friends before them.

“Taking her in is awfully generous of you Aria. Are you really ok? Did you have any more-“

The trenchcoated snapped her head towards her. “I am fine, Marble!“

They walked for a while, watching their sister/roommate akward ‘conversation‘. It was when they already saw the entrance of the mall that Aria spoke again.

“It is still difficult Limestone. I didn’t really know how much I missed the concept of living with others until today, how much I miss them. Also… I don’t know how to say it, she intrigues me.“

Limestone gave her friend a really worried look, but before she could say anything her phone pinged. Looking at the display she sighed.

“Pinks said she will be here in a couple minutes. So, I guess you will be gone now. Just-just remember to take it easy and-“ She was cut off when Aria gave her a very short hug, followed by a pat on the shoulder.

“Don’t worry your head off, you’re not my psychiatrist. I have to see for myself how things will go. Bye!“

With that she turned and walked towards the exit, grabbing Dawn as she went. Marble took the opportunity to walk over to her sister and whispered something very quietly in the other's ear.

“I know Marbs, but she said it already. We have to see how things go.“

“How goes what thing? Where can you see it? I can see your friends just going over there. *GASP* YOU’VE GOT A NEW FRIEND?“

“Jeezus-! PINKIE! I TOLD YOU TO STOP SNEAKING UP ON ME!“

Author's Note

Indeed Aria, we will have to see how things will go.

If you have any feedback or criticism, please do share it for it will be appreciated

A big thank you for all the people who have read this story so far.
As I said last A/N this is really exciting to do and I hope that I can uphold that (as well as the quality ). This story is growing bigger both in word count as well as in views and favorites (which I lost count of almost immediately), and I am really grateful for all the support given.

Have a great day and please be safe out there. See you all next time