Sweet Affection: Young Love

Chapters

Full of Ambition
A Pleasent Walk
Home Visit
Swim at the Pool
Adventure at the Park
The First Real Date
School Hijinks
Love Triumphs

Full of Ambition

The town of Canterlot was a mysterious place full of strange wonders from time to time, such as feats of magic, or portals to alternate world. So some say at least, many consider it a Fairy Tale, others consider it very much real.

In the center of it all tends to be a girl named Sunset Shimmer, along with six other friends. Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Rarity. They seem like normal girls, but some believe there is something extra special about them. They are known for being the friendliest girls, at least in their school, but to others, some sense great potential within them.

Some don't care about that, some of them just want to enjoy their day to day life, and find excitement in smaller places, from video games, to outdoor games or just riding scooters.

One such boy was a kid named Rumble. He was the younger brother of a local jock named Thunderlane, and was usually seen with one of his babysitters, Flitter and Cloudchaser. Of course they no longer need to babysit him, as he insists he's an adult now.

Of course he was still pretty young, and a bit immature. He focused a lot on competition and acted like a tough guy. He even had goals to be a better athlete than his older brother and usually spoke out way too much.

Despite all that, he was usually a good kid, he respected his brother and his brother's friends. He was generally nice to other kids, especially three girls in particular.

These girls were named Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.

Apple Bloom was a country girl, and the younger sister of Applejack and Big Macintosh, a High School girl and a boy who had just recently started attending college. She had an adventurous personality, a love for science and chemistry, and was eager to get her name known through some means or another, especially with online videos.

Scootaloo is an atheltic girl who was very talented on the scooter or any other wheeled activity. Her parents were explorers and usually traveled the world, so she stayed with her aunts. She looks up to a High School girl named Rainbow Dash and wants to be an amazing athlete like her.

Sweetie Belle is a young fashion girl, and the younger sister of Rarity, a very popular High School girl. She's very caring in nature, but has a bit of a sassy side and low tolerance for anything annoying. She's also considered one of the most attractive girls in her age group, and is really into fashion.

The girls were known together as The Crusaders, due to their adventurous personalities. They were always up to something, and sometimes trouble seemed to follow them wherever they went. But that's what added to the excitement, and what drew Rumble to them.

One day in particular, the girls were seen together in the local park, Apple Bloom setting up what looked to be a big Go-Cart, adding some type of strange liquid to the sides.

"Almost got it..." Apple Bloom added the final touches. "There, should be good and ready."

"Oh boy, this is gonna be awesome," Scootaloo said.

"And safe," Sweetie Belle said. "This is safe, right?"

"You'll be fine, just put yer helmet on," Apple Bloom said, strapping on her headwear.

The other two did the same as Scootaloo sat in the front, "Alright, who's ready to leave a Mark!"

"Not just any mark, a Cutie Mark!" Apple Bloom said.

"Yeah, we're the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and we're going to make a name for ourselves!" Sweetie Belle said. "Hopefully in one piece."

"Let's do it, to it!" Scootaloo said.

Apple Bloom set off the liquid, which had no immediate reaction. "Huh?"

"What gives?" Scootaloo asked. "Yo Apple Bloom, did you make that potion right or not?"

"It should have worked, ah saw it done in science class," Apple Bloom said. "Maybe it just needs-"

Within seconds the potion liquid worked as the three teens were sent flying on their go-kart, hitting speeds close to eighty miles per hour.

They sped past several park-goers, including the likes of Lyra, Bon Bon, Derpy, and some kids their age as they desperately tried to take control of their cart.

"We're gonna crash!" Apple Bloom shouted.

"It's all over! We're doomed!" Sweetie Belle cried. "I'm too young and pretty to die!"

"This is so awesome!" Scootaloo cheered. "Can this go faster!?"

Sweetie Belle glared at Scootaloo, "Are you...KIDDING ME!?"

Nearby at the park’s running track, the young jock Rumble was seen doing sprints, timing himself on his speed and how long he could maintain it. Despite his efforts, he could only glance at his timer in annoyance.

"Ugh, still not as fast as Thunderlane, I gotta keep pushing myself," Rumble said, placing the watch away and returning to the starting line. "Now, time to-"

"WATCH OUT!" He heard from nearby, followed shortly by a crash.

"What in the world?" Rumble quickly ran over to where he heard the commotion.

Nearby the Crusaders looked to be dizzy, from both the speed and the impact of their go-kart crashing into a tree.

"Uh...is everyone okay?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Define okay," a very annoyed Sweetie Belle answered.

"What am I? A dictionary?" Apple Bloom teased.

"We're fine, nothing we can't handle," Scootaloo said. "Plus, we all had our helmets at least."

"That's supposed to make me feel better?" Sweetie Belle asked, taking her helmet off as she stepped out of the kart. "Can we do something else? Preferably less dangerous?"

"Danger is half the fun," Scootaloo said.

"What's the other half? Going to the hospital?" Sweetie Belle sassed.

"Come on, no more bickering," Apple Bloom said. "Look, let's just take a little break before we consider our next major scheme."

"Fine by me," Sweetie Belle said.

"If it will help you cool off," Scootaloo said.

"Um, excuse me?" Rumble said, getting the attention of the three girls. "Is everything alright here?"

Sweetie Belle immediately began to blush, "R-rumble?"

"Yo, Rumble!" Scootaloo said, walking over to the boy. "How's it going man?"

"Just fine, I guess," Rumble said. "What about you? I heard a crash around here."

"That? Oh it's just us trying some cool new stunts to earn our Cutie Marks," Scootaloo said.

Rumble furrowed his brown, "You mean that thing where you get your plaque or something whenever you do something amazing?"

"Yeah, you even get a shirt or any type of clothing to show your mark off," Scootaloo said. "Rainbow Dash got her mark because of her speed, and now she wears her mark on her skirt."

"Mah sister Applejack got it fer being such a great farmer," Apple Bloom said. "Sweetie Belle's sister Rarity got hers from how well she can identify rocks and all types of geology."

"Yeah, it's true," a shy Sweetie Belle confirmed.

"Doesn't your older brother Thunderlane have one?" Scootaloo asked.

"Yeah...he does," Rumble said. "Something to do with the weather and stuff."

"Don't you know? He is yer brother after all," Apple Bloom said.

"I mean...is it really that big of a deal? It's just a mark on a silly plaque," Rumble said. "It's not like it-"

"Silly?" Scootaloo said. "Dude, how could you say something like that? It's a HUGE deal for this town!"

"It's a huge deal for this whole land, it's a big part of our culture," Apple Bloom said.

"I'm just not much for culture," Rumble said. "Look, it's fine if you girls want to do it, but considering you're risking harm on yourself shows me this is a bit unhealthy. I don't think it's worth you girls getting hurt over this nonsense."

"Oh Rumble, if you only understood the importance," Scootaloo said. "Maybe one day."

"I doubt it," Rumble said, making his leave. "Do what you want, just be careful about it."

As he left, Scootaloo shrugged in disappointment, "That boy's weird sometimes."

"Ah could see where he's coming from but to dismiss our culture like that, it kind of worries me," Apple Bloom said.

"Totally, everyone should want their mark after all," Scootaloo said. "What do you think Sweetie Belle?"

"Uh-huh, yeah," Sweetie Belle absent-mindedly said, to the confusion of her friends.

"You alright there Sweetie Belle?" Apple Bloom asked. "You look kind of distracted."

"Huh?" Sweetie Belle snapped out of it. "Oh, what were we talking about?"

"I swear you get like that every time you see Rumble," Scootaloo said. "It's like you have a crush on him."

"Who me!?" Sweetie Belle asked, feverishly shaking her head. "No way, I mean, why would I? He's so weird, he hates Cutie Marks! I could never have a crush on a guy like that. Stop being so silly Scootaloo."

The purple haired girl just raised her eyebrow in confusion, "Uh-huh, right. I'm the silly one."

"Pfft, like I care what you think, I'm going on that break because I need time away from you and your weirdness," Sweetie Belle said, immediately walking off.

"How am I the weird one when she's acting all goofy about Rumble?" Scootaloo said.

"Just ignore it," Apple Bloom said.

"Fine, whatever," Scootaloo said, taking her own leave. "I have a new stunt to plan anyway."

Apple Bloom shrugged it all off, "Mah friends are so weird sometimes."

Rumble had returned to the track, ready to get back to his practice, "Alright Rumble, stay focused, you have a lot to do so-"

"Yo Rumble!" Thunderlane called, startling his brother.

"Don't sneak up on me like that!" Rumble scolded. "What do you want, anyway?"

"Hey now, is that anyway to talk to your older and much more awesome big brother?" Thunderlane teased.

"Pfft, you wish you were as awesome as I am," Rumble said.

"Wow, the arrogance you emit," Thunderlane said. "I remember when I was like that, so young and full of undeserved condidence.”

"Whatever, you still didn't say why you were here," Rumble said.

"Just dropping this off," Thunderlane said, handing Rumble a Power Heroes lunchbox. "Flitter made something nice for you. A Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, some Apple Sauce, and a Chocolate Chip cookie." He presented a pair of bottles, "With chocolate milk and a sports drink.

"I swear, she spoils me too much, it's like she thinks I'm a little kid," Rumble said.

"Oh, so you don't want this?" Thunderlane asked.

"I never said that," Rumble said, holding his hands out. "Hand it over."

"What's the magic word?" Thunderlane asked.

"...Please, hand it over," Rumble said.

"You are such a punk sometimes," Thunderlane said, giving his brother the food. "But still, there you go squirt."

"Thanks," Rumble said. "So, got practice later?"

"Yeah, me and The Wonderbolts got a big track meet later," Thunderlane said. "Gonna be awesome."

"Even though you're basically in Rainbow Dash's shadow?" Rumble asked.

"Hey she can enjoy her moment of glory for now," Thunderlane said. "In time, it will be my time to shine. That girl won't know what hit her until it's too late."

"Ha, so full of confience, aren't you?" Rumble said. "But I guess that's what makes us brothers."

"Yeah, difference is I usually have what it takes to back up what I'm saying," Thunderlane said. "Can you say the same thing?"

"Damn right I can," Rumble said. "No one gets the better of me, I'm the best for a reason!"

"Be careful looking down on us from all the way that high, you might trip and fall," Thunderlane teased.

"As if," Rumble said. "Anyway, I gotta get back to training."

"Good luck bro," Thunderlane said, making his leave.

"Thunderlane thinks he's so cool," Rumble smirked to himself. "He has no idea what 'cool' is."

Later on, Apple Bloom was seen resting against a pole, taking a drink of water while her friends cooled off a bit.

"Well, well, if it isn't Apple Bloom," came the voice of the local rich girl, Diamind Tiara.

"Oh, hey Dia," Apple Bloom said. "Oh, and you too Silvie."

"Hi Apple Bloom!" Silver Spoon eagerly greeted, though received an annoyed glance from Diamond Tiara. "I mean...hello peasant."

"So, Apple Bloom, here alone are you?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"Yeah, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were nearby, but they had somewhere else to be," Apple Bloom said.

"So none of your silly crusades then? Finally getting smart and giving up on the idea of getting a Cutie Mark?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"Uh, no?" Apple Bloom said. "We actually just tried, but we ran into some trouble."

"How sad, when are you going to realize that this silly plan of yours won't work?" Diamond Tiara asked. "Only truly greats like me and Silvie earn our marks, while the rest of you are meant to be the bottom dwellers who only exist to make girls like me look good."

"Uh-huh, right," Apple Bloom said. "Tell me, how did you earn yer mark?"

"Uh...that's not important," Diamond Tiara insisted. "What's important is that I have it, and so does Silver Spoon."

"I don't know how I earned mine either, kind of a mystery to me," Silver Spoon said.

"You earned it by being exceptional!" Diamond Tiara scolded.

"R-right, exceptional!" Silver Spoon said.

"Point is, we're both great," Diamond Tiara. "Now stop this silly crusade, it's totally embarrassing."

"Ah ain't embarrassed, I'm having fun with it," Apple Bloom said.

"Well it's embarrassing to me since your family are business partners for my daddy," Diamond Tiara said. "I can't have my daddy's partners be associated with their weirdo sister who does stupid stunts."

"Sorry, but ah aint' stopping," Apple Bloom said. "Like ah said, it's fun and ah get to spend time with mah friends."

"If you want fun, there's plenty of normal things you can do," Diamond Tiara said. "How about going shopping with me and Silvie?"

"Uh...how is that fun?" Apple Bloom asked.

"You get to help me pick out new clothes," Diamond Tiara said. "I have what it takes to be a fashion model. That's what Rarity tells me, and even her future is in danger because she has a little sister who's roped into your weird schemes."

"See, talk like this makes it hard fer Sweetie Belle to want to do this stuff with us," Apple Bloom said.

"That's good! It means she's much smarter than you or Scootaloo," Diamond Tiara said. "She has so much potential yet she spends her time with you and that Scooter driving weirdo."

"What'd you call me!?" Scootaloo shouted, riding over. "You talking trash about me, Diamond Tiara?"

"N-no, she wasn't!" Silver Spoon insisted. "She's just messing around."

"Can it Silvie," Diamond Tiara said.

"You have some nerve running your mouth like this," Scootaloo said. "Flashing your Cutie Mark like you earned it. I bet your daddy bought it for you so you can feel like you're better than you actually are."

"Hey! You have no proof of that!" Diamond Tiara said.

"Well prove that you're actually worth anything," Scootaloo said. "Or are you just a big faker?"

"You're one to talk about being fake! Meanwhile you're the poorest out of all your friends you low-life!" Diamond Tiara said. "At least Apple Bloom has her farm and Sweetie Belle has a sister that's going to be famous one day. All you have is your fake friendship with Rainbow Dash!"

"Hey! Our friendship is more real than your Cutie Mark," Scootaloo said.

"Girls, come on, no fighting," Apple Bloom said. "Yer drawing too much attention."

"She started it!" Scootaloo said. "Her and her stupid fake Cutie Mark."

"I don't have to take this from you, I'm leaving!" Diamond Tiara said, stomping off. "Come on Silvie!"

"Uh, bye girls," Silver Spoon said.

"SILVIE!" Diamond Tiara called, the other rich girl nervously following.

"Ugh, that girl is such a pain in the butt," Scootaloo said. "Why do you even put up with her?"

"She aint' so bad, she's just too arrogant fer her own good," Apple Bloom said. "Plus ah have to be nice to her, mah parents say it's good fer the farm."

"You know what my parents would say?" Scootaloo asked. "All the treasures in the world mean nothing without true value."

"They back from their trip?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Tomorrow, I was hoping to surprise them with a Cutie Mark but that's clearly not happening," Scootaloo said.

"Eh, not like you need a mark to impress yer parents," Apple Bloom said. "Come on, let's go find Sweetie Belle."

"Hey tell me, she totally has a crush on Rumble, doesn't she?" Scootaloo asked.

"Ah don't know, maybe," Apple Bloom said.

"Consider this, a lot of boys our age have a thing for her," Scootaloo said. "boys like Button Mash, First Base and Chip Cutter. It might even go beyond boys, because I think even Dinky has a thing for her."

"Pretty sure she doesn't and you just made that up," Apple Bloom said.

"Pont is, she has all these boys, yet she has a thing for the one boy who hasn't really made a move," Scootaloo said. "At least, that we know about."

"What are you saying?" Apple Bloom asked.

"What I'm saying is that...those two are probably secretly dating," Scootaloo said.

Apple Bloom raised her eyebrow in confusion, "That's a joke, right?"

"I'm serious!" Scootaloo said. "Maybe they're secretly into each other. It would exlain why Rumble looked so worried earlier, he doesn't want his girlfriend getting hurt."

"Or maybe he was just concerned because he heard a crash and doesn't want ANY of us getting hurt," Apple Bloom said. "Rumble acts like a big jock, but he's really nice."

"Well still, it strikes me as suspicious," Scootaloo said.

"Also Rumble ain't the only boy who hasn't shown interest in Sweetie Belle," Apple Bloom said. "Tender Taps hasn't either."

"That's because he's head over heels for Twilight Sparkle," Scootaloo said.

"Oh, speaking of Twilight, we should head over to her library, might be some neat ideas there" Apple Bloom said, making her leave. "Come on, let's find Sweetie Belle."

"Wait up," Scootaloo said, following Apple Bloom.

Later at the Golden Oaks Library near the edge of town, The Crusaders are seen sitting on their bean bags, reading some books. Scootaloo was reading an adventure book to figure out some new stunts. Apple Bloom was reading a chemistry book to figure out some new potions. Sweetie Belle was reading a fashion book, as she wanted to look pretty.

Tender Taps was present as well, reading a book about dancing, but occasionally glancing over at Twilight, who was putting some books away, a huge blush on his face.

Moments later, a new entrant came into the library, Twilight immediately greeting whoever came. "Welcome to Golden Oaks Library."

"Oh, hey Twilight," Rumble greeted.

"Rumble!" Twilight said, Sweetie Belle's face turning red. "I take it you're here to see if the new Power Heroes comic came in?"

"Yeah, I know you tend to get early copies," Rumble said.

"You can thank my brothers, they love this stuff too," Twilight said. "I could never really get into it, but I will admit, some of the superheroes are kind of cute. Who knew so many cute boys could save the world like this?"

"Makes sense, a lot of the girl heroes are cute too," Rumble said. "Anyway, mind showing me where it is?"

"Sure, follow me," Twilight said.

"Would you ever date a superhero?" Rumble asked.

"If I met one," Twilight said.

Tender Taps immediately stood up, "I have to go."

"Going to buy a cape, Super Taps?" Scootaloo teased.

"No...!" Tender Taps said. "Even if I did, that doesn't mean it has anything to do with what Twilight said!"

"Sure it doesn't," Scootaloo said. "Well, see you later, Tappy."

"Don't call me that!" Tender Taps said, leaving the library.

Scootaloo scoffed at his reaction, "We all know he totally has a crush on Twilight, don't we?" Scootaloo asked.

"Oh yeah, he totally does, it's like, super obvious," A nervous Sweetie Belle said. "Can you believe how weird some people get when they have a crush on someone?"

"You sound like an expert in that field," Scootaloo said.

Sweetie Belle furrowed her brow, "I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about."

"Hey Rumble!" Scootaloo said, Sweetie Belle freaking out. "Ha, got you."

"You suck, Scootaloo!" Sweetie Belle said.

"Hey you're the one acting gaga over Rumble," Scootaloo said. "Just ask the guy out already if you like him that dang much."

"I don't recall saying that I liked him," Sweetie Belle insisted.

"Oh fer goodness sake," Appple Bloom said. "Sweetie Belle, if you don't like Rumble, then stop freaking out every time Scootaloo says you do. Yer just proving her point by acting so fidgety."

"Me? Fidgety?" Sweetie Belle scoffed. "You're so silly Apple Bloom."

"Yeah, sure ah am," Apple Bloom said.

"I swear I don't have a crush on Rumble!" Sweetie Belle insisted. "Sure he's nice, with his soft gaze, his nice mane, his winning smile, and that really cute butt of his." This got a weirded out reaction from Scootaloo and Apple Bloom, with Sweetie Belle shaking it off. "But I swear I don't have a crush!"

"...You're so full of crap," Scootaloo said.

"Okay, that's it, I'm leaving," Sweetie Belle said, making her way out of the library.

"Dang it Sweetie Belle, don't just-" Too late, she was gone. "Great. Ah swear that girl is way too stubborn her her own good."

"She really likes Rumble but she won't admit it," Scootaloo said. "We gotta get her to confess."

"You sure she likes him? And that you ain't just annoying her?" Apple Blom asked.

"I know the signs," Scootaloo said. "It's the same reaction Rainbow Dash gets when she's around Soarin."

"Soarin? Ain't he her senior? And dating Spitfire?" Apple Bloom asked.

"She insists that theyr'e just friends," Scootlaoo said. "Wow, really hope Rainbow Dash doesn't get her heart broken."

"Well what do you suggest then?" Apple Bloom asked.

"What I'm suggesting is that we find a way to get those two on a date somehow," Scootaloo said. "That's assuming that they're not already secretly dating, so we should also be sure of that."

"Okay, let's assume fer a minute that they aren't dating," Apple Bloom said. "Do we know if Rumble likes Sweetie Belle? You said it yerself, he's the only boy who hasn't tried to woo her."

"Well we don't know if he likes any other girl," Scootaloo said. "Actually I don't think a lot of kids even know that much about Rumble, he keeps to himself a lot."

"So how are you going to see if he's even a good fit fer her," Apple Bloom said. "For all you know, he has a crush on another girl."

"Then that means we need to learn all we can about Rumble, and see if we can set him up with our best friend," Scootaloo said. "Plus consider this. If we pull this off, this could be like a special talent for us, and we'll earn our Cutie Mark."

"Wow...way to make it about you," Apple Bloom teased.

"Hey, it works at least," Scootaloo said. "Come on, let's get going already!"

Meanwhile in the other room, Twilight had pulled out the new comic that she had reserved for Rumble, "Here you go."

"Thanks, I really appreciate you doing this for me," Rumble said, taking the book.

"It's no trouble, it's the least I can for some of the trouble Rainbow Dash has caused you and your brother," Twilight said.

"Hey come one now, it’s not like you’re responsible for the weird stuff she does," Rumble said. "Besides, I know she messes with him, but it's not malicious or anything. She just seems to like goofing around."

"I'm all for goofing around, but she gets carried away sometimes, especially with the pranks," Twilight said.

"Believe it or not, my brother doesn't seem to mind, in fact he admires Rainbow Dash," Rumble said. "Of course he also aims to surpass her, so friendly rivalry."

"Competition is a good thing," Twilight said. "Anyway aside from that, not many check out comic books here, you're the biggest fan out of everyone who comes here."

"Still, much appreciated," Rumble said. "By the way, how often do the Crusaders come here?"

"Pretty often, why?" Twilight asked.

"They kind of interest me sometimes," Rumble said. "They're always doing some weird stunt or whatever, because they want their Cutie Mark."

"Oh yeah, they’re so eager for one," Twilight said. "I had to study hard in the Theory of Magic to earn mine."

"Does it make you feel fulfilled?" Rumble asked.

"Sort of, it's nice to have but it wasn't something I was eagerly setting out to get, I just got it along the way," Twilight said. "I know what I love doing, and that's what matters."

"At least you get it," Rumble said. "That rich girl Diamond Tiara gives everyone a hard time over something like that. It's just so ridiculous, I mean it's just a mark, isn't it?"

"Well, it is a big part of our culture, one that I am still looking into," Twilight said.

"I know, but it feels like everyone has to be defined by it," Rumble said. "Why can't they just be happy with what they have now?"

"That I can't answer," Twilight said. "Just keep being yourself, and if you can, watch over the Crusaders."

"No problem there," Rumble said, a slight blush appearing on his face, one noticed by Twilight.

"You seem happy, any reason?" Twilight asked.

"Uh...no reason," Rumble insisted.

"Well, if you have questions for anything, and I mean just about anything, come and let me know," Twilight said.

"Yeah, of course," Rumble said, making his leave. "See you later Twilight."

"Bye Rumble," Twilight said, going back to reorganize her books. "Such a nice boy, I hope he figures things out soon."

Rumble looked down on his comic as he made his exit from the library. He had a lot on his mind still, between his eagerness to read the comic, his sports endeavors, surpassing his brother, and the Crusaders, including one in particular.

"Wonder if Sweetie Belle likes comics?" Rumble asked himself. "No way, she's too fancy for that. Just gotta work on my skills then, that'll get her attention."

The boy made his way back home to plan his future.

Author's Note

I didn't intend to do another Sweet Affection story, but I was convinced into it. So one more story, but this time Equestria Girls style, so it's a bit more unique.

A Pleasent Walk

The following day after school, The Crusaders were at it again. Another day meant another chance to earn their marks and establish their legacy.

"Alright girls, to the park and fast! I have some new ideas that will guarantee success for us!" Scootaoo confidently stated.

"It's not something that's going to endanger our lives or anything, is it?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Seriously Sweetie Belle?" Scootaloo said. "You won't make it far in life if you start worrying about silly things like bodily harm."

"...You can't be serious," Sweetie Belle said. "Look, how about we try baking cookies or something."

"We tried that last time, remember?" Apple Bloom said.

Flashback to Three Months ago.

Within the kitchen of Sugarcube Corner, the Cutie Mar Crusaders had managed to convince the owners, Carrot Cake and his wife Cup Cake to let them use the kitchen to bake some cookies. It would not only give them a chance to earn their marks, but also a chance for them to earn some bits.

Apple Bloom was seen with a mixing bowl, aggressively stirring and making a large mess in the process as the batter started spilling on the counter and staining the wall.

Sweetie Belle tried bringing the ingredients over, but she carried too much at once, spilling a large chunk of it on the floor, nearly slipping and creating more of a mess.

Scootaloo put some in, checking the time in regard to how long it needs to bake. "Hm...so if it takes twenty minutes at 450...I just gotta go like ten times higher to have them done in two minutes!"

Needless to say, smoke alarms began to go off as the sprinklers came raining down on the trio of misfits.

Upon returning home, both Mr. and Mrs. Cake stared in disbelief at the mess caused by this young trio as they sheepishly stood below the pouring sprinklers.

"Well...at least they got some good practice," the top employee Pinkie Pie said. "Plus, it could be worse."

Suddenly a ceiling fan crashed down onto a nearby table startling everyone present.

"We'll get the brooms," Apple Bloom said.

Present Day

"Okay, so even if that was a failure, we could try again, and this time actually follow the recipe," Sweetie Belle said.

"That'd be great, the problem is that the Cakes don't want us in their kitchen again," Apple Bloom said.

"I still say they overreacted," Scootaloo said.

"You dang near caused a fire, if anything they were very generous in their reaction," Apple Bloom said. "Mah point is that we're not really allowed to work there again, and most other places wouldn't even think to give us a chance."

"Well there's gotta be something we can do," Scootaloo said. As the girls walked, they noticed a familiar boy running right past them.

"Hey, wasn't that Rumble?" Apple Bloom asked, Sweetie Belle immediately blushing.

"I think so," Scootaloo called to him. "Yo! Rumble!"

"Huh?" Rumble turned around, spotting the three girls. The moment he laid eyes on Sweetie Belle, his face turned a shade of red. "Oh, hi girls."

"You seem to be in a hurry, late for something or did you just feel like running?" Scootaloo asked. "I know you athletic types do anything to get that cardio in. The reason I do know is because I'm pretty athletic myself."

"Oh really?" Apple Bloom teased.

"Yeah really, I ride a scooter! Its literally in my name to be athletic!" Scootaloo said.

"You are pretty rad on a scooter," Rumble said. "But to answer your question, I am in a bit of a hurry. I need to get down to the store to pick up some things that I'm going to need later for some fun activities."

"Oh, heading to some sports store then?" Scootaloo asked. "Could we tag along? We're running low on ideas to earn our marks and this store could be of good use to us. We might find something neat there."

"Wait, us? Walking with Rumble!?" Sweetie Belle looked to be in a bit of a panic. "I wasn't ready for this!"

"If you want to come by, that's fine," Rumble said. "We can all take a jog, get the cardio going."

"I can totally handle that," Scootaloo said. "Not sure about Apple Bloom or Sweetie Belle."

"You know Scootaloo, ah may not be the athlete that you are, but that don't mean I can't be athletic," Apple Bloom said. "Keep in mind, ah work on a farm in mah spare time. Carrying buckets of apples, moving logs, wheel carts, all that stuff."

"You must be pretty strong to do all that," Rumble said.

"Got that right," Apple Bloom said, flexing her arm. "Scootaloo may have speed, but ah got strength. How many girls mah age have muscles like these?"

"I got those in my legs," Scootaloo said, showing off her quads.

"So do I," Apple Bloom said, showing off as well. "It ain't just arm strength that gets us through a workout."

"I can totally do upper body strength," Scootaloo said. "I bet I can find weights at the store and get super buff, just like your brother!"

"Please, even Applejack has a hard time reaching the muscle mass that Big Macintosh has," Apple Bloom said. "And she works as hard as he does."

"I can totally pull it off," Scootaloo said.

"Just try to be careful, not to sound discriminatory, but it's risky for girls to develop muscle like that," Rumble said. "You can still work your upper body but understand your own body's limits."

"Mah sis and I are fully aware of that," Apple Bloom said. "Scootaloo however..."

"I can still get really strong," Scootaloo said, flexing her own arms.

"You know that ain't what I'm taling about miss 'strong legs'," Apple Bloom said. "They look good but you know they have their limits."

"I can break past my limits, no problem," Scootaloo said.

"I'm sure you can Scootaloo, personally I don't want to get all buff," Rumble said. "I want to prioritize my speed, plus having muscles just doesn't suit me. I keep in shape but I don't want to get too big."

"Mah point being, if you need someone to run with ya, I'm yer girl," Apple Bloom said, then turned to the third girl. "What about you Sweetie Belle?"

"You've been really quiet, more than usual," Scootaloo said.

"Huh!?" Sweetie Belle immediately freaked out. "It's nothing, I swear!"

"Uh...alright then..." Scootaloo said. "Still, you up for a jog or is that too much for your little lady legs?"

"Hey! I can so jog!" Sweetie Belle said. "Lead the way and I'll follow."

"Jogging's fine, let's just try not to get carried away with it," Apple Bloom said. "Talking to you there, Scootaloo."

"I'll be just fine. I bet we jog so well that we earn our mark," Scootaloo said.

"Don't worry about getting your mark, just have fun, that's all that matters," Rumble said.

"You never got yers either, did ya?" Apple Bloom asked.

"No, and that's fine by me, I'm not doing this to be put in a box with other fancy things," Rumble said, getting into a running position. "I do it because I want to."

Rumble immediately started running, Scootaloo being the first to follow, "Wait for me!"

"Come on Sweetie Belle!" Apple Bloom said, running to join her friends.

Sweetie Belle furrowed her eyebrows in annoyance, "Great, now I gotta do cardio. This is gonna suck!"

Rumble began running, looking back to see that Scootaloo was catching up to him, and without her scooter too. She had good leg muscles, so he wasn't too surprised, but he also wasn't going to go easy on her now that he has an idea of how much she can do.

"Think you can pick up the pace?" Rumble asked.

"Hey I'm trying to be nice and not embarrass you with my skills, but if you're that interested in being emasculated," Scootaloo went further. "Then I'm happy to oblige!"

"Oh I don't think so!" Rumble said, picking up the pace.

Apple Bloom was still following behind, the girl looking a bit worried, "Hey slow down! Don't overexert yerself!"

Sweetie Belle was still behind, the girl panting and sweating profusely, "I am...not built...for running!"

"Ha! I'm going to beat you there, Rumble!" Scootaloo boasted.

"Oh you wish!" Rumble said, picking up the pace. "Just wait until I catch up to you!"

Scootaloo could see that Rumble was getting closer, the boy faster than he looked. "I am not making this easy! Now behold as I reach Mach Five and-"

Suddenly Scootaloo felt a strain in her leg, her lower calf reacting in pain as the girl fell over, hitting the ground hard as she held her leg in pain.

"Scootaloo!" Rumble shouted in worry as he knelt by her side. "Hey, are you alright?"

"Yeah...totally fine, I...gah!" Scootaloo held her leg in pain. "Oh sweet heavens this...totally does not hurt because I am a badass like that."

"Scootaloo!" Apple Bloom scolded as she caught up. "Oh good grief, ah told you to take it easy!"

"Hey I'm totally fine, I just tripped," Scootaloo insisted.

"Right, you 'tripped', because you aggrivated yer legs when you weren't supposed to!" Apple Bloom said.

"My legs are fine," Scootaloo said. "So I got a little sore, big deal."

"The big deal is that you know yer legs are built weak! You can't add so much pressure to them like you do!" Apple Bloom said.

"They're not that weak!" Scootaloo said.

"Oh save it," Apple Bloom said.

"Um, what's happening?" Rumble asked.

"Scootaloo was born with a condition," Apple Bloom said grabbing an emergency band-aid from her bag. "Her legs are kind of...not fully supported."

"Apparently I get a little bit hurt if I run too fast on them," Scootaloo said.

"Point is, she can't overexert herself," Apple Bloom said. "She's going to risk tearing her muscles."

"I...I had no idea, I'm really sorry for pushing you Scootaloo," Rumble said.

"No, it's my fault, ah should have warned ya," Apple Bloom said. "Ah tend to forget how thickheaded Scootaloo can be."

"I'm not THAT thickheaded," Scootaloo said.

"Will you shut up already!?" Apple Bloom shouted, startling Scootaloo. "Ah swear, you just find new ways to make me worry sometimes."

Scootaloo started to feel a bit guilty, while she had no trouble brushing it off, she knows her friends care a lot about her and her safety. "Sorry AB."

"Just...please be careful," Apple Bloom said as she finished patching it up. "That should keep you stable, but don't walk on it fer now. Otherwise you'll risk tearing the muscle."

"You got it," Scootaloo said as both Rumble and Apple Bloom helped her up. "Though if I did get hurt, maybe I'll get a mark for best injury."

"I'll injure yer face if you don't can it!" Apple Bloom warned, holding her fist in front of Scootaloo's eyes.

"R-right, sorry," Scootaloo said.

Sweetie Belle finally caught up, the girl completely out of breath, "So, is this the place?" She took note of Scootaloo's injury. "Oh come on! Scootaloo hurt herself again!?"

"Maybe," Scootaloo said.

Sweetie Belle groaned in annoyance, "Of course this happened. This is why running sucks!"

"Quit yer whining," Apple Bloom said, helping Scootaloo walk.

"I don't need help, I got this," Scootaloo said, trying to walk on her own. "I just have to avoid putting pressure."

"Ugh, stop being so dang stubborn, will ya?" Apple Bloom said.

While the two argued, Rumble turned his attention to Sweetie Belle, the boy feeling a bit shy bit willing to try and talk. "So...this happen often?"

"Yeah, kind of," Sweetie Belle said, just as shy herself.

"...So, Scootaloo's a bit on the stubborn side, huh?" Rumble said.

"That's putting it mildly, she acts like she's invincible sometimes," Sweetie Belle said. "Like I get she's got an athlete's heart and maybe it sucks that she can't compete in track like she wanted to, but she's got other talents."

"Yeah, she can ride the scooter," Rumble pointed out.

"That's what I tell her, even if she can't run, she can still go as fast as she likes, but she's so dead set on pushing past her limits," Sweetie Belle said.

"Even athletes must know their own limitations," Rumble said. "I wouldn't push my body to do something it couldn't, that's not competitive, that's just reckless."

"Maybe you can get through to her, or your brother," Sweetie Belle said. "Scootaloo is such a thrill seeker and I'm worried it's going to really get her hurt. This isn't even the first time she's hurt herself like this. One time it was so bad, she needed a cast."

"Ouch," Rumble said. "Wait, that winter when she had the cast on her leg then..."

"From running to fast, trying to emulate Rainbow Dash," Sweetie Belle said. "Even the same girl she admired and tried to copy tried lecturing her about it. Though I do know Rainbow Dash felt guilty too since she feels like she pushed Scootaloo pretty hard at the time."

"So she didn't know about Scootaloo's limitations?" Rumble asked.

"I think she knew a little, Scootaloo just reassured her that it's nothing," Sweetie Belle said. "She's just that stubborn."

"Seriously, just let me walk," Scootaloo said.

"Stop arguing with me on this, ah wanna help ya!" Apple Bloom scolded.

"I'm never gonna get better at this if I always get help," Scootaloo said.

"Better how? It's a physical condition," Apple Bloom frustratingly pointed out.

"For now," Scootaloo said, irritating Apple Bloom.

Sweetie Belle shook her head in annoyance, "Thing is...Scootaloo is in such heavy denial about all this. I tell her that she's fine on the scooter, but since she didn't get her mark on it for whatever reason, she figured she's not that great."

"Those marks are too judgmental on a person," Rumble said. "That's why I'm not worried about mine. I just want to do my own thing."

"Sometimes I just want to forget about it too, but both Apple Bloom and Scootaloo keep roping me into their nonsense, especially Scootaloo," Sweetie Belle said. "That and part of me does want my mark. I feel so self conscious anytime I hear Diamond Tiara brag about hers and makes me wonder why I don't have one."

"Comparing yourself to others is always a mistake, that's why I try to gauge my accomplishments by my own merit," Rumble said. "Of course, I'm not perfect at it, even I sometimes wonder why I'm not like Thunderlane. But I also tell myself that I will get there at my own pace and hopefully surpass him."

"That's a great way to look at it," Sweetie Belle said.

"Yeah well, I try my best," Rumble said, then saw the two girls in front were moving ahead. "Let's try to help Scootaloo, if she'll let us."

"I can manage that," Sweetie Belle said.

After a bit of effort, the kids made their way into the sports store, Scootaloo immediately getting starry eyed. "Holy crap, this place looks awesome!" She immediately tried running and tripped, falling on her face

"Dang it Scootaloo! If you keep doing that I'm going to hurt you myself!" Apple Bloom shouted.

Rumble made his way to the shin guard area, the boy joined by a curious Sweetie Belle.

"Shin guards?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Shin guards are good for biking," Rumble said. "Me and my brother thought about going to a park and riding bicycles up a mountain with his friends Flitter and Cloudchaser."

"That sounds fun, I think," Sweetie Belle said.

"If you're an athlete, most noncompetitive people wouldn't do some strenuous that," Rumble said. "Well maybe if you liked exploring, leisurely bike rides are nice too. But when my adrenaline gets pumping, I take it up a level."

"Like Scootaloo," Sweetie Belle said.

"Yeah, I just really like the rush," Rumble said. "On top of that, these guards would be good if I wanted to try another sport. Like maybe soccer, or hockey, or even cricket."

"Cricket? That's a funny sounding sport," Sweetie Belle said.

"It's more fun that it looks," Rumble said, turning around. "I might also need a new helmet, again for the biking."

"Oooh, that looks cute," Sweetie Belle said, picking up a pink one that had a rose pattern design. She then placed it on her head. "It fits."

"That looks really nice on you," Rumble said, the boy blushing a bit. "I'd say get it, but I have a feeling you're not into sports."

"Well I'm not but I'm all for leisurely bike rides," Sweetie Belle said. "That and I do find myself roped into my friends' shenanigans."

"Oh right, like that go-kart," Rumble said. "You know, I might be able to help next time you need it. My brother can arrange something a bit safer."

"I'll think about it," Sweetie Belle said, placing the helmet back. "What else did you need?"

Rumble grabbed his own helmet, a blue and silver design. "This is one, I'll grab some shin guards too."

"Try these," Sweetie Belle said, picking one of a similar design. "They match."

"Thanks," Rumble said. "Maybe I can get some sneakers too."

"What kind?" Sweetie Belle asked.

The two walked down an aisle, scanning over the sneakers present. Rumble looked amazed by the choices. Sweetie Belle by comparison wasn't as interested, but she did find some of them cute.

"Those look nice," Rumble said, looking down on a black one with a lightning pattern. "But...dang, way to rich for my salary."

"You have a salary?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Well not exactly," Rumble said. "Sometimes I might try typical business stuff like selling lemonade, or doing paper routes."

"Paper routes? Cool," Sweetie Belle said. "I tried working for the school paper once, it didn't go so well."

"So I've heard," Rumble said.

"Eh, guess it went around, but we fixed everything by the end of it," Sweetie Belle said.

"Well regardless, I can't afford these," Rumble said."It's fine, I got enough for these two. Mostly because they're on sale, that and my brother spotted me some bits since I helped him with some cooking."

"Lucky you," Sweetie Belle said. "They look so well made too."

"Yeah, they do have a nice style," Rumble said, placing the items on the counter, awaiting the cashier.

"Also, you cook?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Not professionally, I just help my brother out in the kitchen," Rumble said. "Cooking's kind of fun though, it's a nice way to relax after a long day of working out."

"That's impressive," Sweetie Belle said.

"You can thank my brother, he likes cooking too," Rumble said. "That's one other thing we have in common."

"Sounds like you and your brother are pretty close," Sweetie Belle said.

"Close as we can be," Rumble said, paying for his stuff. "You have a sister right?"

"Yeah, Rarity," Sweetie Belle said. "She's great and all but she can be a pain."

"Wow really?" Rumble asked. "I've never gotten that vibe. I don't talk to her much but when we do, she seems really nice."

"My sister is very nice, and she's a great sister," Sweetie Belle said. "But she can be way too dramatic at times. She needs things to be so perfect and if I try to help her with something, she shoos me off."

"Oh wow," Rumble said.

"I shouldn't complain, my sister always looks out for me, but I want a little more than that," Sweetie Belle said. "I just want a sister who appreciates my worth as a person, not some nuisance she has to watch over because our parents make her."

"I hear your parents travel a lot," Rumble said.

"My dad's a coach, and mom's his assistant," Sweetie Belle said.

"Wow, a coach?" Rumble asked. "Amazing that your dad's a coach and you are...well, not athletic."

"Well daddy never pushed me or my sister into sports, he didn't want his little girls getting hurt," Sweetie Belle said. "Fine by me and my sister. I respect athletes but I don't want to be one."

"I totally get that," Rumble said, placing his stuff in a bag. "So, what are you girls planning to do later?"

"I don't know, with Scootaloo hurt, I doubt we'll be doing much for our marks," Sweetie Belle said. "Even if Scootaloo did want to, no way Apple Bloom would let her."

"I was gonna stop off and get some ice cream, you girls wanna join?" Rumble asked. "I might have enough left for all of you."

"Thanks but we can cover ourselves," Sweetie Belle said, then called out to her friends. "Apple Bloom! Scootaloo! Where are you!?"

"Right here," Scootaloo said, placing some sports balls on the counter. "How much for these."

"Scootaloo, ain't no way you can afford all this," Apple Bloom said.

"Wanna bet?" Scootaloo said, confidently taking out a credit card.

Later on.

"Stupid credit card, I knew Diamond Tiara tricked me!" Scootaloo said as she grabbed her ice cream.

"What made you think it was an actual credit card?" Apple Bloom asked, taking hers as they all sat together on a bench.

"Why did you want all those balls anyway?" Rumble asked.

"For sports, that's why," Scootaloo said.

"Yeah but...it seemed so illogical," Rumble said.

"Don't try to make sense out of what Scootaloo does, it'll hurt yer brain," Apple Bloom said.

"Hey! Don't be a jerk!" Scootaloo said.

"Well thanks fer letting us join you Rumble, we should hang out some more," Apple Bloom said.

"You should totally be one of us, a Cutie Mark Crusader," Scootaloo said.

"Eh, I can do without the title," Rumble said. "Still, I enjoyed this too, you girls are great."

"Ha, you like us," Scootaloo said. "We don't blame you, we're pretty awesome after all."

"Don't be too boastful," Apple Bloom warned.

"Hey, I can be boastful if I damn well want to," Scootaloo said.

As Sweetie Belle licked her ice cream, her attention was focused on Rumble. This was the most she got to spend time with him and it was a great time for her. He was very nice and fun to talk to.

Mutually, Rumble seemed to be happy talking with Sweetie Belle, learning more about her filled his heart with joy, and he eagerly awaited this chance again.

Later on everyone had gone their separate ways, Rumble going home and greeting his brother. "Yo Thunderlane. What's up?"

"Hey bro, did you get what you needed today?" Thunderlane asked as he read a sports magazine.

"Totally," Rumble said. "I also got to hang out with some girls."

Thunderlane glanced at his brother, "Girls huh? Lucky you. Anyone I know?"

"Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle," Rumble said.

"Wow, those three huh," Thunderlane said.

"It was fun, they were really nice, especially Sweetie Belle," Rumble said.

"That's great, happy for ya," Thunderlane said. "Fair warning, I should have said this sooner but, maybe be careful talking about girls right now."

"Huh? Why?" Rumble asked.

Suddenly he felt a shadow cast over him. Looking aside he spotted Flitter and Cloudchaser, a look of awe and curiosity on their faces.

"Girls you say?" Flitter asked.

"Spill it, squirt," Cloudchaser said.

"...Crap," Rumble lamented.

Meanwhile Sweetie Belle had gone home, spotting Fluttershy and Twilight sitting on a couch, talking to Rarity.

"And then, you would not believe what Lyra did after knocking over all that paint," Rarity said, then heard her sister walk by. "Oh, Sweetie Belle, how was your day?"

"Fine, I hung out with the girls," Sweetie Belle said.

"That's nice, you didn't do anything dangerous, did you?" Rarity asked.

"Not this time, thought Scootaloo hurt herself running," Sweetie Belle said.

"Again?" Fluttershy asked.

"It wasn't too bad, was it?" Twilight asked.

"No, Apple Bloom patched her up," Sweetie Belle said. "She's fine, she made it to the sports store with no problem."

"Well I should go see her later," Fluttershy said.

"What were you doing at the sports store?" Rarity asked. "You never liked going in those."

"I don't, but I did like talking to Rumble," Sweetie Belle said.

Rarity raised her eyebrow, "Rumble? You mean...Thunderlane's little brother?"

"Oh yeah, forgot to mention," Sweetie Belle said. "I was hanging out with Rumble too."

"I know him, he likes comic books," Twilight said. "And anything sports related."

"He's very nice too," Sweetie Belle said.

"Right..." Rarity said, somewhat suspicious. "Well, glad you had fun. Just remember, fun with boys is better in a group."

"Uh, alright?" Sweetie Belle said. "Catch you later."

Rarity waved her sister off, then lamented, "Great, she's hanging out with a boy now."

"Come on, why are you so worried?" Twilight asked. "He's a sweet boy after all."

"Still a boy, I don't want him getting any funny ideas with my darling Sweetie Belle," Rarity said.

"Rumble is a very responsible young man, and your sister's a smart girl," Twilight said. "It'll be fine."

"I sure hope so, dear," Rarity said.

Sweetie Belle laid in bed, satisfied with the day and eager for more adventures. "See you tomorrow, Rumble."

Both teens are now one step closer to their common goal, their chance to get to know one another and build something special with each other.

Home Visit

The following day at school, Sweetie Belle was sitting at her desk, mindlessly doodling on her notebook. A lot of it was just pictures of Rumble in various sports gear, including his new helmet, as a basketball player, hockey and anything else that came to the young girl’s mind.

Nervous as she was at first, spending time with Rumble proved to be a very delightful experience. He was of course a very kind and well mannered boy, add to his good looks and Sweetie Belle couldn't help but be even more enamored with this boy.

To the left of her was Scootaloo, the girl feeling much better after injuring herself the day prior. All she could think of was more activities the girls can try out in an effort to earn their marks.

To the right was Apple Bloom, the farmer girl actually trying to get some schoolwork done. She could already tell her friends weren't really focusing on the subject. School was never for them, and while she wasn't exactly a bookworm, the fact that her teacher was dating her older brother did add a little extra pressure on her.

"I will be coming by to collect your classwork in just a few minutes," the teacher Cheerilee said. "Please have your worksheets ready."

"Sweet, this means class is almost over," Scootaloo said, rubbing her stomach. "And lunch is next."

"What are they serving in the cafeteria?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Not sure, but I'm pretty hungry since breakfast was light for me this morning," Scootaloo said. "I woke up late so I had to rush out with nothing more than a protein bar."

"You shouldn't be rushing anywhere, not after yer little accident yesterday," Apple Bloom said.

"I didn't hurt myself that badly, it was just a little strain on my foot, that's all," Scootaloo insisted.

"A little?" Apple Bloom sarcastically mused. "Yer lucky we ran into Rainbow Dash on the way to yer place. While she ain't no doctor, she's more than familiar with yer shennanigans."

"Rainbow Dash encourages me to push my limits, I think she'd be happy to know that I'm ready to go back out there and do what I need to do," Scootaloo said.

"Ahem..." Cheerilee said, getting the attention of the girls. "Unless you want to spend lunch in here with me, I suggest you focus on having your assignments ready by the end of class."

"Yes teacher," Scootaloo and Apple Bloom said, the two girls focusing back on their work.

Of course, also in this class was Rumble, the boy writing up a list of things he wanted to do once the school day was over.

"Rumble," Cheerile said, getting his attention.

"Yeah, teach?" Rumble asked.

"It's great that you're so focused on your hobbies, but did you at least finish your work?" Cheerilee asked.

"Oh yeah, I finished a couple of minutes ago," Rumble said, handing her the sheet.

"Hm...looks up to par, alright, you may resume what you were doing," Cheerilee said. So long as her students did their work, she did not mind what they did with their extra time.

Come the end of class, everyone made their way to the cafeteria, some faster than others.

The Crusaders sat at a table together as per normal, Scootaloo eagerly eyeing her food.

"Mashed Potatoes with a side of macaroni, who says school lunch food isn't tasty?" Scootaloo said.

Sweetie Belle picked at her food, "Eh, it could be better."

"Take what you can get," Scootaloo said, then spotted a familiar boy. "Yo! Rumble!"

"Huh?" Sweetie Belle saw the boy walking beside Tender Taps. "It is Rumble!"

"Hey Rumble, it looks like Scootaloo is calling you," Tender Taps said, gesturing to the girl.

"Oh yeah, wonder what she wants?" Rumble said.

"Go sit with them, I'll meet up with you later," Tender Taps said, heading toward his seat.

Rumble walked over to the Crusaders, taking a seat next to Sweetie Belle, the girl blushing a bit. "Hey Scootaloo, you called for me?"

"Just wanted to invite you over for a bit, unless you got something else to do?" Scootaloo asked.

"No, nothing right now," Rumble said. "I have been wondering how you were doing, especially after what happened with your foot."

"Oh that? It's nothing," Scootaloo said.

"It ain't nothing," Apple Bloom said. "Scootaloo could have really hurt herself."

"Apple Bloom said something about you having a condition, is that right?" Rumble asked.

"Can you really call it a 'condition'?" Scootaloo asked. "It just means that I have to be careful how much I run, that's all."

"Stop underplaying it, you ain't fooling no one," Apple Bloom scolded, then focused on Rumble. "Scootaloo was born with weak muscles and bone structure. So she can't do too many extreme things."

"That sounds kind of harsh," Rumble said.

"Geez, way to make things all dramatic like. Yeah my bones are a little weak but I can handle it," Scootaloo insisted, much to her friend's annoyance. "But, to Apple Bloom's point, that is what's up. My body's not totally developed just right, but that doesn't mean I can't still do some awesome stuff. Like you've seen me own the ramps at a skatepark, right?"

"Thankfully using a scooter don't hurt her as much, so long as she's careful," Apple Bloom said.

"In hindsight, it makes sense that you're this sporty athletic girl, yet you're not on any sports teams," Rumble said. "Kind of sucks."

"You get used to the idea," Scootaloo said. "Besides, it's not like you need to do sports to be a fan. You'll always see me cheering on Rainbow Dash during her track runs, or anything else she does."

"Glad you can see the glass half full," Rumble said. "I really am sorry you got hurt because of me though."

"She didn't get hurt because of you, Rumble," Apple Bloom said. "She got hurt because she's a dang imbecile half the time."

"Cry me a river," Scootaloo said.

"Uh, do you want me to deck you in the jaw?" Apple Bloom threatened, holding out her fist.

"Please don't fight," Sweetie Belle said. "It's really not worth it."

"Point is Rumble, I'm fine," Scootaloo said. "I just need a bit of rest and I'm back to normal."

"You're a tough girl, Scootaloo," Rumble said. "And Apple Bloom, you're a great friend. It's nice seeing how much you care about Scootaloo."

"She literally just threatened to punch me," Scootaloo said, earning a glare.

"Scootaloo's dumb comments aside, I do value mah friends," Apple Bloom said. "So of course I'll look after them."

"Do you have any friends to look after you, Rumble?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Eh, sort of," Rumble said. "Me and Tender Taps chat sometimes, and he's a nice guy, but he's not exactly my close buddy. I really don't hang out with a lot of my classmates, except maybe Dinky Do."

"Dinky?" Apple Bloom asked. "Oh wait, ah know her. She's best buds with that cross-eyed girl who likes muffins."

"Oh yeah, everyone calls that one 'Derpy'," Rumble said. "I don't think it's her name though. It sounds kind of weird."

"Lots of people have weird names," Scootaloo said. "I wouldn't count it out."

"Still, if you want, you could hang out with us again," Apple Bloom said. "Scootaloo still wants us to earn our Marks, if you want you can join us."

"I'm really not worried about that," Rumble said. "Like I've said before, I don't want to be put in a box. I'm not worried about a mark, I know what I want in life."

"You're really confident, aren't you Rumble?" Sweetie Belle asked. "That's really cool."

"Glad you think so," Rumble said. "Hey if you girls want, you can come to my house, I got some ideas for some cool activities we can do. Only if you're up for it."

"We'd love to!" Sweetie Belle excitedly stated, before reeling back. "Well, if it's okay with the girls at least."

"Sure, ah don't mind," Apple Bloom said.

"Yeah, curious to see what your place is like," Scootaloo said. "I bet it's super awesome."

"Alright, I'll meet you girls after school then," Rumble said. "I hope you enjoy your visit at my place."

"Ah think we will," Apple Bloom said.

"Sweet," Rumble said. "I really hope I look cool."

Later on, Rumble waited outside the school for the trio of Crusaders. The boy was still a bit nervous but tried to maintain a confident front. He was determined to impress these girls, and that's exactly what he was going to do.

"Hey Rumble!" Came the voice of Diamond Tiara, the girl getting his attention.

"Oh, Diamond Tiara, this is a surprise," Rumble said.

"You look kind of nervous," Diamond Tiara said.

"Who me? Pfft, no way," Rumble insisted. "What makes you say that?"

"I'm good at reading people, even tough guys like you," Diamond Tiara said. "So...got something big planned?"

"Just waiting for some friends, gonna invite them over to my house," Rumble said.

"Oooh, how exciting," Diamond Tiara said. "You know, I've never been to your house, I bet it's nice."

"Well...yeah," Rumble said. "It's alright."

"I don't suppose you want me to come check it out sometime," Diamond Tiara said, leaning in with a flirty look in her eyes. "Do you, Rumble?"

"Uh...I guess...if you want to," Rumble said.

"Well I can't, I'm babysitting," Diamond Tiara said. "Which is strange since she's only a couple years younger than me, but money is money."

"Aren't you rich?" Rumble asked.

"I am, but daddy cut my allowance, he told me that I spend it on dumb stuff and that I take money for granted," Diamond Tiara said. "We're rich, we don't have to worry about money."

"Your dad probably just wants you to be a hard worker, that's all," Rumble said. "Working for money makes it much more valuable."

"Well this job isn't too bad, the girl I'm watching over absolutely adores me," Diamond Tiara said. "She says she wants to be just like me one day."

"Well that's nice, who are you babysitting anyway?" Rumble asked.

"A girl named Cozy Glow," Diamond Tiara asked.

Rumble's eyes widened in surprise, "Cozy Glow? You mean that brat niece of Principal Cinch? The meanest principal in our school district?"

"Oh she's not so bad, I hear she keeps Crytal Prep in check," Rumble said.

"She runs that place like a ruthless tyrant!" Rumble said. "I'm so glad I don't go there."

"Well I was close to going there, but daddy wanted me to be around the commoners," Diamond Tiara said. "What a waste."

"Still, Cozy Glow? That's a bit of a 'yikes' to me," Rumble said.

"Well I think she's adorable, so I'm good with it," Diamond Tiara said. "Getting in good with Principal Cinch is a bonus too, maybe it will convince my daddy to send me to Crytal Prep instead."

"You're out of your mind if you think that's a good idea," Rumble said.

"Oh to be so simple minded, kind of cute on you," Diamond Tiara teased before leaving. "See you later, Rumble."

"What a weirdo," Rumble said, still waiting for the girls.

As the Crusaders stepped outside, they spotted their sisters with their friends.

"We should let them know that we're going to Rumble's house," Apple Bloom said.

"I hope they're fine with it," Sweetie Belle said.

"He's a friend of ours, it'll be totally okay," Scootaloo said, the three walking to the seven girls.

Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer were chatting with Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Applejack about any plans they could make for the weekend, among other things.

"I'm thinking we try that fancy spa, the one all the way downtown," Rarity said.

"Gonna be a pain to get there," Rainbow Dash said. "None of us have cars."

"I'm close to getting my license," Sunset said.

"We still need a car," Rainbow Dash pointed out. "Applejack, doesn't Big Mac drive a car?"

"You mean his pick-up truck? Yeah but that's mostly fer deliveries," Applejack said. "Twilight's brother has a car."

"Yes but don't expect him to drive us to a spa, he's usually really busy," Twilight said.

"Yeah...with that girlfriend of his," Rainbow Dash teased.

"She's his fiancé, not his girlfriend," Twilight said. "And that's not a bad thing, Rainbow Dash."

"Never said it was," Rainbow Dash slyly insisted.

"Excuse me, girls," Apple Bloom said, getting their attention. "Sorry to bug ya."

"It's all good, need something?" Applejack asked.

"Yeah, we just wanted to let you know that we're going to a friend's house," Apple Bloom said.

"That's fine, just call us when you get there and try not to break anything," Applejack said.

"Hey come on, we're not that reckless," Apple Bloom said.

"Uh, no offense kid, but you three raked up some intense property damage over the last few weeks," Rainbow Dash said.

"Eh, things happen," Scootaloo said.

"Things happen?" Twilight asked. "Not a good excuse Scootaloo."

"Look, we just came to say we're going to a friend's house, so we'll see you all later," Scootaloo said, making her leave.

"We'll be sure to call ya," Apple Bloom said.

"Thanks, bye!" Sweetie Belle said.

Twilight seemed a bit satisfied with what she heard, "Sounds like they're branching out and not keeping their friendship to their little circle."

"Maybe it will be a large group like ours," Sunset pointed out.

"That'd be nice, but it'd be better to stick with who you know," Applejack said.

"The best friends are the ones you can rely on to be the closest to," Fluttershy said.

"And the ones you love the most!" Pinkie said.

"Well as long as...wait," Rarity called to the girls. "Who are you spending time with!?"

"Rumble!" Sweetie Belle called back. “We’re going to Rumble’s house!”

"Oh, Rumble..." Rarity's eyes widened. "Wait, who!?"

"Catch you later!" Scootaloo called, the girls joining Rumble as Flitter let them into her car, the girl driving away.

"...Oh...no..." Rarity said.

"Uh, you alright there Rares?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"My dear little Sweetie Belle...is in the car with a boy!" Rarity shouted.

"Yes, so are her friends," Sunset said. "And one of our classmates, who we know is a nice girl."

"But Rumble is a boy!" Rarity said. "You know how boys are!"

"Really nice?" Fluttershy suggested.

"Please, name a boy that's nice," Rarity said.

"...My brother," Twilight said.

"Mine too," Applejack pointed out.

"Actually, my little brother is also really nice, and you seem to like him, Rarity," Twilight said.

"Alright, how about a boy no one here is related to and thus not obligated to call that boy 'nice'," Rarity said.

"What's with you?" Rainbow Dash asked. "So they're with a boy, no big deal."

"No big deal? You know how boys are!" Rarity said. "I bet he just sees my sister as nothing more than his personal make-out buddy."

"Whoa, that escalated," Rainbow Dash said. "Do you know if Rumble has a crush on Sweetie Belle?"

"It doesn't have to be a crush, one look at the body of hers and I bet he wants it bad!" Rarity said. "Boys can be such perverts after all."

"To be fair, so can girls," Rainbow Dash said. "Honestly it's more likely that Scootaloo would flirt with Rumble."

"Well I won't take any chances," Rarity said, stomping in the direction of Rumble's house. "For my Sweetie Belle!"

"Oh for the love of..." Rainbow Dash groaned. "Why is she so freaking weird sometimes?"

"She's just worried about Sweetie Belle, it's a big sister thing," Applejack said.

"Do you feel worried about Apple Bloom?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Well, I'll always worry a little, but I'm not gonna fret too much," Applejack said. "Rumble seems like a nice boy, and even so, ah trust Apple Bloom to take care of herself."

"Rumble is a nice boy, I see him at my library reading comics," Twilight said. "He told me that if he could, he'd become a superhero too."

"He wants to fly around and have superpowers?" Sunset asked.

"Get into battles with super baddies and save the world?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"Sort of," Twilight said. "He likes the action-packed stuff, but he also likes the good messages they have. About just doing something out of kindness, or doing good for the sake of doing good, and all the ways to do it. He finds those actions inspiring and he wants to be that good person in life too. I find that to be a very admirable trait for Rumble, or anyone. Like my brothers, they love this stuff and I think they want to prove that they have those heroic traits too."

"Gotta admit, that's really nice to hear," Applejack said. "So...should we check on Rarity?"

"Yeah, might be a good idea," Rainbow Dash said, everyone going after their very worried friend.

At Rumble's house, the boy was escorting the girls around, showing them all there was. "This is my home."

"Wow..." the three said, amazed by his family's possessions.

"Neat place, huh?" Rumble asked.

"Whoa...check out all the sports stuff!" Scootaloo said. "Hockey Sticks! Baseball Bats! Golf Clubs! Oooooh! Those skateboards!"

"Yeah, figures you'd like that," Rumble said.

"Wow, fancy suits," Sweetie Belle said. "And trophies!"

"Some are my brother's, some are from Flitter and Cloudchaser, even a few from my parents," Rumble said. "But I got a couple to my name."

"Sure do," Apple Bloom said. "You must be really talented."

"It's nothing," Rumble insisted.

"Dude, enough with the humility," Scootaloo said. "You're awesome, now acknowledge it!"

"Oh dang!" Apple Bloom said, gesturing to an appliance. "That's one big TV!"

"Perfect for watching sports...or movies...or even cartoons," Rumble said. "I have a wide variety of interests."

"Hey I won't knock you for the cartoons part," Scootaloo said. "Takes a real man to admit you still watch cartoons. Me, I'm a girl so I it doesn't matter as much."

"What the heck does that even mean?" Apple Bloom asked.

Sweetie Belle peaked into the kitchen, "Wow, your kitchen looks really fancy."

"Oh thanks," Rumble said, stepping inside and giving them a tour. "Here's a fun fact about me and my brother. We like to cook. When we're not doing sports, we're making a nice buffet of food."

"Holy crap! You can cook!?" Scootaloo asked. "You're gonna make a girl one lucky wife."

Sweetie Belle blushed a bit, briefly imagining herself as that wife.

"I hope it's not weird, I hear that the wife is supposed to cook," Rumble said. "But, I just really have fun with it."

"Bogus, there's no rule that says a boy can't cook," Scootaloo said. "That's like saying a girl can't play sports."

"What else is there?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Wanna check out my room?" Rumble asked.

"Totally!" The trio said.

"Follow me," Rumble said as he led the girls upstairs.

Meanwhile Flitter had been standing around, amazed by the energy, "Wow, it's like I totally disappeared. Oh well."

Up in his room, Rumble showed everything off, "This is my personal space in the house. A place where I can be me."

"Oh, this looks nice," Apple Bloom said, picking up a small ribbon. "Why ain't it with the trophies?"

"It's for cooking a great tray of cookies at a county fair," Rumble said. "Not something that fits with the other sports."

"Hey if yer this good at cooking, I'm gonna have to bring ya home to mah family and cook fer them," Apple Bloom said. "Try not to do too good of a job, or mah granny will want me to marry ya."

Sweetie Belle furrowed her brow at Apple Bloom, puffing her cheeks out in the process.

"How flattering," Rumble said, showing off the rest of his stuff. "These are my prized possessions. My action figures."

"Wow, big superhero fan, huh?" Scootaloo said.

"Well, you tell me," Rumble said, opening hsi closet to reveal stacks upon stacks of comics.

"Dang Rumble, that's quite a collection," Apple Bloom said.

"I really like superheroes, they're really inspiring to others," Rumble said. "The powers are cool too, like one hero who can run super fast, at the blink of an eye. Then there's one who can shoot magic beams, and one who's necklace summons a storm."

"This one reminds me of my sister," Sweetie Belle said, gesturing to a comic. "The one that says, 'Radiance'."

"Oh she's cool too, she can create anything using her imagination," Rumble said.

Scootaloo took note of something else that caught her eye, "Wow, you got video games too!?"

"Oh yeah, I got the latest console and some of its games," Rumble said.

"Didn't take you fer the gamer type," Apple Bloom said.

"Hey if it's competitive, it's got my interest," Rumble said. "Of course, when it comes to gaming, I'm nowhere near as good as Button Mash."

"Ugh...that kid," Sweetie Belle lamented.

"You don't sound too pleased, Sweetie Belle," Rumble said.

"He has this stupid crush on me and keeps trying to ask me out," Sweetie Belle said. "Don't get me wrong, he's a nice boy but he's too immature for me."

"He seems fine to me," Scootaloo said.

"Alright, then you ask him out, I'm not interested in him," Sweetie Belle said.

"Hey I'm not ready to date anyone," Scootaloo said.

Sweetie Belle groaned in annoyance, "Then are you...you know what, I am not dealing with this."

"You know, I've gamed myself," Scootaloo said. "Got anything all four of us can play?"

"Totally," Rumble said, grabbing one. "Since you girls like karts, let's race."

"Oh you're on!" Scootaloo said.

A bit later outside, Rarity was getting close to Rumble's house. In spite of the sweat particles forming, her determination was not waivered.

"Getting closer, Sweetie Belle!" Rarity said.

Back in his room, the four kids were still gaming, doing a few racing sessions. Rumble had brougt some snacks and drinks for the girls to enjoy while they played the game with him.

"Closer...closer..." Scootaloo's car crossed the finish line, the girl leaping up in joy and spilling the snacks. "Boom! I won! In your faces, losers!"

"Geez Scootaloo, take the win with a sense of dignity," Apple Bloom said.

"That's loser talk," Scootaloo said, then crunched her legs. "Damn, all that soda's about to make it's way out of me. I gotta use the bathroom."

"Outside on the right," Rumble said.

"Thanks!" Scootaloo dashed out.

"I'm gonna go get some more chips since Scootaloo spilt them all," Apple Bloom said.

"Ask Flitter where they are," Rumble said.

"Sure, will do,” Apple Bloom as she left the room.

This left Rumble alone with Sweetie Belle, the boy feeling a bit nervous. "So...liking the visit so far?"

"Yeah, it's fun!" Sweetie Belle said. "We should hang out some more soon!"

"Yeah, I was thinking the same thing," Rumble said. "Um...got anything in mind?"

"I'm not the best at coming up with ideas," Sweetie Belle said.

"Well...I know an indoor pool we can do to...if you want," Rumble said, blushing a bit.

"Oooh! A pool! That sounds fun!" Sweetie Belle said.

"I know a good time of day when the pool is less crowded too, it can be just us," Rumble said. "You um...do you have a bathing suit?"

"I think so," Sweetie Belle said. "If not I'll buy one."

"Sounds great, just let me know," Rumble said. "Oh wait, I don't have your contact information."

"I can give you it," Sweetie Belle said. "Got a pen?"

Nervously but hastily, Rumble handed Sweetie Belle what she needed. Once she was done she gave the information back to him.

"Thanks," Sweetie Belle said, making a phone gesture with her hands. "Call me."

"Oh I certainly will," Rumble said, the boy's face kind of red.

It didn't take long for the situation to dawn on Sweetie Belle, "I just gave a boy my phone number...I didn't even hesitate! Wow...are we moving that fast? No, it's just to hang out more, especially with friends. But what if he wants to hang out alone?"

"Hey...Sweetie Belle," Rumble said, getting the girl's attention. "I'm...really happy you're enjoying yourself. I was worried you wouldn't have fun."

"Well that's a silly thing to worry about," Sweetie Belle said. "You're a great guy, and I'm happy I got the chance to hang out with you. One day, you can come over to my place."

"Wow...really?" Rumble asked.

Sweetie Belle nervously nodded, "If you want."

The two started to feel some strange emotions as they glanced at each other, as if they were the only two left on the planet. Slowly they moved closer to each other, their faces mere inches apart as each of them pondered if they were really going to do what was on their mind.

Unfortunately for them, Scootaloo had returned, "Alright, my bladder's empty."

Sweetie Belle's eyes widened in shock as she angrily turned to her friend, "Scootaloo..."

"Hm? Yeah, what is it?" Scootaloo asked.

"TOO MUCH INFORMATION!" Sweetie Belle shouted, startling both Scootaloo and Rumble.

"She's cute when she's mad," Rumble mentally noted.

Later on the girls had decided to go home and left Rumble's house, the boy walking them out the door.

"I'm really glad you enjoyed yourselves," Rumble said.

"Same, thanks fer having us over," Apple Bloom said. "We gotta do this against sometime."

"We'll go to the pool soon, hopefully tomorrow," Rumble said.

"Sweet, I just gotta see if I have a bathing suit," Scootaloo said. "Unless it's alright to go skinny dipping."

"There's no freaking way yer going skinny dipping in our company, ya weirdo!" Apple Bloom shouted.

"Geez..." Sweetie Belle lamented, then focused on Rumble. "Still, thanks again for having us."

"No problem, I'll call you later," Rumble said.

"Yeah, I look forward to that," Sweetie Belle said, unaware of Apple Bloom's coy smile.

"Well, bye girls," Rumble said, closing the door and awkwardly turning away.

"Yeah, bye Rumble," Sweetie Belle said, making her own leave with her friends.

Inside, Rumble took a breath of relief, "I'm that much closer...hopefully I can get the nerve you ask her out."

"Aw...so you do have a crush," Flitter said, freaking the boy out.

"Flitter!?" Rumble shouted. "Where did you-"

"Gotta be careful what you say around others," Flitter said, winking at the boy.

Rumble sighed in worry, "Please don't tell anyone."

"Don't worry, it stays between us," Flitter said. "Just talk to me when you need help, I'll help you make this work."

"I really appreciate that, thanks Flitter," Rumble said.

Outside, as Sweetie Belle walked up the street, Apple Bloom went by her, "So...he has yer number?"

"...Yeah, just for pool thing," Sweetie Belle insisted.

"Uh-huh, sure," Apple Bloom said.

"I'm serious Apple Bloom!" Sweetie Belle said. "He wants to be sure I can go to the pool."

"Hey, it's fine, really," Apple Bloom said. "Look, if you ever want to talk, I'm all ears. Ah ain't gonna tease ya."

"...Alright, I'll keep that in mind," Sweetie Belle said.

Scootaloo then noticed something unusual ahead, "Uh, is that Rarity?"

The three spotted the girl passed out on the sidewalk, much to Sweetie Belle's concern. "Sis!?"

"Sweetie...Belle...I..." Rarity was out of breath, much to her sister's worry.

"Good grief, hold on Rarity, I got ya," Sweetie Belle said, helping her sister up.

"Heh, this just got weird,:" Scootaloo said.

"Just shut up and help," Apple Bloom said, going to assist Rarity.

"Yeah sure," Scootaloo said, going to help as well.

Eventually Rarity's other friends had caught up, each of them going to help, aside from Twilight who took a moment to groan in annoyance, "Rarity...you're so unbelievably stubborn sometimes."

The fashionista was taken home to get hydrated while the Crusaders prepared for their next outing with Rumble, the boy ready to see the girls again, especially the one of his dreams.

Swim at the Pool

The school bell rang, signaling the end of another day. Rumble went to the front to look for his newly made friends.

Near a fountain area, he spotted the Cutie Mark Crusaders, each of them talking amongst themselves, likely about whatever plans they have for the future, especially to get their Cutie Marks.

"Hi girls," Rumble greeted, getting their attention.

"Yo Rumble, ready to go swimming?" Scootaloo asked.

"Sure, do you have bathing suits?" Rumble asked.

"We each found some at our houses, and they still fit just fine," Apple Bloom said.

"Sounds good," Rumble said. "Alright, let's head over."

As they grabbed their bikes and began to ride off, Tender Taps called to them, "Hey Rumble! Girls!"

"Yo Taps! What's up!?" Scootaloo asked.

"Hanging out again?" Tender Taps asked.

"Yeah, we're going swimming, it's gonna be awesome," Scootaloo said.

"Wanna join us?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Maybe another time, I got dance practice later," Tender Taps said, making his leave. "See ya!"

"Bye Taps," Rumble said, turning to the direction of the pool. "Let's go then."

"Oh wait, before we do that, we should get something to eat," Scootaloo said. "Don't want to swim on an empty stomach."

"Aren't you supposed to do that?" Sweetie Belle asked. "You'd get a cramp if you swim and eat."

"Well swimming after eating isn't that bad, it is suggested we wait a bit, but we do have a bit of time," Rumble said. "The best time for the pool is a little later in the afternoon when people are going home. It's not as crowded."

"Sweet, let's get some burgers then!" Scootaloo said.

"No way, burgers suck," Sweetie Belle said. "Let's get some pizza."

"Pizza sounds good," Rumble said.

"I'm thinking tacos," Apple Bloom said.

"Rumble already sided with me on pizza," Sweetie Belle smugly pointed out. "Majority vote wins."

"Okay fine, since you're too much of a pansy to enjoy a burger," Scootaloo mocked.

Sweetie Belle glared at her friend, "Who are you calling a pansy!?"

"You, pansy," Scootaloo teased.

"Don't make me hurt you," Sweetie Belle warned.

"Pfft, how? You're way too girly to be a threat to me," Scootaloo insulted. "You might break a nail trying."

"I'm not some frail girl like my sister is," Sweetie Belle said.

"Ain’t Rarity a black belt martial artist though?" Apple Bloom stated.

"Wait really?" Rumble asked.

Sweetie Belle got in Scootaloo's face, "I can take you on right now."

"Show me what you got then," Scootaloo urged.

"Ugh...alright, that's enough," Apple Bloom said. "We all know neither of you are actually gonna fight."

"If Scootaloo still wants a burger, she can get one," Rumble said. "I'll treat her on the way to the pizza shop."

"Oh for real? That’s awesome," Scootaloo said, flexing her muscle. "It's important for me to build up the protein, so I appreciate that, Rumble."

"You're lucky he's such a nice guy," Sweetie Belle said.

"Yeah, I think I'm in love," Scootaloo mocked. This earned a blush from Rumble and a look of fury from Sweetie Belle.

"Don't start with that crap, Scootaloo," Apple Bloom said. "Lets just focus on getting the dang food."

"Fine by me, onward Crusaders," Scootaloo said, leading the way.

"What a pain," Sweetie Belle said, following her friend.

Rumble chuckled to himself, "Your friends have quite the personality to them."

"Yeah, but they're really nice and fun to be around, even when they are a pain" Apple Bloom said.

"If you want, we can get you some tacos," Rumble said.

"Nah, I'm good, I'll go fer the pizza," Apple Bloom said. "If you get a pie, we can share it. Gonna have to divide it three ways, but given that Sweetie Belle ain't as big of an eater as I am, she'll likely have the least amount."

"I like that idea, let's go," Rumble said.

The kids had passed by a burger place first where Scootaloo got her food. A cheeseburger with the works, along with a bottle of soda to chug it all down.

Meanwhile Rumble had picked up a regular pizza pie, as well as a liter of soda for himself and the girls as they found a nice, quiet spot at the local park where they say down at a bench near a tree.

"Chow time," Scootaloo said, taking a huge bite out of her burger. "Ooooh, so good!" She swallowed her bite, then flexed her arm. "I feel the power coursing through me!"

"It's just a burger, they don't have that much protein in them," Sweetie Belle said.

"They so do!" Scootaloo said. "Also I have lettuce and tomato on here, so that adds to my nutrition, making me even more unstoppable."

"Uh, that's not how it works," Rumble said. "It's good that you have salad stuff but..."

"It totally works, watch!" Scootaloo took another bite. "I feel so much stronger now!"

Sweetie Belle shook her head in shame, "You are such a dummy."

"Well just be sure to practice some variety," Rumble reminded. "Usually I'm careful to watch what I eat so I can develop properly. It's a key part to being an athlete."

"What's yer diet like?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Well I try to eat fruits and vegetables, a little bit of meat, some eggs and lots of water," Rumble said. "Of course I will indulge in some pleasure foods like pizza. Actually it's good to enjoy your favorite foods, even on a diet. They're called Cheat Days, it's good for your metabolism. You don't want to deprive yourself of your favorite foods, but you don't want to go overboard either."

"Sounds educational," Apple Bloom said. "Ah have to watch what ah eat too, ah need strength fer farmwork."

"You seem to be doing well so far," Rumble said. "Hey if any of you girls need dieting tips, I can totally help with that."

"I might take you up on that," Sweetie Belle said, taking a sip of her soda. "I might need to lose a bit of weight."

"Seriously? You're super skinny though," Scootaloo said.

"Uh..." Sweetie Belle discreetly grabbed a bulge of her stomach. "Not that skinny."

"Let's finish up and hit that pool," Apple Bloom said.

A half hour later, the kids were all at the public pool area, each of them ready for some enjoyment.

"Alright, this is gonna be fun," Rumble said. "So...we're going indoor, right?"

"Sounds good to me," Apple Bloom said.

"Good, it's mostly empty this time of day," Rumble said. "Might be a few swimmers but that's fine."

"Alright, let's get changed," Apple Bloom said.

"I can take you to the locker rooms, they should be mostly empty too," Rumble said.

"Oh, if they are, wanna join us in the girls' locker room then?" Scootaloo teased, earning a blush from Rumble.

"That might be a bad idea, I don't want to risk getting in trouble," Rumble said.

"That's what you're worried about? Not shy about changing in front of girls? Or seeing us change?" A mildly obnoxious Scootaloo asked.

"Scootaloo, knock it off," Apple Bloom warned.

"I'm just offering Rumble the chance of a lifetime," Scootaloo insisted. "Who says I'm not a good friend?"

"Can we just focus on changing?" Rumble asked.

"Yeah, let's hurry now," Apple Bloom said.

Rumble had gone into the locker room, the place was pretty empty, making it much easier for him to change.

"Scootaloo has quite the mouth on her, I almost admire that type of boldness," Rumble thought to himself. "Still, she really had me worried for a bit." Impure thoughts began to circulate through Rumble's mind. "Great, now I'm curious about 'certain things', mostly Sweetie Belle. I gotta keep it together."

Rumble came out of the boys' locker room not too long later, wearing his purple swim trunks and a t-shirt while waiting near the pool entrance for the girls.

"Hope they don't take too long," Rumble said.

"Yo, Rumble!" Came Scootaloo's voice, the girl showing up with her friends.

Scootaloo's bathing suit was very modest, she had green swim trunks and a type of sports bra.

Apple Bloom's bathing suit was a traditional light blue two-piece suit with a skirt covering the lower half.

Sweetie Belle's bathing suit was a red one-piece suit with some yellow squiggly lines.

"Wow...Sweetie Belle..." Rumble said, getting her attention. "That suit..."

"Hm? What about it?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"It um..." Rumble bashfully rubbed his head, not sure what to say at the moment. "It um...it kind of reminds me of The Wonderbolts, similar color scheme."

"Oh...right," Sweetie Belle said, looking down. "I suppose it does bear a resemblance."

"Yeah, yeah her suit's cute, now let's get our swim on!" Scootaloo said, running into the pool area.

Apple Bloom immediately furrowed her brow at her impatient friend as she followed her inside, "Dang it Scootaloo! Don't run around the pool! You’re gonna slip! Also you shouldn't be running in the first place!"

“I’m fine!” Scootaloo insisted.

Both Rumble and Sweetie Belle were still waiting outside, the two feeling a bit awkward around each other. Rumble couldn't help but notice how much Sweetie Belle's suit showed off her modest figure. Not a supermodel but still a great body. On the other side, Sweetie Belle could see some muscle on the boy in front of her, not super buff but still in good shape.

"So...we should head inside," Rumble said, awkwardly looking away.

"Yeah, we should," Sweetie Belle said, shyly twiddling her feet.

The two walked on through, trying not to focus on each other too much as they walked by the pool. From what they could see, the only other people there were Vinyl Scratch and Octavia, the former sitting poolside while listening to her headset and the latter resting on a floatie and trying to relax.

The cellist opened her eyes to see the kids had entered, and was immediately bothered by the noise Scootaloo was making, "Figured the fun wouldn't last, especially with those Crusader girls around."

"Wow, there really aren't many people here," Apple Bloom said. "Good on you for knowing a good time of day Rumble."

"You can thank that exchange student, Silverstream," Rumble said. "She comes here to practice swimming and she clued me in on this timeslot."

"That was nice of her," Sweetie Belle said.

"Well I was one of the first to talk to her, aside from the other exchange students," Rumble said. "She's really cool, but a bit hyper."

"Think she'll come by today?" Apple Bloom asked.

"She told me she has some schoolwork to do, but one day we'll join her for a swim," Rumble said. "Now let's get to having fun."

Scootaloo rushed to the diving board," Cannon Ball!" She jumped and made a big splash, emerging a few seconds later. "Whoo! Awesome!"

"East Scootaloo, don't wear yourself out too fast," Apple Bloom said.

"It's all good, now come join me," Scootaloo said.

Apple Bloom sat down and entered the pool normally. "Water's not bad."

"Yeah, they always keep it at a proper temperature, especially indoors," Rumble said.

"Join us Rumble!" Scootaloo said.

"Yeah, sure," Rumble said, tossing his shirt, giving the girls a quick view of his abs, especially Sweetie Belle, just before he got in. "Feels great as always."

"Wow, you got some muscles there Rumble," Scootaloo said.

"It's not a lot, I still have a lot more working out to do," Rumble said, then turned to Sweetie Belle. "Are you coming in?"

"Sure, just give me a second," Sweetie Belle said.

"What are ya? Chicken?" Scootaloo taunted.

"Hey don't be mean," Apple Bloom scolded. "Besides, you hate being called that so don't call others that."

"Sorry, got a bit carried away there," Scootaloo said, focusing on her friend. "Seriously Sweetie Belle, the water's fine."

"Uh, alright," Sweetie Belle said, nervously sitting down and dipping her feet in. She felt a but of a chill. "The water feels cold."

"Seriously? It's fine to us," Scootaloo said.

"It just feels cold to me," Sweetie Belle said.

"You just need to get used to it," Rumble said, holding his right hand out. "Here, take my hand, I'll help you out."

Blushing a bit, Sweetie slowly reached and grabbed Rumble by his hand. He then moved toward her and placed his left hand under her armpit and gently helped her into the water, allowing the girl to lean on him for a second.

"How do you feel?" Rumble asked.

"Still a bit cold, but I'm getting used to it," Sweetie Belle said. The moment she faced Rumble she shyly looked away, the boy doing the same.

"Alright, now...let's splash!" Scootaloo said, hitting the water and getting everyone more wet.

"Hey! Knock it off!" Sweetie Belle shouted.

"Dang it Scootaloo," Apple Bloom scolded.

Again Octavia looked displeased, "Kids..."

Rumble saw how irritated Octavia looked, and opted to calm the situation, "Easy, we're disturbing the others."

"What others? There's only two other people here," Scootaloo said, gesturing to the pair. "They don't seem to mind."

"I do actually, but I guess you can't see past your immature behavior!" Octavia mentally scolded.

"Look, let's just swim away from the others for a bit," Rumble said, paddling out. "Come on."

While Rumble and The Crusaders enjoyed their swim, just outside Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were standing in front of the building.

"There it is," Diamond Tiara said. "A nice day for the pool."

"I'm glad you invited me Dia," Silver Spoon said, then gestured to a girl with curly blue hair. "But did you have to invite her too?"

Diamond Tiara turned to Cozy Glow, the girl looking very excited for the pool day, "Of course, I promised Principal Cinch after all."

"I know, but still," Silver Spoon said.

"She's not that bad to be around, plus it's good to get in with Crystal Prep," Diamond Tiara said. "Cozy Glow, we're going!"

"Okay!" Cozy Glow said, following Diamond Tiara inside.

Elsewhere Tender Taps was on his way to his dance lessons when he spotted Twilight and her friends. The boy's heart accelerated upon seeing his crush, and in a forced suave way, approached the girls.

"Hey Twi," Tender Taps greeted.

Twilight turned to the boy, "Oh, Tender Taps, nice to see you."

"How are you doing Tender Taps?" Rarity asked.

"Doing fine, thanks," Tender Taps said.

"Off to dance?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Yeah, got a big number coming soon, and I gotta be prepared," Tender Taps said, tapping a bit. "I always bring my best work when I perform."

"Well good on you," Rarity said. "I appreciate a boy who works hard."

"Yes, hard work is one of my favorite attributes for a person," Twilight said.

Tender Taps's eyes widened a sec, just as the boy cleared his throat, "Well, you're about to be amazed then, Twilight Sparkle. For I am-"

"Actually, we're not sticking around too long, we're going to go out for a bite to eat," Twilight said.

"Oh...okay," Tender Taps said.

"But I would love to see you perform, just save a seat for me," Twilight said.

Tender Taps's eyes widened as he feverishly nodded, "Yes man!"

"Me too, I can go with Twilight," Sunset said, placing her arm around the girl. "It can be like a date."

Twilight raised her eyebrow, "Date?"

Tender Taps furrowed his brow, "Date!?"

"Yeah, date," Sunset gazed affectionately at Twilight, "When was the last time you took me on a date my sweet, sexy nerd?"

Twilight's face turned completely red as she raised her hand to bonk Sunset on the head, "Knock it off!”

"Ow, geez, take a joke," Sunset said, rubbing her head. "Tender Taps thought it was funny, isn't that right Tappy?"

"Yeah...sure," Tender Taps said, grumbling to himself. "I gotta go now."

"You go have fun now," Applejack said. "Dance till you can't no more."

"Yeah, dancing is super fun," Pinkie said. "I like to dance at parties."

"I do too, a little," Fluttershy said.

"I always get so sweaty," Twilight said.

"Oh, if you feel like that, you can go to the pool after a dance lesson," Tender Taps said. "I thought about going later since that's where Rumble and the Crusaders are at right now."

Rarity's eyes widened in disbelief, "I'm sorry, they're what?"

"Oh boy..." Applejack said.

"Tender Taps, did you just say that my sister is swimming with Rumble?" Rarity asked.

"Yeah, at the Canterlot Public Pool, why?" Tender Taps asked.

"...That little fiend!" Rarity dashed off toward the public pool area.

"Uh...what just happened?" Tender Taps asked.

"Rarity don't like when her sister is with Rumble, she thinks he's going to work up the charm on her her or something," Applejack said.

"Work up the charm? Like dating?" Tender Taps asked. "Wait, why is that a bad thing?"

"Well, it's not bad per say, but Rarity probably doesn't want Sweetie Belle dating boys, especially Rumble," Applejack said.

"But Rumble's a nice kid," Tender Taps said. "Even if it's true and he wanted to 'work the charm', it's not like he just wants to make out with her and that's it. Rumble respects girls. He probably just wants to date her."

"Well regardless, Rarity isn't ready to see her sister date," Applejack said. "But, to yer point, it should be up to Sweetie Belle. If you say that Rumble's a nice boy, then she found herself a good boyfriend."

"Assuming Sweetie Belle likes boys," Sunset said. "She could like girls."

"Sunset!" Twilight scolded.

"Again just teasing," Sunset said. "I don't know Rumble too well, but he seems alright. I bet he'd be great for Sweetie Belle, or any of the Crusaders."

Tender Taps focused back on the country girl, "Hey Applejack, if Rumble liked Apple Bloom, would you freak out?"

"Not really, I might have some words to make sure they're not doing anything stupid, but ah wouldn't freak out," Applejack said.

"That's good," Tender Taps said. "Anyway, I'll see you later."

"You have fun, Tender Taps," Twilight said, standing up. "The rest of us should check on Rarity."

"Again? I swear she's such a damn weirdo sometimes," Rainbow Dash said, following her friends.

Back at the pool, Scootaloo is backpedaling around and spitting water up like a fountain while Apple Bloom is doing a few laps back and forth.

"Wow, Apple Bloom's good," Rumble said.

"She likes to exercise whenever she can, keeps in shape," Sweetie Belle said.

"I respect that, swimming is great for exercise too," Rumble said. "Good for both a hardcore workout or if you just need a rest day."

"I could use a workout," Sweetie Belle said. "I need to lose weight."

"You look fine though," Rumble said.

"I'm not..." Sweetie Belle looked around before whispering. "I have a bit of belly fat."

"Oh, is that all?" Rumble said. "A bit of belly fat isn't a big deal, lots of people have it."

"It just seems so...unusual for a girl," Sweetie Belle said. "We're supposed to be pretty after all."

"Hey, don't say that," Rumble said. "Pretty is subjective. It's good if you want to lose that extra bit of weight, but don't feel like you have to do it to fit a standard. Do it because you want to do it."

"I kind of do, I feel weird when I grab my stomach and I feel...flab," Sweetie Belle said, doing just that.

"I can help you come up with some dieting tips," Rumble said. "That's what fat is sometimes, and losing weight is a combination of diet and exercise. But I think you're worrying too much. I mean, what about Apple Bloom and Scootaloo? Do you think either of them have flab?"

"I don't know, they don't say," Sweetie Belle said. "Apple Bloom's a farmer though, she can get a work out in the field. Scootaloo does pushups and sit-ups whenever she can, plus she rides her scooter well. I don't do that much exercise unless I'm with the girls."

"Better than nothing at least," Rumble said. "You're in good shape Sweetie Belle, you look healthy, I don't think you need to worry about flab that no one's gonna care about."

"It's not just flab," Sweetie Belle said, rubbing her stomach. "I am a bit chubby after all."

"I honestly can't tell," Rumble said.

"You'd need to see me without a shirt," Sweetie Belle said. "Or a two-piece suit. But of course I don't want to wear a two piece because it will expose my chubbiness. That's why I wear a one piece, even then I still feel a bit of fat on my stomach."

"Well, unless I see it bare, I can't really judge," Rumble said. "I'm not asking you to show me, I know that would be embarrassing for you. But I still think you're worrying over nothing. I don't know if it this is a girl thing or just something about you that I still need to understand."

"My sister looks great in a bikini, I feel so much envy for her," Sweetie Belle said. "At least she doesn't have to worry about being pretty, it comes naturally to her."

"...I think you're pretty," Rumble said, getting a blush from Sweetie Belle. "I know that sounds forward but, I don't want you being down on yourself. It's alright if you really are a little chubby, personally I think it's cute. Like I said, if you want to lose that weight, let me know and I will do what I can to help you out. I still think you look amazing."

Sweetie Belle blushed at Rumble's kind words, "Thank you. Wow, I don't even know why I was so worried in the first place."

"It's fine," Rumble said. "Everyone has one of those moments."

"...So, you think I'm pretty?" Sweetie Belle asked, getting a blush from the boy.

"Yeah," Rumble admitted.

"I think you're handsome," Sweetie Belle. Subconsciously she moved her hand toward Rumble's, the two holding onto each other. They glanced at one another, feeling nothing but pure joy and happiness. Like the previous day, they felt compelled to one another, a force moving them close to each other as their faces became centimeters apart.

Suddenly however, Cozy Glow ran into the pool area, the girl wearing a one piece of her own with a small ballerina tutu. "Pool time!" She leapt inside, making a splash near Rumble and Sweetie Belle, snapping them out of it.

Diamond Tiara, wearing a white and green bikini, called out to Cozy Glow, "I said don't run in without me!"

"Sorry!" Cozy Glow said, then turned to Rumble and Sweetie Belle. "Hi!"

"Uh, hi," Rumble said.

Cozy Glow moved in close to Rumble, "Wow, you're really cute. Do you have a girlfriend?"

"Huh!?" Rumble asked. "Uh..."

"Cozy Glow, don't bother them," Diamond Tiara said, getting in the water with her. "Please stay close to me, I don't want you to get hurt."

"You worry too much, I can handle it," Cozy Glow said.

"I know but better safe that sorry, plus your aunt would destroy me if you got hurt," Diamond Tiara said.

"Hey! Wait up!" Silver Spoon said, the girl walking in with an orange bikini. "Oh, Rumble! Sweetie Belle! Hi!"

"Hi Silvey," Sweetie Belle greeted, Rumble also waving.

"Didn't expect to see you two here," Apple Bloom said, swimming over with Scootaloo. "And you brought a guest."

"I need to do some laps, and then relax a bit," Diamond Tiara said. "I brought Cozy with me by her aunt's permission, good for her to blow off some steam."

"Swimming's fun," Cozy Glow said.

"Yeah, it is, and good for your body," Rumble said.

"Oh yeah, soon I'll be sexy, just like Diamond Tiara," Cozy Glow said.

"Aw, you're sweet," Diamond Tiara said, hugging Cozy Glow. "I can never stay mad at you."

"I know you can't," Cozy Glow said, hugging the older girl back.

"Aw, how nice," Apple Bloom said.

"So, how long have you been here?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"A bit, we're probably leaving soon, mah body's getting all pruny," Apple Bloom said.

"Ooh, that's not good, you don't want to be ugly," Diamond Tiara said. "That would suck."

"Yeah, ah guess," Apple Bloom said. "Gonna do a few more laps then call it a day."

"Sounds good, I'll join you," Rumble said, swimming with the girl.

"I'm gonna go to the diving board again," Scootaloo said, swimming off.

Sweetie Belle sighed in worry, feeling a bit strange. "What a day."

"Seems like you had fun, did you?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"Yeah, I did," Sweetie Belle said. "I like your bikini."

"Thanks, I like your suit too," Diamond Tiara said. "A good one piece can really show off your butt if you work it right."

Sweetie Belle blushed a bit, "My butt? Would Rumble notice if...no don't be silly."

"You alright, Sweetie Belle?" Silver Spoon asked.

"Yeah..." Sweetie Belle said. "It's nothing, don't worry."

"Well I'm gonna go chat with Octavia, come on Cozy Glow," Diamond Tiara said.

"And please don't annoy her," Silver Spoon said.

"Geez, I'm not that annoying," Cozy Glow said, following the girls.

Sweetie Belle took a breath, trying to compose herself.

"Yo! Sweetie Belle!" Scootaloo called. "Come jump off the diving board!"

"What for!?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"It's fun!" Scootaloo said.

Sweetie Belle shrugged and made her way to the diving board, standing on top of it and looking down. Somehow she felt a bit uncomfortable, "Actually, this probably won't work out."

"Seriously? It's just a diving board, it's not super high or anything," Scootaloo said.

"I just don't feel like jumping," Sweetie Belle said. "Maybe I should-"

Scootaloo ran over and pushed Sweetie Belle off, the girl falling into the water, "See! Not bad!"

Sweetie Belle swam to the top, glaring angrily at Scootaloo, "Are you stupid or something!? What the hell was that about!?"

"Geez, overreact much?" Scootaloo said.

"I am SO gonna get you for that!" Sweetie Belle warned.

"Yeah, yeah," Scootaloo said, jumping off as well. She emerged a few seconds later, "Take a chill pill."

Sweetie Belle angrily swam to the ladder, climbing up while muttering to herself. She then heard Apple Bloom calling out to her.

"Uh, Sweetie Belle, yer suit's riding up," Apple Bloom said.

Sweetie Belle blushed a bit, remember Rumble was right there. Nervously she looked behind and saw him turning away in embarrassment. She was quick to fix her suit the moment it all sunk in.

"Wow Sweetie Belle, you really crack us up," Scootaloo said. That was the all Sweetie Belle could take as she jumped back in to tackle Scootaloo, both Rumble and Apple Bloom scurrying to break them up.

Twenty minutes later, they were out of the pool and out of the building. Scootaloo kept her distance from Sweetie Belle, the girl still looking infuriated.

"I'm gonna head home, see you tomorrow," Scootaloo said, grabbing her scooter and riding like her life depended on it.

"I'll go with her, bye you two," Apple Bloom said, leaving on her bike as well.

Once the two were alone, Sweetie Belle started to feel awkward again, especially after everything that happened, "So um...sorry you had to see me get that mad."

'It's fine, I get it," Rumble said. "Honestly, you look kind of cute when you're mad."

"Heh, just hope it's not aimed at you, or it won't be so cute," Sweetie Belle said. "Thanks for today, I had fun regardless."

"Same...think you and I can hang out next time, just us?" Rumble asked.

"Uh, sure, if you want," Sweetie Belle said, grabbing her bike. "Apple Bloom and Scootaloo are busy this weekend, I'll come meet you at the park. You have my number."

"Yeah, I'll call you," Rumble said, grabbing his own bike. "See you later, Sweetie Belle."

"Bye Rumble," Sweetie Belle said, about to leave.

"One more thing, and this might sound terrible but I have to be honest," Rumble said, getting her attention. "Your butt's cute."

Sweetie Belle's blush increased tenfold as her normally pale white skin was now turning red. Rumble felt a bit embarrassed by what he admitted and was quick to leave.

"Uh, never mind that, I was just messing around, bye," Rumble stomped off in embarrassment as he mentally berated himself. "How stupid are you, dumbass!?"

"Thanks!" Sweetie Belle called, snapping him out of it, "I appreciate the compliment. I’ll see you later."

As she rode off, Rumble felt relieved though still annoyed that he even took that chance, "I hope she's not just being nice."

The two went their separate ways, unaware that Rarity arrived at the pool area minutes later, collapsing in front of the entrance, once again just barely missing her sister. Her friends would find her and drag her home, but not without throwing her in the pool once just to cool her off.

Adventure at the Park

That following weekend, it was a big moment for both Rumble and Sweetie Belle. The boy had gone to the park as promised, constantly checking his phone for both the time and any updates as to where Sweetie Belle was.

He glanced at their prior conversation, detailing what would be their eventual meet up point.

"Hey Sweetie Belle, I'm on my way to the park. I should be there around noon."

"I'll be there, first I gotta help my sister with something. She's working on a dress and needs me to model for it."

"That sounds fun."

"Honestly, it's not that fun. She can be too hung up on details. But I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Come see me at the fountain statue of Starswirl the Bearded."

"You got it. See you soon, Rumble. ;)"

Rumble glanced at the statue in question, curious by it. “Wonder who this guy was anyway? He looks like a wizard. Does he actually know magic though?”

He shrugged it off, quite frankly this was not his subject of interest anyway. He had more important things. He looked back at his phone, seeing that Sweetie Belle had texted a selfie of herself on doing a genki girl pose on the way out the door.

Rumble chuckled to himself, "She's got such a cute personality to go with her pretty face." Thinking that just made Rumble blush as his heartbeat accelerated, "I gotta get a grip. Why is this even bothering, I complimented her butt so..." Rumble's face turned even brighter. "Geez, I still can't believe I actually said that out loud. I'm lucky she doesn't think I'm a pervert or anything. Or maybe she does but...ugh, can't think straight right now."

"Rumble!" Sweetie Belle called, running up to the boy. "Hey, I'm here Rumble!"

"Sweetie Belle!" Rumble's face lit up the moment he laid eyes on his crush.

Sweetie Belle had stopped just short of Rumble, the girl taking a moment to catch her breath and wipe some sweat away, "Hey Rumble, sorry I'm late."

"I'm fine, you didn't run all the way here, did you?" Rumble asked.

"A little, I wanted to make up for lost time," Sweetie Belle said, taking another deep breath. "Geez, this is why I hate physical workouts, they leave me so winded."

"You seem fine to me," Rumble said. "So, we're here at the park, what do you wanna do first?"

"Let's just take a seat here for a second," Sweetie Belle said, sitting by the fountain. "I still need a couple of minutes."

"Wow, that must have been quite a run," Rumble said.

"Well my house isn't that close by," Sweetie Belle said. "It's like ten or fifteen minutes to walk, and I left five minutes ago."

"You know I wouldn't have minded if you were a little late," Rumble said.

"I know, but I don't like keeping others waiting," Sweetie Belle said. "Probably a trait I picked up from my sister since she also hates being late to things. Unless she's fashionably late."

"What does that mean exactly? I never understood that," Rumble said.

"I guess it's like you're late but you still make quite a grand entrance, like if everyone was waiting to see your presence specifically," Sweetie Belle said.

"That sounds kind of cool actually," Rumble said, reaching into his pockets. "Here's some water, I usually carry some on me."

"Thanks," Sweetie Belle said, taking the water and drinking a bit, then poured a bit on her hand to wipe her forehead. "So...we're here, what did you have in mind?"

"Whatever you want to do," Rumble said. "We can go for a walk through the park, play some racket ball, see a movie."

"Racket Ball?" Sweetie Belle asked. “Is that like tennis?”

"Sort of, there should be a court not too far away, come on," Rumble said, leading the girl down the path. The two did take some time to enjoy the sights, such as the birds in the trees, the ducks in the pond and even the marching ants on the ground below.

Sweetie Belle took note of a flower bed full of pretty roses. "Aw, those look so nice."

"What the flowers?" Rumble asked, glancing at them. "Wow, roses come in many different colors."

"They smell really nice too," Sweetie Belle said.

Rumble looked around and picked out a purple rose for Sweetie Belle, "Here you go, it matches your hair."

Sweetie Belle blushed at the gesture, Rumble's kindness melting her heart. "Aw, you're so sweet."

She took the rose in her hand and placed it in her coat pocket. Rumble felt a little awkward himself but was satisfied at his boldness as he led Sweetie Belle to the racket ball court.

While there, he spotted a pleasant surprise. Playing the game were the duo of Sandbar and Silverstream, the latter he was much more familiar with.

"Yo! Silver!" Rumble called.

"Huh?" Silverstream turned her attention to her friend. "Hey, Rumble! What's up buddy!?"

Sandbar also took note of the boy, "Hey, you're that Rumble kid, right? I'm in the same class as your brother, I think. His name's Thunderlane, right?"

"That's him, likely hanging around a pair of twins," Rumble said.

"What brings you here?" Silverstream asked before noticing Sweetie Belle. "Oooh, is it a date?"

"Uh..." Rumble looked to the girl, who herself looked shyly looked away. "We're just hanging out right now."

"You're Sweetie Belle, right?" Sandbar asked. "Rarity's little sister?"

"Yeah, that's me," Sweetie Belle said.

"Your sister and her friends are nice, they helped me settle in after I moved here," Silverstream said.

"How do you like it here in town so far?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"It's great, so much different than living on an island," Silverstream said. "Shame there's not a lot of beaches but it's still a cool experience."

"That's good," Sweetie Belle said, then recalled something she wanted to share. "Oh, by the way, Rumble took me and my friends to your favorite pool."

"Oh yeah, he told me the next day," Silverstream said.

"He did huh? Did he mention anything?" Sweetie Belle asked, worried about what Rumble might have said.

"Just that you four had a lot of fun," Silverstream said. "I'm happy to hear, swimming is always fun."

"Yeah, we had a lot of fun," Rumble said. "Anyway Sweetie Belle and I wanted to play a game here, but if you're using the court, then we can wait."

"Nonsense, come join us," Silverstream said. "We even have some spare rackets if you need them."

"Okay, if you're cool with it. I have a locker nearby that should have rackets," Rumble said.

"Try these, they're sturdy," Silverstream said.

"If you say so," Rumble said, turning to the girl beside him. "Ready Sweetie Belle?"

"Yeah," Sweetie Belle said, getting herself determined. "Let’s do it, to it."

In the court, Sandbar had the ball in hand. "I'll serve first."

Sandbar whacked the ball as everyone rushed to hit it. Sweetie Belle accidentally bumped into Silverstream while Rumble hit the ball, Sandbar hitting afterwards.

"Sorry Silverstream," Sweetie Belle said, then yelped as the ball nearly hit her, fortunately Silverstream was quick to save Sweetie Belle.

"It's nothing," Silverstream said as Rumble hit the ball next.

"Eventually they missed, to which it was Rumble's turn to serve. He hit the ball hard but not hard enough that Sandbar couldn't nail it on rebound.

Sweetie Belle swung when it came to her, but she completely missed, "Dang it."

"You'll get the hang of it," Silverstream said, taking her turn to serve the ball. This time it was Sandbar that missed, but he made nothing of it.

When it was Sweetie Belle's turn to serve, she threw the ball up but instead of hitting it on the way down, she accidentally threw her racket, hitting the wall. "Dang..."

"Try again," Rumble said, Sweetie Belle doing a better job the second time around. "Awesome!"

The kids played the game for the next half our, with Rumble and Silverstream dominating the game, Sandbar doing an average job and Sweetie Belle screwing up a few times.

On the last serve, Silverstream had hit the ball hard against the wall as it came toward Sweetie Belle, though instead of hitting it with her racket, she took it to the face, knocking her back.

"AGH!" Sweetie Belle shouted in annoyance, the girl falling on her backside as Rumble went to check on her.

"Sweetie Belle, are you alright? Does it hurt?" Rumble asked, frantically checking over the girl.

"A little," Sweetie Belle said, removing her hands. "Did it leave a mark?"

"Uh...it's a little red, I don't think it's going to leave anything permanent though," Rumble said.

"Here you go," Silverstream said, placing a water bottle against her head, "This should help."

"Thanks, it's fine actually, it didn't hurt for very long," Sweetie Belle insisted.

"That was a hard hit, you must have a really tough skull," Sandbar said.

"Well my sister always said I was thick headed," Sweetie Belle said as Rumble helped her up.

"Sorry, maybe racket ball wasn't such a good idea," Rumble said.

"No, don't say that, it was kind of fun," Sweetie Belle said. "I've been scraped up and bruised while hanging out with my friends, this is nothing."

"I do hear stories about how rowdy you girls are," Silverstream said.

"Likely exaggeration, don't put too much stock in them," Sweetie Belle said, handing Silverstream her water back.

"It's fine, you have it," Silverstream said. "You should drink up too, you're kind of sweating."

"Uh...right," Sweetie Belle said, feeling a little embarrassed. She started drinking up the water, feeling a bit more hydrated afterwards. "Thanks."

"Come on, let's walk this off," Rumble said, turning to the older teens. "Thanks for hanging out with us."

"No problem, come join us again any time," Silverstream said.

Rumble escorted Sweetie Belle away, checking on her injury, "It really doesn't hurt?"

"Rumble, it was a tennis ball, it's not gonna do that much damage," Sweetie Belle said. "Not like I got hit on the head with a baseball."

"Oof, that would suck," Rumble said. "Let's try something light next, any ideas?"

Sweetie Belle looked around and spotted a pair of classmates in the park, and their activity. "We can fly a kite, just like Noi and Ruby Pinch are doing."

"That sounds fun, but I don't have kites," Rumble said. "I wouldn't even know where to find any."

"I think a stand not too far away has them," Sweetie Belle said, taking Rumble by the wrist. "Come on!"

Rumble blushed as Sweetie Belle pulled him away.

The two found a stand that sold kites and purchased a pair at a very reasonable price.

"This is gonna be so fun, I've always wanted to fly kites," Sweetie Belle said, holding a kite that resembled a unicorn.

"Really?" Rumble asked, holding a Pegasus kite.

"Well sort of," Sweetie Belle said. "It wasn't until the other day that I really grew interested, thanks to one of my sister's friends, Starlight Glimmer."

"Starlight?" Rumble asked. "I don't think I've met her."

"That's probably because she goes to another school," Sweetie Belle said, walking toward the field. "Crystal Prep I think it is."

"You mean the school that Twilight went to before transferring here?" Rumble asked, following Sweetie Belle.

"Yeah, that's the one," Sweetie Belle said, releasing her kite. "Come on, let's get a running start to help the wind."

"Running? My specialty," Rumble said, both he along with Sweetie Belle taking off.

The two ran down the field, getting their kites into the air, both now flying side by side with one another as the wind picked it up for them.

"Sweet, they're taking off," Rumble said, letting his kite fly in the skies above, right next to Sweetie Belle's.

"Wow, this is so simple, but kind of fun," Sweetie Belle said, maneuvering her kite around.

"Yeah, not a bad idea," Rumble said. "So, this girl Starlight taught you about this? When was that?"

"Just the other day when she came to visit," Sweetie Belle explained. "Rarity was fixing a dress for her, so to pass the time, she went to fly a kite in the backyard. I saw what she was doing and got curious. She had a lot of knowledge of kites, such as the best ones to use, what they mean and perfect days to fly them. And also where not to fly them. For example, always keep your kites away from trees, the two are mortal enemies."

"Makes sense to me," Rumble said. "Hopefully I get to see her one day."

"I think you'd like her, you two are kind of similar," Sweetie Belle said. "You're so laser focused on what you do, and you don't like being part of a matched set. She also hated the Cutie Mark thing too."

"Did she now?" Rumble asked.

"It caused a wedge between her and her best friend," Sweetie Belle said. "They made up though, I think they're dating too, but Starlight denies it."

"Have you met her friend?" Rumble asked.

"Twilight has, she says he's really nice," Sweetie Belle said. "He's trying to grow a beard though, Rarity thinks he looks silly."

"What's wrong with beards? They're manly," Rumble said. "I'd like to grow a beard."

"Oh really? You want to hide that handsome face of yours?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"I mean I...wait," Rumble glanced at the girl. "What did you say?"

Sweetie Belle's face turned red, the girl looking for a distraction. "I mean...hey, I just realized, we each chose a pony to fly, really cool huh?"

Rumble looked suspiciously at Sweetie Belle but had no interest in pressing the subject. "Yeah, I like ponies, they're a big part of our culture's mythology."

"Didn't peg you for someone who was interested in that," Sweetie Belle said.

"I’m not like...super into it or anything," Rumble insisted. "But, I have always found the Pegasus Pony to be pretty awesome. They can fly fast and control the weather. If I were a pony, I'd want to be a Pegasus. I would soar through the air and rule the skies."

"That's actually fitting for you," Sweetie Belle said. "I personally like Unicorns, they're really pretty. Also they can do magic. If I were a Unicorn, I'd want to know a lot of magic spells."

"Aren't there rumors that these creatures exist in some strange parallel world?" Rumble asked.

"Well...maybe," Sweetie Belle said, the girl looking unsure. "I think I overheard my sister talking about it once."

"Imagine if it were real, that would be freaking awesome," Rumble said, then started to lose control of his kite. "Hey, what's up with this thing?"

"The wind is knocking our kites together!" Sweetie Belle said as her kite began circling Rumble's.

"Hey, get back in formation!" Rumble shouted, trying to fix his kite. "Damn, this thing's tricky to control!"

"We got it!" Sweetie Belle said, maneuvering her kite. "At least, I think we got it!"

As the two struggled, Sweetie Belle stumbled and fall on top of Rumble, the two kites flying off afterwards.

Sweetie Belle groaned in pain, before looking down and seeing that her face inches away from Rumble's, the boy now looking embarrassed.

"Whoa, um…" Sweetie Belle quickly got up, dusting herself off. "Sorry about that."

"It happens," Rumble said, the boy shyly standing up.

Sweetie Belle quickly looked around, trying to find a distraction when she saw that the kites were flying away. "Ah! Our kites! They're heading towards the woods!"

"The woods? But that's where trees are!" Rumble said, focusing on the kites. "They're about to encounter their mortal enemies!"

"Quick, after them!" Sweetie Belles said as the two ran for their kites.

The Pegasus kite and the unicorn were latched on to the top branch of a very tall tree, much to the disappointment of Rumble and Sweetie Belle.

"Damn, they're stuck up there," Rumble said.

"Well that was a waste of bits then," Sweetie Belle said.

"Not quite," Rumble said, walking toward the tree.

"What are you doing?" Sweetie Belle asked as Rumble jumped.

"I'm gonna climb the tree and get our stuff down," Rumble said.

"Um...those kites are really high up," Sweetie Belle reminded. "You might fall if you're not careful."

"Pfft, I'm not afraid of heights," Rumble said as he continued to climb.

"Being afraid of heights isn't going to negate any injury you might sustain if you fall," Sweetie Belle said.

"No, but it will keep me from doing something stupid," Rumble said as he went higher up.

"Uh, climbing a tree like that is kind of stupid!" Sweetie Belle said, not that Rumble listened. "Well he's got stubborn determination, not too different than Scootaloo or Apple Bloom."

Once he reached the top branch, Rumble carefully stood up, grabbing the kites from the leaves. "Awesome." He looked down below, "I got the kites!"

"Good! Now climb back down!" Sweetie Belle called. "Seeing you up there is making me nervous!"

"You worry too much," Rumble said, attaching the kites around his waist. He attempted to climb back down when he heard some creaking. "What is...oh shit!"

The branch under Rumble broke just as he quickly leapt to the other tree, Sweetie Belle yelping in fear as the branch landed near her.

"Oh my gosh!" Sweetie Belle shouted in worry, grateful the branch didn't land on her. She looked up at the boy. "Rumble, are you okay!?"

"I'm fine!" Rumble said. "But I think I'm stuck!"

"Huh!? How can you be stuck!? Climb back down the way you climbed up!" Sweetie Belle demanded.

"I kind of can't," Rumble said. "This tree doesn't have anything that will help."

Sweetie Belle grumbled in annoyance, "Great...Don't worry, we'll figure something out!"

"I'm actually not worried, it's really great up here, quite the view!" Rumble said. "Too bad you're not up here with me!"

"I wouldn't want to be up there! I'm not a heights girl!" Sweetie Belle shouted in annoyance.

"Hey! Is everything alright!?" Silverstream asked as she and Sandbar passed by.

"Not quite, look," Sweetie Belle said, gesturing to the boy in the tree.

"Hey Silver! Hey Sandbar!" Rumble greeted.

"Rumble! How'd you get up there!?" Silverstream asked in disbelief.

"I was trying to get some kites," Rumble explained.

"That's quite a climb," Sandbar said. "You should call the fire department or something."

"Man, it's gonna be embarrassing having to talk to them again after...a lot of other things that happened with me and my friends," Sweetie Belle shamefully admitted.

"Well that may be our only choice," Silverstream said. "Unfortunately there isn't a way for us to climb it."

"I don't know, I bet I can climb it," Sandbar offered.

"Bad idea, you'll get stuck too," Silverstream said.

"Hey if you get a quilt, I can jump!" Rumble said.

"Are you crazy!? I'm not doing that!" Sweetie Belle shouted.

"Hey I can handle it!" Rumble boasted.

"Rumble, that's really dangerous!" Silverstream said.

"Sounds gnarly though," Sandbar said, annoying the two girls. "What? It is!"

"No way!" Came the voice of a nearby Scootaloo, the girl walking over with Apple Bloom. "Rumble!?"

"Oh, hey girls! Lovely day!" Rumble said, waving at the two.

"Scootaloo? Apple Bloom?" Sweetie Belle said. "What are you two doing at the park?"

"Ah finished mah chores early and came fer some fresh air," Apple Bloom said.

"I was the reason she finished early because I just happened to pass by out of boredom," Scootaloo said. "We heard you and Rumble would be at the park and we wanted to crash your date."

"Oh so you are on a date?" Sandbar asked.

"I never said that! Scootaloo's just being dumb!" Sweetie Belle said. "Also, I understand Scootaloo being that immature, but you Apple Bloom?"

"Hey, to be fair, that wasn't mah plan," Apple Bloom said. "Like ah said, I came fer some fresh air, Scootaloo's the one who wanted to find ya, and I had to chase after her to make sure she didn't strain herself."

"Geez you worry too much," Scootaloo said. "It's like you're my wife."

"You wish you could be with a girl like me," Apple Bloom said.

"Um, girls! Sandbar!" Rumble called. "Do you have another plan or should we just try me jumping on a quilt!?"

"Holy crap, you're gonna jump!?" Scootaloo asked. "You should totally do it!"

Sweetie Belle angrily turned to Scootaoo, bonking her on the head, "Stop being stupid!"

"Holy crap you're aggressive," Scootaloo said, the girl rubbing her head in pain.

"Just...stay there Rumble, I'll be right back!" Sweetie Belle said as she ran off.

"Not like I can go anywhere," Rumble said as Sweetie Belle ran off. "She's kind of a worrywart, but it's cute."

"Wonder where she's going?" Scootaloo asked.

"Probably to call fer help," Apple Bloom said, grabbing her phone. "Ah should do that too."

"Who are you gonna call? The Fire Department?" Scootaloo asked. "You know they hate us, don't you?"

"They don't hate us, they just think we goof around too much," Apple Bloom said. "Which isn''t far off."

"Well they're awfully judgmental," Scootaloo said.

"Put a lid on it," Apple Bloom said. "Hopefully whatever Sweetie Belle has in mind works out."

"Yeah, don't want Rumble to get hurt," Scootaloo said. "This really works out though, suppose we get our marks in rescuing!?"

"Oh shut up," Apple Bloom said. "This is more important than Cutie Marks."

Scootaloo's eyes widened in disbelief, "How...DARE you!"

Silverstream turned to Sandbar, "What is the deal with Cutie Marks?"

"Just an old culture thing, don't worry about it," Sandbar insisted.

A half hour later, Thunderlane had shown up with a ladder alongside Flitter and Cloudchaser, the trio joined by Twilight Sparkle and her friends, especially Rarity.

This situation even attracted the attention of Tender Taps, Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon and Cozy Glow.

"Wow...Rumble's one gusty kid," Tender Taps said.

"Kind of dumb though," Diamond Tiara said.

Cloudchaser smirked up at Rumble, the girl managing to find some humor in the situation, "You and your daring escapades, Rumble."

"You know me, I laugh in the face of danger," Rumble said.

"You're a brave boy Rumble, but you're not always the brightest," Flitter said.

"Hey! Not cool Flitter!" Rumble said.

"Wow, Rumble actually climbed up a tree?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Gotta hand it to him, he's one daring kid."

"Rainbow Dash, don't encourage this," Twilight said. "Why is he up there in the first place?"

"We were flying kites and they got stuck in a tree, so he got stuck trying to get them down," Sweetie Belle said.

"Oh my, that poor boy," Fluttershy said.

"Serves him right," Rarity said, this getting a confused reaction from Sunset Shimmer.

"Uh, where did that come from?" Sunset asked.

"Hm? Where did what come from?" Rarity asked, feigning innocence.

"Well you're clearly full of it," Sunset focused back on Rumble, seeing that Thunderlane placed the ladder on the tree. "Is that ladder big enough!?"

"Not quite," Thunderlane said, seeing that the top didn’t reach the branch his brother was on. "Rumble, I'm gonna find a bigger ladder, can you just-"

"I got this one!" Rumble said, ready to jump.

Thunderlane's eyes widened in worry, "No, no, don't!"

Rumble jumped down, nearly tipping the ladder over as he fell to the side. Acting fast, Thunderlane, Applejack and Cloudchaser rushed to grab the ladder, but the trio lost their balance for a split second.

"Rumble!" Sweetie Belle shouted in worry, fear of this boy getting hurt.

"I don't think I thought this through!" Rumble said.

"Ya think!?" Thunderlane said, trying to reposition the ladder back near the tree. Unfortunately the ladder started to break right under Rumble.

"Not good!" Rumble shouted, everyone down below worried as they inched closer to the boy.

"I can't watch!" Cozy Glow shouted, covering her eyes as Tender Taps rushed to see how he could assist.

"Get ready to catch him!" Applejack said as the ladder completely broke and Rumble fell, landing on the group, knocking them over in the process.

"Is it over?" Cozy Glow asked, peeking out.

"Yeah, he's fine," Diamond Tiara said.

"Thank goodness," Silver Spoon said, the girl wiping some sweat away.

"Ow..." Rumble said. "Good think I had a nice landing, thank you to-" Rumble looked behind him and saw that he landed on Rarity, seemingly knocking the girl out. "Whoops."

"Rumble!" Sweetie Belle helped the boy up, frantically checking for any sign of injury. "Are you hurt? You didn't break anything, did you?"

"Just the ladder, I'm fine," Rumble said.

"Okay, good..." Sweetie Belle said as her worry quickly turned into anger. "THEN WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING!?"

"Uh..." Rumble was at a loss for words.

"First you climb that tree on a whim, then you get stuck and come up with convoluted plans to come down, and the moment we get something decently planned, you risk your life by jumping like you're some type of...of...jackass!" Sweetie Belle was fuming with anger. "You could have gotten really hurt today, Rumble!"

"Sorry, I didn't mean to worry you," Rumble said.

"Hmph..." Sweetie Belle turned away in annoyance as she crossed her arms in a pout. "Just don't do that again, I don't care for boys who act like they're invincible."

"Heh, just like I said the other day, you're really cute when you're mad," Rumble said, earning a deadpanned look from his brother.

"Way to be an idiot, bro," Thunderlane mentally insulted.

"And like I said the other day, hope that my anger isn't aimed at you!" Sweetie Belle said. "Because unfortunately for you, it is!"

"Let's give these two some room," Flitter said, getting everyone away from each other. "And Rumble, good luck. You're brave but nothing's scarier than an angry girl."

"She's not wrong, squirt," Sunset said. "Good luck."

"Just be reasonable, Sweetie Belle," Twilight said.

The two were left in each other's solitude, Rumble still feeling awkward and Sweetie Belle still feeling mad.

"Wow, really had you worried, didn't I?" Rumble asked.

"Well yeah, I don't want you getting hurt," Sweetie Belle said. "What you did just now was really stupid, what were you thinking?"

"I...can't say," Rumble admitted.

"Were you trying to look cool or something?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Kind of," Rumble said. "You seemed so disappointed about the kites that I had to get them down. And you seemed so worried when I got stuck that I just tried to downplay the situation."

"I understand that but..." Sweetie Belle sighed in annoyance. "Just don't do that again. If our kites get stuck, we can call for help, or get new ones. Kites are replaceable, you're not."

"Sorry, I thought I looked cool doing what I did, but I guess I was being dumb," Rumble admitted.

Sweetie Belle groaned in annoyance, "Why do you think you need to look cool for me? To get my attention? You already have my attention."

"I just want to be worthy of that attention," Rumble said. "I really think you're amazing Sweetie Belle, and I want you to feel the same way about me."

"I do though," Sweetie Belle said. "Listen, you're a nice boy, always have been. You helped Scootaloo when she got hurt, you helped me out a bit at the sports store and shared your passions, you let us come to your house, you took us swimming. I even told you about how insecure I feel about my weight and you made me feel like I didn't need to feel that way. If you can look past me being a little chubby, I can see you for the sweet guy that you are."

"I...still don't think you look chubby though," Rumble said.

"See, you're a sweet guy, the type of guy I want to spend more time with..." Sweetie Belle said, the girl heavily blushing. "I like you Rumble, I like you a lot."

"...I like you a lot too Sweetie Belle, I...I want to spend more time with you, and I really wanna take you on a nice date," Rumble said. "More than that, I want to take you on many nice dates, I want us to be together."

"Together?" Sweetie Belle asked, her face turning red.

"Sweetie Belle," Rumble took the girl by her hand, looking deep into her eyes. "Will you be my girlfriend?"

Those words echoed hard through Sweetie Belle's head, a large smile beaming across her face. "Rumble..." She feverishly nodded. "Of course I will! It's what I've been waiting so long for!"

"Really?" Rumble asked.

"Duh, that's why I spent time with you, I wanted us to get together," Sweetie Belle said. "Besides, you complimented my butt, you made it really obvious you were attracted to me."

Rumble awkwardly turned away, "Geez, that again? I feel so dumb for saying that."

"It was weird but I don't mind," Sweetie Belle said. "It's normal. Just as long as you like the rest of me."

'I do, I really do," Rumble said, gently caressing Sweetie Belle's cheek. "You are so precious to me."

"Aw, my Rumbly-Wumbly," Sweetie Belle said.

The two then leaned in and shared a kiss with one another, the world immediately stopping for a brief moment. Right now, this was about them, it was about Rumble and Sweetie Belle. The boy hugged the girl close, keeping the kiss locked tightly, not wanting to let go. Rumble finally had Sweetie Belle, and vowed not to let anything come between them.

"Aw..." Flitter gushed, holding her hands to her cheeks as her eyes sparkled.

"That's my bro," Thunderlane said, holding out a thumbs up.

"It's about dang time," Apple Bloom said.

"Go! Sweetie Belle!" Scootaloo cheered.

"Lucky guy," Silverstream said.

"Aw, I wanted to kiss him," Cozy Glow said.

"I know how you feel, but it's not meant to be," Diamond Tiara said, placing her arm around Cozy Glow.

"That's adorable, I'm so happy for Rumble and Sweetie Belle," Twilight said as she and her friends admired the situation.

Tender Taps joined in the appreciation, standing close to Twight, hoping to share this moment with her one day.

Unfortunately, there was one who had yet to see this, but within seconds, had the closest view to it all. Rarity had gotten up, and the first thing she saw was Rumble kissing Sweetie Belle, and she was not too pleased about it.

"Ahem!" Rarity got their attention. "Sweetie Belle, let's go home."

"Uh, alright," Sweetie Belle said, turning to her newfound boyfriend. "Call me later, Rumble."

"You got it," Rumble said.

"Now young lady, move it!" Rarity ordered.

"Alright, geez," Sweetie Belle said, walking off. "Bossy."

"As for you young man," Rarity turned to Rumble. "Don't get any funny ideas with my sister. She is a virtue of true innocence, and I will not let anyone taint it, especially not a teen boy like yourself!"

Rumble looked confused for a moment, and a bit intimidated. "Uh...alright? I guess. If you're worried about me dating Sweetie Belle, I promise to be really good to her. I'll treat her just right, like a good boyfriend should."

"Ugh, don't use such a strong word," Rarity said. "And don't assume you'll be dating her."

"But...she said she wanted to," Rumble said.

"Well I forbid it, she's not ready for dating!" Rarity said. "Like I said, don't get any funny ideas! I better not catch you two together again!"

Rumble couldn't believe his ears, glancing in confusion as Rarity walked off. This wasn't just awkward for him, but also his brother and friends, Sweetie Belle's friends and Rarity's friends.

"Good grief," Applejack said.

"Uh...did I do something bad?" Rumble asked. "I didn't think she'd be upset about me dating Sweetie Belle."

"It's fine Rumble, she's just being overprotective," Twilight said. "We'll talk some sense into her, right now you should head home."

"Okay..." Rumble said.

"Hey, Rumble," Apple Bloom said, getting his attention. "Don't give up, you and Sweetie Belle will get together."

"Yeah, we know you'd be perfect for her, Rarity would have to be a fool not to see that," Scootaloo said.

"Thanks girls," Rumble said.

Thunderlane shrugged this off, "Let's just head home for now, we'll talk about this when we get back."

"And anything else you have in mind, Rumble," Cloudchaser said.

Before long, everyone else started to head home, Twilight being the only one remaining, and thinking this over.

"Maybe I should have Cadance talk to Rarity, she's an expert on this subject," Twilight said. "I just hope true love wasn't destroyed the second it came to form."

Twilight too went home, having quite a bit to think over.

The First Real Date

The following morning, Rumble had woken up from his sleep. The boy had a lot on his mind the previous night, and it took him longer than he would have liked to doze off, and now felt a little tired this morning, but he was willing to push through.

After brushing his teeth, he gone down for his breakfast. He hoped to see Sweetie Belle later, but given what happened with Rarity, that was currently up in the air.

He grabbed some eggs from the fridge, along with some waffles and a carton of juice and started gathering everything up.

As he cooked his breakfast, a drowsy Thunderlane came into the kitchen, the teen wiping his eyes, "Hey bro, looks like you're cooking up something good."

"Morning Thunder, just some eggs and junk," Rumble said. "I can whip you up something if you'd like."

"I'm good, I got leftovers from yesterday," Thunderlane said, heading into the fridge to grab his own food. "So, big moment for you yesterday, kissing Sweetie Belle and all."

"Yeah, it was," Rumble said, the boy blushing a bit at the memory. "Still kind of surprised it happened. She was just mad a second prior, then she's kissing me. Is that a normal girl thing or something?"

"Word of advice, don't try to understand girls," Thunderlane said, heating up his food up in the microwave. "Just do what they say and you'll be fine."

"Uh...that sounds like a weird bit of advice to give, Thunderlane," Rumble replied.

"Just speaking from experience," Thunderlane said.

"Ha, don't take everything Thunderlane says at face value," Cloudchaser said, the girl walking into the kitchen with her sister Flitter. "He's not a total expert."

"But he's not too far off about everything," Flitter said.

"Hey Flitter, hey CC," Rumble greeted. "Spend the night again?"

"You know us, staying up late either watching movies or playing a few games," Cloudchaser said, checking the fridge. "It's more fun here than at home."

"Yeah, we get to see you grow up," Flitter said, rubbing the boy's head. "You're turned into a fine young man, Rumble. With an even finer girlfriend."

"It's nothing, really," Rumble said.

"Hardly, you got yourself a girlfriend, and it seems genuine too," Cloudchaser said. "A hell of a lot more genuine than half of Thunderlane's relationships."

"Real funny," Thunderlane said. "I'll have you know that I once dated Rainbow Dash."

"You and her ate a burger together once during our Track Team's party," Cloudchaser said. "That is not a date."

"Hey, I felt something spark between us," Thunderlane said. "Besides I have options. I bet I could get a date with Applejack, or Lightning Dust."

"That's a reach," Cloudchaser said. "But at least Applejack is a good choice, I would not suggest Lightning Dust."

"Come on, she's not that bad," Thunderlane said.

"No, I'm with Cloudchaser, she's kind of a bully," Flitter said.

"Yeah seriously, she's the most obnoxious girl in our school," Cloudchaser said.

"I thought that was Trixie Lulamoon?" Rumble asked.

"Alright, so it's a tie, but they're both annoying in their own ways," Cloudchaser said. "Lightning Dust thinks she's better than she actually is, and Trixie thinks she has actual talent when she doesn't."

"Can't be as bad as Diamond Tiara tends to be," Rumble said. "But she's nicer than she acts so maybe Trixie and Lighting Dust are too."

"I'll believe it when I see it," Cloudchaser said.

"Why are we doing this pointless gossip?" Flitter asked. "We're ignoring the important fact that Rumble here got a cute little girlfriend."

"Do not worry, I have not forgotten that glorious fact," Cloudchaser said. "So kid, any plans for your little sweetheart?"

"I want to do something nice, but Rarity seemed pretty ticked off that I kissed Sweetie Belle," Rumble said. "So I'm kind of worried about the whole dating thing."

"Don't worry about Rarity, not like she can tell Sweetie Belle not to date you," Cloudchaser said.

"Can't she though? Rarity is her older sister," Rumble said.

"Yes, her sister, not her mother," Cloudchaser clarified. "It's Sweetie Belle's choice to date you or not, and I think she's chosen to date you."

"But why does Rarity hate the idea of me dating her sister?" Rumble asked. "Does she not like me?"

"She's just being a little overprotective," Cloudchaser explained. "It's nothing against you personally."

"Doesn't feel that way," Rumble said.

"She's probably worried that you just want Sweetie Belle for, you know...intimacy," Cloudchaser said.

"Sis, don't tell him about that! He's too young!" Flitter said.

"No I'm not, I know about sex," Rumble said.

Flitter grabbed some soap, an action that startled the young teen, "What was that, young man!?"

"Whoa, take a chill pill," Cloudchaser insisted. "I know it's hard to understand, but Rumble is at that age, so obviously he was given the talk."

"Yeah, it was every bit as awkward as I expected," Thunderlane joked.

"Look, point is Rumble, Rarity knows both you and Sweetie Belle are at the age where you might be interested in that type of thing," Cloudchaser said.

"Oh...well..." Rumble bashfully rubbed his head. "I hate to say it but, I have kind of imagined what it'd be like to be with Sweetie Belle in that way." Rumble shook his head a moment, trying to drive away impure thoughts. "Sorry, I know that's wrong to say."

"It's alright Rumble, that's not bad thing," Cloudchaser said.

"But I like Sweetie Belle for who she is as a person, wouldn't it be bad to want her body?" Rumble asked.

"Rumble, you just have basic attraction to a girl, that's very normal for a boy your age," Cloudchaser said.

"Still, aren't I proving that Rarity has reason to worry about her sister dating?" Rumble asked.

"Rarity's worried that you only want Sweetie Belle for the physical affection, but you like Sweetie Belle for more than that, don't you?" Cloudchaser asked.

"Yeah, I just want to be a good boyfriend for her," Rumble said. "I like Sweetie Belle because she's very kind, sweet and she has a very cute smile. Oh, and I like that she has a bit of a playful spunk to her.”

"Then that's all that matters," Cloudchaser said. "Just remember, while it's okay to feel physically attracted to someone, don't make any choices you feel like you might regret. You and Sweetie Belle are still young after all. Don't do anything you're not ready to do."

"Yeah, I get it," Rumble said. "Exciting as the idea sounds, I feel nervous just thinking about it."

"If you do go through with it, at least use protection," Thunderlane said.

"Right, of course," Rumble said, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I'll go and see Sweetie Belle right after breakfast then, hopefully I can get past her sister."

"Don't worry, we're here if you need us," Cloudchaser said,

"Thanks CC," Rumble said, grabbing what he needed to eat. "You and I have some dating to do, Sweetie Belle."

Meanwhile with Sweetie Belle, the girl looked ready to leave the house, "Rarity, I'm going to meet my friends, I'll be back later."

"Hold it right there!" Rarity called. "You're not leaving just yet, young lady!"

"Huh? Why can't I?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Are you really going to meet some friends?" Rarity asked, stomping over. "Or are you going to meet with that boy!?"

"You mean Rumble? My boyfriend?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Gah! Don't call him that!" Rarity said. "That boy is NOT your boyfriend!"

"He is, we made it official yesterday," Sweetie Belle said. "Rumble is my boyfriend."

"Oh that word!" Rarity shouted, placing her arm on her head in a dramatic fashion. "You're going to make me faint."

"Why are you being so dramatic about this?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Am I not allowed to have a boyfriend?"

"Of course you are, when you're older, and you're absolutely sure that the boy in question loves you for you, and doesn't want you just to make out with you," Rarity said. "Or a boy who's only interested in sex."

"...Wow. that escalated. Rumble isn't a pervert," Sweetie Belle said. The girl then thought to herself a second. "Well he did compliment my butt, but I would totally do the same for him. Plus I like that he's fond of my butt, it's flattering."

"All boys are perverts Sweetie Belle, that's why you need to be extra careful with whom you date," Rarity said. "Take Sunset Shimmer for instance, she would much rather date a girl than a boy, which is why she flirts with Twilight often."

"First off, pretty sure she's joking around," Sweetie Belle said. "Second, I'm not into girls. I want a boyfriend."

"Well how about a nicer boy, like Button Mash," Rarity said.

"Ew, screw that, I'm not dating that loser," Sweetie Belle said.

"Sweetie Belle, that wasn't kind," Rarity said.

"...Yeah, that was mean of me to say," Sweetie Belle admitted. "But my point still stands, I am not dating Button Mash. I bet he's likely to be even more of a pervert than Rumble."

"Oh no, he's no pervert dear," Rarity said. "He's usually too busy playing those video games to think of doing something perverted to a girl."

"Hey, I've seen some of the games he plays, those girls are scandalously dressed," Sweetie Belle said. "Which, there's nothing wrong with, if anything, I want to be as sexy as those girls."

Rarity stared in disbelief, then started dramatically crying, "Where did I go wrong with you!?"

"Ugh, Rarity, cut it out," Sweetie Belle said. "Let me go see my boyfriend."

Rarity snapped out of her dramatic crying, "The answer, is NO!"

"You're not my mom, Rarity!" Sweetie Belle said. "In fact, I have half a mind to tell our mom!"

"She'll take my side," Rarity said.

"Bogus!" Sweetie Belle said.

"If not her, then daddy would definitely take my side," Rarity said. "He's more bothered by the idea of you dating than our mother would be."

Sweetie Belle angrily clenched her fist and teeth in her rage, "You are SUCH a PAIN!"

"That's it, you're grounded young lady," Rarity said.

"You can't ground me, YOU'RE NOT MY MOM!" Sweetie Belle shouted.

"Young lady, march to your room, this instance!" Rarity said.

"Make me!" Sweetie Belle shouted.

"Make you huh? I'll make you alright," Rarity lifting up her sleeves while Sweetie Belle put her fists up, ready for a fight.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door. "Hello? Sweetie Belle?"

Suddenly Sweetie Belle forgot her rage, "Rumble!"

"Rumble!" Rarity shouted in anger, pushing her sister aside and opening the door.

"Oh, hi there Rarity," Rumble nervously greeted. "Is Sweetie Belle home?"

"No," Rarity said.

"Yes I am!" Sweetie Belle said.

"...She's sick," Rarity said.

"No I'm not!" Sweetie Belle shouted.

"She's breaking up with you," Rarity said.

"Oh hell no!" Sweetie Belle shoved Rarity out of the way, focusing on her boyfriend. "Ignore my sister, she's-"

Rarity then grabbed Sweetie Belle, pulling her away from the door, "She's really busy right now."

"Get off!" Sweetie Belle shouted, stomping on Rarity's foot, the woman screaming in pain.

"You uncouth little brat!" Rarity shouted, yanking Sweetie Belle's hair.

"Ow! That's cheating!" Sweetie Belle said.

As the two struggled, Twilight and her friends had come up to the door, joined by Apple Bloom and Scootaloo.

"Good morning, Rumble," Twilight greeted.

"Hi Twilight, nice to see you," Rumble said.

"Hey Rumble, here for Sweetie Belle?" Scotaloo asked.

"I was...but Rarity doesn't seem to want her to leave the house," Rumble said, awkwardly rubbing her head. "Likely because of me."

"Oh for goodness sake," Applejack said. "Mind moving over a bit, Sugarcube?"

"Sure," Rumble said, stepping aside and letting Applejack pass through.

"Wow, they're really fighting in there," Sunset said.

"I didn't mean to get Rarity all upset," Rumble said. "Is it really alright for me to date Sweetie Belle?"

"Of course, you like her, don't you?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah, I like her a lot," Rumble said.

"Then don't worry about Rarity, just focus on dating Sweetie Belle," Twilight said. "You seem like a nice boy, I think you two will be very happy together."

"I hope so, I just want to keep that smile on her face, it's really pretty," Rumble said.

"Aw, that's so adorable," Fluttershy said, pinching Rumble's cheek. "How could Rarity be so against true love?"

"Probably because Rarity herself doesn't understand love," Rainbow Dash said. "Like is it any wonder she can't get a boyfriend?"

"That's a bit mean to say, Dashie," Pinkie Pie said.

"She's not wrong, Rarity's a bit full of herself sometimes," Sunset said.

"Come on Sunset, you shouldn't say those things either," Twilight scolded.

"Hey she's the one making a fuss over Rumble and Sweetie Belle dating," Sunset said. "I say let Sweetie Belle date Rumble. He's cute, she's cute, it works out."

"Uh, thanks Sunset," Rumble said, awkwardly rubbing his head.

"Ha, love how bashful you get," Sunset said.

"Ahem," Applejack appeared at the door alongside Sweetie Belle, "She's all yers Rumble."

"Hey Sweetie Belle," Rumble said.

"My dear, sweet Rumble," Sweetie Belle said, locking Rumble into a kiss with her.

"Aw...too cute," Fluttershy said.

Sweetie Belle pulled away, leaving Rumble feeling flustered. "Wow, that was amazing."

"Glad you think so," Sweetie Belle said, then turned to her friends. "Hey Apple Bloom, Scootaloo. Did you come to hang out or something?"

"We did, but if you'd rather date Rumble, that's fine," Apple Bloom said. "Might do you some good."

"Well I appreciate that, thank you," Sweetie Belle said.

"No need to thank us, we're happy to see such a lovely young couple," Scootaloo said. "Makes me so damn jealous. Kind of want a boyfriend too."

"I know some single guys," Rumble said. "There's Tender Taps for one."

"He's got his eye on someone else," Apple Bloom said, glancing briefly at Twilight.

"Gee, wonder if it's anyone we know, hope he doesn't miss out," Sunset said, placing her arm around Twilight. "It'd be a shame if a super sexy girl went with someone else, probably another super sexy girl."

"Sunset, knock it off," a bemused Twilight said.

"Well you're not fun," Sunset said, placing her arm away. "Fortunately you're too cute to stay mad at."

"Wow, you're barely even hiding it at this point," Rainbow Dash said.

"Don't worry about us, Rumble, go have fun," Apple Bloom said.

"I owe you girls," Rumble said as he left with his girlfriend.

"Just make Sweetie Belle happy, that's all we want," Apple Bloom said.

"That and some candy bars if you have any" Scootaloo said, then took a bonk to the head from Apple Bloom. "Ow! That was SO not cool!"

"Hey, where's Rarity?" Pinkie Pie asked.

Inside the house, Rarity was tied to her chair, courtesy of her friend, "Applejack!"

"I'll untie you when you give Rumble and Sweetie Belle some dang breathing room!" Applejack said.

"Oh I'll show you breathing room," Rarity said, maneuvering her chair to successfully grab her phone and used a nearby mirror to text something. "You're not getting away that easily with my sister, Rumble!"

In his room, Spike was reading some comic books when he got a text message from Rarity, "Oh sweet!" He quicky looked at the message, "Spike, my sister is dating a creep. Go and 'spa' on them. Spa? What does...oh, she meant 'spy'." Spike rubbed his chin, "Who could Sweetie Belle be dating that's a creep? Button Mash?" He got another text. "The boy's name is 'Ramble'. Who's...oh, 'Rumble'. Wait, Rumble? He seems like a nice kid though. But I guess I should look into it."

In town, Rumble and Sweetie Belle were taking a nice stroll together, Rumble felt a bit nervous however, knowing that this was his first real date with Sweetie Belle. "Play it cool, if you pull this off, she's yours one more day. Screw up, and it's over." Rumble cleared his throat, "So, where would you like to go?"

"You can pick," Sweetie Belle said.

"Um...well, what do you like to do?" Rumble asked.

"I'm open minded," Sweetie Belle said. "Well mostly, so long as it's not a physical activity. At least not too physical."

"Right, nothing physical," Rumble said.

Sweetie Belle grew nervous herself, "That's not bad right? I know you like sports and-"

"It's cool, don't worry about it," Rumble said. "All I care about is making you happy."

"Aw, you're sweet," Sweetie Belle said, kissing Rumble on the cheek.

"You're sweeter," Rumble said, kissing her cheek in return.

"You're charming," Sweetie Belle said, placing her arm around Rumble. "I don't know why Rarity made such a big deal about me dating you."

"That's not gonna put a strain between you two, is it?" Rumble asked. "I don't want to be a bother."

"You're not, don't worry," Sweetie Belle said. "I like you and that's all that matters. If Rarity's bothered, she can just shove it."

"Well I do are about your relationship with your sister," Rumble said. "So I will do my best to give her less reason to worry."

"You're too good for me," Sweetie Belle said.

Rumble looked around and spotted an arcade, "How do you feel about video games?"

"I'm not very good, but I can play for fun," Sweetie Belle said.

The two went inside a local arcade, already spotting a group of kids surrounding local gamer Button Mash, the boy on his way to a high school in an alien destruction game.

"Go Button Mash!" Dinky cheered.

"You got this!" First Base said.

"Try not to crack under pressure," Diamond Tiara taunted.

"Doubt me all you want, it just makes me stronger!" Button Mash said.

Not too far away, Tender Taps was placing a dancing rhythm game, with Wind Sprint, Silver Spoon and Cozy Glow watching in awe along with some other kids.

"You're so cool, Tender Taps!" Cozy Glow said.

"Thanks, I try my best," Tender Taps said.

Rumble and Sweetie Belle stopped off at a racing game, complete with mock motorcycles.

"This might be fun," Rumble said. "It's racing without the physical exertion."

"I like that," Sweetie Belle said, sitting on the motorcycle.

Rumble placed in some quarters, "I'll cover the gameplay."

"Thanks," Sweetie Belle said. "Alright, let's race!"

Meanwhile Spike had come into the arcade after getting a tip from Derpy, the girl having spotted Rumble and Sweetie Belle earlier.

"Alright, assuming Derpy wasn't seeing things, Rumble and Sweetie Belle should be here and-" Spike spotted Button Mash at the Arcade, the boy doing even more impressive. "Looks like those kids are having fun." He spotted Tender Taps as well, "Oh hey, my future brother-in-law." Spike looked ahead and spotted Rumble and Sweetie Belle. "There they are, and they're just...racing?"

The two were neck and neck in their game, each of them striving for the finish line. Rumble was naturally doing well, having had experience with this game. He saw that Sweetie Belle was struggling however. Feeling bad, he began to slow down in his game, allowing Sweetie Belle to pass him by, something she seemed to find strange.

"WINNER!"

"Whoa! You won!" Rumble said. "Great job Sweetie Belle."

"Thanks, but what happened with you?" Sweetie Belle asked. "You were doing well."

"Oh that, I kind of goofed off at the end," Rumble said. "You picked up the win against me."

"You didn't let me win, did you?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Uh, what makes you say that?" Rumble nervously asked.

"That's sweet of you to do, but you don't have to let me win anything," Sweetie Belle said. "I'd rather lose than have a false victory."

"Wow, that's very honorable of you, Sweetie Belle," Rumble said. "Sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel crummy."

"It's fine, you were just being nice," Sweetie Belle said, leaning over to kiss Rumble on the cheek. "Plus, it's good to know that you'd put me over a competition, so I guess I did win something."

"Dating you makes me feel like a true winner," Rumble said.

Sweetie Belle started giggling, "You're so dorky that it's cute." She placed another quarter in. "One more race, this time, give me your best. No letting me win."

"Sure, I'll do that for you," Rumble said.

Spike rubbed his chin in curiosity, "So far so good. Rumble seems nice, don't know what Rarity was so worried about."

As he kept an eye on the two, he thought he saw something in the corner of his eye. Shrugging it off, he focused back on Rumble and Sweetie Belle, the two getting into their second race together.

After about an hour of the arcade, both Rumble and Sweetie Belle left, on their way to their next location.

"So where to now?" Rumble asked.

Sweetie Belle felt her stomach grumble, "Kind of hungry."

"I know a place we can eat, come on," Rumble said, taking the girl by her hand and leading her away.

Spike followed after them, keeping his distance so he wouldn't be spotted, again looking behind, scratching his head. "That's so weird. Maybe it's my conscious telling me this is a bad idea. But maybe it's also nothing."

Rumble led Sweetie Belle into a diner, the two taking a seat at a booth where they were each given a menu.

"Nice place," Sweetie Belle said.

"I've always wanted to take a girl here on a date," Rumble said. "Check the menu, there's a lot of good food."

Sweetie Belle complied, checking the menu for anything tasty, "Oooh, how good are the mashed potatoes here?"

"As good as it looks," Rumble said.

Spike sat at the booth not too far away, "Alright, let’s see what you're up to here." Again he felt strange, looking around. "Seriously, what's going on?"

Both Rumble and Sweetie Belle got their drinks and awaited their food.

"So...enjoying yourself so far?" Rumble asked.

"Uh-huh," Sweetie Belle nodded. "Perfect date so far."

"Wow, really?" Rumble asked.

"We only did one thing before coming here, but we did it for a long time, and I really enjoyed it," Sweetie Belle said. "I'm still not much a of a gamer, but playing with you makes it fun."

"I'm not that much of a gamer myself, granted there are some games that I'm really into," Rumble said. "Mostly racing games. Good to satisfy my competitive itch, at least for a moment."

"You play all types of sports, right?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"As many as I can," Rumble said. "My favorite activity is Track, but I also really like playing Soccer."

"Soccer huh? That sounds fun," Sweetie Belle said.

"You'd play with me?" Rumble asked. "You don't like physical activities though."

"I can make an exception for you," Sweetie Belle said. "I just want to spend time with you, and if you're doing something you love, then it makes it much more worth it."

"Wow, you're really Generous," Rumble said.

"I learned from my sister," Sweetie Belle said, then quickly realized how awkward that sounded. "Uh, probably shouldn't mention her since...you know."

"It's fine, she's still your sister," Rumble said. "In time, I'm sure she'll come to like me. I just have to be a good boyfriend, I think that's all she wants."

"I hope so, she can be a bit controlling at times," Sweetie Belle admitted. "It really irritates me."

"I get it, my old babysitter Flitter was like that too, even now," Rumble said. "She doesn't babysit me these days, but she still acts like an older sister to me."

"That's cute, it means she loves you and that babysitting you wasn't just a job to her," Sweetie Belle said.

"I don't think she ever got paid, she just wanted to babysit me," Rumble said. "I'm not surprised, Cloudchaser mentioned that she really wanted a little brother or sister."

"Wait, is Cloudchaser the older twin?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"I...actually I never asked," Rumble said. "But it's less about which one's older and more that they're still the same age. Flitter can't dote on Cloudchaser. Well she can but CC wouldn’t let her. So I was the little brother she doted on. She was so happy watching over me, I think that was payment enough for her."

"Money comes and goes, but loving someone is precious," Sweetie Belle said. "You're lucky Flitter loves you like that."

"Adn your sister loves you, even if it doesn't seem that way," Rumble said. "I just hope that I can make her trust me."

"Even if she doesn't, don't let her come between us," Sweetie Belle said.

"I don't want to, but I do want to respect your sister, she is older after all," Rumble said.

"I understand that, still, sometimes you gotta be assertive," Sweetie Belle said. "Don't let my sister push you around. You don't have to be mean about it, but don't be too nice either."

"I'll keep that in mind," Rumble said.

"If I may ask...why do you like me?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Uh...it's embarrassing to admit," Rumble said. "But...for starters. I like your smile."

"Hm? My smile?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Yeah, you're a happy girl, your smile is so contagious that it makes others happy, including me," Rumble said. "My goal is to be a main source of that happiness, so you can feel the warmth you've given me."

"Oh...wow," Sweetie Belle said, blushing a bit.

"You're also very kind, you make me want to do nice things for you," Rumble said. "I want to treat you well because you treat others well."

"Alright, I think I get it now, thanks Rumble," Sweetie Belle said.

"Huh? But there's so much more," Rumble said. "You've got a cute laugh, you have pretty eyes, you're very articulate, you have a sense of adventure, great sense of fashion too. I think I heard that you want to be a fashionista one day, I think you have what it takes to make it far, especially with that winning smile and personality, and-"

"Rumble!" Sweetie Belle shouted, covering her face with her hands. "Enough! Thank you for being kind but this is so embarrassing."

"Oh, sorry about that," Rumble said.

"It's fine, I feel the same way about you," Sweetie Belle said. "You're really nice and sweet, you have that toughness that makes me feel secure around you, but gentle enough to open your heart to me."

"Wow, now I'm feeling embarrassed," Rumble said.

"Rumble, you're the sweetest guy I know, I hope we can date for a long time," Sweetie Belle said. "I really want to see where we go in our relationship."

"Me too," Rumble said. "I know we've only been a couple for one day, but I think I feel really strongly for you."

"Well, we did know each other for a while now, so it's not like we're strangers who started dating," Sweetie Belle said. "That's why I feel so comfortable around you. We were already friends, now we're more than that."

"Yeah, we are," Rumble said.

The two leaned in to share a kiss with each other, both blushing afterwards, but happy that they had each other's presence. It wasn't long before they got their food, Mashed Potatoes for Sweetie Belle, and Parmesan Spaghetti for Rumble.

Nearby, Spike was nearly sobbing, "That's so cute. I gotta let Rarity know Rumble and Sweetie Belle are meant for each other."

In her house, Rarity had finally untied herself, then got a buzz on her phone. "It's Spike, I wonder..." Upon reading the text, Rarity furrowed her brow in frustration. "That is NOT what I wanted to hear, SPIKE!"

She began to angrily text the boy, freaking him out at the restaurant as he read her message in disbelief. "D-dang Rarity, I can't even imagine half of these words coming out of your mouth!"

After eating, Rumble and Sweetie Belle spent more of the day together, the two watching the Sunset by the pond in the park to end it off at.

"Thanks for today Rumble, I had fun," Sweetie Belle said. "Let's do this again really soon."

"Oh you got it," Rumble said. "And Sweetie Belle, thanks for giving me a chance. I know you can have any guy you want. I'm just glad it's me."

"Of course," Sweetie Belle said. "I'm just happy I have a reason to prove Rarity wrong too about why you like me."

"Uh...she thinks I just want to date you for shallow reasons, right?" Rumble asked.

"Kind of, she just doesn't think we're a match," Sweetie Belle said. "Plus she thinks you're just sexually attracted to me or something."

"Right...that," Rumble said, blushing a bit.

"Uh, Rumble, it's alright if you are," Sweetie Belle said. "You already complimented my butt, remember?"

"Right...I felt so weird doing that," Rumble said. "It just looked so cute."

"I appreciate that," Sweetie Belle said. "Wanna touch it?"

"HUH!?" Rumble freaked. "Sweetie Belle, it's too soon to do stuff like that."

"It's just a touch, I'm not asking you to get in bed with me," Sweetie Belle said. "I'm not ready for that either."

"Of course, I want to date you for a long time before I do that," Rumble said. "Still, I don't feel right touching your butt. I respect you as a person too much to do that."

"I appreciate that," Sweetie Belle said, wrapping her arms around Rumble. "Which is why I'm alright with you doing so. You don't have to if you really don't want to, but if you're curious, then go for it."

"...I am but..." Rumble said. "Sweetie Belle, just promise that if you start to feel uncomfortable, you'll tell me. You can even kick me in the groin."

"I'm not doing that to you," Sweetie Belle said. "So, do you want to or not?"

"I want to kiss you while I'm doing so, is that alright?" Rumble asked.

Sweetie Belle nodded her head. "Yes, that's fine. I trust you."

Rumble took Sweetie Belle in a kiss, maintaining it for a good long time before working the nerve to bring his hands down. Despite some hesitation, he did manage to rub her butt, if for a few seconds before awkwardly pulling away, breaking the kiss in the process.

"There, I did it," Rumble said. "Kind of liked how it felt to be honest. Um, how do you feel though?"

"It was much more embarrassing than I thought, but it felt normal," Sweetie Belle said.

"Hey...I really like you Sweetie Belle, I like you a lot," Rumble said.

"I like you too," Sweetie Belle said. "You and your cute butt."

Rumble's eyes widened in surprise, "Huh!?"

"Yeah, I felt the same about you, that's why I didn't get mad when you said that to me," Sweetie Belle said. "I'm not going to grope your butt though, not unless you give me permission, which doesn’t have to be now. I just wanted that out there."

"Heh, this is so weird," Rumble said.

"Well, we're teenager, we're a bit dirty minded," Sweetie Belle said. "But, I still care about you for you, just like you do for me. I want us to be comfortable with each other. We'll take it a step at a time, and I know today was a really big step. But I trusted you enough to take that step, and I hope you still trust me."

"Of course, I got to touch your butt, so I'm feeling very confident about things," Rumble said.

Sweetie Belle laughed out loud upon hearing that, "Wow, maybe you are a pervert. But so am I, so I won't judge, because you won't judge me."

"I'll just love you instead," Rumble said, getting a blush from Sweetie Belle.

"Geez, you make me feel so flustered," Sweetie Belle said.

"Sorry, I can't help it, you're just so darn cute," Rumble teased.

"Knock it off," Sweetie Belle playfully scolded. "Look, it's late, can you take me home?"

"Sure," Rumble said, talking her hand and leading her to her house. "Are we gonna tell Apple Bloom or Scootaloo about this?"

"Preferably not," Sweetie Belle said.

From nearby, Spike, who was still keeping tabs on them, looked on in disbelief. "Uh...should I tell Rarity or..."

"I don't know...should you?" Scootaloo asked, getting Spike's attention.

"Wh-where did you come from!?" Spike asked.

Apple Bloom, also present, was glaring at Spike, "We knew Rarity would send someone to keep an eye on Rumble and Sweetie Belle."

"So, we went to keep an eye on you," Scootaloo said.

"Wait...that means you two were the ones giving me that weird feeling all day!" Spike said.

"You're lucky we weren't looking to jump you, we had plenty of chances to do so," Scootaloo said, winding her shoulder. "But that might change soon."

"How did you even know I was following Rumble and Sweetie Belle around!?" Spike asked.

"It was by accident, we were actually tailing Rumble and Sweetie Belle to make sure their date went well," Apple Bloom said.

"Then we spotted you, Rarity's spy," Scootaloo said.

"I swear, it's not what you think," Spike said.

"Well here's the thing, Spike," Apple Bloom said, cracking her knuckles. "If you don't keep yer mouth shut, I'll make it bleed."

"Both of us will," Scootaloo warned.

"R-right, of course...I'm gonna go," Spike said, making a run for it.

"Think we can trust him?" Scootaloo asked.

"Time will tell," Apple Bloom said. "Fer now, Rumble and Sweetie Belle need us."

"Right...those adorable little perverts," Scootaloo said, taking another hit on the head. "Cut that shit out already!"

"Then stop being a dumbass, now let's go," Apple Bloom said, leading Scootaloo away.

Things seemed successful so far in the love life of Rumble and Sweetie Belle, but they still had Rarity as an obstacle, and that needed to be resolved. Rumble's biggest trial was gaining the respect of Rarity, and he would not stop until it was achieved.

School Hijinks

The romance between Rumble and Sweetie Belle had a very successful first day as far as dates go. Both lovers had gone home with a feeling of satisfaction.

Rumble could not wait to tell Thunderlane and his old babysitters about his first date, the four sitting together around the table.

"The arcade was fun, the restaurant was great and the stroll through the park was just perfect," Rumble said. "Sweetie Belle and I really hit it off today, it felt so natural for us."

"That's great bro, I'm happy for you," Thunderlane said, offering a thumbs up.

"I always knew you'd be perfect boyfriend material," Cloudchaser said. "All credit goes to myself and Flitter of course."

"Hey, I attributed too," Thunderlane said. "I taught Rumble all about how to properly woo ladies."

"And we told him to ignore you, since you pretty much suck at wooing," Cloudchaser said, offering a snarky grin to her friend.

Thunderlane furrowed his brow, "Geez, with friends like you, I don't even need enemies."

"It's all about making sure Rumble is set for the future," Cloudchaser said. "Sorry if me or Flitter need to be brutally honest from time to time."

"Wow, what a genuine sounding apology," Thunderlane sarcastically lamented.

"Hey accept it or don't, it doesn't mean much to us," Cloudchaser said.

"Hey, ease up sis, we want to be stern, not mean," Flitter scolded.

"Yeah, you're right, sorry Thunder," Cloudchaser said.

"It's fine," Thunderlane said. "Let's focus on Rumble, this was a big day for him after all."

"I'm gonna have more soon, and I'm super excited," Rumble said. "I can't wait to do more with Sweetie Belle. I just hope I can keep being a good boyfriend to her."

"Treat her well, and you have absolutely nothing to worry about," Flitter said.

"And remember, if you and Sweetie Belle ever want to...you know...get closer," Thunderlane awkwardly said. "Just make sure you're well guarded for that."

"Uh...right, of course," Rumble awkwardly agreed.

"Let's not rush that, they just started dating after all," Cloudchaser said. "But seriously, Rumble, if you get lucky, just remember to be lucky responsibly."

"Ugh, no more talk of this, Rumble's too young for that anyway," Flitter said.

"Tch, yeah, sure he is," Cloudchaser teased.

"Hey, I plan to take it slow," Rumble said. "Right now, I just want to be the best boyfriend possible for Sweetie Belle."

"You'll be fine," Thunderlane said.

"Yeah, I bet you make her as happy as she makes you, and is right now thinking about your next date," Flitter said.

"Yeah, our next date," Rumble said, thinking about that coming day.

Meanwhile in her house, Sweetie Belle unfortunately did not have this luck of supportive siblings when talking to Rarity.

"What exactly happened on that date!?" Rarity asked. "Did he flirt with you? Did he get frisky? I bet he got frisky. Probably mentally undressing you the whole time. That boy only wants one thing, I just know it."

"Ugh, will you give it a rest!?" Sweetie Belle shouted. "Nothing weird happened on the date! We played games, we ate, we went to the park, and we kissed, that's all!"

"Ugh, kissing, why?" Rarity whined. "You're too young for that!"

"Rarity, it's kissing, it's not like I'm sleeping with him," Sweetie Belle said, nearly causing Rarity to faint.

"Where could you have learned such a dirty mindset?" Rarity dreadfully asked.

"Ugh, this is stupid," Sweetie Belle said. "Rarity, I appreciate that you're looking out for me, but Rumble was nothing but nice during our date. You have nothing to worry about!"

"Well if I have nothing to worry about, then you won't mind if I have a word with Rumble, do you?" Rarity asked.

"Yes, please, do so," Sweetie Belle said. "See for yourself that he's a total sweetheart."

"I will see for myself that he is in fact not a sweetheart, and when the time comes, BOOM! I will expose that little runt!" Rarity said.

"You're so full of shit," Sweetie Belle said.

"Watch that mouth of yours!" Rarity scolded.

"Yeah whatever, can I go now?" Sweetie Belle asked. "I don't know why you're freaking out anyway? I bet mom and dad are fine with this."

"Did you tell them?" Rarity asked.

"No, I'm waiting for them to come back from dad's coaching trip," Sweetie Belle said. "But if dad were here, he'd just tell me to be careful with boys but he trusts my judgement."

"Daddy's just too soft sometimes," Rarity said.

"More like he's confident in how he raised us and knows his daughters are smart, hence why he and mom give us so much liberty!" Sweetie Belle said.

"Just wait until he actually sees you dating, see if that confidence lasts," Rarity said.

"Wow...you're just so...honestly, I'm done," Sweetie Belle marched off.

"Don't you walk away from me, young lady!" Rarity said.

"You're not mom, Rarity!" Sweetie Belle shouted as she stormed off.

"Kids these days..." Rarity lamented. "I should contact Twilight and the others, see who's willing to help keep an eye on Sweetie Belle, and that devious little Rumble too."

The following was school, all the kids had returned from their weekend, not too eager to resume school, but at the very least, found enjoyment from hanging out with friends.

Rumble had looked around for his girlfriend in the hallway, finding the girl near her locker. "Sweetie Belle!"

"Huh?" Sweetie Belle turned to see her oncoming boyfriend. "Rumble!"

Rumble greeted her with a kiss, "Hey, how's it going?"

"Eh, same old," Sweetie Belle said.

"How did your sister react to our date?" Rumble asked.

"About as well as you think, I imagine Thunderlane was cool about it?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Super cool," Rumble said. "He gave me some tips, which Flitter and Cloudchaser suggested that I ignore."

"Aw, I bet they weren't so bad," Sweetie Belle said. "But you just go with what seems right to you, I trust your judgement."

"I'm glad," Rumble said, rubbing his nose against hers. "Let’s hang out later."

"Totally," Sweetie Belle said. "After school we can-"

"Ahem!" Rarity said, getting their attention. The older woman was tapping her foot, looking very unsatisfied by the sight before her. "These are school hours, save that type of mingling for another time, preferably never."

"Come on, Rarity!" Sweetie Belle said.

"Now, now, your sister just wants what's best for you, we can talk later," Rumble said.

"...Fine," Sweetie Belle said, making her leave. "I'll see you in class Rumble!"

"See you then," Rumble said, turning around and finding himself face to face with Rarity. "Uh, sup?"

"Listen here, young man," Rarity said, getting in Rumble's face and slightly terrifying the boy. "My little Sweetie Belle has a fine set of school years ahead of her that will venture out into a find adulthood. I do not want you running it with your...your…male hormones!"

"Rarity, with all due respect, I don't think you're giving me or Sweetie Belle enough credit here," Rumble said. "I treat Sweetie Belle with the respect she deserves. I'd like to think I can earn your respect too, if you give me a chance."

"Are you feeling that confident in yourself?" Rarity asked.

"Well, yeah, I am," Rumble said. "I swear I like your sister for being more than just some pretty face. She's a really nice girl, you're clearly a great influence on her."

"Oh no, do not try to butter me up," Rarity said. "I've seen this trick before and it will not work on me."

"What can I do to prove myself then?" Rumble asked. "And don't ask me to break up with her, that's the one thing I refuse to do."

"Well, if you're that confident in yourself, then you wouldn't mind if I sit on your next date, would you?" Rarity asked.

"Uh, sure, I guess," Rumble said.

"Good answer," Rarity said, turning around. "Remember, I will have my eye on you."

Rumble scratched his head in confusion as Rarity walked away. "Man, she's a little scary sometimes."

Suddenly Rainbow Dash appeared beside him, resting her arm on his shoulder, "She is, isn't she?"

"Huh? Where'd you come from?" Rumble asked.

"I just saw Rarity giving you a nice chat," Rainbow Dash said. "Let me guess, she's still peeved about you dating Sweetie Belle?"

"Yeah, and it really bothers me," Rumble said. "I really like Sweetie Belle, and I know I can be a good boyfriend for her. So why doesn't Rarity trust me to date her sister?"

"Rarity's just protective, some siblings are like that, usually when it comes to girls," Rainbow Dash said. "An older brother is very protective his little sister, and a big sister is usually cautious when it comes to her little brother, but sometimes that can go to a little sister too."

"I guess, Flitter's a bit protective, but even she wouldn't act this way toward Sweetie Belle," Rumble said, the boy looking dejected. "It just really bothers me."

"Oh stop worrying so much," Rainbow Dash insisted. "Just tell me this, do you like Sweetie Belle?"

"Yeah, I do, a lot," Rumble said. "I really like Sweetie Belle. It has nothing to do with her looks or her body either. Don't get me wrong, she's very pretty, but it has more to do than just her looks. She has a kind and generous personality, and she's always there for others, especially her friends. Her name literally fits her personality. Sweet like sugar, and she's a Belle, a true beauty. That's really how I feel about her."

Rainbow Dash raised her eyebrow in confusion, "Dang kid, you didn't need to get all sappy on me."

"Uh, sorry, I couldn't help it," Rumble said, the boy's face turning red from the awkwardness.

"Eh, it's fine," Rainbow Dash said. "I guess it's nice that you feel this strongly. Any girl would be happy to have a guy who loves them this much. I know that if a guy felt this way about me, he'd be a keeper. Of course I have yet to meet a guy man enough for me but the future is unknown."

"My brother's single," Rumble said.

"Uh...right," Rainbow Dash said, the girl feeling a bit awkward. "I like Thunderlane, but we don't really match too well. He needs a girl more his personality."

"Sure, I guess if you say so," Rumble said.

"Look, focus on you right now," Rainbow Dash said.

"Right, of course," Rumble still seemed worried. "What do I do about Rarity?"

"Be mindful of her feelings, but don't let her walk all over you," Rainbow Dash said, then playfully rubbed Rumble's head. "You got this, dude."

"Thanks Dash," Rumble said, then heard the bell ring. "Crap, we're gonna be late!"

"Catch you later!" Rainbow Dash said, speeding to her class.

"Wow she's fast! She's super human!" Rumble said, then immediately bolted to his own class.

The school day went on, Miss Cheerilee doing her usual lesson.

Apple Bloom paid attention as per normal, Scootaloo looked like she'd rather be anywhere else, Button Mash was secretly playing a game, Tender Taps was tapping his fingers while doodling a picture of Twilight, Dinky was asleep on her desk, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were gossiping in the back, Noi was admiring the flowers outside, Carrot Crunch was trying to understand what was being taught and Lily Longsocks just sat there in quiet.

Rumble and Sweetie Belle were sitting next to each other, secretly passing notes to one another while pretending to take actual notes.

"So if we take the square root and divide that result by three, what answer will we get?" Cheerilee asked, seeing only student raising her hand. "Apple Bloom?"

"The answer is twenty-four!" Apple Bloom said.

"Correct, thank you for paying attention Apple Bloom, if only your CLASSMATES," this startled everyone into focusing. "Would do the same. I would like for someone other than Apple Bloom to answer the next question, at this point she's earned enough class participation credits to last her the next three years."

"It's nothing really," Apple Bloom said. "Ah just want to be good at math, mah family does run a farm."

"Yes, mathematics is important when running a farm, especially when managing finances, something your brother excels at quite excellently in fact," Cheerilee said.

"You mean your boyfriend?" Diamond Tiara teased.

"Watch it young lady, unless you want to clean erasers after class today!" Cheerilee warned. "Now can anyone else try the next question? How about you, Scootaloo?"

"Come on! I wasn't even raising my hand!" Scootaloo complained.

While the two had a back and forth, Rumble quickly passed Sweetie Belle a note, the girl taking a moment to read it, giggling to herself afterwards.

This however caught Cheerilee's attention, "Is there something funny you want to share with the class, Sweetie Belle?"

Sweetie Belle froze, nervously looking up at the disappointed Cheerilee, "Uh..."

"Hand it over," Cheerilee said, taking the note from Sweetie Belle. While nervous that Cheerilee would read the note out loud, she was relieved when the teacher simply placed it away in her pocket. "Sweetie Belle, you know better than you engage in this type of behavior in class. I am very disappointed in you."

"Sorry Miss Cheerilee," Sweetie Belle said.

Acting quickly, Rumble came to his girlfriend's aid, "It's my fault Miss Cheerilee. The notes were my idea. If you're going to be at someone, be mad at me."

"I don't want to be mad at either of you, I just want you to behave," Cheerilee said. "I commend you for speaking up and taking responsibility for your actions, but you know these actions have consequences."

"Yes, I know," Rumble said. "I'll take full responsibility."

Cheerilee could tell that Rumble was sincere in what he said, and she did find it admirable that he wanted to take blame off of Sweetie Belle. "I will let you off with a warning, just this once. If you do this again, then it's detention for both of you."

"Yes ma'am!" Rumble and Sweetie Belle said.

"You can have your note back after class, for now it's learning time," Cheerilee said. "Now, who was I calling on to answer the question?"

"Scootaloo, ma'am," Diamond Tiara said, much to the girl's annoyance.

"Yes, Scootaloo's next," Cheerilee said. Scootaloo glared at Diamond Tiara, the girl sticking her tongue out. "And then Diamond Tiara can answer the one after that."

"Who me!?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"I'll be sure to remind you, Miss Cheerilee," Scootaloo said, grinning at the rich girl.

"Oooh," Diamond Tiara growled.

Next came gym class, run by Fleetfoot of the Wonderbolts Track Team. They were all currently participating on an outdoor field.

"Alright, today we're going to play some dodgeball!" Fleetfoot said.

"I'm sorry, we're what!?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"Sweet, I call the opposite of Diamond Tiara's team!" Scootaloo said.

"Alright, you two can be team captains then," Fleetfoot said.

"...Son of a..." Diamond Tiara lamented.

"Pick your members," Fleetfoot said.

"Sweet, I pick Apple Bloom!" Scootaloo said.

"Hell yeah!" Apple Bloom said, high fiving Scootlaoo.

"Ooooh, fine, I pick Lily Longsocks!" Diamond Tiara said.

"Who me!?" Lily asked.

"Yes you!" Diamond Tiara demanded, the nervous girl making her way over.

"I pick Sweetie Belle," Scootaloo said, bringing the girl over.

"Picking best friends are we? Fine, I pick Silver Spoon!" Diamond Tiara said, her friend coming over.

"Next...Rumble," Scootaloo said.

Diamond Tiara groaned in annoyance. "Dang it, I should have picked him, he's an athlete!" She looked around again, "Uh...I pick Carrot Crunch." "Perfect, he can be a shield, his teeth are already bad enough, not like they can get worse."

"I pick Dinky Doo!" Scootaloo said.

"Sweet!" Dinky said, heading over to her side.

"Uh...Tender Taps!" Diamond Tiara said.

"Wow, me?" Tender Taps asked.

"Yeah, you're fast on your feet!" Diamond Tiara said.

Tender Taps did a quick tap dance routine, "She's not wrong."

"Alright, last two," Fleetfoot said, gesturing to Button Mash and Noi, the latter kneeling over to observe a flower.

"No way I'm getting picked last compared to this flower lover," Button Mash said. "I am totally-"

"I pick Noi," Scootaloo said.

"Hm?" Noi looked up. "Okay."

She merrily skipped over, leaving Button Mash dumbfounded.

"Are you freaking kidding me!?" Button Mash asked in disbelief.

"Ugh, I guess I pick Button Mash then," Diamond Tiara said.

"Wow, I feel soooo honored!" Button Mash sarcastically commented.

"Just get your ass over here," Diamond Tiara demanded as Button Mash marched over.

"Let's try to use some friendlier language here," Fleetfoot scolded as some assistants placed the six dodge balls in the middle of the ground.

In the meantime, at a nearby track, Twilight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer and their friends were running along with Thunderlane and the twins before taking note of the dodgeball game.

"Whoa, check out Rumble," Cloudchaser said.

"Is that my sister? Playing dodgeball!?" Rarity asked in disbelief. "What moron thought that was a good idea!?"

"I hope things turn out alright," Twilight said.

"They'll be fine...looks like it's a team led by Rumble against a team led by Diamond Tiara," Sunset said.

"Pfft, Rumble's Team so has this," Rainbow Dash said.

"Well with mah sister on the team, yeah they certainly do," Applejack said.

Nearby Spike, who was nearly out of breath, took note of the situation, "Uh...why did you stop running?"

"Free dodgeball game, come join us," Pinkie Pie said.

"Wait, should we be stopping? What if Coach Spitfire sees us?" Flutterhy asked.

"It's cool, she's a pal of mine, she'll give us some leniency," Rainbow Dash said.

Fleetfoot was about to begin the game. "Alright, ready and..." Both teams got ready to move, focused entirely on the balls before them. With that, Fleetfoot blew her whistle. "GO!"

Everyone rushed to grab a ball, three on one side, three on the other. Rumble, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle each had a ball on one side while Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon and Button Mash had one on the other.

Rumble had to figure out who to hit and fast, "Button Mash? No, too easy. I need to take out a good player. Besides he has a ball, even he might get lucky."

Tender Taps just maneuvered around, keeping an eye on everyone, "Stay with the rhythm, stay with the rhythm."

"Take this!" Scootaloo tried hitting Tender Taps with a ball, but he did a sidestep and avoided it.

"So close!" Tender Taps taunted, picking up the dodgeball. "Now it's my turn."

Rumble still looked around, using his ball to shield oncoming throws, giving his teammates more of an advantage. "Now's my chance!""

He threw a ball at Diamond Tiara, the girl pulling Carrot Crunch in front of her to take the hit to the stomach. "Hey watch where you're throwing!"

"Carrot Crunch, you're out!" Fleetfoot said as the boy stumbled off the field while holding his stomach. "Also, please don't use your teammates as a shield against their will, that's rude!"

"At least it wasn't his face," Diamond Tiara said.

"One down," Rumble said, picking up a nearby ball. "Who's next?"

"Got you now!" Scootaloo threw a ball, this one hitting Silver Spoon in the sides.

"Silver Spoon, you're out," Fleetfoot said.

"Dang it!" Silver Spoon said, stomping off.

Dinky threw one at Tender Taps, but he again dodged by leaping over the ball. "Almost!"

"Ugh, hold still!" Dinky was about to throw again with another ball, but Diamond Tiara got a cheap shot to her leg.

"You're out Dinky," Fleetfoot said.

"Aw, sorry guys," Dinky said as she left.

"It's fine, we're still willing," Scootaloo said. "Now, who's-"

"Take this!" Tender Taps threw a ball at her stomach.

"Scootaloo's out," Fleetfoot said.

"Yes! I got one!" Tender Taps cheered, then reeled back from Scootaloo's glare.

"You know, it would suck if your leg got broken before your next performance," Scootaloo threatened with a cold glare.

Tender Taps nervously gulped at the tone of Scootaloo's voice. "Uh..."

"Hey, come on Scootaloo, be a better sport," Fleetfoot scolded as Scootaloo left the field. "Alright, keep going!"

While everyone was playing, Noi was admiring a flower, much to Rumble's confusion.

"That girl really loves her plants," He focused on who was left. "Still four, I should go for Tender Taps since he's their best guy right now."

Rumble tried throwing the ball at the dancer, but he swiftly dodged, "Nice try, Rumble!"

"Dang your good," Rumble said.

Rainbow Dash seemed impressed, "Great showing so far."

"Tender Taps is doing pretty dang amazing," Applejack said.

"Sure is," Twilight said, calling to the boy. "Tender Taps! Way to go!"

Tender Taps's ear twitched as he turned to his crush, "Tw-tw-twilight!?"

"Great work!" Twilight called, offering a peace sign.

"Uh...thanks! I won't let you-" Tender Taps took a hit, courtesy of Apple Bloom.

"Got him!" the farmer girl cheered, fist bumping Rumble.

"Tender Taps!" Twilight called, unaware of Sunset's smug grin.

"I'm fine!" Tender Taps insisted.

Fleetfoot turned around, "Shouldn't you all be running!?"

"Taking a break!" Rainbow Dash called.

Fleetfoot shrugged it off, "Whatever, if Spitfire freaks out it's on you."

"Crap...crap," Button Mash wasn't sure what to do, as the numbers dwindled, he was much more vulnerable.

Sweetie Belle threw the ball next, this one nearly hitting Button Mash, though the boy was quick to duck. Upon standing up, he realized he was still in. "My turn!" He rushed to grab a ball and frantically threw it to the other side.

Instead of hitting a player however, the ball crushed a flower that Noi was looking at, the girl looking distraught.

"Dang I missed," Button Mash, threw the ball again. "This time-"

Noi caught the ball in one hand, glaring right at Button Mash as she flung it full speed at the gamer boy, knocking him out of the field, taking everyone by surprise.

"Uh...Button Mash is out," Fleetfoot said.

"Crap!" Diamond turned to Lily and presented her with some dodgeballs. "Unleashed that inner demon!"

"Uh...okay," Lily threw the ball, this one hard enough to hit Apple Bloom in the shoulder, nearly knocking her over.

"Apple Bloom's out," Fleetfoot said.

"Awesome, do it again!" Diamond Tiara said.

Lily thew another, hitting Noi and skidding her back.

"Noi is out," Fleetfoot said.

"Not so tough now, are you flower girl!?" Diamond Tiara taunted, patting Lily's back. "Now keep going!"

While nervous in deciding, Lily looked between Rumble and Sweetie Belle, unsure who to hit first. Taking a chance, she wound up the ball really tight and threw it, the ball going straight to the young fashion lover.

"No!" Rumble called.

"GAH!" Sweetie Belle braced for impact, but nothing happened. She heard a hit, but it wasn't her. She looked up to see that Rumble had taken the hit for her, the force of the impact knocking him to the ground, leaving him dazed and confused. "Rumble!?"

"Whoa"! Fleetfoot went to check on the boy alongside the rest of his team. Thunderlane, Flitter and Cloudchaser went to check on him too, along with Twilight and her friends, seeing that not only did he have a black eye and some swelling, but he was bleeding from his mouth, having accidentally bitten his lip. "Looks like you need a nurse."

"Whoa, you feeling okay, bro?" Thunderlane asked, holding up a pair of fingers. "Quick, how many fingers am I holding up?"

"Rectangle," Rumble replied.

"Okay, Rumble, that's a shape," Scootaloo said. "Dang though, your face got fucked up pretty badly."

"Scootaloo!" Twilight scolded. "You could have worded that better!"

Lily had also gotten a look at Rumble, remorse filling her being, "I'm so sorry Rumble! I didn't mean to hurt you."

"It's fine...it's just a scratch," a woozy Rumble insisted as Thunderlane helped him up.

"It's fine kid, accidents happen," Thunderlane reassured Lily. "My brother's tough, he'll be fine."

"Hey, seriously! What about me!?" Button Mash shouted.

"What about you!? Loser!" Scootaloo said.

"Scootaloo!" Twilight scolded.

"Geez, some of these kids and how freely they talk," Fleetfoot said. "Where the hell could they have learned something like that?"

Twilight glared at Fleetfoot for her comment, "Total mystery."

"Rumble!" Sweetie Belle said, checking his face.

"Hey Sweetie Belle, why so sad? It's just a bruise," Rumble reassured, still dazed. "At least it didn't affect your pretty face."

"Heh, even dazed my little brother is into you," Thunderlane said, assisting Rumble. "I'll take him to see Nurse Redheart."

"Wait, who wins?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"No one, I'm calling it," Fleetfoot said.

"Bogus, I still had two members left!" Diamond Tiara said. "Technically speaking, my team won!"

"Ugh, fine, your team wins," Scootaloo said. "Stop whining already."

Diamond Tiara pouted as Rumble was led away by Thunderlane and Fleetfoot.

Seeing Rumble having taken that hit for Sweetie Belle did make Rarity wonder about the boy, mixed feelings running through her mind.

"Well, pretty chivalrous of him to take that hit, wouldn't you say?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"I suppose so, then again he could have been showing off too, so there's that," Rarity said.

"Seriously? He did something nice for me, just admit that he's a good boyfriend," Sweetie Belle said.

"I will reserve my judgement when the time comes, for now I will give him the benefit of the doubt," Rarity said.

Sweetie Belle shrugged it off, "I suppose it's better than nothing. I'm gonna go check on him."

As she walked off, Rainbow Dash took the moment to talk to Rarity, "Just so you know, he really does like her. He said some pretty sappy stuff about her, enough to make me gag."

"I'll keep that in mind," Rarity said as she left.

Twilight felt confident that Rarity would change her mind, meanwhile she wanted to check on Tender Taps, ensure the boy was alright, "Hey, sorry I distracted you."

"Huh!?" Tender Taps saw that Twilight was close to him, the boy steaming from her presence. "Uh...yeah, totally. It's fine, you could never distract me, not in a bad way at least."

"Good grief..." Sunset lamented.

Lily was being consoled by Pinkie Pie, feeling a little better after the older girl told a joke, just as Fluttershy was checking on Button Mash, the boy grateful for her Kindness while Applejack showed Noi some prettier flowers to maintain her positive mood. Things were a little better in the aftermath.

Outside the nurse's office, Sweetie Belle was waiting just as Rumble stepped out. The boy had an ice pack to calm the swelling, but seeing his girlfriend was enough to make the pain die down.

"Hey, I'm back Sweetie Belle," Rumble greeted.

"Hello Rumble," Sweetie Belle embraced Rumble, locking him into a kiss. "My hero."

"Heh, just call me your Brave, Chivalrous Knight," Rumble joked, then locked into another kiss with Sweetie Belle, the two enjoying their bond with one another.

It was another hectic day, but another chance for Rumble to prove his love for Sweetie Belle. One more test laid ahead for him, one Rumble was determined to get through as perfectly as possible.

Love Triumphs

Over the next few days at Canterlot High, things have gotten interesting as talk began to circulate the school.

Rumble's heroic action at the dodgeball game became a subject of gossip among the students, which also brought to light the fact that Rumble was indeed dating Sweetie Belle. Jealousy did arise from both ends due to this type of talk however.

Many of the boys in school were jealous that Rumble got to Sweetie Belle before any of them, of course some weren't too surprised. Rumble has always been the athletic type, something naturally attractive for a girl. Though due to his loner status, many still couldn't fully believe his luck.

Conversely, there were plenty of girls jealous that Sweetie Belle got to Rumble as well. They knew that Sweetie Belle was pretty and had the looks and the angelic voice, but they didn't think she'd get that lucky to be with Rumble.

The gossip spread throughout the school even to the older grades, some that Rarity was unfortunate in having to hear. The girl could only grit her teeth in frustration at having to constantly hear about her sister’s love life being the talk of the school.

Class had just ended and it was lunch time, Rarity and her friends were on their way to the cafeteria.

"It has been three days," Rarity lamented. "And all I hear is talk about Rumble dating my sister! Bad enough I hear about it at home, what with her gushing and all that. Now I have to hear about it in school all of the time."

"Kind of surprised at how popular it is mahself," Applejack said. "Guess kids just love some good gossip."

"It also helps that Rumble was a total hero the other day," Rainbow Dash said. "He took a dodgeball to the face to protect Sweetie Belle. Given the damage, I'd say Rumble made a really good call."

"Oh yeah, Lily felt so terrible about that," Pinkie Pie said. "She sent Rumble some flowers though, and I think he forgave her."

"Of course he did, he's a nice boy," Applejack said. "One who is clearly a good match fer Sweetie Belle."

Rarity emitted a large and dramatic gasp upon hearing those words exiting her friend's mouth, "Applejack! How could you!?"

Applejack scratched her head in confusion, "How could I, what?"

"Saying that Rumble is a good match for my sister when you know how I feel about her dating!" Rarity said. "You broke my heart!"

"Rarity, he took a dodgeball to the face fer her," Applejack said. "One thrown by Lily Longsocks, and that girl's got natural strength!"

"She's even stronger than Big Macintosh," Pinkie Pie said.

Applejack raised her eyebrow at her hyper friend, "Don't go talking crazy now. Lily's strong but if Big Mac threw a ball with that same velocity, Rumble's skull would be fractured."

"I don't suppose Big Mac would be willing to do so?" Rarity asked.

"...That ain't funny, Rarity," Applejack replied. "Right now you just sound petty. Rumble hasn't done anything to justify yer dislike fer him, but he should have proved just how much he cares about Sweetie Belle."

Rarity grumbled in annoyance, "I just have a hard time trusting that boy. I barely know him, the only thing I've seen out of him is that same jock attitude his brother likes spewing."

"Thunderlane ain't even that bad himself!" Applejack said. "He's way more humble than Rainbow Dash at least."

"Hey!" Rainbow Dash protested.

"Rarity, might I suggest just trying to get to know Rumble?" Twilight asked. "From my personal experience, he's a very kind and well mannered boy."

"Lots of boys seem that way, until you really get to know them," Rarity pointed out. "You never know who you can really trust."

"Oh let me guess, yer still mad about Blueblood, aren't ya?" Applejack asked, earning a glare from Rarity, signifying her answer. "You still feel like he cheated ya out of a good date. Hate to break it to ya Rares, but part of what happened was yer fault too."

"My fault!?" Rarity asked.

"You made it very clear you only liked him because his family was rich, ah bet you didn't even like Blueblood fer who he was," Applejack said. "Do you think that he maybe caught on to that?"

"How could you even suggest something like that?" Rarity asked. "When a man takes a woman on a date, the man must act like a perfect gentleman, it's only common sense."

"Rarity, I do agree that a man should be as polite as possible to a woman on a date, and yes he should be willing to do the basics like opening the door or pulling out your chair," Twilight said. "And I will admit that he was a bit petty that night, but you did bring it on yourself for placing such high expectations."

"His family's rich and he dresses fancy, what was I supposed to expect?" Rarity asked.

"Twilight, you know Blueblood personally, don't you?" Rainbow Dash asked. "What's he like?"

"I actually don't know him that well, he mostly talks to my brother," Twilight said. "He is a bit full of himself but he is pretty nice when he wants to be. He's also not that refined, he's actually very laid back."

"So Rarity judged a book by its cover," Applejack said. "Twice now."

“Don’t’ forget that other time with that Crystal Prep girl,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Such an unpleasant girl, I feel sorry for her friend,” Fluttershy said.

"Well I’m afraid you’ve each got it all wrong. I'm not judging Rumble by his appearance, if I did, I wouldn't fall for the nice guy act," Rarity said.

"But he's genuinely nice," Twilight said, then turned to her athletic friend. "Rainbow Dash, you know him pretty well, don't you?"

"I've seen him practicing a lot, I'd say his biggest weakness is that he tries too hard to prove himself and he really hates the Cutie Mark concept," Rainbow Dash said. "More than anything, he doesn't want to just blend in, he wants to stand out."

"Not too unlike our sisters," Applejack said. "So that's at least something Rumble and Sweetie Belle have in common."

"You just need to be more open to Sweetie Belle dating," Pinkie said. "She's already showing interest in boys, better someone we know we can trust."

"But that's the problem Pinkie Pie, I don't know if I can trust him, or any boy," Rarity said.

"Then do what Twilight suggested and get to know the little fellow," Applejack said. "Can't hurt to try."

"That or see if Sweetie Belle would be interested in dating a girl," Sunset teased, earning some curious glares.

"She's not, I asked," Rarity confirmed.

"You did?" Pinkie asked. "Well good to have that covered then."

"Did she show any signs?" Sunset asked.

"I saw her getting kind of close with Scootaloo once but she said she was just comforting her," Rarity said. "I could have sworn Scootaloo had other ideas though."

"Let's not gossip about something like that," Twilight said. "Rarity, just at least try to understand Rumble as a person."

Rarity grumbled in annoyance but figured she didn't have any other choice at the moment other than to agree, "Alright fine, I'll figure something out."

After school that day, Rumble went to meet with the Crusaders, Scootaloo being the first to greet him.

"Hey there hero, how's your face?" Scootaloo asked.

"I'm fine, Scoots," Rumble said. "I don't feel any pain, at least not any longer."

"Ah still can't believe you took such a big hit to the face," Apple Bloom said. "Yer one tough boy to endure something like that."

"Anything for Sweetie Belle," Rumble said, kissing his girlfriend on the cheek.

"Aw, you're such a sweetheart," Sweetie Belle said, nuzzling next to Rumble.

"Anything for you," Rumble said, holding the girl close. "So anyway, you girls got anything cool planned?"

"We got tons planned," Scootaloo said. "We're going to do a bunch of crazy stunts to earn our marks! And finally be immortalized by society!"

"Uh, wow...okay," Rumble said. "Any chance you can do something that won't potentially injure my girlfriend?" Who I love? A lot?"

"Oh she's cool with it, right Sweetie Belle?" Scootaloo asked.

"Absolutely not!" Sweetie Belle said.

"Wuss," Scootaloo taunted.

Sweetie Belle's eyes widened in annoyance, "And just who do you think you're calling a wuss, Scootaloo!?"

"If I may ask," Rumble said. "Why are you so concerned about your marks? No disrespect, I understand that a lot of kids around our age want them but, why you? Is it genuine desire or just social pressure?"

"Call it country pride," Apple Bloom said. "It's our way of feeling close to the land where we were born, our ancestors who paved the way and our family whom we all love."

"Wow...that answer was..." Rumble wasn't sure how to word it.

"Corny as hell? Yeah, we know," Scootaloo said, then took a punch to the arm from the farmer girl. "Not funny!"

"Neither are you!" Apple Bloom said.

"Come on, don't fight," Rumble said. "I hate seeing you girls argue."

"Oh let them, good to get it out of their system," Sweetie Belle said. "Annoying as it can be."

"Look, I do admire how passionate Apple Bloom is at least, and so long as this is her genuine desire, then I think it's great," Rumble said.

"See, Rumble likes it," Apple Bloom said.

"Still, are you going about this the right way?" Rumble asked. "It seems like you just want to do something for the sake of it. If you're going to get your marks, why don't you just do what makes you happy."

"Don't you think we tried that?" Scootaloo asked. "I've done so many awesome stunts on my scooter! No one gave me a mark for it."

"Ah thought mine could be about farming apples, like mah brother, sister and granny have," Apple Bloom said. "Then again, Babs did get one for cutting hair, so I guess not everything is apple farming related in mah family."

"I've tried making clothes like my sister, granted that's a hobby since I'm kind of terrible at it," Sweetie Belle said.

"Oh I bet you're not terrible," Rumble said. “You just need more confidence in your skills.”

"I am terrible though, I tried crochet once, it was horrendous," Sweetie Belle said. "My sister told me it looked cute, but she was just being nice."

"Or maybe she was being honest," Rumble said. "If you made something for me, I would wear it every day. Well except days where it's dirty or have to wash it, but still."

"Rumble, you're sweet but you don't need to do that for me," Sweetie Belle said. "You don't need to try so hard to be my boyfriend, just be yourself."

"But I want to try hard, I'm naturally competitive," Rumble said. "Plus, I enjoy making you happy, you have a cute smile that I can't get enough of."

Sweetie Belle turned her head away in shyness, "That's really nice of you to say."

"Wow, corny," Scootaloo said.

"Stop saying that!" Apple Bloom scolded.

"Still, you don't need to do any grand gestures for me," Sweetie Belle said.

"Hey, if he wants to wear a scarf of yours, let him," Scootaloo said. "In fact, I dare him to wear one."

"Can you not say 'dare' like it's the worst thing in the world to do!?" Sweetie Belle angrily scolded.

"I wouldn't mind a Hearth's Warming gift like that," Rumble said, earning a confused reaction from his girlfriend.

"Alright, I'll make you one," Sweetie Belle said. "It's gonna suck though.

"I just care that you made it," Rumble said, earning a blush from Sweetie Belle.

"You're too cute sometimes," Sweetie Belle said, smiling to herself.

"But there you have it Rumble, we tried doing things we like," Apple Bloom said. "It doesn't always work."

"Still, if you're trying too hard to get it, then it feels less amazing and more...uninspired," Rumble said. "Do you want your mark to be just anything? Just let it come naturally. It'll happen sooner or later. I bet none of your sisters of their friends tried too hard."

"Because they're awesome," Scootaloo said.

"So are you girls," Rumble said. "Look, if you want to do fun stuff, I won't stop you. Just make sure you're actually enjoying yourself. The marks will come naturally."

"Yeah, ah suppose yer right," Apple Bloom said. "They're just marks, not like they define us."

"Exactly," Sweetie Belle said. "If our marks aren't even part of our favorite hobbies, then why bother?"

"Speaking of hobbies, you told Rumble one hobby, making clothes," Scootaloo said. "What about your other favorite hobby?"

"My other favorite?" Sweetie Belle asked, her face turning red. "Uh...I don't think I can."

"Of course, tell him," Scootaloo said. "Better yet, give him an example."

"What's going on?" Rumble asked.

"I...I can't say or do anything, it's too embarrassing," Sweetie Belle said, the girl frantically turning away.

"You know I'm not gong to laugh, don't you?" Rumble asked.

"I know but...it's still too embarrassing to do in public," Sweetie Belle said.

"Do what?" Rumble asked.

"She likes to sing," Scootaloo said.

"Scootaloo!" Sweetie Belle shouted, kicking her friend in back of her leg.

"Ow! Not funny!" Scootaloo shouted, rubbing her sore spot.

"You like to sing?" Rumble asked.

Sweetie Belle awkwardly looked down, "Sometimes..."

"She's really great, she's got the voice of an angel," Apple Bloom said. "You should show him, Sweetie Belle."

"No! I can't!" Sweetie Belle asked. "It's so embarrassing."

"If ya want privacy, we can go somewhere private," Apple Bloom said.

"Hey, it's alright," Rumble said. "If she's too embarrassed, she doesn't have to."

"You sure? It's a great voice," Apple Bloom said.

"She can show me at her own pace," Rumble said. "For now, it's alright."

"Thanks Rumble," Sweetie Belle said, kissing his cheek.

"So boring," Scootaloo said. "Come on, let's go do some fun stuff."

"I'll join you," Rumble said. However, just as he was about to go, he heard someone call him name,

"Rumble dear, a word?" It was Rarity, Rumble turning to face the older sister of his girlfriend.

"Uh...now?" Rumble asked.

"Yes, now," Rarity said, the woman crossing her arms. "Don't keep me waiting."

"He can't talk now Rarity, he's going with us to do something," Sweetie Belle said.

"It's fine, I can talk to her if she really needs to," Rumble said. "Plus I really don't want to risk ticking her off."

"You better not be up to something, Rarity!" Sweetie Belle warned.

"You'll see him later, right now he's talking to me," Rarity said.

"Let's go Sweetie Belle, before she really loses her cool," Scootaloo said.

Sweetie Belle reluctantly joined her friends, but still glared back at Rarity, hoping her sister didn't do anything stupid.

Rumble nervously turned to face the older teen, who looked to be in an unhappy mood. "So...what did you want to discuss with me?"

"First, let's talk somewhere alone," Rarity said, gesturing Rumble to follow her. "Come along, I haven't got all day now."

"Coming," Rumble said, following the girl.

The two walked until they reached the nearby park, one very familiar to Rumble, for a number of reasons.

"Come," Rarity said, sitting on a bench and patting the space next to her. "Sit next to me please."

"Okay," Rumble said, sitting by Rarity's side. He couldn't help but feel nervous. This older woman was glaring intensely at him, and it made Rumble feel like he was doing something wrong.

"So..." Rarity said. "Do you know why I wanted you here?"

"Huh?" Rumble scratched his head. "Well...I can think of a few reasons."

"First, tell me this," Rarity said. "What significance does this park have to you? Like, what fond memory?"

"Significance? Memory?" Rumble asked, taking a look around. "Uh..."

"You can be honest," Rarity said. "What happened recently in this park?"

"Well...I took Sweetie Belle on a date, then we played some racket ball, then we flew some kites...then I got stuck in a tree," Rumble said.

"Sounds like quite the day," Rarity said. "Pray tell, how did that day end?"

"...Sweetie Belle and I...well..." Rumble was embarrassed to say it. "We kind agreed to date each other, then we kind of...sort of...maybe...kissed?"

"Yes, that's exactly what you did," Rarity said. "You and my sister had quite a day, didn't you?"

"Yeah, I had fun," Rumble said.

"Now, as a result of that day, you and my sister are now dating," Rarity said. "How do you think I feel about that?"

"Well...I know you're not thrilled about it...which is fine," Rumble said. "You're Sweetie Belle's sister after all, if you're not keen on us dating, it's your right to feel that way."

"That is a very adult answer," Rarity said. "But do you know why I'm not keen?"

"It's me, right?" Rumble asked.

"That's partially true," Rarity said. "Truth be told, I don't know much about you. You seem like a nice boy, but I've seen how boys look nice and end up being snobby jerks. How would you be able to reassure me that you are not one of those types of boys?"

"I can only give you my word," Rumble said. "But I'm guessing that's not enough for you."

"It depends," Rarity said. "I may not be Applejack, but I have learned to decipher words over the years, thanks in part to a few betrayals I've gone through."

"Betrayals?" Rumble asked.

"I once dated this boy, Blueblood," Rarity said. "He seemed like a nice boy, until he showed just how snobby he truly was one day. Of course my friends say it's my fault that he turned out to be such a fake."

"I'm sorry you went through that," Rumble said.

"Then there's my old friend Suri Polomare," Rarity said. "A girl from Crystal Prep."

"You know a girl from there?" Rumble asked.

"Yes, we met over the summer," Rarity said. "I liked her company so much, I briefly considered transferring. Mainly since I believed that I fit in. How I was wrong. She was never my friend, she just cared about my artistic skill so she can pass it off as her own."

"Wow, that's gotta suck," Rumble said.

"It does 'suck' as you would say," Rarity said. "On the right side, I did meet a nice girl named Coco Pommel. She's still at Crystal Prep but she's a very kind girl and I do keep in touch with her. Just to make sure she stays honest."

"That's really Generous of you," Rumble said.

"I do my best to be," Rarity said. "I just have to be sure that same Generosity does not come back to be of consequence to me."

"I don't think it should," Rumble said.

"Well, that's life I'm afraid," Rarity said. "My sister tends to emulate my Generosity, which is why I do my best to be an example for her. What I don't want is that politeness of hers being taken advantage of, especially by a boy."

"Yeah, I can understand that," Rumble said.

"So you even further understand my worries," Rarity said. "Being betrayed like that can sting, and I'd rather it not happen to my sister."

"I wouldn't do that," Rumble said. "I really like Sweetie Belle's company, she makes me feel happy."

"Why does my sister make you feel happy?" Rarity asked. "What is it about my sister that caused you to want to court her?"

"Well, for starters, she's really pretty," Rumble said. "But, I wouldn't date a girl just because she's pretty. She's also a really a nice girl, with a sense of adventure. She's got a cute smile, a sweet voice, and angelic looking eyes. Even her name is wonderful. Sweet like sugar, and a Belle of the town."

"That's quite romantic I must say," Rarity replied.

"Rarity, I don't know what I have to do to prove my worthiness to date your sister, but I really do like her and I want something special," Rumble said.

"...I trust you don't just want her for a night of passion, do you?" Rarity asked.

Rumble's face turned bright red, "No, that's not it at all! I like her but, I'm not ready to do that. I promise that if that day comes, I'll be totally responsible about it."

"You're quite bold to say something like that, you're implying you'll be dating my sister that long," Rarity said.

"Hey, I respect that you're Sweetie Belle's older sister, but I am not giving up on being her boyfriend," Rumble said. "I will do my best to show you that I deserve to date her, but even if you aren't pleased with us, I will not dump Sweetie Belle. I'll take my chances. If you get mad, then so be it."

"Wow, the audacity in your voice," Rarity said.

"Sorry you feel that way, but it's my honest feelings," Rumble said, glaring right at the older teen.

Rarity was almost impressed at Rumble's forwardness. He was not going to give up and he made it abundantly clear that he would not let anything thwart him. It was that type of determination that showed her maybe he did have what it takes to be with Sweetie Belle.

"It's funny, but I actually admire how strong your feelings are," Rarity admitted. "I still don't fully trust you, but I can tell you feel strongly about dating my sister."

"So... are we cool then?" Rumble asked.

"Sort of, I'll be keeping my eye on you, but I will give Sweetie Belle some leeway and show her that I trust her," Rarity said, glaring right at the boy. "This is a big deal however. If you do anything to break her heart, I will break your bones!"

Rumble nervously stepped back, "Right, of course. That won't happen, I really do care about Sweetie Belle."

"...That's good," Rarity said, standing up. "I'm sorry if you feel I'm being too protective. Sweetie Belle just means a lot to me. She's my sister. But you may understand, you have a brother after all."

"Yeah, my brother can be protective, but he's cooler with me doing my thing," Rumble said, standing up as well. "Flitter however...she can be a bit protective. She has no problems with me dating, she just doesn't want me growing up too fast, something Cloudchaser told her is inevitable."

"I understand that feeling, my sister is growing up quite fast herself," Rarity said. "Still, it sounds like you have your own protective sister. I've met Flitter, she's a nice girl, so I guess I can trust you dating my sister if you have a girl like that steering you well."

"Oh yeah, she's the best," Rumble said.

"Well I should be going," Rarity said. "It's still early in the day, if you want to still hang out with my sister, then you should have time."

"Thanks...by the way, is it true she likes to sing?" Rumble asked.

"Oh yes, she loves singing," Rarity said. "Just not in public. Why? Has she shown you?"

"No, she's embarrassed," Rumble said. "It's fine, she can show me at her own pace."

"That is very kind of you," Rarity said. "Sweetie Belle can be a bit shy at times."

"I totally get it, I'm pretty shy too," Rumble said.

"You? But you seem so...out there," Rarity said.

"Well yeah, I like attention sometimes, but most times, I like being alone," Rumble said. "One of the only exceptions I make is Sweetie Belle. I like her company that much."

"Wow, that's quite enlightening," Rarity said. "Well, carry on."

"Thanks, I'll see you around," Rumble said, making his leave.

Rarity rubbed her chin in curiosity, "That boy has more manners than I thought. He does seem nice, maybe he and Sweetie Belle do go well together."

As Rumble texted Sweetie Belle, he passed by Tender Taps, waving to the boy, "Sup Taps?"

"Oh, hey Rumble," Tender Taps said. "Off to practice your running?"

"No, I'm going to see Sweetie Belle and her friends," Rumble said.

"Oh, cool," Tender Taps said. "You're really lucky you know. I wish I could date my crush."

"Well why can't you?" Rumble asked. "If you like a girl, then tell her."

"It's just...I don't have your confidence," Tender Taps said.

"I'm not confident, I just took a chance and it worked," Rumble said.

"Easier said than done," Tender Taps said.

"Yeah, I suppose so," Rumble said. "Who's the girl if I may ask?"

"Twilight Sparkle," Tender Taps admitted.

"Whoa, going for an older girl," Rumble said. "Trying to figure out how to ask her on a date?"

"I think about it, but would she even agree to it?" Tender Taps asked. "She's so beautiful, she wouldn't want a guy like me."

"Hey you'll never know unless you take the chance," Rumble said.

"But...I just don't think I can," Tender Taps said.

"I can't make you do anything, but Twilight is a nice girl," Rumble said. "Even if she turns you down, she won't be mean about it."

"But, I'm afraid of getting rejected," Tender Taps said.

"What's worse? Trying? Or not trying?" Rumble asked. "If you try and she says 'no', then at least you took a chance. If you don't try and another guy asks her out, you'll never know."

"...I guess you're right," Tender Taps said.

"And if things don't work out, there's other girls you can date," Rumble said. "You're a nice guy, you have plenty of options."

"Thanks...I'll do it then," Tender Taps said. "I'll ask her out."

"Good luck dude," Rumble said, making his leave.

Tender Taps took a breath, prepping himself up, "It's now or never then. But how do I go about this?" Tender Taps checked his wallet. "Maybe I can get her some flowers or...oh right, these tickets that Miss Hoofer Taps gave me for doing so well at the last Dance Show. Maybe..."

At her library, Twilight was at the desk, enjoying a book to herself. As she was reading, she noticed a presence nearby, spotting a boy very familiar to her. "Oh, hello there Tender Taps."

"Hi Twilight, it's nice to see you," Tender Taps said, the boy nervously rubbing his arm.

"What brings you here?" Twilight asked.

"I was just wondering...if," Tender Taps felt incredibly nervous for what he was about to do. "There's this concert that I happened to have an extra ticket too. I don't suppose you..."

"A concert?" Twilight asked.

"Oh yeah, it's Coloratura, not sure if you've heard of her," Tender Taps said.

"I have, she's a good friend of Applejack," Twilight said.

"...Wait, she's what?" Tender Taps asked.

"Coloratura and Applejack are old friends," Twilight explained. "She actually got us all backstage passes to her next show. She's really nice, and doesn't let the fame get to her head either. She's always going to be Rara for Applejack."

"Wow, that's great..." Tender Taps said. "I guess you're busy, so-"

"But, what's this about that extra ticket?" Twilight asked. "Did you want to invite me?"

"I was, but if you're doing a backstage pass then I can ask someone else," Tender Taps said.

"Well, I do appreciate your generosity, Tender Taps" Twilight said. "But yeah, you should ask someone else."

"That's cool," Tender Taps started to feel a bit terrible. "I can give it to Carrot Crunch, he's a big fan of Coloratura."

"I'm surprised you had an extra ticket," Twilight said, curiously glancing at the stubs. "Did you buy it thinking that-"

"Oh no, these were a gift that I just got," Tender Taps said. "You were just the first person I thought of."

"Well that's sweet of you," Twilight said. "If you want, we can still catch up at the show. I can even see if Coloratura would be willing to see you too, and your friend."

"Wow, that'd be great," Tender Taps said. "I'll see you at the show then."

"Sure, it's a date," Twilight said.

"Yeah, it's a..." Tender Taps immediately went red in the face as he turned to Twilight, the girl offering a smirk. "Date?"

"See you then," Twilight said, winking at the boy.

"Right...see you then," Tender Taps said, leaving the library. From inside, Twilight could hear his cheer. "YES!"

"Such a nice boy," Twilight said.

Meanwhile in her house, Sunset Shimmer suddenly felt strange, "I feel like punching Tender Taps for some reason."

A few days later, Rumble had gone over to Sweetie Belle's house, the boy going into her room for the very first time.

"So, how do you like it?" Sweetie Belle asked, showing off her stuff.

"It looks pretty, as I would expect from your room," Rumble said.

"Thanks, I do my best to decorate," Sweetie Belle said., showing off her plush toys. "Cute, aren't they?"

"Oh totally, very adorable," Rumble said, spotting some CDs. "You have a lot of music."

"Oh yeah, albums from Sapphire Shores, Songbird Serenade, and Coloratura," Sweetie Belle said. "The last one is personally autographed, helps that Applejack is her childhood friend. She's really nice up close too, Generous too. She does a lot for charity."

"That's great, I respect anyone who helps out others," Rumble said. "Also, this room has a nice smell to it."

"Oh yeah, I have a special fragrance," Sweetie Belle said, gesturing to it. "I can get you something for your room too if you'd like."

"That'd be great, but my brother might need it more, his room smells like dirty gym clothes," Rumble said. "Then he wonders why girls almost never want to date him."

"Ooh, that's harsh," Sweetie Belle said.

"Yeah, but it's life," Rumble said. "Your room's nice though, I like your decorations, very cute."

"I'm glad you do," Sweetie Belle said. "It's a little embarrassing showing my room to a boy, but I did get to see your room, so I guess we're even."

"I'm just glad Rarity trusts me a little more to be okay with this," Rumble said.

"Well, to be fair, it's my choice," Sweetie Belle said. "Oh, there's something I want to give you."

"What is it?" Rumble asked. He got his answer when Sweetie Belle presented him with a crochet made scarf.

"Ta-dah, my scarf that I made for you," Sweetie Belle said, feeling a bit awkward.

"Oh, you actually made it?" Rumble asked. "I don't have to wait for Hearth's Warming?"

"I didn't want to take that chance, if I'm going to get you a gift, I want it to be special," Sweetie Belle glared. "Not this piece of junk."

"But, it looks nice," Rumble said.

Sweetie Belle shook her head in disagreement, "Rumble, I told you that you don't have to be too nice, you're allowed to be honest."

"But, I really do think it looks nice," Rumble said, taking the scarf. "You made this for me, that's so nice of you."

Now surprised, Sweetie Belle began blushing from her boyfriend's words, "Wow, you really mean it. You're not just saying that."

"Of course, you deserve my honest opinion after all," Rumble said. "That's what a good boyfriend does for the girl he loves."

"...You are such a sweetheart, my dear sweet Rumbly, Wumbly," Sweetie Belle said, bringing Rumble in for a kiss.

Rumble held her close, maintaining their position for a good several seconds before breaking off, a massive blush on both their faces.

"You're so beautiful," Rumble said, affectionately caressing her face.

"I have one more gift for you," Sweetie Belle said.

"What's that?" Rumble asked.

"Lay down," Sweetie Belle said, gesturing to her bed.

"Uh...where is this going?" Rumble asked. "I made some promises to your sister and-"

"It's not that, it's something else, just trust me," Sweetie Belle said.

"Alright," Rumble did as his girlfriend asked, laying down on the bed.

Sweetie Belle sat beside him, placing her hand on his head, "Close your eyes."

"Okay," Rumble said, closing his eyes.

Sweetie Belle cleared her throat for a second, before blessing Rumble with a sound that he absolutely fell in love with.

"~Hush now, quiet now, it’s time to lay your sleepy head. Hush now, quiet now, it's time to go to bed~" Sweetie Belle sang, her voice soothing Rumble's soul. "~Drift now, off to sleep, exciting day behind you. Drift now, off to sleep, let the joy of dream land find you~."

Rumble was able to relax to the sensational singing of his girlfriend, the boy actually dozing off upon hearing her song.

Sweetie Belle made sure the door behind her was closed as she laid in bed next to Rumble, gently caressing the boy.

"I love you Rumble, I hope we can be together forever," Sweetie Belle said, planting a kiss on him before dozing off herself.

The relationship between the two would evolve over time, from various dates at nice restaurants, concerts, movies, sporting events, even the day the two took their relationship to the next level, as this would not be their only time in bed together.

As Rumble promised, he was responsible, but it wasn't pure raw desire that led to this, it was true love every second of that night with Sweetie Belle.

Their next big day was when Sweetie Belle achieved her Cutie Mark Goal, and when Rumble achieved his place among the Wonderbolts Track Team. Their best celebration was with each other of course, as they couldn't think of anyone better to share that happiness with.

The relationship between Rumble and Sweetie Belle had its ups and downs, but the two loved each other, and maintained that love for time to come. Not a day went by that Rumble wasn't grateful for his chance, and Sweetie Belle wasn't grateful for her opportunity.

It was their true love, and their Sweet Affection that motivated them the most.

Author's Note

That's the end, hope it was enjoyable. :ajsmug: