The school bell rang, signaling the end of another day. Rumble went to the front to look for his newly made friends.
Near a fountain area, he spotted the Cutie Mark Crusaders, each of them talking amongst themselves, likely about whatever plans they have for the future, especially to get their Cutie Marks.
"Hi girls," Rumble greeted, getting their attention.
"Yo Rumble, ready to go swimming?" Scootaloo asked.
"Sure, do you have bathing suits?" Rumble asked.
"We each found some at our houses, and they still fit just fine," Apple Bloom said.
"Sounds good," Rumble said. "Alright, let's head over."
As they grabbed their bikes and began to ride off, Tender Taps called to them, "Hey Rumble! Girls!"
"Yo Taps! What's up!?" Scootaloo asked.
"Hanging out again?" Tender Taps asked.
"Yeah, we're going swimming, it's gonna be awesome," Scootaloo said.
"Wanna join us?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Maybe another time, I got dance practice later," Tender Taps said, making his leave. "See ya!"
"Bye Taps," Rumble said, turning to the direction of the pool. "Let's go then."
"Oh wait, before we do that, we should get something to eat," Scootaloo said. "Don't want to swim on an empty stomach."
"Aren't you supposed to do that?" Sweetie Belle asked. "You'd get a cramp if you swim and eat."
"Well swimming after eating isn't that bad, it is suggested we wait a bit, but we do have a bit of time," Rumble said. "The best time for the pool is a little later in the afternoon when people are going home. It's not as crowded."
"Sweet, let's get some burgers then!" Scootaloo said.
"No way, burgers suck," Sweetie Belle said. "Let's get some pizza."
"Pizza sounds good," Rumble said.
"I'm thinking tacos," Apple Bloom said.
"Rumble already sided with me on pizza," Sweetie Belle smugly pointed out. "Majority vote wins."
"Okay fine, since you're too much of a pansy to enjoy a burger," Scootaloo mocked.
Sweetie Belle glared at her friend, "Who are you calling a pansy!?"
"You, pansy," Scootaloo teased.
"Don't make me hurt you," Sweetie Belle warned.
"Pfft, how? You're way too girly to be a threat to me," Scootaloo insulted. "You might break a nail trying."
"I'm not some frail girl like my sister is," Sweetie Belle said.
"Ain’t Rarity a black belt martial artist though?" Apple Bloom stated.
"Wait really?" Rumble asked.
Sweetie Belle got in Scootaloo's face, "I can take you on right now."
"Show me what you got then," Scootaloo urged.
"Ugh...alright, that's enough," Apple Bloom said. "We all know neither of you are actually gonna fight."
"If Scootaloo still wants a burger, she can get one," Rumble said. "I'll treat her on the way to the pizza shop."
"Oh for real? That’s awesome," Scootaloo said, flexing her muscle. "It's important for me to build up the protein, so I appreciate that, Rumble."
"You're lucky he's such a nice guy," Sweetie Belle said.
"Yeah, I think I'm in love," Scootaloo mocked. This earned a blush from Rumble and a look of fury from Sweetie Belle.
"Don't start with that crap, Scootaloo," Apple Bloom said. "Lets just focus on getting the dang food."
"Fine by me, onward Crusaders," Scootaloo said, leading the way.
"What a pain," Sweetie Belle said, following her friend.
Rumble chuckled to himself, "Your friends have quite the personality to them."
"Yeah, but they're really nice and fun to be around, even when they are a pain" Apple Bloom said.
"If you want, we can get you some tacos," Rumble said.
"Nah, I'm good, I'll go fer the pizza," Apple Bloom said. "If you get a pie, we can share it. Gonna have to divide it three ways, but given that Sweetie Belle ain't as big of an eater as I am, she'll likely have the least amount."
"I like that idea, let's go," Rumble said.
The kids had passed by a burger place first where Scootaloo got her food. A cheeseburger with the works, along with a bottle of soda to chug it all down.
Meanwhile Rumble had picked up a regular pizza pie, as well as a liter of soda for himself and the girls as they found a nice, quiet spot at the local park where they say down at a bench near a tree.
"Chow time," Scootaloo said, taking a huge bite out of her burger. "Ooooh, so good!" She swallowed her bite, then flexed her arm. "I feel the power coursing through me!"
"It's just a burger, they don't have that much protein in them," Sweetie Belle said.
"They so do!" Scootaloo said. "Also I have lettuce and tomato on here, so that adds to my nutrition, making me even more unstoppable."
"Uh, that's not how it works," Rumble said. "It's good that you have salad stuff but..."
"It totally works, watch!" Scootaloo took another bite. "I feel so much stronger now!"
Sweetie Belle shook her head in shame, "You are such a dummy."
"Well just be sure to practice some variety," Rumble reminded. "Usually I'm careful to watch what I eat so I can develop properly. It's a key part to being an athlete."
"What's yer diet like?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Well I try to eat fruits and vegetables, a little bit of meat, some eggs and lots of water," Rumble said. "Of course I will indulge in some pleasure foods like pizza. Actually it's good to enjoy your favorite foods, even on a diet. They're called Cheat Days, it's good for your metabolism. You don't want to deprive yourself of your favorite foods, but you don't want to go overboard either."
"Sounds educational," Apple Bloom said. "Ah have to watch what ah eat too, ah need strength fer farmwork."
"You seem to be doing well so far," Rumble said. "Hey if any of you girls need dieting tips, I can totally help with that."
"I might take you up on that," Sweetie Belle said, taking a sip of her soda. "I might need to lose a bit of weight."
"Seriously? You're super skinny though," Scootaloo said.
"Uh..." Sweetie Belle discreetly grabbed a bulge of her stomach. "Not that skinny."
"Let's finish up and hit that pool," Apple Bloom said.
A half hour later, the kids were all at the public pool area, each of them ready for some enjoyment.
"Alright, this is gonna be fun," Rumble said. "So...we're going indoor, right?"
"Sounds good to me," Apple Bloom said.
"Good, it's mostly empty this time of day," Rumble said. "Might be a few swimmers but that's fine."
"Alright, let's get changed," Apple Bloom said.
"I can take you to the locker rooms, they should be mostly empty too," Rumble said.
"Oh, if they are, wanna join us in the girls' locker room then?" Scootaloo teased, earning a blush from Rumble.
"That might be a bad idea, I don't want to risk getting in trouble," Rumble said.
"That's what you're worried about? Not shy about changing in front of girls? Or seeing us change?" A mildly obnoxious Scootaloo asked.
"Scootaloo, knock it off," Apple Bloom warned.
"I'm just offering Rumble the chance of a lifetime," Scootaloo insisted. "Who says I'm not a good friend?"
"Can we just focus on changing?" Rumble asked.
"Yeah, let's hurry now," Apple Bloom said.
Rumble had gone into the locker room, the place was pretty empty, making it much easier for him to change.
"Scootaloo has quite the mouth on her, I almost admire that type of boldness," Rumble thought to himself. "Still, she really had me worried for a bit." Impure thoughts began to circulate through Rumble's mind. "Great, now I'm curious about 'certain things', mostly Sweetie Belle. I gotta keep it together."
Rumble came out of the boys' locker room not too long later, wearing his purple swim trunks and a t-shirt while waiting near the pool entrance for the girls.
"Hope they don't take too long," Rumble said.
"Yo, Rumble!" Came Scootaloo's voice, the girl showing up with her friends.
Scootaloo's bathing suit was very modest, she had green swim trunks and a type of sports bra.
Apple Bloom's bathing suit was a traditional light blue two-piece suit with a skirt covering the lower half.
Sweetie Belle's bathing suit was a red one-piece suit with some yellow squiggly lines.
"Wow...Sweetie Belle..." Rumble said, getting her attention. "That suit..."
"Hm? What about it?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"It um..." Rumble bashfully rubbed his head, not sure what to say at the moment. "It um...it kind of reminds me of The Wonderbolts, similar color scheme."
"Oh...right," Sweetie Belle said, looking down. "I suppose it does bear a resemblance."
"Yeah, yeah her suit's cute, now let's get our swim on!" Scootaloo said, running into the pool area.
Apple Bloom immediately furrowed her brow at her impatient friend as she followed her inside, "Dang it Scootaloo! Don't run around the pool! You’re gonna slip! Also you shouldn't be running in the first place!"
“I’m fine!” Scootaloo insisted.
Both Rumble and Sweetie Belle were still waiting outside, the two feeling a bit awkward around each other. Rumble couldn't help but notice how much Sweetie Belle's suit showed off her modest figure. Not a supermodel but still a great body. On the other side, Sweetie Belle could see some muscle on the boy in front of her, not super buff but still in good shape.
"So...we should head inside," Rumble said, awkwardly looking away.
"Yeah, we should," Sweetie Belle said, shyly twiddling her feet.
The two walked on through, trying not to focus on each other too much as they walked by the pool. From what they could see, the only other people there were Vinyl Scratch and Octavia, the former sitting poolside while listening to her headset and the latter resting on a floatie and trying to relax.
The cellist opened her eyes to see the kids had entered, and was immediately bothered by the noise Scootaloo was making, "Figured the fun wouldn't last, especially with those Crusader girls around."
"Wow, there really aren't many people here," Apple Bloom said. "Good on you for knowing a good time of day Rumble."
"You can thank that exchange student, Silverstream," Rumble said. "She comes here to practice swimming and she clued me in on this timeslot."
"That was nice of her," Sweetie Belle said.
"Well I was one of the first to talk to her, aside from the other exchange students," Rumble said. "She's really cool, but a bit hyper."
"Think she'll come by today?" Apple Bloom asked.
"She told me she has some schoolwork to do, but one day we'll join her for a swim," Rumble said. "Now let's get to having fun."
Scootaloo rushed to the diving board," Cannon Ball!" She jumped and made a big splash, emerging a few seconds later. "Whoo! Awesome!"
"East Scootaloo, don't wear yourself out too fast," Apple Bloom said.
"It's all good, now come join me," Scootaloo said.
Apple Bloom sat down and entered the pool normally. "Water's not bad."
"Yeah, they always keep it at a proper temperature, especially indoors," Rumble said.
"Join us Rumble!" Scootaloo said.
"Yeah, sure," Rumble said, tossing his shirt, giving the girls a quick view of his abs, especially Sweetie Belle, just before he got in. "Feels great as always."
"Wow, you got some muscles there Rumble," Scootaloo said.
"It's not a lot, I still have a lot more working out to do," Rumble said, then turned to Sweetie Belle. "Are you coming in?"
"Sure, just give me a second," Sweetie Belle said.
"What are ya? Chicken?" Scootaloo taunted.
"Hey don't be mean," Apple Bloom scolded. "Besides, you hate being called that so don't call others that."
"Sorry, got a bit carried away there," Scootaloo said, focusing on her friend. "Seriously Sweetie Belle, the water's fine."
"Uh, alright," Sweetie Belle said, nervously sitting down and dipping her feet in. She felt a but of a chill. "The water feels cold."
"Seriously? It's fine to us," Scootaloo said.
"It just feels cold to me," Sweetie Belle said.
"You just need to get used to it," Rumble said, holding his right hand out. "Here, take my hand, I'll help you out."
Blushing a bit, Sweetie slowly reached and grabbed Rumble by his hand. He then moved toward her and placed his left hand under her armpit and gently helped her into the water, allowing the girl to lean on him for a second.
"How do you feel?" Rumble asked.
"Still a bit cold, but I'm getting used to it," Sweetie Belle said. The moment she faced Rumble she shyly looked away, the boy doing the same.
"Alright, now...let's splash!" Scootaloo said, hitting the water and getting everyone more wet.
"Hey! Knock it off!" Sweetie Belle shouted.
"Dang it Scootaloo," Apple Bloom scolded.
Again Octavia looked displeased, "Kids..."
Rumble saw how irritated Octavia looked, and opted to calm the situation, "Easy, we're disturbing the others."
"What others? There's only two other people here," Scootaloo said, gesturing to the pair. "They don't seem to mind."
"I do actually, but I guess you can't see past your immature behavior!" Octavia mentally scolded.
"Look, let's just swim away from the others for a bit," Rumble said, paddling out. "Come on."
While Rumble and The Crusaders enjoyed their swim, just outside Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were standing in front of the building.
"There it is," Diamond Tiara said. "A nice day for the pool."
"I'm glad you invited me Dia," Silver Spoon said, then gestured to a girl with curly blue hair. "But did you have to invite her too?"
Diamond Tiara turned to Cozy Glow, the girl looking very excited for the pool day, "Of course, I promised Principal Cinch after all."
"I know, but still," Silver Spoon said.
"She's not that bad to be around, plus it's good to get in with Crystal Prep," Diamond Tiara said. "Cozy Glow, we're going!"
"Okay!" Cozy Glow said, following Diamond Tiara inside.
Elsewhere Tender Taps was on his way to his dance lessons when he spotted Twilight and her friends. The boy's heart accelerated upon seeing his crush, and in a forced suave way, approached the girls.
"Hey Twi," Tender Taps greeted.
Twilight turned to the boy, "Oh, Tender Taps, nice to see you."
"How are you doing Tender Taps?" Rarity asked.
"Doing fine, thanks," Tender Taps said.
"Off to dance?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Yeah, got a big number coming soon, and I gotta be prepared," Tender Taps said, tapping a bit. "I always bring my best work when I perform."
"Well good on you," Rarity said. "I appreciate a boy who works hard."
"Yes, hard work is one of my favorite attributes for a person," Twilight said.
Tender Taps's eyes widened a sec, just as the boy cleared his throat, "Well, you're about to be amazed then, Twilight Sparkle. For I am-"
"Actually, we're not sticking around too long, we're going to go out for a bite to eat," Twilight said.
"Oh...okay," Tender Taps said.
"But I would love to see you perform, just save a seat for me," Twilight said.
Tender Taps's eyes widened as he feverishly nodded, "Yes man!"
"Me too, I can go with Twilight," Sunset said, placing her arm around the girl. "It can be like a date."
Twilight raised her eyebrow, "Date?"
Tender Taps furrowed his brow, "Date!?"
"Yeah, date," Sunset gazed affectionately at Twilight, "When was the last time you took me on a date my sweet, sexy nerd?"
Twilight's face turned completely red as she raised her hand to bonk Sunset on the head, "Knock it off!”
"Ow, geez, take a joke," Sunset said, rubbing her head. "Tender Taps thought it was funny, isn't that right Tappy?"
"Yeah...sure," Tender Taps said, grumbling to himself. "I gotta go now."
"You go have fun now," Applejack said. "Dance till you can't no more."
"Yeah, dancing is super fun," Pinkie said. "I like to dance at parties."
"I do too, a little," Fluttershy said.
"I always get so sweaty," Twilight said.
"Oh, if you feel like that, you can go to the pool after a dance lesson," Tender Taps said. "I thought about going later since that's where Rumble and the Crusaders are at right now."
Rarity's eyes widened in disbelief, "I'm sorry, they're what?"
"Oh boy..." Applejack said.
"Tender Taps, did you just say that my sister is swimming with Rumble?" Rarity asked.
"Yeah, at the Canterlot Public Pool, why?" Tender Taps asked.
"...That little fiend!" Rarity dashed off toward the public pool area.
"Uh...what just happened?" Tender Taps asked.
"Rarity don't like when her sister is with Rumble, she thinks he's going to work up the charm on her her or something," Applejack said.
"Work up the charm? Like dating?" Tender Taps asked. "Wait, why is that a bad thing?"
"Well, it's not bad per say, but Rarity probably doesn't want Sweetie Belle dating boys, especially Rumble," Applejack said.
"But Rumble's a nice kid," Tender Taps said. "Even if it's true and he wanted to 'work the charm', it's not like he just wants to make out with her and that's it. Rumble respects girls. He probably just wants to date her."
"Well regardless, Rarity isn't ready to see her sister date," Applejack said. "But, to yer point, it should be up to Sweetie Belle. If you say that Rumble's a nice boy, then she found herself a good boyfriend."
"Assuming Sweetie Belle likes boys," Sunset said. "She could like girls."
"Sunset!" Twilight scolded.
"Again just teasing," Sunset said. "I don't know Rumble too well, but he seems alright. I bet he'd be great for Sweetie Belle, or any of the Crusaders."
Tender Taps focused back on the country girl, "Hey Applejack, if Rumble liked Apple Bloom, would you freak out?"
"Not really, I might have some words to make sure they're not doing anything stupid, but ah wouldn't freak out," Applejack said.
"That's good," Tender Taps said. "Anyway, I'll see you later."
"You have fun, Tender Taps," Twilight said, standing up. "The rest of us should check on Rarity."
"Again? I swear she's such a damn weirdo sometimes," Rainbow Dash said, following her friends.
Back at the pool, Scootaloo is backpedaling around and spitting water up like a fountain while Apple Bloom is doing a few laps back and forth.
"Wow, Apple Bloom's good," Rumble said.
"She likes to exercise whenever she can, keeps in shape," Sweetie Belle said.
"I respect that, swimming is great for exercise too," Rumble said. "Good for both a hardcore workout or if you just need a rest day."
"I could use a workout," Sweetie Belle said. "I need to lose weight."
"You look fine though," Rumble said.
"I'm not..." Sweetie Belle looked around before whispering. "I have a bit of belly fat."
"Oh, is that all?" Rumble said. "A bit of belly fat isn't a big deal, lots of people have it."
"It just seems so...unusual for a girl," Sweetie Belle said. "We're supposed to be pretty after all."
"Hey, don't say that," Rumble said. "Pretty is subjective. It's good if you want to lose that extra bit of weight, but don't feel like you have to do it to fit a standard. Do it because you want to do it."
"I kind of do, I feel weird when I grab my stomach and I feel...flab," Sweetie Belle said, doing just that.
"I can help you come up with some dieting tips," Rumble said. "That's what fat is sometimes, and losing weight is a combination of diet and exercise. But I think you're worrying too much. I mean, what about Apple Bloom and Scootaloo? Do you think either of them have flab?"
"I don't know, they don't say," Sweetie Belle said. "Apple Bloom's a farmer though, she can get a work out in the field. Scootaloo does pushups and sit-ups whenever she can, plus she rides her scooter well. I don't do that much exercise unless I'm with the girls."
"Better than nothing at least," Rumble said. "You're in good shape Sweetie Belle, you look healthy, I don't think you need to worry about flab that no one's gonna care about."
"It's not just flab," Sweetie Belle said, rubbing her stomach. "I am a bit chubby after all."
"I honestly can't tell," Rumble said.
"You'd need to see me without a shirt," Sweetie Belle said. "Or a two-piece suit. But of course I don't want to wear a two piece because it will expose my chubbiness. That's why I wear a one piece, even then I still feel a bit of fat on my stomach."
"Well, unless I see it bare, I can't really judge," Rumble said. "I'm not asking you to show me, I know that would be embarrassing for you. But I still think you're worrying over nothing. I don't know if it this is a girl thing or just something about you that I still need to understand."
"My sister looks great in a bikini, I feel so much envy for her," Sweetie Belle said. "At least she doesn't have to worry about being pretty, it comes naturally to her."
"...I think you're pretty," Rumble said, getting a blush from Sweetie Belle. "I know that sounds forward but, I don't want you being down on yourself. It's alright if you really are a little chubby, personally I think it's cute. Like I said, if you want to lose that weight, let me know and I will do what I can to help you out. I still think you look amazing."
Sweetie Belle blushed at Rumble's kind words, "Thank you. Wow, I don't even know why I was so worried in the first place."
"It's fine," Rumble said. "Everyone has one of those moments."
"...So, you think I'm pretty?" Sweetie Belle asked, getting a blush from the boy.
"Yeah," Rumble admitted.
"I think you're handsome," Sweetie Belle. Subconsciously she moved her hand toward Rumble's, the two holding onto each other. They glanced at one another, feeling nothing but pure joy and happiness. Like the previous day, they felt compelled to one another, a force moving them close to each other as their faces became centimeters apart.
Suddenly however, Cozy Glow ran into the pool area, the girl wearing a one piece of her own with a small ballerina tutu. "Pool time!" She leapt inside, making a splash near Rumble and Sweetie Belle, snapping them out of it.
Diamond Tiara, wearing a white and green bikini, called out to Cozy Glow, "I said don't run in without me!"
"Sorry!" Cozy Glow said, then turned to Rumble and Sweetie Belle. "Hi!"
"Uh, hi," Rumble said.
Cozy Glow moved in close to Rumble, "Wow, you're really cute. Do you have a girlfriend?"
"Huh!?" Rumble asked. "Uh..."
"Cozy Glow, don't bother them," Diamond Tiara said, getting in the water with her. "Please stay close to me, I don't want you to get hurt."
"You worry too much, I can handle it," Cozy Glow said.
"I know but better safe that sorry, plus your aunt would destroy me if you got hurt," Diamond Tiara said.
"Hey! Wait up!" Silver Spoon said, the girl walking in with an orange bikini. "Oh, Rumble! Sweetie Belle! Hi!"
"Hi Silvey," Sweetie Belle greeted, Rumble also waving.
"Didn't expect to see you two here," Apple Bloom said, swimming over with Scootaloo. "And you brought a guest."
"I need to do some laps, and then relax a bit," Diamond Tiara said. "I brought Cozy with me by her aunt's permission, good for her to blow off some steam."
"Swimming's fun," Cozy Glow said.
"Yeah, it is, and good for your body," Rumble said.
"Oh yeah, soon I'll be sexy, just like Diamond Tiara," Cozy Glow said.
"Aw, you're sweet," Diamond Tiara said, hugging Cozy Glow. "I can never stay mad at you."
"I know you can't," Cozy Glow said, hugging the older girl back.
"Aw, how nice," Apple Bloom said.
"So, how long have you been here?" Diamond Tiara asked.
"A bit, we're probably leaving soon, mah body's getting all pruny," Apple Bloom said.
"Ooh, that's not good, you don't want to be ugly," Diamond Tiara said. "That would suck."
"Yeah, ah guess," Apple Bloom said. "Gonna do a few more laps then call it a day."
"Sounds good, I'll join you," Rumble said, swimming with the girl.
"I'm gonna go to the diving board again," Scootaloo said, swimming off.
Sweetie Belle sighed in worry, feeling a bit strange. "What a day."
"Seems like you had fun, did you?" Diamond Tiara asked.
"Yeah, I did," Sweetie Belle said. "I like your bikini."
"Thanks, I like your suit too," Diamond Tiara said. "A good one piece can really show off your butt if you work it right."
Sweetie Belle blushed a bit, "My butt? Would Rumble notice if...no don't be silly."
"You alright, Sweetie Belle?" Silver Spoon asked.
"Yeah..." Sweetie Belle said. "It's nothing, don't worry."
"Well I'm gonna go chat with Octavia, come on Cozy Glow," Diamond Tiara said.
"And please don't annoy her," Silver Spoon said.
"Geez, I'm not that annoying," Cozy Glow said, following the girls.
Sweetie Belle took a breath, trying to compose herself.
"Yo! Sweetie Belle!" Scootaloo called. "Come jump off the diving board!"
"What for!?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"It's fun!" Scootaloo said.
Sweetie Belle shrugged and made her way to the diving board, standing on top of it and looking down. Somehow she felt a bit uncomfortable, "Actually, this probably won't work out."
"Seriously? It's just a diving board, it's not super high or anything," Scootaloo said.
"I just don't feel like jumping," Sweetie Belle said. "Maybe I should-"
Scootaloo ran over and pushed Sweetie Belle off, the girl falling into the water, "See! Not bad!"
Sweetie Belle swam to the top, glaring angrily at Scootaloo, "Are you stupid or something!? What the hell was that about!?"
"Geez, overreact much?" Scootaloo said.
"I am SO gonna get you for that!" Sweetie Belle warned.
"Yeah, yeah," Scootaloo said, jumping off as well. She emerged a few seconds later, "Take a chill pill."
Sweetie Belle angrily swam to the ladder, climbing up while muttering to herself. She then heard Apple Bloom calling out to her.
"Uh, Sweetie Belle, yer suit's riding up," Apple Bloom said.
Sweetie Belle blushed a bit, remember Rumble was right there. Nervously she looked behind and saw him turning away in embarrassment. She was quick to fix her suit the moment it all sunk in.
"Wow Sweetie Belle, you really crack us up," Scootaloo said. That was the all Sweetie Belle could take as she jumped back in to tackle Scootaloo, both Rumble and Apple Bloom scurrying to break them up.
Twenty minutes later, they were out of the pool and out of the building. Scootaloo kept her distance from Sweetie Belle, the girl still looking infuriated.
"I'm gonna head home, see you tomorrow," Scootaloo said, grabbing her scooter and riding like her life depended on it.
"I'll go with her, bye you two," Apple Bloom said, leaving on her bike as well.
Once the two were alone, Sweetie Belle started to feel awkward again, especially after everything that happened, "So um...sorry you had to see me get that mad."
'It's fine, I get it," Rumble said. "Honestly, you look kind of cute when you're mad."
"Heh, just hope it's not aimed at you, or it won't be so cute," Sweetie Belle said. "Thanks for today, I had fun regardless."
"Same...think you and I can hang out next time, just us?" Rumble asked.
"Uh, sure, if you want," Sweetie Belle said, grabbing her bike. "Apple Bloom and Scootaloo are busy this weekend, I'll come meet you at the park. You have my number."
"Yeah, I'll call you," Rumble said, grabbing his own bike. "See you later, Sweetie Belle."
"Bye Rumble," Sweetie Belle said, about to leave.
"One more thing, and this might sound terrible but I have to be honest," Rumble said, getting her attention. "Your butt's cute."
Sweetie Belle's blush increased tenfold as her normally pale white skin was now turning red. Rumble felt a bit embarrassed by what he admitted and was quick to leave.
"Uh, never mind that, I was just messing around, bye," Rumble stomped off in embarrassment as he mentally berated himself. "How stupid are you, dumbass!?"
"Thanks!" Sweetie Belle called, snapping him out of it, "I appreciate the compliment. I’ll see you later."
As she rode off, Rumble felt relieved though still annoyed that he even took that chance, "I hope she's not just being nice."
The two went their separate ways, unaware that Rarity arrived at the pool area minutes later, collapsing in front of the entrance, once again just barely missing her sister. Her friends would find her and drag her home, but not without throwing her in the pool once just to cool her off.