> Rumble's Offbeat Yet Tender Romance
>  by Daemonabacus
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> A Question with No Answer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Winter Wrap-up had come to an effective close and spring had started smoothly. Equestria was tranquil and free of tension; a perfect day for relaxing. Rumble, though, was anything but relaxed.

Rumble sat in a tree’s cool shade, reading one of his favorite books so far: The Catcher in the Hay, by: J. D. Stallionger. Its story was rather straightforward: a young colt (Golden Hayfield) had become disillusioned in contemporary pony society and the constraints that cutie mark-culture put its ponies in. 

Cutie marks are a pretentious thing; ponies claim that marks outlined a pony’s destiny and true calling but Golden, and likewise Rumble, believed that marks gave ponies a superficial sign of direction with no real thought behind them. “Following your mark” was a silly and hollow way to live, and no pony wants to be a “phony-pony”, as Golden put it.

It had been less than a year since Rumble attended the CMC’s Cutie Mark Camp. Sure, his first voicing for independence had been a bit rash and quite a bit foalish; but he had since matured and re-evaluated his beliefs. Rumble had now begun to read the literature, which better allowed him to vocalize his concerns.

Cutie Marks hampered a pony’s agency and Rumble did not want to get one, regardless if it was something cool. The fact of the matter was: if Rumble had gotten his cutie mark in flying like he originally wanted, he would have grown up to be like Thunderlane; some sort of performer or soldier with a dull, predictable, and routine life. Rumble would be forced to train and perform all day, stuck in the training field dreaming hopelessly of what else he could have done with his life. And fundamentally, it was the same with all marks. Rumble would be forced to commit to one thing and his freedom and excitement in life would die, just like Golden’s foalhood wonder in The Catcher in the Hay.

Looking up from his book Rumble sighed; he was struggling with his newest philosophical conundrum:

‘How do I know if I’m free? If I ever can be free?’

While The Catcher in the Hay had allowed Rumble to identify his concerns, it offered no answer to his worries. Stallionger had been a breakthrough but the author only pointed out the problem and offered no clear answer himself.

‘I want to be a free pony like Golden, always thinking outside the box, but…how can I be sure that I won’t stop challenging myself once I get my mark?’, A fear that shook Rumble to his core as he recalled the CMC's recent Cutie Mark Camp fiasco that had kick started all this.

‘The CMC claimed they still tried new things despite crusading, but that’s not actually true. Almost all of their time was spent crusading and they hardly do anything apart from that. Besides, having free time doesn't change the fact that a cutie mark forces a pony to shape a great part of their life around it’.

‘If only there was a way to skip getting a cutie mark…have no sense of obligation or predetermination keeping me in a box’

But that wasn’t realistic, no one could prevent or get rid of cutie marks. That was a fact.




Meanwhile, in an undisclosed field on the outskirts of Ponyville, a certain lavender mare, with a particularly dark past, was having a picnic with a distinctly great and powerful marefriend, when she felt a shiver go down her spine. The Lavender mare coughed out a piece of sandwich and her magic dropped her yellow teacup.

"Starlight, are you alright?", asked the blue magician.

“Oh no, did I break your tea set?” apologized Starlight, looking around at the small mess she had made.

The magician stood up and sat in front of Starlight. With a face that emitted only care and concern. “It’s  Okay Starlight, I can always make more teacups.” 

With those silly words Starlight relaxed and even chuckled a little, “Right, yeah. Sorry, I guess I imagined somepony out there needing my advice…and well reflexes.”

“Starlight…”, the magician began “I destroyed that magic counselor ring of yours for a reason.”

“And I’m happy you did Trixie,” Starlight smiled and used her magic to clean up her spilled tea.

“Well, now that I know my marefriend is okay…”, the magician stood up and began waving her hooves, “I have a trick I've really wanted to show you.”

“You have my undivided attention” smiled Starlight; she truly had the greatest and most loving marefriend a mare could ever wish for.




Meanwhile, back under a tree, Rumble continued to struggle with his dilemma with no foreseeable answer, or help.

‘Maybe if I tried getting an obscure talent…a cutie mark with no clear meaning or pre-made path…at least that way I could decided what my mark meant instead of…No that's not right, I’m still not thinking outside the box’

'Ugh! I’m going to stop this before I go crazy’, Rumble closed his book, feeling completely defeated.

Looking up to the clear morning sky, Rumble got up on his hooves with new determination.

‘Buck, if I don’t get flying I’m going to be late for school’.

Tightening his saddlebag, Rumble extended his winds to start flying, when suddenly he heard somepony shouting.

"Rumble! Are you there?"

‘Oh, not again’.

With a single hard flap Rumble launched himself into the air and disappeared, not at all oblivious to the crazy filly shouting at him to stop.

“Pony feathers! He didn’t hear me,” Scootaloo skidded to a stop and hopped off her scooter. Scootaloo watched Rumble vanish into the clouds when the rest of the CMC arrived behind her.

“Scoot-aloo!...did’ja catch'em?”, Apple Bloom heaved.

“No, we just missed him”, Scootaloo responded disappointed.

“It's OK Scootaloo…*huff*…he didn’t…hear you…*gasp*” Sweetie Belle collapsed on the muddy ground, “You can just ask him when we all go to school today”.

Apple Bloom looked at Scootaloo who still hadn’t turned away from the clouds where Rumble had disappeared. 

“Scoots, I still don’t get whatcha see in him. Of all da nice ponies at our school, you just had ta fancy da one who can fly en’ getaway.”

“Not to mention…” Sweetie Belle mumbled into the ground still exasperated, “...he tried to sabotage our Cutie Mark Camp, he’s stubborn, and Doesn’t LiKe CuTie mARKS! THE THINGS Th-At MaKe A PO-ny SP-eCIAL!!” Sweetie Belle got her face out of the dirt, no longer tired, and said smiling with bright eyes: “...But if it's true love, I support it!”.

Apple Bloom gave Sweaty Belle a hard stare, resemblant of her big sister's. 

Sweetie Belle cringed in embarrassment, “Sorry, I was exhausted'.'

Looking back at Scootaloo, who was still staring off into the clouds, Apple Bloom asked a rhetorical question: “Why do you have to go and like bad-colts Scoots?”. Of course Scootaloo liked the crazy ones, maybe all of those scootertrix had finally caused her some severe brain damage.

Regardless of Apple Bloom's comment Scootaloo sighed longingly, “I don’t know, he's just so cool.”




Rumble descended into Ponyville having lost the CMCs. Rumble was able to fly well but still being a young flier he needed to rest between sprints. Looking to the sun again Rumble realized that he had lost track of time, again.

‘Horseapples. I’m not going to make it today.’

Rumble was thoroughly exhausted from the short scare and flight he had to pull to flee Scootaloo and her friends. Scootaloo was a good pony, she really was. But she, and to the same extent the Cutie Mark Crusaders, were all a chaotic bunch of ponies. A bit of excitement was fun and all but Rumble preferred the quiet when he had philosophical questions on the mind. Besides, Scootaloo was essentially his polar opposite, and a little crazy; staying away from her was preferable right now.

‘The last thing I need now is for the CMCs to condescend me with their expert opinion on Cutie Marks, again.'

Walking through the dirt paths of Ponyville Rumble realized that he had landed in an unfamiliar part of town and now he had to figure out where the school house was.

‘Where am I?’

Looking around a particular building notified him where he was.

‘Oh, the dancing school. That means I’m just west of the schoolhouse, I’ll be in class in no time.’

Rumble walked towards the dancing school, he would walk past it, then make a few turns, and the schoolhouse would be right in his sights.

‘Perfect’

“Fillies! Colts! Stay in sync, we won’t be in shape for the Hearts and Hooves show if you don’t keep your form!”

‘Huh?’

Rumble turned his head to look through the dancing school window, inside he found the source of the shouting. A light lavender mare, the dance instructor as Rumble guessed, was trying to reconcile her student’s disappointing progress. The dancing school was filled with at least 8 couples, all young ponies, who were trying to follow a sort of Galla dance number; mostly all falling.

Except for one. In the far back of the room was a young colt who caught Rumble’s eye. He danced differently from the other students, instead of following the rhythm of the music he was dancing alone…and free styling? Whatever he was doing was impressive, a sort of tap dancing, with short strides and circular hops that looked silly yet playful.

‘Huh, he must be an advanced student he isn’t at all clumsy.’

Rumble looked past the glass, then the dance instructor approached the dancing colt.

“Tender taps, what are you doing!”, the lavender mare barked.

The orange colt stopped dancing and turned surprised at his teacher, “Sorry Miss Steps, I got lost in the moment.”

“You need to follow the dance routine, we won’t be ready for the event in time if you don’t practice your form", Ms.Steps commanded lightly. "Do I need to remind you again that freestyle is not acceptable! The Hearts and Hooves event is just around the corner and I need my class to be presentable!”

Miss Steps wasn’t yelling in a mean way, she was just a proud teacher who wanted her students to do the best they could, however that meant being zealous of discipline. Rumble was familiar with these types of ponies, he once had a piano teacher who behaved the same; good mentors but they put the art before having fun. Ms.Steps was probably just as impressed by Tender Taps' dancing as Rumble was, but form came first.

'wait'

It came to Rumbles attention then, his question from earlier that day. That colt was thinking outside the box! Tender Taps had a cutie mark in performance and he was dancing in a class, but rather than follow conformity and dance in sync with the class he chose to do his own thing. 

Sure he was still probably happy that he had gotten his cutie mark in dancing, but maybe he might have something in common with Rumble. Could he like doing things unconventionally too? 

Maybe by a force of fate, the solution, or the first steps to the answer Rumble desired, had been put in his path by chance.

‘I have to talk to him.’
> A Dance Class with No Room for Fun
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rumble timidly entered the dancing school, an unexpected bell startled him. As in unison, everypony seemed to rubbernek to turn to look at him, only to go right back to whatever they were doing. Except Miss Steps, who finished instructing one of her students and walked over to Rumble.

"Hello. How can I help you?", asked the lavender mare in a strong manehattan accent.

"Uh", shoot I didn't think this through. "I was walking past the class and...I thought...maybe I could watch?"

Miss Steps raised an eyebrow. It wasn't the first time a friend of her students wanted to 'just watch' her class preform, then the next thing she knew, there were students falling over spectacularly and whole dance routines were ruined.

"Let me guess. You wanted to talk with a friend? Sorry sweety, if you want to 'watch class' you will have to stay in a corner or watch from outside."

"Oh, that's fine. I won't be here for long, promise."

Thinking better of it, Miss Steps relaxed and dropped her serious tone; she was already frustrated, no point in chasing drama. She nodded and moved on with instructing her other students. 

'Eh, the kid looks harmless. He had the decency to enter quietly and try to not disturb class...Unlike that yellow filly who had burst in here months ago shouting like she owned the place...'

'Hu, that was easy.' Rumble looked around the class, saw an empty bench near a wall, and trotted over to sit on it. Setting his saddle bag down, Rumble prepared mentally for the next step of his whim.

'Alright, now just think of how to approach him, I got...about ten minutes before class'. Rumble thought for a moment, only to get distracted watching the students.

Fillies and colts, all generally his age, engaged in an array of dancing routines and exercises. There were three fillies practicing ballet in front of a mirror, seemingly trying to perfect their synchronization and proper form. Another, three colts and a filly were huddled in a corner with a stereo practicing some faster paced free-er form of dancing. It seemed to be a sort of south-equestrian alpaca-style salsa dance, but Rumble wasn't too familiar with it so he honestly had no idea what it was; it looked cool though, and hard. There were some foals practicing galla waltzes, and two couples dancing rock'n roll style. There were lots of other things going on, but Rumble's ability to name genres hit its limit. 

As a whole though, the class was full of energy; everypony was engaged and seemed to be having a great time, enjoying the dancing or the company of their classmates. 

Except, to Rumble's surprise, the orange colt that had initially drawn his attention.

Tender Taps was dancing again, very impressively, but despite the elegance and precision of his movement, his eyes were shut and his mouth wasn't smiling radiantly like it had been before Miss Steps interrupted him.

Rumble felt saddened, Tender Taps had been so alive a moment ago, what happened?

'Of course...Cutie marks' Rumble asserted internally, his mind beginning again with a familiar train of thought, recalling a scene he read that morning in The Catcher in the Hay.

'This is just like when Golden's brother sold-out to make movies in Bridlewood. You take a cool thing like writing, flying, or dancing and make it into a performance; it becomes phony and it takes all the fun out of it!'

Rumble took another good look at Tender Taps, noticing his cutie mark in question: a Top-hat with a spotlight.

'Poor Tender Taps was dancing his heart and soul out, really having a great time! But then comes Miss Steps to remind him of his place. To follow his cutie mark. Dance not because it's fun but because he needs to put on a show.'

Rumble's inner sadness became frustration and it awoke his inner cynicism that accompanied thoughts of cutie marks. Unbeknownst to him, however, Rumble's ever growing dejection was leaking out through his face. 




While Tender Taps practiced, he took absent glances of the dance room and noticed the gray colt stranger glaring at him. Not only that, but the stranger seemed to be upset by him personally?

'What's up with him?'

Tender Taps stopped dancing and looked on at the stranger, wondering what he could have done to upset him, and started to walk over to him. 

Halfway there, the stranger realized that he had been seen, eyes going wide and his body retreating into a tight sitting position. He even tried to look off in another direction to pretend that he hadn't been staring at him.

Tender Taps decided to give the stranger the benefit of the doubt, as to not come off too confrontational. More likely than not, the stranger was upset about something unrelated to him and just so happened to stare off into space in his general direction; it's happened to him before.

"Hi! I'm Tender Taps, are you new to class?"

"Oh...", the gray colt began, he was obviously unprepared. He was trying to collect himself even more despite already having good posture. "...uh, no actually... Was I staring at you? I'm sorry, I do that sometimes, I didn't mean anything by it, honest!"

Tender Taps smiled, "Oh, no that's fine, I assumed you were probably upset about something so I came to help if you needed it. I'm one of Miss Step's senior students and she put me in charge of helping new students. Do you need help?"

"Well, no actually, I just came in to watch the students dance. I had some time before I went to school and I thought I'd watch the class perform...you guys are going to perform for the Hearts and Hooves day event at town hall right?"

"That's right!" Tender Taps smiled wide and lifted himself on his hind legs to strike a pose. He then began to tap dance and swing himself around, "Some of the students here and me are going to perform a musical for the event! It's going to be really cool, I even got a part where I solo! You should really come and watch". Tender Taps finished his little demo and bowed in front of the gray colt, he in-turn smiled back.

"That sounds awesome. I'll check it out, but...I wanted to ask you a question actually."

"Really? Sure, ask away."

"I saw you dancing before Miss Steps told you to stop soloing. And, once you started dancing again you didn't seem as happy about it, how come?"

"Oh, that...Well I was just free-styling. I needed to do a certain dance for the show and I wasn't doing that..." Tender Taps drew an embarrassed smile, he looked down and started to scratch the back of his mane. "...The routine for the dance is kinda simple...and I can do more impressive stuff, but I need to practice the specific dance for the show. Miss Steps says I need to do what's appropriate for the event."

"Well that sounds silly." The stranger retorted, in a dry and un-amused tone. "You should do what you were doing first, it was really cool! And, you were way happier too."

Tender Taps giggled a little, "Well, it was fun, but that routine is for a performance. I need to follow the routine otherwise I'll stand out too much and it won't make sense in the musical's story."

"Alright then, it's a shame though, if I were your teacher I'd figure out a way to change the musical so you could show-off your moves. It's silly to make you do something you don't want just because others expect something else." 

The stranger said that last line with some passion behind it, and a little anger? Like he was holding back on something. Tender Taps then remembered how the stranger had been upset when he first saw him.

"Yeah, that is kind of silly when you put it like that, maybe I'll ask Miss Steps about that one...Say, when you were looking off into space earlier, were you upset about something?...You looked kinda sad" Tender Taps wanted to connect the dots and ask if the stranger was upset about the musical, but decided no to push too much.

"Oh, yeah, well...I'm...uh..." The stranger's eyes lit up, probably because he devised a better cover-up, "...I'm upset about something that happened in the morning, it's no big deal...it's just that I have a classmate that won't leave me alone and I'm going to have class with them soon. I want to figure out how to tell them to stop, but I don't know how."

That wasn't what Tender Taps expected at all, huh. "Well, why are they bothering you, is it a bully!?"

"oh, nothing like that, just..." the stranger seemed to be considering whether he should spill the beans or not, his eyes searched around until he made a decision and looked back at Tender Taps. "Well, you know how it's going to be Hearts and Hooves day soon?"

"Yeah"

"Well, there's this filly at my school who thinks I'm cool for some reason, and I think she likes me, but I don't" the stranger put emphasis on: don't, "How should I tell her I'm not interested without being rude?"

"Well...why don't you like her?"

"...uh, it's going to sound mean, and I don't mean it to be mean, but...she's kind of crazy, like ACTUALLY crazy. I'm starting to think she's been spying on me...I don't have any proof and I hope I'm wrong, but my point is...I don't want to upset her because she and her friends might not take no for an answer"

"Whoa, that is upsetting...", Tender Taps was truly overwhelmed, what is he supposed to do? He wasn't really familiar with how straight relationships worked, and even then, this specific scenario didn't sound normal or healthy. "Uh, honestly I don't know, but if you think she's dangerous maybe you should ask an adult."

"You're probably right...but she's not dangerous, don't worry about that. What I mean is that she's kinda in your face."

"Oh, ok. Well, good luck with that then...It might not be worth much but if I were you I'd just tell her straight out and then explain afterwards. You seem like a good talker, I'm sure you can handle it". Tender Taps didn't feel like he was lying, the stranger was good at conversing, just that he was clearly trying to hide something else on his mind that was currently distracting him.

"Oh, thanks. You're a great dancer, maybe I could come and watch you guys perform again, it's really amazing"

"Oh, thanks. It would be wonderful to get some feedback before the event, come around and I'll tell Miss Steps that you're cool".

"That sounds great, um...sorry to cut this short but I actually have school in two minutes and I need to get going. Sorry..." the stranger simply began to walk towards the door anxiously.

"That's fine, good luck with the girl. And say, I didn't get your name!?"

The stranger shouted as he opened the door, ready to leave, "Oh, my name is Rumble"

"Well, my name is Tender Taps, and it was great meeting you! Good luck and thanks for the compliments!"

"Yeah, it was great meeting you too!" he had left by the time he finished.

'What a strange colt, wonder what's getting him so upset?', Tender Taps then shrugged and got back to dancing the event's routine. It was just as boring as it was the first time, his mind began going numb as he fell into the motions and his body danced without the need of his mind guiding the movements. 

Then, he remembered what the stranger--what Rumble had said--that he looked happier when he was free-styling.

Tender Taps looked down at his hooves and looked to see that Miss Steps was distracted, he decided to take a few strides out of routine. 

'nice, maybe if I...' 

Tender Taps added another stride to the routine, then another, then some extra taps and a faster beat. 

'Cool, that's way better, and I didn't change too much...'

After a few moments a smile returned to the colt's face and a sense of freedom overtook him.

'Rumble's right, I have to convince Miss Steps that that old routine isn't any good...Thanks Rumble.'




Outside of the dancing school, now well on his way to class Rumble reviewed what had just happened.

'Why did that feel so awkward?'

Usually Rumble felt way more confident and in control of conversations, but when he spoke with Tender Taps, he suddenly felt cornered. It felt as if Tender Taps was watching his every move and word, looking for clues to read his mind. 

But, the unusual thing was Rumble cared about what Tender Taps thought about him. He wanted to leave a good first impression, why?

'Uh, first cutie marks, then Scoots, now I'm losing my self confidence? Honestly, why am I having such a bad day?!', Rumble tried to focus on getting to the school and distracting himself with the short trot there.

Rumble sighed, 'Hopefully the CMC won't pester me, then I can get some time to clear my head or, more likely, just let me be distracted by school.'
> A School Day with Unexpected Complications (Part 1)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Coffee can really make a pony's morning, it clears the mental fog caused by waking-up too soon and can invigorate just about anypony who doesn't want to take on the day. Except, Cheerilee.

It wasn't exactly morning anymore (around 9am) and the high Cheerilee had gotten from her coffee had since worn out; no thanks to her first early-morning class. Up next was the 2nd shift of students for the day; the most challenging. 

Was it all the bad timing in Equestria? A test of her ability devised by Celestia herself!? It didn't matter; Cheerilee's next class involved the CMC, two very spoiled fillies, and the inevitable conflicts that would ensue.

In their own right, neither was that bad...

No! They were terrible in fact! 

Oh! And when they started one of their inevitable squabbles, Cheerilee and her class seemed to be left completely at their mercy. 

Nomatter how many times Cheerilee had complained to the school board or tried to resolve this with a good old fashioned parent/guardian conference, nothing worked; everything always just seemed to reset like no damage or suffering had ever happened.

For Celestia's sake! The CMC released flippin Discord! The Eldritch Daemon of Chaos upon her good town! 

And all those fillies received was a slap on the hoof and a "What did you learn today?" from the Elements of Harmony!

'Of course the Elements didn't do anything. Half of them are related to the CMC! Nepotism I say! And, speaking of corruption...Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon are no better either. They are soooooo Celestia damn rich that nothing can touch them!...'

'...I bet Filthy Rich bribes the school board, no doubt about that! He gives them money and they shut up! Easy. As. That...'

‘...They'd probably suck him off too! If he paid them...'

Cheerilee let out a low moan and sighed in frustration. 

'Ok, Cheerilee, all you have to do is wait this out... Just give class and ignore the fillies and you can just go home when the day is done....' 

Cheerilee began her breathing exercises. Soon enough she felt numb and stoic enough to take on the remainder of the day. Until...

"Gooouud Moornnnin! Miss. Cheerilee! How are you?"

'Speaking of Windigos. Well, here we go...' 

Cheerilee's head turned to greet Apple Bloom with a smile as fake as Spoiled Milk's nose. 

"Good morning Apple Bloom! It's so nice to see you! I'm feeling wonderful, thank you. Are you ready for a day of learning?" 

Feeling like she had let herself become possessed, being so kind to the literal bane of her existence, Cheerilee addressed Apple Bloom.

Apple Bloom propped herself up and smiled wide. "Well, yeah! I can't wait to make Hearts’n Hooves cards!" 

Apple Bloom composed herself and huddled over to Cheerilee's desk, she signaled to Cheerilee so she could share a secret with her. 

"You know... Scoots has a crush on somepony! Can you believe it! Scoots! And we... I mean, Sweetie Belle and I had something in mind but we need your advice...and".

'Oh NO!. Oh TARTARUS no!' 

With a weak smile Cheerilee interrupted Apple bloom's crazed scheming. 

"Um, Apple Bloom, need I remind you what happened last time you...intervened with another pony's personal romantic life?...I'm sure you learned something from that experience..."

"Huh?..."

 Cherelle prayed internally. 'She has to remember, surely...'

Apple Bloom's eyes went wide and she blushed in embarrassment, "oh...Oh. Yeah, I see what you mean...Sorry again" Just as quickly as it had appeared, Apple Bloom's enthusiasm hid away as she smiled wide and chuckled with embarrassment.

'Thank the stars!' Cheerilee relaxed. But just as she was going to direct Apple Bloom to her desk she started again. "But... I was hoping you'd..."

'Nope!'

Cheerilee corrected her posture to seem as professionally condescending as possible. 

"Apple Bloom, I appreciate your apology..."

Cheerilee regretted never suing the Apples, honestly what was she thinking...

 "...however, regardless of what your methods are..." Cheerilee emphasized with her hooves. "...No pony, should intervene with the personal lives of others, it's inconsiderate, disrespectful, and the results of your efforts are unpredictable, as you unboudly know."

Apple Bloom lowered her eyes in remorse and embarrassment. 

'That's right, know your place'

"I would suggest...I would highly recommend, that you don’t repeat the same mistakes. And, that you would tell Sweetie Belle the same. If Scootaloo has a crush, good for her..." 

'Celestia above, guide and protect whomever unfortunate soul has taken interest in her' 

"...but she needs to progress her romantic affairs on her own. You can talk to her and give her advice, that's fine, but meddling CAN ONLY cause damage. For Scootaloo, her special somepony, and your relationship with her as a friend."

Apple Bloom conceded by nodding. "Ok, Miss Cheerilee, I understand. I'll tell Sweetie Belle too."

Cheerilee smiled. "Great, I'm proud of the growth you've made".

"Thanks, Miss Cheerilee." Apple Bloom turned her back to Cheerilee and walked gloomy to her desk. 

Taking another sip of her second coffee for the day, Cheerilee watched the defeated filly with a smirk she was just too joyous to hide. Sure, she still felt miserable because of the nightmares, but boy did this moment make her day!

Until her consciousness returned.

'wait... Oh Celestia, what's happened to me? Honestly Cheerilee, taking joy for 'defeating' young and emotionally-vulnerable foals? ...As loose as that definition may apply here, seriously?'

Cheerilee honestly felt like apologizing to Apple Bloom and renouncing her job at the schoolhouse, then going home to cry and rethink her life choices.

'Maybe my mother was right... I should've just gone into the family business... I could really use some alcohol right now...' The sweet release of cherry wine and images of her family's happy vineyard invaded Cheerilee's imagination.

Finishing her coffee like a shot of whiskey, Cheerilee found a new resolve.

'Ok, one thing at a time, two more classes, some after school tutoring, then I can go visit the vineyard and clear my mind. Besides...'

Rumble entered the School house with a stumble, reading The Catcher in the Hay.

'Some of the other, more promising students, make it all worth it in the end...right?'



"Good Morning My Little Ponies, is every pony ready for another day of learning?"

The class of foals and fillies, now full, answered with a mostly neutral enthusiasm.

Beginning to write out mathematical notes on the board, Cheerilee continued:

"And renumber class, today is crafts-day! We will be making a few hearts and hooves cards today in preparation for the holiday later this week... And due to some coordination on Mayor Mare's part, our class will get the opportunity to attend the Hearts and hooves dance at the town hall if we pitch-in and make posters for the event...."

The class of now intrigued fillies and foals lifted in attention.

"...The best poster will win that student, or students, VIP access backstage! Now doesn't that sound fun?"

The class began to chatter and revel in excitement. A dance? Posters? A competition? What an opportunity!

Cheerilee finished writing on the board and looked back to class. "But first we need to cover polynomials"

A collective "Ugh," followed. Cheerilee frowned.




Later after the lesson, the CMC's gathered around in the typical Crusaders' planning action.

"Girls! We can totally win that competition!" Sweetie Belle brought over some paper and glitter to the desk they were sharing for crafts time.

"Totally! If we win, we could get our cutie marks in poster design'in!"

"Apple Bloom, we're over that, remember?" Sweetie Belle asked incredulously.

"Oh I know, Just a force of habit, sorry... Besides, I think this is a great opportunity regardless!"

"Really? Why?"

"We could totally set up Scoots with Rumble at the fancy dance if we win! Just imagine!"

"Oh my gosh! You're right! If we get backstage passes we could make the dance like thee MOST RomAnTIc FIrST DatE EVeR!"

Both Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom turned to look at the pegasus in question. "What do ya think Scoots? Totally awesome right?"

Scootaloo looked back with wide eyes and a fierce blush on her face; she had some craft paper in her mouth that she promptly spit out in shock. "What! NO!, I...no!"

"Scoots, ya joke'n right?” Apple Bloom became amused with her 'fearless friend'.

Scootaloo put her hooves over her head and tried to hide. "Guys! I haven't even asked him to hang out yet, I can't take him on a date! What if it weirds him out? I'm pretty sure he's been avoiding me" Scootaloo sighed, then quickly glanced in Rumble's direction to see if he had heard anything.

"Oh Scoots, you can't be serious! You were all for chas'in him down this morn'in!"

"Yeah, I got my hooves dirty encouraging you to pursue him romantically!" Sweetie Belle emphasized her dislike of dirt by dusting herself off, which earned her a weird look from both crusaders.

"What? Rarity says it's most preferable that a lady stay pristine and clean in times of pursuing love"

Scootaloo sighed again, "I am really regretting telling you guys about this, I should've just kept my feelings to myself.” Scootaloo put her head down on the table and tried to hide. “What we did this morning is the reason why I'm having second thoughts."

Scootaloo looked up from the table to Sweetie Belle in particular.
“What were you thinking, Sweetie Bell? You can't just chase after somepony and propose a date!... What was I thinking? We're going about this all the wrong way!"

Sweetie Bell was saddened by the remark. "Wait, you regret listening to me?"

"Actually Sweetie Belle, I think Scoots has got'a point..." Apple Bloom looked between an upset Sweetie Belle and a dejected Scootaloo, “...As much as we wanna help ya Scoots, this is your thing. And, like I had to learn when we got our cutie marks, us Crusaders need to understand when we should split up and do things on our own.” Silence followed.



Cheerilee's ears perked up from a distant corner of the class, 'Thank you Celestia, thank you!'



Scootaloo smiled, "Thanks Apple Bloom, I would like to do this on my own." 

Apple Bloom Smiled back, "Well, that settles that".

Scootaloo turned to Sweetie Belle, who was still a bit sad. "But, I do appreciate that you guys care..." 

Scootaloo thought for a moment, "Maybe...if you guys give me space, we can still do this...sort-of-together. I want to be the one to call the shots, but without the encouragement I might not ever ask Rumble out..."

Sweetie Belle's eyes glittered and her smile returned, "Are you saying, what I think you're saying?"

"If you guys give me space, I'll let you guys help me. That dance idea sounds really nice... if we do it right", Scootaloo scratched the back of her head as she blushed lightly again.

"Oh, Scootaloo of course we'll help you! What do you say Apple Bloom? Cutie Mark Crusaders: Wing-mares!"

"That sounds awesome!"

The three friends cheered and rejoined in a hug.



Still listening in from a corner of the classroom, Cheerilee cursed herself internally.
> A School Day with Unexpected Complications (Part 2)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Alright class, I think we've covered enough about polynomials for the day. Which means, you can all start working on your Hearts and Hooves Dance posters!" Cheerilee cleared the dusty chalkboard of the day's notes and began re-writing. 

The schoolhouse of fillies and colts, awakening from the mathematically induced haze, rose to attention like Meerkats greeting the dawn.

"Miss Steps, this year's dance instructor and show director, specified to me that your posters can be as creative and colorful as you'd like. However," Cheerilee cleared her throat, "there are some rules." Rumble rolled his eyes from the back of the class.

"1. The posters should be clear to read: 'Hearts and Hooves Dance, all are invited.' Your names should be written discreetly in a corner." Cheerilee looked at no-pony in particular.

"2. The posters shouldn't be larger than this poster board." Cheerilee lifted a stack of paper for the class to use and set it down on her desk. "We aren't making billboards here." Cheerilee eyed Diamond Tiara. 

"And finally, 3. All contents of your posters should be school appropriate. I'll define what that means, so please ask me if you aren't sure what that means." Cheerilee eyed Snips and Snails.

Leaving the rule ridden chalkboard, Cheerilee rolled out the arts and crafts cart for her students to use. "Ok class, you can get to work, and remember this is a friendly competition so have fun!"




Rumble sat hunched over his desk with drooped wings, a pencil in mouth, and a very sullen scowl. A cutie mark crisis, girl problems, and a sudden lack of confidence were together the worst blend of bad-day Rumble had woken up to yet. Now what, he had to make a poster?

Rumble sighed.

The poster competition initially sounded like a fun distraction, some artsy assignment that could be done with minimal mental effort; a relaxing challenge. But when Cheerilee said "Hearts and Hooves Day" and "rules" in the same sentence all the things bothering him returned to the forefront of his mind.

'Hearts and Hooves Day is the shallowest, phoniest holiday on the Equestrian calendar,' Rumble thought.

All across equestria, Mares and Stallions will spend their time and bits on nick nacks for their special someponys. Maybe some tasty flowers or chocolate, a romantic outing, a lovely song? 

Whatever, point being: all those things would supposedly culminate in a romantic setting so entrancing and suffocating that a couple's true love for each other would blossom, they would see eye to eye, and everything would be perfect. Hay, the couple could get married right there and then! Because Hearts and Hooves Day helped them see: it was always meant to be!

Why did so many ponies buy into this? Does anypony realize how silly it is to say you're going to do something special for somepony else, at the same time as everypony else? And, the same hoof full of things no less?

Which brought cutie marks to mind.

How do cutie marks make anypony special if we all get them? Sure they are a 'rite of passage' as some like to say, and a little celebration and support amongst family is welcome (Rumble would admit that much) but why jump to the conclusion: since you got your cutie mark now, it should be the thing that guides the rest of your life? And not yourself?

It's foolish to call something so arbitrary destiny but it's the norm and it's become a self-fulfilling prophecy. 

A foal gets their cutie mark, society tells them it's super duper important, they rationalize why they even got it, and boom: it was always meant to be!

Just like Hearts and Hooves Day. 

You wouldn't jump to marry the first pony you date, so why would anypony want to marry the first special talent they get? Because of an arbitrary cutie mark? Which mind you, we still don't have an understanding from where or why they appear.

All of these bogguss rules and ideas which ponies just seemed to eat up so easily (Hearts and Hooves Day will help you find true love, or your cutie mark will lead your life) all frustrated and depressed Rumble in ways no foal should have to deal with before adulthood. Why couldn't others see the world for what it really was? Why couldn't anypony else see the contradictions?! Was Rumble the only pony thinking outside the box?

Rumble looked down at his desk, feeling completely defeated. Crafts paper, scissors, crayons, and sap-based adhesive were at his disposal to create the most beautiful poster he could imagine. But that thought had been spoiled by his new world view; everything seemed so phony now. Nothing was safe from the ridiculousness of cutie marks! 

Rumble took out The Catcher in the Hay from his saddle bag and wondered while staring at the cover: 'Maybe I would have been better off not knowing...'

Rumble continued looking at the notorious book that had opened his eyes. 

The book's cover was a bright red and cream. A sketch of the Manehattan cityscape and park was its backdrop and at its front and center: a dejected pony trotted; metaphorically trapped cycling in a carousel, around and around, never able to escape the confines of his life defined by his cutie mark. 

Despite the grim symbolic image, Rumble was captivated. The book's cover was actually sort of pretty. The colors were bold, the sketch lines rough but clear, and all together the dramatic display was rather poetic given how the novel ended.

'How could somepony be so sad, yet look so pretty too?'

Then memories of Tender Taps' dancing came flooding back to the forefront of Rumble's imagination. The orange colt stood still inside the dancing school. He then began dancing. A spotlight appeared and followed him around as the rest of the class faded into darkness.

Tender Taps twisted and turned elegantly with a sturdy rhythm, his gestures and strides were effortless yet powerful. Tender Taps was an earth pony but, at that moment, he could fly.

Suddenly Miss Steps entered the scene, she appeared as a dark silent shadow and she too danced. 

Taking the role of a shadowplay villain, aiming to ruthlessly stop the hero, Miss Steps approached Tender Taps. The shadow raised her body and front limbs upwards and forwards, conveying a shunning gesture, and without a single word or sound Tender Taps fell. His once graceful dancing stopped, his body fell limp, his mane tousled. 

The villainous shadow then bowed, picking up a life-less Tender Taps. The shadow carried Tender Taps over with a skip and a twirl, and placed him inside a bright red carousel. 

Having finished her evil plot, the shadow exited. Tender Taps then slowly rose again, beginning to dance as the carousel began to spin.

The once graceful colt now took small strides, he bent his body in the cramped carousel trying to recreate the movements he had done before, he slowly came back to life but his prison impaired his movement. 

Rumble was angered by the scene, he imagined himself shouting from the darkness, encouraging the colt to not give up hope.

Then, as if responding to his cries, Tender Taps began to glow a faint red. He stood up and ignited into a hot red blaze! His features were outlined with bold charcoal strokes; he became a dancing flame. 

Tender Taps became the Carousel pony. He was unable to do anything else but dance, stuck spinning around and around, but he gave it his all. The flames coming off of him grew and the glow became brighter than a carnival. The carossle began to bulge and bend outwards with the intense heat, giving Tender Taps just enough room to continue dancing elegantly again. 

His movements were nothing short of awe inspiring. He was beautiful.

Entranced by the fantasy, Rumble knew what his poster had to be. He couldn't care less about Hearts and Hooves Day but if the ponies of Ponyville were going to attend the dance, it would be to see Tender Taps perform.

Without so much but a gentle shake, Rumble exorcised all the bad thoughts previously haunting his mind. He set his book aside and began picking colored paper from a crafts bin. Rumble coated his poster board with adhesive, meticulously cut colored paper, and laid down every snipping of paper in a zen-like state, with coordination rivaling that of Tender Taps' elegant dancing. Everything else seemed to fade away.

Rumble didn't notice all the other fillies and colts leave class for recess, not until he had finished his poster and Cheerilee had appeared behind him. She tried not to disturb his concentration with a quiet complement, but Rumble was startled anyway.

"Wow, very nice Rumble, I see you must have really enjoyed that book I recommended," Cherilee said kindly.

"Oh, uh thanks," Rumble replied still a little startled.

"I do have to ask though, what about the Hearts and Hooves Dance made you think of The Catcher in the Hay?"

Rumble thought for a moment, looking back to his poster and retracing his steps. Cheerilee was an adult, she had read the book too, maybe she would understand him.

"I saw a colt dancing in the morning, he was actually practicing for the dance..."

"Oh, really".

"Yeah, he was really, really good too. He seemed like a professional dancer, but..." Rumble looked away from Chirelie unable to make eye contact, "he was also sort of sad."

"Why was he sad?"

"He was having a lot of fun dancing his own way, really making a show of things and experimenting, until his teacher told him to stop and do some boring dance she choreographed for the event." Rumble sighed, "it was like she took the life out of him. One moment he was happy, the next he was sad and bored; it reminded me of Golden in the book."

"AH, I see. So his colt you saw, is the one on the poster," Cheerilee looked closer at Rumble's art, "...and you drew him like the carousel pony because...he was sad?"

Impatiently and almost a little angrily, Rumble answered. "Sort of. I drew him like the carousel pony because he's going through the same stuff as Golden...Tender Taps, that's the colts name, was perfectly happy until his teacher told him to stop being creative. He was happy dancing until an adult told him to grow-up and follow what his cutie mark says he's supposed to do."

"Oh," Cheerilee responded flatly, thinking and glancing down at Rumble's blank flank. "I guess that does sort of sound like Golden. Don't you think that's a little exaggerated, though? Maybe Tender Taps was behind and he needed to practice."

"No, Miss Cheerilee. You should have seen him, he didn't need the practice, that boring routine was nothing for Tender Taps... Just like the carousel pony, Tender Taps has to do what he's told and was sad as a result." Rumble declared, matter-of-factly.

Cheerilee wasn't entirely convinced, "Uh, Rumble... I'm not sure you understand what the carousel symbolizes then..."

Rumble stared incredulously.

"The carousel isn't a prison necessarily, it's deeper than that. When Golden sees the carousel pony at the end of the book, and how happy his sister is, he comes to an epiphany." 

Cheerilee took Rumble's copy of the book and pointed at the cover, "The carousel pony represents a happy acceptance of maturity. As ponies grow-up and get their cutie marks they realize what their roles in life are supposed to be and then have to begin an endless cycle of constant maturity with no clear end in sight." 

Cheerilee frowns just a little bit, but quickly regains a small smile, as to encourage Rumble to keep thinking about the book. "The carousel isn't a cage Rumble, it's like a circular path."

"I don't know Miss Cheerilee, ponies stuck going round and round in a carousel sounds pretty melancholy to me."

Cheerilee held back a sigh. "Well Rumble, that's what ponies typically get from the book. And lots of pony scholars have analyzed this book over the millennia." Cheerilee gave Rumble back his book, "Either way, I still think your poster is pretty, I'm sure it's still topical in some sense."

Cheerilee then took Rumble's poster and added it with the others. Cheerilee looked back at Rumble, "Say Rumble?"

"Uh, yeah Miss Cheerilee?"

"Would you mind taking these to the dancing school for me, Miss Steps will be grading them, not me. Maybe you could use the opportunity to cheer up that colt you saw in the morning."

Not wanting to argue further with Cheerilee, Rumble withheld how he had already told Tender Taps to ignore Miss Step's instructions. Cherilee was just like all the other adults. "Sure Miss Cheerilee I wouldn't mind..."
> A colt with Anxiety
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rumble found himself outside of the dancing school again. Although he was a little apprehensive of seeing Tender Taps again so soon, he decided it was for the best. Rumble took a deep breath and walked in, the doorbell ringed as he entered.

To his surprise and slight relief, the dancing school was almost empty. Instead of a room full of students practicing, like what he saw in the morning, there were only around four still here. Only one of them was still dancing, and of course, it was Tender Taps.

Like in the morning, everyone turned to look at him but quickly turned away once he had been seen. Tender Taps, however, was too distracted dancing so Rumble still had a choice to back out.

'No. I'm already here. I can do this right this time, just relax and keep your cool.'

Rumble began to approach Tender Taps at the far corner of the room but was intersected by Miss Steps.

"Hello dear, nice to see you again. Why are you here? May I ask?"

Rumble took only a moment to put his words together, "Hello Miss Steps, Miss Cheerilee told me to bring these to you," Rumble opened his saddle bag and handed over the posters, "they are the posters my class made for advertising the Hearts and Hooves Dance. You know, for the competition."

"Ah, yes!" Miss Steps responded, "I need to grade these... Well, thank you for bringing them to me personally little colt, it was very kind of you and your class to make these for us. I'll make sure to look at all of them very carefully." 

Miss Steps placed the posters on a nearby desk and looked back to Rumble, "is that all you came here for? Or did you want to visit your friend again?"

Miss Steps looked in Tender Tap's general direction, he had been watching them but he looked away pretending he hadn't been eavesdropping.

'So much for the element of surprise,' thought Rumble.

"Ugh, yeah. I did come to see him too, is that ok? It looks to me like class ended..."

"Yes, class is over. You are free to stay as long as I keep the school open. Which won't be much longer..." Miss Steps looked at the clock and began to walk away. "Have fun!"

With her departure, Rumble looked towards Tender Taps again. He took a moment to relax, breathe in and out, and finished closing the distance.

"Hi again," Rumble declared.

"Oh, hello," Tender Taps stopped dancing and greeted Rumble with a hoof-shake and a smile, "I see you came back. Any luck with the filly?"

"Huh? Oh. No. I avoided her again, actually," Rumble admitted a little bit ashamed.




'Alright Scootaloo you can do this!'

Scootaloo stood up on her hind legs and boxed the air like Rainbow Dash to rally herself up. This was going to be it, she was going to ask Rumble out on a date!

Well, not really a date, Date. More like a casual hangout session... for cool ponies like themselves.

Yeah!! 

Totally.

First they would just hang out. She would show Rumble how cool she was, complement how cool he was, and bada-bing bada-boom they'd hit it off as cool-buddies! 

...And once they were cool buddies, the next logical step would be... to become cool special someponies together.

Scootaloo imagined herself landing an awesome flip on her scooter, then skidding to a stop. Rumble landing next to her after performing a loop-de-loop in the air. They'd strike an awesome pose, like from a Daring-Do book! And then, after an explosion went off in the background, they'd end up in a passionate embrace, followed by a passionate kiss. Rumble would take her in his hooves, spread his strong muscular wings, and they'd take-off into the sky together, like the awesome power-couple they'd be.

Scootaloo shook herself awake from her hormonally induced fantasy, a blush again tinted her cheeks. She needed to focus, and stop blushing! Cool ponies don't blush!!!

Taking a relaxing breath or two, Scootaloo gained the confidence to leave the little fille's restroom and finally confront her one true love head on.

'Alright, I can do this. I will do this!'

Scootaloo exited the restroom, scanned the School house, and locked her eyes on Rumble. She made her way over to him, completely confident in her next move... for only as long as Rumble wasn't looking at her.

"HHhaayyyyyyyyyy....", Scootaloo bagan but it was too late to back down. Dread slowed her to a crawl.

Rumble looked up from his desk and the poster he was working on, his eyes widened, "Oh... hi."

"Ugh...", Scootaloo was sweating, she could feel her body going tense and she couldn't stop herself from smiling weirdly. "...so... yeah, how. How you been?"

"Um, fine I guess. And you?" Rumble was fidgeting with a pencil in his wing and he began looking around the room.

"Uh. Good, nothing wrong here. No sir!". Scootaloo saluted Rumble, she tried to lean on a chair to strike a cool pose and appear super-chill, but she slipped and made a greater fool of herself.

"Um, so..." Rumble began, trying to find a way to escape, "Did you finish your poster for the competition?"

"YYEas!" Scootaloo replied, a little too loudly. She got up on her hooves again and desperately tried to make eye contact with Rumble. She failed, the pathetic attempts only making her look even-less sure of herself; or mentally stable, generally speaking. 

"I, ie did. Mee and the girls allready turned it in. We're gg-going to win the competition... I'm sure of it! We made the coolest poster in the whole class...other that Yyour's that-is!" Scootaloo tossed her head aside as her blush threatened to return.

"Cool. So, you don't need to give it to me, I already have it..."

An awkward silence ensued.

"Um. Yeah, you do. But! I just wanted to wish you luck. Cuz' you're pretty cool yourself."

Rumble didn't know how to process that, so he just said: "thanks. You're... cool too, well sorry I gota'go." 

And with that Rumble shoved the posters into his bag and skedaddled out of there. Scootaloo collapsed on the floor once he left, a puddle of sweat covered the floor boards. The embarrassment should have been enough to kill her, but...

'He, he thinks I'm cool!!!'

'Wahooo!!!'




"Yeah, she was being weird again so I just left as quickly as I could...", Rumble confessed.

"Aw, don't put yourself down about it, you can just try again later," Tender Taps' expression shifted as he thought of a way to lighten the mood. 

"Anyway, I wanted to tell you that your advice worked!"

"Really!? Miss Steps is going to let you perform how you want!?", Rumble was genuinely excited, had he managed to free Tender Taps from his metaphorical carousel prison?

"What? Oh, no." Tender Taps clarified, shaking his hoof, "I haven't asked her, she probably wouldn't agree with it anyway... No, I was going to say that you were right about the routine being more fun after I added my own personal modifications to it. I'm sure that I could choreograph a whole routine on my own if I tried!"

Rumble was a little disappointed.

"I wanted to thank you," Tender Taps continued, "for showing me that I can come up with my own dancing ideas! Before, I thought that I was just messing around for fun, but now!" Tender Taps click-clacked his hooves on the floor, "I think I've got what it takes to make it big in show business! I just needed someone to point it out for me." 

Tender Taps curled himself up slightly, as if trying to shield off embarrassment.

"Obviously!", Rumble was a bit angry that Tender Taps was so modest, his face was incredulous and frustrated but not aggressive, "you're like the best dancer in his whole town. You're going to be big, I know it!"

"Really? Thanks!", Tender Taps beamed and shut his eyes as he did a little jump-dance; the colt was alive again, which was enough of a happy sight to eliminate most of Rumble's frustration with him. 

But, that didn't mean he was off the hook...

"Taps, can I call you that?", Tender Taps nodded eagerly in response, "Taps, I'm happy that you feel more confident in yourself now, but why didn't you ask Miss Steps about changing the routine?"

"Um. Well, I thought... She's the teacher, I'm just the student, she would know better right? Besides, I couldn't possibly do all of the organization she does for the dance!", Tender Taps became tense again, he bit his lip and started to shake, "We only have a week until the show! Plus, I'd have to lead the other dancers, get the moves down, and that's assuming Miss Steps even agrees!!" 

Tender Taps became more agitated with every hurdle he listed, he fell to the ground on his haunches and became an anxious mess. Rumble looked at him, surprised only briefly, then a familiar sullen scowl of frustration returned to his features.

Groaning and rolling his eyes, Rumble pulled Tender Taps to his hooves and shook him a little.

"Taps! Snap out of it," Tender Taps looked at Rumble, his eyes full of worry, "I told you already, you're an incredible dancer. You are skilled enough to come up with moves all on your own..."

Tender Taps nodded in slightly reluctant agreement.

"...So," Rumble continued, still a bit cross but in a motivational kind of way, "you have all it takes to do this. You can do this Taps!...And you know what?"

Tender Taps listened attentively.

"...I'm going to help you. I'm going to make sure you dance at that show, not as a measly performer but as the lead-dancer you deserve to be. Everypony in Ponyville should be able to see you dancing, the real Tender Taps Dancing!"

Tender Taps looked at Rumble in awe, "You, you really mean-that?", Tender Taps murmured.

"Yeah Taps, I do. You're amazing, your talent shouldn't be left unappreciated because Miss Steps thinks she's the bee's knees."

Tender Taps giggled at that, then got to his hooves fully. He relaxed and then looked to Rumble hopefully, "Th-thanks Rumble. I think you're right."

Rumble took a step back and smirked, "You bet I'm right."

The two colts stood still for a while, smiling as the joy and hope for their new collaboration set in; it was the beginning of a nice friendship.
> A Colt with a Plan
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Wait," Tender Taps retorted, his smile fading into a questioning stare, "how are you planning on helping me exactly?"

Rumble smirked, "Simple. You're an amazing dancer, right?"

"Yeah, I guess", Tender taps sheepishly admitted; singing his own praises wasn't something he was used to.

"But you're a bit nervous about organizing everything..." Rumble continued, rolling a hoof in the air.

Tender Taps nodded, shivering ever so slightly.

"So," Rumble continued, "I'll just handle the logistical part of it, you handle the dancing, and next thing you know..."

Rumble walked up to Tender Taps and put a hoof around his neck and gestured to the horizon with his other hoof, "we pull off the most spectacular Hearts and Hooves Dance this side of Ponyville has ever seen!" Although Rumble had tried to say as much in a neutral and relaxed tone, as he usually speaks, a little excitement leaked out; Tender Taps noticed.

"Are you sure?" Tender Taps faltered, feeling Rumble's weight and charm off-balancing him.

"Of course!" Rumble replied smugly, "I've done this before, actually."

"Really? You've organized a dance before? When?"

"Well, I ran my own cutie mark camp once," Rumble quipped half-clamantly, combing back his mane and closing his eyes as if it were no big deal, as if it went absolutely according to plan, "yup. I organized a whole camp of foals, all on my own..."

Tender Taps was genuinely impressed.

Rumble opened his eyes, stammering in realization, "...well my brother helped a little, after I... course-corrected some other fillies' camp. The point still stands! I know what to do to make this work; quite particularly, actually."

Tender Taps felt conflicted in Rumble's grip, he was in awe again, Rumble was confident that he could make his dream come true! And he seemingly wanted to help him, for no reason other than he believed in him and he liked his dancing!

But he was way too laid-back about the whole thing... Were there other reasons why Rumble was doing this? Was he just trying to flatter him? If so, why? Wait, what was that about hijacking camps?!

"...And with me taking charge,” Rumble let go of Tender Taps and gestured towards him with a hoof, "you would be free to dance however you wanted, to your heart's desire. No boring routines or snotty teachers holding you back!" Rumble pitched with a smile, "...your Hearts and Hooves Dance would be one to remember!"

'Whoa, my dance. There's a thought.'

'A scary thought...'

"What do you think?" Rumble lowered his head a little, waiting for his response.

"Uh... I. I don't know... where would we even start?" Tender Taps begun to shrink again.

"Well, that's simple. First I need to know what the event will be like. Is there a story? How many ponies will be dancing?"

Tender Taps relaxed a little with the simple question. "Um, well the dance is a short play followed by a ball for all the visitors. My class will perform a little three act play, set the mood, and then break with music so everyone else can dance."

"Hmm. Seems simple enough," Rumble put his hoof on his chin, "what changes would you like to make?"

"Changes?..." Tender Taps remained uneasy. "Well, Miss Steps has everything planned out already, and..."

"Really, Taps? If the routine I saw in the morning is anything to go by, Miss Step's vision for this dance is boring at best and depressing at worst."

Rumble began twiddling his wing-tips together, remembering Tender Taps in his dejected state. "No, that won't do. You need to give this thing your special touch, otherwise ponies will lose interest in the whole thing and maybe even dancing in general."

"You really think the routine was that bad?"

"No offense Taps," Rumble's bored eyelids sunk again, "Miss Steps has clearly taught you well but that routine you were doing after she told you to stop improvising was lifeless... No one would be in the mood to dance after seeing that."

"Ouch."

"But you can change that!" Rumble poked Tender Tap's chest encouragingly with a wing. "That's why it's so important for you to dance the way you really want to! There's no hiding it, you're an amazing dancer and you give life to everything you do."

"All...alright," Tender Taps stiffened up and looked down at his hooves, imagining dance moves; maybe hiding a faint blush.

"I may have a few ideas..." Tender Taps admitted, unintentionally a little coyly.

"Awesome!" Rumble beamed, "walk me through and I'll figure out a way to convince Miss Steps to give you a chance."





"All right Crusaders, I now call this Crusader meeting to order! First item of business: We are getting Scootaloo a date for the Hearts and Hooves Dance!"

Apple Bloom announced this, a little too teasingly, from the podium inside the Crusader Club House. Sweetie Belle listened intently with a wide grin, ideas already forming in her mind as she held a tight hoof around an embarrassed Scootaloo.

"We will begin with a quick overview of what has already transpired," Apple Bloom continued. "Scootaloo likes Rumble. Now he isn't the one I would have picked... but he'll do just fine."

"Hay!" Scootaloo interjected.

"Aw, you're defending him!" Sweetie Belle hugged Scootaloo tighter, her blush continually growing fiercer.

"It is adorable," Apple Bloom agreed.

Scootaloo groaned as if Sweetie Belle's hug caused her mortal pain. "Apple Bloom, get on with it!" Scootaloo knew she was too flustered to possibly appear intimidating, so she settled on hiding behind her little wings to save the little dignity she had left.

"Alright, alright, where was I? ... Ah, yeah! Now that the crush has been identified, it falls upon us the Cutie Mark Crusaders: Wingmares! to organize that date!" Apple Bloom's playful emphasis on gushy words was met with a chorus of groans from Scootaloo, "I reckon that we start with a proposal from our love expert. Sweetie Belle, may you do the honor?"

"Whoo! This is going to be fun." Sweetie Belle let go of Scootaloo and traded places on the podium with Apple Bloom, who sat next to Scootaloo but at a distance; no need to poke a hornet's nest after all.

Using her levitation magic, Sweetie Belle revealed a book she had brought in her saddlebag and opened it for the others to see.

"Ahem. As stated in Love and You, Hopeless Romantics Edition by Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. Cha..."

"I am not hopeless," Scootaloo fussed.

"Oh, shush you, the expert is talking!" Sweetie Belle's inner Rarity emerged again, to Scootaloo's frustration and Apple Bloom's giddy enjoyment.

"Ahem. Chapter Three, The first date. When you develop feelings or a crush for somepony, scoring a date can be intimidating, scary, or even anxiety inducing? Huh...?" Sweetie Belle flipped through the pages and began reading erratically as she looked for something. Scootaloo listened attentively to her own discomfort, Apple Bloom noticed but stayed quiet.

"You need have no fear... love is for everyone... This guide can help...blah, blah, blah... Sorry, my bookmark must've fallen out... Oh! Here it is! Step Five. How to prepare a romantic setting. The best..."

"Wait." Scootaloo stammered quietly before realizing what she had just implied.

"What is it, Scootaloo?" asked Apple Bloom, honestly trying to hide her smug face and be supportive.

"I uh...," Scootaloo sighed, "I didn't ask Rumble out yet. I messed up." Scootaloo lowered her head in shame.

"Oh." Both Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom exchanged looks.

"Did it go well though?" asked Apple Bloom, a bit apprehensive about how to handle things. What would Miss Cheerilee want her to do? Probably nothing to be honest.

"Uh, well. He talked to me, so... I guess...," as Scootaloo said this she rocked back and forth on her rump a little, still embarrassed. "He uh, did say... that he thought... I was... cool though," Scootaloo cringed and tried hiding again; her friends smiled.

"Really, that's great Scootaloo!" Sweetie Belle announced encouragingly.

"Yeah, that doesn't sound too bad," admitted Apple Bloom.

Feeling a little reassured, Scootaloo lowered her wings from her face to reveal a blush and continued. "I... I don't know what happened, I was so confident up until I actually had to talk to him... Do..."

Scootaloo realized how pathetic she must have seemed to her friends at that moment but she kept going anyway, it's not like it could get any worse. Taking a deep breath and hiding under her wings again, she continued; her speech gradually becoming a quiet whisper, "could you go over that part about... anxiety?"

"Sure Scoots, that's no problem," Sweetie Belle looked back to her book with a smile.

Scootaloo relaxed, this had clearly gone better than what she had hoped. They didn't even tease her this time!

"Yeah, you call the shots, remember!" Apple Bloom smiled a little smugly again, elbowing Scootaloo on her side. "Isn't that right, totally not-hopeless lovermare?"

There it is. Scootaloo signed and rolled her eyes; that wasn't so bad.

"Ahem. Chapter Three, Step One. When you develop feelings or a crush for somepony, scoring a date can be intimidating, scary, or even anxiety inducing. You need have no fear, love is for everyone! This guide can help you gain the confidence you need to ask your special somepony on that date. Pro-tip: ask trusted friends to help you practice... What do you know? That's US!" Sweetie Belle gasped in joyful anticipation, "WE could play Pretend Date!"

"Yeah!" Apple Bloom wheezed.

Scootaloo's eyes bulged and her face reddened again, "Absolutely not!"





"A rehearsal, of course!", Rumble beamed, "That's how we prove Miss Steps you can head the dance!"

"What?!" Tender Taps slipped on his hooves and fell, he had been just in the middle of explaining the second act of the story when he was caught off guard by Rumble's epiphany.

"Yes. A rehearsal. Being so close to the deadline already, Miss Steps wouldn't trust anyone to change the routine just willy-nilly," Rumble extended a hoof and helped Tender Taps get up, "but, if you show her a recital of the act with your modifications already honed and perfected, then she won't be scared of the extra prep-time the change would bring. The new routine would be ready and she would just need to approve it. No risks!"

Rumble poked Tender Taps' chest with a wing encouragingly, "What do you say? Want to give it a shot, show your teacher how far you've come?"

Tender Taps was speechless for a moment, shock and awe kept him from putting together a response.

"Taps?"

"Uh, yeah. That could work." Tender Taps returned from his stupor, "but... I'll need to get the other dancers on board, what if they don't want to make the changes?"

"We can worry about that later, first I was thinking you could change your routine. Then, once it's good, you show the class to convince the other students," Rumble spread his wings to make a flaunting gesture, "get them all enticed for a challenge".

"Oh. Uh, but... My part isn't all solo. There's a duet in the third part," Tender Taps began getting visibly troubled again, he was even sweating a little, "the other dancer really struggled to get the part right, I don't think she'll want to do it all over again, much less a harder routine."

"Huh," Rumble sat on the floor and brought a hoof to his chin, "that is going to be a problem. Is there any other pony who could learn the duet with you?"

"No, most of the other dancers practice in the late afternoons, or on completely separate days than me! Getting anypony else to practice a NEW routine with me is going to be Really hard!" Tender Taps was starting to look around nervously, he sighed, sat down, and looked at the floor, "Lets face it, this isn't going to work."

Rumble thought for a moment. Tender Taps was close, really close to following his dreams and escaping 'the box' of planned performances, but now... he was stuck. Because of other ponies... like Golden. No, this won't do. Tender Taps needs this, he desperately needs this.

'I can't just give him hope and let it die, what if he never takes a chance like this again?'

Rumble knew what the right thing to do was.

"I'll do it." Rumble said flatly.

"Huh?" Tender Taps looked up from the floor, his frown changing to confusion.

"Teach me to dance, Taps. I'll do the routine with you if nopony else can."

"But. You... the. You don't even know how to dance!"

"That doesn't matter, you're good at it, you can teach me. Come on, it's the only way. Besides," Rumble stood up and offered Tender Taps a hoof to get up, again. "... it'll be fun," Rumble said with a smile.

Tender Taps looked into Rumble's eyes for a moment, scanning to see if he was sincere.

He was.

Rumble wasn't worried, or unsure, or hiding something like his eyes had hinted to that morning. No, Rumble was looking at him with an honest face, eyes full of hope, and even pleading.

'Why are you helping me?... Does it matter?'

Tender taps, finally, conceded. He needed the help, and for whatever reason, it seemed that this dance mattered as much to Rumble as it mattered to him, why not take the chance?

Tender Taps smiled, accepted Rumble's hoof and stood up, "Are you sure you want to try dancing?"

"Well, I'll be honest. I've never tried it before but you make it look easy. How different could it be from flying?"

"Quite different I would imagine," Tender Taps admitted.
> A Dance Lesson with Hiccups
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today Tender Taps found himself in an unfamiliar position, typically he would be standing at attention to Miss Step’s choreography, however, today he was to be the teacher. Oh, the nerves!

A complete stranger, albeit a rather kind and generous stranger, wanted to help make his dream of dancing in the big leagues a reality. But in order to do so he would first have to teach him the rather complicated art of dancing. How would he even begin doing that? Tender Taps had never tried to teach anypony anything, muchless something with a learning curve as steep as that of dancing. But alas, the show must go on!

Rumble looked at Tender Taps, and asked kindly “So, how do we start?”

“Uhm, well,” Tender Taps thought while scratching his head, “I think I remember Miss Steps started my lessons with simple movements and keeping with the beat…” Tender Taps walked over to a record player and fumbled through a collection of records in a chest.

Rumble, out of habit, began preening one of his wings as he waited. “So… we just start with music? I thought I would have to learn other things first.”

“Well, you could, but it's better if you just jump right in and figure it out as you go.”

“Huh. So dancing is like flying?” Rumble replied nonchalantly.

Tender Taps turned his head away from the box of records in surprise, “You learned to fly by just taking the leap!?” The mental image of foal-Rumble plunging off of a cloud to learn how to fly came to the forefront of Tender Taps’ mind.

“Basically…” Rumble answered, not quite sure what Tender Taps was getting at.

“Wow, in that case, this should be a walk in the park for you.” Tender Taps closed the records chest and set the chosen record to play, a little shaken. A simple and melodic waltz began humming from the record player, its 1-2-3-4 beat set the pace and mood for the upcoming lesson.

Rumble seemed to enjoy the beat, it was slow and soothing and he absentmindedly bobbed his head to it. Tender Taps found his bobbing…amusing and it helped him be put at ease too.

“Ok, so to begin you need to learn to make movements along with the beat, that will help you pace your dancing as well as make it easier to sync with other dancers later on.” Tender Taps walked up to Rumble to stand at a hoof's length from him, face to face.

Rumble nodded.

“How about you try taking a step forwards then backwards? Like this...” Tender Taps swayed his body to the beat of the music, at first standing in place, then counting each beat aloud as he shifted. “One,” he stepped backward, “Two,” he waited, “three,” he stepped forward, “four,” he waited; then he repeated the cycle again.

Rumble watched Tender Taps for a bit, nodded, and began imitating him.

“Like this?” Rumble asked as he stepped back and began a cycle of his own.

“Excellent! Now try to do it at the same time as me.”

Rumble noticed he wasn’t entirely in sync with Tender Taps, he adjusted and soon enough he was stepping in tune with him in only two beats of the music.

“Nice, you got it.”

“So… What’s next?”

Tender Taps smiled at hearing Rumble’s eagerness for a challenge, “Well, how about you try copying this?” Tender Taps looked at his hooves while he continued stepping back and forth, he flicked and knocked his hooves on the floor with each step in a swaying motion that added just a little flair to his movements.

Rumble tried imitating, a bit jarring at first but he eventually got it right. “Like that?”

“Uhm, good. But you need to stay in tune with the music.”

“Oh, right.” Rumble noticed that he had stayed mostly in place trying to perfect his hoof steps while Tender Taps continued stepping back and forth, and in rhythm. Rumble was able to catch up in a few beats though.

“There, that’s better,” Tender Taps encouraged.

Rumble smiled, he felt rather proud of himself.

“Alright, now we can get moving!” Tender Taps mused happily, he finished his cycle to where he was standing the farthest from Rumble and then he stepped to the sides; sort of doing a side shuffle. It was basically the same dance pattern from before, only that now he was now moving side to side rather than forward and backward.

“Ok Rumble, now you try.”

Rumble watched Tender Taps dance side to side as he continued to pace forward and backward himself. Rumble counted the beats in his head and prepared to make the switch on “four”.

Rumble took the plunge. He began dancing side to side.

Tender Taps observed an overall success; Rumble was doing fairly well for a first timer. Maybe Rumble’s coordination skills from flight training were giving him the advantage? Perhaps dancing wasn’t so different from flying after all…

Rumble on the other hoof, didn’t feel too great. He had managed to make the change on-beat, sure, but he definitely wasn’t doing the steps right, he could feel it. He wasn't good enough.

Tender Taps smiled appraisingly, “Good job Rumble, you did great again.”

“R-really?”

“Yeah. Let's keep going.”

Rumble tried his best to avoid looking down at his hoofs, he was sure he was doing something wrong.

“Alright Rumble, now that you have the basics down I’ll have you try one of the moves we’re doing for the dance.”

“Already?”

“Don’t worry, it isn’t anything crazy, just follow my lead.”

Rumble nodded as he continued pacing side to side, he had forgotten he was still dancing. Tender Taps was also still pacing side to side, in beat and majestic as always.

“So this move is from the opening of the play, all the dancers do it to enter stage,” Tender Taps stopped dancing and walked up to Rumble, he put a hoof on Rumble’s shoulder giggling, “You can stop dancing now.”

“Oh! S-sorry.”

Tender Taps walked around Rumble to be at his side. “You’re doing great, now imagine that’s the stage,” Tender Taps pointed to a white line on the floor of the dancing room then to themselves, “and we’re backstage, behind the curtain.”

Rumble looked at the white line in anticipation, it looked like quite the distance.

“We’ll use the music as our que, as we’ve done before. On “four” we’ll walk on stage but there's a certain way we have to do it.” Tender Taps listened to the music, counting the beats out-loud to make it easier for Rumble to follow. 

On “four” Tender Taps stepped to the side, shuffled his hoofs and body in a familiar way that Rumble had seen ballet dancers move. Tender Taps took a step on every beat until he was standing at the center of the room behind the white line, once there, he struck a pose and relaxed to a standing position. He opened his eyes and looked back at Rumble. 

“Now you.” Tender Taps gestured to him with a hoof.

Rumble gulped and took a breath, he waited for the que and took the plunge, closing his eyes and trusting his body to imitate Tender Taps as best as he could–without mistakes. As he went through the motions, Rumble imagined he was doing ok, probably much better in his head than in reality but Rumble didn’t let that thought break his concentration. He was going to do this as best he could for Tender Taps.

“Uh, Rumble… you-”

Rumble opened his eyes but it was too late, he had underestimated his movements. He flared his wigs to try and slow down but he collided into Tender Taps. The impact caused Tender Taps to fall backwards.

In a quick reflex Rumble caught Tender Taps in his hooves, holding him in a tight embrace as he used his wings to rebalance and stop them both from falling to the ground.

Once he gained his bearings Rumble opened his eyes to greet Tender Taps with an embarrassed and apologetic grin.

Tender Taps was shocked; hadn’t been too surprised by the crash, he saw it coming. No, Tender Taps was shocked for a different reason. Tender Taps realized that his and Rumble’s chests were gently held close together, Tender Taps could feel Rumble’s warm breath on his lips, his heart beating rhythmically with the music. Tender Taps was stunned, locked in an intimate tango-like pose with Rumble to avoid tumbling over.

Tender Taps spoke softly, “Um, thanks for catching me.”

“Y-yeah. S-sorry for um, knocking you over.”

“It’s ok… um,” Tender Taps tried to look away, he was certain he was blushing and didn’t want to make this more awkward for Rumble.

Rumble began to move his limbs to try and rebalance without letting Tender Taps go. “I’m sooo sorry, I didn’t mean to do that, I-I got distracted annnd…”

“It’s fine, dance class is full of… surprises. You did well! Uh, until the end anyway.” Tender Taps tried to chuckle to ease the tension.

“Really? Be honest. I did the steps wrong again, didn’t I? Was I out of tune? I probably was…”

“Well, you were a little, but hey this is your first time! It’s impressive you’ve only almost fallen down just once.”  Tender Taps knocked the floor as he remembered something. “You know, there was this filly…Apple Bloom, when she joined the class she somehow managed to knock everyone over, and she was soloing!” Tender Taps chuckled at the scene in his head.

Rumble smirked at that, “Oh, I totally believe that. I know Apple Bloom, she’s in my class and she and her friends cause trouble all the time!” Rumble no longer looked embarrassed, Tender Taps used the opportunity.

“Yeah, but in the end they worked together and fixed everything, friends are great like that. You know, I think dancing is sort of like flying after all.”

“I told you so!… Wait, how?” Tender Taps smiled, the return of Rumble’s inquisitive personality assured him that the situation had not become awkward.

“Well, dancing isn’t something you can learn from a book or flashcards, you have to jump right in and do it. You, despite a couple of minor hiccups, got it all down. To learn to dance you need a partner, like… like a…”

“Like a flying buddy?”

“Exactly, like a flying buddy! Somepony to catch you when you mess up.”

Rumble chuckled, “Sorry about that, but yeah, I like that idea. We can be dancing buddies then.”

“Great!” Tender Taps beamed. “Let's try the intro again then, dancing buddy!”
Rumble smiled, “Ok, buddy. But keep your eyes open, I don’t want to crash into you again.”

Both colts laughed together as they started again.
> A Brother with Advice
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rumble awoke in his bed, apprehensive of getting up in that tired sort of way one feels when you know you have a test waiting for you at school.

Laying flat on his bed and staring at the ceiling, Rumble recalled yesterday…

It was quite the headache.

So, first of all he still needed to tell Scootaloo to buzz-off and stop trying to ask him out. That was going to be awkward… and more worrying than that: how would her friends react? Rumble doubted they would give up easily. History was bound to repeat itself as the saying goes, so shenanigans are to be expected shortly after his rejection…and given the CMC’s history…

Rumble certainly didn’t want to get drugged with love potion; remember not to accept any apple juice if Apple Bloom offers it…

OK.

Rumble gulped.

Second, Cheerilee was a huge disappointment. How does she not see how silly cutie marks are? Why would she defend them? Doesn’t she understand J.D. Stalionger? She’s supposed to be an open minded teacher…

Rumble still needed to figure that out anyway. What was he going to do about his own cutie mark? It seemed inevitable that he would get one, so how would he escape it? Could he do anything about it besides feel trapped?

Another sting for his growing headache.

Oh, and then Tender Taps. 

Tender Taps, Tender Taps. What was Rumble going to do about Tender Taps?

The first dance lesson had been… less than stellar. Sure, it gave him an even greater appreciation for Tender Tap’s talent than what he had before but…

Rumble recalled all the mis-steps, all the out-of-beat movements, and accidentally crashing into Tender Taps. He had a lot to learn and time was going to run out eventually.

What did Tender Taps think of him? Now that he had seen him dance?

Rumble told him that he would dance the part with him, that he would help him get his own dance recital…

But now, that didn’t seem likely…

Tender Taps was an amazing dancer, a phenomenal dancer. But Rumble, he had no chance keeping up with his talent, his grace and ability. He was a joke next to Tender Taps.

Tender Taps would have surely realized that by now.

How was he going to master the routine in only a week's time? 

Get the other Student’s to join in??

Get approved by Miss Steps?!??

He promised Tender Taps that they would do this; he built his hopes up from nothing. 

What if he couldn’t hold up his end of the deal? 

Was he just setting up Tender Taps for a huge disappointment?

Rumble grumbled at himself and buried his face in the sheets, he couldn’t start doubting himself now, not after assuring himself that his lack of confidence would get the better of him again.

…

Rumble tried to think about why he was doing this and think positively.

But it was getting hard, he felt like a fraud. 

A fraud who got Scootaloo’s hopes up because he didn’t dissuade her sooner,... a fraud student for disappointing his teacher,... even if she’s the one who’s wrong!,... and a fraud friend for filling Tender Taps’ head with hope and dreams that he wouldn’t be able to make come true.

Then, worst of all, a fraud to himself… for believing he could somehow escape getting a cutie mark if he just thought about it hard enough.

…

Rumble’s stomach then loudly grumbled and his feelings of hopelessness rapidly became a growing hunger.

Rumble tossed his covers and walked into the kitchen where Thunder Lane had been preparing breakfast; he was wearing his apron and chef's hat, which Rumble thought was a bit much when cooking alone.

“Hay buddy, sleep well?” Thunderlane asked as he mixed something in a bowl.

“Uh, yeah.” Rumble gathered silverware and dishes then sat down at the table, absentmindedly thinking about school, Scootaloo, dance lessons, cutie marks, all of his ‘problems’ really. With a dejected posture, drooped wings, and all the disdain a face could convey Rumble gave out a loud sigh; it was comedic really, for Thunderlane at least.

“Alright buddy, what’s got a cloud over your head now?” Thunderlane asked, not even needing to turn to see his brother to know he was in a mood, instead he poured what he mixed into a pan and it began sizzling.

Rumble was quiet for a moment and sighed again.

Thunderlane grabbed a spatula in his wings and flipped over the food, it was starting to smell quite nice, he asked again, “Did something happen at school?”

Rumble grumbled quietly, nodded, and signed again; though with Thunderlane’s back to him Rumble’s reply wasn’t very helpful.

“So,” Thunderlane asked, still cheerful, “Did you try any new flight tricks?...Finish that book Miss Cheerilee gave you?... Do any girls catch your eye?”, he was a bit more teasing with that last one.

Rumble groaned, eliciting a laugh from Thunderlane as he swept his spatula and delicately laid a fresh pancake onto Rumble’s plate. Then by adding some butter and syrup, Rumble’s glower gradually began to disappear.

Rumble, still very bitter, stabbed his food with a fork and chomped it in his mouth. His eyes suddenly widened and his frown disappeared entirely as he chewed ecstatically; this was a new recipe and Celestia was it good!

Rumble made “mmm” and “yum” sounds as he finished chewing; Thunderlane felt parent-like pride.

“Now you want to talk?” Thunderlane asked hopefully.

“Yeah, alright. But, uh, could I have another one please?”

“Sure thing kiddo,” Tunderlane smiled and turned to continue cooking, “so… girl problems?”

“No!... I’m just, trouble with school.”

“What sort of trouble?” Tunderlane asked dangerously.

“Relax, I didn’t do anything, that’s the CMC’s job. I’m helping out a student and I sort of made a promise that I’d help them… but now I’m not so sure we can pull through.”

“Huh, I didn’t know you helped out other kids, are you doing it for a TA thing?”

“No, just a friend”

“Well, that’s nice of you,” Thunderlane sat down with the finished pancakes and tossed one over to Rumble.

“Thanks,” Rumble replied before biting down.

Thuderlane gave himself a pancake and began eating, “...so why can’t you pull though?”

“Well, there’s going to be this dance at the end of the week for…Hearts and Hooves Day, and…”

Rumble looked up to Thunderlane’s smug grin and groaned in response, “It’s not for a girl.”

“I know buddy, go on,” Thunderlane bit on a pancake with a cheeky smirk.

“...and, I met a student who’s having trouble getting ready for it.”

“Oh, I see, you’re their wingmare!” Thunderlane teased, pointing with an accusing fork.

“Uh, do you want to hear the story or not?”

“Ok, ok, I’m sorry kiddo, it’s just this stuff is funny for an old colt like me. Luna, I don’t remember the last time I went to a dance with a pretty mare, must have been back in the 980’s.”

Rumble just looked at his brother funny, “What, I was young too before.”

“...Yeah, but it's a little weird…” Rumble eyed Thunderlane up and down, his face recoiled in disgust as a thought occurred to him, “Ew, I don’t know how to feel about this.”

Thunderlane chuckled a little, “yeah I guess it would be a little weird.”

“A-lot weird, can we move on, please?”

“Fine,” Thunderlane rolled his eyes, “So what’s so bad about this dance that it’s got you all worked up about it?”

“We have a week until the day of the dance and…I have to learn how to… dance by then.”

“But not for a girl right?”

Rumble just stared at him annoyed, though, Thnderlane could tell he was gradually losing confidence as Rumble was less and less able to look him in the eye. Realizing his mistake, Thuderlane relaxed in his chair as if this were no big deal and took another bite out of his breakfast. “That’s it? Kid, you got this in the bag!”

Rumble was surprised by his reaction, he tried to speak but nothing seemingly came out.

Thunderlane continued chewing, “Dancing *nom* comes from the heart kid, *nom* if your heart’s in the right place, mmm–it’ll all work out just fine.”

Rumble forced back a laugh and replied unamused, “That’s so corny.”

“Yeah, I guess it is…” Thunderlane nodded and pointed to himself, “...but it's true! Look, sometimes before the wonderbolts shows… when we have to do a new trick or something I know that's really hard, I get worried too.”

Rumble looked to Thunderlane with his full attention.

“It's hard to do something so complicated like flying or dancing as it is, then on top of that, you have the world watching you.” Thunderlane spread his wings to demonstrate, teetering around in his chair. “Examining your every move, there’s no way your mind can keep up with all that and stay cool under the pressure.”

“So,” Thunderlane closed his wings and pulled his hooves in towards his chest, “you let your heart do it instead.”

Thunderlane closed his eyes and physically relaxed, “Just relax and let your heart guide your movements, it doesn’t matter if you start a little clumsy, it’ll even out once you get in the zone… The next thing you know: you’re in another world. It's just you and the sky, everything goes by so quickly, you don’t want it to end but… next thing you know it's over and the crowd is cheering.”

“Really, just like that.”

“I swear by it, but you have to be in the zone. You need to trust you can do it, and it helps if you're doing it for the right reason, whatever that may be for you.”

Rumble stayed quiet for a moment, trying to understand. “Why do you do it? Flying I mean…”

“I fly because it’s what I love doing, the same with cooking.” Thunderlane placed a hoof on Rumble’s shoulder, “And because I have a little brother to impress.”

Rumble smiled.

“If you’re worried about this dance thing, just remember why you’re doing it. Do you have a good reason?”

Rumble thought about Tender Taps and the joyful feeling he got when he watched him dancing, “Yeah, I do.”

“Well, that’s the important thing, not the crowd, not the pressure.”

“Thanks, Thunderlane.”

“No problem buddy, remember if you ever want help or someone to talk to, I’m here.” Thderlane slid the plate of pancakes over to Rumble and got up to clean the kitchen, “Now finish eating so you can get to school.”

“Thanks dad, " Rumble said sarcastically.

Thunderlane chuckled, “Oh, and Rumble, I'm going to be moving some heavy rain clouds at an orchard today, it's a big job and I probably won’t be back till late. I’m going to make dinner and leave it in the fridge, ok.”

“O~k,” Rumble answered with a mouth full of syrup.

“So no friends, or girls over while I’m gone, alright?”

Rumble finished his bit with a cough, “Eww! Gross. The same goes for you! How do I know you're not the one trying to pull something? Mr. I don’t remember the last time I danced with a pretty girl? Blegh! I’m outta here!”

Before Thunderlane could reply, Rumble jumped out of his chair, flew into his room, swung on his saddlebag, and slammed the front door.

Thunderlane just shook his head like any bemused parent would.

They grow up so fast, he thought.





After cooking dinner, tidying up the house, and gathering his own saddlebags, Thunderlane was getting ready to leave himself. He made sure to pack dinner for himself, this particular weather job was going to be heavy and tedious and likely to work up an appetite.

He checked the directions Spitfire gave him via inbox: 

Direction: Cherry Hill Ranch, Dodge Junction.

As requested by Cherry Jubilee, owner and chief manager of Cherry Hill Ranch, additional light-long showers are requested to meet watering quotas this year due to the ongoing drought. A small Wonderbolt squad or specialist should suffice to complete this task.

Assigned: Lieutenant Thunderlane

Thunderlane thought the route over in his head and returned the paper to his saddlebag. Exiting the house and closing the door with a smile he began his trip.
> A Chicken with a Crush
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

If any pony—other than the apple family—had been standing outside the Crusader Clubhouse in the early hours of the afternoon, they would probably assume that three fillies screaming at the top of their lungs meant that a bug bear attack or a swarm of vampire fruit bats had gone rampant. But for the locals... this was just the beginning of a typical CMC get-together.

“Scoot-aloo! S-stop-hiding, I’m gett-ing tired!”

“Nu-uh, you guys stop!”

“This ain’t gonna work if y’a keep hidin’ under the table!”

Scootaloo reluctantly stuck her head out from underneath said wooden table, the long and heavy tablecloth Sweetie Belle had prepared wrapped around her face and tussled her mane.

“I can-NOT do this, it's too embarrassing! Can’t you see how ridiculous this all is?” Scootaloo groaned as she gestured to the whole room and her assailants.

The table Scootaloo cowardly hid under had a mock-up dinner prepared on top of it, which threatened to topple over as Scootaloo continued to pull on the mantel; it was really just a bunch of sugary apple treats Apple Bloom had taken from Granny's kitchen—but its the thought that counts. 

The rest of the room had been decorated with a few extra flowers and some magenta curtains—Scootaloo insisted on the need for privacy. That, plus the added touch of some rose petals and two scented candles, almost sold the haphazard romantic setting the duo were trying to create... almost.

“Ridiculous? Na, nota chance.” Apple Bloom retorted sarcastically from the ceiling.

“Scoot-alloo! We're do-ing this be-cuase, we want-to help-you.” Sweetie Belle gasped between exhausted breaths of her magic casting.

“But is this really necessary? It’s bad enough I’m doing this in front of you two…” Scootaloo pointed a scrutinizing hoof at Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. Sweaty-Belle was quickly reaching fatigue as she poured all her strength into her horn, which glowed with an unstable pulse and rogue sparks; all to keep Apple Bloom bobbing in the air near the ceiling. 

“...It’s too much. Don’t you think?” Scootaloo asked almost pleadingly.

“Scoots, just pratend I’m Rumble. He’s ah pegasus and he’s gonna fly every chance he gets! If you can’t look at him with a straight face when on the ground, how are ya gonna keep up with him when he flys? ...Besides,” a kiss-y face appeared on Apple Bloom’s face, “...I’ve seen the way ya’look at his wings.” Apple Bloom teased, flexing her eyebrows.

“Ugh!” Scootaloo planted her face on the floor.

“Apple-Bloom, stop teasing-her! I don’t know, how-much more of-this, I can-take!”

“Alright, alright. *Ahem*,” Apple Bloom sank her voice to sound like a colt, “La-da li-da-do, Hi I’ma Rumble! Just flyin’around, being grumpy like I always am!” Apple Bloom swung around her hooves to suggest “flight” while Sweetie Belle shakily floated her around the club house like a kite.

Scootaloo remained under the table, Apple Bloom circled the club house a few times then grew tired of waiting.

Signaling to Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom descended towards Scootaloo and poked her head. “Hey babe, looks like you got a cloud over your head, can I be your special weather pony and brighten up your day?!”

Sweetie Belle chuckled; Scootaloo groaned and put her hooves over her ears.

“Com’on filly, whaddaya say we go down to the spa... Looks like somepony ruffled your feathers and I’m lean, mean, and ready to preen!”

Sweetie Belle gasped—from laughter or exhaustion, it wasn’t clear. Scootaloo looked up towards Apple Bloom with a grumpy-tired glare.

“Filly, are ya’a Wonderbolt? Cause I’ma storm cloud and I need somepony to blow m–agh!”

“Shut-up, Shut-up!!” Scootaloo jumped out from under the table, grabbed Apple Bloom’s dangling hooves and yanked her down.

Sweetie Belle lost her hold of Apple Bloom with the added strain, her horn’s aura puffed away and Apple Bloom fell to the floor. Scootaloo was quick to climb on top of her and pin her down.

“Take it back!” Scootaloo shouted face to face with Apple Bloom, but she was too busy laughing her flank-off to pay Scootaloo any mind.

“Scoooootaaalooo” Sweetie Belle groaned, too exhausted to get up and try helping. “Juust, just-- ugh. Appplee Blooom, tell her yoou’re suoorry.”

“Yeah, take it back!”

Apple Bloom finished chucking, and with a giddy sigh of relief said: “I’ma sorry Scoots, I take it all back. Rumble wouldn’t say any of that...”

Scootaloo loosened her grip of Apple Bloom, which gave her an idea.

“...but, I bet YOU sure wish you COULD! Ha!”

Instantly Scootaloo’s face reddened, as if to confirm Apple Bloom’s quip, she growled but the surprise gave Apple Bloom just enough time to shove Scootaloo off of her and reverse their positions.

“Apple Bloom, stop rough housing! You’re going to knock-over the table!” Sweetie Belle chimed in, now partially recovered from her magical exhaustion.

Apple Bloom held Scootaloo in her hooves, she squirmed but was unable to free herself; it seems both she and Applejack had inherited Apple-family strength.

Scootaloo continued to groan and squirm as Apple Bloom—at no point ever being tired or out-of-breath—commented cheekily, “You know Scoots, if ya just went up and asked him, you wouldn't be in this situation… Just sayin’...”

Scootaloo continued to struggle, refusing to surrender; seeing this, Apple Bloom continued to berate her.

“Oh Scootaloo! Oh, Scootaloo!” Apple Bloom mocked, once again in her Rumble voice, “Are you a chicken?...Cause you look im-peckable tonight.”

“Agh!! I can’t believe you!” Scootaloo growled between Apple Bloom’s hooves.

“We’ve been goin’ at this for three hours now!” Apple Bloom retorted loosing her patience, “...and ya aren't even tryin’. Just makin’ excuses and feeling sorry about yourself. You’re A Chicken. Just admit it.” 

“Stop calling me that.” Scootaloo mumbled, her fighting had subsided as her tired body seemingly accepted defeat for her.

“Then prove you aren't no chicken then! Ask Rumble out tomorrow, first thing in the mornin’. No more excuses, no more beating about the bush.” Apple Bloom let go of Scootaloo, dropping her and stood up over her. Apple Bloom lowered her head over Scootaloo’s face smugly, “...and I’m going to be there watching to make sure you don’t chicken-out again.”

All Scootaloo could do was sigh, “...fine.” she said reluctantly.

Apple Bloom nodded approvingly then walked out of the club house, “See ya’ later gals. I’m have ta’ do some chores.”

“Wait, but what about our dinner date?!” Sweetie Belle asked disappointed.

“Uh, I dunno, eat it? It’s probably cold by now…”

Scootaloo sighed again from the floor, how could she let this happen? 

Sweetie Belle looked at her distraught friend and offered her a cold apple fritter to cheer her up. Scootaloo rolled her eyes, and took a bite; surprisingly it was pretty good. Sweetie Belle smiled.

‘Damn it Apple Bloom!’ Scootaloo thought. 'Why do I have such... good friends?'
> A Poster with Pizzazz
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rumble made his way through Ponyville with new determination in his heart, today he was going to get things done!  

First, he would make amends with Cheerilee. Even though she’s wrong, disappointing his teacher wouldn’t get him any good grades, now would it? Next he would tell Scootaloo—and by extension her friends—that he wasn’t interested in any romantic relationships right now. It’s not you, its me… ya’ know?

Finally, once all the school shenanigans were taken care of, he could get to the important part: go help Tender Taps and keep his promise. Rumble smiled at that.  

Yeah, everything would work out just fine.

‘Huh.’  

As much as Rumble disliked admitting it, Thunderlane—in his own way—had given him… clarity.

But before Rumble could give that upsetting realization any more thought, three fillies halted his entry into the Schoolhouse. Not surprised or at all amused, Rumble gave them a look-over and sighed internally.

Scootaloo stood dead center in front of him, smiling manically and… sweating? Eww.  

Flanking her on either side, where her friends Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. Both of which seemed expectant of… something.

‘Well, the faster I get this over with the better.’

“Ah-hem.”Apple Bloom broke the ice by clearing her throat, “Good-mornin’ Rumble, how are ya?”

“Uh, I’m fine. Thanks for asking. How about you three?” Rumble replied, as impartial as he could.

“Oh, its such a lovely day,” Sweetie Belle interrupted awkwardly, “just the sort of day for… lovely things!”

Scootaloo, despite her smile, seemed to grow tense; her eyes wandered off desperately between the floor or the sky. Apple Bloom gave Scootaloo a shove, “Yeah, it is. Perfect weather fer… scooter-tricks too, ah would imagine. Say Rumble, have you ever seen Scoots do any tricks?”

“I think I have, actually. I-”

“But have you watched her preform? Her rolling around is different from her preforming!”

“Oh ya! BIG difference.” Sweetie Bell added with a nod.

“Uh, well, in that case, no?” Rumble didn’t know where the CMC where taking this but he was eager to skip whatever this nonsense was nonetheless; he tried thinking of how to Segway the conversation, maybe bring-up Hearts and Hooves Day?…  Ugh.

Apple Bloom, meanwhile, put a fore-hoof around Scootaloo’s neck. “Say, Scoots... why don’t ya show us-all one of your new routines! Ya work so hard on those! I’m sure Rumble would enjoy it, since he loves the Wonderbolts and sports so much!”

Scootaloo gulped down on her throat before speaking, “uh, yeah… maybe,” she mumbled.

Apple Bloom looked eagerly at Rumble, “You like daring-sports, right Rumble?”

“Um, yeah. Athletics are cool, I guess. Sa-”

“Oh, it’s perfect then! Scootaloo, where’s your scooter?” Sweetie Belle added with a hop.

Rumble’s patience began to wane.

“Over there,” Scootaloo whispered reluctantly as she pointed to the bike rack.

Then in response to another shove from Apple Bloom, Scootaloo spoke-up timidly, “I uh, do have a new trick actually… I worked on it for a whole month… um, I haven't showed anypony yet… but I need a ramp! And since we don’t have one here… oh well, maybe next time.”

Scootaloo tried to start tiptoeing away but Apple Bloom held her firmly in place while she rolled her eyes. “Scoots, its fine, just show him another one of the thousand tricks you know.” Apple Bloom chuckled looking to Rumble, “You have to see her, she’s really good at her scooter! I know you’d be blown away by what she can do!”

‘Well thanks, Apple Bloom. Way to put me on the spot. Please don’t make me hurt her feelings.’ Rumble glared crossly—yet wordlessly—at Apple Bloom.

“Here you are,” Sweetie Bell rolled the scooter over to it’s trembling owner.

Apple Bloom let go of Scootaloo, she slowly and reluctantly got onto the scooter.

Rumble figured now would be a good time to save both Scootaloo the embarrassment and himself the time. “I’d love to see it but I think class will be starting soon. I actually wanted to-”

“This won’t take long, just watch!” Apple Bloom reassured, she looked between him and Scootaloo as if she alone was holding the conversation together; and in a way, she was.

Scootaloo breathed in to relax and placed her hooves on either side of her scooter to begin the trick.

“Alright Rumble, prepare to be amazed…” Apple Bloom said as she wrapped a hoof around Rumble, invading his personal space and ability to leave. Now Rumble’s face was really cross, angry even.

Ding. Ding. Ding.  

The School House bell rang; class was starting. Scootaloo sighed in relief—everypony heard her.

Apple Bloom sighed too, not in defeat but in annoyance. “Ah shoot… Uh, oh! Maybe we’re out of time now, but we could all meet-up later on Sweet Apple Acres. There’s lots of room there and we could make a ramp out of some spare planks we’ve got! How do you feel about that, Rumble?”

‘I feel trapped, Apple Bloom.’ Rumble glared at her, face to face.

Apple Bloom seemed to understand, and let go of Rumble with an embarrassed smile.

Rumble looked at Apple Bloom with his non-nonsense face; he’d had enough of whatever…  this was.

“I appreciate the gesture,” he began, “but-”  

Rumble side-glanced at Scootaloo, she was still trembling, she was an anxious mess. But now… she was looking hopeful too; like, with fearful anticipation of being judged.

Much like Tender Taps had looked at him yesterday.

‘Oh no…’

Exactly how Tender Taps had looked at him yesterday.

‘Damn-it.’

What would be the best course of action here? Come clean and tell Scootaloo no, or giver her hope only to disappoint her later?

Rumble wanted to go for the easy, first option but… he couldn’t let himself be unfair.

‘What if she get offended that I don’t want to see her scooter-tricks? I don’t want that… It could hurt her self-esteem and confidence even more than… whatever she’s got happening right now because of me already…’

‘But I have to disappoint her. Because I don’t love her. So, if I have to disappoint her, then I’ll have to do it… genteelly. Even if she isn’t on my favorite-pony-list, she doesn’t deserve an outright refusal. No pony does. Especially somepony so… desperate.’

Rumble made the split-second decision. The same decision he had made yesterday.

“Actually, I think I’d like that… Sure,” Rumble relented, “I’ll see you three at Sweet Apple Acres in the afternoon.”

Instantly, Scootaloo’s face light up; just like Tender Taps’ had. Rumble felt dishonest this time, though. It was the right thing to do but it didn’t feel the same.

‘Besides, scooter sports do sound exciting… and while I can’t give Scootaloo the love she wants, I could at least give her a little audience support. Nothing wrong with that.’

And just because he was going to watch some of her tricks, didn’t mean he was promising anything more either. He was just being considerate.

‘Just got to make sure I’m clear next time. No more stringing her along. That wouldn't be nice’

Rumble looked over to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell, they were giggling joyfully at his response.  

‘It would help if Apple Bloom wasn’t there too… OK, new plan: One scooter show, then I tell her NO. And that’s final.’

The friends continued celebrating and Scootaloo remained positively dumbstruck.

Then, in order to take advantage of their surprise, Rumble decided now was the perfect time to circle the three fillies and sneak inside the School House.  

Rumble departed with a “See ya’ later,” just as he began to hear Miss Cheerilee ordering everypony to “please take your seat.”

…

Cheerilee looked over her class of working students. She had finished her lecture on multiplying and dividing polynomials and now everypony was either: hard at work on the complementary classwork or staring out the window waiting for the bell. Usually she would go help those students focus… but that wasn’t an urgent desire of hers today.

Cheerilee’s focus was on one particular pony today, her most promising student: Rumble.  

Yesterday, Cheerilee had tried starting a deep conversation with him on a book. But in retrospect, she had done rather poorly on hearing him out.

It wasn’t entirely her fault, the CMC had pushed her over the edge that day.  

But, if excesses weren't a reasonable substitute for her student’s homework, it would be hypocritical to think it excused her own lack of patience. She was the adult here after all.

Adults admit their faults and right wrongs. 

So, it was time to right one of her wrongs.

Cheerilee left her desk and walked over to Rumble’s side, she cleared her throat and motioned for him to follow her outside.

After stepping onto the School House porch, Rumble was the first to break the silence, “Uh, Miss Cheerilee, am I in trouble?”

“Oh, of course not Rumble.” Cheerilee reassured him, “I just wanted to talk to you in private. Please sit down.”

“Really? Why?” Rumble asked, looking to Miss Cheerilee.

“Because of this,”  Cheerilee presented Rumble with her own copy of The Catcher in the Hay.

“Oh.” Rumble mumbled, apprehensively.

“I wanted to sit down and talk about it, properly this time.”

Rumble looked away from her, unable to make eye contact; it pained Cheerilee.

“Yesterday you talked to me about how you didn’t understand- I’m sorry. How we didn’t agree about what The Catcher in the Hay, was trying to say.”

Rumble turned to look at Miss Cheerilee, happily surprised.  

Cheerilee smiled, “Books are… complicated. They can seem to say different things depending on what details each reader notices. I was adamant that the book meant one thing, and suggested you were wrong without even listening to why you found it said something else… That’s not how scholarly discussions are had. I should have let you explain yourself; not to justify your views, or prove me wrong, but to share our findings.”

Rumble was genially surprised, he looked wide eyed at Miss Cheerilee. “Oh, thank you Miss Cheerilee. So… you want to know why I think The Catcher in the Hay is about… how cutie marks are silly?”

“Yes Rumble, I would like to hear your take on the book,” Cheerilee said kindly.

…

“So what you’re saying is… all the ponies in the Manehattan were unhappy with their lives because of their cutie marks; specifically because they followed them blindly?” Cheerilee asked interested.

“Yes,” Rumble replied ecstatically. “All of the characters that Golden meets on his walk are unhappy because they are either too absorbed in the idea of what their life should be, or feel trapped in their talents and can’t see how following their cutie marks blindly is actually causing their misery.”

Rumble closed the book and pointed at the cover so Miss Cheerilee could see it. “Everypony in Manehattan is metaphorically a carousel-pony. Trapped going around and around in their unfulfilling lives because they allowed their cutie marks to outline their lives for them.”

Cheerilee took a moment to think; Rumble was… onto something.

Sure, his arguments weren't as polished as the countless theses she had read on the book during her master-studies but… his ideas weren't completely unfounded or disorganization either. Rumble had his own interpretation of the book and she couldn’t honestly tell him he was wrong for think so; it was pretty sound.

But Cheerilee couldn’t tell him that. Ponies need to follow their cutie marks; they’re destiny… Right? J.D. Stalionger’s depictions of fulfillment where commentary on adulthood, not… cutie marks themselves, surly…

Cheerilee was quiet for a while as she debated with herself. Rumble, in the silence, felt a little forgotten. “Um, Miss Cheerilee?”

“Oh, sorry Rumble. Uh, that was very insightful, I do have to say. You put this together all on your own?”

“Well, I think it’s pretty obvious that’s what the book is about… but, yeah. I seem to be the only pony who thinks so.”

“hmm. Maybe not the only pony…” Cheerilee let out, without thinking.

“Huh?”

‘Woops. Well, too late now. Eh, I suppose there wouldn’t be anything wrong in humoring him.’

“I think I actually know somepony who would agree with you, Rumble. Although, she might have changed her views by now…”

“Who?” Rumble asked inquisitively.

“Starlight Glimmer, she’s the headmare of Princess’ Twilight’s Friendship School. A professional friend of mine.”

Cheerilee smiled recalling some memories and looked to Rumble, “She’s good with helping ponies figure hard things out. Do you think you’d like to meet her?”

Rumble was ecstatic, “I think so, yeah.”

“Well then,” Cheerilee stood up and stretched her legs, “I’ll ask her to come by the School House some-time soon then. So you two can talk one-on-one.”

“Thank you Miss Cheerilee.” Rumble smiled, unsure how to address his teacher’s sudden change of heart and willingness to help him.

“No, thank you Rumble.” Cheerilee returned a smile—a genuine one. “Your a great student Rumble, never stop thinking outside the box.”

They both returned inside the School House. 

Cheerilee returned to her desk, looking at the time she cheeked her lesson plans for the day. Everything had been taken care of, except…

“Oh, class listen please!”

The School House of fillies and colts turned to look at Miss Cheerilee.

“I have one more announcement before class is dismissed today. Yesterday I sent the Hearts and Hooves Dance posters to Miss Steps, she’s decided the winner!”

Everypony—except Rumble—listened in anticipation; Especially the CMCs. Sweetie Bell was practically standing on her seat and desk, Apple Bloom had her mouth open, and Scootaloo… well she was pretending to be disinterested but her jittery hoofs and the way her eyes didn’t leave Miss Cheerilee said otherwise.

“Now remember, class, the lucky winner will enjoy a back stage pass to meet with the performers of this years’ Hearts and Hooves Dance. Which includes a modestly fancy themed dinner. Now isn’t that lovely!?” Cheerilee clapped her hooves, the class did so as well.

“Ahem.The winner of the poster competition is…” Cheerilee opened an envelope with the results, “oh! It looks like we have a tie!”

The class was even more interested now.

“In that case, the winners of the competition are… Rumble and the CMCs! For most creative and most expressive designs.”

The CMCs went wild.

Rumble hit his head on his desk.