Applejack is out on the orchard going about her day where she suffers a work related injury. With most of her freinds unable to care for her while she is bedwritten she turns to Spike. How will she react when feelings start to arise.
Applejack was out on the orchard going about her usual daily business. She is startled by some creature causing her to nearly break her leg. Unable to do anything for herself she reaches out to her friends for assistance. Unfortunately they are all wrapped up in their own affairs, all except for Spike. Applejack had always thought Spike was a respectable dragon with a good head on his shoulders, maybe more than she thought. Will she start to feel for the one of a kind dragon or will she drive her self to the edge to deny it.
It's just another regular, calm Ponyville morning. Celestia's sun began to stir all living things from their slumber, including a familiar green-eyed mare.
One small shaft of light shone into her room bouncing off a mirror on a nearby dresser. The light struck her eyes at just the right angle pulling her out of a beautiful dream. She fluttered her eyes trying to adjust them to the immense light flooding focused on her eye.
She let out a long yawn. “Ahh, another beautiful, sunny mornin’”. Sitting up on her mattress, she stretched and contorted cracking a few bones. She trotted over to her mirror and looked over herself to see if any flaw was present. She gently began to rub her hoof across her face. “Hmm, even after all of these years, ya still look the same, Applejack.”
She did look the same as she had for years now. Hair long and golden waiting to be tamed by her red hair ties, and her iconic Stenson awaiting its bearer. All of her friends had since changed their styles. Twilight lost her bang leaving her mane long and curly; Pinkie had began to wear her hair straightened some years ago; and even Rainbow Dash had embraced her more feminine side, wearing dresses regularly, dismissing anything that tied her to her tomboyish past, but if anyone had changed the most, it was Spike.
He disappeared for five years to experience the world for himself. Even though that was a whole twelve years ago, he still came back to his home.The only ones who hadn't changed much were Rarity and Fluttershy. Rarity achieved her dream of being a famous designer and moved to Manehattan. She does visit Ponyville often. Her and Spike have formed a mutual friendship. Fluttershy still lives in her cottage, but now she has male company. Long story short, an earth pony was wandering the Everfree forest studying the animals where he saved Fluttershy from being mauled to death by some timberwolves. The two have been inseparable since. That didn't sit too well with Discord...
Applejack stood still eyes locked on the mirror thinking to herself. “Look at me the, same hair this same hat. Maybe that's why I can't get me a stallion. But who would wanna miss out on hips like these?” She wiggled her rump before a knock was heard at her door.“Ah'm comin,” she said walking over to the other side of the room. She opened it to reveal none other than Spike. He was walking on all fours like he usually does the only time he actually walked upright were when he had to reach for shelves or write.
“Morning Applejack, I didn't wake you did I?”he said with a claw scratching the spines on the back of his head.
“N-no ya didn't...”
“Good... Well have you seen Big Mac? He has a couple of books due.”
Applejack shook her head. “Nah, sorry Spike. Ah just woke up. What books does he have that are due? Ah could probably find em'.”
“I'd prefer to not say... It had something to do with Pony Sutra...”
“Oh... OH... I think I know where the bonehead is.” “Okay thank you. Tell him I came around.” Spike answered with a warm smile before beginning to exit.
“Sure thing—” she paused “—Hey Spike”. Applejack asked from behind her mane like Fluttershy. Spike turned back to her. “What do you think of me?”
Spike was caught off guard highly by the question. “Why is she asking me this?” “Well, you're strong, a hard worker smart, honest of course, pretty, and just a great all around mare.”
Applejack hid her face to conceal her blush. “Thanks Spike... I needed that...”
“Of course AJ, only honesty for the one who embodies the element,” he said graciously walking down the hallway towards the exit. “Well, I gotta head back to the library. Come get me if you need anything,” he shouted before turning the corner. “Kay Spike, goodbye now,” she yelled from the doorway.
She went back into her room and touched herself up a bit before coming back out in all of her cowgirl swag. She walked down the hallway to the kitchen thinking to herself whole way. “I wonder where Mac is, probably hanging with Cheerily again. All he does is sneak out to be with her leaving me to buck all these damn trees alone. Maybe the Apple family just ain't all that strong anymore,” she shook her head at that last thought “No! We are still strong! Things have just been tight around here since granny passed and Applebloom decided that she wanted to go to school for carpentry or somethin.” She hung her head low as she made a breakfast of apple pancakes, once enjoyed by her family and now it was just her.
She sat down to eat still lost in a world of deep thought. “Everyone has their own somepony now while I’m stuck here all alone with no one.”That last thought echoed through her head leaving a trail of tears in it’s wake. She hadn't even noticed she was crying directly onto her food, she took another bite taking in the salty brine of her tears. She wiped them away then proceeded to finish her breakfast. She got up from the table and cleaned anything she thought was dirty.
Finished with her work she readjusted her hat before walking toward the front door. “Well someone is gonna hafta do this work,” she said before heading out to the barn to get a couple of supplies. “Let's see baskets, harvester for those stubborn apples, and the wagon,” She looked around the barn. “Now how in the hay do ya lose a whole wagon?” She paced around the barn searching each corner. “There ya are.” She pulled it out from under a heap of rusty tools and empty bags of fertilizer. “Here we go.” She strode out of the barn into the fresh noon air.
Her long day soon came to a close as the remaining rays of Celestia's sun tickled the horizon. She was bucking the last few trees when she heard a soul shattering howl. She stopped and surveyed the surrounding shrubbery. Then there was a low rumbling growl. “O...o...kay who ever that is....you b-betta stop now... or I’ll—” She was cut short by a rustling sound that came from nowhere. “Whoever you are... Ah'm tellin' ya s-stay back...” she shook violently, fear dominating her tone. All went silent for only a moment. Whatever it was let out a loud hiss and snarl. Applejack turned her head violently only to meet the gaze of two ghostly red eyes staring at her.
The creature growled aggressively before attempting to pounce on the petrified earth pony. Applejack ran faster than she ever had in her life driven by far. She dared not turn around. She had galloped halfway across the orchard. Seeing the barn right ahead of her she mustered all the strength that she could and ran faster. She was at full speed when she tripped over a rock and hit the ground with a series of rolls and flips.
Everything was fuzzy, she couldn't move, and each breath felt like a knife was being thrust into her chest. Applejack lay in the dirt battered and bloodied. She couldn't even twitch without intense pain overloading her senses. In the incoming twilight she called, “heeeeeeelp heeeeeeeelp,” her voice hoarse and low. “So this is it huh? You ran from something' that wasn't even there and now you...” she began to choke on her tears before losing consciousness.
“Applejack? Applejack!”
She shot her eyes open searching frantically for the voice.
“Applejack!”
Wait she knew that voice! “S...Spike! Over here!” she yelled out with what strength she had.
“Applejack?! Where are you...?”
She could hear the worry in his tone. She lifted her head and yelled with all her strength. “Spiiike!” That was all she had. She barely had enough left in her to breath. Her stomach dropped as the air grew silent. “No! He didn't hear me!”
“Applejack!” Spike came charging towards her. “Oh no, what happened?” She was in terrible shape. Her main and tail were strained with blood and dirt, her front hoof looked crooked and swollen, and a pool of blood sat under her head. “Don't worry, I'll get you some help!”
Applejack's vision began to fail again. The last thing she saw was him picking her up. With a smile she whispered, “Spike...” before darkness set in once again.
“Yes, she will be fine…” answered a slightly higher male voice. Applejack saw nothing but darkness around her. All that could be felt was the presence of two ponies nearby. She tried to contact them but she couldn’t move or speak… all she could do is listen.
“What happened to her!” the deeper and more familiar voice questioned urgently.
“We don’t know what caused the accident. All we know is she was lucky that dragon brought her here in time, if he hadn’t well…”
“Spike”. Applejack whispered. She opened her eyes. The inky black darkness clung to her like a shadow. She looked around for any reference.“Hello?” she questioned the void. “Hello, is anypony there?” A blinding light began to shine down upon her. Through the light she saw a pony in white and her brother. “Big Mac! Big Macintosh!” He looked down to her.
“Applejack?”
“Big Mac!” she continued to scream. Back in the hospital Big Mac and the doctor gazed upon her with hope in their eyes.
“She’s wakin’ up!” Big Mac triumphantly exclaimed. Her eyes began to flutter slowly as she turned her head to her brother.
“Hey big guy,” she whispered weakly.
“Applejack you’re awake! I was beginnin’ to think that you’d be stuck sleepin’ for the rest of your life!”
“Well I’m awake now big bro.” he gave her a long warm hug, relieved that his little sister was now back with him. “Where am I anyhow?”
“You’re in the hospital Ms. Applejack,” a young pony replied.
“The Hospital…?”
“Yeah, you were checked in last night. They said that you needed intensive care immediately… Say, how did ya mess yourself up like this?” Applejack broke eye contact with him.
“I-I don’t wanna talk about it right now…”
“Okay ya don’t have to. Just rest easy for me, kay?”
“Ahem, well Mr. Macintosh, I need to check her to make sure that everything really is okay,” the doctor interrupted.
“Right, of course. I’m gonna go home and tell the others you’re fine.” Big Mac left with a satisfied smile while Applejack was being checked for any permanent damage.
Later in the Day
Applejack lay on her bed, eyes fixed to the ceiling deep in thought. “I can’t believe this happened, why did Ah run away from something that wasn’t even there? I’ve never felt so hurt, helpless, and alone,” tears began to run down her cheeks when the door opened. Big Mac came in with a large smile and two mares. “Oh my gosh Applejack are you okay?” Fluttershy asked with a hoof to her mouth.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” she answered with a smile.
“Oh thank Celestia, when we heard what happened we rushed to get here,” Twilight sighed.
“Why didn’t Spike tell y’all what happened?”
“Because he told me after you got in the emergency room,” Big Mac answered.
“Oh, where is he?”
“He said that he’ll be here when he’s done sending messages to all of our friends,” Fluttershy enthusiastically answered. “But for now just be glad that he found you when he did,”
“You don’t know just how glad I am…”
“Really Applejack, if anything happened, we wouldn't know what to do,”
“Thank ya kindly Twilight. Enough talkin’ about my ailments. How’s life been treating y’all two?”
“Nothing different. Princess business, busy days, sleepless nights… The usual. What about you Fluttershy? How have things been going with Zooey?”
“Oh he is just wonderful, he always knows what the animals need, they love him, and he is always helping me out with any situation. He is just perfect. How about you and Flash?
“Actually he is great. When I first started dating him I thought he would be a dimwitted jerk, but he is actually caring and sweet. He took me to the western sea last month, and he even proposed!”
“Wow you’re going to be Mrs. Twilight Sentry.”
“Yeah,” Twilight giggled. “So who are you with Applejack”? Applejack’s ears fell the moment those words left Twilight’s mouth.
“Well, I ain’t with no one.” “Spike…”
“Really, why not”?
“Ah dunno, Ah just don’t really wanna be in a relationship.” “You want Spike…”
“Oh come on Applejack we all have somepony to share our lives with.”
“Well Ah guess nopony wants me then,” she sighed with tears forming in her eyes. A loud knock was heard followed by a frantic ‘let me in’. Fluttershy cautiously opened the door only to be bone-rushed by Pinkie Pie. She ran up to Applejack and began asking questions rapidly.
“Ohmygoodnessareyouhurtdidyoubreaksomethingareyoupregnant!” She stared at her frazzled friend. “Pinkie I’m fine,” she laughed.
“Are ya absolutely sure?”
“Yes Pinkie.”
“Absolutely positively all certainly without a doubt sure…?”
“...yes.”
“Oh thank Celestia”. Pinkie sighed.
“It’s good to have ya back. Also your mane, it’s all poofy again”.
“Oh hehe yeah, things are going great. I haven’t been this happy in years”! She chirped with a joyous grin.
“Why”?
“Because all of the old gang is here.”
“Really”?
“Yeah, Rainbow Dash and Rarity are on their way up!”
“Well did ya see Spike?”
“No unless you mean recently then I saw him a month ago,” Applejack shook her head with a smile.
“Pinkie, never change again,” she hugged the resurrected party pony.
“Hello, is this the right room?” Rainbow Dash asked with Rarity in tow.
“You're here!” They shouted in unison.
“Oh my, why are you all so riled up?” Rarity asked.
“Because this is the first time in nearly eight years that we have been together in the same room,” Twilight answered.
“It really has been long, huh?” Rainbow Dash chuckled nervously.
“Yeah no kidding,” Pinkie laughed with outstretched hooves. Everyone shared a warm laughter filled hug around Applejack. They reminisced over the old times that bound them together. Rarity has actually taken a break from the fashion business and plans to move back to Ponyville, Rainbow Dash wants to slow down and relax after being a Wonderbolt for so long, and Pinkie is just generally happy, who knows why.
“It’s nice to see all y’all are here, but it feels empty…” Applejack said slowly. Right on cue a magenta and green figure began to slowly walk through the door.
“Okay thanks, I’ll see if I have any time”. He muttered to something in his claw, stopping finding all eyes on him. It was so quiet that if you focused you could hear your own heartbeat. Twilight’s eyes began to water up as she ran to Spike and gave him a long tight hug.
“Spike, you big jerk!” She sobbed into his shoulder.
“That is not Spike!” Rarity shouted in disbelief.
“Yes it is,” Rainbow retorted
“But he’s so big, are we sure that he didn’t eat spike and take his place,” she gasped. “What if he ate Spikey!”
“It’s me Rares, nopony or dragon ate me,”Spike chuckled, held in Twilight and Pinkie’s grasp.
“My word! The last I saw of you, you were more the size of a filly. Now you’re rivaling Big Macintosh!” She stated dramatically.
“The last time you saw me was the Hearths Warming before you left.”
“Yes, but that was only four years ago...”
“I guess that's just the way a dragon grows.”
“I suppose”. Rarity finished. Turning to Applejack she looked over Spike one last time, looking him up and down. Fluttershy lunged towards the drake with a joyous squeal.
“Well what’s all of this about?” He snorted happily.
“You don’t send letters to us anymore,” Rainbow Dash added.
“And you don’t even come to see any of us. I may live in a castle, but it is still in Ponyville!” Twilight scorned.
“Besides dear, if it weren't for you we may have lost Applejack,” Rarity added taking Applejack’s hoof in hers.
“I knew you guys liked me, but not that much. To be honest I felt like I was in the way most of the time…”
“What! You were never in the way,” Pinkie protested.
“Are you sure cause- look, Applejack is the one we came to see, not me.”Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy released him, eyes teary, red, and puffy. He walked up to Applejack’s bed with a big smile.
“You’re looking a whole lot better than last night.”
“Thank ya kindly, but how did ya find me?”
“ It was about sunset so I decided to come and see if Big Macintosh had my books, oh by the way you owe me bro,” he glanced over to Big Mac who darted his eyes around, attempting to look inconspicuous. “So anyway I walked around the barn when I heard somepony whining help. I turn the corner and there you were just sprawled out in the dirt. It looked like you hit your head and I think you may have lost a little bit of blood. I picked you up off of the ground, and you were trying to say my name then you just started to slip away. I was in panic when you started to pass out so I flew you to the hospital as fast as I could…”
“Wow, Ah really messed myself up didn't I?” Spike nodded.
“But hey you're alright now, I talked with your doctor and he said that you can go home in about two weeks, but you're going to need somepony to take care of you”.
“Well it’s a good thing that all of my friends are here,” she pulled everyone in the room into a big hug. As time went on the, rekindled mane six reminisced over old times once again and new times to come. Some time later Applejack’s nurse appeared.
“Okay everypony, visiting hours are over,” she announced.
“Oh, okay…” Applejack sighed drearily. One by one her friends left, leaving their goodbyes. Spike was and Big Mac were the last ones to leave.
“I’ll drop by as soon as I can,” Big Mac said with a kiss to her forehead.
“Okay big brother, I'll be waitin’ ”. Applejack whispered. Big Mac and Spike walked towards the door also giving their final goodbyes.
“Spike,” He stopped. “C’mere.” Spike slowly turned back to her. “What's wrong AJ?” He asked, slowly striding over to her bed. She lunged from her position pulling Spike into a tight tearful hug.
“Thank ya Spike,” she sobbed uncontrollably.
“Applejack please calm down,” Spike cooed in a soothing tone.
“I’m sorry, but if it weren't for you Ah would probably have been dead!” she sobbed more. Spike stopped for a moment to think before hugging her back.
“It’s okay Applejack. It is just what friends do for each other. I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to you guys, especially you,” he calmly left her embrace. “Now please get some rest.” Applejack watched longingly as he left the room. She looked towards the pitch black window grateful for her friends and grateful that he came at the right time. Soon her eyes became heavy. Drifting off to sleep only one dragon resounded through her conscious.
“Spike,” she sighed before joining the peaceful rhythm of slumber. “Wait, what did he mean by ‘especially you’?”
It was about eight in the morning. Applejack had been awake for more than an hour, sitting unmoving and undisturbed. She hadn't been sleeping much in the last few days. She thought maybe it was the environment she was in, hospitals aren't the cheeriest of places. No matter how much she tried to worm her way around the real reason, it kept surfacing. Laying there in the dirt alone made her feel like she was going to die alone. She shook her head as more and more thoughts flooded her troubled mind. She thought about what happened and what could've happened if he didn't show up. Then her expression lightened. She knew that Spike finding her was by a lucky coincidence yet she felt as if he knew she was in trouble. She snorted then mumbled “must be the painkillers.” then there was a knock at the door. Her doctor entered with a clipboard levitating in front of him.
“Oh Miss Applejack, I didn't expect you to be awake.” he said with a large smile. “I'm just here to check up on you; make sure everything is okay.” he trotted up to her bed. “How are you feeling?”
“Ah feel fine I guess. Nothin’ is really botherin’ me.” she replied with a shrug.
“Do you feel any pain?”
“Only in my leg, it doesn't hurt that much.” The doctor took notes while mumbling to himself.
“Okay I'll be back in a second.” he said as he closed the door behind him leaving Applejack alone. She sighed then turned her gaze to the window. It was a beautiful day; the bright cyan sky was adorned by the soft rays of the sun dancing around thin wispy clouds. Birds sung their song as a soft breeze swept through causing the trees to rustle harmoniously. It calmed her knowing that soon she would be out there again just like everypony else. Suddenly the door opened.
“Miss Applejack you have a visitor,” her doctor said with his back turned. Spike entered with a present on his back.
“Hey AJ,” he said calmly.
“Hey Spike, whatcha got there?” she asked while eyeing the present.
“Something that took one heck of a hassle to get in, but knowing you, you'll love it,” he walked up to her and slid the present off his back.
Applejack noticed a sweet familiar aroma rising from the box on her lap. “It smells like...apple pie!” she excitedly shouted.
“I baked it myself.” he relied pridefully. Applejack unwrapped the box with gusto. She opened it, drooling over the golden brown crust with an apple stenciled out in the center. With almost no hesitation she greedily inhaled a large chunk.
“Mmm, vis is really good,” she moaned with bulging cheeks.
“I'm glad you like it,” he said bashfully.
“Ah bery mush.” she gulped loudly. “Appreciate it.”
“Much better than that hospital gunk, huh?”
She looked up at him with a bubbly expression that could only match Pinkie's and nodded in agreement. Spike smiled at how she looked like a little filly who had just gotten hold of a bowl of ice cream. Applejack was devouring her pie, not even slowing down enough to breathe. “Wow Applejack,” he chuckled “Go any faster and you'll eat the pie tin.”
She stopped and looked down at what pie was left. Taking a long swallow she said “sorry” with a nervous grin. “Ah didn't realize how hungry Ah am.”
“No worries, I'm glad that you liked it,” he said with a warm smile. He took the tray from her lap and sat down on her bed. “So how are you feeling now?”
“Ah feel pretty much the same as I did yesterday. Mah leg’s still hurt but I'm fine.”
“That's good to hear,” he looked around the empty room trying to pass through the awkward silence. “Not much to do, is there?”
“Nope,” she replied indifferently. The silence intensified as they sat for what felt like hours until Spike spoke again.
“I...don't know what to say.” he said quietly.
“Ya don't have to say anything. I'm happy somepony's here,” she gave him a sincere smile. He smiled back then looked towards the door as her doctor walked back in with some medical equipment. Applejack gulped loudly then looked to Spike with worry. He dropped his gaze to her. Noticing her worried expression he gave her a reassuring smile that said “everything is going to be okay.”
“Okay, I am going to check your blood pressure, take your temperature, and check to see if you feel pain anywhere else.” he explained. Spike whispered to Applejack “so you're afraid of doctors, huh?”
“I'm not afraid of doctors!” she retorted quietly. “Ah just don't like all of the cold tools and Ah really don't like that they have to touch your...well you know, everywhere...”
“Actually I don't know; the only time I've ever had to go to the doctor was the first time I grew because of my greed.” Applejack frowned then looked back to the doctor who was approaching with a blood pressure cuff. Wrapping it tightly around her arm he began to increase the pressure. “Okay,” he mumbled quietly. Taking off the cuff he levitated over his stethoscope. He pressed it to her chest rolling his eyes cognitively. “Sit forward please,” Applejack reluctantly obeyed, shifting slightly with a huf. She shuddered at the feeling of the cold Instrument touching her fur. “Now I'm going to need to to spread your legs.”
“What!” she shrieked loudly.
“Sorry! I should have been more specific, I want to check and see where the pain is most intense.” Applejack and Spike both looked at him with widened eyes. “Where are my words today, I want to check your leg to see where the pain is most intense,” he corrected with a nervous chuckle. Spike and Applejack looked to Spike with a raised brow, while he simply shrugged.
She slowly parted her legs mentally cursing about how embarrassing it was. He pressed a hoof on her thigh causing her to gasp slightly. She looked to Spike for reassurance, but his mind was somewhere outside. Feeling her gaze he looked down on her. She mouthed “help me” as the doctor continued his ministrations. Spike whispered “there's nothing I can do.” Applejack was about to say something else when an intense sharp pain shot up her leg making her yelp.
“So that's where it is.” the doctor said with a hoof to his chin. He pressed down on the area again.
“Ow!” she screamed loud enough to be heard in the next room.
“Now that we have established that, I'll look these notes over and return with a prescription,” he declared as he trotted towards the door. “And sorry for any inconvenience I may have caused,” with that he closed the door leaving the two alone. They sat in silence for a few moments before Spike began to snicker.
“What's so darn funny?” she asked while giving him an annoyed stare.
“I can't believe,” he stifled a laugh. “I can't believe that you thought the doctor was trying to cop a feel!” after finishing his sentence he fell to the floor chortling uncontrollably.
“Hey, that ain't funny!” she scolded.
“It..I..it..it's just that the way you reacted was priceless!” he continued. Applejack simply sat with a frown. Spike rose from the floor with tears in his eyes.
“Come one Applejack, you have to admit that was funny,” he said while wiping a tear away. Applejack tried to keep a serious face, but the more she thought the bigger her smile became.
“Yeah, it was kinda cute how he was all panicky and such,” she chuckled.
“Cute?” Spike asked, a twinge of jealousy present in his tone.
“He was a cute li'l unicorn, with those large glasses.”
“I never thought you'd say that about anypony.”
“Ah always notice. Ah just don't openly express it.” she stated. Spike snorted then made his way towards the door.
“I guess I better get going.” he said with a claw on the door handle.
“Wait, don't go.” Applejack whined.
“I have to get back to the library.” he protested.
“Please, Ah don't wanna be here,” her tone fell. “Alone.” Spike released the door handle, walking over to her with sympathy in his eyes.
“Don't worry Applejack. I'll never let you be alone,” he said while sitting in his previous spot. Applejack smiled from under her bang and hugged him tightly; tight enough to where a couple of his joints popped.
“Okay AJ, having some troubles breathing,” he rasped. She loosened her grip slightly. “Is this better for ya.”
“Yeah, this is okay,” Spike said finally returning her hug. For the first time in a few days Applejack felt as if she did have somepony that she was close to. Who ever said that the perfect colt even had to be a colt at all.
“Whoa, I'm getting ahead of myself,” she thought. “Spike is just a good friend is all. Anyhoo who has ever heard of a dragon and a pony together?” she thought in pure denial. She hadn't even noticed that she was rubbing his scales while they were locked together. “He actually has a li'l meat on these bones, a lot of meat to tell ya the truth. Ah wonder what he does on his off days?” Lost in his embrace Applejack almost didn't hear him calling her.
“Applejack,” Spike called. “The doctor is back,” She lifted her head off his chest and looked over to the unicorn.
“I have good news for you Miss Applejack.” he closed the door behind him. “You only have a fracture on your right tibia and a slight concussion, but other than that you are okay and may leave at the end of the week.”
“Why the end of the week?” she asked while releasing Spike.
“Because it has occurred to me that you were supposed to see your gynecologist nearly two months ago.” Applejack’s expression went from relief to instant worry and anxiety.
“You'll be seeing him tomorrow afternoon.” Applejack put her face in her hooves thinking “why does it have to be a stallion!”
“What's a guy-no-call-o-gist?” Spike asked cluelessly.” Applejack was just about to answer but was cut off by the doctor.
“A gynecologist is somepony who deals with the health of the female reproductive systems: vagina, uterus, ovaries and the breasts,” he answered with indifference. Spike sat there with mixed expressions trying to process what he just heard.
“Thank you doctor, but I was not ready for that type of information,” he answered in a heightened tone.
“Well now ya know,” Applejack remarked sarcastically. “and now I'm having mixed feelin’s about some colt lookin' in mah Jack Johnson with a flashlight. Heck, Ah don't even want a mare doin' it!”
“Most mares don't want to do it, but it is tantamount to your health,” Applejack and Spike both looked as confused as a deer in headlight’s. “It is important to your health,” he turned to the door leaving them alone again. Applejack sat in her bed as still as a statue while Spike sat next to her thinking deeply.
“Are ya okay Spike?”
“I'm just wondering who would actually make a living looking at mares privates.”
“Be glad it ain't you.”
“I am,” he chuckled. “Looks like I'm not going anywhere soon.” The door flew open again.
“Hi Applejack!” Pinkie Pie screamed.
“Damnit, would someone watch the visitors table!” a stallion yelled from the busy hallway.
“Hey Pinkie!” Applejack responded cheerfully. Pinkie Was followed in by Rarity and Fluttershy.
“Good morning Applejack,” Fluttershy entered. “How are you feeling?”
“Ah feel a whole lot better now.” she responded joyously. “I get to go home at the end of the week.”
“That's marvelous news darling!” Rarity added.
“But somepony's going to have to look after me,” she said sadly.
“I'd more than happy to take care of you,” Fluttershy insisted.
“Thank ya kindly, but you're already lookin' after your animals.”
“Zooey can look after them.”
“Ah just don't wanna be a bother to anypony.”
“Don't talk like that Applejack. You're our friend, we'd all love to be bothered by you.” Spike said soothingly. “Right guys?” Fluttershy nodded in agreement while Rarity stared intently at Spike.
“Rarity?”
“Hm, oh yes of course, we’ll muscle through this together,” she said nervously.
“Thank ya all. You are my true friends...”
“We're here to bring the awesome!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she valiantly entered the room.
“Yay you're here!” Pinkie yelled from behind Rainbow Dash.
“Rainbow Dash is here too?” Applejack questioned.
“We're all here. Twilight is right behind me.”
“Hello Applejack.” Twilight said eloquently.
“See?!” Pinkie yelled again.
They all spent the afternoon lifting Applejack out of her pit of despair by simply being there. Nothing compare to the live she feels from all of her friends, and the love she is beginning to feel for an oblivious dragon.
It was the end of the week, finally time for Applejack to return home. She sat in a wheelchair staring out of the window. “Finally ah can get out of this depressing room, and feel the wind through my mane, and the soft grass under my hooves,” she looked down at her wheel chair “maybe not yet but soon,” she thought blissfully.She sat up and rolled over to the door. “Now, who is gonna come and get me?” she said to no one.
Applejack waited, and waited, and waited. She soon fell asleep in the chair before her room door opened. “I don’t know if she’s up ye-” her doctor stopped, seeing her slumped over asleep. “You can take her now if you want,” he whispered.
“That’s fine, but I’d rather her be awake,” Rarity declared. She put a hoof to Applejack’s shoulder and began to shake her gently. “Applejack wake up, it’s time for us to go.”
Applejack mumbled while slightly lifting her head.
Rarity chuckled and continued to shake her. “Applejack come on, wake up.”
“Darn varmints,” she groaned.
“Alright then,” Rarity took a deep breath and shouted “Applejack!”
“Aahhh huh wha?” Applejack shot up, whipping her head around. She rubbed her eyes and blinked a few times. “Rarity, what’re you doin’ here?”
“I am here to take you home,” Rarity dignifiedly responded.
“Really?” she asked tiredly.
“What’s the matter, don't you want to return home?”
“Ah do, but ah didn’t expect you of all ponies to come and get me,” she looked behind Rarity. “Where is everypony else?”
“They were all….preoccupied at the moment.” Applejack hung her head down. “So they forgot about me then,” she thought drearily.
“Don’t be so sad Applejack. I’m sure you will have a pleasant surprise when you get home,” Rarity said cheerfully. She walked behind Applejack and proceeded to push her out of the room. As they walked through the sparse halls of the hospital a wave of relief washed over Applejack, but it was soon followed by the jagged shores of uncertainty. She was now headed home, the only place she had been longing for the entire week. She should be absolutely ecstatic, but all she felt was some hollow feeling that she had never experienced. It felt like longing, a different type of longing. Something that made her feel empty the more she thought about it.
Rarity pushed Applejack out of the hospital into the waiting afternoon air.
“Ah can take it from here.”
“Are you sure Applejack?”
“Well ain't nothing wrong with my arms.”
“But Sweet Apple acres is all the way across town.”
“Ah know. It ain't that far,” Applejack protested.
“Applejack, you have just left the hospital. I think that you should-”
“I'm fine Rarity! Ah ain't no helpless little filly!” Applejack spat. Rarity stumbled backwards at Applejack's outburst. Seeing her shocked expression made her feel instant regret “I...I'm so sorry…”
Rarity gave her an apologetic smile. “That's all right dear. You've been through a lot these last two years.”
Applejacks looked up at Rarity in confusion. “What do ya mean?”
“Fluttershy told us everything, from Granny Smith's passing to Applebloom leaving for School,” she nuzzled her forehead. “You need your friends now more than ever,” she took a step backwards. “Now are we going to continue this pointless quarrel?”
“Not at all Rarity,” Applejack agreed with a toothy smile.
“Excellent, now we must be going.”
“Why are you in shucha hurry anyway?”
“I have to get you home.”
Applejack sighed and looked around. “Ah don't wanna go home, at least not yet.”
“And why would that be?” Rarity asked in slight annoyance.
“Because it's a beautiful day out here. All the birds chirpin’, sun shinin’. Ah don't wanna go home at all. All I'm gonna do is work.”
“I doubt that anypony would make you work in your current condition.” Applejack dismissively snorted with a shrug. “The moment I'm better it's back to apple buckin’.” Rarity sighed and began to push Applejack.
“Hey, ah said that ah didn't wanna go home yet!”
“I'll walk slow, if that's okay with you of course.”
Applejack crossed her arms with a child-like huff. “Aright, but don't go any faster.”
“You have my word. Now, why can't Big Macintosh take your workload?”
“Everything in his life is ‘Cheerilee’ now. He comes back for an afternoon then just like that he's gone again...”
Rarity pondered for a moment. “Have you asked anypony in town for any help?” Applejack looked up to Rarity with a raised brow. “Oh yes, of course. You're Mrs. Solo. You don't need anything from anyone. Now as for me, I wouldn't be able to do anything if it weren't for all of the help I received. You can always count on somepony to help.”
“Ah know what yer doin' Rarity. It ain't workin'.”
“You are the epitome of a hard working mare, but you're too stubborn to know when you're overwhelmed. Everypony needs help even the strongest of us. I know that there are plenty of ponies who would love to help out,” she adopted a sly grin. “Maybe even a dragon.” Applejack's expression instantly lit up at the mention of him. “No, he's busy in the library. Ah just can't take him away from his work.”
“Yes yes, I suppose, but what about when he is off.” Applejack considered the possibility. “He is slightly bigger than Big Mac, and he looks mighty strong now. Ah bet he could knock a whole tree down without even trying. And he could probably carry three while bushels without even breaking a sweat. That would look very nice,”she shook her head in horror. “Why am ah even thinkin’ like that. Somethin’s wrong with me. He's Applebloom’s age right? Wait how old is Spike really? No, no, no, stop it Applejack! You are not considering this at all!”
“Applejack?” Rarity asked, waving a hoof in her face. “Hello, Equestria to Ms. Applejack.”
“Huh, what now? Oh, heh sorry ah was thinking.”
“About what?”
“Somethin’ scary.” Applejack smiled nervously hoping that Rarity would leave the situation be.
“No more delay, let's get you home.”
“Yaaay...” Applejack enthusiastically groaned.
They reached the barn at two hours before sunset. Applejack looked up with dread. “Home sweet home,” she mumbled. Rarity pulled her up to the front door.
“Alright Applejack, here we are. Can you get in or do you need some help?”
“Ah can… fine I need your help...” Rarity proudly smiled and opened the door revealing the dark empty house. “Why the hay is it so dark in here? Rarity can you get the light?” there was no response. “Rarity?” once again silence. “This ain't funny ya hear!”she shouted into the darkness. She looked around rapidly darting her eyes back and forth. “Rarity!” she shouted. “Come back.” she whispered in a sob.
“Surprise!”
“What in tarnation?!” The lights turned on revealing all of her friends with their forelegs outstretched.
“Hey Applejack, what took you so long!” Pinkie energetically asked.
“What took me? What the hay are y'all doin’! Darn near scared me half to death!” she yelled with hoof to her chest.
“Hehe, sorry. I wanted this to be the best surprise ever!”
“I'm most definitely surprised!”
“Come on and say ‘hi’ to everypony,” she pushed Applejack over to the small crowd.
“Hey li'l sis.” Big Mac smiled.
“Hey.... brother. So this is where everypony was today,” she said, waving her hoof at all of the attendees.”
“Eeyup,” he replied with a big smile.
“And nopony bothered to tell me anything.”
“Eeyup….” he replied with a little uncertainty.
“So yer tellin' me that instead of coming to the hospital and surprising me there you wait until I'm all the way across town, and scare the stuffin' outta me?”
“Well when ya put it like that,” he looked down at a scowling Applejack. “E..e..yup,” she continued to frown, eyeing all of the guests furiously. She wanted to berate each and every last one of them to the highest degree, but they all looked upon her with the innocence of a foal.
“Y'all really know how to surprise a girl.” she chucked with her fore-legs crossed. Soon everyone began to relax and join in.
“I'm glad ya liked it!” Big Mac grinned. Applejack smiled back at her big brother.
“Almost everypony is here.”
“What do ya mean ‘almost’ everypony is here?”
“Spike, Twilight, Fluttershy, and Zooey aren't here yet.”
“Were behind you actually.” Spike added.
“What the... how long have you been there?”
“Not too long, we just wanted to see AJ.” Applejack rolled over to Spike and tried to lift herself out of the chair.
“What are you doing?”
“I-I'm tryin' ta,” she groaned. “Give ya a h-hug!”
“Oh,” he lowered his head slightly.
“Thanks,” she reluctantly let go and turned to Fluttershy and Zooey. “Hey y'all two, how are ya?”
“We're okay even though Zooey was bit by a squirrel.”
“Yeah, the little bugger got me right on the flank,” the peach colored stallion answered in his light Australian accent. Spike held his claw to his mouth in an attempt to stifle his growing laughter.
“What's so funny mate?” he asked with a frown.
“I'm...I..I'm sorry,” he held back a couple of large jests.
“Come off it now, it wasn't that funny.” Zooey defended.
“Are you kidding me! AJ you should've seen it. We we're here setting everything up. Fluttershy and Zooey we're trying to get a family of squirrels out of one of the ceiling supports in the barn. Now Fluttershy is trying to talk to them and get them to come out while Zooey tried sneaking up on him. I don't know what happened after that, other than what Fluttershy told me. The next thing I see is our Zoologist running around with a squirrel on his butt screaming ‘get this demon rodent off me ’!” They all shared in a good laugh while Zooey stood in a puddle of embarrassment.
“It's okay, we all have one of those moments,” Fluttershy reassured with a laugh. Zooey slowly began to smile and laugh. “ Okay I'll admit, that was a riot,” he said sharing in the humor.
“Wait, what were y'all doin’ in the barn?” Applejack asked while calming down. The all shared glances.
“How about we go and see,” Big Mac motioned in the direction of the barn. He took hold of her wheelchair's handles and strolled her outside.
“You're gonna love this,” Pinkie Pie said in a sing-song tone. She threw the doors open revealing the interior that was decorated with a banner that read ‘Welcome home Applejack” with a picture of her, and tables stocked with her favorite apple treats.
“Oh my goodness...” she whispered with her hooves to her mouth.
“See, I told you that she'd love it!” Pinkie Pie whispered to Big Mac.
“Y'all did this for me?” her voice broke.
“Why are you so surprised?” Rainbow Dash asked. “We wanted your first day out of the hospital to be the best day ever!” she landed next to Applejack.
“Enough dialogue, let's partay!” Pinkie Pie squealed loudly. They all piled in the barn and partied the night away.
Morning crept upon the denizens of Ponyville. Applejack lay sprawled out snoring blissfully and twitching occasionally. Her sleep came to an abrupt halt as she woke slowly. Her eyes fluttered as she saw the light shafts dancing around her room. She sat up smacking her lips, yawning, and stretching. “That was the best night's sleep ah done had since bein' in that hospital.” she yawned. She looked around her room searching for something. “Aha, there it is! Just where we left it.” she said with her gaze locked upon her wheelchair. Then she realized that it was all the way across her room. “Darn, that's right. Spike had to lift me into bed.” a smile crept upon her face. “Oooh no ya don't Missy. No more thinking like that about that there dragon, but he's so kind and caring. NO! He's a dragon and you're a pony. Besides that's beastiamentality or somethin', look ah just know that it ain't right. He's so cute. And? You're always looking at his scales. He's a dragon, all ya see is scales. We both know why you look at his scales. So the boy has some meat on them bones, your point is? You want him. No ah don't. You need him. NO, ah don't! You love him. NO...AH...DON'T!” she yelled out loud ending the debate. She covered her mouth wondering if somepony had heard.
She took her head and took a deep breath. “Now how the heck am ah gonna get over there?” she removed her covers and scooted over to the edge of the bed. “Maybe if ah just.” she put her healthy leg to the floor first trying to keep as much of her weight on it as possible. “Okay.....okay.” she put her broken leg down next. “AAH!” she yelped, collapsing to the floor. She was such there seething at the throbbing pain rising from her leg. Pounding her front hoof on the ground she looked up at her goal. The chair was no more than a foot away. “C-come on girl y-ya got three good legs left!” she lifted herself on to her three remaining legs and uncomfortably hobbled over to the chair. With one hop and a quick turn she sat exhausted. “Ah won't be doin' that again.” she sighed while rubbing her still throbbing leg. Spike bursted through the door. “Applejack, are you okay?!” he exclaimed in worry. He saw that she was sitting in her chair in just as much shock that he was in. “How did you?”
“I just hopped over here.” Applejack answered simply.
“But I heard a scream and a thud. Are you sure you're okay?”
“Ah did fall over, but everything's fine now.” Spire looked at her grinning facade with worry.
“Okay, well breakfast is ready. Do you want to eat up here or downstairs?”
“Downstairs?” Applejack responded with uncertainty.
“Of course,” Spike mumbled. “Okay I'll take you down then the chair.”
“You're gonna what now?” she blushed slightly.
“I have to carry you downstairs. Your house isn't wheelchair friendly.”
“Oh right, right.” Applejack's breaths became shallower as Spike closed in on her. “He's big.” reverberated through her head as he stood up in his hind legs and got down on his knees.
“Y'know, sometimes I forget that you can stand up straight.” Applejack said trying to steady her breathing.
“Yeah? Now throw your right hoof over my shoulder.” she obeyed. “Now out your ri..I mean left hoof around my neck and hold on.” she listened and held on as tight as she could. Spike carefully grasped her legs causing her to gasp slightly. “I didn't hurt you didn't I?”
“No, I'm fine sugarcube.” Spike stood at full height and began to make his way towards the door. “He sure is tall, and warm.” she thought as she nuzzled his neck. Before she knew it they were at the bottom of the stairs. Spike sat her down at the table, made sure that she was comfortable, and ran back up the stairs.
She watched until he was out of sight. Applejack sighed then looked down at a plate full of apple pancakes covered with whipped cream and topped a Granny Smith apple slice. Then there was a loud thud followed by a flat “ouch”. Applejack laughed at the image of Spike tripping over a cumbersome wheelchair.
“Sorry about the noise. This thing decided that it wanted to snag on the doorknob.” he said as he came clunkily down the stairs with his face obscured by the wheelchair. Applejack's gaze was fixed on him the whole time. “Are you okay?”
“Hmm, oh yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking.”
“Okay,” he sat down at the table. “Aren't you hungry?”
Applejack looked down at her plate. “Oh yes, starvin'! She took a nearby fork and stabbed the stack aggressively ripping out a large chunk. In one swift move the fork disappeared then reappeared devoid of any food. Spike was caught a little by surprise, but he then remembered how she devoured the apple pie that he baked. He laughed inwardly at how her own greed could compete with his.
“You eat like you've been starved for months.” Spike poked. She stopped with another large piece nearing her open maw.
“Sorry,” she chucked sheepishly, lowering her fork.
“It's alright, I'm worse especially when I haven't eaten in a few days, besides I know that my cooking is appreciated.” he chucked.
“A few days?” Applejack asked full of intrigue.
“Yeah, I've found that I can go an entire month without eating and it doesn't really affect my health in any way. The downside is when I eat I eat everything. Remember when the Fry's Shack almost went bankrupt?”
“Yeah.”
“That was because I cleant them out. I had to pay every bit back too. I should eat now so something like that doesn't happen again.”
“Yeah you should, but ah was wonderin', l why are you here exactly? Not that ah don't enjoy your company.”
Spike widened his eyes some then answered. “We all agreed on what days to watch after you,” he stopped seeing that last line annoyed her. “Not because you're helpless or anything, we just feel more comfortable if you were closely monitored.....in a sense.” he smiled as convincingly as possible.
“Right,” she flatly added. “So when do you help me out?” she took a less hurried bite of her pancakes.
“I decided to take the weekends mainly because the library is closed, and the others were arguing about who would take Saturday and Sunday.” A smile began to sneak up on her when he toss her the news. “Since you've gotten yourself into your wheelchair I guess we can start your physical therapy.”
Applejack ceased chewing. “My what now?”
“Your doctors said that in order for you to regain full health you need to be active throughout your recovery.”
“Wait, isn't that for ponies who are nearly handicapped or somethin'?”
“That's what twilight was wondering, but we just suspected that the doctor took your career into account.”
“So you're sayin' that ah need to get back to work as soon as possible?” Applejack said in slight annoyance.
“In a nutshell.....yes. So I'll let you finish eating then we can get started.”
Applejack eyed him furiously as he left the kitchen. “Wait!” she held a hoof out wondering what compelled her to have such an outburst. Spike stood with one claw to the door. “I'm sorry, ah didn't mean to..”
“No problem, I forgot that you like to be around others when you're sad.” She smiled warmly at him blushing slightly. He noticed and began to smile back sharing in her blush. “Why are you staring at me like that? Is there something stuck in my scales?” he ran a claw over his cheek.
“Oh, no sorry ah was just....um...ad..admirin' the way the....sun shines through the windows.”
Spike turned skeptically to the window behind him then back to Applejack.“You're a terrible liar Applejack.” he jokingly scolded. He sat back down at the table and waited for her to finish her breakfast.
“Now for today I just want to see how long you can stand on at least three of your legs.” Spike ordered like royal guard captain. They were outside next to the barn. Applejack readied herself for any pain that this may cause.
“Okay girl, you can do this, you.... can do this!” she forcefully shoved herself out of the chair landing on her front hooves.
“Good AJ, now take it easy.” Spike coached. She took a few deep breaths then moved her healthy leg forward, but she went to far and lost her balance. Applejack tried her best to catch herself without using her injured leg, but it was no use as she felt the sickening weightless feeling of falling. “Gotcha,” Applejack craned her neck to see Spike holding her slightly off the ground. “I told you to take it easy.” he smiled.
“R-Right.” Applejack shook, caught by surprise of the fall and from Spike holding her.
“Let's try that again, but this time I'll keep you balanced.” he set her down and held on to her back.
“Please just scratch mah back a little is all I'm askin'.” Applejack though shaking violently. She tried again to stand on her three good legs while they were quaking and wobbling.
“Are you cold Applejack? You shouldn't be, it's the middle of summer.” Spike asked with a raised brow.
“No, that last fall kinda scared me.” “Why am ah lyin'?”.
“We could take a break if you want to.”
“I'll be fine.” “Not if you keep touchin' me...”
“Okay, are you entirely sure you're okay?”
“I'm absolutely positive.” “You just don't know what that claw of yours is doin' to me. Whoa!” Spike was shifting his position when he accidentally scratched that one spot on everypony's back that makes them go well near limp.
“Oh my goodness, Applejack are you okay?!” Spike panicked seeing her collapse.
“No ah am not okay in the least bit.” “Y... Yeah, I'm just not used to havin' mah back touched since ah can reach it mahself.” “Look who's finally bein' honest.”
“Oh thank the princesses, I thought I hurt you.” he said in a calmer tone.
“Oh, you were far from hurting me.” “Don't worry, I'm a-ok.” she said as she stood on all four of her hooves. “Ah know that you're a big dragon nd all, but you shouldn't blame yourself every time somepony is hurt...?” she trailed seeing Spike distracted. “What're you gawkin' at?”
“You're standing on all four of your legs!” he yelled excitedly. Applejack looked down to the parched dirt where she stood and saw that she was standing perfectly normally, then it began to fail as pain spread through her leg. “Whoa, gotcha!” Spike looked down on the cowgirl in his arms happily. “I think I know what you need to get past this.”
“What?” Applejack stuttered. He moved in closer. “What is he doin'?! I'm blushin' like a filly who just had an accident!” she thought.
“We need to keep your mind off of that leg.”
“H-huh?” Applejack asked in relief.
“When you were talking about how I shouldn't think that I always hurt somepony, what were you thinking?”
“Ah don't know, just....talkin' ah guess.”
“Exactly! You weren't focused on your leg which made you shrug off the pain. If you focus on something other than the pain that you'll feel when you walk you can be back on your hooves in no time.”
“That's a mighty fine idea.” she solemnly agreed.
“Don't you want to get back to apple bucking?”
“Yeah....ah do.” she sighed. “Stop lyin' darn it! Just kiss the dragon and tell him that you don't wanna buck apples no more!” “The sooner the better right?” “NOOOOO!”
“That's the spirit! Should we try again?” he said like an enthusiastic colt.
“No, I'm fine for today, but ah ain't goin' back in the house.”
“So you just want to relax here by the barn?”
“Yup,” Applejack simply responded. Spike picked up Applejack and walked over to her favorite tree. He set her down carefully and flopped down next to her sending the nearby dandelions flying. Applejack giggled at how this grown dragon could still act like he was still a baby. Spike finally settled down and closed his eyes.
“Always the first one asleep.” Applejack turned back to the view of the orchard and sighed then a familiar sensation crept up her spine. She looked at her back and saw his purple claw. She shuddered and dropped her head to the soft ground. She shot up then looked back at Spike.
“Who told ya to stop?”
“Sorry,” he whispered.
Sunday
Spike woke curled up on the floor in Applejacks room, slow as usual. He debated on whether he should get off his butt or just lay there all day then he remembered that he's here taking care of an injured earth pony. So he rose to his claws, stretched, and walked to the door. He stopped and looked down at a sleeping Applejack silently stirring. It reminded Spike of how he used to wake up Twilight on mornings similar to this. He left the room and looked around the hallway solemnly. He queued about what might happen to her and this house. Spike knew that if Applejack wasn't working the farm wouldn't make any money. With her hurt and Big Macintosh doing whatever bankruptcy was inevitable. Even with Applejack working not enough money was coming through. Spike thought on it then shot down the stairs and it the door with single-minded determination.
Applejack woke to the sound of a series of thuds. She looked around for Spike, but he was nowhere to be found. She lifted herself into her wheelchair then rolled over to her window. What she saw made her eyes go wide in joyful surprise. Spike and Zooey were outside collecting apples not as gracefully as she could though. She lept out of the chair and bolted downstairs.
Spike had just bucked a tree when he saw an orange figure rushing towards him. “Applejack?” she skidded to a halt in front of him. “Applejack why are you out here?” She paid him no mind, the only thing that she was focused on was how in the world did he get every apple down in one kick without damaging the tree.
“How did you buck this tree perfectly?” she asked in amazement.
“I've been watching you do it for years, plus about three excruciating hours with Big Mac.”
“Mac is here?”
“Yes he's here, now why are you here aren't you still hurt?” he asked sternly. She remembered what they had found out yesterday about her condition.
“Ah completely forgot about that.” she said in slight panic.
“Well are you?”
“Gettin' there.”
“You're thinking about it aren't you?”
“Tryin' my darnedest not to.” The longer she stood the higher her leg rose.
“Hmmm Okay, just look at me.” she looked up straight into his eyes. “Now just look at me and clear your mind of everything.” she continued to stare deep into his green eyes as if he put her in some hypnotic trance. “Does it still hurt?”
“N-no,” she whispered.
“Please go back inside before you hurt yourself again.” Applejack turned and trotted back to the house.
“Geez, what was that all about mate?” Zooey asked while carrying three baskets full of apples.
“I wish I could tell you. I honestly didn't believe that would work.”
“I guess all mares work in mysterious ways. Help me with this would ya?” Spike grabbed the extra bucket of of his back. “Hey, isn't she supposed to be hurt?”
“Yeah, but she's too stubborn to feel any.” Spike chuckled. “Let's get these over to Big Mac.”
Meanwhile inside Applejack sat at the kitchen table trying to calm herself down. “He was so close to me, AGAIN! It felt just like yesterday when we were outside and he caught me, and when we sat under mah tree.” she slammed her head on the table. “ Why am ah doin' this to mahself? I can't have him it's wrong, and he ain't in to mares like me. He wants somepony like Rarity. That's it! No, no, I'm not gonna do change anything about me. There's nothing wrong with me. Ah have all the qualities that any stallion would want, right?” she sat there wallowing in her self pity.
“Wow you've gotten pretty pathetic.”
“You can add crazy to that.”
“Some say that talking to yourself can help create your mind.”
“You only turn mah mind into a big mess.”
“I don't know how. We're the same pony, but I'm more truthful.”
“How in Equestria is that possible? If we're the same pony how can ah be more truthful than me?”
“Because I am willing to tell what I want, and we both want Spike. He's strong, caring, charismatic, and all around amazing.”
“I guess.”
“You know! Come on you're the element of honesty yet you keep lying to yourself. Stop denying what you want!”
“We are two different species.”
“Do you care?”
“No....”
“My point exactly. Go get him.”
Applejack pulled her head off the table and looked around. She limited offer to the window and watched the guys finishing up their work mostly paying attention to Spike. “This ain't gon' be easy.”
Applejack stood in front of her window waiting for the morning sun to peek over the horizon. As the first rays fought their way over the hills and trees Applejack sighed “It's officially apple buckin' day.”
“It sure is.”
“Not you again.”
“What's the matter, aren't cha happy to see me?”
“What do ya want?”
“Well, somepony's giving me the cold shoulder.”
“Just, go away okay!”
“I can't go away until you tell the truth, and you know it. This goes against everything that you stand for.”
“What do you know.”
“Uh, duh, I'm you! Or has taking too many apples to the head knocked a screw loose. If you don't tell him it will tear us apart from the inside out.”
“Ya don't know nothin'!” Applejack stomped her hoof.
“How do you know! I represent what you want most! What we want most!”
“So yer sayin' that ah' want mahself?”
Applejack's conscious morphed into Spike. “You want this and you can't deny it.”
Applejack stared at the manifestation of Spike longingly “Ah' can deny it all ah' want.”
“You're missing the point you stubborn...ugh! Listen to me; if you keep this up you'll only end up hurting yourself!”
“Ya' think ah' don't know that!” Applejack collapsed to the floor. “Ah' can't just walk up to him like ‘hey Spike, ah' love you and wanna spend the rest of mah natural life with ya'’.”
“Why can't you tell me that?”
“A-Ah' don't know if you feel the same way towards me.”
“Then don't wait to find out.” Applejack closed her eyes and puckered her lips as her conciseness neared. Inches away from each other they stopped. “I don't think you want to kiss yourself .” Applejack shot her eyes open and jumped back, face blazing red. “Now do you see my point?” her consciousness asked as it morphed back into Applejack.
“Y-yeh, but what if he says no or worse?”
“That's why it is always important to try.”
“Ah' just don't want to have my heart broken.”
“Spike would never do that to us.”
“Ah' don't wanna go through the pain. I'm already hurt.”
“You showed everypony yesterday that isn't enough to stop you.”
“But-”
“Hmph, I never knew we were the type of pony to back away from a challenge.”
“Ah' ain't never backed away from nothin'!” Applejack yelled getting back to her hooves.
“Exactly girl, there's that signature AJ fire! If we see an obstacle we...”
“Run over it, head on!”
“If we run into a wall...”
“We push through it!”
“We are Applejack: we don't back down, we never give up, and we never doubt who we are!”
“Yeah!”
“Great, now wake up.”
“Huh?”
“ You've been asleep this whole time. I'll be back you when you need me.”
Applejack woke in a cold sweat. It all had been a dream, but to get it felt all too real. Even if he was in her imagination being that close to Spike sent shivers down her spine. Then there was a knock at her door. “Sis, are ya awake?” Applejack hobbled off her bed. She opened the door, met with the large lumbering figure of her brother.
“Hey Mac.”
“Mornin' li'l sis. Are ya feelin' okay?”
“I'm fine.”
“...Well ah' made yer favorite breakfast.”
“Thanks...” Applejack began to make her way down the hallway.
“Don'tcha need yer chair?” His words fell on silent ears as Applejack disappeared down the stairs. As she entered the kitchen, her mouth began to water at the tantalizing aroma of a nice hot breakfast. There was a plate with a stack of pancakes.
“Ah' have to work the orchard so Rarity's comin' to watch you.” Big Mac came slowly down the stairs.
“Ah' don't need to be watched like a little filly...” She sat down at the table. Big Mac stopped at the bottom of the stairs.
“I'll be out buckin' then, bye.” with that he left the house and headed towards the barn. Applejack looked down at her food. “Just like the ones he made me yesterday.” she took a bite. “And jush as good too.” and swallowed. “At least he's tryin' ta make up for leavin' me here alone.” As Applejack enjoyed her breakfast there was a knock at the door. “Come in.”
“Good morning Applejack.”
“Heya Rarity.”
“My, that smells delightful, what is it?”
“Apple pancakes, want some?”
“No thanks, I just ate.” she took a seat at the table. “How are you feeling?”
Applejack swallowed then looked up to her. “Ah' feel fine...”
“Are you absolutely sure?”
Applejack turned back to her plate. “W-well, I've been thinkin' lately.”
“Thinking about what dear?”
“About mmm...m-mah relationship status.”
“Oh I see, and who is the stallion brave enough to steal your heart.”
He ain't no stallion. “Ah would rather not say.”
“I understand, confidentiality and all.” she leaned forward putting her hooves to her face. “Tell me a little about him.”
Applejack fumbled with her hooves before speaking. “He lives in Ponyville.”
“Yes,”
“He's lived her for quite some time.”
“Yes...”
“He works at the Sparkle library.”
“Stop beating around the bush Applejack. You're driving me crazy, just tell me.”
“It's Spike!” Silence settled in instantly. The awkwardness of the situation was so thick that you could almost feel it
“Spike... Well,”
“Ah' don't know why. He's just, just...” she slammed her head on the table.
“Ahem, well, what is it that you like about him?”
“He's always walkin' round with that big smile, he helps everypony no matter what situation they're in, he's always puttin' others before himself, and he's...well attractive.”
“Yes he is,”
“What?”
“Huh, oh nothing dear. But, why won't you just tell him how you feel?”
“I'm scared that he won't feel the same.”
“How is that not a reason to tell?”
“Because we're good friends, ah' don't wanna ruin that.”
“And you think that telling him will ruin your friendship?”
“Yes,”
“Applejack, look at me.” Applejack lifted her head to Rarity. “Filling your head with all that ‘ what if ’ will only make it worse. Trust me it's best that you tell him.”
“B-but-.”
“Ah,ah,ah, no buts. Ask him the next time that you see him.”
“Okay...”
“There now this has been bothering me for quite some time.”
“What is it?”
“How did you hurt yourself exactly?”
“Ah' was cartin' a wagon full of apples back to the barn when ah' heard something. The next thing ah' knew there were two red eyes starin' at me. Then it growled.”
“What happened next?”
“I ran. The only thing ah' remember after that was trippin' then hittin' mah head real hard; after that Spike found me.”
“Whatever that was really scared you didn't it?” Applejack nodded. “Have you any idea of what it could've been?”“Hopefully that's in the past.”
“Yeah... Hey rarity.”
“Yes.”
“Can ya go and get mah chair. Ah' don't think imma be able to walk anywhere else today.”
“Of course darling.” Rarity trotted up the stairs while Applejack continued eating.
Applejack and Rarity sat outside watching while Big Mac and Zooey worked tirelessly. Rarity glanced over to Applejack; noticing her smile she shifted some then spoke. “It's a beautiful day.”
“It surely is.”
“Honestly, I couldn't imagine a greater way to spend the evening.”
“Ah' always thought were the stay inside and work type.”
“I usually am, but since I have no orders or requests I can enjoy life the way it was meant to be.”
“Not for me.”
“What do you mean dear?”
“All mah life has been nothin' but work. Without it everything seems... Boring really.”
“That's your problem Applejack. You've become so enveloped in your work that you don't know how to live any other way.”
“Ah' suppose you're right, but without me how will the farm survive?”
“Well, from what I can see there are two strong stallions doing work that would've taken you hours to complete.” Applejack looked back and forth at the two then turned back to Rarity.
“What exactly are ya gettin' at here?”
“What I'm saying is that you can always rely on your friends if you need help. Never be afraid to ask.” Applejack smiled then turned her attention back to the working duo. Nearly an hour passed before Rarity noticed purple dragon galloping towards them.
“There goes Spike.” He ran over to Big Mac who had three carts full of apples. Rarity leaned over to applejack while keeping a watchful eye on their conversation. “What do you think they're talking about?”
“Ah' don't know, heck; ah' didn't even know Spike was supposed to be here!” Applejack scolded quietly.
“Now's your chance Applejack. Go tell him.”
Her expression changed in an instant. “...aah uh. Ya see ah'...r-really don't think that now is a good time.” Rarity looked at her with dead eyes. “What..?”
“Honestly Applejack, he's right there. If I were you I would run over to him, throw my arms around him, and say “I love you with all my heart”. Then again I'm not you.” Applejack prepared to protest; unfortunately for her she knew that every word out of Rarity's mouth was truth. She sighed, looking down on her lap as she did so.
“Applejack, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to...”
“Don't say a word. You're tellin' me that ah' need to stop bein' afraid of what might happen.” She put one hoof on the ground after the other, slowly lifting herself out of the chair. Standing confidently and triumphantly she began to make her way to the barn.
“Wait. Applejack, where are you going?”
“I'm taking your advice.” She trotted off to the barn.
Applejack eavesdropped on Spike who stood in the back struggling to attach himself to a cart. “Okay girl, you've got this.”
“C-come on you stupid piece of...”
“Ya' need some help?”
“There's no way you heard me.”
“Didn't need to.” she sauntered in. She walked seductively up to Spikes side while he stood confused at the way she was acting. “That's the problem.” she whispered, examining the hitch.
“What?”
“The lock is a li'l bit bent; let's see if we have any more.” she walked over to a supply closet, flicking her tail as she passed Spike.
“Are you feeling fine AJ?”
“Of course ah' am sugarcube.”
“You're acting weird.” she emerged with a less worn lock in her jaw.
“Ah' don't know vut yer talkin' 'bout Ficke.” she walked back over to him. “Imma need ya ta stay still.” Spike obeyed. She poked and prodded for sometime before locking him into place. “There ya go, sugar; got ya strapped in tighter than a pair of too little overalls.” Spike laughed some.
“Okay, I take that back. You're acting like Applejack again.”
She looked up at him with red cheeks. “You like the way I act?”
“I've never had a problem with it. I love you, like! Like you the way that you are.” he grinned hoping to be rid of the awkward atmosphere. “Not that I don't love you, but... not like that..... You're like a close friend to me, really close....I like to be around you...” they both stood as if they were waiting for someone to tell “cut”. Applejack hid her growing blush and smile under her hat.
“Thank ya kindly. Spike, I love....”
“C'mon Spike, we've gotta get this done!” Big Mac yelled into the barn.
“I gotta go. Talk to you later okay?”
“Bye Spike.” Just as Spike exited the barn Rarity walked in.
“How'd it go?”
“Rarity, I've never felt so flattered in mah life. Not even when Trenderhoof was here.” she fell back on a stack of hay.
“Why are we bringing that up again, Okay! So, what did he say that's gotten you so riled up.”
“I can in, actin' all feminine and such, he noticed and said that he loves me.”
Rarity gasped loudly. “He did!”
“Not exactly; he said that he likes me for me. He also said that he sees me as a really close friend, and that he likes to be around me.”
“Oooh this is so... I don't even know! I must tell everyone.” she flakes galloped out and was stopped by Applejack.
“Do not tell a soul.”
“Okay.”
“Ah' mean it Rarity.” she backed her ivory friend down.
“Fine, you're no fun.” she looked down at Applejack's legs.
“I didn't know you were back to full strength already.”
A stormy morning greets Applejack with a loud crack of thunder loud enough to shake mountains. This wasn't the first time a random thunderous boom woke her from her slumber. She should have prepared for it. Rarity did tell her the night before that the Pegasi would be gathering clouds for the next day, she didn't expect the outcome to be so loud. Well whatever the matter it woke her up when she would normally get up anyway. So she threw her comforter out of the way, rolled over onto the floor, and groggily trudged out of her room.
Applejack was no stranger to exhaustion, but every morning for the past year has been the struggle. She was inexplicably drained every day, and she could never find out why. Dragging her hooves on the worn and creaky floor, she made her way aimlessly to the stairs leading to the kitchen. One misplaced step later she came tumbling down only before being caught by someone familiar.
“You know you need to be more careful.”
“Sorry, I wasn't watchin' where I was steppin'...”
“Open your eyes AJ.”
“My eyes are open Spike, now more than ever.”
“Spike? Really Applejack, open your eyes!”
“Wait a minute...” Applejack opened her eyes finding herself flat on her back while Rarity stood offer her with a judgemental eye. “Rarity?” she groaned.
“Yes, Rarity. And what are you doing walking around with your eyes closed? You could have hurt yourself even worse than before.”
“My eyes were closed the whole time?”
“Yes... I heard you get up, so I decided to offer you some assistance. I kept calling your name but you wouldn't answer. It wasn't until you reached the stairs that I panicked. So I tried my best to hold you back, which um, didn't work as well as I hoped. So here we are with you on the ground, possibly hurt. Again...”
Applejack laughed at her obviously frazzled state. “You ain't been around the Apple family that much, have ya? These stairs have been fallen down since Granny Smith was a little filly.”
“I don't care how long you family has been falling down them, are you okay?”
“Yes Rarity, I am one hundred percent okay.”
“Good, I'm going to go find your wheelchair.”
“Why? I don't need it.”
“You need to rest that leg, and the only way to do that is to stay off it, correct?” Applejack shifted away. “Am. I. Correct?”
“Yes, Mom!”
“Marvelous, I'll be right back.” she trotted happily away. As she left Applejack got back up and dusted herself off some. “I know she means well, but I ain't no little filly...”
“You do know what she's trying to do, don't you?”
“Damn, not you again...”
“Yes me again.”
“Wait, what do you mean?”
“What, about Rarity? Nothing, other than she'll try to steal your dragon.”
“No she wouldn't!”
“What was that intensity?”
“What're your talkin' about?”
“You yelled as if you know it to be true, which it is.”
“Why do you keep bothering me?”
“Why so you keep suppressing me? I've told you before who I am and what I represent,” Spike formed in front of her.
“Stop doing that. I know it ain't real...”
“It is as real as you want to believe. Just talk to me, I'm right outside.”
“And how could you possibly know that?”
“Because we can see me.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“I meant that we could- I was saying- Just look out the Kitchen window, you'll see a big dope standing in the rain...”
“O-okay, thank ya kindly.” She woke up still on the floor at the base of the stairs. She could have sworn up and down that she had gotten up. Whatever the matter, she rose and made her way to the kitchen. Once again breakfast was laid out for her to enjoy. Pancakes topped with syrup butter and a slice of a Granny Smith apple, Apple fritters, and apple juice. There was no doubt that Spike was there, at one time at least. She inhaled a whole pancake, savoring the rich buttery flavor, and soft fluffy texture. “Most definitely Spike,” she gasped after taking a large gulp.
“There you are,” Rarity came with the wheelchair held in her magic. “Enjoying the breakfast?” she chuckled. Applejack nodded with building cheeks and a cheery smile. “Spike made the pancakes, I made the fritters, and the apple juice was from the cellar. I didn't know you had flat cider.”
“Something for the foals to drink...”
“I see.”
She pushed the stack away and picked up a fritter. “Speakin' of the big guy, where is he?”
“Who, Big Macintosh? He's in his room napping, I think.”
“No, I mean Spike.”
“Oh, he's standing out there in the rain. He's been out there for quite some time. I'll go see if he's okay.”
“Could I go?” Rarity looked on her with wide eyes. “If that's okay with you, y'know my injury and all...”
“Of course, but that is one ferocious storm. I don't know how he is able to withstand it all. Just proves how amazing dragons really are.”
“Yeah, they are pretty amazing...”
“Please don't stay out there long, I don't want you catching your death... Or worse.”
“Thank ya Rares.”
“Not a problem at all dear.” Applejack hurried out the kitchen in a flash of orange. “What just happened?”
Rain poured down, lightning flashed brilliantly in the distance followed by the roar of thunder. Spike sat on the muddy ground, his wings unfurled, and his head held high. To most, rain was somber and depressing, but to him rain was a familiar friend he loved to greet. When he was a baby dragon he'd stay up at night to watch what mother nature had to throw at Ponyville. His lament was cut short by hollow muddy hoofsteps approaching.
“I'm not coming in yet Rarity,” he said without looking to the intruder.
“It's me Spike.”
“Applejack?” he turned as quick as a whip. “What are you doing out here!”
“I uh j-just-” she moved her wet bang out of the way smearing mud across her forehead. “I wanted to- why are ya laughin'?”
“Because,”Spike snickered. “You smeared mud all over your face.”
“What, where?”
“On your forehead.”
She focused on the brown muck suck to the fur on her head. “I bet that’s really funny...”
“Well, not really funny but you did manage to make me lau-” Spike was cut short by a mudball slung directly towards his face.
“Haha! Is it funny now?” he didn't move. “Spike?” still no movement. “Spike get up. I know that didn't hurt you.” She approached him cautiously. “S-Spike?”
“Gotcha!” he rubbed a clawful of mud into her face. She stumbled back, wiped away the mud on her eyes, and began to laugh.
“Get ready big boy, cuz now you're gonna get it!”
Spike gulped loudly and tried to clamor to his feet before Applejack attacked. The mud was too slick. Every time he tried he fell back down. Something was off though. Applejack said that she was going to get him, but in his hastened panic he didn't notice she was nowhere to be found. He sniffed the air, but the mud masked her scent, he tried to hear but mud had gotten into his ears. Then he heard it. Loud, sloppy, wet hoofsteps coming fast. He found the culprit but it was too late. She tackled him to the ground in a messy heap of mud.
“Pinned ya!”
“No fair! You caught me off guard,” Spike protested.
“You weren’t paying attention. I saw an opportunity, and took it.”
“Yeah whatever,” Spike struggled.
“What’s the matter, can’t get up?”
“I can. This mud is slippery.”
“Admit it, I’m stronger.”
“I won’t because you aren’t.” Just then Spike found what he thought was sure footing only to slip. Applejack lost her hold and fell forward. Muzzle to muzzle they lay on the soggy ground. Spike’s breaths became short and sporadic while Applejack couldn’t breathe at all. A flash of lightning came down from the heavens behind them. The bright blue bolt shone in her eyes. Even wet and covered in mud and rain, she was one of the most beautiful mares he had ever laid eyes on.
To her he looked like a mess of purple and brown giving her a slack-jawed stare. His scales glittering under the rain, his eyes glowing against the darker ground. She caught her breath and stumbled to her hooves. With a violent shake she threw mud off in several directions. Then she calmly walked away leaving Spike on his back struggling to get free of the thick muck. “Applejack, wait!” he got to his feet then slipped and fell once again. “Applejack, please wait!” she was already inside.
That was it, the most intimate moment they would have, ruined by mixed feelings. Spike's heart sank, while Applejack's heart soared. She stood back to the door, holding her chest. The percussive thumping of her heart could almost be heard.
“Applejack, was that you?” Rarity entered to find a muddy and soaked mare clutching her heart. “Oh my goodness! Are you okay!” she put a hoof to her forehead. “Oh, I expected you to be freezing, but you're warm. Hot actually... Are you developing a fever?” Applejack shook her head slowly. “Then what could possibly be the problem. You look like you've seen a ghost.”
“You have no idea... I need to talk to Spike!” She opened the door behind her.
“Well, he just went home.” Applejack froze.
“Did he say what for?”
“He said that he was tired. He also seemed a little upset.”
“Upset? What do you mean?”
“He was quiet, and he looked sad really. I can't explain it, but I know something has troubled him.”
Had she hurt him in some way? All that happened was she tackled him, they were about to kiss and she- “No.” She ran past Rarity
“Where are you headed?”
“To straighten this out!” Rarity grabbed her back hoof with her magic and dragged her back leaving a streak of mud across the floor.
“I have obeyed your wishes up to this point, but no more. You are going to stay!”
“Let me go Rarity!”
“Why? It is muddy and wet out there. I am not letting you trudge around Ponyville, especially with your injury.”
“Let me go!”
“No!”
“Please, I need to tell him!”
“Tell him what!” Applejack struggled harder to break free. “Tell. Him. What!” Rarity roared.
“That I love him!” Applejack buried her face in her muddy hooves. She felt Rarity's magic fade. Rarity approached her, and lifted up one hoof. Applejack had her eyes shut tight with a frown. “There, are ya happy? The cat is outta the bag...”
“Well, more confused than happy,” Rarity replied simply.
“Why, because I love someone who isn't a pony?”
“No, because you felt the need to hide it.”
“What do you mean?”
She sat next to her. “It was obvious really...” Applejack looked up to her with begging eyes, asking her to divulge the information she kept. “In the hospital, when we were all there visiting you you were happy and joining in on our reunion, but when Spike arrived your eyes lit up and your smile widened.”
“Oh, you noticed that, huh...?”
“Oh yes, and when I picked you up, I heard you mumble “Spike” while sleep in the wheelchair.” Applejack looked away hiding her blush. “Also, he has been the only one to come visit you regularly, and I found him sleep in your room this morning.”
“Are you sayin' that he could like me too?”
“The only way is to ask him yourself.” Applejack got to her hooves.
“Thank ya Rares,” she said with a smile.
“Anytime dear, now you go and bathe while I clean up down here.” Applejack looked at the streaks and blotches of mud she left in her attempt to escape. “Good idea,” she chuckled. Applejack began to make her way up the stairs, but she stopped. “Hey, Rarity?”
“Yes?”
“Do you like Spike too. Like, are ya attracted to him?”
Rarity paused. “Well, I would be lying if I didn't say he wasn't attractive. For a dragon at least. He even looks better than some ponies, a lot of ponies in fact...”
“Rarity...”
“I am just saying, he's got this look about him now. It's just so alluring. And he most definitely does not lack muscle tone-”
“Rarity, I get it,” Applejack calmly interrupted.
“Right, sorry. I guess my mind went off on a few tangents.”
Applejack chuckled with a shake off her head and continued up the stairs. Now, she had to tell him. No backing out or acting shy and skittish. It shouldn't be too hard.
A few hours passed, Applejack was now clean and ready to come out about how she felt. She played what age would say over a thousand times in her head, plus one hundred more just to be sure. Nothing could stand in her way, except for the storm that's been raging for hours. “Those Pegasus sure do know how to put together one hell of a monsoon” she mingled while fumbling with her Stenson.
For the last few hours she went over how they played in the mud. Though it was brief, she enjoyed every moment of it. Her on top of him, feeling the heat rise from his smooth muscular belly. His goofy grin, and those eyes. They could see deeper into one's soul than- Applejack shook her head violently. “Gotta save all that romantic stuff for later. When it really counts.” she looked at her window. “If this storm doesn't give way by then...”
She flopped back onto her bed, staring at the l orange ceiling. Moments later Rarity appeared at her door with a pleading smile.
“Why are you lookin' at me like that?”
“No reason.” her smile grew larger and more needy.
“You're scarin' me...”
“Calm down, I just want to talk.”
Applejack gave a skeptical look. “Talk about what?”
“There's no need to be suspicious Applejack. I'm just trying to pass the time, seeing as it is soul crushingly boring here... How do you deal with it?”
“Work takes up most of it. Other'n that I nap or walk around town to see what everypony is up to.”
“I see why you can't do that...” a brilliant flash of lightening illuminated the room followed by a hard of crack thunder. Applejack jumped some while Rarity stood unfazed. “Applejack, are you scared of thunder?” Rarity giggled.
“N-No! That's just caught me by surprise is all...”
“You jumped pretty hard. And you hid under your hooves.”
“You were lookin' at the window. You saw it comin', I didn't.”
“Let's forget about that. Let's just talk about...” she hopped on the bed. “Talk about... Well, things as they are right now.”
“Huh?”
“You know, our lives right now.”
“Oh, well nothin' had really been all that different for me. Other than the injury and Spike...” she blushed. “But yeah, nothin' eventful aside from that.”
“I understand, life gets so dull when you don't have anyone to share it with...”
“Don't ya have some rich Canterlot unicorn or somethin'?”
“I find that to be contrived and offensive,” Rarity huffed with dignity.
“Oh, sorry-”
“Besides, he couldn't handle my work schedule.”
Applejack slammed her face into the sheets with a chuckle. “What do ya mean he couldn't handle your work schedule?”
“All he wanted was sex, sex, sex. I didn't have a problem with that but-”
“Heh, naturally...” She shot daggers at Applejack. “Sorry...”
“Anyway,” she cleared her throat. “I was working on a very lucrative project at the time, and had no time for fooling around,” she gave a mischievous grin. “I know you understand how work gets in the way of having a little fun.”
“What are you gettin' at?” she frowned.
“I'm not gettin' at anything darling.”
“Are you saying I never fooled around!”
“I never did, and why so aggressive?”
“Because I'm thinking I hear fighting words tickle my ears. Are them fighting words, or term of endearment? One of 'em ends very badly...”
“Applejack,” Rarity laughed. “I'm poking fun. I'm sure you've had your fun under the sun, so to speak.” Applejack lowered her hoof with a pout. “My apologies, I was completely out of line.”
Applejack's fur turned as red as a fresh apple, she she avoided Rarity's gaze. “I... I-I haven't had any 'fun under the sun'... ever...”
“Wait, you're still a-” she covered her mouth “a virgin?”
“Y...yes...” Applejack muttered.
“Wow, how old are you again?”
“Rarity!”
“What? I'm curious. You're still untouched. I never would have really figured you to sleep around, but I thought you would have done it at least once.”
“I never had any time...”
“Well, you really don't need time to get together for some fun,” Rarity chuckled.
“I don't just want to go out there and spread my haunches just to have some 'fun'. I want it to actually be out of love, not for senseless pleasure...”
“I see... Is that what you want Spike to do?” Applejacks eyes went wide as dinner plates. She never really thought about that. Would would a dragon be like, and could it happen. Well of course, they both have the necessary <ahem> parts. But, what would it be like? A question that would plague her mind until the day came, if it did. “Well Applejack?”
“Oh, uh. I dunno, it would be nice...”
“It would be nice? Just admit it, it's only us in here.”
“I would like for Spike to, d-do me.” her snout was now a blazing crimson.
“That wasn't hard, now was it?”
“No...”
“Thank you. We should talk more often, I'd like to know some more interesting things about you.”
“There's a lot,” Applejack Chuckled.
“Oh look.” Rarity pointed to the window. Outside the sun began to peek out from behind the clouds while small patches of rain wisped away. “Thank goodness, I can leave now.”
“Huh?”
“Oh, I was waiting for the rain to stop before I left.”
“Oh...”
“Now that the storm has passed, you can go talk to a dragon about something. But maybe it's best to wait.”
“What! Why?”
“So you don't get all muddy again,” Rarity simply answered.
“Right, sorry.”
“Don't worry darling, I'll be downstairs until I leave. If you need anything just ask.”
Applejack looked up at the sun beating through her window full of hope and confidence. Until she heard an odd scraping noise coming from behind her. She turned to see Big Mac emerging from under her bed.
“What in tarnation! Mac, what're ya doing in here!” Big Mac bolted out. “Mac, now you get your butt back here!” she took off after him.
“Alright then Applejack. Are you ready to leave?” Applejack nodded slowly. The rains finally passed. Now she was free to go about the rest of her day. As she stepped outside, the cool moist air chilled her fur, and the smell of wet earth and grass tickled her nostrils. “Let’s get going then.” Her and Rarity walked tandem through the still soggy mud. With every step Rarity would squeal and jump at the mucky mushy material under her hooves.
“Still can’t stand to get a little dirty, huh?” Applejack poked.
“It’s not that,” Rarity scowled. “Do you know how hard it is to get mud from in between your hooves? I knew I should have brought my galoshes…”
Applejack looked at her hooves. “I never really have a problem gettin’ the mud and dirt from in between my hooves.”
“Well, you’re used to it…”
“Are ya tryin’ to say I’m dirty?”
“No. I am saying you’re a hard working mare who is used to more laborious and straining tasks, that usually involve mud and muck. That’s one of the reasons why I admire you…”
Applejack stopped. “You admire me?”
“Well, yes… Is that a problem?”
“No… I never figured that you of all ponies would look up to me…”
“Oh, I never said I looked up to you,” Rarity chuckled. “What I said was that you are an inspiration to all mares really.” She continued on. “I am going to head home now, Opal has most likely ripped Sweetie to shreds by now… You’ll be fine on your own, right?”
Applejack laughed gallantly. “Did y’all forget who you’re talkin’ to?” she crossed her hooves. “I’m Applejack, and ain’t nothing too tough for me!”
Rarity gave her a genuine smile. “Goodbye Applejack. I’ll see you soon.”
“I'll see ya later Rarity! And hopefully I'll be a coupled mare when you do...”
It was dark, quiet, and calm. Just the way that Spike looked it whenever he was troubled. The last encounter he had with Applejack played over and over in his head. Everything was going right, what does he do wrong. Did he look at her wrong? Or maybe he touched her inappropriately. “Damnit Spike!” he roared, lighting the dark space around him. “No, that wasn't it... I just sat there. Maybe that was it, I was too scared... I wonder how hard it is to woo a dragon?” Just then he heard a light knock. “Who in the world-” the knock grew louder. “Oh boy... The library is closed until dawn, if you are returning a book please drop it in the returns slot!”
“I'm not returning anything Spike!”
“Applejack?”
“Hey there big guy. Mine is I come in?”
“I uh, of course come on in.” Add she walked by a horribly putrid scent filled the air. The scent grew stronger then died down, eventually fading. “That's odd...”
“What did ya say?”
“Nothing. So what brings you by?”
“I just wanted to talk about some things...”
“Oh, okay...” He closed the door unaware of the danger they were both in.
“So, uh. What brings you by at such a late hour?” Spike asked while locking the door. Applejack was barely visible in the faint candlelight coming from upstairs, but he could that she was unsteady and nervous.
“Well, y-you know that we've been spending a awful lot of time together and,” she stopped, her body trembling under the weight of her nerves. “And, I… I want to tell ya something,” she took several deep breaths. “This isn't easy for me to say…” she closed her eyes. “Ever since you were no more than a little dragon, I thought you were cool. That cute li’l thing runnin’ around, gettin’ into trouble, always there for everypony. Kinda made me a little jealous cause Twilight had you all to herself,” she chuckled.
Spike sat there. Listening intently, trying to brush off what she said about him earlier. He tried to poke holes in her confession but to no avail. He felt what she was saying was true, and he wanted to hear more. “Are ya still there…?” Applejack asked the dim room.
“Y-yeah, I'm here,”Spike replied.
“Where was I,” she coughed, pushing the forming lumps from her throat. “After, we all Split, ya know. Twilight Staying in her castle, you here, and the others following their lives. I felt, alone… Granny passed, Applebloom was growing up, and Mac wouldn't come home for days…” her voice became heavy and weary. I would work everyday to provide for a family that wasn't there anymore… No one would visit ‘cept for you,” then her tone began to perk up. “You, that cute energetic dragon,” Spike smiled bashfully. “Came just to say hi, or give me a book. I saw you grow into the perfect… uh. What do ya call an adult dragon?”
“I don't know. I think it's just dragon,” Spike answered.
“Well, heh. Yeah, you grew up into this amazing dragon. You grew to be better than any stallion I've ever met… Smart, r-really good lookin’,” she said quietly. “And just, amazing. Then you come and save my life, nurse me back to health, and all I can say is I-” she choked back her words. Everything inside of her screamed to let it out, to tell him that she loved him. But fear held her back. The fear of rejection followed by several tins of apple pie. The fear of putting her heart on the line only to have it stepped on. The fear of-
“You what, Applejack?” Spike sat in front of her. His eyes glowing a soft emerald green that she loved so dearly.
“I-I love-” *clash* A window shattered sending a rush of cold air that extinguished the candles leaving the library dark. Applejack huddled closer to Spike, darting her eyes around, searching for the most miniscule amount of light. The darkness came on so sudden that Spike even had trouble with finding the faintest light. Then a low rumbling growl filled the air around them, followed by a stench more foul than the pits of Tartarus could muster. By the time Spike realized it was too late.
Applejack felt a strong pair of jaws grip her tail and drag her away. “SPIKE!” she shrieked as she was taken away.
“APPLEJACK!” Spike leapt into action, only to be stopped by a two sets of glowing green eyes. “You Timberwolves are going to pay!” he spat with deadly passion. They began to circle him, both snarling and snapping their jaws. Spike stood attentive, making sure that there was no weakness that they could exploit.
As a flash of lightning illuminated the room, the first wolf attacked, lunging for Spike’s wing. He missed and was met with a powerful blunt swipe from Spike’s tail, then the other jumped onto Spike's back and began tearing at his neck. His scales were tough enough to dull a knife blade, but against Timberwolf teeth they were like paper to scissors. Spike roared from the pain ripping down his spine. With a strong beat of his wings he took to the air with the wolf still biting away at his neck. He slammed the creature against the ceiling of the library, releasing its grip. He then grabbed on of its hind paws and held him face to face. Another flash of lightning revealed the true extent of Spike’s fury.
His eyes burned a blazing green, and his chest and mouth were ablaze with scores of fire waiting to be unleashed. “This is where you die!” he coldly scowled before letting loose a torrent of fire, reducing the wolf to nothing but a smoking pile of ashes. He turned his attention to the other wolf. He landed, flared his wings and let go of a bloodcurdling roar that would rock even the most stoic ponies to the core. “Your next!” he growled. He lunged at the remaining Timberwolf and bit its head off, leaving the body to twitch and convulse. He spat the head out, and bolted out of the door. He could smell her, the scent of a pony and a Timberwolf were still fresh. “Hang on Applejack, I'm coming…”
Still caught in the teeth of the strongest wolf, Applejack yelled and screamed for help. She would squirm, kick, and even buck at the wolf, but the more she tried. The more its grip tightened. “So you're the one I ran from…” she sighed in defeat. “You've been waiting for me for nearly a month to take me… Now, you're gonna eat me, and I'll...I'll…” she began to sob. “I'll really die alone…” There it was. The edge of the Everfree forest. Her final resting place, somewhere in the middle of the woods in the belly of a hungry Timberwolf. Just then a loud roar resonated through the stormy night. The wolf stopped, looked in the direction of the roar, then took off into the Everfree.
Applejack had no idea what that was that spooked him, only that she was being thrashed around painfully by her tail. The pain from her hair being pulled to being cut bruised and essentially beaten by dense thorny foliage was almost too much to bear. “Ma… Pa… I'll see y'all soon…” She was finished. There was no fight or hope left. The the acceptance of the reality that these were her final moments sunk in and she felt, at peace.
Then that roar resounded through the woods again, this time much louder and closer. Then with a cacophonous thud she hit the ground released from the Timberwolf’s death grip. She stood unsteadily in the middle of a clearing with a battle taking place. She couldn't make out the shapes in the darkness, only a the wolf who carried her, and something smaller with wings. Then a jet of fire came from the scuffle, revealing Spike clawing and biting at the wolf. The two fought so furiously, the ground shook, and the trees waved and waned. Blow after deafening blow could be heard, ripping and snarling, growling and hissing filled her ears. In midst of the horror, she couldn't tell who had the upper hand, Spike or the wolf.
Then yet another bloodcurdling roar ripped through the air. Spike was thrown back while the Wolf lethargically limped away, with no jaw and a missing eye. Spike lay in the mud motionless. “Spike…?” Applejack questioned with worry. She approached him, and what she saw brought tears to her eyes. His left eye has a gash going down to his snout, his face was laden with multiple cuts and a long open cut started from his chest and ended at his tail.
“Spike, please no…” Applejack cried. “Please don't leave me alone. I love you, please don't go…” she sobbed on him, lamenting the loss of her first love.
“Applejack, p-please get off…” Spike groaned.
“Spike?”
“Please, I think that leg is broken…” He winced.
“Thank sweet mother of Celestia! You're alive!” She hugged him tightly.
“I am, I am, now please get off!” he shouted in pain.
“Oh, I-I’m sorry. I'm just… You're alive…” she cried out of joy.
“Thank Celestia…” Spike sighed. “But, I'm pretty banged up. D-Do you think you can help me…?”
“Of course.” She helped him to his paws, and saw the true extent of the Damage the Timberwolf inflicted. “Oh my goodness,” she gasped.
“I did it for you… I love you too Applejack.”
“R-really?”
“Yes… I don't want to ruin our moment but I need to get to Twilight…”
“Twilight? Why not the hospital?”
“I ah!” he cried as he stepped on his broken leg. “Definitely broken!”
“Can you balance on the other three?” Applejack asked in worry.
“I'll try…” He hobbled like a club hoofed pony but it worked.
“Why do you need to see Twi?”
“I doubt a pony doctor can heal wounds on a dragon. Especially ones that are this bad,” he explained.
“Right, I’ll get you there…”
Three Weeks Later
Another bright day graces the small town of Ponyville. Applejack strolled down the busy streets with a pep in her step, and an upbeat attitude. She was on her way to visit her newfound love as he recovered from his injuries. “Good morning Ms. Applejack,” Twilight’s royal guards greeted.
“Mornin, fellas. Is it alright for me to visit today?”
“Yes, in fact the Princess and the rest of your friends have been waiting for you.” The pushed the massive crystal door open.
“Thank ya gents,” Applejack trotted on with a cheery smile. She made her way through a few corridors decorated with stained glass mosaics of adventures past. All of the times that her and her friends banded together to defeat a new foe, or some random event. She continued on and made her way to the renovated study that Spike was being treated in.
“So I'm flying overhead, looking for this big ugly Timberwolf that has Applejack. When I find him I go into a dive and tackle him-”
“Releasing me while you fought bravely against the terrible beasty,” Applejack interrupted.
“Applejack,” they all cheered.
“Howdy y'all. How's he doing?”
“He's doing great, didn't you just hear the story of how he eighty sixed three Timberwolves single hoofedly?” Rainbow Dash geeked.
“I know, Rainbow. I was there.”
“This is one crazy bloke though. Three Tims in one sittin’? I couldn't even handle a pup,” Zooey added. “Yeah, well being crazy costed me thousands of bits on medical supplies and medicine,” Twilight commented. “But he's healing up good. What I don't get is, why they broke into the Library to take Applejack.”
“Yeah, I thought they would have eaten her for sure. Ooh, Applejack, what do you think you taste like?” Pinkie asked.
“I dunno, pony?”
“I bet you taste like a mango. Mmm, mango Applejack, maybe that's why that nasty wolf kidnapped you.”
“Settle down Pinkie Pie. I'm sure that Spike here will find out what she tastes like very soon,” Rarity added. Twilight covered her face with her hooves while Pinkie Rarity, Zooey, and Rainbow Dash giggled and snickered. Applejack and Spike both turned as red as a tomato and Fluttershy sat confused.
“What? I don't get it.” Rainbow whispered into Fluttershy’s ear, telling her the complicated nuances of the joke. “Oh my goodness, why would he do that? What if he actually ate her?” Rainbow and Zooey both fell over with laughter.
“I dunno, I guess she'd still taste like mangoes,” Pinkie added.
“Pinkie Stop, you're killing me,” Rainbow Dash, chortled, gasping for air.
“Well, since we're talking about what should happen behind closed closed doors, Rarity!” Twilight scolded.
“What?” Rarity asked, attempting to come off as innocent.
“How about we give them some privacy.” she shooed everyone out closing the door behind her. Applejack came closer to him.
“Are you sure you're okay darlin’?”
“Yeah, I told you Twilight would be better than a doctor.”
“Yeah,” she traced her hoof along the long vertical scar on his snout. “I'll be honest with you. When that thing carted me off into the Everfree forest I thought I was done for… I even told my Ma and Pa I'll see ‘em soon. Then my angel came and saved my life, almost at the expense of his own…” Spike looked away from her pleading eyes. “Spike, just the thought of losing you, not only as a lover, but as a friend is too much to bear. Please promise me you'll stay with me no matter how dangerous life gets.”
“I shouldn't make a mare a promise I can't keep… But I promise to love you always, no matter who or what tries to tear us apart.”
“I like that promise. I love you Spike…”
“I love you too Applejack.” They shared their first kiss. On the outside Spike was trying to hold it together while on the inside he was jumping for joy at finally having his first kiss. Applejack completely melted into the passion. She was going over how if he wasn't healing, and if they weren't in a castle surrounded by friends, she would take him to heaven.
“Awww, that's so sweet,” Pinkie cooed. Standing in the doorway, all of their friends watched them as if they were a movie being played at the theater.
“Now what in tarnation are y'all doing back in here?” Applejack scolded.
“We were trying to find out why it was so quiet,” Pinkie answered.
“I tried to stop them but-”
“Twilight please,”Rarity interrupted. “You were as curious as the rest of us.”
“Whatever,” Twilight denied.
Friends united, love found and one mare near the end of her rope finds the strength to climb again thanks to the love of her dragon. The apple won't fall anymore. Not with the support of her tree of love holding her firm.
After Word
Okay so I know a lot of you are screaming “Well it's about damn time Mr_Rager,” and I know I've tested your patience long enough. But I have finished one of my trendsetter hallmark stories. And some really good news to go with that, there will be a spinoff clopfic for those who might want to read something a little naughty, and a sequel (pending title) that will be more of a modern family style fic, centered around Spike and AJ. Thank you all for being such loyal readers. I'll see you all in the next story. Bye-Bye!
