Apple Hospitality

You feel a soft kiss on your cheek and crack open an eye. Applejack is leaning over you, illuminated by the soft glow from your window curtain.

You smile and mumble sleepily, "Mmmrong..."

"Mornin' to you too," she says with a nervous smile," How ya feel?"

With a yawn, you struggle to concentrate your sleep foggy brain. Eventually you mumble, "Sticky."

"Yeah... reckon we just dozed off a-after, we... uh..."

She trails off and blushes, averting her eyes. You feel your own cheeks start to burn as you remember last night, but you reach up and stroke her cheek.

"And you? How d'you feel?"

She closes her eyes and leans into your hand, sighing softly, "I... I'm happy."

"Me too. I was all worried about it, but..." She opens her eyes and you give her a warm smile," I love you, Applejack."

She breaks into a huge grin, then chokes as tears spring to her eyes. A surge of fear and worry rapidly clears your sleepy head.

"Whoa, hey... what's wrong?"

She shakes her head and sniffs, rubbing her face with a hoof, "N-Nothin'! I just... just thought ya mighta only said that last night 'cause of... w-well, I dunno, the afterglow or somethin'." She laughs weakly, "Prolly just all emotional 'cause of m'damn cycle, right?"

You slowly draw her face down and into a kiss, then murmur gently, "Well I do. Really. To be honest, I think I've loved you for a while and was just afraid to admit it, even to myself."

She presses herself into your embrace and nuzzles your neck, her face slightly damp, "I love you too, Anon... I couldn't tell ya how happy I am."

"There's really just one problem..." She raises her head, looking suddenly worried, and you continue with a smirk, "Since you didn't go home last night, Apple Bloom is gonna tease you so much."

She giggles lightly and shakes her head, "Likely Granny too... I'll suffer through it somehow."

She hugs you again and curls over you, warm and soft. The two of you just lay there for a few minutes, reveling in each others' touch. Eventually though, you do get tired of the gross sticky feeling and shift uncomfortably.

"So... I need another shower." Her ear twitches against your cheek, then she raises her head to look at you. "My legs feel a lot better though so I'd probably be okay on my own." Her lips tighten as she tries not to frown and you give her a sly grin, "...Still, think you could help me out again? Better safe than sorry, y'know."

She slowly smiles and nods, a faint blush spreading across her muzzle, "Oh, shore. Can't have ya over stretching them muscles while they heal after all. C'mon, let's get ya..." she clears her throat with an awkward cough, "...cleaned up."

She struggles to her hooves and hops down off the side of the bed as you wiggle out from under the covers. You hear her yelp sharply and your head snaps up. "AJ? What's wrong!?"

She stands up and smile sheepishly, "Just landed on my cast wrong is all. I'm fine, don't worry."

You look worried anyway, "Applejack, you should be more careful. The doctor said you could be permanently crippled if that leg doesn't heal right."

She roles her eyes and waves a hoof at you, "Oh apple cores, I said I'm fine! C'mon, hurry up an' get in the shower."

You decide not to press the issue just now and roll out of bed, your legs stiff but no longer sore. Applejack blushes at your naked body but doesn't turn her gaze away this time, biting her lip and looking up to meet your eyes instead. She grabs your hand with a hoof and pulls you eagerly toward the bathroom door, "Alright, alright, I'm coming."

She mutters under her breath, "Not yet you ain't..."

You follow her into the bathroom with a smirk and she immediately turns on the water and checks the temperature. As she stands there, forelegs on the side of the tub, her tail flicks impatiently and you feel somewhat less guilty about sneaking a peek this time. With perfect timing, she winks bright pink at you from under her tail.

You step close, set a hand on her flank, and rub it gently. Her ears turn to you and she opens her mouth to speak, but can only gasp as you slip a fingertip inside her. She shudders and looks back at you over her shoulder with a soft moan as you gently stroke her.

"Oh buck this..."

She leaps smoothly away from your hand and into the tub, then turns to you, "You'd best get in here right quick, Anon."

You're only too happy to oblige.

Once you're both satisfied and then clean again, you and Applejack step out into the kitchen and have a light breakfast of toast and apples to recover after your exertions, despite it being nearly afternoon. She also brews a light airy tea with your new tea set and some honey you forgot you had.

After breakfast, Applejack suggests visiting Lily Valley since the floral shop was fairly close to your house, so you follow her down the small road and to a cozy little shop just down the street.

A pink pony with lime hair sees you approach and, after a moment's hesitation, smiles and waves at you. You return the wave, trying to look as meek and friendly as possible while you and Applejack walk up to her.

"Howdy! Have y'all met?"

The mare shakes her head, "N-No, but I've seen him walking about though."

"Well this 'ere's Anonymous. Anon, meet Flower Wishes."

The mare's ears fold down, "Oh, please Applejack. You know I prefer to go by Daisy!"

You smile awkwardly and wave a hand, "Hi Daisy. I'm the human that was accidentally pulled through Twilight's portal. Uh, obviously."

"I heard... she hasn't figured out how to send you back yet?"

Applejack responds, "That might've been the plan at first, but then Anon wound up likin' Equestria so much, Twi let 'im stay. Turns out he's pretty friendly an' he's been loads of help on the farm."

"I... see... Well, what brings you two here today?"

This time you answer, "We're looking for Lily and Petal, actually."

"O-Oh! Lily's just inside tending the counter. Petal didn't come in with her today so she's probably at school, but it should be just about lunch time."

You thank her and follow Applejack inside, mildly surprised at how spacious and tidy the shop it inside. You approach the counter just as the pink and blond mare finishes ringing up another pony. Lily's eyes widen when she sees you, then she closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and finally smiles nervously up at you.

"Hey, AJ! A-And hello, Anon... you, um... you got my package, then?"

You nod, kneeling and resting your arms on the counter in the hopes that lowering to her eye level will make you less intimidating.

"I did, thank you. Really, I appreciate it--AJ and I tried the blue pouch this morning and it was absolutely wonderful. Light and airy, nice and flowery... perfect for waking up in the morning."

She blushes and steps out from the corner and says, "It was the least I could do. Please, excuse me a moment and I'll fetch a coworker to cover the counter so we won't be interrupted."

She steps through the back door and you turn around to see Applejack eyeing a pretty yellow flower.

"You like those?"

She looks up and nods, "Daffodils. I love 'em, but they need way more acidic soil than we got and too much water for us to bother growin' 'em on the farm."

You grab one and tuck it behind her ear before she can react and she watches it dangle on the edge of her vision. She starts to stammer something when you gently touch her cheek with a smile. "It looks good on you."

She opens her mouth, closes it, then finally speaks, "That's, uh... that's sweet Anon, but I like eatin' daffodils, not wearin' 'em."

You hesitate, then bark out a short laugh. You tap her snout with a finger and, when she opens her mouth to protest, snatch the flower from her ear and place it on her tongue. Her mouth snaps shut and she sits suddenly, eyes closing in pure bliss. Several seconds later, she finally opens her eyes again and smiles wide.

"Gosh, it's been too long... Thanks, Anon."

"Too long? Why don't you just come and buy them whenever?"

She points at the tray--specifically, at the pricetag on the front of the tray. Your eyes bulge, "That's... W-What? Why!?"

"They're imported from a small farm just outside of Baltimare. Daffodils can grow in lots o' places but something 'bout this one particular farm makes the best darn daffodils anypony's ever had, so everypony pays a premium for 'em."

"Please tell me that's the price per bouquet or something?" You ask hopefully.

"No luck, partner, that's per flower."

"That's like half of what money I have!"

She chuckles, "Shoot, y'all oughta ask yer boss for a raise or somethin'."

She winks and you sigh, then look up and smile, rubbing her ear with thumb and forefinger, "Well... it was worth it to see your face. I'd buy you another if it didn't mean going broke."

She blushes and turns away awkwardly, "Shucks, Anon... I apprecia--" She breaks off suddenly and you turn to see what distracted her.

A pale yellow pony with a magenta mane behind the counter is struggling not to laugh while Lily stares wide-eyed from beside her, looking like she can't decide if the two of you are disgusting or adorable.

Applejack chuckles nervously, "Oh, uh... howdy Roseluck. Y'all, uh... what'cha doin' there?"

The yellow pony you assume is Roseluck covers her mouth with her hooves, eyes bulging as she holds back her laughter. Lily, seeming to settle on 'adorable,' relaxes and slowly walks around the counter toward you.

You nervously pull out your little pouch with its meager supply of bits, "Uh... I'm pretty broke but I swear I have enough for one daffodil..."

Lily ignores the pouch and just stares at you for a moment, then turns and whispers something in Applejack's ear. Her ears turn bright red and she hesitates, then nods once. Lily gasps and covers her mouth with a hoof, turning to look at you again.

"...What?"

She just stares at you for a moment, then slowly reaches out a hoof and lifts another daffodil, places it in a little paper bag from under the bin, and slowly passes it to you.

"O-Oh no thank you, I can barely afford one!"

"They're on the house."

"They... huh?"

She wiggles her hoof and you hesitantly take the bag from her. Lily rears up and sets a steadying hoof on your shoulder, then leans close and whispers in your ear, "You're a lucky buck, Anon. Don't let her eat it right away--save it for a special moment." Then she winks at you and turns away.

Applejack opens her mouth but just then you hear a high squeak come from the front door, "Omigosh! He's here!"

The pink and purple filly thuds into your leg, hugging your thigh tightly. Applejack giggles and Lily twitches nervously, but smiles at Petal Bow and says, "Yes, he came to have lunch with us. At least, I... think he did?"

You're still processing whatever just happened and almost don't realize she asked you a question. "...O-Oh, yes! If you'll have us, of course."

"Absolutely! Rose, can you watch the shop for me?

Roseluck, having finally gotten her laughter under control, salutes with a forehoof, "Aye aye, ma'am! Have fun."

Lily rolls her eyes and gestures, "Follow me everypo--er, every... one?"

You laugh, "Don't worry, I'll answer to 'everypony' just like anypony else."

You and Applejack wave one last goodbye to Petal Bow as she scampers back to school. As the two of you turn away from the excitable filly and head into town, Applejack playfully nudges you with her hip and says, "See! Told ya you could make friends on your own!"

"What are you talking about, you were there the whole time."

"Yeah, but I hardly said twenty words since we sat down the eat."

You shrug your shoulders, "Sure, but Lily wouldn't have been comfortable if you hadn't been there too."

"Hay, she hardly spoke either! That nosy filly kept askin' you so much 'bout your people and your home, the two of us just ate, smiled, and watched the two of you have fun."

You glance worriedly at Applejack, "I didn't even notice she was so quiet... what if she was too scared to--"

"Hush that silliness, Anon. I was watchin' Lily an' she could hardly stop smiling the whole time y'all were talkin' and playin'." She grins sidelong at you, "Shoot, I think she might even like ya a bit." She hesitates and her ears flop uncertainly, "Come to think of it, she was a mite strange the whole time..."

"You don't think she knew about us, do you? I mean, we showered so she couldn't have smelled anything, right?"

She grimaces and murmurs, "I, uh... mighta got a bit excited after your little trick with the daffodil." She looks up at your confused expression and sighs, "I ain't had any medicine for my cycle yet, Anon."

Your eyes slowly widen with realization, "So she probably smelled..."

"Eyup."

"...And everypony around us?"

Her ears droop and you both look around nervously, "Uh... ain't very likely in the open air like this, but still... somepony might catch a whiff."

She accelerates to a trot and you lengthen your stride to keep up. "So where are we going, then?"

"Sugarcube Corner. It's just up ahead and Pinkie oughta have some medicine."

A moment later she bursts in through the front door, startling the blue and pink mare inside. "Oh! Dearie me, Applejack--"

"Sorry Mrs. Cake! Y'all seen Pinkie Pie?"

"Well sure, she's upstairs in her room, but--"

"Thank ya much!"

Applejack rushes up the stairs and Mrs. Cake turns to you.

"Sorry, she uh... has an urgent problem."

The blue mare smiles, nods, and waves a hoof after Applejack. You walk upstairs after her, somewhat carefully with your stiff legs, and poke your head through the already cracked open door to Pinkie's room.

You see Applejack shuffling nervously while Pinkie searches through some shelves on the far wall. Pinkie turns around just as you step inside.

"Ah ha! Found you, you little--" Pinkie gasps, tosses a little pouch to Applejack, then rushes across the room and hugs your waist tightly.

"Omigosh, Anon! I haven't seen you since your one-month-since-your-welcome-to-ponyville-party anniversary party!"

You chuckle and pat her fluffy mane, "Nice to see you too, Pinkie."

Applejack trots past you and out the door, but as you turn to follow her you get distracted by Pinkie doing... something.

"Twitchy nose, itchy hoof, shaky leg... and extra poofy tail?" She sits suddenly and looks up at you with an exaggerated gasp, "Anon! Did... did you really!?" She squees and leaps into your chest, hooves squeezing you so tight you can barely breathe.

She releases you just as suddenly, her hooves press into your cheeks, and she looks right into your eyes with an almost desperate expression, her muzzle moving rapidly, "Tell me its true, Anon! I mean I know my Pinkie Sense is almost never wrong, but I just have to make sure this time because omigosh if I'm wrong it could be the wrongest wrong I've ever wronged but if it's right this is so amazingly right and perfect and I need to start planning and--"

You calmly wrap a hand around her muzzle and she mumbles into your palm for a few more seconds before finally noticing and falling quiet.

"You know I can't answer when you talk that fast, Pinkie. Tell you what is true?"

You release her muzzle and she breaks into a huge grin, practically vibrating with excitement, "My Pinkie Sense tells me that somepony slept with their very special somepony, so that must mean you finally rutted Applejack!"

Oh.

You're sitting on the ground.

When did that happen?

You look up in a daze to see Pinkie's worried face, "Anon, are you okay? You kinda went all woozy and sat down really hard."

She steps closer and robs your shoulder with a hoof. You rub your face with both hands, then finally look up at her.

"...How...?"

"So is it true? Am I right!?"

You hear Applejack's voice from the doorway, "Is what true?"

Pinkie beams at her as Applejack steps inside and closes the door, carrying a glass of the medicinal tea.

"You two finally bucked!"

Applejack's ears fold straight back, "Figured ya might've figured it out what with your sense an' all..." She walks over and sits right in front of her, "Look, Pinkie, I'm sure you're excited an' ya probably want to shout out to the whole town an' throw some huge party for us--" Pinkie nods vigorously and Applejack grimaces, "I know how much ya hate secrets so I'm mighty sorry, but this really really can't get out. Not yet."

Pinkie's excited vibrations suddenly stop and her ears droop. Applejack sighs and continues, "I need y'all to promise me ya won't tell a soul about me an' Anon 'til I say it's okay."

The pink mare looks pleadingly into Applejack's eyes, but she just stares right back and Pinkie slowly deflates. Finally, Pinkie slowly nods and chants in a slow monotone, gesturing with her hooves, "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye..." She lets out a defeated sigh as Applejack relaxes and takes a slow drink of her tea.

Then an instant later she smiles and gives Applejack a big hug, who barely avoids spilling her drink, "That's okay though, because I'm just so happy for you two! I just knew you two would be a good match. Plus now you can go to the super secret special parties!"

You glance up and Applejack takes a step back, looking confused, "Hold up... 'special' parties?"

"Mmhmm! Filly-free fun nights, parties for all the mares and stallions in town!"

Applejack shakes her head, "Tell me ya ain't sayin' what I think yer sayin'."

"Yep! It's a big secret from everypony until they've had their first rut because the first is supposed to be super duper special, but now you and Anon can come have fun too! At least, if you want to--these parties are totally optional."

You hold out a hand, "Hold up, Pinkie. I'm still getting used to pony customs, so can you be more specific? What exactly are you talking about?"

"Oh, sorry Nonny! So basically Rarity and I throw these parties every couple of weeks where mares and stallions can have easy, casual sex, just for fun!"

You gape for a second, then look at Applejack and, seeing her dumbfounded expression, you begin to shake with suppressed laughter.

"Ya mean... y'all just... casual... an' did you say RARITY!?"

Pinkie beams with pride, "Yepperoo! It was her idea to begin with, in fact! Said ponies were already doing it in secret anyways, so we may as well make it open to help keep it safe. She even learned a spell to stop conception so mares can come by during their cycle and get a little relief without risking a foal!" She winks at Applejack, "Rarity says that relief is really nice."

Applejack groans and lays down, "And how many of y'all are in on this?"

"Oh, tons! Just about all the single ponies in town that aren't virgins and even some of the couples too."

You finally find your voice again, "And just how active is Rarity in this scene?"

"Oh, Rarity is the busiest busy pony of all of us. I think she's even better at these parties than me!"

Applejack glares at your quiet snickering.

Abruptly, Pinkie stands straight upright and gives both of you a serious stare, speaking in a formal, highly rehearsed tone, "Filly free fun nights are to be kept absolutely top secret. Everypony must pinkie promise to never even hint of the parties to anypony who is still a virgin, or to ANY pony without a cutie mark. If you are not sure, err on the side of caution until you can confirm with either Rarity or myself."

You look at Applejack, but she just stares at Pinkie Pie, clearly stunned. Honestly this is kind of freaking you out, too.

"Anypony who does not pinkie promise to uphold the secrecy, or who breaks said pinkie promise, will be shunned by everypony within the community, even including those who are no longer active. That means the majority of the adult ponies in Ponyville will effectively act as if you do not exist."

Pinkie finally relaxes and smiles at you both, sitting down again, "Eep! Sorry if that was a little scary, but I have to be just a teeeensy bit intense about it in order to keep the secret so well. But I just know you two will promise with no problem because you're both such great friends!" She lets out a little giggle that somehow comes across as dark and intimidating. "Just be glad you didn't hear Rarity's warning... I hear she gets really into it.

Applejack's muzzle is hanging wide open, but you just chuckle gently. "Alright, whatever. I doubt I'll be participating but I can keep your secret. How do I pinkie promise?"

"Weeeellll traditionally you'd do it like I did a moment ago with the chant and poking your eye, but I'll accept any old pinkie promise for you."

"Okay then, I Pinkie Promise I won't mention the parties to anypony unless I'm certain they already know about it."

She beams and turns to Applejack, "Your turn!"

Applejack slowly turns to gape at you. You reach over and squeeze her muzzle, closing her mouth, then tap her cheek a couple times. She shakes her head lightly and frowns at Pinkie.

"Ain't it kinda rude forcin' us to promise after ya told us all about it without our askin'?"

"Well, you can't promise not to tell a secret you don't know, silly, and nopony would ever find out if we didn't tell them first."

Applejack hesitates, seeming to have no response to that, then sighs, "Alright, Pinkie. I kinda wish I didn't know at all, but I pinkie promise I won't tell a soul."

"Great!" Pinkie exclaims, "There's more to it than just the parties themselves, too. There's all kinds of toys and, thanks to Rarity, special outfits you can buy or even just rent for a night."

You grin at Applejack and she frowns, but she can't stop herself from blushing or twitching her tail like that. "Alright, I gotta know," you ask, "Of Applejack's closest friends, who doesn't know?"

"Big Mac, Twilight, Daisy, and Rainbow Dash," Pinkie answers without hesitation.

You and Applejack both share a surprised glance and you say, "Wait, really? I figured Dash would be all over something like this."

"And yer tellin' me Fluttershy does know?"

Pinkie grins and taps her muzzle with a hoof, "You'll have to ask her for the details yourself but yes, Fluttershy knows. As for Dash, she probably would love it if she knew, but well... she's still a virgin!"

"No way, really?" You say incredulously.

Applejack nods, "I ain't surprised, honestly. Mare needs to lower her standards, nopony's ever 'awesome' enough for her."

"I heard she and Thunderlane were almost a thing," Pinkie says, "But that was a big no-no."

"I'm thinkin' Soarin might be good for her."

"Ooh, yes! He probably won't ever make the first move, though."

"Yeah, prolly not. Maybe we can do somethin' to nudge 'em in the right direction?"

You clear your throat and they both look at you, then Pinkie giggles and says, "Anyways, you two feel free to talk to me or Rarity if you ever want to have some fun or even just tips--especially Rarity, if you want tips. Me, I got all the toys. Ooh, wanna see!?"

Applejack hurriedly waves her hooves, "Oh no, that's alright, we'll come look another time."

"We will?" You ask, surprised.

Applejack glances at you, then blushes and looks away, "...Probably."

Pinkie beams at her, "Don't be shy about it, AJ! It's totally natural and you just gotta talk about what you like and don't like--communication is super-duper important for this kind of stuff!"

"Hooey! Would ya look at the time! Anon an' I better get goin'. Thanks for the herbal brew, Pinkie. I already feel a lot better."

Applejack nudges you with a hoof and opens the door. You laugh and wave.

"Good seeing you again, Pinkie. I can never guess what crazy surprise you'll have for me next."

She lunges forward and hugs you tightly around the waist. "Thanks, Anon! I'm just glad to see you smile." She leans in close and whispers in your ear, "If you have questions or want tips on how to make her feel better, come talk to me." She winks, then hugs AJ and whispers in her ear too, making her blush and fold her ears down.

Finally, you make your way down the stairs, say goodbye to Mr. Cake and hear Mrs. Cake yell goodbye through the back doorway.

Once outside, Applejack sighs heavily, "Well ain't that a load to take in."

"Mmhmm. I'm not really surprised Rarity's into something like that, but Pinkie?"

"I suppose parties are her special talent, even a party like... like that."

"Guess so..."

As you start walking down the road, you notice Applejack seems to be favoring her injured leg.

"Is your leg bothering you?"

She immediately begins walking normally, "Naw, I'm fine."

"Applejack, you don't need to act tough, everypony already knows you are. If it hurts, you should take it easy."

Her ears flatten, "I told ya I'm fine!"

You sigh, "Alright, alright. Just... let me know if you need to take a break. No shame in caring for an injury, AJ."

She doesn't respond and the two of you walk on in silence for a moment. Eventually see seems to relax and you stroke her neck.

"So... you wanna take that nature walk we were talking about yesterday?"

She looks up at you and grins, "Sure, I know just the place."