Day 245 In Equestria.
Celestia's sun casts the light of dawn across Equestria. No part of her dominion is left unkissed by the golden radiance, least of all Ponyville. Indeed, while beautiful in its own right, Ponyville becomes utterly resplendent in the light of the Equestrian mornings. Perhaps Celestia unconsciously casts just a little more light onto the little hamlet she knows her beloved student lives in, not only her student, but her student's wonderful friends who together bear the elements of harmony as well as all of the other wonderful individuals who call Ponyville home.
The first golds of dawn barely begin to give way to the blinding whites of morning. The sun finally breaches the horizon and a shaft of light screams its way over seemingly endless apple orchards through the bedroom window, and eye, of one very disgruntled resident of Ponyville.
"No." He pleads. "Five more minutes. Please, just a little more sleep before-"
*SLAM*
His door is bucked open. Standing in the doorframe is a tiny yellow filly with a red mane and tail. A large pot is balanced on her back and a spoon is in her mouth. Before he can even begin to move to stop her, the filly bumps the pot into the air and catches it in one hoof while grabbing her spoon with the other.
CLANGCLANGCLANGCLANGCLANGCLANGCLANGCLANG
"SOOOOUPS OOOON ANOOON! Get yer flank up and grab some grub! Its yer turn ta walk me to school today!" she screams happily before turning tail and slamming the door.
You are Anonymous.
And you fucking. Hate. Mornings.
This was routine. You never thought it would be, always hoped it wouldn't be, but this has been your life for the past eight months, eight months since you landed right on your ass in the middle of Sweet apple acres right out of thin air. The Apple family, being the kind souls they were, took your sorry ass in and put a roof over your head. Not for free though, oh no. Your ass was put to work as soon as they saw you kick a tree in the orchard and clear every apple off its branches.
Every day since your life has been early mornings, hard work, and apples. Apples everywhere. Despite all of it though, you are happy. The work was hard, but it had definitely whipped you into shape; you looked pretty damn good. The company (Applebloom and her awakening methods aside) was among the best you had ever had the privilege to bear relation to. You were a part of their family now.
The one thing that still jarred you to no end however were the mornings. The bright, loud, and most of all EARLY mornings. Every day, you awoke in the same fashion; loud noises and falling face first into the floor. But, there was something else. Something else that made the mornings and the back breaking work worth it.
"Heh heh heh. Mornin' sugarcube."
And that was the mare standing in your now open doorway.
"Morning AJ." You mumble into the floorboards.
Still snickering, Applejack canters into your room and takes your shirt into her teeth. With an upward swing of her head and neck, you are on your feet. How she was so fucking strong you will never know.
"Ah see 'Bloom hasn't lost her touch."
"Unfortunately. Can't you make her stop?"
"Aw she just lahks you hun. Besides, if she didn't, how would I get yer sorry flank up in the morning?"
You bite back the retort that it was -her- idea to go out drinking last night...and two nights ago...and three nights last week. How she never got hangovers you will never fucking know. You instead settle for a sigh and a shrug. She had a point after all; you weren't a morning person.
Applejack snickers again. "Anyway go get yerself cleaned up and come downstairs, ah have yer favorite in the oven."
You perk up immediately. The mornings suck, that's for sure, but the breakfasts always made up for your awakenings. Without another word of complaint you make your way past Applejack and into the hallway. Laughing, she follows you out and turns back toward the stairs while you make your way toward the bathroom.
You speed through your morning routine, and eventually find yourself in the shower. You take a chance to reflect on your relationship with Applejack. When you had arrived, she was the first to vouch for you as you had been completely and utterly truthful with her during your first meeting. From then on she had been your closest and truest friend. Sure, you had made friends with most of the ponies in Ponyville by this point but you trusted none more than her.
She was...amazing. Hard working, honest, friendly, playful...words. Words that while true still managed to not do her justice. She could turn your whole day around with a kind word and a smile, she could motivate you to do the impossible, she had helped you time and time again to find strength within yourself that eluded you. How many times have you watched her? Watched her as she worked the orchards, her blonde sun-kissed mane sparkling with sweat in the sun. How many times has your heart been set ablaze when those deep, emerald green eyes happened to meet your own? How many times had you fantasized about being alone with her, maybe over a candlelit dinner and-
You accidentally nudge the hot water and turn your pleasant shower into an icy nightmare. The shock brings your shower an end as well as an answer to your questions; too many. It would never work between you two. She was your friend, your boss, your benefactor and a different species.
Way to go. You've bummed yourself out and haven't even had breakfast. Today was off to a good start. Wearing only a towel you make your way back to your room...only to find it occupied. Applejack had been looking around when she heard you arrive.
“Hey An-" her voice dies as she fully turns to face you. You realize that you are still wearing only a towel.
You try to speak, only to find that those beautiful jade orbs of hers are darting all over you. They finally fall upon your own eyes and you find yourself arrested by their gaze...and the deep blush beneath them.
"Ah- er- uh- B-Breakfast is ready!" she spits out before galloping right past you and down the hall.
You are left stricken dumb for a few moments before mechanically moving towards your dresser to retrieve your clothes. You make sure your door is shut as you begin to dress, and are drawn back to your thoughts.
You never wanted to believe. You never wanted to give yourself the false hope that Applejack may reciprocate your attractions. Yet more often than not you would catch her gaze lingering upon you from afar, especially on the sweltering summer days where you would work with your shirt off.
But you never pushed. Never asked. Should you be wrong and she shot you down you don't think you would recover, much less the relationship you two shared. Still...maybe...maybe you just need to take a shot? Maybe there was something there? M-
Hey faggot. Mind taking a moment to stop waxing poetically about being a pussy and get some fucking food in me?
Good Morning to you too stomach.
Finally clothed, you make your way downstairs to the source of some heavenly smells. Breakfast with the Apple family was always something to look forward to...you almost put the awkwardness from earlier from your mind. Operative word: Almost. Applejack is the first pony to come into view as you enter the kitchen. She had been in the middle of setting the food onto the kitchen table when she sees you. The two of you freeze for a moment, before you awkwardly make your way to your seat.
Granny Smith, Applebloom and Macintosh are already seated. The two other siblings notice the tension between you and the orange mare and begin to whisper to each other. The spaghetti may as well be shooting out of your eyes with the force of a jet engine by this point.
You and Granny exchange your usual morning greeting, which involved you repeating the same sentence a few times at steadily increasing volume. You shoot Mac and Applebloom a glower when you notice them snickering. They knew all about your feelings for their sister, but had remained excruciatingly tight-lipped regarding her feelings for you, always telling you to just ask her yourself.
But all that is forgotten when a plateful of scrambled eggs and cheese with a side of apple cinnamon fritters is laid in front of you followed by a steaming mug of coffee. You look up to see Applejack's smiling face...and find one of your own forming on your lips.
"Thanks Applejack. It looks delicious, as always"
“Aw shucks t'aint nothin' Anon." Her blush has returned, though a bit more subdued.
And so a somewhat normal morning carries on through breakfast. You make small talk with the ponies you've come to see as a second family, mostly what needs to be done on the farm and what Applebloom's school day is going to entail. All the while you tuck into the ambrosia that is your breakfast. Applejack's cooking is without peer. All too soon however your plate is clear and mug is empty. Time to take Applebloom to school. As you finish lacing up your shoes Applebloom comes bounding down the stairs with her books neatly tied with a strap.
"Ready to go squirt?"
"You bet'cha Anon!" the little filly chirps. Such a little cutie.
The sound of clopping hooves brings your attention behind you where you find Applejack.
"Now remember sugarcube; we have that order ya need ta pick up from the general store. When ya get back we're hittin' the south field.”
Aw hell. You hated the south field. Harvesting apples there was a bit hazardous as it rested on a pretty steep hill. The benefit being that those trees happened to get a bit more sun and thus had the largest apples. Seeing your disdain the orange mare swats you playfully with her braided tail.
"Don't you fret none, ah'm sure it'll be better than last time."
"I hope so..."
You really do, considering last time you ended up losing your balance and falling down the entire slope. Applejack, bless her heart, had managed to reach you and carry your sorry ass to ponyville general where you were laid up for a week.
"It'll be fahn Anon. Trust me!" You find no reason not to, she is Applejack after all.
"You know I do AJ. Always."
Maybe it had been the way you had said it or maybe it was the words themselves. Whatever it was, your words had set Applejack's cheeks ablaze. She casts a bashful smile toward the floor.
Oh God in heaven that face. Your heart feels like it’s about to explode, and your own face is more than likely also stained a deep crimson. A giggle snaps you and Applejack out of your stupors. Looking down you see Applebloom holding a hoof to her mouth and glancing between the two of you. Your attention snaps back to Applejack.
"Right. School."
"Yea."
"Should get going-"
"-wouldn't wanna be late n'all."
"Yeah. See you later."
With that you usher the giggling filly out the door and, with one last glance back at Applejack, depart for Ponyville.
-Music-
It’s a pretty long walk, but not at all unpleasant. Ponyville and its surrounding environs were gorgeous in the morning, and when you weren't being eye-raped by the rising sun you really could appreciate it. Applebloom chatters away all the while about school, her friends, and her eternal quest to find her purpose. It’s all routine for you, and you were more than willing to shoot her ideas. Preferably ones that weren't insane and dangerous. You really didn't want to go back into the Everfree to save the ‘cutie mark crusader ruin explorers’, as they had affectionately put it while you verbally tore them new plotholes.
Soon enough you cross the boundary into Ponyville proper. Ponies you know smile and wave to the both of you, which the two of you return happily. You really did love it here. The air was clean, the neighbors (heh) were kind and easygoing, and crime was virtually unheard of. You are thankful you ended up here of all places when you came to this world. Eventually the two of you reach the road leading to the school. The traditional red schoolhouse rests on top of a large hill, overlooking much of the town. Applebloom wheels around and smiles at you.
"T'anks again Anon!"
"Of course kiddo. Have a good day at school."
The little filly makes to turn towards the school but stops. She slowly turns back to you.
"Hey Anon?"
"What is it Bloom?"
She scuffs the ground nervously with a hoof. "You...you like mah sister right?"
"Of course I do Bloom. She-"
"No no! Ah mean...like-like."
"...you know that I do Applebloom."
The little filly bites her lower lip as her eyes dart about. "Then why can't ya just..."
"Bloom we've been over this. I don't even know if she...'like-likes' me back. It could be really awkward for both of us if-"
"Oh fer cryin out loud!" Applebloom huffs. She stares you dead in the eye. "Anon I know you ain't yeller, and you sure as hay aint stupid! You should jus' colt'up and tell her! Ya won't know till ya try!"
...she had a point. Could you really go on like this? Maybe...maybe you will tell her.
"Alright. I’ll talk to her about it..."
Applebloom beams at you. "Great!" Then her expression darkens. "Cuz if ya don't...ah -will-."
Before you can say anything else the little filly turns tail and darts up the road to her school laughing just as the other students begin to make their way up the road from Ponyville.
Whelp. The gauntlet has been thrown. Now you HAD to confront this. You wouldn't be able to call yourself a man if the mare you yearned for had to hear about your feelings from her little sister.
With a sigh you turn and start your way back to town square. You had an order to pick up. Wait what -was- that order? Was it nails? Yeah thats right you needed them to repai-
You are about halfway to your destination when a familiar chill runs up your neck.
"Morning stud~"
You flinch away from the voice that just whispered in your ear. Whirling around, you find-
Damn it.
"What? Surprised to see me?"
"Hello Rainbow."
Rainbow Dash, or as you had come to call her 'Rapebow' Dash.
"Thought you were in Cloudsdale for the wonderbolts."
"Well yeah, I -was-. Now I'm back!" she says brightly.
"Wonderful." You deadpan before turning on a heel and resuming your walk. Rainbow catches up and floats next to you.
For a while neither of you say anything. Rainbow breaks the silence first. "Well?"
"Well what?"
"Aren't you gonna ask how my trip was?"
"Can't say I'm interested sorry."
The pegasus just scoffs, and starts telling you about it anyway. You tune her out as old memories begin to surface.
It hadn't always been like this. Once upon a time the two of you had been friends. Best friends. The two of you did everything together. It was on Hearts and Hooves day when that changed. Neither of you had a special somepony so you agreed to go out together, as friends. The two of you had just finished dinner and were walking from the restaurant.
She had drank a bit too much over the meal and was a bit emotional about being alone on the holiday. You reassured her that she wasn't alone. After all she had you, her best friend. She had smiled, thanked you, then grabbed your shoulders and stuck her tongue down your throat.
The fact that she knew about your feelings for Applejack had made it hurt all the more.
You had thrown her off you in anger. She retaliated with her own, stating that if you were really her friend you would do this for her. Your only response was to just stomp off angrily.
After that night everything changed. First she refused to talk to you. Then she began to stalk you. Finally, when you were working in a field alone, she tackled you from the air and tried to rape you. You managed to fight her off and run to the farmhouse. Applejack had been livid. Then not one, but two friendships had been shattered by Rainbow's own hooves.
The craziest parts were moments like these, where she seemed almost completely lucid and nonchalant about her actions; talking to you like it was nothing out of the ordinary. So you do the only thing you can; ignore her, and when possible avoid her completely. You are drawn from your thoughts as you reach the general store. Rainbow was still chatting about her favorite air team.
"Look-" you interrupt. "-Im sure it was all very awesome and all but I have work I need to do. Don't you as well?”
"Nah. Got the day off! Why, watcha doin? Need any help?"
"No. I don't need -your- help." You spit. "Now if you'll excuse me."
As you turn back toward the store, you feel two hooves grab your shoulders from behind in an iron grip.
"Y'know-" she hisses into your ear. "-I just wanted to have a friendly chat with you but you threw even -that- in my bucking face."
You gulp. Then there was this; the complete 180's.
"I bet you think you're hot shit for turning the Dash down huh? Huh?!" She continues through gritted teeth. Her heavy breathing is hot against your ear and neck. "Well I've got news for you colt. You are mine. Always were, always will be. I am going to buck you Anon. Its inevitable and so help me Celestia you -will- like it."
You feel her grip disappear. You turn to reply that no, you will -never- fuck her and shes delusional only to meet thin air. Like a ghost, she had disappeared. You glance around your immediate area and into the clouds but to no avail. Shaking off the encounter you make your way into the store to claim your order. As you push open the doors you decide then and there.
You're going to tell your green-eyed girl how you feel.
