So it was the day at last. It only took a few momentary breaths to escape her lungs for Adagio to know that this would be the worst day of her life, nor would it ever be eclipsed. Every good feeling she’d enjoyed these short few days was now meant to be cast aside and put to rot. Every joy, every happiness, even to the most mild of contentment, had been destined for an eternal desolation. The inevitable was awaiting her now; departure was coming.

She awoke early, though much of her brain would have been content to go on sleeping; after all, she was still in Applejack’s grasp, this world was comfortable, why not relax and let slumber take her further on? What did she have to wake up for? But the grim reality was not going to relent so easily, not when years of fearful running were capable of seeing it supported. She had to go and leave this safe place behind, no matter how she wished otherwise.

It’s the right thing to do, the sorrowed Siren counseled herself; though she hated every single word that passed from that demonic being’s lips, there wasn’t an ounce of absurdity to be found within their reasoning. You’re not a good match for her and her whole family knows it. Even you know it. What could you provide her but more pain?

Happiness could be provided, though the likelihood was slim. Her presence had made that wondrous woman joyful so far, what would change if she continued to pour out affection? Give her a kiss and see Applejack woken up, spend the earliness of this morning in a pleasant makeout session; it wasn’t as though such a thing could go wrong, right? Be damned the darkest of her voices, they had no right to steal from her this serenity!

It’s what I have to do, Adagio believed. So get it over it. Leave her behind and give her the chance to actually be happy. Because so long as you’re here in her life, all she’s ever going to know is misery. It’s what your DO.

Adagio could only see the cloudy grey colors that existed in the outside world; there was no light that could seep through, no great mirage of joy or terror that would beckon either which way. All she could do was stew and suffer in the most comforting presence she’d ever know and let the early rays of dawn pass by before her eyes until the rooster crowed and saw them all to awakening.

But- awakening! Applejack would know she’d tried to depart, and the hour of Abbot’s sound was so close. There wasn’t enough time to try and whist herself away even if she tried, for surely the beastly things of this perfect place would lay eyes upon her trail. Maybe the early morning hours were not her place of departure; for now, she would only arise and try to say her goodbyes. That might be enough.

When she heard the sound of that brilliant rooster’s crow, Adagio was already down amidst the kitchen and hard at work, unable to do much else when there was so much of herself that could not be at peace. Eggs, pancakes, waffles, toast, anything she could hope to bring to life beckoned for her efforts! The whole family deserved the most fabulous of thank-you’s for allowing her to stay; maybe this was why she’d lingered.

To her great surprise, there came to her ears the sound of gentle footsteps. Amidst the soft sizzling of frying pans was the quiet creaks of wood being pressed down by weight, and soon did Applejack appear in full form, though tired and bleary-eyed she was. Adagio took in the sight of her and found a heart to be racing. Even though she had just entered the world of the waking minds, this powerful and precious being was unlike any other.

“You’re up awful early,” Applejack groaned, her words stretched thin and offering no weary tone to be heard amidst her dreary mind. “You OK?”

Ye- no. No, I’m not,” Adagio said, though she hadn’t intended to admit it. Why should she lie any longer? This day’s departure would see her ripped away from home, unable to ever return. There wasn’t any happiness to be found, no excitement of any kind. This whole day would be a long and drawn-out death that would be suffering to the soul- but like hell would she allow it to escape her lips. “Mind helping me get everything going?”

“No, just- one thing,” Applejack said as she sidled up to her beloved.

“What’s-”

But of course she knew, for the touch of Applejack’s lips against her own was the unforgettable symphony of precious flavor that could never be forgotten no matter how much time could pass. This world had ensured she would never forget it, nor would any soul on earth ever know love without their tinge having been cast in the midst. Farmgirl and unworthy Siren had been bound together by heart and hand no matter what attempts at freedom may come; to escape the sensation was impossible now.

For a while, Applejack only tended to the work before her and gave regard to nothing else. Her beloved Siren had asked such duty of her, why give credence to anything else? But soon came the willful actions of the self, and her mind drifted from simple acts of cooking and onto greater things. If this was to be there last farewell today, many words had still to be said.

“Dagi?”

“Mhm?”
“Thank you… for last night. For telling me everything,” Applejack said, turning from the stove so that she might better take in the beauty of her one true love. In her eyes was a sorrow, a joy, and a pain all unique in their own, for none could taken from the other without one being severed. “I can’t imagine what it was like, but… I’m glad you thought it was safe to tell me.”

It hadn’t been safe, but there was nowhere else in the world to turn. To whom else could she find refuge, if not Applejack? It was the only sensible decision she could make. So Adagio merely smiled and kissed her, finding nothing else to be done. Her girl deserved every bit of affection she could give before the parting that awaited so shortly down the road. “Applejack…”

“Mhm?” The beautiful girl, bleary-eyed and a tussled mess even still, stood beside her and gazed so deeply into her soul that Adagio wanted to drop everything and be consumed by her love. That temptation that had come ever since her first parting was desperate to win out in the end, pushing against her will and see it give in to the most pleasurable of desires; ooh, why couldn’t she just be this perfect woman’s trophy wife and be completely focused on her happiness? She knew how to- sort of! She could make Applejack happy! All it would take is for this worthless ego to be dropped and rendered useless, caring not about what she’d done and rather who she wanted to be. And oh my god, how she wanted to be this perfect beefcake’s girly-girl!

So strong was the temptation that Adagio decided it was best not to say much of anything at all. The tongue was a slippery thing, and especially loose so early in the morning. There were better ways to be of use now, and what her hands could craft were a fantastic place to start. See to breakfast, see to the welfare of the family that had loved her all week long; put speech to the wayside, lest she say something truly stupid.

“That oughta do for now,” Applejack murmured, taking a step back from the stovetop to admire their preparations. So much of a wholesome meal had already been made, kept on skillets for warmth and ready to be served come the awakening of the rest of the house. “We’re kinda some late risers on Sunday, honestly, so this is good. Why don’t we go outside for a bit, enjoy the sunrise? Coffee’ll keep us warm.”

Adagio nodded, and that was far too swift even for her liking. Emotions were speaking faster than sense still, and she’d been awake for a good minute. How on earth was she supposed to say anything aloud if this was how she was behaving? A mug in hand and soon she was out the door, sitting beside her perfect beloved as they enjoyed the cool colors that were scattered about by the mist of dawn.

“Wow.” It was a genuine sound, one that took the Siren for a momentary pause; Applejack was looking out into the world of her family’s orchard, taking in the sights and shapes of the familiar places she had known all her life, yet in her eyes was a wonder that could only be gifted by newness. “I’m not usually out here to see it. Like this, I mean. Me and Big Mac are too busy getting ready for work to think about taking a second to relax. By the time I’m out here, all of this is- gone. It’s nice to just have a second and take it in.” A calm inhale as though the sight was one that could be taken in by all senses, a sweetness to the spirit that had to be fully breathed in. “You- do you wanna make this a thing? Just between us, every Sunday? We wake up a little early and just enjoy the morning together?”

The temptation to say yes was beyond agonizing, but a single sound or movement of affirmation would be assent to her permanent place amidst this sacred realm. She had to say nothing, merely reach over and give Applejack’s free hand a squeeze and let silence carry on unless she was somehow taken to have finally been won over.

To their ears came the sound of wood being put to movement, though more distant than the door that stood just to their side; from the cottage that sat beside the ancestral home was the sound of movement, and in the fading darkness were two shapes that could be seen moving towards them. Sugar Belle and Big Mac strode together and the sound of hushed voices were in their midst, whispering together in a hurried tone until the sight of Siren and farmgirl were there before them.

“Oh- good morning, you two!” Sugar Belle said, eyes wide and smile strangely absent from her features as the sight of Adagio came into view. Her eyes glanced over at Applejack who gave a shake of her head, and then came the sight of that familiar gleam as she came forward to give the ginger beauty an embrace. “You’re both up early, I figured we’d be the first. What are y’all up to?”

“Just enjoying ourselves for a little bit. We’ve got breakfast ready to go if you’re hungry,” Applejack said.

“Sounds good. Won’t you join us?”

The invitation was met and the two couples retired to the kitchen so as to feast upon the works of prior labor; Adagio enjoyed the scents and sounds that surrounded her- yet the taste of food was ash in her mouth. Her company was cheerful and loved, but it tore at her soul. How was anything supposed to bring color and life and loveliness to her world if she had to leave this place behind? How on earth was she ever supposed to be happy again?

“So…” Sugar Belle took a slow stab of egg and played with it, all of her words and motions delayed as she tried to collect herself. “Do- do y’all mind keeping a secret for a few days? At least from Granny?”

Secrets were forbidden enough in the house, but that last addendum to the request was one that gave the beautiful farmgirl pause. “Ain’t heard words like that since I was a kid,” Applejack muttered. “What’s this about?”

The young couple pushed away their meals so as to better compose themselves, a shared glance between them seeing the two united in thought and intent. It was the first time Adagio had seen the two be hesitant about anything together, a strange scene to soak in when they had always been so calm and at ease.

“This one’s important,” Big Mac said, his low voice hardly more than a distant grumble. “You gotta not say nothing about it. I mean it.”

“Then what’s this all about?”

Sugar Belle bit her lip and took in a breath for preparation- and perhaps luck. “So… we’ve not been super sure the past couple days,” she began, “but I’ve been waking up and- and not feeling 100% my best. For a little while, now. And when we talked it over the other day, I… maybe have gone into town while Granny was gone. And picked up a pregnancy test.”

If any of them were still drowsy before, the proclamation was enough to see them fully awake now. Applejack’s freckled beauty was turned pale, she left gaping at her sister-in-law. “No way.”

“I confirmed it last night,” Sugar Belle affirmed. “I’ve- I’ve got a doctor’s appointment on Wednesday to see how everything is, but… I think I’m actually pregnant this time.”

“And- I thought you wanted to wait until you finished up the whole cottage,” Applejack stammered. “Wasn’t that- oh jeez, and you don’t wanna tell Granny about it? Why?”

“Because I want to make sure everything’s OK first,” The frizz-haired girl replied, and in her smile was a tinge of sadness that did not escape the Siren’s notice. “Don’t want to get her hopes up for nothing. But we- well… I wanted to tell someone.”

“I’m happy for you,” Adagio said, her words catching everyone off-guard to include herself. “You’ll be a good mother- good parents, really. I can’t see how you’d do a poor job.”

Sugar Belle beamed, for what reasons Adagio did not allow herself to guess. “Thank you,” she murmured, reaching over and giving her friend’s hand a squeeze. “I can’t imagine a better place to raise a family. Three aunties to help look out for her? It’ll be the safest baby in the world?”

“You already know it’s a girl?!”

“A Momma can hope, can’t she?”

Applejack’s immediate assumption at Adagio’s remaining allowed the conversation to carry on, and for Adagio to struggle beneath the weight of it. Everyone believed she was going to stay in this resplendent place, save herself. What was she going to say when she had to go and prove them all wrong?

The morning should have been so easy, especially when the rest of the family awoke and came to the kitchen so as to join them. There was good cheer in the air, the soft glow of morning sunlight was piercing through the windows and providing such a radiance, they were happy. She was happy, she felt so comfortable as to believe she actually belonged here! The cold, miserable reality that she was going to have to leave was like a searing metal against her heart; how was she supposed to endure this?

Then don’t. For Gods’ sake, don’t! A quiet voice that was so often silent within her brain was erupting, coming back to life and seeing her unhappy tirade be put to the test; rather than the sounds of her sisters, rather than all the condemnation she’d given to herself over the years, this new sound was of her own making, brisk and clear as she’d ever known it. You can actually stay. They want you to stay, Applejack wants you to stay. This whole idiocy doesn’t have to carry on. Who cares about worthiness here? None of them do, and they never will! She wants you as you are, so stop caring so much about what you’ve done and choose to do something good NOW!

But she knew she couldn’t. To stay would be the beginnings of her life as a virus, old habits unable to be fully cast aside and thus turning her into a fetid rot that would infect this sanctuary; she would grow and fester, turning cold and bitter until everything her hands touched would be poisoned by the malice of her selfishness. Applejack’s gentle love would be forever tainted, the peace of this place would fracture- this family would be wounded indelibly by one they’d chosen to love, and had only lashed out in return. What a sick thing she would be if she remained. So she had to go.

No. No, you really don’t. You don’t have to be that person. Have you been that person much at all this week? You’ve been sort of alright this week, you even somehow made peace with Apple Bloom a little. You can be who Applejack thinks you are- you even want to! You can be the gentlest, sweetest, sexiest thing this farm has ever seen and hold to that magnificent girl until your arms fall off! Care about her, rock her world, drive her up the wall and make her need you 24/7, but my god, STAY! Stay, damn you!

“So… is it OK if I borrow the truck today?” Apple Bloom asked.

“I mean… sure, but what for?” Applejack countered.

“Sweetie and Diamond texted me last night, said they got tickets to some sort of concert going on downtown and asked if I wanted to come. Would it be OK if I went?”

Granny considered the matter. “They want you as a DD, don’t they?”

The remark was a shrewd one. “We drink around here. We’ll be responsible!”

“So that means nothing for you, too. Right?”

“Of course! Jeez, don’t y’all trust me?” The younger girl seemed genuinely wounded by the matter, staring at her aged matriarch with an anger in her eyes.

The query was a fair one, and Granny Smith smiled as she gave her nod of approval. “Just checking. When are you going?”

“I was thinking I’d leave about five? That alright?” Apple Bloom said.

“Say hey to your friends for me, then.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

It was such a perfect day, everyone having some manner of joy to hold to and be grateful for. Apple Bloom was at ease and eager for a night with friends; Sugar Belle was secretly expecting, eager to carry a child into a safe realm of family; Granny, aged though she was, looked out upon her family and found them settling comfortably into roles and lives that would carry on without her. This household was so serene, yet Adagio knew she was about to ruin it all.

“Well… we ain’t got much we need to get done for today,” Granny said, pushing her empty plate aside and turning her attentions to that of her kindred. “Just make sure nothing’s out of order with the animals, and… hmm, which orchard’s gone the longest now?”

“South orchard had one I wasn’t so sure about,” Big Mac answered, a swiftness in his speech so that he might ensure his sister did not try and rise to the challenge- soon proven right when Applejack sank back into her seat with a scowl. “Wasn’t sure if it’d got disease or bugs in it. I might take a bit to get it taken care of.”

“Then see to it. How’s the barn looking?”

“Still some sort of scuzz in Little Bits’ hoof that I can’t seem to get rid of,” Apple Bloom reported, and the expression upon her face was one quite morose. “She’s able to put some weight on it, but I’m worried its some sort of rot. I think I might need to get the doc to look at her and see what we can do, it just won’t stay away.”

“She behaving any differently?” Applejack asked.

The younger girl shook her head. “Still pleasant as can be, and doesn’t seem to be limping. I’m not sure what I can do to help her out.”

“If it was something really wrong, she’d let you know,” the wizened matriarch said, soothing her youngest granddaughter’s fretful tirade, calm and experience the best opposition to a worrying mind. “She might just need a little extra help you don’t know how to give, that’s all. Call the vet and see what he has to say; that’ll help best instead of worrying.”

“Y- yes, ma’am,” Apple Bloom murmured before turning to the last of her waffle. “Thanks- for the meal, y’all. I’m gonna go out to the barn for a bit if that’s alright.”

“Any of them need milking?” Sugar Belle asked.

“One or two.”

“Great! Bring me the pail when you’re done, OK?”

“Sure thing,” and Apple Bloom pushed back her seat so as to depart from the table. As she rose to her feet, a scant glance was given to the ginger woman in their midst, and for only a moment did the young girl consider this stranger that was so terrified of becoming family. Brief, momentary, yet that was all it took for the accusation –no, the challenge- to pierce her heart. Apple Bloom guessed all so easily what she was thinking. What Adagio meant to do next…

Was her next step going to prove the girl wrong or right?

“Well… I probably should’ve asked before Apple Bloom left, but is there anything special y’all want for lunch today?” Sugar Belle asked aloud, looking about the table and eagerly awaiting a sign from any one of them. “Today’s Sunday, after all! I was just going to do some fried chicken and the works, unless anyone had something else in mind-”

“I’ll take it.” Applejack and Big Mac’s voices combined for the power of a forceful symphony. When the result left the frizzy sweetheart a bit staggered, Granny gave a smile and added in her small nod.

It was such a sweet smile to see upon such lovely features, the plush woman flushed from delight that her barest suggestion had been so readily accepted. Adagio recalled their conversations, to include what little had been said regarding Sugar Belle’s unhappy past. She had always wanted to provide for others like this, see want and need cared for by her hand. Keep stomachs full, love unconditionally, and oh how glad was she that the Apple family was eager to allow it. They valued her, not just for who she was, but prized her talents and skills as well; to this happy household, they were better because of her culinary brilliance- and time, time again, were they glad to be cared for by her acts of love.

“Alright, then! I’m- I’ll probably be a little while, since I’ve got to mash the potatoes, but it should be done in time for a decent lunch hour,” Sugar Belle said. A rise to her feet so that she might brush the crumbs off her skirt, leaning over to give her husband’s cheek a kiss, then one wave goodbye. “Thank you so much for making breakfast, you two! It was delicious, by the way!”

“Sure thing, Sugar Belle!” Applejack held a grin of particular smugness as she watched the family chef depart from their midst, as though there had been a secret victory none had yet to take note of. “Delicious, she calls it. I always knew I was good, but it’s nice to get confirmation every now and then.”

“You sure it wasn’t her?” Big Mac said, nodding towards Adagio and ensuring the Siren paid heed only to the contents of her coffee mug. “Sugar Belle taught her how to cook; bet that’s what makes it so good.”

“I’ve always been a good cook!” Applejack protested.

“You’ve been a decent baker. You’re not even the best cook in the family.”

“Boy, you could find a way to screw up ramen!”

“Oh for heaven’s sake, am I going to hear this argument again?” Granny sighed, exasperation heavy in her voice- though the look on her face was one of good cheer, turning the fear upon her grandchildren’s face to that of laughter. “Now, we all got work to do, so let’s get to it. Big Mac, get the four-wheeler out there and check out the south orchard. You gonna need help, or-”

“I’ve got it.”

“Then good. Applejack, I need your help with something in my room, so you’d better come with me.” A slight look over to the Siren’s presence before that wizened gaze settled upon her completely. “Mind cleaning things up in here?”

“N- no, not at all,” Adagio said, and knowing that she meant it. Did Granny know this would be her parting gift to the family, perhaps? Allowing her this last semblance of grace, to depart after an act of kindness and be remembered with as much fondness as such a heart-wrenching choice could offer? Adagio had to believe it was so, because the alternative was too impossible to believe. So when the trio of Apples departed from the table, she turned to what dishware had been left behind and saw to the room’s total cleanliness; there would not be the slightest hint of grime in this kitchen when she was done.

But then came the emptiness. As the last fork was put back in the drawer and slid into cover, the totality of silence fell upon Adagio’s ears and she felt her pulse quicken. Sugar Belle was occupied elsewhere with meal prep that would likely take the rest of the day, if not into the afternoon. Big Mac was out in the orchard and tending to the family’s crops; Apple Bloom was tending to her animals- and Applejack was occupied helping Granny with some mysterious errand in her bedroom. If there was a time she needed to depart and not be met by an ounce of protest, then the window of opportunity was going to be very slim; it might have to be right now.

“Please don’t do this,” Adagio whispered, and already she felt the sting of salt in her eyes as the sinking weight fell to her stomach. “Please just stay.”

But you know you can’t. You know what you’ll do if you remain, came the unbidden voice of those twin snakes. They’d never relent, always be present in the darkest recesses of her mind, and forever would they be glad of inciting her pain; if she remained, they would only sink their fangs in all the deeper. So long as she tried to find a way to belong here, she would forever let their venom seep out through open wounds and poison this resplendent place.

Should she change back into her old clothes? The scant dress she’d worn when Applejack had found her wasn’t exactly in any sort of serviceable condition, so that was out; just leave as is? To pack up the wardrobe that had been gifted to her felt like leaving a lasting insult. No, it would better if she just escaped as is, leaving little more than whispers to testify to her presence. A note, perhaps? To explain why she’d chosen to leave? Even that seemed like it would only be twisting the knife further. Adagio knew full well what she had to do, and that it had to be accomplished now; the longer she waited, the more hesitation would sink in and bind her feet to the floor. She might actually not leave, and thus do indelible damage.

The spear of sorrow in her heart was unimaginable as Adagio took in this shelter she’d so desperately wanted to call home. Pain beyond pain, unimaginable heartbreak; she had actually felt safe here, she’d fallen in love within the confines of this home. Why, oh why, did she have to leave it all behind? If only she’d been someone else, someone better- maybe she could have stayed and never left.

“You still could stay,” she whispered. “Please don’t go. Please, don’t go. Go talk to Applejack right now, I’m begging you.”

You don’t need to do that, said her serpents as she began to walk down the hallway and towards the front door. You’ll make it worse. Even if you stayed, would you really change? What sort of transformation could overcome the might of a monster? Have you forgotten what you are?

“But I don’t want to be a monster.” Adagio knew it, meant it, but could not quite overcome her sorrow. She wanted to be everything Applejack thought she was- but if she failed, the results would be catastrophic; there was no doubt that she would find a way to tear this family apart.

Then you know what you need to do. Go; get out. Leave this place before you find a way to make things even worse. You never should have come here in the first place, look at what you’ve done! You’re going to tear her apart just because it’s what you’re good at! You’ll even be doing the right thing- what sort of horrors would you conjure if you stayed?

The door was right there, horrific as it was liberating. All it would take was one step outside and she would be on her way to the endless path of solitude that befitted her- one that would rend her heart into pieces. She would never be able to feel anything again, lest it be the death of her. But Adagio didn’t want to become an unfeeling, useless mass- no, she didn’t!

But you’d better be. After all, how many other people are going to want you dead, in the end? How many people will die because of you? It’s all that you’re ever going to be good at.

Yet she wanted to change. She even had people who would help her. She could be something good, for the first time in her life.

You will never change. And don’t you forget it.

Her trembling fingers fell upon the door handle; from her eyes came two fat tears that scored along her cheeks even as she tried to hold in the rest. “Will somebody help me,” Adagio breathed.

“Caught you.”

Breath escaped her lungs in an instant, her hand gripping about the handle and holding tight as though it were her last lifeline to the world she had almost entirely rejected. She did not turn around to take in the sight, for perhaps that would be all it took to break her- but Adagio knew that, sitting on the foot of the stairs and staring into the back of her head, was Applejack. Sweet, wonderful, gentle, loving, perfect Applejack, who had so cleverly guessed that she would try and make her getaway in the absence of so many spying eyes.

What could she say? What should she do? There was nothing she knew that would be able to explain herself; besides, what did she need to explain? It wasn’t as though her actions weren’t obvious. Applejack had come here knowing what she would try to do.

“You really thought you could leave without saying goodbye again,” Applejack murmured, and the tinge of sorrow in her voice was almost enough to make the Siren give in at once and beg for forgiveness. Oh, how could she wound one so precious? “I hope I’m wrong. You’ve been too nice to let that happen lately.”

“Applejack…” She hadn’t wanted to speak, but what else could she do? “I’m- I’m so sorry.”

“You’re forgiven,” was the reply. “But what for?”

“Fo- you know I can’t stay,” Adagio said, and every syllable was enough to make new tears spring to life in her eyes. She needed this moment to cease, lest the pain consume her very being and kill her- but then again, that might be better. “I’m not what you need.”

“Hmm… and what makes you think that?”

“You deserve better than me. I’m not- you know what I am, what I’ve done! What sort of person like me could ever belong here with you? You deserve someone who’d actually make you happy, and not just for a moment! I mean for a lifetime- how on earth could I do that? You know I can’t!”

“Do you still think you’re a bad person, Dagi?” Applejack asked softly. “Really, down at your core? That you’re rotten from the inside-out.”

“Yes,” Adagio rasped, and nearly did she fall to the ground from the pain of it. Oh, if she would only die right this very instant!

“Then quit talking to whoever’s telling you that. Whoever’s lying to you and keeping you down on the ground, because they’re dead wrong: you can be a good person, if you so much was want to. You’ve even started showing it since you’ve been here.”

“Like I haven’t been fooling everyone!” Was her bitter retort.

“I’m not talking to that snake!” Applejack said hotly, and so close to the mark were her words that Adagio felt her stomach drop. “I’m talking to my Dagi- and her alone. Everyone on this farm believes in you. Every single one of us thinks you don’t have to be a bad person, that you actually, truly could be happy here. But you’re scared to believe it because you might be wrong. But guess what? I won’t be perfect. You’ve heard Sugar Belle’s story, you’ve come to know us a little. We’re a big, fat mess of people who’re just trying to do the right thing, day in and day out. We’re sure not always making the mark, but we keep trying. It’s OK if you mess up a little, because… well, we’ll forgive ya. I’ll forgive ya. You know I always will.”

“Even if I run off again?” Adagio asked. “Or cheat on you, or- or do something totally wretched? Because you know it’d be so easy for me, don’t you deny it.”

“Only if you keep listening to whatever’s in your head that tells you you’ve got to be that way. Maybe you should start listening to the people who love you, cause they might want to help you be happy. I want you to be happy- and I want you to be happy with me.”

Adagio could feel sweat across her palm, staining the door handle as she continued to hold to its pulse. One swing and out into the cold world would she go, forever a lost soul, a lost cause that none would be able to save. But if she let go, relented from her fears…

“I’m- I’m not who you think I am,” she breathed tearfully, trying to find some means of objection that she hadn’t yet said. “I’m never going to be the girl you think I am.”

“You’re the girl I love. The one and only woman I’ll ever, ever love, no matter what else comes next,” Applejack said simply. “For good or bad, no matter what on earth ever happens, you’re my girl. And that’s all I’ll ever ask you to be. An- and if you love me, too, then I want you to stay. Then maybe we can figure out who you want to be together, and we can all be there for you when it gets difficult. Cause whatever’s been keeping you company all these years doesn’t have- it…” For a time, the steady farmgirl struggled to find her words amidst the growing maelstrom of emotion. “Adagio, who do you want to be? Where do you want to go?”

And there, lurking just behind her like a beast awaiting the final strike, did this last unrelenting question demand she turn about and face it. It should be something so simple to answer; she even knew what she would want to say! Or did she? There were a multitude of ways that she could respond, each as valid as the other. But then again, which one would be the honest truth? She was everything and nothing, all feelings and thoughts and desires rolled into one miserable package, unable to tear any single one away from the other. She’d been a beast of the ancient world, an exile, a terror to the masses, a castaway, a prisoner, a prostitute, a runaway… the titles Adagio had borne were almost as numerous as the many lives she had known, all encompassed in the body of a young girl whose days had been so bleak and empty. When all the horrors she had known had stared her in the face, when she had looked into the void, she’d been unable to bear the gaze that had stared back. And so, like a panicked, weary soul in the midst of the ocean, she’d begun to drown. But out reached a hand, and this agonizing choice was being turned into something so simple: she’d been so many wicked things before… did she now, at long last, want to be something good?

It would be such a simple answer.

Applejack forced herself to remain seated upon the steps, to not reach out and interfere with the tumultuous decision that transpired before her. If she butted in and influenced it, Adagio’s choice would not be fully her own. This Siren, this gorgeous, magnificent angel from another realm, had to choose who she wanted to be without aid from another. And even if it was the answer she dreaded hearing, not once would she be able to protest; the deal had been final, and Applejack was one to honor fair play. If only she could get her heart to stop beating, for all the pain and fear in her to reach its crescendo before she had a heart attack and died-!

Adagio closed her eyes, taking one final inhale before allowing the breath to escape in a long, wet, shuddering wind as her grasp slid from the door handle once and for all.

Applejack sat straight up when she saw Adagio turn around; that beautiful face was there in her eyes, wet with tears and struggling beneath the weight of her terror, but never had she seen her so resolute. This was it- she’d actually decided! “Dagi-”

The cry came, and Adagio crashed into Applejack’s arms before a word could be said, the two women slamming into the stairs and doing a magnificent job of jamming hardwood into the farmgirl’s back. A sharp yelp of agony, momentary, was magnificent at ruining the rising crescendo.

“Oh jeez- I’m sorry!” Adagio tried to take a step back and instead faltered, falling down to the end of the stairs in a messy heap of tears and salt-stained hair. “I didn’t mean to- I wasn’t doing that on purpose, I promise!”

Though likely the throbbing hurt had yet to dissipate, Applejack could only laugh, allowing her hobbled self to slide down the stairs and settle in beside her beloved and thus throw her arms about her weeping, overwhelmed Siren who had found her way home at last. “It’s OK, it’s OK. You’re OK…”

Adagio couldn’t stop the tears from flowing, whether it be exhaustion after so many years of long running or the joy at finally returning to the one she’d love for so long. She had so many things she needed to say; all the words of affection that had been stored up in her brain ever since she’d been held Applejack in her heart, all the love that needed to be brought to life by the works of her lips, apologies for making such a perfect girl wait so long! There were a million things upon her mind, yet none of them could push through the tears unless it came in the form of a wailing sound. Only when Applejack’s lips found hers did she fall silent, their twined tears falling together in relief and happiness.

She’d never been so glad for a kiss to be so slow; that firm, gentle press that pushed away all sorrow and pain until all that could be found was bliss immemorial. Oh, how she’d never known the feeling of Applejack before now, the feel of her! What had changed to make her so wonderful- save everything? The rapid beat of her heart slowed, wild thoughts cooling and allowing something better to seep in. At last, at long last, she was free of herself.

“And don’t ever scare me like that again,” Applejack whispered, her words spurring the two to a strange laughter that was infectious to the spirit. “I thought I wasn’t gonna catch you in time, or- or something!”

“I’m sor- thank you for waiting for me. Even if it took forever,” Adagio breathed. She needed to caress that face in her hands, to feel where the dimples formed when her smile began, the curvatures of her features across the whole of her body; Applejack was hers, and in that was a newness to be explored. What would they be to each other now? What sort of person was she to this perfect woman, save-

Oh.

“So… is it alright if we sit up? I hate to be a buzzkill, but my foot’s kinda hurting, laying down like this,” Applejack requested, and to her knees did she go, a hand bringing her beloved along with her. So overjoyed in her good fortune that the farmgirl knew not what to do next, seemingly at a loss now that she held on to what she had longed for these many long years. “You- we’ll get you settled in- for good, this time! Take a look through that dresser and we can toss out anything you don’t like. And we’ll get you some new shoes and everything! You’re gonna need some good boots for- well, a lot of things, and- and then Granny’ll want your picture up with the rest of the family’s, so that’ll mean-”

“So I can stay? Really?” Adagio just needed to hear it, to make sure she wasn’t actually dreaming. “Even if I never wanted to leave the farm again, would that be OK?”

“Of course not! This is your home!”

She was in a reckless mood and the longing inside was like an avalanche gaining speed as it moved downhill. “Then you’d better marry me- today.”

It was like a bolt of electricity had struck to the core of her system and rendered her stunned, the beautiful farmgirl unable to quite believe what she’d just heard. “Beg pardon?”

“Applejack, are you going to marry me or not?” Adagio demanded, coming to her feet and giving an anxious huff with hands on her hips. “Because if I’m going to be the trophy wife I said I would, you’d sure better put a ring on my finger!”

“What? I- yes, of course we can!” Applejack cried, trying to leap to her feet as best as her weakened limb would allow. “Granny can- she married Big Mac and Sugar Belle, she’s got the license and everything, let’s go ask her right now-”

“Applejack, I am not leaving this spot unless you bring me to a wedding altar!”

The most delighted, uproarious laugh the ancient house had ever heard in all its years echoed from her lips, Applejack unable to contain all her joys and excitement that now cascaded out from her soul in such wild, unrelenting abandon. “OK- stay right here, I’ll be- it’ll be just a minute!” And as though she had no injury to hinder her, the ecstatic farmgirl rushed down the hall to the occupied bedroom, and the sound of a door opening came just before a frenzied shout of, “Granny? I need you here now!”

And so the great farmland came to a screeching halt as the most awaited, unexpected delight saw all work and frolic come to a standstill. Hand in hand, surrounded by the sounds and presence of delighted family did they walk through leaf and grass until they found themselves before a beautiful, twisting sanctuary of legacy, bright and shining beneath the midday sun as though the very souls of those who had first cast their seeds to earth now looked down upon this most unlikely of unions and sang out their delights. For in that binding promise was the everlasting happiness of their daughter, the serenity of a wayward bride, and a love that swore to never waver even until the end of days- for what upon the wide, wild world could ever hope to sever it?

Author's Note

Just one more now.