Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara: The Reason For The Feud

by Never2muchpinkie

Epilogue 1: Awkward

“WHOA!”

“AAH!”

“UGH!”

“OOF!”

Four ponies went flying, colliding with the ground.

Scootaloo groaned as she got up, saying, “Well, it’s official. We are definitely not Cutie Mark Crusader trampoliners.”

“You said it,” said Apple Bloom, rubbing her stomach.

“It was fun while it lasted though,” said Sweetie Belle.

“I…I guess it was,” said Diamond Tiara. “Maybe I just need my dad to buy you a bigger trampoline.” With a strange tone she said, “A-after all, you’re my… my friends. If it’ll make me happy he’d do anything for me, so he wouldn’t turn down my request to help out ponies I… I care about.”

There was a hesitance in her voice every time she started talking about her feelings. She was still conflicted on this whole thing. She DID like having new friends, and was truly grateful to Apple Bloom for pushing her to renew her relationship with her parents, and with the three of them for forgiving her and letting her into their group, but… all of this was still new to her. She kept struggling with what she used to call her weaker feelings. She just didn’t know.

It was one thing to be a little affectionate with her parents in the privacy of her own home, but saying things like this in public went against everything she used to put into her public image. She saw that she just couldn’t change herself so quickly. It was going to take quite some time before she could even imagine being as free-spirited as the other three.

Apple Bloom also noticed her pauses. She too knew she would have to simply be patient. Diamond Tiara had spent a good many years believing it was wrong to show any softness or happy emotions too strongly. With time she believed her classmate would lose that attitude once she really saw how much more enjoyable life was doing things their way.

“I don’t think it’s the size of the trampoline that’s the problem,” said Scootaloo. “I think we just stink at it. We can check this one off the list of successful attempts.”

“Um…I guess so.” Awkwardly she asked, “So is this all you guys do when you hang out? Is… is this what you call fun?”

Scootaloo couldn’t figure out whether Diamond Tiara was genuinely curious or displeased and just trying to avoid being insulting. She was acting so different from the way they were used to she couldn’t decide. “Well, these cutie marks aren’t going to just make themselves appear. How did you get your cutie mark? Maybe that will help us.”

One of her rare genuine smiles cropped up with a slight blush. “Well… it came partly from both of my parents… of course I was a lot more selfish about it before but now I see how much they really love me. My mom told me that my name is a sign of how important I was to them. Diamond because I’m beautiful and worth more than gold, and Tiara because I’m their little princess. My dad was the one who bought me the diamond tiara to match my name.

“So I always thought it meant I was supposed to be special and… well… above most other ponies. I thought that meant I would one day be in a ruling position. As my dad taught me about business and being tough I began commanding around our butler’s and maid’s and ruling over the household. My eventual plan was to take over my dad’s business when he either died or was too old. Even if I was a bit angry at him for not always being there he would buy me whatever I wanted and I thought that just showed how much he loved me. That’s why I was angrier at my mom than him. And that’s why I was so happy when he came to visit on Family Appreciation Day.

“I… I…” She looked at the ground and let out a little sigh, squirming a little as she blushed. “I know now that I AM important… because you are my… my… friends.”

The trio smiled. Despite her difficulties in saying what was on her mind it was enough for them that she could work up the courage to say them at all. “GROUP HUG!” cried out Apple Bloom.

“W-WHAT?” Diamond Tiara said, looking at them as if they were out to destroy her as they all run to her and held her. “C-come on! Stop it! This is embarrassing!” Despite her words she did nothing to push them away. Just like with her mom the night before she secretly enjoyed the affectionate gesture, but her mind was still rebelling against it. She relaxed after a few seconds, feeling a grin come to her face.

“T-thanks, girls.” When they let go Diamond Tiara wiped a few tears from her face, a bit ashamed she was getting so emotional. Feeling exposed and vulnerable she backtracked to what was comfortable. She snapped at them, “Don’t do that again! We’re in public! I don’t need my reputation ruined by you goodie-goodies!” She turned away from them and walked a few steps away, feeling short of breath. She didn’t know if she could handle this.

Apple Bloom could see that both Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked a little hurt by her outburst. She was more understanding. “Don’t be upset, guys. Don’t forget that this is our first day as actual friends. She’s gonna need time to open up to us for real. I think it’s still too early to go for group hugs.” Sweetie Belle looked mollified, but Scootaloo still seemed a bit ticked off. She was a little less willing to forgive because of Diamond Tiara making fun of her for not being able to fly yet. “Come on, Scootaloo! Stop being a sourpuss. I remember how you didn’t like group hugs either. Remember after you heard Rainbow Dash’s cutie mark story and all of us hugged and you didn’t want to do it?”

Scootaloo looked over to her classmate for a few seconds, and then shrugged. “Whatever.”

Before they could do anything more Diamond Tiara turned around and walked back over to them. “Look, I’m so…so…sor… I’ll try not to let it happen again, all right? I’ll try to be better.”

Scootaloo mumbled under her breath, “Can’t even apologize properly. Can’t wait until she makes a jab at my wings.”

Diamond Tiara grimaced. Why was she doing this? She should have known things would never work out between them. Their history was too strong.

Apple Bloom could see Diamond Tiara was on the brink of bolting. She gave Scootaloo a slight smack. Not trying to hurt her, only trying to get her attention. Scootaloo looked angrily at her, saying, “What was THAT for?”

“That’s ENOUGH, Scootaloo!” Apple Bloom said strongly. “I know Diamond Tiara isn’t perfect and there are going to be a lot of road bumps as she tries to become friends. But that’s exactly the point! She’s TRYING! She’s putting in the effort to change. She’s so used to throwing around power and superiority she doesn’t really know how to interact with ponies without it. Cut her a break, will you?”

Scootaloo met Apple Bloom’s gaze, and for a second Apple Bloom thought Scootaloo was going to escalate the conflict right then and there. For over ten seconds the two met each others eyes unflinchingly before Scootaloo shrugged again. “Fine. But if I hear even a slight mention of anything to do with my wings or not being able to fly then I’m done with her, and you’ll have to choose between her and me.”

“Don’t say that, Scootaloo,” said Sweetie Belle. “We all agreed to let her join our group.”

“And? I believe that it was APPLE BLOOM over there that said that if Silver Spoon was going to insist on being a bully she wouldn’t be allowed to join. If Diamond Tiara isn’t going to adhere to the spirit of the group she has no business being in it.

"If that happens and you still want to be friends with her because you think it’ll make your dead parents happy then I can’t stop you, but I won’t be around to hang out with you so long as she is. I had to deal with enough of their bullying inside of school and when we’d see them around town. I’m not going to take it as a 'friend' too. That’s all I’m saying.”

“Apple Bloom?” said Diamond Tiara.

“Yes?” she replied.

“T…thank you for sticking up for me."

“No problem!”

“And Scootaloo. I didn’t mean to snap like that. I’m just… confused. This goes against everything I thought my dad was trying to teach me. A part of me wants to be like you guys. But at the same time I just feel like this is all a big mistake. My head is so confused.” Her face clenched up. Forcing out the difficult words she said, “I’m… sorry… for mocking you about your wings.” The second time came a little easier. “I’m sorry. Can we… can we start over and go back to doing fun things? If I have to I can get my dad to help us out. After all, I’m his little princess. I’m sure my dad can pay someone to have something engineered that will get you flying faster than even Rainbow Dash.”

Scootaloo felt satisfied with Diamond’s apology. In a calmer voice she said, “Thanks, but… no thanks. I don’t want a shortcut or a cheap way of winning. If I’m going to get better than Rainbow Dash I’m going to do it the right way: through hard work.

“Well… anyone have any ideas for our next plan?”

“Well, why don’t we take a quick break at my house? We could use some relaxation. My dad has the best massagers around. Add in a great snack and we’ll be both relaxed and full. What better way to brainstorm than with that?”

“Sounds good to me!” said Scootaloo.

“I’m so in!” said Sweetie Belle.

“Me too!” said Apple Bloom.

So the four of them began running towards her mansion. Diamond Tiara felt relieved that things were okay again. She thought their friendship was going to be over as soon as it began.

Her mom was happy to see Diamond Tiara bring home some new friends. The very ones she had been enemies with so recently.

Diamond Tiara did her best to make all of them feel at home and provided every comfort they could provide.

Apple Bloom noticed how often she mentioned her dad buying something for them. Diamond seemed to be trying to bribe her way into being better friends by giving them gifts. Gifts alone didn’t make a loving relationship. She didn’t even seem to realize that was the exact reason she and her parents hadn’t been getting along for so long. She had an intention of mentioning it to her, but she got distracted by all the varieties of snacks and the extremely enjoyable massage.

Despite their period of relaxation they were still cutie mark-less by the end of the day. Even so they enjoyed themselves for the most part, so they still considered the day a success. Diamond Tiara was still very reserved and awkward throughout the day, but they all gave her some personal space and she hadn’t lost her temper again.

Comments

[Dustin Lange]

Man N2MP! If you keep this up, I think I might just like Diamond more than Scootaloo!

I don't know what it is about Diamond in this story, but when ever she talks or it deals with her growing and opening up more, I just get this smile on my face that I can't wipe off!
I think it reminds me of when I opened up more when I was in 7th grade. I use to be a very shy person, like Fluttershy. But with my dad getting kicked out that year, and having nice people around me, I was able to open up and have a little confidence in myself.

Now I'm in 12th grade and the class clown!

[Kenshinryuu]

I honestly liked Scootaloo's stipulation how if DT makes one comment about Scoot's wings that Applebloom would have to make a choice, it seems perfectly reasonable to me.

Diamond's offer to have Filthy Rich look into a mechanical solution for Scootaloo is a good peace offering, glad Scootaloo didn't take it, but if Diamond were to read something in a magazine she thinks might help and that the fillies can do on their own I say go for it.

OOOOHOHOIHOHOHOHOHOHOH, IDEA!!!! Say Scootaloo's scooter gets broken beyond repair by some older colts being bullies because she was standing up for her friends, Diamond drags her to the store and pays for a brand new best possible scooter as thanks.

[Never2muchpinkie]

4603861 Well, despite the original ending I just had the feeling that things wouldn't be that smooth in them being friends. Scootaloo has every reason to bear a grudge because of that sore spot of her wings. Diamond is going to have some troubles soon enough, don't you worry.

[Never2muchpinkie]

4603796 Things are going to get rough for Diamond Tiara. There is a betrayal and a capture. One chapter is fittingly called "Broken Tiara." because of how thoroughly she gets demoralized. Of course just when things are at their bleakest that's then someone shows up to save the day.

[Dustin Lange]

4604816
oh no...
It sounds like I am going to... you know what, I bet you know what I'm going to say.

[Never2muchpinkie]

4604900 and

I know.

So I was wondering about your last comment. You said if I kept this up you'd like DT more than Scootaloo. Did you mean Rose Blossom, or did you mean the Scootaloo story? I don't think you mean the Scootaloo in this story.

[Dustin Lange]

4606244
I ment Scootaloo in general.
But I don' t think that will happen.

[Telaros]

A 23k story, with a complete tag, and a Diamond Tiara story? How did I miss this one

Love the description. I'm a take my time with this one.