Saddle Up, Sunshine

***Part 1: The Truth***

When Sunshine spotted Dennis again, he was sitting in the library alone.

He sat at a teble with his elbows on the surface and his face buried in his hands.

Sunshine pressed her hand against the door, grasping the handle and pulling it open.

Walking into the library, she drifted across the carpeted floor as quietly as a mouse.

He didn’t notice her.

Part of Sunshine wanted to turn around and walk back out, forgetting the whole thing, but something else seemed to be pushing her forward.

Her body moved on its own, and she reached towards him.

“Dennis...”

The boy shook with fear as her hand made contact with his shoulder.

He almost fell back in his chair, but he managed to catch himself.

Sunshine took a step back as he fired up from the chair, meeting her at eye level.

“Dennis, I’m sorry, I-“

“Sunshine, I just-“

They both stumbled over their words, interrupting each other before coming to silence.

Dennis appeared to be just as nervous as she was, and his head fell subtlety.

“You first...”

Sunshine blinked a few times and nodded her head.

“Yeah... Okay... “

She took a deep breath.

“I... I’m sorry about what happened back there. I actually enjoyed the dancing. I’ve never really done anything quite like it...”

Dennis nodded and absentmindedly rubbed the back of his head.

“Yeah, I thought it was kinda fun too... I still don’t even know what happened. Something just came over me...”

Sunshine felt the same way.

For the first time, she saw Dennis is a new light, not as a jerk or a bully, but as guy, a very nice guy.

“You... um, look good...”

Sunshine looked down, observing her form and realizing that her dress had slipped a little amidst their wild and frantic moves.

Quickly fixing her breasts, she chuckled and brushed her hair behind her ears.

“Thanks, so do you...”

The space between them seemed to close.

Sunshine wasn’t even aware that she was leaning forward until it was almost too late.

Her mouth was less than an inch from his when she opened her eyes, seeing that Dennis’ were wide open.

He wasn’t looking at her, though.

He was watching the door.

Sunshine spun around and saw the silhouette of a police officer standing outside the library door.

“That’s my dad... I gotta go...”

Then, he brushed past her, meeting the officer outside and walking out of sight.

It all happened so fast.

Sunshine felt something else, now, frustration.

*That little punk... He didn’t even say goodbye...*

***Part 2: Equestrian's Day Out***

The next morning, Princess Twilight came by Sweet Apple Acres to see Sunshine.

Instead of hanging around, however, the princess had other plans and requested that she go with her.

"So... Where are we going?"

Sunshine let our a soft groan as she climbed into Twilight’s car.

It was her best attempt at making small talk with the princess as they pulled out of Sweet Apple Acres.

Twilight kept her eyes on the road, but she smiled anyway.

"I thought I'd take you out to eat. There's a place your mothers and I enjoy in the mornings, a breakfast diner. Applejack first introduced your mother to the owner of the diner when she was still pregnant with you. You'll love it."

Sunshine turned her head and gazed out the window at the passing trees and cars.

They were nearing the city, now.

The buildings quickly grew bigger and greater between.

It didn’t take long to find their destination, and Twilight pulled into the parking lot of the breakfast diner she had told Sunshine about.

Sunshine stepped out of the car and looked up at the sign above the door.

"I think... I know this place. Mom took me here once, when I was little. I don't know why we've never been back..."

Twilight smiled at her and extended her hand, offering it to Sunshine.

"Perhaps your mother was embarrassed after you made quite the mess the last time she brought you here."

She raised an eyebrow towards Sunshine, and they both exploded into a fit of laughter.

“Let's get going. I'm starving."

Sunshine agreed and quickly followed her inside.

The atmosphere of the diner was the first thing she noticed.

The air was cold, but comfortable, the sound of forks and knives against plates chimed softly, and some lively music played in the background.

Sunshine immediately liked the place.

As they walked up to the counter, a loud voice boomed

"Princess Twilight!"

Frightened by the voice, Sunshine nearly let out a scream, but Twilight looked unfazed.

Instead of showing fear, she laughed and approached the counter from which the voice came.

"Joe... It's good to see you again. How's Margaret?"

The elderly man behind the counter waved his hand dismissively.

"Oh... I know you didn't come here just to make small talk about my wife. You need something from me, don't you, princess?"

Twilight beamed at him.

"Yes... Food, actually. For myself, and for my young friend."

At last, Joe spotted Sunshine, and his jaw hit the counter.

"No..."

His face was full of shock and awe.

“No way... This can't be... This isn't really... Sunshine? Sunshine Harvest?"

Sunshine managed a nervous smile and slowly extended her hand.

"H-H-Hey..."

"Oh... Wow!"

Joe roared with laughter and shook her hand vigorously.

"Ha! You... You're so... big! Wow! When did you get so big, Sunshine? I haven't seen you since you were but a little lass. Oh, my... You have grown up so much."

Joe cleared his throat loudly.

"How is... Ehem! How is your mother? Is she here too?"

Twilight shook her head, extracting a disappointed look from the elderly man.

"Not this time. I’m just taking Sunshine out for a little... girl time."

Sunshine stayed quiet and watched as Joe reached underneath the counter and revealed two white coffee mugs.

"Oh... That's alright. I'm sure she'll come around again, when she's got the time. Now, enough about that. What can I do to help you fine ladies this morning? Can I start ya' off with some freshly brewed coffee?"

The size of the mugs was something to behold.

"Oh... Water, please... I... I've never had coffee."

That was the truth.

Sunshine preferred almost anything to coffee, having never tried the black liquid.

Joe made a look of mock surprise and shock.

"Yo-You... coffee... Never?!”

Twilight raised a hand to her mouth to hide her snicker.

“That's preposterous! Everyone needs to try fresh cup of Joe's joe in the morning at least once.”

"Mom never let me."

Sunshine admitted the truth as she glanced over at Twilight.

”She always said I need water or milk in the morning to get me up."

Twilight chuckled lightly.

"Maybe, she wouldn't mind if you had just one cup. I think it would make Joe's day, if you said 'yes'."

Sunshine hesitated for a moment, but she eventually agreed.

Ecstatic, Joe pumped his fists into the air as he turned around to fill up the mugs.

"Uh... Three cream and one sugar, please."

Joe nodded his head, showing them that he had heard and understood her request.

Then, Twilight turned to face Sunshine.

"Let’s order our food quickly. We have much to discuss."

Sunshine’s chest began to twist.

"About me going to Equestria with you?"

Twilight frowned and nodded her head.

"Yes... I know this must be difficult for you, but-"

Sunshine cut her off.

"I know... I heard everything the other day... You think it's in my best interest to leave this world and go to a place I have never seen or known."

Sunshine frowned and looked down at the menu in front of her.

Twilight placed a hand on hers and softened her tone.

"It's not like that, Sunshine. Your mother and I just think-"

Again, she was cut off.

This time, it was by Joe and another employee behind the counter.

"Are you ladies ready to order? I gotta head back into the kitchen, but Dennis here will make sure y'all get everything ya' need."

*What?*

With that being said, Joe took his leave, and he dissapeared through the door into the kitchen behind the counter.

Twilight quickly turned to Sunshine again.

"I... need to use the ladies room. Just order without me. I'll be back soon."

Without waiting for Sunshine to reply, Twilight bolted from her seat.

Now, Sunshine sat at the counter, alone.

"May I take your orders?" The employee asked.

Sunshine's ears twitched at the sound of his voice, and she looked up from her menu.

It was who she thought it was.

"Dennis..."

Her breath shortened, and her face suddenly felt hot.

“I didn’t know you worked here...”

Dennis had a look of shock on his face.

His eyes narrowed, and he was soon glaring at Sunshine.

"Freak... What are you doing here?"

Sunshine’s eyes widened.

She had thought things between them might have changed.

After last night, after what they almost did, she figured he might have warmed up to her, but things appeared to be business as usual.

Sunshine glared back at him.

"What, does this diner not serve magical Equestrians? I came here to eat, obviously. What are you doing here, Dennis?"

The boy's menacing glare softened, and he gestured to the uniform on his body.

"My parents made me get a summer job working here. They want me to pay for my own gas an phone bill."

Then, his glare returned as quickly as it disappeared.

"What do you care?"

Sunshine was ready to throw her fist across the counter and deck him in the jaw right then and there, but she showed restraint.

"You really gotta start working on a new insult..."

She let out a long sigh.

“Freak is really starting to get real old."

Dennis held up his note pad and pen.

"Is that your order?"

He pretended to write down her request.

"New... insults... for... Sunshine. Got it. Anything else?"

That bit stunned Sunshine, and she broke out into laughter, giving Dennis a dumbfounded look on his face.

"Wh-What is it? What's so funny?"

Sunshine caught her breath and wiped her eyes.

"You are... That was kinda funny. Can I tell you what I really want, now?"

Dennis rolled his eyes and listened as Sunshine pointed out to him the things on the menu she wanted.

"... and don't forget the syrup."

Dennis groaned, earning a harsh look from her.

"So? What are you gonna do if I forget?"

Sunshine snarled, and her horn began to glow.

"Do you really want to find out?"

Eyes widened with fear, Dennis quickly retreated into the kitchen to place the order.

Princess Twilight returned moments later with a relieved look in her face.

"Did I miss the order? Ah... Never mind. There's Joe."

Sunshine watched as Twilight flagged him down, but her thoughts wandered.

*Did he forget about what happened last night I've never had a conversation like that with anyone from school. It felt... kinda good... And it was with Dennis...*

She frowned as she looked into the cup of black coffee in front of her, still untouched.

Carefully, she picked the steaming mug up and lifted it to her lips.

She took a small sip and quickly set the cup back down with a look of disgust on her face.

Twilight noticed and laughed.

"I know how you feel, Sunshine... I can't drink coffee in its darkest state either. You need to add cream or sugar to it in order to make the coffee desirable."

Sunshine dissmissed the idea and pushed the mug a few inches away from her.

"I think I'll just wait for my food...”

***Part 3: Frienemies***

Minutes later, Sunshine was sinking her teeth into a slice of warm, buttery toast.

Before she could stop herself, a long moan escapes her lips.

Dennis, who had just delivered the food to her, watched intently.

"Is it that good, pony girl?"

He let out a light chuckle.

Sunshine nodded her head as she swallowed the buttery goodness in her mouth.

*Pony girl... I kinda like that...*

"The toast is great, thanks. How’s your chest?"

Dennis scowled, probably remembering when she blasted him in front of the school with her magic.

"You're mocking me, now? It still hurts a lot, and I think you-"

Sunshine hit the surface of the counter, cutting him off.

"No... That isn't what I meant at all... Please, listen. I'm... I'm sorry, about that. You said some awful things, and I snapped."

Dennis' glare didn't fade away.

"You've said your fair share of hurtful things."

Then, his cold stare softened.

"But... Thank you, for apologizing. I’ve been thinking a lot about the dance, you know...”

Sunshine looked to her left, at Twilight.

The princess was busy with her food, chewing thoughtfully on a fork full of scrambled eggs.

She turned her attention back to Dennis and leaned forward.

"The truth is..."

Her voice lowered to a whisper.

"I need your help."

Dennis cocked his head and gave her a quizzical look.

"My help? What... What could you possibly want from me?"

"I’ve been thinking about the dance too, and I think this could work for us, but I need you to pretend to be my friend..."

Dennis wasn't sure he heard her correctly, and his face made that clear.

"You... wh-what?"

Sunshine's expression showed she was serious.

"You heard me. I need you to be my friend, or pretend to be... rather..."

Dennis looked over his shoulder before leaning closer to her.

"Why would I... Why would I want to do that, help you? What's in it for me?"

*Well, for starters, I won't punch your teeth down your throat with my magic...*

Sunshine rolled her eyes.

"I don’t have anything...”

Dennis looked at the counter, then back at her.

“How about that Sunmer reading project we have to do for English next year? You’re the smartest girl in class I know. If you help me, I’ll play along with whatever game you’re playing.”

Sunshine tapped her finger against the counter top impatiently.

*Did he just compliment me?*

"Well?"

She let out a long sigh.

"Alright... You have yourself a deal..."

He smiled at her.

It wasn't the cruel, devilish grin he normally wore on his lips.

Instead, Dennis wore a warmer smile.

Sunshine was about to open her mouth to speak, but a loud, deep voice boomed from the kitchen.

"Busboy, quit standing around, and get back to work!"

Dennis' smile faded instantly, and a look of terror replaced it.

"Gotta go."

He hadn't the time to say anything else before he rushed back into the kitchen.

Sunshine watched until the door closed behind him.

"Who was that?"

Twilight peered after the boy as she wiped a napkin over her mouth.

"Oh... That was just Dennis... He's... uh... He's a friend from school."

Twilight raised her eyebrows curiously.

"Friend?”

Sunshine beamed at her and nodded her head quickly.

"Yeah... That's why I don't want to leave. I'll miss my... friend..."

"Sunshine, I thought we agreed that moving to Equestria was the best decision."

Twilight turned her attention back to her food.

Sunshine gestured towards the kitchen window.

"What about my friend? Aren't you the princess of friendship? Shouldn't you understand something like this?"

Twilight let out a heavy sigh.

"Sunshine, I... We'll discuss this later... I need to talk to Sunset and Applejack about this.”

Sunshine stayed quiet after that, and she turned her attention to the bacon.

All the while she ate, Sunshine thought about Dennis, and her new friendship with the person she swore to hate.

***Up Next: Star Crossed***