October 18^th, 2019
Thursday,
Sunny

Morning

School Days: Persona

Starlight walked to school with Trixie today. Wanting to take a break from Dungeon stuff and just be normal teenagers a bit, they spent much of the walk just planning out future ideas as Dom and Sub. Trixie still wanted to take things slowly, which Starlight was okay with, but she did want to try adding to their dynamic a bit.

“So I was thinking,” Trixie said, “The collar, what if we use that as a symbol of when I’m in Sub mode? Like, if I’m not wearing it, we’re just our normal selves. If I put it on, though, that’s when our dynamic shifts to you being the Dom, and me being the Sub.”

Starlight liked that. Part of the issue with Blueblood she found was that there was never a time where Trixie could just be Trixie. She was always his slave. Starlight asked Trixie if that was actually a thing in BDSM.

“What? Where the dynamic never shifts back to equal?” Trixie asked, “I, think so, yeah. That’s called a Lifestyle BDSM relationship, where you and your partner are just, Dom and Sub. I think there are even special collars for it that are designed to go on, and stay on.”

“That sounds… super advanced,” Starlight noted awkwardly.

“The book I read did say that yeah, that’s not something a first timer should do,” Trixie confirmed rubbing her arm, “You saw, right? I really get into the headspace when tied up. When its with you, I know its just pretend, so I can relax and enjoy it. Blueblood, he…”

Starlight pursed her lips, realizing what Trixie was saying. Blueblood, kept Trixie in that headspace, and wouldn’t let her out of it. He made it real.

“Well then, I’ll add something to this idea,” Starlight reached into her school bag, pulled out the collar, and handed it to Trixie, “You’re the one who decides when this is worn.”

Trixie’s eyes widened, “Starlight…”

“Blueblood stole your power away. Sadly I can’t reach his Shadow fight him directly, but I can undo the damage he did by ensuring you never lose your power again,” Starlight smiled. Trixie wiped her eyes gently and smiled lovingly.

“Thank you, Starlight. I’m really happy you’re my Dom,” Trixie blushed, “And, my girlfriend.”

Starlight wrapped an arm around Trixie and leaned into her, “I’m happy to be your Dom, and most of all, your girlfriend.”

The two walked into the school building arm in arm. Maybe once things slowed down a bit, they could actually focus on getting Trixie more comfortable with her kink again. Till then, this was a good first step.

Lunch Time

On her way to lunch, Starlight saw Diamond talking to Suri in the distance. She’d gone back to her usual attire, which while still very sexy and revealing, came off a tad less try hard, Starlight had to admit.

Diamond held out her hand to Suri, who pursed her lips and lightly shook it before walking off. Diamond sighed and walked over to Starlight, “Well, glad I got that over with.”

“You and Suri are okay?” Starlight asked.

“More or less,” Diamond rubbed her arm looking aside, “I, apologized for slapping her, and for flirting with Thunderlane. So, good news. I’m still on the team. Also, she’s not changing the routine for the game later this month. Not going to lie, I was worried about that.”

“Sounds like everything is working itself out,” Starlight smiled.

“On that front, yes. But,” Diamond averted her eyes, “I, haven’t been able to talk to my father. Could we maybe, meet after Pep Squad? I asked Spoony to come, too.”

Starlight nodded, “Sure. I’ll be there,” she said.

“Thanks,” Diamond hugged Starlight, and then whispered into her ear, “My beloved Mistress.”

Starlight returned the hug, but shuddered a bit, feeling her inner witch stir. Knowing Diamond was her thrall was really empowering. Kinda hot, she wasn’t going to lie.

Diamond released her and then strutted off, flipping her hair like always. It was a relief having Diamond Tiara back to normal. She just hoped they could rescue Rarity with the same amount of success too.

After School

Like a Dream Come True - Persona 4

Despite the tension on Tuesday, everyone fell right in line once things got started. It seemed that Diamond Tiara’s old spirit was finally beginning to shine again. Her smile was more genuine, and she seemed to more easily lose herself into her moves. She was somehow sexier, while at the same time coming off far more graceful.

Due to this, Starlight was able to relax and have more fun herself. She really felt her inner witch shine throughout, probably due to knowing that Diamond was okay, and now her thrall. She felt significantly more graceful.

As practice went on, they began adding bits to their performance, which they’d be performing during the halftime. One of the other girls proposed a routine between herself, Coco, and Diamond Tiara in the center, and even worked out some of the moves for it.

“Um… I don’t know if I should… um…” Coco stammered nervously, “M-maybe Suri should… h-have my place…”

Suri smirked, “Well, if that’s how you feel Coco. No need to push yourself too hard~”

Diamond looked at Suri, and then walked over to Coco, “Honestly, I think you should do this, Coco,” she placed a hand on her shoulder, “You’re a lot better than you think, but you’re always fading in the background.”

“Hey, what are you-”

“As the Leader of Pep Squad, I’d think you’d want to help the whole team shine,” Diamond looked at Suri and raised an eyebrow, “To push them to be the best they can be, not fade into the shadows.”

Suri narrowed her eyes at that. Starlight was impressed by how Diamond was handling Suri right now. Right now, she really did feel like a High Priestess.

“Listen,” Diamond looked into Coco’s eyes, “I believe you can do it. Most of the girls here believe you can do it. Only thing that’s missing, is you believing in yourself.”

“What have you got to lose?” Starlight added, “Can’t be much worse than Amethyst Star.”

“I only fell like that the one time…” Amethyst Star muttered. All of the girls got a good laugh at that.

“Well, alright then!” Coco smiled and nodded, “I’ll do it!”

“Atta girl!” Diamond clapped her hands and turned to the team, “Alright! Let’s go over this again, this time with the new additions!”

All of the girls cheered, but Suri cleared her throat loudly, “I’m the leader, remember?”

“Oh, sorry Suri,” Diamond smiled, her eyes lidded, “But we, should continue practice, right?”

“Yeah… let’s,” Suri narrowed her eyes subtly. Starlight really liked having the old Diamond Tiara back.

Sunset Bridge - Persona 5

After practice, Diamond and Starlight showered and got changed. They then met up with Silver at the coffee shop she frequented. Turned out she meant Sugar Cube Corner. Pinkie Pie mentioned once she was friends with the married couple who worked there.

They seemed really nice, and Starlight liked the energy of the place. Very calming and not at all chaotic or noisy. She could probably get a lot of studying done here.

“So that’s why you were going on and on about being a slut,” Silver realized. Diamond had just explained her whole home situation to Silver, and how it connected to her dreams.

“I get he’s worried about me,” Diamond said, her finger running along the table absently as she looked forlorn, “And I think I even get why. He’s just worried I’ll end up like my Mom.”

“He might also be worried you’ll get in over your head,” Starlight added, “That, you might get hurt or something.”

“Or do something reckless like join a gang,” Silver pointed out, her eyes going wide when Diamond bit her lip, “Oh God. Please don’t tell me…”

“Sorry Spoony,” Diamond sighed, “But I am still considering joining the Diamond Dogs.”

“But you’re no longer having those freaky killer nightmares!” Silver protested.

“Silver,” Starlight held her hand, “That, wasn’t caused by the dreams.”

Silver Spoon looked at Starlight shocked, and then slowly looked at Diamond Tiara, “You mean, that was… actually…”

Diamond closed her eyes and took a breath, “Spoony, I’m tired.”

“Tired? Of what?”

“Of just, not being able to live!” Diamond cried, “Of needing to hold myself up to some standard I can’t live up to!” she looked at Silver Spoon intensely, “You’re different! You like that lifestyle! You’re comfortable there! That’s okay, it’s just, not for me! I don’t want to have to give up being who I am, just to make sure no one spreads any rumors that could permanently damage my reputation!”

“Oh Diamond… I don’t want you to have to give that up either,” Silver took her hands into her own, “Yes, your flirty tendencies and more sexual side is a bit embarrassing, but I adore your free spirit. But think: if you joined that gang, and someone found out, Mr. Rich would take a major hit, too.”

Diamond bit her lip looking down, “T-that’s…”

“I, don’t know the whole story about the Diamond Dogs,” Starlight said, “So I can’t say for certain if they’re as bad as everyone says. But what I can say, is that if you join them just so you can be free, that’s not a solution. That’s running from the true problem. You and your Dad have to talk.”

“He won’t listen…” Diamond said sadly, “He never listens to me.”

“Like I said before,” Starlight lifted Diamond’s chin to look her in the eyes, “Make him listen.”

“I, never thought I’d side with her of all people,” Silver shot.

“Love you too, Spoony~”

Silver gave Starlight a dirty look before continuing, “But the Witch, is right. The only way to truly fix this is for you two to talk, so if you have to corner him and get in his face, do that.”

“And then what?” Diamond asked, “What do I tell him?”

“What you told us,” Silver said, “That you genuinely enjoy being a cheerleader, being sexy, and that you're not giving any of that up.”

“Also, tell him that the way he’s been treating you, hurts,” Starlight added, “That he’s treating you coldly, and that you feel like he doesn’t love you. And if he tries to say that he does and makes an excuse, just ask him what you asked in your dre-” she caught herself, “When we talked. Ask him, why he doesn’t hug you anymore, or take any interest in you beyond grades and your future.”

“And finally, take a stand,” Silver said, “Like, you’re a junior now. Next year, it’s graduation. That’s when you should be worrying about your future. Till then, let him know you’re going to enjoy your life, whether he likes it or not.”

Diamond nodded slowly, taking all of this in, “Alright then. I’ll do it. I’ll… talk to him tonight, and I won’t stop until I get through to him,” she brought both of them into a hug, “Thanks. You’re the best.”

Silver Spoon sighed and smiled, returning the hug, “Yes, I know.”

“A bitch to the end, huh Spoony?” Starlight teased, returning the hug as well.

“You haven’t earned the right to call me that, Witch!” Silver shot, making both Diamond and Starlight laugh. She felt like she and Diamond became significantly closer.

Evening

Once Diamond Tiara finished spending time with her friends, she walked back home. On the way, she gathered her thoughts so she’d know exactly what to say to him. But somehow, she didn’t feel as worried now. When Starlight reminded her of what happened in the dream, she felt a bit more confident.

“Actually, that’s something right there,” Diamond stopped mid way to his study and looked up, “The other night, I faced a real live demon, and unlike Starlight and her friends, I don’t have super powers.” she closed her eyes, “What did Victor call me again? The High Priestess? Well, I listened to my inner voice all day today, and it turned out alright.” she smiled, “Daddy’s not a scary demon trying to perv out on me. He’s just a man who’s making a mistake. Well, time for me to let him know, so we can fix it.”

She walked into his office, where naturally he was working. Seemed he was always working these days. He had people who could help him, but he didn’t seem inclined to turn to them. When was the last time they even ate dinner together without him bringing work to the table.

This ended now.

“Daddy,” Diamond said softly, “I’m home.”

“You came home late again,” he said curtly, not looking up from his paperwork. Diamond pursed her lips.

“Yes, I did. Had to apologize to my friends about Tuesday. And after Pep Squad, I hung out with Starlight and Spoo-”

Her father huffed, still not looking up at her, “So you’re still prancing around and dancing like a stripper,” he said. Diamond finally had enough, and walked over to his desk, “I keep telling you, carrying on like that isn’t a good look for-”

Diamond slammed her hands on his desk, “Look at me!” she demanded, making the man jump a bit, now looking up at Diamond, “I’m not one of your co-workers. I’m your daughter, so when we’re talking, I’d appreciate it, if you looked me in the eyes.” He said nothing, just looking at her wide eyed, “Now, you’re going to put the paperwork away, come with me downstairs, and we’re going to talk. Not about my future, but about my present.”

“Diamond, I can’t just stop right now. I’m busy wi-”

“The paperwork will be here later,” Diamond narrowed her eyes, thinking about her other option, “I can’t promise you I’ll be.”

“What… are you talking about…?” he asked. That got his attention, it seemed.

“I’m tired of wondering if you love me or not,” she stood up, folding her arms and glaring at him, “If you don’t, then please just say it. So I can walk out of your life, and find someone who does.”

His eyes widened, “I, I love you, Diamond! I do! It’s just-”

“I don’t want words,” she said sharply, “I want you to prove it, by making me a priority. Ever since you divorced Mom, I’ve felt neglected. You’re so worried about my future that you’re leaving me alone in my present. I have another option. Spoony and Starlight don’t like it, but I’m going to tell you right now, if you don’t put the goddamn pencil down and be my fucking father I will walk out the front door, and you will never see me again.”

Her father took a deep breath, let it out, and just took a few seconds to process what she was saying, “You look so much like your Mother now its terrifying. Alright then,” he got up and stepped out from behind his desk, “You need me to make time for you? I’ll give you all the time in the world, if it means helping you.”

Diamond took a deep breath herself, and relaxed, “Thank you.”

end song

October 19^th, 2019
Friday
Cloudy/PM Overcast

Lunch Time

After getting her Lunch and meeting up with Trixie, the two of them went to their usual bench together to enjoy their lunch. On the way there, Starlight turned to look at the far end of the courtyard and noticed someone she didn’t before.

She saw Sweetie Belle, sitting at a table by herself with her lunch, looking at a chessboard. Every so often she’d look at her phone, make a move on the board, and then spend time looking at it herself to decide what move to make.

“Hm?” Trixie looked to see where Starlight’s attention was drawn to, “At it again, huh?”

“You know Sweetie Belle?” Starlight asked Trixie.

A Small Distance - Blue Reflection

“More like I know of her,” Trixie said awkwardly, “She’s on the chess team, and I think she’s the head of it, but usually she just keeps to herself. My guess, she’s practicing chess by herself with her phone.”

“She practices on her phone, and on the board at the same time?” Starlight asked. That admittedly, was kind of odd.

Trixie nodded, “Also, she apparently doesn’t play with other people anymore outside of tournaments,” Trixie continued, “I saw her play a match against someone once, and it was like seeing someone play against a robot.”

Starlight looked down thoughtfully. She seemed so lifelike around Rarity before. She kind of radiated an air of longing.

“Why? Curious about her?” Trixie asked Starlight, who then explained what happened between her and Rarity. This time Trixie frowned folding her arms, “Huh. Well, I have heard that she’s often seen watching Rarity from a distance. Most just assume she has a crush on her.”

That could have been it, honestly. Rarity was extremely beautiful, after all. Starlight herself found her often fantasizing about her from time to time, even with her now seeing how rough she actually was. Oddly, that made her even MORE attractive to Starlight.

Thinking about how dangerous Rarity could have been though, Starlight got worried about Sweetie Belle.

Starlight asked Trixie to wait for her by their bench, shocking the magician.

“You’re not, going to try approaching her, are you?” Trixie asked.

“Maybe she just needs a friend,” Starlight said, “Besides, I was curious about her thing with Rarity was anyway.”

Trixie sighed, “Alright. You sure you don’t want me to go with you?” Starlight shook her head, explaining to Trixie that she didn’t want to crowd her, “Fair. She is really sensitive. Tell me if your Empathy picks up anything?”

“I will,” Starlight assured. She kissed Trixie on the cheek and began making her way over to where Sweetie Belle was sitting.

“So if I move the Knight to E5 if the Bishop is in C2 and the opponent’s King is checked by the Right Side Rook…” Sweetie muttered, not acknowledging that Starlight was there.

“Um, hello there,” Starlight said kindly.

Sweetie ignored Starlight, moving the opponent’s King forward one square, and then making a move on her phone. She then frowned, “Wait… the King moved to the right Square…? But that’s…” she looked at the board and then nodded, “Huh. Didn’t notice the Queen was in position for Checkmate in,” she began tapping the table almost like a keyboard as she looked at the board, “5 turns? 5 or 6. Not ideal, but…”

Starlight blinked, and cleared her throat, “Hello? Sweetie Belle?”

Sweetie Belle closed her eyes, “Mentally saving position…” she muttered, once again typing on the table before looking up at her, “I’m busy,” was all she said.

“Oh! Um, I’m sorry!” Starlight said, “I was just, curious what you were doing.”

“Practicing,” Sweetie stated. That, was all she was going to say about it?

“Practicing chess?” Starlight asked, “By yourself?”

Sweetie nodded, “You’re interrupting me.”

Okay, Starlight was beginning to see why Sweetie was hard to approach. She wanted to try and shake her hand and get a read on her emotions, but something told her this girl might not want to be touched. Still, she had to try to reach out.

“Again, I’m sorry. I’m, new here, so…” Starlight trailed off. Surprisingly, Sweetie blinked, and turned to her completely now.

“Who are you?” she asked bluntly, Starlight introducing herself. Sweetie’s eyes widened, “Oh! Apologies. I know about you. You’re the girl that tried to-” she stopped herself, looking away uncertain it seemed.

“I take it, you heard about my suicide attempt?” Starlight asked wincing, Sweetie Belle nodding, "Why'd you stop talking?"

“Because I was going to be mean,” she answered. Her way of talking was a bit blunt. It almost sounded like she knew what she wanted to say, just not how to properly say it.

“Well, it’s in the past, so I don’t mind people mentioning it,” Starlight smiled. She once again asked about what she was doing, as in, how she was practicing.

“You’re curious about my process,” Sweetie stated, Starlight nodding, “Well, what I was doing was-”

“Hey, look at that!” a boy called out tauntingly, walking up to them, “Baby Belle’s with the new girl!”

His friend chuckled, “Guess she finally realized her dumb crush on Miss President wasn’t going anywhere!”

Starlight noticed that Sweetie’s eyes widened, and she froze, “S-stop it…” she muttered, trembling a bit. Starlight frowned looking at this.

“What was that Baby Belle?” the second boy asked, “Couldn’t hear you. Or are ya just gonna cry again.”

“I said, stop it!” Sweetie fussed, eyes shut tight and sure enough, was tearing up, “It’s not, a dumb, crush!”

“Go away, please,” Starlight said sharply to the boys, glaring at them.

“What are you gonna do?” the first boy asked. Both of them were bigger than Starlight a bit, but she knew one thing that could get their attention.

“Considering I’m the President’s secretary, and thus on good terms with the Defense Committee,” Starlight let that hang in the air. Both boys deflated visibly.

“Hey Snails, let’s leave Baby Belle alone for now,” the first boy said walking off. His friend stuck his tongue out at Starlight and then walked after them. Starlight took a deep breath, feeling Morgana stir a bit within her. Seemed that got to both of them.

But what really broke Starlight was when she heard sniffing and light sobbing next to her.

“Don’t, cry…!” Sweetie muttered, hugging herself and breathing heavily, “Don’t, cry…! Don’t, cry…!”

“Hey, they’re gone now,” Starlight said softly, rubbing Sweetie’s back instinctively, and was hit with a wave of super intense emotional stress, followed by an image that struck Starlight as odd.

An image of Rarity.

Big Sister…! Help me…!

Big… sister? Was she crying out to… Rarity?

“It’s okay,” Starlight said, now sitting beside Sweetie Belle, “If you want to cry, go on.”

Oddly, Sweetie shook her head vehemently, “You’re going… to make fun of me… too!”

“I promise, I’ll do no such thing,” Starlight assured, “Just let it out, Sweetie Belle.”

The obviously distressed girl bit her lip uncertain, but then broke into heavy sobs leaning into Starlight. She was beginning to piece together what her deal was, at least why she was so sensitive and odd.

Concerning her feelings for Rarity though, that made even less sense now…

“And yet again, you appear near someone connected to me,” Rarity growled, watching this display from the roof of the school. Rover and the rest of her old pack, she could explain away. Rover even confirmed her story that they met “by chance”. She didn’t like it, but fine.

But now Starlight was getting to know the head of the Chess Team? Just a few days after seeing the two of them together? Now she knew she was investigating her for some reason. She claimed she wasn't a snitch, but this was getting strange.

Still, this didn’t have to be a bad thing. Assuming Starlight was just a bleeding heart who wanted to help everyone and not one of Cinch’s spies, she could perhaps get some info on that strange girl.

“Alright then, I won’t bite prematurely this time,” Rarity narrowed her eyes and folded her arms, “But I am putting you to work.”

After School

Like a Dream Come True - Persona 4

“Rarity, I finished ordering the requests for the Student Council,” Starlight said, walking over to Rarity and handing her a pile of papers that were sent to her specifically.

“Oh wonderful,” Rarity said, sitting up from her desk and looking them over, “And as usual, my pile is the largest one. Lovely. Did any requests stand out?”

“Bulk Biceps wanted your help in demonstrating self defense tactics,” Starlight tilted her head reading that one, “Which is, odd…”

“Rarity’s actually a great fighter,” Pip said looking over his pile, “High heels and all.”

“You all flatter me. Do keep going though, my ego loves the stroking~” Rarity smiled.

“Not in the office please,” Applejack said airily from the window, reading a request she received.

Rarity gave honestly, the cutest whine, “But I need stroking! Please Applejack!” she pouted.

“I’ll stroke yer ego all ya want when we get home. That alright?” Applejack asked. Rarity beamed and ran over to Applejack and hugged her, nuzzling her affectionately.

“Yay~! Thank you, Applejack~!” she cried happily. Applejack rolled her eyes and wrapped an arm around Rarity, rubbing her almost like one would pet a large dog.

“This sounds so wrong, you know…” Sunburst muttered, taking his glasses off and rubbing his eyes.

“I’d love to stroke her ego…” Spike said wistfully, looking at Rarity with a lovesick smile, “Or perhaps, even have her stroke mi-” Rarity shot him a sharp look, and Starlight could have sworn she heard a dog growl. Spike looked down at his lap immediately, “I’ll just settle for stroking mine myself.”

Rarity smiled and returned to getting “petted” by Applejack. Starlight thought their dynamic was sweet, albeit kind of odd. The oddest thing though, was how much affectionate Rarity was when it came to her. Something told Starlight that if nothing else, that was a genuine bond. Especially with her heart clearly being afraid of ever upsetting her.

She seemed almost like a different person entirely around Applejack. Starlight wondered what happened between them.

“So, anything else?” Rarity asked Starlight, walking back over to her desk. Starlight blushed and handed Rarity a letter in a pink envelop. Rarity looked at it with the most dry expression Starlight had ever seen, “How many?”

“About twenty, out of twenty-five,” Starlight said quietly. Rarity sighed rubbing her eyes.

“Love letters?” Applejack asked.

“Eeyup,” Rarity answered dryly.

“Boys and girls?” Pip asked.

“Eeyup,” Rarity repeated in the same tone.

“All in super frilly pink envelops with fancy writing?” Sunburst asked.

“Eeyup,” she sounded almost like this was routine.

“This, happens often?” Starlight asked.

“At least three times a month,” Applejack said with a light chuckle, “I mean, I get it. Legs fer days, long hair, full lips, tits an’ ass jus’ beggin’ fer attention.”

“Says the one who claimed “no stroking her ego in the office”…” Spike muttered, only for Applejack to ball up a piece of paper and hit him with it, “Hey!”

“But every last one of ‘em’s a super try hard,” Applejack continued, “Always tryin’ to woo her with fancy words. I live with her, so I know she ain’t into that sorta thing.”

Rarity had opened one up on a whim and read it. She then gave Spike a dry look, “Seriously?”

“What?” Spike asked, Rarity raising the letter and looking at him with pursed lips, “You don’t think I wrote that one, do you?!”

Her attention went back to the letter, “Oh fair lady! Were you to ask it of me, I would be your sword, and personally carve through any beasts that dare to lay claw or tentacle on you!” she looked back at him with the same dry expression.

“Magical Knight Roland?” Applejack asked dryly, “Seriously?”

“Wow…” Sunburst looked away wide eyed, “That is, sad…”

“I’m not that much of a dork, guys!” Spike defended, “I mean, who puts quotes from Magical Knight Roland in a love letter?”

“Maybe someone who’d wear a Magical Knight Roland t-shirt,” Pip pointed out. Sure enough, Spike was wearing a black t-shirt with a knight looking super hero on it, underneath the purple flannel shirt.

“Guh!” Spike flinched, getting a good laugh out of everyone there, Starlight included. Really, she enjoyed spending time with everyone here, especially Rarity.

But she seriously wondered how much of this was real, and how much was an act she was putting on to look good.

As the day wore on, they all began to file out of the office, going back to their dorms or houses. Right as Starlight was about to leave though, she felt a hand on her shoulder.

“Um, could you stay after for a bit, darling?” Rarity asked Starlight, “I’d like to ask you to do something for me.”

Starlight opened herself briefly to see where she was emotionally. She didn’t feel anything overtly violent, but she did feel the presence of a ferocious beast staring her down. Starlight nodded to Rarity, who gave her usual "pleasant" smile. The one Starlight knew wasn’t real.

“Applejack, wait for me downstairs?” Rarity asked Applejack.

“Alright,” she walked over to hug Rarity, “See ya in a bit, Rares.”

“See you, AJ,” Rarity smiled, this one being clearly more genuine. Applejack patted Starlight on the shoulder as she left, leaving Starlight and Rarity alone in the room.

All too soon, tension rode the air.

Maya's Theme - Persona 3 FES

“How can I help you?” Starlight asked, choosing to keep things as cordial as possible. Rarity walked over to lean back against a desk away from Starlight, arms folded under her bosom.

"Saw you today at lunch,” Rarity said, “You were with Sweetie Belle.”

“I was,” Starlight asked curtly, trying to read her body language, “That’s, okay right?”

Rarity chuckled, “Well, I do find it funny how, just a few days after you witnessed she and I together, you’re talking to her. I’m sure you can see what this looks like, darling.”

“I, do,” Starlight nodded, “It’s not what it looks like, but I acknowledge your concerns.”

Rarity took a breath and nodded, “What were your thoughts on her?”

“She seems nice,” Starlight said, “A bit odd, but nice.”

“And her emotional outburst. Thoughts on that?” Rarity asked. Was she, concerned about Sweetie Belle?

“I, have a theory what happened there,” Starlight said, “If I’m right, then Snips and Snails are jackasses, to say the least. Not as bad as Blueblood, but still…”

Rarity averted her eyes and snarled slightly, “On that, we can agree on. So, think she’s someone you could be friends with?”

Starlight nodded honestly, “Absolutely. At the end of the day, she’s a regular girl with regular hobbies. She’s a bit awkward and emotional, but I’m both of those too. So what if she’s on the spectrum?”

Rarity smiled in, relief? “Good. Then I can trust you with this,” she looked at Starlight and leaned forward, “I want you to be her friend.”

That, was not where Starlight expected this to go. She didn’t mind, and had planned to befriend her anyway, but she was still curious why Rarity wanted her specifically.

“Because I think you’re the sort of person who could help her come out of her shell,” Rarity answered, “You helped Trixie immensely, Pinkie Pie told us how much she adores you at the party, and I’m just going to go out on a limb and say, you’re the reason Diamond Tiara is her old self again?”

“Not alone, but yes,” Starlight confirmed.

“You have this, special something about you,” Rarity said, “You’re someone people seem to trust.”

And yet, she didn’t trust Starlight. Not completely, anyway.

“So, I’d like you to be a presence in Sweetie Belle's life,” Rarity requested, “Perhaps if they saw she was friends with someone from the student council, her bullies would leave her be.”

This, felt odd to Starlight. She could tell she was serious, but there was something else here. After all, she knew Sweetie Belle best. Starlight was the new girl. Why didn’t she ask someone else to do this?

Or just, do it herself?

“So, will you do this for me?” Rarity asked.

“I’m not opposed to it,” Starlight said, “But I would like to know the real reason for this.”

Rarity raised her head, “The, real reason?”

“You told me why the Student Council President wants me to do this,” Starlight stepped forward, “Why do you want this, Dirty Diamond?”

Rarity’s expression slowly shifted to a more stern, beast like scowl. She pushed off the desk, undoing her tie and unbuttoning her top a bit as she walked over to loom over Starlight a bit, “You really enjoy poking at the beast, don’t you?” she asked dangerously, her voice low, harsh, and lacking its usual class. Almost like she was growling every word

There she was. Now she was being honest.

“Unlike everyone else in this office, I know the truth about you,” Starlight said, meeting her gaze evenly and not backing down, “I’m not content taking requests from a mask. So tell me, why do you want me to do this?”

Rarity’s snarl became more pronounced, but despite looking threatening, Starlight got the sense that there was something else behind that expression. Was Rainbow Dash right? Was she just, scared? If so, of what?

“Fine,” Rarity said, “You’re right. There is another reason for this,” she leaned in close to Starlight, “I wanna know why she’s obsessed over me.”

“Why she’s, obsessed?” Starlight asked. Rarity walked back to the pile of love letters and rummaged through them.

“I read through all of ‘em, you know?” Rarity asked, even her stature now was different, “It’s tedious, it’s annoying, and I hate it, but they took the time to write it out. So as a good "President", I’m gonna take the time to at least read this bullshit before I toss it in the shredder," she snorted, "You should see how pathetic some of these are. Nothing else, I get a good laugh outta it.”

Starlight was a bit taken aback. On the one hand, calling them pathetic was a bit mean, but on the other hand, she seriously read every one?

“But wanna know who I never get one from? Here's a hint,” Rarity turned slightly back to Starlight, “She won a national chess tournament last spring.”

“You’ve, never gotten one from Sweetie Belle…” Starlight realized.

“So I ain't convinced it's a crush,” Rarity said, setting the letters down and pacing through the room, her hand running through her thick purple hair, “To top it all off, I can’t get her out of my mind. Whenever I see her cry, something in me just…”

Hold on a second…? Were these two, actually sisters? And if so, why did it seem like Rarity, didn’t know…?

“I don’t know how you fucking do it, alright?” Rarity said turning to Starlight, “But you got this weird, thing that seems to make people wanna open up to you. She ain’t talkin’ to me, so maybe you can get it outta her.”

Starlight took a relived breath. She felt better knowing that she was genuinely concerned. She walked over to her, and gently took her hand, making Rarity’s eyes widen a bit.

“It’ll take some time, okay? I need to form a genuine friendship with her, and I get the feeling she’ll be more withdrawn,” she gave Rarity a smile, “But I’ll help you, Rarity.”

Rarity looked at Starlight a bit surprised, cheeks flushed. She then averted her eyes, clearly trying to keep her cool exterior, “Thanks, I guess.”

Starlight chuckled, “You know, you should really let people see this you more often. You’re abrasive, but kind of cool.”

“That, ain’t happening,” Rarity pulled her hand free and pushed past Starlight, buttoning her top and redoing her tie, “Be happy you get to see this much. I wear this mask for a reason.”

Starlight was going to ask about that, but then remembered what she said at the party.

This is my ideal person, and I wear her so others can’t see who’s really underneath, and most of all, so I don’t have to see her either.

Starlight frowned looking at Rarity as she fixed her "mask".

“It’s getting a bit late,” Rarity pointed out, “You good getting back to the dorm? AJ and I can walk ya to the dorm.”

“That’s, alright,” Starlight answered, a bit surprised by the sudden generosity, “I was going to go into town for a bit, and then head home on the train. Thanks though.”

Rarity took a breath and nodded, “Just don’t want my pack getting ideas. See any of 'em, just go the other way, got it?” she moaned softly, “Fuck, what a time for that to kick in…”

Starlight tilted her head. Was she okay?

“I’ll see ya later, Starlight,” Rarity said, walking out of the student council office with a wave. Starlight said her goodbyes, and then pondered a bit of what just happened. She offered to walk Starlight back to the dorm, she was genuinely worried about Sweetie Belle’s well being, and even though she found it tedious, she read every love letter she received.

“So, you don’t have to see her…” Starlight repeated, remembering her words exactly, “Why don’t you want to see your true self, Rarity…?

Evening

Sumaru City - Persona 2 Innocent Sin

Starlight stayed out for a bit, as usual for herself on Fridays now, taking in the darker and more gothic energy of Canterlot. As she explored town, she even found a couple engaging in BDSM activity in South Street. They were a lesbian couple, with the dom sitting on a bench with her legs wide open, her partner on her knees at the end of a leash. Her chest was exposed, and she was eating her dom out while other people watched. Some just walked by, some like Starlight, stuck around for a bit, some took pictures, some even went down to grope the subs breasts.

Starlight wanted to be able to do stuff like that with Trixie one day, but she wanted to make sure Trixie was okay with it first. Also, she had nowhere near enough courage for that.

After at least enjoying being a voyeur for a bit, Starlight found a bookstore. She explored it a bit, till she found the “Sex and Relationships” section. On the shelf she saw Domming for Dummies: Don’t 50 Shades of Grey Your Sub.

Well, she did want to become a better dom. Sure she could have just used her magic to gain the knowledge, but doing things the old fashioned way kept her human. Though it was embarrassing, she decided to go ahead and buy the book. At the very least, she had a feeling this could help make her more sensitive.

The couch in the living room of the dorm was a good place to read. She’d have to sit and read there when she had time.

With her new book in tow, Starlight went back home. Rather than going into the Phase tonight, Starlight ended up falling to sleep in Trixie’s arms on her bed. It was a surprisingly comfortable position.

Fool – Seekers of Light: 5/10
Magician – Trixie Lulamoon: 8/10
Priestess – Diamond Tiara: 9/10 LEVEL UP!!!! Thrall
The Empress – Ms. Tia: 4/10
Hierophant - Victor: 1/10
The Lovers - Pinkamena Diane Pie: 2/10
Chariot – Rainbow Dash: 3/10
Strength - Tokugawa Fluttershy: 1/5
The Devil – Silver Spoon: 4/10
Hermit – Sunburst: 2/10
Transformation - Ms. Luna: 1/10

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