Outside of Anon Part 1

Unless you've read the story, don't read this.

Starting Over (Apple Bloom’s Perspective)

“Why don’t you fight for her?”

While she grabs her supplies for next class, Apple Bloom gives a glance at the conversation between Cosgrove and Anon, seeing the first with his back turned, fingers curling, shaking a fist, than going to a relaxed pose.

“The last thing we’d want is a fight.” Is what he answers before continuing his walk.

Apple Bloom watches him leave before turning her attention to Anon. As she walks down the hall, the Freshman turns around, cowering before her. After giving him a glare, she also around him to the cafeteria. The farmer does tilt her head while she hears the boy slam his head on the locker.

“Hey, Apple Bloom.” She turns to find Tender Taps walking to her side. “You’re coming over to dance practice tonight?” He notices her uncertain look while her bow droops. “Are you alright?”

“Uh… Yeah.” - She pats Tender Taps on the shoulder - “I’ll be there.”

Her brief moment of happiness turned to uncertainty once more. This confused state she's in began a while before school started. With Sweetie Belle playing crochet at a country club with her parents and Scootaloo bungee jumping, Apple Bloom is left alone. No fun activities, no monsters to fight, she became bored and lonely. Her luck changed while on a walk with Dapplewood. The boy found a sign for open student positions, and so she took the opportunity to try it out. Though clumsy, Apple Bloom did land a position as a soloist, though she isn’t keen. This does draw the attention of Tender Taps, and so volunteered to show her the ropes.

In such a short while, Apple Bloom’s skill improved tremendously. Dapplewood saw this as well and invited his brother to one of her practice sessions. But while she is in the middle of a spin, she saw Cosgrove leave and Dapplewood in a little panic. She runs out of the building, watching him go down the sidewalk.

The school day passes; homework is done, and dress clothes packed, Apple Bloom is ready to for another dancing lesson. Then why doesn’t she feel happy? She goes downstairs, ready to say goodbye.

“Apple Bloom.” She turns to find Big Mac sitting on the couch with Granny Smith. “We need to talk.”

Apple Bloom sits on the chair across from them, placing her backpack at her side.

“This has been going on far too long. We’ve been watching him.” Granny shuffles a little. “Cosgrove thinks he could just wrestle his dilemma away like a bull. Does he still care about you, or not?”

“Granny,” - Apple Bloom leans forward - “Cosgrove left when he saw me with Tender Taps. I remember what he said before we left Tartarus; I don’t have to be with him.”

“Than why is he acting like he is now?” Big Mac sits up. “Sugarcube, the longer you wait to tell him, the harder it will be for him to adjust. And the harder it will be for you to move on.”

Her eyes closed for a while and in deep thought, Apple Bloom stands up, leaving her backpack while she walked to the door. While she could text him, she wants the talk to be a surprise. And if memory recalls, Cosgrove should be at the most likely place for a talk. And she is right; his car is parked at the fringes of Turtle Park.

Apple Bloom thought long and hard as she walks through the small grove of trees. A few steps around the snapping turtle statue, and she found him sitting on the softshell turtle. To this day, she doesn’t know why he or the other Maximals choose the slender animal over the more formidable snapper, but for such inner compassionate humans, it suits them. One little step crunches a branch.

“Who’s there?” Cosgrove turns around, seeing Apple Bloom in the moonlight. “Oh, weren't you going to a dance practice tonight?”

“I, we, need to talk.” Apple Bloom climbs on the statue, sitting left of Cosgrove.

“So, what do you want to talk about?” Cosgrove scratches the surface of the shell.

“Is Tender Taps really the reason why you haven't talked to me much?” Apple Bloom waited a long moment before seeing him slowly nod.

“You looked so happy dancing with him… It's better than going through… well.” Cosgrove looked at the nightly city.

“Cosgrove, I was only dancing with him to help his confidence.” Apple Bloom notices Cosgrove turning his head to her. “I didn't mean to upset you.”

“Wow… do I feel stupid.” Cosgrove takes a deep breath. “But the choice is still yours; you don't have to be with me, whatever makes you happy, I'll be happy too.”

After watching him return to his lookout, Apple Bloom looks ahead, her mind in thought. She can tell him that it won't work, that there are plenty of fish in the river. But the hell they and their friends went through the past year, even almost at the risk of Dapplewood's life. They all go through hard times, but it's worth the pain in the end.

Cosgrove's vigil is disturbed before looking to his left. Apple Bloom wrapped her arm around his, laying her head on his shoulder. The farmer felt his muscles twitch, then relax before feeling his head rest on hers. The moment doesn't last long; they turn to a rustling sound. Assuming it to be a squirrel, the two decide to stand up.

“Let’s check up on the others.” Said Apple Bloom as they shuffle down the turtle. As they approach their vehicles, she turns around. “Thank you for waiting so patiently.”

Though lacking headwear, Cosgrove grabs the tip of his hair and tilts his head.

“Much obliged.”