Homecoming.by wisp1ChaptersChapter 1.Chapter 2.Chapter 3.Chapter 1.Braeburn hauled another basket of apple's to the farmhouse, sweat dripped from his brow as he slid the apple's off of his back and onto the dried up grass beneath him. Most of the orchard's grass stayed green because of how well they took care of it, but most of Appleloosa was just dirt and dead grass. Braeburn wiped the sweat building on his forehead and opened the farmhouse door, revealing hundreds of apples piled in baskets. He grabbed the basket he had put on the ground and dragged it inside, there was barely room left in the barn, meaning the applecart was tucked safely away behind the barn. Appleloosa was never known to have thieves, so there wasn't much to worry about. He shoved the apples in and closed the door behind him, turning around he had a full view of the apple orchard, absolutely no apple remained on any tree, harvest season was over and there were enough apple's to last the festival and then some. Feeling proud of his work he smiled and sat down, closing his eye's he decided to give himself a bit of rest before heading back to the town, "Not an apple left and still a few hours to spare before mah' favorite cousin' and the rest of mah' family get here." He said allowed to nopony in particular. "Well ah'll be, if it ain't cousin' Braeburn, and by the looks of it you just finished apple bucking." An orange pony yelled with a thick country accent across the orchard, causing Braeburn's eye's to snap open to see who it was, focusing his eye's he could make out an orange pony with a blonde mane sporting a stetson. "Applejack?" Braeburn yelled back, Applejack smiled and picked up pace to get to Braeburn, "Ah thought ya'll were gonna be another few hours?" Braeburn yelled his grin growing larger. "We were, but we decided to get up a bit early and hit the train, everypony else is here too, including mah friends." Applejack replied, walking up beside Braeburn and taking a seat. "It's good to see you cus'" Braeburn said, wrapping his hoof around Applejack and giving her a small nuzzle. "It sure is." Applejack replied, nuzzling in kind. "It's always nice seeing everypony get together, I bet that Rainbow one is excited for the Wonderbolts, huh?" Braeburn asked pulling his hoof away, his grin was still plastered on his face. "Eeyup, in fact, since she's part of the Wonderbolts, some of them decided to come along with us." Applejack said in a, "matter-o-factly" voice. Braeburn's eye's widened, "When did this happen? Nopony told me about this." He questioned. "Ehh, it was a few month's ago, she's only on the reserves or somethin'." Applejack answered "Well still, ah'd say that's a pretty big accomplishment!" Braeburn exclaimed, Applejack just chuckled. "I guess it is, anyways, we should head back to the town, everypony's gettin' everything set up." Applejack said, standing up from the ground. "Alright, ah just need to get these apples on the cart and we can start makin' our way." Braeburn replied following after Applejack, re-opening the farmhouse door and grabbing a basket. "Ya'll need help? We can make it go much faster." Applejack asked watching Braeburn haul the baskets full of apples on his back. "Thanks, but no thanks, ya'll are our guest's and I plan on making sure ya'll have fun, not work." Braeburn answered smiling at Applejack, "Go ahead and get on over to your friends, it won't take me long." Braeburn said, raising a hoof as if to shoo her off. "If ya say so." Applejack said laughing and shaking her head at Braeburn. Turning around she started the walk back to the town as Braeburn made his way behind the shed to grab the cart and begin loading it. ____ Braeburn cantered down the path that led to the town, the apple cart was strapped to his back following closely behind, his mouth was a bit dry and dying for water, but that didn't stop him from smiling. He was ready to meet all of his relatives and enjoy the night to come, besides, he could get water in the town. Speaking of the town, he could see it from here, it was never too far away from the orchard. He reached the outskirts of Appleloosa and noticed that the town was already bustling with activity, new and old faces were everywhere as he made his way to the center of the town to help set up the games and spread the apples out to the nearby vendors so they could get working on the snacks. Pony's began to gather around and taking some of the baskets, Applefritter, a green Earth pony with a brown mane made her way over to Braeburn with a basket on her back and saddlebags resting on her flank. Grabbing a bag of bits out of the leather saddlebag she handed it to Braeburn. "Ya'll do know the apple's are free, right?" Braeburn asked, a little confused. "Ah know, think of it as a thank you gift." She answered tossing it to Braeburn making him catch it. "Ya really don't have ta" Braeburn said, Applefritter just rolled her eye's and made her way back to her stand. "Thank you!" Braeburn called out, taking off his hat he set the bag of bits in it and placed the stetson back on his head. Detaching the cart from his back he grabbed an empty basket from the cart and went to find the well. Near the outskirts the metallic color of the well stuck out to him, cantering up to it he pumped the well a few times before the water came gushing out, putting the basket under it he gathered the water until it was within inches of the brim before pulling it back. Running his hooves under the water he splashed some on his face and cupped his forehooves to create a makeshift cup to drink from. Hearing the sound of wings beat he looked up to search what or who it was, not seeing anything due to the sun glaring in his eye's he focused back on the water, the sound got louder, whatever it was, it was getting closer, shrugging it of as probably somepony from the festival he stood up to grab the basket. Somepony landed suddenly beside him making dust fly up in the air, he jumped back a bit in surprise, coughing, Braeburn waved his hoof in the air to clear the dust. The dust began to settle and an image of a white Pegasus covered in dirt with a blue windswept mane appeared. "Sorry 'bout that, didn't mean to make you jump." The pegasus spoke, Braeburn found himself captivated by the unknown Pegasus, he had amazing emerald green eye's and his body was very well toned, he was quite handsome. "Uh, name's Soarin!" Soarin' exclaimed introducing himself, he snapped Braeburn out of his revelry making the Earth pony blush a little. Soarin' raised a hoof up to Braeburn for a hoof bump, instead Breaburn took his hoof in his own and gave him a firm shake, "Name's Braeburn, nice ta' meet ya" Braeburn said smiling at Soarin, Soarin just raised an eyebrow at him and let out a small laugh, taking the awkwardness out of the air. "Hey, is it okay if I use the well?" Soarin' asked, gesturing to the well. "Of course! It is a public well after all." Braeburn answered, the water had long stopped while they were talking, he gave it another pump and the water began pouring out again. Soarin' dunked his head under it letting the water flow over him, washing away the dirt that had clung to him, his wings sagged a little to his sides as let out a small satisfied moan. "Oh man, that feels good." Soarin' said opening his mouth to take a drink from it. Pulling his head back and out of the water he shook a little to get the excess water off of him, his mane stuck to him hanging loosely to the side, his coat shined in the sunlight, Braeburn found himself once again staring at the Pegasus, admiring the way he looked, his eye's lingered on the other's cutie mark, it was a lightning bolt with wings, "Must be fast at flying or something."Braeburn thought. Soarin' laughed louder this time catching Braeburn staring at his flank, "You like what you see?" Soarin' teased smirking at Braeburn, this time Braeburn's face was burning a crimson red, shaking his head he stuttered, " Uh...I mean...I wasn't...-" Braeburn was cut off by the Pegasus, "Hey, don't worry about it, how about we go get some cider and apple pie?" Soarin' questioned, lifting off the ground some, hovering lightly in front of Braeburn. "S-Sure." Braeburn answered looking up at Soarin. "Cool! I'll catch ya later." Soarin' replied, flying off back towards the main part of the festival. Braeburn could only stare in disbelief, "What just happened." He said aloud to himself. "He didn't even tell me where, and why did I keep staring at him?" Braeburn thought to himself, "Ah'm so confused." Braeburn said shaking his head, he ended his train of thought and looked up at the sky to see if he could catch a glance at the Pegasus, alas he was gone and out of sight. Seeing the sun still high in the sky Braeburn picked up his feet and hauled the basket on his back, the festival still had key pieces missing and it was going to begin at dusk and last throughout the night, that left a good 5 hours to get everything done. He began his trot back to the center of town. Chapter 2.The festival was almost ready, the main stage for music was being assembled. Applejack and Rainbow Dash could be seen lifting the banner across the top of the stage that read "Appleloosa Apple Festival!" In big red letters, Braeburn just shook his head; he never could tell Applejack not to help, she always insisted. He made his way over to the vendors that were spread out near the stage, finding the "Apple bobbing vendor" that had a wall full of prizes and two wooden baskets filled with water and apple's floating around in front of it. He let the basket slide off his haunches and land next to the other's making some of the water splash out. The brown Stallion also adorning a stetson nodded in appreciation to Braeburn and began filling the basket with apple's. Taking a look around he noticed all the vendors were pretty much done, they were just making some last finishing touches. Taking a look back at the stage there was a wagon pulling up beside it stacked with barrels, taking a guess he was pretty sure that was the cider, and plenty more was still coming, two wagons followed after that. A certain rainbow-maned Pegasus was eyeballing the barrels, although Applejack caught onto this and grabbed her by the tail "Ya gotta wait till the party, now come on, let's go help." She said dragging the Pegasus away, Rainbow Dash just let out a grunt in response and followed along. Braeburn shook his head and chuckled at the two's shenanigans. "Wish I had somepony close like that." Braeburn thought to himself as he walked towards the barrels of cider, "Not to say they're in *that*sort of relationship, but..." Braeburn just ended that thought and groaned to himself, "Yer not helpin' brain." Braeburn said aloud to himself. "Talking to yourself and looking disapointed?" Soarin' asked flying right above Braeburn, causing the Earth pony to jump, "Where did ya'll come from?!" Braeburn questioned, Soarin' ignored it and kept interrogating Braeburn, "I saw you look at these two pony's and you looked sad. What's got you bothered?" Braeburn raised an eyebrow at Soarin' "Have ya'll been following me?" Braeburn asked, to which Soarin' just smiled and nodded his head, "Well it ain't none of yer business, now stop stalkin' me." Braeburn said walking away. Soarin' rolled his eye's and followed after Braeburn, "Come on, let's just go get some cider and enjoy the party." Soarin' said, he landed next to Braeburn trotting up in front of him, "The party hasn't even started yet." Braeburn replied and tried to walk around, "Uh, if you ask me, it looks like it has." Soarin' said pointing out all the foals playing and the games starting, the cider near the stage was already being poured and a folk band had taken place on the stage preparing their instruments. Braeburn took a good look around before sighing, "Alright, lets go get some cider." He said trudging towards the cider, "But before we go, let's be honest with ourselves, the party started when I arrived." Soarin' said grinning at Braeburn who once against rolled his eye's and continued to walk. ____ About 10 cider's later the two were sitting in a bar a few blocks down from the festival, they could still hear the country music playing in the background. The bar was dimly lit and the sun was was already falling and the moon had begun journey. The two were sitting next to each other, the silence sometimes being broken by the occasional clinging of glasses refilling their drinks. "H-Hey Braeburn." Soarin' said, his words slurring slightly. "Huh?" Braeburn returned lamely, his muzzle was slightly flushed from all the alcohol. Soarin' stretched out his left wing to wrap around Braeburn and scoot himself next to Braeburn, his muzzle almost touching Braeburn's, "I-You're really cute -hic- when you're drunk." Soarin' slurred out. If Braeburn wasn't blushing before he was glowing now. "W-What." Braeburn stuttered out. His heart was racing and his face burned, Soarin' started giggling at the reaction, which didn't help calm Braeburn. "Hey! We-We should go play some games and stuff." Soarin' blurted out, sliding of his chair he dragged Braeburn with him, who stumbled to keep his balance. Hey! You gonna pay for those!" The bartender yelled at Soarin and Braeburn, the two looked at each other and back at the Bartender. "Uh...Cheese it!" Soarin shouted, grabbing Braeburns hoof he darted out the door. "Soarin! What are we doing!?" Braeburn shouted as they hauled tail out of there and towards the festival. They intertwined with a large crowd in the festival and started slowing down. "I totally forgot my bits, eh-heh." Soarin replied letting go of Braeburn's hoof and scratching the back of his head. They could hear a low shout from behind them, "I know where you live Braeburn!" Braeburn gulped at that. "Hey, don't worry about it buddy, i'm sure you'll be fine." Soarin said, wrapping his wing around Braeburn once again and roughly pulling him close, doing so made Braeburn's hat fall off with a thud, a small pack of bits could be seen inside. The two stared in silence for a few seconds before Soarin broke the silence. "Is...Is that?" "Ah-Ah fergot about those..." Braeburn trailed off rubbing the bridge of his muzzle. "Well then... How about we go play games, you can pay it off tomorrow." Soarin said, his wing still tightly wrapped around Braeburn. "Y-Ya'll sure do like ta be close, huh?" Braeburn teased Soarin. "Hey who knows, people might start talking." Soarin retorted smirking at Braeburn, who in returned blushed fiercely wiggling under Soarin's grip. "Ah-Ah don't swing that way!" Braeburn remarked. Some pony's overheard what Braeburn said and raised an eyebrow, but kept walking. "Told you they might start talking." Soarin replied blowing Braeburn a raspberry. "S-Shut up. Ah barely know ya anyways, what makes ya think ah'll just date ya, let alone date another Stallion." Braeburn said, turning away he started walking to the vendors. Soarin stayed right beside Braeburn keeping up with him, "You know you were checking me out by the well earlier." Soarin pointed out, Braeburn just kept his eye's locked forward. Spotting the Apple bobbing vendor he approached it. Looking in the basket filled with water he stared at himself for a moment before dunking his head in, "Ah just need to clear my mind, there ain't no way I can like another Stallion...Is there?" Braeburn kept his head under water, relishing the coolness against his face. There was a tapping on his should and he lifted his head out, "Sir, this is an Apple bobbing basket, not a waterin' hole." Said the man running the Apple vendor. Braeburn's cheeks adorned a ting of red once again, he shook his head and took a few steps back, sitting down he rubbed his temples. "Admit it Braeburn, when was the last time you fancied a mare." Braeburn sighed and kept his eye's closed. Soarin had began to worry and took a seat next to him. "Hey, you alright?" Soarin asked putting his right hoof on Braeburns shoulder. "No...I'm not." Braeburn answered following with another sigh. "Well, do you wanna talk about it?" Soarin said removing his hoof but keeping his eye's on Braeburn. "This is the first time another Stallion has practically thrown himself at me. Should I talk? Ah mean, whats the worse that could happen." Braeburn thought, opening his eye's he glanced over at Soarin to match his own. "Ya know, that would be nice." Braeburn said, he gave Soarin a small smile. "What am Ah gettin' mahself into. "That's more like it, although I think we should talk somewhere a little less public." Soarin replied, Braeburn stood up and motioned Soarin to follow him. "Ah know a good place, I also know where to get some more cider if needed." Braeburn said. Soarin jumped up and they began to make their way through the crowd. _____ The path got darker as they walked away from the town and towards the Orchard. The stars and moon illuminated the ground below, creating enough light to see in front of them. In fact, it was quite nice out, the land was peaceful, they would sometimes stumble a bit as they made their way, sometimes bumping into each other they would quickly look away and mumble apologies. They arrived at the Orchard and descended into the tree's, finding a nice spot that he, personally, chose to sit at when he was done with work. He came to a stop and set his hat down next to the old tree, "Wait here, i'ma go grab some more cider from the personal reserve." Braeburn said. "You sure you should be drinking more?" Soarin said letting his concern out. "Eeyup, I'ma need it." Braeburn answered. "If you say so." Soarin said sitting down and resting his back against the tree. Braeburn nodded and turned back down the path towards the barn that had been built back when he was just a young colt. He entered the barn taking in it's scent, it always did fill him with nostalgia. Looking around for a moment he made his was towards the back where a tool shelf was built into the wall, above it were cabinets, opening them he saw the brown unlabeled bottle and grabbed it in his teeth. Closing the door on his way out he thought back to the day when he was still a teenage colt, there was another colt his age that he always had an eye on. He remembered telling Ma about his feelings around the other, she had looked at him with a disgusted face but calmly told him to go to his room, he complied with her and stayed in his room. She had talked to Pa about it, they had sounded upset but he couldn't tell exactly what they were saying. Finally Pa had entered the room and told him calmly, yet, firmly that he can't be around his friend anymore. He had asked why but was never given a straight answer, once again he complied and the two drifted apart, followed by many awkward dates his parents had set up for him, all the mares were nice but every one was a failure, he just couldn't see past friendship with mares. Shaking his head to clear his thought he made it back to Soarin. Taking a seat next to Soarin he set the bottle of cider in front of him, popping open the cork that kept the bottle closed he took a whiff, reeling back he shivered a bit, putting his lips against the bottle he took a swig, another shiver took over him as he offered the bottle to Soarin. "Careful now, this stuff ain't yer usual cider, it's much stronger." Braeburn warned. Soarin just laughed through his nose and took a swig, his muzzle scrunched up and he shivered. "Told ya." Breaburn teased, Soarin laughed and sat the bottle down in front of him. "So...What was it you wanna talk about?" Soarin questioned, the mood became a bit more serious but never the less Braeburn spoke. "Well, a lot of things really." Braeburn paused, Soarin waited patiently for Braeburn to begin again. Braeburn's eye's wondered to the moon before he spoke again. "First of all, this town ain't too fond of Coltcuddlers. Not saying the I am one, just that..." Braeburn said hurriedly before looking down in defeat. "Who am ah kiddin, ah never had any interest in mares and the only interest ah did have was in another colt when ah was younger." Braeburn admitted, Soarin just smiled at him and kept his eye's locked on Braeburn. Putting his hoof under Braeburn's chin he lifted his head up to meet Soarin's eye's. "There's nothing wrong with loving somepony else, no matter the gender." Soarin pulled his hoof away from Braeburn's chin, they continued to stare in eachother's emerald eye's. Braeburn's cheeks flushed as he realized he was staring, looking away his heart began pounding. "Come on Braeburn, don't act like a foal now." In an attempt to calm himself he grabbed the cider and took another swig. He took in a deep breath and let out a sigh, it felt like some weight had been lifted off of his shoulders, it felt almost...Alien, to come to such conclusion. Ah like Stallions... Braeburn trailed off, "This is gonna take some getting used too." Braeburn's thoughts were broken when Soarin said something. "Come again?" Braeburn said turning to look at Soarin only to see Soarin move closer, their faces inches apart. Braeburn wasn't sure how to react, his body had took control, he leaned forward to close the gap, pressing his lips against Soarin's, they were soft for the cocky Pegasus. He felt something prod at his lips, turning his head slightly and opening his mouth he felt Soarin's tongue invade. Their tongues danced on as Soarin lifted a hoof and wrapped it around the back of Braeburn's neck pulling them a little closer. After what felt like forever the kiss broke, leaving them both panting for air. Soarin and Braeburn stared into each others eye's, neither knew what to say or do, instead Soarin just wrapped his wings around Braeburn in a make shift wing-hug. Braeburn returned the affection pressing himself against Soarin, their chests pressed against one another's. "What do ya'll say we head back to ma room and get some rest." Braeburn proposed raising his head up to look at Soarin. Soarin smirked at Braeburn, "Are you asking me to sleep with you?" Soarin teased. For what felt like the hundredth time today Braeburn broke out in a deep crimson blush. "Not like that ya perv!" Braeburn retorted. Soarin just laughed and stood up, offering a hoof to help Braeburn up, "No need to get your feathers rustled, I'de love to." Soarin replied, Braeburn took his hoof and stood up alongside Soarin. They trotted through the path and past the barn making their way back to town, the festival had calmed down but some had kept it going. There was an apartment on the outskirts where Braeburn lived, the rent was never bad, work at the Orchard was more than enough to keep him going and then some. Making his way to his apartment he opened the door, almost mechanically he walked to his room, Soarin follow behind closing the door, taking note that there were no locks on the door. "That's wierd. Soarin thought. Braeburn flopped uncharacteristically on his bed, almost instantly falling asleep. Soarin smiled at the sight and trotted up beside Braeburn giving him a kiss on the forehead. "Good night." Soarin said stepping back out of the room. Looking around the living room for a moment he found the couch. "Guess this is where i'll sleep for tonight." Soarin said. Yawning he lied on the couch stretching out his limbs and getting comfortable. "I've grown pretty soft, huh?" Soarin' thought to himself, "Then again, whens the last time I had an actual relationship?" Soarin finished his thought curling up on the couch, luckily the room temperature was nice and the couch wasn't too bad. "All iv'e ever really done was run around with all the celebrity's in canterlot and the relationships Iv'e had before never lasted." Soarin shook his head and rolled over on his other side. "That's enough thinking for tonight, we'll sort things out in the morning." Soarin said, his last thought before he drifted off to sleep. Chapter 3.Braeburn awoke to the rays of sunlight in his eye's. He squinted, moving about in his bed he grabbed his sheets and slung them over his head. He smiled in victory against the violent rays of sunlight, but it was short lived when the sound of a rooster let out a loud call letting everypony know it's sunrise and time to wake up. Braeburn's ear's flicked in annoyance as he let out a groan; flinging the sheets off he slid out of bed. His head was buzzing and he felt groggy, his mouth had an after-taste and he was starving. Making his way out of his bedroom he entered the living room, glancing at Soarin snoring on the couch he entered the kitchen before backing up and doing a double take at Soarin. His eye's wandered upon the Pegasus' body as memory's of last night flooded back to him. A deep blush appeared on his muzzle, "So that really did happen, huh?" Braeburn thought, he let out a deep breath trying to shake off his blush. "Alright, don't panic, just sort things out when he wakes, tell em' it was a mistake and that he should go." Braeburn thought, he felt a pang in his chest as he let out a shaky sigh. "This is too much for me right now, let's just get some caffeine in me first." Braeburn said to himself as he entered the kitchen. The smell of caffeine invaded Braeburn's senses as he took in the smell of coffee, letting out a small breath of air he grabbed the coffee pot and poured some coffee into his mug, setting the coffee pot back down in it's place he took a sip. He never did care for the taste but it woke him up when he needed it. Sitting down at his table squared in the kitchen he looked inside of his mug, staring at his reflection. He closed his eye's and sighed again before taking another sip. Soarin stirred in his sleep before cracking open an eyelid, the first thing that came to him was the smell of coffee and a head ache. Rolling of the couch letting his hooves catch him, he dragged himself into the kitchen, ignoring Braeburn's eye's. He trugged up to the coffee pot, grabbing the handle with one hoof he put the pot up to his lips before chugging it down, half the pot was empty by the time he put it back down. Letting out a groan he rubbed his temple and carried the coffee pot back to the kitchen table, choosing to sit across from Braeburn, he slumped a little in his chair and mumbled a "Good morning." Braeburn also replied with a "Good morning." but kept his eye's on his coffee. A small silence filled the room apart from the occasional sipping of coffee. "So...About last night." Braeburn broke the silence looking up at Soarin, at this Soarin's ears perked up and he stared back at Braeburn, "What about last night?" Soarin returned groggily. "Alright Braeburn, just cut it here." Braeburn thought to himself as he stared back into Soarin's emerald eye's, they were filled with curiosity and something else, he couldn't tell what though, it was almost soft and caring. Braeburn found himself staring for too long and broke the contact, his coffee becoming interesting against he mumbled, "What does this make us." "Gosh darnit, what are ya doing Braeburn." He scolded himself. "Well, what do you want us to be?" Soarin replied, keeping his eye's on Braeburn. Braeburn rubbed his hooves around the rim of his mug, contemplating on what to say, "Ah-Ah ain't entirely sure..." Braeburn said taking peeks every now and then at Soarin only to look away when their eye's meet. "Hey, there isn't any reason to be embarrassed or shy." Soarin replied as he shifted around in his seat, straightening his posture he took on a more serious yet still caring expression. "Ah ain't embarrassed! Ah'v just...Never done this before." Braeburn trailed off. "Well, there isn't any rush, so how 'bout we take things slow?" Soarin replied, Braeburn rubbed his shoulder and met Soarin's eye's, "That'd be... nice." Braeburn replied, Soarin smiled at that. "So, how about you show me some of the town and we go out for some lunch?" Soarin asked, his grin widening a little larger. "Ah know a nice sandwich shop we could go to, although..." Braeburn trailed off again taking his eye's away from Soarin. "Althoooough...?" Soarin dragged out, urging Braeburn to continue. "Although, otherponies don't exactly like...Coltcuddler's around here." Braeburn finished meeting his eye's with Soarin's once again. "Is that what I am now? A Coltcuddler? Braeburn asked himself. "Pfft, forget about other people, they'll have to have pretty big guts to say something to me." Soarin said taking on a cocky smile. "There's the cocky Pegasus from last night." Braeburn said with a small laugh, Soarin chuckled alongside Braeburn before settling back down, his cocky smile returning back to a small grin, the air in the room began to feel comfortable again. "But really, we should be careful." Braeburn said, the mood turned a bit serious, yet relaxed. "Don't worry about it, i'll be by your side all the way, but first." Soarin began with confidence, taking another large gulp of coffee before setting it back down and letting out a small breath of air. "We should get cleaned up first though." Soarin finished, scooting the chair out from under him he stood stretching slightly. "Ya'll can take your shower first, Ah'll make us some breakfast." Braeburn replied, still taking small sips from his coffee. "If you say so, where's the bathroom by the way?" Soarin asked, to which Braeburn replied, "all the way down the hall adjacent to my room." "Woah, fancy words for a farm boy." Soarin teased, grinning he made his way out the kitchen, Braeburn just laughed. "Yer welcome." _______ Soarin made it inside the bathroom, closing the door behind him. Opening the shower curtains he stared at the nozzles that operated the shower. "What is this alien contraption..." Soarin thought to himself as he brought his hoof to one of the nozzles with an 'H' on it, twisting it some hot water began pouring out slowly, "So now just turn the cold water up just a little to even out the heat." Soarin's thought process began as he continued to even out the water, finding the right temperature he stepped into the shower. The warm water soaked his coat as he let out a content sigh, his soaked mane hung down the side of his face. Light tingles ran through his back as his muscles relaxed into the warmth. Re-opening his eye's he looked around a bit for the shampoo bottle, seeing it resting upon the floor of the tub behind him he turned around and picked up the shampoo in his hoof, opening the bottle he squirted shampoo on his mane and some on his back. Taking the time to rub the shampoo in he moved his hooves in small circles, giving himself somewhat of a massage. Deciding his mane was lathered enough he put his attention towards his coat and wings. He semi-preened his wings before massaging the shampoo into his coat, making sure not to miss a spot he took the time to lathered his coat before stepping back into the water. "I think this is the first time I tried so hard to look good." Soarin thought, he laughed at himself as all the shampoo ran off of him and down the drain. Letting the water run over him a little bit longer he thought about what Braeburn might be making, a small rumble came from his stomach signaling that it's time to get out and get some food. Stepping out of the shower before turning it off he looked around the room for a towel. Not seeing one he let out a sigh, "Probably should have asked for one." He thought. "Hey Braeburn! Can you get me a towel!" Soarin called out, a puddle began to form underneath him, waiting for an answer back he heard a slight rustle outside then hoofsteps coming closer to the bathroom. "Ah got ya one." Braeburn said, his voice muffled by a soft towel being held in his mouth. The bathroom door opened up to reveal a slightly steamy bathroom and a soaked and clean Soarin. Braeburn dropped the towel from his mouth as his eye's ran across Soarin, Soarin laughed at Braeburn before taking a few steps towards him to pick up the towel. Grabbing the fabric he draped it around his neck, walking pass the stunned Braeburn he slightly rubbed his side against the Earth pony dragging his tail along from under his chin ending at his flank, this made Braeburn go rigid as his muscles tightened up, a small blush accompanied his muzzle. Soarin had made it into the living room before Braeburn realized as to what had just happened, "Hey! Ya'll just got me wet!" Braeburn yelled, to which Soarin bursted out laughing, "Not like that ya perv!" Braeburn yelled back, a crimson red blush now adorned his muzzle, this just made Soarin laugh even harder. Braeburn let out a sigh as he walked back into the living room only to see Soarin lying on his back trying to get enough air, "Does everythin' with you have ta be sexual?" Braeburn interrogated as he glared at Soarin. "N-No, It's-you just set yourself up for that one." Soarin replied in between breaths of air. Braeburn just rolled his eye's and made his way back into the kitchen, "Yeah, yeah. Ah made some eggs fer breakfast, once we're done eating Ah can show you around town." Soarin composed himself and stood up at the sound of food. Making his was back inside the kitchen he saw two plates of eggs resting on the kitchen table, grabbing one of the plates he scarfed it down, Braeburn only raised an eyebrow at Soarin as he devoured the eggs, spilling some here and there. "What?" Soarin muffled, Braeburn just shook his head and grabbed a fork from one of the drawers under the sink, taking a seat he began to eat. "Well, seeing as how slow you eat, i'ma take a quick flight." Soarin said. "Mmk." Braeburn replied slightly muffled, his mouth full of eggs. "Alright, I'll see you in a bit." Soarin said, and with that he was out the door. ____ The wind whipped Soarin in the face as he dived through the sky. The weather was nice today, his hangover was still there, but it would be gone in time. Pulling back up from the dive he took a look around the sky's, spotting a cloud off in the distance he flew over to it and took a seat. He could stare out over Appleloosa, surprisingly alot of pony's were already awake. "What a strange town..." Soarin said to himself. The wind up there began to chill his fur, he shivered slightly. Sighing, Soarin flopped on his back stretching slightly, "Braeburn..." Soarin said aloud, he thought of an image of the Earth pony. "One of the most interesting Pony's i've seen in a long time." His stomach had butterfly's, he rolled over and looked of the cloud in an attempt to make them go away, "Come on, I can't possibly falling that hard over him." Soarin said, as if on que he thought about last night, the kiss, tucking him in. A blush took over his face, covering his face with his hooves he groaned. "Why am I making this such a big deal? I mean, when was the last time I've actually fell for someone." Soarin said, taking his hooves of his face and letting them hang freely off the cloud, he then remembered the last pony he loved, the relationship ended badly, and that was putting it lightly, "Oh...yeah, well, just because that ended badly doesn't mean this one will." Soarin said defiantly, raising up from the cloud he stretched his wings, "Alright, lets head back, Braeburns probably ready." Soarin took back to the sky's and made his way towards the apartments.
Chapter 1.Braeburn hauled another basket of apple's to the farmhouse, sweat dripped from his brow as he slid the apple's off of his back and onto the dried up grass beneath him. Most of the orchard's grass stayed green because of how well they took care of it, but most of Appleloosa was just dirt and dead grass. Braeburn wiped the sweat building on his forehead and opened the farmhouse door, revealing hundreds of apples piled in baskets. He grabbed the basket he had put on the ground and dragged it inside, there was barely room left in the barn, meaning the applecart was tucked safely away behind the barn. Appleloosa was never known to have thieves, so there wasn't much to worry about. He shoved the apples in and closed the door behind him, turning around he had a full view of the apple orchard, absolutely no apple remained on any tree, harvest season was over and there were enough apple's to last the festival and then some. Feeling proud of his work he smiled and sat down, closing his eye's he decided to give himself a bit of rest before heading back to the town, "Not an apple left and still a few hours to spare before mah' favorite cousin' and the rest of mah' family get here." He said allowed to nopony in particular. "Well ah'll be, if it ain't cousin' Braeburn, and by the looks of it you just finished apple bucking." An orange pony yelled with a thick country accent across the orchard, causing Braeburn's eye's to snap open to see who it was, focusing his eye's he could make out an orange pony with a blonde mane sporting a stetson. "Applejack?" Braeburn yelled back, Applejack smiled and picked up pace to get to Braeburn, "Ah thought ya'll were gonna be another few hours?" Braeburn yelled his grin growing larger. "We were, but we decided to get up a bit early and hit the train, everypony else is here too, including mah friends." Applejack replied, walking up beside Braeburn and taking a seat. "It's good to see you cus'" Braeburn said, wrapping his hoof around Applejack and giving her a small nuzzle. "It sure is." Applejack replied, nuzzling in kind. "It's always nice seeing everypony get together, I bet that Rainbow one is excited for the Wonderbolts, huh?" Braeburn asked pulling his hoof away, his grin was still plastered on his face. "Eeyup, in fact, since she's part of the Wonderbolts, some of them decided to come along with us." Applejack said in a, "matter-o-factly" voice. Braeburn's eye's widened, "When did this happen? Nopony told me about this." He questioned. "Ehh, it was a few month's ago, she's only on the reserves or somethin'." Applejack answered "Well still, ah'd say that's a pretty big accomplishment!" Braeburn exclaimed, Applejack just chuckled. "I guess it is, anyways, we should head back to the town, everypony's gettin' everything set up." Applejack said, standing up from the ground. "Alright, ah just need to get these apples on the cart and we can start makin' our way." Braeburn replied following after Applejack, re-opening the farmhouse door and grabbing a basket. "Ya'll need help? We can make it go much faster." Applejack asked watching Braeburn haul the baskets full of apples on his back. "Thanks, but no thanks, ya'll are our guest's and I plan on making sure ya'll have fun, not work." Braeburn answered smiling at Applejack, "Go ahead and get on over to your friends, it won't take me long." Braeburn said, raising a hoof as if to shoo her off. "If ya say so." Applejack said laughing and shaking her head at Braeburn. Turning around she started the walk back to the town as Braeburn made his way behind the shed to grab the cart and begin loading it. ____ Braeburn cantered down the path that led to the town, the apple cart was strapped to his back following closely behind, his mouth was a bit dry and dying for water, but that didn't stop him from smiling. He was ready to meet all of his relatives and enjoy the night to come, besides, he could get water in the town. Speaking of the town, he could see it from here, it was never too far away from the orchard. He reached the outskirts of Appleloosa and noticed that the town was already bustling with activity, new and old faces were everywhere as he made his way to the center of the town to help set up the games and spread the apples out to the nearby vendors so they could get working on the snacks. Pony's began to gather around and taking some of the baskets, Applefritter, a green Earth pony with a brown mane made her way over to Braeburn with a basket on her back and saddlebags resting on her flank. Grabbing a bag of bits out of the leather saddlebag she handed it to Braeburn. "Ya'll do know the apple's are free, right?" Braeburn asked, a little confused. "Ah know, think of it as a thank you gift." She answered tossing it to Braeburn making him catch it. "Ya really don't have ta" Braeburn said, Applefritter just rolled her eye's and made her way back to her stand. "Thank you!" Braeburn called out, taking off his hat he set the bag of bits in it and placed the stetson back on his head. Detaching the cart from his back he grabbed an empty basket from the cart and went to find the well. Near the outskirts the metallic color of the well stuck out to him, cantering up to it he pumped the well a few times before the water came gushing out, putting the basket under it he gathered the water until it was within inches of the brim before pulling it back. Running his hooves under the water he splashed some on his face and cupped his forehooves to create a makeshift cup to drink from. Hearing the sound of wings beat he looked up to search what or who it was, not seeing anything due to the sun glaring in his eye's he focused back on the water, the sound got louder, whatever it was, it was getting closer, shrugging it of as probably somepony from the festival he stood up to grab the basket. Somepony landed suddenly beside him making dust fly up in the air, he jumped back a bit in surprise, coughing, Braeburn waved his hoof in the air to clear the dust. The dust began to settle and an image of a white Pegasus covered in dirt with a blue windswept mane appeared. "Sorry 'bout that, didn't mean to make you jump." The pegasus spoke, Braeburn found himself captivated by the unknown Pegasus, he had amazing emerald green eye's and his body was very well toned, he was quite handsome. "Uh, name's Soarin!" Soarin' exclaimed introducing himself, he snapped Braeburn out of his revelry making the Earth pony blush a little. Soarin' raised a hoof up to Braeburn for a hoof bump, instead Breaburn took his hoof in his own and gave him a firm shake, "Name's Braeburn, nice ta' meet ya" Braeburn said smiling at Soarin, Soarin just raised an eyebrow at him and let out a small laugh, taking the awkwardness out of the air. "Hey, is it okay if I use the well?" Soarin' asked, gesturing to the well. "Of course! It is a public well after all." Braeburn answered, the water had long stopped while they were talking, he gave it another pump and the water began pouring out again. Soarin' dunked his head under it letting the water flow over him, washing away the dirt that had clung to him, his wings sagged a little to his sides as let out a small satisfied moan. "Oh man, that feels good." Soarin' said opening his mouth to take a drink from it. Pulling his head back and out of the water he shook a little to get the excess water off of him, his mane stuck to him hanging loosely to the side, his coat shined in the sunlight, Braeburn found himself once again staring at the Pegasus, admiring the way he looked, his eye's lingered on the other's cutie mark, it was a lightning bolt with wings, "Must be fast at flying or something."Braeburn thought. Soarin' laughed louder this time catching Braeburn staring at his flank, "You like what you see?" Soarin' teased smirking at Braeburn, this time Braeburn's face was burning a crimson red, shaking his head he stuttered, " Uh...I mean...I wasn't...-" Braeburn was cut off by the Pegasus, "Hey, don't worry about it, how about we go get some cider and apple pie?" Soarin' questioned, lifting off the ground some, hovering lightly in front of Braeburn. "S-Sure." Braeburn answered looking up at Soarin. "Cool! I'll catch ya later." Soarin' replied, flying off back towards the main part of the festival. Braeburn could only stare in disbelief, "What just happened." He said aloud to himself. "He didn't even tell me where, and why did I keep staring at him?" Braeburn thought to himself, "Ah'm so confused." Braeburn said shaking his head, he ended his train of thought and looked up at the sky to see if he could catch a glance at the Pegasus, alas he was gone and out of sight. Seeing the sun still high in the sky Braeburn picked up his feet and hauled the basket on his back, the festival still had key pieces missing and it was going to begin at dusk and last throughout the night, that left a good 5 hours to get everything done. He began his trot back to the center of town.
Chapter 2.The festival was almost ready, the main stage for music was being assembled. Applejack and Rainbow Dash could be seen lifting the banner across the top of the stage that read "Appleloosa Apple Festival!" In big red letters, Braeburn just shook his head; he never could tell Applejack not to help, she always insisted. He made his way over to the vendors that were spread out near the stage, finding the "Apple bobbing vendor" that had a wall full of prizes and two wooden baskets filled with water and apple's floating around in front of it. He let the basket slide off his haunches and land next to the other's making some of the water splash out. The brown Stallion also adorning a stetson nodded in appreciation to Braeburn and began filling the basket with apple's. Taking a look around he noticed all the vendors were pretty much done, they were just making some last finishing touches. Taking a look back at the stage there was a wagon pulling up beside it stacked with barrels, taking a guess he was pretty sure that was the cider, and plenty more was still coming, two wagons followed after that. A certain rainbow-maned Pegasus was eyeballing the barrels, although Applejack caught onto this and grabbed her by the tail "Ya gotta wait till the party, now come on, let's go help." She said dragging the Pegasus away, Rainbow Dash just let out a grunt in response and followed along. Braeburn shook his head and chuckled at the two's shenanigans. "Wish I had somepony close like that." Braeburn thought to himself as he walked towards the barrels of cider, "Not to say they're in *that*sort of relationship, but..." Braeburn just ended that thought and groaned to himself, "Yer not helpin' brain." Braeburn said aloud to himself. "Talking to yourself and looking disapointed?" Soarin' asked flying right above Braeburn, causing the Earth pony to jump, "Where did ya'll come from?!" Braeburn questioned, Soarin' ignored it and kept interrogating Braeburn, "I saw you look at these two pony's and you looked sad. What's got you bothered?" Braeburn raised an eyebrow at Soarin' "Have ya'll been following me?" Braeburn asked, to which Soarin' just smiled and nodded his head, "Well it ain't none of yer business, now stop stalkin' me." Braeburn said walking away. Soarin' rolled his eye's and followed after Braeburn, "Come on, let's just go get some cider and enjoy the party." Soarin' said, he landed next to Braeburn trotting up in front of him, "The party hasn't even started yet." Braeburn replied and tried to walk around, "Uh, if you ask me, it looks like it has." Soarin' said pointing out all the foals playing and the games starting, the cider near the stage was already being poured and a folk band had taken place on the stage preparing their instruments. Braeburn took a good look around before sighing, "Alright, lets go get some cider." He said trudging towards the cider, "But before we go, let's be honest with ourselves, the party started when I arrived." Soarin' said grinning at Braeburn who once against rolled his eye's and continued to walk. ____ About 10 cider's later the two were sitting in a bar a few blocks down from the festival, they could still hear the country music playing in the background. The bar was dimly lit and the sun was was already falling and the moon had begun journey. The two were sitting next to each other, the silence sometimes being broken by the occasional clinging of glasses refilling their drinks. "H-Hey Braeburn." Soarin' said, his words slurring slightly. "Huh?" Braeburn returned lamely, his muzzle was slightly flushed from all the alcohol. Soarin' stretched out his left wing to wrap around Braeburn and scoot himself next to Braeburn, his muzzle almost touching Braeburn's, "I-You're really cute -hic- when you're drunk." Soarin' slurred out. If Braeburn wasn't blushing before he was glowing now. "W-What." Braeburn stuttered out. His heart was racing and his face burned, Soarin' started giggling at the reaction, which didn't help calm Braeburn. "Hey! We-We should go play some games and stuff." Soarin' blurted out, sliding of his chair he dragged Braeburn with him, who stumbled to keep his balance. Hey! You gonna pay for those!" The bartender yelled at Soarin and Braeburn, the two looked at each other and back at the Bartender. "Uh...Cheese it!" Soarin shouted, grabbing Braeburns hoof he darted out the door. "Soarin! What are we doing!?" Braeburn shouted as they hauled tail out of there and towards the festival. They intertwined with a large crowd in the festival and started slowing down. "I totally forgot my bits, eh-heh." Soarin replied letting go of Braeburn's hoof and scratching the back of his head. They could hear a low shout from behind them, "I know where you live Braeburn!" Braeburn gulped at that. "Hey, don't worry about it buddy, i'm sure you'll be fine." Soarin said, wrapping his wing around Braeburn once again and roughly pulling him close, doing so made Braeburn's hat fall off with a thud, a small pack of bits could be seen inside. The two stared in silence for a few seconds before Soarin broke the silence. "Is...Is that?" "Ah-Ah fergot about those..." Braeburn trailed off rubbing the bridge of his muzzle. "Well then... How about we go play games, you can pay it off tomorrow." Soarin said, his wing still tightly wrapped around Braeburn. "Y-Ya'll sure do like ta be close, huh?" Braeburn teased Soarin. "Hey who knows, people might start talking." Soarin retorted smirking at Braeburn, who in returned blushed fiercely wiggling under Soarin's grip. "Ah-Ah don't swing that way!" Braeburn remarked. Some pony's overheard what Braeburn said and raised an eyebrow, but kept walking. "Told you they might start talking." Soarin replied blowing Braeburn a raspberry. "S-Shut up. Ah barely know ya anyways, what makes ya think ah'll just date ya, let alone date another Stallion." Braeburn said, turning away he started walking to the vendors. Soarin stayed right beside Braeburn keeping up with him, "You know you were checking me out by the well earlier." Soarin pointed out, Braeburn just kept his eye's locked forward. Spotting the Apple bobbing vendor he approached it. Looking in the basket filled with water he stared at himself for a moment before dunking his head in, "Ah just need to clear my mind, there ain't no way I can like another Stallion...Is there?" Braeburn kept his head under water, relishing the coolness against his face. There was a tapping on his should and he lifted his head out, "Sir, this is an Apple bobbing basket, not a waterin' hole." Said the man running the Apple vendor. Braeburn's cheeks adorned a ting of red once again, he shook his head and took a few steps back, sitting down he rubbed his temples. "Admit it Braeburn, when was the last time you fancied a mare." Braeburn sighed and kept his eye's closed. Soarin had began to worry and took a seat next to him. "Hey, you alright?" Soarin asked putting his right hoof on Braeburns shoulder. "No...I'm not." Braeburn answered following with another sigh. "Well, do you wanna talk about it?" Soarin said removing his hoof but keeping his eye's on Braeburn. "This is the first time another Stallion has practically thrown himself at me. Should I talk? Ah mean, whats the worse that could happen." Braeburn thought, opening his eye's he glanced over at Soarin to match his own. "Ya know, that would be nice." Braeburn said, he gave Soarin a small smile. "What am Ah gettin' mahself into. "That's more like it, although I think we should talk somewhere a little less public." Soarin replied, Braeburn stood up and motioned Soarin to follow him. "Ah know a good place, I also know where to get some more cider if needed." Braeburn said. Soarin jumped up and they began to make their way through the crowd. _____ The path got darker as they walked away from the town and towards the Orchard. The stars and moon illuminated the ground below, creating enough light to see in front of them. In fact, it was quite nice out, the land was peaceful, they would sometimes stumble a bit as they made their way, sometimes bumping into each other they would quickly look away and mumble apologies. They arrived at the Orchard and descended into the tree's, finding a nice spot that he, personally, chose to sit at when he was done with work. He came to a stop and set his hat down next to the old tree, "Wait here, i'ma go grab some more cider from the personal reserve." Braeburn said. "You sure you should be drinking more?" Soarin said letting his concern out. "Eeyup, I'ma need it." Braeburn answered. "If you say so." Soarin said sitting down and resting his back against the tree. Braeburn nodded and turned back down the path towards the barn that had been built back when he was just a young colt. He entered the barn taking in it's scent, it always did fill him with nostalgia. Looking around for a moment he made his was towards the back where a tool shelf was built into the wall, above it were cabinets, opening them he saw the brown unlabeled bottle and grabbed it in his teeth. Closing the door on his way out he thought back to the day when he was still a teenage colt, there was another colt his age that he always had an eye on. He remembered telling Ma about his feelings around the other, she had looked at him with a disgusted face but calmly told him to go to his room, he complied with her and stayed in his room. She had talked to Pa about it, they had sounded upset but he couldn't tell exactly what they were saying. Finally Pa had entered the room and told him calmly, yet, firmly that he can't be around his friend anymore. He had asked why but was never given a straight answer, once again he complied and the two drifted apart, followed by many awkward dates his parents had set up for him, all the mares were nice but every one was a failure, he just couldn't see past friendship with mares. Shaking his head to clear his thought he made it back to Soarin. Taking a seat next to Soarin he set the bottle of cider in front of him, popping open the cork that kept the bottle closed he took a whiff, reeling back he shivered a bit, putting his lips against the bottle he took a swig, another shiver took over him as he offered the bottle to Soarin. "Careful now, this stuff ain't yer usual cider, it's much stronger." Braeburn warned. Soarin just laughed through his nose and took a swig, his muzzle scrunched up and he shivered. "Told ya." Breaburn teased, Soarin laughed and sat the bottle down in front of him. "So...What was it you wanna talk about?" Soarin questioned, the mood became a bit more serious but never the less Braeburn spoke. "Well, a lot of things really." Braeburn paused, Soarin waited patiently for Braeburn to begin again. Braeburn's eye's wondered to the moon before he spoke again. "First of all, this town ain't too fond of Coltcuddlers. Not saying the I am one, just that..." Braeburn said hurriedly before looking down in defeat. "Who am ah kiddin, ah never had any interest in mares and the only interest ah did have was in another colt when ah was younger." Braeburn admitted, Soarin just smiled at him and kept his eye's locked on Braeburn. Putting his hoof under Braeburn's chin he lifted his head up to meet Soarin's eye's. "There's nothing wrong with loving somepony else, no matter the gender." Soarin pulled his hoof away from Braeburn's chin, they continued to stare in eachother's emerald eye's. Braeburn's cheeks flushed as he realized he was staring, looking away his heart began pounding. "Come on Braeburn, don't act like a foal now." In an attempt to calm himself he grabbed the cider and took another swig. He took in a deep breath and let out a sigh, it felt like some weight had been lifted off of his shoulders, it felt almost...Alien, to come to such conclusion. Ah like Stallions... Braeburn trailed off, "This is gonna take some getting used too." Braeburn's thoughts were broken when Soarin said something. "Come again?" Braeburn said turning to look at Soarin only to see Soarin move closer, their faces inches apart. Braeburn wasn't sure how to react, his body had took control, he leaned forward to close the gap, pressing his lips against Soarin's, they were soft for the cocky Pegasus. He felt something prod at his lips, turning his head slightly and opening his mouth he felt Soarin's tongue invade. Their tongues danced on as Soarin lifted a hoof and wrapped it around the back of Braeburn's neck pulling them a little closer. After what felt like forever the kiss broke, leaving them both panting for air. Soarin and Braeburn stared into each others eye's, neither knew what to say or do, instead Soarin just wrapped his wings around Braeburn in a make shift wing-hug. Braeburn returned the affection pressing himself against Soarin, their chests pressed against one another's. "What do ya'll say we head back to ma room and get some rest." Braeburn proposed raising his head up to look at Soarin. Soarin smirked at Braeburn, "Are you asking me to sleep with you?" Soarin teased. For what felt like the hundredth time today Braeburn broke out in a deep crimson blush. "Not like that ya perv!" Braeburn retorted. Soarin just laughed and stood up, offering a hoof to help Braeburn up, "No need to get your feathers rustled, I'de love to." Soarin replied, Braeburn took his hoof and stood up alongside Soarin. They trotted through the path and past the barn making their way back to town, the festival had calmed down but some had kept it going. There was an apartment on the outskirts where Braeburn lived, the rent was never bad, work at the Orchard was more than enough to keep him going and then some. Making his way to his apartment he opened the door, almost mechanically he walked to his room, Soarin follow behind closing the door, taking note that there were no locks on the door. "That's wierd. Soarin thought. Braeburn flopped uncharacteristically on his bed, almost instantly falling asleep. Soarin smiled at the sight and trotted up beside Braeburn giving him a kiss on the forehead. "Good night." Soarin said stepping back out of the room. Looking around the living room for a moment he found the couch. "Guess this is where i'll sleep for tonight." Soarin said. Yawning he lied on the couch stretching out his limbs and getting comfortable. "I've grown pretty soft, huh?" Soarin' thought to himself, "Then again, whens the last time I had an actual relationship?" Soarin finished his thought curling up on the couch, luckily the room temperature was nice and the couch wasn't too bad. "All iv'e ever really done was run around with all the celebrity's in canterlot and the relationships Iv'e had before never lasted." Soarin shook his head and rolled over on his other side. "That's enough thinking for tonight, we'll sort things out in the morning." Soarin said, his last thought before he drifted off to sleep.
Chapter 3.Braeburn awoke to the rays of sunlight in his eye's. He squinted, moving about in his bed he grabbed his sheets and slung them over his head. He smiled in victory against the violent rays of sunlight, but it was short lived when the sound of a rooster let out a loud call letting everypony know it's sunrise and time to wake up. Braeburn's ear's flicked in annoyance as he let out a groan; flinging the sheets off he slid out of bed. His head was buzzing and he felt groggy, his mouth had an after-taste and he was starving. Making his way out of his bedroom he entered the living room, glancing at Soarin snoring on the couch he entered the kitchen before backing up and doing a double take at Soarin. His eye's wandered upon the Pegasus' body as memory's of last night flooded back to him. A deep blush appeared on his muzzle, "So that really did happen, huh?" Braeburn thought, he let out a deep breath trying to shake off his blush. "Alright, don't panic, just sort things out when he wakes, tell em' it was a mistake and that he should go." Braeburn thought, he felt a pang in his chest as he let out a shaky sigh. "This is too much for me right now, let's just get some caffeine in me first." Braeburn said to himself as he entered the kitchen. The smell of caffeine invaded Braeburn's senses as he took in the smell of coffee, letting out a small breath of air he grabbed the coffee pot and poured some coffee into his mug, setting the coffee pot back down in it's place he took a sip. He never did care for the taste but it woke him up when he needed it. Sitting down at his table squared in the kitchen he looked inside of his mug, staring at his reflection. He closed his eye's and sighed again before taking another sip. Soarin stirred in his sleep before cracking open an eyelid, the first thing that came to him was the smell of coffee and a head ache. Rolling of the couch letting his hooves catch him, he dragged himself into the kitchen, ignoring Braeburn's eye's. He trugged up to the coffee pot, grabbing the handle with one hoof he put the pot up to his lips before chugging it down, half the pot was empty by the time he put it back down. Letting out a groan he rubbed his temple and carried the coffee pot back to the kitchen table, choosing to sit across from Braeburn, he slumped a little in his chair and mumbled a "Good morning." Braeburn also replied with a "Good morning." but kept his eye's on his coffee. A small silence filled the room apart from the occasional sipping of coffee. "So...About last night." Braeburn broke the silence looking up at Soarin, at this Soarin's ears perked up and he stared back at Braeburn, "What about last night?" Soarin returned groggily. "Alright Braeburn, just cut it here." Braeburn thought to himself as he stared back into Soarin's emerald eye's, they were filled with curiosity and something else, he couldn't tell what though, it was almost soft and caring. Braeburn found himself staring for too long and broke the contact, his coffee becoming interesting against he mumbled, "What does this make us." "Gosh darnit, what are ya doing Braeburn." He scolded himself. "Well, what do you want us to be?" Soarin replied, keeping his eye's on Braeburn. Braeburn rubbed his hooves around the rim of his mug, contemplating on what to say, "Ah-Ah ain't entirely sure..." Braeburn said taking peeks every now and then at Soarin only to look away when their eye's meet. "Hey, there isn't any reason to be embarrassed or shy." Soarin replied as he shifted around in his seat, straightening his posture he took on a more serious yet still caring expression. "Ah ain't embarrassed! Ah'v just...Never done this before." Braeburn trailed off. "Well, there isn't any rush, so how 'bout we take things slow?" Soarin replied, Braeburn rubbed his shoulder and met Soarin's eye's, "That'd be... nice." Braeburn replied, Soarin smiled at that. "So, how about you show me some of the town and we go out for some lunch?" Soarin asked, his grin widening a little larger. "Ah know a nice sandwich shop we could go to, although..." Braeburn trailed off again taking his eye's away from Soarin. "Althoooough...?" Soarin dragged out, urging Braeburn to continue. "Although, otherponies don't exactly like...Coltcuddler's around here." Braeburn finished meeting his eye's with Soarin's once again. "Is that what I am now? A Coltcuddler? Braeburn asked himself. "Pfft, forget about other people, they'll have to have pretty big guts to say something to me." Soarin said taking on a cocky smile. "There's the cocky Pegasus from last night." Braeburn said with a small laugh, Soarin chuckled alongside Braeburn before settling back down, his cocky smile returning back to a small grin, the air in the room began to feel comfortable again. "But really, we should be careful." Braeburn said, the mood turned a bit serious, yet relaxed. "Don't worry about it, i'll be by your side all the way, but first." Soarin began with confidence, taking another large gulp of coffee before setting it back down and letting out a small breath of air. "We should get cleaned up first though." Soarin finished, scooting the chair out from under him he stood stretching slightly. "Ya'll can take your shower first, Ah'll make us some breakfast." Braeburn replied, still taking small sips from his coffee. "If you say so, where's the bathroom by the way?" Soarin asked, to which Braeburn replied, "all the way down the hall adjacent to my room." "Woah, fancy words for a farm boy." Soarin teased, grinning he made his way out the kitchen, Braeburn just laughed. "Yer welcome." _______ Soarin made it inside the bathroom, closing the door behind him. Opening the shower curtains he stared at the nozzles that operated the shower. "What is this alien contraption..." Soarin thought to himself as he brought his hoof to one of the nozzles with an 'H' on it, twisting it some hot water began pouring out slowly, "So now just turn the cold water up just a little to even out the heat." Soarin's thought process began as he continued to even out the water, finding the right temperature he stepped into the shower. The warm water soaked his coat as he let out a content sigh, his soaked mane hung down the side of his face. Light tingles ran through his back as his muscles relaxed into the warmth. Re-opening his eye's he looked around a bit for the shampoo bottle, seeing it resting upon the floor of the tub behind him he turned around and picked up the shampoo in his hoof, opening the bottle he squirted shampoo on his mane and some on his back. Taking the time to rub the shampoo in he moved his hooves in small circles, giving himself somewhat of a massage. Deciding his mane was lathered enough he put his attention towards his coat and wings. He semi-preened his wings before massaging the shampoo into his coat, making sure not to miss a spot he took the time to lathered his coat before stepping back into the water. "I think this is the first time I tried so hard to look good." Soarin thought, he laughed at himself as all the shampoo ran off of him and down the drain. Letting the water run over him a little bit longer he thought about what Braeburn might be making, a small rumble came from his stomach signaling that it's time to get out and get some food. Stepping out of the shower before turning it off he looked around the room for a towel. Not seeing one he let out a sigh, "Probably should have asked for one." He thought. "Hey Braeburn! Can you get me a towel!" Soarin called out, a puddle began to form underneath him, waiting for an answer back he heard a slight rustle outside then hoofsteps coming closer to the bathroom. "Ah got ya one." Braeburn said, his voice muffled by a soft towel being held in his mouth. The bathroom door opened up to reveal a slightly steamy bathroom and a soaked and clean Soarin. Braeburn dropped the towel from his mouth as his eye's ran across Soarin, Soarin laughed at Braeburn before taking a few steps towards him to pick up the towel. Grabbing the fabric he draped it around his neck, walking pass the stunned Braeburn he slightly rubbed his side against the Earth pony dragging his tail along from under his chin ending at his flank, this made Braeburn go rigid as his muscles tightened up, a small blush accompanied his muzzle. Soarin had made it into the living room before Braeburn realized as to what had just happened, "Hey! Ya'll just got me wet!" Braeburn yelled, to which Soarin bursted out laughing, "Not like that ya perv!" Braeburn yelled back, a crimson red blush now adorned his muzzle, this just made Soarin laugh even harder. Braeburn let out a sigh as he walked back into the living room only to see Soarin lying on his back trying to get enough air, "Does everythin' with you have ta be sexual?" Braeburn interrogated as he glared at Soarin. "N-No, It's-you just set yourself up for that one." Soarin replied in between breaths of air. Braeburn just rolled his eye's and made his way back into the kitchen, "Yeah, yeah. Ah made some eggs fer breakfast, once we're done eating Ah can show you around town." Soarin composed himself and stood up at the sound of food. Making his was back inside the kitchen he saw two plates of eggs resting on the kitchen table, grabbing one of the plates he scarfed it down, Braeburn only raised an eyebrow at Soarin as he devoured the eggs, spilling some here and there. "What?" Soarin muffled, Braeburn just shook his head and grabbed a fork from one of the drawers under the sink, taking a seat he began to eat. "Well, seeing as how slow you eat, i'ma take a quick flight." Soarin said. "Mmk." Braeburn replied slightly muffled, his mouth full of eggs. "Alright, I'll see you in a bit." Soarin said, and with that he was out the door. ____ The wind whipped Soarin in the face as he dived through the sky. The weather was nice today, his hangover was still there, but it would be gone in time. Pulling back up from the dive he took a look around the sky's, spotting a cloud off in the distance he flew over to it and took a seat. He could stare out over Appleloosa, surprisingly alot of pony's were already awake. "What a strange town..." Soarin said to himself. The wind up there began to chill his fur, he shivered slightly. Sighing, Soarin flopped on his back stretching slightly, "Braeburn..." Soarin said aloud, he thought of an image of the Earth pony. "One of the most interesting Pony's i've seen in a long time." His stomach had butterfly's, he rolled over and looked of the cloud in an attempt to make them go away, "Come on, I can't possibly falling that hard over him." Soarin said, as if on que he thought about last night, the kiss, tucking him in. A blush took over his face, covering his face with his hooves he groaned. "Why am I making this such a big deal? I mean, when was the last time I've actually fell for someone." Soarin said, taking his hooves of his face and letting them hang freely off the cloud, he then remembered the last pony he loved, the relationship ended badly, and that was putting it lightly, "Oh...yeah, well, just because that ended badly doesn't mean this one will." Soarin said defiantly, raising up from the cloud he stretched his wings, "Alright, lets head back, Braeburns probably ready." Soarin took back to the sky's and made his way towards the apartments.
