Scootaloo woke with a startle. She lifted her head a little to look at her alarm clock. Six-thirty am! Damn, too early. Why can’t I just sleep until it’s time for school? Why? Sweetie Belle, that’s why. Scootaloo rolled over in her bed trying to go back to sleep but found it to be impossible. Sweetie Belle was the only thing on her mind. Annoyed she got out of bed and decided to take a shower to try and clear her head. She stumbled into the bathroom and stared at herself in the mirror for a couple seconds before remembering why she was there. At least it’s Friday. She thought in the shower just letting the hot water pour over her. How do I tell her? I can’t today, Apple Bloom will be there and that will make it awkward. Maybe after we are done crusading today I can walk her home then tell her… no that’s stupid. She stepped out of the sower and dried off. She spent extra time combing her mane, trying different styles but in the end decided they all looked stupid and just shook her head back and forth until her mane fell into its usual style. Scootaloo made her way downstairs and grabbed an apple fritter for breakfast before going out to get her scooter.
The drive to school was uneventful and scootaloo drove slower than usual. Her usual speed, of course, was as fast as possible. Okay, so I’ll act normal, won’t look at her, and I’ll tell them I was distracted because I was thinking about flying…yeah I think they’ll buy that. The school came into her view and she could see Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle standing around where she usually parks her scooter. Okay, just stay cool. Don’t look at - why did I look at her? My mane probably looks stupid. She felt her heart start to pound and her face get warm. She parked her scooter and took off her helmet. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “Good morning.” She smiled brightly at her friends.
“Good morning Scoots.” Sweetie Belle said cheerfully.
“Morning.” Apple Bloom said with a sinister smile.
Uh-oh, why does she have that evil “I know something” grin. “Hey, look, sorry about yesterday. I was really distracted-“
“Oh, Ah know. It’s okay. Ah know you got a crush on somepony.” Apple Bloom said with a grin.
Scootaloo felt her heart stop, her face got hot. She knew her face was bright red. That’s why she was grinning like that. How did she find out?
“You have a crush on somepony? Who?” Sweetie Belle asked eagerly. “Is that why you were acting so strange? Why didn't you tell us?"
“I-I yeah - um - no that’s not it.”
“Of course it is. Applejack said so.” Apple Bloom said smiling. “So who is it? You have to tell us Scoots, this is so exciting.” Apple Bloom was jumping up and down.
“I’d um rather not say anything - err not yet.” Scootaloo said blushing like crazy.
“Oh okay, but it would be fun to know who he is.” Sweetie Belle said a little disappointed. "We won't laugh."
“Yeah, who is he or, um, she?” Apple Bloom asked still jumping.
“She?” Sweetie Belle asked, blushing slightly.
“Yeah, Applejack said some ponies like the same gender, she said it’s common. She said some of her friends like other mares.” Apple Bloom stopped jumping and started to skip in a circle around Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle chanting. "Scootaloo's got a crush on somepony. Scootaloo's got a crush on somepony. Scoota-" She stopped as both Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were staring at her with raised eyebrows.
“Oh, wow, I see... I guess that makes sense. That’s really cool Scoots. I wish somepony had a crush on me.” Sweetie Belle said blushing slightly.
“I’m sure lots of ponies have a crush on you, Sweetie Belle. You’re really pretty.” Scootaloo reassured her. Oh stupid me, why did I have to say that? I’m doomed. One of them will figure it out, probably Apple Bloom. It's uncanny how she figures these things out. Uncanny is a word right? What was I thinking about? Sweetie Belle looked at her and smiled. Oh Celestia, that smile, those eyes…
“You really think so?” Sweetie Belle asked. Scootaloo nodded, blushing. "Thank you Scoots."
Scootaloo felt Sweetie Belle’s foreleg wrap around her neck pulling her into an embrace. Her heart skipped a beat, her knees went weak and began to wobble slightly, and her face if possible turned a darker shade of red. Her heart was pounding so hard she through it might explode out of her chest. Oh wow, her coat is so soft. Scootaloo barley had time to process all the sensations before Sweetie Belle released her embrace.
Scootaloo’s behaviour didn’t go unnoticed by Apple Bloom who just grinned like her birthday had come early. Ah knew it! Ah knew it! Ah wonder if Sweetie Belle likes her too, that would be so cute! Maybe Ah can get them together and get my Cutie Mark! But how? Hmmm. The bell interrupted Apple Bloom’s thoughts. “Dang it, time for school.” Apple Bloom said. Sweetie Belle was already heading into the school house. Scootaloo looked like she was frozen. Apple Bloom grinned as she walked up to a petrified Scootaloo. “She’s cute, isn’t she?” Apple Bloom asked slyly. Scootaloo jumped.
“Yeh - no - wha-“ Scootaloo fumbled with her words being caught off guard. Since Sweetie Belle had hugged her she had lost track of her surroundings. Apple Bloom leaned in and nudged her shoulder with a knowing smile. No! She figured it out! I guess I was a bit obvious. No point hiding it from her now. Scootaloo in spite of her self grinned.
“Ah knew it! So cute! When are you going to ask her out? Apple Bloom asked excitedly.
Ugh, now I’m screwed. “I – I don’t know.” Scootaloo said nervously. “Please don’t tell her.” Scootaloo pleaded.
“Of course Ah won’t tell her... yet. Ah got the perfect way for you to tell her. Ah will tell you after class at the club house.” Apple Bloom said with excitement.
“Just don’t do what we did for Miss Cheerilee and Big Mac.” Scootaloo said nervously remembering the love poison they mixed up.
“Trust me, this is like way better.” Apple Bloom said.
Not sure if I should be excited or scared. Both... Yes, definitely both.
School had let out, it was officially the weekend and Scootaloo couldn’t be happier. The whole day passed by at a snail’s pace. Scootaloo forced herself to pay attention in class to get her mind off Sweetie Belle. I actually paid attention in math? Being in love is making me uncool! Now it's time to find out what scheme Apple Bloom has cooked up. She didn’t know what it was but she figured if it involved her and Sweetie Belle it probably wasn’t anything good.
“Are we going to build that fence thing today?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Nope, Applejack said no power tools.” Apple Bloom responded smiling.
“Okay, good. Who would want a picture of a fence post on their flank anyway?”
“Ah got something even better. This will get us our Cutie Marks for sure.” Apple Bloom said bouncing up and down.
“What is it?” Scootaloo asked in spite of her self. She had a nasty suspicion Apple Bloom was cooking up some scheme that got her and Sweetie Belle alone in some kind of romantic setting.
“Ah will tell you when we get to the clubhouse.” Apple Bloom grinned at Scootaloo.
Yep, just as I feared. Ugh why did I have to be so obvious? Why?
“Ah can’t tell y'all here. This is a top secret Cutie Mark Crusader’s mission.” Apple Bloom said eagerly.
“Top Secret? What are we, secret agents?” Sweetie Belle asked confused.
“Trust me, you’re gonna love it!” Apple Bloom winked at Scootaloo.
“Okay Apple Bloom, what is this top secret mission?” Sweetie Belle asked exasperated, sitting on her haunches. Scootaloo sat down next to her.
“This is the big one, the one that is a Cutie Mark guarantee-“
“Will you just tell us!” Sweetie Belle shrieked.
“We are going to host a big dance!” Apple Bloom said with a big grin.
“Dance? Like the Grand Galloping Gala?” Sweetie Belle asked confused.
“Err - yeah but not quite as big or fancy.”
“Okay…where are we going to have this and who would want to come to it?” Scootaloo asked as if this was the most obvious flaw in the plan.
“That’s easy, we host it here at Sweet Apple Acres in the barn. Next Friday is a day off and the start of cider season. Instead of selling Friday morning we make cider all day then sell it all at the dance. Ponies will come for the cider and the party. It will be the Sweet Apple Acres Cider Gala” Apple Bloom was bouncing up and down with excitement.
“Genius! I like this idea.” Sweetie Belle said excitedly. "We will get our Cutie Marks as party planners!"
Scootaloo knew the real motive behind this plan and it had little to do with planning a party or selling cider but she was okay with that. It really was the perfect opportunity to ask Sweetie Belle out. “I would normally think dances are totally lame but this sounds like a good idea. I’m in!”
“Great! Step one, run this by Applejack. Step two, make posters to get the word out. Step three, ask Rarity to make us something for the dance because we have to look nice if we are going to be hosts. Step four, get dates-“
“Dates?” Sweetie Belle asked blushing.
“Well, of course. It’s a dance and we are the hosts, we have to set the standard.” Apple Bloom explained as if it were obvious.
“Okay, but I don’t think anypony will ask me.” Sweetie Belle looked down.
“Ah wouldn’t say that. Ah think somepony will ask you.” Apple Bloom said glancing at Scootaloo who was staring at the floor with cheeks that matched the setting sun.
“Really? Who?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Ah just got a feelin.” Apple Bloom said not meeting her eyes.
“You mean you know somepony that likes me?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“She means you are really pretty and somepony will definitely ask you.” Scootaloo said. I hope I ask her first and don’t chicken out.
“Oh I don't know colts are like annoying.” Sweetie Belle said. "I mean I guess they're all right, I've just never met any that interest me." Sweetie Belle said bashfully.
“Wait, do you like fillies?” Apple Bloom asked glancing at Scootaloo. Sweetie Belle blushed and looked down.
Oh I hope she does, I will ask her out on the spot if she says yes. Okay probably not but...soon.
“I don’t know, maybe. I never thought about it until after what you said this morning.” Sweetie Belle said blushing still staring at the floor.
Oh Celstia! She said maybe, that’s probably a yes! I mean she isn’t sure but the fact that she’s questioning it!
“Oh, well…that is very interesting. Maybe a certain filly will ask you." Apple Bloom winked at Scootaloo.
Scootaloo Glared at Apple Bloom. Really Apple Bloom? Really?
"Oh, I don't know Apple Bloom. It would be easier if we all went as friends." Sweetie Belle said.
"Na come on, dates won't be that bad. Ah think I’m going to ask Spike to be my-
“Spike?” Sweetie Belle asked as Scootaloo fell to the floor laughing.
“What? He’s always been nice to me and he’s kinda cute.” Apple Bloom said without any hint of embarrassment.
She has a lot more confidence than I do.
“You know he’s like in love with my sister, right?” Sweetie Belle said.
“Ah know, but I’m still going to ask. It doesn’t mean he has to be my very special, um, somedragon?” Apple Bloom said a little unsure.
“Scoots you should ask that special somepony of yours.” Apple Bloom said grinning. Scootaloo responded by blushing.
“Ugh! This is driving me crazy. Who is this mystery pony of yours Scoots?” Sweetie Belle asked with frustration. "And why do I get the feeling you know who this pony is, Apple Bloom?" Sweetie Belle demanded.
Scootaloo looked from an annoyed Sweetie Belle to Apple Bloom who shifted her eyes and pretended not to hear her. Sweetie Belle's eyes were focused on Apple Bloom her nose scrunched up a little. Cute. “Look you guys that’s not important right now. We have a party to plan.” Scootaloo said trying to steer the conversation in another direction.
“So you aren’t going to tell us?” Sweetie Belle asked with disappointment.
“Scootaloo is right y’all. We need to talk to Applejack and see if this is a go.” Apple Bloom said.
Apple Bloom is having way too much fun with this. At least she hasn’t told her even though she might as well have... dropping hints like that.
“All right, fine. You have to tell me though. I won’t leave you alone until you do.” Sweetie Belle said stubbornly.
“Ya better tell her soon, could get interesting.” Apple Bloom grinned at Scootaloo.
Ugh, you have got to be kidding me! I can’t believe she said that. At least Sweetie hasn’t pieced it together…yet. I better tell her soon. This is just getting ridiculous.
Scootaloo wondered when was the right moment to tell her as the three of them left the clubhouse to find Applejack. It didn’t take long; they found her by the barn getting things ready for cider season. She hung back and watched an excited Apple Bloom bounce around her sister explaining her plan. Even if this dance is a bust, I’m still going to tell her. Apple Bloom continued to bounce around her sister and Sweetie Belle. Sweetie Belle noticed Scootaloo hanging back and waved her hoof beckoning her to join them. She moved up to hear Applejack speaking.
“It sounds like you three really thought this one through, lets give it a go.” Applejack said.
“Wooohooo! Apple Bloom cheered. She looked at her two friends and smiled then as if on queue all three of them shouted.
“Cutie Mark Crusaders Party Planners! Yay!”
“All right y’all. We got lots of planning to do. You three better get busy.” Applejack said.
“All right, let's make the posters and get them out before night time!” Apple Bloom said excitedly. “Come on.” She called over her shoulder as she began to trot back to the clubhouse.
Scootaloo got back to the clubhouse only minutes after Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle did but she found them already starting on the posters. Scootaloo sat down close to Sweetie Belle, her heart started pounding. Apple Bloom smiled at Scootaloo before handing her some supplies.
"We each make one then hang it up in a different part of Ponyville." Apple Bloom said. "Make sure to have the date n' time." Apple Bloom said looking over at Sweetie Belle's poster. "Dang it we are all out of - um, markers. Yeah out of markers. Ah better go get some more from the house. It might take a while because Ah don’t feel like runnin.” Apple Bloom said slowly. Then she left the clubhouse before Sweetie Belle or Scootaloo could point out there was a box right behind her.
“That was strange.” Sweetie Belle said before shrugging and going back to making her poster.
“Yeah.” Scootaloo said dumbly. Stupid me! Ugh, why couldn’t I say something funny or smart? Now’s the chance, that’s why she acting like that, trying to give me a hint. Scootaloo’s heart pounded harder her face turned red. Okay here it goes…
“Hey Sweetie Belle…” Scootaloo said with confidence. Sweetie Belle turned her head and looked Scootaloo in the eyes. All her confidence vanished. She began to shake a little. Why did she look at me? Those eyes make me crazy; gosh they are lovely.
“Yes?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Um, would you, um…pass the blue marker.” Scootaloo said blushing, her whole body shaking. Sweetie Belle frowned.
“You have one right there.” Sweetie replied pointing to a blue marker on the floor next to Scootaloo’s hoof.
"Oh, yeah...did - didn't see that one." Scootaloo said sadly then returned to her poster.
“Are you okay? Ever since you got this crush on this somepony you’ve been acting so weird. Why won’t you tell me who it is?” Sweetie Belle demanded.
“Don’t worry, I will tell you - um, both who it is but not right now. When the moment is right.” Scootaloo said staring at the floor. Her heart sank, she could feel a knot in her chest. I can’t do it. I just can’t.
The clubhouse door opened and a grinning Apple Bloom walked in. “Ah guess we have all the makers already in here.” Apple Bloom said taking note of Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo sitting close together. “So, anything interesting happen while I was gone?”
“Scootaloo is acting like a weirdo and won’t tell us who she has such a big crush on.” Sweetie Belle said annoyed. “My poster is ready to be hung up. I will hang it up at the school.” Sweetie Belle said “Meet me at the Carousel Boutique when you are done.” Sweetie Belle said then walked out the door.
“Why didn’t you ask her? That’s the whole reason Ah left.”
“I-I tried but couldn’t get the words out. This is so hard.” Scootaloo said with a sad tone.
“No it ain’t, just gotta say it. You can do all kinds of dangerous stunts on your scooter and you aren’t afraid but you can’t ask your friend out?” Apple Bloom said.
“When you put it that way…I don’t know. Every time she looks at me…” Scootaloo trailed off blushing.
“Aww.” Apple Bloom teased. “Okay here’s the plan: we meet Sweetie Belle at the Boutique then we go up to her room. Ah will leave her room to talk to Rarity about dresses and you will tell her or Ah will when Ah come back to her room.” Apple Bloom said glaring at Scootaloo.
“Okay, okay. I just got to mare up and do it.” Scootaloo said with confidence. Apple Bloom smiled in response.
"Let's finish our posters so we can hang them up, so you can tell Sweetie Belle how you feel." Apple Bloom teased.
"You are having way too much fun with this."
"It's only gonna get worse unless you ask her tonight." Apple Bloom said elbowing Scootaloo's shoulder. Apple Bloom laughed and shook her head.
"What?" Scootaloo asked confused.
"Oh, you. You're such a mess, Scoots. You are supposed to be the cool filly." Apple Bloom said laughing. Scootaloo smiled and shook her head.
"Yeah, love is crazy." She said blushing.
They sat in silence as they finished their posters. Scootaloo thought her's turned out all right, she made the lettering catchy and it had the time and date. She made sure the word "cider" was extra visible. She glanced over at Apple Bloom's, to her annoyance Apple Bloom's was much better. Apple Bloom had drawn a picture of Sweet Apple Acres. Whatever.
"Ya ready?" Apple Bloom asked looking up from her poster.
"Yeah. I'll hang mine up at Sugarcube Corner."
"Ah will hang mine at the town hall. Meet you at the Boutique." Apple Bloom said smiling. Scootaloo smiled, her wings fluttered.
"Yep, I will see you there." Scootaloo replied then left the clubhouse. I hope she says yes.