Autumn Leaves: Chapter 3 -Time Goes On-

Autumn Leaves

Chapter 3

-Time Goes On-

 

The Morning After Hearts and Hooves Day

 

>The light pitter patter of rain drops against your face stirs you awake, the morning sky choked with dark storm clouds and the low rumble of thunder rolling through the air from a great distance away.

>You wipe the water off your face and look around, gathering your surroundings.

>Seems like you must have fallen asleep at the lake last night.

>You clench your right hand, and feel soft fur beneath it. Looking over you see a blonde mane and an orange coat lying on your chest.

>Seems Applejack fell asleep here as well.

>The memories of last night stride through your mind, and a smile creeps its way onto your face.

>You bring a hand to your lips and wonder if it all really happened. It was just so... sudden, really.

>But you don't regret the kisses you shared with her, not for an instant. Whatever this feeling the two of you had for each other, it felt right. It felt true.

>The rain drops on your head fall faster and faster.

>Damn, this storm is getting closer by the second.

"AJ?"

>You gently nudge her, trying to wake her up.

>She stirs and comes to, smiling when she see you.

>"Oh *yawn* mornin' Anon... did we sleep by the lake?"

"Mmhmm. Seems that way."

>"Oh. Well ain't that interestin'?.. Oh shoot, it's rainin?"

"What, the water from the sky give it away?"

>She nuzzles your face and gives you a smirk.

>"Wise-ass. C'mon, let's get home b'fore this storm hits us."

>And with that, the two of you jump to your feet and run off, racing each other through the pelting rain.

>You both ran side by side, water from puddles splashing at your feet and at her hooves, both of you laughing as you ran onward to Sweet Apple Acres.

>By the time you got back home, the two of you were muddy and soaked to the bone, giggling like idiots as you both entered the farm house. What awaited you though, made you both freeze in place and stand in nervous fear.

>Right inside the front door entrance sat Granny Smith, rocking slowly back and forth as she stared at the two of you accusingly.

>GRAN: "Well good mornin' yungins'. Fancy seein' ya' here, what with ya' never makin' home last night and all. What've y'all been up to, hmm?"

>She's knitting something.

>While looking right at the two of you.

>Oh god she meant business.

"Uh.."

>AJ: "We uh.."

"We were out at the lake-"

>AJ: "Yeah, yeah we were havin' our picnic-"

"For Hearts and Hooves, and it got late, and-"

>AJ: "We must've jus' fallen asleep or somethin', you know-"

"Yeah we were SO tired and uh, you know we, uhm, just decided to sleep there for the night."

>AJ: "Yup. That. What he said."

>You both give her a smile, hoping she wouldn't inquire further about your evening.

>GRAN: "Mmhmm? That so?"

"Yup."

>AJ: "Yes'm

>Granny Smith's eyes slowly went from you to Applejack, eying her with suspicion, then sent her gaze back over to you.

>GRAN: "Anon, did'ja treat Applejack like a fine gentlecolt?"

>You weren't a colt, or a stallion, or any form of horse, but you weren't going to argue this out.

"Yes'm."

>GRAN: "Did she have a good time with'ya?"

"Yes'm."

>GRAN: "Ya gave'r a nice meal and a good view down by the lake?"

"Yes'm."

>GRAN: "Did'ja kiss'r g'night?"

"Yes'm."

>Granny continues her stare, looking at you quizzically, but with a tiny smile on her face.

>Applejack's mouth is slightly agape, and she stares at you, wide eyed.

>What? You answered her question, why are they looking at-

>...

>Aw hell.

"What I mean is- I, uhm, I kissed her goodnight but not kissed her like- uh... oh god, um, well...uh.."

>AJ: "Anon look at us! We're awful filthy, aren't we? C'mon, time to get cleaned up."

>Applejack you are a life saver.

>The two of you quickly shuffle past Granny Smith and exit the back of the farm, your cheeks red with blushing at the whole situation.

>Granny watches both of you, smiling and shaking her head, giving a tiny chuckle.

>GRAN: "Teenagers... mah stars..."

>You stand outside under a tin roof with Applejack as you fill a bucket with water from the farm's water spout.

>AJ: "Did ya see that? She was just... sittin' there... WAITIN' on us... ya don't think she think we... you know.."

"What? Oh, GOD no. No. No no no. Just... no."

>AJ: "Ah mean, you didn't really help us out with that little blurb a yours back there."

"Oh come on, I'm sorry! How was I supposed to know she was gonna ask me if I kissed you? It came out of no where!"

>Applejack puts a hoof to her face, and mumbles into it disappointingly.

>AJ: "Ah thought you were th'smooth talker, ya lummox. Now Granny think we're bu-"

>You cut her off when you splash her with the bucket of water, drenching her from head to hoof in chilly water, the dirt and mud from her fur washing away. Sufficed to say, she's not enjoying it.

"No. No she does not. She thinks we're two young people who happen to have a crush on each other. I think. Maybe. I hope that's all she thinks, that is."

>AJ shakes herself of the water, doing her best to get dry. She whips her mane back, sending a torrent of water at your face.

>You take it like a man.

"Okay, yeah, I deserved that."

>AJ: "Darn right ya did."

>Applejack pokes her tongue at you and begins ringing out her hair, while you refill the bucket to wash yourself off.

>As the bucket fills, you strip down to your bare bones, rubbing your arms as goosebumps ripple across your skin from the cold that the rain has made.

>Taking the bucket, you dump the water over your head and body, bearing the icy chill of the water as it drenched your skin.

>Having had enough, you whip your head side to side to get the water out of your face and grab a small towel, drying your hair.

"So.. uh, I guess last night was good? I mean, you enjoyed yourself, right?"

>AJ: "...yup."

"The necklace wasn't too much, right? You said you liked it, but... you know."

>AJ: "Oh yeah... love the... necklace.."

"You alright?"

>AJ: "Just fine... fine, just fine.."

>What the hell's gotten into her?

>You turn around and see that Applejack's been staring at you. Below the "belt."

>And as you turn to face her, her cheeks glow with an unearthly red hue, her eyes growing wide.

"What?"

>AJ: "Nothin' Ah just... you.. nekkid.."

>Nekkid?

>Oh, right, naked.

>...

>Wait.

>You flash the towel from your head down to your groin, concealing yourself as quickly as possible. You'd forgotten that being naked around Applejack NOW was a lot wierder than when you were younger. You'd wash up like this all the time, go swimming in the lake and ponds like it as well. They were ponies, they were naked ALL the time, you thought it wouldn't matter.

>But now apparently it does matter, as you've caught Applejack red...hooved?.. in the act of ogling at you.

"AJ."

>AJ: "...yup?"

"YO APPLEJACK."

>AJ shakes her head, breaking her trance and lowers her ears, blushing further as what she's been doing dawns on her.

>AJ: "Oh gosh, Ah didn't- I mean Ah wasn't tryin' t'look on purpose, Ah just... oh lord..."

"Were you staring at my ass?!"

>AJ: "Ah wasn't starin', Ah- Ah was just, uh.. Ah was just admirin'!"

"Somehow that sounds worse than staring. And then when I turned around?"

>Applejack promptly shuts her mouth and doesn't say a word, darting her eyes side to side.

>Great. Just great.

>You toss the towel onto Applejack's head with a laugh, pick up your wet clothes, and head inside.

>You head to the room you shared with Big Mac and find him sitting on his bed, reading a small book.

>Mac didn't particularly mind your nudity. You were bro's, didn't bother neither of you.

"Oh hey man. Readin'?

>MAC: "Eeyup."

"Cool. Is it one of yours, or mine? Or wait, did you get it from the library in town?"

>MAC: "Eeyup."

"Eeyup to which, the former or latter?"

>MAC: "Got it from the library."

"Oh okay, cool."

>You toss your wet clothes over the window sill, leaving them to dry once the rain stopped and the sun came back out. Walking over to your dresser, you pulled out a new change of clothes and changed, feeling better about being in a fresh pair of jeans.

>You jump over onto your bed, opposite the room of Big Mac, and relax.

>MAC: "Good night?"

"Hm? Oh, yeah. Yup. Good night. Yessir, good... good night. Yup."

>Well things just got a tad awkward. How would Big Mac feel if he knew you had feelings for Applejack? He's a smart guy, bit quiet and shy, but as sharp as a blade. He probably already knew you and Applejack were "infatuated" with each other, but you hoped not. Then again, if he knew and wasn't doing anything about it, maybe he didn't ca-

>MAC: "I hear ya kissed mah sister."

>Oh balls.

>You glance to Big Mac, still reading his book, a look of calm over him. He looked like he always did. Just as calm as ever.

"Uh... where, uhm, where'd you hear that?"

>MAC: "Applebloom."

>Applebloom?

>APPLEBLOOM?

>You spring off the bed and make your way out of the room as fast as you can, but quickly poke your head back through the doorway.

"You're not mad at me in any way for kissing your sister?"

>MAC: "Nope."

"Why not?"

>MAC: "You make her happy, that makes me happy. Win-win."

"Cool, I guess. Just checking. Applebloom in her room?"

>MAC: "Eeyup."

"Thanks man, you rock."

>MAC: "Eeyup."

>You race to the end of the hall and come to Applejack and Applebloom's room. You're about to knock, but are stopped as you hear voices coming from inside. From what you can tell, they belong to Applejack and Applebloom.

>You decided that if Applebloom spied on you, then you'd spy on her for a bit. You press your ear to the door, and listen.

>AJ: "Whaddya mean ya followed us to the lake?!"

>BLOOM: "Ah mean ah snuck out, crept behind y'all and followed ya to the lake t'see what big surprise Anon got fer ya!"

>AJ: "Applebloom, why in Equestria would ya go an' do that fer?"

>BLOOM: "Ah was super curious."

>AJ: "Ugh, have mercy..."

>BLOOM: "It's a real pretty necklace, sis. Ah didn't think Anon was gonna get ya' somethin' THAT great fer Hearts an' Hooves, Ah just figured he'd made ya a card or somethin'. Ah told ya he'd be a perfect very special somep0ny fer ya!"

>AJ: "Oh... well thank ya, Applebloom, that's mighty kind of ya t'say about Ano-"

>BLOOM: "So were ya grossed out by the kiss?"

>AJ: "APPLEBLOOM. HUSH."

>BLLOM: "Heehee, Ah knew it! Ah knew the both of ya kissed last-"

>AJ: "Applebloom Ah swear when Ah'm through with ya they'll never find where Ah buried ya, Ah give you mah word."

>You draw yourself away from the door and smile. Seems like Applejack had her hooves full with Applebloom as it is. No need to add your two cents to it all.

>As you go back to your room, you wonder what all of this will bring about. Maybe things with Applejack would end quickly and quietly. Maybe the two of you would continue to be with one another. There was no way of knowing, really.

>But you knew in your heart that you yearned for the latter, no matter what.

 

-------

 

One Year Later

Ages:

Anon-18

Applejack-18

Bic Mac-20

Applebloom-7

 

>Relax.

>Control your breathing.

>Deep breath in.

>Focus on the target.

>Deep breath out.

>Fire.

>An arrow shot from your finger tips, sailing at a tree in the distance and piercing a single red apple near the tree's top.

>You were getting the hang of this archery thing.

>For months you have been training with a bow and arrow. You wanted to go hunting eventually, and you remembered reading about a super hero that used archery in some comics when you were younger. Guy wore purple, had a funny looking helmet. Eventually, you actually got around to making bows, most of which you ended up breaking, and fletching numerous arrows. Fluttershy had been kind enough to lend you feathers from her assortment of birds for your use. You liked her, she was nice.

>Applejack jumped into the air in delight when the arrow hit its mark.

>AJ: "Well Ah'll be, you weren't kiddin' around Anon. Ya sure are talented with that thing, now aren't ya?"

"Practice makes perfect, after all, but I'm nowhere near perfection. C'mon, I gotta go get that arrow back."

>The two of you walk through the orchard, the smells of Fall finally beginning to arrive in Equestria. The trees had begun changing to a brilliant hue of red and gold, and from a distance the whole valley looked like it was painted in a sunset.

>AJ: "So, are ya really considerin' goin' huntin'?"

"Absolutely. You have no idea how long it's been since I've eaten meat. Hell, you don't even know what it's LIKE."

>Applejack laughs squeamishly.

>AJ: "Ah don't know, are ya sure ya want to do that? Ah mean, you'd be hurtin' another critter."

"Right, but I wouldn't let it go to waste. I'd eat it."

>AJ: "You'd just shoot a critter and then go straight t'eatin' it?"

"Well not right away, no. I'd have to haul it back here, skin it, gut it, then cut off the choice... pieces..."

>You promptly stop talking as Applejack adopts a look of sheer horror at you.

"Okay okay, fine, sorry no hunting."

>AJ: "Ah just can't believe that people from your Earth place eat other animals! It just seems... barbaric in a way, Ah guess."

"Yeah, that's humanity for you. We could be a tad barbaric. But hey, it got the job done most of the time."

>You give the tree a swift boot to the trunk and the apple with your arrow falls to the ground. Taking the arrow out, you promptly take a bite of the fruit.

>AJ: "Well, other than yer plans for savagery in the forest later on, are ya' ready for the big get together?"

"Oh yeah, yeah. Can't wait to meet the rest of your family. How many cousins do you have?"

>AJ: "'Bout a dozen, give or take."

"All of 'em have the word 'Apple' in their names?"

>"Yup."

"Fun."

>You take another bite from your apple. There was going to be a big family reunion up in Manehatten soon, and since you were somewhat considered family to the Apple's you'd be going as well.

>AJ: "By the way, Ah should warn ya about mah family in Manehatten, the Oranges. They can be... well, they're fancy city-folk. That's all Ah really gotta say."

"I repeat: Fun. Don't worry about it AJ, it should be fine. I can't wait."

>You stand with Applejack by the trunk of the tree, leaves falling occasionally to the grass below.

>Applejack darts her head around the tree, looking to and fro for followers. You glance around the field as well, looking for any signs of Applebloom. Or anyone from home, for that matter.

>The two of you still acted like it was some big secret, after all.

"No sign of Applebloom?"

>AJ: "Nope."

>She gives you a sweet smile and you sit down, resting against the trunk of the tree as Applejack crawls into your lap. You return her smile and take off her hat, resting it on the ground next to you.

"Think we'll ever stop sneaking away like this?"

>AJ just shrugs and nuzzles your cheek.

>AJ: "Ah don't rightly mind. Ah kind of like the view."

>You'd have to agree with her. The sight of the leaves this Autumn looked beautiful this time of year.

>You caress the side of Applejack's face, her cheeks warm to the touch. You nuzzle her neck, sending her into a light fit of giggling. When you stop, her face inches towards yours.

>Days like these were nice.

>BLOOM: "Hey y'all!"

>SON OF A BITCH WITH GODDAMMIT ON TOP.

>Applejack headbutts you in surprise, both of you recoiling in pain, causing you to hit your head on the tree.

"Applebloom, WHAT are you doing here?"

>BLOOM: "Followin' ya."

>AJ: "Why?!"

>Applebloom puffs up her cheeks.

>BLOOM: "Don't y'all get sore at me! Granny told me t'keep an eye on y'all. 'Make sure those two don't go ruttin' in the orchard,' she said. Ah don't know what ruttin' is, but Ah guess it means kiss. So Ah guess Ah did mah job!"

>Applebloom gives a bright, proud smile.

>You and Applejack look dumbstruck at her.

>Oh god, Granny Smith thinks... she think you and Applejack were going to...

>You look to Applejack and mouth the words, 'Go home now?'

>She nods

>BLOOM: "Hey, where are y'all goin'? Anon? Applejack? Wait up!"

"Never a dull moment around here it seems."

>Applejack laughs and gives you a playful shove.

>AJ: "Just wait till ya meet the family."

 

Days Later

 

>Manehatten is a lot bigger than you expected. It seemed eerily similar to New York City, but you had only been there once during Thanksgiving with your father when you were little.

>The reunion has been going well enough. It's only for a day, but you've been having the time of your life with Applejack's relatives. The Oranges were much more reserved than you and and the Apples, but what can you expect? They lived in the lap of luxury, while the rest of you were living off the salt of the earth.

>In fact, the Apples have taken to you surprisingly well. You knew some of them, but not all. The Oranges on the other hand treated you like some sort of strange spectacle. They'd never seen something like you, so of course they had their suspicions.

>Didn't matter.

>But at the moment, you stood in a bar downtown with Applejack, Big Mac, Apple Fritter, and Apple Crumble, knocking back shots of hard cider. You five were the bartender's best friends at the moment. Thank goodness the drinking age here was eighteen.

>You down the small glass of cider and slam it down to the table, giving Applejack a competitive glare.

"That's six shots down, AJ. Care t'keep up?"

>Applejack doesn't even bat an eye as she shoots down two more shots, one upping you.

>AJ: "You're move, tree puncher. Let's see if yer as good with that mouth'a yers as ya are with yer hands!"

>She gives a sly wink, but you don't let the innuendo phase you. You motion to Big Mac, who's downing a mug at the moment. He nods, and orders another mug.

>You take a shot, then two more, and catch the mug of cider as it slides down the bar to you, downing them all in ten seconds flat. You'd been boozing it up with Rainbow Dash some weekends so the practice was definitely helping.

>The bits from two years ago that Rarity let you keep was funding your current outing as well.

>Apple Fritter knocks back her mug and laughs heartily.

>FRIT: "Ha! Looks like he's beatin' ya AJ! Ya gonna lay down an' just take it from him like that?"

>You give AJ a smirk.

"Yeah Applejack, ya jus' gonna lay down an' take it?"

>AJ: "Play yer cards right, n'maybe Ah will!"

>CRUMBLE: "Haha! Sounds lahk a CHALLENGE t'me!"

>The festivities get slightly interrupted when a pony knocks into you, spilling your drink.

>???: "Watch it, flank-face!"

>???: "Eh yo, Tony, good one! Flank-face, HA!"

>These two colts were bronze coated, with slicked back, heavily gelled manes.

>Aw hell.

>Guido Ponies.

>FRITTER: "Hey, he didn't do nothin' to y'all! No need t'go calling people names like that."

>The colt names Tony takes off his shades and looks at the five of you.

>TONY: "Well shit, I didn't think they started lettin' Mules into this joint!"

>AJ: "Who're you callin' a mule?!"

>The other guido pony speaks up. This guy's name was Jack, apparently.

>JACK: "Just the bunch'a mules sittin' at the bar, that's who! Hey, Tony, look at this one. Shit, ain't she a pretty thing eh?"

>Jack runs a hoof through Applejack's mane, but she smacks it away.

>AJ: "Hands off, ya low down creetin'."

>TONY: "Learn some manners, ya frickin' hick! Bet ya haven't been laid in months, what with that attitude."

>He leans in close to Applejack and sneers.

>TONY: "You know, you ditch these mules and come with me, I can fix that for ya."

"I think the lady will pass."

>You don't even look their way, downing another shot instead.

>JACK: "Who da'buck is this guy?"

"Her special somep0ny, that's who. Now why don't you buck off?"

JACK: "I don't like big monkey freaks tellin' me to buck off."

"Ain't that nice. Now buck off."

>TONY: "I don't know why I'm even botherin' with all'a yous. You mules are all just a bunch of inbred buckin' freaks, anyhow."

>You're off the bar stool and right in front of Tony, a glare in your eye.

"Say that to my face."

>TONY: "I said, all you mules are just a bunch of inbred, buckin', freaks. Now, you gonna do somethin' about that?"

>You smile.

"Nope. Just wanted to get your attention so he could get behind you."

>TONY: "Wha-"

>Tony is cut off as Bic Macintosh calmly, and stoically, breaks his mug over his head, sending him crumpling to the floor.

>JACK: "You no good son of a-"

>You crack a fist across Jack's jaw, sending him flailing backwards.

"I think the party's over guys."

>MAC: "Eeyup."

AJ: "Yup."

>FRITTER: "Yup."

>CRUMBLE: "Yup."

>You toss the bartender the rest of your bits, more than enough for what you had bought.

"Sorry about the mess. Keep the change."

>He grunts at you, nodding.

>TONY: "Oh when my dad finds you, you'll be sorry, ya hear? No one punches Tony J. Mahonie, you hear me?"

>AJ: "Damn that's a stupid name."

>TONY: "Shut up!"

"Oh quit crying like a filly and go clean yourself up. We're done here."

>And with that, the five of you leave for the Orange's estate.

>Eventually, the five of you break off, Big Mac leaving with Fritter and Crumble to get there quicker while you and Applejack go it at your own pace.

"This was nice."

>Applejack lets out a quick chortle.

>"Ha! That's a laugh. Leave it to a buncha' city slickers t'ruin a fine evenin' out on the town."

"Aw well, whaddya gonna do?"

>"Haha, yeah... hey Anon?"

"Yup?"

>"What ya said back there, to those greaseballs? About you bein' mah special somep0ny?.. Did ya mean it?"

"Course I did. What, you didn't think we were?"

>"No Ah, well uhm... I don't rightly know, Ah guess Ah thought... never mind. It doesn't matter."

"No go ahead, what is it?"

>"Well o'course we were special somep0nies fer that one Hearts an' Hooves-"

"And the ones after that."

>"Right, yeah, the ones after that too Ah guess. Ah never thought we made it official, ya know?"

"How do we make it official? Do I propose?"

>"Hehe, naw. Nothin' that extravagent. Besides-"

>She shows off her necklace, the silver glimmering from the rays of the sun.

>"-Ya already gave me this here necklace. No need to go bustin' out a ring anytime soon."

"Ha, fine fine. So, really, how do we make it official?"

>Applejack ponders this for a moment, and smiles slyly.

>"Leave that t'me. All in good time, as it were."

>You shrug and crack a grin. She's probably have the two of you race for it, maybe even see who bucks the most apples. AJ was like that.

>You both walked on, taking in the sites and sounds of Manehatten as you made your way back to the Oranges.

>The rest of the day was spent mingling with family and friends, idle conversation and songs being passed around the dinner table and games played in the evening. By the time the sun had set, most of the Apples had left for home, leaving just you and AJ's family with the Oranges.

>You had all decided that you'd stay the night, then leave for home in the morning.

>Granny, Applebloom and Applejack shared a room, leaving only one other guest room available. Since you felt grateful to Mac for his help in the bar fight earlier, you deferred it to him, taking to the couch instead.

>You rested on the soft couch, your mind being flooded with Applejack's words.

>Make is official? Back on Earth, if you liked a girl, you just, you know, asked her out. Ponies did that too, so you didn't really know what Applejack had planned. Knowing her though, it probably involved a ton of endurance and heavy breathing afterward. Most bets or deals with her involved some sort of sportsmanship.

>You figure you'll just find out later, and close your eyes to sleep.

>Not long after, you feel something rustle on the couch with you.

>Whatever it is, it's on top of your chest.

>You open your eyes to be met by Applejack's, her eyes sleepy and half open.

>"Evenin'."

"Uh... evenin'. What are you doing?"

>Applejack raises up her head and unties the bow on her ponytail, letting down her blonde mane.

>"Making it official."

"Wh-"

>You're silenced as Applejack locks you in a soft yet strong kiss, your inhibitions flying away.

>You run a hand through her hair and pull her closer to you, taking in her scent and relishing in her embrace.

>Funny, the two of you had kissed plenty of times before. You didn't really know how this was making it official.

>Applejack breaks your kiss and smiles seductively, as she creeps down in between your legs.

>Oh.

>That's how.

>Silent passion crept through the house, your voices hushed to low whispers and moans, intensity reducing them to simple, silent gasps.

>The innocence of two young teens was abandoned, left in it's place the unity of two lovers as they intertwined with each other.

>And as the moments of burning passion dimmed down to a softly burning ember, you held Applejack closer than you ever thought you'd hold her.

"...Applejack?"

>"mmhmm?"

"I love you."

>"Ah love you too."

>You embrace the mare you've grown to adore, never wanting to let go.

>Had you known what was to come in the following years, you would have wished this moment would last a lifetime.

>Unfortunately, life isn't a simple fairy tale.

 

~End of Chapter 3~