A Sweet Apple
Monday, October 26th, 2015
The Train to Ponyville
8:00 AM
I Can’t wait to get off this train… I’m so bored… Derpibra nearly muttered to himself. His hooves were tense, and his sanity steadily declining from his prolonged exposure to idleness. At least the seats are comfy. And indeed they were. Blue cushioned seats with iron trims, and a well maintained train, at least the ride was pleasant… before his hooves got to him.
8:15 AM
Slumbering with his jaw down to his neck, he snored obnoxiously. Thankfully, the vehicle’s engine was roaring above his discord, ensuring no other pony could take notice. But, as the train came to a smooth stop, his head shifted off to his left, impacting a rail. Ow ow ow! He stroked the spot of impact haphazardly in response.
An intercom sounded suddenly. A mare’s voice, presumably the train director, stated: “You have all arrived at your destination, Ponyville. Thank you for choosing Equestrian Transportation Inc. Our next stop will be Canterlot, so please remain on the train if that is your destination. Otherwise, have a great visit.”
Derpibra stood, stretching his body. Looks like I’m here. I heard the real estate was really cheap here. I hope the internet didn't lie!
He stepped out of the train as it sluggishly chugged down the track before gaining speed, disappearing into the distance. He then took in every bit of scenery Ponyville had to offer. The town’s odd but flashy architecture nearly mesmerized him.
This place looks so different from home! He trotted joyfully towards Town Hall that was less than a block afar from the station, donning a smile all the while. Town Hall was the utmost alpine structure he could spot from his last location, prompting him to explore it up close.
This thing looks… hm, can't really come up with anything snappy for that. He cocked a brow at Town Hall, taken aback by it’s mere appearance.
“Hey mister!” An argute voice called in his direction from behind.
Huh? He chanced a look behind him, only to spot a cream colored philly regarding him with orange-garnet eyes. “Oh, hi there!” He responded with glee.
She inspected his stripes all over his body. “I don't remember seeing’ another pony- er, zebra, like you ‘round here before!” She adopted a confused expression. “Wait, are you a zebra?”
He grinned lightly at her inquisition. “I’m a zebra pony. I got the stripes from my dad’s side.” He cocked his brow. “Hey, what are doing out here alone?”
The philly giggled. “I’m not alone! I’m helping’ my sister sell apples! That’s why I came over here to talk to ya!” She pointed at an orange mare with white freckles manning a stand with- coincidentally, apple baskets littered about within a small radius.
That’s her sister huh? She looks kinda cute- He was unable to finish his cognition as the philly abruptly yanked him across the dirt path to the stand.
“Howdy.” The mare greeted, extending a hoof for him to shake. “Name’s Applejack. This here is Applebloom. What’s your name?”
He almost choked on his breath alone. What do I say!? Without thinking much farther, he feebly shook her hoof and scarcely managed to mutter, “I...I’m Derpibra.” Okay, just...act...normal. It’s not like she’s a hot cow mare or anything… He held a nervous grin.
“You alright?” She adjusted her hat.
He gulped. “Uh...y-yeah! I’m doing A-okay! Hey, um, about those apples…?”
She shot a look at the baskets of fruit. “We got red, green, and Granny Smith apples. One apple is four bits sugarcube.”
S-sugarcube!? He sifted through his father’s black messenger bag to pull out the required change. Did she just call me… “I’ll take the Granny Smith apple please.” He said faintly as they completed the transaction.
She smiled warmly. “Thanks for ya business partner.”
He swore to himself that his heart combusted from her face, boundless from beauty as it was. Most of Applejack’s attractiveness came from how natural she was. She had no need for makeup or any cosmetic of the sort. “You’re… you're welcome…”
Applejack began inspecting her fruits as Derpibra departed, to be sure none were out of place from their categories.
I just met her… and I’m already in love with her. I’d be lying if I said I didn't fall in love easily. He giggled towards this. ...I gotta ask her out on a date or something… I can't let another stallion have her! He adopted a confident smile. I...can do this! No matter how much I’ve been turned down in my school days back in the nineties!
Applebloom poked her sister. “AJ, he’s back!” She chirped.
“This ain't the first time a customer came back.” She then took notice in that he never ate his produce.
“Hey you two.” Shyness was still dominant in his tone.
“Howdy.” The both greeted.
“Applejack, right?” He questioned.
She tossed her ponytail around her shoulder. “That’s my name. Came back for another apple?”
“Not...exactly. I wanted something else.” He scratched the dirt with his rear hoof. “I was wondering if you wanted to… you know… go eat lunch together?” He only very slightly winced.
Her cheeks became slightly ruby-like. “Aw shucks… yeah, why not? It’s not too busy out here anyways.”
So all those years of rejection are finally over! I guess I’m not as bad with mares as I thought! He scantily managed not to hop up in joy.
“Meet me back at this stand in a few. Applebloom, watch over the stand for me will ya?” She placed her hat on her little sister’s head. “I’ll be ready then.”
Applebloom grinned. “You got it sis!”
“Thanks. Hey Derp, you have any last minute things to do before we go?” She inquired as she pushed around some baskets.
How could I forget!? The real estate! That’s what I was doing! “Yeah. I need to head into… what’s that tower called?” He pointed at the enormous structure.
“You tryin’ to take me to lunch and you don't even know that’s Town Hall?” She laughed. “Let me choose where we go then. I can show ya around town.”
“Hehe…” He chuckled nervously. “That’d be nice. See you in a few!” He trotted over to Town Hall, performing a hop, saying ‘Yes!’ softly.
Applejack shook her head with a smirk. He is a mighty but handsome… I just don't know if I should…
If this is a Town Hall, I bet this is where you can get a buy a place right?
“Welcome.” A beige, white maned mare greeted. “My name is Mayor Mare.”
He patted his hoof against his chest. “Name’s Derpibra Ms. Mare!”
She adjusted her glasses. “What brings you here?”
He rubbed the back of his head. “Fresh off the train from Los Pegasus. I came here because I heard the real estate was cheap… hopefully?”
She flipped through her paperwork. “You heard correct. Our cheapest home is one thousand bits, with one hundred bits due for rent every month. Interested?” She offered him a seat, and showed him some photographs of the home in question.
He took the seat offered and inspected the pictures. It reminded him plenty of home. Not too expensive, of moderate size, and easy to maintain.
She adjusted her glasses again. “It’s right next to Sugarcube Corner. It is furnished already. We did this as a Nightmare Night special, since the holiday is coming up in just a few days.”
He became excited. “Really? I get free furniture too? Count me in! Where do I sign up?”
She summoned a pair of documents from her desk. “Here.”
This shouldn't take long!
Trotting out of Town Hall with his keys, he jumped down the stairs out of sheer bliss, but it was ripped away from him when he impacted the ground face first. He heard light chuckling coming from above, an accent he was all too familiar with.
“Yeah, you’ll be a great friend Derpi.” Applejack chuckled.
He picked himself off with a good dusting. “Stop laughing.” He mimicked her amusement. “Where are we gonna go?”
She motioned her head towards the north. “There’s a place called Hayburger just down the road from here. How do you feel about that?”
His face brightened up from her choice. “I love hayburgers!” He took a bite from the apple he purchased earlier.
“You sure you can take on those huge hayburgers they got up there after that apple sugarcube?” Applejack jested.
“I got a big appetite.” He managed two bites in one sentence.
She cackled. “Seeing how fast you’re eating that apple, I guess you ain’t lyin.” I ain’t too sure if I can tell him or not… I don’t wanna hurt his feelings or nothin’. Hopefully this is just a friendly thing he’s doing.
8:45 AM
Ponyville Square - Hayburger
“Can I take your order?” The waitress asked Derpibra.
Hm… what do I want… “ I want a double hayburger with fries and...ketchup.” He licked his lips at the simple anticipation of how delicious his rather unhealthy meal would be.
The waiter scribbled on her clipboard. “...And what about you miss?”
Applejack placed a hoof on her chin. “Get me a normal hayburger and a apple fruit salad.”
“Fastest service in Ponyville. We will have your orders out in a minute.” The waitress galloped over to the kitchen.
Applejack refocused her attention to Derpibra. “So, what type of stuff are ya into?”
This is your chance Derpi. Don’t buck it up! He gulped out of blatant nervousness. “I’m into music, cars, art, and some other stuff.”
“Really?” She looked somewhat suspicious. “How comes you don't have a cutie mark then? You gotta be talented in something.”
He felt his chest compress. Oh no… what if she doesn't like me because I don't have any talents!? He cleared his throat awkwardly. “I guess I… I have no idea. I guess I didn't find out what I’m into for a cutie mark yet. I have been an inside pony my whole life until just today.”
She examined his hooves closely. “That probably explains why your hooves look smaller than most stallions huh?”
He gulped once more. “Y-yeah… I’m not all that strong. I hope you don't mind…” He began to expect the worst. One wrong step and he could easily dispatch his progress.
“Not at all sugarcube.” She replied with a shake of the head. “I don't judge like that.”
He sighed out of relief.
She smirked. “What? Did ya think I would just hate ya all of a sudden if you weren't?”
Just a tad… “O-of course not!”
The waitress cautiously transported the food over to their table. “Here’s your order. Thank you for choosing us!”
Derpibra nodded. “Anytime.” As she darted into the kitchen, he resumed his attention on the beautiful emeralds that were Applejack’s eyes. “So, what do you like to do with your spare time?” Questioned Derpibra as he took a rather capacious bite from his double hayburger.
She tossed a bantam amount of apple salad in her mouth, followed by her hayburger. “Besides working the farm? I do horseshoe tossing, bull wrangling, and a few other things us country folk like to do.”
He examined the way she ate. She doesn't pretend to get a stallion's attention. She eats just like I do… I like that. “I’m guessing that you have to be pretty strong to do that stuff.”
“Yeah.” She replied with a facile nod. “But not by much though. Maybe you can try your hoof at it.” She jested.
He chuckled. I really gotta start lifting. He shot a look towards his hooves, almost pitying his lack of physical brawn. Just remember Derp, she doesn't judge…
“So, sugarcube,” Applejack began. “What was with you earlier?”
He looked up at his soon-to-be mare with red garnet eyes, his mouth full of hay rendering his speech disabled for that moment.
She could not resist returning his stare, cackling. Ain't he a funny one. “What I mean is, why were you sweating buckets outside?”
He managed to gobble his mouthful of food fast enough to answer her question. “Let's just say I saw something… breathtaking.” His eyelids only descended about halfway, suggesting she was this breathtaking sight.
“Oh… I see.” She blushed. Yup, he’s a flirty one.
They both polished their plates clear of any food. Derpibra saw the opportunity to ask the question he’s been anxious to receive an answer- a desirable answer for.
“Applejack, I got a question- a personal question, to ask you.” He attempted to keep his composure, but he began shaking nigh blatantly.
“Personal huh?” She massaged the back of her neck, somewhat reckoning what he was going to say.
“The time we spent together was amazing. I wanted to know if you want to play a bit more seriously?” He smiled at her.
“.....Sorry sugarcube.” She said weakly.
His ears fell flat. “H-huh…? But, I…”
She shook her head lightly. “I’m sorry. Sweet Apple Acres is really busy, and I can barely manage enough time for my younger sister outside of selling apples. I don't wanna have to make you feel neglected down the road, y’know?”
“But Apple…” His voice became mundane, far below his usual lively tone. He was unable to squeeze her name from his lungs.
He’s a light hearted stallion, sorta like Fluttershy. I ain't never seen a stallion so… down before. “I’ll pay the bill.”
He only stared at the floor, not muttering a word for he could not find the strength to do so. Instead, he stood, and made snail’s pace towards the door, leaving Applejack's alone at the table. He glanced back with eyes full of liquidized crystal, and his mouth quivering.
“I shoulda known that was gonna happen…” She grunted, feeling ashamed of how she broke a stallion’s heart.
9:15 AM
Derpibra moped around town aimlessly in search of his home. He needed someplace to be secluded for the meantime. Soon enough, he stumbled upon a gingerbread house with a sign hanging from it’s door with Sugarcube Corner written on it’s face, and a rather small white house next door.
I don’t understand… why doesn't she like me? Was I coming on too strong? Did I try too early…? He thought regrettably as tears continued to sprint down his cheeks. How could I fall in love with a mare so quickly without being around her for not even thirty minutes?
Walking up to the door, he chanced his key, and it opened, welcoming him into a cozy, furnished home. Shutting the door and locking it in place, he tossed his bag onto the couch and carelessly treated himself the same fate by tossing himself onto the bed, sobbing into the brown sheets.
A mare, pink all over, heard his weeping from next door as she came outside of Sugarcube Corner to sweep the stairs. “Who is that?” She thought out loud with her high pitch, energetic voice. Looking at the home to her left, she saw through the blinds Derpibra did not care to close.
Oh my gosh! He looks really sad! She galloped to the front door and knocked on it lightly. “Are you okay in there mister?”
“Go away!” He retorted through his tears. “Can’t you tell I’m self loathing in here…!?” He resumed his grieving, sounding even more abominable. “Why doesn't she like me!? Why!?”
“Who doesn't like you?” She shouted back through the window.
He ignored the mare and focused on his depression. “Applejack… Ap-Appl-jack…” His sheets grew dark from his waterworks.
Her ears perked upwards. “Applejack? She’s my close friend! The country mare right?”
“Yes… yes… you know her?” He picked up his soaked face from his combination of hoof and bedsheet, revealing his bloodshot eyes. “You know her right!?”
She nodded hastily. “Yes! Please, let me come in! It’s weird talking like this!”
He stumbled towards the door and undid the locks, letting the pink mare inside. She sat on the couch as he locked the door once again.
“My name is Pinkie Pie by the way!” She rocked on her seat.
“I’m D-Derpibra…” He fell onto the bed and began to sniffle.
“Nice to meet you… so what did Applejack do?” She patted the seat next to her, offering him to sit with her.
He took her offer, however reluctantly, and spoke, “I told her I wanted to have a relationship with her and she said she couldn't…”
Pinkie wrapped her hoof around his shoulder. “Wouldn't be sorta kinda easier to find another mare-”
“No, it wouldn't!” He retorted, spiteful at the very idea of not making Applejack his own.
She was shocked at his sudden response. “...Did she say why she couldn't?”
He stood and faced a wall, looking down. “Said she couldn't because she didn't want me to feel neglected since she was so busy lately…” He turned to Pinkie and glared at her. “That’s what all the mares say! I’ve been turned down by mares since my school days!” His expression softened. “What-wh-what’s wrong with me…? Am I just gonna be alone…?”
“No, of course not!” She grinned. “Wanna know why?”
“Why?” He responded flatly.
“Because… I can help you get Applejack!” She nudged him with her elbow.
He sniffled then cocked a brow. “How are you gonna do that?”
“You’ll see! I’ll go find Applejack and see what I can do!” She skipped out of the door, somehow locking it from the other side.
Derpibra laid down on the couch and sobbed.
“Applejack! Applejack!!” Pinkie Pie sprinted towards her orange friend as she worked the stand.
Applejack took her hat off. “Howdy Pinkie. Did something happen? You seem a bit more jittery than usual.”
“Yeah! Just met this zebra-pony stallion and he was all sad about how you rejected having a relationship with him, and and-” Applejack placed a hoof on her muzzle.
Figures Pinkie would run into him. “Look, I already know what you're gonna say. I don’t want to make him feel bad by breaking up with him later on since I’m too busy for a relationship.”
Pinkie shook her hooves everywhere. “You shoulda seen him! He’s all depressed and stuff! He made his bed wet from how much he was crying!”
Applejack winced with an apologetic expression. “You… you gotta be exaggerating Pinkie. I ain’t never heard of a stallion that upset before.”
“I’m not joking! Do I look like I’m joking!?” She made a deliberate expression.
For once, no. Applejack thought. “So… he’s really that broken huh…? But… what do I do Pinkie? I don’t wanna-”
She clutched Applejack by the shoulders and pulled her in forcefully. “Listen Applejack, I have a question!”
She almost gagged from air being forced from her lungs for a moment. “W-what’s the question?”
Pinkie took in a deep breath. “Did you two do anything before he asked you?”
She was perspiring from how dangerously close she was to Pinkie’s muzzle. “He took me out to thesaget hayburgers…” She sighed. “That’s when he asked me.”
Pinkie released her from her grasp. “Next question!” She exclaimed, being as odd as ever. She stepped up to Applejack’s ear to keep this question private from any unsuspecting passersby. She whispered, “Do you love him back?”
Applejack was taken aback by this question. She had to ponder for some seconds before sounding again, this time blushing. “Uh… Pinkie, love is a mighty strong word.”
“Do you?” She inquired again.
“...Maybe a little.” She said feebly. “I guess I ain’t never really run into a stallion like him before. We barely met and he already wanted to take me out to lunch, even though he’s new here. Don’t even know the place any.” Her mane bobbed in the sluggish winds.
“Well Applejack,” Pinkie Pie began, using a normal tone this time. “If you really do love somepony, then you can make time for them. You can do it for your little sister, can’t ya?”
Applejack brushed the back of her neck with her hooves. “Well, that’s only half the story Pinkie.”
“Huh? What do you mean AJ?” She quirked a brow.
“What I mean is…” She stammered in disbelief of what she was about to mutter. “What I mean is… I never been in a relationship before. I was shakin’ in my boots about how much I’d disappoint the poor stallion… but just by saying no, I shattered him instead. Oh golly, I feel horrible…”
Pinkie Pie smiled warmly. “Then make things righty ho Applejack! It’s never too late to fix a broken heart! Just be truthful about it!”
“You know what, you’re right Pinkie.” She nodded in agreement shortly after. “I gotta set things straight. Where is he?”
Pinkie darted down the road. “This way, to his place!!”
“Gah! Slow down silly filly!” She trailed behind her as fast as her hooves could take her.
“There’s his house- who’s singing?” Pinkie Pie questioned as she trotted to the door.
“Is that Derpibra?” Applejack peered through the blinds he did not bother to shut.
“Oh, Applejack…” He sang solemnly to himself. “All I wanted… was to be with you… but now that you won't accept me, what shall I ever do?”
Applejack felt her heart melting.
He stared at the floor, tears dripping like that of a faucet. “The very sight of your beauty left me to drool, but to think I could be with you, what a fool, I was. And now, it seems I cannot look back, not for my wonderful Applejack…”
A tear ran down both mare’s cheeks as they laid witness to his surprising singing ability. His voice was not perfect, but the emotion conveyed was astronomical.
“And it seems the feeling that I condone… is the feeling... of being left alone…” His voice faded as he laid on his off white carpet stained with tears.
“No you don't, sugarcube.” Applejack spoke through the glass.
He focused his vision on the mare he grieved for so long, beholding the alluring pony that was Applejack through the sun stained window. “Applejack…?” His eyes widened in disbelief. “Is that you…? What’re you doing here…?”
“To set things straight. Please let me in. I wanna talk with ya.” She looked down at Pinkie, whispering, “It’s prolly best you stay out here.”
She gave a swift nod then ducked into the bushes just underneath the window. Her tail was still visible from below however.
The wooden barrier blocking entry into Derpibra’s abode slid open with a creak. “Please, come in. Please…” His voice, shaken with desperation for her entry.
The door closing as she continued in, she took notice in the not-so-flashy furniture around his admittedly diminutive home. “Nice place ya’ll got here.”
“Thanks.” He sniffled as he pulled out a dining chair at his glass table. She took the seat offered to her. Then, he sat just parallel from her.
“What happened to you?” She examined his somewhat moist coat around his face, and his bottom lip that quivered slightly.
“It’s…it’s nothing…” He broke eye contact.
“Listen,” She began. “Pinkie told me about how you felt… and I’m sorry for it. I didn't think I’d cause such a fuss, y’know?” She took her hat from her head and placed it on her chest.
“It’s… it’s fine. If you don't want to-” He stammered, a cough that almost sounded like the need to sob once more. But he held back his urge to. “To date me, that’s fine…”
“No, it ain’t.” She smiled reassuringly.
“What…?”
“I actually wanted to be in a relationship, but-”
“You don't have the time to.” He finished for her.
“That’s only part of the truth, but even then that’s not very true in itself.” She explained with a timid expression. “You see… I don't know the first thing about dating stallions. I ain’t never been in a relationship before. And I was afraid you’d be disappointed in me if we split down the road. I wanted to save ya the pain. But… I guess that didn't work.”
“You… you lied just to try and save my feelings…?” He smiled for the first time in hours.
“I had to go against my name. I’m known as one of the most honest mares ‘round. And I risked that to make you… try to make you feel better about it.” She placed her hat on the table. “Pinkie told me this: I was able to make time for my little sis, Applebloom. If I truly love somepony, I can and will make time for ‘em. That means… I’ll make time for you.” She fluttered her eyes at him, signaling that she was now interested in him, or at least making it obvious.
He was at a loss for words. He could do was draw a smile across his gray muzzle. “Do… do you really mean it? We…we can be together?”
She stood from her chair and came over to his side of the table. She cupped her hooves around his face after she placed her hat on his head. She pressed her lips against his firmly, even going as far as inserting her tongue in as well, before releasing him, leaving but a string of saliva to connect them.
“Yes sugarcube.” She replied softly.
Derpibra pulled her close, taking control this time. After he gave her a wet, sensual kiss, he welcomed her to his bed. “After you.”
Applejack did not hesitate to accept his offer. She undid her ponytail and allowed her mane to flow wildly with it’s natural orange color, bright as a sunset. Derpibra climbed onto her, landing kisses to her lips, face, neck, chest, and perhaps a bit lower…