//------------------------------//
// Ch. 1: Twilight and Aphrodite Go On a Date 
// Story: We're Still Sinners 
// by MemoryLane 
//------------------------------//

        “Are you ready?”

        “Aphrodite, please don’t ask me that.”

        “You know, most ponies would be thrilled at this opportunity. I know I am.”

        Twilight sighed, and every fiber in her being wished that some sort of apocalypse would form out of midair.

        Why she had made the bet, she didn’t know. Perhaps she just had a hunch that she would have been correct. Maybe she was just up for a little silly competition. In the end, she was regretting it entirely. She never should have agreed. Who knew that Aphrodite, could in fact, eat six jelly sandwiches in six minutes?

        “Our reservations are in twenty minutes, honey!” Aphrodite called from the other side of Twilight’s door. She had been waiting there for the last hour, cooing to her in that seductive manner that Twilight knew and disliked so much. “Don’t want to be late! After all, I won this night fair and square,” she purred.

        It was no secret that Aphrodite had a thing for Twilight. Although, Twilight wasn’t even sure it was a thing anymore considering that Aphrodite had tried lure her into bed at least three times a day. Upon making the bet, Twilight didn’t pay all too much attention to what her demands were, should she win. Twilight already knew that Aphrodite was not the mare to eat six jelly sandwiches in a row.

        So, now, Twilight had to act like an adult. She and Aphrodite had to go on a date. That was Aphrodite’s wish. Twilight wasn’t exactly one to break promises or rules should the outcome not rule in her favor. She was true to her word.

        This was why Twilight was wearing a purple, star spotted dress. This was also why the unicorn felt like crying.

        “I… I’ll be ready in a minute…” Twilight called. Aphrodite squealed in excitement, a sound that threatened to blow out Twilight’s ear drums.

        “Good! I can’t wait to see you in that dress I picked out!” Yes, it’s true. Aphrodite had picked out a dress for Twilight to wear. Aphrodite, before the bet, had stated, “You must go on an actual date with me, whatever that may entail.” Twilight didn’t expect to be wearing a dress this short and skimpy. It made her self-conscious.

        Twilight’s mane looked fairly normal, as she deemed that she really didn’t need to do anything for it. It’s not like this was an actual date, anyways. She had already had a plan for the night: sit down at some fancy restaurant, eat, and leave. It was foolproof. Honestly, she wanted to get this date done and over with. She had things to do the next morning. She turned her head in the mirror on the vanity in her room. The star-shaped earrings shone impressively bright in the light.

        Another knock. “Twiiiiii~. Are you ready yet?” She could hear thumping noises just outside the doorway. Perhaps Aphrodite was doing some sort of excited little dance. 

        Twilight sighed. She couldn’t hide in her room forever. “I’m coming…” With this, Twilight forlornly slogged towards the door. When she opened it, she was face to face with the overly sexual mare who did this to her.

        Aphrodite herself was a runway model, and when Twilight laid eyes on her, this fact proved itself. Make-up adorned her face, including blush, cherry red lipstick, and some light blue eye liner. She wore a dress that matched the color of her eyes, as well as the color of the untouched sky. Large, circular hoop earrings hung daintily from both of her ears, perked upwards with excitement. Her mane, which was already exceptionally lush and curly, looked absolutely spectacular. Somehow, her mane appeared to double in length. Like Twilight’s, her dress was unnecessarily short. If she tried to adjust her view, she could’ve caught glimpses of Aphrodite that she never would’ve liked to see. Twilight wondered how long Aphrodite had been planning to wear that outfit.


        “Well…” Twilight said, her voice unsure. “You look… prepared.”

        Aphrodite nodded. Her breath smelled like assorted fruits. “Ooh, and you look good enough to eat!” Aphrodite, just in case Twilight hadn’t gotten her hidden point, winked. The date hadn’t started yet, and already Twilight was uncomfortable. “Come on, we’re running late! This is my night. And believe you me, I’m going to make it one to remember.”

        Twilight gulped.

        Aphrodite grasped Twilight’s hoof. The latter blushed. Twilight was not a fillyfooler. Unfortunately, those in town would have other thoughts should she be roaming around town in such a manner. She decided to simply suck it up. She lost the bet, fair and square.
        
        They met up with Spike in the foyer. Unfortunately, the poor moment the baby dragon laid eyes upon the two of them, he almost fainted. “W-Whoa!” Aphrodite giggled, while Twilight rolled her eyes at Spike.

        “Really, Spike?” she muttered. She wished that Spike would do the sensible thing and not egg Aphrodite on. Oh well.

        “I’m sorry, but… wow! You two look great!” Spike exclaimed. Twilight could practically see Spike’s tiny heart thumping away in his chest. 

        “Isn’t he a charmer?” Aphrodite purred. She gave a Twilight a sensual glance. Twilight barely paid attention, but when Aphrodite put a hoof on her shoulder, that was when she found herself scootching away. She didn’t enjoy Aphrodite’s touch for many reasons. That time in the Changeling nest was still etched into her mind. 

        “Thanks, Spike. We’ll be back later…” Twilight was ready to leave, to get the night over with.

        “When will you be coming home?” The baby dragon asked with round eyes.

        Aphrodite smirked. Twilight didn’t like the look of it. It was as if the horny mare was plotting something. The simple thought of that sent chills up Twilight’s spine. “We’ll just have to see. Who knows? We might be coming way later than you’d think~.” Spike cocked an eyebrow. Twilight shot Aphrodite the best death stare she could manage. Somehow, Aphrodite failed to notice it.

        “Let’s go.” Twilight, with no other prompting needed, forcibly shoved Aphrodite out the door.

        “Oooh, feisty,” Aphrodite murmured, not resisting in the slightest. “That’s what turns me on abou-”

        SLAM.

***

        Twilight had been grumbling for ten minutes. That’s how long it had been since the two of them had left the library.

        The same smile had been stamped on Aphrodite’s face the entire time. It absolutely puzzled Twilight how a mare could be so excited for a single date that wasn’t going to lead anywhere anyways. Maybe Twilight was secretly doing Aphrodite a service, doing something that Aphrodite really wished and craved for. Perhaps this date was just a simulation for if they were actually dating like Aphrodite was probably hoping for.

        That, or Aphrodite wanted her in bed.

        Yep. It was probably that.

        It wasn’t long before Twilight and Aphrodite were walking inside one of the newer fancy restaurants in town, “Bonne Baise Alimentaire”. It had taken Twilight a minute to remember that the restaurant actually existed. It was built only a month ago, but Twilight never checked it out as she had nopony to go with. Save for Rarity, none of her friends found the eatery appealing. Rarity had talked about making plans, but she had been busy as of recent with her work.

        The building was incredibly fancy. Small chandeliers hung over each and every white-topped table. The walls were painted like a mosaic, depicting some romantic city Twilight couldn't exactly name. Classical music was playing softly over the radio. Along the walls were spindly ivy branches that stretched around the entire room.

        It was your stereotypical fancy restaurant. Twilight wasn’t very impressed. However, almost all of the tables were occupied, so it couldn’t have been that bad.

        “Table for Aphrodite, monsieur.” Aphrodite gave Twilight an old glance, like she was gazing at her lover. Twilight tried her best to ignore it.

        The waiter looked through a small notebook located behind the stand in front of him. He had a mustache, as well as an accent. “Oh! The table for Romance” The waiter shut the notebook, making a noise louder than necessary. Twilight jumped at the sound. Aphrodite didn’t move a muscle. “Please, follow me.” 

        In short, Twilight was lead to nothing more than a table, on an elevated platform, in the middle of the room. It was almost the exact same as the rest of the tables in the eatery. Even the decorations that adorned the middle of the table were similar. There was nothing romantic about the table at all, save for the fact that they were visible by every single pony in the restaurant from the higher position.

        There were ponies she knew in that restaurant. 

        They gave her funny looks when Aphrodite tried to kiss Twilight’s cheek before they sat down. Twilight shooed her away, and quickly took her seat trying to cover her face with the menu. Aphrodite smirked, not letting the rejection get to her. The waiter exclaimed that he’d be back with refreshments, and briskly left the scene.

        “This place is kind of cheesy,” Twilight admitted, still holding the menu in front of her face. “Why did you pick this place?”

        Aphrodite shrugged. “I want this to be a night to remember.” She bore a devilish grin, and opened her menu absently. “This seemed like the perfect place…”  

        “Aphrodite, are you sure about this?” Twilight asked. She shifted her body on her chair. “Can I at least change out of this outfit? It’s so tight and revealing…” she said dejectedly. Twilight died a little inside when Aphrodite licked her lips. 

        “Why do you think I made you wear it? It hugs your body in just the right manner. I mean, you should feel prideful. Most ponies can’t fit into that size dress.” Aphrodite opened her own menu, and began to skim it. Her eyes were glazed over, however, as if she were thinking about something else. Twilight already had a good idea of what it was. She didn’t represent Lust for nothing.

        “But I just don’t feel comfortable.” Twilight heaved a sigh, and actually began to poke through the menu itself.

        “Comfortable? Who needs it? Right now, I have the best view in the whole place.” Aphrodite batted her long eyelashes. “When this is all over, you can take it off, and never have to wear again.”

        “Good. This just doesn’t-”
        
        “In fact, you won’t have to wear anything ever again. Well, except me.” Twilight’s heart dropped. “Or if you’d rather be submissive, that works too. I’ve had fantasies of both. It’s hot, dirty, fillyfoolery at it’s finest, to me. I would gladly buck you silly for little to nothing in return. Did you know that there are plenty more uses for that horn of yours that I've been dying to try out?”

        The room had gotten horribly quiet at the exact moment Aphrodite said what she said. Now, most of the ponies in the restaurant were staring at the two of them. A few ponies had their mouths parted in disgust, while a few stallions were adjusting the napkins on their laps awkwardly. Twilight's face grew the color of a cherry. Before things got worse, Twilight went back to holding the menu directly in front of her face. For some reason, Aphrodite didn’t take notice, and bore an accomplished grin. Perhaps she thought Twilight was rendered speechless at the mere thought of what she said.

        Twilight wanted to slither into a hole and die. Luckily, the waiter had returned with their drinks.

        “Are you ready to order?”

        “Not y-”

        “Yes, I am.” Aphrodite kept her menu open, for some reason. “How about some of the Crème brûlée?” Twilight rolled her eyes. So far, Twilight could honestly admit that she wasn’t having a good time. Or could she? Twilight was stuck deciding how she was feeling.

        “I’m sorry, we don’t serve that.”

        “Oh,” Aphrodite said, looking back down at the menu. “How about some Coq au vin?"

        “Sorry, miss. We do not have that either.”

        “Do you have any Phoque?” 

        “No.”

        Aphrodite sighed. “Alright, I’ll just have some tossed salad.” Twilight didn’t know what she wanted, so to save time, she asked for the same thing. “Thank you, monsieur,” Aphrodite said. With a slight nod of the head, the waiter grabbed the menus, and sauntered off towards the kitchen. There was a brief pause, which was to be expected. Every date had those moments. Truthfully, Twilight was getting frustrated with herself for continuing to think of it all as an actual date. Using her magic, she brought her water glass to her lips.

        “Look, Aphrodite, this is nice and all… but I hope you still know that I’m straight, and not interested in you the way you were hoping.” Twilight had told the mare this a hundred times, but she deemed it a good time to do it once more. She hated the fact that she was involuntarily leading Aphrodite on. After all, it must’ve been a horrid feeling to like someone who didn’t like you back.

        “I know,” Aphrodite murmured. Her smile faltered for a moment. “But, it’s still nice to spend time with you. And even if we’re not together sexually, doesn’t mean I can’t name one of my toys after you and play pretend.” Twilight frowned. Why did the thought of that creep her out so much? Twilight had long ago learned not to respond to any of Aphrodite’s come-ons. They only tended to land her in more of them. Aphrodite was crazy good at thinking on the spot.

        “Just please understand, alright?” Twilight replied, setting her drink back down on the table. She looked Aphrodite in her eyes, almost catching the mare off guard. “Think about it. How many times do you hit on me each day?”

        “A lot. And it’s because, well, I think you’re a pretty damn good looking mare.” Twilight must’ve appeared taken aback, because Aphrodite leaned forward a little bit. Her words became whispery, alluring. “You don’t know, Twilight? You really don’t know what you do to a mare?”

        Twilight put a hoof on her chest. “Pardon me?”

        “Magic isn’t your only talent, Twilight,” said Aphrodite. “The talent to get a mare like me going. I’ve been trying my best to keep my sin at bay, but you’re just not helping me out--the way you strut yourself around the library...pffft.”

        Twilight reddened, but unfortunately she didn’t quite agree or know how to respond. “I... I’m not some floozy! I’m saving myself... for a stallion.”

        “Uh huh,” Aphrodite nodded, eyes beaming. Twilight’s cheeks were beginning to flare for a different reason.

        “It’s true. This is borderline harassment, you know. Can’t you just… I don’t know… is there anypony else you take an interest in?” Twilight was grasping at straws. For some reason, she just couldn’t understand why someone was in love with her. Twilight never exactly viewed herself as somepony particularly beautiful or tempting. In fact, she hadn’t thought about herself at all. While she had always been a mare to prepare for something meager to most ponies like a test, or a study session, she never stopped to think about her future--and who she would possibly spend it with.

        “Believe me, I’ve looked. And the answer is no. You’re at the top of my list, sweetie.” Aphrodite took another sip of her drink. The fountain in the corner of the room sprang to life, filling the room with the sound of running water. Strangely, the sound threatened to calm Twilight down. “I don’t know why you don’t just give in. Sexuality is only a reason why not. I mean… have you ever tried a mare? Or a stallion, yet even?”

        Twilight’s eye twitched. “I… no! But that doesn’t mean… I know what I want, Aphrodite.” The mare in question simply shrugged, indifferently. 

        “That’s alright. When I was younger, I was the same way too. Grew up thinking that maybe I’d have a family of my own some day, settle down.” Another sip. Aphrodite’s voice was getting less and less sexual.

        “Then why don’t you?” Twilight asked with a small cock of her head.

        “I’m not sure,” Aphrodite explained. “I realized that I was bisexual, and now I’m not too sure if I’ll be able to even have a family. It depends on my future. Depends on who I’ll come to love.” Aphrodite shrugged. For a moment, her eyes returned to to it’s glassy state. Before the mare could zone out, she snapped back to reality. “But I don’t worry about it too much. Kind of wasted all my energy thinking about it.”

        Truth be told, Twilight had never thought about the possibility of having a child. She had rarely ever thought about having a coltfriend. The lavender unicorn barely even felt the need for one. Twilight’s heart dropped. “Hey, Aphrodite, did you always want to be a model?”

        Aphrodite simply stared at Twilight, as if she had just asked the world’s stupidest question. There was a short pause before Aphrodite answered. “No. I only work as a model because, well, look at me. I can’t have these looks and not show it off. Besides, I get to meet ponies, and go places. It was pretty spectacular.”

        Now, this was starting to feel like an actual date to Twilight. “Did you always want to be a model, though?”

        “Not at all.”

        At the lack of an answer, Twilight felt pressured to say something. Aphrodite simply stared at her. “So… what did you want to do?”

        Aphrodite shrugged. “Same as everypony else. Just kind of live life. The only difference was that I liked the kinkier side of it. What about you? Did you always want to be a sexy librarian and every mare’s wet dream?”

        Twilight ignored the last part. “Well, I do love books…” Twilight said simply. Aphrodite bit the inside of her mouth. Neither of them noticed when the waiter came and set their salads down on the table. The two absentmindedly grabbed their food, a fork, and ate as they spoke. Twilight was antsy. She rubbed her right hind leg on the stand underneath the table.   Aphrodite’s ears flicked. 

        “So what did you do back in Las Pegasus?” Twilight asked. Aphrodite didn’t appear to understand. “We met up in that dance club in Las Pegasus before the Changeling war. Besides model, did you do anything else?”

        “Oh. Well, that club was called “The Alleyway”, for obvious reasons. It was a popular hangout for me. Meet somepony new, bring them to my place, sex, wake up and they’re gone, start over. I didn’t really vary what I did. Las Pegasus was meant for getting into trouble. So naturally, the only thing I would do there was get into trouble.” She took a small bite of her salad, and chewed carefully before continuing to speak.

        “‘Life of the Party’ kind of lifestyle, hm?” Twilight added.

        “Basically. I mean, I grew up in Dodge Junction. There was absolutely nothing to do there. So, when I moved out to Las Pegasus, you know what happened,” Aphrodite said.

        Ever since Aphrodite moved in with Twilight three weeks ago, one month since the Changeling war, this was the first real conversation that they’d had. Twilight was trying to think too much about it. She only really just wanted to learn more about Aphrodite. She didn’t know all that much, and it embarrassed her to admit it.

        “I was born in Canterlot, so I was kind of the opposite.” Twilight took a bite of her salad, and almost moaned in delight. It tasted heavenly. She was glad that she didn’t utter a sound, lest Aphrodite get riled up again. “Traveling from a big city to a smaller town really changes the way you behave and the ponies you consider your friends.”

        Twilight kept rubbing against the table stand. Meanwhile, Aphrodite cleared her throat. She looked a little distracted, but Twilight didn’t worry about it. 

        “Truer words have never been said, Twilight,” Aphrodite nodded. “I’m personally happy that you came into my life that day in Las Pegasus. You got me out of there, you let me stay with you here in a quieter town, you helped me make more friends that I would have ever thought possible. Being the Attribute of Lust may be unfortunate, but look where I am now.”

        “We’re all glad,” Twilight said. Wait, was something tickling her hind leg? Nah. Just her imagination. “You’re a good mare. You deserve something good in your life.”

        Aphrodite broke eye contact from Twilight, and scoffed. She picked her fork through her salad. “You’re telling me.”

        There. Twilight didn’t mistake it that time. “Are you touching me?” she asked, bending down to look underneath the tablecloth. It was at that moment that she realized that the table didn’t have a stand. It had four legs. 

        Twilight was rubbing her leg against Aphrodite, who was now beginning to play “hoofsie” with her. Slowly and methodically.

        Twilight’s eye twitched. The restaurant was soon filled with Aphrodite's playful giggles.

***

        After Twilight had informed Aphrodite of her strict “no touching” rule, things calmed down. The two spent the better half of two hours talking, having finished their meals way earlier. They talked about their hobbies, their favorite books and movies, and anything that came to mind. It was strange. Twilight didn’t expect to find somepony to be able to talk to that way. Much less Aphrodite.

        The mare was odd, that was for sure. But she had a heart, and Twilight appreciated that.

        Somewhere around 11 o’clock, near closing time, the two paid their bill and left the restaurant and started to walk home.

        “I’d rather not go to that place ever again,” Twilight said, rather suddenly and after a pause in their conversation.  Aphrodite turned to look at her, appalled.
        
        “But that’s my favorite new place to eat!" she whined, cutely. "What was wrong with it?" Twilight just shrugged.
        
        “The waiter was kind of a jerk. He treated me like I was a monumental idiot the whole time. The inside of that place was so… unoriginal, and overdone. The “romance table” was kind of a joke. Though, I will admit, the salad was pretty good.” They weren’t that far away from home, now. But for some reason, Twilight was walking a little bit slower than usual.

        “I guess you’re right.” Aphrodite sighed. “If we ever decide to do this again, you choose the venue.”

        Next time?

        “Aphrodite, I wouldn’t mind hanging out, or going out to eat  with you at all. But, let’s not call it a date.” Twilight gave Aphrodite a brand new smile. An appreciative one. Aphrodite grinned back, kindly.

        “I’d love that.”

        The two approached the door of Ponyville Library. The lights were left on inside, even though Spike was most surely asleep. The two turned and faced each other, their faces shining in the wake of the single light the front door gave off. Twilight realized the position that she just put herself into. She gulped when Aphrodite opened her mouth.
        
        “Could I… give you a kiss goodnight?” Aphrodite asked. Her face was soft, and meaningful--frightfully innocent. Twilight’s cheeks flared yet again.

        “I… I’m still not into mares, Aphrodite. Uhm… sorry, but no.” Weird. What was that strange tugging feeling inside of her? It was most likely telling her to hurry up and get inside the library door. Twilight turned away from Aphrodite for just a brief moment to get inside.

        Big mistake.

        Without warning, Aphrodite tackled Twilight to the ground, and began kissing her all over her face. Smooches here, smooches there. Many made connections to her lips and ears, all while Twilight was flailing on the ground like a drowning pony. “I love you, Twilight! I want you right now!”

        Twilight, using her magic, picked Aphrodite up off of her. Aphrodite kicked the air desperately, trying to get out of Twilight’s spell. “Come on! Just one actual kiss? Please? I won’t tell anyone I swear!”

        “You have got to be kidding me! And to think…Ugh!” Twilight spat the taste of mare out of her mouth. She ran inside the house, letting Aphrodite free. Though, Aphrodite wasn’t able to get through the door before Twilight shut and locked it behind her.

        Aphrodite was locked outside.

        A few moments passed by. She knocked. “Twilight? Could you let me in?”

        No response. Another knock. “Twilight? It was just a joke! Let me in!” 

        The lights inside the library turned off. 

Aphrodite slept outside that night.