Chapter 6—What Happens in Las Pegasus...
Oh, hello again...*yawn*...it's Cherry again. Yeah, I know AJ told y'all about her time adjusting to Dodge Junction life. She just asked me to explain our time in Las Pegasus since, according to her, I can explain it better. I'll be nice and tell it from my view. Oh, and in case you're wondering, I really don't mind being woken up to talk about it. It's not really anything to ashamed of now and besides, if it didn't happen, we wouldn't be where we are today.
I guess I should start with what we were doing going around Equestria. While Applejack was right in saying it was to sell my cherries, but there was more to it. See, I didn't get to where I am by staying in place. I often have to travel to not only to sell my wares, but to make new clients. That way, I have more outlets to work with. Without them, I would have a boatload of cherries and nowhere to take them. You can imagine what could happen what that many cherries go rotten, not to mention the process involved in the cleanup and removal of them.
Of course, I couldn't really do this alone. AJ was the only person left outside of my help to assist me with my cherries. But I saw it not only to make new business, but to bring Apple and me closer together and believe me, that did happen. All this traveling made us feel like we've known one another for years although it had only been maybe two or three months at most—I've since lost track of time. I don't know about Applejack, but I felt I could tell her anything, including something I was keeping secret since we first met. It was when we got to Las Pegasus that all it came to a head.
There was a meeting of all of the top people in my line of work there—I think the word “convention” would probably be more appropriate. Oddly enough, no member of the Apples were there or, for that matter, have they ever been there. I asked Applejack about it and she said she didn't even know about this and would ask when she got back home. Anyway, all of us bigwigs were going to have a huge party to finish the meeting and not wanting to pass up the chance to meet new people and clients, I agreed to go. Of course, I couldn't go alone so I asked AJ to go as my date--”technically speaking” was what I told her to make her feel comfortable. Boy, you should have seen her when asked. She looked like she didn't know whether to run away or go with it. I assured her it wasn't in “that way” and that this was not anything fancy so nothing formal would be required. She sighed in relief and mentioned something about a friend who makes dresses, someone I wouldn't know about until later. However, I did mention that while this wasn't a formal occasion, we would have to dress somewhat respectably. I had to hold back a chuckle when AJ went back to her “you have to be kidding” look. In the end, I went with a red business suit while AJ with what I'll describe as a high-end country gal look. That's the best way I can describe it; you'll had to have been there to see it.
We had a couple of hours before the party, so we decided to hit the town for a bit. Along the way, I do remember having this guy making passes at us thinking we were those kind of girls or something. The only other thing I remember is seeing AJ landing one punch and the guy hitting the pavement. At that moment, my feelings for her went way up, although I didn't let it known at the time. Instead, I gave her a hug and decided to go back to the room to rest before the party.
While we were waiting, I recall spending quite a bit of time sitting in a chair thinking about what I going to say and how to say it. I know you won't believe me, but some of it was about the potential clients as well as Applejack. I've been through stuff like this before, but at the time, I couldn't understand why I so nervous about this. I didn't know it, but AJ clearly saw this and was understandably concerned. I was so buried in my thoughts that I only heard the sound of footsteps approaching me, but I knew what was going to happen.
“Miss Jubilee...”
I may have been lost in thought, but I still had enough sense to answer. “I've told you hon, you can call me Cherry.”
“Oh, sorry, keep forgetting,” AJ replied back letting out a small chuckle. “Anyway, I was wondering if you were alright. You look like you were going to cry.”
I knew I was feeling lost, but did I really look that sad? Apple keeps saying that I did, but I'm not sure if I believe that. “Oh uh, I'm fine, just have a lot on my mind. Don't you worry, I'll be just fine. Anyway, what time is it?”
I remember Applejack giving me a confused look. It was obvious that she wasn't sure if she could believe me. Fortunately for me, a certain time would save me from going further. “Oh, uh, okay then, it is time for the shindig. We should get going, I guess.”
We were fortunate to have a hotel that was within walking distance from the party and no, we didn't run into any more seedy people on the way there—maybe we were just at the wrong part of the city or something. Anyway, when we arrived at the party, we had to show passes we got and were directed to the shindig. As for what the party was like, I'm not going to bore y'all with all the details, so I'll just say that it was like those high-end, upper crust parties that you may have seen in movies. At times, I would see that Applejack was clearly uncomfortable there and wondering if I should have brought her. Despite all the noise, I did hear that she wished it were a rodeo so she could have fun. To be honest, I did too and if it weren't for the new clients I would meet there, I probably wouldn't have gone either. At one point, I noticed that she gone. As you can imagine, I was very worried that she had left and worriedly asked if anyone had seen her. It was the hired DJ—Neon Lights, I believe his name was—that told me he had seen AJ go to the balcony. I thanked him and went to see what was wrong. I didn't realize at the time that this would start something that would last to this very day.
When I got to the balcony, I saw AJ leaning on the wall and although her back was facing me, I could tell she was looking at the stars that weren't drowned out by the city lights. I wanted nothing more than to reach around and hold her, but my more rational side won out and I simply went next to her and stared at the same stars.
“Hey, AJ,” I started the conversation with. “I was worried about you. I knew you weren't enjoying yourself here and all, but, well...”
“Oh, hey,” Applejack replied back. “Yeah, this ain't my thing, y'know. I wasn't going to leave without you, so I came out here to clear my head.”
“Oh? Is it those medals again? I've told you before, you gotta let it go. If what you said about your family and friends is true, I don't think they'll care about that. And if it's about the money, I know you're here until you get enough.”
“It's not that. The truth is I'm starting to miss them all. I haven't been home in months and I know everyone there is probably concerned about me. It wouldn't surprise me if some of them set out to find me.”
“But you never told them where you are. It would take them some time to find you, you know that. Is that what's bothering you?”
“Yeah, I guess. I mean, I know I promised them I'd get the money for them, but...”
“You want to go home, but you can't until you fulfill your promise. I've known that since I first met you. To be honest, I was sorta hoping you'd stay with me, but I guess it was just wishful thinking on my part.”
It was at this time that I felt it was the right time to let my secret out. I knew Applejack would be leaving at any time, so I felt that if I didn't say it now, I never would. “If you don't mind my changing the subject, I'd like to ask you something.”
“Uhm,” AJ was clearly puzzled, but played along, “sure, I guess. What'd you want to ask?”
I took a deep breath and took the proverbial leap of faith. “What do you think of me?”
Obviously, Apple wasn't expecting me to ask that, but being the girl she is, she went along with it. “Oh, well, I, uh....I think you're a nice lady. You took me in without question and made the cherry orchard a home away from home. You helped me when nobody else would and...”
“No, no, no, dear. What I meant was...” I started getting major jitters like I was some young lady with her first crush. I'm well aware that it's not some way for a lady like me to act. With that, I swallowed my pride and finished my sentence. “...How do you feel about me?”
I had to hold back a chuckle when I saw Applejack's face turn as red as one of her apples...or one of my red cherries. I think I had known the answer, but I let her speak. “Uh...uhm...well...I admit you are easy on the eyes and I have wondered how you could look the way you do. And I have to say that I have been thinking about you a lot more than a friend lately. I guess I could say I like you.”
“You could? It sounds like you have some feelings for me.” The sight of AJ's face turning even redder confirmed it. “I'll take your blush as a yes.”
I let out a chuckle of delight and continued on. “AJ, I need to tell you a secret. I wanted to tell you this, but I wasn't sure how you would take it. I was afraid you distance yourself from me and..”
To my surprise, AJ took my hand and gave me a smile. “You don't have to worry about that, Miss Jubi...er, Cherry. There ain't anything that would make me hate you, nuthin'. Now tell me what's on your mind.”
I had a feeling AJ already knew, but I told her anyway. “Well, okay. Well, the truth is.....”
I felt myself starting to shake and I think Apple knew since I felt her hold my hand tighter. Despite this, I couldn't help but hang my head and reveal what I've been hiding.
“....I'm gay.”
“Huh?”
I looked into AJ's eyes while trying to fight back tears at this point. “I said I'm gay. I'm interested in women, and yes, in that way. In fact, I was interested in you the moment I saw you at the Rodeo. When I saw you moping about, I knew I had to help you in some way. I'm really glad I got to meet you and helped you in the way I could. In fact, along the way, I ended up getting a crush on you, but I was afraid to tell you.”
“Why would you be afraid to tell me anything, sugarcube? I've told you before you can tell me anything. Since we're being honest with one another, I'll let you in on a secret. I don't consider myself gay, but I will say that I think you're mighty fine. In fact....I wouldn't mind if we went further than friends.”
I recall my eyes widening and my mouth dropping at the first sound of that. I couldn't believe we had mutual feelings for each other. But there was one other issue. “Sugar, you have no idea I happy I am to hear that. But you do know that I'm quite a bit older than you. Unless my math is off, I'm about twice your age. Are you sure you'd be comfortable with that?”
“Sugarcube, I don't care about that and I don't care if anyone else thinks otherwise.” Applejack brought me in a hug that was like none other at the time. To me, the hug was one that lovers share. I don't think I have to tell you that I went into it and felt all my fear melt away. But it wasn't done yet. AJ had a secret of her own. “Since we're telling secrets, I'll tell you mine. Even though I've had a few dates, I've never had a kiss before. Well, not unless you count the ones I got as a little girl from my mom and granny.”
I looked into AJ's eyes with utter surprise. “Sugar, you have to be kidding me. You seriously never been kissed in your life?” Apple shook her head to show me she meant it. Admist my confusion, I thought of the prefect way to start our relationship. “Y'know, having said that, I would consider it an honor to give you your first real kiss. Will you give me that honor?”
“Yes, you may have the honor.” It was all Applejack said and all she needed to say. Since I had her permission, I leaned in close to her ear and whispered into her ear.
“Just relax, sugar. You'll like this.” I slowly set my lips on hers and partook of what would be the first of many passionate kisses we would share. And before you ask, no, I did not put my tongue in her mouth. I didn't want to go too fast—it was our first kiss, after all. To my surprise, what seemed like several minutes into our kiss, I felt AJ's arms wrap around the back of my head. I clearly remember my eyes opening up so wide that I thought my eyes were going to pop out of my head. It was that moment that I let my desires take over.
“Apple honey,” I whispered into her ear in a seductive tone, “How 'bout we ditch this party and continue this in our room?” With that lustful look I've seen quite a few times in my life, Applejack simply nodded. I grabbed her hand and, without saying any goodbyes, we went back to our room as fast as we could.
It only felt like seconds before we got to our room. By then, we were so consumed by our desires that we didn't bother to wait until we got to the bed before we started taking off our clothes. When we finally got to the bed, we were both as naked as the days we were born. AJ had laid on her back with me getting on top. Before we got to the main attraction, I remember whispering into her ear after another kiss, “Tonight, you become a woman. You ready?”
“Yes,” AJ replied, her voice heavy into her lust. “I want to be a woman.”
Now that I think about it, I never asked Applejack about that night and whether or not she had held her desires in check so such a long time. Oh well, anyway, I moved down on her and....well, I'll just let y'all use your imaginations on what happened next.
But I will tell you I was on my back with AJ laying next to me in the morning. That night was the best time of my life. Oh sure, we've had, as AJ would say, several “rolls in the hay” since then, but that first time is the one I remember best. I was running my hand through her hair when she woke up and admitted that although it was her first, it was the best. “That was....amazing,” she told me. “But...well....”
“I didn't taste like cherries?” Another blush on Apple's face told me the answer. “Well, to be fair, you didn't taste like apples.” That was met with a playful smack on the arm.
“So, is it always this good?” Apple asked me in her serious voice. There was only one answer to that question, the only correct answer:
“If it's with someone you love, it will always be this good.”
That would be last words said for seemingly hours until the glow wore off and we realized that our train back to Dodge Junction was that afternoon—I'm glad I picked then to leave. I don't have to tell you about us showering, dressing, and going to the train, do you?
“Attention passengers, we will be arriving in Ponyville in less than an hour. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope you have enjoyed the ride.”
Oh, we're almost there. Anyway, as you could imagine, we had started our relationship then and it wasn't long before the people found out about it and not all of it was pretty. This is hard, but I think we call tell you all about it---or as much as we feel comfortable about.