(For those confused about discontinuity between chapters 1, 2, and 3, please be aware that this is the ORIGINAL VERSION of the story. I decided against the rewrite, since my heart wasn't behind it. Once I get access to my laptop, which is dead, I will reupload the original versions of 1 and 2.)
“SURPRISE!” (Who didn’t see that coming?)
You stagger back a step, thoroughly shocked at the number of ponies inside of Twilights home. Over all of them, though, flies a large banner that says, WELCOME TO PONYVILLE, HOPE WE CAN GUESS YOUR NAME! You see Pinkie, and the other girls over at a table, all with huge smiles on their faces. You walk in, and everyone is acting really friendly. You don’t know anypony, and they don’t know you, but they still act nice, and try to get to know you.
The party lasts until well into the evening before anypony starts leaving. Throughout the party you got tons of different suggestions for names, but none of them seemed right to you. Some were weather related, like Clear Skies, and some were food related, which you didn’t understand. As the last few guests exit, you look around the room, and see Twilight, Rainbow, and the others by the table near the middle of the room.
You make your way over slowly, aware of the fact that this could get awkward real fast if you misspeak. You stand a bit back from the table, as there is no room for you to sit. They all turn to look at you, and Pinkie has a big smile on her face. As you expected, she is the first to break the silence that has descended on the room.
“So what didja think of the party? Wasn’t it all sorts of fun? I made sure that there were plenty of those cupcakes that you tried earlier, cuz I remembered that you really liked them! Did you try anything else? OH! Did you hear any good names? Huh? Didja?” She’s speaking a bit slower, or maybe you’re getting used to her.
“The party was great Pinkie. I really enjoyed it, and I think I may have even made a few new friends. And the cupcakes were just as good as before, if not better. And I heard quite a few names, although none of them seemed quite right for me.” With that last part your head sank just a bit. “Although I’m certain that I’ll figure something out before too long. But I’d like to talk with all of you for a moment.”
They all perk up a bit at this, and you even see a few looks of apprehension. This is probably going to be harder than you thought.
“I get the feeling that all of you are attracted to me to some degree, or another.” At this they all blush. You continue, though, “I am touched that you would all take to me so quickly, but I’d like to ask you to put aside romantic feelings for now. I’d like to get to know all of you before you start trying to, well, before you try to make a move.” At that there are a few chuckles.
As you finish you look at their faces, and notice that they all look a bit sad at this news, but before you can say anything Fluttershy, of all of them, speaks up.
“That sounds like a good idea, I mean, if it’s okay with all of you.” While she starts at an audible level she quickly lowers in volume until you are straining to hear her. It’s odd, really. Just this afternoon you could barely hear her at all, but now you can make out some of what she says.
Twilight speaks next, “I agree with both of you. I think that we should really get to know you a bit more, or at least more than we think we do. I read a book that said that it’s a-“
“Enough with yer books already,” Rainbow interrupts. “We get what you’re saying. We shouldn’t just rush into this. Although I’ve made up my mind, I guess I can give the rest of you a chance to catch up.” She has a smirk on her face as she finishes, and she gives you a look that sends a blush to your cheeks.
Twilight shoots a quick look at Rainbow, clearly irritated.
“Shucks, Ah suppose we were rushin’ just a bit,” Applejack starts. “We really should get ta know y’all before we start tryin’ ta, make a move, as y’all put it.”
You nod your head in agreement, before you start speaking. “I’m certainly looking forward to spending time with all of you, as I do consider you friends. But first, I’d like to get settled, figure out where I’m going to live, and what I’m going to do for money.”
“You can stay here, if you like. I’ve got an extra room,” Twilight informs you.
“Great. Then I guess I’ll stay here, at least until I find a place of my own to stay in.”
A momentary silence descends upon the room, as everyone seems to digest what’s just happened. Rainbow Dash breaks the silence, though.
“So when do ya wanna learn how to fly? We can start whenever, cuz I’m always up for some flyin.”
“I guess we can start tomorrow afternoon, if you like. I’d like to at least TRY to find a job.” As you speak you see her face brighten noticeably.
“Great! I’ll get you up there in no time flat!”
You nod in agreement, and then look over to Twilight. “Where is the extra bedroom you mentioned? I’m feeling pretty tired after the party, and my tour of Ponyville. I figure I can wake up early tomorrow, and get started on my search for a job.”
Twilight stands, and motions for you to follow. Before you head to the extra bedroom, though, you bid the others a good evening, and you thank Pinkie once again for the excellent party. You and Twilight head down a short hall, and then she opens the door to a spare bedroom. It’s small, but more than adequate for your needs. A couple of windows face in the direction of the sunrise, so you’ll wake up naturally.
As Twilight turns to leave you stop her. “I just wanted to say thanks, Twi. I don’t mean to intrude, or anything, but I’m in just a bit of an awkward situation. Hopefully I’ll be out of here before long, and I’ll have my own place.”
“Please, it’s no trouble at all. I don’t mind helping a friend in need.” She pauses for a moment, and you have a good idea of what’s following this pause. “I was just thinking about what you said earlier, and I agree. We can’t all just jump on you right away. It’s not fair to you, or your feelings. Things like this should evolve over time. The book said that if you go to fast you run the chance of ruining any friendship that might come of it.”
Before she has a chance to continue you hold up a hoof. “You don’t need a book to know that Twi. Just let things go on their own, and it’ll turn out fine. Now I’m going to get some sleep, so I’ll see you in the morning.”
She steps over to the door, and wishes you a good night, before heading out, and closing the door behind her. You hear some whispers from the other side of the door, and you shake your head as you prepare for bed.
You climb in, and think about some of the names that were suggested during the party, but none of them seem right. Some are close, but none quite fit what you feel it should be. As you drift off to sleep you slowly mumble some possible names.