Apple Hospitality

As the two of you walk down the path exiting Ponyville, you tuck your hand under Applejack's hat and rub gently behind her ears while your mind wanders over recent events.

When you were first pulled through that portal, you thought your life was ruined. You immediately felt like you were an outsider, and from the way everypony acted around you, they felt the same. It always seemed like ponies were either putting up with you until you left, or cautiously interested like you were a wild animal. So, despite the Princess of Friendship's assurances that ponies were kind and friendly, you always felt cold and alone. Hell, even Twilight herself, friendly as she was, always seemed a bit stiff and cautious around you.

Not Applejack.

From the first words out of her mouth, she felt different from other ponies. She was the first one to treat you like an equal and make you feel welcome, and she was the first pony you could honestly consider calling a friend. Then her family was just as warm and welcoming, and for the first time since you came to Equestria, you weren't wishing you could return to your boring normal life on Earth.

Thinking back on it, you might have loved Applejack from that very first day, though you hadn't even considered a relationship with a pony yet. Then you woke up in her bed... was it really just yesterday morning? That was when you first saw her for how beautiful she was and when the first thoughts of a relationship entered your mind. Then last night...

You look down and watch Applejack as she walks beside you, almost in awe of the mare, and in your musing you stop scratching her head.

Her ear twitches and she looks over at you, "Aw, why'd you...?" She trails off, looking concerned, "Hey, y'all okay?"

"Wha-huh?"

You blink and she giggles, "Reckon ya zoned out there a bit. Somethin' on yer mind?"

"Oh, uh..." You stop walking and she sits down, then you rub your neck awkwardly and sigh, "Was just thinking of... well, everything since I came to Equestria, I suppose." You squat beside her, wincing as it stretches your still slightly sore calves, "What all's happened, and... how lucky I am."

"Lucky?"

You smile shyly, your ears burning, "To know a girl... uh, a mare like you."

She hesitates, blushes, then nickers and nuzzles your cheek, "Here I thought I was the lucky one."

You sigh contentedly and rub her neck, "When I was first brought to Equestria I thought it was the worst thing that happened to me, but now... I'm thankful." You meet her eye with a small smile, "These past few weeks have been the best time of my life."

She grins and gives you a quick kiss, then steps away, "Alright ya goof, c'mon. We're still close to town, don't want nopony seein' us an' freaking out or something."

The two of you continue walking for a while and after a moment you put your hand back under her hat and rub her ears some more.

"So where are you taking me, then?"

She turns her head so your fingers are rubbing just the right spot before responding, "You ain't never been out this side of town, right? ...Well over yonder is Fluttershy's cottage, but just past her place is a forest path I always loved since I was a filly."

"Ooh, a forest path? I've only seen open plains with a few trees so far."

She sighs wistfully, a look of contentment spreading across her face, "Eyup. It's a beautiful little trail. A bit of the Running of the Leaves passes through here, but while the official path turns back toward town, I like to head a bit deeper into the Everfree."

You chuckle and tweak her ear playfully, making it twitch, "You don't need to brave the Everfree anymore, you can get your kicks from your very own personal predator."

She scoffs indignantly, "T-That ain't why I like it! Hay, this is the safer side of the forest! It's just real peaceful-like, 'specially this time of year when the leaves are just startin' to turn."

You give her a little smirk, "Suuure..."

She whinnies in protest and jostles you with her shoulder, making you stumble and laugh, "Hey now, be nice!"

"Or what?"

"Dunno, might have to punish you."

She sneers at you but you can see a blush forming around her muzzle, "I'd like to see ya try!"

"Girl, I've already pinned you twice." You bare your teeth in a broad smile, "Maybe this time I'll see how you taste."

Her blush deepens but she raises her head proudly and walks ahead of you, tail firmly between her legs. "Reckon you'd be bitin' off more'n you can chew, partner."

You briefly consider lunging forward to pin her neck and give her ear a nibble, but...

Well. Maybe tonight.

For now you content yourself with walking behind her and appreciating the view. You aren't even on the path yet and it's already beautiful enough, so you know this walk is gonna be something special. In fact, it's so lovely here it keeps distracting you from the view you're really trying to appreciate.

Applejack's tail flicks just enough to hint at what's behind it and she looks over her shoulder at you, "Don't it look nice out here?"

You look up and meet her smiling eyes, "Oh yes, I really like watching the local wildlife."

She furrows her brow, "But I ain't seen any--"

You smirk and pointedly return your gaze to her hindquarters.

Her mouth forms a silent "Oh," she looks away, and her blush returns as her tail involuntarily lifts a bit.

"If I'd a known you'd just stare at my tail all day, we may as well've not gone out at all..."

You laugh and take a few long strides to catch up, then ruffle her mane, "Sorry, I am loving this trail so far, honest. Everything looks wonderful."

She gives you a skeptical look, "How ya even know if you've been watching my rump the whole time?"

"Hey, not the whole time! That was just uh... a momentary lapse of will! Really, I can't help but look when you trot ahead of me like that."

Her ears droop and she looks down without responding. Your smile vanishes.

"Whoa, hey... c'mon, I'm just playing around, AJ. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."

"Ya really like--" Her voice catches and she turns her head away.

You hadn't realized how much this little walk meant to her.

"Of course I like it out here, AJ. This place is already beautiful and we haven't even gotten to the forest path you were--"

She stops abruptly and you turn toward her, confused.

"I mean ya... ya really like... well, me? Ya like how I look?" She looks up to meet you're eye and you're surprised to see her on the verge of tears, "B-Be honest now. Pony s-sin, remember?"

You kneel and lay your hand on the side of her head, thumb lightly stroking her muzzle.

"I really do, AJ." And here you thought you were the one nervous about the relationship, "You're a beautiful mare and a wonderful person. I never imagined I'd be attracted to an equine but, well..." You trail off as you search for the right words, then remember she loves your predatory nature, so you lower your voice, finishing almost on a growl, "Honestly, you look... delicious."

Her breath catches, her ears fold back, and she even flinches a bit when you lean forward to kiss her. You slowly pull her toward you and your lips touch, but this time instead of breaking the kiss, you gently bite her lower lip.

A little tremor ripples through the fur under your fingertips and she gasps softly. You release her and she takes a long, deep breath before opening her eyes again.

"Y'all keep that up, you an' I are gonna have to head home early." She takes another slow breath, then smiles sheepishly. "I'm sorry, Anon. This damn cycle.. Reckon I'm just bein' all emotional again. I just--"

Her eyes suddenly widen as her attention focuses behind you. You lean back and turn to see Fluttershy watching you both with wide eyes, a wingtip covering her muzzle. As soon as your eyes meet, she squeaks and starts to turn away, but Applejack immediately calls out, "Fluttershy, wait, please! It's okay, I promise!"

The pegasus hesitates, then peeks between two wing feathers and murmurs something too quiet for you to make out, though Applejack apparently hears her just fine.

"We are... an' I'm sorry ya found out like this. I was plannin' on tellin' you just as soon as we came by your place in a moment here--it's only just started yesterday, so it ain't like I been keepin' it from you or anythin'."

Another mumble and Applejack shakes her head.

"I ain't surprised that looked a mite odd, but I promise he's alright. Right, Anon?"

You look down at her and furrow your brows, "Uh... I can't hear anything she's saying."

"Oh! Right... human ears ain't as good as ours. Fluttershy, we're gonna walk a little bit closer, okay? Just so he can hear you."

Fluttershy's head bobs in a tiny nod and Applejack whispers to you as she slowly stands, "Just stand up and turn real slow-like. Remember, you're pretty tall an' scary lookin' to a pony... and keep them teeth hidden, y'hear!?"

You've heard about how timid Fluttershy is, so you nod and very cautiously stand up and turn around. However, you're surprised to see she seems to be calming down and trying to relax as you approach, rather than her usual skittish behavior. Her wings slowly retract and she sits back down, rubbing a foreleg nervously.

Applejack stops at about half the distance and you immediately squat and try to give Fluttershy a reassuring smile.

"Fluttershy," Applejack says patiently, "This here's Anon, the human Twilight accidentally pulled from his home world. Let's just clear up a couple things from the get go, so y'ain't scared over nothin'." She sets a hoof on your knee, "He ain't mean or dangerous at all, promise. He's been a good friend an' a wonderful help on the farm since he started workin' with us a moon or so ago. He's nice, thoughtful, and just wants to be everypony's friend."

Fluttershy stares shyly through two locks of her long pink mane, "I... I know. Twilight told me about him the other day."

Applejack tilts her head, "Well, what're ya so scared of, then?"

The pegasus shakes her head and mumbles, "Sorry... you two just surprised me, that's all. I'm trying to do better, be braver..."

With obvious effort, she stands and slowly approaches until she is within normal conversational range. You slowly raise your hand in a little wave.

"Hi Fluttershy. I'm Anonymous, but you can just call me Anon. It's really nice to finally meet you."

She looks down and takes a deep breath, then meets your eye and gives you a tiny smile, "I'm happy to meet you too, Anon. It's always nice meeting a new creature... e-even if that creature is a little big and scary..."

You smile and--since your legs are already tired of squatting--slowly lower yourself onto your butt. Applejack beams at you both.

"Well, wallop my withers, Shy, you're doin' loads better! I was scared to pieces y'all'd just turn tail an' gallop away the moment ya saw Anon."

Fluttershy nods with a small smile, "I'm really trying, but some days it's hard. Discord has been a lot of help."

You give Applejack a questioning stare, but she just shakes her head and you decide not to worry about it. After all, Ponyville is a big town. It's probably just somepony you haven't met yet.

"SomePONY?"

A long grey face lowers into view directly in front of your face. You yelp and scoot back, immediately thumping into something behind you. You whip your head around but, just as you see an odd mix of scales and fur, Applejack grabs your head in both hooves and forces you to turn and look at her.

"Anon, this here's Discord. He's weird as buck, looks pretty freaky, an sometimes he's a mite annoying, but he's mostly harmless, I promise."

You nod and take a steadying breath, then Applejack releases your head and you turn to look behind you again.

There's nothing there.

You hear the strange voice back in front of you now.

"I prefer the term 'usually harmless,' thank you very much."

You untwist your torso and see a--

"Oh spare us both the description, your readers all know who I am."

You look at Applejack, but she just shrugs. A tiny Discord stands up from behind her ear and wiggles his eyebrows at you.

"So, anonymous one, is there something you'd like to tell my good friend Fluttershy?"

"Uh..."

Applejack flicks her ear at the tiny figure and he rolls his eyes and snaps his claw-fingers.

"Look Discord, Id really appreciate ifn youd please quit bein so weird for just a little while. Anons just tryin to be friendly ere an we dont need yall--wait, what the hay?"

You notice it too--Applejack sounds different, but you aren't quite sure how.

"Discord! Whatd ya do to me!?"

He giggles and jumps off her head, growing abruptly to match your height.

"W'ha't? I di'dn't d'o a'ny't'hin'g, I s'wea'r!"

Applejack starts to respond, but Fluttershy's soft voice interrupts her, "Discord, please... Anon and I have only just met and you know I don't like meta-chaos."

He sighs and snaps his fingers again, "Oh very well, just for you, Fluttershy. I only stopped by in the first place because there's something I thought you should know about Anon."

You and Applejack share a worried glance, then you turn to Fluttershy, her brows furrowing in concern.

"Oh? Something that Twilight didn't tell me?"

Discord leans in close to her ear and grins wickedly at you.

"Anon eats meat, Fluttershy."

Applejack sucks in her breath nervously, but Fluttershy only looks confused at him.

"But... I already know that."

Discord's head snaps back, "You DO? Wha--but... How!?"

"Discord, I know a predator when I see one. Anon's teeth are clearly those of an omnivore."

He stares at you, then turns back to her, looking bewildered, "And... and you're okay with that?"

"Don't be silly, of course I am! How could I befriend a bear like Harry otherwise?"

Discord sputters impotently for a few seconds, then Fluttershy giggles and hugs him around the belly.

"You're so sweet when you worry... I appreciate the concern, Discord, but if that's the worst thing you can think of about Anon, I don't think I have anything to worry about."

He hesitates, shakes his head, then shrugs and backs away from Fluttershy.

"Well then, if you two are just going to be nice and get along, I'm leaving before I get bored. Oh wait, I already am."

He snaps his fingers and a hot air balloon abruptly appears around him. He pulls the cord that would normally activate the flame and the roar of a motorcycle fills the air, then the balloon rapidly slides sideways across the ground and off into the distance."

You stare blankly after it and Fluttershy giggles at your expression. "He does take some getting used to, but he's really very sweet."

"But... how...?"

Applejack nudges your shoulder with a hoof and you shake your head to try and gather your senses.

"Discord's the spirit of chaos, Anon. Don't try an' understand him, it'll just give you a headache."

"O...kay?"

Fluttershy giggles again, "He was just worried about me, that's all. Would you two like to come in for some tea?"

You and Applejack share a glance, then you nod to Fluttershy, "I'd love to."

You follow Fluttershy into her cottage and she gestures to some cushions on the floor, then continues through to the kitchen. You and Applejack sit on the cushions around a little table and you look around in awe.

"Wow... just how many animals are in here?"

Applejack chuckles, "Don't rightly know, but it ain't never enough for Fluttershy."

You start to respond when a small white rabbit hops up onto the table directly in front of you, causing you to jump slightly. It glares at you, crosses its arms, and taps its foot impatiently.

"Uh..."

You look at Applejack but she just smirks, so you look back down at the rabbit and say, "Can I help you?"

It gives you an exaggerated roll of the eyes and you frown, "Wow, that's simultaneously impressive and annoying."

It bares its teeth at you, then suddenly hops up and lands hard on your shoulder, grabbing your ear roughly.

"Hey--Ow! The fu--" It yanks on your ear and squeaks loudly, "Why you little--" You wrap your thumb and forefinger around its neck, pressing the tips together so your grip becomes very rigid without actually squeezing its neck, and your fingers wrap around its torso. Then you reach your other arm behind your head and you pinch the tiny hand gripping your ear just hard enough to let it go. Finally, you lift the little demon and grab its hind legs while they're extended so it can't "jump" in your hand, then drop both hands to the table, holding him down on his back.

Applejack snickers and you shoot her an incredulous glare, "What's this thing's problem?"

"That there's Fluttershy's pet bunny, Angel."

You look down at it trying to claw your fingers and get its neck to bend far enough down to bite your hand.

"Angel of Evil, maybe..."

Fluttershy walks in with a tray balanced across her back, then lets out a little "eep!" when she sees Angel pinned to the table.

"Oh dear... I wish you hadn't done that. He'll be grumpy all evening now..."

"He just jumped up on my shoulder and started trying to rip my ear off! What was I supposed to do?"

She smiles sheepishly, "I usually just give him some food whenever he does that."

"Wait, so you're encouraging this!?"

She slides the tray down onto the table and gestures for you to release Angel, who immediately gnashes his teeth at you, then scowls furiously.

"Oh no, I just don't like seeing him upset so I try to cheer him up however I can."

"But... Fluttershy, that's directly rewarding him for this kind of behavior!"

She steps around you to prepare your tea and, as she passes, she whispers in your ear, "I know."

You turn you head to her and she gives you a little wink, then gently pokes Angel with a hoof. "Angel, please be nice. If you leave the poor human alone, I'll make you an arugula salad after he leaves?" The bunny crosses its arms and turns its nose up snootily, "With honey and sunflower seeds?" Angel peeks at her with one eye, then sneers and looks away again. "...And a slice of watermelon?" Angel finally relents with an exaggerated sigh and hops off the table, settling into a tiny wicker basket in the corner of the room.

Applejack says, "Fluttershy, for the life o' me I just can't tell why ya put up with that there little demon."

The pegasus glances at the bunny, seemingly asleep already, then motions for you both to come closer, whispering as quietly as she can, "I just can't help it! Seeing an adorable little bunny get so angry is just so cute and silly!" She stifles a giggle as you and Applejack share a surprised look, then she whispers again, "If he knew his tiny temper was so cute, he'd do his best to figure out a way to really upset me."

She starts three cups of tea brewing and sits across from you two as Applejack says, "Gosh, Fluttershy, y'all really are doin' better, aren't ya?"

"Well," she responds, "It helps to be in a familiar place where I can feel like I'm in control."

The three of you sit in awkward silence for a moment while the tea steeps. You look up at Fluttershy and notice she's watching you from behind her mane. She flutters her wings nervously, then brushes her hair aside and clears her throat softly.

"So, um, Anon... Twilight says you were brought here by accident, but then she couldn't return you home, so you're stuck here... How are you coping?"

You glance at Applejack, then smile warmly at Fluttershy, "Not gonna lie, it was pretty rough at first. Most ponies seemed to be nervous around me, some were outright cold... but once I mare a few friends I started really liking it here. I don't even want to go home anymore--I'd rather stay here in Equestria."

"Oh? But what about the life you left behind? Friends and family?"

"Psh, I hated my old life. My family was terrible, I had no good friends, and my home world is full of corruption and pointless bullshit that just plain doesn't seem to exist in this world."

"I see." She fiddles nervously with her wing for a moment, then continues, "I, um... Applejack said you two are... together?" You nod and she gulps, "And have you, um..." Her ears fold back and she blushes furiously, "Well, did you learn something new about Pinkie Pie and Rarity?"

Applejack sighs, "Ya mean their sex parties?"

Fluttershy lets out a surprised "eep!" Then sighs with relief, "Oh thank goodness, I can finally talk to somepony..."

"What d'ya mean?"

"My only friends who knew about the parties were Pinkie and Rarity themselves! They run the whole operation... I could never be frank with them..."

You frown, "What do you mean 'be frank'? Do you not like the parties?"

She shakes her head sadly, "Not really... but they're both so excited about it, I didn't want to hurt their feelings... it's still somewhat new, so they're really eager to share it with everypony."

Now Applejack frowns, "Don't tell me they've been buggin' or pressurin' you to go to more parties?" She nods and Applejack sighs, "Mare, ya gotta tell 'em the truth. Don't tell me ya caved in an' went to a party when ya didn't really want to?"

She nods again but, at Applejack's worried expression, she hurriedly explains, "I did go a couple of times, but I never did anything there. There are very strict consent guidelines so nopony is ever forced to do something they don't want to."

Applejack visibly relaxes, "That's good to know... least they seem to be runnin' it right. Still, I think y'all should tell 'em y'ain't interested. I reckon they'd understand, 'specially with it bein' you an' all."

"...What do you mean, it being me?"

"Well..." Applejack shuffled uncomfortably, "Meanin' no offense, Fluttershy, but ya just don't seem like the kinda mare to go for that sorta thing. You're sweet, soft spoken, shy, and a bit secretive. Of the six of us, I always figured you'd be the best stay-at-home dam."

"Really? I always thought that was you."

"Shucks, I'm too busy with the farm to raise foals."

You catch Applejack's quick glance at you and wonder about its significance.

"Besides, I seen how well ya handle the Crusaders. I reckon you'd make a damn fine dam, Shy."

You roll your eyes at her play on words, but Fluttershy seems to appreciate the gesture.

"Anywho... I betcha Pinkie an' Rarity'd much rather know the truth if they had the choice. I mean, just think how much worse it'd be if one day they hear from somepony else you've just been pretending to enjoy their parties? 'Sides, you can always change your mind an' come back later."

Fluttershy stare down at the table uncomfortably without responding. Applejack walks around to give her a hug, "C'mon filly, what's goin' on? Ya look like somethin's on your mind. If there's somethin' you're needin' off your chest, y'know I'm here for ya, right?"

She shuffles her wings nervously and lowers her head, looking ashamed, "It's just... I wish I even could enjoy it."

Applejack gives you a worried glance and something about the tone of Fluttershy's voice reminds you of...

A horrible suspicion comes to mind and you have to struggle to keep your voice calm and steady, "Fluttershy... do you mean you could enjoy their parties, or you wish you could enjoy any sex at all?"

The mare hesitates, then shakes her head, the words coming out in an awkward rush, "N-No, it's just... just the parties, that's all. It's so loud and there are so many ponies--I've been getting better but I think it's still just too much for me right now, that's all."

Fluttershy isn't very good at lying and, with a glance at Applejack, you know she saw right through it too. However, Applejack surprises you and only nuzzles Fluttershy's cheek, seeming to let it go.

"Alright, well... just remember I'm here if'n ya need a good talk. I been through some real manure in the last few moons."

Fluttershy relaxes, obviously relieved Applejack 'believed' her. "Really? L-Like what?"

"Aw, I don't wanna go into the nasty details, but lets just say there's a few colts around town that know exactly how it feels to get an apple-buck to the family jewels."

Your legs clench involuntarily and Fluttershy's eyes widen, "W-Wow... all I can do is fly away, and that doesn't work s-so well indoors..." Her muzzle trembles and she hurriedly adds, "I-I think the f-food is ready, b-be right back!"

She dashes away and you immediately lean close to Applejack and whisper, "So that was definitely all bullshit, right?"

"Oh absolutely," she agrees, "Somethin' musta happened to her, but I ain't about to force the issue if she ain't ready to talk about it. It'd likely do more harm than good."

You grunt, "Yeah, I guess."

"All's I can do is make sure she knows I'll be here for her when she's ready." She sighs, "Still, it kills me to know somethin's troublin' her that bad. It almost sounds like... like somepony forced her."

That's exactly what it sounded like to you. You struggle to contain the fury building up inside of you.

"Luna's wrath," Applejack whispers quietly, "If I find out somepony did somethin' like that, why I'd--"

"I'll fucking kill them."

She jerks her head up to look at you, then recoils from your dark expression, "Anon, y-you..."

"Only thing lower than a rapist is a child rapist," Your firsts clench and your voice drops to a growl, "And my father was at least one of them."

"B-But ya can't just--"

You stand suddenly and Applejack shrinks back fearfully, "N-Now hold up, Anon, we don't even know if that's what really--"

Rage boils up hot as fire inside of you. You clench your jaw and walk away as calmly as you can manage, hoping you can avoid upsetting Fluttershy.

"Anon? Anon w-wait!"

You don't look back. You walk out the door and down the path, trying to resist the memories.

Is this heading into town or down the forest?

It doesn't matter. It's away. Your father...

A violent kick sends a pine cone flying off the path. It's been so many years yet you can still remember so clearly. You step harder, faster, stomping now. You can still hear her screaming, then the sobbing.

Applejack calls out behind you and you growl in frustration, breaking into a run. Why didn't you do something? Branches whip at your face. You'd just turned up your music. You stumble over a root but it only makes you run harder. But music didn't stop the thumping on the wall--you barely avoid running into a tree--and you can still see your mother after he finished with her.

Something slams into your back and you fall heavily to your hands and knees, hooves pressing hard between your shoulders.

You snarl, "Dammit, Applejack!" You twist onto your back, elbowing her hooves aside and her enormous blue eyes glare down at you.

...Blue?

Fluttershy narrows her eyes angrily, "How DARE you!"

"What... How dare I? You--"

Your aimless rage now directs itself at Fluttershy and you claw at her. She flaps harder to raise just out of reach and you roar, "You don't know what I've been through! What he did to me! My father--"

As you glare up at her, your blood suddenly runs cold. Her eyes are glowing with righteous fury... literally. An intense light radiates from her eyes and the sight of them overwhelms you, disrupting your thoughts.

"You're right, Anon. I don't know what happened, but just because you're upset, doesn't mean you can upset everypony else, too! Applejack was terrified after you left! She thought you were going to hurt somepony, Anon! And let me tell you, you do NOT scare my friends!"

Unable to look away, you cling desperately to the anger as it rapidly flows out of you, "Y-You can't... I just--"

Her eyes fill your mind, rapidly sapping your energy and draining your emotion, "Don't you 'I just' me, mister! Applejack LOVES YOU. You can't just run away when you're hurting without a care for what it does to those around you! Pulling a stunt like that hurts her too, you know!"

You find yourself agreeing with everything she says. It just makes perfect sense and feels absolutely true. Your breathing slows as your body relaxes, your eyes fixated on hers.

"You will treat her with the respect she deserves, or you will have ME to deal with, is that understood?"

Your thoughts are full of her eyes and you work your mouth silently, unable to form words.

"IS THAT UNDERSTOOD!?"

Words leap to your lips, unbidden, "Y-Yes ma'am! Crystal clear!"

"Good."

She looks away and you feel a great weight lift from you. Almost immediately the pain comes rushing back but this time there's no anger to protect you. You clench your eyes shut and collapse to the ground, covering your face with both hands.

You hear hooves land beside you and recoil violently from the sound, falling onto your side. You hear a gasp as you shout in a hoarse voice, "The fuck did you DO to me!?"

You squeeze your hands against your head as if you can simply wring out the pain, but no matter how hard you clench your eyes, tears begin to leak out.

Memories begin flashing through your mind. Your father casually strolling away. Your sister cries as she calls 911. Paramedics barge through the door. You stare blankly at the officer's questions. A doctor looks grim, you mother in the background. Your father screams and struggles against the police.

The funeral.

You hear someone talking as if from a great distance. Something gently touches your shoulder and your eyes snap open, the world blurry through your tears. Applejack's worry-stricken face fills your vision and she flinches from your expression, starting to say something, but you choke on a sob and grab at her desperately.

She struggles a bit, seeming to be scared of you, but when you wrap your arms around her and press your face into her mane, she tentatively wraps a foreleg around your shoulders.

"I couldn't... I... s-sorry..."

"Shh... it's alright, sugarcube.... you're okay."

Your arms tremble as you take a deep, shuddering breath. Applejack strokes your back, nickering softly. Focusing on your breathing, you focus on trying to steady and control yourself.

Dammit, it was almost ten years ago! You're supposed to be over this!

You lift your head and stare into Applejack's eyes, blinking away some lingering tears. She smiles worriedly and touches your cheek with a hoof, "I'm here, Anon. Don't rightly know what's goin' on, but I'm here."

You just stare at her and let her presence fill your mind. Slowly, your breathing stabilizes and the tension fades from your neck and shoulders.

Eventually you sigh and lean back. Applejack steps forward and sits beside you, nuzzling your cheek, "You alright, partner?"

You shrug your shoulders weakly, not really trusting yourself to speak yet.

Fluttershy takes a hesitant step closer but stops several feet away, "Oh Anon... I'm so sorry. I've never used the Stare on a friend before, it just kind of... happens sometimes."

You shake your head weakly, "S'okay." Your voice is rough, prompting you to cough and swallow the buildup of phlegm.

Applejack shuffles even closer and squeezes you tight as she murmurs, "Jumpin' junipers, Shy, you used the stare on him?"

She nods slowly, looking wretched, "I had no idea it could cause so much pain..."

"N-Not your fault..." You mutter.

She just shuffles her hooves awkwardly, "I, um... I think... I should probably go... Oh Anon, I'm so sorry."

She flies away before you can respond, then Applejack turns to nuzzle you again. You sigh and wrap an arm around her barrel.

"Sorry."

She snorts softly, "I'm just glad you're okay. For the love of Luna would ya talk to me if somethin' like that happens again? I was so scared when ya just up and ran off like that." She shivers and lays a head on your shoulder, "I never thought... Sweet Celestia, yer right terrifying when you're angry, y'know that?"

You just sigh again in response. The two of you sit there for a moment, the sounds of wilderness surrounding you.

Applejack lifts her head and looks at you, "So... wanna talk about it?"

"Not really, no." Her ears droop and you groan, "It's just... just a bad memory from back home, that's all."

Applejack gives you a worried smile, "Y'know... Earth don't have to be yer home anymore." You raise an eyebrow and she looks down shyly, "I mean... this can be your home now. Here with me."

You stare at her, the pain of your memories momentarily forgotten. Maybe it should've been obvious from the way she and her family have been treating you, but to be told so directly...

Do you want this to be your home? You pretty much said so when you claimed you didn't want to return to Earth, but... are you truly done with your home world?

Applejack's smile wavers nervously at your prolonged silence and you feel an overwhelming urge to protect that smile.

You love Applejack and you love Equestria.

Yes. This is your home now.

A warmth spread through you, pushing away the last lingering traces of pain. You relax and smile, touching a hand to Applejack's cheek.

"I'd like that."