Chapter 4: On Your Porch
The next day, Applebloom went to back into Ponyville. She wore both of her new birthday gifts. The saddlebag was resting on her back and the ruby necklace hung around her neck, shining in the sunlight. Happily, she trotted along the path towards the town square. She always enjoyed the walk from her home to Ponyville and back, it gave her time to be alone with her thoughts and enjoy the weather. As Celestia’s sun beamed down on the dirt path, Applebloom reflected on her birthday the day before. She enjoyed herself at Sugarcube Corner and was extremely grateful for her gifts. Her mind, however, drifted to the evening where Applejack gave her a talk about her growing.
The yellow pony sighed with annoyance, “Dumb ol’ Applejack, why does she think that ah like Spike or somethin’ dumb like that?” Her words her soft so that they wouldn’t travel far. She looked down as she trotted along the path. Her eyes caught the sight of her gem on her necklace. Her face turned a slight pink before she violently shook her head, “Ah don’t like him like that, ah don’t like anypony like that. He’s just a friend!” Her voice was louder this time. She looked around to see if anypony had heard. A family of gophers were staring at her in a puzzled manner. She nervously laughed before quickly moving along.
Continuing her walking, Applebloom continued her talking, “Ah really do mean it, Spike’s just a friend. Ah mean, he’s like mah best friend. Ah could never see him as anything else. He’s too immature fer his age fer starters. Guess it’s because he’s a dragon or somethin’ like that. He’s still mah friend….ah just don’t seem him like that.” Applebloom felt comfortable with her reasoning and continued along the path into Ponyville.
Reaching the center of town, she saw Spike sitting on a bench by himself. She galloped up to him, “Hiya, Spike. Where’s Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo at?”
“I was about to ask the same. I thought they were with you,” Spike hopped down from the bench.
Applebloom shook her head, “Nope. Ah thought they were gonna meet us here like the other times.”
Spike scratched his head, “Huh, weird. Anyway, ya still wanna hang out without them? I’m sure they’ll show up sooner or later.”
The mare was a bit hesitant to reply, “Uh….sure. Ah guess yer right that they’ll be here.”
“Heh, awesome. Let’s get going then. Sugarcube Corner awaits!” the dragon pointed and began to walk to the building.
Applebloom hurried to catch up with Spike. She smiled as she trotted along side him. However, she was beginning get the same strange feeling in her stomach as she did yesterday.
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Celestia’s sun began to set in the distance as the two youngsters moved down the dirt path. Applebloom and Spike laughed as they headed towards Sweet Apple Acres. While their friends failed to show up, the two still had a fun day together by themselves.
“So that’s why I’m not allowed to bother Twilight when she’s writing in her ‘special notebook’, as she calls it,” Spike explained giving air quotes with his claws.
“Sounds like Miss Twilight can be really scary at times like that,” Applebloom commented with a small chuckle.
Spike laughed as well, “Yeah, she can be scary if I read anything like her diary or something.”
The pony snickered, “You read her diary?”
“Haha, once in a while if I need a good laugh,” the dragon explained.
The two continued along the path up to the Apple family’s home. Applebloom and Spike stepped up onto the wooden porch. Celestia’s setting sun warmed both of them as they turned to look out at the horizon.
“Well, sorry today wasn’t as good as yesterday. Very strange that Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo didn’t show up,” Spike said, scratching the top of his head at the lack of their two friends.
Applebloom smiled, “It’s no big deal. Ah’m sure Sweetie Belle is just helpin’ her sister out an’ Scootaloo is doing somethin’ with Rainbow Dash.”
“Yeah, that sounds like them alright,” Spike chuckled.
“Yup,” the mare said, “But still, thank ya very much, Spike. Fer both the necklace an’ spendin’ the day with me.”
Spike slightly embarrassed as he laughed and rubbed the back of his neck with one of his claws, “Heh, not a problem, Applebloom.”
The two looked at each other for a few long-lasting moments. Spike’s expression had changed. The dragon looked uncomfortable, as if he was trying to convince himself of something. Applebloom took notice of this, “Spike, are you alright?”
“Y-Yeah….” he managed to say. He took a few seconds before continued, “Can I….say something?”
“Of course.”
For a few seconds, Spike tried to speak, yet was unable to make a complete and coherent sentence. “I….um….well….I think….uh….”
Applebloom raised an eyebrow, “Are ya sure yer fine?”
Sighing, Spike leaned towards the yellow pony and spoke, “Applebloom, I’m sorry but….”
Spike’s words were cut off as he leaned in and pressed his lips to Applebloom’s. His eyes were tightly closed while Applebloom’s were wide open in a state of shock. Inside of the pony’s stomach, she felt the butterflies fluttered again.