Apple Brand Steel

Chapters

Hooves
Plotting
Revenge
Snap

Hooves

I awoke to a pair of hooves pressing against my my shoulder. A long waking sigh later and I pulled my head from Apple Fritter's side. Her pillow status fulfilled once again, leaving me well rested, if a bit sweaty. I rubbed my face, banishing the oddly hot feeling of Fritter's side.

I sat upright, looking around the still dark room and spotting my alarm. I managed to shut it off just before it started going off. With that miniature crisis averted I poked Fritter in the ribs, forcing her awake, "...Come on...it's time."

Fritter let out an angry snarl and rolled onto her stomach, "...Dave...ya bucker...why'd I gotta get up now?"

I found her hat on my bedside lamp and tossed it onto her head, "You're living here now...you gotta pitch in." I rubbed my eyes as light flooded the room, "Go...go start breakfast. I'll shower and swap out...alright?" Fritter just grumbled angrily, "Alright!?"

"Alright! Dang.... Six in the dang mornin' I ain't gonna be the nicest mare." She slapped the side of my head with her tail and jumped off our bed. "Ya dink."

I scoffed and wandered into the bathroom. "You should be thanking me!" I leaned against the wall as I went towards the shower, "I let you stay here...you freaking move in...least you could do is make breakfast."

Fritter shouted from the other room, "After all the crap ya' pulled!? Dang, you be glad I still think yer' worth it!"

I stopped at the bathroom door, "You snuck into here just to see me naked...you're not a saint either!"

Things got quiet, our yelling match apparently done. "Penis!" Fritter shouted, shattering my concentration and sparking something in my gut. I started chuckling like mad at the pure absurdity. My raspy laughed heartwarming in the early summer morning.

I got into the shower, the hot water soothing my achy muscles. "...Penis...." I continued to laugh. Something about the sudden craziness just resonated with me. Unfortunately it brought up a few bitter memories. My previous interactions with the Apple family rather vulgar and mean. But after a bit of an ego check, I had come back, said my sorrys, and found my place back amongst the slowly growing and human friendly family.

I finished up with my shower, leaving the water running and hurrying to the kitchen. My small house easily navigated but still rather spacy. I found Fritter working at the stove, flank bouncing as she tapped her back legs, "Dang ol' little filly gonna--"

I snuck up behind her, pressing my member against her flank, "Hello...."

Fritter froze for a moment, looking back at me before going back to bouncing her flank, "Dave's got a pecker like a month old colt, dang if he did a dang damn with it."

"Pfff, you're the one that liked to grab at it." I wrapped my towel around my waist and found a seat, "Shower's open...and on."

Fritter spun around, "Well say that next time! Don't just go stickin' your sausage next ta' me when we're wastin' water!" she bolted off, leaving me to tend to the apparently failed waffles, now melting into pancakes. I did my best to salvage it. I managed to finish them up as the water pipes overhead stopped rumbling. I plated them, sugared them, and set them down on the table.

Fritter hurried back, head wrapped in a towel, her hat resting atop the strange head warp. "Done- daaang. Ya know, you're kinda useful when you're not a jerk."

I took a seat next to her, staring out the window, "Look, I said I was sorry, we're...are we dating?" I asked, scratching my crown with the back of my fork, "You were never really clear about that."

Fritter just ate, ignoring me until she had sufficiently stuffer her face. With a single greedy swallow she sent the steamy pancake straight to her gut. "Aaauh...what?"

I just stared at her with a mix of awe and shame. "...Are we dating, or are you just staying here?"

Fritter just cocked an eyebrow, "We ain't havein' sex...ain't like I'm more than a dang pillow right now." She jumped from her chair, "Dang' suck at herding...."

I just stared at my plate. "I never even wanted to. It was your idea...."

Fritter came back, dried out and ready to go, "And it was a dang good one 'till ya went out and left us for Dodge!"

I scratched my neck, really trying to hide my face, "Look, I said I'm sorry--"

"Don't be sorry damn it!" Fritter snapped, slamming her hoof down, "Go out, find Carrot, and get Applejack." She huffed and sat down, "Ya' been drawin' in that book since ya got back."

"Why are you so interested in who--"

"Because I like em too!" She walked over and put her hooves on my table, "Not like...in a weird way. But it's a close thing, ya know." She traced her hoof along the table, "I like ya Dave...but I know ya like Applejack...an' I know Carrot Top likes ya too." She looked me in the eyes, "Now ya gonna go, get your mare, and settle down with us, or ya gonna dance around like an idiot with a spider in your boot!?"

I was slightly stunned, "Uh...what?"

Fritter bopped me with her hoof, "Go find the mares you wanna love...and love them...and me.... I count...."

I stood up, walking past her, getting dressed in a fireproof cotton shirt and some jeans, and met Fritter back in the kitchen. "So...are we dating or--"

She stopped me cold with a hoof to the shin. I crumpled, falling to my right knee and clutching hit hit, "Fritter! Why!?" she walked up to me, pressing her lips against my own for a mere moment. She backed up, smiling smugly, "Oh...that's why...." I licked my lips, the taste of syrup riding them. "You could just...ask next time."

"Well it's not like ya don't know...."

I got back to my feet, dusting my knee off, "Fair point. Now, actual question. Do you actually think I have a shot with Applejack? I mean...I was really...really, shitty to her."

Fritter cringed, "Well, it ain't that bad. And she asked ya' ta' stay. So...I'd say ya got a shot."

I stood before her, feeling my skin flush at her reassuring talk. "Well...I...oh screw it." I leaned down, hugging her. I pulled her against my chest, her hooves landing over my shoulder. I held her tight, kissing her cheek as I pulled back.

Fritter grew red, pulling her hat down and mumbling, "Dang...I don't...dang...." She covered her face with her hat as best she could, "That was...." she lunged forward, grabbing my leg, "That was real nice."

"I gotta be nicer." I put my hand on her head, messing with her hat, "My friend was right...too angry." I rubbed the back of her head, "Alright, work time."

Fritter refused to let go, "Not yet partner...not yet."

I indulged her, letting her nuzzle my leg as much as she wanted. It filled me with a pleasantly fuzzy sensation. One I hadn't felt in a long time. "Why did we not hang out more in Appleloosa?"

Fritter finally broke the hug, "Cause, you were always workin' on something! Now...well...now you're still doin' stuff, but it's different stuff."

I stopped and looked down at her, "...Fritter...what do you do down here?"

She froze, "I uh...work.... The fields...."

"That it? Because...Carrot said the same thing...and it doesn't--"

Fritter cut me off, holding her hoof out defensively, "Look, I do stuff. I don't do as much stuff as I would like, but I do stuff!"

"Whatever." I started laughing as I turned to the door, "I have to go and, forge pure steel with my leathery hands, creating metal works the likes of which the world has--"

Fritter shoved me out the door, "Yeah, yeah, get out there."

I stepped outside, getting a look at the warm rolling farmland I was settled on. Orchards to the north, the town to south, the Apple's farmhouse to the east, and yet more fields and houses to the west. It was wonderful. But I turned to the converted barn next to my house, hurrying inside my makeshift workshop and looking over my forge.

A simple stone fire pit and a load of metalworking tools littered the shed. I found my tools, threw scrap steel into a crucible, and started forging. The smell of molten metal filled my nose as I filled the crucible full, creating a cup of molten steel.

I plucked it from the fire, quickly taking it to a horseshoe mold and sending the gooey metal spilling into the molds. I felt a bead of sweat work into my eye, making it extremely difficult to slowly and evenly pour the steel.

But, as the metal ceased to flow, and the molds were filled, I stepped back and looked over my work. It felt good, productive. Pride filled my body as I watched the first set of horseshoes since my return were forged. "Dave," Applejack's voice stunned me, making me jerk my body forward and against the hot forge, "Whoa there partner!"

"Applejack...please...for the love of god don't do that."

She took a step back towards the barn door, "Sorry, I didn't--"

"I just...hot metal...fire, not good for startling." I explained, looking down at her, "So uh...sorry, what's up?"

Applejack smiled and trotted over to a special chair I used for fitting Horseshoes, "Just a checkup is all." She smiled wide, beaming at me as I took off my gloves and found my toolkit, "Got a date--"

I let out an amazingly rough cough, "What!?"

Applejack just nodded, unfazed by my sudden panic, "Yep. Nice human I met a day or two ago."

I locked up, "But...you...me...I thought--"

"Dave...ya know what ya did...and ya don't get ta' just come back and pretend it didn't happen." She cocked her head, "I'm sure you'll be fine."

I lurched forward, sitting on the ground before her hooves. "...I...Seriously?!"

She cocked her head, "Dang...you're real torn up about it ain't ya...."

"I'm fine! I'm- fine!" I leaned forward, undoing the screws that held her horseshoe to her hoof and taking it off. "I'm totally fine!"

"Ya don't look fine...." she noted, flexing her legs, "Ya want me to come back some other time?"

"Just, no!" I went to work, cleaning crud from her muddy hooves, "It's completely fine!" I dug my nail against the inside of her hoof, cleaning out dried mud and brushing off her hoof with a firm brush. "I'm...fine."

I picked up her back legs, looking at her hooves and checking for chips or deformities. "Nothing...nothing...you're fine." I let her hooves drop rather harshly, "That's it...you're completely fine."

Applejack looked at her bare hooves, "Uh...Dave--"

"Go!" I pointed to the door, I have work to do!"

Applejack gave me a worried look, jumped off the chair, scooped up her horseshoes and walked out of my workshop. I waited until she was a ways away before closing the door to the barn.

I had a single moment as I laid my hand on the door. "Don't...Dave...don't... Don't...." I felt a tear roll down my cheek, "...Damn it...." I fell to my knees, letting out a horrid sound like a dying animal. I rolled onto my side and clutched my knees to my chest. "...Damn it all...damn it...damn...damn...." I laid on the dirt floor of the workshop, lamenting my crushed dreams.

I laid on the floor, the door swinging open and hitting my across the back of my head. Carrot Top walked in, spotting me on the floor and walking to my front, "Oh my gosh, Dave, what happened!?"

I just laid, wordlessly on the floor. Eventually I got to my knees, hugging the farm pony and clutching her tight. "...My heart hurts...."

Carrot wrapped her hooves under my arms and around my ribs, "First month back and you're already sad!? Why?"

I stopped my pity party, growing a steely resolve. "You know what...no." I jumped upright, "I'm not laying down for this!"

Carrot just stepped back, "Laying down for what?"

I looked down to the sweet carrot orange mare, "Carrot, I need your help."

She leaned on her hooves, shifting forward and back, "Well that's great! But I--"

I leaned down, putting my arm around her and holding her close, "How well do you know Applejack?"

Carrot grew uneasy as I leaned cheek to cheek with her, "Pretty well...we're related...."

I nodded, rubbing my cheek against her, "She the jealous type?"

"Dave?"

I turned Carrot to face me, "You still wanna give me a shot?"

Carrot started growing red, "What...like dating? I mean...is Fritter--"

"Yes...we're...apparently together."

Carrot looked up, "Well. I mean...sure, why-- Mmmph!?" I locked her in a deep kiss. She pushed away slightly, not enough to pry herself away from my weak grip. "Mmmph...mmmhmm...mmmmmh...." She moaned as I kissed her, flicking her tongue against my lips.

"Whoa- easy." I pulled back, leaving her tongue out, blushing and eyes closed. "...Uh...Carrot?"

"Hmm? Oh!" She returned to her normal look, now adorn with a bright red blush, "Sorry...I thought--"

"No tongue...."

"No tongue?"

"No...."

"Oh...okay." Carrot backed up, "So...what now?"

I shrugged, "Now I plan. But, you came for something right?"

Carrot looked around the room, "I was gonna come say hi...but I got a little more than, hi." She flicked me with her tail and turned towards the door, "You know where I live...."

I looked out of the barn, over to Carrot Top's house across a ten foot wide foot path from my own. "Uh...yes, yes I do." I turned to the forge, finishing up the horseshoes and continuing about my work day. All the while, plotting my devious attempts to get Applejack back, even if I had to fight tooth and bloody claw, to get her back.

Plotting

I sat in bed, finishing up an old sketch and starting to plan out my attempts to draw Applejack back to me. I had drawn out a few plans involving my friends, one involving Big Mac, and one involving assault. I quickly ruled the third out and went back to sketching.

Fritter peeked into the bedroom, "Dave...what ya' doin'?" She slowly trotted over, jumping onto the bed and settling in next to me, "Also...why's Carrot downstairs?"

I closed up my new journal for a minute, "She's moving in. Why?"

Fritter scratched her head, "But...she lives like...a couple meters away."

"Uh huh-- Oh- no, she's gonna be sleeping here, but she's still got her house." I popped my book back open and went back to drawing, "...I just...I can't...get...."

Fritter peeked her head against my cheek, looking into my book, "...You serious?"

I bumped her away and went back to drawing, "Don't judge me."

Fritter just nickered at me, "She said she moved on partner...and, what the buck Dave!? Why'm I not in--"

I flipped through the pages of my journal, "You are." I held a picture of her I had drawn. A beautiful laughing portrait, her hat tilted up, eyes closed, open mouthed smile absolutely lovely. I flipped the page, revealing a picture I had drawn while she was sleeping. A peaceful mare splayed against my couch, hooves lingering in the air as her back right leg stuck out bolt stiff. Fritter just stared, her expression completely dumbstruck.

"I uh...I'm on top...." She pushed me down into the bed, "Now...."

I looked up at her, "Can I finish this first?" I pointed to my book with my pencil, "...Your eyes scare me...."

Fritter let out a steamy huff and pushed off, "...I'm gonna go get ready." She hurried over to my dresser, raiding the drawer I had given her and pulling a few things out, "...I wanna look pretty...."

"I wasn't gonna say--"

"An' I wan't ya' ta' draw me...again...all...cute like." She hurried off into my bathroom, leaving me to finish up my sketch. I hurried, finishing up the pencil sketch of Applejack and tucking my book away. I rubbed my arms as I waited nervously, "...I think I overdid the freckles...." I turned to the window, "...Is there such a think as too many?"

My thoughts were cut short as Fritter walked in, her long green mane tied into two separate ponytails. Her usual red ribbons replaced by frilly white bows. Her yellow coat semi-covered by a quartet of lace topped white socks. "...I uh...hat...." She put her hat on a bedpost as she walked over and jumped up. "I uh...." She looked away, "Do it...."

I smiled and sat upright, "You look very beautiful." I found my book and popped it open to a blank page. "What kind of--"

Fritter rolled onto her side, revealing her underside to me. She curled her bedside forehoof inward against her chest and spread her other legs. She pulled her tail around to her face, covering her mouth with her tail. "...Don't...not draw...." She adjusted her backside, her hips wide as she lifted her legs.

I caught what she meant as her underside glowed a soft pink. I scrunched up my lips and went to work drawing. Tips of he back legs, hips, underbelly all the way up to her head. "So, Fritter...are you...." I looked back to her, finishing up her frame, "I think you can--" She looked at the sketch, pushing it out of my hands and straddling my waist, "Alright then...."

She let her back legs rest against my sides as she started grinding back and forth, her moist sex starting to soak my shorts, "Dave."

"Yep." I moved my hands down, pulling my shorts down and letting myself press against my stomach, Fritter sliding forward and pinning my rod between my belly and her sex. Fritter looked back, forelegs planted on my chest. She didn't say a word, her voice growing more and more breathy as she slid herself up and down my twitching cock. "Je-sus...." I grabbed her forelegs, lifting them up until she was parallel with my own body.

Fritter closed her eyes, thrusting her hips and trying to flick her clit against my tip. She let her head fall, dangling between her forelegs as I held her upright. Her breathing grew heavy, her body trembling as she slid herself up my rod, stopping at the tip and leaning forward. She started mumbling, her clit winking against my tip as a creamy liquid plashed against my shaft. "Aaaah...." She let out a short feminine squeak as she went slightly limp. "Dang...damn...." She pressed her forelegs against my palms, shaking hard as she resumed her thrusts.

I rubbed the insides of her hooves with my thumbs, feeling her thrust off my sopping wet cock. She pushed back, my cock pulled back like a gun hammer by her rear. My heart went weak as I felt my tip press against her white hot hole. She bounced slightly, threatening to impaled herself as she went, "Dave...I'm gonna do it."

I swallowed hard, preparing myself to plunge deep into her body, "You gonna-- Fuu-uck." I threw my head back, my cock parting her fleshy wet lips and sliding deep into her wonderfully soft body. I closed my eyes, grabbed her hooves hard and threw my hips up, squeezing myself deep inside her.

She let out a short huff as my head forced itself into the farthest point I could reach without forcing too hard. My cockhead was wedged deep inside her muscular pussy, a warm feeling flooding my body as Fritter pressed her flank against my hips, forcing me to jab her muscles. I nearly passed out as she clenched her muscles, giving my entire rod a hard wet squeeze. "Gonna- cum again--"

Fritter locked up, body squeezing me tight as her legs bracketing my ribs as she let out a glottal moan. "Buck me...." She tried to force her forelegs down, "I gotta lay down...I gotta--" I cut her off, holding her hooves in place and keeping her upright, "Dave...I'm tired--" I slammed my hips up, pushing her body up. Her breath caught in her throat as I pulled my hips back down, leaving her up in the air before sliding back down and settling against my hips, "Mmmmuah!" She screamed, mouth flopping out of her mouth as she let her head fall limp, still held upright as I refused to let her rest.

"Fritter- you're- beautiful!" I spoke between thrusts, Fritter going limp as I shoved my fat cock deep inside her creamy sex, pushing apart her muscles and coating my cock in her warm fluids. Her eyes unfocused, pupils hanging at the bottom of her eyes as I fucked her silly, her tongue dripping drool as I made her bounced.

I felt myself growing weak, the constant soft wet texture of her sweet pussy and the constant twitches sending a constant organic pleasure through my rod and into my base. I slammed forward, letting her fall against my chest, tongue landing against my collarbone as I grabbed her flank, "Fucking--" I lost my composure, rooting deep inside her, forcing her flank against me and forcing my first spurt against her insides. It was a forced battle, the strong muscles and tight body forcing against my cock backing up my seed into large, pent up bursts.

I kept one hand on her flank, my other hand holding Fritter's head against my chest as I sent a series of thick hot injections deep into her pussy, painting her insides with my thick organic cream. As a wave of warmth rushed from my shoulders to my fingertips I shot a final weak load into her. I took a deep breath. My senses slowly returned, realizing how sweaty Fritter was. I rubbed her flank, sliding my hand under the lacy top of her sock and rubbed her leg.

"Dang...I...dang...." Fritter pulled her tongue back and laid flat against me, her back half stiff front facing and straddling my waist, "...that was...good...."

I let out a content sigh as I lifted her flank off. "Turn around."

Fritter smiled and started laughing nervously, "Ah' can't...."

I took a deep breath and spun her around, face first with an amazing Apple pie, leaking my thick white cream out of her pleased pussy and over her clit. I spread her lips, leaking out yet more of my cum. "Dave...Dave...stop--" I ignored her, pressing my thumb against her clit and giving it a quick tweek.

Fritter's voice started as a low huff, picking up speed insanely quick despite my minor stimulation. By the time her voice was at its peak, her sex convulsed, her flank going completely limp as the slimy pink organ released its tension, letting a flow of cum from her body and onto my chest. She was sweaty, spent, and most importantly, well serviced.

I laid back in my bed, "So...shower?" I asked, starting to laugh weakly.

Fritter just grumbled, "I can't move...help...." I hugged her hips, picking her up and dragging her towards the bathroom. It was a strange sticky waddle, my wet member swinging heavily as I carried her into the tub. I sat down, setting her across my chest, facing me. I flicked on the water, letting the cold water cool our bodies and slowly melt into a pleasant warmth.

Fritter breathed deep, happily nuzzling my face as her back side sat limply against my knees, "Dave...gotta...get your stuff out."

I popped my eyes open, "...Anatomy is gross." I noted, moving my hands down to her sex and parting her lips. I dug my fingers in, reaching deep against her tight muscles and drawing the last remaining pocket of cum from her and letting it wash down the drain.

Things grew quiet as warm water replaced sweat, washing our bodies modestly clean. Things got quiet as I shut off the tap and let us lay wet in the tub, "So...I uh...this might be kinda weird." I rubbed her head, dragging my nails against her head and scratching, "You think--"

"Applejack?" Fritter asked, looking up at me with her beautiful green eyes, "Yeah...I'll help ya." She laid her chin across my shoulder, "Ya damn hopeless dip...."

Things were wonderful, calm, and utterly serene.

"Um...Dave, Fritter, anypony--" Carrot Top peeked into the bathroom, "Um...wow."

Fritter and I just stared at her, I was the first to break the silence, "Well...you have two options at this point...join the pile...or go to bed." I held my free arm out, "What's it gonna be?"

Carrot scrunched up her muzzle, "Can I join the pile, in bed?"

I let out a defeated groan, "I'm way too tired to deal with this." I plucked Fritter from the tub, throwing her over my shoulder and carrying her back to the bed. I laid her down, spooning with her. "Carrot...."

She jumped up, pressing her flank against the back of my head. "Really!?"

She said nothing, instead pressing her plot against the back of my head and folding her legs, "Yes, really." She settled in, ass making constant contact with my head as Fritter drifted away under my arms.

I felt a strange warmth crawl into my chest. A strange feeling rattled around in my mind until finally bursting out of my mouth, "I love you...both...." I reached back and squeezed Carrots flank, "...Green eyed beauties...." The sweet carrot assed mare, plot pressed against my head, and my witty friend now turned loving mate.

All that was missing was the honest hard working mare that continued to occupy my thoughts. Her brash attitude and honest nature unmatched, even by the two I shared a bed with. Each mare unique, one bold and jovial, another sweet and tender, and the third yet to be won over, a brash honest women with an unwavering affection for her family.

My situation was amazing, all except the missing piece, off with some other man. I laid awake, unable to join my new bed mates as thoughts of Applejack with someone else tore my mind apart and poisoned my heart. I had to find a way. Even if I failed, I had to try.

Revenge

Fritter followed me through the town, "You sure you wanna do this? I mean...I'll help ya while Carrot's working...but do ya really wanna do this?"

I walked through the cobblestone paths and towards an old friend's, "Look...she started this! She issued the challenge. I will not back down to a four foot mare!" I rubbed my arms, "Even if she could cave my head in...." I thought back to Applejack's strong legs, "...Man...she has got an amazing ass...." I grew flustered as I reached the Boutique door, "Shit...so does Carrot.... Damn it, now I'm thinking about asses...."

Fritter scrunched up her muzzle, "Really!? Not me!?"

"Huh- oh! No no no, you're ass isn't nearly half as good." I stated calmly, causing her jaw to practically drop to the floor, "Hey, they work. They do manual labor! You used to run a bar. And--"

"Buck you--"

"And...you've got a cute face. Wide hips too, but your butt isn't squishy enough or strong enough, to compare to those two."

Fritter just glared at me, "Ya' know, you're lucky ya' said I was cute...otherwise you'd be in a damn ditch right now." She spun around, slapping me with her tail, "And bakin' builds muscles too...just...different muscles!"

I scratched my head, "Is that what you did back in Appleloosa?"

Fritter nodded feverishly, "Damn right, best dang apple pastries ya ever did eat!" She slowly started walking away, "Now I'll go tell AJ, you..do whatever you're gonna do."

"Thanks!" I turned to the fancy fashion palace and walked inside. A rush of cold air quickly pushing the summer heat from my skin, and the scent of clean floral arrangments filled my nose.

Rarity sat behind a counter, mending a torn shirt sleeve, "One moment darling, I'll-- Oh! It's you, did you receive my notice?"

I walked over, leaning my hip against the counter, "About the horseshoes, yeah." I looked away from her, trying to be sly, "Speaking of, how would you feel about helping me out for a little discount?"

Rarity set the shirt aside and perched her hooves on the counter, "What kind of help?"

"You're friends with Applejack, right?"

"Indeed."

"Well I need your help to...instill a little jealousy into her." I interlaced my fingers and set my hands on the counter, "And in return...I'll sell you the horseshoes at cost."

I could see a single bead of sweat run down her temple, "And here I was under the impression you two were dating. Am I allowed to ask why?"

"She's dating another human to get back at me! And I- I think turnabout is fair, no?"

Rarity leveled her expression, eyebrows flat and unfeeling, "Who's to say she's not simply moving on?"

I froze, caught like the selfish bastard I really was, "...Look...I just want a shot. A regular, first date, nice dinner, shot. That's all."

Rarity sighed, "She has a hoof fetish. I'll find my best pair of socks and meet you on the front step." She left the counter and turned back towards the inside of the shop. "I've been getting under her skin for months, it's an art you see."

I stood confused for a bit, "Rarity...you are an amazingly vindictive mare...."

"Vindictive!? Hardly, that man with the decapitated pony head is going to see vindictive...." She trotted off, her mention of Ponyville's newest attraction slipping past. I knew of the Headless Horse, and talked with the guy back on a market day.

I walked to the front door, waiting until Rarity returned with a quartet of high purple socks pulled up to her flank. "Yes...I know, rather sexy," she giggled girlishly, "You know there are some times I wish I felt something for your race."

I shrugged, "There are times I wish I didn't love a pony.... Times are weird." I walked over, cradling her body and starting out the door, "So what's the plan here?"

Rarity snuggled against my chest, "Simply put, we stick to Applejack, you caress the undersides of my hooves, and the rest is up to my acting." She tossed her mane back, "And darling...I can act."

I slowly made my way through town, "Oh no, I believe you. You have quite the reputation for being...extravagant."

Rarity grew flustered, "And humans have a reputation for being perverts!"

I gave her a bit of an angry look, "Fucking straight for the jugular! Geez...."

Rarity pushed her forelegs out, "I'm sorry...I've been getting harassed by a human, and it's really rather...obnoxious."

I coughed roughly, "Is this guy...a problem?"

Rarity huffed, "It's not a boy...and it's fine." She crossed her socked forelegs, "Is it so hard to believe not everypony is going to be interested in humans!? Is it so strange to think not everybody is going to be interested in a pony!?"

I shook my head as we mad our way through the town and towards the dusty path back to the farms, "No, that's completely reasonable. But...if she's harassing you, you should call the guard."

"No...no, I can handle it. Besides, I'm Rarity, I'm not about to be bested by a spindly teenager with attachment issues."

"Ehhm- sure...."

"What?" she snapped, nearly falling to the dirt as I took a sharp turn into the orchard, "You don't think I can do it!?"

I made sure not to drop her, giving her hooves a quick rub. She let out a soft gasp and kicked me away. "It's not that. Just.... Not to make us sound all rapey, but.... Saying no just makes everything harder."

Rarity let out a loud annoyed groan, "Why, why must you humans always refer to your genitalia in such lewd fashions!?"

I grabbed her hoof, rubbing the inside with my thumb and causing Rarity to giggle before kicking me away again. "Comedy. There is nothing funny about vagina, but you say pussy, it's fucking hilarious! I mean, a small shriveled up dick is just kinda sad, but a big floppy cock? Get out of here, comedy gold."

Rarity scrunched her muzzle up, finally letting me massage her back hoof, "I..." she tried to keep from giggling, "I- I suppose.... I will admit, from what I've seen it can be rather humorous...."

I scratched my head, turning onto the Apple family property. "I thought you didn't do humans?"

Rarity sighed, curling her forelegs, "Admittedly there was a time when I was curious. He cradled me, treated me wonderfully, he was amazing. But I just...I couldn't. It just felt...wrong." She settled back into my arms, "But...this does feel nice.... Secure in the arms of a friend...however crude and blue collar you may be."

"Aw geez, thanks." I lifted her hoof, sliding my thumb between the ridge that ran from the front to the back. "But here's a joke. A blacksmith carrying a royal white to impress a dapple apple ass with a pile of freckles."

Rarity was stunned for a moment, "I get it...it's funny because it's true.... You seem to have a fascination with Applejack's rear end."

"It's good...it's uh...it's good." I spotted Applejack walking over, "You ready?"

"Ready and-- Oh my!" She jumped as I jammed my thumb against her under hoof. She let out an exaggerated moan as she stretched her leg out, "Daaarling, your fingers are abosluuutly diiivine!" she devolved into a series of fake orgasmic throes.

Applejack simply walked up and sat before me, "Dave...Fritter said ya--"

"Aaaah!, Darling...you're too rough...." Rarity cooed, kicking her forelegs, "Oh...hello Applejack."

Applejack wore an extremely grim look. "Mornin'. Ya...with her now?"

"I--"

Rarity cut me off, "Oh darling, I wish you could have seen it. I mean at first I was skeptical, but a quick date last night, and he was just...so passionate." she threw her head back into my arms, staring up at me and forcing a blush across her face, "And when things grew heated...his soft...firm- ooooo, wonderful movements...how he worked my hooves, caressing my body.... And when he finally came to take me...his sweaty body pressing against my own, fluids mixing, his-"

Applejack looked uneasy, her face mixing with jealousy and anger.

Rarity leaned against my chest and inhaled, "-scent, his feel. And even when entering my temple...filling me with the thick warmth I so deserved, it was marvelous. So powerful, yet so gentle." she let out a pleased, semi orgasmic coo, "And when things mounted...when he," Rarity covered her mouth, bright red across her nose, "the heat...the thickness. The constant attention to my tender body...."

Applejack stood up, "Well...I'm glad ya.... Glad...ya.... Eeeyep...." she turned away, tail tucked between her legs.

"Oooooo, darling, stop it...faster...soft--" Applejack disappeared into the thick orchard. She let out a girly squeal and kicked her hooves, "Did you see her face!?"

I nodded, "She uh...." I plucked Rarity's socks off and set her down, "She looked hurt."

Rarity cocked her head, "That's what you wanted, right?"

I scratched my head, "I...not sure...." I stopped my nervous tick and stuffed my hands in my pockets, "Well...you said you'd act...and you acted.... I think we're square."

Rarity nodded, "I must admit...it was rather fun. Tell me, do you know of any...stallions, who might--"

"...That would spend the night with you?"

Rarity nodded squeamishly, "That...excitement, has left me rather...hot."

I sighed, "Rarity...think about who I know. Farmers a--"

"Rough and tumble...I know. But- look, can you help?"

I looked back at the fields, "Just walk the fields...I guarantee you'll find someone for the night."

Rarity turned her nose up, "Well...that's not a terrible idea. Not exactly the most romantic...or...hygienic...."

"I was--" I stopped and covered my mouth, "I uh...there's this human in Manehattan.... He uh...specializes in.... Look, I overheard some of the farmer talking about him. Do you--"

"Darling I told you I'm not--"

"You can pay him to...do just about anything. Those mares I was talking about, sick shit." I rubbed my hands, "I'm sure you could...like...hire him to pretend to be a stallion...."

Rarity grew bright red and angry, "The fact that you would even.... Who are these mares?"

"Vineyard and Pumpkin Grove." I pointed to a small house out past the apple fields, "They live up there...."

Rarity swished her tail about, "...I'll think about it." she turned away and looked towards the far off house, "Do you get a representative fee for this, or are you just a pervert?"

I shrugged, "Mostly the second." I looked back to Applejack's home, feeling a little melancholy as I spotted her in the window. "I'm gonna, go." I turned to the path back home, walking past Rarity and down the sun beaten path. The expansive fields and smiling faces felt drained, the color washed from the world ever so slightly.

I felt tired, like someone had pressed a weight against my back and was slowly dragging me into the mud. I made my way down the dirt paths, heading home and finding Fritter waiting in the window.

I hurried up, pushing the door open and almost hitting Carrot in the nose, "Dave! Becarefu--" I cut her off, scooping her up and carrying her over to Fritter. "Um...what's happening?"

Fritter looked me over, nodding twice and walking with me. I lead her from the sparsely furnished entry into a cozy den. I sat down on the floor. Carrot finding herself pulled against my chest. I nuzzled her mane, enjoying the strangely musky smell. "...You're sweaty."

Carrot shifted in my grip, "Sorry."

I moved my hands to her stomach and pulled her against me. "It's fine...just...don't leave me."

Fritter walked over before my eyes, "Ya did it?"

I nodded, my face half buried in Carrot's orange curls, "Yeah...."

Fritter stared me in the eyes, "Was it worth it?" I pursed my lips and buried my face in Carrot's mane. "Guess not...."

I spent the majority of the day resting on the floor, with or without my mares. I just felt low, and no amount of talking or fake enthusiasm would get me out of my funk. I just needed to rest, think things through again.

Snap

I sat next to my window, the warm summer day winding down and leaving me rather tired from another day's work.

I ran my hand through my hair, watching Applejack walk with another man past my home. They had been doing it for about an hour. Circling the path outside my home and just being generally provocative. It was eating away at my heart, each caress, each nuzzle and chuckle, it all worked to make me feel extremely sick.

Fritter walked over, joining me at the window and watching them, "...Ya' know...ya' had this comin'."

I rubbed my mouth to keep from shouting, "I know...but it doesn't make me feel any better." I turned away and drew the curtain. The voices lingered but at least I wouldn't have to see it.

Fritter's face was near shattered, "Yer' cryin'."

I rubbed my eyes, "I'm fine."

"Ya' ain't fine." Fritter put her hoof on my knee, "You want me to go...say somethin'?"

I peeked out again, spotting Applejack mouth to mouth with the other man, "Alright fuck this!" I jumped upright, "I'm done!"

Fritter followed me as I went to the door, "Dave- Dave calm--"

"No!" I slammed my hand against the door, "This is it! I'm fucking dealing with this!" I flung the door open against Fritter's orders.

"Dave-- Damn, buck!" She ran back inside, leaving me to charge over to Applejack.

"Hey!" I yelled at the pair as the man rubbed down Applejack's legs, their faced concealed by their hats. "You fucking done!?"

The pair broke off, Applejack staring at me while the man lowered his hat, "Dave, how's yer' day been?"

I glared at her, "You done!?"

Applejack stepped forward, "Done doin' what?! Playin' your game!?"

I met her steps, getting in her face, "Don't you turn this around on me! I--"

Applejack stepped onto my toes, "Ya' went and got one of my best friends ta' help ya! To- to- mess with me! Ya think it ain't fair if I do it too--"

"You started it!" I grabbed her by her forelegs and stood her upright, Applejack only a few inches shorter when on two legs, "You- right when I got back, right when I apologized for all the stupid stuff I did- you just- you tell me you've moved on! You start talking about another man, to me!"

Applejack yanked her hooves free and pressed them against my chest, "Ya went and shamed me ta' my granny! Ya made me feel like some kinda' monster, just because we ain't the same about rollin' in the hay!"

"I didn't know! I had no idea!" I grabbed her by the shoulders, "Applejack, I'm sorry!"

Applejack started to grow teary, "Then why'd ya run!? Why'd ya--"

"I was stupid! I was a dumb shit, a dumb vulgar god damn idiot!" I fell to my knees, dropping to her level, "I'm so sorry...but I can't...I can't keep doing this...." I cringed hard before looking past Applejack and up at the man, "...Just...make her happy...I don't care...just make--"

The man coughed rather loudly, "Um...Dave."

I knew that voice, someone I'd met in Appleloosa, "...Tanner!?"

He took his hat off, fanning himself with the brim, "Yep."

I stared at him with an utterly befuddled, "But...Fern Wood--"

He nodded, "Yeah...he's not exactly ecstatic about this.... Doesn't like the competition."

I kept one hand on Applejack, my right slapping me across the side of the head, "But..." I turned to Applejack, a look of utter shame on her face, "You did this just to provoke me!?"

Applejack stared me in the eyes, utter rage and sorrow behind her soft green eyes, "Ya did the same dang thing!" She headbutted me, keeping our forehead's pressed together, "Ya did it too!"

I held the back of her head, clutching her against me, "I know! I'm so damn--"

Another voice joined the fray, "Applejack...." Fritter mumbled, dropping a book before her, "Dave...." she turned to me, tossing a green leather booklet for me.

Applejack's eyes shot open. She lunged for the book. I was too quick, grabbing it but realizing the book closest to Applejack was my journal, "Hey no!" I tried to grab it, Applejack kicking me in the jaw and forcing me back.

"Heck naw!" Applejack yelled, scrambling away with my journal, "Hey...let's...let's be civil...."

I stepped back, holding her book high in the air, "No...we--"

Fritter stepped between us, "I was gonna wait, but you two are just bein' absolutely stupid." She looked at each of us for a few seconds, "Read the dang books...both of ya'."

I took a deep breath, watching as Applejack popped my book open, holding it with her hooves and laying down. I turned away and popped the green book open.

Braeburn's sending down some fella to come help. Said he's a good worker for not bein' a pony. Got a picture so I know what ta' look for. He looks....

The entry was covered in scribbles after that.

He just stopped by, looks strong. He'll do fine. Fritter an' him went talkin' so I guess he's got somepony. Apples are comin' in.

Another page, another shot to the gut.

Dropped off some papers with em'. Didn't have no clothes and was all sweaty. I guess yeah, he ain't free. Why'd I try? I don't...I like ponies.... But he's just...he looks hurt...like he needs somepony.

I slowly sat down, making sure not to hurt myself when I fell to the floor, "Jesus...." I flipped the pages.

Took Bloom ta' go get her shoes fixed. He offered to help out in the fields. I can't do it though, he's busy. Besides...I don't want him thinkin' all I ever do is work.

Another.

Fritter said she found somepony wantin' ta take me out. Should be fun.

He's tryin' for Bloom! The dang-- Once again the page devolved into angry scribbles.

Another later note, It was him. The date was him. I guess he ain't with Fritter, or he is, and he's tyrin' ta' herd. I...I don't know. I gotta...I gotta find a way ta stand out. But I'm just a dang workin' pony. I only got.... Once again, scribbles.

The rest of the pages were angry, violent rambling at me, at herself, and an eventual plot that wound us up here.

Tanner said he'd help. He hurt me, I...I don't wanna hurt him...but I don't know how else to do this.

I closed up the book, watching as Applejack cried into the pages of my journal. I tried to speak, my voice hoarse and barely audible, "I'm sorry."

Applejack let my book drop, "Why!?" she crawled after me, "Why!?"

"I didn't know!" I joined her, meeting her half way and holding her upper body against mine. We formed a teepee as we forced ourselves against one another, "I'm so damn sorry!"

Applejack turned her head, cheek to cheek with me, "Why'd we do this!?"

"I don't know!" I screamed, holding onto her for dear life, "I'm so sorry!"

She clonked our head together, "Why'd we go and do this to each other!?"

I started crying, my body growing exhausted from the flood of information. A hidden attraction that could have saved me two months of hell. "Because I was stupid!"

Applejack's tears fell against my cheek, "No- I- dang it I was so dang dumb!"

I moved my hand to he back of her head, "It's not your fault...god damn it's my damn fault!"

Applejack's hooves roamed my neck, "Damn it, it ain't just you! I--"

Fritter's voice cut back in, "The both of ya are dang fools...damn, dang, dumb, fools." A small wooden clatter came from below, my eyes jammed shut as I cradled my apparent admirer. "Now here...." I felt a pen shoved in between my fingers, My hand quickly finding a slip of paper, "Sign...."

I was nearly passed out, leaving my mark blindly on whatever form Fritter had pushed under my hand. "Applejack...I'm sorry." I mumbled dropping the pen and adjusting my posture. I sat cross legged, picking the Apple mare up and setting her in my lap. She held on to my chest, as I cradled her back, "I'm so damn sorry...."

Fritter picked up the board, poking me in the head a few times and catching my attention. She too was slightly teary, "Dave...here." She held her hoof out, a small silver band sitting in her hoof, "...Welcome to the family proper...."

I held my hand out, feeling the ring drop into it. I pushed it to my fingertips, holding it behind Applejack's shoulder and looking at it, my arms crossed like an X around her back. "...Fritter...what is this?"

Fritter just turned away, "...Gotta make sure ya' can't go runnin' off like a damn idiot anymore...." She swished her tail around the dust, "You run off...at least two mares gonna be out for blood now.... Maybe three...dependin' on how this goes...."

I just took a deep breath and leaned the bridge of my nose against Applejack's shoulder. Nothing was said, I simply held her, and she held me. "...I think I just...."

Applejack bopped our heads together, "...Not exactly...the most romantic mare...is she...?"

I rubbed her head, gently caressing her mane and accidentally knocking her hat off, "I guess not...." I let out a short chuckle as I felt something envelop me up to the shoulders. I looked back to see Tanner tying a blanket around us. He just tipped his hat and wandered off, leaving me to try and comfort Applejack. The warm sensation of her body against mine sending a warm joy into my heart, and lifting the haze that had overcome me for the past two weeks of jealousy and stupidity.

And so we sat, hours melting away as night drew over us. My heart was heavy, my body was tired, but I had an immense amount of hope burning deep in my gut. And the metal ring clutched against my palm, however symbolic or legal whatever the binding was, it felt amazing.

Even if it was just so I wouldn't, or couldn't run away. If it was about money, if it was about land, work or collateral, I was tied down. And I don't think there could be a single better thing for me right now.