Author's Note
Just a simple, sweet slice of life. Severely lacking any "wow" factor. 
Apple Blossoms
Paperwork. Mounds and mounds of paperwork as far as the eye could see. An easy feat, considering I had papers stacked to the top of my mane. Stacks of paper that, no doubt, would consume the rest of my day. Budget, taxes, grievances, and management. Just another day in the office. Sometimes, after a long day like this, I could even forget the color of my own desk. It had been so long since I’ve had a day off…
My name is Mary Mayor, daughter of Naughty Neighsayer, and known as Mayor Mare in the town of Ponyville. Ponyville, where I’m, unsurprisingly, the mayor. Woopdie doo.
Enough about me for now. Every story seemingly starts with some dreadfully-told backstory intended to make you pity the pony behind the words, so I shall abstain. For each grey hair on my head, another memory lies. Perhaps someday I shall share, perhaps, but that day was just… another day. Another seemingly normal day. Yet, and listen to my words little pony, normal days are always the best. Sometimes it’s not the exciting or dramatic event that draws ponies together through destiny, but the mucking-through life we all live through. Even if I could have adventures with Daring Do or defeat great evil and become a heroine of Equestria, I wouldn’t change a thing. Not a single thing. Especially not that normal, stressful, mundane day.
So there I was, doing paperwork. Fun, I know. Mayor Mare doing Ponyville paperwork. Repetitive. Boring. Lame.
I sighed as I flipped through yet another tax rebate, courtesy of Filthy Rich. The stallion was rolling in more bits than I’d see in a lifetime, yet he still saw it fit to put the entire Apple family as his dependents. Again. Considering he got his way three out of four times, Celestia knows why, I had half the mind to save myself the migraine and just give it to him this year. Money money money, must be funny in-
Nevermind.
I sighed, again, as I tossed the sizeable stack detailing his financial information and why exactly the Apple family is dependent on him to the side. Not this year, Filthy, not this year. I reached underneath my desk for my pills, my hooves somewhat shaking. Popping a few, I leaned back and let out a deep breathe with the bottle in hoof.
“Mayor Mare, you’re letting yourself go,” I said to myself as I closed my eyes and set my hind legs on the desk, scattering various papers I could give an ass’s ass about. “You’re going to run yourself down someday, you know. You can’t do this forever.”
“Ya sure don’t look like it!” a voice quipped from beyond the great mountain of paper clips. I lazily opened an eye, noticing a small divide in the stack, a single hoof pushing the papers aside. A familiar emerald peered through the crack, soliciting a smile from yours truly.
Moving my hind legs back to the floor, I grinned and leaned onto the deck, staring right back at the eye. “You here to give me another grey hair, Miss Applejack? I’m afraid you’d have to take a number; your sister certainly beat you to the punch.” The eye widened and disappeared, most likely to hide her shame. I cringed, realizing maybe I had hit a nerve. Regardless, the wall of business was off putting so I hopped off my chair and walked around my desk. Applejack immediately took off her hat in respect, being inside my office and all.
I chuckled, waving her off and calming the poor Apple sapling. “Don’t worry, no harm was done. Just fillies being fillies, I’m sure you understand.” I ran a hoof through my ragged mane, acting as casual as possible. I knew the Apple family since before her time; they were a carefree, loving family. They try to act all business from time to time, but they just have too much heart for it. Best to be warm, and calm her down before she riled up.
Thankfully, she returned the stetson to its rightful place and nodded. “Thank you. Apple Bloom can be really…” She trailed off, looking toward the side and shuffling her hooves. It was post-harvest season, and like every other year I was in charge of filing their finances. Poor girl honestly thought a childish accident would put their farm out of business.
“Rambunctious?” I helped, adjusting my glasses for a better work. Batty old eyes, I tell you. “Silly? Adventurous? Maybe a little short-sighted? Nothing truly despicable, Applejack. She is just a little girl.”
“I know…” Applejack sighed, tipping her hat. I smirked, remembering my days as a pretty mare. Applejack was in her prime; part of me wished she wouldn’t waste it on all work and no play.
I walked over to her side and wrapped a foreleg over her shoulders, drawing her into a casual hug between friends. “It’s okay, Applejack. We were all fillies once. Not even I was completely innocent, considering that I managed to get the clocktower struck with lightni-”
“It’s not okay!” Applejack spat, gritting her teeth. “Nopony destroys the Town Hall with fireworks on a regular basis! Those fillies are like clockwork!”
I scoffed, “Clockwork? They hardly ever-”
“It’s the third time this week! And it’s Tuesday!”
My mouth hung open to speak, but I closed it as I withdrew my embrace and stepped away. Applejack was just too stubborn to be comforted right now. “Well-”
“I’m sorry,” she said, bowing her head. She looked back up and blinked at me, a dull glaze in her eyes. “I helped out with repairs like you asked, and it looks like that hole in the wall is completely covered.”
I smiled and thanked her. Despite my friendly and casual demeanor, I did force the older sister to spend the last three hours repairing my Town Hall. Just because I was warm and comforting didn’t mean I couldn’t do business. After all, I’ve learned from the best. I would’ve preferred the hunky stallion for eye candy, but then I wouldn’t be having this lovely conversation.
Appejack glanced at the clock during our friendly exchange and interrupted. “Um, sugarcube, it’s starting to get late. I was glad to help out and all, but I should really get going. My family is probably missing me by now.”
I nodded and waved her off. “Of course, of course, time is money. And what better spent than being with your family?” Of course, I was somewhat lying. I still had mounds of paperwork, and that was too precious to substitute with personal affairs.
“Sure thing!” Applejack cheered and turned to the door. I watched her leave through the door frame, only for her to stop and look back. She bit her lip for a moment, in private deliberation; I motioned with my hoof to speak, prompting her to spit it out. “What about you, Mayor Mare? Aren’t ya going home to your family soon?”
Raising an eyebrow, I couldn’t help but feel surprised. It was always me, the batty old mare, asking all the personal questions. Most of the young ones were content with finishing their business and running off to play with their friends. Nopony had time for a hag.
“I…” I started, trying to think back. I lived alone, of course, and had a couple friends (or should I say, assistants). Haven’t really seen my ma since pa jumped his last hurdle. “I, er, don’t really have much of a family, so no.”
Her facial expression relaxed, a moment of understanding and pain was painted on her. She turned around and rubbed her mane, giving off a sheepish smile. “Why don’t you just come over for supper? The Apples are always open for having another mouth to feed!”
Feeling somewhat impish, I wanted to point out the implication of that last comment. Rather, I glanced at the stacks on my desk. They weren’t going to do themselves, but… there would still be work no matter how much a dent I put into it. There you go, I thought to myself, shrugging as I followed Applejack out the door. I did their taxes for free (I would never charge the poor dears, but don’t tell them I said that! They haven’t caught on yet!), so a little compensation wouldn’t hurt. The quiet rumbling in my tummy had a convincing argument, regardless.
The walk to farm was a nice, calming matter. The lingering chills of winter mingling with the arriving winds of spring felt nice on my weathered coat. Lacking the ability to grow a proper extra layer in my age, it was a good thing I regularly wore clothes. The warm mare huddling next to me, shivering, certainly helped as well. Fortunately the walk was not long, otherwise the poor dear would have caught a cold without proper attire.
When she opened the door and led me inside, I caught the perplexed stares of her family. Except Big Mac, of course. Rarely does anything faze that stallion. You could crawl into his bedroom with nothing but socks and a frilly saddle on and all he would say is, ”Eeyup, that happened.”
Apple Bloom was surprised to see me: her ears fell flat and the little filly cringed, most likely in fear of even more trouble. I just wanted to hug her, tell her it’ll be okay, and put her on community service for five months without parole. But I didn’t. Because reasons—which may or may not include the eyes she gave me when I caught her and her friends red-hoofed. I may or may not have contracted diabetes. My doctor admits nothing. He’s too much of a filly to admit it.
Granny Smith walked into the living room where the family had gathered, only bothering to raise a curious eyebrow at her new guest: me. Her mouth opened, her jaw popping as she did so, to say, “Soup’s up, everypony!”
Dinner was a simple matter, for it was literal soup. Nice, refreshing, tomato soup with oats. What were you expecting, apple soup? Don’t be silly! Granny Smith had done a fine job, and even had her granddaughter Apple Bloom set up a spot for me, right next to Applejack. I said my thanks and politely waited for the family to begin their meal.
Once Apple Bloom had shoved her face into the bowl, receiving a scolding from her older brother, I took my spoon and tasted the concoction. It was quite delicious, if I recall correctly, as if it was ambrosia. Humming my approval, I took another sip. And another. And another. And another just for good measure.
“I see you really like my cooking, dear,” Granny Smith chuckled as she looked up from her bowl. I returned the gaze, giving off an awkward smile of my own. It was nice to hear an endearment from someone older than me, something that usually never occured at my age. “Good thing too, since Applejack is much better. You’ll love her cooking.”
It was an interesting thought, I admit. I continued my soup, taking in a deep slurp of the heavenly fruit. It was almost as good as apples, and enough to warm my chilled bones. Chilled, old, weathered bones.
“It’s not everyday Applejack brings home such a pretty mare for the night, you know.”
I choked on my soup, coughing and spewing red everywhere in my panic. My old heart had nearly given out thanks to embarrassment! Then again, I couldn’t pull the age card on Granny Smith. Applejack quickly came to my defense.
“Granny!” she cried, her ears flopping to their sides as her cheeks flushed with a bright red. “It ain’t like that! She’s a family friend!” Granny Smith only grinned, an impish light in her eyes. An impish look I remembered clearly, considering it was a look only an elder gives to the young ones. An elder, such as I, who immediately caught on.
I cleared my throat, dislodging any loose pieces of fruit in my esophagus. Smacking my lips, I couldn’t help but say, “She’s right, Granny. I’m not sure I could keep up with those spry young legs of hers.” Internally giggling, I watched from the corner of my eye as young Applejack resisted the urge to hit me.
“Oh, phooey,” Granny complained as she slurped her soup. “I’m sure you got enough fire in you, missus. Pretty mare like you would make a great granddaughter.”
“Pfft.” I waved her off, giggling. “Get me a saddle and I’ll ride her all night.”
Big Mac, blushing despite his already-appropriate color, excused himself and his younger sister from the table, muttering something about dessert. Applejack sat next to me, completely stunned as her grandmother gave me an approving nod. If I were younger, no doubt she’s be slapping me silly and bucking me out the door, but we olduns have our little fun together. I would’ve continued embarrassing her granddaughter with assistance, but the two other siblings returned with dessert: apple pie. A surprise, I know, but that’s what we had for dinner.
The two sat down, served us all, and quietly began digging in. I abstained from further banter, relishing in the warm, moist pie of the Apple clan, only breaking away to sip warm apple cider.
“Hey missus Mayor,” Apple Bloom asked as she chewed on her pie. Even with her muzzle covered in crumbs and bits of apple, she was a cutie. “Weren’t ya telling us fillies about Nightmare Night before? Why don’t ya lead Hearts and Hooves Day too? Miss Cheerilee was talking about it today, and I wanted to know.”
“It’s not my right to lead,” I admitted, casually sipping my applelicious elixir in its mug. “It is a private affair, after all.” I stopped for a beat, waiting for Applejack to mirror me and sip her cider as well. “...in more ways than one,” I said with a sly wink to the side.
Not even Big Mac could resist joining my laughter as Applejack spewed her drink across the table, blushing profusely. Granny giggled, giving her granddaughter a tough time. Friendly banter continued, but the poor dear stayed silent. Deciding to give my crude jokes a rest, I looked at the filly in interest.
“Apple Bloom,” I said, dropping my tone and forcing her eyes to mine with words alone. “Why do you ask? Did you have an idea for an event this year?”
“Well…” she said, fiddling with the edge of the table. “It’s kinda late for that, don’t ya think? It is tomorrow.” Well, that was new. It must have slipped my mind, being outside my jurisdiction and all. She bit her pie and chewed another piece before speaking. “So, do you have a special somepony?”
Granny Smith raised an eyebrow, eyeing her fellow elder at the table. My eyes fell to my pie, my appetite leaving me stone cold. My mouth opened to speak, but no words came out. It had been a long time, hadn’t it? The last coltfriend I had was...years ago, if I recall correctly. He left because, well—
“No, I’m too busy,” I admitted as I clutched my fork and prodded my dessert. “I simply have no time between running the town, making sure everypony is safe and happy, and finishing the mounds of paperwork. It’s tax season, you know. Between ponies dodging their taxes with sorry excuses and ponies unable to pay and having to subsidize their income, I barely have time to myself.” What I didn’t say to the poor filly, was that I had no time to myself whatsoever, let alone another pony in my life.
Chewing halfheartedly on a piece of applecrust, I couldn’t help but think about the holiday I had nearly overlooked. I was an old girl, and my time was running short. If I was going to settle down, it’d have to be soon. But there wasn’t anypony out there for me at all, really. Except my assistants, I suppose, but they all had their own lives and ponies to love. No time for some old hag like me!
“Do you want a special somepony?” the little filly inquired as she began to work on her, thanks to her sloppy ways, numerous crumbs. “You could do it. You’re pretty, Miss Mayor Mare! Why, you could date ma big brother!”
I couldn’t help but blush at the statement, a sentiment that Big Mac surprisingly didn’t return. Two for two compliments, tonight was a good one. “Why, thank you Apple Bloom. But I am a bit too old for-”
The stare of the protective older brother, Big Mac, shut me up. There were lines, after all.
Well, it was time to go home. I pushed my half-empty dish forward and excused myself. Washing up, and the family joining me, I prepared for my departure (and there was no doubt there’d more paperwork). I said my goodnights to the family, receiving a hug from ol’ Granny Smith and Apple Bloom, a nod from Big Macintosh, and a silent blush from Applejack. I really, really hoped I didn’t traumatize the poor farmgirl.
Adjusting my business collar, I walked out the door and into the night air. Cold, refreshing, cold, pretty stars illuminating, and did I mention cold? I hadn’t passed by the front gate before my coat began to freeze through to the skin. Shivering, I considered returning and asking if I could stay the night. At least, until something warm pressed against me.
“Sorry ‘bout that, Mayor,” Applejack muttered next to me. “I didn’t see you.” She tried to move away, keeping at my pace, but I pressed against her because it was cold as Tartarus. “H-hope you don’t mind if I walk you home.”
I smiled, even if she couldn’t see it in the twilight. “I appreciate it, Applejack. That would be nice.” We walked together in the quiet, sleeping town. Everypony was either finishing supper with their families, or heading off to bed for the night. Not a single filly was outside, leaving the starry night to only two mares.
Applejack and I began to chat, about work and chores and the pretty stars that we thanked Princess Luna for. She discussed town finances, making inferences and suggestions that even my assistants hadn’t thought of. I, quite uncharacteristically, changed the subject away from money and turned to the stars. I told her of Orion and Scorpius, and of the various planets that ponykind had discovered many a season ago.
As we discussed further topics like philosophy, we finally found ourselves at my home. I reluctantly tore myself away from Applejack to face her.
“Thank you for walking me home, I really do appreciate it,” I said with a bow, gallant as always.
Applejack tipped her hat and smiled. “Well you can count on—”
Deciding that I was letting her off a little too easy, I cut her off with a quick peck to the cheek and a dramatic, slow flutter of my eyelashes. “I really appreciate it, Applejack.” My heart almost stopped, half out of my old age and half for the poor, flustering mare. Totally worth it, to see her turn red as an apple. Once I saw her face turn blue from holding her breath in shock, I dropped my vampish facade and burst into laughter. I wrapped a foreleg around her shoulders as her eyes widened; I wiped a tear away as my giggles died away. Dropping to the ground, I decided to offer a proposition, since the night was young for two friends. “So, Miss Applejack, would you like to come inside for some coffee?”
Applejack finally relaxed and nodded. “Don’t mind if I do, Missus Mayor.” I turned and went inside, Applejack closely behind.
I woke up with a dull, throbbing headache. My grey, aging hair was wreaking havoc on my peripherals. My body, especially down there, was aching in every joint. Every single muscle screamed in pain as my body creaked with each moment. I felt like I was dying in a sea of pain. In other words, just another morning.
To begin my day, I rolled out from the warm forelegs grasping my barrel and onto my feet. I slipped on my work collar, modeled in front of the mirror and making sure I wasn’t wearing anything inappropriate for work, brushed my teeth, brushed my mane, brushed my cat, and started cooking eggs for breakfast as I turned on the coffee maker.
Singing a tune, flipping the eggs, and listening to the morning radio, it was only a matter of time until I had gathered a breakfast for champions. Considering last night, it was well-deserved. Placing the toast, apple (I’d choose orange, but—) juice, and scrambled eggs on a tray, I carefully carried the breakfast to bed and placed it on my empty side. Trotting over to the other side of the somewhat crooked bedframe, I poked the sleeping mare’s face.
“Er, ugh,” she grumbled, rolling over and hugging the blanket to her chin. The affectionate part of me wanted to let the sleeping angel lie, but it was my bed. I gripped the bedsheets with my teeth and ripped it away with one fell swoop. The mare flipped in pace, naked and exposed to the world. A moment passed as she took in her surroundings, then proceeding to cover as much of herself with her forelegs as she could.
I raised an eyebrow, nearly mirroring her childish blush, amazed. “So that’s what you were wearing last night! So I was right at dinner, after all. Granny Smith is going to love this!”
“...” Applejack bit her lip, fumbling with the saddle’s straps as I ogled her. Once she had tossed it aside, we ate breakfast together in silence. She enjoyed it, but her awakening left her without words.
Once we had finished, I set her to work washing the dishes like the little dear she is. I trotted behind her as she was finishing up and began my instruction. “Bathroom is third door on the right in the hall. Clean up; there should be enough soap and shampoo. Once done, report to the town hall at 8 a.m. and meet me at my office. You still have a lot of work to do, Applejack.” I whipped my tail back and forth, rolling my hips as I paced behind Applejack. I could feel her eyes on my scrolls, even if she was mostly turned away.
“Y-yes ma’am!” she stuttered, turning away and trotting out of the kitchen. Despite the early hour, I playfully bit her tail and stopped her.
“One last thing, Applejack,” I said after I released her tail. “Your sister did remind me of this at supper. I’m going to adjust my schedule and clear my six o’clock meeting. I expect you at the Salty Sphere five minutes before to accompany me for dinner.”
She tried to turn her head, but I stepped forward and pecked her cheek, silencing her with embarrassment. I winked. “Happy Hearts and Hooves Day, sugarcube.” I walked past the stunned mare, shaking my hips with younger vigor. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a nice lay, and not one I was just going to toss away like that.
Ya still got it, you old cougar.
