Rumble came every day for the rest of the week. He spent most of his time playing pretend with Scootaloo, though he sometimes helped with changing and feeding her.
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were quite surprised to see Rumble take such an interest in Scootaloo, even though they knew he use to have a crush on her.
Scootaloo was surprised as well, though that was more because of how good Rumble was at taking care of her. In a way, he'd become her unofficial big brother, and it felt rather unusual.
As the weekend dawned, Rumble once again payed a visit to the cottage that Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash called home. And once again, he quickly went over to where Scootaloo was, and spent time with her.
"Wewaay Wumbwe, you dun' have to keep doing this." Scootaloo said in between suckles. Rumble was currently feeding her a bottle of milk from the fridge.
"You're right, I don't. But I want to." Rumble replied.
"Why is that?" Scootaloo asked "I mean, Diamond Tiawa and Siwver Spoon awen't picking on you anymowe. And you've got some new fwiends in youw fewwow Cutie Mawk Cwusadews. I'm suwe they'd wove to pway with you, even mowe than I do."
"True, but Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy told me you wanted a playmate. Besides, you're rather cute." Rumble explained, as Scootaloo finished drinking.
"You'we just saying that because I'm a foaw now." Scootaloo said, once Rumble had burped her "You can't actuwway stiww have a cwush on me when I'm wike this."
"Well, Spike has a crush on Miss Rarity, and he's a baby dragon." Rumble stated.
"That's diffewent, cause Uncwe Spike is a wot owder than me. In fact, I'd say he's mowe of a teenagew." Scootaloo replied crossly "Whewe as, you awe a schoow aged cowt with a cwush on a toddwer. It's not wight, no mattew how you wook at it."
"I know that. And I don't really have a crush on you, at least not now. But part of me still really cares about you, and wants you to be happy." Rumble admitted nervously.
"Does Thundewwane know about this?" Scootaloo asked.
"I haven't told him, but I think he's already aware of it." Rumble explained "And chances are, he's told Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy."
"And they'we aww okay with it?" Scootaloo asked "I mean, it's not exactwy a cwush, but it's stiww not natuwaw."
"Seeing as they haven't said anything, I suppose they don't have a problem with it." Rumble said nervously "Think of as a sort of, parental instinct if you will. I care about you, and the best way for me to show that, is do what I've been doing for you these past few days."
"I see." Scootaloo replied "So, what awe you doing with mommy Wainbow Dash and mommy Fwuttewshy when I'm asweep?"
"We've been playing games, talking a little about our lives, things like that." Rumble answered.
"And do you enjoy doing them?" Scootaloo asked.
"Not as much as I enjoy spending time with you." Rumble said with a smile "So, do you need anything right now?"
"Nope, I'm good. Wet's get back to pwaying knights and dwagons." Scootaloo suggested "It's youw tuwn to be the knights."
"Guess that means you're the dragon." Rumble replied, as he picked up some of the stuffed toy knights.
"Looks like Thunderlane was right after all." Rainbow Dash said to Fluttershy, as the two made their way upstairs for a quick make-out session.
"Well, as long as Scootaloo doesn't want to see it as a crush, and as long as Rumble doesn't try to act on it, everything should be okay." Fluttershy replied, as they reached the guest bedroom "Remember, we're only doing this for 5 minutes. Then we need to put Scootaloo down for a nap."
"Relax Fluttershy, 5 minutes is more than enough time for us to suck face." Rainbow Dash said calmly, hopping onto the guest bed "So, you wanna start off this time, or should I?" Her response was a full force hug, as Fluttershy tackled Rainbow Dash onto the bed and the two proceeded to make out.
"Take that mighty dragon!" Rumble said in a booming voice, as he pretended to be the lead knight.
"Oh, you have slayed me!" Scootaloo said, in an overly dramatic voice, as she pretend to be the dragon "Oh what a world!" Scootaloo promptly made the stuffed toy dragon collapse onto the floor of the playpen. Then, she picked up the stuffed princess doll and said in an extremely girly voice "Oh thank you brave knight. You have saved me from that horrible monster."
"Twas nothing fair maiden. That knave of a beast shall never bother the likes of you again." the knight said boldly.
"Kiss me, for I am yours!" the princess demanded.
"As you wish." the knight replied, and he and the princess shared a long, passionate kiss.
"You weawwy know how to make em kiss Wumbwe." Scootaloo teased.
"Hey, you're the one who insisted that we include some romance." Rumble replied.
"It's not a faiwytawe without it." Scootaloo explained.
"I thought you hated romance." Rumble said, feeling quite confused.
"Tat's onwy hawf twue. I dun' actuwway mind it hewe and thewe, but when it stawts to become as fwequent as it tends to be with mommy Wainbow Dash and mommy Fwuttewshy, it gets kind of annoying." Scootaloo confessed "Dun' teww anyone I towd you this."
"And what if I do?" Rumble jokingly suggested "What will you do then?"
"I'ww do someting." Scootaloo replied.
"What sort of something?" Rumble asked.
"Someting you dun' need to know about." Scootaloo threatened "So if you dun' wanna find out, then dun' teww anyone what you just heawd. In fact, why dun' you 'Pinkie Pwomise'? That way, I'ww know you wun' teww anyone."
Rumble sighed "Very well, I 'Pinkie Promise' not to tell anyone how you really feel about romance. Cross my heart, and hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye. Good enough for you?"
"Yes, very good." Scootaloo replied. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy came downstairs a moment later.
"Alright squirt, it's time for your nap." Rainbow Dash said, as she lifted Scootaloo out of the playpen.
"Okay mommy Wainbow Dash." Scootaloo replied, and put down the toys she'd been playing with.
"Do you wanna help me get Scootaloo's crib ready for her?" Fluttershy asked Rumble, as Scootaloo was carried upstairs and into the bathroom.
"Sure. I know what to do." Rumble replied eagerly.
"Good. And while you two do that, Scootaloo's gonna do her business." Rainbow Dash said, as she removed Scootaloo's diaper and placed her on the training potty.
"Wow Rumble, you're really getting the hang of this!" Fluttershy exclaimed, as she fluffed Scootaloo's pillow. Rumble had gotten the crib all ready in a matter of seconds.
"It was nothing, I just like being helpful and seeing Scootaloo happy." Rumble said sweetly.
"Well Rainbow Dash and I appreciate your help, and so does Scootaloo." Fluttershy replied "Have you ever babysat before Rumble?"
Rumble shook his head "Nope. But can you keep a secret?"
"Of course I can." Fluttershy replied, as she locked the bedroom door.
"Promise you won't laugh?" Rumble asked nervously.
"Why would I laugh at your secret?" Fluttershy asked.
"Because it's embarassing, that's why." Rumble replied.
"I'm sure it's not that embarassing. We all have our secrets." Fluttershy said kindly.
Rumble sighed "Well, if you really wanna know. The thing is....... I...... I"
"Go on." Fluttershy said kindly "I swear I won't laugh."
"I still kind of wet the bed occassionally." Rumble confessed "It usually happens whenever mom and dad go away on one of their trips. According to Thunderlane, the doctors call it 'Stress Incontinence' whatever that means. So, sometimes, I'll wear diapers to bed."
"Does Thunderlane change you when you use them?" Fluttershy asked.
"He use to, back when this all started. But, nowadays I can manage on my own." Rumble explained "And it feels so..... good. It just feels like wearing diapers takes away all my troubles, at least when I'm wearing them to bed. Sometimes I've even wondered what it would be like to just wear them all the time. You know, just like a foal. I know it's really weird of me to think that, but it's true."
"Is that all?" Fluttershy asked, somewhat nervously. She really didn't want to pry too far if Rumble felt uncomfortable talking about his secret.
"Well, my bed still has guard rails from time to time." Rumble went on "And when they're attached and I'm wearing a diaper, it feels kind of like I'm sleeping in a giant crib. And something about it just makes me feel so relaxed. I've even sometimes gotten so relaxed that I've unintentionally wet them further. Luckly, Thunderlane hasn't found out."
"Why? I'm sure he'd understand. Accidents do happen." Fluttershy said kindly.
"Because I don't want him to start treating me like a baby." Rumble replied.
"Isn't that kind of what you want?" Fluttershy asked.
"From time to time maybe, but not every waking moment." Rumble explained.
"I see. Well, Thunderlane IS going to have to know about this at some point." Fluttershy sad seriously "You can't keep this hidden forever."
"I know, I know. But I just haven't worked up the courage yet." Rumble replied "So until I do, don't tell him. Okay?"
Fluttershy sighed, but agreed.
"Thanks for understanding Fluttershy." Rumble said sweetly.
"This is just like Scootaloo before Rainbow Dash and I regressed her." Fluttershy thought to herself, as she opened the door "But would Rumble really be okay with being turned into a foal? Rainbow Dash and I were lucky that Scootaloo forgave us for regressing her. But would Rumble be the same way? And what would Thunderlane think?"
"Feeling sleepy yet Scootaloo?" Fluttershy asked kindly, as she turned on the crib's mobile.
Scootaloo said nothing. She merely yawned, closed her eyes, and drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
"Sweet dreams Scootaloo." Rainbow Dash said quietly, as she turned off the lights. She, Fluttershy, and Rumble then made their way downstairs. And while Rumble went to go fetch a board game from the closet, Fluttershy told Rainbow Dash about what Rumble had confessed to her in the bedroom.
"I promised him that I wouldn't tell Thunderlane." Fluttershy explained "But I can tell it's really eating him up."
"You're darn right it is. That's probably why he's been so interested in spending time with Scootaloo." Rainbow Dash replied "He's probably trying to decide whether or not he wants the same thing for himself."
"I know, we have to help him." Fluttershy said with concern.
"How are we gonna do that? Especially if he doesn't want to tell Thunderlane?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Well, I was thinking of potentially doing what we did with Scootaloo." Fluttershy explained "Except this time, we'll ask Rumble what he wants, and let him make the decision on his own."
"And what if he says no?" Rainbow Dash asked "Then what?"
"Then we'll just have to try and help him work up the courage to tell Thunderlane how he feels." Fluttershy suggested "Either way, we won't be able to say we didn't try."
"So, you're going to ask Twilight to whip up another age regression potion, even though we don't know if we'll get the same results?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Only if Rumble decides that regression is what he wants." Fluttershy explained "We got lucky with Scootaloo, I doubt we'll get lucky a second time."
"Are you sure we can't just tell Thunderlane ourselves and let him deal with it?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"And betray Rumble's trust in us? I don't think so." Fluttershy said sternly "He expects us to keep this secret from Thunderlane, and one way or another that's what we're going to do."
Rainbow Dash sighed "Well, I guess I'll go along with your plan for now. But if Rumble decides he doesn't want to be regressed, he's going to have to tell Thunderlane within so many days. Otherwise, I'll do it for him, whether he likes it or not."
Rumble returned with the board game Whodunit? a moment later, and placed it on the kitchen table. When he turned to look at Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, he was surprised to see them looking at him so nervously. "Is there something wrong?" Rumble asked "Am I in trouble?"
"Oh no, you're not in trouble." Fluttershy said nervously.
"There's just, something we wanted to discuss with you." Rainbow Dash added.
"What is it?" Rumble asked.
"Well, you know that Scootaloo has been regressed, right?" Fluttershy asked nervously.
"Of course I do." Rumble replied
"And Fluttershy and I have become aware of your little 'dilema', or whatever you call it." Rainbow Dash continued.
"Yeah, so?" Rumble asked.
"So, would you um like to have the same thing happen to you?" Fluttershy asked "You know, be regressed and all that?"
"Really? You actually want to regress me?" Rumble asked.
"Only if that's what you really want Rumble." Rainbow Dash explained "The choice is up to you."
"You mean, I don't have to be regressed?" Rumble asked.
"Not if you don't want to." Fluttershy said nervously "The decision is yours. If you don't want to be regressed, then we won't force it onto you like we did with Scootaloo. We promise."
"So, what's your decision Rumble?" Rainbow Dash asked "Do you want to be regressed to a foal, like Scootaloo. Or, do you want to stay as you currently are? Think hard about this decision, there's no pressure."
"Whatever your answer is, we won't be mad." Fluttershy said honestly.
"I don't know, this is a bit sudden." Rumble said nervously.
"Take as much time as you need to decide." Rainbow Dash encouraged.
"I, think I need some time to think about it at home." Rumble said, and got out of his chair at the kitchen table.
"Let us know when you've made up your mind." Rainbow Dash called.
"Remember, there's no hurry. Whatever you decide on, we'll support you." Fluttershy added.
"I'll keep that in mind." Rumble replied, and then he headed back home. As he did, he tried his best to make up his mind about what he wanted. On the one hoof, if he decided he wanted to be regressed, he wouldn't have to tell Thunderlane about his secret, and he could spend more time with Scootaloo. On the other hoof, if he decided to stay the way he currently was, he could always pluck up courage and confess, and he'd still get to see Scootaloo on a daily basis. "What should I do?" he thought to himself.
I have very mixed emotions about this. On one hand it would be cute as hell if Rumble was regressed, but on the other I don't feel that Fluttershy and Dash have any business giving him that ultimatum. I was slightly against how they regressed Scootaloo, but ignored it on the grounds that they were her parents and wanted to what was best for her. They have no such authority with Rumble. If your going to write Rumble's parents out, I think it would be better if Thunderlane was made aware of Rumble's situation beforehand. Rather than him coming home from work to find out that his brother has been turned into a foal. That is what I think, but do whatever.
Here's how ya do it:
1. Have Rumble's parents die in an accident on the way home. Rumble needs more of a motivation to undergo the regression than "baby Scootaloo is hecka kute"
2. Have Rumble talk to Thunderlane about his desires. Doing this behind his guardians back is wrong.
3. Axe the part about Scoot and Rumble living together. That's just random and weird. Plus, Thunderlane living with RD and Fluttershy? Think of the shipping connotations! WHAT ABOUT POOR FLITTER AND CLOUDCHASER?!
Other than that, great story, I've really enjoyed it so far
I think that Rumble should be regressed, but that's just me. Great chapter by the way.
Wow, I was quite surprised by this chapter. When I first read the comments about Rumble being regressed, I was thinking that wouldn't be a great idea. But then reading this chapter, I ended up thinking it would be quite a wonderful change, especially for a sequel. But then I read 5338012's comment and noticed all the holes that would pull on the story.
This sounds like something that would be similar with Scootaloo's parents. Even though Flight to the Finish showed that Scootaloo most likely doesn't live in an orphanage, she still wants Rainbow Dash to adopt her as a sister. Even with holes like that, not mentioning her parents or guardians is something everyone's always been okay with. (I believe this story did the same thing even. All they would need is a word with Rumble's current guardian, Thunderlane. Aka, what number 2 said.)
But then, number 3.
Well, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are already a couple and married, but I do agree that Thunderlane living with them would be too weird and prefer that not happen. It's one thing for a foal to move in with other parents, but a full grown one? That usually doesn't happen unless they're engaged or something, which obviously wouldn't happen in this story.
Well, considering this story's content is already weird and random, I don't see a problem with this. Rumble living with Scootaloo after being regressed isn't all that stretched compared to Thunderlane. Not to mention Pinkie Pie did the same thing in canon. She moved to Ponyville as a filly, most likely being adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Cake, even though her parents are still very much alive and still love each other. As far as I'm concerned, they agreed to allow Pinkie to move with them because they knew that Pinkie's life would be so much happier with the Cakes than at the Rock Farm.
So in the end, I can see Rumble moving in with Scootaloo, even with his parents and Thunderlane's agreement, but I can't see Thunderlane moving in with them as well.
I vote regress him. Puts future Rumbleloo back on the table cause right now her (future) options are Pound, or Pumpkin if she swings her parent's way and Pumpkin ends up batting for the other team too.
I like the regression idea.
I vote for regressed, that way, Scoots and Rumble could have a romance, and they would be cute
5338206 I feel like, at the very least Thunderlane should be involved with Rumble's life if he's regressed. Hoofing him off to Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash would esentially be giving them custody of Rumble, something that I just can't picture Thunderlane doing.
I could possibly have him living nearby though.
I vote not regressed. Reason: what kind of world is it where the solution to perfectly solvable problems is: turn X into a baby. Rumble seems like a perfectly normal colt, save for some bedwetting. There is no reason to turn him into a foal.
Regress him! Regress him!
5338836 Yeah, I think having Thunderlane living nearby would be the best solution to that.
Just remember, as a filly, Pinkie Pie and her family managed to work this. The Cake family and the Pie family live in completely different towns. We may not have ever seen screen time about that, but if they had any problems with it, you would think it would be mentioned in some way or another.
The way I see it, the main reason it worked with Pinkie is because her life was better lived in Ponyville. If Rumble has the same feeling, Thunderlane most likely would be okay with it too. I don't know that much on how the fandom views Thunderlane, but I remember he was willing to let Rumble perform Hurricane Duty without his supervision, so that tells how much he would trust Rainbow Dash with his little brother.
5339004 I don't know if he was trusting Rumble to do tornado duty in his place. I don't think Rumble, or any other colts or fillies were in the water lifting group. He likely just came down to inform Rainbow Dash about the fact that his brother was in the hospital.
5339166
i.imgur.com/fimWUoC.png
Well, there is one other filly that appears during the training. And we see Rumble constantly with his brother during the training.
Not to mention, if Rumble really was only there to inform Rainbow Dash about Thunderlane's disappearance, why did Rainbow Dash have to ask Rumble about Thunderlane first? That would otherwise be the first thing Rumble did. He was in the line, very far away from Rainbow Dash, before she asked him where his brother was. I don't think he was only there to inform Rainbow Dash about Thunderlane's absence.
add another vote to regression!
i voted for regressed
REGRESSION MUST HAPPEN TO THE RUMBLE
Jeez... the votes who want Rumble regressed sound like they want him to be regressed by force. Violent much?
5342909 Well, I take it that means you vote against regression?
5342917 I never voted. I'm just saying the comments are making me think of Pattycakes because of their desire to regress.
5342909 i am not Violent much just because i want Rumble to be REGRESSION in this story
5342971 Well, I don't think they're Pattycakes levels of demanding. Rumble's mind will still be intact.
5342976 ...Nevermind...
5342987 It's okay if you don't want Rumble to be regressed. Like I said before, the ending that doesn't get picked can be made into an alternative ending fic for anyone who wants to pick it up.
Regardless of whether you're for or against Rumble being regressed, you can still comment.
5343075 For the love of Celestia's misunderstanding intentions!
I have nothing against the regression. All I was trying to say was that some of the voters commenting on Rumble being regressed made their desires sound pretty dark for wanting him regressed.
I wasn't disturbed by this, I was just pointing it out.
5343597 Oh, I see.
5344114 Did you just shit out two new chapters or something o.0?
Make a chapter for both endings.
Regres him, I'm also hoping that maybe Scoots real parents come at the cottage and ask for there foal and want to take her back but have Scoots pick who she wants to live with it be cool
5344786 Nope.
5345055 I would like to, but I feel like doing that would render the whole point of asking people which ending they wanted pointless. The ending that doesn't get picked can still be picked up by someone else for an alternative ending fic.
5345746 i am not hoping that scoots real parents come at the cottage and ask for there foal and want to take her back
5346158 Well, I do have something about Scootaloo's birth parents planned for the end. But I won't say what it is, though it is one that has been mentioned in this fic.
5346167 ok and please don't have scoots birth parents come to the cottage and ask for there foal and want to take her back so scoots chose who she wants to live with
5346175 That won't happen. It's far too late for them to get their daughter back now.
5346178 okay
5346183 The chapter should be out within the next 24 hours, after which this fic will be over.
I don't really have plans for a sequel, especially since the best I can think of is something akin to "Foal Adventures" by SuperStallion.
5346191 can't wait for it
5346197 The chapter, right?
5346199 yeah The chapter
5346203 Just making sure.
5346206
5346178 I'm guessing her parents were spitfire and sourin.
I want to see him regressed please
5346300 Nope, it's not them.
Is that supposed to be clue?
as apposed to being sad jokingly
I think rumble should be regressed, cause I'd like to see how scoots and his relationship go