//------------------------------// // Slow Dance // Story: Making Family // by Cirrus Sky //------------------------------// Notes strummed on a guitar broke the silence in the barn. Early evening sunlight illuminated the space with soft yellow rays. “Slow dance with you, I just wanna slow dance with you.” Sunset sang quietly as she played the tune. She had withdrawn from the party for some quiet time. Getting overwhelmed happened less frequently these days, but Sunset had learned the signs and knew that she had to get away for a while. “I know all the other boys are tough and smooth-.” The lyrics were some of her favourites, picked up from a cartoon Luna had introduced her to. That she saw herself in the character that sang the song was beside the point. Not even touching on the fact that their objects of affection were also so alike. This party had, of course, been Pinkie Pie's idea. Designed to help cheer up a doleful Twilight Sparkle. Her breakup with Timber still upset the scholar. Sunset did not begrudge her friend those feelings. What had gotten on top of her had been Rainbow's well meant comments to Twilight; “No worries Twi' a girl like you will find an awesome new guy easy!” The athlete had grinned and started naming boys they knew. That had prompted a smile and a chuckle from Twilight and heartache for Sunset. “I wanna slow dance with you.” Sunset finished the song with a sigh. Placing the guitar down against the hay-bale she was sat on. It was Applejack's guitar, the one that sat nearest when she had entered the barn. “Want to talk about it Sugar cube?” Applejack said, surprising Sunset. The farmer had entered the barn quietly and spotted her friend. “Sorry, Ah heard your playing. Pretty blue.” “Seems like it.” Sunset tried to smile, it was very weak. “I didn't want to be a downer. Sorry for not asking to use your guitar.” “Ain't a problem, what's mine is yours.” Applejack joined Sunset, sitting beside the redhead. “You don't have ta hide anything sugar cube. 'specialy being sad.” “Thanks AJ.” Sunset wiped at her eyes, a tear had escaped despite her best efforts. She sniffed a little, feeling more tears waiting to fall. “Aw, sugar cube.” Applejack put an arm around Sunset. “Too much goin' on in your head?” “Yeah.” Sunset sniffed again. “I just- I don't stand a chance, do I? Pining after a straight girl.” She laughed, it was a touch bitter. “I had more hope when I thought she was ace.” “Sunset,” Applejack pulled the other girl closer, tightening her hug. “You don't know if you have no chance until you ask.” She smirked, “Ah thought you were courageous enough to try at least.” That put more of a smile on Sunset's face. “AJ, there us courageous and there is foolish. Even if Rainbow thinks they are interchangeable.” It was a sly smile, a tease really. “Besides, I am not predatory, I want to let her settle her emotions again. You know?” It was giving away her crush, but she could trust Applejack. “Noble suits you, Shimmer.” Applejack chuckled. She looked at her bass and over at Sunset's guitar, left out from the pre-party band practice. “You want to jam a while? Ah know music make you feel better.” “Sure AJ, I want to play some more. There's an extended version of the song.” Sunset pushed off the hay-bale to pick up her guitar, Applejack joined her, bass in hand. “Slow Dance With You.” They sang together, playing the tune. -*- Rainbow heard the music first, over the noise of Pinkie Pie shouting and cheering Rarity's attempts to smash a piñata, she had keen hearing. While Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were busy with the party game, she headed for the barn. Twilight close behind, they had been chatting after all. At the structure, she could hear the singing, two voices with the two guitars. “Huh, that is where AJ and Sunny got to.” Not wanting to disrupt them too much, she went to the window. “They're both great musicians.” Twilight was beside Rainbow, watching the two girls playing. Clearly they were enjoying themselves, the lyrics gave her a strange pang in her heart though. “That song-” “From Adventure Time.” Rainbow grinned as she interrupted. “I could totally see Sunny rocking the Vampire Queen look.” She wasn't concerned at all, Sunset and Applejack were hardly singing to each other. “I know where it is from.” Twilight poked Rainbow, a little indignant. “It is beautiful though.” “Yeah.” Rainbow agreed, switching her focus to Applejack, a blush rising on her cheeks. “I'm gonna ask her on a date next week.” “What!” Twilight sputtered a moment, a surprising stab of jealousy at that. Until she noticed Rainbow's focus. “Applejack likes girls?” “I don't know, I'll find out.” Rainbow shrugged, not looking away. She smiled, “Got to ask to know, right?” “Yes, uh, you sort of have to.” Twilight agreed, things formulating in her mind. “Come on, I don't think they would like us spying, right?” “Nah, not likely.” Rainbow moved from the window. “We can fetch 'em or let 'em come back to the party later.” “Uh huh.” Twilight agreed, still thinking. Thinking about Sunset. Again.