Applejack hadn't been the same since that Saturday night. Her cheerful personality and hearty attitude seemed to fade.
"C'mon Applejack." Rarity whined, trailing behind AJ through the park. "What happened four days ago? You've been avoiding Chris so far this week, and I'm really starting to get worried."
Applejack didn't respond, like her body was on auto-pilot. She looked up and saw Chris across the street leaving the hospital again. He had bandages that wrapped around his torso and over his right shoulder, stiches crossed on the front of his left shoulder and a couple Band-Aids on his forehead and right cheek. And yet, despite his injuries; he had a smile on his face. He didn't notice the two girls as they passed, Applejack didn't bother to speak up.
The next day, Applejack thought of ways to talk to Chris again (though being forced to by Rarity.) She went over to Fluttershy's dorm room and knocked on the door. Fluttershy opened up, her eyes swollen and she kept sniffling.
"Fluttershy? What's wrong?"
She didn't answer, but instead held out an envelope. On the front was just one word: Applejack. Applejack took the envelope and opened it. She pulled out a piece of paper and a black cord. At the end of the cord hung a blue, crystal teardrop.
You're probably wondering where I went, or why I didn't say anything before I left. But I don't think it's good that I stay, not after seeing the monster that I am on that Saturday night. I leave my necklace for you to never forget me... for I doubt we'll ever see each other again.
Goodbye Applejack.
Applejack had a hard time reading through the letter because her vision became blurry and indistinct. She looped the necklace around her neck and took off towards the door.
"Applejack?! Where are you going?!" Rarity shouted.
"To find Chris!" Applejack hollered back.
Chris stood in line at the station, the wait was extraneous and he was beginning to loose his patience. But the extra time gave him opportunity to reflect. He thought back to that night, though he didn't want to.
I couldn't control myself... I broke my vow yet again. Guess I'll have to start over for the third time. But... y'know what? It was worth it, not because of the relief of releasing bottled wrath, not because I used it on someone who deserved it...but rather, it used it to protect someone I cared for. And yet, despite having to start my life over... I feel strangely satisfied.
A light smile slowly cracked on his face. Without even realizing it, he stood in front of the ticket window while lost in thought.
"Ticket to Dodge, please."
"Will that be round trip or one way?" The ticketer asked.
"One way."
Chris paid and started off to the terminal, resetting his pack on his shoulder. He eventually found a bench to rest on, his train wasn't going to arrive for another hour or so. He took out his phone and the screen opened onto his photo album. He began to scroll through the various pictures of his time at the Lunar Sun: Pinkie throwing a party for his birthday, his face covering in frosting from a face plant into it. A beach day picture, except he was on the sand reading a book. He was surprised that Rainbow Dash actually had a decent pair of knockers despite her original image as an athlete, but he wasn't one to judge. The picture after that was of him running away from Dash and Pinkie, whom of which were covering their bosoms, though Pinkie wasn't nearly as angered as Dash in the photo. Chris remembered that he acted a surrender by "gifting" them new bikinis, but he sewn them together with water soluble thread before hand. It was then that they both surrendered the prank war. He found a photo of Fluttershy sleeping on his shoulder when he came back exhausted from classes and slept with his back on a wall. One of the girls must've snuck that one in, but needless to say he blushed a little. A few more pictures went by when he stopped. The image of the whole group, dressed in fancy attire and ready to go. He stared at the photo, his vision slowly got blurry and he could barely make out a droplet on the screen. He quickly took a few deep breaths and dried his eyes. When he looked at the watch, the train was expected to arrive in another 20 minutes.
"S'cuse me, may I sit here?" A voice asked.
"Oh, yea, sure-AH?!" He gasped. He saw a flurry of golden hair and was staring into a pair of reflective green eyes. Applejack sat down and leaned back, her breathing was erratic and she was almost coughing. Sweat was prevalent on her head and neck. She leaned forward, he hands on her lap as if to stabilize herself. Without warning she punched Chris in the arm.
"Ai! What was that for?!"
"Fer leaving without sayin' anythin'." She responded.
"How did you find me?!" Chris inquired.
"Intuition."
Chris sighed heavily. Applejack then slumped onto his arm. Chris tensed up, expecting another fist to impact, but she just leaned on him. Chris wasn't a stranger to the situation, but somehow... it felt different. He didn't dare to move, but rather enjoyed the feeling. He looked at his watch again, six minutes.
"Chris? Why are ya tryin' to leave?" Applejack asked.
"Because..." Chris began, thinking of what to say, "because of what I am. The side that I never show to anyone, because it is that side that hurts those around me."
Applejack sat up straighter, and hugged his arm.
"But... if you go, you'll hurt those even more." She said, her hug tightened into a clutch. Chris didn't say anything. The train rolled in and stopped, passengers exchanged the on-off routine, Chris stood up and grabbed his pack. As he made his way to the train, he was pulled around and his lips made contact with something soft, warm and had a very faint apple taste. Applejack's kiss reeled him back to the extent of near shock. Time seemed to slow down, and they were both still. When she separated, Chris looked deeply into her eyes, his eyes spoke only two words before he stepped back onto the train.
I'm sorry...
The train lurched forward and Applejack just stood on the platform, unable to do anything but watch as the train left. She eventually collapsed and cried her eyes out. She wept and wept until no more tears could be brought, she then stood up and turned around to walk out of the station.
The college was quiet and Applejack felt herself seem to dissolve bit by little bit. She felt worse than before, and there was an abyss in her heart. She ended up at the park, sat on a bench but then laid down. She didn't want to see anyone yet, not in the shape she was in. She closed her eyes and sniffled herself to sleep. Time passed by quickly when she awoke, because it was late afternoon and the sun was setting. She felt something draped over her, it was a black jacket. She began to feel confused, but she then saw a head of short, brown hair in front of her. The head turned and smiled, its eyes a soft grey.
"CHRIS!!!" Applejack shouted, tackling him to the grass. She repeatedly hit his chest, but Chris stopped both hands and held them in place.
"WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!" She yelled.
"Someone who realized that he can't selfishly leave the one he loves." Chris calmly stated.
Applejack blushed and broke his grip and leaned in to close.
"And what made you change your mind?" She inquired.
"I think you know the answer.
Chris gripped her shoulders and turned over so now Applejack was laying on the grass. She figured a game out of this and tried to repeat his action, but was surprised to find that she couldn't move.
Geez, he got stronger.
Chris let himself off and held out a hand. Applejack took it, but was thrust up and he passionately kissed her. The two remained like that until the sun was below the horizon.