50 Shades of Hay

My heart is pounding inside my chest as the elevator stops on the first floor. I need to get out of here, I think to myself as I rush out of the elevator and through the lobby, nearly knocking over the unsuspecting receptionist as I burst through the glass doors and into the Canterlot street. I bow my head, shaking as I desperately struggle to catch my breath. One of the stallions who pulled my carriage trots up to me

“Miss Jack, are you alright?” He asks.

“Ah’m fine, Ah just need a minute,” I reply with a forced smile.

“Very well.”

As he trots back to the carriage, I realize that it’s still raining, taking off my hat I gaze up at the clouded sky, and close my eyes. As I feel the calming, cool water permeates my fur, and trickles down my skin, a smile spreads across my face. Feeling crisp, and refreshed, I place my hat back on my head and casually walk over to the carriage. Just before I get in, I hazard one last glance up at the huge steel fortress. As I glance up at the mirror-like glass, I swear I can see the faintest hint of a shadowy figure looking down at me, but I’m not sure. Think’in nothing of it, I climb inside the carriage and set off for Ponyville.

As the city of Canterlot shrinks into the distance, and I’m alone with my thoughts, I can’t help but replay the interview in my mind. No mare, or stallion has ever gotten to me like that, like Rainbow Dash just did, and I can’t for the life of me figure out why. Is it her good looks? The way she carries herself? I just don’t understand what happened. Maybe I’m just over-reacting for no good reason, I mean. She’s very attractive, confident and controlling - but on the other hoof she’s arrogant, and for all her good manners she’s cold and calculating. Well, she appears to be anyway. A cold shiver runs down my spine. She may be arrogant but then, she has every right to be - she’s accomplished so much at such a young age, and she doesn’t take too kindly to dealing with those below her.

I’m so distracted by my thoughts that I don’t realize that we’ve pull up outside Sweet Apple Acres; I exit the carriage and thank the stallions for their services. I slowly make my way up the front steps and through the screen door. No doubt Rarity is gonna wanna know every little detail about what happened.

“Darling! You’re back,” Rare is huddled on the floor in front of the couch in the living room, the to right of the entrance; she’s surrounded by books and papers, she’s clearly tried to start her column - she’s still wearing her silver silk pyjamas, the ones that flow elegantly down her body. She bounds up to me and squeezes me tightly, I relax under her warm touch. I love her fur, I don't know how she does it, but it always manages to feel soft, like marshmallows.

“I was beginning to worry. I expected you back sooner.”

“Oh, well, Ah thought Ah made good time. Considering how the interview went,” I fish the recorder out of my damp jacket pocket, and hoof it to her.

“AJ, thank you so much for doing this, I owe you." She grabs the recorder with her magic - which looks much more stronger, and smiles at me. "So how was it? What was she like?” Aw geez - don’t do this to me Rare. I guess it was too much to hope that she wouldn't be curious.

I shrug. “Honestly? Ah’m glad it’s over, Ah don't really care fer her, truth be told. She was… kinda unnerving ta be around, ya know? She’s focused and intense – and young, really young.”

Rare gazes innocently at me. I furrow my brow.

“Oh, don’t you go give’in me them puppy dog eyes. Why didn’t ya give me some background info on her? She made me feel like a foal fer not knowing basic stuff 'bout her.”

Rarity holds a hoof over her mouth, “Oh, my, AJ I’m sorry - I didn’t think.”

I huff.

“Mostly she was courteous, and formal enough - but it's weird, it's like she’s old before her time. She doesn’t talk like a mare who’s twenty-something. Say, how old is she anyway?”

“Twenty-seven. Oh my, AJ. I’m so sorry. I should have briefed you, but I was in such a panic. I’ll start transcribing the interview right away,” she smiles at me.

My anger ebbs away, “You look better. Did ya eat ya soup?” I ask, keen to change the subject.

“Yes, and it was delicious as usual. I’m feeling much better.” I smile at her smile, then glance at the wall clock in the kitchen.

“Well, Ah better git going, them apples ain’t gonna buck themselves”

Rare looks at me with concern, “Applejack, you’ll be exhausted.”

I wave a dismissive hoof, “Nah, Ah’ll be fine. Ah’ll see you later.”

I’ve been working at Sweet Apple Acres for as long as I can remember. We’re responsible for over seventy five percent of the apples that are distributed to the south-eastern regions of Equestria, while our sister orchard over in Appleloosa supplies the areas that are too far for us to get to.

Truthfully though, I’m just glad to be home, and work’in the farm gives me something to focus on that doesn’t involve a certain rainbow-maned mare. I walk through the tranquil orchard, idly taking note of the trees that we've still gotta buck. When I reach the eastern field, I find that Big Mac has barely made any progress since this morning.

“Hey sis, Ah thought you’d be resting, what with that long trip ya took and all,” He states with a surprised look on his face.

“Hog wash! These here apples ain’t gonna buck themselves,” I grin reassuringly back at him.

“Eeyup,” he smiles at me.

Without another word, we set off to work on the field, and it’s a welcome distraction, while it lasts.

It’s very late in the afternoon when Big Mac and I return to the house for the night. Mac states that he’s gonna take a shower, and heads up stairs while I continue out to the kitchen. I walk down the small hallway that leads straight from the front door, and turn left into the kitchen. when I get there, I find Rare with her headphones in, working on her laptop computer. Her nose is still pink, but she’s concentrating and typing furiously. I’m plum-tuckered, from the long carriage drive and a good day’s hard work. I backtrack and slowly trot into the lounge room. I flop onto the couch and breathe a sigh of relief. My sore, aching muscles scream out in delight as I close my eyes, and relax my body. Although, my thoughts betray me, because I soon find myself thinking about… her.

“You’ve got some really good stuff here, AJ." Rare calls form the kitchen, "Well done. I can’t believe you didn’t take her up on her offer to show you around. She obviously wanted to spend more time with you.” I can hear the curiosity in her voice.

My heart beat increases, surely that wasn’t the reason, was it? She just wanted to show me around so she could brag about all the things she has… right?

“I hear what you mean about formal. Did you take any notes?” she asks.

I shake my head, “Uh…no, Ah didn’t.” I state, collecting my thoughts.

“That’s fine. I can still make a fine article with this. Tis a pity we don’t have any photographs. Handsome devil isn’t she?”

“Ah suppose,” I try really hard to sound casual, as I shift on the couch..

“Oh come on, darling - even you have to admit she is an exquisite specimen.” I can hear her grinning at me.

Darn! I can feel my cheeks redden, I'm so glad she can't see me right now. I change direction.

“You probably would’ve got a lot more outta her.”

“I doubt that, AJ. Come on - she practically offered you a job. Given that I forced this upon you at the last minute, you did very well. So what did you really think of her?.” I reluctantly pull myself off the couch and trot back into the kitchen. When I get there, I fine Rare staring at my seductively. My cheeks feel hot, as the muscles deep down on my stomach clench. Quickly, I make my past her, towards the fridge.

Celestia please... Why won’t she just let this go? Think of something, quick!

“She’s very driven, controlling, arrogant and charismatic. Ah can understand the fascination.” I reply truthfully.

“You’re fascinated, by a mare? That’s a first,” she snorts.

I grab a cold apple from the top shelf fruit bowl, and fumble it between my hoofs.

“Why did you want ta know if she was gay? That was the most embarrassing part by the way, and she looked mighty ticked off ta be asked,” I wince at the memory.

“Whenever she’s in public, she never has a date.”

"So ya though she was gay? Jeez Rare..."

"What?"

I shake my head. “It was embarrassing. The whole thing was embarrassing. Ah’m glad Ah never have ta see her again.”

“Oh. AJ, it can’t have been that bad. I think she sounds quite taken with you.”

Taken with me? Now I know Rare's spinning yarn.

I sigh, and shake my head. “Would you like a sandwich?” I ask.

She nods.

I tun back to the fridge. We don’t approach the subject of Rainbow Dash for the rest of the evening, once we’ve both eaten I’m able to sit and relax at the dinner table while Rare works on her article, I stay up to keep her company as best I can. By the time she finishes her article it’s midnight and we’re both exhausted, I bid her goodnight and make my way up to my room. It's the first door on the right, at the top of the stairs, down the narrow hallway of the second floor. I slip inside, and place my trusty Stetson on one of the end posts of my bed, and curl up under the covers. I close my eyes and instantly fall into a dreamless sleep.

For the rest of the week, I throw myself into apple bucking the rest of the orchard. Rare is busy too, putting the finishing touches on her newsletter before submitting it for approval. By Wednesday, she’s doing much better and is even helping me with some of the work around the farm, although she has more of an appreciation for fine clothes and high society than an honest day’s work.

Friday night, Rare and I are wondering what to do for the night; she insists that I need a break from working so hard, I'm actually inclined to agree with her, and I could use a breather. There is a knock on the door, and standing on our doorstep is my foalhood friend Caramel.

“Caramel! It's good ta see ya!” I give him a quick hug “Come in.” Caramel was the first pony who spoke to me back in kindergarten, since that day we’ve been close friends.

“I have some news.” He grins, his dark eyes twinkling.

“Don’t tell me - you’ve managed ta git kicked outta Appleloosa fer settin’ the Saloon on fire… again.” he scoffs playfully at me.

“We’ve finished the new renovations for the barn!”

“That’s great news!” I hug him again, Rare also beams at him.

“Congratulations Caramel, I should make a note of it for the Insider.”

“You should come over sometime, I’d love to show you all the improvements we’ve made.” He stares intensely me, I blush slightly. “Uh, you could come to,” he adds, glancing nervously at Rarity.

Caramel and I are old friends, but I’ve seen the signs and I know he’d like to be more. He’s cute and all, but he just doesn’t tickle my fancy in that way. He’s more like a second brother to me. Rare often tells me that I’m missing the ‘need-a-special somepony’ gene, but the truth is I haven’t met anypony who I’m attracted to, well in the heart-in-my-mouth, butterflies-in-my-stomach kind of attraction that I read about in Rare’s crappy romance novels.

Sometimes I wonder if my expectations are just too high. But realistically nopony has ever made me feel like that. Well, not until recently, the voice in the back of my head whispers. NO, I am not going there, not after that painful interview. Are you gay, Ms Dash? I wince at the memory. I know I’ve dreamed about her most nights since then, but that’s just a weird way of my brain filtering that awkward and painful experience from my memory, right?

I watch Caramel reach around into his saddlebags and pull out a bottle of champagne with his teeth. He’s handsome with his well-groomed brown mane, light amber coat and faded teal eyes, he’s mighty well-toned as well. But I think he’s finally getting the message: we’re just friends. The cork makes a loud pop, and Caramel looks up and smiles.

Saturday on the farm is unusually quiet and uneventful, I sent Big Mac into town to stock up on some basic necessities, while Rarity went with him to publish her article. And Apple Bloom has gone out crusading with her friends, leaving just me and granny on the farm… So basically it’s just me by myself. I started work on the west fields relatively early this morning, but being a Saturday I decide to call it quits around noon.

Standing among the towering apple trees in the orchard, I casually glance around and find that half of the trees in this area still need bucking; I cast a sideways glance at the tree in front of me, “Why not?” I mutter to myself as I trot up to the tree and get into position, ready to give it a good buck. I stop when I hear the rustling of leaves behind me. I quickly turn my head to find the cause of the noise, only to find nothing. I squint my eyes slightly, Huh, that was weird. Getting back to the task at hoof, I focus my attention back at the tree before me, I lift myself onto my forelegs and buck the tree as hard as I can, the tree surrenders a satisfying 'THUD' as all of the apples fall from the branches.

I smile to myself and turn my attention forward, only to be shocked and mortified at what I see. There, standing not three meters away from me and leaning casually against an apple tree with her forehooves crossed, is Rainbow Dash. Her eyes are half lidded with an unreadable expression on her face.

“Miss Jack. How fortuitous,” Her gaze is intense.

What the hay is she doing here?! Looking all prim and proper in her cream chunky-knit sweater?! I think my mouth is hanging open.

“Ms Dash.” I whisper. Loud enough for her to hear, because there’s a ghost of smile on her lips and her eyes are alight with humor.

“I was in the neighborhood, though I was unsure if you would be here. I am glad I was wrong. It is a pleasure to see you again, Miss Jack.” Her voice is warm and husky like dark melted chocolate… or something…

I shake my head to gather my thoughts. I suddenly notice my heart is pounding in my chest and I’m sweating, though I think that’s more from it being so hot, rather than her sudden appearance. I take a brief moment to quickly look her over and… Wow. My memories of her didn’t do her any justice, she’s not just good-looking, she’s breathtaking, and she’s here at Sweet Apple Acres, standing in front of me. What are the odds?

“AJ. Mah name is AJ,” I mutter as I take a few cautious steps towards her, “Is there something Ah can help ya with?”

She smiles, and it’s like she’s trying not to laugh at some private joke, it’s… unsettling. Taking a deep breath, I straighten myself up.

“I need some of your apple tree seeds,” she states bluntly.

I’m taken aback, “What fer?”

“I’m funding some research,” she answers casually.

I eye her questioningly for a moment, and when it becomes clear that she won’t reveal anymore, I motion for her to follow me. As I turn and trot towards the barn, I can feel her burning gaze on the back of my head. At least, I hope she was staring at the back of my head and not my… I quickly banish that thought and fight to maintain my composure.

I push open the door to the barn and we both stroll inside, there are four spare bags of apple tree seeds over by the far wall, to the left. I casually observe her as she takes in her surroundings, her face remains neutral as she gazes around the inside of the barn, I can’t tell what she’s thinking. And that's really starting to bother me.

“I’ll need one bag, to ensure we have enough samples.”

“What do ya need these here seeds fer anyway?”

She turns to face me, a look of impassive determination on her face.

“Sweet Apple Acres, supplies most of the city’s south-west of Ponyville. Your apples are the highest quality I’ve ever seen, I’d like to deliver some of your seeds to one of my agricultural facilities in Manehatten.”

I blink, "Why?"

Rainbow bobs her head to the left, "Like I said before, Miss Jack. Research."

I frown out the corner of my mouth, "Why, are ya hoping to analyze these seeds, ta find out why they produce such fresh apples. And then try ta alter their genetic makeup ta not only make them more resilient in harsher conditions, but also ta allow them ta be grown in the more inhospitable regions of Equestria?”

Her face remains neutral while she raises her eyebrows in surprise. "Are very... astute observation, Miss Jack.

I quirk an eyebrow, “Ya know, just cause Ah talk like this, don't mean Ah’m stupid.”

She smiles, “I never implied that you were, Miss Jack.”

“This all part of your, ‘feed the world’ campaign?”

She nods, “Something like that.”

I turn back to the few remaining bags of apple seeds and eye them nervously.

“Ah guess ya can take one bag, as long as that’s all ya need. We’ll need those other seeds if the crop falls through; after all, apple harvesting is our life blood out here.”

“Oh, I wouldn't worry about that, Miss Jack. I wouldn’t dream of… bleeding you dry.” Her voice is cold, and sinister.

I widen my eyes at her as I unconsciously take a step back.

“That was a joke.” She deadpans.

I release a breath I didn’t know I was holding, and I can see the faintest of smiles touch her lips. I quickly turn away from her and head over to the bags of seeds, hoping that she can’t see the fresh blush that is now covering my cheeks, as I begin to lift the bag onto my back.

“So how is the article coming along?” she asks, casual as ever.

“Ah’m not writing it, Rare is. Miss Rarity. Mah roommate, she’s the writer, and she was devastated that she couldn’t do the interview in pony.” I turn to face her before continuing, “Her only concern is that she doesn’t have any original photographs of you.”

“What sort of photos does she want?”

That stuns me for a second, Truthfully. I wasn’t expecting that response. I shake my head, because I just don’t know.

“Well, I don’t have pressing engagements. Tomorrow perhaps…”

“You’d be willing ta do a photo shoot?” My voice is a little higher then I had anticipated. Rare would have a field day if I pulled this off. And you might see her again tomorrow, my mind whispers seductively at me. I dismiss that thought.

“Rare would be mighty pleased - if we can find a photographer.” I’m so happy, I smile broadly at her. She parts her lips, like she’s taking a sharp intake of breath, and she blinks. For a fraction of a second, she looks lost somehow. It can’t be. Rainbow Dash looks lost?

“Let me know about tomorrow.” She reaches around into a pocket concealed in her sweater and pulls out a business card.

“My card. It has my mobile number on it. You’ll need to call before ten in the morning.”

“Alrighty then.” I grin up at her. Rare is going to be thrilled.

“AJ!”

I turn.

Standing in the half-open doorway of the barn, is a golden looking stallion with a golden mane. The cowstallion hat he wears is pulled low against his head, obscuring the top half of his face, but I can easily make out the mile-wide grin on his mouth. Beyond his brown leather vest, I can make out two saddlebags slung over his back. I smile, I knew Braeburn would be visiting, but he sent that letter weeks ago, I was starting to doubt if he’d actually turn up...

“S’cuse me, Miss Dash.” She frowns as I turn away from her. Braeburn hugs me hard, taking me by surprise.

“AJ, how are ya? It’s so good ta see ya!” He gushes.

“Howdy, Brae, Ah’m good. What took you so long anyways?”

“Ugh, don’t even get me started on the traffic.” He grins as he examines me at arm’s length. Then releases, me but keeps a firm hoof draped over my shoulder. I love my cousin, but sometime he can get a little too touchy feely. I glance back at Dash, she’s watching us like a hawk, her mouth is a hard impassive line. She’s changed from the playful Pegasus into something else – something cold and distant.

“Brae, Ah was just completing some business with somepony. Somepony you should meet,” I say trying to defuse the anguish in Rainbow's face. I drag Brae over to meet her, and they size each other up. The atmosphere is suddenly tense.

“Uh, Brae, this Rainbow Dash. Ms Dash, this is Braeburn. He’s mah cousin,” I feel as if I need to explain a bit more.

“Braeburn here owns the Appleloosan Orchard, over in Appleloosa.”

“Mr Burn.” Dash holds out her hoof, her face in unreadable.

“Ms Dash.” Brae returns her hoofshake. “Hold up – not the Rainbow Dash? Of Wonderbolt Incorporated?” Brae goes from surly to awestruck in a nanosecond. Dash gives him a polite smile.

“Wow – it sure is nice ta meet ya,” he smiles.

“Brae, why don’t you go inside? Ah’ll be along in a minute.” I state and he leaves the barn, I turn back to Dash, “Is there anything else you need, Ms Dash?”

“Just the apple tree seeds.” Her tone is cool and clipped… where did that come from? Did I do something to offend her? Catching a breath, I trot back to the bag that I wriggled loose. What's her problem? With a mighty heave, I sling the bag onto my back and struggle stand with it. now, I consider myself pretty well toned, but even these bags are a bit challenge for me. I gaze back at Dash, only to find her watching me closely, intensely. Have I mentioned how unsettling she can be?

“Did you happen to bring a cart? Or saddlebags?” I ask, trying and failing not to come off as too strained.

“No, allow me to take that,” she replies calmly, before I can respond she trots up to me. Standing on her hind legs, and in one swift motion, she snatches the bag off of me and slings it over her own back. Letting it settle just above her wings, she eyes me for a moment before turning and making for the barn entrance. My eyes widen, and I’m speechless at what I just saw, she snatched that bag off me like it was nothing, she gazes at me over her shoulder as she trots.

“You’ll call me if you want to do that photo shoot?”

I nod, still wide eyed and speechless.

“Good. Until tomorrow, perhaps,” she turns to leave but pauses, “Oh – and Applejack? I’m glad that Miss Rarity couldn’t do the interview.” She smiles, then strides out of the barn with her head held high.

I stand there for several minutes just staring at where she was. Okay, I like her. I quietly admit to myself. I don't think I can deny my feelings anymore. I’ve never felt like this about anypony before. But it’s a lost cause, I know, and I sigh. But I can still admire her from a distance. And if I can find a photographer, I can do some serious admiring tomorrow. I bite my lip in anticipation and find myself grinning. I need to call Rare, and organize a photo shoot.