//------------------------------// // Chapter 10: The Mistake // Story: New Revelations // by Phantom Shadow //------------------------------// “I don’t understand,” said Scootaloo, her eyebrows furrowed. “What do you mean you have to cancel again?” It was the next morning and the two fillies were standing outside of the school, ready to begin the day. Before they went in, Sweetie Belle had explained the situation to Scootaloo, hoping she would understand why she had to cancel their special meeting once again. Unfortunately, she didn’t understand at all, and judging by the look on her face, she wasn’t too thrilled about it either. “I know how it sounds and I’m really, really sorry,” said Sweetie Belle with a guilty tone. “But Rarity set up a get-together with Thunderlane and Rumble this afternoon.” “Did you even tell her that we were supposed to go out today?” Scootaloo asked, anger clearly present in her tone. “Of course I did! I don’t know why, but it was like she completely forgot! I tried to talk her out of it, but she wouldn’t listen to me.” “Uh-huh, sure,” Scootaloo said sarcastically. “You know, if you don’t want to hang out with me, you should just say so.” “But I do want to go with you!” Sweetie Belle could feel tears beginning to well up. Luckily, she was able to prevent them from leaking from her eyes. “It’s just that I don’t have a choice.” Before Scootaloo could retort, she was taken aback by Sweetie Belle nudging up against her neck, a guilt-ridden look on her face. Instantly, her annoyance faded away as she let out a small sigh and brought her closer into an embrace; try as she might, she couldn’t stay angry at her for long. “Please don’t be mad at me,” she said softly. “I promise we’ll spend time together tomorrow. ‘Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye’.” Scootaloo let out a tiny scoff and rolled her eyes; she wasn’t a big fan of ‘Pinkie Promises’. A small smile forming in the corner of her mouth she said, “Alright, Sweetie Belle. Just make sure you tell her that tomorrow we’re-“ “Hey, Sweetie Belle!” a voice came from behind them, her accent making it clear who it was. Apple Bloom galloped up to them, only to stop in her tracks when she saw the two of them nudging up against each other. “Oh, sorry...am ah interruptin’?” “Hey, Apple Bloom,” said Sweetie with a smile. “No, you’re not. What’s up?” “Ah just wanted ta ask ya somethin’,” she said. “Ah know you two’re gonna be out later, so ah was wonderin’ if yer sister was gonna be home.” Sweetie Belle let out a small sigh. “Sorry, Apple Bloom, but there was a change of plans. Rarity and I are going out this afternoon with Thunderlane and Rumble.” “Oh,” Apple Bloom said her cheeks turning a very light pink. “Alright, is she gonna be there tomorrow? I really need ta speak ta her.” “Of course, but why-” “Great! See ya later, girls!” Sweetie Belle was about to say something, but Apple Bloom trotted off into the schoolhouse, a smile on her face. The two of them looked at one another as they stood there, dumbfounded expressions on both of their faces. “What just happened?” asked Sweetie Belle. “We seriously need to talk to her,” said Scootaloo, pointing a hoof in the direction their friend just went. “She’s up to something, I know it!” “I agree. I wonder what she needs to speak to Rarity about.” Knowing that they weren’t getting any answers at that moment, the two of them offered each other a shrug as they made their way into the building. “Thank you,” whispered Sweetie Belle. “For understanding, that is.” “You’re welcome,” Scootaloo responded, her tone matching her friend’s. The two of them shared a small kiss before opening the door and entering the building. As the two of them trotted to their desks, Sweetie Belle couldn’t help but direct her attention to Rumble. She tilted her head to one side as she noticed the expression on his face. He was staring forward, his pupils nothing more than tiny dots and his chest puffing in and out in rapid succession. Although she wanted to ask him if he was alright, class was about to start, so she didn’t have enough time. So, Sweetie Belle simply gave a small shrug as she sat down in her seat. Scootaloo sat down in her seat, giving Sweetie Belle one last glance. However, a thought came across her mind, causing her to tap a hoof against her chin and furrow her eyebrows in deep thought. Rarity, she thought. Why does it seem like she’s sticking her nose into our business? First, she makes Sweetie cancel because she agrees to foal-sit Rumble. Then, she asks her if she’s happy being with me, now this! Besides, it’s not like her to forget that Sweetie Belle and I are going out. Why all of a sudden? As Ms. Cheerilee trotted to the front of the room, greeted the students and started the day’s lesson, Scootaloo let out a huff through her nostrils. You gotta stop thinking so deep into this stuff, Scootaloo. It’s not like Rarity’s trying to come between us or anything. Why would she? “Rarity, I’m home!” shouted Sweetie Belle as she trotted into the Boutique. “Marvelous!” said Rarity as she trotted down the stairs, an ecstatic look on her face. “You’re just in time to try on my latest creation!” Not waiting for a response, Rarity levitated Sweetie Belle with her magic and brought her up the stairs and into the work room. Sweetie Belle didn’t even have time to take her saddlebag off before she was placed behind a changing screen, the two of them scuffling for several moments. Soon, Rarity moved the screen away and brought a mirror in front of the filly to allow her to see her new outfit. The initial shock of what had just happened subsided as she overlooked the outfit she was now wearing. The dress was all red with a tight belt going around the waist and a short skirt at the end. The left shoulder had two small roses pinned on it, both of which were the same size. Before she could give a compliment on the outfit, Sweetie slightly jumped as Rarity placed the final touch to the outfit: a red headband which had another rose on it that rested atop her left ear. Unlike the others, this rose was adorned with a small ruby in the center. “So, what do you think?” she asked, a hopeful look on her face. Sweetie Belle smiled at her appearance. “Wow! It looks really pretty!” “Why thank you, Sweet’ums,” she said with a smug look on her face. “I’ve been working on it for quite some time, hoping to finish it in time for an auspicious occasion such as this! It’s just perfect for our little get-together later this afternoon.” Her smile slowly faded as she asked, “Do I need to wear this? I thought it was just-” “But of course,” she interrupted. “It’s important to present ourselves properly, especially when with company.” “Oh...okay...if you say so.” “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get ready myself. Try not to dirty up the dress while you wait, please.” “I promise.” With that, Rarity trotted off to get herself dressed and ready for their lunch-date. When she was out of sight, Sweetie Belle looked over herself once again, a slightly confused look on her face. As much as she loved the way the dress looked, a part of her felt very unsure about wearing it. Why does Rarity want me to wear this for a small lunch with Thunderlane and Rumble? She couldn’t help but ask herself. Sitting on her haunches, she let out a small sigh as she watched her sister get ready with much anticipation in her motions. Rarity seemed to dance back and forth in the room, putting on her own unique dress, applying the right amount of makeup on her face and everything. All the while, she had a beaming smile on her face and would often release a giggle to herself every now and then. After what felt like half an hour, Rarity was ready to go. She was wearing a dress that was similar to Sweetie’s, but instead of being red, it was light blue. The waist line had baby-blue sapphires going around it and the train of the skirt was woven with sparkles that twinkled when the light hit it. She had even sprayed a little perfume on her neck, filling Sweetie’s nostrils with the sweet aroma of roses. “Wow, Rarity,” said Sweetie Belle, her eyes widening with delight. “You look beautiful!” “Thank you, Sweetie,” she said as she flipped her mane. “Now, come along. It’s almost time for Thunderlane and Rumble to arrive.” With that, the two of them went downstairs to wait for their company to arrive. Outside, Thunderlane and Rumble trotted up to the Carousel Boutique; the former had a confident look on his face while the latter couldn’t stop his legs from shaking. During school, Rumble had managed to put the thoughts of their get-together behind him. Now that the time was drawing nearer with each step he took, it became harder and harder to not think about it. Just remain calm, he kept thinking to himself as the two of them stopped in front of the grandiose building. Just remain calm and everything will be alright. “Well, little bro, we’re here,” said Thunderlane as he extended a hoof to open the door. With a small gulp and one last sigh, he said, “Here goes nothing.” Thunderlane opened the door, the bell above it echoing throughout the empty establishment. As they went inside, the two of them were surprised to see that Rarity and Sweetie Belle were nowhere in sight. “Rarity?” he called out. “Are you home?” A feeling of concern began running through his body while Rumble, on the other hoof, couldn’t help but let out a small sigh of relief. Maybe luck is on my side, he thought to himself as a smile came across his face. Maybe they’re not here, so we can go home and- “Here we are,” they heard Rarity say in singsong. Then, she and Sweetie Belle emerged from the kitchen and approached them. “Hey, Rarity,” said Thunderlane, “We’re ready...for...our...” She let out a giggle as he trailed off at the end of his sentence, an awestruck look on his face as he looked her outfit up and down. Giving him a playful smile, she asked, “Do you like?” Thunderlane nodded. “You look so...so...wow!” Rarity responded by offering another giggle at him. Then, she focused her attention on Rumble, who was sharing his brother’s sentiments. However, his attention was drawn to Sweetie Belle, his eyes wide and his mouth slightly agape. “Hi, Rumble,” said Sweetie Belle as she rubbed the back of one of her legs with a hoof. He couldn’t find the right words to say as he stared at the vision in front of him. Everything about her took his breath away. The only thing that he could feel was the blood rushing into his cheeks, turning them a deep red. After what felt like an eternity had passed, he managed to choke out one simple word. “Hi.” Sweetie Belle simply responded with a smile. Then, she turned her head to one side to try and hide her blushing cheeks. Seeing this reaction from the two of them brought a smile to both Rarity and Thunderlane’s faces. “Well, shall we get going?” asked Thunderlane as he held the front door open for her. “Of course, darling,” said Rarity as she trotted passed the stallion. He could smell her perfume as she did, making him smile in her passing. Sweet Celestia, he thought to himself, his nostrils taking in the sweet scent of her perfume. She’s simply...amazing! A short while later, the four of them entered Sugar Cube Corner and sat down at a table that was big enough for all of them. Rarity and Sweetie Belle sat down next to each other while Thunderlane and Rumble sat across from them. As they sat down, Thunderlane said, “I didn’t know this place served lunch too. I thought it was just a bakery.” “They only served baked goods for the longest time,” Rarity explained. “They started serving food recently. The Cakes thought it would help them bring in more customers.” The two of them shared a laugh as they looked at their lunch menus, deciding on what they were going to have. After placing their orders, the four of them sat in silence. In an attempt to break the ice, Thunderlane cleared his throat and asked, “So, how’s that dress order you were working on yesterday?” “Oh, it’s coming along magnificently, darling,” said Rarity as she offered a confident smile. “Thank you so much for asking.” As the two of them continued with their conversation, Sweetie Belle looked at Rumble to see that he was looking out the window. What caught her attention most of all was the small beads of sweat that were trickling down his face. “Are you okay, Rumble?” she asked him. “Huh?” he said, coming out of the trance that he was in. He looked at her for a split second before turning his eyes away. “Oh, yeah, I’m okay.” Silence fell upon them as he directed his attention to something on the floor, a feigned smile across his face the whole time. Sweetie tried to think of something to say to him, but she couldn’t find the right words to say. So, she directed her attention back to her sister, watching her and Thunderlane continue to chat amongst themselves. It wasn’t long before their lunch was served and the four of them began eating. As they munched on their sustenance, Rarity and Thunderlane would give each other an occasional glance, both of them sharing a small chuckle every time they did. Sweetie, on the other hoof, couldn’t help but notice the look on Rumble’s face as he ate the sandwich in front of him. He had the same look on his face now like he had in school; eyes in pin points and his breathing heavy. The small droplets of sweat began running down the side of his head more frequently than before, which he wiped away with the back of his hoof. Also, he kept looking everywhere and focusing his attention on everything else except where they were; it was almost like he didn’t really want to be here in the first place. “Rumble?” she asked, a concerned look on her face. “Are you sure you’re okay?” “Huh?” he asked again. This time, he jumped in surprise, knocking his napkin to the floor. “Sorry about that,” she apologized. “I didn’t mean to scare you like that. Here, let me get that for you.” As she leaned down to get it, Rumble followed suit and said, “No, no, that’s okay. I can get it.” “It’s alright,” she said as she reached for it. “It’s my fault it fell.” “No, I insist,” he said as he reached for the napkin as well. Then, the two of them grabbed the napkin at the same time. However, Rumble’s hoof managed to nudge against Sweetie Belle’s, causing the two of them to look at one another in embarrassment. It was then that the two of them looked each other in the eyes for the first time that day. Like before, it felt as if time was standing still as they gazed at one another. Rumble could feel his cheeks beginning to feel warm as the anxiety he had been feeling all day seemed to vanish. Sweetie Belle could also feel the blood beginning to rush to her cheeks. However, she also felt that familiar feeling again. As she looked into his lavender eyes, she could almost recollect where she had felt this way before. It was some time ago and it had happened right here, in Sugar Cube Corner... “Sweetie Belle,” Rarity’s voice called, snapping her out of her trance. “What are you doing?” Shaking her head, she got up and said, “Sorry, sis. I was just helping Rumble.” “Is everything alright?” Thunderlane asked. “Yeah,” Rumble replied as she sat up as well. “I just dropped my napkin and Sweetie Belle helped me get it, that’s all.” Setting his napkin beside his plate, he took a bite of his sandwich, trying to make it seem like nothing had happened. Unbeknownst to him, Thunderlane flashed a knowing smile as he directed his attention back to Rarity, shrugging in response. Rarity replied with a smile, also well aware at what was going on. After a couple of hours of delicious food and wonderful conversation, the four of them trotted towards the inn to drop off Thunderlane and Rumble, since it was closer than the Boutique. Once there, Thunderlane turned to his brother and cleared his throat. “Say, Rumble,” he said, “Why don’t you go wait for me upstairs?” “Okay,” said Rumble, a feeling of relief washing over him. Before he left, he turned to Sweetie Belle and said, “See you tomorrow.” “See you tomorrow, Rumble,” she responded as he opened the door and went inside. “Well, this has been a magnificent evening,” Thunderlane said in confidence. However, he caught what he had said, making him stutter in embarrassment. “What am I saying? It’s the middle of the day! I meant to say ‘afternoon’.” Rarity giggled as he stumbled on his own words, a nervous smile forming on his face. Straightening his posture once again, he said, “What I meant to say is, this has been a magnificent afternoon.” “Yes, yes it has,” said Rarity as she batted her eyelashes at him. Blushing, he took her hoof in his and said, “Maybe, we can do this again sometime.” Before she could answer, the stallion placed a kiss on her hoof. Looking up at her, the two of them looked each other in the eyes and smiled. Sweetie Belle began tapping the tip of her hoof into the dirt, waiting for the two of them to finish. She stopped when she saw something in her peripherals that caught her attention. Not too far away, she saw a brown unicorn stallion walking past them with a black mask on his face and a large stack of papers in his magic. She watched as he took one of the papers in the pile and taped it on a nearby pole before trotting off towards the rest of town. Tilting her head in curiosity, she said to Rarity, “I’ll be right back.” “Try not to ruin your dress, Sweet’ums,” she called out to her as she trotted away. A smile came across Thunderlane’s face as he said, “You know, you’re lucky to have a sister like Sweetie Belle.” “I know,” she responded as she smiled. “She can be quite a hoof-ful at times, but I’m still grateful to have her as a sister.” “You know,” he said, leaning in a little closer and speaking in a hushed tone. “Just between us, I think Rumble has a crush on Sweetie Belle.” Rarity turned to him with a shocked expression. “What? How do you know?” Thunderlane chuckled. “I can see it in the way he looks at her and in the way he acts whenever she’s around or whenever I bring her up. It’s almost too obvious, if you ask me.” That would explain what I saw yesterday, Rarity thought to herself. I wonder... “Forgive the pun,” he continued, “For Rumble, fillies like her are a rarity.” “What do you mean, darling?” “Back home, in his old school, Rumble never really made too many friends. Don’t get me wrong; he was able to talk with other colts his age, but when it comes to fillies, he was never able to approach them, let alone talk to them. He was just too shy for his own good.” “Really?” “Yeah,” he said, looking at the filly reading a flyer that was attached to the pole. “It’s nice to see him finally able to overcome his shyness, especially with a filly who’s...” Quickly, he covered his mouth with a hoof, stopping himself from finishing his sentence. Seeing this quick action, Rarity asked, “What’s wrong, darling?” “Nothing,” he said, “It’s nothing, really. It was a stupid thing to say, especially with a filly her age.” Turning to face Sweetie Belle and back to Thunderlane, she asked, “What were you going to ask?” “I can’t say it.” “Why not?” “Because...well...” There was a moment of silence. “Because...” Rarity prompted. Letting out a sigh, Thunderlane said, “Because...it...it might offend you...and...and I don’t want you to think of me as ‘insensitive’.” Leaning in a little closer, Rarity said, “You can tell me. I won’t be offended or think any less of you, I promise.” Looking down at the ground, he let out a sigh and asked, “Is she...well...you know...” Rarity stared at him in confusion. Seeing that she didn’t have a clue what he was asking, he inhaled deeply before blurting out, “Is she into other fillies?” The question took her by surprise, causing her to take a few steps back. Her eyes began to shrink as her heart began to race. Out of all the questions he could have asked, this was one that she wasn’t prepared for. Seeing her reaction, he quickly said with worry in his tone, “Please, don’t think I’m against it or anything! I have no problem if she is! It’s just that...well...” Letting out a sigh, he sat on his haunches. “I don’t want to expose him to that stuff yet, not at his age, not with everything that’s going on with our parents and all. It’s been very hard for the two of us, but even harder for Rumble. It’s hard for me to explain things to him, especially with sensitive things like these. Heck, I wasn’t able to tell him why we had to move away from home. I just don’t think talking to him about that is a very good idea, at least, not right now. You understand, don’t you?” Rarity had a blank expression on her face as she shot a glance at her younger sister. As she looked at her reading the flyer, her thoughts began racing on overdrive, causing sweat to form on the back of her neck. What am I to do? He doesn’t want to expose his brother to this sort of thing yet, she thought to herself. If I tell him that Sweetie Belle is in love with another filly, he may not want Rumble to be around her anymore...or worse...he may not want to be around ME anymore! WHAT IF HE THINKS I’M THE SAME WAY? Her left eye began to twitch as she looked at Thunderlane, who had a hopeful look on his face as he waited for her to answer his question. Slowly, a smile was forced upon her face as she let out a chuckle. “Why...why...of course I understand, darling,” she said to him. “And don’t worry yourself about it! Sweetie Belle isn’t like that in the slightest, I assure you!” Thunderlane let out a sigh of relief. “Thank Celestia about that. Please, don’t think me as insensitive or anything. I am just trying to look out for my brother, is all. I want to talk to him about it and I plan to someday, but when the time is right.” “No, no. I understand completely,” she said, forcing out a laugh. Then, Rarity was taken by surprise by Thunderlane bringing her into an embrace. Then, he said, “Thank you so much for understanding.” A split second passed before he realized what he was doing. Quickly, he released his embrace, his cheeks turning a deep crimson and a sheepish grin on his face. Rarity also wore an awkward smile, but for a reason that was entirely different. Their moment of embarrassment was short lived when Sweetie Belle trotted over to them, a toothy grin on her face. “Rarity! It’s coming to Ponyville this year!” she shouted with joy. However, she stopped in her tracks when the two of them looked at her. Embarrassed, she quickly said, “Oh, I’m sorry.” “No, no. It’s quite alright, dear,” she said. Turning to Thunderlane, she said, “I really need to get going. Thank you so much for a wonderful afternoon, Thunderlane.” “You’re welcome. It was my pleasure,” he said, rubbing a hoof against the back of his neck. As he trotted to the doors of the inn, he said, “I’ll see you around, Rarity.” The two of them waved goodbye to each other before heading their separate ways. As the two of them trotted down the dirt path to the Boutique, a wave of guilt rushed over Rarity. What have I gotten myself into? Now he thinks Sweetie Belle likes colts instead of fillies, she thought to herself. What am I going to do now? It’s not like I can convince Sweetie Belle that she likes Rumble instead of... She stopped in mid-thought as an idea came to mind, causing her to smile. Maybe I can convince Sweetie that Rumble is a more suitable choice, she thought. It’ll take some doing, but I’m sure I can pull it off. As their home came into view, Rarity thought to herself, I don’t want to do this to my own sister, but it’ll be worth it in the end, for the two of us. Thunderlane and I can be together and Sweetie Belle can be with somepony and not have to worry about being ridiculed for it. Besides, her love for Scootaloo might be just a phase. What harm can come from me helping her to realize that?