>"Applejack, Big Mac"
>The soft breeze the shook the tree in Sweet Apple Acres did nothing for you
>Every tree looked to stand a mile high and spread its branch that much and some
>"Applejack, Big Mac
>You wiped the sweat from your brow with head hand, though the dirt on the glove only made you uglier
>Looking at the direction of yelling, you see a cute little sister running your direction
>Hopping over branches, skipping over roots, and jumping over mole hills, she flails her arms wildly as she too slowly realizes the momentum of her sprint
>You come closer to intercept her and with arms raised, and just as she infront of you, you pounce
>Snatching her up
>Thank God, you get to enjoy how slowly Applebloom's growing up, else you never get the pleasure of being an older sister who can handle her sibling like this
"Woah, there short stuff. I got ya."
>She isn’t going to trip and fall over on your watch
>You pull her in tight
"And as a token of gratitude, you better give your big sis a hug"
>Though you love and look out for her, she still can't appreciate being smothered, despite your best efforts
>"Hey, stop it, Applejack. Stop. I was fine."
>She squirms out of your grip and you have no choice, but to release her
>You woulda wrestled her down outright hadn't she come to you intentionally
>Standing up tall, you address her
"So, what's got ya back at the orchard? I thought you was playin your friends?"
>"I was, but then I saw Anon, and I raced over here."
>A fly couldn't beat its wings faster than you grabbed Applebloom's shoulders
"Wait. Hold on. Anon? Really? For real?"
>"Honest. I saw him. He was on his horse comin through town, and I raced all the way over here to tell ya"
>You couldn't stop yourself from smiling
>Anon's coming back
>The steady pace of the clip-clop of horse shoes preceded a deep hollering 
>"Applebloom! What's going on!?"
>Big Mac rounded the path near your section of tree, from atop the old, wooden cart he drives
>You turn to him, bearly able to make out pieces of him from the foliage
"Ain't nothin to worry bout Big Mac! Anon's in town!"
>You can't see him, but you can make out the expression from imagination
>From concern to calm, he returns to taking care of the chores
>Course he's excited and all, but nothin less than a necessary will rouse Big Mac
>And Anon's more an occasion than an emergency
>So till Anon walks through the front door, Big Mac'll contain himself
>Big Mac's…
>He's…
>What's that fancy word he learned when he went to college?
>Lacronic
>Leconic
>Eh, it doesn't matter none
>He didn't come back any smarter than when he left
>Not that he's dull, no, that'd be too easy 
>Instead he spent the days flirting with the teacher
>Everyone could tell he was msitten
>It was so obvious, it's almost embarrassing 
>No one spends a day hittin the books and come back with a goofy smile
>Boy had it bad
>Did make for a good bit of ribbing since, though, so you figure it was worth spending the money those fancy books
>"Hey, Applejack, aren't you going to go see Anon?"
"Nah, Applebloom, Anon'll come over to visit, soon as he's done palling around Ponyville."
>"When do you think he'll stop by?"
>When all the works already done
>You keep your wit to yourself and smile
"When Anon stops by, he comes 'round evening time"
>And leave around dawn, before anyone can say anything about it
>Learned that one the hard way when you were about Applebloom’s age
>You remember Dad used to be peeved about it, but always said nothing could be done
>Still had trouble staying up the last couple times he came and went
>"Really?"
"Yup, so I figure I'll just see him later, but you can probably hunt him down and pester him now if you're quick enough to catch his trail"
>"I do NOT pester!"
"Yeah, yeah, move along now, before I find you something to do"
>And like a whisper in the wind, your little sister's gone before you could turn around
>You chuckle a bit
>Maybe Anon's a bit more of an Apple than we gave him credit for
>You return to looking for fruit ready for picking
>Looking around, you continue to spot low hanging trees
>No, you'd have time before Anon gets back
>Anon doesn't fancy big welcomes or goodbyes
>He's a drifter
>According to Granny, he always has been
>Taking the odd jobs
>Sometimes cattle herding
>Sometimes playing cards
>Sometimes riverboat muscle
>Sometimes horse trading
>But never a growing apples
>You fill your lungs deep with hot, musty air
>The morning precipitation hadn't totally dispersed, only making the glare of the sun reach even further than the light's touch
>Shade under the apple trees were no shelter for you or any who dares to work a good day's turn 
>But you're an Apple
>And when something needs to get done an Apple get's it done
>And nothing's gonna keep an Apple from a good harvest
>Unless they're the vagabond named, Anonymous

>Dust blew in the humid evening
>Despite the sun barely peeking through clouds, just roughly over the horizon , the damn place was always humid
>Never liked living here
>Despite the good company here
>Be Anon
>The worst Apple this side of Dodge
>The only reason you call yourself Anon, was because you couldn't right call yourself an Apple
>Not that you were a real bad seed, you just didn’t make a good Apple
>Maybe for the best, since the matter of who gets the farm was easy with you out the picture
>Also kept trouble from following you back home
>Trees lined both sides of the trail
>Though the dirt road is wide enough for five men shoulder to shoulder, more than wide enough for you and your horse, the trunks of the trees make you feel small
>With how low the sun is, you make your way by memory at this point, more than sight
>A nice farm with a nice view of the countryside
>A nice family to welcome you home
>A nice warm meal and bed, should your heart ever ache
>It's all too good for you
>Damn near envy what your brother had here
>Ya miss him, too
>Only reason you come as much as you do is for the big cuss
>A short visit
>A nice talk with the little ones
>Get a lecture from Mom
>A bit of cash to tide them over, should somethin happen while you ain't looking
>Altogether not much, but you do what you can with what ya got
>You rear up to the end the bend and spot the clearing where a cozy, lit cabin house stands next to a dirty, red barn
>Not noticing your smile, you come up to the cabin a bit too eagerly, because now you got yourself
>"Anon!"
>Nearly yelled out ‘shit’ but stop yourself when you recognize the voice
>You look to the source in the dark and find a little girl running from the shadow of the house
>Came out so suddenly, nearly spooked you off your horse, not that you'd ever admit it
"Applebloom? Is that you?"
>You dismount just quickly enough to turn and catch the little girl in your arms
"Ah, c'mere you!"
>She giggles and laughs as you toss her into the air and hold her up high
>Seems your niece's and nephew always kept getting faster as they grew
>A little too soon to say you're getting slower, though you'd get ribbed for it by Granny
>You hold her up high, just enough so that the last red hues of sunlight shone on her face
>The scene is bittersweet
>The cute little redhead with a golden laugh and big, pink bow
>Almost enough to make you throw it all in and spend everyday watching her grow
>But then again, she's not your daughter
>You're not the one who should get to see them grow up like this
>You put her down gently
>"Uncle Anon, you stayin' for dinner?"
"Couldn't keep me away at gunpoint"
>"You sure about that?"
>You look over to the porch to see the big lug in a red shirt and large, faded blue overalls
>A look that'll win you the trust of all honest men, but not a heart of any lady with standards
>"I know what Granny's cooking, and I'm figuring that one less man to feed, there might be enough for seconds"
>You stop to put your hands on your hips
"Oh, I see. So the little runt's stomach is what pushed him to college. You go off to some fancy schooling only to come back and justify taking my plate. And here I thought it was cause you make a good act o’ being a love sick puppy."
>And just like that, his bravado is snuffed
>With a  heavy sigh, he asks, "No one's ever gonna get sick of bringin that up, will they?"
"That diploma of yours still on the wall?"
>"Eeyup"
"Then it'll always be funny"
>You smug grin only grows further at Big Mac's lament
>There's no squirmin left out of him, so you walk up to the porch bring him in for a hug
>Patting his back twice, you let him go and look him up and down
>He looks tall
>He looks strong
>And, god damnit, he's actually starting to look like a man for once
>Even with how old he is, he still is growing
>If Bright Mac’s anything to go by, Big Mac should stop growing in maybe a year or so
>That’s when the big lug stopped
>"Anon? That you?"
>You peak around Big Mac and see the middle child of the trio
"Haha, golly, first Big Mac, and now you? What Granny been feeding you lot?"
>"Nothin you haven't had before."
>She moved in to embrace you, and bring in tight
>Though you'd regret it
>You just said she was getting older
>Well, you got a reminder that girls don't just grow up
>Cutting it a bit brief, you pull her away to get a good look at her
"Damn, how long has it been since I was last here?"
>"I'm not sure bout that, but the last time I saw ya, was two years ago"
>Two years?
>That's it?
>When she was hugging you, you almost felt like you wrestling a constrictor with the way her arms flexed 
>Girls got a load of tight muscle
"Well, I'm glad to see you three now,"
>"I bet," Applejack looks at you smugly, "You got here just in time-"
>You hold up a hand and wave her off
"I know, I know. Let me take care of my horse, so we can get supper started"

>Granny sat at the other end of the table seeing as how she's the eldest
>To your side, Applebloom insisted on sitting next to you
>Across from you sat Applejack and next to her Big Mac
>The table's so big, yet the set up made it all look so small
"What's occasion Granny?"
>"Ain't often you show your hide 'round here. Always could be the last time"
>There she goes, already trying to guilt ya
>You take it in stride though
>Nothing you ain't used to
"And I always do come back"
>"You say that now, but I remember the first time."
>Ah, not this story again
>She always loved to harp on about how you were a kid, and you got whipped by her
>And you ran away
>Only to come back half-starved and bruised up a week later
>Mom always loved to use this story
>You throw your hands up
"Can we just say grace?"
>Granny gives you angry look, but relents
>She can nag my ear off when the food's not busy getting cold
>And she will too
>Applebloom, Applejack, and Granny all have their heads bowed
>Big Mac looks to you and you nod, before he bows his head to
>Putting your hands together, you close your eyes
"Dear heavenly Father, we thank you for this day that we may all come together yet again. We pray for your protection and for a continued prosperous future ahead of us. Amen"
>"Amen"
>Every follows up in unison
>Taking a second to look at your options
>There's dirty bread rolls, dirt pot roast, dirty apple pie
>You roll your eyes
>You already hear it in your head
>Every time she picks from the vegetable garden of hers for meals, she gets more soil into then fruit in the pot
>And everytime you suggest to her, she wash her hands 'fore she starts cooking it'll always go one of to ways 
>>"I ain't no barber"
>Or
>>"A little dirt never hurt you none, at least when you work with your hands that is"
>Everytime
>Rather then repeat tradition, you'd spare your ears and pick some food for your plate
>Be better off talking about something productive
"Big Mac, is there anything good to drink round here?"
>"Eeyup. We still have some cider from last season stored up"
>You ask him for some, and after a short trip he brings you a mug
>This is the only place on God's green earth where you get this modicum of respect
>Ask for a drink, get a drink
>Simple as that
>No haggling, no rejection
>Really makes you feel welcome
>"Can I have some Anon? Just a sip"
>You know better than to offer right away though
"Can she, Granny?"
>"If ya try giving her a drop, you're gonna have a rough time eatin dinner with a broken jaw"
>And she just might mean what she says
>You turn to the little munchkin and shrug innocently, but her sad eyes just rip your heart to ribbons
>A quick glance at Granny shows she's not paying too much attention, so you cup a hand to your mouth and whisper to Applebloom
"Ask me again later"
>Her face lights up and you wink at her
>Whether Granny didn't really hear or if she's choosing to ignore it is a mystery to you
>The pot roast melts in your mouth, and even with the taste a mud on the tip of it, you still can't help your appetite
>The others eat with just as much vigor, cept Granny
>She only eats a morsel in front of you and not much more
>Don't know how she lives on that
>Truth be told, as a boy you always were figuring she snacking while no one was looking, but you spent a day spying on her and she didn't take a bite cept the small portion at breakfast and dinner
>Never figured how she does it
>She was pregnant at one point with you and Bright Mac, but you don't have the mind to ask her about it
>"So Anon," Applejack starts, "where you been lately?"
>You finish your bite and lean back on your chair
>Bad habit you can't seem to kick, though Granny tried to break it out of you
>But luckily, since she's on the other side of the table, she can't do much to tip you over
"Well, I working as a dealer up in a casino just south of Rino, before my friend stirred up a bit of trouble"
>Granny tsked at you
"I didn't do nothing wrong. I wasn't involved," you whined
>Applejack promptly asks
>"So why leave?"
"My friend was between jobs, as it happens, and was palling around with me for a couple days." ~~~
>Swell guy
>Probably on the more tamer side of friends you have, though not as tame as Mr. Cake
>The man got bought and sold as soon he laid eyes on his wife
>And just after they married, she got fat, but anyways
>No, Harpo was a music man
>An honest, hardworking music man
>But was a fool too
>Fell in love with your, then, boss's daughter
>She even already engaged 
>Didn't matter much to him, as long as there's a chance no matter how small
>And the fool-girl fell for him too
>Ended up with a fight with the fiancé in the street 
>Made a real big mess out of it
>He lost and ran out of town, but not without making the to-be husband a lot less pretty than he was before, though Harpo seemed to have no scars despite how thoroughly roughed up he got.
>After the fight, you got one look from the boss and you knew it was over
>Didn't even wait to be asked
>After you tell them all this, Granny seemed to smile
>"Now, that seems like a bit trouble you could use more of. Not having a lousy friend that is, but falling for a girl and working to get her. You would do better being a little more romantic"
>You exhale and lean back a little more
>Now her mood went from admiration for your friend to nagging 
>"That goes for all three of ya. Big mac, when are you goin' ask out that fine teaching lady"
>Big Mac just looks away 
>He's not hankering to talk about it
>But from the calm on his face, you'd say he's already gone a ear-full more than 
>"And Applejack, you aren't gonna stay young and pretty forever. If you keep trying to do Big Mac's jobs you'll end up with leather skin and wrinkled face"
>Applejack sighs, but rather than be silent, you say jokingly 
"She's right you know. Just look at Granny's, she’s looked the same since she was twenty-five. Ha ha-"
>Cutting laughter short, a calculus book met your cheek at high velocity
>Didn't even see the cover, but there ain't any other book in the house cept the Bible and the family photo album
"God damn!"
>You're complaining and groaning, but you shoulda seen that from a mile away
>Can't say you don't deserve it
>"And you, how old are you now? And you still ain't settled for a woman?"
>"Uncle Anon," Applebloom asks, "Why don't you got a wife?"
>Never seen a woman beautiful enough to make you love her and delusional enough to love you at the same time
>So, for your whole life, it's been lonely nights under the stars and expensive company in the hotel rooms
>At least if the town with a woman pretty enough to be worth paying for
"I'm just too smart for my own good, cause the people I keep running into ain't nothing but a good time and trouble. And I do not wanna stick around for the trouble."
>"So I'm going to get in trouble if I'm dumb, but lonely if I’m smart?"
>Better end this quick before things get complicated
>You rub her head
"You don't have to worry bout any of that, cause you're a good kid in a nice plot of country. Just listen to Granny and older sister and brother and you'll be just fine."
>Granny chimes in a moment later
>"Applebloom, we're all done eating. Take the plates to the sink and get ready for bed ."
>The little girl whines, "Already?"
>"Don't worry, you’ll get to stay up a little bit afterwards"
>At this, Applebloom relents and takes the silverware and dishes to the sink
>Not that there's much to clean, everyone always polishes off their food when Granny cooks
>After leaving the kitchen she heads upstairs to her room and when she's out of earshot, Granny speaks up
>"I'm worried about her Anon. She reminds me too much of you"
>This perked you up and you look at her seriously
"Really now?"
>Applejack and Big Mac lean forward paying attention
>You've since stopped leaning in your chair
>"She's getting to around the age you started getting antsy about staying on the farm. Her and her friends keep playing around town, raising trouble and poking their noses into other business"
"Are ya kidding? Our Applebloom? She's far too sweet to raise hell"
>"Maybe not hell itself, but with her antics, she's nearly burned down the town twice now."
>Her sibling grimaced
>Applejack lamented, "Crusaders Firefighting Brigade…"
>Granny turned back to you
>"She's ain't mean, but she's thinkin' to leave Sweet Apple Acres behind as she gets older."
>You pause and think
>And the more you think the worse it seems
>At some point you just shrug your head and toss up your hands
"I don't know what to say."
>"And neither do we."


>When Applebloom comes downstairs, she wants to spend time with you
>In lieu of spilling your guts in more stories which might color you or your friends in a less than decent light, you offer up to play old maid in the living room
>Applejack and Big Mac play along too and after beating you three times in a row, Applebloom feels good to retire as reigning champ
>Around that time Granny starts feeling to head to bed too
>Applejack says she's going to tuck in the tyke, and you take this opportunity to smoke outside
>Granny fumes when you smoke infront of her
>Didn't tolerate it with your brother either
>You reach out of your pocket and sigh when you only feel out one last cigarette
>Well, you might have a few left in the saddle, but that’s stored in the barn
>Somehow despite being the good kid he was, Bright offered you your first cig when you were both just boys
>Maybe it's because Bright always thought of it as an honest vice
>When we needed extra hands on the farm for a good season, some uncles and cousins of our were always smoking while they worked
>That and cider
>He never touched a beer in his life
>Again, maybe it's just that he thought that since it was close to family business, so it must be honest
>The boys down in Appleloosa were the only one's serious about cider
>Sweet Apple Acres only dabbles for tradition’s sake
>With the cig in your lips, you start patting down your pockets and groan
>"Need a light?"
>Big Mac already stroked the match before you could answer, but you answer grateful enough
"Well, thank ya kindly"
>You lean in and he lights you up
>He nods and leans against the porch
>After a brief pause looking out at the sea of dark green, only brighten up small beams of moonlight, you exhale
>"I need ya to talk to Applejack"
>Big Mac rarely starts a conversation like this, much less a request, so it put you off
>Due to being a little bit more frazzled then you'd like, you reply dumbly
"Hmm?"
>"Talk to Applejack. About the bit about finding a man."
>You look at him before you grin maliciously
"Well, look at who's talking"
>"I'm working on it,"
"Big Mac, plowing fields, planting trees, and picking apples. That's working. Getting antsy feet every time your alone with her and trippin over yourself, ain't work" You look out the porch, "And if you don't get that woman soon, she might be too old to be worth the trouble."
> He puts a hand up, "Let me handle Ms Cheerilee,” and then puts it down to lean against the wooden beam, “I'm worried more about how Applejack ain't even thinking about it. And I'm worried that by the time she figures herself out, she'll be too old or too panicked. One of her friend's from town's already hitched."
>Embers licker below your eyesight as you mull on it
>"Don't get me wrong. I don't wanna rush. Hell, I'm the last one to wanna rush her. But I want her to at least look for decent man, before she settles for a half-decent man."
"I don't think she'll appreciate hearing all this"
>"Well, she won't hear it from Granny, and she won’t listen to me. I figure if you pitch in, she might at least have a word of it."
>You pause to think on it
>Gotta say between her and Applebloom, you sure weren't ready for this
>Thought you'd come by see your nieces and nephews and scatter before they get used to ya
>But now they're growing up
>All while you weren't looking
>You glance to the side and look at the quiet giant
>He really is starting to resemble Bright more everyday
>You sigh and stomp out your cigarette 
>Fuck it
>Might as well do this much for the family
>You were going to just leave an envelope with some cash, but looks like that ain't just enough anymore
>You bowed your head in resignation
"Shit, alright. I’ll do it"
>He nods
"But don't go expecting much."
>"'preciate it"
"Yeah, yeah, just don't holdin up on any miracles."

>A while later, when you leave the outhouse, you spot a dim light coming from the barn
>Curious, you make your way around seeing the wide doors slightly ajar
>You peer through and spot the freckled blonde you were going to look for
>You don't make a sound, walking as light as you can to sneak up on her
>She's too busy petting your horse for to notice, 'specially since the lantern light wasn't all that bright
>Just as you were behind her, the mare snorted in your direction
>Before Applejack could peek around, you bring your hands on her shoulder
"Boo!"
>"Ahh!"
>*Smack*
>She sure is getting strong
"God Damn!"
>"Anon? That you?"
>Boy does that sting
>"Oh, I'm so sorry"
"Ugh, so am I"
>"I just thought- I was kinda curious about your horse and all, so I thought-"
>You wave her down
"It's fine. It's fine."
>Cept the part were you got half your cheek slapped off your face
>These visits are starting to hurt more and more
>There a brief pause, where the silence was only being accompanied by the sound of the mare's breathing, and Applejack petting her fur
>"What's her name?"
"Lucky Streak, bought her from a friend of mine real cheap a couple months ago. Poor son of a bitch was up to his shoulders in debt, so when he offered the horse, I figured I'd give help him."
>"'Lucky Streak' huh? You sure the name was intentional?"
"Never done me a disservice so far. Don't believe much in luck anyways. Not when it comes to money."
>She tilts her head at you
>"Really?"
"Yup. Money ain't a thing you wish for from God. It comes from good decisions and leaves with bad decisions."
>"And when you play cards? What about then"
"It's always a bad decision. Win or lose, you always come to the table ready to leave with less than you came with. Win or loss."
>She stops to think, but before long you follow it up
"Luck is in the people you find on Earth. And your father was lucky."
>You sigh and pat the horse on the head
"Yeah, my brother was lucky when he met your mom. They were a good pair as friends and a good pair as a couple."
>You look at Applejack
>She's just silently paying attention
>Always did when you talked about her parents, which was seldom
"No,” You continue, “when she found him and he found her, it was something you can't get with any amount of hard work or hedging bets. They were lucky."
>You break into a smirk
"Course he was unlucky to have me as a brother."
>This spurred Applejack to ask, "Really?'
"Yup. When we were getting about that age, we started fighting him about her"
>"You both fought over Mom?"
>You put a hand up
"Oh, I didn't care. Your father cared for her deeply, but I was just itching to start a fight over anything really when we were your age. All the time. I was teasing him fiercely. Puts all the ribbing Big Mac gets to shame really. Dusk till dawn, until Bright was pushed over the edge and we started beating each other up till we were both sporting more bruises than an orange in a hailstorm"
>You exhale
"But, we made up everytime. He was a real good sport about it when he realized what I was after. Didn't stop me from teasing him though, didn't stop us from fighting too, but I was still his best man at his wedding."
>You pause and lick your teeth
"Can't all be lucky all the time though. Better look for a man now, before you run out of luck."
>She suddenly becomes a bit more defensive, when she furrows a brow
>"What about you?"
"Me? Pfft, I was born unlucky. You, though,” You point a finger at her, “are still young and pretty, so you best start getting to it while you're young"
>She sighs and starts pacing away
>"I ain't pretty. I've seen plenty of girls in town and I don't hold a candle to any of 'em"
"Now don't talk like that. You're plenty beautiful"
>She turns aggressively and looks you in the eye
>"Like what?"
"huh?"
>"What about me's pretty"
"…"
>Well, shit she didn't have to put you on the spot like that
>You rub the back of your neck while think
"Well…"
>She's got very unpale skin on the count of that tan
>She doesn't not have unblemished face on the count of those freckles
>She isn't petite at all with her sturdy body
>She ain't all that tall neither
"Well… you got a nice personality"
>*Bam*
>No open hand slap
>No, this was a punch, knuckles and all
>You might of deserved that one
"Wait, Applejack. Ahh, God. Damn!"
>She storms out the barn, stomping
>You slowly pick yourself up off the floor after rubbing your jaw
>You’re in for a rougher night than you thought


"Applejack? Let me in"
>You speak loudly enough to be heard past the door, but not wake up the whole house
>*knock knock knock*
>Knocking softly on Applejack's door again, you softly project your voice 
"Applejack. Look I'm sorry, now let me in"
>She responds just as loud
>"Go away, I'm sleepin"
"No one falls asleep that fast when they're angry"
>Angrily she responds
>"I ain't angry"
"Then let me in so I can say sorry"
>"Well, ya just did" she said rather curtly
"I wanna say to your face, so you know I mean it"
>Damnit Applejack
>Why'd you have be so difficult
>Couldn't be further apart from the pale girl you wanted to fuck at the boutique shop in town, but damn it, you're pretty enough for any man
>You're struggling to keep your voice from shaking the house
"Damnit, Applejack, don't keep us both up all night doing this. And I will, until you let me say sorry."
>*knock knock knock*
>”…”
"If you're wagerin if I will keep it up, I'll take your money right now."
>There a slight pause
>You wait there, trying to reel in your breathing
>You don't want to wake up Granny, but if you leave your niece angry, the next time you come back, she probably wouldn't welcome you
>And the thought of that is god damn unbearable
>Filling your lungs with some more air, you're prepared to knock on her door again, but stopped short
>*chlinck*
>The door unlocks
>"Alright," she grumbles
>Finally
>You slowly as possible open the door before turning to close it softly too
>You've already made a bit of a racket already, didn't want to make any more noise
>You turn to see Applejack sitting in the moonlight on the side of her bed hunched slightly forward…
>In the nude
>You immediately snap your head to face away
>Anywhere, really, but in front of you
"Ya naked for a reason?"
>"It gets warm under the covers at night"
>Which stops you in your tracks
>You shrug and accept it
"Alright, well, I wanted to say sorry for earlier and apologize to you face to face"
>"Got ya funny definition of face to face"
"Applejack… you mind putting something on for this"
>"You just get on with it and make it short"
>You sigh
>Damn stubborn woman
>She takes more from Granny than her mother
>Bright wasn’t like this and you sure as hell ain‘t like this
>Must skip a generation or something
>You slowly turn trying to keep your eyes focus'd
>On her eyes
>Her big, green eyes
>Just above the freckles
"So, Applejack, I just wanted, ahh… say…"
>If you see freckles you've gone too far south
>Get a grip man
"I'm sorry. You're a very beautiful woman. I shoulda never hesitated to say so"
>"What's so pretty about me?"
>Damnit girl, just say you forgive me
>Why you gotta make things so damn difficult
>Better get it on with
"Ya freckles are cute and you have a sexy body"
>"But you're still barely lookin at me"
>You pause, before say with a flare of theatre, you curtsy
"What can I say, I'm a proper gentlemen"
>She pauses
>And you're left sweatin'
>God almighty, you're thinking of swearing off having kids after this
>There's nothing worth this much trouble
>"Kiss me"
"What?"
>"Kiss me"
"I'm sorry, I don't think I heard that right."
>"Kiss me"
"…"
>"You wouldn't kiss an ugly woman would you"
>You don't think for a moment
"Not in your life"
>"Well, then. I don't think you’re bein' real honest earlier. Prove I'm pretty"
>Forget kids, you might swear off all women together
>Nothing, but trouble
>All of them
>If your niece is gonna ride you this hard, think of what a wretch an unlucky bastard like yourself is going to end with
"I think… you’re a mite too young for that"
>"I think I'm plenty old enough"
"And what makes you say that?"
>"You’re not looking at me, again"
"…"
>You flick your tongue
"Alrighty then"
>Your neck slowly turns to face her as if on rusty bearing
>She seems to have a small case of the shakes too, but it ain't the open, night air making her shiver, for it is far too warm and humid for that
>With an uneasy breath you step forward
>Her eyes were already closed and her chin tilted up
>Slowly you bend down to let your lips touch her
>And softly, slowly she pushes a bit into you
>But before you linger, you rise up
"Well, there’s the proof for ya"
>She seemed stunned and frazzled
>Whatever she felt did her no good for her wellbeing, but you'll both put this behi-
>"I don't believe you."
"Huh?"
>She says unconvincingly
>"I think you faked it."
"… really now?"
>"Really."
"How many times are we going to do this?"
>She looks at you with determination in her eyes
>"'Till I'm satisfied, I won't forgive ya"
>It wasn't the way she said it par se, but something in that pulled the devil in you to start rising up
>You swallow
"I ain't a liar Applejack"
>She stops before she swallows
>"You've kissed a woman before?"
>You shrug openly
"Plenty"
>"More than one woman?"
"Of cou-. I mean, yes, more than one."
>"Then kiss me like you kiss them"
>You swallow
"I don't think you’re ready"
>"Anon, I'll never be if you leave this room right now"
>Shit
>You ready kick a table's leg and break a window, but for all your blistering, you’re left cornered
>So instead of fuming, you deflate and sigh
>You're at wits end
>You don't have the devil's tongue, nor the wisdom of Solomon at your disposal
>You're just a man
>So just this once, you'll forgo looking at her like a niece and appreciate the woman she right was.
>Her freckles spotted her cheeks and barely bridged her nose, under her light green eyes that shone in the moonlight
>Her blonde hair was unfurrow, taken out of it's braid and allowed free, but rather than unkempt it fell to her shoulder with the grace of fine silk
>The collar below her neck was distinct, but not as masculine as you'd think, adorned with freckles just above her breasts
>Her frame not petite, but damn close, off put by the smooth amount of muscle that hid under her smooth skin
>Ass was nearly flat, if had been a few inches shallower, but instead, it complemented her toned body
>Her stomach was firm, but with how she sat hunched over, it seemed so smooth
>Tits were perfect, you'd have to be queer to ever criticize them
>Altogether she was a nice specimen
>A fine catch for any man brave or lucky enough
>And tonight, but only for tonight would you play as that lucky man, in only a game of pretend
"Fine. Once more then"
>"A-alright"