My Little Fan-Fiction: New in Ponyville (13+)

Chapter Nine - Applejack

- Applejack POV -

Pinkie had done a swell job decorating the barn - but then again, she always did. Streamers hung from the walls and ceiling, and balloons were scattered everywhere. Everypony looked like they were having a great time - all except the guest of honour. Chocolate Pudding, or whatever his name was, was sat on the sidelines, watching everypony suspiciously.  

Just as I was about to go over and talk to him, I noticed two ponies coming into the barn. It was Fluttershy and Big Macintosh, my brother. They'd left about half an hour ago, but I didnt wanna think about what they'd been doing out there together. 

They'd been an item for a few weeks now, but with them both being so shy, they hadnt really gotten very far. At first I was worried that it would end badly - they say to never mix your friends and your family - but I'd realised that they were both so timid that they'd never hurt each other. Once I got past the brother thing, they actually looked quite nice together, and happy. 

I approached them, but got intersected by Riff, who spilt his drink over me. My mane clung to my face and coat felt all sticky. 

"Oops! I'm so sorry!"

I shook myself, getting some of the moisture off. "It's fine. I'm just gonna go clean this off. I'll be back in a minute." I galloped as fast as I could out of the barn. I stood for a moment, trying not to get too over emotional, then started cleaning the drink from my mane. 

A few minutes later, someone sat behind me with a light thump. They stood and watched me for a moment before speaking.

"I'm really sorry-"

I whipped my head around, sending water streaming towards Riff. It splattered the ground in front of him. His face was unreadable - I couldnt tell whether he was sorry or amused.

"Look, I accept yer apology an' all but can y'all just leave me alone to clean myself off?" I turned back to the water, but Riff didnt move. I tried to ignore him as I cleaned myself off. When I was finished, I turned back to him. "Right. Let's get back in there."

I started walking past, but he stopped me. "Wait. I want to talk to you." 

My breath caught in my throat. This is not what I wanted right now - my hair all wet and my emotions running high. "Wh-what about?" I tried to act as casual as possible.

"About-"

"Hey guys!" Rainbow flew around the corner of the barn, landing neatly beside me. The feeling of our sides touching sent sparks through my body, but I tried to ignore it. This happened all the time now, so I just assumed it was static from Rainbow's wings rubbing together when she flew. "What's going on out here?" She looked at me. "Why are you all wet? And why are you blush-"

"I - we - had a little accident." I began, interrupting her. I'd flushed for some reason, and I didnt want Riff to think I was weak.

Riff rubbed his head sheepishly. "I spilt my drink on her - by accident!"

Rainbow narrowed her eyes. I knew that look - she was fuming. She approached Riff, her wings flapping viciously, raising her so she looked angrily down at Riff. "Watch out where you're putting your drink next time, bub. I may be your biggest fan, but hurt one of my friends, and I'll hurt you. Got it?" 

He nodded. "Sure. I'll be inside. See you guys..." He backed away into the barn. Once the doors had closed, the blare of the music wasn't so loud.

I smiled at Rainbow, grateful. "Thanks for stickin' up fer me."

She waved her hoof dismissively. "Eh, what wouldn't I do for a friend." For some reason, that made me sad. "We'd better get back in there, wouldn't want anypony getting the wrong idea, eh?" I laughed and followed her back inside, feeling a little empty. Dash and I had been friends for longer than I can remember, so why did that word - 'friend' - make me feel so bad now? And why did I want to feel those sparks again?

Questions, questions.