Day One
Day 1: Friday--8AM
“Alright, Applejack, we’ll be back in a couple of days.” Granny Smith said as Big Mac helped her up into the wagon, “Keep an eye on things while we’re gone.”
“Don’t worry, Granny, Ah will.” The farmmare replied, dressed in her usual flannel shirt and denim jeans, watching her grandmother and siblings head out, “Make sure Bloom stays outta trouble, Mac!”
“Eeeyup.”
“Hey! Ah can stay out just fine mahself!”
“Apple Bloom!”
“Aw, you know what Ah mean, Granny!”
Applejack continued to watch them for a moment before sighing, “Guess it’s time to get to work.” She dusted her jeans off and turned in time to see Twilight Sparkle walking up, wearing a purple sweater, black shorts, and tennis shoes, “Mornin’ Twilight. What’s got you out here this early?”
“Oh, they found a cache of really old tomes in the Canterlot palace storage the other day and Princess Celestia asked me to come help ID, categorize, and, if any prove to be dangerous, destroy them.” Twilight fought back a yawn, “Right now I’m just taking a walk around to help myself wake up before the carriage arrives to pick me up. It’s a big cache so I won’t be back until early Monday.”
“You? Ain’t Spike goin’ with ya?”
Twilight shook her head. ”No, he was adamant that he was old enough to stay home by himself and it’s only over the weekend. ” She looked down the way the rest of the Apples had went, “Speaking of staying behind…”
“We need some replacement equipment, and Appleoosa’s the closest place to get it. Orderin’s too expensive so Big Mac’s headin’ there to pick it up. Granny wants to talk to Miss Jubilee about marketin’ some new Zapp Apple products, an’ Apple Bloom just wanted to go along. They’ll all be gone probably ‘bout as long as you.”
“AJ, don’t tell me you’re going to try and do everything yourself, again?” Twilight put a fist on her hip, “You remember what happened last time?”
Applejack had the grace to look abashed, “Yeah...but Ah can’t just let it go, Twi. It may not sound like much, but a lot can happen on a farm in just a couple of days.”
Twilight glanced at the orchard briefly before a look of inspiration crossed her face, “Wait, why not get Spike to come help out?”
“Spike?” Applejack asked.
“Sure. That way you’ll have some help and there’ll be somepony around to keep an eye on him.”
Applejack frowned slightly at that last remark, though she managed to clear it before her friend saw. “Well, Ah don’t see why not if he’s ok with it.”
“Of course he will.” Twilight waved it off. “I’ll go and tell him.” With that, she turned and started back to the library.
Applejack sighed once she was out of earshot, “Ya know he ain’t no lil kid anymore, right, Twi?”
-----------8:30 AM-----------
“Bye, Spike! I’ll be back in a couple of days! And stay out of trouble!” Twilight called from the coach as it pulled away.
“I will, Twi, relax!” He replied, watching the Canterlot guards pulling it take to the air. Once it was on its way, the dragon slumped a little, “Ugh, when is she going to realize I’m not freaking ten anymore…!?” While he didn’t mind going to help at the farm, hell, he’d lost count of how many times he’d been over there, but he still found it a little condescending for her to volunteer him so he’d ‘have someone to watch over him’ as she put it.
“Ah well.” He said to himself, “At least I have three days to myself, more or less. Not counting going to help AJ…” He froze when he said that.
Him and Applejack, together, at the farm.
Alone.
For the next three days.
His cheeks heated up to the point steam actually wafted from them.
Contrary to popular belief, while a good many of those that knew him, if asked who he was interested in, would instantly and adamantly say ‘Rarity’...
They would be wrong.
He still saw the fashion-conscious mare as a good friend, but as he got older, he came to realize something.
They just didn’t have a lot of common interests. At least, outside of gems, and even then it was for completely different reasons. With that discovery came the slow diminish of his crush. Before long he found himself reacting to her no differently than all his other female friends.
Well...almost all of them.
He shook his head to clear it and went to get a shower.
-----------9:10 AM-----------
Even though the notion was corny as hell, the entry to Sweet Apple Acres seemed to loom out over Spike, getting more and more intimidating with each step towards it. He nervously tugged the collar of his shirt.
“Come on, man.” He told himself, “You can do this. You’re just helping AJ with farm work...that’s all.”
“Hey there, Spike. Ah didn’t expect you to be here this early.” Came the familiar southern drawl, accompanied by the sound of boots clomping across the dirt.
“Hi, AJ. Yeah, just figured I’d go ahead and come over.” He chuckled lightly.
It’s work...just work...
-----------9:15 AM-----------
“Ah’m guessin’ ya already had breakfast, Spike?” Applejack asked, leading him over to where the apple baskets were kept.
“Y-yeah.” He replied while trying his best not to stare at how her rear bounced a little with each step in those tight jeans she was wearing. Luna, those things looked painted on!
“Now we ain’t got too much to do today, but what we do have is pretty big, so Ah hope yer ready for a workout, Sugercube!” She lifted up a stack of baskets, “First up is a few acres of applebuckin’.”
"Heh, bring it on." He smirked. That would definitely help take his mind off her.
He hoped.
-----------11:30 AM-----------
Spike grunted as he landed another kick to one of the trees and was rewarded with the sound of apples falling into the baskets he’d set around it. Thankfully he’d had plenty of practice over the last few years and could now do it with hopping around painfully afterwards.
Even though the summer sun was currently beating down on him and he was already sweating like crazy, he felt rather relaxed. A couple hours of kicking trees proved successful in taking his mind off...other things.
Another voice roused him out of his improvised tranquility, causing him to look over at its source. He quickly wished he hadn’t.
“Ha!” Applejack yelled out, landing an impressive roundhouse and giving more than a glimpse of how strong she was. It was almost impossible for him to tear his eyes off of her.
“Heh, Ah’ve been practicing some new moves.” She said, spotting him looking her way.
“I-I noticed...” He prayed she didn’t see his face reddening when he saw her ample chest heaving some from her pants as she caught her breath.
“Well, we’re almost done. A few more trees and we can stop for lunch. How’s Hay Burger sound?”
“Sure, sounds great.” Maybe some food would help him relax better.
-----------1:00PM-----------
“Seriously, Ah dunno whether to be jealous or impressed, Spike!” Applejack commented once they got back from lunch, “Don’t think even Big Mac could put away a dozen Double Balers like that! WITH fries!”
Spike scratched the back of his head sheepishly, “Heh. Well, I was hungry.”
“No kiddin’. Think ya broke a record.” She grinned before looking out at the farm, “Well, that’s one thing down. Now we gotta check the other crops, make sure no varmints have gottin’ into ‘em. Then get the hay baled from yesterday stacked up, make sure the tools left in the barn are still in decent condition, feed the pigs an’ chickens, an’ water Mac’s herb garden.”
“Mac’s got an herb garden?” Spike blinked, that was certainly something he didn’t know about the big guy
“Mostly just a lil hobby of his, but they’re startin’ to sprout an’ Ah promised him Ah’d look after it while he’s gone.”
Spike just nodded, “Um, AJ, is it cool if I take this shirt off? It’s already soaked and it’s scorching out here.”
“Fine with me, Sugacube. Mac does the same thing when it gets like this.” She scratched her chin, “Which probably explains why Nurse Redheart and Colgate are around so much in this kinda weather.”
By this time, Spike had pulled his shirt off, letting out a relieve sigh, “Man, just in time for a breeze!” He looked at Applejack, “Ready when you...are…” He blinked. It was the heat, right? It was making him see things.
Applejack did not just blush a little when she looked at him.
-----------1:30 PM-----------
“Land sakes!” Applejack wiped the sweat out of her eyes, “You weren’t kiddin’ ‘bout it bein’ hot out here, Spike. Phew! Think you had the right idea.” With that, she pulled hers off, revealing a tight-looking t-shirt underneath.
“Can say that againnn-na-na-na!” Spike’s jaw dropped when he saw her perspiring had already had an effect on the white cotton material. And thanks to her somewhat generous cleavage, it was given a spot to accumulate.
Her top was almost transparent.
SWEET CELESTIA AND LUNA’S FLANKS! S-he...she’s not...! Spike’s mouth went dry at the sight of AJ’s...personal apples...blurred, but still visible through the fabric. Still hidden mostly by the shirt-their color was still somewhat discernable-two bit-sized amber nipples topped the enticing scene.
“Somethin’ wrong, Sugacube?” Her voice quickly roused him from his stupor, “Look like ya saw a ghost or somethin’.”
I-I’m fine…!” He replied, using all his leftover willpower to stare above her neck and ignore the uncomfortable squeak currently in his voice, “I...think one of the Double Bailers is disagreeing with me a bit. I’ll be ok.” He smiled in a hopefully assuring away.
“Well, all right. But if it gets worse, you let me know, ya hear?”
“I will...” He waiting till she was far enough away and let out a whine, “That mare’s gonna be the death of me, without even knowing it!
-----------7:00 PM-----------
The rest of the day proved fairly uneventful. At least, until they discovered an obnoxious group of rabbit in the carrots. The long-eared miscreants managed to take up a good portion of the day as they chased them all around the patch.
By the time dinnertime rolled around, both of them were too wore out to really worry about cooking, settling for Spike ordering some Chineighese takeout.
-----------8:00 PM-----------
After eating, the two found themselves relaxing on the pouch in a large porch chair Apple Bloom had found and fixed up. It was intended for one, but two could sit in it comfortably.
“I could get used to ending a day like this.” Spike commented as he looked out at the starry sky over the tree line.
“Yeah,” Applejack leaned back, “Ah like to come out here for a while when it’s clear like-ow!”
“You alright, AJ?” Spike asked when he noticed her wince a bit.
“Just a lil sore.” She replied as she rolled her shoulder, hissing when she did, “Think Ah might’ve overdone it again.”
He chuckled a little, “Considering what all you’d done in just this one day, I shouldn’t be surprised. Um, you...you want a hand with that?” He offered, wiggling his fingers a bit.
“Well, that’s mighty kind of ya, Sugarcube.” She smiled and turned a bit so he had better access to her back, pulling her mane to the side as she did, “Think ya still got that magic touch?”
“We’ll see.” He replied before starting to work on her shoulders. She tensed for a second and let out a welcoming groan as he began to knead the tired muscles. He found a particularly tense knot and started to work on it, his reward coming in the form of Applejack arching her back a bit.
“Ooh, sweet Appleoosa!” She moaned happily, feeling him rub the tension away, “Yeah, ya still got it…” As he continued, she looked over her shoulder at him, “Ever thought of gettin’ a massage job at the spa? Ah’m sure Rares’ll shell out some serious bits fer one from her ‘Spikey-Wikey’.” The playful tone and wink was enough to show she meant it in jest.
“Yeah...though I doubt I qualify for that nickname anymore.”
“Waddaya mean?”
“Don’t get me wrong, she’s still one of my best friends, but…” He paused briefly, thinking of a proper term, “That’s pretty much all I see her as, now.”
“Ah-Am’ sorry, Spike.” She turned back to, concern evident in her eyes, “What happened?”
He quickly held his hands up in a placating gesture, “Nothing like that, honest. It’s just...well, as I got older, I took a look back and came to realize that there really wasn’t anything that meshed romantically. I mean, gems are really the only thing we agree on a hundred percent, and even then it’s for different reasons. So...” He gave a ‘what can you do’ shrug. “Though...there is another gal I’ve gotten attracted to.”
“Really? Who?”
He scratched the back of his head nervously, “I...I’d probably better not say just yet. Don’t really know how she feels yet. How about you?” He asked, changing the subject just a tad, “Any special somepony in your life yet?”
“Well, there is one fella that Ah kinda like a bit more than others, but Ah ain't really said anything.
“Why not?”
Applejack propped her elbows up on the chair’s back, “‘Cause he's always had his eye on somepony else.” She scoffed lightly, “Not that Ah can blame him. Who'd want a plain ole’ farmmare like me?” Even though she was using a joking tone, the pain was noticeable.
Spike just looked at her, “Applejack, if you're anything, plain isn’t one of them!” He blurted out, “I mean, you're strong, brave, loving; and to be honest, one of the most beautiful mares in town! Any guy who would ignore you to go swanning after someone else, quite frankly, doesn't deserve you.”
She looked at him with a raised eyebrow, but she didn’t bother hiding the soft smile and light blush that showed alongside it.
“S-sorry.” He blushed brightly, “Got a little carried away there. But seriously, AJ, if he knows how you feel-”
“He...he doesn’t know.” She interrupted him.
“What? But, why not?”
“He's a good friend, and by the time Ah realized how Ah felt, he’d already had his eyes on another mare.” She shook her head, “Didn't wanna skew the friendship.
Spike sat there for a while in silence...before a chuckle escaped his lips.
Applejack tilted her head, “Alrite, Mr. Funny Dragon.” She said, nudging him, “Share the joke.”
“Good thing Apple Bloom’s not here right now, or she'd have taken this whole thing to the Crusaders to try and figure out which guy you’re talking about to their hands at being matchmakers again.
She almost busted up laughing, “Oh sweet Celestia! That’s so true, on both counts…” Her voice dropped to almost a mumble, “They wouldn't have ta look far, though...”
“Hmm?”
“Oh, nothing…” She was quiet for a moment before adding, “So, ya plan to tell yer new gal how ya feel?
Spike shook his head, “Not yet...dunno if I'll be able to, anyway.”
“Now why d'ya say that?”
He slumped in his seat, ‘Every time I see her, I get so nervous about it...my gut knots up, and everything just dies in my throat.” He chuckled weakly. Celestia, he probably looked pathetic right then, “Surprised I’d never just ran off after that…” He sighed, “And...well, let's face it, you're outta my league.”
"P-Pardon!?” Applejack’s head whipped around to face him, the surprise in her expression almost matching her tone.
“I said she's…”
“Spike...” She cut him off, “You said 'I'm outta yer league.”
His eyes widened as he went back over what he’d said, “Applejack...I...uh…’
She looked at him, “Spike...Ah know what Ah heard…’
He tried to come but up with an excuse, but it was obvious she wouldn’t buy it. Letting out a groan at what he knew was probably going to happen, he responded, “I...it's you…”
“Come again?”
“You're the 'another gal', AJ…” He slumped down against the armrest and tapped his fingers together, expecting the worst.
Doing this, though, he missed her cheeks turning red, “Me...? S-so all that you said a moment ago…”
Spike nodded, “That...that's what I think about you...yeah...but, like I said...every time I tried to say something…”
It was then that he hard it. It was bad enough he let it slip, but laughing at him for it was uncalled for!
“Sweet Celestia!” Applejack held onto her sides, “Apple Bloom would have loved this twist!”
“What?” Spike almost growled it out, “That once more I've fallen for a girl I can't have-” He was cut off by a swat on the shoulder
“Luna's moon, Spike. Ah know yer not always this thick.”
“What are you talking about?” He turned back to her, “You said you had your eye on a close male friend who...had his eyes on…” He trailed off as it added up.
“...it's you, sugarcube. It's always been you.” She smirked, “Geeze, back when you were makin' kissy-face towards me while dreamin' ‘bout rescuin' Rarity from the Diamond Dogs…” In a flash he was pinned against the back of the chair with her straddling him, “It took all my self control not ta kiss ya back.”
“R-really...” He responded, still a little surprised at how fast she moved.
“Mm-hmm.” The smile widened as she edged closer to him, “Now, though,” Her voice took on a husky whisper, “Ah don’t think that’s gonna be much of a problem.” With that, she closed what little of the gap was left, their lips meeting.
A soft moan of pleasure escaped her as she slid her arms around his neck.
He quickly reciprocated, one hand running through her mane. After a moment he felt something warm and slick press against his lips, running along them as if asking for access. It didn’t take him long to figure out what it was and opened his mouth just enough to feel Applejack’s tongue dart in and begin wrestling with his own, along with her grabbing the back of his head.
Applejack purred at the sensation, slipping one of her legs around his waist and began to lightly grind against him.
His eyes widened when he felt her do it. Especially since it was getting a definite reaction from the area. Oh, a frisky filly, aren’t we? Two can play that. He mentally cackled, and while one hand was still fisting her mane, the other slid down to rest on her left buttcheek. Wow, I was right; you really COULD bounce a bit off these!
She let out a curious sound at the feel, only to squeak loudly when the hand started to squeeze and knead her rear. She quickly broke the kiss just long enough to get her breath, her face flushed “Heh, can give as good as ya get, huh?” She gave a coy grin and and looked down at the tent growing in his pants, “Ah wonder what that’ll let ya give.” With that, she untangled herself and stood, taking hold of both his hands, “This farm gal’s itchin’ to find out."
Spike couldn’t help himself and a goofy grin covered his face as he let her lead him back into the house.
And up to her room.
As soon as they were in, he was shoved onto her bed.
“Give me a sec to get comfortable, Sugah, then the real rodeo can start.” She winked at him and stepped around a changing screen in the corner.
Oh Celestia... Spike’s mind was going at full throttle as he watched her shirt, then pants, get hung up over the screen. This is really happening! I’m actually gonna… He trailed off when he spotted a long, curvaceous leg emerge out from around the screen.