I blinked back into reality as I take a look around, wondering where I was.

Oh, right. The clubhouse.

The inside was moderately decorated, with a map of Ponyville in a corner, along with a banner across the wall parrallel to the door. Under the banner, sat Apple Bloom. To her right, Scootaloo was banging on two drums, obnoxiously. Sweetie Belle was checking the to-do list for crusading this week. It looks like everything but the kitchen sink is on that list. Well, I see dishwashing...

Sweetie Belle circled one of the ideas on the list, then sat down opposite of Scootaloo. The three of them were all wearing matching capes.

"Since we have to recruit Button, I only picked one thing to do tomorrow so Rarity can make his cape!" Sweetie Belle squeaked, seemingly ignoring our recent incident.

"Great! Apple Bloom,  you ready?" Scootaloo asked.

"Yup!" Apple Bloom beamed, looking at her speech on the small podium in front of her.

Scootaloo turned to me.

"Ready?"

I nodded.

It seems that they haven't done this many times,  since Apple Bloom stumbled on the words she read, murmuring some of them to the point of it being inaudible. After a few minutes of butchered language, she had me recite some lines.

"I, Button Mash, solemnly swear," I began. "To never stop the journey for my cutie mark-"

I looked at the three beaming fillies for a moment. Maybe earning your cutie mark is as important as they say. A whole society of ponies that are in search of their cutie marks. Searching for their true purpose in life. They might not have the best ideas, but their hearts are in the right place, at least to me.

"- and to never stop helping you earn yours," I finished, a smile on my face.

"Well, I now c-conga..."

I give her points for trying.

"Hayseed! Welcome to the Cutie Mark Crusaders!" she said, frustrated but glad she was done.

I let out a laugh as Scootaloo slammed on the drums, cheering.

"So, Crusaders, what is the plan for tomorrow?" Scootaloo asked.

"First, Button needs his cape made. Then, we are going cliff diving!" Sweetie cheered.

"Cliff diving?" I asked, unsure of her choice. It's cliff diving, for Celestia's sake.

"That.. is.. perfect!" Scootaloo yelled.

"Meet us at the Carousel Boutique after class tomorrow." Sweetie instructed. I nodded, vigorously, trying to avoid eye contact.

After a bit of listening to a bit of Scootaloo's "amazing" drum skills, I walked home.

As I walked into my house, I immediately smelled macaroni and cheese.

"Button, food is ready!" my mom called.

"Coming!" I replied as I sprinted across the house towards the dining room.

I sat down in a seat. Almost immediately, a plate of macaroni, mashed potatoes, and green beans landed right in front of me. I was starving,  the only thing I consumed being an ice demon disguised as a milkshake. I began scarfing down my food. I washed my plate, hurriedly. I wanted to go play my games.

I went up to my room, played Mare-troid for a while, before retiring in my bed.

I woke up to the sound of my mom yelling for me to get up. I made my way down the hall, beanie in my mouth. I noticed my older brother sitting at the table. He was gone with Dad on a business trip, from what I remembered. They probably came home after I went to bed. I guess my dad was still asleep. I wasn't hungry, so I grabbed my saddlebags and left.

My brother and I never got along very well. I'm a little colt, he is turning nineteen next month. I didn't like talking to him very often, he always messed with me when I was younger. He never liked video games, either. I preferred to play by myself, anyway.  After the constant moving, you get used to it. I actually enjoyed playing with Scoots, though. I wonder if it would be as fun or more fun if I invited Sweetie over to play with me... I wonder when I have to leave Ponyville...

I'll have to leave my new friends... Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle...

I don't want to leave this place.

I trotted along the same path I use every morning until I made it to school. School was the same as always, Miss Cheerilee would read a chapter or two of a book, pass out worksheets, the same old stuff. I looked over at Sweetie Belle often. I know how often due to the large amount of paper balls collecting around my desk due to Scootaloo throwing them at me every time I looked over.

End of class, to Carousel Boutique.

After making my way to the boutique, I found the three crusaders sitting under a tree in the shade. Sweetie Belle saw me, jumped up, and immediately ushered me inside. I looked over at Scootaloo, who shrugged nonchalantly in response. I manage a smile to Apple Bloom before I am pushed into the boutique, red faced.

I was continually shoved across the lobby by an overly-eager Sweetie Belle. I caught a quick glimpse of the room, before I was shoved into her sister's work area.

The crusaders must not get many members, I thought. Well, I've only seen the three together, so I'm guessing it's just them.

The work area was extremely messy, with strips of cloth thrown across the room, counters cluttered with papers, spools, and designs of intricate dresses. The mare with a marshmallow coat and violet mane across the room turned as she noticed us enter. She was holding a few sheets of cloth in her telekinetic grip, examining them. She beamed at us.

"Need any help, Rarity?" Sweetie asked, her eyes admiring her older sister.

"No, it's quite alright, dear," Rarity replied, looking back at the cloths she was examining before.

Sweetie walked out, probably to go hang out with the other two fillies. Rarity gestured to the small chair near the middle of the room, as she made her way across. I sat, and she immediately began to measure me. I uncomfortably shifted in my seat.

Rarity turned and began working with the cloths.

"So, you're the new colt in their little group?" Rarity asked.

"Yes, ma'am."

"I see. Well it's good to finally meet the nice little colt that took my little sister out for milkshakes. She was talking about your little date the whole time she was home last night," Rarity said, giggling slightly.

I REALLY hope Sweetie Belle didn't tell her about the brainfreeze thing... Wait, what?

"I-it wasn't a date," I stammered, cheeks beggining to burn.

I don't THINK it was a date...

"Of course, my apologies," she replied, grinning.

I sighed. Why did Sweetie tell her sister, anyway? I was such an idiot. I wasn't thinking properly, embarrasing myself in front of her...

She didn't even wanna help me. Well, she didn't leave, either...

My head began to spin.

The cape was finally finished, I stood up, thanked Rarity,  and ran outside.

The Crusaders saw me in my new cape and gave me smiles and nods of approval. I stood tall, brimming with pride as my cape blew in the wind.

"So... cliff diving?" Sweetie Bell suggested.

We all nodded in unision, Apple Bloom and I both wore worried faces, Scootaloo sported an optimistic and eager one.

I stood at the top of the cliff, near the waterfalls outside of the town. I gulped, looking down at the water far below. Scootaloo patted my back roughly.

"It's okay, Button. It's easy," she said in an attempt to ease my anxiety.

"All you have to do is jump."

I don't think she has jumped off a bucking cliff in her life, she is in no position to tell me it's easy to do.

I leaned over the edge, looking for sharp rocks. Nope, no rocks. Just clear, blue water. I began to wonder if there were any fish in the water, hungry for flesh. I didn't see any. Just water. Water that is suddenly getting closer to me.

My stomach turned as I realized what was happening.

I fell like a rock. While in  freefall, I flailed my legs about, screaming all the way down. I landed, bellyflop, into the water. I shouldn't have leaned forward. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom eventually had to fish me out together, dragging me out of the water.

I wailed in pain, laying on my back. After a while, I calmed down and looked upwards, seeing Sweetie Belle looking down at me, smile on her face. She giggled a bit, grabbed a soaking wet forehoof and lifted me onto my feet. My face was red for more reasons than one.

After I dried up, they made a unanimous decision to not attempt cliff diving. I suppose my suffering was of some use, I thought, rubbing my numb face and belly.

We began walking to the clubhouse, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle in the front, Scootaloo and I stayed behind.

"How's Sweetie Belle's new coltfriend?" she asked, grinning wildly. She better be glad we are out of earshot of them.

"Wha- I'm not her colfriend!" I said, lowering my voice but l still trying to sound hostile.

"Really? Why not?" she said sarcastically.

I glared at her menacingly. She laughed, discouraged slightly.

"I'm only messing with ya, Button. But really, I think it's time I should let you in on a little secret."

"Really? What is it?" I asked, intrigued.

She looked at the ground for a moment, deep in thought. She looked over at Sweetie Belle, who was now far ahead.

"I told her I wouldn't say, but she likes you!" she exclaimed.

"What?" I yelped, taken aback.

"We were talking on the way to get you out of the water, and she said she thinks you are really cute!"

I began to blush furiously. I looked down at the ground. She can't like me, I'm a dork. I ruined our "date" and I bellyflopped off a cliff, for Celestia's sake.

"She didn't say that," I said, discouraged by my low self-esteem.

"Come on, Button, have I ever lied to you?" she asked.

I picked my head up a bit.

"Not that I know of..."

"Then trust me!" Scootaloo cheered.

"She likes you!"

I began to beam.

"What am I supposed to do, then?" I asked, becoming a little giddy. I turned my head over to Sweetie Belle's direction. She was about a block away, chattering with Apple Bloom.

"Good question," Scootaloo replied, as she began pondering.

We walked in silence for a while. We passed by Sugarcube Corner, as a large amaranth-coated stallion with an orange mane walked out with a cupcake balanced on his muzzle. The open door enticed my nose in a wave of sweet smells.

"I got it! The arcade!" Scootaloo cheered.

"Take her to the arcade! She said that she really enjoyed that game she played on your JoyBoy when you were having that brainfreeze!" she giggled.

She did get delved into it a bit as she ignored my overexaggerated whale noises as I flopped on the ground that day.

"Okay, sounds awesome!" I beamed.

"Good, now go ask her! This, time, play it cool!"

Great advice. Play it cool. I haven't heard that before.

I felt pretty confident in myself due to Scootaloo's assurances. I smiled as I galloped over to Sweetie and Apple Bloom.

"Sweetie Belle!" I yelled. She turned around and smiled sweetly.

"Sweetie Bell, wanna go to the arcade?" I asked.

She began to blush. I felt myself begin to turn red as well. As I stared into her glimmering eyes, my heart rate began to speed up.

"Sure!" she squeaked, jumping into the air.

"Can I come with ya?" Apple Bloom asked, oblivious to the fact that I wanted to be alone with Sweetie.

Scootaloo immediately rushed in and began to usher Apple Bloom away with her head.

"Actually, Apple Bloom, we have some crusading to do!" Scootaloo said, winking to me as she and Apple Bloom made their way to the clubhouse.

I looked over at Sweetie Belle, releived that Scootaloo was such an awesome wingpony. Sweetie was still blushing,  a wide grin on her face.

"So... the arcade?" I suggested.

She nodded eagerly. We began walking together under the shining sun.

We eventually made it to the arcade. I looked around for a bit,  searching for a fun game to play. Sweetie squealed as she ran to the nearest arcade machine, which happened to be a zompony-slaying first-person shooter.

"This one looks like fun!" she exclaimed, looking at the large mass of buttons on the machine.

"Alright, let's play!" I grinned, not sure if she could handle such a violent game.

I was about to look for change in my saddlebag, then remembered I took it off when I was getting measured for my cape. I facehoofed.

"Sweetie Belle, I have no money," I said, dissapointed.

"Don't worry, Button! I brough some change!" as she dug through a small pocket in her saddlebag. She pulled out two bits and put one in each side of the machine.

The game came to life as the sounds of shooting and zomponies screeching came out of the machine. After that, a stallion's voice bellowed "Zompony Slayer 5!" Sweetie Belle nearly jumped through the roof, startled by the loud sounds.

I chuckled a bit before grabbing a control stick and hitting "play." Sweetie followed suit and we were immediately in a large skyscraper that reminded me of the ones in Manehattan. The remainder of the afternoon was filled with cheering, screaming, and arguing as we killed herd after herd of zomponies. We had to make it to the top of the skyscraper to win. We never won. We tried many times, wasting countless bits, but it was fun.

"Go! Go! Go up the stairs!" I shouted.

"I'm trying! The zomponies are in the wa-"

A large "YOU LOSE" appeared on the screen as she died. She pouted and scrunched up her face in a way that made my heart flutter.

"I'm out of bits!" she yelled, as she dug through her bag.

"Oh, well. It was fun while it lasted!" I said, smiling. She looked up and beamed in return.

We left the arcade, side-by-side. We began walking towards the boutique to drop her off, it was getting late. Luna's moon was out as it cast it's dim light upon a sleeping Ponyville.

"Button? You never told me why you ran off that day. Were you sick?" Sweetie asked  intently.

"Well, I ran off because I was afraid. I didn't know what I was feeling. I guess I ran because I have a crush on you..."

Oops. This is getting awkward.

She smiled and looked towards the ground, her mane shining under the moonlight.

We stood in front of the boutique. It was sad to see this good day end. Before she walked inside, she turned around and galloped over to me and wrapped her arms around me in a tight embrace.

"Thanks, Button. I had a lot of fun tonight," she said softly.

We hugged for a long time. After an eternity of happiness, Sweetie Belle pulled away and swiftly kissed my cheek. I could have died right on the spot without a care, and I probably should have. My heart exploded as my face reddened brighter than ever before. She pulled her muzzle away from my face,  her face bright red as well.

"Bye, Button," she whispered, before walking into the shop, and finally, closing the door behind her.

I stood there for a while, stunned. As I began to process what happened, I turned around and began to walk home. This was a date. I knew that for sure.

I walked into my house, smile still on my face. I walked through the tan hallway and into my room, throwing my hat and flopping onto the bed.

I forgot to get my saddlebags from Sweetie Belle's, I thought. I was too exhausted to care as I fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

It's been over a week since that wonderful night. I stretched my legs, yawning as I got up from my bed. I took a look around the room. It's neater than it used to be. Sweetie Belle has came over three times over the course of the week, and I didn't want to hang out with her in such a dirty environment. My room was spotless, excluding the two controllers sitting on the ground near the TV along with a few bags of chips next to them from yesterday.

I walked across the unusually neat room and grabbed my beanie. With it in my mouth, I walked out of the room and headed to the bathroom.

I spat the beanie out onto the counter in my bathroom, and began washing my face, grooming my unkempt mane, and brushing my teeth. After I was finished, I put the beanie on my head securely and made my way to the kitchen.

"Button! You're awake early!" my mother exclaimed, surprised that I actually woke up before noon on a Saturday.

"Yeah, I'm getting milkshakes with Sweetie Belle later," I replied as I searched for a box of cereal.

"Oh, your little fillyfriend?" my mother asked, teasing me.

"Mom..."

We went on a date, we hang out all the time, she kissed me...

"...Yeah. She's my fillyfriend," I finished upon realization of our relationship.

"Oh, that's so sweet!" my mom said tenderly.

After eating my breakfast, I grabbed my saddlebags and made my way to Carousel Boutique.

As I walked into the lobby of the boutique, smile on my face, I called out to Sweetie Belle.

"Sweetie! Sweetie Belle? You home?" I yelled.

I heard rustling in the next room. A door flew open as Rarity walked in, not looking very happy.

"Mister Button Mash, will you please refrain from all that shouting in my boutique? I have to finish a whole line of clothing before this week is over, all that screaming is not helping me focus!" Rarity hissed, glaring at me.

My ears drooped as I scooted back a bit, intimidated by the mare. I heard the sound of hooves on tile getting louder and louder as Sweetie Belle galloped down the flight of stairs and into the lobby.

"Button!" Sweetie yelled as she knocked the breath out of me with an embrace. I returned the excited hug and I heard a giggle. I look over to see Rarity, covering her mouth with a forehoof, attempting to stifle her laughter.

"I'm sorry, Button, it's simply that you two are so adorable together!" Rarity said, before she walked back into her work room and shut the door.

"You ready, Sweetie?" I asked

"Ready!" Sweetie replied, beaming.

As we walked into Sugarcube Corner,  the familiar smell of cinnamon entered my nose. Mrs. Cake was sitting at the front counter, polishing the a tall glass, smiling. She was a stout mare, the polar opposite of her husband.

"Two milkshakes! One chocolate and one vanilla, please!"

"Sure thing, dear!" Mrs. Cake replied happily.

Sweetie Belle and I sat down at the same table we sat at the first time we came here together.

I began talking to her about Minecraft, a game I was playing yesterday before she came over. She told me she would really like to play it, sometime. Good thing my mom has a PC she can use.

Once again, the shakes flew through the air, sliding across the table in front of us. Her eyes lit up as she took a sip of her vanilla shake. She looked over at my chocolate shake and me. I knew what she was thinking.

"No, I'm not gonna start another milkshake race," I said, grinning as I took a sip of my shake.

She sighed, relieved.

After we spent some time at the Corner, we went for a walk in Sweet Apple Acres. The sweet smell of apples, the serene sounds of the birds and the rustling of leaves were the only thing that followed us. As we walked, we chattered on about what our families were like. I let her do most of the talking, I didn't have much to say about mine. We were all pretty distant. I hardly knew any of them at all, actually.

We passed by the CMC clubhouse during our walk. Apple Bloom was with her sister and Scootaloo was out with a mare named Rainbow Dash today, so we weren't going crusading this afternoon. It's just Sweetie Belle and I, having a nice, quiet date.

"No! No! Watch out for the lava!"

"I'm trying to get the redstone!"

It's been a few hours since we got back from our walk. She was so eager to try out Minecraft, why would I want to stop her?

We spent the afternoon yelling and laughing as we collected gems and built a house. We played pretty late into the night, so late that she began drifting away to sleep while we were playing. I turned off my PC and nudged her, softly. As she groggily got up, I lead her towards my bed and she layed down in it, falling back asleep almost instantly. I smiled as I observed the adorable sight for a moment, watching her drift away. I turned off her PC and the light before I grabbed a spare pillow and laid it on the ground. I rested my head on it, almost falling asleep after a few minutes. I heard shifting in the bed feet away.

"Button?"

"Hmm?"

"Thank you," Sweetie Belle said sleepily.

"Anytime. Goodnight, Sweetie Belle."

I woke up with a start. I have been in Ponyville for about six months now, I had to surprise Sweetie Belle. Today was her birthday. I did the usual morning rituals and ran towards the flower shop.

I can't beleive how fast these days have gone by, it's like a dream. A dream I never wanted to wake up from.

I entered the flower shop and bought a bouquet of pink roses, her favorite. I began running to the boutique, extremely excited but equally nervous. She has become a massive part of my life and all I want is her to be happy. Is roses enough? She usually isn't too picky with gifts, but this was a special occasion.

I stopped in my tracks. I turned and saw Scootaloo across the street with Apple Bloom. I never thanked her.

"Whoa,  dude. Shouldn't those flowers be for Sweetie Belle?" Scootaloo teased. It must have been a peculiar sight, a colt galloping at her with a bouquet of flowers in his mouth.

"Duh, uff courf-" I pulled the bouquet out of my mouth,  holding it under my arm.

"I came over here to thank you," I said.

"Thank me for what? What did I do?" Scootaloo asked, confused.

"For everything. I wouldn't be in the Crusaders if you never came to talk to me. I would have never met you, Apple Bloom, or Sweetie Belle. Thank you."

I gave her a hug. She stiffened up a bit, surprised.

"You're welcome, dude," Scootaloo finally replied, awkwardly returning the hug.

I smiled to Apple Bloom, who returned the gesture.

"I gotta go, I'll see you two at the meeting tomorrow?" I asked.

They both nodded. I gave them one last smile and made a dash to the boutique,  bouquet back in my mouth.

I walked into the boutique, trying to catch my breath. The work room door was open, with Rarity behind it, peering into the looby. She smiled and gestured to the staircase.

"She's still asleep" she said quietly.

"You can go wake her up if you like"

Rarity has warmed up to me over time, probably because I get Sweetie Belle out of the house and out of her mane. I tried thanking her, only muffled words came out. She chuckled and closed her door.

I quietly went up the stairs. I was extremely nervous. I hope this is good enough.

I walked into her bedroom and knocked on the door frame softly. The sheets began shifting slowly, until a pretty little head popped out. Her hair was untidy, covering most of her face. I chuckled quietly as she smiled softly.

She stretched and moved her hair away from her face. She left the bed and stood, yawning.

I held out the bouquet, a stupid grin on my face. My face got hot as her eyes began to shimmer. She ran up to me and embraced me tightly. After a few moments, we pulled apart, both blushing wildly.

In bliss, she pressed her muzzle against mine for what seemed like forever. The rest of the world melted away. Nothing else mattered. No amount of video games or energy drinks could be better than this moment. We slowly pulled apart. I stared into her large, jade eyes. So vibrant, so easy to get lost in. I was speechless.

Happy birthday, Sweetie Belle.

I walked inside my house, tired from the crusading today. Being here for almost two years, you'd think it would get boring. Not if you're a Crusader. With them, it's never boring.

I threw my bag into my room, lazily. I heard my mom call my name from the other room. I walked into the living room, surprised to see my brother, my mother, and my father all sitting together in complete silence. My mother gestured her head to the couch.

"Button," she began.

"We have to talk about something."

My heart stopped. I've been in this situation before.