Daniel's P.O.V.
Day 6 - 15:52
Sgt. Daniel Nicholas
1st Bn., 75th Ranger Regiment
Ponyville, Equestria
I slowly awake from my amazing slumber. I open my eyes slowly only to be greeted by the sunlight of the day. I blinked several times trying to adjust my vision and I was clearly at one of Twilight's room right now. My room, that's if Twilight insist to be. I slowly turn my head to the right and just as I thought, the window left opened. The cool Ponyville air slips into the room and fill it with the breeze that I can't even describe it. My thoughts were distracted by something that was touching my left hand. It felt... soft. When I was at the view to what is touching me, then I saw it... no, her. Applejack, with her hoof some what 'holding' my hand while her head was resting onto my bed with her other hoof beside my thigh, facing me. Her breathing that's brushing against my skin was steady yet warm and her eyes are closed, she was definitely sleeping. This mare, it's not like I was in a goddamn hospital or something. I sigh and manage to curl up a smile however.
"Applejack," I grab and shake her hoof gently to wake her up. She groans a little and lets out a long yawn. Her eyes slowly open and finally meets mine. She didn't say anything and realized that I was holding her hoof. She looks at her hoof, at me, then back to her hoof. I could saw her cheeks turned beet red but maybe it's just the reflect of the light. "You know you didn't have to do this," I chuckled.
"A-Ah was jus'... checkin'..." she stammered at her words which only make her cuter.
"You're so kind Applejack," I started to reach and give her a scratch behind her ear. She gasped and her eyes grew wide, then she closed her eyes and leaned into my scratching, letting out a satisfied sigh. Once again, I chuckle at how cute ponies could be when they're like this. The moment had to be ruined by the pain that's coming from the wound of my head. My mouth immediately open wide to scream in agony. I hold the wound but it's just make things even worse... oddly enough, the wound wasn't there but the pain is still stinging like a lightning.
"Daniel?!" Applejack begin to panic but suddenly, the pain slowly drifted off from me. "Ah'm goin' ta get the others!"
"I'm okay Applejack," I said with all of the strength I could muster to not make her worried, "It's just a little headache." She move closer to me and placed a hoof on my shoulder.
"Ya sure 'bout that?" She looked at me with a concern look on her face. I assure her with a warm smile and a nod.
"Wait, how long was I out?"
"'Bout four hours? Maybe?"
"Oh."
There's a brief silence between us but I manage to break it somehow. "Hey Applejack?" I looked at her straight in her eyes.
"Yeah?"
"What are you doing here?"
She chuckles sheepishly and rubs the back of her head, "Oh yeah, Ah though Cadance need some help ta take care of ya... and she is. She needs ta bathe Flurry and ask me if Ah can take a look on ya, jus' be ready fer if yer awake. Flurry seems didn't wanna leave ya."
I let out a giggle and smile warmly at her, "Thanks AJ, that is really nice of you." I could see a slight blush form on her cheeks but I didn't pay too much attention to it. Then, I remembered something that Starlight said before. "Say Applejack," I said with a grin on my face, "I thought that you had the best apples in Equestria, correct?"
She immediately perks up at this and her smile grew wider than ever. "That's right pardner! Wanna go head ta Sweet Apple Acres? Ah bet mah family will bake a bunch o' apple food ta ya. Chase already get a taste."
"I don't see why not," I chuckled and walk towards the door and open it, "After you milady," I said with a grin. I could have sworn she blushed at that but it didn't really matter to me. "Applejack? You're not ill are you?" She didn't respond. Seeing this, I immediately kneel down in front of her and put my hand on her forehead. "My God, Applejack... you're burning!" I said as I ran my hand across her cheeks. She quickly jerked away from me and adjust her hat so she could hide her face.
"A-Ahm fine sugarcube," she shifted her eyes to left and right. I gave her a suspicious look but shrugged it away.
"Alright? We can go now?"
"Y-yeah."
She walk past me and didn't say a single word. I closed the door behind us and walk together to the main door. Just then, I heard a familiar loving voice calling for me.
"Daniel?" I turned around to see Cadance trotted to us with Flurry in her grasp. "You're awake!" She said with glee, "Feeling better?"
I was about to answer it but the small filly alicorn interrupts both of us as she now trying to hug me... again.
"She misses you," Cadance says and handing the filly to me which I gladly accept. Flurry immediately wrap her hooves around my neck as I stroke her mane in my grasp. Then I decided to do what I did with Applejack earlier, a good scratch behind her ear and the effect was immediate. She giggled at first but then leaned into my scratching.
"Have I ever tell you how sweet she is?" I asked at Cadance which she replied with a giggle.
"That's why she loves you." I chuckle at her respond. Though deep down inside I was taken aback by that. Meanwhile, Applejack was just watching us with a warm smile plastered on her face. Flurry yawned as I was still scratching her ear.
"Alright sweetheart," I said as I bring her back to Cadance, "Go and get some rest." When I was about to give her back to Cadance, she boop my nose with her nose while letting out an adorable giggle. I smiled and boop her one last time with my finger, which she let out another giggle.
"Where are you two going?" Cadance asked when she looked at Applejack was standing next to me and I notice her face made what it looks like a shock yet... happy expression? But she manage to hold it.
"Oh, we were about to head to Sweet Apple Acres," I said and looked down at Applejack, "Come on Applejack. I'll see you later Cadance." Just as I am about to leave, Cadance held my left hand with her hoof.
"Daniel, can we talk for a second? I promise it'll be only for a minute."
I raised an eyebrow and looked back to Applejack that is waiting patiently for the entire time. "You can go outside first, I'll catch up with you." With a smile and a nod, she made her way outside and waited for me. I turned my attention back to Cadance.
"What is it that you wanna talk about?" I said with a crossed arms.
"You know that I'm Princess of Love, correct?" I nod. "You know that I can feel all the love in Equestria, right?" I nodded once again still crossing my arms. "Well, for what I see," she takes a deep breath before...
"Applejack is interested in you."
Yep. Right there. That sentence was clearly enough to make my jaw drop to the ground. I stood there, trying to process what the hell she was talking about. My eyes still locked with Cadance, trying to figure any of pranks she gave me. But her determined face tells me other way.
"Applejack... I... what..." I stammered and trying to form a fucking word, but it didn't came out of my mind. I let out a big sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose. It all make sense now, the nervousness, why she volunteer to take care of me while I was asleep, the blush on her cheeks when I say thanks.
Go get her.
What? Who's there?
It's your brain numbskull.
How on Earth can you talk to me?
Why? Is that wrong?
I didn't mean it dickhead.
Cadance put a hoof on my shoulder which snaps me from my own argument with brain. "Tell me Daniel," she ask with a gentle tone, "Do you like her?"
Just say yes!
Shut up.
"Of course I like her," I said with a nervous laugh, "I wouldn't be friends with her if I didn't like her."
"You simply clueless aren't you Daniel," Cadance giggle at my answer, "Not like that silly, I mean do you like-like her?"
I couldn't find an answer to that.
Just say yes dammit!
Not now brain!
Oh come on! This is your only chance! You didn't even get a single girl back on Earth and you know that!
That's because they think I'm ugly and I won't make myself embarrassed anymore.
Do you ever get loved before?
... No.
Then she didn't think you ugly dammit! This is your fuckin' chance dude take it!
"Daniel?"
I snapped again, "Y-yeah?"
She sighed, "Let me change the question. What do you think about her?"
I paused for a minute, "What do I think about her? Well I mean, she's really kind and... beautiful for a pony," my eyes widened and I could see Cadance giving me a smirk, "Did I just say that out loud?" She nods.
Great! Thanks to you I'm becoming a horse fucker already!
Hey don't blame me! I was just helping!
Yeah damn right you are. You're gonna pay for this.
"Daniel," Cadance said, "Just go and tell her." I was taken aback by that.
"Whoah whoah whoah, hang on a minute, you want me... to..."
She shrugged, "I think you made a pretty good couple."
Smoooooooth
Oh would you please just shut the fuck up for a second?
"I... don't you think about anypony else out there?" I asked, "I mean, what if anybody sees us more than just a friend? I'm a human and she's a pony, there's no way we can get together." She tilt her head and giving me a gentle smile. "Can we?"
"Dann, for what I see from you, you deserve to be loved. Everyone in this town loves you, especially the princesses."
"I doubt about it."
"Don't think like that, don't ever doubt about it. Like I said Daniel, you're different than the others."
"Yeah but that doesn't mean I deserve to be loved," I sighed, "Well, I guess... this is just unbelievable. I mean, there's no one ever had an interest in me. Yeah, so this is kinda new to me."
Cadance just giggle at my reaction while I rub the back of my head. "So, what should I do? I've never been 'dating' someone before. And I thought that I won't ever had one." I sighed again and looked at the ground. Cadance place a hoof under my chin and slowly bring my face up until we can see each others eyes.
"Just show her that she means something to you Daniel."
"Sugarcube? Ya done yet?"
I looked back at the door, "Gimme a sec!" I could hear her mumbling a bit and I just chuckle at that. I turned to look Cadance and nod. "Well, if that's the case. Thanks for telling me though."
She nodded, "My pleasure Danny, and good luck." With that, she gives me a wink and proceeded to walk back to her room.
So? What are you gonna do about it?
I have no idea.
You wanna give it a chance?
The hell dude are you nuts? She's a goddamn pony!
So what? It's not like there's any other human girl in this world, besides if they are, I doubt they would be interested in you.
Brain, I love you because you are a part of me, but I swear that if I could do without you I would CUT YOU OUT!
Love you too, Danny ;)
"Sugarcube?"
"I'm comin'!" Without any argument with brain anymore, I open the door and Applejack was standing in front of me with an annoyed look on her face.
"What's takin' ya so long?" She asked firmly.
"What? You're waiting for me?" She blushed slightly but immediately hides it away.
"A-Ah don't know what ya mean," she then trotted towards the opposite direction.
"Umm, I'm pretty sure that Sweet Apple Acres is this way," I pointed with my finger. She looked at the direction I just mention and she blushed more. Not saying anything, she walk past me. As if I'm nobody.
You like teasing her didn't you?
Well two can play that game.
With a shrug, we proceed our walk towards Sweet Apple Acres.
______________________________________________
We walk out from Ponyville and towards a dirt path, which to the right and left were a bunch of apple trees.
"So," I said trying to break the awkward silence, "This is your orchard?"
She chuckles, "Yeah, me and mah family here are workin' very hard ta keep this farm goin'. We spent nearly entire day for buckin' the apples so we can get bits ta run the farm."
She sure is a hard-working pony am I right?
I agree with you.
"So you're selling apples?"
"Eeyup."
We walk down again in silence. But then I realized that she is getting closer to me. Each and every step she was closing the gap between us.
I got a plan.
This better be good.
Why don't we make sure that she had feelings for you.
Dude, you saw how she's been acting around me.
Yeah, I know but just to make sure. Who knows she's the one you've been looking for, girls like her are difficult to find back on Earth.
I can't believe I'm gonna say this but, you had a point there brain.
Don't worry bro, I got your back.
You better be.
After a little talk with brain - for what felt like hours of argument - we arrived at Sweet Apple Acres. She opens the gate and we walk in to some kind of... barn?
"So you were raised in a... barn?" I raised an eyebrow.
"What?!" She perked up at this, "No! Ah wasn't raised in a barn! Ah just did mah chores in the barn! And ate in the barn. And… spent the majority of my… time in the... barn… Wow, yer right. Whatever ya do, don't mention that ta Rainbow."
"I won't." With that, we arrived at the front door of the barn... I mean house. She knocks the door and walks in.
"Granny Smith we have a guest!" She trotted down the hallway and onto the dining room. "Have a seat where ever ya like pardner." I did as I asked and immediately take a seat. Then, an old mare with green coat walk from the... kitchen I assume. This must be her granny. I didn't really saw her ever since I was at the frontline. Nor at the village, but maybe she had been in the Town Hall earlier today when that goddamn siege came.
"Well howdy there young man!" She said some what gleefully. "What brings ya here?"
"Meh, I was just wandering to keep my mind at ease. I mean, we still have to work on plan to retake the Crystal Empire from that stallion named Sombra," I groan as I recalled my memory of what had happened to Finn, "I swear to God if I meet him face to face I'll make that stallion regret it for the rest of his life."
"Whoa nelly," Applejack trotted to me and quickly rub my back, "Don't let yer emotions control ya sugarcube, let's make ya some lunch, Ah bet yer hungry." She gives me a wink and then walk towards the kitchen. I heard the front door open and I see... uhh what's his name again? Oh yeah, Big Mac and his little sister Applebloom.
"Howdy," he said when he saw me at the table.
"Good afternoon to you too partner," I replied with a smile. Applebloom quickly rushed towards me, jump onto my lap and immediately hugs me.
"Hey Daniel!" She said burying her muzzle on my chest, then looked up at me, "What brings ya here?" I didn't even notice that Big Mac was looking at me with a smile plastered on his face.
I chuckle and gently strokes her mane, "Well, I was just wandering around Ponyville and decided to pay your family a visit." Her smile grew wider and she tighten her grip.
"Ah'm so glad yer here." Applejack came out from the kitchen with a pie on her back, and smiles when she saw me and Applebloom are hugging together.
One hour later...
We all sat together in the dining room after the lunch. Boy they didn't lie if this is the best apples I've ever taste in my entire life. Granny Smith started telling me about the foundation of Ponyville while Applejack was sitting right next to me. I wasn't surprise because I knew that she had feelings for me. Wait...
Hey brain, weren't we here for a reason?
...
Brain? Anybody home?
APPLESAPPLESAPPLESAPPLES
*Internal facepalm*
Shit, I knew I couldn't trust you.
Guess now I'm playing on solo mode. I still need to figure out a plan to make sure about her feelings. But how? All of the signs were clear, but I still... somehow doubt about it. I look around to see anything that would help me make a plan, but none of it seems to come out from my mind. Just as I was thinking about a plan, a voice came from my walkie.
"This is Sergeant Forbes, Daniel you there?"
The room went silent as they heard the walkie talked and I immediately grabbed it, "This is Sergeant Daniel, what's the matter Forbes?"
"The Princesses are calling you to Twilight's castle."
"For what?"
"We're going to make a move to Baltimare."
I sighed and the others looked at me with a concern look, "What about War Daddy? Is she fixed already?"
"Thanks to the unicorns, yeah. She healthy as new, now come on, we're all in Twilight's castle waiting for you."
"Aight, I'll be there in no time." I placed the walkie back and took a glance at my watch, 17:06. "Thanks for the food guys, I really appreciate it. Especially you Granny." She smiled and nodded. As I was about to leave, Applebloom hugs my right leg.
"You're goin'?" She asked and I could see she was in the verge of tears. I smiled and scoop her up to my level.
"Yeah, but I'll be back," I assure her.
"Promise?"
"I promise Applebloom." I said and hug her tight. She wrapped her hoofs around my neck and nuzzles under my chin. Then, I put her down and started walking towards the front door. Just as I was about to open the door, Applejack trotted behind me.
"Need some company?" She asked, hope filling inside her eyes. I smiled and chuckle.
"Why the hell not?" I open the door and gesture her to walk first. After closing the gate behind us, we proceed on foot to the castle.
Silence was there throughout the whole walk. I started to notice that Applejack seems to be getting closer to me with every step she takes, and then suddenly the silence is broken.
"Daniel?" She asked but didn't look at me.
"Yeah?"
"Have ya ever... uhh thought of bein' together with somepony?" She asks quietly.
Brain?
Zzz...
Oh fuck you.
I tried to let this conversation go on a little longer. "Back in my world I didn't even had a relationship. No girls wants to be with me. Is it because I was a soldier or some reasons I have no idea. So honestly, no... I never thought of me being in a relationship with a pony."
"Not even any of yer closest friends?"
"Not really no, why do you ask though?"
Just say yes!!
How long have you been up?!
Not long enough.
I literally hate you right now.
"Never mind, A-Ah guess Ah was just silly for thinkin' otherwise." She says letting out a depressed sigh.
I decide to move in for a comfort hug. But today isn't my lucky day, as I walk over to her I slip on a freaking pebble! I tried to get my balance and I grab Applejack instead, but I was way too heavy and I fell flat on the back with a loud 'thud' while Applejack lands right on top of me.
"Why does this happen to me," I mumble.
'Cause you're a fucking loser?
FOR THE LOVE OF CELESTIA, BRAIN!! YOU'RE NOT EVEN HELPING ME THIS ENTIRE TIME!!
I regain my composure as fast as I could and tried to push myself up. But standing up again was impossible for me as it seems now Applejack was holding onto me... tight, very tight as she buried her muzzle into my chest.
"Uhh Applejack?" This awkward position isn't helping any better, "Could you let me go?"
"Ah... Ah don't wanna," she replies and tightening her grip.
"What? Why?! I have a mission right now!" I suddenly forgot about the whole plan. And I have no idea about that. Also, brain is no helping nor saying some bullshit right now.
"It just feels so... good," she still buried her muzzle.
"Good? What good? What the hell are you talking about AJ?"
"Ever since ya came here, ya protect us, care 'bout us, even that ya willing ta give yer life jus' ta save us! And that's when Ah realize that ya were meant ta be!"
"Meant to be what?" I still trying to process the event as I now had no clue what she was talking about. She raised her head up to meet mine and that's when I realize how red her eyes were.
"Mine!" She says as tears started rolling down her cheeks. She buries her muzzle in to my shoulder. I could feel her tears soak through my shirt.
Wait a minute.
PROCESSING... PROCESSING... PROCESSING...
100%
LOADING COMPLETE...
"Ah never had the courage 'cus Ah was afraid that you don't want ta be with me 'cus A-Ah'm different. 'Cus Ah'm a pony... t'aint fair!" She says, now a complete wreck. She's now sobbing and breathing heavily. "Ah never even got a chance."
I looked at her who is still cried on my shoulder, then looked at the sky.
She's right dammit, she's a pony, I'm a goddamn human. How can we-
Just give her a chance you numbskull. Admit it, you want her too right?
You know what? Screw the rules, a female is a female.
Species barrier has been shattered to pieces. I lift up her head back to my eye level. She looks up with confusion but then she realizes that I have also wrapped my arms around her and that I'm pulling her closer.
"Applejack? Would you tell me what's been lingering on your mind... about me?"
She didn't respond with any words, instead she close her eyes and leans in and press her lips softly against mine. The tingling sensation and the position she put herself in were melting me on the inside. After a few moments she ends the kiss, leaving me completely speechless.
"S-so, how was it?" She asks shying away a bit, once again leaving me without a response. There is one thing I did know though. I wanted to do it again.
Without hesitating I pull her close and connect my lips with hers once again, making sure I enjoyed the sensation to it's fullest this time. I could feel all of her emotions flooding through my own. The moment ends and she lets out a delighted sigh and goes back to laying on my chest this time smiling as I held her tight against my body. We both just lied there savoring the moment in each others embrace. I slowly run my hand through her mane which was extremely soft.
"From now on, I'm all yours," I said as a smile curl up on my face.
She nuzzling softly into my neck, "Ah love ya sugarcube."
"But why?"
"What do ya mean?" She asked lifting her face to see mine.
"Why do you care about me so much Applejack?" I asked as a tear ran down my cheek.
She chuckles warmly and wip my tear with her hoof, "'Cus yer different sugarcube, yer better than any other stallion Ah've ever met so far. Yer kind, caring, loving, and many more that Ah couldn't describe it with words. Yer the sweetest stallion a pony would ever dreamt of."
I felt another tear came down my cheek. This time, it wasn't a tear of sadness. It was tear of joy and happiness. I pull her close again, sharing the warmth of my body against hers. "Thanks Applejack."
She nuzzle into my neck and give a peck on my cheek. "And one thing sugarcube."
"Yeah?"
"Remember this, anytime ya may need me… always know Ah will be here for ya. Always and forever... 'cus Ah love ya."
"I love you too... Applejack."
...
Did it went well?
Go fuck yourself.