>Day Vitamin A, And Other Essential Nutrients in Equestria.
>Be Anon, 10 year old extraordinaire, and Element of General Badassery.
>Strolling through the market with your mom at your side; you casually shop for the things that she needs for the week.
>"It says right on tha sign, 8 bits fer a dozen!"
>The country mare in front of you glares defiantly over her apples, but you won't be backing down.
"I'll give you 8 inches of my foot up your ass; we demand a fair price, you thieving horse!"
>A pained sigh from your side tells you that you may have gone a bit too far.
>"Oh, Anon..."
>Applejacks' eye twitches violently as she starts working herself up to give you a tongue lashing, but a quick look at your moms sad gaze calms her back down.
>"Since it's fer you, Fluttershah... I'll let em go fer 5..."
>"Oh, thank you, Applejack, that's very nice of you"
>Mom smiles endearingly at the cowpone before turning to you with a threatening gaze.
>Catching your cue, you throw on a charming smile as well.
"Oh yeah, super nice. I mean, they're probably only worth 3, but if that's really the friend price..."
>Continuing to scowl down at you; the orange mare bags up the apples and hoofs them over without another word.
>As the two of you are walking away from the stand, your mom let's out a tired sigh that only a parent could make.
>"What am I going to do with you...?"
>You grin at her in a way that's time tested and proven to make her smile.
"Loose me into the wild to live with a pack of timberwolves? You can do that, ya know? I'd probably turn into a superhero."
>Smiling back and giggling softly; she pulls you into a walking hug with a wing.
 
>It irks you a bit that you have to be here, but you wouldn't want her getting hassled by pushy salesmen.
>It's not like you'll be eating any of this shit; this is all horse food.
>You're a man, damnit; you require nothing but your daily intake of meat, seasoned lightly with the fear of imminent death.
>You told mom this, and trust that she thoroughly stares down the fish that she catches for you; letting each one know that their final gasp is nigh.
>"Almost done, Anon. Thank you so much for coming with me, I just don't know what I'd do if I was all alone..."
>Glancing over to her, you nod in understanding.
>She'd probably buy anything that anyone offered her out of the kindness of her heart.
>Or be a total doormat and let anyone take advantage of her with their price gouging.
"No worries; let's just get it over with."
>As happy as you are to help; you'd still be glad to be done with this.
>You'd much rather be back home wrestling with Berry and Angel.
>Angel always wins; you just can't understand it.
>"All that's left on the list are carrots."
>Which conveniently enough is the next stand in front of you.
>Walking up to it, you eye the vegetables with disdain.
>"Hello there; can I help you?"
>The yellow mare behind the counter with the curly orange mane politely begins her sales pitch.
>"Y-yes please, I'll take 6 if you don't mind..."
>Ignoring their conversation entirely; you continue to glare at what passes for "food" beneath you.
>"Don't you like carrots? Everypone likes carrots!"
>Glancing up, you see the mare looking at you curiously; as if you were an oddity the likes of which she'd never seen.
>Which is true for the most part; though you're fairly well known around here.
>Shaking your head, you stare balefully back down at the orange wastes of space.
 
>"Everypone likes carrots. Here, you can even have a sample, on the house!"
>As she insists adamantly that no one alive could possibly dislike her produce, she offers one to you with a bright and enthusiastic smile.
>"O-oh; I really don't think that Ano-"
>A smile that falls as quickly as her offering when you slap the carrot to the ground.
"Vegetables are for hippies and Frenchy foo foo fag nasties."
>Your mother visibly winces at your language before staring at you sternly.
>Knowing what's expected of you; you roll your eyes with a sigh, and look to the orange mare who is staring at the carrot on the ground in shock.
"I mean Frenchy foo foo fun nasties. And I'm sorry I got your gross orange thing dirty, even though it came from the ground in the first place."
>The sound of a hoof meeting a face comes from your side, but the mare in front of you makes no reaction.
"...Sooo-GAGH"
>You're suddenly cut off as she leaps across her stall and tackles you to the ground with a carrot in hoof.
>In short order she has your mouth pried open and is violently shoving the vegetable down your throat.
>"SWALLOW IT."
>Choking and sputtering on the offending root, you bite down and swallow in order to clear room to breathe.
>As you gasp and wheeze for life sustaining oxygen, you shoot a pleading glance towards your mother; only to see her...
>Blushing?
>With red tinted cheeks, and wings at full mast; she looks down at you in shocked silence.
>WHY?
>A hoof on your chin directs your eyes back to the most serious gaze you've ever seen.
>Her muzzle is only an inch from your nose as she speaks to you in a tone void of any life or mercy.
>"EVERY DAY UNTIL YOU LIKE IT."
>Oh god, what?
 
"Seriously!? You just stand there and allow your son to be molested with vegetables!? And what was with the blushing!?"
>A short time later sees the both of you walking back towards the cottage with groceries secured.
>"Well, you really should eat more of your veggies... And I w-wasn't blushing..."
>She's still blushing.
>"And I don't want you using words like "molestation"; I'm n-not even sure how you learned about such a thing."
>She looks away in a huff at your apparent knowledge of criminal sex acts.
>Trying to keep your expression as deadpan as possible and not laugh at her is difficult; she's just that adorable.
"Mom; it's pretty hard not to be aware of stuff like that when there are constantly vaginas everywhere. I can see yours right now."
>Nope, can't help it.
>As she "eeps" quietly, and practically gives herself a friction burn from the speed that her tail whips down; you laugh uproariously.
>"You keep y-your eyes where they're supposed to be, m-mister!"
>The general good mood follows you all the way home, though you can't help but feel slightly worried by Golden Harvests'(You found out her name; feeling it appropriate to know after such an encounter) parting words.
>Every day.
>Until you like it.
 
>At school the following afternoon; you go through the motions of pretending to pay attention.
>Math is a breeze, Equish is no problem, and no one cares about History.
>Ms. Cheerilee likes you; so you can get away with catching a nap or two, as long as your grades don't suffer.
>Finally hearing that sweet sound of the lunch bell that signifies a break from the monotony; you pick up your packed lunch and head outside with the rest of the class.
>There's the usual scuffle from the fillies around you about not having an ass tattoo; but you ignore it as you always do.
>Sitting beneath a tree; you open your lunch that was made with love, just for you.
>You can tell from the big heart shaped fish sandwich.
>Mom kicks so much ass.
>Carefully peeling off the lettuce and tomato; you toss them behind you.
>Preparing to take that first delicious mouthful; you halt at the sound of rustling from above.
>Your gaze slowly pans upwards to meet the green eyes of Golden Harvest as she stares back down at you from a branch; threateningly brandishing a carrot.
"This can't be legal."
>The terror in your eyes only seems to amuse her.
>Jumping to your feet; you begin to sprint away as quickly as possible.
>A thud coming from where you sat moments ago letting you know that you would need all of your speed.
>Running forward with everything you have; you notice that you're halfway to the schoolhouse.
>You're going to make it.
>And then two points of pressure slam into the backs of your knees, causing you to falter and trip.
>How can she throw carrots with such deadly precision?
>Continuing to crawl forwards; you lock eyes with Applebloom and reach a hand out to her.
"P-please..."
>She backs away slowly while shaking her head; you're on your own.
>A sudden weight on your back is followed by the sun being blocked out from above; an orange mane suddenly hanging over you.
 
>"Eat your carrot."
>Sweat pours down your face as you tremble in terror and attempt to throw her off, and escape the carrot that's now dangling in front of your eyes..
>There's nothing you can do; she's just too heavy.
"I don't like c-carrots..."
>She chuckles on top of you as the orange vegetable begins to poke and prod your tightly closed mouth.
>"Everypone likes carrots."
>Your head whips back and forth as it slides across your lips with it's rough texture, and sweet but tangy smell; but eventually it slips inside.
>As you try to yell; it pushes deeper down your throat and chokes you once more.
>Knowing that there is nothing else to be done; you bite down and begin to chew vigorously  
>"That's a good boy..."
>She pats your head as you chew; stroking your hair gently.
>"Now swallow it."
>The sound of your chewing mixes with your sobs as you choke down the produce.
>Once it's all gone; the weight lifts off of you, and you hear the clopping of hooves trailing away.
>Curling up into a ball and crying at the gross taste in your mouth; you hear another set of hooves approaching.
>Applebloom looks at you in genuine sympathy as she picks you up off the ground.
>"Ah know it ain't easy; but ya shouldn't try tah stop her. We all started... Likin' carrots, eventually... She made sure'a that..."
>Sobbing into her shoulder softly; you feel a fire igniting inside.
>You wouldn't give up, you'd never obediently swallow what she gives you.
>Spitting onto the ground; you turn away from the yellow fillys' comfort and return to your fish sandwich; hoping that it could wash away the taste of defeat.
 
>The next day after school sees you inside Sugarcube corner picking up some cupcakes for mom and you.
>Not having been assaulted yet today had you edgy about being outside at all.
>Jumping at shadows like some kind of child; which you weren't.
>You're a big pon... human.
>Even so, there was nothing that you wanted more than to run back home and hide under your bed; but mom asked you nicely, and Pinkie makes bitchin cupcakes.
>Besides; Rainbow Dash was here.
>She wouldn't let anything bad happen to you, you're sure of it!
>"Here ya go, Nonny! Auntie Pinkie made them just the way that you and Fluttershy like!"
>Taking the bag of confections that smell of coconut and chocolate; you grin up at the pink mare.
"Thanks Pinkie, these are always the best."
>Giggling while waving a hoof at you bashfully; she disappears behind the counter as you turn to look at the Rainbow maned pegasus beside you.
"Say, would you... Come home with me?"
>She chuckles and roughly smacks you on the back with a hoof.
>"You're a little young for me there, squirt."
>Catching her meaning; you laugh back and return her rough pat.
"Pssht; sorry, that's not what I meant. I'm only into girls~"
>It's easy to see that you struck a nerve as she scrunches her muzzle at you in annoyance.
"Come on; just walk home with me. I'm sure mom wants to see you anyway. Plus we have cupcakes."
>Nodding along to the truth of that decisive statement, she relents.
>"Alright; let's get going then. Those things are always best fresh!"
>The sound of the bell above the door rings out just as you turn to head home.
>Standing in your path to freedom is Golden Harvest; tossing a carrot up and down as if it were a knife.
 
>"I've been looking for you, Anon."
>You're feeling confident that you'll be protected if she tries anything, so you smirk back in defiance.
"I won't be touching that disgusting thing today."
>She just dons a smirk of her own and begins to trot towards you slowly.
>Noticing the pink mane popping back up behind the counter; you turn to Pinkie.
"Pinks; help me? I don't like carrots."
>She giggles at your plight with a hoof over her mouth.
>"Gotta eat your veggies if you wanna be big and strong, Nonny!"
>There was no use in trying to reason with her; you just have to accept this one as a loss.
>Turning instead to your protector and most trusted friend; you plead with your eyes like a wayward puppy.
>"Haven't been eating your carrots, huh? Sorry, squirt, but it's for your own good."
>Your look of pleading turns into one of despair.
>They would betray you.
>Before you can even begin to turn and make a break for it through the kitchen; Pinkie jumps across the counter and takes you down; sitting on one arm and securing it to the ground.
"Nononono..."
>Dash lands on your other side and does the same; effectively sealing your fate.
>Whipping your head back and forth; you stare into the eyes of those you trusted as they look down in amusement.
"T-traitors..."
>Rainbow winces a bit, but Pinkie just giggles more at your accusation.
>"Just lay back and accept it, little dude. It'll be over in 10 seconds flat."
>As you lay on the ground helplessly; Golden Harvest slinks up to you with half lidded eyes.
"Don't do this, please..."
>Setting her body down on your torso; she slowly traces your shaking lips with the carrot.
>"Open up..."
 
>You try to turn your head away, but Pinkie and Rainbow won't allow it.
>Keeping you still; they watch with bated breath as the vegetable begins to prod your mouth once more.
>"Don't worry, Nonny, it doesn't bite. Just open up wide and take it all in!"
>With a sudden thrust it's filling your mouth up; almost to the back of your throat.
>Gagging at the sensation of the vegetable sliding across your tongue; you fight back the tears at your situation.
>It's just so thick.
>Eventually being unable to stand the fullness any longer; you bite down and chew just as you did the times before.
>The mare on top of you softly strokes your cheek with a hoof as you cough up bits of carrot and cry to yourself.
>"You like it, don't you...?"
>Mrs. Cake comes downstairs and looks around in confusion as the mares lift themselves off of you.
>But when she catches sight of Golden; she nods in understanding.
>Rainbow lifts you onto her back and begins trotting out of the store in the direction of your house; but the entire way out, your gaze never falters from those deep green eyes that will haunt your dreams.
"Rainbow..."
>She doesn't look back; only responds with a guilt ridden voice.
>"Yeah, squirt...?"
>There's so many things you wish to say to her; but you choose what you feel is the most important at the time.
"Why are my arms wet...?"
>...
>"...Don't worry about it."
>You do.
 
>The rest of the day was a blur of uncontrollable sobbing, staring blankly at the wall, and the taste of carrot that would't leave your mouth.
>You didn't even realize that the sun had set and already risen again, until a knock on your bedroom door draws your attention from your inner turmoil.
>"A-anon, sweetie...?"
>Yesterdays cupcake lies uneaten beside your bed.
>"Can I come in...?"
>It would have been delicious, you're sure of it; but the thought of anything in your mouth after... That... makes you want to throw up.
>Your door creeks open and your mother trots towards you.
>Flapping up to lay beside you on the bed; she nuzzles your cheek softly.
>Hugging her; you feel the pinpricks of tears coming to the corners of your eyes.
>"Do you want to talk about it?"
>Shaking your head in silence; you simply continue to hug her with a death grip.
>"Anon; you have to try and get past this. Even somepone as fussy as Angel Bunny doesn't mind eating his carrots."
>Berry and Angel were confused when you fled to your room in tears after arriving yesterday.
>You... Didn't want them to see you crying; to think any less of you.
"I just don't like them..."
>"Everypone likes carrots."
>Your eyes widen in horror at that voice coming from your doorway.
>Looking up quickly; your worst fears are confirmed.
>She trots slowly into your room; your sanctuary.
>Trying to crawl away on the bed; you find that you can't.
>Hooves wrap under your arms and pull you backwards into your moms soft stomach fur.
>"I'm sorry... But it's for your own good..."
>She set you up.
>You flail wildly in her grip; but she's just too strong.
 
>Tears fall freely now, as Golden Harvest stops directly in front of you at the bedside and dangles a carrot in your face.
"Why...?"
>Your mothers whispered breath tickles your ear as she continues to nuzzle you.
>"Because you need to eat your vegetables... Please, just a taste...? For mama...?"
"..."
>How could you resist her when she asks you like that?
>With teary eyes, you gingerly lick the tip of the vegetable before nibbling slightly.
>It really isn't that bad when you willingly take it into your mouth.
>As you're released from behind, you begin to slowly eat the produce in earnest.
>"There see? Was that so hard? I told you, everypone likes carrots."
>Finishing up with a final crunch; you nod to the yellow mare that really was only looking out for your best interests.
"Hey, mom...?"
>"Yes, sweetie?"
>Turning back to look at her as she smiles at you happily; you say what's been on your mind since you started to enjoy the stiff vegetable.
"I think I'm gay."
>"...I ...What?"
>It was a confusing day.