Young Love

Chapters

Beginning of Something New
The Letter
Babs' Visit + The Cultivation
Romantic Setting at the Park

Beginning of Something New

Young Love:

Beginning of Something New

Since the first day they met, Sweetie Belle and Button Mash tried to find ways on expressing their feelings toward each other. They used many methods to get a reaction out: shared a milkshake together, gave each other gifts on Hearts and Hooves Day, and the occasional first date. Sadly, nothing seemed to click.

All they need is a little nudge, they don't need to use a love potion for this one.

Sweetie Belle watched the sun rise from her bedroom window, rubbing her eyes to avoid the sun's glare from blinding her sight. On a day like this, I hope that Button Mash has something special planned today. She thought to herself, got out of the bed, and walked down the stairs when she departed from the Carousel Boutique.

She walked along the dirt road near Sweet Apple Acres, and headed towards the clubhouse. The energetic unicorn raced up the retractable stairs of the wooden house and knocked on the door, where a note was attached to the front door.

Dear Sweetie Belle,

Scootaloo and I are going to Sugarcube Corner, to concoct a plan for both you and Button Mash.

Meet us at Sugarcube Corner, so that we can discuss this together. Keep this as a secret from Button Mash.

Sincerely,

Your fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom

Sweetie Belle read the instructions on the letter, and immediately went on a beeline for Sugarcube Corner.

The scenery of Sugarcube Corner made many ponies' mouths water at the sight of it, like a miniature waterfall of a sweet desire. Sweetie Belle walked through the door and bounced towards Apple Bloom and Scootaloo.

Three of them sat down at one of the tables and greeted each other with a hug.

''So, what's the plan guys?'' Sweetie Belle inquired, she furrowed her brow after the question came up.

Apple Bloom stopped sipping her strawberry milkshake before replying. The hardworking filly rolled out a map along with a designated plan written on the map. ''The plan is for us to bring you and Button Mash together, in a different setting than the two of you are usually accustomed to.''

The map had two symbols on each end of the map: a heart and a gaming controller. The gaming controller represented Button Mash's dedication to his hobby and the heart represented Sweetie Belle's passion for him, sappy but true.

''Accustomed to, whatever do you mean by that?'' Sweetie Belle inquired again, she pointed at the two symbols.

''I mean, instead of the usual romantic things that all ponies do together or on a day-to-day basis, we're going to keep you two in a more... adaptable adjustment to your methods.'' Apple Bloom explained in a more in-depth explanation.

''It's a fool-proof plan, nothing can go wrong this time! To ensure that nothing goes wrong this time in our attempt with romance, we have excluded the use of love potions. So that we don't recreate what we did the last time.'' Scootaloo giggled, trying not to recall the 'last time.'

All three of them prevented nausea from coming out of their mouths, by closing their mouths with their hooves.

''Let us never speak of that again.'' Sweetie Belle said, her body shuddered from the memories of the love potion.

''Agreed.'' Apple Bloom replied, she continued to sip on her milkshake.

''Ditto to that!'' Scootaloo asserted, she agreed with her fellow Crusaders.

''Anyway, we're going to have you and Button Mash take a peaceful walk through the park at nighttime. Setting the mood in a right way always works for many couples, so we're going to do that. But first, we have to initiate the first step, hopefully I have the steps right here with me.'' Apple Bloom searched through her saddlebag vigorously and found a piece of paper, with a sharpened pencil.

She placed the paper down on the table and held the pencil with her teeth, writing down the three steps on the paper.

> Step 1: Set up the steps for the date.

Step 2: Arrange the date.

Step 3: Take out all things that can go wrong.

Step 4: Profit???

Sweetie Belle speculated what the fourth step meant, she has to think about that later. ''Apple Bloom, why does the fourth step say 'profit'?''

''Oh that, Scootaloo added that last minute because she wants to get payed after this plan succeeds. Like she said before, it is fool-proof so what can possibly go wrong?'' Apple Bloom concluded, turning her attention over to Scootaloo.

The brash, young filly imagined the image of buying a Wonderbolt poster if she was payed in bits, after this convoluted plan is a complete success. ''What are you staring at?'' she snapped back to reality, while Apple Bloom gave her a witty look.

''Nothing, and if this plan doesn't work, I always have a Plan B.'' Scootaloo laughed as she brought a pink bow from her saddlebag.

''You took one of my pink bows from my closet?'' Apple Bloom asked with a puzzled look on her face.

''I borrowed it, just in case if this whole plan doesn't work out.'' Scootaloo inserted the pink bow back in her saddlebag.

''Now that we have the plan ready, how are we going to get Button Mash to join me in the park?'' Sweetie Belle wondered, thinking about a way to get him to come.

''Leave that to us, you don't have to worry about a thing. Though, Scootaloo is not the best when it comes to planning, we can handle this easily.'' Apple Bloom puffed out her chest confidently.

''What could possibly go wrong?'' Scootaloo put her arms around both of the fillies.

Out of all the plans that the Cutie Mark Crusaders have made, ended in failure or they gave up. They have been with each other since the day they met for a common goal, once again it is for the sake of romance. Going by any means necessary to bring these two together.

''You guys are right, I'm going to go home now. See you guys tomorrow!'' Sweetie Belle waved at her friends, scampering out of Sugarcube Corner and headed home.

''See you tomorrow, Sweetie Belle!'' the two remaining fillies waved and shouted in unison.

''Scootaloo, we need to talk about you sneaking into my room and taking my bows.''

''I know, Apple Bloom. I borrowed it to make myself look pretty.'' Scootaloo shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly.

''I'll never understand you, Scootaloo.'' Apple Bloom tried to stifle her laugh, she coughed to regain her composure.

Both fillies walked up to the counter and left their respective bits to pay for the three milkshakes, then they left the dessert-populated establishment to go to their homes.

The Letter

The Letter

Apple Bloom woke up at the crack of dawn like she does every morning, today was a day where she didn't have to work. Applejack and Big Macintosh went down to Appleloosa to assist Braeburn, with the new shipment of apple cider while Granny Smith stayed behind to watch Apple Bloom. The only flaw in this was, that Granny Smith tends to doze off a lot in her rocking chair.

The young filly stifled a yawn and raced downstairs at the speed of a bullet, she heard a knock at the door. Curious to know who it was, she turned the doorknob and opened the door. A grey pegasus with three bubbles as her cutie mark floated in front of the door, she gripped a letter in her mouth.

''Howdy there, Derpy! What do ya' have for me today?'' Apple Bloom wondered, she gestured over at the letter.

''Just a letter for you, it says that it is from Manehattan.'' Derpy confirmed, she removed the letter from her mouth and gave it to Apple Bloom.

Immediately after she found out where the letter came from, she thought of her cousin, Babs Seed. She obtained the letter from Derpy and closed the door behind her.

''See you later, Apple Bloom!'' Derpy took off into the sky and waved goodbye to Apple Bloom.

Granny Smith rocked back and forth in her rocking chair when Apple Bloom tore the sealed envelope open. She analyzed the letter, reading every single line of the letter.

The letter clearly stated:

Dear Apple Bloom,

I'm going to make this quick without wasting your time, cousin. The last time that we saw each other in Ponyville, I made a mistake and made sure to correct the mistake. Long story short, I made friends back in Manehattan and helped the Crusader Branch expand from just me to other fillies and colts who don't have their cutie marks.

To commemorate this moment, I'm coming to Ponyville for a visit tomorrow. Hope to see you then!

Sincerely,

Your cousin, Babs Seed

Apple Bloom didn't know how to feel about this, only a shocked expression washed over her. It was one thing for her cousin to come back, but it was another for her to return in the way of informing her by sending a letter. She hurried out of the farm household and went to the clubhouse.

She rapidly opened the door and found Scootaloo working on a letter to send Button Mash.

''Workin' on the letter, Ah see?'' she questioned her friend quickly.

''I sure am, take a look at it!'' Scootaloo held up the letter for Apple Bloom's eyes to scan it.

Dear Button Mash,

This is an invitation for a romantic outing in the park, you are cordially invited to spend a night with somepony who loves you dearly. She will do anything for you guys to be together: she would climb mountains, move the world around her, and lay her own life on the line to be with you. Happiness is all that she desires with you. So, please attend this event.

Bring flowers or a single rose with you, also bring a bag of bits with you. Don't ask why!

Sincerely,

Your secret admirer

''Why are we keeping this a secret from him?'' Apple Bloom asked, she cocked an eyebrow as well. She wasn't sure if telling him or keeping it as a secret could help them both.

''The suspension of disbelief, besides we are just testing the waters.'' she answered and rolled the letter up into a scroll.

Scootaloo obtained a red ribbon from the corner of the clubhouse, she twirled the ribbon around the letter and tied it together with the ribbon. ''We just have to send this letter to his house, he'll never see us coming.''

''That sounds pretty creepy and I don't know if we should do this.'' Apple Bloom hesitated, unaware of how they should go through with this.

''You got a point, AB. We should at least be subtle with this or it could go wrong, a perfect plan is not without its flaws. I mean, look at how Queen Chrysalis' plan was well thought out but it had holes, just like her.'' Scootaloo laid down with her back on the floor, kicking her hooves up in a fit of laughter.

The red-haired filly laughed along with Scootaloo, until a plan hatched in her head. A light bulb hovered over her head, it smashed down on her head. ''I got an idea!''

''Lay it on me!'' Scootaloo demanded.

''I just thought that we should send the letter to his house in secrecy, tonight. You and I are sworn to secrecy, meaning that we are not going to tell Sweetie or Button Mash. Keep it as a surprise, everypony loves surprises!'' Apple Bloom said excitingly.

''Speaking of surprises, you remember my cousin Babs right?''

''Yeah, what about her?''

''She is comin' back for a visit tomorrow. I don't know what she will do, but can't hurt to be prepared.'' Apple Bloom added, she grabbed the letter and headed straight for Button Mash's house.

''You are taking action now, see you later Apple Bloom! Make sure to deliver that letter to the right address!'' Scootaloo couldn't stress that enough if the letter was delivered to the wrong letter, she completely trusts her that she won't.

Apple Bloom raced back into town, searching through every house for his house. Without warning, she tripped over a rock while the letter soared in the air and landed near a house. This house had a green roof, blue window guards, and a beautiful rose garden near it.

She walked up to one of the nearby windows of the house and peered through the window, where a young colt remained in his bed sleeping. The walls in his room were plastered with every game poster known to gamers in Equestria, most of them are easily intrigued by the false advertising and empty promises of a perfect game. An old arcade game machine stood in plain sight inside of his room, along with a vast collection of retro game controllers. This was the home of Button Mash.

''I don't have a moment to waste to admire the scenery of his room, got to deliver this letter.'' she muttered silently under her breath, quickly moved over to the residents' mailbox, grabbed the letter and slid the letter in the mailbox.

''Done and done, now time to head home so I can contain my anticipation for Babs coming back.'' Apple Bloom departed from the residence and wandered back to Sweet Apple Acres.

The tantalized filly walked past the apple orchard and opened the door slowly. A muffled creak emitted from the squeaky door, the sound almost woke up Granny Smith, a loud snore made its presence in the household.

SNARKLE!

It was too hard to ignore her snoring, she wandered into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. In the refrigerated device, she moved her hoof around to search for something to plug her granny's mouth with. She found a white marshmallow, closed the refrigerator silently behind her, went over to Granny Smith soon after. Inserting the marshmallow into her mouth, she closed her loose lips shut.

The snore was finally silenced. ''Jeez, and Ah thought Applejack snored like a wolf.''

Apple Bloom made her way upstairs to her room and hopped from the wooden floorboards into her warm bed. ''This day has to be the weirdest one of my life, and that's saying much in this town.'' the night finally took her away, she finally made her way into her dreams, where Luna would guard her innermost secrets.

Babs' Visit + The Cultivation

The train arrived into the Ponyville Train Station, as the train came to a complete stop on the tracks. ''You have now arrived at Ponyville, if this is your stop you must depart from the train. Everypony else who is coming on train, all aboard who's coming aboard!'' The train conductor announced, he checked his golden watch for the departure time and walked back in the train ---- while ponies started to fill the train.

A filly stepped out of the train, as the train's doors closed and left the station for the next stop.

Babs Seed's Cutie Mark Crusaders cape draped over her back as she made her way away from the train station. She galloped from the train station and walked through a huge crowd of ponies, to go meet her cousin.

It's been a long time since Babs Seed was in Ponyville, though it wasn't a memorable experience at first. Overcoming bullying in Manehattan was almost a difficult challenge for her, but thanks to the help of the friends that she made there, she found the courage to deal with it by telling an adult or finding ways to handle it herself. One thing that she has learned in her life is, stand up for what's right and don't let anypony bring you down.

After she left the train station, she saw Sweet Apple Acres as her eyes looked all around the apple orchard. This visit gave her the time to reflect on her life, and correct any mistakes that she made in said life.

She knocked on the door, waiting for a response.

A yellow cream-colored filly made her downstairs in a hurry, she opened the door and embraced her cousin in a hug. ''Babs!'' she said, wrapping her hooves around her.

''It's good ta' see ya too, cuz'. How's your life been in Ponyville, since the last time we saw each other?'' Babs addressed, thinking about what to say next.

''Life has been pretty good for me an' the other Crusaders, is life in Manehattan treating you well?'' Apple Bloom asked in a puzzled tone, hoping to get an answer from her cousin.

Gasping for air, Babs' face turned red from the pressure of the hug. She replied, ''Manehattan is treating me very well, I've overcome the bullying fiasco, and now I made some friends that are joining the Cutie Mark Crusaders' Manehattan Branch!''

Apple Bloom released her hug, jumping around in a circle excitingly. ''That is good news, Babs!''

''Can I talk to you about something?''

''You can talk to me about anything, what do you need to talk about?''

''It's about Sweetie Belle and Button Mash. Button Mash is a colt who plays a lot of video games and it's almost like a hobby than an obsession, so I need your advice to help both of them.''

''Ah' don't know much about romance, but I could give you some advice.''

''Thanks, Babs.''

Babs explained to Apple Bloom about the basics of romance and how to portray it correctly. If it is done incorrectly, only disaster can come out, the best way to avoid it is to ensure that everything goes well. Treating the couple with respect, while at the same time, giving them their privacy to convey their emotions.

''Now, do you understand?'' Babs asked, pointing to her diagram representation of love.

''Ah' sure do, maybe you could talk to Button Mash? But, don't tell him that the letter was Sweetie Belle's invitation to the park or that I sent it to him, okay?''

''You got it, cuz'!'' Babs ensured confidently, making her way from the property to Button Mash's house.

A brown colt vigorously played on his JoyBoy, when a cream-colored mare walked into the room. ''Button, you've got mail!'' she held the letter out to her son, waiting for him to grab it.

He was too preoccupied with his new game to pay her any attention at all.

''I'll just leave the letter right here.'' she placed the letter down on the floor near him, leaving the room soon after.

Button's bloodshot eyes were glued to the TV and the controller, staying focused on defeating the final boss. His controlled hero in shining armor, slayed the evil demon with his sword to strike one fatal blow, the demon dematerialized into oblivion.

''Yes, I finally beat him!'' Button rejoiced with joy, he put the controller down and grabbed the letter.

He read each word of the letter carefully, his face turned a crimson red. His propeller hat whirled around in a circle, trying to hide his embarrassment.

A knock was heard at the door, Babs Seed waited behind the door. Button Mash walked up to the door and opened it, looking at the young filly in shock. ''And who pray tell, are you my fair maiden?''

''Ah'm Babs Seed, you must be Button Mash, correct?''

''The one and only, also the Ponyville Gaming Champion for two years running.'' Button boasted, pointing to his golden controller trophy.

''Of course you are.'' Babs rolled her eyes and giggled.

''So what brings you here to my humble abode?'' Button questioned, he raised an eyebrow.

''I came here to ask you something. Do you know the first thing about romance or going on dates?''

''I've been on a few dates with Sweetie Belle, we've been trying for weeks to show how we feel about each other, but to no avail.''

Babs tapped her chin curiously until an idea came to mind. ''Are you going to show up to the park tonight to meet your secret admirer?''

''Of course,'' Button took out his schedule from his saddlebag before continuing, ''I'm free tonight, I'll make sure to be there.''

''Good, you're probably wondering why I asked that question to begin with?'' Babs delayed her reaction.

''Yeah, but maybe I'll see you ther---'' Babs kissed him on the nose, losing his train of thought.

''Maybe you will, nice meeting you.'' she left the residence, leaving Button standing there motionless.

''Mommmmm, I got a date with a secret admirer tonight!'' Button exclaimed, walking back inside the house and closing the door.

''You should get yourself ready then, make sure to have fun when you go on the date!'' Love Tap suggested. Maybe I should be there to chaperone his date. she thought to herself, giggling.

Romantic Setting at the Park

Romantic Setting at the Park

The golden glow of the sun seeped through windows all around Ponyville, everypony closing their eyes to stay in bed. While, other ponies welcomed the morning rays of Celestia's sun to start the day. Today was the day for Sweetie Belle and Button Mash to finally solve their romantic dilemma, with the help of Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, including Babs Seed. We all live for that one moment in our lives to find that special pony to be in our lives, this could be the moment.

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo all got out of bed early to meetup with one another for the final preparations for the secret admirer date. The three friends gathered around in a huddle, keeping their conversation confidential.

''Is everything ready for tonight?'' Sweetie Belle asked.

''Everything is totally ready for tonight. We did every step to prepare for you guys to shine in the moonlight, also that I'll be earning my reward if this goes well.'' Scootaloo nudged them in the shoulders, a grin plastered over her face.

''We'll see about that, why don't we make this interestin'?'' Apple Bloom proposed her offer to Scootaloo, smiling wickedly.

''I'm intrigued, assuming that it's a bet, so what are the stakes?'' Scootaloo cocked an eyebrow, tempted by the offer.

''The stakes in this bet are, if the date does not goes as planned or something out of nowhere alters it, you have to do my chores for a month and serve me a glass of lemonade after you complete each chore.''

''An awesome pony like me shouldn't have to do chores, I accept your terms of the bet. If Sweetie Belle and Button Mash are able to share a romantic moment and kiss, not only do I get my bits, but you have to be my servant for a week.'' Scootaloo retorted, puckering her lips to tease her.

''You are so on!'' they bumped their hooves with a clacking sound.

''Now with that being said, hopefully I can convince Rarity to make a dress for me. Though, it is so last minute.'' Sweetie Belle squeaked with a blank expression on her face, her ears drooped down.

''Don't worry about it, Sweetie Belle. You can ask Rarity to make you a dress, while we wait behind a bush at the park and not watch you during your date.''

''Yea-h, wait what?''

Before Sweetie Belle could get her answer, both of her friends vanished into thin air, leaving a small trail of dust in their departure.

Sweetie Belle galloped to her sister's fashion business, attempting to convince the seamstress into making a dress for her date. If all else fails, pouting and using her ways of persuasion could benefit her in the long run. It couldn't hurt to make a simple dress for her to wear, anything would make her happy.

She walked into the boutique, as Rarity added the finishing touches to the commissions that her clients from Trottingham requested for a wedding, always enhancing her art in any way possible. The elegant mare finished the flamboyant dress and exquisite suit, which were decorated with finesse. Both of them looked formal as each detail shined with the most lavish features: a red bow tie on the suit along with the dress sparkling in its exterior design, the diamonds topped the dress off completely.

''Rarity?'' Sweetie Belle tapped her on the shoulder, not wishing to disturb her.

''Yes, Sweetie Belle?'' Rarity lets her red designer glasses slide down her nose, giving the filly her undivided attention.

''I forgot to tell you this, you have to make me a dress for my date tonight at the park.'' Sweetie Belle requested, looking up at her sister.

''Since I just finished my commission orders for the day, I'd be happy to make a dress for my little sister. Who's the lucky colt that is dating my sister?'' Rarity asked curiously.

''Button Mash, he is a pony who is close to my heart.'' Sweetie Belle replied back to her sister.

''I hope that he treats you well, nopony should have to deal with their special somepony who doesn't give them the respect they deserve. Anyway, I'll start on your dress right now.'' Rarity confirmed, grabbing a mannequin with her magic and looking through her set of dresses to pick the best one for Sweetie Belle.

''Thank you, you're the best sister ever!'' Sweetie jumped over to Rarity and wrapped her hooves around her neck softly.

''Of course, that's what sisters are for, darling.'' Rarity smiled with a big grin, focusing on the mannequin. She lit up her horn with a blue aura, placing different dresses on the mannequin to see what looked the best and what fits.

''I'll make sure to come back later to wear the dress.'' Sweetie left her sister's establishment, bouncing happily with joy down the road.

While Sweetie Belle was getting herself ready, Button Mash did the same to look sharp tonight. His mother, Love Tap made her way into her son's room to check up on him. She looked at Button Mash trying on some suits that could make him look dapper on his secret admirer date, her motherly instincts decided to kick in. ''Button, honey?''

''Yeah, mom?'' Button stopped what he was doing, turning to his mom.

''If you are having trouble on looking for a suit to wear, I could be more than happy to help.'' Love Tap pointed to a closet in his room, where a special suit was hidden in there.

''I don't know mom, I'm trying to prove that I can handle this on my own.''

''Button, nopony can handle anything on their own, especially a date.'' Love Tap retorted.

''I can never say no to you mom, unless you confiscate my JoyBoy if I don't go on the date.'' Button said, gesturing to his controller.

''I--I would never do that.'' Love Tap slid the controller back in his room, without him noticing.

''Of course not, so you can show me the suit.'' Button said, walking over to the closet.

Love Tap opened the closet to unveil the suit with the black bow tie and red rose, both were visible on the suit. The red rose was in a small pocket on the top of the suit, while the black bow tie was in the center. ''This is same suit that your father wore when we out on our first date, he saved it for you just in case that you needed it.''

''I miss dad.''

''Me too, Button.'' Love Tap enveloped Button in a hug.

The silence filled the room before the hug was applied. Button waved to his mom, as he walked out the door in his suit holding the single red rose.

Sweetie Belle returned to the Carousel Boutique with the street lights lighting up the night. ''I'm back Rarity, is the dress ready?''

Rarity held out the small, white dress which had one part of the dress colored in a light pink hue. ''It is ready for you, Sweetie Belle!''

Sweetie's mouth hanged agape, she couldn't contain her amazement. ''I love it!'' she squeaked, holding still for Rarity to try on the dress.

A few minutes of squirming and calculating her measurements, Sweetie Belle was able to fit into her elegant white dress. ''Thanks again, Rarity!''

''It was no problem at all, my dear. I always aim to please the client, especially my little sister.'' Rarity waving her hoof around as Sweetie trotted silently to the park.

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo trotted to the park as well, hiding behind a bush nearby. They watched their friend walk past the bush to the park, they couldn't help but gaze in awe to admire the scenery of the park at night.

Button Mash made his way to the park from the opposite side. Looking up at the moon's radiance spreading across the night sky, Button and Sweetie met at each others' path on their way to the park benches.

''Sweetie Belle?'' Button asked, with his mouth hanging open.

''It's me, you silly colt. You weren't expecting me, did you?'' Sweetie was just as surprised to see Button too, she didn't expect this to start off well.

''To be honest, I received a letter about meeting a secret admirer. It said I had to bring flowers and a bag of bits, I managed to get a rose and a fancy suit to boot, courtesy of my mom.'' Button gave Sweetie the red rose, she inhaled the scent of the flower while the scent tickled the inside of her nose.

''Aren't you the sweetest thing? I know that our past dates went well and that we haven't managed to click, but I can assure you that I'll still love you no matter what.'' Sweetie promised, walking side-by-side with Button over to the park's lake, her friends still following her movements while staying hidden behind a bush.

''Ah'm so going to win this bet.'' Apple Bloom boasted.

Scootaloo put her hoof in her mouth to silence her and said, ''Are you trying to alert all of Ponyville? We have to be silent.''

''Gotcha.''

Tiny fireflies submerged from the cool waters of the lake with their light illuminating around the lake, they formed a curved formation of a heart as the young ponies watched the small animals entertaining them, with a light show.

''I love coming to this park and watching the fireflies at night.'' Sweetie said, her green eyes lighting up with every passing moment of watching the fireflies.

''Though I've never been to this park before, I'm glad that I'm here with you. I love you, Sweetie Belle.''

''I love you too, Button Mash.''

Button and Sweetie came closer to each other for a kiss that could light up fireworks, until they were suddenly interrupted.

''Just kiss already!'' Scootaloo shouted from the bush, as Apple Bloom pushed her back down on the grass.

''Are ya tryin' to blow our cover?!'' Apple Bloom blurted out, keeping her friend out of sight.

A small firefly hovered above Button's muzzle and firmly landed on it. Unaware of the small illuminating insect, Sweetie tries to shoo the insect away from him.

''Button, you've got a little something on your nose. I'll get it.'' Sweetie kissed Button on the muzzle, while the firefly fled for its life to avoid getting smooched by the unicorn's lips. Button's face went from its normal color to a very noticeable dark shade of red, the blush caused Sweetie to giggle at him.

''Thanks for getting rid of that firefly, Sweetie. Would you care to explain why your friends are hiding behind the bush?''

''Apple Bloom and Scootaloo made a bet earlier today, to see if this date would be deemed a success or a failure. Judging from what we said to each other and what we did, I can say that our date was a success!''

''Hopefully, I earned my cutie mark from that,'' Sweetie looked down at her flank, still a blank spot remained, ''Better luck next time, I suppose.''

''You don't need a cutie mark to define who you are. I have my cutie mark, but having the ability to thrive for it by any means necessary, can leave a pony feeling kind of empty inside.'' Button replied, looking down at his gaming controller cutie mark with a sigh.

''It's all about the journey for a high reward in life, if it makes you happy once you get your cutie mark, I'll keep my persistence high until I achieve my goal. But, you're right, it's better to do what you love and be happy than not be satisfied.'' Sweetie assented, pointing to her muzzle. ''You can kiss me now.''

Button repaid the favor by kissing Sweetie on her muzzle. ''I had a fine time with you, why don't you and your friends come play some video games at my house?''

Sweetie felt tempted at the offer, thinking of the right response to the question. Many things were rushing through her head, albeit this night was getting better and better.

''I have room for four.''

''Room for four?''

Babs Seed emerged from the shadows, blowing her mane out of her face. ''We'd be delighted to come, sorry that I didn't tell you that I was here, Sweetie Belle. I came to visit Ponyville and I did meet Button Mash, I hope you don't mind if I can come with you guys?''

''The more, the merrier!'' Button told them, as they exchanged looks with each other.

When they all arrived at Button's house, Love Tap welcomed them all into the house and closed the door behind them. The fillies and colt made their way into Button's gaming sanctuary, holding their four gaming controllers and playing an old classic multiplayer game, Super Mario Colt Kart 64.

Their controllers had a arrow that pointed in four different directions and a red button, but they didn't pay them no mind at all and just jumped into the action.

The gaming disc was inserted into the system, beginning the long loading process. The game started and they all clicked on the multiplayer mode on the menu, picking their racers to start the game off on the right hoof. First map was: Rainbow Road, a map that Button was not too fond of when he faced the computer, now he has to face three different opponents and the computer.

Button sighed. ''I never do good on this map since I keep falling off, it's now or never.''

Sweetie nuzzled herself against Button, ''Don't worry, you have your good luck charm right here.''

Apple Bloom frowned at Scootaloo, her ears flopped down in disappointment. ''Looks like you win, Scootaloo. I'll be your servant for a week, and I have the bits that you wanted.'' she threw down a wool bag containing bits, with string surrounding the top of the bag.

Scootaloo's grin grew larger, holding a similar bag of bits in her hoof. ''Already got you covered.''

Apple Bloom quickly responded, ''Where did you get those bits from?''

Scootaloo paused for a moment, before answering the question. ''You'll find out soon enough, when you serve me for a week.''

Apple Bloom was left speechless after that, she focused on the task at hand, winning the race.

As the countdown to the race finished, all four ponies and the computer-picked opponents battled it with each advantage catapulting the leader in the lead. Tooth and nail, victory was guaranteed to the pony who fought through it all: to survive falling off the map, getting hit by blue shells, and losing your 1st place lead. Babs was the first to go, being the unlucky one who got hit by the blue shell. Scootaloo gave it her all to stick it out, but unfortunately Button, Sweetie, and Apple Bloom were the only three ponies remaining.

Scootaloo looked at the scoreboard. ''This game cheats, I swear. Now I see why Button hates Rainbow Road so much, I kept falling off that stupid map.''

Apple Bloom snorted at her complaining friend. ''Scoots, maybe Rainbow Dash loves that map. She probably designed the map just to frustrate you, as a test of whether you're awesome or not.''

Scootaloo muttered under her breath. ''I don't need a map to determine my level of awesomeness, silly filly.'' she took out a signed Wonderbolts poster, with Spitfire, Fleetfoot, and Soarin's autographs on it. ''I have a limited edition poster anyway.''

The final stretch of the race approached the third and final lap of the race. Sweetie and Button started off very fast as their karts went past the obstacles and raced along the road, their karts took off into the sky and landed back on the road's path getting one step closer to finishing the race. Just before Button could reach the checkered finish line with Sweetie not too far behind, Apple Bloom took off in front of Sweetie Belle. Button's kart went past the finish line, Apple Bloom following soon after, as Sweetie Belle claimed her position in third place.

> Scoreboard:

1st. Button Mash

2nd. Apple Bloom

3rd. Sweetie Belle

4th. Scootaloo

5th. Babs Seed

''That was a great game ya'll, I'd better go to the train station before my folks get worried.'' Babs Seed walked out of the room and out of the door to the Ponyville Train Station.

Babs walked into the train as it arrived, taking a seat in the empty seats.

The conductor announced to the ponies on the train station's platform and the ponies already in the train, ''All aboard! The next stop is, Manehattan!'' he checked his watch for the time and walked into the train, the locomotive departed from the station to the next station in Manehattan.

Sweetie moved closer to Button, his face turning red from the close contact. ''I can't believe I came in second place, still a fun game though.''

The dark shade of red on Button's face diminished after he said, ''You may of come in second place, but you are first place in my heart.''

''You always say the sweetest things.'' Sweetie pounced happily on Button, pinning his forelegs down. ''I'm like a ninja of love.''

''We'll leave you two lovebirds alone, I got to go back to the farm, see you guys tomorrow!'' Apple Bloom made her out of the room, Scootaloo stopped in her tracks before following her friend.

''Sweetie, you should use these bits for your wedding with Button.'' Scootaloo placed the wool bag full of bits on Button's bed, puckered her lips and made smooching noises to tease her lovesick friend.

''Scoots, we need to teach you about borrowing my bows without asking and giving ponies their personal space. Right after I serve you for a week.'' she grabbed her teasing Crusader and took her out of the house as quickly as possible.

''Your friends are the best, Sweetie Belle.''

''They sure are Button, just like yo--''

Her words were cut off once Button Mash reversed the predicament he was in, and pinned her forelegs down. ''Gotcha!''

They looked into each others' eyes remembering this night and cherishing the moment. Romance is what they desired and thrived for since they first met, now they can finally say conveying their feelings was worth the wait.

THE END