Blooming Seed

Chapters

Chapter one
Chapter two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five

Chapter one

The orange pegasus sat on a hill near Ponyville’s town center and Sweet Apple Acres. She looked up at the sky, which came alive with shades of blue and pink as the sun set. Scootaloo wasn’t just enjoying the weather—she was also watching her idol soar through the clouds.

She wished to be able to fly and be just like the amazing Rainbow Dash. The filly’s eyes sparkled as Dash flew past, a rainbow trailing after the pegasus. Scootaloo loved everything about Rainbow Dash. Well, she used to, at least, until a certain filly came into her life.

Scootaloo's thoughts of Rainbow Dash and her dream of flying slowly trailed away. Instead, she started thinking of the first day Babs Seed moved to Ponyville. The Manehatten filly was living with Apple Bloom and her family at Sweet Apple Acres now.

The four Cutie Mark Crusaders would never give up their crusading, embarking on new adventures every day. None of them had their cutiemarks yet, but they would never give up.

One day, when Apple Bloom was busy with some chores on the farm and Sweetie Belle was on a picnic with her sister Rarity, Scootaloo and Babs Seed were the only ones in the clubhouse for their Crusaders meeting. It was the first time Scootaloo had been alone with the fourth Crusader, and, for a reason she couldn’t explain, it made the pegasus nervous.

*****

The Cutie Mark Crusaders’ treehouse was silent. Neither of the two Crusaders inside spoke or even moved, sitting quietly on the floor. Finally, the former Manehattan filly spoke. "So you have no idea how we’re going to earn our cutiemarks today?"

"Oh, sorry. No, I've just had other thoughts on my mind..." Scootaloo chuckled, nervously faking a smile.

Since the day Babs left Ponyville after meeting the Crusaders for the first time, Scootaloo had been having weird dreams and thoughts about the Manehatten filly. She thought of Rainbow Dash less and less often, her interest beginning to fade.

Scootaloo had a crush on the cyan pegasus for as long as she could remember. However, there were a few problems with this. They were more than eight years apart, and Dash seemed to be interested in the captain of the Wonderbolt, anyway. Yet, Scootaloo, would never give up her dreams to become just like the rainbow-maned mare.

‘C’mon! Think of something, just don’t sit there! Gotta find something to talk about!' the pegasus silently scolded herself. The Ponyville Crusader didn’t to bore Babs, and this was her chance to get to know her better.

Scootaloo was confused. Why did her heart beat faster and butterflies fill her stomach when she was around Babs Seed? Why did she feel so nervous? These strange feelings ambushed her the most when Babs protected the others from Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara, or when Babs spoke directly to her. This was first time they were alone, and Scootaloo didn’t want to ruin it.

'Now or never,’ she urged herself. The pegasus rose from her haunches and trotted across the clubhouse, joining Babs Seed on the other side. She stuttered, "Babs... I... think I...um... lo-"

*****

Scootaloo suddenly snapped from her daydream. She looked all around the hill, nearly forgetting where she was in her panic."Wha?! Huh?! Oh…hi, Rainbow Dash." she giggled, not wanting to worry the mare she looked up to the most.

The cyan pegasus sat in front of her biggest fan, tilting her head and staring at the foal with a worried expression. "You where daydreaming again, squirt. Are ya alright?"

Scootaloo stared off towards the town below, thinking fast on her hooves. She laughed awkwardly and lied, "Um…Oh, look! I'm late for our crusading today! See ya, Rainbow Dash!”

The little orange pegasus ran off toward Sweet Apple Acres, leaving Rainbow Dash wondering to herself, ‘She is never late for their crusading…and didn’t she tell me earlier that all her friends are busy today?’

*****

Babs Seed laid against the grass, using her forehooves as a pillow, watching the beautiful blue sky above her. Nearby, she could hear leaves and apples falling to the ground. Apple Bloom was in the orchards, helping Applejack buck and harvest the trees. Granny Smith was inside the farmhouse, baking an apple pie for the whole family. Big Mac was out on a date with Miss Cheerliee. In her brother’s absence, Apple Bloom lent her sister a helping hoof.

Babs saw a blur of blue fur and rainbow mane flash through the atmosphere. She wondered if Scootaloo was done hanging out with Rainbow Dash for the day. Bored, the pink-maned filly rose to all four of her hooves and begin to trot toward the clubhouse in search of Scootaloo. The closer Babs Seed got to the treehouse, the more excited she became. The foal began to run towards her goal with a huge grin on her face.

She opened the door to the clubhouse slowly, disappointed to see that nopony was inside. A frown appeared on the orange Earth pony filly's muzzle as she closed the door. She decided to take a walk through Ponyville, leaving Sweet Apple Acres for town’s center. On the way to Ponyville, Babs Seed looked up sadly into the skies, wishing she was a pegasus who could fly and walk on clouds. That way, at least, she could visit Scootaloo in Cloudsdale. ‘Rainbow Dash is probably givin' Scoots a lift home right now,’ Babs thought.

The only times when the bobtail filly could see Scootaloo were school, Crusader meetings and when they decided to hang out alone. Sometimes, they would share secrets and cuddle with each other down in the basement of Sweet Apple Acres’ barn. Come to think of it, the only times when they were not around each other were when Scootaloo was with Rainbow Dash.

Babs knew that Rainbow Dash was Scootaloo's hero, that the pegasus looked up to her cyan idol like a sister. Sometimes, this made the former Manehatten filly a little jealous. She didn’t want to worry or be possessve, but what if Scootaloo told Rainbow Dash things that the orange Earth pony foal would never get to know? What if Scootaloo still had a slight crush on Dash? Shaking her head, Babs Seed dismissed her worries. ‘No, they are just like sisters.’

*****

After a long day of helping her big sister harvest the apple orchards, Apple Bloom was disappointed to see that Babs had left from her spot under the tree earlier. The yellow filly figured Babs Seed probably was got bored of watching clouds and had to go and do something to entertain herself.

Apple Bloom returned to the farmhouse alone. After taking a shower (leaving her red mane to drip-dry), the yellow crusader trotted into her room and walked towards her window. Apple Bloom saw that it was starting to get dark, the sky turning shades of pink and blue.

Sighing, the farm-filly turned around and spotted her diary poking out from her pillow. Apple Bloom jumped into bed and removed the diary. The diary was red, with apples and a yellow heart on the cover. Locating the secret key to the book within a box under her bed, the yellow filly quickly unlocked her diary. She stretched under her sheets and began to read her past diary entries.

2012-07-15

Dear Diary,

It’s been a week since Babs went back to Manehattan. Ah can’t wait ‘till she comes back here. Me, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo already have lots of ideas for when she gets back. Like we will try tree climbin', dog walkin', gem cleanin' and so so much more to get our cutiemarks! We will have so much fun. Ah hope Babs finds some blankflanks to join the Manehattan Crusader branch. If she does, Ah cant wait to meet 'em, too! Ah wonder how many Crusaders she will find in Manehattan. Ah'm sure 'lot 'cus Manehattan is a big city.

2012-08-27

Dear Diary,

It’s been a few weeks since my cousin Babs was here. We really miss her, even if we send her letters every day. She found a few blankflanks in Manehattan, so there are three Crusaders over there right now. Ah can’t wait! We will have so much fun when she gets here! Oh, Ah hope they will help us get our cutiemarks if they got theirs already. Ah'm sure Babs has great times in Manehattan, that’s what she says in her letters.

2012-09-18

Dear Diary

Ah dislike the cold! Brrr! Gettin’ really cold… Means the winter is on its way. Guess who else is comin’ soon!? Not the winter but… Babs! There’s only one week left! Ah’ve been missin’ her more and more! We talk to Babs thought phone and we have even been talkin' to the other two Manehatten Crusaders. They are both fillies, a unicorn and a pegasus. Just like Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, they can’t do magic or fly very well yet.

2012-09-19

Dear Diary,

Scootaloo can fly and Sweetie Belle can do magic now. Not that much yet, but Scootaloo can fly for at least ten minutes and Sweetie Belle can lift stuff. Ah'm just an Earth pony and Earth ponies can’t do awesome stuff like that. Hmm... Guess what?! Hehe, Scootaloo has a crush on Babs! Ah sure wish her the best. But… Ah wonder if Babs feels the same for Scoots….

Sweetie Belle says that Rarity told her that ponies aren’t supposed to fall in love with the same gender. Rainbow Dash is into mares so Ah guess Scootaloo's into fillies then? Not surprisin' at all. Ah'm too young for love and mushy feelin's like that, Applejack tells me. She says it begins when we are 14-15. Ah'm 13 and so are Babs, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. Guess we'll have ta wait a year?

2012-09-22

Dear Diary,

Scootaloo has been talkin’ lots ‘bout Babs Seed. It’s not that Ah dislike it! She just talks TOO MUCH about how she like Babs and all ‘bout her… Makes me wonder if she even stops thinkin’ ‘bout Rainbow Dash, maybe? Seriously. Scootaloo still gives Dash the "in love" expression when shes lookin' at her. She is not even 14 and start crushin' on Dash ever since she was 11. To me and Sweetie Belle, only between us, it seems like Scootaloo has a crush on both Babs and Rainbow Dash. Is that even possible? Ah've never been in love, how should Ah know?

2012-09-23

Dear Diary,

Ah dunno why, but Ah feel ill and nervous! Babs Seed is here in, like, two days! Ah think… Ah’m becomin’ sick… Even my tummy feels full of butterflies. Why do Ah feel like this?! It’s just mah cousin’ comin’, just like any other family member… Maybe Ah'm nervous and worried that she will bully us again? It’s more like Ah'm excited to see Babs. TOO excited. Sweetie Belle thinks that Ah'm maybe gettin' sick. Whats wrong with me?! Ah'll ask Applejack tomorrow.

2012-09-24

Dear Diary,

Guess what?! Babs Seed is comin’ TOMORROW! Babs wants to move to Ponyville and she is goin' to live with us. Applejck and Big Mac changed the guest room into her room.

But today was an annoyin’ day…

Scootaloo was acting all dreamy, and talkin’ ‘bout Babs like she would if she thought about Rainbow Dash. Ah was alright when she just spoke ‘bout Rainbow Dash, Rainbow Dash, Rainbow Dash. Right now though, the only thin’ Scoots talks about is Babs Seed, Babs Seed… BABSY Seed? Seriously? It’s getting’ so annoyin’! Why?

Ah feel somewhat... jealous. Ah feel jealous, and kind of worried. What if Babs gets too busy with Scootaloo to hang with me? Ah've seen love birds before, they’re always eatin’ each other’s faces and cant separate. Lovey-dovey stuff is gross, like Applejack said. Ah'm too young to understand those kind of things…Scootaloo seems too busy to go crusadin' 'cus she’s all 'bout Babs.

So later today, my belly felt weird…like Ah had lot of butterflies in there, and mah face was a little red. Ah felt very nervous and ill, but in a good way. Ah asked Applejack why Ah was feelin' that way. Ah told her Ah felt like that when Ah thought of "somepony.” She told me that Ah'm fallin' in love. Me? Ah mean, why would Ah ever fall in love?

Ah love my family and friends already. Why would Ah need somepony to go all lovey-dovey with? Sayin' weird and gross stuff like “Shoompy-loompy-doo”?! No way! No how! Ah will mever say and act that weird like Big Mac did with Cherilee on Hearts and Hooves Day.

But Applejack said ponies feel this way when they are fallin' in love. But Ah can’t fall in love with my own cuz…it’s gross and weird. Seriously? Or is it possible? She is my cuz, how’s that even possible?! That mane... That accent... she is so beautiful. She’s is so fun and nice to be around. Ah wish Ah could handle bullies the same way she does. Like that time when Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon fell into the mud, because she told ‘em off.

Ah think… Ah’m crushin’ … on who? Yes! Ah’ll tell ya on who!... Ya’ll will think Ah’m crazy, insane, disgusting' and stupid.

…

Babs Seed, yes, my cousin. It’s crazy!

Chapter two

School was out for the day. The four little Crusaders trotted out of the schoolhouse. They were excited for a new weekend, leaving plenty of time for crusading. Scootaloo and Babs planned to spend one day alone together and spend the rest of the weekend crusading with the others.

"To the Cutie Mark Crusaders’ clubhouse!" the four cheered together, galloping towards the treehouse.

"Last one there has ta do one of Applejack’s chores!" Apple Bloom yelled with a smirk. The four fillies picked up to full speed, rushing through Sweet Apple Acres.

Scootaloo and Babs Seed rushed towards the front of the pack, both of them thinking confidently, 'I will win!' Suddenly, Sweetie Belle stopped in her tracks, tired and sweaty.

Apple Bloom stopped, turning around to face the unicorn. “Ya alright?” she asked with a worried expression on her muzzle.

"Appl Bloom, don’t worry about me. I’m fine. You should race them," Sweetie Belle said with a smile. Both looked towards the clubhouse and watched as the two fillies—foals orange, purple, and pink—slowly disappeared.

"Ah'm too late ta win over 'em in this race anyway."

*****

Two panting fillies sat with their backs against each other by the treehouse. They both were tired from running, though the former Manehattan filly was the winner in this race.

"Hey?! Where did the others go?" Scootaloo said, just realizing that Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were nowhere to be seen.

Babs rolled her eyes and giggled, "Bein' slow.”

The Earth pony filly suddenly smirked impishly and pinned Scootaloo down on her back. The pegasus let out a surprised gasp and stared at Babs Seed, purple irises meeting into those emerald green ones. The two were sharing a soft, gentle kiss, when the door suddenly burst open, revealing a giggling unicorn and blushing Earth pony.

The two fillyfriends stopped kissing in a hurry, rising to their haunches and blushing hotly. "Heh, heh, go on, Ah don’t mind,” Apple Bloom muttered nervously, digging a forehoof into the floor and avoiding their eyes.

Sweetie Belle couldn’t stop giggling, covering her muzzle with a forehoof. "Maybe you two could get cutiemarks in kissing?" she joked.

"Ha, ha, very funny," the pegasus sarcastically replied. Changing the subject, she smiled and added, "So, what are we going to do to get our cutiemarks today?”

*****

The Crusaders spent another long day crusading, trying to earn their cutiemarks in all kinds of different things. It was another disappointing day; they didn’t have their cutie marks yet. Nevertheless, they would never give up their journeys to earn a cutiemark.

They decided to end the day by buying treats at Sugarcube Corner. Four hungry crusaders entered the bakery and walked over to the counter, buying one milkshake each and taking seats at a table for four. Apple Blooom bought an apple-flavored milkshake, Babs an orange-flavored one, Sweetie Belle a vanilla milkshake, and Scootaloo bought a Zap-Apple-flavored treat. The pegasus chose this dessert because it was rainbow-colored—just like her idol.

Scootaloo wrapped her long, soft, purple tail around Babs’ short, pink, fluffy tail. The Earth pony filly blushed, her fillyfriend smirking back at her.

"So, if we didn’t get our cutie marks in cooking, maybe we could try milkshake making?" Sweetie Belle asked the other Crusaders, her voice squeaky and bubbly as usual.

"Oh, wow! Ah never thought of that before. Sweetie Belle, yer a genius!" Apple Bloom added eagerly. This wasn’t such a bad idea after all. "But…Ah think we should try it another day. Ah'm tired."

While the unicorn and yellow filly exchanged a few words between each other about their day of crusading, the other two Crusaders began to flirt across the table, affectionate and sly.

"So…ya wanna come over?” Babs, nudging Scootaloo in the side.

"Of course, Babsy! I got nothing else today, so why would I waste my time on doing nothing?" Scootaloo giggled, returning the other filly’s sly grin.

"Great, Scoots!” Babs cuddled her filly, smiling bright and wide, while she finished drinking her milkshake.

Apple Bloom watched their exchange in silence, no thoughts running through her mind. She just stared at them as a blush crept across her cheeks. She felt her heart race a little and her mouth grow dry. She watched her two friends flirt and had no idea what Sweetie Belle was talking about next to her. Finally, her mind snapped back to reality. Apple Bloom turned to her unicorn friend, confused. “Huh?”

The unicorn glared at her, annoyed. "You didn’t listen, did you?"

"Ah…Ah think Ah'm gettin' ill…" Apple Bloom muttered nervously, offering a slight chuckle. Her three friends just stared back at her, worried.

Sweetie Belle groaned and looked at Scootaloo, arguing, "I told you the lake was too cold! See? Apple Bloom is getting sick because of that lake, how cold it was.”

"No, it’s alright! Ah'm not sick 'cus of that lake... And it would’ve been worth if we actually did get our swimmin' cutie marks," the yellow filly dismissed. She didn’t want anypony to be blamed for this. "Ah'll just go home and rest. Y'all have fun without me."

Apple Bloom rose from her chair, leaving her half-empty milkshake behind and her friends watching her leave, worried and confused. Without a word, Apple Bloom trotted home, Luna already beginning to raise the moon in her sky.

*****

It was a lie. Well, sort of. She did feel sick. But, she felt sick because she saw Babs and Scootaloo growing closer every day. The thought of Babs Seed spending more time with Scootaloo than with her made her heart ache a little. It made her…sad.

Nearing Sweet Apple Acres, the sky above was covered in bright stars and a full moon lighting the village blow, Apple Bloom was on the verge of tears. Willing herself not to cry, she galloped into the barn. 'Ah must stop bein' so sensitive!' she thought to herself stubbornly. She was annoyed with herself, annoyed at how easily her emotions could darken, especially when Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon insulted her.

Apple Bloom was definitely an emotional filly, but that was because she was changing, just like Applejack told her. 'More you grow, then more ya change,' she remembered, Applejack's words echoing through her mind.

*****

"We are best cousins forever! Right, Babs?" the yellow filly asked. The two cousins were sitting on Apple Bloom’s bed in their room. They had spent the whole day together and were about to fall asleep.

"Of course! We are best cousins forever, and nothing will tear us apart,” Babs Seed said confidently. The orange filly hugged her cousin and received another hug in response.

"Forever and ever? Right?" Apple Bloom turned to Babs, her expression a mix of both happiness and sadness.

Babs smiled warmly and rustled Apple Bloom’s mane teasingly. "Forever and ever. Nopony is ever going to take me away from you."

"Oh, we will have so much fun! We’ll go on adventures everyday and finally get our cutiemarks. Ah hope we get our cutie marks together..." Apple Bloom nuzzled her cousin’s chest, her face buried in the orange filly’s chest as she began to fall asleep.

Babs wrapped her forehooves around Apple Bloom and pulled her close, whispering in her ear, "You will always be my favorite.” Those words brought a smile to the yellow filly’s muzzle as she finally fell asleep. The former Manehattan filly fell asleep with her, holding her cousin tight in a protective embrace.

*****

Sobs and sighs, a wet pillow and a crying filly. Apple Bloom was crying her little heart out. ‘But Ah thought Ah was her favorite. Not Scoots! Sh-she betrayed me.’ The yellow filly wanted Babs to spend alone time with her, not with Scootaloo.

She wept from a mix of anger, sorrow, and rejection. Although the two cousins did spend time together and they acted like the best friends in the whole world, when Apple Bloom saw her cousin with Scootaloo she felt both happy and jealous. ‘You will always be my favorite.’ Yeah, sure! Ah'm not special like Scootaloo is to you, Babs…’

Apple Bloom knew she was being so selfish and stubborn right now, but she was in love, madly in love. She couldn’t help it, and wished she run away and never come back, though she would never dare to do so.

Maybe when she was older, she could move to Manehatten. At least, then, she didn’t have to see Scootaloo and Babs act as they did. Apple Bloom finally stopped crying and looked at the clock on her nightstand. It was midnight. ‘Ah bet Sweetie Belle is home, that means...Babs is home, but…Scootaloo is here too…’

Groaning, annoyed, the filly clenched her pillow, frowning. 'No! Scootaloo is my best friend! Ah can’t keep being selfish like this!' Turning around and still hugging her pillow, finding it impossible to sleep, Apple Bloom stared up at the canopy above her bed.

*****

When Apple Bloom was finally about to fall asleep, she heard voices whispering in the room nearby. She released her pillow and jumped off her bed, trotting out of her room into the hallway. It was dark and everypony was probably asleep. Or, at least, Applejack, Big Mac, and Granny Smith were.

Light peeked under the door of one room. The door was ajar, and the curious filly leaned up against it gently. Apple Bloom heard familiar voices within the room and couldn’t help but look inside.

"Babs? Did you close the door?"

"Don’t worry, Scootaloo, everypony is asleep." The yellow filly heard their every word. Scootaloo sounded worried, while Babs seemed completely confident. Apple Bloom loved the way Babs Seed was so tough, confident, and protective. It always made her blush when Babs protected her, or told bullies off.

She peeked through the door, keeping as quiet as possible. A blush crept onto her cheeks and her eyes widened with shock. Inside the room, the Earth pony was on top of the pegasus, biting down on the filly’s neck below. Scootaloo let out a soft squeak, staring at the ceiling with her maw agape. Babs was licking and biting her filly’s neck, causing her wings to spread and tense.

Seeing them like this (especially her cousin) made the yellow filly’s face hot, blushing deeply. She wanted to go back to her room. However, she could not lift her hooves. Apple Bloom couldn’t tear her eyes from them, even though she badly wanted to close her eyes. This was too much for her to handle.

Not even noticing that Scootaloo was looking towards the door, the yellow filly finally came back into reality when the pegasus spoke. "I think there’s somepony by the door…"

Apple Bloom gasped in surprise but quickly covered her muzzle. The fillies inside the room turned towards the door. Babs let go of her filly and trotting towards the door. The yellow filly backed away as quietly and as fast as possible. She ran to her room and quickly closed the door.

Panting like she’d just seen a monster, Apple Bloom jumped up onto the bed and tried to make herself comfortable. Still, she could not sleep. The scene haunted her, and she had no words or thoughts to explain it away. As a tear ran down her cheek, she thought, ‘There’s no way Ah can have Babs all for mahself... like a fillyfriend.’

*****

Babs closed the door and locked it, satisified that nopony was behind it after all. "There was nopony. Ya don’t have to worry, Scoots." The Earth pony filly turned around and trotted over to her fillyfriend, joining her on the bed again."It’s even locked."

Scoots smiled and nuzzled Babs neck and whispered with a smirk. "Who’s your favorite filly?" The pegasus smirked impishly and licked Babs’ neck while watching the door. 'I know that was you, Apple Bloom.’

The former Manehattan filly was leaning her neck backward, running a hoof thought Scootaloo's mane as she replied, "You, Scootaloo. You are my favorite filly."

In truth, Babs Seed’s favorite filly was Apple Bloom, but she wanted to make Scootaloo feel special by saying the pegasus was her favorite. She missed spending time with her cousin. She loved spending time alone with Apple Bloom, being best cousins ever, but Scootaloo was somehow taking that time away from them. Feeling worried and sorry for her cousin, Babs couldn’t stop wondering why Apple Bloom acted so strange today.

Scootaloo stopped what she was doing and stared at Babs. "Are you alright? Don’t tell me you’re getting sick, too.”

“No, sorry. There’s just so many thoughts in my mind. I’m wondering if Apple Bloom's alright." Babs Seed said, staring back into the pegasus’ eyes.

"Don’t worry, I am sure Applejack is taking care of her," the orange pegasus replied with a grin, running a forehoof onto Babs’ chest and further down.

Babs stopped Scootaloo’s descent and laid down. "I don’t wanna do this…Sorry. We should get some sleep."

Scootaloo frowned, disappointed, and laid down beside her. She whispered, annoyed, "Hmph! Fine.” The two orange fillies soon fell asleep. Everypony in the house slept peacefully, except for Apple Bloom, who couldn’t sleep at all, no matter how hard she tried.

Chapter Three

It was a late Sunday afternoon. Most ponies were just taking it easy, relaxing before a new of work and school. Some, however, still worked over the weekends, even on the day of rest. Applejack, hardworking and stubborn as she was, bucked the orchards to gather some apples by herself. The rest of the Apple Family was kicking back in the farmhouse.

Granny Smith washed the dishes after all five family members had dinner. Big Mac was in his room reading some magazine, bored. There was no crusading for the Cutie Mark Crusaders today. Rarity and Sweetie Belle went to a one-day trip to Manehattan to buy some fabric, while Scootaloo was practicing flying with Rainbow Dash in Cloudsdale.

Babs Seed and Apple Bloom sat in the living room, talking amongst themselves and ignoring the blaring TV. A boring, black-and-white movie about life in old Equestrian times was playing on the screen. The fillies were less than entertained. Once they got bored of chatting, they tried to think of something more fun to do to pass the remaining hours.

"I know what we could do tonight! Why don’t we watch a horror movie?" Babs said teasingly. She knew very well that Applejack would not tolerate them watching horror movies near bed-time and absolutely not when they had school the next day.

“Ah'm not sure. Applejack says we are not allowed ta, and we have ta listen to her," stated Apple Bloom, narrowing her eyes suspiciously at the orange filly.

Babs giggled and nudged her cousin in the shoulder. "Oh, are ya scared? You're scared that you'll get nightmares? Wow…you really are a crybaby,” she said with a smirk. The filly couldn’t repress a chuckle. After all, she was just joking with her cousin, meaning her no harm.

"Me?! A crybaby?! There’s no way, no how that Ah'm a crybaby, Babs!” The yellow filly blushed and crossed her forehooves, staring stubbornly at the TV. “Hmph!”

Babs couldn’t but giggle at how cute her younger cousin—11 months younger than her, to be exact—was being. She smiled and asked, “So…are ya a crybaby, or not?"

"Ah'm not a crybaby and Ah'll prove it! Tonight, when the others are asleep!" Apple Bloom uncrossed her forehooves, a playful smirk spreading across her muzzle. 'Challenge accepted, Babs!' Babs gave her the same returned the smirk, and the two begin to giggle impishly.

*****

The whole house was dark, everypony asleep except for two fillies. They sat onto the sofa, each with a blanket wrapped around themselves. Babs’ blanket was hot pink and decorated with oranges, while Apple Bloom’s was light green with apples and apple trees on it. The living-room table was set with two bowls: one with a mix of different candies and sweets, and the other with potato chips.

The two cousins stared intently at the TV screen, flickering blue-and-white lights of the TV the only light to be found. The movie was about zombie ponies and vampire ponies fighting for survival and dominance over a town called “Pegasuville.” The movie was intense, and even included several romantic sex scenes and horrifying gore scenes.

Apple Bloom could not believe that Babs Seed liked these kind of movies. She didn’t want to not wanting to admit that she really was scared and hated that movie. But, on the other hoof, Babs loved the movie. She loved the horror, blood, action, and tension in the film.

"Seriously, for how long have ya liked those kind of movies, Babs?" the red-maned filly asked her cousin, closing her eyes as a bloody scene flashed on the TV (complete with screams of agony).

"Since I was a little filly, younger then we are now," replied the orange filly, eyes glued to the TV screen, fascinated. "Do ya think vamponys exist for real?" Babs whispered.

Her cousin looked at her like she was insane. "No, Ah don’t think so! No thanks!”

The movie was nearing its end, vamponys victorious over the fallen zombie ponies. "That was awesome! I’ve seen worse, though.” Babs turned from the TV and smirked at her cousin.

Apple Bloom caught Babs’ gaze, causing her to blush and hide her face. She looked away, hoping the filly couldn’t see how red her face was becoming—almost as red as her mane. "Ah.. Ah'm not sure,” she muttered. The yellow filly thought her cousin was amazing, impressed at her lack of fear. The former Manehattan filly could probably watch a pony get eaten alive as she was eating dinner without flinching. If that happened, Apple Bloom would puke for the rest of the day and never be able to sleep again.

"So were ya scared?"

Apple Bloom lied, "N-N-Nope! Ah was... was not scared at all!" The bow-filly wanted to impress her cousin, but she really was scared, quite scared. She rose from the sofa, keeping the blanket wrapped around herself. "Ah'm goin' to sleep. Let’s see who is the one with nightmares tonight," she taunted, smirking back at her cousin. She quickly trotted out of the living room and headed up the stairs to her bedroom.

Babs rolled her eyes and watched Apple Bloom depart the living room. “Yeah, sure,” muttered the pink-maned filly under her breath.

*****

Apple Bloom tossed and turned, struggling in her sleep. She laid against the bed, drenched in cold sweat, groaning. Suddenly, the yellow filly bolted upright, hyperventilating. She looked all around her room, finding nothing and nopony. "Guess Ah lost the challenge,” she muttered, jumping from her bed. She put her bow back in her mane and exited her room, clutching her little green blanket around her body.

She thought that was pretty foalish of her to wrap herself in a blanket, but couldn’t help herself. She was a scared little foal and the blanket was her protector. The hallway was dark. Too dark. She knew she was a little paranoid from her nightmare and the movie. She knew that there was no such thing as zombie ponies or vamponies, but Apple Bloom felt like they would attack her any second.

She slowly made her way to Babs Seed’s room. It felt like it took years to reach her cousin’s room, the filly taking careful and easy steps to avoid making any noise. Apple Bloom thought that it was like one of those haunted-house movies. Somepony would explore the haunted house, walk casually through a hallway, and a ghost would pop up sooner or later. Thankfully, she got lucky this time. Finally Apple Bloom reached Babs’ door and slowly turned the doorknob with a forehoof.

She slowly opened the door. Across the room, her cousin slept peacefully in her bed. Apple Bloom whispered softly as she entered, "B-Babs?” Closing the door behind her, Apple Bloom trotted towards the bed and poked her cousins’ cheek gently with the tip of her hoof. "Babs?”

Suddenly worried that maybe Babs had been killed by a zombie pony, Apple Bloom was relieved to see her cousin scratch her cheek and mutter in her sleep, “Let me sleep, just a little more…”

The farm-filly lightly giggled and poked her again in the same spot "Babs....”

Slowly, Babs Seed woke, opening her eyes and stared tiredly at Apple Bloom. "Huh? It’s morning already?" she asked, lifting herself off the bed with her forehooves. She smirked at Apple Bloom. "Ya got a nightmare, huh, cuz?"

With a deep blush on her cheeks and a stubborn pout on her face, Apple Bloom replied, "It’s your fault.”

The pink-maned filly chuckled and scooted over on the bed, leaving room for her cousin to join her. "Aren’t you too old to be afraid of monsters?”

Apple Bloom jumped onto the bed and laid beside Babs. “Ah can still get nightmares,” she remarked, turning her back to her cousin, still pouting..

Suddenly, she felt two strong forehooves wrapping around her torso in a close, protective embrace. It made the yellow filly’s heart race and locked up her limbs. Frozen in position, flushing crimson, she whispered, "B-Babs?" Apple Bloom didn’t dare turn around to look the orange filly in the eyes. Though she liked the way Babs was holding her, she felt disgusting and crazy for thinking this way—for feeling this way—about her own cousin.

"I'm not allowed to protect my cuz from monsters?" Babs teased. The filly’s older sister used to snuggle her like this when she was younger and had a nightmare herself. The former Manehattan filly flipped on the lamp on the nightstand. As she held her cousin close, she couldn’t help but notice the sweet smell of Apple Bloom’s mane. Babs Seed slowly, softly ran a forehoof through the fluffy red mane.

To Babs Seed, this was just a family thin, but Apple Bloom felt otherwise, thankful that her cousin couldn’t see her face at the moment. The farm-filly’s heart thundered faster. She wished to be back in her own bed just as much as she wanted to be here with Babs.

"Of 'course ya can.. Ah don’t want 'em to get me," Apple Bloom whispered in reply, her voice calmed. She felt safe in her cousin’s embrace, and soon closed her eyes with a smile on her muzzle.

"Don’t you worry. I'll be your knight," Babs assured with a smile of her own. She eventually closed her own eyes, and the two cousins soon fell fast asleep.

*****

Celestia raised her sun on this busy Monday morning. Ponies of all ages were busy getting ready for their return to work or school. The streets of the town bustled with ponies getting some early-morning shopping done or just hanging out with their friends. At Sweet Apple Acres, everypony was awake and about, except the two youngest Apples.

The Element of Heonesty decided to wake her sibling and cousin, a new day of school beckoning. Apple Bloom wasn’t in her own room, so the farm-pony decided to check on Babs’ room. Suspicious and a bit surprised, she found the two fillies asleep with their forehooves wrapped around each other.

Applejack trotted over to the bed and pulled the covers away. A sudden chill and a familiar, thickly-accented voice woke the two fillies. "What in tarnation?! What are ya two doin' in bed together?" Applejack asked, staring at them suspiciously.

The fillies sat on their haunches and stared back at her, confused. “She had a nightmare, so she came to me for comfort. Ya would done the same, Applejack," Babs explained. She spoke only the honest truth. Babs glanced over at Apple Bloom, who was looking at the floor and trying the best not to blush. She blushed anyway.

A small blush spread across Applejack’s muzzle, misunderstanding what she had seen. "Oh, Ah'm really sorry, Ah thought…Oh, nevermind. Breakfast is ready," Applejack said with a chuckle. She left them alone and headed back towards the downstairs kitchen.

“Hey, you alright?" The pink-mane filly turned to her cousin, concerned. She couldn’t understand why the yellow filly had looked away from her.

"Ah’m fine, thanks,” Apple Bloom replied. She finally glanced over at Babs Seed and smiled. She was too hungry to wait and see if Babs would smile back. She jumped off the bed and trotted towards the kitchen. The orange filly followed after her cousin, her own stomach growling.

All the members of the Apple Family sat at the breakfast table, hastily eating and exchanging a few quick words. After breakfast, both school-fillies brushed their teeth and packed their lunches into their saddlebags. Applejack gave them each a piece of apple pie, an apple and apple juice for their lunch. As ready as they could ever be, the two fillies headed towards the schoolhouse in town’s center.

Chapter Four

Apple Bloom jotted down some notes as she listened to Cheerilee lecture about math. Scootaloo was about half-asleep on her desk. Sweetie Belle was just plain confused, trying to understand all the numbers and symbols on the board. Babs was bored, her thoughts trailing away as she pretended to listen to the lesson.

Five minutes remained before the school day would finally be over. Five minutes felt like forever to the Cutie Mark Crusaders and most of their other classmates. Scootaloo’s head became far too heavy for the filly. Tired and bored, she fell face-forward into her math book with a soft thud. The pegasus fell asleep instantly, just like she had on Family Appreciation Day. When Filthy Rich told the class about his business, nopony enjoyed it, except for Diamond Tiara. That had been even more boring than math.

Finally, the school bell rang and everypony burst out of the classroom. The fillies and colts headed off to enjoy their afternoon with friends, family or whatever else they wanted to do. The four crusaders trotted together outside.

Scootaloo leaned close to Babs Seed as they walked. Apple Bloom silently watched her cousin and best friend. She had gotten used to this, seeing her crush with her best friend. But the farm filly still could not help but feel sad, jealous, and a little bit angry with the pegasus.

Usually, Apple Bloom was used to those feelings and could control them and hide them well. But, today, it wasn’t so ear. She stared at her friends, her mind running wild. Apple Bloom’s eyes locked onto her cousin. She recounted all the things she liked about Babs: how brave and kind she was; her Manehatten accent; and just about everything about her. A slight blush spread across the yellow filly’s muzzle. She snapped herself from her haze and smiled to her friends, pushing away her earlier thoughts.

Her blush disappeared with her thoughts. Apple Bloom said, “Ah know what we should do today! Why don’t we try our cutiemarks in art?” The yellow filly forced a big grin as her friends turned to look at her.

Sweetie Belle smiled and seemed to like the idea. Babs and Scootaloo exchanged uneasy glances. Apple Bloom could easily tell that those two were planning something else, which disappointed the yellow filly. Scootaloo and Babs did spent time together all the time, even becoming lovey-dovey sometimes while crusading.

“Well,” Scootaloo began, “we—“

Scootaloo was suddenly cut short by an excited unicorn. “That seems fun! I love painting!”

Babs Seed sighed, looking first at Scootaloo, then back to her cousin. “Sorry cuz, me and Scoots here have been planning to do something special, just me and her.” Apple Bloom pouted stubbornly and frowned. The others were confused and a bit concerned, surprised by the yellow filly’s odd reaction.

“But y'all ALWAYS spend time alone, just the two of you!” Apple Bloom could not hide her feelings anymore. She was annoyed that those two always spent time together, alone, far too often. She felt lonely during those times, crusading with Sweetie Belle failing to cheer her up. Apple Bloom was unable to contain her jealousy and sorrow, her emotions coming to a boil. Countless times, she had wished it was her instead of Scootaloo by Babs’ side.

The orange pegasus narrowed her eyes at Apple Bloom, stomping towards her with heavy hoof-steps, wings flared. “Excuse ME for wanting to spend time with MY fillyfriend!" she shouted, annoyed.

The farm-filly took a step backward, glaring at Scootaloo. “Fine, that’s fine! If y'all want to spend some stupid lovey-dovey time while me and Sweetie Belle go git our cutiemarks, that’s fine! Ya'll can stay blankflanks and Ah won’t even care!” Apple Bloom snapped without thinking. She surprised herself, unable to believe that she had said “blankflanks” so harshly. However, she did speak the truth; Babs and Scoots seemed to care less about cutiemarks since they’d gotten together. The friendship between the four of them was beginning to slowly fade.

Apple Bloom felt that she was not important to her cousin anymore. Babs barely spent any time with her, and wasn’t even on the farm that much. Babs was only on the farm to sleep and eat breakfast it seemed. The rest of the time she spent with Scootaloo, telling Apple Bloom that they wanted to be alone.

Apple Bloom felt alone, excluded, and abandoned. She felt the same way when Applejack had to do chores and Apple Bloom was unable to help, being far too young and not strong enough. Babs treated Apple Bloom more like a little sister than a cousin. Apple Bloom knew how badly Sweetie Belle felt when Rarity was too busy to spend time with her, but this was far worse.

Sweetie Belle hated when her hot-headed friends started a fight. The worst incident was when Scootaloo and Apple Bloom fought Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. The fight started when Scootaloo hit Silver Spoon in the face and Diamond Tiara pulled off Apple Bloom’s bow and threw it on the ground. Sweetie Belle was just standing by then, concerned but unable to intervene. After that fight, all parties involved had received detention for their trouble.

The unicorn watched Scootaloo and Apple Bloom aruge, hoping they would not start a fight or injure each other. “Girls…” Sweetie Belle said quietly, flattening her ears, worried for her friends.

Babs Seed had no idea what to do, not understanding why they were fighting. She was surprised at Apple Bloom's sudden actions toward her fillyfriend, unable to pinpoint the cause. The former Manehattan filly loved both her cousin and fillyfriend. She didn’t want to pick a side and leave the other pony hanging, though she had to, eventually. She decided she would pick Scootaloo's side because she loved her more than anypony, though she was still afraid that it would hurt Apple Bloom.

“We will find our cutie marks, but not today!” Scootaloo exclaimed, joining her fillyfriend’s side. “Today, I want to spend time with Babs!”

Babs chuckled nervously and nuzzled Scootaloo, trying to comfort her and calm her down. She offered Apple Bloom a nervous grin and an awkward shrug.

“Ya even steal mah cousin, Scoots! When do Ah git mah time with her?!" Apple Bloom suddenly blurted. The filly covered her mouth with her forehooves. She blushed and hoped nopony would suspect anything. “Um, Ah... Ah mean...” Apple Bloom stuttered, sure that everypony was staring at her.

“Don’t be so possessive about her, Bloom. She’s your cousin, but she’s still MY fillyfriend. You can’t help that she loves me then you! She got a fillyfriend to get busy with." Those words made Apple Bloom’s heart ache. Had Babs told her about this? Well, of course Babs loved Scootaloo more. She was her fillyfriend.

Apple Bloom’s heart sank. The orange pegasus smirked with confidence, seeing the yellow filly crestfallen, defeated. She had won this argument. Apple Bloom was being too foalish and possessive. Scootaloo mocked, “Come on, Apple Bloom! You gotta grow up, don’t be such a ba-"

Scootaloo was interrupted by a strong, orange forehoof pulling her backwards. “Hey! Have you gone and become a bully now?!” Babs had to stop her and protect Apple Bloom. She didn’t want anypony hurt. Scootaloo felt a little guilty to have lost her temper so easily, though she was still annoyed. Apple Bloom was being quite foalish about this whole thing.

Apple Bloom stared at Scootaloo, holding back the tears brewing in the corner of her eyes. “Fine... come on, Sweetie Belle, we don’t need them. We can get our cutie marks without them." Apple Bloom shot a sharp glare at the two orange fillies a sharp glare. She turned around, giving them the final, cold shoulder, and trotted away.

Sweetie Belle rose to her hooves to follow after Apple Bloom. She first stopped to look back at the other two Crusaders, frowning. “I'm sorry,” she mumbled.

Sweetie trotted after the yellow filly, feeling guilty and worthless. She wasn’t the kind of pony to pick sides, but Apple Bloom would be all alone if she didn’t. Scootaloo hovered a bit above the ground and shouted, “Fine! Our friendship is over! You’re such an annoying, childish foal!”

Babs bit her bottom lip, saying nothing. This was the worst possible thing. She watched the unicorn and Earth pony walk away. She knew this wasn’t her fault, but she felt guilty for just standing there, watching it all happen.

*****

Apple Bloom laid under a tree, sobbing quietly. Her thoughts churned in a mix of sorrow and anger. ‘How did this happen?! This is what Ah feared.... Tell me it’s just a dream! If it is, Ah wanna wake up right now,’ she thought, lying in the shadow of the tree. She regretted even starting that argument. It was her fault that she’d lost control of her feelings and raged at Scootaloo. Her friendship with the pegasus was over. Luckily, she hadn’t confessed her feelings towards Babs.

Apple Bloom felt so alone. Of course Babs would be on Scoot’s side and not hers. The yellow filly had galloped all the way to Sweet Apple Acres, ignoring Sweetie Belle calling after her. Fortunately for Apple Bloom, Earth ponies were far faster than unicorns.

Now she was lying under one of the apple trees in the orchard, hiding her face with her forehooves. Scootaloo, once her best friend, was probably her enemy—another Diamond Tiara. What if the pegasus turned Babs Seed against her, too? Apple Bloom willed such thoughts away, hoping that would never come to pass. The filly curled into a ball, her cries slowly fading away.

She felt a gentle touch on her back. She looked over her shoulder, finding Sweetie Belle there, concern on her muzzle. Apple Bloom sat up, meeting her friend’s gaze.

“You suddenly ran off…it took me some time find you, Apple Bloom. What was that all about back there?” Sweetie Belle sat beside her and wrapped a hoof around the farm-filly, hugging her in a comforting embrace.

Apple Bloom wiped away some of her tears, feeling a bit better now that Sweetie was with her. "Ah'm sorry... It’s all mah fault,” she said, sighing, staring at the ground. 'Why did Ah even fall in love with Babs? Ah shouldn’t have! It’s my fault. None of this would have happened if Ah didn’t fall in love with Babs.' Her thoughts made her cry a little more, but she quickly dried her tears, wiping them with a forehoof.

Sweetie Belle hugged Apple Bloom, gently stroking her back. “Apple Bloom, if you want to talk about it, you can tell me anything. That’s what friends are for.”

Sniffling, the yellow filly nodded and smiled slightly. "Thanks, Sweetie Belle. Ah'll tell ya, but can we go somewhere where nopony can hear us?" Her unicorn friend nodded. They both rose to their hooves and trotted towards the farmhouse.

*****

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle sat in the farm-filly’s room. They closed the door securely behind them. Applejack and Big Macintosh were out doing some important chores outside anyway and Granny Smith was in town. Nopony would be there to hear them.

Apple Bloom had never told anypony that she liked fillies. Her family didn’t want any fillyfoolers or coltcuddlers in their family. How else would the family grow? While she wasn’t only afraid to tell anypony that she liked her own gender, it was even more difficult to admit to liking her own cousin. How would everypony react?

“Sweetie Belle, ya gotta promise not tell anypony, not even Rarity. Ya hear?” Apple Bloom asking, shifting her eyes nervously around the room. They were alone. She checked again, just to be sure.

Sweetie Belle spoke, her voice light and squeaky as usual, "I promise! I will even Pinkie Promise! Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." She performed the Pinkie Promise, putting her hoof to her eye after the last two words.

The yellow filly avoided the unicorn’s gaze, feeling that it was easier to tell when nopony was looking at her. “Ya see, Ah was feelin' very jealous that Babs was spending so much time with Scootaloo. Ah've been holdin' these feelings in…Ah'm so sorry... Ah suddenly let 'em burst out like that. Ah'm really sorry,” Apple Bloom confessed, embarrassed. However, that was not the only thing she wanted to tell her friend.

Sweetie Belle titled her head slightly, staring at her friend, concerned. “It's alright Apple Bloom, I am still your friend. Don’t worry.” The unicorn wrapped her forehooves around the yellow filly and pulled her in a comforting embrace.

“That’s not all of it,” Apple Bloom, looking away from Sweetie Belle. “Ah... Ah have a crush.” A slight blush spread across muzzle.

"You have a crush? On who?" Sweetie asked, smiling curiously. "Scootaloo?" Sweetie Belle guessed.

Apple Bloom paused and stared at her friend for a moment. Sweetie Belle was sure clueless. Why would she fight with Scootaloo if she had a crush on her? Apple Bloom shook her head. "No. But if Ah tell ya who, ya gotta promise to not think Ah’m crazy,” she stated seriously.

Sweetie Belle was confused. Why would Apple Bloom act so crazy just because she had a crush on somepony? 'Maybe it’s not a pony. Maybe it’s a dragon. Spike?' It took her a moment, but the answer was so clear once she realized it. "I promise, Apple Bloom. We are still best friends, even if you have a crush on a rock." She giggled at the joke and gave Apple Bloom a warm smile.

The yellow filly sat silently before taking a deep breath. Sweetie Belle would be the first pony she told. Before she could shy away from it, she muttered, "Babs, Ah have a crush on Babs." Her blush deepened into a bright crimson. Apple Bloom tore her eyes away from Sweetie Belle, staring at the floor.

*****

Night fell. Everypony was asleep in the farmhouse, except for Babs. She was pacing back and forth in her room, trying to think of a way to fix the mess that happened after school. The former Manehattan filly was filled with guilt and regret. She hadn’t done anything to stop them, only watching helplessly by.

She hated seeing them argue. She hated how sad and angry Apple Bloom seemed to be now. Babs Seed loved her cousin. She was a part of her family. However, Scootaloo was her everything. Now, both Apple Bloom and Scootaloo was not friends anymore. 'And everypony says friendship is magic. Yeah, right. Maybe it’s not because we aren’t the Elements of Harmony,’ Babs thought, jumping up onto her bed.

She laid down and pulled the covers over herself . The filly tried to sleep but couldn’t, her thoughts keeping her awake. ‘Maybe an apology would help? Maybe that’s not enough.’ Babs wanted to apologize for doing nothing (other than then watching) and for Scootaloo’s rudeness towards her cousin. 'I must not have noticed it until now. Scootaloo is kinda…pulling me away from her, isn’t she? I know we haven’t been crusading for cutiemarks much lately. Maybe Scootaloo don’t want a cutie mark anymore.'

Babs Seed was confused. Somehow, there was something wrong with Apple Bloom, something she wasn’t telling anypony about. It looked like she was hiding something earlier. Maybe this whole thing wasn’t just about not crusading. Babs did really want a cutie mark as much as Apple Bloom did, after all.

The orange filly blew the mane out of her face and flipped over. She laid on her side and stared directly at the wall. Was it jealousy she saw on her cousin's face? Apple Bloom did seem somewhat jealous about Babs and Scootaloo being together. 'I am truly sorry for treating you like this, Bloom. You’re still my favorite cousin. I gotta fix this…but, how?’

Chapter Five

There they were, those two fillies in shades of orange fur, pink mane and purple mane close enough to touch. Apple Bloom didn't know how many times she’d done this. She couldn't help but steal as many looks at Babs as she could, even if Scootaloo was there almost every time. Even if it hurt so much.

Apple Bloom stood silently by Babs’ bedroom door. The door was slightly ajar, so she could see their heads, at least. The two fillies were facing each other: Babs lying on top, and Scootaloo on the bottom, sleeping soundly. She was wishing so badly that she was the one lying there instead of Scootaloo. The heartbroken filly couldn't stand it anymore. She turned around and hung her head low. It was time to take another aimless walk through Sweet Apple Acres.

*****One Week Later*****

It had been a week since Apple Bloom had lost her friendship with Scootaloo. In spite of everything, she regretted it. The four Cutie Mark Crusaders didn't go on any crusades anymore; they didn’t hang out as a group at all. This change wasn’t met with open hooves in the least.

Sweetie Belle had tried to talk to her three friends about the situation, speaking to them separately. Only Sweetie Belle and Babs Seed that wanted Scootaloo and Apple Bloom to become friends again. The two quarreling fillies dissolved into an argument whenever they were near each other in the beginning. By the end of the week, they stopped talking entire and keeping their distance.

Not wanting to be caught in the middle, Sweetie Belle spent time with all of her friends, even the two who were now enemies. Babs could not pick a side either. She loved Scootaloo and didn't wanna leave her, despite her feud with her Apple Bloom. Although she wanted to be close to her cousin, talking with Apple Bloom hadn’t resolved anything. In fact, it seemed to make things worse. As a result, Babs kept her distance from both fillies, wanting to resolve this petty fight soon.

On top of the fights with Scootaloo, it pained Apple Bloom to be in love with her cousin. Seeing Babs with her former best friend was hard to handle along with everything else being so rocky. Sweetie Belle being on her side helped a little, but she still missed when all four of them had fun and could trust each other. Despite Sweetie’s comfort and assurance, Apple Bloom felt as lonely as ever.

*****

By the end of the week, Sweetie Belle had enough. She formulated a plan to gather all the Cutie Mark Crusaders into the treehouse. The unicorn thought if she told them one by one to meet her in the treehouse by an exact time, she could talk to them, and force them to work things out with each other. She wanted to fix this and couldn't stand how Scootaloo and Apple Bloom had turned from best friends to enemies.

Sweetie sighed, missing the good ol’ times. Sitting inside the treehouse and waiting for the others, she decided to hum a song to herself to cheer up a little. "We will never stop our journey, not 'till we fin--"

The door to the clubhouse suddenly swung open. The first filly to join her was Babs Seed. Doubtlessly, the other two were coming soon and Babs was just a little early. "Hi Babs! Where’s Scootaloo?" Sweetie asked curiously.

Babs smiled. "She's comin’, I think in a few minutes.”

Sweetie Belle thought for a moment. She could talk to Babs before the others arrived, just to prepare her for what she wanted to discuss with her friends. "Oh. Well, you see, the reason I invited you all to meet me here is I that wanted to talk.."

Babs smile turned to a concerned frown. "Dis is ‘bout Scootaloo an’ Apple Bloom, right?"

"Yes. I want this fighting to end. I am trying to make them talk and befriend each other again," Sweetie Belle said, nervously digging a hoof into the floor.

"So do I. We can try togetha, right?" Babs asked. Sweetie nodded. Both fillies wanted Scootaloo and Apple Bloom to be friends again more than anything else, no matter the cost.

Hanging her muzzle, Babs Seed sighed. “Ma cuz has kinda been avoidin' me lately...Why? What did I do?” she asked, looking up at the unicorn.

Sweetie simply shrugged in reply. Although she knew the exact answer, she was bound by Pinkie Promise not to tell anypony...even the pony who needed to know most of all.

******

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were in Rarity's boutique. Rarity was out and about, shopping for some fabric. Not wanting to be alone, Sweetie invited her friend over. They were having a great time, sitting in front of the huge mirrors and doing each others manes.

Apple Bloom stared silently into the mirror as Sweetie Belle braided her soft, red mane into one long braid. "Ah wonder if Babs would like me in this manestyle. It’s cute,” she said, blushing slightly.

Sweetie Belle let out a high-pitched chuckle. Continuing to braid her mane, she replied, "Of course she would!” With a giggle, she complimented, “You look cute in braids. You should wear your mane that way more often.”

"Ah'm not sure. Besides, Babs doesn't like me anyway,” Apple Bloom dismissed, a sad smile on her muzzle. "Ah don't even talk ta her anymore."

Sweetie finished Apple Bloom's braid and tied it together with a pink ribbon on the end. "Why? Did something happen between the two of you?"

"No. Ah jus’ been avoidin' her lately." Apple Bloom turned around, unwilling to face either her friend or her own reflection. "It makes me too sad ta think ‘bout how she’s wit’ Scootaloo. Ah really miss bein' friend wit’ Scoots, but Ah really do want Babs ta be mine...” Her words trailed off and she looked at the floor.

Sweetie Belle wrapped her forehoof around Apple Bloom's shoulder, comforting her friend. "You can tell me anything, Apple Bloom. I can even Pinkie Promise to keep it secret."

The farm filly smiled at her friend as she hugged her back. "Thanks Sweetie Belle, Ah'm happy that Ah can always be here when Babs and Scoots are togetha at ma place.”

Sweetie blinked, confused. "Your place?"

Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow and stared at her. The unicorn finally remembered and realized it. "Oh, right! Yes, Babs moved to Ponyville and lives at your place. I remembered that...”

The farm filly couldn't help but facehoof. Sweetie Belle could be so slow sometimes. Apple Bloom giggled gently and tickled Sweetie Belle, eliciting squeals of laughter from the unicorn. "Yer havin' bad memory ta-day, huh?" she teased, ceasing the tickling.

Sweetie Belle struggled to catch her breath after laughing so hard. Apple Bloom had accidentially uncovered one of her weaknesses--she was incredibly ticklish. "Heh, heh... sorry, Scoots just spends so much time with Babs, I kinda forgot where she lives."

Apple Bloom giggled briefly, then returned to the topic at hoof. "So yeah, what Ah was talkin' 'bout. Ah really miss all four o’ us bein' best friends an’ crusaders." She looked up at her friend and admitted, "Ah feel so ashamed an’ guilty fer havin' a crush on Babs. It’s the reason Ah got so angry at Scootaloo. This whole thing is all ma fault. Jus’ if...if only Ah didn't have a crush on ma cuz, none o’ this woulda happened.”

Sweetie Belle patted her friend’s back comfortingly. Apple Bloom smiled in gratitude and continued, “This whole thing is wrong in so many ways.”

The unicorn asked, gently and curiously, "How is it wrong?"

"Well ya see, Babs is ma cousin, first off. An’ it would be wrong o’ me ta steal a friend’s fillyfriend even if she wasn’t, right?” She truly didn’t want to know the answer, fearing Sweetie would agree and confirm her fears.

Sweetie paused, running her forehoof up and down Apple Bloom's back to reassure her. She took a deep breath and bega, "Well--”

“O 'course it’s wrong!” Apple Bloom pouted and stubbornly fought back her tears.

"No! It’s not! I mean...Well, you can't help how you feels, right?" Sweetie Belle asked, pulling her friend into a tight hug.

Apple Bloom sighed, relieved. Sweetie Belle did have a point. "Ah...Ah guess not. Ah mean, Ah really do love Babs," she admitted, her muzzle growing warm. "Ah hope Ah can at least become friends wit’ Scootaloo again, though.”

They stood like that in silence for a few moments, holding each other tightly. Finally, the unicorn spoke up, her voice cracking, "I know!"

Apple Bloom gave her friend a curious and clueless expression, wondering what she was up to.

Sweetie explained excitedly, "I could tell Scoots and Babs to come over to the clubhouse tomorrow afternoon, and you can come too, tight? I’ll find a way to get us all back to being the amazing Cutie Mark Crusaders again! And don't worry, Apple Bloom. I will keep your secret safe with me."

Apple Bloom smiled and hugged Sweetie Belle. "Thanks, Sweetie Belle. Ah dunno what Ah would do without ya an’ yer great ideas."

*****

"Don't feel guilty, Babs. Apple Bloom has just been, uhm, sad lately,” Sweetie Belle said. She didn't want to reveal too much. It was up to Apple Bloom to tell her cousin the truth, after all.

"But we always talk ‘bout anythin’! She always used ta tell me everythin’," the bobtail filly protested with an irritated tone. Apple Bloom's foalish behaviour annoyed and confused her. Wasn’t Bloom angry with Scoots, not her?

Suddenly, two Crusaders became three. Scootaloo flied into the treehouse through the window. After extra lessons from Rainbow Dash, she was a stronger flier and felt more confident. Someday, she would be as fast as her idol. "Sweetie Belle! You called for a Cutie Mark Crusader meeting, right?” she asked, landing on all four hooves.

The unicorn nodded. "Yes. I want to talk about something.”

"Oh. Are you OK, Sweetie Belle?" Scootaloo sat down beside Sweetie, concerned. "If it’s Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon bullying you again, I’ll kick their flanks!" She threw a few punches into the air, wings flaring with pride. "Right, Babs?"

Babs loved it when Scootaloo acted so confident and tough. A smirk spread across her muzzle "Heh! O’ course! We would kick 'em ta the moon!"

Scootaloo smirked and grinned. Both fillies turned their attention to Sweetie Belle as the pegasus probed, “So...tell us, then?”

Sweetie Belle took a moment to reply, looking at Scootaloo intently. She knew Scoots would be angry if she told her that they had to wait for Apple Bloom. Sweetie Belle knew how Scootaloo disliked Apple Bloom now, but somehow could feel that she missed her old friend just as much. "We are waiting for Apple Bloom," Sweetie gently replied.

"But! I thought I told you..." Biting her lip, Scootaloo slumped down on her haunches and turned away from the unicorn. Mimicking her idol, she stayed as loyal as she could to her friends, and hated betrayal.

*****

School was out and everypony was leaving the building. Scootaloo wanted to talk to Sweetie Belle before she went on a little adventure with Rainbow Dash, taking Babs with her of course. Scootaloo caught up to Sweetie Belle and pulled her behind the schoolhouse to talk.

"Are you alright, Scoots? You seemed to take me back here in such a hurry." Sweetie Belle asked. She felt honored, being the one filly who her friends could always trust and talk to, even if she was a bit slow sometimes.

"Of course I am alright!” Scoots shot back confidently. "Kinda in a hurry though. I'm gonna hang with Rainbow Dash and Babs soon.”

Sweetie Belle nodded and tilted her head. "So, what did you want to talk about?"

Scootaloo sat down onto her haunches and folded her wings onto her back. "Do you think.. Apple Bloom is kinda stalkerish?"

"That’s not a word.” Sweetie corrected, "It’s ‘stalker.’”

The pegasus rolled her eyes and returned to the topic at hoof. "Whatever, dictionary! Anyway, I think she is! I mean, she’s kinda been looking my way whenever I’m with Babs.”

Wanting to guard Apple Bloom’s secret, Sweetie thought best to throw Scootaloo off the trail. “Hmm. Maybe she’s...bored?” The unicorn noted to herself to facehoof later. That was the absolute stupidest reason she could think of.

"Promise me something, alright?" Scootaloo lowered her voice and looked around, ensuring they were alone. "Please tell Apple Bloom to stop stalking me and looking at me like that. Please?" The pegasus put on her helmet and got on her scooter.

"Alright, Scoots." Sweetie Belle didn't know if she could make that happen. She felt a bit useless in this whole ordeal. Sometimes, she couldn’t do anything, no matter how much she wished to fix it all. She really missed the old times. The two fillies exchanged goodbyes before Scootaloo scooted off, riding her scooter at full speed.

*****

Scootaloo and Babs spent almost all of their free time together. However, when Apple Bloom looked their way and stared, Scoots found it a little creepy. She wondered if the farm filly was actually a stalker or just being foalish. Of course, everypony was foalish at times, but Apple Bloom’s outburst was beyond stupid and foalish.

The pegasu rode her scooter through town, enjoying the wind blowing onto her face. She was going to enjoy this weekend with her idol and fillyfriend. Still, she missed the way things used to be. They sure had fun then, but Apple Bloom was too confusing and strange now. She even seemed to avoid Babs for no reason at all!

On top of that, even when things were going well, Apple Bloom was so stubborn about going crusading. It almost seemed like she didn’t want Scootaloo to spend alone time with Babs Seed. Cutiemarks were important, but to Scootaloo, her fillyfriend was far more important.

Yet, deep inside, the pegasus felt slightly guilty. Maybe Apple Bloom was right. The whole group had been spending less time crusading and just hanging out, all because Scoots and Babs wanted to be alone most of the time.

Scootaloo always thought that the most and only important things in her life were Rainbow Dash, Babs Seed, becoming a good flier, and getting a cutie mark. Scootaloo was loyal, just like Rainbow Dash. However, she knew she wasn’t being loyal right now. She was both angry and confused. She recalled the time Rainbow Dash told her to not ditch her friends for who or what she loved--that friends came first, above all else.

Fighting her thoughts, Scootaloo increased her speed and rocketed through town. She was going to enjoy this weekend and not bother about this nonsense, like she had been the past few nights. Soon, she reached her destination, where Rainbow Dash was waiting for her and Babs would soon be.

*****

"But I thought I told you to make Apple Bloom stay away from me,” Scootaloo huffed, annoyed and upset. Babs wrapped her forehooves around her fillyfriend and pulled her close into a comforting hug.

"I just wanted to make you and Apple Bloom get along,” Sweetie muttered, unsure of what to do. She was trying her best. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all.

"Yeah, she’s right. Please, can’t youze an’ Apple Bloom become friends again? Fo’ us? Fo’ me?” Babs ran her hoof through Scootaloo's mane to calm her down.

Scootaloo wriggled out of Babs’ grip and took a step backward. "If I want to be friends with Apple Bloom again, it’s my doing! Its none of your business, guys!" Spreading her wings and glaring at Sweetie Belle, she huffed, "That's it! I'm out of here before she gets here.” The pegasus quickly jumped to a hover and flew out the window before either filly could object.

"Wait here, Babs! I'll go after her,” Sweetie Belle called, running out of the treehouse. Before Babs could reply, Sweetie Belle was gone.

Babs intended to follow them, but she suddenly thought of something, Apple Bloom was coming any moment. She could take a chance and talk to her. She was sure Sweetie Belle would be just as good as herself to convince Scootaloo to give this another chance.

*****

Babs only needed to wait about ten more minutes before her cousin arrived through the treehouse door. When Apple Bloom came inside, only Babs was there, no sign of Sweetie or Scoots. Had Sweetie Belle planned this? "Where are the others?"

The farm filly went over to Babs and sat beside her. She couldn’t avoid her anymore and gave up on trying to never speak to her again. It actually felt easier than she thought it would be when she actually spoke to her cousin again.

"Oh, they’re late,” Babs lied, giving Apple Bloom a warm and sweet smile. Apple Bloom felt her cheeks heating up and looked away, cursing herself. Babs was just too sweet..

"Ah'm sorry,” she mumbled, looking at the floor. She blushed deeper still as Babs wrapped a forehoof around her and pulled her close, comforting her.

Babs asked--one word filled with compassion--”Why?”

Apple Bloom felt her face get hot again. Although Babs was standing right in front of her, she was surprised by the touch, enjoying her comfort. As much the farm filly wished Babs would just pull her close and hold her the way she held Scootaloo, she knew that would never be. A tear ran down Apple Bloom's cheek and she pushed herself away from Babs.

Apple Bloom lied down on her stomach and curled her tail against herself, hiding her face behind her forehooves and fighting back further tears. "Ah'm sorry! Ah didn't mean ta have that silly fight wit’ Scootaloo! Ah'm sorry that Ah didn't talk ta you o’ Scoots! Ah'm sorry fer bein' in--"

Her apology was interrupted, a pair of strong forehooves pulling her close into another comforting hug. Blushing madly, Apple Bloom realized she was so close to saying it and was thankful that she didn't. Apple Bloom wrapped her forehooves around Babs and leaned into her.

"It’s alright, Apple Bloom. Youze are forgiven." Babs lifted Apple Bloom’s chin gently and looked straight into her eyes. "Will youze tell me what's goin’ on?”

Apple Bloom pushed herself gently away from Babs, thought she still wanted to hold onto her cousin. Blushing softly, she wondered if she should tell or not. After a short moment, Apple Bloom finally decided to say it. "Ah'm sorry, it’s jus’ that.. Ah was angry fer Scootaloo takin' so much o’ yer time. Both fer wantin' more crusadin' time an’ let Scootaloo give ya some space ta be wit’ others, too." The farm filly said, biting her lower lip, "An’.. Ah... Ah'm i--"

The two cousins were interrupted again. Applejack trotted inside the treehouse. "There ya are! Ah saw Scoots an’ Sweetie Belle runnin' off, so Ah wanted ta see if ya'll are alright."

Apple Bloom replied with a smile, "Yes.. Ah'm alright.”

"How 'bout the others, Scootaloo an’ Sweetie Belle?" Applejack asked with concern.

"They were playin’ tag. I guess they had ta leave, heh,” Babs lied, not wanting Applejack to get involved.

“Well, glad that’s settled, then! Granny Smith made some apple pie. Guess ya'll are hungry, ain’t ya?” Apple Bloom and Babs Seed nodded and followed Applejack out of the treehouse towards the farmhouse, their stomachs rumbling for some apple pie.