//------------------------------// // Epilogue 2: All You Have to Do is Ask // Story: The Color of Apples // by Jet Howitzer //------------------------------// You rolled out of bed, the alarm’s silence welcomed. You had been awake for hours, now, but you remained in bed, unable to find anything to do till your time came. You decided earlier that you wouldn’t do your running today. You had also showered already, so there was nothing between you and your destination. The walk to Sweet Apple Acres was a peaceful one, and you let the serenity wash over you. You glanced to the sun once again, and it’s brilliant colors reminded you of why you loved it. The clouds so far above were painted in the most wonderful shades of red, purple, and orange. Were it not for the fact that you have someplace to be, you’d just stop and observe the beauty of nature. The trees swayed gently in the breeze that added just the right hint of coolness to the sun’s heat. After the full day spent in the sun, you welcomed it with open hooves. The celebration yesterday had also been spent in the heat of the sun, and although you hadn’t been active, it had still taken a lot out of you. The conversations with all the ponies of Ponyville regarding your adventures in Manehattan had been wide and varied, with some ponies even wanting to know the naughtier bits of what you had done, and seen. Storm had taken an unusual level of interest in the ‘hand’ sex toys, but you had steered clear of that topic. You paused at the end of the roadway that led to the farmhouse, and you looked to the small hole that had started your whole adventure. Scootaloo hadn’t fully forgiven you for what you had said and done, but she was warming up to you again, and that was progress enough for you. You looked away from the hole, and back up the roadway, and you placed one hoof ahead, ready to face what awaited at the end of the road. The trees surrounding the road were clear of every apple, an impressive feat considering that both you and Applejack hadn’t been around for it all. Big Mac had enlisted the help of Storm and Rainbow Dash for most of the work, and Pinkie had also helped out quite a bit as well. Somehow you found it hard to imagine Pinkie working on the farm, and the mental images that came to mind brought out a chuckle. The farmhouse finally came into view, and it looked just like it did every morning. You walked up to your customary spot, and you took a seat the same as you did every morning, except that you were facing West, towards the setting sun. It was just over the horizon, and you knew that it wouldn’t be long till the door opened, and the reason for your visit would come out. You heard the door open, and you couldn’t stop yourself from looking over to the door. Sadly, it was Big Mac coming out of the house. He met your gaze, and he began walking over, his face set in its usual mask of impassiveness. He took his seat next to you, and you opened your mouth to speak, but at the last moment you closed it, thinking better of it. “You certainly are persistent. Considering what AJ told me about what she went through, I’m amazed you did as well as you did.” He let out a snort, and then he continued. “Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that I doubted you. It’s just that most ponies would’ve likely asked for something in return for what you did.” You stood, and walked a few steps away, looking up to the sky. You turned to look back at Big Mac, and you stopped. “How could I ask for something from her? She’s already given me more than I could have hoped for. She gave me a reason to confront my past. She gave me a reason to get up each morning. Sure, I did all that already, but my heart was never in it. Even before I actually confessed any of my feelings I came here to see Applejack more than I came here for the bits.” “So you don’t want anything in return for saving AJ?” “No, of course not! Sure, it’d be nice to have something, but what I’ve got is better than any reward. I’ve got the best marefriend a stallion could ask for.” “Then you have my blessing. But remember what I said. You ever hurt AJ, and I’ll make sure that you never do anything ever again. And Storm’s going to lend a hoof to make sure that you stay that way for a long time.” “I fought, and beat a stallion bigger than you, Big Mac. I’m not afraid of you, or anypony that you could get to help you. But I understand what you’re saying.” You move back over to your customary place next to Big Mac, and you take your seat once again. “Anyway, Applejack will always be scarier than you. She’s got legs that could buck a pony to Canterlot and back in a single kick.” Following your words there is a small chuckle from Big Mac, but silence dominates the air following your brief chat. You heard the door open once again, and it took all your self control not to look again. You heard the hoofsteps on the wooden porch, and they abruptly changed in tone, as they transferred from the wood of the porch to the earth you knew so well. You knew where the pony attached to those hooves was going, since that’s where they went every day. You knew just how many steps she’d take before she reached the spot she was heading, and you could barely contain your excitement. She stopped next to you, and felt her lean into you. “Big Mac, you can head inside. This evening will be light work, so I won’t need your help.” “Eeyup. You two play nice now.” With Big Mac gone you and Applejack simply watched the sun set in silence. You wrapped a hoof around Applejack, and she leaned into you a bit more, letting her weight settle against you. When the sun was finally gone for the night, you let your hoof move from around Applejack, and then she moved away from you enough to support her own weight, but not enough to break contact. “Come on, AJ. I want to treat you to a nice picnic, and a great view.” “A picnic, and a great view? How can I resist?” Her controlled voice barely hides the laughter that threatens to boil over, but you ignore it, knowing that tonight was going to be special for the two of you. After walking for some time, you arrive at the peak of the hill where you confessed everything to Applejack. You looked around, admiring the cloudless night, before you looked to the small basket that sat atop the hill. Despite his slightly irritating mannerisms, Storm does what he says. Storm had delivered this basket here just a short while ago, as per your instructions. He even made sure that there were no clouds overhead. You moved to the picnic basket, and you opened it up, revealing the contents. You quickly spread the blanket out on the ground, before you placed the candle on the center, and you lit it. The mood lighting set, you pulled out a bottle of aged cider, and then you pulled out two glasses, and you filled them, before setting them down, and sitting next to the candle, motioning for Applejack to sit next to you. She did so, and then she leaned into you once again. This. This is what I want from my life. But just thinking it isn’t enough. “AJ. I’ve done both very little, and quite a bit, with my life. I’ve had my ups, and my downs. More downs than ups, but hay, who’s counting? And now I’ve found something that I’m willing to fight to keep.” You turn to look at AJ, and you can see the blush on her cheeks. “You, AJ, are that reason. I’m more than content to just spend my time with you, here on the farm. Celestia herself could offer me the world, but I’d rather just have you. And so, I’d like to formally ask you; would you be my marefriend?” Rather than answer with words, Applejack gave you a brief kiss. “I’ll take that as a yes?” With a swift shove, Applejack pushed you over, and you fell onto your back. The pain that lanced up your spine was momentary, but it made its way to your face, and Applejack’s face flashed with concern. “I’m fine. Carry on, I like how this is going.” “Oh, hush, you.” She moved her body over yours, till your heads were even with each other, and then she kissed you once again. The kisses continued, till you finally wrapped a hoof around Applejack, and you pulled her into a deeper, and more passionate kiss. By the time you broke the kiss the two of you were out of breath, and feeling better than ever. “AJ… Could we…” “Sugarcube, all you have to do is ask.” And so you did. And it was great. That, my friends, is the end of The Color of Apples. I may go back and do some editing, but this is it. I’ve begun planning the sequel, but nothing is solid just yet. Give me some time, and I’ll probably have something for you all pretty soon. The title for the sequel hasn’t been finalized, but I think it may be Shattered Dreams. I’ll be sure to let you know through a blog when I finish the first chapter, and get it posted. Stay Golden. AVANTE! -Howitzer