Adagio’s dreams were typically pleasant, one learned to keep away the nightmares after centuries of life. As such sleep was always pleasant, a time of deep meditation, and being stirred suddenly was never welcome. So the sound of hard thumping bass, modern rap music, and the unceasing din of flesh against canvas, at 6 A.M., on a Saturday, was most unpleasant. “I shall visit the wrath of tartarus upon the unfortunate soul that has roused me from my slumber,” Adagio whispered dramatically rising from the bed without opening her eyes.

Aria was, surprising as this may seem, an early riser, and as such she knew well to have coffee ready for a groggy Sonata, and Adagio. She also knew well the danger of waking Adagio early, as such she’d taken to reading a magazine and having a mug of dark roast with her headphones in. She’d not seen Sunset walk down to the basement, not seen her in her exercise gear, and had not heard the request for headphones. “Huh do I smell sulfur?” She asked aloud, scoping the kitchen, noting the presence of a very unhappy Adagio, hair snapping at the air. Removing her headphones it became all too obvious just what had roused Adagio from her slumber.

“Who?” Adagio’s voice was as low and dangerous as it had been when threatening Starswirl, and her wine colored eyes had taken to glowing, thought this time it was unlikely to be the effect of a costume.

Aria pointed to the open basement door, and returned to her coffee, hand slightly more shaky than before as Adagio floated down the stairs to deal with the unfortunate soul playing the really great jams. “Well someone’s dead,” Aria whispered trying to ignore the now obvious thuds against canvas, and her guilt for ratting out Sunset.

Sunset’s morning had gone perfectly thus far, light warm up, music nice and soft as she performed yoga and calisthenics. She knew not to try and go into high gear, she might get loud, and waking her girlfriends was probably not a good idea, especially on a weekend. As the workout started to ramp up Sunset did her best to avoid her heavy bag, hung shortly after her entrance into the family, and tried her best to avoid cranking her music.

Then it happened, her jam came on, that song with the amazing beat, the angry raps, and the angry scream at the start. Her pupils turned into pinpricks, her fists balled, and she began a set against the bag. She crossed the room in a single lyric, laid her first two punches on the bag in less than a bass drop, and by the song’s midpoint she’d turned up the intensity. This had been ten minutes before Adagio’s arrival, and the music had only gotten angrier and louder from the first song. The transitive property was in place, as Sunset landed three round kicks with machine gun speed and hurricane strength against the bag to the beat of the song.

Adagio had arrived, the basement now thumping as the blurry form of her girlfriend slammed her every appendage into the man sized bag. The music screamed again, and turned Sunset’s intensity up. Adagio’s logical side had kicked in shortly after descending the stairs, knowing well that interrupting this little training session might end with an accidental black eye.

Sunset slammed a knee into the bag, rotating her body as it rebounded from the strike. the rotation ended in a vicious and perfectly timed kick, her heel planted into the side of the bag, driving it to the other side of the room. Then as the song ended Sunset let out a grunt, slamming her fist into the midsection of the worn bag, and stopping the 175 lb monster in place.

The trance wore off, and Sunset found herself gasping for air, her heart rate well above the standard cardio level she tried to maintain in a standard workout. Then she saw Adagio, she realized that for the last fifteen minutes she’d been making far too much noise. Her heart suddenly became very still.

“Good morning lover, and how are we? On this most glorious November Saturday, just after our second battery of exams and long night last night? Are we doing well?” Adagio punctuated every sentence by taking a step toward Sunset. Adagio’s evening gown seemingly flowing in a non-existent wind, making the dangerous dancing locks of the woman seem all the more dangerous.

“Oh fuck me,” Sunset whispered helplessly, seeming to shrink before the ever growing threat of the elder Siren.

“Capital idea dearest Sunny,” Adagio whispered, pouncing on her sweat soaked lover.

*******************************************************************************

Aria jammed on the bar, sipping coffee and ignoring the screams for help, and of ecstasy coming from the basement. However when Sonata finally walked down the stairs, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Aria smiled at the sleepy eyed woman and indicated a sugary energy drink across the table from her.

“Mornin’ Ari, did Sunny wake mom up? It kinda sounds like she’s using the extra fast wand we bought a while back,” Sonata groaned taking a pull on the delicious carbonated sleep substitute.

“OH FUCK HARDER” came Sunset’s voice shaking the house between indecipherable sounds and screams.

Aria rolled her eyes, sipping her coffee and flipping a page of her magazine. “Yup, from the sounds of things walking is gonna be interesting for Sunset today,” Aria scoffed at the thought of it. “Wanna join ‘em?”

Sonata smiled at the suggestion but shook her head “I want sugary cereal and cuddles between bad cartoons,” Sonata said sleepily, giving a big yawn at the end of her requests. Aria, heart slightly melted by the sheer level of cute that Sonata possessed, moved to her side.

“Well why don’t you go get a blanket, and I’ll grab us both some sugar frosted bits,” Aria suggested, much to the surprised delight of Sonata.

“Aww Ari, really? You never watch cartoons with me anymore, oh yay!” Sonata chirped, causing Aria to blush very slightly, as the bubbly siren ran to the T.V. room to build one of her famous blanket and pillow fortresses.

“Heh, guess it has been a while since we just enjoyed a lazy Sunday,” Aria mused, as she grabbed the snacks and some more coffee. Aria looked forlorn at a pack of her old cigarettes that had been gathering dust atop the coffee pot. She’d quit the things off and on as she saw fit in the past, but this time, hanging them up for the good of her, now very human, lungs made her wistful of the cool mornings abroad when she’d have a coffee or espresso and burn a few.

“Ariiiiii, come on, Our Little Billy is starting!” Aria smiled as Sonata mentioned the series about neon colored baby goats. In that moment Aria wanted little more than to indulge, and no better or addictive an indulgence was there than a lovely woman, and adorable neon goats.

“Comin’ babe,” Aria said, moving to toss the cigarettes into the garbage can, but falling just short, and pocketing them instead. Aria wasn’t proud of herself in that moment, but some battles were hard won. “Baby steps dammit, I’ll kick the fuckers eventually,” Aria whispered internally as she entered the living room, and moved to snuggle up to her favorite cuddly ball of deviousness.

Unbeknownst to Aria two sets of eyes had seen the entire internal conflict from the basement door. Seeing her just barely pocket the pack had made Sunset’s face fall. “Why the long face Sunset?” Adagio asked, wrapping her arms around her perspiring lover’s waist.

“I had just hoped she’d really be done with the things, they’re really hard to quit, and I kinda worry about all of our health with just the long nights and drinking we do,” Sunset looked back to Adagio, pecking her cheek.

“Oh I know Sunny, I too wish she’d quit the vile things, but Aria took up smoking a long time ago. Getting her to quit will take plenty of time,” Adagio smiled, lifting Sunset’s well muscled form into the bridal carry position. “Now, let’s go upstairs and clean off, I’m feeling refreshed, but I can only guess how ghastly we must smell.” With that Adagio whisked a barely protesting Sunset quietly up the stairs, past the two women so engrossed in cartoons and cuddles that they could scarcely be expected to have noticed.

As Adagio made her way to the shower, arms never once faltering despite the fact that Sunset was almost pure muscle, she began to hum. The tune was reminiscent of the one that she had given to Sunset nights prior. It was a strange tune, almost unnatural in that humans likely shouldn’t have possessed the ability to evoke such emotion with just a few notes. Still Sunset leaned in, feeling the haunting sadness of the melody fill her.

Closing her eyes, Sunset could see Aria, moving through time like a film on fast forward. Everything was blurred out with the exception of the ever changing woman. Time period after time period until the dreamlike vision seemed to stop dead on Aria kissing a man. The whole scene played out slowly, it was clear Aria was acting, but as the man pulled away Sunset could make out chiseled features. He maintained the level of charm reserved for jazz kings of the early 20th century, and he had eyes so blue that even Sunset found herself somewhat impressed.

In an instant Sunset became aware of another woman, screaming from across the non-descript room at the man, and at Aria in turn. The man looked horrified, but Aria had turned cold, a smirk forming on her lips. The man ran to the retreating woman, but the sparse nature of the vision gave Sunset no idea as to what was being said. Only Aria, pulling green energy into her body, and moving to leave the nondescript room.

It happened in a flash, the man, in a desperate rage threw a book at Aria. She didn’t turn, but this time Sunset heard her words, or perhaps felt the weight of them. “You chose to cheat, don’t like the results? Too fucking bad,” Aria’s intent was so cold as she spoke. Sunset could see inky blackness leaking from all around Aria’s body like some eldritch monstrosity.

The man moved his lips, but no sound came out, Sunset noticed just how distraught the man looked, and just how clear the window behind him had become. Aria shook her head, and turned to face the infidelious man, her eyes alight with fresh anger. So captivated by Aria, shadows still bubbling out of her, that Sunset only just caught the man lighting a cigarette, and sitting on the windowsill. Aria continued her berating as the man’s watery eyes grew clear, and empty. Aria smiled viciously at the sight, and moving towards the broken man, took his pack of cigarettes, he offered no resistance.

As Aria lit the bundle of tobacco she turned, and took a long drag. After a few drags she turned, ready to speak again to the pathetic man. Sunset could see the shadows moving back inside of Aria, and for a moment she wore the eyes Sunset had become used to. Those eyes were quickly replaced by terrified eyes.

Sunset looked to the man, seeing him awkwardly moving out the window. Time slowed as Sunset jumped into action, sprinting to catch the man before he fell from the window. She reached him, her hand now on the hemline of his left pant leg, or it would have been, had she been corporeal. Instead her fingers passed through the garment, and the man fell.

“NO!” Sunset screamed throwing herself upward, and into the arms of Adagio. The eldest of her lovers had laid her on the bed, and as the vision had come to an end Adagio had taken to holding Sunset.

“I’m sorry Sunny, I just thought you could use a little perspective,” Adagio whispered, holding close her shaken lover. “I’ll be terribly honest, those nightmares are what keep us up at night, and despite just how strong Aria can be, that particular moment hurt her. Even when we were filled with such desire for strife we had misgivings. Aria’s had nightmares ever since, and smoking seems to keep them at bay,” Adagio disclosed all the information in grim monotone.

Sunset pushed her head into Adagio’s neck, understanding even better just how deep the despair of her lovers could travel. She didn’t cry, despite the pain Adagio had given her through the vision, Sunset was determined to be strong. “I love you all, but I definitely don’t understand you sometimes,” Sunset whispered, hugging Adagio tighter as she tried to dispel the feeling of dread that the vision had given her.

“Sunset, I fear there are days I scarcely understand us, so you’re at least in good company,” Adagio whispered, lifting Sunset’s chin such that they were staring deeply into one and other’s eyes. “Now let’s get a shower, sneak outside, and try to find something to make tonight a celebration of our future, as opposed to the past we’ve all been living in the last few days, hmm?” Adagio posed it all as a question, and the delivery made Sunset smile.

“Well I suppose I can get my head out of the past, but I may need to put it in between something else to block all the unhappiness out, any ideas?” Amazing how the mind of Sunset Shimmer could so quickly change gears, as Sunset quickly moved in Adagio’s grip to a more seductive position, their breasts now touching, their lips now closer, and Sunset could feel her lover’s face heat ever so slightly with mild arousal.

“Really Sunny, even after witnessing the madness that was our old life? You are incorrigible,” Adagio’s voice returned to its typical tone, ever seductive and soft.

“Some people deal with craziness in different ways Adagio, some people break down and cry like proper emotional little girls. I tend to fuck my worries away, now are you gonna carry me to the bathroom so we can get dirty, or am I gonna have to show you exactly how committed to this solution I am?” Sunset’s voice was a low growl by the end, and her baring teeth like a wild animal did little to suppress the growing excitement in Adagio’s loins.

Wasting no time Adagio hoisted her lover up, and pulled the master bath’s door firmly shut behind them. From there the two women became lost in a haze of actions, arms moving rapidly to remove the few clothes that impeded their skin from direct contact, legs shakily walking toward the large door that made up a massive multi-jet shower room, and all the while the lovers engaged in a battle of dominance. Their chosen method of combat? Kisses, of course.

Sunset felt the door of the shower slam behind her, bringing the whole outside world to a close as she was pushed against a wall by her lover. Adagio’s kisses always had such deftness behind them, every nip of the lower lip followed by the caress of tongues meeting in glorious release. Sunset became aware of their nude bodies, entwined in a dance of passionate lust, and no other thoughts at that moment could penetrate her mind, and with slow practiced efficiency the two lovers found themselves against the shower’s wall, sliding down to the floor, bodies rolling about the ample space.

Adagio had started the jets of the shower, the water now cascading over their prone naked forms, and as the water coalesced over them so too did their hands follow suit. Sunset moved her hands down Adagio’s back to her firm buttocks, gripping the cheeks and spreading them, eliciting soft mewls from Adagio.

Adagio, in turn, focused on Sunset’s front. She slid her long, manicured nails down Sunset’s breasts, giving the hardened nubs atop them extra attention. Sunset took in a gasp as her nipples were tweaked harder than normal by her lover. The pulse of pain and pleasure was more rich and exquisite than just Adagio’s simple ministrations. Adagio could feel her lover’s breath hitch at each sharp rise in pressure. “Do you like that Sunny? My good little pain slut,” Adagio’s voice was a hiss, as she lowered her hands to Sunset’s naval, scratching at the soft sensitive flesh.

“Ah, y-you cheating bitch,” Sunset groaned, her eyes going sharp as she remembered a strategy that always managed to get results during their bouts of sexual sparring. With a smooth motion of her left ring finger, Sunset prodded, and then entered Adagio’s anus. Adagio squealed, her body shivering despite the heat of the water. Sunset simply smiled.

"Oh gods! Sonata is j-just the worst for t-ah-teaching you that" Adagio moaned, grinding into Sunset’s hand. Sunset used Adagio’s ecstasy against her, sliding down to bust level, and treating Adagio’s breasts with oral affection. Adagio knew all too well just what Sunset was up to, she loved to work slowly and then attack all at once. “Oh not today Sunny,” Adagio thought, working her, now very slippery, body up straddling Sunset’s face. Sunset’s eyes went wide, having lost her place on top, and was even more surprised at the fact that Adagio had chosen to lower her womanhood directly onto Sunset’s lips.

“Now,” Adagio whispered, shivering and moving her pulsing nethers over Sunset’s face, “Look at the mess you made, clean me up while I attend to you, my naughty little slut,” Adagio didn’t wait for a response, instead choosing to bend at an angle that would make most yogis proud, licked Sunset’s clit, while balancing the backbend by clawing into the younger woman’s thighs like an angry cat. Sunset was caught off guard by blinding pleasure, and sharp throbbing pain, but after a moment’s shock she took to Adagio’s soaking pussy like an angry lover should, with hard rhythmic licks, and two fingers in the ass.

Adagio squealed audibly into Sunset’s lap when she chose to assault both sensitive points at the same time. It couldn’t be helped, despite herself, and centuries of sexual practice, her ass was a one way ticket to getting her to submit. Adagio felt her orgasm welling knots of pressure forming in her loins. In that moment she chose to make her own move, sliding two of her right fingers into Sunset, and aiming well, rubbed her G-spot like the old pro she was.

Sunset felt the rush of pleasure, knew immediately that she had no chance of lasting under the dual pleasure she was currently experiencing, and in seconds her eyes rolled back into her skull as her every muscle tensed and released. With a scream, and a few labored grunts Sunset felt her orgasm let loose like the transmission on a bike after too many miles without an oil change. In the same fashion she felt her entire form go limp, as Adagio’s lovely face returned to view.

Adagio’s hair was matted wet, her brow soaked with sweat, and her face tinged crimson that just screamed “your fingers are still in my ass Sunny,” and Sunset could do little more than wiggle those exact fingers. Adagio shivered as Sunset did just that, and with a complete lack of her typical poise, Adagio grabbed Sunset by the hair, and began to grind into her face. Sunset simply enjoyed the ride, feeling her lover stiffen, and moan a number of obscenities in languages Sunset could scarcely identify.

They lied there a moment, breathing as the water pooled about their bodies. “Two and it isn’t even noon yet, shit Dagi we’re gonna kill each other at this pace,” Sunset said at last, getting a laugh from Adagio.

“Need I remind you Sunny that this was your idea?” Adagio said, moving back to eye level and planting a kiss on her lover’s lips. Adagio lingered for a time, wishing for the moment to never end. Sunset chuckled, moving in Adagio’s arms so that they could finally clean themselves.

“Your fault for being so damn sexy Dagi,” Sunset whispered, helping the orange haired woman to her feet. Adagio giggled, mirth brought about by orgasm evident in both of them. A good scrubbing, and just enough soapy makeouts nearly drained even the Dazzling’s massive water heater.

“Alright, well we’re all cleaned up, ready to roll, now what did you have planned?” Sunset asked Adagio while lacing up her black combat boots. Adagio pulled her hair into its usual mass of curls tamed only by a bun, and looking at herself in the mirror smiled like the predator she was.

“Well, actually I was hoping you could help me with this. I have no idea how to quit smoking any way but cold turkey,” Adagio said, giving a weak sigh. "I know there are other methods available now, but I know so little about them that I can scarcely recommend any to her," Adagio stood looking to Sunset.

"Well I may know just the couple to ask actually…” Sunset rose, donning her leather jacket and pointing out the window, “TO SWEET APPLE ACRES!” Adagio snorted at the antics of her young lover, and in doing so was taken completely off guard when said younger woman grabbed her up, slinging Adagio’s body over her shoulders and running down the stairs.

Aria and Sonata didn’t hear anything, being fully absorbed in a makeout session in their pillowfort. By the time the girls realized that there had been screaming, and the slamming of the door, they simply shrugged, and went back to their lovemaking. The T.V. blaring on with the cacophony that is children’s cartoons.

*******************************************************************************

After a harrowing ride on Sunset’s motorcycle, the couple made it to The Apple Family Farm, standing before the little shop. Adagio took shaky steps away from Tabitha, trying to decide whether the ride terrified her, or made her horny. “I swear to you Sunset if you don’t stop scaring me with the motorcycle I’m going to throw you into the basement for two hours of three-on-one sensory deprivation time!” Adagio threatened, backing Sunset up to the bike, shaking a finger at her.

Sunset simply smiled, “Never threaten me with a good time,” Sunset moved past Adagio, grabbing her bum, and whispering, “Butt-slut.” The action and word made Adagio jump uncharacteristically, and caused Sunset to giggle.

“Oh I will get you for that,” Adagio whispered, putting a pleasant smile on as she entered the building. Inside stood three figures, none of which were overly familiar to Adagio. She recognized AJ’s brother, but not the two women seemingly hanging around him as he worked.

“Heya guys, how’s it going?” Sunset asked, receiving three very demure smiles. Adagio thought they seemed a bit too relaxed, and after looking back through her memories and giving the air a good sniff she realized why.

“Hey Shimmy, how’s stuff man?” The female with dreadlocks spoke with an odd low cadence. Adagio noticed the plate of brownies that lay behind the counter, and instantly Adagio was brought back to her times in the era of free love. It made her feel young seeing three people so obviously stoned out of their minds.

“I’m good Tree Hugger, but I have some questions for you three,” Sunset said, leaning on the rack of apple butter beside her. Adagio took a place beside Sunset, but not before moving over and getting a brownie for herself.

“Whatcha need Sunset,” Maud Pie asked bluntly, pulling the giant form of Big Mac into her lap. Mac smiled his large lazy smile at Maud and kissed the grey woman on the forehead.

“Well I have a problem, one of our partners, Aria, is having trouble kicking the nic sticks, do you guys have anything that works for that kinda stuff?” Sunset asked rolling her eyes as Adagio motioned for Tree Hugger to come to the other end of the store with her.

“Eyup, sure do Sunset, she’s the Blaze gal right?” Big Mac’s low voice boomed as he motioned for Sunset to come behind the counter. Sunset nodded in affirmation at the question, and moved behind the little counter, looking into the veritable showcase of smoking implements.

“We all used to burn the plants to get stoned, but now we use these electrical things. I don’t get it, I just like getting stoned,” Maud droned on, pulling a strange box with a mouthpiece of some kind. She took a long drag on the thing, and blew out a large cloud of something. It smelled like the usual greenery that the three of them smoked, but it didn’t linger the same way much of their old stuff did.

“It’s called a vaporizer. S’posed to be better than smoking cigarettes. All I know is it helped me quit chewin’ and smokin’, so it’s gotta be pretty good,” Big Mac selected a mouthpiece, a big metal tube, a few batteries, and a book of instructions with a roll of wire and cotton. “You and her are tinkerers, figure this’ll give her something to play with, and give her the nicotine. Keep her happy, and you know you can always come round here to get some of Tree Hugger’s other oil if she wants something stronger,” Big Mac explained the setup, and put together a list of instructions and resources, even going so far as to include a big vial of liquid.

“She can stop by and try out some of the flavors we cook up, Boulder suggests the rock candy flavored juice,” Maud again deadpanned, as Adagio and Tree Hugger returned from the back of the store. Maud motioned for Tree Hugger to come to her side, and the two shared a short kiss, during which they exchanged the strong smelling vapor. Mac smiled a bit less lazily at the sight.

“Well this helps a whole lot guys, thanks! What do i owe ya?” Sunset asked pulling her wallet out, but being stopped by Big Mac.

“You just take care of your lady friends, I’ll deduct it outta AJ’s allowance,” Mac winked, and moved from Maud to usher the two ladies out. Sunset would have protested, but she was honestly mesmerized by the two stoned women making out. “See y’all later,” Mac slammed the door to the shop, and flipped the sign to “closed”

“Whoa, they look like fun,” Adagio giggled, draping her arm on Sunset.

“They are, Pinkie and Maud rock out harder than anybody I know, and Mac’s loosened up a lot since getting with Tree Hugger. Now let’s get home before someone else comes to get some pastries,” Sunset mounted the bike, and was amazed at just how mellow Adagio was on the ride back home, despite gunning the throttle Adagio simply giggled. “I need to get with Mac before finals week, I could use some of that.”

************************************************************

Sonata Dusk had allowed Aria to sleep, the pillow fort now in shambles from their romping about. Sonata had chosen to make a nice dinner, knowing well that Sunset and Adagio were up to something. Plotting had always made Sonata hungry, and tacos were always the best food for the kind of hunger that plotting brought.

It was getting dark when Sunset and Adagio finally made it back in, sporting a bottle and a package, the two women marched into the kitchen and placed two kisses on Sonata’s cheeks. Sonata simply giggled and pulled the two ladies into a big hug. “So how’d your trip go? Get whatever devious thing you needed?” Sonata’s asked, placing a large plate of hard and soft shells on the kitchen’s island bar for everyone to enjoy with the glorious spread of seasoned meats, veggies, rice and beans.

Adagio chuckled and nodded, “Of course we did Sona dearest, and we may have gotten you a little present too~,” Adagio practically sang, placing a can of Sonata's favorite energy drink and a large box right in front of her.

Sunset shook her head at the actions of her intoxicated lover, and the joyous smile on Sonata's face. "I dunno whether to tell you to wait to eat that or just scarf it down so that we might have a chance at finishing all this food you made.” As Sunset spoke her point became moot as Sonata had already devoured the treats in excited frenzy.

“I smell hippie, the fuck are you three doing?” Aria asked, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, and entering the kitchen. Seeing the food spread before her Aria immediately realized the hunger that had been growing in her. She also wondered just why two of her girlfriends were looking at her with stupid smiles plastered on their faces, and one was shaking her head and rolling her eyes at the antics of the two. Then it hit her, “Well looks like I better dig in before these two get the munchies from hell,” Aria shook her head and chuckled at the two, moving to make herself a large burrito.

“Yep, let’s dig in gu-” Sunset was then treated to the image of her three lovers making themselves very welcome to the food. Sunset wasted no more time on words, digging in with equal ferocity. She’d skipped lunch after all.

After the glorious taco dinner had concluded Adagio and Sonata agreed to do the dishes, and Sunset found herself on the back porch with Aria. Now Sunset Shimmer had the capacity to be subtle, but tonight, and especially with Aria, it was the time to be blunt.

"Hand me a smoke babe," Sunset said, casually flicking open a can of beer. This earned a shocked look from Aria, and in the time it took to process the order Sunset had reached over and grabbed the pack out of Aria’s pocket.

"Uh, did I miss something?" Aria asked, stunned as Sunset took the cigarette in her lips and pulled a long drag from it.

"Nah, just feeling nostalgic, I used to bum smokes at the garage. Till Luna caught me and made me do a few hundred different terrible workouts to repent," Sunset chuckled, choking on the acrid smoke and coughing for a minute.

Aria gave Sunset an odd look, and realized suddenly just how much she'd been craving a smoke. "OK what the hell are you up to?" Aria asked, now certain that something was amiss.

Sunset shrugged, and tossed the half full pack of cigarettes behind her, earning an irritated eye twitch from Aria. "Fine if you aren't gonna smoke with me then at least puff on this," Sunset then removed a medium sized package from inside her jacket and handed it to Aria.

Aria looked at the distinctive packaging, and shot Sunset a suspicious look. "Weed kinda makes me cry Sunset, thanks though," Aria chuckled as Sunset choked on the smoke.

"It's not, babe just open it," Sunset said shaking her head. The scratchy feeling in her lungs hadn't abated, but despite that she managed to smile when Aria’s eyes lit up at the contents of the package.

"Whoa that looks neat" Aria marveled at the shiny copper tube engraved with little images of skulls. She recognized the device as one of those new cigarette replacement that hipsters were always puffing on.

"Big Mac says these things are a lot healthier than cigarettes, and well Adagio kinda explained what was up with your smoking, so we figured this might make a good replacement for when you wanna have a smoke,” Sunset tossed the cigarette aside and proceed to show Aria the funny little metal tube worked.

“So you actually wrap these little wires, put cotton through them, soak it, and then hit this button and-” Aria pushed her pinkie and ring fingers against the bottom of the tube, feeling the smooth sliding action of the device. The button clicked into place, shoving the battery up against the second part of the device and bringing the coils to life under the small cap with the mouthpiece atop it. With a quick inhale Aria blew out a good sized cloud and smiled, “Holy shit that’s delicious,” She said, her voice near a baritone from the residual vapor pouring out of her mouth.

Sunset smile and nodded, “Yeah I agree, and from what I read it’s a good way to step back from cigarettes, heck one guy says he smokes that and still has cigars and stuff. So this way you have options, and maybe it can kinda help you move away from the bad memories.” Sunset watched as Aria eyed the still burning cigarette like a bad dream that hadn’t had a chance to end.

“So Dagi showed ya that huh? Sorry you had to see that side of me, I was pretty… evil, back in those days,” Aria turned, facing away from Sunset, who simply moved to hug her. “I-I hate the nightmares the most. All the awful shit we did, all the times I hurt people, I know Dagi said we have no regrets, but she was lying. We all have our own nightmares from the old days,” Aria’s voice came as cracked and broken, and by the end the stoic woman had simply submitted to crying. “You gotta think we’re monsters,” She whispered after a few moments of gentle sobs.

“No, I think you have a cursed past, but I’m not an angel either. If I were in your same situation, I’d have been a lot like you,” Sunset moved to face Aria, plucking the vaporizer from her hands, and taking a small puff on the device before engaging in a passionate kiss with her purple haired lover. The warm flavor of the juice, spicy cinnamon, tart apple and sugary sweet crust; it was just like inhaling one of Granny smith’s famous apple pies. On Aria’s tongue the flavors danced about, mingling with the strong cinnamon flavor that Sunset’s kisses always possessed.

Aria smiled at Sunset as they drew apart, and blew small clouds of vapor away. The two held hands for a few wordless moments, and stared lovingly at one and other. “Thanks Sunny, funny that I can be with two women for centuries, but in just a few weeks you relate to us all better than we ever did before,” Aria smiled deviously as the blush developing on Sunset’s cheeks.

“Now let’s go back inside before the hippies try to cook something, and burn our house down,” Aria grabbed Sunset's hand, intent on leading her back to the house. As the two women entered the house they could not have seen the cigarette Sunset had thrown away flame up suddenly, and die off in inky black smoke. The giggling conversation and myriad kisses ensured that no one would see the small scorpion crawl out of the ashes, and slink far away into the cursing winds of the night. The darkness of the evening paled in comparison to the hateful passion with which the creature moved.

Had anyone been watching they’d have seen the creature move in the direction of the old house, and perhaps even heard the gentle encouraging voice of the bone chilling wind, seemingly coming from nowhere, leading the small thing along. It was, however, a peaceful night, and as such not one person saw the mysterious happenings in the cool night’s air.

“I’ll show them all,” came a soft whisper, with seemingly no source, as the scorpion disappeared into the deeper darkness of the night.

Author's Notes:

after many corrections from the great Seventeen, and plenty of self doubt here we have the first real intro to personal conflict. Prepare yourselves we're about to dive deep into some horse people!