I Get Off

“You’re not listening!”

Aria looked up from her phone, just in time to dodge out of the way of an incoming pillow that was chucked across the living room. In a rare turn of events, it was Sonata who was annoyed by her friend's preoccupation. Normally, it was Aria who was focused, and Sonata who had her nose buried in her phone (albeit oftentimes for work). Now, with the roles reversed, Aria was the one who had to deal with an irate best friend.

"You know, if you didn't wanna hear about my day, you coulda just said so," grumbled Sonata.

"What?" Aria blinked, setting her phone down on the coffee table. "Sorry. Zoned out a little. I was just…"

"Waiting for Adagio to call?" said Sonata. Aria said nothing, suddenly extremely interested in the cooking show Sonata had at some point changed the TV to. "It's been a week by now, hasn't it?"

"She's probably just been busy. She didn't say when she worked, and this might not be her only job," said Aria, at least a bit stubbornly. She pulled her knees to her chest, staring at her phone, begging for it to ring. "She'll call."

"Aria. You know I love you, beb. So don't take this the wrong way." Sonata paused for a beat, waiting for Aria to respond. When she didn't, she continued. "You're starting to seem like you might be getting a little… desperate."

"So now it's desperate to expect a call?"

"It's not just that. If I'm being honest, this whole thing… It just doesn't sit right with me." Sonata relocated herself from the loveseat she favored, dropping down onto the couch beside Aria. "This 'Adagio' girl, if that's even her real name… She sounds an awful lot like Sunny."

"She does not! Seriously, what is with you?" groaned Aria. "I get that I was torn up over her. You would be too, if you split from a long term relationship. But I'm over it. Her. Whatever." Aria crossed her arms and leered at Sonata. "Not everything I do is because of Sunset."

"You're really gonna make me do the Devil's advocate thing?" Sonata let out a sigh, shaking her head. "So a sexy redhead steps all over you, turns you into a heart-eyed mess, and doesn't ask for your number but orders you to give it? Isn't that exactly how you met Sunset?"

"Not exactly." Aria's ears began to burn slightly as she recalled the lap dance again. She had spent many nights, and even a few days, in the past week reliving that dance. "So what's your point? I can't be attracted to strong women? Or redheads? Besides, Adagio's not really a redhead. More of a ginger, I guess?"

"My point is that denial isn't just a river in Utah."

"I don't have the time or energy to explain why that doesn't make sense so—"

Just then, Aria's phone began to ring, stopping her heart in her chest. She glanced to Sonata before quickly grabbing it from the table, fumbling with the screen to answer the call. Aria put the phone to her ear, barely able to hear because of the adrenaline and blood coursing through her, clouding her head.

"Hey, Yolanda, you need me to—"

"Ugh! For the last fucking time, this isn't Yolanda!" snarled Aria. "Don't fucking call here again!" She angrily hung up, tossing the phone down with a scowl. Her eyes drifted to Sonata, who was watching with an arched brow. "What?"

"Pretty intense," noted Sonata.

"I get a call looking for Yolanda all the time, and I'm sick of it. If I miss Adagio's call because of some moron who has the wrong number, I'm gonna snap." Aria considered her words, frowning angrily at Sonata and her darkly bemused smirk. "I am not desperate!"

"Just… Be careful, okay?" Sonata patted Aria gently on the thigh. "I don't like seeing you hurt."

"I know you're just trying to look out for me, and I appreciate it, but you're overthinking it. It's just coffee with a hot chick I met," said Aria. "No different than you and your flavor-of-the-week boy-toy."

"If you say so." Once again, Aria's phone began to buzz, stealing away her attention. Sonata watched the phone buzz on the table for a bit, then glanced at Aria, who seemed paralyzed. After a moment, Sonata cracked a grin, grabbing up the phone and passing it to Aria. "Fine, go ahead. Shoot your shot."

"Thanks, Sony." Aria grabbed the phone and very quickly answered it. "Hello?"

"I was starting to think you wouldn't pick up, sugar."

"Sorry. My roommate had my phone," said Aria, her heart picking up a bit upon hearing Adagio's sultry voice.

"Oh, is that your friend from the club?" Adagio let out a chuckle. "Tell the ATM I said hello."

"Heh. Her name is Sonata, by the way." Aria glanced over to her friend and very quickly muttered. "Adagio says hi." She stood up and began pacing the living room as she spoke. "So… How're you?"

"Bored. Peckish. So, here I am laying in bed, bunny slippers and fluffy robe, the whole nine yards… And your number pops into my head," said Adagio. "Figured I'd give you a call after all."

"You're wearing bunny slippers?" asked Aria, a bemused sort of laughter in her voice. The laugh that she received, in turn, slithered down her spine, making Aria's hair stand on end.

"No. But if you want me to talk about what I'm wearing, I'm afraid I'm going to have to charge you. If you're that excited to know, though… Not much." Aria could imagine the scene, Adagio lounging in her bed, her perfect body on display. Teasing Aria from who knows how many miles away. "But I'm not in the mood for work. I'm in the mood for coffee, maybe a scone. Village Coffee, 5th and East 31st."

"What if I'm busy?" She only asked the hypothetical to prove to Sonata that she was not desperate. At all. Aria, of course, wasn't busy in the slightest. She had cleared her whole week on the off chance that she heard back from Adagio.

"Then I'm going to be having a very lonely coffee." Adagio let out a bit of an exaggerated sigh, and it became clear that she was aware of how much she had Aria in the palm of her hand. Not that Aria cared about that sort of thing. "Twenty minutes. See you there, sugar."

The line disconnected, but Aria didn't move just yet. She just stood there, phone to her ear and heart slamming against her ribs. This was probably the best she could have hoped for. Adagio called. Adagio was interested in meeting her for coffee. Adagio had asked her on a date. This was ideal.

It was also almost exactly how Sunset had asked her out.

"So…?" Sonata tilted her head in concern. "What'd she say?"

"I gotta go." Aria snatched up her wallet from the table and stuffed it, along with her phone, into her pocket. "We're doing coffee. Might be out a while."

"Have fun. See you back for dinner?" said Sonata. "It's Taco Tuesday!"

"It's Friday, numbnuts."

"Was hoping you wouldn't notice. Fajita Friday isn't as catchy…"

Aria shook her head, clearly fighting back a smirk as she headed for the door. She glanced back at her friend, who gave her an enthusiastic thumbs up. It was then that it occurred to Aria how lucky she was to have a friend like Sonata. If she had been all alone the past year or so, she wasn't certain if she would've made it. Even now, all Sonata wanted was for Aria to be happy.

"Fajita Friday works. Wouldn't miss it," said Aria with a tiny grin. "See you later."

Aria noticed her immediately upon entering the coffee shop, as if a beacon shined from across the establishment. She wore a trendy, little black dress, cut fairly low and showing quite a good amount of cleavage. Her eyes were hidden behind a pair of golden-colored designer shades, but the shine of her glossy red lipstick was more than enough to get Aria's blood pumping. Atop her head was a beautiful black sun hat, her entire outfit making Aria feel supremely underdressed in the blouse and jeans she had borrowed from Sonata.

"Hey. Was kinda afraid you wouldn't show up," said Aria, sliding into the booth across from Adagio. "Thanks for, uh… not standing me up, I guess."

"If I didn't intend to see you, I wouldn't have called," said Adagio plainly. "What do you drink?"

"I wouldn't say no to a cappuccino. You want me to go up and order or…"

Adagio ignored her, beckoning to a barista behind the counter. To Aria's confusion, the barista very quickly finished the transaction she was in the middle of and made her way over to the table.

"Two cappuccinos, make mine a double, extra foam," said Adagio, her tone resonant with that same confidence and control that she displayed in the strip club. "Scones?" Aria didn't realize that was a question directed at her until it was too late, and it appeared that Adagio never intended to let her answer at all. "Scones are good. Do you have some sort of sampler basket?"

"Yes, ma'am," said the barista.

"Then we'll do that. That'll be it for now. Thank you." Adagio waved politely as the barista made her way back to the counter to prepare their order. "You'll have to forgive me, I get cranky when I don't have my coffee."

"I can relate. Sometimes Sonata will try to get me to do something early in the morning, and every time I nearly kill her," said Aria with a nervous chuckle. "Can't get anything done before my caffeine."

"What do you do?"

"Audio editing. Mostly freelance, but I sometimes get these contracts from companies that make commercials. I also produce music, but that's more of a hobby. How about you?" As soon as she said it, Aria realized how absolutely brain dead of a question that was. "I mean… Obviously, I know… That was a stupid question."

"Only a bit. Trust me, I've heard worse."

"Worse how?"

"Several guys have started our meeting with 'how much for this', and it has never once worked out for them," said Adagio flatly. "Contrary to popular belief, I am, in fact, more than a pair of tits and a nice juicy ass."

"Here you are, ladies." The barista returned, setting down their coffees and a platter of multiple scones of varying flavors. "Please, enjoy."

"That's not what I think." Aria paused, playing back her own sentence in her head. "Shit, no, that's not what I meant. I mean I don't think that you're just… I mean, your body is definitely really nice, but I get that you're not just…" Aria bloomed bright red, grabbing up her coffee and taking a sip. "Still had worse?"

"Like you wouldn't believe. I appreciate the sentiment, sugar," said Adagio, bringing her cup to her lips and taking a dainty sip. "But let's call a spade a spade. We're only here because you saw my tits from across the club and you're hoping to get a better look."

"You're wrong, actually. I mean, a better look would be… Pretty awesome. But that's not the only reason I was so attracted to you." Aria watched Adagio for some expression, the inability to see her eyes seriously hampering that endeavor. "It was actually your eyes I saw first." Adagio laughed at that, which only served to make Aria blush further. "Why's that funny?"

"Oh, I'm sure you mean well, sugar, but that line is so overdone and cheesy… Every idiot who wants in my pants says that."

"It's not a line. It's the truth."

"That so? Prove it," said Adagio. She adjusted her shades, making certain that Aria couldn't peek. "What color are they?"

"They're… Magenta. Like, super bright and bold and shiny. Like garnets." Aria closed her own eyes, recalling the way she felt when those garnet eyes passed over her the first time. "They're so intense, they almost seem to glow in the dark."

"My, aren't you attentive?" Adagio pulled down her shades, revealing those bright, bold magenta eyes and, for the first time since Aria entered the coffee shop, Adagio flashed her a smile. "I like a girl who pays attention."

"I can't help it. Can't seem to get enough of you." Once again, Aria cringed at her own words, wishing to God and man and all in between that she could just control herself in Adagio's presence. Just for a second. "I'm, uh, coming on too strong, aren't I?"

"Probably. Can't say I'm not flattered," admitted Adagio. She nibbled on a scone, offering the plate to Aria and watching as she accepted. "Everyone thinks I want some big shot, ladies man that's just drowning in women. And maybe that's what I used to want. But now… I'm more interested in a bit of innocence."

"Considering how we met, I wouldn't exactly call this innocent."

"I suppose that's a matter of perspective. Despite the fact that you're very clearly trying to get me into bed, you're going about it in a pretty adorable manner. At the very least, I'm intrigued." Adagio hummed, leaning back in her seat. "My attention is hard to gain, and even harder to keep. So kudos to you for that. I would've forgotten most people in a week."

"You must get a lot of, uh… clients," said Aria. To her surprise, Adagio shrugged.

"Not as many as you'd think. As you no doubt recall, I'm a bit pricey. Not everyone is as willing as you to pay for a private show," remarked Adagio. "Makes it feel extra special for the ones who are."

"Yeah. Very special. I still think about it sometimes."

"Just think?" Adagio peered over her sunglasses as she asked, the devilish smirk combined with the boldly confident glint in her eye showing just how much she enjoyed reading Aria. When she didn't respond, Adagio chuckled, pressing a bit. "Come on, now. I won't laugh at you, I promise. Just tell me."

"No… Not 'just think'," admitted Aria. Her head felt as if it was about to catch flame, a sensation she was starting to enjoy more and more. Adagio really was something else. "I may have… done some other stuff."

"That must mean I'm good at my job. Don't have too much fun thinking about me, now. Don't want you getting bored of me."

"Can't really see that happening. You're about as far from boring as you can get. You're so…" Aria struggled to find the words at first, because there were so many ways to describe Adagio. Beautiful. Sensual. Intimidating. Powerful. After a second, Aria found the one that best captured her thoughts. "Alluring, I think is the word. We've known each other for what? A collective thirty minutes? But it feels like you know exactly how to push my buttons."

"Call it a tool of the trade," said Adagio. "People like to tip after having their buttons pushed a bit."

"You're so mysterious. I can't get a read on you." Aria paused, thinking back to her earlier conversation with Sonata. "Is Adagio even your real name?"

"That's going to depend greatly on your definition of the word 'real'. It's what I go by, so whether it's my birth name or not shouldn't matter." Adagio pouted, pulling down her shades and batting her lashes at Aria, almost instantly forming a lump in her throat. "Besides, I thought you said my name was pretty."

"It is. Just… I guess I wanna know the real you. Not just the pole dancer."

"Who's to say there's even a 'real me' to know?" Adagio chuckled to herself as she finished off her coffee. "You know, sometimes a cigar is just a cigar."

"I think you're more than 'just a cigar'. And if you're not…" Aria shrugged. "Prove me wrong. If I get to see you even one more time… This'll all have been worth it."

"Mh-hm. Well, sugar, today's your lucky day," purred Adagio. "I'm off tonight, which means you get to take me to dinner."

Aria was, understandably, a bit stunned. She thought she was doing everything wrong, but it looked like Adagio might have been more interested than she originally let on. Maybe Aria had a chance.

"Alright, perfect!" Aria grinned, unable to contain herself. "Where do you want to go?"

"Haven't decided yet. Text me your address, I'll pick you up. Be ready for a 6 P.M. dinner, and dress nice." Adagio stood up, taking one last nite of her scone before setting it down. "I'm afraid I have to go. It was nice seeing you in some more natural light, sugar." Adagio kisses her fingers and blew it to Aria, making Aria more jealous of a hand than she had ever been of anything. "Don't worry about the coffee, I had it paid for before you came in. See you tonight."

And, just like that, Adagio was gone, the last image Aria having of her being the swaying of her hips as the dancer left the coffee shop. Despite the abrupt end to their date, Aria couldn't help but smile like a goof from ear to ear. It was almost impossible to tell for sure where Adagio actually stood, but Aria was starting to think that she liked her. Adagio was the one who had suggested dinner in the first place, so she must've had some interest. At that moment, Aria wasn't worried about the inner machinations of Adagio's mind so much as she was focused on the fact that, for the first time in over a year, she had a proper date. Then, slowly, Aria's face fell as the pieces fell into place. She had agreed to go on a date with Adagio. Tonight.

On Fajita Friday.

"Shit." Aria groaned at herself, and the unsavory position she found herself in. Sonata wouldn't be happy to hear that Aria was standing her up for some girl. Even for as many dates and hookups as Sonata had, she never ever let a boy come between her and her best friend. At the same time, Aria couldn't possibly risk turning Adagio away, not now when she was just grabbing her attention.

Sonata was a good friend. Surely she'd understand Aria's position. Right?

"I'll make it up to her," murmured Aria, grabbing up a scone from the platter. She caught a glimpse of Adagio's cup, the rim stained with her scarlet lipstick. Another marker of Adagio's presence, her aura stubbornly refusing to fade even when she herself left the scene. "She'll forgive me."

"I'm never gonna forgive you," pouted Sonata.

"Come on, Sonata, I said I was sorry!" Aria let out a groan, dropping her forehead against the kitchen counter. It was getting close to 6, and, while Aria was ready to go in her emerald green dinner dress and a pair of shoes she had long ago borrowed from Sonata, she also couldn't imagine leaving for her date while her friend was still upset with her.

"You know what else you said?" Sonata scowled across the kitchen counter, glaring daggers as she poured herself a glass of chocolate milk. Her stress-relieving beverage of choice. "That you wouldn't miss Fajita Friday."

"I know, and it's really lame of me to ditch you," admitted Aria. She reached for the chocolate milk herself, frowning when Sonata snatched it away. "But… She asked me out. What was I supposed to do?"

"Tell her that you already had plans!"

"Look, weren't you the one saying I needed to get out and meet people?" Aria felt her hot blood begin to rise, a bit of frustration towards Sonata and even more towards herself. "First I was sulking and pining over Sunset, and the moment I find someone cool that I'm trying to get to know—"

"Hey, no. Don't do that. You know that's not what this is about. I know what I said, but this is getting crazy. Think about what you're doing!" Sonata took a great big gulp of chocolate milk, letting out a tired sigh. "You met a chick last week, for like an hour, some stripper that you barely know and now… You're ditching me for her? On Fajita Friday? You've never done that before."

"I know, I know. And I'm sorry, I really am!" Aria could see the look in Sonata's eyes, her concern just barely buried beneath raw annoyance. "But… You don't get it. She's not 'some stripper', Nata. She's the stripper. She's special. I can't really explain it, but I haven't felt this way for someone in a long time, not since—"

"Sunset? The girl that you're super over and that this stripper totally isn't like?" Sonata's voice was a bit snappy, and she seemed to realize it, because she recoiled a bit at the flare of anger displayed on Aria's face. "Okay, I could've said that in a less sucky way, I'll own that. But I'm getting seriously worried here."

"About what? You don't think I can take care of myself?"

"Aria… You had your heart broken. I think you might be trying to find a new Sunset when this Adagio girl… Well, I don't know. But I don't know if she feels for you what you feel for her. She really just sounds like she's playing you."

"You don't even know Adagio!" snapped Aria.

"Neither do you! That’s the whole problem, Aria! We’ve known each other our whole lives, from day one, and you’re gonna leave me high and dry for a girl you don’t even know! That’s not you.” Finally, Sonata set down the jug of milk and pushed it in Aria’s direction. Aria peered at her before taking a swig straight from the jug. “I’m really scared for you, Aria. If she’s already doing this much to you, to us… I just don’t want—”

“You don’t want another Sunset. I get it. But, like…” Aria let out a tired sigh, draining the rest of the jug tiredly. “When Sunset left me, I broke. She smashed me into a million pieces on her way out, and I didn’t think I’d ever put myself back together. I cried ‘til I couldn’t cry anymore, and then I just… Existed. I wasn’t crying anymore, sure, but I couldn’t laugh either, and that was way worse. I only just now started to feel like myself again. And, to be honest… I’m not over her. I guess I thought maybe if I said it enough, I could trick myself into buying it. But it’s BS. Every single night since she left me, I thought about her. She was the last face I saw before I fell asleep. I couldn’t get past her, no matter what. Until the club. Meeting Adagio, that was the first time I was ever able to just forget Sunset, even just for a night.”

“I’m happy to know she’s helping you get over things, but… That’s also why I’m scared. You’re making her the most important thing in your life. What’s gonna happen if it turns out she doesn’t care about you as much as you care about her?”

“I don’t care. Don’t get me wrong, I totally get it. Chances are good that Adagio’s using me for business and a couple of cheap laughs,” admitted Aria. “And I know how sad and pathetic it is to say but… I don’t care. I just don’t. She breaks my heart, then boo-freaking-hoo, it doesn’t matter. Because she got me past Sunset. She’s putting me back together. And she could meet me for dinner and tell me that I’m just a piggy bank to her, and I won’t care, because I need to see her. Just one more time, at least.”

“Ari…” Sonata stood up, rounding the counter to hug her oldest friend. “You poor thing…”

“Just one more time, Sonata. If it works out, then it works out. If it doesn’t… At least it’s not Sunset anymore." Aria gripped Sonata's hand, squeezing her gently. "I'm sorry for bailing on you tonight, but please… I need this."

"Aria…"

"It won't happen again, I promise. Next time, it's all you," promised Aria. "Just give me one more. I just need to see her again."

"Ah, geez… You're lucky I love you," sighed Sonata. "I'll let it go, but only if you promise to text me during your date. I wanna be sure things are going okay."

"Done. I'll make this up to you, Nata, I promise. I—" Aria felt her phone vibrate and, after sharing a glance with Sonata, quickly pulled it out to check the text.

I'm waiting.

"No more ditching you. I promise," said Aria. After staring at her friend for a bit, Sonata finally relented, giving her a nod.

"Just make sure you're okay tonight, whether it goes good or bad," sighed Sonata. "And if you plan on bringing her home, maybe give me a head's up?"

"Don't know if I'll be that lucky, but… Thanks, Sony." Aria smiled, standing up and giving a little turn. "How do I look?"

"Like a million bucks." Sonata swatted Aria on the butt, the way a football player might do to a teammate in the locker room. "Go get em, champ."

With a small nod, Aria grabbed up her purse, slung it over her shoulder, and headed out the door. She was nervous, understandably so, but Aria also looked forward to the date. Even though she had just seen her a few hours previously, Aria was eager to spend more time with the mysterious dancer. Perhaps if she got to know her better, she'd be able to figure out what made Adagio tick as much as Adagio seemed to know about Aria.

Aria hurried out of the apartment, her elevator moving far too slow for her liking. She might've taken the stairs, if not for her making the rare decision to wear heels that night. That never was her style, but she remembered hearing Sonata mention that a pair of heels always made her feel confident on a date. Considering how easily Adagio turned Aria into a stammering pile of nerves, Aria reckoned she needed all the confidence she could get.

The night was cool and breezy, but comfortable, and Aria felt pretty damn good in her dress as she exited the lobby and stepped into the streets. She glanced around, searching for Adagio, before diving back into her phone to text her date. Aria realized that she didn't know what car Adagio drove, and therefore had no clue which car was waiting for her. She had her head down, typing at her phone, when a smooth, even voice interrupted her.

"Excuse me, ma'am?" There was an older man standing before a beautiful black luxury car, the newest model and far more expensive than Aria could've ever afforded. He wore a crisp black suit, black gloves, and a similarly black hat. "Are you Ms. Aria?"

"Uh… Who's asking?" Aria was nervous, rightfully so. It was a strange city she lived in, with no shortage of odd characters without much of a grip on reality.

"Ms. Adagio is waiting for you." The man opened the back door of the car, revealing a beautiful leather interior, an ice bucket of champagne, and, most importantly, Adagio herself. She sat there, just as beautiful as ever in her sparkling scarlet dinner dress. She turned to face Aria, a small grin spreading to her lips as she beckoned with one finger.

"Kept me waiting, sugar," she purred. Aria was confused, but her body seemed to act on her behalf, marching her to the car and sliding into the backseat beside Adagio. "You look confused."

"You… You have a chauffeur?" asked Aria. Adagio didn't answer right away, instead popping the cork on the champagne and pouring a glass each for herself and Aria, while the driver returned to the front seat and smoothly took off.

"Mr. Tie prefers the term 'professional driver'. Considering the good work he does, I'll call him whatever he damn well pleases." She offered Aria a glass, toasting her when she accepted. "I don't care for driving, personally. Why bother when there are people as good as Mr. Tie out there?"

"You flatter me, ma'am," said Tie from the front seat.

"I wasn't expecting… this." Aria sipped her champagne, positively baffled by the situation. "No offense, but this seems like it's more expensive than a, uh… An exotic dancer—"

"Come on, sugar, I'm not that pretentious. Stripper is fine."

"Yeah, well, strippers don't typically have cars this fancy, or personal drivers to take them places."

"I suppose that makes me a bit of an atypical stripper, then," hummed Adagio. "I take it you're not opposed?"

"Not opposed. Just confused."

"Just the way I like it, sugar."

The rest of the drive was mostly uneventful, aside from some brief small talk. What Aria really wanted to ask about was the car, the driver and, now that she thought about it, the coffee shop. She wasn't sure if Village Coffee typically did table service, and she had to assume Adagio had left a big tip before their date in order to get such perks. Aria suspected that Adagio knew how curious she was, based on the way she danced around the situation, carrying on as if nothing was strange at all.

The trip to the restaurant was fairly short, just enough time for the pair to finish off their champagne before they arrived. Mr. Tie stopped the car in front of a fairly upscale Italian restaurant, a place Aria had been planning for Sonata's birthday, and opened first Adagio's door, then Aria's. Adagio extended her hand and, after staring for a split second, Aria accepted it. The feel of Adagio's perfectly soft and buttery smooth skin gave Aria goosebumps as the two walked arm-in-arm into the restaurant. It didn't take long for the pair to be seated and have their order taken, at which point Aria finally decided to push the point a bit.

"So… It's supposed to be pretty tough to get a reservation at this place," said Aria casually. "How'd you manage to get us a table on such short notice?"

"Same way I get anything I want, sugar. My feminine wiles," remarked Adagio. She leaned forward, resting her chin in her hands and flashing Aria a smirk that could only be described as devilish in nature. "I can be very persuasive."

"You don't say… Well, guess it doesn't matter how we got here." Aria shrugged. "I'm really happy to see you again. Thought I might've screwed up during coffee."

"You were fine, sugar. You worry too much about what people think."

"Not 'people'. You. I like you, a lot, and I just want you to like me back."

"Stuttering and tripping over your words a bit isn't going to change whether or not I like you." Adagio raised a brow, staring through Aria just as much as she looked at her. "I've already decided how I feel about you, and it's going to take something a bit more substantial than a few ums and uhs to change my stance."

"Oh? So how do you feel about me?" asked Aria. Adagio grinned once again, this time sending a shiver down Aria's back with a giggle.

"It's more fun if I keep you guessing. Hope that doesn't bother you any."

"Like I said, I'm just happy to see you again." It got quiet for a spell, so Aria decided to feel the situation out a bit. "My roommate was kinda worried. Said you might be trying to play me."

"That's a valid concern. I haven't exactly given you a lot to work with," admitted Adagio. "What do you think?"

"I think that I'll feel a lot better about things if I knew more about you."

"Well, I'm not the type to give away too much for free. So how about we make a game of it?" Adagio very clearly had Aria's attention, which is exactly what she wanted. "You ask me a question. I'll answer it. You then have to tell me something embarrassing about yourself. The more personal your question, the more embarrassing the thing you reveal to me. The twist is we have to tell the truth, except for one. We each get one lie apiece, whenever we like. Sound fair?"

"Sure… Me first?" Adagio gave a nod, which Aria returned. "So… How long have you been dancing?"

"Since I was four," said Adagio. She waited a bit, taking in Aria's concerned, confused expression before elaborating. "Ballet. I didn't start that kind of dancing until I was 19, maybe 20. I've been bumping and grinding ever since. Alright, now I get to hear something about you. Nothing too embarrassing, now. Save the good stuff for later."

"Okay… When I was in high school, I did marching band," said Aria carefully. "And I was so bad that I got booted out after one performance. Director said I was the worst clarinetist he'd ever seen."

"Ouch. A bit harsh."

"Nah, he was right, I sucked." Aria shrugged. "When did you really decide where we were going to have dinner?"

"About two minutes before I pulled up to pick you up," said Adagio. Aria didn't think she would lie on such a basic question, but it was almost impossible for her to tell for sure. "That was a softball, sugar. Hope you have more interesting questions."

"Just taking it slow. I don't wanna embarrass myself too bad, not this early. Oh, and I sing in the shower."

"What do you sing?"

"Depends on the day. If I know Sonata's out, it's hip-hop. Hardcore gangsta stuff." Aria felt her heart thump in her chest as she managed to make Adagio laugh. "Why do you strip? Doesn't seem like you need the money, unless your private dances are even more expensive than you said."

"It's fun. I like the feeling of all those eyes on me. The thought that people are willing to pay so much just to look at me, not even touch, it's what gets me out of bed in the morning. That one's a bit more personal, sugar. Let's hear something good."

"Whenever Sonata goes out with a guy, I get super jealous that she has someone. She's always been better at meeting people and handling relationships than me, and I hate that. It's really petty and lame, but it is what it is."

"People like to look down on envy, when it's really just as natural as breathing. In a way, I think it's a form of admiration. What's more flattering than someone wishing they could be you?"

The two traded questions and revelations about one another for some time, the date having the same general feel of a game of chess. Even as their meals arrived, at which point Aria had asked quite a few questions, she still felt that Adagio was as mysterious as ever. Anything the dancer said could easily be her lie, and Aria wasn't certain if she'd ever know for sure what was the truth. That just made their interaction all the more intriguing and intoxicating to Aria. She was a pawn in Adagio's game, and she had no reservations about whether or not she liked that feeling.

"Have you ever dated a customer before?" asked Aria. Adagio mused over the question, sipping her wine as she did.

"Not since early on in my career. Maybe twice?" Adagio shrugged. "I think my rule might've leaked, and after that, people couldn't be bothered. And now, most of my clients realize that I'm way out of their league anyway, so they settle for a dance."

"Rule?"

"Oh, right. Never mentioned it, but… I don't put out until I've dated someone for six months," said Adagio. Aria stiffened somewhat, a reaction not missed by her date. "It really helps to weed out who's worth my time and who's just hoping for a quick, sloppy fuck. You understand, don't you, sugar?"

"If it's anything like your dance, it'll be worth it. I don't mind waiting, assuming we get that far," said Aria. Obviously, she was hoping to sleep with Adagio at some point, but she had no problem with waiting. Even if six months was a bit lengthy. "What else is embarrassing to say about me?"

"Since you asked me something about my love life, I'd like to hear about yours. If you have anything interesting to say."

"Oh. Oh, this is pretty cheesy…" Aria let out a nervous chuckle, trying to decide if she'd actually go through with what she was going to say. "I've uh… I've never slept with someone unless I thought we were going to end up married. I needed to be in love with them or else I just didn't feel attracted to someone."

"Until you met me, I presume?" asked Adagio. Aria nodded slowly. "Well, sugar, the check will be here soon. How about one more question before we hit the town?"

There were still a million questions Aria wanted to ask, countless mysteries she wanted to discover. What would be the best question to ask, now that she only had one left? What if Adagio used her lie for this? Assuming she hadn't already, that is. After a moment of thought, Aria finally decided that her overwhelming curiosity was outweighing any thought of strategy or reason.

"How can you afford all of this?" asked Aria finally. "Expensive cars, fancy restaurants, personal drivers, the coffee shop thing. You're an amazing performer, don't get me wrong, but no stripper makes that much. What else are you?"

"Trust fund baby. My father was a very successful real-estate tycoon. My mother was a fairly popular musician in her time. They left me a lot of money. I've never had to work a job in my life, and I can't even touch the majority of my money until I turn 30." Adagio grinned at Aria's expression, taking great joy in her apparent confusion. "I told you, sugar. I strip for fun, not to pay bills."

"Huh. That explains a lot. No wonder you're being so secretive," mused Aria. "Alright, something embarrassing from me now… Oh, I—"

"When was the last time you got laid?"

Aria very nearly choked and died on the spot, which would have been very bad for her date, indeed.

"Uh… What?" This was about the most complete thought Aria was currently capable of, her brain busy rebooting and trying to find a sufficient way out of it.

"That's the most intimate, personal question I can think of off the top of my head," said Adagio. "Seems like a good way to end our game. Wouldn't be a bad time for you to use your lie, either."

"What if I already used it?"

"What, you don't think I know if you did? Go on, sugar. I promise I won't laugh."

All things considered, Aria didn't think Adagio laughing at her would be all that bad.

"Christ… Alright, define 'got laid'," said Aria.

"When was the last time that another human being made contact with you with the intention of bringing you to climax?"

"Um… I wanna say…" Aria thought long and hard, feeling her ears burn with every second of Adagio's continued gaze. "Promise you won't tease me?"

"I give you my word."

"Alright, well… by that definition, it's been almost three years."

"Holy shit." Adagio slapped a palm against her mouth, and it seemed as if Aria had finally managed to surprise her. She removed her hand, regaining her composure somewhat. "Sorry. That was rude. I'm just surprised, is all. You're a nice girl. Not bad looking, either. I find it hard to believe that you haven't had a girlfriend in three years."

"That's not what I said." Aria bloomed even brighter, her embarrassment not helped when Adagio leaned in for elaboration. "I, uh… I was seeing someone, and it got dicey near the end. Just so happened that 'the end' stretched on for a long time." It got quiet for a bit, and for the first time all night, Aria averted her gaze. "And if you don't mind, I don't want to talk about it anymore."

"Fair. Didn't mean to upset you." Adagio waited a beat, then reached forward to gently grab Aria's hand. "I'm not ready to go home just yet. You wanna get out of here? The night's still young."

"Yeah. That sounds good," said Aria after a moment. She shook herself a bit, meeting Adagio's bold eyes with her own and smiling. "Ready when you are."

"Then let's go, sugar."

"I had a great time."

Aria froze, not expecting something quite so candid and plain out of Adagio. She, obviously, enjoyed herself greatly, and she always suspected that Adagio did too. Even still, it was shocking to hear her come out and say it. Adagio wasn't looking at Aria when she spoke, instead peering out the opposite window while Mr. Tie parked outside of Aria's apartment.

"Me too. It was really nice getting to know you better." Mr. Tie opened the door, but Aria didn't exit the car just yet. "Think we could do it again?"

"I'd be disappointed if we didn't. I'll call you next time I'm free."

"So I guess this is goodnight?"

"Sure looks like it." Adagio turned, giving Aria a look and a wink that made her heart thump against her ribs. "You take care now, sugar."

"Heh. You too. See you when I see you." Aria shimmied away, nearly stepping out of the car when Adagio grabbed her firmly by the wrist and pulled her back. "Huh?"

"Before you go, I want to tell you something," breathed Adagio. Aria leaned in, hanging onto every word and feeling herself shiver at the breathy whisper that came from Adagio's lips. "If you had asked me to make an exception to my 'six months' rule, I would have. I would have had no problem telling Mr. Tie to go on break while we fucked right in the back seat." She leaned in, pulling Aria closer and closer. "I would have made you cum so hard and so many times that you'd forget all about that dry spell of yours…"

Adagio brought her lips to Aria's, stealing her breath with a deep, passionate, fiery kiss. Aria was a bit shocked at first, but she very quickly melted against the dancer's lush, full lips. Adagio wrapped her hands around Aria's head, lacing her fingers through the smooth purple locks as the two tasted each other. The moment felt like it lasted forever, and Aria was certain she'd remember the feel of Adagio's tongue against her own for the rest of her days. Too soon for Aria's liking, the two broke apart, Adagio nibbling gently on Aria's bottom lip before pulling away completely.

"See you when I see you, sugar," said Adagio with a wink. Aria nodded slowly, doing all she could to keep her goofy, love-struck grin from showing. She was very unsuccessful in that regard.

Aria slid out of the car, watching as Mr. Tie closed the door and returned to the driver's seat. The car's engine purred, ready to take off, when Aria felt a sudden curiosity grip her. Before the car could pull off, she quickly tapped the window with her knuckle, and Adagio soon lowered her window, looking out at Aria and giving her an inquisitive hum.

"We each had a lie tonight," said Aria. "Did you use yours?" Adagio smiled, waiting, torturing Aria with the agony of each passing second of curiosity.

"Yes," she said finally.

"What was it? What was the lie?"

"Goodnight, Aria." Adagio chuckled as she snapped her fingers, giving the command for her driver to drive. "I'll be seeing you again soon, sugar."

Before Aria could ask again, Adagio was pulling off, her car disappearing into the night. Aria stood there on the sidewalk for a moment, trying to absorb everything that happened, and also trying to figure out Adagio's lie. Was it her reason for stripping that was the lie? Or was it the source of her wealth? Was it the thing about the exception to her "six months" rule? With the way Adagio liked to mess with her, the lie could have been as simple as her being 27 years old when she claimed to be 26.

Right then, as Aria made her way back to her apartment, it didn't really matter. She wasn't thinking about Adagio's money or motivations when she was unlocking her apartment door. She was thinking about Adagio's soft lips against her own, that sleek, authoritative tongue all but forcing Aria into submission. The grip on her hair, graceful yet powerful. The lingering scent of Adagio's perfume dancing in Aria's nose. The way she moaned, forcing herself to pull away from Aria. As if Adagio was fighting to control herself. As if Adagio wanted more. As if Adagio wanted her.

"Hey, you're back!" Aria blinked, looking up as she entered the apartment to see Sonata sitting on the counter with a tub of ice cream. "Was gonna send out a search party soon."

"What are you doing up?" asked Aria, closing and locking the door behind her. She was barely paying attention to Sonata, her attention understandably divided. "It's hella late."

"Wanted a snack, but we didn't have anything good, so I had to run to the corner store to get some ice cream." Sonata shoveled a spoonful of rocky road into her mouth, pursing her lips in thought. "I've been giving it a lot of thought, and I think that if we do it tomorrow, we gotta call it Salsa Saturday. It's not as good as Fajita Friday, but…"

"Sure thing. We can go grab stuff for it in the morning. Right now, I'm beat." Aria started on her way to the room, frowning when she saw Sonata's smug little grin. "What?"

"Have fun?" asked Sonata. Aria nodded, narrowing her eyes suspiciously. "Looks like your luck was better than you thought."

"What are you—?"

"You smudged your lipstick, beb." Sonata let out a laugh at Aria's expression, the way she fruitlessly attempted to wipe the makeup from her face. "I wanna hear deets, but I can wait 'til morning, since you're so tired." She giggled again, her voice adopting a singsong tone. "I can't imagine why…"

"Goodnight, Sonata," said Aria, shaking her head. Sonata nodded and waved, letting Aria finally make her way to her room. While Sonata surely wanted to joke around with her friend a bit, Aria just wanted, needed, some sleep. Sonata probably wouldn't believe her if she said she didn't "get lucky", anyway.

Although, given how well things went with Adagio, Aria was inclined to believe that she was pretty fortunate after all.