“Goddammit!” Aria groaned as her car sputtered to a stop on the edge of the highway, “God dammit, not now! Not out here in the middle of buttfuck nowhere!”

Try as she may, getting it started again was a fruitless effort. In frustration, she banged her fist against the car horn, groaning. Pulling out her phone, she could see it was dead and in need of charging. But with her car out of commission, she couldn’t even charge it here.

“Great…” She sighed heavily, placing it back into her purse, grabbing it and getting out of the car.

Taking a look out down the highway, she saw an exit sign leading off to a town far off down the hill in the valley below. Shrugging her shoulders and realizing that she likely wasn’t going to find help anywhere else, she slung her purse over her shoulder and hiked off toward the exit.

As she headed along, coming to a stretch of highway that seemed deserted, something caught her eye. To her surprise, sitting near the road much like a highway road stop seemed to be a club. What was a club doing in the middle of nowhere just off from the nearest town? It made no sense to her.

‘Least it’s something… Guess I can use their phone,’ Aria thought, shrugging in mild defeat.

She went along toward the building, seeing that it was indeed a club. It sure explained why it was open at this hour, which was a relief to her. At long last, she reached the front door and opened it, going inside.

As soon as she got inside, she came to the realization that this wasn’t a nightclub, it was a strip club. Hunching her shoulders, she hurried over to the bar, trying not to draw attention from anyone as she kept her back to the stage.

“Aren’t you a little young to be in here, sweetie?” came the voice of the woman at the bar as she approached.

Aria glanced at the woman, somehow having expected her to be smirking at her in a very sensuous yet welcoming kind of way. And of course, she was absolutely beautiful with her fiery, voluminous curly hair and striking eyes. While Aria couldn’t help finding her attractive, she was in no mood for this.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m not in here for that,” Aria said sourly, “Can I use your phone? My car broke down in the middle of the road and my cell’s dead.”

“My my, someone upstairs is mad at you today,” she chuckled as she pulled her cell phone out of her cleavage and handed it to her, “Here you go, sweetie.”

Aria stared at her, wondering how and why someone would hide that in their cleavage, but decided not to engage, “Thank you. You got a phone book?”

The bartender nodded and pulled one out from under the counter, “Here you are, dear.”

“Thanks,” Aria opened it up, tracking down the number to a garage and their towing services. She made the call, to which they said they’d arrive within the hour. Relieved at this, Aria then hung up and handed the phone and book back to the bartender, “Okay, that’s done. Thanks again, miss.”

“Adagio,” she smiled, “This is my club. You waiting here for your ride?”

“...I guess I may as well,” Aria shrugged a bit, making herself more comfortable on her stool. “Wait, you tend bar for your own club? Wouldn’t you usually have a bartender for that?”

“I’m shorthanded tonight,” Adagio shrugged, “My bartender quit and my girlfriend doesn’t have her license.”

“Huh,” Aria said thoughtfully with a shrug, looking about for a moment. She glanced at Adagio once more, then sat up straight, “Lemme guess, you’re gonna start drying a glass, telling me to buck up, and then asking what’s troubling me?”

“No, of course not,” Adagio scoffed, covertly setting the glass she’d been pulling out back onto the shelf, “I was going to ask what you were gonna have.”

“Oh. Well, I guess I’ll have a coke,” Aria gave a noncommittal wave.

Adagio pulled a can out from the mini-fridge underneath the bar and popped it open, pouring it into a glass before sliding it over to her, “There ya go. On the house.”

“Wait, what? ...Why?” Aria looked at her oddly, having been reaching for her purse just moments ago.

“Because it’s my club and I’ll give free drinks away if I want to,” Adagio winked.

Aria rose an eyebrow, sipping her coke for a moment, “Long as you don’t make a huge habit of it, I guess. So… I gotta ask. Why all the way out here? Aren’t clubs usually in the centre of everything?”

“I’m set in between three major cities,” Adagio explained, “Far enough away to be discreet, but close enough to be convenient.”

“...Huh,” Aria said with a thoughtful shrug, “Guess that makes sense.”

“Of course it does,” Adagio smirked as the door to her apartment opened and Sonata came walking out, “Oh! Sona-baby! Come here, Mama wants a hug!”

“Yay!” Sonata happily skipped over to Adagio, bringing her arms around her and kissing her cheeks, “I just finished looking over the books!”

“How are we doing, sweetheart?” Adagio asked with a smile, kissing Sonata’s forehead.

“I’m doing great! And so’s business!” Sonata giggled, nuzzling her lovingly.

Aria stared at the two, making a face. She was about to snidely tell them to get a room, but figured not to engage. Sipping her coke, she glanced once more at Sonata, before she realized who this was. Her eyes went wide as she carefully sat her glass back on the bar, “...Sonata? Is that you?”

Eyes going wide as well, Sonata finally noticed her, and squeaked in fright before clutching to Adagio, “...Aria Blaze? W-What are you doing out here?”

“Do you two know each other?” Adagio asked, not recognizing Aria from the brief moment she’d met her years ago.

“She goes to my school,” Sonata explained.

“Yeah, and you disappeared three years ago!” Aria exclaimed, “Where the hell have you been?! Everyone was worried sick about you!”

Sonata looked away, shaking her head, “It’s a long story.”

Aria’s eyes narrowed sharply, “I’ve got time.”

“...Why do you want to know?” Sonata asked, rubbing her arm a little, “Life goes on, doesn’t it? If you really want to know, I… I ran away because I hated my life.”

“And that’s it? You just hated your life?!” Aria exclaimed, “Sonata, everyone thought you were dead!”

“...They… They did?” Sonata’s eyes widened, “... I knew they were looking for me, but… I didn’t think anyone cared about me at all. I just… I had an eating disorder, my girlfriend broke up with me and deceived me all along, bullies were picking on me, I was almost raped, no one tried to help me except... “ She looked at Adagio then, shaking a bit, “Except her… She was pretty much my only friend.”

“Wait… you’ve been here this whole time?!” Aria’s head snapped from Sonata, to Adagio, and back to Sonata again, “With her?!”

Sonata let out a small sound, clutching her face in her hands. For a moment or two she remained this way, breathing heavily, “Yes! Yes, I was! Adagio’s the only one who’s ever helped me or cared about me at all! She was coming out here to open her club and took me with her! I wanted a new life away from home and so I ran away with her! I ran away with her because I love her! And she loves me, too! I wanted a life with someone who loves me, too! That’s why I’m here! I couldn’t take it anymore! I don’t know why you care, but that’s what it is!”

“You love… you were fifteen! How old are you?!” Aria rounded on Adagio.

“Right now? fourty-one,” Adagio remarked, unphased.

Aria’s jaw dropped to the counter as she turned back to Sonata, “That’s not love, Sonata! That’s a pedophile!”

“She is not a pedophile!” Sonata half-shouted, tears in her eyes now, “You take that back!”

“No I will not!” Aria snapped, “This creep snatched you up when you were vulnerable! That’s sick!”

Sonata was about to make a retort, but stopped. The more she thought about it, the more it seemed like that was what it looked like to others. The fact she was fifteen and Adagio was in her thirties at the time they’d met, let alone fell in love and ran away together… It all added up to looking exactly like what Aria was talking about. She shook a little, exhaling and trying to gather herself.

“I… never thought of it that way,” Sonata admitted, her voice softened, “But… Adagio’s not a creepy pedophile, I swear… She was… she was there for me when no one else was. She helped me, made me feel better about myself, and she loved me, like no one else ever did… And it was all real. So real, and… I’m not… helping this, am I?”

Both Aria and Adagio shook their heads.

“If anything, sweetie, you’re making it worse,” Adagio said, pursing her lips.

Letting out a cry, Sonata wiped her eyes and clung to Adagio tightly, “Don’t take her away from me! I’m fine, really!” Realizing what she was doing, she pulled back, and ran out of the room, going back to the apartment.

“Excuse me,” Adagio excused herself from the bar and ascended the stairs to the apartment, fully aware that Aria had stormed after her. Finding Sonata upstairs and crying on the sofa, she sat down next to her and gently stroked her hair, “Sweetie, calm down. You’re overreacting. Nobody can take you from anywhere, you’re eighteen and can make your own decisions.”

Sniffling, Sonata clung to her and buried her face in her neck, “I just don’t want you getting in trouble…”

“I won’t. It’s been too long for anybody to do anything,” Adagio said, leaning down and kissing the top of Sonata’s head, “Shh, calm down Sona-baby. Mama’s here…”

Cuddling against her, Sonata sniffled and calmed herself, “But it’s true… It does look like some creepy pedophile snatched me away… B-But I know you’re not one!”

Adagio whispered soft shushing sounds into Sonata’s ear as she patted her back, “I know that too, sweetheart. Calm down, you don’t want to start hyperventilating…”

“Mm-hmm…” Sonata took a few breaths, nuzzling into her neck, “I can’t believe they thought I was dead… I can’t even believe she noticed…”

Adagio looked up at Aria, who had followed her upstairs and was glaring down at the both of them, “Mmhmm… it’s okay, sweetie,” she whispered, stroking her hair.

“Explain yourself,” Aria stated, her tone hard, “What the hell were you thinking, doing this to a vulnerable teenager?”

“Really, would any explanation I give satisfy you?” Adagio asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I’m serious,” Aria rolled her eyes, “The facts aren’t exactly adding up on your favour, lady.”

“Alright,” Adagio said, cradling Sonata in her lap, “Sonata was almost raped at school. She was begging not to go back. She was begging to get away. In fact, when I first met her she was crying at a bus stop that made frequent stops on the harbor bridge. I’m pretty sure she was going there to jump. I had no intention on being intimate with her, that is something that really just happened. Furthermore, she’s been doing remarkably well since she came to live with me. She got her high school diploma, she’s gained enough weight that she’s not a malnourishment case anymore, and she’s been nothing but happy ever since. If you want to call me a peophile for that, then fine. Get out of my house if you’re going to be so brazenly stupid,” she snapped.

Somewhere in the distance, there was a faint sound of a microphone dropping.

Aria gazed at her, wide-eyed and trying to process all of this. She looked yet again at Sonata, who was snuggled against Adagio and burying her face in her neck. Then she looked at the older woman, seeing just how sincere and serious she was being. For a moment or two, Aria remained silent, wondering just what she could possibly say to any of that.

“...Guess it really was just the ages that made it look bad,” Aria admitted with a sigh, looking away a little.

Adagio’s eyes narrowed, “Good,” she said curtly, gently patting Sonata’s back as the girl whimpered in her lap.

“...Okay, I’m sorry,” Aria conceded, holding her hands up, “I’m not gonna start anything. Besides, Sonata’s eighteen, not like it’s a big deal anymore.”

Adagio’s stony face held, “Now, you can either sit down, or you can leave. Pick one.”

For the most part, Aria wanted to hightail it out of there. Not willing to admit it, but Adagio’s stare was really intimidating. It wasn’t often that someone would affect her like this, especially not when they didn’t have any power of her for the most part. Yet, she felt like a micronism up against a finger.

Yet, she didn’t feel right just walking out the door. If anything, something inside was compelling her to take Adagio’s offer. Whatever it was, the feeling was hard to ignore. Exhaling, she looked about the room, then sat herself down on a nearby chair.

“Good girl,” Adagio said sternly, kissing the top of Sonata’s head, “You feeling better, Sona-baby?”

“Yeah…” Sonata murmured, pulling her head up a bit, “Yeah, I’m okay. I’m sorry, I guess I kinda caused a scene...”

“Oh no, you didn’t do anything, sweetheart,” Adagio whispered, nuzzling Sonata’s cheek.

“I just don’t wanna leave, and I don’t want you to go, either,” Sonata murmured, wiping her eyes, “I guess I felt like I was fifteen all over again.”

“I’m not going anywhere, sweetie,” Adagio cooed, kissing her cheek as she rocked her in her lap, “You’re still safe here…”

Sonata nodded, kissing her cheek and looking at Aria warily.

Aria held up her hands again, “Don’t look at me, I’m not doing nothing. I couldn’t even if I tried.”

“Precisely,” Adagio said firmly, “I get very protective.”

“...I can tell,” Aria remarked, looking between the two again.

Adagio rubbed Sonata’s back in small circles, “Don’t ever make my Sona-baby cry again.”

Feeling a stab of guilt, Aria nodded, “Right. I’m sorry, Sonata. I didn’t intend to make you cry. I… overreacted and was out of line.”

Sonata sniffled, but managed a small smile, “It’s okay. I… do appreciate you looking out for me.”

“Well, yeah. When I thought you were dead… I was feeling terrible, okay? Like I could’ve been a better friend. But now you’re here and I hear about this, and… yeah,” Aria shook her head a bit, “I was worried.”

Adagio kissed Sonata’s hair as she nuzzled her, “Were you two friends in school?” she asked softly.

“Kinda. More like friendly acquaintances,” Aria shrugged a bit, “We were kinda friends as kids, but drifted apart.”

“Yeah,” Sonata nodded, nuzzling her back, “I mean, I felt kinda sad we weren’t close anymore, but it’s not like she just dumped me like a hot potato.”

Adagio kissed her cheek, “Do you want me to leave you two alone for a bit?” she asked.

Neither of them said a word, to which Aria motioned for Sonata to speak for them.

“...I guess…” Sonata murmured, “It’d be nice if we could talk.”

Adagio smiled and shifted Sonata off her lap, “I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me,” she cooed softly as she stood up and strode to the kitchen, hitting the button to signal the staff downstairs to close the club down.

Sonata shifted a bit, clasping her fingers in her lap as she looked anywhere but at Aria directly. She exhaled, trying to find the courage to speak, “So… um… how is… uh…. everything, I guess?”

Aria shrugged, “It’s been alright, I guess. It was quiet at school without you around…”

“Oh, come on… that can’t be true,” Sonata shook her head.

“It was,” Aria said, nodding, “After they reported you dead, everything got a lot quieter. Niyomi blamed herself for pushing you so much and dropped out. Asy transferred to another school after she cracked that other girl’s skull open, and…” Aria hesitated, before continuing, “You know that girl who tried to molest you?”

“Yeah?”

“She killed herself…”

Eyes going wide, Sonata’s breath caught in her throat, “W-What…? She did? ...Why?”

“That day was the last time anybody saw you,” Aria explained, “Me, Asy and her were the last ones to lay eyes on you. She knew she caused you to run away, and blamed herself for your death.”

“...Wow, I…” Sonata looked down with guilt, clutching her stomach, “I didn’t think of that… I was so sure no one would care or that the bullies would laugh in victory or something…”

“Well… they did. Everyone realized they took things too far with you,” Aria said quietly.

“....Oh… so it kinda took my disappearing to give ‘em a wake up call,” Sonata sighed a bit, managing to look up at her.

Aria nodded, “I guess… I was worried, though. You just vanished like that… it scared the crap out of me…”

“I’m sorry… I would’ve said something, but, I didn’t want anyone finding me and taking me home…” Sonata murmured, rubbing her arm, “I had to wait until I was eighteen.”

Aria got up and moved over to the couch and sitting down next to her, “When they reported you dead… I…” Aria couldn’t help herself and wrapped her arm around Sonata’s shoulder, “I cried for a week straight…”

“R-Really?” Sonata shook against her, managing to meet her gaze, “You… were really that sad?”

“Yeah…” Aria said quietly, “I uh… I loved you, Sonata…”

“Well I-huh?” Sonata blinked at her, “Wait… so when you say love…”

Aria nodded her head, “Yeah…”

Sonata blinked a few times, unsure how to respond. A little squeak escaped her as she tried to talk, but couldn’t find her voice. “Uh… wow. You sure… did a great job of hiding it…”

Aria brought her other arm up and hugged her, holding her shoulders tightly as she sniffled, “Yeah… I thought I’d lost you…”

“I… didn’t know you felt that way, I… I’m sorry…!” Sonata hugged her back, beginning to cry all over again, “I didn’t even know you cared!”

“I wanted to tell you but… then you disappeared,” Aria said softly, squeezing Sonata tighter.

Sonata nuzzled her hair, holding closer to her, “I’m sorry, Aria… I didn’t mean to hurt you, I swear…”

“I know you didn’t. We barely even spoke,” Aria said softly as she cuddled Sonata close to her.

“Well… hey, now we can… I don’t know, try again and stuff…” Sonata blushed slightly, “Just, uh… don’t drop any bombs, either. I’m kinda trying to work that out.”

“Yeah… okay…” Aria smiled as she kissed Sonata’s cheek, “...I think my ride’s here. I’ll… I’ll come see you on my way back home, okay?”

“Sure… I’m here all the time, anyway…” Sonata blushed a bit more, “Guess I’ll see you later…”

“Yeah…” Aria let go and stood up, swinging her purse back over her shoulder.

“You’re not going to kiss her goodbye?” Adagio smirked from the kitchen doorway.

“W-What?” Sonata squeaked, “But I… you… she… I… um… okay.”

She looked Aria nervously, her cheeks bright pink. Coming closer to her, she leaned in and planted a hesitant peck on her lips. Aria’s arms came back around her waist as she leaned in, turning the hesitant peck into a deep kiss as she held Sonata as tightly as she could get away with. Letting out a surprised squeak, Sonata was taken aback, but eventually melted into the kiss. It felt different from kissing Adagio, but a nice different. She returned it, bringing her arms around Aria’s neck, moaning softly.

Aria moaned squeakily and deepened the kiss, her tongue brushing against Sonata’s lips as Adagio watched the two of them from the doorway. Giggling a little, Sonata opened her mouth and eagerly met Aria’s tongue in a heated duel. She explored the other girl’s mouth curiously, taking in her unique flavour.

“Aw,” Adagio cooed, “You two are adorable.”

Pulling back a bit, Sonata blushed harder, “You… really don’t mind, Adagio?”

“Why would I mind? This is just precious!” Adagio grinned.

“Well, okay…” Sonata giggled, and kissed Aria’s cheek.

“I’ll be by tomorrow afternoon,” Aria smiled, kissing her cheek before leaving, closing the door behind her. Once she was gone, Adagio crept up behind Sonata and wrapped her arms around her waist.

“Feeling better, Sona-baby?” she asked, tickling her stomach.

Sonata giggled from the tickles, leaning back against her as she placed her hands on her arms, “Yeah… I do feel a lot better…”

Adagio’s hands lowered down to tickle the inside of her leg, “That’s good, I don’t like it when you’re upset.”

“Oooh…” Sonata cooed from the touch, “I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to get all emotional earlier. But it’s okay now, nothing’s going to… well, tear anyone apart.”

“Good girl,” Adagio smiled, sweeping Sonata up into her arms and smirking, “So it really does look like some creepy pedophile snatched you away, eh?”

“...Well, yeah…. I never thought of it that way before, but… I guess she kind of had a point,” Sonata murmured, “I don’t care, though. I know you love me, and I love you, too… It doesn’t really matter at all,” she then realized what was going on and giggled, “Oooh! I mean, yes…”

“Yes?” Adagio giggled, swinging her around.

“Yes!” Sonata hugged her tight and nuzzled her cheek.

“Oh, nice to know you think so little of me,” Adagio laughed, swinging her in circles.

“Also nice to know you preyed after little teen girls like me,” Sonata giggled, sticking her tongue out between her teeth.

Adagio gave a look of mock offense, “Well I never! You think you know someone and then they drop this on you.”

“Oh yeah? Well… um…” Sonata blinked a few times, then giggled, “nice shirt!”

Adagio wheeled around and carried Sonata into their bedroom, dropping her onto the bed, “Thanks, it’s the one you bought for me.”

“I remember, you put it on right the moment I gave it to you,” Sonata grinned, “Without even changing your first shirt!”

Adagio nodded and plopped down next to her, leaning over her as she pushed her back onto the bed, “Mmhmm…”

“You’re the best,” Sonata giggled, reaching up to play with her hair, “I love you~”

“I love you too,” Adagio grinned, leaning her head down to kiss Sonata’s neck.

Sonata nuzzled her happily, cooing in response, “I have to say, I’m pretty shocked at what happened since I left, but… no way do I regret it! It’s still the best thing that ever happened to me. And I totally owe it all to you!”

Adagio smiled warmly and nuzzled her cheek, “That you do. So how do you intend to thank me?” she asked with a purr as she kissed her neck.

“Maybe I can do that thing you really like…” Sonata nuzzled her hair and reached down to stroke her back.

“Well that narrows it down to about fifty,” Adagio snickered, kissing Sonata’s nose.

Laughing, Sonata kissed her nose back, “Good point! Maybe I’ll have to start with one and work my way up the list…”

“That sounds like a sound plan,” Adagio purred, her hand running up Sonata’s side.

“Mmm, awesome…” Sonata purred, stroking along her back sensually and creeping her hands up her shirt, “You smell so pretty…”

“So do you,” Adagio whispered with a grin, trailing her lips over Sonata’s neck as she shivered from her touch.

“I’m soooo lucky…” Sonata cooed happily, tilting her head to accommodate Adagio’s ministrations.

“And why is that, Sona-baby?” Adagio asked with a purr.

“Well, all my life, I felt pretty… alone and ignored most of the time, and then I had all those issues…” Sonata pouted, but then smiled, “But with you, all that changed, and I just… well, I’ve been happier the past three years than I’ve ever been in my life.”

“You’re welcome, sweetheart,” Adagio purred, kissing along her chin as she rubbed her stomach.

“Mmm… And now my old friend is back in my life…” Sonata rubbed her back, coming around to her chest, “This is awesome!”

“You see? I told you things would turn around for you,” Adagio smiled, nuzzling her nose, “Ooh, someone’s getting grabby, isn’t she?”

“Why wouldn’t I get grabby when my beautiful and awesome girlfriend is getting frisky?” Sonata grinned.

Adagio purred and straddled Sonata’s waist, “I have no idea.”

“Exactly!” Sonata grinned, running her hands down to her hips and toying with her skirt.

“You’re just precious,” Adagio giggled, “I am so keeping you.”

Sonata nuzzled her, grinning wider, “Well, you have been for three years, now! No way can you let me go, now!”

“Oh I could,” Adagio smirked, “But Mama has no plans on letting her favorite girl go…”

“And Sona-baby doesn’t want to leave Adagio-Mom!” Sonata pouted.

Adagio giggled and rolled them onto their side, snuggling Sonata against her chest, “Aw, you are just too cute!”

“I have more reasons to be cute these days!” Sonata cooed, snuggling against her happily.

Adagio grinned and kissed her cheek, “Mama loves you, Sona…”

“Sona-baby loves you too, Mama,” Sonata giggled, kissing her cheek too.

Next Chapter: You're Creeping Me Out, Lady! Estimated time remaining: 8 Hours, 44 Minutes