Life in Allspark Wells

Part 23; Dance Class with Wheelie

Walking through the hallways of Iacon High, Apple Bloom let out a gentle sigh of relief as she opened her locker. The former farm girl let out a sigh of relief when she found her dance bag snuggled safely inside. "Phew. Thank Primus Ah remembered to bring this today." Apple Bloom whispered to herself. As she pulled the bag out of her locker, she continued, "Of course, Ah guess Uncle Ironhide could have easily brought it when he picks me up…."

Catching herself, Apple Bloom immediately interrupted herself with, "Oh man. Ah better get movin'!"

As she made her way through the school and towards the exit, the burgundy-haired girl found herself bracing herself for the upcoming dance class. 'After all, this ain't just a normal class this week.' Apple Bloom thought to herself. 'This week is "bring a friend" week, and Ah just hope that mah choice won't cause too much trouble.'

Once she'd passed through the school's main doors, Apple Bloom scanned the horizon to see if she could find her uncle's van. "Come on. It should be somewhere right about…." The former farm girl muttered to herself as her eyes darted from car to car. After a few moments, she noticed a familiar red van with gold stripes on the side pulling into the line for pickup, leading Apple Bloom to finish, "There!"

After a few minutes, the crimson van was close enough for Apple Bloom to safely approach. As she approached it, the former farm girl could not only make out the form of her uncle, but she also noticed what looked like a pair of binoculars at the end of a long, gooselike neck staring at her from the passenger's seat. Letting out a gentle chuckle, the young girl remarked, "Guess Wheelie's as excited about this as Ah am."

Opening the front seat door to the van, Apple Bloom was greeted by Ironhide asking, "Hey there kid. How was school?" Before the former farm girl could answer, Wheelie leapt from his seat to the back of his sister's seat and grasped the head rest as he asked, "You ready for that "bring a friend" week thing? Because I'm ready! I'm ready to learn to dance like you and Sideswipe!"

Catching herself as she sat down, Apple Bloom turned her head to the small robot as she said, "In a moment Wheelie. Let me get buckled in first." As she fastened her seat belt, the former farm girl turned to her uncle as she replied, "School was alright. Things haven't been super gossipy or anythin', just sort of the normal grind, you know?" Ironhide took this information in as he asked, That's good. How about Shockwave? You getting along with him?" Nodding, Apple Bloom replied, "Yup. He's about as good a teacher as Mr. Compost, just without all the bullshit." She then blushed as she apologized, "Forgive mah foul language." All Ironhide could do was chuckle as he reassured her, "Given what he did, I'd say you can use any language you want for him."

As Ironhide pulled the van away, Apple Bloom turned to Wheelie as she continued, "Now to answer your question. Yes, Ah'm excited." The small robot pumped his fists as he squealed, "Yes! This is gonna be so much fun!" While the former farm girl struggled to contain her laughter, Ironhide glared at Wheelie via the reverse mirror as he warned, "What did I say about getting out of your seat while we were moving?"

Wheelie nodded as he sat back down in the car seat and pulled the seatbelt over him. Once he was properly fastened, the small robot apologized, "Sorry Mr. Ironhide." The family patriarch reassured his passenger, "I'm just Ironhide kid. And I just want to make sure you're safe in the event something happens."

Turning to her uncle, Apple Bloom added, "Thanks for lettin' Wheelie tag along for this." Letting out a gentle chuckle, Ironhide replied, "Thank Wheeljack. He felt Wheelie has been behaving himself, and agreed to let you bring Wheelie for this "bring a friend" class."" He then paused for a moment before continuing, "Of course, I have my own reservations, but since Arcee was able to see him without fainting, I'm sure Hoofer Steps won't mind."

Hearing this, Apple Bloom thought to herself, 'Ah'm sure Miss Hoofer Steps won't mind Wheelie. Besides, given how adventurous he is, Ah'm surprised he didn't try sneakin' to class already.' After all, given that Wheelie had hidden himself in her messenger bag in the past, the former farm girl wouldn't put it past the small robot to try something similar.

Shaking her head, Apple Bloom continued, 'Don't worry about that stuff right now. Right now, just focus on class with Wheelie and everyone else.' With that, the former farm girl reached for her dance bag and held it tight, looking forward to making music with her friends.

Hoofer Steps Dance Studio, A Few Minutes Later

Stepping out of her uncle's van, Apple Bloom called out, "See ya later Uncle Ironhide! Love you!" As he closed the van door, the former sergeant replied with an enthusiastic, "Love you too!" Wheelie then exited the van as he said, "See you later Mr. Ironhide."

Once Ironhide had departed, Apple Bloom looked down to Wheelie as she said, "This is Miss Hoofer Steps's dance school. It's where Sideswipe, Pastel, Tender Taps, and Ah learn how to tap dance." The small robot tilted his head as he asked, "But I thought Tender Taps was the one who taught you how to dance?" Letting out a gentle chuckle, Apple Bloom replied, "Yeah, though he was more like a tutor over a teacher."

Picking up the small robot, Apple Bloom continued, "Come on. Let's get movin'. Don't want class to start without us, do we?" Nodding as he climbed into her dance bag, Wheelie pointed towards the studio as he exclaimed, "Forward into the fray!" The former farm girl could only laugh as she finished, "Come on little buddy."

Entering the studio, Apple Bloom and Wheelie were already greeted by the sight of several of her classmates standing around in a circle, as well as a few other people with them, some familiar and some not. The first person the former farm girl could make out was Tender Taps, the orange boy dressed in a purple button shirt over a black sleeveless shirt and black pants. Feeling her heart flutter, Apple Bloom called out, "Hey Tendy!"

Turning to face his girlfriend, the orange dancer replied, "Hey Apple Bloom!" Running up to her, Tender Taps pulled Apple Bloom into a tight hug, one which she embraced as she kissed his cheek. Loosening his grip, the young boy asked, "So, you bring anyone for this week?" The former farm girl nodded as she replied, "Yup. Ah brought Wheelie."

Popping his head out of his sister's dance bag, the small robot introduced himself, "Hi there. I'm Wheelie. We met about a month ago, remember?" As he extended his hand, Tender Taps remarked, "I remember. Good to see you again little guy." The orange dancer then added, "Sorry I couldn't bring anyone this time. You'd have been my first choice, but… You know…."

As Apple Bloom blushed, the two teens were interrupted by the sound of Pastel Goth asking, "Who's your little friend there? That one of Wheeljack's other robots?" Turning to face her friend, the former farm girl found the teenaged goth walking up to her, dressed in her standard look of a pink dress under a black leather jacket. Bending down to look the robot in the eyes, Pastel introduced herself, "Hello there. I'm Pastel Goth."

Apple Bloom set her dance bag down as she said, "This is where you get out, at least for now. Ah don't want to cause a commotion by bringin' you into the dressin' room." As Wheelie leapt out of his sister's dance bag, the former farm girl heard another voice call out, "Hey Apple Bloom!" Turning to see who it was, Apple Bloom was greeted by the sight of Double Shuffle, the blue girl was flanked by another kid with gray skin, green hair, and was wearing a button shirt, black pants with suspenders, and brown boots.

Smiling, Apple Bloom greeted, "Howdy there. You Double Shuffle's friend?" The gray kid nodded as they performed an elaborate bow and introduced themselves, "Greetings and bienvennue. I am Nightshade, and I go by they/them pronouns." Double Shuffle added a quick, "They're nonbinary." Taking this information in, the burgundy-haired girl simply smiled as she replied, "It's nice to meet you Nightshade. Ah'll try to remember that."

At that moment, the front door opened as Sideswipe, dressed in her usual attire of a black sleeveless shirt, a red denim vest and pants, and black biker boots, entered the building and proudly asked, "Hey everyone! How's everyone doing?" Letting out a gentle chuckle, Apple Bloom replied, "Pretty good, but you better keep it down. Don't want Ravage getting' on you for makin' a scene." The pale biker could only roll her eyes as she lamented, "Fine, be a party pooper. Whatever helps you sleep at night."

From behind Sideswipe, another familiar girl emerged, specifically a yellow girl with red hair and walking with a pair of crutches that could only be Dream Wave. Approaching her friends, the young artist greeted, "Hey Apple Bloom. Sideswipe told me about this and invited me." As she hobbled up to her friend, the former farm girl asked, "Good to see you, but you sure you up for this?" Dream Wave nodded as she reassured her friend, "Hey, it's supposed to be a "bring a friend" week, not "Make them dance week." I'll be fine."

Nodding, Apple Bloom then said, "Well then, Ah think we all better change." She then began to walk towards the dressing room as she continued, "Come on."

A Few Minutes Later

Emerging from the dressing room dressed in a maroon tank top and black pants, Apple Bloom held her tap shoes in her hands as she called out, "Wheelie? Where are you?" She received her answer when Wheelie replied, "I'm over here!" Turning to face the small robot, the former farm girl found her younger brother chatting with Nightshade and Pastel Goth, the former writing away on a notepad. The former was dressed the same as before while the latter had changed into a pink off the shoulder shirt and black pants.

Approaching them, Apple Bloom asked, "What's goin' on over here?" Turning to his sister, Wheelie explained, "Nightshade here was asking questions about me and what makes me tick." He then looked down in confusion as he added, "Whatever that means." The gray teen explained, "I wanted to know how your operating system works. Kinda like how a computer works."

At that moment, one of the studio doors opened, releasing a horde of younger girls. As they made their way towards the dressing room and their waiting parents, Apple Bloom remarked, "Looks like class is about to start. Come on Wheelie." The small robot popped the wheels out of his feet and began to follow his older sister into the studio.

Entering the wide-open room, Apple Bloom let out a sigh of relief as she said, "Alright. Time to make some noise." Sitting down against the wall, the former farm girl slipped off her boots and began to slip on her tap shoes. As she laced up her right shoe, Wheelie asked, "Hey Apple Bloom? What are those metal plates on your shoes?"

Before Apple Bloom could answer, Tender Taps's voice called out, "They're taps." The orange hoofer, having already put his own tap shoes on, removed his purple overshirt and shuffled up to his girlfriend and the small robot before explaining, "They're what we use to make noise against a hard surface like this wooden floor here." He then struck his toe against the wooden floor as he added, "It's part of why it's called tap dancing." Taking this in, Wheelie replied with, "Ooh. Guess I have an advantage since I have metal feet." Both Apple Bloom and Tender Taps found themselves laughing at the small robot's surprisingly clever response.

After a few minutes, the rest of the class had made their way into the studio. While the rest of the normal students had put on their tap shoes, Dream Wave and most of the other guests were simply wearing sneakers or other simple shoes. Only Nightshade had a pair of tap shoes, leading Apple Bloom to think, 'Huh. Guess Double Shuffle and Tender Taps let them borrow an old pair or somethin'.' Watching the blue dancer help Nightshade struggle to walk in their heeled shoes, the former farm girl couldn't help but continue, 'Well, if they ain't the cutest….'

Apple Bloom's train of thought was interrupted when she noticed Hoofer Steps enter the studio. The older woman had her hair up in a ballerina's bun and was wearing a dark lavender tee shirt, black pants, and black and silver tap shoes. Making her way to the center of the room, Hoofer Steps greeted, "Guten Tag everyvone. I'm glad to see zat several of you have brought some new friends for us all."

As everyone made a circle around Hoofer Steps, the teacher asked, "So, who vould like to introduce zemselves first?" After a few moments of awkward silence, Dream Wave stepped forward and introduced herself, "Well…. I'm Dream Wave, and I was invited here by Sideswipe." She then pointed to the crutches in her hand as she added, "Forgive me if I'm not super active here today."

Nodding, Hoofer Steps reassured the young artist, "Zat vill not be an issue. I sink ve all understand vhy you are not able to dance vith us zis time." The next to go was Nightshade, who introduced themselves with, "Hello everyone. I am Nightshade, and Double Shuffle invited me." They then added, "And if I may confess, I've never been in a dance class before."

After Nightshade finished introducing themselves, Wheelie stepped forward and introduced himself with an enthusiastic, "Hello everyone. I'm Wheelie. And Apple Bloom is my big sister!" As everyone took this in, Hoofer Steps remarked, "I must say, I didn't know your family vas so…. Diverse."

Shrugging, Apple Bloom replied, "Guess Ah do, right Sideswipe?" The pale biker could only roll her eyes as she replied, "You could say that."

Clapping her hands, Hoofer Steps began, "Alvight now. I vant everyvone to form two lines please." As everyone lined up (with Apple Bloom placing herself between Wheelie and Tender Taps), the blonde teacher began, "Now zen, ve shall begin vith…"

Several Minutes Later…

"And a Vone two three four…!" Hoofer Steps called out as the class began a simple combination. As everyone clicked and clacked against the wooden floor, Apple Bloom thought to herself, 'Shuffle hop step falap ball change. Remember to stay light on your feet.' Dancing across the floor, the former farm girl heard Hoofer Steps compliment her, "Good job zere Apple Bloom!" The young girl could only smile as she thought, 'Perfect.'

To her side, Apple Bloom heard Wheelie cry out, "Uh oh! Whoa!" Turning to see what was going on, the former farm girl found her younger brother lose his balance, face planting against the wooden floor. Darting over to the small robot, Apple Bloom called out, "Wheelie! You alright?"

Pushing himself back up to his feet, Wheelie replied, "I think I'm fine." He then added, "Although I don't think I'm as good at this tap dancing thing as you all are." He then tried to perform a simple shuffle ball change, only to quickly lose his balance, falling backwards before being caught by Apple Bloom. As she released her little brother, the former farm girl warned, "You just gotta stay light on your feet."

As everyone stopped to get some water, Tender Taps walked (or rather shuffled) his way to the two as he reassured the small robot, "You're doing a pretty good job first time!" Taking this in, Wheelie closed the lower half of his eyes as he asked, "Really? You think I'm pretty good?" The orange hoofer smiled as he replied, "Yeah. Just need to stay light on those flat feet of yours."

Apple Bloom then added, "Don't beat yourself up. Ah only started dancin' less than a year ago and look at me now!" She then stepped back and performed two triple time steps before striking a dramatic pose and remarking, "Behold." Tender Taps could only giggle, "No one likes a showoff." Letting out a chuckle of her own, Apple Bloom replied, "Ah learned from the best."

From the other end of the studio, Apple Bloom heard Nightshade remark, "Oh man. My feet are killing me." Turning her head, the former farm girl found them in a circle with Featherweight and Double Shuffle as they continued, "How do you two do this for an hour every week?" The young blue hoofer let out a confident chuckle as she replied, "Oh please. I do this for more than an hour every day."

Seeing the three kids hanging out and talking amongst themselves hit Apple Bloom with a sense of nostalgia. 'Huh.' The former farm girl thought to herself. 'Seein' them together kinda reminds me of Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Ah.' As she shook her head, Tender Taps asked, "Hey, everything alright?"

Turning to her boyfriend, Apple Bloom explained, "Ah guess seein' Double Shuffle an' her friends kinda reminds me of mah friends." She then scratched the back of her neck as she continued, "It's kinda like havin' déjà vu." Smiling, Tender Taps took his girlfriend's hand as he replied, "Sorry about that."

Blushing, Apple Bloom reassured him, "Don't worry. Besides…." Turning back to face Double Shuffle and her friends, the former farm girl found them all embracing in a group hug as they laughed. Smiling, Apple Bloom finished, "Guess she kinda reminds me of mahself, that's all."

The moment of reflection was interrupted by the sound of Hoofer Steps calling out, "Alvight everyvone. Ve are going to perform some across ze floor exercises." As everyone rose up and began to make their way to the near side of the studio, Wheelie asked, "What does "across the floor" mean?" Apple Bloom explained, "It means we're gonna be dancin' across the studio to the other side." Tender Taps then added, "It's a good way to test out some new combinations."

Sure enough, Hoofer Steps began, "Now zen, ve shall be turning in zis vone. Ve go flap heel flap heel before a maxi ford." The older woman then demonstrated the combination, turning with her arms outstretched before performing a maxi ford. Turning to face her students and guests, Hoofer Steps inquired, "Who vould like to go first?"

Both Apple Bloom and Tender Taps impulsively raised their hands, leading Hoofer Steps to remark, "Very vell. You two shall go first. Do ve have any ozer volunteers?" After a few moments, Pastel Goth raised her hand as she replied, "Why not? Turn this into a trio." As the gothic girl joined her friends, Apple Bloom remarked, "We've got this."

As the three teenagers took their places, Hoofer Steps called out, "Very vell. A vone. A two. A vone two three four!" Hearing the cue, Apple Bloom began to perform the combination. Striking her feet against the wooden floor, the former farm girl twirled as she danced across the floor, feeling free as her feet made intoxicating music.

Approaching the other end of the studio floor, Apple Bloom heard Hoofer Steps call out, "Vatch yourself Apple Bloom. You're missing some of your sounds." As she finished the combination for the last time, the former farm girl heard her teacher compliment, "All three of you did a vonderful job. I am very proud of you." As Tender Taps gave a polite bow, the former farm girl and Pastel Goth both gave curtsies as the latter said, "Thank you ma'am."

Turning to her other students, Hoofer Steps asked, "Who vould like to go next?" To everyone's surprise, three hands shot up in unison, each belonging, to Featherweight, Double Shuffle, and Nightshade. As the three kids made their way to the front of the group, the blue dancer said, "We wanna go together, if that's alright miss Hoofer Steps." The gray teacher nodded as she replied, "Very vell."

Once Hoofer Steps finished counting off, the three teenagers began to tap the combination across the floor. Apple Bloom focused on her younger sister as she thought, 'Looks like Double Shuffle's got it perfect as always.' Indeed, the blue dancer was shuffling across the floor, each step clear and precise. Turning her attention to Featherweight, Apple Bloom noticed that, while he was struggling a little bit to maintain his balance, the cream boy was still doing a very good job, making precise strikes against the wooden floor.

Finally focusing her attention on Nightshade, Apple Bloom was surprised by just how well they were doing, especially for an inexperienced tap dancer. 'AH mean, they seem to be having a bit of trouble makin' the right sounds.' The former farm girl thought to herself. 'But they seem to be doin' alright.'

As the three younger teens made their way to the end of the studio, Hoofer Steps called out, "Very good Double Shuffle und Feazerveight." When the two dancers curtsied and bowed respectively, she turned to Nightshade as she added, "Und you did a good job Nightshade. Maybe you should consider enrvolling in a class here." The young teen shrugged as they replied, "I'll keep your offer in mind."

Turning to her other students, Hoofer Steps called out, "Now, who vould like to go next?" To her and Apple Bloom's surprise, Wheelie raised his hand as he called out, "Me! Me! I wanna go!" Letting out a gentle chuckle, the dance teacher replied, "Very vell. Anyvone else?" Sideswipe raised her hand next, followed by Pizzelle. As they took their place, Hoofer Steps counted off, "And a Vone! Two! Vone two three four!"

As everyone began the combination, Apple Bloom watched Wheelie as he tried to perform it. The small robot was visibly struggling, holding his arms out in an attempt to keep his balance. Watching him, the former farm girl thought, 'Come on little guy. You can do it.'

At that moment, Wheelie leaned too far forward, stumbling before popping his wheels out and skating across the wooden floor. After a few moments, Wheelie leapt into the air as he tried to twirl, only to miss his landing and land firmly on his face.

Running up to her little brother, Apple Bloom asked, "You alright there Wheelie?" As she helped him back up to his feet, Wheelie replied, "I think I have a headache in my whole body." Chuckling, the former farm girl remarked, "Well, next time try to be a bit more careful, alright?"

As Apple Bloom helped Wheelie over to the others, Tender Taps complimented, "Nice job with those pirouettes. Maybe you should consider tying ballet sometime." Tilting his head, the small robot asked, "What's ballet?" Apple Bloom interrupted with, "It's a style of dance where you gracefully move around and leap in the air an' all that stuff." Closing the lower half of his eyes to "smile," Wheelie replied, "Wow. That sounds kinda fun."

The gentle moment was interrupted by Hoofer Steps calling out, "Alvight now. Ve are moving on." Turning to her little brother, Apple Bloom extended her hand as she called out, "Come on. Let's go." The small robot nodded as he replied, "Alright."

A Short While Later

Taking a deep breath as the music played from the studio's speaker, Apple Bloom caught a glance of herself in the mirror. She and the rest of the regular students were divided into two lines, preparing to perform a mini routine they'd been working on for the last month. It wouldn't be something they'd perform on a grand stage, but it was something useful for learning new steps and techniques. In front of the former farm girl sat Nightshade, Wheelie, and Dream Wave sat against the large mirror as a small audience. All in all, there was a little pressure, but nothing Apple Bloom couldn't handle.

When the moment came, Apple Bloom, Sideswipe, Tender Taps, and the rest of the class began their routine. Strutting up towards the mirror, everyone began clicking, clacking, and tapping the wooden floor with their shoes. Feeling a few beads of sweat fall from her brow, the former farm girl thought, 'Remember, over the top, trenches, and shave and a hair cut.' After a few moments, the class made it to that moment, and they performed those steps before striking dramatic poses.

As the guests applauded their friends, Dream Wave called out, "OMG! That was so awesome! I've got to make some sketches of some of you dancing sometime!" Nightshade added, "Yeah! That was so cool!" Even Wheelie joined in with, "That was very impressive!" Curtsying, Apple Bloom replied, "Thank y'all kindly. Ah always aim to please." Double Shuffle spoke up next with a confident, "I try not to brag, but I settle for nothing less than perfection."

As everyone caught their breath, Hoofer Steps spoke out with, "Thank you all everyvone. Zat vill do it for zis veek. I look forvard to seeing you all next veek." With that, everyone began to gather their belongings and make their way to the studio's door.

Before Apple Bloom could depart, Tender Taps called out, "Hey Apple Bloom! You got a minute?" Turning around, the former farm girl asked, "Ah do. What's up?" The orange hoofer began to awkwardly scuff the floor as he replied, "So… The next class won't be for a little bit and I was just kinda wondering, since we haven't had a moment alone in a while…." At that moment, the speakers began to play a slow jazz song as he extended his hand and asked, "May I have this dance?"

Blushing as her heart fluttered, Apple Bloom took her boyfriend's hand as she happily replied, "Ah'd love to." As Tender Taps gently wrapped his arm around her waist, the former farm girl began to sway along to the music, following Tender along to the beat.

Several Minutes Later

Having changed back into her normal attire of a red off the shoulder shirt, black tank top, dark green and blue pattern kilt, and black boots, Apple Bloom emerged from the dressing room to find Wheelie chatting with Double Shuffle, Featherweight, and Nightshade. Walking up to the group, the former farm girl asked, "What's goin' on?"

Double Shuffle immediately answered with, "Nightshade just invited us over for a sleepover!" Wheelie nodded and added, "Yeah! Those two are so lucky! I wish I could go." As the small robot scuffed the floor, Nightshade apologized, "I'm sorry little guy. Maybe next time?"

Smiling, Apple Bloom turned to her little sister and complimented, "Ah'm happy for you. Ah'm sure you three are gonna have a great time." She then turned to Wheelie and added, "And hey, maybe we can do somethin' tonight. How about we play a game? Your choice." Lighting up, Wheelie squealed, "Really? That's awesome! Thank you, Apple Bloom!"

As the small robot climbed up his big sister and hugged her, Apple Bloom hugged him back as she replied, "No problem! Now come on. Let's go home. Ah bet uncle Ironhide is already waitin' for us." With that, the two siblings made their way out of the studio.

Once they were gone, Nightshade turned to Double Shuffle and Featherweight and added, "So remember, Friday night right after school." The cream boy nodded as he replied, "I'll be there. My mom should let me go, especially since she said she'd appreciate a little peace and quiet." Double Shuffle then added, "I think my mom would allow it too. It'd give her some quiet time to catch up on some commissions she's behind on."

Smiling, Nightshade extended their fist and called out, "Alright. See you guys tomorrow." Featherweight and Double Shuffle bumped their fist as the former replied, "See you tomorrow at school." With that, the green haired teen departed, leaving the other two alone.

Scuffing his foot against the floor, Featherweight asked, "So… You wanna study together?" As the cream boy began to faintly blush, Double Shuffle replied, "Sure thing. I've got this math test coming up in a few days and…."

With that, the two young teens made their way to a nearby table to begin studying, both looking forward to the upcoming weekend.