Stay with me...

Those were the last words I had told Fluttershy after we made love, and now, here I was in bed, looking at the window from where I could see the sky turning blue. The sun was rising, lighting up my room little by little.

I hadn't been awake for long, maybe ten minutes give or take. Still laying on my back, I looked down to find a naked Fluttershy, still sleeping with her head on my chest, her arms around me as mine were around hers. She looked so peaceful, so very happy as if something wonderful had happened.

To be fair, something wonderful had happened, but I was awake, clear headed, and had to think about what this meant. Looking down at her I couldn't help but smile, she was so beautiful that it made me question everything I had done. Sighing, I looked back out towards the blue sky.

"What's on your mind?" Her sweet voice suddenly asked me.

"Hm?" I looked down at her, but she still had her eyes closed. "Sorry, did I wake you?"

"Mmm.." She shook her head, opening her eyes slowly and looked up at me. "I was already awake, I just listened to your heart beat.." Closing her eyes again, she let out a happy sigh. "Thump, thump..." Fluttershy giggled, and her tiny wings fluttered a little.

I started to stroke her head, running my hand gently down her soft hair. It really seemed she had no regrets about last night and, to be honest, I didn't have any either. Even knowing the hurt that would one day come, I knew in my heart I wouldn't change a thing.

"Daniel?"

"Mm?"

Her arms tightened just a tiny bit. "I love you..."

I felt like my heart was going to explode and at the same time I felt dread as well as extreme happiness. Still I smiled, kissed the top of her head and let out a happy sigh myself. "I love you too."

I think we would have stayed in each other's arms all day if we could, but, unfortunately, life once again kicked me in the balls as I saw what time it was. "Shit, I promised AJ to help her in the garden before breakfast.."

We didn't want to let go of one another, she pulled me in, giving me kiss after kiss after kiss, I'm not sure how many she planted on my lips, but she held on tight and she did not let go before she had gotten what she wanted. Once she let me go, she retreated under the covers, her whole face red at how much she had kissed me.

She had her whole body covered, hiding her embarrassment, though one foot did stick out, and of course I couldn't help but reach out and give it a tickle.

"EEP!!" The foot instantly vanished under the cover.

I chuckled.

After quickly getting dressed, I hurried downstairs and outside. Normally I would go jog with Rainbow during the mornings, but Saturday and Sunday were our rest days, I just happened to promise AJ to help her with some stuff.

Like expected, Applejack stood by the shed, already grabbing what we were going to need. "Morning Applejack." He greeted, stretching a little.

She gave me a look, and after a moment she simply nodded. "Mornin."

I frowned. "Uhm, you okay?"

Closing the door to the shed, she sighed and looked at me, crossing her arms under her chest. "I don't know yet." Raising an eyebrow at me, I started to feel a bit on trial. "Did you sleep well?"

When she put extra pressure on the word sleep, I knew that she knew about Fluttershy and I. "Uhm, yes, I?" When she raised an eyebrow higher, I knew the game was up. "We." I corrected. "Did.." Nodding satisfied, she handed me a shovel and took the two buckets she had gotten for our morning job as well. "So that's it?" I asked in a confused tone. "You just wanted to confirm we slept together?"

Applejack shrugged, then started to walk with me following. "It's none of my business." Her tone surprised me, it was not bitter, cold, annoyed, happy, or anything, it was just natural, like she was simply stating the facts.

"Well, I.." Truth be told, I did not know how to react to that, and my confusion seemed to amuse her.

"Listen sugarcube, you're both adults, and while I have my own opinions about the matter, you two made a choice. It is not up to me to judge." She explained calmly, and to be honest, it was quite refreshing.

"So you're not going to tell me that if I break her heart then you're going to break my legs?"

Applejack chuckled. "No, I trust you. Besides.." Her expression got a bit more gloomy. She stopped, then turned to me. "But have you either of you thought about what happens next? What happens when Twilight finds us a way home?"

That was indeed the question, one that I knew I had to come to terms with. "I think we both know what is going to happen then.. We’ll both be heartbroken, but we want what little time we can give one another."

There was silence, and Applejack seemed satisfied with my answer, somewhat. "That's exactly why I can't be mad at you, any of you.." She blushed, looking down at the ground. "It is not like I don't understand her.."

I tilted my head, not sure if I heard her right. "What?"

"Oh, nothing sugarcube, come on, let's get this over with before breakfast." She smiled, turning around and marched off before I had a chance to ask her anything.

When Applejack and I were done with the morning chores, we both went back inside, cleaned ourselves, and went down to breakfast. Fluttershy was already there, and she blushed as soon as she saw me. I did the same, and we tried not to glance too much at one another.

As far as I knew, Applejack was the only one who knew, besides Fluttershy and myself of course. I don't think anyone noticed how quiet I was at breakfast, Fluttershy was usually quiet, so no one noticed that she was being extra quiet. Thankfully Pinkie talked enough for both of us, so the others didn't seem to notice, for now.

So far as I could tell, it was only Applejack who knew about our new relationship, and she seemed to understand perfectly what the consequences would be. I liked Applejack, well I liked all of them, but Applejack seemed most down to earth, maybe it was why I enjoyed working with her so much. I had actually been thinking about taking her with me out on jobs with Micheal.

But that was for another time, right now, I was only thinking about this thing between me and Fluttershy. I knew I loved her, but could I risk getting heartbroken? Then again, Applejack had a point, no matter what, we would be heartbroken. As I told her before, we both knew what would happen should Twilight ever find them a way home.

When glancing at Fluttershy, I knew she would probably talk to one of them about what was going on, and I was pretty sure it was going to be Rainbow Dash, which meant I could be in for a world of hurt...

When breakfast ended and we all went to do whatever we wanted, Fluttershy and I lingered back for a moment. We stood out of sight from anyone who might be nearby, which felt strange doing in my own house. Fluttershy fidget a little in place before she looked up at me with her gentle eyes. "H-have you told anyone?" She asked in almost a whisper.

I shook my head. "No, not really, Applejack figured it out, so I thought there was no point in hiding it. Why? Have you?"

"No.." Fluttershy replied, looking down on her feet. "Daniel.. Do you think we should keep it a secret?"

That was the question wasn't it? Did I feel we needed to? No, not really, to be honest, I didn't think there would be any point. They were our friends after all, so maybe it was better to tell them straight out instead of them finding out by themselves.

I shook my head. "No, I don't think so. But I don't think it's wrong for us to take some time and let us get our thoughts and feelings straight before we announce it." Taking her hand in mine, I smiled at her. "I love you Fluttershy, and if you need to speak to someone about that, I'm okay with it."

She smiled back, standing on the tip of her toes to reach up and give me a peck on the lips. "I love you too, but what about the others?"

"What do you mean?"

"Don't you love them?" She clarified, and didn't look worried at the least, in fact, I dare say she looked hopeful?

"Uhm, yes. Of course I do.." I replied a little nervously. It was the truth, but the subject change and how to think about it was a little strange to me. Most humans choose one partner, and of course, Rarity's words came to mind: Herds are a common thing in our world. Was that what she was fishing after? Judging by her growing smile, I think it was. "Are you talking about making a herd?"

Fluttershy then blushed, which told me I had hit the nail on the head. "Uhm, it's just..if..if you were interested in a herd, it's just that..I already know them, and I..well.."

Jesus, it really had to be normal in their world if she was so relaxed about it. Well, she was nervous, but in a way that told me it was normal. Like when someone is nervous about kissing you even when it is perfectly normal. To humans, most humans at least, it was not normal. Not wrong, but, it was a rare thing here, and to be honest, I had no idea what to think about it.

Did I love the others? I was pretty confident in that answer being yes. But if Twilight found a way home, I would not experience one heartbreak, I would experience six, that's assuming the other girls were even interested in me.

Putting her hands into mine again, I made her stop rambling. "I love all of you, but this is as new to me as it is to you." Sure, I had dated before, but that was under human norms, not under pony norms. "I'll think about it, we both should." That answer seemed to calm her, and we both shared another soft kiss.

"I should go." I said when the kiss broke. "Still have some things to do with Aj."

Fluttershy nodded. "Okay, I'll probably do some work with Pinkie in the house.." She said quietly, but with a small gentle smile, and a tiny blush on her cheeks. Another peck and we both walked away, both of us with a lot of thoughts to sort through.

I had a lot to think about, did I want to make a herd? Wouldn't it be stupid since they were going home? But what if they never found a way home? Ergh.. It was all so fucking frustrating, and I had no idea what would be the right answer. Maybe because there was no right or wrong answer?

I was not sure about it anymore, as Applejack said, we were going to be hurt no matter what. If Twilight found a way home, Fluttershy had to leave me, if we made a herd, I would be saying goodbye to two potentially six girlfriends.. Would it be fair to them? To me?

"Well, you look like you're having yourself some trouble there partner." Applejack's voice said, bringing me out of my thoughts. Looking up, I saw her standing there, a cheeky smile on her lips, and a basket filled with juicy red apples.

Damn, she was cute, and even though I was already aware of it, all the thoughts of what had happened since they arrived flooded back into my mind. Them growing into humans, when they dressed as maids, took care of me when I was sick. Suddenly I was more aware of her, of course there had always been attraction, but this was a new feeling. Suddenly imagining Applejack as my girlfriend made my heart jump.

Fluttershy seemed to want a herd, so was I really against it? The idea itself didn't sound bad, other than the end result if they should find a way home, not to mention if all six of them became pregnant in my world, I would be in deep trouble.

"Sugarcube, you alright?" Applejack asked, walking over. "You've just been standing there, spacing out."

I blushed, I had pretty much just been standing there, staring at her. "Sorry, just a lot on my mind."

"Fluttershy?"

I nodded, letting out a sigh. "Among other things." I looked at her, suddenly feeling nervous, something I didn't normally feel around her. "Do you mind if we go out later? I could use a drink, and I could really use someone to talk to."

An expression of concern, then understanding, crossed Applejack's face, and she nodded. "Sure sugarcube, we can after dinner."

"Sounds good." I smiled, and she smiled right back at me.

"Well now, we can't stand around all damn day. Come on, let's get to work, partner!"

We worked on the yard most of the day, Applejack had a natural talent for it of course, but what surprised me was how good she was at designing the garden. She knew which stones could be placed where, knew what bushes to remove and let be, and so on. It wasn't a simple just cut down until it looks neat, no, she really made my garden look beautiful.

Even Rarity was impressed, and I think we all discovered a hidden talent in Applejack, which was fun to see her deny it. She claimed it was just pure luck, and she just suggested things, but we all knew we had found something she liked to do.

At dinner, Applejack started to seem really nervous, which was unlike her. Truth be told I was starting to feel nervous as well, no reason for it, we were just going out to get something to drink and talk things through, it wasn't a date or anything silly like that.

The others knew full well we were going to go out and get a drink, Rainbow tried to come, but somehow without words, Applejack managed to get her to understand we needed some alone time, and she respected that. Fluttershy seemed very happy for us, even though it was just a drink, and I imagined she would talk to Rainbow Dash when we had left.

Rarity seemed very smug, like she knew something the others didn't, or me for that matter. As soon as dinner was over, she grabbed Applejack and hauled her upstairs, despite AJ's protests. I almost felt bad for her, but I couldn't help but find it a little adorable.

As I was about to help clean the table, Fluttershy put her hand on mine and shook her head. "It's okay Daniel, why don't you go and get ready for your evening?" She said with the sweetest smile.

I blushed in return, knowing she really meant for us to have a nice evening, maybe even a romantic one. I was still not sure about this whole herd thing, but I would just have to wait and see where the night would lead me. So smiling back at Flutters I nodded. "Thanks."

She glanced around, making sure no one was near enough to see, once sure, she stood on her toes and reached up, giving me a peck on the cheek. "Good luck." She whispered and hurried into the kitchen to help with the dishes.

Letting out a long sigh, I looked on as she walked away, wishing I could be alone with her, but at the same time, I wanted to go out and get that drink, getting my head and heart straight. So, using what little time I had left, I walked upstairs, finding a nice shirt and pants. Even put on some cologne to make sure I smelled like a man.

I kinda felt like an idiot, there was no reason to make such a big deal out of this, but I wanted to, and so I did. After about 15 minutes, it was finally time to go, and I made my way downstairs to meet with AJ. She was waiting for me, and as I came down and saw her I was stunned in place, not prepared for the sight that greeted me.

She looked up at me with her beautiful green eyes, smiling with a slight blush on her cheeks. She didn't wear her hat, instead she wore a more stylish outfit than what I would have normally imagined her in. Rarity's work no doubt.

None of us spoke for the first minute, but finally she spoke, breaking the silence that was keeping us trapped in place. "W-well, what do you think partner? How do I look?"

Without thinking I just replied with the first thing that popped into my mind. "You look...beautiful."

She smiled, seeming pleased and yet embarrassed. "Well gosh, you sure do know how to flatter a lady?" Applejack smirked.

I was about to say something when we suddenly heard some giggles. We looked towards the living room, and there in the archway stood the others, all smirking, and giggling. Neither me or Applejack had noticed them spying on us, which made us both blush even harder.

"Alright you two," Rarity chuckled and walked over to open the front door. "Go on, I've taken the liberty to call you a taxi."

"Why, thank you Rarity," I replied. "How did you do that?"

She snorted. "Please darling, it wasn't that hard, I'm not that naive you know. Now you two go and have a good time." Rarity started to push us out the door, much to our confusion and embarrassment, she ignored what little complaints we had and before we knew it we stood outside the front door alone, side by side.

"Uhm, so I guess we should get going." I said, chuckling a bit awkwardly.

She smiled and chuckled as well. "We better go before Rarity comes out and chases us towards town." The mood eased up and we got off the porch. "So, where're we headed?"

I grinned. "Oh I have a certain place in mind I think you're gonna like." Spotting the taxi I waved it over.

"What is it?" She asked curiously.

The taxi stopped and I opened the door for Applejack. "You'll see soon enough."

As soon as Applejack got out of the cap with me and saw where I had taken her, she turned to me and punched me on the shoulder with a big grin. "Ow! What was that for?!"

"You're more sly than a rattlesnake in tall grass!" She laughed and looked onto the bar before them, it was country themed, and a lot of the patrons were wearing cowboy hats. "Hot dang, this seems to be my kind of party!"

I laughed, rubbing my shoulder a little. "I figured this would be right up your alley. It's the best place in town." I figured this was the place to take her, a country styled bar, filled with country music, cowboy hats and of course the best fries in town. It was a popular place in town, and I always enjoyed coming here whenever I had some time for it.

This would be the first time bringing a lady with me, and I was pretty sure the regulars would take note of that. But I didn't really care, I wanted a drink and a friend to talk to, Applejack was that friend, and the Silver Dollar was the best place in town to get that drink.

Linking my arm with her own she starts pulling me towards the bar. "Well come on then partner!"

I laughed, trying to keep up with her so I wouldn't fall to the ground. As expected, as soon as we went through those doors, the regulars noticed me with Aj, and of course those who I knew started smirking, whistling and calling to me.

"Hey Daniel, long time no see. Who's the pretty little lady you brought with you?"

"Oi, Daniel, you weren't telling me you brought company."

"Are you out on a date Danny boy?"

Their comments made my cheeks burn, but they didn't bother me, they were only joking and it was all just part of the friendly banter in town. I simply chuckled, smirking at them and shook hands with the ones I was close enough to pass. When we found a table and sat down Applejack was giving me an amused smirk.

I shrugged. "The whole town is regular here, I haven't really brought any girls with me here."

"I can tell," she chuckled and sat there. "So partner, what do you recommend?"

"Hmm, Whiskey is always great, but I really wanna try some Jack Daniel's, I think it's something you'd like." The waitress came over, and he placed the order. The music played, country style of course, Alan Jackson.

The mood was high, people were laughing, eating, drinking, some were even dancing or playing pool. As we waited for our drinks Applejack reached up and fiddled with a lock of her blonde hair. "So...uhm, you wanted to talk?"

I sighed, leaned back. "Yeah.. I'm not really sure what to do."

"About what? Is it about Fluttershy?"

"Among other things," I admitted. Seeing there was no easy way to come out with it I decided to simply come out with it and just say it. "Fluttershy was speaking about making a herd."

Applejack's expression froze in confusion, she didn't seem disgusted, or even shocked, just confused, or unsure about how to reply. As we sat there in silence the waitress came back and placed two glasses with Jack Daniel's on the table. Aj reached for one of the glasses and took a sip.

"Dang." She said, as she felt the burning sensation. "This tastes good.." Smiling a little, she put her drink down and sighed. "What brought this on Daniel?" She finally asked, tilting her head. "Is it something you want? Or Fluttershy?"

It was a fair point, truth be told I had no idea what I wanted. When Fluttershy asked me if I loved them all I gave her the answer I felt was right, what I felt in my heart. "I, love you, all of you.. But all of this magic, world traveling stuff, it's just, just too much for a guy like me who didn't even think any of this was even real." I leaned forwards again, looking down into my drink. "What happens when you go home? To you guys? To me? Will we ever be the same, and will we be able to get over it?"

Applejack hummed, taking another sip of her drink as she thought about it. "Well, no matter what we do, we're going to get hurt. Just ignoring it because you're afraid of getting hurt won't save you from it forever, worse, it will keep you from taking chances." Reaching over, she put her finger under my chin and lifted up so I would look at her. "Listen sugarcube, I would be lying if I told you that you weren't mighty charming and sweet, but that doesn't mean I will just join your herd."

"But I wasn't-"

She held up a finger, moving back and forth as if to scold me. "Don't lie sugarcube, we both know where all of this is heading.. I knew from the moment I put on that silly maid outfit." She sighed with a blush. "So, if you want me, you got to show me a good time."

I blushed. "G-good time..?"

She started to laugh and shook her head. "No! Not like that!" Laughing she reached up and flicked my forehead. "We're on a date, so come on partner, show me a good time, get it?"

Rubbing my forehead I smirked and raised my glass. "Point taken.."

It was at that point our outing had turned into a date, a real date. Applejack was right, we both knew deep inside where all of this was heading, but at the same time, it didn't mean I shouldn't make an effort to woo them. I knew at some point, if they ever got home I would be heartbroken, but I also knew Applejack had a point, if I didn't take a chance I would regret it, which would hurt much more in the end.

It was at this moment I decided to let go of the fear of the future, simply jump into it all, letting my heart take the lead, as cheesy as that sounded. We started to talk, something we had done a bunch of times during our time working together around the farm. It started with small things, then slowly we went into stories. She told me about her family, and what kind of trouble her sister would get in. I in turn told her about my time in the army.

More drinks were ordered and more stories were shared, we laughed, and even argued a few times, but it never crossed the line. Before I knew it we sat at a bigger table with more people and more drinks were consumed. People sang, laughed, and yelled.

I have no idea how it happened, but suddenly I found myself arm wrestling with Applejack!?

I'm sure I don't need to tell anyone about how strong she was, but FUCKING HELL! Applejack was insanely strong, so much in fact we were both locked in place and my muscles bulging. No one around me knew just what I was dealing with, and so made fun of me for losing to a girl.

Applejack seemed to have a great time, but even she seemed to struggle and put as much effort into winning as she could. I didn't hold back, or go easy on her, which would have probably insulted her if I did, but fuck it, I didn't need to go easy on the girl. The table was shaking as we both held each other in a tight lock, now it was a battle of endurance!

At some point it had become a battle between the males, who were on my side of the table, and the ladies, who were on Applejack's side. Both sides cheered and yelled at us, but at some point one of the ladies leaned down and whispered something to Applejack, whatever it was it made her blush and glance down, which in turn made me glance down as well.

Now, I don't see myself as a pervert, but what I saw made me lose the game faster than you could say cleavage. The way we sat had made Applejack's wide shirt tighten and lower enough for me to see plenty of cleavage, and Applejack in human form was far from small.

Applejack took advantage of that short lapse in focus and finished me off, my hand was slammed against the table, making the glasses jump and shake for a moment, and making the group of ladies behind Aj jump and cheer, and of course made the guys behind me groan and laugh at me weakness.

Again it was all in good fun, so all I could do was blush and laugh. Applejack was blushing as well as she adjusted her shirt. When the initial embarrassment had passed she looked at me with a sly smirk. "I win sugarcube!"

I simply laughed. "Alright alright, I deserve that.. So, what do you want as your prize?"

She pretended to think about it, but I suspected she had already decided on what she wanted, and soon enough she smiled widely and stood. "Come on then, I wanna dance!"

"Dance?! B-but, I don't know how t-" Before I could even finish that sentence she grabbed my arm and hauled me to the dance floor, much to the entertainment of the entire pub. "A-Applejack, I-"

She simply laughed and soon enough I found myself having my arms around her as we moved across the dance floor, moving to the rhythm of the music playing. Applejack laughed at my awkward moves at first, but soon enough I found myself letting loose and actually joining her in her enthusiasm.

Now, Applejack was clearly the better dancer, but I think we found a good balance the more we danced. The whole pub became one big party, and I think so far this date was going great.

I'm not sure for how long we danced, but it was long enough for someone to take our interest upon themselves and change song playing to something more romantic. When the song changed we both stopped, confused, but when the song started to play, we both looked at one another, blushing, but happy at the same time.

It was not a slow song, but it wasn't that fast either. We didn't really care either way, because I placed my arms around her, and she put hers around me and soon enough we were dancing to Livin' On Love by Alan Jackson.

Our eyes didn't leave one another for one moment during that dance, by the end we were practically singing along, though in almost a whisper, and almost like a secret message to one another.

Living on love, buying on time
Without somebody nothing ain't worth a dime
It's like that old fashioned storybook rhyme
Living on love
It sounds simple that's what you're thinking
Love can walk through fire without blinking
It doesn't take much, when you get enough
Living on love

One final swing and the song ended with applauds from the many regulars, me and Applejack stood there, panting, but smiling. "That was fun," I said, and she laughed and punched me on the shoulder.

"You really know how to dance, partner!" She laughed and both of us walked to the bar, needing something to drink.

"Not compared to you. I've had this body for all my life, but you've only been a human for a few weeks." I said impressed, leaning against the bar counter.

She smirked. "I'm a fast learner."

"I'll say.."

The bartender came up to us with a smirk of his own. "So, what can I get you two?"

"Just some water.. With ice, lots of ice," I answered, with Applejack agreeing, ordering the same.

Looking at my phone I realized just how late it was, and just how long we had been here. "Damn, it's late.. I'll go pay the bill, then we can leave after our final drinks."

Applejack nodded. "Sounds good, you go ahead, I'm just going to relax for a bit."

"Be right back." I left her to relax a bit with her cold water while I went to the cash register to get the bill and pay so we could leave soon after. As I was paying however, I noticed a guy had walked up to Applejack and started to make moves on her. She didn't seem interested at all.

One thing I quickly noticed was that the guy was not from around town, he wasn't a regular, which explained why he dared going up and chatting to my date. Anyone from town who had seen us together would not have done it and I could already tell those who saw it were looking disapprovingly at him.

For the moment, the flirting seemed innocent enough, nothing more than a few one liners and so on. Though as soon as his hand found its way to her ass I knew I had to step in, or at least I thought so. Barely a second after the guy had touched her, she swung around using the momentum of the swing and her pure strength to kick the guy so he flew back a few meters.

I had hoped we could avoid this kind of attention, Applejack was strong, so strong I almost felt bad for the guy who had laid a hand on her, but only almost. Unfortunately it seemed the show was not over, the guy had friends, friends that didn't seem to appreciate their friend getting kicked.

As soon as I saw the expressions on their faces and them getting up I made my move and walked over to Applejack. The first one tried to grab her, but I leaped forward and by reflex sucker punched him across his jaw. "Don't touch her!" I yelled, which gained the attention of everyone, but I didn't care.

The rest of them glared at us, and the two idiots we had already knocked down stood up again. "You're dead!" In that moment all the other patrons stood up and walked closer, giving the four dickheads a visual warning that if they wanted to fight me and Applejack, they would get their asses kicked by the entire town.

"I think it's time for you gentlemen to get the hell out of our town." The owner of the pub said from behind the bar.

They seemed pissed, but did not dare do anything stupid, and so they were about to leave, but were blocked off by some of the regulars. "Haven't you forgotten something?"

The owner coughed. "Your bill."

Me and Applejack couldn't help but smirk as the four morons were forced to pay the bill before they were forced to leave. When it was all over the entire pub burst into laughter, people came over and patted me and Aj on the back, saying it was an amazing display, and congratulating me on defending my girl, as they called it.

Looking to Applejack who seemed pretty pleased with the result, thought the same as me, it was time to head home. One of the regulars called us a cab, even paid him for me, guess that's what a tight knit community does for each other.

The drive was short, but Applejack still leaned against me during the trip, if it was not for the adrenaline and the excitement, I figured we could have fallen asleep right then and there. But when the small dirt road leading to my farm came into view I leaned towards the driver on the front seats. "Stop here, we'll walk the rest of the way."

The cap stopped and we both got out, starting to walk down the road, first in silence, but then, Applejack started to giggle. "You sure hit that fella so it hurt." She smirked, stepping closer and leaned against me a little. "Thank you for defending me."

I snorted a little. "Didn't look like you needed any help, you almost kicked that idiot into next week."

She blushed and shrugged. "Well, even I wouldn't be able to handle all four of them, and you did save me. My own knight in shining armor, bet Fluttershy felt the same."

Applejack gave my arm a squeeze and I blushed in return, however, before I could reply the first raindrops fell down, and I looked up. "Damn, it's supposed to rain tonight." As soon as those words had left my mouth, it was like the sky itself opened up, unleashing the waterfall of rain that soaked us within seconds.

We started to run down the road, laughing like teenagers who had been out way too late. When we reached the door however the door was locked and the house was dark. Reflexively I started to search my pockets, but there was no key to be found.

"Shit, my house keys are inside.."

"What do we do then?" Applejack asked, soaking wet from the rain.

Thinking quickly, I looked towards the barn where the mini bus was. "The barn, we can stay there, come on." We could have knocked, but none of us wanted to wake the others, so we ran across the courtyard and moved into the barn.

Once the barn door was closed and I turned on a flashlight she let out a long sigh, taking off her jacket. "Rarity is going to throw a fit once she finds out the outfit got soaking wet.."

We looked at one another for a moment, then burst out laughing. After all that had happened tonight, after all they had talked about, seeing Rarity's shocked expression over the outfit seemed amazingly comical. Once it died down I walked over to a desk to get the electric lantern. "Looks like we'll be spending the night here.." I said and turned the lantern on, thanking whatever god I could think off the battery was still charged. "I'll go get the bus ready for sleeping."

Applejack nodded absently while I went to the bus and started to put the seats down, forming a bed. "Hey Applejack?"

"Hm?"

I couldn't see her as she was on the other side of the bus, but I could hear her. "There are some blankets in the chest under the desk, I think.. Can you check if there are any and bring them here?"

"Sure thing sugarcube." I could hear her move, and after a few seconds she called. "Got them!"

"Sweet, just bring them all over here, don't wanna freeze out here tonight." She came walking over and only once she was right behind me did I turn to face her. "Thank Aj, I'm sure we.. Uhm, Applejack..?"

"Yeah?"

"You're, uhm.. You're half naked.." Not really counting on the sight that met me, I was blushing all over. In front of me stood Applejack, only wearing her panties and bra.

She blushed as well, but tried to stay focused, she pushed the blankets into my arms and said. "Our clothes are soaked, blankets won't do us much good if we sleep in soaked clothes. So if you would stop staring you should get undressed before you catch a cold!" Grabbing a blanket she crawled into the makeshift bed and laid down, wrapping the blanket around her so she could stay warm. I stood there, still stunned. After a second she glared at me with blush. "Well, don't just stand there, get to it."

"Y-yes ma'am." I put the blankets on the bed and started to strip out of my wet clothes, I kept my boxers on though. Just as I was putting them on the roof to dry, Applejack called me.

"Daniel, can you.. Uhm, can you put this up there as well...?"

"What?" Looking down I saw Applejack hiding her face under the blanket as she held up her bra. "Uhmmm, s-sure.." Taking it, I let myself check the a size, which surprised me, and at the same time not. Damn, she was big... Feeling her glare on me, I quickly put them on the roof before laying down on the bed beside her, pulling up the blanket over me, then another one over us both.

And so we laid there, for how long I do not recall, but none of us spoke, or fell asleep, we simply laid there in the darkness, listening to the rain outside hitting the barn and the ground. After a while however, she spoke.

"Daniel?" Her voice was soft and quiet, almost like a whisper.

"I'm cold, could I scoot closer to you?"

"S-sure.."

I felt her come closer, her almost naked body pressed up against mine, and one thing was sure, she wasn't cold, not at all, in fact, she was hot. She moved her hand to my chest, moving her head to lay on my shoulder, then, after another while, she looked up at me, her green eyes staring into mine.

"I never thanked you for an amazing date.."

"Oh, no, it's fine, I had fu-mmfh?" I was promptly silenced when her lips met mine in a soft and longing kiss. Her lips were soft and sweet, her body pressing against mine, and my arms moving around her, holding her tight as we shared this moment together.

Once again I was reminded of what she said to me at the pub... We both know where this is heading, it was as true then as it was in that moment. We both knew what we wanted....

Author's Note

Sorry for all the wait you guys.

And I'm sorry if it seems a little short, but I have been stuck on this chapter for weeks, and I wanna get on with the story.

Editor: Jason Monroe