Speechless

by DaDaDaveed

Rating: everyone
Tags: Slice of Life, Sad, Romance
Length: 8472

Button Mash, torn between self-doubt and his heart, fights himself for a certain purple and pink-maned filly's love.

Button Mash, the new colt in town, never had interest in fillies, until the day he met a snow-white crusader in search of her true calling. Now, Button has to search for answers to the butterflies in his stomach and her on his mind.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-01-28 14:34:45 UTC

Day One For The Hundredth Time

"Button! Time for your first day of school!" I heard my mother call from the living room. Maybe I shouldn't have had that whole can of Wonderbolt Energy, I forgot to go to sleep last night. Yeah. Forgot is the word, I thought as I shut off the game I was currently playing, Blank Ops on my new game console, the X-Cube. My mom tends to buy me new games when we move, this time was the new console, which is nice. We always move around before I'm ready. It happened so often, I stopped whining about leaving my friends behind. I prefer my video games, anyway.

I suddenly noticed what I did. Or, to be correct, what I didn't do: sleep. My lack of rest kicked in upon that realization and I felt a surge of lethargy as I get on all four hooves. I felt that familiar weakness in my knees due to lack of sleep combined with caffeine. I've felt worse.

I began to lazily trot back and forth across the room in a meager attempt to wake myself up. Maybe another one of those Wonderbolt Energy Drinks could wake me up. Maybe. I flicked on the light, showering the room in a melancholy yellow. I took a brief look around the posters of my favorite game characters, my unkempt bed, and my gaming chair, which it's surroundings are tidier than the rest of the room, but not by a whole lot. I stood at the end of the room for a moment before grabbing my lucky  beanie and walking out of the room.

I yawned and stretched my neck as I made my way down the tan-walled hallway of my new home. We have only been here for a few days, so it still has a feel of unfamiliarity to it.

"Button," my mother began.  "Hurry up and get some breakfast, school starts in half an hour!" She made her way to her room.

Maybe some cereal will wake me up, I thought, as I tried to get a hold of myself. Half drifting away to sleep, I tried opening the cabinets where the Chocolate Chip Crunch was hiding, but my hoof missed the handle two or so times before I made any progress. As I rose my head from the cabinets, holding the box of cereal in my mouth, I caught a bright ray of blistering sunlight coming through the blinds of the window.

I squinted my eyes at the unpleasant encounter with Princess Celestia's ball of light and cursed her under my breath as I poured myself my breakfast.

After I was done eating, my mother entered the room and immediately spotted the dark spots under my sunken eyes. "Button!" She said in a huff. "Did you stay up all night?"

"It depends on what you mean by 'all night'. You could mean through the hours after midnight, which is technically not night becaus-OW!" I yelped as she whacked me with a rolled up newspaper she removed from her saddlebag.

"You should NOT have stayed up all night before school, Button! Let alone the first day!"

"But mom!" I moaned. "It isn't even the first day of school! I have had a million 'first days', it's ordinary now."

"It's your first day of school in Ponyville! Either way, you should never stay up on school nights!" She scolded me with a glare that kills. "Go to school."

I put my bowl in the sink, grabbed my saddlebags, and walked out the door.

I stood out on the front steps, taking in my first breath of fresh air as the crisp, cool air hits my brown coat. I should go get that drink now, I though as I blinked repetitively in another attempt to stay awake. My mom took me to a candy shop for milkshakes the day we came to Ponyville. What was it called again? Sugarcube? Maybe.

As I briskly walked down the road, I took in the sheer beauty of this place so unfamiliar to me. Birds, trees, fresh air, it's all so new to me. I've lived in Manehattan, Trottingham, even Canterlot for a month. Never have I been in such a quiet, peaceful place.

Suddenly,  I has nearly pounced on by a cotton candy-maned mare, whose smile was so contagious that I couldn't help but smile with her. So much for peacefulness.

"HI! Are you new here? I'm Pinkie Pie,  I work at Sugarcube Corner! Well, I wasn't there yesterday, I was babysitting the baby Cakes! The cakes are the ones who..." she went on and on as I stood there in bewilderment.

"So THEN, I went back to Sugarcube Corner, and now I'm out here! I see you, which I never ever ever seen you before! So I-"

"Excuse me, miss?" I said, exasperated from the constant train of speech coming from the mare.

"Yes?" She replied, stretching the word out as long as possible.

"Is there any Wonderbolt Energy at Sugarcube Corner?" I asked, getting prepared for a second round of machine gun fire from Pinkie's mouth.

"Of COURSE!" she squealed in an overly happy tone, hopping up in the air a few times. I usually wouldn't mind the overly happy nature, but being that I haven't slept, my lethargy has taken a toll on me.

Suddenly, she stuck her head under me and with her neck, without warning, shot me into the air. Surprised, I let out a yell, only to land safely on her pink back. She dashed down the road at a breakneck pace. I held onto my beanie as the top spun erratically. Ponyville rushed past us for a few seconds only to stop abruptly in front of a sweet-smelling shop.

I fell off the mare, trying to catch my breath, saddlebags on the ground, hat in hooves. I put my saddlebags back on and walked toward the store.

"Thanks, I guess, uh.. Pinkie Pie." I panted, still shaken up.

"No problem, kiddo! What's your name, by the way? I almost forgot to ask!" She said between giggles, as she noticed my jetlagged state.

"It's Button. Button Mash," I said as I pressed my mane down trying to put my beanie back on. I will admit, it was pretty fun, I thought as I pushed the door to the sweet shop open.

Immediately, the scent of cinnamon buns indulged my nostrils. I took a good look around, admiring the sweet-smelling shop. I walked up to the counter only to see Pinkie Pie at the counter.

"W-What? How did you..?" I began.

"So, Wonderbolt Energy, is it?" She interrupted,  as she pulled a medium sized can out from under the counter.

"Uh.. Y-Yeah" I said, still dumbfounded, as I stuck my muzzle in my right saddlebag.

"How much does this cost?" I said, partially muffled by coins entering my mouth.

"Oh, it's on me, Butts!" She exclaimed.

I spat out the bits back into the saddle bag and beamed.

"Really?"

"Of course! You're new here, so think of it as a welcome gift from your Aunt Pinkie!" She cheered as she handed me the can, grinning still, exactly like before.

"Wow! Thanks, Pinkie! You're the best!" I said, a big smile on my face. I began to walk out of the shop.

Wait.. I turned to look at the clock, 7:55. Class begins in 5 minutes! At that point,  I noticed that Pinkie woke me up quite a bit, her energy rubbing off on me. I cracked open the can with my teeth and took an oversized gulp. I was immediately energized, the caffeine rushing through me. I went into a full sprint towards the schoolhouse, the one my mother showed me yesterday.

Ring! The bell rang obnoxiously as I charged through the door frame. Just in time, I thought as I sat down in the empty seat next to the door. The low roar of my new classmates died as a grayish-orchid coated mare walked into the classroom. I'm guessing she is the teacher. She began to address the class.

"Okay, class. I was told there was a new student and he would show up today. Is anyone here named.. Button Mash?" She asked as she checked her attendance binder. I raised a hoof in the air.

"Come up here, Button! Let me introduce the class to you!"

I hate standing in front of crowds. I got up from my seat and slowly walked to the front of the class.

"Well, Button, it's good to have you here, I'm Miss Cheerilee," she said after the obligatory "let me introduce you to" speech said every time I go to a new school. I looked around, trying to smile to the class. I'm very shy in front of crowds. I sat back down in my seat, relieved that that was over.

To the left of me, a colt by the name of Snips sat, giggling with his friend, Snails. To the right of me was a window to the peaceful (excluding Pinkie) town. The classroom walls were covered in educational phrases and quotes. I would much rather be at home playing my games. Wait.. my JoyBoy!

I began to dig through my saddlebags, now laying on the ground, a lumpy pile of cloth and my school supplies. I took out my handheld game and turned it on. Nothing. I looked at what game is in the JoyBoy, only to see that I forgot all of them at home. I sighed and began my schoolwork.

The bell rang once more, and all the students rushed out, eager to begin the rest of their day. More realistically,  eager to leave the class. I took my time, I didn't want to get into the mosh pit that was the door frame. I slowly made my way to the door as the fillies and colts cleared out. As I walked out of the class, I took in another breath of the crisp Ponyville air. Now I can head home to go play my games.

Today wasn't so bad, I thought to myself. Well, it was boring. But Pinkie brightened it up. I wonder if she'd like Blank Ops..

I continued to let my mind wander as I walked slowly to my home. Suddenly a helmeted pegasus rolled up on a four-wheeled scooter, grin on her face as she skidded to a stop in front of me. I flinched a bit, she got extremely close to hitting me.

"Hey, kiddo," the pegasus said as she took off her helmet, revealing her messy, purple mane.

I remembered her from the classroom, she sat near the middle, asleep. Miss Cheerillee had to wake her up three times. I chuckled to myself.

"Hey!" I said a tad too enthusiastically.

"It's Button, right?"

"Yeah, what's yours?" I asked.

"Scootaloo. But I have to ask you a question. Would you wanna join our club? It's for finding our cutie marks!"

I looked at my bare flank, indifferent about earning my mark.

"Nah, I'm fine." I replied. "It isn't important to me."

"What?" A voice yelled from a distance. "How could you not want your cutie mark?"

I looked behind Scootaloo, as I saw two fillies galloping over.  One was yellowish, with a big bow on her head. The other.. Well.. Wait, what?

My mind was paralyzed. The filly was snow white. Her mane had curls that tangled perfectly into waterfalls of purple and pink. Her eyes were like jades, green and bright with ambition. My stomach turned. What's going on?

"First of all, Scootaloo, ya shouldn't have rode off without us, we wanted ter talk ta him, too!" The bow-wearing one said. "Second of all-" I stopped listening.  I stopped doing anything. I couldn't take my eyes off of that snowy, unicorn filly. In the back of my mind I hear the yelling of two fillies, but it is inaudible.

"Hey, are you okay?" A voice asked me.

I blinked for the first time in what seemed like forever and in front of me was that same white filly, waving her hoof back and forth in my face. I blinked a few times more and opened my mouth to reply. Nothing. I stood there in silence, as the filly stared at me with her big, concerned eyes. My heart began pounding. My rib cage began to crack as I took a deep breath.

"I-I'm f-fine,"I managed to make out.

"Are you sure? You don't look too good," she replied with the same concerned expression. Her voice became soft, like velvet.

"Yeah. I'm sure," I nodded my head a few more times than nessessary. I felt my face begin burning.

"Are you sure you don't want to go crusading for cutie marks? It's a lot of fun!" She squeaked.

"Uh... I'm not sure. I'll have t-to think about it."

"Okay, well let me know when you decide, 'mkay?" She beamed.

"S-sure."

I stood there, coming back slowly from my trance. The dull roar of the pegasus and earth pony arguing came back into my eardrums.

My stomach turned again. I need to get home, fast! I broke into a sprint. As I ran, I heard Scootaloo say something along the lines of "Sweetie Belle, what did you do to the kid? You scared him away!"

"I didn't do anything! I-"

I turned the corner and the argument became too far away to hear. I galloped all the way home, nearly falling over the steps of my front door. I entered the house, panting, with a burning sensation on my face and chest. I heard my mom from her room.

"Your snack is on the counter! How was school?"

"It was okay," I panted. "Just another first day." I ran to my room and shut the door.

What's wrong with me? I thought as I threw my saddlebags onto my bed. Why couldn't I talk? Was it the filly? Sweetie Belle? Why does my stomach hurt so bad? Is it the Wonderbolt Energy?

I should ask mom what the deal is. Maybe she'll take me to the doctor, I pondered, laying down on my bed. Maybe.. I yawned and began digging through my saddlebags for my JoyBoy. That'll.. get my mind.. off of..

"Button! Wake up! You're almost late for school!" I hear my mother call. Groggy, I look at my clock, 7:45.

..things, I finished. I adjusted my beanie, still on me. I got off my bed, walked to my counter, grabbed a JoyBoy game, and threw it in my bag.

Sweetie Belle, hmm? That's a good name, I thought as I walked out the door.

The Milkshake Incident

The end-of-class bell sounded as Miss Cheerilee waved goodbye. Day two, complete. Things went better, probably because I got some sleep. As I was walking out, I got stopped by an orange pegasus that I didn't remember right away.

"Sup, kid?" Scootaloo asked.

"You know we are the same age, right?" I questioned.

"Well, you're new, so I get to call you 'kid'," Scootaloo replied as she pushed me playfully.

"That doesn't even make sense!"

"Yeah it does! Because- um..." She couldn't retaliate. I couldn't stifle a giggle.

"Anyway, Button, I saw you looking at Sweetie Belle googley-eyed yesterday," Scootaloo said with a smirk.

"I was doing what?" I asked, startled by the statement.

"Oh come on,  Butts! You like Sweetie Belle!" She exclaimed.

"Wha- I do not!" I rose my voice, my cheeks flushed.

I began walking towards my house,  Scootaloo unfortunately following suit. Did I like Sweetie? I never had a crush before, I wouldn't know.

"Come on, it's not hard to tell," Scootaloo said, with a grin.

"I don't even know what having a crush feels like! Believe me, I have no idea!" I declared, a little irritated by her.

"Wait, you're serious?"

I nodded. I really didn't know.

"All I really know is that I couldn't focus when she was there, and my chest hurt really bad, I couldn't talk, I couldn't-"

I stopped.

Why was I opening up to her?

I heard her begin to laugh.

I sighed, red-faced, and began to walk faster. She caught up fast and stopped me with a forehoof around my neck.

"I'm sorry for laughing, it's actually kinda cute," she said between giggles.

"Never say that again," I shot her a deadly glare.

"Sorry! Sorry.."

We began walking in silence as I pondered on my feelings. Did I really have a crush on Sweetie?

"I dunno, Scootaloo. I hardly even know her," I said, my face fading of it's recent lava color.

"Well, get to know her!" she said, beaming at me.

"How?"

"Well.. maybe you could take her out for a milkshake!" she exclaimed, happy with her answer.

"How would I ask her?" I asked.

She laughed, my ignorance amusing her.

"Just play it cool, dude," she said as we walked up my street.

"I don't get it, how do I 'play it cool'?"

"Um.. I got it! When I want to be cool, I always try to impress people. Usually my scooter tricks work that out fine," she said, with a laugh.

We made it to my house. Maybe she could hang out for a while. I could show her my games, she could help me out with Sweetie Belle..

"Wanna come inside?"

"Sure!" she beamed.

I led Scootaloo inside, yelling to my mom that I have a friend over. We walked to my room and she sat in my gaming chair. I sat on my haunches next to her.

"Sorry about the mess," I apologized, looking at the filthy room. The floors had bags of chips and paper cups scattered, my bed was as untidy as I had left it this morning, my closet is open, revealing the trash within.

"Don't worry, my room is like this, too," she said, laughing.

We spend the remainder of the afternoon playing on my X-Cube playing Mare-io and talking to me about how I should handle my situation with Sweetie Belle. She didn't stay for dinner, she had a Crusaders meeting later. She said it would be best to ask Sweetie Belle tomorrow after class.

After she left, I showered, ate dinner, brushed my teeth, and abruptly fell asleep in my bed.

Day three in Miss Cheerilee's class was a bit nerve-racking. Not work-wise, but because I kept drifting off into space or looking at Sweetie every two minutes.

The bell sounded, the students rushed to leave, I stayed behind. Again, because of the clusterbuck of  kids crushing each other. After it cleared up I walked outside and saw the Crusaders standing under an apple tree, Sweetie Belle included. The third of the group is apparently named Apple Bloom, whom Scootaloo told me a bit about yesterday.

I took my first few steps toward the tree, my heart thumping as I walked. I felt the ground moving from under my hooves as I took slow steps forward. I was about 10 meters away before any of the three noticed me. Luckily, Scootaloo noticed first,  giving me a smile and a wink, egging me on. Here goes nothing.

"Uh.. S-Sweetie Belle?" I began.

She looked up and smiled at my dorky, red-faced demeanor.

"It's Button Mash, right? What do you need?" she asked, still smiling.

"Yeah, i-it is.. I was wondering if you'd wanna.. go g-get a.. milkshake.. would you want to..?"

Yeah, Button. Keep it cool.

Surprisingly enough, she looked at Apple Bloom and Scoots for a moment,  then back at me.

"Sure! Sounds fun!" she beamed.

I couldn't help but grin. I looked at Scootaloo, who nodded in approval.

Sweetie and I began to walk to Sugarcube Corner. I couldn't stop smiling, this was great!

"So, you're new to Ponyville?" Sweetie Bell asked.

"Yeah," I replied. "I barely got here a few days ago."

I took a look at her mane, so unkempt yet so perfect. The curls softly frame her pretty face as they playfully bounce in the breeze.

We spoke about our families and what we do for fun. She lives with her sister, Rarity, at a place called Carroll-Sale Boutique or something. She loves to sing. I, however, sing horribly. We shared laughs as she told me about the time the CMC accidentally shipped Miss Cheerilee and Apple Bloom's brother with a love poison.

We arrived at Sugarcube Corner and walked in to see Mr. Cake, Pinkie's employer, at the counter.

"Two milkshakes, please! One chocolate, one vanilla!" I declared to Mr. Cake.

"Comin' right up!" he replied, manning the milkshake machine.

Sweetie Belle and I found a table and sat down, laughing. She became silent for a moment, then looked at me, bewildered.

"What happened that day, when you ran away? Were you okay?"

Oh, no. It was brought up, my face began to burn red in embarrassment.

"I-I.. uhh.." I stammered, trying to come up with a good excuse, not wanting to look like an idiot. I didn't want to tell her that it was because I liked her and the sheer sight of her made my heart skip a beat. This was going so well until this! We were just hanging out, it's not like this is a date, right? Right? I took out my JoyBoy in angst. No, it's time. I put the device down.

I sighed, defeated.

"I ran away.. because I have-"

"Milkshakes!" a voice called from behind the counter as two drink sailed across the shop.

I was relieved to see the milkshakes, as they gave me an idea that I did not think through. I remembered Scootaloo telling me to impress her in dire moments (I think that's what she said.) I decided to do what any smart colt would do.

"MILKSHAKE RACE! 1, 2, 3, GO!" I yelled as I shoved the straw in my mouth and began to gulp down the drink. I was halfway through the shake until I realized Sweetie Belle wasn't participating. I looked over and saw the true expression of confusion painting Sweetie's face. Then, it hit me. Brainfreeze.

I let out a wail that sounded perhaps like,  well, a dying whale and flopped immediately to the ground, clutching my head, moaning. I look up and see Sweetie Belle pick up my JoyBoy. I was in no condition to care as I wailed and moaned for about two minutes. I calmed down, found a bit,  and sat back down on my seat.

Nailed it.

She was engulfed in my JoyBoy game, Mare-troid. I sat there for a couple minutes until I heard the noise that indicated her loss and she looked up back at me, still bewildered by my brainfreeze spasms.

"Are you okay?" she said, half-sarcastically,  knowing I exaggerated a bit.

"Yes. I feel a bit better, now," I said as my cheeks flushed.

After my grueling battle against the brainfreeze, things were quiet between us. She played the JoyBoy for a while, which I didn't mind,  until she said she had a CMC meeting. She said goodbye and walked out. I went over to Mr. Cake, who was watching the whole incident in awe. I paid him for the milkshakes and began to walk out. Through the window, I saw Scootaloo looking at me. I guess she was watching the whole time. I gave her a weak smile as she facehooved. I walked outside into the cooler afternoon.

"Was it that bad?" I asked.

"Yup," she replied bluntly.

I sighed. So much for that.

"So, that Cutie Mark Crusader spot still open for me?" I asked, my question perked up her ears.

"You wanna join?" she asked.

I nodded.

She jumped in the air, fluttering her wings a bit, hovering for a few seconds before drifting slowly back on her hooves.

"YES! COME ON, THE MEETING!" she broke into a full sprint. I chased after her, my saddlebags bouncing as we ran. We passed by my house as we ran, I momentarily stopped to drop off my bags.

As we ran, I pondered. Why didn't I think any of that through? I could have just told her the truth. I didn't have to cause myself trauma and lose my chance with Sweetie Belle. Wait, I do have a crush on her!

"Hey, Scootaloo!" I panted out between breaths. She stopped to turn to me.

"Yeah?"

"Do you think I still have a chance?" I asked.

She laughed.  "I dunno, Button, you acted pretty weird in there. Well, I bet she'd give it another try, she was having fun before you broke down in agonizing pain. "

"Right. Well, I want to at least try again," I said quietly.

Scootaloo looked at me and beamed.

"With an attitude like that, anything is possible!"

I thought for a moment.

"Oh, and Scoots? Was that a date?"

She stood there, pondering. Good thing, too. I can finally catch my breath. Finally, she turned to me.

"Was it?"

Quite the answer. To think that I almost called her my number one wingpony. She broke into a sprint. I smiled as I continued running after Scootaloo.

I knew why I was joining the CMC, and Scoots does, too. I have to try again.

Cool Capes and Mistakes, Arcades and Good Days

I blinked back into reality as I take a look around, wondering where I was.

Oh, right. The clubhouse.

The inside was moderately decorated, with a map of Ponyville in a corner, along with a banner across the wall parrallel to the door. Under the banner, sat Apple Bloom. To her right, Scootaloo was banging on two drums, obnoxiously. Sweetie Belle was checking the to-do list for crusading this week. It looks like everything but the kitchen sink is on that list. Well, I see dishwashing...

Sweetie Belle circled one of the ideas on the list, then sat down opposite of Scootaloo. The three of them were all wearing matching capes.

"Since we have to recruit Button, I only picked one thing to do tomorrow so Rarity can make his cape!" Sweetie Belle squeaked, seemingly ignoring our recent incident.

"Great! Apple Bloom,  you ready?" Scootaloo asked.

"Yup!" Apple Bloom beamed, looking at her speech on the small podium in front of her.

Scootaloo turned to me.

"Ready?"

I nodded.

It seems that they haven't done this many times,  since Apple Bloom stumbled on the words she read, murmuring some of them to the point of it being inaudible. After a few minutes of butchered language, she had me recite some lines.

"I, Button Mash, solemnly swear," I began. "To never stop the journey for my cutie mark-"

I looked at the three beaming fillies for a moment. Maybe earning your cutie mark is as important as they say. A whole society of ponies that are in search of their cutie marks. Searching for their true purpose in life. They might not have the best ideas, but their hearts are in the right place, at least to me.

"- and to never stop helping you earn yours," I finished, a smile on my face.

"Well, I now c-conga..."

I give her points for trying.

"Hayseed! Welcome to the Cutie Mark Crusaders!" she said, frustrated but glad she was done.

I let out a laugh as Scootaloo slammed on the drums, cheering.

"So, Crusaders, what is the plan for tomorrow?" Scootaloo asked.

"First, Button needs his cape made. Then, we are going cliff diving!" Sweetie cheered.

"Cliff diving?" I asked, unsure of her choice. It's cliff diving, for Celestia's sake.

"That.. is.. perfect!" Scootaloo yelled.

"Meet us at the Carousel Boutique after class tomorrow." Sweetie instructed. I nodded, vigorously, trying to avoid eye contact.

After a bit of listening to a bit of Scootaloo's "amazing" drum skills, I walked home.

As I walked into my house, I immediately smelled macaroni and cheese.

"Button, food is ready!" my mom called.

"Coming!" I replied as I sprinted across the house towards the dining room.

I sat down in a seat. Almost immediately, a plate of macaroni, mashed potatoes, and green beans landed right in front of me. I was starving,  the only thing I consumed being an ice demon disguised as a milkshake. I began scarfing down my food. I washed my plate, hurriedly. I wanted to go play my games.

I went up to my room, played Mare-troid for a while, before retiring in my bed.

I woke up to the sound of my mom yelling for me to get up. I made my way down the hall, beanie in my mouth. I noticed my older brother sitting at the table. He was gone with Dad on a business trip, from what I remembered. They probably came home after I went to bed. I guess my dad was still asleep. I wasn't hungry, so I grabbed my saddlebags and left.

My brother and I never got along very well. I'm a little colt, he is turning nineteen next month. I didn't like talking to him very often, he always messed with me when I was younger. He never liked video games, either. I preferred to play by myself, anyway.  After the constant moving, you get used to it. I actually enjoyed playing with Scoots, though. I wonder if it would be as fun or more fun if I invited Sweetie over to play with me... I wonder when I have to leave Ponyville...

I'll have to leave my new friends... Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle...

I don't want to leave this place.

I trotted along the same path I use every morning until I made it to school. School was the same as always, Miss Cheerilee would read a chapter or two of a book, pass out worksheets, the same old stuff. I looked over at Sweetie Belle often. I know how often due to the large amount of paper balls collecting around my desk due to Scootaloo throwing them at me every time I looked over.

End of class, to Carousel Boutique.

After making my way to the boutique, I found the three crusaders sitting under a tree in the shade. Sweetie Belle saw me, jumped up, and immediately ushered me inside. I looked over at Scootaloo, who shrugged nonchalantly in response. I manage a smile to Apple Bloom before I am pushed into the boutique, red faced.

I was continually shoved across the lobby by an overly-eager Sweetie Belle. I caught a quick glimpse of the room, before I was shoved into her sister's work area.

The crusaders must not get many members, I thought. Well, I've only seen the three together, so I'm guessing it's just them.

The work area was extremely messy, with strips of cloth thrown across the room, counters cluttered with papers, spools, and designs of intricate dresses. The mare with a marshmallow coat and violet mane across the room turned as she noticed us enter. She was holding a few sheets of cloth in her telekinetic grip, examining them. She beamed at us.

"Need any help, Rarity?" Sweetie asked, her eyes admiring her older sister.

"No, it's quite alright, dear," Rarity replied, looking back at the cloths she was examining before.

Sweetie walked out, probably to go hang out with the other two fillies. Rarity gestured to the small chair near the middle of the room, as she made her way across. I sat, and she immediately began to measure me. I uncomfortably shifted in my seat.

Rarity turned and began working with the cloths.

"So, you're the new colt in their little group?" Rarity asked.

"Yes, ma'am."

"I see. Well it's good to finally meet the nice little colt that took my little sister out for milkshakes. She was talking about your little date the whole time she was home last night," Rarity said, giggling slightly.

I REALLY hope Sweetie Belle didn't tell her about the brainfreeze thing... Wait, what?

"I-it wasn't a date," I stammered, cheeks beggining to burn.

I don't THINK it was a date...

"Of course, my apologies," she replied, grinning.

I sighed. Why did Sweetie tell her sister, anyway? I was such an idiot. I wasn't thinking properly, embarrasing myself in front of her...

She didn't even wanna help me. Well, she didn't leave, either...

My head began to spin.

The cape was finally finished, I stood up, thanked Rarity,  and ran outside.

The Crusaders saw me in my new cape and gave me smiles and nods of approval. I stood tall, brimming with pride as my cape blew in the wind.

"So... cliff diving?" Sweetie Bell suggested.

We all nodded in unision, Apple Bloom and I both wore worried faces, Scootaloo sported an optimistic and eager one.

I stood at the top of the cliff, near the waterfalls outside of the town. I gulped, looking down at the water far below. Scootaloo patted my back roughly.

"It's okay, Button. It's easy," she said in an attempt to ease my anxiety.

"All you have to do is jump."

I don't think she has jumped off a bucking cliff in her life, she is in no position to tell me it's easy to do.

I leaned over the edge, looking for sharp rocks. Nope, no rocks. Just clear, blue water. I began to wonder if there were any fish in the water, hungry for flesh. I didn't see any. Just water. Water that is suddenly getting closer to me.

My stomach turned as I realized what was happening.

I fell like a rock. While in  freefall, I flailed my legs about, screaming all the way down. I landed, bellyflop, into the water. I shouldn't have leaned forward. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom eventually had to fish me out together, dragging me out of the water.

I wailed in pain, laying on my back. After a while, I calmed down and looked upwards, seeing Sweetie Belle looking down at me, smile on her face. She giggled a bit, grabbed a soaking wet forehoof and lifted me onto my feet. My face was red for more reasons than one.

After I dried up, they made a unanimous decision to not attempt cliff diving. I suppose my suffering was of some use, I thought, rubbing my numb face and belly.

We began walking to the clubhouse, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle in the front, Scootaloo and I stayed behind.

"How's Sweetie Belle's new coltfriend?" she asked, grinning wildly. She better be glad we are out of earshot of them.

"Wha- I'm not her colfriend!" I said, lowering my voice but l still trying to sound hostile.

"Really? Why not?" she said sarcastically.

I glared at her menacingly. She laughed, discouraged slightly.

"I'm only messing with ya, Button. But really, I think it's time I should let you in on a little secret."

"Really? What is it?" I asked, intrigued.

She looked at the ground for a moment, deep in thought. She looked over at Sweetie Belle, who was now far ahead.

"I told her I wouldn't say, but she likes you!" she exclaimed.

"What?" I yelped, taken aback.

"We were talking on the way to get you out of the water, and she said she thinks you are really cute!"

I began to blush furiously. I looked down at the ground. She can't like me, I'm a dork. I ruined our "date" and I bellyflopped off a cliff, for Celestia's sake.

"She didn't say that," I said, discouraged by my low self-esteem.

"Come on, Button, have I ever lied to you?" she asked.

I picked my head up a bit.

"Not that I know of..."

"Then trust me!" Scootaloo cheered.

"She likes you!"

I began to beam.

"What am I supposed to do, then?" I asked, becoming a little giddy. I turned my head over to Sweetie Belle's direction. She was about a block away, chattering with Apple Bloom.

"Good question," Scootaloo replied, as she began pondering.

We walked in silence for a while. We passed by Sugarcube Corner, as a large amaranth-coated stallion with an orange mane walked out with a cupcake balanced on his muzzle. The open door enticed my nose in a wave of sweet smells.

"I got it! The arcade!" Scootaloo cheered.

"Take her to the arcade! She said that she really enjoyed that game she played on your JoyBoy when you were having that brainfreeze!" she giggled.

She did get delved into it a bit as she ignored my overexaggerated whale noises as I flopped on the ground that day.

"Okay, sounds awesome!" I beamed.

"Good, now go ask her! This, time, play it cool!"

Great advice. Play it cool. I haven't heard that before.

I felt pretty confident in myself due to Scootaloo's assurances. I smiled as I galloped over to Sweetie and Apple Bloom.

"Sweetie Belle!" I yelled. She turned around and smiled sweetly.

"Sweetie Bell, wanna go to the arcade?" I asked.

She began to blush. I felt myself begin to turn red as well. As I stared into her glimmering eyes, my heart rate began to speed up.

"Sure!" she squeaked, jumping into the air.

"Can I come with ya?" Apple Bloom asked, oblivious to the fact that I wanted to be alone with Sweetie.

Scootaloo immediately rushed in and began to usher Apple Bloom away with her head.

"Actually, Apple Bloom, we have some crusading to do!" Scootaloo said, winking to me as she and Apple Bloom made their way to the clubhouse.

I looked over at Sweetie Belle, releived that Scootaloo was such an awesome wingpony. Sweetie was still blushing,  a wide grin on her face.

"So... the arcade?" I suggested.

She nodded eagerly. We began walking together under the shining sun.

We eventually made it to the arcade. I looked around for a bit,  searching for a fun game to play. Sweetie squealed as she ran to the nearest arcade machine, which happened to be a zompony-slaying first-person shooter.

"This one looks like fun!" she exclaimed, looking at the large mass of buttons on the machine.

"Alright, let's play!" I grinned, not sure if she could handle such a violent game.

I was about to look for change in my saddlebag, then remembered I took it off when I was getting measured for my cape. I facehoofed.

"Sweetie Belle, I have no money," I said, dissapointed.

"Don't worry, Button! I brough some change!" as she dug through a small pocket in her saddlebag. She pulled out two bits and put one in each side of the machine.

The game came to life as the sounds of shooting and zomponies screeching came out of the machine. After that, a stallion's voice bellowed "Zompony Slayer 5!" Sweetie Belle nearly jumped through the roof, startled by the loud sounds.

I chuckled a bit before grabbing a control stick and hitting "play." Sweetie followed suit and we were immediately in a large skyscraper that reminded me of the ones in Manehattan. The remainder of the afternoon was filled with cheering, screaming, and arguing as we killed herd after herd of zomponies. We had to make it to the top of the skyscraper to win. We never won. We tried many times, wasting countless bits, but it was fun.

"Go! Go! Go up the stairs!" I shouted.

"I'm trying! The zomponies are in the wa-"

A large "YOU LOSE" appeared on the screen as she died. She pouted and scrunched up her face in a way that made my heart flutter.

"I'm out of bits!" she yelled, as she dug through her bag.

"Oh, well. It was fun while it lasted!" I said, smiling. She looked up and beamed in return.

We left the arcade, side-by-side. We began walking towards the boutique to drop her off, it was getting late. Luna's moon was out as it cast it's dim light upon a sleeping Ponyville.

"Button? You never told me why you ran off that day. Were you sick?" Sweetie asked  intently.

"Well, I ran off because I was afraid. I didn't know what I was feeling. I guess I ran because I have a crush on you..."

Oops. This is getting awkward.

She smiled and looked towards the ground, her mane shining under the moonlight.

We stood in front of the boutique. It was sad to see this good day end. Before she walked inside, she turned around and galloped over to me and wrapped her arms around me in a tight embrace.

"Thanks, Button. I had a lot of fun tonight," she said softly.

We hugged for a long time. After an eternity of happiness, Sweetie Belle pulled away and swiftly kissed my cheek. I could have died right on the spot without a care, and I probably should have. My heart exploded as my face reddened brighter than ever before. She pulled her muzzle away from my face,  her face bright red as well.

"Bye, Button," she whispered, before walking into the shop, and finally, closing the door behind her.

I stood there for a while, stunned. As I began to process what happened, I turned around and began to walk home. This was a date. I knew that for sure.

I walked into my house, smile still on my face. I walked through the tan hallway and into my room, throwing my hat and flopping onto the bed.

I forgot to get my saddlebags from Sweetie Belle's, I thought. I was too exhausted to care as I fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

It's been over a week since that wonderful night. I stretched my legs, yawning as I got up from my bed. I took a look around the room. It's neater than it used to be. Sweetie Belle has came over three times over the course of the week, and I didn't want to hang out with her in such a dirty environment. My room was spotless, excluding the two controllers sitting on the ground near the TV along with a few bags of chips next to them from yesterday.

I walked across the unusually neat room and grabbed my beanie. With it in my mouth, I walked out of the room and headed to the bathroom.

I spat the beanie out onto the counter in my bathroom, and began washing my face, grooming my unkempt mane, and brushing my teeth. After I was finished, I put the beanie on my head securely and made my way to the kitchen.

"Button! You're awake early!" my mother exclaimed, surprised that I actually woke up before noon on a Saturday.

"Yeah, I'm getting milkshakes with Sweetie Belle later," I replied as I searched for a box of cereal.

"Oh, your little fillyfriend?" my mother asked, teasing me.

"Mom..."

We went on a date, we hang out all the time, she kissed me...

"...Yeah. She's my fillyfriend," I finished upon realization of our relationship.

"Oh, that's so sweet!" my mom said tenderly.

After eating my breakfast, I grabbed my saddlebags and made my way to Carousel Boutique.

As I walked into the lobby of the boutique, smile on my face, I called out to Sweetie Belle.

"Sweetie! Sweetie Belle? You home?" I yelled.

I heard rustling in the next room. A door flew open as Rarity walked in, not looking very happy.

"Mister Button Mash, will you please refrain from all that shouting in my boutique? I have to finish a whole line of clothing before this week is over, all that screaming is not helping me focus!" Rarity hissed, glaring at me.

My ears drooped as I scooted back a bit, intimidated by the mare. I heard the sound of hooves on tile getting louder and louder as Sweetie Belle galloped down the flight of stairs and into the lobby.

"Button!" Sweetie yelled as she knocked the breath out of me with an embrace. I returned the excited hug and I heard a giggle. I look over to see Rarity, covering her mouth with a forehoof, attempting to stifle her laughter.

"I'm sorry, Button, it's simply that you two are so adorable together!" Rarity said, before she walked back into her work room and shut the door.

"You ready, Sweetie?" I asked

"Ready!" Sweetie replied, beaming.

As we walked into Sugarcube Corner,  the familiar smell of cinnamon entered my nose. Mrs. Cake was sitting at the front counter, polishing the a tall glass, smiling. She was a stout mare, the polar opposite of her husband.

"Two milkshakes! One chocolate and one vanilla, please!"

"Sure thing, dear!" Mrs. Cake replied happily.

Sweetie Belle and I sat down at the same table we sat at the first time we came here together.

I began talking to her about Minecraft, a game I was playing yesterday before she came over. She told me she would really like to play it, sometime. Good thing my mom has a PC she can use.

Once again, the shakes flew through the air, sliding across the table in front of us. Her eyes lit up as she took a sip of her vanilla shake. She looked over at my chocolate shake and me. I knew what she was thinking.

"No, I'm not gonna start another milkshake race," I said, grinning as I took a sip of my shake.

She sighed, relieved.

After we spent some time at the Corner, we went for a walk in Sweet Apple Acres. The sweet smell of apples, the serene sounds of the birds and the rustling of leaves were the only thing that followed us. As we walked, we chattered on about what our families were like. I let her do most of the talking, I didn't have much to say about mine. We were all pretty distant. I hardly knew any of them at all, actually.

We passed by the CMC clubhouse during our walk. Apple Bloom was with her sister and Scootaloo was out with a mare named Rainbow Dash today, so we weren't going crusading this afternoon. It's just Sweetie Belle and I, having a nice, quiet date.

"No! No! Watch out for the lava!"

"I'm trying to get the redstone!"

It's been a few hours since we got back from our walk. She was so eager to try out Minecraft, why would I want to stop her?

We spent the afternoon yelling and laughing as we collected gems and built a house. We played pretty late into the night, so late that she began drifting away to sleep while we were playing. I turned off my PC and nudged her, softly. As she groggily got up, I lead her towards my bed and she layed down in it, falling back asleep almost instantly. I smiled as I observed the adorable sight for a moment, watching her drift away. I turned off her PC and the light before I grabbed a spare pillow and laid it on the ground. I rested my head on it, almost falling asleep after a few minutes. I heard shifting in the bed feet away.

"Button?"

"Hmm?"

"Thank you," Sweetie Belle said sleepily.

"Anytime. Goodnight, Sweetie Belle."

I woke up with a start. I have been in Ponyville for about six months now, I had to surprise Sweetie Belle. Today was her birthday. I did the usual morning rituals and ran towards the flower shop.

I can't beleive how fast these days have gone by, it's like a dream. A dream I never wanted to wake up from.

I entered the flower shop and bought a bouquet of pink roses, her favorite. I began running to the boutique, extremely excited but equally nervous. She has become a massive part of my life and all I want is her to be happy. Is roses enough? She usually isn't too picky with gifts, but this was a special occasion.

I stopped in my tracks. I turned and saw Scootaloo across the street with Apple Bloom. I never thanked her.

"Whoa,  dude. Shouldn't those flowers be for Sweetie Belle?" Scootaloo teased. It must have been a peculiar sight, a colt galloping at her with a bouquet of flowers in his mouth.

"Duh, uff courf-" I pulled the bouquet out of my mouth,  holding it under my arm.

"I came over here to thank you," I said.

"Thank me for what? What did I do?" Scootaloo asked, confused.

"For everything. I wouldn't be in the Crusaders if you never came to talk to me. I would have never met you, Apple Bloom, or Sweetie Belle. Thank you."

I gave her a hug. She stiffened up a bit, surprised.

"You're welcome, dude," Scootaloo finally replied, awkwardly returning the hug.

I smiled to Apple Bloom, who returned the gesture.

"I gotta go, I'll see you two at the meeting tomorrow?" I asked.

They both nodded. I gave them one last smile and made a dash to the boutique,  bouquet back in my mouth.

I walked into the boutique, trying to catch my breath. The work room door was open, with Rarity behind it, peering into the looby. She smiled and gestured to the staircase.

"She's still asleep" she said quietly.

"You can go wake her up if you like"

Rarity has warmed up to me over time, probably because I get Sweetie Belle out of the house and out of her mane. I tried thanking her, only muffled words came out. She chuckled and closed her door.

I quietly went up the stairs. I was extremely nervous. I hope this is good enough.

I walked into her bedroom and knocked on the door frame softly. The sheets began shifting slowly, until a pretty little head popped out. Her hair was untidy, covering most of her face. I chuckled quietly as she smiled softly.

She stretched and moved her hair away from her face. She left the bed and stood, yawning.

I held out the bouquet, a stupid grin on my face. My face got hot as her eyes began to shimmer. She ran up to me and embraced me tightly. After a few moments, we pulled apart, both blushing wildly.

In bliss, she pressed her muzzle against mine for what seemed like forever. The rest of the world melted away. Nothing else mattered. No amount of video games or energy drinks could be better than this moment. We slowly pulled apart. I stared into her large, jade eyes. So vibrant, so easy to get lost in. I was speechless.

Happy birthday, Sweetie Belle.

I walked inside my house, tired from the crusading today. Being here for almost two years, you'd think it would get boring. Not if you're a Crusader. With them, it's never boring.

I threw my bag into my room, lazily. I heard my mom call my name from the other room. I walked into the living room, surprised to see my brother, my mother, and my father all sitting together in complete silence. My mother gestured her head to the couch.

"Button," she began.

"We have to talk about something."

My heart stopped. I've been in this situation before.