The Reject Club

by Eggtaro

Rating: everyone
Tags: Slice of Life, Human, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Comedy, Fluttershy, Aria Blaze, Trixie
Length: 10740

Life in Canterlot High was already hard as it is. But finding a school club to join? Even harder. All Celery wanted was to be able join a school club, so he can understand what it feels like to belong somewhere. He ends up in an unlikely club.

Celery Stork, is your average high school student in CHS. With the arrival of the new semester, he made it his goal to find a school club to join.

School clubs are very important for a student of CHS. It helps the students to make new friends, to unearth hidden potentials within them, to discover new hobbies and entertainment and much, much more.

But it isn't as easy as our protagonist expected. He soon finds himself joining an unlikely and unusual school club. How will this club affect his school life? How will this club affect him?

This is set in the Equestria Girls universe. So, yeah. Humans instead of ponies. Enjoy.

Published 2015-02-01 18:40:02 UTC
Last updated 2015-02-08 14:00:31 UTC

Rejected

"No."

The voice was strong, firm, and final.

Celery Stork stared at the girl in front of him with his jaw dropped and his eyes wide with disbelief. He blinked a couple of times, his brain slowly processing the one word. He closed his mouth and slowly re-opened them, ready to protest.

"Come on, Rainbow Dash! This is the 5th club you said no to me." Celery whined, placing both his hands on the table.

Rainbow Dash let out a heavy sigh and leaned forward, carefully resting her elbows on the table. She stared at the boy in front of her with impatience and annoyance slowly surfacing in her. She wanted to go out into the field. She wanted to kick a ball, to shoot some hoops, to be anywhere but here.

As captain and president of every sports club in CHS, she is responsible in meeting and greeting students who are interested in joining the many sports clubs she lead. But she doesn't enjoy it one bit. She always finds an excuse to pass the task to someone else. So that herself can be free to do whatever she wanted.

But today wasn't one of those days, unfortunately. So now, here she is, stuck in an empty classroom, with Celery Stork. She rolled her eyes. Celery Stork. She have no clue to what to do with him. She had never seen anyone so desperate in wanting to join a school club. She will welcome anyone that joins the various clubs she managed with opened arms. But Celery Stork just wasn't one of those people.

It wasn't like she had a personal grudge with him or something. No, nothing like that. Its just that Celery... didn't seem to be really into sports. His physique wasn't lame, nor was it weak. He wasn't too tall or short, too fat or thin. He's just...average. He doesn't leave any sort of impression on her. Well, perhaps only annoyance.

Now, Rainbow Dash always believed that, the best way to have fun and enjoy school life, is to do sports. And boy, does she love sports. She always encourages her friends to join her in some of the sports clubs. But most of them declined, preferring to do what they wanted, in their own clubs.

Rainbow Dash is also very serious about sports, and loyal to it. She hated it when people say that they do sports because "I was asked to" or "Had nothing else to do". Sports is her thing. Her life force. Her crème de la crème. And she won't allow anyone to tarnish its good name.

However, Celery Stork was exactly the kind of person she despises. She had asked him question after question, as to why Celery wanted to join. His answers was not satisfactory. In fact, it was just down right disappointing and obnoxious. But Celery was stubborn. Even after being rejected 4 times in 4 different sport clubs. His still has the audacity to ask to join another one? The nerve of him!

"Let me ask you one more time, Celery." Rainbow Dash asked, forcing herself to stay cool. "Do you like sports?"

"Not really." Celery replied, his answer blunt. Rainbow Dash smacked her forehead, shaking her head in disbelief.

"Then my answer is still the same. NO!"

"But why? Is it cause you think I'm not suited for sports? Is my body not right or something?"

"Look, Celery. Anyone can do sports. As long as they have the heart to do it. That's what makes sports so awesome!" Rainbow Dash threw her arms in the air. "But I simply cannot allow a person who has no real interest in sports whatsoever to join! There's more to it than just staying healthy and being fit!"

"What else is there to it?" Celery asked, "it's just sports."

Rainbow Dash snapped.

* * * * * *

"AND DON'T COME BACK!" Rainbow Dash yelled, slamming the door loudly.

Celery Stork sighed. He shouldn't had said that. There goes another chance of joining a club. He put his hands into his pockets and slowly walked towards a vending machine nearby.

Ever since the start of the new semester, Celery had made it his personal goal to finally go and join a school club. But it wasn't as simple and easy as he had hoped. He had been rejected by almost every club he went to apply for: The book club, the cooking club, the role-playing club, and of course who could forget, most of the sport clubs.

Why was he being rejected? All he wanted was to join a club, meet new friends and have a great time being in it. And yet, the head of each club he went to have been telling him the same thing over and over again. That there is more to it than what he believed it to be.

What does that even mean? Celery scratched his head and fished out a few coins from his left pocket. He browsed patiently, unsure on what he should actually get. After a while, he gave a shrug to no one in particular, and bought himself a can of juice. He opened the can and stood with his back against the vending machine.

Isn't there a club he could join? Celery pondered to himself, taking a sip. The liquid was cool and refreshing. But it did little to help answer his question.

"Isn't there a club out there for me?" he asked quietly to himself.

"Psst..." the sudden sound caught Celery's attention. He faced the source of the sound and saw two boys waving at him. He recognized them instantly, they were both younger than him, probably by a year. The duo were quite well known. Something about being minions to a certain girl named Sunset Shimmer who turned into a she-demon during the last fall formal. Celery hadn't transferred into Canterlot High then, since he was still studying at his old school.

"Snips? Snails?" Celery called out, walking towards them. "What're you doing here?"

Snips and Snails both waved at him, smiling. As Celery approached them, Snips pulled out a single piece of paper and passed it to Celery. Celery grabbed the paper and carefully studied it. He raised an eyebrow as he continued to read down the paper.

"You two want to form a club?" Celery asked, handing the paper back to Snips. "Why?"

"Well, my friend." Snips started, folding the paper and returning it to his pocket. "Snails and I couldn't help but notice that you were also having a hard time finding a club to join." he gestured his head in the direction of the room where Celery and Rainbow Dash had been in. Celery grinned sheepishly.

"That obvious huh?" Celery asked, leaning against the wall, taking another sip from his juice. Snails nodded.

"Anyway," Snips continued, "The both of us are also having a hard time finding a school club to join. When suddenly---" Snips snapped his fingers "---Snails came up with this brilliant idea!" Snails nodded, looking proud of himself for coming up with such a brilliant idea.

"And what does this have to do with me?" Celery asked, though feeling as if he know the answer already.

"We were wondering if you wanted to join us?" Snips step closer towards Celery, with Snails behind him, they both looked at Celery with puppy eyes. Or, in Celery's case, creepy and uncomfortable.

Celery thought about this for a moment. He did not dislike the duo, they could be pretty cool some times. But he still have reservations about this 'club' they were planning to form. But on the other hand, he's finally being given the chance to actually join a school club! Just like what he wanted to do since the start of the new semester.

Snips and Snails were still staring at him, their gaze giving Celery the goosebumps. Maybe it wouldn't be all that bad, joining Snips and Snails in their little club. What harm could come from it? What's the worse that could happen? It's definitely much better than getting rejected all the time.

Celery gave a sigh, but nodded. Snips and Snails gave a loud cheer, and placed their arms around his shoulders, sandwiching him in the middle.

"Great! Now, we head for Miss Cheerilee's office!" The duo lead they way, dragging Celery between them. Celery couldn't help but smile a little. He was feeling a little excited, and nervous. But he was also feeling glad. Glad to find two other people just like him, rejected and unwanted by society.

One thing was bugging him though. "What's the name of the club? It wasn't written in the form."

Snips gave him a smile. "The name of the club is..."

* * * * * *

"The Reject Club?" Cheerilee asked, an eyebrow raised. She stared at the 3 students that had appeared before her, who, just minutes ago, came in with the request of forming a new school club. "Why would you name your club that?"

Celery smacked his forehead. He was starting to regret in agreeing to join the duo's club. What was he thinking? He wanted to join a club yeah, sure. But a club called the reject club? Seriously? He focused his attention back to Snips, who was busy explaining to Cheerilee.

"...We want the students to know that we are a club that accepts students when no other clubs will! We want to let them know that they are wanted, needed, and welcomed in our club!" Snips told Cheerilee, with approving nods from Snails.

"What makes you think that the students will actually want to join your club?" Cheerilee asked, tapping her feet impatiently.

"Well you see Miss, even with the many school clubs in CHS, there are still a lot of students who have trouble finding the clubs that they want. Either because there is no such club available, or because nobody else has any interest in it. Our club's purpose is to fill that gap. To be the club that is not focused on only one thing, but on many. We want the students to know, that we are a club that does not shun what the students enjoy doing. In fact, we welcome it. We encourage it. We support it. That, Miss Cheerilee is the reason why I'm postive students will want to join The Reject Club."

Celery, Cheerilee and Snips stared at Snails with their mouths wide opened. Snails has stepped up and answered Cheerilee's question. The 3 of them gawked at Snails, each unable to believe what they each have seen and heard.

"Wow, Snails. That was...beautiful." Celery said, giving him a light slap on the back. Celery was unsure at first, and was almost ready to abandon them, but after hearing Snails's reason for wanting to form the Reject Club. He made up his mind and decided to stay and help them out.

Snips sniffed, wiping his eyes with his hand. He mumbled something unintelligible but placed a hand on Snails shoulder, nodding his head.

Cheerilee still stared at them, mouth still wide open. She quickly came back to her senses, and signed the form.

"Well...that was certainly...illuminating." Cheerilee said, and handed the form back to Snips. "After hearing your explanation, I assure you that there will be no disagreements on my end." She smiled at her 3 students. "Instead, I wish you three all the best, and good luck with your er...Reject Club."

The trio left Miss Cheerilee's office, smiles on each their faces. Celery couldn't wait to start club activities. But what sort of activities will they do. What does a Reject Club do anyway?

Celery turned towards Snips and Snails, who were busy high-fiving each other. "So what's the plan?" he asked them.

Snips smiled and pulled out a huge stack of flyers from Snails backpack. He divided the stack among the three of them.

"Now, we advertise." Snips said with a grin.

* * * * * *

Loneliness, that feeling alone made Aria Blaze sick. She hated that feeling. It was like having a mosquito constantly flying in circles around you, refusing to leave your side.

She felt lonely in CHS. She always felt alone in this huge school, whenever Adagio and Sonata leaves her. Her so-called 'best friends' had abandoned her again today, leaving her so that they could go to their school clubs to enjoy themselves. What's so fun about clubs anyway?

As she made her way towards the exit, Aria Blaze stopped next to the school notice board, trying to read something that had suddenly caught her attention. She plucked the flyer that had been poorly stapled on the notice board, and brought it closer to her face to read.

"The Reject Club?"

* * * * * *

Trixie closed her locker door, slinging her bag over her shoulder as she does so. Another school day has passed for the great and powerful Trixie! Another day where no clubs wanted her...again. She huffed, and held her head high as she walked down the hallway. She was to powerful and great for those clubs anyway. It's not like she wanted to join them. She just pitied the clubs for not having such a magnificent person as herself. It's their loss anyway.

Trixie sighed sadly. Was she really obnoxious as they say? Is that the reason why no clubs wanted her?

No! Trixie stopped in her tracks and shook her head violently. It is not her fault they can't handle her! It's theirs! She smiled to herself, and proceeded to walk when she felt something scrunch underneath her. She crouched down and looked at the piece of paper that was on the floor. She tilted her head to one side in confusion.

"Reject Club?"

* * * * * *

"I'm sorry Fluttershy, but if you cannot find enough members to be in your club, the school will have no other choice but to disband the Animal Lovers Club."

"I...I understand." Fluttershy sighed and left the classroom, her spirits low. The school club that she worked so hard for will be disbanding soon, and there was nothing she could do to prevent it. She sniffed a little, fighting back the tears that threatened to flow out.

Her backpack shook a little. Fluttershy made sure nobody else was around, crouched down and opened her backpack. An adorable white bunny poked its head out, sniffing the air.

"Oh...Angel, what am I supposed to do?" Fluttershy picked up her pet bunny and gave it a soft hug. "If the club gets disbanded, there will be no place for you and your friends to play. I will have no other choice but to leave you at home." she sniffed again, holding Angel close.

Angel the bunny wiggled out of Fluttershy's grasp, and dove back into her backpack, after a brief moment of disappearance, The bunny reappeared, with a piece of paper in its tiny mouth. Angel nudged the paper against Fluttershy's leg.

Fluttershy took the piece of paper, staring at it.

"A new club?"

Author's Note

Hello folks! Decided to work on something new. I got the inspiration for this story from an episode from the Amazing World of Gumball. Hope you guys enjoyed reading this! Stay tuned for updates! :twilightsheepish:

Everyone Is Welcome

Everyone Is Welcome

Aria Blaze sulked behind her two friends, Adagio and Sonata, as they entered campus. She listened to them chat with feelings of envy and loneliness in her body. She felt left out. She felt abandoned, and forgotten. It felt like every other day in Canterlot High School.

After the Dazzlings defeat in the Battle of the Bands competition, the three of them were shunned by their fellow students in CHS. Powerless and without purpose, the three of them stuck closely together, relying on each other for support. Aria didn't care how the rest of the world treated her, as long as she has her two best friends with her by her side.

That is, until the Rainbooms came. Sunset Shimmer and her friends had approached them, offering peace and friendship. They wanted to help the Dazzlings by showing them the magic of friendship. They wanted the Dazzlings to know that there is always a second chance for everyone. A chance to make things right. A chance to start anew.

Sonata Dusk was the first to leave the Dazzlings. Sonata became quick friends with Pinkie Pie, and soon, the rest of the school. More and more students began to forgive her as they saw how bubbly and fun Sonata can really be. She slowly began to spend less and less time with Adagio and Aria, and instead spent more time with her newly found friends.

Sonata skipped down the hallway, with a bright smile on her face. Today was Tuesday, her favourite day of the week. She turned around and smiled at her two best friends.

"I can't wait for clubs to begin!" Sonata chirped, rubbing her hands together. "Not only is it Taco Tuesday, but Granny Smith is finally going to teach us how to make her special taco sauce!" She closed her eyes and smacked her lips, dreaming about the glorious food that is taco. A fine trickle of drool slowly leaked from the corner of her mouth.

Adagio couldn't help but giggle at Sonata's antics. Aria simply rolled her eyes, but said nothing. She glanced at Adagio, the former leader of the Dazzlings. Adagio had changed so much ever since the arrival of Sunset Shimmer. She was once the proud, cold, and cool leader that Aria came to adore and respect. But now, she barely recognizes her.

Adagio Dazzle was the second to leave the Dazzlings. She was hesitant at first, not willing to accept the sudden peace offering from her former enemies. But after spending some time with Rarity and her talks about fashion, she quickly shed away her old self, and accepted the magic of friendship. Never before had she experienced anything like it. It was amazing. It was a different feeling compared to when she was with Sonata and Aria. She felt happy, and warm. She felt, adored, but in a good way.

"Today, Rarity's going to teach me how to sew my first dress!" Adagio said, following closely behind Sonata, "I can't wait to go to my club either!" And she shared a high-five with Sonata, giggling together. Aria almost vomited with disgust.

What's so great about their new friends anyway? Wasn't she enough? Did they really needed other friends? Anger was slowly bubbling within Aria. She wanted to scream, to punch the wall, to vent out her anger at Adagio and Sonata. But she didn't. She couldn't. They were too important to her.

But as the days continued to go by, she felt more and more distant from her friends. She felt like she was slowly losing them. Aria was scared. Scared that one day, they will leave her, preferring to spend time with their new friends instead of her. Aria didn't want that. But what could she do?

The sudden ring of the school bell bought Aria back to her senses. Sonata quickly approached her and gave her a bone-crushing hug.

"Byesies! I'll see you girls at home okay? I'll try to bring back some taco!" Sonata gave Adagio a hug as well and bolted off, leaving her two friends in her dust.

Adagio turned around and walked towards Aria. Her hug was much softer than Sonata's. It was a pleasant feeling. They both were. Aria wanted the hug to last longer, because she knew what was going to happen next. It always happens. Every single day. She hated it.

"See you after school, Aria." Adagio gave her a smile and left, leaving Aria standing alone in the hallway. There it was again, the rush of negative emotions and feelings within Aria. Everyday the same routine. Everyday the same pain. Once again, Aria was abandoned. Forgotten.

"You won't." Aria whispered quietly, tears welling up in her eyes.

* * * * * *

Celery was feeling great today. There was going to be a club meeting after school. His very first club meeting! He was so excited for his first club meeting that he barely slept at all last night. But he didn't care, nothing mattered that day. Only the club. The Reject Club.

He tried to contain his excitement during class, but it was next to impossible. He was like a cat on catnip. He wanted school to be over quickly. He wanted to find Snips and Snails, and talk about their plans for the Reject Club.

But he can't. He have to sit through class and let time slowly pass. The waiting was unbearable. He stifled a yawned as he stared at his maths textbook, the formulas and numbers making his brain hurt. He never really liked maths. He finds it boring and confusing. His teacher continued to drone on and on about how to find the best method to solve a certain problem on the blackboard.

Celery groaned, and tried to stay focused. It was going to be a long day.

* * * * * *

He spotted the two of them waving at him in the cafeteria. Celery grinned, and carefully made his way through the sea of students, balancing his lunch as he does so.

When he reached their table, he noticed that Snips and Snails haven't touch their food. Their food tray was in front of them, forgotten. They seem to be in a rather serious discussion. Celery took a seat on the opposite side. Setting his tray down on the table, he tried listening in on their talk.

"...wouldn't be fun if there wasn't any." Snips was saying, with nods from Snails. They both looked up at Celery at the same time, and greeted him with grins.

"Celery! Are you excited for our first club meeting?" Snips asked, finally starting on his lunch. He took a huge bite from his apple. "We are expecting some newcomers to join us this afternoon." Snails nodded beside him, munching loudly on his salad.

"You bet guys, I'm sure we'll have loads of students wanting to join our club."

"Of course! Our club will be the talk on everyone's lips. We're going to be famous, mark my words."

Celery grinned. After all the flyers they had placed around campus, he was certain that students will be lining up to join them. He couldn't wait to meet the new arrivals.

"So what were you two talking about?" Celery asked, taking a sip from his glass of juice. "Anything important?"

Snips and Snails glanced at each other, then back to Celery. Snips leaned forward, and took another bite at his apple.

"Well you see Celery, Snails and I have been talking on whether or not we'll have any girls joining us."

Celery smacked his forehead, almost upsetting his tray. "Girls? Really?"

"Yeah! Girls!" Snips said, with Snails nodding vigorously. "This will be a great chance for us to talk to girls!"

Celery rolled his eyes. "Please don't tell me 'meeting girls' is one of the reason you two started this club."

"It is---wait," Snips slowly leaned away from him, "You are interested in girls too, right?" Snips and Snails stared at Celery with suspicious looks. "I mean, it's cool if you swing that wa---"

"I am! I am interested in girls too, okay?!" Celery shouted, causing some students to stare at their table. "What makes you think I'm not?" he added, his volume much lower.

Snips and Snails both shrugged at him, but said nothing. Celery let out a groan and returned his attention back to his lunch. There was nothing wrong with girls joining the club. The Reject Club did state that they accept anyone. Meeting girls...it will definitely liven up the club. Better than having all dudes anyway.

The three of them continued to chat, talking about their class, their lessons and other stuff. When the lunch bell went off, they went to return their trays together.

"Well, see you after school, Celery." Snips said. Snails gave a pat on Celery's back. Celery waved at the both of them, and headed off for his next class. Celery couldn't stop grinning. In a few more hours, it will be time for the long awaited club meeting! He was pumped. He was excited. He was ready.

* * * * * *

Celery jogged down the hallway, trying to find his way to the empty classroom Snips had acquired for their first club meeting. He was running late, by about 15 minutes. He was held back because his teacher needed his help carrying some books to the teacher's lounge. Not really a good way to start his first meeting.

Celery slowed down as he spotted the classroom. He was surprised at first. He was expecting the empty classroom to be...well, not empty. He was hoping to see a huge crowd of students, each of them trying to join the Reject Club. Celery looked around, maybe this was the wrong classroom? No, it couldn't be.

Maybe the new applicants couldn't find this classroom? No, that wasn't it either, it wouldn't make much sense. Celery stood in front of the door, his hand hovering on the doorknob.

What if no one came at all? What if it was only the three of them for the rest of their lives? He shuddered at the thought. Celery calmed himself down. He took a deep breath, and entered the classroom.

"Well, you sure took your sweet time." Snips said, as he spotted Celery enter. Celery gave Snips an apologetic grin, and glanced around the classroom. Including himself, there were 7 people in the room. Not really the number he was hoping for. They were all group together in a circle, with one empty chair left between Snips and a girl he couldn't quite place. Celery quickly took his seat.

Snips cleared his throat. "Ahem, now that our last member is finally here, I would like to welcome all of you, to our very first Reject Club meeting!" He said the last few words loudly, and with passion. Snails clapped loudly, but stopped when he saw no one else doing the same.

"Er...right." Snips continued, blushing a little. "Anyway, lets kick things off with a quick introduction! Just a name for now will do. I'm Snips!" Snips nudged Snails on the elbow.

"Snails."

"BULK BICEPS!" Everyone jumped when Bulk Biceps shouted his name. Celery shook his head. A weirdo have joined their ranks. He glanced at the next student.

"I'm the GREAT and POWERFUL, TTTRRRIIIIXXXXIIIEEE! Be honoured that I have decided to join you!" Celery tried his best not to smack his forehead. Another weirdo? Really?

"I'm Fluttershy" Celery leaned in closer, unable to hear the next student's voice. What did she say her name was?

"Fluttershy." Snips said to Celery, noticing that he didn't hear her. Everyone else stared at the girl beside Celery.

"Aria Blaze." Celery raised an eyebrow. The Aria Blaze? Here? One of the students from the group the Dazzlings? Celery continued to stare at her, when suddenly he felt someone poking him from behind.

"Your turn, dude." Snips whispered.

Celery glanced around, everyone was staring at him, waiting for him to speak.

This morning, he was expecting great things to happen. This morning, he was ready to enjoy his time in his new club, with new friends to meet, and new things to learn. But this morning, he certainly wasn't expecting any of this to happen. Here he was, in a club with the weirdest club members he had ever laid eyes on. Was this really going to be their new club?

Celery took a deep breath. Only time will tell. He cleared his throat.

"Celery Stork."

Author's Note

Here's the next chapter folks! Hope you will have a blast reading this! Stay tuned for more updates! :raritystarry:

Just Started

Just Started

Fluttershy fidgeted in her seat. She was feeling very nervous. She spent most of her time with the Rainbooms in CHS. But now, here she was, seated with a group of people she barely hung out with. She knew most of them by name, and had chatted with a few of them on seldom occurrences. But that was it.

She kept her eyes glued to the ground, too shy to look directly at anyone in the face. She felt vulnerable, and exposed. She wished her best friends were here with her.

Fluttershy made a sneaky glance at the group of people surrounding her. She still can't believe that she decided to join a new club. She was perfectly happy with her previous one, but sadly, due to the lack of active members---(She's the only one.)--- the school had officially disbanded the Animal Lovers Club.

She let out a soft sigh, recalling the decision that her teacher had given her that morning.

"I'm sorry, Fluttershy. But there is nothing else we can do. The Animal Lovers Club is now disbanded."

Fluttershy tried to hold back her tears, but it proved difficult. Just only yesterday she had already been warned that her club might be closing. She didn't expect it to happen the very next day!

What was she going to do? The Animal Lovers Club was meant to be a club where students can come and play with the animals. It was a great way to relieve stress, and it can also help students to relax. Animal-assisted therapy, she called it.

But the biggest reason the club even existed in the first place was because Fluttershy wanted to bring her animal friends along with her to school. She just doesn't have the heart to leave them all alone at home. Her animal friends were very special to her, and she wanted to be able to see them every single minute.

But the dream had already been shattered. No more club, means no more animal friends. Was this really the end for her and her animal friends?

No...Fluttershy stopped in her tracks, a hand gently rubbing her chin. There is something she could try. The pink haired girl pulled out a piece of folded paper from her pocket. She carefully unfolded the paper, and read its contents.

Yes...this club was her last chance to try and keep her animals with her. The Reject Club is supposedly to be a club where they accept anyone, regardless of their interests, or hobbies. And that the Reject Club also allowed the members to do whatever they liked, as long as it was within reasoning.

Maybe...just maybe, she could convince them to allow her to bring her animals to the club. But for that to actually happen, she needed to speak up. Not cower away in her seat silently. If only she wasn't so shy and timid all the time. She would've been able to speak her mind freely, without fear of offending anyone.

Fluttershy took a couple of deep breaths, and looked up at the rest of the group. Snips was talking. And Snails was busy writing on a piece of paper clipped to a clipboard.

"Now, my fellow clubmates! The Reject Club will gladly accept all of you into our ranks. But we would like to know the reason you wanted to join us." Snips motioned to Bulk Biceps. "Bulk Biceps, if you please? Why did you decided to join us?"

Celery stared at the ridiculously muscular boy with wide eyes. How on earth can anyone be so...so bulky? Did he swallow entire bottles of steroids every morning? Did his mom feed him muscle supplements instead of milk?

Bulk Biceps stood up, flexing his muscles as he does so. "NO WEIGHTLIFTING CLUB!" he yelled, making everyone jump. He quickly sat back down, with a look of pride painted all over his face. Snips smacked his forehead, while Snails snorted with laughter.

"Right...well, you can rest easy now, Bulk. You can do all the weightlifting you want in this club. Just make sure you bring the weights with you." Snips said. Bulk Biceps gave him a nod of gratitude, a satisfied smile on his lips.

Snails continued to jot down on the paper while Snips glanced over at Trixie.

"So, Trixie! What brings you to our humble club?"

Trixie sat up straight at the mention of her name. She flicked her cornflower blue hair back and stared at everyone with a smug look.

"The GREAT, and POWERFUL, TRIXIE!!! Does not need to explain why she is here. You should all be grateful that Trixie even took the time to actually make an appearance here."

Celery thought Trixie was some kind of spoiled little princess. Does she always need to refer to herself that way? Why the emphasis on great and powerful? There was absolutely nothing about her that seemed to be great, or powerful.

Snips gave Trixie a questioning look.

"You got kicked out of your club again, haven't you?" he asked bluntly. Trixie's cheeks immediately turned red.

"T-T-Trixie has no idea what you're talking about!" Trixie stuttered, looking at the floor. "W-why would anyone want to kick the g-great and powerful Trixie from their club?"

"Uh-huh. Right." Snips wasn't satisfied with her answer, but decided to let it slide. "Well, don't you worry, Trixie. No one is gonna ask you to leave unless you want to."

Celery glanced at Trixie, who was grumbling quietly in her seat, with her arms folded across her chest. From the way Snips was asking, it would seem that Trixie had trouble staying in a club.

I can't possibly imagine why... Celery thought, grinning a little. Still... Celery couldn't help but feel a little sorry for Trixie. Getting kicked out from your club. That must've suck.

Fluttershy gave Trixie a gentle rub on the shoulder, offering her a soft smile. Trixie looked up at Fluttershy and smiled back, but didn't say anything.

"Now!" Snips said suddenly, clapping his hands together, causing Fluttershy to let out a tiny squeak. "On to our next member!" he looked at Fluttershy, who quickly averted her gaze and instead stared at the floor silently.

"Er...Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy slowly looked up. Celery didn't get a good look at her during the short introduction. But now that he can see her face clearly, he finds her to be quite pretty. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Celery found himself blushing. Snips cleared his throat loudly.

Fluttershy took a deep breath. She can do this. She has to. Her moment has arrived, and she wasn't going to let it go to waste. She felt a soft pat on her back, and saw Trixie smiling at her, giving her the thumbs up. Fluttershy smiled. She has overcome a lot of things in the past before: She helped save the entire school from a she-demon (Sorry Sunset!), She also helped defeated the Dazzlings in the Battle of the Bands competition.

Surely, she can pass this hurdle. Right?

"Erm...the reason I'm here is because...erm...my club got disbanded." Fluttershy said softly. Everyone inched closer towards her, their ears strained. Her voice was like marshmallow, soft, and fluffy.

"Disbanded? The Animal Lovers Club?" Snips asked. Fluttershy nodded.

"There wasn't enough members in it." she continued, while placing her backpack gently on her lap. "I was the only one left."

Ouch, Celery thought. And here he was thinking that he had it worst. Getting rejected by clubs you wanted to join was a small matter. At least there wouldn't be any sort of relationships or bonds formed within the club, or with the club members. But seeing your own club get disbanded? One of the places where you've made memories in? That must've been heart-breaking.

"What did your club do?" Celery found himself asking.

"Every time there was a meeting, I would bring some animals to the club. The club members would then play with them..." Fluttershy closed her eyes and smiled softly. She remembered the fun times she had during those sessions. "The club also provided animal-assisted therapy for non-members. You know, to help the students forget about their troubles with life, school, or whatever else that was bothering them."

The pink-haired girl slowly opened her backpack. "But now, with the club gone. These little critters have nowhere else to go."

Celery stared in amazement as a bunch of small animals poured out from her backpack, all surrounding her. There were birds, cats, hedgehogs and other animals. How did all those animals fit in that one small bag?

"Erm...so I was hoping, I mean, if it's okay with you...if I could bring my animal friends to this club? They would get so lonely if I wasn't around." She softly stroked a white bunny on the head, which was seated on her lap. "I mean, if it doesn't bother you and all." she added quickly.

Snips shared a glance with Snails, and then with Celery. Snips raised his eyebrows at him, as if asking him 'What do you think?' Celery shrugged at Snips. He didn't dislike animals, and he wouldn't mind being able to play with some of them.

"We won't reject anyone remember?" Celery asked Snips. "Regardless of who they are or what they like."

Fluttershy's eyes brightened. Does that mean yes? She looked at Snips expectantly, waiting for his answer. Snips laughed.

"Have no fear, Fluttershy, your animals are always welcomed here."

"Ooohhhhhthankyouthankyouthankyou!!!" Fluttershy cried out with glee, jumping up and down, with the animals cheering alongside with her. Celery grinned. Maybe she wasn't so shy after all.

Fluttershy however, paused suddenly and sat back down, her face slowly turning red. She felt embarrassed from her sudden display of happiness. She cleared her throat. "Thank you." she whispered. Trixie giggled beside her.

"All right! Now, to our next member! Will you kindly please tell us why you're here Aria?"

Everyone turned to stare at Aria Blaze. Celery was feeling curious of her appearance here. Of all the rumours and gossips he heard about the Dazzlings, Aria's was by far the worse among the three. None of the things he heard about her was good or positive. While the other two, Sonata Dusk and Adagio Dazzle, were lavished with praise and compliments.

Aria said nothing. Her arms were crossed, and she had a frown on her face. She looked like she was in a bad mood. Snips opened his mouth to say something, but stopped himself. Celery however, wanted answers.

"So, why are you here?" he asked.

Aria glared at Celery. What am I doing here? she thought to herself. She never planned to come to this club in the first place. She wanted to go home, and wait for her friends to return. But she didn't. And instead ended up here. Even if she did go home, it wouldn't make a difference.

They won't notice me anyway. They are too preoccupied with their new buddies. she thought bitterly. She glared at the group of people around her. Their staring faces were starting to annoy her, especially the one named 'Celery'.

"I was bored." she said flatly, flicking one of her ponytail with her hand.

Celery wasn't satisfied. "That's it? You were just...bored?"

Aria was really annoyed now. Why the questions? It wasn't his business. Can't he just shut up and let her sit here in peace?

The annoying person was talking again, his voice sounding like nails on a chalkboard to her ears.

"We accept anyone here in the Reject Club. But surely, you have a real reason?" Celery pressed.

A reason? Aria thought. What was her reason for being here? Was it because she was bored? No... she knows the reason why she is here. She knows perfectly well. She just didn't want to admit it. She refuses to accept it. She didn't want to believe it.

But it's true.

She felt abandoned. Forgotten. Rejected. She began to tremble, not from anger, but from a deep, terrible sadness. She came to this club because she wanted to run away from the feelings that tormented her every single day. She was jealous of Adagio and Sonata. Jealous because of their clubs and their new friends.

Why can't she be the one smiling and laughing? Why is she the one feeling hurt and sad? Why me?

She couldn't take it. She stood up suddenly from her seat, and ran out the door.

"Hey, wait!" she heard someone shouting, but she didn't care. She just wanted to run. To be as far away as possible from...everything.

Everyone glared at Celery. Celery smiled sheepishly. Was it something he said?

"What are you waiting for? Go after her!" Trixie grabbed Celery by the arm and pushed him towards the door.

"But I didn't do anything wrong!" Celery protested, turning around to face Trixie.

"She was crying." Fluttershy said, standing next to Trixie. "And don't you dare come back here without her, mister." and she prodded a finger on Celery's chest.

Seeing no way out of the situation, Celery groaned loudly, and went off after Aria.

Author's Note

Here's the next one folks! This one took me some time to do. Hope you all will enjoy this latest instalment. Enjoy!! :yay: (Sorry if it's a bit short)

Expressive Melody

Expressive Melody

Aria brushed the tears away from her eyes as she continued running down the deserted hallway. She wanted to see her two best friends. She wanted them to care for her. To worry about her. To be with her. Her eyes darted left and right, desperately searching for any signs of Sonata or Adagio.

She wants them. She needs them. Aria didn't wanted to be left alone in that stupid club. The Reject Club. Is that what she thought of herself? A reject? The girl who has been rejected by her friends?

No. She shook her head violently, dispersing the thoughts in her head. They won't do that to her. They've said they will always be together, no matter what. They've promised each other that.

Where are they? Aria thought, passing empty classroom after empty classroom. Her tears were flowing again. She slowed down and rubbed her eyes. Why won't it stop?

The sudden sound of chattering voices caught her attention. She recognized two of them. It was Sonata and Adagio! Her heart skipped, and her spirits rose. They're here! Aria quickly dried her damp face and ran towards the source. A few seconds more, and she will be in the loving, caring embrace of the two most important people in her life. A few seconds more, and that horrible, horrible fear in her heart will disappear. A few more seco---

"Hey, Sonata, Adagio! Wait up!" The new voice caused Aria to slow her footsteps. Who was that?

"Hey Pinkie!" came the voice of Sonata. Aria bit her lip. Why did she stop? She could've just continued straight towards them. But her body won't move. She pressed her back against the wall, trying to conceal herself.

Why am I hiding? Just go to them!

"The rest of us was wondering if you wanted to join us for some cupcakes!" Pinkie's voice sounded exactly like Aria finds it to be. Loud, and annoying.

"Cupcakes?! I love cupcakes!" the sweet tone of Sonata's voice was calming for Aria. "What do you think, Adagio?"

Say no! You said you will meet me after school! Aria wanted to shout at them. To grab the two of them away. But her voice was inaudible. She shut her eyes tightly, and clenched her hands together. You promised me.

"Why not? We have nothing else to do anyway." Adagio's answer was like a thousand needles, piercing deep into Aria's already, broken heart.

Aria turned around, and ran.

* * * * * *

"Where is she?" Celery panted, pausing to catch his breath. How hard could it be to find one girl in this school anyway?

Very, very hard. Celery thought. He had searched the gymnasium, the cafeteria, and the school field. But there was no sign of Aria at all. Did she went home? Somehow he doubted that. She only had like what? A 2 minute head-start? She must still be in the school somewhere.

Might as well check the classrooms. Celery took a deep breath, and continued jogging down the hallway. He was lucky to have not run into any teachers. Last thing he needs right now is receiving detention. He couldn't imagine a fate worst than deten---

Celery suddenly bumped into somethi---someone---hard. He backed a few paces, rubbing his throbbing chin. He quickly glanced around, searching for the person he crashed into.

"Urgh..." said a voice below him. Celery looked down and saw a rainbow-coloured hair girl sprawled on the floor. The girl slowly sat up, rubbing her head as she does so.

"Did anybody catch the number of that cement truck?" she asked groggily. She lifted her head up and looked at Celery. They both blinked and stared at each other for a moment.

It took a whole minute for Celery to realize who she was.

Uh-oh Celery thought, and gulped.

Rainbow Dash's eyes turn from that of confusion, to instant anger.

"YOU!" She shouted, and she quickly stood herself up, but her knees were still wobbly from the impact, and she stumbled right into Celery's arms.

Celery caught a fleeting whiff of sweet smelling shampoo, but was immediately pushed away by Rainbow Dash, who's cheeks were burning bright red.

"D-d-don't touch me!" She stuttered, putting as much distance as her wobbly legs would allow her from Celery.

"I wasn't trying to! You were the one who fell into my arms!" Celery retorted.

"W-w-what? I did not f-fall for y-you! Stop saying things like that!"

Celery opened his mouth to respond, but stopped when a girl with purple hair ran past them. There was no mistaking the twin ponytails. Celery sidestepped away from Rainbow Dash and ran after Aria.

"Wher---Hey!" Rainbow Dash quickly spun around and chased after Celery. "I'm not done with you!"

"Sorry, Dashie! I'll make it up to you, I promise!" Aria was getting further away from Celery. He ran faster.

Rainbow Dash would have easily caught up with him. But her legs buckled under her, and she found herself with her knees to the floor. All she could do was stare as Celery slowly disappeared from her sight. Her face was still red.

"Dashie?"

* * * * * *

Aria didn't care about the tears that were falling from her eyes. Nothing mattered any more. Her 'friends' not only didn't care about her, they had completely forgotten about her. Adagio and Sonata had found others to replace her. She was no longer their friend. Her worst fears had come true.

Alone.

Aria couldn't run any more. She was tired...hurt...and alone. She let herself fall on her knees. Every inch of her body was hurting terribly. It wasn't like the sort of pain you get when you cut yourself. It was a pain that was from deep within. It wasn't a pain that you could ease with bandages or painkillers. It was a pain you must live with.

Aria clutched her chest. Stop. Hurting. She began pounding her chest with her fist.Stop. Hurting. She pounded harder. STOP. HURTING. She let blow after blow landed on her chest, with each hit getting harder, and stronger than the last. PLEASE STOP HUR---

A warm hand suddenly grabbed onto Aria's arm, causing her to stop from beating herself up. She looked up, with tears flooding her eyes.

"What are you doing?!" A voice shouted at her. She blinked a few times, trying to clear her eyes. The voice sounded...familiar. An annoying voice. A boy's voice.

"Aria!" She blinked her eyes, and saw Celery staring right back at her. She tried to pull her hand back, but it was held with a firm grip.

"Leave me alone!" That word stung her. But that's what she wanted. That's what she'll always be.

"No!" Aria felt Celery's grip loosen. She glanced at Celery, who was crouched in front of her. "No I won't. Not until I know what's going on."

"Why?! Why do you want to know?! This has nothing to do with you! It's none of your business! JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!" Aria yelled. Just go. Just leave me like Adagio and Sonata. Leave me like everyone else has. There was nothing left for her. She had just lost her two best friends. She had went to a club for rejects. And now, she was going to be left alone. Forever.

"BECAUSE YOU'RE MY CLUBMATE! AND I DON'T ABANDON MY CLUBMATES!" Celery yelled.

Aria's eyes widened. She felt her mouth slowly open, but she was at a loss for words. The only sound that escaped her mouth...was that of sobbing.

Celery slowly let go of Aria's arm, and proceeded to gently stroke the top of her head.

"We're friends aren't we?" he asked softly, as Aria continued to cry in the empty, quiet hallway.

Author's Note

This chapter is rather short! Will try to have more in the next chapter! Hope you folks enjoy reading this one! Happy reading! :ajsmug:

Creating Friendships

Celery stood outside the girl's bathroom, patiently waiting for Aria to return from washing her face. He glanced at his watch. It was already pretty late. He wondered if everyone else in the club were still waiting for them to return. The whole chase-after-Aria thing took longer than he expected, but at least there was some progress.

There was a vending machine near him. Celery headed over and dug out some change from his pockets. He only had enough change for one drink though.

She needs it more than I do. Celery thought, as he inserted his last remaining coins into the coin slot and selected the beverage of choice. As he bent down to retrieve the can of chilled juice, the approaching sound of footsteps reached his ears. He looked up to see Aria glancing down at him, a look of curiosity on her face.

"Here." Celery said, as he passed the can to Aria. "Drink up."

Aria accepted the can with both her hands. She held it closely below her chin. "Where's yours?"

Celery brushed the question away with a wave of his hand. "Don't worry about it. How're you feeling?"

"M-much better, thanks." Aria blushed a little, staring at her drink.

Celery nodded silently and started walking. "Well, best we don't keep everyone else waiting." He had only walked a few paces when he felt a sudden tug on his shirt. He turned his head around to find Aria holding on to the hem of his shirt.

"Aria?" he asked, puzzled by Aria's sudden action. "Is everything all right?"

"Y-yes! E-everything's fine! It's just...it's just that..." Aria's voice trailed off, and instead she lifted her unopened can of juice at Celery, her face looking away from him as she does so.

"D-do you...do you want to share this drink together?" she stuttered, her hands trembling a little.

"I don't really mind but, can't we do this when we're back with the others? They are still waitin--" Celery didn't manage to finish his sentence, for he was suddenly interrupted by Aria.

"Please! J-just a little longer! At least...at least until this drink is done!" Aria pleaded. She looked at Celery. "I'm not ready to go back in there...not yet." she said softly, and she let go of Celery's shirt.

Celery let out a sigh. A part of him wanted to go back to the club as soon as possible, but the other part of him wanted to stay. He decided to go with the latter. After what had happened, it might be best to stay by Aria's side for the time being. At least, until she's feeling better. Surely, the rest of the club will understand. Right?

"Where should we go then?" Celery asked.

Aria's eyes brighten, and she pointed in the direction leading to the soccer field. "We could sit on the bleachers." she suggested.

Celery gave her a shrug. "Lead on then."

* * * * * *

"How much longer must the GREAT, and POWERFUL TRIXIE, wait for that Celery?"

Snips looked up at her, feeling a little irritated, he was busy writing down some notes on a piece of paper. "You were the one who sent him out, remember?" he went back to his writing, "If you're so worried about him, why don't you go look for him?"

"Me? Search for him? The GREAT and POWERFUL TRRRIIIXXXIIIEEE, does not do such menial things."

"Then would you please be patient, and just wait for him to return?"

Trixie huffed at Snips, but said nothing more. She returned to her seat and sat down.

"I don't understand why he's taking such a long time to search for Aria." Trixie said to Fluttershy. She crossed her legs and arms. "It's almost been an hour since we sent him off."

Fluttershy shifted nervously in her seat. "Do you think something terrible has happened? Oh, I hope nothing terrible has happened. What if something terrible has happened?" Fluttershy asked, her eyes wide with worry.

"Calm down, Fluttershy. I'm sure he's probably just lost somewhere," Trixie turned to Bulk Biceps, "right, Bulk Biceps?" she asked.

"YEAH!" Bulk Biceps shouted, making Fluttershy go "Eep!"

"But I wonder what made Aria leave like that." Trixie said, ignoring Fluttershy's trembling. She rubbed her chin softly. "I thought you and the Rainbooms had made friends with the Dazzlings."

Fluttershy shook her head. "Aria is the only one who wouldn't accept us. We tried talking to her, but she keeps on avoiding us. We had even asked Adagio and Sonata to help us out, but they kept on saying that there is nothing wrong with her, saying that she always acts like that."

"Acts like what?" Trixie asked, curious. Bulk Biceps stopped flexing his muscles and leaned in closer as well, trying to hear more.

"Like she always does, like she's not happy." Fluttershy said softly. "She always seem so...sad."

"Sad? Really? I thought she was just mad at everyone." Trixie said, while Bulk Biceps nodded in agreement behind her. "She always seemed to be in a foul mood."

"I think she's just shy..." Fluttershy said, looking at the both of them. "Or maybe, she's just scared of showing us her true feelings."

Trixie raised an eyebrow at Fluttershy. "What makes you say that?"

Fluttershy gave her a shrug. "I can't really explain it. But it's just the kind of feeling I get every time I see her."

"Well, it's definitely not the feeling I get when I see her."

"We should at least give Aria a chance to explain." Fluttershy said. "Everyone deserves a second chance."

"It's not her second chance that I'm worried about, Fluttershy." Trixie said, placing her hand on Fluttershy's shoulder. "It's how many of those chances we had given her, and how much of it that's left."

"But.." Fluttershy started, but Trixie held up a finger to her lips.

"You might have the patience and the determination to hear her out. But not everyone can wait as long as you can, Fluttershy."

Fluttershy dropped her gaze and stared at the floor. She had never thought of it that way before. Ever since the Rainbooms made it their goal to show the Dazzlings the meaning of friendship and forgiveness, Fluttershy was determined to give it her best.

Fluttershy remembered how happy she had felt when Sonata and Adagio finally opened up to them. It was a great accomplishment for the Rainbooms. Not only had the Rainbooms taught the magic of friendship to the two of them, they also became their friends.

All of them, except Aria.

Fluttershy knew from the instant she saw her, that Aria was very, very sad. Though she does not know the reason why Aria was sad, Fluttershy was set on becoming friends with Aria. There wasn't much luck though. Every opportunity that came to Fluttershy always ended up with her either saying nothing, or simply running away to hide.

I must do better! Fluttershy thought to herself. She and I are going to become great friends!

"Hey guys..." Snails said suddenly, looking back from a window and pointing at it. "I think I've found them."

Everyone scrambled for the window Snails was pointing at. Bulk Biceps, being the largest among all of them, waded his way through with relative ease. His huge frame was enough to block the entire window from view.

"Move, Bulk!" Snips shouted, trying and failing to push Bulk Biceps away. "You're in the way!"

"Make way for TRIXIE!"

"Erm...sorry...if you don't mind...can I just...can I just have a teensy peak? If it's okay with you that is..."

Snails took a few steps back, watching the rest (except Bulk Biceps) struggling against each other to get a view. They could've just ask Snails what he saw. He shrugged, and returned to his seat.

"Tell us what you see Bulk!" Snips cried.

"SOCCER FIELD!"

"What else is there?"

"BLEACHERS!"

Snips smacked his forehead. "Is there anyone on the field?" he asked.

Bulk Biceps turned around and nodded before turning back to stare at the window again. Trixie rolled her eyes.

"WHO?!" Snips and Trixie shouted together.

"It's Celery and Aria." Snails said loudly. "They're sitting on the bleachers."

"Sitting?! They're just sitting there? How dare they make the GREAT, and POWERFUL, TRIXIE wait for them!" Trixie stormed towards the door.

"Come on! We're going to have a nice chat with them!" Trixie said to everyone else, before opening the door and disappearing.

* * * * * *

Aria took a sip from her drink. It was apple juice. Not her favourite, but it was enough to sate her thirst. She stared at the sky above her, taking deep breaths.

What a day... she thought to herself, gazing at the clouds. She wanted to forget what had happened back in the hallway, but the memory stuck like glue.

Had Adagio and Sonata really forgotten about her? Did the promise they made no longer held any value? What is she to them now? She had a lot of questions on her mind. Everything in her head was messy and blurry. It was making her head hurt.

Aria shook her head and took another sip. She glanced at the boy beside her. Celery Stork... if he hadn't came for her, she might have done something stupid. Something dangerous. If he hadn't came for her, she might still be crying in the hallway. Alone.

But he did. Aria remembered the words he whispered to her. She felt her cheeks becoming warm. Two words. Those two words that kept on replaying over and over again in her head.

We're friends. Aria smiled softly. For some reason, those two words made her happy. But why from him? Didn't the Rainbooms wanted to be her friend as well? Why did she loathed their friendship and not Celery's?

Aria sipped her drink again and took another glance at Celery, only to find him staring back at her. Aria immediately coughed and spluttered her drink. Celery smiled and laughed loudly.

"You know, you're very different from what I imagined." he said, smiling at her.

"Wh...what do you mean?" Aria asked, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.

"I dunno. Back in the club, I thought you were someone who was always grumpy."

Grumpy?

"But now...you're very different. You seemed more relaxed, and...well, less grumpy."

Aria felt the heat in her cheeks rise. She quickly looked away. "W-why did you come after me?" she asked, hoping to change the subject.

"They sent me after you. Trixie and Fluttershy saw you crying, and blamed it on me." Celery shifted his gaze to the field. "I know this is a bit to late but...I'm sorry."

"W-what? No! It wasn't...it wasn't your fault!" Aria stuttered.

Celery looked at Aria. "Really?"

Aria nodded. "It was a completely different matter."

Celery let out a sigh of relief. "Thank, God! And here I was, cracking my brain open, thinking of a way on how to apologize to you."

They both said nothing for a moment, listening to the wind blowing gently on the field and on their faces.

"So...why were you crying?"

Aria remained silent. She wanted to let him know, but something was stopping her. She couldn't bring herself to say anything about Adagio and Sonata. About how she felt everyday. About the pain she goes through. About...everything. She wanted to release all of the sorrows and troubles inside of her. But she couldn't. She can't.

"I...I'm sorry." Aria apologized. "But---"

"It's okay, Aria. I understand. I shouldn't have asked." Celery said while holding up a hand at her. "But if there's anything bothering you, you can come talk to me, okay? We're friends right? And friends help each other."

We're friends. It was those two words again. Aria's heart skipped a beat. It was a strange, yet wonderful feeling. Friends. All her life, Aria had only two friends. Her only friends. She always told herself that she needed no one else except Adagio and Sonata. But now, here she was, sitting with another person who had called her his friend.

Were they really friends though?

Aria felt her drink disappear from her grasp as Celery leaned over and gently took her can away. She watched as Celery pressed his lips against the top of the can to drink from it.

Indirect ki-- Aria shook her head before finishing her thought. Celery noticed, and jiggled the can at her.

"Did you want another sip?" he offered. Aria shook her head again.

"N-no thank you! I had plenty already."

Celery shrugged and drained the rest of drink away. "Something bothering you?"

Aria looked at Celery. There was something that was bothering her. Celery had said they were friends. But were they really, really friends? She wanted to be sure.

"Are we really friends?" she asked.

Celery raised an eyebrow at her. "Yeah..." he said slowly. "of course we are."

"Then...then I want you to promise me!" Aria said, turning around to face Celery, with her eyes pleading.

"Promise you what?"

"Promise me that you will always be my friend!"

"W-what? Why?" Celery asked.

"Just promise me!"

"Okay! okay! relax." Celery cleared his throat before continuing. "I, Celery Stork, promise that I will always be your friend." Celery fought the temptation to roll his eyes.

"Do you promise to always be there when I need you?"

"I promise."

"Do you promise to help me whenever I'm in need of help?"

"Yes, I promise." Is this an oath or a promise? Celery thought to himself.

"Do you...do you promise to always be by my side?"

"Yes, Aria. I promise to never leave your side." Except on toilet breaks, and when I'm going home.

Aria blushed. Her heart was pounding loudly. Is this what friendship feels like? Does making new friends always felt like this? It was a very different feeling for when she made the promise with Adagio and Sonata. Maybe she needs a little getting used to this new and sudden feeling.

"Then, from this moment on. You will keep that promise with you, all the way, to the end of your days."

Dramatic much? Celery thought, but he still replied. "I will."

They said nothing again, the silence lasting longer than the previous one. Celery wondered if they should start heading back, he was starting to get sore all over.

"Thank you." Aria said suddenly. "For making that promise with me. I just...never thought I will find someone else to be friends with."

"Are you kidding me?" Celery said, as he stood up to stretch his body and arms. "Everyone needs a friend, no matter who they are."

As Celery stretched, he spotted a small group heading towards them from a distance. He narrowed his eyes. He recognized the walking bag of muscles. Celery smiled, and got off the bleachers. Talk about perfect timing.

"Everyone needs a friend, Aria. Even rejects." Celery said, smiling at Aria.

Author's Note

Here is the next one! Finally got some time to work on this chapter. Hope you folks enjoy this! Have a good time reading and stay tuned for the next update! :trollestia: