//------------------------------// // Clubhouse Meeting // Story: Sweet Affection 3 // by Masterob //------------------------------// In the center of Ponyville, later in the afternoon, Scootaloo was riding her scooter across town, gazing in amazement at the decorations the ponies were putting up. "This Festival Twilight is planning is looking to be an awesome one, I can't wait to see what she has planned," Scootaloo commented. Scootaloo continued to ride around the town, passing by all the busy ponies. The Flower Ponies were putting up their decorations, The Cakes were setting up some tables, and all the Pegasi were keeping the clouds away. "You'd think it was starting today, maybe Twilight's moving it up?" Scootaloo wondered out loud. "She isn't," she heard. The little Pegasus looked up to see Lightning Dust laying against a cloud. "Oh it's you Lightning Dust," Scootaloo said with little enthusiasm. It's no secret that she isn't too fond of Lightning Dust, knowing the mare rivals Rainbow Dash, or tries to. "Twilight's just planning ahead so that everything can be ready as early as possible. Most of this stuff is gonna stay out overnight," Lightning explained "That sounds like something Twilight would do," Scootaloo said. "You have no idea," Lightning said while getting off the cloud. She then landed down in front of Scootaloo. "Anyway where are you off too runt?" Scootaloo didn't take too kindly to the nickname, but withheld her comment. "Nowhere in particular, I'm just seeing how this Festival is coming along." Scootaloo then pondered her own question. "So, how has it been living with Twilight?" "Cool, she's pretty fun to be around," Lightning said. "When she's not being uptight at least." "Kinda rude to call her 'uptight'," Scootaloo said. "She's doing you a huge favor after all." "I know, and I do appreciate it," Lightning said. "But she has this odd nature to her, like I don't know how to say it without trying to insult her but, she's so...unusual." "Everything Twilight does is for a good reason, that's why she became the Princess of Friendship," Scootaloo said. "She's got the Friendship part down right, despite her nerdy attitude she can be fun to be around, she's got a great attitude about certain things, plus I do like that giddy laugh she does when she's excited about something," Lightning said, fondly thinking of Twilight's happy face. "But at the same time she can be a little nitpicky on things." Lightning shrugged it off. "Better than nothing I guess, besides I also get to hang out with Starlight and Trixie, they're cool, especially Trixie, even if that mare is really odd herself." "You seem to have a low opinion on those you call friends, is this why Rainbow Dash wanted nothing more to do with you?" Scootaloo asked. Lightning glared, "Hey she's the one who betrayed me, all because I was lead pony and not her!" "Actually it was because you endangered her friends and acted like you didn't care," Scootaloo pointed out. "Pssh, that's an over exaggeration," Lightning insisted. "They were fine, we were in an area surrounded by extremely fast flyers, if they couldn't save five ponies then they had no business being Wonderbolts. Besides they shouldn't have been there, they should know taking a balloon to a place like that could be dangerous." "But that's not the-" Scootaloo shook her head in annoyance, she knows Lightning has been told over and over again that the main point is her attitude, not just what she did. "Forget it, we've been trying to tell you for months and you still don't get it. A Wonderbolt is suppose to be alert to their surroundings, and accept responsibility for their mistakes. Look I just wanna keep exploring the town, you do whatever it was that Twilight asked you to do." As Scootaloo rode away in her scooter, Lightning floated there to ponder her thoughts a moment. Deep down she knew that her seemingly uncaring attitude is what they seemed mad at the most, but she still insists that it wasn't entirely her fault. She never would have tried something so dangerous if she knew other ponies could get hurt, it's not like she didn't care, or at least she believes so. Not like she's gonna make a mistake like that again, she'd lose what she has now for good. "That brat thinks she knows everything, what else could I have expected from Rainbow Dash's biggest fan," Lightning said and flew off to find more things to do. She didn't want to leave anything unfinished and disappoint Twilight. As Scootaloo continued riding through town, she saw Apple Bloom running through like if she was in a hurry. "Hey Apple Bloom!" Apple Bloom stopped as she turned to Scootaloo, a huge grin appearing on her face. "Oh good! Saved me a lot of time in finding you later!" "Huh? What's going on?" Scootaloo asked. "No time to ask, just get to the Club House, ah have an emergency Crusaders meeting!" Apple Bloom said. "Emergency? What type?" Scootaloo asked. "Just get to the dang Club House! I'll tell you later!" Apple Bloom shouted, then ran off to where Scootaloo guessed was towards the Carousel Boutique. "O...k then, that's weird, even for Apple Bloom," Scootaloo said. "Well if she wants me at the Club House then to the Club House I'll go." Scootaloo picked up speed as she rode to the club house on Sweet Apple Acres. Apple Bloom arrived at the Boutique a few minutes alter, quickly and loudly knocking on the door. "Sweetie Belle! Y'all in there!?" The door was opened by a very displeased Rarity. "Apple Bloom! Please refrain from knocking so loudly! It’s very irritating!" "Sorry Rarity, but I really need to see Sweetie Belle!" Apple Bloom insisted. "She's in her room with Rumble and Flurry Heart," Rarity said. "Rumble's here too? Good, another time saver," Apple Bloom said. "What's going on Apple Bloom?" Rarity curiously asked. "Sorry, top secret Crusaders stuff," Apple Bloom answered. Rarity raised her eyebrows, "Top secret? I hope this isn't more matchmaking." Apple Bloom shook her head, "I'm past that stuff, didn't even work out like ah wanted to anyway." "Well whatever this is Apple Bloom, just stay out of trouble, and don't drag my sister into anything ridiculous," Rarity said. "Rarity, ah get the feeling you don't have a lot of faith in me," Apple Bloom said in a mock hurt voice. Rarity rolled her eyes, "Gee, wonder why that would be?" Rarity gestured inside, "Like I said, they're in her room. Do what you will, but remember what I said, don't-" "Get into trouble, yeah, ah get it already," Apple Bloom said, trotting inside. "Dang Rarity, you used to be fun." "Apple Bloom!" Rarity began to scold. "Fine, sorry, I'm off," Apple Bloom said, trotting inside. Rarity closed her door and went back to work. While she did care for Apple Bloom, she does get a little nervous whenever Apple Bloom seems too excited about something, even more when she's secretive about it. Perhaps it really is nothing and Rarity's just overreacting, but she's learned with the Crusaders that even the smallest idea can lead to something catastrophic. In Sweetie Belle's room, Rumble lying on his stomach bored while letting Flurry lay against his sides as the toddler played with her Wammy,.Sweetie Belle was hard at work making a hat for the young Princess. "It's almost done, I'm sure she'll look cute in this hat," Sweetie Belle said. "That's nice Sweetie Belle, but you sure it will fit?" Rumble asked. "Of course it will...sorta," Sweetie Belle said, showing off the hat that looked a bit too large for Flurry's head, or even his own. "Maybe she'll grow into it." "Um, Sweetie Belle, I don't think even an adult pony could wear that, maybe a dragon but not a pony," Rumble said. "Well it can't hurt to try," Sweetie Belle said, placing the hat over Flurry, the clothing completely covering the toddler's eyes. "Doesn't look too bad." Flurry used her magic to lift up the hat and toss it away, then blew a raspberry at it. "Looks like she doesn't like it," Rumble said. Sweetie Belle glared at the young filly, "She could be nicer about it. I know my designs don't look great and I'm nowhere near as talented as my sister, but have some consideration." "She's only a toddler, so she's overly honest about her feelings I guess," Rumble said. "Besides they're not that horrible, and you do have fun making them. I know you once told me that you considered getting into fashion like Rarity." "Yeah, I figured it could be a great Cutie Mark at least," Sweetie Belle said, gesturing to her flank. "Wow, talking about Cutie Marks takes me back to when I was so obsessed with finding mine." "Yeah, that's how you made friends with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo," Rumble said. "Well technically I knew Scootaloo before I met Apple Bloom, but it did bond all three of us together," Sweetie Belle said. "I just wish I could help you get your Cutie Mark." "Don't worry about it," Rumble said, waving it off. "I'm not in any hurry." "But don't you want to know what you're meant to do?" Sweetie Belle asked. "I'll do what I want to do, I don't need a Cutie Mark to turn me into one thing my whole life," Rumble said. Sweetie Belle looked confused, "Huh? Rumble Cutie Marks don't-" Suddenly she was interrupted by what sounded like a knock on her door. "Who could that be?" Before she could go answer, Apple Bloom let herself in. "Sweetie Belle! Rumble! Come quick! Clubhouse! Crusaders meeting! Big secret!" This just confused the three foals in the room, causing a bit of an awkward silence. "Um..." Sweetie Belle said, being the first to break the silence. "What?" "Just get to the clubhouse! Let's go!" Apple Bloom said, gesturing them to follow. Sweetie Belle turned to Rumble, the colt offering a shrug, lifting Flurry onto his back as the two decided to go along with what Apple Bloom was saying and followed her to the clubhouse. Scootaloo sped her way to the Clubhouse, arriving near the stairs and leaving her scooter on the side. While there, she heard some ponies talking up in the clubhouse. "Sounds like others are here." She went inside and found two familiar ponies talking with one another. One being Babs Seed, the cousin of the Apple Bloom, and the other being one of Rumble's best friends, Dinky Doo. "Hey girls," Scootaloo said. Babs waved first, "Sup Scoots, looks like Apple Bloom got you as well." "As well?" Scootaloo asked. "She bumped into me as she was leaving the farm," Dinky said. "I was looking for Twilight, I heard she was on her way to the farm and I wanted to speak with her regarding my magic lessons. That's when Apple Bloom told me to 'Get to the club house quick!' So I went," Dinky explained. "Twilight will probably be around for a bit, so you can talk to her after Apple Bloom holds this mysterious meeting," Babs said. "She did seem overly excited about something, not sure what though," Scootaloo said. "From what she told me, it had to do with Twilight and that Tender Taps colt," Babs said. "She barely told me much though, just to wait here while she grabbed everypony else." "That girl gets pretty overly excited about things though," Dinky said. "She's got a lot of energy, I almost envy her." "That's what makes it so fun to be around her," Scootaloo said. "Even if it can add to her stubbornness." "Stubborn isn't enough to describe it, more like, intense determination, which technically is a good thing," Dinky said. "I wouldn't be surprised if she started running this farm, she's got that leadership to her," Babs said. "She is sort of the leader of the Cutie Mark Crusaders," Scootaloo said. "So it makes sense." Dinky sat back against the wall, "Still, I'm so eager and curious to know what this girl got so excited for." "We're gonna find out soon enough I guess," Scootaloo said. Not too long later, Apple Bloom arrived in the clubhouse, a big smile on her face. "I'm here! And ah got the rest of the group! Plus a guest." Sweetie Belle trotted inside, with Rumble coming in right after her while carrying Flurry Heart on his back. "We're here," Sweetie Belle said. "Hi Sweetie Belle, Hi Rum...ble?" Dinky began to squint her eyes. "Um, is that Princess Flurry Heart?" Rumble nodded, "Yeah, I've been asked by Princess Cadance herself to watch over her." "It's true," Sweetie Belle said. "Rumble has been watching Flurry since this morning." Dinky looked incredibly surprised, "Wait, what!? When was this decided!?" "Yesterday, Twilight told me that Cadance wanted one of us to watch Flurry, so I was the one chosen in the end," Rumble said. "Wow, you're so lucky, the fact that the Princess of Love trusts you with her baby is incredible!" Dinky said. "It is, though Prince Shining Armor wasn't too confident in me, at this point I'm nearly afraid to let Flurry out of my sight, I don't want to imagine what he'd do if I lost her," Rumble said. "We won't let that happen," Sweetie Belle said. "But I think you'll do fine on your own." "Yeah, you seem like a responsible colt," Babs said. "Plus I don't think you have to worry about losing Flurry, she really seems to like ya." To Babs's point, Flurry was nuzzling her head against Rumble's, making the colt feel happy and warm. "Amazing how fillies just love being around you Rumble," Dinky said. "But you're Ponyville's most charming colt so that doesn't surprise me." "Yeah, the only other one would be Tender Taps," Apple Bloom said. "Speaking of which, ah just found out something amazing...sorta." "What do you mean 'sorta'?" Scootaloo asked. "See what happened was that ah was passing by the barn when ah heard Twilight talking with Tender Taps," Apple Bloom began. "Ah didn't get to hear the entire conversation, but it sounds like Twilight just told Tender Taps a major secret, one that might have to do with this festival Twilight is planning." "You think Twilight might have told Tender Taps why she's planning this festival?" Scootaloo asked. "Wouldn't surprise me," Dinky said. "Twilight just adores Tender Taps from what I've seen." "It would make sense," Rumble said, grinning a bit. "Maybe he took my advice." "Advice?" Apple Bloom asked. "What advice did ya give him?" "To use his cuteness to get Twilight to tell him, I mean she already likes him to the point of nicknaming him 'Tappy', why not get her to talk more," Rumble said. Dinky snorted a bit, "Tappy?" "Yeah, he already hates it when I call him that," Rumble said. "It's actually kind of adorable," Sweetie Belle said. "Yeah, it kind of is," Apple Bloom said. "Anyway this means that Tender Taps likely knows what this festival's about, which means we can now just ask him!" "I highly doubt it would be that easy," Rumble said. "Remember Tender Taps is incredibly loyal to Twilight, and I'm very certain this was a secret she trusted him with. He wouldn't do anything to break that trust, that's something he very likely cherishes more than anything else in all of Equestria." Apple Bloom huffed, "Dang, you got a point. Now what?" "Just wait til the festival, it's tomorrow anyway," Rumble said. "But now I'm too excited, how will ah sleep with all that excitement!?" Apple Bloom asked. "Wouldn't you be excited regardless if he knew or now?" Rumble asked. "Well yeah, but if he knows and ah know him, then ah just gotta know the secret!" Apple Bloom said, much to Rumble's confusion. "Was that suppose to make sense? Because I think you failed, really badly," Rumble said. Apple Bloom furrowed her brow, "You should know what ah mean Rumble, getting Twilight to tell us is one thing, getting Tender Taps to tell us is just more likely!" "If you really want to know cuz, just use your charms on the colt," Babs said. "Mah charms?" Apple Bloom asked. "Yeah, the two of ya's have a little thing right?" Babs said. "Just sweet talk it out of him." "Ah don't know, it might seem kinda cruel of me to do that," Apple Bloom said. "But at the same time, it's kinda tempting." "I don't think you should," Rumble said. "Otherwise it would definitely ruin your chances of being a real couple. I don't think he would want to date a filly who would mess around with his emotions like that." "Unless ah find somepony else to do it," Apple Bloom said. "How about you Dinky? You up to it?" Dinky scrunched her face a little, "Um...what?" "Or I could," Babs suggested. Scootaloo looked like she was about to say something, but before she could, Rumble spoke up. "Apple Bloom, this is silly, just wait one more day, it won't be that bad." Apple Bloom groaned loudly, "It's still gonna be a long wait though." "It's one more day, I know it's more exciting because it's so close but you really need to be patient," Rumble said. "I know Tender Taps knows but that doesn't mean he'll easily tell us." "Maybe so," Sweetie Belle said. "But Tender Taps is easier to get a secret out of than Twilight." "That's what I'm saying!" Apple Bloom said. "That is true, while he can keep a secret, I don't think he has the same will as Twilight," Dinky said. Scootaloo laid back against the wall, "I say just forget about it, like Rumble said, it's only a day away, we can wait. We've waited what seemed like forever to get our cutie marks, what's one more day to see what Twilight has planned." Apple Bloom twiddled her hooves, "Well, the other thing is...I think this festival has to do with us." "Care to elaborate your statement Apple Bloom?" Dinky asked. "Elaborate? Statement?" Scootaloo asked. "What are you, a dictionary?" Dinky groaned in annoyance, "Why do you say that every time I use a fancy sounding word?" "Focus!" Sweetie Belle shouted. "Please go on Apple Bloom." Apple Bloom nodded and continued speaking, "She mentioned something about six having what it takes, what six do you think she's talking about?" Rumble looked surprised, "Think it means the six of us?" He looked to the side, "Aside from Flurry." He then looked across, "And Babs." "Yeah, the six foals that are always at her castle, doing on thing or another," Apple Bloom said. "What if she wants us to be like The Elements of Harmony or something?" "Elements of Harmony?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Would that work? I mean which one would we get?" "What if it's not The Elements?" Rumble asked. "Maybe it's something totally new. I mean before Twilight and the rest of her friends, the six ponies that protected Equestria were the ones led by Starswirl the Bearded." "Right, the Pillars of Equestria," Sweetie Belle said. "They were the ones who kept Equestria safe before The Elements of Harmony!" "Wasn't that actually Princess Celestia and Luna...then Celestia by herself after Luna became Nightmare Moon?" Scootaloo asked. "Well we're talking Six ponies," Apple Bloom said. "But yeah, ah mean think about it, Twilight making a big deal out of something, mentioning the six of us, I'm almost certain it's us becoming the new Elements, or the new Pillars, or whatever we'll be!" "The Crusaders," Sweetie Belle said. "That's what we already are." "Right, The Cutie Mark Crusaders becoming the Crusaders of Equestria," Apple Bloom said. "The name Cutie Mark Crusaders is too cool to not be a big thing," Dinky said. "Why thank you Dinky, ah did come up with the name after all," Apple Bloom boasted. "It's a name we all agreed on though, so don't take too much credit!" Sweetie Belle warned. Apple Bloom laughed sheepishly, "Sorry, not like ah think any less of ya. It was a team effort that made The Cutie Mark Crusaders what it is." "Imagine that though," Sweetie Belle said. "The idea of all of us becoming Equestria's Crusaders, we can go all over helping ponies either find their Cutie Marks, or trying to understand them." "That would be cool," Dinky said, then looked to her flank. "Though I still haven't gotten mine though, more trouble than I thought it would be." "Sorry it's taking us longer than we would have liked, same with Rumble," Apple Bloom turned to the colt. "But don't worry, ah think I'm getting closer to figuring it out." "Don't worry about me Apple Bloom, I'm fine with being a blank flank," Rumble said. "It's no worry at all, ah don't mind thinking of ideas fer ya," Apple Bloom said. "Really, it's no big deal if I have a Cutie Mark or not," Rumble insisted. "Yer a tough one Rumble, ah couldn't bear not having mah Cutie Mark, didn't help that Diamond Tiara made things worse fer me," Apple Bloom said. "She never gave you trouble right?" "Barely, I think she was more focused on you and your friends," Rumble said. "Same, she never messed with me either, mainly since she knew I wouldn't take that, and I definitely wouldn't stand her messing with Rumble, but yeah Diamond Tiara was a real jerk, couldn't stand being around her at a time," Dinky said. "What has she been up to lately?" Babs asked. "Not much, ah see her time to time, she comes with her daddy to do business with mah granny, same as always, except she's not mean to me when she's here," Apple Bloom answered, then focused back on Rumble. "Anyway given how good you are with taking care of Flurry, maybe you'll get a Cutie Mark in that." "I've only been taking care of her for a few hours, kind of early to know for sure," Rumble said. "Well you do have some experience watching over her," Apple Bloom said. "Yeah but I usually had somepony else nearby to assist me, this time I'm nearly on my own," Rumble said. "Not that it's much of a bother." "What's it like having to take care of her?" Dinky asked. "It's actually kinda fun," Rumble said. "She's well behaved, and she likes to play with her toy." "She wanted me to be a monster," Sweetie Belle lamented, then smiled in satisfaction. "Thankfully Rumble made it work in my favor, I mean I can't be a monster, I'm way to adorable for that." "Except when you miss breakfast," Apple Bloom teased, much to Sweetie Belle's annoyance. "Do you want me to be a monster Apple Bloom!?" Sweetie Belle asked. "You do get kinda grumpy when you miss a meal though," Rumble said, getting a glare from Sweetie Belle, which he quickly backed away from. "It's a cute grumpy though!" Flurry pointed to Sweetie Belle and did a growl noise, though once Sweetie Belle turned the glare on her, she quickly ran behind Rumble, though did peek out to stick her tongue out at Sweetie Belle. "Aside from that, now's a good time fer anything else that's new they wanna share," Apple Bloom said. "I got nothing," Scootaloo said. "Same," Dinky said. "Unless you want to try out some new muffins my foalsitter got for me." "That would be fun, maybe we can get some for Flurry," Rumble said. "It'd have to be small and bite sized though." "Leave that to me then, I'll go get some," Dinky said, though before leaving she whispered to Rumble. "I'll save the biggest one for you." "You're the best Dinky," Rumble said. "Don't you forget that," Dinky said, rubbing his mane as she trotted off. "Wow, she seems to like you as well," Babs said. "You got a lot fillies admiring you." "Dinky's my best friend and for a while was my only friend, and I was her only friend as well, so we're really close," Rumble said. "Was she ever jealous of Sweetie Belle?" Babs asked. "Eh, a little, but we've worked that out," Rumble said. "I usually let Rumble make some time to spend with Dinky," Sweetie Belle said. "I figured it's only fair, plus it works out for when me Apple Bloom and Scootaloo want to do stuff together, especially if it involves our sisters." "That's nice of ya, you got a great marefriend there Rumble," Babs said. Rumble pulled Sweetie in for a kiss to her cheek, getting a blush from her, "I know." Apple Bloom looked so envious of the two, she wishes she had that with Tender Taps, but she does like seeing Rumble being so nice to Sweetie Belle. "Anyway I'd like to stay and wait fer a muffin, but I gotta go see if mah sister needs anything else, ah did kinda leave in the middle of mah chores, hope she's not too annoyed." "I'll join ya, just in case she needs me too," Babs said, the two getting up and leaving the clubhouse. Scootaloo stayed laying against the wall, "I'll wait a bit, kinda want some of that muffin." "We'll have to save some for Apple Bloom and Babs then, oh and Tender Taps as well," Rumble said. "What does Twilight like about Tender Taps though?" Sweetie Belle asked. "It's almost like he's her favorite." "I don't think she's playing favorites, from what I've seen she just likes making him feel awkward, and he's the easiest to do that with since he probably has a crush on her," Rumble said. "I can't blame Twilight, he's a nice kid and he is easy to make feel awkward," Scootaloo said. "It's actually kinda fun doing that." "I want to agree, but I would feel bad since I was no different at one point," Rumble said. "Even now Twilight still finds time to fluster me, and she's definitely not the only one." "Tell me about it, Rarity enjoyed every opportunity she had to make you blush," Sweetie Belle said. "Even I made you blush uncontrollably at first." "And I know you've enjoyed that," Rumble said, a light blush appearing on his face. "Kinda like now." "Well I can't help it," Sweetie Belle said, then nuzzled Rumble's cheek. "You're just so cute and adorable." Rumble started blushing a lot, "Come on Sweetie Belle, this is really awkward." "You're not telling me to 'stop' though," Sweetie Belle said, before kissing Rumble on the cheek. "But I'll spare you for now, later on though, I won't be holding back." Rumble chuckled nervously before nodding, "Really look forward to that." "When's Rumble gonna be alone? He's watching over Flurry remember?" Scootaloo said, somewhat displeased by the affection she just saw. "I'm sure he'll have to give Flurry back to her parents by the end of today," Sweetie Belle said. "That's when we get our alone time." Scootaloo rolled her eyes, "So mushy though, you know it's possible to show affection to somepony without being so weird." "Oh? How would you show Rumble affection then?" Sweetie Belle asked. "There's lots of ways, hugs work, even side hugs. Maybe some mane ruffling, hoof bumps, all that stuff," Scootaloo said. "You really would do all that stuff if Rumble was your coltfriend?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Yeah, pretty much," Scootaloo said. "If I were his marefriend, things would be a lot less mushy." "You certainly were affectionate in your pity date," Sweetie Belle said. "Can you not call it that?" Scootaloo said. "I know he's your coltfriend and I missed out, and that he would never be interested in me, I'm just saying what I would do." Times like this Rumble pitied Scootaloo, he did hold some degree of guilt for this. Even if he didn't like Scootaloo that way, the fact is that she liked him, he could only imagine how upsetting this is for her, especially when he remembers the tears she shed when she found out that Sweetie Belle really had fallen in love with him. It actually made him feel flattered that a filly could like him that way, to shed a tear over not being with him. Scootaloo in a way made Rumble feel special, even if he loves Sweetie Belle instead, he can't deny he doesn't care about Scootaloo, and he'll do almost anything to keep her happy. "Scootaloo, you know you're still a good friend to have though right?" Rumble said. "I don't want you feeling down about this, I care about you too." "I know Rumble, I'm happy we're friends, and I'm not upset that you're in a relationship with Sweetie Belle. Even if she can be annoying about it, she's still one of my best friends and I'm glad she's happy," Scootaloo said. "There's plenty of other colts, I mean I know you said Tender Taps is an awkward situation since Apple Bloom also likes him, but what about...I don't know, Chipcutter?" Rumble suggested. "Actually I think he'd be great for Scootaloo!" Sweetie Belle said. "Chip?" Scootaloo asked. "Well he's not bad looking, but I'm not too sure if he-" "There's also Button Mash," Rumble said. Scootaloo's pupils shrank, "Or Chip can work." Sweetie Belle giggled, "Don't like Button Mash? I don't blame you." "Yeah...wait didn't you have a crush on him once?" Scootaloo asked. "You have no way of proving that," Sweetie Belle said, turning her face away. "You did, I remember! He was what you called a 'boyish' colt," Scootaloo said. "Why do you keep bringing up that 'boyish' stuff? I don't care about that anymore!" Sweetie Belle said. "Please, let's get along, besides Button isn't that bad to be around, he just needs to mature up a bit, I think Diamond Tiara's been helping with that," Rumble said. "Wait, are they dating?" Scootaloo asked. "I don't know, but Dinky told me that Silver Spoon called them a couple, I don't know if they actually are or if Silver Spoon was joking around," Rumble said. "Does that mean he got over Sweetie Belle?" Scootaloo asked. "Why did he even like me in the first place?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Besides being the cutest filly in Ponyville?" Rumble said. "Or being sweet and charming and just fun to be around." Sweetie Belle blushed and kissed Rumble's cheek. "You're such a sweet colt." Scootaloo rolled her eyes, "I'm quite sure the only reason she asked that in the first place is because she knew what your answer would be." Sweetie Belle scoffed, "You're so jealous sometimes." "Gee, I wonder why I would feel that way," Scootaloo said, not hiding her sarcasm. "Girls, I don't like seeing you argue," Rumble pleaded. "Like I said, I care about the both of you, you're both dear to me in your own ways." He felt Flurry nuzzle against him, the young filly looking up at him with her adorable eyes. "Or the three of you better said." Flurry giggled and hugged Rumble, the colt returning it greatly. "She is really cute," Scootaloo said. "And she really seems to like you, not that I blame her." Rumble used his wings to bring Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle close, hugging them close to him. "You're both sweet, just like Flurry, and I'll always be grateful for you two letting me into your friendship." The two fillies returned the hug, Rumble now in the middle of three hugs from three different fillies. At least there was peace for the moment, he could only hope it lasted. Back with Twilight and Tender Taps, the two were with Starlight and Double Diamond on their way back towards Ponyville. "All we have to do is meet with Spike, I sent him to greet Thorax and Ember when they arrived," Twilight said. "Are any of the other tribes coming?" Tender Taps asked. "Like maybe the Griffons?" "Well Gilda might come, Rainbow Dash probably sent her an invitation, but I can't think of any others," Twilight said. "Anyone's welcome to join, but for now it seems to be just them." "Do we even want any other dragon to come?" Starlight asked. "I hear they're not very friendly." "They weren't so bad to be around," Tender Taps insisted. "They didn't do anything bad to us when we had to stay there." "They better not have," Starlight said with some harshness in her voice. Tender Taps nuzzled slightly against Starlight to calm her possibly building temper, "I'm fine, don't worry alright?" "I know," Starlight said, rubbing Tender Taps's mane. "So who else is going to be here?" "Starlight!" they heard. Starlight turned to see her first best friend. "Sunburst!" The two rushed over and embraced in a hug. "Glad you made it over here!" "Of course," Sunburst said, breaking away. "Why wouldn't I make it?" "I know how busy you are so I do worry you won't be able to come to certain events," Starlight said. "Yeah, I do keep busy a lot, but I'll always make time for friends, besides I have a little less to do since Shining Armor and Cadance put Princess Flurry Heart under the care of another pony for the next few days," Sunburst turned his attention to Twilight. "Good to see you Twilight." "You too Sunburst," Twilight said, giving him a hug of her own. "I'm happy you made it." Sunburst turned his attention to Double Diamond, "You're from Starlight's old village right?" "Yeah, I was invited over along with Party Favor, Sugar Belle and Night Glider are all here," Double Diamond said. "I appreciate you all being such good friends to Starlight despite everything, even if it's partially my fault," Sunburst said. "Sunburst don't blame yourself, we've been over this, I should have handled you leaving a lot better than I did," Starlight said. "But I should have tried to be there for you too, and not just marvel in the idea of going to Princess Celestia's school, not like I even got much out of it, I'm not a powerful Wizard or anything," Sunburst said. "But you are very knowledgeable with magic, so there's that at least," Twilight said. "You probably know things even I don't." Sunburst laughed nervously, "That might be an overstatement." "Well what matters is that you're friends again, and you're here for each other now," Twilight said. "That's all Starlight needs too," Tender Taps said, getting the attention of Sunburst. "Huh? Oh you're Starlight's little friend right?" Sunburst said. "Right, her little brother in a way," Tender Taps said. "I should thank you too for being there for Starlight when I couldn't," Sunburst said. "It's no trouble, I still think you're a good friend, even if you feel you made a mistake you're trying to correct it, any friend would appreciate that," Tender Taps said. "I made that mistake once, so I know how Sunburst feels," Twilight said. "Anyway we're about to go meet with Spike, please join us." "That sounds like a good idea," Sunburst said, following the others to where Spike is.