On the way home from school, Thomas walked with the Crusaders, his big sisters on a relaxing sunny day as they reached Ponyville. “Such a nice afternoon, huh?” Thomas asked, while riding on Sweetie Belle’s back. “Yeah, it sure is,” she replied. “And I can’t wait to show you what my sister was doing!”
They then went over to the boutique and saw a box full of old costumes and clothes, “Rarity's reorganizing her shop, and look what she found! Old costumes from the talent show!”
“We thought they'd come in handy in case we ever help a pony put on a play or need to make a quick escape disguised as clowns,” Scootaloo said. “Wow!” Apple Bloom said, until they saw two fillies they recognized. It was Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, the reformed bullies from elementary school. They were laying on their lounge chairs underneath the shade of their umbrellas at Diamond’s swimming pool at her house.
Silver Spoon saw Diamond Tiara softly blushing while laying her eyes on Thomas who was with the CMC at the entrance of the School of Friendship. “Diamond, you still have a crush on the little guy, don’t you?” She gave her friend a light smirk.
“Hmm?” Diamond Tiara asked while shaking her head out of her starry eyed daydreaming look on Thomas as she turned to Silver Spoon. “Did you say something?” She blinked her eyes and looked at her friend curiously.
“Diamond, it’s okay. You can tell me. You do have a crush on Thomas, don’t you? Fluttershy’s adopted son?” Silver Spoon asked., while giving Diamond Tiara a soft smile as she looked over at the small child with the three fillies.
Diamond Tiara then blushed and let out a sigh, “Yeah. Well, I really do like him. I mean he is so cute and very sweet, but what makes him a real sweetie pie is that he is so kind towards others, especially me.” She then placed her hoof underneath her chin while smiling warmly as she looked over Thomas. “He treats everypony with so much love from his heart even after all that he’s been through, but...” She then lowered her head a bit.
Silver Spoon then looked at her with concern. “But what, Diamond? What’s wrong?” She asked.
Diamond Tiara then let out a deep sigh, “Well, there’s nothing wrong, but it is that whenever he treats others respectfully, he never asks for anything in return, and he’s always there for others, and I think that’s another thing I like about him.” A sudden bright smile formed across her face as she looked at the calendar, seeing the date that said “Hearts and Hooves Day” and suddenly got an idea, “I want to do something special for him on Hearts and Hooves Day this weekend, Silver Spoon!”
Silver Spoon gasped, returning the smile, “Oh, that sounds like a good idea, Diamond! Maybe he’ll come up with something too, but if you have an idea as well.” Diamond Tiara nodded and then they both came up with ideas.
They noticed Diamond Tiara was blushing, then they looked at Thomas. “Hey, little brother. Look at who’s looking over there at you,” Scootaloo said, as Thomas turned his head and looked to see Diamond Tiara looking at him with a light red blush on her cheeks as she waved a forehoof at him, until Thomas swallowed deeply and waved a hand at her with a blush of his own, and then turned back to the three fillies after they went inside the house.
Scootaloo gave a soft smirk while looking at the little boy, “Sounds like somepony special still has a crush on our cool little brother, like always.”
“Aww... I remember the time you danced with her at the Gala. But that is so sweet, isn’t it, Thomas?” Sweetie Belle said, while rubbing her hoof at his back. Thomas then lowered his head while both blushing and lightly crying. “Thomas? Hey, what’s the matter?” Apple Bloom asked.
“I... I do like Diamond Tiara, but I’m too young for romance, and I’m a human.” He gave a frown while rubbing his arm. “I just don’t want other ponies to laugh at us, even at Diamond Tiara. I just want her to be safe.”
“So, you gave up on the romantic thing and just treated each other as friends?” Scootaloo asked. Thomas shook his head, until Sweetie Belle spoke up, “He’s shy, that’s why. About asking her out?”
“Oh... Maybe you need time to think,” Apple Bloom said. Thomas nodded, and then the fillies took him home to the cottage where Fluttershy lived as he rode on Apple Bloom’s back.
While they were approaching Fluttershy’s cottage, they saw her outside getting the mail after watering her flowers and other plants. As she went inside, Apple Bloom stopped to let him climb off her back and then watched as he went inside. Her and the other two then went to the window so they wouldn’t be noticed.
“Hi, Momma. I’m back,” Thomas said with depression about the filly of his dreams. Fluttershy saw the look on his face as she finished sorting the mail, and went over to her son, “What’s wrong, baby?”
“Nothing. I’m fine. Just a little bit tired,” Thomas said, hiding his true feelings for Diamond Tiara. Fluttershy hugged her son closer, as he wrapped his arms around her neck and laid his head on her chest and underneath her neck as she laid her head on top of his shoulder and wrapped a foreleg around his back. “Shhhhhh... There, there, sweetheart. Now how about if you put your book bag upstairs and I’ll make you something to eat after you have a nice nap?” she suggested, and then after Thomas hugged at her foreleg, he went upstairs to unpack his book bag and do his homework. When he finished, Thomas laid on his bed and began to cry while hugging his Snuggle Bear teddy before he started his nap to make him feel better.
Suddenly, without the two noticing, the Crusaders were outside the cottage listening to their conversation. “Wow... he really wants to do something nice for Diamond Tiara, but he doesn’t have the heart,” Scootaloo said. “Oh, poor little cutie...” Sweetie Belle said. “Yeah, he sure misses her. Maybe he’s been spendin’ too much time away from her,” Apple Bloom said, until an idea came to her head. “This calls for some thinkin’! To the clubhouse!”
When the girls went to Sweet Apple Acres with their costumes, they were in their clubhouse still coming up with ideas about Thomas’s special time to celebrate Hearts and Hooves Day with Diamond Tiara.
“Oh! I know! How about if we take them out to a movie or a play together?” Sweetie Belle suggested. “Nah, that sounds kinda mushy,” Scootaloo said. “Besides, I don’t think the little dude will want to watch his special somepony go too googly-eyed on him. He’s like 6 years old.”
“Well, you didn’t have to be so mean, Scootaloo,” Sweetie Belle huffed before sitting on her haunches crossing her forelegs against her chest.
“I wasn’t being mean, Sweetie Belle. I was just saying, he might be uncomfortable if something too mushy happened,” Scootaloo said. “It’s gotta be something he would enjoy, not what you would...”
“Will ya two knock it off?” Apple Bloom , as they both nodded. “Good, now let’s just think of an idea. What would be a good surprise that would be special enough for both Diamond Tiara and Thomas, but nothing too romantic.”
“Wait! I got it!” I think I know what we can do to give Thomas the best Hearts and Hooves Day!” She rubbed her forehooves together making a sly smirk on her face. “What is it, Apple Bloom?” They asked in unison. Apple Bloom then wrapped her forelegs around each of their necks and brought the other two forward for a huddle. She then began whispering in their ears about her idea, as they both made smiling gasps of excitement and sly grins, and nodded.
“So what do ya both say? Are ya up for it or what?” Apple Bloom asked Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. “You bet I am!” Scootaloo said. “I like it too, Apple Bloom. It sounds just perfectly right for both Diamond Tiara and our cutie of a little brother,” Sweetie Belle said while beaming with a smile.
“Let’s put them together, girls. As we solemnly swear to make this a special moment for Diamond Tiara and our little brother,” Apple Bloom said, as she lifted her hoof up and placed it forward, until Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle placed their on hers. “So, what are we, girls?”
“THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS BIG SISTERS!! YAY!!” they shouted in unison, as they giggled and then talked about their plan throughout the day.
The next day, as dawn began to break on Hearts and Hooves Day, Apple Bloom was awake as she was preparing for the big day for her little brother. “I sure can’t wait to give our little buddy the best Hearts and Hooves Day ever!” She said with a bright smile, until she heard the triangle ring, and Applejack calling out, “Breakfast!” She then went downstairs.
When Apple Bloom entered the first floor, the scent of a warm and fresh home-cooked breakfast began wafting through the entire house. ‘Mmmmm... That smells delicious,’ she thought to herself as she went over to the kitchen and saw Applejack and Big Mac making breakfast, “Good mornin’, Apple Family.” She then giggled while taking her seat at the table.
“Well, good mornin’, sugarcube. And it sure looks like ya look like you’re in a good mood today,” Applejack said, while smiling warmly at her little sister and placed a plate of hay cakes with butter and syrup, and apple cider in front of the filly. “I am in a good mood today, big sis,” Apple Bloom replied as she then dug into her hay cakes. “So, what’s gotten ya in the good mood?” Applejack asked, as she went to get her breakfast.
Apple Bloom swallowed her mouthful and then spoke, “Well, yesterday, Thomas was blushing over somepony he likes, but never sees. Since he misses her, me and the girls are goin’ to give Thomas the best first Hearts and Hooves Day he ever had. We’re workin’ on gifts right now.”
“Aww... Well, that’s mighty sweet of ya girls,” Applejack said, rubbing her sister’s head with her hoof. “I’m sure the little feller will like whatever gifts you three have planned for him.” She then sat down and started eating her breakfast, along with Big Mac and Granny Smith. “Well, we did have this one idea,” Apple Bloom said. “We’re getting him gifts for him to give Diamond Tiara, so that he won’t forget or have trouble looking for gifts.”
“That’s nice of ya, li’l sis,” Applejack said. “I do have this one gift for Thomas to give her, but can I tell ya so that y’all can keep it to yourselves?” Apple Bloom asked. “Sure thing, sugarcube,” Applejack replied, and then Apple Bloom told them her and the other two’s plan for their little brother’s first Hearts and Hooves Day.
Later on, after breakfast, across town in the Carousel Boutique, Sweetie Belle was putting together her part of the surprise for Thomas, after drawing a couple of sketches for a few outfits. “And there... all finished,” she then beamed at her work with starry eyes and a cute smile. “Oh, our little brother is going to love this!”
She then heard Rarity walk in, “Sweetie Belle? What are you doing, darling?” Sweetie Belle turned around and saw Rarity with a confused brow and a soft smile, until she saw what her sister was working on. “Oh my, that is marvelous, darling, but who is it for exactly?”
“Oh, I’m just doing something for Thomas to give to his special somepony for Hearts and Hooves Day today. Me, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo are working on our gifts so that we can give our little brother the best first Hearts and Hooves Day he ever had” Sweetie Belle said, while beaming with excitement.
Rarity smiled warmly at her sister with her hoof over her chest, “Awwww... Well, that is very sweet of you girls to do something special for the little darling. I’m sure my darling and precious little nephew will enjoy his first Hearts and Hooves Day.” She then ruffled her sister’s mane with her hoof. “Oh! I’ve gotta go meet the girls at the clubhouse!” Sweetie Belle said, as she grabbed her part of the surprise and placed it carefully in her right saddlebag, and trotted over to the door, but hugged Rarity one more time. “Bye, Rarity! I’ll tell you about it later!”
“Bye, Sweetie Belle darling! Have fun!” Rarity said, waving a hoof at her sister while seeing the filly running over to Sweet Apple Acres. Rarity then shook her head and sighed softly, “I sure do hope those girls know what they’re doing, especially since it’s about my darling little nephew.” She then walked over to the kitchen to wash the dishes from breakfast.
Scootaloo exited Sugarcube Corner with a small box on her back, and looked back at the Cakes and Pinkie Pie, “Thanks again, Mr. and Mrs. Cake! I’ll tell your nephew, Thomas you said hello, Pinkie!” She then started walking over to Sweet Apple Acres for their meeting at the clubhouse. “These will be a perfect Hearts and Hooves Day treat for Diamond Tiara and our awesome little brother.”
Arriving up ahead at the clubhouse, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo suddenly saw Apple Bloom sitting at a table near the barn at Sweet Apple Acres with four roses in red, dark and light pink, and white with a red bow ribbon wrapped around the stems. “Hey, girls. Do y’all have your gifts?” The other two nodded in unison and showed her what they got. “I got two cupcakes so that they can share one with each other,” Scootaloo smiled as she placed the box with the cupcakes on the table beside the roses.
“And I got a card. Rarity let me use a few gems and I used some pink and red glitter to decorate it with,” Sweetie Belle said, as she laid the card down. She and Scootaloo looked and saw the roses on the table, “Uh... Apple Bloom, aren’t roses supposed to be red?”
“Well, while I was trying to choose which ones to choose from at the flower shop, I couldn’t help it since these colors mean something in common. Until suddenly, Zecora came to visit Ponyville for something to make her brews, so I asked her for help until she told me what they represent. For example, red represents love, passion and respect. Dark pink represents gratitude and appreciation. Light pink represents grace, admiration, happiness and friendship. White represents purity, innocence and young love,” Apple Bloom said. “Those are all the traits that our little brother has.”
Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo nodded in agreement as they understood the meaning of the roses. Apple Bloom grabbed a picnic basket and they placed the items inside gently, and then they started walking over to Fluttershy’s cottage.
Thomas woke up and got out of his bed with his Spider-Man pajamas on him, along with his robe and slippers. He then yawned and rubbed his eyes.
He then went downstairs for breakfast, as he saw Fluttershy making some scrambled eggs and hay hash browns, while adding some tea and toast for herself. “Hey, Momma,” Thomas said softly while yawning. “Oh! Hello, sweetheart. My, you look sleepy,” Fluttershy said. “I’m fine. Just had trouble sleeping,” Thomas said. “Still thinking about her? Diamond Tiara?” Fluttershy asked a she placed his plate of eggs and hay hash browns. Thomas nodded, and then ate his breakfast. Fluttershy then kissed his cheek, and then sat down with him.
While they were eating together, Fluttershy finished her toast, until she and her son heard a knock on the door. “Oh my... Hmm... I wonder who that could be,” she said, as the mare got up and walked over to the door to answer it. She opened it to reveal the CMC’s with their gift basket. “Oh! Umm... Hello, girls,” Fluttershy said.
“Hey, Fluttershy! Happy Hearts and Hooves Day!” they shouted in unison. “Happy Hearts and Hooves Day to you too as well, girls. Please come in,” Fluttershy said, giving them a soft smile and stepping aside to let them into her cottage, before the fillies trotted inside. They then saw their little brother, who was almost finished with his breakfast. “Hey, little brother! Happy Hearts and Hooves Day!” They said as they trotted over to him with the gift basket.
“Hey, big sisters,” Thomas said. “We’ve got ya your gifts for your special somepony since it’s your first Hearts and Hooves Day,” Scootaloo said, as they showed him the basket, with the cupcakes, the roses, and the card. “It’s beautiful,” Thomas said, until he stood up and received a big warm hug from the three. Fluttershy giggled softly with a hoof over her lips, and then walked over to them to take her son’s plate, “I’ve got it, sweetheart.”
Thomas nodded, “Thank you, Momma.” Fluttershy nodded, and went to the sink to wash their dishes from breakfast. “Hey little buddy, how would you like to spend some time with your big sisters at Sweet Apple Acres for today? We can help you practice your date with your special somepony,” Scootaloo asked as all three of them gave him hopeful smiles. Thomas nodded and then walked over to his mother while she finished washing their plates, “Momma, would it be okay if I go over to Auntie Applejack’s farm with my big sisters?”
Fluttershy smiled warmly down at her son giving him a soft nod in reply, and kissed him on his forehead, “Of course, sweetheart. That’s fine with me.” She giggled while gently nuzzling her muzzle against her son’s face, and then as he wrapped his arms around her neck while laying his head against her chest and underneath her neck, she smiled warmly with a soft sigh and hugged him back with a foreleg around his back and shoulders.
“Thank you, Momma,” Thomas said. “You’re welcome, sweetie,” Fluttershy said, as she kissed him on the forehead, and then let him look up at her. “Now, go get dressed.”
Thomas looked up at his mom and nodded, “Okay, Momma.” He smiled brightly and then broke the hug and ran upstairs to get changed into his clothes.
Fluttershy then noticed the basket that Sweetie Belle was holding. “Umm... girls... what’s in the basket?” She looked at them curiously with a soft smile.
The Crusaders realized that she was their brother’s mother, so they knew it was time to tell her the truth, so Apple Bloom spoke up. “Well, Fluttershy, we only want to do something special for Thomas for his first Hearts and Hooves Day,” she smiled as the other two nodded in agreement. “Also, there’s also a pony he used to go to the elementary school with Ms. Cheerliee who really likes Thomas.”
Fluttershy gave a look of surprise at the fillies, “Oh my, really? Umm... if a mother may ask, girls... who is this special somepony?”
“Diamond Tiara, the reformed school bully,” Sweetie Belle said. “And she really likes Thomas. We can tell, because most of the time, when they’re around each other whenever they want, they blush at each other. It’s so adorable,” she beamed with starry eyes and a cute smile. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom nodded, and then giggled at their friend’s excitement, but lightheartedly.
Fluttershy placed her hoof over her chest, as she was proud that her son has a girlfriend. “Are you mad at us?” Apple Bloom asked. Fluttershy shook her head, “Oh, no no no no, of course I’m not mad at you girls. I just think it’s a very sweet idea to have you three help him, since you’ve been like big sisters to him. I’m also very proud of you, including your sisters and families.”
The Crusaders nodded with starry smiles in agreement, until they saw their little brother coming downstairs. “I brushed my teeth, Momma,” he said. Thomas was wearing his red and heathery blue striped white t-shirt underneath his gree and blue plaid black fleece, blue jeans and black and white converse sneakers.
Thomas then hugged his mother as she leaned down to nuzzle her nose against his, “Now you be good and do be careful, and have fun, okay, Thomas?” She gave him one more kiss on the forehead.
He nodded up at her and then broke the hug, “Okay, Momma. I’ll be back before bedtime.” He then went up to his big sisters as Sweetie Belle leaned down to let him climb up onto her back. “Don’t ya worry about a thing, Fluttershy. We’ll watch over him,” Apple Bloom said, as she and the fillies, and Thomas riding on Sweetie Belle’s back left the cottage.
Fluttershy waved her hoof at them and they returned the wave, as they made their way over to Sweet Apple Acres.
As they got over to Sweet Apple Acres, Thomas looked through the basked and made sure he got everything to give to Diamond Tiara for Hearts and Hooves Day. “Okay, so each of us got you these to give to Diamond Tiara. Scootaloo got you and her some cupcakes, but made them a little bit bigger, and made with extra chocolate. I got some roses in four colors. Sweetie Belle made a card for you to give to her,” Apple Bloom said. “Cool,” Thomas said. “Now, I just need to find somewhere to spend the day with.”
“Oh! Why not the park?!” Sweetie Belle asked. “That could work. Thanks, Sweetie Belle,” Thomas said. “No problem, cutie,” Sweetie Belle said.
As they were about to go see Diamond Tiara, they suddenly saw an green apple tumbling, until they looked and saw Big Mac loading up a cart full of baskets filled with apples.
“Here ya go, Big Mac. Ya dropped this,” she said, as Big Mac placed the apple back into the basket.
“Whoa, that sure is a lot of apples!” Scootaloo said. “Are you makin' another delivery to Starlight's old village?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Eeyup,” Big Mac replied. “That's an awful long way for a pony to go, isn't it?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Eeyup,” Big Mac replied again. “You've been goin' there a lot lately. What is this, your fifth trip this week?” Apple Bloom asked, until Big Mac laughed nervously with a blush on his cheeks, “Eeyup.”
“Okay, well, have fun. So which part of the park do ya want to meet Diamond, Thomas?” Apple Bloom asked. “Are you crazy?! We can't talk about gifts at a time like this!” Scootaloo said. “Time like what?” Apple Bloom asked. “Your brother is hiding something. Did you see the way he was acting?” Scootaloo asked. “Yeah. He totally blushed when you brought up how often he's been going to Starlight's old village,” Sweetie Belle said. “He’s going to Auntie Starlight’s old village, where she was evil?” Thomas asked, as the fillies nodded. “Something is definitely going on. There can be only be one reason a pony would travel so far, so often,” Scootaloo said.
“He's taking private skiing lessons!”
“He's training for a marathon!”
“I've been cooking a lot of broccoli...”
Apple Bloom chuckled nervously, “...and he wants to get away from the smell!” The Cutie Mark Crusaders and Thomas started laughing.
“Maybe he's a spy on a mission to thwart an evil villain with a secret weapon: an apple cannon!” Scootaloo said. “No, that's crazy! I think it's my broccoli thing,” Apple Bloom said. “Why don't we just ask him?” Sweetie Belle asked. “You saw how shifty he was acting earlier. There's no way he'll tell us what he's doing,” Scootaloo said, putting on her clown wig. “Plus, I really wanna go undercover. We already have costumes! Call me "Agent Rainbowhead".”
“I'll be "Shimmering Spectacles", a librarian with a mysterious past,” Sweetie Belle said, wearing a nose and mustache glasses, along with a detective hat. “And I'll be a pirate spy! Arrrgh! A spy-rate!” Apple Bloom said. “Maybe I can wear this!” Thomas said, wearing a blue baseball cap with a green question mark with a yellow outline and a yellow exclamation point with a green outline. “Of course! We forgot about our super sleuth for the Cutie Mark Crusaders!” Sweetie Belle said. “Yeah! Our favorite world famous detective in Ponyville!” Scootaloo said.
Apple Bloom gasped as she saw Big Mac leaving with the cart, “Avast! Our ship be leavin' port!”
“Huh?” Scootaloo asked. “Big Mac's leavin'! If we're gonna be spies, we gotta go! Now!” Apple Bloom said, as she leaned down to let Thomas climb up on her back and they caught up with the cart and hid underneath the blanket.
On the way over, the Crusaders were reading a book, and Thomas fell asleep next to Sweetie Belle as he leaned by her side. Suddenly, the cart stopped and they heard Big Mac whistling. “Big Mac's a-comin'! Quick! Act like apples!” Apple Bloom said, as Big Mac took a basket full of apples, and then walked over to the bakery without noticing the Crusaders and Thomas on the cart, as they stood up confused.
“What? How?” Sweetie Belle asked, as Thomas looked through the binoculars. “Hey! Look!” he said, as Sweetie Belle took the binoculars and looked through them, and saw Big Mac giving the basket to a unicorn mare with pale cerise fur, a puffy moderate magenta mane and tail with turquoise and cyan beads, moderate cerise eyes, and her flank had a cutie mark of a vanilla cupcake with purple frosting and a cherry.
“Who's that pony?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Let me see!” Scootaloo said, as she took the binoculars and saw Big Mac and Sugar Belle laughing. “I dunno. Shouldn't have taken the binoculars. I don't know anypony here.”
“Me neither,” Thomas said. “That must be Sugar Belle. Applejack told me about her bakery. Obviously, she's just been orderin' a lot of apples,” Apple Bloom said, as the door to Sugar Belle’s bakery opened and her and Big Mac entered the shop.
“So nothing fishy's going on,” Sweetie Belle said. “No way! We came here to be spies! And no spy I know has ever solved a case that quick!” Scootaloo said. “Mmm, how many spies do you know?” Thomas asked. “That's... not important. What's important is that we do more recon. Follow my lead!” Scootaloo said.
Thomas, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle nodded in unison, and then followed Scootaloo towards the window, and saw Big Mac talking to Sugar Belle.
“Whoa. She sure likes her apples,” Thomas said. “Yeah, totally,” Apple Bloom said. “What is she doing? Making the biggest apple pie in Equestria?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Shhhhhh! Listen,” Scootaloo said, as Thomas took notes with his notebook.
“Thanks for coming all this way, Big Mac,” Sugar Belle said, as Big Mac made a whinnying laugh. “It sure is nice seeing you again so soon. “Eeyup,” Big Mac giggled.
“All I used to bake were boring old muffins, but thanks to your apple deliveries, I get to bake all kinds of delicious treats! Apple pies, apple fritters, apple turnovers, caramel apples, caramel apple cakes... [sighs] I just wish I had more room to display it all. My shelves only hold so much,” Sugar Belle said.
“I'm tellin' you, this pony reeeeaaally likes her apples,” Apple Bloom said, as Thomas showed them a picture of hearts over what looked like a doodle of Big Mac and Sugar Belle. Sweetie Belle gasped, “Or Big Mac!” Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were confused, “Huh?”
“Just look!” Sweetie Belle said, as they looked from Thomas’s notes to Sugar Belle and Bug Mac, as they accidentally bumped their muzzles into each other. “Ooh! Uh...” Sugar Belle giggled. “Oh, I...” Big Mac giggled. “Sweetie Belle, I-I think you're right! I think my brother has a crush!” Apple Bloom said, as they kept listening to the conversation.
Big Mac came out of Sugar Belle’s bakery and walked over to the cart, until he heard a voice, “Psst! Big Mac!”
Apple Bloom then looked at the Crusaders, “Now remember, my brother's super shy, so he's probably gonna be embarrassed about his crush. Just try and make him feel comfortable.” They nodded, and then took off their disguises, “Hey, Big Mac, it's me! Apple Bloom!”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac said. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo took of their disguises, but Thomas kept his cap on, “We're here, too!”
“Mm-hmm,” Big Mac said. “I'm gonna ask you a very personal question, and I want you to answer honestly. Do you... have a crush on... Sugar Belle?” Apple Bloom asked. “Eeyup,” Big Mac replied. “Well, that was easy,” Scootaloo said. “This is so excitin'! My big brother has his very first crush!” Apple Bloom said. “First crush? What about Cheerilee?” Scootaloo said.
“It doesn't really count when you trick a pony into drinking a love potion, does it?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Nnope!” Big Mac replied angrily. “Wait! Does Sugar Belle even know you like her?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Uh-uh,” Big Mac replied. “Then you gotta tell her!” Thomas said. “O-Oh... eh... ehhhh...” Big Mac stuttered nervously. “We're pretty sure she likes you! I mean, she keeps ordering apples just so she can see you again,” Sweetie Belle said, as Thomas showed him his sketch. “Eeeyou think so?” Big Mac asked. “Totally! But you'll never know if you don't try,” Scootaloo said. “Okay!” Big Mac said, as he saw Thomas hand him some purplish blue flowers to give to Sugar Belle. “Go get her, Big Mac!” Thomas said, as Big Mac went back over to Sugar Belle’s bakery and knocked on her door.
She answered it, and smiled romantically at him as he was about to hand her the flowers, but a earth pony shoved Big Mac out of the way. He had light gold fur, moderate orange wavy mane and tail with light amberish gray tips on his mane, and moderate harlequin eyes, and his flank had a cutie mark of a feather between two red hearts.
“Hey, girl. Heh-heh. I was writin' poetry by the pond when I saw these flowers. I thought I'd show them how pretty you are,” he said in a California accent, and handing her a couple of red roses forming a heart. “Oh! Heh. Thanks, Feather Bangs,” Sugar Belle said.
Big Mac made a sad snort and then left with sad depression and a broken heart. “Um, is it possible to have two crushes at once? Because it looks like Big Mac may not be the only pony Sugar Belle likes,” Scootaloo said. “Hey, Big Mac! Where ya goin'?” Apple Bloom asked. “Home!” Big Mac replied. “You can't let that Feather fella get in the way of your one true love!” Sweetie Belle said. “You've gotta take him down!” Scootaloo said.
“What can he do that you can't?” Apple Bloom asked. “That,” Thomas said, as he saw Feather Bangs juggling in front of Sugar Belle. “Whoops! Heh-heh. These balls are like you. I'll always catch you if you fall,” Feather Bangs said, as three mares were swooning at his handsomeness.
“Seriously? That line worked?” Scootaloo said. “She'll never pick me,” Big Mac said as Thomas hugged him. “Sure she will, Big Mac,” Thomas said. “Yeah, 'cause we're gonna help you,” Apple Bloom said. “Alright, but no love potions!” Big Mac said. The Cutie Mark Crusaders laughed together.
“Don't worry, Big Mac. We learned our lesson the hard way,” Apple Bloom said. “Yeah. We're never gonna do that again,” Scootaloo said. “Besides, I know exactly what we’re going to do,” Sweetie Belle said. “When I was younger, I read all the fairy tales.” Scootaloo looked at her with confusion, until Sweetie Belle spoke up, “When I was younger on the way here! It was a long ride! Anyway, as long as we do what the book says, you’re pretty much guaranteed a happy ending.”
“But if it doesn’t work, we’ll let Thomas pick out the next plan, since he’s also a Cutie Mark Crusader,” Scootaloo said. “Fair enough. So, for now, how about this one? “Rescuing a damsel-pony-in-distress.” That’s perfect! Of course, we’ll have to improvise without a dragon,” Sweetie Belle said. “But how about a thief?” Thomas asked. “Good idea! And I know just the thief for it!” Apple Bloom said, as she dressed up Scootaloo as a masked bandit with a ninja mask, and Big Mac took his place. “Okay, now Scootaloo’s gonna pretend to take Sugar Belle’s things, and then you swoop in and steal it back and hand it back to her, alright?” Apple Bloom asked. Big Mac replied, “Eeyup.”
While Sugar Belle was walking down towards her bakery, Scootaloo swooped over and took her bags. “Oh! Somepony, help!” she shouted. Scootaloo kept running, until Big Mac stopped the fake bandit, but Feather Bangs took them before Big Mac could catch them and then gave them to Sugar Belle, “Here’s your sugar, Sugar. Though it’s not as sweet...” he chuckled, “...as you.”
The three mares swooned at him again, and Sugar Belle sighed, “Thank you, Feather!”
“Feather pony cheated!” Thomas said. “That smooth-talkin’ pony stole our rescue! And it totally would’ve worked!” Apple Bloom said. “Eeyup,” Big Mac said angrily.
“Well, we’re just gonna have to keep trying! Big Mac, are you ready to take it up a notch?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Oh, yup!” Big Mac said, as he felt nervous while wearing a blue and white Shakespearean outfit. “Oh, nope.”
“Trust us! Nothing’s more romantic than a special type of poetic sonnet to come up with, maybe even letting her kiss you at the end,” Sweetie Belle said, until she and Thomas showed him the page in the book. “See? "Thy handsome and valiant prince approaches!" Just like this.”
“No sign of that meaner either, but I still don’t like this idea,” Thomas said. “It’s now or never, Big Mac!” Apple Bloom said. Big Mac then gulped, and made nervous sounds until he saw some flowers and kneeled down. Sugar Belle gasped happily, but suddenly Feather Bangs got in the way again, “Oh-ho-ho, girl, you’ve been working hard all day. Allow me to treat you like the princess...” he chuckled, “...you are.”
The swooning mares swooned at him again, as Feather Bangs took Sugar Belle somewhere calm and quiet. “Hey! That meaner cheated again! No fair!” Thomas said. “And that was our metamorphical happy ending!” Sweetie Belle said. Scootaloo spoke up, “All right! This ends now! Feather Bangs may have good timing, and... a good mane... Uh, but let’s see him compete... with something that our little brother might come up with!”
“Well... I kinda have this one idea,” Thomas said, as he explained it to Big Mac and the CMC.
“Come on, Big Mac! Ya can do better than him! Just tell her and she’ll accept ya!” Apple Bloom said. Big Mac nodded and then began to tell Sugar Belle how he feels, but suddenly as Thomas played the music on the record player, he began singing.
We'll take a walk down by the river
Watch the sunset from the field
We'll plant the seeds of love together
And water 'em right for a really good yield
Sugar Belle, sweet as pie
You're the apple of my eye
A cherry blossom in a field of rye
And when the heifer's milked and fed
And the pigs are in the sty
Won't you be there by my side?
Oh, oh
Oh, ah-oh
When you appeared before me
My heart stopped beating
Stars crossed the sky
To come see what I was seeing
You were the one
That made me believe I could fly
Whoa, whoa, whoa
Birds could not sing
A song that's as beautiful
I'd do anything
That's irrefutable
'Cause you are the sun
Painting my heart in the sky (whoa-oh, oh)
Sugar, Sugar Belle, whoa-oh
When will you tell me that you feel the same?
Like an angel on a candy cane
Or the sunlight shining through a drain
Sugar Belle, when I look in your eyes... *ahem*
...I see the color blue
And it reminds me of the sky above
Uh, which is also... blue
Hey, hey, hey, yeah
Be my sugarplum
I will be your watermelon
Every time you smile
I can feel my heart a-swellin'
Blood is rushing from my head to my hooves, yeah
I start movin' when I'm feeling that groove, yeah
I've been writin' this song for you
Searchin' for the perfect rhyme
For the words I wanna say
Somethin', somethin', somethin', somethin'... Be mine
Every day I see you
I know you could be the one for me
Feel my heart a-beating like
The rain upon a bumblebee
Don't you see that I could, ah oh, ah oh
Whenever you are near me, I'm so... ah-oh
Sugar Belle!
Roses are red and violets are blue!
Sugar, Sugar!
My love is burning hot like a cheese fondue!
Sugar Belle!
Sugar Belle!
Sugar Belle!
Sugar Belle!
Sugar Belle!
Sugar Belle!
Sugar Belle!
They suddenly landed onto Sugar Belle’s stand, and crashed onto it as the pastries splatted everywhere, and the kids gasped in shock.
Sugar Belle suddenly got angry, “What in Equestria has gotten into you two?! If you think I'm the kind of pony that likes all this nonsense, then you clearly don't know me at all! I wish everypony would just... leave me alone!”
Feather Bangs whimpered and he and his backstage dancers trotted off. “This is why I don't like talkin'! Words can hurt! Words hurt!Goodbye, Sugar Belle!” Big Mac said, walking out the door with a broken heart, but saw the Crusaders and Thomas with sad faces as they left the bakery and followed him. “Y’all should go,” he said. “But... why?” Thomas asked. “Just go!” Big Mac said. “Did we do something wrong?” Thomas asked. “Yes, y’all did!” Big Mac said.
“But we worked so hard on helping you just like we helped Thomas with his love problem!” Sweetie Belle said. “Not right now!” Big Mac said. “But can you at least talk to us?” Thomas asked. “Maybe he doesn't like talkin'!” Big Mac said. “We just wanted to help!” Thomas said, as tears began forming in his eyes. “Maybe he used to talk too much, and it only ever got him into trouble!” Big Mac said, as he left them but suddenly Thomas began crying about his anger. They then left to find Big Mac as Thomas rode on Sweetie Belle’s back.
Meanwhile, the Crusaders and Thomas kept looking for Big Mac, as Scootaloo looked underneath the vase where a couple of ponies were on a date. “Big Mac? Oh, Big Mac?!” Apple Bloom shouted. “Well, nopony's seen him,” Scootaloo said. “Aw, I feel terrible. I've never seen my brother so upset before,” Apple Bloom said, as they kept looking. “Oh, Big Mac?!” They suddenly saw him in the park reading Sweetie Belle’s book. “Big Mac!” Thomas shouted as he stood next to him, and patted his shoulder for a hug.
“Are you okay?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Nnope,” Big Mac replied. “Sorry it didn't work out with Sugar Belle,” Apple Bloom said. “We don't get it. Big, grand gestures always work in the fairy tales,” Sweetie Belle said.
“But Sugar Belle's not a fairy tale princess. She's a real pony. She's kind, and she works hard, and she's sweeter than everything in her bakery,” Big Mac said. “Just like Auntie Pinkie Pie and the Cake family,” Thomas said, as he sat next to Big Mac. “I told you the fairy tale thing wasn’t a good idea.”
Apple Bloom suddenly got an idea, “That's it! We shoulda been thinking about what would mean a lot to Sugar Belle!”
“I also tried to tell you that as well,” Thomas said. “Yeah, like the one time we accidentally gave Big Mac a love potion,” Apple Bloom said. The other two nodded in agreement.
“Hmmm...” Big Mac then thought of an idea. “I know just the thing! But I'm gonna need your help!”
“Really? Even after we messed it up?” Apple Bloom asked. “Eeyup. Come on!” Big Mac said as they followed him back to the village.
Back at the village, Big Mac and Thomas finished setting up a heart shaped apple pie for Sugar Belle and then placed it in the oven for 30 minutes to bake. “Big Mac, are you sure you know what you’re doing?” Thomas asked. “Eeyup,” Big Mac said.
“Ahh! Sugar Belle’s downtown!” Scootaloo said running over to the kitchen. “Thomas, you go talk to Sugar Belle, and we’ll take care of the pie,” Apple Bloom said, and then Thomas went to go find Sugar Belle.
As he left the bakery, Thomas saw Sugar Belle walking with a few bananas for a banana cream pie, and then picked up some peaches and limes. Thomas knew that he had to do it, so he went over to Sugar Belle and walked next to her. “Umm... excuse me?” Sugar Belle stopped, and then looked behind her and saw Thomas looking up at her as he stood by her left flank and hind leg. “Oh! Hello there, little one,” she said. “Can I help you, dear?”
“Well, I just wanted to apologize for the way it went with you and Big Mac,” Thomas said. “Oh, really? Are you being honest with me?” Sugar Belle asked. Thomas nodded, and then he thought of an idea. “Can I help you with those, if I tell you about my past life?” Thomas asked. “Of course, sweetie. I’d be honored,” Sugar Belle said, and then she leaned down to let him climb up on her back, and then as he was seated, she began walking while Thomas told him about his hard life in the orphanage, and how Fluttershy adopted him as her son, and the adventures he had with his aunts, and both the good and bad times he’s had in Equestria. Everypony else felt sorry for his hard life, including the swooning mares.
“Aww... poor little sweetie!” Swoon Song said. “Why did he have to go through all of that?!” Fond Feather asked.
“Oh, you poor little thing. I’m so sorry you went through all of that, dearie,” Sugar Belle said. “I know. But I’m glad I have Momma Fluttershy that loves me,” Thomas said, as he leaned down to hug Sugar Belle as he wrapped his arms around her neck, as she smiled warmly at him and gently patted his hands with her hoof.
As they got inside, Sugar Belle saw Big Mac, “Big Mac?!” He then nodded, as Sugar Belle finally recognized the fillies with him, “Wait a minute. I recognize you fillies, but the boy I already met.” She turned to Big Mac, as Thomas climbed off her back, “Have they been with you this whole time?”
Big Mac was about to speak, “Ee—“
“I'm Big Mac's little sister, and these are my friends, and the little guy is our little brother. We're sorry for everything we put you through today, Sugar Belle. Big Mac never would've gone through with all of those crazy...” Apple Bloom said, as Sweetie Belle continued. “...over-the-top...” Sweetie Belle said, as Scootaloo continued. “...downright ridiculous...” Scootaloo said, as Apple Bloom finished. “...attempts to impress you if we hadn't put him up to it. But we learned our lesson.”
“Someone once told me that romance isn't about impressing someone in a different way. It's about doing something that means something special to that person you love, because it’s a special gift that lies in your heart,” Thomas said.
“Spoken like a true lover,” Apple Bloom said. “And here’s what we’ve been helping him with,” Thomas said as they all showed her a new display case. “You made a new display case?”
Big Mac nodded, and Sugar Belle looked at it, “You remembered!” She then gasped, “Now I have twice as much room for all my desserts!” Sugar Belle gasped as she thought of an idea, “Which means... I can make even more! I've been dying to try baking cream pies and whoopie pies and icebox cakes and, of course, more apple treats! Oh, Big Mac, thank you so much. This is the sweetest thing anypony's ever done for me.”
Big Mac chuckled, “Uh, y-y-yeah or-or nope or...” Sugar Belle place a hoof on his lips and giggled, “I like you, too.”
Big Mac sighed, and they kissed on the lips and bumped their muzzles. “Awwwww!” the four said in unison. “That was the most romantic thing ever!” Apple Bloom said. “Big Mac, since it’s Hearts and Hooves Day, wouldn’t you like to invite Sugar Belle over to Ponyville for the night?” Thomas asked. “I’d love to, Big Mac,” Sugar Belle said, and then they hugged each other.
“Sugar Be-eee-eee-elle...!” Feather Bangs vocalized. “Yeah.”
“Sorry, Feather. You're a little too late,” Sweetie Belle said. “Yeah! Sugar Belle's already picked her special somepony!” Apple Bloom said, as Feather Bangs saw Sugar Belle falling in love with Big Mac. “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!” Feather Bangs said as he whimpered with a broken heart. “But you’ve got secret admirers right there,” Scootaloo said, as she pointed at the three mares who swooned at him.
“But who do I choose?” Feather Bangs asked. “Well, why not try them all but one at a time, and then you can decide which is best,” Thomas said. “Okay, I guess it’s worth a shot,” Feather Bangs said as he walked over to his secret admirers, and then Thomas still saw his gift basket in the cart, and then as he looked, the presents were still fresh. He then went to Big Mac and Sugar Belle as he gently tugged her tail. “Yes, sweetheart?” Sugar Belle asked. “Umm... can you take us home to Ponyville, if you’re not too busy. I also have somepony who’s waiting for me,” Thomas said. “And Momma will worry about me if I’m back past my bedtime.”
“Aww... why of course we can, dear,” Sugar Belle said, bringing him for a hug closer towards her chest. “We’re glad you and Big Mac turned out okay,” Apple Bloom said. Big Mac and Sugar Belle then rubbed muzzles with each other, and then Bog Mac went to the cart as Sugar Belle leaned down towards Thomas. “Now climb up onto my back, dearie and we’ll get you four home.” Thomas nodded, and then he climbed up onto her back and held onto her neck. Once the girls were ready on the cart, Big Mac and Sugar Belle began walking over to Ponyville.
When they got home, it was almost time for the sun to set. Thomas then climbed off Sugar Belle and gave her a hug. “Thank you, Miss Sugar Belle, for letting me ride on your back along the way,” he said. Sugar Belle giggled, “You’re welcome, sweetheart. And thank you for helping me with my bakery.” She then kissed him on the forehead, and then broke the hug.
“Come on! He’s got a date to accomplish!” Apple Bloom said, as he climbed on her back and then the fillies went to Sweet Apple Acres with Thomas, until Big Mac and Sugar Belle took a trek around the park.
While the two ponies had their time together, the Crusaders, along with Thomas riding on Apple Bloom’s back went inside her house and took him upstairs to get him ready for his date with Diamond Tiara since they had time to practice, but they suddenly saw a box with red ribbon.
Thomas opened it and saw something suitable for his date tonight. He went to the bathroom to try it on, and closed the door.
Five minutes later, Thomas was almost ready as he was making sure he looked alright while his big sisters were waiting. Suddenly, the door opened, and they saw him wearing a black suit, including a jacket to keep him warm, a white buttoned down collared shirt, a pair of matching heathery black trousers, black dress shoes, and a blue and blackish gray striped tie.
“Wow! He looks so handsome!” Sweetie Belle said. “Yeah! Now he’s ready!” Apple Bloom said, and then Sweetie Belle leaned down and let him climb on her back, and then they escorted Thomas to the park to meet Diamond Tiara so they can have their date, as he carried his gift basket for his girlfriend on his lap.
Later on, the Crusaders along with Thomas riding on Sweetie Belle’s back arrived downtown, and stopped by a small restaurant. They saw all the mares and stallions laughing and having dinner together, until Thomas suddenly saw some ponies coming until he and the Crusaders his behind a bush so that they wouldn’t be seen. They figured out that it was Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon as they only saw their heads.
After Sweetie Belle allowed Thomas to climb off her back and sat on her haunches, Scootaloo looked at him with a hoof on his shoulder. “Okay, buddy. This is it. Are you ready to get out there and give Diamond Tiara the best Hearts and Hooves Day present ever?”
Thomas nodded as he swallowed deeply, “I... I... I-I think I am.” He suddenly began shaking like a leaf, but he felt Sweetie Belle rub his shoulder with her hoof to calm him down. “You can do it, cutie. Just try to be brave,” she said, as she handed him his gift basket.
He took a deep breath and made one small peek around the bush to see Diamond Tiara was still waiting for him, until he sighed deeply.
“Don’t worry, little bro. You’ve got this,” Scootaloo said. Thomas nodded and carefully stepped out from behind the bush.
He then saw Diamond Tiara wearing a cute satin dark and light pink dress with a ribbon sash around her waist, and reflective dark pink hoof shoes with pink ribbons and bows on all four hooves. She then turned her head to see the child come out from behind the bush and saw him wearing his suit.
“Thomas? Is that really you?” she asked. Thomas nodded, and then swallowed shyly as he saw Diamond Tiara standing before him and dressed beautifully, until his cheeks blushed with a rosy pink color, “You look very pretty, Diamond. I like your dress.”
Diamond Tiara gave a blush as well, and then her heart melted at the sight of the well-dressed young boy standing before her. “Well, thank you for that compliment, sweetie pie. You look pretty handsome, you hunk muffin,” she said while smiling warmly at him. “I missed you,” Thomas said, before Diamond walked over to comfort him with a hug as he laid his head on her shoulder. “Shhhhhh... I missed you too, sweetie pie,” she said, until Thomas cleared his throat and took out a small jewelry box. He opened it and inside was a big pinkish white pearl placed inside a silver heart shaped locket with small Swarovski gems encrusted on the outlines and held by a black ribbon neck choker.
“Wow! Thomas, it’s so beautiful!” Diamond Tiara said. “Do you want me to put me on?” Thomas asked. “Yes! Please do!” Diamond Tiara said, and then he went behind her and then placed it around her neck, until Diamond Tiara looked at the pearl inside and the gems on her locket.
“This can’t be real,” Diamond Tiara said. “It is. I found it from a shore at Mount Aris, and it came from a small grain of sand, until it turned into something special. The gems are natural also,” Thomas said. After Diamond Tiara kissed his cheek as a thank you, she lowered herself to let him climb up on her back. “So, are you ready for a special night?”
Thomas nodded, and then as he was on her back, they walked over towards Sugarcube Corner until the sun began to slowly set. Thomas then got off his girlfriend and then stepped aside to let Diamond inside first. “Aww... thank you, Thomas. You’re being too sweet,” she said. “You’re welcome, Diamond Tiara. I just thought I’d like to let the lady go first,” Thomas said. “Anything my sweetie pie does or says is fine by me,” Diamond Tiara said, as they both shared a giggle.
After entering the bakery, they saw that it was closed for a private reservation for them both, but they saw a red and white tablecloth on one table and a few candles lit in the center of the dine in section of the room. Sitting a little bit far by the table was the cellist mare, Octavia Melody, as she was in position. “Hi, Miss Melody. It’s good to see you again,” Thomas said. “Hello, sweetie. It’s nice to see you as well,” Octavia said. “Now, your waitress will be right with you young ones shortly. For now, just relax, enjoy yourselves and enjoy the sound of the music of Octavia Melody.” She then started to play her cello gracefully in a soft melodic tone as they made their way towards their table, and after he helped his special somepony with her seat, he took his seat as well and took off his jacket.
“So, how’ve you been, sweetie pie?” Diamond Tiara asked. “I’ve been well. I’m enjoying my new school after it reopened,” Thomas replied. “I even got six new friends who love me, kinda like the other foals in the old school.”
“Yeah, I know. But it’s really good to see you again,” Diamond Tiara said. “I’m sorry I left you by the way,” Thomas said. “Aww... that’s okay, cutie. As long as I’m here with you again, that’s fine with me,” Diamond Tiara said. Thomas blushed softly and then softly giggled.
Suddenly, Mrs. Cake came over from the kitchen after putting the Cake twins upstairs with Pinkie Pie. “Hi, Mrs. Cake,” Thomas said. “Hello, you two. Are you enjoying the music?” Mrs. Cake asked. Thomas and Diamond Tiara nodded in unison, until Mrs, Cake saw Diamond Tiara’s necklace, “Oh my! What a lovely necklace you have, dear.” Diamond Tiara blushed with a giggle, and then Mrs. Cake spoke again, “So I have good news. Your meals are ready, and so are your drinks, so if you’ll give me and my husband a moment, we’ll bring it right over.” Thomas and Diamond Tiara nodded, and then they waited for Mr. and Mrs. Cake to bring over their dinner.
After a 2 minutes and 30 seconds of waiting, Mr. and Mrs. Cake brought out a plate full of spaghetti with tomato sauce, while one plate consisted meatballs for Thomas and one just had pasta for Diamond Tiara, and a side of two plates full of salad consisting lettuce, carrot slices, and steamed cloves of broccoli and cauliflower. They also had two glasses of ice water to drink.
“I added 3 meatballs for you, dear,” Mrs. Cake said. “Thank you, Mrs. Cake,” Thomas said, and then as Mrs. Cake went back to the kitchen, he and Diamond Tiara raised their glasses to perform a toast to each other. “To a special night?” Diamond Tiara asked. Thomas nodded, “To a special night.” They then clanged their glasses and then started eating their dinner.
While they were enjoying each other’s company and eating their dinner together, Diamond Tiara couldn’t help but look at Thomas about how cute and handsome he was in the suit. ‘He really is indeed the sweetest, cutest and kindest sweetie pie I’ve ever met... and I... I think I love him. I should tell him later.’
Thomas swallowed his mouthful of spaghetti and a piece of meatball, looking over at Diamond Tiara with a little concern. “Diamond? Are you feeling okay?” he asked, placing his hand on her hoof and stroked it very gently.
Diamond Tiara looked down at his hand on her hoof, and then looked over into his eyes. “Don’t worry, sweetie pie. I’m fine. Is it okay if we get this dinner over with so we move on?” Thomas nodded and then let go of her hoof and continued with his spaghetti as her cheeks suddenly gave off a deep red blush, and Thomas smiled softly at her while eating. She smiled back at him warmly as they went back to eating their spaghetti and salad plates.
After they both finished spending dinner together at Sugarcube Corner, Diamond Tiara and Thomas decided to take a stroll through Ponyville. Silence was all they could hear since they saw happy couples on their dates for Hearts and Hooves Day, and that they all couldn’t speak or help but blush as they kept looking at each other while walking, giving smiles of warmth.
Soon they arrived atop of the hill overlooking the park, and sat beside the tree while Thomas stood up. “Such a nice night, huh, sweetie pie?” Diamond Tiara asked. Thomas nodded, until he reached out his hand holding the gift basket with the gifts inside. “This is for you, Diamond Tiara. I hope you like it,” he said. Diamond Tiara gently grasped the handle with her teeth and sat it down beside her as she sat on her haunches. She then looked down at her card in her saddlebags which was in a white envelope with a red and pink heart for the seal and reached out to her boyfriend, “And this is for you, sweetie pie, I hope you like it too.”
Thomas then gently grasped it with his hand and smiled softly at her, “Thank you, Diamond Tiara.” He then opened the envelope and pulled out the card. It was an decorative all white card with a fancy pink heart drawn on the front, and saying Happy Hearts and Hooves Day Thomas that was written neatly in red lettering. Thomas opened it and inside was a poem.
With a heart a big as the angels in the sky above,
you are the sweetest little boy in my eyes.
For you have given all of those around you your undying love
and remained such a cute and kind little sweetie pie.
For when the kindness and care that you possess makes life worthwhile
for it makes my day even better and brighter as the light and fills my life with everlasting joy
But when I look at you, you always seem to make my heart smile and I think that what makes you a caring and very sweet little boy.
On this special day, I only want to say to you
that you are a special little boy, and never change who you are.
A dear one true friend you are to me, who helped changed my life forever, and these words I humbly speak are true
you forever have a special place in my heart either if you are near or far.
Happy Hearts and Hooves Day, Thomas.
xoxo Diamond Tiara
Thomas suddenly felt tears sting his eyes as he slowly closed the card and raised his head to look at Diamond Tiara in the eyes. He then choked up a sob as he walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her neck and laid his head on her shoulder, and sobbed happily. “T-Th-Thank you, D-Diamond Tiara. T-Th-That w-was a very p-p-pre-pretty poem, and I l-l-loved it.” He said with a few soft sobs, as he nuzzled his head with her mane.
Since she ignored his tears staining the hairspray in her mane, Diamond Tiara reached up a foreleg to wrap around him as she laid her chin on his shoulder to hug him back and then rubbed her hoof around his back. “Shhhhhh... you’re welcome, sweetheart. I mean every word I said,” she then lifted her head and turned it to give him a kiss on his cheek.
Thomas then rubbed the tears from his eyes as they broke the hug until he hid something behind his back, “Open your gift now, Diamond Tiara.” He gave her a soft smile with his hands held behind him. “They’re from the Crusaders, my big sisters, because they helped me get these for you.”
Diamond Tiara nodded, and then reached into the basket and pulled out the roses, card, and box of cupcakes. She took notice of the roses and smiled warmly and brightly, “Aww... these are very lovely roses, Thomas. Thank you,” She placed them in her saddlebags so she can put them in a vase full of water, but Thomas put a spare light pink one in her mane to keep it from being damaged. “Apple Bloom picked them.”
She then blushed about the rose in her mane, and then she moved onto the card, and saw it was all white, and in the center was a dark pink heart with pink glitter and gems glued onto it neatly, and written in the center in dark pink lettering was Happy Hearts and Hooves Day Diamond Tiara. She opened it to see what was written inside, and then found out that it also had a small envelope with a letter inside.
To the sweetest and prettiest princess of a filly friend a boy like me could ever have,
I would like to wish you a very Happy Hearts and Hooves Day, and forevermore.
With love, your friend and little sweetie pie, Thomas
She closed the card and the letter, and then felt tears stinging her own eyes. “Thomas, that was the sweetest thing anypony has ever said to me. Thank you so much,” she said, reaching a foreleg around him to give him a warm hug as he returned the hug with his arms wrapped around her neck.
“You’re welcome, Diamond Tiara, and I meant every word,” Thomas said, as he straightened her mane. Diamond Tiara giggled and then placed the card with the letter into her saddlebags, until Thomas decided to offer her the next gift, which were the two chocolate cupcakes topped with chocolate frosting and decorated with red, white and pink sprinkles along with red heart toppers.
Diamond Tiara gazed at how good they looked, then kissed him on the cheek while smiling warmly, “Wow, these look yummy.” She giggled as she saw him blush at the kiss. “You’re welcome, Diamond Tiara. I thought if we each had one of our own if you want to,” he smiled softly as they sat down beside her by the tree and then they took their cupcakes.
She smiled over at him and turned back over to the cupcake while taking a bite, and then enjoyed the taste, “Mmm... this is so yummy, Thomas. Chocolate is one of my favorite flavors of cupcakes.” Thomas nodded, “I’m glad you think so.” He then took a bite and smiled softly.
They then finished their cupcakes after a few minutes, and their tummies were now full. After Diamond Tiara placed her trash and Thomas’s in the box and rubbed her belly, she turned to Thomas to see his head was lowered. She rubbed at his back and tilted her head down to try to look into his eyes for his attention , “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”
Thomas sighed deeply and turned his head to look at Diamond Tiara, “Well, no, but...” he then turned his head as he nervously blushed with a shudder and turned his head away.
Diamond Tiara frowned, so she reached up her foreleg around his shoulders to rub along his side, and then brought him closer to her and laid on her shoulder, then she kissed him on the forehead for comfort, “It’s okay, cutie. You can tell me.” She tilted her head to give him a warm smile, and then Thomas turned his head to her as she continued to rub his side, “That’s better.”
He then let out a deep sigh, and then spoke, “Well, Diamond Tiara, I really do like you, but it’s just that... I am a little bit younger than you, and... I’m also just... a human.” He took a nice deep breath before continuing as Diamond Tiara kept rubbing his side and then let him hold her hoof, “But the problem is that I don’t want other ponies or creatures from other kingdoms to laugh at us or make fun of us, especially the one pony I care about, or if I made things weird between us.”
Diamond Tiara then comforted him more, “Shhhhhh shhhhhh... Thomas, please don’t be sad.” She nuzzled his cheek which somehow caused him to let out a soft giggle and then she smiled lightly at him. “That’s better. Now, I really do like you, sweetie pie, but it really doesn’t matter if you’re only a human, you’re a very sweet and caring little kid. Also, yes, even thought you might be a year younger than me, but you know what? That’s what I think that makes you extra cute. And what you’ve done for me tonight was very sweet, which wants me to say that... I love you, Thomas Mercer Shy.” She then kissed him on the cheek, making him blush softly.
Thomas smiled warmly at him, and then spoke, “I love you too, Diamond Tiara, and I think you’re cute too.” He then gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek, making her blush as well. They then decided to sit closer to each other and watch the moonlight, along with the starry sky.
After watching the moonlight and the beautiful starry sky for a little while, Thomas then yawned, as she knew that it almost started getting late.
“Well, I believe it looks like it’s time my sweetie pie was on his way home before his momma starts to worry, don’t you say?” Diamond Tiara asked, and then he nodded. She then unwrapped her foreleg from around Thomas, made a soft yawn and carefully stood up on her legs to stretch her stiff bones, until she wrote something quickly. She smiled down warmly at Thomas, “Would you like to ride on my back, Thomas sweetie?”
He nodded after letting out another yawn, “I would like that, Diamond Tiara. Thank you.” Diamond Tiara then offered a hoof to help him stand up, and then leaned down to let him climb on her back. As Thomas sat on her back, he held her card close to him as Diamond Tiara grabbed the basket full of gifts with her teeth and placed it around her neck, and then trotted off towards his and Fluttershy’s cottage.
As they arrived at the cottage, Diamond Tiara let Thomas climb off her back and smiled warmly at him, “Well Thomas, I’ve had a wonderful time with you for this Hearts and Hooves Day. Thank you again for the gifts, especially this beautiful pearl in this decorative locket.” She then leaned her head down and gave him one more kiss on the cheek.
Thomas blushed and looked up at her, giving her a hug around her neck and leaning on her shoulder, “You’re welcome, Diamond Tiara. And thanks for my card too. I’ve had a great first Hearts and Hooves Day with you as well.” Diamond Tiara returned the hug, until they broke it, and Thomas spoke up, “Goodnight, Diamond Tiara, and Happy Hearts and Hooves Day.”
“Goodnight, Thomas, and Happy Hearts and Hooves Day to you too, sweetie pie,” Diamond Tiara said, as she trotted away. Thomas then went inside, and got ready for bed. After he got underneath the bedsheets in his green pajama set, Fluttershy came in and tucked him underneath the covers and then kissed him on the forehead, and then left the room after turning off the light. Thomas smiled as he had the best first Hearts and Hooves Day ever.