Technical Difficulties

>The sound of the Dazzlings' beats blasted down the hallway. They were so thunderous that even the library shook with each kick of the bass drum.
>The entire school was out to watch the vixens strut their stuff, except for just one, lone student.
>He sat in the library and poured over a book on general relativity through his horn-rimmed glasses.
>His jeans were as blue as his skin, but even they were more durable than the scrawny boy.
>He went by many names, most of which shouldn't be repeated here, but almost everyone simply called him Adam.
>He was so low on the popularity rankings that if a toad hopped into school the next day it would get more attention than him.
>But Adam wasn't the type for attention, or at least, attention he considered "shallow".
>He wanted to be remembered for his research, not his looks. His smarts, not his brawn.
>So he figured (albeit unwisely) that he should be as isolated as possible, staying away from the vices of pop culture.
>Anything that came out after his 5th birthday he had no idea of. He was in his own little bubble, and he wanted it to stay that way.
>But everytime he turned the page and adjusted his specs, his bubble's time was running out.

"Oh Einstein," he laughed, assured no one would hear him over the throbbing music, "You always know just how to phrase your theorems on gravitational forces."
>He never laughed without having to snort at least once. He licked his thumb and turned the page, starting a new chapter of equations and logic.
>Just then, the door to the library burst open. A wall of sound crashed into Adam and knocked him off-balance.
>He managed to grip the edge of the table and held on for dear life.
>He couldn't keep his eyes open, but it didn't matter anyway; his glasses were flung off somewhere and trying to see without them was out of the question.
>He heard a tiny snippet of the chorus before the door clicked shut.
>In an instant the force stopped and Adam crashed to the floor, still holding the table.
>He opened his eyes and was surprised by what he saw.
>Resting on an orange blob were what looked like his glasses. He quickly snatched them up, saying "Thank you thank you" to whoever the orange blob was.
>He gave each lens a quick wipe and replaced the glasses on his face.
>To his surprise, three freshmen were standing in front of him, their hands on their hips and their wide eyes shimmering in the light.
>Adam tried to say thank you, say ANYTHING, but something was too attached to his mind.
"Um...are you sure that's school uniform?"
>He couldn't help it. Their outfits were just so bizarre.
>Their hair was spiked and swept back like they'd stood in a wind tunnel full of hairspray.
>They wore what looked like trashbags cut up and vaccum-fitted to their tiny bodies.
>Every little nook and cranny was highlighted by the latex, and not all of them were something Adam needed to see.
>"Of course they're not," the tallest one said, a thick twang in her voice, "We're just dressin' up like this for the competition."
>>"We gotta look our best so we can win, yanno?" The orange blob said, although she certainly wasn't a blob anymore.
>>>"Girls, we're wasting time! We're supposed to go on in five minutes!"
>>"Calm down, Sweetie. That's why we came here, all we need is a techie."
"Excuse me?" Adam said, trying to make heads or tails of what was happening.
>"Sorry Adam, we just don't have much time. How good are you with computers?"
"Well, heh, I don't mean to toot my own horn or anything but I think I'm PRETTY good with computers," he said, crossing his arms with a smile.
>>"Perfect! Come on!"
>Before Adam knew it, the freshman were dragging him out of the library by the wrist.un
>In seconds they were in the hallway, barreling towards the source of the droning music.
"Hang on! I never agreed to anything! I don't even know your names!"
>"I'm Scootaloo, this is Applebloom, and this is Sweetie Belle. We don't have time to explain until we get there."
"This is insane! I don't know what I'll---"
>>"All you're doing is working with computers! You do that all the time, right?!"
"Of course, but..."
>"Then there won't be a problem. Come on, we've got five minutes until we go on. I'll explain as best I can when we get there."
>Adam had no choice but to follow. He just wished he'd gotten to finish the chapter.
>They were still about twenty feet from the auditorium door but Adam could feel the beat thumping in his chest.
>His heart raced with every step they took towards the door. He could hardly handle the noise from down the hall.
>He couldn't cover both ears, so he hoped his left ear would take one for the team.
>The instant the door was opened, Adam was surprised the girl could hold on to him.
>The bass rumbling out of the subwoofers was so powerful that it warped the air around them.
>The roar of the crowd only doubled the volume, so much to the point that he could barely hear the song.
>Adam was quickly overwhelmed, robbed of his sight and hearing. His ears didn't stop ringing until the sound went muffled again.
>"Hey! Techie! Snap out of it!"
"My name's Adam..." he mumbled, "Where are we?"
>>"Backstage!" Applebloom said, "Come on, get him to the computer!"
>Adam was lifted off his feet and carried over to something he was more familiar with.
>He was brought to a large machine with three panels arranged in a crescent. Buttons, knobs, and switches were scattered across in random positions.
>Some flashed, some buzzed, some beeped, but all were equally confusing to the ordinary person.
>But Adam was no ordinary person. His eyes lit up behind his specs and his fingers started to twitch.
>He was ready to pounce on the keys and start fiddling away, but there was only one problem.
"What exactly am I doing?"
>"Well, our show loses a lot of pyro, fog, and strobe lights," Scootaloo smiled, "Usually the computer runs that program itself and things go off automatically. But sometimes there's a glitch, and rehearsals went bad."
"So where do I come in?"
>>"We need you to man the controls and make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible," Applebloom chimed, "We promise to make it worth your while but right now we just need to beat Tiara and Silver Spoon."
"Where's the algorithm?"
>"I don't know, you're the techie!"
>Suddenly the PA switched on and a low, droning voice rang from the speaker.
"Next act: The Cutie Mark Crusaders."
>>"Horseapples! We're on!"
>"Do what you can, Adam. We're counting on you."
"I won't let you down, girls."
>Adam gave them a quick wave, but they were long gone, sprinting towards the stage as fast as their little legs could carry them.
>He turned towards the computer and accessed the batch file, bringing up the entire algorithm of the show.
>It was written in C++, a language he was familiar with. He saw immediately why'd they'd been having glitches.
>There were more errors in the code than stars in the sky. Misplaced indents, case errors, and all sorts of bugs.
>Whoever programmed it last didn't do a great job. With the music quickly crescendoing, Adam hurried to debug the program.
>He was working all through the show, seeming to fix errors just before they'd occur.
>The audience was going crazy over the effects, and Adam couldn't help but smile at the fruits of his labor.
>He even fiddled with the code to change some effects entirely to what he felt was more dramatic or appropriate.
>The song was only four minutes long but to Adam is was a marathon.
>Even after the final chord there was no hiding the excitement in the faces of the crowd. Celestia and Luna were smiling. The only people not enthralled with the performance were the other contestants.
>The Crusaders ran off the stage, grinning from ear to ear.
>Sweetie blew kisses at the crowd, Applebloom waved, and Scootaloo did some sort of odd rocker pose.
>Adam slumped in his chair, waiting for the Crusaders to shower him in joy and love. And that's exactly what they did.
>"THANK YOU ADAM!"
>>"WE KNEW YOU COULD DO IT! OH THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU!"
>>>"THAT WAS AMAZING!"
"Girls, girls, it was no big deal," Adam said, his cheeks flushing as he spoke, "I just fixed some code."
>"But what about that X made from flames? There's no way that was just some code you fixed."
>>"And what about that gigantic laser fan? We never even though of that!"
"Like I said, just some code," Adam winked, "I hate to ask, but what do I get, exactly?"
>"We gotta see if we won first."
>>>"They're announcing the contestants that passed through now!" Sweetie Belle squeaked.
>The girls' breathing quickened and their little hearts beat twice as fast.
>They ran out to the stage to stand with the other contestants. The way some of the others looked at them made Adam wonder if the Crusaders were about to get a drumstick in their backs.
>They held hands and hung their heads waiting.
>Celestia stood up, clutching four index cards in her slender fingers. Each card contained the name of a band that would move on to the semi-finals.
>When the name of the first semi-finalist was drawn, is was no surprise to anyone (except Adam) that the Dazzlings had made it through.
>Next were the Rainbooms, again not a shock to many, but there was a lot more grumbling when their name was announced.
>Third was Trixie's band. She took a graceful bow and smiled, but only one fan actually cheered for them, a young freshman named Seth.
>Finally, the fourth contestant to make it through was ready to be announced. The Crusaders held their breath and Adam clutched his hands together and brought them to his mouth.
>He wasn't normally into competition, but the twinkle in the freshman's eyes made him really hope they would go through.
>He didn't need to hear what Celestia said, only how the girls reacted. And if he knew anything about girls, that was definitely not a sound of defeat.
>He opened his eyes to the sight of the Crusaders charging at him, their eyes wide and smiles wider.
>He knew what was coming next. He opened his arms and braced for impact.
>All at once the girls pounced, crashing to the floor in a pile of limbs and laughs with Adam caught in the middle.
>The mass rolled about on the floor, kisses were thrown and cheeks flushed as the group cheered their savior.
>Finally the Crusaders let go, standing up and giving Adam some air.
>>>"Awwwwe, look at his face!" Sweetie giggled, pointing at the sweating tomato on the floor, "He's so happy we won!"
>>"Ah don't think that's why he's got a face as red as an apple."
>" Whatsa matter, Adam?" Scootaloo smirked, "Allergic to hugs or something?"
"No, it's just...uh...more contact than I was expecting."
>>"Sorry," Applebloom rubbed her arm and looked at her feet, "We were just so excited we won..."
"It's alright, just...uh...give me some warning next time?"
>"Whatever you say, techie!"
>Scootaloo turned to her friends and whispered.
>"You'd think a guy wouldn't mind getting hugs and kisses from three girls at once."
>>"Scootaloo!"
>"What? Don't you think that's weird?"
>>>"No...it's just that he's right behind you."
>"Oh! Sorry Adam...I wasn't saying you were...uh...,"
"No no, I know you didn't mean it that way. It's just that I get a little nervous around girls, okay?"
>>>"So you don't want us to hug you?"
>The Crusaders bunched together, putting heir heads side by side, looking up at Adam with big puppy dog eyes.
>There was no way he could ever say no to that.
"Well...I do..."
>They were quick to act. All at once they wrapped their arms around him, pressing their cheeks into his side.
>They nuzzled into him like kittens, knowing they were safe with Adam on their team.
>Scootaloo pulled away and looked up at the shaking geek.
>"Thanks for your help, Adam. Do you wanna come to the after-party with us? It's the least we can do for you saving our act."
"But that's only for band members. They won't let me in."
>>"Adam, you're as much a part of this band as the rest of us."
>They embraced him one more time. Adam was starting to wonder if their hug supply was ever going to run out.
>"Let's go," Scootaloo grinned, "They have tacos!"
"Tacos? Sweet!"
>The Crusaders motioned for Adam to follow and he did. He stayed right on their heels, watching their excitement bubble out all over the hallway.
>They made it to the cafeteria, where the normally docile double doors had a large bouncer standing next to it.
>He wore a massive black tarp of a shirt that read "SECURITY" in bold yellow letters. Of course they picked the only kid in school who has bigger muscles than the Hulk.
>It was almost too macabre to see the three little girls hop over to him with a scrawny nerd in tow.
>One wrong move and he could snap any of them like a matchstick. Looking up at him, even when he was sure he'd be allowed in, was like staring into the eyes of a colossus.
>The guard didn't speak a word as the Crusaders flashed their band passes. He nodded and lifted the velvet.
>Adam went to follow them, but in a flash the velvet rope came down and the bouncer growled at him.
>>"It's okay, it's okay! He's with us!" Applebloom wrapped her arms around his bicep.
>The bouncer looked up and down the geek, stared straight through him, and blew hot air out of his nostrils.
>Without moving his teeth, he said, "Don't cause any trouble, twig."
>Adam nodded so fast he though his head was going to snap off. The guard lifted the rope and Adam didn't hesitate to run through it.
>The bouncer didn't stop staring at him until the door closed shut behind them.
>Adam's heart started to slow down, knowing he was safe. Although what was on the tables nearby was enough to make it throb again.

>Replacing the rows of tables and chairs that usually sat in the cafeteria were four tables arranged in a square.
>Smaller tables were placed all along the edges of the room, surrounding the buffet in the center.
>There were foods of all sizes and colors along the table, some fried, baked, fresh, and frozen.
>There were tacos and pizza and even macaroni and cheese. Soda, punch, and water sat at the ends next to neatly stacked cups.
>Some of the other bands he'd seen briefly before were walking up and down the tables, snatching all they could.
>The Rainbooms were scattered throughout the room, but Pinkie was almost always at the buffet.
>Rarity was busy trying to find the least greasy food to eat, and the ones that would "keep her figure".
>On the other end of the room were the Dazzlings, who sat quietly without food or drinks.
>They just sort of stared at the other bands, calculating what to do next.
>>"Ugh, I hate those Dazzlings," Applebloom whispered, "They think they're sooooo much better than us."
>"Oh please, Applebloom," Scootaloo grinned, "The only reason they're still in the competition is because they haven't fought US yet."
>>>"Yeah!"
>The three of them turned and did some odd sort of high-five together. It must have been one of their rituals.
>"Okay Adam, help yourself."
"Really?"
>"Yeah? Never heard of an all-you-can-eat-buffet?"
"I've never been to one."
>>"Well ya better start now. You look like you need some meat on those bones anyway."
>Applebloom shot him a wink and handed him a paper plate with the CHS logo printed in the middle.
>Adam smiled and took the plate, looking over the vast array of food he had to pick from.
>>"Get whatever you want and sit with us over at that table, okay?"
>Adam took the plate and nodded. The group split up, heading to whatever looked the tastiest.
>Applebloom (to nobody's surprise) picked up some apple fritters and apple crisps. Sweetie took some cookies and marshmallows, and Scootaloo went with a salad.
>Adam really just grabbed whatever was in reach. He would never turn his nose up at free food, even if he didn't like it.
>He met up with the Crusaders, who had already gone to work on their plates.
>In the midst of the chatter and the gnashing of teeth, Scootaloo cleared her throat.
>"You know, Adam, me and the girls have been thinking..."
"Uh huh..."
>>"We think it'd be really nice if ya...stay with the band?"
"Really?"
>>>"We still have more shows to do, and we want you to do your pyro some more...if you don't mind that is."
>Adam knew his answer already, but his tongue stayed frozen to the roof of his mouth.
>There was something alien about being asked to join a group. It was a feeling he wasn't altogether comfortable with.
>But he had to admit, being at the helm of all those lights and fireworks really got his techie blood flowing.
>And better yet, he was in a group with only girls. They were a little young for him but at least they weren't dudes.
"I'd be more than happy to help you with your acts, Scootaloo."
>"Really? You'll really do it?"
"Sure."
>"Ooooooh I knew you'd want to help!"
>The Crusaders stood up and started moving towards him, arms outstretched.
"Oh God, wait, not another---!"
>It wouldn't have mattered if he'd finished his sentence. The Crusaders had him locked in another tight hug, their soft little bodies pressing hard into his stomach.
>>"Ya know this means he's gotta come to rehearsals too, Scoots."
>"I know! I was going to tell him! We booked Friday at 5 PM for our next rehearsal. Are we gonna see you there?"
"Don't you worry, Scoots," Adam smiled, "I'll be there."
>Scootaloo looked up at the gleam in his specs and smiled.
>"Thank you, Adam. We love you."
"I...uh...love you too?"
>Adam wasn't sure whether the shared giggle was a good sign or a bad one, but hearing their laughter was always a good thing.

+++

>"Great job Crusaders! You too, Adam."
"I wasn't nearly as good out there as you three were," he said, powering down the computer that ran the show, "I'm only here to add the spice."
>>"But the spice is half our bit," Applebloom said, "If you weren't there it'd just be us three singing."
>>>"We wouldn't even have instruments if you didn't have that computer playing along."
>Adam faked a blush and waved his hand in a "Oh shucks" kind of way.
"I just hope everything goes as smoothly tomorrow night as it did just now."
>>>"It WILL go great, Adam, we're singing like a bunch of birds on a branch."
"I know you girls will do great at the semis tomorrow. It's my own clumsy self I'm worried about."
>>"What do ya mean?" Applebloom cocked her head, "You did fine."
"It's just that I have a...bad habit of cracking under pressure. I second-guess myself a lot, wondering whether to do this or that, and sometimes I just can't make a decision."
>"Not good under pressure? Are you kidding? Then what do you call that one night where you saved my ass?"
>>>"Scootaloo!"
>"Oh, sorry. 'OUR asses'."
>Sweetie slapped her forehead, making sure Scootaloo heard it.
"I dunno," Adam stuffed his hands in his slacks, "I just wanted to help you guys so much...I just got lucky I guess.""
>>"Lucky? An apple missing your head by an inch is lucky. What you did was a performance."
>>>"If it wasn't for you we would have lost, I'm sure of it."
>"Yeah. Stop beating yourself up so much, Adam."
"Sorry, I guess I'm just used to that."
>>>"Awwwwe you poor thing," Sweetie said, "I think someone needs a Crusader hug."
>"Seconded."
>>"Agreed."
>The Crusaders walked over to their roadie and locked him in a tight group hug. They poured every ounce of love and affection they could into the embrace.
>Adam smiled. He used to think the hugs were annoying, but now he welcomed them with open arms (literally).
>He tried to get a hold of as many of them as he could before they broke it up.
>"Come on, the semis are tomorrow. We're going to blow the knickers off Celestia and Luna!"
>>"Yeah! We'll have that trophy in no time!"
>The Crusaders put their hands together between them. Normally they'd break, but they were waiting for something.
>"Go on, Adam," Scootaloo made a gesture with her head, "You're just as big a part of this team as the rest of us."
>Adam thought a little bit of how weird it all looked, but he remembered that wasn't the point.
>He put his hand over top, easily larger than the others', and waited for Scootaloo's word.
>"Cutie Mark Crusaders...and Adam...YEAH!"
>On "YEAH" they flung their hands up, opening like a flower in the center.
>A strange tingle went through Adam's spine. He wasn't used to this, being part of a team, being wanted, being...loved.
>He kinda liked it.
>"See you tomorrow night, Adam!"
>Adam waved goodbye as the Crusaders left through the auditorium doors together and out of sight.
>He had to stay back to gather his equipment. Just before he'd finished, he heard footsteps coming from the aisle.
>"Scootaloo?" He looked up but whoever was in the aisle was much too tall to be a Crusader.
>An hourglass shape gave it away as a girl, even in the thick veil of shadow she walked in.
>A pair of baby blue boots stepped into the light, with a matching outfit soon following.
>When she stopped, a long, flowing cape billowed into the light, its silver stars glistening as it moved.
>Once her full body was revealed, the girl started a slow, sarcastic clap and she kept her face hidden behind her wide-brimmed witch's hat.
>"Wonderful performance, darling...You really know how to put on a light show."
"Who are you?" Adam spat.
>"Why so hostile?" the girl gasped, "I just wanted to have a chat with a fellow magician."
>As if she planned her entrance, the girl lifted her head, revealing exactly who she was.
>It was the leader of one of the rival bands, Trixie Lulamoon.
"Fellow magician? This isn't magic, this is---"
>"As if it really matters," Trixie took long, deliberate steps as she spoke, "We both make sparks and smoke appear before the audience's very eyes. Some do call it magic, dear, even if it is with some crude jumble of wires and switches."
"Why are you here, Trixie?"
>Adam had a right to be suspicious. No girl ever walked up to him (unless it was for help with their homework), especially not someone as beautiful as Trixie.
>"Like I said, Adam. I just want to talk. No flashes, no smoke and mirrors, just a simple little...proposal."
"And what would that be?"
>Trixie's face morphed in seconds. Her eyelids drooped and her eyes twinkled. Her lips curled in a thin smile and her cheeks were flushed.
>She didn't answer him and kept getting closer. A little too close for Adam.
>Their bodies pressed together and they were just inches from each other.
>A pair of slender arms wrapped around him, cuppin him at the neck and hip.
>He felt wrapped in her web, surrounded by the smell of her perfume and the pressure of her breasts.
>"I'm so glad you asked," Trixie cooed, "I was just watching how WONDERFUL of a job you were doing up there with the Crusaders..."
>Trixie started drawing little shapes with her finger against Adam's chest.
>"...And I was wondering if you'd do the same for my band, dear..."
"What? No way!"
>"Why not? Don't you wanna help a girl in need?"
>She hugged him a little more tightly now and stuck out her bottom lip.
>Adam had never had a girl this close to him, let alone for so long. His head started to feel like a balloon, and he was sure something else would be inflating soon.
"No...I just...I'm already with the Crusaders! I can't just turn my back on them like that!"
>"Dear, I'm not saying quit the Crusaders...I'm just saying you could...give me a hand on the side..."
"I'm...I'm sorry...but I can't just..."
>Adam blinked and the next thing he knew Trixie had her thin lips pursed against his own, giving him a gentle kiss.
>Trixie stared at him, watching the naive boy turn to putty in her arms.
"I...I can't...you don't...they need me...I promised..."
>Trixie placed a single finger over his mouth and hissed air through her lips.
>Adam got the message and shut up.
>"I promise you, dear," her voice ran smooth and metallic like mercury through his ears, "If you give me a hand...I promise I'll make it worth your while..."
>Her finger dropped to his neck, tickling the little hairs on the back of it.
>She ignored Adam's quiet attempts to stifle his moans as she ran her hand further down.
>Then something happened. Her hand dropped a little too low. Adam shut his eyes and whimpered.
>"Hard already?" Trixie laughed, "Does the touch of the Great and Powerful Trixie get you this excited?"
"N-no...Trixie..."
>"Don't lie to me, techie. I know this is the first time a girl's even thought of touching you here."
>Trixie cupped her fingers under his bulge and played with it like a bag of marbles.
>Sometimes she'd bring her fingers together and give him a little stroke.
>She loved watching his face warp and tighten as she fondled him. She had him by the balls, literally.
>Adam opened his eyes to see Trixie suddenly kneeling on the floor in front of him, staring up at him with her large, shimmering eyes.
>"I want to see it," Trixie licked her lips, "And I know you want me to too."
"Pl-please, Trixie...let me g-go..."
>"I'm afraid I'm not leaving until I get what I want."
>Trixie popped open the button on his slacks and slowly opened the zipper.
>His pants hadn't even hit the floor before she stripped his underwear.
"Trixie! Don't---!"
>He couldn't stop it if he wanted to. The instant she pulled down his briefs his cock sprang up and poked the witch on the cheek.
>"What a magnificent wand you have...I wonder what sort of...tricks you can do with it."
>Adam watched as Trixie grabbed his shaft and pointed it at her face. She opened her mouth and started moving closer.
>He struggled to get away but he was backed against the wall. He could only watch as Trixie's warm lips enveloped him.
"Aaaah~!"
>Trixie was on a mission, and her motions were carefully orchestrated.
>As if the warmth and wetness of her mouth wasn't enough, she was also adept at using her tongue to prod and rub places her cheeks couldn't reach.
>It was almost hypnotic watching her rock her head back and forth, locked in a lustful staring contest.
>It was all happening so fast. He hadn't even held hands with a woman, and here was one of the prettiest women in school sucking him off.
>He tried pushing her off but her neck was strong. His weak pushes wouldn't stop her.
>He wanted this, needed this, and fantasized about this very thing. Every nerve in his body was celebrating, overjoyed at what was happening.
>He was a boy, a teenage, virgin boy, who hadn't so much as talked to a girl before. Sex was on his mind almost 24/7, and any other day he'd be celebrating his luck.
>But something was wrong. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but there was something off about this whole thing.
>There was a pit in his stomach like he was breaking someone's trust...or some girls' trusts.
>He tried to think harder but his thoughts slowly faded in a fog of pleasure creeping over his mind.
>Trixie was bobbing her head more quickly, eager to bring Adam over the edge.
>Adam's whimpers turned to moans and his hips started to shake.
>He placed his hands against the wall and fought for something to grab onto. Seconds away from the edge he clenched his teeth, tensed his body and...
>Nothing.
>In an instant, the flames in his nerves stopped. His body was hot and he felt tighter than a spring.
>He gasped for air and he tried to come back to Earth.
>He opened his eyes and looked down, just in time to see Trixie rebuttoning his trousers.
>She stood back up and stared Adam straight in the eye, dragging her tongue along her lips in a long, slow lick.
>"Did you like that, Adam?"
"Y-yeah...but you didn't..."
>"I didn't what?" Trixie cooed, "That was only a sample of what I offer you, Adam. Unless of course, you still don't want to help me..."
>Trixie pulled on her dress, showing an indecent amount of cleavage.
"I...I don't..."
>"You have half an hour until our rehearsal. If you're standing in that same spot by then, I promise me, and maybe my bandmates, will be more than happy to reward your for your allegiance."
>Trixie didn't wait for a response. She simply turned on the spot and walked towards the door. Her hips swung like a pendulum as she neared the door.
>"I have to get my band ready to rehearse. Think it over, Adam."
>Trixie pushed open the door and disappeared into the hallway, leaving Adam alone with his thoughts.
+++
>Voices screamed inside Adam's head as he tried to understand what was happening.
>The precious half-hour he'd been given was ticking away, and after fifteen minutes he still hadn't even begun to think.
>He was still reeling from what had just happened. He expected that eventually somebody would do something like that to him, but not then, and especially not her.
>On top of that, his body was still wound up. He was so close to releasing his stress but she'd stopped just short.
>The physical stress had mostly vanished, but the psychological strain of being denied what was almost his first orgasm with a woman was still very much alive.
>He thought about what would happen if he simply said "Yes."
>For one thing, his popularity would spike. There was no way a secret like him hooking up with Trixie would stay hidden for long, especially not with someone as boastful as Trixie.
>Everyone would know, and he would shift into the "laid" group of students.
>He would be invited to parties, proms, and sports games, all on the pretense that he'd made it with Trixie.
>But there were more consequences to accepting her proposal than he thought.
>The Crusaders wouldn't have his full attention, and by extension, they would be no match for the other contestants.
>He would break their little hearts, and he wasn't sure how willing he was to do that.
>On top of that, no one would believe he'd gotten head from Trixie anyhow. He was sure Trixie would deny it, and Adam's word on the matter wouldn't be taken with a handful of salt.
>He looked at the clock. Ten whole minutes on pros and cons. He had five minutes left until his decision.
>He buried his head in his hands, content to wait the last seconds.
>He wished he didn't go to the rehearsal, then he wouldn't be in this mess.
"If only I could be in two places at once," Adam stood straight up and looked right ahead.
"That's it," he said, "I don't have to say no to either of them. I CAN be in two places at once."
>Adam started going over the possibilities in his head.
>It sounded easy. Go to the Crusaders' rehearsal, help them practice, go to Trixie's rehearsal, get the physical benefits.
>He'd almost gotten to the point of the actual show when the door burst open.
>"We're here, Adam," the magician's voice was like a knife through the cool, dry air of the auditorium, "Did you make the right choice?"
"Yes, Trixie. I have."
>"So you'll be our pyro techie? And leave the Crusaders to squirm?"
"Yes. You clearly deserve to win more," Adam said, biting his tongue.
>"Wonderful. I knew you wouldn't be able to resist helping me..."
>She walked past him and held his jaw in her hand.
>"And I'll make sure I remind you just how thankful I am," she smirked. She snapped her fingers and her two band-mates zipped to her sides, "Come on girls, let's get Adam caught up."
>Adam watched them strut to the stage and followed them closely, watching Trixie's figure swaying as she walked.
>Once they got to the panel, Trixie explained the pyrotechnics and choreography to him, but his mind might as well have been on autopilot.
>He was listening and remembering everything about their show, but his eyes certainly weren't looking at the panel.
>The rest of the rehearsal was just like the Crusaders', and it was over within a half-hour.
>Trixie was so insistent on perfection that everyone in the band caught flak, even Adam.
>"The lights were too bright", "You were off-key", and "You need to move your hips more" were her more popular criticisms.
>Eventually though, Trixie was happy with their performance. Adam couldn't tell whether he actually made a difference, but she seemed to think he did.
>In full view of her bandmates, Trixie walked right over and locked lips with him.
>He stood with his hands away from her, not sure where to touch or if it was even a good idea, his eyes staring straight at her forehead.
>It wasn't a long kiss, but it was enough to make him blush.
>"You did a wonderful job with the lights, Adam...I couldn't have done it better, even with my powers."
"I'm h-happy you enjoyed them..."
>"Oh I did," Trixie hissed, wrapping her arms around Adam's neck, "And I think you're going to 'enjoy' your reward even more..."
>Adam's brain fell into his stomach. Trixie was creeping closer to him.
"She's not going to do it right here, is she?" Adam thought. It seemed silly to him at first, but her bandmates' eyes had the same look of expectation and hunger she did.
>She made a move for his mouth again but suddenly dove to the side of his head.
>"Ready?"
"Right here?"
>"Mhmm. I don't want to wait for you, Adam. I want you now!"
>He could almost see the lust dripping past her lips as she whisper-shouted the last word.
>Her eyes were alight with passion and their bodies were just inches apart.
>Unfortunately for Adam, this didn't make his excitement an easy thing to hide.
>"Looks like you don't want to wait either, handsome," Trixie smirked.
>Trixie started stroking the bulge in his trousers, just like before.
"Tr-Trixie...Do you really want them watching us?"
>"Sorry dear, having someone watch me gets me really...excited."
"B-but..." Adam sputtered.
>He couldn't get much more out before Trixie's mouth shut him up.
>Maybe the girls watching wasn't all that bad, he thought. After all, at least now he has witnesses.
>And even more strange, it looked like they were giving him advice.
>One of them pointed at him and cupped her breast, playing with it like a ball of dough.
>Adam knew what they meant, and it seemed like the right thing to do, but it was so much more difficult with a real girl standing so close to him.
>He brought one of his hands to her chest and groped the first thing he felt.
>A quiet moan from Trixie was enough to know he'd at least done something right.
>First his movements were small and gentle. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her.
>But the Great and Powerful Trixie wanted more. She started humping him, forcing him to knead her breast in exaggerated motions.
>Adam started to sweat from watching her body rock against his, desperate for something he'd only dreamed of having.
>It didn't take long after that for her to realize she'd had enough time fooling around.
>She broke the kiss and pushed Adam away. She undid the latch on her cloak, and with a click and a thump it fell to the floor in a blue lump.
>Adam expected her blouse was next, but what he got was even more surprising.
>With a flick of her wrist, a small knife slipped out of Trixie's sleeve and landed on her palm.
>She brought the blade of the knife right against Adam's nose before slowly bringing it between her legs.
>Without taking her eyes off the hapless boy, Trixie cut along the seam in the middle of her leggings.
>She handed the knife off to her lackeys and moved even closer to him.
>She brought her hand back to her crotch. Adam watched as her fingers slipped past the fabric.
>He had a hunch where they went, and a pair of wet fingers in front of his face confirmed it.
>She pulled them between her lips and sucked them dry. It was simple, but it made Adam's pants even tighter.
>Trixie wrapped her arms around him and leaned forward, bringing the couple crashing onto the stage.
>Adam was pinned beneath the magician, her arms and thighs forming a cage around him.
>Even when he couldn't see her skin she was magnificent. Her nipples dug into her blouse and a thin liquid dribbled out of the cut in her leggings.
>”Get him ready, girls,” Trixie called to her bandmates.
>They didn’t hesitate for a second. They swooped down on the boy on both ends.
>One pulled on his slacks while the other yanked on his shirt. In a few seconds Adam was reduced to a trembling boy in just his tighty whities.
>His chest rose and fell with every hoarse breath through his nose.
>Trixie brought a hand down to his sternum, counting the beats thumping against his chest.
>Her hand crept further down, grazing over his diaphragm, his stomach, and even lower.
>Without stopping she grabbed the hem of his briefs and pulled them down to his knees.
>Adam’s face burned and he couldn’t bear to look Trixie in the eye. He felt vulnerable, like she was a predator hanging right above him.
>When he looked back up at her, he noticed one tiny detail.
“Um...Trixie…”
>”What’s wrong, techie?” she said, sitting up and getting into position.
“Sh-shouldn’t you be naked too? I mean...isn’t that more fun?”
>Even Adam knew how awkward that sounded the moment he said it. Trixie’s lips curled into a thin smile.
>”More fun for you, hon,” she laughed, “Trixie doesn’t need to be naked, only you do. And besides, you didn’t think you’d get to see Trixie’s magnificent body from just one rehearsal, did you?”
“N-no, I didn’t…”
>”You should be happy, overjoyed even, that the Great and Powerful Trixie is letting you inside in the first place.”
“I am h-happy…”
>”Good. Now you just lie there and Trixie reward you.”
>Adam did as he was told. Why throw this all away just to see her naked? It’s not like it was that big of a deal…
>Trixie got up on the balls of her feet and squatted down over him. She held his cock steady and lowered her hips.
>Adam started to feel the heat from her barely exposed slit getting more intense, and a couple errant drops of juice fell onto his tip.
>Trixie stifled her breathing, trying not to seem too excited. She hadn’t had something inside her in a while, and even Adam’s cock would satisfy her in her desperation.
>As tense as it was for her, it was nowhere close to the anxiety gripping the naked boy beneath her.
>The instant they made contact was like a sword through his back.
>The sword dug deeper with every inch of him she enveloped. It was a tight, warm embrace, one that he couldn’t hope to replicate.
>Watching her slide down his length was powerful enough without the sounds to go with it.
>Trixie let him have it, letting a long, loud moan echo in the auditorium. And just loud enough to hear was the faint sounds of skin sliding together.
>She’d only just bottomed out and already he felt like he was going to have a heart attack.
>”Savor every second of the Great and Powerful Trixie’s pussy, Adam,” she said, starting her slow, purposeful bouncing, “This is just a taste of the pleasures Trixie rewards those who aid her with.”
>She wasn’t even sure he was listening at this point. For the first time in his life, Adam’s brain wasn’t in control.
>A few quick rocks of her hips were enough to put him on autopilot.
>It was clear by the shock frozen on his face and the random twitches in his fingers that he was far beyond just enjoying himself.
>He wasn’t the only one having fun. While Adam didn’t exactly have the biggest trunk in the forest, he was bigger than she’d expected him to be.
>And after months of downtime, her walls were definitely feeling the strain.
>Every time she bounced her moans would sneak out of her, but some were a little more exaggerated.
>Trixie was a showgirl, and she was putting on a great performance for her bandmates.
>It was almost hypnotic, watching their frontwoman riding cock. Even when clothed she had enough to get them excited.
>Adam looked around Trixie to see the other girls ever so gently start to have some fun of their own.
>One had just started to fondle the other when Trixie leaned in his way.
>"Eyes on Trixie, cutie."
>Adam nodded, still blindsided by being called "cutie". He didn't take his eyes off of her from then on, watching every move she made.
>Her breasts jiggled under her blouse, not given much room to dance.
>Her leggings were absolutely soaked around his shaft, and he wondered how it would have looked if they weren't there.
>He thought sex would be a little more exciting than lying on the floor doing nothing, but it felt so good that he wasn't complaining.
>Suddenly, it started to feel too good. Every time she slid down his length was like a fire sparking in his stomach.
>He felt nauseous; all the feeling in his limbs drained into his crotch.
>Trixie didn't look too composed either. Her face was stuck in an O and her fingers were rubbing a spot above the cut in her leggings.
>"Aaaah~" she moaned, trying desperately to bring herself to the edge. She threw her head back and shut her eyes...
"Trixie...I-I'm gonna...umm...ejaculate..."
>Trixie froze and sat up straight again. She didn't care how he'd said it, but she knew what he meant.
>Without warning she raised her hips, getting her off his throbbing dick.
>For a second Adam thought he was being denied again, but that wasn't the case at all.
>Without waiting a moment Trixie bent down between his legs, getting an up-close-and-personal look at Adam's cock.
>She curled her hand around the base and immediately took the rest of him down her throat.
>Adam winced, reminded of how incredible her mouth felt. It was even better than being between her thighs.
>Her tongue was incredible, feeling around and exploring every inch of his cock, while her lips formed a tight ring of hot, wet pressure.
>The feeling of void started to come back, the heat in his crotch getting more intense by the second.
>Trixie got a surprise of her own when she felt someone caress her slit. They were too feminine to be Adam.
>Whoever it was, it was just what she needed.
>Adam’s eyes shut on their own and his hips started to buck.
>Trixie tried to stay still as he violently thrust against her face, worried he’d jab at the wrong place.
>She was just on the edge herself when she felt it. A single, powerful throb against her palm.
>She shut her eyes and let it happen. With her lips still firmly locked around his tip, Adam gave out.
>The first shot of his seed splashed against her palate, followed by another, and another.
>She could feel him pulsing between her lips. Each one was a little signal that he wasn’t done pumping into her.
>Adam’s eyes rolled back into his head and he couldn’t feel anything below his neck.
>He could only lie there and let the thousands of emotions course through his veins.
>His breath slowed and the color started to flow out of his face. Meanwhile, Trixie was on the other end.
>Her bandmate touched just the right spot. In an instant every muscle tensed and her nerves burned.
>She felt like a statue, unable to do much else than moan and shake.
>It was impossible to keep her back from shuddering and her knees fought to keep her upright.
>Most of the weight was taken off by her head resting on Adam's crotch, watching the blood run out of it.
>The bland after-taste of his seed still lingered in her mouth, thankful it wasn't bitter.
>She looked over at Adam, who was nowhere close to coming down to Earth yet.
>She flashed a smile and wiped the spit from her lips. She thought to stand but she didn't think he knees could handle it.
>Instead she crawled over to him and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
>Adam kept staring ahead as if her kiss just glanced off of him. Trixie looked at him, her eyes half-closed.
>"Did you enjoy your reward, Adam?"
>He nodded.
>"Good. Trixie had quite a good time herself," she chuckled. She stood up, the strength back in her knees again.
>Her blouse as okay but her leggings were noticeably soiled, with a long dark line running down to the ankles.
>Adam lied on the floor, stunned, while Trixie replaced her hat and cloak. Her bandmates started getting dressed too.
>"Just think, techie," she said, "That was only a taste of the pleasures Trixie can share with you...just imagine what she can do if we win the finals..."
>Those words were enough to snap Adam out of his stupor. All sorts of fantasies and images flashed past, seeing Trixie naked, playing with her breasts, going places with his tongue he'd never gone before.
"I...b-but...u-uh..."
>"I take it you're going to continue to help us, then?"
>Adam nodded, his head still clouded with dirty thoughts of the magician.
>"Are you going to help the Tramp Stamp Trio win?"
>He shook his head.
>"Good. See you tomorrow night, Adam. Seven o'clock. Trixie wants to get there early...maybe you can give my band some stress relief before the show..."
"Y-yes ma'am."
>"Caio."
>Trixie turned on her heel and her bandmates---now fully clothed---turned in time. They marched together out the door, as if nothing had happened.
>Adam climbed to his feet but quickly sat back down. He cursed his scrawny body for being so weak.
>As troubled as his body was, his mind was in shambles.
>There were battles between instinct and reason, desire and trust, selfish and selfless, all flying through his head.
>He buried his head in his hands, and thought hard. This was a question that science couldn't solve.

>Brrrrrt. Brrrrrt.
>His phone hummed in his shirt pocket, tickling his chest. He pulled it out and looked at the screen.
>"Message from 'Scootaloo ;D'", the screen flashed.
>Beneath the words was a picture of the freshman herself, smiling with a goofy open mouth and winking while flashing a peace sign at the camera.
"Of all the people to text me right now..."
>Brrrrrt. Brrrrrt.
>Great, now he had two messages to read.
>Adam tapped the little green bubble to open the chat.
>A pair of white speech bubbles aligned to the left of the screen. Next to the same picture of Scootaloo were her messages.
>"Hey Adammmm :*" the first one said.
>"What r u doinggggg? :D"
>If she only knew. Adam opened the keypad and though of something to say.
"I'm at home," he lied, "I just got done with physics homework."
>Brrrrt.
>"Laaaaaaame! we're having way more fun here ;)"
>Brrrrt.
>"Me and the girls wanted you 2 come overrrrrr. Not like that kind of overrrr ;) but just 2 talk about the contestttttt :)"
>Every message made him twinge a bit, is this really how all girls text?
"You want me to come over there?"
>Brrrrrt.
>"Duh sillyyyyy ;) my house is on 152 Eden Wayyyyy :) what time will you be hereeeeee?"
"I can be there in ten minutes."
>Brrrrrt.
>"Hurry uppppp ^-^ the girls here really miss you ;) ;) nudge nudge ;)"
>Adam locked the phone and stuffed it back in his shirt pocket. He was still recovering from Scootaloo's "improv" of the English language.
>It was hard enough talking to her in text, he couldn't imagine facing her in person.
>He laced up his shoes and fumbled around in his pants pockets. His fingers ran along a piece of metal cut with ridges and bumps with a smooth plastic disk on top.
"Phew, I didn't lose them."
>Adam was sure he'd lost something in that---exchange, and not necessarily something physical.
>With everything he needed stuffed in his pockets, Adam headed for the door.
>He left the auditorium behind and looked ahead, not sure if he'd be able to look the Crusaders in their big, shimmering eyes.

END