//------------------------------//
// Advice From Others 
// Story: Sweet Affection 
// by Masterob 
//------------------------------//

Rumble and Sweetie Belle had arrived at the Carousel Boutique not too long after their date finished. The young colt was feeling significantly less nervous than when he started the date.

"So, do you wanna do this again tomorrow?" Rumble asked. "I can take us someplace else."

Before Sweetie Belle could answer, Rarity had opened the door to greet the two ponies. "Oh there's my little couple, tell me, how did the date go?"

Sweetie Belle was again about to answer, this time Rumble spoke up, "It was fun, I really liked spending time with your sister."

Sweetie Belle felt a little annoyed at being interrupted twice, but managed to fake a smile as she looked to her sister, "Yeah, real fun."

"Aw, so cute, do you two already have plans for another date?" Rarity asked.

"I was hoping to take her someplace else, do you have any ideas Miss Rarity?" Rumble asked.

Rarity tapped her chin, "Truthfully there aren't too many places young foals can go to, it might be rather pricey, though I know there's some places Twilight might know about that's perfect for you, why don't you ask her first chance you get?"

Rumble nodded, "Good idea, thanks Miss Rarity."

"No problem darling, you may run along now, me and Sweetie Belle have some sister talk to do," Rarity said.

"Alright, bye Miss Rarity, bye Sweetie Belle," Rumble said and flew off, leaving Sweetie Belle a little relieved.

"Well that's done and over with," Sweetie Belle bluntly said as she made her way inside.

Rarity looked curious by that statement, "What do you mean by that Sweetie Belle?"

Sweetie Belle made her way inside, "Well the date's over, I managed to get through it no problem."

Rarity looked concerned, "What are you getting at Sweetie Belle, didn't you have fun?"

"It was nice, though Rumble isn't exactly what I'm looking for in a colt, he's too...I don't know, non-boyish," Sweetie Belle said.

Rarity looked a little displeased, as she closed the door to the Boutique with her magic, she approached her little sister with a stern glare. "Sweetie Belle, what did you just say?"

"Nothing, just that Rumble isn't boyish enough for me, he isn't what I want in a coltfriend," Sweetie Belle said.

Rarity couldn't believe what she had heard, how could her sister be so shallow? Granted Rarity has her ideas of what a stallion should be, she would never say such things if a colt as sweet as Rumble asked her out. "What's wrong with him? He's a nice boy, very well mannered too."

"Yeah he is, but he's not that much like a boy, he speaks too softly, he looks like a filly, and he acts too cute, he doesn't strike me as a boyish colt," Sweetie Belle explained.

Rarity shook her head in disbelief, "I can't believe you, first off saying that he looks like a filly is very rude, you wouldn't like it if somepony said you look like a colt. Second what's wrong with the way he talks and acts? He's nice, respectful and he seems focused on making you happy."

"Rarity you just met him, you're acting like you know him," Sweetie Belle said.

"I can tell darling, when you've been around as many ponies as I have you get an idea of what they're like. He has that sweetness to him that you normally don't find in a colt, very rare too," Rarity said.

"Exactly, he's too sweet, I want a colt that's like, a colt, more rough, not afraid to get dirty, and shows more of a tough attitude," Sweetie Belle said. flexing her forelegs to further her point.

"That's ridiculous, a filly as pretty as well cultured as yourself needs a colt like Rumble, he knows how to treat a mare," Rarity insisted.

"Look, I know he's nice, he's a good friend, but I don't like him that way, I want a boyish coltfriend," Sweetie Belle said.

"What for though? Why does he need to be boyish?" Rarity asked with a raise of her eyebrow.

"Well for one, I want a colt that's tough, doesn't let anypony walk all over them and always says what's on their mind. Plus I want somepony strong, suppose I need to be protected from say...Changelings?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Sweetie Belle I've fought Changelings, I didn't need a boyish colt to do that. In fact most of the bad things that have happened to Equestria were handled by me and my friends, no boys needed, except Spike that one time in The Crystal Empire against that terrible King Sombra" Rarity said.

"See, the most dangerous one, aside from that Tirek monster that stole magic, but still," Sweetie Belle said.

Rarity sighed in disbelief, "Such shallowness, define what boyish is Sweetie Belle, because honestly if Rumble not boyish then I don't want a boyish coltfriend honestly. I want a sweet pony like Rumble."

"You date him then, I'm not interested. Honestly with how cool his big brother is you would think Rumble can be cool like him. Anyway I'm going to my room, see you later," Sweetie Belle said, then trotted away.

Rarity rubbed her head a little in irritation, "That girl, I bet it's because of that Button Mash colt. Yeah what a fine example of a colt he is, makes it harder for other colts to be sweet." She looked out the window in Rumble's direction. "Still, I know my sister needs a colt like that, there's just something about him that's so sweet, perhaps I can help move this along. I know love when I see it and that colt is perfect for my little sister."

Rarity trotted off to make plans, she would get those two to work, and she has an idea on how to.

A little bit later in her room, Sweetie Belle is laying on her bed, thinking over the date. Despite what she said, she feels like maybe she did enjoy the date more than she thought. She can't deny that Rumble's really nice, but she just can't see him that way. It doesn't matter, she'll keep this up until Scootaloo does what she needs to do, which she hopes won't take too long.

Not too long later later, she heard a knock on her door. "Come in."

Apple Bloom and Tender Taps entered moments later, Tender Taps having a big blush on his face.

"What's with you?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Your sister, she keeps telling me how cute I look, and that she loves my mane, also that she thinks I'm a great dancer," Tender Taps said.

"Basically she made him feel all flustered," Apple Bloom said, with Tender Taps nodding.

"Your sister's very beautiful, it's just weird for her to compliment me like that," Tender Taps said.

Sweetie rolled her eyes, "My sister compliments a lot of ponies, don't let it get to your head too much."

Tender Taps looked saddened by what Sweetie Belle said, causing Apple Bloom to step in. "That wasn't nice Sweetie Belle."

"I'm not trying to be mean, I'm just trying to get him to stop blushing," Sweetie Belle said.

"Well you hurt his feelings, now apologize," Apple Bloom said.

Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes, "Fine, I'm sorry Tender Taps." Once again Sweetie Belle doesn't care much for the non-boyish colts, most other colts would have let that brush away, but Tender Taps wasn't one of them unfortunately. Even Scootaloo can act more boyish, despite how weird that seems for Sweetie Belle at times.

Apple Bloom however wasn't sure if that was a convincing apology, but looking at Tender Taps, he did look a little less sad, so she wasn't gonna press it. "Anyway did ya get yer info on Rumble?"

"Yeah, he's a well-mannered and respectful colt who seems so cute that ponies like Pinkie Pie and my sister absolutely adore him," Sweetie Belle said with mock enthusiasm.

"Well anything we can help Scootaloo with?" Apple Bloom asked.

"He works out a lot, he doesn't like his food too sweet, he always flies with his older brother and his foal sitters, and he likes to be hugged" Sweetie Belle said.

"Alright, that sounds like stuff Scootaloo could handle, aside from the flying but she does work out a lot," Apple Bloom said.

"Also he does seem to like cute things, he saw pictures of our talent show, he says it's nice. Plus I bet if Scootaloo could sing him a song he might like that," Sweetie Belle said.

"Ok then, we'll need more though, when's yer next date?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Probably tomorrow, he's looking for a place to take me," Sweetie Belle said.

"That's fine, we'll try to be here tomorrow before he arrives," Apple Bloom said.

Tender Taps looked concerned, "Hey, Sweetie Belle, are you sure you don't like Rumble that way? He seems to like you that way, I think it's kinda cute."

Sweetie groaned a little, "Yes, I'm sure I don't like him that way, he's not..." Sweetie Belle had to be careful, she didn't wanna upset Tender Taps again, especially with Apple Bloom around. "He's just not my type, that's all."

"What is your type?" Tender Taps asked.

Before Sweetie Belle could answer, Apple Bloom spoke up, "Let me guess, colts like Button Mash?"

Sweetie Belle shrugged, "And if it is?"

"Nothing, ah just know you two kinda give each other flirty eyes," Apple Bloom teased.

"Yeah well, he's at least a colt who acts..." Sweetie had to think again, "Well, he's just more what I like in a colt."

"But still, maybe give Rumble a chance, I mean a pretty filly like you needs a handsome colt like Rumble, personally I say he's more handsome than Button Mash," Tender Taps said.

Sweetie Belle looked suspiciously at Tender Taps, "What's with this attitude all of a sudden?"

Apple Bloom looked a little annoyed, "Let me guess, it's because of what Dinky said?"

"Huh?" Sweetie Belle said. "What did Dinky say?"

"She warned us not to mess up yer relationship with Rumble," Apple Bloom said.

"Yeah, she got really angry," Tender Taps said, still freaked out about Dinky.

Sweetie Belle did not look too happy, "Oh so just because Dinky said to like Rumble means I should? Yeah I don't think so, you tell Dinky if she asks again that I don't like him that way, if she has a problem, she can come to me about it!"

Apple Bloom looked a little surprised by that outburst. Sweetie Belle must not be in the best mood, so Apple Bloom figured now was a good time to leave. "Sure thing, anyway we'll get going now, see ya tomorrow."

As the two left the room, Tender Taps poked back into the room, "I do think you make a cute couple with Rumble, so just think about-"

Unfortunately he didn't get to finish his sentence due to Sweetie Belle throwing a pillow at his face. The small filly crossed her forelegs and glared, "Leave, now."

Tender walked out the room, grumbling a bit, "For an adorable and usually mature filly, she can be a bit mean a times."

"Geez if you think Sweetie Belle is so adorable why don't you take her up on her offer and go out with her?" Apple Bloom said with some annoyance and a hint of jealously.

"Somehow I doubt she really meant that, for all I know I'm not her type either. Still I do think she and Rumble look cute together, plus I really don't wanna play a part in hurting his feelings, he looks really sensitive," Tender Taps said.

Apple Bloom patted his shoulder, "Listen, our main goal isn't breaking Rumble and Sweetie Belle up, it's getting him together with Scootaloo, so he'll be happy, don't worry."

Tender Taps looked aside, "I know, but still..."

"Listen, it's nice that you care about his feelings, believe me ah care too, he seems like a really nice colt, but you gotta trust me on this, alright?" Apple Bloom said.

Tender Taps shrugged, "Ok, I'll trust you."

"Good, besides if you mess this up fer Scootaloo, she's gonna kick yer butt," Apple Bloom warned, freaking out Tender Taps.

"I don't want my butt kicked," Tender Taps said.

"Then do what ah say alright?" Apple Bloom said.

Tender Taps nodded, "Alright, I'll trust you on this."

The two then made their way out of the Boutique, making plans for tomorrow.

Later at Twilight's Castle, Rumble had knocked on the door, awaiting an answer. Dinky was right beside him as he eagerly awaited the Princess of Friendship. "You seem excited."

"Rarity did give me some good advice, I'm going to take it," Rumble said.

Twilight then opened the door, seeing both Rumble and Dinky waiting. "Hello you two, what brings you here?"

"Hello Miss Twilight, may I ask you something please?" Rumble asked.

Twilight nodded, "Sure, what is it?"

"Well you see..."Rumble started explaining, but suddenly felt nervous, not sure how to go about asking.

Twilight looked a bit curious. "Go on dear, what did you need to ask?"

Rumble was gonna ask, but once again started to feel nervous. He knows Twilight's nice but it's also a little embarrassing to ask, so Dinky stepped forward. "He wants to know a restaurant to take Sweetie Belle for their second date tomorrow."

Twilight looked surprised and looked down to Rumble, "A second date? So you and Sweetie Belle really are together?

Rumble looked down, hiding his blush and shyly kicking the ground, "Kinda..."

Spike and Starlight both passed by, wondering what's happening.

"Rumble again? What's he here for this time?" Spike asked.

"Why is he blushing like that?" Starlight asked.

"A lot of colts blush like that when they're near Twilight, she's a princess after all, a lot of colts find her to be really pretty," Spike said. "I mean personally I say that goes to Rarity more than Twilight but still."

Twilight glared back at Spike, "I heard that, and I know you've had your eye on another mare aside from Rarity."

"That's a back-up plan! In case Rarity doesn't want to date me someday," Spike said.

Twilight ignored Spike and turned back to Rumble, "Come inside honey, I'll tell you some places you can take Sweetie Belle to that's perfect."

Rumble nodded and followed Twilight inside with Dinky, the two going to sit near The Cutie Map.

After they left, Starlight looked to Spike. "What other mare?"

Spike groaned, "You heard that I have a crush on Rarity right?" Once Starlight nodded, Spike continued, "What happened was that at one time I didn't think I would get together with Rarity, so I considered Sweetie Belle, saying if I can't get Rarity, I would date her sister when she got older."

"Wow..." Starlight said. "You really want to have one of them as your mate huh?"

Spike shrugged, "What can I say, I like things that are pretty."

"Well you are a dragon, it's in your nature to want treasure after all," Starlight said.

"Exactly," Spike admitted as he and Starlight walked to where Twilight was with the foals.

The next day, Rumble is making his way to the Boutique, joined by Dinky as usual.

"Looks like you got some good info from Twilight," Dinky said.

"Yeah, now I can take Sweetie Belle someplace extra special," Rumble said.

"I'm sure she'll appreciate that, remember this though, just be yourself, nothing else," Dinky said.

"You really seem to tell me that a lot," Rumble said.

"Because I want to make sure you know that, you don't have enough confidence in yourself so I gotta remind you that you're fine the way you are," Dinky said.

Rumble felt a small smile on his face, "You're such a sweet filly Dinky."

Dinky blushed angrily, "Don't call me 'sweet', I'm just being a friend."

"A sweet friend," Rumble teased, sticking his tongue out at Dinky's glare, then pulling her for a brief side hug.

Dinky's glare at Rumble turned to a half smile, "Cute, now get going, your marefriend's waiting."

Rumble nodded and trotted over to Rarity's home, knocking at the door.

Inside, Sweetie Belle's ears perked, "Rumble's here." She turned to Apple Bloom and Tender Taps, both had came earlier so they could be ready to see what the date would be like. "What should I do?"

"Just wait fer him to ask you to wherever and then we'll follow from there," Apple Bloom said.

"Yeah, just relax a bit Sweetie Belle, we'll help you out," Tender Taps reassured.

Sweetie Belle looked unsure, and felt even more unsure when she heard Rarity open the door to greet Rumble.

"So good to see you again Rumble dear, I take it you're here to see Sweetie Belle," Rarity said.

"Yes ma'am," Rumble answered. "Is she ready?"

"One second dear," Rarity said and called out, "Sweetie Belle, you're date's here!"

"I'm coming!" Sweetie Belle called out, then turned to her friends. "It's time, follow once we're at a distance."

The two nodded as Sweetie Belle went to greet Rumble. Son after the two foals had made their way to a place that Twilight had suggested, while Apple Bloom and Tender Taps followed shortly afterwards.

"I still think this isn't a good idea," Tender Taps said.

"Will you quit it with that? It's starting to get on mah nerves," Apple Bloom said.

As the two followed, Dinky had noticed them from her distance, "What are those two up to? I swear if they mess this up for Rumble I'm gonna knock the daylights out of them." Dinky quickly followed after everypony.

Later on Rumble is seen taking Sweetie Belle into a Restaurant Area, one that Twilight usually goes to. In fact the Princess of Friendship herself was actually seated there with Spike and Starlight Glimmer, all three noticing Rumble arrive with Sweetie Belle.

"I see Rumble took my advice, now to see how this pans out," Twilight said.

Spike looked curiously at the Princess, "Uh, why are you interested all of a sudden?"

"Because I also gave Rumble a few tips on how to successfully gain Sweetie Belle's affection, if they work, I can probably add romantic relationships to some of my Friendship Lessons. After all relationships are a friendship of their own," Twilight said.

Spike turned to Starlight with a shrug, which she returned, causing some frustration for Twilight.

Rumble approached a table, pulling a chair out for Sweetie Belle.

"Oh, thank you Rumble," Sweetie Belle said and got on the chair.

"No trouble," Rumble said and flew onto his own seat.

Within moments, a waiter came to take their order.

"I'll have a hayburger," Sweetie Belle said.

"Um...Grass sandwich please, with natural grain bread," Rumble said.

The waiter nodded and trotted off with the orders.

"You take your diet seriously," Pinkie said.

"Of course, I like to stay in shape, especially if I'm gonna be a great flyer one day," Rumble said.

"Well, at least you're committed, that's what I like about a pony, when they say they'll do something and stick to it," Sweetie Belle said.

Rumble grinned excitedly, "Really, well I'm totally that type of pony, I always commit to when I do something!"

"I'm sure you do," Sweetie Belle said. "I guess that's a trait I can admire about you."

Rumble's grin only widened, knowing Sweetie Belle now has one extra reason for liking him.

Apple Bloom and Tender Taps were both watching from the window, observing the date between the two foals.

"Hm, looks like things are less awkward than yesterday, Rumble seems pretty happy," Apple Bloom said.

"Yeah Rumble looks a little more confident, good for him," Tender Taps said.

Apple Bloom glared, "Tender Taps! Who's side are you on!?"

Tender rubbed his head shyly, "The side that wants everypony to be happy?"

"What about Scootaloo then!?" Apple Bloom said.

"Well...maybe she and Rumble won't make a good couple, he seems really sensitive and I don't think Scootaloo can handle being sensitive enough for Rumble," Tender Taps said.

"Don't be silly, Scootaloo can be plenty sensitive when she needs to be," Apple Bloom insisted. "Plus we'll help them out."

"I still think we should just leave things as is," Tender Taps insisted.

Apple Bloom shook her head, "Is this still about what Dinky said yesterday? Ah ain't gonna let her beat you up if that's what yer worried about."

"I'm not worried about Dinky," Tender Taps said nervously, shifting his eyes around a bit.

"Look, ah can handle Dinky, ah don't let no pony get to me," Apple Bloom said.

"What about Diamond Tiara?" Tender Taps asked.

"Pfft, she was all talk, never really took her seriously...most of the time," Apple Bloom said.

"What about your cousin Babs?" Tender Taps asked.

"Don't bring that up, she's really ashamed of how she acted," Apple Bloom said.

Tender Taps bit his lip, "I still don't think-"

"Look, Tender Taps, don't worry about Dinky, ah won't let her push us around, besides she doesn't look that tough anyway, nothing ah can't handle," Apple Bloom said.

Tender Taps still looked unsure, but gave up on the matter. He only hopes Apple Bloom knows what she's doing.

What they don't know is that Dinky was near their location, close enough to hear their conversation.

"Not so tough huh? We'll see about that," Dinky kept her distance, knowing that a confrontation now could distract Rumble from his date. But she knew to stay close, ready to help her best friend with this.

In the restaurant, Rumble and Sweetie Belle got their food and wasted no time eating it. Rumble needed to think of something else to say, remembering Twilight's words, he brought up another conversation. "So...your mane looks really pretty by the way."

Sweetie Belle checked her mane, fluffing it a bit. "Oh, thanks, my sister helps me with it."

"It really brings out your eyes, you have really pretty eyes," Rumble said.

Sweetie Belle blinked a moment while blushing, "Oh, thanks Rumble...your eyes look really nice too, and so does your mane."

"Your cheeks look cute too, especially when they turn pink like they are now," Rumble said.

Sweetie Belle felt her face, she hadn't even realized she was blushing. "Oh, thanks, you're really nice Rumble."

Rumble felt relieved that the tips seemed to be working, he made a mental note to thank Twilight later.

Twilight herself noticed this and felt proud of Rumble, "I see my tips are working."

"I'm surprised you know this much about romance Twilight," Starlight said.

"Of course, I read a lot of books, not to mention Cadance also gave some great advice about romance," Twilight said.

"She is the Princess of Love after all," Starlight said.

"Exactly, if anypony knows about romance, it's Cadance," Twilight said.

"So why haven't you used it then?" Spike asked coyly.

Twilight glared, "Real cute Spike."

Rumble thought things over, running out of ideas before one popped into his head, "Sweetie Belle, do you think you could ever...you know, sing a song for me?"

Sweetie Belle's eyes widened, "What did you ask?"

"You're voice is so pretty, and I heard you can sing pretty well, I just want to hear a song from you one day," Rumble said while looking down shyly.

Sweetie Belle felt some sweat emerge, she wasn't exactly too confident about this. "Um, I'm no good in front of an audience."

"Even if it's just me?" Rumble asked.

Sweetie Belle shrugged, "I get nervous even if it's just Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, and compared to them I don't really know you too well, so it might make me even more nervous."

"I won't laugh, but if you don't want to I won't ask again, I don't wanna be a source of bother for you," Rumble said.

Sweetie Belle's blush returned, this colt was making her feel more flustered than she wanted to. "It's fine, maybe I'll consider it for you, after all you seem really nice."

Rumble nodded, "If you'd like, I can even show you my special flying techniques."

"That'd be great," Sweetie Belle said, finishing up her food afterwards. "But there's something I need to know...what do you want in a marefriend?"

Rumble seemed surprised by that question, but he took it as a bit of confidence that she's even closer to liking him, maybe choosing this answer carefully he can finally get her as his filly. "Um, well I would like for them to be really nice, very friendly and a pleasure to be around. I would like a filly that has a cute giggle, so I can make them laugh all the time. I want them to be caring, not just to me but to everypony, especially my family. I also want them to be confident, but if they aren't, I would love to help them with that, maybe even be there for them, if they'll let me." Rumble looked over at Sweetie Belle, who seemed a bit entranced by his words. "But most of all, I just want a filly who's not afraid to be herself, she shouldn't have to change anything to make me happy, because if I can feel that they love me, like I would love them then that's all that matters to me."

Sweetie Belle looked so enamored with his words, she could feel the genuineness behind them, he really is a nice colt, and not too bad on the eyes...wait what was she thinking? Does she actually like this colt? No, it can't be, she doesn't like sensitive colts, she likes boyish colts, doesn't she?

Twilight also found what he had just said to be really nice and sweet, feeling a bit teary eyed after hearing his gentle words. Starlight also felt something from it, almost wishing she was in Sweetie Belle's position, having a nice pony like that saying the sweetest things.

Spike however, didn't care too much, it was a little sappy for his liking, but he respects Rumble for speaking honestly in such a sappy topic.

Rumble was blushing very heavily, he hoped it was romantic enough, but not sappy to the point where it's too weird for her. He sat waiting for a response from her, hoping it to be a positive one.

"Wow Rumble...that was so sweet. You're so, um...elegant with your words," Sweetie Belle said, still feeling some fluster from his kind words.

Rumble sighed in relief and smiled at Sweetie Belle, "Thanks, glad you think that."

Sweetie Belle nodded and both continued on the date with some small talk. Later on Rumble had covered the pay again, and even complimented the waitress, showing more of his gentle side.

The two left the restaurant, Rumble taking Sweetie Belle home. Twilight also left with her friends, looking at the two with some pride.

"I'm so happy for Rumble and Sweetie Belle, this looks like it could be real love blooming, I should tell Cadance about this," Twilight said.

"Are you that proud that you helped Sweetie Belle and Rumble get together?" Spike asked.

"Of course, Sweetie Belle is such a pretty filly, she deserves a handsome colt like Rumble, not to mention he's also really sweet and sensitive, so Sweetie Belle has the perfect combination," Twilight said.

"He's ok I guess," Spike said.

"Be nice Spike, you see how nice he is after all, I just think he's a good match for Sweetie Belle," Twilight said.

"Plus their relationship started at your castle," Starlight pointed out.

"Exactly, those two make such a cute couple, to know it started at my castle makes me feel so happy," Twilight said with sparkles in her eyes.

"Who knows, one day they can get married in your castle," Starlight said.

Twilight gasped, "That would be so adorable, I would love to handle their wedding, I could be the one that marries them!"

Before this could continue, Spike waved his arms to get their attention, "Whoa, whoa, take it easy! They just got together, and they're still kids, don't you two think you're getting a bit carried away!?"

Twilight and Starlight each blushed at that, realizing how silly they're being. "Right, sorry."

"It's great you two want them to be happy, but you gotta be patient, let's just see how this goes," Spike said.

The mares nodded and the three began to make their way home. Meanwhile, Apple Bloom and Tender Taps had followed after Rumble and Sweetie Belle, while Dinky followed after them, to make sure they don't mess anything up.

Rumble had taken Sweetie Belle home and knocked, Rarity answering moments later.

"You're back, how was the date?" Rarity asked.

"Great, probably even better than yesterday," Rumble said.

"Yeah, he was really nice, he said such nice things about my mane and eyes" Sweetie Belle said.

"Oh did he now, well he's not wrong, plus he's well groomed himself," Rarity said, rubbing his head a bit. "Such a handsome boy."

Rumble blushed a lot, "I appreciate that Miss Rarity, anyway I should get going now, my brother wants me home-"

"Yo bro!" Rumble heard Thunderlane call out.

"Thunderlane? Why did you come here?" Rumble asked.

"I just finished up working on the clouds, then I saw you walking Sweetie Belle home so I thought I'd come to check up on you," Thunderlane said, landing in front of the boutique.

"Our date just finished, I was walking her home," Rumble said.

"He's really nice," Sweetie Belle said.

"Yes, you have such a well mannered and very handsome brother if I do say so myself," Rarity said.

Thunderlane blushed at seeing Rarity, "Yeah well, I taught him some stuff too, how to be romantic, and cool, and all that stuff." Thunderlane showed off a show-off smirk which made Rarity giggle, though Rumble found it a bit annoying.

"Aren't you a confident one?" Rarity said.

"Yeah well, you know how it is." Thunderlane gestured Rumble over. "Anyway me and Rumble need to get going, say bye Rumble."

Rumble was gonna say bye, but remembered something. "Wait, before I go, I need to ask Sweetie Belle-"

"If you want to ask me on another date, then the answer's yes, I would love to go, if Rarity's ok with it," Sweetie Belle said.

Rarity looked a little impressed, now it seems like Sweetie Belle wants to be around Rumble. "Of course I'm ok, maybe you two can have a picnic in the park, a little cheaper than going to a restaurant."

"Sounds like an awesome idea, anyway, see you girls later," Thunderlane said and flew off.

"Bye Miss Rarity, bye Sweetie Belle," Rumble said and flew off as well.

Rarity gave Sweetie Belle a coy grin, "So I take it he's won you over?"

Sweetie Belle turned away, "Not exactly, I just didn't have plans for tomorrow, so I thought I'd humor him."

"You let him take you on a date before he could ask, that doesn't sound like you're humoring him, I think you like spending time with that colt," Rarity said.

"No, you got it all wrong, he's not my type, I'm just being nice," Sweetie Belle insisted.

"Right, being nice. Anyway I should prepare your lunch for tomorrow, maybe make something for him to, but what would he like?" Rarity asked.

"Something light, he eats nutritious food, preferably things that aren't too sweet and sugary," Sweetie Belle said.

"Oh, how informative," Rarity said with a grin. "Somepony's been paying attention."

Sweetie Belle blushed, "Whatever, I'm going to my room."

Rarity giggled a bit, she knows her sister, and she knows that she has new feelings she probably doesn't understand, but she'll be there to help her. Before Rarity closed her door, Apple Bloom had appeared. "Rarity, can we see Sweetie Belle a moment?"

Rarity looked to Tender Taps, who stood there a bit shyly. "Of course, but not too long, she needs to get ready for dinner soon, and I'm sure Applejack wants you home."

"Don't worry, ah just need to see her fer five minutes," Apple Bloom said and trotted upstairs to Sweetie Belle's room along with Tender Taps.

Rarity wasn't sure what they were up to, but she wasn't gonna ask, not yet.

Upstairs, Apple Bloom had wasted no time asking. "So, anything you can tell us?"

Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yeah, he likes nice and sweet girls, he likes confidence, he likes friendliness and gentleness."

"Which doesn't exactly define Scootaloo," Tender Taps reminded.

"Hush up, alright so that's good, maybe we can relay this to Scootaloo, when are ya gonna see him again?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Tomorrow, we're having a picnic in the park," Sweetie Belle said.

"Good, we'll get Scootaloo to come, maybe she can see up close how to act, then get her to make her move," Apple Bloom said.

Sweetie Belle looked a bit unsure, "Hey, um, why are we doing this again?"

Apple Bloom became confused, "To help Scootaloo get together with Rumble, don't ya remember?"

"Well yeah, but what if it doesn't work?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"It will," Apple Bloom said. "Trust me on this."

Sweetie Belle mumbled a bit, "This might be a waste of time though."

"Huh? What'd you say?" Apple Bloom said.

Sweetie Belle shook her head, "Nothing, just tell Scootaloo what Rumble likes, cute, caring, friendly, somepony to be there for, all that stuff."

"Right, anyway let's go Tender Taps, we got some planning to do," Apple Bloom said and quickly rushed out the room.

Tender Taps was about to follow, but turned to ask Sweetie Belle one question. "Do you really think this will work?"

Sweetie Belle shrugged, "Honestly, it probably won't, but we won't know until the time comes."

Tender looked down shyly, almost regretting what he was about to say, but felt it should be said. "I think you and Rumble are cute together, just so you know." Tender Taps ran to catch up with Apple Bloom while Sweetie Belle thought everything over.

"Probably should have told Apple Bloom that Rumble likes a filly who can be themselves, but I doubt that's gonna help Scootaloo, oh well," Sweetie Belle laid back to think over everything, including her feelings regarding 'boyish' colts.

Later outside, Apple Bloom and Tender Taps walked toward Scootaloo's house, though Tender Taps still looked unsure.

"What happens once Scootaloo gets together with Rumble?" Tender Taps asked.

"Nothing, they just get together," Apple Bloom said.

"What about Sweetie Belle? Who will she be with?" Tender Taps said.

"Maybe she can get together with Button Mash, not that it's important right now, first thing's first, get Scootaloo with Rumble," Apple Bloom said.

Tender Taps sighed, knowing this probably won't turn out well. Even Dinky had noticed them from nearby, though had some thoughts.

"That Apple filly sure is stubborn, but maybe that dancing pony could be convinced. I should talk to him soon, no way I'm letting them ruin this for Rumble," Dinky said, then made her way home.