Two Hats n' One Heart

by scrungusbungus

Rating: mature
Tags: Comedy, Slice of Life, Sex, Human, Applejack, Anon, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance
Length: 8187

An HIE / Anon x AppleJack Romance Story. Cass 'Idy' Anonston, a displaced Cowboy, is found late in the night in the Sweet Apple Acres barn, and a relationship blooms as he settles into farmlife.

Cass 'Idy' Anonston. A misplaced Cowpoke and Gunslinger, now finds himself gunless, horseless, and homeless. Thankfully, not Hatless.

Thanks to the Apples, he's found a somewhat comfortable medium in his tumble into this new world, working the Orchards. Some might think maybe Humans were in tune with Earth Pony Magic -- others think it's something to do with the accent.

While Ponyville might not have much use for a Cowboy, unbridled Western charisma and familiarity with horses helps guide him through what to do next. Though, it might not be much help when one of those little pastel pony-folk, namely the one that shares his accent and taste in headwear, starts feeling a certain way.

A short Romance story between a Human Cowboy and AppleJack.

Published 2024-02-01 10:40:00 UTC
Last updated 2024-02-01 10:40:00 UTC

Chapter 1 - Good Lord

It'd been some months since the stranger showed up in her barn. He was strange, walked on two legs, and spoke funny.

And he had AppleJack sweating something fierce.

Day 1

Winona had spooked to something during the night. Applejack, dead-tired after a hard days harvest, trudged out of bed, leaving the warm comfort of her sheets, hooves to the wooden floors. With a few flickers, she's got a lantern dangling from between her teeth. Hoof, hat, head. Complete. She'd let her family sleep, handle it herself.

Dead middle of the night, Applejack trails after Winona. Crickets are chirping in the distance, the stars twinkling up high. A slight night chill whispers through the wind, sending a shiver up Applejacks spine, grumbling about her sleep. Whatever it was, the sound didn't come from the direction of the Everfree, nor was Winona barking, so Applejack wasn't too worried. Still, best to check. Winona had her nose planted to the ground, sniffing a storm as she worked her way from the house, to... the barn.

Applejack sighs, setting the lantern down beside the barn does. Winona is pawing at the doors, staring at Applejack.

"Reckon it's some kind of animal you're keen on chasin', eh girl?" Applejack chuckles. Whatever it was, it was about to have a bad time. She pushes the door open slowly with a creak, peering inside.

Quiet, smells-like-hay barn. Few piles of tools, a disassembled wagon, the working wagon, a few piles of hay...

Her ear twitches.

Someone's snoring. Applejack groans, turning, a kicks the barn door open so it slams loudly, rattling the wood. Only thing worse then critters, was a stowaway that hopped the train looking for a place to crash. That should wake 'em right up.

She waits, expecting a startled yelp.

She's met with more snoring.

At this point, Winona has snuffled her way inside, checking the barn. Applejack follows in, Lantern dangling alongside. There's only so many places the motherhubbard could hide, and she'd find 'em.

Then, Winona barks, and leaps on a pile of hay.

"Ha!" Applejack shouts, charging after Winona and sliding right up to the haypile. "Found you, you no-good lowdown napster! Get up on out of--" She pauses, confusion settling on her face.

Winona is licking its face, sat on its lap, tail wagging. Emphasis on 'it'. What in tarnation was that thing? Like a... skinny minotaur with no horns. A hat, not unlike her own, was laid over its face, now getting shoved up by Winonas nose. It was fully dressed in clothes, like those fancy Canterlot folk... though minus the fancy. The lantern casting enough light for her to figure them out. Some kind of... pointed boots with flat tips, with spurs stuck out the back ankle. Trousers, a loose v-neck shirt, some kind of... patterned poncho. Wrappings around its... what's wrong with its hooves? At this point, she's just mighty confused.

Finally stirred by the weight of Winona on its lap, it grunts, reaching up for its hat. It pulls it off its face, settling on its head; revealing tussled, messy medium-length hair, a chiseled, tired face, and a scruffy beard.
"...Might I be a bother n' ask what's goin' on?" It groggily mumbles, in an accent that others would pinpoint as near-same as Applejacks. It glances at Winona, huffs air out of its nose, and starts petting the top of her head, Winona leaning into it.

Applejacks jaw nearly drops the lantern.
"What in th' buck--"

Day 2
The Apple Family is gathered for a morning meeting, their kitchen table near-packed as early morning light began to spill through the windows. They still had a days harvest ahead, but they had a problem to deal with, first.

Granny Smith sits at the head of the table. Apple Bloom and Big Mac sit on one side of the table. Opposite of Granny Smith, sits 'Cass'. At least he had the manners to take his hat off when he sat at the table; that seemed to already have earned him a little leeway. They decided against tying him up with rope when they found he'd slipped out of it, but chosen not to run. Twice.

Also sat in front of every Apple, guest included, was breakfast. Even at their most hostile, they were a hospitable folk.

Apple Bloom has been staring at 'Cass' for a while now, poking at her food. She's far more interested in the weird stranger. Big Mac glares, but says nothing. Granny Smith sits in silence, watching. Finally, AppleJack speaks up.
"So. Mind tellin' us why you chose t' tuck away in our barn?" She starts, throwing in some extra huff-n'-puff to her voice.

"Ain't mean t' sound like a liar n' a fibber, but I don't rightly know." Cass begins, looking towards AppleJack. Eye contact is made. Tarnation, he's got pretty eyes. Bright-blues that sparkle something fierce. AppleJack wonders why she's noticing such a thing now of all times, but pushes on.

"So you just... ended up in our barn? Sleepwalkin' or some sort?" She presses.

"I mean... I ain't never seen folk like your type, before. Where I'm from, everyone's 'bout shaped as me. Wonderin' if I hit m' head a lil' hard or somethin'." Cass responds, offering a polite shrug.

"So you got a home, back where you're from? Can't y' go back to it?" Apple Bloom pipes up, earning her a glare from Big Mac and AppleJack.

"Never really had one homestead, 'cept where I grew up. Traveled, mostly, rentin' rooms n' pitchin' tents. No clue how I'd even get back, if I could. Just... nappin' in m' room one night, wakin' up in your barn th' next." Cass explains, some somber tinge to his voice.

"You some kinda juggalo?" AppleJack mutters, frowning suspiciously. She ain't letting no type of folk like that near her little sister.

Cass almost looks surprised, shaking his head. "Not in th' least, Miss Jack. Not sure if'n such a job exists round here, but I worked as a Cowpoke, an' at odd times, a Gunslinger. Took what I could get."

The Apples glance between each-other, sharing a few mutterings.

"You some type of Farmhand, then?" Big Mac finally speaks up. "We don't know what no Gunslinger is, but you don't look th' type to be workin' fields."

"I promise y', a hard days work out in th' field ain't nothin' I'm a stranger to." Cass affirms. Though, he was going to leave out the horse-riding part. Considering what these... polite, pony-people creatures were, best not to offend.

Granny Smith finally speaks up, cutting AppleJack off from her next question.
"So if'n you weren't able t' get home right away, you'd be willin' t' work n' earn your stay?" She demands, squinting and leaning forward. The other three Apples heads whip to Granny at the implication.

"Course, Ma'am. It'd be the only right thing t' do." Cass nods, maintaining a firm eye contact.

All are silent, as Granny mulls it over.

"Granny... you ain't offerin'--" AppleJack starts, before a green hoof is waved in her face.

"Hush, you. Been nothin' but polite, n' I bet he's from similar stock as us." Granny Smith retorts, shutting AppleJack down. All turn their attention back to Cass.

"AppleJack here has a friend in town, might know a thing 'r two about gettin' you home. Til' then, we'll host ya. You'll be fed n' cared for, but, you're expected t' work every day, with us, like an Apple, n' prove those claims o' yours. Agreed?"

Apple Bloom's smile is wide as she stares at the stranger in excitement.

Cass is silent for a moment. Maybe not mulling over an answer, but appreciating the generosity he'd been offered.
"That sounds mighty fine t' me, Ma'am. It's mighty appreciated." Cass finally responds--he'd tip his hat, but it's on the table.

Granny Smith claps her hooves.
"Oh, hush you. Call me Granny. Now, there's work t' be done. Apple Bloom, you're headed t' town. Let your sisters friend know 'bout our guest, here. AppleJack, Big Mac -- take 'em with ya to th' field, an' get him goin'. See how used he is t' buckin' trees."

"Sure thing, Granny." AppleJack nods, taking her hat and hopping off her seat.

"Eeyup." Big Mac grunts, hopping off his own.

Cass takes his own hat, stands, and sets it on his head. He's glad things worked out, but... hell they mean by buckin' apples?

Day 3
Yesterday went pretty poorly. Despite some general confusion, Cass understood the process well enough. Kick the tree, catch the Apples. The problem was, Cass didn't seem nearly at all attuned to Earth Pony magic like the Apples were, and he just wasn't making any progress. They relinquished him to some chores, deciding to give him another chance on the morrow. Cass agreed, and said he'd "Spend some time thinkin' about it; probably just wasn't in th' right state of mind". At least he kept up with the chores well enough. Didn't seem any more tired than the rest of them, though he got off easy that day.

Well, it was that morrow. Mac was off doing another section of the Orchard, leaving AppleJack to supervise Cass. She trots out from making sure Apple Bloom got her flank to school, scanning the trees for the days bipedal task.
"You roun' here, Cass? If'n you're havin' trouble, we can probably find y' somethin' else t'..." She trails off, finally laying eyes on the Human.

His Poncho and Shirt were neatly folded, laid on the edge of the cart. He was shirtless, sweat dribbling down a shockingly muscular body. Lightly touched with hair the same color as his head. It might be an... alien, bipedal body, but a farmgirl like AppleJack knows work-muscle when she sees it, and shows like that don't come around the Orchard often.

Under his hat, a bead of sweat runs down his temple. He's in a lowered stance, staring down the tree. For a moment, he bites his lip. AppleJack finds herself biting hers. She blinks a few times, snapping out of it. This was... filly behavior, and she wouldn't degrade herself to it, no matter how oddly exotic the foreign show was. The hells was with her, anyway? She was better than this.

She's even further snapped out of her train of thought when Cass grunts, and slams his foot forward into the tree, spur jingling on the contact.

And apples fall.

Her tail flicks around in a moment of excitement. He did it. And that quick? She really thought he'd be plum out of luck. She goes to start trotting forward, looping herself back into a regular mindset and calling out.
"Hey, Cass! Y'did it, Sugarcube! Didn't think you'd pull 'er off--" She starts shouting, closing in. Cass glances up, noticing her, and-- oh, sweet tarnations.

He raises a hand, waving to her and cracking a one-sided smile. Her eyes roam the contours of his under-arm muscles, gaze ending at his lips.

She shakes her head, snapping loose. She'd need to ask Twi if he was some sort of Incubi-Incarnate or somethin' ridiculous, cuz' this was...

Ridiculous!

She finally closes in, using Apple-brand willpower to shove these dumb thoughts aside, and the two striking up conversation. Now that he could Buck Apples, the real work started now.

Day 9
Well, color AppleJack surprised. He'd been keeping up. It'd been a week since he first appeared in their barn, and they were starting to get used to him. Rose the same time as them, worked just as hard as them, always appreciative of the meal, and not a lick of complaining about sleeping in the barn.

Now that he could buck Apples with the rest of them, they had Cass working right alongside them. Usually, it was AppleJack watching him (for no particular, sweaty reason), but Mac would come in and work his area at times, to give AppleJack a... break.

Twi found some long-forgotten information, borrowed from Canterlots archives. Matched up with 'Human', though one hadn't been seen in a long, long time. Unfortunately, nothing about how he might have gotten here, or how to send him home. AppleJack was... relieved? And thankfully, Cass didn't seem too bothered; apparently he was fond of the simplicity of the work, and would "Figure it out when we get there.".

In regards to AppleJacks... personal inquiry, Twi found the question amusing, and a little concerning, but confirmed with AppleJack that Cass was not, in fact, related to any kind of Incubi. Well, shucks. She was just being an over-excited filly about things, then. She turned down Twi's recommendation for interspecies mating books. Too on the nose, Element of Bookworm.

AppleJack sighs, driving her hooves into another trunk, apples tumbling to the ground around her. Ain't no other Pony tickled her pink like that before, nor that quick. But, she weren't no floozy. Finding his weird, alien body hot or not, it was the mettle of the fellow.

She glances over, a few trees down. Still shirtless (Cass claims its what helped him 'Find the Mindset', and she wasn't going to argue, for several reasons), he drives his own foot into his tree, knocking down a fair few apples. He was taking to this real quick. Still wasn't getting them in one, needing to kick a single tree a few times, but the Apple family had this type of work down pat. Nobody could be expected to match them, especially not in three days.

After a few more hours of work, AppleJack trots up to Cass with a water-filled bucket, whose sweating something fierce. Another thing she noticed... his smell. Cass apparently didn't much notice it, when she asked him about it, but for Ponies, smell was a thing. And Cass... he smelled good when he worked.

"Here y' go, Cass." She mumbles through closed teeth, dropping a bucket of cold water beside him.

"Oh, phew. Yer' a blessin' in sweet, orange disguise, Miss Jack." Cass relents, taking his hat off to wipe his forehead. AppleJack glances away, hiding a small blush.

"Aw, ain't nothin' special. Appreciate how hard y' been workin', gotta keep y' from dryin' out." She replies, risking a few side-eyes. They were worth it; especially when Cass poured the bucket over himself, running a hand through wetted hair.

AppleJack barely stopped herself from making an audible whinny. She'd been expecting him to drink it, not... no, she's not complaining.

"Just what ah needed. Angel n' disguise, y' are." Cass repeats, lifting both hands and stretching his arms upwards, pushing out his ches--

Too much for her. Bail.
"Er--right, yep! Back t' it!" She nods, quickly pivoting away, heading back to her section. The sun bearing down on them was warm, but her loins were getting warmer. She needed a cold bucket of her own, right away.

Cass eyes after AppleJack, raising an eyebrow. Was she holding her tail up higher then usual? Not one to be impolite by staring, Cass shrugs, looking back to the tree. Must be a horse thing. Pony thing. They preferred Pony, he chastises himself quietly.

Day 12
"Mac, ah'm losin' my buckin' mind." An exasperated AppleJack's head thunks on the barrel she was leaning on.

"Mm?" Big Mac grunts, looking up from his task of fixing one of the damaged baskets. "Cass bein' a pain or somethin'?"

AppleJack had sought out Big Mac during the workday, leaving Apple Bloom to watch over Cass. That filly was full of questions, and Cass seemed to get along well with children.

"YES!" She shouts, muffled against the wood grain. "Ah need your advice, Mac."

"He's been awfully friendly. Showin' real colors?" Mac asks, pausing and turning to face his sister.

"No, no. Ah, I hate talkin' t' you 'bout this, Mac. Nothin' like that. He's good n' sweet, an' all that. Th' problem is..." Celestia above, she sounded like a filly with her first crush. "...Ah can't stop starin' at him."

Mac seems confused. "...He's an alien, Jack."

"...Yeah, he is." AppleJack mutters, biting her lip.

Big Mac blinks several times. "Eenope. Pass."

Applejacks head shoots up, betrayal written on her face. "What?!"

"AppleJack, yer' my sister. I ain't listenin' t' you gush about Colts, two legs, four legs or six legs." He states bluntly, turning back to his chore.

"Well, what'm I s'pose t' do, Mac?"

"Talk t' Rarity. Y'know, a Mare who actually knows this sort've stuff."

AppleJack blinks a few times, before scrambling off the barrel. "You're th' best, Mac!" She shouts, already out the barn.

Big Mac sighs. Really, sis? The buckin' alien?

Chapter 2 - Advice

Day 15
"Goodness, Darling. I've never seen you so worked up!" The prim and ever-willing-to-advise voice of a particularly proper white-and-purple Pony floats through her own boutique.

Rarity glances over from the dress she was in the middle of hemming, her pristine face (multi-hour skincare routine) denoting worry for her flustered friend. AppleJack is sprawled face-down on her lounger, hat off-kilter, a low groan escaping the orange earth pony.

"Must be quite the colt, to have such a rabid grasp on Ponyvilles resident 'Tough-Cookie'. That Cassidy fellow, yes? Certainly an... exotic appeal to him." She muses, holding scissors in her mouth as her magic drapes a section of cloth. The memory of the last time she saw him striding through town is picked-apart, judging every facet of his being. She could see some appeal to him, but whatever face-flushing problem AJ was going through seemed to be hers alone.

"I don't think I've ever seen you worry about such things. Honestly, it's not a conversation I ever expected to have the joy of having with you, either." Rarity continues, adept at speaking around tools held in her mouth. Unicorn or not, it paid to be capable. "Though I am absolutely delighted that it is one! So, tell me Darling; how has our prince charming swept you off your hooves?"

AppleJacks head slowly lifts from the overtly plush cushion.
"Rares, it feels like I'm losin' m' mind. He's been here barely more then a few weeks, an' I can't quit starin'. Or, thinkin'... or..." AJ trails off, burying the blush taking her face into the cushion again, groaning loudly.

"Nothing wrong with appreciating the view, Darling, especially if his body is as crafted as you say; though I never took you for the type to focus on physique." Rarity continues, curious what has gripped her friend so fiercely.

"Me neither!" AppleJack exclaims, throwing and flailing her hooves about. "But he's sweet, hard workin', takes nothin' fer' granted... is right kind t' Apple Bloom, n' is plum respectful to Granny."

"What, did a Mister Perfection drop out of the barn and into our little Workaholics heart?" Rarity teases, expecting a rebuttal. She waits. And waits. It doesn't come. Her head snaps to AJ.
"Seriously?! By Celestia, AppleJack! You're smitten!"

AppleJacks hooves drag across her face as she groans, rolling over the splay across her back. "Ah' knooooow. It's buckin' embarrassin'."

"Well... do you know how he feels about you? Have you even tried flirting with him, dear? Or do you simply hope you'll both... lean down to pluck the same apple, and hold hoof and hand by accident? To then slowly gaze upward, and meet each others eyes..." Rarity starts to droll on, slipping into her adoration of cheesy romance.

"Rarity." AppleJack huffs, finally pulling herself into a proper seating.
"It's affectin' m' work, Rarity. I gotta... deal with this."

"You make it sound like you can just shut your feelings off, Darling." Rarity counters.

"Ah' can." AppleJack proudly counter-counters.

"If that were true, you wouldn't be here." Rarity triple-counters.

AppleJack sighs, fixing her hat unto her head again.

Rarity lets her dress lie for the moment, standing beside her friend.
"Listen, AppleJack. Take him somewhere nice, get to know him. Honestly, I'm surprised your family hasn't chased him away yet."

"They're right smitten by him too, though not quite n' the same way. He listens t' Granny for hours, which is... quite th' feat. Apple Bloom can't quit botherin' him, and he don't mind it one bit. Hells, Rarity, I even saw him n' Big Mac gettin' along." AppleJack exasperates.

"...Sounds to me like there's only one Pony left to make up her mind. Don't overthink it or dance around it, approach it like you approach your Orchard." Rarity instructs, putting a sympathetic hoof on Jack's shoulder. "Direct, and head-on. You do best when you avoid beating around the bushes."

AppleJack sighs, nodding slowly.
"...You're right, Rares. Ah' just need t' face him, get it off m' chest, and move on with it. Either way, Orchards waitin' for me tomorrow."

The pair share a hug, spending a few more minutes idly conversing, before Sweetie Belle arrives with her friends, and AppleJack heads back to the acres.

Back at Sweet Apple Acres, Cass and Big Mac sit at the kitchen table, across from each-other.

Ever since Big Mac was made aware of AppleJack's feelings towards Cass, a new lens of judgement had been thrown towards Cass, as every big-brother does, as if by rite.

The dynamic of the moment, however, was a little skewed. While Big Mac sat head-raised, looking down on Cass with Apple-Brand Judgement, Cass had assumed they were taking a break, and was relaxed, none the wiser.

"...So." Big Mac finally speaks up, Cass glancing over from staring out the window.
"What makes you think yer' a good fit for mah sister?" Big Mac starts, already aiming the big guns.

Cass, likely a better fit on the rock farm than the apple farm from sheer mental density, has no clue what Big Mac is talking about, and assumes the topic is in regards to their teamwork in the fields.
"Uh... Well, I reckon 's cuz' we got along so good. Efficient n' all, good company, takes good care of me. I feel like I can tackle a good days work with her watchin'." Cass says.

Big Mac squints, processing the answer.
"What 'bout the farm? You keen on leavin'?"

Cass crosses his arms in thought.
"Been travellin' most of m' life. Honestly... wouldn't mind too much th' chance t' settle down. Might want t' get out of yalls barn soon 'nuff, but it ain't for the lack of comfort."

"You know if y' ever hurt her, I'm gunnin' for you." Big Mac says darkly, leaning forward, his expression stoic.

"I'd reckon you'd have t' get in line behind my Mama; she'd beat me black, blue, then black all over 'gain I ever so much s' raised a hand t' a lady." Cass retorts, chuckling. "Only thing she's got to worry 'bout is fallin' Apples, long as she don't stand too close when ah'm workin'."

Big Mac leans back, his facial expression softening.
"... Alright. Treat 'er right. She's awfully sweet on 'y."

That last line finally works its tendrils past Cass's dense skull, the cowboy blinking a few times.
"Wait, what?"

Day 23
It's been a few days. The dynamic has... changed, a little.

Now trying to confront her feelings, AppleJack has tried to stop avoiding Cass, hanging around him more often.

This, combined with Cass being hinted towards what really was going on, lead to some new tension between the two.

They were cordial and polite as always, of course; dutifully working their sections of the Orchard. By this point, the Apples held enough trust in Cass to work his own sections without supervision. Though, AppleJack kept finding ways to work directly beside him, coming up with excuses. Cass was finally starting to pick up on just how much she was staring at him while he worked; the moment he took his shirt off to work, its as if her eyes couldn't leave his. Every time he'd glance over and find her looking at him, she'd fluster and turn back town her own work, trying to hide it. But as days passed... she let her eyes linger long before looking away.

Day 28
Cass was beginning to realize just how much he was staring back. Coming to terms with an interspecies attraction wasn't as difficult as he thought; despite the height difference, he was well and truly getting settled into life here, as simple and pastel as it was.

It started out honest enough, watching her work to better learn her method. He wasn't quite sure that getting on all fours and trying to dropkick the tree was the best bet for him, but he'd figure how to translate it for himself. But then his gaze started to roam; he caught himself watching the muscles of her legs, the crafted result of a lifetime of labor. He realized that, compared to the other Ponies, Miss Jack was boasting one of the larger flanks in the town, and it was all muscle. The way her mane would start to fray as the day wore on, forcing her to pause and put it back up in a ponytail... Cass was working through some new feelings.

Now and then, Miss Jack would have to run off with a few of her friends to tackle threats to the town; which, Cass was assured she didn't need any help for; though his promise to keep an eye on the Acres while she was gone helped ease her worries. Usually, it was a time Apple Bloom would run over to interrupt him from his work, usually to bombard him with more questions about his world.

Day 29
Water poured down from stormy rainclouds, interrupting the harvest with their harsh rains. You'd think in a land where winged horses could manage the weather, they'd be a little more concise about actually properly sharing the schedule.

They tried to power through it, but mud was starting to make getting a good solid kick impossible, AppleJack snorting loudly as Cass slips and schlops into a mud puddle. She goes to tease, before finding herself slipping into another quickly-growing puddle, leaving them both soaked and caked with dirt.

Big Mac had ran off to collect Apple Bloom from the tree house with her friends, with AJ calling the days work off until the weather got sorted. Cass wasn't going to complain.

"You ain't comin' inside all mudded up like that. Shucks, guess I ain't either." She teases, waving a hoof at him. "Barns closer, anyhow. Let's duck outta this rain n' get dried off."
She nods for Cass to follow, quickly trotting towards shelter. They nearly have a few more spills, but as the harsh rain picks up even worse, they both manage to duck inside, shutting the double doors behind themselves.

The rain patters heavily against the roof of the barn. It helped get some of the mud off, but both were still a sore mix of tired from running across the fields, dripping wet. The rain took care of most of the mud splattered on them, fortunately, though they were soaked to the bone.

"As much as dryin' off and headin' inside sounds nice... y'think we'd make it t' th' house 'fore we're soaked again?" Cass asks, dropping his soaked hat on a nearby barrel.

"...Dash probably could, but since we ain't as fast as that there speedster, I reckon we're stuck in here til' they get their act t'gether." AppleJack muses, doing the same with hers. That was pretty much all she had when it came to clothes--her eyes flitting to Cass as she remembers just how much more he has to take off.
"You, uh... gonna be alright? Might catch a cold if y' keep those on."

Cass tsks, looking down at himself. "Reckon you got a point. Think we're both windin' up fer a sick day we don't do somethin'. Got any kinda towel?"

AppleJack trots over to one of the barns corners, rummaging through some dusty storage boxes.
"Might have some old blankets we can use in th' meantime..." She mumbles, dragging an old folded blanket out with her teeth. She turns to trot it over to Cass--oh sweet Celestia.

Cass is in the midst of pulling his soaked clothes off himself, like a sticky striptease. AppleJack didn't know what she did to earn herself a frontrow seat to this show, but she'd have to thank Celestia for it later. She stares, frozen, eyes practically scrounging every curve of his body, every indent of his musculature. It was... different. A unique different.

A polite cough snaps her out of it, a lightly blushing Cass paused with his hands on his belt.
"Ah know that clothes ain't th' regular for you n' your folks, Miss Jack, but uh... if y' keep it up, you might dry me off n' burn a hole straight through my trousers with how hard yer' starin'."

A wide-set blush slowly seeps across AppleJacks face, embarrassment seeping into her expression.
"R-right, sorry, sugar. I, uh... was just thinkin'."

His belt clicks as he begins to pull it loose. A bead of sweat runs down AppleJacks already wetted temple. Sweet Celestia, clothes made it so much better. Rarity might have better ideas then she let on.

AppleJack places the blanket beside him, starting to walk back to the crates to look for another. Slowly. And very distracted.
"T-that, uh... s-since we might not be able t' dry off full an' proper, and, since we, u-uh..." Her words fail her as his pants slump to the ground. A near full month of kicking trees left his legs well-carved, and AppleJacks eyes rode every inch of that muscle-valley.

"Miss Jack..." His words catch her attention.
"You wouldn't happen t' be recommendin' that we huddle together under th' blankets t' warm up n'dry off, on account of th' particular lack of heat sources in this here barn, are ya?"

AppleJacks ears are pinned to her head, her breath caught in her throat. "W-What? N-,well, M--no, I wasn't--do you?-- no, I wouldnt--" AppleJack starts to stutter, suddenly thrown onto the backhoof. What was originally a soft tease thrown her way, slowly makes a blush creep across Cass's face as she stutters with every word.

Eventually, AppleJack stomps her foot, Rarity's words of affirmation reminding her of just what Element of Harmony she represented.
"...Ah, Buck it. Yes, Cass, ah' am." She huffs, staring squarely at him.

Chapter 3 - Huddled

From inside, the pair could hear the muffled rain as it continued to batter the roof and walls of the barn. For the most part, the structure was insulated, though gaps in the boards lead to some leaks.

The barn creaks softly under the duress; under no risk of folding, but an old barn will complain nonetheless.

They had done their best to dry off, using what they had in the barn. Cass had even pulled his Poncho from his little pile of items he left in the barn, wrapping AppleJack tightly with it and using it like a towel. She went to protest, but was stopped by Cass who said he "Wouldn't mind too much if it smelt like her more than it did him". While a simple tease for Cass, smell played a big role in Pony affection, and the comment slipped a lot deeper than he likely intended. Marking a partner with their others scent? The thought brought a heat to AppleJacks chest.

Now, Cass lays on his usual pile of Hay (the same one he was found on) supported by several blankets and an old pillow. His usual sleeping fare since staying with the Apples, until they figured out a better housing situation, considering he barely fit in the house as is. This time, however, nearly double the blankets were added both under, and on top of his usual spot. And between them, tucked directly beside himself, fur to skin, was AppleJack.

Other then passing moments or friendly gestures, AppleJack hadn't actually made prolonged physical contact with Cass before; and sweet Celestia above, he was warm. Without fur like hers to keep it contained, it made a little more sense why he wore clothes the whole time. Now though, this close to him? Her nose was treated to the wet smell of a hard-working colt, pressed right up against her. And it was driving her wild.

At first, it was tentative, trying to politely position themselves under a blanket, with only an old lantern that AppleJack scrounge up for light. But as the chill settled in and the rain gave no sign of stopping, AppleJack eventually caved and nestled in tightly against his side. Cass's comforting smile did little to abate her growing feelings, as she felt his own body turn and twist to press against hers; an arm draping overtop of her, pulling her close, his legs rising up to rest against hers.

It was a new experience for AppleJack, being held like this. Even when other Ponies were affectionate with Hugs or laying their head on the other, they couldn't do... this. Then a thumb idly brushes her side, curving over the edge of her hefty flank, tracing up towards her neck; a shiver runs up her spine. She glances up at Cass, ready to accuse him of being forward--but he's simply staring towards one of the larger gaps in the barns walls, simmering in thoughts. AppleJack eventually relents, sighing softly. With Cass only in his underwear, she could feel the rugged smoothness of his skin... the curvature of latent muscles, and the ticklings of what hair he did have on his body. Without noticing it, she's started to rub her hoof across his taut stomach in turn. She pauses, realizing, taking a cautious glance through the bangs of her messy hair... no, he's still stewing on something. His hand roams up the side of her face, gently stroking her cheek. Oh, Apples.

AppleJack takes a deep breath, thinking back. Remember what Rares told you. Forward. Like you couldn't make it any clearer. Just... say how you felt. How he was making you feel.

Right as she goes to speak, Cass finally looks at her--locking direct eye contact. The wind instantly leaves her sails, the words in her throat freezing up. He speaks softly, tilting his head slightly.
"Miss Jack... pardon if this is a might blunt, but... I don't think it'd be right of me t' keep silent 'bout it, and I apologize if this... affects things 'tween us."

AppleJack stares with wide eyes, heart racing. She can feel his beating faster, too.
"Y-yeah, Cass?"

The strokes against her check pause, his hand resting still. He speaks softly, searching her expression.
"...Think I might be mighty sweet on ya', Miss Jack."

The quiet silence, backed by the ambient rainfall, is chock-full of tension that could be cut with the dullest knife.

It's finally broken as AppleJack starts to laugh. All the tension and worry that had been building in her chest was released, nestling against his chest and wrapping a hoof around him. Cass tilts his head; not quite either of the reactions he'd been expecting, but a smile slowly takes his face as she presses closer, enjoying the southern belle tinge of her laughter.

She starts to stutter, before huffing; her hoof softly slaps his chest.
"I... well... ah, buck you, Sugarcube. Ah've spent th' last week sweatin' an' tryna' wrestle with how I was gonna tell you!"

She sighs, resting her head against his torso. Cass' thumb slowly rubs against her fuzzy cheek again, watching her freckled face.
"I'd apologize, Miss Jack, but... ah' think it was worth it, gettin' t' see you laugh like that."

She starts to blush, frowning and giving him a playful glare--before a soft kiss is placed directly on her forehead.
"Though if it's any consideration, Ah've been sweatin' 'bout this for th' last two." Cass whispers.

"Seriously?" AppleJack mutters back, raising an eyebrow.

"Swept me off m' feet, ya' did." Cass affirms, letting his hand stroke down her neck, and long her side again. This time, AppleJack does little to muffle her enjoyment of the contact, making an audible whinny. Her eyes widen when she does.

"Huh. Didn't think you'd make them kinda noises." Cass teases, before a firm hoof presses against his chest.

"Hush, you. If yer' gonna stay 'round here, with me, yer' probably gonna hear more than that." AppleJack says firmly, before she breaks eye contact. "I-if, you were, uh... keen on stayin'."

Cass's hand takes AJ's hoof, clasping it tight.
"Course. Might, uh... try t' get out th' barn, course -- not that the stay ain't been pleasant, but... reckon I'd like a proper bed, 'ventually. Stayin' here, with you though? Absolutely. I've had my fill of wanderin'. Spent most of it lookin' for somethin' like this."

"Sounds like someone's got a good couple a' stories." Applejack muses, nuzzling against him.

"Well, dunno 'bout good, but I'll tell ya' a few of 'em. Put enough drink in me, I'll even tell ya' a few more." Cass mumbles.

With the rain continuing, and the looming, distant crackle of thunder, it seemed like whatever was going on with the weather was going to keep happening. With no short respite in sight, the two nestled in close, keeping warm with each other. They began sharing stories; AppleJack telling of some of the adventures between her and her friends that took them beyond Ponyville, and the villains they had to fight; including the ones that became friends. Cass told her of his journeys across the west; while there was no grand villain or strict battles, his stories were of long, lonely nights punctuated with showdowns. The two continued to find even more in common with each other, long past the point where the barn became dark, with only the lantern offering any light. Of which, was about to run out.

Applejack groans, squinting out from under the blankets at the fading lantern.
"S'pose ah' should refill it, seein' as we're gonna be stuck here..." She grunts, dreading leaving this blanket-wrapped nest of warmth they've made. She didn't know what the hell those Pegasus were up to, messing up the weather schedule this bad... but she might not complain about it tomorrow, considering.

Cass, however, has other ideas; planting another quick kiss on AJ's head (and softly chuckling at the huff she makes), he slips himself out of the covers before she can protest, wrapping her back up.

"Ah know yer' tryin' t' be gentlemanly an' all--" She mutters from the blankets. "--But yer' half th' reason these things r' warm, so y' best hurry."

Cass scoops up the lantern, none too dissimilar from what he was used to. Honestly, what made the transition so easy was how... similar, their worlds were. But, thoughts for later. He glances back to the orange-coated Mare staring at his rear, who huffs softly when noticed.

"Back corner, on th' top shelf." AppleJack mumbles from the covers.

Cass complies, and in a few moments, the tentative flicker returns to a proper glow, the barn lit again.

He sets the lantern down where he'd gotten it, but is stopped before he can climb back into the hay-blanket-bed-pile by a raised hoof.

"Hol' on." AppleJack mutters. Her tone is... huskier.

"Mmhm?" Cass hums, resting a hand on his hip.

"Ah, uh... request, if you'd hear it." She practically huffs. Was she up to something under those blanket?

"...If 'm capable, 's yours, Miss Jack." Cass nods, raising an eyebrow.

"You've, uh... seen me as ah' am plenty of times. But, uh... y' wear clothes n' such." She starts, eyes flicking up and down his near-bare form.

"And I take it you'd like t' have the playin' fields evened?" Cass guesses, a thumb tugging at the band of his underwear.

"...Mayhaps." AppleJack mutters, staring.

His hand roams to his chin, pondering something. It was certainly a bold request... but if that's how she wanted to play it... maybe Cass could go bolder.
Cass approaches the haypile, AppleJack watching curiously as he stops beside it. At this height, with him standing and her laying atop the hay, she was positioned at waist-level. This was something AppleJack noticed immediately, eyes widening as Cass' growing bulge now sat inches from her face.

"Y-y didn't have t-t' do it s-so... close." AppleJack mumbles, a long breath drawing in his scent through her nose. It sent shivers, her tail flicking under the blankets. Seems she didn't mind.

"Actually... had a counter proposition." Cass whispers. Her eyes flick up to his face expectantly.
"How 'bout... on one condition."

AppleJacks ears flicker, waiting.

"...Y' have t' take them off yer' self." Cass teases.

AppleJack does her best to bury the blush from this very bold flirtation with a cough, squinting from the covers.
"If'n ya hadn't noticed, Cass, ya've done bundled me up that ah' can't get a hoof loose. 's cute of ya, but--"

"Your mouth isn't." Cass casually informs.

Another cough escapes AppleJack. Her eyes rapidly flit between his casual stare, and his... now tenting linens. Every time her eyes wander, her breath takes in another whiff of his scent. She was beginning to wonder if Cass had a talk with Rarity about being forward, too. Though, it didn't last long. Her mind was preoccupied with... other thoughts.

"...Deal." She whispers, eyes glued to his package.

Cass takes the final step forward -- the tip of his member, straining against his underwear, presses against AppleJacks nose. For a moment, she doesn't move. Slowly, she swallows, before straining her neck outward, hooking her teeth around the band as the tip taps her chin. Her brazen green eyes roam slowly up from his pelvis, his torso, watching his face, as she starts to pull them down, fighting the resistance from his hardness.

It flops free, resting beside her face. AppleJack takes a deep breath, staring at it for a long moment. Shit. She could work with that.

"...Everything alright, Miss Jack?" Cass asks quietly, a hand roaming to brush the other side of her face.

The only response Cass gets is AppleJacks tongue slowly sliding across his now loose member, underwear forgotten. Now it's Cass' turn to have the shiver run up his back, a surprised gasp escaping his mouth.
"Erh, Miss Jack--" Cass starts.

"Should ah' stop?" AppleJack whispers, staring at him. Cass swore he could get lost in those eyes, lightly-obscured by her messy blonde mane. Any thought of asking for back into the blankets was gone. He'd live.

Cass shuts his mouth.

AppleJack accepts that as an answer -- before softly kissing his tip. Her lips are surprisingly plush, wetted from her tongue.

"Now, ah' uh... don't quite know what ah'm doin'..." AppleJack starts to mumble, before kissing along the sides of it.

"Could've fooled me." Cass groans, reaching to lean against a nearby beam. She flashes him a look, though it doesn't last.

"...But." She mumbles, sliding her tongue back up it, and circling the tip.
"...Won't be lackin' in effort..." She says stoutly; before opening her maw, wet tongue lolling out. Slowly she slides him inside of her warm, wanting mouth.

Cass' grip on the beam tightens. Oh, it was going to be a long night.

Wet from the rain, to dry -- to back to wet, drenched in each others sweat.

The blankets were strewn about, thrown without a care throughout the barn, mind for the one they both laid on. The thunderous rain muffled the grunts, groans, whinnies and gasps as they clung to each other, soft orange fur rubbing against bare skin, the slaps of their pelvises meeting carrying in the open space. AppleJack was under him, hooves wrapped around Cass as he held her close, supporting himself atop the hay, pistoning inside her over and over. Their lips pressed roughly together as their tongues tried to explore the other, failing from the fervor of Cass's repeated plunging, and AppleJacks gasping as he bottoms out each time.

"S-Still?!" She groans, body numb. Complex sentences had escaped her a while ago. Apparently, Humans had a lot more stamina than Colts. A lot more.

Cass's only response was to bite her ear.

"B-Buck." AppleJack bites her lip, melting as she realizes what she just signed up for.

Day 32
"Are y' sure, Miss--" Cass finds a hoof pressed to his lips. He's sat beside AppleJacks bed on the floor, his few belongings getting neatly stored in their own corner of her room.

"Sugarcube, we're a lil' bit past callin' me 'Miss'. Yes, I want y' to stay in my room. No, th' family don't take issue with it. They know it's til' we can get your own place on the Acre built." AppleJack says sternly, but slowly flits into playfulness -- evidenced by the removal of her hoof, and the kiss she places on his lips. "And I'd prefer you in my own bed, as much fun as th' barn is."

Cass relents, smiling as his hand roams down her side.
"An' you said th' family was out today on chores...?" He whispers. A haughty huff escapes AppleJack.

"Colts. Only ever got one thing on their mind." She teases.

"Like you weren't thinkin' the same thing?" Cass counters.

AppleJack smiles, pulling him onto the bed.

Day 63
"How's she treatin' ya, Cass?"
AppleJack sits outside the porch of the newly-built house, a welcome basket from the local residents beside her,a small paper invitation sticking out of it. A simple place just up the lane from the main Apple house; single story, but with doors actually spaced for a humans head. A fact Cass keeps forgetting after two months of living in Equestria. He keeps catching himself ducking under his new doors, before remembering he doesn't have to. Then, he gets used to not ducking, and hits his head on the rest of the doors in town. He'll learn.

"She's mighty fine, AJ. I'm more than happy t' finally have a place t' call my own, without straws of hay t' pull out my butt. But, some parts of me'll miss th' barn. Some, uh... good memories, there." Cass grins, leaning against the doorframe.

"Well... ah' heard that you've got yourself a proper bed, now. Care t'... relive some of 'em?" AppleJack teases through half-lidded eyes.

The welcome basket found its way to the kitchen table, while the spunky couple found their way to the new bedroom.

In said bedroom, however, they forgot about Pinkies "Welcome To Your New Home" party, and walked in on a good chunk of the town, who got a good view of the intrepid couple with their tongues in each-others mouths. Woops.

Day 237
Cass and AppleJack sit on the Apples porch, slowly sipping a cider each, enjoying the tender, quiet morning of a warm day.

"...We ever talk 'bout havin' Foals, Cass?" AJ asks quietly from behind her drink.

Cass promptly spits his all over himself.

Epilogue - Homesteadin'

Day 1825

Cass leans back from the tree, wiping his brow. Rolling his shoulders, he glances up at the sky. 'Bout... midday. Good time for a lunch break.

Wiping his face of sweat, he glances down the lane of Orchards. Apple Blooms gotten bigger -- and she'd gotten her cutie mark, along with her friends. They'd turned that treehouse of theirs into a proper little base, though they spent most of the time roaming town.

Big Mac, apparently a big fan of slow burn, had been fostering a slow relationship with Cherilee, Apple Blooms old teacher. She comes over now and then for dinner. Cass liked to think he softened the family up a little bit for outsiders; apparently, they were talking about making things a little more permanent, and on whether that meant Big Mac'd live with her, or she'd move onto the Acres, where they'd build another homestead. Think she was due to come by tonight, actually.

Back towards the Apples main house, Granny Smith, ever the stout despite her age, enjoys the sun of the porch. Cass didn't know how long Ponies lived for, but it felt like she'd outlive them all. Winona lay curled around the bottom of her chair, asleep.

Beside her, the eye-catching blonde mane and orange fur of his pregnant wife sat; AJ showing their little filly how to tie a proper knot. Still wasn't quite sure how that all worked out, but, according to Twilight, "Magic". Not that Cass would ever complain. Through mishap, he'd found what he'd been searching for all this time. Even if it did come a little more... pastel, then he was expecting.

With a content sigh, Cass takes up the wagon, trudging back towards the house. As he nears, AJ perks up, smiling at him with that same smile that stole his heart those years ago -- his filly, perking up at AJ pointing him out, promptly launched from the patio towards him, as he crouches down to meet her.