//------------------------------// // Love Triumphs // Story: Sweet Affection: Young Love // by Masterob //------------------------------// Over the next few days at Canterlot High, things have gotten interesting as talk began to circulate the school. Rumble's heroic action at the dodgeball game became a subject of gossip among the students, which also brought to light the fact that Rumble was indeed dating Sweetie Belle. Jealousy did arise from both ends due to this type of talk however. Many of the boys in school were jealous that Rumble got to Sweetie Belle before any of them, of course some weren't too surprised. Rumble has always been the athletic type, something naturally attractive for a girl. Though due to his loner status, many still couldn't fully believe his luck. Conversely, there were plenty of girls jealous that Sweetie Belle got to Rumble as well. They knew that Sweetie Belle was pretty and had the looks and the angelic voice, but they didn't think she'd get that lucky to be with Rumble. The gossip spread throughout the school even to the older grades, some that Rarity was unfortunate in having to hear. The girl could only grit her teeth in frustration at having to constantly hear about her sister’s love life being the talk of the school. Class had just ended and it was lunch time, Rarity and her friends were on their way to the cafeteria. "It has been three days," Rarity lamented. "And all I hear is talk about Rumble dating my sister! Bad enough I hear about it at home, what with her gushing and all that. Now I have to hear about it in school all of the time." "Kind of surprised at how popular it is mahself," Applejack said. "Guess kids just love some good gossip." "It also helps that Rumble was a total hero the other day," Rainbow Dash said. "He took a dodgeball to the face to protect Sweetie Belle. Given the damage, I'd say Rumble made a really good call." "Oh yeah, Lily felt so terrible about that," Pinkie Pie said. "She sent Rumble some flowers though, and I think he forgave her." "Of course he did, he's a nice boy," Applejack said. "One who is clearly a good match fer Sweetie Belle." Rarity emitted a large and dramatic gasp upon hearing those words exiting her friend's mouth, "Applejack! How could you!?" Applejack scratched her head in confusion, "How could I, what?" "Saying that Rumble is a good match for my sister when you know how I feel about her dating!" Rarity said. "You broke my heart!" "Rarity, he took a dodgeball to the face fer her," Applejack said. "One thrown by Lily Longsocks, and that girl's got natural strength!" "She's even stronger than Big Macintosh," Pinkie Pie said. Applejack raised her eyebrow at her hyper friend, "Don't go talking crazy now. Lily's strong but if Big Mac threw a ball with that same velocity, Rumble's skull would be fractured." "I don't suppose Big Mac would be willing to do so?" Rarity asked. "...That ain't funny, Rarity," Applejack replied. "Right now you just sound petty. Rumble hasn't done anything to justify yer dislike fer him, but he should have proved just how much he cares about Sweetie Belle." Rarity grumbled in annoyance, "I just have a hard time trusting that boy. I barely know him, the only thing I've seen out of him is that same jock attitude his brother likes spewing." "Thunderlane ain't even that bad himself!" Applejack said. "He's way more humble than Rainbow Dash at least." "Hey!" Rainbow Dash protested. "Rarity, might I suggest just trying to get to know Rumble?" Twilight asked. "From my personal experience, he's a very kind and well mannered boy." "Lots of boys seem that way, until you really get to know them," Rarity pointed out. "You never know who you can really trust." "Oh let me guess, yer still mad about Blueblood, aren't ya?" Applejack asked, earning a glare from Rarity, signifying her answer. "You still feel like he cheated ya out of a good date. Hate to break it to ya Rares, but part of what happened was yer fault too." "My fault!?" Rarity asked. "You made it very clear you only liked him because his family was rich, ah bet you didn't even like Blueblood fer who he was," Applejack said. "Do you think that he maybe caught on to that?" "How could you even suggest something like that?" Rarity asked. "When a man takes a woman on a date, the man must act like a perfect gentleman, it's only common sense." "Rarity, I do agree that a man should be as polite as possible to a woman on a date, and yes he should be willing to do the basics like opening the door or pulling out your chair," Twilight said. "And I will admit that he was a bit petty that night, but you did bring it on yourself for placing such high expectations." "His family's rich and he dresses fancy, what was I supposed to expect?" Rarity asked. "Twilight, you know Blueblood personally, don't you?" Rainbow Dash asked. "What's he like?" "I actually don't know him that well, he mostly talks to my brother," Twilight said. "He is a bit full of himself but he is pretty nice when he wants to be. He's also not that refined, he's actually very laid back." "So Rarity judged a book by its cover," Applejack said. "Twice now." “Don’t’ forget that other time with that Crystal Prep girl,” Rainbow Dash said. “Such an unpleasant girl, I feel sorry for her friend,” Fluttershy said. "Well I’m afraid you’ve each got it all wrong. I'm not judging Rumble by his appearance, if I did, I wouldn't fall for the nice guy act," Rarity said. "But he's genuinely nice," Twilight said, then turned to her athletic friend. "Rainbow Dash, you know him pretty well, don't you?" "I've seen him practicing a lot, I'd say his biggest weakness is that he tries too hard to prove himself and he really hates the Cutie Mark concept," Rainbow Dash said. "More than anything, he doesn't want to just blend in, he wants to stand out." "Not too unlike our sisters," Applejack said. "So that's at least something Rumble and Sweetie Belle have in common." "You just need to be more open to Sweetie Belle dating," Pinkie said. "She's already showing interest in boys, better someone we know we can trust." "But that's the problem Pinkie Pie, I don't know if I can trust him, or any boy," Rarity said. "Then do what Twilight suggested and get to know the little fellow," Applejack said. "Can't hurt to try." "That or see if Sweetie Belle would be interested in dating a girl," Sunset teased, earning some curious glares. "She's not, I asked," Rarity confirmed. "You did?" Pinkie asked. "Well good to have that covered then." "Did she show any signs?" Sunset asked. "I saw her getting kind of close with Scootaloo once but she said she was just comforting her," Rarity said. "I could have sworn Scootaloo had other ideas though." "Let's not gossip about something like that," Twilight said. "Rarity, just at least try to understand Rumble as a person." Rarity grumbled in annoyance but figured she didn't have any other choice at the moment other than to agree, "Alright fine, I'll figure something out." After school that day, Rumble went to meet with the Crusaders, Scootaloo being the first to greet him. "Hey there hero, how's your face?" Scootaloo asked. "I'm fine, Scoots," Rumble said. "I don't feel any pain, at least not any longer." "Ah still can't believe you took such a big hit to the face," Apple Bloom said. "Yer one tough boy to endure something like that." "Anything for Sweetie Belle," Rumble said, kissing his girlfriend on the cheek. "Aw, you're such a sweetheart," Sweetie Belle said, nuzzling next to Rumble. "Anything for you," Rumble said, holding the girl close. "So anyway, you girls got anything cool planned?" "We got tons planned," Scootaloo said. "We're going to do a bunch of crazy stunts to earn our marks! And finally be immortalized by society!" "Uh, wow...okay," Rumble said. "Any chance you can do something that won't potentially injure my girlfriend?" Who I love? A lot?" "Oh she's cool with it, right Sweetie Belle?" Scootaloo asked. "Absolutely not!" Sweetie Belle said. "Wuss," Scootaloo taunted. Sweetie Belle's eyes widened in annoyance, "And just who do you think you're calling a wuss, Scootaloo!?" "If I may ask," Rumble said. "Why are you so concerned about your marks? No disrespect, I understand that a lot of kids around our age want them but, why you? Is it genuine desire or just social pressure?" "Call it country pride," Apple Bloom said. "It's our way of feeling close to the land where we were born, our ancestors who paved the way and our family whom we all love." "Wow...that answer was..." Rumble wasn't sure how to word it. "Corny as hell? Yeah, we know," Scootaloo said, then took a punch to the arm from the farmer girl. "Not funny!" "Neither are you!" Apple Bloom said. "Come on, don't fight," Rumble said. "I hate seeing you girls argue." "Oh let them, good to get it out of their system," Sweetie Belle said. "Annoying as it can be." "Look, I do admire how passionate Apple Bloom is at least, and so long as this is her genuine desire, then I think it's great," Rumble said. "See, Rumble likes it," Apple Bloom said. "Still, are you going about this the right way?" Rumble asked. "It seems like you just want to do something for the sake of it. If you're going to get your marks, why don't you just do what makes you happy." "Don't you think we tried that?" Scootaloo asked. "I've done so many awesome stunts on my scooter! No one gave me a mark for it." "Ah thought mine could be about farming apples, like mah brother, sister and granny have," Apple Bloom said. "Then again, Babs did get one for cutting hair, so I guess not everything is apple farming related in mah family." "I've tried making clothes like my sister, granted that's a hobby since I'm kind of terrible at it," Sweetie Belle said. "Oh I bet you're not terrible," Rumble said. “You just need more confidence in your skills.” "I am terrible though, I tried crochet once, it was horrendous," Sweetie Belle said. "My sister told me it looked cute, but she was just being nice." "Or maybe she was being honest," Rumble said. "If you made something for me, I would wear it every day. Well except days where it's dirty or have to wash it, but still." "Rumble, you're sweet but you don't need to do that for me," Sweetie Belle said. "You don't need to try so hard to be my boyfriend, just be yourself." "But I want to try hard, I'm naturally competitive," Rumble said. "Plus, I enjoy making you happy, you have a cute smile that I can't get enough of." Sweetie Belle turned her head away in shyness, "That's really nice of you to say." "Wow, corny," Scootaloo said. "Stop saying that!" Apple Bloom scolded. "Still, you don't need to do any grand gestures for me," Sweetie Belle said. "Hey, if he wants to wear a scarf of yours, let him," Scootaloo said. "In fact, I dare him to wear one." "Can you not say 'dare' like it's the worst thing in the world to do!?" Sweetie Belle angrily scolded. "I wouldn't mind a Hearth's Warming gift like that," Rumble said, earning a confused reaction from his girlfriend. "Alright, I'll make you one," Sweetie Belle said. "It's gonna suck though. "I just care that you made it," Rumble said, earning a blush from Sweetie Belle. "You're too cute sometimes," Sweetie Belle said, smiling to herself. "But there you have it Rumble, we tried doing things we like," Apple Bloom said. "It doesn't always work." "Still, if you're trying too hard to get it, then it feels less amazing and more...uninspired," Rumble said. "Do you want your mark to be just anything? Just let it come naturally. It'll happen sooner or later. I bet none of your sisters of their friends tried too hard." "Because they're awesome," Scootaloo said. "So are you girls," Rumble said. "Look, if you want to do fun stuff, I won't stop you. Just make sure you're actually enjoying yourself. The marks will come naturally." "Yeah, ah suppose yer right," Apple Bloom said. "They're just marks, not like they define us." "Exactly," Sweetie Belle said. "If our marks aren't even part of our favorite hobbies, then why bother?" "Speaking of hobbies, you told Rumble one hobby, making clothes," Scootaloo said. "What about your other favorite hobby?" "My other favorite?" Sweetie Belle asked, her face turning red. "Uh...I don't think I can." "Of course, tell him," Scootaloo said. "Better yet, give him an example." "What's going on?" Rumble asked. "I...I can't say or do anything, it's too embarrassing," Sweetie Belle said, the girl frantically turning away. "You know I'm not gong to laugh, don't you?" Rumble asked. "I know but...it's still too embarrassing to do in public," Sweetie Belle said. "Do what?" Rumble asked. "She likes to sing," Scootaloo said. "Scootaloo!" Sweetie Belle shouted, kicking her friend in back of her leg. "Ow! Not funny!" Scootaloo shouted, rubbing her sore spot. "You like to sing?" Rumble asked. Sweetie Belle awkwardly looked down, "Sometimes..." "She's really great, she's got the voice of an angel," Apple Bloom said. "You should show him, Sweetie Belle." "No! I can't!" Sweetie Belle asked. "It's so embarrassing." "If ya want privacy, we can go somewhere private," Apple Bloom said. "Hey, it's alright," Rumble said. "If she's too embarrassed, she doesn't have to." "You sure? It's a great voice," Apple Bloom said. "She can show me at her own pace," Rumble said. "For now, it's alright." "Thanks Rumble," Sweetie Belle said, kissing his cheek. "So boring," Scootaloo said. "Come on, let's go do some fun stuff." "I'll join you," Rumble said. However, just as he was about to go, he heard someone call him name, "Rumble dear, a word?" It was Rarity, Rumble turning to face the older sister of his girlfriend. "Uh...now?" Rumble asked. "Yes, now," Rarity said, the woman crossing her arms. "Don't keep me waiting." "He can't talk now Rarity, he's going with us to do something," Sweetie Belle said. "It's fine, I can talk to her if she really needs to," Rumble said. "Plus I really don't want to risk ticking her off." "You better not be up to something, Rarity!" Sweetie Belle warned. "You'll see him later, right now he's talking to me," Rarity said. "Let's go Sweetie Belle, before she really loses her cool," Scootaloo said. Sweetie Belle reluctantly joined her friends, but still glared back at Rarity, hoping her sister didn't do anything stupid. Rumble nervously turned to face the older teen, who looked to be in an unhappy mood. "So...what did you want to discuss with me?" "First, let's talk somewhere alone," Rarity said, gesturing Rumble to follow her. "Come along, I haven't got all day now." "Coming," Rumble said, following the girl. The two walked until they reached the nearby park, one very familiar to Rumble, for a number of reasons. "Come," Rarity said, sitting on a bench and patting the space next to her. "Sit next to me please." "Okay," Rumble said, sitting by Rarity's side. He couldn't help but feel nervous. This older woman was glaring intensely at him, and it made Rumble feel like he was doing something wrong. "So..." Rarity said. "Do you know why I wanted you here?" "Huh?" Rumble scratched his head. "Well...I can think of a few reasons." "First, tell me this," Rarity said. "What significance does this park have to you? Like, what fond memory?" "Significance? Memory?" Rumble asked, taking a look around. "Uh..." "You can be honest," Rarity said. "What happened recently in this park?" "Well...I took Sweetie Belle on a date, then we played some racket ball, then we flew some kites...then I got stuck in a tree," Rumble said. "Sounds like quite the day," Rarity said. "Pray tell, how did that day end?" "...Sweetie Belle and I...well..." Rumble was embarrassed to say it. "We kind agreed to date each other, then we kind of...sort of...maybe...kissed?" "Yes, that's exactly what you did," Rarity said. "You and my sister had quite a day, didn't you?" "Yeah, I had fun," Rumble said. "Now, as a result of that day, you and my sister are now dating," Rarity said. "How do you think I feel about that?" "Well...I know you're not thrilled about it...which is fine," Rumble said. "You're Sweetie Belle's sister after all, if you're not keen on us dating, it's your right to feel that way." "That is a very adult answer," Rarity said. "But do you know why I'm not keen?" "It's me, right?" Rumble asked. "That's partially true," Rarity said. "Truth be told, I don't know much about you. You seem like a nice boy, but I've seen how boys look nice and end up being snobby jerks. How would you be able to reassure me that you are not one of those types of boys?" "I can only give you my word," Rumble said. "But I'm guessing that's not enough for you." "It depends," Rarity said. "I may not be Applejack, but I have learned to decipher words over the years, thanks in part to a few betrayals I've gone through." "Betrayals?" Rumble asked. "I once dated this boy, Blueblood," Rarity said. "He seemed like a nice boy, until he showed just how snobby he truly was one day. Of course my friends say it's my fault that he turned out to be such a fake." "I'm sorry you went through that," Rumble said. "Then there's my old friend Suri Polomare," Rarity said. "A girl from Crystal Prep." "You know a girl from there?" Rumble asked. "Yes, we met over the summer," Rarity said. "I liked her company so much, I briefly considered transferring. Mainly since I believed that I fit in. How I was wrong. She was never my friend, she just cared about my artistic skill so she can pass it off as her own." "Wow, that's gotta suck," Rumble said. "It does 'suck' as you would say," Rarity said. "On the right side, I did meet a nice girl named Coco Pommel. She's still at Crystal Prep but she's a very kind girl and I do keep in touch with her. Just to make sure she stays honest." "That's really Generous of you," Rumble said. "I do my best to be," Rarity said. "I just have to be sure that same Generosity does not come back to be of consequence to me." "I don't think it should," Rumble said. "Well, that's life I'm afraid," Rarity said. "My sister tends to emulate my Generosity, which is why I do my best to be an example for her. What I don't want is that politeness of hers being taken advantage of, especially by a boy." "Yeah, I can understand that," Rumble said. "So you even further understand my worries," Rarity said. "Being betrayed like that can sting, and I'd rather it not happen to my sister." "I wouldn't do that," Rumble said. "I really like Sweetie Belle's company, she makes me feel happy." "Why does my sister make you feel happy?" Rarity asked. "What is it about my sister that caused you to want to court her?" "Well, for starters, she's really pretty," Rumble said. "But, I wouldn't date a girl just because she's pretty. She's also a really a nice girl, with a sense of adventure. She's got a cute smile, a sweet voice, and angelic looking eyes. Even her name is wonderful. Sweet like sugar, and a Belle of the town." "That's quite romantic I must say," Rarity replied. "Rarity, I don't know what I have to do to prove my worthiness to date your sister, but I really do like her and I want something special," Rumble said. "...I trust you don't just want her for a night of passion, do you?" Rarity asked. Rumble's face turned bright red, "No, that's not it at all! I like her but, I'm not ready to do that. I promise that if that day comes, I'll be totally responsible about it." "You're quite bold to say something like that, you're implying you'll be dating my sister that long," Rarity said. "Hey, I respect that you're Sweetie Belle's older sister, but I am not giving up on being her boyfriend," Rumble said. "I will do my best to show you that I deserve to date her, but even if you aren't pleased with us, I will not dump Sweetie Belle. I'll take my chances. If you get mad, then so be it." "Wow, the audacity in your voice," Rarity said. "Sorry you feel that way, but it's my honest feelings," Rumble said, glaring right at the older teen. Rarity was almost impressed at Rumble's forwardness. He was not going to give up and he made it abundantly clear that he would not let anything thwart him. It was that type of determination that showed her maybe he did have what it takes to be with Sweetie Belle. "It's funny, but I actually admire how strong your feelings are," Rarity admitted. "I still don't fully trust you, but I can tell you feel strongly about dating my sister." "So... are we cool then?" Rumble asked. "Sort of, I'll be keeping my eye on you, but I will give Sweetie Belle some leeway and show her that I trust her," Rarity said, glaring right at the boy. "This is a big deal however. If you do anything to break her heart, I will break your bones!" Rumble nervously stepped back, "Right, of course. That won't happen, I really do care about Sweetie Belle." "...That's good," Rarity said, standing up. "I'm sorry if you feel I'm being too protective. Sweetie Belle just means a lot to me. She's my sister. But you may understand, you have a brother after all." "Yeah, my brother can be protective, but he's cooler with me doing my thing," Rumble said, standing up as well. "Flitter however...she can be a bit protective. She has no problems with me dating, she just doesn't want me growing up too fast, something Cloudchaser told her is inevitable." "I understand that feeling, my sister is growing up quite fast herself," Rarity said. "Still, it sounds like you have your own protective sister. I've met Flitter, she's a nice girl, so I guess I can trust you dating my sister if you have a girl like that steering you well." "Oh yeah, she's the best," Rumble said. "Well I should be going," Rarity said. "It's still early in the day, if you want to still hang out with my sister, then you should have time." "Thanks...by the way, is it true she likes to sing?" Rumble asked. "Oh yes, she loves singing," Rarity said. "Just not in public. Why? Has she shown you?" "No, she's embarrassed," Rumble said. "It's fine, she can show me at her own pace." "That is very kind of you," Rarity said. "Sweetie Belle can be a bit shy at times." "I totally get it, I'm pretty shy too," Rumble said. "You? But you seem so...out there," Rarity said. "Well yeah, I like attention sometimes, but most times, I like being alone," Rumble said. "One of the only exceptions I make is Sweetie Belle. I like her company that much." "Wow, that's quite enlightening," Rarity said. "Well, carry on." "Thanks, I'll see you around," Rumble said, making his leave. Rarity rubbed her chin in curiosity, "That boy has more manners than I thought. He does seem nice, maybe he and Sweetie Belle do go well together." As Rumble texted Sweetie Belle, he passed by Tender Taps, waving to the boy, "Sup Taps?" "Oh, hey Rumble," Tender Taps said. "Off to practice your running?" "No, I'm going to see Sweetie Belle and her friends," Rumble said. "Oh, cool," Tender Taps said. "You're really lucky you know. I wish I could date my crush." "Well why can't you?" Rumble asked. "If you like a girl, then tell her." "It's just...I don't have your confidence," Tender Taps said. "I'm not confident, I just took a chance and it worked," Rumble said. "Easier said than done," Tender Taps said. "Yeah, I suppose so," Rumble said. "Who's the girl if I may ask?" "Twilight Sparkle," Tender Taps admitted. "Whoa, going for an older girl," Rumble said. "Trying to figure out how to ask her on a date?" "I think about it, but would she even agree to it?" Tender Taps asked. "She's so beautiful, she wouldn't want a guy like me." "Hey you'll never know unless you take the chance," Rumble said. "But...I just don't think I can," Tender Taps said. "I can't make you do anything, but Twilight is a nice girl," Rumble said. "Even if she turns you down, she won't be mean about it." "But, I'm afraid of getting rejected," Tender Taps said. "What's worse? Trying? Or not trying?" Rumble asked. "If you try and she says 'no', then at least you took a chance. If you don't try and another guy asks her out, you'll never know." "...I guess you're right," Tender Taps said. "And if things don't work out, there's other girls you can date," Rumble said. "You're a nice guy, you have plenty of options." "Thanks...I'll do it then," Tender Taps said. "I'll ask her out." "Good luck dude," Rumble said, making his leave. Tender Taps took a breath, prepping himself up, "It's now or never then. But how do I go about this?" Tender Taps checked his wallet. "Maybe I can get her some flowers or...oh right, these tickets that Miss Hoofer Taps gave me for doing so well at the last Dance Show. Maybe..." At her library, Twilight was at the desk, enjoying a book to herself. As she was reading, she noticed a presence nearby, spotting a boy very familiar to her. "Oh, hello there Tender Taps." "Hi Twilight, it's nice to see you," Tender Taps said, the boy nervously rubbing his arm. "What brings you here?" Twilight asked. "I was just wondering...if," Tender Taps felt incredibly nervous for what he was about to do. "There's this concert that I happened to have an extra ticket too. I don't suppose you..." "A concert?" Twilight asked. "Oh yeah, it's Coloratura, not sure if you've heard of her," Tender Taps said. "I have, she's a good friend of Applejack," Twilight said. "...Wait, she's what?" Tender Taps asked. "Coloratura and Applejack are old friends," Twilight explained. "She actually got us all backstage passes to her next show. She's really nice, and doesn't let the fame get to her head either. She's always going to be Rara for Applejack." "Wow, that's great..." Tender Taps said. "I guess you're busy, so-" "But, what's this about that extra ticket?" Twilight asked. "Did you want to invite me?" "I was, but if you're doing a backstage pass then I can ask someone else," Tender Taps said. "Well, I do appreciate your generosity, Tender Taps" Twilight said. "But yeah, you should ask someone else." "That's cool," Tender Taps started to feel a bit terrible. "I can give it to Carrot Crunch, he's a big fan of Coloratura." "I'm surprised you had an extra ticket," Twilight said, curiously glancing at the stubs. "Did you buy it thinking that-" "Oh no, these were a gift that I just got," Tender Taps said. "You were just the first person I thought of." "Well that's sweet of you," Twilight said. "If you want, we can still catch up at the show. I can even see if Coloratura would be willing to see you too, and your friend." "Wow, that'd be great," Tender Taps said. "I'll see you at the show then." "Sure, it's a date," Twilight said. "Yeah, it's a..." Tender Taps immediately went red in the face as he turned to Twilight, the girl offering a smirk. "Date?" "See you then," Twilight said, winking at the boy. "Right...see you then," Tender Taps said, leaving the library. From inside, Twilight could hear his cheer. "YES!" "Such a nice boy," Twilight said. Meanwhile in her house, Sunset Shimmer suddenly felt strange, "I feel like punching Tender Taps for some reason." A few days later, Rumble had gone over to Sweetie Belle's house, the boy going into her room for the very first time. "So, how do you like it?" Sweetie Belle asked, showing off her stuff. "It looks pretty, as I would expect from your room," Rumble said. "Thanks, I do my best to decorate," Sweetie Belle said., showing off her plush toys. "Cute, aren't they?" "Oh totally, very adorable," Rumble said, spotting some CDs. "You have a lot of music." "Oh yeah, albums from Sapphire Shores, Songbird Serenade, and Coloratura," Sweetie Belle said. "The last one is personally autographed, helps that Applejack is her childhood friend. She's really nice up close too, Generous too. She does a lot for charity." "That's great, I respect anyone who helps out others," Rumble said. "Also, this room has a nice smell to it." "Oh yeah, I have a special fragrance," Sweetie Belle said, gesturing to it. "I can get you something for your room too if you'd like." "That'd be great, but my brother might need it more, his room smells like dirty gym clothes," Rumble said. "Then he wonders why girls almost never want to date him." "Ooh, that's harsh," Sweetie Belle said. "Yeah, but it's life," Rumble said. "Your room's nice though, I like your decorations, very cute." "I'm glad you do," Sweetie Belle said. "It's a little embarrassing showing my room to a boy, but I did get to see your room, so I guess we're even." "I'm just glad Rarity trusts me a little more to be okay with this," Rumble said. "Well, to be fair, it's my choice," Sweetie Belle said. "Oh, there's something I want to give you." "What is it?" Rumble asked. He got his answer when Sweetie Belle presented him with a crochet made scarf. "Ta-dah, my scarf that I made for you," Sweetie Belle said, feeling a bit awkward. "Oh, you actually made it?" Rumble asked. "I don't have to wait for Hearth's Warming?" "I didn't want to take that chance, if I'm going to get you a gift, I want it to be special," Sweetie Belle glared. "Not this piece of junk." "But, it looks nice," Rumble said. Sweetie Belle shook her head in disagreement, "Rumble, I told you that you don't have to be too nice, you're allowed to be honest." "But, I really do think it looks nice," Rumble said, taking the scarf. "You made this for me, that's so nice of you." Now surprised, Sweetie Belle began blushing from her boyfriend's words, "Wow, you really mean it. You're not just saying that." "Of course, you deserve my honest opinion after all," Rumble said. "That's what a good boyfriend does for the girl he loves." "...You are such a sweetheart, my dear sweet Rumbly, Wumbly," Sweetie Belle said, bringing Rumble in for a kiss. Rumble held her close, maintaining their position for a good several seconds before breaking off, a massive blush on both their faces. "You're so beautiful," Rumble said, affectionately caressing her face. "I have one more gift for you," Sweetie Belle said. "What's that?" Rumble asked. "Lay down," Sweetie Belle said, gesturing to her bed. "Uh...where is this going?" Rumble asked. "I made some promises to your sister and-" "It's not that, it's something else, just trust me," Sweetie Belle said. "Alright," Rumble did as his girlfriend asked, laying down on the bed. Sweetie Belle sat beside him, placing her hand on his head, "Close your eyes." "Okay," Rumble said, closing his eyes. Sweetie Belle cleared her throat for a second, before blessing Rumble with a sound that he absolutely fell in love with. "~Hush now, quiet now, it’s time to lay your sleepy head. Hush now, quiet now, it's time to go to bed~" Sweetie Belle sang, her voice soothing Rumble's soul. "~Drift now, off to sleep, exciting day behind you. Drift now, off to sleep, let the joy of dream land find you~." Rumble was able to relax to the sensational singing of his girlfriend, the boy actually dozing off upon hearing her song. Sweetie Belle made sure the door behind her was closed as she laid in bed next to Rumble, gently caressing the boy. "I love you Rumble, I hope we can be together forever," Sweetie Belle said, planting a kiss on him before dozing off herself. The relationship between the two would evolve over time, from various dates at nice restaurants, concerts, movies, sporting events, even the day the two took their relationship to the next level, as this would not be their only time in bed together. As Rumble promised, he was responsible, but it wasn't pure raw desire that led to this, it was true love every second of that night with Sweetie Belle. Their next big day was when Sweetie Belle achieved her Cutie Mark Goal, and when Rumble achieved his place among the Wonderbolts Track Team. Their best celebration was with each other of course, as they couldn't think of anyone better to share that happiness with. The relationship between Rumble and Sweetie Belle had its ups and downs, but the two loved each other, and maintained that love for time to come. Not a day went by that Rumble wasn't grateful for his chance, and Sweetie Belle wasn't grateful for her opportunity. It was their true love, and their Sweet Affection that motivated them the most.