Farm Labour 101 III

>Day Fin de la Ligne in Equestria

>Be Anonymous

>You wake up to twilight sky and look out your small window

>The sun is barely rising with you and your bones pop as you stagger from your bed

>A yawn escapes your lips while you begin your morning ritual

>You hurry to the bathroom and squat, wash and trim

>You take a moment to double check yourself in the mirror

>Not half bad for a sun-beaten farmer, you think

>The last few days on the Apple's farm has been getting progressively better

>You believe that half of it has to do with building muscle, but the other half would certainly be your attitude

>You have been getting along better with Big Macintosh, possibly due to your little encounter

>Since that night, you two haven't been together again

>Maybe it was for the better

>You don't dwell on such things as the door opens wide

>Applejack is standing with sleepy eyes and scraggly hair

>"Oh... hey, Anon... What'chu doin' up so early?"

"Work today, non?"

>"Eh, not fer you today. Was thinkin' you could take off fer the time bein'. We've been boomin' since ya' came aboard an' now we gotta sell 'em off earlier than expected."

>You smile a tiny bit at the chance to have an extra day off

>You tap your side pocket for the sweet jingle of bits to shop with only to feel your thigh

>It would appear you dipped into your funds much more this week

"Hmm, um... well, what if I sell apples today? I mean, I love working and whatever!"

>Applejack looks to you for a moment before shrugging her shoulders

>"If'n ya' really wanna..."

>You nod enthusiastically

>"A'right, Sugarcube, Big Mac'll be with ya' then. Ah'll tell 'im ta' show ya' the ropes. Ya' do good today an' Ah might even let ya' do this job again."

>You smile and step from the bathroom as Applejack nears the toilet

>You rush to your room and put on a pair of shorts you had purchased from Rarity

>For a pony, she was excellent at coming up with chic designs

>They fit perfectly around your hips and waist and showed off a bit more of your leg than you realized

>Perfectly fitting clothes always made you feel sexier and you posed in front of you bed

>A laugh rings out from behind you and your freeze in place

>You feel your face grow hot with embarrassment as a deeper male voice rises

>"Shucks, ya' gonna be dancin' all mornin'? Should Ah come back fer ya'?"

"I was waiting for you! Not my fault you take so long to shower."

>You try to maintain your composure as Big Mac laughs again

>"Ah'll be hitchin' up the wagon. Jus' come down when yer ready ta' go."

>Big Mac walks off with a trail of chuckles behind him

>You want to be mad, but realize you did leave the door open

>Living with the Apple family was kind of like trying to live with your family back on Earth

>You look through your window to see Big Mac outside already and decide to let him wait a bit longer

>When you feel your front lock of hair looks perfect, you begin to head downstairs

>"Look who showed up!"

>Big Mac grins at you quickly and starts slowly pulling the heavy cart forward

>You walk by his side in rhythm with him

"Hey, I got to look good if you expect to sell all of these apples."

>"Who're ya' lookin' good fer?"

>Big Mac cracks a mischievous grin and bounces his eyebrows

"Don't get any funny ideas, Mac. Sure, the last time was OK, but that's not what kind of girl I am. You haven't even attempted to make me want to date you since."

>You scoff a bit and rock your head

>"That ain't what'cha said when we were makin' hay bales."

"I was just tired and it's been a long time anyways! It was just convenient for you to be there."

>You try not to look at him now

>If he catches you blush, you'll never hear the end of it

>"If'n ya' ever get an itch like that again, jus' let me know, Sugarcube."

>You walk on a little faster now as you try to push his advances from your mind

>He wants you to crack and be attracted to him

>You won't let that happen!

>It's not like you can't do better than some farm boy

>Sure, he works hard and loves his family and he -might- make you laugh on the rare occasion his wit catches up to him, but you're not just some prize he gets to mount

>It's not even like you adored his body being on your own that night

>So, what if he's hot and strong and has a cute sense of humour or if he can do that crazy thing with his tongue?

>A voice calls out to you as you realize you are standing several meters behind

>"Hey, Anon! Ya'll OK?"

>You blush and push all these distracting thoughts to one side as you proceed to Big Mac

"Fine, I'm fine. Lets just get this day over with already."

>You stare at the red stallion for a moment before shaking your head clear

>The walk takes another few minutes as you approach the boundaries of the market place

>You find a spot marked with a symbol not unlike Applejack's cutie mark and Big Mac parks the wagon with practiced grace

"Great, so... what's the first step?"

>"First, we gotta git the riggin' up."

>Big Mac helps you lift a few boards and you build a small sign

>"Now, we gotta count the bit box an' make sure we got enough change."

>You add up the box and do a few more grunt tasks

>When all is done, you stand before a neat looking stand that is in need of some paint

"OK, great, we're open! How long do we usually have to wait for customers?"

>Big Mac scratches his chin and looks at the sky

>"Ah can't be sure, but Ah know it won't be too long now..."

>Within moments, a passerby steps up to the stand and eyes you out

>He has a blue coat and brown mane with large yellow eyes

>A rather smooth voice lifts from him as he sizes you up

>"Hello there... um, you. This is the Apple's stand, right?"

"Sure is, can I get you some apples?"

>"I suppose you can. Do you have any golden delicious today?"

>You hold up a shiny apple and twirl it in your hands

"But of course! How many would you like?"

>The pony spies your hand and seems to lose his focus

>You idly spin the apple a few more times as your smile fades into a concerned scowl

"So, is that a dozen?"

>You try to smile slyly

>"Oh, right! Sorry... A dozen would do, yes."

>You bag and tag the small satchel of apples and the transfixed consumer lays his bits down

>You pop them into the box and bid him a good day

>"You're a natural, Anon. Good pony skills."

"I worked retail a long time ago for Macy's."

>Big Mac nods solemnly

>"She taught ya' well."

>You chuckle lightly and wave the thought of explanation away

>Your first sale was smooth enough and you eagerly await your next

>A hour passes as you slump against a nearby buidling

"Big Ma~ac... I'm bored."

>Big Mac looks to you on the floor and sighs a little

>"Not as many ponies out today as AJ expected... we could always come back 'ere fer the weekend."

>He nods to himself a couple of times before telling you to get to your feet

>You do so with a hint of dissatisfaction

>Another hour goes by and you find yourself wondering what else you could be doing

>A number of things comes to mind, all far more interesting and deserving of your time

>A voice suddenly catches your attention

>The familiar white pony stands just before your little stall and smiles to you

>"Anonymous, darling! How are you? It's been too long! Kisses~!"

>Rarity pulls you in and kisses either side of your cheek

>You never thought she would be the one to follow the small customs you had told her about, but, as if to prove her loyalty to your heritage, Rarity would always greet you in this manner

>Big Mac's eyes grow wide as he watches the scene

>You are finally released from your friend's grip and you smile at her

"I saw you just last week, non?"

>"Oh, you did, dear, but it is certainly not enough to see such a sophisticated creature as yourself just once a week. It is so -hard- to find interesting subjects for my line of work and you bring a flare to everything I make!"

>Rarity eyes your new shorts that she had created for you

>"Oh, you look simply magnificent, Anon. You should come by the shop later and allow me the honor of making you a 'chapeau', darling."

>You giggle lightly at her charming language around you

"That does sound like a plan. I am working as of now, however, I'd love to stop by later. Maybe would could get a bite to eat?"

>"Oh, yes, of course! Speaking of which, do I spy a juicy, red apple behind you?"

>You grab the top most apple that appears juicy to you and hold it out

>Big Mac looks to you quickly with scrutinizing eyes at your next move

"It's all yours."

>Rarity snatches up the apple in her magic and smiles to you

>"So generous and chic... you remind me of somep0ny."

>She thinks for the moment, but a name doesn't come to mind

>Rarity shrugs her shoulders before leaving you to your own devices again

>You stand there with a grin on your face as Big Mac commands your attention

>"Ya' know yer gonna hafta' pay fer that, right?"

"Yes, just take it out of my salary..."

>Your smile widens at him

>"Never knew Rarity liked ya' so much... what's with the kiss?"

"It is a simple greeting among friends where I come from."

>He lets go his signature country chuckle

>"Ah wouldn't mind bringin' some -culture- 'round here."

>You sigh at the hopeless stallion as he makes fish-lips at you

"Save it for the mares at the pub."

>You shove him playfully backwards a bit and he sighs lightly

>The rest of the day prattles on as the sun begins to fall

>Of the five barrels you took, only about two sold

>Big Mac assured you it was just a slow day for sales and you'd do better next time

>As you help pack up, you remember Rarity's offer and look to Big Mac

"Oh, hey, was wondering if you needed me to get these back with you?"

>"What do ya' mean?"

"Well, I was kind of interested in Rarity's offer. Was wondering if you need me to take these back with you?"

>He snorts a bit and cracks a smile

>"Well, ya' should be helpin' me put these here barrels in the barn... but, Ah 'sppose ya' wanna kiss yer lil' mare-friend some more."

>You glare at him for a moment before rolling your eyes

>"Yeah, git on outta here. Ah'll just take a few bits outta next week's pay."

>You smile happily knowing that he probably won't

>You hug him quickly out of appreciation and make your way towards Rarity's home

>"Fillies... hu hu..."

>Big Mac is out of sight before you make it to the rolling hill that slopes down Ponyville

>As the sun fades on a long day, you approach the Carousel Boutique

>You knock quickly and listen for the sound of movement

>Within an instant, the door opens wide revealing a smaller pony

>Her dual coloured mane bounces as she speaks in an excited way

>"Oh, boy! Anon is here! -Smashing- to see you."

>Sweetie Belle smiles an odd way and tilts her head a little too hard in your direction

>Her balances falters as she tips over

"Hello, Sweetie, is Rarity in?"

>Sweetie Belle climbs to her hooves and nods

>"Sure is! Let me get her for you."

>The little filly turns into the open doorway and shouts at the top of her lungs

>"Rar-i-ty! Anon is here to see you!"

>You hold your ears as her cracking voice echoes in your head

>She turns back to you with a wide smile

>"She'll just be a second."

>You are invited in and have a seat on a comfortable sofa

>Of all the ponies you know, Rarity lives in the most luxury

>Her house is filled with fine scents of soaps and flowers, extremely plushy couches, and her own bed is massive compared to Applejack's

>You wait around for a while before Rarity appears from the steps

>She is wearing quite a bit of fine looking clothing tonight

>"Anon!"

>She rushes you and performs her ritualistic greeting

>"Glad you could make it, darling. I took the liberty of making reservation at Sugar Cube Corner for the two of us."

>Sweetie Belle looks up to her sister with a frown

>"I wish I could go too."

>Rarity hugs her softly before explaining why good little girls need to be in bed

>Sweetie nods with a look of mild annoyance on her face before she begins ascending the stairs

>"So, Anon, are you ready to go?"

>You hop from your seat and the two of you set out towards your destination

>The walk is fairly quick in Rarity's company

>You imagine it is her story about a dreadful customer today that makes it seem so easy

>"And I said, 'Blue? Why not just wear shower curtains to the ball?'"

>She lets out a sarcastic laugh with a hoof in front of her mouth

>You do the same, if only to act as if you understand why blue was a horrible colour this month

>As you approach Sugar Cube Corner, Rarity stops you from entering

>"Now, darling, I just want you to know that -I- will be paying for the bill. Do not embarrass yourself worry about the cost, dear."

>With that, Rarity walks in with her head held high

>You puzzle what she meant, but not long enough to stay behind

>Entering into Sugar Cube Corner at night was slightly odd

>For one, you didn't know they were open this late

>Atop of that, you did not know you needed reservations for dinner here

>You see a familiar pink face from the counter as Pinkie Pie begins wagging her hoof to you

>"Oh, hi, Anon! What're you doing here?!"

>Pinkie Pie bounces to you quickly

>Rarity looks to the energetic ball of pink

>"Hello, Pinkie. Anon and I are here for dinner tonight. I made reservations for a nice back table."

>Pinkie Pie looks over Rarity carefully and then to you

>"But... you don't need reservations to eat here, silly."

>Rarity flushes quickly and eyes out Pinkie Pie

>"Ah-ha-ha, darling..."

>She pushes Pinkie to one side and whispers something to her

>The silence breaks as Pinkie pops up

>"Ohhh~, I see. Sure! Let me get you a table. Anon, wait right here, would ya'?"

>You nod as Pinkie takes Rarity into the back and zooms back out

>She presses a hoof into your chest quickly and looks sternly at you

>"Anon! How could you!?"

>You stammer back

"H-how could I what?"

>"How could you go on a dinner date with Rarity!? Didn't you have fun with -me-?"

>Her eyes are wide and you think she may tear up any second now

"Pinkie, it's not a dinner date. Rarity just invited me to have dinner here tonight!"

>"That's not what she told me!"

>Pinkie's chest puffs out as she stares at you

"I promise you, Pinkie. I am not dating Rarity or any other one for that matter."

>"Oh... um, does that mean you're not dating me either?"

>You stop for a moment as you formulate a nice way to say this

"I am not dating anyone right now because no one has asked me to be their date... you see?"

>"So... so, if I ask you right now, you would date me?"

"Pinkie, I..."

>A pink hoof covers your mouth quickly

>"You got to tell me, Anon... would you be my special somep0ny?"

>She removes her hoof from your mouth and you swallow a lump in your throat

"I don't know if I am ready for that, Pinkie..."

>You shy away from her for the moment

>"Even though we had a lot of fun?"

"I always have fun with you. It's just..."

>Before you can even think of something to say, Rarity steps from the backroom

>"Darling, is everything alright? I order you a glass of sparkling water already."

>Pinkie looks at you with teary eyes as her mouth curls into a quivering frown

>She quickly walks away from you and into the kitchen behind the counter

>You see Mrs. Cake step out shortly after with a worried smile on her face

>"Come on, deary, I'll show you to your seats."

>You see her nervously look towards the kitchen as you are escorted to the back dinning room

>It is darker inside this room and candles are set at each table to give a moody illumination

>Rarity sits back down and motions for you to take the seat across from her

>"It's very, how would you say, "Paisible" here?"

>Rarity smirks under the dim light and looks to you

>You are quiet for the time being as you keep looking for Pinkie

>Rarity snaps your attention back to her for the moment

>"Tell me, darling, do you like this ensemble?"

>She flutters her eyes at you and curls her front hooves to her chest

>You have trouble paying attention now and just nod your head

>"I am so glad you like it. I was thinking of making you a matching set."

"That's very nice, thank you..."

>"Do you usually wear the clothing I make you all day?"

"Yes, why do you ask?"

>"Interesting... are they comfortable?"

"Yes, very... but, I don't understand why you are so concerned."

>Rarity smiles a bit and covers her mouth with her hoof

>"Oh, forgive me, darling. I was just curious to know how long you would be wearing clothing."

"I... I always wear clothes. Like... all the time."

>"Really? Why so?"

"I don't know. Cover my girly bits is the reason -I- personally do it."

>Rarity looks at you with genuine confusion

>"Is there something wrong with your body? Do you have a scar you are trying to hide?"

"No... I... why are you so worried about me wearing clothes now?"

>Mr. Cake comes by with a menu for each of you before rushing off to the kitchen again

>"Oh, good! I am famished, darling."

>Rarity takes a dainty sip of water to clear her mouth

>You try not to think about anyone right now as your stomach knots up

>Maybe some food will help you relax?

>The menu is mostly garden variety

>You apologize to yourself softly about the pun as you thumb the menu

>Mr. Cake reappears with a pitcher of water to refill Rarity's glass and a notepad in his mouth

>Rarity orders a simple salad and you opt for a bran muffin and some yogurt

>Mr. Cake manages to write everything out while balancing the pitcher on his back

>It is almost like watching a circus performance, you think

>He disappears behind the line again, leaving you alone with Rarity

"So... nice weather tonight..."

>"Oh, yes, the moon is lovely in the clear sky... Did you know the moon is a symbol of fertility?"

>You nearly spit your water out as Rarity speaks

"No... no, I didn't..."

>"So, about your hat. Will you be wearing that all the time as well?"

"What is wrong with wearing clothes all the time?"

>Rarity looks up to you

>"Oh, nothing, nothing at all! I was just interested to see you wear them all the time. I usually see you wearing them, but I had assumed you were just doing that to help me advertise..."

"Are you... are you asking why I do not walk around naked?"

>"Your words, darling, not mine... but, yes."

"If you missed this part, I am not a pony... humans can not cover their... -things- with their tail."

>"So you do have a tail after all? I was wondering that part while creating your shorts."

"No, no! I do not have a tail..."

>"But, you do have feminine parts?"

"Of course I do! I am a girl!"

>"No need to raise your voice, darling. I just needed to know..."

>Rarity leans over the table and looks into your eyes longingly

>"We have been friends for a very long time now and I do not believe I have been entirely honest with you. I asked you here for more than just dinner tonight."

"I figured as much..."

>"I asked you here because... well, I find myself liking you a little more than friends usually do."

>Your heart sinks and your throat runs dry as your fears become real

"Can I ask why?"

>"I found myself asking the same question earlier, actually. There is something about your wit. You have a certain 'air' about you that is simply divine."

"Rarity, I am not sure..."

>"Oh, of course, darling. This is rather sudden and I was hoping this lovely dinner would help us both relax. To tell you the truth, I am rather nervous myself."

"I... think I should go..."

>A hoof reaches out for your hand

>"Please, Anonymous! Don't think of me as some lowly cad who is only after one thing!"

"I don't... I just need some air... this is all so sudden."

>You step away from the table and make your way to the back of the building in the cool night air

>What is happening to everyone?

>Why are they all suddenly attracted to you?

>You simply do not understand where all this attention is stemming from

>You spy a small, pink someone near the dumpster as you pace about

>A faint sobbing can be heard as you approach

"Pinkie Pie? Is that you?"

>"O-oh... Anon... I-I'm just taking out the t-trash..."

>She sobs through a tightly wound grimace

"Pinkie, I am sorry."

>She sniffles into her furry foreleg

>"For what? I was the silly filly who asked for so much from her friend... I should be apologizing to you!"

"You aren't asking for too much, Pinkie. I really do like you as a friend! You're even a pretty good lover... for a girl..."

>You blush as you think about it

>"Y-you mean it?"

>Pinkie sniffles again, but her eyes glimmer softly in the moonlight

>"Does that mean... you want to be my special somep0ny?"

>You shake your head slowly from side to side

"I am not sure yet..."

>She frowns again

>"It's Rarity, right? She's smarter and fancier than me... and prettier..."

>You hold Pinkie by her shoulders and stare her in the eyes

"Now, cut that out. Rarity is my friend, as much as you are, but you are not any bit less than her. Do you understand me?"

>You pull her small, limp body against your own into a tight hug and feel a slight dampness run down your shoulder

>You notice Pinkie's hair is flat and straight tonight, but you are sure it wasn't like that earlier

>"I wish you loved me like I love you, Anon... we could hug like this all the time."

"Stop being so down! The Pinkie I know and -love- always makes me smile."

>Without thinking too much, you pull Pinkie's face into your own and give her a deep kiss

>You can hear her trying to take in air through her runny nose as you do

 

>Trotting from your rather expensive seat

>Be Rarity

>You have no clue where your dinner date went and are starting to become worried that you came on too strong

>You have never tried to woo another mare before, but this is what stallions do for you

>It all seemed like such a good idea this morning!

>Regardless, you are here now and you expect Anonymous to at least eat with you

>Surely, she isn't cross with you

>You doubt this is the first time somep0ny has tried to court her

>You find Mrs. Cake at the counter

"Mrs. Cake, a moment of your time, please?"

>The pudgy, older mare turns to you with a smile

>"Yes, deary? What can I do for you?"

"I was looking for Anonymous, if you've seen her?"

>Mrs. Cake points her hoof towards the door with a casual grin

>You sigh and walk outside to see if Anon is still getting some air

>As you exit the store, you hear a faint sobbing coming from around the corner

>You head down the narrow passageway towards the back

>A smell of fetid sugar and general garbage assaults your nose

>The sound stops just as you approach the last turn

>Peaking out, you see Anonymous standing by a dumpster

>Next, you spy Pinkie Pie on her knees before Anonymous

>You whisper to yourself as your eyes narrow in

"Ohh, if Anonymous is bothering Pinkie, I will..."

>You freeze in place and your mouth hangs open as you witness what happens next

>Anon picks Pinkie up in a warm embrace and giggles before planting her soft human lips on Pinkie Pie's muzzle

>Your heart jumps into your throat and you cannot breathe

>You gag out a whisper to yourself

"A-Anonymous... But... -I- love you..."

>You force yourself to turn and gallop away with your head low and tears streaming down your face

>All this work for naught!

>You stumble over an empty garbage can, but pull yourself up quickly and start racing off towards your home

 

>Be Anonymous

>You hold Pinkie in your lip lock for a minute longer until you hear the sound of something rattling in the alley

>You break the kiss and look behind you

"Did you hear that, Pinkie?"

>You look to her and see Pinkie's hair is springy and curly again

>"It's probably cats... they usually get into the pail when they're hungry..."

>You feel her hooves tighten around you as she pulls you into another kiss

>This time, she explores your mouth a bit with a hint of enthusiasm

>The kiss burns away your tension for the night, but a nagging thought persists

>You just do not know what it was now and do not make a habit of dwelling on insignificant problems

>"Hey... Anon. We're closing in a hour. Want to hang out with me in my room? I'll bring cupcakes?"

>You nod with a little smile on your wet lips

"Sounds like fun."

>You carry Pinkie in through the kitchen entrance

>If only you could remember what was bothering you

>Maybe, you just need a good night's rest and something to eat?