> Do you want to be my player two? > by thatoneguy82 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Welcome to Ponyville > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Why did we have to move?” Button mumbled to himself as he attempted to hold in the tears from pouring from his eyes, especially in front of all the strangers riding the train that day, that unforgettable day in which Button said goodbye to all of his friends that live in Manehattan. Button stared outside from the train window observing the wild majestic beauty of Equestria’s landscape. From the transparent flowing rivers crossing through the forest to the magnificent mountainous range filled with bountiful wildlife, the beautiful scenery made Button remember of the countless hours spent playing with his friends in the open magical world of the Star Swirl the Bearded Scrolls. He and his friends would spend the majority of the weekend at Button’s house playing on his Z box trying to level up their champions, complete the all of the quests, receive all the possible achievements, and just goof around in their little virtual paradise until the sunset on Sunday reminding the little colts of the upcoming school week. Their gaming session also included hours of playing Fighting is Magic, Luna 3, and Team Ponies 2. Not only did they enjoying the company of each other while playing video games but also other fun-filled activities such as playing sports, attending conventions, viewing movies, working on musical collaborations, and any other activity a middle school colt could do in the immense city of Manehattan. All of theses unforgotten memories made it impossible for button to hold on to his inner emotions and he released them by shedding a stream of tears from his eyes making it visible to his family that button already missed his life in Manehattan. His brother, Lucky Mash, responded to Button’s action by first saying, “What a little cry filly” ending his words with an evil smirk and malicious laugh. His brother’s words made button’s rage meter go over 9,000 making him spew curse words to his brother in Humgonian so none of the other passengers would be able to understand him. “Button Mash and Lucky Mash both of you stop fighting…Right NOW!” responded their mother in a low but commanding tone, “Apologize to each other right now or so help me Celestia from unleashing my full fury on both you!!” commanded Button’s mom filling her two sons with fear as they imagined the fire of Tartarus surrounding her as she charges her full rage. Both Button and Lucky stared at each other and quickly said in a whimpering voice, “I’m sorry bro.” Those words transformed their mother’s demonic appearance to the nice sweet kind caring mother they know and love. “Awww you colts are the best and lucky to be more understanding of your brother’s emotions. If I remember correctly, Lucky, you were also a ‘little cry filly’ when we moved from Fillydelphia to Manehattan.” “Mom…” said the older colt to his mom as he covered his face with his snapback. “And Button, I know you already miss your friends and the life we had in Manehattan but you know we had to move to ponyville in order for your Dad to visit us more often. Just imagine seeing him every weekend instead of only seeing him every other month or during the holidays.” As much as Button missed his life in Manehattan, he knew that his mom was telling the truth. His dad works for one of the largest financial companies in all of Equestria located in Canterlot. His Dad loved spending time with them but sadly his job demanded copious amounts of days both in the office and during business trips leaving his dad very little room to have a week off to visit his family in Manehattan. Not only did this affect the time Button spent with his dad, but it also affected his mother in a negative aspect. Button could see in his mom’s eyes that she truly missed having his father living with them especially in romantic events in which she would only receive a “love care package” in the mail filled with chocolates, flowers, and pictures of them as a couple, but not having the colt she loved physically there with her, filled her with conflicting emotions eventually causing her to produce an ocean of tears. Button was not interested in searching for his ‘one true love’ or anything related to romance but the only couple he looked up to as a testimony for true love in Equestria was his parents’ relationship. There was an internal love binding them together helping them accomplish any obstacle during the toughest of time and the same love filled them with euphoria during the simple but magical moments of life. To Button, their love was even stronger than Princess Cadence and Shinning Armor’s love for each other. Contemplating on this, Button’s attitude shifted into an optimistic view on his current situation. “If moving to Ponyville makes my Mom happy, then it is worth the sacrifice. Maybe it won’t be as terrible as I thought it would be” pondered Button. His thoughts were interrupted when the conductor announced to the passengers, “Passengers, we have arrived to Ponyville!” “Finally! My hoofs were falling asleep” said Lucky as he carried his luggage off the train while his family mimicked the same action with their luggage. Button took his first steps off the train cart and observed the landscape surrounding the train station. It looked exactly as how people describe it, a small beautiful town surrounded by acres of forest terrain and fertile farmland. Button inhaled deeply smelling the rich fresh aroma of pinewood, wild flowers, sweet delicious apples, and any other natural scents in the nearby area. Everything seemed to be peaceful until he and his family were startled by the abrupt sound of a booming canon and then showered by confetti and balloons while a pink energetic pony appeared in front of them yelling at them with a large smile “Surprise! Welcome to Ponyville, Mash Family.” It turned out that Button’s father requested a welcome committee from Ponyville’s finest party pony, Pinkie Pie and her group of friends. They greeted Button’s family at the train station and then gave them a tour of Ponyville. Button saw all the locations in Ponyville from the local library where Twilight Sparkles lives, to Fluttershy’s cottage located near the entrance of the Everfree forest. He even saw a local arcade located near the farmer’s market and it was only a 15 minutes trot from his new house. The tour ended with a massive party at Sugar Cube Corner, it was the biggest party Button had ever attended. By the time Button’s family reached their new house, the movers had already placed most the boxes and furniture in their correct location. The new house had a similar architectural design as the other houses in Ponyville and the location of the house was on the outskirts of the main plaza near the City Hall. Button and Lucky helped the movers carry the remaining furniture and afterwards selected their rooms. Button chose the room in the second floor that was connected to the back balcony while his brother selected the smaller room on the first floor since he had to move out in a few weeks to attend the University of Baltimare. Button was organizing his room placing his consoles, television, computer, posters, bookshelves, games, spinning hats, musical instruments, and other essential items in different locations. “Musical instruments? Why would a nerdy gamer pony have instruments, doesn’t he only play video games?” that’s the thought most fillies and colts would say when they discover that Button owned musical instruments. The reality is that Button, besides having an obsession for video games, also had a passion for music being influenced by the famous musician Octavia as well as his favorite soundtrack composer Hanz Zimmercolt. Button learned to play the violin, cello, and the guitar but his favorite instrument to play is the violin because of the amazing composition created for the violin by Octavia. Very few of his friends in Manehattan knew about his musical talent since he kept it a secret making himself believe that his musical skills could only be used as a hobby since all the ponies with musical talents received their cutie mark at an extremely young age and were years ahead of Button’s musical skills making him feel inferior, thus he relied on video games in order to find his cutie mark…his destiny!! As Button was finishing placing his favorite movie posters, Equestria Wars and The Dark Mare-Do-Well, on the wall his mother gently tapped on the door slowly opening the door saying, “Hello! May I come in?” “Of course Mom, no need to ask” responded Button. “How do you like your new room so far? And by the way I love how you organize your room, it looks nice and clean just the way it should always look…” finishing the statement with a complaint as she stared at the young colt’s face. “Mom… You know I will try my best to keep this room clean and yes I love that this room has more space compare to my old room in our former apartment.” Button responded cheerfully with a glowing smile. On the other side of Ponyville in Rarity’s boutique, Sweetie Belle was trotting around her large room located on the second floor organizing her saddlebag and supplies for the first day of high school that started tomorrow. She was also organizing which accessories to wear on each particular day ranging from hair bows to sunglasses all designed and created by Rarity. All of this occurred while Sweetie Belle was playing DJ-PON3’s new album, Random Memories in Equestria, and bopping her head to the beat of the song. The glorious sound of the electronic instrumental music, the incredible earth shattering base, and free flowing beat travel from her ear drums to the rest of her body. Making sure no pony could see, she started to break out into a free style dance routine using robotic dance moves and impressive foot techniques while listening to the number one song of the album, Bring music in Life. Once the song ended, Sweetie Belle stopped her dance and squeaked to herself, “Dancing is so much fun!!” As much as she enjoyed dancing only Scootaloo and Applebloom knew about her secret talent since she only demonstrated her singing skills in talent shows feeling inferior to the large dancing crews or individual dancers that always did public shows and already had their cutie marks. Sweetie Belle dreamt that her cutie mark could be a combination of her singing and dancing talent but instead lost hope in her dream and pushed dancing as a secret hobby that was fun and useful for school dances and Pinkie Pie’s parties. Her train of thought was shifted into thinking about the possible events that might occur tomorrow, her first day as a freshpony in Ponyville High School. “High School….it is so weird how quickly time passes by. I still remember when I first met Applebloom and Scootaloo in 5th grade, when all three of us were ‘blank flanks’ and we started the cutie mark crusaders. We grew quickly adding more members like Pipsqueak, Rumble, Shady Daze, and Pinkie Feather. Now Scootaloo and Applebloom are the only ones that got their cutie marks. Scootaloo’s cutie mark is a golden lighting with purple wings and she got it while participating in the Equestria Scooter Games. Applebloom’s cutie mark is an apple being drawn by a paint brush and she received it after helping applejack rebuild the farms destroyed in Appleloosa by the sand storms. My two best friends got their cutie mark and I still don’t have mine…” Sweetie Belle’s thoughts were interrupted by Rarity’s soothing voice, “Sweetie Belle! Could you please lower the volume of your music?” as she opened the door using her blue magical abilities. “Oh and by the way, you really have some fabulous dance moves sweetie” Rarity added with a small gentle giggle. “Rarity! Why were you spying on me anyway?” exclaimed Sweetie Belle. “Well darling, it is not really consider spying but more observing what you were doing through the key hole. By the way what were you thinking about? You spent quite a while starring out the window” said Rarity with a curious tone in her voice. “Oh, I was just thinking about tomorrow being my first day in high school. I’m excited to start high school but also nervous at the same time.” “Oh, you’re nervicited, my dear sister!” Rarity responded quickly with glee. “Huh?” responded Sweetie Belle with a confused face. “Sorry Sweetie Belle, it was a word that Pinkie made up and it got planted in my memory. Anyways, high school is a memorable part of every pony’s life because you make life long friendships, prepare yourself for your future, discover who you really are, maybe even having your first coltfriend…” ending the statement with a small smirk on her face. “Rarity! I don’t even have my cutie mark…the last thing I am worry about it having a coltfriend” responded Sweetie Belle. …tears full of joy slid down Button’s mom face as she starred at Button. “Oh dear Celestia, just seeing how fast you and your brother have grown into older handsome gentlecolts brings joy to my eyes but at the same time I still remember when you two were young colts playing in the bathtub together. Time flies by so quickly now that your brother is going to college in a few weeks and you are going to start high school tomorrow which is one of the most memorable events in any pony’s life because of meeting your possible life long friends, preparing yourself for the future, discovering who you are, getting your cutie mark, and who knows maybe even getting your first marefriend…” Button’s mom teased at the end. “Mom as nice as that sounds there is a major flaw to your motherly logic which is if I couldn’t find my cutie mark or have my first marefriend in Manehattan, the most diverse cosmopolitan city in all of Equestria, then how in the world am I suppose to receive my cutie mark and discover my destiny in Ponyville, the smallest and most rural city in all of Equestria!” Button’s mom looked at him with a compassionate understanding look on her face as she turned to the direction of the door and said, “Button come with me, I want to show you something real quick.” Both ponies trotted to the living room in which they sat on the couch surrounded with boxes labeled “important memories”. Button’s mom open one of the boxes and pulled out her old high school yearbook. She opened the yearbook showing Button all of the pictures of the clubs and organizations she belonged to in high school, which included the cheer squad, chorus, dance club, acting club, volunteer organizations, and many other clubs. “Wow Mom, you were a very social pony during high school” said Button. “Yes I was but if you notice carefully you will see that I did not have my cutie mark at all…not until I met your father” responded Button’s mom. Button looked back at the pictures and was taken by surprise that in every picture, whether with friends or by herself, his mom still had a blank flank until he saw his mom’s prom picture with his dad in which you could see her visible cutie mark. “I… I, don’t understand, how could such a talented pony like you, not discover their cutie mark earlier in high school?” questioned Button. “Well you see Button even though most ponies get their cutie mark either by themselves or with the help of friends, other ponies find their cutie mark when they meet that special some pony who is their other half and open their eyes to their true destiny and potential. I got mine after I realized how much I loved being with your father and how he made me feel, especially when volunteering to help other younger fillies and colts. Our love for each other made me realize how happy I was with him and how I could live the rest of my life with him and help other younger ponies. Once I realized that fact, my cutie mark appeared demonstrating to me that sometimes love is necessary in the equation of self discovery…”commented Button’s mom “Darling, I know you are still upset that you haven’t gotten your cutie mark yet but have you ever thought that maybe you are one of those special ponies that need to find love in order to get their cutie mark and discover their destiny?” said Rarity. “I don’t see how love will help me find my cutie mark Rarity” Sweetie Belle responded immediately. “Sweetie Belle! I’m surprised that you forget how powerful love can truly be. If my friends and I on a subconscious level helped each other get our cutie marks using the magic of friendship and Shinning Armor and Cadence were able to stop the changeling army in Canterlot using the magic of love, then imagine the power love has when trying to find your true destiny and receive your cutie mark” ending her argument with a comforting smile to Sweetie Belle. “I never thought of it like that” responded Button Mash and Sweetie Belle to their supporting guardians. “That is why the bond between me and your father can never be broken” responded Button’s mother “Even though friendship is magic, love is also another powerful magic in Equestria” responded Rarity Both ponies with this thought in mind trotted to their rooms and prepared themselves to go to sleep. As they were lying on their beds both ponies had the same thought running through their mind, “Is this the year of change? Is this the year I get my cutie mark and discover my destiny? Is it possible that I am that special type of pony who needs to have love in the equation in order to discover their destiny? If I am that special type of pony, could I find my real true love in Ponyville?” > First day of school > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Button's alarm clock produced a cacophonous symphony of RINGS and RANGS extending the sound waves from Button's desk to his ear. Once the boisterous melody reached him, he slowly reacted by opening his relaxed eyelids producing a blurry image of the alarm clock. At first, Button's eyes perceived the image of the clock stating it was 5 O'clock in the morning but once he rubbed his eye with his hooves, he was able to get the clear image of the clock stating that in actuality it was 6 O'clock in the morning. "Uhh…. I really wanted another hour of sleep. I need to get used to this new high school schedule" complained Button to himself as he stretched out his arms releasing a long trembling yawn that had an acoustic similarity to that of a manticore. He slowly departed from his comfortable bed feeling as if the center of gravity was over his bed pulling him back to its soft cozy clutches. He would have probably become a victim of his bed's comfy nature if it wasn't for his mom's guiding command. "Button! Hurry up or else you won't have enough time to eat your special first day of school breakfast." After hearing these words, Button's stamina and energy levels increased over 9,000 as he shifted his lazy passive state into a pony as energetic as Pinkie Pie. He rushed through all of his hygienic routine and zoomed himself down the stairs until reaching the entrance to the kitchen. Once he arrived there he was astonished which left his mouth filled with saliva as he approached the table containing the glorious breakfast. The ‘first day of school breakfast' was no ordinary breakfast; it consisted of three plates filled to its fullest capacity of Button's favorite breakfast meals. One plate was compiled with a balanced tower of stacked pancakes, each fresh from the stove, covered in smooth, slippery, melting butter and sticky, delicious maple syrup. The second plate was a replication of the first tower but instead the building material for this tower was warm toast covered in creamy spreadable peanut butter with sweet delectable jelly. The final plate, placed in the middle front of the table, contained an eye gazing homemade omelet that was comprised of the freshest herbs and vegetables that was appealing to Button's eyes, nose, and even his soul. "Now Button I know you are extremely hungry but please take your time and don't…" were the last words Button heard before he rushed to his seat and started to indulge himself in his grand and magnificent breakfast. "Button Mash! How many times do I have to remind you to take your time while eating your food?" Button realizing his unappealing table manners with his cheeks filled with food slowly chewed the copious amount of food in his mouth until finally swallowing it with one great gulp. "Sorry, Mom, I couldn't help myself but I promise you it won't happen again." Button's Mom rolled her eyes adding a simple compassionate smile responding to Button's actions. "Oh, Button, I really hope you do not eat like this in front of the other students in school today, especially in front of all the pretty mares" replied Button's Mom ending her statement with a teasing tone. "Oh no, Mom, Celestia forbid that I eat like a pig in front of all the ‘pretty' country mares" answered Button with an obvious sarcastic tone. "Now, Button, even though I have always reminded you of this important moral; I'm going to repeat it to you again so it can be permanently engraved into your thick skull. ‘Never judge a book by its cover.' You should not judge the pony just through its aesthetics especially if you don't understand their point of views. Who knows, you, might even find the prettiest mare in all of Equestria right here in Ponyville" lectured Button's Mom. "Like that would ever happen. Well thanks, Mom, for the savory breakfast but now I have to be on my way to school, don't want to be late on my first day of school." Responded Button. "Okay bye, honey, hope you have a wonderful day at school. Can't wait to hear all about it when you get home." said Button's Mom with a soft guileless tone as Button exited the house Button walked out of the auditorium with the multitude of other ponies after listening to the address from the principal of Ponyville High School, Mr. Stargate. Compared to the other energetic ponies that were keeping a steady fast pace towards the cafeteria, Button was attempting to recover his 20/20 vision from his current state of blurred imagery due to the fact that Button fell asleep several times during the address. "Uh, I thought that pony would never shut up" thought Button to himself while trying to keep up with his other class mate, "blah blah small classes blah blah four essential mandatory classes blah blah one class dedicated to explore other talents based on a pony's cutie mark blah blah two free classes selected by the student blah blah. I could not take another second of that monotonous lecture. Well at least that is over and I can now get my schedule and see the clubs in Ponyville High School." These internal mental words worked as a health potion immediately returning perfect vision to Button allowing him to maintain his balance and keep up with the pace of the large crowd exciting from the auditorium towards the cafeteria. Once arriving to the cafeteria, Button approached the table placed closest to the entrance and collected his semester schedule. "Okay let's see what classes I got. Literature I, Mathematic I, History I, Science & Magic I, and the Cutie Mark Class. Of course, the mandatories but let me see what classes my Mom chose for me over the summer. Computers and Video games programming, that is going to be so awesome! Now the last class is…Music?" Button immediately started to trot backwards shaking his head not being pleased by his last class. "No no no…How could my Mom put me in music class when she knows that I do not like showing other people my secret hobby." Filled with rage, Button expelled a curse in Humgonian being certain nobody would call him out for it until he heard a pony behind him respond, "Hey man you should watch your language." Button quickly turned around to greet the pony who understood Humgonian implying that he is a major fan of one of Button's favorite games series, The Star Swirl the Bearded Scrolls. In front of him was a silvery colored Pegasus stallion, who was a couple of inches taller than Button as well as more physically thicker in muscle demonstrating the Pegasus traditions to strive toward athleticism. If only based on aesthetics, this Pegasus would be the last pony Button would consider as a gamer in Ponyville. Breaking the silence between them, the gray Pegasus lifted up his hoof toward Button greeting him with a hoof-shake. "Hi, my name is Rumble. What's your name?" Button returned the hoof-shake and responded, "My name is Button Mash. I'm originally from Manehattan but I just moved to Ponyville this weekend." "See I knew you were new here or else I would have recognized you. Most of the stallions and mares here have been in the same classes since elementary school so I know almost everypony here but anyways, welcome to Ponyville! How do you like it here so far?" asked Rumble. "Thanks umm… I haven't really gotten the chance to explore much so I don't know that much about Ponyville except for the sites Twilight and her friends showed my family." "That's really nice of them to give your family a tour. They are really good townsfolk, not just in Ponyville, but also for the rest of the citizens in Equestria. Getting back on topic, if you want to, we can hang out after school and I can show you what you can do in Ponyville" suggested Rumble. "Really? That's really kind of you, yea let's hang out after school" responded Button. "Alright talking about activities to do in Ponyville, would you be interested in visiting the Cutie Mark Crusader's group table?" asked Rumble. "The Cutie Mark Crusaders? Who are they and what do they do?" asked Button. "It is a group started by Scootaloo, Applebloom, and Sweetie Belle to help themselves and other ponies like, you, and I that haven't earn our cutie mark yet" informed Rumble. Button just realizing that Rumble also did not have a cutie mark and this new information of a group helping ponies get a cutie mark, filled Button with optimism that Ponyville ponies might treat him better than his former school peers in Manehattan. Still, Button had his doubts about the success rate of this group. "So they help ponies get their cutie mark? How many ponies have actually gotten their cutie mark after being helped by them?" questioned Button. Noticing Button's doubts in his question, Rumble attempted to respond to Button in the most informative tone possible in order to destroy any doubt that Button had, "Well most of us joined last year but two of the three original founders got their cutie marks recently so they do have some expertise in the field of cutie mark exploration." Even though Button had his doubts, his overabundant curiosity dictated his actions so he decided to go with Rumble to the Cutie Mark Crusader's table. Once he arrived there, Button noticed a small crowd of ponies surrounding a small decorative well-crafted stage in which two mares were addressing the small crowd around them. The two speakers and the small crowd surrounding the stage were wearing a custom garnet cape with a blue insignia that contained a golden pony on her hind legs yelling towards victory. The main pony addressing the crowd was a short orange Pegasus with a purple messy tom-boyish mane. Her eyes matched the color of her mane and compared to the other Pegasus she didn't have the athletic build making her appear more feminine even with the uni-gender design of her mane. She also had a confident tone in her voice that Button interpreted as a pony ready for any type of adventure or challenge. The other mare was slightly taller and more physically built than the orange Pegasus demonstrating the strength of agricultural earth ponies. Even with her less feminine physique, she still had a charm that could only be explained through her country mare beauty, especially by the radiance of adorableness expressed through her aesthetically pleasing face. Her coat was in a yellow tone contrasting the red color mane whose design was being held by a giant pink bow on top of her head. "My name is Scootaloo," immediately receiving the response of the yellow mare, "and Ah'm Applebloom!"To all the ponies here, Welcome to the Cutie Mark Crusaders!" both ponies ending the statement in unison. The small crowd reacted appropriately stomping their hooves and cheering on their beloved leaders. "Now to make this speech short, cool, and awesome I will go straight to the point. We, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, are here to help you discover your cutie mark. We do not promise fast results since there is no simple process in obtaining a cutie mark but we do guarantee a massive friendship community that will help you in every step of the way…unless you are Diamond Tiara. Anyway, if you are an adventure pony and as awesome as me then I can help you get your cutie mark but if you are more into finding your true self and other ‘namby-pamby' stuffs then talk to Applebloom or Sweetie Belle." Scootaloo received an unappreciative disapproval look from Applebloom causing her to try to make a genuine smile in order to please Applebloom. Applebloom shrugged it off and continued to address the crowd, "After hearin' the ‘humble and compassionate' words of Scootaloo…Ah'm hoping that some of y'all will still be interested in our little club. If yer are signing up on the register sheet that will be placed off stage and even if ya already have a cutie mark yer can still join. We can use all the help we can get." Immediately a line of at least ten ponies was formed comprised of ponies with and without cutie marks. "Come on, Button, let's get your name on the list" said Rumble as he walked towards the formed line. "Maybe some other day Rumble. I'm still indecisive about joining this group but we can still hang out after school today though" responded Button. "What? Come on, Button, this is a large friendly community that will help you make new friends in Ponyville and get your cutie mark. Also how can you say no to that amazingly beautiful Pegasus up there that has the ability to take away any stallion's breath just by gazing at her…" replied Rumble as he starred at Scootaloo causing his pupils to turn into hearts. Rumble's words and actions did not get the response that he hoped to get because he saw Button rolling on his back laughing at Rumble, "Pshhhh hahahaha, okay Casanova it seems that you join this club not just to make friends and get your cutie mark but also for other specific reasons" ending his statement making smooching sounds. "No! Maybe… Alright fine, yes I also joined this club so I could get to know Scootaloo better and… possibly become her coltfriend. Don't judge me Button!" "I don't judge you Rumble just that your ‘romantic descriptions' just cause me to laugh that's all. Okay Rumble, I am going to explore the rest of the school on my own. I will meet with you outside the main doors of the school alright?" "Fine by me, hopefully you can find a club suited for you and hopefully that club is the Cutie Mark Crusaders. See you later Button!" "See you later Rumble! Good luck with your quest for conquering Scootaloo's heart" said Button ending it with a teasing tone. "‘Hahaha' very funny, Button" was Rumble's final reply as he started to walk towards the line hoping to get a chance to talk to Scootaloo. Travelling across the checkerboard tile floor of Ponyville High School, Button observed the extended history of the high school through the timeline presented on the vivid yellow walls of Ponyville High School through the several class year pictures. The first artifact was dated back when Ponyville was first founded by the Apple Family as it is visible in the out of date black and white photograph being placed in a custom hoove-made wooden frame, then it continues on to the recent classes in which Button could recognize some of the alumni that still live in Ponyville like Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie. He even recognized one pony that he knew way before visiting Ponyville, due to her musical fame that covers all of Equestria, and that pony was the legendary party enthusiastic DJ-Vinyl Scratch. "Man, who would guess that so much of Equestria's history could be found in a remote rural high school in Ponyville." pondered Button to himself as he examined carefully through all the class pictures as if they were historical artifacts discovered by the adventurous Daring-Do. His fixation for the pictures in front of him was slightly interrupted when his ears picked up the euphonious soft melody echoing off the walls and into his ear drum. Button could slightly interpret the lyrics being sung along with the melody, "When she was just a girl, She expected the world, But it flew away from her reach, So she ran away in her sleep…" "It sounds like a cover of coltplay's song ‘Paradise'. Well whoever is doing the cover has an amazing singing voice…I have to find out the pony that is the source of this angelic voice." Immediately an imaginary screen appeared in front of Button's vision as he pretended to accept the mission he created for himself and add it to his quest log similar to the actions the characters in a RPG would do. Upgrading his ear sonar to its' fullest capability, Button searched through the hallways of Ponyville High School attempting to find the room hosting the singer producing the magnificent voice that left Button astonished just by listening to it. The lyrics were arriving with a clearer and louder tone allowing Button to hear the following verses of the song, "Life goes on It gets so heavy The wheel breaks the butterfly Every tear, a waterfall In the night, the stormy night She closed her eyes the night, the stormy night Away she'd fly..." "It’s getting louder, I must be getting closer." This prompted Button to accelerate his pace until he finally reached the entrance of what appeared to be the band room as it had the title on top of the doors as well as the insignia of musical notes plastered on the black door itself. At first, filled with confidence, Button was about to push the door open and promptly congratulate whoever was on the other side of the door but suddenly he was attacked by one of his nervous attacks, that he attributes to his ‘anti-social personality', making him doubt the justification of his actions producing questions like, "Would that pony be creeped out by me barging in?...Would they hate me for interrupting their practice session?....Am I even allow to be here at all?" All of these doubts were slowly killing off any form of curiosity that Button had to open those doors and he might not have even opened the door if it wasn't for the box placed to the side near the door that sprung in his mind a brilliant creative idea, "I got it! I will sneak in using the box as cover to see who the musician is and to see if it is okay to quickly interrupt them so I can congratulate them." Button immediately activated stealth mode by carefully and silently opening the main door and placing the box over his body. He made sure to avoid any creaks or slams when closing the door behind him and promptly scurried across the room as quick and silent as any thief class player would. He found a location in the room behind a vase containing a tiny tree that was the appropriate distance from the singer allowing Button to see the musician and not be seen by said musician. Once he opened the small gap on the side of the box, Button was able to see the pony responsible for transmitting the heavenly voice through the hallways. What appeared in front of him was the archetype of perfection. Just a couple of hooves away was the most exquisite dazzling gorgeous mare Button had ever seen in his entire life. The white shade in her coat was the purest Button has ever seen reminding him of the clearest white cloud he could see during his summer camping trips with his dad. Her mane was a hybrid of lavish purple and bright pink that contrasted the accepted standard solid color mane that most mares had adding a rareness to her beauty that Button was able to distinguish. That well groomed mane complimented her glittering elegant physique but it also entranced Button to another aesthetic beauty of hers…her eyes. Those eyes were the transparent castle containing the glimmering emerald pupils that complimented the neighboring eyelashes that added a sense of elegance and mystery to her charm that had Button completely entranced in it. Not only was she aesthetically pleasing but her voice was something that only legendary imaginative poets and writers could describe and now Button could relate to as he was left awestruck. "Wow…" was the only word Button could silently discharge from his mouth after starring at the young singer for over a minute. Still stunned and amazed, Button commanded his body to get rid of his cover in order to get her attention and possibly get to know her better…maybe even ask her out to get some milkshakes with him after school. Just the idea made Button blush furiously across his face that even his brown coat could not hide the bright red color being transmitted from his face. As he was about to blow his cover a last string of doubt struck him in the face remembering him of an embarrassing past event that occurred in Elementary school that has haunted Button ever since. "Okay class in the spirit of Hearts and Hooves Day, everypony can now go around the classroom and share their cards with every member of this class…and maybe even to their special somepony…even if you are too young to understand love but anyways, go around and spread your friendship and love on this special day!" commanded Ms. Sunny to Button's fifth grade class. Just as a herd of sheep would listen to the commands of the Shepard, the children replicated the same action by getting out of their seats and going around the classroom sharing their custom cards. Button looked inside of his box making sure he had enough for everypony, even for the annoying bullies in his class, and checking that he did not forget to bring a specially created card that he wanted to give to a special mare…that mare was Bab Seeds. Not only was she charming to Button but she had been friends with Button due to the fact that they were both video game enthusiasts, in fact she was the only mare in Button's group of friends that enjoyed playing video games making her even more attractive to the little fifth grader. "Okay, Button, you can do this! She is just your friend that you have special feelings for…that's all. No need to overreact, you have completed stages harder than this" Button hoped his self-motivating words would help control his body's nervousness as his body was going crazy causing him to blush, have unbalanced legs, dry throat, and a copious amount of butterflies in his stomach. Finally collecting enough courage, Button started to slowly trot towards Bab's desk and placed his box on her desk shyly greeting her, "Hi Babs,…Happy Hearts and Hooves Day! I made you an extremely special card." "Hey, Button! Happy Hearts and Hooves Day to you too! Well duh silly everypony made a special card for each pony in the class, here is yours" grabbing a card shaped as a controller handing it to Button "I know that, but my card is special because it is completely different from the rest…just like how you are different from the rest of the other fillies." "Huh?" Button handed a heart shaped card that in its' center contained a picture of Babs and him together and around the center piece was bright glitter following the design of the heart shape in order to emphasize the importance of the center image. "What I'm trying to say is…would like to be my special somepony?" Babs's face was greeted with a shiny streak of redness illustrating her internal feelings towards Button and soothing his nerves as he could observe the appropriate response that he planned would occur when asking the delicate question. Everything was going as Button hoped it would go, Babs was about to open her mouth to give her anticipated response until she was rapidly interrupted by the voices of three diabolical ponies, "Ahhh that's so cute. The two blank flanks of the class as a couple…maybe their baby will also always be a blank flank so they wouldn't feel bad about their pathetic life…an entire family of blank flanks…so cute!" ending the statement with a teasing and sarcastic tone. "Hey leave us alone!" responded Button in a frighten tone holding in the river of tears in his eyes just like a lost sheep would feel confronting a wolf. "Ahh look at him. Is little willy, Button, about to cry…hahaha we knew that you were a weak sad nerd, Button, but we did not expect, Babs, to fall down to your level. Okay now being serious, Babs, what do you think of Button and be honest we don't like liars." Torn internally about the current predicament since she did want to defend Button but at the same time she did not want to become another victim of the bullies she did the only thing she thought was justifiable. She walked up to the fallen Button with a stern serious sinister appearance that equally matched the tone in her voice, "What I think about Button? Well I also thought he was a pathetic loser that's why I hanged out with him…because I felt sorry for him!!" Button torn by the betrayal of his friends and special somepony could no longer hold the copious amount of tears comprised in his eyes as they spewed out from his eyes like a flash flood. Even his speech became impaired as he attempted to respond to Babs only to stuttered the following, "Ba…aa..bbbss….I….ttthhhhooughhhhttt..weeee.. weeerreee frrriiends." "Hah in your dreams you little cry baby!" "Alright, Babs, taking charge of the situation. See we knew you weren't a complete loser as a matter of fact you should hang out with us during lunch at the cool ponies table. Come on lets go and leave this little baby alone" commanded the bullies as they started to walk away and with their body language asked Babs to join them which she did leaving Button laying on the floor crying desperately. She hated herself for doing this but hoped Button would understand so in order to demonstrate that the entire thing was staged she quickly turned her head and with her lips she worded out the commonly used phrase, "I'm sorry." Sadly for her it was too late, Button was filled with hatred and rage towards her that he ignored her attempt for reconciliation and just laid on the ground releasing all his emotions on the ground hoping he would never had to deal with such pain ever again. The flashback filled with pain was interrupted by a strong eloquent voiced that was fill with money and class, "Hello my, dear, I don't think we had the opportunity to become acquainted with each other. My name is Femy Buckaplently the third and I must say after I was forced to move to this uncivilized backwater town by the desires of my ‘loving' father. I thought I would never see another glimpse of something worthy of my attention but after hearing your elegant masterful-crafted voice…I know that has dramatically changed." ending the statement by focusing his turquois eyes on Sweetie Belle's eyes hoping he would receive her attraction. "Ummm thank you? My name is Sweetie Belle and it is nice to meet you Femy. Welcome to Ponyville and I hope once you get to see more of Ponyville you will change your miscue perception about this awesome town" "Hahahaha, Oh goodness Sweetie Belle your ignorance to your environment makes you appear even cuter than your charming aesthetic beauty but now talking on a serious note, Sweetie Belle you have not seen the class, the prestige, and the royalty of Canterlot and its' citizens compared to the barbaric underclass conditions of Ponyville and its citizens. I cannot comprehend how lavish ponies like Rarity and Princess Twilight could tolerate living in this quote on quote ‘Bag of garbage'." "Well maybe because they are smart reasonable ponies that don't judge others just on their bucking class or appearance. How do you even know my sister Rarity?" asked Sweetie Belle in a harsh tone pushing her hoof into the stallion's chest. "My dear, Sweetie Belle, this is no way for a lady of your status to speak or act. Maybe you should start acting like your sister who I happen to know about because Fancy Pants always mentions her in his parties as the best designer in all of Equestria." The last comment infuriated Sweetie Belle to the point that sparks of yellow aura were spewing from her horn and her pupils turning into a vivid dangerous green fire as she pointed her horn in the direction of the cream-white coated stallion, "Maybe some pony should be more careful about the words that leave his mouth." "Oh, Sweetie Belle, please be a good mare and point your horn somewhere else before you do something that you will ultimately regret" responded Femy as his horn shifted from its dormant silent state to an active lively state illuminating the entire room with his bloody red aura covering his horn and diabolical eyes. Sweetie Belle startled by his superior display of magic made her transition to her dormant state as her ferocious fiery eyes were extinguished to their normal emerald state including the small yellow spark of magic on top of her horn being put out as easily as a candle light. "Now that's a good mare. Luckily for you I am a merciful pony because another stallion of my class and stature would not hesitate to use his magic to teach you a lesson about manners especially coming from another pony who has not even received their cutie mark." Sweetie Belle could deal with his negative comments toward Ponyville and the ignorant comparison Femy made about Rarity and Sweetie Belle but the last statement hurt her the most in ways he could never imagine. It felt as if she was being struck by hundreds of sharp spears all of them targeting her innocent heart. She lowered her face hiding the slow stream of tears passing her runny nose and circumnavigating her shivering lips in order to avoid giving any sense of dominance to her abominable opponent. Button inside the box clenching his hooves and releasing steam from his nostrils could no longer see Sweetie Belle in such emotional distress, "I can't let this monster hurt her anymore…I can't be the Babs Seed of this situation…I have to defend her!!!!" Button threw the box over his body startling both Sweetie Belle and Femy since they were completely oblivious of Button's presence in the box. He heroically dashed toward Femy reenacting the movements of Button favorite hero, the mysterious Mare-Do-Well as he slammed the unicorn to the ground then grabbing him by the edge of his collared sweater pulling him straight to his face giving him the famously feared glare that Mare-Do-Well gives to other villains. "Who the buck do you think you are just going around hurting innocent ponies like her? You better speak up and give me reason for not beating up your pompous flank!" raising his clenched hooves as they greeted Femy's face. Femy, returning from his state of shock, gave Button a taste of his own medicine using his magical red aura levitating Button off the ground and then blasting him to the wall knocking the air out of the brown stallion. "Now now…the true question is who you think you are? Trying to attack an obvious superior target like myself, while only being an ordinary plebian that has not even received their cutie mark!" angrily responded Femy slowly trotting towards the still knocked-down brown stallion with a heavy foot releasing steam from his nose and creating an imagery fire, with his red aura, on the top of his horn. Sweetie Belle, observing the confrontation between the two stallions, took notice of Femy's remark focusing on Button's flank as she realized that he suffers the same dilemma as herself. "That's probably why he jumped in to defend me…I have to do something to help him." Before she could conjured a powerful blasting spell, the shaken courageous brown stallion regained his balance and vision as he stood on all four hooves responding to the ill commentary said by Femy. "I'm the pony who even though I wasn't born with a silver spoon in their mouth has more class and manners than the one who was! Sure I might not have a cutie mark right now but at least I have the chance to find something awesome to be my talent unlike being stuck to the repetitive boring lifestyle dictated by your cutie mark" argued Button pointing towards the cream colored unicorn's bag of money cutie mark. Taken back by Button's persuasive hurtful argument, Femy's innate emotional system was going hay wire since no pony had made a fool out of him before. His scornful eyes were now focused at Button as if they were artillery preparing to fire on the target. The veins in his eyes were becoming visible turning the vast white ocean in his eyes into a red bloody sea as his two front hooves were trembling being held back by Femy, who did not want to lose his composure in front of Button and Sweetie Belle since it would reveal his true emotions showing his weakness in front of his opponent and the mare of his eye. Suddenly, a genius idea originated in his mind that would quickly shift the tide of the skirmish causing Femy's appearance to slowly change like the metamorphosis process of a butterfly, his stern locked lips gradually broke out of the restrictive strains turning into a grin eventually transforming into a diabolic laugh. "What's so funny?" questioned Button. "Oh my dear delusional brown knight, yes we might have come from different backgrounds but in the end of the day we have the same innate characteristics of any stallion…with that in mind I can infer that your motive to protect Sweetie Belle is the same motive for what I enter this room in the first place…you want her to be your special somepony" Taken by surprise by the accusation, Button's face was greeted with heavy red blush appearing on his cheeks and using his peripherals' he notice that a small blush was also visible on the adorable white mare as she quickly hid her face to both stallion due to the fact that the heavy red blush was extremely noticeable on her white coat compare to Button's brown coat. "What? No man you got all wrong…I-I-I-I m-m-mean she is cute but….I wanted to help her because I couldn't stand seeing another pony getting picked on due to the lack of their cutie mark. I help other ponies because they need help not for some selfish desire like yourself" argued Button with a stutter when complimenting Sweetie Belle. "Of course whatever you say Button. I am ‘completely convinced' that you only helped Sweetie Belle for your own altruistic reasons. Now speaking the truth, if you don't want to admit it that's fine by me but you can't hide your emotions forever, that being said let us end this frivolous conflict like gentlecolts would. Whoever wins the heart of the lady obviously is the better stallion." "Huh? But I just said…" "No buts, that is how we are going to end this conflict and that is my final word" commanded Femy as he trotted towards Sweetie Belle picking up her delicate hoof kissing it displaying his knowledge for higher class manners. "I'm dreadfully sorry that our meeting had to be interrupted by some external pest. Hopefully I get to see you again and that you will get to know my charming side. Good bye my dear, Sweetie Belle." Sweetie Belle responding in an obvious sarcastic tone imitating the Canterlot accent, "oh yes, it was such a pleasure meeting you, Femy." Femy returned a small friendly grin ignoring the obvious sarcasm in Sweetie Belle's voice as he rapidly covered his body with a red sphere allowing him to teleport out of the room leaving no trace behind except for the blinding light rays that are the by-product of every teleportation spell. "Man I really hate that guy" exclaimed Sweetie Belle breaking the silence that was left in the room. Button now realizing that he was in a room alone with the most beautiful mare in Ponyville High School started to sweat profusely as each sweat drop rolled from his mane down to his lower back making him feel extremely uncomfortable. Trying his best not to reveal his aesthetic discomfort Button swiped any sweat drop from reaching his face quickly responding to Sweetie Belle's comment, "Mutual Feeling. My name is Button Mash." The brown colt extending his hoof slowly to Sweetie Belle and she responded with a confident grip shaking his hoof. "My name is Sweetie Belle! I will be completely honest I don't know if I have ever met you before, are you new to Ponyville?" "Yes, I just moved this weekend to Ponyville I am originally from Manehattan." "See I knew you were new here but I still had this feeling that you were one of the few quiet ponies from our previous class and I didn't want to hurt your feelings by not recognizing you. Anyway welcome to Ponyville!" "Thank you, everypony I met so far is extremely nice except for that Femy guy." "Yea but don't worry like Applejack would say ‘there is always one bad apple in a barrel of good apples'." "Who?" "Don't worry you will meet her later. Thank you so much for standing up for me Button" Sweetie Belle cheerfully responded embracing him in her arms as a gift for the brave bold knight that defended her honor. Sweetie Belle felt his soft brushed brown coat across her delicate white face and capture his natural scent comprised of the strong pinewood smell introduced to his coat in Ponyville and the always present artificial urban smell of the city attached to his brown coat. Button not expecting Sweetie Belle's hug was now blushing so hard that his cheeks looked like tomatoes. His nostrils were enraptured in Sweetie Belle's sweet aroma comprised of the natural wildflower that has been attach to her coat as well as the artificial exotic wild berry scent emitting from her mane. Their small innocent tender moment was interrupted by the sudden disruptive sound of the bell projecting the tragic news that the official school day just started and that all students have to report to their first class. "Well I guess it's time to go to class. Hey let me see your schedule" asked Sweetie Belle releasing herself from Button's hug and extending her hoof to see Button schedule which Button gave to her. "Okay obviously we have the same essential classes…hey we have the same music class! You are a musician?" Button starting to feel uncomfortable about the question regarding his musical talents responded being as vague as possible, "it is more like a hobby…the class sounded interesting." "None of my other friends have any interest in music so I thought I was going to be by myself in the class but now I will have a friend in the class!" said Sweetie Belle excitedly adding a squeak to her voice. "A friend?" "Well of course silly. A true friend will help another friend in their most desperate moment just like you did" explained Sweetie Belle with a smile. "Come on let's get to class before we get a tardy especially on the first day." Button joined Sweetie Belle's side as both ponies trotted toward their first morning class. The last words of encouragement said by Sweetie Belle resonated in Button's mind making him release a small gentle smile, "She already thinks I'm her friend…her friend…" > Homecoming part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Sweet Celestia! Button you are a GOD!” were the only words that Rumble could express after seeing Button beautifully engaged three enemy champions leaving them lifeless and their base defenseless to Button and the rest of the loyal minions. Together, both forces push through waves of enemy minions and towers until finally giving the death-blow to the enemy nexus prompting the two letter code that both victors and vanquished players expressed on the chat at the end of each game, GG. “See Rumble this is the reason I never surrender” “..Button you just started playing Equestrian Legends, how the buck are you so good at this game? It took me so long to understand how this games work. You played a few games and now you're a pro!” “Rumble, sorry buddy but I am a natural so deal with it” replied confidently Button putting on his shades when finishing his statement. “Whatever man you still can’t one v one me anyway” “Soon you won’t be saying though” “Is that a challenge?” “Yea it is but for another day though it is getting pretty late and I need to go to sleep” Rumble surprised by Button’s early departure read the digital clock on his computer and was confused with Button’s statement. “Button it’s only 11 O’clock and it’s a Friday night. We always stay up every Friday so why the change?” “Well the reason for me logging off so early is that I made plans to hang out with Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Scootaloo tomorrow early in the morning so I don’t want be blood-eye tired in the morning.” “Oh the irony. A couple of weeks ago you were doubtful of joining the cutie mark crusaders now you are one of most active members of the group even hanging out with them more than I ever did. Is there a special reason for this sudden change of behavior? Maybe it involves a certain someone named Sweetie Belle” teased Rumble knowing it would annoy Button. Luckily for Button they were only using the voice chat service without any video chat option or else Rumble would have seen the small pink blush blossom from Button’s cheeks. Wanting to change the subject as quickly as possible Button replied, “Sweet Celestia, even in Ponyville my friends have to tease me about liking some mare! Can’t a colt and a mare just be friends? Besides I will be the last colt Sweetie Belle will ever date…” “Hey man don’t worry I am just teasing you didn’t want to lower your self-esteem so don’t be so hard on yourself. If Snips and Snail, being ugly and annoying as they are, have marefriends you can too, especially since you are cooler and better looking than them” Feeling slightly better Button accepted the compliment but also wanted to annoy Rumble as well to make it even, “Thanks for the compliment but when did you become interested in colts? Not saying there was a problem with it just that I am into mares.” “Shut up! You know I like Scootaloo” replied Rumble with an annoyed tone in his voice. “How is it going between you and Scootaloo anyway?” “It could be going better but sadly all the stuff I think in my head about her never leave my mouth and I just look like a shy introvert that she likes to hang out with sometimes” stated Rumble with a disappointed but honest tone in his voice since he trusted Button. “Hey man don’t worry I know that feel. I think every colt has felt that before and beside you and Scootaloo knew each other for a long time. I bet both of you have the same mutual feeling and you both don’t know it yet. If it makes you any happy I would totally date you if I was into colts” Rumble no longer having the ability to keep his frown let out a small giggle, “Thanks man. You’re a really awesome friend just saying.” “No problem Rumble. You’re also a really cool friend. As much as I enjoy our conversation I have to end it here. I really need to go to bed so good bye good night and I will see you tomorrow in the fields of justice” replied Button with a confident tone in his voice. With a small smile still alive on Rumble’s face he replied, “Alright good night good bye.” Button Mash logged off from his virtual paradise, the place filled with euphoria in which the young colt could be anything he wanted to be without the hardships of reality bringing him down. It was a place of escape in which millions of other colts and mares, including himself, became the idealistic version of themselves, a place in which society norms could not dictate them, a place of freedom, and that is why Button love video games. As the bright narrow light from his monitor extinguish from existence, Button follow the guiding light from a small night-light plugged near his bed. As he was reaching his comfortable refreshing bed, he got a glimpse of DJ-PON3’s new album, Random Memories in Equestria placed on the night-desk adjacent to his bed. “I can’t believe Sweetie Belle actually convinced me to give this wanabee musician a shot. All she does is make trash through her electronic machines and calls it music. She probably doesn’t even know how to use a real instrument but Sweetie Belle did say that Octavia occasionally does go on tour with Vinyl and that they’re really good friends. If Octavia sees something special in her “music” then I should give her a try, well that’s what Sweetie Belle told me” Button expressed in his inner machinations as if he was recording his own vlog and posting it on the internet. Laying down comfortably on his bed, Button placed his stereo headphones over his ears immersing himself in the vivid electronic musical world of Vinyl Scratch. “Wow…this is different” Button quietly critiqued as he slowly nodded his head to the beat created by the bass and percussion. The singles in the album were different from the generic electronic music that was target to the crazy outgoing party ponies of equestrian. These songs were not only catchy ,having elements of modern electronic music but it also contain instrumentals composed of classic electric guitar chords presented in Disco and early version of electronic music that were only present in the music heard by the older pony folk like his mom. As each track continued to play, Button couldn’t stop himself from not falling in love with this musical euphoria, not only did it pay a homage to older pony music but it also combine the best of the modern musical technique to create an indescribable musical experience that would send the listener through a time-machine of music. The musical notes were not the only guide for the listener through the time travel experience but also the lyrics created by Vinyl Scratch that were small anecdote of her experiences as a DJ but also her memories of her early life, from childhood to early adulthood, in Ponyville as if the album were slices of life episodes of Vinyl Scratch. One of the slices of life episodes singles that entranced Button to annihilate the repeat option was titled, “Something about us.” Not only did the song create a soothing relaxed atmosphere that released any hidden tension locked within Button, it also struck an emotional chord that was hidden from others and himself for an elapsed period time and only experienced in short durations…love. The type of love that unites two different ponies into one, not related through familiar or fraternal bonds, but just pure emotional connection that can only be experienced between them. It can happen in an instant or be an ally of time but it affects every mare or stallion. The same love that Button kept hidden like a gem from treasure hunters but was unlocked by the simple yet relatable lyrics being played in his ears. “ might not be the right one It might not be the right time But there's something about us I've got to do Some kind of secret I will share with you I need you more than anything in my life…” The last line was like an expert decoder that was able to release the ocean of emotions hidden inside of Button’s mind regarding his love life. It would be considered a short film but the last scene of this film comprised of him starring deep into these emerald glistening eyes that belong to a young beautiful white unicorn that was also lost in Button’s rigid yet sympathetic bronze eyes. As much as Button fought with himself to delete that scene using physical actions like shaking his head or mentally explaining to himself why Sweetie Belle would never date him, the scene would continue to play, in his theater, perfectly in sync with the song. His actions were incongruous since this film would play every time he heard the song yet he couldn’t help himself from playing it over and over again. It was as if he wanted to live in this fantasy euphoric world with Sweetie Belle and wanted to escape reality the same way he constantly played video games as his desired persona he could not experience in the real world. Finally his vivid eyelids were being conquered by exhaustion slowly decreasing his range of vision of his room and his understanding of his environment entering a state of slumber. Before entering another state of fantasy, Button for the last time played the song again so he can take his proposed fantasy with Sweetie Belle and convert it into an occurrence in the dream realm. Button activated a small grin to appear on his face as he fall asleep. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ “Button…Button…” whispered Sweetie Belle as she poked his head that was graciously being supported by his forearm allowing him to fall asleep. “What is it Sweetie Belle?” muffled Button from his exhausted state. “Let me guess, you barely got any sleep last night because it was a double XP and IP weekend on Equestria Legends right?” “Si…eso is correct…” “Button! I know you like video games and I can understand why but you have to think about your health. We worked really late on Sunday for our musical project but we are still having enough time to get some decent hours of sleep not to go and waste it on double XP! Sleep deprivation is…” were the few sentence Sweetie Belle could ramble to Button before he raised his head next to hers making contact with her nose with his creating a small red shade to blossom from Sweetie Belle’s cheek. His blood-shot eyes staring into a crystal transparent sea covering an emerald pupil which in any other circumstance would have cause Button to blush as well but not occurring due to his lack of control over his body. “Sweetie Belle…look you are a casual gamer and there’s nothing wrong with that but I’m a stallion! If there is a double XP weekend, I will complete all of my tasks and I will also make time for that double XP even if it costs me my sleep! Because as a stallion…forget it I’m too tired to continue…you get my point. Rumble finish my speech for me.” expressed the defeated Button as he placed his head down on the desk returning to his refueling state leaving Sweetie Belle speechless and facehoofing. “uhhh…I can’t believe I let you convince me to play Equestria Legends so late last night. Luckily for me I wasn’t caught by my parents but now I’m tired and have a massive headache” exclaimed the exhausted gray Pegasus colt while lying his head on the desk besides Button. “Well that’s what you get for not listening to me when I told you to stop playing that boring pointless video game, Rumble” scornfully remarked Scootaloo as she stared at Rumble with pity. “Shhhhhhhhhhhh…Don’t you dare to talk about Equestria Legends like that. Retract those words or else…” “Or else what? Rumble?” asked Scootaloo but receiving no response since the grey Pegasus couldn’t overcome the exhaustion and entered a deep slumber producing Scootaloo to respond by crossing her forehoofs and rolling her eyes. “I can’t believe I hang out with these nerds.” Scootaloo turned towards Sweetie Belle’s desk after hearing a giggle originate from that location asking, “What’s so funny, Sweetie Belle?” “Well Rarity was an active member of the student council when she was in Ponyville High so she told me about all the special events that are going to happen throughout the year. Today is one week before spirit week so we are about to receive a ‘special’ message from the seniors that won’t please these two sleepy heads in three, two, one.” “Good morning, Ponyville High freshcolts! It’s time to show your Knight spirit!”, were the combination of passionate spirited battle cries being exclaimed by a squad of seniors preparing their announcement for the homecoming festivity and spirit week. Sadly the emotions of excitement and curiosity that were visible on every other fresh colt was contrasted by the blood-shot eye stares given by both Button and Rumble towards the seniors and every other pony. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ “Ah don’t know what you two think about it, but I really can’t wait for next week spirit week and homecoming dance!” cheerfully expressed Applebloom to her two friends as they both nodded their head in agreement. “Yea I’m also excited for homecoming week! Whenever we talk about her high school experience, Rarity always brings up her homecoming stories as her favorite memories about high school” contributed Sweetie Belle to the potion of excitement being expressed on all three young mares. “Well I can’t wait to see us beat the stuck-up annoying kids from Canterlot High in hoofball for our homecoming match” inserted the hoofball fanatic Scootaloo. “The only problem I see us dealing with for homecoming is Diamond Tiara mocking us for not having dates for the dance. Even though I don’t care if we get dates or not unless we all go as a group and have fun!” “Shoot! Completely forgot about that little annoyance. Well at least one of us won’t have to deal with that problem” Applebloom said ending the statement with a taunting wink and grin towards Sweetie Belle. “What do you mean?” asked Sweetie Belle cautiously as she feared where this question was leading to. “Bless your heart Sweetie Belle. Really, don’t play the clueless mare with us. As a matter of fact, I will give you a hint by spelling out his name B…” “I don’t like Button Mash!” exclaimed the terrified Sweetie Belle as she ran towards Appleboom covering her mouth with her hooves causing Scootaloo to giggle uncontrollably on background of the commotion. “Sweetie Belle, Why did you say Button Mash when Applebloom only mention the letter B before you interrupted her? There is a lot of colts in this school that have the letter B as the first letter in their name.” questioned Scootaloo with a sly grin making Sweetie Belle more nervous as her hidden blush erupted like a volcano covering her calm white face with a wild vivid red shade. “Uhhhh…because…I know you guys were going to mention Button Mash since I hang out with him a lot…as friends!” was the argument that Sweetie Belle gave to her friends hoping it would persuade them, yet ultimately failing as both Applebloom and Scootaloo continued to stare at her with a face that expressed their reassurance that Sweetie Belle was hiding a secret from them. “Come on Sweetie Belle, we have been friends since we were young fillies you can trust us. Well if you want I can get rid of Applebloom and you can tell me.” “Hey!” “Alright! I trust both of you girls. To be completely honest, I have been an emotional hurricane these last couple of days. Ever since Button defended me from that Femy Buckaplently, my emotions for Button slowly grew more than just friends,” confessed Sweetie Belle to her two patient listeners that were now lying down in order to pay attention to every single detail. “Hmph! Every time I hear that Bucka-wanabe-fancypants guy it fills me with rage that I just want to give him the Equestria known apple-bucking kick to his face!” inserted Applebloom angrily. “Trust me, Applebloom, I want to do far worse things to that guy. Anyway, I don’t know if it is his kindness towards me, his honesty, his secretive passion for music, his willingness to help me, or a combination of all but I just can’t stop thinking about him. I’m always smiling and giggling when I know I’m going to see him the next day just waiting eagerly to see him again. Heck, even playing video games with him can be blast. Now that I think about, I can enjoy any activity if I know Button will be there. Yea it might sound a bit cheesy but all these feelings just randomly started to grow. I didn’t plan to fall in love with anypony and now I can’t stop thinking about that cute colt,” expressed Sweetie Belle her heart’s inner machinations to her friends. “That’s how love works, Sugarcube,” quoted Applebloom one of her sister’s famous sayings. “That’s what Applejack would have said to you and she is right. Love is an unpredictable force that can’t be predicted Sweetie Belle. It just happens and in the correct time it affects everypony. Heck even Scootaloo, who hates everything about romance, has fallen for a colt…who I think is Rumble.” “For the love of Celestia! I don’t have a crush or any romantic interest for Rumble!” “Y’all willing to place a bet on that scoots?” “Yeah…twenty bits.” “Deal. It’s going to take time but it will happen. Anyway, the question now, Sweetie Belle, is what you are going to do with those emotions?” asked Applebloom. “I honestly don’t know, Applebloom. Maybe he doesn’t even have any romantic feelings for me at all,” silently expressed Sweetie Belle lowering her head as a result of her fear of being rejected from her first crush. Applebloom shook her head side to side in disbelief of her friend’s insecurity placing her hoofs on Sweetie Belle’s chin lifting it towards her range of view. “Sugarcube, you might be blinded by love but that doesn’t mean no pony else can see that Button is also infatuated for you. I bet that if you mention your interest to be his date for the homecoming dance that he will ask you out faster than Pinkie Pie can say chimicherrychanga.” “Really?” “No doubt in my mind.” “Wow! Thanks you girls! You two are truly the best friends a mare can ever have!” was the happy response given by Sweetie Belle while hugging both Applebloom and Scootaloo passionately. “I have to work with Button for our music project in a few minutes and I will bring up the topic there discreetly hoping he will get my hints. Wish me luck girls. See you two later!” cheerfully proclaimed Sweetie Belle as she trotted away from her two friends. “Good luck Sweetie Belle!” replied in unison both Applebloom and Scootaloo as they observed their friend leave the courtyard. “Alright so what do we do now?” asked Scootaloo nudging her hoof to Applebloom shoulder. “Well we can talk about our secret crushes too. Let’s start with you, Scootaloo. Now tell me when did you first started having emotions for Rumble?” question Applebloom to tease Scootaloo. “Okay that’s it I’m out of here.” ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Sweetie Belle, with a spring in her step, arrived at one of the many outdoor tables placed in the courtyard behind Ponyville High. The courtyard was one of the iconic symbols of unity among the student body where any form of social interaction could take place. From groups of friends discussing among themselves to the young couples enjoying the company of one another, the courtyard was the prime destination among Ponyville High students. She claimed one of the tables placing all the musical sheet paper, containing partially completed measures, on top of it waiting patiently for the arrival of a special brown colt. Unbeknownst to her, the colt was approaching behind her with a small grin on his face that represented the minimal power of emotions that was occurring within him. Even though he hated bringing up Sweetie Belle in any conversation with Rumble due to his teasing, he couldn’t lie to himself about how much he loved spending time with her. He felt so comfortable talking and hanging out with her that he wouldn’t mind losing some hours of gaming just to be with her. With all these bubbling emotions boiling inside of him filling him with dreams of their relationship going beyond the platonic one, his strict stern conscious constantly repeated the phrase she is just a friend crushing his futuristic vision of their relationship. It might have been cruel of his own mind to go against his emotions but Button felt that his mind spoke the truth and that he rather keep his friendship with Sweetie Belle and quell his passionate emotions. “Hey Sweetie Belle!” exclaimed Button excitedly as he approach behind her greeting her with a hug. “Oh hey Button” she responded as she hugged him back. After the hug broke, she looked at Button with a concerned face since he was looking nervously around while moving his hoof through his bi-color mane. “What’s wrong?” “Umm… I don’t know if I should tell you” “Huh? Why?” “Well because if I tell you what’s wrong then you are going to rub it in my face.” “No I won’t. I promise.” “You Promise…” “Of course” smiled Sweetie Belle hoping that she could control herself when Button tells her about it. Not being able to deny anything to that beautiful shinning mare Button mustered up levels of courage within himself to tell her what was on his mind. “Remember that Vinyl Scratch album that you lent to me?” “Yes” responded Sweetie Belle raising her left eye brow curious to where Button’s confession is going to lead to. “Well I listened to it…” “And?” nervously asked Sweetie Belle raising her hoofs to her mouth worried about Button’s reaction to the album. I hope he didn’t break the album. Looking around trying to avoid direct eye contact with Sweetie Belle he finally revealed the truth. “I…really like Vinyl Scratch’s album.” Not hearing an immediate response Button looked up but was immediately tackled by Sweetie Belle who had a grin extended from cheek to cheek and a dazzling spark within her emerald pupil. “Sweet Celestia you liked Vinyl Scratch’s music. Button Mash liking electronic music…my day is complete. “Yeah whatever. Vinyl Scratch is so far the only electronic musician that makes good music. Also could you kindly get off of me…you’re kinda heavy” replied Button with an evil grin hoping to slightly tick off Sweetie Belle. Holding her inner fury, she got off the brown colt giving him a stern look while he was standing up from the ground. “For making that comment I retract from my promise so HA! Told you so!” ending her statement by sticking her tongue out at the direction of Button. “Alright were even now. Anyway, I really like Vinyl’s combination of disco influences and electronic music. I don’t know why but it just works perfectly. That started to give me ideas for our music project. We should try to implement classical instruments like the violin with heavy bass electronic music and use a vocoder for your voice over to give it a bit of modern taste. What do you think?” Almost as if a light bulb appeared over Sweetie Belle’s head, a natural glow started to expand around her as she jumped up and down in excitement. “Oh my Celestia that would be an awesome idea Button! Not only would we get an A for the semester but we would totally be the best musical piece in the entire class.” “Well it’s not a competition but yeah we would totally be the best especially with your amazing voice. Luckily for us the piece is not due until the end of the semester giving me plenty of time to improve my violin contribution.” Sweetie Belle’s face transformed from a joyous one to one fill with concern. “Button why are you always so hard on yourself? You play the violin just fine heck even better than the other violinist in our class. I wish you had more confidence in yourself.” “It’s easier said than done but we can talk about it later. I just brought up the idea so we had something to work with after Homecoming week” replied Button quickly trying to change the conversation into something with a positive tone. Picking up Button’s shift in topic Sweetie Belle responded, “Yea that’s a good idea I really didn’t want to do anything else than what was required during Homecoming week.” Smiling at the thought of all the activities and memories that will be connected with the Homecoming festivity, she asked Button, “Aren’t you excited for Homecoming? I mean the way Rarity talked about it and how the seniors presented to us it just seems like an awesome event.” “Am I excited for Homecoming? Hay yea I’m excited for Homecoming! From spirit week events to the dance, I can’t wait to do all those activities with you, the other cutie mark crusaders, and Rumble” responded Button with an eager voice as his smile grew creating a natural glow from his face making Sweetie Belle even more excited about Homecoming. Amongst the pool of excitement, a yellow earth pony created by Sweetie Belle’s imagination appeared on her right shoulder jumping up and down in excitement exclaiming, “Come on Sweetie Belle now it’s the perfect opportunity. Ask him if he is taking anypony to the Homecoming dance?” With an eyebrow raising up and a puzzle face staring at the yellow mare, Sweetie Belle responded, “Applebloom how in the hay did you get so tiny? Also no maybe some other time.” Facing-hoofing herself, Applebloom just stared at Sweetie Belle shaking her head. “Sugar cube I’m a creation of your imagination representing your desires so don’t use your fancy science to come up with a reason for my size and appearance. Second maybe there won’t be another chance to ask him about it.” “No, there’s always the time for everything.” “Just do it.” “No.” “Do IT!” “NO! “Sweetie Belle?” cautiously asked Button as he was left speechless observing Sweetie Belle talking to herself. “Sugar cube trust me just take the risk” was the last piece of advice given by Applebloom as the helpful imaginary companion vanished from existence leaving Sweetie Belle with an awkward situation on her hooves. “Umm…I randomly talk to myself sometimes in public.” The response left Button with a puzzled and concerned look on his face until Sweetie Belle broke the silence. “Any ways I was just wondering if by any chance you were going to take…a date…to Homecoming?” Button’s body responded as if it saw a ghost immediately creating a shiver that travel through his spine as well as his knees trembling by the nature of the question. Does she know about my secret? Is she interested in me? All these questions traveling through Button’s mind until the strict dictator located within his brain halted all these emotional desires causing Button to return to the current stage of reality. “Ah…I don’t know…” “You are not interested in any mare?” asked Sweetie Belle in a low seductive tone with both her eyelids covering half her eye to illuminate the shiny emerald located within her eyes. How can I lie to beautiful face like that? “Well I do like this one mare just that I’m scared of asking her out.” Is he talking about me? Is he talking about me? I hope he is talking about me. All of these phrases were in a constant loop inside of Sweetie Belle’s mind making her smile internally and externally until she saw that Button moved to the side of the table lying down on the pasture staring towards the horizon where Celestia was resting the sun. “Button…are you okay?” She approached Button lying down next to him on the pasture. “I always had a bad history regarding mares that I haves feelings for…I don’t like to tell most ponies about it but I have a fear towards rejection.” “Look Button rejections hurt but it’s something that everyone has to pass through…it’s…” “Easy for you to say. You probably never had to deal with rejection. Come on what stallion in his right mind would dare to say no to a mare as beautiful as you.” Taken back by Button’s assertive response and compliment, all she could do was hide her blush from the observant eyes of Button and look towards the sunset being created by Princess Celestia. “Actually I've never had a coltfriend” Sweetie Belle replied moving her hooves through her mane to cover her eyes and a small red blush that was barely visible to Button Mash. “Really? Well I guess that makes two of us…because I never had a marefriend not the coltfriend part because I am not into stallions” Button clarified but still face-hooved himself for making that ridiculous comment. Sweetie Belle was now in a state of endless laughter and joy as she placed her head on Button’s shoulders. “Marefriend or not. You have friends and family that love you a lot…especially me.” Button now an emotional mess as his brown face could not hide the eruption of redness being illuminated by his face as his body was enjoying the warmth being shared between Sweetie Belle and him. Do it! Ask her out now! Just do it! The common phrases being exclaimed by his emotions to Button pleading for him to do the action that has been haunting him ever since elementary school: asking a mare to be his special somepony. All his emotions were bubbling like a soup in a kettle ready to release their pleasant smell to the world but there was one word that originated from his conscious, the part of his brain that prefers comfort over risk, the commander that with one word halted button from expressing his true desires towards Sweetie Belle: the command was NO. All he can do was return the action by placing his head on top of hers sharing his warmth to her. “Thanks…I also love you a lot.” Both of them just stared towards the horizon showing the final moments of Celestia's sun as the rest of Equestria is preparing themselves for the arrival of Luna’s moon. Maybe both ponies did not understand the motivations of their secret special somepony but regardless of that neither of them would trade any time they spent together as friends especially within the warmth of themselves. Unbeknownst to them, a cynical young white stallion was observing this heart-warming event with despise and anger. “Well well Button Mash. It seems that you are using your slight advantage in your favor but remember opponent of mine. The results of one battle does not dictate the end result of a war. Mark my words Button Mash, the next couple days will test you to your core. Let’s see how you react when you receive a visit from a ghost from your past” were the final words off Femy’s monologue as he escaped into the darkness of night waiting patiently to place his plan into motion. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ A couple of days later “Okay Button its now or never. It’s Friday and there is only one more week until the Homecoming dance. I need to ask her out…even if it kills me” commanded the brave Sir Button Mash to himself as he marched himself towards his sweet maiden that was surrounded by her friends. He was prepared to do whatever was necessary to ask Sweetie Belle his most hated question that was always surrounded with the emotion of pain: Do you want to be my date? He marched onwards with a confident beat in his heart until an unexpected voice halted his steps. “Button Mash?” The voice that was collected by his ears startled him to the core halting his march. It was voice filled with familiarity and mystery. The familiarity part of the voice was not a favorable one either since the voice brought painful memories back to life inside of Button. He started to connect the dots and was even more fearful of the pony who said those words especially the accent coming from the voice. It had the tone of a female and the accent sounded like it originated from the city of Manehattan. He had an idea of who it was but didn’t want to believe it. There was only one way to be certain of his assumptions and that was to turn around into the unknown to see if the image created by his hearing senses would be clarified by his vision. Sadly, as he turn his body to the direction of the voice he was presented to what he thought was behind him and what he feared the most. The origin of the voice came from a mare that was the primary reason for Button’s fear. She was the one that betrayed him out of fear of being ridiculed, she was the one that made him have haunted nightmares about rejection, she was the one that hurt his self-esteem, and she was standing right in front of him. “Bab Seed?” “Hello Button. It’s been a long since I've seen you hasn’t it?” replied the young infamous mare from Manehattan. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ > Homecoming Part Two > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Are my eyes lying? It can’t be? All of these questions traveling through Button’s mind. He felt that his eyes were betraying him because he couldn’t believe that his former best friend and love interest, Babs Seed, was standing in front of him in a town miles away from the city of Manehattan. Babs couldn’t see Button’s internal stress but was not blind to his body’s physical reaction as drops of sweat started to flow down his body as well as his face, in a state of disbelief, particularly his mouth since it was frozen allowing any bug to comfortably rest on his tongue. His face altered when Applebloom appeared besides Babs, “Hey Button! This is my cousin Babs, she is from Manehattan just like you and she is going stay for one week and attend the dance with us! Hey are you okay?” Button shook his head violently attempting to return to the present, “Huh? Yea I know Babs. She was an old friend of mind from elementary school. Yea I’m fine just that I didn’t think I would see her in Ponyville especially when school is in session.” “You know Babs?” Applebloom now had a grin expanding from cheek to cheek, “Oh sweet Celestia that’s wonderful! Ah was hoping you two would get along but this is just perfect! If only you knew. Yea, she and I are both surprised that she was able to make it this week. She didn’t have that many friends at her new school so she didn’t want to go to her homecoming so I suggested that she should come to mine but neither of us had the bits to buy a train ticket at such a late notice. Then something miraculous happened, Babs received a package in the mail that contain just the right amount of bits for her to buy a ticket to Ponyville. It was too good to be true! Yea…too good… Babs placing her hoof on Applebloom’s shoulder, “Hey cousin, I know you’re excited about what just happen but I was wondering if you can give us some time to catch up.” “Sure cousin, I’ll see you after school. See you later Button” cheerfully answered Applebloom as she left towards the original consisting of Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo leaving Button and Babs by themselves. Button completely clueless, wishing that he was a unicorn so he could teleport himself out of this situation, stood in front of Babs but not directing his attention at her but instead at the ground below. “Well at least you were honest about one thing,” responded Babs breaking the silence between the former friends. “And that was?” “Used to be friends in elementary, because friends that keep in touch don’t react like they saw a ghost when they see an old friend.” “Well sorry for being cautious but the last time I saw you, you left me by myself, on the floor, crying, leaving me for a group of bullies.” “I know,” looking down at the ground and no longer be able to hold her emotions as tears began to flow down her face and she started to stutter, “That’s why I wanted to talk with you.” Button hearing the different tone of her voice looked up directly at her seeing the visible emotional distress state on Babs leaving him in complete silence. “Ever since that day, I could never forgive myself. I wanted to apologize to you but it was either too soon or too late. Then I heard you moved from Manehattan and it was then that I gave up and realized that it was truly too late. I just had to move on…until I saw you today and I couldn’t believe my eyes. Now I know Celestia is giving me a second chance to make up for my actions. I know this is a lot for you to process right now so can we talk about it after school, please?” were the desperate words that match the same emotions as her body actions as she switched roles with Button looking down at the ground covering her face with her hooves as a small puddle of tears formed on the ground. Button now even more confused than before started to change his attitude about the situation as he lifted the face of the fallen mare from the ground to look straight at her. “Hey it’s okay. Please don’t cry anymore.” Releasing the breath of air he was holding, “Alright, I’ll meet you after school and we can talk about it.” A small smile emerged from the sea of discomfort on Bab’s face as she he hugged Button, “Thank you. Even with the way I treated you, you still give me a chance. I…appreciate your forgiveness.” Still in Bab’s embrace Button replied, “It’s okay. I rather gain a friend then for us to stay the same.” Both ponies, letting go of each other’s embrace, walked towards their destination as the school bell rang notifying the students that the time for their education had started. Today is going to be a long day thought Button as he trotted to his class preparing himself for it but his mind set in the events that was going to happen after school. Ring! Ring! Ring! Those were the sounds of freedom that traveled through the halls of Ponyville High releasing the students from their classrooms to the sun-light filled hallways. Stallions and mares galloped side by side to their lockers to prepare themselves for the weekend as well as the school festivities center week of Homecoming following the weekend. All the students having a contagious smile on their face and a gleeful step especially on Sweetie Belle as she approach her locker. Unloading the unnecessary textbooks from her saddlebag, she notice Button Mash approaching his locker that is in front of hers’. Unlike most Friday’s in which he would rapidly get rid of his textbooks in order to commence his long Friday gaming session, now he was traveling at a slower pace than a turtle with his eyes in the direction of the floor. His face was immune to the virus of smiles occurring throughout the hallway making his aesthetics stick out like a rotten apple. Sweetie Belle concern for his well-being started to approach the brown stallion’s locker with a steady pace and a grin on her face hoping she could change his current state with the school’s virus of excitement. “Hey Button!” Moving his eyesight from the ground and now focusing his senses to the precious white mare in front of him bringing him out from his enclosed mind. “Oh hey Sweetie Belle. Excited that it’s Friday?” asked Button as he grabbed his textbooks from his saddlebag and placing them inside his locker. “Of course! This weekend the girls and I are going to get ready for spirit week and the dance. We have to see what we’re going to do for each special day and what dress we are going to wear…” She halted her speech noticing Button’s robotic stiff movements while organizing himself and his constant head nodding even when she stopped halfway through her sentence. “Hey Button, are you okay?” “Huh?” shutting his locker with tremendous force shocking both Sweetie Belle and himself. “Yea I’m totally fine just really tired. I’ll catch up with you later, okay bye!” Moving around her and guiding his direction towards the nearest exist until she trotted in front of him preventing his exodus from the school. “Button look at me,” moving his head towards her as she starred at him with her mesmerizing emerald eyes, “Please tell me what’s wrong. I want to help you.” Button now starring at Sweetie Belle, fully aware that there was nothing he could do to avoid this minor confrontation. I really wish I can say no those eyes. Sighing, Button carefully sat down placing his body in front of her, “You know Babs right?” Moving her head backwards and with one eye brow raised, she quickly responded with a small cheerful giggle. “Babs? Yea Applebloom’s cousin. She was the first pony to ever join the Cutie Mark Crusaders. At first we didn’t have the best time with her since she bullied us with Diamond Tiara but she changed and became one of us.” Eyes completely open showing no signs of distraction Button replied, “Not surprise that she hurt you three too.” “Huh? You know Babs?” Shuffling his mane with his hooves looking at her emerald eyes, “Yes. We used to be friends in elementary school” lowering his head while finishing his statement. She approached him placing her hoof on his shoulder, “Used to be friends? What happen?” “I don’t want to go in detail but let’s just say that the last time I saw her she hurt me…really bad,” looking down at the checkerboard floors using the front of his mane to cast a shadow over his face. “Now she is here, in Ponyville, and she wants to talk to me after school. It looks like she regrets what she did to me.” “I’m sorry Button. You don’t have to tell me what she did but do you want me to accompany you?” Standing up from the floor and fixing his mane, he looked at her now with a small grin emerging from his sea of confusion. “No it’s fine. It’s something I have to deal on my own but thanks any way for your support.” Sweetie Belle with a concern face and insecure tone in her voice asked him, “Are you sure? I mean it’s no problem it won’t…” Interrupting his friend’s concern, Button wrapped his hooves around her placing his head on her shoulders’, during their embrace, causing a visible sea of red to rise from her white pearly face. “It’s fine Sweetie Belle. Thank you for your help and for listening to me. I will tell you what happen later.” Letting go of her he turned around and continued his journey towards the exit with a reinforced spirit in his step marching onward. Sweetie Belle calmly sitting on the floor looking at the exit watching him leave her grasp and entering the outside world filling her with worries. I know he’ll be fine. I just hope I can be patient enough to wait…I’m going to follow him just to be on the safe side. She immediately stood up and silently, like a butterfly in a forest, followed his trail towards the outdoor trail that connected the courtyard with the forest. No! No! I can’t lose track of them. Sweetie Belle was a broken record player for her mind saying that phrase over and over again as if her commands will be able to alter her current reality. She had lost sight of both Button and Babs. She follow them cautiously hiding behind statues and bushes trying to the best of her abilities to hear the banter between the two Manehattan ponies. She couldn’t understand everything they discussed but she got the gist of it. Her strategy was working to almost shear perfection until she had to remain hidden for a longer duration, almost being caught red-handed by either one of them. I hope you’re okay Button. “Well hearing the story from Sweetie Belle and now from you on how you met the CMC, it doesn't surprise me,” expressed the brown stallion to his companion on the dirt rocky trail guiding their path through the forest. “What doesn't surprise you?” question Babs shifting her head towards Button. Slowly reducing his pace until stopping on the trail surrounded by large oak trees, Button inhaled a chunk of fresh autumn air and immediately releasing it along with the emotional stress attach to the words he was about to say. “I’m not surprised that you were willing to hurt somebody just to defend yourself from a bully.” His eyes were close and his face shut preparing for the incoming slap he thought he was going to receive for his honest statement. His preparations were in vain, all he received was silence. The silence worried him making him slowly open his eyelids like flowers emerging from the ground after winter until his eyes discover the frozen face of Babs. It was staring at him with a mouth fidgeting to release a shock wave of truth from a damaged mare. Her eyes were repeating the same story as her mouth holding a river of tears contained within her lime eyes. “Babs?” “Are you ever going to forgive me?” “I already did Babs…” “Then why do you still bring up my mistake!” professed Babs no longer able to hold herself from releasing a wave of emotions through tears and sobbing. “I know I messed up! I had so many regrets since I betrayed you and I thought I couldn't do that again to any other pony.” “Babs it’s fine,” expressed Button placing his hoof on her shoulder regretting his decision to release those judgmental words. She quickly moved her shoulders escaping any form of sympathy being expressed from the brown colt. “No it’s not fine! After betraying the CMC, I knew that I had to change. That I’d rather protect and be friends with ponies that care and like me then those judgmental devious kind. To Tartarus with them!” Slowly regaining her composure after exposing her inner machinations, she stood up looking straight at him with teary eyes. “I just wish that ponies could forgive and forget my wrong doings, especially one in particular who I’m currently looking at.” “Babs…I forgive you, but asking me to forget…that’s something I don’t know I can do,” confidently answered Button looking at Babs delivering an honest response to a distressed mare. “But why?” asked Babs as she approach Button placing her face near the comfort zone causing his eyesight to illustrate, with great details, her natural beauty from her adorable freckles contrasted by her heavy coat that would have driven younger Button into a crazy love state. “Because you have created emotional wounds that are still visible and that still hurt!” answered Button with a fierce honest voice stomping one hoof on the ground. “I might have been young but thanks to that ‘mistake’…I haven’t been able to handle rejection well. Imagine the person that was your friend and that you love betrays you in front of your face.” All of those words drained his energy bar making him move his head to the ground covering his face with his hooves and mane. Feeling a pair of soft hooves lifting his head from the ground towards the area near Bab’s muzzle. “Button…I’m really sorry. Not only did I learn to appreciate the ponies that care for me but I also realize that I lost something special. I lost the chance to feel the love of another pony who loves me, loves spending time with me, that loves me more than a friend.” Button pupils’ enlarge to its maximum capacity after hearing those passionate words. “Huh?” “I’m saying that I really miss you, more than you can imagine. Now that I had the chance to make up my actions. I was wondering if there is still a chance for something to happen between us.” ‘Button.exe is not responding’ was the programmed message being send through his body as his face froze and his legs became stiff. His external aesthetics seemed lost but it didn't even compare to the inner civil war going on within his body. This is your dream coming true Your old dream It doesn't matter, it can still work No! You know you’re thinking about somepony else Sweetie Belle? We don’t even know if she likes me? It’s a risk you need to take Screw risks! This is secure No, You like Sweetie Belle and that is not going to change The internal war eventually reaching a cease fire when an external force halted the conflict. “So what do you think?” “I don’t know. As much as I loved you before, those feelings don’t exist anymore.” “Button please! I know somewhere deep inside of you lives the same love you had for me and I have for you right now. I’ll show you.” Before Button could retort, Babs placed her hooves around his neck embracing him and then joining her lips with his. At first his eyes were the last line of defense disapproving of his actions but slowly closing as the kiss extended sending Button to a nostalgic euphoria. His old friend and love is now kissing him. This is too good to be true. As much as he was enjoying the kiss from the past, there was an image of a beautiful white mare that stuck inside his mind. Even though he was kissing Babs, he could only think of Sweetie Belle, and there was nothing that he or Babs could to alter his current feeling for that lovely mare. After their lips departed from their passionate unity, Babs opened her eyes filled with passion and hear shaped pupils fully awaiting a similar response from her dream stallion. Unfortunately for her, he avoided eye contact with her love stricken eyes moving his face to the other directions of the forest. “I’m sorry Babs. Those old feelings don’t exist anymore the same way old Button doesn't exist anymore. I've changed.” “Button…please….”pleaded Babs trying to get his sympathy but it was ultimately futile as he started to move away from her and towards the trail leading back to the school. “I’m sorry Babs. I like somepony else and there’s nothing I can do to change those feelings.” Babs just stood there silent and destroyed like the fallen heroes that attempted to defeat Medusa. Now I know how you truly felt Button…being leaved by yourself…crying…I’m sorry Button. Unbeknownst to Button, not only did he break Bab’s heart but also of a unicorn that was covering her face with her mane, covered in tears, as she galloped to the school courtyard ignoring the observations and concerns of the other students’. As Bab’s hope for a relationship died in the forest so did the potential for Sweetie Belle to understand the feeling of love, the love shared by two perfect strangers when she saw Button kissed his 'former friend'. > Homecoming Part Three > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Change is arriving to Ponyville. The first orange decayed leaves were making their descent to the ground and soon hundreds of Ponyville residents will participate in the running of the leaves, accelerating the speed of the fallen leaves. Later it would be organized contributions of unicorns, pegasus, and earth ponies that would bring winter to Ponyville. The cycle of work would be repeated for all the other seasons and it would continue on and on through several generations. Change is arriving to Ponyville, not only through environmental changes but also in the lives of the individual residents residing in the small comfortable rural town. The orange leaves that completed their journey to the cold wet ground started to form a circular barrier around the brilliant gamboge pony creating an area of warmth from any outside threat but useless against the internal threat of the barrier; tears. Tears sliding down the coat of the Manehattan mare forming a wet cold foundation on the ground. Even with the slight amount of mud conjoined with her hooves, Bab’s lifts them to cover her face trying to stop the flow of cold sharp tears from forming more mud and covering her vulnerable state. Her body shivering from the steady rush of cold fierce gusts, guided by the trees, through the forest constantly directing their force to the weak mare. The cold mud that joined her hooves and now her face as well also contributed to the assault on her weakened state. Both would have only been a nuisance to her strong warm coat that has been able to withstand harsh winters in Manehattan but she was attacked and conquered internally through the medium of simple words, “I’m sorry Babs. I like somepony else and there’s nothing I can do to change those feelings.” Those sharp cold words resonated in her head over and over again like an echo in a narrow cave making her body shiver even more and the tears to increase from streams into gigantic waterfalls. As the minutes passed by, Bab’s waterfall of tears slowly decrease as she swiped away the last remaining tears from her eyes and was able to regain a normal breathing pattern without any cacophonous noises being expelled through her nostrils. Why Button…Why? Moving her head side to side clenching her eye lids from releasing anymore tears. I thought there was still a chance, but I’m just a fool. To think that you were going to wait four years for somepony to return the same feelings back…I don’t blame you. The only person to blame is me, for hurting you and myself as well. Celestia was descending the sun from the sky as the paths of light were diminishing, its range and scope from the forest floor allowing the darkness to expand. I better start heading to Sweet Apple Acres. Hopefully by the time I get there I don’t look like this. Standing up from her circular leave barrier, stomping over them and slowly but steadily guiding herself on the lonely trail to the exit of the forest. The trail and the forest were different. Earlier the trail was filled with life and excitement as the sun rays highlighted the beauty of the surrounding terrain especially for Bab’s as she was having quality time with an old friend catching up memories she wished to share with him and vice versa. Now in the genesis of the night and by herself, Bab’s couldn’t help but feel a sense of despair entering her body as the trees that were earlier their guardians of peace have now become her harsh prosecutors looking down upon her through their judgmental eyes as she walked at a rather slow pace with her head down trying her best to forget what occurred a couple of minutes ago. “I don’t know Silver Spoon. I feel like it’s a bit too cruel even for my taste.” As quick as a timber-wolf, Bab’s jumped to the nearest bush along the trail hiding herself from the familiar voice coming from the opposite side of the trail. Peeking from a small opening within the bush, she notices two young mares casually sitting near the edge of the trail on the base of the forest with a circular opening on the canopy allowing the last glimpse of light to enter their surroundings. One of the young mares was wearing a sharp silver tiara on her head highlighting her hybrid mane color. The other mare’s coat similar to the color of the tiara and instead of a shiny flamboyant accessory she wore aquamarine colored frames. It’s Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Sitting down and turning her stare into a ferocious one, Bab’s patiently waited to see what the two malicious mares were doing in the forest. “Diamond why would you care they’re just blank flanks. You’ve also done cruel things to her before like…” Immediately interrupting her friend by stomping her magenta coated hoof the ground, “Yea I know! I’m not denying that Sweetie Belle and her friends deserve a little teasing and insults once and a while but the thing Femy did…it just goes too far.” Who the buck is femy? “Well I think it was a perfectly constructed plan. Just like the handsome stallion who made it.” Silver Spoon’s light purple pupils immediately turned to tiny hearts as she moved her gaze to the sky imagining an image of Femy infatuated with her, making Diamond Tiara place a hoof to her face as she let out a long needed sigh. “I forgot I was talking to Femy’s number one fan girl. You have the biggest crush on him since the moment he stepped his hooves in Ponyville.” “Well what can I say, I know hot when I see it and that adorable hunk…” Immediately stomping the ground with hooves, Diamond Tiara sharply turned her face to Silver Spoon revealing to her a bright shade of redness as if her body reach boiling temperature. “I get it, you like him! But please for the love of Celestia can you stop thinking about him for one minute! I still find it a bit weird you describing your fantasies about my cousin and you in front of me.” In complete secrecy, Babs remained completely still only enlarging her pupils and moving her head slightly backwards after hearing Diamond Tiara last few words. Somepony could be related to Diamond Tiara and be more evil than her that even she questions their actions? How in the wide world of Equestria is that even possible? Quietly adjusting her head to a more comfortable position and swiping her mane from her face, Bab’s continued her sudden espionage mission on Diamond Tiara and Silver being grateful that neither of them have discovered her. “Fine…I can lower my levels of adoration for that beautiful stallion but even you must admit how successful his plan is going to be with just a few bits and a lot of time on his hands.” “Nobody is questioning the success of his plan but the methods he used to achieve it. I mean he used Button’s old bullies to find out about his past…it doesn’t feel right. If somepony was going to fight me I wouldn’t want them to use my past secrets. They remain in the past.” “I still feel you’re being too soft on them. I miss the younger tougher you.” “Being soft? Well if that’s how you feel then you wouldn’t care if I told any other ponies about all your embarrassing accidents you had as a filly when you slept over, would you?” Silver Spoon’s eye size increased covering the majority of her forehead rushing to Diamond Tiara grabbing her shaking her violently, “No! Please Don’t! I was just a filly…That’s old Silver Spoon. Please Diamond don’t!” Almost breaking into tears she begged Diamond to retake her threat immediately by a firm hoof on her shoulder. “See what I mean. If you’re going to attack someone don’t use their past. That’s such a cheap shot and the oldest form of backstabbing.” No words being able to escape her mouth, Silver Spoon accepted her defeat crossing her arms letting go a long loud sigh, “Fine! You’re right…as always.” “Of course I am”, adjusting her tiara and brushing her shoulders with her hooves Diamond gloated within the last remaining sunlight in the forest. “Still I don’t see why that pony from Manehattan is so important to Femy’s plan though? What’s her name again?” “Babs Seeds” Huh? I’m part of his plan? But how? Slightly leaning closer the small opening of the bush, Bab’s curiosity transformed from a small fire to a rampant wild fire inside of her. “Now that pony had potential even for a blank flank,” Slowly shaking her head directing herself to Silver Spoon. “If only she would have become our friend. Under our guidance, she could have become somepony important and not a nameless nopony.” “I know! She could have been an awesome third companion!” “Yes she could have but instead she became one of those lame Cutie Mark Crusaders. She and Sweetie Belle are probably the only members that still don’t have their cutie marks.” “Well not really, there’s Rumble, Button Mash…” “I know they’re not the only two left! I was being sarcastic!” Placing her hoof to her forehead and letting out a sigh while shaking her head, “Silver Spoon, please just stop talking for a while.” Slightly quivering and holding back her tears Silver Spoon responded with a defeated tone, “Sorry Diamond. Won’t happen again.” Wow, I’m glad I don’t have to deal with her every day. I’ve heard enough from these two better get home before…As she was finishing her mental statement, Bab’s accidently tripped on one of the several internal branches of the bush somersaulting outside of the bush landing on her back a few feet away from a confused Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Both ponies started to trot in circles around her with a twisted smile on their face like vultures circling their carrion, “Well, Well, Well what do we have here Silver Spoon. A spy from the lame blank flank group.” “Hope you weren’t trying to get your cutie mark in spying,” snickered Silver Spoon. Slowly and firmly standing up on all her four legs with an expression of zero tolerance Bab’s look straight into Diamond Tiara’s eyes, “First, Applebloom or any of her friends didn’t send me to spy on you two. They’ve got better things to do than to worry about you two morons.” Quickly shifting her death stare to Silver Spoon, “Second, I wasn’t trying to get my darn cutie mark in spying!” Silver Spoon leg’s started to tremble like a metronome making her kneel to the ground while Diamond Tiara remained firm and started to get closer to Bab’s, “Frankly I don’t care what you were doing in the bush. I know you heard our conversation about you and your little friends. Well I just wanted to let you know that’s all you going to hear. You’re not getting any more information from me,” Immediately looking down to Silver Spoon, “or from her.” Making Silver Spoon to quickly fall on the ground covering herself with her two front legs. “And there’s nothing you,” pushing Bab’s away from her, “can do about it.” Bab’s looking dead center into Diamond’s eyes clenching her front hooves into the ground, invisible to Diamond’s vision. Wanting desperately to unleashed a punch that would send her flying to the moon instead, Bab’s let out a sigh. Violence wasn’t going to solve this issue. There must be another way. Bab’s unclenched her hooves, “You’re right.” “Huh?” raising one eyebrow Diamond started to approach Bab’s. “No comeback? No fighting? I know I’m right but still…why?” “Because there’s no point in convincing somepony who agrees with you. Look, even before you saw me you were telling Silver Spoon that whatever Femy did was plain wrong. Hay, you even showed her how his backstabbing tactics could be used against anypony with equal deadly results! We might not be friends but whatever he did even you see it as something terrible. I don’t know what he did but I’m involved in this whole nonsense and I need to fix it! Please just help me this one time…” Bab’s extended her hoof to Diamond Tiara as she stood there silently listening to Bab’s plead as well as looking over to Silver Spoon who was also perplexed. “…I also love you a lot.” “We used to be friends in elementary school.” Button placing his head on top of mine. Both of us sharing our warmth…together. Words and past images bombarded the tearful Sweetie Belle as she sat down on the cold field outside of Ponyville High. The last remaining sunlight departed from the courtyard leaving Sweetie Belle under the domain of Luna’s lunar light. It was a couple days ago when we shared our first intimate moment. I thought it meant something special but today…An instant barrage of tears was unleashed running down Sweetie Belle’s pearly face making her quiver and shudder as the image of Button and Bab’s kissing in the forest return to her memory. I-I wasn’t planning to fall for anybody. I just-just wanted to get my cutie mark. Yet I fell for him. I thought he liked me. “Come on what stallion in his right mind would dare to say no to a mare as beautiful as you.” Clearly, that was a lie! “You probably never had to deal with rejection.” Thanks, now I know how heartbreak feels Button. I really hate you right now but at the same time I shouldn’t. Why should I hate you for liking somepony else? Mentally exhausted from her internal conflict, she lay down on the grass covering herself with her two anterior legs reducing her tragic noise to a couple of sniffles and a few drops of tears. She was fine with laying there for a while to clear her mind before heading home until she felt a hoof being placed on her shoulder. “Sweetie Belle?” No! No! Please Celestia don’t let it be him. Slowly turning her covered face towards the voice reveling her former tearful face to Button Mash. Celestia, why did it have to be Button! “Hey Button,” sniffled Sweetie Belle. “Are you okay? Why are you crying?” questioned Button. “Oh it’s nothing Button. You don’t have to worry about it.” “It’s nothing? You were just crying...” “Really it’s nothing. Just drop it Button,” interrupted Sweetie Belle with an irate tone in her voice. Grabbing Sweetie Belle by her shoulders directing her eyes to his eyes Button responded, “Sweetie Belle, I trusted you with my issue and you listen to me. You were my support. Now it’s my turn to support you. Please tell me what’s wrong. You can trust me.” Looking into his helpful amber eyes, Sweetie Belle’s eye started to enter a watery state. Trust you? What a joke! She wanted to run away from his grasp but his eyes had her under a spell making it impossible for her to leave. Sighing she responded, “Fine. I’ll tell you what happened.” Letting go of her shoulders, Button moved a few places behind giving her some space to talk, “Go on.” Not being able to tell him her secret while looking at him, Sweetie looked up into the celestial night sky with Luna’s moon surrounded in a sea of stars. “Remember when we talked about rejection and how I never experienced it?” “Yeah.” Please tell me you didn’t ask somepony out. PLEASE! “Well Today I know exactly how you felt.” Those words felt like lighting striking his body making him shudder on the inside and remain stiff and quiet on the exterior, “Oh…” You like somepony else. “So who did you ask out?” “I didn’t ask anypony out but I saw him with someone else. Something I didn’t want to see.” “But who was it though?” Just my typical luck… Now having to confront Button with the truth, Sweetie Belle clenched her hooves in the ground quickly shifting herself to be in front of him. “It was you!” exclaimed Sweetie Belle with tears streaming down her face. His emotions inside of him toiling around like a twister, Button responded, “What! Me!” “Yes, it was you! I started to have special feelings towards you the day you helped me against Femy. You were such an amazing friend at the moment and onwards, it made me fall for you. I thought you might like me back as well until today when I saw you kiss Babs. It’s completely fine though we can…” “Woah! Woah! Hold on! This a misunderstanding.” Button quickly interrupted Sweetie as a swell of relief poured inside of him. She likes me! He wanted to laugh, jump, and yell to the heavens but it wasn’t the time or place for a mini celebration. “Let me explain, Bab’s kissed me. Yes we shared a kiss but I didn’t initiate it or wanted it. As a matter of fact, I like you too.” “Huh?” Sweetie Belle responded placing her hoof on her chest. “You like me?” “Yes! A thousands time yes!” Button trying to look into those emerald eyes but couldn’t without having blush. He shifted his eyes to the skies. “I also fell for you on the very exact day hearing you’re angelic voice fill the hallways. From that day on you have been by my side supporting me. Making me feel butterflies in my stomach every time I saw you. Making me…” Button’s love speech was cut short as he lifted his head and notice her walking away ignoring him. Trotting right behind her, he tried to get her attention, “Sweetie Belle!” Continuing her pace while looking back at him, “Button I want to believe you. Believe me I really do but my eyes can’t be deceived by your words. I saw that passionate kiss and your lack of response to show any resistance.” “There’s no deception in my words. I’m telling you the truth!” “No! Stop talking! Anything romantic happening between us died today. Please don’t also destroy our friendship as well.” Sweetie Belle accelerated her pace leaving Button behind as he sat down looking downwards with his watery amber eyes. She started to approach the pathway to the school’s exit until she heard a maleficent voice that halted her in her tracks. “My dear beautiful maiden who has caused you to be in such a distressed state?” Both Sweetie Belle and Button Mash remember the person responsible for that voice, “Femy!” The cream color unicorn was standing firmly near the exit approaching Sweetie Belle. “Get away from her!” commanded Button Mash. “Oh Button Mash, always using your aggressive tone. I’m no detective but it appears that you are clearly responsible for Sweetie Belle to be in such a terrible mood. I’m only here to help her feel better and to protect her from the obvious threat: you!” Femy responded as he wrapped his hooves across Sweetie Belle. “Femy, I’ve had a pretty rough day filled with emotions I never want to feel again. You’re the last person in Equestria I want to see right now.” Responded Sweetie Belle removing herself from Femy’s grasp, “So please be a gentlecolt and leave me alone!” This isn’t how the plan was supposed to work. “Sweetie Belle darling I’m just trying to help you.” Femy attempted again to place his arms around her. Feeling the uncomfortable warmth of Femy approaching, Sweetie Belle quickly turned around with her eyes shut yelling, “I SAID NO!!” Once opening her eyes, Sweetie Belle expected to see a perplexed Femy instead she saw him knocked out laying on the ground with a gamboge clenched hoof extended in the area where he was standing. “Babs Seed?” questioned Sweetie Belle as both she and Button Mash looked upon the frustrated mare. “That’s a special gift from both Diamond Tiara and I, Femy!” exclaimed Babs Seed as she unclenched her hooves. “Such an adrenalin rush…I love it!” “I’m really confused,” responded Sweetie Belle with a perplexed look on her face. “Same,” added Button Mash as he approached both mares. “Button Mash, Sweetie Belle, Thank Celestia both of you are still here. I’ve got a lot of things to tell you both.” “Go on,” replied Sweetie Belle. “All of this information comes from Diamond Tiara who is related to this piece of filth,” said Babs Seed pointing at Femy. “That would explain a lot. I’m just surprise Diamond Tiara told you all of this.” “Me too. Anyways Femy over here really wanted to ruin the chance of both you starting any form of a romantic relationship so he tried to use me in order to accomplish his mission.” “Wait how?” asked Button Mash. “He never met you at all.” “ Well having a lot of time and money, Femy investigated your past going all the way back to the city of Manehattan learning every dirty secret about you including the event that ended our friendship.” “That son of a…” “No need to end that sentence Button. Knowing that information, he thought that bringing me back to Ponyville will revive old feelings from Button and that you will be a witness to it making you technically available only for him, clearly he was wrong.” “That would explain the random payed train ticket that you received in the mail,” added Sweetie Belle. “Exactly, and he planned for this to occur during Homecoming week.” Answered Babs Seed as she looked toward Sweetie Belle. “Most importantly about all this information is to tell you that I’m sorry. If I caused you any emotional pain during this whole debacle…” Sweetie Belle interrupted Bab’s by giving her a hug and shushing her. “Bab’s you don’t need to apologize. If anything Femy owes all of us a giant apology, which I doubt he will ever give, for using our emotions against us.” With a tear in her eyes, Bab’s responded, “I thought you’d be mad at me.” “I’m not mad at you at all. How can I be mad at a friend who revived something that was once dead?” Ending their hug, Bab’s looked at Button who immediately hugged her, “I know that I don’t share the same feelings with you but I’m hoping we can still be friends,” asked Button Mash. “Of course,” replied Babs Seed. “I got my old friend back and I couldn’t ask for anything better.” “Now If you’ll excuse me I have to head back to Sweet Apple Acres but since it’s Homecoming week I believe Button over here has an important question to ask you Sweetie Belle. Am I right Button?” Showing no fear in his voice and looking straight at Sweetie Belle he responded, “Yes I do.” Babs headed toward the exit as both Button Mash and Sweetie Belle said their goodbyes to her. Sweetie Belle now looking at Button Mash with a sly grin, “So Mr. Mash what is the important thing you’re going to ask me?” Taking a deep breath and letting out a big sigh, Button grabbed Sweetie Belle’s hoof and making sure his amber eyes connected with those bright emerald eyes making both of them blush he asked, “Sweetie Belle, would you like to be my date for the Homecoming dance?” Not hesitating a second Sweetie Belle responded, “Yes! A thousand times yes! I would love to be your date, Button.” With nothing holding him back Button was finally able to do his mini celebration by jumping in the air and cheering like a little colt during Hearts Warming Eve leaving Sweetie Belle giggling. He is such a goofball.