Life in Allspark Wells
Part 33; Happy Birthday Apple Bloom
Deep in the bowels of the chop shop, in a secluded corner of the building that housed the smelting pits, Apple Bloom smashed her hammer against the molten steel she'd just pulled out of a forge. 'Alright, now to get this just right.' She thought to herself as she hammered the metal, flattening it into a flat plate of steel. As she squinted through the protective mask that protected her face, she muttered, "Just a little more and…. Perfect!"
Once the sheet of medal was flattened, Apple Bloom raised her mask to look upon her work as she wiped the beads of sweat from her brow. "There we go. Just gotta get this into the right shape." She said to herself before flicking her mask down. The former farm girl then took a sharp blade Wheeljack provided her as she began to cut the scorching hot steel. After a few moments, Apple Bloom had removed a piece of metal in the shape of a toe tap like the ones on her tap shoes.
"There we go!" Apple Bloom exclaimed as she used a set of prongs to lift the toe tap from the rest of the metal sheet. Setting it down on the anvil, she picked up a smaller hammer and began to gently pound the edges, softening it up until it was relatively rounded. Soon, the tap she made was as smooth as the ones on her shoes, leading the burgundy haired girl to smirk as she said, "Perfect."
Picking the tap up with the prongs, Apple Bloom carried it over to a trough filled with water and dunked it, producing a loud hiss and a cloud of steam. As the vaporized water rose to the ceiling, the former farm girl heard her uncle's voice calling out, "I see someone's busy." Turning around, she found Ironhide leaning against the door frame, his arms crossed and a playful smile on his face.
Walking up to her uncle, Apple Bloom explained, "Yeah. Ah'm just workin' on Tender's present for tomorrow." She then began to blush as she added, "It's his birthday." Moving towards his daughter, Ironhide replied, "I know. Now that think about it, tomorrow is someone's birthday as well." The former farm girl couldn't help herself but scratch the back of her neck as she replied, "Ah know. Kinda funny how we both have the same birthday."
As Apple Bloom turned to remove the tap she'd made from the trough of water, Ironhide playfully remarked, "Talk about having busy few days ahead of you. First your birthday, then we have Nightmare Night a few days later. It's kinda funny really."
The moment she heard this, Apple Bloom froze as she realized, "Wait. Nightmare Night? Oh no! Nightmare Night's commin' up and Ah don't have a costume!" The burgundy haired girl began to panic as she continued, "Oh man, this is bad. Ah gotta do somethin'! Ah gotta…."
The former farm girl was interrupted from her panicking when Ironhide rested his hands on her shoulders as he bluntly said, "Calm down kid!" As Apple Bloom regained her composure, the family patriarch reassured her, "It's ok kid. You know, I think I might have a way to help you with that." Curious, the burgundy haired girl asked, "Really? What do you have in mind?" Ironhide simply shook his head as he replied, "All good things to those who wait. For now, though, I think you better get ready for bed. You've got a busy day of school tomorrow, as well as something special afterwards."
Nodding, Apple Bloom replied, "Alright, but what about mah present for Tender Taps? It's not ready yet." Walking over to the anvil where she'd set the tap down, Ironhide reassured his daughter, "Don't worry kid. I'll finish it and get it wrapped." The former farm girl felt a little better as she gave her uncle a hug, replying, "Thanks uncle Ironhide. You're the best." The family patriarch hugged her back as he humbly replied, "I try, even though I've got a bit of competition."
With that, the two departed the forge, hoping they could enjoy a good night's sleep.
Apple Bloom's Room, the Next Morning
Tying the laces to her boots, Apple Bloom let out a yawn as she tried to hype herself up. "Ah swear, Ah got like nine and a half hours of sleep, and Ah'm still worn out." Shaking her head, the former farm girl continued, "Still, no point in worryin' about that sort of thing now. Just gotta make it to the end of the day, then Ah can give Tender his gift. Ah hope he'll love it."
Standing up, Apple Bloom took a look at her reflection in her bedroom mirror. She was wearing her normal outfit of a red off shoulder shirt, black tank top, dark blue and green tartan kilt, and black boots, with the only unique difference today being a pair of caramel-colored tights. Her hair was still in braided pigtails, though each end was capped off with a scarlet hair band. All in all, a normal look for what would normally be a normal day.
Apple Bloom was distracted from her reflection by the sound of someone knocking on her bedroom door, followed by Wheelie's voice asking, "Hello? Apple Bloom? You awake?" Turning to her door, the former farm girl replied, "Ah'm up." She then began to walk towards the door as she continued, "Let me get the door. Ah don't want you hangin' off the doorknob again."
As she turned the knob, Apple Bloom was greeted by the surprisingly adorable sight of Wheelie ridding Sparkplug into her room, the pint sized promethean extending his arm as he called out, "Hi ho silverware!" After a few moments, the highland terrier reared up onto his hind legs, resulting in the small robot falling onto his back as he groaned, "Ow."
Walking up to her little brother, Apple Bloom asked, "Ah take it you thought long and hard about that?" Rising up to his feet, Wheelie replied, "I thought a very long time about that. An entire hour in fact!" The former farm girl couldn't help but laugh as she replied, "Hah hah. Alright. Come here you." She then scooped Wheelie up into a hug, one which the pintsized promethean returned.
Once their hug was finished, Wheelie's eyes widened as he remembered, "Oh! I nearly forgot! Happy birthday Apple Bloom!" As she set her little brother down, Apple Bloom replied, "Awh. Thanks Wheelie. Ah take it Wheeljack told you about today?" The small robot nodded as he replied, "Yup! He and Ironhide said something about how I'm not supposed to tell you that I know so that…." He then paused before lamenting, "Oh poopie. I told you."
Patting the pint sized promethean on the head, Apple Bloom reassured him, "Don't worry little guy. Ah'll pretend Ah didn't hear anythin'." Closing the bottom eye lids of his eyes (or as he would prefer, smiling), Wheelie replied, "Thank you Apple Bloom! I promise I won't spoil anything else. Like the party at…."
"Wheelie?" Apple Bloom interrupted. The small robot caught himself and meekly continued, "Oh. Sorry." He then turned to the door as he said, "Well, we better hurry. Wheeljack and Ironhide are making breakfast, and I don't think you wanna go to school on an empty stomach." The former farm girl nodded before turning to her pet terrier and said, "Come on boy. Let's get you some chow." Shaking his rear end in the air, Sparkplug let out a confirming bark before bolting out of the bedroom, with Wheelie and Apple Bloom in tow.
The Kitchen
Entering the kitchen, Apple Bloom was greeted by the normal sight of Ironhide and Wheeljack working the stove, Sideswipe setting the table, and Chromia sorting through the daily mail. The only noticeable difference was that Ratchet was also here, the old medic busy taking inventory of the medicine cabinet. 'Heh. Guess Wheelie was right about everythin' bein' a "secret."' The former farm girl thought to herself.
Clearing her throat, Apple Bloom greeted her family, "Mornin' everyone." As everyone turned to face her, Sideswipe ran up to her sister and pulled her into a hug as she greeted, "Happy birthday Apple Bloom!" As she hugged the pale biker back, Apple Bloom quipped, "Thanks. Guess Wheelie didn't need to hide anythin', did he?" Releasing her sister, Sideswipe replied, "Well, I guess there was no hiding today from you."
Ironhide then spoke up with, "Speaking of that, I think we better establish the game plan for today." Turning to Apple Bloom, the family patriarch explained, "Firstly, I've received word that Arcee is willing to help you with finding a Nightmare Night costume, especially since I'm gonna finish Tender's gift, then we have a few things we need to get sorted out." Turning to his wife, Ironhide playfully quipped, "Just a bunch of boring grown up stuff."
Nodding, Chromia replied, "Yup. Boring grown up stuff." She then gave Apple Bloom a playful wink, leading the former farm girl to reply, "Ooh. Ah guess Ah can leave you to that." Turning to Sideswipe, the former farm girl asked, "What about you?" Straightening her vest, the former farm girl replied, "I gotta run a few errands. Don't worry, I heard Arcee will pick you up from school." She then leaned into her sister's ear as she added, "I hear Rattrap will be joining you."
Letting out a relieved sigh, Apple Bloom replied, "Awesome! It'll be nice to see Rattrap again. It's been a while." Before Sideswipe could reply, Wheeljack interrupted with, "I know I'm probably the last person you wanna hear this from, but we're burning daylight. If we don't get moving, you two will be late for school."
Realizing that the maverick mechanic was right, Apple Bloom replied, "Good point. Guess we better start eatin', right?" Ironhide nodded as he answered, "Yup. Alright everyone, let's dig in!" The family then began to settle in for breakfast. After all, they had a long day ahead of them.
The Cafeteria, Later That Day
Sitting down at one of the cafeteria tables, Apple Bloom let out an exhausted sigh as she lamented, "Man, Ah can't believe Mr. Shockwave could lose his temper like that on someone." Indeed, during her first class, the former farm girl received a front row seat to her one-eyed teacher lashing out at one of her classmates for falling asleep during his lesson, scaring the rest of the class into staying awake for the rest of the class. After that, she'd had an uneventful English class, something that was a noticeable contrast to her earlier class.
At that moment, Apple Bloom was distracted by the sound of her boyfriend's voice quipping, "Well, if it isn't the birthday girl herself." Turning to face him, she found Tender Taps approaching her, dressed in his normal attire of a purple button shirt over a black tee shirt, black trousers, and black dress shoes with no visible socks. Feeling her face blush, Apple Bloom couldn't help but think, 'Ah swear, he gets cuter every day.'
Sitting down next to his girlfriend, Tender Taps wished, "Happy birthday Apple Bloom." Reaching for his hand, the former farm girl returned the gesture as she replied, "Happy birthday to you too Tender Taps." She then added, "Sorry Ah don't have your present on me right now. Ah was workin' on it last night, but uncle Ironhide is finishin' it."
Seeing his girlfriend's mild disappointment, Tender Taps reassured her, "It's alright. I left my present for you at home. It's the sort of thing I didn't want to risk losing or breaking here." He then added, "Besides, my mom said that she's organizing something for tonight." Hearing this, Apple Bloom remarked, "You know, Ah heard uncle Ironhide and Wheelie both mention somethin' happenin' tonight." She then added, "Ah've got a feelin' that whatever it is, we're gonna find out tonight."
Blushing, Tender Taps replied, "Well, whatever it is, I've already gotten an awesome gift." Curious, Apple Bloom asked, "What is it?" The orange hoofer took her hand and kissed it as he playfully answered, "You as my awesome girlfriend." Turning as red as her hair, Apple Bloom replied, "Awh. Well Ah think you're a wonderful boyfriend."
And though it might have been against the rules about public affection, the two teens shared a quick kiss, followed by both of them simultaneously saying, "I/Ah love you."
Outside Iacon High, A Short Time Later
Sitting on a small brick wall outside the school, Apple Bloom straightened her jacket as she said to herself, "Brbrbrbrbrbrbrb. Ah can't believe it's already this cold. And here Ah thought winter back home was freezin'." As she rubbed her hands together, the former farm girl lamented, "Maybe Ah should find some gloves or somethin'."
Now that she'd made it through the end of her school day, Apple Bloom found herself waiting for Arcee to pick her up. "Wait a moment, Ah don't know what kinda car she drives." She said to herself. "Alright. Ah just gotta keep mah eyes peeled for her behind the wheel of somethin'." Taking a deep breath, the former farm girl began to scan the lined-up cars for the pink woman.
After several minutes, Apple Bloom noticed a pink muscle car approach her. As it approached her, the young girl thought, 'Hold on, is that miss Arcee's car? Doesn't seem like the sort of thing she'd be drivin'." However, once it pulled up to her, she was able to make out the two people inside it. One was a pink woman with white hair, and the other was a more familiar boy with brown skin, silver hair, and circular glasses. "Eeyup. That's her." Apple Bloom said to herself as she rose to her feet and began to walk up to the car.
As Apple Bloom opened the door, Rattrap greeted her with, "'Ey Apple Bloom! Good to see you! It's been a while, hasn't it?" Nodding as she let out a small chuckle, the former farm girl replied, "Yeah. It has. What've you been up to?" The scrawny teen pushed up his glasses as he answered, "Eh, you know, the usual stuff. Tryin' to keep up with school stuff, tending to the garden, keeping Munchy from messing with Arcee. The usual."
"I heard that." Arcee said as she stared at Rattrap through her rearview mirror. As the scrawny teen sighed, she turned her attention to Apple Bloom as she continued, "Sorry about that. Our little furry friend got out of his cage and into my workspace a few nights ago. Scared the living daylights out of me." She then lit up as she added, "Oh! Where are my manners! I heard someone has a birthday today."
Rattrap immediately added, "Oh yeah! Happy birthday Apple Bloom!" The former farm girl scratched the back of her neck as she replied, "Heh. Thanks, you two." As she pulled out of the school, Arcee continued, "Now, I've been asked to help you find a Nightmare Night costume while Ironhide and the others do…. What was it again?" Rattrap answered, "I dunno. Somethin' about doing a somethin' or other." Shrugging, Apple Bloom replied, "Ah guess."
Arcee then added, "Now, there are two places around town where you can find a good costume. One is a seasonal place that sells all those premade costumes, and the other is an antique store where you can find just about anything. Which tickles your fancy?"
Thinking the offer over, Apple Bloom pondered, 'Well, on one hand, Ah should be able to find somethin' kinda easily in that costume place. On the other hand, Ah've always liked makin' somethin' mahself from whatever Ah could find.' She then paused before continuing, 'Anythin' beats that platypus costume from last year. Damn thing gave me the worst rash Ah've ever had.' After a moment of thinking it over, the former farm girl answered, "Ah'd like to check out that antique shop, if you don't mind."
Nodding, Arcee replied, "Very well. Off we go."
A Short While Later
Pulling up to the old shop, Arcee stated, "Well, here we are." Looking out the window, Apple Bloom noticed the sign that read "Allspark Antiquities." 'Name's got a ring to it.' She thought to herself as she unbuckled her seatbelt. As Arcee powered down the car, the pink woman said, "Now then, let's see what they've got here."
As everyone stepped out of the car, Rattrap asked, "So eh, Apple Bloom?" Turning to her friend, Apple Bloom replied, "What is it?" The scrawny teen answered, "I was curious, what's it like at Iacon High?" Caught off guard by this question, the former farm girl replied, "It's alright, except for the occasional fascist club."
Taking this in, Rattrap replied, "Ah. I heard about that on the news." He then elaborated, "Hope you didn't mind me askin'. It's just that I might be visitin' the place sometime in the new year. Somethin' about acclimating me to a crowded environment." He then took a deep breath before he added, "And I guess I'm kinda nervous about it."
Hearing this, Apple Bloom rested a hand on her friend's shoulder as she reassured him, "Hey, Ah'm sure people would love you." As Rattrap turned to his friend, the former farm girl continued, "You're smart, tough, and resourceful. You'd fit right in at high school." Taking this in, Rattrap gave a small smile as he replied, "Thanks Apple Bloom."
Arcee then interrupted the two teens' chat with, "Alright you two. Come on." The trio then made their way into the antique store.
Once they'd passed through the shop's front door, Apple Bloom was taken aback by just how breathtaking the antiques store was. Old and ancient bicycles, tricycles, toy wagons, and other trinkets were suspended from the ceiling. On the ground floor, rows of old clothes, coats, books, and other items filled the old building. All in all, the place resembled something of a thrift store.
Finding herself stunned in awe, Apple Bloom remarked, "This place is amazin'!" Turning around to Arcee, she exclaimed, "It's like somewhere where mah Granny Smith would feel right at home!" Walking up to her, Rattrap placed his hands in his pockets as he replied, "Kinda reminds me of this place I snuck into about two years ago. Only difference is that place was abandoned and had a leaky roof."
The two friends were interrupted when a woman's voice replied, "Well, I do try to keep everything in one piece here." Turning around, Apple Bloom was greeted by the sight of a pale white woman with black hair, a red dress, and markings on her face. Walking up to the two, she introduced herself, "Nice to meet you two. I'm Windblade." Feeling relieved that the shop owner was friendly, Apple Bloom extended her hand as she introduced herself, "Nice to meet you. Ah'm Apple Bloom, and this here is Rattrap." The scrawny teen nodded as he asked, "'Sup?"
Windblade let out a gentle chuckle as she replied, "Nice to meet the both of you. What brings you here today?" Straightening her jacket, Apple Bloom answered, "Well, Ah've been busy with a lot of things, so Ah haven't been able to find a Nightmare Night costume." Intrigued, Windblade remarked, "I see. Well, we have more than enough here to make something." She then warned, "Just remember, some things here are fragile, and we do have a "you break it, you buy it" policy."
Nodding, Apple Bloom replied, "Ah understand. We'll be careful." She then turned to Rattrap, who was already fumbling around with a porcelain vase. Caught off guard, the scrawny teen managed to catch himself and set the vase back onto a shelf as he nervously replied, "Heh heh. Of course. No messin' around." As Apple Bloom and Windblade gave him suspicious stares, Rattrap sighed as he added, "Alright. I'll be careful."
Satisfied, Windblade gave a polite bow as she bade, "I hope you find something that entices you." Apple Bloom then began to head deeper into the store as Rattrap followed her, both wondering what they were going to find.
Twenty Minutes Later
Walking down an aisle of old clothes, Apple Bloom sighed as she lamented, "Man. Ah can't find anythin'." The former farm girl had spent the last twenty minutes looking for something she could use for a costume, but nothing was working. An old dress? Too small. A fancy tux? Way too expensive. There was even an old turtle costume, but it was way too big for her. Sighing, Apple Bloom lamented, "Ugh. Maybe Ah should've suggested that seasonal store after all."
As she took a deep breath, Rattrap walked up to the burgundy haired girl and asked, "You find anythin' Apple Bloom?" Apple Bloom shook her head as she answered, "Ah wish. Ah can't find anythin'." She then asked, "You think this was a bad idea?"
Rattrap shrugged as he answered, "I dunno. I mean, I don't think I've ever really celebrated Nightmare Night." Apple Bloom replied, "What? You've never been…." She stopped herself as she remembered her friend's past as a homeless urchin. Sighing, the former farm girl reassured him, "Well, Ah'm sure we'll find somethin'." The scrawny boy gave a gentle smile as he replied, "Yeah."
Turning back to the rows of clothing, Apple Bloom took a deep breath as she pepped herself up with, "Alright. Let's see what's hidden around here."
After a few more minutes, Rattrap called out, "Hey Apple Bloom! There's somethin' you oughta see!" Curious as to what he could have possibly found, Apple Bloom began to make her way towards him as she asked, "What did you find?" As she approached him, the scrawny teen replied, "I think I found something that can work as a costume."
Once she'd reunited with Rattrap, Apple Bloom asked, "What did you find?" She then added, "Is it some sort of giant rat suit?" The brown boy rolled his eyes at his friend's sarcastic remark before replying, "Oh hardy har har. No, there's no giant rat or mouse or coyote costume here." He then added, "But there is something here I think you might like."
Rattrap then presented a khaki tunic to the former farm girl as he said, "And this isn't the only part. There's like a whole uniform here!" As Apple Bloom accepted the tunic, she wondered, "Looks kinda cool. Wonder what makes you think this is…."
At that moment, Apple Bloom's eyes noticed a red patch on the tunic's shoulder. Bringing it up to her eyes, the former farm girl read aloud, "Royal Nova Scotian Regiment. Third battalion, fifth company."
Rattrap then continued, "I was just thinkin' about how you said that Ironhide's dad was in the commonwealth army, and I got a feelin' this is a commonwealth uniform so…" He then reached into the clothing rack as he added, "And it looks like they've got everythin' here. Boots, pants, even headgear." The scrawny teen then presented both a green metal helmet with a wide brim and a faded green hat that resembled a beret with a poof ball on the top.
It was here that Apple Bloom lit up as she replied, "Wait! Rattrap! That's it!" She then pulled her friend into a tight hug as she exclaimed, "This is perfect!" Hugging her back, Rattrap replied, "Thanks." Once they released each other, the former farm girl asked, "So, you said there was more?"
Before Rattrap could reply, the two teens heard Windblade's voice ask, "You two find something?" As the older woman approached them, Apple Bloom replied, "We did! We found this!" She then presented the tunic, leading Windblade to remark, "Oh that! I'll be honest, we've been trying to sell that for a while." As she took one of the sleeves, the pale woman explained, "You're probably a bit too young for it, but this was actually a prop from a movie shoot a while back."
Intrigued, Apple Bloom asked, "Really? This is from a movie?" Nodding, Windblade replied, "Yup. I can't remember what it was called, but it was a war flick. Apparently, a lot of the soldiers up at the nearby base were used as extras, so they made a bunch of period accurate costumes." She then added, "Guess that explains why it's in such good condition. We've been trying to sell that one for a while, but I guess people don't really like Canuk uniforms."
Hearing this, Apple Bloom replied, "Ah'll take it!" She then began to gather the other pieces of the uniform. "Let's see, the boots, the trousers, the belt, this webbin', Ah think that's what it's called." But as Rattrap handed her the helmet, he incredulously said, "Hold on! I think there's another one here!" As Apple Bloom handed her uniform to Windblade, the former farm girl asked, "You found somethin' else?" Rattrap then presented another uniform, this one slightly different.
Rather than the khaki of the uniform she'd found, this second uniform was lighter in tone, almost yellow. The shirt had its sleeves rolled up to where the wearer's elbow would be, and instead of trousers, there was a pair of shorts. Noticing this, Apple Bloom remarked, "Must be some kind of tropical or desert uniform." She then noticed something on the uniform's shoulder.
There, resting above the stripes signifying a rank, was a stylized image of a red rat standing up straight in a white circle on a red square.
Holding the shirt up to his chest, Rattrap began to smile as he remarked, "What do you think? Looks like it might fit me, and look at that little rat symbol." As he presented a helmet that looked like Apple Bloom's helmet (save for a faded brown color), The former farm girl asked Windblade, "So, you have any idea what group that belonged to?"
Shrugging, Windblade answered, "I can't remember their exact designation, but I believe they called themselves the desert rats." The moment she said this, Rattrap smiled as he replied, "Desert rats you say? Well, guess I think I know what I'm goin' as for Nightmare Night." Apple Bloom then added, "Same here."
Windblade nodded as she replied, "Very well. Now, will you two please follow me?"
Later That Day
As Arcee's car moved down the road, Apple Bloom said, "Thanks for takin' me Miss Arcee. Ah appreciate it." The Pink woman looked to her through the rearview mirror and replied, "No problem Apple Bloom. It's nice to catch up with you every now and then." She then added, "Even if you did need me to help cover that costume." The former farm girl let out an embarrassed chuckle as she apologized, "Sorry about that."
Rattrap then added, "Don't worry about that. Nothin' you can't pay back over a while." He then shot his friend a smug smirk, leading Apple Bloom to reply, "Ah know." Thankfully, Arcee reassured her, "Don't sweat it. Think of it as a little birthday gift." She then looked out the window as she said, "Well, looks like we're here." Hearing this, the former farm girl thought to herself, 'But where is here?'
Looking out the window, Apple Bloom found that they had arrived at the Tap family's home. To her surprise, she saw Tender Taps waiting outside, shuffling his feet on the patio. Curious, she asked, "What's goin' on here?" As she said this, she noticed that not only was Ironhide's van parked there, but so was Wheeljack's car, Sideswipe's motorcycle, Beachcomber's dune buggy, and another car that she recognized belonged to Blaster.
As she pulled her muscle car up to the house, Arcee mischievously asked, "Well, what do we have here?" Before she could say anything else, Tender Taps noticed that they'd arrived and began to approach them as Apple Bloom unbuckled herself and opened the car door.
Stepping outside the car and walking up to her boyfriend, Apple Bloom greeted, "Howdy Tendy! Ah'd ask what you're doin' here, but that'd be a stupid question." As she and Tender Taps hugged each other, the orange boy replied, "Yeah. It would." He then gestured to the cars as he added, "I take it you noticed that we have some company here." Apple Bloom nodded as she playfully quipped, "Yeah. Ah wonder what's goin' on."
As the two teens released each other, Rattrap walked up to them as he added, "'Sup Tender? Been a little while since I've seen you." As he extended his fist, Tender Taps bumped his fist as the orange hoofer replied, "Yeah. It has." The scrawny teen then added, "I hear that Apple Bloom isn't the only one who has a birthday today." Tender Taps could only reply, "Yeah. Kind of a funny coincidence, isn't it?"
Arcee then walked up to the group as she said, "I think Rattrap and I better go inside and see what's going on." She then ushered her ward through the house's front door, leaving Apple Bloom and Tender Taps alone with each other.
Turning to her boyfriend, Apple Bloom asked, "So, you think they're settin' up some sort of a surprise party?" Tender Taps nodded as he replied, "I mean, it's not really a surprise, is it?" The former farm girl then added, "Yeah. Still, it's the thought that counts, right?" She then added, "Oh, Rattrap and Ah found some costumes for Nightmare Night! They're both old army uniforms." Intrigued, Tender Taps replied, "Awesome! I've been working on a costume of my own. It's a scarecrow from…."
The young dancer was interrupted when Rattrap returned from inside and called out, "Oi! I don't wanna disrupt you two, but there's somethin' weird going on. You mind taking a look?" As the two teens turned to their friend, Apple Bloom asked, "What is it?" Shrugging, Rattrap answered, "I dunno. Ironhide just told me to get you two." He then gestured to the open door as he said, "Come on, you two."
Turning to his girlfriend, Tender Taps extended his arm as he asked, "Well, shall we?" Apple Bloom smiled as she replied, "After you." The former farm girl then locked her arm around her boyfriend's as the two followed Rattrap into the house.
The Tap Family's Studio
Approaching the door to the family's private studio, Apple Bloom couldn't help but notice just how quiet everything was. Turning to her boyfriend, she asked, "You sure everythin's alright?" Tender Taps shrugged as he replied, "I hope so." Once they were at the door, Rattrap reached for the doorknob and reassured them, "Look, there's just somethin' they said you two need to see." He then opened the door, revealing that the studio was pitch black. Holding hands, the two teens began to tiptoe inside where….
"SURPRISE!" A chorus of voices both young and old called out as the lights suddenly switched on, revealing a large banner that read "Happy Birthday."
While they were expecting something, both Apple Bloom and Tender Taps found themselves caught off guard by the sudden shock and found themselves clinging to each other. Once they calmed down though, the two teens found that the studio was filled their friends and family.
'Wait, there's uncle Ironhide, aunt Chromia, Wheeljack, Ratchet, Ms. Soft Shoe, Pastel, Blaster, Beachcomber, Sideswipe, Marble, and Double Shuffle.' The former farm girl thought to herself. Indeed, everyone was gathered around a large table that contained two pizzas, a large cake, and even three tubs of ice cream. All in all, it was the perfect epitome of a birthday party.
Apple Bloom and Tender Taps quickly found themselves swarmed by their friends as Sideswipe gleefully declared, "Happy birthday you two lovebirds!" As she pulled her sister into a hug, the pale biker asked, "So, what do you think?" Taking everything in, Apple Bloom replied, "This is amazin'! Thank you."
As Double Shuffle ran up to her brother and wrapped him in a massive hug, Sideswipe smiled as she replied, "I can't take credit for this. The party stuff here was Marble's idea." Turning to her friend, the gray geologist gave a simple smile as she brushed the hair out of her face and replied, "Pinkie taught me a few things."
Ironhide and Soft Shoe then made their way to the group as the former greeted, "Happy birthday kid." The yellow woman then greeted her son with, "Sorry about making you wait, but we wanted as much of this as possible to be a surprise." Tender Taps hugged his mother back as he replied, "Thanks mom."
Everyone was distracted when Wheelie emerged from behind a pile of presents, the small robot gleefully declaring, "Happy birthday Apple Bloom! Let's get this party started!" The pint sized promethean popped out his wheels and skated over to his big sister, only to pratfall onto his face. Apple Bloom walked up to her little brother and helped him back up to his feet as she asked, "You alright there?" Nodding, Wheelie replied, "I'm fine. Just glad to see you're finally here!"
Hugging her little brother, Apple Bloom said, "Thanks for bein' here Wheelie." The small robot replied, "You're welcome Apple Bloom."
Pastel then took Apple Bloom and Tender Taps and pulled them into a hug of her own as she asked, "Now then, are we gonna get this party started or what?"
Later…
"This is amazing!" Tender Taps squealed as he opened another of his presents, revealing a book labeled "Legends of Tap Dance." Turned to his mother as he replied, "Thanks mom!" The yellow dance shoe cobbler warmly replied, "You're welcome sweetie. I'm just glad I could find a copy of it at a decent price." Everyone then turned to Apple Bloom as Ironhide presented a small present to his daughter and said, "This one's for you kid."
Taking the present, the former farm girl began to open it as she thought, 'What could this possibly be? Doesn't feel like a book or anythin'.' Opening the present, she was surprised to see a small, rectangular device with a screen. 'Wait, is this a….' Apple Bloom thought as she pressed her finger against the screen, revealing a digital clock. 'This is…. It's a…'
Peaking over his sister's shoulder, Wheelie remarked, "That looks like a cell phone."
As Apple Bloom processed what she'd just heard, Chromia explained, "With you spending more time at the dance studio, we thought you'd need a way to contact us." Wheeljack then added, "And the fact that, after helping stop those little shitheads, you deserved it." Feeling her heart soar, the former farm girl smiled a great big grin as she thought, 'Ah can't believe it. Ah've got a phone again!"
Turning to Ironhide, Apple Bloom cheerfully said, "Thanks uncle Ironhide! I love this!" The former sergeant replied, "You're welcome kid." He then added, "But right now, I believe you have something to give to Tender Taps here." He then handed her another package, this one addressed to her boyfriend as he added, "I took the liberty of finishing it for you."
Accepting the present, Apple Bloom then presented it to Tender Taps as she said, "Tender? Ah made this for you." As her boyfriend accepted it, he asked, "Really? What is it?" Holding her hands behind her back, the burgundy haired girl replied, "Ah can't tell you. That's a surprise." Tender Taps simply rolled his eyes as he chuckled, opening the present, only for his eyes to widen in surprise by what he found.
There, resting in the box, was a necklace, with the centerpiece being the tap Apple Bloom had made.
Feeling his eyes begin to sting with tears of joy, Tender Taps looked to his girlfriend as he asked, "For me?" Apple Bloom nodded as she replied, "Yup. Ah know Ah'm not a good enough blacksmith to make you a full set, but Ah thought Ah could make you somethin' special." Taking the necklace out of the box, Tender Taps placed it around him, letting the decorative tap show itself just under his neck. Blushing at the sight of her boyfriend wearing his new necklace, Apple Bloom asked, "You like it?"
She received her answer when Tender Taps pulled her into a passionate kiss, followed by him exclaiming, "I LOVE IT!"
Feeling a bit embarrassed, the orange boy apologized, "Sorry, I just… Got a little carried away." Taking his hand, Apple Bloom reassured him, "It's alright." Now that he was blushing himself, Tender Taps continued, "I just hope you'll find my gift for you just as beautiful." Pastel then approached the two as she added, "For you two." Accepting the present, Tender then gave it to Apple Bloom as he said, "I hope you'll like it."
'Wonder what he could've gotten me?' Apple Bloom thought to herself as she opened the present, revealing a small box. Once she'd opened it, the former farm girl felt her jaw drop as she realized what was in it.
It was a smaller box containing two seeds.
Tender Taps then added, "They're apple seeds." As Apple Bloom felt her eyes begin to tear up, the orange hoofer continued, "Specifically, they're granny smith seeds. I figured you'd want a piece of your family here and…."
He was interrupted when Apple Bloom pulled him into another passionate kiss.
Releasing him, the former farm girl tearfully replied, "Ah love them!" She then hugged her boyfriend as she added, "Ah love you Tender Taps!" The young boy smiled as he gently replied, "I love you too Apple Bloom!"
As everyone applauded the gesture, Ironhide asked, "So, are those for display or are you gonna plant those?" Tender Taps replied, "Actually…."
The Chop Shop, That Night
"There we go." Apple Bloom said as she finished gently burying the soil over the second of the apple seeds. As she wiped the sweat from her brow, Tender Taps asked, "So, you think they'll grow out here?" Turning to her boyfriend, the former farm girl replied, "If anythin' can grow anywhere, it's a granny smith apple tree." She then paused before adding, "Ok, maybe not literally anywhere, but you get the point."
Nodding, Tender Taps added, "Yeah." He then wrapped his arm around her as he asked, "Forgive me, but I forgot how long it takes for them to start showing fruit. You How long should it take?" Apple Bloom replied, "Three years at minimum. Five at the most." Hearing this, the orange dancer remarked, "Sounds like we might graduate by first ones."
Turning to her boyfriend, Apple Bloom leant her head against his shoulders as she added, "Guess that'll just make their first season that much special." She then continued, "Ah just hope we'll still be together." Hugging her tighter, the orange boy reassured her, "I'll still love you then. I might love you more by then too."
And so, under the moonlight, in the warm embrace of the boy she loved, Apple Bloom gently joked, "Ah'll still love you more." All Tender Taps could do was chuckle at his girlfriend's game. After all, that was just part of being in love.
Sweet Apple Acres
Looking out to the moon from the farmhouse patio, Big Mac and Granny Smith sighed in sorrow as they accepted the fact that, for the first time since she was born, Apple Bloom was not with them for her birthday. Normally, the Apple Family would celebrate a birthday with a large celebration, but tonight, all they could do was lament the fact that their youngest sister and granddaughter was simply not there.
Instead, as Granny Smith entered the house, Big Mac simply took a deep breath as he said the four words that he had wanted to say all day, only to find there was no opportune moment before now. But right now, as the clock approached midnight, the eldest Apple sibling felt that it was the perfect moment to say them, even if only for himself.
"Happy Birthday Apple Bloom."
