Norman jons the Swim Team (current)

>Be Rainbow Dash
>You're talking with Miss Cheerilee about re-opening theswim club
>"But Rainbow, we don't even have a pool here."
"That's ok, we can use the University's rec pool once we make it official!"
>"Why not use the city's rec center?"
"It's too far away. C.U.'s rec center is like, 3 blocks down. Besides, we want to avoid using public pools.”
>"Well, I guess that's ok..."
"I've already filled up an application!"
>you pull out the club formation petition
>Miss cheerilee checks it
"We even have people ready to sign up! All we need is an instructor to supervise us!"
>"And let me guess: you want me to be that teacher?"
>you nod
>"But why me? Do I look like a swimming professional? Why not Coach Will?"
"I already asked him. He wasn't interested."
>"And hey, these are all boys' names! I think. Is this 'Haruka' a boy?"
"Um... yes?"
>"Then how do i know you're not just choosing me to attract members! Heck, you only have four signatures, and you're one of them!"
"Well, um, didn't yo usay you used to teach kids how to swim? Oh! and you were a life guard, too!"
>"I suppose..."
"and all you have to do is show up to the practices! I've already arranged my schedule so we don't interfere with any of my OTHER practices, and it looks like we'd meet 3 times a week, and any member will be able to--"
>"Rainbow, wait!"
>you pause

>"That was another thing I was going to ask you about. Aren't you in charge of enough teams?"
>You already lead virtually every girls' team in the school, and even a couple of male teams
>"Do you think you can really handle another?"
"I'm sure I can handle one more, Ma'am"
>"And I'm sure you're prepared to explain to Principal Celestia why YOU'RE interested in leading a swim team of BOYS?"
>Man, she's really ripping on you now
"Come on, Miss cheerilee! If we don't get this club up and running now, I won't be able to try again until NEXT year since the season is starting within the next few months!"
>She sighs
>"Look, if it means that much to you, I'll make you a deal."
>"if you can get it approved by the principal..."
>She takes the application and a pen
>"I'll sign up as your instructor."
"Really??" you squeal. "You're the best, Miss cheerilee!!"
>you rush forward to hug her, but she stops you
>"It's a little early for celebration, don't you think? You should go to the principal's office now."

>few minutes later, in Celestia's office
>"Well," says principal Celestia, "you seem to have everything in order in terms of paperwork... But there's one problem."
"Yes, ma'am?"
>"You're going to need one more member. You can't become 'official' without a full team."
"what do you mean? We have the minimum for the relay: four!"
>"I only see three other names here, Miss Dash."
"But I'M there!"
>she sighs
>"Rainbow, you know most sports teams can't be co-ed. I'm willing to let you captain the team so long as you don't shirk your responsibilities to the other atheletes AND to keep your grades up, but I cann't allow you to participate with these young men."
"But--"
>you groan, but you know that it's not the right time to suddenly become feminist, especially in front of a FEMALE principal
>for all you know, she might only be doing this because she knows officials at tournaments won't let it go either
"Fine, we can find another member! This was all I could muster up for now, but there's at least one more person in the school who's willing to join, and I'm gonna find 'em!"
>Celestia smiles
>"I admire your enthusiasm, Miss Dash. And I know the window of opportunity for this is closing. Very well, I'll give you a chance."
"YES!"
>you cheer, forgetting where you are.
>Celestia and some other faculty stare at you
>you sit down

>"Now then, when did you plan to have your first practice?"
"Next Monday at 3:30, ma'am. There were no openings, but I asked the captain of the Dodge High Swim Team and he said he's willing to do joint sessions with us"
>"If you can put that application on my desk with that fifth signature by Friday before 8 in the morning, and no later, I'll reinstate the swim club."
>It's Monday
>It took you a span of 2 weeks to find William and Michael
>4 days is not a lot of time, relatively
"Wait, why so soon?"
>"I'll need time to contact the University and discuss our team with them. We might even get you some time alone in that pool."
"I understand, ma'am!"
>"Also, bring your team to me on Monday right after school so i know you didn't just get someone else to sign it."
"R-right."
>"And I'll even let the university know not to let you in if you don't have everyone, so make sure they arrive.
"Yes, ma'am! I won't let you down!"
>"I don't think you need to worry about letting ME down..."
>she leans forward on the desk
>"But why are YOU so interested in starting a swim club? I know deadlines are approaching fast, but that can't be the only reason..."
>You hesitate
>why were you so keen on getting this club running?
"Well, you of all people should know, Ms. Celestia, I always keep my promises!"

>You're still Rainbow Dash
>It's tuesday
>you take the public bus to school like you do every morning
>It's not so bad
>You notice a kid in a greenish beanie and orange coat
>You recognize it as the kid everyone says is racist.
>let's hope he doesn't hate blue people
>you tap him on the shoulder
"Hey, you're Norman, aren't you? I didn't know you rode the bus"
>"I only ride it when I can't use my parents' cars."
"Oh, did you get in trouble?"
>"No, they both just needed them this morning."
"Oh, ok."
>"You're... what's your name again? All I know is youre the captain of practically EVERY team."
>you raise your chin in pride
"Heh, you're heard of me? Name's Rainbow Dash!"
>"Oh, cool. You already know I'm Norman. Isn't hard? Being in charge of all of thsoe teams, I mean. I can only imagine what your grades are like.
"Well, my after school schedule is busier than ever, but I can handle it! and I can handle my grades just fine, too!"
>he chuckles
>"If you say, so."
>he pats you on the side of the arm
>"Good luck with everything, assuming you need it."
"Thanks, man!"
>conversation seems to be over, so you just look away from each other
>Few seconds later it comes to you
>This guy is right here, you're sure you havent asked him yet, and he looks to be in good shape!
>As long as he can swim, he'd be the perfect addition to the swim team!
>As good as any, that is
>You can just train him or something if he's not fast

>You whip yourself back towards Norman
"SPEAKING OF SPORTS," you begin, "we're looking for one more person on our swim team, Would you happen to be interested??"
>he gives you a weird look
>Maybe you came on too strong?
>"Um, sorry, but no. Someone else asked me last week and honestly swimming doesn't exactly appeal to me."
"Oh, must have been Mike or will... You sure about that? You look like you'd be a good swimmer!"
>"Er, no, I don't think so."
"Oh, don't be so modest! It's clear you hit the gym every once in a while! Are you joining another team? I'm sure we can work something out!"
>He's looking pretty scared, and also flustered and sweating
>You snap out of it
>You realize you almost crawled right on top of him
>looking around, no one else on the bus seems to notice or care.
>Maybe it's time to pull the big guns
>You flip the hair out of your face and bat your eyes, giving your best sexy face
"Are you sure we can't... work something out?"
>You could caress his cheek, but you are in a public place and you don't want to overdo it
>Besides, he's already blushing a deeper red
>You've been told you were very attractive
>You've even overheard guys and girls alike commenting on your figure
>Surely this'll work
>He's not bad looking either
>You wouldn't mind fucking him to get him to stay on the team, if he actually expected it because of this advance
>Saying nothing, Norman hastily moves away and pulls the wire
"Um, the school is at the next stop."
>"I-I know, but I usually get off here anyway.."
>the bus stops
>Norman stands to leave
"Um, okay! We can talk later, right?"
>he looks back at you
>"Sorry, Rainbow, i'm just not interested..."
>He finally leaves
>You slump in your seat and cross your arms
>dammit. He looked perfect, too.

>few minutes later
>Driver had to stop to check on something with the bus
>shouldn't be a huge delay
>You're still wracking your mind thinking of people you could recruit at school
>somehow you keep thinking of Norman
>You couldn't help but beat yourself up on not being able to convince him
>You feel the jerk of the bus moving again
>reflexively look up
>In the corner of your eye, you notice someone jogging
>Recognize the orange coat wrapped around his waist
>You rush across the aisle to get a closer look through the window
>Holy shit, it IS Norman!
>His pants even became running shorts
>He must have been wearing them under his pants
>He isn't even running in the "Holy crap, I'm gonna be late!" sense, so he must actually be jogging!
>You excitedly press your hands arms and face against the window
"Wow!" You think outloud "He jogs the final stretch to school??
>You don't notice the woman uncomfortably crouching under your armpit
"I NEED to get him on my team!!"

>Still rainbow dash
>Classes are over for today
>You'd hoped to run into Norman today, but no luck
>You stop by your locker to get your stuff
>including a bag or fliers and complementary Wondercolt figures you'd planned to give to recruits
>"Rainbow!"
>you look up in response
>walking towards you are two dudes: a tall, sleek, brown-haired one with a cool complexion and expression about him, and a shorter blondie who's almost half as hyper as pinkie pie
>Mike and Will, respectively, two of the other members of your swim team
>"How you doing??" greeted Will cheerfully.
>You grab your backpack and close your locker.
"Hey Will. I'm doing ok."
>Mike waves at you too.
>you almost wave back, but you realize he's actually looking over your shoulder and waving at Rarity standing behind you
>Rarity gives a flirty hand wave to mike
>Oh brother.
>She happened to be there when you agreed to help Haruka revive the swim club, and she's been following the members like puppies ever since
>You can't really blame her, but come on, Rares.
>"How's recruiting, coming along?" asked Mike as the four of you begin walking
>you sigh
"I had a real good feeling about this one guy on the bus, but--"
>"Ooh! was he cute?" chimed Rarity.
>you roll your eyes
"BUT, I couldn't get him interested. Thought I had him on the ropes, too."
>"Oh, that's a shame," says Mike. "There'll be other guys
>"What was his name?"
"It was Norman. I'm sure you guys know of him--the guy that's supposed to be racist."
>"Orange coat? Hangs with the fashionistas?" asked Will
"That's him."
>"I think he went to my gym! Or at least, he did when i was there about a year ago."
>Mike: "Well, that's pretty helpful."
>Will: "Hey, I'm just saying! Besides, it just reminded me that i have to renew my membership--need to get back in shape if we want to do well at tournaments!"
>You just remembered you never told them the situation with the Principal
>You better say something now

"Um, Will, about that..."
>mike pats you on the back
>"Don't worry, Dash," he says with a smile, "the perfecturals don't start for a couple months, so we have plenty of time to find someone!"
"No, you don't get it!"
>everyone stops and looks at you in concern
>You sigh
"Ms. Celestia says she won't reinstate the club if we can get a fourth boy by FRIDAY MORNING."
>"Friday!?" They all say in shock.
>Rarity: "How awful!"
>Mike: "Well, it's not 'awful' per se."
>Will: "Yeah, it's more 'impossible.'"
>Mike: "That doesn't make it any better."
>Will: "But 'awful' almost sounds like Principal Celestia did it maliciously!"
>Rarity: "But it's still awful that your club won't come to be after all our hard work!"
"Don't say that Rarity!"
We'll get the club together! I made a promise to Haru, to Braeburn, to you guys, and to the Principal! And God knows that I'll always stick to my word--"
>"Braeburn? Applejack's dreamy cousin?" questioned Rarity. "Doesn't he go to Dodge High? What's he got to do with this?"
"He's the captain of their swim team."
>Rarity's eyes light up and she clasps her hands in excitement.
>"Oh is he??"
"Yeah, he was the one I talked to about the joint practice.
We'll just have to work harder to find more members! Will, Mike, when are your study halls?"
>"Uh, second part of third block."
"Oh good, that's just after ours. What about Haruka?"
>"He's with us, darling," says Rarity. "He just moves around the cafeteria a lot. It's like the poor thing doesn't have friends here."
Don't say that Rarity. We're his friends, right?
>they all nod
"You guys think you can bring lunch tomorrow so we can meet about the posters and stuff?"
>you hold up the bag of recruitment stuff
"Might as well make some last ditch efforts, you know?"
>they both nod
>Will: "You got it, Dashie!"
>Dashie
>Holy shit, you can even get Pinkie to help out!
"Awesome!!"
>Maybe you can pull this off after all
>You notice something in the corner of your eye
>there's norman waiting at the bus stop

"Alright guys, I'll see you tomorrow."
>you begin walking towards the bus stop
>You feel like yo uneed to try again
"Be sure to tell Haruka what's going down!"
>Suddenly you feel a hand on your shoulder
>It's Rarity, and she looks concerned.
"What is i--"
>"Are you sure you should be spending so much effort on that one boy?"
>Wow, she saw right through you
>suddenly you feel nervous
>You clutch your backpack's strap to hide it
"I just feel like Norman's our best bet. Of course, if someone else wants in first, fine, but until then, I feel like i have to keep trying with Norman."
>She smiles warmly at you
>"Darling, I really admire your optimism and persistence, especially in front of those who count on you..."
>she pauses, as if cautious of saying the wrong thing the wrong way
>You smile at her, appreciating the fact that she's trying to calm your nerves
"Thanks Rarity. I... I try my best. I'll see you later."
>She grins and waves goodbye as you walk toward Norman and the bus stop
>Maybe you won't pester him about the swim club this time.

>Maybe.

>Wednesday
>surprise surprise, you're still Rainbow Dash
>it's 11:10
>Mike, Will, Pinkie, and Haru are already in your Study Hall
>Rarity's on her way
>You've put your desks together and Haru's drawing on some posterboard
>lots of aquatic animals
It looks great, Haru!
>Pinkie grabs a box of markers
>"Can I color now??"
No, Pinkie, there aren't even any words on it yet.
>Mike: What should we write?
>Will: Well, "Join the Canterlot High Swim Club," of course!
Right, but this is one of our last chances to make something happen before the deadline, so we need something BIG! Something FLASHY!
>Pinkie waves the box in your face
>"Hence the colors~~"
>You shrug it away
Haru-chan, you have any ideas?
>he sighs--he doesn't like being called that since he doesn't know us well
>you think it's cute anyway, and Will says it too
>he taps his chin with the pen in thought
>suddenly he stands up and pushes his long bangs out of his face
>he leans on the nearby windowsill, his dark hair glistening in the sunlight
>He turns back and looks at you and the others with a serious-but-inspired look
>This is gonna be good.
>"the water is nice."
>"It makes us feel free"
>"Don't make us ask twice"
>"Please join the Canterlot High Swim Club so we can get pool access."

>...


>Haruka sits down
>"I tried."
>Will: "Hey, at least the first and third lines rhymed!"
>Piknie: "Yeah, and he seems really motivated about swimming and stuff!"
We are NOT using it for our poster, guys!
>Will: "I know, but Haruka did actually try."
>Pinkie gives him a playful jab in the side of the arm
>"Ooh, I like you!" she giggles
>You figured they'd get along well.
>Mike: Well, I'm stumped. I don't suppose you could come up with a better poem, Rainbow?
>Haru: Stop rubbing it in.
>you sigh
I don't think so.
>Will: I think it's time to ask Rarity to strip down for us.
What kind of suggestion is that!?
>Will: I mean, I'd hate to objectify someone as nice as her, but she's..." He makes an hourglass shape with his hands "...nice."
>Mike: I don't think she'd like that idea.
>Pinkie: What about Rainbow Dash? She is our leader after all~
>what the shit
>You blush a deep red and cover your chest, even though you're wearing a loose jacket
>Will is actually contemplating this
>"Hm.. I dunno... I mean, don't get me wrong, I think Rainbow is really pretty!"
>nice save, bud.
>"but she already used her sex appeal to get us a spot at the university. I think we should mix it up a bit, ya?"
wha- I did NOT seduce Braeburn!
>Will: "Wow, really?"
>You suddenly remember what you did on the bus with Norman
I-I didn't do anything! I'm sure he'd have let us in if a guy had asked him.
>Will: Hm... then maybe we should try the reverse!

>reverse of "getting a girl to strip to a swimsuit"

>Mike: How the hell would that even work?
>Pinkie leans on the desk and smirks at Haru
>"If you join the swim club, you get to show off your bod to Rarity Evans!"
>Mike: That... doesn't sound like much of an incentive.
>Haru picks up the pen
>You smack it out of his hand
Don't write that down!!
>Pinkie: Why not? It's not like Rarity wouldn't enjoy it.
>Will sighs
>"I guess we're back to square one. Who wants to ask Rarity to pose for us?"
>"Why don't you ask her yourself?"
>White hands appear out of nowhere and grip the shoulders of Will and Pinkie
>A pale but beautiful face adorned with glistening purple curls creep between them, sporting a smile that clearly hid fury
>A chill is sent down Will's and Pinkie's spines as Rarity's nails dig deeper into their flesh

>"...Darlings..."

>Thursday
>Holy shit, you're actually norman this time
>You're taking the bus again today
>You're still a bit sleepy
>You heat the bus bell ring, and suddenly, a figure clad in red jogging gear appears in front of you.
>you look up, Well, it's Rainbow Dash
Mornin'.
>"Hey! Um... I was wondering if I could run to school with you this morning!"
What?
>You remember Tuesday when she was trying to get you to join her swim club
>and how you pulled the string in a panic to get away from her
>Once you were off, you remembered that the school was half a mile away
>but... you also remembered that you forgot to jog your weekly mile the day before
>You felt that you should stick to the regimen as much as possible, so you pulled out your running attire and jogged the remainder of the way
>luckily you weren't late, but you were glad that you don't normally have a morning jog

>You look up at her--her face is beaming with the glow of the morning sun behind her
>You didn't really want to, but you could hardly say no to a smile like that
>With a yawn, you stand up and give her a small smile as the bus slowed to a stop
>"Awesome! Let's see if you can keep up with lil old me!"

>A few minutes after you change into your running clothes
>You two are jogging at a reasonable pace, and Rainbow is actually behind you
>Looks like she didn't really want to challenge or race you, but that's just how she talks.
>"Ah, this morning breeze is fantastic, isn't it?" she says after a few minutes of silence
>You say nothing. It does feel good, and it's not like you don't like speaking to her, but that was probably the most fake conversation starter you've heard.
>"Um, this takes me back! I don't usually do morning jogs anymore, but after I got on the track team as a freshman, I had to get in shape and run a few laps before school.
>"It was a little hard at first, but there was this girl I met--Applejack--she works on a farm so you can only imagine her stamina!
>"Anyway, I asked her if she could help by running with me, and she was all--" she suddenly changed to a serious expression, imitating what her friend must have looked like back then-- 'Sure, if ya'll can keep up.'
>"Soon enough, she and I were neck and neck, and even became like, best friends!"
>She starts to slow down
>"But later, something happened... I mean, we're okay now, but back then, she and I grew apart as quickly as we became friends and really, it was over something lame and stupid..."
>You stop and turn around
>Rainbow had stopped too, her head hung
>You step towards her and put a hand on her shoulder in sympathy
Is everything... Are you gonna be alright?
>She looks up at you and sighs
>"You... You know the reason I'm really here, right?"

>You knew it
>you groan and roll your eyes
>You turn around, starting to move again
Come on, we're almost there.
>"Wait!"
>she catches up to you, but you don't stop
>"Look, I know you said you didn't want to be a part of this, and I feel kinda bad that I'm bugging you like this, but you're our best hope at keeping this club alive!"
Why me!? I already said no the last hundred times! Can't you find some other guy?
>"We don't have time to look for anyone else! If we can't get someone by tomorrow morning, the principal won't approve our club!"
Why should I care!?
>she stops again, and soon after, so do you
>She's no longer smiling, and is clenching her teeth.
>you clearly ticked her off.

>"Look, bud. Maybe you don't 'care,' but this is still important to me and I'd appreciate it if you resp--"
Well... WHY is it important to you?
>she takes a deep breath and relaxes herself
>"It's... kind of a long story."
>you check your watch
I've got time.
>"Well... alright."

>"Well, a few weeks ago, a Japanese dude named Haruka came up to me and asked to join our swim team. I told him that the swim team didn't exist at our school, and he was like 'I see,' and walked away. He's kinda weird.
>"But a few days later, I ran into a girl named Gou Matsuoka. She goes to Dodge High with her brother Rin."
Also Japanese?
>"Yup. We struck up some conversation, found that Rin was aiming to be an Olympic swimmer. He's even been training in Australia since he was a kid!
>"Of course, he visited his family every now and then, and during one visit, he challenged an old swimming buddy of his to a race. Wanted to show how much he'd learned overseas and stuff.
>"...Rin lost. Even with his special training, he couldn't beat his friend, who apparently hadn't swam in a while.
Oh, that sucks...
>"Yeah, you can only imagine how he felt. What made it worse was--oh yeah, they were still both in Japan at the time, but by the time Rin visited next, his friend was long gone. Moved to America. Rin couldn't get that rematch he'd been looking forward to, and it only made things worse for him.
And that friend is...?
>You already had a pretty good idea who it was
>"Haruka Nanase."
>"when I told Gou I knew who that was, she went ballistic! It was a lucky coincidence that they moved to the same town as Haru-chan, and she figured that with the swimming season coming up, it was the perfect opportunity for them to get closure."

So you went on a swim club campaign? why couldn't you guys just get them together and race in, like, the rec center?
>"We did. You know who won?"
Haruka?
>"No. Rin won."
Oh, that's great! I guess.
>"Heh, so we thought. But Rin was far from satisfied. He went on about how 'This wasn't a proper venue' and 'Haru was so out of shape' since he didn't swim competitively in forever. Which is funny because Haru-chan always looked so... good."
>Oh, brother.
>"Anyway, we tried talking them into racing again, but Rin wouldn't have it, and Haru himself started rambling on about how he only swims for the sake of swimming and he won't swim for anyone or some shit like that.
>"Knowing at that point that he had... admittedly a strange and possibly unhealthy obsession with swimming, I suggested trying to get the swim club open again, so he and Rin could have a chance to meet at a tournament."
>"Pitched the idea to Haru, saying he'd be able to get around membership fees for the rec center if he joined. He seemed on board with it, so we started recruiting... we soon realized why the swim club stopped. No one was interested. All we need is the minimum of four people, and it took us a couple weeks to find Will and Mike. We thought we had it in the bag because I thought that I counted... but... here we are."

>You look at each other
>You bite your lip because you don't know how to respond
>You stand up--at this point you both sat down on the side of the curb
Hey, school's about to start, so we better hurry up...
>"Norman!!"
Rainbow, really, swimming just... isn't my thing--
>"But that's all you have to do! it doesn't matter if you're slow!"
I... *sigh* I'll think about it. I mean, I don't have much of a choice any more, really, otherwise I'd look like a huge jerk...
>"Norman... I'm sorry I've been pestering you like this. but hey! How about this: You don't even have to be on our team permanently! If we can find someone else to commit after the club goes live, you can drop out, if you'd like."
I guess that would be ok...
>"OH, but if you do, you HAVE to show up at our first practice on Monday. It was another rule the principal made for us to make sure we were serious about it and stuff."
Oh.
Well.
Um.
>Shit
>"You don't have anything going on Monday, do you?"
>You say nothing
>but... you can't let her down
>not after what just happened
>And that look in her eyes...
>You weren't sure what happened between her and her friend Applejack, but you could tell that she could relate to Gou's story on a personal level
>That's why this was important to her: she didn't want to see two friends ripped apart by something as lame as swimming, like Dash and Applejack did before.
>But still, there was that thing you were trying to avoid this whole time...
...
Alright fine.
>Helping Dash fix this up is more important.
BUT.
I have one condition.
>She raises an eyebrow
>"If you're asking me out..."
>you chuckle
Heh, no!
>if only.

But... I have to show up at the practice, right?
>"Yeah."
Ok, I'll go... but I won't do any swimming.
>"Wait... What!?"
Um, I don't know much about competitive swimming, and, I've clearly not shown much interest in it.
>"Uh-huh. And?"
I'll come along as a, um, trial member or something, and just observe more... experienced people, just to see if this is really my thing.
>She senses your bullshit
>She's about to say something but she just rubs her temples
>"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth," she mutters.
>welp.
>You hear the bell ring from afar.
>"Oh shit, we're gonna be late!"
"Race you there!" you shout as you sprint down the sidewalk.
>"Hey, no fair!" she shouts as she runs after you
>You look back at her
>Her smile almost seems to glow, her gleeful laughter ringing in your ears
>with that, you know you've done good.