> A First Time For Everything
>  by KingdaKa
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Go On Ahead-
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The bell ringing was the signal that morning had come to an end, the sudden screeching and clinking of metal against tile floor ever the reply as students made haste to depart for their next destination. Perhaps one or two would hang back for friendly chatter or to speak with their teacher, but the majority simply wished to be anywhere else rather than where they were. Friends were strewn across the building, significant others wished to be reunited, or others simply wanted a moment of rest. But the last bell of morning? That was the ultimate social call, a singular source of satisfaction now calling out their name. Empty stomachs pleaded to find respite, and wearied minds enduring the long morning were eager to comply. Lunch was at hand, and the call for social relaxation beckoned to all.

Except to one, if she could see her way about things.

“Wait, you don’t wanna come to lunch?” Sunset stared at her friend with a cock-eyed gaze, not sure if what she were hearing was a joke. After all, Granny Smith was the one who held charge of the kitchens- and this was her granddaughter. “Are… you sure you’re feeling OK?”

“I’m fine. I promise, I really am,” Applejack declared, still yet to look her friend in the face as she tended to the numerous items that held space within her locker. “I’m just not super hungry, I figured I’d enjoy the sunshine for a bit. It’s nice outside.”

“I mean, it was this morning,” Sunset countered. The sound of thunder above their heads reverberated through the school for added emphasis, the comfortable roar above their heads not the A/C but rather the consistent pitter-patter of raindrops droning down in a fury. “I think you’d catch a cold more likely than a sunbeam.”

The blonde farmgirl pulled a face that only she would bear witness to, the tightness of her lips a secret known only to one. She wasn’t lying, amazingly enough; she’d meant what she said when she’d mentioned enjoying the sunshine. The alternative wasn’t a whole lot better, really. “I’m still not all that hungry,” she added, as though the words would somehow bring about a change in reality. She wasn’t, but that would have little effect on her friend’s concerns.

“You don’t have to eat. I don’t think we’re gonna force you!” Sunset said, humor in her smile as she said so. “Come on, we’ll be glad to have you for company. That’s never gonna change, you know that!”

You sure about that? Applejack wanted to challenge that statement, more than she ever had anything in all her young life. She’d been used to being their little group’s den mother for years at this point, the steadfast hand that kept them grounded and centered upon a singular point- one another. Now, however, her purpose within their mix was more than a little muddled, if not lost to the sands of time in its entirety.

Her time with the ones she called friend certainly didn’t help to clear matters up in the slightest. They’d kept to their usual bench in the cafeteria for four years now, so comfortably part of their world that it might as well have their name written upon it. Surrounded by the chatter of others, the numerous lives and events that made up their own, they had their strange bit of solace in a public place. But that had been another time, another life; Applejack’s seat in their midst had found its way to being what was more or less relegation. No longer did she sit fully in the center, the even keel that kept them tempered. She had been shunted, though she admitted not unkindly, to the side. After all, everyone else needed a seat next to someone else- why shouldn’t she be willing to comply?

“We’ll be glad to have you for company.” Sunset’s words seemed to ring hollow when set before the presence of current reality, if Applejack had anything to say about it. They were all adults, and she was the only one who didn’t have any sort of attachments to weigh her down. Watching her friends interact with one another, it was clear that how they operated in regards to her was of a different, less intimate fashion; Rarity was more than happy upon Sunset’s lap, the two lovebirds possessing their usual bravado that was a mixture of tactful and eager. Even how they interacted with one another was always on the razor’s edge of decency, never quite one way or the other. A hand trying to ply beneath clothing that would soon be slapped away; a kiss upon neckflesh that would be chided- each moment the two spent together was on the cliff’s edge of something else far more passionate.

If it had just been they two, then perhaps it could have been bearable. But Applejack’s gaze shifted from the lovey couple across the table from her and found itself settling, albeit temporarily, on the eagerly entwined pair to her side. To see Twilight and Rainbow so eagerly glued together wasn’t exactly an unusual sight for her to see; who the source of their passions came from was unknown to her –in all honesty, it might be both- but the two had apparently decided that a time together spent not kissing was a moment wasted. Judging by the sounds they made as their enjoyment rose, not to mention their rather extravagant handsiness, this was likely one of their more tame activities together.

At least, in her discernment, the most tolerable pair she had to endure was that of the softest in their midst. Pinkie’s exuberant personality still found its times to shine when the moment permitted, but Fluttershy’s more reserved nature had made them a tolerable couple to be about. Their presence together was peaceful and kind, built upon softly whispered songs and small touches that brought about giggles. The two still found ways to look out for others, but their focus nonetheless remained upon one another when the chips were down. Alone, a solitary dyad amongst others, they were lovely.

Applejack wanted to appreciate them all. They were her friends, each and every one of them. Speaking to them one-on-one was a joy, a gift; she loved them with the wholeness of her heart. Kindred that went beyond blood, without a doubt; but this past year had seen them find romance amidst each other, love blossoming and turning into a sickly sweetness. One morsel of candy was a pleasure- a pound of sugar every day for every week was enough to make one sick. And considering that this had endured for over six months…

“This is unbearable,” Applejack muttered.

She’d thought the words had been spoken quietly. A dim, dulled musing spoken to the tile floor rather than to anyone that could hear them. But the sweet nothings spoken between fire and diamond came to an abrupt halt at the sound of such an abrasive tone arising from the unexpected source; the two turned from one another and to the dour blonde in their company, taking note of her unexpected malcontent.

“Applejack? What’s wrong, darling?” Rarity inquired.

So innocent an inquiry. Her friend wasn’t meaning anything but kindness, if her guess was correct. Applejack knew it as well as she knew anything. But how did the words rankle her, bring about such a vexation! “I’m fine,” she said, hoping that her words came across as something mild. “Just talking to myself, that’s all.”

The beautiful farmgirl was the incarnation of honesty, truth spoken into human form and given life; not one of their number could find it in themselves to believe her, especially when her words carried such rancor. “You really don’t sound like you’re fine,” Sunset said, allowing Rarity to slither from her lap so the two could face their friend. “Sounds more like something’s bothering you. Are you OK?”

The genial chatter all about her was fading fast. The serene world of Fluttershy and Pinkie shattered, the whispers of something foul coming their way and bringing a fetid stink: even Twilight and Rainbow’s slickened kisses had come to a halt so as to better focus upon their friend’s malcontent.

But it wasn’t malcontent. Honest. Applejack wasn’t bitter, she was glad for each and every one of them. This wasn’t an anger at being passed over, it was not a frustration that her friends’ lives were happier than before because of the increased presence of another- no, it really wasn’t so. But she couldn’t shake the prickling upon her neck, the heat on her senses. “You don’t want an answer,” she said swiftly. If only her words had the strength to dissuade them.

“You’re my friend. Why would I not want an answer?” Rainbow inquired, hearing her longtime friend carry a vitriol. She hadn’t heard the farmgirl ever sound like this before.

“Because you won’t like it.” So please stop asking, Applejack added, silently begging for the conversation to come to a close and cease before she really did any damage. Let her cantankerous words fall away into unhappy memory, let no truth lash out to deal wounds that might not heal; these were friends that she wanted for the rest of her life, please don’t let one bad attitude ruin that-

“That’s OK. It’s really OK,” Sunset insisted. The fiery girl’s expression was that of sympathy, clearly invested in the current situation and wanting to know the truth. “Come on, it’s just us- no one’s listening in, you can tell me the truth-”

“Y’all drive me nuts!” Before she’d even been able to find a kinder, gentler translation, the words had slipped out and dealt their hammering stroke upon every single one of her friends. With fire, with wrath, she had lashed out and managed to hurt all of them with just four simple words. That’s not even one word for each of them. Good grief, how sore are you? “That- that was really bad, I’m- I’m super sorry, y’all.” The effect had been immediate, her outburst met with wounded expressions and wide eyes. What she’d said had been the honest answer, but the one she’d least wished to say; all she could do now was prevent further fallout.

“AJ, I’m-” Sunset was the first to gain her voice and just as quickly lost it, either too wounded or too confused to give a definite response. “I don’t want to- look, whatever it is we did –I did- I am really sorry. I’m just worried about you, I wasn’t wanting to be a bother.”

“You’re not being a- forget I said anything,” Applejack said. Better to be forgotten than this continue on.

“No. Hey, come on, you’re my best friend. What’s the deal?” Allowing Twilight the chance to slip out from her grasp and into a more respectable position, Rainbow turned herself about so as to focus upon the farmgirl.

“It doesn’t matter-”

“It matters to me. Why not just tell us?”

“It won’t help anything, that’s why!” Applejack said heatedly. She’d never been more eager to seep into the ground and never be seen again. “Please, can we just let this go?”

“But you’re mad at us, what’s going on? What did we do?”

“Haven’t any of you even noticed what’s happened?” Applejack asked them. If they were going to be this insistent, then why bother with subtlety? It wasn’t as if she could be dishonest and get away with it. “Are we even friends anymore? I’m talking to three people here and y’all know it.”

Those of sun and earth across from her were the swiftest to understand her words, Sunset trading an awkward glance with her girlfriend while the others seemed unable to quite understand what had been thrust upon them. Fluttershy and Pinkie had yet to really recover from the insult, while Rainbow seemed perfectly capable of speaking for two people. “Uh, AJ, there’s six people at this table- OK, seven with you-”

“No, there’s not. There’s you,” she said, pointing a pair of fingers at the befuddled pair before turning to the pair of pink-haired young women. “Then there’s you. And then there’s you,” she finished as she turned to the pair across from her. “We used to be friends. Now every single time we hang out together you only pay attention to just one person. It’s like everybody else doesn’t exist! Why’d this happen, why are we even OK with it?”

Perhaps more sober-minded than their compatriots, Sunset and Rarity felt the judgment weigh upon them more heavily. “AJ, you’re- we’re sorry for making you feel left out. I know that wasn’t right of us at all,” Sunset murmured.

“What are you talking about? We hang out all the time!” Rainbow protested.

“Do we really, though, Rainbow?” Rarity asked. “When was the last time you even said hello to me without Twilight by your side?”

Rainbow, ever the brash personality, was perfectly keen on continuing the debate. Twilight, more quick to pick up tack, put a finger to her girlfriend’s lips. “She’s not wrong. So maybe let this one slide.”

The once-joyful group of friends had gone quiet thanks to this unwelcome, accurate observation. Their former unity had begun to fracture in the face of time, longtime bonds beginning to break the more they grew and found identities of their own. Where camaraderie had once held them fast, now did a deeper feeling course through and hold them close, yet not all to one another; the peaceful heart of their world was starting to break apart forever.

Perhaps it was something that shouldn’t be said, but the sight of her longtime friend so bereft was difficult for even a quiet spirit to endure. Looking upon her dejected companion, Fluttershy felt the need to speak out to the true source of such discomfort. “Applejack,” she began softly, “are you lonely?”

“I am-” the heated response fell away sharply, whether it be the biting back of anger or something else altogether. “I’m just worried. About us. It’s like we don’t care that we’re not friends anymore.”

Rarity’s initial response would have been all adequate, save for the fact that the one speaking was the odd woman out. A group date night would be lovely for everyone but one- and was that the issue here? Was Applejack being forced to see the romantic affection of others and simply endure it? Was she jealous, perhaps? Wishing that it was she was not so? If that was the answer, then how she replied was a bit sticky; she’d have to be especially considerate, seeing as everything Applejack had said wasn’t without merit. “Darling, what are you doing after school on Friday?” she inquired. “Sunset and I were thinking of visiting the night market in butchertown, would you like to join us?”

Despite her occasionaly bumpkin looks, Applejack was no fool; the look she gave the fashionista was both bitter and sorrowed. “Ah gotta work late that day,” the farmgirl said. “Granny Smith’s taking Apple Bloom to that robotics competition in the morning, and Big Mac’s going with so he can work out a business contract while they’re there.”

So you’ll be alone on your birthday. Oh, Applejack… No wonder she was having difficulty keeping her deeply-buried emotions to herself, Rarity surmised. “Would we be able to come by and celebrate with you, at least?” she asked. “Even if it were only for a little while?”

“I’ll be pretty tired, honestly. I’d be no fun for any of ya,” Applejack answered, though it was the first smile they’d seen upon her face all day. Taking to her feet and shaking her hat clear of crumbs, the melancholy blonde took a moment to recompose herself. “I’m sorry… for what I said. I’m glad y’all are happy, I- really. I’m just being a little selfish is all. See ya.”

With even Rainbow possessing the tact to keep her mouth shut until the farmgirl was well out of earshot, the six young women watched as their warm companion strode away in total dejection, ashamed of both feelings and the actions that had been brought about on their behalf. But the moment that she was out of sight-

“We have got to get her laid,” came the overwhelming response. And their response to one another was disaster.

“Laid. That’s going to solve her problems?” Sunset asked, staring at Rainbow as if she couldn’t believe it. “She’s lonely, that doesn’t help.”

Rainbow scoffed. “Oh no, it really does. Try and prove me wrong!”

“For maybe, like, five minutes. But this is a heart issue, darling, not a physical one,” Rarity replied.

“It’s probably both,” Twilight interjected, adding her voice to the mix. “She’s lonely, yeah, but she’s us with one another every single day. It has to wear on her a little.”

“Isn’t there something we can do that’ll make her feel better, though?” Fluttershy asked aloud. “And it- umm- it not be with us acting as couples right in front of her?”

“We’re her friends, why can’t we just hang out like always-”

Fluttershy nodded, but still bit her lip all the same. “Do you really think she’d believe it of us right now? Would we be able to keep away from each other and not just make her feel worse?”

The answer was honest even if they didn’t wish to give it. Applejack’s birthday deserved to be treated as something special, a chance for her to feel as though she belonged. With each of them so deeply entangled, it was likely that it would come across as rubbing salt in the wound rather than being of any help- justified or not.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this,” Sunset muttered. “OK. So what do you think we do? Can’t exactly take her to a bar to pick up girls.”

Rainbow took a moment to answer the question, poring over possibilities within her fast-paced mind- and coming to a conclusion that made her eyes gleam with delight and mischief.

Anyone who knew the prismatic young girl well could foresee trouble in those eyes; Sunset, knowing Rainbow for years, saw the train of thought lined out before her. “No- no. Absolutely not, that’s a terrible idea. Not-”

“Why not her?” Rainbow pressed. “She’s the best at it, and it’s not like it’d be abnormal for her. Gods’ sake, how many girls has she helped out with the exact same damn thing?”

“Because Applejack doesn’t know that she’s still around is why!” Sunset countered. “AJ’s gonna freak when she sees who it is, and she’ll get super pissed when she figures out why she’s there at all!”

“Wait, you’re surely not-” Rarity cottoned on and understood the reference, eyes wide as her vivacious friend’s intent sunk in. “Rainbow, you’re- she’ll be horrendously expensive.”

“She’s a professional. And she’ll be super nice about it,” the athlete insisted. “Come on, it won’t be a pity fuck-”

“Language,” Twi warned-

“Oh calm down- it’s not gonna hurt her pride too bad if we did it as a birthday gift. And then we come celebrate with her on Sunday, she always just relaxes on Sunday! Come on, do you wanna see her like this all the time?” Rainbow asked.

“It won’t change how she thinks about us,” Sunset warned.

“It will a little. It’ll get her to relax a little. And then we don’t rub it in her face so much, be nice about it!” Rainbow said. “It’s as good a deal as any.”

Fluttershy had been watching the whole debate from proverbially afar, left confused by the subtlety and references she had yet to fully understand. “Umm, I’m- I’m sorry, but I’m a bit confused,” she said. “Aren’t we wanting to help Applejack feel better?”

Sunset took in her surroundings, making sure that no teacher or staff was passing by before turning back to her friends; what they were about to do was something incredibly clandestine. “We want to help her as best as we can, right?”

“Duh.”

A sigh, the first concession she could make. “And this is really what you think will help most.”

Rainbow scoffed. “Absolutely.”

“Even though it’ll be a lot of money.”

“Make up your mind already.”

“Oh hush,” Sunset chided. “OK, so- so what are we going to ask her to do?”
> Give It A Try...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
> ...You Just Might Like It
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Though fear seemed determined to make her lose her nerve, Applejack still carried her eager companion gently up the stairs to the bedroom that awaited them, more worried about accidentally smacking Adagio’s beautiful head against the bannister than she was about her upcoming performance. For whatever reason, the Siren had allowed herself to be totally at her mercy; she had to return that trust in kind.

“You’re not even struggling. Just how strong are you?” Adagio asked, eyeing her partner’s form and perhaps imagining the strength bound within.

Applejack felt a faint heat tinge her features and she said nothing, though her nerves were quelled momentarily by the remark. She led a hard-working life, dealing with all sorts of heavy materials and containers. This petite woman was not a struggle in the slightest.

“It’s a bit dark- hold on.” Bringing Adagio closer to her form so as to free a hand, the farmgirl fumbled for the lightswitch and saw the soft glow of the lamp on her drawers come to life.

“Ooh, this is really nice,” Adagio remarked, taking in the simple surroundings as though genuinely delighted. Though largely unimpressive, the serene glow against aged wood and items turned the ancient farmstead into a comforting place, spacious areas turned small and safe for those within. “Waking up to you, in a place like this? I think I’d be in heaven.”

Applejack laughed at the statement as she gentle lowered her beautiful companion onto the bed and finding herself paused by the scene; an elegant, lovely woman with silken waves of hair that adorned a face of gold, gazing at her with those shining eyes that spoke of a sweetness the like she’d never seen before. At least, not directed at her. It was as though warmth was given physical form so as to better comfort, beckoning for her to fall into its embrace- teasing her with thoughts of a life like this forever.

But even still, she couldn’t quite shake reality. “I think we’d bore a girl like you before too long,” Applejack said once she’d recomposed herself. “It’s a quiet life, dirty- no glamour in sweatin’ all day.”

“But I might want a simple life,” Adagio teased, reaching up to bring her paramour close and onto the bed where the two could be together. “And I might really, really want you. All that glitz and glamour’s no fun when you’ve nobody special to spend it with. I’d rather leave it behind so I can be with my favorite girl.”

“But why would-”

“Oh, you still need convincing,” Adagio realized, those eyes becoming slits overflowing with mischief. “Guess I’ll just have to change your mind!”

“What-”

The kiss came before she could truly react and found herself lost in its passion so quickly that the young farmgirl’s words were pushed aside in favor of delighting in this treasured sensation. Oh, just how good Adagio felt! That smooth, sweet caress against her own flesh as they came together was enough to make the world melt away and be forgotten, words becoming lost as she only briefly parted to return once more with even further feeling. What on earth had her protests been? Applejack couldn’t quite remember, or even why she should care.

The sweet Siren departed slowly, treasuring the presence of the farmgirl’s lips for one last lingering moment before falling away. She took her time to separate, moving slowly so as to lure in her partner and further fall into the depths of this wondrous passion. But still, even still, Applejack found herself hesitating. Adagio was flawless and perfect, clearly experienced in this sensuous art; how could she hope to compare when she didn’t have the slightest clue of what to do? It would be an awful thing to be disappointing to someone so lovely, especially after all the kindness this golden woman had graced upon her tonight.

Perhaps it showed on her face, for she saw that hungering look on Adagio’s face change into a small smile. “I think you’re wearing too much,” she whispered, “Feel like showing off for me?”

The straw-haired blonde yearned to answer, yet hesitated even still. “And you’re sure?” She asked.

“Oh, most definitely.” Adagio’s shining eyes became slits of light in the dimmed room, gleaming bright with the hunger of anticipation. “Don’t keep me waiting when I need to see you this bad.”

“Al-alright. I guess.” Retreating from the object of her desire, Applejack began to pull at the buttons of her shirt with trembling fingers, suddenly struggling with an act so simple. She wondered about what lay beneath though she knew her own form by heart without even thinking. Was it adequate, even good enough? No one had ever seemed to need to know before and now this beautiful angel demanded to see her. Surely she couldn’t measure up. But still came the last button, a quick shimmy out of the sleeves, and only a simple bra remained between her and a measure of real nakedness. And after that-

“Oh.” As Applejack’s cover fell away, a strange fixation overtook the beautiful Siren as she took in her paramour’s appearance. Those freckles extended down beyond the facial features and down onto the breasts- but only just, small speckles dotting along the fatty outline before dissipating come the nipples. Not large, not small, yet shapely and lovely in their appearance; there was an artistry in the farmgirl’s form that was hidden beneath the outward expression of strength, naturally crafted without effort or alteration. And then came the joys just below: toned, capable muscle across the abdomen. Strength hidden just below the skin, with hardly an ounce of fat to speak of across to belie its power. Without even an ounce of effort, this beautiful farmgirl possessed a beauty of a different kind.

Adagio reached out to touch this newfound prize- slowly. A hand came to rest against those firm abs, a tentative press as though uncertain of their true firmness. But the longer her hand lay there, the more eager she became; her other hand came to join in the fun, a frolic across the body as she took in the whole form of this woman. “Wow,” she breathed, a small giggle within her voice as she traced fingers across muscle and breastflesh alike. “Oh wow. You are gorgeous, what are you hiding for?”

Gorgeous? That was a word reserved for genuinely beautiful people, not regular old people like herself. Applejack gave a start, flush-faced even though she adored the feel of this sweet girl’s fingers running over her form. “Don’t you think that describes you a little better?” She asked weakly.

“You are amazing.” The next kiss came swift, a fierce press against her lips as though Adagio couldn’t help herself. “Take off your jeans, I bet you look amazing naked. Come on, hurry!”

This sensation of hunger focusing upon her was definitely new. Never before had anyone seemed to want her so badly; was this still part of the act, just another portion of the Siren’s profession? Or, perhaps, was this a genuine desire of her own mind? Spurred by this swiftness of speech, Applejack struggled to free herself of the denim garment before at last tossing aside the cream-colored underwear beneath and letting the whole of her form breathe free in the open air.

“Oh my god, you look amazing,” Adagio proclaimed, fingers wrapping about Applejack’s wrists and pulling her back onto the bed before seeing her pushed down against the mattress-

The gasp came about from instinct; this sudden rush, and the force behind it! Before she could recapture breath there came the pressure of form wholly atop her, Adagio ensnaring her lips in a forceful kiss, flesh pressed deep with a potency that she had not yet known. Applejack didn’t intend it, but her hands came to rest against the Siren’s flawless features, holding her fast from the sheer delight of this union. How could she resist? But then came the relinquishment, Adagio pulling away from her partner- and bearing a look of consternation. The rush of cold horror she felt was instantaneous at the sight of it. I screwed up.

“Not enough,” Adagio muttered. A swift rise from her place atop the naked farmgirl, hands reaching to someplace behind her form and brining about a jingling sound. “Ooh, not anywhere near enough.”

“I’m sorr-”

“Don’t you dare- there!” The covering of gold across her chest fell away and Adagio’s breasts were freed, their magnificence no longer concealed and able to leave Applejack awed by their beauty. Surely this was only a vision, a mirage! No body could be that beautiful, no bosom that luscious and perfectly crafted- without the slightest flaw to be seen, utterly stunning! Even in her imagination she hadn’t been able to conceive of someone being this wonderfully beautiful.

“Whoa.”

“Now you better kiss me back this time!” Adagio didn’t waste a single moment returning to her partner, practically leaping atop those lips and kissing them madly, the hunger possessing her unleashed and put to action.

Applejack’s sensibility, what little there was of it, was lost in this newfound ecstasy. Even her first kiss from this beautiful being was nothing in comparison to this feeling. Each kiss before had been only a meeting of lips, one small portion of delicious flesh united together. But this was a full-bodied feeling, Adagio’s body grinding against her own as though it enhanced the pleasure of this simple, carnal passion. The young blonde, subject to this lavish assault of amorous affection, found her body reacting subconsciously to the feel of such a form upon her own; she hadn’t even known her nipples could harden like this! How could something feel this good, send such lightning through her bones? Her body was electric, fiery even. Inexperienced though she were, the urge to meet that fervor was impossible to resist; her own pressure came alive and met the Siren’s passions, a new shock of joy coming to life when she did so. The whole feel of it was heaven: the smooth warmth of Adagio’s lips against hers, the light tickling that came from her hair brushing across her skin, and the delectable scent of her body that permeated it all. Every inch of this Siren’s body was perfection.

Whoa now. A new sensation entered the fray, unexpected and enough to startle the farmgirl out of her daydream; slick, and damp against her lips, Applejack gave a start when she realized that Adagio’s tongue was stroking across her mouth, asking for entry. It was a strong sensation, more potent than the feel of her lips; the next kiss that she felt came with a caress, a single stroke through her hair that was almost a beckoning. Adagio was asking for further, yearning to intensify this moment. And when someone so beautiful asked, who was she to deny? Opening her mouth only a sliver was all it took for that slippery morsel to weave its way in and find its place, gentle strokes across her tongue like fire in her heart. Lathering and loving, the sensation of such a coated delicacy within her mouth was incredible and the farmgirl began to swoon at the touch. So tenderly did Adagio ply her way throughout her mouth, small pluckings here and there by that sweet muscle as she enjoyed her partner. Was- was she supposed to reciprocate, return this action in kind? Uncertain though she was, her own pink morsel found life and began to dance alongside its mate; slow, hesitant at first before becoming a twirling mesh of life and love that bound them all the more tightly together. Across every surface within her mouth did she feel that silken tongue, dripping with Adagio’s flavor, and loathe was she to let it not be enjoyed.

But every dance must come to a close; a slow, slobbery parting as the Siren retreated from her lover’s mouth, away from a kiss that Applejack yearned to continue. The thick band of spittle that tied their tongues together grew taut and severed, falling away into the ether as the desperate farmgirl struggled without that glorious presence. “Please don’t stop,” she murmured, hands coming to grip the sumptuous woman’s bottom and hold her in place atop her own form. “Can- I need you to keep kissing me.”

“Of course I will! Don’t you trust me?” Adagio teased. Her grasp fell upon Applejack’s wrists and guided them elsewhere, moving their grip away from below and to above. Settling them upon her spectacular bosoms, the Siren led her in a rhythmic motion, rubbing gently across nipple and breastflesh so as to grant pleasure for the both of them. “Does that feel good?”

“Uh-huh.” A breathless answer, the feel of those mounds within her grasp so natural and perfect. Her fingers could play with the nipple, caress and worship it; she didn’t know if she’d ever enjoy the feel of anything else!

“Good. Enjoy them as long as you want,” Adagio breathed, “while I enjoy you. Open wide…” A swift dive down and she was nestled atop her lover once more. But that gentle nature was now tossed aside, her kisses something wild as she ensnared Applejack in a liplock. Plundering the depths of her mouth, tongue luring out tongue until the farmgirl’s morsel was left stranded in the open air and alone- only for a moment as lips fell about it and began to suckle.

Oh my god-! What sort of kiss was this? Could anything even compare to it? Applejack gave a moan born from joy as Adagio plied her lips across the pink morsel, a joyous sucking of flesh as though it were candy. Deep, thorough sucks as flesh plied hungrily and relished this newfound treat. Ravenous could not even come close to describing them now, the two women becoming so wildly incensed by the other that all their lusts overcame any conscious thought. There was only the sensation of Adagio’s mouth worshipping her tongue, the feel of those breasts in hand as she played with their flesh, the sound of their coos and moans echoing across hardwood as they played and caressed and stroked one another-

She hadn’t even mean to do so when Applejack felt her body begin to move. Unbidden instinct kicked in and she raised her hips to buck against that of her partner, one rocking motion followed by another before her hungering mind took note of flesh grinding together. It hadn’t been on purpose, but how could she resist? Oh, just now she needed to feel Adagio all the more. It was all so perfect and yet not anywhere close enough! She had to have this Siren in every way- all at once! A long, harrowing cry from the depths of her very soul came to life and escaped her lavished lips, the plea she could not put into words given form.

Adagio, well-versed in such artistry, understood. One long, last suckling of tongue that lasted for only a second and yet for an eternity before falling away and letting her coated tongue dribble down upon her partner’s, the thirsting young woman below drinking deep of this outpouring for a little while longer. “Now how was that?” She asked, pushing herself off of the toned figure and taking a resting position.

“Amazing,” Applejack said weakly, her hands yet to relinquish their grip upon that lush body. Too afraid to let go, for if she released her then perhaps all of this moment would fall away. She couldn’t let her go, not when she so desperately needed this Siren’s body!

“Do you still trust me?”

“Yes!”

Those jeweled eyes gleamed more brightly than ever before. “Spread your legs. Just a little bit more, sweetheart- ooh, just like that.” Adagio’s eyes fell upon those glistening folds and took note of their heavy dampness. Untouched, unclaimed, sweet dribbling wonderfulness there for her to claim. “Now stay just like that-”

It happened so fast that Applejack didn’t know how she’d done it. One quick raise of her body and Adagio’s darkened panties disappeared, tossed onto the nearby chair and her body left totally bare. A cleanly shaven, pristine slit revealed itself and came to rest against its untrimmed mate, only the slightest brushing as the two kept a filament of distance in between. Legs entangled and became comfortable as the Siren took position, straddling the energized blonde. And then, in one swift motion, the two united again in the form of one long, slow rub.

The effect was instantaneous. A gasp, air caught and cast away as Applejack felt the sensation of sex upon sex. Her own wet form sang aloud its relief from even this singular motion, one stroke enough to see her given the smallest measure of relief. Never, ever before had she known anything could feel like this! The merest drop of this pleasure was like water on a burning tongue- and fuel for a fire.

“Did that feel good?” Adagio inquired, full well knowing the answer.

“Yeah.”

“And that was only the beginning.” Arms wrapped about that fit form and held her fast, the two pressed tightly together as she motioned for Applejack to follow suit. Around neck and waist, across torso did they wind together until not even the smallest gap could be found between them. “Just follow my lead, OK? Do exactly what I do.”

“Of course.”

That perfect face crinkled once more into a smile. “Good. Now you better kiss me!”

It was the finest feeling she’d ever known in all her life, and never again would she find its equal. Guided along by a maestro in the art, Applejack found herself happily awash in the joys of lovemaking. Inhibition saw no place, no restraint to be found in either beauty as they united at last. Each kiss was sensuous and sloppy, each cry that escaped them more wondrous than the songs of angels, each new grind more delightful than any pleasure that could ever be known! The feel of Adagio’s flawless folds brought hard against her own was wondrous, each new rub better than the last. Did this feel as good for the Siren as it did for her? She wanted to find ways to express her delight, to put this feeling into words- but what words could be adequate? Every press that came was a new joy, unique and beautiful all its own. Never could she know a way to describe it. All Applejack could do was meet that glorious woman with equal measure, cry out with what happiness she felt within, let her praises be sung aloud and bound with action. Adagio needed to know just how good this was. She just had to!

Then came a shudder; small, but new and born from beyond her own actions. What was happening to her now? This reaction was different- and growing stronger every time they came together again. Adagio seemed to feel it, the luscious woman intensifying her grinding and pressing her body all the more tightly against the freckled woman’s. Another grind, deep and slow- and the shudder was well on its way to becoming a quake. Applejack found herself struggling to reciprocate the outpouring, hampered by this new sensation. She had to keep pushing, keep this up- it felt amazing, a pleasure magnified all the more! She needed Adagio to feel the same, to struggle with such a delight! Oh, to feel like this, but she must keep on, keep grinding and feel that wondrous slit against hers evermore-

The great quaking turned into a crashing wave and Applejack broke beneath its force. Body giving a great heave, she grew taut and froze in its midst as orgasm consumed her senses. No more did tongue play upon her own, setting her lips free so as to allow the great cry to be loosed upon awaiting ears. It were as though a shot to the heart, lightning striking at the core of her very soul, and all Applejack could do was be shattered by its might. Never had she known anything of its like, and all brought about by this glorious, wonderful Siren. Adagio, sweet, perfect and beautiful Adagio-!

Her mind, white-hot with pleasure, began to cool. The rocking motion between them had slowed and would soon grind to a halt. Held fast in those loving arms, Applejack regained herself and saw Adagio gazing at her with delight, clearly proud at having brought about such a moment. “Sweet Applejack, have you never touched yourself before?”

“Only a little,” Applejack breathed. Air still came in heavy, struggling to regain control. Why worry about that when such a woman was here with her? “Not like that.”

“Aww, you saved yourself just for me,” Adagio said, kissing those exquisite lips in a slow caress as though grateful. “I hope I made it worth your while. You certainly deserve it.”

“You were- perfect!” Applejack replied. “I’ve never- did it feel like that for you? I know I don’t know much, but…”

Adagio, smiling all the same, simply gave a shrug. “Does it matter?”

“You better believe it does!” What overtook her was not shame, not even embarrassment. There was a desire alive within her now, all of it directed at Adagio. She needed her to feel the same, to be left gasping and breathless from the force of delight- and it done by her action! “What do you want me to do? Can I make you feel like that, too?”

Adagio’s smile disappeared in an instant, replaced by confusion. “What?”

“Just tell me what you want me to do. I- I’ll do my best,” Applejack said. She couldn’t let go of this angel, not when she needed to see this done. Inexperienced be damned, this had to happen! “Please, Adagio?”

The Siren was left flummoxed, uncertain of what to say only for the second time of the evening. This sudden force of will from her novice paramour was new, a power of her own making that had not been the woman’s intent. Applejack was demanding happiness for her, as though it would make the farmgirl herself happy also. Just how was she to answer?

“O- OK,” she said quietly. Taking hold of Applejack’s hand that lie about her waist, she guided down to her stained folds and gently placed it within. One finger, and then two dipped within and were staged for action, left motionless until they would be bidden to life. “Are- you’re sure?”

“Please,” Applejack whispered. “Let your favorite girl make you happy, too?” The thought that she might not be allowed to reciprocate, to act upon her feelings…

Adagio’s eyes held a strange mixture of emotions, too many for the farmgirl to distinguish which would win out. “This… it’s called fingering,” the Siren said, trying to regain her poise from this unexpected offering. “Just do what I tell you to, OK? Move how I tell you to, and where I tell you. It’s easy- for a girl like you.”

Applejack could only nod, heart beginning to pound once more. She’d never so badly needed to make someone happy before.

“Start curling your fingers- like that!”

Applejack knew she was a novice. Touching oneself was one thing, but eliciting that same sense of pleasure from another, one she had never known before? It should have been an impossible task- but Adagio was there to lead her on, a guiding light in this darkened world she had only just begun to explore. Slow and smooth was she at first, listening intently to the Siren’s instructions as fingers explored the viscous realms of her sex. One long stroke along the outer labia before sliding in between folds and finding undiscovered treasures. The longer she remained, the more slick her own fingers became. Adagio’s arousal from her touch –hers!- was beginning to take shape even as she could only do what was told of her.

“Go up- just a bit more!” Adagio said-

A slow slide upwards in the very center and Applejack found herself plunging deep, digits disappearing within glistening folds as she stroked along slicked skin that seemed to constrict and breathe at her touch-

“Now go about. Spread your fingers wide!”

Not a thing was being done to herself, yet Applejack found herself quivering with delight. The sight of Adagio beginning to struggle was gorgeous, a new fixation of beauty that she prized. She needed to see this woman brought to raptures, for a reason she could fathom but dared not to name. The stroking motion of her fingers began to intensify at the sight of it, a need of acceleration to-

“A little too fast! With your fingers, not your nails please!”

Or perhaps not. Applejack slowed her pace and returned to a gentle stroking rhythm, led this way and that by Adagio’s sounds and beckonings. She needed this woman to be happy, to sing aloud and enjoy a pleasure of her very own-

“That- ooh!” Adagio’s breath came in a sudden huff, a small start as a pair of fingers stroked across the edge of her very depths. “Again- do that again!”

She’d found what she was looking for. Applejack wasted no time in answering the call, Adagio’s sweet spot discovered and primed for ravishing. Again and again did the farmgirl find her center and see it massaged, rubbing deep even as she felt the gushing of fluid across her fingers. Adagio’s breath was starting to come in gasp, a small strain on her face as she held back the tide. Holding back? From that wellspring of happiness? It was too cruel to bear the sight, so Applejack’s free hand came to caress that glowing face and brought her in for a kiss, uniting the two by the lips and drinking deep-

A great, slickened plunge and the Siren gave a muffled cry. Body gave a great shudder and constricted about her partner’s form, an outpouring coming to life and crashing down with the strength of the tide. Applejack continued to pluck away within those now-flowing folds, but only gently. Adagio deserved a tender sensation, gratitude in each motion; that sweet spot was losing its potency but still she expressed her affections until the last tremble was no more, and the rush of life had come to a close.

Applejack departed from the Siren’s lips slowly, half-lidded eyes taking in her lover’s visage and finding herself delighted by what she saw. A dreamy, contented look upon Adagio’s face could be seen, a small wiggle of body as though moving to an unknown beat. There was rest there, relief, and though she could not be certain the farmgirl wanted to believe that this expression of emotion was not an act at all. A slow exhale and Adagio’s form was taut no longer, her beautiful head falling against Applejack’s shoulder for hope of rest.

It only lasted for a brief time, perhaps only a few seconds. But within her toned body raced a flurry of emotions made strong by this simple action. The feel of Adagio against her, even in such a thing as this, was something she hoped would last forever.

“Applejack?” Adagio breathed, words entering the world in a slow, soft tone. “You just might be the world’s most perfect lover.

Most perfect. The thought was delightful and ridiculous; she’d only just had sex for the first time and had simply followed Adagio’s instructions! The young woman began to laugh at the remark, soon finding herself joined in the action by the Siren’s own happy peal. But just enough of a difference was there for Applejack to notice that they might be laughing because of two different reasons.

“Come here, you sweet thing,” Adagio whispered, hand reaching up to stroke those freckles and find lips for a kiss, lips drinking deep over and over again at a gentle, loving pace. Their fires had become embers, cooled and little more than gentle feeling than any ravenous appetite.

When their passions had at last come to a close, the two rested against one another. Out of the corner of Applejack’s eye, the old clock on her nightstand caught her eye and spoke to the length of their rambunctious escapade. “Heaven’s sake, it’s late,” she muttered, giving herself a small stretch that was promptly met with a vicious soreness. And perhaps a particular pungent scent. “… I think I might smell.”

Adagio turned from her place upon her farmgirl and took note of the time herself. “Time flies when you’re having fun,” she remarked. Rising to her feet finding hardwood beneath them, the relaxed Siren gave her entire form a great stretch and let a sigh wisp through the room. “Ooh, that drive back is going to be terrible.”

“Drive ba- wait, what?” Applejack was jolted from her eased state as she realized Adagio was set on departure. “But it’s late! Come on, now.”

Adagio gave a half-smile and shrugged her shoulders. “Can’t intrude on my favorite girl’s hospitality forever, can I?” She said. “Thank you for everything, though.”

“But you…” She felt gutted by this swift decision, desperate to see it delayed. “Come on, I know it’s my fault there’s a mess but- you can get yourself a shower if you want. And- and you can- stay. The night, I mean.”

Adagio’s countenance broke for a moment. “But your family. They’ll- I don’t think they’d like me much and-”

“They ain’t coming back till Monday. And I don’t mind you staying over.” Applejack was firm on this, for what reason she didn’t want to really say just yet. “It’s- it’s alright, you know. I can even cook us some breakfast in the morning if you’re alright with that.”

Adagio glanced towards the threshold, then back at Applejack before looking back towards the stairs once more. She could easily see the mess they’d made on the bedcovers, the slick stains of viscous fluid that marked them both. And then there were those green eyes that seemed to bore into her soul, beseeching to do something so simple. A small laugh came as she said, “OK, then… for my favorite girl.”

Despite her reluctance, Adagio found herself in the shower first as the young farmgirl’s hospitality continued to win out. Though a mess she certainly was, Applejack strode through the house with only bare flesh as she commenced to seeing her partner’s needs met. A fresh towel set on the rack, and even a pair of pajamas from her own drawers that the Siren could wear in lieu of her barest lingerie. The comforter on the bed was thrown into the washroom to await its cleaning another day, too late into the night for it to receive any treatment.

When Applejack finished with her own hygiene, clean and certainly eager for rest, she returned to her bedroom to find the beautiful Siren sitting before the mirror with a hairbrush in hand. Well-kept curls demanded their immediate treatment after a thorough soaking, silken hair kept so by continued care. The warmth in her heart that had once been fire softened, little more than candleflame as she took in the beautiful woman’s appearance. It was something so simple, an action repeated in that very seat countless generations over. Just… Never one like her before, Applejack thought.

Adagio, sensing an audience, turned about and gave a smile at the sight of her companion. “Are you gonna sing me to sleep, too?” She asked. “Dinner and a movie, loving me up all night, a shower and fresh clothes… Applejack, you’re just too perfect.”

“Oh hush. Just doing what I should.”

Adagio shook her head, that countenance yet again showing a sign of fracture and revealing what lay beneath. “No, you’ve been way better than that. I really- you should believe me.”

It was an argument for another time, perhaps. “OK.” With little else to do but see her own hair untussled from the bidden rains, farmgirl and Siren saw themselves cared for and eventually beneath the sheets- clothed, tired, and eyes barely kept open.

“Are you this nice to all the girls?” Adagio asked as the other woman turned to click off the lamplight and leave them in darkness.

Applejack found herself glad she’d killed the lights. “I mean, I just… I’m not doing nothing special.”

“I knew it. You’re just too good for everyone. They all want you but don’t know how to say it,” Adagio giggled. “You’ve certainly convinced me.”

“Still set on being a trophy wife?”

“More than ever,” Adagio answered. “If only I knew how to convince you.”

The roll of her eyes could not be seen, but was felt all the same as the two women began to slip further and further away from the waking world. Slumber called to them, beckoned for them to rest, rejuvenate after a splendid night. The two began to shift about on the mattress, finding measures of comfort that would see them whisked away from this place and onto morning’s rise.

“Adagio?” Applejack’s voice was faint, soft even in this thick blackness.

“Mhm?”

“Is it alright if- can I do something real quick?”

“Anything.”

There was the sound of movement across and beneath bedsheets, followed by an unexpected sensation; arms came about the Siren’s form and held her. Not forceful or fierce, no great grip, but tenderly wrapping about her body and bringing the farmgirl’s taller figure closer in. “Is- is this OK?” Applejack inquired. She could breathe in Adagio this way, feel that heartbeat and the warmth she radiated. In this room, so easily bittered by cold in the darker months, she would be more welcome than ever before. But just to have her there in her arms…

A slow swallow, and a quiet intake of breath that was almost inaudible to the ear, within the shuddering sound of a wetness that did not recede even when she released the air within her lungs. Then came a shudder of form as her voice rose, perhaps held tight, to say, “Yeah. It’s OK.”

“Oh. Alright.” Applejack let her eyes fall closed, the feeling of this young woman in her arms against her as her own heartbeat began to slow; the heavy weight on her mind was beginning to overcome her senses. “Thank you.”

“Happy birthday, Applejack,” Adagio whispered, and for many hours after the only sound that could be heard was that of quiet, peaceful breath.







She’d always been the first to awake. No matter what world, what life, she always found the sunlight against her eyes before any other. Adagio glanced about the room that was not hers by any right, mind wondering about the time. How long had she lain here in this peaceful place? If such rest were to continue much longer, she might begin to believe that she belonged within it.

But we know better, don’t we?

The Siren checked the strength of Applejack’s grasp about her waist and found it had definitely loosened throughout the night. With little effort she’d be free and able to rise, so long as she did so carefully. Each movement came slowly, creeping across unsteady ground until she had put feet to hardwood and stood tall within the quiet bedroom.

Turning about, Adagio took in her partner’s serene expression, Applejack still fast asleep thanks to the wondrous exhaustion that had taken hold of her last night. She could count each freckle on her face, small marks of darkened starlight across a peaceful smile that so easily summoned one on her own visage. She really was lovely, Adagio thought. A natural loveliness that was made even stronger by the good heart that beat within her chest. Even last night, when it had been all about her, Applejack had tried to be the kindest hostess and companion she could be. She’d even offered bed and breakfast. You really shouldn’t be single, Adagio remarked silently. Whoever wins you over is gonna be the luckiest girl in the world.

It was time to go. Depart now, before any real awakening could occur that would see her stayed from where she really belonged. This place was too quiet, too peaceful, too happy for one such as her. After all, she’d come here because of a paycheck, not out of charity. Was that the kind of person that belonged here? Not a chance. Adagio had been able to fool herself for far too long, but recent years had been more than enough to shine the light on her true nature. Even if it had taken a million things going wrong and turning to cinders in front of her face, she knew what she was. After all, so many had told her so to her face.

A quiet exfiltration from the sleepwear she’d been gifted for the night- goodness, who would do something like that? Applejack had even made it sound like she could keep them if she so wished. But still she set them at the foot of the stairs, bare form clinging to her soiled clothes as she slipped into the raincoat that still lay on the ground in front of the door. All that was left was to grab her keys and be gone-

As her hand fell on the doorknob, a sudden protest rang strong in her mind. Why am I leaving? Adagio asked herself. You could stay. Didn’t she ask for you to stay for a little while longer? It was true enough. Applejack’s hospitality had extended to this morning, at the very least. She could stick around a little longer, maybe even enjoy herself. And she and that sweet farmgirl, they could…

What if you meant what you said? The words fell upon her in a deluge, stubborn pride fighting wildly against this overpowering desire. Stay here. You want this, stay here and don’t ever leave. Forget everything and leave it behind. You got treated like an actual PERSON, for gods’ sake. And she’s nice- not fake, not for show, but actually nice. So what if it really does end up being sort of boring? You could love that girl. You could be happy. Never in her life had she wanted anything so badly. Adagio’s hand, still held tight to the knob, began to loosen. She saw the mental image within her mind of she being the one at the oven, naked and there to surprise Applejack with a meal and good morning kiss. For once in her life, she could actually belong somewhere and not have to fight for the merest scrap of survival.

Since when do you deserve that? Did you even ever want it? The taunting voice that now rang in her mind was not of her own making, but familiar and snide all the same. You’re a monster. Always hungry, always ready to hurt someone for the sake of your own needs. Don’t you remember why you’re alone?

Those jeweled eyes gazed upwards towards the room she’d left, as though able to see the fair form within that beckoned for her to remain. She could still see so clearly what had come about by her own actions, and all the miserable horror that had swiftly followed. Was that what she wanted to happen to Applejack? When she most definitely deserved so much better? Does she deserve to have to deal with you? Not in a million years. After all… how much more blood do you want on your hands?

It was the argument that always won. Always saw her away, alone, kept hidden from the eyes of decent people. What she’d been reduced to was where she belonged- and no desire, no matter how strong, could ever change that. “I’m sorry, sweetheart,” Adagio whispered, trying to ignore the stinging in her eyes. “I’ll miss you. Everyday.” But there was at least one thing she could still do, if only paper and pen would allow it.

In the bedroom above, instinct told Applejack’s mind that something was amiss. The world had become colder, the weight against her frame had dissipated. Just what had changed to her comfortable surroundings? When her eyes flitted open, she found herself alone in her bedroom- that was it? She was always alone in her bedroom, what sort of strangeness could she find in this?

And then she remembered. Adagio! The sound of the front door closing met her ears, soon followed by the sound of a car engine roaring to life.

She was gone before Applejack could even reach the front door, smashing it open only to see the rear end of a vehicle in the far distance that grew all the greater; she was gone. Gone, and not coming back, no matter how much she might plea. Had she done something wrong? Said something, maybe? There were so many uncertainties that couldn’t be answered by her own mind alone. All she could feel was a grief well mingled with shame; her mind still vulnerable and halfway in a dream, the farmgirl wondered if she might even cry.

A flutter of paper caught her eye as she turned back to the stairwell. A small sticky note had been put on the banister, waiting for her to find it. A flash of outstretched hand and she read:

You did nothing wrong. I promise, you didn’t. You’re too wonderful for that.

  You deserve someone who’d actually make you happy. You don’t really know me or what I’ve done. You’d never believe me, but I’d hurt you eventually. I don’t want you to let me do that.

  I hope you get everything you want in life.

  Love, Adagio



Applejack bit her lip until it bled, but could not stop the droplets from falling down her cheeks. It had been so close! Only a few moments and she could have stopped this, said something to change her mind. But now she was gone, and she’d never get a chance-

“Wait a minute!” Adagio hadn’t shown up here by accident, had she? Someone knew where to find her, and that particular someone was somewhere in her group of friends. No matter what sort of rabbit trail she had to follow, Applejack was certain that she’d see it to the end, and she was going to start right now. Until she found that sweet Siren again, held her in her arms and kept her there forever, she would not cease. Because if there was anything she knew, more than apple or family or anything else in all the world, the beautiful farmgirl of Sweet Apple Acres most certainly knew one thing:

She was in love!