I Just Want to Make You Proud

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 9
Epilogue
Chapter 8

Chapter 1

"He's...gone?"

Yan's mother could barely hold her tears as she told her son of this recent tragedy. The tan coated pegasus sat on his haunches in the living room, tears streaking down his cheeks. His sobs echoed through the dead silence of the house.

"Dad can't be gone...p-please tell me this is some sick joke..." He said through his sobs.

Yan's mother could only shake her head before looking away, preventing her son from seeing the tears.

He gave in. His head hung as he let his cries take over. The young stallion, now resembling a scared little foal, clung to his mother as he cried at the loss of his estranged father.

The next day, Yan, his mother and his aunt left Manehatten for Ponyville to attend his father's burial and reading of his will. Yan had no tears left to cry as he watched his father's casket, owner deep within the eternal slumber of death inside slowly lower into the ground. Each said their final goodbye to a stallion who suffered an early faint. Yan caught a glimpse of a pink-maned pegasus who was gazing at the casket, sobbing softly. She left without saying a word, leaving Yan confused...

The thought quickly left his mind, as the reading of the will brought more. The event surprised the three to a great extent.

"I, German, leave my son, Yan, my home along with its furnishings and any of my possessions," said the elder, suit-clad stallion reading off the will.

Yan instantly snapped back into reality. He left his house to me? He thought.

"Did I hear that right, sir?" He asked, his voice high, yet cracked and dry from the recent events leaving a heavy dryness in in his throat.

"I believe you did. Your father left his house in your ownership."

Yan stared at the stallion in surprise. Why would he do that?

***

Yan sat on his haunches in front of his father's grave, reminiscing the day's prior events.

"I never...got the chance to tell you...Dad...how much I missed you...I w-was waiting til I could move out, and see you, but...but..." The pegasus couldn't continue, as the tears took over.

"U-um...are...did you know German?" A small, shy voice softly emanated behind Yan.

He quickly sniffled and wiped away the tears staining his cheeks.

"Oh, uh, y-yeah," Yan muttered, "he was my father..."

"O-Oh, I didn't know..." the filly said, shy and quiet.

Yan looked behind him to see a teenaged, pink-maned pegasus with a cream colored coat. She was hiding her eyes behind a pink curl.

"Did you know him," He asked, social awkwardness showing.

"He, um, was a friend..." She spoke softly, appearing to be as shy as Yan.

It took him a few minutes to recognize her, but Yan recalled seeing this pony before. She was there earlier at the burial, crying. The filly left early and didn't say anything, so he didn't have to time to ask her who she was.

"Y-you were at the burial earlier...weren't you?" He asked.

"Oh, um, yeah, I think I saw you there, too, but, I-I didn't want to say anything..." She replied. Socially awkward silence followed. The two didn't seem to know how to carry on a conversation.

"W-what's your name?" Yan asked shyly.

"Um, I-I'm Fluttershy..." she said in a voice nearing a whisper.

"Oh...that's a nice name..."

"What?" She asked, appearing to have not heard the the tan-coated stallion.

"Oh, uh, nothing," He stammered.

More silence.

"I'm sorry; I don't really know how to talk with ponies very well..." Yan sighed.

"Oh, neither do I..." Fluttershy said. "German liked to talk to me, though...he was older, but he was a nice person..."

"He was?" Yan asked.

"Yeah, w-was he not very nice to you?" Fluttershy asked, her voice cracking slightly, signaling the arrival of waterworks.

"N-no, it's not that, I, um..." Yan paused from his outburst. "He and my mother separated when I was a foal. My father stayed in Ponyville, while my mother and I moved to Manehatten..."

"O-oh, I'm sorry..."

"No, it's fine," Yan took a deep breath to calm himself.

Yet again, more silence. Yan was never used to talking. In school, he was always bullied for looking like a filly, which didn't help his social skills much.

Suddenly, Yan felt a presence beside him. He glanced to his right to see Fluttershy sitting beside him, looking at the headstone.

"It's so unfair, him passing..." She muttered distantly. Yan continued to stare at the headstone, blushing from embarrassment. He quickly glimpsed at the gap between them. A foot of grass between him and the pink-maned pegasus. Yan returned his stare at the headstone for a long while.

"Oh, gosh, I didn't even tell you my name after you told me yours," Yan just remembered he forgot to introduce himself. "Gosh, I'm sorry, I'm so awkward...I-I'm Yan..." He stammered out at the last second, almost forgetting to say his name again.

"Yan sounds like a nice name," Fluttershy quietly replied. "B-but, don't worry, I'm awkward too..."

Yan was glad to have met somepony with so much common ground with him, but still struggled to talk with her.

"Fluttershy, there ya are!" Somepony shouted from behind the two. They both looked over their shoulders in unison to see an orange mare with a blond mane galloping towards them. She was wearing a dusty cowboy hat, which was looking to fall off due to the galloping.

"Ah was lookin' fer ya..." She gasped. "Oh, who's this fella? Is he yer, uh, you know..." She winked at Fluttershy, who in turn began to stammer in embarrassment.

"N-no, he's not, he-"

"Ah know, sugarcube, Ah'm just messin' with ya. Besides, you don' look like the type to, er, 'get intimate,' in a cemetery...speakin' a which, why are ya here?"

"I-I came to see German..." She murmured.

The mare looked around. "Ah don' see hi-" The realization hit her like a sack of bricks. "oh, uh...Ah, um, Ah'm sorry..." She said, looking down at the grass.

"No, it's fine..." Fluttershy sighed.

"So, um, who's he?" The mare gestured her head towards Yan with her head.

"I, um, I'm Yan..." The pegasus shrinked back, a lump forming in his chest. "I'm German's son..."

"Ah'm sorry...Ah've been messin up today..."

"No it's alright, I, um, gotta go, y'know, new house and all, so, uh, yeah, bye, Fluttershy," The pegasus stammered before taking flight back to his new acquired home.

***

As Yan descended from flight at his doorstep, he cursed himself for being so rude. The second that orange mare appeared, he lost his ability to think. He didn't know why she has such a lethargic effect on him, but it was potent. Yan opened the front door and stepped into the house, now his abode. It was fully furnished: couches, a bed, a few of his father's knick-knacks, refrigeration, all the bells and whistles. Yet, no matter how filled the home would be, it would never fill the emptiness that pulsed within him. He walked up the steps and shuffled into the first bedroom he could find and collapsed onto the bed. He and his mother and aunt dropped off all his belongings in the living room earlier, but Yan wanted to go back to the cemetery. He could worry about organizing all of the furnishings later.

In less than an hour, Yan had cried himself to sleep.

Chapter 2

Yan was awoken from a dreamless slumber by the sound of knocking on his front door. He fumbled out of bed, nearly tumbling to the ground. Once he was downstairs, he shook his head to straighten out his dull pink and gray mane. Yan opened the door, and wanted to jump back and hide behind the couch when he saw who it was.

The orange mare from yesterday was standing at Yan's doorstep. She had a look of mixed emotions worn on her face.

"Hey, uh, Ah heard that you came here after you left the cemetery, so Ah thought Ah'd come by to say sorry..."

"F-for what?" Yan stammered, taking a discreet step back.

"Actin' so foolish...Ah feel sorry fer not comin' to German's funeral; Ah didn't even know he'd passed..."

"O-oh..." Yan scraped the floor with his hoof, looking away shyly.

"Ah'm Applejack," The orange mare said, holding out her hoof. "Nice to meetcha."

"I-I'm Yan..." the pegasus responded, not realizing that Applejack was gesturing for a hoofshake.

"Err, hi Yan." She lowered her hoof.

"Oh, I'm sorry, was that for a hoofshake?" Yan stuttered, coming back to his senses.

Applejack chuckled. "Yeah, Ah guess you didn't pick up on that..."

"I-I-I'm sorry," Yan blushed. There's that damn lethargy again...

"Hey, you don' know Ponyville very well, do ya? Do you mind if Ah give ya a tour?" Applejack offered.

"I...um..." Yan flustered and stammered. "I-I mean, sure, if, if you don't mind..." He shrinked back a bit, blushing. Why am I so skittish? I know I'm shy normally, but jeez, this is just pitiful... He thought to himself.

"You alright, sugarcube?" Applejack's voice held high concern.

"I-I'm okay, I guess...I'm sorry, I'm not used to talking with other ponies..."

"Heh, you're jus' like Fluttershy. You two'd be perfect for each other," The mare chuckled.

"Wh-what do you mean by that?" Yan asked, knowing full well what she meant.

"Nothin', nothin'," Applejack dismissed the topic. "Lemme show ya around,"

***

"Oh, an' that's Sugarcube Corner, its pastries are amazing. Be sure to try em out," Applejack pointed out a small building with a sign jutting out from just above its door that had 'Sugarcube Corner' adorned upon its wood in white lettering. The faintest smell of sugar wafted about the building.

Yan was doing his best to be courteous, but in his head, he was still depressed. He listened to Applejack, and he stored the locations and names of all the places she pointed out, but he wasn't returning the enthusiasm.

"Oh, hi Yan, hi Applejack," A quiet voice emanated from somewhere behind the two. Yan turned to see Fluttershy standing a few feet away.

"Oh, hi there sugarcube," Applejack greeted. "What brings you here?"

"I was just milling around town for a bit...you?"

"Ah was showin' Yan here 'round Ponyville, since he's new." Applejack gestured toward the quiet pegasus.

"Oh, he's not new, he was here when he was a foal, but he moved when his mother and father separated...I-I'm sorry, w-was it okay to tell her that?" Fluttershy casted her eyes downward.

"It's fine, I was about to tell her anyways..." Yan responded, equalling Fluttershy's shyness.

"Ah swear, y'all two are just alike," Applejack chuckled.

"How much of town have you shown him?" Fluttershy asked.

"Oh, most of the interesting places. Do ya want me to show ya more, or are you too skittish to talk?" She teased.

"I'm f-fine, whatever you wanna do is fine..." Yan kicked at the ground, looking everywhere but at her.

"Alrighty then. Follow me."

"I guess I'll tag along. If that's alright with you, I mean..."

Applejack and Fluttershy showed Yan around town just a bit more before heading back to his home. Despite his melancholy state, Yan had some places he definitely wanted to visit in the near future, after he settled down. The three engaged in some small talk, Yan barely contributing.

Yan opened his front door, surprised to see the place pitch black. He turned most of the lights off, but left a light on somewhere for the prevention of this exact event. The bulb musta blew, Yan thought to himself.

He quickly dismissed the thought, for when he flipped a nearby switch, something more serious awaited.

"SURPRISE!!" Came the thunderous shout of over 100 ponies. Yan shreiked and jumped back in fear.

"What in Celestia's name is this!?" He backed up against a wall. Never had he been in the same room with over 100 ponies. He hadn't even been in the same room with 10 ponies.

"Well, since yer a newcomer, and Pinkie Pie, a friend of ours, throws parties for every newcomer, we mighta told her about ya and...well, here we are."

"I...don't...I've never been in the same room with so many ponies before..." Yan admitted. "And I don't do well at parties..."

"Well, Pinkie will be sure to cure ya of that. Anyhow, since she won't be leavin' anytime soon, just interact with somepony. We're all nice here."

At that, Applejack and Fluttershy dispersed into the crowd. Yan didn't know how exactly to tackle this situation, so he walked around his now pony filled home, only stopping when somepony greeted him. He smiled and was courteous, but, at heart, was feeling very intruded upon.

Yan looked around the room. Streamers were hung everywhere, and balloons were scattered about. The happiness of the home contrasted heavily with his emotions; dismal and melancholy. He meandered around the house until stopped by an intensely cheery voice erupting from behind him.

"Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie and I threw this party just for you! Applejack and Fluttershy told me about how you were new here, and you didn't know anypony, so I thought that I would throw you a welcoming party! I heard about your dad too, so I thought this party could help cheer you up as well!" Yan turned to see a hyper pink earth pony with a curly and poofy pink mane.

"Oh...um...thanks Pinkie Pie..." Yan murmured.

"Are you alright? I was positive that this party would cheer you up," Pinkie said.

"No, it's just that, I've never really been to a party...well, at least not on this scale...I'm not used to so many ponies..."

"Aw, that's too bad! It's alright, we're all nice, and so we don't wanna intrude. HEY, you want some cake?" Pinkie spawned a slice of white frosted cake on a plate out of nowhere.

"Oh, it's a bit too early in the afternoon for cake..." Yan stopped as a growling sound elicited from his stomach. He couldn't deny that he was starving.

"Well, your tummy says otherwise! C'mon, eat up!" Pinkie Pie held out the cake tantalizingly. Yan couldn't turn down a generous offer, and he was really hungry, so he took to slice of cake.

He took a bite, and was instantly in heaven. It was warm and melty, and tasted delicious.

"So, whaddya think, Good huh? It's a Sugarcube Corner special!"

"It is really good..." Yan took more bites, and soon found himself devouring what was left.

"Yep, Sugarcube Corner bakes the best pastries!" Pinkie gushed.

***

After a while, all the ponies filed out of the house. They cleaned up the decorations themselves, leaving the house just as it was before. He thanked Applejack and Fluttershy for the tour as they left.

Yan took this opportunity to organize everything in the house. He took his luggage and plopped it in the bedroom he chose, and began unpacking. He had a few books, some towels, a few fancy clothes for nights out (which was rare) and not much else. Yan found a bookcase somewhere downstairs and placed some of his books in it. He dusted some shelves and tables, and swept and mopped the floors. It took Yan a little over an hour to spruce up the house, getting up dust bunnies from the corners and under chairs. Once finished, Yan packed the supplies away in a closet, then indulged in some leftover cake from the party, then crashed in his room.

After Yan polished off the last of the cake, he began to nod off. His mind wandered, thinking about various things: Applejack, the town, his father, his depression, why he was in a state of apathy every time he was in a 5 yard radius of Applejack. Could he have a crush on her? Was he scared of her? Yan didn't know, he could only wonder. The last thought that drifted in the vacuum of his mind was one that had been dormant in the back of his mind ever since arriving to the town of Ponyville.

He was broke.

Chapter 3

Yan looked back, struggling to hold back tears. German waved somberly as the two walked away. His mother tugged on his hoof, telling him to hurry up. He walked at his mother's pace, still looking back. His father and Yan held eye contact for as long as they were visible, the contact broken as German went out of Yan's field of vision.

***

Yan's reddened eyes opened as he woke from his dream. He yawned as he wiped the moisture from his cheeks. Climbing off the bed, he slowly made his way downstairs, arriving to his destination. The fridge. He opened it, and sighed as he saw what had filled the inside. Nothing.

"Well...shit." He closed the door and plopped down onto a couch in the living room. Broke, depressed, and hungry. The worst combination.

As he sat, Yan began to think. At first, he reminisced the day before last; the burial, the will, meeting those two ponies...

Soon, his mind wandered to Applejack. As her face appeared in Yan's mind, a shiver rippled down his spine. His first instinct was to jump back in surprise, but then he remembered it was just an image in his mind.

Why do you put me in such vertigo? He asked to himself as he thought of Applejack. He knew nothing about her, he didn't know what her hobbies were, what she liked and disliked. Not a thing.

Then why does she make him feel so jittery?

Yan thought for a long while. Could it be that… I...like her? It was a reasonable deduction. He never actually had a crush on anypony before, so he didn't know from experience, but one of his friends from school said he felt similar about a filly he liked.

His stomach growled, interrupting his thoughts. Yan sighed once more before heading out the front door, prepared to find something to eat with the little bits he has.

***

What to eat, what to eat...Yan thought to himself as he strolled through Ponyville's marketplace. Vendors, carts, and merchants were focused around this part of the town, hence it being a marketplace. He saw many tantalizing morsels, but all proved to be too expensive. He had a few bits to his name from the odd job he had back in Manehatten, but he needed to save up as much as he could.

"Yan!" called a familiar voice. The pegasus jumped in surprise. "C'mon over!"

Yan turned to see Applejack standing behind a cart decked out with apples and apple-related foodstuffs, waving her hoof to get his attention. As he walked towards her, he grew more and more skittish. He could feel any trace of confidence leave him as he stopped in front of her cart.

"Ya got the hankerin' for any apples today? Only a bit an apple," She tempted, gesturing to her apple cart.

Yan was about to deny the offer, when his stomach growled, taking over as his response.

"Ah think yer stomach's sayin, 'Yes,'" She chuckled. Yan tossed a bit from his bag and grabbed an apple from the counter.

"T-thanks," He muttered. He took a big bite, savoring the flavor.

"Heh, don't mention it," Applejack waved off the gratitude.

Yan stayed silent. He chomped on his apple, afraid to say something.

"So, uh...you been doin' alright since, y'know..." Applejack asked.

"Oh, um, f-fine I guess..." Yan stammered before taking another bite of apple.

"Well, you haven' really been talkin' to anypony, at least from what Ah've seen. If you need anypony to talk to, Yan, you jus' talk me," She stepped next to the mentioned pegasus. "It's not healthy to stay alone all the time. It's alright to wanna be alone for a while to think, but not to be isolated. Ya understand, right?"

Yan only nodded in response. He wasn't used to having someone being so...like this. She barely knew him, but was so courteous. Was it merely being supportful, or something else? Of course she's just being supportful. Why would it being anything else?

"Well, let's stop talkin' about this depressin' stuff, we need to be happy," Applejack changed her tone back her usual one.

"Er, before I forget, can I a-ask you something?" Yan stuttered, even more skittish from having Applejack so close to him.

"Anythin', sugarcube,"

"I-is there anywhere that's hiring? I kinda need a job..." Yan scraped the cobblestone with his hoof, looking everywhere but at Applejack.

"Yeah, Ah think so. Ponyville Post Office definitely needs some more employees. If ya want, Ah can show ya," She offered.

"N-no, it's fine, I-I can find it on my own," Yan stammered out, scared that he'd be alone with Applejack.

"Are ya sure? It'll only take me a few minutes; Ah can just get mah younger sister to watch over the cart fer awhile,"

"I-I'm fine, really, it's alright," The skittish pegasus starts to take a few steps back. "T-Thanks for the offer though," He stammered before he took off in what he hoped was the direction of Ponyville Post Office.

As soon as Yan was out of sight, Applejack's ears drooped.

"What am Ah doin' wrong?..."

***

Yan was mentally kicking himself as he slowly cantered towards Ponyville Post Office. He didn't mean to sound so rude when he refused Applejack's offer to show him the way to said post office; he just couldn't be near Applejack for too long before he would probably faint. Yan didn't know why she radiated such a lethargic effect, but he knew that it was powerful.

Maybe...maybe being a mailcolt will help me with my shyness, Yan thought to himself. I'll be delivering mail and packages to other ponies, which means I'll get used to being around them. Oh, but it's so scary. Other ponies frighten me so much... Yan sighed. He would just have to suck it up, because a building with 'Post Office' adorned above its door was approaching. The tan coated pegasus cantered up to the door that had a little note stuck on it.

Now Hiring.

Well, that answered that question. Yan pushed the door open with his hoof and entered the post office.

"Yeesh, this place does need more workers..." Yan murmured under his breath as he walked slowly through the main room. There was a total of three ponies in the main room. Yan guessed that they were employees, considering they were in and out of the room from double doors that said "Employees Only" above it.

The room was grey and dull, the walls chipping, showing a dusty, dingy white. There were two benches placed near each other for no particular reason, and there was a reception desk in a corner. Yan approached the unicorn receptionist that was dealing with assorted papers.

"U-um..." Yan muttered, barely audible.

"Can I help you?" She said without looking up.

"I, uh, I heard that you're low on workers, so-" At the word 'workers,' the unicorn receptionist snapped her head up.

"Really?" She asked, her tone hopefully. "Yes, yes please, come follow me," She took Yan and lead him to a room somewhere in the back.

Knock, knock. The unicorn knocked on a door that read 'Manager's Office.'

"Yeah," A burly voice called out from inside.

"We have somepony who wants a position."

Not a second later, a cacophony of cluttering elicited from behind the door. It swung open to reveal a large, buff pegasus with five o' clock shadow.

"I'll handle him, you go back."

"Thanks, Burl," The unicorn said before she headed off back to her desk.

His voice fits his name. How ironic.

"C'mere, kid," Burl muttered as he turned and walked into his office. Yan meekly followed.

"So, ya want a job?" He asked rhetorically.

"U-um, I guess..." Yan replied.

"You guess? I need a definite answer here,"

"Y-Yes!" Yan squeaked.

"Ya got the job."

Yan stared at Burl for a long while in confusion. "What...?"

"You heard me. You got the job." Burl said it with a neutral tone as if it was obvious. Maybe it was.

"B-but, how? I got the job cuz I wanted to?" Yan was highly confused.

"We have a little over 10 employees, over half are here assorting letters or doing deskwork. We need more mail carriers. We'll take all we can get."

Yan blinked a few times, letting the information sink in.

"Yeah, call us crazy, but we need workers, as I've stated a million times over. You start tomorrow. Ditzy!!" He called out randomly.

"Yeah, Boss?" A voice called out behind Yan. He turned to see a gray pegasus, with a rather peculiar gaze. She was wall-eyed.

"Show our noobie around."

"New employee?"

"Yep."

"Come with me," She said, gesturing her head over to her. Yan quickly followed, still trying to let his newly acquired job sink in.

"Is it that bad that he'll hire anyone who asks?" Yan asked, confusion fading his shyness a bit.

"Basically," She sighed.

Words were rarely spoken as the mare took Yan around the post office.

After more awkward silence, Yan couldn't take it.

"Do you, um, know somepony named Applejack?" He asked.

"Oh, yeah, we were friends in school. We haven't talked much in awhile though. Why do you ask?"

"Um, I just met her, and...I wanted to know a little bit more about her..."

"Why don't you ask her?" The mare said.

"Because every time I'm near her, I get really nervous. Well, more nervous than I already am naturally, but..."

"Heh, you like her, don't you?" Yan winced as he heard the words. They were finally spoken. They were finally out.

"Um...I...guess..." Yan felt his face grow hot.

"Well, just try talking to her. Hang out with her and get more comfortable around her, then hopefully, you can muster the courage to ask her out." She looked back at the blushing pegasus.

"I'm sorry, I never introduced myself. I'm Ditzy Doo. What's your name?"

"I...I'm Yan..."

"Well, hello Yan. You can go, there's not really much to see. I'll see you tomorrow."

"T-thanks...um, what time?"

"Eight o' clock. Don't be late."

As Yan walked out of the office, he smiled.

He was making friends.

Chapter 4

"Get outta here, filly!"

"Yeah, filly, no pony wants you here!"

"Filly!"

The three colts began chanting 'filly' over and over. Yan backed away, tears forming in his eyes. He turned and ran back home, away from the three bullies. Other schoolfoals saw, and started laughing. The foal broke into full gallop, crying and hurt. This wasn't the first time; every time he was near those three colts, they would pick on him, rough him up, and call him a filly. And then almost everypony would laugh at him, join in the chant or do nothing. It was needless to say that Yan had no friends.

But Yan had one escape. His father would bring him on walks, pretend play with Yan, and basically be the best dad ever.

That is, until the break-up. For some reason, his mom and dad got in a lot of fights. It would never get physical, but the screaming scared Yan a lot. He would hide under the covers as he heard his mother and father fight, crying and wishing for them to stop. It would end with the slam of the front door, and his mother storming up the steps to her room, then another slam of a door. The stress at home rubbed off at school as well. Yan let his grades slip, and would be inattentive during class. The bullying didn't help this account, either. Most of the schoolfoals would pick on him because of his filly-ish looks and actions. Usually, spending time with his father would help to take Yan's mind off of it, but ever since the fights, German never had the energy or drive to do anything.

His only friend, the only thing in the world Yan could look forward to was gone.

Soon, the fights led to the divorce, and then his mother left, taking Yan with her. Little goodbyes were said, and Yan was soon relocated in a new home in Manehatten. Silence was common in Yan's new home. He and his mother never spoke. At his new school, he wasn't noticed. Nor was he bullied, which had its upsides, but he wanted a friend more than anything. His mother didn't hate him, nor did Yan hate her, but there was no support, no words, no family bond. His mother didn't replace his father; she never tried to take his mind off of everything, she just let him fester in his conflicting emotions.

Yet, one pony saw this.

"You're Yan, right?"

"U-um..." The small pegasus scraped the wood floor with his hoof.

"C'mon, you can talk to me. I'm Desert Eagle." The sand-colored unicorn held out his hoof.

Yan kept his hoof to the ground, too shy to respond.

"Uh, this is where you hold out your hoof for a hoofshake." Desert bluntly stated.

Yan slowly raised his hoof, in which Desert took it and shook it.

"There ya go. If you don't mind me asking, do you have any friends?" Yan shook his head in response. "Well, wanna be friends? It's not good to be alone all the time."

Yan lifted his head, seeing a glimmer of hope. "Y-yes, please!" Yan shrinked back a bit. "If you don't mind..."

Desert chuckled. "O'course not. C'mon, class is about to start."

The rest of Yan's school life slowly became bearable. Desert always hung out with him after school and helped to take Yan's mind off of his life. Desert's home became Yan's second home, his second life. Come to find out, Desert didn't have a father, either. His father left his mother before he was born. Despite genuinely feeling sorry for Desert, Yan felt a little better at that fact.

Someone else knew his pain.

***

It'd been a week since Yan was hired at Ponyville Post Office. His plan of trying to become more confident around others was slowly whittling away at his shyness. He still wasn't as hyper as Pinkie, but he could be around other ponies without wanting to bolt away. Yan thought that it would actually work. He thought he could talk to Applejack without feeling lethargic and jumpy.

That is, until today.

Yan was walking back from work when someone was trying to get his attention.

"Um, Yan..." A quiet voice emanated from behind him.

"Oh, hi, Fluttershy," He greeted as he turned around. The butter yellow pegasus shyly waved. "What're you up to?"

"I just saw you walking, and I thought I could walk with you. That is, if it's alright with you..."

"No, it's fine," Yan said as he waited for Fluttershy to walk beside him.

The two walked through the streets of the town, engaging in small talk. The two had a lot of common ground, mainly their shyness. And the fact that Fluttershy was friends with German. She talked about him quite a bit; she had said that he was a really good person, always trying to help those who needed it. The two met while German was walking around the edges of Everfree Forest, when he saw Fluttershy trying to get a kitten that was stuck in a tree. Very high in a tree. Since Fluttershy was scared of heights, German offered to fly up to get him. Contrary to what Fluttershy thought, he flew up and gently soothed the kitten into standing on his back while he lowered himself down. One thing led to another, and they were quite acquainted. They would talk to each other when they would come across each other in town. According to Fluttershy, he talked about Yan quite a lot. He said his son had left when he and his wife separated. Apparently, he missed him a lot.

That fact didn't help Yan's mood.

"Oh, I have an idea," Suddenly exclaimed Fluttershy.

"Uh, what?"

"Applejack's almost done with vending her apples. Why don't you ask her to spend the day with her?"

"Wh-what? No! I...I can't do that..." Yan regretted telling her about his small crush on Applejack.

"I mean, you don't have to if you don't want to, but..."

"Oh, howdy, you two. How're ya doin'?" came a distinct accented voice.

Yan jumped in surprise. He turned to see Applejack approaching. At that moment, all of Yan's shyness and skittish behavior returned at the sight of the orange mare.

Well, there goes a week of social training.

"Just walking around town..." Fluttershy responded. "Now's your chance," Fluttershy whispered into Yan's ear.

"Hey, u-um, Applejack..." Yan said meekly.

"What's up, sugarcube?"

Yan blushed a bit when she called him sugarcube. He knew she called everypony she knew that, but it still sounded like a pet name.

"Um...I was wondering...if...you would like to...err..."

"Speak up, sugar, I can't hear ya," She said, taking a step closer, making Yan blush more.

"Iwaswonderingifyouwouldliketospendtheafternoonwithme," Yan stammered out, shrinking back once he finished.

"Why, sure, I'm free for the rest of the day. What didja have in mind?"

"Just, um, a walk..."

"I don see why not." Applejack straightened her hat.

"Well, I'll let you two have fun. Bye," Fluttershy waved before she departed.

"So, let's go."

Yan and Applejack wandered aimlessly around Ponyville. Yan stayed silent, but Applejack talked most of the time. Yan took the time to get to know her. He asked her about small things at first; her job, her hobbies. The small things. Soon, the two had come across the outskirts of the town. Yan still had barely spoken, but he listened and nodded to show he was paying attention.

"Oh, there's a nice spot," Yan muttered to himself as he saw a little hill approaching. Applejack followed as he trekked a small distance up the small hill.

"Where's this?" Applejack asked.

"Um, my dad used to take me here when I was a foal..." Yan murmured as he reached the top of the hill.

"Oh."

Yan sat on his haunches, staring directly ahead. Applejack took up a seat of grass next to him, leaving a foot of space between them.

Silence. The two were quiet for a long while. Yan glanced towards Applejack, seeing that she was facing away from him. He stared at her for a long while, admiring her looks. The sunlight hit her face just right, making her orange coat glow. Applejack looked toward Yan, noticing he was staring. He looked away quickly, blushing.

After more silence, Yan spoke.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure, what's up?"

"Have you, um, ever wondered what it's like to, err, fly?"

Chapter 5

“So, what didja call me here for, AJ?” The cyan pegasus descended from her flight, landing right in front of Applejack.

”Err, Ah, uh, Ah wanted yer advice on somethin’…” Applejack looked away, pretending to focus her gaze on something else.

“And that would be?” Rainbow Dash pressed. She was worried with Applejack’s behavior; she never acted this way.

“Um…you were in a relationship once, r-right?” Applejack wanted to tread carefully. She knew Dash would get suspicious, but wouldn’t ask anything.

“Yeah, once, while I was in school. Why?”

“Err, Ah don’ really know how to say this, but…” Applejack was trying to find another way to say that she had her eye on someone, but couldn’t think of anything else to say.

“You like somepony, don’t you?” Rainbow Dash said, apparently having picked up the obvious signs.

The orange mare in response sighed. “Yeah, Ah guess…”

“So, who?” On other terms, Dash would pry and joke, but considering Applejack’s behavior, she held her teasing tongue.

“Ya know that knew colt in town that just moved, right?”

“Yeah, he was German’s son right?” It took Dash half a second after saying that to get the message. “Him?”

Applejack could only nod.

Dash sighed. “Alright, come with me. You’re acting too weird; you can’t even talk straight, much less look me in the eye.

***

Oh, gosh, did I just ask that? Ohhh, why did I just ask that?! She’s gonna look at me funny, and judge me, and laugh, oh dammit I just ruined any chance at a-

“Sometimes, yeah. Why do ya ask?” The orange mare replied with a simple smile on her face.

Oh. My. Gosh.

“Cuz, um… maybe…I could, uh, maybe, um, fly you around?” Yan said, instincts taking over.

Applejack stayed silent for a while, mulling over the question. “If ya don’ mind, I’d love to.

Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygooooosh!! She just said she’d like to!! Oh my gosh! Yes!!

Yan stood up. He gestured for Applejack to climb on his back.

“Will you be able to hold me?” Applejack asked, noticing Yan’s feminine build.

“I’m stronger than I look,” Yan lied. No I’m not, you stupid colt, I’m as weak as a kitten! I’ll probably collapse as soon as she lays on me!

“Okay then…” Applejack slowly ascends Yan’s back as he tries desperately to not show his exertion.

“Alright, get, um, get ready,” Yan stammered before his wings unfurled to their full length.

Applejack suppressed a gasp. Yan’s wings were not of a normal pegasus’s, but like an alicorn’s. Normally, pegasi’s wingspan is around 3 feet, but Yan’s hit around 5 ½ feet. The wings were thicker and fuller as well. As Yan flapped his wings and ascended into flight, Applejack had to cling to him to stay on. He soared high, much higher that Applejack thought he would dare, almost higher than the clouds. Maybe on purpose, Yan blasted through a cloud, causing the white fluff to explode, sending the particles to span out in a circle around the two. The orange mare dared to take a hoof off Yan to feel for her hat, which had blown off without her knowledge.

Yan caught sight of something brown whizzing down towards the ground. He flicked his head in the direction, and caught sight of Applejack’s hat flying off away. He leaned in the direction where the hat was falling, and he dived down. Flying at insane speeds, he squinted as his eyes watered from the force of the wind. He saw the hat getting closer, and he opened his jaws just a bit to be able to clamp down on the hat’s brim.

The tan-coated pegasus chomped on the hat after closing in on the dusty brown accessory. Yan slowed just long enough to hand the hat back to its rightful owner.

“Thanks, sugarcube,” She chuckled as Yan tossed the hat on Applejack’s head. She righted it before Yan blasted off yet again.

This continued for a while. This time, Yan flew slower so the previous wouldn’t happen again. He pleasantly glided about, flapping his alicorn-like wings occasionally. He tried to get his mind off the fact that Applejack was clinging to his back. His face was, and had been for a while, red as a beat. He didn’t know why he asked what he did, but it worked out in the end.

Yan felt his stamina fading, so he slowed down and searched for the spot they were at previously. He found it, and descended from flight, landing on the grass.

Yan sat on his haunches and tried to catch his breath. He’d never exerted himself so much in flight before; he rarely flew for recreational purposes.

“Thanks, that was really, fun. Nice lil’ burst of adrenaline. Ah never knew flyin’ could be so…well, interesting. The way my friend Rainbow Dash puts it, it sounds so hectic an’ scary.”

“N-not really. I mean, it can be, but only if you go too far and do things you know you probably couldn’t pull off…” Yan found that comment funny, considering that’s exactly what he just did.

The awkward conversation was interrupted by the sudden arrival of a strip of rainbow blasting through the sky. It seemed as if somepony took a paintbrush and swiped it across the sky. Upon closer inspection, it seemed that a pegasus was leading the spectrum. Suddenly, the pony rerouted, and headed straight towards the two.

A wave a rainbow spanned out from the hooves of the spectrum-maned cyan pegasus as she landed on the grass.

“Was that your flying?” She suddenly asked.

“Um, y-yeah...” Yan was frightened by the cyan pony’s sudden appearance.

“Rainbow, aren’t you gonna introduce yerself before you go pesterin’ him with questions?” Applejack suddenly scolded.

“Oh, heh, yeah, sorry about that, AJ.” The pegasus turned towards Yan. “Sorry, I’m Rainbow Dash, fastest flier in Equestria,” She took a few seconds to gloat before returning to her introduction. “Aaand, soon to be Wonderbolt. I saw that flying you pulled off. Not bad. Do you fly often?”

Yan looked down, not daring to make eye contact to the cyan pony. “Um, n-not really, just this once…”

“You did that without standard practice? Yeesh, you must be pretty good.” A look contorted upon Dash’s face, signaling the arrival of an idea. “Heeeyy, how ‘bout a race?”

“W-what? A race?” Yan was frightened by the sudden socialization. He didn’t know this pony, and she was challenging him to a race. Apparently, Applejack knew her, but there were little introductions minus a name.

“Uh, yeah. You know, flying, see who can reach the finish line first. Have you ever casually raced before?” Rainbow Dash asked in a rhetoric tone.

“Um…not…really?” Yan spoke almost inaudibly.

In response, Rainbow Dash facehoofed.

“I’m sorry, please don’t hurt me…” Yan squeaked.

What does AJ see in this guy? Rainbow thought to herself as she sighed. “Well, now’s your first. C’mon, I’ll go easy on ya.

Yan took a moment to weigh his chances. If he refused, then he might look like a fool in front of Applejack. But if he accepted, and failed, then he would more like an idiot.

Do it, called a voice in his head. Remember what he said. You only live once, take all the chances you can!!

“…I…I’ll do it…” Yan muttered after a few seconds.

“Sweet!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash, “Alright, um…” She glanced at the sky for a few seconds.

“Hmm… whoever reaches that cloud first,” She pointed to a white mass of fluff around 200 meters away, “wins. Alright? Alright!” The speedy pegasus blasted in the air, and then stopped to hover. “C’mon, Yan!”

“Um…” Yan took a deep breath before following Dash’s previous action.

The two hovered near each other, facing the appointed finish line.

“Ready…” Dash said slowly, “Set…GO!”

The pair blasted off, leaving nothing but wind in their wake. Applejack held her hat to her with her hoof to keep it from flying off. She looked up, seeing a tan blur that was Yan keep up with the rainbow trail.

Yan put all of his focus on flying towards that cloud, not taking his eyes off at all, despite their watering. He pumped his wings, taking notice to the adrenaline coursing through him. Yan took a half of a second to look at his opponent, who was keeping speed.

“I’m giving it all I got now!” She hollered before leaving Yan to eat her dust. Rainbow Dash laughed as she sped on past the newbie. But the laugh turned into a sound of shock as the said noob blasted past her, leaving Dash in his wake. In no time, Yan had passed Rainbow Dash, leaving her with her jaw wide open. She shook off the surprise and caught up with him. Soon, they were neck in neck yet again.

***

Puff. The cloud that was designated as the finish line dispersed as Yan flew past it. He slowed down and came to a stop, plopping to the ground with an expulsion of breath.

“You…you actually won…” Dash dropped to the grass. “You beat me…”

“Rainbow…” Applejack said in a warning tone.

“Wow!” She suddenly exclaimed. “That was awesome! You just outflew the fastest flyer in Equestria!”

“U-um…” Yan scraped the ground with his hoof.

“Don’t sit there and act all embarrassed! That was some awesome flying!!”

“Um…thank you…” Yan wasn’t used to such praise.

“Dude, we need to hang out more often. I’d love to race some more.” Dash ruffled Yan’s pink and gray mane. “Well, seeya later, I guess.” The cyan pegasus flew off, leaving a streak of rainbow in her wake.

“Well…that was…brief.”

“You betcha. That pegasus won’t stick around for long. That was some good flyin’ though.” Applejack sat down next to Yan. “She normally woulda got real miffed if someone beat her, but I guess since you didn’t look as fast as you are, she was more impressed than normal.

“Yeah, I guess…” Despite his embarrassment, Yan felt good. He was recognized positively for his flying. He was given praise. Something he was rarely given.

Chapter 6

“Yeah, you lil’ faggot,” The burly colt grunted as he slammed his fist into the small pegasus’ gut, sending him into the wall. A small disgruntled groan emanated from his mouth as he slumped to the floor.

“Get the hell outta here,” Another one said as he kicked the tan-coated pegasus as he lay on the ground. The other two colts proceed to follow suit. Pain streaked through Yan’s body every time a hoof connected with his pelt. Hot tears streamed down his face as he cried out in pain.

“Hey, back the fuck off him!!” A loud voice shouted from behind. All three colts looked back to see the owner of the voice. Standing at the alley’s opening was a tall, slightly built unicorn with a sandy mane and coat. “You mess with him, you mess with me.”

“Oh, what’re you gonna do about it, Desert Eagle? Call yer mommy?” One colt sniggered at his own remark.

The unicorn cracked his neck. “You wanna stick around to find out?”

“Oh, watch out, we got a badass over here,” Another remarked.

Yan tried to crawl away, only to be kicked in the head. “You ain’t goin’ nowhere, bitch.”

“That’s it, asshole,” The unicorn stepped forward, a menacing look in his eyes. One colt growled, and ran forward. Desert sidestepped, causing the colt to tackle into nothing. Another charged forward as well; Desert ran towards him, and lowered his head, pointing his sharp horn forward. The colt couldn’t stop in time; he ran straight into the horn as it punctured his shoulder.

“Oww, dammit!” He cried, shrinking back. The colt that failed an assault retaliated, tackling Desert from behind. Desert grunted in pain as he fell to the floor. Reacting quickly, he used his magic to push the colt off of him, and then he jumped to his hooves, battle ready once more. A third colt charged, only to be downed by a well-timed buck to the face, sending him sprawling to the floor.

“Fuck this, let’s get outta here!” One said as they all scrambled upright and began to run off.

“Don’t mess with him again, or a nice flank-whuppin’ will be waitin for ya!” He called out as they ran. Desert Eagle approached Yan as he lay on the ground, crying in pain.

“It’s alright, you’re fine, c’mon, get up.” Desert supported Yan with magic, helping him walk. “I’ll take ya home and clean ya up, k?”

“T-thanks…” Yan choked through the pain and tears. His nose was bleeding, and he had a black eye, and one wing was bent at an awkward angle. He could hardly walk, and fully depended on the magic support Desert was providing.

***

Desert dipped rag into a bowl of ice water with telekinesis, and wiped away the blood that covered Yan’s face.

“Jeez, they banged you up good didn’t they?” Desert muttered under his breath as he cleaned Yan’s face.

“I-I’m sorry…I shouldn’t have walked that way home…” Yan’s voice was warbling, as if he was suppressing tears.

“Why are you sorry? That’s the only way to your house. It was their fault for attacking you.”

“Still…I…I’m no use to anypony…” Yan let his head hang.

“Pff, hell no. You’re a use to me.” Desert said as he pressed a bag of ice to Yan’s head. “Who else would I be able to talk to if you weren’t here?”

“You could just talk to somepony else…I’m not really that useful…Why would you even talk to me? I’m just a nuisance. You could’ve gotten really hurt back there…”

“You only live once. Take all the chances you can! You may never be able to do something over again. Hell, it felt awesome taking those assholes down. I took a chance, and I took some hits, but it ended up fine. You won’t always go through something without getting a few cuts and bruises, but in the end, you’ll pull out.” Desert grabbed another ice pack and pressed it to Yan’s bent wing, which in turn made Yan squeal in surprise.

“Ahh, it’s cold!!” He shrieked.

“Well, duh, it’s ice,” Desert said sarcastically. The two chuckled to themselves for a while before Desert returned to tending to Yan’s wounds.

***

You only live once. Take all the chances you can!

Desert Eagle’s words bounced around in Yan’s mind ever since his “date” with Applejack. He recalled those words after he took the orange mare on a small flight. The advice helped, but now it just rampaged on in his mind.

You won’t always go through something without getting a few cuts and bruises, but in the end, you’ll pull out.

Hm… Yan thought about that line for a while. Desert didn’t know it most likely, but it sounded so philosophical and…just like a great thinker would conjure up in his mind. This reminiscent moment made Yan miss his old friend even more. He wished he could see him again soon…

Yan raised his hoof to the doorknob just as he heard a voice emanate from behind him.

“Whoa, man, you got tall!”

Yan turned around instantly at those words. Could it be!?

It could. Standing there with a laid back smile on his face was Desert Eagle, sandy mane longer than Yan remembered, horn larger and more prominent as well.

“H-holy crap! Desert!” Yan shouted, before he quickly tackle-hugged the unicorn.

“Whoa, hold up there, don’t knock me down.” He said, trying to keep his balance. “I heard from your aunt that you were staying in your dad’s old house, so I thought I’d pay a visit, seeing as I haven’t seen you in over 2 years.”

Yan didn’t know what to say. The only familiar face, the only pony Yan completely trusted was standing in front of him.

“So, how ya been? Aside from the obvious, of course. Meet any new mares lately?” This is why Yan adored Desert so much. He never dwelled on a depressing subject. He would show he cares, and then would do the best he could to get your mind off of whatever’s ailing you.

“Um, what do you mean, by…meet?”

“You know…meet.” Desert added with a suggestive tone.

“N-no! I’m only 18, jeez. Besides, you know I don’t…I’m a…you know…”

“Yes, yes, extra virgin, I know, but still, come on, your innocence’s gotta break someday, you know?”

Yan merely blushed and scraped the ground. It was true Yan had found someone he had a small, small crush on, but he couldn’t tell that to Desert, he’d be all over it, trying to be the matchmaker. It was something Yan couldn’t deal with.

“Eh, anyways, come in, please, sit down, I’ll go get something to drink.” Yan opened the front door, entered, and led Desert to the couch before getting some soda from the fridge.

“So, anything interesting happen lately?” Yan said as he set down two glass bottles of soda, which Desert opened with his magic, and sat the tops on the table next to the bottles.

“Nothing really, other than getting dumped hard by my marefriend.”

“Aw, seriously? That sucks!” Yan knew of Desert’s marefriend, who Desert actually hoped for a future with. “How’d it happen?”

“Well, I was getting home from work, and saw that all my stuff was on the front step with a note on a suitcase saying, “Hope you have fun with the filly you’ve been cheating on me with, I’m sick of your lies.” Apparently, she ran off with a new coltfriend, leaving all of the house payments on me. I don’t make enough to pay the rent in full. I didn’t even cheat on her! She my freaking sister’s best friend for Celestia’s sake! There was nothing between us!”

“Yeesh, sounds rough.” Yan sighed. Even Desert was having problems in his life.

“Yeah…anywho, at least I got a place to live. I’ll try to find a better job or something.”

“Or you could sell all of your video games; that might help.”

“Oh hell no! I couldn’t get rid of those!” Desert put on a look of fake shock.

“Well…um…you’re welcome to stay here, if you want to…”

Desert gave Yan a confused look. “Are…are you serious?”

“Maybe.”

Desert quickly shot towards Yan, pulling him in a friendly hug. “You are the best, man!!” I’m never gonna forget this!! I’ll pay rent and everything! I promise!” Desert was profusely spouting thanks and promises he most likely will forget in a few minutes.

“What about your job?” Yan asked.

“Oh, yeah, that. Maybe I lied when I said I still had that job…”

“Then, how were you gonna pay that rent?” Yan inquired.

“Um. Well…” Desert scratched the back of his neck nervously.

“Whatever. It’s fine. You can stay here for free for the first month until you can find a job.”

“You are the most awesome friend ever!! I will never forget this!!”

“Think of it as thanks.”

“For what?”

“For everything.”

“Um…you’re…welcome?”

Yan only smiled in reply.

***

The past few days went by rather quick. Desert Eagle had applied for a job at Ponyville Post Office, considering they were still low on mail carriers. He’d also been trying to sell his house, but couldn’t find a good buyer, and it would most likely sit on the market for ages, which would drain Desert of his funds. Yan was grateful, and said that he would lower the rent considering his circumstances as long as he didn’t run up the electric bill with his avid gaming. Yan introduced Applejack, Fluttershy, and Ditzy to Desert, which he was instantly greeted warmly. Not a day later, Pinkie got word on Desert’s arrival, and threw a party for the unicorn, granting a large amount of surprise from him. Still, he had nothing but thanks for Pinkie and the rest of the party goers.

Yan was very grateful for Desert’s arrival, for he felt a little better, a little less…alone. Of course, his father was irreplaceable, but he still felt better.

But he still had a feeling nagging him in the back of his mind. Somewhere, there was a feeling hidden in his brain that was doing damage.

Chapter 7

Slam! The noise of a body being thrown against the wall of the school’s hallway echoed throughout the quiet corridor.

“I heard what your little butt-buddy did to my bros the other day. Y’all got some balls for fuckin with them!”

“I-I-I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-“

“Shut your ass up! Don’t you say shit! Im'a beat your punk ass up right here, right now! Nopony fucks with my homies, specially a little faggot like you!” The delinquent raised his hoof, signaling the arrival of a punch across the face.

“No, don’t,” Yan screamed. He struggled his way out from being pinned to the wall just as the bully’s hoof collided with the wall.

“Augh, piece of shit,” He bellowed. He charged forward and tackled Yan, knocking them both the floor. The delinquent struck Yan across the face repeatedly. Blood began to leak from Yan’s nostrils and he was crying tears of pain.

“Yeah, cry, fucker! Filly! Colt-cuddler! Faggot!” He spouted an insult each time the hoof connected with Yan’s head. The bully stood, and bucked Yan in the gut, causing him to curl up. He repeated the process, all the while shouting, “Get your faggot ass up!” Yan cried and screamed in pain, as he could feel his ribs starting to crack under the blows.

“No, please, stop! STOP,” He cried.

“Hahahahah, that’s what you get for fuckin’ with my bros, filly!”

At that moment everything that made up Yan’s mind evaporated. All that was left was frustration, hate, and darkness. All pain, compassion, guilt, and remorse was gone. He no longer felt the blows being dealt upon him. He stood slowly, and glared at the delinquent.

“The…the fuck,” He shouted, not understanding how this pony could still move.

“Say it one more time,” He growled.

“The fuck you say!?”

“SAY THAT SHIT ONE MORE FUCKING TIME, I DARE THE FUCK OUTTA YOU!!” Yan raised his hoof, and slammed it on the bully’s forehead. He stumbled and swore before he swiveled around and bucked the colt in his chest, knocking him the floor. He climbed on top of the colt, and beat his face with his hooves.

“YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I GO THROUGH!! YOU DON’T KNOW THE PAIN I FEEL!! BURN IN HELL, YOU SHOULD ALL FUCKING BURN IN HELL, ALL OF YOU,” Yan screamed as he beat the colt mercilessly over and over. With an insane, primal look in his eyes, Yan pounded the colt’s face, not caring that it was bleeding profusely. “I WILL FUCKING MURDER YOU!! YOU SHOULD ALL DIE!!”

“Yan, stop,” somepony yelled. Yan didn’t turn to see to whom it belonged; all he cared about was ending the colt’s life. A teacher rushed to the two colts, and broke up the conflict with magic, or better put, stopped the assault. The colt lay unconscious on the floor, snout broken and blood all over his face and chest and splattered on the floor. Yan blinked and witnessed his work. He saw the body and the blood. Yan looked at his hooves and saw the colt’s blood. It had splattered all over his chest and face.

“Ah….AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!”

Psychiatrist sessions, group meetings, and therapy. Nothing helped. Yan stayed silent and never spoke a word. He would stare at his hooves and remember the blood. He would remember the dull throbbing from constantly beating the colt’s face. He would remember the look of horror on the teacher’s face as he witnessed what Yan had done. After so much, nopony knew what to do with him. He would react to external stimuli, he would eat, he would respond if touched, but he wouldn’t speak. He wouldn’t look anypony in the eye; he’d just slightly turn his head in the direction of a voice to show he was listening. The doctors confirmed he was still sane, but he would definitely have trauma. They transferred him to another school, a long way away from his previous one.

As Yan looked back to the house he was leaving, he shed a single tear. A tear for the one friend he would leave behind.

***

The sound of the video game Desert was immersed in echoed throughout the empty house. Yan had gone to pick up some things from the market, and would return within an hour’s time. Desert was off today, so he would spend his time doing something he rarely would have the time for.

Gaming.

As the clicking and clacking of the controller filled the house, Desert’s mind began to wander. I wonder how Yan’s dealing with this. I know he’s not exactly the best at dealing with stuff like this, but he hasn’t broke down or anything yet. Maybe he’s just holding it in.

Oh yeah, he said something about a mare…and a crush. Hm... I wonder if it’s that orange mare with the cowboy hat. Her accent is…kinda cute, I guess. Didn’t know he was into that sorta thing. Then again, it is Yan.

This sounds like a perfect time to play Cupid, Desert chuckled to himself. He had a mischievous grin plastered over his face at that thought. But something else was bothering him.

Why did Yan never tell me why he left? He said something about transferring schools, but that was it. Eh, I’ll ask him when he gets back.

Maybe it was because Desert wasn’t focusing, or he was getting rusty, but an enemy shot a well-aimed laser at Desert’s character, causing his health to hit zero, giving him a ‘Game Over.’

“Dammit,” He sighed. Desert put down the controller and stood on all fours, followed by a stretch. Now what the hell do I do, He thought to himself. I guess I’ll do something productive. Might as well get this place cleaned back up. Desert surveyed the room, which was swamped in bags of chips and soda bottles. Eeyugh, needa clean all this up, fast. He grabbed a trash can from the kitchen and used magic to levitate the rubbish into the bin. One by one, he tossed the pieces away. Soon, he got creative, and started to lift the balls of clumped trash high in the air, almost to the ceiling, then slam in straight down into the can. Next, he would toss the balls left and right, then zip it it to the bin.

As the last ball went in, Desert telekinetically lifted the bag out of the can, tied it, and put it in a corner adjacent to the front door to take out. He zipped the can into the kitchen and got another bag, and fit it in the can.

Now that that’s done… Desert went upstairs to tidy up his bedroom.

“Ow,” Desert yelped as a candle came toppling down upon his head. As he walked into the bedroom, a screw came loose, causing a shelf near the door to fall. On the shelf was a folder full of papers, a candle, and spare key.

“Stupid rusty screws,” Desert groaned, massaging his forehead. At his hooves, he noticed papers scattered everywhere. Great, He sarcastically thought to himself, this was Yan’s stuff. As he used magic to sort the papers, something caught his eye. It looked old and the ink was fading. Upon closer inspection, it was something to do with a school in Manehattan.

The school Yan went to.

“Huh?” Desert brought the paper closer to his face. “Yan, a student at Thomas Mule High has been transferred due to… assault, violence, and psychiatric needs!?” Desert rubbed his eyes with his hooves and looked again. This is why Yan left? Assault? Yan isn’t like that! He can’t even look somepony in the eyes; much less beat the hell out of them! Desert was highly worried. He thought Yan left because of his mother needing a better job. Why didn’t Yan ever tell me about this?

The front door’s lock clicked. Aw, shit, Desert swore in his mind. He put all the papers in a stack, shoved them in the folder, and searched around feverishly for the rusted faulty screw.

“Desert! You still here,” Yan called out from downstairs.

“Shitshitshitshitshitshitshitshitshitshiiiiiitttt!” Desert flicked his head around, searching for the screw. “Aha!” Finding the screw, Desert zipped it to the whole it was previously screwed inside, then realized the other half was still in the hole.

“Desert,” Yan’s worried voice called from downstairs.

Well, this is a good a time as any to use that spell Mom taught me. Desert sighed before focusing his magic power on the two pieces of the screw. He pressed the pieces tighter against each other to ensure the incantation would succeed. Here goes nothing. Desert’s horn glowed brighter as he focused. Soon, the screw began to heat up then turn red. At last, the screw was completely welded together and holding up the shelf.

“Phew,” Desert sighed.

“Um…Desert?” Yan was now ascending upstairs. Noticing this, Desert quickly but quietly trotted to the bathroom. He closed the door behind him and hastily thought of an excuse.

“Yeah, what? I’m dumpin’ over here,” He called out.

“Oh, um, uh, ok. I’m back,” Yan responded.

“You don’t say,” Desert sarcastically retorted.

“Whatever. I brought lunch. So once you’re done, um, you know, come and get it.”

“’Kay.” Desert sighed. That was close.

***

Yan has been transferred from Thomas Mule High due to assault, violence, and psychiatric needs.

It had been bothering Desert for hours on end. He had just finished lunch and was sitting on the couch watching TV.

“It’s kinda weird seeing a TV in a low tech town like Ponyville,” Yan said.

“Yeah,” Desert vacantly responded.

“You ok,” He asked.

“I need to ask you something.”

“Um, ok…what is it?”

Now or never, Desert thought before sighing deeply. “Why were you transferred to a different school?”

“Uh, when?”

“Thomas Mule High. You left for no reason. My teacher said it was because your mom needed a better job and it was farther away. I thought at least you would tell your only friend.”

“Uh, I, um, it was so sudden, I d-didn’t have enough time to tell anyone,” Yan lied through his teeth.

“You’re a horrible liar, Yan,” Desert bluntly responded.

“I-I’m not lying!”

“Assault, violence, and psychiatric needs,” Desert said flatly. “I found the paper. It said you were transferred from Thomas Mule High due to assault, violence, and psychiatric needs. What did you do?”

Yan only stared, eyes wide.

“I was about to clean your bedroom upstairs, and the shelf beside the door fell, and so did a folder of papers. One of the papers I saw was that paper. Now tell me, what did you do?”

“It…wasn’t my fault, h-he, he was hurting me, and…and I…I snapped,” Yan’s voice was hushed and his eyelids were screwed shut. “I didn’t…mean to…” It was all he could say before breaking down. His words becoming impossible to make out.

“It’s alright man, it’s alright. You’re fine. I’m not mad. It’s all good.” Desert comforted Yan, who was wailing and holding his face in his hooves.

“The blood…all the blood…it was everywhere. He was put in the hospital for a month. He had to get facial reconstruction…because of me! Me,” Yan yelled through his tears.

“What did he do to you?”

“He…started to hit me, 'cuz y-you beat up those guys that ganged up on me. H-he said that I beat up his friends… After a while…I…I…” Yan had to stop to cry some more. “I punched him, and I couldn’t stop…blood…was everywhere… On the floor, my hooves, my chest… I’m so sorry…”

“Don’t be.”

“Wh-what?”

“That bastard made your life hell. Because of him, you were scared to even walk through the halls without some authority present. You snapped. All of the negative emotions that were bottled up came out all at once. If you ask me, he deserved to have the shit beat out of him.”

“But-“

“But nothing. You had the rite. Other people may view you as sick or evil, but he is the real bad guy. Because of that, I bet you he won’t ever come near you again. He knows if he screws with either of us, he’s in for a flank-whuppin. I’ll always stick with you, no matter what shit you get yourself into. Whether you kill a stallion or rob a bank, I won’t leave you. I won’t be happy with you, but I’ll never pussy out.”

“Thanks,” Yan managed to say through his tears.

“You never deserved any of the BS he fed you,” Desert said strongly. All Yan could do is nod in thanks and continue crying.

Never gonna leave…not gonna abandon you…best buds forever, no matter what.

Chapter 9

“Are you sure they’re not gonna hurt me?”

“Yes, Yan, they’re gonna like ya,”

“Are you sure?” Yan was kicking at the dirt, looking everywhere but at Applejack.

Applejack sighed before standing directly in front of the tan pegasus. “Ah promise, Yan, the only pony in my home you need to worry about is my Granny Smith, and that’s cuz she’s crazy as she can be. Nopony’s gonna do anythin’ ta hurtcha, mkay?” Yan’s shy side had increased tenfold ever since he and Applejack had begun dating. With her, he would act like such a goof, but the second he’d be near her friends, he’d say nothing.

Upon learning of her older brother’s size and strength, Yan had become even more frightened. He’d heard once from Desert that one of his marefriends had a very buff older brother, and that the two…highly disagreed. Desert had informed Yan that he had to watch out for the older brother, because he might want to cause a disturbance.

“Ya know, if it’s Big Mac you’re worried about, don’t be. He’s the gentlest giant you’ll ever see.” Applejack reassured once more. “C’mon, Yan, yer gonna be fine, quit being paranoid.”

Even though it seemed like a humungous hassle, Applejack didn’t mind at all. He told her all about his past, and she completely understood why he felt this way.

“W-why do they want to meet me anyways?” Yan asked.

“Cuz, they wanna meet their kin’s coltfriend. They want to see who they’re puttin’ their trust in. Now, come on.

Not even two seconds after Applejack opened the door, the bundle of youthful energy Applejack called her sister came bursting out.

“Howdy! I’m Applebloom, Applejack’s younger sister! She prolly already toldja that, but whatever. She’s told us a lil’ but ‘bout you, but we still wanted to meetcha!” Standing there was a small filly, probably around eight years old. She had a big red bow in her darker red mane. Her voice was a higher, younger version of Applejack’s.

“U-Um, h-hi. How are you?” Yan felt a little at ease due to Applejack’s presence, but the sudden burst of energy still startled him.

“Uhm. Fantastic.” Applebloom sounded disappointed. “C’mon, Yanny, no need to be all shy,” she nudged him with her elbow, “we’re all friendly here!”

“Okay…” Yan didn’t comply.

“C’mon, let’s go inside,” Applejack said to him before pushing him in.

“Well, hello there sonny, I’ve heard a lot ‘bout you. I’m Granny Smith.” An elderly, green mare approached Yan and squinted. She seemed to look all around his face, sizing him up, except a lot creepier.

“…Hi?” he greeted, backing up slightly. Now I know what Applejack meant by Granny Smith being completely insane, Yan thought to himself. He did his best to smile, but his grin had an obvious nervous feel about it. Yan looked about the innards of Applejack’s living room, trying to get his mind off of the old mare examining his face for some unknown reason. It was definitely modest. There was a comfy looking sofa with puffy, red cushions, and an equally comfy chair a few feet away from it, the same tint of dark red. The wallpaper composed of orange and red stripes that made their way around the square den. The trim composed of Red Delicious apples, all connected by a green vine. It seemed most of the house contained a theme relative to apples in one way or another.

“You chose right, A.J.,” she finally spoke.

“Huh?” Applejack inquired in confusion. “Whaddya mean?”

“Oh, never mind me, dear. Has Big Macintosh met your little coltfriend yet?”

“No, but-“

“Then go and introduce him, he’s been dying to meet Yan.” Granny Smith interjected. All Yan could do was gulp in fear.

“Well, alright then,” Applejack sighed. “C’mon, Yan let’s go meet ‘im.” Applejack nudged a shaking Yan out towards the field.

Yan caught sight of a big, burly dark red stallion conversing with a cow. Yan heard of the singular talking cow, so he didn’t question the linguistic ability of the animal. What he did question, though, was his sanity. Why was he here? Why was he about to meet the buff, protective older of his marefriend? Oh yeah, he was in love. He tossed his self-security in the wind for her. Technically, he still considered himself insane for coming anywhere near this muscular, tough, manly stallion.

“Hey, Big Mac!” Applejack called out. The tall stallion turned his head to the direction of her voice, and smiled once he saw her. He said something to the cow which Yan couldn’t hear, then approached the pair.

Oh no, ohh noo, oh no, oh please, please no… Yan’s heart was beating ninety miles a minute, gaining speed every centimeter Big Mac got closer.

“Hey there,” Big Macintosh greeted the pair with an incredibly deep voice.

“Howdy, Mac. This here’s Yan, my coltfriend. Ah know Ah mentioned him to ya, right?” Applejack sounded completely calm, but inside she knew Yan was having a small seizure in his mind.

“Eeyup.” He responded. “Hello, there. As you already know, I’m Big Macintosh. I’ve heard a lot about you.” Strangely, when he heard Big Mac’s voice, he calmed down.

“I have only heard a little about you. Other than your name, I don’t even know you.” Yan said, his heart slowing down a considerable amount.

“Well, ain’t that a shame.” Big Mac had a small omnipresent smile.

“Yeah, it is.”

Applejack stood with her jaw dangling helplessly. Yan’s…calm?! He was practically wettin’ himself not 20 minutes ago over Mac, and now he’s jus’ as docile as ever?! Oh, sweet Celestia, you’re in for it now.

“Ya know, I had mah doubts ‘bout you,” Big Mac gestured with his hoof for Yan to get closer. “I could tell that Applejack had it for ya hard,” Big Mac lowered his head to whispere in Yan’s ear, “she would be goin’ off like a schoolfilly whenever she talked about ya, even before y’all were together. She thinks highly of ya, so don’t let her down.” Big Mac lifted his head, and stepped back.

“Uh…” Applejack said, confused, “Ah’m still here, ya know…”

“Yes, I know. I jus’ needed to tell him a lil’ somethin’.” Big Mac just stood there with an obligatory smile.

“Don’t worry, it was nothing important.” Yan said in a calm voice. Why am I so calm? He’s humongous, and muscly, and scary…Still, Yan couldn’t lie. Maybe it was his ever-present smile, or his mellow, deep voice.

“Well, y’all seem to be calm about it, so Ah guess it’s nothing I should worry.” Applejack resolved.

Soon after the small introduction to Applejack’s family, Yan was dragged into many activities, most of which being something to do with Applebloom. The little filly, with all her youthful energy, dragged Yan by the mane to do countless things. Applejack chuckled as she witnessed a muddy, exhausted Yan stumble into the kitchen through to back door, and collapse to the floor, panting.

“Woohoo! That was fun!! Let’s do it again!” Applebloom burst in after him, equally muddy, but infinitely more energetic.

“Save me…I can’t…go on….” Yan groaned in pain.

Applejack chuckled as she helped Yan stand on his exhausted hooves.

“Awww, but Ah wanted ta play with him more,” Applebloom bit her lower lip, and her eyes grew large and wide.

“Cantcha see he’s had enough?” Applejack gestured to the collapsed Yan.

“Ah guess…”

A few hours later, Granny Smith left to the market to gather some things, and Big Mac and Applebloom left for the orchard.

“Don’t get into any trouble, ya hear?” Granny Smith chuckled as she left for the market.

“Ah’ll keep him in line, don’t you worry,” Applejack responded. After Granny Smith turned and walked down the dirt path, Yan was dragged back into the house.

“Um…Applejack what’s going o-“ Yan was caught off by a pair of soft lips being meshed against his.

“You don’ know how long Ah’ve been wantin’ to do that today,” she said after breaking the kiss.

“U-um…” Yan’s face was bright red, and he had a confused, yet joyous look on his face.

Applejack clenched her teeth around Yan’s mane and guided him up the stairs.

“Wh-what? What’s going on…?”

“You’ll see,” Applejack said quietly. Truthfully, Yan had little idea what was going on. That is, until he saw Applejack guide him into her bedroom.

“Er…Ap-“

“Hush, Yan,” she said, just before throwing him onto her bed. She promptly pinned him down, then strategically placed her legs on either side of Yan’s hips.

“B-but, I-“

“Quiet down, sugarcube, you don’ gotta do a thing…” Applejack instantly brought her lips to his once more, holding the kiss for a long time. Her hoof left Yan’s, then slid downward.

“Are…are you sure?”

“Yan, I’ve never been so sure in my life…” Applejack tossed her hat to the floor, not needing it for what was to come next. “Let this be my way to show you just how much I love you…”

Epilogue

“Ow…stupid book,” Yan moaned, rubbing his head, where a hardback dictionary careened into his head. He was cleaning out the attic, considering it had prominent amount of junk about. After a few more boxes of emptiness were tossed down the ladder, Yan came across a much heavier box.

Yeesh, what the hell is in this? Yan opened the box with his teeth, and, once he was what was inside, nearly had a tachycardia.

Inside the box were pictures of him as a foal. Some were of just him, others included his mother and father. The backgrounds for half of the photographs were his home in Ponyville, the home he was in now. He saw the smiling faces of his mother and father, looking happy as can be, and he saw himself with his mother and father, happy.

Yan couldn’t suppress the tears as he recalled the memories. The memories of his father, the one that kept him going, the one he wished he could see again…he wailed aloud in pain, in misery, for he remembered it all.

“I just want to make you proud, dad…I couldn’t…I…I’m s-s-sorry…” he sobbed as he knelt to the floor, burying his face in his forlegs. Still crying, he lifted his head to see the label on the side of the box. It read, ‘Memories,’ in his father’s handwriting. He looked in the box once more, staring over all of the pictures. A tear made its way down Yan’s cheek, and it dripped into the box. He followed the drop’s path, and it fell upon a piece of paper.

“Huh?” Yan sniffed. He pulled out the paper and examined it. It was a letter.

Dear Yan,

I don’t know when you are reading this, because I haven’t been able to send this to you. But, I will explain that later. I want to tell you something that has been eating away at me.

By now, you know that your mother and I have had problems…if it was anypony’s fault, it was mine. I don’t know if you blame yourself or not, but don’t. We…fell out of love. We didn’t connect like we used to, there was no love…We grew apart, but we tried out best to stick together, for you. But it couldn’t happen. So…we separated. I wanted to tell you, but she didn’t want that. She just took you up and left. I desperately wanted to see you again, but she rejected the idea. She said that if I stepped anywhere near you, she would most likely have me arrested. I don’t know if she could go through with that, but if she could, then that means that there would be no chance of being able to meet you.

But, there was something good that came out of this. Your aunt kept me posted on how you were doing. I was irate that you were getting bullied as heavy as you were. I demanded that I were to see you, but your mother wouldn’t have it. I…I’m sorry I couldn’t do anything about it. You don’t know just how infuriated I was.

I also learned about your musical talents. I knew you had an ear for music, but I never knew you could sing! And your acting skills…good lord, I never would have thought you could’ve been so great. It brings me glee to know that you have found your talent.

Yet, still…son, I want to tell you something. I want you to find someone who you love, and who loves you back. True love is hard to find, but when you find it, or at least you think you do, it feels amazing. Just being near that person makes your heart flutter, and you want to do anything to make them happy. I remember when I met your mother; I did the craziest things just to see her smile…

I want you to do the same. Find a girl, fall in love, and make it work. Keep the relationship alive; don’t let it die out like I did. Don’t turn out to be like me…

Yan, you have made me proud. In so many ways, I’m glad to be your father. I love you, son. I’m proud to be called your father.

Yan read the letter once, twice, thrice, and countless more times. Tears dripped onto the paper, smudging the ink. He couldn’t believe it. He…he made his father proud; German was joyous to be his father. He’d done what he wanted him too…he met Applejack, fell in love, and 3 years later, after marriage, they were still in love. Even stronger.

***

A chilly breeze blew across the cemetery. Yan stood at a grave stone, labeled with his father’s name. German.

He walked to the grave and sat down. From his saddlebag, he took a picture. It was of him and his father, a month before he moved. Both were smiling, and looked like they didn’t have a care in the world. Yan placed the photo by his grave, and pinned it down with a rock.

“Dad…” he started. His eyes were still red and puffy, due to reading the letter not an hour before. “I…I found someone. Her name is Applejack. I believe you met her a few times, because she mentioned you. I’m in love with her. We’ve been together for 3 years, and I know she’s the one. We married in December of last year…she has three foals on the way.” Yan’s voice cracked, emotion seeping slowly through. “All I ever wanted, was to make you proud…and I have. I’ve made friends, I’ve met my true love, I’ve changed for the better. Coming here has done so much for me…I miss you dad. And I love you. Goodbye.”

Yan stood, and left the cemetery. He left behind his pain, his misery, his angst, and only his love and joy remained.

The End.

Author’s Notes:

This was written for one of my best friends, Yan. He’s dealt with my insanity for almost a year, and for that I commend him. I’ve never physically met him, but I trust him with my life. I wanted to find some way to repay him for his awesomeness, so I made this.

The events of this are loosely based upon Yan’s life. His father is still alive today, but his school life was equally horrible. He was intensely bullied for his feminine looks, and after a few years, he snapped, and assaulted a group of his classmates. He put them in the hospital for quite a while, and Yan had to see a psychiatrist for a few years. He’s good now, though. So don’t you worry, he’s just the shyest fuck in the world now.

So, be nothing but nice to him, because you never know what a person has gone through. See you all for my next story, From Prince to King. Goodbye, and I love you all ^^ Even you Varocity, even though you are bit of a dick.

Oh yeah *trollface* I forgot to mention. This story was edited by Varocity. Love him and shit, cause his grammar rocks and mine sucks.

Chapter 8

“No! For the last time, you can’t! I won’t let you!”

“Please? C’mon buddy, if you won’t make a move on your own, then I need to force you!”

“Who says I won’t ask her out on my own?”

“Me.”

“W-why?”

“Cuz you’re Yan, that’s why. You can’t even socialize on your own; I doubt you’d be able to ask Applejack on your own.”

“B-but-“

“No buts, mister. If you don’t go and ask her out or something, I will embarrass you like you’ve never been embarrassed before,” A plate of cheese sandwiches sat in the middle of the table, which was being feasted upon by Desert and Yan.

Yan crossed his front legs and looked away. “Nu,” he protested.

“Yan…” Desert said in a warning tone. He quickly stuffed the rest of his sandwich into his mouth so he could get to business.

“Nnnnnuuu.” he repeated.

“My Yan, I swear to great Celestia,

If thou do not confess thine love to the

Fair maiden, Applejack, I shall give thine

Message of love to her, for you, myself.

“What?” Yan’s voice was muffled due to the presence of a sandwich in his mouth.

“If you don’t tell Applejack you love her, I will!” he said as he stole a sandwich from Yan’s hooves.

“W-what!? Why!?” He shouted after he swallowed his sandwich.

“Cuz your sissy ass won’t! If you don’t, someone else will snatch her right up.” he said as he stole a sandwich from Yan’s hooves.

“B-but, I-“

“But me again, I dare you.”

***

Applejack had a look of confusion and worry on her face as she stood at Yan’s front door. She could distinctively hear sounds of struggle from the other side.

“Ah hope they’re alright…” She sighed before bringing a hoof to the door.

***

“No, dammit, I can’t!”

“Don’t make me, Yan! I’ll do it I swear!”

“Owwwowowowowow! No! Stop, that hurts! Ah!” Desert was pulling Yan by the tail with his telekinesis.

“Stop! Please!” He cried, feeling the pain.

“Not until you say you’re gonna tell App-“

Knock, knock, knock.

At that moment, Desert and Yan stopped all movement. After they dusted themselves off, Yan opened the door quickly to see Applejack standing at the doorway.

“Hey there, sugarcube…you, uh, alright?” Applejack was standing at the front door, a look of concern on her face.

“O-oh, Applejack, hi. Um, what’re you doing here?” Yan stuttered.

“Oh, Ah, uh, Ah just wanted to stop by. Was Ah, er, interruptin’?” She inquired, a slight tone of disappointment and sadness present in her voice.

“Um…OH, NO, nonononononono, it’s not what you think, we were just having a, er, a disagreement.”

“Excuse me, but may I have a word with Yan for a moment?” Desert interjected.

“Uh, I guess,” she said.

“Thank you,” he said before dragging Yan off to the side.

“Look, now is your chance. She’s here, and you’ve got nothing else to do today. Go do something with her, get her in the right mood, and tell her how you feel!” Desert said in a harsh whisper.

“B-but, you can’t rush things like this! It might, like, scare her off or something.”

Desert rubbed his forehead in frustration. “Look, Yan, let me tell you something. I’m trying my best to look out for you; I don’t want you to feel what I feel. I loved my ex-marefriend, you have no idea how much. When she left me, I…I didn’t know what to do. I lost the love of my life over a simple misunderstanding, and now, she won’t take me back.”

“Couldn’t you have just talked to her?”

“You don’t think I tried? I made a fool out of myself trying…but she won’t come back. All this has happened of a stupid mistake. I don’t want that to happen to you.” Desert’s eyes glistened with diligence, a determination that Yan never saw. “Please, you’re my best friend. Just…you only live once. Take all of the chances you can. You just might never get the chance again.”

Yan sat on his flank, surprised to hear Desert say that. Those last words, the words that were revolving around in his head for the past two weeks were spoken, just like that.

“I…I’ll do it. Thank you, Desert.” Yan stood on all fours, with newfound determination.

“Thattaboy. Now, go.”

Yan nodded before spinning around and walking back to the door.

“Eheh, sorry about that, just needed to discuss, um, something. It’s not really important. So, um, what were you here for?” Yan, for once in his life, spoke an entire sentence while still looking another pony straight in the eyes.

“Yeah, Ah was jus’ wonderin’ if…if you wanted to go spend some time together somewhere. Ah mean, Ah haven’ seen you anywhere fer a while, and…Ah mahself been wantin’ to, uh, to see you again.” Applejack laughed nervously.

Yan looked back to Desert, who was sitting on the couch out of Applejack’s view. He gestured with his hoof to go along with the idea.

“Uhh…sure! I’d love to. Where did you have in mind?” Yan smiled.

“Nowhere in particular, really. Jus’…anywhere…” Applejack mumbled the rest of the sentence, making it hard for Yan to hear.

“What was that?” he asked innocently.

“Oh, uh, nuthin’. So, ah, if you’d like, may we…go right now?” she asked.

“I don’t see why not.”

Applejack’s expression instantly went from worried to relieved. “Thanks. So, let’s go?”

“Absolutely.” With that, the two headed off into town.

Desert sat on the couch with his legs hanging off the edge. “Ya done good, Desert. Ya done good…” He sighed contently with his hooves put behind his head.

***

Yan and Applejack’s hooves clopped against the cobblestone of the town square. A few ponies milled about talking amongst themselves and admiring the midday. The two walked around aimlessly. Applejack was walking a bit closer to Yan than usual.

“So, Applejack, um, how’s the farm going?” Yan asked.

“Oh, good, Ah guess. Nothin’ special. Big Mac hasn’t gotten hurt recently, which is nice, 'cus he always finds some way to get some kinda injury.”

“Well that’s good. I’m glad he’s alright. How’s your sister…er, what’s her name, Apple Bloom?”

“She’s just as rambunctious as ever. She’s been tryin’ to get into the apple buckin’ trade, but her bucks aren’t powerful enough.” Applejack started to say something, but stopped before any words could come out.

“Uh, what was that?” Yan asked.

“Nothin’ important…” she sighed.

“No offense, but you’ve been like this ever since we started. Are you alright? Is something bothering you?” He inquired, worried.

“No, A-Ah’m fine,” Applejack stuttered nervously.

“No, you’re not. Is it something I said? Why won’t you talk to me?”

Applejack stayed silent and would not make eye contact with Yan.

“I-I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have acted that way.” Yan scratched the back of his neck with his hoof.

“Ah’m sorry, Ah gotta go,” her voice cracked before she began to gallop off.

“W-wait, Applejack!” Yan called out as he began to make chase. (

***

Yan’s hooves pounded the ground as he chased Applejack out of Ponyville and into the forested area that surrounded it.

“Applejack, wait! Where are you going?”Yan cried.

“Ah can’t, Yan, Ah’m sorry,” She said with a warbled voice as if she was crying.

Yan’s wings flew open as he took to the skies. He caught sight of Applejack again, and flew down towards her. I can definitely get to her now, he thought. He swooped and landed in front of her, making her skid to a stop.

“What’s wrong, Applejack? what’s going on? Why are you running away?” Yan took a step closer to her.

“Ah…Ah...”

“Please, Applejack, tell me! I’m worried about you! Why can’t you tell me?” Yan approached Applejack slowly, trying to not scare her off. “Please…”

“Ah’m afraid to tell you, you might not want to talk to me anymore,” she said.

“No, I promise I won’t, I won’t leave you.”

“Ah…” Applejack dried her eyes with a hoof. “Ah…have feelings for you, Yan. Strong ones…ones that make me hurt to think you might…distance yerself from me if Ah tell ya…”

“Applejack, I…I didn’t know…” The tan pegasus was speechless. She feels the same? After all this time, we both felt the same? Is this luck or what?

“Yeah, Ah know, silly right? If you wanna run off, go ahead. Nothin’s stopping ya.”

Yan gulped as he set his mind on his next task. You only live once, take all the chances you can. He set a hoof forward, then another one. Step by step, he approached her, a bead of sweat trickling down his forehead. This always works in the movies and books…you can do this. Yan’s idea seemed simple in his head, but setting it in motion was harder. Just a quick one…it’s not that hard, if she feels the same as I do… He gulped as he neared her. She was still facing away from him.

OK…three…two…Yan stopped, hooves planted on the ground, about a foot away from Applejack. One.

“Applejack, I need to tell you something as well.” With those words, Applejack looked up, meeting Yan’s eyes. She quickly looked somewhere else, though, for Yan’s gaze was different. It wasn’t his normal shy, submissive look; Yan had determination he’d never felt before.

“You see, I-I,” Yan struggled to find the words that exactly fit what he felt.

“It’s a hard thing to say, it’s not exactly the most commonly spoken phrase…” Stop stalling, idiot! ”Applejack, I feel the same… I have for a long time, ever since I met you. It’s been eating away at me, and, I’ve wanted to tell you, but I couldn’t…”

“You ain’ kiddin’…are ya, Yan?” her voice cracked.

“No, I could never kid about something like this,” he responded.

Awkward silence followed, as the two ponies stood there, kicking at the dirt in embarrassment.

C’mon Yan, think of something…what would Desert say…ah, actually, scratch that, that would be too weird…agh, what should I say? Yan’s mind was working a million miles an hour.

“Have you ever had a marefriend, Yan?” she inquired.

“U-um, no?”

“Then, how ‘bout…Ah be yer first?” was all she could muster before hushing up again and looking elsewhere.

“I’d…” Yan started. This is it. Screw that being the cheesiest way ask out somepony, I woulda done worse; this is exactly what I’ve been waiting for!

“I’d be delighted.”