In Grogar's base of operations, Tender Taps had been roughly thrown into a cell by Adagio, the Siren leader glancing seductively at the colt. "I'll be back for you later cutie, we'll have a good time you and me."
"I doubt that," Tender Taps said, glaring at the Siren. "Sorry but you're not my type."
"You won't have much of a choice later, besides I'm very persuasive," Adagio said, walking off and leaving Tender Taps in his cell, the young stallion feeling quite worried for what's to come. He knows he's mainly being used as bait to lure in Twilight, she's likely heading into danger without realizing it.
"Twilight...Damn, if she only listened more," Tender Taps began remembering. He remembered the day Rumble and Cozy Glow came to the castle, his heated conversation with Cozy Glow, and the kiss Rumble shared with Flurry Heart.
Cozy Glow had actually convinced Rumble to kiss what was basically a toddler, granted it was an innocent kiss to help subside a crush, it's the reason behind the kiss that had Tender Taps worried, and the start of what would lead to Equestria's destruction.
Some time had passed since the foals returned to the room they were left in, Flurry and Cozy were getting along much better than they were a earlier on. Rumble was sitting close with the two fillies, his wing wrapped around Cozy Glow.
Tender Taps began to wonder what Rumble's current relationship to Cozy Glow was, remembering the kiss the two shared just before Rumble kissed Flurry Heart. That kiss seemed pretty mutual, like if Rumble really was dating Cozy Glow now.
Eventually Twilight had returned with the others, happy to see that things seem peaceful. "We're back."
"Hi Twilight," Rumble greeted, then nudged Cozy Glow.
"Hello Twilight," Cozy said, almost dead panned.
Twilight hoped that Cozy would have lightened up a bit, but she wasn't gone that long. She's just happy that she didn't have to get called over sooner, so it seems like Cozy was quite civil. What did make Twilight happy was that it seemed like Cozy was enjoying Flurry's company, and vice versa.
"Looks like Cozy and Flurry are getting along quite well," Twilight said.
"Yeah, we got Cozy to make peace with her, now Flurry's quite fond of her," Rumble said.
"Me and Cozy friends!" Flurry added.
"That's so great, it's nice to see Cozy making friends," Twilight said. "Having friends is the greatest feeling, soon Cozy will get to experience that magic."
"Oh now you want me to have friends, last time I tried having friends you threw me in Tartarus!" Cozy Glow said.
"Cozy be nice," Rumble urged. "Twilight's not wrong, you really didn't know much about friends if you thought that locking her and her friends in Tartarus was a good way to make friends."
"Hey the best way to have friends was to be the Head Mare of Twilight's school, and the best way to do that was to keep Twilight out of the way," Cozy Glow said.
"Uh Cozy, I think you might be a tad bit confused about how friendship works," Twilight said. "After all, even you should know I didn't make friends because of a school."
"But the school helps you make new friends, and Friendship leads to power, you always say Friendship is Magic, and that magic helped you become an Alicorn Princess!" Cozy Glow said. "So I figured the more friends I have, the closer I would come to being an Alicorn too!"
Twilight cocked her head curiously at the filly, "That's not exactly how it goes Cozy, I got my Alicorn wings after figuring out an Ancient Spell from Starswirl, not because I had friends, anypony can have friends, that's its own type of magic."
"What's the point of magic if you don't utilize it's powers to it's fullest!?" Cozy said. "It's seems like such a waste if you ask me."
"Cozy..." Twilight looked a bit disappointed in the filly for having such a mindset. She's gonna have to fix that if Cozy's going to live among the ponies of Ponyville. "You're gonna need a few Friendship Lessons."
"Ugh, I don't have to go back to your school do I?" Cozy asked. "Seeing that place just reminds me of my biggest failure!"
"It won't be at the School of Friendship, I don't think many of the students would be too fond to see you just yet," Twilight said.
"Well good, I don't want to see them either, especially the six that helped ruin my plans," Cozy Glow said.
"Six? What six?" Rumble asked.
"Sandbar, Ocellus, Gallus, Yona, Smolder and Silverstream," Tender Taps reminded. "You met them over a week ago."
"Oh right, forgot about them," Rumble said. "I don't really see them much, except maybe Sandbar but oddly enough, the one time we did cross paths, he looked like he didn't want to be near me."
"Well you did kiss Cozy Glow, and she tried to trap him in the school," Tender Taps explained.
"Wow, some ponies really hold a grudge, I'm willing to bet none of Starlight's friends from her village hold a grudge agianst her," Cozy Glow said.
"They actually don't, which was weird for me at first," Starlight said. "I thought they were gonna hate me when I returned."
"Well maybe this can work for Cozy Glow," Rumble said. "If those six could forgive and accept her, then that's one step closer to all the ponies forgiving and accepting Cozy Glow."
"Ugh, but why do I have to work for it?" Cozy Glow asked. "Honestly, all I care is that Rumble likes me, and now Flurry Heart likes me too, and I didn't really have to do much."
"You still did something Cozy Glow," Rumble reminded. "You said 'sorry', and that was a big step."
"Huh? How was it big? It wasn't really that hard," Cozy Glow said.
"Exactly," Twilight interjected. "Doing the right thing really isn't that hard, you just have to be willing to do it. Now why did you apologize to Flurry?"
"Uh...I just felt bad, that's all," Cozy Glow said. "I mean, maybe throwing her was too much, and she's the only pony who's as cute as I am, so I respect that. Also she comforted me when Tender Taps hurt my feelings."
"He what!?" Twilight exclaimed, glaring slightly at the colt.
"Oh boy..." Tender Taps said, feeling a bit worried.
"But he apologized too, so it's all good," Cozy said, somewhat relieving Tender Taps's worries.
"Well, that's good that he did, Tender Taps knows when to admit to a mistake, it's very admirable, and you Cozy, you can also be admirable," Twilight said. "Now what would help motivate you to make peace with my Top Six Students?"
"And the Cutie Mark Crusaders," Rumble added.
"Excellent point, though you two might need to do that one together," Twilight said.
"If they're willing to listen, I really think Apple Bloom hates me," Rumble said.
"She doesn't hate you," Twilight insisted. "She's just a bit disappointed, but if she sees you making an effort to make up for what you did, she'll slowly but surely forgive you. Same goes for you as well Cozy Glow."
"Eh, I'm not as worried," Cozy Glow said.
Twilight seemed a bit disappointed to hear that, she only hoped Rumble could get through to Cozy Glow. Fortunately he went to work fast. "Hey Twilight, didn't The Crusaders want to go to your School of Friendship?"
"Uh, yeah, they did, why?" Twilight asked.
"Just wondering, I hear they became tutors instead, how exactly did that story go?" Rumble asked.
Twilight seemed confused at first, wondering what the reason was for Rumble to be asking. The more she thought about it, she realized something vital. "I believe it was Cozy Glow who helped them."
"Rumble...what are you doing?" Cozy Glow asked. "Why are you asking Twilight about something you already knew about?"
"I was curious and wanted to know more, about how you helped the Crusaders achieve a goal of theirs," Rumble said.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Cozy Glow insisted.
"Oh but I do," Starlight said. "I remember you coming into my office because you felt guilty about something. You told me about how you failed your test on purpose because you thought it would get the Crusaders into Twilight's school if it seemed like they couldn't properly teach you about Friendship."
"Yeah, what's your point?" Cozy said.
"I just admit, I do find it odd," Twilight said. "If you wanted, you could have let the Crusaders take the blame, nopony would ever figure that you would have intentionally set them up, but you didn't. You told Starlight what you did, now why would you do something that nice for them? What did you have to gain?"
"I only did that to get on your good side, that's all," Cozy Glow said.
"But wouldn't you already have Twilight's sympathy?" Rumble pointed out. "Twilight is very attentive to ponies who feel like they failed."
"Uh, small oversight then," Cozy Glow said.
"Cozy, why are you pretending not to care?" Twilight asked. "I can tell that deep down you're probably a very nice pony, who's just a bit misguided."
"I was no different than you Cozy Glow, I made mistakes too and it nearly cost me everything," Starlight said. "Thanks to Twilight i was able to atone for my mistakes, make new friends and rekindle the bond with my old friend. I was able to see Sunburst again, something I never thought I'd get to do."
"See, this worked for Starlight, it can work for you as well, I know there's good in you," Twilight said.
"If you think there's good in me, then why were you so quick to throw me in Tartarus!?" Cozy Glow shouted. "You didn't even seem that surprised when you found out I was buddies with Tirek, I thought you'd be somewhat devastated that your little helper betrayed you! You weren't even quick to get me out either, the only reason I'm not still in Tartarus is because Flitter had to practically beg for the chance to give me a home! I bet you could have gone the rest of your life knowing I was stuck in a place like that! Surrounded by some of the worst monsters in all of Equesria! I thought I could die in there! The only thing that let me feel safe was knowing that Tirek was there, then Chryssie came along, then The Dazzlings! Villains made me feel more safe than a Princess did! Let that sink in!"
Twilight seemed taken back by Cozy's outburst, what's more is that she could sense a little hurt in Cozy's voice. Twilight wonders if she made a mistake allowing Cozy Glow to be sent to Tartarus, she should have tried more to help her out.
"I'm sorry you felt that way Cozy, it was wrong of me," Twilight said.
"Well the truth finally comes out, not like I even care now," Cozy Glow said. "You worry about your little followers, I'll stick with ponies who actually care about me."
"Cozy Glow, if there's anything I can do, you just tell me," Twilight said.
"Just...stay out of my way," Cozy Glow said. "Honestly if I could never see you or your friends again, that would be the best thing for me."
"Cozy Glow!" Flitter scolded. "I know you're mad at Twilight but she is the one giving you this chance to be with me."
"Fine, that's the one good thing she's done for me, only because you seem to care more than she does," Cozy Glow said. "Now if we're done, I just wanna go back home."
Twilight sighed in disappointment and shame, "Yeah, we're done. You can take her home Flitter."
"We'll see you another time," Flitter said. "Come on Cozy, you too Rumble."
"Bye Flurry," Cozy said, rubbing her mane, Rumble also bidding farewell to the filly as he left the castle.
"That filly's gonna be a piece of work," Shining Armor said.
"But it will be worth it," Cadance insisted. "Cozy needs Friendship now more than ever."
"Yeah, let's all try being friendly to her, maybe it'll lighten the tension," Starlight said.
"I just hope it's not too late," Twilight said.
The day passed, soon Cadance, Shining Armor and Flurry Heart had to go home and Starlight went to work on some school stuff, Spike joining her. Tender Taps was ready to go home as well.
"I'll see you tomorrow Twilight," Tender Taps said.
"Yeah, see you then," Twilight said. "Also Tappy, about what Cozy Glow said earlier, you hurting her feelings. Would you be able to tell me exactly what happened? I know you two made up but I am curious how that came about, just so I know what to work on."
"She was just being a pain so I told her off," Tender Taps said. "If I'm being honest Twilight, I don't know if she can reform."
"What makes you say that?" Twilight asked.
"Earlier on...it looked like she tried manipulating something, like she's trying to see if she can get Rumble to do whatever she commands, plus she sounded very...seductive toward Rumble too," Tender Taps said.
"Well, she does have a crush on him," Twilight pointed out. "Which is probably fine, Rumble did break up with Sweetie Belle...well only because Cozy Glow kissed him...yeah I know you're still mad about that."
"Cozy did something bad and she's still being kind of bad, I mean she got Rumble and Flurry Heart to kiss, and she seemed satisfied by it," Tender Taps said.
"Rumble kissed Flurry Heart?" Twilight asked. "That's actually cute, not really a bad thing."
"It wasn't a kiss on the head Twilight, it was a kiss-kiss, like when you're in love," Tender Taps said.
"Whatever you saw was probably just Rumble humoring Flurry, it's fine as long as he doesn't make a habit out of it," Twilight said.
"Twilight, are you really ok with Rumble kissing somepony much younger than him?" Tender Taps asked. "At least Cozy Glow is his age."
"Wow, little surprised to hear you say that Tappy, considering you had no problems kissing me like that," Twilight said. "Was I not suppose to like it?"
Tender Taps somewhat realized her point, "Well I'm older, I'm pretty much Rumble's age, I'm practically a stallion."
"Honestly Tender Taps, I don't see much of a difference, and the more I thought about it, while it's sweet you have a crush on me, you might want to find somepony your age," Twilight said.
"Excuse me!?" Tender Taps said. "Where is this coming from, you love spending time with me! I know you even have a picture of me in your office!"
"Well yeah I like spending time with you, but honestly Tappy, with everything that's happening, like me ruling over Equestria and likely having to move to Canterlot Castle...I don't know if we can be together anyway," Twilight said. "I did entertain the idea, I really did, that once you got older, I can see for myself how good you'd be as a coltfriend, but I can't keep you waiting like that when I'm not even sure of my own future anymore."
"Twilight I'm willing to take that risk if it means we can be together, I'll make it work," Tender Taps said. "I'll move to Canterlot as well, I'll get a job in the castle if I have to."
"I don't even know if I can get married though, I mean Princess Celestia isn't married," Twilgiht said.
"What about Cadance, she's married!" Tender Taps argued.
"Cadance isn't ruling over Equestria like I am," Twilight said. "Tappy, I know it's hard, but maybe you should at least consider the possibility of another filly."
"I can't, I'm faithful only to you," Tender Taps said. "Twilight, I want to marry you, not anypony else."
Twilight felt pity for Tender Taps, she actually admired this side of him, a side that's so confident in what he wants.
"Just give it a chance Tender Taps, maybe you'll be happier this way," Twilight insisted.
"But Twilight..." Tender Taps pleaded.
"No buts, just give it a shot," Twilight said. "Anyway it's late, you should be going home now."
Tender Taps was disheartened, he was close to losing Twilight, he had to figure something out. "Alright, fine...But I'm not giving up on you Twilight."
Tender Taps made his way home, angrily stomping back. He doesn't know what happened but somehow Twilight is slipping away from him, he can't lose her that easily, not without a fight.
As Tender Taps made his way home, he spotted something not too atypical, Button Mash was at the door to Carousel Boutique, speaking to a highly familiar filly.
"Come on Sweetie Belle, I know you broke up with Rumble, nothing's stopping you from dating me," Button Mash said. "I know you used to have a crush on me, now's the time to act on it."
"I am not interested right now Button Mash," Sweetie Belle said. "Now's not a good time."
"I get it, you're still heart broken, but the best way to overcome it is with a date with a very attractive colt, namely me," Button Mash said.
"What part of 'no' don't you understand, I am NOT interested," Sweetie Belle said.
Tender Taps made his way over to the two, "Hey, everything alright here?"
"Oh, hi Tappy..." Sweetie Belle said, shyly waving.
"What are you doing here?" Button asked.
"I was just walking by, why are you here?" Tender Taps asked.
"Duh, I'm trying to ask Sweetie Belle out on a date," Button Mash said. "It's taking me forever to get her to say 'yes'."
"That's because...I already have a date," Sweetie Belle said, surprising both colts. She quickly trotted over to Tender Taps, nuzzling against him. "Yeah, I'm dating Tender Taps now."
"I'm what?" Tender Taps asked, slightly confused.
"Please just go along with it," Sweetie Belle begged in a hushed tone.
"Wait, you're dating Tender Taps? Why him of all ponies, he's kind of a wimp," Button Mash said.
Tender Taps looked slightly offended, "Well, this 'wimp' has a nice date with an attractive filly, something you sure as heck can't say!"
Button Mash groaned in annoyance, "Fine, it's no big deal. I mean you already got dumped by Apple Bloom so it's only a matter of time before Sweetie Belle dumps you too."
"Hey! I wasn't dumped by Apple Bloom!" Tender Taps shouted.
"Yeah, sure, sounds like the desperate denial of a failed coltfriend," Button Mash said, making his way home. "See you later Sweetie Belle!"
Sweetie Belle shook her head in annoyance, "I'll never understand why I even had a crush on that silly colt." She turned to Tender Taps, smiling at the boy, "Thanks for backing me up, I'm sorry for putting you in an awkward spot."
"It's fine, we're friends after all," Tender Taps said. "Seems like you're attracting some attention now though."
Sweetie Belle sighed, "It's not just Button Mash, once the colts in school found out about me and Rumble breaking up, they started lining up to ask me out, even a filly was among them. It doesn't help that they get too competitive too, just the other day Snips and Snails were fighting over me."
"Those two? Not to be rude but you're way beyond their league," Tender Taps said.
"Aw, that's sweet of you," Sweetie Belle said. "Hey I'm kind of bored at home, wanna keep me company?"
"Uh, sure, I don't mind," Tender Taps said.
"Great! I have so many more cute outfits for you to try, some I made myself!" Sweetie Belle said, making her way inside.
"Heh, great..." Tender Taps said, nervously following the filly into her sister's home.
That marked the start of something uniquely different for the two foals.
Back in the future, Twilight and Sweetie Belle were sitting together by a campfire, the two a bit exhausted from all the fighting they had to do, wondering how Chrysalis had gotten back so many Changelings, and where Storm King keeps getting his soldiers from.
"You've gotten pretty good at combat Sweetie Belle, I'm quite amazed," Twilight said.
"Well you and Starlight did teach me a lot about magic control, I just had to learn how to use it to fight," Sweetie Belle said. "I'm still learning a bit but I've had plenty of time to practice, especially since I keep running into Changelings and Storm King' soldiers."
"I'm glad you're safe at least, it's been a really rough week," Twilight said. "Since this invasion started the world's been a wreck, I'm actually amazed at how well all the villains seem to work together."
"Ironic in a way," Sweetie Belle said. "We've survived this long using Friendship to outshine them, then the villains go and make friends with each other, so it's like the Magic of Friendship could work against us as well as it can work for us."
"Yeah, that is a bit of a hassle," Twilight admitted. "Though I guess in a way this only happened because we failed in Friendship ourselves. If only things hadn't gone south the way they did."
"It happens Twilight, everypony makes mistakes," Sweetie Belle said. "Maybe this could have been avoided if I learned to forgive sooner. Looking back, I don't know why I didn't do anything to help Cozy Glow more, after she took all of Equestria's magic, it seems like me and The Crusaders just forgot about her, maybe because we were mad at her locking us in a closest, I guess we should have tried a more direct approach, figure out why she was being evil in the first place."
"I should have done that after leaving Tartarus, seems like Rumble was right about everything," Twilight said. "If I could help ponies like Starlight and Stygian, in addition to befriending the likes of Discord, a filly should have been a piece of cake. I'm just so ashamed of myself."
"Rumble...I never should have let him go," Sweetie Belle said. "I know he did what he did but, I never once doubted he loved me any less, he made a mistake, and it's not like he's the only one who got curious."
"You were pretty curious in my little Tappy," Twilight said. "You even started using my nickname for him."
Sweetie Belle sheepishly blushed, "Looks like me and Rumble went through our own trials."
"I guess that only happened because I nearly let him go myself, all because of what my brother told me," Twilight began.
Back in the past, while Rumble and Cozy Glow were at the castle and in the other room with Tender Taps and Flurry Heart. Twilight was in her office with Spike, Cadance, Starlight and Shining Armor.
"Big brother, everything will be fine," Twilight said to her brother, who had his eyes fixed on the door. "So please stop worrying."
"My daughter is alone with a diabolical villain, you really think I'm not gonna be worried!?" Shining Armor asked.
"I know Cozy's a mastermind, but she's also a little filly who really can't do much," Twilight said. "Cozy was only dangerous because had tricked everyone, she had the element of surprise, she no longer has that and is mostly harmless on her own."
"She's right, she doesn't have magic, and her plans usually required the assistance of one of her villain allies," Starlight said. "Flurry will be fine, especially with Rumble around to protect her."
"Tappy's there too, he'll keep her safe," Twilight said.
"Tappy? That boy with the purple slick back hair?" Shining Armor said. "I've been meaning to ask, what is your relationship with him Twiley?"
"Well, he's a friend, and my sweet little helper," Twilight said. "I mean aside from Spike."
"Hey that's cool, he gives me a break," Spike said. "Not that I don't like helping you out, but you know that better than anypony. It's just that lately I've had my own duties to attend to."
"Yes, you're very busy yourself now, and it's nice to have Tender Taps by my side, he's so amazing," Twilight said, blushing a bit. "He's kind, sweet, very thoughtful, and he's always quick to stay by my side."
"You're really fond of him, though I am a bit concerned about the way you're talking about him," Shining Armor said. "Call me crazy but it almost sounds like you have a small crush on the boy."
"Well, you are crazy, because I don't have a crush on him, he's like twelve years old," Twilight said. "I just think he's really kind and sweet, and I'll admit, if he were older, I'd say he'd make an excellent coltfriend."
"Is that your plan then? To wait?" Shining Armor asked.
"Huh? I never said that big brother," Twilight nervously stated.
"I know you pretty well Twi, maybe you don't realize it but you are showing signs of a crush," Shining Armor said. "I can tell from how you act when you're around him, and they way you're cheeks turned pink when you were talking about him."
"I've kind of noticed this as well Twilight," Starlight said. "You do get excited when you see him, very excited, and you two really get close."
"Plus you don't exactly turn down his affections," Spike said. "I mean he does kind of treat you like his girlfriend, and you do go along with it."
"I...I mean I just...well," Twilight couldn't think of the words to say.
"It's understandable he has a crush on you but if I'm being honest Twilight, I can almost feel you returning it," Cadance said. "That really isn't ideal."
"Yeah, he's a kid and you're not, but you know that already," Shining Armor said.
"It might be a bit strange if ponies saw the future leader of Equestria falling in love with a colt that still hasn't fully matured," Starlight said. "I mean, Tender Taps is mature for his age but he's still young looking, if you want ponies to take you seriously as a leader, then you can't really be seen with a boy that young."
Twilight looked on in disbelief, she hadn't realized she was that fond of Tender Taps, she knew he'd make a good coltfriend someday but she didn't expect to be falling for him now.
"For your sake Twiley, I would make sure to tell that boy he has no chance with you," Shining Armor said. "You're going to be ruler of Equestria, I don't know if you're even going to be able to get married."
"Isn't that a bit far?" Starlight asked. "I mean, I don't think there's a rule against it, just because Celestia and Luna aren't married doesn't mean Twilight can't be."
"Well even if she does get married, it shouldn't be to a much younger stallion," Shining Armor insisted. "Twilight needs somepony more her age...or she could just not get married at all."
"I can't promise I won't," Twilight said. "I'm not gonna go crazy looking for somepony to marry but I also won't actively avoid the possibility."
"Just promise you'll get that colt to ease up," Shining Armor said.
"Alright fine, I'll have a word with him then," Twilight said.
True to that she did speak with Tender Taps, the conversation that led him right to Sweetie Belle that day.
In the future Twilight had just finished explaining the story to Sweetie Belle, which the filly seemed to find somewhat humorous.
"So that's why he seemed so down, he did tell me about what you said to him, but now I know it was because of your brother," Sweetie Belle said.
"My brother thought I had a crush on Tender Taps, maybe I did, I mean he was young but very sweet, and I knew he would be the perfect gentlecolt as he got older," Twilight said. "But like my brother said, it seems unbefitting for a Princess to be enamored with a younger colt."
"I find that bogus, but I do agree with you about the sweet part, I mean I really know from experience about that," Sweetie Belle said, blushing a bit.
"So tell me, what drew you to my Tappy in the first place?" Twilight asked, very curious to know and to see if Sweetie Belle would be her love rival, something Twilight never thought she'd have to worry about.
"I'll tell you exactly what happened," Sweetie Belle said.
Sweetie Belle flashed back to that same day where Twilight talked with her brother and when Cozy Glow befriended Flurry Heart. Before the conversation, before the friendship, Sweetie Belle was with her friends, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. The trio were at the Clubhouse, discussing their next plan.
"So what's the plan today Crusaders?" Apple Bloom asked. "Anypony need help figuring out their Cutie Mark? Or help earning them?"
"We could try helping Ruby," Scootaloo suggested. "Or Noi, think they could use our help."
"Good idea, how about you Sweetie Belle, got anything?" Apple Bloom said. No answer yet, Sweetie Belle looked pretty distracted. "Uh, Sweetie Belle?"
"Huh?" Sweetie Belle turned her attention to her friends. "Oh, sorry, what were you saying?"
Apple Bloom furrowed her brow in annoyance, "You've been in a daze a lot lately Sweetie Belle, are you still upset over yer break up with Rumble?"
"Huh? No, of course not," Sweetie Belle insisted.
"I don't know, you do seem pretty depressed," Scootaloo said.
"I'm fine, stop asking me about it," Sweetie Belle said, this time a bit more assertively.
"We're just worried, ah mean, Rumble cheated on you and dumped you, it would make sense that yer hurt and upset, it ain't nothing to be ashamed of," Apple Bloom insisted.
"Not when you say it like that," Sweetie Belle said. "Look, Rumble didn't 'dump' me, he came to me and suggested that we don't stay together because he felt bad for cheating on me."
"Sounds like he just said that to take some of the blame off of himself," Apple Bloom said. "Plus that don't explain why he's been hanging around with Cozy Glow, if he feels bad about cheating on you, why is he with the girl he cheated on you with?"
"I don't know, and I really don't care," Sweetie Belle said. "Rumble and I aren't together, he can date whoever he wants."
"You can't be that alright with this!" Apple Bloom said. "If you ain't happy, Rumble shouldn't be neither!"
"I'm not getting revenge on him, he's moving on and so am I," Sweetie Belle said. "I'll date who I want, and he can do what he wants."
"Wait, are you dating anypony?" Scootaloo asked.
"Well, no not yet, but that's my choice," Sweetie Belle said. "I'm not rushing back into it, I was in a relationship for over a year and right now I'm enjoying my time being single. If Rumble wants to date a bunch of fillies then let him."
"Well, at least yer handling it with class," Apple Bloom said. "But honestly, ah think you should find somepony to date, if yer all alone while Rumble's off with Cozy Glow or anypony else, well that just don't set right with me."
"I'll think about it," Sweetie Belle said. "But honestly, going off to find somepony to date might also make me look desperate, I don't want anypony thinking I need to have a coltfriend. So I'll either end up looking bad either way, I'm just going with what's comfortable for me now."
"That's good for you Sweetie Belle, don't give into what other ponies think," Scootlaoo commended.
"I won't," Sweetie Belle said. "Now can we please move on from this? I am not concerned with Rumble's dating life, like I said, he can date anypony he wants, even one of you two."
"Pfft, as if, ah would never date a cheater," Apple Bloom said. "Thanks but no thanks."
"Yeah, I totally wouldn't either," Scootaloo said, a little hesitation in her voice.
Apple Bloom glared at her friend, "Scootaloo..."
"Hey I'm not gonna do anything I don't think is right," Scootaloo said.
Sweetie Belle knew Scootaloo was deeply curious, "Scootaloo, if you are interested, I won't stop you. You don't have to date Rumble if you don't want to but if you do feel interested, don't hold back on asking for my sake. Who knows, maybe you were meant to be with Rumble, maybe you were meant to be with Rumble instead of me."
That registered in Scootaloo's mind for a bit, maybe this was a good chance to try dating Rumble. Last time was a pity date and she never had a chance for anything serious since he was still loyal to Sweetie Belle. This time, maybe she really does have a chance, since Rumble seems more open minded this time. She partially feels guilty but if Sweetie Belle gave her permission, maybe she doesn't have to feel guilty.
Later Sweetie Belle had her encounter with Button Mash, which is when Tender Taps came in to lend his vocal assistance, and thus the two had rekindled a bond.
Sweetie Belle tried on different clothes the whole day, and had Tender Taps try a few things on. She enjoyed the last time they tried out different clothes for him and wanted to do it again, including letting him wear things she made.
Fortunately for Tender Taps, they weren't as bad as he thought they'd be, though they weren't really that good either. At least Sweetie Belle wasn't going to make him wear it in public. It was also during this time that Tender Taps had told her a bit more about Cozy Glow and what she was up to in the castle, and her relationship with Rumble. Sweetie Belle thought she could handle hearing about Rumble being with other fillies but deep down it stung, luckily Tender Taps was there to comfort her if she got too sad, something Sweetie Belle greatly appreciated.
Hours passed and it was time for Tender Taps to go home, "Well I had fun, I'll see you tomorrow Sweetie Belle. Maybe we can do something else."
"Yeah, we can go to Sugarcube Corner and try out Mrs. Cake's new cookie recipe," Sweetie Belle said.
"Oh, I'd like that, we can meet around noon," Tender Taps said.
"Sounds good to me, see you then Tappy," Sweetie Belle said.
"Wasn't your nickname for me 'Tap-Tap'?" Tender Taps asked.
"I like Tappy better, I don't think Twilight would mind if I use it," Sweetie Belle said.
"Yeah, probably not," Tender Taps said, making his way home, thinking over Sweetie Belle's new nickname for him. It did sound nice coming from her as well.
The following day the two met up at Sugarcube Corner, just as planned. They sat at a table together, enjoying their cookie plate.
"These cookies are great, Mrs. Cake really knows how to outdo herself," Sweetie Belle said, munching on some cookies.
"She's got a real talent for baking," Tender Taps said, taking a sip of milk.
"You can thank Apple Bloom's mother, she and Mrs. Cake were best friends and she helped Mrs. Cake figure out her talents," Sweetie Belle said.
"Aw, must run in the family then," Tender Taps said. "Just like her mom helped Mrs. Cake, you girls helped me, not just in getting my Cutie Mark, but in overcoming my stage fright."
"Yeah, that's the first time you got to wear something I made for you," Sweetie Belle said. "Good thing we were off doing our own personal interests that day."
"Everyone needs time to themselves to see what they can do, having a Cutie Mark doesn't mean you only do one thing," Tender Taps said.
"Try telling that to Rumble, even I could never get him to see the appeal of Cutie Marks," Sweetie Belle said.
"Did you ever figure out why?" Tender Taps asked. "Think he's unable to get one?"
"No, I think it's just that he wants a specific one and is worried about getting another," Sweetie Belle said. "He wants his mark to be in flying, and while he works hard for it, maybe it's just not meant to be his mark."
"Sometimes I wonder how these marks are even formed, are they like already part of your body and you get them by doing something you're actually meant to do?" Tender Taps said. "I mean, seems kind of strange."
"I never questioned it much, so it never mattered to me," Sweetie Belle said. "I was just happy to have one after working so hard, ironically my Cutie Mark became about helping ponies earn or understand theirs. Funny how that works, to go from obsessing over earning my Cutie Mark, only to find out my Cutie Mark means helping ponies find theirs. Plus the fact that I have the exact same Cutie Mark as my friends."
"Yeah, I wonder what it would be like if you never met the other Crusaders," Tender Taps said. "Unless you were always meant to be friends, like Twilight and her friends."
"It's nice being meant to have friends and knowing who your friends are meant to be, I just wish coltfriends were that simple," Sweetie Belle said.
"Hey are you still bummed out about Rumble?" Tender Taps asked.
Sweetie Belle glanced around to see if anypony would be listening in, but found the coast to be clear. "Don't tell anypony, especially Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle but, yeah kind of. I mean, I really thought me and Rumble would last forever, we really loved each other. I just can't believe he kissed another filly, I mean, she kissed him but he didn't really seem to dislike it. Now he's dating that same filly he cheated on me with, that kind of burns."
"I think you and Rumble need to work things out someday, if you're hurting he needs to know, what he did wasn't right, you don't deserve that type of treatment," Tender Taps said.
"I don't want to make a big deal out of it," Sweetie Belle said. "I mean, I know what Rumble did wasn't right but I know he never meant to hurt me. I know he still cares about me, and deep down I still care about him. I think I'm still in love with him and I don't know if I can move on."
"Yes, you can Sweetie Belle," Tender Taps said. "Look you and Rumble broke-up, what are you suppose to wait for him until he's had his fill of other girls? Screw that! You gotta show him that you don't need him to be happy, you gotta show him that his actions have consequences!"
Sweetie Belle was surprised at how upset Tender Taps became, she's not used to this side of him, it's actually kind of cute to her. "Uh, I guess you're right, but it's not easy. Most colts aren't really that appealing to me, and I'm not that into fillies so I don't have any options there."
"Maybe I can help you with that, I just need to make sure you move on, otherwise it's gonna look bad for you," Tender Taps said. "Rumble breaks up with you and dates a bunch of fillies, one of which basically took him from you, and you're miserable by yourself."
"Just because I'm single doesn't mean I'm miserable," Sweetie Belle said.
"Then don't act like you are, ponies can see you Sweetie Belle, they know you're heartbroken," Tender Taps said.
"Still, it just doesn't seem worth it, plus aren't you exaggerating about Rumble a bit? I mean yeah he's gotten the attention of some fillies but that doesn't mean he's dating a bunch of them, he's only been with Cozy Glow, and Dinky but their relationship isn't really romantic, she just feels like making out with him sometimes," Sweetie Belle said.
"Well still, that's something she wouldn't be doing if you were still dating Rumble," Tender Taps said. "That's still two fillies, plus I may have seen him with another."
"Another? Who?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"Uh...some girl," Tender Taps did not want to say it was Flurry Heart, not yet at least. "Point is that he's been getting around. Look it's fine if you really aren't ready to date, maybe you can ask somepony to pretend."
"Who would pretend? Most colts have a crush on me," Sweetie Belle said. "They may want it to be real at some point."
"We'll figure it out," Tender Taps said. "Anyway it looks like you're done, wanna get anything else or..."
"I'm good, kind of want to go home right now, I have a meeting later with the girls, if you'd like to come to that," Sweetie Belle said. "I just want to think everything over for a bit."
"That's fine, I'll walk you home," Tender Taps said. "Plus I might just come, I wanted to go see Twilight but after yesterday I don't think that's such a good idea right now."
"Looks like we both have love problems," Sweetie Belle joked.
"Yeah don't we?" Tender Taps said, getting up from the table. "I'll cover the snacks."
"Wait, I should, this was my idea," Sweetie Belle said.
"Sorry but it feels weird not to pay when I'm having a meal with a filly, even if it's a snack," Tender Taps said. "Not saying a filly shouldn't be able to but for me it just doesn't seem right."
"Can I at least cover my share?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"Don't worry about it, I did this for you, so let me handle the cost," Tender Taps said, making his way to the counter.
Sweetie Belle had to admit, he was a sweet colt, very chivalrous too. She would have to make this up to him, she has her own principles after all. She decided to wait by the door so she could go home, though as she approached she saw something curious in the distance.
Rumble was trotting by, from the direction he was heading it looks like he was on his way to Flitter's house, likely to go see Cozy Glow. She knows she shouldn't feel this way but she can't help but sigh in admiration at the sight of the colt she once dated. He still had his cute eyes, his boy-ish mane, his tight body, and a smile that melts her heart.
However curiously, Rumble was approached by a filly named Kettle Corn, Sweetie Belle remembers her as the girl who loved drawing circles and the first to get her Cutie Mark at a day camp she opened with the Crusaders, the girl had a talent for Haikus.
"Hey Rumble, wait up!" Kettle Corn said, getting his attention.
"Oh hello Kettle Corn, what's up?" Rumble asked.
"Hey, so I know it's late but I wasn't sure to ask since it seemed like a touchy subject, but I gotta know, are you and Sweetie Belle really broken up? Or are you just taking a break from dating?" Kettle Corn asked.
This did surprise Rumble, he was pretty sure everypony knew of the break-up, unless some details were screwed around a little. "Yeah, we broke up."
"So, that means you're single?" Kettle Corn asked.
"Uh...kind of," Rumble wanted to say no since he does see Cozy Glow, but the two aren't fully an item yet.
"Well...could I go on a date with you sometime?" Kettle Corn bashfully asked.
Rumble wasn't sure how to answer, he thought she was cute and all but he felt weird, worried about what Cozy Glow might think. Then again Cozy Glow can't leave Flitter's house without her and Flitter isn't always out, maybe Rumble could humor Kettle Corn.
"Want to go later close to sunset?" Rumble asked.
"Sure, I just gotta let my parents know, they'll want me home before dark," Kettle Corn said.
"Alright, see you then," Rumble said.
Kettle Corn danced giddily, "Yay! I'm so excited! It'll be so much fun!" Then without warning Kettle Corn pulled Rumble in for a big kiss, surprising him and Sweetie Belle who was still observing from nearby. The filly pulled away, nervously laughing, "Sorry, I know I should have waited for our actual date but I couldn't resist, I was so happy. We can still kiss later tonight though, as much as you'd like!"
"Uh, sounds great," Rumble said, blushing a bit and wondering if this was a good idea.
"Cool, bye Rumble!" Kettle Corn said, running back home.
"Huh, that was random," Rumble said, turning and catching a glimpse of Sweetie Belle, who was still standing there in shock. "Sweetie Belle?"
The filly realized she had been spotted and was wondering how to handle this awkward moment. Fortunately Tender Taps caught her attention.
"Alright, let's get going," Tender Taps then saw Rumble himself. "What's he doing over there?"
"Uh, I don't know, but we should get going," Sweetie Belle said, nervously making her way home, Tender Taps following. He had an idea of why she wanted to leave, even if he obviously didn't know the full details.
"What's Tender Taps doing with Sweetie Belle?" Rumble wondered, somewhat suspicious. He wanted to follow and see but he didn't want to keep Cozy Glow waiting and make her mad if he came over too late. He'll figure it out later.
Tender Taps had taken Sweetie Belle back to the Boutique, Tender Taps having to wonder. "When was the last time you even went to your actual house Sweetie Belle?"
"I go there, my parents are just really busy, I could stay home alone but I'd rather spend the time with Rarity," Sweetie Belle said.
"Has Rumble ever been over? Just curious, he never mentioned it," Tender Taps said.
"He has, he never talks about it because my dad keeps giving him this suspicious look and it made him nervous," Sweetie Belle said. "My mom liked Rumble, but she was a bit overbearing herself, always smothering him or rubbing his mane, or smushing his face like if he were a little foal."
"Wow, never imagined that," Tender Taps said. "Well, I'll see you later at the Tree House."
"See you then," Sweetie Belle said. "Also, Tender Taps?"
"Yeah?" Tender Taps said, then to his surprise, Sweetie Belle pulled him into a kiss, surprising the colt. Not the first time he's kissed her but this time it was intentional
Sweetie Belle held the kiss for a while before breaking off, "Thanks, for being such a sweetheart."
"Uh, sure, no problem," Tender Taps said. "See you later Sweetie Belle."
Tender Taps walked home, amazed by what just happened. Sweetie Belle had kissed him, now he wondered if she had a crush on him. More than that, he actually liked the kiss, wondering if this meant he could fall for her. He felt conflicted, he still loved Twilight, but she's not interested in him, and he knows Sweetie Belle is just feeling very emotional and the kiss may not have meant anything. But it could have, looks like he's gonna have to figure things out.
Back in the future, Sweetie Belle had finished her story, "That's how it started."
"So, that's why you started dating Tappy for a while," Twilight said. "Do you still love him?"
"Honestly, I don't know if I really did, I just felt attracted to him," Sweetie Belle said. "What about you? Do you love him?"
Twilight didn't have to think long, she instead just offered a smile to Sweetie Belle, "Yes, I do. It took me a while to realize it though, but once he started getting older, and more attractive, my tune changed a lot. I just hope wherever he is, that he's alright, and they're not doing anything to hurt him."
Back in the villains headquarters, Tender Taps was waiting in his cell when he heard the door open. He freaked out because he thought Adagio was coming back, but to his relief it wasn't her, it was another siren, one he was surprised to see. "Sonata?"
"Hey kid," Sonata approached the cell. "You look like you've seen better days."
"That's an understatement," Tender Taps said. "So, what happens now?"
"You know what happens, Twilight's coming to get you, and once she arrives, that's when they strike," Sonata said.
"Sonata, you're our friend, you wouldn't let Twilight get hurt would you?" Tender Taps asked.
"It doesn't matter what I want, plus after what happened with Cozy Glow, it's hard to tell who really is a friend or not," Sonata said. "Tender Taps, I do like you, and I don't want anything bad happening to you, and much as I would love to help you...I'm afraid I can't, your future is currently in the decision of Grogar and his team.
"Sonata, you have to fight this, come on, can you really call the sirens your friends!?" Tender Taps asked.
"No, they're not friends," Sonata said before leaving the room. "They're my family. I'm sorry Tender Taps."
As she left, Tender Taps sat in worry and despair, hoping for not just his freedom, but for Twilight's safety.