Author's Note

This chapter has some sex scenes, hope y'all enjoy it!

7 - The Apple Of My Eye

I was going to drink another beer. How many had I already drunk? Six? Nine? Not that they were a big deal, but I was starting to be kinda tipsy. I entered the shed where the alcohol was stored. Just as I took the bottle, I realized I didn’t have a bottle opener.

"Shit, where is that damned...?"

"Are ya lookin’ for this?" Asked a voice behind me. It was Fiddly Twang, who was holding the bottle opener in her right hand and her tone made me suspect she was flirting with me. I’ve definitely drunk too much...

"Howdy Fiddly, nice played before, you really have talent." I said congratulating her, she just smiled at me. "May I have the bottle opener please?"

"Maybe, what can ya offer me in return?" She said it in a flirtatious tone. Yup, she was definitely hitting on me.

"What are you looking for?" I asked for playing along with her.

"Perhaps... " At that moment she approached me without taking her eyes off me, and without warning she kissed me in the lips.

I was so surprised that I almost threw the beer bottle in my hand. Just when I started to reciprocate Fiddly's kiss, a noise caught my attention...

"Ehem..." After that throat clearing sound, the fiddler and I opened our eyes wide and we could see Applejack looking at us from the door of the shed.

As quick as we could Fiddly and I separated blushing and unable to look into each other's eyes, I also tried to avoid Applejack's stare.

"Uhm... I think I'm going to see if Gator needs help with somethin’." Said Fiddly Twang making a bad excuse to escape from that awkward situation and leaving me alone with Applejack.

“Bourbon, have ya seen Big Mac? I can't find him anywhere.” She asked me.

"No, I haven't seen him neither."

"Well, thanks anyway, I don't bother y’all anymore..." It was me or did she sound kinda jealous? Ugh... why do women have to be so cryptic?

Suddenly Fiddly went back into the shed.

"Sorry Bourbon, I took the bottle opener with me." She said blushing and smiling nervously.

I simply smiled awkwardly too and opened the beer I was going to drink. I took another bottle with me 'cause I was pretty sure I'd drink this one in one swallow.

After another awkward silence of a few seconds Applejack and I left. She left with Rarity and Fluttershy as I headed back to the log where I was sitting with Sunset.

On the way, I came across Pinkie Pie sitting on top of Cheese Sandwich while she kissed him. What surprised me most was Pinkie's gaze on Cheese. She was looking at him with passion and hunger, I didn't expect to see Pinkie like that.

I really couldn't imagine Pinkie, or Fluttershy, or even Rainbow Dash hitting on someone at all. Fluttershy was a pretty girl but also very shy and I don't see Rainbow Dash flirting in the same way Rarity does. As for Pinkie, she always had a very innocent and sometimes childish personality, seeing her in such a… predatory way was a bit bizarre, although now that I remembered, back in Mexicolt, Cheese was always talking wonderfully about a Canterlot girl, I never imagined that said girl could be Pinkie Pie, certainly, I began to see her with other eyes...

The cajun rythms of the fiddles, accordions and guitars still filled the athmosphere in the bayou, making the people dance and sing. I found myself humming a song when arrived at Sunset Shimmer's side.

"What took you so long?" Sunset asked as I sat beside her on the log.

"Let's say I had a small incident with Fiddly Twang, and then Applejack appeared..." I replied drinking from my bottle.

Sunset looked at me and touched my arm, her eyes turned white and short after that she looked at me not amused.

"Really Bourbon?"

"It wasn’t my fault... ok?" I said trying to excuse myself.

"You know what? I don't want to know, what I do want to know is what happened to you after being expelled from CHS.” Said Sunset.

"Well, after being expelled, my father stopped sending me money, and in short I ended up in the street with nothing but a guitar and a duffel bag with my stuff." I spoke as if it wasn't the big deal, but truth is that at that time I was really lost...

"That's horrible... What did you do?" Sunset asked, I just reached out and she used her magic.

I felt a heavy blow to the face that caused me to lift myself from the ground. A soccer ball, that was what hit me...

"Ouch! What the fuck?" I yelled furiously, coming out from behind the bush I was in.

Before me there were three girls younger than me looking confused and maybe scared. And I don't blame them, I didn't look like going to a wedding really; I was wearing an old jacket that was starting to look dirty, I covered my neck with a shemagh, both garments were camouflage and on my head lay my great grandfather's old straw hat; I spent three days without taking a bath, my facial hair had grown (although I didn't have too much) and I could survive because I still had some MREs in my duffel bag for emergencies. Courtesy of an old friend who was in the army...

"Sorry, it was an accident." Said the red-haired girl with a bow adorning her head.

“What the hell do y’all think you’re doing? You should be more careful.” I continued with my scolding.

“Hey, it was you who was hiding behind the bush, how were we supposed to know you were there?” Said another of the girls, the one with short purple hair and a rebellious attitude.

I stared at the three girls and they were right. I lowered my head somehow regretfully for having scared them. They didn’t deserve that I blame them for my situation, although my nose had begun to bleed because of the hit.

"Whatever." With disdain, I turned my back on them and looked for my handkerchiefs to cut the bleeding.

"By the way, what are you doing here lying in the garden of the schoolyard?" Asked the third girl, a beautiful girl with lilac and white hair.

“I was trying to read a book called 'Mind Your Own Business'?” I replied without looking at them.

"Wait, I know who you are." Said the purple-haired girl. "Rainbow Dash told me about you, you're the one who was expelled after insulting Vice Principal Luna."

I turned around quickly and pointed my finger at that girl.

“Hey! I didn’t insult her, ok? At least not intentionally.” I sat on the mat I had improvised. "Now, please, can you leave me alone?"

"But, are you stayin’ here as if nothin’?" Asked the red-haired one.

"I've been here for three days and nobody has cared, what else does that matter now?" I replied, although my tone sounded more regretful than I intended.

"You have nowhere to go?" The little girl asked again.

"No, I just love to sleep in the open and spend days without taking a shower." I answered sarcastically.

"You don't need to be so rude... look, if you have nowhere to go, maybe you could stay in our barn." Was that girl serious? “It ain’t a luxury hotel, but at least you would be indoors, and the hay is much more comfortable than the bare ground. Consider it a way to compensate yerself for almost breakin’ yer nose.”

I looked directly at the girl; it didn't seem like she was lying. It was strange, for years no person had given me a feeling of trust like that.

"Very well, I accept." I said without thinking too much.

"By the way, mah name's Applebloom, and they’re Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle." Said the girl.

"Nice to meet y'all, I'm Bourbon Maverick."

"So, Applebloom found you living like a hobo and offered to sleep in the barn?" Sunset asked me.

"Yes, but wait to see what happened..." I said keeping my arm extended.

"It's no big deal, but I still think you'll be more comfortable." Applebloom told me as she showed me the way into her barn.

"It's more than I deserve right now."

"Make yerself comfortable, I'll bring ya somethin’ to eat later, and maybe tomorrow you can sneak in and take a shower."

I coupled to the top of the barn. I prepared some hay and a blanket on top. For a moment I stopped to think about how I ended up like this... then I just lay on the makeshift bed of hay and covered my face with my hat with the intention of taking a nap.

In the afternoon I tried to count my stuff, but a noise distracted me. Someone was trying to enter the barn. I hid as best I could, but doing so I hit a toolbox with my foot and made too much noise.

"What in tarnation?" A young woman shouted. "Those darn raccoons."

With the corner of my eye I could see a blonde girl with a distinctive cowboy hat holding a pitchfork that seemed very sharp. She started up the stairs to the top of the barn, where I was, and I prayed to all the gods in whom I believed and in those who did not so that she couldn’t find me. But it didn't work out...

"Ahhh!" She shouted as she pointed to me with the farm tool.

"Wait, wait!" I shouted raising my hands in surrender.

“Sis stop!" Applebloom yelled. That girl had saved my life again.

And that's how I met Applejack, Applebloom’s big sister. A while later I was in the farmhouse kitchen where they introduced me to Big Macintosh, their big brother and Granny Smith, their grandmother. At least they had the detail of letting me take a shower so I could look like a normal person...

"So, they kicked you out of the CHS and Applebloom offered to stay in the barn because you were sleeping in the streets." Said Applejack.

"Yes, basically that’s what happened..." I replied somehow embarrassed. One thing was to camp on the mountain from time to time when I was living in Applelachia, and another thing was to sleep on the street in a city like Canterlot. Well, street... She should rather say the school garden.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell y’all nothin'." Applebloom apologized.

“No, Applebloom you’re not to blame for anything.” I said trying to excuse the little girl. “I am the one who’s sorry; Thanks for the shower and I hope you don't mind that I took three apples from a bucket in the barn. The best thing will be for me to leave." I headed out to the door, but...

"Wait there, young fella." Said Granny Smith. "If ya really have nowhere to go you can stay with us, but you’ll have to stay in the barn because we don't have free rooms in the house."

"Are you serious, ma'am?" The old woman nodded. "What can I do to compensate for the inconvenience?" I asked, the truth is that I didn’t feel well scrounging these people who seemed so good.

"Oh shucks, you don't owe us anythin’, but if ya feel so bad... you could help us with the farm work." Applejack said. "Only if you have what it takes to work here, partner..."

"A little hard work is not going to kill me cowgirl..." I answered the blonde girl with smirking without knowing how much my life would change from that moment.

"Did you really meet Applejack like that?" Sunset asked. "Talking about first impressions..."

"Yeah, tell me about it..." I replied. “After that I stayed at Sweet Apple Acres working as an assistant. I got to know the Apple Family better, I became a good friend of Big Mac and Applebloom, and although technically I was an employee Granny Smith came to treat me as one of the family.” Suddenly, I laughed to myself remembering something…

"What’s so funny?" Sunset asked curiously.

"Nothing, memories..." I said smiling.

Apart from working at Sweet Apple Acres, I decided to make some more money working for an Apple family friend named Burnt Oak. The guy was a lumberjack and offered me some money to help him cut firewood. It was a pretty hard-working morning; I almost didn't stop swinging the axe...

“Bourbon! You can let it go now kid, come to breakfast, you've earned it.” Burnt Oak told me after cutting the last piece of wood.

"Great! I'm starving…” I said sticking the axe in the stump.

Burnt Oak was making breakfast in a fire pit with a dutch oven, inside it a copious stew was boiling, the lid of the oven was used as a pan to fry a couple of eggs, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee emanated from a coffee maker. It was perfect for me, I was so hungry that I'd have eaten an entire horse.

"I'm glad you came to help me; it seems that the Apples were right about ya." Burnt Oak told me, which surprised me.

"What do you mean, sir?"

“They told me you were a responsible and hardworking feller, and I see they weren’t wrong.”

"Oh no boss, I can be many things, but responsible... in fact, I am where I am for not being responsible." I said taking a sip from my cup and remembering what had led me to that situation.

"And yet here you are, cutting firewood for me and workin’ in the orchards of Sweet Apple Acres."

"You’re right, but I do it because I had nowhere to go, and since the Apples welcomed me, I didn't want to be a sponger or a squatter."

"In any case you have proven your worth." Burn Oak took 200 bucks out of his wallet. "Here kid, this is your reward."

"Thank you, Mr. Burnt Oak."

After finishing our breakfast, Burnt Oak offered to take me home in his truck.

“Today is a hard day for the Apple kids. Glad to see they have a friend like ya.” He commented suddenly calling my attention.

"Why do you say that?"

"Today is the anniversary of the death of them parents." Wow... that really catch me. “I was very close to them father, you know. Bright Mac and I were like brothers, when we were young, we always got into trouble, and in fact I was the best man at his wedding...

Burnt Oak's eyes got wet, it must be hard to lose a good friend that way. But at that moment something crossed my mind: How would Big Mac, Applejack and Applebloom feel?

“Must be a shitty day for them…” I commented.

“Each one of them takes it in their own way. Big Mac is very reserved, but he has no qualms about showing his emotions, Applejack instead... Don't get me wrong, I'm not sayin’ she doesn't care, but she is one of those who cries in the inside, I've rarely seen her open in that sense. As for Applebloom, she was very young when Bright Mac and Buttercup died, but she still remembers certain things about her mother…”

When we arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, I thanked Burnt Oak for the ride and went to rest in the barn. Then I went for a walk around the orchard and saw Applejack heading to a specific area. Without her noticing I followed her.

There I could see that she stood in front of two graves. I didn't need to be Sherlock Holmes to know who was buried there. Applejack took off her hat and knelt in front of the tombstones, then she started talking, but I didn't even listen. It was too personal for me to spy on her. Even I have my scruples...

After her “conversation” I decided to approach...

"Bourbon, what are ya doin' here?" She asked surprised to see me.

“I would ask you the same thing, but I already know. Burnt Oak told me about today...” I didn't want to look like I was spying on her, but I hadn't really lied. "You're good?"

“Yup, don't worry… it's the same thing every year, this day comes, and memories invade ya. But it’s nothin’…” If something characterized Applejack is that she’s a pretty bad liar. When she tried to lie, she looked away and pursed her lips blatantly like a bad poker face. Just as she was doing now.

"Ok..." I said not very convinced. "Well, if you need to talk, you know where to find me." Remembering what Burnt Oak told me about her, I didn't want to press her, whenever she decides to talk, she will talk... until then it's none of my business.

The night came and I stayed in the kitchen for a while before returning to the barn. I had hidden a beer in the fridge, and I wanted drink it in the living room alone. I sat on the couch to relax a little, however, a noise surprised me and made me spit part of my drink and get up suddenly...

When I turned around, I hid the beer behind my back as best I could and return to the kitchen, although not in a sneaky way. I saw a silhouette that was heading to the living room, it was Applebloom in pajamas sat on the sofa and stared at a photograph...

"Applebloom, what are you doing awake?" I asked calling her attention.

"I couldn't sleep..." She told me. From the look on her face she looked sad.

"Something on your mind?"

"It's just... I don't know. Today I missed them so much, you know?" I already imagined where the shots were going.

"Your folks, right?" She just nodded. "I imagine how hard it can be." In this type of situation, you never know what to say exactly, I preferred not to open my mouth too much to not look like an asshole...

“I don't really remember much about them… but when I was very young, ma always sang somethin’ to me when I couldn't sleep.” That touched me, and gave me good memories…

"My mother used to sing me too..." I replied with a smile remembering the songs that my mother sang to me. "I remember a song I learned thanks to her..."

"Could you sing it?" That petition surprised me...

"Uhm... I..." I was blank at that request, but looking at Applebloom’s tender eyes how could I say no? "Alright, but don’t think you'll understand nothing..."

I started to sing the song. The reason I told Applebloom that she wouldn't understand it was because the song was in Gaelic. However, she seemed to like it, as she rested her head on the armrest of the couch and slowly fell asleep...

When I saw that she was sleeping peacefully, I did something that was really inappropriate for me: I took Applebloom in my arms and carried her to her room. I climbed the stairs and laid her gently on her bed. After covering the little girl, I left the room slowly to not wake her.

Willing to go to the barn to hit the hay, I did not realize that I had someone watching me closely.

"Well ain't that purdy..." Said a voice giving me such a fright that I almost got my heart out of my mouth.

“Applejack, what the hell? You want me to have a heart attack? "I whispered still recovering for the sudden.

"I'm sorry sugarcube, I didn't mean to scare ya." She answered me and in the midst of the relative darkness I could see her smiling at me. “Hey, thanks, what you have done for Applebloom was very sweet. Who was going to imagine that behind that tough guy mask you were as sweet as pie.”

I didn't say anything, I just looked away kinda flushed.

"This day ain't never easy for any of us, but for Bloom... it’s just not fair that she couldn’t spend more time with Pa and Ma." She said that with a sad look and I could swear that a tear fell down one of her green eyes.

“I know… but sometimes it’s for the best, not having as much bond as you or Mac could have it make it easier for her to overcome those traumas. Although it can also cause certain deficiencies.” I explained.

"Such a fancy analysis, you should be a psychologist." Wow... looks like that Flash Sentry guy ain't the only one who thinks so.

"Hey, do you want a beer?" I don't know from where that offer came from, but it was too late to deny that I had said it.

"Bourbon, I don't drink... " She said rejecting my offer kindly.

"Oh, come on, a bottle a day keeps the doctor away."

"...Oh, shucks what the hell, yer right." She said. The funny thing is that I convinced her with the same phrase I said when I stole my first beer while my grandpa was sleep.

So, Applejack and I talked quietly, and I did something that I didn't think I could do again, open up with someone. I told her about my life at Applelachia and how my parents divorce affected me. For the first time in a long time I felt I could trust someone.

"Well, I think it's better to go to sleep, I’ll go back to the barn." I said stretching and heading for the door.

"Me too, oh and, Bourbon." Applejack approached me and kissed me on the cheek leaving me perplexed. "Thanks for everything. Good night sugarcube.”

"Uhm... you're welcome, AJ, that's what friends are for." I said with a sincere smile which answered me.

"My, my, Boss, I didn't know you were a sentimental." Sunset told me smirking.

"Bah, shut up..." I said laughing and a little flushed. "Now, shortly after that, something happened that was a real turning point..."

"May I?" Sunset asked, I just lend her my arm.

After helping Applebloom to feed the chickens, we ended up playing the guitar in the barn.

"Yer good at this." She told me.

"Thanks Bloom. My grandpa gives me this guitar years ago."

"Have you thought about dedicating yerself to music?" She asked.

"Not really, I see music as a hobby, not as a job." I explained to Applebloom.

"Mom played guitar too, in fact, I think hers' still around." Applebloom got up and among several things stored in the barn pulled out an old guitar full of dust, the strings were mostly broken, the pegs were a little ossified and the wood had lost its shine. "This was mom's guitar, nobody plays it since she and Daddy..."

"I see." I took the guitar in my hands, the truth is that it was a very well-made instrument, it was a shame that it was in those conditions.

"Hey Bourbon, may I ask you a question?"

"Sure Applebloom, shoot." I said.

“Do you miss yer home? Or yer family?” The question caught me off guard and I didn't know exactly how to answer.

“Well, Applebloom, I had never thought about it… Much of my family in Applelachia left me aside when I got in the way with my father when I didn't accept his new… partner" I thought to myself: 'that bitch'. "And about home...."

I didn't know how to answer, in fact, I was asking myself another question, do I have a home? Have I ever had it? It's not that I didn't like Applelachia, and certainly, in Lyreland I have some of my best childhood memories. But in neither place have I felt at home...

“You know Bloom? In Coltwall they have a word: Hyreth. It’s like "homesickness," but not only for home, but sometimes even for times gone by or for something that doesn't really exist. Sometimes it is a longing for a place you can no longer return or have not yet visited. You could say that I feel Hyreth because I have not really found a place to call "my home."

"What would it take for you to find your home?" The red-haired girl asked.

"Well..." I didn't have time to answer because I felt the noise of Big Mac’s truck coming home, which surprised me because he and Applejack were supposed to be at a bake sale with the school's softball team, or at least that's what Applejack told me.

When I went down to meet them, I saw Applejack get off the truck visibly angry, she didn't even look at me.

"Big Mac, is something wrong?" I asked worried.

"Eeyup." He replied as laconic as ever but with a long face.

"I'll go ask Applejack." I said heading home.

"I don't know if it’s a good idea Bourbon..." Big Mac said, but I ignored him.

I entered the house and as I assumed Applejack would be in her room, I went up there. I knocked on the door twice...

"Applejack, it’s me, Bourbon." I opened the door a little and saw her on her back sitting on her bed. "Are you all right?"

"What'd ya think?" That tone told me everything, she was angry about something.

"Ok, what happened?" I asked getting a little closer to her.

“Do you remember that Rainbow Dash promised me that she would take the softball team to mah bake sale? Well, guess what, nobody came... she made a liar out of me. I don't want to see her again in my life…” Wow, that was hard. I knew that Rainbow Dash and Applejack were good friends, almost sisters; Hearing those words from Applejack meant that she was really pissed off.

“Applejack, don't you think you're overreacting? Let's see, I mean, I'm sure she had a good reason not to go.” As soon as those words came out of my mouth, I regretted saying them. Applejack got up like a spring and looked into my eyes angrily.

“And why didn't she tell me anythin’? Such a good friend huh… the 'Loyal Rainbow Dash', I've seen Wynona being more loyal than that!” Applejack said sarcastically. Then she approached me, and I could feel the anger in her eyes. “Listen Bourbon, I'm gonna tell ya somethin’ right now, I don't care what people say about me, I don't care if they make fun of me about being a country girl or have humble origins, I can stand being called redneck and hillbilly, but what I’m not going to tolerate is that they call me a liar and much less for somethin’ that is not mah fault!”

"Look, AJ, you're pissed off, I understand it, but you're not thinking clearly." I tried to appeal to reason, but there was no way...

“Who do you think you are to tell me what I have to do?! Leave me alone Bourbon…” I could swear I had seen a tear fall from one of Applejack's eyes, but I didn't want the situation to get worse so without saying anything I left the room, leaving Applejack alone with her thoughts.

I returned to the barn to think and drink a beer from my "personal stash" and smoke a cigarette, till now nobody knew of that hidden place of mine, I had managed to keep it to myself. Well, to be truth sometimes I got some bottle of cider as a "tip" for the work I did in Sweet Apple Acres once in a while.

“Bourbon?” It was Applejack, who appeared up the stairs. “Are you smoking in the barn?"

"Nope, I just like to watch how the smoke rises while the cigarette consumes..." I replied sarcasticly.

"You can't smoke here; you could light the hay and cause a fire." She scolded me.

“First you kick me out of your room and now you forbid me to smoke in your barn? Talking about southern hospitality…” My sarcasm could be detected miles away at this point.

"You know, sometimes you’re like a pain in the..." She said raising her hands, clearly losing patience. “Look, I just came to apologize. I shouldn't have yelled at ya, you were just trying to cheer me up and I've treated you like trash.” Applejack was silent and looked away. "Well, I just wanted to say that..."

For some reason I couldn't get mad at her, I had enough to have been supposedly betrayed by one of her best friends. I simply put out the cigar and got up.

"Wait AJ." I said. “Listen, I think what you need is to disconnect. Do you know any secluded site?”

"Well yeah, what'd ya have in mind?" She asked looking at me curiously.

"You'll see." I said smirking.

I put some things in my backpack, including several beers and empty bottles and I went with Applejack who was waiting for me outside the barn.

As I indicated to her, she took me to a quite remote place; a very beautiful forest glade near a small river.

"Wow Applejack, this place is beautiful." I said surprised.

"Mah mother showed me this place years ago." She said. “So, and what is yer plan? What do you want to do?”

I told her to wait and put the empty bottles on sticks. Then I went back to the backpack and took out a single action revolver.

"Where did you get that from?" She asked surprised.

“It was one of the few things that I brought from Applelachia. When I was stressed, I used to go to the mountain to shoot, it helped me relax. Try it, you will feel better!”

That said, I pointed the gun at the bottles and knocked them down one by one.

"Come on, try!" I said offering her the gun.

She took it looking at me with a straight face. But before I knew it, she started firing quickly, fanning the gun like a total pro. She knocked down all the bottles leaving me with my mouth open...

Then she flicked the gun and gave it me back. I just took it surprised.

“What? Cat got yer tongue?” She said laughing.

"But... how... when did you learn to shoot like Calamity Jane?" I asked perplexed.

“Daddy taught me when I was 10 years old. I learned to shoot at the same time as to harvest.” This girl surprised me every day. I almost didn't realize the silly expression I had in my face.

“Well, I have more beers and ammo. Let’s see who’s got the best aim.”

"Don't ask me twice, partner." Applejack replied with a radiant smile. That was what I was looking for.

The rest of the afternoon went well, we shot, drank beer... but as soon as we picked up our things it started to rain, so we ran to Sweet Apple Acres. The rain was getting worse and thunders began to be heard nearby, so we entered the barn as it was what we had closest.

We were both soaked, and at that moment I couldn't take my eyes off Applejack. When she took off her hat I could see he golden wet hair and her shirt all soaked and which made my mind begin to imagine various non PG scenarios. I tried to look away, nervous that she thought I was a pervert or something...

"I think I'll stay here until the storm has passed; are you ok with that?" She asked.

"Yeah of course, you’re at home, well, it's your barn afterall, I mean... you know what I mean." Shut up you idiot, you're ruining it.

Applejack just laughed, I noticed her much more relaxed, I don't know if it was because of handling a gun or because of the beers that she drank with me. Speaking of beer, I had also drunk a few and began to be a little frisky. Although being honest, I don't think it was just for beer...

"Hey Bourbon, thanks for everythin’." Applejack looked at me and the strange thing was that I saw her as she was embarrassed by something, I had never seen her like this, so vulnerable, so... cute.

“You're welcome, AJ, I already told you, that's what friends are for.” After saying that she hugged me, and I stayed static.

A few seconds passed that seemed like hours to me until I hugged her back. Then I could notice her soaked body from the rainwater, however, upon contact with mine I could notice that we were both starting to get warm. It was a feeling I won’t forget.

Applejack separated a little and gave me a kiss on the cheek, but our hug did not break there. She placed her hands on my shoulders as mine clung to her perfect hips. She kept looking at me and it was as if time paralyze. I might have drunk a little, but I was still conscious and a pitched battle was going between the two sides of my mind; the little angel told me to slowly separate myself and pretend that nothing of what was happening was real, but the demon inside me was making it clear to me: a beautiful girl was giving me clear signs, all I had to do was take her and let our animal nature take control of ourselves.

Maybe she had the same discussion on her head and one part was the clear winner, or maybe Applejack was simply more direct than me, but she pulled her face against mine and kissed me on the lips. That kiss wasn't long or passionate, but it was enough to say the little angel to fuck off. However, she separated before I could say or do anything. Seriously, how slow was I?

"I'm sorry Bourbon, I’m..." She said blushing without being able to look me in the eye.

"Why do you apologize?"

She turned her gaze on me, and this time I took control. I held her firmly on her hips and kissed her; I could feel her breathing agitated while we kissed, that kiss was full of passion and desire, but above all it was full of need; need of company, as if neither of us wanted to be alone at that moment .

Applejack took my hat off and began to stroke my hair, just as wet as hers. I lowered my right hand to her butt and, fuck! I knew that Applejack had a good figure due to years of work on the farm, but I couldn’t imagine how well toned she was. Her ass was firm, and I swear that if it wasn't because I was controlling myself, I would spank her right there.

Just when our tongues began to dance my left hand unconsciously began to wander under her shirt. Her skin was moist but warm at the same time and I could feel Applejack sighing while my fingers ran down her back softly.

She didn't seem to be left behind, one of her hands began to stroke my neck, down to my shoulder and from there to my chest. Without thinking it twice she unbuttoned my shirt and she began to draw my torso from chest to abdomen with her hand. That was when she made me sigh, that was my weak point.

When we separated to get some oxygen, she just burst out laughing and kissed my neck making me moan. Damn! This girl knew which buttons to touch...

I unbuttoned Applejack's shirt, seeing her breasts still covered by her bra. So, I placed her under me on the heap of hay that I normally used to sleep.

"See anythin’ ya like?" She asked laughing and looking at me mischievously.

I just laugh and kissed her again while my hands totally stripped of her shirt. My lips left the warmth of her mouth to go down her neck and shoulders. Applejack missed a groan and I couldn't help smiling to myself. I just wished that at no time did anyone enter the barn and catch us in fraganti. As I continued with my task, I got rid of my shirt and prepared to unfasten the bra of the imposing blonde that was underneath me.

I looked at her for permission and she simply nodded. Sincerely, it has been a long time since I unbuttoned one of those things and I just wanted to do it quickly so I didn't look like an idiot. Fortunately, it’s like riding a bike or putting a line, once you learn you don't forget it.

When I saw Applejack's bare breasts I stared like an idiot, so as not to appear a creep I kissed her again and hold her closer to me. With our naked torsos we rolled in the hay, literally, while it seemed we were struggling to see who dominated whom. I gave her small bites in her collar bone causing her to moan and she bit me in the ear making me shiver.

When she was on top, I took the opportunity to slide my hands to her ass, and when I was on top, she did the same. At that moment I reached the zipper of her denim skirt, but her hand landed gently on mine. I looked down and could see Applejack blushing.

"Applejack, if you want to stop, just say it..." Why do I suddenly decide to act gentlemanly?

"No, it's not that, it's that, I’m..." Ok, I think I understood what was happening.

"You're a virgin, right?" She simply nodded.

"Just be gentle..." I just kissed her again and proceed with my task.

As my hand explored the young cowgirl from the waist down, my lips began to run down her neck until I reached her breasts. I started kissing the right one and playing with the nipple with my tongue. Applejack began to let out moans in pleasure until she bit her left fist slightly as her right hand caressed my hair.

When I stripped her of her skirt and panties, I was kissing her firm and marked abdomen, slowly descending with my kisses to her right leg. Looking at her crotch I could see that she was really wet. That led me to look up and I saw Applejack suffocated looking at me strangely. I smirked at her and came down to claim what I was looking for a while ago.

"Where are you going?" I didn't give her time to respond.

Once I started kissing her inner lips a moan came out of her mouth. She covered it with her hand as a reflex act and I continued with my task. I explored her womanhood with my tongue until I found her clit which I licked gently, and my hands stretched to caress her breasts. Applejack caressed my hair while her breathing became more and more agitated. She was trying not to cry too loud, but she looked like she was about to explode in pleasure. In a moment, she arched her back and pressed her thighs against my head so hard that I thought she was going to squeeze my brains.

Applejack's legs were strong and muscular, and I was finding out in the worst way possible. Although I couldn’t complain myself, I was enjoying it like ever before.

"Bourbon... I can't... I’m gonna…"

Applejack's legs began to shake as she tried to stifle a scream by covering her mouth with her hand. I kept kissing her down there while stroking the rest of her body with my hands and felt my face soak in her fluids. Applejack shook her pelvis in such a way that it almost left me breathless. Soon her orgasm ended up releasing all the tension she had accumulated leaving me free to breathe looking at her.

She was breathing agitatedly, and her eyes narrowed. I just smirked as I wiped my mouth after what I did.

"Oh gosh, that was... amazing." She said swelling my ego like I couldn't imagine.

I approached her and hugged her as I whispered in her ear. "Well, get ready, 'cause we're not done yet."

That was how, without wasting any more time, I took off my pants and my underwear, exposing my already erect staff. She grabbed him and began to massage him with her eyes still closed. Although it was clear that she had no experience, I appreciated the effort. I kissed her cheek and hugged her. Girls tend to be more sensitive after an orgasm, so they appreciate cuddling, and Applejack was no exception in that...

Without wasting any more time, I got back on top of Applejack and started to introduce my shaft into her. She made an expression of discomfort, and a groan of pain, so I went slowly, not wanting to rush things. Applejack hugged me tightly when she felt all my erect cock inside her, and little by little I continued my bumping.

Soon her moans of pain became moans of pleasure, which I drowned kissing her again. I loved feeling how she moaned as we kissed, that motivated me to move faster.

Suddenly I raised her legs by putting them on my shoulders. Applejack rolled back her eyes as I continued with my rush, she grabbed a handful of hay and closed her eyes as another orgasm invaded her.

I wasn't going to last much longer, but at that moment Applejack's voice stopped me.

"Wait... let me try something." I pulled away a little and she grabbed me by lying on the hay with a strength that surprised me.

Applejack looked at me as she sat astride me, looking for my cock pointing it back to her wet cave.

"Ready for a ride cowpoke?" She asked me, looking at me with lewdness.

"Are you? Saddle up, girl." I said responding with an equal look.

She began to ride me slowly and I already felt like I was in heaven, especially when she started kissing my neck and ear. Soon she started to turn up the intensity, arching her back and riding me like an amazon. Holy shit! No one could say that this girl was a virgin a few minutes ago; she became confident so quickly.

I did not stay behind and grabbed her breasts to what she moaned with pleasure as she placed her hands on my legs. We melted into a storm of caresses and kisses that seemed endless. I lowered my hands to the moving rump of Applejack and did what I had been wishing for a good while. I whipped her on her left ass cheek.

Applejack raised an eyebrow, but immediately smiled at me.

"Do it again." She told me in a challenging tone.

I simply smiled and did what he ordered.

"Ah!" She screamed.

I continued with my rush until I left her as red as them apples. Applejack then looked at me, grabbed my hands and squeezed as she rode harder.

"Yeehaw." She shouted as if he were riding a rodeo bull. Honestly, that made me very horny.

I knew I couldn't take much more, I was at my limit.

"Applejack, wait... I'm gonna cum." I didn't wear any condom, and as neither of us wanted unexpected pregnancies I suposse, so I pulled my penis out of AJ's and cum in the hay.

I felt as though I've run a hundred miles. I laid next to AJ who was still recovering.

"Oh, apple fritters Bourbon..." Applejack said panting.

"I'm telling you, tomorrow I won't be able to move." I said trying to catch my breath too.

"Hey, it's still rainin’... do ya mind if... I stay here for a while?" She asked me that embarrassed. Really? After what we have done, does she behave shyly?

"Of course, stay as long as you need."

I took the blanket I used to sleep and covered us with it. She snuggled next to me and placed her head on my chest. I stroked her blond hair while we both beat our sleep. At that moment I closed my eyes feeling the king of the world.

When I woke up I thought I heard some voices...

"Sis are you in there?" Said a voice from the barn entrance.

"Shit, shit, oh rotten apples..." Applejack said almost whispering nervously. "Bourbon, wake up."

I tried my best to wake up. When I managed to take off my eyes, I saw Applejack confused hurriedly trying to get dressed.

"What's going on?" I asked still sleepy.

"Applebloom is here!" She said nervously.

"What?!" I said getting nervous and getting up from the straw pile quickly and looking for my clothes.

"Applejack is that you?" Applebloom asked.

“Uhm… yeah, yes, I am… uh… organizing some things. Just give me a sec.” Applejack said nervously. Luckily, they couldn't see her face, because she was making that bad liar expression that characterized her so much.

"Is Bourbon with you?" She asked, leaving me pale with fright.

"COURSE NOT! I mean ... Why would he be in here... I mean, with me?” Applejack was more nervous than me, I grabbed her arm and gestured for her to calm down. "You have to leave right now." She whispered to me.

"Good idea..." I replied sarcastically. "Can you explain me how?"

"Through the window." Wait a minute, what?

"Are you crazy?"

"it's not that high, come on, please trust me." She looked me in the eyes, and I couldn't resist those emerald green orbs.

"Wait, I can't find my shirt." I said searching everywhere.

"There’s no time!"

Almost pushing me, she forced me to hang on the window and I jumped. Applejack was right, it wasn’t so high, but if I’d fallen badly, it would have caused me a sprain. I decided to sneak down the front of the barn, but around the corner I crashed into something, or rather against someone...

"Big Mac!" A shiver ran down my spine, and not because we were entering the fall and was starting to get cold. "How are you? Going to harvest?”

"Eeyup." He replied.

"I was going now too; I’m coming with you."

"No, wait, I was wonderin’ if you can accompany Applejack and Applebloom to high school, I don't have class now and I should do some work ‘round here."

"Uhm..." Part of me didn't want to, but it wasn't good to act suspicious either. “Ok, I’ll go with the girls then.

"But don’t forget to dress before... Speakin’ of which, Bourbon, what are ya doin’ shirtless?" It was clear that he was going to ask me about that sooner or later.

"Oh, is that... I wanted to do some exercise before, you know I didn't want to sweat a shirt more than necessary, don’t worry I'm going to take my clothes..." What was I going to say? 'yesterday I banged your sister and I had to escape through the barn window' or maybe 'It’s just I like to have my nipples in contact with nature in the morning'.

When I put on a shirt, I went down where I found Applejack and Applebloom waiting for me. The road to CHS was mostly silent, you could almost cut the tension with a knife. I was afraid that something like this would happen; surely, she regretted what had happened. I thought to myself, every cloud has a silver lining, at least I slept with a hot girl’, but then why did I feel bad? Maybe because I had actually taken advantage of Applejack when she was vulnerable...

Yes... I’m definitely a prick.

We arrived at school and Applebloom left with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo while Applejack met Pinkie Pie who greeted me cheerfully.

“Bourbon! Long time no see here!” Pinkie said hugging me.

"Yes, Pinkie, until vice principal Luna gets over our latest ‘meeting’, I don't think I can come back." I said breaking Pinkie’s hug. "Well girls, may you do well."

"Goodbye Bourbon," Applejack said with a small smile, but without looking at me. That gave me a bad feeling, she sure hated me.

"By the way Applejack, why do you have so much straw in your hair?"

After hearing that I left as the soul that the devil carries, leaving Applejack blushing with her friend.

"Wow..." Sunset said blushing. I looked away, because I didn't need to be too smart to know what she had seen.

"What? Did you see anything you liked?" I asked with a mischievous smile trying to annoy her.

"Asshole..." She replied almost laughing. "So that was your first time."

"If you mean the first time Applejack and I did it, yes, but it wasn't my first time." Sunset looked at me as if asking for explanations. “Look, my first time was in Applelachia; she was older than me, I was an anxious kid… well, I won't say nothing more…”

"And what about Applejack, what happened to you both?"

"After that I went back to Sweet Apple Acres, but I was restless, so I did the only thing I could do, go to the high school to talk to Applejack."

Sunset grabbed my arm and watch my memories again.

I was hidden in an empty classroom watching people walk through the halls. All this time without seeing the CHS students… I felt very troubled, but I was only looking for one person.

I immediately noticed Applejack talking to Rarity in front of one of the lockers. Then they separated and Applejack walked towards the classroom where I was, and with a quick movement I opened the door, grabbed her arm and dragged her into.

"Hey! What the hell?!” AJ shouted when she was suddenly assaulted. "Bourbon?"

"Hi Applejack." I said simply. Good start idiot.

"What in tarnation are you doing here? If vice principal Luna catches you, she will carve you like a turkey on Thanksgiving.”

“Yes, Luna may not be glad to see me, but she is not the one who interests me. I came to talk to you.”

"About what?" I didn't know if Applejack was playing dumb with me or she was that clueless.

"Oh, you know, the weather and stuff..." I said sarcastically. "What do you think? I wanted to talk about what happened last night.”

"Oh..." She said nothing more, but her face was suddenly apple red.

"Look Applejack, I... what did you think? Did you enjoy it?" Actually, I didn't know how to start the conversation, but that question allowed me to get a doubt out of my head.

"I... it was good, I don't know Bourbon, it's that everythin’ was so sudden."

“Applejack, I don't want you to think that I took advantage from you, you were kinda depressed, I was kinda drunk and… what happened, happened. I just don't want anything to change between us.”

Applejack approached me and stroked my cheek making me look into her eyes. “Sugarcube, I don't think anythin’ bad about you, yesterday was fine, and… if I could go back I would do exactly the same, it's just that it was very sudden. I don't intend anythin’ to change between us Bourbon, you're a good friend and I couldn't think anythin’ bad about you.”

It was like a great weight had been lifted, all that oppression in my chest disappeared and I was smiling like a fool.

"Hey, I should go back to class, and you have to leave or Celestia and Luna will crucify ya upside down in the yard." She said heading for the door. "See you at home."

"Yes, see ya." Suddenly something came to mind, something I needed to know. "AJ!" She turned to look at me. "Just out of curiosity, would you repeat it?"

Applejack blushed and looked away for a second. There was no need to say anything, because he just looked at me and nodded to go out the door.

Smiling I left the classroom without caring about anything else, at that moment nothing could spoil my day, or so I thought until I collided with someone ...

"Hey, watch out you idiot!" A girl shouted.

"Oops, sorry." I said until I saw who I had collided with. "Oh, Sunset…"

“Wait, you are Bourbon. Aren't you supposed to be kicked out?” She said slyly.

"Listen bacon hair, under normal circumstances I would bother to remind you how slut you are, but I am so happy that I will be more polite and I'll just ignore you."

I passed her side with a haughty expression and I could swear that I saw her vein swelling in her forehead. Honestly leaving people like Sunset so pissed off is the most satisfying thing I can think of. I wasn’t pretending to offend Applejack, but sex with her had become the second best thing I had done today.

"Now I remember that." Sunset said looking at me seriously. I only laughed while scratching my neck. "So, I guess what happened that night in the barn wasn’t the only one, right?"

"Yup... for more than one month, we had sporadic meetings, usually after work and especially when her family was absent."

"And they never caught you?"

"No." Suddenly I started to remember something... "Although..."

Sunset looked at me strangely, and again, pulled me by the arm.

After working in the afternoon I rested in the barn playing the banjo, but after an hour I decided that I had enough.

I went outside to see what I could do and ran into Applejack watering several trees. The coast was clear, so I sneaked up behind and grabbed her gently by the hips. However, that was enough for her to jump and point the hose towards my face, leaving me totally soaked.

“Bourbon! I'm sorry, you scared me.” She said closing the hose and approaching me while I looked at her with a frown and lip and water dripped through my hair. She started to laugh at me.

"You think it’s funny?"

"Yup, that happens to you for trying to scare me when I'm armed." She said smirking.

"Oh, really?" I said approaching the hose and taking it discreetly. "Well then... Fire in the hole!"

I aimed and soaked Applejack. The water came out with such pressure that it lost its balance and fell into a puddle of mud. I could not help laughing at his misfortune.

"You’re gonna regret this!"

After saying that she pounced on me and I dropped the hose that was still releasing water. We started fighting by rolling on the ground while the hose wet us at the same time.

In a moment I ended up above Applejack. She was certainly strong, but I managed to immobilize her by sitting astride her and grabbing her wrists.

"I beat you." I said smiling triumphantly.

"Don't be so sure cowboy." I didn't realize that Applejack had a ball of mud in one of his hands and managed to crash it against my face.

I shook the mud with one hand while Applejack laughed. We looked at each other and it seemed that time had stopped. Without further delay I reached down and kissed her passionately. She responded and grabbed my neck deepening our kiss. Our tongues danced in an endless battle for domination until we had to separate due to lack of air.

"I think I need a shower." I said breaking the silence.

"Me too." Applejack replied. That gave me an idea.

"Hey, what if... We save water...?" Apparently she understood my proposal, so she grabbed my arm and we entered the house, but not before turning off the hose.

Once in the bathroom, we soon get rid of our clothes and open the shower water.

Between the heat of the water and the rubbing of our bodies it seemed that the house was going to burn from how the temperature had risen.

While the water fell through our bodies we continued kissing and caressing us in every inch of our bodies. My hands went down to Applejack's butt cheeks to caress her butt while my tongue fought against hers. Fuck, how I liked this girl's ass.

I let Applejack's mouth free as my lips ran down her neck and she let out moans of pleasure.

Suddenly she knelt before me, and I didn't need to think too much about what was going to happen. She started kissing the tip of my cock and running her tongue along its entire length. Just when she put it in her mouth and started bobbing her head up and down, I had to grab the tap because I felt like I was losing my balance.

Applejack looked into my eyes, those bright emerald eyes that drove me crazy; I stroked her blond hair soaked by the water that fell from the shower, gently indicating that she should follow. It wasn't going to take a while to burst because of how well she did it, but suddenly, the door opened...

“Sis, are you there? I'm sorry, but it's an emergency.” That was Applebloom's voice. In that instant I cursed all my luck.

But worse was Applejack who almost choked on my phallus in her mouth.

“Applebloom! Ya can’t stay here!” Applejack shouted angrily, rising and pulling her head out of the shower curtain.

"I'm sorry, but I really need to pee." Said the youngest of the Apple.

In that moment all I needed to do was stay calm and quiet, but I was so dumpy that while I released the shower faucet I was still holding, I hit the cold water. I endured how I could a scream for the temperature change, but not Applejack.

Applebloom looked at her strangely and approached the shower...

"What in tarnation are you doin’?" She said, preparing to look inside the tub.

"Applebloom don’t!" But it was too late...

Applebloom pulled the curtain and found me, covering my crotch the best I could and smiling as I wanted the earth to swallow me.

"Hi Applebloom..." It was the only thing I managed to say.

She just kept quiet, covered the curtain again and slowly withdrew.

"You dumbass!" Applejack told me before hurrying out of the shower and putting on a bathrobe to chase her younger sister. “Bloom, Bloom! Wait, I can explain to ya, what you have seen is not what it looks like…”

"And what does it look like?" Applebloom asked in surprise. Applejack just looked away. "Sis, I'm twelve years old, but I'm not stupid..."

Applejack blushed and shook her head. "Look, please, don't say anything to anyone, especially Big Macintosh."

Applebloom seemed to think about it. "Ok, but y’all owe me one... I'm going to the garden toilet." Applejack prepared to enter the bathroom again, but her sister stopped her. "By the way Applejack, you have good taste." She said slyly and blinking one eye to her, Applejack blushed.

"Get outta here you brat!"

Sunset was laughing even more...

"Applebloom, you had to be discovered by Applebloom." She said without being able to endure the laughter.

"It could be worst, can you imagine what would've happened if Big Mac had discovered us?" The truth is that I didn’t want to imagine it, if it had been so, I would most likely have ended up with a broken arm or buried in the apple orchard... a shiver ran down my back. "No, I definetly prefer not to think about it."

"It seemed you were doing well, but I return to the question I asked you at the beginning, what happened to you both?" Sunset asked.

At that question I ducked my head and closed my eyes. Remembering that wasn’t pleasant for me; Sunset seemed to notice and just grabbed my arm...

Applejack and I were lying in bed breathing heavily. She was sweating and her hair was ruffled, and yet she couldn't look prettier. I got up to get a couple of the beers we had brought.

For the first time we had the house for ourselves. Granny Smith and Big Mac were at Appleloosa helping Braeburn with a local party and Applebloom went to a pajama party with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

"This is what I call a plan, you and me, all alone, a case of beers... a large bed." I said that last sinking my face against Applejack's neck causing her a laugh. "Hey Applejack, I've heard from one of my sources, one with pink hair, that in a few days is the Fall Formal at the CHS, and I was wondering if..."

"Do you want us to go to the Fall Formal together?" She asked perplexed.

"Well, since you ask me so polite, I accept."

"You're the worst." She said laughing. "What about you being expelled?"

“I don't think I had any problems; it's been too long. Vice Principal Luna can't always be angry with me… right?”

Applejack was silent, she seemed to be thinking about something...

"Bourbon, may I ask ya a question?" I stopped drinking my beer to give it my full attention. "Where is this going?"

Wow, I didn't see that coming. "Err... What do you mean?" I don't know why I asked that question, deep down I knew what she meant.

"We've been like this for a few months, don't get me wrong, it's been great, this is great, but I was wonderin’ if... have you ever thought about going further."

"You’ll see Applejack, I… the truth is that I had never thought about it..." I was lying, why was I lying? Was it so hard for me to talk about my feelings?

Suddenly my cellphone rang, I looked at the time and it was 11pm, who could it be at that time?

"Answer it, maybe it's important." Applejack said.

"I guess it should be..."

I got up still naked, put on my boxers and picked up the phone. Deep down I thanked whoever it was to get rid of that awkward conversation.

"Yeah?"

“Bourbon? Cousin, it's me, Bootleg.” The voice answered on the other side of the line.

"Damn, cousin, how are you doing?" I haven't talked to my cousin Bootleg for a long time.

"Uhm, fine I guess, I have to talk to you, it's important." I didn't like that tone at all.

"Bootleg, what's up?" I asked seriously.

“It's your father, cousin, he's dead..."

Sunset Shimmer let go of my arm and looked sad and worried.

"Bourbon, I... I didn't know."

"You didn't have to know." I replied simply. "I don't remember very well what happened after my cousin's call, I know I sat in bed with my mind blank with Applejack trying to ask me what was going on, but nothing more... not a tear, not a regret, nothing..."

"You would be in shock, it's the most normal thing," Sunset said. “Was that the reason? Is that why you left Canterlot?”

I simply nodded. “It's the simple answer, but if I tell you the truth, I felt too cowardly to return. You just look…”

After delving into my mind, the memories reappeared in Sunset's visions...

I had picked up my things, not that I had too much, but I didn't want to leave anything behind. The trip back to Appelachia for my father's funeral would be long enough...

Applejack helped me pick up almost silently...

"You know what they told me?" She asked, I simply shook my head. "It seems that a new gal stood up to Sunset Shimmer while she was messing with Fluttershy."

I smiled sideways. "I don't know who that girl is, but I like her already."

The awkward silence came back to us, what could I say? Nothing that wasn't painful...

At the exit were Granny Smith, Applebloom and Big Macintosh waiting for me. Big Mac and Applejack would accompany me to the train station, so it was my time to say goodbye to the old woman and the little girl.

"It was great havin’ ya here, young Bourbon, I wish ya good luck back in Applelachia." Granny told me.

"Thank you for everything Granny Smith." I replied giving her a hug.

"Do you really have to leave?" Applebloom asked with a sad look. I just nodded and the little girl hugged me tightly. She had almost the same strength as her older sister.

"Oh wait, I almost forget one thing."

I quickly went to the barn where I expected to get something I had been working on for a while. When I left, I carried a guitar that looked new, although the Apples recognized it right away.

"Is that...?" Applejack said with wide eyes as I handed her the instrument.

"Your mother's guitar." I went forward to answer. “Since Applebloom showed it to me, I thought it was a shame to let it that way, so I just restored it. Consider it a small payment for everything you have done for me…”

Applebloom ran to hug me again, soon Big Mac joined with teary eyes and Granny Smith followed later. The only one who did not flinch was Applejack who kept looking at the guitar as if she was about to burst into tears, but yet she remained as she was.

After that emotional moment, Big Mac and Applejack took me in the truck to the train station, and there the last goodbyes happened before I headed to my train.

However, Big Mac and Applejack had a conversation, a conversation regarding me...

Applejack watched in dismay as I marched to my assigned car. But suddenly she realized that her brother had his eyes on her.

"What?" She asked trying to pretend nothing was happening.

"Aren't ya going to say goodbye?" Asked his stoic brother.

"I said goodbye..."

"Nope... I say really say goodbye." The tone that Big Mac used was not exactly subtle.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Applejack was trying her best to divert her gaze. But her blush was beginning to betray her.

"Applejack, I'm not dumb, I know about you and Bourbon." The blonde farmer was speechless.

"You... since when?" She asked nervously.

“Since the beginning. I was about to say something, but you were really bad from the problems with yer friends, especially Rainbow Dash, and seeing you so happy with Bourbon, I just shut up...” Big Macintosh explained.

Applejack looked back to where I was, then to her brother, and after releasing a snort of frustration she ran towards me while saying to her brother "We'll talk later..."

Seeing Applejack running in my direction I was surprised...

"Applejack what's up?" I asked.

"Bourbon... you didn't answer the question I asked you... Would you... Would you look for something else?" She looked at me with those green eyes, those eyes that I couldn’t lie to...

"Applejack, if I could, I would change many things, if we’re talking about you, of course I would look for something else." For once I was being honest, the problem is that my sincerity was linked to the fear I felt... "However, I don’t believe this is the moment... I can't give you what you're looking for right now, if you're looking for something serious... ... "Applejack didn't let me finish, because she put a finger to my lips.

"Shh, just promise me that one day you’ll come back." After saying that she kissed me, but it was not a kiss like others we were given that were full of lust and passion, I noticed this full of affection and tenderness, but above all I noticed as a message that said 'I wish you could stay'.

"I promise..." I replied looking into her eyes and about to enter the train.

"Come on, just leave before this situation became more cliché than it already is." Said Applejack dripping one tear from her eye.

After saying goodbye and looking at her for the last time, I looked for my seat and made myself comfortable. To avoid thinking I put on the radio, and as soon as it began to sound, I regretted having done it...

"Well, here we have a Lyrish song that a listener called Lyra Heartstrings has asked us, we hope you enjoy it..."

The song began to sound, and I recognized it by the first three words. Of all the songs from my land they had to play that one. As I followed the lyrics, I noticed how rebel tears fell from my eyes...

And already in the second verse I cried. I cried for my father, for Applejack, for the few friends I was leaving, because I was leaving a life where I could be happy... but I was crying because deep down I knew I would come back, and it would be to stay, because if I felt Hyraeth itwas because I was leaving a place I started calling home...

"Well, now you know my story with Applejack." I replied to Sunset who was still perplexed after delving into my memories.

"Shit Boss, I don't know what to say."

"Don't say anything, everyone picks up what they sow, and I... well, let's say I'm late for the harvest."

Suddenly a voice interrupted us.

"Howdy Sunset, howdy Bourbon." That unique accent belonged to Applejack. Good timing. “Hey Bourbon, have ya seen mah brother? I don't see him anywhere.”

Big Mac was still missing? "Don't worry, I'll look for him around here, maybe the fool has fallen asleep somewhere."

I left the girls, but before, I could hear part of the conversation they were having...

"Speaking of which, Big Mac is not the only one I miss here..." Sunset said.

"If ya mean Pinkie, I think she ran off with Cheese Sandwich to 'show' him the bus." Applejack said in an accomplice tone.

“Ok, first: I won’t sit back comfortably on the bus until it is thoroughly cleaned. And second: I wasn’t talking about Pinkie…” Sunset replied.

I looked around the Fais Do Do compound but no sign of the older Apple, so I yelled to see if I could find him.

“Big Mac! Where the hell are you?”

"Bourbon?" Said a voice behind me

I jumped a little, but I calmed down when I saw it was Big Mac. “Mac, man, where were you? Your sister is looking for you.”

“I was walkin' ‘round, you know to take mah mind off. I drank too much I think…”

“Like everyone… c’mon, let's go back with the others or your sister will ask for my head.” As we walked together, I noticed a couple of details. “Hey, why do you have your clothes so dirty? Have you fallen in the bayou or something?”

“Uhm, eeyup… something like that, let's say I tripped because I didn't see a root and I was a little drunk. But I'm fine, in fact, I'm better than ever.” Big Mac's expression was of real calm and joy, I didn't see him like that in a long time.

"I'm glad to hear it Mac, it’s good to see you could disconnect and stop thinking about Sugar Belle for at least one night." I responded by patting my friend on the shoulder.

"Eeyup..." Something in that tone seemed suspicious. As a friend I liked to see Mac happy, but as a psychologist, I suspected that this farmer was hiding something from me.

However, for the good of all, I preferred not to inquire. While he was happy it was the only important thing.