Slice-Of-(Apple)-Life

So I'm about 7,500 done with chapter 4. It's going to be more slice-of-life (ugh) oriented in comparison to the other chapters, which have healthy dollops of action and adventure in the mix. I know exactly when this chapter will end, so perhaps with a specific goal in mind, I might write faster. In the meantime, have a teaser. It's a mixture of dialogue and introspection.

"AJ, you there? Let's head!" I shouted at the upstairs windows.
Rainbow Dash covered her ears.
"Don't shout." she said. I spared her a glance. She was a zombie walking, a zombie with a drinking problem. "I extend my friendship and this is what happens..."
"I recall that it was you who wanted to make a contest out of it." I said.
"I should've guessed someone like you could hold their drink." she said. "Whatever. It was good at the time."
"Same again tonight?"
She gagged. "No."
We heard hoofsteps from inside, many sets of them. Rainbow Dash forced an unconvincing smile. A good try, but it's obvious how awful you're feeling right now, I thought. Perhaps Applejack would be so kind as to play us a tune on her banjo while we're on the train. Good hangover cure, I heard.
The door opened and Applejack stepped out, followed by Applebloom and Big Mac. Applejack made arrangements for Winona to stay at Fluttershy's cottage where Discord would tend to the animals in her absence. Applejack and her brother started talking to Rainbow Dash. Applejack knew how delicate she was just from looking, so like any good friend would do, she talked a lot louder than she normally did, very near her ears.
Applebloom raced to my hooves. It had been a few days since I'd seen them and it didn't sit well with me. Ever since I lost Zecora, the Apples have become my anchor in this world, and I needed to moor with them every so often to feel safe. If I take good care of them, they'd take good care of me. That's our relationship, one that I'm keen to keep alive.
There's also something about Applebloom that makes me happy. I think it's because she makes me forget about the world. When I play or speak with her, I'm overwhelmed with happiness. Some might look at me and think I'm forcing a smile for a foal, but Applebloom and her sister are more perceptive than others. I taught Applebloom how to look for signs of dishonesty, and it's somewhat of an innate skill for Applejack. They know I cherish the time I spend with them.
Twilight looks at me and sees an injured wolf, snarling and bearing its teeth at anyone who dares approach it. Rainbow Dash looks at me, and sees an ordinary pony of the light that lives in the dark. The Apples look at me, and see a fierce friend.
I look at myself. I see a beast guarding a delicate heart. A beast that allows passage to the Apples, and no others.