6 - When Can I See You Again?

None of the four ponies could contain their happiness the next day. It was tough to keep the secret, too – neither of the two ponies would tell their foals that they were in a relationship, and vice versa.

Game woke up very early, shaking off his sheets and fluttering excitedly downstairs. Shroom Hop followed, aroused from deep sleep by the pounding of Game Changer's wings. "Why are you...urgh...so excited?" Shroom Hop murmured. It was clear that he hadn't completely woken up yet.

"That's private and confidential," Game grinned. "Let's just say I have a date...with destiny, I mean."

"So...are you gonna go and fight off that dragon?"

"Uh..." Game's poker face needed some work. A grin escaped him. "Y-yeah!..." He lifted his Power Sock in a weak attempt at a confident stance. "He's going down!..." Shroom Hop raised an eyebrow in clear suspicion, and sighed, thinking, 'I guess some stones have gotta be left unturned...or have they?' He grinned.

"Can I come with you?"

"No, no! It's dangerous to go alone!" Game stopped acting. He knew Shroom would win.

"But I won't be alone! Shameful reference, Game. I pity you," Shroom whined. Turning his back, he smiled mischievously. "I'll take that as a yes, then." Game sighed, releasing a frustrated "No...".

Later that morning, the pair left in search of their newfound loves. Shroom hovered a little way above the ground, and Game trotted beside him. The wind lightly shook the ponies' manes, casting a lonely chill across their backs.

Soon enough, the crimson barn appeared in the distance, and neither father nor son could hide their excitement – although they regularly questioned it. There was no doubt that both were suspicious of each other's loves. Shroom Hop headed for the clubhouse while Game continued towards the barn.

"Applejack!" Game smiled, rushing to hug her. "I've missed you!"

"But it's only been one night..." Applejack blushed, turning away a little but still looking into his eyes.

"That doesn't matter. I could barely sleep last night. I just couldn't wait!"

"Guess ah'll have to make sure you get whatcha want, then." Applejack grinned, taking his hooves in hers. Not long afterwards, her pretty blush returned. Game kissed her on the cheek. "'S that all you got?" Applejack raised an eyebrow, luring him towards her for a much longer kiss.

Shroom gave a shy knock on the clubhouse door, hearing not one, but four giggling voices. He recoiled in shock – the Cutie Mark Crusaders shouldn't even know yet! Scootaloo answered the door, hovering above the wooden floor. "Name?"

"Shroom Hop." Shroom waved his flank, on which there was not the tiniest sign of a cutie mark.

"You're not a member ye –"

"Nah, I don't fancy it. I'm a bit busy so I can't make meetings, but I guess I could help. Anyway, we see each other at school!"

"I guess so," Scootaloo shrugged, but a smile appeared now that she recognised him. "Anyway, we're a little crowded 'cause Babs is here."

"Oh, right. Apple Bloom wanted to see me."

"I'll go and get her for you." Scootaloo turned around. "Apple Bloom?"

"Yaius?" Apple Bloom rushed to the door, hovering down from the clubhouse in Shroom

Hop's arms.

"Uh...see you later, I guess!" Scootaloo turned to face the CMC again, whispering, "She sure was happy to see him..."