Apple Bloom banged the hammer down against the meeting table, bringing to order the latest planning session of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo stood at attention, then all three took a seat around the table.

Sweetie Belle was first to make her point. “So, are we safe to talk, Apple Bloom?”

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked worriedly at Apple Bloom, seeking confirmation and security from Bloom’s big sister and her new friend they were scheming to help. “Eeyup. Ah made sure Scribble an’ ma older siblin’s were busy befo’ Ah arranged the meetin’ time,” Bloom declared with a crafty smile. “Scribble an’ my sis workin’ the apple stand in town, an’ ma big bro is busy on the other side o’ the farm harvestin’ apples. We completely safe ta talk, girls.”

“Then let planning for ‘Operation Scribble Match’, commence!” Scootaloo announced.

Sweetie took this as her cue to start taking notes. She took out her notepad and pencil from her saddle bag, but noticed a problem. Her pencil was blunt, not in any condition to write with. She fished through her saddle bag again to find a sharpener. After a minute of looking franticly through her saddle bag, she failed to find any such device. Taking her head out of the bag, her attention was drawn to her friends, both sporting looks of confusion as to what could be taking her so long.

Sweetie stared at both her friends, especially Scootaloo. An idea sprang in her head of how to solve her writing woes. Sweetie brought both her forehooves to her face, letting out a frightened “Meep!” Her attention was drawing to a location in the corner of the club house behind Bloom and Scootaloo.

By reflex, Bloom and Scootaloo turned around to investigate their friend’s concerned plight. Upon turning to investigate, Scootaloo let out a very painful “YIPE!” She turned back around to see Sweetie Belle with an orange feather in her mouth and a rather cheeky grin.

“SWEETIE BELLE!!!” Scoots screamed.

Apple Bloom couldn’t help but let out a giggle. Sweetie’s charm and cunning had once again made a fool of a rather dense Scootaloo. She didn’t much like the idea she got fooled, but at least she wasn’t in Sweetie Belle’s line of fire this time.

“Sorry Scootie, but I need something to write with. Can’t you please fo-gi-ve me?” she flirted, hoping pouring on the charm would make Scootaloo forgive her.

Scootaloo’s anger boiled and she turned red with anger, or was she blushing? “How many times do I have to tell you, Sweetie Belle! Don’t use that name!” Scootaloo demanded, giving Sweetie a death stare.

Apple Bloom decided it was time to interject. After all, time was crusading, and crusading was cutie marks. “Alright, y’all, we need ta focus here.”

“Speaking of which, Bloom…should we really be doing match-making again?” Sweetie asked, remembering the last time they got scolded and had to do a month’s worth of Big Mac’s chores. All three Crusaders felt a shiver go down their spines, as if Applejack was right behind them, asking what they wear about to plan.

“It’s not like we’re usin’ a love potion--er, poison this time. We can just try a more…anotha’ approach,” Bloom chuckled half-heartily.

“I’m just not sure, guys. We shouldn’t really mess ‘round with other ponies feelings,” Sweetie said. Scootaloo also agreed, nodding in unison with her.

Pressure was mounting on Apple Bloom to provide a good reason as to why this is a viable idea. But Bloom, ever the smart filly she was, had the excuse she needed. “We don’t have ta force Scribble ta fall in love, jus’ give him a lil’ push an’ introduce him ta the perfect mare. Y’all saw how hard o’ a past Scribble has lived. He deserves the perfect mare, don’t ya think, girls?”

This made Scoots and Sweetie feel sad for him. Seems Bloom had her friends right where she wanted them. “So, y’all aboard fer ‘Operation Scribble Match’? Don’t forget, we could get our match-makin’ cutie marks outta this,” Bloom cunningly announced.

This was all it took to hook her two excited friends aboard for her master plan. Bloom smiled at her own cunning, being the master planner she was. ‘Ah knew Ah could get those two aboard. Now, all we need is a plan.’

“So, what’s the plan, Bloom?” Sweetie squeaked, excited her friend had this all figured out.

“Ya, don’t keep us in suspense. Spill already,” Scootaloo demanded, impatient as always.

Bloom’s smile quickly disappeared. Her friends put her on the spot, and they were smiling about it. It seemed after years of Bloom getting the better of them, they finally caught on and outsmarted her for a change.

“Well…Ah…um ta say…” Bloom couldn’t keep her speech straight, stuttering while trying to buy time and make a plan.

Thank fully for Bloom, her friends were good to her, like she was to them. They had their fun and now had a plan to make. “Well first we should choose who we going to set Scribble up with,” Sweetie chimed in.

“How about, Rainbow Dash? She is like, the coolest pony in Ponyville!” Scootaloo fangasmed, going off into her own little world about how cool her lifetime idol was.

Bloom and Sweetie gave her blank stares. “Seriously…” they face hoofed.

“What? She would be perfect for…”

Scootaloo was abruptly cut off by her friends. “NO SHE WOULDN’T BE!!!” they yelled, making clear once and for all their point.

Scootaloo looked away to the side, pouting since her suggestion was shot down so abruptly. Rainbow Dash was her one and only suggestion. Nopony was more perfect in any way other than her idol.

“Rainbow aside, let’s put together what facts we know ‘bout Scribble, girls.” At Apple Bloom’s instructions Sweetie Belle pulled out an inkpot from under the table, using her orange feather she plucked as a quill, ready to take down some notes.

“We know he loves ta read and tell stories,” Bloom mentioned, Sweetie taking these points down.

Sweetie took another dip in the ink pod, ready for some more points. But Apple Bloom couldn’t think of anymore. Her mouth was trying to say something, but no verbal words came out. “Read and stories, check. What else ya know ‘bout him?” Sweetie asked, assuming Bloom would know from living with him for months.

“Well, Ah’m not sure. Ah hardly known Scribble when he not been upset an’ all,” Bloom revealed.

“So, that’s all we got then?” Scootaloo asked. “We only know he likes to read and tell stories, basically what his cutie mark tells us?”

“Yup,” Sweetie chirped a little too positive, she than sprung to life, shocking her friends with her sudden burst of energy. “Girls! I got…” Sweetie cut herself off. She got up and trotted over the other side of the club house, to a certain famous thinking spot. Her friends finally clued in, seemed Sweetie had an idea worthy of their cutie marks. She wouldn’t go to all the effort to stand on the thinking spot if that was not the case.

Sweetie coughed a few times to get all the attention, in order to make a grand presentation. “Girls! I got the perfect…” again, she cut herself off when she noticed another missing element to her big announcement.

“Um…Scoots, if ya don’t mind?” Sweetie asked pointing a hoof up towards the light bulb.

Scootaloo caught on to what Sweetie Belle wanted, but wasn’t really enthusiastic about the idea. “Sweetie, do I have…” Scootaloo stopped herself when she received a cold stare from Sweetie. “…Fine,” she groaned.

Scootaloo made her way towards the roof access and hovered up. A few seconds later, she stuck her forehooves and head out of the same spot the light hung from above the thinking spot.

Now that everything was in place, Sweetie Belle could announce her grand idea. “Girls! I’ve got the perfect pony for Scribble!” Sweetie paused for a few seconds to build the anticipation, which at this point was killing her friends. “The perfect pony for Scribble is……”

Sweetie gave Scootaloo a wink, noting her cue to tap the light on. “Twilight!” she announced, throwing her forehooves forward to add appeal.

Apple Bloom jumped up, full of new optimism and life. “That’s perfect, Sweetie! Twilight would make the perfect lover fer him!”

Sweetie nodded in agreement before turning her attention to Scootaloo. “See, worth the full effect, right?” she cheekily asked.

Scootaloo didn’t care that Sweetie had got her, she only cared that Sweetie’s idea was perfect. “You bet it was the worth full effect!” she blurted, landing down to join Sweetie. “This really is a good spot for thinking up ideas.”

Bloom joined her friends on the thinking spot to bring the full trio together. “C’mon girls, let’s go an’ get those marks!” All three of the Crusaders bumping hooves in agreement with Apple Bloom’s battle cry.

It had been ten days since Scribble made his first real friend. During that time, the harvesting of apples had increased two-fold. Scribble was working side-by-side with Applejack and Big Mac. The trio had become so coordinated that production had literally been doubled. They had harvest two weeks’ worth of apple trees in only the space of a week.

“Tell me, Scribble, what was it like workin’ on a sugar farm?” Applejack asked, bucking into another apple tree.

“A lot different than bucking apples, I can tell ya that,” Scribble explained, picking up the loose apples that missed the buckets. “We had to use sickles to slash the cane, then wrap up the stalks in bundles ready to be refined.”

A rouge apple fell outside of the buckets range. Scribble used a free forehoof to rebound it back on course. This Scribble did so while explaining his farming methods, on some level, Scribble didn’t even notice he did it. He was too engrossed in talking to Applejack that it was pure reflex. Applejack took note of this and interrupted the conversation. “Ya know ya jus’ kicked an airborne apple inta the bucket, right,” she pointed out, making Scribble look into the bucket in question.

Scribble looked confused. He looked into the bucket than at his forehoof before looking into the bucket once more. “I did?” he asked, dumbfounded.

“Ya did,” Applejack confirmed. She bucked the apple tree to make her point, letting several more apples fall right on top of Scribble.

With nothing but pure instinct and reflexes Scribble kicked and even head-butted the apples into several of the surrounding buckets. Applejack giggled at Scribble as he couldn’t believe his own reactions. “Ya have become so focused this last week, it’s truly amazin’.”

Scribble poked Applejack in the chest, electing smiles from both ponies. “That’s ‘cause I’ve had less to worry ‘bout in the last week,” he happily chirped.

Applejack was simply happy Scribble was starting to actually live. She saw more of the real Scribble in the last week then anypony (minus his family) ever saw of him in a lifetime. He was funny, charming, kind-hearted and a very hard worker.

Applejack was about to complement Scribble on his reform when his eyes shot wide open. Before she could get a word out, Scribble put his forehooves over her back and yanked her sideways.

“YEEE HAAA! Ride ‘em cowpony!” Pinkie yelled, falling out of the apple tree. Her rump landed with a loud THUD! on the hard earth, right where Applejack was just a second ago. “OUCH!” she yelled in pain, electing a giggle from Scribble.

Applejack gave Scribble a curious look… “How did ya do that?” she asked, confused beyond believe at what happened in just a few seconds.

“Instinct,” Scribble offered for an excuse.

Applejack was none too impressed. He was not telling the entire truth. She thought she would solve that mystery later. Presently, a pinker, more demanding matter was at hoof. “Pinkie, what in tarnation ya doin’ poppin’ outta ma apple tree like that fer?”

Pinkie stood up, still rubbing her sore flank. “Ya, Scribble, how did you do doing that?” Pinkie asked, not fully trusting Scribble’s answer either.

“Pinkie!” Applejack sternly said.

“Oh, right.” Pinkie gave a mock giggle before continuing with her reason for being here. “I just dropped by, literally,” she said, giggling some more. “To give you and Scribble your party invitations for Scribble’s re-welcome party this afternoon.” Pinkie pulled two invitations out of nowhere and hoofed them over to their respective owners.

“Don’t forget to bring me a few apples please, Applejack,” Pinkie said, as a pink dust cloud replaced where she was just standing.

Scribble gave his friend a rather odd look. “So, that’s Pinkie Pie?”

“Eeyup,” she flatly answered.

“So, now all I have to meet is Twilight, Fluttershy and…what was her name again… Rainbow Mesh?” Scribble asked, trying to recount if his guess was correct or not.

Applejack giggled while Scribble scratched his head, trying to remember the name. “Rainbow Dash, Scribble. Its Rainbow Dash,” she corrected her mistaken friend.

“Well, that aside. Pinkie Pie seemed a little…” Scribble stopped to try and think of the right word.

“Strange? Ya, she is like that a bit. Don’t ya worry none, it’s jus’ Pinkie bein’ Pinkie Pie,” Applejack explained, letting out a big breath. Pinkie was after all, a mouthful to handle or explain.

“Strange, ya say that?” Scribble thought about it for a moment, making Applejack curious again. “She seemed more fun to me.”

“Well that anotha’ way of puttin’ it. Pinkie is a barrel of fun,” Applejack let out laughing her flank off, even rolling around on the ground.

Applejack finally settled down, getting up and dusting herself off. “Come on, partna’. Let’s get ya ready fer yer re-welcome party,” she cheered, patting Scribble on the back.

Streamers hung high from the ceiling balloons littered the room, while the smell of delicious treats could be smelt miles away. All the hallmarks of a Pinkie Pie party were present at Sugar Cube Corner. The only thing that was missing were the invited guests, or in classic Pinkie style, just about the whole town.

While the main room of the sweet shop was vacant, three sneaky fillies took the chance to hatch their latest plan. Six peering eyes slipped just past the door frame to inspect the room.

“All clear girls. Quick let’s put the present in,” Bloom ordered, doing a rolling ninja move into the bakery. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo followed her with fancy (For none trained fillies) ninja moves of their own. It was a secret mission, after all. Their target? The table of gifts in the corner.

“Scootaloo, do it,” Sweetie whispered.

Scootaloo pulled a lavender-purple box wrapped in a blue ribbon and added it to the pile of presents. The tag read “To Scribble Script. From your adoring lover, Twilight Sparkle.”

Apple Bloom face hoofed when she saw the writing. “Adorin’ lover…seriously, Sweetie?”

“What? It’s very romantic!” Sweetie protested.

“No it ain’t,” Bloom giggled.

Sweetie pointed an accusing hoof at her yellow friend. “What would you know about romance? All you ever did was make a love poison, ‘member!?” Sweetie teased, making her point loud and clear, and making sure to rub it in.

“Ah do to know ‘bout romance!” Bloom retaliated back.

“Do not!”

“Do to!”

“Do not!”

“Do t…”

Bloom’s and Sweetie’s argument was cut short by the only rational filly left. Scootaloo had a forehoof in both months, one for each arguing Crusader. “Have you two forgotten this is a stealth mission?! Now, let’s get out of here before we’re discovered,” commander Scootaloo ordered, pulling her hoofs out with a pop, then using them to kick the flanks of her friends.

Sweetie and Bloom groaned but obeyed. Quickly, all three made a rush for the door. They bumped into a pink pony who was just entering the sweet shop. “Oh, hey girls! Just making a last-minute present delivery for Twilight, are you?” Pinkie asked, oblivious to the plan at hoof.

The Crusaders had sweat rolling down their faces. Making themselves look as innocent as possible, all three nodded in unison. “Eeyup, that’s right Pinkie. But we are…gotta hurry…Uh…we left our invitations back at the farmhouse,” Bloom lied.

Before Pinkie could answer, the Cutie Mark Crusaders bolted out the door. She shrugged and let the matter rest, trotting inside to make the final preparation for the party.

Applejack and Scribble arrived just outside the front door to Sugar Cube Corner. The music was pumping and the smell of sweet food in the air. “Ya ready fer this, Scribble?” Applejack asked, patting and reassuring him on the back.

“As I ever will, AJ,” he replied, taking a deep breath and getting ready for the party ahead.

“Jus’ remember, if anythin’ happens, ya promised ta talk ta me ‘bout it.”

Scribble waved her off with a reassuring hoof. “SCRIBBLE, AH MEAN IT!”

Scribble fell over in a submissive pose. “Okay, okay! I get it, Applejack. If anything happens, I promise to see ya right away.”

“Good, now let’s get goin’, Pinkie an’ the others are waitin’.” Applejack pushed Scrible into the party. She really wanted Scribble to meet her friends, so she could prove other ponies could be friendly.

They both entered the sweet shop to a rousing cheer. Party poppers busted, screams and cheers cried out from around the room, and an over-excited pink pony was right in Scribble’s face. “YIPEE! she screamed. “Scribble, welcome to your one and only re-welcoming party!” Pinkie placed a funky-looking party hat on his head, along with another apple-themed one for Applejack.

Scribble didn’t seem too phased by Pinkie. In fact he seemed to be enjoying the party already, much to Applejack’s surprise.

Pinkie raced back into the sweet shop, beckoning Scribble and Applejack to follow her. Scribble acted like a school colt on his birthday and raced in after Pinkie Pie. Applejack couldn’t believe her eyes. The same Scribble who would lose his emotional control just a few weeks back was now excited to attend this party. She knew Scribble would give this party a go, but this was more than the she had envisioned happening.

“Everypony, listen up!” Pinkie called out, getting the attention of all party guests. “Our guest of honour and newest member of Ponyville is here!” Pinkie pulled Scribble in front of her, displaying him like a prize she had just won for all to see.

Scribble was a little taken by this, but managed to keep his wits as everypony gave him a good look. He had no idea why he just didn’t do his normal thing, which was either stay out of the limelight or run away to avoid more rejection. What was so different? Why didn’t he feel like running? Why did he feel he could take it this time?

Guests at the party cheered. A new pony in Ponyville was always cause for celebration to them. The music started up again, and the party went into full swing. Ponies were eating, dancing, talking and having a good time.

Applejack came and stood next to Scribble, putting a hoof over his shoulder. “Well partna’, ready ta tackle this beast o’ a party?” Applejack asked, giving him a friendly whack on the back.

Then the reason hit Scribble like a hoof bucking an apple tree. He wasn’t alone this time. No matter if he suffered rejection or not at this party. No matter if he enjoyed himself or not. None of that mattered in the long run, simply because of the one underlining fact that was different this time. He already had a friend. A friend that would have his back, care for him, and help to pick him up if anything happened.

Scribble had no way to explain this sensation of having a friend. But it suddenly made nothing else matter. For all Scribble cared, Equestria could come to an end. So long as Applejack was still with him it wouldn’t matter.

“Sure, bring it on!” Scribble yelled, grinning widely.

“Then, let me introduce ya ta me friends. The ones Ah been tellin’ ya ‘bout.” Applejack proudly pointed to a familiar group of ponies gathered around one of the tables.

Applejack brought Scribble over to the table and took a seat next to Twilight. She pointed a hoof at Rainbow Dash and proceeded to move it clockwise around the table. “This here is Rainbow Dash,” she introduced.

“The best flier in all Equestria!” Rainbow declared, her eyes shut and head held high.

“An’ also the biggest ego in all Equestria,” Applejack laughed. Everypony else at the table followed, laughing at Rainbow and all her pride.

“Thanks for having my back, AJ” Rainbow pouted.

“Anytime, partna’,” Applejack said, supported with a mock salute and more laughing.

She continued around the table with the introductions. “This here is, Pinkie Pie, party pony extraordinaire.”

“Yes indeedy do. Now we can be friends forever. Cause I just met you, and that makes you my new friend,” Pinkie squeed, holding out a forehoof for Scribble to whack.

Applejack was about to tell Pinkie off for being too forward, fearing Scribble would still be sensitive over the whole friend thing. But she didn’t get the chance. Scribble took Pinkie’s offer with a smile and brought his hoof up to meet hers.

“Nice to meet ya, mate. Thanks for the great party.”

Applejack paused for a second to make sure Scribble was okay. Seeing he was enjoying the moment see decided to continue. “This here is, Fluttershy. She takes care of…” Applejack trailed off when she noticed she was pointing at thin air. “Rarity, if ya wouldn’t mind, please?”

Rarity sunk her hoof under the table and fiddled around for a moment, searching for a certain yellow Pegasus. “Darling, you simply must be polite and introduce yourself,” Rarity politely encouraged, as she dragged Fluttershy back up.

“Um…um…I’m, um…Fluttershy,” she mumbled quietly.

“Ya’ll have ta forgive Fluttershy, she is…well, a little shy.” Applejack thought the occasion called for a whack to the face, so she did just that to display her bewilderment towards Fluttershy.

“I can see that,” Scribble responded. He slowly reached out a hoof to greet Fluttershy, who just stared away, hiding behind her long pink mane.

“Applejack shook her head. ‘Some things will never change.’ She moved her forehoof along to the next pony around the table. “This here fashionista ya already know.”

Rarity gave Scribble a welcoming bow of her head. “Delighted to meet you again, darling.”

Applejack leaned over toward Scribble, whispering into his ear. “She is still a little too, fru-fru fer ma tastes.” Scribble quickly brought a hoof to his mouth to stifle a laugh. Applejack received a glass of water to the face and a disapproving stare from Rarity in response.

“I still might be, as you say, fru-fru, but at least I keep my opinions to myself,” Rarity huffed.

The rest of the table, minus a soaked Applejack and a pouty Rarity, were all laughing. Applejack voiced her disapproval in getting soaked, while Rarity argued back that she deserved it. Twilight hovered a towel for Applejack to dry herself with, while she interjected, “Rarity does have a point, Applejack. You did deserve that,” Twilight laughed, not able to keep a straight face.

This time is was Scribble’s turn to come to the aid of his friend, and he knew exactly what card to play. He put a comforting hoof on Applejack’s back to reassure her. “Don’t worry mate, I got your back. Just so happens I’m pretty good with jokes and pranks.”

Applejack smiled, then looked cheekily towards Rarity. “Don’t you two even think about it!” Rarity warned.

“Applejack, aren’t you going to introduce me and Spike?” Twilight asked, snapping Rarity and Applejack out of their staring contest.

“Oh! Right.” Twilight gave the farm mare a flat stare. “This here is Twilight Sparkle, an’ her assistant, Spike,” Applejack announced.

“Number one assistant, thank you,” Spike corrected.

Scribble trotted around Applejack to get a better look at Spike. “Wow, a talking baby dragon. Not every day ya get to see a sight like this,” Scribble said, holding out his hoof to give Spike a claw shake.

“Thanks,” Spike said, accepting the gesture.

“I also hear you’re very talented with magic, Twilight. Applejack tells me you’re the star student of own very own Princess Celestia.” Scribble was quite impressed that Twilight knew the Princess.

“Yes, it’s true. I study directly under Princess Celestia, and…”

Twilight was cut off by Rainbow Dash being her impatient self. “So, Scribble. Tell us about your cutie mark. I’ve been dying to know what kind of egghead stuff a pony does with a book and pen for a cutie mark?” she asked, pointing a forehoof at Scribble’s flank.

Before Scribble had a chance to answer, an excited filly interrupted them all by jumping on top of Scribble’s back. “We know, we know!” Scootaloo excitingly declared. “He’s a skilled writer, and tells amazing stories!”

“Ya, it’s true. He told us one a few weeks ago!” Sweetie added.

Bloom and Sweetie came up beside Scribble to join their excited friend. “Ya, an’ he enjoys readin’, much like yerself, Twilight,” Bloom stated, giving Twilight a wink. The three fillies giggled, all knowing their plan was a sure winner to match Twilight and Scribble.

“Stories? Oh, you simply must give us a sample, darling?” Rarity politely asked. The rest of the ponies at the table agreed, wanting to hear one of Scribble’s famous stories.

Before he could get a word in the music was turned up, filling the sweet shop with a funky tune. “Oh, this is my jam. We can do the story later. Right now, move your flanks and get this party pumping!” Pinkie yelled, as she disappeared in a puff of pink, dragging Scribble away with her.

It took a few seconds for those left at the table to find out what became of Scribble. Pinkie had dragged him to the dance floor space and started to strike a few dance moves, hoping this would encourage Scribble to let lose. “Come on, Scribble! Show us a few moves from your home town!” Pinkie chimed, shaking her flank on the dance floor.

Scribble looked back towards Applejack for advice. Her reply was a smile and forehooves gesturing for him to go for it. Scribble shrugged and thought, why not? He had a friend and nothing to lose. “Okay Pinkie,” Scribble snickered. “Let’s see ya keep up with Strip The Willow.”

Scribble lead the way, showing others how to pull off the simple dance moves. Pinkie and the Cutie Mark Crusaders joined in, followed by loads of others attending the party. “I’m not sure how you did it Applejack, but it looks like you got Scribble back to normal,” Twilight observed from the table, taking a bite of her cupcake.

“Actually, Twilight, if it weren’t fer the girls, Ah woulda never gotten the chance Ah needed ta make him open up.” Applejack paused to have a slice of apple fritter before continuing. “Ah actually wanted ta ask y’all a favour in regards ta that, while we got a second.” Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy and Rainbow gave Applejack their full attention. “He will be needin’ some more good friends, so Ah want y’all ta help him settle in ‘round town an’ be there fer him. He will still be needin’ some encouragement and help fer awhile.”

“If you ask me, I think he got plenty already,” Rarity replied, pointing a hoof towards Scribble and Pinkie on the dance floor. Scribble and Pinkie had stolen the spotlight with a dance contest, all the other ponies cheering them on. Pinkie was going move for move with Scribble, while the music was letting out some pumping tunes.

“Trust me, he still will be needin’ some help,” Applejack reinforced.

“And we will be there when he needs it,” Twilight confirmed, the others around the table agreeing.

“Vinyl, load up the Pinkie Funk,” Pinkie ordered, flexing her hooves.

“Oh, you’re goin’ down, Pinkie,” Scribble declared, banging his forehooves together.

The party guests were all screaming in union, “Dance contest! Dance contest!” The slick DJ loaded up Pinkie’s choice of record, and let the music rip.

Pinkie opened up with a flurry of twists and flips, cartwheeling all over the dance floor. She landed a perfect mid-air flip in beat to the music and waved her tail in Scribble’s face, just egging him to bring it on.

Scribble had a smile of determination on his face, the crowd roared wanting Scribble to set the benchmark higher then Pinkie’s. He obliged with a time-honoured move the Luna Trot, sliding over the dance floor backwards in slick movements.

Using a styled turn, he faced Pinkie and held out a forehoof, just begging Pinkie to trump that. Pinkie and Scribble continued to up the ante with every move, spurred on more and more by the excited crowd of party guests.

“Hoo-wee! Look at those two go,” Applejack cheered, as she watched Scribble and Pinkie go it move for move.

“Alright! Finally, a pony that can put Pinkie in her place when it comes to a party dance!” Dash cheered, routing for Scribble.

The song finished with a bang and a raving round of applause for the two talented dancers. “Ya not so bad at this, Pinkie,” Scribble complimented, while catching his breath.

“You’re pretty good yourself,” Pinkie replied, also catching her breath.

Vinyl was not done spinning the music for the dance floor just yet. She loaded up an old Equestrian favourite. “Okay, all you rad party ponies! Now, let’s blitz this dance floor!” Vinyl yelled, skillfully flipping on the next record.

The subs burst into over drive as the “Livin La Pony Loca” could be heard across Sugar Cube Corner, and several blocks away. Scribble was making his way towards the refreshment table for a well-deserved drink, but Pinkie had other ideas. It had been way to long since she found somepony who could keep up with her in a dance, and she was not about to let this chance for some fun slip away.

She skidded in between Scribble and the drinks table, making him come to a sudden stop. “Ya got one more in you, right?” Pinkie asked, nodding her head back towards the dance floor.

“But…drink,” was all the exhausted Scribble could blurt out. He looked towards Applejack to back him up.

Applejack, however, betrayed him, letting out an encouraging whistle. “Come on Scribble, let’s see it!” she yelled.

“But, Applejack!”

“Come on slow pokey-poke! The song is a-playing,” Pinkie exclaimed. Not giving Scribble a chance to answer as she ran past him, attaching her tail to his as she speed past, dragging Scribble away in a blur back to the dance floor.

Scribble and Pinkie took full control of the dance floor, both sliding into place. “Okay Pinkie, ya asked for this. Just ‘member to keep up, mate.” Scribble grabbed Pinkie by the forehoof and throw her into the air to commence the dance.

Perfect coordination, fancy flips, side-stepping trots and what all those watching could only describe as a once-in-a-lifetime sight was the dance Pinkie and Scribble worked in perfect harmony together. The crowd cheered egging the duo ever on in time to the music.

“It’s like those two have been dance partners for years,” Rarity complimented, as she watched Pinkie slide under Scribble on the knees of her hindlegs. Scribble grabbed her by the forelegs as she came sliding under and throw her into the air, catching her with style on the return trip back to the dance floor.

Ponies around the room were jumping up and down, and moving their own flanks a little to the addictive beat. One such mare just happened to be Derpy Hooves, and her clumsy moves brought an end to the dance spectacular.

Closing her eyes to fully enjoy the song, the mail mare accidently bumped into Pinkie Pie’s party cannon. The cannon turned ninety degrees and was facing the dance floor. With a loud bang, a huge blast of air and confetti was blown all over the sweet shop.

The blast swept Pinkie Pie and Scribble off their hooves and flying right into the big cake sitting on one of the tables. The dancing duo passed right through the cake at blistering speeds, sending cake everywhere, and all over the nearby party guests.

Pinkie went splat against the side wall, hitting it with blinding force, her back taking the full force of the impact. Unlucky for her, it was not over. Right behind her was Scribble, who went straight into the party pony, belly first. The effect of both their speeds pancaked them into the wall, along with a sizable chunk of cake.

Silence befell the party, as everypony gasped when the confetti cleared. There were two ponies plastered into each other against the wall, and covered in cake. For a full ten seconds nopony said nothing. All they could do was stare at the frosting-covered wall, mouths agape.

Scribble finally came to after blacking out. He pushed against the wall with his hooves, peeling himself of the wall with a loud POP! He landed on his back in a puddle of frosting on the floor. The force used by Scribble to peel himself free was also enough to loosen Pinkie, who followed Scribble off the wall. She landed on top of the shocked pony, bouncing a few times on his stomach.

Ponies rushed over to make sure they were okay, Applejack being first on the scene. “Oi, y’all okay!?” Applejack yelled, coming to a sliding stop just beside the cake-covered pair.

Pinkie used her forehooves to lift her face up a little, licking her face clean in the process. “Mmm, raspberry,” she discerned, letting her tongue wrap back into her mouth.

Scribble followed her example and licked his face clean in a similar fashion. “Mmm, you’re right, and pretty tasty to boot.”

By now Twilight and the rest of the gang made it to the scene to check on Scribble and Pinkie. “Oh sweet Celestia, are you two okay?!” Twilight over exaggerated.

Pinkie and Scribble gave each other cheeky stares before looking at Twilight, both bursting into laughter at the site of her over exaggerated expression. Pinkie rolled off Scribble onto her back next to him laughing like a hyena, both of them unable to let up at how funny Twilight was.

“Wow, what a trip that was,” Scribble said, still unable to contain his excitement or laughter.

“Ya, let’s do it again,” Pinkie insisted.

Twilight was more annoyed than worried by this point. “Are you two crazy? You could have been injured! Badly!”

Scribble and Pinkie stopped laughing long enough to give Twilight a flat stare, before rolling in laughter and cake frosting again.

Applejack let off a few giggles herself, making light of the situation. “Twilight, settle down! Look, they’re both fine.”

Scribble finally settled down and got himself off the floor. He gave Pinkie a hoof and helped her up, taking his frosting-covered hoof back and tasting a sample of the frosting that was on her hoof. “Mmm, now this is an interesting strawberry flavour,” he mused.

Pinkie caught onto the joke right away, using her forehoof to take a frosting sample from Scribble’s back. “Mmm, and this takes like a new caramel flavour. Maybe we should add this flavour to our cakes?” Pinkie giggled. The ponies surrounding the frosted duo joined them in a hearty laugh at the joke.

Rarity approached the frosted-covered scene, trying not to get too much frosting on her delicate hoofs. “Okay you two, we simply must get the both of you cleaned up. I think this party is now over,” Rarity declared, pointing out how trashed the sweet shop was from the all the frosting.

Pinkie groaned, not wanting the party to end so suddenly. “Sorry Pinkie, but we can’t have you parading around looking like that,” Rarity argued.

Pinkie was about to object when Rainbow Dash interrupted them from across the room. “Yo! Before anypony goes, we need to give Scribble his presents.”

Rainbow placed three wrapped surprises in front of Scribble so he could open them. He inspected the presents, one in particular catching his attention. Scribble wiped some excess frosting to make sure he was reading the tag right. “To Scribble Script. From your adoring lover, Twilight Sparkle,” he read out loud.

WHAT!! Adoring lover…Twilight! What the!?” Scribbled yelled, staring at Twilight, demanding an explanation.

Twilight was just as stumped at Scribble, and blushing a little as well. “Let me see that,” she asked.

Scribble hoofed her over the present, so she could read it with her own eyes. Twilight read the tag several times, just to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. “I didn’t write this. It’s not my present,” she replied sternly.

“It has to be yours Twilight! Got your name on it,” Rainbow insisted, snatching the present from her hoof.

“Yes, but this is not my hoof-writing,” Twilight snapped back, taking the present right out from under Rainbow.

Rarity caught a glimpse of the hoof-writing on the tag and used her magic to levitate it closer for a better inspection. She thought about it for a moment before it finally hit her. “Oh, I have three ideas whose present this is,” Rarity scolded, directing her focus to three fillies standing near the door.

All eyes in the sweet shop now fell on three guilty looking Crusaders. “Sweetie Belle, this is your hoof-writing, isn’t it?” Rarity asked, already knowing the answer. She could recognise her sister’s hoof-writing from anywhere, with all the homework Rarity helps her sister do.

“Gggiiirrrlllsss!” Applejack called out, making the fillies freeze in their tracks. “Care ta explain this at all?”

“Um…well ya see…,” Bloom tried to explain, but only succeeded at muttering. “We, um, we err…Have stuff we gotta do. Right, girls?” Bloom asked, bolting off. Her fellow Crusaders mumbled in agreement and galloped off in hot pursuit of their friend.

Rarity was about to give chase to them when Applejack stopped her with a hoof. “Don’t worry ‘bout ‘em right now, Rarity. We can punish them later. Fer now, we have cake-covered ponies an’ walls ta clean.”

“I suppose your right, Applejack,” Rarity agreed, as she used a spare hoof to grab Pinkie. “I can take care of Pinkie. You okay with Scribble?”

“Eeyup, Ah’ll take him back ta the farm fer a bath.” Applejack looked Scribble over to see how filthy he was. “A nice long bath,” she corrected, Scribble getting embarrassed at the statement.

Applejack and Scribbler were heading back to Sweet Apple Acres. One pony was sparkling clean. The other caked in frosting and in dire need of a bath. “So, enjoy the party?” she asked, hoping the frosting all over him didn’t ruin the whole party.

“Ya kidding? Was the most fun I have had in years. Thanks for taking me, Applejack. I really do owe ya one for this.”

“Was nothin’ partna’. No payment necessary.”

“Just one think bugging me, Applejack.” Scribble took a deep breath. Applejack glanced at him curiously. “Why did those fillies try and set me up with Twilight?”

“Ah’m not ta sure. Sorry ,Scribble. Ah guess that they thought ya was lonely, an’ wanted ta get ya a special mare.”

“REALLY!!”

“Eeyup, an’ this not the first time they tried this, either. Don’t worry though. Once Ah find ‘em, they will be doin’ extra chores fer a month,” she declared, determined to nail her sister and her friends to the wall for this stupid idea.

“Besides,’ she said with a giggle. “If anythin’, Ah would say yer in more love wit’ Pinkie. The way y’all danced together, it’s like ya been a couple fer years,” Applejack laughed, making sure her joke was at Scribble’s expense.

Scribble let out a fake couple of laughs. “Ya, in love with Pinkie Pie. Now that is just silly,” Scribble croaked, trying to laugh the situation off.

Applejack was no stupid mare. She caught onto the fact Scribble was putting on a fake smile. She trotted in front of him and made him stop. “Scribble, ya okay sugar cube?” she asked.

Scribble response was silence, as he turned his frosting-covered face to look away from Applejack. “Scribble, Ah’m askin’ ya a question here,” she stated, using a forehoof to grab Scribble’s face and turn it back to face her. The frosting on his face, however, made it impossible for her to get a good enough grip. Her hoof slipped of his face, along with a good chunk of frosting. Applejack dropped her jaw at what she saw.

On Scribble’s cream-coated cheek was a new, blushing red. Scribble turned away from Applejack even more, letting out a small smile.

Applejack’s mouth went wide open, and her eyes filled with excitement. “Oh Scribble! Ya like her, don’t ya?” she teased. “Ya fallin’ fer Pinkie Pie, ain’t ya?”

Scribble drew circles on the dirt road with a forehoof, while turning even redder on his cheeks. “Who, me? Fall for Pinkie Pie? …Don’t be silly, Applejack.”

Applejack scooped Scribble up in a huge hug, dancing around in circles with him. “Oh Scribble, Ah’m so proud of ya!”

“But I’m not…”

Applejack cut him off with a forehoof to the mouth. “Scribble Script, ya can’t lie ta me. Element of Honesty member?” she said, laughing.

Scribble took Applejack’s hoof from his mouth so he could speak. “Just promise me ya will keep this to yaself for a while, please, Applejack?”

“Course Ah will, sugar cube! What are friends fer, ya slick stallion,” she promised, giving Scribble’s mane a friendly encouraging rub.

“See, Ah told ya life would be better here, didn’t Ah?”

“Ya, ya I know, rub it in some more why don’t ya?”

“Sure thing,” she teased, as they both entered the farm.