It had been two days since Scribble Script enjoyed his first real party and gained a crush on Pinkie Pie. It was a lovely afternoon and Scribble had some time off to do whatever he saw fit.

He took a big gulp and started sweating. Scribble didn’t like the idea of what he was about to do. Standing before the door to Carousel Boutique, he slowly lifted a forehoof to open the front door. Slowly trudging in, Scribble heard the bell ring, and finally was able to have a good look at Rarity’s shop. Last time he was here, he hardly got a chance to take in the surroundings.

The shop had walls of nicely-designed dresses and suits. It was simply an amazing interior to begin with, at least Scribble thought so. “One moment please, I will be right with you,” a voice called from upstairs.

Scribble did as ordered and waited in the main room of the shop, fiddling with some of the suits while he did.

“Oh, hello Scribble. What’s brings you here this fine afternoon?” Twilight asked, finally making it to the bottom of the stairs.

“G’day, Twilight. Is Rarity in? This is her shop, isn’t it?”

Twilight let out a little giggle. “Of course this is her shop. She is upstairs with Rainbow and Pinkie. Seems Rarity tricked…talked Rainbow into modelling a dress for her.”

“Twilight, who is it?” Rarity called from upstairs.

“It’s Scribble. He came by to see you,” she called back.

“Well show him up, Twilight.”

“Shouldn’t be a problem, Scribble. You can talk to her while…” Twilight trailed off, as she noticed Scribble acting a little weird.

Scribble started to blush a little, and was franticly looking left and right. “Um, on second thought, I might come back later, Twilight. Rarity does seem busy an’ all.” Scribble turned and started making for the door.

“I’m sure it will be fine with Rarity.” Twilight couldn’t believe Scribble was now acting like a schoolcolt who seemed to know he was in trouble. Sweat was pouring down him face, and he was blushing red.

Twilight recalled what Applejack mentioned about Scribble. That he would defiantly need help to adapt with life in Ponyville and making friends. Her horn started glowing a nice purple, as she turned and walked back up the stairs. Scribble found himself floating away from the door, despite his best efforts to walk forward out of it.

“Twilight, put me down!” he demanded.

“Scribble, don’t worry. Rarity isn’t going to bite,” Twilight chirped, trying to reassure Scribble.

“But…but…” was all Scribble could mutter before it was too late.

Twilight placed Scribble on the floor near the entry of Rarity’s Inspiration Room. He slowly opened his eyes, fearing who was in here the most. He saw Rarity, her forehooves up on a platform, dressing Rainbow Dash in some blazing red dress.

Rarity put her tools down for a moment to greet him. “Hello, Scribble. Is there something I can do for you, darling?” she politely asked.

“Could ya hurry it up, Rarity? I really gotta get in some practice sometime this week!” Rainbow exclaimed, impatiently tapping a forehoof.

Upon the revelation the one thing he feared the most is not here, Scribble calmed down. He took a deep breath and went to address Rarity about the matter at hoof.

“Hey, Scribble. It’s sssooo good to see you again! That last party was so much fun, wasn’t it?” Pinkie asked, appearing out of nowhere and standing behind him in the doorway.

Scribble froze, like he just saw a ghost. All the mares in the room raised an eye to this reaction. Pinkie waved a hoof in Scribble’s face to get his attention. “Hello? Equestria to Scribble!” Pinkie called out, trying to snap the shocked pony out of his trance.

It took Scribble a few seconds to finally come round, be it somewhat still shaken. “Oh, hey there, Pinkie. It…sure was a…great party.”

“I know right,” Pinkie agreed. “You really know how to move your flank on that dance floor. I can’t wait for the next dance party we get,” she chirped, bumping her flank into Scribble’s to emphasize her point.

Scribble's face went from cream to bright crimson red in a matter of seconds. His tail shot up like he just got electrocuted. Rarity was first to take notice of this unusual behaviour and chimed in. “Darling, whatever is the matter?”

Rarity’s voice snapped Scribble out of his blushing state, and he finally realized what he was doing. He shot up with a jump, landing a few feet from his start location. Producing a smile like nothing had happened the last couple of minutes, he acted as normal as he could. “I’m fine, thanks Rarity.”

“Ah, huh,” Rarity let out, not buying a word he said. “Well, what did you want to see me about?”

“Well, Applejack sent me over. She told me you would be better at giving me some advice I needed.” Scribble was clearly a little disturbed over something, he was drawing circles on the floor with a forehoof, looking all over the room. Anytime his eyes met Pinkie, he would quickly dart away his gaze, only to return it once Pinkie was no longer staring at him. This was a point Twilight and Rarity seemed to both pick up on.

Rarity’s blue magic fired back up, putting the finishing touches on her dress design Rainbow was modelling. “What advice would that be, dearie?” she asked while sewing several parts of the dress simultaneously.

Scribble looked around the room again, taking time to properly word his next answer. “Well…it’s kinda private,” he trailed off, eyeing the other ponies in the room to show his point.

“Oh! Well that’s fine. I will be done in just a few moments. Then me and you can have some tea. Does that sound good?” Rarity asked, thinking she might already have an idea what this was about.

“Sure, thanks Rarity.” Scribble trotted over and took a seat near Twilight. He may as well keep busy by observing Rarity do her work.

“Finally, we can get out of here soon,” Rainbow declared, relieved.

Scribble paid close attention to Rarity’s work, anything to keep his mind and eyes from wondering over to a certain happy pink pony on the other side of the room. Twilight took the chance to start a little small talk with Scribble. “You never seen a dress being made before?”

“Not really. Quite interesting though,” he replied.

“Rarity is the most talented designer I have ever seen. She is even famous in Canterlot with her dresses.”

Scribble nodded in agreement, not wanting to remove his gaze from Rarity and her work, for fear of where else he might look.

“I bet she could even make you a lovely suit for the next formal or party you attend.” Twilight’s eyes shot up as she just got an idea. “Speaking of parties, I never got the chance to ask how you liked Pinkie’s one, minus the whole covered-in-frosting incident that is,” she chuckled.

“It was fun. Haven’t partied that hard ever in my life, “Scribble excitingly blurted, now facing Twilight to give her his full attention.

“The way you and Pinkie danced was amazing. Don’t ya think, Pinkie?” Twilight called out, making sure Pinkie heard it loud and clear.

Scribble started to sweat a little as the bouncing party pony came his way. “You bet it was amazing! Scribble should so, like, become my new dance partner! We can have loads of fun at every party!” Pinkie screamed, thinking of the possibilities.

Scribble was heating up, blushing on his cheeks again. Twilight let out a cunning smile, her plan was working, now she just had to make sure her suspicions were correct. “That’s a great idea, Pinkie. Don’t you agree, Scribble?” Twilight asked, giving Scribble a playful nudge with her shoulder.

“Um…” Scribble mumbled, about to completely tip over.

“There way go, all done. Thankyou Rainbow Dash, now I can fill my order,” Rarity announced, using her magic to set Rainbow free of her dress prison.

“Finally! Sorry to run, but me and Pinkie have training to do,” Rainbow declared as she made for the stairs down. “Come on Pinkie, let’s go.”

“Bye girls. Bye Scribble. Hope I get to see ya again real soon,” Pinkie chirped, bouncing down the stairs after Rainbow.

Scribble was lost to the world, still stuck in his embarrassed state. Before he could decipher what was happening he found Rarity to his left and Twilight to his right. Both mares giving him knowing glances.

“So, what kind of advice did you need, darling?” Rarity cheekily asked.

“Yes, I’m sure we can help you with any advice you need,” Twilight agreed, joining Rarity in trapping Scribble.

Scribble took a few gulps as he trotted slowly backwards. “Actually, I reconsidered. I don’t think I will be needin’ any advice after all,” he said, trying to laugh the question off.

Scribble kept slowly moving back as Twilight and Rarity closed in, both with sinister grins, and intent to find the truth. He ran out of floor to back away with, bumping his flank into the wall.

“Scribble, you love her. Don’t you?” Rarity gave Twilight a knowing glance. “Why, even Twilight is catching on.”

“Hey!” Twilight protested.

“Well sorry to say Twilight, but you have not always been the sharpest knife in the drawer when it comes to love,” Rarity admitted.

Twilight simply huffed, annoyed Rarity was completely right.

“Love? I don’t love Nopony,” Scribble lied, his blushing cheeks and shaking body giving him away.

“Admit it, darling. You’re in love with Pinkie Pie.”

Rarity and Twilight sat down in front of him, folding their forelegs across their chests, both staring daggers into him until he admitted his guilt.

Scribble finally gave in, letting out a big huff of air. “Ya got me.”

Rarity and Twilight grabbed each other by the forehooves and danced around, letting out little girly screams. “Somepony has a crush on our little Pinkie,” Rarity squeaked.

“I can’t wait to tell Spike about this!” Twilight slipped.

“Hey!” Scribble snapped. “Don’t tell anypony ‘bout this…please,” he begged, still blushing bright red.

“Sorry Scribble,” Twilight apologised, giggling a little as she did. “We promise not to tell anypony. Right, Rarity?”

“Why, of course we won’t! Now follow me, I will put some tea on for us,” she said making for the kitchen. “You can tell us all about it over some afternoon tea.”

Water in a kettle was added atop the stove, a teapot and cups were hovered out of cupboards from around the kitchen, and three ponies took a seat at the table. The atmosphere was heavy, especially on Scribble, with all eyes focused on him.

“So…” Scribble mumbled, twirling his forehooves, “This situation is kinda new to me. I’ve got no idea what to do next.” Scribble also added looking at the floor to his list of coping methods. “Never really asked anypony ‘bout this kind of stuff before.”

Rarity smiled as she got out of her seat to fetch a few snacks and get the tea ready. She let Scribble think about what he said for a moment before she gave her answer, keeping in mind what Applejack had asked at the party. “Instead of asking anypony, how about a friend?”

As touchy as this subject had been over the course of Scribble’s life, especially over the last couple of months since he first set hoof in Ponyville, Rarity seemed to of scored a perfect goal, getting the right timing and situation to bring it up. Scribble, however, still had reservations about it. His answer to Rarity was tilting his head down and to the right to avoid any gazing eyes, donning a sad expression straight from the heart over his face.

Twilight decided against voicing her opinion. She knew Rarity was far better at such touchy topics, and she was already in the middle of making progress.

Rarity put the snacks she was preparing down, trotting over to Scribble. Rarity used a forehoof to lift Scribble’s face up, so both ponies could be at eye level. Rarity smiled, reassuring Scribble she meant no harm. “Darling, whatever is the matter? Don’t you want to be my friend?” Rarity asked, in a tone that was soft and kind.

Scribble looked her in the eyes for a full minute, studying them for any signs of rejection. To his surprise, they were much like the time Applejack looked him in the eyes and promised to forever be his friend. ‘This can’t be right! This is impossible!’ Scribble shock his head to rid himself of those thoughts, only to return to Rarity’s gazing blue eyes. ‘This has never happened in my whole life, an’ now twice in just a few months!’

Scribble turned the taps on, water slowly began to trickle from the reserves of his heart, pouring out like a waterfall from his eyes. Even Rarity was a little taken back at this, as she instinctively took a few hoof steps back.

“This…this…this…is impossible!” he cried out. “Ya…ya can’t become my friend just like that! I mean…I’m useless, I must ah already done something to make ya mad! That’s all I ever do…All anypony ever sees!”

Scribble trailed off for a second before his body grew red with anger. He pointed an accusing hoof at Rarity, “YOUR LYING!!! There is no way ya really want to be my friend!”

Twilight was taken back at the sudden outburst towards her friend. She jumped out of her seat, marching her way over to Scribble. She let out a huff before addressing the confused writer. “Listen, Bucko! You don’t go around…”

Rarity cut Twilight off by holding out a hoof for her to stop. Twilight went to protest, but a stern look from Rarity squashed anymore attempts from her to intervene in the situation.

Keeping her cool, Rarity decided to challenge Scribble’s claim. “Okay, how am I lying?” She paused for a second to pick her next words very carefully. “What motive could I possibly have, other than truly wanting to be your friend?”

Scribble was stunned by the stern, and to be honest, perfect answer. “Well…well…that is all everypony has ever done…it must be true,” Scribble accused, losing his confidence.

Rarity smiled, she had Scribble right where she wanted him. “What about Applejack? She isn’t everypony. Is she?”

Scribble froze in place, the truth hitting home harder than it ever had. He tried to say something, but no words came to mind. He deflated back into his chair, letting his hooves flop down in defeat. Scribble was beaten, completely out-classed by the only pony he knew who possessed such scary levels of cunning.

Twilight saw this as the chance she had been waiting for, not wanting to let such a golden opportunity escape, she seized the moment. “Scribble, why don’t you start from the beginning?” she asked, going back to her seat and getting comfy to display her point.

“But…I don’t want to waste your time with such trivial…”

Scribble stopped himself short when Rarity held a hoof towards him. “I simply won’t take no for an answer. We have all evening to listen, and plenty of snacks, even dinner if we must,” she insisted.

“Don’t ya have a shop to run?” Scribble argued, hoping this was his ticket out.

Rarity’s horn lit up, her magic affecting something in the main room, a small bump the only evidence she magically tampered with something. “Nope. Carousel Boutique is closed early for the afternoon.”

The kettle had finished boiling the water several minutes ago. Rarity made a pot of tea and some snacks for the three of them to enjoy. She placed them on the table, pouring Scribble a cup as she did. Rarity joined her friend at the table and eyed of Scribble, waiting for him to start.

Scribble sighed. “Ya sure? Not the most enjoyable of stories I assure ya.”

“Yes, darling. We wouldn’t be listening if we didn’t want to hear it.”

Scribble took a sip of his tea, which tasted very nice. Taking a deep breath, he started his life story for the second time since coming to Ponyville.

It was late in the evening at Rarity’s Boutique, the clock on the kitchen wall signalled this point by chiming nine times. A pot with a lush, light brown liquid inside was bubbling over the stove. Scribble attended the wonderful smelling brew with a few more stirs and a small amount of salt.

“Mmmmm, that smells nice,” Twilight complimented, taking a few greedy whiffs.

“You sure you don’t need a hoof, darling?” Rarity offered, for the fifth in in as many minutes.

“Rarity, don’t make me repeat myself. I said I would cook ya a treat from my hometown as thanks for listenin’ and helping me. Besides…I need something to keep my hooves busy while I talk, or I will go stir crazy.” Twilight let slip a little giggle at the revelation Scribble was still so uneasy.

Scribble had spent over six hours telling his story, from the events that defined his miserable existence, to how everypony always rejected him and made him feel lonely. He also included all the resent events in order, especially how Applejack helped to literally save his life. Scribble admitted as much saying he would have died under that Wattle Brush tree if it weren’t for Applejack.

All afternoon and into the evening, they mixed emotions or heart ache, sadness and sympathy for Scribble dominated the atmosphere. Rarity and Twilight had no idea his pain and suffering had run this deep, or he had truly lived such a lonely existence. Now more than ever since his family was missing from the equation.

“Anyway, that’s ‘bout it I think. Ya got any questions?” Scribble asked, hoping they wouldn’t need to ask any more.

“How horrible a past you have had, darling. I simply can’t believe somepony could go through all that,” Rarity sobbed emphatically.

“Well, maybe now ya know why I got mad at ya before. Again, sorry ‘bout that.”

“Oh, no, no, no,” Rarity quickly interjected. “You have absolutely nothing to be sorry about.”

Scribble turned to face Rarity. His eyes were so tired from constant crying over the six hours. Anypony would think he was all dried up. But for the umpteenth time that evening, Scribble pulled water reserves from out of nowhere and began to cry. Be it only lightly at Rarity’s claim, but cry he did. “Why don’t I got anything to be sorry ‘bout? I yelled an’ treated ya an’ Twilight like…”

Rarity had raced over and gave Scribble another comforting hug. He had already received plenty of these through the course of his story session, but he was not about to turn down more. Dropping the wooden spoon he was using to stir with, Scribble embraced Rarity for the comfort and peace she brought.

Scribble still couldn’t explain how anypony other than Applejack could make him feel this way, but here was Rarity and Twilight in the flesh, making him feel at peace.

Twilight interjected their hug with a thought of her own, posing Scribble a question. “So, what exactly did you do while growing up to make everypony treat you like that?”

Scribble’s answer was one of the most horrendous things Rarity or Twilight had ever heard. Rarity took a few steps back, jaw agape, while Twilight completely fell out of her seat, dropping the telekinetic grip on her teacup.

The cup smashed on the ground as Scribble, with three terror filled words, answered them.

“I don’t know.”

The bubbling stew caught Scribble’s attention. He picked up the wooden spoon and gave it a few more stirs before lowering the heat to let it simmer for a few moments. Turning back round to face the mares, he noticed they were still frozen in time, still shocked over his answer. “Rarity…oi Rarity,” Scribble said, waving a hoof in front of her face.

Shaking her head, Rarity finally snapped out of her daze. “Sorry Scribble. Didn’t mean to space out like that. It’s…just…I had no idea you went through all that, and not have the knowledge of what made them angry towards you. Must have been hard for you?”

Scribble hummed in agreement as he nodded, helping Rarity to her to her hooves.

Twilight’s logical mind was kicking into gear again. “Well, did you ever ask them?” she posed, thinking Scribble had been too scared to ever ask.

“How could I, Twilight. Nopony gave me the time of day to even socialize, let alone ask them what I did to offend them. I even tried to force the question on them a few times…let’s just say that didn’t end so well,” Scribble revealed, rubbing his flank.

“I’m sorry!” Twilight sobbed.

Scribbled waved it off with a hoof. “Don’t be, ya couldn’t of known.”

Scribble needed a distraction, and he needed it now. Turning the stovetop off, he put the pot on the bench and served three bowls of his soup. Rarity and Twilight picked up on the atmosphere and placed themselves at the table. Not a word was spoken as Scribble served three bowls, two for the mares and one for himself.

All three ate in silence, taking each sip of the delicious soup. Rarity was enjoying the flavour way too much to let the meal pass by in complete silence. “What did you say this delicious soup was called again?”

“Stockyard Brew. But not quite. Ya didn’t have all the right ingredients, so I had to improvise a little, sorry.”

“Don’t be, ya made a wonderful dish darling. I must ask for the recipe. Please?”

Scribble finished up his bowl, licking his muzzle clean. “Sure, I can write it up for you later.”

The small talk about the meal did little to distract anypony from what they all knew would be brought up. All three staring at their empty bowls, wishing for the distraction to continue, if even for another moment.

Rarity made the first move getting out of her seat and trotting around the other side of the table to Scribble. She sat down on her hind quarters to address him, holding up a forehoof to him before speaking. “Would you do me the honour of being my friend?” she asked, every bit as serious and passionate as Applejack did when she asked.

Scribble could see the determination, kindness and warmth in her eyes. Those eyes, the same eyes that made him give in, and give life one more chance. Here they were again, from another pony, another…another…another…friend?

“You already told us you hit rock bottom. And while Applejack is already your friend, could more hurt?” Rarity asked, making her offer both painful and irresistible at the same time.

Sobbing in a pool of his own tears Scribble jumped out of his seat so he was eye level with Rarity. “Your wrong,” he quietly sobbed. “I could lose you. You could end up rejecting me…which…which would be worse than becoming your friend.” Scribble was now in an outburst of emotion, putting his forehooves over his head to hide his face.

No words were needed for what Rarity did next. Levitating a box of tissues over, she plucked a few before using a forehoof to lift Scribble’s face up. She used the tissues to wipe his face clear of any tears pouring from his eyes before embracing him in another hug.

For nearly five minutes Rarity comforted and embraced Scribble, letting him howl away his pain and anguish. Twilight smiled as she observed the master of cunning, Rarity, work her magic. Maybe this was a form of magic worth studying, she thought to herself with a chuckle.

Like the changing of seasons, the tears in Scribble’s eyes changed. He couldn’t stop himself from crying, but these tears were of a different variety to sadness. Scribble’s body slowly started to shake as he let out a few giggles. Rarity let go of their embrace once she felt this motion. She looked Scribble in the eyes, confused at first, but soon found herself smiling at him. Despite still crying he was smiling, smiling for all his was worth, for all his heart would allow him to.

Scribble did his best to clear his face of tears. “Okay, Rarity. Why not,” he cried out. “One friend is more then I ever wanted. Applejack is truly amazing. But, why not? Why not have two? Applejack did promise me a better life in Ponyville, and I would say she is yet to disappoint.”

Scribbled raised a forehoof for Rarity to make the agreement official, Rarity putting hers on top without hesitation. She smiled while mimicking Scribble’s face with tears of joy.

“Here’s to double my friends,” Scribble declared.

Before Rarity could agree with any form of verbal manner, Twilight teleported in to her side and added her hoof to the pile. Scribble and Rarity were taken aback at first, but soon smiled as Twilight was beaming from cheek-to-cheek. “Okay than, here’s to triple my friends,” Scribble corrected, his smile thanking Twilight and Rarity for the offer.

“Three, two, one GO!!!” The all declared in unison, throwing their hooves into the air to celebrate.

All three laughed, and laughed hard. The dim atmosphere was quashed in an instant with happy playful emotions filling the room. “I must admit, a little bit foalish of a way to officially be friends…” Rarity said with a chuckle.

“Hey,” Scribble chirped. “I’m a big foal by nature, so we do this my way,” he protested, laughing his flank off, making Rarity and Twilight join in at the childish antics.

“Scribble,” Twilight addressed, getting his and Rarity’s attention. “Could we have another bowl of the Stockyard soup to celebrate?”

Rarity nodded in agreement, licking her muzzle.

“Sounds good,” Scribble agreed, serving up another round of his famous stew. Both mares making haste back to the table for another bowl.

They all dug into the second round of stew, taking the time to enjoy a little idle chat. Rarity put her spoon down for a moment to address the original issue that started all this. She decided now would be a better time than any to ask. “So, Scribble. Still want our help with Pinkie?” Rarity cooed, sending crimson red all across Scribble’s face.

Scribble was still embarrassed about the whole issue, but now he had more confidence to give this a shot. Blushing with a nod was all the confirmation Rarity needed to get all giddy. But first thing was indeed first, she required some more information. “Scribble, tell me, what is it you like about Pinkie?”

Scribble pondered the question for several minutes, still blushing red about the whole ordeal. “Well…I guess…she is maybe, kinda, sorta like me in many ways,” he answered, fiddling with his soup.

Twilight teleported a note book and quill out of nowhere to start taking down notes, interested to help Scribble, and study love on the side. Scribble quickly retreated behind his soup bowl at the site of the note book. “You’re going to have to a little more specific, darling,” Rarity informed, snatching Twilight’s note book and putting it out of the owner’s reach.

Scribble slowly raised his head as Rarity glared Twilight down for forgetting to respect Scribble’s feelings and privacy. “Well…I think Pinkie is a pony who likes to have fun. I know I love to have fun, as I can’t stand being bored. I also enjoy making those ‘round me, ‘specially kids, happy.”

Scribble hestitated a little before making his last point. “An’…well…despite my past an’ what I have told ya tonight, I do enjoy to socialize an’ get out a bit. Kinda always been a dream of mine,” he sarcastically joked, electing giggles from Rarity and Twilight. “Pinkie seems like all of these things, least from what I have seen. An’… she is well…” Scribble trailed off.

“Yes?” Twilight asked, waiting for an answer. “She is what?”

“She is…” Scribble again mumbled, stirring his soup around in circles.

Rarity used her telekinesis to force Scribble’s spoon from his hoof onto the table, hoping a lack of distractions will make him answer. “Come on, spit it out already!”

“Okay! Okay! She is cute! There I said it. I think Pinkie is, cute.” Scribble was so embarrassed he slammed his head on the table in an attempt to hide his blushing face.

“I knew it!” Rarity blurted out.

“Wow, I think this is the first time I have seen somepony with a crush on Pinkie,” Twilight speculated.

“You know, you’re absolutely right, Twilight. I think Pinkie and Scribble would make a really cute couple,” Rarity said. She was already out of her seat and poking Scribble softly on the side to make her point.

Scribble nicely pushed Rarity away, looking a little annoyed at her while Rarity returned a teasing grin. “So, what advice do ya have, Rarity?”

“It’s quite simple darling.” Rarity made her way back to her seat in order to finish her soup. “All you need to do is spend some more time with her. This will let you get to know her more,” she advised, pouring on the charm to emphasize her point.

Scribble was starting to get more nervous at the mention of spending time with the pony he had a crush on. “And be yourself. Don’t start acting like a scaredy pony around her,” Rarity instructed.

“But… but…”

“But nothing! I know you’re capable of doing this. You did after all have fun at that party a few days ago, and you were perfectly natural around her.”

“…Okay than,” he slowly mumbled.

“Good. Now, just leave everything to me. I will make sure you get a chance to spend some time with her.” Rarity levitated the dirty dishes towards the sink as she got out of her seat. “And another thing Scribble…”

Rarity paused when she heard loud knocks coming from the front door, making all three turned to face the main room. “Hmm, I wonder who would come by your place this late, Rarity?” Twilight asked, hoping Rarity would know.

“I have no idea Twilight,” Rarity revealed, making for the door.

Rarity made her way for the front door as it knocked again. Scribble and Twilight decided it would be a good idea to start cleaning up the kitchen while Rarity attended the front door.

“Yes, yes, coming.” Rarity opened the door to see who would be calling this late in Luna’s evening. “Why Applejack, what a pleasant surprise…” Rarity stopped with the formalities when she saw her face.

Applejack was fidgety and worried, clearly over something important to be knocking on her door this late at night. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom in tow. “Everything alright?”

“Ah’m not sure. Have ya seen Scribble? Not like him ta be gone this late without tellin’ me where he would be,” Applejack said, clearly stressed.

“Ya, we been out lookin’ fer him fer nearly two hours now,” Apple Bloom added.

Rarity let out laughing, making her guests confused. “Why he is right here, with me and Twilight.”

“He is?” Applejack asked, partly relieved.

“Why yes. Me and Twilight have been…how do you put it…getting to know each other,” Rarity mentioned, Applejack catching on right away.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle raced into the boutique, as Rarity let Applejack come in from the cool night air. “Jus’ how well we talkin’?” Applejack asked, not trying to hide her curiosity.

“How does confiding in us about his past, becoming friends and offering him advice for his Pinkie problems sound?” a smug Rarity happily admitted.

“Where is he?”

Rarity pointed a hoof towards the kitchen. Applejack didn’t need any more of an indication, bolting into the kitchen and crash tackling Scribble to the ground, making Twilight catch the plate he was drying with her telekinesis.

“Applejack! What the hay ya doin’ here?” Scribble asked, completely stunned to see his friend towering over him.

“Ah’m so happy yer okay! Ah was worried half ta death, ya bein’ out so late and what have ya.” Applejack was so happy to see Scribble it looked like she was about to cry.

Scribble laughed a little. “I’m fine AJ. Been here with Twilight an’ Rarity all arvo…” he paused noticing the clock to see it was already ten in the evening. “I mean evening.”

Applejack moved back and helped Scribble to his hooves. “Doin’ what exactly?”

By this time Rarity had walked back into the kitchen and was leaning against the entryway with a cheeky grin. “Rarity, ya told her?” Scribble demanded to know, not particular happy she Told Applejack what they had been talking about.

“It’s okay. Applejack already knows everything we do. At least, I think we do?” she asked, looking to Scribble conformation.

“Pretty much,” he deadpanned.

“See, Ah knew ya would make some more friends! Not jus’ that ya also told them yer past?” Rarity and Twilight nodded to confirm Applejack’s suspicions. “Wo, Rarity. Colour me impressed, only took one evenin’.”

Applejack gave Scribble’s mane a playful rubbing, congratulating him on letting Rarity and Twilight get close to him. She then dragged Scribble into a playful headlock for some added fun at his expense while she addressed the girls. “Ah really hate ta cut this short, but Ah got two fillies an’ a big colt ta get home. The Timber Wolves were a-howlin’ not ta long ago. An’ ya know what that means?”

Rarity and Twilight gave each other excited glances before blurting out the answer together. “ZAP APPLE SEASON!!!”

Scribble managed to escape his head lock. Thinking it only fair, he went for a little payback, pinning Applejack to the ground while she was distracted by talking to her friends. “Zap Apple what now?”

“Ah’ll explain on the way home. We really need ta get those fillies ta bed,” Applejack said, yelling for the fillies to come into the kitchen.

Applejack got on her hooves and dusted herself off a little as the fillies came charging into the kitchen with way to much energy. “C’mon girls! We found him, so home, then bed.”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle groaned at the idea of bed, to which Applejack tilted an eye. “Nice o’ y’all ta look afta’ Scribble, girls. Have a nice night,” she waved with a tip of her hat.

“Oh Applejack. Could you spare just a moment, please? I need a small favour,” Rarity begged, smiling to add charm.

“Sure Ah guess. Girls take Scribble home, Ah will catch up,” she ordered, as the fillies dragged Scribble from the boutique.

“Better make it quick, Rarity. Ah really need ta get a hussle on.”

“Well, you see…”

Scribble had been kept busy the last five days. With Zap Apple Season in full swing, Applejack was showing him all the steps they took to harvest those delicious rainbow apples. All coming to a front with the fifth day--harvest day.

“Okay, Scribble. In jus’ a few hours, all those apples will turn mighty colourful. We then only have one day ta pick’em all. The girls are comin’ over ta help, ‘case we got more trees bloomin’ this year.” As Applejack was explaining things to Scribble near the barn, her little sister came up and interrupted by tugging on her tail.

Applejack smiled at the sight of her little sibling, giving her a pat on the head. “What’s up, sugarcube?”

Bloom fidgeted a little, making circles in the ground with a forehoof. “Well…Ah was wonderin’…since ya got all yer friends helpin’ with harvestin’ the Zap Apples an’ all…” she trailed off, mumbling the last bit to herself so Nopony else could hear.

“Ya wanna do what now?”

Bloom was silent, sweating, and couldn’t stay still to save herself. Applejack knew whatever she wanted had to be something bad enough to risk asking if she was this fidgety. “Good gravy, jus’ spit it out already!” Applejack demanded, starting to get a might annoyed at her sister beating around the bush.

“Well…since ya got all the extra help…” Bloom paused, taking a huge gulp before asking the critical bit. “Could me an’ the girls go crusadin’?”

Applejack’s answer was a flat and fast no.

Bloom started to get all pouty, pulling out her famous puppy-dog eyes. “Pppllleeeaaassseee, Applejack! Yer’ve had us workin’ fer the last week as punishment fer what we did at the party! Ah ain’t had any crusadin’ time wit’ the girls at all! We jus’ have to do some crusadin’! We goin’ stir crazy, Applejack!”

“No means no, Apple Bloom,” Applejack reinforced.

Her little sister went to argue again, when a glare from Applejack stopped anymore protest Bloom had left in her.

Bloom went all grumpy on her sister, slowly trudging away and letting a few tears drop.
“Hold on a sec, Scribble. Ah need ta deal with this.”

Applejack quickly caught up to her little sister and stopped her with a comforting hoof around her neck. “Listen. Ah tell ya what sis. Hows ‘bout doin’ me a little favour, an’ getting’ four days off yer month-long punishment?”

Bloom became excited at the prospect of getting some time off her manual labour. “Sure!” she beamed.

“Well, ya know how Scribble can never say no ta y’all when ya give him those puppy eyes?” Applejack cunningly asked.

Apple Bloom nodded and snickered a little at the thought. She knew what was coming, and it would be an easy assignment for four days off her punishment.

“Once the girls get here, Ah’m ta ask him ta do somethin’ he will probably not want ta do. So once ya see him say no, Ah want y’all to make wit’ those eyes an’ beg him ta do it.”

“Oh! Oh! What’s ya gonna ask him ta do?” Apple Bloom asked, jumping round in circle to find out.

“Hey! It’s a secret. No goin’ ta spoil the surprise jus’ yet.”

Bloom sighed, upset over not being let in on the cunning plan.

“Now, can Ah count on ya an’ the girls ta help?”

“Yup!”

“Good, now give me one up high,” Applejack said holding a forehoof out for Bloom to whack. An whack she did to seal the deal. “Now go git yer friends. The girls will be here soon.”

Apple Bloom gave a mock salute before speeding off towards town.

The troops (friends) were all assembled outside the barn. All the Apple Family, Applejack’s ring of friends, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and Scribble were all present and accounted for.

Applejack marched in front of the group, ready to announce her grand plan for the big Zap Apple harvest. “Okay y’all, listen up, ‘cause Ah ain’t gonna repeat myself here!”

Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash gave mocking salutes to the new apple general, making her roll her eyes at the childish responses. “We be splitting inta teams o’ two. One experienced apple bucker an’ collector per team,” she explained.

Twilight put her hoof up to get Applejack’s attention, much like a schoolfilly in class would. “Yes, Twilight?” Applejack huffed, annoyed she had to stop the briefing.

“Won’t that make an uneven number of teams? We only have two experienced apple buckers here,” Twilight stated, motioning a hoof to Applejack and her brother.

“Well, normally ya would be right. But Scribble here has been workin’ wit’ us fer a good couple o’ months now, an’ should be fine as an’ apple bucker,” Applejack announced proudly, show casing Scribble for all to see. “Also, Rainbow can handle some heavy apple buckin’. She has done it enough ta help out on this occasion.”

“That’s ‘cause I’m too awesome!” Rainbow boasted, earning some flat expressions and even a facehoof from Twilight.

“Anyway, movin’ on. The pony apple buckin’ has ta only buck the trees. Their partners have to clear up any Zap Apples that miss the buckets. Once all the Zap Apple trees are clean o’ fruit, we will need everypony on deck ta help haul the buckets inta this here barn.”

Applejack looked the group over as they slowly chatted amongst themselves about a few things regarding today’s work. “Any questions?” The group fell silent.

“Good! Now, here are the teams. Twi, yer with me. Yer magic can make quick work of all the collectin’, an’ Ah can buck down trees faster without havin’ ta worry ‘bout gettin’ the loose ones.”

“You can count on me,” Twilight replied, taking a spot by Applejack’s side.

Applejack held out a hoof and pulled her brother close for a playful hug. “Rarity, yer wit’ Big Mac here. Jus’ like Twi, yer magic can help him speed through the trees.”

“Consider it done, darling,” Rarity agreed, trotting over to Big Mac.

“Fluttershy, yer with Rainbow. Both o’ ya can fly, so it should be easier ta keep up wit’ Dash.”

Fluttershy whimpered a little, slowly making her way over to her Pegasus friend.

Rainbow put a comforting wing around Fluttershy. “Hey, we are going to knock them all dead,” she reassured confidently.

Applejack giggled a little bit, while Twilight had a determined look in her eyes. “Oh Yeah? We will jus’ have ta see ‘bout that,” Applejack huffed, accepting Rainbow’s challenge.

“Anytime, anywhere. Me and Fluttershy will wipe the floor with you two! Right Fluttershy?”

“Um…okay. If’s it all right with Applejack and Twilight?” Fluttershy wimpered. Rainbow face-hoofed, letting out an annoyed groan at her partner. Twilight and Applejack couldn’t help but laugh.

Scribble was getting goosebumps, the only pony left to partner with was Pinkie. He really wanted to spend more time with Pinkie, but he still couldn’t help but feel nervous about it.

Right on cue, like Pinkie was reading his mind, she zipped up beside him. “Looks like we get to be partners for the day, Scribble! This is going to be so super-dooper-looper-tastic, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Applejack, help!” Scribble cried out, blushing red and franticly pointing a hoof at Pinkie. He shook his head while pointing at her, asking Applejack to save him.

“Sorry sugarcube, but Pinkie the only partner left. Beside, y’all a perfect pair…”

All the other ponies giggled at the notion of Pinkie and Scribble being a pair, including Applejack, who found it hard to finish her explanation without breaking out into laughter, “…While ya buck, she can quickly whip ‘round all over the place an’ collect the loose apples.”

Pinkie grabbed Scribble and danced him round in a circle, excited she got to be his partner. Scribble, meanwhile, in between blushes, was shaking his head continuously at Applejack. “Applejack, come on!”

“Well, ya leave me no choice.” Applejack turned her attention to the three fillies standing off to the side, giving them a knowing and cheeky glance. “Girls?”

Apple Bloom lead her two friends towards Scribble. Each one of the cheeky Crusaders had sneaky grins plastered on their faces. They all sat down in front of him and let him have those puppy-dog eyes. “Scribble, pppllleeeaaassseee be Pinkie’s partner!” they begged.

Scribble stomped a forehoof down towards Applejack in protest. She know his one weakness, and was exploiting it in the most unfair of situations. “Applejack…”

Scribble was cut off as three begging Crusaders chimed in with another “Pppllleeeaaassseee!” on him.

Applejack kept smiling, really rubbing it in. She had him beat.

“Okay, okay, ya win, ya win Applejack,” Scribble relented.

Like clockwork the three fillies dropped the begging act and started giggling at him. Rarity simply trotted over to Applejack and gave her a hoof-bump.

Scribble saw this, and had now figured it all out. This was all Rarity’s doing, forcing him to spend some time with Pinkie. That cunning mare had pulled the wool over his eyes again. Scribble was both happy and annoyed about this. Happy yes, he got to spend time with Pinkie. Annoyed Rarity had forced his hoof like this.

Rarity and Applejack gave Scribble a raspberry. Despite the fact it made Rarity look unladylike, she could let it slide this once. Scribble was about to voice his annoyance at the cunning duo, when Pinkie put a hoof around his neck. “Come on Scribble, we can so beat Applejack and Rainbow! We will buck more Zap Apples then them,” she cheered.

Scribble’s whole body now went red while steam blew out of his ears. Everypony broke down in laughter at the sight of the embarrassed stallion. Pinkie was the only pony oblivious to this. She just kept jumping around him, ready to win the competition.

“Okay y’all, let’s get goin’! Start on a side and meet in the middle. ‘Member, we only got one day ta do this, so let’s get buckin’!”

All the ponies rushed off towards the Zap Apple Orchid. All ponies, except for Scribble, who was to shocked from Pinkie’s touch to move.

“Equestria to Scribble!” Pinkie waved a hoof in his face. No response. “Come on, we need to get a bucking if we to beat them!” Again no response.

Pinkie quickly went around Scribble, intertwining her tail with his. Once she had a firm grip on Scribble’s tail, she rocketed off for the western side of the Zap Apple fields.

Celestia’s sun was on full display in all its beauty. It was the perfect weather for a day’s worth of Zap Apple bucking. All teams had been at it for two hours, bucking and picking up the loose apples, then repeating the process.

Scribble, by this time had gotten more comfortable around Pinkie. The two worked at a decent pace with casual conversation to keep their brains from dying of boredom. Scribble was himself surprised how easy it was to get comfy around the pony he had a huge crush on. And although Pinkie had no idea of said crush, she still enjoyed the time with Scribble.

Scribble decided now was a better time than any to steer the chat in a direction where he could find out more about Pinkie. “So, Pinkie, what exactly does your cutie mark represent?”

Pinkie stopped gathering apples for a moment to eye off her balloon flank. “This means I’m good at throwing parties, and my love for making others around me smile,” she stated with pride, patting the cutie mark for added emphases.

“Sweet!” Scribble blurted. He bucked another Zap Apple tree to let rainbow apples fall into the buckets. “I like the same thing. I always enjoy tellin’ amazing stories to all the foals at an orphanage, or a group of friends who enjoy an adventure.”

Pinkie got excited at the prospect of a good story. “Oh, that sounds like fun! Can I join ya next time? Pretty please, with Zap Apples on top,” placing several Zap Apples on her head to get the message across.

Scribble mind went into overdrive as he hatched the perfect idea to announce his intentions for Pinkie. “Sure, an’ if ya like, we could kinda…make it a fun time, just the two of us. How does that sound?” he asked, murmuring the last part of the questions a little.

Pinkie gasped at the idea, jumping up and down on some unlucky Zap Apples. “We should so totally make it a fun time! We can also invite Rarity to make us a few costumes, and Twilight to use her magic for cool effects!”

Scribble happy expression died rather quickly. It seemed Pinkie missed the idea completely. “Um…Pinkie…what I meant…”

Pinkie, to excited at this new idea, was so hyperactive she completely missed anything Scribble said, lost in her own little story-telling-adventure-world. “We can totally do an adventure session for the foals at the orphanage! They will be so happy!”

“Ya, happy,” Scribble deadpanned, faking laughter to add emphasizes. ‘Well at least I can still spend some time with her. Always next time…I hope.’

“Right, thanks ta y’all fer helpin’ buck the Zap Apples. We only missed a few trees…” Applejack stared dagger at Rainbow, “So, it wasn’t all that bad.”

“What! It was only, like four trees!” Rainbow retaliated.

“Yes! That’s nearly forty jars of Zap Apple jam we miss out on!”

Rainbow and Applejack were muzzle-to-muzzle, both with intent to kill on their faces. A purple aura surrounded both of them, separating the two arguing ponies by at least two hoof lengths. “Cut it out, you two! Must you always argue over every little thing?” Twilight snapped.

While Twilight was busy playing negotiator, Rarity took it upon herself to play investigator. She quickly made her way to Scribble while everypony’s attention was on the fight. “Sssooo…how did it go?” she asked, playfully nudging him in the side.

Scribble gave Rarity a quick cold stare, to which she feigned innocence. “If ya must know, not too badly.”

Rarity stared at him waiting for more information. When no more came she egged him on, “Annnnnnnnnd?”

Scribble kept ignoring Rarity, hoping she would get the message. She did get the message but was not going to cooperate in the least bit, continuing to stare Scribble down till he answered. “You’re not gonna give up on this, are ya?”

“Nope!” she proudly announced.

Scribble let out a defeated sigh. Again, Rarity had him beat and had him backed into a corner. Now Scribble thought about it, she was rather good at doing that. “I also asked her out.”

“I knew it!” Rarity yelled, mentally scolding herself once she noticed it drew attention away from Rainbow and Applejack arguing.

Scribble only face-hoofed, while Rarity gave a sheepish smile and squeed a little. After an awkward moment attention was again back on the arguing duo, either side refusing to give up.

“Why don’t we just publicly announce it?”

“Sorry darling. I tend to get a bit excited over matters like this.” Scribble rolled his eyes in response to the apology. “But, that does not get you out of telling me,” Rarity added, playfully poking Scribble in the side with her knee.

“Fine, but it not what ya expected.”

“Come now, can’t be all that bad.”

“She did say yes to a date, but…”

“Yes! I knew you could do it…wait…but?” Rarity gave Scribble a confused look as her smile disappeared. “But? But what?”

“But both you and Twilight are invited as well,” Scribble deadpanned.

Rarity was now confused beyond all reason. She looked to Scribble for an explanation, only to receive no response. “I don’t get it. How can I and Twilight both be coming on a date with you and Pinkie?”

Scribble was about to indulge her with an answer before he caught wind of was about to happen and smiled. “I’m not sure, Rarity. Why don’t ya tell her, Pinkie?”

“Wait…what…Pinkie?” was all a confused Rarity could manage before Pinkie popped out from behind her with an answer.

“Welllllll, that’s because we all going to help Scribble read a super-dupper-cool story to the foals at the orphanage! You can make some amazing costumes and Twilight can use her magic for the ultimate in special effects! It will be so much fun, and make all those foals smile!” Pinkie explained, if not a little to fast for Rarity to miss some of it.

Rarity was now so confused she couldn’t tell left from right. Scribble had lost it laughing so hard he was rolling around on the ground next to her. “Thanks Pinkie! I think she understands now!” Scribble was still laughing hard, unable to stop himself at Rarity’s expense. He held out a hoof to thank Pinkie for her help.

No problemo! Pinkie Explain-Everything-Pie is always happy to help!” Pinkie responded, clopping hooves with Scribble.

By this point everypony--minus Rarity who was to confused, and two Pegasi who had no prior knowledge of Scribble’s interest in Pinkie--were all in on the joke.

“How did Scribble? Wait…foals…read. Me and Twilight as well?” Rarity was still trying to process all the information she just received, mumbling to herself and lost to this world.

As much as Applejack was enjoying seeing Rarity beaten at her own game for once, she knew it had to come to an end. “Scribble!” she addressed sternly, still hiding a little giggle.

Scribble slowly stopped laughing and settled down. He saw Applejack’s gaze directed at him as she motioned for him to help Rarity. “Okay, okay.” He got up and put a forehoof over Rarity’s back to calm her down a little. “What Pinkie means is, myself, you, and Twilight are going with her at the orphanage in a few days. She wants me to tell them a cool story, while ya make costumes an’ Twilight does cool magical effects.”

“Oh…really?”

“Mmmhmm.”

“But!” Rarity quickly clammed her mouth shut when she released everypony was watching and she was speaking loud again. She only wanted Scribble to hear her next question, so she moved her muzzle next to Scribble’s ear to whisper it, drawing some curious stares from some of the onlookers. “I thought you asked her out on a date…just the two of you?”

Scribble leaned in closer to whisper back, especially aware of Pinkie, who was trying to listen in. “I did, she just added extra company thinkin’ it was a fun event with friends.”

“Oh. Well, at least it not a total loss,” Rarity chirped.

“What in tarnation y’all whisperin’ ‘bout over there?” Applejack cut in. Everypony else nodded agreement, wanting to know as well.

Both whispering ponies quickly turned to address the crowd, as if it was pure instinct. “Nothing!” they both blurted out.

“Okay, jus’ what are ya two hidin’?” Applejack demanded, stomping a hoof on the ground to emphasize her point.

“Scribble?”

“Ya?”

“Run,” Rarity whispered, taking off in the opposite direction of Applejack, Scribble following quickly behind.

“Hold up, get yer flanks back here!” Applejack demanded. She flipped her hat off, revealing her rope. Quickly making a lasso, she took off after Rarity and Scribble. She swung is around in the air, like a tornado drawing in on its target.

Scribble looked behind to check if they were in the clear, all three ponies tearing full gallop threw the apple orchard. “Um…Rarity! We better step on it!” he yelled, noticing Applejack closing in on them.

It was too late. Applejack let loose with the rope, rustling herself a pair of secret-keepers. Rarity and Scribble slammed into each other and were yanked back as Applejack reeled them in. “Got ya!”

“Applejack, I must protest you let us go, right now!” Rarity insisted. Both her and Scribble struggled against their bindings, but it was futile.

“Not till y’all tell me what in tarnation is so important ya had ta whisper ‘bout it.”

Scribble was a little annoyed at Applejack, but not surprised. How could he stay mad at his first ever friend? “Applejack, I think the whole reason me and Rarity were whsiperin’ was cause…”

“Reason why, NOW!” Applejack interrupted.

Rarity and Scribble froze in terror, both turning to their primitive instincts. “It was his/her fault!” they both accused, pointing a hoof at each other. Applejack stared both of them down, intent to kill plastered on her face.

“But…but Applejack,” Scribble begged.

“But nothin’. Don’t ya ‘member Ah promised ta look out fer ya? So that means ya tell me what’s goin’ on.” Applejack made her point loud and clear, stomping a forehoof on the ground while waiting for a response.

Rarity looked surprised. The only ponies she ever saw Applejack make such promises to was family or her close friends. It appeared that Scribble was becoming family—well, unofficial family for the Apples and her friends anyway. “Scribble, you have to tell her now.”

“What…just who’s side ya on,” Scribble protested.

Rarity nodded towards Applejack. Cunning smile and all she answered, “Hers.”

“Fine, ya win…again,” Scribble grumbled, pouting, having been defeated again.

Author's Notes:

Sorry for the month long delay. I have re-edited all the old chapters, eliminating such problems as some sentence structure and the dreaded LUS. A few ones off also in the works. An another big chapter-by-chapter adventure story as well.