"So who's the note for, Scoots?"
The amber filly rolled her eyes. Ever since Cheerilee's announcement about the Hearts and Hooves Day activities planned for that year, Sweetie Belle had become obsessed with the idea of finding that 'special somepony' for her friends. Scootaloo had immediately rejected the idea, even going as far as bringing it up during an afternoon they'd spent at Sweet Apple Acres, where Apple Bloom's family had been joined by a mare called Violet. Sweetie Belle was convinced that Violet and Big Mac were meant for each other; an idea that had led to Apple Bloom laughing whenever it was mentioned.
"For the last time Sweetie Belle, I'm not going to tell you, so quit asking!"
"Oh come on! You know you really wanna tell us!" Sweetie Belle whined.
Scootaloo's face was stoic. "No Sweetie Belle, I really don't."
"Why not?"
Scootaloo gave an annoyed sigh. "Because as I've said a hundred times before now, it's none. Of your. Business!"
"There's no need to yell, Scoots," Apple Bloom said. "She's just askin' a question."
"Yeah? Well it's getting on my nerves," Scootaloo snapped. "So can it already!"
"Okay okay," Sweetie Belle grinned. "But don't think this is over. I'll find out who it is eventually."
"I don't doubt it," Scootaloo grumbled. "You never-"
The last part of Scootaloo's sentence was cut off as the school bell rang. The three fillies cast looks at each other, and then bolted towards the schoolhouse. However, as they reached the entrance they were abruptly forced to dig their hooves into the floor to avoid colliding with the other students. Unfortunately, their momentum was so strong that they wound up rolling and tumbling over one another several times before coming to a stop. The other students giggled. Grinning sheepishly, the three stood up and began dusting themselves off. A hoof tapped Apple Bloom's shoulder, and she felt her face turn red as she came face to face with Diamond Tiara. The pink filly smiled.
"Here, use this," she said, holding out her hoof.
Glancing at it, Apple Bloom realized that she was offering her a handkerchief.
"Are you sure? It might get ruined."
Diamond Tiara laughed. "Oh for goodness sake, Bloom, it's just a handkerchief. And we both know Cheerilee won't have you in her classroom in such a mess."
"Well...okay. And thanks, I guess."
"No problem."
Without saying much else, the fillies began to enter the school with the other students. Apple Bloom wiped her face the best she could with the handkerchief, and by the time they'd reached the classroom, her face was considerably cleaner. Unnoticed by the pair of them, Sweetie Belle was smiling. There was no mistaking it. Apple Bloom had it bad for Diamond. Anyone could see that from the way she was blushing now. Glancing sideways, the smile disappeared when she saw the expression on Scootaloo's face.
Sweetie Belle didn't often see Scootaloo look embarrassed, but it was clear from the way Scootaloo's eyes were glued to the floor that she was uncomfortable. Before Sweetie Belle could ask what was bothering her, they were through the classroom door. She then watched with curiosity as Scootaloo went straight to Cheerilee's desk. Cheerilee nodded, and Scootaloo quickly retrieved the bathroom pass from its hook before swiftly exiting the room. Sweetie Belle found herself raising an eyebrow at this. Maybe Scootaloo just had to use the bathroom, but something told her that wasn't the reason. After knowing the pegasus for as long as she had, she knew that Scootaloo was in the habit of not caring much for her appearance. So why was she so concerned now?
"Sweetie Belle."
"Huh?"
Cheerilee was looking at her. All at once Sweetie was aware of her classmates giggling quietly. She felt her cheeks turn pink with embarrassment.
"Oh. Sorry."
She quickly went to her desk and sat down.
..........
Scootaloo entered the bathroom quickly. She trotted over to the sink, turned on the tap and ran her hooves under it for a moment before reaching for the bar of soap. She scrubbed thoroughly, making sure to remove all traces of dirt from her hooves. When she had finished, she pulled a small brush from her saddlebag. She began to brush her mane and tail quickly, not overdoing it, but just enough so that her mane was back to looking the way it usually did. Once she was satisfied with her appearance, she slung her bag back on and exited the bathroom. As she walked along the hall, she felt worried again as she reflected on the conversation she'd had with her friends that morning. A part of her wished that she'd never started writing the note in the first place, but she quickly shoved the feeling away. After all, her friends still had no idea about the identity of her newfound crush. Knowing how persistent Sweetie Belle could be, Scootaloo wasn't sure how much longer it would remain that way.
Diamond Tiara also presented a credible threat. Being the social butterfly that she was, Diamond Tiara knew everything that was happening within the school. She was always keeping her ears open for gossip, and Scootaloo was not entirely convinced that Sweetie Belle would end up mentioning the note to her, intentionally or not.
Scootaloo bit the inside of her lip. What was she going to do? As soon as they figured out her crush's identity, they were going to react badly. Scootaloo was certain of it. After all, Apple Bloom came from a family who were probably very strict in regards to ponies who were 'that' kind of different. And certainly in Sweetie Belle's household the idea of such a thing, or even being associated with such a person would be enough to have said individual disowned. As for Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon... Scootaloo was sure they'd use the information to make her life a living Hell. Of course, all this was assuming that the pony in question wouldn't end up rejecting her. Scootaloo had to admit she wasn't feeling optimistic.
But if there was one pony whose opinion Scootaloo assigned the most value, it was Rainbow Dash. As a pony who had saved Equestria from numerous threats, and being the only living pony who could perform the legendary Sonic Rainboom, Rainbow Dash was an inspiration to the young pegasus, and her image was one that Scootaloo hoped that she could someday live up to. Rainbow Dash wasn't just a role model either. In recent years, their friendship had grown. As a result, Scootaloo felt that they were basically sisters now. If...if Rainbow Dash found out...if she didn't approve...Scootaloo wasn't sure what she'd do. She didn't think she could live with herself if that happened.
Still, something inside her was telling her that Rainbow Dash wouldn't take the news that way. She was the Element of Loyalty for Celestia's sake. And she remembered what Princess Luna had told her about letting fear control her. Scootaloo's eyes grew bright with determination as she entered the classroom. There was hope. Once school was out, she was going to find Rainbow Dash and tell her what was going on.
Author's Note
Whoo boy!
That's some pretty heavy stuff to cover in just the first chapter, huh guys? Catch ya next week for Chapter 2. Let's hope things go well for Scootaloo, okay? 
