When they were foals at the ages of eleven and twelve, both Rumble and Sweetie Belle had fallen in love. It was a love that seemed nearly impossible at points, given the rough start the two had. It was completely by accident that they ended up together, but it worked out tremendously.
They have been through a lot since getting together, their first major obstacle coming courtesy of Apple Bloom, the farmer filly trying to set Rumble up with Scootaloo, the filly who had originally crushed on Rumble, but fortunately, by the end of it, the two prevailed with Scootaloo seemingly letting go of her crush.
Then came the arrival of Queen Chrysalis, the evil Changeling trying to capture the foals as hostages in an attempt to take over Equestria, a plan that was ultimately thwarted by Princess Twilight Sparkle and Starlight Glimmer. It was the first big adventure for Rumble and Sweetie Belle as a couple, and the start of many.
However, Chrysalis was not done, enlisting the help of The Dazzlings, a group of Sirens consisting of Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, and Sonata Dusk, as well as King Sombra, she tried for revenge amid a planned Festival Twilight had for the foals. Unfortunately for her, their plans were thwarted, Sombra was defeated and once again, Friendship prevailed.
Next came the biggest obstacle, one that would forever change the dynamic between Rumble and Sweetie Belle, that being the nefarious filly Cozy Glow, who while trying to help other villains overthrow Equestria, fell for Rumble and drove him and Sweetie Belle apart after two years as a couple, albeit only for a few years. During that time, she developed a relationship with Rumble, one that was cut short upon her defeat in Canterlot.
Finally came the big showdown five years later as Equestria's heroes faced off against forces led by Grogar. The Elements, along with Rumble, The Crusaders, Cozy Glow, and even some reformed villains had put a stop to Grogar's plan, however, and all was at peace, and Rumble was reunited with Sweetie Belle.
Finally, years later, at the ages of nineteen and twenty, Rumble and Sweetie Belle had gotten married, cementing their love for one another and having three lovely children together. Those children were a young Pegasus colt named Cloudburst, then a Pegasus filly named Sugar Candy, and finally a Unicorn Filly named Snowflake. A fourth one was on the way, the two were excited for their next child.
These were not Rumble's only children however, during his time with Cozy Glow, he had gotten the filly pregnant, one that remained in suspended animation for a few years due to Cozy turning to stone alongside Chrysalis, Tirek, and The Dazzlings. Almost a year after her release, she gave birth to a Pegasus colt named Cumulon Gleam.
While she did not get to marry Rumble as she had hoped, Cozy Glow took comfort in at least finding a soulmate in Barley Barrel, the two falling for each other over a few months. The two had officially married and are currently living together in their own home alongside their son Cumulon.
In addition, Apple Bloom and Dinky had gotten married, and through Rumble's help, the two welcomed their own children, their daughter Apple Bush, who was a Unicorn, and their son Caramel Seed, who was a Pegasus. Scootaloo and Pickle had briefly been married, having twins named Cumber Patch and Sky Rider, one boy and one girl, both Pegusai. Diamond Tiara married Chip Cutter, and the two had a son named Emerald Curve, an Earth Pony. Even Babs Seed and Button Mash had married and had an Earth Pony daughter named Joy Mac.
Finally was the marriage of Twilight Sparkle and Tender Taps, the two having twin girls named Dawn Stomp and Dusk Step, both of them Unicorns. Being the daughters of a Princess wasn't easy, but the two made do, especially with the help of their supportive father.
And now, sixteen years into the future, Rumble is a retired Wonderbolt who now works in the Canterlot kitchen under his boss Sugar Belle, where he happily prepares food for ponies. Sweetie Belle of course is a stay-at-home mom, with a now one-year-old Pegasus daughter named Sunny Sprinkles. Her children keep her running around during the day, not that she minds of course, as a mother she knows it is her duty to be there when her kids need her, and she took pleasure in being there for them.
It started in Ponyville. With a kiss to his wife Sweetie Belle, former Wonderbolt Rumble was on his way to the Canterlot Train Station, another day at work, and a busy one too. Twilight was setting up a dinner plan for the many rulers across the land, so Rumble and his team had to cook up a lot of food, befitting not only ponies but griffons, dragons, changelings, hippogriffs, and yaks as well.
As he trotted, he passed by a stand run by his friend Apple Bloom, "Howdy Rumble."
"Oh, hey Apple Bloom, how's business?" Rumble asked.
"Not picking up just yet, but it will," Apple Bloom said. "Like it usually does."
"Well Ponyville loves its prized Apple family apples," Rumble said. "They have for generations."
"Got that right," Apple Bloom said. "So, off to work?"
"Oh yeah, big order to fulfill, according to Sugar Belle, it's one of our most ambitious days," Rumble said.
"Sounds like a big occasion," Apple Bloom said.
"It is, the Duke and Duchess of Maretonia are coming to meet with Twilight for...something," Rumble said. "It's Royal stuff, nothing I know much about."
"Well, you never let Twilight down before," Apple Bloom said. "Ah know you got this under control."
"Yeah, it's nothing I can't handle," Rumble said. "Plus, I got an amazing team helping me out, and a great boss in Sugar Belle."
"Sounds like you two get along pretty well," Apple Bloom said.
"Yeah, she's great, when she's not worried or stressed out," Rumble said. "It doesn't happen often, but when it does, she can lose that sweet nature of hers."
"Happens to the best of us," Apple Bloom said. "Well, ah won't hold ya, you go on then."
"I'll see you later, also tell Dinky and the kids I said 'hello'," Rumble said as he trotted off.
The stallion took his train to Canterlot, a somewhat short trip given that Canterlot is not that far away. Of course Rumble knows he could easily just fly there but he does bring materials from home on occasion, and sometimes when he does fly, he might drop something or make a mess. He would also risk flying straight into the kitchen, and he does not want to annoy Sugar Belle, she is a nice mare but when angry, can be a pain to be around.
Upon arrival in Canterlot, Rumble trotted toward the castle, same as always even if under a different ruler. Twilight of course was a great leader for Equestria, who did everything she could for her subjects. Even more she was a great wife to Tender Taps, who himself was beloved among many in Equestria.
It wasn't even Tender Taps's prince status that made him beloved, he was still an active performer and loved to entertain others. Of course even he had those who were jealous of him, believing her was not fit to be the husband of Equestria's ruler, how there were many others who were more qualified.
Tender Taps never cared about any of those statements, he only cared about being with Twilight and proving to her each day just how much he truly loved her.
Rumble passed through the halls, making his way into the Canterlot kitchen where Sugar Belle was giving out the orders needed.
"You, prepare the stew, lots of it," Sugar Belle instructed. "You, make sure those salads have proper seasoning. You, only the finest drinks! Hurry, no time for dilly dallying!"
"Hey Sugar Belle," Rumble greeted, getting the mare's attention.
"Rumble, glad you're here, I have a list for you, it's a long one," Sugar Belle said, passing it on to the boy. "I need you to keep track of the entrees, all of them. The Duke and Duchess must be satisfied with our course."
"We haven't let any royalty down yet, I doubt we'll start now," Rumble said.
"Exactly, we're not having an off day just yet, now let's get our flanks in gear!" Sugar Belle ordered.
Rumble quickly made his way to the cabinets, grabbing all the materials that he needed for the order. It was a big one but nothing he couldn't handle, it wasn't their first go at this after all, he still remembers the time Tirek and Scorpan came by for a dinner feast with Twilight and her family. Tirek had quite the appetite, but Rumble was up to that challenge.
Meanwhile in the main halls, Twilight was eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Duke and Duchess. Tender Taps trotted into the throne room, joined by his twin daughters.
"Hey Twi, is the Royalty almost here?" Tender Taps asked.
"Not yet, they will be soon though," Twilight said. "I just hope our staff can make the meals with no trouble."
"If they can handle Tirek's appetite, I think they'll be fine here, I mean it's just the Duke and Duchess," Tender Taps said.
"And some escorts of theirs, we need to be absolutely hospitable," Twilight said. "It's good to maintain the Friendship between our two nations."
"Oh like Friendship was dependent on the perfect dinner," Tender Taps said.
"It's not just the dinner, it's the thought behind it," Twilight said. "Any time I have to meet with Royals from another country, I have to do everything in my power to make them feel at home, it's my duty as the Princess of Equestria."
"A job you do remarkably well at," Tender Taps said.
"Thanks to you, I really appreciate you being by my side," Twilight said.
Tender Taps trotted over to his wife, taking her hoof in his, "Anything for you." The two shared a kiss, one their daughters mock gagged at, which Tender Taps noticed. "This will happen with you two one day."
"Ew, no way," Dawn Stomp said. "I'm never getting married."
"You say that now," Tender Taps said.
"I wanna get married one day," Dusk Step said. "It looks fun. Is it fun daddy?"
"Very fun, when you fall in love, you feel like anything's possible," Tender Taps said. "Granted you girls are young and shouldn't worry about this for a while, but the day you two do feel that way about somepony else, well you know where to find me and your mother, we'll be there to help you figure your feelings out."
"Or we can ask Auntie Cadance," Dusk Step said. "She's the Princess of Love."
"Speaking of Cadance, I wonder if I should have invited her as well? I'd love to catch up with her, my brother and Flurry," Twilight said.
"Are Flurry and Luster Dawn still doing that Friendship stuff?" Tender Taps asked.
"It's not 'stuff', Tappy, it's building a connection," Twilight said. "And yes, they are. Flurry and Luster Dawn have built quite a bond together, I must say they clicked very fast as friends. Cozy Glow was right on the mark with that one."
"Yeah, good on Cozy Glow to set those two up as friends," Tender Taps said. "Anyway I think you still have time to invite your brother and his family, it would give Flurry and Luster Dawn a chance to hang out again."
"Plus, I want to see Auntie Cadance," Dusk Step said.
"And Uncle Shining," Dawn Stomp added.
"This works out, our kids can see their relatives, Luster Dawn can see her friend and you look like not only a good ruler but a great sister, aunt and mother," Tender Taps said. "Ponies like the simpler qualities of an individual, more personal life stuff."
"Is that why ponies love you, daddy?" Dusk Step asked.
"Sort of, see whenever I take you girls to the park or something, ponies tend to gush because they see me being a dad," Tender Taps said. "Personally, I don't like it when I get too much attention drawn to my personal life, because me spending time with you is for us and not them, but word spreads and more good publicity comes to my shows because I'm the good father of two very adorable fillies."
"Isn't being married to mom enough to make you famous?" Dawn Stomp asked.
"I'm not in this for the fame, honey, I married your mom because I love her, and I spend time with you because I love you," Tender Taps said. "I enjoy my job because it's fun, not because I want to get famous. I mean, fame is nice but it can't replace happiness, and that's what you girls and your mom give me every single day."
"And that girls, is why I married your father," Twilight said, trotting over to gently stroke his mane. "His kind nature is just as attractive as his gorgeous face."
Tender Taps began to hide his blush, "Come on Twi, we both know you have the looks, not me."
"I think you're handsome daddy," Dusk Step said.
"Aw, my sweetie little angel," Tender Taps said, kissing his daughter on the forehead.
Dawn Stomp got a little jealous and wanted her dad's attention too, "Well I think you're an incredible dancer daddy." The girl followed up with a wide smile and big sparkly eyes.
"Dear, you don't need to compliment me just to get my attention," Tender Taps said, kissing Dawn Stomp's head. "You always have my attention."
It warmed Twilight's heart seeing her husband so gentle with their children, being a father was a truly natural experience for him.
"Well, I'll go and send the invites to my brother and his family," Twilight said. "If you can Tappy, stop by the kitchen and make sure the catering is going well."
"I'm sure it is since Sugar Belle's a great boss and you have a guy like Rumble working on it, but I suppose a quick peek wouldn't hurt," Tender Taps said.
"That'd be a relief, thank you Tappy," Twilight said. "Alright girls, time for us to go check on Uncle Rumble."
"Yes daddy," Dusk Step said.
"You got it," Dawn Stomp said.
The two left, leaving Twilight to herself again, "Well, I should see if Spike can get a letter sent to Cadance, or maybe I can just fly up towards The Crystal Empire. Then later I can check in with the Duke and Duchess, or just have Spike do that instead. Should be easy enough."
Down in the kitchen, Rumble is getting the food prepared at a proper order, Sugar Belle keeping everyone and everything on track.
"So far so good, keep it up team, especially you Rumble," Sugar Belle said.
"This isn't too hard, like I've mentioned before to my friends, if we can handle Tirek's appetite, I don't think there's anything we can't handle," Rumble said.
"Ugh, Tirek, that's such a nightmare," Sugar Belle said. "I don't know what I'd do without you Rumble. If neither of us were married, I think I'd be in love with you."
"I get that a lot from other mares," Rumble sheepishly admitted. "The first batch is ready to be sent up."
"Great," Sugar Belle called to her team. "Come on, hurry on now!"
As they carried everything off, Tender Taps had made his way into the kitchen alongside his daughters, "Hey, how are things going here?"
"Sup Taps," Rumble said.
"If it isn't our dear Prince," Sugar Belle said.
"Come on, you know you don't need to call me 'Prince', I'm still just Tender Taps," the boy said.
"That you are, just as humble as ever," Sugar Belle said. "Did you need something?"
"Twilight just wanted me to see how things were, she's planning on inviting her family from The Crystal Empire," Tender Taps said.
"Oh, if she is, I'll make those sweets that little Flurry Heart likes," Sugar Belle said.
"Flurry would definitely like that," Tender Taps said.
"Uncle Rumble!" Dusk Step said, getting his attention.
"Hey sweetheart, how's it going?" Rumble asked.
"You're really busy, do you like being busy?" Dusk Step asked.
"It's more that I like a challenge," Rumble said. "Anything that seems hard, I like to do, to prove just how awesome I am."
"That's so neat!" Dusk Step said.
"You're a total boss," Dawn Stomp added.
"He's not the boss, Sugar Belle is," Dusk Step said.
"You know what I mean, dummy," Dawn Stomp said.
"You're the dummy!" Dusk Step said.
"Hey now, no calling each other 'dummy', you're both very intelligent girls, something your mother put a lot of effort into," Tender Taps said.
"Yes daddy," Dusk Step said.
"Sorry dad," Dawn Stomp said.
"That's my girls," Tender Taps planted a kiss on each head. "I love you both so much." He then hugged the two. "My two pride and joys."
"Daddy, come on," Dawn Stomp said, pulling away.
"Fine, more for Dusk Step," Tender Taps said, hugging his other daughter.
"That's adorable, nothing purer than the bond between parent and child," Sugar Belle said, then noticed some ponies slacking off. "Hey! Get your flanks in gear!"
Meanwhile in Ponyville, Cumulon Gleam was flying in the skies with his stepmother Barley, the mare trying to teach the boy some tricks.
"You have to really extend your wings kid, really soar through the sky," Barley said.
"Like this?" Cumulon stretched out far, but was too focused on doing it right and ended up crashing into a cloud, accidentally causing a lightning strike onto a house below.
"Hey! What's going on up there!?" Bon Bon shouted.
"Sorry Bon Bon!" Barley said. "Trying to teach my son some tricks! I'll get that fixed."
"Just be careful up there!" Bon Bon said, making her way back inside.
Cumulon took his head out of the cloud, "Dang, I can't do it right."
"You'll nail it kid, you just need a bit more work, that's all," Barley said, wiping some cloud from his head. "Remember, you're top level at the Academy, and at such a young age too."
"I know, and that means I have to try harder than anyone else, so I can be like you and my dad," Cumulon said.
"You don't need to be like either of us, you need to be you, alright kiddo?" Barley asked.
"Sure Barley, I'll keep trying, I'll make you proud," Cumulon said.
"You already make me proud by existing," Barley said, hugging the boy. "I'm so happy to call you my son."
"And you're a great mom," Cumulon said.
"So, what do you say champ, want to keep trying?" Barley asked.
"Mind if we grab something to drink first?" Cumulon asked.
"Sure, if you're tired, I can carry you on my back," Barley offered.
"I'm good, thanks," Cumulon said.
The two landed down, making their way toward a convenience store to get some water. Barley looked around for something else while she was there. "Maybe I can bring something back for Cozy Glow while she recovers from that cold."
While there, Cumulon caught the attention of Apple Bloom's daughter, Apple Bush.
"Hey bro, it's Cumie!" Apple Bush said.
"Huh?" Her brother Caramel Seed took note. "Oh cool, wonder if he's practicing his flying."
"Well he is with his stepmother, and she is the flyer out of his two parents," Apple Bloom said.
"Three, he has two moms and one dad," Caramel Seed said. "Just like we technically do."
"Yeah I know, but we never met our dad so I don't count us, plus I think Sweetie Belle's also technically a mom to him, I think," Apple Bush said. "Should we go say 'hello'?"
"I don't think he wants to be-HEY!" Apple Bush got dragged toward the stepmother-stepson duo.
"Cumie!" Apple Bush called, gaining an awkward reaction from the colt.
"Hey Bush, Hey Seed," Cumulon said.
"So, out practicing?" Apple Bush asked.
"Y-yeah," Cumulon said. "I'm just grabbing water."
"He's doing great, really pushing his limits," Barely said.
"That's great, say, do you want to come over later? Show me those tricks of yours?" Apple Bush asked, batting her eyes.
"I'll think about it," Cumulon said, grabbing his water. "I gotta go."
"Cumie wait, I need to pay first!" Barley groaned and left the bits on the counter. "Sorry about that."
"No trouble," the clerk said.
Barely turned to the two Apple kids, "Cumie's just stressed, he ascended to the top pretty fast and now he's trying to live up to expectation."
"Well I believe in him," Apple Bush said.
"He'd be happy to know that," Barley said. "I'll see you kids later."
"Bye," Apple Bush said, her brother also waving. "I like Cumie, I want him to be my boyfriend."
"In your dreams, pretty sure he sees you as more of a little sister," Caramel Seed said.
"Oh give it time," Apple Bush said.
Outside Barley caught up with her stepson, "Hey kid, what's the hurry?"
"Huh?" Cumulon asked.
"You seemed pretty eager to get away from Apple Bush, any reason?" Barely asked.
Cumulon shook his head, "It's embarrassing, and really weird."
"Oh come now, how bad can it be?" Barley asked. "You can tell your mom what's bugging you, I won't judge."
"Well, it's Apple Bush...I think she has a crush on me," Cumulon said.
Barley's pupils dialated, the mare immediately speechless, "Are...you positive?"
"Very," Cumulon said.
"Oh...I see..." Barley said.
"Dad helped Apple Bloom and Dinky have kids, didn't he?" Cumulon asked.
"Yeah...he never told them because things were already complicated with you, me and your mother," Barley said. "He didn't think it was a big deal."
"Well, it is, now everything's all awkward, a girl who's basically my sister has the hots for me," Cumulon said. "I mean...why!? Out of all of us, why me? Uncle Pickle has a son doesn't he? Why isn't Apple Bush crushing on him!? Kettle Corn and Skedaddle have kids that we know, both boys, why not them!? Diamond Tiara has a son, and he's rich! Why not him!?"
"Well Diamond Tiara used to bully Apple Bloom, maybe it was awkward for the kids to date," Barley said.
"THIS...is awkward, Barley!" Cumulon said. "I have to get her to be interested in one of the other boys. Or girls, is she interested in girls?"
"I don't think she is, then again I didn't think I was until I made out with your mother," Barley said.
"Ew, I don't want to hear about my parents being all lovey-dovey," Cumulon said.
"Oh you're such a dork," Barley said. "I can see why Apple Bush likes you."
"Barley!" Cumulon shouted.
"Easy kid, we'll figure this out," Barley said. "Let's go flying again."
"Yeah, that should take my mind off this," Cumulon said. "Let's go."
At her home in Ponyville, Sweetie Belle was seen rocking her baby daughter, humming a lullaby to get her to sleep, suddenly overhearing something fall.
"Who did that?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"That was me mom!" Cloudburst said.
"Pick it up and put it how it was!" Sweetie Belle said.
"Yes mom, sorry mom!" Cloudburst said.
"It's alright dear, just be careful, you're worth more to me than whatever that was, take care of yourself" Sweetie Belle said.
"Yes mom," Cloudburst said.
It was busy being a mom, but Sweetie Belle loved it. She loves all her children dearly, because they were made with love. They are living proof of how much she loved her husband Rumble, and they were good kids too. A little bratty on occasion but that was to be expected. Relatives of her and Rarity were expected to be a bit on the bratty side.
"Mom! Snowflake keeps messing up my room!" Sugar Dandy shouted.
"I did not!" Snowflake insisted. "I'm cleaning it!"
"No you're not! Mom!" Sugar Dandy shouted.
The shouting bothered her baby Sunny Sprinkles, getting her to cry, "No, no, it's alright honey, mommy's here."
"MOM!" Sugar Dandy shouted.
"Sugar, please stop shouting!" Sweetie Belle said. "Snowflake, I know you're not trying to be bad, but please don't bother your sister for a bit, alright?"
"Ok...sorry," Snowflake said.
"Don't be sorry honey, you didn't do anything wrong!" Sweetie Belle called.
"She did though!" Sugar Dandy said.
"Sugar, enough!" Sweetie Belle said, then heard a door knock. "Wonder who that is?"
She placed her daughter on her back and opened the door to reveal Scootaloo, "Sup Sweetie Belle. Busy day?"
"With four high maintenance kids, you bet," Sweetie Belle said.
"Where's Cozy Glow? Figured she'd be here," Scootaloo said.
"She's sick at home, caught a cold after coming back from The Crystal Empire," Sweetie Belle said.
"Oof, that sucks," Scootaloo said. "Having a second pony would have been helpful."
"Yeah, especially since Snowflake loves Cozy Glow," Sweetie Belle said. "Out of all my kids, she seems to love her the most for some reason."
"Makes sense, after she was born, Cozy seemed glued to her, like if she desperately wanted another child," Scootaloo said.
"She's talked about it a few times, I told her that if she's ever interested, she could borrow Rumble again," Sweetie Belle said.
"I'm surprised she only considered Rumble and not Pickle," Scootaloo said. "That way the baby is blood related to Barley."
"She's not interested in Pickle, she prefers Rumble, because he's more handsome," Sweetie Belle said. "Given our kids, that's not a surprise."
"Well yeah, Rumble's handsomeness plus your beauty made the four cutest kids in Ponyville, aside from my own," Scootaloo said.
"I'm still talking it over with her, I think she feels awkward asking because Rumble and I are married now, so it feels more restricted," Sweetie Belle said. "I don't blame her, goofing around like this was fun when we were all dating but now, it feels different."
"Well think about it this way, there's nothing wrong with a little fun on the side," Scootaloo said. "Plus Rumble's helping Cozy be a mom again, and you two clearly love and trust each other that even if you're physically with someone else, you're each what the other wants."
"That's true, and I know Rumble wouldn't ever be with a girl unless I was alright with it, actually, he would prefer it if I was in the room with him," Sweetie Belle said. "That I'm alright with, because it lets me have fun too."
"See, it works out," Scootaloo said. "Good thing you're willing to do it with a filly, bet Rumble appreciates that."
"Oh he definitely does, I mean it's been so long since we goofed around like that but I remember how excited he got," Sweetie Belle said. "Somehow, seeing him with another filly gets me excited too in a way, it brings out some jealousy and makes me want to do better than her. Just hearing about it gets me all riled up. Like when he was with you."
"Oh yeah, I was so sore the next morning, have you ever been sore?" Scootaloo asked.
"Sometimes, he's usually gentle with me though, but some days I tell him to go all out," Sweetie Belle said. "Boy do I end up really sweaty."
Scootaloo chuckled a bit, then rememebred the baby on Sweetie Belle's back, "I don't think we should be talking like this in front of your daughter, it feels weird."
"Sunny's too young to understand us, but I get what you mean," Sweetie Belle said. She noticed her baby was asleep, "Come with me to the crib."
The two went upstairs, passing by some rooms. Her oldest daughter had her own room while her second youngest and her son shared a room at their request since Snowflake didn't like sleeping by herself. This left at least one bedroom for her and Rumble and a few spare rooms. It was a farily big how since Rumble and Sweetie Belle did want a big family, plus there was a time that Cozy Glow stayed there until she got a house of her own.
Sweetie Belle noticed the mess in each room, and did her best to resist her mom voice for now, she'll save that for later.
The baby had her own room, right next to where Rumble and Sweetie Belle slept. The mother placed the baby in her crib, setting the mobile.
"There you go my sweetheart," Sweetie Belle said.
Even Scootaloo had her heart melt upon seeing the baby sleep, "She's adorable."
Sweetie Belle took a step back and stepped on a rattle. She turned to pick it up, Scootaloo getting a nice glance of her friend as she did so. "Looking nice as usual Sweetie Belle."
"Better give this to her," Sweetie Belle placed the rattle in the crib and left the room, Scootaloo following.
"You're a natural as a mother," Scootaloo said.
"Thanks, you do great too," Sweetie Belle said. "You make it work even though you and Pickle split up."
"Key is Friendship, something Pickle and I have," Scootaloo said. "He's a great guy, he just wasn't the guy for me. But damn if he isn't a good father."
"That's good," Sweetie Belle said, turning to leave again, Scootaloo catching more views of her rear. Scootaloo began imagining Sweetie Belle in bed, seductively laying across the mattress, times like this she wanted to swap places with Rumble if it meant going for a wild ride with her childhood friend.
Once downstairs, and sure she was out of earshot of the kids, Scootaloo spoke up, "I'm just gonna say it now, considering you had four kids, you look like you're still in great shape. I bet Rumble appreciates how plump your butt is, I know I would if we were together."
"You are such a pervert," Sweetie Belle teased, shaking her rear. "But the key is exercise, I'm not an athlete but I do enough to stay in shape. Of course most of my butt is fat from my pregnancy, it just went back there."
"Not a bad thing," Scootaloo said, gesturing to her own rear. "Mine's just more firm and tone, helps being pregnant only once, even with twins."
"I hope you get married again, you need a pony to appreciate your fine looking butt," Sweetie Belle said.
"I'll find somepony, since I like mares and stallions, I have more options," Scootaloo said.
"Well, far as stallions go, I know a few you might like that are still single," Sweetie Belle said. "I'll help you find somepony, Scootaloo."
"No rush, but I do appreciate the thought," Scootaloo said. "Anyway, seems like you need a bit of help, I'll stick around until Rumble gets home."
"Thanks," Sweetie Belle said.
Later that day, back in Canterlot, the feast was fully prepared, Twilight happily sharing the excitement alongside Tender Taps as the two welcomed the Duke and Duchess of Maretonia.
Shining Armor, Cadance and Flurry were also present, the latter seen sitting near Luster Dawn.
"What a marvelous banquet you've prepared for us, Princess Twilight," The Duchess said. "You really went all out."
"All credit goes to my chefs, especially my head chef Sugar Belle and best cook Rumble," Twilight said.
"It was nothing really," Rumble said.
"Rumble, I have heard of you," the Duke said. "Former Wonderbolt and now prized cook. You are multitalented my boy."
"Thank you sir," Rumble said.
"We shall enjoy this fine feast," The Duke said. "In time, Princess Twilight, we shall go more into detail about our other business, but I think we'll be happy to help you endorse the social events for your School of Friendship, alongside the School of Magic."
"Oh, that's great, thank you sir!" Twilight said.
"Well, I'm hungry, so let us dig in," The Duchess said.
Rumble felt flattered knowing that Royalty enjoyed his food, and Sugar Belle was relieved to had led yet another successful feast, and was very grateful to Rumble for his service.
Twilight and Tender Taps sat together with their children, enjoying the feast as well, alongside her family.
Later in the day as Twilight, Shining Armor, Cadance and The Royalty of Maretonia were discussing their royal business, Rumble was getting ready to leave.
"I should get back home, my wife probably misses me," Rumble said.
"You worked hard today Rumble, take the day off tomorrow, you earned it," Sugar Belle said.
"Thanks, I appreciate that," Rumble said. "But if things get bad, you know where to find me."
"I think I can handle it," Sugar Belle said. "Anyway I should head back home myself, I have my own family to tend to after all."
"You go and do that, I have a wife to wait for," Tender Taps said.
"Alright," Rumble looked around. "By the way, where did Flurry and Luster go off to?"
On the roof of the castle, the two fillies looked to the distance.
"If you squint your eyes, I bet you can see my castle," Flurry Heart said.
"No way, it's way too far," Luster Dawn said.
"Come on, give it a go," Flurry said.
Luster Dawn did as told, finding absolutely nothing in the distance, "I don't see anything, are you messing with me?"
"Come on, use those pretty eyes of yours," Flurry said.
Luster still could not see anything, the mare giving up, "I swear you're making this up."
"It worked for me the other day," Flurry said. "But to each their own."
"You're so full of it," Luster Dawn said. "Still, gotta say, it's always nice to spend time with you."
"Yeah, I enjoy it too, you're a great mare Dawn," Flurry said. "Sometimes, I just want to live here, so we can see each other more."
"You shouldn't, you're a princess, it's important for you to stay at The Crystal Empire," Luster Dawn said.
"I know, but it sucks sometimes," Flurry said. "I just...want to do more, you understand that, don't you?"
"Yeah, to an extent," Luster Dawn said, then looked down. "Hey I see Rumble."
Flurry looked down, smiling at the stallion she cared deeply about, "The first pony I fell in love with. He's a great guy, and an even greater father and husband."
"He is handsome," Luster Dawn said. "Great cook too, that's an ideal life partner, someone who can cook."
"Certainly benefits Sweetie Belle, she sucks at cooking," Flurry said. "Well anyway, let's just enjoy the rest of this sunset, for however long it lasts, when the sun goes down, that's when I go home."
"I will see you again, really soon though," Luster Dawn said, nuzzling Flurry.
"Yeah, I know," Flurry said, nuzzling Luster Dawn back.
Moments later, Luster Dawn realized something, "Wait, doesn't Princess Twilight set the sun? How is she doing that if she's busy-"
"Just be quiet and enjoy the view," Flurry said.
When Flurry eventually went home, Luster Dawn did too, Twilight noticing how sad her new apprentice was. Her long-distance relationship with Flurry did have benefits, but also heartache.
Twilight would have to do something, especially for her niece and her top student, who was admittingly a bit stubborn about Friendship. In time Twilight would figure something out, after all, she is the Princess of Friendship.
This is gonna be a short story, and the last one in this continuity. This is also my only time using OC characters, normally I don't use them and I apologize if they're boring, but I do want to show these characters as parents, so I will be working out of my comfort zone.
