Eight months had come and gone since the defeat of Grogar, since the reformation of the other villains, since Rumble proposed to Sweetie Belle, since Tender Taps proposed to Twilight, and since Cozy Glow revealed her pregnancy.
Despite all this time passing, only one of the two couples set a proper date for their wedding, Twilight and Tender Taps would be married in about four months, their spot reserved at The Crystal Empire
Wanting to check on the area and make preparations, Twilight decided to take a trip down to The Crystal Empire alongside Tender Taps, which meant another chance to Tender Taps to meet up with Shining Armor.
Despite all the time that's passed, Shining Armor had not really fully warmed up to Tender Taps, and while he's not against their wedding, he still isn't too fond of the pony that's engaged to his sister.
The two weren't going alone however, they were joined by Rumble, Sweetie Belle and a now much more pregnant Cozy Glow. Those three were traveling just to hang out with Flurry Heart, the Princess requesting their arrival.
"Are you really alright to travel Cozy Glow?" Tender Taps asked, turning his attention to the filly.
"Of course, I can walk, I can even fly a little," Cozy Glow said. "Besides I miss Flurry Heart and I want to see her again."
"We'll keep an eye on her to make sure she doesn't over exert herself," Sweetie Belle said.
"She's in good hooves, so you can worry more about staying on Shining Armor's good side," Rumble said.
"I'm hoping that won't be too hard," Tender Taps said.
"You'll be fine, my brother probably likes you deep down," Twilight reassured.
"That's great and all Twilight, but I'd rather he like me as much on the outside rather than just deep down," Tender Taps said.
"You're worrying too much anyway, I mean we're still getting married regardless of my brother's opinion of you," Twilight said.
"But you and your brother are really close, I'd hate for your relationship to get strained because I was around," Tender Taps said.
"I know from experience how important it is to have a good relationship with the family of the ponies you're dating Twilight," Rumble said. "So it's understandable that Tender Taps is worried and just wants to truly be worthy in your brother's eyes of being your husband."
"Hey Rumble, do all of Sweetie Belle's relatives like you?" Tender Taps asked.
"Well Rarity does at least, and I think her mom does, but I rarely talk to her dad," Rumble said. "But I think he's grown to like me too, doesn't he Sweetie Belle?"
"Eh," Sweetie Belle did not seem confident.
"Uh, Sweetie Belle, what kind of response was that?" Rumble nervously asked.
"I mean, my dad really hasn't fully warmed up to you yet so..." Sweetie Belle said.
"Huh!? Hasn't warmed up!? Sweetie Belle, we've been engaged for eight months! Why am I finding out about this now!?" Rumble asked.
"I mean does it matter? Not like you see my parents that often," Sweetie Belle said.
"But I really don't want your dad to dislike me, he has to give you away at the wedding, what if he decides he doesn't want to do that?" Rumble asked.
"Don't be silly, he wouldn't not do it, mom would never forgive him," Sweetie Belle said.
"Alright that sounds more like he's obligated to rather than he really wants to," Rumble said. "Sweetie Belle, I don't want your dad disliking me!"
"He'll start liking you soon Rumble, he just needs to get over the fact that you broke up with me, dated a bunch of fillies and then decided to get back together with me after years of me feelings dejected," Sweetie Belle said.
Rumble's eyes widened in terror, "Aw, of course he doesn't like me, not after everything I did! Crap, I never thought about the consequences this would have when it came to your parents."
"Rumble if I moved on, I think my dad will too, especially one he sees just how happy we are together," Sweetie Belle said. "Besides it could be worse, at least I never told him that you were the one who got Cozy Glow pregnant."
That didn't alleviate Rumble's worries, if anything now that's another thing he has to be afraid of, how Hondo Flanks will react once he finds out that his soon to be son-in-law got another filly pregnant.
"Cozy Glow, have you met Sweetie Belle's parents?" Tender Taps asked.
"A few times, and the first meeting was really strange," Cozy Glow said.
Flashback to a few weeks after the engagement of Rumble and Sweetie Belle. The bride to be's parents had come over to celebrate their youngest daughter's engagement.
"My little filly, getting married!" Cookie Crumbles said, wiping a tear from her eye. "Oh how you've grown up so fast Sweetie Belle."
"A little too fast, seems a bit too soon for you to get married, I mean you're still only nineteen," Hondo Flanks said.
"I've made my choice, I'm marrying the colt that I love and we're going to be together forever," Sweetie Belle said.
"And I promise to take good care of your daughter Mr. and Mrs., uh, Sweetie Belle's parents," Rumble said.
"I'm still surprised you two got back together, but I'm happy as well, maybe you two just needed a break to realize just how much you love each other," Cookie Crumbles said.
"A long break," Hondo Flanks added.
"But regardless, I am happy for the two of you, and I am trusting you to be a good husband to our little filly Rumble," Cookie Crumbles said.
"Mom, I'm not a little filly, I'm an adult mare," Sweetie Belle said. "Remember, I could soon be carrying Rumble's baby."
"Oh, then we'd be grandparents," Cookie Crumbles said.
"Yeah, exactly," a somewhat concerned Hondo Flanks said. "Er tell me Rumble, what are your career plans?"
"To be a Wonderbolt," Rumble said. "I've been training my whole life for it."
"Oh, I see," Cookie Crumbles said. "You are a talented flyer, and our Rarity is best friends with a Wonderbolt, so I believe that your future might be safe."
"Right, well I wish you luck young stallion, just make sure you know what you're getting yourself into," Hondo Flanks said.
"I will sir," Rumble said.
"Rumble! Sweetie Belle!" Came Cozy Glow's voice as she entered the room. "I'm hungry, what are we gonna...huh?"
Cookie Crumbles was the first to comment on Cozy Glow's arrival, "Oh, looks like we have a new friend."
"She looks familiar," Hondo Flanks pointed out.
"Uh, hi, I'm Cozy Glow," the filly nervously introduced.
"Cozy Glow?" Hondo Flanks remembered. "Wait a minute, didn't I see you somewhere in Canterlot?"
"Uh...who's to say?" Cozy Glow replied.
"She looks like that filly in the garden, the stone statue with that Tirek fellow and the Changeling Queen," Cookie Crumbles said.
"Even the same name," Hondo Flanks said.
Rumble turned to Sweetie Belle, whispering to her ear, "Should we do something before your parents freak out?"
Sweetie Belle was quick to action, making her way to her nervous friend, "Uh, so let me explain. Yes, this is the girl who was a statue in the garden, yes she may or may not have done some not so nice things, but she's also my friend and she's living here with me and Rumble."
"Wait, isn't she the filly who tried to take over the School of Friendship though? Then later all of Equestria?" Cookie Crumles asked.
"She also saved Equestria, so she's good!" Sweetie Belle reassured. "Plus she has no where else to go so I want her to live here with me and Rumble."
"Yes but..." Hondo Flanks didn't seem to sure. "Is that really a good idea?"
"I wouldn't let her live here if it wasn't," Sweetie Belle said.
"Cozy Glow is a really nice filly, I can vouch for her myself," Rumble said.
"If I recall, she's also the one you broke up with our daughter for," Hondo Flanks pointed out.
"Uh...that's a bit of an exaggeration, more like circumstances brought us together," Rumble insisted.
"And remember dad, I've moved past that, so you can to," Sweetie Belle said. "Listen, I know maybe it's weird to trust Cozy Glow, but my sister was able to trust and forgive Starlight Glimmer and Discord, so I think we can trust Cozy Glow."
"I would never do something that would hurt your daughter," Cozy Glow said, hugging Sweetie Belle. "She's my best friend and I love her."
"Hmm, maybe we should give this a chance, I mean if she's living here, then it must be alright with Rarity as well, and she's a great judge of character," Cookie Crumbles said.
"Eh, I guess so," Hondo Flanks said. "It's still gonna take some getting used to."
"She won't let you down," Sweetie Belle said, placing her foreleg around Cozy Glow. "I promise."
In the present again, Cozy Glow was now seen nuzzling Sweetie Belle, "It was one of the nicer things you did for me too, and I thank you for that Sweetie Belle."
"It's no trouble," Sweetie Belle said, returning the nuzzle.
"Oh the irony, Hondo Flanks probably likes Cozy Glow more than me, and Cozy is one of the reasons he doesn't like me," Rumble said.
"Why don't you make time to talk with your soon to be father-in-law regarding this, make sure you both come to an understanding," Twilight said.
"That might work, I mean he seems like a reasonable guy, he did raise Sweetie Belle and Rarity, and they turned out to be great mares," Rumble said.
"That's so nice of you to say about daddy," Sweetie Belle said.
"With any luck, you might be calling him 'dad'," Tender Taps said. "Twilight's mother already wants me to call her 'mom', and I haven't even made it official."
"My mom is very upfront about her hopes, she's already expecting us to deliver her some grandfoals," Twilight said.
"My mom made a similar joke, she wants to know when Rumble and I are gonna try for kids," Sweetie Belle said.
"Are you gonna try for kids?" Cozy Glow asked.
"Eventually, I mean first we want you to have your baby and get that child settled in before Sweetie Belle and I start bringing foals into this world," Rumble said.
"I'd like a child soon, but at the moment I think it's best to wait," Twilight said. "So it's smart of you to wait as well Rumble."
"Wait, how are you going to explain Cozy Glow's foal to the in-laws?" Tender Taps asked.
"I was hoping we'd wait until after Sweetie Belle and I got married," Rumble said. "Shouldn't be too hard to keep a secret, not everypony knows about Cozy Glow being pregnant after all."
"Did Pickle and Barrel ever find out?" Tender Taps asked.
"They know I'm the baby's father, Pickle gives me a hard time about it, Barley thinks it's adorable that Cozy Glow is gonna be a mom and she offered to help anyway she could," Rumble said.
"Speaking of Pickle and Barley, has Spitfire ever gotten back to the three of you about another chance at The Wonderbolts?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"She's waiting to see if there's another opening," Rumble said. "If Pickle and I hadn't screwed up then we could have filled a gap that was open years ago, but now we're still waiting, what a mistake that was we made."
"Think of it as more of a learning experience," Twilight suggested. "Remember what happened, learn from your mistakes and move forward."
"Twilight's right, you still have a chance at The Wonderbolts, it's not a lost cause," Sweetie Belle reminded.
"Spitfire would have to be out of her mind to not want you in The Wonderbolts, you'll be fine," Cozy Glow insisted.
"I appreciate the confidence boost everyone," Rumble said. "I won't let you down."
The train finally arrived at the Empire, where Shining Armor was waiting alongside his wife Cadance and daughter Flurry Heart.
"Twiley!" Shining Armor went to greet his younger sister.
"Hi big brother," Twilight said, embracing the older sibling. "It's been a while."
"Well when you have to ponies ruling over two different empires, I guess it's hard to make personal time," Shining Armor said. "I hope you're not overworking yourself though, even Princess Celestia took breaks."
"You know me big brother, over working has always been a weakness of mine," Twilight said. "Plus I am still planning my wedding."
"Right, your wedding," Shining Armor said, sounding less than enthusiastic.
Twilight could of course tell Shining Armor had a change in tone, "You know, I really want you at my wedding, it would mean a lot to me. But I would also like it if you were a little bit enthusiastic about it, and not sound like it's going to be such a bother for you."
"R-right, sorry Twiley," Shining Armor said. "I'm still not fully used to this idea that you're getting married. It took me a while to get used to you being a Princess, and then the Ruler of Equestria. A lot of changes to get used to."
"I know how you feel, it took me a while to get used to you getting married myself," Twilight said. "Thankfully it was to Cadance, which made it easier."
"Thank goodness, it really cooled that temper you were developing," Shining Armor joked. "I could only imagine how you would react if it was somepony you didn't know."
"Be thankful you'll never have to find out," Twilight said, almost ominously. "But my point is that I do relate to your plight, not even just the marriage, I remember how I felt when Flurry was conceived, and later when she was born."
"We've both been through a lot," Shining Armor said.
"Change is, ironically, a consistent force in life, what matters in the end to me is that the one thing that won't change is that we're brother and sister, and that hopefully means that through everything, we'll always be by each other's side," Twilight said.
"Well of course, you're my little Twiley after all," Shining Armor said.
"And you're my Big Brother Best Friend Forever," Twilight said. "As my BBBFF, I want you to be at my wedding, and to fully accept who I have chosen to marry."
"Of course, and I know he's not a bad colt," Shining Armor said, turning to his sister's fiancé. "At the very least, you could have done worst."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Big Brother-in-Law Best Friend Forever," Tender Taps said.
"Never call me that," Shining Armor warned, startling Tender Taps
"Yeah, you got it," the colt nervously said.
Rumble chuckled to himself, "Times like this, I'm glad Rarity likes me."
"I feel the same about Thunderlane, though I was more worried about Flitter than your brother," Sweetie Belle said.
"Hey at least she's come to terms, and she's happy we're getting married," Rumble said. "She's oddly happy that Cozy Glow is having a baby too."
"Makes sense, she said she's ready and willing to foalsit," Cozy Glow said. "Really reassures me to have such good friends."
Shining Armor took note of the three, "I see you brought Rumble, Sweetie Belle and even Cozy Glow."
"They're here to see Flurry Heart, if you don't mind that is," Twilight said.
"Not at all, I know how much they value my daughter," Shining Armor said. "And she's been looking forward to seeing them as well."
"Alright, just point us in her direction and we'll be on our way," Rumble said.
"She should be in her room," Shining Armor said. "I'll get a guard to help you navigate around the castle."
"You know, I think this is the first time I've been in the castle," Cozy Glow said.
"It's pretty big, easy to get lost," Sweetie Belle said. "Having a guard will help though."
"Here comes one now," Shining Armor said. "Flash Sentry!"
"Yes sir!" Flash said, making his way over, before noticing Twilight, the stallion blushing at the sight. "Oh, hello there Princess."
"Hi Flash, some guests of mine want to see Flurry Heart, would you mind taking them?" Twilight asked.
"Of course, anything for you Princess," Flash said. "Alright, whoever is coming with me to see Princess Flurry Heart, step forward."
"That'd be us," Rumble said, stepping forward with Sweetie Belle and Cozy Glow, the latter making this guard a bit uncomfortable by her presence alone.
"Oh, I didn't expect to see you here," Flash said, almost bitterly.
"What? Still mad that I tricked you and escaped Tartarus from right under your nose years back?" Cozy Glow taunted.
"Cozy..." Rumble scolded, then turned back to Flash. "I'm hoping that's all water under the bridge by this point, I mean it has been years and all the villains have made amends, at least for the most part."
"Yeah, it's all in the past," Flash bitterly stated, still feeling some sense of resentment toward the filly.
"I have forgiven Cozy Glow and the other villains for their actions, I trust that you can do the same," Twilight said.
"Sure, for you Princess," Flash said, bowing to her. "I trust your wisdom after all, one matched only by your beauty."
Twilight giggled a bit, a blush forming on her face, "Oh Flash, I do appreciate your flattery, but I am engaged."
"To me," Tender Taps hastly pointed out.
"Yes, but maybe you can focus this energy on another mare, you have a sweet nature to you and I think you'd make a nice mate for another lucky pony," Twilight said.
"Yes, of course Princess," Flash said, then turned his attention to the three ponies joining him. "This way please."
"See you later," Tender Taps said as Flash led them off. Though as he did, he shot a dirty glance at the tap dancing pony, weirding him out. "Uh...I get the feeling that guy probably doesn't like me much."
"Yeah, since finding out that Twiley was engaged, he's been feeling quite bitter," Shining Armor said. "Shame too, he does seem to catch the eyes of a lot of mares but he really had his on my sister."
"Flash will bounce back, now where's Cadance?" Twilight asked.
"She should be somewhere at the side with Sonata," Shining Armor said. "Still find it strange that she and her friends live here now."
"Well Sonata does care a lot about Cozy Glow and wants to be close to her," Twilight said.
"Plus it's not like they really had anywhere else to go, Chrysalis is living with the Changelings and Tirek went back to the Nether Lands, the Sirens didn't have much of a home before," Tender Taps said.
"Well at least they've been on their best behavior," Shining Armor said. "Makes it a little easier leaving this Kingdom in their hooves, and other anatomies, while I take over Canterlot castle during your honeymoon."
"I truly do believe they want to change for the better, and I'm happy they're giving it their best effort," Twilight said.
"I guess they just needed a little Friendship," Tender Taps said.
"Exactly," Twilight said. "Alright, now I believe we have a Princess to meet up with, let's move along."
Shining Armor led Twilight and Tender Taps in the direction of his wife Cadance, where the Princess was indeed expecting the company of her friends.
Back in Ponyville, Scootaloo was seen riding through the park on her scooter, amping up the speed like she normally does, and leaping off whatever looked like a ramp, performing mid-air stunt.
"Alright!" Scootaloo said, landing after getting a decent amount of air off a jump. "Nothing like some cool stunts to make a girl feel like she's actually flying."
"Nice work there Scoots!" Came Dinky's voice. Scootaloo turned to see the girl sitting with Apple Bloom on a park bench.
"Hey Dinky, her Apple Bloom," Scootaloo said. "Looks like you two are on another date."
"Is it really a date when we're just hanging out with each other?" Dinky asked.
"Theoretically, yeah, ah mean, we are spending time together like any couple would," Apple Bloom said. "Dates don't always have to be somewhere fancy."
"I guess," Dinky said. "Alright, I guess this is a date then."
"You two have been going out together for what, eight months?" Scootaloo said. "How close are you to tying the knot?"
"Does it matter? I mean we're still together regardless," Dinky said.
"She's right, we're in no rush, not like weddings are cheap," Apple Bloom pointed out.
"Yeah good point, why get married anyway? Just promise to be together, it's that simple," Scootaloo said.
"Some ponies just like the ceremony, to celebrate their love," Dinky said. "I wouldn't mind getting married to Apple Bloom though."
"Same here, one day, just not anytime soon," Apple Bloom said.
"Well consider yourself lucky you have somepony," Scootaloo said. "I'm the only founding member of the Crusaders that isn't in that kind of relationship. You have Dinky, Sweetie Belle has Rumble, even Babs got together with Button Mash."
"I still can't believe that happened," Dinky said. "Figured Babs was way too cool for a guy like Button Mash."
"Well she told me he was so geeky that it made him attractive, and he has bee insanely loyal to her so it worked out," Apple Bloom said.
"Think they've had sex?" Dinky asked.
"How should ah know!?" Apple Bloom replied, a huge blush on her face. "Babs's personal life ain't mah business."
"Well anyway Scootaloo, don't worry too much about being single, you got plenty of time," Dinky said. "I mean it took Twilight forever to find somepony, in fact Applejack's still single, and so is Rainbow Dash."
"Yeah, if Rainbow Dash is fine with it, you can be too," Apple Bloom said.
"I guess, and Rainbow Dash is pretty happy, but it would be nice to have somepony," Scootaloo said.
"Wait, what about Pickle Barrel?" Dinky asked. "Don't you like him?"
"I do but he's super focused on being a Wonderbolt, plus I'm worried that the only reason he would date me is to make it into a competition with Rumble," Scootaloo said. "What better way to get to Rumble than to date his old crush."
"Yeah that would be pretty scummy," Dinky said. "Probably should hold off on dating him until he straigtens out his own crap."
"Until then, you at least still got friends like us to keep you company," Apple Bloom said.
"Oh yeah totally, we'd never ditch you," Dinky said.
"Hey it's worked the last several months, I'm fine with being single, at the very least I got to date Rumble for some time, better than nothing," Scootaloo said.
"That's something all three of us have in common, we all dated Rumble at one point," Dinky said. "I mean for me it was casual make-out sessions though, not sure about you two."
"Ah made out with him once, he was really good at it," Apple Bloom said, blushing at the memory.
"I did a lot of things with Rumble," Scootaloo said, blushing even more than Apple Bloom. "Sweetie Belle is one lucky mare."
"Cozy Glow was too," Dinky said. "I bet Rumble's a master in bed by now."
"Is that the real reason you want him to father our baby?" Apple Bloom joked.
"I mean, it's a nice bonus, but we're gonna need a donor and I trust Rumble a bit more than I trust other colts," Dinky said. "Except maybe Tender Taps, but I don't know how good he'd be, I mean what's his experience?"
"Can't say, ah think he and Sweetie Belle got intimate, she don't talk about it much," Apple Bloom said.
"Think he's done it with Twilight by now?" Scootaloo asked. "They are engaged after all."
"Oh yeah, very likely," Dinky said. "Lucky guy, he gets to do it with a Princess."
"One who may not be as willing to share, maybe we are better with Rumble," Apple Bloom said.
"Well you two can figure that out, I'm gonna keep on scooting," Scootaloo said, standing back on her ride. "Peace out."
Scootaloo sped off, leaving the two fillies behind.
"I bet Scootaloo could be a Wonderbolt, even if she can't fly," Dinky said. "Have a non-flying division. Lightning Dust was willing to take her in, I don't see why Spitfire can't."
"Maybe we can run this by Rainbow Dash next time we see her and she can run it by Spitfire," Apple Bloom said.
"Or maybe she can even form her own group, that'd be neat," Dinky said.
"Yeah, it would," Apple Bloom said.
As Scootaloo continued to ride, she noticed another pair of ponies her age on a date, those being Diamond Tiara and Chip Cutter, a colt she whom she and her friends helped earn his Cutie Mark.
"Diamond Tiara actually has a date huh? Didn't think she would settle down," Scootaloo said. "Guess that's one more in our grade that's gotten somepony. Maybe I shouldn't have let Rumble go." Scootaloo shook her head, "No, it wouldn't have worked out anyway, he and Sweetie Belle belong together. I think I can wait a bit longer though."
Diamond took notice of Scootaloo from the corner of her eye, "Hi Scootaloo!"
"Hi Diamond! Hi Chip!" Scootaloo said.
"Hey Scootaloo, doing your scooter racing?" Chip asked.
"Just stretching my wings," Scootaloo said. "So are you two on a date?"
"Oh yeah, Chippy here and I hit it off a week ago and we've been together ever since," Diamond Tiara said.
"She's really nice, she likes my sculptures and my other pieces of art work," Chip said.
"I do like a colt with talent," Diamond said, stroking under Chip's chin. "And your cute looks help too."
"Good for you two, it's great having somepony to date," Scootaloo said. "I just passed by Dinky and Apple Bloom, they were on a date as well."
"Yes, Apple Bloom, such a sweet filly," Diamond Tiara said. "Dinky...well she's not too bad to be around."
"Yeah, Dinky never fully trusted you again, did she?" Scootaloo said.
"At least she doesn't give me dirty glares," Diamond Tiara said.
"We do need to fix that still, seems like something Twilight would want resolved," Scootaloo said.
"Maybe a double date could help?" Chip suggested.
"Or a triple date," Diamond Tiara said. "We can ask Rumble and Sweetie Belle to come."
"Or Scootaloo and her mate," Chip said.
"Uh, I'm single Chip," Scootaloo said.
"Oh, really?" Chip said. "Weird, you're one of the most sought after fillies, I figured you'd have a coltfriend."
"The other cotls are nice but they're not my type," Scootaloo said. "I do like Pickle, he's the only colt other than Rumble who caught my eye, but he's too focused on his Wonderbolts career, and his determination to dethrone Rumble as the prodigy."
Diamond Tiara scoffed a bit, "Pickle? Dethrone Rumble? Those Barrel Twins are talented but they're not quite Rumble's level."
"Well they are close rivals to his speed, they were the only other flyers who impressed Spitfire recently," Scootaloo said.
"Yes, I did hear of the race to decide if they would get in, and how Rumble and Pickle ended up crashing through the ceiling of a theater," Diamond Tiara said.
"Heh, I remember hearing about that as well," Scootaloo said. "It's cool that Rumble has a rival though, they can help each other get better."
"If they can not get carried away with their flying," Chip said.
"I just hope Rumble gets into The Wonderbolts eventually, he deserves it," Diamond said.
"Yeah, he totally does," Scootaloo said. "He, Pickle and Barley."
"Well, Chippy here and I should get back to our date, we're discussing our future," Diamond said. "Never too early to plan ahead after all."
"Depends how far ahead," Scootaloo said. "I mean, you two just started dating, maybe you should focus on right now before you worry about your future."
"Don't worry Scootaloo, I know what I'm doing," Diamond Tiara said. "Mom said she did the same thing with daddy."
"No offense, but isn't your mom the reason you were kid of bratty at one point?" Scootaloo reminded.
Diamond remembered those days, "Oh yeah, it took me a while to really trust her again. She's gotten slightly better but she's still pretty snobby."
"I'm also worried she doesn't like me," Chip said. "She keeps giving me that look."
"Don't mind her, not like she can keep us apart, if one person can take my mother on in a battle of will it's me," Diamond Tiara said.
"What about your dad?" Chip asked. "What if he sides with her?"
"I'm nearly twenty years old, I can date whom I choose," Diamond Tiara said. "You leave my parents to me Chippy."
"Alright well I'll be off then, good luck you two," Scootaloo said and sped off. "Hope those two last, I can see bright things for them as a couple."
Back in The Crystal Empire, Rumble, Sweetie Belle and Cozy Glow had settled nicely in Flurry's room, the filly having formed a tea party for her friends.
"So nice being together again," Flurry said. "It gets lonely here sometimes, I don't play with many foals."
"You haven't made any friends?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"No, I mean sometimes Pinkie Pie brings the Cake Twins but most ponies get too shy around me since I'm a Princess," Flurry said.
"Yeah, being a Princess is tough isn't it?" Cozy Glow said. "I remember when I was a Princess, so much work."
"You mean when you used Grogar's Bell to become an Alicorn?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"Yes, exactly, glad you remembered," Cozy Glow said.
Of course both Rumble and Sweetie Belle knew that this was not the most honorable time in the filly's past but they let her be, no harm in fondly reminiscing, at least they hope.
"Well we're sorry to hear you've been lonely Flurry," Rumble said.
"It's fine, at least I have my mommy and daddy, and Mr. Sunburst," Flurry said. "Plus maybe one day I can go to Ponyville and go to the School of Friendship, that way I can try to make more friends."
"I'd love it if you came to Ponyville, it'd give me somepony to talk to," Cozy Glow said. "I spend a lot of time at home since some ponies still don't fully trust me, plus I'm pregnant so I can't do much anyway."
"That'd be great!" Flurry said. "Then we can be even better friends."
"Would your parents be alright with you coming to Ponyville?" Rumble asked.
"Well daddy doesn't seem to like the idea," Flurry said. "Mommy said she would think about it though."
"It'd be great if you were in Ponyville, of all the ponies I consider my closest friends, you're the only one that's not in Ponyville, aside maybe from the Barrel Twins," Rumble said.
"Would you call them our friends? Let alone close friends?" Sweetie Belle asked. "I mean Barley's nice but Pickle is trying to out do you."
"Yeah that's true, but I respect his competitive nature," Rumble said. "He just needs to channel it better, but I do like having somepony to try and be better than, gives me a goal."
"He'll never be better than you Rumble," Flurry said. "You're the most amazing pony, and you're really brave too, especially when villains attack."
"I just do what I can," Rumble said, with a hint of boastfulness.
"Cozy Glow is lucky, and soon Sweetie Belle will be too, you know why?" Flurry asked.
"Because I used to date Cozy Glow and soon I'm gonna marry Sweetie Belle?" Rumble asked.
"Yeah, that and Cozy Glow is having your baby, and soon Sweetie Belle will get to have your babies too," Flurry said. "I wish I could have your babies, being a mommy would be extra special if you were the baby's daddy."
"Aw, that's sweet but you don't need me to have that special feeling," Rumble said. "One day when you get older, you can have a baby with whoever you fall in love with and it will be just as special."
"What if I marry a girl though?" Flurry asked. "I don't think one mare can have a baby with another."
"Yeah, but..." Rumble grew curious. "Wait, how do you know that?"
"I know things Rumble, more than you would expect," Flurry said, seductively eyeing the colt.
Rumble looked a bit creeped out, wondering just what Flurry meant. Sweetie Belle looked a bit curious by Flurry's statement as well. Cozy Glow just grew nervous, knowing that Flurry has an idea of what sex is, since she saw two mares practicing some oral activity.
"Let's move on, shall we?" Sweetie Belle nervously stated, almost too nervous to stay on the subject.
"Sure thing," Flurry said. "Now, Rumble, Sweetie Belle, do you two know when exactly you're getting married?"
"Sadly, we still can't figure out a date," Rumble said. "Plus setting it up is a pain in the neck, between the decoration, the catering, sending out invitations."
"Well what do you have?" Flurry asked.
"Well, it's not set yet, but I do want to get married at Mount Aris," Sweetie Belle said. "I was at least able to talk to Silversteam about it, and she told me it's possible."
"I already asked Dinky to be my Best Mare," Rumble said. "The Crusaders are gonna be bridesmaids to Sweetie Belle."
"Cozy Glow too," Sweetie Belle confirmed. "I just wish we could have found something for Tender Taps."
"He can be the Flower Filly," Rumble joked, getting a playful glare from Sweetie Belle.
"Come on, you know that's not funny," Sweetie Belle said.
"It is a little," Rumble said. "But in all seriousness, we can find something for him. Though he has his own wedding to worry about right now."
"Can I be the Flower Filly?" Flurry asked.
"Oh, that's a great idea!" Sweetie Belle said. "I'd love to have you there Flurry Heart."
"Yay, how exciting!" Flurry said. "Auntie Twilight asked me to be her Flower Filly when she got married too, so at least by then I'll have some experience."
"Did Tappy pick a Best Mare?" Cozy Glow asked. "Or a Best Stallion?"
"Actually, he didn't," Rumble said. "He probably forgot or hasn't decided. But I think he'll pick me as The Best Stallion."
"Right after you called him the Flower Filly?" Sweetie Belle teased.
"Hey he doesn't have to know I said that, besides I'm only kidding," Rumble said.
"I wonder if I'll ever get married?" Cozy Glow wondered. "Would I even be able to?"
"Of course, you just have to find the right pony," Sweetie Belle said. "Me and Rumble are more than willing to help you look, is there somepony you've been crushing on?"
"A few, I thought about Aloe once, but she said she doesn't date clients," Cozy Glow said. "Barley's cute but I don't think we would last."
"Leaning towards mares?" Rumble asked.
"Yeah, none of the other colts are cute enough," Cozy Glow said. "Though...I did think Sandbar was kind of cute, but I don't think he even likes me."
"Hey there's no harm in trying," Sweetie Belle said. "I think Sandbar and his friends have forgiven you by now, it's been eight months."
"They barely talk to me, I think there's some hidden resentment," Cozy Glow said. "Face it, ponies are only nice to me because I live with you, Rumble and Rarity."
"Oh come on now, ponies like you," Sweetie Belle said.
"Aside from you, Rumble, Flurry, Rarity and Flitter, who really likes having me around?" Cozy asked. "I don't even know if Thunderlane likes me."
"He does, don't worry about him," Rumble said. "It takes time Cozy, it took Starlight time to gain trust."
"Ponies still don't trust Discord," Sweetie Belle said.
"Discord, wonder what he thinks of me, Chrissie, Tirek and The Dazzlings being free?" Cozy wondered.
"We haven't seen him much, he usually only talks to Fluttershy," Rumble said. "Speaking of Fluttershy, still surprised that she's dating a Wonderbolt, wonder how that came about?"
"Rainbow Dash probably introduced them," Sweetie Belle said.
"How long have they been dating?" Flurry asked.
"About four-five months, but it wasn't made public until like last week," Rumble said. "I should have picked up on it, Fluttershy did come to the Wonderbolts Academy a lot but I thought it was to see Rainbow Dash."
"She really kept it a secret for a good long time," Sweetie Belle said. "But it is her personal life, so we can hardly blame her. I imagine she's going to be the envy of a lot of mares."
"I can relate," Sweetie Belle lightly boasted.
"So can Tender Taps, so many ponies were jealous because of his engagement to Twilight," Rumble said.
"It still hasn't really gone down much, but I think Tender Taps is used to the sass he gets," Sweetie Belle said.
"He's probably more happy that he's gonna marry Twilight than upset about the nonsense he endures from the other ponies," Rumble said.
"In time I think ponies will get used to it and things will go back to normal," Sweetie Belle said.
"How long do you think it'll be before they have babies?" Flurry asked.
"I'd give it a couple of years, Tender Taps probably isn't ready to be a parent," Rumble said.
"I wonder if the baby will be an Alicorn like me?" Flurry wondered.
"That's a good question, it might be, you never know," Rumble said.
"I'd love it if our baby was an alicorn," Sweetie Belle said. "I am a Unicorn and you are a Pegasus, it could work out."
"Sweetie Belle, we've been over this, I don't think it works like that," Rumble said.
"Hey nopony expected Flurry to be born an Alicorn," Sweetie Belle reminded.
"In all fairness, Cadance is an Alicorn, that might have helped," Rumble said.
"You know what Cadance was before she was an Alicorn?" Sweetie Belle asked. "A Pegasus, and Shining Armor is a Unicorn, thus, Flurry Heart as an Alicorn."
Rumble sighed in frustration, but he couldn't help but find this partially cute," Alright Sweetie Belle, we'll see in a few years when we start having foals."
"Your babies are gonna be beautiful," Cozy Glow said. "The perfect combination of a very pretty mare and a very handsome stallion."
"That's so nice of you to say Cozy, your baby's gonna be pretty too," Sweetie Belle said. "And we're going to take good care of it."
"Yeah, I know," Cozy Glow said, rubbing her belly. Suddenly she felt a bit sick, "Oooh, Flurry where's your bathroom?"
"Are you getting nauseous again?" Rumble asked.
Cozy Glow nodded, "A little, yeah."
"I'll take you," Flurry said, gesturing the filly to follow her.
"Thanks Flurry," Cozy said, following the young Princess.
Sweetie Belle pitied Cozy Glow, "She's been getting sick a lot lately."
"Well that happens with Pregnant mares," Rumble said. "It's gonna happen to you too when we start to have kids."
"Yeah I know," Sweetie Belle said. "And it's really gonna suck."
"It'll happen to Twilight, to Pinkie Pie, even to Fluttershy, if she and Soarin make it that far," Rumble said.
"I don't know why, but I can't imagine Fluttershy doing the deed," Sweetie Belle said.
"Hey she's dating Soarin, so she probably has," Rumble said.
"You really think so?" Sweetie Belle asked. "I just can't see it. If anything, I bet they're waiting."
Meanwhile in Fluttershy's cottage in Ponyville.
"Oh...oh my..." Fluttershy moaned in pleasure as her coltfriend Soarin rutted her from behind. The mare was laying face first on her bed, allowing the pony of her dreams access to her body.
"You feel amazing Fluttershy," Soarin said, thrusting from behind.
"Yes, I do feel amazing, because you're so good at this," Fluttershy said.
"Guess it's instinct, I've never done this with a mare before," Soarin said.
Fluttershy giggled a bit, "I never would have imagined you never had somepony in bed with you." Fluttershy happily gasped. "You're popular with girls, umf, and so handsome. I'm still surprised Rainbow Dash never got to you."
"She has thought about it, but she wasn't the one for me," Soarin said, pressing his body across her back. "You are, I liked you for years actually, to have you as my marefriend is a dream come true."
"I love you," Fluttershy said, leaning back to kiss Soarin.
"Love you too Fluttershy," Soarin said, still pleasuring his marefriend. "I promise, when I retire, I'll move in with you, we'll raise a family together."
"I'd like that," Fluttershy said, feeling strange. "I think I'm reaching my point."
"Me too, uh, do you want me to pull out?" Soarin asked.
"I...kind of want to feel it, if you don't mind," Fluttershy insisted.
"Good, I wanted to fill you up, but I wanted you to be ok with it first," Soarin said.
"Such a gentlecolt," Fluttershy said. "Go on."
Soarin continued to rut, going faster, not too fast to overwhelm her but fast enough that the two reached their climax together, the stallion falling off while Fluttershy panted in happiness.
"That was amazing..." she turned to her coltfriend, "Let's do it again sometime."
"You got it," Soarin said, giving her one final kiss before Fluttershy gave in to her exhaustion. Soarin wasn't sleepy, but he did want to lie next to Fluttershy a bit longer.
Back with Rumble, the colt had a weird look on his face, "Huh, for some reason I think something really sexy just happened."
"I can make something sexy happen for you right now?" Sweetie Belle said, leaning in.
"I'd like that, but maybe not here," Rumble said, getting up from his table. "Come on, let's find someplace private."
Downstairs Cadance is giving Twilight a tour of the grand hall, "The guests will sit on both sides of the room, we can have food and drinks in the other room, I'd say this is a perfect spot for your wedding."
"It looks perfect too," Twilight said, marveling at the sights. "Oh our wedding is so close, I can practically feel it!"
"I'm excited for you two," Cadance said. "I know Shining Armor is as well, even if he won't admit it."
"I can so admit it!" Shining Armor insisted, the stallion following not too far behind.
"I bet our other guest can," Cadance said, gesturing to Sonata Dusk.
"You bet, I'm really happy for you Twilight, you too Tender Taps," Sonata said.
"Thanks Sonata, I hope you'll attend my wedding," Twilight said.
"Gee, I'd be honored too," Sonata said. "My friends can come too right? Not just Adagio and Aria, but also Tirek and Chrysalis."
"Of course, I'd be happy to have you all attending," Twilight said.
"That's so kind of you to say," Sonata said. "I'd be more than happy to attend. Maybe I can even catch the bouquet."
"Just watch out for Rarity," Shining Armor joked.
"Oh come on, she wouldn't do that again," Twilight said.
"Oh, speaking of Rarity, is she still dating Rumble's older brother?" Cadance asked.
"I believe so, she hasn't said otherwise," Twilight said. "It'd be a shame if they broke up again after all."
"Maybe it's awkward for them to date since their little siblings are engage," Sonata said.
"Seems like a silly reason not to date somepony," Tender Taps said. "Of course I don't have an older sibling that's dating one of Twilight's siblings."
"Do you have siblings at all?" Shining Armor asked. "I mean, I think I heard once that Starlight was acting as your older sister."
"Actually she hasn't done that much lately," Tender Taps said. "I mean we still have a great friendship but nothing sibling like. Guess once I grew up, she no longer felt the need to be my big sister."
"Maybe you can ask her directly, she's actually in town with Sunburst," Cadance said.
"Good idea, let's go see her," Twilight said.
Upstairs Cozy Glow and Flurry had come back to the room, finding that Rumble and Sweetie Belle had left.
"Where'd they go?" Cozy Glow wondered.
"I dunno," Flurry said. "Maybe they went to look for us? Or maybe they went exploring?"
Cozy Glow tried thinking of some ideas, one such idea was not an ideally pleasant one. "I think I know what they're doing, and if that's what they're doing, it's pretty tasteless to do it here, but they are really excited for each other."
"Huh? What are you talking about?" Flurry asked. "Oh, are they doing that thing I saw Sugar Belle and Night Glider do?"
"Probably, it's their favorite thing to do," Cozy Glow said, feeling some pain in her stomach. "This baby's really getting big, I'm glad my body's not as small as it once was." She went to lay down on a bed. "But sometimes I wonder if it's even big enough."
Flurry laid beside her, rubbing Cozy Glow's belly, "It's still amazing how babies are made, I thought it was just pure love that made a baby grow."
"Well love is required, or it should be required," Cozy Glow said. "Rumble really did love me when we made this baby, but he loved Sweetie Belle more in the end, so now I have a baby and no husband. Which I shouldn't complain because Rumble is at least taking care of me with Sweetie Belle, and they do try to make me feel included in their family sometimes." Cozy blushed a bit, "Not to mention that Sweetie Belle and I have gotten a lot closer as of late."
"Like best friends?" Flurry asked.
"Yeah, maybe more," Cozy Glow said. "I actually started to get a crush on Sweetie Belle, she's so pretty and really thoughtful. I like Rumble too, but Sweetie Belle's just as perfect for me. Which makes it harder because now the two ponies I like the most are taken, and with each other on top of that."
"Is it hard for you to accept that? Flurry asked.
"Yeah, but I have to," Cozy said. "Like, as much as I want to be with Rumble, I have to accept that he's with Sweetie Belle. Of course I'd love to be with them both but it really isn't normal to have three ponies in a relationship."
"That's a shame, I mean if more than one pony loves each other, shouldn't that be all that matters?" Flurry asked.
"I guess it's more special when it's two ponies, because you're suppose to give your undivided attention to the love of your life, if you have more than two ponies in a relationship, the attention becomes divided. Even I don't know if I'd be alright with that," Cozy Glow said. "When you fall in love Flurry, make sure it's with a pony you can give your undivided attention to."
"Well, that might be easy, I mean, I've already fallen in love, and I do want to give this pony all my attention," Flurry said.
"Who are you in love with?" Cozy Glow asked. "It's not Rumble is it?"
"No, but it's somepony Rumble knows," Flurry said, rubbing Cozy's belly some more. "Somepony who needs it a lot, and somepony I've come to appreciate. Oddly enough, it's a pony I've had a rough start with too, but it was so long ago, I don't remember much, so it's fine."
Cozy wasn't a fool, she knew exactly who Flurry was alluding to, "It's me, isn't it? You're in love with me?"
"Wow, you're really smart Cozy Glow," Flurry said, leaning in to kiss Cozy, taking the mare by surprise.
Cozy pulled back, staring in disbelief, "Flurry, how long have you felt this way?"
"A few months, probably starting with the first time I kissed you," Flurry said. "An innocent kiss led me to feel differently about you. How cute you are, how cute you talk, plus we both have something in common. We both loved Rumble, and we both have longed for a pony to love us the way he loves Sweetie Belle." Flurry leaned in close to Cozy, "Plus, you made me a promise, that we could do what Sugar Belle and Night Glider did. You said it's for ponies who love each other after all."
"Well, yeah but..." Cozy Glow wasn't sure what to say.
"I love you Cozy Glow, and I want to marry you," Flurry said. "I'll help you raise your baby, you deserve to have somepony who loves you take care of you, I know Rumble said he would but he can't love you the way I can. Come live with me and you'll get that love, Rumble can visit of course, and maybe help us if we want more babies, but I really want to be with you Cozy Glow."
"Flurry...I'm really flattered, but you're too young," Cozy Glow said.
"Come on, mentally speaking, we're basically the same age," Flurry said. "You might be growing into your adult body, but you're still a filly at heart. Meanwhile I'm mature for my age, so it balances out."
"I know what you're getting at, but right now, the age difference isn't that great," Cozy Glow said. "Plus think about this, how would your parents feel? They probably still don't trust me since I was a villain, and even if they did, they wouldn't let you date a pregnant mare. You're not ready to be a mom Flurry, I'm sorry but I have to turn you down."
Flurry pouted in annoyance, "But..."
"Maybe one day, but I can't say..." Cozy started to feel weird, "Flurry, are you using your magic?"
"Uh...maybe," Flurry said, her horn glowing.
"Knock it off, you really want me to fall in love with you through magic!?" Cozy Glow asked.
Flurry pouted in annoyance, "Sorry, I know it's wrong, but I just really like you. I want to be there for you Cozy, I..."
"Flurry," Cozy interrupted. "I'm not saying it can't happen, just maybe not right now." Cozy booped Flurry on the nose, "Of course, you are pretty cute, so I'll definitely consider it in a few years. I can't wait to see how pretty you get when you're older."
"Cozy..." Flurry leaned in. "Can't we, just for a bit?" Before letting Cozy answer, Flurry locked her into another kiss, this kiss containing much more passion than Flurry's given before. After a few seconds, she broke it off, blushing immensely. "That didn't happen to change your mind, did it?"
"Not totally," Cozy Glow said, then briefly returned the kiss. "But you do have my curiosity."
"I can't wait until we can really be together," Flurry said, leaning in a bit. "I love you, Cozy Glow."
"I love you too, Flurry Heart," Cozy Glow said. She was given one final kiss before Flurry parted from her, allowing the space needed to let this relationship grow.
"Guess now we just wait for Rumble, however long that takes," Flurry said.
Meanwhile Flash Sentry was seen patrolling the halls when he heard a strange noise coming from a closet, "What in the world?" He opened up to see Rumble and Sweetie Belle sexually engaging with one another, Rumble on his knees and thrusting into Sweetie Belle as she sat on his lap.
"Oh Rumble, you're so great, I love-" Sweetie Belle noticed Flash at the doorway. "Rumble?"
"Hm?" Rumble turned and saw Flash as well, the stallion blushing immensely. "Uh...I don't suppose you can not tell anyone."
Flash said nothing, he just slowly closed the door and walked off, still feeling incredibly awkward from what he had just seen.
"Probably should have locked the door," Sweetie Belle said.
"Yeah, good point," Rumble agreed.
At Sunburst's house, he and Starlight were happily catching up with Twilight and Tender Taps over some milk and cookies.
"I'm so glad you two have a date set," Starlight said. "I can't wait to see you both get married."
"You'll be there, won't you?" Tender Taps asked.
"Of course, I wouldn't miss it for the world," Starlight said, walking over to hug Tender Taps. "My favorite mare and my favorite colt, it's a dream wedding for sure."
"I wouldn't miss it either," Sunburst said. "Now, I understand you're still working on some plans."
"Yes, we're trying to make this day as great as possible," Twilight said.
"Yeah, who wouldn't want it to be?" Sunburst said. "Come with me, I'll map some stuff out for you."
"Ooh, so exciting!" Sonata said.
"Got that right, we don't need our powers to know it's going to be a truly magical occasion," Cadance said, eager to put in any input she could as well.
Wedding day for Twilight and Tender Taps drew near while Rumble and Sweetie Belle still had not picked a date. But the two still had each other, so they didn't care that much, but making it official would be nice.