5 - Make It Better

"The flagpole's in sight," Game grinned, talking to himself. "I'm not far off..."

"First sign of madness, Game," Twilight Sparkle reminded him. Game stopped for a moment.

"Hey, Twily! How's it going?"

"I'm doing pretty well. And you?"

"Yeah, I'm on top of things. I'm just really excited at the minute!"

"That's always good to hear. Have you seen Applejack lately?"

"Yeah, of course! I've been helping her out on the farm today while Big Mac was gone."

"Oh, I see. That's probably why she's been out there longer than before lately." Game struggled to hide a dreamy look at the mention of Applejack. But he'd have to own up at some point... "It's nice of you to help her."

"Thanks, Twily. See ya later." Game headed for the school.

Shroom Hop chatted excitedly with Apple Bloom on the way out of school. Game smiled, spying an opportunity. "Hey, son!" He waved, calling Apple Bloom too. "You two got all of your stuff?" The filly and colt beside him nodded. "I'll give you a lift home, Apple Bloom."

"That's mighty kind of ya, GC. Thanks!" Apple Bloom nodded. "Mum seems to talk about you all the time!"

"That's good to hear," replied Game as the two ponies hopped onto his back. "Hang on tight, guys!" Game made a steady ascent, then homed in on Sweet Apple Acres at a decent speed. He could hear the young ponies whispering behind him. He dared to turn his head a little, and saw Apple Bloom looking up at Shroom affectionately, her hoof in his. Skidding to a halt on the dirt, Game failed to hold back a smile. "D'you guys need a little time to yourself?"

"I'm sure Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle won't mind holdin' back a Cutie Mark Crusaders meetin'." Apple Bloom took Shroom up to the clubhouse, and Game wandered into the barn to meet Applejack again.

It was just light enough to feel homely in the barn. The fire was on. Applejack sat alone in the corner. "'S good to see you back here again!" She trotted up to him excitedly. "Ya know, mah li'l Apple Bloom's got herself a coltfriend! Ah'm a li'l jealous mahself!" She winked, holding out her hoof. Game pulled her in for a light kiss, grinning at first. Soon enough, he pulled away.

"Applejack?"

"Yeah?"

"D'you think...we should go out?" whispered Game Changer, a little nervously.

"Uhm...yis. You make me so happy!" Game grinned at the response, kissing Applejack again.

Up in the clubhouse, the same thing was happening between Apple Bloom and Shroom Hop. They kissed, then giggled a little. "D'you think we should..." said Shroom.

"Yis, ah think we should," replied Apple Bloom. They kissed again, coltfriend and fillyfriend for real.