Hot Summer Nights

The small nightclub long known as The Four Roses had been for many years a time-honored hideaway, an establishment that was known by sight and name but was entered by only those who possessed knowledge of the secrets within. Being somewhat off the beaten path gave the quiet jazz lounge a unique atmosphere, not totally forgotten but often lost amidst the hubbub and dizzying pace that saw the main thoroughfares kept alight deep into the depths of the weekend nights. Within its four walls were the soft notes of well-played music, perfectly settled in the background so as to let conversation flow in a mild privacy. For those who knew the comfortably lit lounge, it was considered a unique treasure that gave its denizens everything they could ask for a comfortable night out: good drinks, pleasant company, and a cozy atmosphere.

Recent months, however, had seen this serenity and reclusion begin to transform into a different season. As word trickled out and away into the rest of the world, the more did The Four Roses see its seats kept filled even late into the hours of the night, when the rest of the world was too inebriated to reflect upon the beautiful voice before them. After all, who did not want to be present when she sang, to hear the silvery notes that would peal through the night, comfortable to the ear as silk upon one’s skin? To hear such melodious sound was to be spellbound, set to attention as the softened voice of a beautiful young woman held their focus with rapt fixation. The sound of her singing made each sip of liquor more pleasant, the company with whom they shared it all the more lovely. It was not a detraction to hear her, to see her no distraction. To have one so pristine there for their entertainment was magic of a unique kind, one that was meant to be shared with those around them. It fit her own actions so perfectly.

The darkened dress of midnight ocean shimmered beneath the faint light that shone down onto the piano stage where she performed, just atop the lid and leaning slightly back so as to let her figure ripple under both light and eye. The notes that came to life below did nothing to wound her own, seemingly soaking through her skin and coming alive as something transformed and all the more beautiful; when she sang, the key could not have been clearer. Her voice was more than heavenly, and the woman who sung them even more so. Every inch of her was sensuous and beautiful, more than a perfect match for the brilliant tones that echoed across her lips. The entire lounge was spellbound by this beautiful tune, a love ballad of days gone by that now saw its beauty made all the clearer through her actions. They who listened could not want it to end, not even begin to wonder if it should. Whenever this beautiful lady of music and sound came to a conclusion so would they, and celebrate they would at her timely choice.

One last note pealed through the calm air and melted slowly away into the darkened world of the nightclub, fittingly wrapped by the final few seconds of a calm piano’s keys clinking away against well-wound strings. As their last sounds roamed away into nothingness and finality chose to reign, the audience knew no other reaction than applause so well-deserved. This beautiful woman had hypnotized them with her skills, a beauty that seemed almost too much for life to encapsulate; how could they do anything but deliver her their praise? A lovely smile came their way in return, a small bow of gratitude at the gesture of kindness- and then departure from the stage that so suited her.

As the beautiful woman with ginger locks passed through the crowd, the hushed whispers of adoration rang clearly in her ears. No longer filled by the sound of music, how could she hope to keep them quiet? Their praise continued to fall before her, hushed words of wonder and delight at both herself and her performance. They were welcome, appreciated, and most assuredly good to hear; but to consider them the zenith of her evening would be untrue, despite the warmth that now came her way. Adagio Dazzle possessed a singular focus, a solitary vision that made her voice so wonderfully refined, and to that did she now stride. Let the unknowns heap their praises, the rabble remark of her loveliness; where her gleaming gaze rested was on something far more fair.

Adagio’s smile only deepened as it came to match that of her beloved; sitting perfectly centered amidst the crowd at a table meant just for two was Celestia, more beautiful and lovely than any in the crowd could hope to match. Older than herself, yes, but didn’t that maturity make her all the finer? Celestia’s beauty was a timeless thing, a willing sensuality that was made to echo her own. What Adagio wore, so there would be Celestia to be her perfect match. What countenance she carried, so too would this sunlit beauty. And if the dulcet siren found herself so apt to be amorous, then how lovely would their evenings be.

“You were perfect, as always,” Celestia said happily, a hand outstretched so as to greet her beautiful beloved. “It was a pleasure to hear you tonight.”

“Mmm… only because you were here, my sweet angel,” Adagio purred, taking Celestia’s awaiting hand in hers and planting a gentle kiss upon her softened fingers as she made to take her seat. “If you hadn’t been able to show up, heaven knows what I would have done.”

“I am always more than glad to be your muse,” the resplendent beauty said, gaze kept fixated upon the sultry form of her affectionate girlfriend; an odd match perhaps, but one she had no desire to remedy. Adagio had been so unwilling to let her slip through her fingers, so eager to hold her tight. And oh, how deeply she had desired it... “I hope that means a reward might come my way.”

“A reward? Why, you minx,” Adagio said, leaning over to meet her partner, “it will only be a taste of what awaits you tonight.” Their lips met so gently, a pristine sight of sweet beauty that would captivate those who dared to look upon them; such romance and affection was not for mortal eyes, too much for the common folk to see. When the beautiful siren took her place beside that gentlehearted goddess, they were locked away in a world all their own.

“Oh, my darling Adagio,” Celestia sighed as softened lips at last parted, “what did I ever do without you? I can never understand why you decided to stay with a tired old thing like me.”

“Tired? Old? Why, Cellie,” Adagio gasped at the remark, clearly distraught at such a callous blow. “You just haven’t seen yourself in that dress. I can hardly keep my hands off you.”

Celestia smiled; indeed she was beautiful to the eye, a fitting mermaid gown of deepest blue upon her form as to pair with her beloved songstress. Though perhaps not as voluptuous as her more youthful partner, what form the lovely woman possessed was fine indeed, slender and graceful to the eye. When comfortably nestled beside the curvaceous form or Adagio, the two were more than a perfect match; they were loveliness incarnate, a splendor of a bygone era. “I’m glad you think so,” she replied. “My sweet, you make a girl feel young again.”

“I hope more than just that.”

“Oh, so much more.” It was Celestia’s turn to see them come together, plump lips pressing firmly against their mate in a deep kiss far too lovely for mortal feeling. The softness of Adagio against her was heavenly, that intent and meaning with which the young beauty kissed. When Celestia found her lips ensnared in such passions, what else could she do but melt in her embrace? With Adagio she was loved, and so she loved in return. It was all she had ever really wanted.

“I hope you’re not too tired already,” the melodious siren murmured as their kiss came to a close, lovely eyes gleaming with a sultry mischief. “I’m free for the evening, and the night is young.”

“Ooh, am I invited to join you?” Celestia teased. “An evening with the city’s newest starlet, what an opportunity.”

“Tonight, and every night, my angel,” Adagio said. “After a long night’s effort, who else could make me feel so alive?”

Celestia beamed, youthful energies turned ready to smolder as the tempting words of her sweet siren rang in her ears. With nothing to hold them back and an evening’s private festivities now awaiting them, the two beauteous beings rose from their seats amidst the crowded lounge and took one another about the waist, hearts afire as they departed from hushed whispers and the quiet public to places much more discreet that would see them satisfied. Enough songs had been sung for the masses tonight, ballads made to tempt the unknowing; awaiting them lay a comfortably furnished bedroom in which they would frolic and love, smooth skin pressed deeply together as they made a brilliant music all their own.

The night carried on in a secluded corner of their world, far away from prying eyes and deeply bound beneath the tangle of form that saw them united; sights made better by touch, action heightened by the sound that came after, emotion turned to ecstasy by the depths of their feeling. Wearied bodies slickened by fluids fell against comfortable bedsheets, fiery kisses let their passions cool and become gentle; Adagio could only sigh as she felt the loving warmth of Celestia’s romantic affections, a magic all its own that had more than healed her hidden wounds. How could she be any more perfect, more willing to keep her strong? Their love was everything she had ever needed; heaven forbid anything ever try to take her sweet prize away.

You’re fine, she told herself, a calming tone to her inner monologue coming to life at the notice of her rapidly tapping sandal. It’s just an old friend. You’re not doing anything intense, you’re not under any pressure. Why not just relax? Sunset Shimmer held a finger to her neck and felt the rapid beat of her pulse beneath the skin, mocking her words more clearly than anything else could hope to match. She was more than just a little nervous, despite all her knowledge of the inbound scenario and the low stakes that came with it. See? Just more proof you need to relax. You’ll be no fun to talk to.

“Oh come on,” Sunset muttered. “This is supposed to be fun, it doesn’t have to mean anything.” It was the truth and the anxious woman knew it; this wasn’t a date, it was just an early lunch at a nearby café between friends, a time away from work and her normal habits. She hadn’t intended to make anything of it beyond just a pleasant social call. But as she knew too well, old feelings weren’t always easily buried beneath years of time away, no matter how many ways you tried to deny it. Sunset wanted this to be a date, wanted it to be more than just a simple social call. She’d spent more years than she wanted to admit dreaming about small moments like this, peaceful rendezvous that spoke to a happy romance between lovers. Even in her younger days she’d dreamed of it- just maybe not quite like this. “No,” she admitted after a fashion, “definitely not like this.”

“I hope I’m not too late.” The warm voice Sunset had been waiting for streamed through her ears, making her stomach twist and jerk upwards to take in the sight of Princes- no, Principa- no, just Celestia smiling down at her, reaching to pull away her seat and take a place at the table. “I know I’m probably running a few minutes behind. Getting away from school can be difficult during lunch hours.”

“N- no, you’re fine,” Sunset stammered, her smile perhaps a bit too wide as her companion joined her in the nestled corner at the café window. “I’ve only been here a few minutes myself, you’re more than OK. It’s good to see you!”

“And you,” Celestia replied. “It’s been quite a while since we talked last. You had just started working at UMC, am I right?”

“Yeah, it was,” Sunset said. “Thanks- so much, for your help with that, by the way. I know it’s just as a reference…”

Celestia’s smile was just as warm as ever, a softness of the features that spread across the entirety of her being and seemed to glow like the beams of sunlight in the morning. It was a sight that could make any heart melt, as far as Sunset was concerned. “I was more than happy to speak when they gave me a call. There would hardly be anyone better to join the research staff than you.”

Sunset felt a small flush creep up her face, her voice kept silent by the need to quell it’s growth. But she loved the sound of that silken voice, and the words that came with it- words of praise, meant for her! How could she not smile? “It’s been a great job,” she said. “Like, a really great one. It’s really hard and I’m kept really busy, but… it means something. Like I’m able to really make an impact. Does that make sense?”

“Of course it does!” Celestia assured her, pausing only for their drinks to be set before them. “You always had the talent, but maybe you didn’t always know how to make it matter. I’m glad to see that you chose to help people with that mind of yours.”

“Well, I…” Sunset hesitated; was this even something she should say? “I had you as a great example. You were able to help us kind of… you know, think things out. Figure out what to do with ourselves. I guess I wanted to do something like that, too. In my own way.”

It was the high praise, and even moreso for a dutiful schoolteacher who rarely ever saw the fruits of their labor. “Well, thank you very much. It’s good to see you again, Sunset.”

“You too.” Sunset’s smile was strong, her heart hammering away a bit too giddily within her chest, but she was in the midst of a moment that had been a continuous daydream. It was difficult not to enjoy so thoroughly.

It had been an awkward day when she had fully realized the depths of her feelings. Having a schoolgirl crush on your longtime teacher was a normal rite of passage for any young person, a check in the box that simply seemed to strike everyone at some point or another. But when Sunset realized she had come to possess that same depth of feeling for her mentor even into her adult years, the discomfort had been palpable. After all, the age gap was one thing- how were you supposed to get over the dynamic, become more than just student and teacher? It was a difficult scenario all on it’s own-

And made worse when she had discovered that those feelings were even stronger for her former mentor’s doppelganger. The shame had been so substantial that her first instinct had been little more than total denial. Romantic affection for Celestia, her former high school principal? That wasn’t just a regular session of unpleasant, but more akin to a full psychiatric workout. Denial had been her first instinct once realization had done its job; what had come next was dealt with in the dark in a much more discreet manner. Sunset had done everything she could to dispel such thoughts, rid herself of the feelings. But try as she might, there they remained- and burning more fiercely all the time. So they had come to today, her first attempt to reach out and reconnect. If she was even half as smart as she assumed she was, Sunset could see a little success here. A little flirting, a little brush of romance; small kindling to help set the sparks. It was too early to make the flames burn, but she could at least begin to try.

“So, umm… how- how have you been?” Sunset asked, picking away at a ripe cherry tomato in her salad. “I know it’s been ages since we last spoke.”

“It certainly has. I hope you weren’t trying to forget me,” Celestia remarked.

The poor woman gave a start. No way. “Forget- no, of course not! I was just- you know, I was still kind of a kid, and it’s just-”

Celestia laughed, the teasing sound like clear rain. “I understand. You get so eager to spread your wings and fly that you’re not looking back. Have things been treating you well?”

Sunset gave a small sigh of disappointment, but nodded all the same. “It has. I’ve been- well, working a lot. I keep up with the girls a little, but everyone’s just sort of gone their own way now. I was visiting with Pinkie just the other day.”

“That’s high school for you. Everyone suddenly has a different life and priorities,” Celestia said. “How did things go with Fluttershy? I remember you two had started dating just a couple months before graduation.”

A wry smile came in response. “Didn’t make it through the first year of college,” Sunset admitted. “It wasn’t- you know, messy, but it was too awkward to still hang out.”

Celestia’s smile remained, though tinged with her trademark sympathy. “I’m sorry, I know it’s never fun.”

Sunset shrugged. “It’s part of growing up. I’m glad it happened, even if it didn’t end perfectly,” she said. “I moved on, so did she- last I heard from Rarity, she was working at some animal rehab center on the west coast and loving every minute of it.”

“A wise way to look at it. You always were rather mature for your age.”

“The angry bully was your mature one?” Sunset inquired, more than a little skeptical.

“In… a fashion. You caught up quickly,” Celestia replied, not willing to give further ground. “I was more afraid that you’d always try to compare yourself to who you were rather than moving on.”

“I did for a while, really. Especially after Fluttershy and I broke up. But talking it out helped,” Sunset said. “I thought I’d done something wrong by making it end- I mean, I wasn’t perfect about it, but we both agreed to stop because it wasn’t going to be the best for either of us. And that was a good decision for her and me. I just figured a bad person would’ve tried something else.”

“And you’re definitely right. Not every person is compatible, so sometimes you have to just cut your ties and move on,” Celestia replied. “Goodness, you really are quite the wise young woman. I’m sure your wife adores you for it.”

Sunset laughed, intermingled with her bemusement and shame. “No, I’m… still single,” Sunset said, waving her bare finger for further proof. “I kept working, never really got around to it since. I don’t know.” It was the truth, save for the very last bit; Sunset knew full well why she was single, as well as what means she was taking to correct it. “I’d like to try my hand at dating again, though. I just want it to be with someone worthwhile.”

“They’d be more than lucky to have you,” Celestia said sweetly. “Smart, fashionable, and beautiful? That’s more than anyone could ask for.”

“Oh, stop! I’m just…” Sunset didn’t even attempt to hold back her blush, her smile embarrassed but brilliant. “What about you? You were always so dedicated to being a good teacher to all of us- did you just never make any time for dating life, or were you happy as is?”

Celestia’s serene countenance suddenly began to transform before the younger woman’s eyes, no longer tranquil but instead sly from a rush of thought and emotion. “Funny that you should mention it, really,” she said slowly.

Oh please no. Sunset could feel the cold horror in her bones, a sinking feeling in her stomach. Don’t say it, don’t say it…

“Have you heard of the jazz lounge over on Meeting? The Four Roses?”

Sunset nodded. Please no. “I know it’s gotten really popular lately…”

Celestia was trying to keep herself composed, but failing all the more with each passing second. She seemed ready to wriggle, simply stream with joy. “I was there about a year ago, and- well, I met someone.”

No!

“… And she is,” Celestia added, her face truly aglow, “the nightclub’s current singer.”

Sunset smiled in delight. You have got to be shitting me! Far too much planning had just found itself flushed away in the span of no more than ten seconds; with little other suitable options available to her, the horrorstruck woman could only be gregarious in return. “That’s great! I’m so happy for you, you really deserve someone who loves you.”

“She’s been wonderful. Truly, just- a blessing,” Celestia said, speaking with such a warmth that the sound of it made her companion’s heart twist. “A younger girl, your age if you must know. When she came up to me that very first night, I thought I was being made fun of. But oh my…”

Her smile remained, but Sunset knew it was starting to strain. She was doing her best to be happy for the woman she liked, but to hear of her sexual exploits by the hands of another was not on her list of enjoyable activities. “Well it certainly sounds like you’ve had a good time,” Sunset remarked. “I hope I’m not causing you two any trouble, what with meeting you like this.”

“Hmm? Oh, of course not!” Celestia replied. “Neither of us are hardly the jealous type, she wouldn’t worry. In fact, it would be lovely if the three of us were able to meet up again sometime soon.”

“I’d like that.” Half-true, at the very least; time to accept her feelings weren’t going to be reciprocated, and at least form a genuine friendship rather than simply ghosting away. “I’m free this Sunday, how about I come by the lounge for drinks? It’ll be my treat.”

“You’re sweet, but Sunday’s actually a day off,” Celestia said. “Why not let us treat you? You can come by the house and we’ll have a little get-together. I haven’t hosted any sort of formal dinner party in a while, if you’d give me the excuse…”

“Sure, I can do that. How does seven sound?”

“Seven sounds wonderful,” the sun-kissed woman’s visage aglow with anticipation. “I’m sorry we can’t chat longer, but I do need to start heading back to work.”

Sunset shook the apology away. “I totally understand, I’ll see you both Sunday! And thanks for joining me!” A smile and a wave were gifted to one another as each woman made their goodbyes, friendly to the last as the warmhearted educator headed towards her awaiting car and soon departed. Her once-companion continued to keep eyes upon the one she pined for until not even the tail of her vehicle could be seen; no longer able to be caught, Sunset’s cheery expression promptly fell away and from her lips came a long, disappointed groan.

At least she’d been shut down right from their first meeting. No long wait for confession, no embarrassing denial, nothing at all but a simple catching up between friends that had burst the poor girl’s bubble before it had even been filled. Of all the dratted luck, Sunset grumbled mutely. Damn it all… so much for this turning out to be a date. It could have gone worse, that much she knew, but she wasn’t going to call this a desired outcome. And now I’ve got an evening with Celestia and her girlfriend. I can manage that without being a spoilsport, can’t I?

Sunset’s thoughts towards the future screeched to a halt, flitting back to the past and filtering through the entirety of their conversation. “Did she even mention her girlfriend’s name?” Her analytical mind combed through their shared words, trying to recall the name she had never heard and finding nothing. I wonder why she didn’t say.

Adagio was always the one in control when it came time to frolic beneath the sheets. By her words and actions did she control the tempo, keeping she and her beloved Celestia in perfect rhythm. Lovemaking was an art form, one the two had easily perfected under the siren’s dutiful command. Deprived of magic and long lost from the days when she could leech it away, this new sort of potency that came with physical intimacy was more than enough to satisfy. A little fame, a little wealth, and more than enough adoration to keep her strong and sated. Why ask for more, when this was enough to live the rest of her life so comfortably?

Of course, Adagio knew how to keep her lover satisfied; after all, she couldn’t just simply take and take without end, could she? Maybe a part of her had softened, perhaps a reflection of Celestia’s love for her. Did she echo that love in return? If asked, she would certainly say yes- in her own fashion, for her own reasons. Celestia was more than enough to keep her happy, so the sultry siren did what she could to offer the same. When it came to the moments after, when exhaustion came forth in gasping breaths and wearied forms spent by joyous labor, the united flesh of the two women would relax together in peace. Celestia was by far the chattier of the two after their bouts of passion, the more eager to speak and simply cuddle together happily; seeing as how content it made her, Adagio saw no reason to disrupt such an action.

Tonight, however, with words filtering out into the open air, the commanding beauty found herself struggling to keep her composure.

“Sunset Shimmer, you say?” Adagio echoed, trying not to betray any sense of fear at the sound of the name. “Why, what an unexpected thing to hear.”

Celestia, well-nestled beside Adagio’s bare form, became curious. “You knew her?”

“College. We shared a dorm together for a little while,” Adagio replied; as far as anyone was concerned, the memories of younger days never existed and Celestia may as well think the same. “I remember her well. Quite strong-willed.”

“She certainly was as a younger girl,” Celestia admitted, “Such a fire in her heart- for the longest time, she clashed with quite a few of my students. But a lovely woman nowadays, very kindhearted and pleasant.”

“Then I’ll be glad to have her as our guest,” Adagio said warmly, though her mind raced to the potential fallout of such a meeting. Not one she had anticipated or even planned for, with no shortage of things that could go wrong. It would be a very dangerous confrontation if she didn’t have some sort of plan. “I’m guessing everything went well at lunch, then?”

“It was wonderful to catch up. I don’t always get to see my students later on in life, so it was nice to see how things have gone for her. I was shocked when she called me out of the blue, but she said it would mean a lot to catch up and say hello after all these years.”

Adagio grinned. “There, you see? That just proves it.”

Celestia was left puzzled. “Proves what?”

“You’re just too irresistible, all the young ladies can’t keep away from a woman like you,” Adagio teased.

Celestia gave an embarrassed laugh, heightened all the more as her lover leaned in to place a pair of kisses upon her neck. “Oh, stop! How I ever was lucky enough to meet you…”

“Mmm, but I bet I’m not wrong,” Adagio countered, her mind now racing as the barest form of a plan began to reveal itself in her mind. It was a gamble, and would go horribly wrong if her guess wasn’t correct, but there was a way she could prevent a disaster. “Why else would she try to reconnect? She’s single, seeking you out- and I can hardly blame her.”

The resplendent woman flushed and shook her head, unable to withstand the teasing. “I truly doubt someone as lovely as Sunset would want to waste her time on me.”

“Oh? But I’m lovely- don’t I love you?” Adagio pressed, leaning in closer and trying to keep her beloved spellbound. “Don’t I hunger for you, spend every day waiting to have you in my arms? To feel you pressed against me, so sweet and close?”

Celestia couldn’t keep a straight face, bashful from the heaping praise of her lover and the suggestion that yet another young woman might be pining for her affections. “I always did say you could pick someone better.”

“But I couldn’t,” Adagio whispered. Before there could be a protest, the beautiful woman took hold of Celestia and pressed her down against the mattress, sliding atop her form and keeping her motionless. “I picked the best, and little Miss Sunset’s crush on you just proves it.”

“And if she does have a crush on me?” Celestia breathed, seemingly torn between conversation and the plump lips that now rested just beyond reach of her own. “I must have left her heartbroken today.”

Adagio gave a small, soft smile that spoke of mischief in the making. “Hmm… you sound like you wish you could change that.”

Celestia’s eyes flew wide. “Dagi!”

“Did you think she was pretty, Cellie?” Adagio purred. “You said she was lovely.” She wanted to dig deeper, learn as much as she could. If she could set the stage well enough, then the weekend might offer more than she could dare to hope for.

Confused and now a different form of shamefaced, Celestia’s gaze flitted away. “She- I’m sorry, Dagi… please don’t be mad.”

“It’s alright. I’m not mad,” Adagio said sweetly, a slow kiss upon Celestia’s lips to prove it. “I don’t feel bad when you think other women are pretty.”

Celestia remained uncomfortable, but smiled in gratitude as relief began to filter in. She loved Adagio, positively adored her; the thought of some silly attraction to anyone else ruining that was awful to imagine. “Can I make it up to you?”

“Oh, you don’t have to do that,” Adagio replied. But still came the kisses, across fair features and teasing Celestia’s eagerly awaiting lips over and over as the sensuous siren caressed her prize everywhere else: a brush of her neck, a nibble of the ear, a soft peck upon the forehead. Anywhere but the lips that so desperately craved for her affections, needed their touch as though life depended on it. Celestia was struggling each time she passed by, eyes clouding with desperation the longer she was left bereft.

“Dagi,” Celestia breathed. “I promise I’m sorry…”

“You’re more than forgiven, my angel,” Adagio murmured, a slow kiss upon the cheek. “You don’t need to feel bad.” Another nibble of the ear, sliding down to a long lick of her neck-

Hands took hold of her face and brought her in for a desperate, passionate kiss that made even Adagio struggle not to swoon. The passion with which Celestia loved, the depth of her infatuation! Adagio’s skills of temptation had ensnared her deeply, made her besotted, and now the benefits were almost more than she could handle. The feel of Celestia’s lips upon hers, that slow pressing gesture she knew so well-! The siren complied and opened wide, her beauteous beloved pulling upon her tongue and suckling away as though it held the sum of all love and life in the world.

A gesture cut short far too soon, by Celestia’s standards; Adagio pulled away from those eager lips and let their trail fall upon their naked forms. Sitting atop the waist of her hungering prize, her own lustful gaze was mere child’s play compared to the smoldering passion that had transfigured the other. “Please don’t keep me away,” Celestia pleaded, holding to her partner tight as though afraid she might flee. “I know you’re mad-”

“Mad?” Adagio teased. “Another pretty young thing wants you for herself, but you come rushing right back to me. Oh, my sweet Celestia, you know how that makes me feel?” She began to slide back even further, coming to a kneeling position and beginning to spread trembling legs wide. “So very turned on.”

Adagio took the plunge and heard the first glorious cry; they always knew how to make such beautiful music together.