Talan kicked his feet back and forth on the bench outside Canterlot High’s office. He’d been here for over an hour already. Since he was already a high school student, he figured he'd be in and out of the new building relatively quickly. Canterlot High was odd, having two separate buildings for it's classes. One for grades nine and ten, and another for grades eleven and twelve. Originally they weren't split at all, but the population of kids in the area kept rising and rising. This area outside the nearest city was popular for upper middle class parents to live. Suburbs were very popular for raising families.

However this was getting ridiculous. He was excited when he learned he was given the day off for it, heck even Sonata was jealous. But now it appeared he’d be spending the day waiting.

Eventually a girl with flowing red and gold hair walked out of the office and looked around. When her eyes fell on Talan, he smiled shyly and gave a small wave. The girl returned his smile and came to sit down next to him.

“Um, hey, I’m Sunset. Are you Talan?” the girl asked.

“That’s me,” Talan said.

Sunset breathed a sigh of relief and leaned back on the bench, “Sorry I kept you waiting, but my friends were practicing their act for an upcoming battle of the bands. Had to stay and watch them.”

“So are you my tour guide, then? he asked.

“Yep!” Sunset said, “Let’s get started.”

“Fine by me,” Talan said while getting up and following her.

Talan looked Sunset up and down as she walked, he couldn’t help it. Another one of these tall thin beauties. Was this building full of them? He hadn’t been around the other building before, not since the track and field competition used the older one. Sunset wore a pretty cool outfit as far as he was concerned. A short skirt revealing her shapely legs, but not too short. Her shirt was a plain purple, but had a sun logo on it. Talan thought it almost looked like one of those tribal tattoos he saw so often. Last her jacket, leather or pleather? It didn't matter. Talan wondered if she was in a band or singing group, she certainly looked the part.

“Here we have the gym, and down these two halls are the classrooms where you’ll be learning your first year here.”

Talan only had a moment to look at the rooms before Sunset led him away. “In a hurry?” he asked.

Sunset smiled, “We don’t want to miss lunch, the school actually has some good lunches sometimes, and today is one of them.”

“Oh, well that’s good,” Talan said as Sunset led him up the stairs.

After spending a few more minutes walking around the school, Sunset led Talan into the lunch line where they received their food. Chicken nuggets and mashed potatoes.

Talan walked with Sunset to a table and sat down across from her. There weren’t too many students eating lunch, Sunset explained this was one of the earlier lunch periods.

“So...” Sunset said while unwrapping a napkin, “You look kinda young to be here, don't you?”

Talan rolled his eyes and groaned internally, “Don’t look like a high school kid, do I? I get that a lot, but I'm eighteen I assure you.”

Sunset looked at him for a moment, as if she was going to say something, then reconsidered at the last minute. “Well...” she began, “You are kinda short, that’s all.”

Talan laughed, “Yeah, get that all the time.”

Sunset frowned, “Have you heard anything about the student body, like say... last year around the fall formal?”

Talan shrugged, “Nah, don’t think so. I usually don’t pay close attention to social stuff like that.”

Sunset’s eyes practically lit up, “That’s great! Uh, I- I mean, so you’ve never heard of me?”

Talan raised an eyebrow, “Are you one of the popular girls I should have heard about?”

“No, Talan... that’s us...” a voice said from behind him.

Sunset looked up and crossed her arms, “You’re friends with them?”

Talan turned around to find Adagio, Aria and Sonata standing there with their lunch trays.

“He is,” Adagio said with a forced smile, “And he’ll be eating with us today. Say goodbye, Talan.”

Talan turned around as green rings briefly spiraled out from the center of his eyes, “Uh, see ya later, Sunset... thanks for the tour.”

“Bye, Talan. Hope I see you around later.” Sunset said with a small frown.

Talan followed Adagio and the girls to a table on the other side of the cafeteria. Sonata smiled as she took a seat to his right, while Adagio sat on his left. Aria sat across from him and began eating.

“So...” Sonata said in her familiar cheerful tone, “How do you like it here?”

Talan shrugged, “It’s alright, will take some getting used to.”

“I wouldn’t worry about too much, Talan...” Adagio said while smiling down at him, “You’re friends with us, which means you’re pretty much set.”

“Everyone likes you girls here?” Talan asked.

As he went for a chicken nugget Aria reached over and grabbed it first. She smirked and raised her eyebrows, “They’re under our spell, kid.”

Talan reached for another nugget and Aria took it again. “Will you stop that?” Talan asked while moving his plate closer.

Aria simply smiled and ate the nugget, “Nah, don’t think I will.”

Talan sighed and was about to say something when Sonata gave him two of her chicken nuggets. “Eat up, this will hold you over til I get home and make dinner.”

Talan smiled, “Thanks, Sonata.”

Aria groaned and rolled her eyes, “You’re too nice, Sonata.”

Sonata tousled Talan’s hair and stuck her tongue out at Aria, which only seemed to make her more irritated.

Adagio looked around the cafeteria and spotted the six girls who seemed to be resisting their influence. She studied them closely and noticed something strange. They had a similar aura, one she had seen before. She looked down at Talan and raised an eyebrow. He had the same thing, only weaker. It was faint, barely noticeable. Indeed the only times she saw it was when she first met him, and when she was sitting next to him now. What was first a simple curiosity was now something she’d have to keep an eye on.

The sound of the bell signaled the end of lunch, and Talan’s time at the school. Adagio got up and left with Aria, who was all too happy to leave it seemed. Sonata turned to Talan and before she could say anything Talan said it for her.

“You don’t need to apologize for Aria, I don’t care.”

Sonata sighed, “Sometimes I wish she could just get along with more people. I guess it’s whatever. I’ll see you at home Talan.”

Talan waved goodbye to her and walked out to the front of the school. He unlocked his bike from the rack and pedaled back to his house. At least it was the weekend now. He put his bike in the garage and went upstairs to take a nap and enjoy the rest of his day off.

On Saturday, Talan woke up to the cheerful hums of Sonata. He could hear her walking back and forth outside his door. He growled and turned to look at his alarm clock and saw it was twelve thirty.

Guess I can’t really say it’s too early for singing Talan thought with a tired sigh.

He looked over to his rig and rolled his eyes. Grinding orbs for gear takes forever sometimes. He didn’t realize he was up so late, not even when Sonata brought him up some snacks and told him she was going to bed.

Talan put on a bathrobe and walked into the hall. Sonata saw him and laughed, “You look horrible, Talan!”

Talan rolled his eyes, “Thanks, can’t say the same for you..”

Sonata was wearing her short shorts again with another band tank top. A look he was starting to really enjoy.

“Have any plans for later?” she asked.

Talan shrugged, “Nah, probably was just going to stick around here.”

“Want to go to the mall?” Sonata asked with a hopeful smile.

Talan rubbed his chin in thought and leaned on the wall, “Am I going to be your pack mule while you shop for clothes and shoes?”

Sonata giggled and walked up to him, “Don’t give me any ideas. You’d be the perfect little helper to carry my bags. But no, I was going to meet Aria and do some shopping for the house. Plus it would just be fun to go out for a bit. Want to come?”

Talan shrugged, “Well, alright. I’ll go get ready.”

As Sonata pulled up in her jeep, Talan yawned and opened his eyes. He was still really tired. Was it because of last night? He did get a good night’s rest. He yawned again and looked over at Sonata. She was still happily humming a song. Come to think of it he hadn’t really felt sleepy until she started humming.

Talan stretched and looked across the parking lot. The mall was huge, one of the larger ones in the area. It was sort of hub for other towns and smaller cities. There were many small businesses and large chains here.

“Wake up sleepyhead!” Sonata chirped and shook Talan’s shoulder gently.

Talan smiled and unbuckled himself, “I’m awake, no thanks to you.”

Sonata got out and began walking up the parking lot with him, “Yeah, I dunno what it is about my voice that makes you so sleepy. You’re lucky I don’t take offense to that.”

Talan laughed, “You know what I think of your voice, it’s super pretty.”

“Aww...” Sonata said. “You’re the sweetest.”

The two walked through one of the clothing outlets and into the main concourse. Sonata grabbed Talan’s hand and dragged him into two stores before deciding to get some lunch. Sonata walked up to the counter and ordered some chinese for Talan, but decided not to get any herself.

She walked over to the tables with him and scanned the area.

“Aha!” she exclaimed, then dragged Talan to the upper floor overlooking the food court.

Talan followed her with his food, then felt his heart drop. Sitting a table where they were headed was a familiar snotty girl with purple pigtails and a torn up jacket.

When Aria turned around and saw them, her expression changed instantly.

“Hey girl!!” Sonata said as she walked around the table and hugged her.

Aria groaned and grudgingly returned the gesture, “Sonata... what’s the kid doing here?”

Perhaps it was his fatigue, or maybe it was his low tolerance for rudeness. But Talan was getting tired of her attitude.

“The ‘kid’ has a name. It’s Talan, Pigtails.”

Both Sonata and Aria slowly turned to Talan, a brief look of shock on their faces. Aria scowled at him and leaned forward, “I don’t care, kid. And you better watch it.”

Sonata briefly led Talan away after he put his food down.

“Hey, I’m sorry about this.” She said while looking at the ground. “I promised Aria I’d come to the mall with her today, I just didn’t want to leave you all by yourself.”

Talan shrugged, “I get it, and I’m glad you cared enough to ask.”

Sonata sighed and bent over slightly, “While I’m here I’d like to get my hair re-colored. It would be kinda boring just sitting there waiting. I know Aria hates it, would you mind hanging out with her until I’m done?”

Talan raised an eyebrow, “You can’t be serious...” he looked back at the table to see Aria eating some of his fortune cookies.

Sonata rubbed his shoulder gently as he balled a fist. “She’s not that bad. I’ll talk to her, c’mon.”

Talan grabbed Sonata’s hand, causing her to turn around, “No, I’ll do it. I owe you for patching up my foot at the beach. I think I can handle Aria...”

Sonata smiled and nodded.

As they went back to the table, Sonata explained her plans to a very apathetic Aria. When she left she teasingly told them to play nice, then disappeared into the crowd.

Talan went about eating his small lunch while Aria preoccupied herself with some music. She put in some earbuds and looked everywhere but in front of her.

Talan wiped his face with a napkin and considered what approach he should take. He wasn’t so sure Aria was a bully. Sure she was aggressive and kinda mean to Sonata and himself, but she wasn’t as bad as other girls he’d seen. She didn’t totally act like them, either. Talan figured one way to engage would be the way he’d witnessed in so many movies and books. The best way to win the respect of someone like this was to beat them at their own game. Earning their respect. The question was, would it work?

Talan got up and threw away his trash, then walked by the table to get Aria’s attention.

“Where are you going?” she asked.

“I’m gonna go to the games store, it’s just down there and around the corner.”

“Oh no you’re not,” Aria said with a light chuckle, “Sonata told me to watch you. And you’re going to stay right here so I don’t have to babysit.”

Talan smirked, “Hmm, nah... I’m going. You’ll know where to find me, Pigtails.”

Aria’s eyes shot open, then relaxed, “Fine, whatever...”

As he started walking, Talan waited a few seconds to see if his intuition was right. Sure enough, Aria got up and put her ear buds away. As she came over Talan noticed she was wearing something similar to Sonata. Short shorts with a band tank top and that ripped up jacket.

“Couldn’t resist, could you?” Talan asked with a sly grin.

Aria groaned and rolled her eyes, “Kid, if you weren’t friends with Sonata... I swear.”

Talan’s mind stopped for a moment. Aria said that he was friends with Sonata. That meant Sonata must have told her. Interesting.

“But I am friends with her, so you’re stuck with me, at least for the time being.” Talan said. “C’mon, I heard from Sonata that you enjoy games.”

Aria walked behind Talan into the game store and followed him to a console. “Yeah, I do. Is that all you two do, gossip about me and Adagio?”

Talan picked up a controller and shook his head, “No, she’s only mentioned you once. Just about games and how we might have something in common there. She’s never really mentioned Adagio at all.”

Aria’s gaze became distant for a moment, “That’s good, gossip gets around.”

Talan handed her the controller and pointed to the screen. “Have you played the new Alley Fighter?”

Aria’s eyes lit up, “No!” Uh, I mean... nah, not yet.” she said as she composed herself.

“Well, what do you say, best two out of three?” Talan asked.

Aria put a hand on her hip and shook her head pityingly, “You’re on small fry.”

Fighting games were not Talan’s specialty, it was a genre that he didn’t play that often. But he spent tons of time watching streamers practice for tournaments. So he knew a little bit thanks to that, plus having experience with the previous game in the series.

Aria was good, able to snag a win, but it wasn’t enough. Talan put down the controller and stretched dramatically. “Well... wasn’t expecting it to be so easy, but ya know...”

Aria stood there for a moment, eyes shut and fists clenched. Then she let out a sigh and turned around. “That was pretty good, kid. Do you play fighters often?”

“Often enough, it seems...” Talan said with a smug chuckle.

Aria’s eyebrow twitched, then something happened. She looked behind Talan and the biggest, most evil smile crept on to her face.

“I have a game we can play... follow me...”

Talan followed her to a secluded corner of the store and felt his confidence plummet.

“Oh no...” he muttered.

Aria grinned and slowly sauntered over to a dancing machine. One of the models that he often saw in Japanese arcades.

Where did they get this?! Talan thought.

Aria stepped onto the right player’s platform and beckoned Talan over, the wicked predatory grin never leaving her face. “Come on over, kid. Not scared, are you?”

Talan hated dancing. He was no good at all. But he was too far along now, and wasn’t about to back down. “Scared? Bring it on, Pigtails.”

Aria smiled and picked a song, then waited for the countdown. Talan looked at the dance pad and moved his feet around a bit. He’d only done this once before, and from what he remembered it was all about rhythm.

The song started, and they both began to move. Talan did his best to keep up, so far, doing an alright job. However, things began to get more challenging as the song picked up pace. He had to concentrate harder, and if that wasn’t enough, something hit him in the side causing him to lose his balance.

Talan looked over at Aria and saw her gyrating hips. She swung them from side to side and held her arms in front of her. Kinda like those girls in hip hop videos.

Hit me with those hips, huh? Two can play at that game...

Talan redoubled his efforts and started hitting the correct steps, and when Aria went to bump him again, he countered. Even so he was still staggered just a bit, as Aria was bigger than he was. Talan noticed her figure as it gyrated to a fro. It was kind of hard not to. Aria had a stunning appearance, but unlike Sonata she was more... pronounced. A larger bust, thicker thighs and wider hips.

As they continued their contest Talan noticed something else. Every so often she’d glance down at him with that confident smirk. But there was a certain look in her eyes, a type of glint. He’d seen it before in Ryan. A look of acknowledgement, or respect.

As the song ended, Talan turned around and noticed they had drawn a small crowd. Mostly younger guys, he knew why they were watching. Aria smiled at her score and nodded approvingly, then took a small bow for the crowd.

Talan walked away and waited for her to follow. Aria stretched and let out a small yawn, “You tried, Talan.”

“Wait... ‘Talan?’” he asked. “You’re using my name now?”

Aria shrugged, “Well, you clearly can’t dance worth a crap... but you played along anyway. I can respect that.”

“Thanks, I think...” Talan said while scratching his head.

“Yeah, well... don’t get used to it. You lost so I figure you owe me something. How about a smoothie? I’m thirsty after beating you.”

Talan shrugged, he was kinda thirsty as well. “Alright, follow me.”

Talan walked with Aria to the smoothie store, noticing that she was walking beside him now rather than behind him. He asked her which flavor she wanted then ordered. Aria walked by, presumably heading for the restrooms, which left Talan to pick a seat.

As he sat down, he noticed a group of boys sitting about two tables over. They were from his class, and known bullies.

Talan pretended to not notice them and looked in the other direction, but couldn’t help hearing them say his name. They started making jokes before one actually got his attention.

“What’s wrong, Tally? Here all by yourself? Nobody wants to hangout with you?”

Talan sighed and sat up in his chair, “They’re all busy today.”

“They’re all busy today...” another one said in mocking tone. “Nah, they just think you’re retarded and not worth the time anymore.”

Talan thought back to Ryan lying to him, and figured that might be what they were talking about, which put him in a funk. He sipped on his smoothie and tried his best to ignore them, then Aria returned.

Immediately the idiots shut their mouths and gawked at her. Each one of them in disbelief.

Aria took a sip of her smoothie and relaxed in her chair, “This is good, thanks Talan.”

“No problem... Aria...” he said with a sly smirk.

Aria chuckled, “No ‘Pigtails’? How sweet of you.”

Talan shrugged, “I can call you that if you want. I do like your pigtails.”

Aria chuckled and took another sip of her drink. She noticed Talan’s eyes darting back and forth between her and another table. She looked around her shoulder and saw the group of boys, who immediately averted her gaze.

“What’s their problem?” she asked.

“Just a bunch of idiots from school,” Talan said. “Ignore them.”

Aria raised an eyebrow and took another sip of her smoothie, then turned around again to see them still staring.

“Got a problem, guys? Whatcha starin’ at?” she asked.

Each of them were silent, then one spoke up, “Just wondering why a good looking’ girl like you would be hanging out with a loser like him.”

Aria chuckled, “Oh... I see. But I think the bigger question is, why aren’t any of you with a good looking older girl???”

Silence. Followed by nervous laughter. “That’s tomorrow, honey.” another one finally said. “But we all know you’re just babysitting. It’s okay, you can say it.”

Talan’s heart sank, overcome with dread. This was it. He could just hear their raucous laughter, and Aria was laughing already. He clenched his eyes shut and resigned himself to the humiliation.

“Actually, no. I was bored so I asked him to come to the mall and entertain me. He’s done a great job so far. Even bought me this like a gentlemen.” she said while wiggling the smoothie and taking a small sip. “Could you do that? Aha... no, I don’t think so. In fact, I don’t know any girl who want to spend time with the likes of you.”

“Oh really?” one of the guys said, “And you’re an expert?”

Aria shrugged, “I mean, you could be out with your girlfriends right now. But instead... you’re sausage-festing it up and making fun of some other guy with a girl. I guess you have other priorities?” she said while throwing her hands up in mock defense.

Talan, whose jaw had been on the floor up until now, threw back his head in laughter. “Freakin’ torched!!”

The guys were angry now, some of them fidgeting in their chairs. One finally got the courage to speak up. “Listen to you... all this talk coming from a girl whose beauty could be removed by a wet kleenex.”

Some of the other guys worked up some courage and fired back as well. “What’s with the hair? Star clips? Are we in preschool now?”

“Yeah, that makeup looks like it was applied by a shotgun.”

“And if she’s with Talan today, who are the other six guys for the rest of the week?”

Talan grew irritated and leaned forward, “So, you’re going to make fun of her makeup now? Not exactly a stellar plan,” he said with a dramatic wincing sound. “That is, unless you’re all experts in that now.”

“Oh drop the act, Talan. We know what’s going on.”

Talan’s anger began build. He focussed on the one who gave him the most trouble. “Why don’t you drop your chins instead, Davis? You’ve got quite the collection there.”

Davis was pretty big and Talan knew it would get under his skin.

“What did you say?” Davis asked, getting up and taking a few steps forward.

“Whoa there, don’t want you to have a heart attack walking over here. You better relax.”

Davis’ face turned red, but he backed off when one of the others pulled him back. They pointed to a mall security guard taking notice of the raised voices. They got up and left, but not before Davis threatened Talan, saying they’d be seeing each other again soon.

Talan sat down and shook his head. “What assholes, I’m sorry about that Aria. But thanks for sticking up for me.”

Aria turned around and glared at Talan, her eyes fierce. She didn’t say a word when Sonata came back and found them. Aria got up, threw away the smoothie, and stormed off.

“What happened?” Sonata asked, worried. “Oh dear, and here I thought you two might get along once you got to know each other a little.”

“That’s the thing,” Talan began. “We did get to know each other. We went to the game store and played some games. There was even a dancing game we tried. I thought we were getting somewhere.”

“Wait...” Sonata said while sitting down next to Talan. “She danced... with you...?”

“Yeah, well... kinda. It’s not really ‘dancing’ so much as following a pattern. She was really good. Why? Is that weird or something?”

Sonata looked at the floor, “She never dances...”

“What?” Talan asked.

“Nothing,” Sonata said. “Why was she mad?”

“Some assholes from school were sitting over there making fun of me. We got to arguing and they left. I guess she really didn’t like it.”

Sonata shrugged, “Okay, I’ll talk to her about it later. Ready to go home?”

“Sure,” Talan said. “By the way... gorgeous hair.”

Sonata giggled and wagged a finger, “Flatter me all you like, but you still have stuff to do later.”

Talan groaned, “Fine.”

Back at home, Talan finished vacuuming the upstairs and made both his bed and Sonata’s. Then he folded some clothes before starting some homework. Sonata cooked herself some dinner and gave a snack to Talan, since he wasn’t that hungry. Now it was just time to relax for the night.

Talan walked out into the hall and heard Sonata talking to someone. He went downstairs and heard Aria’s voice.

“I think you’re overreacting a bit, Aria.” Sonata said.

“I’m not overreacting! Shut up! You know who we are, we shouldn’t have to-” she stopped upon seeing Talan walk into the room.

“You...” Aria hissed.

“Hey Aria, I-” Talan began before being cut off.

“What makes you think you have the right?” Aria asked, stepping closer to him.

“What do you mean?” Talan asked.

“Don’t get cute,” Aria said. “Back at the mall, when those guys were mocking me, what gave you the right to get involved?”

“What...? Talan asked, raising an eyebrow. “I was already involved. They were making fun of me before you even got there.”

Aria shook her head, “I was handling it, kid. I didn’t need your help. I was about to put them in their place and you ruined it.”

“I was just doing what I thought was right, they shouldn’t have been such asses.”

Aria turned to Sonata, who remained silent. Then returned her gaze to Talan. “You don’t understand, I was just about to have them wrapped around my finger” she said while caressing her ruby necklace.

“I was just sticking up for you. Like you were doing for me. It’s what friends do-”

“Oh no,” Aria said. “No no no, we’re not friends. And you had no right to interfere. I want you to apologize.”

“Pff” Talan huffed, “For what? All I did was try to help!”

“I didn’t need your help!” Aria said, raising her voice. “I don’t need anyone!”

“What about her?” Talan shouted, pointing at Sonata. “Would you be having this conversation with her?!”

“Don’t bring her into this!” Aria snapped, “You have no idea who we are!”

“I dunno about Sonata, but I think I have a pretty good idea of what you are!” Talan yelled.

Sonata stepped back, noticing slight green rings forming in his eyes. Their influence was still affecting him, she was hoping it would have wore off by now. This wasn’t good.

“Guys, let’s not fight. I think-”

“Shut up, Sonata!” Aria said while shooting her a venomous glare. “What am I, Talan?”

“Don’t talk to her like that! She deserves better than that you ungrateful bitch!”

Talan’s face stung as he caught a slap across the cheek. It spun his head around and almost knocked him into a chair. The pain made his anger swell to enormous levels, if only briefly.

“You’re not just an ungrateful bitch, you’re crazy, too.” Talan said while holding his face and moving for the door.

“Talan wait...” Sonata said while trying to grab him.

Talan shook her hand off and walked into the backyard toward the gardens.

Sonata turned around and glared at Aria. “Blaze... you didn’t need to do that. I can’t believe you.”

Aria fumed, “He tried to defend me from those stupid kids, Sonata. He thinks I’m weak! I’m not weak!”

Sonata shook her head, “With the front you put up all the time? How could a boy like that think you weak? All he knows is the tough girl who doesn’t take crap from anyone. Adagio and I are the only ones here who know you, Aria.”

“And he wants to get to know me,” Aria said. “That’s part of what that was back there. He can’t find out.”

“Find out what?” Sonata asked, exasperated. “That you were once a tiny fish in a big pond so long ago? That you were picked on and bullied by so many others? That those experiences changed you?”

“Sonata, I-” Aria began, but was cut off.

“No, listen..” Sonata said while walking over to her. “I love you, Aria. You’re my best friend. We’ve known each other for how long? I know why you act this way sometimes, and I don’t blame you. It’s helped you, and it’s helped us survive in this strange world. I don’t mind it because you’re my friend. But you know what? We could use some new friends in this world, regardless of what Adagio says. Talan is a good kid. I consider him a friend, and I think you should, too. In fact, you especially. Do you know why? Maybe think what he might know about your experiences. Look at him. He’s not that big for a kid his age, and since he's hanging with us, he doesn't have a clue what big fish he's really swimming with. Get me? This whole thing started with a bunch of other kids bullying him and not leaving him alone. Sound familiar? I dunno, it’s up to you Aria but you might consider cutting the kid a little slack.”

Aria took a deep breath and looked at Sonata, “I’m sorry I shouted at you.”

Sonata rolled her eyes and put a hand on Aria’s shoulder, “It’s alright, Aria. But I’m not the one who needs to hear that.”

“You’re right... “Aria said with a defeated sigh.

“I’ll be in the front room for a while.”

Aria watched Sonata walk out then turned to look at the lit up gardens. She rubbed her ruby pendant and placed a palm over it.

Talan sat on a swinging bench that was chained to a large tree branch. The tree was the central fixture of the garden, and the rest of the space was designed around it. His mother loved to garden, and created a secluded area that offered her privacy. Large wooden fences were erected and placed in spaces to form a square perimeter. Severals plants and vines took root around them and climbed to the very top. Between them she planted shrubs and bushes.

After rubbing his sore cheek, Talan looked up past the lanterns and into the starlit sky. He enjoyed coming out here when he needed to think, or when he was feeling down. He figured he’d stay out here until Aria left.

Talan started to swing back and forth, then stopped when he heard a sound coming closer. It was singing.

Aria slowly walked around the corner and started walking toward him.

“Forgive what’s said...  as I sing to youuuu... how I’ve set out... to heal your heart. The black clouds part, the sun shines downnnn... to burn away the sorrowww... and set you free.”

Talan remained silent as she slowly lifted her head and offered a gentle smile.

“Can I sit down?” she asked.

Talan nodded and moved over on the bench. Aria slowly joined him and looked up at the sky.

“Talan... I’m sorry. I- shouldn’t have snapped at you, and never should have hit you. I lost my temper.”

Talan turned to face her and shook his head, “But why? What did I do to make you so mad?”

“I just- I need to look out for myself. I know that Adagio and Sonata are there for me, but they weren’t always. In many ways I was just like you when I grew up. Small, an easy target. I was alone. I didn’t need you to stick up for me. I can handle myself.”

Talan leaned back, “Sucks doesn’t it? Until I made friends I didn’t have anyone to look out for me. No brothers or sisters. It was just me.”

“Yeah, it does suck...” Aria said. “But you know, I’m glad you stuck up for me back there. Even after all the crap I’ve been giving you.”

Talan grinned, “I get the same crap from my friends. It’s no big deal, and besides, Sonata told me you weren’t too bad. I just believed her, and you know what? She was right.”

Aria blushed a little and chuckled, “Still, I shouldn’t have hit you. What can I do to make it up to you?”

Talan laughed, “Oh I’ll think of something. But just know that you don’t always have to go it alone. Sure you might not need any help, but it doesn’t hurt to accept some now and again, does it?”

“No, I guess not,” Aria replied. “You’re pretty smart, you know that?”

Talan smirked, “Smarter than you, anyway...”

Aria laughed and grabbed Talan with one arm and pulled him into her lap. She put in him a headlock and gave him a noogie, making him squirm and laugh.

“Not that smart, apparently...” she said with an evil cackle.

Talan eventually wiggled free and jumped off the bench. He turned around and looked down at Aria, “So, did you really mean what you said back there in the mall? That I was a gentlemen?”

“Haha!” Aria laughed, then stopped when she saw he was serious. “I mean, yeah. You were nice and polite pretty much the whole time. You bought me that smoothie, when you really didn’t need to.”

Talan smiled and extended a hand down to her, “So, friends?”

Aria stared at it for a moment, then gently placed her palm in his. “Yeah, friends.”

Aria let Talan lead her back into the house and felt a strange warm sensation in her pendant. It was starting to glow. She placed her other hand over it so Talan wouldn’t notice.

“So, you heading out soon?” he asked as they approached the door.

Aria shrugged, “I dunno, why?”

“Just wondered if you wanted to stick around and play some games. Figured I could show you my collection.”

“Since you’re my friend now, sure. We could do that.” Aria said. “Oh, and just so you know. I’m pretty protective of my friends. So if those jerks ever give you trouble again, you tell me, got it?”

Talan laughed, “You gonna help me beat them up? You’re pretty lethal with those hips.”

Aria chuckled as she lifted their hands up and playfully bumped him, “You haven’t seen anything yet.”

Sonata opened the door for them and practically jumped up and down in joy. “Aww!! You’re friends now, aren’t you? I knew you two could get along!”

Aria groaned, “Why don’t you go get set up, I’ll be there in a minute.”

“Okay,” Talan said.

As he left, Sonata closed the door and grinned that stupid, knowing grin of hers. “Told ya he’s a sweetie.”

“Yeah yeah,” Aria said. “You were right... what else is new?”

“Are you going to go back to the apartment?” she asked.

Aria shook her head, “I kinda would rather chill here for the night. Adagio has been acting strange lately. A lot more irritable than usual.”

Sonata nodded, “Yeah, I noticed that too. It’s kinda nice to be away from it, honestly.”

“Yeah,” Aria said. “Where can I stay?”

“Well, there’s always the couch,” Sonata said jokingly. “My bed is pretty big, you could sleep there if you want. Or we could ask Talan if there’s another room you could use. This place is pretty big after all.”

“I’ll probably just chill with you, it’ll be like the old days when we first got here.” she said, a hint of slight nostalgia in her voice.

Before Aria left, Sonata caught her by the shoulder, “Aria, have you seen the ocean yet?”

Aria shook her head, “No, not really. Why?”

Sonata smiled, “It’s beautiful, and behind this gated community I think the waters are private. Nobody around.”

“Are you suggesting what I think you are?” Aria asked.

“Yes,” she replied. “It might be time to finally stretch our legs.”