A Bell's Core Soundby TrigaByteChaptersBurning SensationJust for the night....Questions and AnswersBlooming FeelingsBurning Sensation "Do any of you know how to drive this thing?!?" shrieked Scootaloo. "Ah thought you knew!" I shouted, equally as frightened. "Did any of us think before trying our 'extreme stunt driver' cutie marks?" asked a surprisingly calm Sweetie Belle. I guess that's what happens when you jump off cliffs, fly into hills, and perform many other death-defying stunts. I should probably explain what's going on. Me and my friends are trying to get our cutie marks, and Scootaloo had the brilliant idea to create a car, find a steep hill, and then drive off it without adult supervision. A normal day in the life of a cutie mark crusader. "Look out! We're about to-" the words never left my mouth. We crashed right into the side of a big oak tree. I wish I could tell you more of our surroundings, but I blacked out. The last thing I felt was a something soft crash into my side. Pain. That was all I could feel, pain. Pain with excruciating heat... wait heat? Grudgingly, I open my eyes to see Sweetie Belle completely on top of me and her muzzle pressed against my cheek. The sight made me cheeks burn and I tried to nudge her awake. For some reason she seemed too at peace to just push her off of me... "Five more minutes Rarity..." muttered Sweetie Belle. After trying a few more tries, she opened her eyes. "Oh, hey Applebloom." Sweetie giggled and bonked me on the nose. Then, that sensation happened again. My cheeks started burning and I turned red. Before I could contemplate this feeling, Scootaloo started moving. "Ugh, how long was I out?" Scootaloo moaned while rubbing her head with her hoof. "Not that long, but can ya please tell us when ya don't know how ta drive?" I berated. "Well maybe I would have if somepony wasn't so eager to get our cutie marks without proper preparation I could have!" "That was you!" "Well you contributed!" "Did not!" "Did too!" "Girls!" Sweetie Belle yelled. "Can you please stop arguing and tell me where we are?" I didn't think too hard about our surroundings, but taking a look around I realized I was just as much of a loss to where we were as Sweetie. "Girls... Ah think we might be in the Everfree Forest!" I was getting increasingly worried. "What if we don't make it back? Ah'll never see my family again, ah'll never see mah home again, AH'LL NEVER SEE OUR CUTIE MARKS!" My voice got very high-pitched at this new revelation. "Applebloom, why didn't you tell me we were lost?" "Well you were driving!" "I was too busy focu-" "GIRLS!" Sweetie's voice went abnormally high. "We're lost in the Everfree Forest, it's getting late, and all you can do is argue? At least let us get out of the forest first!" As always, Sweetie was the voice of reason. "Yeah, Sweetie's right, ah'm sorry Scootaloo..." I let my head droop. "You should be." Scootaloo stuck out her tongue. Always the mature one that Scootaloo. "So Crusaders, how are we planning on getting out of this mess" I asked, genuinely worried about if we would be stuck in the Everfree for the night. Nopony in their right mind would do that on purpose. I didn't want to become a Timberwolf treat! Sweetie spoke up, "Well, we should probably find a path and stick to it. We either get back to Ponyville, or the Gryphon Kingdom..." Scootaloo interrupted her, "That's a risk I'm willing to take, let's go girls. Cutie Mark Crusaders Forest Navigators!" and with that she bolted away, leaving me and Sweetie trying to catch up. When we finally caught up, Scootaloo turned around and called us slowpokes. After about an hour of mindless wandering, it started getting dark. "Girls, ah hate to be the bearer of bad news, but ah think we need to go to bed. Won't do us no good to try and see in the dark." I realized the moon was rising over our heads and the Everfree was alight with many piercing eyes in the bushes. Sweetie was shivering uncontrollably and chimed in, "It's also frigid cold!" I didn't think about it, but I realized I was shivering too. I guess I just didn't realize it since I was getting used to it, but the temperature HAD dropped considerably since we got in this mess. "You guys are wimps, since I'm a pegasus I have an immunity to cold and I don't get tir-" her jesting was cut off by a yawn, much to her chagrin. "Okay fine, maybe I do get tired, but I do have a resistance to the cold, so I can sleep wherever. You guys can fend for yourselves." I had a strong feeling Scootaloo was still mad about me insulting her driving skills. Either way, before I could answer I heard light snoring from underneath the tree she was standing under. "Did she just-" Sweetie began. "Fall asleep and leave us to freeze ta death... Yeah ah believe so." I finished her sentence for her. "So, ya got any ideas on what we can do? Because ah'm pretty sure we can't make blankets or just fall asleep." While I was thinking, I saw Sweetie's face light up and she did a little flutter in the air. That was a sign that she had an idea. "Okay Sweetie, out with it. What's your idea?" I expected an answer along the lines of, 'We can take the leaves and use the needles on our capes to sew blankets!' Or something completely crazy like that. What I was not expecting however was her idea. "We can huddle together for warmth!" Sweetie sounded really enthusiastic about the idea. "...What?" Just for the night.... "...What?" Did I just hear that right? "Well, neither of us have blankets, so we might as well try to be warm." Sweetie brought up a good point, we would most likely freeze or at least get sick if we didn't do something. but that sounded a little drastic. "Come on Applebloom, its just for the night. Rarity and I do it on cold nights, it's not that bad." Before I could refuse, Sweetie brought out her most deadly weapon, the puppy dog face. Refusing that was about as hard as punching a foal in the face, it's easy but it just wouldn't be right. "Fine, fine! Ah give, just stop that!" I turned away from Sweetie with that same heat on my checks. "How are we planning to do this? 'Cuz if ya couldn't tell, we don't have a bed." Turning back towards Sweetie Belle, I saw her lying on the ground with her all of her legs outstretched. She can't possibly mean... "Well come on silly filly! We haven't got all night!" Sweetie giggled as she said it. She did. Well, here goes nothing. Slowly but surely I lower myself into Sweetie's waiting hooves. As soon as I was settled she tightened her hooves around me. I felt strangely comforted, and extremely warm. Not burning hot, just warm. "Um Sweetie. What are ya doing?" I asked, even though I was pretty sure I knew what she was doing. The last time I saw somepony do that was when I caught Fluttershy with Applejack in her room sleeping. "Cuddling of course!" Sweetie did her little giggle again. "Ah know that, I'm just wondering... why?" "Because I'm cold." Again, she just laughed it off. Has she always been this giddy? After that conversation, I tried my best to go to sleep, but I found it as impossible as harvesting Sweet Apple Acres in a day. Okay maybe that was a bad example... Anyways, no matter what my heart just kept racing. It was most likely from trying to fall asleep in the Everfree Forest. After squirming around a few more times, Sweetie opened her eyes. Immediately I felt horrible. I had just woken up a friend because of my selfishness. Before I could apologize, she spoke in a hushed tone. "You can't fall asleep either Applebloom?" That caught me off guard. I guess I just didn't notice she wa awake. "Let's go for a walk, come on." As she got up, I felt compelled to follow, not just because I didn't want to leave her to whatever creatures lurked in the forest. I also wanted to see what she wanted to do. After about ten minutes of walking, we found a lake that could have been passed off as a mirror. "Wow Sweetie, how did ya know about this place?" I whispered breathlessly. It was without a doubt the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. "I didn't." She chuckled, but it wasn't her normal laugh. This one seemed much more relaxed, and much less airy. "To be honest Applebloom, I do this a lot." As I looked to her in confusion she explained. "I can't sleep. Usually I just walk around Ponyville at night, but sometimes I go over to Sweet Apple Acres. It's really peaceful at night, y'know? I just like to clear my mind sometimes." Sweetie spoke wistfully as I looked at her in shock. This was a side of Sweetie Belle I've never seen before. A much more calm and collected side than the average happy-go-lucky mare she is in the day. "Sweetie... Why did you tell me that?" It seemed off. Sweetie didn't usually act like this. Maybe something was happening at home? What if she's moving or out of money? "I'm just clearing my mind..." Sweeties voice trailed off again as she closed her eyes and began to snore. She looked really peaceful again, and I lied down next to her. As I was about to drift to sleep, I remembered something. "SCOOTALOO!!!" How could I forget about her? A Cutie Mark Crusader never leaves a member behind! "Scootaloo where are-" I stopped myself short as I saw Scootaloo underneath a tree, still sound asleep. "Ah'll never understand how she does that..." I knew I couldn't wake her up, it'd be pointless. Scootaloo could probably sleep through being picked up by Spitfire and thrown into a volcano. Well that was a strangely morbid thought... "Now how am I going to get you to the lake... Oh Celestia no." I knew what I'd have to do. "Well, ain't no point in waiting." I picked up Scootaloo and slung her over my back. If I weren't an Apple, I probably couldn't have done it, but I started carrying her to the lake. After twenty minutes, I finally arrived at the lake. Thankfully, there was a tree nearby, so I just rested Scootaloo against it. Turning, I saw Sweetie exactly where I left her. When I looked at her, I realized how incredibly cold I was. No point in sleeping cold... I positioned myself in Sweetie's waiting hooves and nuzzled her neck. Before I fell asleep I swear I saw the faintest smile dancing on Sweetie's lips. I woke up to the sound of Pegasus wings. Opening my eyes, I was greeted to lime-green. Almost as if we planned it, we jumped off of each other and flailed around in the air. Eventually, we both started stammering. "I didn't..." "Did we?" "You have pretty eyes." "Why would we?" Then in synchronization, we both said, "Never speak of this again? Agreed." As we ended our sentences, there was silence. I let out a snort and soon Sweetie and I were cackling like mad mares. While composing myself, I realized something. Didn't I wake up to Pegasi wings? Looking up, I saw ten Pegasi with orange vests that had three words on them. Filly Finder Fliers Questions and AnswersFilly Finder Fliers. I'd never heard of them before, maybe they were a new squad? Before I could ask anything, Scootaloo woke up. "Hey, what's with the racket? I'm trying to get some sle- OMIGOSH Rainbow Dash!" My first thought was that Scootaloo was hallucinating. "Hey guys! How'd you manage to get down there? We've been looking for you all night!" Yelled a rugged, feminine voice. As I looked up, I realized that Rainbow Dash was in fact the Pegasus at the head of the squad. I thought she was a weather Pegasus. Apparently, Scootaloo had the same thought. "Rainbow Dash, aren't you a weather Pegasus? No-Not like this job isn't cool as well though!" Scootaloo was obviously kicking herself at the thought of insulting her idol. "I'm just curious is all." "Yeah, my boss put me into this district because he was afraid I would 'brutally mutilate flight school students'. Who would even think of something so sick? It's almost as bad as putting two ponies in a compromising situation to make them fall madly in love." Somewhere far away, a pink mare sneezed. "Anyway guys, you need to get back home. Your families have been worried sick. Rarity has been bawling her eyes out, and Applejack has kicked over a few trees in frustration." Had they really done that to their families within a night? The full sentence caught up with me for a second. Applejack has kicked over a few trees in frustration Kicked over a few trees in frustration Few trees in frustration Frustration Oh no. "And then ya go an drive ONE OF OUR CARTS without permission, AND GO INTO THE EVERFREE FOREST?! Applebloom, ah'm extremely disappointed in ya. Ya should know better by now!" I winced at every word my older sister doled out. When Rainbow and her crew came, they brought a carriage to bring the crusaders back. Since Sweet Apple Acres was closest to our location, I had gotten dropped off first. I snuck into my house, and didn't see anyone around. Trying to be sneaky, I went towards the kitchen for a glass of water. Immediately, Applejack jumped out and started lecturing me. "And furthermore, ah cant trust ya with yer own friends without ya nearly killin yerself!" My mind started to wander, as any child's did when they were bored with a conversation. Let's review what happened in the forest. I woke up, Sweetie was on me, my face burned, we cuddled, she becomes a philosopher, we sleep, now we're here. What was interesting about that... That burning! What was that? Why did I feel it when I was with Sweetie Belle? Why am I being shaken violently? Applejack was shaking my shoulders. "Applebloom! Ya weren't listenin, were ya?" Applejack sighed, "Look, ah know ya don't like ta listen to me, but can you at least do something for me? Don't ever do that again." Then, Applejack did something unexpected. She broke down into tears, and embraced me warmly. She smelled like delicious apple pie, calming my nerves. After a few minutes, she collected herself. "L-look Applebloom. Ya know our parents are not with us anymore, and ya know how they went. A-ah just don't want it happening ta y-you..." Her voice was still quivering, but she wasn't crying anymore. Even though I knew it happened, I still didn't like being reminded of my parent's death. One day, my mom and dad were hiking in the forest, when a strange rat-like creature attacked them and stole their light source. It left them to die in the Everfree without any light. My father didn't make it, but my mom got home. She was so stricken with grief by my father's death, she hung herself after telling the story. Before I could have gone down that dark road in my memories, the door opened and Fluttershy walked in. She was about to talk when he saw me and jumped back. Very timidly, she crept over to Applejack. Raising her hoof, she whispered something to her and braced herself. Applejack became crimson red and nodded. Fluttershy smiled, waved at me and bolted out of the room. "Hey Applejack," Applejack was chuckling to herself before her ears perked up at my voice. "Why did yer face turn red? What's that?" Obviously, my question mortified my older sister. Did she not know she did that? "Uhmm, well Applebloom... That's called blushing. It happens when ya get a wee bit embarrassed." Since I was a filly, I needed more answers. "Then why did you just blush at Fluttershy? OH! I know! She must have told a real funny joke, right sis?" Applejack was visibly sweating. It didn't take Twilight to know she was hiding something. "Uh, yeah. A joke. Anyway, why do ya want to know what that is Sugar?" It was Applejack's turn to ask questions. Well, if the reason this 'blushing' happens is because of a joke, then what harm can it cause? "It happens when I'm around Sweetie Belle. But wait, that's weird. It didn't happen because of a joke, it was because she was on top of me. Why's that?" Applejack just stared at her in shock. Shaking her head, she just said to go to play with the girls, she needed to talk to somepony. I walked to the clubhouse by myself, catching Applejack trotting in the direction of Carasoul Boutique. When I arrived at the clubhouse, there was no one there. I quickly realized that the other girls would probably be grounded. Sighing, I just sat down at our 'Cutie Mark Crusader Artist' corner. Looking back, we had some really bad ideas didn't we? I picked up a few colors and started drawing randomly. I thought about a lot of things, like why is Princess Celestia a princess if there is no queen? Why are they called unicorns, and not unihorns? Is there night on the moon? After about ten minutes, I came back to reality, I noticed I had drawn a beautifully made eye. It was exact down to the last detail. The one problem though was that it wasn't my eye. It was Sweetie Belle's. I was just basking in the glory of my creation, when I heard the clubhouse door opening. Quickly turning, I came eye to eye with Scootaloo. "Huh? Applebloom? What're you doing here, I thought you would've been grounded for like, a year! Hey, what's that?" Losing her mind track, she noticed my drawing. "Is that Sweetie's eye? Cool." I blushed. I thought it was probably because I was embarrassed she liked my drawing skills. "Thanks. Ah don't really know how I did it, it was mostly just my hooves drawing. Anyway, mah sis just told me to go to the clubhouse while she thought of something. Something to do with my blushing ah believe." With those last words, Scootaloo's eyes opened. If I knew what she was thinking, I wouldn't have asked further. "What, do ah have somethin on mah face?" "Applebloom, when do you blush?" Her voice sounded intrigued. A little bit too intrigued for comfort. "Around Sweetie? Scoots, why do you have that smirk on yer face?" Scootaloo had the smuggest grin on her face during the first sentence. It unnerved me to my very core. "I think someone's in looooove." Scootaloo drew out the last word on purpose. I knew she was talking baloney, I couldn't love Sweetie Belle. She was too good of a friend. "Quit jokin Scoots, ah don't want to hear yer bad fanfics." Somewhere far away, a bad black and green OC sneezed. "I'm not kidding Bloom, I think you might like Sweetie Belle. Like, like like." I wouldn't listen to her, it was nothing but blasphemy. I wouldn't love a friend, and that was that. "Scoots, I'm going home. See you tomorrow." Scootaloo tried to stop me, but I just ran towards the barn. When I got home, Rarity and Applejack were talking at the table. Upon hearing the door opening, Rarity turned her head. "Ah, Applebloom! Just who we wanted to see! Come over here, sit down. You've nothing to be afraid of darling!" Rarity seemed... off. As I sat down, Applejack turned to me. "So Applebloom, why don't ya tell us about yer lil' crush?" You could hear a pin drop in the room. I had no idea what she meant by crush. I didn't love anyone, not in that way! Sensing my confusion, Applejack just chuckled. "Sugar, ah know ya like Sweetie Belle, ya were kinda obvious. Sides, ah asked Rarity about it and she's here ta help. Ain't that great?" "Young love, such a beautiful thing..." Rarity sighed as she lost herself in thought. I didn't hear anything of what they said. I wouldn't believe the fact that I was in love. Who were they talking about? Which colt in my class did I say I liked? Pipsqueak? Rumble? Snips? Oh gosh, please don't say I said Snips. Rarity spoke up once more, "Now, how're we going to get Sweetie Belle to like you? Also, if she rejects you it's okay, there are plenty of seaponies in the sea." ...What? I didn't believe my ears for a minute, then I just started shouting. "Ah am NOT in love with Sweetie Belle! She's a good friend and nothing more! Applejack looked scared at my outburst, but Rarity just chuckled and waved a hoof. "Applebloom, how would you describe Scootaloo?"The question caught me a off guard, I thought we were talking about Sweetie Belle. "Wha? Umm, cool ah guess? She's athletic too." When I finished, Rarity just bombarded me with another question. "Now, describe Sweetie Belle." I couldn't tell what she was playing at, but I went along with it. "Sweetie Belle? Well she's nice, kind, adorable, has an AMAZING voice, have you heard her sing? Anyway, she's brave, calm, funny, char-" I was cut off by Rarity's high-pitched giggle. "What? What's so funny..." I was a bit hurt that Rarity was laughing at me, she was my friend after all. Rarity waved her hoof as if to say 'Don't worry about it'. My voice cracked in a mix of embarassment and hatred. "W-why are ya laughing?" I didn't understand. Was she making fun of me for answering her questions? With that hoof-wave, she just kept chuckling. She was really annoying me. I didn't understand why she was laughing at a little helpless filly! After a minute of my rage boiling, Applejack finally spoke up. "Ah think what Rarity was trying ta say," Applejack threw Rarity a dirty look, "was that ya described Sweetie Belle in a much more broad and loving light than Scoots. That means ya've been thinkin bout her more, right?" It finally dawned on me, I had been thinking about Sweetie Belle a lot. My voice was dry. I barely choked out four words. "What should I do?" I felt two warm presences against my body, realizing that the fully grown mares were hugging me tightly with warm smiles in their muzzles. They told me that Celestia would give me the sign when it was time. Little did I know that would happen soon. "And then I woke up and Rainbow Dash was there! It was so cool! And then I obviously had to be aweso-" Scootaloo was going on about her 'amazingly epic journey into the Everfree'. In her version, I became hydra-bait while Sweetie Belle saved me valiantly. To this day I'm trying to find out if she was insinuating something. While Scootaloo was talking to Featherweight about her journey, Sweetie Belle and I were just walking and talking, when we came upon a poster. Ponyville Elementary School Dance I thanked Celestia for the sign. Blooming Feelings A school dance? Maybe I could bring Sweetie and talk other abo- NO! I would have to keep that a secret. I couldn't let Sweetie Belle know I have a crush on her yet. I just found out myself! But... I wonder if she likes me back... If she did I could be happy. We could snuggle up close and fall asleep next to a for- "Oh wow, a school dance? But I thought that the school dance wasn't for another month..." Sweetie piped up, breaking me out of my thought bubble. "Maybe we could go Applebloom!" I blushed furiously. Why would she ask that? Does she like me that way? "We could go with Scootaloo and be the bestest friends there!" Ah, that explains it. "Yah, as friends... Hey, let's go and ask Scootaloo if she wants to come with us now!" I spouted, trying to hide how flustered I was. Sweetie Belle, being as oblivious as she could be, cheerfully agreed and we walked away. "Uh, sorry guys... I can't go with you..." When Sweetie Belle and I asked Scootaloo, she turned us down. "I, uh, have other plans on that day." Scootaloo stuttered. However, Sweetie Belle pressed her further. "Come ooooon Scootaloo. Why nooooot." Sweetie Belle whined. Scootaloo tried to ignore her, but she was pulling that face again. It's impossible to ignore her puppy dog face. "FINE! I kinda have a date for the dance." "I'm sorry, what was that?" "I said I have a date for the dance "One more ti-" "I SAID I HAD A DATE WITH RUMBLE!" The entire schoolhouse went quiet when Scootaloo shouted those words. Fillies were giggling while colts were hitting Rumble on the shoulder saying 'good luck with a screamer'. Scootaloo blushed and ran out the door saying a quick 'seeyouthere' and bolting away on her scooter. "Well..." I muttered. "That escalated quickly." "It's okay Applebloom, we can go together!" Sweetie cheerfully said. My mind went blank. I could only think of one thing. 'Oh sweet Celestia what did I do to deserve this punishment.' "We can dance, have fun, and make fun of all the love struck fillies!" Sweetie Belle giggled. Was it the time I accidentally broke Applejack's lamp and bought her a new one without telling her? I repent, please! Just let me not have to suffer this. Wait a minute, why am I worried? If I like Sweetie Belle, shouldn't I WANT to go to a dance with her and maybe... Okay never mind. Maybe I was just embarrassed that she would find out about my crush and hate me... I would lose my best friend, and Scootaloo would probably find out! Then neither of them would like me, and I'd be all by myself. I can't just be one Cutie Mark Crusader, then it wouldn't be the Cutie- A voice broke me away from my troubling thoughts. "Umm, Applebloom? Are you alright? You seem kind of flushed..." I immediately nodded my head, trying to forget my train of thought. "So, did you want to go with me?" "YES!" I eagerly shouted. Once again, all eyes were towards our little group. Blushing slightly, I whispered, "I mean, of course..." to Sweetie Belle. She gave me a happy hug, eliciting a small squeak from me, and she ran out the schoolhouse, with me trailing not far behind. When Sweetie Belle and I reached the boutique, we were instantly greeted by Rarity and whisked inside. "Oh girls, such a surprise seeing you here!" Rarity was bounding with energy, obviously up to something. However, I decided it was best to let her actions take their course. "So tell me, did anything interestinghappen at school today?" She asked, batting her eyelashes obliviously. I was about to respond, but was cut off by Sweetie Belle. "Yup! There is a school dance! Can I go Rarity, puhlease?" Sweetie Belle batted her eyelashes in the same fashion, as Rarity looked surprised and amused at the same time. "Why, Sweetie Belle darling, of course you can go. In fact, I have dresses for you and Applebloom right here. Also, can you give Scootaloo's hers later?" Rarity pulled out two perfectly made dresses. They easily brought out my and Sweetie Belle's best features. The colors accented her lime green eyes, and mine went perfectly with my coat. There was obviously a catch. While Sweetie Belle was busy fawning over our dresses, I ushered Rarity into another room. "Rarity, what did'ya do?" I pressured. Rarity was acting far too dramatic, even for her. "Whatever are you talking about darling? I have done nothing to put you and Sweetie Belle together! Why would you even accuse me of such a thing! I demand an apology!" Rarity pouted. "I never accused you of that." I deadpanned. Now I was as suspicious as ever. Not that I was complaining about the little extra push... Okay I was complaining a little... Rarity froze. She chuckled cautiously and quickly stammered, "Whaaat? You're acting like I cashed in a favor from Mrs. Cheerilee so that she would make the school dance early so that I could make you two dresses so that Sweetie Belle falls in love with you and I just told you everything didn't I?" Rarity blatantly stated. I nodded before a familiar voice spoke out of the corner of the room. "Ya kept tha secret longer than ah could have." Applejack chuckled mirthlessly. Of course my sister was in on this. Why couldn't she be off kissing Fluttershy or something? "Okay Applebloom, I hope you know we're not trying to force you to do anything-" "Yes we are!" "Shut it Rarity. What we want ya to know is that we love ya, and we want ya to be happy. If yer not up fer this, you can just go as friends. However, me and Rarity have a couple of ideas fer ya, and if ya want to go all the way with this, we'd be glad ta help." Applejack took a small gasp after finishing her speech. "So whaddya say?" "Fine..." The moment I said that word, the entire room was covered in a teal glow. Whiteboards were appearing from seemingly nowhere, markers were being furiously scribbled everywhere around the whiteboards, and Rarity was talking her mouth off. "RARITY!" Applejack shouted menacingly. Rarity stopped everything and smiled sheepishly. "What, too much?" She asked coyly. After days of date tips from Rarity and AJ, I knew I was ready. The key was to drop subtle hints, but not make it too obvious. I knocked on the boutiques door and Sweetie Belle answered it. She looked stunning. Her dress was flowing gracefully, and her sister had put a little bit of makeup on her, but didn't overdo it. She gave Celestia a run for her money. I realized I was staring and blushed horribly. "Ya look real nice Sweetie Belle..." I mumbled while dragging my hoof in the ground. "Thanks! You look beautiful too Applebloom." Sweetie Belle cheerfully added. I really hoped she didn't notice the maelstrom of red across my cheeks as I turned around and started walking with her to the dance. I swear I heard a giggle of glee coming from the boutique as we left. On the way there, Sweetie Belle and I didn't talk much. It was mostly about random stuff, both of us avoiding the topic of the forest and the dance. Sweetie Belle and I were one of the last kids to arrive, and the dance was already in full swing. If you could could call it that. Scootaloo and Rumble were in the corner chatting awkwardly while Snips and Snails were guffawing at Rumble's misfortune of being teased. Pipsqueak and Twist were dancing with their legs jutting out awkwardly, but they seemed to be the only ones having fun. "Well, look who decided to show up. The filly fooling blank-flanks." The snooty voice alerted me to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon who were right next to us. Silver Spoon looked extremely melancholy, but I couldn't be bothered to ask. "Be quiet Diamond! Me and Applebloom are just here to have fun! Right Applebloom?" Sweetie Belle exclaimed. I nodded my head, but that just fueled Diamond Tiara further. "Oh look, they're sticking up for each other! Isn't that just the most adorable thing in the world?" Diamond Tiara's voice was laced with venom as a bigger crowd was watching, including Mrs. Cheerilee. "Now girls, why don't you just have fun and not yell-" "You know Diamond? You're nothing but a stuck up BRAT!" Sweetie Belle shouted, before a hoof collided with her nose, sending her feeling backwards. A large gasp filled the room. "DIAMOND TIARA!" Mrs. Cheerilee screamed, as I went to help Sweetie Belle up. I could hardly hear any of the commotion as I was looking at Sweetie Belle's injuries. It was just a bloody nose, but time it looked like a gunshot wound. I was so lost in thought I didn't hear Mrs. Cheerilee drag Diamond Tiara out of the building by her ear, nor did I see Silver Spoon crying to herself in the corner. Mrs. Cheerilee grabbed my shoulder. "I am so sorry Applebloom, you too Sweetie Belle. The nurse isn't here today, so you I will go take Sweetie Belle home so Rarity can take care of her." She was about to pick her up, when I interrupted. "Pl-please don't. Ah can do this mahself." Tears were openly streaming down my face when Mrs. Cheerilee nodded her head. I knew that meant 'I understand'. I was about to pick her up when I got interrupted by a voice. "Hey Applebloom! Don't forget about me!" Scootaloo bounded after me, but I stopped her. "Scootaloo, I know she's yer friend too, but I'll do this mahself." A small nod from Sweetie Belle further stated my point. "Sheesh, okay. I was just hoping I could help." Scootaloo acted annoyed but winked and offered a thanks to me before going back to Rumble. I smiled and brought Sweetie Belle outside. Even though I am an Apple, I couldn't make it very far uphill with Sweetie Belle in tow. I propped her up against a tree and stripped off her dress, receiving a wince from her and a deep blush from me. Next to the tree was a mild healing herb, but it would do for now. I picked it up, chewed it, and put it on her nose. She squirmed a bit before settling down. I really hoped she would be okay, but I was so... tired. I took off my fancy dress before lying down on Sweetie Belle's lap for a quick nap. I woke to the feeling of Sweetie Belle waking up. "Applebloom," Sweetie Belle croaked out. "Yeah Sweetie Belle?" I wanted to get up, but Sweetie Belle was so... soft. "Thank you. For everything." Sweetie Belle reached over and picked up a rose. She fixes it into my hair before giving me a quick peck on the lips. "I really like you Applebloom." "I really like you too..." We both laid there a while before snuggling into one another, preparing for a long sleep. ------------------------- "And that's how I met your mother kiddo." I rustled Core's hair before closing my picture book. "Wow mom, ah didn't realize you were so shy!" Core stated, making me chuckle. "Well she isn't anymore, so go tell Orchid dinner's ready!" Sweetie Belle piped in, giving both of them a peck on the cheek. "Yes mother! Love you mom!" Core gave me a hug before bolting up the stairs. Sweetie Belle looked at me before smirking. "What? Do ah have something on my face?" I wondered aloud. "Nope... just reliving the old days. Now come on, I made Hay fries tonight!" Seeing my excitement she shook her head. "Sometimes I feel like I'm raising three foals." We both laughed and headed into the kitchen. I think It was worth crashing in the Everfree that night...
Burning Sensation "Do any of you know how to drive this thing?!?" shrieked Scootaloo. "Ah thought you knew!" I shouted, equally as frightened. "Did any of us think before trying our 'extreme stunt driver' cutie marks?" asked a surprisingly calm Sweetie Belle. I guess that's what happens when you jump off cliffs, fly into hills, and perform many other death-defying stunts. I should probably explain what's going on. Me and my friends are trying to get our cutie marks, and Scootaloo had the brilliant idea to create a car, find a steep hill, and then drive off it without adult supervision. A normal day in the life of a cutie mark crusader. "Look out! We're about to-" the words never left my mouth. We crashed right into the side of a big oak tree. I wish I could tell you more of our surroundings, but I blacked out. The last thing I felt was a something soft crash into my side. Pain. That was all I could feel, pain. Pain with excruciating heat... wait heat? Grudgingly, I open my eyes to see Sweetie Belle completely on top of me and her muzzle pressed against my cheek. The sight made me cheeks burn and I tried to nudge her awake. For some reason she seemed too at peace to just push her off of me... "Five more minutes Rarity..." muttered Sweetie Belle. After trying a few more tries, she opened her eyes. "Oh, hey Applebloom." Sweetie giggled and bonked me on the nose. Then, that sensation happened again. My cheeks started burning and I turned red. Before I could contemplate this feeling, Scootaloo started moving. "Ugh, how long was I out?" Scootaloo moaned while rubbing her head with her hoof. "Not that long, but can ya please tell us when ya don't know how ta drive?" I berated. "Well maybe I would have if somepony wasn't so eager to get our cutie marks without proper preparation I could have!" "That was you!" "Well you contributed!" "Did not!" "Did too!" "Girls!" Sweetie Belle yelled. "Can you please stop arguing and tell me where we are?" I didn't think too hard about our surroundings, but taking a look around I realized I was just as much of a loss to where we were as Sweetie. "Girls... Ah think we might be in the Everfree Forest!" I was getting increasingly worried. "What if we don't make it back? Ah'll never see my family again, ah'll never see mah home again, AH'LL NEVER SEE OUR CUTIE MARKS!" My voice got very high-pitched at this new revelation. "Applebloom, why didn't you tell me we were lost?" "Well you were driving!" "I was too busy focu-" "GIRLS!" Sweetie's voice went abnormally high. "We're lost in the Everfree Forest, it's getting late, and all you can do is argue? At least let us get out of the forest first!" As always, Sweetie was the voice of reason. "Yeah, Sweetie's right, ah'm sorry Scootaloo..." I let my head droop. "You should be." Scootaloo stuck out her tongue. Always the mature one that Scootaloo. "So Crusaders, how are we planning on getting out of this mess" I asked, genuinely worried about if we would be stuck in the Everfree for the night. Nopony in their right mind would do that on purpose. I didn't want to become a Timberwolf treat! Sweetie spoke up, "Well, we should probably find a path and stick to it. We either get back to Ponyville, or the Gryphon Kingdom..." Scootaloo interrupted her, "That's a risk I'm willing to take, let's go girls. Cutie Mark Crusaders Forest Navigators!" and with that she bolted away, leaving me and Sweetie trying to catch up. When we finally caught up, Scootaloo turned around and called us slowpokes. After about an hour of mindless wandering, it started getting dark. "Girls, ah hate to be the bearer of bad news, but ah think we need to go to bed. Won't do us no good to try and see in the dark." I realized the moon was rising over our heads and the Everfree was alight with many piercing eyes in the bushes. Sweetie was shivering uncontrollably and chimed in, "It's also frigid cold!" I didn't think about it, but I realized I was shivering too. I guess I just didn't realize it since I was getting used to it, but the temperature HAD dropped considerably since we got in this mess. "You guys are wimps, since I'm a pegasus I have an immunity to cold and I don't get tir-" her jesting was cut off by a yawn, much to her chagrin. "Okay fine, maybe I do get tired, but I do have a resistance to the cold, so I can sleep wherever. You guys can fend for yourselves." I had a strong feeling Scootaloo was still mad about me insulting her driving skills. Either way, before I could answer I heard light snoring from underneath the tree she was standing under. "Did she just-" Sweetie began. "Fall asleep and leave us to freeze ta death... Yeah ah believe so." I finished her sentence for her. "So, ya got any ideas on what we can do? Because ah'm pretty sure we can't make blankets or just fall asleep." While I was thinking, I saw Sweetie's face light up and she did a little flutter in the air. That was a sign that she had an idea. "Okay Sweetie, out with it. What's your idea?" I expected an answer along the lines of, 'We can take the leaves and use the needles on our capes to sew blankets!' Or something completely crazy like that. What I was not expecting however was her idea. "We can huddle together for warmth!" Sweetie sounded really enthusiastic about the idea. "...What?"
Just for the night.... "...What?" Did I just hear that right? "Well, neither of us have blankets, so we might as well try to be warm." Sweetie brought up a good point, we would most likely freeze or at least get sick if we didn't do something. but that sounded a little drastic. "Come on Applebloom, its just for the night. Rarity and I do it on cold nights, it's not that bad." Before I could refuse, Sweetie brought out her most deadly weapon, the puppy dog face. Refusing that was about as hard as punching a foal in the face, it's easy but it just wouldn't be right. "Fine, fine! Ah give, just stop that!" I turned away from Sweetie with that same heat on my checks. "How are we planning to do this? 'Cuz if ya couldn't tell, we don't have a bed." Turning back towards Sweetie Belle, I saw her lying on the ground with her all of her legs outstretched. She can't possibly mean... "Well come on silly filly! We haven't got all night!" Sweetie giggled as she said it. She did. Well, here goes nothing. Slowly but surely I lower myself into Sweetie's waiting hooves. As soon as I was settled she tightened her hooves around me. I felt strangely comforted, and extremely warm. Not burning hot, just warm. "Um Sweetie. What are ya doing?" I asked, even though I was pretty sure I knew what she was doing. The last time I saw somepony do that was when I caught Fluttershy with Applejack in her room sleeping. "Cuddling of course!" Sweetie did her little giggle again. "Ah know that, I'm just wondering... why?" "Because I'm cold." Again, she just laughed it off. Has she always been this giddy? After that conversation, I tried my best to go to sleep, but I found it as impossible as harvesting Sweet Apple Acres in a day. Okay maybe that was a bad example... Anyways, no matter what my heart just kept racing. It was most likely from trying to fall asleep in the Everfree Forest. After squirming around a few more times, Sweetie opened her eyes. Immediately I felt horrible. I had just woken up a friend because of my selfishness. Before I could apologize, she spoke in a hushed tone. "You can't fall asleep either Applebloom?" That caught me off guard. I guess I just didn't notice she wa awake. "Let's go for a walk, come on." As she got up, I felt compelled to follow, not just because I didn't want to leave her to whatever creatures lurked in the forest. I also wanted to see what she wanted to do. After about ten minutes of walking, we found a lake that could have been passed off as a mirror. "Wow Sweetie, how did ya know about this place?" I whispered breathlessly. It was without a doubt the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. "I didn't." She chuckled, but it wasn't her normal laugh. This one seemed much more relaxed, and much less airy. "To be honest Applebloom, I do this a lot." As I looked to her in confusion she explained. "I can't sleep. Usually I just walk around Ponyville at night, but sometimes I go over to Sweet Apple Acres. It's really peaceful at night, y'know? I just like to clear my mind sometimes." Sweetie spoke wistfully as I looked at her in shock. This was a side of Sweetie Belle I've never seen before. A much more calm and collected side than the average happy-go-lucky mare she is in the day. "Sweetie... Why did you tell me that?" It seemed off. Sweetie didn't usually act like this. Maybe something was happening at home? What if she's moving or out of money? "I'm just clearing my mind..." Sweeties voice trailed off again as she closed her eyes and began to snore. She looked really peaceful again, and I lied down next to her. As I was about to drift to sleep, I remembered something. "SCOOTALOO!!!" How could I forget about her? A Cutie Mark Crusader never leaves a member behind! "Scootaloo where are-" I stopped myself short as I saw Scootaloo underneath a tree, still sound asleep. "Ah'll never understand how she does that..." I knew I couldn't wake her up, it'd be pointless. Scootaloo could probably sleep through being picked up by Spitfire and thrown into a volcano. Well that was a strangely morbid thought... "Now how am I going to get you to the lake... Oh Celestia no." I knew what I'd have to do. "Well, ain't no point in waiting." I picked up Scootaloo and slung her over my back. If I weren't an Apple, I probably couldn't have done it, but I started carrying her to the lake. After twenty minutes, I finally arrived at the lake. Thankfully, there was a tree nearby, so I just rested Scootaloo against it. Turning, I saw Sweetie exactly where I left her. When I looked at her, I realized how incredibly cold I was. No point in sleeping cold... I positioned myself in Sweetie's waiting hooves and nuzzled her neck. Before I fell asleep I swear I saw the faintest smile dancing on Sweetie's lips. I woke up to the sound of Pegasus wings. Opening my eyes, I was greeted to lime-green. Almost as if we planned it, we jumped off of each other and flailed around in the air. Eventually, we both started stammering. "I didn't..." "Did we?" "You have pretty eyes." "Why would we?" Then in synchronization, we both said, "Never speak of this again? Agreed." As we ended our sentences, there was silence. I let out a snort and soon Sweetie and I were cackling like mad mares. While composing myself, I realized something. Didn't I wake up to Pegasi wings? Looking up, I saw ten Pegasi with orange vests that had three words on them. Filly Finder Fliers
Questions and AnswersFilly Finder Fliers. I'd never heard of them before, maybe they were a new squad? Before I could ask anything, Scootaloo woke up. "Hey, what's with the racket? I'm trying to get some sle- OMIGOSH Rainbow Dash!" My first thought was that Scootaloo was hallucinating. "Hey guys! How'd you manage to get down there? We've been looking for you all night!" Yelled a rugged, feminine voice. As I looked up, I realized that Rainbow Dash was in fact the Pegasus at the head of the squad. I thought she was a weather Pegasus. Apparently, Scootaloo had the same thought. "Rainbow Dash, aren't you a weather Pegasus? No-Not like this job isn't cool as well though!" Scootaloo was obviously kicking herself at the thought of insulting her idol. "I'm just curious is all." "Yeah, my boss put me into this district because he was afraid I would 'brutally mutilate flight school students'. Who would even think of something so sick? It's almost as bad as putting two ponies in a compromising situation to make them fall madly in love." Somewhere far away, a pink mare sneezed. "Anyway guys, you need to get back home. Your families have been worried sick. Rarity has been bawling her eyes out, and Applejack has kicked over a few trees in frustration." Had they really done that to their families within a night? The full sentence caught up with me for a second. Applejack has kicked over a few trees in frustration Kicked over a few trees in frustration Few trees in frustration Frustration Oh no. "And then ya go an drive ONE OF OUR CARTS without permission, AND GO INTO THE EVERFREE FOREST?! Applebloom, ah'm extremely disappointed in ya. Ya should know better by now!" I winced at every word my older sister doled out. When Rainbow and her crew came, they brought a carriage to bring the crusaders back. Since Sweet Apple Acres was closest to our location, I had gotten dropped off first. I snuck into my house, and didn't see anyone around. Trying to be sneaky, I went towards the kitchen for a glass of water. Immediately, Applejack jumped out and started lecturing me. "And furthermore, ah cant trust ya with yer own friends without ya nearly killin yerself!" My mind started to wander, as any child's did when they were bored with a conversation. Let's review what happened in the forest. I woke up, Sweetie was on me, my face burned, we cuddled, she becomes a philosopher, we sleep, now we're here. What was interesting about that... That burning! What was that? Why did I feel it when I was with Sweetie Belle? Why am I being shaken violently? Applejack was shaking my shoulders. "Applebloom! Ya weren't listenin, were ya?" Applejack sighed, "Look, ah know ya don't like ta listen to me, but can you at least do something for me? Don't ever do that again." Then, Applejack did something unexpected. She broke down into tears, and embraced me warmly. She smelled like delicious apple pie, calming my nerves. After a few minutes, she collected herself. "L-look Applebloom. Ya know our parents are not with us anymore, and ya know how they went. A-ah just don't want it happening ta y-you..." Her voice was still quivering, but she wasn't crying anymore. Even though I knew it happened, I still didn't like being reminded of my parent's death. One day, my mom and dad were hiking in the forest, when a strange rat-like creature attacked them and stole their light source. It left them to die in the Everfree without any light. My father didn't make it, but my mom got home. She was so stricken with grief by my father's death, she hung herself after telling the story. Before I could have gone down that dark road in my memories, the door opened and Fluttershy walked in. She was about to talk when he saw me and jumped back. Very timidly, she crept over to Applejack. Raising her hoof, she whispered something to her and braced herself. Applejack became crimson red and nodded. Fluttershy smiled, waved at me and bolted out of the room. "Hey Applejack," Applejack was chuckling to herself before her ears perked up at my voice. "Why did yer face turn red? What's that?" Obviously, my question mortified my older sister. Did she not know she did that? "Uhmm, well Applebloom... That's called blushing. It happens when ya get a wee bit embarrassed." Since I was a filly, I needed more answers. "Then why did you just blush at Fluttershy? OH! I know! She must have told a real funny joke, right sis?" Applejack was visibly sweating. It didn't take Twilight to know she was hiding something. "Uh, yeah. A joke. Anyway, why do ya want to know what that is Sugar?" It was Applejack's turn to ask questions. Well, if the reason this 'blushing' happens is because of a joke, then what harm can it cause? "It happens when I'm around Sweetie Belle. But wait, that's weird. It didn't happen because of a joke, it was because she was on top of me. Why's that?" Applejack just stared at her in shock. Shaking her head, she just said to go to play with the girls, she needed to talk to somepony. I walked to the clubhouse by myself, catching Applejack trotting in the direction of Carasoul Boutique. When I arrived at the clubhouse, there was no one there. I quickly realized that the other girls would probably be grounded. Sighing, I just sat down at our 'Cutie Mark Crusader Artist' corner. Looking back, we had some really bad ideas didn't we? I picked up a few colors and started drawing randomly. I thought about a lot of things, like why is Princess Celestia a princess if there is no queen? Why are they called unicorns, and not unihorns? Is there night on the moon? After about ten minutes, I came back to reality, I noticed I had drawn a beautifully made eye. It was exact down to the last detail. The one problem though was that it wasn't my eye. It was Sweetie Belle's. I was just basking in the glory of my creation, when I heard the clubhouse door opening. Quickly turning, I came eye to eye with Scootaloo. "Huh? Applebloom? What're you doing here, I thought you would've been grounded for like, a year! Hey, what's that?" Losing her mind track, she noticed my drawing. "Is that Sweetie's eye? Cool." I blushed. I thought it was probably because I was embarrassed she liked my drawing skills. "Thanks. Ah don't really know how I did it, it was mostly just my hooves drawing. Anyway, mah sis just told me to go to the clubhouse while she thought of something. Something to do with my blushing ah believe." With those last words, Scootaloo's eyes opened. If I knew what she was thinking, I wouldn't have asked further. "What, do ah have somethin on mah face?" "Applebloom, when do you blush?" Her voice sounded intrigued. A little bit too intrigued for comfort. "Around Sweetie? Scoots, why do you have that smirk on yer face?" Scootaloo had the smuggest grin on her face during the first sentence. It unnerved me to my very core. "I think someone's in looooove." Scootaloo drew out the last word on purpose. I knew she was talking baloney, I couldn't love Sweetie Belle. She was too good of a friend. "Quit jokin Scoots, ah don't want to hear yer bad fanfics." Somewhere far away, a bad black and green OC sneezed. "I'm not kidding Bloom, I think you might like Sweetie Belle. Like, like like." I wouldn't listen to her, it was nothing but blasphemy. I wouldn't love a friend, and that was that. "Scoots, I'm going home. See you tomorrow." Scootaloo tried to stop me, but I just ran towards the barn. When I got home, Rarity and Applejack were talking at the table. Upon hearing the door opening, Rarity turned her head. "Ah, Applebloom! Just who we wanted to see! Come over here, sit down. You've nothing to be afraid of darling!" Rarity seemed... off. As I sat down, Applejack turned to me. "So Applebloom, why don't ya tell us about yer lil' crush?" You could hear a pin drop in the room. I had no idea what she meant by crush. I didn't love anyone, not in that way! Sensing my confusion, Applejack just chuckled. "Sugar, ah know ya like Sweetie Belle, ya were kinda obvious. Sides, ah asked Rarity about it and she's here ta help. Ain't that great?" "Young love, such a beautiful thing..." Rarity sighed as she lost herself in thought. I didn't hear anything of what they said. I wouldn't believe the fact that I was in love. Who were they talking about? Which colt in my class did I say I liked? Pipsqueak? Rumble? Snips? Oh gosh, please don't say I said Snips. Rarity spoke up once more, "Now, how're we going to get Sweetie Belle to like you? Also, if she rejects you it's okay, there are plenty of seaponies in the sea." ...What? I didn't believe my ears for a minute, then I just started shouting. "Ah am NOT in love with Sweetie Belle! She's a good friend and nothing more! Applejack looked scared at my outburst, but Rarity just chuckled and waved a hoof. "Applebloom, how would you describe Scootaloo?"The question caught me a off guard, I thought we were talking about Sweetie Belle. "Wha? Umm, cool ah guess? She's athletic too." When I finished, Rarity just bombarded me with another question. "Now, describe Sweetie Belle." I couldn't tell what she was playing at, but I went along with it. "Sweetie Belle? Well she's nice, kind, adorable, has an AMAZING voice, have you heard her sing? Anyway, she's brave, calm, funny, char-" I was cut off by Rarity's high-pitched giggle. "What? What's so funny..." I was a bit hurt that Rarity was laughing at me, she was my friend after all. Rarity waved her hoof as if to say 'Don't worry about it'. My voice cracked in a mix of embarassment and hatred. "W-why are ya laughing?" I didn't understand. Was she making fun of me for answering her questions? With that hoof-wave, she just kept chuckling. She was really annoying me. I didn't understand why she was laughing at a little helpless filly! After a minute of my rage boiling, Applejack finally spoke up. "Ah think what Rarity was trying ta say," Applejack threw Rarity a dirty look, "was that ya described Sweetie Belle in a much more broad and loving light than Scoots. That means ya've been thinkin bout her more, right?" It finally dawned on me, I had been thinking about Sweetie Belle a lot. My voice was dry. I barely choked out four words. "What should I do?" I felt two warm presences against my body, realizing that the fully grown mares were hugging me tightly with warm smiles in their muzzles. They told me that Celestia would give me the sign when it was time. Little did I know that would happen soon. "And then I woke up and Rainbow Dash was there! It was so cool! And then I obviously had to be aweso-" Scootaloo was going on about her 'amazingly epic journey into the Everfree'. In her version, I became hydra-bait while Sweetie Belle saved me valiantly. To this day I'm trying to find out if she was insinuating something. While Scootaloo was talking to Featherweight about her journey, Sweetie Belle and I were just walking and talking, when we came upon a poster. Ponyville Elementary School Dance I thanked Celestia for the sign.
Blooming Feelings A school dance? Maybe I could bring Sweetie and talk other abo- NO! I would have to keep that a secret. I couldn't let Sweetie Belle know I have a crush on her yet. I just found out myself! But... I wonder if she likes me back... If she did I could be happy. We could snuggle up close and fall asleep next to a for- "Oh wow, a school dance? But I thought that the school dance wasn't for another month..." Sweetie piped up, breaking me out of my thought bubble. "Maybe we could go Applebloom!" I blushed furiously. Why would she ask that? Does she like me that way? "We could go with Scootaloo and be the bestest friends there!" Ah, that explains it. "Yah, as friends... Hey, let's go and ask Scootaloo if she wants to come with us now!" I spouted, trying to hide how flustered I was. Sweetie Belle, being as oblivious as she could be, cheerfully agreed and we walked away. "Uh, sorry guys... I can't go with you..." When Sweetie Belle and I asked Scootaloo, she turned us down. "I, uh, have other plans on that day." Scootaloo stuttered. However, Sweetie Belle pressed her further. "Come ooooon Scootaloo. Why nooooot." Sweetie Belle whined. Scootaloo tried to ignore her, but she was pulling that face again. It's impossible to ignore her puppy dog face. "FINE! I kinda have a date for the dance." "I'm sorry, what was that?" "I said I have a date for the dance "One more ti-" "I SAID I HAD A DATE WITH RUMBLE!" The entire schoolhouse went quiet when Scootaloo shouted those words. Fillies were giggling while colts were hitting Rumble on the shoulder saying 'good luck with a screamer'. Scootaloo blushed and ran out the door saying a quick 'seeyouthere' and bolting away on her scooter. "Well..." I muttered. "That escalated quickly." "It's okay Applebloom, we can go together!" Sweetie cheerfully said. My mind went blank. I could only think of one thing. 'Oh sweet Celestia what did I do to deserve this punishment.' "We can dance, have fun, and make fun of all the love struck fillies!" Sweetie Belle giggled. Was it the time I accidentally broke Applejack's lamp and bought her a new one without telling her? I repent, please! Just let me not have to suffer this. Wait a minute, why am I worried? If I like Sweetie Belle, shouldn't I WANT to go to a dance with her and maybe... Okay never mind. Maybe I was just embarrassed that she would find out about my crush and hate me... I would lose my best friend, and Scootaloo would probably find out! Then neither of them would like me, and I'd be all by myself. I can't just be one Cutie Mark Crusader, then it wouldn't be the Cutie- A voice broke me away from my troubling thoughts. "Umm, Applebloom? Are you alright? You seem kind of flushed..." I immediately nodded my head, trying to forget my train of thought. "So, did you want to go with me?" "YES!" I eagerly shouted. Once again, all eyes were towards our little group. Blushing slightly, I whispered, "I mean, of course..." to Sweetie Belle. She gave me a happy hug, eliciting a small squeak from me, and she ran out the schoolhouse, with me trailing not far behind. When Sweetie Belle and I reached the boutique, we were instantly greeted by Rarity and whisked inside. "Oh girls, such a surprise seeing you here!" Rarity was bounding with energy, obviously up to something. However, I decided it was best to let her actions take their course. "So tell me, did anything interestinghappen at school today?" She asked, batting her eyelashes obliviously. I was about to respond, but was cut off by Sweetie Belle. "Yup! There is a school dance! Can I go Rarity, puhlease?" Sweetie Belle batted her eyelashes in the same fashion, as Rarity looked surprised and amused at the same time. "Why, Sweetie Belle darling, of course you can go. In fact, I have dresses for you and Applebloom right here. Also, can you give Scootaloo's hers later?" Rarity pulled out two perfectly made dresses. They easily brought out my and Sweetie Belle's best features. The colors accented her lime green eyes, and mine went perfectly with my coat. There was obviously a catch. While Sweetie Belle was busy fawning over our dresses, I ushered Rarity into another room. "Rarity, what did'ya do?" I pressured. Rarity was acting far too dramatic, even for her. "Whatever are you talking about darling? I have done nothing to put you and Sweetie Belle together! Why would you even accuse me of such a thing! I demand an apology!" Rarity pouted. "I never accused you of that." I deadpanned. Now I was as suspicious as ever. Not that I was complaining about the little extra push... Okay I was complaining a little... Rarity froze. She chuckled cautiously and quickly stammered, "Whaaat? You're acting like I cashed in a favor from Mrs. Cheerilee so that she would make the school dance early so that I could make you two dresses so that Sweetie Belle falls in love with you and I just told you everything didn't I?" Rarity blatantly stated. I nodded before a familiar voice spoke out of the corner of the room. "Ya kept tha secret longer than ah could have." Applejack chuckled mirthlessly. Of course my sister was in on this. Why couldn't she be off kissing Fluttershy or something? "Okay Applebloom, I hope you know we're not trying to force you to do anything-" "Yes we are!" "Shut it Rarity. What we want ya to know is that we love ya, and we want ya to be happy. If yer not up fer this, you can just go as friends. However, me and Rarity have a couple of ideas fer ya, and if ya want to go all the way with this, we'd be glad ta help." Applejack took a small gasp after finishing her speech. "So whaddya say?" "Fine..." The moment I said that word, the entire room was covered in a teal glow. Whiteboards were appearing from seemingly nowhere, markers were being furiously scribbled everywhere around the whiteboards, and Rarity was talking her mouth off. "RARITY!" Applejack shouted menacingly. Rarity stopped everything and smiled sheepishly. "What, too much?" She asked coyly. After days of date tips from Rarity and AJ, I knew I was ready. The key was to drop subtle hints, but not make it too obvious. I knocked on the boutiques door and Sweetie Belle answered it. She looked stunning. Her dress was flowing gracefully, and her sister had put a little bit of makeup on her, but didn't overdo it. She gave Celestia a run for her money. I realized I was staring and blushed horribly. "Ya look real nice Sweetie Belle..." I mumbled while dragging my hoof in the ground. "Thanks! You look beautiful too Applebloom." Sweetie Belle cheerfully added. I really hoped she didn't notice the maelstrom of red across my cheeks as I turned around and started walking with her to the dance. I swear I heard a giggle of glee coming from the boutique as we left. On the way there, Sweetie Belle and I didn't talk much. It was mostly about random stuff, both of us avoiding the topic of the forest and the dance. Sweetie Belle and I were one of the last kids to arrive, and the dance was already in full swing. If you could could call it that. Scootaloo and Rumble were in the corner chatting awkwardly while Snips and Snails were guffawing at Rumble's misfortune of being teased. Pipsqueak and Twist were dancing with their legs jutting out awkwardly, but they seemed to be the only ones having fun. "Well, look who decided to show up. The filly fooling blank-flanks." The snooty voice alerted me to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon who were right next to us. Silver Spoon looked extremely melancholy, but I couldn't be bothered to ask. "Be quiet Diamond! Me and Applebloom are just here to have fun! Right Applebloom?" Sweetie Belle exclaimed. I nodded my head, but that just fueled Diamond Tiara further. "Oh look, they're sticking up for each other! Isn't that just the most adorable thing in the world?" Diamond Tiara's voice was laced with venom as a bigger crowd was watching, including Mrs. Cheerilee. "Now girls, why don't you just have fun and not yell-" "You know Diamond? You're nothing but a stuck up BRAT!" Sweetie Belle shouted, before a hoof collided with her nose, sending her feeling backwards. A large gasp filled the room. "DIAMOND TIARA!" Mrs. Cheerilee screamed, as I went to help Sweetie Belle up. I could hardly hear any of the commotion as I was looking at Sweetie Belle's injuries. It was just a bloody nose, but time it looked like a gunshot wound. I was so lost in thought I didn't hear Mrs. Cheerilee drag Diamond Tiara out of the building by her ear, nor did I see Silver Spoon crying to herself in the corner. Mrs. Cheerilee grabbed my shoulder. "I am so sorry Applebloom, you too Sweetie Belle. The nurse isn't here today, so you I will go take Sweetie Belle home so Rarity can take care of her." She was about to pick her up, when I interrupted. "Pl-please don't. Ah can do this mahself." Tears were openly streaming down my face when Mrs. Cheerilee nodded her head. I knew that meant 'I understand'. I was about to pick her up when I got interrupted by a voice. "Hey Applebloom! Don't forget about me!" Scootaloo bounded after me, but I stopped her. "Scootaloo, I know she's yer friend too, but I'll do this mahself." A small nod from Sweetie Belle further stated my point. "Sheesh, okay. I was just hoping I could help." Scootaloo acted annoyed but winked and offered a thanks to me before going back to Rumble. I smiled and brought Sweetie Belle outside. Even though I am an Apple, I couldn't make it very far uphill with Sweetie Belle in tow. I propped her up against a tree and stripped off her dress, receiving a wince from her and a deep blush from me. Next to the tree was a mild healing herb, but it would do for now. I picked it up, chewed it, and put it on her nose. She squirmed a bit before settling down. I really hoped she would be okay, but I was so... tired. I took off my fancy dress before lying down on Sweetie Belle's lap for a quick nap. I woke to the feeling of Sweetie Belle waking up. "Applebloom," Sweetie Belle croaked out. "Yeah Sweetie Belle?" I wanted to get up, but Sweetie Belle was so... soft. "Thank you. For everything." Sweetie Belle reached over and picked up a rose. She fixes it into my hair before giving me a quick peck on the lips. "I really like you Applebloom." "I really like you too..." We both laid there a while before snuggling into one another, preparing for a long sleep. ------------------------- "And that's how I met your mother kiddo." I rustled Core's hair before closing my picture book. "Wow mom, ah didn't realize you were so shy!" Core stated, making me chuckle. "Well she isn't anymore, so go tell Orchid dinner's ready!" Sweetie Belle piped in, giving both of them a peck on the cheek. "Yes mother! Love you mom!" Core gave me a hug before bolting up the stairs. Sweetie Belle looked at me before smirking. "What? Do ah have something on my face?" I wondered aloud. "Nope... just reliving the old days. Now come on, I made Hay fries tonight!" Seeing my excitement she shook her head. "Sometimes I feel like I'm raising three foals." We both laughed and headed into the kitchen. I think It was worth crashing in the Everfree that night...
