Chapter 36

Whispering Winds Dojo, Ponyville

After a long, hot shower Scootaloo stepped out of the stall and began to dry off. She didn’t particularly care if her mane or coat got mussed up, only that they dried out quickly. However, she had been very particular about the type of shampoo she used. Under normal circumstances, she’d have used her trusty bottle of Mane and Withers© anti-dandruff shampoo… but today was different. For some strange reason, she felt really self-conscious about how she smelled around a particular colt. It was almost as if she wanted to smell more…feminine?

Luckily, she also had a bottle of plumeria scented shampoo in her bag along with her old stand-by. The ironic thing about it was that shampoo had been given to her as gag gift from Rainbow Dash on her last birthday. The card attached to the bottle read: “To my little sister: for when she wants to smell like a pretty pony princess~” Despite the nature of the gift, Scootaloo hadn’t quite been able to bring herself to dispose of it. Right now, she was really glad she hadn’t.

Once she was done giving her coat a few sniffs, she threw her towel around her neck and trotted out to the locker room. Sure enough, Nazeem was waiting for her with a first aid kit nestled in his fore hooves.

“Did you have a pleasant shower?”

“Yeah. Sorry it took so long.”

“I am in no hurry. Come. Sit in front of me so I can take a look at your muzzle.”

As soon as the filly sat down, she began to feel somewhat anxious. She supposed that anypony would feel that way, considering how close Nazeem was to her face. But as time went on, she realized that this wasn’t the type of anxiousness she typically felt when somepony was invading her personal space. It was different somehow. Scootaloo took a deep breath to try and calm down…until a wonderful scent flooded her nostrils.

Whoa! Is that Nazeem’s scent? I don’t think he showered, but then again he didn’t really break much of a sweat fighting me huh? Still…it’s not like he smells bad or anything. Heh, actually he smells alright. Aww horsefeathers! Who am I kidding? He smells downright intoxicating. It’s kinda musky but it’s flowery too. Sweet Celestia! I wish I could just burry my muzzle in his mane right now…

“Scootaloo, do you feel well?”

“Huh?”

“I said: Do you feel well? You were just staring off into space a few moments ago. Perhaps you lost a bit more blood than I thought.”

Scoots waved her hooves. “Oh no no no! I’m perfectly fine. I uhhh…got lost in thought is all. Hehehehe!”

“Ah. Happens to me all the time. From what I can tell, your muzzle is fine. There aren’t any broken bones but it will remain tender for at least a few more days. By the way, is that plumeria I smell?”

“Umm…yeah. It’s some new shampoo I just used. Do…you like it?”

Nazeem smiled. “Indeed. It reminds me of the gardens back home. You should use it more often, the scent suits you.”

Scoots blushed furiously. “Oh, well uhhh…thanks. You’re the f-first colt to compliment me on it.”

“Hopefully, I won’t be the last.”

“Ha, yeah. So…I guess we should get going.”

“Yes, it would be rude to keep your friends waiting. I must admit that I’m looking forward to din—”

Before Nazeem could finish his sentence, Scootaloo gave him a quick peck to the cheek. Granted, it wasn’t much of a step above chaste. But for a tomcolt like Scoots, it took all of the guts she had to bring herself to do it. I’m really sorry Sweetie. I know you like him but…I think I do too. I just didn’t realize…how cool he actually was. Ughh! Stupid mushy feelings! I probably look like a total dweeb right now…

Nazeem furrowed his brow in confusion. “Did I…miss something?”

“T-thanks for taking care of me. I just…wanted to show you a little gratitude is all.” Idiot! Just how thick skulled are you? Sheesh…can’t you tell when a filly likes you?

“You’re quite welcome. Shall we get going then?”

Scoots sighed. “Yeah, we probably should. I don’t want Bloom or Sweetie to start worrying.”

As expected, they found a rather bored looking Apple Bloom waiting for them at the entrance of the dojo. In fact, she almost looked like she had just woken up from a particularly long nap. Bloom’s eyes were bloodshot and her mane looked like it had lost a fight with a carnivorous hair drier. The filly let out a loud yawn and slowly cantered towards her friends.

“Mmmm…y’all took along enough. What? Did ya fall asleep in the shower or somethin’?”

Scoots gave her a deadpan stare. “You’re one to talk, sleeping beauty.”

“Sticks and stones, Scoots. Ah was just catchin’ up on mah beauty sleep.”

“Uh huh. But seriously, we really should get going. I’m pretty sure that Sweetie is done taking her of her problem by now and it’s starting to get closer to dinner time.”

“Come ta think of it, ah am feelin’ a bit peckish.”

As the trio made their way back to Golden Oaks Library, Scootaloo matched her pace with Bloom so they could talk while Nazeem followed them a few paces behind. The pegasus looked back and forth a few times, making sure that nopony was around to hear what she was about to discuss. She hated to admit it, but Bloom was one of the few ponies she could have a serious discussion with concerning “mushy stuff”. Once she steeled her resolve, Scootaloo gently nudged Apple Bloom’s barrel.

“Hey Bloom. I have…something I need to tell you.”

“Alright. What is it?”

“You have to promise me that you’ll keep what I tell you a secret. And I mean NOPONY else can know about it! Got it?”

“Fine. Ya have mah word.”

Scoots blushed. “I…might have a crush on Nazeem.”

“WHAT IN TARNATION?!”

“Shhh! Don’t shout or you’ll make everypony suspicious.”

“But ah thought you said he was an egghead. And besides, doesn’t Sweetie like ‘im too?”

Scoots bit her lip. “Yeah. I thought that at first. But he’s actually pretty cool and thoughtful too. If…you can get past him being such a blockhead. And yes, I know Sweetie likes him. That’s why I feel so…conflicted right now!”

“Ha! Well butter mah flanks and call me biscuit! Ah never thought I’d see the day you’d admit that a colt was actually cool enough for ya.”

Scoots puffed out her cheeks. “Hey! I just have…standards. That’s all.”

“If that’s what ya wanna call it. Shouldn’t you, ah dunno, talk about this with Sweetie first? Ah can’t imagine she’s gonna be real thrilled about havin’ some competition.”

“Duh! That’s why I need your advice. Look…I’m sorry about the sarcastic comment but I just don’t know how to approach this. I might end up hurting her feelings or…s-she won’t want me as her friend anymore!”

Bloom frowned. “Ah suppose that’s a possibility but ah don’t think it’ll come ta that. Sweetie’s one of the most kind-hearted fillies I’ve ever met.”

“That’s why this is so difficult for me. But what else can I do? I can’t help how I feel about Nazeem!”

“It’s simple, Scoots. Neither o’ us makes a choice.”

“How does that make any sense?!”

Bloom gestured towards Nazeem. “It’s not about what you or Sweetie wants. Nazeem has ta choose. Maybe he’ll pick you in the end or he might stick with Sweetie. Heck, he might not even like fillies at all! Y’all are just bein’ plain selfish, otherwise.”

“Oh…I hadn’t thought about that. Ughh, I feel like a total dweeb right now.”

“That’s alright, yer just twitterpated right now.”

Scoots arched her brow. “Twitter—what?”

“Granny taught me that word. It means that you’re head over hooves for a colt…or filly if yer barn door swings that way. Mah point is: yer not gonna make the most rational judgments when colts and hormones are involved.”

“Yeah, I guess that’s true. But how will we know who he likes…or not?”

Bloom grinned. “Why, it’s elementary mah dear Scootaloo. We ask ‘im in a game of truth or dare.”

“Everypony knows you only play truth or dare at sleepovers…it’s like an unwritten rule! Even if that works, and I’m not saying it will, we aren’t exactly attending one if you haven’t noticed.”

“Don’t get yer feathers in a bunch just yet. All we have ta do is beg—errmm ah mean ‘politely ask’ Sweetie’s sister into hostin’ a sleepover. Simple, right?”

“It’s worth a try.”

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Carousel Boutique, Ponyville

Sweetie, still exhausted from her earlier activities, ambled her way towards her sister’s abode along with her fellow crusaders and Nazeem. She had only woken up from what felt like an impossibly long (but blissful) nap just thirty minutes ago and her whole body still felt kind of tingly. She was promptly dragged from the library to her overly eager friends’ homes, so they could gather their belongings.

Everything happened so quickly that she didn’t even have a chance to freshen up before going back home. After scratching her mane, she knocked on the door to get her sister’s attention. A few seconds later, Rarity appeared and nearly screamed upon seeing the state her little sister was in. Deciding that such an act was un-lady like, she settled on a forced grin.

“Ah…welcome home Sweetie. And it appears as if you’ve…brought your friends as well.”

Sweetie yawned. “Hmm? Oh yeah…they wanted to stay for a sleepover or something. Is that ok with you?”

“Umm…why yes, that sounds lovely. I’ll just have to make a bit more for dinner, is all. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Nazeem…why don’t all of you head on inside and make yourselves comfortable hmm? I need to speak with my sister for a moment.”

Once the three of them trotted into the living room, Rarity shut the door so she and her sister could have a little privacy.

“Sweetie, would you mind telling me why you appear so disheveled? Please don’t tell me you’ve decided to try and get your cutie mark in manticore wrestling.”

“No. It’s n-nothing like that. I swear! I was over at the library so Ms. Molly could teach me some…uhh…new yoga techniques. YEAH THAT’S IT! Yoga…techniques…heh.”

Rarity sniffed. “I…see. Well, you certainly smell sweaty enough. Just be sure to take a shower before you join us for dinner. We can’t have stinky fillies at the table now, can we?”

“Hahaha! You’re absolutely right! I’ll…uhhh get right on that.”

After watching her sister bolt up the stairs, Rarity decided that she needed a well-deserved cup of tea to calm her nerves. Past experience told her that sleepovers, especially the surprise ones, were detrimental to her mental health. Once in the kitchen, she boiled a pot of chamomile and was just about to pour a cup…until she felt something furry brush up against her leg.

Rarity looked down to find a rather pathetic looking Opal staring back at her. The spoiled feline meowed softly and rubbed her head against her mistress’s leg, purring afterwards. If the cat could speak, she would have said: I’m a poor wittle kitty who needs her nummy nums. Won’t you feed me mistress? Rarity, ever the doting cat owner, realized this right away.

“Oh I’m terribly sorry darling. Mommy was stressed out so she forgot to get your dinner. But don’t you worry, mommy will make sure you fill your tummy. After all, a full kitty is a happy kitty.”

It took a few seconds of rummaging around, but Rarity eventually found a small can of gourmet cat food in cupboard. Afterwards, she levitated a can opener from the drawer and peeled off the lid. She was about the dump the contents into Opal’s hoof-made, jewel-encrusted crystal bowl…until she noticed that something was off. Normally, cat food smells awful. That was pretty much a given. But this stuff smelled far nastier than normal and it looked rather…putrid. With a disgusted scrunch of her muzzle, she placed the offending can into the sink.

“NIGHTWING GET IN HERE!”

Nightwing skidded into the kitchen. “What’s wrong? Are you alright?”

“I am most certainly NOT alright!”

“Ok…so what’s wrong? Are you hurt?”

“No, I’m fine but my poor Opal could have been killed.”

“Uhh, alright. Why was Opal almost killed?”

Rarity huffed. “Her can of cat food is tainted! The very same can of cat food that I pay top bits for at the super market. Said cat food is, by the way, guaranteed to be FRESH!! Those heathens at the cat food company nearly poisoned my baby!”

“Well…that’s unfortunate. But look on the bright side. She didn’t actually eat any of it. That’s a good thing, right?”

“Perhaps, but that isn’t the point. I DEMAND RECOMPENSE!”

Nightwing sighed. “Very well. If it will make you feel better, we’ll do something about it. What would you like to do?”

“I’ll do what I do best, darling.”

“Make a dress? I don’t mean to sound stupid but that sounds like a— ”

“Oh heavens no. I meant writing out a well-organized letter of complaint~”

“Complaining? Gee, I’m not really sure what to say about that one…”

“A proper lady must practice the fine art of complaining. It’s the only way one can express their displeasure without sounding like a whining foal!”

Nightwing’s ears flattened. “Uh huh. Whatever you say…”

“Nightwing, fetch me a few pieces of paper and a quill please. All you need to do is write down what I dictate.”

“Let’s…get this over with.”

Rarity cleared her throat. “Dear Felix’s Fancy Feline Fixin’s…colon.”

♫ My eyes are fully open to my awful situation, so I’m writing you a letter to demand an explanation! ♫

♫ When the cat food that I purchased from the market Monday morning, I discovered upon usage that the fume should have a warning. ♫

♫ Since the only possibility is that your food is rancid, I request a full refund of all the money I advance-ed~ ♫

♫ And unless you can convince me that you’ve improved the cat-food batter, I will take my business elsewhere, so I hope you solve this matter. ♫

Nightwing groaned. “Do you really have to sing it?”

“Yes, darling. It’s how I get into the zone. Move onto a second page please.”

♫ Enclosed you’ll find a small container of the stuff I talk about, just carefully remove the lid and take whiff if you’ve a doubt! ♫

♫ I’m sure you wouldn’t want me to alert the local papers with the news of how my kitty was affected by your vapors. ♫

♫ Which is why I chose to write to you a confidential letter full of strong recommendation that you make your cat food better! ♫

♫ I just hope it won’t require me to seek a doctor for my hell, and if does you may expect a bill. Sincerely, Rarity Belle~ ♫

Nightwing wiped his forehead. “Finally. It’s all done.”

“Excellent! Now, I can finally enjoy that cup of tea.”

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The intrepid quartet of adolescent ponies sat in a circle inside Sweetie Belle’s room. About an hour ago they had enjoyed a dinner of feta and spinach pastry puffs, along with a side of assorted fruits. Currently, they were dressed in their pajamas even though they wouldn’t be falling asleep anytime soon.

Sweetie was wearing a fuzzy pink robe with her initials sewn on the shoulder in gold letters. Scootaloo wore a sky blue pair of footie pajamas that just so happened to have Rainbow Dash’s cutie mark on the flanks. Bloom and Nazeem had opted to go au natural citing that it was “more comfortable for them” and “we’re normally naked in the first place”. In the middle of their little circle was a varied assortment of junk food and sugary drinks.

Scoots munched on some cheese curls. “So…are we gonna do anything fun?”

“Ah ain’t the host of this here shindig. It’s up ta Sweetie ta decide.”

Sweetie immediately felt a rush of nervous energy bubble up in her stomach. She was never a fan of being put on the spot and right now she especially didn’t want to be the once responsible for suggesting the game that her best friends had mentioned prior. But it was preferable alternative to directly asking Nazeem because that was, quite frankly, extremely embarrassing. Besides, he seemed like the type of colt who’d be ok with playing truth or dare. His culture was far more easy-going about kissing and stuff like that, so he shouldn’t have a problem with it…right?

Sweetie bit her lip. “I w-was thinking that we could…umm…maybe play a game? It’s called truth or dare. The rules are p-pretty simple. We spin a bottle and whoever it lands on has to ask somepony else in the circle if they want to tell the truth or accept a dare. Whatever the choice, you have to do it that’s the rules.”

“Hmm, sounds like an interesting game. I do not mind if we play it.”

Both Bloom and Scoots perked up at Nazeem’s affirmation. While the earthpony seemed slightly amused, Scoots looked really nervous for some reason. Sweetie couldn’t help but notice that her friend was acting very strange. The brash pegasus would typically act rather boastful or lively during a game of truth or dare, never nervous. Did something happen while they were at the dojo? What was she hiding?

Scoots chuckled. “I know! Since Nazeem is new to all of this, why don’t we let him spin first?”

When the other two silently nodded their heads in agreement, Nazeem proceeded to spin the bottle. Being a fit colt for his age, Nazeem spun the bottle a bit harder than he had intended which caused it to spin longer than it should have. This, of course, only made the fillies in the room more anxious because they had no idea who or what he’d ask. Eventually, it landed on Scootaloo.

“Truth or dare?”

“Dare!”

Nazeem stroked his chin in thought. “I dare you…to kiss Sweetie Belle.”

“Pfft! That’s easy. This is gonna be like ta—”

“You didn’t allow me to finish. You must kiss her passionately, like a lover would. It must be on the lips, including tongue play, for at least fifteen seconds.”

Scoots blushed. “What?! T-that’s…gross. I don’t even like Sweetie that way.”

“But you must perform the act. The rules clearly state so. Are you saying that you don’t wish to play the game anymore?”

Bloom snickered. “Yeah Scoots. Are ya too…chicken ta continue?”

“I’M NOT A CHICKEN! Fine…I-I’ll do it. C’mere Sweetie.”

Hesitantly, Sweetie shuffled in front of friend while sporting a dark blush upon her cheeks. This wasn’t exactly how she thought this game was going to turn out but there was a silver lining to be found. Even if Scoots was her friend and she was a filly, at least she could get some practice kissing. Experience was good…right?

Sweetie pursed her lips. “O-ok, I’m ready.”

“Heh…well umm…here goes nothing I guess.”

Scootaloo gently wrapped her hoof around Sweetie’s head and slowly pressed her own lips with her friend’s. Sweetie didn’t immediately respond, still too embarrassed to put any effort into the kiss but after a few moments she found that it wasn’t half bad.

As she started to get more comfortable, the unicorn filly used her tongue to probe the inside of her friend’s mouth. In response, Scootaloo moaned softly and massaged Sweetie’s tongue with her own. The two continued well past the prescribed fifteen seconds, enjoying the act far more than they cared to admit. They only stopped when Apple Bloom coughed awkwardly. With a soft pop they pulled away from each other, both of their muzzles covered in drool.

Scootaloo panted. “Ok…I admit. That was kinda awesome.”

“Yeah, if yer wingboner is anythin’ ta go by.”

“Oh…horsefeathers.”

For her part, Sweetie chose not to say anything. Instead she was content to burry herself under the covers of her own bed, as if they offered protection against the embarrassment she was feeling. Poor Nazeem had it the worst though. He had never physically witnessed two fillies (more like young mares at this point) having such an intense make-out session before. And he had to admit that it was EXTREMELY arousing. So much so that he had to practically lay on the floor just to hide his raging erection. Even with that hidden, it was still very obvious he was blushing.

“I think…it might be prudent to take a short break. What do all of you think?”

Bloom chuckled nervously. “Y-yeah. Good idea Nazeem. We’ll uhh…continue this later.”

Author's Notes:

I actually had a lot of fun writing this chapter, go figure. Anywaaaaay~ I have a little contest for all of you. For the first person who can guess what Broadway Musical inspired me to write Rarity's complaint song, a naughty TwiDash picture will be pm'd to you! I know ALL of you like porn so do hop to it! As for the next chapter, I might continue this whole Nazeem sleepover thing or I might focus on what's happening to Shy and Ariadne. Haven't really decided yet.