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Stockholm - The Littlest Dazzle

by Jerry Peet

Chapters

You Called Me Mom

“How are you holding up?” Ascentia asked as she sat at the bar, looking up at Sunset and sipping her drink.

“As well as I can be,” Sunset murmured, putting a freshly dried glass away, “Mom left big shoes to fill, but… Someone has to do it. I just really hope I can. I don’t want to replace her, but, I just want to be able to run this club and our family as best I can.”

“I think you have to replace her, at least to some degree,” Ascentia sighed sadly, “...Sonata and Aria need someone to take care of them.”

“I know they do, and I will take care of them,” Sunset gave a nod, “It’s not going to be easy, but I’m not going to turn my back on my own wives. Still, Aria’s helping me a bit behind the bar, and Sonata’s the one who-”

She cut herself off upon the surprising sight of Sonata, fully dressed in her designated “work” clothes, and coming into the bar. But even more surprising was her demeanour. Granted, she didn’t look like she was bouncing over the moon, but still looked a lot less miserable than before. If anything, she looked… fairly content.

“...Sonata?” Sunset said with surprise, “What are you doing down here? I thought you weren’t ready to get back to work.”

“Well… It might sound silly, but…” Sonata approached the bar, giving a little smile, “I dreamt about Mommy last night. After we went to bed…” She looked over at Ascentia and smiled, giving her a hug, “Hi, Asy. Nice to see you.”

“Hey Sonata,” Ascentia smiled, patting her arm as she leaned into the hug, “How’re you feeling?”

“A little better,” Sonata sat down in a stool next to hers, “Mommy came to my dream last night… She was in a white dress, and looked just like when I first met her. She… She said she wanted me to move on, and to be the happy little Sona-baby she remembered,” she sniffled a little, but still smiled, “She said it was going to be okay. And that one day… we’ll be together again.”

“Awww…” Sunset smiled, “I’m so glad. I had little moments in dreams like that, but that just sounds amazing.”

Ascentia gently patted Sonata’s back, “Well I’m glad you’re looking up. We were all worried about you back home.”

“I sowwy,” Sonata nuzzled her, “I just miss Mommy… But how are you guys doing?”

“We’re doing okay,” Ascentia smiled, “Twilight had a bit of a relapse when she came home drunk a few days ago. Cadance felt awful for getting her so plastered.”

“Oh, no! What happened?” Sunset asked with concern.

“She came home, I was in bed, and she was plowed out of her mind,” Ascentia whistled, pulling down her shirt collar to show the fading bruises on her neck and shoulders, “Got a little aggressive. That’s the nice version of it at least. When we told her the next morning, she broke down completely.”

“Poor Twilight…” Sonata said sadly.

“The poor thing,” Sunset murmured, shaking her head, “I can only imagine how terrible she felt.”

“Really terrible. She even said she should leave and live somewhere else,” Ascentia sighed, “...Kitten didn’t like that.”

Sonata pouted, “That’d be so sad! I went through that a couple times, wanting to leave. Not for the same thing! Just… you know. But Mommy didn’t like that…”

Sunset nodded in agreement, “It’s a tough feeling to have. She’s not going to leave, is she?”

“No,” Ascentia shook her head, “I practically begged her not to go… I couldn’t stand the thought of our marriage breaking apart because of an accident… especially after all we’ve been through.”

“I don’t blame you,” Sunset agreed, “That would’ve been a really sad reason to end things. How is she, now?”

“She’s okay, she’s been treating me like a china doll, but she’s okay,” Ascentia smiled, “Ever since she’s come home from the hospital, I’ve been sort of taking care of her.”

“Really?” Sonata smiled, leaning a bit closer, “How so?”

“I just… I’ve been the one making sure she stays grounded,” Ascentia smiled, “Kinda like what Sunny’s been doing for you guys.”

“Awww, that’s good!” Sonata hugged her once more, kissing her cheek. She looked off the main door, then stood, “Well, duty calls! I’ll see you for lunch, Sunny.”

“All right, Sonata. You do your best today,” Sunset kissed her cheek.

Ascentia watched and smiled as Sonata headed off for the door, “I know how you feel about having to take care of them… I’m in the same boat as you, Sunset.”

“So you said,” Sunset refilled her drink halfway, “What’s it like for you?”

“It’s… odd,” Ascentia nodded, “I’ve never seen myself as taking care of my wife… my wife always took care of me. Like you, I’m not a head of household kind of woman. But she needed me to, and so I did the best I could. Rainbow and Fluttershy are still there if I need help, or if I want to stop being in charge for a while.”

“That’s great,” Sunset smiled, “But yeah, that’s just it, too. I’m also not used to running the household. Mom was always the leader, and I was more or less second-in-command. Running the bar as a manager is one thing, but it’s a whole different story taking care of the girls at home.”

Ascentia nodded, “Yeah, it can be difficult. You just gotta be sure you can take a break every now and then. Even Adagio knew how important that was.”

“Mm-hmm, she did,” Sunset nodded as she wiped her eyes, “She always made sure to take care of herself. So she would be more prepared and ready to do what she had to do. She always encouraged us to do the same.”

Ascentia nodded, “If you need that, come down to our place. Twilight might be afraid to touch me, but I know she still can’t get enough of you.”

“Really?” Sunset blushed a little bit.

“Really,” Ascentia winked, “She’s still up for making you her little pet, don’t you worry.”

Sunset giggled a little, “Well, I’ll take you up on that, then. Once things settle down a little more, I’ll come see you guys. I know Aria won’t mind a little time alone with Sonata…” She winked at this, “But anyway… You can still come here when you need a break, either on your own or with Twilight. I know it won’t be the same, but I hope you’ll still feel safe.”

“Thanks,” Ascentia smiled, leaning in and kissing Sunset’s cheek, “That means a lot to me.”

“You’re welcome,” Sunset kissed her cheek back, “You girls are always welcome here.”

Ascentia raised her glass and smiled, “Hear hear.”

While Sonata was sorting through the mail, she went to sit at the table, sniffing the aroma of Sunset cooking dinner in the kitchen. A few of the mail items were flyers and menus for fast food restaurants. She placed a few aside to keep, the others to toss. At least, until she got to one in particular. Her heart stopped.

It was a menu for the very same restaurant Adagio had taken her to when they first met. When she had a taco for the first time. The very food that was now more special to her than ever imagined. Sonata sniffled, shaking a bit. She hadn’t had a taco in weeks. She placed her hand over the menu, hesitating. Keep it? Toss it?

“Oh, Mommy…” She murmured, sighing, “Do you remember that? I sure do…”

There was nothing. The apartment was quiet as a churchmouse. Sonata had taken to speaking as if Adagio were still there, like what Adagio herself had done with Timbre. Downstairs, she could hear the muffled sounds of the club going on around her. Sighing a little, she stood up, going to the kitchen. She observed Sunset for a few moments, hesitation.

“...Sunny? Do you want some help? I can help you…” Sonata murmured.

“Hmm?” Sunset looked up and turned around from the stove, “Oh, yeah sure, I can… are you alright?”

“Yeah… I just… I need a distraction,” Sonata murmured, coming into the kitchen and rubbing her arm, “I just saw a menu, it was for the same place Mommy took me to for the first time. I just…” She took a few deep breaths, “I’ll be okay.”

Sunset looked back down at the ground beef she was stirring and frowned, “Um… I’m making… tacos…” she winced, glancing over at Adagio’s recipe book.

Eyes going wide, Sonata took a step back. It was no wonder the aroma felt so familiar, so homey. She looked about for a moment, but closed her eyes, remembering her dream. “I… I can do this, Sunny… I want to try…”

“Alright…” Sunset smiled, “Why don’t you grate some cheese for me?”

Taking another deep breath, Sonata nodded, “Okay… I can do that.”

Going further into the kitchen, Sonata pulled out some cheese from the fridge, then retrieved a stand-up cheese grater. She went to work, grating the bits of cheese into a small bowl, slowly. It had been little tasks like this that she’d done to help Adagio in the kitchen back in the day. Especially grating cheese. She sighed, glancing toward Sunset for a moment, managing a small smile.

“Um, it’s sure nice that you’re trying Mommy’s recipes, Sunny.”

“Well… I know you girls love them so much,” Sunset smiled, stirring the beef into the sauce as she glanced at the page again and opened the cupboard to grab the canister of Adagio’s mixed spices.

“We do…” Sonata said, grating the cheese a bit faster, “They’re pretty much heaven in our mouths.”

Sunset chuckled and let the beef simmer as she diced up some tomatoes and green-peppers, “Yeah… Mom could do everything…”

“Oh, yes! Although, there was one thing she couldn’t do…” Sonata giggled.

“What was that?” Sunset asked, raising an eyebrow.

Sonata giggled, turning around to face her, “Believe it or not, Mommy was terrible at drawing.”

“Really? With everything she could do, I’m surprised,” Sunset giggled, “How terrible?”

“Oh, pretty bad!” Sonata giggled, smiling a little more, “Like a first grader drawing their family home. It was cute, though! She did a little diagram one time, to kind of show an example of what she wanted the club’s sign to look like. Then she was doodling some animals! And then I said, ‘Adagio… why does the squirrel look like he’s on fire?’, and she was all like, ‘Oh, but that’s not a squirrel! It’s a beaver, with a hockey stick!’ And I just didn’t have the heart to tell her it didn’t look like that…”

Sunset sputtered, nearly overturning the cutting board, “Oh my god… that’s hysterical… I take it you were the one who designed the club’s logo after all?”

“Yep! I did,” Sonata smiled, “She felt bad and asked me if I could design something for her. So, she gave me the specifications, and I drew it up for her on Photoshop. It worked! Sometime after Aria came along, she actually added the sparkly symbols on all the corners to kind of make it pop!”

“So the sign was a group effort after all, eh?” Sunset giggled, tipping the diced vegetables into a bowl.

Sonata nodded, going back to work on grating the cheese, “Uh-huh, it sure was! It really turned out so nicely, Mommy.”

Sunset giggled, “Yeah, it does look good, and-wait, what?”

“What?” Sonata looked at her curiously.

“Did… did you just call me…” Sunset trailed off.

“I-oh!” Sonata realized what she’d said, and stopped her task for a moment. Glancing at Sunset, she then turned around completely, “I’m so sorry, Sunny.”

“It’s… it’s okay,” Sunset came over and laid a hand on Sonata’s shoulder, gently squeezing as she wrapped her other arm around her waist and hugged her.

Sonata leaned back against her a little, nuzzling her, “I… I don’t want to make this harder for you, Sunny… You’re already doing so, so much. And we love you for it…”

“You’re not making it harder, Sona,” Sunset said quietly, nuzzling her hair, “I understand if it was a slip of the tongue.”

Nodding, Sonata placed her hand over Sunset’s, “Yeah… if I do ever slip like that, I’m sorry. I don’t mean to…”

“It’s alright,” Sunset kissed her cheek, “Mom used to always joke that I was more like the second parent than a daughter,” she chuckled.

Now Sonata giggled, “Yeah, that’s true. I noticed it, too. But hey, you’re really good at it.”

“Thanks,” Sunset nuzzled her, “...Hey, why don’t we invite Twilight’s family over for supper?”

“Really?” Sonata blinked, turning around to face her, “Aww, that’d be nice!”

“Alright, why don’t you go call her and invite everybody,” Sunset smiled, “I’ll make a triple-batch.”

Sonata nodded, kissing her cheek, “Okay, Sunny! I’ll do that.”

“Do what?” Aria came into the room, “Sorry, had to take a breather.”

“We’re gonna invite Twilight’s family over for supper,” Sunset smiled as she returned to the stove.

“Really? Huh, sounds like that’d be fun,” Aria stretched a little, “Want me to close up?”

“Yeah, sure,” Sunset smiled, kissing Aria’s cheek.

“I’ll go make the call!” Sonata went back to the living room.

Aria nuzzled Sunset’s cheek, “Wow, it’ll be the first time we had everyone here in… wow, since before Ma passed away.”

“Mmhmm,” Sunset sighed sadly, “Last time anybody was here… it was when Twilight showed up in the middle of the night, distraught.”

“Oh yeah…” Aria nodded, “Man, tonight’s gonna be a little heavy, I guess. But hey, it’ll be kinda nice if we’re all together.”

“Yeah… it’d be nice to see the others, too,” Sunset smiled, “We don’t talk to them enough.”

Aria shook her head and hugged her, nuzzling her shoulder, “Nope, not nearly enough. Guess we’ll have to do something about that, huh?”

“Mmhmm,” Sunset laughed, hugging Aria and rocking her on the spot.

Closing her eyes, Aria snuggled against her. Much as she tried to keep her pain inside, it was impossible. Instead she actually cried along with Sunset and Sonata, not even bothering to hold her tears back. She sniffed in Sunset’s comforting perfume, relaxing a little more.

“Thanks, Ma…”

Sunset kissed the top of Aria’s head, smiling a little, “You did it too…”

“Did what?” Aria blinked, pulling back slightly.

“You called me Mom,” Sunset giggled softly.

Letting out a sigh, Aria let her face fall against Sunset’s collarbone, “Damn… Sorry, Sunset.”

“It’s alright… I can understand why you’d do that,” Sunset stroked her hair, “I don’t mind…”

“Still, it doesn’t seem fair to you,” Aria sighed, shaking her head, “You’re doing great. I don’t want you to feel like you’re… Mom 2.0 or anything. Even though you kinda are like our second Mom.”

“Mom said that too,” Sunset rubbed her back, “I… I don’t mind. Really.”

“Really?” Aria looked at her with surprise.

“...Really,” Sunset smiled, kissing her forehead.

“Okay…” Aria kissed her cheek, “I’ll still try not to slip, but I’ll remember that.”

Sunset patted Aria’s back and let go of her, returning to the stove, “Alright… I gotta have supper ready before everyone gets here…”

“All righty. I’m going to go down and tend the bar before I close up,” Aria nodded, heading back out.

“Alright, cya in a bit,” Sunset smiled as she returned to cooking.

There was time.

Everyone wouldn’t be there for another hour, and supper was ready and staying warm in the oven. Sunset, Aria and Sonata were snuggled up on the sofa, Sonata clinging the hardest to Sunset, too comfortable to move.

“This was a nice idea, Sunny,” Sonata murmured, nuzzling her shoulder.

“Thanks… it’s always nice to cuddle with you girls,” Sunset smiled, stroking Sonata’s hair as she laid back on the sofa.

“Sure is,” Aria agreed, exhaling, “All we’re missing is Ma walking in, finding us like this, and giggling.”

“Then asking us why we didn’t wait…” Sonata giggled, then sighed sadly, “I always used to say ‘Mommy’s home!’ whenever she came back from somewhere… Then she’d say, “Yes, Sona-baby! Mommy’s home!’, then I’d run and hug her… Mmm… those were the days…”

“Remember when she came back so exhausted, you two had to cuddle her for a change?” Sunset asked with a giggle.

Aria chuckled, “Oh, yeah. That was fun.”

“Mm-hmm,” Sonata smiled, “It was nice to snuggle Mommy when she was tired. There was that other time she was so sick, and we had to take care of her. Being Mommies for Mommy!”

Sunset winced, remembering the incident when Adagio had caught a really bad virus and had been bedridden for two weeks. That had been how she’d learned to cook, having to make everyone’s meals while she was incapacitated.

“Oh yeah. She never let herself get sick again after that,” Sunset smiled as she glanced over to the box that held her urn.

“Poor Mommy… She was so upset at being unable to take care of us,” Sonata pouted.

“No kidding,” Aria agreed, “When I went in there to bring her some soup once, she was crying. I asked her what was wrong, and she said she was so grateful we were taking care of her. But she was also devastated at being unable to care of us.”

It was a very rare instance when Adagio ever cried. Sunset could only remember maybe three. The first being when Mrs Dusk had pestered her about her lack of children, the second being when Sonata had carved the chest for Timbre, and the third…

She shuddered. She didn’t like to think about the third. None of them did.

Sensing the tension, as well as where it would lead, Sonata moved it along, “Um… one time, I made Mommy laugh so hard that she started crying.”

“What happened?” Aria asked, wiping her eyes.

“Well… it was back when I first starting living with here with her,” Sonata recalled, “She came upstairs from the club, and I was in the kitchen. I was trying to make her a cake, since it was her birthday. Well, I made a bit of a mess on myself. I got more of it on me than in the bowl! I didn’t even know she was coming up, so she comes into the kitchen, and sees me there… I’m covered in flour, cake batter, and whatever else I was using!”

“Oh my god… I can already see those hips struggling to stay upright,” Sunset laughed, nuzzling Sonata tighter, “It sounds like she was walking into a Looney Toones special!”

“Pretty much!” Sonata laughed, “I felt SO embarrassed!”

“Man, that’s funny,” Aria snickered, “Hey, didn’t you say that her phone was kinda bugged back then?”

“Oh, yeah! Back before we ran away, Mommy’s phone sent texts in all caps! It’s like she’s yelling everything she says!” Sonata giggled, ‘HEY KID! YOU WANNA GET LUNCH? I’M OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL! SEE YA!’ and stuff!”

Sunset frowned for a minute and dug her phone out of her pocket, flicking through her text history, “She did that with me too. SUNNY, I NEED YOU TO PULL A DOUBLE SHIFT TONIGHT. SUNNY, I’M ON MY WAY TO PICK YOU GUYS UP. SUNNY, I GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT, THINK I’LL BE FINE.”

Sunset stopped as she read the last message and raised her eyebrow. It was marked as unread, and the time-stamp was… about four hours before the hospital called Sonata to tell them that Adagio wouldn’t be coming home.

“...Oh my god…” she whispered.

“What’s wrong?” Sonata asked, looking at her.

“It’s just… Mom sent me a message saying she was gonna be fine…” Sunset said quietly, pressing her fingers to her mouth, “...And that was… a few hours before she died…”

Aria balked, as did Sonata. The latter of which reached for the phone and took it, reading over the message.

“M-M-Mommy…” Sonata whimpered, letting the phone fall onto a cushion.

“Aria, get your phone. Sonata’s too,” Sunset said, patting Aria’s shoulder.

Nodding, Aria wiped her eyes of the fresh tears as she stood up. She went to the small table near the television, where their cell phones were charging. Retrieving them, Aria brought them back over, sitting back down on the couch.

“What… do you want them for?” Aria asked, her voice cracking slightly.

Sunset took them and opened the message history on Aria’s phone. She had nine unread text messages. Six from her mother, two from Sonata, and one from Adagio. She popped it open and read it aloud.

‘ARI, MOMMY GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT SO SHE MIGHT BE A LITTLE LATE. I’M ON THE SIDE OF PONYVILLE HIGHWAY WAITING FOR AN AMBULANCE. DON’T WORRY, MOMMY WILL BE FINE ONCE SHE’S OUT OF THE HOSPITAL.’

“...Oh…” Aria shook, more tears falling, “I-I wasn’t even paying attention when I got the text. I didn’t even check them after we got the news… Oh, damn… Ma…” She sniffled, shaking a little, “Even in an accident she’s still trying to assure us everything’s okay…”

Sunset wiped her eyes and moved to Sonata’s phone. There were four unread text messages. All of them from Adagio.

‘SONA, MOMMY GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT. SHE’S GONNA BE A LITTLE LATE. BE GOOD FOR TWILIGHT, PLEASE.’

‘SONA, MOMMY’S AT CANTERLOT TRIAGE HOSPITAL. THE DOCTORS KEEP TRYING TO TAKE HER PHONE, CAN YOU BELIEVE THESE QUACKS?’

‘SONA, MOMMY MIGHT BE HERE LONGER THAN SHE THOUGHT SHE WOULD. SEE IF ASY CAN DRIVE YOU GIRLS HOME, PLEASE?’

‘Sona… Mommy loves you… I love you so much...’

There was silence in the room, as Sonata stared at both Sunset and her phone, in complete awe alongside her tears falling. Aria squeezed her shoulder, then peered at the phone, seeing the time when the last text was sent. She too began to cry softly, then looked up at her.

“Sonata… that last one… it came just an hour before you got that call. ...Don’t you see? Ma… wanted to take one last second to tell you she loved you… To make it easier,” She smiled sadly, wiping her eyes.

Sonata shook, letting out little whimpers. She then threw her arms around Sunset, beginning to sob brokenheartedly, “M-Mommyyyy…!”

Sunset patted Sonata’s back as she continued to stare at the screen of Sonata’s phone. It was like she was watching Adagio slowly come to terms with the fact that she was going to die. That was probably why she and Aria didn’t receive similar messages. The doctor had said that she’d spent her last waking moments trying to type on her phone.

Sunset looked back at her phone and Aria’s phone. Adagio had tried for hours to get ahold of them, and they didn’t pick up once. She bit her knuckles as the tears began streaming down her face.

Aria sniffled, realizing this as well, “Damn… I even knew she was trying to reach me. Figured it was just, ‘Oh, I’ll be there soon’ or whatever. Didn’t even think about it. I even put my phone on vibrate…”

Sunset stared at the screen for a few more seconds… and then she broke. She disentangled herself from both Sonata and Aria and ran full-tilt into her bedroom, slamming the door shut behind her as she collapsed onto her bed. She pulled her knees up to her chest and started sobbing uncontrollably.

Aria watched her go through her tears, as did Sonata, both feeling worried. They exchanged glances, then proceeded to sob themselves.

Living Room! Right Now!

Things hadn’t cleared up by the time everyone arrived for supper, but Sunset invited everybody in anyway. Most of the girls smiled when Sunset explained her bloodshot eyes away by saying she’d been cleaning with bleach, but Ascentia gave her a concerned look. No words were exchanged between then, Ascentia simply held up her phone, showing a text from Adagio asking to drive the three of them home, and also to make sure they were all okay.

The two of them hugged briefly before joining everybody in the dining room, where Sonata was quietly serving everybody.

“It was so nice to invite us over, girls,” Ascentia smiled, laying a hand on Sonata’s shoulder.

Giving the best smile she could, Sonata nodded, “It was… long overdue, really.”

“Mm-hmm,” Aria agreed, brushing some of her hair back, “It was a little short notice, but we’re glad you made it.”

“Of course,” Ascentia smiled, kissing Twilight’s cheek, “Fluttershy was relieved at not having to cook.”

“But knowing her, she’ll beg to help clean,” Rainbow quipped, snickering,

“Oh, you two,” Fluttershy smiled, “But I’ll help you girls clean, if you’d like.”

“Sure… thanks,” Sunset managed a smile of her own, “For now, let’s all just… enjoy this, shall we?”

“Mama… I wanna eat in your lap,” Sunrise pouted.

Ascentia smiled and lifted Sunrise into her lap, “There’s my girl.”

Sunrise looked over to Sonata and pouted, “I’m sowwy about Auntie-Dagi...”

Looking up at her, Sonata sniffled, but managed a smile, “Thanks, sweetie.”

“I’m sowwy, too…” Spectrum spoke up, pouting sadly.

“Little late on the draw, kiddo,” Rainbow whispered.

“Rainbow!” Fluttershy whispered, swatting the back of her head.

“Ouch… Okay, okay, sorry.”

They all sat down together, mostly eating in silence, aside from the occasional request to pass something. Of course, it did occur to everyone just how empty the table seemed without Adagio there. Even if there was likely not any room for her to sit if she were actually there. The silence continued for a while, no one really sure what to say or to do. It was heavy on everyone’s minds at this point.

“Mama?” Sunrise asked, looking up at Ascentia.

“What, sweetie?” Ascentia asked softly.

“How come you came out of the hopsicle okay, but Auntie-Dagi didn’t?” Sunrise asked with a pout.

Ascentia hesitated, “...Sunny, this… isn’t the time to ask that.”

“Why?” Sunrise asked, blinking.

Twilight sighed, reaching over to place a hand on her daughter’s shoulder, “Sweetheart, please. We’ll talk about that later, but not now.”

“Hey, wait,” Cielle spoke up. Ever since arriving, she’d been exploring the club, despite it being empty. “I’ve got a question. How did Adagio get off scot-free running off and sleeping with a fifteen-year-old girl, but then my gal Dash gets committed for almost sleeping with a fourteen-year-old?”

“C-Cielle, please, don’t,” Fluttershy pleaded.

“No no, I’m serious!” Cielle shook her head, “What’s up with that?”

“I don’t know… Adagio didn’t get caught until it was too late to press charges I guess,” Rainbow rolled her eyes, “And I was committed for more than that.”

“Honestly!” Twilight hissed, “Cielle… seriously. There are children here! Can you keep your mind out of the dirty gutter for five minutes? Why don’t you ask about their bedroom lives? Oh, go ahead, I’m sure that would be a hoot!”

“Hey, I’m just pointing out an obvious hypocrisy here,” Cielle huffed, “Rainbow was just fine and they haul her off to the looney bin, but this lady could shack up with three teenagers and nobody says a word?”

Sonata sniffled, trying to hold back the urge to cry as she shook a little bit.

“Will you stop it?” Twilight reached over and swatted Cielle’s head, “It’s completely irrelevant at this point!”

“It’s totally relevant! You knew about these three the whole time, but you had Rainbow committed and not her?” Cielle bit back, swatting Twilight’s hand away.

“Don’t you turn this on me! And I did not have her committed just for that and you know it! You should know that better than any of us!” Twilight snarled in a whispery, low voice, “Just stop with your nonsense! I had no reason to press any sort of charges against Adagio!”

“Oh, so Miss high and mighty about pedophiles has pretty selective decision making,” Cielle scowled, “Let one go, commit another, kill a third, and-”

“Hey!”

The two of them looked around to see Ascentia glaring at them, handing Sunrise to Fluttershy and standing up.

“Twilight! Cielle! Living room! Right now!” she barked, looking absolutely livid as she stormed off to the living room.

Everyone was shocked, staring at her with wide eyes. Even the three women in particular who were in mourning were broken from their sadness to stare with awe. Despite Ascentia’s tall, intimidating stature and absolute strength; she was never the type to raise her voice like this. That in itself was amazing, if not for the tension in the room.

Twilight stood up, as did Cielle, with the both of them looking both surprised and guilty. They followed after her, neither of them speaking a word, while the rest of the table watched. The door swung shut, but it may as well have been wide open once Ascentia started shouting.

“I don’t know what you two think you’re doing, but those three just lost their wife! That woman was nothing but nice to us for as long as we’ve known her, and welcomed us into her home with open arms, and you’re gonna spit on her fucking grave?! Whatever shit you were about to spew, put it aside, go back in there, be good friends to Sunny, Aria and Sonata, and if I hear one more peep out of either of you I’m gonna drag you both outside and show you both just how much these fucking scars used to hurt!”

Rainbow looked at Fluttershy, eyes wide as she silently said “Shit’s getting real…”

Fluttershy nodded sadly, soothing a whimpering Sunrise.

Sunset looked at the the door, then back down at the table, “...Does this… happen a lot, at home?”

“No,” Fluttershy shook her head.

“Not really. Twi, Cielle and I are pretty prone to raising our voices,” Rainbow muttered, “It’s when these two get angry and start yelling that you gotta watch out.”

Sonata sniffled again, getting up, “I… need to pee… I’ll be right back…”

Sonata retreated from the dining room as Cielle and Twilight slowly came back in. Cielle looked ashamed with herself. Twilight looked absolutely terrified.

Cielle sat back down, wringing her fingers, “I’m… I’m sorry about what I said. I was being rude and immature. I got carried away and I apologize.”

Twilight couldn’t speak. She just sat there, shaking a little bit.

Ascentia came back into the living room, still looking furious as she sat back down, casting a glare to both Cielle and Twilight. Her face softened as she turned to Sunset and Aria.

“I am so sorry about them,” she said softly, “That was completely unacceptable.”

Aria waved it off with a light nod of thanks, continuing to eat her food.

“It’s… It’s all right,” Sunset murmured, not looking at either of them.

Ascentia laid a hand over Sunset’s and patted her gently before returning to her own food.

“...Mama?” Sunrise asked quietly.

“Yes sweetie?” Ascentia asked, looking over to her daughter.

“...Can I still eat in your lap?” Sunrise murmured, not quite looking at her.

“Of course,” Ascentia said, beckoning her over.

Fluttershy smiled, gently letting the little girl down. Sunrise went over to Ascentia, climbing up onto her lap. Ascentia kissed the top of Sunrise’s head and continued to both eat and feed her daughter. Moments later, Sonata returned, her eyes bloodshot and her face wet; indicating that she’d been splashing her face in cold water.

“Sonata, I’m sorry about them,” Ascentia said softly.

Letting out a small sniffle, Sonata wiped her eyes and nodded, “It’s… It’s okay, Asy.”

Ascentia reached over and patted Sonata’s hand, “I promise, there’s not going to be any more outbursts from them like that.”

Sonata nodded, giving a tiny smile, then looked back down at her phone. She then turned to Sunset, gently tapping her shoulder, “Um… Sunny?”

“Yeah?” Sunset asked, rubbing her eyes as she looked up to her.

“It’s not possible to get voicemail from a dead person, is it? ‘Cause… there’s a voicemail message, but it came twenty minutes ago. From Mommy’s phone,” Sonata said, biting her lip.

Everyone looked up with surprise, eyeing her phone.

Sunset looked at the phone screen and shrugged, “It could be any number of things, Sona. Delayed delivery, someone else has her phone, I don’t know,” she said quietly.

Aria spoke up then, “Here, I’ll take it. I’ll fix it over for you.”

Sonata handed her her phone, relaxing a little, “I’m sorry, everyone… I’m a mess. Lately I’m jumping at every sound, seeing things, even hearing things…”

“Hey, don’t worry about it,” Ascentia said softly, stroking Sonata’s shoulder, “I’ve been there, I know how it feels.”

“I know… I just… We want you guys to have a good time, too…” Sonata murmured, “We also want to make Mommy’s memory mean a lot…”

“It does,” Ascentia smiled, patting Sonata’s shoulder, “We’re all here, aren’t we?”

Sunset smiled at her and briefly touched her hand.

“Yeah… you are…” Sonata smiled, “Can I… Can I show you guys something?”

“Sure,” Ascentia nodded, to which the others tentatively followed.

They all went to the living room, gathering around the couch. Sonata meanwhile retrieved a thumb drive, placing it into the DVD player, and searching a few files. She highlighted one in particular, turning to the others.

“Here’s a video I took of Mommy… It was back when we first got here.”

Aria visibly brightened, “Oh no… it’s that one, isn’t it?” She managed a giggle.

Ascentia chuckled, “What one?” she asked as she sat down next to Sunset, rocking Sunrise in her lap.

Sunset giggled, “It’s funny… She caught Mom doing a little happy dance and celebrating her first week since opening the club.”

“Uh-huh,” Sonata smiled, pressing play.

The video started, with the camera coming into focus. It was a little shaky as it moved forward, indicating Sonata trying to keep a balance on it. The view then came around a corner into the kitchen area, where a much younger Adagio was dancing happily to some unheard music.

“Adagio!” Came Sonata’s voice from off-screen, “There you are! Look at you go!”

“It’s not unusual to be loved by any-wha?” Adagio wheeled around, looking surprised, “...How long have you been standing there?”

“I don’t know, a couple seconds! You’re just so happy, I want to document it!” Sonata giggled, even wiggling the camera a little bit, “Say hi to the camera! It loves you!”

Adagio put her hands on her hips and attempted to discreetly turn off the stereo, looking embarrassed, “Yes, I know the camera loves me, sweetie.”

Sonata let out a whimper, “You don’t have to be embarrassed… I like watching you dance and looking all smiley… I wanted to keep it…”

Adagio was still for a minute, before a smile started to slowly creep across her face. She gave an excited giggle as she turned the stereo back on and started dancing again, the excitement at having her business overtaking her embarrassment as she grabbed Sonata by the hips and started swinging her around. The camera was whirled around before being put down, presumably on a table, as the two danced in and out of view.

“Whoooaaa!” Sonata laughed, “This is fun!”

“I know you! I walked with you once upon a dream!” Adagio giggled as she twirled Sonata around like a ballerina.

“Yay! I love that one! Ooh! My turn! I know you, the gleam in your eyes is so familiar a gleam!” Sonata sang back, giggling.

“Yet I know it’s true, that visions are seldom all they seem!” Adagio sang, hoisting Sonata into the air.

“But if I know you, I know what you’ll do!” Sonata laughed, waving her arms like a bird.

“You’ll love me at once! They way you did,” Adagio twirled her around.

“Once upon a dream!” The two of them finished in unison as Adagio set Sonata onto her hip just off-center from the camera before the two of them fell over out of frame, giggling like schoolgirls.

“Oh, that was adorable!” Sunset giggled, “It’s been ages since we saw this one.”

“Yay! Auntie Dagi!” Sunrise squealed, reaching for the screen.

“Auntie Dagi!” Spectrum mimicked her, “Mowe!”

Even Sonata was giggling with glee, looking through the videos as it ended, “Hey, I know it’s not Christmas yet… But let me show you this one… It was our first Christmas ever since Sunny came to live with us!”

On the screen, Sonata and Adagio were huddled outside Sunset’s bedroom door, whispering quietly.

“You ready?” Adagio giggled.

“Ready,” came Aria’s voice from off-camera.

“Of course!” Sonata giggled, winking at the camera, or Aria. Or both.

After a quiet countdown, the two threw open the door. Adagio ripped the covers off Sunset’s bed and the two of them held her down as she was jolted awake and started tickling her senseless.

“Oh, jeez…” Sunset chuckled, shaking her head, “You girls were evil…”

Sonata laughed, “It was Mommy’s idea! We really wanted to get you going that morning!”

“Merry Christmas, Sunny! Now you’re getting a present! TICKLES!” Sonata declared on-screen, laughing.

The two of them pulled Sunset’s shirt off and started tickling her sides and under her arms, as Sunset squealed and writhed between them, “Girls! GIRLS! STOPPIT!”

“No!” Adagio grinned as she flipped Sunset over and started tickling her back.

“Let’s just say you’re screwed, Sunset,” Aria said dryly from off-camera, coming closer to the bed.

“Aria, that was bad!” Adagio scolded jokingly, before she pulled Sunset’s pants down and tickled her legs, “But yeah, you are.”

“Noooo! Stoppit! I surrender!” Sunset squealed, still trying to wiggle away.

Adagio and Sonata held her down and tickled harder while the camera shaked ever so slightly.

“You’re all ours now!” Adagio giggled as she dug her fingers into Sunset’s thighs.

“All ours!” Sonata tickled her ribs.

Adagio pulled Sunset’s pants off, leaving her naked as the girls hoisted her up and carried her out toward the living room, “Aria, stop masturbating! It’s Christmas,” she stuck her tongue out at the camera.

“Yeah, no!” Aria followed after them with the camera, “I can masturbate whenever I damn well please, thank you very much.”

“Aria!” Adagio stuck her tongue out at her, “Every time Mommy turns around, you’re fiddling with yourself.”

“I live in a house with three beautiful women. How can you expect me not to?” Aria said dryly.

“O-kay, too inappropriate for the kiddies!” Sonata stopped it there, giggling, “It gets… very sexy from there on. Here’s another one!”

She selected another video, which was this time having the camera focusing on Aria. She was sitting at the dining room table, with some papers in front of her and a pen in her hand. The camera crept up, zooming in slightly on her face. Aria looked up, giving an annoyed sigh.

“Ma, why are you filming me?” She asked, rolling her eyes.

“Why wouldn’t I film you?” Adagio asked innocently, “You’re very photogenic, sweetie.”

“Apparently,” Aria went back to her paperwork, “You and the camera love me, it seems.”

“Yes they do,” Adagio giggled, angling the camera around, trying to see down Aria’s shirt.

Aria looked up, “What are you doing?”

“Trying to see your pretty cleavage,” Adagio giggled as she continued to angle the camera.

Scrunching up her face, Aria blushed and looked back down, “Maaaaaa….”

“Whaaaaaat?” Adagio whined playfully, “You’re pwetty Ari-baby.”

“Pwetty? Now you have a speech impediment? ...Fine, Ma, go ahead. You’re lucky I don’t have a bra on right now…” Aria pouted, adjusting her blouse a little bit.

“That’s Mommy’s baby,” Adagio giggled.

“Adagio was a dirty old woman, wasn’t she?” Ascentia giggled, giving Sunset a playful shove.

Sunset laughed, “You bet she was.”

“Yep, dirty old woman…” Aria snickered, “Much as I got lippy, I loved every second of it.”

“Mama… I’m tired…” Sunrise whimpered as she snuggled into Ascentia’s neck.

“Okay, Mama will put you down for a nap,” Ascentia smiled, taking Spectrum as well, who was also yawning, “Say goodnight.”

“Goodnight Pwetty Sunny…” Sunrise yawned, waving to her.

“Night, Auntie Sunny…” Spectrum yawned, giving a little wave and closing his eyes.

“Awww….” Sunset smiled, holding her hands over her heart. She got up, kissing the two tots on the head, “Goodnight, you two. Auntie Sunny loves you.”

Ascentia put the two of them to bed, before coming back out into the living room and sitting down, “So you were saying that Christmas got pretty sexy, were you?”

“Maybe,” Sunset winked, “You’d like to see that?”

“Any objections?” Ascentia asked with a smirk.

There was a collective ‘No’ as everyone snuggled up with their respective lovers.

Sonata grinned, selecting the video again and fast-forwarding to where they had left off, “Then here we go! Christmas sexy time!”

“Doesn’t your hand ever get sore, Ari?” Adagio asked with a giggle as she and Sonata carried a giggling and squirming Sunset into the living room and dropped her on the sofa.

“Nah,” Aria shrugged, “I alternate.”

“Gotcha!” Sonata cooed, getting onto the couch as she lifted her nightgown, “Be ready, Sunny! I’m gonna sit on your face!”

“O-O-Okaaaay…” Sunset giggled, “Just PLEASE stop tickling me…”

“Would you rather Mommy tickle something else?” Adagio chuckled, drifting her hand over Sunset’s nethers.

Sunset let out a whimper, “...Maybe…”

Adagio giggled as she watched Aria sit down with the camera, her hand still deep in her pants, “Oh Mommy’s feeling mean this morning,” she smirked as she tickled Sunset’s stomach.

“Nooooo!” Sunset squealed, batting her hands at her, “Stop it!”

“Incoming!” Sonata declared, gently sitting on Sunset’s face, “There we go!”

Adagio looked up and giggled. Sunset’s face was completely covered by Sonata’s nightgown as she rocked back and forth over her, “Having fun, Sona?”

Giggling, Sonata lifted the hem of her nightgown up around her neck so Sunset could see, and also to showcase her own naked form, “Mm-hmm! Sunny’s mouth feels so good!”

Adagio ran a hand down Sonata’s back before she got up, “You have fun, Mommy has to make breakfast,” she giggled as she stood up and sauntered off to the kitchen.

“Yaaay! Christmastime breakfast!” Sonata giggled. She then leaned down, parting Sunset’s legs and fiddling with her sex.

Sunset moaned in both agreement and arousal as she dove into Sonata’s nethers.

“Oh good, Ma makes the best breakfasts ever!” Aria smiled, sinking down into the chair.

Giggling, Sonata nuzzled Sunset’s mound, “Oh, yes! Her food is heaven in our mouths! And speaking of mouths….” She parted the folds, leaning in to suckle along her labia.

“Hey, what’dya know? Breakfast and a show,” Aria snickered as she focused the camera on the two of them.

“Mm-hmm,” Sonata hummed against Sunset’s sex, licking and suckling everywhere she could. She broke away every now and then to moan, before diving back in.

Sunset quivered and whimpered underneath her, still shaking off the last dregs of sleep as she eagerly lapped at Sonata’s sex, all the while the sound of sizzling from the kitchen filled her ears, along with the scent.

“Aahh…. ahaaa...aaah…” Sonata moaned, then proceeded to give some attention to Sunset’s nub.

“Holy crap, you two are hot,” Aria bit her lip as she set the camera down on the end table, digging deeper into her own sex as she watched the two of them.

Glancing at her, Sonata winked, “You like this, Ari? You enjoying yourselfie?”

“Oh yeah,” Aria grinned as she leaned back in her chair.

Winking again, Sonata went back to ravaging Sunset’s sex, now sticking two fingers inside of her. She thrust a little, using her mouth to play with her nub. Sunset whimpered and shivered, redoubling her efforts on Sonata’s sex as she bent her leg up.

“You three having fun in there?” came Adagio’s voice from the kitchen.

“Yes, Mommy!” Sonata called to her, “Don’t worry, you’ll see it all on tape!”

“Oh I know I will,” Adagio giggled as she peeked her head out and winked.

Giggling, Sonata went back to work on Sunset’s mound; eagerly rocking her hips back and forth against her mouth. Aria adjusted the camera before picking up her pace, fingering herself faster and harder.

“Sona… I’m almost…” Sunset whimpered between licks.

“Mmm… good girl, Sunny…” Sonata cooed between licks.

Sunset moaned sharply as she rapidly reached her climax, releasing over Sonata’s lips as she buried her mouth between Sonata’s legs. Grinning widely, Sonata happily lapped up whatever she could, pulling back a bit to moan.

“Oooh… so yummy, Sunny! Nghh… I’m almost there, now… keep it up!”

Sunset lapped harder, a struggle in her post-orgasm lethargy, pulling Sonata’s hips down against her mouth while Aria watched intently. Within a few more moments, Sonata climaxed as well, squealing happily. She went limp, feeling her juices spilling along Sunset’s mouth.

“Mmm…” Sunset mewled as she licked up Sonata’s juices, pulling back to wipe her cheek from whatever dribbled down.

“Thank you, Sunny…” Sonata crawled off to give her room, giggling.

“You’re welcome…” Sunset breathed, “That’s a way to wake up…”

“Mmm-hmm… Mommy wakes us up like that sometimes…” Sonata curled up on one side of the couch, “Nothing like waking up and seeing her beautiful face right there between your thighs…”

“Mmm…” Sunset smiled as she closed her eyes, “Kinda like when she’d get grabby down at the bar…”

“Mmm-hmm…” Aria murmured, having come herself, and was licking her hand, “Aaahh… much better.”

“You’re gonna be right back to it in a few minutes, ya know,” Sunset smiled, looking back over to her.

“And if I do?” Aria took the camera again, aiming it at Sunset.

“Hey, it’s your carpal tunnel,” Sunset snickered.

Aria blew a raspberry, “Very funny.”

“So did she?” Ascentia asked.

Aria shook her head, “No I didn’t… I was just jilling off during breakfast.”

“Good times,” Sunset chuckled.

“Such good times!” Sonata breezed the list of videos, and stopped, puzzled, “Uh… I don’t remember that video being on there. Aria?”

“Mm-mm,” Aria shook her head.

“Sunny?”

“Nope, I didn’t add a video to it,” Sunset shook her head, “It’s dated… a few months ago. Huh… Check it out, maybe Mom put something on there and we just didn’t see it.”

They pressed the button and saw Adagio holding onto the camera and directing it at herself.

“Is it recording? Yeah, that’s the… there we go…” she said as she set the camera down on the table and sat down, “Hello girls, Mommy’s making this video in case she-”

She was cut off when her phone rang, and she sighed and fished it out of her pocket, “Hello… what are you calling for? No I told you that was a one-off! I don’t need any more disposable funds! I don’t care, find someone else to… oh that’s just lewd, and not the good kind of lewd.”

She hung up the phone and shook her head, “Where was I? Right. Mommy’s making this video in case-”

Her phone rang again and she groaned and picked it back up, “Yes? Stop calling, you jackass! No I don’t need double the… I am a respectable business owner… I didn’t say the business was respectable, I said I was! No they are not the same thing!”

She hung up again and growled in frustration, “Anyway… Mommy’s making this video on the off chance she-”

The phone rang again and she growled in open anger and picked it up, “No! A thousand times NO! I am not selling my body to you! I don’t care how much money you’re offering! I am not a prostitute!”

There was a few seconds before her eyes widened and she slapped herself in the forehead.

“Hi Mrs Dusk…”

“Oh no, that was just a… what? You’re kidding me, right?” Adagio looked confused, “No… because I’m married to your daughter, that’s why! The girls downstairs are one thing, this is a completely different thing. No. No. No! I’m hanging up the phone now.”

“Anyway… in the unlikely chance that something-” The phone rang again.

“Antsy Oh My Shorts!” Adagio yelled as she answered the phone again, “WHAT?! I’M VERY BUSY!... Huh? Oh, well where are they going? Oh… well just get me a turkey club… uh, coleslaw I guess. I’m not even gonna eat it… what are you getting? No, you see I always order the wrong thing… no no, I’ll just stick with that. Okay, bye… wait what? Oh, a cherry Coke. Okay thanks… love you too Sona… buh-bye.”

Adagio didn’t even get to speak before the phone rang again. This time she just hit the speaker, “If this is about sex or sandwiches, I’m not interested!”

Rainbow’s voice came in on the other side, “How did you… know?” she asked before there was the click of her hanging up.

Adagio sighed as she looked at her phone and noticed she had ten more missed calls, “Oh fuck it. In case I die, I love you girls,” she said before getting up and huffing as she flicked off the camera, “Can’t get a moment’s fucking pe-”

“Wow…” Sunset wasn’t sure whether to laugh or not, “I guess she couldn’t resist showing us the raw cut of that, huh?”

“Silly Mommy…” Sonata giggled.

Ascentia laughed as she wrapped Sunset into a hug, “Yeah, she’s a silly one…”

Worthless Gutter Trash

“Are you coming to bed?” Ascentia asked as she came out of Sunset’s room, seeing Twilight still sitting quietly on the sofa while Aria sat on the other side, masturbating.

“Not now…” Twilight said tonelessly, sighing.

“You still shaken up about earlier?” Ascentia asked, cocking an eyebrow.

“A little,” Twilight rubbed her shoulders a bit, not looking at her.

Ascentia shrugged and turned around, “Alright, come to bed when you’re ready,” she said, returning to the bedroom.

Aria looked over, raising an eyebrow, “Damn, she really got to you, didn’t she?”

“...It’s the first time she’s ever threatened me,” Twilight murmured with a sigh.

“Yeah, she was pretty pissed,” Aria whistled, “Never seen her that angry before.”

Twilight nodded, “Yeah… And I deserved every bit of it. If she actually did follow through, I wouldn’t have fought back. I’m just wondering… is she really going to fight back if I ever hit her again? As scary a thought as it is, I can’t help thinking… might be about time.”

“I don’t think she’d like it if she heard you were thinking about more abuse,” Aria said, looking over toward her, “Doesn’t she kinda ban that sort of talk?”

“Yeah. Sorry, Aria… I’ll shut up, now,” Twilight took a deep breath, “It’s been an emotional day for all of us.”

“Hey, I didn’t say I was banning it,” Aria said, getting up and sidling over to her, “C’mon, talk to me.”

“Well… yeah, she did ban this talk. I can understand why. Sometimes there are things in your past you don’t want to think about or talk about. But I just can’t help thinking if that’s a good idea or not,” Twilight admitted, rubbing her arm. “Especially since it’s still a problem. Not in the same way, mind you. It’s just, I don’t feel right sweeping it under the rug, but I also don’t want it to be the topic of every conversation.”

“Well, it’s just us,” Aria said with a shrug, “Do you wanna talk about it?”

Twilight exhaled, leaning back a bit, “You remember when she and I were here once, and she found out about my self-harming habit? I don’t do that anymore, but sometimes, I think about it. I think about hurting myself so badly… So I’d have a taste of the pain she went through. But then I think about it. What’s that going to do? Nothing. Physical pain heals. The mental pain won’t just go away.”

“You said the problem was still there,” Aria remarked, “Do you still hit her?”

“Yes… But it’s rarer these days. It’s only when I’m triggered badly and end up lashing out. Even then, she actually manages to grab my arm and physically subdue me,” Twilight replied, taking a few breaths, “Sometimes I just end up punching a hole in the wall.”

Aria wrapped an arm around Twilight’s shoulder and gently squeezed her, “So she does stop you these days? That’s good.”

Looking at her, Twilight gave a smile and hugged her, “Yeah, she does. More and more she actually defends herself against me.”

“She doesn’t hit you, right? Just… kinda stops you?” Aria asked, hugging her.

“Mm-hmm, she stops me. Like, grabbing my arm and pulling it behind me, grabbing me in a full nelson, a headlock… whatever stops me. She holds me until I calm down, then lowers me onto the nearest surface and then lets go.”

“That’s good… so why are you still so… paranoid?” Aria asked, stroking her shoulder.

Twilight sighed, shaking her head, “It’s not something I can help. I can’t just flip a switch and make it go away. It never goes away. Some days are better than others, but it’s always there.”

“Always there?” Aria asked, rubbing her shoulder, “You mean… you’re always thinking about hurting her?”

“No, not necessarily. It’s more the fear that I’ll hurt her again. Putting tigers behind the door when they’re not actually there.”

“I guess the fact that she still kinda likes being hurt doesn’t help, does it?” Aria asked.

Twilight shook her head, “No, not at all. She likes being dominated and, er, mistreated during sex. I don’t trust myself, so I don’t do it. At least not beyond words.”

“...Has she ever complained about that?” Aria asked, kissing the top of Twilight’s head.

“Yup,” Twilight gave a small giggle, “She’d say things like, ‘Twileeeey! You’re doing it wrong! You’re supposed to spank me, not tap me!’ and stuff. Then I start laughing because she sounds funny when she whines…”

Aria giggled a little, “Aw, poor Asy. Can’t get her wife to use her properly.”

“Hey,” Twilight pouted, but giggled, “I know… I do feel bad about that. She does get that treatment from the girls, though, and it helps. But I know she really wants me to be comfortable doing that to her. And I understand, I just… I just don’t trust myself to do it right.”

Aria nodded, remembering the one time that Adagio had indulged Ascentia in that way. Even Adagio was a little put-off by some of the things Ascentia liked, especially how much she seemed to like being slapped. But the three of them at the time knew that if it was too much, Ascentia would say so. That trust was something she always appreciated.

Rubbing Twilight’s shoulder, she cuddled her, “Doesn’t it ever bother you? You know… seeing the girls treat her that way?”

“On the surface? No, not at all. Kitten likes it, the girls practice safety, and they clearly all enjoy it. I know she’s in good hands. It only bothers me knowing I can’t do what they can. Knowing that I can’t satisfy my own wife like she’d want me to…” Twilight murmured.

“Hmm…” Aria said quietly, “...Do you want to be able to fix that?”

“Of course I do,” Twilight nodded, wiping her forehead, “I just…. don’t really know what to do about that.”

Aria thought for a moment, “...I have an idea. One of the locked rooms downstairs was Ma’s… eh… let’s call it a personal lounge. It was where she’d take one or two of the girls to fool around. Thing is, there’s a security camera in there that feeds into the living room. She had it there in case of any mishaps. You could take her down there, and know that someone’s got an eye on you in case things get out of hand.”

Twilight blinked, wide-eyed, “You’d… let us use that room?”

Aria fished the key out of her pocket and handed it to her, “Hey, if it’s to help your marriage? I’m sure Ma would do it in a heartbeat. Go take your wife down for some run. Or rather, drag her down by her hair, she’d probably like that,” she giggled.

“...Well then, first thing tomorrow, I’ll do that,” Twilight winked.

“She’s still awake,” Aria chuckled as she hugged Twilight.

“How do you know?” Twilight hugged her back, giggling.

“She talks in her sleep and I don’t hear anything,” Aria smirked, “Probably reading a book or something.”

“True that,” Twilight nuzzled her, “Thanks for talking with me, Aria. It really helped.”

“You’re welcome. I’m here if you ever need to talk,” Aria smiled, “Just like Ma, I don’t judge.”

“Thank you,” Twilight hugged her once more, then stood up, “Well, I’ll see if Kitten will join me in a little midnight rendez-vous…”

She went to Sunset’s bedroom, knocking on the door.

“Come in,” came Ascentia’s whisper.

“It’s me, Kitten,” Twilight opened the door, peering inside, “Are you about to go to sleep?”

“No,” Ascentia looked up from her book, “I’ve been kind of a night owl these days. I don’t go to bed until around four.”

“I’ve noticed,” Twilight said dryly, “Well, can you come out here, please?”

“Uh… sure,” Ascentia shrugged, closing her book and kissing Sunrise’s sleeping head. She got up and tiptoed around the various sleeping women strewn across the floor, following Twilight into the apartment, “What’s up?”

“There’s an issue we need to address,” Twilight said, “And now seems like a good chance to… at least start in the right direction.”

“Okay, what is it?” Ascentia asked.

“Be honest with me, Kitten. Am I satisfactory to you in the bedroom?” Twilight turned to her now.

Ascentia thought for a minute, before nodding, “Yeah, you are. Why?”

“There are some things I know you wish I could do, right?”

“Hmm? Oh right,” Ascentia sighed, “...Yeah, there are. You know that. Doesn’t mean you don’t still satisfy me.”

“Yeah, but… you know Rainbow and Fluttershy can… give you what you really like.”

“Oh, this again? Let me explain this better,” Ascentia said, holding up her hand like a platform, “Vanilla sex with Rainbow and Shy,” she placed her other hand an inch higher, “Degrading sex with Rainbow and Fluttershy,” she moved her first hand three inches above the second, “Vanilla sex with you,” she moved her second hand a foot above the first, “Degrading sex with you. Those two give me my fetish. It doesn’t matter what kind of sex it is, it’s always better with my wife.”

“That’s good,” Twilight sighed with relief, then took her hand, “Well, I think tonight, we can rectify that. At least a little bit.”

“What do you mean?” Ascentia asked as Twilight led her toward the door.

“Well… I want to give you a bit of your fetish,” Twilight said, leading the way down into the club, “And we’ve got a good way to start.”

Ascentia’s eyes widened as Twilight led her down into the club. Twilight smiled a little when she heard Ascentia quietly squee. They went along to the indicated room, going inside and shutting the door. Sure enough, Twilight spotted two cameras in the room, positioned in a couple of corners.

“Aria said that these cameras feed into the living room, and she’s still up. So, if anything gets out of hand, she’s right there to help.”

Ascentia smiled brightly. The fact that Twilight had the safety net she needed warmed her heart. She hugged her tightly and kissed the top of her head, “That’s wonderful, sweetheart.”

“It is,” Twilight hugged her back, “So, tonight… we’ll try and see what we can do. Baby steps. But I think you’ll get some indulgence of your fetish…”

Ascentia grinned and kissed Twilight’s cheek, “I’m ready when you are, sweetie.”

“All right, then,” Twilight kissed her cheek as well, “Okay, we’ll need a safety word. Can you think of one?”

“Hmm... “ Ascentia thought for a second, “...Pumpernickle.”

“...Why?”

“Because there is no possibility of me using that word during sex, so there’s no confusion,” Ascentia giggled.

Twilight pondered that for a few moments, then nodded with a giggle, “That’s true. All right, that works. Let’s begin…”

Ascentia bit her lip and kissed Twilight’s cheek, “Alright… you know how it goes, sweetheart.”

Taking a few steps back, Twilight breathed deeply, getting herself ready. She looked up at one of the cameras, then nodded before she looked back at her wife. It was then she, essentially, got into character.

“Kitten, you are going to satisfy me tonight. And should you disobey me, I will not hesitate to correct you,” Twilight said in a stern, hard tone, “You will do as I say.”

Ascentia nodded meekly, biting down onto her lip to keep from squeeing uncontrollably, “Okay Twilight… I’ll be good,” she said, seemingly making herself look smaller without having to stoop.

“You damn well should be,” Twilight indicated to the couch, “And oh, don’t think your little scene of stepping out of line is going unpunished. Bend over and drop your pants.”

Ascentia made a small ‘meep’ before she back toward the couch, “Maybe… you’d rather take them from me? So… I don’t put them back on?” she said quietly, seemingly making suggestions without breaking the mood.

“Perhaps so,” Twilight went behind her, “Now bend over.”

Ascentia nodded and bent down over the couch, still chewing her lip.

Twilight yanked down her pants and underwear, tossing them aside, “Who do you think you are, thinking you could talk to me like that?” She spanked Ascentia’s rear, hard. “And threatening me? How dare you!” She spanked her again, “I have half a mind to make sure you remember your place, you pathetic worm!”

Ascentia whimpered with each strike against her rear, chewing her lip as she fought to keep from driving her hand between her legs, “I’m sorry Twilight… Kitten was… bad…”

“Damn right you were!” Twilight snarled, spanking her again, “I will not tolerate such behaviour anymore! Either you know your place or I shall have to punish you!” She spanked her once again.

Ascentia whimpered, her knees quivering and praising the sun that she wasn’t standing right now, “Yes Twilight! Kitten knows her place! She’ll never talk to you like that again!”

“And what are you?! Say it!” Twilight grabbed her by the hair, yanking a bit, but not hard enough to seriously harm her.

“I’m your obedient little slut!” Ascentia gasped, quivering against the couch.

“And?!” Twilight then shoved two fingers into her, hard, while still pulling her hair.

“AH! And I’m gonna be a good little whore!” Ascentia moaned, her voice cracking.

Twilight let go of her hair, thrusting her fingers in and out of her, “You’re on thin ice, you worthless gutter trash. Never step out of line again. There will be consequences.”

“AH! YES! Yes Twilight! I’ll never speak to you like that again!” Ascentia moaned, shaking as she arched her back.

“Your words mean nothing!” Twilight growled, spanking her once more, “But I’ll believe you this once. Should you fail me, and you will suffer.”

Under any other circumstances, Ascentia would be laughing at Twilight’s cheesy dialogue. But right now, she was too excited and horny to laugh. She shivered as she planted her face into the cushions and screamed, “I promise…”

Thrusting faster, Twilight inserted a third finger, then paused for a moment. She leaned to her ear, whispering, “Are you okay?”

“I’m… I’m… oh fuck… I’m wonderful!” Ascentia whispered back, trying not to choke on her own voice, “Just… just don’t stop… please…”

“Okay, just checking,” Twilight whispered. She pulled back up, continuing her ministrations, “You whore…” Pulling her fingers out, she grabbed her by the hair again, “You don’t get anymore until you prove yourself! On your knees, wench. Now!”

Ascentia slipped off the couch and onto her shaking knees, once again having to resist the urge to start rubbing herself, “Yes Twilight…”

“That’s Mistress Twilight to you, scum!” Twilight snarled, pulling down her own pants, “Your filthy mouth has no place near me! Use your finger instead.”

Ascentia whimpered in disappointment, but otherwise lifted her hands up to squeeze Twilight’s hips, running her fingers over Twilight’s sex. Leaning back against the nearest wall, Twilight placed her hand on her head, keeping her steady.

“If you do this right, perhaps I’ll let you taste what I release,” she said lowly.

Ascentia mewled softly as she ran her fingers over Twilight’s nethers, biting her lip as she circled around her wife’s nub, “Yes, Mistress Twilight.”

Moaning a little from her ministrations, Twilight glanced up at one of the cameras. She winked, knowing full well that Aria was masturbating to what was going on. Ascentia slid a finger into her, her face flushed a bright red as she rolled Twilight’s nub between her thumb and forefinger.

“Mm… good little slut…” Twilight moaned, panting a little, “Though you better work faster, harder. Too slow.”

Ascentia nodded and added a second finger as she began to thrust into her, rubbing circles around her nub as she looked up at her and pouted adorably. It was taking all of Twilight’s strength not to giggle and coo over how adorable her wife looked. Pouts always did it for her. But at the moment with keeping in character, she shot her a harsh glare.

“And none of that pouting nonsense! I’m dominating you, not sending you to your room!”

Ascentia stuck her lower lip back into her mouth and nodded, looking down as she worked her fingers harder and faster. Moaning appreciatively, Twilight took hold of her hair around her hand like a rope, tugging slightly. Ascentia felt her head pulled back and her gaze forced back up to her. She responded by thrusting faster, feeling Twilight’s warm juices around her fingers.

“Good… Good little whore…” Twilight purred, “It’s all you’re ever good for, you lousy gutter trash.”

Ascentia bit down on her lip and moaned quietly, thrusting harder as she resisted the urge to kiss Twilight’s stomach. As the pleasure built, Twilight felt her legs wobble, to which she then collapsed onto one of the chairs. She spread her legs, panting, and still holding to her wife’s hair. Ascentia’s fingers dextrously sought out her sweet spot and pressed firmly to it, her other hand rolling her nub as she synched her hands in tandem with one another.

Within moments, Twilight came, having to withhold the urge to cry out her name. She fell back against the chair, feeling her juices spilling out rapidly. She tugged Ascentia’s hair toward her, keeping her tight grip.

“You may lick, slut.”

Ascentia mewled in gratitude and licked Twilight’s nethers, her sweet taste somehow even sweeter. Hungrily licking her wife clean, she reached down and squeezed her own nethers in desperation.

“...Fine, you may touch yourself,” Twilight sighed, letting go of her hair, “Now get on the sofa.”

Ascentia pulled back and shakily stood up, backing toward the sofa and collapsing onto it, her fingers plunging into her sex. Twilight sat back, watching her for a few moments, figuring what she could do next.

“Make yourself cum. But after that, I shall have full control over you once more,” Twilight stated.

Ascentia started furiously masturbating, throwing her head back and splaying her legs apart as all of Twilight’s words rebounded around her brain. It wasn’t even twenty seconds before she reached her peak, and came hard against the sofa. Twilight then stood, walking over to the couch, and then slapped her across the face.

“AH!” Ascentia hissed, rubbing her cheek, “Pumpernickle! Stop!”

All at once, Twilight recoiled in horror and took a step back, “O-Oh my god! Oh my god, I am so sorry! I was trying to be in the moment, trying so hard to be this… this demeaning dominant! Oh Kitten, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to hurt you!”

Ascentia hissed and beckoned her closer, “Come here, give me your hand.”

For a moment, Twilight didn’t move. Her fears were rising, her gut was twisting, and she could barely move at all. She took a few breaths, closing her eyes, trying to calm herself down. Taking a step forward, she hesitantly reached her hand out, as if about to touch delicate china. Ascentia took her hand and brought her palm to her cheek, pressing gently.

“See? There’s no give,” she explained, “You might as well hit me with a board.”

Pulling her hand back slightly, she aligned it so that Twilight’s fingers were resting on her cheek and pressed again. Her fingers bent back slightly at the knuckle, and steadily dragged across her face to the other side.

“Do it like that,” she explained, “Gives a really nice, loud smack, but barely hurts at all.”

“...Okay…” Twilight hesitated, pulling her hand back slightly, “I’ll try.”

“It’s alright. Fluttershy and Rainbow had to be shown how to do that properly too,” Ascentia smiled, sitting back, “Continue when you’re ready, sweetie.”

Twilight looked at her hand, curling and uncurling her fingers. She took a breath, brought her hand back a bit, and did as she was instructed. Her hand slapped along Ascentia’s face, this time without the familiar sound. Ascentia’s head snapped to the side as she gritted her teeth, but this time instead of hissing in pain, she shuddered and bit her lip.

“...Did I do it right?”

“Mmhmm…” Ascentia nodded, reaching down to play with herself again.

Sighing in relief, Twilight slapped her once again, slowly getting back in character, “And just what do you think you’re doing? I didn’t give you permission to play with yourself.”

Ascentia meeped and withdrew her hand, “I’m sorry, Mistress…”

“Next time… I use a whip.”

If I Called You Mama

Sunset stumbled out into the kitchen as the sound of loud music blared through the apartment. Rubbing her eyes, she was met with the sight of Ascentia dancing in a big nightshirt and panties as she went about making French Toast, one of the biggest and happiest grins in the world written across her face.

“...Ascentia?”

Ascentia looked up and smiled, “Morning Sunny! Come dance with me!”

“Uh… what?” Sunset blinked, completely confused, “I don’t… what’s going on?”

Ascentia danced on the spot as she turned around to drop the bread into the frying pan, shaking her hips back and forth, “I said come dance with me!”

“Um…” Sunset sighed, shaking her head, “I just got up… Can I at least have some tea, first?”

“Pbbbt, fine,” Ascentia giggled, pointing to the boiled kettle as she danced around the kitchen, “Help yourself.”

Sunset went over to the counter, taking out a mug and her box of tea bags. She selected one, placing it into the mug and pouring in some hot water. Looking over at Ascentia, she yawned and turned around, “So… mind if I ask what’s got you so… perky?”

“Well I… Sunny bunny, cover your ears,” Ascentia said, glancing over to Sunrise, who was coloring at the table.

Sunrise frowned and put her fingers into her ears.

“...I’m getting Sunrise a pony for christmas,” she said, glancing at her out of the corner of her eye, “...Okay, she can’t hear. Last night, Twilight showed some really welcome growth, took me downstairs, and made me her bitch,” Ascentia grinned, flipping the frying pan so the four slices cooking inside jumped over to their other side.

Sunset’s eyes went wide, her jaw dropping, “Are… Are you serious?”

“I am! It’s all on the security feed if you wanna see,” Ascentia giggled, strolling over to the fridge with a happy bounce in her step.

“Right… Wow,” Sunset murmured, taking her tea and sitting at the table, “I’m amazed… That’s great, though,” she giggled then, “She sure is hot when she’s dominating…”

“Oh she is,” Ascentia grinned as she sat down, biting her lip as she reminisced on what happened last night, “I missed that soooooo much!”

Sunset sipped her tea, giving a smile, “It’s nice that she’s gaining confidence in herself to be dominant. I think it’s a great step in the right direction.”

Sunrise, once again not happy with being deaf, hopped down from the table and went back to the bedroom to cuddle with next to Spectrum, just as her mother was coming out of bed. Twilight sat down at the table, at which point Ascentia looked over at her and smiled dreamily.

“Morning, sweetie,” she purred.

Yawning a little, Twilight gave a little wave, “Good morning…”

Ascentia leaned over and nuzzled her cheek, wrapping her arms around her shoulders as she moved to peppering her face with kisses. Twilight squirmed and giggled, trying to pull away.

“Hey… Kitten…”

“What?” Ascentia cooed playfully as she kissed down Twilight’s neck.

“You’re… overly affectionate this morning,” Twilight nuzzled her.

“I caught her dancing around the kitchen,” Sunset smirked, “Apparently she had the best sex of her life last night.”

Twilight blushed a bit, then stood up to go make herself some tea, “Wow… I knew it was good, but that good?”

Ascentia turned around and gazed up at Twilight with adoring eyes, “Mmhmm,” she smiled brightly.

“All right, good to hear,” Twilight smiled tiredly, then proceeded to make a cup of tea, “Is anyone else up?”

“No, it’s just us, and Sunrise was up a while ago,” Sunset said, sipping her tea.

“She left because we were talking about sex and made her cover her ears,” Ascentia giggled.

Twilight pouted, “Poor Sunny.”

“She’ll be fine, she’s probably playing with Spectrum,” Ascentia cooed, pulling Twilight into her lap and cuddling her tightly.

“Nooooo…” Twilight giggled, squirming, “I’m trying to drink…”

“You can drink and cuddle at the same time,” Ascentia pouted, kissing her cheek.

Sunset giggled at the sight, sipping her tea and reaching for some French toast. She looked up at Sonata sleepily came into the room, yawning and brushing back some of her hair.

“Morning…” She mumbled, “...Did Mommy go to work early again?”

The three of them looked over to Sonata uneasily, none of them wanting to be the one to say it.

“Sonata… are you still half asleep?” Ascentia asked.

“I just got up…” Sonata yawned, sitting down at the table, “And Mommy wasn’t there… I’ll go see her in her office after I eat…”

Biting her lip, Sunset reached over and gently rubbed her back, “I’ll get you some orange juice, Sonata. Would you like some French toast? Ascentia made some.”

“Mm-hmm…” Sonata nodded, leaning back in her chair.

Sunset got up to fix Sonata’s breakfast while Ascentia leaned over and kissed Sonata’s cheek, “Morning, Sona.”

“Hi, Asy…” Sonata rubbed her eyes again, “Hi Twilight…”

“Good morning,” Twilight sipped her tea and smiled.

Ascentia cuddled Twilight in her lap as Sonata started to come to full consciousness. Her expression changed from sleep, to happy and comfortable, before she started thinking for a moment and gave a quiet “Oh… right” and slouched back in her seat.

“I’m sorry…” Twilight said sympathetically, reaching over to pat her hand.

Sonata sniffled a bit, “It’s okay. I’m usually out of it when I first wake up, anyway. I just happen to sometimes think Mommy’s still here.”

Ascentia reached over and stroked Sonata’s cheek, “I know. Poor baby…”

“You want to know the funny thing? I still didn’t delete her number,” Sonata murmured, sitting up straight now.

“I still have my mother’s number in my phone,” Twilight shrugged.

“I still have Maexxy’s bedding and food,” Ascentia continued stroking Sonata’s cheek.

Giving a smile, Sonata nuzzled her hand, “Really?”

Twilight nodded, “Mm-hmm. We all sometimes keep something from a loved one who passed away.”

“Or in Twilight’s case, a nemesis,” Ascentia shrugged.

“...I guess… even after what she did, it’s kind of hard to forget that she’s your Mom?” Sonata murmured.

“That’s the best way to put it,” Twilight exhaled, nodding a little, “Now that she’s gone, it’s almost like I don’t have to be scared anymore. Like I can focus on the good things in a way.”

“Here we go,” Sunset brought a plate of French toast and some orange juice.

Ascentia reached back and patted Sunset’s leg, as did Twilight, “Thanks. She’s just finally woken up.”

“That’s good,” Sunset giggled, and kissed Sonata’s hair, “Need anything else?”

“Mm-mm. I’m good, Sunny, thank you,” Sonata smiled a little, then proceeded to eat.

“You know… Sunny you look like you could use a break,” Ascentia smiled, “Why don’t you come back to our place for a few hours this afternoon?”

Sunset looked at her with surprise as she sat back down, “Really? Wow, that’d… that’d be nice.”

“Sure, it’s a great idea,” Twilight smiled brightly, “We’d love to have you.”

Sonata looked up as well, “I think you should, Sunny. You’ve done a lot… you should take some time to yourself.”

“We’ll help make sure the girls will be okay before we go,” Ascentia smiled, “You can come back and kinda… let go.”

Giving a smile, Sunset finished her tea and nodded, “Thank you, girls. That’d be great.”

Ascentia nuzzled Twilight’s cheek, cuddling her tighter as she mewled excitedly, “She’s gonna be fun,” she whispered.

“I know, right?” Twilight giggled, nuzzling her back.

“She’s probably better behaved than I am,” Ascentia winked, kissing Twilight’s neck.

Twilight laughed a bit, poking her nose, “Perhaps…”

Their giggling was interrupted when Rainbow came stumbling out of the bedroom along with Fluttershy. Both were fully awake, and sat down opposite Ascentia and Twilight.

“Hmm, someone’s cuddly this morning,” Rainbow smirked to Ascentia.

Twilight playfully stuck her tongue out, “Kitten wanted cuddles, that’s all.”

“Twilight, we heard you downstairs last night,” Rainbow cocked an eyebrow, “Didn’t know you still had that kind of mouth on you.”

“Really? I didn’t hear a thing,” Sonata blinked, “Aww… I missed it.”

“I should’ve known you two were awake,” Twilight pouted, “Yes, we did that last night. I wanted to prove I could.”

“From what we heard, you did very well,” Fluttershy smiled.

Twilight blushed, “Thanks…”

“No no, thank you,” Rainbow smirked, “That was pretty fun to listen to. Especially when Asy had to teach you how to slap her properly.”

“Oh yeah, that,” Twilight sipped her tea, “I wasn’t even aware of that method of slapping.”

“Asy figured it out after a few months of living with us,” Rainbow snickered, “Taught Fluttershy how to do it, then we all found out she can cum just from that if you’re persistent enough.”

Twilight blinked, “....Exactly how is that possible?”

“We’d have to show you sometime,” Fluttershy giggled.

“An orgasm is entirely psychological, Twilight,” Sunset said as she sat back down, “If it turns you on, it can get you off.”

“That’s true,” Twilight noted, sipping more of her tea, “How about the toys? I noticed you got rid of one of them.”

“Oh, right. It was the particular whip with beading,” Fluttershy recalled, “We were hesitant in using it because that particular kind is known to break skin. Bone if you’re really strong.”

“Oooohhh,” Twilight made a face, “Oh well, I’ll try to integrate using them when we get home. Speaking of which, Sunset’s going to visit with us for a while today.”

“Bow chicka wow wow,” Rainbow smirked as she sat back, wrapping an arm around Fluttershy.

“That’ll be nice,” Fluttershy smiled at this, “We’d love to have you over, Sunny. I’m sure you could use a break right now.”

“Mm-hmm, I do,” Sunset admitted.

Sunrise came pattering out of the bedroom, frowning up at her mothers as she tugged on Ascentia’s nightshirt, “Mama… I’m hungwy.”

Ascentia smiled and lifted Sunrise up into a chair, “I’m sorry, sweetie. Breakfast is ready.”

“Sunrise always goes to you, never to Twilight,” Sunset remarked as she set up a plate for Sunrise, “Why is that?”

A look of discomfort overtook Twilight’s countenance before she responded, “Kitten was there for her a lot more for the past few years. I was in the mental hospital and didn’t get to see her very much.”

“Sunrise just sort of got used to me being the one who takes care of her,” Ascentia shrugged, “She loves her Mommy very much, it’s just that her Mama is the one who cooks her breakfast and takes care of her when she’s sick. Sunny, don’t you love Mommy?”

Sunrise nodded, “Yes! I wove Mommy!”

Sunrise reached up to her mother, smiling brightly. Ascentia lifted her back up and set her into Twilight’s lap, at which point she latched onto Twilight’s neck and hugged tightly.

“Hi, sweetheart,” Twilight kissed her forehead, smiling.

“Mommy!” Sunrise giggled, kissing her cheek, “I’m glad you’re happy! Mommy’s pwetty when she’s happy!”

Giggling, Twilight snuggled her, “Thank you, Sunny. Mommy wants to be happy for you.”

Sunrise kissed Twilight’s cheek again and pulled back, looking over to Sunset, “I wuv you too, Pwetty Sunny!”

“Awww…” Sunset kissed the top of her head, “And I love you too, Little Sunny.”

“Awww!” Ascentia cooed, clapping her hands like a child, “She thinks you’re pwetty!”

Sunset giggled, “She does…”

“And she’s right,” Twilight winked at her.

“Indeed,” Ascentia smirked, kissing Twilight’s neck.

“Aunt Pwetty Sunny?” Spectrum came up to Sunset, gently tugging on her nightshirt, “Um…. I’m hungwy…”

Sunset smiled, picking him up and kissing his cheek, “You want some French toast, cutie pie?”

Spectrum giggled and nodded, “Yes pwease!” he said excitedly, hugging Sunset around the shoulders.

“Let’s go, then,” Sunset smiled, placing him onto her hip and going to the kitchen.

Fluttershy laid a hand over her chest, “Aw, she’s a natural,” she cooed as she leaned against Rainbow Dash.

“Yep, she is,” Rainbow agreed, nuzzling her hair.

“I agree,” Twilight finished her tea, “I feel perfectly comfortable leaving her to babysit the kids if need be.”

“Well she already has two,” Ascentia smiled, reaching over and clapping Sonata on the shoulder.

Sonata giggled, “Yep! She’s like our other Mom.”

“Everyone loves their Mommy,” Ascentia giggled, kissing Sunrise’s head.

“Especially when their Mommy is amazing!” Sonata smiled, clapping a little.

Ascentia smiled, “Go on. Go tell your Mommy you love her,” she giggled.

“...Which one?” Sonata blinked.

“Sunny,” Ascentia said, indicating the kitchen.

Getting up, Sonata went to the kitchen, where Sunset was preparing some more French toast. While Spectrum was perched on her hip, cuddling against her. She giggled at the sight, clearing her throat to get her attention.

Sunset wheeled around, smiling, “Oh, Sona. You still hungry?”

“I’m good, I just… wanted to say that I love you,” Sonata smiled.

“Aw, I love you too,” Sunset smiled, moving in for a hug.

Sonata hugged her, with little Spectrum happily joining in, giggling, “You really are like our other Mommy, and we love you for it. Would you… mind if I called you Mama?”

Sunset was quiet. She thought it over as she patted Sonata’s back, “...I uh…”

“...I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have-”

“Yes,” Sunset whispered, kissing Sonata’s cheek, “You can call me Mama, sweetheart.”

Beaming, Sonata kissed her cheek back, “Thank you, Mama…”

“You’re welcome, Sona-baby,” Sunset purred as she held Sonata tightly.

Holding her tightly, Sonata nuzzled her face into her neck. While being called that still retained the memories of when it started; she felt she could truly allow Sunset more than free reign to address her as such. The two of them stayed like that for… frankly they weren’t sure how long. But they were broken out of it when Spectrum started getting antsy.

“I’m still hungwy…” he pouted.

“Oh!” Sunset said in surprise, pulling back from Sonata and finishing Spectrum’s plate, “Sorry, sweetie. Here we go.” She took the plate and Spectrum out to the table and set him and it down.

“I’m sorry too,” Sonata kissed his head, then returned to her spot at the table.

Sunset sat back down in her seat, wiping her eyes as she continued eating.

“Aw, things get a little warm and fuzzy in there?” Ascentia asked with a smile.

“Well… Sunny is now officially Mama,” Sonata smiled.

“Awwwwww!” Rainbow, Fluttershy, Ascentia, Twilight, Applejack and Rarity (who had only just joined them) cooed as they all gave Sunset a group hug.

Sunset laughed happily, blushing a little bit, “Oh, you guys… You’re too much. I can’t even begin to tell you how much this means to me. To all of us… I just… Thank you. All of you. This has been one of the hardest times in our lives and… we know we’re not alone, and that helps.”

“Of course, dear,” Rarity smiled, hugging tightly to her as Twilight kissed her cheek.

“Anytime, sugarcube,” Applejack ruffled her hair.

“No prob, Sunny,” Rainbow said as Fluttershy hugged her.

Everybody was quiet for a few minutes, before Ascentia spoke up.

“Anybody else know where Pinkie went?”

Before anyone could answer, Pinkie came out of the bedroom, holding a sleepy and half awake Aria. She grinned, placing her into a chair at the table.

“Poor Aria needed a little motivation to wake up! But here she is!” Pinkie declared.

“Hiiii…” Aria waved, yawning.

“Pinkie, define ‘motivation’,” Ascentia chuckled as Aria was sat at the table. Nobody could help checking Pinkie out.

Pinkie swayed a bit, winking and giggling before responding, “Ooooh, a little lovins and cuddles…”

“Oh you’re gonna have so much fun when the club opens this morning, aren’t you?” Ascentia snickered.

“Are you kidding? I’ve wanted to give it a shot for months!” Pinkie giggled, “I just gotta make sure someone films it, no way my hubby wants to miss it!”

“Oh I will, don’t worry,” Ascentia chuckles, glancing at Sonata’s camera, “Just try not to let the kids see you getting ganged up on. Have enough things to explain to Sunny-bunny as it is.”

Baring My Tits

“...Alright, here’s two martinis and a screwdriver,” Sunset smiled, setting the drinks in front of her patrons.

“Enjoy ‘em!” Sonata said brightly, “Sunny makes the best screwdrivers, trust me!”

The patron who ordered the screwdriver sampled it, smiling, “Wow, this is good! Thank you!”

“You’re welcome,” Sunset smiled, wiping down the counter with an old rag as she took a mental stock of how many people were in the club. Traffic had shot up since Adagio had passed away and the club was more successful than ever. She wasn’t sure if that was a coincidence or people were still mourning Adagio.

‘It’s good either way,’ she smiled, adjusting some of the bottles.

“Have a good drink!” Sonata waved to the two patrons, then rejoined Sunset at the bar, “Wow, I don’t think I’ve seen the place this busy in a while.”

“Yeah, and they’re actually happy, not crying,” Sunset smiled as she continued to tidy up her bar. She’d taken control of it full-time since Vinyl quit to go back to school. Sunset could remember her saying something about wanting to be a musician.

“I think we all are,” Sonata murmured, looking around the club, then back at Sunset, “Although I still wake up in the morning and I think she’s there in the kitchen. Last night, I thought I saw a woman in a nightgown when I got up to get a drink. It was just the curtains blowing in the wind, though.”

“Yeah, I get that too,” Sunset sighed, “...The answering machine still has her introduction on it… I know we should change it but… I can’t.”

Sonata smiled in understanding, “I still have her number on my phone. I just look at it sometimes. Sometimes I think about calling it, but I know it’s been deactivated. But then sometimes I have the crazy thought, what if she does answer?!”

Sunset knew better, but couldn’t help feeling the same way. Ascentia had described it being like a phantom limb, where part of them had been cut off but it still felt like it was there, “I’d jump a mile out of my skin if that happened.”

“Me too,” Sonata gave a little giggle, “Can you imagine? ‘Hi, Sona-baby! Yeah, I’m in the afterlife now! How are you guys?’” She of course did a badly done imitation of Adagio’s voice, mixed with making her sound British.

Sunset couldn’t help but chuckle, “She’s probably up there right now laughing at you for being so silly.”

“That’s what I’m thinking,” Sonata giggled, looking up at the ceiling and waving, “Hi, Mommy! Yes, I’m being silly now! Silly Sona-baby! Oink!”

Sunset laughed, wrapping an arm around Sonata’s shoulder, “You’re too much, sometimes.”

“I try to be,” Sonata nuzzled her, “You know… I’ve been thinking of something, lately.”

“What’s that?” Sunset asked, kissing her cheek as the patrons at the bar cooed.

Gathering her words for a few moments, Sonata placed her hands over her stomach for a moment. She had a feeling many would’ve found it impulsive, and they were probably right. Nonetheless, it was an idea she couldn’t ignore. Even if it wouldn’t happen now, she did still want to try going for it in the future. Sonata looked to her wife, nuzzling her cheek and kissing it.

“Mama… I want to have a baby.”

Sunset’s eyes widened, “What? A… a baby? I thought you were supposed to be the baby?”

Sonata giggled a little, “I know, and I am the baby. But, I’m serious. I want to have a baby. A real baby.”

Sunset took a step back and sat down, “...Whoa…”

Children had certainly always been on Adagio’s mind. She desperately wanted them, but couldn’t. And the fact that her and Sonata had gone many years into their relationship without even considering one seemed to be indicative of that. Adagio wanted children she could carry. But… she wasn’t here anymore. And the house seemed more empty with only three people in it.

“...How were you thinking about having one?” Sunset asked slowly.

“I figured I can go to the sperm bank,” Sonata murmured, looking down at her abdomen, “I wish I could have one with Mommy’s genes… But I guess I’ll have to take what I can get.”

“Yeah, I guess it’s… wait…” Sunrise pondered something for a minute, “Do you know what hospital Mom had Timbre at?”

Sonata nodded, “Mm-hmm, she eventually told me. Why do you ask?”

“Can you give me the number?” Sunset asked, pulling out her phone.

Scrolling through her contact info, Sonata held her phone out, “It’s the South Baltimare Hospital.”

Sunset looked at the number and dialed it into her phone, “...Hello? Yes, my name is Sunset Dazzle… yes, thank you, I appreciate it. Could you tell me something? My late wife had her stillborn son at your hospital. Could you tell me if she had the placenta frozen? ...She did? Great, I was wondering if me and my wife could… yes, that’s it… you can? Tomorrow? Great, thank you. Goodbye.”

She put the phone down and smiled, “They can take the stem cells from Mom’s placenta and make sperm cells out of it.”

Blinking a few times, Sonata’s jaw dropped, “For… For… For realsies?!”

“For realsies,” Sunset smiled, “You can have Mom’s baby.”

“Eeeee! Oh, Sunny! Sunny Mama!” Sonata squealed, throwing her arms around her and kissing her face, “You’re brilliant! You’re awesome! Thank you thank you thank you thank you! I didn’t think it was possible, but oh my gosh! I can have Mommy’s baby! Mommy’s actual baby! Eeeeee! Oh, I’m so happy! Thank you!”

Sunset grinned and patted Sonata’s back, kissing her hair, “Oh, you’re welcome sweetie. We can go tomorrow if you feel like it…”

“Yes! Tomorrow’s good!” Sonata squealed, nuzzling her, “Thanks for that, Sunny! Oh, this is going to be sooo great!”

“What’s going to be great?” Aria asked, coming out of the backroom with a crate of empty bottles in her hands, “Okay, something big just happened. Haven’t seen Sonata this happy since Ma...passed on… So what’s up?”

“Sonata… is going to have Mom’s baby,” Sunset smiled, pulling Sonata into her lap.

Aria’s eyes went wide as her jaw dropped. She carefully placed the crate down to avoid dropping it, taking a step toward them, “Uh… what? Are my ears clogged or did I just hear you say that-”

“Yes! I’m going to have Mommy’s baby! Sunny knows the medical aspects of it, but overall, yes! It’s possible!” Sonata said eagerly.

“...Whoa… that’s… wow!” Aria gaped, now smiling, “That’s amazing! Even I never would’ve imagined it possible!”

Sunset grinned widely, nuzzling Sonata’s cheek as she opened her arm to invite Aria in, “Come here… group hug!”

Aria came over, joining the two in a hug, “This is awesome news… I bet Ma would be so proud.”

“I’m so talking to her later…” Sonata giggled.

Sunset’s smile grew even wider. The fact that she was able to make Sonata so happy, even thought the idea was a longshot at best, warmed her heart. She leaned in and kissed her forehead, snuggling her tightly between them until the patrons started clearing their throats for more drinks.

“Alright, the appointment’s set for tomorrow,” Sunset smiled as she came back to the bedroom and sitting down on the edge of the bed, “The solution is ready, and they can inseminate Sonata as soon as we get there.”

“Great,” Aria said as she tossed her clothes into the hamper, taking her nightshirt and slipping it on, “It’s funny, you know. I never pictured Sonata actually getting pregnant. But Ma always said she loved the idea of it.”

“Yeah. Mom’s the only one who had the hips for pregnancy,” Sunset laughed as she stripped down to her panties and bra before climbing in next to Aria.

“You’re telling me,” Aria laughed a little, “I actually asked the doctor one time if it was possible that I could get pregnant. You know, curiosity sake, I wasn’t planning on it. He said, technically I can, but I’d probably end up carrying in the back rather than the front.”

Sunset had never heard that term before, but it made her cringe either way, “I think Sona will be fine, though. She might not have the hips, but she’s certainly got the stomach for it.”

Aria giggled, “Yep, I think she’ll be fine. Sure, she can be a bit… ditzy, but I know she wouldn’t do this unless she truly knew she could. Now it’s just a matter of getting the procedure done.”

“Yeah…” Sunset frowned, “Artificial insemination has an 80% failure rate. So the chances are slim… it’s also really expensive so we can only try it so many times.”

“Yeah, that’s true,” Aria stretched and lay back on the bed, “I don’t like those odds, either. And I know Sonata would be beyond devastated... But, I guess it’s better than not trying at all.”

Sunset nodded as she snuggled up to Aria and wrapped her arms around her waist, “...You know… when she asked if she could call me Mama… I was touched. I’ll be honest, even after we were married, I always felt like the little pinky toe. Just standing out from the rest, ready to take a table leg to the face.”

“Aww,” Aria nuzzled her sweetly, bringing her arms around her, “You’re not giving yourself enough credit. You were pretty much the other parent in this family. If Ma wasn’t around, you were running the show.”

Sunset giggled, “Yeah, I know. I still kinda felt that way, though. For a while I was just the employee that she felt up. It was kinda out of the blue when she asked me to move in.”

Aria kissed her cheek, “I guess it kinda was, huh? It was real surprising when Ma said all that. Even I didn’t see it coming, and I knew from the beginning you were her favourite. Still, it worked out way better than expected, didn’t it?”

“Mmhmm,” Sunset laughed, “Still can’t believe I never told my parents about us until I was sending out the wedding invitations.”

“What did you even tell them when you moved in here?” Aria snickered.

“I lived in a run-down apartment a few streets down before coming here,” Sunset shrugged, “I just told them I moved.”

“I guess you didn’t offer the forwarding address?”

“It kinda slipped my mind,” Sunset shrugged sheepishly, “Me and my parents get along, we just don’t talk much.”

Aria nodded, nuzzling her cheek, “Still, I can just imagine the looks on their faces when they got the wedding invite!”

“Especially with four names on it,” Sunset laughed, “They never even knew I was gay, let alone getting married to three women.”

“No kidding,” Aria chuckled, “I liked your parents, though. They were really nice. Your dad cracked some pretty funny jokes, I almost spat punch out my nose!”

“Oh yeah. And they really took a liking to Mom,” Sunset giggled, “It was like ‘Ugh, you’re marrying such an older woman, and-oh wait, never mind. She’s a total sweetheart. I love my new daughter-in-law even though she’s older than me’!”

Aria laughed at this, “I know, right? There you are, marrying a woman who’s almost their age! With two other slightly older women, no less! That’s gonna be a story to tell at the next family reunion.”

“Yeah, and you thought she was robbing the cradle with Sonata,” Sunset laughed, “When Adagio and Sonata started hooking up, I was nine.”

“....Wow, okay, that’s pretty funny to think about,” Aria chuckled, shaking her head, “Oh, yeah. I was a grade-A bitch back then. I know it’s kinda gray, but I was still just… foul, you know? Sonata even broke a beer bottle and pointed it at me! I mean, shit! She didn’t do anything with it, but still. Looking back, I can’t even believe half the things I said to Ma.”

“Yeah, I heard. If it was anything like what the Dusks and Mrs Blaze said… yeah,” Sunset winced, “She never really… held any of that against you, did she?”

“Actually? No, not really. There were actually moments during both times I was here that she did get genuinely angry. But, overall? She just kinda found it funny. Like I was just a kid throwing a tantrum. It felt kinda condescending, you know? Not that I didn’t deserve it, but still!” Aria whistled at the memory, “I remember distinctly that… she gave me this demented smirk. Like a cross between something the Joker would use on Batman and maybe even the Grinch. It really creeped me out! And she knew it! She just did it to get under my skin! So I tried leaving, and she just did it again! Sure, I laugh about it now, but boy, she creeped me out. After that, things changed! And she just found it sexy since it was kinda like Hate Sex or something.”

“Hate sex?” Sunset asked, cocking an eyebrow, “What do you mean Hate Sex?”

Aria snorted at the memories, “Sonata had Ma strip down in front of me. Then they coerced me into going down on her. Right when I was still in my ‘Adagio is a cradle-robbing cougar’ phase.”

“...You’re kidding,” Sunset said, her mouth hanging open, “How the… how do you end up going down on someone you think is a pedophile?”

“You’ve seen Ma naked, right?”

“Yeah.”

Aria poked her nose, “I was eighteen, I was young and frustrated, and I wasn’t thinking clearly. Gorgeous woman who seriously does not look forty-one strips down and beckons me… Yeah.”

“Yeah, but… you were right in the middle of yelling at her,” Sunset laughed, “Sexy or not, if I thought someone was a creepy sexual predator, and they told me to eat them out, I wouldn’t actually do it.”

“Like I said, I wasn’t thinking right,” Aria stuck her tongue out.

“You were thinking on two tracks simultaneously,” Sunset laughed, “You’ve got a guy’s sex drive.”

Aria laughed and gave her a gentle smack on the shoulder, “Oh, up yours!”

“No, more like up yours,” Sunset laughed, patting her cheek, “Next time you start yelling at one of the dancers, I’ll know that’s your mating dance.”

“Very funny,” Aria stuck her tongue out at her.

“I’ll tell Sweet Leaf that the best way to defuse a situation is to open her legs,” Sunset snickered, kissing Aria’s cheek.

“How nice of you,” Aria poked her nose, snickering.

“Oh yeah!” Sunset recalled, “Tomorrow afternoon is one of the topless bartender nights. Remind me when we get back from the hospital.”

“Sure thing,” Aria chuckled, nuzzling noses with her.

“I was a little hesitant about letting that continue. It was one of the ideas Mom hadn’t quite finished with before she died,” Sunset frowned, “I wonder what the patrons are gonna think…”

Aria thought for a few moments, “Well, I guess for now, stick with it. But if it’s too much, we’ll just stop it.”

“Yeah. I’d hate to have to get rid of it,” Sunset shrugged, “But without Mom supervising the place… I dunno, some of the less reputable patrons might get gutsy.”

“I guess that means you’re gonna have to be more on your toes,” Aria said, shaking her head, “I’ll be around at times too, so will Sonata, so we can help. But I guess if it’s too much, we’ll just have to shut it down. You’re the manager and doing awesomely with it, but don’t be afraid to make a decision like that. Some things just gotta be done.”

“I know, I know,” Sunset pouted, nuzzling up under Aria’s chin, “Doesn’t make it any less of a drag. Mom was better at making those decisions than me.”

“Nah, even she struggled. You know, trying to find the balance of doing what’s best for the business but keeping other factors in mind. She was crushed when she had to fire Sugar Belle, but she did it because of liability. She had to put the club first above her emotions,” Aria nuzzled her hair, “And she’s done it for a long time, so she had some experience. You’ll definitely get better at it.”

“Yeah, but she fired Sugar Belle for sleeping with four patrons in the back room,” Sunset remarked, “I’d hate to have to take away the weekend bartender thing because… dammit, it’s selfish, but I just like baring my tits, okay? If a few assholes end up ruining that, I’m gonna be pissed!”

Aria stroked her hair comfortingly, “Hey, come on. Nothing’s in stone yet, Sunny. No one’s making you do anything. You’re the boss, you get the final say. If you want to bare your tits, you bare those tits into next week! And I’m not just saying that because I love the view. I know Ma said she didn’t want to do it because she wants to set a good example, but that worked for her. You may as well do what works for you.”

Sunset smiled and nuzzled Aria’s cheek, “Thanks Aria. I’ll get an extra charger for the taser in case people get more grabby than usual. And maybe a gun for the guard… no… another taser. That guy’s way too jumpy for a lethal weapon.”

“Agreed. Like Ma said, we want to subdue, not kill,” Aria kissed her cheek back. She looked at the clock for a moment, “Wow, Sonata’s been in there a while. You think she’s okay?”

“She’s probably imagining herself pregnant and squealing like a little girl,” Sunset snickered, reaching back and undoing her bra, sliding it out from underneath herself.

“D’awww…” Aria giggled, “And probably telling Ma all about it, like she’s there. I have to say though, just seeing Sonata this excited about something is already enough for me. That little ball of sunshine is back, full freaking force.”

“And that’s just in the anticipation. Imagine when the baby is finally here,” Sunset giggled, snuggling Aria closer and kissing her neck.

“Wow, that’s going to be something,” Aria whistled, nuzzling her, “I never thought we’d be raising a baby in this house. I know Ma kinda had to give up on the idea and was just fine with us, but… wow. I gotta say, that’s going to be quite a way to memorialize her.”

“Mmhmm,” Sunset nodded, “It’s… it’s just a shame she’s never going to get to meet her son or daughter…”

“No kidding,” Aria agreed, shaking her head, “I even wish we’d thought of it before. At least this solution! I remember saying things like, ‘Hey, Ma, you know, you can adopt, right?’ and stuff. But she always said it just wasn’t going to be the same.”

“Yeah, the technology only came around a couple of months ago,” Sunset shrugged, “I was actually going to bring it up to Ma, but… then we got that call…”

“Oh yeah… that call,” Aria shuddered, “I didn’t even hear it and I felt like I was gut-punched.”

“Sonata got the worst of it,” Sunset shuddered, “At least Asy broke it to us gently. She had to hear it from that… sterile, emotionless doctor.”

Aria nodded, sighing a bit, “Yeah, no kidding. I mean, I get that as a doctor, you do have to put your emotions aside so you can do your job. But wow, you are telling another person that her wife is dead. How do you not at least show a little compassion? Nope! You’re just doing it like they forgot their car keys.”

Sunset nodded, “Yeah… you didn’t hear after you took Sonata up to the bedroom to lay down. Both Twi and Asy berated that doctor for a half an hour over the phone. Kinda surprising he never hung up.”

“Wait, what? That happened?!” Aria’s eyes went wide, “Aw, nice. How’d that go over?”

“Rainbow said that she’d never seen Ascentia that angry before. Until that time she lost it on Twilight and Cielle in our living room for trash-talking Mom,” Sunset whistled, “Angry Asy is apparently very rare, and she was out. Twilight, they’d seen Twilight angry before. Apparently Twilight has serious anger issues.”

“Damn,” Aria whistled, “Well hey, kudos to them for calling out that heartless doc. I spent over an hour trying to console Sonata. She was screaming, crying, and was just destroyed, it took forever for her to fall asleep. At least somebody said something, though.”

Sunset nodded, kissing Aria’s cheek, “But now Sona’s gonna have a part of her back. She’s gonna have her own little Dagi running around.”

“Oh, man!” Aria was now giggling, “I think if she has a girl, I know exactly what she’s going to name her.”

“Oh yeah!” Sunset laughed, “Without a doubt. That’s gonna be a little Adagio.”

“Yep, through and through,” Aria giggled, shaking her head, “A little Adagio, with four Mommies, one Mommy sadly departed, and definitely will inherit the best from both of ‘em.”

“Four mothers… man, and parents thought kids asking ‘Why does Joshua have two mommies’ was a hard question,” Sunset laughed, nuzzling Aria’s hair.

“Amen,” Aria kissed her cheek, “Ohh, and we’ll have a preggy Sonata on our hands. I can’t even imagine how that’s gonna be! Aside from having an adorable belly… I’m sure gonna have a hard time keeping my hands to myself…”

“You got a thing for pregnant women?” Sunset asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Not at first,” Aria chuckled, “I used to think, ‘Oh, big deal. She’s pregnant. Nice and all, whatever.’ And then, one of our older dancers, before she had to quit, she and her husband were expecting a baby at the time. She kept working while pregnant for six months! And she was pregnant with twins, no less. So her belly was kind of big even after just about...three-four months. Well, one time, Ma was laying with her and kind of comforting her, while she was naked. She was rubbing her belly, asking her questions, and just talking to her.

“I was watching from time to time, and then I observed a bit closer. And it was just… beautiful. I found such a beauty in a pregnant woman that I never imagined possible. I loved watching her. I loved seeing her do her thing while pregnant. There was something so amazing about it. I wanted to touch her all over, to just feel her stomach, and… basically shower her with all my heart. Call me crazy, but I developed a little fetish. Okay, not really, but still! Now if I see Sonata pregnant, I’m gonna dote all over her.”

“Oh you’re gonna do more than just dote,” Sunset laughed, kissing her cheek, “Aw, you’re such a big softie, what am I gonna do with you?”

“Oh, shut up…” Aria blushed heavily, but was chuckling, “Okay, Sunny… you going to stay up a bit, or head off to dreamland?”

“Well, we’re still waiting for Sonata to get her cute little butt back in here,” Sunset snickered, kissing Aria’s neck as she snuggled closer.

As if on cue, Sonata entered the bedroom, yawning a bit, “Hey, ladies… Sorry about that, kind of had to get all that out of my system. I swear I heard Mommy squealing and cheering… Did you guys hear anything?”

Aria shook her head, “Nope.”

Sunset shook her head as Sonata crawled into bed next to her, “Nuh-uh.”

“...Well, it’s official. I’m going crazy,” Sonata pouted, “I keep seeing and hearing things that aren’t there.”

“Hey, when Mom starts telling you to kill the whores, then you have to worry,” Sunset snickered, “Until then, you’re fine being crazy.”

“I’ll go with that, too,” Aria agreed.

Sighing a bit, Sonata squeezed in between them and curled up, “I feel so excited for having a baby and I’m trying to move on, but… Is it sad that I wish Mommy was still here?”

“Sad sad, or pathetic sad?” Sunset asked, turning her head to kiss Sonata’s hair.

“...Pathetic sad,” Sonata murmured.

“Not in the slightest,” Sunset kissed her cheek, snuggling her close, “It’s only been a month since she passed away. We all wish she was still here…”

“Definitely,” Aria agreed, “And besides, you took it really hard. Come on, you two were together for three years before we came in. Come together in such a way I can’t even imagine. I’m not surprised. But don’t worry about it, okay? Healing’s not gonna happen overnight.”

Nodding, Sonata relaxed a little more, “Okay, I won’t. I love you girls… I’m glad we’re not going through this all alone.”

“Me too…” Sunset smiled, nuzzling Sonata as she shifted positions so that she was between Aria and Sunset, “Mama loves you,” she grinned.

“Love you too, Mama,” Sonata smiled.

“Ditto, love you too… Er… You know what, I’ll go with Mom,” Aria nuzzled Sunset’s cheek.

“Alright,” Sunset smiled, “Wow… I guess I really am Mom now…”

Who Wants To Touch 'Em

“Alright girls, here you go,” Sunset smiled as she set the drinks down in front of the three women at the bar. She’d had to stay back while Aria took Sonata to the hospital. Her morning bartender called in sick and she’d had to fill in. It was pushing 4 in the afternoon by this point and her shirt was already off.

“Thanks, Sunset,” said one of the women, “If you don’t mind my asking, where are your wives at? It’s been quiet since we got here.”

“They’re at the hospital,” Sunset explained, “Sonata’s being inseminated."

The three women gaped with surprise, then burst into smiles.

“That’s incredible! Good for her!” Said another of the women, lifting her glass to that.

Sunset lifted her glass of ginger ale, “Absolutely. She’s getting inseminated with Adagio’s stem cells. It’s going to be hers as well.”

“Wow,” said the first woman, sipping her drink, “I can guess that must have sent her over the moon!”

“Oh yeah! When I told her that was possible, she had kittens,” Sunset laughed, “Jumping for joy for the rest of the freaking day.”

“Aww, it must be nice having that little ball of sunshine coming back full force!” Said the second woman, giggling.

Sunset nodded with a bright smile, “Oh yeah. She was so down the last few weeks, but she’s come roaring back. It’s had an effect on all of us, she just brightens up the whole place.”

The first woman nodded in agreement, “You can say that again! Now she can actually have Miss Adagio’s baby. I think it’s safe to say she’d have been so proud.”

Sunset nodded, glancing up at a framed photo of Adagio that hung over the bar, “Oh yeah. She would have. Having kids was always Ada’s dream. She wanted them so badly. She’d be proud that we managed to do the impossible.”

“What made you girls decide Sonata should carry the baby?” The third woman asked curiously.

“It was her idea, actually. She wanted to be the one to do it. She thought it would have been for the best,” Sunset explained, “She was with Adagio a lot longer than me or Aria were.”

“Wow,” said the first woman, sipping her drink again, “That makes sense.”

Sunset nodded, “Besides, it could never be me. I’ve gotta do this,” she indicated the bar, “Who’s gonna wanna see a pregnant topless bartender?” she giggled.

“You’d be surprised,” the second woman winked, chuckling.

“Yeah, sure, Aria would,” Sunset chuckled, “The average patron? Not so much.”

“Perhaps,” the third woman agreed with a light laugh, “Still, I can see why you girls decided that. I’m sure it’ll be worth it in the long run!”

“Thanks,” Sunset smiled, sitting down on her stool as she popped her neck, “That means a lot.”

The three women smiled, tipping their drinks to her once more.

Sunset refilled their glasses as a few more patrons approached the bar and ordered drinks, “What are you guys having tonight?”

“Appletinis and Sex On The Beach,” said one of the men, winking at her.

“Well the Appletinis are my specialty, but the sex on the beach is gonna cost you a lot extra,” Sunset smirked as she started mixing their drinks.

They all laughed, slapping her high-fives and playful wolf whistles.

“So how are you, anyway?” The second guy asked, taking a seat at the bar, “Place is more lively than it usually is.”

“Gee, I wonder why that is?” Sunset snickered, glancing down at her bare chest, “I’m doing great, actually. My wife is getting pregnant.”

“Whoa, nice!” The third guy grinned, “Sounds pretty awesome!”

“We all kinda wondered if you girls were all gonna raise a baby,” said the second guy.

“Well we are now,” Sunset smiled brightly, handing them their drinks, “Sona’s over the moon about it.”

The guys all raised and clinked their drinks in a toast, laughing jovially.

“Well hey, congrats to you girls!” The first guy grinned.

The second nodded, “Uh-huh! I bet Adagio would be real tickled pink!”

Sunset blushed and sipped her ginger ale, “I know she would be,” she smiled as she looked up at the picture again, “That little one’s gonna love it here.”

“Three awesome women and a cool club? That’s one lucky kid!” The first guy chuckled.

Sunset nodded as she wiped the crumbs off the bar, glancing up at the three women and four men sat on the stools, “...You know what? I’m having a good week, so…” she put her hands up behind her head and sat forward, “Who wants to touch ‘em?”

The patrons looked at her with shock, then at one another, completely dumbfounded. Even the guys were turning pink and mumbling with uncertainty. Eventually, one of the guys reached over, slowly, and then gave one of her breasts a gentle squeeze.

“Wow,” he said, pulling back a bit, “so soft.”

Sunset chuckled and patted his hand, “Wouldn’t be doing my job if they weren’t.”

One of the women leaned over, touching her breasts now too, “I’ve never felt up a woman before… It’s kind of exciting…”

“Well I’m married to two,” Sunset chuckled, sitting closer to the bar, “It’s a lot of fun.”

Pretty soon, all six of the patrons at the bar were taking turns touching her, caressing her, amazed at the experience. Sunset was giggling the entire time. From soft, feminine hands to rough, man hands, each one was tickling her and making her shift in her seat. This was probably the first time she’d ever let patrons feel her up, and she was considering adding this to ‘Tip Jar List.’

“Sorry if it’s too much,” said one of the men, drawing back a little.

“No, don’t worry,” Sunset smiled, “It just tickles.”

The women giggled, “I swear I’m turning gay right now!”

Sunset smirked and winked at one of them, “Oh really?”

“If that’s what it feels like, maybe,” the woman laughed.

Sunset giggled and patted her shoulder, sitting forward in her seat as she felt herself growing damp, ‘Oh the girls are in for the ride of their life when they get home...’

“Alright, how do you feel?” Aria asked as she looked over to Sonata. They’d been driving for the last ten minutes, the insemination having gone off without a hitch.

“I feel a little weird inside…” Sonata murmured, looking out the window at the rainy surroundings, feeling along her stomach. “But then again, I feel pretty good… I’m so happy it worked! Now I just have to make sure it gets me pregnant…”

“Pretty sure it will,” Aria smiled, looking back out toward the road as they pulled out into Baltimare’s main street, “You’re a fertile little one.”

Sonata giggled, “I’ll get a couple of home pregnancy tests tomorrow.”

“Alright,” Aria smiled as she pulled in toward the bus terminal, “We’ll tell Sunny the good news.”

Nodding, Sonata glanced out the window, to which her eyes went wide. She felt an urge twitching within herself, which she couldn’t ignore. Taking a breath, she calmed herself and turned to Aria.

“Aria, please stop the car,” she said, clutching her seatbelt.

“What is it? What’s wrong?” Aria asked as she pulled over, looking worried.

Sonata unbuckled her seatbelt, opening the car door, “I just… want to show you something.”

She got out of the car, pulling her hoodie up over her head, and walking toward the bus stop on the curb. After reaching the row of seats, Sonata stared wistfully at them, feeling tears gathering in her eyes. Hugging herself a little, the memories rushed back to her, stronger than ever. Like it had only been yesterday. Had it really been over a decade? Was she really once a teenager? It was almost hard to believe, yet, it was all true. She stood there for a few moments, barely hearing Aria coming up behind her.

Sonata sniffled, then carefully sat down on one of the seats.

“Sona?” Aria laid a hand on her shoulder as she sat down next to her, “Are you okay? What’s wrong, sweetie?”

Wiping her eyes, Sonata hugged herself a little more, staring down at the seat next to her, “This… This was the same stop, the same seat… where I first met Mommy. I remember it so well… I can almost see her there… I was crying so hard, I didn’t even know someone else was there. When she spoke to me, I… I swear I saw the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen…” She sniffled, making herself comfortable, “If I hadn’t been right here that day…”

Aria wrapped an arm around Sonata’s shoulders and pulled her close, kissing the top of her head, “...Wow… right here? That’s… what happened that day?”

“Mm-hmm… right here,” Sonata snuggled against her, nuzzling her, “I was on this seat, I was going to take the bus to the furthest point, right near the bridge. I was… g-going to jump. I felt like I had nothing to live for. But then that strange woman I never met before asked me what was wrong, talked to me, and then…” She looked up, sniffling again, “...took me to Taco Bell.”

“Wow… you were… you were gonna jump off the bridge?” Aria asked quietly, squeezing her ever so slightly.

“I was…” Sonata murmured, “If this hadn’t happened, I might’ve been dead by now.”

Aria’s other hand came up to hug Sonata, pulling her tightly against her chest as she nuzzled her toothpaste-colored hair. She glanced upward toward the sky, fighting back tears as she mouthed a ‘thank you.’

Sniffling, Sonata nuzzled her neck, holding close to her, “That was… the reason I always called Mommy an angel… It’s kind of like she was an angel...”

Aria kissed her cheek and nuzzled her, “So… what happened after Taco Bell?”

“Well… she took me home a while later. I didn’t even want to go home, but I didn’t want to take up her time,” Sonata recalled, “I was on the verge of tears again. I thought I’d never see her again. Like this would be a one-time thing. But then she asked me for my phone, so I gave it to her, and… she put her number in. Then she told me I could call her anytime. For any reason. I was so moved I started crying. She held me the entire time, stroking my hair and saying sweet things. Then I went inside… And you know what? She didn’t drive away until I was in the house. She actually waited until I was safe inside…”

“Wow…” Aria whispered quietly. All at once, the guilt at having once called Adagio any number of horrible names came rushing back tenfold. She stroked Sonata’s back and gently rocked her as the sound of the rain pattered onto the shelter above them, “...She really cared about you.”

Nodding, Sonata nuzzled her neck and kissed her cheek, “She really did… I had felt so alone for a long time. But it was the first time in forever that I was happy, that someone cared about me. She called me the next day to ask how I was doing, and I broke into tears again. No one had asked me that in ages, Aria… I was so overwhelmed!”

Aria squeezed tighter, “You were smitten with her right away, weren’t you?” she gave a tiny laugh.

This made Sonata smile, giggling a bit, “Oh, yes… I was very smitten with her pretty much the moment she took me to Taco Bell. It helped that I thought she was gorgeous… Mm… I know it may have taken her a while to see me in the same way, but that’s okay. I was just happy to have a good friend who genuinely cared about me. I saw her almost everyday after that. She’d pick me up from school, go to lunch with me, drop me off at school, all that jazz.”

“Wow. She sounds like she was a dream come true back then,” Aria smiled, kissing her cheek, “Now I know why you used to always spend so much time in the bathroom stall before you ran away.”

Sonata blushed and giggled, “After she saved me from being raped the first time, I kind of… developed more of a sexual attraction to her. I couldn’t help it… It didn’t help that she went swimsuit shopping with me...”

“Oh my god, she didn’t!” Aria laughed.

“She did!” Sonata giggled, “I said to her in an offhanded comment that I needed a new swimsuit. Friday rolls around and she texts me, asking if I wanted to go swimsuit shopping. Or that’s what she was trying to say, auto-correct made it say ‘Want to go skinny suit hopping?’!”

“Oh my god!” Aria sputtered, burying her face into Sonata’s neck and laughing hysterically, “I bet that was a surprise to see!”

“It was!” Sonata laughed, slapping her knee, “Boy it was fun! Trying on suits, looking all cute and cool, we had fun! She was… giving me these looks and touching me in certain ways at times. Not inappropriately! Just, suggestively. Looking back, I realize she was flirting with me!”

Aria giggled, “I guess seeing you in a bikini must have been too much for her to resist,” she winked, kissing her cheek.

“It must’ve been, I know it was for me,” Sonata smiled, nuzzling her cheek, “Course I figured it would never go anywhere at the time. She was an older, beautiful woman pushing forty, I figured she saw me as like a little sister or whatever.”

Aria smirked and nuzzled her, “You soaked that bikini and had no choice but to buy it, didn’t you?”

“...Yes….” Sonata admitted, giggling, “Mommy asked what happened, I told her I peed myself. She gives me this look and asked why I didn’t just go to the bathroom. I’m like, ‘Uh, I was in the changing room, didn’t want to go across the mall in a bikini! I had to go bad!’ and then she points behind her, where the bathrooms are! Oops! Yeah… if she knew what really happened, she didn’t say so.”

“She probably did, nothing ever slipped by that woman,” Aria chuckled, stroking Sonata’s hair as the two cuddled up on the bench, “So… did she ever make a pass at you? I remember you said she did once before you ran off…”

“Hmmm… Yeah, she did,” Sonata nodded, “It was shortly after we actually got together. She wanted to… well, take me to bed. And I wanted it too, but, I just… I wasn’t in the best place at the time and I wanted a better moment for it.”

Aria nodded, kissing Sonata’s cheek, “Wow, you actually had the restraint? After weeks and weeks of watching that beautiful woman parade around? Soaking through a bathing suit?” She chuckled, nuzzling her hair.

“I know…” Sonata giggled, nuzzling her neck, “But we did get a little naughty at times. It didn’t really go much further than groping each other…”

“You? Groping a forty year-old?” Aria snickered, “That’ll be the day.”

Sonata laughed, “It took me a while! But I did it! Oh, poor Mommy… I felt bad making her wait!”

“She probably loved it,” Aria laughed as the two of them stood up, “Hungrily hovering around her Sona-baby, just waiting for the moment she’s allowed to pounce? Sounds like Ma.”

“True, that does sound like her…” Sonata agreed with a giggle, “She was always patient and never held it against me. I did feel bad, but.. When we eventually did, it was amazing!”

“I know. It was amazing when I did, too,” Aria snickered, leading Sonata back to the car, “Then again, you and I had different… first encounters with her.”

Sonata smiled more, “Yeah, we did… But we definitely had amazing first times with her, regardless!”

Aria thought back to her first time with Adagio… on the bar… in the middle of yelling at her, “...Yeah,” she grinned as she ran a hand over Sonata’s stomach, “...You know it’s gonna be a girl, right?”

Placing her hand over Aria’s, Sonata giggled, “That’s what I was thinking. And I already have a name for her, actually.”

Aria could tell that she already knew what it was, but smiled either way, “What is it?”

Giggling, Sonata looked down at her stomach, “Adagio.”

Aria smiled and rubbed Sonata’s stomach, “So… we’re gonna have our own little Dagi running around? ...I love it.”

“Yep, exactly!” Sonata leaned against her happily, “I’m so sad Mommy can’t share this with us, but… I’m so happy that the three of us can…”

Aria leaned in and kissed Sonata’s cheek, “I’m sure she’s watching right now, and loving you to bits.” She pulled back and put the car into gear, “Alright, let’s get home. Sunny’s probably being manhandled by horny men and women at the bar without us.”

“So… you just decided that because you were having a good day, everyone at the bar got to feel your tits?” Aria asked, raising her eyebrow as she, Sonata and Sunset sat at the table.

Sunset gave a little shrug as she smiled, “Yeah, I did. I was in such a good mood, I couldn’t help myself.”

“So… why do you enjoy it so much?” Sonata asked curiously, “I know our dancers do it for a living, but why you, too?”

“...Well, I don’t know,” Sunset admitted, looking thoughtful, “I guess the best way I can put it is that I feel liberated when I go topless. And I know I’m safe, or at least can do so without my old boss trying to grab me. There’s just something so… gravitating about going to work topless.”

“That’s not liberation, that’s cold air on your nipples,” Aria chuckled, taking a bite of her spaghetti, “I made the same mistake the first time Ma bought me an anal plug.”

“What do you mean?” Sunset chuckled, twirling some spaghetti onto her fork.

“Nothin’, just makin’ a joke,” Aria giggled.

Sunset giggled, “Well, be that as it may, maybe I do like the cold air on my nipples.”

“Why don’t you work topless all the time, then?” Aria asked.

Raising an eyebrow, Sunset ate her bite and chewed for a few moments. She wiped her mouth after swallowing, “Topless all the time, huh? Not a bad idea, admittedly. I just can’t help but wonder if that’d work. Like I might even get tired of it and just put my shirts back on. I don’t know, maybe the teases and then the occasional full-on topless works better?”

“I know, put a sign on the tip jar that if enough is put into it, you’ll take off your shirt,” Aria suggested, “It can be any time, and it’s entirely dependant on how much the patrons really wanna see ‘em.”

“Huh,” Sonata tapped her chin thoughtfully, “I think that could work! What do you think, Sunny?”

Sunset pondered that for a few moments, then smiled and nodded, “I’ll give it a try. I can start that first thing tomorrow morning!”

“Great, I can’t wait to see my wife topless every day at the bar,” Aria grinned.

“Mm-hmm, that’ll be a treat!” Sonata giggled.

“Oh, you two,” Sunset playfully rolled her eyes, “You can see me topless every day at home too, you know.”

“It’s not the same as seeing you topless while you’re at work,” Aria stuck her tongue out, “At home we can see you bottomless, too.”

Sonata ate more of her spaghetti before responding, “There’s something pretty fun about seeing you topless at work! It’s all about perspective.”

“...True,” Sunset conceded with a little nod, “Well, then I’ll try this new system and see how it goes along!”

Aria sipped her beer and giggled, “Remember how Ma used to always bang you in front of the customers?”

Smiling nostalgically, Sunset nodded, “Oh, yes. I remember clear as day. I think it was one of the best aspects of my job. In fact, the last time she ever did that with me was less than a week before she passed away.”

Aria smiled, “I used to watch from the window. It was fun to see, especially the first time, when you were all anxious about it.”

“I missed it, but I heard about it!” Sonata giggled, “Mommy said you were so nervous, but willing, and it was cute.”

“So she said,” Sunset chuckled, “I still can’t believe how nervous I was the first time. But it’s just one of those things, where you feel nervous before it happens, but then it’s a breeze during and then after.”

“We kept the security tapes from her doing that,” Aria giggled, “Kind of a shame it won’t happen anymore. It was one of those things that just screamed ‘Ma’.”

Sunset nodded slowly, reaching over to rub Sonata’s back as she slumped over in her seat, “You’re definitely right about that. It really is just one of those things you knew was her doing. I’m pretty sad myself, and I know for sure some of our patrons miss it. But trying something like it probably wouldn’t be the same.”

Aria looked over to Sonata, drumming her fingers on the table, “Hmm…”

Sonata looked up, “What?”

“Nothing, I’ll tell you later,” she smirked as she reached over and squeezed Sunset’s rear.

“Oh!” Sunset yelped, chuckling, “Frisky.”

Tilting her head cutely, Sonata blinked, wondering what Aria could be planning, “All righty, then…” She shrugged, going back to her food.

Sunset chuckled, reaching over and mussing up Aria’s hair, “So hey, you girls said the procedure went really well, huh? How long did the doctor say it would take for it to fully form?”

“A couple of days before we’d know if Sonata was pregnant or not,” Aria explained, sliding a hand down her jeans as she continued to eat with the other, “Usual nine months before the little girl pops out of her.”

“Mmm…” Sunset purred in response, chuckling, “That’s fantastic. I really hope it works out!”

“Me too,” Sonata smiled, finishing her food and wiping her mouth, “I took what was left of Mommy’s dream away… But now, I want to give it back to her.”

Both Aria and Sunset cooed in response, Aria laying a hand on her shoulder as her other hand dug further into Sunset’s jeans, “I know she’s going to love little Dagi…”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Sunset giggled, “And I don’t even need to say what a perfect name that will be.”

Aria withdrew her hand from Sunset’s pants and leaned over, taking Sonata into her arms and squeezing her tightly, “She’s gonna be so happy here…”

“She’ll want for nothing,” Sonata nuzzled her, giggling and snuggling against her.

“I couldn’t agree more… again,” Sunset chuckled, “We’re going to give her a wonderful home, without a doubt.”

Snuggle With Sunny

“So how’re the girls?” Ascentia asked as she sat at the bar, accepting a grasshopper from Sunset.

“Better, actually,” Sunset replied as she glanced up toward the window, “I think this entire process has really brought a lot more… hope to the family. It’ll be great to focus our attention on something like that, you know?”

“Something like what?” Ascentia asked, looking confused as she drank her grasshopper.

“Well…” Sunset smiled a little more, “It just so happens that we’re going to be adding to our little family, actually.”

Ascentia chuckled, “You guys plucked another girlfriend off the street or something?”

“Nope!” Sunset laughed, shaking her head, “Sonata is attempting to get pregnant. We managed to retrieve stem cells from Mom’s placenta, which was converted to sperm.”

Ascentia’s jaw dropped as her drink fell out of her hand and clattered to the counter, “...Dafuq?”

“Oh, dear…” Sunset took a cloth and proceeded to clean up the mess, “Yes, you heard me right. We’re trying to have a baby.”

“And… you did it… without needing a donor?” Ascentia asked, looking dumbstruck.

Sunset nodded, giving a smile, “Yeah! I know, it’s very surreal, isn’t it? But I was doing some research some time back, and in the past few months, stem cell research managed to achieve that process. It’s been tested on numerous patients, and it works. It’s not absolutely perfect, but it’s achievable. Sonata was willing to get a donor, but I figured it would be nice if we tried this option, you know? So I had to make sure that Mom’s placenta was preserved at the hospital she’d given birth at.”

“Whoa…” Ascentia whispered quietly, “That’s… that’s amazing, Sunset. I’m so happy for you!”

She reached over the bar and wrapped her arms around Sunset’s bare shoulders, squeezing tightly.

“Really, I am,” She cooed, “If one of my daughters could have come from both me and Twilight, I’d have been overjoyed!”

“Thank you, Ascentia!” Sunset nuzzled her and hugged her back, “I know it’s what Mom would have wanted. Sonata most especially is thrilled to have a baby shared with Mom’s DNA. So… hey, if you two ever decide to have another baby, it might just be possible.”

“Oh no,” Ascentia giggled, patting her flat stomach, “Once this one’s out, that’s it for us. Already got the two, plus this one. And Fluttershy’s been itching to have a daughter.”

“Oh my!” Sunset laughed, “Looks like you guys are having a fuller house!”

“Oh yeah!” Ascentia nodded, “Sunny just found out that I’m pregnant and she’s over the moon about having a new baby sister.”

“Awww… That’s so sweet!” Sunset giggled, clapping her hands, “I can imagine she must be excited!”

Ascentia nodded and took a sip of her fresh drink, “Mmhmm. Keeps asking me ‘Mama, when’s my new sissy coming?’”

Sunset chuckled as she hung the cloth up to dry, shaking her head, “Poor kid, she’s going to have to wait a little while.”

“A long while,” Ascentia snickered, patting her stomach, “Oh boy, I’m gonna balloon like Fluttershy in a wasp’s nest.”

“O-kay…” Sunset was slightly weirded out by that, but waved it off, “It’s funny, I never pictured you getting pregnant. But life sure is full of surprises!”

“Neither did I. I was told my whole life I was infertile,” Ascentia shrugged, “Either the doctors were wrong, or Rainbow really does have a magic cock.”

Sunset laughed, “Actually, there are chances that someone infertile can become pregnant. It’s very rare, but… it takes one egg, one sperm, and there you go.”

Ascentia nodded, “Yeah, I know that. Nothing’s ever one hundred percent. I guess this means I have to start using protection once this little munchkin’s out.”

“You may very well have to,” Sunset agreed, whistling, “Wow. That’s a lot of protection, considering how much sex you all have in the house.”

“Oh boy,” Ascentia winced, “Maybe I’ll just get my tubes tied.”

Sunset cringed, holding her hands over her crotch, “That works, too.”

“Did I pluck a nerve with that?” Ascentia asked, giving a tiny chuckle.

“Not really,” Sunset chuckled, “Back in high school, I took the AP Biology class. One of the things we learned was the reproductive cycle in women. And sadly, one of the video segments was detailing certain ovarian procedures, including getting your fallopian tubes tied… and hysterectomies. I swear I felt my vagina going numb and dropping to the floor during those videos.”

Ascentia shrugged, “Maybe back then I’d be squeamish about it. These days, I’ve become rather desensitized to most surgeries.”

“Lucky you,” Sunset pouted, “I’m just praying Sonata won’t need a C-section…”

“Squeamish at that too, or just don’t want anyone cutting open your baby?” Ascentia asked.

“I’m mostly squeamish about it overall, but I know it’s not as risky as it used to be,” Sunset said, shaking a little, “But oh yes, I don’t like the idea of them cutting open my baby. She’d probably be so scared! And I don’t know if I’d be able to help her like I’d want to. I want to be there for her and I would, but, I just don’t have the same touch Mom had. If Mom were there, she’d lull Sonata to sleep to soothe her.”

Ascentia nodded, “When Fluttershy had to have her C-section, Rainbow was a complete wreck. Pacing around the waiting room, constantly anxious, and then Cielle decided to pull a cruel prank on Fluttershy after she woke up. Hoo boy, I did not envy her.”

“That’s terrible…” Sunset pouted, “If anyone did that to my baby, they’d have to count themselves lucky Mom isn’t around.”

“Oh I bet you’d be pretty scary if you went full Mama Bear,” Ascentia giggled, “I can already see it brimming up on ya.”

Sunset giggled a little, smiling, “Thanks. I hope I can be. I might be younger, but I want to protect Mom’s babies. Although now they’re my babies, too.”

“Awww!” Ascentia cooed, clapping her hands together like a child, “Sunny’s their new Mommy!”

“Well, they have taken to calling me ‘Mom’ and ‘Mama’ lately,” Sunset smiled, “I’m so touched that they are. I didn’t think they would, which I was fine with. But it’s a really sweet gesture. I can see why Mom loved it so much.”

Ascentia nodded, “Twilight always thought it was adorable. She always wanted to come down to see the three of them shortly before we got married.”

“Wow… That was long before I came around,” Sunset whistled, “At least to the extent that I eventually did. That was actually how I saw Twilight for the first time, in fact.”

“Oh yeah! You were delivering a pizza the first time we were here, weren’t you?” Ascentia smiled, patting her shoulder.

“Mm-hmm, I was,” Sunset giggled, “Even with her short hair, I still thought she was so beautiful. I couldn’t take my eyes off her… And when, well, Mom was in the room at the time, that’s saying a lot.”

“Wow… you had a gorgeous older woman in the room and you were still gawking at my wife,” Ascentia giggled proudly, “And I’m married to that!”

Sunset laughed at this, nodding, “Yep! Twilight surpassed her! Oh yeah, I was smitten right away. And when I found out she was officially coronated as a Princess; seeing her all over the news, I swear it just skyrocketed.”

“Nice,” Ascentia giggled, “What about when… you know… news got out?”

This made Sunset bite her lip as she hesitated, “It’s… hard to say. I mean, I didn’t want to ignore the facts, and yet… I just couldn’t find it in myself to hate her for it. I guess I was a little too smitten to give a proper response. But I guess I was just wondering if there was some reason behind it all. I just wouldn’t let myself believe she was some kind of heartless, wife-beating monster. I didn’t want to trivialize what you went through, though. So I didn’t even really know what to think. I just… wanted to hug her and let her know she could be okay.”

Ascentia nodded, “I knew what was behind it all. I always hoped she’d get better. And she has for the most part,” she smiled brightly, laying a hand over Sunset’s, “You know… you and I were the only ones who ever really believed she could overcome all of that…”

“That’s a good way to put it,” Sunset patted her hand with a smile, “I believed she could overcome it. So many other people around me at the time were convinced it was some kind of life sentence. I know for some, yeah, it can be. But I believed in her, you know? I always just… remembered her as the sweet, awkward teenager with punky hair.”

Ascentia couldn’t help but laugh, “She looked so silly when she was dressed like that.”

“She did,” Sunset giggled, “Mom showed me some photos, and I thought she was so cute and silly in those outfits. I dressed like that too, when I was in high school. So did Aria… We all had some exchanges of who looked the stupidest. I won!”

“I bet you looked the cutest,” Ascentia smirked, winking at her, “In a contest of who looked the worst in school, I would certainly win that. I once shaved my head.”

“No way!” Sunset laughed, slapping the bartop, “All I did was get a mohawk!”

“Oh yeah! Complete and total buzzcut,” Ascentia giggled, “Don’t ever tell Twilight about that. She had a panic attack when I cut my hair short one time.”

Zipping across her lips, Sunset winked, “Don’t worry, I won’t. Ooh, according to Sonata, she once cut her hair when she got bubblegum stuck in it. She cut it to about here,” she indicated just barely along her shoulder, “and when Mom came home… She freaked out and was so upset she cut her pretty hair!”

“Sounds just like what Twilight did,” Ascentia laughed, “The both of them loved their girls with long, flowy hair.”

“Sure sounds like it!” Sunset winked.

Ascentia raised her glass, “To our crazy wives.”

“To our crazy wives!” Sunset took an empty glass and clinked it against hers.

As if on cue, Ascentia’s phone started buzzing in her pocket. She drew it out and put it to her ear, “Hello? Oh hey Twilight I… whoa whoa whoa, why are you crying? What do you mean you’re sorry? I’m not even there, what did you do? Sorry for everythi-put Fluttershy on… hey Fluttershy, what did you do? I dunno, you have a habit of accidentally triggering people… oh don’t give me that! Just shut up and tell me why my wife’s crying! Oh ha ha ha, look who’s being a smartass… put Rainbow on the phone!”

Ascentia covered the mouthpiece, “I love that woman but she drives me nuts.”

Sunset rolled her eyes, picking up a glass and wiping it dry, “I just hope Twilight’s okay…”

“It’s probably nothing,” Ascentia shrugged, “Hello, Rainbow? Yeah, what’s wrong with Twil-no I didn’t yell at Flutter-no that’s not what I… You know, as fun as this back and forth is, maybe you could just… put Sunrise on the phone.”

Ascentia drew her hand over the mouthpiece and took a deep breath, “Happy place, Kitten… happy place…”

She put her mouth back to the phone, “Sunny? Yes, what’s wrong with Mommy? Oh, is that it? Do me a favor, sweetie. There’s a red pill bottle in the medicine cabinet. It has Mommy’s name on it… Twilight Sparkle… grab that and bring it to Mommy, and then get her a glass of water… thanks sweetie, Mama’ll be home soon.. okay, buh-bye.”

She put the phone down and sighed.

“I was right. Fluttershy was trying to find Spectrum and said ‘the phrase,’” Ascentia sighed, “Twilight broke down again. She’ll be fine, I just gotta get Spectrum a bell to wear.”

“Okay, so she’s just having a nervous breakdown,” Sunset said, though was still concerned, “At least she’ll be okay, so that’s good to know.”

“Oh yeah, she’s just gotta take her meds and snuggle with Sunny,” Ascentia smiled, standing up and popping her back, “Well I gotta go take care of my wife, tie a bell to my nephew’s neck, and hit my girlfriend with a pillow. It was nice talking to you, Sunny.”

“Nice talking to you, too,” Sunset smiled, giving her a wave, “Tell Twilight I said hi, okay? And give her a hug for me.”

“Sure thing. I’ll bring her with me on your next topless weekend,” Ascentia winked before heading out the door.

“Look at this photo on Asy’s facebook,” Sonata said, turning her laptop and showing a very dishevelled looking Fluttershy, captioned ‘BEGUN THE PILLOW WAR HAS!’

“Pillow fighting, haven’t done that in ages,” Aria chuckled, shaking her head.

Sunset turned her tablet around, “Look at this one from Rainbow’s facebook.”

There was a photo of the two kids, Cielle and Rainbow ganging up on Ascentia with pillows, captioned ‘ONCE MORE THE CUSHIONS WILL RULE THE GALAXY!’

“Hee! Super Mega Ultra Pillow Fight!” Sonata giggled, “I’ll bet there was feathers everywhere! Unless they were made of foam…”

Sunset flipped through and found one of Fluttershy spitting feathers out, “Yeah, they’re feather pillows.”

“Oop! Gotta go!” Sonata dashed into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.

“There she goes….” Aria chuckled, looking back at the spread of photos. The last one was of everyone, minus Cielle (probably taking the photo) laying on the floor on and around cushions, laughing, “Looks like they had a blast.”

Sunset looked down and saw that Sunrise was away from the rest of them, cuddled up with Twilight, who was smiling albeit looking exhausted, “Aw, she’s feeling better already…” she smiled.

“That’s good to hear,” Aria chuckled, “Guess that’s just what she needed. An entertaining pillow fight.”

Sunset giggled adorably as she continued to sift through Ascentia’s older photos, showing her, Twilight and Sunrise, “Ooooh… they’re so cute! I hope we’re this cute when our daughter’s born!”

“Hard to say,” Aria poked her nose playfully, “But if I know Sonata, she’s gonna want all kinds of pictures of little Dagi.”

Sunset grinned and nuzzed Aria’s cheek, “Oooooh! I can’t wait! I want her to be here now!”

So do I,” Aria ruffled her hair, “Aw man, now we really sound like expecting parents!” She turned toward the bathroom, “Anything yet?”

“Hold on!” Sonata called from the bathroom.

Inside the bathroom, she sat anxiously on the toilet, shaking the pregnancy test in her hand. The little display screen showed an hourglass, much to her chagrin. Sonata sighed, leaning back a bit and looking up.

“I hope this works, Mommy…” Sonata murmured, clutching the stick a little tighter, “I don’t know what I’ll do if it doesn’t.”

After a few moments, she glanced down, turning the stick to face her. The result was one simple word.

Pregnant.

A huge smile broke out on her face, to which she covered her mouth and giggled happily. “Mommy…! It worked! I’m pregnant! I’m pregnant! I’m really having your baby! Oh my gosh!” She squealed, doing a little dance.

The bathroom was silent as a churchmouse. Usually Sonata would often swear she could hear Adagio’s laughter at times like this. When she was undergoing the procedure, it felt like something was squeezing her hand while the doctor inseminated her. But right now she heard nothing.

“Sonata, come out here! You gotta see this!” came Sunset’s voice, “Sunrise is beating her mother with a pillow!”

Sonata sighed, listening once more. Nothing. Holding the stick tight, she left the bathroom. Even with that, it didn’t ruin the joyous moment. She went over to Aria and Sunset, giggling as she saw them laughing over the latest photo.

“Look at that,” Aria snickered, pointing to the photo, “Isn’t it a scream?”

“It sure is!” Sonata giggled, admiring the photo. She then produced the stick for them to see, “Well, great news! Look!”

Sunset glanced at it, “Cool,” she said, turning back to the laptop. After a solid five seconds, she did a double take and ripped her head back to the stick, “Wait, what? HOLY FIERY GRASS BALLS!”

Although Aria already guessed, she took a look anyway, and grinned, “Oh my god! It worked?! Holy shit, I think I’m gonna faint! I can’t believe this is happening!”

“I know!” Sonata squealed, bouncing up and down, “I’m soooo happy! We’re having a baby! Baby! Mommy’s baby!”

Sunset almost upturned her laptop as she lunged over and wrapped her arms tightly around Sonata’s neck, squeezing as she flat out tackled her to the couch and peppered her face with kisses, “Oh my god! Oh my god!”

“Sunny!” Sonata giggled, nuzzling her back, “Awww, I’m so glad you’re happy, too!”

“Are you kidding? This is terrific!” Aria leaned over the back of the couch, chuckling at the two, “Having a baby in the house would’ve been all well and nice, but this is Ma’s baby. I can’t even describe how incredible this is.”

Sunset squeezed tightly to Sonata and giggled happily, “Oh my god! I love you girls so much!” She practically squealed as she buried her face into Sonata’s hair.

“I love you girls, too,” Sonata nuzzled Sunset’s head and sighed wistfully.

“And I love you girls,” Aria smiled more, “Way more than I can say.”

“I just wish Mommy was here… she’d have been over the moon…” Sonata murmured.

“I’m sure she is right now,” Sunset grinned happily as she kissed Sonata’s cheek, squeezing her hand.

“I think so, too,” Sonata giggled.

“Heh, I’ll bet she’s doing her happy dance right now,” Aria snickered.

“Heh heh,” Sunset chuckled, “That dance was funny…”

“So funny!” Sonata agreed, giggling.

Sunset glanced up to the shelf, where Adagio’s urn sat next to the box containing what was left of Timbre, “I’ll bet she’s so proud of you, Sona…”

Looking over at the urn, Sonata sighed wistfully as she nodded. Tears gathered in her eyes as she attempted to fight them back, stroking Sunset’s hair, “I’ll bet she is…”

“...Did they ever find out who hit her?” Sunset asked quietly.

Aria shook her head, “I don’t think so. That other car got away so fast, nobody managed to get a license plate number. All they knew was that it was a silver Mercedes.”

Sunset sighed as she sat back on the couch. And then…

One interesting thing about Sunset that made her a great bartender was her eidetic memory. She could recall even the tiniest details. Almost as if examining a photo a second or third time. Her mind flashed back to just after Adagio’s funeral, when she’d had to forcibly remove Aria’s mother from the club. Aria had stumbled, drunk, into her car… a silver Mercedes with it’s front ended dented to an absurd degree.

“...No way…” Sunset whispered quietly.

“What is it, Sunny?” Sonata said, gently poking her cheek.

“Aria, what kind of car does your mother drive?” Sunset asked, looking straight ahead.

“She drives a silver merce-” Aria stopped cold mid-sentence, “...No…”

There was a dead, chilling silence filling the room as realization set in. Neither of them could speak as the truth weighed on their minds. It was a feeling akin to when they’d found out Adagio had died.

Sonata broke the silence as she snarled, trying to free herself from Sunset’s grip, “That CUNT! She killed Mommy! She killed Mommy! She killed Mommy! Lemme at her! Lemme at her! I’ll get her for this!”

Sunset didn’t have the strength to hold on to Sonata and let go of her, falling back onto the sofa as she contemplated what she’d just realized. She glanced up to Aria, almost pleadingly, “...Why?”

“...Drunk driving…” Aria guessed, shaking a little, “But she still… she… she…”

Bursting into tears, Sonata ran into the bedroom and shut the door. Muffled screams against pillows were then heard, along with the sounds of punching and tossing pillows.

“If… if I ever… if she ever sets foot in here again…” Sunset started shaking, tears pouring down her face as she curled up into a ball, burying her face in her arms.

“I’d kick her ass… beat her half to death…” Aria uttered. She sat beside Sunset and hugged her, shuddering, “If she comes in here, I’m taking her to court and putting her away forever.”

Sunset whimpered and leaned in against Aria’s neck, wrapping her arms around her shoulders. In the span of about ten minutes, they’d gone from the happiest moment of their lives to the very worst. Celestia only knows what Sonata was doing amidst all the smashing and screaming in their bedroom.

Like A Rubber Band

“...How did you deal with your mother in law?” Sunset asked as she handed Ascentia a beer.

“I murdered her on the side of the highway,” Ascentia said tonelessly as she took her beer, Rainbow taking her’s as they sat at the bar.

“Cold blood,” Rainbow remarked, shaking her head, “But after what she did, I can’t say it was a bad thing.”

“What did she do again?” Sunset asked, the details on the murder of Twilight Velvet were never released to the public. And Ascentia herself was very tight lipped about it. This was compounded when Ascentia scowled and jutted her thumb toward Rainbow.

Rainbow exhaled, took a sip of her drink, and placed it back down on the bar. She then cracked her knuckles before speaking, “It happened when Twilight was still committed. Her mother went in there, bribed Asy’s father, and then…” She took another sip of her beer before continuing, “She raped Twilight in her cell… When Asy found out, she was livid, to say the least.”

Sunset made a small, sympathetic noise as she handed Ascentia another beer.

“Why did you wanna know?” Ascentia asked bitterly, clearly ruffled by reliving this.

“I…” Sunset looked at her nervously, wondering if she should continued, “...I found out yesterday that… Mrs Blaze was the one who hit Adagio.”

“What?!” Rainbow exclaimed in shock, “She hit her?! ...Why?!”

“We think it was because she was drunk and on the highway,” Sunset said quietly.

Ascentia scoffed, “Yeah right. With how much Blaze hated Adagio? I’ll believe that when I see it.”

“Either way, that’s horrible,” Rainbow said, shaking her head sadly, “I’m so sorry.”

Sunset sniffled and sat down on her stool, taking a drink of her water, “It’s times like this I wish I was allowed to drink on the job…”

“You own this place, drink away,” Ascentia shrugged.

“No. Mom always told me not to drink while I’m working,” Sunset shook her head.

Ascentia shrugged and downed the rest of her beer, “Whatever…”

“You okay?” Sunset asked, looking up.

Ascentia shrugged while Rainbow patted her back, “She doesn’t like talking about Twilight Velvet,” she explained.

“I’m sorry,” Sunset looked down guiltily.

“Don’t worry about it, Sunny,” Rainbow waved it off, “You know Asy, she always bounces back.”

“I’m like a rubber band,” Ascentia said dejectedly.

Rainbow snickered, “In more ways than one,” she smirked, reaching down and squeezing Ascentia’s rear.

Sunset chuckled a bit, “Well… in spite of this, we do have great news, though.”

“What’s that?” Ascentia asked, not registering the hand on her backside.

“Sonata’s pregnant,” Sunset smiled, wiping her eyes, “The procedure worked. She’s having Mom’s baby.”

All at once, Ascentia perked up and smiled brightly, “Oh my god! That’s amazing!” She squealed, lunging over the bar and throwing her arms around Sunset’s shoudlers.

“See? What did I tell you? Like a rubber band,” Rainbow smiled, eyeing Ascentia’s rear.

Sunset giggled, “Yep, you weren’t kidding. You girls can go ahead and pass the news on if you want.”

“Oh I plan to!” Ascentia squealed in excitement as she hugged Sunset as tightly as she could.

“They’re gonna be stoked, for sure!” Rainbow laughed, patting Ascentia’s rear.

Ascentia pulled back and kissed Sunset’s cheek before re-attaching herself to her neck, “Oh Sunny! I’m so happy for you! And for Sona and Aria!”

“Totally!” Rainbow slapped her a high five, grinning.

“Thank you, girls,” Sunset smiled, “Sonata’s upstairs if you want to see her on your way out. She was… really upset yesterday, but she’s feeling a little better.”

“We’ll see her in a bit. We haven’t got anything else to do today,” Ascentia giggled as she kissed Sunset’s cheek.

Sunset nodded, “Terrific. Just… don’t mention Mrs. Blaze to her. Or to Aria, either.”

“Oh, I won’t. Don’t worry,” Ascentia smiled, pulling back as she felt something pressing against her rear. She looked back to see Rainbow leaning over her, “...Really?”

“Sorry Asy,” Rainbow snickered, and caught Sunset’s look. She grinned brightly, “Don’t worry, I’m not gonna do that here. I remember what happened before! We’ll get outta here.”

Sunset glanced up toward the patrons. There were none. There was some holiday celebration going on in Canterlot and the club was empty today, “The place is empty, I don’t care what you do.”

“Okay then,” Rainbow winked, “Let’s have a little fun. You can watch if you want, Sunny…”

“Hey Sunny? I… I wanted to talk to you about something,” Sweet Leaf said as she sat down at the bar.

“Yeah?” Sunset looked up from organizing some glasses, “What’s up?”

“Well… I’ve been here since the Razzle Dazzle opened,” Sweet Leaf explained, “Adagio always said I was one of her best waitresses. There’s never been an incident with me. So… I was thinking I deserve a raise.”

“Really, now?” Sunset gave a smile, then nodded, “I think Mom may have even been planning to, I’m sorry it just took a while. I can give you a raise for sure.”

Sweet Leaf beamed and lunged forward, hugging Sunset tightly, “Thank you! Thank you so much!” she giggled.

“You’re very welcome, Sweet Leaf,” Sunset hugged her back, “Would a five percent raise work?”

“Mmhmm!” Sweet Leaf nodded, pulling back and kissing Sunset’s cheek, “It’s just… my rent’s gone up this year, so I need the extra income.”

“Aw, really?” Sunset pouted sympathetically, “I’m sorry to hear that. By how much did it go up?”

“About two hundred bits,” Sweet Leaf sighed, “I’m not paying 1,100 bits a month for my apartment.”

“Jeez!” Sunset hissed, “Even my first apartment wasn’t nearly that much, and only had raises by about two percent at the time.”

“I’m being extorted,” Sweet Leaf explained, “The landlord keeps saying we can come to an ‘arrangement.’”

Sunset frowned at this, “What does he mean ‘arrangement’?”

Sweet Leaf looked up and frowned as she pistoned her fist in front of her mouth.

“....No. You’re kidding me…” Sunset grimaced at this, “When is your lease up?”

“I just signed a renewal last month,” Sweet Leaf explained.

“Sweetie, I think you should report this,” Sunset said gently, placing a hand on your shoulder, “If you’re being extorted like that, you need to do something about it.”

“Thing is, I have no case,” Sweet Leaf shrugged, “He brings it up every few months, but when it comes time to renew the lease, my rent keeps going up. It’s a six month lease. He’s been doing this for a year and a half. But he’s allowed to raise the rent on his own apartments when it comes time to renew the lease. So unless I can prove the two are linked, I’ve got fuck all I can do. It’s either keep paying, or start sucking.”

Sunset gave her a hug, rubbing her back, “I’ll give you as much as you need to get through this. But if anything happens, you know you can come stay here with us.”

Sweet Leaf looked up, “Really? Isn’t your place crowded enough as it is? And you’ve got a little one coming soon. I’d hate to be in the way.”

“You wouldn’t be in the way. Our couch is a hide-a-bed, and we’re still going to help if we need to,” Sunset assured, “If it were crowded, I’d give you money for a hotel, too.”

“Hey, what’s going on?” Aria asked, coming up to the bar and glancing at Sweet Leaf.

“We were just talking about raises and jerkass landlords,” Sunset replied.

“Who has the jerkass landlord?” Aria asked.

Sweet Leaf raised her hand, “My landlord keeps raising my rent, trying to extort blowjobs out of me.”

“Why don’t you stay here?” Aria suggested.

“She’s worried about our apartment being crowded,” Sunset sighed.

“So give her one of the others,” Aria shrugged.

Sunset looked up in surprise, “...Others?”

Aria cocked an eyebrow, “Sunny… this building has three floors. What do you think is on the third?”

“Uh… empty storage rooms?” Sunset guessed.

“No. There’s five fully furnished apartments up there,” Aria said, “Ma kept them ready in case people needed a place to live. After she passed away, I kept them clean and up to standard.”

“Ohhhh!” Sunset whistled and giggled, “I had no idea. I didn’t think too much about them, so I didn’t even ask. Well, that changes everything! Would you like to live in one of the apartments then, Sweetie?”

“Uh… yeah! How… how much is the rent gonna be?” Sweet Leaf balked, amazed by what she was hearing.

Aria went behind the bar and unlocked a drawer, pulling out a set of instructions Adagio had left about the apartments, “According to Ma… homeless kids and employees pay nothing.”

“Ooh!” Sunset looked over the papers, then nodded, “Well, looks like it’s your lucky day, Sweet Leaf! I’ll still give you that raise and you can move into one of the apartments.”

Sweet Leaf was completely silent, barely able to comprehend what she was hearing. Only twenty minutes ago, she was wondering whether to ask Sunset for a raise or just bite the bullet and give in to her landlord. Now, Sunset had not only given her a raise, but cut out a massive chunk of her expenses.

“I… I… oh my god, you guys… that’s… that’s the nicest thing anybody’s ever done for me,” Sweet Leaf said, her voice cracking,

“Hey, we’re here to help,” Sunset smiled, giving her a hug, “And we know that’s what Mom would have wanted.”

Sweet Leaf wrapped her arms around Sunset, squeezing her tightly as she nuzzled her neck, “You’re just like her…”

“What? Me?” Sunset blinked, then laughed, “Well… I have had to fill her shoes, but oh no, I’m not like her. But thank you, that’s a sweet thought!”

“No really. You are,” Sweet Leaf smiled brightly, “You’re just as generous, just as protective… and you’re just as gorgeous as she was,” she leaned back in and hugged her tightly.

“No way, she was way prettier than me,” Sunset giggled, “But thank you, Sweetie. I really feel a strong sense of what she wants, and I try all I can to uphold that. Besides, as long as the club is still running well and everyone is happy, that’s all that matters.”

Aria smiled as she picked up the newspaper and thumbed through it, “Will you two just kiss already?”

“Aria!” Sunset laughed, “Now you’re just being silly.”

Aria snickered, “Hey, Ma was really grabby with the staff.”

“That doesn’t mean I have to be,” Sunset stuck out her tongue.

“Killjoy,” Aria stuck her tongue back out at her.

Sunset poked her leg, turning back to Sweet Leaf, “So! If you need any help with moving, you can let us know, okay?”

“Yeah! I should be fine. I don’t have much to move,” Sweet Leaf smiled.

“You can junk all your furniture. Ma put some pretty nice stuff in there,” Aria smiled.

“Why don’t we go on upstairs and check it out?” Sunset suggested.

Sweet Leaf nodded as Aria took out her keys, “Yeah… let’s go.”

“Sweet Leaf is junking her entire lease and moving in this week,” Sunset explained as she sat down on the sofa next to Sonata and Aria.

“Aww, that’ll be nice,” Sonata smiled as she looked up from her book.

“Yep, we showed her one of the apartments, and she was stoked,” Aria chuckled, “Practically moved right in on the spot, if she could.”

“She doesn’t have much stuff to move since she’s leaving all her furniture there,” Sunset nodded, “I saw photos of her apartment. That place is a dump. I can’t believe she’s been living there for so many years.”

“She works as a waitress and stripper, what did you think she lived in?” Aria asked.

“I don’t know, maybe something small and modest, but still clean,” Sunset gave a little shrug.

“Ha, not in this town,” Aria scoffed, “This town is a dump. This club is the nicest place for ten miles. And it’s got a topless bartender.”

“Hey!”

“You get the point,” Aria shrugged, “Most of our waitresses and strippers are living in some pretty shitty places.”

“That’s terrible,” Sunset frowned, “They shouldn’t be living like that.”

“It’s the best they can do. It’s all that’s for rent out here,” Aria shrugged, “Ma was talking about buying up some more property and getting into the housing market. But she passed away.”

Sunset thought for a few moments, tapping her chin, “That’s true, I remember Mom talking a lot about that. Hey… Sonata, you looked over the books a lot, right?”

“Mm-hmm,” Sonata nodded, not looking up, “I still did for a while, Aria took over after Mommy passed away. But I can help again, if you want.”

“Sure,” Sunset nodded, “You had access to the other account Mom had, right?”

Sonata nodded, “What about it?”

“I think I have an idea,” Sunset smiled, “Aria, get my laptop.”

Aria frowned as she leaned slightly back to pick Sunset’s laptop off the table that was two feet away and handed it to her, “Want a beer while I’m at it, Archie?”

“Very funny, Edith,” Sunset stuck her tongue out at her. She took the laptop, opening it up, “So, I’m thinking we do just that. We can buy a piece of property, and use that as housing for our employees.”

“Free of charge?” Aria asked, “Fixing up an entire apartment building and maintaining it is going to be costly. This building was paid off and it only had the five.”

“No no, I’d negotiate a fair rent with them,” Sunset said, shaking her head. She searched along a real estate website, scrolling through selections, “I would say we could buy a whole new property and build…. but that’d be more expensive. So maybe I’ll find a small complex or a boarding house… We’ll give out the rest here, too.”

“Great idea,” Aria smiled, kissing her cheek, “Sona, how much was Ma’s net worth, anyway?”

Sonata popped open her phone and navigated to her banking site, “Let’s see… about… 42 million bits.”

Sunset’s jaw dropped, her eyes going wide, “...Really?”

“Mm-hmm,” Sonata said with a nod, “She had quite a bit in stocks and other investments. She just let it build up a lot of the time.”

Sunset glanced over at the transaction history, “Whoa… that’s pretty impressive. I mean, I knew she was loaded but I didn’t… wait a minute, what’s this?” She pointed to a debit transaction for 72,000 bits, dated for just a few days before she died, “What did she spend so much money on?”

Sonata glanced it over for a moment, then realized, “...Oh. It was something she bought for me. It arrived a few weeks ago, after she died… I-I couldn’t open it…”

Aria reached over, rubbing her shoulder, “So that’s why the mail guy came later in the afternoon for that special delivery.”

“Yeah… I didn’t even know she bought something for me. But when I checked her history, there it was…” Sonata murmured, looking back at her phone.

“Where is it now?” Sunset asked.

“I put it in my closet. Like I said, I wasn’t ready to open it yet,” Sonata admitted.

“...Do you want to get it now?” Aria asked, nuzzling her cheek.

Sonata thought for a few moments, glancing around the room. She put her phone in her pocket, then stood up, “Yeah… I’ll go get it. I guess now is as good a time as any.”

Sonata vanished into her room and returned a few minutes later with a very large box. She set it onto the table and sat down.

“Do you want me to do it?” Sunset asked.

“It’s okay… I can do it. ...I just need a knife or something,” Sonata murmured, placing her hand on the box and trembling slightly, “Actually, I’m shaking a bit. You should cut the tape, Sunny.”

Sunset drew out her pocket knife and cut through the table as she and Sonata both popped the box open. Inside were three smaller boxes. One orange, one purple, and one cyan. Along with some envelopes taped to each one. Not needing any more instructions, they each took the box they knew was theirs and sat down with them.

“What do you think it…” Sunset popped open the letter, “Dear Sunny. It’s a shame I won’t be around for our first anniversary. Mommy has some business out in Karadoon-Holy shit, Karadoon?! She wasn’t seriously thinking about going out there was she?! Dear sweet Celestia… But I’ll be back to celebrate about a week after. Hopefully this will make up for me not being there.” The letter continued to explain each gift inside. Sunset decided to wait until she saw what they were to read.

“Wow, so this is all anniversary gifts…” Aria realized, wide-eyed, “That’s why she had it mail-ordered, she knew she wouldn’t be home.”

Sonata shook a little bit, clutching her box, and the envelope, “I knew there was a logical reason, but… When I accepted this, it almost felt like… something else. Like Mommy was giving us something from beyond the grave to make us feel better.”

Sunset popped open the box and found a large number of different gifts placed carefully inside. She drew out the first one, a white, sequin blouse that was decorated with a number of orange and red jewels, “Sweet mother of…”

“Holy crap, that’s pretty!” Aria gaped. She looked down at her own box, which she popped the lid, and saw a similar arrangement. Reaching in, she pulled out an aqua green nightgown, with a darker shade of green for a trim. The hem and neckline were decorated with amethyst gems, “Oh my gosh… I remember this thing! I saw it in a catalogue and told Ma I had to have it.”

Sunset looked back down at her letter, “Sunny, Mommy always thought you would look so beautiful in white. Especially all sparkly. You were Mommy’s little gem. And it gives a spectacular light show when you take it off. So a little performance for topless night ;)”

“It’s so pretty…” Sonata murmured, still clutching her unopened box.

Aria looked at her own note, “Aria, Mommy always loved how you looked in a nightdress. But the ones you have are all so scratchy. How do you ever get any sleep? I got you one that’s made out of Tatzlsilk. I hope you love it.”

“Wow,” Sunset touched the fabric, “That feels really nice! Oh, you’ll never want to get out of bed with this puppy!”

Aria chuckled and pulled out the next item, a Tatzlsilk bra and set of panties. No jewels on these, but very soft and very pretty, “Mommy couldn’t help herself. She loves seeing you in sexy lingere, sweetie.”

“Oooh, we’re going to have so much fun with those,” Sunset winked.

“They’re so pretty, they’d look great on you,” Sonata giggled.

Sunset kissed Aria’s cheek as she continued to dig through her bag, and pulled out the next give from her own. It was a pair of silk panties… with a vibrator attached, “Don’t think I don’t see how antsy and itchy you get at work, Sunny. This should help you pass the time. It’ll buzz ever so quietly, and then blitz you out of your mind when you sit down. There’s an attachment in the box if you also want it to blitz your cute little butt too ;)”

“Well well, looks like Ma thought of everything,” Aria snickered, winking at her.

Sunset blushed, wondering if it was really professional to wear this kind of thing at word.

‘Eh, it’s my club. I’ll do what I want,’ she thought as she grinned widely, setting the panties into her lap.

Aria looked through her box, then pulled out a smaller box within it. This one held a bracelet, decorated with her birthstone, and a few other various jewels matching her hair colours, eyes, and favourite colours overall. “Wow… Now that’s just cute,” she smiled, taking the bracelet out and putting it on around her wrist. “Oh Ari, you don’t get nearly enough jewelry. Mommy really should buy you these things more often-”

“There’s a reason for that,” Sonata giggled, “Aria prefers sex toys.”

“-but I think this should make up for that. I was thinking next year it could be a choker designed the same way!”

“That’s so sweet…” Sunset giggled.

“I’d have liked that choker,” Aria remarked with a smile, “Oh, well. It’s no big deal.”

Sunset looked back into her own box and paused in shock. She gently reached inside and lifted out a gorgeous, diamond necklace. Finding a latch on the side, she realized it doubled as a locket. Inside were two photos. First one that was taken when Sunset started working at The Razzle Dazzle. Adagio had one arm around her shoulder and was nuzzling her. Her other hand was down her pants. She giggled at this. The second was of the two sharing a kiss at their wedding. “Mommy loves you, Sunny.”

“Awww… that’s so adorable!” Sonata cooed, clapping a little.

“She really went all out,” Aria whistled with a smile, “Sweet, lavish, and just plain pretty.”

Aria looked back into the box and laughed. She sheepishly pulled out a glass plug with an amethyst set into the base, and what looked like a leather and silk wrist brace. “Mommy knows how much you like to masturbate, although I still wish you wouldn’t do it at the table, sweetie. Anyway, you already know what the plug is for. Lord knows I’ve bought you enough to start your own shop. The brace is so you don’t get such bad carpal tunnel anymore.”

“Really? Another anal plug?” Sunset snorted, giggling, “What does one person need with so many? What are you trying to say, Mom?”

Aria flipped over the letter and scoffed, “I’m trying to say that Mommy’s baby likes her little bum filled.”

“...Wow, even beyond the grave, she always hears me,” Sunset sweatdropped.

Aria looked back inside and found a necklace just like the one she’d given Sunset. Only instead of diamonds, it was jeweled purple and silver. Inside was a photo of Aria going down on Adagio as she sat on the bar. A memory that brought an instant blush to her face. The other photo was of them at their wedding. She smiled and wiped an eye as she read the same confession of love in her letter.

“Awww…” Sunset giggled, ruffling her hair. She placed her box down, but spotted something at the bottom. Reaching in, she found a pack of her favourite candies, Jolly Ranchers, “And some candy! Of all things! Candy!” She giggled, eagerly opening it up.

Aria giggled as she leaned over and kissed Sunset’s cheek, glancing up at Sonata, “What’cha waiting for? Open yours!”

“Okay… here goes…” Sonata looked down at her box, then nodded as she picked up the envelope, taking out the letter inside.

Aria and Sunset watched excitedly. They’d long since come to terms with the fact that Sonata was Adagio’s favorite. They couldn’t blame her. She’d been with her the longest and was a big part of getting her business off the ground. These days, whenever they discovered something lavish or exceptional heaped onto Sonata, they were nothing but happy for her. Maybe a little jealous, but happy nonetheless.

“Dear Sona. You have no idea how sorry Mommy is that she has to leave you before our anniversary. It’s killing me inside. We talked for so long about getting married and now we can’t spend our first anniversary together? It’s awful. Just awful! I hope you can forgive me for this. And I really hope this makes up for it.”

Hands shaking a little, Sonata had to hold the letter away from herself to avoid getting tears dripped onto it. The little memories of their talks of one day getting married came back. For when she was of age, only for all that to change, but to no complaint from either of them. She sniffled, caressing the box a little bit as she stared at the first bit of the letter.

“Of course I forgive you, Mommy… it’s not your fault at all,” she murmured.

She then followed their example of opening the box before reading further. The first gift inside was a beautiful pink and purple gown, along with a set of blue lingerie and a choker that read “Mommy’s Baby”.

“Oh, now that’s just adorable!” Sunset giggled, “That’s so Mom. I’m surprised you didn’t get ‘Mommy’s Baby’ or something tattooed to you.”

“I considered it, but needles hurt,” Sonata pouted, but giggled.

“You should get it tattooed right here,” Aria chuckled, reaching over and patting Sonata’s abdomen, just above her sex.

Sonata giggled, “As long as they sedate me for it, sure!” She looked into the box again, pulling out a magenta blouse, with blue threaded buttons, and a little pink heart with a blue jagged musical note printed on one side, “Awww… this was my favourite shirt back when I was in high school! It was the same shirt I had on when I met her... I didn’t know they made these anymore!”

“They don’t,” Sunset remarked, looking at the tag inside. It was dated some sixteen years ago, “I think this is the same one. It looks like she had it resized and restored.”

“Nice,” Aria chuckled, “And since you still look like you’re in high school, you wouldn’t look any different!”

“Oh, you guys!” Sonata laughed a bit, nuzzling the fabric and placing it aside.

“What else is there?” Sunset asked with a chuckle, “I got vibrating panties and Aria got another thing to shove up her ass. What did you get?”

Sonata looked into the box, “There’s a couple things, and something else in a box…”

“Well let’s see!” Aria grinned cheekily as she came around to sit on Sonata’s other side.

Pulling out the little box first, Sonata was surprised to discover that it was a silver chain, with a heart-shaped locket on the end. It was surrounded by various stones, including a topaz in the centre. She gently pried it open, which consisted of a winking Adagio photo on one side, with Aria and Sunset on the other one. “Aww, this is so nice… I haven’t had a locket in forever!”

Aria took the letter from Sonata and looked it over, “I always wanted you to look as beautiful as you always made me feel, Sona-baby. A lovely dress, some pretty lingerie, the whole shebang. I gave the girls lockets just like this one, but there’s actually another in there that I think you’ll really like. Mommy always wanted to shower her baby with gifts like she deserved.”

“There’s another one?” Sonata looked into the same box, then pulled out another one, similar to the first, “Ooh! This must be it.”

Inside was a single photo. It was of Adagio sat at a bus station, giving a casual glance to a girl huddled up in a ball and covering her face. Seemingly crying. It looked like it had been taken by a scene photographer. How Adagio had tracked him down, they would never know.

“Whoa….” Aria’s eyes went wide, “Talk about above and beyond!”

“That’s…” Sonata shook a little, clutching the locket to herself, “Oh, Mommy… I can’t believe you found this…! I never would’ve thought…”

Sunset and Aria both leaned in and kissed Sonata’s cheeks, “You know Ma loved you more than anything else in the world, Sona…”

Sonata noddled, giving them both nuzzles, “I know she did… and I loved her more than I’ve ever loved anyone…” She placed the locket around her neck, then looked down into the box. Along with a packet of her favourite candies, there were also a couple of photos. One of when Sonata had moved into the apartment and unpacking her bags. One of Sonata and Adagio kissing happily on their first anniversary as girlfriends. One of their first time, where Adagio had taken her on the dancer’s stage. One of them sharing a kiss while Aria was going down on Adagio. That moment still made her laugh. There were photos that went right up to the point that Sunny had come into the picture. All of them making the three of them smile.

“Wow, these are so cute…” Sunset giggled, “She must have been saving these for an occasion like this one.”

“I feel like I’m on a trip on memory lane…” Sonata murmured with a smile, giggling. She looked at another photo, this time of them at karaoke, “Ooh! We were singing Love Is An Open Door… I practically begged her to sing it with me. It was so fun!”

Sunset and Aria both laughed, wrapping their arms around Sonata as they finished sorting through the photos, “Wow… this is all just… huh?”

Sunset leaned over the box and found another one lying at the bottom. She pulled it out and opened it, almost going nuts with giggling, “Oh my god…”

“What is it?” Aria asked, leaning over.

Sunset lifted two rather large strapons out of the box and grinned sheepishly. Aria laughed as she took one. One was purple, the other was orange.

“Oh that’s just nuts.”

“Wait, there’s more,” Sunset chuckled, pulling out a note, “Sunny and Ari. Since Mommy can’t be there, please give Mommy’s baby a good, hard fucking for our anniversary. I don’t want her walking straight by the time I get back.”

“Oh, goodness! That’s so awesome! You’re so silly, Mommy!” Sonata laughed hysterically. She placed the box down, hearing a little thump. When she checked, she saw something wrapped in tissue paper. Taking it out, it was a framed photo from their wedding, much like the other two. “....I’m going to cry, now…” She giggled.

“You’re not gonna cry, you’re too giddy,” Aria giggled as she sat down and turned on the TV, “My god, could this day get any better?”

The second she turned on the TV, they were greeted with the sight of a news anchorwoman.

“For those of you just joining us, Doctor Beverly Blaze of South Ashfield was killed this morning when she attempted to invade the home of the Sparkle and Dash families. Mrs Blaze attempted to force herself into the premises, whereupon Princess Ascentia Sparkle shot her seven times in the chest.”

“And the answer is yes!” Aria grinned, giving a fist-pump, “I love you, Asy!”

“Oh, wow…” Sunset murmured, wide-eyed, “That’s… oh my god.”

Sonata was stricken in silence, completely unsure of what to say.

On the news report, they had cut to footage outside the Sparkle and Dash house as royal guards examined the premises.

“I was scared for my family’s life,” Ascentia said to the reporter, though her attitude, tone and expression indicated anything but fear or shock. In fact, the inklings of a smirk were starting to spread, “This crazy, drunk woman forced her way into my house, screaming all sorts of things and threatening my little Sunny. I did what any mother would do in that situation,” she said, her smirk now a wide, smug grin.

“Ascentia?” Shining Armor said as he passed by the frame, “You’ve got a little evil on your face.”

“I think she knows we’re watching, too…” Sunset remarked, whistling, “Well… at least that woman is out of our lives for the rest of forever.”

“The rest of forever?” Aria asked, “What’sa matter? Can’t brain today?”

“Oh, shut up,” Sunset giggled, playfully shoving her. “Sona? Are you okay?”

“Yeah… Yeah, I’m all right,” Sonata nodded, “I guess I’m just a little surprised. But anyway, what Mommy did for us here… I know it was coincidental timing, but it’s like she was giving us one last gift… Just to make us feel better.”

Aria and Sunset nodded as Aria turned off the TV. “Yeah… yeah it was. This was nice… it was really nice…”

“I want to cry, and yet I’m too excited to cry,” Sonata giggled a little, “I’m just sad we couldn’t give her our anniversary present…”

“Well… she did tell us to give you something,” Sunset smirked as she and Aria sidled up closer to Sonata.

“Huh?” Sonata looked up at her, “What do you mean?”

Aria and Sunset smirked as they lifted Sonata into the air, holding her between them.

“...Is this about the strap-ons?”

The two of them quietly nodded as they kissed down Sonata’s neck.

“Okay, just… one at a time, please…” Sonata giggled a little, nuzzling them.

Aria and Sunset chuckled, “Let’s take her into the room,” they said in unison, perching Sonata on Aria’s hip as they retreated to the bedroom.

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Stockholm - The Littlest Dazzle

Mature Rated Fiction

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