A First Time For Everything

She awoke with an abruptness that left her confused as to the reason why. The aged bedroom held no secrets nor terrors, no sound or absence of it had brought her to the waking world. From the grey light that seeped through the blinds onto the floorboards to the antique seat in the corner, all of Applejack’s world was the same as she’d left it when she had laid down her head.

Eighteen. I’m eighteen now, she thought to herself. Perhaps the reality of it was what had roused her senses, keen on making her aware of it so early in the morning. An adult… but I don’t really feel like it.

It wasn’t as though there was to be any great change that could occur overnight. A change in age didn’t mean some magical transformation would take place. What was she supposed to do differently than before, considering that she already led an adult’s life anyway? If it weren’t for school then she’d be working on the farm full-time, making sure Apple Bloom kept up with her own schoolwork, and keeping the house cleaned up. Even when she graduated, little would change. Perhaps this entry into official adulthood was something momentous for some, but for Applejack it would just be another day.

“And considering I’m the only one here,” she mumbled, rolling out from beneath her sheets, “Time to get to work. Ain’t nothing special about today.”

Her words worked no wonders in summoning motivation; breakfast and coffee arrived slowly, her usual stride still something of a sleepy shuffle. Just what was bogging her down so? It wasn’t as if she weren’t a morning person; there were more days than she could count that had seen her up and at ‘em before dawn had even broke.

Another hearty sip of brew, allowing the darkened liquid to sear her throat so pain could perhaps rouse her mind. “Come on, now,” she muttered. “There’s work to get done.”

A few acts of hygiene before departure out the door, boots on and the farm’s usual chores awaiting her hand. Chickens to feed, checking on the cows, cleaning the stalls, and everything that the orchards would require of her- not to mention whatever miniature emergencies decided to rear their heads. “Might as well get to it!” Applejack declared, one last shake of her head before striding forth into the day. Time waited for no woman, and there would not be much offered to see everything accomplished.

Applejack’s day saw her distracted throughout her countless chores, subconscious action enough to see the work done without much effort. She’d accomplished all of these necessities before thousands of times over, such a thing wasn’t remarkable. But to say she was used to accomplishing all of them alone…

“I wonder how they’re doing,” the young farmgirl said aloud, her words lost on a soft-eyed heifer. “It ain’t normal for us to not all be in the same place.” The hefty animal only blinked, but remained pleasant and motionless as Applejack tended to her hooves. Heavily pregnant and soon to calf, the peaceful beast was one of the farm’s highest priorities.

“I’m glad Big Mac could go with ‘em, though,” Applejack said. “If we can get a contract to ship product out-of-state, that means more money coming in. Though,” she admitted, “That means we’ll be a whole lot busier. So we’ll probably need to start hiring some hands if it comes to it, and then that eats up funds, and… and it all just snowballs.”

Her mind tended to work like that whenever it focused on work. Always on to the next potential problem, she ready to see it solved before its ugly head could ever be raised. And then she would be off to the next and so on until she found a problem that she could not solve alone, or some darkened fear that was given chance to see light of day. Often, such things would be batted away by Big Mac’s calm demeanor or Granny’s gentle chiding. “Silly talk and being afraid of your own imagination,” was what they usually called it. Her familial tethers, however, were gone; the farmgirl’s mind could roam to wherever it pleased.

Applejack worked until high noon, the sweat on her brow arriving in heavy droplets despite the cool weather. Pairing well with the weariness in her bones, it was the signal that she needed a moment of rest- and something to eat. “And I’ll have to be the one to make it,” she grumbled. Not the end of the world, but another irritant for a tired mind. Life was easier when someone else was around to help.

Possessing no imagination in the face of hunger, a trio of toasted deli sandwiches were enough to satisfy her stomach. As she munched down on crisp bread, her mind began to wander once more. What are the girls up to? She mused. Maybe they’d come down and help out if I asked-

A flicker of memory, yesterday’s arrival at the lunch table shining bright behind her eyes; asking for outside assistance might be a waste of time when every one of them would be keener to focus on another. No, this would just have to be her burden to bear for today. Besides, it wasn’t as though she could blame them; her work was hard, and they’d already had plans of all sorts. Best not to interrupt.

“It’s a relationship, anyhow,” Applejack muttered to herself as her work continued; out into the orchards did she roam now. “You know, that’s… that’s kinda important. You wanna make the other person feel good. And you… can’t-! do that when you’ve got work to do.”

That old argument again! Applejack’s first love had always been her family, they given priority above everything else in life. Work hard for your family, and family first. But why couldn’t she prioritize family and still cultivate relationships? She had friends, after all; would a girlfriend really be that much of a stretch? If being a farmer meant no outside connections then her own bloodline would have perished a long time ago. “But… they didn’t really have anything like this. They still had all their siblings, their parents- it’s just… we shrunk down in size instead.”

Besides, she asked herself as she began her return to the farmstead, who would I even want to date in the first place? Her whole circle of friends had become romantically entangled, and no one at school really appealed to her. Who would want to be with her, anyway? Honest to the point of occasional rudeness, not particularly romantic, no dating experience- Not exactly a catch.

“Not like that’s a big deal,” Applejack muttered as she stepped from the shower, body feeling lighter and more comfortable than only moments ago. “I’m fine just how I am, I don’t need anyone. I’ve got good family, good friends-” A small pause, then, “Well… I got good family.” In the face of romance, she wasn’t quite so sure about friendships any longer. And this was their last year of high school, too- who knew how long they’d all be in the same place, or even friends? She might never see them again, and she’d be working on the farm all day everyday, and- and…

The young woman paused at her place in the mirror, letting that doleful reflection stare right into her eyes. She searched herself for an answer, something that would alleviate the weight that was crushing her into the floor, but nothing seemed to be enough. She had friends, family, peace and purpose, and still Applejack found herself wondering why she now spent her night alone. It was her birthday, after all; why shouldn’t she want to celebrate with someone, anyone? Why hadn’t she invited her friends to celebrate with her, if only for a little while?

“Why are you so scared of really being alone?” she asked of herself. She felt a hurt behind her eyes, the desire for her face to crumple. It was so close, the answer ready to pounce and sink its claws in deep-

A sudden fight and the farmgirl gave herself a vigorous shake, a growl escaping her lips as frustration suddenly came alight in her soul. “Enough of this!” Applejack declared. Jealousy, loneliness, yearning- damn it all, at least for tonight. She’d wear something nice just because she could, cook herself a nice meal just for the sake of it. Hell, she’d pour herself some bourbon because no one could stop her! This was her birthday, and nothing was gonna stop her from making it count for something!

The first sound came without her fullest attentions there to capture it, the young woman more occupied with buttoning her jeans than to focus on her surroundings. But what had that been? If she didn’t know better, that had been a knock on the door-

Then it came again! Most certainly a rap on the front door and enough to leave her confused, if perhaps a little nervous. The sun was down and she wasn’t expecting company, who would be out here? “The girls ain’t trying to pull a surprise on me, are they?” Applejack wondered. They’d all said they would be elsewhere tonight, so unless they’d been lying…

A small crack in the door and she peered out at the figure outside. “Can I help you?” she asked. Swift scrutiny was enough to register that the person outside was a woman, most of her figure concealed beneath a thick coat that could potentially hide further danger- and not a figure she could immediately recognize.

“Hi! You’re Applejack, right?” the woman asked. Her voice was soft and lovely, her tone friendly.

So she was here for her. What on earth for? “That’s me,” the farmgirl answered slowly, “Uh, can- what can I do for you?”

“I’ve got a gift here, just for you.” That silken voice became sweeter, almost a purr-

Strange, but it wasn’t impossible for it to be an actual package. Maybe the girls had arranged a birthday present for her after all? She pushed the door all the way open so as to better commune with her unexpected guest. “OK… and what is that-”

“And that present… is me!” The shadowy visitor strode through the threshold and into the house, the light filtering from upstairs and the kitchen now fresh upon her face and luscious locks to reveal the beautiful face of Adagio Dazzle: Siren, singer, and enemy. The young woman’s skin glowed beneath the light, a faint tan across her form and giving her a golden appearance, the pristine lines of her face given emphasis by a small brushing of shadow upon her eyes, the dusting of her cheeks making her appearance glimmer-

Wait a minute, this was a Siren! Applejack’s shock at this most unexpected appearance wore away when memory recalled their last encounter; this was not a social call, Adagio was here for something monstrous and she was all alone! “Holy cow!”

Adagio leapt back and looked about wildly, trying to seek out the source of her companion’s sudden fright. “Whoa, whoa-! What’s wrong?”

“What are you doing here? How did you know where I live?” Applejack demanded. Was she in danger? She remembered that the Sirens had lost their powers but that didn’t mean a hidden knife couldn’t do some damage.

Adagio, for her end, actually seemed confused. “Huh? Oh, is that all.” With no potential danger awaiting them, her worries eased away and her smile returned. “Don’t worry, sweetheart, it’s all gonna be fine. We’ll have fun.”

Nothing she said was making sense. Nothing about this made sense! Adagio wasn’t explaining how she’d shown up, much less why; this whole thing was utter confusion and it hadn’t even lasted thirty seconds yet! “I- if- what?”

“I promise we will- lady’s promise,” Adagio purred. A small shuffle of movement and down dropped her raincoat to reveal the brilliant, beautiful adornment beneath- what little there was. A gleaming gold lamé bra across her chest, her wrists and ankles bearing golden bracelets with coin trim, completed with additional gold armlets just below the shoulder. No shorts of any kind, only a deep lavender pair of underwear that seemed perfectly contrasted against her golden skin. The more Applejack took her in, the more beautiful she seemed to become; all her nails painted that faint pink, brilliant jeweled earrings that gleamed even brighter than her eyes, and a body so wonderfully lovely that it was difficult to find a comparison.

“Whoa.” The word came from her lips without bidding, as though demanded from such a luscious figure. Adagio was beautiful, something so obvious that any attempts to deny it would be laughable. But was that even an adequate adjective? This was something transcendent, a beauty that was out of a fantasy.

“That’s more like it,” Adagio whispered. Suddenly she was about the awed farmgirl, bringing them so close that she could feel that pounding heartbeat beneath. “Now, how about you enjoy your present-”

The Siren was close- way, way too close! As Applejack managed to rouse her senses from its breathtaken stupor, she brought a finger to those encroaching lips and saw them halted; whatever was about to happen, she wasn’t going to let it happen until she’d figured out what was actually going on.

Adagio, to her credit, paused. “So that was a no,” she assessed.

“What is going on?” Applejack asked of the Siren, the only one who could possibly explain things. “Why are you here? What are you even doing? The last time I saw you, I thought y’all were gonna try and kill me.”

Adagio seemed to mull over the numerous questions in her head before deciding that answering them might be in her best interest. “Happy birthday?” She offered, still yet to break her friendly character. “Why try and worry about the past? Forgive and forget, baby- heaven knows I wouldn’t mind making it up to you.”

Applejack, though still perfectly confused by the strange scenario, was beginning to unravel the mystery. Adagio wasn’t here for pleasure- more precisely, her business was pleasure. And right now, the golden woman’s goal was to pleasure… well, her. And since she certainly hadn’t been the one to seek Adagio out, that meant there was only one culprit that had summoned her to call. What on earth were they thinking? Why Adagio, why- why hire me a PROSTITUTE, for heaven’s sake?! She wasn’t sure if the gesture was meant to be kindness or mockery, nor what her reaction to it was going to be. “Why are you here?”

For the first time since she’d arrived, Adagio’s dreamy demeanor showed signs of cracking as her smile became halved. “Do- do you really need me to spell it out for you?” she asked, a tinge of laughter to her voice.

“I- I mean, not really,” Applejack answered, “I’m just-” The pretty-faced blonde had to take a moment to really let the strangeness sink in. “Why are you here?”

Adagio fell into full confusion, still wrapped about Applejack’s strong form and hesitant as to whether or not she should just continue. “You’re kidding me. What’s wrong? Just relax.”

“I sort of- I need a minute,” Applejack said. “To kinda… get it. I’m- why you?”

Adagio, given the opportunity to explain herself, recomposed a smile. “Because I’m the best,” she crowed, her own praise reigniting her efforts and she began to stroke along the farmgirl’s figure. “And from what I hear, the best is exactly what you deserve.” She paused as a hand came across Applejack’s stomach, taking a moment to fully appreciate the hardened abs below. “Ooh, they were right.”

“OK, I just- oh wow.” Her attempts to further contemplate this development were stoppered by the praise, freckled cheeks turning flush beneath as dimples formed from an unbidden smile. “Uh, OK, I-”

“You look really pretty, you know,” Adagio remarked. She leaned in close against the young woman’s shoulder, eager to wrap herself within those strong arms and be a source of comfort. “I bet you look even cuter beneath it all, too. Mind if I find out?”

“I need a minute.” Applejack knew she was probably beet red, and Adagio was moving things along at a rapid pace. This was happening all too fast, and she had yet to really make a decision on what her response was even supposed to be. Having sex with someone you loved was one thing- Adagio was more or less a stranger, and she was definitely doing this for money. How was she supposed to feel? “Just- you know, I- let me think.”

Adagio raised an eye at the remark, but did untangle herself from the farmgirl and took a standing position opposite of her intended target. “OK, then,” she said, sounding and appearing as though herself unsure of how to react. “So… umm.”

Applejack found herself staring at Adagio and trying her best to look elsewhere. She couldn’t help but continue to soak in that form, the beauty of her figure highly distracting. It wasn’t just her bosoms, though that was a part of it; how the strands of her hair fell across her face and added to the luster of her skin, all of it making her eyes shine. The sleek, slender figure and how that trim waistline was so naturally followed by lush legs… Adagio was something exquisite, and try as she might Applejack simply couldn’t keep her gaze away for long.

The constant flicker of eyes did not go unnoticed. “See something you like?” Adagio teased.

“Hah, uh…” Applejack gave another smile, unwilling and she forced her eyes away. Suddenly the emptiness of her stomach returned in full force, the gnawing sensation arriving in a growl. “Do, umm… you want something to eat?”

Adagio cocked her head at the remark, looking at the farmgirl as though she hadn’t really heard correctly. “What?”

“I was- I was about to make dinner,” Applejack continued. “Just a couple of things of chicken, but… you wanna join?”

“Are you really making me dinner?” Adagio’s face glowed, the sight of it making the blonde meet the fervor in equal measure. Suddenly revived, she wrapped herself around Applejack’s arm and begged to be led on. “Oh, baby, you treat me so fine.”

Applejack could only blush and hope she wouldn’t make a fool of herself.

To her surprise, dinner preparation was an event in of itself, one that Adagio was seemingly happy to help with. The chicken, now unthawed and dripping with fat, was swiftly sliced into more edible portions and sorted into an aged cast-iron skillet already heated. But there was more to be added to such a dish.

“You don’t- have to help, umm- you know,” Applejack said, watching as her lovely companion took a knife to a clove of garlic and began to finely dice it. “I can get it.”

“What? No way, of course I’ll help my favorite girl make her birthday meal!” Came the protest, Adagio insistent in her part of preparations. “Ooh, it’s so fresh… do you grow these yourself?”

“Some. Not all,” Applejack said. “We’ve got a small little garden out back just for us, but we don’t use a whole bunch of it. Just for certain days.”

“Like today?” The jeweled Siren surmised. “Why aren’t they here with you for your birthday? You’re such a family girl.”

“Out of town for the weekend. Just bad luck that way,” the farmgirl replied, shrugging her shoulders. “There’ll be another time.”

“And you were just gonna celebrate alone?” It was as though she were horrified. “Well, I’m glad I get to spend it with you! And whatever we’re making looks like it’ll be delicious!”

Applejack bit her lip and willed herself not to blush again. Adagio was incredibly cheerful and friendly- what reason for she couldn’t imagine. And she kept herself so close, occasionally pressing her form against the young farmgirl’s, the feel of her presence something…

Well, she didn’t know what word could describe it.

“Oh my god. This looks amazing.” The resplendent woman’s gasp was perfectly timed as Applejack set a steaming plate on the table before her, the scent of cooked meat and spices adorning the dish making the whole room smell splendid. “I bet it tastes even better, since you cooked it. Just- wow…”

“I hope you like it.” Applejack tried to hold back but embarrassed laughter still crept through beneath her words as she took a seat. “It’s a favorite of mine. And I- you know, like making it.”

“Well, I’m sure I’ll absolutely love it,” Adagio said, piercing through a mouthful with her fork and bringing it to her lips. The moment it disappeared from sight she gave a muffled sigh, closing her eyes so as to further savor its flavor. “Oh wow…”

Though it was likely just flattery, the blonde couldn’t help but enjoy the sight of such a beautiful woman enjoying the fruits of her labor. “Good?”

“Incredible,” Adagio murmured, and sounding like she meant it. “Honestly, this is- this might be the best thing I’ve ever eaten.”

“Well, dig in, I guess.” Applejack set to eating and relished the flavor; at last did her stomach finally see relief! The necessity of food made anything taste good, but the richness of flavor and the skill with which she’d prepared the meal made it incredible. She could hardly stand to slow down and actually savor it all.

However, she soon found herself distracted. Eyes had come to rest on her, and there could only be one source. When she swallowed her current mouthful, the young farmgirl glanced over at her companion and saw she was indeed the subject of her scrutiny, Adagio peering at her with a soft expression of happiness on her face. “What’s wrong?”

“Oh, nothing,” Adagio murmured, “I just can’t help it.”

“Help what?”

“Looking at you, silly. You’re just so pretty!”

Wait. The remark was assuredly unexpected, causing the poor blonde to lose her composure and accidentally suck down some of her meal to bring about a spate of coughing. “What, me?” Applejack spluttered. “I’m just- have you looked in a mirror lately? I’m not all that-”

“Oh please, anyone can see it,” Adagio countered, haughty and proud as she defended her words. “That shining blonde hair, that pretty face- and all those cute freckles, too! Heaven knows why all the girls aren’t just begging to give you a kiss.”

It was all nonsense and she knew it, but hearing it spoken aloud was too much for her to deal with. “Oh, I’m just- I’m just me, that’s all,” she said, a weak reply that said absolutely nothing.

“And aren’t you wonderful! Just how does a beautiful thing like you go around being single? It’s not right.”

Applejack let her fork sit beside her meal, the flush upon her face fading away along with her smile. Adagio, perhaps taking note that her question had been a personal one, allowed herself a drop of seriousness and let her own smile lose its wild warmth.

“I’m- I’m not great at- stuff like that,” she admitted. “Doing date nights, all that romance sort of things. I just… didn’t know how to try, I guess. And besides, family comes first. Apple Bloom’s still in school and we’ve all gotta do our share. Can’t just… I wanna make sure they’re OK.”

“And you think that means you can’t make yourself happy?” Adagio guessed. Was it wrong to think there was a sound of sympathy in her voice, a shadow of it in her eyes? “Oh, but you’d be such a good girlfriend- you certainly know how to treat me like a queen-”

“Oh hush, I’m just-”

“Would you mind if I just- stuck around?” Adagio asked, her eyes alight once more with that friendly mischief. “I’ll do anything you want me to, so long as I get to see you every day. I always wanted to be a trophy wife, why don’t you let me be your prize?”

Now that was certainly not on the list of her expectations! Applejack found herself unable to do anything but laugh awkwardly and try to look at anything but the dazzling woman with whom she dined, a particularly difficult thing to do when the Siren was looking at her with such desire. “I, uh, can’t you- I think you’d get bored.”

“Not if I’m with you!” Adagio protested. “I wouldn’t mind a simple life. Waking up next to you, being part of a big happy family? That sounds like heaven.”

“The family is definitely the best part,” Applejack admitted, her smile becoming more natural as countless memories seeped through her mind. “I mean, it ain’t perfect and we sure ain’t rich, but…” She let her words trail away; there weren’t any she knew of that could really speak to the depths of just how she felt. It was something she’d wish for everyone.

“You’re making me jealous here,” Adagio remarked, her beautiful features so soft as she witnessed the farmgirl’s happiness. “Now I really need to stick around.”

Something about what she said, however, forced Applejack to take pause. “You came here with family, though,” she remarked, “I remember your sisters. What have they been up to?”

Adagio’s countenance faltered- only for the briefest moment, but she recovered too slowly for her companion to not notice. “You haven’t finished your dinner!” She gasped, taking note of Applejack’s half-eaten plate. “Now, we can’t have that. Aren’t you hungry?”

It was a swift change of topic. “Huh? I just-”

Adagio gave an overly dramatic sigh and shook her head. “What am I going to do with you?” She despaired. “Goodness, guess I’ll just have to help you myself.”

“Help-”

Before she could say anything, Applejack found her lap suddenly occupied by Adagio’s gorgeous presence- and her gaze filled by the lavish breasts that were barely concealed by gold. The two had suddenly become very snug, the luscious Siren taking the unfinished plate in hand and looking at her companion with a light in her eyes. “Now open wide, you,” she said.

Applejack gawked. “I’m sorry?”

“Open wide!” The Siren’s gaze twinkled with laughter, fork primed and ready for action. “And that’s an order!”

She’d opened her mouth to protest, but soon found it filled by the rich flavor of her own meal. Slow to think, much less react, Applejack pulled the morsel from the tines by instinct and complied with her companion’s wishes. What was she supposed to think about all this? Never in her life had she been treated like this before; doted upon, admired- if not utterly adored. Adagio was treating her like she was the most perfect thing on the planet, as if she was the one worthy of all this treatment. Was this how lovers behaved? It was a little silly, but admittedly nice. She wondered if that was something she should feel bad about.

As the last bite was put away, Adagio took the time to see the empty plate thoroughly cleaned; a slow, thorough lick across the fork before putting a finger to the plate and seeing the remnants devoured. Taking note of the young blonde’s awestruck visage, Adagio’s eyes crinkled in a smile and she said, “Sorry. Couldn’t resist. It was just so tasty!”

A small laugh, followed by a glance at those beautiful bosoms- No. She couldn’t look; Applejack averted her gaze and tried to look at anything but the flawless beauty that sat in her lap. “No need to be shy,” came the teasing words. Smooth hands cradled that freckled face and brought green eyes to meet her dark-pink pair. Never had Applejack found herself entranced by such a sight; they gleamed like stars, shining with a deep, luscious light that was more beautiful and more lovely than anything she’d ever seen. Rarity had often been compared to diamonds; there was nothing in the world that could compare to this.

“Wow.”

Adagio laughed, a sound of delight rather than mockery. “That’s the spirit,” she said sweetly, seeming to lean ever closer. “It’s OK to have fun, you know. You might even like it.”

She was close- so very close- and the intent was definitely clear! “Wait!” Applejack gave a protest, weak and feeble against the onset of this beauty.

The sweet beauty, however, did take a moment to pause. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

The explanation she was going to have to give was not one she was all that keen to divulge. It wasn’t like she didn’t know what Adagio’s job was, and what she was about to grace on Applejack was going to be something mildly momentous. But she couldn’t just keep waiting. “You’ll-” The farmgirl struggled, embarrassment not keen on letting the secret slip. “You’ll, umm… be… well.”

Adagio sat there puzzled- but only for a moment longer, her face suddenly aglow with delight and she gave a gasp. “I’ll be your first kiss?” she guessed. “Aww, that’s so sweet, you didn’t need to save it just for me!”

That wasn’t exactly true, but she had been saving it for something special. Did this qualify in any way? “I mean-”

A finger suddenly fell upon her lips and struck all protests into silence. “Don’t worry,” Adagio murmured, “I’ll make sure it’s extra special…”

Applejack couldn’t stop the moment from happening- even if she could make up her mind about whether or not she wanted to! Not a word, not a sound, only eyes turned wide as she felt the presence of another against her lips for the first time in her life. A gentle press at first, then a deepened feeling as Adagio pulled her in close and allowed the kiss to truly deepen, a soft caress across that freckled cheek as their moment lasted. She’d never felt anything like this before, the warmth of another person brought forth in such intimacy- and the tenderness of it! Adagio’s lips were incredibly, indescribably soft, so plump and smooth. There was no way Applejack’s own pair could hope to compare to such a loveliness, not even close. She couldn’t help but feel a brilliant rush of affection for this woman, more than any sense of friendship for sure. Attraction?

No, she surmised; that was too tame a word.

Adagio parted from her companion slowly, letting the magic of the moment continue on for a little longer as she left the freckled woman dazed. A small began to form on her lips as she admired her handiwork- and the feel of hands beginning to wrap around her waist. “Mmm.” A small lick of her lips, as though to savor the flavor. “You are yummy.”

Applejack regained her sense from shock’s grasp and let her focus fall on the sweet Siren with whom she had just shared such a wondrous moment. “Wow,” she gasped, hardly able to speak at all.

A small giggle. “That good?”

“Amazing.”

“I’m glad,” the sultry beauty murmured, “That’ll make what comes next so much more fun.”

The young blonde could feel her leaning in closer and she knew she wanted to reciprocate. The tenderness of those lips beckoned for her, begged for her to unite once more- but an intrusive thought wormed its way into her mind and blared its presence: She doesn’t care. This is her job. It’s all about money. A potent, powerful thought, and one she couldn’t unthink.

Adagio could feel that rising boldness begin to melt away, fingers slipping their grasp and body losing its tension; the falling countenance of the lovely blonde confirming her suspicions. “Hey,” she said, a finger beneath the chin and bringing those emerald eyes back to her own. “What’s the matter?”

It would be cruel to say it aloud. But how could she hope to achieve a lie? “This… it ain’t really- real,” Applejack murmured. Just saying it aloud was unpleasant, painful even. Why did such an obvious truth hurt to say? “This is all just made up.”

“I don’t get you.” The Siren had expected words about a love lost, a kiss meant for someone special; not something this morose. “I mean, I’m… I’m sorry if I did something wrong or-”

“You’re just doing your job. You don’t… care.” It was blunt, honest, and not at all welcome said aloud. “This is just about money.”

Adagio’s own countenance began to fall away at the remark. There was no sign of offense taken, nor did she loosen her hold on her companion. The small bout of befuddlement, however, did not last long; her smile returned and she caressed the young woman’s face, a gentle sort of affection with no force behind it. “You didn’t need to make me dinner, either,” she murmured. “And you’ve been so sweet to me. I can’t imagine why you’re single; every woman should be desperate to have you.”

“But that doesn’t-”

“Ssh…” Adagio’s jeweled eyes twinkled with that sparkling light, playful as she kept her command of the world. “I wanna keep having fun with you, if that’s OK. This is actually the best date night I’ve had in ages.”

Applejack wanted to keep protesting; nothing about this was right, nothing of what Adagio said was even true. But this woman had put a spell on her, somehow found a way to keep bitter sorrow at bay. And then she saw the tinge in those beautiful eyes, a dull sadness in the corner that suggested something real beneath all of this warmth. “A-”

“You got Netflix or something?” The luscious Siren inquired. “I’d love a movie night in, if that’s OK. Sound fun?”

There was still bourbon in the cupboard that had yet to be touched- and the fine form of Adagio was not one she was quite ready to be rid of just yet. “S- Sounds fun.”

Ten minutes later, she wondered if any sense of normality was to be found in this night at all. Or perhaps all her life had been an avoidance of it for some odd reason or another, because the comfort of this woman nestled so closely beside her was intoxicating. Leaning back against the couch as the images of an old movie passed them by, the young blonde found much of her form held fast in place by the gentle weight of Adagio leaning against her. She could even smell the shampoo she’d used across her waves of hair- it was a vicious temptation to breathe it all in. But more than anything, perhaps it was the feeling of another so willing to be there with her, to exude that physical comfort and let mere presence speak to this new depth of affection.

Adagio gave a small sigh, not a sound of displeasure or weariness but that of relaxation and contentment. Warm, well-fed, and the mild sweetness of bourbon on her lips had put the great beauty into a highly comfortable state. A stray hand plied its way up and down her farmgirl’s thigh, kept apart from skin only by the denim of the jeans adorning her toned form. Perhaps pointless, but the intent behind the gesture was what mattered most.

“I never would’ve taken you for a fan of dramas,” the Siren remarked after a time, glancing over her shoulder at the pretty-faced girl upon whom she lay. “You’ve been full of surprises today.”

A small laugh, but Applejack did not avert her eyes this time; perhaps ease was at last taking strength in her bones. “What makes you say that?”

Adagio shrugged. “Oh, just a guess. I figured you’d be all about westerns, comedies- things like that.”

“Not as much as you might think.”

“Whose Gunsmoke collection is that on the mantle?” Those green eyes looked away from their dazzling mate as she avoided answering the question, earning a breath of good humor in reply. “I knew it. Did you pick Casablanca just for me?”

“I’ve never seen it before. Thought it might be as good a time as any,” Applejack attempted to explain.

For one who was the poster child for honesty, the poker face was a horrendous failure. “You are a terrible liar,” Adagio teased.

Caught out and she knew it. “It… fit the mood, I guess,” she admitted. “And I was only sort of lying, I swear.”

Adagio continued to shake with contained mirth, but didn’t seem to mind seeing her farmgirl’s sweetness, still gently rubbing her hand across Applejack’s thigh. “This is nice.”

It was, actually; the dark colors of the night outside made the pale light of the colorless film feel almost warm, cozy even. The sweat of their iced glass –try as she might, Adagio had insisted they share one- seemed to ripple with the brightness as the story plunged alone. And there was the serene Siren herself, so comforting and lovely that still she consumed so much of her attention. Applejack wanted to pay attention to the movie, but this beauty was becoming the centerpiece of her focus.

“Can I- is it OK if I ask you something?”

Adagio, turning from the TV, gazed up at her partner. “Anything.”

Perhaps it was rude to inquire, but her curiosity begged to be sated. It hadn’t been too terribly long since they’d met last, after all. “How- what have you been doing?” Applejack asked. “To get to this?”

Another slow flicker in that ever-lovely appearance; a breaking of profession for reasons and memories that her half-open mouth were unwilling to recall. There was a moment that she seemed willing to break, perhaps spill at least one of her secrets- and then gone just as quickly, turning away from that questioning gaze before she did loosen her tongue.

It had been an intrusive question, and certainly one that broke the tone of the evening. Recognizing that she’d gone too far, Applejack bit her lip and said, “Sorry. That was mean.”

“It’s alright, sweetheart. You didn’t mean anything by it,” Adagio said, returning to form as though nothing had even been said.

“Guess you got your answer for why I’m still single,” Applejack chuckled. After all the decency she’d been shown throughout the night, it had been a terrible idea to even want to ask.

“Oh, don’t you start trying to feel bad,” the beauteous woman protested, her chidings gentle even as the words held a firmness to them. “You’ve been the absolute sweetest all night. I think that’s what you’re best at.”

That remark earned a bitter response, the freckled girl’s laughter swift and sour. “Now who’s lying?”

“I’m not! You’ve been wonderful,” Adagio said. “Goodness, if I’d known you were this sweet before now then I would’ve made you mine ages ago.”

“Do I look like a romantic to you?”

A faux-pause as Adagio mulled over the evidence, one finger to her lips to add to the spectacle. “Well… you cook me dinner, buy me a drink, and sit me down for a classic movie,” she mused, “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re trying to take me to bed.”

“Whoa now- I’m not-” Applejack’s comfort had been washed aside once more, freckled face flush red as she squirmed beneath the Siren’s playful smile. “I mean, you’ve been nice to me and all-”

“You think I show up to every house and get treated like a lady?” The gorgeous women inquired, her playful nature alive and kicking; turning about, suddenly she was within the farmgirl’s lap yet again and commanding all attentions, with more than a little petting as her fingers traced along the smooth contours of her partner’s cheeks. “You haven’t even tried to kiss me once! You’d hurt my feelings if you weren’t so polite.”

“I mean-”

“Why don’t you give me a try, hmm?” She offered. The two were face-to-face, the sensuous angel not allowing the slightest ounce of her partner’s attentions to be elsewhere. “Can I get a kiss from my favorite girl, pretty please?”

The kiss Adagio had given her was nothing short of perfection, how could she hope to compare? She certainly couldn’t replicate. But how could she refuse the offer when she so desperately wanted to take it? Trembling, slow in her movements, Applejack placed a hand on the beautiful woman’s face and closed the miniscule gap to place a tentative kiss on those splendid lips. A light press, the union hindered by nerves that saw them together for only a brief moment before she had to fall away.

The sumptuous being appeared unfazed by the fearful action, eyeing the freckled beauty with a smoldering gaze. “You’re teasing me,” she pouted, “Oh, you are mean.”

“I’m not- I’m sorry,” Applejack said, her voice shrinking with shame. “I know it was bad. I’m no good at this.”

“You just haven’t had the chance to practice,” Adagio said, pulling her form in closer until the two were wound tight. Her exquisite bust was brilliant and oh so close, but the light of those eyes was something magical; caught between two treasures, the emerald gaze of Applejack could hardly stay settled for long. “I bet you’d be the perfect partner once you got started. I’d love to find out.”

Oh wow. It wasn’t as though the offer hadn’t been on the table all evening, but said so openly-! The poor blonde felt her breath be taken away by the mere thought that this incredible, beautiful woman wanted to actually- well, have sex with her. “Are- you wanna do- are you sure? With me?” She asked. Surely she had to protest this; Adagio deserved better than a green-as-grass rookie. “But- come on, I ain’t even kissed before you showed up, you sure-”

“Hush, darling,” Adagio breathed, yet again striking her brilliant blonde dumb. “Now, I am a very proud woman, so don’t you make me beg. Alright?”

“Uh-”

“You’ve been alone for too long, and someone’s gonna steal you away soon if I’m not careful,” Adagio whispered, “So I really, really need to have you first.”

This was happening. This was actually happening- going to happen, actually. The lush woman unwilling to relinquish her arms about her neck, Applejack rose on unsteady feet with the magnificent beauty still in her grasp and her heart pounding as she accepted the tantalizing offer. Only a few short hours ago, she had expected to spend the night alone, drinking liquor and getting tipsy in the hopes of avoiding self-pity. Now, an angel was begging for her body so it would be hers to ravish.

“Ooh, carried like a prize. You really are going to make me want to stay here forever,” Adagio squealed delightedly, perfectly content to lounge in the strong arms of her freckled paramour as the two moved towards their final destination.