The original prompt that inspired the story:   >Through a series of unlikely events you've come into possession of some photos of Applejack posing naked. >Applejack quickly found out about it and has confronted you outside of your house. >"Anon, I know you've recently come into possession of some, rather incriminatin photos." She says blushing. "Alright, but I'm curious, how did-" >She looks to her left, and then right and then sighed, >"Well, a while ago.. Me and mah ex, well, we uh.. Things got heavy between us, and he convinced me to pose for him. I didn't think he'd go and give em away like that after we broke up." "I see, so you want me to give them back to you right?" >"Yes. If those photos get out my reputation will be ruined, my family will be ashamed, and no one will look at me the same again." >She looks really desperate to get the photos back. >You know you could seriously ruin her life by uploading it all to the internet. -----------------------------------------------------   >Be Applejack. >You're as nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rockin' chairs. >Because you know, that he knows, he could seriously ruin your life by uploading it all to the internet. >You're at a complete disadvantage in this situation. >You're at his mercy. >He'll probably want something from you. >More like he'll want you to do something with him. >And the sad thing is, you have no choice but to go through with it. >But you also know that Anon is a man of his word. >He's never gone back on it in all the time you've known him. >So if he says he'll give them back, in exchange for that 'something', you know you can trust him. >Now go on Applejack, you're a big girl. >Just come out with it and get this over with. "Anon, I've worked long and hard enough to know, nothing in life comes for free. That's why I'm willin' to offer you sumthin' in exchange." >"You are?" >He asks surprised. >He probably expected you to put up more of a fight. "If you give them back, and promise not to tell anyone anything about all this, I'll..." >You hold your left arm with your right hand, and look down with a defeated expression. "I'll... sleep with you." >Your voice is almost whisper quiet. "A couple times even, if that's what it takes..." >There. >You said it. >It hurts your pride like hell, but in the long run, this is for the best. >Except for the sound of Anon diggin' in his pockets, there's nothing but silence. "Anon, give me yer answe-" >You look back up to see Anon holding an envelope in front of you. "What's this?" >"The photos." >He's giving them to you already? >He must know that you won't go back on your word either. >With a bit of hesitation, you take the envelope. >A quick look inside confirms these are the photos. >Well, time to hold up your end of the bargain. "Alright Anon, when and... where do you wanna do this?" >"Um, Applejack, I think you've got the wrong idea." >You lift an eyebrow. "What do ya mean?" >"I mean, I don't want anything from you." "...At all?" >"At all. >I've been planning to give them to you." "Soo... what? You just wanted to look at em'?" >"No. >I never even looked at them once. >That's not why I bought them." "You bought them?!" >You nearly shout. >"Well yeah. >I mean, your ex was a friend of mine. >And when he told me about how he was going to upload your photos all over, I made a deal to buy them from him before he could." "Wait... so, you did all of that... for me?" >"Well, yeah." >You're shocked. >Almost speechless. >But you have to ask. "...Why?" >He suddenly becomes nervous. >He looks away from you. >"I, uh, have to go." "Go?" >He starts backing away from you. >"Yeah, I gotta go pick up something from the store for my mom. >She'll be really mad if I take too long. >So, I guess I'll see you around." >He gets into the car in his driveway, and starts it up. >He rolls down the window. >"And hey, I meant what I said before. >About how he was a friend of mine. >We're not friends anymore." >You watch in stunned silence as he drives away.   >Later, back at home in your room, you watch as the photos slowly burn away. >It was done. >It's over. >Just like that. >And it's all thanks to Anon. >It could have been so much worse, but he took care of it. >Even spent his own money to do it. >But you were still left with the question. >Why? >Why go through all that for you? >Sumthin' suspicious like is goin' on here. >And you aim to find out what. >You'll ask him again. >Confront him. >Tomorrow at school.   >The next day. >You've been eyeing Anon throughout the school day. >Almost like you were studyin' his habits in the wild, or sumthin'. >Even the girls were gettin' curious about what was up with you. >Finally, there was a free period. >You followed Anon into the school library. >There was no one inside, except for Miss Cheerilee. >And he's going up to the second floor. >That area is so secluded, even Twi was able to spend the night there without anyone knowin'. >Perfect. >You wait until he gets to a corner bookshelf. >And then... "Anon!" >Startled, he spins around in surprise. >"A-Applejack?! >What're you-" "I'll be askin' the questions here!" >"Questions?" >You walk straight up to him and point a finger in his face. >He tries to put some room between you, but ends up with his back to the bookshelf. >No where to run this time. "You never answered me Anon. Why did you go through all that trouble for me? What do you want?" >"I told you Applejack, I don't want anything." "Now that there's gotta be a lie. Nobody does that much for someone just to be nice n' friendly. Maybe you've got something big planned, and you wanted me to let my guard down?" >"That's not-" "Well it ain't gonna work, see? This whole time, I haven't told my big brother nothin'. I didn't want him to find out what I'd done. But if I were to tell him you've been givin' me trouble, you'd be in a world of hurt." >You grab him by his shirt to bring his face to yours. >Giving him a glare that'd make Fluttershy proud. "Now fess up! Why did you do it?!" >He desperately avoids eye contact with you, until he flat out looks away from you. >"I did it because... I love you." >A few moments of silence and stillness. "...Beggin' yer pardon?" >He finally looks you in the eyes. >"I love you Applejack." >You slowly let go of him and take a few steps back. >The shock from yesterday returning. "Wha... whadda ya mean ya love me?" >"From the moment I saw you, I felt it. >And the more I learned about you, the harder I fell." "So... when my ex and me were going out?" >"I hated it. >But as long as he was treating you right, and it made you happy, that was good enough for me. >It was only until he tried to pull that shit with the pictures that I got mad." >This isn't what you suspected at all. >At least it isn't more trouble. >But it is awkward as heck. >You've never felt any real attraction to Anon. >Though he is a handsome fella. >And he's even more of a stand up guy than you thought. >Because of him, you're able to breathe easy, and walk in the daylight without a care in the world. >And with the way he feels about you, it's only fair to... >You place your hand on your chin and give him a sly smile. "Tell ya what, Anon. Since you didn't take me up on my first offer, how about another? A date." >"Date?" "Yep. A real bonafide one too. Dinner, a movie, all that nice stuff." >He smiles. >"Yeah, I'd like that. >When should I pick you up?" >He seems excited. "Well tomorrow is saturday. And we're going on a dinner date. So I reckon, around dinner time tomorrow?" >He chuckles a bit. >"Right, that makes sense." "So we have a deal? Then put'er there." >You extend your hand. >He happily takes it, and you both shake on it. >Since he's never been over to the farm, you give him your phone number to make sure he'll get there. >"See you tomorrow." >He waves. "I'll be waitin'." >You wave back as you head downstairs, and out of the library. >This was no big deal. >Just one date. >As a way to show your appreciation for what he did. >But as sweet of a guy as Anon seems, after tomorrow, you'll just put this whole thing behind you.   >Be Anon. >It's saturday. >You're driving up to Sweet Apple Acres. >Man, this place is huge. >You pull up to the farmhouse, and text Applejack that you're outside. >A minute later, she steps out and gets into the passenger seat. >She's wearing her usual outfit, nothing special. >But that's fine with you. >She buckles up. >"Alright, let's get this show on the road! >Where we headin', Anon? >Sugarcube Corner, a burger joint?" "Nah, I've got something else in mind." >You smile.   >One drive into the the city later, and you're in front of one of the best steakhouses in town. >"Geez Anon, isn't this place crazy expensive? >We don't have to eat here ya know? >Anywheres fine with me." "Don't worry about it Applejack. We're having a dinner date, right? There's nothing wrong with eating somewhere nice." >Applejack frowns a bit, but seeing you smile puts her at ease. >"Well, if you insist then." "I do. Now c'mon, I'm so hungry I could eat a whole cow." >She chuckles as you lead her into the restaurant. >"I doubt that."   >You're seated at a table for two. >The waiter comes over to take your orders. >"What will the lady be having this evening?" "I'll be ordering for the both of us." >Applejack is pleasantly surprised. >"Oh really? >Alright then..." >She sets down her menu without giving it another look or thought. >"I'm in your hands." >She's giving you that sly smile again. >And with those choice words. >Is she teasing you? "We'll both be having the signature house steak. With loaded baked potatoes, corn, and creamed spinach. For dessert, the apple cobbler with vanilla ice cream." >"And to drink?" "Sweet tea." >"Alright, we'll get that out for you in just a bit." >The waiter takes the menus and heads off to the kitchen. >Applejack gives you a grin. >"Not bad Anon. >You do know a bit about me." "But I could always stand to learn more." >You give her one of her own sly smiles. >She smiles back. >"Fair nuff, Anon." >As you wait for your dinner, you make small talk. >About school, her friends, her work at the farm. >It's mostly stuff you already know. >But it's nice enough to be having a one-on-one conversation with her.   >Eventually, the food arrives. >The waiter setting everything in front of you neatly. >"Enjoy your meal." "Thank you." >Applejack looks over everything with a big smile. >"Hoo weee! >This sure looks good." "Well there's no need to hold back. I'm not one to care about table manners." >"Anon, you're speakin' my language. >Let's dig in!"   >Awhile later and the food is gone, leaving a messy table behind. >You're both slumping down into your seats. "So what did you think?" >"Oh, it was great. >The steak and sides, all top quality." "How about the apple cobbler?" >"Eh, it was okay. >But, my family recipe kicks it to the curb." >She says with a smug face. "Figured you'd feel that way."   >With the food done, it's time for the check. >As expected, it's pricey. >But you've saved up well enough to handle it fine. >Applejack tried to go half in on the bill, but you insisted that you pay.   >A car trip later, and you're at the movie theater. >You and Applejack look over the led lit showtimes board. >After a few seconds, she spots what she's looking for, and walks up to the ticket counter. >"We'll take two fer the next showing of that there new romance." "No we won't." >She looks back at you in surprise. >"We won't?" "Nah. We'll take two for the next showing of that one." >You point at the board. >"Anon, that's an action movie, filled with nothin' but explosions and special effects." "Exactly the kind of movie you like, right?" >You smile. >"Well... yeah, actually." >She smiles back. "Come on, let's get some snacks." >"Snacks? >We just ate!" "But you want some popcorn at least, don't you?" >You give her your now mastered sly smile. >You can tell she's upset you've perfected her own technique. >"...Yeah, I guess I do." >She admits in a huff.   >With center seats, snacks, and Applejack sitting next to you, you're ready for the movie. >"Anon, did we really need this super jumbo size popcorn?" "It was only a few dollars more than the small. Besides, you look cute holding that big bucket. It's worth it just for that." >You say as you reach over and toss a few in your mouth. >She scoffs. >"What kinda compliment is that suppose to be?" >She looks away seemingly upset, but she's blushing as well?   >It's now about halfway through the movie. >It's pretty good. >Applejack seems to be enjoying it at least. >She's hanging on the edge of her seat for an intense scene. >Mindlessly reaching into the oversized bucket in her lap. >Suddenly, the scene reveals a jump scare moment. >And Applejack falls for it completely. >It works so well in fact, she literally jumps out of her seat. >This of course, causes her to lose control of the giant bucket, and send a wave of popcorn flying. >Due to gravity, the popcorn also falls. >And it just so happens to fall on you. >You are now covered in a mountain of popcorn. >After catching her breath, Applejack looks over to you. >She goes from a state of surprise, to one of trying to contain her laughter. >She clasps a hand over her mouth, letting out muffled giggles. >"A-Anon...ah'm so sorr-" >Without saying anything, you slowly look over to her, cross your arms, and give her a glare. >The sight sends her into desperation to keep herself from bursting out laughing. >Both hands now covering her mouth. >You know it would only take one more push now. >You slowly reach for some popcorn that's on your head, take a handful, and eat them. >All without taking your eyes off her or losing your glare. >That does it. >She begins to laugh heartily, right in the middle of the theater. >The audience immediately starts to shush at her loudly. >Eventually, she's able to get a hold of herself, and help brush you off. >She starts whispering to you. >"You were right, Anon." "About what?" >"The jumbo popcorn. >It was worth it. >You looked good." >She giggles again.   >You're now back in the car, taking Applejack home. >You're almost there, and you've spent the whole car ride talking about the movie. >"And when he jumped out of the buildin' as the bomb went off? >Hands down the best part." "Are you sure it wasn't the part that had you flying out of your seat?" >You tease. >"I told you, it just caught me off guard is all." >She defends. >You arrive back at the farmhouse, parking right in front. "You mind if I walk you to the door?" >She pauses for a moment, but smiles. >"Not at all." >You both get out and take the few steps up to the porch. >You stand next to Applejack, as she stops just short of the door. >"Well, I have to say Anon, I had a pretty swell time." "So did I. It was a lot of fun, even the popcorn shower." >She chuckles, and looks down while shuffling her feet awkwardly for a few seconds. >She seems hesitant about something. >But she musters up her resolve and looks you in the eyes. >"Thank you Anon. >Not just for tonight, but for everything. >I really don't know what ah'd have done if it weren't for you." "I'm just glad it didn't end up as bad as it could've." >"Right. >It woulda been a heap of trouble for me after all. >Not sure if ah'd ever been able to live it down..." >Another moment of awkward silence. >"Well, I guess I'll see you at school." "Of course. If you're planning another bake sale, let me know and I'll be the first in line." >"Sure thing." >She smiles. >She opens the door and takes a few steps inside before looking back. >"Goodnight, Anon." "Goodnight, Applejack." >She waves as she closes the door softly. >You wave back. >You head back to your car. >You drive home in silence.   >You step into your house, close and lock the door. >Mom isn't home yet. >Still working late. >You go to your room and sit down in your computer chair. >You remember the last few moments with Applejack. >Her hesitation and regret. >Throughout your life, you've been called a lot of things. >A dork. >A loser. >A beta, as the football team liked to say. >And maybe those things were true. >But one thing you knew you weren't, was a fool. >You made sure to enjoy tonight as much as possible. >Because you already knew, this would be as far as you'll ever get with her. >She'll talk with you at school. >Be friendly. >But nothing more. >You reach into one of your desk draws and pull out a photo. >A photo of Applejack. >The only one you kept. >It was a picture you took of her preparing for the last bake sale. >She's wearing a frumpy apron. >Her hair is mussed. >She looks tired and ragged. >There's flour and other ingredients all over her. >She doesn't look good at all. >Rather, she looks like a mess. >But you love this picture more than any other. >Because instead of posing naked, she's smiling. >Smiling while doing what she loves to do the most. >And just like everytime you've looked at it before... >You smile too.   END.