> Love Fools > by Jest > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > The Best Laid Plans... > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sweetie Belle sighed contentedly as she lay sprawled out on a pillow which she had pilfered from Rarity’s discard pile before it could be donated to the thrift store. It was remarkably comfortable, and served as the perfect place to rest her full belly after it had been stuffed with delicious pie. It was also just what she needed after her drama filled day, its plush exterior serving to help ease her worries. Around her, both Apple Bloom and Scootaloo thought something similar, the other fillies also resting on pillows that had been saved from Rarity’s boutique at one point or another. They too were resting soundly after a similar day to the one Sweetie Belle had gone through, save for the small difference that they had not imagined they had a secret admirer. A key difference that enabled them to lay their comfortably in their clubhouse, while Sweetie Belle’s mind churned with new ideas. “Hey girls.” Sweetie Belle began suddenly, the filly propping herself up on her forehooves. “I’ve been thinking.” “Bout what?” Scootaloo asked, the filly laying on her back, wings and legs sprawled out in all directions. “Well after all the drama that went on today one thing kinda stuck with me.” Sweetie Belle exclaimed. “Please tell me you don't have a crush on mah brother.” Apple Bloom deadpanned, the filly turning her head and looking up at the unicorn. “N-no!” Sweetie Belle stammered. “I was thinking that I wanna get a boyfriend.” “What made you think that?” Scootaloo asked. “After all that craziness I thought you wouldn't want a special somepony.” “I know it was a little crazy, but it was also really inspiring.” Sweetie Belle exclaimed with a happy sigh. “Like when your brother went through all that, and then still ended up so happy.” Apple Bloom frowned. “I guess when you look at it like that it sounds a little better, but it still seems like more pain then its worth.” “But think of how happy they both were!” Sweetie Belle continued. “Who would you even ask out? I didn't know you had a crush on anypony.” Scootaloo countered. “I don't have a crush on anypony. Well, not yet anyway.” Sweetie Belle replied. “You want a boyfriend, but don't even like anyone? Isn't this kinda like putting the cart before the pony?” Apple Bloom retorted. “I just need to find someone who I like is all.” Sweetie Belle declared. “I mean, you girls have to admit that it would be nice to feel as happy as Sugar Belle did.” “I guess…” Scootaloo muttered, the pegasus rolling onto her belly with a thud. “But that still sounds like a lot of work.” “What about you Apple Bloom? Don't you think it would be nice?” Sweetie Belle asked, prodding the earth pony in the side with a hoof. The farm pony blushed and scratched the back of her neck. “I mean maybe? I dunno if I like anyone like that though.” “Well how about this. You girls can help me find find the right pony, and maybe you’ll find someone you like along the way.” Sweetie Belle offered. “I guess if you need my help I wouldn't leave you hanging.” Scootaloo murmured. Apple Bloom nodded. “Yeah. I mean, what kind of friend would say no to a request like that?” “Great! Let's start with a list.” Sweetie Belle proclaimed, the filly grabbing a peice of paper and a pencil before plunking back down on her pillow. “Augh, you’ve been taking too many lessons with Twilight.” Groaned Scootaloo. “It helps keep me organized.” Sweetie Belle retorted. “Now then, who are all the colts you girls remember from class?” “Pipsqueek, Featherweight, Rumble.” Began Scootaloo. “Tender Taps, Snips and Snails, and uh… I think that's it.” Finished Apple Bloom while scratching her head. “We didn't forget anybody, right? I mean I don't think we did.” Sweetie Belle exclaimed after adding all the names to her list. Scootaloo shrugged. “Don't think so.” “Alright, then let's start by getting rid of the ones I definitely won't like even if I got to know them.” Sweetie Belle began. “Definitely Snips and Snails. Those guys need to learn how to bathe themselves regularly before they can get a girlfriend.” Declared Scootaloo, who stuck out her tongue in disgust. Sweetie Belle stroked off the two names before humming and tapping the pencil against her chin. “Hmmm that's a good start, what about Featherweight? I don't know them very well.” “No way, Featherweight is so nice. Even if he took those photos of us that one time.” Scootaloo pointed out. “Plus he's pretty cool. You should see some of those cool pictures he takes.” Apple Bloom added. “Okay, then what about Tender Taps? He's so quiet that I don't think I’ve ever really talked to him before.” Sweetie Belle offered. “You definitely can't take Tender Taps off the list, he's actually really nice too! Plus have you seen his dancing?” Apple Bloom pointed out. “Plus he's a total hottie.” Scootaloo remarked. “Heck yeah he is.” Apple Bloom agreed, the two fillies exchanging a hoof bump. “Okay, so those two are definitely staying on the list, what about Rumble?” Sweetie Belle began. “He wasn't the nicest, plus there was that whole thing with the camp.” “I mean he kinda made up for it?” Scootaloo half asked, half stated. “Sorta.” Muttered Apple Bloom. “I’m taking him off the list.” Sweetie Belle declared, the filly crossing out his name as well. “So who's left then?” Scootaloo inquired as she leaned in close. “Just Pipsqueak, tender Taps and Featherweight.” Sweetie Belle answered. “Huh, well what do you plan on doing?” Asked Apple Bloom. “Rarity says that when you talk with someone you like it feels like time stands still, and that you always want to spend time with them. So I think if I get them alone everything will make sense.” Sweetie Belle announced with a smile. “Are you sure it would be that easy?” Scootaloo countered. “You don't know if you don't try, right?” Sweetie Belle replied. Apple Bloom nodded. “I think it's a good idea. So long as you hangout somewhere public we can watch and help you decide.” “Y-yeah!” Scootaloo added. “You might need help.” “Thanks girls. Your the best.” Sweetie Belle reached forward and pulled them both into a tight hug. Slipping her way out of the hug, Scootaloo took a step back. “So uh, who do you think should be first?” Sweetie Belle tapped her chin and hummed thoughtfully. “Hmmm, I think it should be-” “Thanks for letting me tag along at the last minute Pipsqueak.” Sweetie Belle declared with a smile. Beside her, Pipsqueek nodded. “No problem Sweetie Belle. I’m surprised your interested in hoofball though. I thought you said you didn't like it that one time in class.” Sweetie Belle coughed awkwardly. “Well I had a change of heart. I felt like I didn't give it a fair shot, and you seemed to enjoy watching it so much that I thought you would be a good pony to see a game with.” Pipsqueek grinned. “Well your in luck, I got some really good seats.” Sweetie Belle looked around to the sparsely populated risers they sat on, the cheap plastic serving as a poor seat, which at least gave the unicorn a decent view of the field. The two teams had yet to take the field yet, but already the fans were abuzz, and Sweetie Belle could tell that the game was about to get underway in mere moments. “Who was playing again?” Sweetie Belle asked. “The Dodge Junction Chiefs, and the Manehatten packers.” Pipsqueak replied, the colt sitting on the edge of his seat. “They have a long rivalry that goes all the way back to the super cup of sixty eight when the chiefs injured the packer’s star quarterback, Long Bomb.” “That sounds awful, I think.” Sweetie Belle muttered. “Oh it was. Long Bomb was only out for a single game, but the packers ended up losing, and ever since then they have had a heated rivalry.” Pipsqueak explained. “Cool. So uh, when does it start?” Sweetie Belle asked, the filly noticing that only three ponies had taken to the field, one pony from each team, and a referee. “They are doing the coin flip now, then they’ll kick off and the game will really begin.” Pipsqueek replied, gasping a second later. “The packers are kicking off! Oh this is going to be good, their star kicker has quite the leg on him.” “I thought they all had legs.” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, the filly scratching her head as she scoped the field, trying to find any three legged ponies. “They do. It just means he can kick really well.” Pipsqueek muttered, not looking away from the game. Sweetie Belle frowned and glanced between a hole in the bleachers, looking down to the ground below where her friends leaned against the supports. Exchanging a look with the two ponies, Sweetie Belle shrugged, and Scootaloo made a talking motion with her hoof and pointed to the colt Sweetie Belle sat next to. Getting the idea, Sweetie Belle turned to the male, and cleared her throat. “So uh, do you watch hoofball ofte-” Sweetie Belle began, only to be cut off. “Shh, it's starting. Look, there it goes.” Pipsqueek whispered, his hoof pointing to where one of the teams had just kicked off and was now running across the field. The opposing team caught the ball, and was swiftly moving towards their opponents, a clash evidently mere moments away. Sweetie Belle was less than enthused however, the rude end to her sentence making the unicorn want to turn and leave. “Do you have a favorite video game?” Sweetie Belle inquired. Only to get no response as Pipsqueek stared intently at the field, the colt not even moving. “Uh are you okay?” Sweetie Belle asked, only for Pipsqueak to suddenly leap into the air. “Woohoo! I can't believe they managed to score a touchdown off the kick, that's crazy!” Pipsqueek shouted. Sweetie Belle blinked and looked around, noting that a good half of the fans were waving foam fingers or were otherwise celebrating just like Pipsqueak was. Down on the field a stallion added the right amount of points to the board, and the two teams began to break apart once more. The ball was handed back to a ref, and the game continued on a moment later. Sweetie Belle frowned and grabbed the cotton candy she had been saving for later and took a big bite out of the sugary treat. After receiving a mouthful of deliciousness, Sweetie Belle was determined to try again and she turned back to the colt after swallowing. Her friends had both claimed he was a good guy, so she had to give him one last try, right? “I said, do you have a favorite video game?” Sweetie Belle pressed. “Madden.” Pipsqueek replied without looking. The unicorn’s frown deepened and she immediately stood up, noting that Pipsqueek didn't even seem to notice her movement. With a sigh, the filly grabbed her cotton candy and trotted away from the colt, slipping past the various other ponies that filled the stands. Clutching the last of her sugary treat tightly, the filly made it to the edge of the stands, and leaped off the side, losing her grip on her food, but managing to land on her own four hooves at least. “Oh no!” She cried, hoof reaching for her now airborne snack. A brown foreleg reached out of the corner of her eye and snagged the pink treat out of the air. “Here.” Offered a vaguely familiar male voice. Sweetie Belle turned to find a slightly taller colt standing nearby, a game pad in one hoof, and her treat in the other. “T-thanks.” Sweetie Belle muttered, snagging her candy back. The colt nodded and went right back to his game, leaning against one of the supports for the bleachers. Sweetie Belle awkwardly trotted past the male while silently trying to figure out where she recognized him from. “I wonder who that was…” Sweetie Belle whispered. “Sweetie Belle what are you doing down here?” Scootaloo hissed. The unicorn blinked, only now realizing that she had been staring off into space, thinking about the strange colt she had met a second ago. “It didn't work out Scootaloo.” Sweetie Belle quickly replied. “But you hardly even gave him a chance.” Apple Bloom countered. “I could tell it wasn't going to go anywhere Apple Bloom. We don't have anything in common.” Sweetie Belle replied. Her friend’s exchanged a look. “Still, you have to appreciate his enthusiasm though right?” Scootaloo offered. “Yeah I mean he's obviously super into hoofball, and really wanted you to like it too.” Apple Bloom added. “I guess?” Sweetie Belle shrugged. “Let's just move onto the next one.” “Are you going to finish that?” Scootaloo asked, pointing to the unicorn’s candy. Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes and extended her hoof. “No. Go ahead.” “Sweet.” Scootaloo declared, the filly quickly devouring the sugary treat with wild abandon. “So uh, do you know who that colt over there is?” Sweetie Belle asked, while pointing to the brown coated male standing at the edge of the bleachers. Apple Bloom tapped her chin. “I think his name is Button Mash. He was in our class for a bit but he apparently skipped a grade.” “Woah. He must be smart.” Sweetie Belle marveled. Apple Bloom shrugged. “Must be. Never talked to him before though.” “Huh…” Sweetie Belle muttered. “So, are we moving onto the next one or what?” Scootaloo exclaimed. “Right after you clean up your face.” Sweetie Belle deadpanned. Scootaloo blinked, and turned, spying her cotton candy covered reflection in a particularly shiny peice of metal. “Oh uh, woops.” Apple Bloom sighed. “Lets stop by the boutique.” Sweetie Belle landed face first into the cold wooden floor, the filly’s eyes rolling around in her skull as she struggled to stand. “This is why I wanted to go to the arcade.” She muttered. “I’m sorry what did you say Sweetie Belle?” Asked Tender Taps who stood nearby, a smile on his face, with a hoof extended. Taking the offered limb, Sweetie Belle was pulled back into a stand only for her roller skates to nearly slip and send her back to the floor in the process. “Nothing. I’m just not very good at this.” She muttered. The colt smiled. “It's not too hard. You just need to keep your back straight, and your hooves an even distance apart, see like this.” Tender Taps pushed himself forward, skating several feet, and deftly slipping around the few ponies who littered the area. The act was simple, yet graceful, with the purple maned pony grinning all the while. Sighing to herself, Sweetie Belle tried to replicate his results, to a slightly less successful degree. Her knees shook, her hooves started turning away from her, and only a helping hoof from Tender Taps kept her from falling again. “See? Your getting better. I think.” Tender Taps offered. Sweetie Belle sighed. “Well I don't think so.” “Have a little patience Sweetie Belle.” Tender Taps encouraged. “Your great at video games and stuff, just think of this like that.’ “I’m good at that kinda thing because it's fun. This feels like work.” Sweetie Belle muttered. “Oh come on. We’ve only been at it for twenty minutes or so. You’ve hardly given it a shot.” Tender Taps smiled. “Just give it one last chance and I know you’ll have fun.” Sweetie Belle sighed. At least he's confident and pretty nice. Thought the unicorn. “Alright, I’ll give it one last try.” Tender Taps grinned. “Awesome. I’m glad to hear it. This whole roller skate arena is so cool and retro. Once you get the hang of it I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as I do.” Sweetie Belle frowned, and slowly shuffled forward, her awkward fumbling illuminated by the many colored lights that hung over her head. Around her foals and adults alike were skating with various degrees of dexterity, some with partners or groups while the odd few were alone. Watching them skate and glide around having a good time somehow made Sweetie Belle even more miserable then she had been a minute earlier. Her gaze glanced past her friends who sat on the sideline, hiding half behind a conveniently placed coat rack. Apple Bloom grinned, and nodded, the earth pony making a shooing motion with her hooves, encouraging Sweetie Belle to keep going. Noting that Scootaloo was making a similar motion, Sweetie Belle sighed, and went back to trying to skate. And for a dozen or so feet, it seemed like she was getting it, while at the same time Tender Taps was performing elaborate moves that Sweetie Belle could never hope to accomplish. Then her hooves started turning away from her, and no amount of force seemed able to make them turn back. With a grunt, the unicorn tried to force her forelegs to face forward, only to over compensate in the process. With her forelegs now tangled together, and her back legs still getting further away from her, there was little Sweetie Belle could do but close her eyes. A second later and the filly was sprawled out on the ground, a distant pony mocking her pain by laughing at her. Grumbling, Sweetie Belle rolled onto her side, and used her magic to untie her roller skates before trotting away. Tender Taps didn't even notice her departure, the colt having gotten caught up in an impromptu dance battle with a fellow skater. Sweetie Belle didn't care though, this day was bad enough as is, and she wasn't about to embarrass herself again. Brushing past a few other patrons, Sweetie Belle made her way over to the side, and opened the gate and stepped back onto normal, unpolished floor. “What happened? You were doing so well.” Whispered Scootaloo, her head poking out from the side of the hat rack. “Well I wouldn't say well, but you were certainly doing better.” Added Apple Bloom. Sweetie Belle groaned. “This is impossible. I don't have anything in common with anypony!” “Look at the bright side. He was… nice, right?” Scootaloo offered weakly. “Pfft yeah, but that's not the only thing that matters.” Sweetie Belle declared. “So what are we going to do next then?” Apple Bloom asked. “I am taking Featherweight to the arcade and we are going to play my favorite game and if he doesn't like that then too bad.” Sweetie Belle announced. “Are you sure that's the best way to find out if you like him? What if he doesn't like video games?” Scootaloo offered. “Were doing what I want this time and that's that.” Sweetie Belle proclaimed before placing her skates in the rack and stomping out the door. Her friends exchanged a worried look before scampering after her, leaving a confused Tender Taps to try and figure out what had just happened. “I uh, appreciate the invitation, but I’m not very good at video games.” Featherweight remarked nervously as he and Sweetie Belle trotted into the arcade. The unicorn filly shrugged. “It's not about being good, it's about having fun. There has to be a game here you enjoy.” The small colt frowned as he looked around the room, his gaze going from one game cabinet to the next, their many flashing lights serving as the main source of illumination for the arcade. A few dim lights shone overhead, the dark atmosphere unnerving the colt, but not Sweetie Belle who strode confidently down the rows, a bag of coins floating before her. Following behind the filly, Featherweight’s frown deepened the moment he saw the game they were headed towards. “Isn't that a little violent?” Featherweight asked. Sweetie Belle fixed the colt with a look of confusion. “It's just double dragon. There is hardly even any blood in it.” “My mom doesn't let me play games like that.” Featherweight admitted. “Then now is the perfect time to play something your normally are not allowed to.” Sweetie Belle countered, the filly hopping up onto the machine and placing her bag of coins next to her. “Plus it's a two player coop game so it will be even more fun with you here.” Featherweight hummed and hawed, but ultimately hopped up next to his friend, the colt pulling a coin from the bag he had tucked under his wing. “Alright, if you say so Sweetie Belle.” He murmured. Following his friend’s example, Featherweight plunked a coin into the slot, and watched as the screen flashed, changing from a row of names and high scores to the double dragons logo. Which had two female dragons standing back to back in the center of the screen as they smirked at the camera. Below them sat the words Double Dragon in large blocky gold letters, beneath which were a bunch of much smaller words that neither pony cared to read. After hitting start, Sweetie Belle grabbed the stick with one hoof, and positioned her other forehoof over the trio of buttons which sat next to it. Something Featherweight did immediately after, the colt doing his best to read the words next to the buttons as the game loaded. The screen flashed, and an alley suddenly appeared before them, rendered in a jaw dropping eight bits. Four female ponies of various races appeared from the right of the screen, approaching a short, slightly rounded male dragon who stood alone. One of the female ponies trotted out in front of the pack, and punched the dragon in the gut before hefting him over her shoulder and trotting away, the rest of the group following after her. A second later a garage door in the background opened up to reveal two female dragons who looked around and then huffed in anger. “Alright, now were talking. Come on Featherweight, let's go save our boyfriend.” Sweetie Belle cheered. “But I don't have a boyfriend.” Countered Featherweight. “Augh, it's part of the story Featherweight.” Groaned Sweetie Belle, who suddenly leaned forward. “Watch out, here they come.” Scootaloo and Apple Bloom exchanged a worried glance from their hiding spot nearby. “Okay Sweetie Belle. I think I got it figured out.” Featherweight replied, his blue dragon jumping up and down before leaping and attacking no one. Sweetie Belle hardly even noticed though, the unicorn already plowing her way through the second bad guy before Featherweight even learned out how to move forward. “Come on Featherweight, when the arrow flashes like that you have to go to the right.” Sweetie Belle explained. The colt gulped. “R-right.” He muttered, directing his character to follow Sweetie Belle’s around. Time passed quickly for Sweetie Belle, and before she knew it, Featherweight had burned through his first life, the colt walking into one too many headbutts. Groaning, Sweetie Belle did her best to pick up the slack, though it was obvious that it was going to be an uphill fight. Featherweight looked confused, and his blinking character walked around until his invisibility wore off and he took a crowbar to the head. “Wouldn't that kill you?” He asked. “It's a video game Featherweight. Don't think about it.” Sweetie Belle shot back. The colt shrugged, and went back to getting his butt kicked by a small horde of goons he couldn't seem to escape. A few more screens later and Featherweight died again, his character disappearing while Sweetie Belle continued on. “Is that it?” He asked. “Put another coin in. You can come back.” Sweetie Belle replied without looking. “But I only have two more and I was hoping to get a snack.” Featherweight countered. “Then watch if you don't want to play.” Sweetie Belle shot back before delivering a flying kick to a goon’s face. Featherweight frowned, and turned away. “Maybe I should just go…” Sweetie Belle didn't respond, the filly’s tongue sticking out of the corner of her mouth as she bobbed and weaved through the horde of faceless ponies, kicking and punching whenever she could afford to. Dejected, and feeling a little bad for himself, Featherweight turned and walked away, only to be grabbed by an orange hoof. “Sorry about Sweetie Belle, she's had a long day.” Scootaloo apologized. Featherweight turned to the filly and shrugged. “It's cool I guess. I just wish we had a chance to do something we both wanted to do ya know?” Apple Bloom nodded. “See you at school on monday?” “See ya then.” Replied Featherweight before turning and walking away. Scootaloo sighed as soon as Featherweight was out of ear shot. “Well today was a total bust. Sweetie Belle got through her whole list without having a real conversation with anyone.” “Thinking back on it we probably should have done a better job at helping her pick something they both wanted to do.” Apple Bloom added. “Yeah…” Scootaloo frowned. “So, you want to play some double dragon or should I?” Apple Bloom quickly shook her head. “You know how she gets when she plays those games.” “She is really intense.” Scootaloo muttered. “What do we do then, just leave?” Apple Bloom scratched her chin, only to blink suddenly. “Hey look it's that colt again.” Scootaloo turned, following Apple Bloom’s hoof to the double dragon cabinet, where Button Mash now stood next to Sweetie Belle. “Wow your right. What are the chances of that?” “Well he was playing games earlier. Maybe he remembered her.” Apple Bloom remarked. “Either way they seem to be enjoying themselves.” Scootaloo pointed out. “Yeah would you look at that.” Scootaloo murmured. In front of them, the two ponies hardly spoke, only ever offering the other a pointer, or warning them about an incoming attack. Together they took down legions of goons, and even blasted through the first boss in no time at all, their movements surprisingly well coordinated. Enemy after enemy fell without either of them dying even once, their score increasing dramatically in only a few minutes. “Wow they are good.” Scootaloo muttered. “Yeah…” Apple Bloom agreed. “But do you think she likes him?” “I don't know for sure, but it seems like it.” Scootaloo remarked. Sweetie Belle laughed suddenly, responding to a joke only she and Button Mash could have heard. Though barely noticeable, a small blush began to crawl across her face, and while waiting for a cut scene, the two players exchanged a brief look. Though it only lasted a few quiet moments, the glance was strangely heated, and left little doubt in Scootaloo and Apple Bloom’s minds as to how the other two ponies felt about one another. Scootaloo grinned as Button Mash and Sweetie Belle hastily turned back around, clambering to fight off a wave enemies that had surrounded them while they had been busy staring into each other’s eyes. “Huh, I guess this day wasn't a waste after all.” Apple Bloom announced with a smile. “It kinda makes me want to get a boyfriend too.” Scootaloo exclaimed. “They do look pretty happy and they aren't even together yet.” Apple Bloom pointed out. “Yeah…” Scootaloo frowned. “So uh. Do you want to go get a snack or something?” Apple Bloom nodded. “Yeah, that sounds nice. Something tells me we won't be needed anymore.” Scootaloo watched as Button Mash and Sweetie Belle laughed and cheered, the two ponies evidently enjoying each other’s company even more then the game they were playing. “Seems like it.” Scootaloo admitted. “Maybe we should make our own lists later.” Offered Apple Bloom. “I don't know. Seeing Sweetie Belle hang out with Tender Taps and Pipsqueak kind of made me want to do the same you know?” Scootaloo countered. “Y-yeah.” Apple Bloom muttered while blushing. Scootaloo shook her head vigorously. “Lets just go get some snacks. I think better with a full stomach.” “You and me both.” Apple Bloom agreed. Behind them Button Mash and Sweetie Belle continued to play, time flying by as they enjoyed each other’s company. An onlooker would swear they had been friends for years given how relaxed they were around one another. Either that or dating, considering the many side long glances they flashed one another when they thought the other wasn't looking. The flame of passion had been lit in both their hearts, though neither pony realized it quite yet, and that was okay. After all, they had a dragon to save, goons to beat up, and a game to win. They could worry about their feelings after their quarters ran out, and they got to know one another a little better.