With the weekend finally having arrived Scootaloo, Sweetie Bell and Apple Bloom had also arrived in front of Diamond Tiara's home at the set time for her pool party.  Each girl carrying what they'd be needing for the night.  While Scootaloo and Apple Bloom had a bag full of a change of clothes and some hygienic products for the next day, they noted with some amusement that Sweetie Belle's bag was larger.  Not unlike her big sister over packing for every occasion.  Despite her apprehension of going into the "lion's den" of her past bullies, Apple Bloom reassured Scootaloo that things would be fine.  If they weren't all three of them could still just leave and go spend the night in their tree house if it came to it.  Confidence shaky but assured through friendship the three girls went past the metal gates into the front yard.  The rest of the property surrounded by a brick wall that was just tall enough that you could look over it if you wanted to but would make it kind of obvious you were peeking in on someone's home.

Apple Bloom took point in the team and knocked on the door, waiting a few moments before it opened not by a butler or maid like they were all expecting but instead by Silver Spoon.  "Oh, you guys are right on time.  C'mon in."  She said in a friendly tone as all the girls walked into the house in single file, taking in the interior as they entered.  It was a two story home and very well furnished and decorated.  No way to tell if it had been by Diamond's parents or if they'd hired someone to do it for them.  Such was the mysteries between the common people and the wealthy, Scootaloo thought.  While she was looking around she glanced upward to note a woman staring down at the girls with an expression that could only be described as disdain.  As if she were watching someone let in filthy animals into the house.  Scootaloo was about to comment until Diamond Tiara showed up from the next room. 

"Everyone's here, thank you all for coming.  Feel free to enjoy my home as much as you like."  Diamond Tiara said almost too joyfully for her personality.  "While you're here I consider you to be my personal guests.  Anything you require I can provide."

"Even apples?"  Apple Bloom asked jokingly but was startled when Diamond Tiara produced an apple from her pocket and tossed it to the girl, the farm girl fumbling to catch it and everyone looking wide eyed at their host.  "What in the... how did you...?"  

"C'mon Apple Bloom, I could see that coming even before you walked in the door."  Diamond said with a smirk, feeling pretty proud of herself.  "Anyone want anything to drink or snacks or something?"  

"I'm okay, I'm really curious to see this pool we're going to party in."  Sweetie Belle said happily, the apple joke doing something to dissipate their fears of things being uncomfortable with Diamond Tiara.

"Right this way."  Diamond said as she guided the girls towards the back of the house, Scootaloo looking up again to notice that the woman who had been watching them was gone now.  Not thinking much of it the girls traveled from the large front portion of the house to the living room and then through the kitchen all the way out to the back yard.  It was hard not to be impressed by the size of her home, Apple Bloom noting it was bigger than her own house even with her having more people living in it.  Tiara was happy for the compliment on her family's "humble home" as she put it.  Then finally displayed the reason they'd all come over.  "So, here's the pool." 

"Whoa!"  Apple Bloom said.  "It's big!"  

"You even have a hot tub!"  Sweetie Belle exclaimed noticing it not far off from the pool itself.  

"Those are some interesting bushes."  Scootaloo said noting the tall plant life that surrounded the pool area.  They were a bunch of dark colored shrubs with a hint of red in the leaves that all lined around the sides of the pool.  Grown even taller than the brick wall around the house and trimmed flat at the top by the gardeners to keep them looking stylish and matching the rest of the very large back yard.  Diamond was going to answer but another voice spoke up from behind them all before she could. 

"Ah yes, the bushes were added in some time later after we built the pool."  Diamond's father Filthy Rich said from behind the girls.  "My dear wife wasn't comfortable with having so much "exposed" area in our back yard when she was sun bathing.  So we were fortunate to find a decorative solution for her to have some privacy."

"Hello Mr. Rich!"  Apple Bloom greeted happily.  "Thank you so much for having us over."

"Why think nothing of it.  Silver Spoon visits all the time and I'm glad to have more of my daughter's friends over to keep her company."  While everyone seemed cheerful about this Diamond Tiara looked a little uncomfortable from having her father around in front of everyone.

"Um, Mr. Rich?"  Scootaloo asked quietly.  "Is Mrs. Rich okay with us being here?  I thought I saw her earlier and she didn't look happy."  

"Oh, well... Spoiled is just a little under the weather tonight.  So she won't be able to come out and say hello.  However don't you worry, you all have our blessing to be here.  Just so long as there won't be any boys visiting this party, right?"  

"Yes, Daddy.  Like I said earlier it's just us.  No boys."  Diamond Tiara answered sounding like she'd had to address this point more than once already.  

"Alright then, you girls have fun.  I'll try to stay out of your way but don't be afraid to ask for anything if you need it.  Have a good night."  The girls all wished Filthy Rich a good night together as he went back into the house to leave them to their own entertainment.  After he was gone all attention turned towards Scootaloo and the girl looked around surprised. 

"What?  Did I do something wrong?"  She asked nervously.

"So you saw my mom, huh?"  Diamond said with a bit of gruff to her voice.  "Don't worry about her.  She can be cranky all she wants about me having people over to visit.  Probably just jealous she never has parties like this herself."  That statement seemed like it was loaded with a lot of baggage that none of the girls knew how to even begin to unpack.  Thankfully Silver Spoon was on top of things as she directed them to the next event.

"So shall we all get ready to swim?  I know the sun's going down but we have lights out here for when it gets dark."  Silver explained. 

"Wow, this place really does have everything."  Apple Bloom said in amazement as if she were just noticing the lamps around the pool.  "Ah guess ah'll use yer bathroom tah change if that's okay?"

"Oh, I'll go after Apple Bloom."  Sweetie Belle said.  "Unless you want next, Scootaloo?"  

"I kind of came ready for it."  Scootaloo explained and lifted up her shirt to show the tight halter top swim wear she had on underneath.  "So you guys can do what you want."

"Scootaloo's a girl that's ready for action."  Silver said with a smile that made the girl blush and put her shirt back down.  "I'll go change in Tiara's room after she's done."  

"Okay, everyone can leave their bags and clothes in the living room for when we're ready to change into our pajamas later.  Let's go."  Diamond instructed and the girls decided it was best to fall in line with her decree.  Scootaloo only had to drop her bag off herself, leaving her shirt and shorts laying on top of it as she went back outside.  Now sitting her swimsuit top and matching swim shorts underneath.  Both a deep purple color with a white stripe along the sides.  She watched the sun going down out on the horizon as she sat on one of the beach chairs, wondering if she shouldn't have brought up Diamond's mother earlier.  It seemed like a touchy subject for both her and her father.  At least no one yelled at her for speaking out of turn so she was grateful to that.

"Ya'll thinking up a storm out here."  Apple Bloom said as she came back outside, wearing an orange one piece swimsuit and sitting on the same chair and Scootaloo.  "Not still nervous are ya?"

"A little.  Do you think I shouldn't have asked about her mom?"  Scootaloo asked and Apple Bloom shrugged.

"She seemed kinda bothered by it but ah don't think it was ya'll.  Maybe she's got some issues there, y'know?  We should probably just avoid it so she can have fun."  

"Yeah, you're right.  I just don't want to start a fight."  

"Hey now, lighten up.  We're all hanging out at a party to have a good time."  Apple Bloom said.  "Just sit back and enjoy yerself.  After all you were ready for the party before any of us."  

"Yeah, I guess so.  You've got a nice swimsuit by the way.  Mine is just a hand me down from my mom when she was little."  Scootaloo complimented. 

"Shucks, mine ain't no different.  This belonged to mah big sis' before she grew outta it.  Don't really got money to throw around for new clothes if ya got old ones."  Apple Bloom explained, echoing something familiar for Scootaloo as they talked and making her feel more comfortable.  They stopped when the glass door to the house slid open and the next person stepped out to show off their swim suit.  Gaining an eyeful from the girls.  "Good golly."  

"What?"  Silver Spoon asked as she closed the door behind her.  "Everything alright?"  

"Wow, Silver."  Scootaloo said as she took in what she was seeing.  "That's your swimsuit?" 

"It is!  I got it specially ordered from a designer in the capital."  The girl smiled.  Though it wasn't the quality of the suit or the designer name tied to it that caught the girls eyes.  More that the swimsuit could best be described as a series of small silver triangles that were doing their very best to cover the girl as much as they could.  "Do you like it?"  

"It's certainly eye catchin'."  Apple Bloom said out loud.  "Good thing we got them bushes around to keep us hidden."

"I don't normally get to wear this one so I wanted a chance to try it for a special occasion."  Silver said happily, not seeming at all bothered by her suit's lack of coverage in comparison to the other girls.  In fact after taking off her glasses and leaving them on a nearby table she went right for the pool and jumped in.  The girls seeing things were getting started both smiled and joined her in the water, finding it a little cold but nice enough that once they adjusted it didn't bother them any.  Plus there was lots of room to swim around in.  They were having so much fun they didn't notice the next person to come outside.  

"Glad to see everyone's enjoying the party."  Diamond spoke up and actually took a moment to pose.  She was wearing a rather flashy one piece that was pink in color and had openings on the sides that showed off her body between her hips to her chest, the fabric held together by a loop in the middle.  Not only was the suit flashy but she had a matching pair of sunglasses and a sun hat to go with it.  

"I see you went with the designer piece too."  Silver Spoon complimented from the water.  

"Well it would be a waste not to show off the finest swimwear I have."  Diamond said with a bright smile, happy to get the compliment.  

"It really is purdy."  Apple Bloom complimented as well.  "But do ya need the hat when the sun's goin' down?"  

"Or the sunglasses?"  Scootaloo asked alongside her.  Diamond thought about this for a moment and slowly took off both the hat and glasses and set them on one of the chairs near the pool.  Scootaloo was a afraid she might get angry with being questioned but instead Diamond seemed to regain her confidence. 

"Well... be a shame not to show it all off, don't you think?"  Diamond asked. 

"Guess ah can't argue with that one."  Apple Bloom said, finding her reasoning amusing but not wanting to take away her pride.  

"Fine taste just comes naturally to me after all."  As she was lapping up the praise she was getting for her decisions in fashion Sweetie Belle came out next.  Wearing a two piece swimsuit that was not only as fancy as Diamond's but seemed to stand out even more.  The white fabric embroidered with purple flower designs and the strings around her hips and shoulders had small jewels embedded into the cloth.  Sweetie even had a small skirt wrapped around her waist that was equally matched with designs and gems.  When she stepped out Diamond got a look at her outfit and swallowed a lump in her throat.  "M-my that's... some very impressive swimwear."  

"You like it?"  Sweetie asked, taking the skirt off as she felt it really wasn't necessary and setting it near Diamond's hat.  "Rarity made it for me.  I think it's a little over board but it looks pretty, right?"

"Your sister made that?"  Diamond Tiara said as she pondered it.

"It's incredible!"  Silver Spoon said in amazement.  "Better than anything I've ever seen in a shop."  

"Sure puts our's to shame."  Apple Bloom agreed.  

"Well... I'm sure if you ever wanted we could ask if Rarity could make some for you guys too?"  Sweetie offered, feeling a little nervous with all these eyes on her.  

"Yes, I have to get one for myself!"  Diamond Tiara declared.  "If I wore a custom piece like that to the beach while on vacation it would make all the other girls jealous in their store bought outfits."  Feeling some joy in proving her superiority in the future Diamond gently entered the pool by using the steps, Sweetie Belle following after her as she didn't really get what she was talking about but was just happy everyone else seemed happy.  At least things seemed to be going well for everyone tonight and the girls were all grateful for that.  

**********

"That's one order of Tiramisu Cheesecake.  Specially packaged, just as you asked."  

"Thank you Mrs. Cake.  I really appreciate it."  Spike said as he took the decorated box containing the small cake inside.

"Oh it's quite alright, Spike.  After all it's what we do here and I'm glad to help you."  The baker said with a smile, Spike having put the order in early yesterday for the decorated cake tonight.  He knew it was one of Rarity's favorite desserts and wanted to surprise her with it on their little in home date.  Kind of a tall order to ask for in a single day, especially when he was trying to keep it out of Pinkie's sights.  But the Cakes were masters of their craft and came through as always.  "So who's the lucky girl?"  

"E-excuse me!?"  Spike asked suddenly feeling flustered.  

"Well I can see you're dressed up very nice."  Mrs. Cake commented at Spikes clothing, the boy having chosen his best to wear to try and make an impression.  "And there wasn't any gem stones included in that dessert request, so I'm guessing it's not all just for you."  

"I... uh... um..."  Spike wracked his brain for a good response, not expecting to be seen through so easily like this.  "It's... aaaaaa girl?"  Spike offered and felt as dumb as his answer.  Mrs. Cake just laughed a little to herself. 

"Well you don't have to tell if you two are keeping it between you for now.  I was just curious, not every day we see someone come in with a request like this."  Mrs. Cake replied with understanding, Spike letting out a sigh.

"Thank you, Mrs. Cake.  Is it okay if you don't tell Pinkie either?"

"Don't worry about at thing, deary.  We'll keep it between us for now.  Go out and have a good time, shouldn't keep a lady waiting after all."  

"You're right, see you later Mrs. Cake!"  Spike said happily and headed out the door, letting out a breath of relief that he was outside and loosening the collar of his shirt to breath easier.  "Didn't think I was so obvious with what I was doing.  Maybe I should get going before anyone else sees me."  Last thing he wanted to do was explain why he was dressed like this and carrying a gift box to anyone else that he knew.  Since it was early evening there was less chance of him running across anyone randomly but that didn't mean the risk wasn't still there.  So Spike made his way directly to Rarity's home without delay to prevent any more problems from happening. 

It would have been all smooth sailing if he hadn't caught sight of what was going on next to the Rich family home.

Their house was big and the property around it even bigger.  The whole thing lined with a brick fence and a metal gate in the front to keep anyone who wasn't welcome out of their home.  Not a lot of house had such imposing structures to keep guests away but Spike figured when you had a lot of expensive stuff you'd want to keep it safe from potential thieves.  Thing is the front gate wasn't the only entrance.  There was also some back gates big enough for just a single person to walk through so that it was easier to get in and out if you were in the back yard.  It was there that Spike noticed three boys standing near the metal door to enter the yard, all of which he recognized. 

"Okay, the plan is simple."  Snips explained to the other two.  "We'll just let ourselves in calmly, find a nice spot to watch near the pool, and leave before anyone notices us."  

"So we're peeping toms?"  Snails asked.  

"Not exactly.  We're just enjoying the view without disturbing their party.  It's like bird watching."  Snips rationalized.  

"Sounds like peeping to me."  Snails countered.

"What if we get caught?"  Rumble asked nervously.  

"Well maybe they'll be happy to have more guests over?  So we just let them know we wanted to hang out too."  Snips answered.  

"Even though we're supposed to make sure we're not noticed?"  Snails countered. 

"Right."  Snips answered.  "To be polite."  

"I'm having second thoughts."  Rumble said.  "This feels like it's wrong."  

"Pretty sure it's frowned upon."  Snails agreed.

"Pretty sure it's called trespassing and that it's illegal."  Spike said, making all three boys nearly jump out of their skin.  "Did I just hear you guys say you were going to go and peep on Diamond Tiara?"

"No!"  Rumble blurted out, completely freaked out they'd already been caught.  "I mean... I'm not looking to see Diamond Tiara."  

"Yeah, there's a whole pool party of girls in there.  It's not just her."  Snips countered and Spike sighed and shook his head at the response.  

"You three can't be serious with this?"  Spike asked.  "Do you know what her father would do to you if he caught you spying?"  

"That's why we're not supposed to be seen.  So everyone's happy."  Snips reasoned and Spike shook his head again.

"You know you're really making this sound worse every time you talk."  Rumble replied starting to get cold feet.

"I should just knock on their door to let them know this, you know."  Spike offered.  "Diamond Tiara might be mean but that doesn't mean she deserves to get spied on."  

"She's not really that mean."  Snips argued.  "Just... under a lot of pressure.  Besides Spike, you owe me!  I took the heat for that party of yours."  

"The party you insisted that I have for you?"  Spike countered.  

"Well you had fun and didn't get in trouble, right?  I was the only one that did."  

"Yeah!  And you got caught there too!  What makes you think this will go differently?"  Spike argued.  He felt pretty strongly about his position on this but someone had a question to knock him off his game.

"Say Spike."  Snails said.  "Why are you dressed up anyway?"  Spike's eyes went wide at the question and the other boys suddenly noticed his unusual clothing too.  

"Yeah, that's a good point."  Snips said.  "You've got a present with you too."  

"Uhh..."  Spike began, finding he was really bad at this lying on the spot thing.  "You see..."  Struggling to find a good answer Spike was left with six eyes on him and no words in his mouth.  By lucky chance though someone else broke the attention off of him when they showed up. 

"Whoa, is everyone here for the party?"  Rain Catcher asked as he approached the other four boys.  "I thought only I was invited."    

"What are you doing here?"  Rumble asked in annoyance seeing the unexpected visitor.  

"Scootaloo invited me to her party, what are YOU doing here?"  Rain asked Rumble, looking like they were about to get into another fight. 

"Yeah right, it's an all girls pool party.  Why would you be invited?"  Rumble countered.  

"Well she told me about it so she obviously wanted me to come."  Rain Catcher reasoned.  "Who wanted any of you to show up?"

"I don't think Diamond Tiara wanted you here."  Snails replied not seeming near as bothered as Rumble.  "And it's her house."  

"Well Scootaloo's MY girlfriend."  Rain Catcher said, really driving that point home to Rumble.  "So she can invite who she wants."  

"Don't think that's how it works."  Snails said, still just sounding calm about the whole thing.  "Not that it matters, you're way behind."  

"How do you mean?"  

"Snips already went in while everyone was talking."  Snails answered, everyone just realizing the shorter boy was no where to be seen.  

"How the heck did he get past me!?"  Spike blurted out.  "Okay, look, no one else is going in there!  I'm going to go in and get him back without anyone seeing us."  

"I don't think that's going to work out."  Snails said to Spike.

"Why's that?  You think I won't be able to find Snips in there?  Only so many places he can hide."  Spike said confidently. 

"No, I mean Rain Catcher hopped the fence while you were focusing on Snips."  Snails replied, noting that it was just the three of them out there now.  

"Okay, so no one else is going to-"  By the time Spike had gotten his thoughts together the gate was swinging open as Rumble had already made his way onto the property.  

"So while you were saying that, Rumble went and-"

"I got it!  I got it."  Spike grumbled to himself.  "You guys are really trying my patience.  I should just let you all get caught on your own."

"I mean that's probably what's going to happen, but Sweetie Belle's in there too if you don't mind them spying on her."  Snails could see Spike's face contort into a number of expressions that were all various degrees of rage and internal conflict before making his decision. 

"I hate you guys."  Spike grumbled as he prepared to trespass on Diamond's property.  

"Why are you wearing that suit, anyway?" 

"Cause I look pretty in it, dammit!"  Spike snapped and made his way past the simple swinging gate.  Snails shrugged and trailed along after, looking to see how this was all going to end up.

**********

As the night had gone on the girls had been moving between the house, the pool and the hot tub as they all chatted with each other.  Apple Bloom had brought some squirt guns with her but having only three it left two out.  Deciding they wanted to just rest up anyway Silver Spoon and Scootaloo remained together in the hot tub while the other girls were having fun shooting each other inside the pool.  Everyone seemed to be having a good time letting themselves cut loose except one girl.  Silver Spoon taking a moment to address that issues herself.  

"So you still seem like you're nervous."  The silver haired girl commented, sitting across from Scootaloo in the bubbling water.  "Are you not having fun?" 

"Oh, it's not that I just... I feel like any moment things could fall apart, you know?"  Scootaloo confessed. 

"Because of you, Diamond Tiara and Rain Catcher?"  Silver Spoon asked and the other girl nodded.  "You don't have to worry about that, Diamond isn't going to say anything about it unless you bring it up."  

"You really think so?"  Scootaloo asked.  

"I know so.  It's important to her this party goes well.  It's why she wore her best swim suit for just swimming at her own house.  Mine too."  Silver said being pleased with her outfit.  "I think it might have more to do with her mom than you or Rain Catcher."  

"I felt like I never should have brought up that I saw her."  Scootaloo confessed again.  "She doesn't like us, does she?"

"Sometimes I think she doesn't even like me."  Silver said.  "Her dad is nice though so it's okay.  I don't ever see her mom spending time with anyone but she puts a lot of pressure on Diamond to be perfect.  This might be her getting back at her in some way."  

"That sounds pretty complicated."  Scootaloo said, looking over at Diamond who seemed like she was enjoying herself a lot more than she'd ever seen in the past.  "It's weird to think that having friends is something that would make her mom upset."  

"If you're not as rich as Mr. Rich than she doesn't think you're worth being around.  Thing is no one in town is as wealthy as they are."  Silver said sounding melancholy over the subject.  "Even my family doesn't compare.  It's a weird thing." 

"I can't even imagine having all of this around me all the time."  Scootaloo said looking at Diamond's house.  "You guys sure are lucky."  

"It's okay I guess."  Silver said, not feeling very impressed with all the fancy things around them.  "It can get kind of lonely with no one around but us.  That's not a problem anymore I hope."  Silver Spoon said with a smile at Scootaloo, sliding over in the tub to sit next to her.  "It's nice having it be just us girls, right?"  

"Uh... yeah, sure is."  Scootaloo answered, not really understanding the question.  She was usually around girls all the time.  It was boys that were the odd exception.  

"Don't you two look chummy."  Diamond said, the girls suddenly noticing her standing near the hot tub after exiting the pool.  "A couple of daiquiri's in your hands and it would be a summer photo shoot."

"A daker... what?"  Scootaloo asked feeling lost all of a sudden.

"It's a mixed drink."  Silver answered.  "Do you think we could get two over here?"  

"Well I do know where daddy keeps the key to his liquor cabinet."  Diamond said smiling a little mischievously.  "Though I don't think I could get the chef to mix them for us."

"I could do it."  Silver Spoon said cheerfully.  "We could make this a real party."  

"Are you guys talking about drinking!?"  Scootaloo asked.  

"Well yeah, I mean unless you don't think you can handle it."  Diamond asked a little teasingly.  

"I... I can do it!  I can take anything you throw at me."  Scootaloo said not wanting to back down from a challenge.  

"That sounds like all I need to hear."  Silver Spoon said as she exited the hot tub.  "If you can really get those bottles for me I can whip them up for us."  

"Are we really doing this!?"  Scootaloo asked, feeling both nervous and exited at the idea.  "I mean I've never drank before."  

"Sure you have, Spike's punch was spiked at his party."  Silver explained, seeing a wide eyed look in Scootaloo's eyes.  "You didn't know?  Diamond Tiara and you both drank plenty of it."  She said and Diamond looked away a little annoyed.

"I didn't know at the time.  Otherwise I wouldn't have had so much."  Diamond grumbled. 

"Well we can enjoy it properly now.  I'll just get some juice and-"  Silver stopped as all three girls heard a rustling noise and Silver saw some movement in the bushes that froze her in place.  "Uh... guys.  I uh... I'm not wearing my glasses but I think I saw something move."  All three girls stopped talking now as they turned to look at the bushes, Scootaloo climbing out of the water to see what was happening.  As they approached she noted that both Diamond and Silver were staying behind her.  Not wanting to get much closer either Scootaloo motioned to Diamond to hand over the plastic squirt gun.  She waited until she saw the bushes move again and threw it as hard as she could when they did. 

"Ow!"  A male voice said as a boy tumbled out of the bushes onto the pool's cement surroundings.  "Jeez, that really hurt."  Snips complained rubbing his head.

"Snips?"  Scootaloo asked in surprise.

"Uh... hi there Scoots.  How's the party?"  Snips said trying to sound casual but was confronted by the scary (but still welcome) sight of Diamond Tiara moving past her to confront the boy.  

"You!"  Diamond said sounding as harsh as ever.  "What do you think you're doing here!?"

"Oh... hey there, Diamond.  You are... just looking beautiful tonight, let me say first.  Really stunning."  

"Hmph.  You're right, of course."  Diamond Tiara said, not letting an opportunity for a compliment to pass her up.  "But that doesn't explain why you're in my yard."

"Well I... kinda heard you girls were having a party.  So... y'know..."  Snips trailed off, no good answer coming to his mind. 

"Decided to spy on us?"  Silver asked, also staring him down.  Though when she saw his expression at seeing her swimsuit Silver excused herself to go find a towel to wrap around her body.  

"You're a dirty peeping tom!"  Diamond accused louder than Snips was hoping for which caught the attention of Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle in the pool.  "I can't believe you'd be so disrespectful!"  

"Wait, I wasn't trying to be disrespectful!  I just wanted to join the party with you girls."  

"This is a PRIVATE event."  Diamond said with a tint of rage to her voice.  "Now I know why mother demanded these bushes get planted.  As for you..."  Tiara continued but her attention was taken off Snips as the sound of more bushes rustling caught her attention.  "Another one!"  

"Got 'em!"  Scootaloo shouted and chucked the squirt gun like a fast ball at the target.

"Ow!"  The boy shouted in pain as he also came tumbling out of the bushes, holding his face in pain.  "My head..."

"Rumble?"  Scootaloo asked in surprise.  "You're here too?"  

"Aw heck no."  Apple Bloom said as her and Sweetie Belle approached along with Silver Spoon who was covering herself with a towel wrapped around her chest.  "Gotta couple of peepin' toms here?"  Rumble didn't say a word to the girl, just looking up embarrassed at being caught. 

"Who even are you?"  Diamond asked.  

"That's Rumble, he was at Spike's party."  Silver reminded Diamond Tiara.  The boy waving at the girl weakly and Silver waved back rolling her eyes.  "You know this isn't what I meant when I said you should be more forward with girls."

"What a couple of jerks!"  Sweetie Belle shouted, covering her chest with her arms.  "I can't believe I thought better of you two."

"It's not just us."  Rumble said and pulled one of his legs up, kicking hard into the bushes and causing another boy to fall out.  "See!?"  He said motioning to Rain Catcher who had hit the ground hard not expecting to fall like that.

"You!"  Diamond shouted.  

"Rain?"  Scootaloo asked in disappointment.  "You're spying on my friends?"  

"See, this is what I was talking about."  Silver Spoon said.  "Can't trust these boys at all."  

"I'll say, how dare you come to my house!"  Diamond shouted at Rain Catcher, but pointed at Snips who had been trying to wiggle back into the bushes.  "Snips, don't you move, I'm not done with you yet either."  The boy stopped his attempted escape and just relaxed on the ground. 

"You know I should be more worried by you saying that but I'm just happy you remembered my name."  Snips said with a smile on his face.  

"As for you!"  Diamond shouted at Rain Catcher who was looking at Rumble like he planned to kill him.  "What made you think you could come here uninvited?"

"I was invited."  Rain Catcher said confidently.  "Scootaloo invited me."  All eyes turned to the purple haired girl who was looking at Diamond with panic. 

"I... I never... I didn't..."  Scootaloo stammered.

"She told me all about the party and implied she wanted me to visit."  Rain said finding that Diamond's wrath was moving from himself to her.  Though before a fight could start Apple Bloom walked up. 

"Pile a horse feathers if ya ask me."  The farm girl said as she stared at the boy.  "Bet she just mentioned she was going to a party and ya invited yerself, didn't ya?"  

"Sounds like him."  Silver said, backing up the red head.  "Putting blame on Scootaloo is such a low move, you're all a bunch of scum bags."

"There isn't anyone else spying on us is there?"  Sweetie asked looking around the rest of the pool.  As if to answer her question another boy burst through the bushes over top of Rain Catcher and Rumble, grabbing them both by the back of their shirts.  

"Grrratcha!"  Spike growled through clenched teeth that were holding the string that kept his package together.  All the girls screamed in surprise at his sudden arrival and Spike looked up wide eyed to see an audience.  "Errm... Urrr... Hrri?"  Spike said in confusion.  

"Spike, you're a peeper too!?"  Sweetie shouted in disappointment.  

"Least he brought a present."  Apple Bloom said half jokingly.  

"Why is he dressed up like that?"  Silver Spoon asked in confusion.  

"You know, I was wondering the same thing."  Snips offered, still laying on the ground where Diamond Tiara told him to.  "Never did get an answer."  

"This is so dumb."  Apple Bloom rolled her eyes.  "Snails, are you out there too?"  

"Right here."  A hand waved from behind the bushes.  

"Well there's the last idiot."  Diamond Tiara said in frustration.  "What am I supposed to do with all of you!?"  

"Don't worry about that sweet heart.  Daddy has it taken care of."  Everyone looked up at the man who was approaching the group at the back of the pool, holding a pipe in one hand and wrapped up in a fancy robe.  "I was wondering what all the shouting was about.  None of it sounded like the kind of fun I'd expect from a party."  Filthy Rich was eyeing the boys calmly as they all looked up at him in a panic.  "Diamond, I take it these guests weren't invited."

"No Daddy.  We've established that nobody here was invited."  Diamond said, glaring at Rain Catcher with a look that could kill.

"Well that makes you all trespassers.  I'm afraid we can't have that now."  Each boy began speaking (except for Snails) trying to offer an explanation as to why they were here, even Spike through his gritted teeth.  But the crowd fell silent when Filthy Rich put his hand up.  "I'm sure you've all got a good excuse but it's late and I'm not eager to hear them.  So let's make this quick.  Mr. Biceps, if you would?"  

"YEAH!" Another man's voice shouted from behind the bushes as huge hands reached through the leaves and pulled each of the boys out of the pool area.  The girls watched as the boys were piled up onto Bulk Biceps shoulders and carried off, Sweetie Belle waving to Spike as he left.  

"You girls just keep having fun, I'll show the boys the way out."  Filthy Rich said with a wink and nod as he left his daughter to her party, Diamond Tiara rubbing her forehead as her father walked around the house with their hired guard. 

"I can't believe that happened."  She grumbled to herself.  

"Ah can.  Them boys are hungrier than a pack of wolves."

"I wonder who Spike brought that present for?"  Sweetie asked out loud, not seeming very bothered that he showed up at all.  Apple Bloom wasn't taking it all as well as her though.  

"Who knows.  My guess is Snips was the ring leader though with how much he's crushin' on Tiara."

"Wh-what!?"  Diamond asked in surprise.  "Why... why would you think that... I don't even think he's cute or nice at all!  Especially after this."

"No one said you did."  Apple Bloom said with a smirk and jumped back into the pool.  Silver Spoon and Sweetie Belle following after her now that their trespassers were taken care of.  Diamond Tiara was left a little stunned until she felt a hand on her shoulder.  

"Hey."  Scootaloo said.  "I'm sorry if... they showed up because I told Rain Catcher about the party.  I didn't think he'd ever do something like that."  

"Hmph... well, it's his fault not yours."  Diamond said.  "Lets forget about that idiot and just let Daddy take care of them."  Scootaloo was surprised Diamond Tiara was able to let it go like that so easily.  She thought for sure that she'd want to lay into her for letting the news about the party out at all.  But thankfully she was able to agree and followed after her, looking to enjoy the rest of the night with her friends.

**********

"Let's be clear I completely understand where you boys are coming from.  I was young once myself after all."  Filthy Rich explained as he walked to the front of his house, the other boys carried by their collars like a bunch of cats in the mighty grip of Bulk Biceps.  "You hear of some girls having a party and you want to be present.  You want them to notice you.  It's only natural for boys to feel this way."  He continued, looking over the box Spike had brought and examining it.  Having taken it himself while his hired muscle did the heavy lifting.  "However it's exactly because I understand your intentions that I cannot allow you to bother these young ladies while they're under my care.  Ah, here we are."  Filthy said as he set Spike's box on top of the brick fence surrounding his home and opened the gate.  "Mr. Biceps, if you would?"

"YEAH!"  The large man shouted as he tossed the boys out of the property.  Literally tossed them, through the air and letting them fall into heaps on each other of the road before the house.  

"Thank you.  Now boys."  Rich said as he turned back to face them.  "If we leave it at this I'll simply have you go on about your night.  But if I see any of you near my home again I will contact your parents and inform them that their sons are being arrested for trespassing.  I hope there's no confusion on this matter."  Closing the front gate and locking it Filthy Rich waved to the boys from behind the other side of the iron bars.  "Have a good evening."  With that the two men turned and went back into the house, the boys picking themselves up off the ground and brushing the dust off themselves.  Rumble tried to get to his feet but was kicked back down to the ground by Rain Catcher before he could.  Stumbling and pulling himself up again. 

"What's your problem, jerk!"  Rumble shouted and raised his fists up.  

"That's for tripping me earlier you stupid nerd.  I wouldn't have gotten caught if it wasn't for you!"  Rain Catcher shouted back looking like he was ready to fight too.  

"It's not my fault, Snips fell out of the bushes first!"  Rumble shouted and pointed at Snips who just shrugged.  

"Hey that was just me.  I didn't trip anyone or sell the rest of you out."  Snips explained.  "Not that I'm really upset.  Did you see Diamond Tiara?  That was one heck of a swimsuit wasn't it?"  Snips said to Snails, still feeling pretty happy she remembered his name from the party before. 

"I didn't really see anything."  Snails said.  "Stayed behind the bushes the whole time."

"You dumb dorks ruined everything.  If I'd gone in there alone this never would have happened."  Rain Catcher complained to them.  

"We didn't exactly invite you in the first place."  Snips retorted.  

"From what I could tell back there no one invited you."  Rumble said mockingly.  "Scootaloo made that pretty clear."  

"You asking to get your teeth knocked in?"  Rain Catcher threatened. 

"SHUT UP!"  Spike shouted, spewing fire up into the air.  He turned to face them with glowing green eyes.  "I should burn all four of you alive!  What in Tartarus name were any of you thinking!?  Now they're all lumping me in with you peepers!"  

"No one said you had to follow us."  Rain Catcher said back and Spike could feel fire burning in the back of his throat.  He took a step forward and three of the boys took a step back, all except Snails who was looking elsewhere.  

"Hey guys?  Guys?  What the heck is that thing!?"  Snails asked more excited than normal as he pointed at the top of Filthy Rich's fence.  Everyone turned to see a black figure with red beady eyes staring back at them.  It was small and unnatural looking, the black body blending in with the night so well it was difficult to see.  

"That is one freaky looking rat."  Snips said trying not to sound afraid.

"That's... not a rat."  Rumble said fearfully of the monster.    

"Is that an imp!?"  Spike exclaimed.  "But where would something like that..."  Before they could dwell on it further the little monster picked up Spike's dessert for Rarity above it's head with the tiny arms and scurried away down the fence with it.  "Hey, what do you think you're doing!?  Give that back!"  Spike shouted, giving chase to the monster.  The other four boys watching as Spike ran off into the night after the creature.  There was silence for a while until Snips broke it. 

"So uh... was anyone else surprised that Sweetie Belle is that stacked?"

"Yeah she's even bigger than Diamond Tiara."  Rain Catcher replied.

"I thought Apple Bloom looked pretty cute with that one piece on."  Rumble chimed in.  With that they boys walked away from the Rich family home, discussing the various female figures they'd seen tonight as best as their memories could recall.

**********

Later into the night after the girls had their fun splashing about in the pool they all found themselves in Diamond Tiara's room.  Having her own bathroom made it easy for them to take turns showering off and changing into their pajamas for bed.  Not that anyone was ready to sleep, everyone just chatting casually as they settled in.  Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara were sitting on her bed together sharing some apple slices the farm girl had brought with her.  Silver Spoon and Scootaloo were currently sitting on Silver's bed, one that had been added in much earlier than the party for her so she'd have a place to sleep when she stayed at Diamond's house.  Sweetie Belle was currently on a roll out cot that had been provided by Diamond's parents for the party.  

"Gotta say this is the biggest bedroom ah've ever seen."  Apple Bloom commented looking around.  "Way bigger than anything in my place."  

"Well Daddy wanted me to have enough room to do as I pleased."  Diamond said as she munched on one of the apple slices.

"You've even got enough room for an extra bed."  Scootaloo said as she leaned with her back against the wall.  Silver's bed pressed to the side of the room while Diamond's sat in the middle.  "It's a nice one too."  

"With how often I've spent the night Diamond was kind enough to ask for it for me."  Silver explained trying not to sound too pampered.  "It was generous of them."  

"Speaking of that how are we going to do the sleeping situation tonight?"  Sweetie Belle asked, hugging her pillow against her chest and letting her chin rest on it.  

"Why not where we are now?"  Silver offered.  "You don't mind do you Diamond?"  

"Depends."  Diamond asked looking at Apple Bloom.  "You're not a kicker, are you?"  

"If ah was, how would ah know?  Ah'd be asleep the whole time ah was doin' it."  Apple Bloom asked and the other girls giggled at the response.  "Ah don't think ah am."  

"Good enough I guess."  Diamond replied.  "Sweetie, you don't mind having the cot to yourself, right?"  Sweetie Belle shook her head to indicate she was fine where she was.  "Guess as long as you and Silver don't mind sharing a bed.  It's a little smaller than mine."  She said to Scootaloo but before she could answer Silver Spoon was already replying. 

"It'll be fine, we can make it work."  Silver said and put an arm around Scootaloo.

"Uh, yeah, I guess we can make it work."  Scootaloo replied.  "Softer than a sleeping bag on the floor of the club house."  

"Sleeping at the club house, what a night that was."  Diamond grumbled to herself.  Sweetie Belle noting the disappointment in her voice and speaking up to address what she felt should be fixed.  

"You're not still mad at Spike, are you?"  Sweetie asked her and Diamond just munched on another apple slice.  "He wasn't himself that night.  He's normally a really good guy."  

"He was in the bushes with the other peeping toms."  Silver Spoon corrected Sweetie.  "Though honestly I never would have expected that from him."  

"Seemed kinda odd, don't ya think?"  Apple Bloom pondered.  "He only showed up after the others got there.  First thing he did was go after them too."  

"So what?  You think he was trying to stop them?"  Silver asked curiously.  

"Maybe?  I dunno, but he sure looked surprised when he saw all of us."  

"Didn't he have a present or something?"  Scootaloo offered.  "Why was he carrying that in the first place?"  

"Might have been an apology gift."  Sweetie Belle said.  "To say he was sorry about what happened last time?"  

"Funny way to deliver it."  Tiara replied.  "You sure are defending him a lot.  What's going on with you and him?"  

"Us!?"  Sweetie asked nervously.  "Nothing!  There's nothing going on with us.  Why would there be?"  

"Weren't you in his bedroom at his party?"  Silver Spoon asked trying to think back on that night.  

"Another night I'd like to forget." Diamond Tiara said.  "He sure is at the center of a lot of problem events."  

"All the boys from tonight were at that party."  Sweetie Belle said in defense of herself, trying to get off the subject of her and Spike.  

"Then they tried to crash ours."  Silver Spoon replied.  "Never thought that would happen."  

"Boys sure are a lot of trouble.  Wish I had Mr. Biceps around all the time to carry them off when they're annoying me."  Diamond said feeling rather happy remembering that part of tonight.

"Ah'd like tah disagree but ah gotta admit there's times ah coulda used some muscle power like that too."  Apple Bloom said finding an odd subject to bond over with Tiara.  "We've even had some of them visiting the club house after school."

"Jeez, I'm guessing they were hungry for more than apples."  Silver Spoon said, but noted that both Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were quiet on this subject.  Wanting to keep things friendly for everyone Silver Spoon shifted the conversation slightly.  "Not like we need boys anyway.  They're not offering anything we can't do for each other or ourselves."  

"Ah reckon gonna probably need me one when ah'm ready tah have a family of my own though."  Apple Bloom countered.  

"Only when you actually want the family.  He can be out working otherwise.  Besides then you'd want a man, not an annoying boy."  Silver Spoon replied, making sure to note the difference in her voice between a man and a boy to the other girls.  "Other than that we don't need any boys."

"What about when you want a hug?"  Scootaloo asked and as if to answer her Silver Spoon put two arms around the girl and gave her a hug out of the blue.  "Oh... okay then, what about when you want to kiss?"  

"Well I can offer that if you'd like."  Silver said with a wink which made Scootaloo blush and Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom laugh at the sight.  

"Kissing is over rated anyway."  Diamond Tiara said.  "Not like there's anything really special about it."  

"I can't agree with that.  What about when it's with someone you really like?"  Sweetie Belle said and Diamond turned to look at her with a bored expression.  "What?"  

"Okay, fine then."  Diamond Tiara said.  "Everyone who's actually kissed a boy raise their hand.  Then you can tell me what's best."  After her decree Tiara raised her hand high into the air, shortly there after followed by Scootaloo.  "Well... can't say I'm surprised there."  

"Is there a problem with it?"  Scootaloo asked defensively.  

"Hey, you can kiss who you want.  But then I have to ask, was it really special feeling?"

"I'm... not sure."  Scootaloo said as she put her hand down, thinking back to that day where her and Rain Catcher were kissing together.  It had felt exciting in the moment but there were bad memories tied to it too.  Now there was what happened tonight, making it all the more mixed up.  

"See, that's what I was afraid of."  Diamond Tiara said seriously.  "If kissing is really special you shouldn't feel that way, right?"  

"Why don't you ask her?"  Silver said as she pointed at Sweetie Belle who was hiding her face against her pillow and had her hand shyly in the air.

"No way!"  Scootaloo said out loud.  

"Are ya yanking my chain all the way to the capital!?"  Apple Bloom asked as she turned to face Sweetie.  "Ya all really kissed a boy?"  Sweetie Belle nodded her head with her face still hidden.  "Well... who!?  Who was it!?"  Sweetie Belle shook her head against the pillow.  "Aw c'mon now, you can't leave me in suspense like that."

"Sweetie Belle, you can't drop a bomb on us like this and not tell us who, this is huge!"  Scootaloo agreed with Apple Bloom but their friend just kept shaking her head and hiding her face.  "Well... alright, but wow I didn't think you'd ever kissed anyone before.  Like really kissed them, not just on the cheek or something."

"Can we just let it go?"  Sweetie Belle asked in a muffled voice from the pillow.  "I never should have said anything."  Diamond Tiara mercifully moved the subject on for her.

"Alright so I'm not the only one that's kissed a boy.  Doesn't mean they're worth the time of day.  I want to go out somewhere, I can ask Silver Spoon to come with me.  I want to eat a nice meal I don't even need the company, can eat it all on my own.  I want to feel good, I already got something to help make myself feel good.  Nothing they can do that I can't do or ask someone better to help me with."  That last one caught Apple Bloom's attention considering the talk she'd just recently had with her sister the previous night.    

"Say now, when ya said ya'll got something that makes ya 'feel good', ya'll don't happen to mean uh... y'know... something meant for that specifically do you?"  The farm girl asked carefully.  

"Well... yeah, it is just for 'that'.  Not a lot of other things it could be for."  Diamond replied back, surprised Apple Bloom caught on to what she was talking about.  

"Excuse me?"  Scootaloo asked.  "What the heck are you guys talking about?"  When posed with the question so bluntly both girls on the opposite bed seemed to lose their nerve in describing what they'd been discussing.  "Is it something bad?"  

"Scootaloo?"  Silver Spoon asked.  "Have you never... you know?  Pleased yourself before?"  Scootaloo stared around the room blankly as all the girls looked at her in surprise.

"No way."  Diamond Tiara said.  "How in the world have you never done it before?"  

"How should I know, you guys won't say what you're talking about!"  Scootaloo shouted back frustrated.  Apple Bloom tried to get in the middle of this before a confrontation broke out between the two girls.  

"Y'know Scoots like... when yer feelin' frisky and ya just gotta... ya know?"  Apple Bloom struggled and she turned backwards.  "Sweetie can you help me out on this one?"  Sweetie Belle was surprised to hear her called in for this but she was just glad the focus was off her and who she had kissed.  Remembering the talk she'd had with her sister she tried to approach the subject as best she could.  

"It's like... when you feel really eager?  Like you would for a boy?  So you use your hand to um... you know, take care of what you need to do?"  Sweetie described and Scootaloo still stared on blankly.  "I can't take this anymore.  Masturbating, Scootaloo.  They're talking about masturbating."

"For a sweet voice she can sure be sharp, can't she?"  Silver Spoon said in surprise.  Scootaloo's eyes wide with realization as she finally put it all together.  "Seriously though, Scootaloo, you've never once tried it?"  

"No, I haven't.  You all have!?"  She asked in shocked and the girls looked just as surprised at her at this revelation.  "Am I weird or something?"

"I mean maybe."  Diamond said teasingly and Scootaloo gripped the sheets under her with her fingers tightly.  "Here, look at this."  She got up from her bed lazily and walked over to one of her drawers, pulling something out and tossing it to Scootaloo.  The girl picked up the clear phallic object and looked it over confused, Diamond returning to her spot on the bed.  

"What is it?"  Scootaloo asked surprised.  

"Geez you're awfully innocent, you know that?  I can't tell if it's cute or annoying."  Diamond replied.  "That's my sex toy, it's what I use when I need to feel better."  

"Wait a minute... this was inside you!?"  Scootaloo asked and Diamond nodded, Scootaloo tossing the dildo into the air and having it land in Silver Spoon's hands.  "Why did you hand it to me!?"  

"Well I clean it off after I was done."  Diamond Tiara said.  "You're such a tomboy I never thought you'd be this uptight about sex stuff."  While Scootaloo didn't know how to reply to that Silver Spoon was looking the dildo over.  

"I've never actually seen it before even though I knew you had it.  It's a little more than I think I'd be comfortable with using for myself."  Silver said nervously and tossed it over the beds into Diamond's hand.  She offered it to Apple Bloom who shook her head and declined holding it next.  

"Thanks but uh ah'll pass on that.  It's not mah first time seein' one a these myself."

"Wait a minute, you have one too?"  Diamond asked and it was Apple Bloom's turn to look embarrassed.  

"Ah just got it.  Like ah JUST got it recently and ah haven't even used it yet."  The farm girl confessed.  

"You're in for a treat."  Diamond Tiara said with a grin and turned around on the bed, offering it to Sweetie Belle who also declined to take it.  "C'mon it's not going to bite.  You might even like it, seeing how you kissed a boy already."
  
"Can we just forget I ever admitted that?"  Sweetie Belle grumbled.  Though Apple Bloom had other ideas herself.  

"Y'know Sweetie ya might wanna consider it with ah... yer thing you were talkin' 'bout with me before?"  Apple Bloom offered and the other girls looked on confused.  Sweetie Belle sighed and realized she'd have to confess more than she wanted to tonight.  

"It might have helped but I found a solution of my own already.  The one that Twist gave us before."  

"You tried it?"  Apple Bloom asked.  "Ah gave it a go too but uh... didn't really work out fer me ah'm afraid."  

"So what are we talking about now?"  Scootaloo asked, not liking how much she was lost in this conversation with her own best friends.

"Actually I'd like to get filled in too."  Silver Spoon asked.  Seeing the cat was already out of the bag Sweetie decided to share her issue. 

"Well up until recently whenever I tried to... y'know, make myself feel good.  Whenever I'd do that I never actually finished."  

"You never finished?"  Silver Spoon asked in astonishment.  Diamond Tiara looking on with just as much surprise. 

"That sounds awful.  I've had nights were it's rough but never like that!  This one over here doesn't even do it and I don't know how she's getting by every day.  I'd go nuts."  Tiara confessed.  "So how'd you solve it."  

"I used my pillow."  Sweetie Belle answered.  The girls looked on in confusion and Sweetie began to explain the mechanics of bunching it up and riding over top of it to give her the necessary pressure for the rest of it to work out.  After she was done there were some very educated and surprised expressions around the room.  

"Well... I might have to try that."  Silver Spoon said with a smile.  

"Think I'll put this guy away."  Diamond said as she walked back to her drawer and stuffed her personal assistant among her undergarments.  "Anyone else tired?"  

"Ah'm beat."  Apple Bloom exclaimed.  

"I'm worn out just from this conversation."  Sweetie Bell admitted.  

"Same."  Scootaloo said feeling drained from having to keep up with everyone.  

"I'm actually pretty good but we can go to bed if you want."  Silver Spoon said sounding just fine despite all the emotions that had rushed around the room.  

"Okay, let's go to bed.  I'm gonna take the right side."  Diamond explained as she turned off the light and crawled into bed, pulling the covers back for both of them.  The other girls did the same with their beds, Scootaloo and Silver Spoon having to squeeze a little tight together but otherwise doing fine.  As everyone was settling it there was one question that was still lingering in one of the girl's minds.  "Hey Sweetie Belle?"  

"Yeah Diamond?"  She asked from her bed.  

"When you said you kissed a boy... you didn't mean your pillow, right?"  

"...are you kidding me right now?"  Everyone laughed out loud at the answer, Sweetie Belle eventually assuring that no she hadn't been kissing her pillow but that still didn't mean she was going to confess any time soon.  The girls chatted in the dark for a little bit till eventually the stress from the day weighed on them and drifted them off to sleep.    