Autumn Leaves

Chapters

Prologue
Let Them Talk
Honest Hearts
Where the Wild Roses Grow

Prologue

Your name is Anonymous. You're only twelve years old, and right now you wandered the woods of a very strange land. The last thing you knew before being this lost was that you were on your way to school with your friends. Another normal morning, nothing wrong or strange about it. Then in a whirlwind of confusion you heard a high pitched squeal, the screams of your father from your porch, and a flash of light.

When you finally woke up, you were in the middle of a cold, dark forest. Everything was strange, alien even. The old familiar smells of the backwoods of your neighborhood were gone, replaced with something... new. The first day, you simply sat where you woke up, hoping that maybe your father would find you and take you home. He’d be upset, of course. Dad never liked it when you wandered in the woods all by yourself. But as the sun crossed the sky and the hours crept away, you began to realize that no one was coming for you. No one would find you out here.

It threw you for a loop. After all, you hadn't been lost before. Not really. Not like this anyway. The most lodt you’d been was at the grocery store, not some spooky forest where it seemed to be dark for far too long.

Day two is when you started to try find your way back home. At that point you were able to stop crying to yourself and force yourself to move. The shadows cast from the trees on the forest floor scared you, as they created forms that looked menacing when you couldn't tell what they were. Yet you carried on, stumbling and tripping over large, twisting roots, as far as your little legs could carry you. The only thing you had from home were the clothes on your back, and the hat on your head. Your father had been a rancher when he was younger, and always wore a brown stetson hat.

You remember the day he let you have it, after your first little league game. Your team hadn't won, of course, but you had all tried your hardest. Sammy almost made it to first base that one play, but he tripped on his sprint to the base. You? You were able to get all the way to third. Third! You’d never even dreamed of getting all the way to third base, but there you were. Of course, when Davey struck out, you knew you’d never make it to home.

Your father told you that's all that really mattered, trying your hardest, and he put that brown cowboy hat onto your head. You wore it everyday after that. It barely fit, of course, as it was too big, but you didn't mind

Hours passed, and you still couldn't find a way out of the woods. Slowly but surely, you began to realize that, maybe, these were not the backwoods of where you lived. You had a sneaking suspicion, sure, but this... this was too different. Too strange. Everything had a strangeness to it, the colors were filled with life and vibrancy, their hues popping out at you like those in storybooks.

As night passed your hunger and weariness began to set in. You longed for a nice, hot meal at home. Maybe dad would make Brunswick stew? That sounded nice right about now. Then you would take a hot bath, and head to bed, and when you woke up, you would have breakfast with dad, and catch the school bus with your friends.

Everything was going to be fine. Everything was... going to be...

Tears began to form in your eyes as you began to come to terms with the fact that you would probably be never found all the way out here in... wherever this was. You’d be lost forever, you just knew it. None of the trees were familiar, the grass and dirt were uniques and foreign. You were lost. You were helplessly and hopelessly lost, and you couldn’t help but cry.

You're snapped out of it when you start to hear noises coming from behind you.

"Dad?!" you cry out into the darkness, a smile spreading on your face. You were saved! You knew he'd find you! You just knew it!

When you turn to the sound, you don't see your father. The forms in front of you weren't even human. They looked like... wolves. Made of twigs and bark. Their yellow eyes glowed eerily in the night. They glowed. They actually glowed.

Run.

Growls flowed from within them, and their teeth were barred.

Run.

The biggest one began making his way to you, the other two following him.

RUN.

You spun around and began running for your life, as the wolves made chase behind you, their growls turning into ear shattering barks and howls. You weaved through trees, your breath quick and shallow, your legs burning, the only thing pushing you forwards being the sheer panic that was setting in. What were they? Why were they chasing you? These were questions you had, but you had no time to ask them. All you could do was sprint, sprint for your very life.

Your foot catches onto a root, and you were sent tumbling down a hill, your arms and legs getting cut and scratched by the rocks and debris scattered across the ground. Stumbling to your feet, you quickly grab your hat from the dirt and started running once more. The wolves chased on, their howls ringing through the forest as they relished in the hunt.

You kept running.

Without warning, one of them was on you, snarling and barking into your ear. You were wrestled onto the ground by one of the beasts, its jaws snapping at your neck, your arms the only things holding it back. The other two weren't far behind you now, their howls of victory echoing through the air as they raced to the kill. The wolf that pinned you scratched at your face, its claws scraping your cheeks and forehead, the sting of the cuts hitting your nerves harder and harder. Falling back on instinct, you quickly bring a fist into the thing's eye, sending it reeling in pain with a yelp. You take this opportunity to make your escape, running even faster than before.

Run. Don't cry. Just run.

The wolves began gaining on you once more, but you were determined to get away from them. You would keep running, no matter wh-

Your feet screech to a halt when you realize you've come to a cliff, a briar patch the only thing that lay below. No, it wasn’t just a briar patch, it was an absolute sea of thorns and brambles. They cut and thrust out of the twisting branches below, like spears being cast into the sky. You turn around to run, but the wolves have cut you off, their wooden bodies stepping towards you with ferocity in every move they make. Be eaten alive, or jump into a river of thorns? Things never got to be easy, did they? You shake with fear and panic, as you weighed the options in your head. The wolves get closer, and your heart pounds in your chest, your body confused as to what to do. Your legs act on their own, backing you away from the wolves until you’re at the edge of the cliff. What do you do? The wolves crouch, ready to strike. What do you do?!

The three beasts leap at you all at once as you take a single step backwards, falling from the earth. Your hands grasp the edge of the cliff, clinging to it for dear life as the wolves are sent tumbling down to the thorns below, their howls and shrieks of pain ringing into the air around you. The grip on the cliff's edge grew weaker, but you pulled with all your might, scrambling back onto the safety of solid ground. Your body ached and begged you to rest, but your fear of the wolves drove you to keep moving. After all, what if there were more? You couldn't rest easy until you were out of this forest. Stumbling forward, you pull your hat further onto your head and continue walking.

Hours passed, and you continued to march through the dark, foreboding maze of trees. The only thing illuminating your way was the light from the moon, its beams casting even more shadows across the hard, cold ground. Eventually you came to a clearing in the forest, and stood at the top of a hill. Below you was what looked like another forest, except this one seemed far less frightening, as well as more... organized. Like and orchard.

Your legs finally give up on you, and you roll down the small green hill and into the foot of the orchard. For a few minutes you simply lay on the ground, your breath tattered and ragged. Your throat was on fire, and your legs were weak. The beating of your heart went from rapid, to calm as the adrenaline in your small body began to disappear. But slowly you begin to realize that the air has changed just a bit. It smelled much sweeter than that of the dark forest you came from. The scent of apples filled your senses, and your stomach soon reminded you that you hadn't eaten in at least two days. Pushing yourself up, your limbs trembling and shaky from exhaustion, you carry on, eyeing the trees.

They're covered in apples of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Looking ahead, you see a tree with bright yellow apples. At this point, all decency has escaped you and you try to madly climb the tree to get to the golden fruit. Your body doesn't want to comply with your hunger, and you fail at scaling the tree.

Tears well up in your eyes and your brow furrows. All you wanted after all this hell you just went through was some food. You were just going to school, and then you ended up in this place. You walked through a spooky forest, you were attacked and chased by wolves made of wood, you almost fell into a brier patch from a cliff, and now, all you wanted was one, measly, APPLE.

You punch the trunk of the tree in anger, recoiling your fist in pain after striking the bark as hard as you can. Then something hits the top of your head.

"Oh c'mon! How much more could I get... hurt..” you say, trailing off. Looking at the ground, you see a single yellow apple, it most likely being what fell on your head. You snatch it up and sit down by the base of the tree and begin devouring the tiny fruit. It is without a doubt the sweetest apple you have ever had in your entire twelve years of existence. Finishing off the morsel, you thump the tree once more with your fist. Sure enough, another apple falls and you catch it in your hat. You thump the tree a few more times, catching more food into your hat, and begin eating.

Your relaxed state and satisfied hunger eventually calms you down, the adrenaline from the earlier chase completely nonexistent. Pulling your father's hat down to cover your eyes, you drifted off to sleep under the large apple tree. Hopefully, by morning, dad will have found you.

The Next Morning

Mumbling. Yes, mumbling was what you were hearing right now. No, wait, it’s getting clearer. Words? Yes, words. Those were definitely words.

"...Uhm, hello? 'Scuze me, uh... mister?" says the voice. It was small, but you’re too tired to recognize that fact before you wake up with a start, gasping as you do so.

"Dad?!" you cry out, your eyes darting back and forth as you do so.

"Dad? Ah'm not yer pa, if that's what you mean."

Your hat is still obscuring your view, so you lift it and see that the voice was coming from... what is that? A small horse? You remember going to a few farms in school that had horses, but not horses with such big eyes. It had an orange coat and a blonde mane and tail, both of which were tied off in pony-tails.

"Did... did you just talk?"

The horse smiles. "Yup! Why wouldn't ah talk, anyhow? Everypony can talk, after all,” the little horse says with a grin.

"...How are you talking? You're just a baby horse."

The orange horse pouts and gets a stern look on her face. "Ah am NOT a horse! Ah'm a PONY. And ah'm most certainly not a baby, neither. Ah'm old enough t'help with apple-buckin' season, so that makes me a BIG pony!"

"Okay okay, you're a pony, not a horse,” you quickly say back to her. She has her snout scrunched up in frustration. Seems they didn’t like being called horses.

"A BIG pony, too!" she says, stamping a small hoof to the ground. She HAD to be a filly. You were only around 4 feet tall, and she only made it up to your knee. The small pony looks around at the apple cores that were littered around you before letting out a tiny gasp.

"Were you eatin' our apples?! Those're Sweet Apple Acres apples, and ah know you ain't a part a MAH family... and you ain't no pony, neither!"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know they were yours, honest," you say, raising your hands. Did you steal from her? You didn’t want to steal from anyone, and certainly not from a talking pony. She squints at you analytically.

"Hooooooonnnneeeeest?" she asks, squinting.

"Honest."

With that she perks up at you. "Well alrighty then! S’long as yer honest with me, then yer alright in mah book! Say, you sure got a lot of scrapes and cuts on ya'. What happened?"

"Oh,” you begin, looking at the cuts on your arms and legs, “Well, I got lost in the woods out there for a few nights, and I eventua-"

The orange filly gasps again, her eyes widening. "You stayed in th'Everfree Forest for a WHOLE night?" she asks, flabbergasted.

"Well, two nights actually," you say, correcting yourself and rubbing the back of your head.

"But wasn't it scary like?” she asks again. “My granny tells me that there's lots'a dangerous critters out in them woods. Like manticores, an' timberwolves, an'-"

"Timberwolves?"

"Yup!” she says, nodding quickly. “They're big 'ole scary wolves made a' TIMBER! You know, like twigs an' things."

"I actually got chased by some of those last night!"

The filly's eyes go even wider as she gasps once more. "You got yerself chased by a timberwolf?!"

"I got myself chased by THREE timberwolves!"

"Gol'lee! How'd you get away from 'em?" she asks, sitting next to you.

“Well,” you start, picking at a small cut on your nose, "I ran and ran through the woods, and then they chased me to a cliff. So, right when they leaped up to eat me, I jumped!"

"Gosh!"

"Yeah, I thought I was done for, but I managed to grab hold of the cliff and make my way back to solid ground. The timberwolves, those things made of wood, fell off the cliff and into a briar patch."

The orange pony lets out a quick giggle. "Hehe, ah like ya'. What's yer name?" she asks.

"Anonymous,” you reply, tipping your hat like your dad taught you to do. “What's yours?"

"Mah name's Applejack! An' this here's Sweet Apple Acres, only the best apple orchard in all of Equestria, don'tcha know!"

Equestria? What the heck was that?

"Say, Anon-ee-moose, that's a neat lookin' hat you got yerself there."

"Oh, thanks! It's... it was my dad's hat, actually."

"Where's yer pa?" she asks, looking around the spot the two of you sat at.

"I... I don't know, actually...” You were still trying your hardest to cope with the fact that you were far, far away from home. Dad? Dad was that far too. “What about you?” you say back to her, “Where are your folks?"

Applejack looks down and scuffs a hoof on the ground, dejectedly. "Mah ma an' pa are... well, they're not 'round anymore.” Her hoof kicks as a tiny pebble, not really saying anything for a moment as you realize what she means by “not ‘round anymore.” “Mah granny takes care'a me an mah brother an' mah baby sister,” she says at last, looking back up at you. “But she does a mighty fine job!" She's back to smiling at you again, a light blush around her freckles.

"Say,” she says, perking her ears up and out of that blonde mane, “Wanna have lunch with me an mah family? It's gettin' awfully close t'noon after all."

Your mind was going a hundred miles a second, taking in everything you've just heard and seen. Wherever you were, it was definitely NOT home. Nor was it anywhere remotely close to it. You had the feeling that you wouldn't see your friends or your father for a long, long time.

But this pony... Applejack, seemed awful nice. She must have been close to your age as well.

"Uhm.. sure? Yeah, okay, thanks."

"Yeehaw!” Applejack exclaims, rearing on her hind legs for a second in delight. “C'mon, ah'll take you down to th'farm an show ya 'round!"

With that she trots around you in circles as you get yourself up from where you sat, and followed her as she lead you through the orchard. It was going to be a long day, but hey, maybe you’d like it here for now.

Maybe.

Two Years Later

"C'mon Applejack, you can do it!"

You stood by a fence outside the Apple's farm, watching Applejack running a small course the two of you had made earlier in the week. It had been two whole years since you arrived in Equestria. That's what this place was called. The whole kit and kaboodle, but you lived in a town called "Ponyville." The day Applejack had brought you to her family was also the day you started to live with them. You had told Granny Smith what had happened to you, and she had taken you in out of the kindness of her heart. Of course, you worked alongside them as well, let's not kid ourselves. There’s kindness, and then there’s charity, and as far as you were concerned, you worked just as hard as the rest of the Apple clan.

Over the course of a few months, you had become great friends with Applejack and her family. Big Macintosh had become almost like an older brother to you, and you enjoyed helping him buck apple trees. That's something else that the Apple's took an interest in. Despite your size and the lack of hooves, you were able to knock down apples from their trees surprisingly well, especially for a human at least. If you were back on Earth, punching a tree would never have brought you any positive results. Maybe a broken hand, but never any fruit. But here you were able to knock down almost as many apples as Applejack, and having hands with fingers definitely helped in your work as well. You also took in some peace when helping take care of Applebloom, still a baby at this point. You liked reading her stories as she went to sleep in the evenings, and you knew some old Doctor Suess books by heart. She seemed to really like “Green Eggs and Ham.”

Ah, but that’s all in the past. Back to the present.

"Go Applejack, Go!"

Applejack ran around the small track you made, doing her best to jump over mud puddles and stands you raised up. She got all the way to a bale of hay, and attempted to toss it across a line the two of you laid out a few yards away. She flung it high into the air, but it landed only feet away from the goal. Applejack pouts at the sight stubbornly and kicks the dirt with a hoof.Hopping over the fence, you jog over to where Applejack stands.

"AJ that was great!" you exclaim, a smile on your face. She’d improved a ton over the last few weeks, and it showed.

"Anon, ah didn't throw th'hay bale far enough! How'm ah s'posed ta win the Ponyville rodeo nest year if ah can't even manage somethin' like that?" She blows a tuft of bangs from her hair in frustration, a frown plastered to her face. You kneel down and give Applejack a tight hug, tussling the hair on her head.

"Oh come on Applejack, you did great today! Besides, did you try your best?"

"Well,” she says, "Yeah..."

"Well then that's all that matters,” you say matter of factly. “You do your best, and I'm sure you'll bring home plenty of blue ribbons! And remember, no matter how hard you try, I'll always be proud of you. Everyone will."

"Really?"

"Mmhmm... you know what? Here." You take off your brown stetson hat and put it on top of Applejack's head. It slips over her eyes a bit, but she adjusts it while giving you a curious look.

"What're you doin'?" she asks, taking the hat and holding it in her hooves.

"I'm giving you my hat, of course."

"But, why? Didn't ya tell me that your pa gave ya this hat?"

"He did,” you begin, “But he gave it to me to show how much he cared, and to show that he would be proud of me, no matter what. Just like I'm proud of you, no matter what."

Applejack give the most earnest smile you've seen her make, and returns your hug with one of her own, even tighter than yours.

"Thanks Anon. That means a lot t'me." She gives you a quick peck on the cheek, and you break out into ridiculous blushing, at which Applejack giggles.

"C'mon,” she says, putting your hat back onto her head. “Maybe if we're lucky Granny Smith'll have baked that apple pie fer us in time fer dessert tonight!"

Applejack trots away towards the farmhouse, and you can't help but give a big, goofy grin when you feel your cheek. She seemed so happy now that she knew you believed in her... You think dad would've been proud of you so far.

Damn proud.

~And So Our Story Begins~

Let Them Talk

Autumn Leaves

Chapter I

Let Them Talk

Two Years After Prologue

Ages:

Anon-16

AJ-16

Big Mac-18

Apple Bloom-5

You sat underneath a tree littered with Fuji Apples, the shade from the leaves cascading over you and shielding you from the rays of Celestia's bright sun. Big Macintosh sat next to you, both of you with an apple in hand. An apple in hoof in Mac's case. It was a particularly warm day today, and you were enjoying your small break with Mac, savoring the fruit you were eating.You raised your gaze to the valley of trees below you, taking in the sight of all the blends of red and yellow.

"Lot of apples out there," you say, biting into your apple.

"Eeyup," replies Big Mac.

"Still have to buck most of 'em, though."

"Eeyup."

"We should probably get out there, start bucking them early."

"Eeyup," says Mac, as stoic and quiet as ever. The two of you nod, but neither of you rise to get to work just yet. The only sound out here is the occasional bird chirping in the distance, and the chewing from you and Mac.

"Or," Big Mac speaks up.

"Or?"

"Or we could keep eating apples in the shade." Huh. You have to admit, you liked his line of thinking.

"Eeyup," you say. raising your apple to Mac's and tapping them together. Work could wait for now, or at least until Applejack showed up. You and Mac had gotten the South field bucked earlier than you had expected, and Applejack was carrying on with the Eastern Field. She was supposed to only do half of it, and then all three of you would work on a majority of the Northern field until around sunset. That meant about three more hours of work, and then dinner. Tonight was your night to cook, after all.

You leaned your head back onto the tree, breathing in deep as you relished the shade.The tree shudders suddenly, and you and Big Mac are pelted by apples from above. One lands right on your face, smacking into your nose.

"Ow! What the-... Applejack's here isn't she?"

"Eeyup," says Big Macintosh.

"Eeyup, indeed," says the orange mare behind you, smirking a bit. Rubbing your nose in pain, you see that Applejack has arrived to break up your lazy session with Mac, baskets at her side.

"What're y'all doin' jus sittin' there in th'shade?" Applejack asks as you rub your nose.

"Hanging out," you simply reply.

"Hangin' out?" she asks, deadpan.

"Eeyup," Bic Mac says, simply.

"Well," AJ begins, leaning on the tree you sat under, "Maybe ah should just stay here, sittin in the shade while you two go buckin' in the North field all by yerselves."

You and Mac exchange a look to each other. Applejack definitely wasn't the kind of mare you wanted to get on her bad side. After a pause to think, you both have your answer.

"Nope."

"Good," she says, taking the apple in your hand and finishing it off in a few bites. "C'mon y'all, we're nearly done as it is." You get to your feet, dusting yourself off as you do, and pick up the baskets you brought with you, Bic Macintosh doing the same. All three of you made your way into the Northern fields, you stretching your arms for the ordeal they were about to go through. Applejack gives you a cocky grin.

"Ya sure those delicate little fingers of yers can go fer another three hours?"

You throw a grin of your own her way. "Applejack, I could do a lot more with these hands of mine in under three hours." You waggle your eyebrows, and Applejack blushes deeply when she finally gets the joke. Big Mac just laughs, a deep, throaty chuckle leaving his mouth as he grins and shakes his head.

"Aw just shut it, Big Mac," Applejack says, smacking him with her tail as she tipped her hat forward. "You too Anon, ya know what I meant!"

"Hey, hey, just messing with you AJ, no need to get your panties in a twist."

"No need t'get mah... what, in a twist? Is that one of them funny sayings you got from Earth?"

A small laugh creeps out of you. "Yeah I guess you could say that. Lemme put it another way: 'No need to tangle your riding crop.' There, that work?"

"Oh hush up. Let's just get all this over with before you two drive me bonkers."

You had a tendency to mess with Applejack like this from time to time. It was all in good fun. Hell, sometimes she was quick to the trigger and was able to get out a burn of her own. Today wasn't one of those days it seemed. Good, you liked it when you could get on top of her when it came to burns. You and Applejack take to one portion of the field, Big Mac taking the opposite, and you all get to work.

AJ trots up to trees, knocking all of the apples from them with a swift buck of her hind legs. You take a couple of swings at their trunks, and are able to get down all of the apples with two or three punches. Since you're able to keep up with Applejack fairly well, the two of you often chat while you work.

"So Aj, what's on your mind lately?"

"Aw not much. Just enjoyin' the days as they go by is all. What about you, Anon, you have anythin' comin' up soon?"

"Well, if my math is correct, and I know just how much you hate math-"

Applejack lets out a quick laugh, cutting you off. "Damn straight Ah hate it."

"-then it seems my birthday is coming up fairly soon."

"Again?"

"Happens every year, Applejack."

"Hahaha, ah know, ah know. But ah was actually thinkin' about that other special day that comes around BEFORE yer birthday."

You can't help but let out a groan. You knew exactly what day she was talking about. Hearts and Hooves Day. Seems like AJ would get in some burns after all, what with the current conversation topic.

"What about it?" you ask, sending a right hook into the tree before you. Orb after red orb fell from the branches above, filling the baskets at your feet. AJ's smirk returns as she bucks yet another tree.

"Just a tad curious as to what yer plans may have been is all. You got yerself a special somepony t'spend the evenin' with?"

Well dammit here it comes, you guess. Since you got here, you had gotten to know the pony's of Ponyville very well. Hell, you even became close friends with Applejack's buddies. Being the only human in town, or in Equestria, you didn't know for sure, some of them didn't really... receive you well. The first year in Equestria was pretty tough on your emotions, what with you being "the local freak." But over time, the townsfolk grew accustomed to you, and eventually you weren't treated as an outsider.

On top of all that, you were getting older. You began to see some of the mares in town as quite... attractive. You even had a small crush on one of Applejack's friends, Rarity. Last Hearts and Hooves Day you asked her if she wanted to go on a picnic, but she declined. Something about being allergic to "country bumpkins."

"...No, not this year. Just like always," you reply with a sigh. A left hook hits the tree, and more apples fall into their respective baskets. "What about you, you have anypony special in mind?"

Applejack gives a cocky smile and puffs out her chest. "As a matter of fact, ah do!" Her smile lights up her whole face when she declares it.

"Wait, you? A special somepony?" Applejack nods, still smiling to herself. "Okay," you say with a laugh of disbelief, "Who'd you blackmail in order to agree to that?"

"Oh har har, very funny," she says back, rolling her eyes. "It's not like ah'm serious about it at the moment, he just asked me out t'dinner is all."

"Dinner eh? And who's 'he'?" You send a short jab at another tree, more than half of its apples tumbling to the ground and into your basket.

"Son of the local watch-maker. His name's Clockwork."

"The town watch-maker had a kid and he named him 'Clockwork'? That's almost as bad as some ponies who work in an apple orchard naming their kids after apples." You smirk at Applejack, who grunts and bucks another tree. You'd have to do better than that to rile her up you suppose.

"Clockwork happens t'be a very hard workin', upstandin' colt. Besides, he's takin' me to the Gilded Carafe fer dinner."

The Gilded Carafe? Wow just... wow. That restaurant was one of the fanciest places in Canterlot. Just getting a reservation took months to get, let alone one on Hearts and Hooves Day. It was one of those places where the meal cost more than you'd make in a lifetime, yet wouldn't take up any space on your plate. Clockwork must have had a lot riding on this dinner. More importantly though, maybe you could finally get a good dig into AJ now.

"Gilded Carafe huh? Isn't that supposed to be for classy, elegant mares?" you say nonchalantly as you move over to a new tree to punch. Applejack throws a glare your way.

"Are you sayin' ah'm not elegant?"

"Well," you start, catching a few red galas in a basket, "I've never really seen you be elegant before. Unless, you know, that one time we went mud wrestling was what you call elegant. Seems to me you're too much of a tom-boy for that kind of pl-"

You're cut off sharply as Applejack suddenly tackles you into a large pile of leaves, tussling with you as you try your best to pin her.

"Or maybe this! Maybe THIS is your definition of elegant!" You grab her from behind and tickle her stomach, sending her into fits of laughter.

"Hahaha, stahp! Hehehehehec'mon lay off Anon!" Applejack giggles and laughs, totally at the mercy of your secret weapon: Fingers.

"Oh wait, what's that? I can't here you over how elegant you're being!"

"Stoppitstoppitstahahahahaha!" she barely says through a bout of sporadic laughs. You kind of feel sorry for her, so you ease up on your hold of her. She takes advantage of that, spinning around and pinning you into the pile of leaves. She leans in close to your neck, grinning dastardly.

"Oh don't you DARE."

"All ya gotta do is tell me ah'm a classy, elegant mare is all," she says connivingly, that smirk still spread on her face.

"NEVER!" you declare. You would not bow down to such tyranny!

"Then face th'consequences!" Applejack proceeds to nuzzle vigorously and mercilessly into your neck, sending you over the edge in laughter.

"Ohgodnopleeeheeheese! Ahahahahastoptoptop I give! I GIVE HAHAH!"

"Say it!" Applejack says, rubbing her snout even further into your neck. This was just too much. You were deathly ticklish, and there was no way Applejack would let you go if you didn't concede. Damn. Seems like she won this one.

"You-haha-you're a cla-hahaha-ssy mare!" you admit in between laughs.

"Classy aaaaaaaand?" You're tearing up a bit from how much she's making you giggle.

"Elegant! Classy and elegant! C'mon AJ, I give!"

She's always done this to you, tickling your neck to get what she wants. It was your "kryptonite," you had told her once before. She didn't know what kryptonite was, and you didn't feel like explaining it at the time, but soon after she learned that it was your biggest weakness.

Applejack stops tickling you and ponders. "Hmmm... nah, ah'll just keep torturin' ya."

"Bu-But I said you were classy and elegant!"

"Yup," she says, nodding, "''Cept ah ain't classy, nor am I elegant!" She cackles in diabolical laughter, and proceeds to keep nuzzling you.

"Oh come on that's not fa-heeheeHA come on stoppit-pfffffffffffft"

"Ahem," says a deep voice from behind you.

You and Applejack shoot up into standing positions, quickly returning to bucking apple trees, acting as if nothing had happened whatsoever. Big Mac lets out a quick sigh and returns to his side of the field.

You whisper to Applejack, "I'll get you back for all that. I SWEAR on every tree in this orchard, mark my words."

Applejack sticks her tongue out and whispers back, "Good luck with that."

With that, the two of you return to working the orchard in relative peace.

Later

The kitchen fills with the scents of fresh food, as you prepare tonight's dinner. You would kill for some decent meat for once, but seeing as how almost everything in this world talks, the prospect of having beef anytime soon is extremely slim. Especially since, you know, the cows could talk too. Convincing them that being a steak dinner is fun was pretty much out of the question. So for tonight, you've made a hearty ham-bone soup, minus the ham-bone. So, technically, just a thick vegetable stew. Granny Smith stood a few feet from you, as she took some fresh bread from the oven, beginning to slice it.

"Now be careful, yungin', ya don't wanna spill any o' that stew, now do ya?" she says, eyeing you carefully as you cook.

"Yes ma'am, Granny, no worries. Can you hand me some bowls?"

"Ya sure it's simmered all right? Ya don't wanna count yer chickens b'fore they hatch," she says as she collects a few wooden bowls for you. She was always like this when you cooked. Then again, it made sense. Granny was used to cooking for the family, so making sure that whoever did it instead of her did their best was right up her alley.

"Haha, yes'm," you say to her. "I think the stew came along nicely. Here." You take a scoop of the stew and hand the spoon to Granny, who takes a sip.

"MmmMM! Well shucks, ain't that the berries! Alrighty then, ah'll get you some bowls an' we'll go set the table."

Ain't that the berries. You've gotten used to Granny Smiths sayings, and boy did she have a lot of them. Filling the five bowls with soup, you bring them over to the table where Applejack and Big Mac were already waiting. Applejack sniffs the air and smiles.

"Boy that sure smells nice, don't it Bic Mac?"

Mac smells the air as well. "Eeyup."

"Glad you like how it smells," you say, "But I'm hoping it tastes as good as well. Lemme just stet these down and we can-... Where's Apple Bloom?"

You hear a bit of snickering from underneath the table, and look down. Apple Bloom's tail was clearly sticking out from under the table, while you could hear her trying to contain her laughter as she hid from you all. You cock an eyebrow at Applejack, who just smiled and nodded at you. Aw well, might as well just go with it.

You put the bowls down on the table, and then dramatically proclaim, while scratching your head, "Gosh, I wonder where Apple Bloom could be? Applejack, have you seen Apple Bloom?"

"Nope, can't say that ah have, Anon," says AJ, stifling a laugh. "Big Macintosh, have you seen Apple Bloom?"

"Nnnope."

"Well gol'lee, Anon," Applejack says dramatically. "I think we may have LOST little Apple Bloom!"

Apple Bloom's tittering can still be heard, as she tries her hardest to remain undetected.

"Well that's just a darn shame! And here I went, making a nice, hot, delicious meal for all of us to enjoy!" You let out a big, drawn out sigh for effect. "Oooooh well, guess that means I get to eat Apple Bloom's dessert then, huh?"

"Dessert!?"

Apple Bloom quickly darts out from under the table and bounces in and around your legs."Ah didn't know we was havin' dessert! Can we have it know? Huh? Can we? Ooh is it ice cream! Or maybe it's some apple pie! Or... or..." Apple Bloom looks from your smarmy grin over to Applejack's barely contained giggling. "There's no dessert, is there?"

"Nope."

You scoop Apple Bloom up and put her in the chair next to yours. "'Fraid not, squirt. Nice try though, what with you hiding and all."

"Did Ah at least fool y'all with mah hidin' spot?" the little filly asks, wide eyed.

"Yup, you sure did. I really had no idea you were under the table, giggling the whole time." Apple Bloom's face lights up, but then realization dawns on her when you say you could hear her laughing, and pouts disappointingly instead.

"Oh now Apple Bloom," Granny Smith says, entering the the dining room, "Wipe that frown off yer face and dig in! Anon did a mighty fine job with this here grub t'night."

"...Fine," Apple Bloom says with a pout.

You ruffle the hair on her head and sit down, and begin eating your meal. Dinner goes by quietly, while you and the Apples make small talk around the table. Towards the end of the meal, Apple Bloom pipes up.

"Hey Anon," Bloom says, gobbling up the last of her stew, "Have ya got yerself a special somepony fer Hearts an' Hooves day yet?"

You cough up some soup in surprise, but try to cover it.

"Oh uh, well I... uhm... no, no not exactly."

Once you think she's content with that answer, you go for another sip of soup. Apple Bloom turns her ears down in disappointment, but then they shoot up and she dawns a bright smile.

"Oooh! Ah know! You an' Applejack can be special someponies with each other this year!"

Both you and Applejack choke on your food, coughing and spluttering in surprise..

"Uh.." AJ says, wiping her mouth

"Well I don't... I mean.."

"It's not that I.. uhm.." Applejack groans in frustration.

"See Apple Bloom, me and... oh wow, uh.." This... was pretty awkward. You don't really know why it was awkward, but dammit it sure felt that way. When Granny Smith chimes in, though, you're lost for most words.

"Well now ah think that'd be mighty fine!"

"WHAT," you and Applejack say in unison, while dropping your spoon to the table. Granny smith smiles, the wrinkles on her face scrunching up, her smile lines showing around her eyes.

"Oh don'tchu 'what' me," she starts, waving a hoof. "You two get along better than pigs in a mud puddle! Only makes sense fer you two t'at least spend some time together on Hearts 'n' Hooves day! Never seen two ponies... well one pony an' a person, t'be so close as you two after all."

"Granny," Applejack starts, "I don't think that'd be such a great-"

You cut AJ off, trying to defuse the situation. "I mean," you say, "Applejack already has a date for Hearts and Hooves. Besides, why would I want to-"

"Applejack's got herself a bonafied DATE?!"

Aw hell. Cat's out of the bag, and Apple Bloom is jumping right on it.

"Who's takin' ya out AJ?" Bloom asks bluntly, bobbing up and down in her seat. "Huh huh huh? C'mon, sis, tell me!"

You look to Applejack, who looks mortified now that Apple Bloom knows about her special somepony. You mouth the words, "My bad," to her, smiling weakly. She glares. Yup. All's good.

"Issit that "Clockwork" fella down on Cottonwood Drive?" Granny Smith asks. "Ah've noticed the way you've been takin' to 'im rather nice like."

"Oh Granny, not you too?" Applejack says, rubbing her face with her hooves.

"Well ya can hardly blame me fer takin' an in'trist in yer suitors, now can ya?"

"Is he that colt that works with his pa down by the watch shop?" Apple Bloom asks, curious as ever.

"Ugh, YES," Applejack answers her sister, hooves still on her face. "Can y'all drop it now, please?"

"Is he a nice, polite gentlecolt?" inquires Granny Smith.

"Can he buck apples? Or cook?" Bloom asks, her bobbing increasing in pace as she gets more and more invested in the embarrassing interrogation. Applejack is muttering, rather than actually speaking.

"Yes, Granny, he's polite an' nice. Apple Bloom, no, he fixes clocks an' the sort."

"Anon can buck apples an' cook! See? He made us stew t'night!" Bloom beams at you, while all you can really do is give a cough and look down at your bowl.

"Ah'm fixin' to make you into a stew if ya don't keep badgerin' me about-"

"How long have y'all been special someponies?" Granny asks, stirring her soup a bit. She's eyeing AJ with an air of grandmotherly concern. "Ah don't recall you invitin' him over fer supper at all.."

"Granny we're not even datin', not really. He jus' asked me out t'dinner is all, and ah said yes. Can we drop this? Please?"

"You know what," you say, rising from your seat, "It looks like we're all done with dinner. I should go wash these dishes. AJ, mind helping me out?" Applejack starts to protest, but you wink, and she gets that you're trying to get Granny Smith and Apple Bloom out of her hair.

"Sure!" she says, relieved. "Yes, ah'll gladly help ya." You snatch bowls and plates from the table and the two of you dash to the kitchen to begin cleaning up.

"Hey," you say to her in a whisper, "Sorry about letting that slip, wasn't really-"

"No no, it's alright, really," AJ says, cleaning a few spoons. "Had to come out eventually, after all. Sure didn't need Apple Bloom to know though, now she won't stop talkin' 'bout it."

"Yeah, my bad," you say with a weak smile.

"Yup. Your bad." She splashes some bubbles from the sink at you.

"Cut it out, I said I was sorry. Besides, I think we both needed out of there."

"Ah know what ya mean. I mean, what Granny said? 'Y'all get along better than pigs in a mud puddle.' Gol'lee, that old mare..."

"Ha, yeah," you softly laugh back. "Could you imagine that? The two of us, special someponies? Boy that'd be strange." The two of you laugh, and continue washing dishes.

In a very.

Awkward.

Silence.

The tension between the two of you is so thick now that you could cut clear through it with a knife with ease. You both just sit there, washing up dishes in total silence, the only sounds either of you hear being the tick of a clock on the wall and the scrub of sponges to kitchenware. The minutes that go by feel like hours, but all you can really do is... well, sit there and do the dishes.

"So," you mumble, finally breaking the pause in conversation.

"...So," mumbles Applejack.

"Uh... uhm.. we had pretty good weather, huh?.."

"Oh, yeah! Yup, mmhmm. Mighty fine weather. Yup... yup."

More silence besets you, and you give a small cough. Maybe two.

"I think ah'm gonna head to bed now, actually," Applejack says quickly.

"Yeah, cool, yeah. Got it. Yeah."

AJ finishes her dishes, then trots off, a small blush on her face as she looks back at you. Your cheeks warm up as well, and you both dart your heads away from each other. Once she's gone, you give a frustrated groan and smack yourself on the forehead. You idiot, why are you embarrassed? It's Applejack we're talking about! Good 'ole Applejack, with her reliable honesty, bright green eyes, soft, blond hair... her freckles around her cheeks, orange coat that shines in the setting sun, her-

SNAP OUT OF IT MAN.

You shake your head, hoping the images go away as well. That was... weird. Strange and weird. When you begin to think about it, though, you do realize that maybe Granny Smith had a point, earlier. You and Applejack got along amazingly well. Hell, you spent plenty of time with each other as well. Working everyday, downtime spent in town with some of her friends on the weekends. The two of you would even just sleep in the barn's loft sometimes, just watching the stars. You'd talk to one another all night, telling stories with each other. She'd ask you about your old life, your friends, your dad. You really liked nights like those. But you never really thought of her as a... well a potential "girlfriend." She was your best friend, and you hers. Still... the thought of being with her...

"Uhm, Anon?"

Apple Bloom's voice breaks you out of your daydream and you turn to her.

"What's up?" you ask, drying off a dish.

"Uhm, well, ah guess ah jus' wanted to tell you ah was sorry 'bout dinner. Granny said ah made it awkward fer you and Applejack.."

Funny, you could have sworn Granny Smith was ALSO making things weird too. You let out a sigh and smile at Apple Bloom.

"It's alright. You didn't bother us that bad, Apple Bloom, no need to apologize. Oh, here, I have something for you."

She cocks her head in confusion as you walk over to the cupboard, and pull out a small tin with a napkin covering it.

"What's that?"

"Your dessert."

You whip off the napkin to reveal a tiny cinnamon-roll inside the tin. Apple Bloom's face lights up and she hops up and down in place.

"Shhh," you hiss, putting a finger to your lips. "I only made it for you, so don't go declaring it to the whole town, ya' hear?"

Apple Bloom nods her head quickly and takes the tin on her head, bouncing out of the kitchen joyfully. Smiling to yourself, you go back to your chores. Then, suddenly, she's back in the kitchen.

"Anon?" she asks.

"Mmhmm?"

"Ah think you'd be a much better special somepony fer Applejack than that Clockwork fella any day." You're surprised. You weren't expecting anything like that from her, not at all.

"What makes you say that?" you ask, putting your rag on the counter. Now you were curious. She wasn't serious, was she? What could she even know about this kind of thing, anyhow? After all, she was only five years old.

"Cuz whenever she talks about ya, she smiles. She smiles a lot when she's around ya."

You can feel your cheeks getting warm. She... smiled? She smiled when she talked about you? What did that even mean? And... and why did it make your heart jump a bit when you heard it?

"Thanks fer the cinnamon-roll, Anon! G'night!"With that, Apple Bloom hops away once more. You don't really know how long you stood in the kitchen, dumbstruck, but it must have been for a while.

A Few Days Later

You walked through Ponyville, on your way to Sugarcube corner. You had a simple chore today: Go buy flour from the Cakes. You were going to make some garlic bread in a couple of days, and you wanted to make sure you had enough flour for the job. This would have been an enjoyable walk on any other day. Except this one, of course. Today was Hearts and Hooves day. So what would have been a quiet walk through Ponyville now turned into a walk through Lover's Lane. Couples roamed the streets, hanging festive decorations in the shapes of hearts littered the town. Seems like everyone was paired up. Everyone except you, of course. Ah well, c'est la vie. Didn't bother you none.

You enter the bakery and see Mr. Cake sitting behind the counter, and he waves at you.

"Afternoon, Anonymous! What can I do for you?"

"HI Mr. Cake. I was just wondering if you all had some sacks of flour available. I have plans to bake soon, so I was hoping to stock up."

"Righty-O, we have plenty of flour. How many sack do you need?"

"Just one, but I'll buy two. We're low on the stuff as it is."

"Alighty then, I'll be right back."

Mr. Cake leaves the foyer and into the kitchen, and you patiently wait by the counter, pulling out your small bag of bits. The sound of the front door opening grabs your attention, and you turn to see who it was. Oh. Rarity.

"Oh, well hello there, Anonymous." she says, trotting into the bakery. She's wearing a simple white beret on top of her perfectly curled mane.

"Hey Rarity. What's up?"

"Oh you know, Hearts and Hooves day is keeping all of us very busy, as per usual. I'm just here to pick up a small dish I ordered. I'm having dinner with a very special guest after all."

"Uh-huh. Well, congrats." You return to counting out your bits, hoping that you brought enough for the flour.

"What about you, darling?" Rarity chimes from behind you. "Have any plans with anypony special?"

"No, not that I'm aware of. Just working tonight."

"What? Oh my you simply must be joking with me. You're saying you don't have a special som-"

"No, Rarity, I don't. Kay? Kay." You really wish she would leave you alone about this. Seems she still remembers how you once asked her out that one time and felt like seeing if you had lucked out anywhere else. Ugh. Just in time before Rarity can speak up again, Mr. Cake returns with two bags of flour.

"Alight," he says, setting the bags on the counter, "Two flour sacks. That'll be 18 bits."

You barely have enough, but just enough is good. Lucky break. You hand him the money, throw the sacks over your shoulders, and head out before Rarity can make any further remarks.

By the time you got back home to the farm, it was getting close to the start of the evening. You stood in the kitchen, sorting food and putting apple slices in jars of preserve. As you left, you saw Granny Smith helping Applejack with...

Wow.

Applejack was draped in a nice, modest, white dress, and Granny Smith was tying her mane and tail into a braid. The dress was as simple as a dress could be. No fancy designs, no embroidery, no intricate stitching, just white silk and some lace at the ends.

"Oh, hey Anon. How do ah look? It's not too much do ya think?"

You're floored. You've never seen Applejack like this before. In a dress, all dolled up, her hair in braids and not a strand out of place. She was... breathtaking.

"You look... stunning, really."

Applejack smiles brightly at the compliment. "Thanks. That takes a lot of the worry off ma shoulders. Ah've never been to a fancy restaurant b'fore, and Clockwork tells me that all the mares there get dressed up like. Oh, here." She holds out her hat to you.

"I wanted to wear it t'dinner, but apparently it's 'uncouth' to wear a hat at the table in restaurants. Mind holdin' on to it for me t'night?"

"Yeah, no problem."

You take the hat from her and put it on your head. It had been a long while since you last wore it. Hell, it wasn't even your hat, at least not anymore. This old thing was pretty synonymous with Applejack's whole look. Granny Smith finishes braiding Applejack's tail and smiles wide at her granddaughter.

"There! Now ain't she purttier than a spotted heifer in a pansy patch!"

"Granny!" Applejack blushes, probably at the fact that Granny referred to her as a cow more so than her remark on her state of beauty.

"Oh calm yer britches, y'all know what ah meant," Granny tuts. She smiles to you and back to Applejack before walking off to the living room, sitting down in her rocking chair. Applejack looks to you and speaks in a low, hushed whisper.

"Do... do you think he'll think ah'm pretty?"

"He'd be stupid not to. You look great, AJ. Really." You take a hand and brush a strand of blonde mane out from her eyes, tucking it back in place for her. Applejack softly laughs at that.

"Ha, that means more comin' from you than Granny, in mah opinion."

A knock on the door sounds through the room, causing the two of you to jump a bit. You give one more smile to the orange mare in front of you before walking off to go answer it. Outside the door stands a colt, brown fur, black mane, dressed in a tuxedo. This must have been Clockwork.

"Uh," he begins, looking up at you, "Is Applejack home?"

"Why, want to see if she can some out and play?"

"Wh-.. excuse me?"

"I'll need to see if she's finished with her homework first though, she's having a hard time with math." You say, gesturing behind you. Clockwork looks utterly confused. Good. You liked messing with the guy.

"I'm... sorry what?"

"Anon, quit it!" Applejack says, bumping you with her hoof. "Sorry, Clockwork, he can be a bit of a nuisance."

"Could easily say the same about you, little miss Applejack," you retort, grinning. The two of you smile, while Clockwork simply stares in confusion.

"Okay then... well," Clockwork begins, scratching the back of his head with a hoof, "I got us a chariot to take us out to Canterlot tonight! Shall we?"

Applejack nods goodbye to you and trots out of the doorway past Clockwork to the chariot in the front yard.Clockwork eyes Applejack as she walks down the lane, his eyes gazing towards Applejack's lower body.

"Oi," you say, snapping a finger. Clockwork whips his head over to you, and you point two fingers at your eyes.

"Eyes up here. Got it?"

"Pfft, sure whatever man." With that he trots off to Applejack. Giving the two of them one last look before they ride off, you wave off the orange mare, who waves back. You hope Applejack had a good time tonight. She never really had a special somepony before, and she seemed to like this guy a lot. You head back inside as the chariot takes off into the air and away for Canterlot. Back to work, it seems. With that thought in mind, you head to the cellar to take some stock in food for Spring.

The Dead of Night

The sound of the barn door opening jarred you awake from your slumber. You had slept in the barn loft again, Applejack's hat resting on your face as you slept. Peaking over the edge of the loft, you spot Applejack at the barn's entrance, softly illuminated by moonlight.

"Anon?" She asks, peering into the barn. "You awake?"

"Yeah. How'd your night at the Gilded Carafe go?" You swing down off of the barn's loft and walk up to Applejack.

"Ehh, not so great, actually," she replies.

"What happened? To fancy of a place for you?"

"Oh what, the restaurant? Aw no, it was fine. The food was nice, bit expensive, but nice. The view of Canterlot was a might pretty as well."

"So what's the problem?" You sit down on a hay bale, and Applejack joins you. She answers you, with a twinge of disgust in her voice.

"Clockwork."

"What, your 'hard workin', upstandin' colt'?" you ask, grinning. Maybe a jibe or two was in order.

"Yeah well ah thought he was all those things..." she says, dejectedly.

"What's the matter? What happened?"

AJ lets out a sigh and rests her head on a hoof. "He takes me out to the nicest place ah've ever been to, foots the bill fer the meal, and we have a nice evenin'. Then," she says, sounding irritated, "when we come back t'Ponyville he makes the carriage stop by his place first. Asks me if ah wanna see his house. So ah say, 'Sure, ah don't mind!'... turns out he was more interested in seein' somethin' of mine instead."

It takes you only a second to register what she means. You don't even say a word, you just get to your feet and pull Applejack's hat onto your head, about to head out to town. Applejack stops you by grabbing your arm.

"Now hold on a minute, where d'you think yer goin'?"

"Where else?" you say, pulling the hat further onto your head. "I'm going to that colt's house to give him a piece of my mind, that's where I'm going!"

"Anon, stop. Ah already took care of it."

You turn around and raise an eyebrow cautiously.

"...What do you mean?"

"He made his moves on me," she begins, "Tried to throw some charm mah way, and ah told him I wasn't that kind'a mare. When he kept insistin', I realized he was dead set on ruttin' with me. So, I socked him in the face."

"He... he didn't... you know?..."

"No, Anon, he didn't do anythin' to me," AJ says reassuringly. "Ah punched him and then stormed out th'door. His daddy should be right 'shamed with him."

You sit back down with Applejack, your previous temper subsiding. Applejack shakes her head, grinning slightly at your fed up nature. Still, you could tell something was slightly off with her.

"...You okay?" you ask.

"Yeah... yeah Ah am, it's just... Ah thought he liked me, y'know? Turns out he was tryin' t'butter me up with a fancy-shmancey dinner in order to get me in a bed with 'im... all Ah really wanted was t'spend time with someone who cared, is all."

Applejack leans her head over onto your shoulder, and lets out a disappointed sigh. You think to yourself for a bit, then get an idea. Time with someone who cared huh?...

"Okay, that can work."

"Hmm?" Applejack mumbles out, her eyes a tad tired from the night she endured.

"Next year," you say plainly. "Next year, how about I take you on a picnic? No fancy restaurant, no chariots, just you, me, a basket, and the shore by the lake. How's that sound?"

It's hard to see with the lack of light, but you could swear she blushes at you, a smile softly growing on her face.

"Alright," she says quietly, "Deal. You'll be mah special somepony next year."

You can't help but chuckle a bit at that. "Haha, I'm not a pony though, Appleja-"

You're stopped when you feel soft lips meet yours, silencing you. They linger on your own for a while, then part from you. You can feel your heart thumping beneath your chest as Applejack looks up at you, still smiling softly.

"Does is really matter?.." she asks.

"Uhm... no. No I... I guess not.."

Your cheeks are on fire and your stomach feels light. Did she just kiss you? You could swear she just-

"Anon," AJ says, "Do ya mind if Ah stay with you t'night? Up in the loft, Ah mean. Ah'd like t'not be alone tonight."

"...uh yeah. Yeah, sure."

Applejack jumps onto your back and you pull the two of you up to the barn's loft, the full moon shining through the open window. You and Applejack rested in the hay, looking up into the sky, and you slowly but surely drifted to sleep. Before you nodded off, you looked down at Applejack, her head resting on your chest. She slept peacefully, a content smile on her face.

...

Maybe Apple Bloom was right.

You take a last look to the moon, and fall asleep without a care in the world

Youtube Video

End of Chapter One

Honest Hearts

Autumn Leaves

Chapter II

Honest Hearts

One Year After Chapter One

Ages:

Anon-17

Applejack-17

Big Macintosh-18

Applebloom-6

A light Spring breeze tumbled through the air, running across your hot skin and cooling you off. You stood alone in Sweet Apple Acres’ West field, bucking a tree of golden delicious. It happened to be the same tree you slept under all those years ago when you first “arrived” in Equestria. You were out there, sweating like a hog in a butcher shop, for two reasons. The first reason was that you were actually trying to get some apples for a couple of pies you were making in order to sell, netting you some bits to spend on a special occasion. The second reason was that you were trying to blow off steam, and calm down about the aforementioned special occasion.

You don’t know why you felt so pent up about it. It was just another day. Just another ordinary, average day in Ponyville. But the more you thought about it, the more you realized you were taking a lot more seriously than you had hoped. After all, it was almost a full year since that night in the barn’s loft. The night Applejack had told you that you were to be her “special somepony” for the next Hearts and Hooves day. Ever since that night in the barn, you had begun to see Applejack in a new light. She was still your best friend, sure, but there was something else to her. You paid more attention to her quirks and habits, you lingered when she looked into your eyes, longer than you should have. You relaxed at the sound of her laugh and took joy in the sight of her smile. On the outside, the two of you seemed to be the greatest of friends, neither of you having a care in the world besides work and family.

But on the inside, you could swear you could feel your heart beat faster every time you stood next to her.

Your dad would have called this feeling, “puppy love.” Probably would have poked fun at you too. Or maybe he would have questioned why you had these feelings towards a talking, orange pony. Applejack’s words rung through your mind: “Does it really matter?” You had said, “No.” Guess you meant it.

Ah, but now I’m boring you with the confused emotions of a young man. My apologies. On to the matter at hand.

The reason you felt so nervous and pent up was because, in one week, Hearts and Hooves day would make its way to Ponyville once more. Your plans with Applejack hadn’t changed or gotten complicated. You still planned on taking her on a simple picnic. But as the day grew closer and closer, you felt as if you had to step things up a notch in order to make sure Applejack had the kind of Hearts and Hooves day she would remember. You had come up with a plan a couple of months ago. Desperate, sure, but it was better than nothing. For a few months, you had been working odd jobs around town in order to make enough bits for what you had planned. Today, you were gathering apples to make pies, which you would sell to the Cakes down at Sugarcube Corner. You would then go to Rarity’s and see if she’d let you buy a gem off her. You wanted to make Applejack something special, something she could call her own.

Something besides your hat, that is.

You continue to punch the tree, not really giving it your all, as the apples slowly made their way to the ground below. Wiping the sweat from your forehead, you begin gathering the bright yellow apples and toss them into the basket you brought with you.

“There, that ought to be enough for a couple of pies.”

”Are we havin’ a big ‘ole dessert t’night, Anon?”

The small, squeak-like voice that chimed in from behind you belonged to none other than Applebloom. You haul the basket onto one of your shoulders and turn to face the small yellow filly.

“Sorry Applebloom, but I’m afraid I’m not making any dessert tonight.”

Applebloom puffs up her cheeks in defiance.

“But y’all said, ‘that ought t’a be enough fer a coupl’a pies.’ So that means ya are makin’ dessert fer t’night!”

“Nope, ‘fraid not.”

”’Fraid so,” she retorts.

“’Fraid not,” you retaliate.

”’Fraid SO!”

“Gonna have to disagree with you there.”

”Aw c’mon, Anon! What’re ya doin’ with all them apples then?”

You throw on your best poker face and say, “Gonna eat ‘em.”

”Yer… gonna eat ‘em?” Apple Bloom asks.

“Yup.”

”…all of ‘em?”

“Absolutely.”

Apple Bloom looks to the basket, filled to the brim with apples. She frowns and gives a concerned look to you.

”Uhm, Anon, if ya eat all them apples, ah’m sure yer gonna get a mighty fierce tummy ache…”

Well she’s got you there. Might as well tell her the truth. What could it hurt? You start to shuffle along back to the farm, Apple Bloom at your heels the whole time.

“Alright, alright, but you have to keep it a secret, okay?”

Apple Bloom nods energetically, bouncing around you in circles.

”What’s the big secret, Anon?”

“Well, I AM making pies. But not for dessert. I’m selling them to the Cakes down at Sugarcube Corner.”

”What’re ya doin’ that for?”

“So I can make some more money,” you tell her plainly.

”Money fer what?” she inquires once more.

“For a present.”

Applebloom ponders for a bit as the two of you continue home, but with her quick wit, she’s got the answer all figured out in an instant.

”Oh, Ah get it now! Yer gettin’ a present fer Applejack fer Hearts an’ Hooves day!”

Sharp as a tack, that one. You finally make it home, but stop Applebloom before you go inside.

“Remember, our little secret, okay?”

”Don’t worry Anon, mah lips are sealed!”

She smiles brightly at you and trots away into the farm house. You’re glad to have her out of your hair. Maybe now that you’ve got some privacy you can actually get to the kitchen and work on those-

”What’s this ah’m hearin’ about you keepin’ secrets?”

Aw Crap. Turns out applejack was maybe only five feet from you, just around the corner of the house.

“Oh hey AJ! Fancy seeing you here!” you splutter out while giving a nervous laugh. “Oh man, look at the time, I should really head inside and get to work on-“

”Anon.”

“-these apples. Gotta wash ‘em, make sure they’re ripe, you know how it is!”

“Anon.”

Your feet are frozen in place, and you swallow back your trepidation as best as possible. She’s just standing there, smiling at you with a cocked eyebrow and a small laugh.

”Alight, smooth guy, what’re ya up to?”

“Me? Up to something? No, no no no, nuh-uh, not me. Not up to anything, nope.”

”Yer not up to anything? Nothin’? No plans or the sort?”

You shake your head no. Applejack trots up to you, a sultry grin on her face, and stands on her hind legs, using her front hooves to pin you to the wall of the farm.

”Ya sure about that?”

“C’mon Applejack, I can’t tell you. Really.”

”Would ya mind… reconsiderin’?”

Her face slowly reaches for your neck. Ah, the old, “Tickle him until he begs for mercy,” trick, eh?

“Good luck, missy. I’m not telling you no matter how bad you tickle-“

You stop. This.. this wasn't tickling. You were expecting her to furiously nuzzle your neck into oblivion, then you’d have to beg for mercy and eventually spill the beans. This though? This was... not tickling.

Applejack is currently dotting your neck with small, soft kisses. Your breath catches every time her lips meet your skin, your body crawling with goosebumps. She’s never been this forward before. Hell, the last time you even kissed her was last year. Ever since then, the two of you had gotten along as you always did.

“Ah- Applejack, what’re you…”

”Persuadin’ ya,” she coos, still kissing your neck. “Still don’t want t’tell me what yer up to?”

“Well, you’re not exactly putting me in the best of positions to refuse…”

You can feel her breath along your neck as she softly exhales.

”So Ah take it that’s a ‘no’ then?”

“Sorry to disappoint you, but yeah, no.”

Applejack lets out a disappointed sigh and releases you.

”An’ here Ah though Ah could win ya over with mah feminin’ charms. Oh well, yer loss.”

That… was all a ploy? To get you to talk? Clever mare.

“Speaking of charms, what… WAS that?”

Applejack tilts her head and gasps in mock surprise. ”What was what? Ah have no idea what yer talkin’ ‘bout.”

“You’re a terrible liar, you know that?”

”Ah could say the same thing about you, ‘Secret Keeper.’”

You both stare each other down, neither of you blinking, then burst out into laughter.

“Hahaha, sorry, sorry about all that,” you say, still laughing heartily.

”What? Aw heck, it’s no problem Anon, no need to get all worked up about it. Ah’m sure it’s not that big of a secret anyways, what with you tellin’ it to Apple Bloom an’ all.”

So she thinks that you telling Apple Bloom means it can’t be important, eh? Time to turn the tables on this mare. You simply cock an eyebrow and give a smarmy grin.

”What? What’re you grinnin’ fer?... wait, is it a big secret? Wait, is it about me?”

You grin even wider, and shrug. Applejack is losing it now.

”Wait, is it or is it not about me? Why aren’t ya sayin’ anythin’? Anon? Anon.”

Nothing but smiles.

”Quit that!” she says, shoving you slightly. “Quit… grinnin’ at me! What could be so important that you’d have t’keep it… a… secret…”

Seems like the wheels are turning in Applejack’s mind, and she lets out a genuine gasp this time.

“It’s about next week ain’t it?!”

You widen your eyes to creepy proportions, and yet again shrug at her.

”That ain’t fair! You’ve got somethin’ planned don’tchya? For Hearts an’ Hooves? Is it about me? What is it about me?”

Wow, you’ve never seen her this concerned about Hearts and Hooves. Even last year, when she went with Clockwork, she hadn’t been this flustered when the prospect was brought up. Maybe… maybe she was just as nervous about it as you were… yeah, time to stop messing with her.

“Applejack, calm down girl,” you say, putting your hands on her shoulders while taking a knee.

”Well Ah can’t rightly calm down when yer out an’ about makin’ plans, plans concernin’ mahself, an’ then ya go ahead and tell Applebloom about those plans, but ya won’t tell ME about those pl-“

Applejack is silenced from her frantic rambling as you give her a soft kiss on the nose, her cheeks flushing red as you do so. Seems she’s still shy on the inside when it comes to this sort of stuff.

“Done freaking out?” you ask with a wry smile.

Applejack nods slowly, her eyes staring at the ground as she nervously scuffs her hooves about.

”So, Ah take it yer still not tellin’ me ‘bout yer big secret?”

You give a small chuckle and shake your head. “’Fraid not. Don’t worry though, you’ll find out next week.”

”Uhm… yeah, yeah okay. That works, Ah guess. Yeah.” Applejack looks flustered, all things considered. You reassure her with a pat on the head, and then shove her hat a bit further down onto her.

“C’mon, you’re going to help me out in the kitchen.”

”What with?” she asks, composing herself once more.

“Pies. I’m making a couple to sell to the Cakes. Trying to earn a bit more money for my ‘Dastardly Plan.’”

Applejack gives a short ‘huff’ but gives in and follows you into the farm. You’d make sure that all her worries wouldn’t go to waste come next week.

Four Days Later

You stood outside the Carousel Boutique with a small bag of bits in your hand. All in all, you had made quite a bit of money over the past few months. The pies that you sold also helped you out and put your finances around the 50 bit mark. So here you stood, right outside Rarity’s house, about to waltz right in and ask her to sell you one of her precious gems. You hoped to Celestia that she’d be that generous. As you walk into the building, a small bell rings as you opened the door. A voice from the back of the house calls out.

”Do come in! I’ll just be a minute, please have a seat!”

You awkwardly stand in the middle of the room, as the chairs in this place were small and ornate. You’d probably break one and end up buying it rather than what you came for. After a few minutes, Rarity enters the room.

”Yes, well, what can I do for you tod-,” she begins to say before she realizes who you are. “Oh, Anon. So very nice to see you! What brings you out to town to see me today?”

“Ah, well I um, I was hoping I could, you know, buy something. From you. Buy something from you.”

”Darling this IS a store after all. What can I get for you? A shirt, a new pair of trousers, maybe a dashing scarf?”

Rarity is already trotting about the boutique, gathering some measuring tape and checking your pants length.

“Uh no. No, actually I was hoping… You see I’m not here to buy clothes, I… uh…”

Rarity looks to you with a puzzled expression, but sighs and shakes her head.

”Oh Anon,” she begins with a condesending tut. “I’m dreadfully sorry, but I’m afraid I’m going to have to decline. You see, I’m just not interested in having a relationship with a human. Surely you can understand.”

What? She thought you were here to ask her out?

“I’m not here for you. I’m here for Applejack.”

”Dear,” she says, giggling a tad, “You live with Applejack. If you were here for her, then you wouldn’t be here, now would you?”

“No, Rarity, I’m here to buy something for Applejack.”

”Oh! Oh well that makes a world of sense now doesn’t it? Is she in need of something that’s NOT covered in a thin layer of dirt?”

God she could be blunt. And rude. Blunt and rude. Oh well.

“No,” you say, scratching your nose. “Like I said, I’m not here to buy clothes.”

”Then what are you here to buy?” Rarity asks, putting her measuring equipment away.

You take out your bag of bits, approaching the counter and opening it, showing Rarity its contents.

“I was actually hoping that you’d… well, that you might let me buy a gem from you.”

”What?” Rarity gasps in shock. “Me, sell one of my beloved little gems? Why would I do that?”

“Because you’re a generous pony?”

Rarity stares deadpan at you for a good second or two before you kind of feel like an idiot for saying that..

”Convince me,” Rarity says bluntly.

“What?”

”Convince me to sell you a gem.”

“Okay,” you say, tossing your bag of bits up and down in your hand. “I have money. That good enough for you?”

“I’m afraid not,” she says, adjusting the curls of her mane daintily.

“But I… alright, uh… well, I’ve been saving up money for months now, and Hearts and Hooves is only three days away, you see, and… uhm…”

”Still not convinced.”

Rarity wasn’t going to make this easy. You could always come up with a brilliant, elaborate speech. Instead, you just say what comes from the heart. After all, honesty was the best policy, right?

“Rarity,” you start, coughing to clear your throat a bit. “Applejack doesn’t have much. You’ve always had fine things like dresses and jewels, things of luxury. Applejack… Applejack doesn’t have that. Not that she’d want it, anyway. She’d never, ever say that she wants expensive clothes or jewelry, it’s just not in her nature. She’s far too humble for that. But I know her. She’s a girl. A mare, like any other. She may not really admit it, but I think she would really like at least one, pretty thing for herself. And I just thought that… I thought that I could, you know, give her something. Something that she’s never had before. Something that would always let her know that I’m there for her. That I…” you strain for the words. This was hard, even if you were just saying how you honestly felt. Eventually, the words come to you. “Let her know that I care about her, you know? Is that too much to ask?”

You now realize that Rarity hasn’t taken her eyes off of you once as you say these words, and her gaze softens at your confession. The two of you stand silently in the boutique, time almost coming to a standstill. Eventually, Rarity simply walks out of the room. No “pardon me’s” or “I’ll be right back’s.” She simply leaves. For a second, you think that this whole affair, the working, the saving up, all of it, was just wasted in the few minutes it took you to speak to Rarity. Then, just when it all looked hopeless, Rarity returns with a small, wooden box. When she opens it, your vision is filled with bright colors.

“You… you’re really going to let me…” you say in a hushed whisper, astonished. Rarity nods, a small smile on her face.

”Go ahead, dear. My treat.”

“I have about fifty bits, give or take,” you say, gesturing your pouch of coins. “I hope that’s enough for-“

”My treat, I said.”

“I… but… thank you. Thank you, Rarity.”

You give her your most sincere smile, the only one you can possibly wear at the moment. She smiles softly and nods at you, a bit of respect in her blue eyes. You peer into the box, eying a number of large rubies, sapphires, and topazes. Carefully and delicately pawing through the shimmering gems, you spot one that catches your eye.

An emerald, much smaller than all the others, lay at the bottom of the box. It was probably no bigger than the tip of your pinky. It was the smallest, simplest looking thing inside that small box. Among the other large, elaborately cut jewels, it appeared to be the humblest of them all. As you look at the small green stone, you’re reminded of Applejack’s eyes. The eyes you got lost in whenever you happened to stare for too long. This was an easy decision.

“This one.”

Rarity’s horn glows, and the emerald floats out of the box. With a few spells, Rarity cut the emerald into a rectangular shape, and inserted it into a silver chain, making a necklace. She floats it over to you, and you take it gently into your hands. It was perfect. In every way, this small necklace was exactly what you wanted to give to Applejack.

“Rarity, please take the bits. I can’t in good conscious just let you give me this.”

”And I can’t in good conscious let you pay me for such a gift,” she says, floating your bag of coins back to you. “Besides, emeralds aren’t even in fashion nowadays. You’d be doing me a favor by taking it off my hooves.”

She gives a sly smile, and walks back from where she entered, leaving to continue with whatever she was doing before you showed up. You stood there for a while, a smile plastered to your face, as you simply stared at the tiny necklace, the silver chain glimmering as you turned it over in your hands. She may have told you not to pay her, but you can’t help it. You remove half of the gold coins from your pouch and leave them on Rarity’s counter. After all, you intended to pay her the entire time. You leave the boutique, a skip in your step, and make your way back home.

Hearts and Hooves Day

You sit outside on the porch swing of the farmhouse, a picnic basket at your side. Despite everything you’ve done to prepare for this, you were still a bit nervous. It was just one date. One, little date out by the lake. Nothing huge, no pressure. Sure, it was a date one year in the making, and it wasn’t like you were taking a pony that you basically grew up with or anything. A pony that you had the strangest feelings you’ve ever felt in your entire life for. A pony that, a week ago, tried to coerce information out of you via neck kissing.

No pressure.

No pressure at all.

”Anon?”

You shoot to your feet and stand at attention, only to find that the voice belongs to Apple Bloom. You let out a sigh of relief and give a nervous grin.

“Oh, Apple Bloom, it’s you. Wow you uh, you startled me for a second there.”

”Oh Ah’m sorry about that,” she says. “Ah didn’t mean’ta..”

“No, hey, it’s alright,” you say, waving her off. “Really. So, what’s up? Need anything?”

”Nope. Ah’m just checkin’ up on ya is all. Applejack should be down inna second. She’s just gettin’ ready.”

“Oh. Got it. Thanks.”

You sit back down on the porch swing and Apple Bloom joins you, hopping up on the swing next to you. The sun had begun its descent, its orange and red rays painting the clouds in warm hues of reds and purples.

”So, uhm,” Apple Bloom says, fidgeting. “What'd ya get fer Applejack?”

“Haha,” you lightly laugh. “I can't tell you, Apple Bloom, you know that.”

”Awww. I was hopin' you'd at least give me a hint.” She puts on the sweetest, saddest pout you've ever seen. Though, to be fair, she always put on the sweetest, saddest pout you've ever seen in order to make you talk. But not today.

“Not gonna work this time, Apple Bloom,” you say sternly, folding your arms across your chest. The pout is gone, in its place a grumpy stare and puffed up cheeks.

”Aw c'mon Anon.”

“Nope. Sorry. It's a surprise for Applejack, not you.”

With that, Apple Bloom hops off the swing and shuffles away back inside, defeated. She's not used to you standing your ground like that when it comes to the “Look Adorable to Make Anon Do What You Want” look. Usually you would have given in, ruffled her hair, and just told her what you had going on. But today you wanted AJ to be the first to know about your present. The necklace lay in your shirt pocket, safe from Apple Bloom's, and anyone else's, prying eyes.

The sound of hooves approaching the door caused you to jump back off the swing and grab the basket, standing like you were about to be drafted into Celestia's armada. Applejack walks through the door, her Stetson resting on top of her blond mane, itself being tied in a ponytail. She looked like she always did: Gorgeous.

”Ready t'head out?” she asks, a relaxed grin on her freckled face. You nod quickly, lifting the basket to show her, and with that you're off to the lake. The walk is quiet and calm for the most part, you and Applejack making conversation as you go along. The two of you talk about the standard fair: Apple bucking, plans for the next harvest, how your friends were doing, the latest “old people” antics of Granny Smith, the usual. You notice that the whole time you talk to her, your nerves returned to you in full swing. Maybe you were really over thinking this whole mess. You got so caught up in impressing Applejack that you forgot that being by her side was the real important thing. After all, she just wanted to spend Hearts and Hooves Day with someone who cared.

The two of you arrive at the lake and sit down by the shore, setting the picnic basket out and getting food ready. You made a few snacks, some of them being hay and flower sandwiches, and the others mostly comprising of apples, the former obviously being for Applejack. Although, to be fair, she’d more than likely focus on the apples more than the hay you brought.

You both sit there, a light breeze wistfully tumbling through the air around you, the setting sun arching across the mountainside, its rays casting across the mirror-like surface of the lake as it began to recede into the distance, making way for the moon's entrance.

”Hey, Anon?” Applejack asks from beside you. You swallow down a bite of apple and turn to her.

“Yeah?”

”Thanks. Fer this. Thank you. It...” she pauses, thinking for a moment before smiling back to you. “Well, it means a lot

t'me, you takin' the time to spend an evenin' with me.”

“Applejack, there's nowhere I'd rather be right now then with you. Honest.”

She smiles bashfully and returns to her sandwich, and you to your apple. Time passes, more small talk rolls by, and eventually the faint hint of stars begin to fade into view as the moon makes its journey into the air. You lay down on your back, full from the food you had packed, and Applejack joins you, the two of you staring up into the sky.

“...this was nice,” you say quietly.

”Yup. Mighty nice,” Applejack says back, just as quietly as you.

”...Anon?” she asks, turning her head to see you.

“Hm?”

”...Do you think... well, do ya think that there's someone out there fer everpony?..”

“Whaddya mean?”

”I mean, do ya think that everypony's got someone out there fer 'em? That no matter who ya are, there's a... well, that there’s person, out there waitin' fer 'em?”

“I... huh, I don't know... maybe. I guess all that it takes is one finding the other, I suppose.”

She nods slowly, turning her gaze skyward again.

“Applejack?” you ask.

”Mmhmm?” she sighs out.

“There's something I want to give you.”

You reach into your shirt pocket and pull out the necklace, and hold it out to Applejack. Her eyes widen and she catches her breath when her eye catches the glimmer of the silver chain and tiny emerald.

”What... you got me a...”

You smile and nod as you motion for her to turn around. She does, and you tenderly put the necklace around her neck.

When she turns back around she has the gem in one of her hooves, gently inspecting it.

”Mah stars... so this was that secret you were keepin' from me... this must've cost so much. Where'd you get the... all those odd jobs you worked in town. That means you were workin' fer months t'get me this...”

“What can I say?” you say with a bashful grin. “I aim to please.”

”Anon, y'all didn't need to go and get me somethin' like this. Ah don't even have somethin' fer-”

“No. You deserved something special for Hearts and Hooves. You did. So, I got you something to show you I cared.”

”But ya didn't need t'get me a necklace to show me ya cared,” she says with a small laugh. “You're out here with me, aren't ya?”

“I know, I know, but... okay I don't know. I just knew you didn't have any real jewelry, and I guess I just thought... do you at least like it? I mean, it's not bad is it?”

AJ gives a sincere and sweet grin.

”Anon, Ah love it. Ah do, honest. Ah just wish Ah had somethin' fer you, is all.”

She gives you a quick peck on the cheek, your face flushing red once more. Didn't matter how often she did that, you'd blush. Applejack rests her head on your shoulder, and you stare up at the sky, now littered and dotted in stars. You thought long and hard about what Applejack had said to you. About everypony having someone out there for them. Someone to call their own, to always be there when they needed them. It astounded you at just how dense you could really be sometimes.

Here you sat, with a mare who's been by your side for five years. One that took you into her family when she barely even knew you, and she was wondering if there was a person for everypony. It's then you notice that you and Applejack have been staring into each other's eyes for a good minute. Her mouth slightly open just a crack, your breathing soft. The light from the moon shines off her emerald eyes, and you feel your heart skip a few beats.

“Applejack, about what you said about everypony having someone... I'd like to... what I mean is, I think I lo-... I..”

She brings her face an inch from yours, slowly smiling as she gets nearer and nearer to your lips.

”Ah already know.”

Youtube Video

End of Chapter II

Where the Wild Roses Grow

Autumn Leaves

Chapter III

Where the Wild Roses Grow

The Morning After Hearts and Hooves Day

The light pitter patter of rain drops against your face stirs you awake, the morning sky choked with dark storm clouds and the low rumble of thunder rolling through the air from a great distance away. You wipe the water off your face and look around, gathering your surroundings. Seems like you must have fallen asleep at the lake last night. You clench your right hand, and feel soft fur beneath it. Looking over you see a blonde mane and an orange coat lying on your chest. Applejack must have fallen asleep here as well. The memories of last night stride through your mind, and a smile creeps its way onto your face.

You bring a hand to your lips and wonder if it all really happened. It was just so... sudden, really. But you don't regret the kisses you shared with her, not for an instant. Whatever this feeling the two of you had for each other, it felt right. It felt true. The rain drops on your head fall faster and

faster. Damn, this storm is getting closer by the second.

"AJ?"

You gently nudge her, trying to wake her up. She stirs and comes to, smiling when she see you.

"Oh,” she yawns, a sleepy smile on her speckled cheeks. “Mornin' Anon... did we sleep by the lake?"

"Mmhmm. Seems that way."

"Oh. Well ain't that interestin'?.. Oh shoot, it's rainin?"

"What, the water from the sky give it away?"

She nuzzles your face and gives you a smirk.

"Wise-ass. C'mon, let's get home b'fore this storm hits us."

And with that, the two of you jump to your feet and run off, racing each other through the pelting rain. You both ran side by side, water from puddles splashing at your feet and at her hooves, both of you laughing as you ran onward to Sweet Apple Acres. By the time you got back home, the two of you were muddy and soaked to the bone, giggling like idiots as you both entered the farm house. What awaited you though, made you both freeze in place and stand in nervous fear. Right inside the front door entrance sat Granny Smith, rocking slowly back and forth as she stared at the two of you accusingly.

"Well good mornin' yungins'” Granny says, rocking back and forth at a snail’s pace, eyeing both of you. “Fancy seein' ya' here, what with ya' never makin' home last night and all. What've y'all been up to, hmm?"

She's knitting something while looking right at the two of you. No blinking, no loss of eye contact. Just a hard, stern, grandma stare.

Oh god, she meant business.

"Uh.." you mumble.

"We uh.." Applejack says, spluttering.

"We were out at the lake-"

"Yeah, yeah we were havin' our picnic-"

"For Hearts and Hooves, and it got late, and-"

"We must've jus' fallen asleep or somethin', you know-"

"Yeah we were SO tired and uh, you know we, uhm, just decided to sleep there for the night."

"Yup. That. What he said," says Applejack, nodding rapidly. You both give her a smile, hoping she wouldn't inquire further about your evening.

"Mmhmm?” hums Granny, suspiciously. “That so?"

"Yes'm,” you and Applejack both reply.

Granny Smith's eyes slowly went from you to Applejack, eying her with suspicion, then sent her gaze back over to you.

"Anon, did'ja treat Applejack nicely like a fine gentlecolt should?" she asks, still knitting whatever it is she’s knitting. You think she’s just doing it for dramatic effect, anyway. And a gentlecolt? You weren't a colt, or a stallion, or any form of horse, but you weren't going to argue this out.

"Yes'm," you answer politely.

"Did she have a good time with'ya?"

"Yes'm."

"Ya gave'r a nice meal and a good view down by the lake?"

"Yes'm."

"Did'ja kiss'r g'night?"

"Yes'm."

Granny continues her stare, looking at you quizzically, but with a tiny smile on her face. Applejack's mouth is slightly agape, and she stares at you, wide eyed. What? You answered her question, why are they looking at-

Aw hell.

"What I mean is-” you begin floundering, “I, uhm, I kissed her goodnight but not kissed her like- uh... oh god, um, well...uh.."

"Well tarnation, Anon, look at us!” Applejack says, cutting you off as she gives a nervous chuckle. “We're awful filthy, aren't we? C'mon, we should go get cleaned up. Outside. Away from here. Now."

Applejack you are a lifesaver. The two of you quickly shuffle past Granny Smith and exit the back of the farm, your cheeks red with blushing at the whole situation. Granny watches both of you, smiling and shaking her head, giving a tiny chuckle.

"Teenagers... mah stars,” she mumbles to herself, still knitting in her old rocking chair.

You stand outside under a tin roof with Applejack as you fill a bucket with water from the farm's water spout.

"Did ya see that?” Applejack says to you. “She was just... sittin' there... WAITIN' on us... ya don't think she thought that we... well, you know.."

"What? Oh, GOD no. No. No no no. Just... no."

"Ah mean, you didn't really help us out with that little blurb a yours back there."

"Oh come on, I'm sorry! How was I supposed to know she was gonna ask me if I kissed you? It came out of nowhere!"

Applejack puts a hoof to her face, and mumbles into it disappointingly.

"Ah thought you were th'smooth talker, ya lummox. Now Granny think we're bu-"

You cut her off when you splash her with the bucket of water, drenching her from head to hoof in

chilly water, the dirt and mud from her fur washing away. Sufficed to say, she's not enjoying it.

"No. No she does not. She thinks we're two young people who happen to have a crush on each other. I think. Maybe. I hope that's all she thinks, that is."

AJ shakes herself of the water, doing her best to get dry. She whips her mane back, sending a torrent of water at your face. You take it like a man, despite it being more than cold.

"Okay,” you say as you wipe water from your eyes, “Yeah, I deserved that."

"Darn right ya did,” Applejack says as she pokes her tongue at you. She begins ringing out her hair, while you refill the bucket to wash yourself off.

As the bucket fills, you strip down to your bare bones, rubbing your arms as goosebumps ripple across your skin from the cold that the rain has made. Taking the bucket, you dump the water over your head and body, bearing the icy chill of the water as it drenched your skin. Having had enough, you whip your head side to side to get the water out of your face and grab a small towel, drying your hair.

"So.. uh, I guess last night was good? I mean, you enjoyed yourself, right?" you ask AJ, still drying yourself off.

"...yup," Applejack mumbles back.

"The necklace wasn't too much, right? You said you liked it, but... you know."

"Oh yeah... love the... necklace," she says again, sounding distracted.

"You alright?"

"Just fine... fine, just fine.."

What the hell's gotten into her? You turn around and see that Applejack's been staring at you. Below the "belt." As you turn to face her, her cheeks glow with an unearthly red hue, her eyes growing wide.

"What?"

"Nothin' Ah just... you.. nekkid.."

Nekkid? Oh, right, naked... Wait. You whip the towel from your head down to your groin, concealing yourself as quickly as possible. You'd forgotten that being naked around Applejack NOW was a lot weirder than when you were younger. You'd wash up like this all the time, go swimming in the lake and ponds like it as well. They were ponies, they were naked ALL the time, you thought it wouldn't matter. But now apparently it does matter, as you've caught Applejack red...hooved?.. in the act of ogling your rear.

"AJ."

"...yup?" Applejack mindlessly says, eyes still locked on the spot your towel now covers.

"YO APPLEJACK," you shout, snapping a finger at her. AJ shakes her head, breaking her trance and lowers her ears, blushing further as what she's been doing dawns on her.

"Oh gosh, Ah didn't- I mean Ah wasn't tryin' t'look on purpose, Ah just... oh lord..."

"Were you staring at my ass?!"

"Ah wasn't starin', Ah- Ah was just, uh.. Ah was just admirin'!"

"Somehow that sounds worse than staring. And then when I turned around?"

Applejack promptly shuts her mouth and doesn't say a word, darting her eyes side to side. Great. Just great. You toss the towel onto Applejack's head with a quick laugh, pick up your wet clothes, and head inside. You head to the room you shared with Big Mac and find him sitting on his bed, reading a small book. Mac didn't particularly mind your nudity. It was a guy thing, you think. It really didn't bother either of you.

"Oh hey Mac. Readin'?

"Eeyup."

"Cool. Is it one of yours, or mine? Or wait, did you get it from the library in town?" you ask him.

"Eeyup," he replies, flipping a page in his book.

"Eeyup to which, the former or latter?"

"Latter."

"Oh okay, cool."

You toss your wet clothes over the window sill, leaving them to dry once the rain stopped and the sun came back out. Walking over to your dresser, you pulled out a new change of clothes and changed, feeling better about being in a fresh pair of jeans.

You jump over onto your bed, opposite the room of Big Mac, and relax.

"Good night?" Mac asks, not looking up from his book.

"Huh? Oh, yeah. Pretty calm, actually."

"I hear ya kissed mah sister."

You glance to Big Mac, still reading his book. He looked like he always did. Just as calm as ever. There’s a sinking feeling in your stomach when you hear him say that, though.

"Uh... where, uhm, where'd you hear that?"

"Apple Bloom."

“Really?”

“Eeeyup.”

“Oh... uh... well what uh.. are you mad or something?”

“Nope,” Mac says, closing his book. “Mah sister’s just important to me, is all. You know that. So do me a favor, will ya?”

“Well, sure. What is it?”

“Don’t hurt her,” he says, strong and stern as he stares into your eyes. “You treat her right. You do anything, and I mean ANYTHING, then you and I got problems. Got it?”

There’s a rather pregnant pause in the air as you and Mac continue to look at each other. Your body is ramrod stiff, not moving whatsoever as you continue to sit on your bed. Mac keeps his gaze on you, almost probing your intentions with those calm eyes of his. Then, after maybe a solid minute of staring, he turns his attention back to his book, flipping a page with otherworldly calm. You, on the other hand, get up and walk out of the room, trying to escape the tense situation you just had. Treat her right. You had no other plans, of course. You were always treating her right, you thought. What could you do to treat her wrong? You walk down the hall, rubbing your head as you do so in confusion, when you arrive at Applejack and Apple Bloom’s room. You're about to knock, but are stopped as you hear voices coming from inside. From what you can tell, they belong to both of them respectively. You decided that if Apple Bloom spied on you, then you'd spy on her for a bit. Pressing your ear to the door, you listen.

"Whaddya mean ya followed us to the lake?!" says Applejack, muffled by the door.

"Ah mean ah snuck out, crept behind y'all and followed ya to the lake t'see what big surprise Anon got fer ya!"

"Apple Bloom, why in Equestria would ya go an' do that fer?"

"Ah was super curious."

"Ugh, have mercy..."

"It's a real pretty necklace, sis. Ah didn't think Anon was gonna get ya' somethin' THAT great fer Hearts an' Hooves, Ah just figured he'd made ya a card or somethin'. Ah told ya he'd be a perfect very special somepony fer ya!"

"Oh... well thank ya, Apple Bloom, that's mighty kind of ya t'say about Ano-"

"So were ya grossed out by the kiss?"

"APPLE BLOOM. HUSH."

"Heehee, Ah knew it! Ah knew the both of ya kissed last-"

"Apple Bloom Ah swear when Ah'm through with ya they'll never find where Ah buried ya, Ah give you mah word."

You draw yourself away from the door and smile. Seems like Applejack had her hooves full with Apple Bloom as it is. No need to add your two cents to it all. As you go back to your room, you wonder what all of this will bring about. Maybe things with Applejack would end quickly and quietly. Maybe the two of you would continue to be with one another. There was no way of knowing, really. But you knew in your heart that you yearned for the latter, no matter what.

One Year Later

Relax. Control your breathing. Deep breath in. Focus on the target. Deep breath out.

Fire.

An arrow shot from your finger tips, sailing at a tree in the distance and piercing a single red apple near the tree's top. You were getting the hang of this archery thing. For months you have been training with a bow and arrow. You wanted to go hunting eventually, and you remembered reading about a super hero that used archery in some comics when you were younger. Guy wore purple, had a funny looking helmet. Eventually, you actually got around to making bows, most of which you ended up breaking, and fletching numerous arrows. Fluttershy had been kind enough to lend you feathers from her assortment of birds for your use. You liked her, she was nice. On top of all that, it was nice to get a hobby that tailored to the whole “having hands” scenario that you had going. You read somewhere that unicorns in this world could use bows as well, what with magic and all, but you never saw anyone in Ponyville use one before. You felt kind of unique in that sense.

Applejack jumps into the air in delight when the arrow hits its mark.

"Well Ah'll be,” Applejack says, looking at the pierced apple in the distance. You weren't kiddin' around Anon. Ya sure are talented with that thing, now aren't ya?"

"Practice makes perfect, after all, but I'm nowhere near perfection,” You say, pointing at the countless other arrows lodged into the trunk of the tree. You had missed. A lot. “C'mon, I gotta go get those arrows back, I guess."

The two of you walk through the orchard, the smells of Fall finally beginning to arrive in Equestria. The trees had begun changing to a brilliant hue of red and gold, and from a distance the whole valley looked like it was painted in a sunset.

"So, are ya really considerin' goin' huntin'?"

“Maybe. I know how you feel about it, so that’s sorta putting me off the idea just a bit."

Applejack laughs squeamishly. "Ah don't know, are ya sure ya want to do that? Ah mean, you'd be hurtin' another critter."

"Right, but I wouldn't let it go to waste. I'd eat it."

"You'd just shoot a critter and then go straight t'eatin' it?"

"Well not right away, no. I'd have to haul it back here, skin it, gut it, then cut off the choice... pieces..."

You promptly stop talking as Applejack adopts a look of sheer horror at you.

"Okay okay, fine, sorry no hunting."

"Ah just can't believe that people from your Earth place eat other animals! It just seems... barbaric in a way, Ah guess."

"Well wait, griffons eat meat. Same with dragons, from time to time, right?"

“Yeah, but-” She says, but just sighs and shakes her head, giving up the argument.

Once you both reach the tree, you give a swift boot to the trunk and the apple with your arrow falls to the ground. Taking the arrow out, you promptly take a bite of the fruit, and get to work on yanking the missed shots out of the tree. It was gonna be a while.

"Well, other than yer plans for savagery in the forest later on,” Applejack says, yanking out an arrow with her teeth, “Are ya' ready for the big get together?"

"Oh yeah, yeah. Can't wait to meet the rest of your family. How many cousins do you have?"

"'A couple dozen, give or take."

"All of 'em have the word 'Apple' in their names?"

"Yup."

"Fun."

You take another bite from your apple. There was going to be a big family reunion up in Manehatten soon, and since you were somewhat considered family to the Apple's you'd be going as well.

"By the way,” Applejack says, helping with another arrow, “Ah should warn ya about mah family up North, the Oranges. They can be... well, they're fancy city-folk. That's all Ah really gotta say."

"Hahaha, so the stuffy type?" you ask, taking the last arrow from the tree with a tug.

“Just about, yup,” AJ replies with a grin.

Wiping your brow, you can’t help but ask. “Hey... you think they’ll like me?”

“Hm?” Applejack asks, cocking her head. “Who?”

“The Apples. The rest of your family, I mean.”

“What’s not to like?” she asks, laughing softly as she bumps her hip into yours playfully. “You’ll be fine, Anon, trust me. You’ll get along with the rest of mah family better than a dog in a field of milkbones.”

You stand with Applejack by the trunk of the tree, leaves falling occasionally to the grass below. Applejack darts her head around the tree, looking to and fro for followers. You glance around the field as well, looking for any signs of Apple Bloom, or anyone from home, for that matter. The two of you still acted like it was some big secret, after all.

"No sign of Applebloom?" you ask nonchalantly.

"Nope," she replies.

She gives you a sweet smile and you sit down, resting against the trunk of the tree as Applejack crawls into your lap. You return her smile and take off her hat, resting it on the ground next to you.

"Think we'll ever stop sneaking away like this?" you ask, running a hand through her blonde mane softly. AJ just shrugs and nuzzles your cheek.

"Ah don't rightly mind. If sneakin’ off means we get a mighty pretty view like this, then Ah might be fine carryin’ on like this fer a while."

You'd have to agree with her. The sight of the leaves this Autumn looked beautiful this time of year. You caress the side of Applejack's face, her cheeks warm to the touch. You nuzzle her neck, sending her into a light fit of giggling. She had that nice, “Applejack” smell you’ve gotten so accustomed to, that smell of hay and apples mixed into her fur at all times. When you stop nuzzling her, Applejack’s face is inches towards yours. You throw a small smile her way as the two of you closed the gap between your lips. Days like these were nice.

"Hey y'all!"

Son of a bitch.

Applejack headbutts you in surprise, both of you recoiling in pain, causing you to hit your head on the tree.

"Apple Bloom, WHAT are you doing here?" you ask, rubbing the back of your head, in pain.

"Followin' ya," the small filly replies from behind the tree

"Why?!" Applejack asks rather loudly, her face twisted in an angry, embaressed mess. Apple Bloom puffs up her cheeks in retaliation.

"Don't y'all get sore at me! Granny told me t'keep an eye on y'all. 'Make sure those two don't go ruttin' in the orchard,' she said. Ah don't know what ruttin' is, but Ah guess it means kiss. So Ah guess Ah did mah job!"

Applebloom gives a bright, proud smile. You and Applejack look dumbstruck at her. Oh god, Granny Smith thinks... she think you and Applejack were going to...You look to Applejack and mouth the words, 'Go home now?' She nods.

"Hey, where are y'all goin'?” Apple Bloom asks as you and AJ get up and promptly march back to the farm. “Anon? Applejack? Wait up!"

"Never a dull moment around here," you say to Applejack, sighing. Applejack laughs and gives you a playful shove.

"Just wait till ya meet the family."

Days Later

The Apple clan steps off the train to Manehattan as the whistle of the locomotive blares loudly, announcing your arrival. As soon as you’re off the train the smell of the city hits you hard. Concrete and brick was everywhere, the buildings soared into the air, and you could hear everything that was passing by. Ponyville was quiet, deathly so in the night, but this place was all noise, noise, noise. You and the family walk along the sidewalks of the Manehatten streets, Apple Bloom on your shoulders, as you all try and get by the immense crowds of the city.

“Well buckle mah britches, ain’t this just as crowded as an ornery beehive on a midsummer’s day?” Granny asks as a few ponies bump into her.

“Mah stars this is just aggravatin’ as all hell,” Applejack says, shoving past pedestrians as best she can.

“Oh it ain’t that bad, sis!” Apple Bloom declares happily from atop your head. She gives a happy grin, snuggling into your hair, content in the knowledge that she’s not the one walking through walls and walls of ponies.

You give a small chuckle, easily pushing past ponies of various shapes and sizes. Eventually all of you arrived at a large townhouse complex, a number of buzzers with names next to them by the main entryway. After ringing the button with the name “Oranges” next to it, the doors unlock and you step into the building. What followed next was stairs. Why stairs? The elevator was busted, apparently. Go figure. After climbing a number of flights, the five of you arrive to the Orange family suite. A swift knock on the door produces a clementine colored mare with an orange mane.

“Oh, good! The rest of the family has arrived. How delightful. Please, please come i-” she begins to say before she stops herself, looking at you. “Oh. Who might you be...sir?”

“Uhm, hi there. I’m Anonymous. I’m actually-”

“My word!” the mare says, taken rather aback. “I must say, I wasn’t expecting a minotaur to show up to our little reunion, I can assure you.”

“Uh,” you start, but Apple Bloom is quick to chime in.

“This is Anonymous!” she says happily from atop your head. “He’s part of the family!”

"The family?" the mare asks, looking back at you. "Really?"

"Yes ma'am, aunt Orange," Applejack says, trotting up beside you. "We're all here for the reunion, after all."

The mare, Aunt Orange, looks to Applejack and nods, still eying you slightly. "Well... then come on in! Say hi to the rest of the family, get comfortable!"

With that, she steps back inside and you all shuffle into the high rise suit. You're immediately taken aback by all this. Elegant satin curtains draped the large, bay windows of the apartment. Fine dining plates and crystal glasses adorned the large dining table in the center of the room. To the right and left, you could see various ponies of different shapes and sizes, all with some variation of apples on their cutie mark. Unlike the room, however, many of them seemed humble, simple folk. One, with large buck teeth, was chewing on a houseplant. You were pretty sure it was plastic, but he didn't seem to mind. You stand awkwardly with Applejack, staring at the huge family before you.

"So... what now?" you ask, your hands shoved in your pockets.

"Now? Well go on, go meet some of the family!" AJ says with a bright smile. "They'll love you, promise."

With a sigh, you walk to a few colts by a window, raising your hand up in a wave.

"Hey there," you say to the green one, "Name's Anonymous. How you guys doing?"

The colt gives you a wary stare, inching away from you slightly. "Who the heck are you?" he asks, glancing from you to his brother. Or, who you guessed was his brother.

"I'm part of the family," you say, giving a reassuring smile as best as you can.

"Uh... huh..." he says, before the both of them glance at each other, nodding and trotting to the other side of the room. Well... this was going swimmingly.

You swear, you probably had a better chance of making new friends if you just asked some of these ponies if they wanted to go to the local bar and have a drink, rather than stay in this stuffy apartment.

...But now that you thought about it...

Later

You stood in a bar downtown with Applejack, Big Mac, Apple Fritter, and Apple Crumble, knocking back shots of hard cider. You five were the bartender's best friends at the moment. Thank goodness the drinking age here was eighteen. You down the small glass of cider and slam it down to the table, giving Applejack a competitive glare.

"That's six shots down, AJ. Care t'keep up?"

Applejack doesn't even bat an eye as she shoots down two more shots, one upping you.

"You're move, tree puncher. Let's see if yer as good with that mouth'a yers as ya are with yer hands!"

She gives a sly wink, but you don't let the innuendo phase you. You motion to Big Mac, who's downing a mug at the moment. He nods, and orders another mug. You take a shot, then two more, and catch the mug of cider as it slides down the bar to you, downing them all in ten seconds flat. You'd been boozing it up with Rainbow Dash some weekends so the practice was definitely helping. The bits from two years ago that Rarity let you keep was funding your current outing as well.

Apple Fritter knocks back her mug and laughs heartily. "Ha!" she laughs, "Looks like he's beatin' ya AJ! Ya gonna lay down an' just take it from him like that?"

You give AJ a smirk. "Yeah Applejack, ya jus' gonna lay down an' take it?"

"Play yer cards right, n'maybe Ah will!" she says with a sly yet competitive edge to her voice.

"Haha!" Laughs Apple Crumble. You had tagged along with he and Fritter a few hours after arriving at the apartment. They, unlike some of the other family members, were pretty friendly towards you. "Sounds lahk a challenge t'me!"

The festivities get slightly interrupted when a pony knocks into you, spilling your drink.

"Watch it, flank-face!" says the stallion who knocked into you.

"Eh yo, Tony, good one! Flank-face, HA!" chimes in his buddy.

These two colts were bronze coated, with slicked back, heavily gelled manes. Aw hell. Guido Ponies.

"Hey, he didn't do nothin' to y'all!" Fritter says, slurring slightly at the bigger one. "No need t'go calling people names like that."

The colt names Tony takes off his shades and looks at the five of you. "Well shit, I didn't think they started lettin' Mules into this joint!"

"Who're you callin' a mule?!" AJ retorts, the cider on her breath heavy and apparent.

The other guido pony speaks up. This guy's name was Jack, apparently. "Just the bunch'a mules sittin' at the bar, that's who! Hey, Tony, look at this one. Shit, ain't she a pretty thing eh?"

Jack runs a hoof through Applejack's mane, but she smacks it away.

"Hands off, ya low down creetin'," Applejack hisses back.

"Learn some manners, ya frickin' hick!" Tony shouts back, slipping his shades back on his face. "Bet ya haven't been laid in months, what with that attitude." He leans in close to Applejack and sneers.

"You know, you ditch these mules and come with me, I can fix that for ya."

"I think the lady will pass," you say, not even look their way as you down another shot.

"Who da'fuck is this guy?" the Jack stallion asks.

"The guy who'll kick your teeth in if you don't my special somepony and my family alone, that's who. Now why don't you fuck off?"

"I don't like big monkey freaks tellin' me to fuck off," Tony says, his snout now right in your face, snorting in anger at you.

"Ain't that nice," you say, as you slam down another drink. You grin to him, slightly tipsy for your own good. "Now fuck off."

"I don't know why I'm even botherin' with all'a yous," Tony says, sneering at your group. "You mules are all just a bunch of inbred fuckin' freaks, anyhow."

That tears it. You're off the bar stool and right in front of Tony, a glare in your eye.

"Say that to my face," you say, staring right at him.

"I said," Tony repeats, getting in your face again, "All you mules are just a bunch of inbred, fuckin', freaks. Now, you gonna do somethin' about that?"

"Nope," you say with a tipsy grin. "I just wanted to get your attention so he could get behind you."

"Wha-"

Tony is cut off as Bic Macintosh calmly, and stoically, breaks his mug over his head, sending him crumpling to the floor. Before he can do anything in retaliation, you crack a fist across Jack's jaw, sending him flailing backwards.

"I think the party's over guys," you say as you pat Big Mac on the shoulder in appreciation.

"Eeyup," he says, smiling back at you. Brothers. You'd have each others backs.

You toss the bartender the rest of your bits, more than enough for what you had bought to cover for the barfight you just had. It was probably the quickest fight you'll ever be in, to be honest. With that, the five of you leave for the Orange's estate. Eventually, the five of you break off, Big Mac leaving with Fritter and Crumble to get there quicker while you and Applejack go it at your own pace.

"This was nice," you say to her, the light of the sun beginning to set in the distance.

Applejack lets out a quick chortle. "Ha! That's a laugh. Leave it to a buncha' city slickers t'ruin a fine evenin' out on the town."

"Aw well, whaddya gonna do?"

"Haha, yeah... hey Anon?"

"Yup?"

"What ya said back there, to those greaseballs? About you bein' mah special somepony?.. Did ya mean it?"

"Course I did," you say, patting her head. "What, you didn't think we were?"

"No Ah, well uhm... I don't rightly know, Ah guess Ah thought... never mind. It doesn't matter."

"No go ahead, what is it?"

"Well o'course we were special someponies fer that one Hearts an' Hooves-"

"And the ones after that," you add in with a smile.

"Right, yeah, the ones after that too Ah guess," she says with a laugh. "Ah never thought we made it official, ya know?"

"How do we make it official?" you ask, smirking. "Do I propose?"

"Hehe, naw. Nothin' that extravagent. Besides," she says, showing off her necklace, the silver glimmering from the rays of the sun. "Ya already gave me this here necklace. No need to go bustin' out a ring anytime soon."

"Ha, fine fine. So, really, how do we make it official?"

Applejack ponders this for a moment, and smiles slyly. "Leave that t'me. All in good time, as it were."

You shrug and crack a grin. She's probably have the two of you race for it, maybe even see who bucks the most apples. AJ was like that. You both walked on, taking in the sites and sounds of Manehatten as you made your way back to the Oranges. The rest of the day was spent mingling with family and friends, idle conversation and songs being passed around the dinner table and games played in the evening. By the time the sun had set, most of the Apples had left for home, leaving just you and AJ's family with the Oranges. You had all decided that you'd stay the night, then leave for home in the morning. Granny, Applebloom and Applejack shared a room, leaving only one other guest room available. Since you felt grateful to Mac for his help in the bar fight earlier, you deferred it to him, taking to the couch instead. You rested on the soft couch, your mind being flooded with Applejack's words.

Make is official? Back on Earth, if you liked a girl, you just, you know, asked her out. Ponies did that too, so you didn't really know what Applejack had planned. Knowing her though, it probably involved a ton of endurance and heavy breathing afterward. Most bets or deals with her involved some sort of sportsmanship. You figure you'll just find out later, and close your eyes to sleep. Not long after, you feel something rustle on the couch with you. Whatever it is, it's on top of your chest. You open your eyes to be met by Applejack's, her eyes sleepy and half open.

"Evenin'," she says in a hushed, quiet voice.

"Uh... evenin'," you say back, blinking. "What are you doing?"

Applejack raises up her head and unties the bow on her ponytail, letting down her blonde mane.

"Making it official."

You're silenced before you can even respond as Applejack locks you in a soft yet strong kiss, your inhibitions flying away. You wanted to protest, at first, but you longed for these moments with her. You run a hand through her hair and pull her closer to you, taking in her scent and relishing in her embrace. Funny... the two of you had kissed plenty of times before. You didn't really know how this was making it official. Applejack breaks your kiss and smiles seductively, as she creeps down in between your legs.

Oh.

That's how.

Silent passion crept through the house, your voices hushed to low whispers and moans, intensity reducing them to simple, silent gasps. The innocence of two young teens was abandoned, left in it's place the unity of two lovers as they intertwined with each other. And as the moments of burning passion dimmed down to a softly burning ember, you held Applejack closer than you ever thought you'd hold her.

"...Applejack?" you ask in a whisper, holding her closely to your body.

"Mmhmm?" she hums out.

"I love you."

"Ah love you too."

You embrace the mare you've grown to adore, never wanting to let go. Had you known what was to come in the following years, you would have wished this moment would last a lifetime.

Unfortunately for you, life would have plans that would be out of your control.

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~End of Chapter III~