Dreams

"Alright, so, first order of business," Sweetie Belle looked around at the small group. The Crusaders have grown within the past year, going from three members to seven; the three friends were more than happy to allow them to join. On her left, sat Scootaloo, a funny smirk on her lips. To her right, was Applebloom, who was chiding the orange pegasus for it. In front of them were a purple unicorn named Dinky, who was already like a sister to the girls, and Rumble, as he was requested to join -partially because his brother wanted him to have more friends (though she didn't want to admit it, Scootaloo wanted to spend more time with him). The last little pony was by the name of Pipsqueak, and he joined the group simply for the experience, and to his mother's demand as well.

"What's so important that we all had ta come here, Sweets?" he asked in his Trottingham accent, causing Dinky to blush and look away when he caught her staring.

She giggled. "It's ideas for Button's birthday, silly! We have to come up with the biggest, bestest celebration for our super awesome friend!"

Scootaloo leaned across her and winked at Applebloom. "Super awesome friend, huh?" To which, she got a whack in the head. "Worth it."

Sweetie Belle ignored this and pulled out a clipboard. She levitated a pencil in her ear. "So. We know Pinkie Pie is willing to rent out her space so we can hold it. Let's start with party favors first." She pointed to Dinky.

The unicorn bit her lip as all eyes were turned to her. "Um.... since Button loves video games, how about we mold chocolate into a joyboy  console?" She blushed even redder when her friends reacted positively to her reply.

"Awesome! He'll love that. Mrs. Cake can teach us how," She jotted things down, "Pip, what ideas do you got?"

He put his hoof to his chin and thought about it. "Hmm. How 'bout we get Discord to dress up as a clown and make balloon animals for us? Ah bet it'd be a really funny sight!"

Applebloom fell over with laughter, her chest hurting so much that tears came out of her eyes. "W-write tat one down, Sweetie! Oh sweet Celestia...."

Both Dinky and Pipsqueak couldn't help but join in the laughter, smiling at each other warmly. They loved it how each of them came so close in a matter of months, and they trusted each other so much so that whatever goes in the clubhouse, stays. And with the CMC's help, dealing with bullies weren't so much of a problem anymore. Dinky's mother even stopped worrying, though she could always feel that watchful eye on her back whenever she walked past her.

She was taken out of her memories when Sweetie addressed Scootaloo. She puffed out her chest in response. "Well duh! What else would make this party epic? DJ-PON 3! Rainbow Dash and her are bros, she can hook us up!"

A chorus of excited agreement spread around the room. "Nice one, Scootaloo. Okay, Applebloom?"

"Ah can ask mah sister if she could make some home-made apple cider. Button loves that stuff, so it'll be a nice treat for him. An'... an'... it could be Pokemon themed, because that's his favorite thing in the wide wide world of Equestria!"

"Pokeballs falling from the ceiling!" Sweetie Belle chimed in, grinning.

"With the episodes playing on a projection screen!" Dinky added enthusiastically.

"An' Button the center of attention!" Pipsqueak cheered.

"The cake could have Charizard's face on it," Scootaloo added, making her teeth look sharper. She tried to scare Applebloom. "That way we can say we KO'd it by eating him!"

She took a deep breath, jumping up so everypony can slap her hoof. "Cutie Mark Crusaders Party Planners, YAY!"

Their cheers echoed into laughter as they piled on top of each other, the clip board flying out of Sweetie Bell's hooves. Across the town of Ponyville, the colt's mother sighed while staring at a picture of her husband. "One more day, honey. One more day and you'll be home from work. Celestia-willing everything goes alright." Putting the picture frame back on the fireplace mantle, she turned to make dinner, calling out her sons' names.