- PART 5: Day 14
- It has finally begun to snow outside, almost without warning. Yet, the harsh winds and naked trees predicted the arrival of winter these past two weeks. First it would be a light layer of snow, something that is easy to overcome. You could see this coming, without a doubt. You don’t know if the snow would get worse, but if was to be a formidable enemy, you were ready.
- You left the Boutique around 4:30 this morning. You managed to get up and shower and eat before Rarity woke up. You felt like it would best to give just a tiny bit of space for the time being. Besides, you wanted to see Applejack. You wanted to see her badly, but was it for the right reason? Did you really feel like she was the one you wanted, or did you simply find a reason to not pursue Rarity? Just when you thought you were finished with difficult choices, you get many more on your plate. And you’ve been full for a while.
- ~
- You arrive at Sweet Apple Acres at 5:00am. The sun is still hiding behind the horizon, so you would be waiting a bit longer for Applejack to come outside, you were sure of it. The acres and acres of trees were all without apples and leaves. It was an interesting sight, you could kind of relate to them.
- The wind was becoming a bit unbearable at this point. You managed to dress in plenty of layers, but you didn’t have enough protection on your face or hands. Applejack still has not come out of her house yet.
- You still feel like you need to see her.
- What do?
- >A) Leave, I can’t handle the cold.
- >B) Wait a bit longer.
- >C) Go to the house and knock, forget about waiting.
- CHOICE B
- The cold won’t stop you from leaving. Plus, knocking on her door at this hour may just backfire. Although waiting for her to come outside doesn’t seem like a good idea anymore either. No matter, you will stick by your decision and wait.
- You sit patiently outside of the Apple family house for a few more minutes. You start to get quite bored, and tired. You shut your eyes for a bit, and listen to the background. It is silent outside, save for the sound of the wind. It is almost serene to you, but you don’t trust the winter. You don’t trust it for a second.
- You open your eyes at peek at the horizon. The sun is starting to rise. And with it, some warmth, at least you hope.
- You wait for around 10 more minutes. Still no sign of Applejack. You really want to see her, but the wait is killing you.
- What do?
- >A) Wait a bit longer, patience is key.
- >B) Knock on the door, I want to see her.
- CHOICE A
- You remain waiting for Applejack to come outside. The sun is now halfway above the horizon. Its rays glisten on everything in sight. You feel its warmth, but you crave more of it. You’ve been out in the cold for too long. You body was starting to hurt, you couldn’t last much longer.
- Your heart almost fell out of your chest when the door finally opened and you saw that familiar orange mare walk out of he house. You immediately forgot about the cold weather, about the pain, and about it being so darn early. Applejack looks over at you as you wave at her. She trots over to you. The closer she got, the happier you felt.
- “Well g’morning, sugarcube.” Applejack says to you. “What brings ya ‘round these parts so early in the mornin’?” You were too busy staring into her pretty green eyes to answer her. You feel like her voice melted all the snow around you and left you feeling warm and happy.
- “Anon? Are ya alrigh’?” she asks, now getting worried. You snap back into reality.
- “W-what? Huh?” you say, confused.
- “Ah asked if you were alrigh’. Ya aren’t sayin’ nothin’…”
- What say?
- >[Free response]
- You blink a few times to make sure you’re still in reality.
- “I’m… I’m alright.” You say. “Yeah, I’m alright! Sorry… I was just looking at your beautiful farm. It’s really beautiful to look at. The sparkling snow on those bare tree limbs… it’s beauty is just distracting.” Applejack looks at you with the most confused expression. You see her start to smile a bit.
- “Well… those are some mighty fine words yer sayin’ there.” She says to you. “Ah’m not a big fan of the snow, but it’s nice that ya like it.” She sneezes and rubs her nose. “So what are ya doin’ round here so early? I hope ya weren’t expectin’ to go apple pickin’ or somethin’!”
- “No, I… uh…” you clear your throat. “I wanted to actually see you before I went to work. I thought maybe we could take a nice walk and talk for a bit?” You blush slightly and look at the ground. “If you want that is...” Applejack looks at you and chuckles nervously. You blushed even harder.
- “Well… that was mighty kind of ya tah ask but…” She doesn’t look that interested. You’re going to have to think fast.
- What do?
- >A) Convince her to go with you.
- >B) Apologize and leave.
- >C) Change the subject.
- CHOICE A
- “I would really like it if we went for a walk.” You say. “Maybe I can help you out a bit?” Applejack rubs her chin for a second.
- “Well… why not? Ah was gonna jus’ do a quick last-minute check ‘round the acres. I don’t see why we couldn’t spend a little time together.” She smiles at you happily. “Besides, it’s always good to see ya, Anon. I like knowin’ that yer doin’ allright.”
- You both walk through the acres slowly and talk for a while. Applejack wasn’t really focused on checking the trees, but she was rather interested in hearing how you got your job at the music shop. Anytime you stopped talking, she would ask if you were feeling ok, or if you needed a break from walking. Each time, you respond with a smile and a “I promise, I’m doing great.”
- You walk all around the acres and make it back to her house in what seemed like only five minutes. You wish that it had lasted a bit longer. You and Applejack sit at the bench outside her home and relax for a few minutes. She starts talking to you about the farm and how she was hoping to make a much better profit in the spring. Honestly, you weren’t really listening. You were too fixated on her eyes, and her cute face. But you would nod every few seconds to let her know that you were still interested.
- “Yer a mighty good listener, Anon.” she says, blushing a bit. “Well, it was nice spendin’ time with ya. Ah really enjoyed our walk. And ah’m really really happy to know that you’re feelin’ great.” She smiles at you, awaiting a response.
- AJ: 65 (+10)
- Looks like your little visit may be over.
- What say?
- >[Free response]
- “I had a great time, Applejack.” You say to her. “But before you go, I was wondering what you were doing later? More specifically, after 5pm?” Applejack gets up from the bench and thinks for a second. She hits you playfully with her hoof.
- “Yer not askin’ me out on a date, are ya?” she asks. You feel like she said it in a nervous fashion, but you weren’t entirely sure. No time for little games.
- “Well, Applejack. I AM asking you out on a date. I was thinking we could get dinner together, at the very least.” Applejack blushes hard, and she laughs. Even if she declines, it was good enough to her cute laugh.
- “Well, ah was ‘apposed to be helpin’ Rarity and Twilight with somethin’ later on…” she says. Rarity’s name rings in your head like a church bell. “But if we make it 6pm, then ah’m all yers, sugarcube.” That would have been so much easier if Rarity’s name wasn’t mentioned. Applejack will no doubt mention it to her later today.
- What do?
- >A) It’s a date.
- >B) It’s a date, but can you keep it between us?
- >C) Call it off.
- CHOICE A
- “Then it’s a date, Applejack.” You say smiling nervously at her. Applejack beams at you.
- “Well, you best be gettin’ to work now, Anon. Ah’ll meet ya here at 6pm, alright?” You nod. Applejack gives you a hug, and trots off inside.
- A date with Applejack. You are so excited, but you can’t help but feel like something bad will happen….
- NONSENSE. You have to keep your cool. This night is going to great. No question.
- AJ: 73 (+8)
- ~
- You make it to work a few minutes early. Octavia greets you and explains your duties in the shop. You are to keep the sheet music section organized, repair any instruments that need it, and occasionally give lessons if need be.
- “Not a problem for a musician of your caliber, right?” teases Octavia.
- “Not at all.” You reply. However, you feel like this isn’t enough to keep you busy throughout the day. “Is there anything else you want me to do?” Octavia shakes her head.
- “Not for the time being. The shop is still new, so business has yet to pick up. Once more customers start to show up, then I’ll have you work the cash register.”
- You agree and Octavia leaves you to organize a new shipment of music books. You start working, excited to finish up so that you could enjoy your date with Applejack later.
- ~
- After a long and exhausting day of organizing and repairing broken instruments, you finally get off work. You can’t complain though, at least you’re working and making some income. The time is 5:15pm.
- You head home quickly and shower. You trim you beard and brush you hair. Gotta be fresh, son.
- You put on some nice clothes and head downstairs to grab your wallet from you bag. You see Rarity finishing up a dress.
- What do?
- >A) Ask her how she is.
- >B) Compliment her dress.
- >C) Tell her about the date.
- CHOICE A + C
- You walk over to Rarity who gives you a smile.
- “Hey, Rarity. How’s it going?”
- “Fantastic, darling. I just got a large order of dresses that need to be done by Friday and it’s going to pay so well! I’ll be able to get that new sewing machine that I’ve needed for months!” She was definitely excited to make those orders happen. “How are you, Anon?” You have to tell her your date. And you will.
- “Fantastic. I had a great day at work. And I’m about to go out on a date with Applejack. So yeah, a great day overall. I’m glad to hear that you’re doing great though!” You smile at her, and she gives you a small smile back.
- “A date with Applejack, you say? Well… that is… just good to hear.” She was choosing her words carefully, you could tell. She stops working on the dress and turns and faces you, her face was a bit red. “Anon, can I ask you something?”
- What do?
- >A) Not right now, I have to go meet Applejack.
- >B) Sure, what’s up Rarity?
- CHOICE B
- “Sure, what’s up Rarity?” you reply hastily. She gets up and grabs you by then hand and walks you over to the couch. You sit while glancing at the clock; 5:35pm.
- “Anon, darling.” She says. “I know things have been rocky between us. I know I haven’t been the easiest to deal with recently. But I just want you to know that if you do end up picking somepony other than me, I won’t hold it against you.” You stare at her. You weren’t expecting this at all. This must be some kind of joke. “I just want you to know that I still love you, and I always will, no matter what, darling.” She smiles at you and gives you a hug. “Now go enjoy your date!” She gets up walks back over to her dress.
- What do?
- >A) Stay a bit longer and ask her why the sudden change of heart.
- >B) Go on your date. It’s great that she is being so accepting of this.
- >C) Forget your date. You want to be with Rarity.
- CHOICE B
- You can’t help but feel like Rarity isn’t being sincere, but you greatly appreciate her change of heart nonetheless.
- “Thanks, Rarity.” You say. You can’t express how much you appreciate her right now, but you plan on doing it later. She gives you a warm smile as you head off on your date.
- R: 75 (+3)
- ~
- As you approach the Apple family house, you see your gorgeous date step outside. “Made it just in time…” you think to yourself. You slow your pace as you get closer to the house. Luckily, you still smelled fresh and clean. Applejack wastes no time; she walks up to you and gives you a big hug.
- “My my, Anon! Ya sure clean up well…” she says, blushing a bit.
- What say?
- >A) You look good too, Applejack.
- >B) And you look beautiful, just like you always do.
- >C) Blush, say nothing.
- CHOICE B
- “And you look absolutely beautiful, Applejack. Like you always do.” You say smoothly. She blushes harder than you’ve ever seen. She then hides her face.
- “Oh, stop it, sugarcube….” She says, still hiding her face.
- AJ: 70 (+5)
- You blush as well. This seems so easy for you; you feel absolutely comfortable around her. You’ve never felt this mighty before. You pull her face up gently and stare into her gorgeous green eyes. You are mesmerized at this point. This is almost too good to be true.
- “Anon…” she says, her face still as red as a beet. “We’d best be on our way, huh?”
- “Of course, Applejack.” You say.
- Where to?
- >A) Fancy Restaurant
- >B) Family-owned Restaurant
- >C) Café
- CHOICE B
- You decide to take Applejack to a nice family-owned restaurant in town, which she completely approves of. Good call, Anon.
- You and her walk merrily all the way over to the middle of town, talking about each other’s days and how good you thought each other looked. Applejack was falling for you, you could just tell. And maybe you had fallen for her a while ago….
- You arrive at the small restaurant, Beeapple’s, within a few minutes and head inside, being sure to let her in before you.
- “Such a gentleman….” Applejack says happily. You both sit down and order your food. It would be a bit before you got your food. You notice her staring at you smiling.
- What say?
- >[free response]
- You say nothing, but instead you simply smile back and stare into her big green eyes. Applejack starts to blush again, but she keeps staring into your eyes.
- “So what’s on your mind?” you ask smoothly, maintaining the loving eye contact between you two. Asking her that makes her hide her face. It is so cute to see her act embarrassed.
- “It’s just that…” She starts, looking up slowly. “Ah remember a few days ago, when we talked about ya finding yer special someone… Ah never thought it’d be me!” She smiles weakly at you. “And when ya showed up this mornin’, jus’ waiting fer me to come on out… Anon, that was jus’ the cutest and sweetest thing! And honestly, Anon… Ah really…”
- Suddenly, the waitress arrives with your food.
- “Wow, that looks fantastic!” says Applejack excitedly. She seemed happy to have changed the subject. You’ll bring it up after you finish eating though. You both waste no time digging in. You didn’t realize you were so hungry until you had a bite of the food. The two of you ate happily without talking much, but you were both ok with that.
- AJ: 84 (+6)
- ~
- You leave the around 8pm, full on great food, but not ready for the date to be over. That’s good though since you could tell Applejack wasn’t finished either.
- What do now?
- >A) Take her home, you don’t want to stay out too late.
- >B) A nice walk around town.
- >C) Ask her what she wants to do.
- CHOICE C
- “So what do you feel like doing now, Applejack?” you ask her.
- “As long as ah can still be together sugarcube, ah don’t even care.” She says, smiling at you. “Ah hope ya don’t wanna call it a night already though!”
- “Of course not! I feel the same way, Applejack.”
- AJ: 86 (+2)
- You look around the area to see if any location looks appealing. You see a jewelry shop, a jazz lounge, an arcade, and a bookstore.
- Where to?
- >A) Jewelry shop
- >B) Jazz lounge
- >C) Arcade
- >D) Bookstore
- CHOICE B
- “How do you feel about that jazz lounge over there?” you ask.
- “Honestly, Anon, that sounds like a mighty fancy idea. Lead the way, lover-boy.” She says to you. You waste no time, you head right over.
- The lounge is dark save for a few lamps on various small tables. There were also booths lined up along the wall that were lit by a deep purple neon lamp. There was a small jazz combo on stage, blowing out some bebop. You were digging it, as was Applejack. You both go grab a booth near the stage. A waiter came up and asked if you two wanted any drinks. You order a round of apple cider. The jazz combo finishes and the audience claps.
- “Ah’ve never seen a live jazz group before, Anon. This is really fun!” Applejack says happily, cuddling up next to you in the booth. You had one arm around her, and you both just enjoyed the atmosphere for a bit. The waiter comes back with your ciders. You start to sip on them as the jazz combo finishes another tune. You both clap happily as the combo takes a bow. Applejack looks up at you.
- “These guys are good…” Applejack says. “But ah’d really love to hear you play for me. Just for me.” She bats her eyelashes at you. You could do it. You could just walk up there, borrow the lead’s sax, and win her over. Seal the deal.
- What do?
- >A) Do it.
- >B) No… I’d rather not.
- CHOICE A
- “For you, sweetheart, I’d do anything.” You get up and head over to the stage as the entire jazz club watches you intently. You take the sax player for a quick second, and he agrees to give you his sax. You hand over a few bits in exchange. You blow a few notes. Good. The rest of the jazz combo looks at you confused. You walk over and give them some quick instruction. You don’t have to tell them twice.
- You step forward and nod over to the piano player. The piano starts playing. This was it. You take a deep breath. And you let the emotion flow through.
- [spoiler: Your song choices were nice, BUT here is what I was thinking about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3A2rXFnjRTg [/spoiler]
- ~
- You finish and the entire jazz club bursts with applause. You bow and thank the rest of the combo. You hand the sax back to its owner as he pats your back. You return to Applejack, who looks at you with tears in her eyes. You open your mouth to say something, but Applejack stops you with kiss. She wraps her forehooves around your neck and brings your body against hers. You at first don’t do anything, but then you go with it. You old her tight to you and kiss her back. You two stay in the loving embrace for what seems like an eternity, and you were ok with that. You eventually pull away from her face so you could look into her eyes. She was still teary eyed.
- “Ah… ah love ya, Anon…”
- ~
- You take your dear Applejack back home around midnight. You have forgotten about work, about being human, about being nowhere near home. You’ve forgotten about everything. Applejack has made it all worth it.
- You two are standing outside her door.
- “Well, love, how was the date?” you ask. She kisses you passionately.
- “No words can truly describe how great it was, Anon.” she looks at you and blushes. You don’t want to toot your own horn, but it was a perfect night.
- What do now?
- >A) Kiss her goodnight, go home.
- >B) Kiss her, ask if she wants you to stay.
- >C) Stand awkwardly.
- CHOICE B
- “It’s pretty cold out here…” you say.
- “That it is, sugarcube…” she replies, slightly shivering.
- “How about I warm you up inside?” you ask slyly. Applejack giggles, and blushes. She doesn’t say anything. Instead, she opens the door and takes you inside.
- You make it to her room. She closes the door and gets in the bed, waving for you to join her. You lay down next to her. She suddenly pounces on you and you two begin to kiss passionately for a long time.
- You eventually pull apart from each other. She smiles at you and lays across your chest.
- “Thanks fer givin’ me the best night of mah life, Anon…” she whispers. You stroke her mane gently. You don’t say anything. You just smile at her. You give her one more kiss, and you fall asleep together.
- AJ: 96 (+10)
- ~~~