Twilight’s Love Volume Three: Scootaloo’s Love

Diamond went back to Rich’s Barnyard Bargains. Her dad was busy with a customer, so she decided to put some stock on the shelves while he conducted his business. When done, Diamond approached him.

“Daddy,” said Diamond, “I’ve a favor to ask.”

“What is it Sweetie,” said Filthy.

“I haven’t done this for years,” said the daughter blushing. “But I wanted to know if I could get some extra bits. I’ll work extra to pay you back.”

“What do you need them for?” asked the father, slightly afraid Diamond might be slipping back into old habits. However in the past there was never any mention of working for it.

“I’d like to get a new dress for the party tonight,” said Diamond.

“You have dresses,” said Filthy. He was becoming more concerned. Diamond had a good supply of dresses.

“I know,” said Diamond, “you and mom have been quite generous to Emerald and me. I thank you for all the times in the past I didn’t thank you.”

Diamond kissed her father and hugged him. Then she started to blush and couldn’t quite look her father in the eyes.

“But I’ve got a date tonight.”

“A date?” said Diamond’s mother coming out from the back room. “Sweetie, I’m so glad for you!”

“Who is he,” said Filthy, “he better know if he sets one hoof on you wrong, I’ll rip his hoof off and shove it up his flanks!”

“You don’t have to worry about any of that,” said Diamond slightly amused, “and he isn’t a ‘he’. It’s Apple Bloom.”

“Did Applejack make you do this for the Zap Apple jam?” asked Filthy.

“No,” said Diamond, “I asked her.”

“But we thought you didn’t want any relationships,” said Spoiled, “you said you were afraid to get burned again. What changed, did you decide you like mares?”

“It has nothing to do with liking mares,” said Diamond, “it isn’t the reason I asked her out. I discovered Apple Bloom has as much if not more reason to not want those kinds of relationships either.

I asked for the money to buy a new dress because this is the first date Apple Bloom has ever had, and I wanted to make it special for her.”

It was so good to hear, after the way their daughter was in the past, she wanted to do something to make somepony else happy.

Spoiled went to the backroom and returned with a small bag.

“What’s that?” asked Filthy.

“It’s my ‘mad money’,” said Spoiled.

“Mad money?” said Filthy with a smile, “if you left it with me, it’d be happy.”

“You see why your father didn’t go into show business,” said Spoiled, Diamond snickered and Filthy smiled a goodhearted smile showing he wasn’t serious. “Now come along Diamond, we should have just enough time to find something at Carousel Boutique and have it fitted before you and Emerald have to go to the party.”

Carousel Boutique was just down the block from Rich’s Barnyard Bargains so they were at the dress shop in no time. The bell rang as they entered. Rarity was at the sewing machine, there were all sorts of dress making items, such as scissors, measuring tape, marking pen and different spools of thread, floating around her inside of a blue aura. Rarity looked up from her sewing and smiled.

“Spoiled Rich, Diamond Tiara, what can I do for you today?” asked the white Unicorn.

“Diamond has the first date she’s had in years and we wanted to see if we could get something stunning and fitted in time for Scootaloo and Silver Spoon’s party.”

Rarity looked a little sheepish.

“I don’t know if I could have anything fitted by then Darling,” said Rarity, “Not with all the party orders I have. And I also have a very important customer expecting their garments ASAP. I’d really like to help but business is business, you understand.

Rarity felt bad, Spoiled and Diamond looked let down.

“We’re business ponies also, and we understand. Thanks anyway,” said Spoiled, the two headed to the exit. “Come on Diamond, I’m sure Apple Bloom won’t mind what you wear.”

Suddenly from behind there was the sound of items crashing to the floor. Rarity bolted to the two mares and skidded around in front of them, a grin from ear to ear.

“Apple Bloom is your date?” said Rarity looking at Diamond and sounding excited.

“Yes,” said Diamond, “I asked her today. I understand this was too little warning.”

Rarity, being the same as family to the Apples, knew about Apple Bloom’s condition and she felt sad for her partner’s sister. For one so young to choose to live without the possibility of love was heartbreaking to Rarity. Now Apple Bloom had accepted the offer to go out with a pony. She could hardly stand still.

“Why didn’t you say so Darling,” said Rarity smiling even harder.

“What about your other customer?” asked Spoiled.

“Pbbbt!” said Rarity blowing a raspberry, “Sapphire Shores’ Comeback Tour can wait. Business is business, but family is family.

Let’s make you look fabulous!”

All three mares smiled.

The Dash family was finishing their lunch; Rainbow didn’t mind the fly from Cloudsdale to Ponyville as long as she could have Twilight’s delicious cooking.

“So Squirt,” said Rainbow, still using the nickname she’d given her daughter years ago, even though she was now as tall as her mothers. “You excited for this evening?”

“Mom,” said Scoot, “Sil and I are just so happy. It’s like it’s always new every day!”

Twilight and Rainbow looked lovingly at each other.

“We know exactly what you’re talking about,” said Twilight, “it’s how a true love feels. Just ask your grandparents. We hope you’ll always feel that way.”

“Well,” said Rainbow, “we hope you’ll be able to share some joy tonight. All your friends will be there. I just hope you can spare some time for us when your little coltfriend is around.

I know all too well how much of a kink in your life it can be when some snot-muzzled little brat wants to hang out with you all the time and not share you with anypony.”

“Hey!” exclaimed Scootaloo.

“Yes,” said Twilight, “the only way I could get any time with my wife was to adopt the knee-biter.”

“Even then,” said Rainbow, trying hard not to laugh, “we had to push her off on some unsuspecting filly. Where did you learn the spell you put on Silver Spoon, Lover-Pony?”

“Wait! What?” said Scoot.

Rainbow and Twilight couldn’t keep it up. They both broke down in sidesplitting laughter. Scootaloo couldn’t help but join in the mirth.

Their moment was broken with the entry of another pony.

“Silver Spoon,” said Rainbow, “we were just talking about you.”

“Is that why you were laughing so hard?” said Silver Spoon, trying to act offended.

“No,” said Twilight, “we were just having fun with our gullible daughter.”

“They said Mama T used a spell to get you to like me,” said Scoot.

“How else do you think anypony would like you?” asked Silver, and then turning to Twilight, “I guess it’s too late to remove the spell.”

“Sorry Silver,” said Twilight snickering, “you just missed the cutoff.”

“Darn!” said Silver, “and there’s a new mare who moved to Ponyville last week. She sure is a cutie!”

“Hey now!” said Scootaloo, “I think it’s my turn to get offended.”

They all laughed and rushed to hug Scootaloo. Silver gave her wife a large kiss.

“I brought some dessert from Chez Pony,” said Silver, taking the basket off her back. “Fresh raspberry tarts. I even wrapped one separately for Mama R to take to Cloudsdale with her.”

“Speaking of that,” said Rainbow, “I need to get back to work.”

Rainbow kissed Twilight a deep kiss, then a motherly kiss to Scootaloo and Silver Spoon. Then took the tart from the basket.

“See you at the party tonight,” said Rainbow as she went downstairs.

“And speaking of the party,” said Silver, “I need to get my wife over to Carousel Boutique to pick up our party dresses.

And don’t make me have your mom put a spell on you to keep you from kicking and screaming to keep from going, Sweetheart.”

“I’ll go,” said Scootaloo, “I’ll see you tonight mom, love you.”

Scootaloo kissed her mother and turned to go.

“See you, love you too, both of you.”

“Same here, see you later Mama T,” said Silver exchanging a kiss on the cheek with her mother-in-law. Then Silver and Scoot descended the stairs.

The couple arrived at Carousel Boutique as Spoiled Rich and Diamond Tiara were leaving. Diamond had a garment bag draped across her back.

“Hello Mrs. Rich, hi Diamond.” Said Scoot, “can’t wait to see you at the party tonight. Is Emerald excited?”

“He’s probably more excited than you,” said Diamond with a smile. “he even asked if he could wear his CMC cape and asked if you’d appreciate it.”

“Diamond,” said Scootaloo, “I’d be honored. I know with Sweetie Belle being the director of the Cutie Mark Crusaders International, will be as well. And if Apple Bloom comes, I’m sure she’ll be too. But you know Apple Bloom; she almost never goes to parties anymore.”

“Oh she’ll be there alright,” said Spoiled, “right Diamond.”

Diamond had a slightly embarrassed look on her face.

“Apple Bloom will be there,” said Diamond pausing, “she’s my date.”

“You have a date?” said Silver surprised.

“Apple Bloom is your date,” said Scootaloo just as surprised.

“Yeah,” said Diamond, not really reading her friend’s reactions.

“Why that’s the most marvelous news ever!” said Silver.

“It’s about time both of you got out and did things.” Said Scootaloo, “with it being the two of you together makes it even better!”

Diamond smiled as Scootaloo and Silver hugged her.

“See you tonight girls,” said Spoiled.

The Rich’s walked off and the Dash couple entered the boutique. It was the first time either pony could remember Rarity singing to herself.

“There’s the couple of the hour,” said Rarity. “Let’s see how your couture fits. I made them especially for tonight.”

“Okay,” said Silver Spoon, “we’re sure they’ll be amazing. But you know how hard it is to get Scootaloo to wear a dress.”

“Don’t I know it Darling!” said Rarity, “with that partner of mine, you almost have to hog-tie her to get her to put on a dress. And I won’t go into what I have to do to get her to wear makeup.”

“I think I have a good idea of what it is,” said Silver, giving Scootaloo a bump with her flanks.

“Maybe she’s like that,” said Scootaloo, “just so she can get the ‘persuasion’.”

“I figured as much,” said Silver.

“I’ve always known that,” said Rarity. “Perhaps we can get together, Silver Spoon Darling, and compare notes.”

“I think Applejack and I are in trouble,” said Scootaloo.

The three broke out in laughter.

Apple Bloom was so excited. Maybe it was because it was to be her first date ever. And maybe it was because of the way Diamond Tiara had kissed her. Either one was something she hadn’t ever expect to happen to her. And with a pony eight years ago, the news of would have two fillies die laughing, perhaps literally. But after telling Diamond Tiara about herself, Diamond had explained she was almost in the same predicament, but hers was self-induced. Because of what she went through with being abandoned by the father of her child after she’d given him everything at a young age, she had determined never to be burned again.

They found they were two ponies who were lonely and didn’t have or didn’t intend to give what other ponies would want in a regular relationship. But as they talked, both found something in their hearts was telling them this could be an answer to loneliness they might not have realized the depth they were experiencing.

And perhaps it would now be safe to open up to another pony.

As the time approached for her date to come by, Rarity was thrilled that Apple Bloom was so insistent to have Rarity help her get her makeup perfect and to make sure she was wearing the dress properly.

Applejack stood in the doorway watching her sister and her partner working together. AJ was trying to hide the tears in her eyes. She knew how badly her sister had taken the news of her condition and what it meant, when she was old enough to understand.

It had been a dream of Apple Bloom’s to have a family including foals, like the stories Rarity would read her. But after a biology lesson at high school, Apple Bloom realized that there was something wrong with the pictures in the books and what she knew about her own ‘private parts’. When it was explained to her, the news broke her heart.

But she’d adjusted and made sure she never got close enough to anypony to have to be embarrassed by having another pony let down or even face ridicule. But with what Apple Bloom had told her about Diamond, plus remembering Diamond’s past, AJ was so happy for her sister and Diamond.

“I don’t believe I’d ever be sayin’ this,” said Apple Bloom with a chuckle, “but do y’all think Diamond Tiara will like how I look?”

She’d thought if eight years ago, Diamond knew about her condition, it would’ve given her frenemy ammunition to make her life in school a living Tartarus. But now it was something which bound the two lonely mares together. She could just scream.

Rarity and Applejack both smiled.

“Darling,” said Rarity, “when Diamond and her mother came by the shop to get a dress for Diamond. Diamond was beside herself wanting to look good for you. This means as much to her as it does to you.”

“We’re happy for both of y’ns,” said AJ, “do make sure you or she don’t try to go too fast. It’s new for you and she hasn’t been down this road for a while.”

“But don’t let the moment pass;” said Rarity, “I think if everything works out, you two are a couple of ponies who could be made for each other.”

“Thank you sis,” said Apple Bloom, “thank you Rarity. I’m just so excited!”

Apple Bloom actually gave a little jog in place and squealed almost like Sweetie Belle. AJ and Rarity couldn’t keep the laughter in.

“Well I know two ponies who are probably as excited,” said Rarity, “and I see them in a taxi coming up the lane.”

After a few moments, there was a knock at the door; Apple Bloom was so shocked and excited.

“Will you get it?” asked Apple Bloom, “I need to run to the john, I’m about to pee myself!”

Rarity and AJ giggled as Apple Bloom took off to the bathroom.

“I’ll get it Sugar Cube,” said AJ giving Rarity a kiss, “make sure Apple Bloom doesn’t hurt herself before she gets to go on her date.”

Rarity laughed as AJ went to answer the door.

“Diamond Tiara, Emerald,” said AJ, trying not to laugh, “what brings you by here?”

“Is Apple Bloom ready,” asked Diamond.

“Ready for what?” said AJ.

“Darling,” said Rarity coming up from behind, “do you really want to sleep in the barn for the rest of your life. You know there isn’t anything to keep me from moving back to Carousel Boutique. At least Rainbow and Twilight, not to mention Scootaloo and Silver Spoon had the good taste to get married.”

“Rarity!” exclaimed AJ. She sounded hurt.

“Sorry Darling, I was only kidding, and you know how much I love you,” said Rarity, she must have struck a nerve and hadn’t meant to. After giving her partner an apology kiss, Rarity spoke to Diamond. “Where are our manners? Please come in, Apple Bloom will be here in just a moment.”

It wasn’t long before Apple Bloom entered the room.

“Wow!” said Diamond seeing Apple Bloom so thoroughly transformed. “You look beautiful!”

“You’re pretty,” said Emerald.

“Thank you both,” said Apple Bloom.

Apple Bloom came up to Emerald and gave the colt a hug. Then she hugged Diamond and shared a fairly passionate kiss, which caused the colt to giggle.

“You look very nice too,” said Apple Bloom looking in Diamond’s eyes. Then at the colt, “And you look very handsome.

But that cape, somethin’s wrong with it.”

Emerald looked confused; he had worn it to honor the original CMC.

There was a glow from Rarity’s horn and from a small table by the front door, a cape floated to Emerald.

“Try this one,” said Apple Bloom, “it was my original Crusader cape. Your new ones ain’t got the gold silk Sweetie Belle lined ’em with, much to the chagrin of Rarity.”

Rarity smirked at the memory.

“Can I really wear your cape?” asked the colt.

Apple Bloom nodded her head, before the colt knew what was going on, Rarity had used her magic to remove his cape and carefully put Apple Bloom’s on him. It was faded and crude in its design. Not like the mass-produced ones of today. But to the colt, he wouldn’t trade it for Celestia’s crown.

“Thank you Miss Apple Bloom,” said Emerald, “I’ll take good care of it.”

“I know you will,” said Apple Bloom.

Diamond looked at Apple Bloom; such kindness to her son was so nice. And after all the pain she’d caused Apple Bloom in the past.

“You know Apple Bloom is the one who named the Crusaders,” said Diamond.

Emerald just looked at Apple Bloom with stars in his eyes. If not careful, Scootaloo would be pushed aside for a new hero.

“Aw, go on,” said Apple Bloom, “don’t make such a big deal of it.”

“Well, I have something for you to wear, Apple Bloom,” said Diamond. “If you’d do me the honor.”

She presented a box for Apple Bloom. Rarity levitated it to Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom opened it and there was the tiara Diamond hadn’t worn since she left years ago for boarding school.

“I’d hoped you might be my princess tonight,” said the pink Earth Pony.

Rarity and AJ smiled at the tenderness being expressed.

Rarity levitated the tiara to Apple Bloom’s head.

“What do you think?” said Apple Bloom.

“It looks so much better on you than it ever did on me,” replied Diamond.

The two embraced and kissed deep and long. Emerald just giggled.

“Okay you three,” said Rarity, “you better get going, you don’t want to be late for the party to start.”

“Yes, the taxi is waiting,” said Diamond, and then to AJ and Rarity, “we’ll see you there.”

“Have fun y’all,” said AJ.

“We plan on it,” said Apple Bloom kissing Diamond again.

“I’m sure there’ll be time for that later,” said Rarity giggling, “you two and that handsome young colt need to be going.”

“We’ll see y’all there,” said AJ.

There were hugs all around then the three turned and went out the door.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen Apple Bloom so happy,” said Rarity.

“I know,” said AJ, Rarity heard a tremor in her voice.

“Are you alright Darling?” asked Rarity.

“My lil’ sis,” said AJ, tears streaming down her cheek, “I never thought she’d allow herself to be open to anypony. To see her kiss a pony like she did, well I’m just so very happy for her.”

Applejack walked to the window and watched as the taxi went down the lane toward Ponyville.

“She’ll be fine,” said Rarity, “you can ask her all about it tonight when she comes home.”

AJ looked at Rarity with a little smile.

“As Granny used to say, ‘I’d bet hooves to hindquarters’ we won’t be able to talk to her about it until tomorrow some time.”

AJ started to cry, she was so happy for her sister.

“I really hope so,” said Rarity as she put a foreleg around AJ, pulled her close, and let her partner get it out of her system.

Then she said:

“Okay Darling,” said Rarity with a sly smile, “you don’t want you face all wet when we put your makeup on you.”

“Makeup?” said AJ, “do we really have to?”

“You do if you want what I’m planning for tonight,” said Rarity with a look that would arouse a sleeping pony.

A smile returned to Applejack’s face as the two headed for the stairs.

“You didn’t have to get a taxi,” said Apple Bloom, sitting close to Diamond and holding her hoof.

“Yes I did,” said Diamond, “if I didn’t, then Emerald would be all sweaty and tired by the time we would’ve gotten to Sweet Apple Acres. Plus I didn’t want to get my dress dusty before you saw it.”

“You really dressed up just for me?” asked Apple Bloom with a large smile.

“Certainly,” said Diamond, “I need all the help I can get if I’m going to convince the prettiest mare in Ponyville to be my marefriend.”

Apple Bloom blushed and smiled.

“It ain’t goin’ to take much convincin’. But I really like your dress,” said Apple Bloom, “you look so nice in it.”

“So do you,” said Diamond, “yours is as beautiful as yourself.”

The two kissed again, as they traveled to Chez Pony, Emerald just snickered.