//------------------------------// // Sour Apples // Story: Pink Rainbow // by WingsPony //------------------------------// Running up the stairs Moose slammed Rarity’s bedroom door shut. Alerting everyone in the household to his dramatic entrance. Rainbow was the first one to the door, she pounded her fists frantically on the locked door. “Hey! Are you okay?” Rainbow's raspy voice was slightly muffled through the door. Before he could respond Rarity came to the door. Most likely to see what all the commotion was about. “Rainbow Dash I would appreciate it, if you would refrain from knocking down my door.” Rarity’s tone as unamused by the turn of events. Rainbow snorted. “I wasn’t! I was just trying to get him to open the door. Something must have really freaked him out if he ran like that.” huffed Rainbow. “Well I was just about to do the same.” Rarity brushed past Rainbow. “Moose darling, can you come out please?” Sensing the tension between Rainbow and Rarity; Fluttershy carefully pulled Rainbow away from the frazzled fashionista. The growing scowl on Rainbow’s face didn’t help Fluttershy’s fears . “Why don’t we give them a minute to work things out?” suggested Fluttershy. Rainbow mulled the idea over a bit before moving back to the living room. Crossing her arms Rainbow glared at the wall. Fluttershy offered a shy smile in an attempt to comfort her agitated friend. But it was all for not as Rainbow stewed in silence. *Who does Rarity think she is? Pushing me aside like that! Does she think that she knows him better than me! For crying out loud she just met the guy!....* Rainbow glared down at the table only to see Rarity’s phone. The small device was poking out from behind a bowl of chips. Rainbow glanced over at Fluttershy only to find her engrossed in book filled with pictures of cats. With Fluttershy distracted Rainbow saw her chance to do some snooping. She flicked through Rarity’s photos most of the shots were pictures of clothes. Most likely inspiration for Rarity’s next project. After, another minute or so Rainbow started to get bored. She could only put up with Rarity’s outfits for so long. Just as she was about to give up she found a photo that was buried deep into Rarity’s gallery. Rainbow felt her breath get stuck in her throat when she saw a picture of Moose posing with Rarity. She looked at the time stamp on the photo (8-24-16)  Rainbow couldn’t believe it. This photo was taken only a few days before she met Moose in person. Yet, he was hanging out with Rarity behind her back.  A lump of bitterness lodged itself  in her throat. Feeling betrayed Rainbow slid the phone back where she found it. *I can't believe they lied to me! They've met before...But it doesn’t seem like they have hung out since then. If they did then wouldn’t I’ve seen more pictures of them together? That or they are really careful not to leave any evidence behind…* Rarity managed to slip into her room only to find Moose laying on her bed. “Is everything alright?” asked Rarity. Moose shook his head, it was then that Rarity got a good look at his face. The gaping hole on his nose was in plain sight. Grabbing one of her handbags Rarity pulled out a few things. Before Moose could blink Rarity placed a large band-aid on his nose. “There all better!” sang Rarity in a cheery tone. Moose couldn’t help but smile at his friend. “Thanks Rarity.” With a playful grin Rarity pulled him by the arm. She dragged him back into the living room with the others. The twisted scowl on Rainbow’s face melted when she saw Moose’s nose. “What happened to your face?” asked Rainbow. “I’m not sure? I think ran into something, when I chased after Applejack earlier.” “You are such a klutz!” Moose snorted “Tell me something I don’t know.” Rainbow giggled before snuggling closer to Moose’s side. The close contact made his cheeks burn pink. Feeling bold, he wrapped his arm around her. Moose allowed himself to smirk, seeing her being affectionate in front of others was surprising. They both sat in silence as they enjoyed each other's company. Occasionally Rainbow would shoot Rarity a suspicious stare. The rest of the night went on without a hitch. Rarity had offered to drive Fluttershy home. Leaving Rainbow and Moose alone for the first time that night. Being the gentleman that he was Moose walked Rainbow home for the evening. One brisk stroll later they were both standing at Rainbow’s front porch. Wrapping his arm around Rainbow’s shoulder he looked at her face with a  kind expression. “Are you feeling alright? You've been really quiet since we left.” For a brief moment, Rainbow berated herself for letting her cattiness get the best of her. Shrugging her shoulders was her only response, Moose pulled her a little closer. Now their noses were almost touching. His icy blue made contact with her own she could see his warmth and concern for her. “You know that you can be honest with me right?” Rainbow turned away from him slightly. “What if you don’t like what I have to say?” said Rainbow in a meek tone. Moose snorted in jest. “You can tell me anything and my opinion of you wouldn’t change.” “Alright then...Why did you lie to me?” Rainbow’s words felt dead in the air as soon as she spoke them. In that moment she wished that she could suck them back and out of the stale air between them. Moose felt his stomach drop from fear and shock he knew that his disguise wasn’t perfect. But it wasn’t that bad he was sure that Rainbow didn’t see his face after the incident with Applejack. Rainbow looked him dead in the eye. “Look I saw the picture of you and Rarity together. I know that it was taken before the two of us met. I thought that you told me that the two of you never met before tonight.” Moose resisted the strong urge of sighing in relief. “I never said that, I’m sorry if I ever implied that I never met her. The first time I saw her was the day I came into town. I was running all over around town with Pinkie. It just so happens that we went over to Rarity's to pick up a few outfits...Wait a minute, are you jealous that I met Rarity first?” a coy smirk crawled its way to his lips. Her blue complexion quickly changed to one of a ripe cherry. Seeing the confirmation of her jealousy made Moose blush in return. With all of the time they spent together he never noticed how deep their bond they shared really was. For the first time Moose found himself totally tongue tied. All of his confidence and smugness was drained out of him like a punctured soda can. “Whatever…” muttered Rainbow before gathering her composure. “ I’ll see you soon.” for just a moment Moose felt his voice crack. Rainbow smiled at him as she came in for a hug. Moose clumsily raised his arms to reciprocate her affection. Immediately, he sensed that this hug was slightly different from how they usually held each other. Rainbow’s grip was tighter yet gentle, it lasted longer than a friendly hug should. Nearly a minute passed between them as they embraced one another. Pulling back slightly Rainbow looked into his baby blue eyes as if she was waiting for something. The longer he stared at her, the more his heart pounded against his ribs. Something in air had changed, it felt as if there was a strong static charge lingering above them. Staring into those magenta eyes was like a magnetic force pulling him closer than ever before. Now he was only a breath away from Rainbow’s lush lips. Part of him was alarmed from being this close. His fears were quieted by a sudden burning desire to claim her as his own. Leaning forward, Rainbow closed the small gap between them. With his eyes closed now he engulfed her lips with his own. Time seemed to slow as if it was coated in a thick layer of honey. Feeling a bit bold, Moose pressed his body against Rainbow. Pinning her against the wall in the process. Rainbow let out a muffled moan as Moose divided deeper into the kiss. He breathed heavily through his nose in order to lengthen the contact between them. When the two of them parted it was as if time had gone on without them. Feeling slightly breathless Moose locked eyes with Rainbow before diving back into another kiss. This kiss didn’t last nearly as long as the first. Moose paced himself as he took things slow. In order to explore every inch of his new lover’s mouth. When Moose broke the kiss, he was concerned when he noticed a slight frown on Rainbow’s face. “Did I do something wrong?” he asked. “No, you were amazing! It’s just what does all of this mean? Don’t get me wrong, I’ve wanted to kiss you for awhile now.” A deep blush burned in her cheeks. “ What I’m trying to say is. Where do we go from here?” “I don’t know...All of this is still new to me. I never-” An strong image of Ruby flashed to the forefront of his mind. “I’m sorry but I gotta go.” Moose broke out into a sprint as he was hit with a barrage of emotions. He felt something snage his arm. Alarmed, he saw that Rainbow had grabbed his jacket. Seeing that he was caught he slowed his pace. “Hey, don’’t just up and run away from me. I thought you were over the whole ditching me thing.” “I just have a lot on my mind, one minute we were just really close friends. The next we're kissing. I just feel so lost and a little scared. You must think that I’m a coward.” “A little bit.” jested Rainbow, she lightly punched him on the shoulder. “You shouldn’t be so hard on yourself all the time. After all nobody's perfect, not even me!” That got a small chuckle out of him, he carefully pushed her bangs out of her eyes. He  now had a perfect view of her sparkling eyes. The sight caused his heart swell with a river of warmth. Rainbow intertwined her fingers with his. The  light contact made his skin burn and very sweaty. In one swift motion Rainbow yanked him close to her. “I just want you to know that I like you. I like you a lot but it's cool if you only want to be friends. I don’t want to force you into anything.” Wrapping his arms around her, he rested his head on her shoulder. Heavy tears dripped down his face. His mind was in deep conflict with his heart. He wanted to hold her; kiss her, love her. But it wasn’t possible and he knew that. Yet, here he was, holding her close to his chest. Literally crying on her shoulder and there wasn’t a even a possibly of a future with her. If Rainbow learned the truth; she would hate him to the core, the notion sickened him. He knew pursuing this relationship was utterly selfish. He should just cut his losses and be done with it. Unfortunately, his mind turned to mud the instant Rainbow kissed his neck.  It didn’t take her long to find  his lips. There it was, that spark! It was nearly impossible to ignore. Something deep inside Moose snapped. He was reduced down to his animalistic desires. Grabbing Rainbow, he carried her back to the house. Kicking open the door, he made his way to the couch. In a somewhat rough manner, he dropped Rainbow on the soft couch. With lust filled eyes he crawled on top of her. Rainbow was shocked by his sudden change in his behavior. Part of her was really turned on by his dominance over her.  A shiver ran down her spine as Moose licked her neck. He then began to kiss every inch of her exposed flesh in a fevered frenzy. Rainbow gasped when he gave her a small love bite on her lower neck. Half an hour passed, panting heavily Moose pulled back. Still pinned down, a pleased smirk was a prominent expression on Rainbow’s face. “I should get going.” Moose leaned in to kiss Rainbow on her forehead. “Aw come on, can’t you stay just a little longer?” begged Rainbow. “What? You still aren’t satisfied? Making out non stop for thirty minutes wasn’t enough for you?” “Nope!” “Your unbelievable.” muttered Moose. “You still didn’t answer my question.” whispered Rainbow. Sliding off the couch Moose stood up, he walked towards the door. Rainbow sat up as she watched him with hope filled eyes. His grip tightened on the metallic door knob, his back now facing her. “I just need a little more time to sort somethings out.” With that he shut the door behind him, walking the dark gloomy streets alone. What conspired between him and Rainbow; replayed played over and over again in his mind. Shaking his head he ran his fingers through his short hair. “What have I unleashed?” “There you are I was starting to get worried…is there something wrong?” Rarity rested an arm over his shoulder, she led him to her sofa. Moose fidgeted with his hands. Starting down at the floor he told her what happened after they all left the party. “I made out with Rainbow tonight.” Rarity covered her mouth in a sad attempted to hold back her gasp. “I had suspected that you have romantic feelings towards her. But I didn’t think that they were this developed...Oh dear, what are you going to do?” “That’s just it I don’t know! I think I love her!...The worst part is that I think she loves me too...But she doesn't love me, not the real me.” Covering his eyes with his hands he shouted at the floor. “I don’t think I even know who I am anymore! Am I Pinkie or Moose?” Rarity's voice was barely above a faint whisper. “What do you mean?” Tears leaked through his closed hands as he held them over his eyes. His heart burned as it went into high gear. The air in the room seemed to grow thicker with every breath. He knew he could no longer contain his feelings any longer. “I hate myself.” His tone was deadpanned as it echoed throughout the room. “For weeks now I hate looking at my reflection. The only time I feel happy is when I-” Large sobs racked his body stopping him from speaking any further. Even with Rarity holding him, he couldn’t stop shaking. Once, he got through the worst of the tremors he continued on.  “I only feel like myself when I’m dressed like this. It is the only time I feel happy.” With tear stained eyes he spat out a question that had been haunting him for weeks. “Is it normal to want to be a man?” his tone was crisp and almost raw. His eyes looked utterly pathetic in that instant, like they were looking to her for answer. Rarity knew that what she next could easily destroy her fragile friend. “I’m not sure, sweetheart but that doesn't matter. What really matters is what you want. And not what the world wants.” Her response made Moose’s brow knit together in deep thought. It was almost like Moose was one of her fashion manikins frozen in place. Rarity could see how her words had sent the gears in his head slowly clicking in place. Without a word he walked into bathroom, Rarity followed after him. Using some solvent he began to remove the prosthetics from his face. The last piece was his mutilated nose. He peeled off the silicone in disgust. Rarity watched Pinkie as she chucked it in the trash bin. Pinkie looked up at her reflection. Seeing her dainty reflection staring back at her only filled Pinkie with a deep loathing. She scratched her chin where her goatee was only minutes ago. She would be lying to herself if she said that didn’t like having facial hair. It made her feel confident, whole even. But she knew that wasn’t right, she was supposed to be feminine. She was supposed to hate facial hair and anything that made her appear masculine. Rarity placed a gentle hand on Pinkie’s shoulder. “What you just did, was a very brave thing to do.” “I’m not brave, I just expressed how I really feel.” sighed Pinkie. “These things are never easy. I sure didn’t expect you come out, and admit that you’re transgender.” Rarity’s words punched Pinkie hard in the gut. She whipped her head around so fast that Rarity thought that it would snap off.  “What you mean by transgender?” Rarity felt herself shrinking as Pinkie stared at her with unamused eyes. “I just thought that you know. That you confessing about wanting to be a man. Was you, um...coming out.” squeaked Rarity. Rarity flinched when Pinkie tightly grabbed her shoulders. A bit frightened by Pinkie’s scrunched up features. Rarity couldn’t tell if Pinkie was frightened or furious. Leaning in close Pinkie made close eye contact. Now there was nowhere to escape her gaze, Rarity gulped. Pinkie closed her eyes for a moment before addressing her terrified friend.“I have just one question.” To nervous to speak Rarity just nodded. “What does transgender mean?” Rarity’s jaw dropped, she couldn’t believe her ears. *Oh my, this going to be one long sleepless night.* A cold pit formed in her stomach when Sunset saw who was calling her. Those four words on her screen was a cause of great dread. “Home” She saw this coming of course, but she hoped, it was later and not sooner. A few seconds later she ended the call. Apparently her family wasn’t to happy with her disappearing for nearly two weeks. “Are you sure that y'all be alright gett’n home?” asked Applejack. Sunset impishly waved away Applejack’s concerns with her good hand. Her arm had fresh medical tape around her twisted wrist. Sunset still couldn’t believe that an apple tree managed to injury her. Living with the Apple family felt like it passed by in the blink of an eye. Big Mac smiled at her as she walked towards his truck. A small frown grew with every step that Sunset took towards the waiting vehicle. The two of them drove off into the distance. Every couple of blocks Sunset would give Mac directions. As they drove on, Mac started to feel a little uneasy. Sunset was taking them into one of the sketchiest area’s in Canterlot County. However, he didn’t have long to dwell on the situation. “ Okay we’re here, Thanks for the ride Big Mac.” Sunset bolted from the truck before he could even say goodbye. Just as Mac was putting his truck into drive. He noticed that Sunset sped walked as fast as her new medical boot would allow. Curious, he watched her make a mad dash down the street. She swiftly made a left turn, now she was completely out of Mac’s sight. His big brotherly instincts went into overdrive. He flew out of his truck and sprinted after Sunset. Once he caught sight her Mac slowed down as he tailed her. Sunset made her way to a run down shack of a house there were nearly half a dozen disheveled cars littering the drive way. Weeds and beer cans covered the front lawn. A lanky man in an stained tank top with a fresh beer in hand scowled at Sunset. “Where have you been!” he yelled. Sunset shrank back slightly. “I was at a friend's house  for a while. I told Sar-” “I don’t want to hear it! You know you have to ask for my permission! And no one else’s! Now get back into the house before you’ll need a cast for your other arm!” Without a word Sunset cautiously walked around her foster father to get to the front door. As she walked past him, he gave Sunset a swift hit with the buttend of his beer bottle causing some of it’s contents to spill on Sunset. The sharp blow caused Sunset to yelp before she disappeared from the outside world. Mac couldn’t believe what he just witnessed. Sure, he was stunned by the harsh words from someone who was supposedly Sunset’s caretaker. But seeing him hit her was to much to bear, adrenaline pumped through his core. He yelled after Sunset causing her to poke her head from the front entrance. Her foster father wasn’t to happy with Mac’s sudden outburst. “Sunset get your things we're leavin’!” shouted Mac. “Who the hell do you think you are! Acting like you own the place. Get off my property before I call the police!” Mac wasn’t deterred, he march right up the weasel that dare to even think that he  could treat a young girl in such a manner. Mac towered over the thin man. “Listen here you piece of human garbage. I’m taking Sunset with me. And if you refuse than I will rain down a torrent of pain and misery upon you and your whole family.” “Are you threatening me!” “Yes I am, here is what is goin’ to happen. You are goin’n to release custody of Sunset. And me and my family are goin’ to take her off your hands.” “And what if I don’t!” he shouted. A crookedly devilish smile spread over Mac’s lips. “Then I will constantly send child services your way. And the police if I have to…” Mac leaned in close to the man’s face. “ Let’s hope that the police don’t find anythin’ incriminating.” “Like what?” “That’s for me ta know and for you ta find out.” whispered Mac, his tone was colder than ice while he spoke. His threat seemed to do the trick as the man’s face went completely white. Mac looked up at Sunset with a friendly grin and waved at her. “Go get you things.” he said with a playful wink. About ten minutes later Sunset popped out of the house with all of her earthly possessions. Sunset carried most of her things in a small duffle bag. While a backpack and her bass guitar were both strapped to her back. Mac walked to her side and took her bag and bass to lighten the load. Sunset followed close behind Mac, he gently pushed her forward. A brotherly grin shone brightly on his features. The sight was enough to bring her to tears, she clung tightly to Mac. Like a small child would to their parent, Not wanting their progress slowed, Mac scooped Sunset in his arms. He want to get her out of here as soon as physically possible. It didn't take long before the two of them were driving off towards Sweet Apple Acres. When they pulled into the driveway Sunset was startled when Apple Bloom charged at them with a shriek of pure joy. “Sunset is BACK!” “She sure is, why don't cha both go play upstairs for a little while.” said Mac. Apple Bloom didn’t need to be told twice, she pulled Sunset towards her room. Mac chuckled  after hearing his littlest sister’s door slam shut. He found Granny and Applejack and told them about Sunset’s predicament. One recap later, Granny agreed that Mac did the right thing getting Sunset out as soon as possible. “We’ll need ta make some new arrangements round here. But I reckon that it’ll be for the best.” stated Granny. “So we are going through with getting custody of Sunset?” asked Applejack. “Seems like it, right Mac.” said Granny. “Eeyup!” “Well then, its settled! I’ll make some phone calls in the morn'n. To get evethin’ all taken care of.” With that Granny headed to bed leaving the two of them alone. Applejack was still stunned to learn that Sunset was in foster care. Of course in retrospect, it made sense that Sunset was in foster care. After all, Sunset was a teenager with no family in this world. Despite what happened, Applejack felt a burning hatred towards Sunset’s foster family. Applejack’s were interrupted when Apple Bloom burst out of her room. “Hey can Sunset sleep in my room!” asked an ecstatic Apple Bloom. “If Sunset is okay with it then, Ah see no problem with that.” “Yay! Sunset sleepover!” Apple Bloom disappeared with a swift slam of her door. Shaking her head Applejack said goodnight to her brother. Before making her way to her own bed. Even laying in her warm and cozy bed Applejack couldn’t sleep. So much had happened that night, first Moose had his nose fall off. Then she learned that her brother rescued Sunset from an abusive home. Rolling over on her side she grunted in annoyance. After hours of rolling around from side to side sleep slowly overtook her. In the morning Granny had informed them all that Sunset was going to group home. At least, until the Apple family passed a background check and a home inspection. Apple Bloom wasn’t happy about Sunset leaving. But Granny reassured her that Sunset would be back before she knew it. They all finished their breakfast before heading out to school. Sunset, Applejack and Apple Bloom all piled  in Mac’s truck. Apple Bloom was first to be dropped off. Shortly after, Sunset and Applejack were dropped off at Canterlot High. Mac was the last one as he drove himself to college. The two of them held hands as they climbed the school steps together. It was a small comfort for Sunset to know that she had Applejack by her side. Once they parted Applejack felt a small pang in her chest. As soon as she learned about Sunset’s past. She couldn’t stand the thought of anything else happening to Sunset. But she knew that it was impossible to protect Sunset from every little thing that came Sunset’s way. That didn’t mean that she wouldn’t try to guard Sunset to the best of her abilities.