Title:           Of Sweetie Bots and Young Love part 2
Author:          Shade_of_Dusk
Pastebin link:   http://pastebin.com/WpWuNVEv
First Edit:      Wednesday 21st of September 2016 10:25:45 PM CDT
Last Edit:       Last edit on: Wednesday 28th of September 2016 11:06:03 PM CDT

>After about 10 more minutes, the two emerge from the room and the lockdown stops. They quickly make it down the stairs to the kitchen where Anon’s mom is waiting.
>”Son… Would you mind explaining the crater on the driveway?”
“Well there was someone suspicious snooping about and did not fit their claim of being a police detective so I activated the 2nd tier security…”
>”Alright but next time don’t use any of your cousin’s devices to remove them. Use the automated front end loader to just pick up the car and hold it there. You know how expensive asphalt is to fill in.”
>”Isn’t your mom too calm about this?”
>”Oh hello Sweetie. I did not see you there. How are you?”
“This is not the first time this has happened. Last time it was a few upset family members of someone she held a tribunal over. They tried to shoot us and the animals. My cousin made a few items that… cured them of their concerns. I just forgot where he left them all…”
>”Okay Nonny. That is just weird.”
“I know. I would rather it just be access gates and biometrics but my cousin added a bit that is just too dangerous.”
>”So what has you two so dressed up? Going to see your grandmother?”
“Yes, mom and then I have dinner with Sweetie’s family. I will not be out too late.”
>”You still need to tell me more about last night.”
“I promise I will but the short of it was a guy who ALSO likes Sweetie tried to drug us to have his way with her.”
>”I was knocked out and tied up along with another friend who came along. I awoke in the ambulance beside Nonny as we were riding to the hospital.”
“Luckily Redheart was on duty and we were well taken care of,” Anon finishes as his mom has a terrified and disturbed look on her face.
>”Yeah…Lucky. What were you two drugged with?” She asks as she walks closer to them.
“GHB. Apparently there is a group spreading amounts of it about as they had the test ready for it despite them saying they normally don’t look for it.”
>”Oh you poor things…” Anon’s mom says as she hugs them both. “I am so sorry to hear you two had such a bad night.”
>”Well things got better once we were able to get some rest,” Sweetie says. “I definitely feel safer with Anon around as he helped to organize everyone even while he was half out of it.”
>”That’s my boy,” Anon’s mom says as she sits on a stool beside them. “Well I don’t want to keep you.”
“I just need to call Gannar and we can go. Need to let her know Sweetie acceptwed her invite.”
>”Gotcha. Want anything to drink Sweetie?”
“Got any of Anon’s grape soda?”
 
>Anon picks up their pace as he drives, noting the time to be 11:15. The trees and a couple fishing ponds fly by as they continue to the farside of the county, beyond the edges of the Ponyville community.
>”Aren’t you going a bit fast, Anon?”
“Oh… sorry Sweetie. Got focused on the time and lost track of my speed,” he replies as he drops back to just above the speed limit as they pass a packed small church and then a general store. “Gannar asked me to get moving as she wants to meet you before everyone else gets there.”
>”Well I am looking forward to meeting her, especially with how you told me she helped you stand up to your dad yesterday morning. Plus I am curious as to what all is on your family’s farm. The Apple farm is awesome and I am curious to how yours compares.”
“Well we will pass the Apple farms, or at least a part of it, as we go on out here.”
>”Oh cool! I bet you also have some apple trees on your farm.”
“A few AJ asked me to never introduce the fruit of to market. My family has mostly crab apples but there is one special type I want to show you and it is my favorite ones. Plus I have to show you the muscadines and scuppernongs.”
>”What are those? They have weird names…”
“They are some of the best native grapes around. We have been culturing a strain or two of these for a while… Some of my favorite parts of the start of fall.”
>”Never knew you were passionate about fruit…”
“Never had a need to ask me before and I am trying to keep my lips sealed till I can get a few pots of it growing to transfer to my house.”
>”why do you want to move them?”
“In case anything changes and siblings of dad won’t let me come to pick them.”
>“Good idea. Say Anon…what did you dream about last night?”
“I remember dreaming about building a fortress around a marshmallow tree and also a bit about my designs. I guess the design is bothering me since it is not going to have enough power for the tractor beam. I often dream about my projects.”
>”That first part is interesting. Worried about me?”
“After Button’s shit, my caution is WAY up.”
>”I know what you mean,” Sweetie as she slumps in her seat. “Too much in so short of a time.”
“SO what did you dream? Something similar?”
>”Well yes and no. I did dream of a large tabby cat functioning as my bed and hissing at anyone who got close except what I could tell was you. Then it got a bit odder.”
“How so?”
>”We were surrounded by a robot unicorn army and I was very pregnant…” Sweetie continues as Anon goes off the road for a second hearing this.
“Um… well then… I…”
>”Yeah…weirder but not horrible. Just a bit much…”
“I would have to agree…”
>”So Nonny…”
“Yes Sweetie?” He replies as he makes the left turn at the old building shaped like a stereotypical moonshine jug.
>”I know it is very early in our relationship but what do you think about having children… in concept that is.”
“Well…“ Anon says as he thinks. “I have given it some thought before and thought three would be a good number. I have always wanted a daughter though.”
“Oh? Why a daughter?”
“Well I want to raise someone intelligent, strong, and be able to really change society. Plus I would like to dote on her… Selfish I know but I know I would like to help raise one.”
 >”hmm… Well I could definitely understand that.”
“How about you, Sweetie? Have you ever thought about having children?”
>”Definitely for after I finish college or have the support to be able to support one. I never really thought about a number though when I was very little I liked to think I wanted 5 or more. That was definitely before I understood what all was required for that…”
“Well along those lines, what would you want to do if there was an ‘accident’ and…”
>”I have not thought about that. I never had it as a concern because I did not think I would find anyone I liked, let alone loved, till after I finished school…”
“Out of sight, out of mind.”
>”Pretty much. I know you would take responsibility if it happened though.”
“Exactly though let’s not go further into this. It is not like it is going to happen soon or we are going to be forced to marry tomorrow.”
>”yeah… exactly…”
“Definitely riding a whirlwind with this relationship and topics so far, eh my little marshmallow?” Anon asks has he touches her hand.
>”Well I would not want to ride it with anyone else, my sweet Nonny,” Sweetie replies as she takes his hand and squeezes hard.
 
>At the stroke of noon, Anon and Sweetie pull into his Grandmother’s drive into a dust cloud. They pull on up to the house under one of the black walnut trees to the right of the main driveway as a black Infiniti finishes parking in the carport. An older but spy woman gets out in church clothes, making it to the door before she turns and notices the red Ranger pulled up in the yard.
>”Anon? Is that you?”
“Yes Gannar it is. I tried to call ahead but I guess I missed you before church. Sweetie here was able to come afterall,” Anon shares as he helps Sweetie out and walks to the house hand in hand.
>”Oh that is great,” Gannar says as she steps down the front steps to meet them. “I am Anon’s Grandmother. Pleasure to meet you!” she says as she offers her hand.
>”Greetings ma’am. I am Sweetie Belle. Anon has told me many nice things about you and this farm. I was very glad to accept your invitation,” Sweetie replies as she takes Gannar’s hand with a light shake and small curtsy.
>”My Anon… She is quite the young lady and very beautiful too,” Gannar replies. Bringing a blush to Sweetie’s face. “Come on inside and help me get the table set and the last bits finished.”
“Yes, Gannar. We are right behind you,” Anon replies as a large orange cat that looks like a giant version of Tooner rubs past his leg. “Looks like Ollie is there too.”
>”Ha! Well I guess he got tired of tormenting the birds. Y’all have a seat and I will be back out after I change,” Gannar replies as she opens the door and Oliie leads the way inside.
 
>Anon and Sweetie follow her in and head for the loveseat between the dining table and door. Just as they are about to sit down, another huge orange cat hops off and skitters across the vinyl floor for the back rooms.
>“Your Grandmother has some huge cats here. I have never seen any so big.” Sweetie says as she follows Jeri with her eyes.
“Both are about 30 pounds. I seriously don’t know how they got so big, especially since Ollie, the one that came in with us is Tooner’s littermate.
>”Seriously? Whoa…”
“Yeah…It amazes me too. There is also Squeeky but he is probably off in the rose garden.”
>”Rose Garden?”
”I can’t wait to show it to you,” Anon says as he flops down on the far end of the loveseat followed by Sweetiie sitting tightly with her hands on her lap as Oliie runs back up to them and hops between them, filling all the remaining seat space.
>”You can show her after lunch, Anon,” Gannar says as she re-enters from her bedroom followed by a flame-tipped white and orange tabby. “Now would you two mind helping me in the kitchen? I just need to reheat the green beans and warm the biscuits.”
“Sure Gannar.”
>”I will try. I never have been that good in the kitchen,” Sweetie replies.
>”Well I am sure you can learn a bit now. Just follow my instructions and lead.”
>“Um…alright. What would you like me to do first?”
>”Well pull the wide cookie sheet out from under the cabinet by the range. We will be using that for the biscuits. Anon, would you mind going to the freezer in the smokehouse and getting the large biscuit bag? I forgot to get them out before church.”
“Sure Gannar. Need me to get anything else out while I am there?”
>”I think that will be all for now.”
“Okay. Well I will be back in a few minutes,” Anon says as he hugs Sweetie before heading for the door and to the smokehouse.
>”He is such a good boy I am definitely proud of how he has held it all together throughout all this drama from his dad divorcing his mom. Despite it all, I still think of her as like a daughter to me, especially given how her mom died early into her reaching nursing school.”
>“I have not heard much from Anon about their divorce but I definitely have seen how his relationship with his dad has affected him. He told me a bit about yesterday. I am not sure how I can help but by being there for him,” Sweetie says as she lays out the cookie sheet and takes the wax paper Gannar hands her.
>”I can definitely see why Anon likes you. You are a pretty and smart girs and I know you have to have a lot good about you if Anon likes you. Given what he has faced, he doesn’t choose to have someone be a part of his life lightly.”
>”Thank you so very much…” Sweetie replies with a blush. “He has been a great friend and help for me and my sister. I have never known anyone else like him and he is so kind and good to me. I…just fell for him and am so glad he feels that same for me. My sister always draws so much attention I often feel forgotten but Anon…oh now I am gushing…” Sweetie finishes as she blushes harder, her cheeks glowing red.
>”I am so glad to hear that,” Gannar says as she pats Sweetie on the back as she walks over to the stove and pulls a pot of beans from the back burner to the front warm one. “I have always been concerned from him, being so different from his siblings.”
>”Different? How so?”
>“He has been so sensitive and awkward I was concerned he would let the world run him over but I am glad to see he has adjusted and thrived. I also know how he has been working with Mr. Rich. I don’t think his dad would be able to handle knowing that yet.”
>”From what I have heard. I have to agree. Now what do I set the oven to?” Sweetie asks.
>”I will set it after you double check it. The chicken should still be in there staying warm.”
>”Where should I put that then?”
>Nowhere just yet. I need to finish warming the beans and Anon has to get back in with the biscuits…”
“Alright… Took me a bit longer than I expected but I got a bit distracted by the apples on my fave tree,” Anon says as he pulls a couple .cherry sized fruit out of his pocket. “Here try one, Sweetie,” Anon says as he places one in her hand.
>“Um how do I eat it?”
“I prefer like a cherry as in you pull the stem and pop it in. They are sweet and tart.”
>”Um ok…” Sweetie says as she tries it, the sweetness and tartness mixing to both make her twinge and smirk simultaneously. “Definitely like nothing I have ever tried before. I like it!”
“Glad to hear it!”
>”Well I think I have it from here in the kitchen. You two set the table in there and I will join you when I can. Thank you for your help so far, Sweetie.”
>”Glad to be of help. I am just glad I did not burn anything…”
“I doubt you would burn anything with Gannar around. The dishes are already out?”
>”Just sitting on the breakfast table. I already accounted for you and Lily bringing a guest so there should be enough to set it.”
“Thanks Gannar. Come Sweetie. You get the napkins and I will get the silverware.”
>”What about the plates?”
“We normally place those out last or leave them on the nook to fill as we come up.”
>”Oh… Alright.”
 
>As Anon and Sweetie make their way around the table, laying out the spaces and arranging the chairs, a gray Jeep Cherokee scoots up the drive a bit too fast and kicks up a dust cloud as it quickly slows and turns, coming to a stop beside Anon’s truck, barely missing it. Inside the female driver is unbuckling while the male passenger is holding onto the handles with white knuckles. The female is barely heard outside the house as she yells for the male to ‘come on’ and ‘stop being a baby’ as she slams her door, taking a few steps before she turns back to the Jeep impatiently tapping her foot.
“Oh looks like Lily has made it here. Driving up the drive too fast as normal…” Anon says as he looks up from the mild commotion.
>”Oh… Well I hope I can finally get to meet her without the sarcasm this time. I really resent how she was when I first met her.”
“Well she should be better now, Sweetie. She is more behaved in front of Gannar. I just hope Flash is going to be considerate too though I doubt he would risk the PR problems.”
 
>“Hi Anon! How are you today? I see you brought your… girlfriend today.”
“I am good, Lily. Gannar invited Sweetie to come so she came along today. She really wanted to get to see the farm and meet the rest of the family.”
>”Did she now?
>”Yes I did. I want to know more about Anon and his family plus I did not want to be rude and turn down the opportunity,” Sweetie replies as she takes a step closer to Anon.
>”Well I am sure you will like us…” Lily starts as Flash comes inside looking a bit green.
>”Next time I will drive… I swear you were going to roll that thing. “
“Hello Flash. Like my sister’s driving?”
>“Oh Hi Anon… Been here long? Hello…Sweetie was it?
>”Yes. Nice to see you Flash,” Sweetie replies as she now stands beside Anon, lightly rubbing her pinkie against his prompting him to take her hand.
>“Came along with your boyfriend because you had nothing better to do?”
“She was invited, Flash. We have been here for a bit helping Gannar. Glad to see you are in better shape than last night. How many beers n were you when you came over and visited Mac and I?”
>”Now is not the time for this. We can all talk after lunch…” Lily responds as she puts an arm out blocking Flash.
“Sounds lovely to me. In the mean time…”
>“…A truce…”
“Agreed. Now how about we get the news on while we wait on Dad?”
>”Good idea. Do you mind if we get the news on, Gannar?”
>”Go right ahead. It should still be on ENN from last night.”
>As Lily turns on the television, Anon and Sweetie finish their place setting and join the other two, grabbing two rocking chairs as the other two took over the loveseat.
>”Sweetie? Before you sit, mind helping me a bit more in the kitchen?”
>”Sure,” She replies, rubbing her hand across Anon’s shoulders as she walks past him to the kitchen.
>”She is quite the domestic, isn’t she.” Flash snarks.
“No. She is just being polite and trying to learn a bit more. She has trouble in the kitchen and wants to know how to stop burning everything. How are you in a kitchen, Flash?”
>”I don’t cook. Never really wanted to.”
“Really. Why is that?” Anon asks as Liliy turns to him as well.
>”I just never really wanted to. Not my thing.”
“Not even to help out? I love to cook and experiment. I don’t see how you would not want to have extra skills…”
>Flash blubbers for a second as the news picks up from the commercial for garlic supplements. The lead headline is about a growing tension between Equestria’s new ally Yakyakistan and the leader of the multinational conglomerate, Saddle Arabia, over the pipelines both are planning to run to supplement the Dragon Lands and Albion on its border. There are peace talks in Trottingham but they are not going too well given the main arbitrator has been hospitalized.  Flash tries to reply but is shushed in unison by Anon and Lily as they focus on this update.
“Great… this may explain a bit. I know this is going to be making Mr. Rich and Mr. Silver nervous. They were about to open new marketing hubs in Avalon and Yakyakistan.”
>”I don’t see why you would be so concerned unless there is something you are not sharing…” Liliy pries.
“I have been helping them improve production under a couple small contracts. Just fits under that.”
>”I know there has to be more… you are a terrible liar. “
“Says the pro.”
>”Ha ha… jackass.”
>”Cut out the cursing, Lily. You know I don’t like it.
>”Yes Gannar. I am sorry.”
>The news continues with commentators going into the ways that this news could be effecting the upcoming elections when a maroon Chevy Tahoe pulls up on the gravel behind the farm truck and between the Infinity and Ranger.
“Oh… looks like Dad is here…” Anon says as he checks his phone, reading the time at 12:58. “He was almost late…”
>”Anon. You know you should not be getting onto your dad like that.”
“I know Gannar. Just came out given how much he has fussed at me for that for honest delays I could not prevent.”
>”I know, hun. Just let it go this time.”
“Yes Gannar,” Anon replies as his dad comes in and is met with Lily coming up to hug him and Flash shaking his hand.
 
>Sonny walks forward after greeting Lily and Flash and hugs Gannar, ignoring Anon and Sweetie as he comes in. As he walks over to Gannar, Anon helps Sweetie up and walks closer, hand in hand.
“Hello Dad. How are you today?”
>”Oh hello Anon. I had missed you there. I see you brought along your girlfriend along…”
“Gannar asked me to. She wanted to meet her and Sweetie’s family approved as long as I get her back in time for their dinner time and then have me as their guest.”
>” Ah… well I…” Sonny begins as Sweetie steps up to him from beside Anon.
>” It is a pleasure to meet you, sir. I am Sweetie Belle,” she says as she hold out a hand to shake and does a mild bow
>”She is definitely more polite and better looking than I was expecting,” he replies to Anon as he shakes her hand.
”Thank you?” Anon and Sweetie reply in unison with mild confusion.
>“Now Sonny leave them be. It is time for the blessing. You Go ahead and say it for us.”
>”Alright mother. God thank you for this food and your many blessings,” Sonny replies as everyone bows their heads. As he finishes he looks over at Anon as he stays still. “Aren’t you going to get your plate?”
“I thought I would hold back today given I have a guest. After all, you usually look at me annoyed for getting to the head of the line.”
>”Okay…” Sonny says as he narrows his eyes and grabs his plate from the nook and fills it. Lily and Flash are close behind him and give Anon a side look as he stands there with Sweetie. They soon have their plates and are walking to the table as Gannar walks up to the remaining couple.
>”You two go on and fill your plates. I am right behind you,” Gannar replies with a hand on Anon’s shoulder and a smile.
“Thanks Gannar,” Anon says as he hands a plate to Sweetie and grabs his own. They both fill their plates with at least a sampling of each item though Anon grabs 2 chicken pieces and most of the remaining green beans. After he finishes filling his plate Anon steps to the side to wait on Sweetie who quickly follows him to the table and their seats along the window side of the enclosed porch that functions as the dining room. Sweetie is glad to see she is sitting next to Anon as everyone else has assumed what she can tell as their normal seats, namely with Sonny on the side nearest the kitchen and across from Anon, and Lilly with Flash on the end to Anon’s left. She feels boxed in near the corner by the plant at the end of the room till she sees motion from the end seat. Squeeky has claimed his spot in the nicer chair at the end, only visible when his tail flits above the edge of the table, bringing a smile to her lips.
 
>”So Sweetie, How did you meet Anon?” Sonny asks after a few minutes of eating in semi-silence and the leg rubbings by the other cats against Sweetie and Anon’s legs.
>”I met him in Honors Biology last spring. We both needed a lab partner and we helped each other with our class and homework. Later, about 6 months ago, my sister asked him if he could help me get home from Chorus practice.”
>”Oh you know her sister too?”
“I do dad. We have been working together on stuff for drama club. She focuses upon the costumes while I focus on the props. We have known each other pretty well for some time.”
>”I know her sister pretty well too,” Flash interjects drawing an elbow from Lily and a grimace from Anon and Sweetie.
>”SO…” Gannar redirects.  “Honors Biology… aren’t you a little young for that at this point?”
>“Well I tested well enough to skip a grade and have enjoyed the challenge,” Sweetie replies with a blush as she touches Anon’s hand on the table.
>”That is amazing. Does this play into your post high school plans?” Gannar asks, advancing the conversation as Lily rolls her eyes and Sonny looks on for an opportunity.
>”Well it does to a degree… I am interested studying audiology or biology if I don’t go for studying music and teaching to become a music teacher. I have not fully decided but I just love songs and sound. I still have some time to decide so I am trying to do well enough to have my options open. I also have the lead solo in an upcoming chorus performance next weekend.”
>”Oh that is great to hear…” Gannar replies.
“Say Flash,” Anon asks. “How is it going for you in college now?”
>”It is going fairly well. The classes are definitely harder than I expected but the football team has been working out great for me.”
>”There are always scouts showing up to his practices and to the games. A couple are even telling him he could make it into next year’s NFL draft if he keeps performing the way he has,” Lily interjects as she grasps Flash’s arm.
>”Well sounds like you definitely have your future on course,” Sonny replies.
“Mind my asking what your major is, Flash?” Anon asks as he loads his fork.
>”UH yeah… I am a history major. I have always wanted to be a historian and study how this world came to be structured as it is,” Flash goes on as Anon visibly cringes. “What are you planning on studying when you finish Anon?”
“I am currently dual enrolled at both CHS and SIATS, Flash so I technically am already in college too.”
>”Ah so are you planning on just finishing up your core classes to transfer after CHS or are you working on just an Associate’s Degree so you can go right to work?” Flash digs as Sweetie cringes at how he is treating Anon.
“No, Flash. I have started work on a Mechanical Engineering Degree with specializations in Machine Design and Manufacturing which goes along with my certifications I have earned there so far,” Anon retorts as he finishes his plate and Flash works on picking up his jaw. “I also am about to graduate this fall from all the extra work I have been putting in.”
>”No son, you are graduating in spring as is typical.”
“Dad, I already have filed the paperwork and we both can agree I am not typical.”
>”So anon? Do you mind if I get seconds?” Sweetie asks as she feels the tension grow.
>”Yes you may Sweetie or you can save some room for dessert. I have made my Lemon Cheese Cake and I am sure you will love it.”
>”Lemon Cheese cake?”
“It is a multilayered white cake with a thick lemon icing. It is one of my favorites and is one of Gannar’s specialties.”
>”Ooh,” Sweetie squeaks before she catches herself. “Well… I definitely will go for dessert then.
>”Well how about you help me clear the table and we can get right to dessert? You get Anon and your plates and join me in the kitchen.
>”Let me help too, Gannar,” Lily interjects as she starts to get up.
>”No you just sit and we will take care of it,” Gannar replies. “You just relax and keep on with the conversation.”
>”Oh…Okay…” Lily replies with mild confusion and Sweetie smiles as she picks up her’s and Anon’s plates, quickly making for the kitchen with them. Gannar scoops up her own plate and Sonny’s, quickly joining her in the kitchen. “I just wanted to help out…” Lily states as her face grimaces and looks at Anon as he shrugs.
 
>Sweetie quickly returns to the table to get remaining plates, heading for Lily and Flash’s seats, smiling as she comes. Lily passes over her plate as she elbows Flash and having him drop his plate. Sweetie moves quickly to catch it but spills the silverware and a half a biscuit onto the floor on to the ground beside her, forcing her to have her back to Flash as she thoughtlessly bends half over to pick up the items.
>”Oops… guess I did not have a good grip on that…” Sweetie replies as she places both plates on the ground as she reloads the plate. “As she focuses upon the task before her, her skirt slides up a bit, exposing her leg. Taking this and another goad from Lily as a cue, Flash moves his foot quietly, lifting Sweetie’s skirt up further exposing the edge of her panties to Flash and Lily’s side of the table.
>”Eep!” Sweetie gasps as she quickly grabs the plates and skitters off to the kitchen as she blushes hard.
”Hey Flash, quit that. That is the second time in 24 hours you have been rude to me or Sweetie for no apparent reason.”
 >”What do you mean by that, Anon?” His dad asks.
“Last night I went out to join Sweetie and her friends at The Bar for karaoke on their reopening night since Sweetie loves to sing. Flash came over a couple times taunting me to fight and took a swing at me for snarking him back effectively. This is while Sweetie and I had been drugged by a guy who saw himself as a rival and had tried to do things to her when she passed out from it. Luckily Big Macintosh caught Flashes fist mid-flight and prevented me from being hit. Flash, in whatever wisdom he has, decided to instead of helping us while we were looking for Sweetie decided to do all that rather than help. As you can imagine, I am more than annoyed with him for this among other things.”
>”Is any of this true, Flash?”
>”No sir,” Flash replies. “I was out with your daughter then and have no idea about any of that.”
>”Yes Dad. We went to a movie and then stayed in all the rest of the night,” Lily replies as Anon’s face twists in disbelief.
>”Well I believe them, son. I don’t know why you have to make stuff up…”
“I have intake forms from the ER as well to back me up from where they also tested us to see what we were poisoned with… It was GHB, a date rape drug, if you even care…”
>”Son, I just can’t believe you are making this up and acting so much like your mom, even with making up documents…” Sonny continues till he senses a presence behind him. As he turns, he sees Gannar there just before she slaps him full force, silencing the whole house.
>”Sonny… I can’t believe what I just heard and witnessed from you. I, for one, believe Nonny here,” Gannar replies as she takes Sonny’s ear into her fingers. “He has no reason to lie or make up anything. Plus consider that a member of the Apple family was with him and helping him. You know they don’t lie and why would he make up having to be in the ER,” Gannar continues as she turns to face a now spooked Lily and stunned Flash.
>“As for you two, How dare you treat Nonny and Sweetie like you have last night or a few minutes ago. She ran to hide in the kitchen at what you did, Flash… Now the two of you will apologize to them or you will both neither get dessert nor be excused to leave the table. Do you two understand?”
>”But Gannar… Anon was…” Lily replies.
>”What will it be, Lily?”
>”i…ah…” Lily says as she grits her teeth. “I am sorry for lying about you Anon and for how I was acting to you and Sweetie.”
>”I am sorry Anon. I am sorry, Sweetie,” Flash lets up with his head dropped in shame.
>”Now that is better. Sonny?”
>”I am sorry mother.”
>”Sonny…”
>”I am sorry Anon.”
“I accept your apologies on mine and Sweetie’s behalves.”
>”Now that is better,” Gannar says as she lets go of Sonny’s ear and steps back to the kitchen. “Now Sweetie, you take yours and Anon’s slices to the table and enjoy.”
>”Yes ma’am,” Sweetie says as she grabs for plates only to have them swapped for one with larger slices on them. She quickly makes it back to her seat and is met with Jeri curling on her feet as she sits, batting at a buckle on her boot.
>“Gannar, may we please be excused? I don’t think we have room for the cake today,” Lily asks as she stands.
>”Yes, you may be excused. Just make sure you two come back in and tell me good bye before you leave.”
>” Yes, Gannar.” Lily replies as she and Flash push their seats in and step outside quickly, making for the fence line by the driveway.
“So Sweetie, how do you like the cake?”
>”I don’t think I have ever had a cake that is this fluffy and the icing is definitely not what I expected. I love it.”
>”Thank you for your praise. You two can take a chunk home if you like,” Gannar interjects as she picks up Sonny’s plate and takes it to the kitchen.
>”Now son…” Anon’s dad begins. “What is this with you graduating early? Surely you have to be missing a class or two.”
“Not with my dual enrollment as I get credits toward both CHS and college. I have planned this out this way so I can both get my college started and begin doing more work with a business partner I have gained.”
>”What do you mean business partner? I thought you were just doing props and a few small things.”
“Well I do have a person I have been working with who has worked as an angel investor in a medical device I was working on.”
>”Are you telling you dad about your post high school plans?”
“Kinda Gannar,” Anon fires off before returning his attention to his father. “I have even been offered a position in this person’s company as a Product Development Engineer,” Anon replies as his phone pings with a message.
>”So son… are you going to tell me who your partner is? This is definitely a stretch...”
“Sure. Just let me pull this up for you…” Anon replies as he pulls up an article on his phone from about six months back. ”Okay… Read this.”
>Sonny reads through the short article from Canterlot Business Weekly about the premiere of the new assistance vehicle offered by Rich Industries, an all-terrain wheelchair with auto-mapping and auto-driving with emergency return. Inset into the third paragraph is a picture featuring Anon and Mr. Rich acting an award from Blue Horn insurance’s CEO for best new product of the year.
 
“As you can see, I have a pretty good start here.”
>”I just think you are naïve trusting him with this. He could just be playing you for what he can get from you.”
“Dad, I seriously doubt he would want to screw over someone who helped add $20 million to his bottom line.”
>”$20…million?” Sonny replies incredulously.
“From my deal with him, I get 5% of the profits and 50% of the licensing fees from this or any other product we patent together. So far I have 2 patents from him fronting the money for the fees.”
>Sonny sits there for a moment as he processes this information as it sinks in that Anon is now beyond his control as his normal methods of using funding for school and living are now moot.
 
“I also have paid off my truck, the house my mom and I live in, and have even set up a nice shop in the old storage building. Now mom only works because she enjoys doing the tribunals and the help she can do for the community,” Anon says as he reaches his hand over to Sweetie’s on the table, shaking mildly from the stress of trying to remain focused. “I only want your love and emotional support and for you to understand I am sorry for any conflict between us, dad.”
>”well…son… I…” Sonny blubbers as he tries to respond as Anon finishes his plate with his free hand, seeing Sweetie has finished hers as well.
“That cake was wonderful, Gannar.”
>”Yes it definitely was, ma’am.”
>”Would you two like some more?” Gannar asks as a smirk crosses her face.
“No ma’am. I think we have had enough,” Anon replies as Sweetie nods with him. “We would like to be excused though. May we be?”
>”Certainly. Just rinse your plates off before you wander off. Don’t want to be doing dishes all afternoon!” Gannar chuckles.
“Will do,” Anon replies as he slides out from the table and takes his plate to the kitchen followed by Sweetie. The two of them rinse off their plates and step to the back rooms of the house, closing the interim door behind them. They take a few steps back, surrounded by the laundry machines in the room, and Anon exhales hard. Sweetie places her hand on his cheek as he recomposes himself and kisses him softly as she hugs him.
>”You did well, dear.”
“I did not expect to face him down like that… let’s finish talking about this outside. First let’s hit the bathrooms. One is just ahead on the right and the other is in the middle of that short hall to my left. Sounds good?” Anon says with exasperation.
>”Yes it does. See you in a few minutes.”
>Anon finishes quickly and steps back out into the back room.
“Well since I am back here… might as well get a couple plastic bags…” Anon says to himself as he rummages through the cupboard and Sweetie comes back out.
“What are you doing Anon?”
“Just getting a couple plastic shopping bags so we have something to bag the apples, scuppernongs, and muscadines in as we pick a few. We could mix them and each have a bag or separate it all out. Whatever you want.”
“Alright. Now should we go out the way we came or the back door here?” Sweetie asks.
“Probably the den. This door here is always troublesome to get closed right.”
“Oh okay,” Sweetie replies as she steps closer and kisses his cheek. “Ready?”
“As I can be. I just wonder what has gone on since we left the room…” Anon says as he opens the door holding Sweetie’s hand and they step back into the den with Gannar sitting in her favorite rocker, brushing Squeeky as the other two cats bookend the foldout sofa near Anon and Sweetie.
“Welcome back Anon and Sweetie. I see you went ahead and got bags for your fruit picking.”
“Yeah Gannar. Thought we might as well while we had the chance. Where did my dad go?”
“Well he said he had a few things to do in the dairy barn so he took the farm truck on over there. Your sister and her beau should still be here up at the house somewhere. They did not come in and I did not hear them leave…”
“Thanks for the head’s up and for everything today,” Anon says as he steps over to Gannar and gives her a hug as she sits.
“Think nothing of it. I just hope Sonny is not too shaken up by your revelations. He gets a bit buggy when cornered.”
“I know too well…” Anon replies as he looks over to the clock, noting the time as 2:30 pm. “Well we are going out to pick some fruit and walk a bit. I want to show Sweetie around the farm since she was curious.”
“Alright. Be Safe you two. Your brother should also be around at the Yellow House so keep your eyes open.”
“Thank you Gannar.”
“Yes, Thank you Gannar,” Sweetie replies and gives her a hug as well.
“Sweetie you are a good girl. Take good care of my grandson. I know you will but I worry about him.”
“I will do my best ma’am.”
“I know you will dear.”
 
>Anon and Sweetie wave a short good bye as they step outside and turn left toward the cherry crabapple trees which are laden with a mix of reddening fruit and deep green leaves. The ground under the tree is spotted with a mix of fallen fruit and deer tracks.
“This tree always draws in so many deer. Because of that, Gannar has had to put up a small electric fence around her rose garden over there,” Anon says as he points behind them to several rose bushes taller than them both, exploding from the yard in color in a 20 foot circle centered between the house and the clothes lines.
“Whoa… That…” Sweetie stutters out.
“Wait till you see it closer. First let’s load up a bag with these.,” Anon says as he begins picking better apples and racking his hand down better limbs, rapidly filling the bag. “Want another one?” he asks as he holds out a pair that are still connected.
“Sure…” Sweetie says as she leans forward and bites one of them.
“I meant take them but eating them like a horse is fine too…”
“Oh…oops. Sorry Nonny,” Sweetie says as she covers her mouth giggling.
“It is fine. I like to do that sometimes too.” Anon says as he hugs her across her shoulders. “Would you like any more?”
“Not right now but I see something over here I want,” Sweetie says as she pulls him to the other side of the tree.
“What is it over here that you wanted?” Anon asks as he looks around as he feels her hands grasp his cheeks and pull him into a firm kiss. She softly toys with his lips with her tongue as he recovers from the shock then wraps his arms around her, returning the kiss and returns her tongue play with his own. The two of them enjoy the obscuring shade of the tree for a few more moments before they part their faces from each other.
“Well then…” Anon says as his mind begins to come back to reality. “What inspired that?”
“I want you to know that I love you and am proud of you for getting all that out. I also wanted to share a special moment here, given how much you love these apples and I thought you could use a bit more sweetness,” Sweetie softly says as she buries her head into his shoulder.
“Thank you so much Sweetie. I love you too and am glad we got to share today even with the bumps that have been part of it.”
“Life is full of bumps. We just have to strap in and ride them out…”
“You are wise beyond your years, Sweetie. No wonder I fell for you…”
“Heh… Nonny…” Sweetie replies as she traces a few circles on his chest. “Let’s go see the rose garden before we get any sappier. Otherwise we might as well be trees…”
“HA. Alright Sweetie… good pun and point,” Anon says as he reaches up to her hand on his chest. “Let’s get going,” Anon says as he steps aside and guides her over.
 
>The two of them wander around the edge, following the circle of the ring garden. They are dwarfed by the bushes and are awash in the variety of reds, cream whites, yellows, peaches, and a few blends of those colors as different plants cross pollinated. As they walk into the circle, a warm wind softly blows through the plants, washing a soft scent that tickles their noses like a sheet of silk flowing across skin. They tighten their grip on the other’s hand as they inhale in unison, filling their lungs with the scent of serenity and natural beauty. They almost lose their footing as they continue walking and taking in the flood of color and smells, disrupting a large patch of mint which bursts forward the soft sweet smell native to the plant and brings their focus back to reality.
>“This garden is amazing… How did your grandmother grow all this?”
“This garden is her passion and she has been culturing some of these plants longer than I have been around. She always loved them but focused upon them even more after my grandfather passed. They are her escape.”
>“I can definitely tell…” Sweetie says as she grasps Anon arm with the other hand, pulling herself close as they stop and look around at the walls of flowers. “I can see partly where you got your spark for focus and passion for your work.”
“Thank you. My Gannar has truly been a strong influence on me and she has always believed in me, seeing when I was reacting to my sibling’s goading or was just a bit naïve of what was going on, protecting and teaching me. Both her and my Papa were close and after I was born, helped my mom out vastly. Especially so when my dad left my mom and myself alone just after I was born to go halfway across Equestria just as a snow storm was hitting. They came out and brought us over here when the power went out and the weather froze the firewood solid and my mom was still weak from the Caesarian section.
>“OH my God… Are you serious?” Sweetie replies as her grip tightens and she looks quickly into Anon’s face as he turns to her.
“Sadly yes,” Anon replies as he returns her glance. “I swear to learn from his decisions like that and never be like that. I swear…” Anon continues as he has a tear form in his right eye.
>“It is alright Anon. Now how about you show me a bit more around here.”
“Sure, Sweetie. Want to see the muscadines and scuppernongs now? Their vines are just on the other side of the smoke house here.”
>“Sounds great, my love.”
 
>The couple wanders out of the ring of roses and are greeted by Ollie, sitting and watching the exit like a guard seeing out customers at a museum.
“Well then Ollie. How are you?” Anon asks as he bends over infront of Ollie, getting a paw on his nose as the cat sits up on its haunches before hopping onto Anon’s back. “Oof…”
>”I guess he wants to go for a ride?”
“That is fine but forgot about his weight… “ Anon replies as he tries to step without the cat falling off then drops to his knees. “Ollie…you are killing me man…”
>”Merow…” he responds as he curls up on Anon’s back as Sweetie begins laughing. Ollie flits his tail against Anon’s head as he gets more comfortable.
“Could you please coax him off me Sweetie? This position is not exactly comfortable.”
>”MEROW….mao…” Ollie says as he snuggles into himself and Sweetie laughs harder.
>”HA ha ha… sure… just give me a minute… this is just classic…” She replies as she pulls out her phone and takes a quick picture. “Okay… now come here Ollie,” Sweetie says as she steps closer, stooping over Ollie as she reaches for him, her hair falling over her shoulders and dangles over Ollie. Ollie bats at her hair as she pushes on him, her hands sinking into his fluff.
>“Meow,” Ollie replies to her as he grasps onto her hand. “Mao merow meerow,” he continues as he tries to roll cutely and falls off Anon then lays on the ground as if he meant to do that for a moment before he hops back up, wandering off into the garden.
 >”Well I got him off you … are you going to stay in that position the rest of the day now?”
“Only if you don’t help me to my feet…” Anon quips with a grin.
>”And if I just walk off with your apples?”
“Nope nope nope…” Anon says as he hops to his feet, surprising Sweetie causing her to jump back. “Sorry to surprise you,” Anon replies as he catches her hand so she doesn’t fall back.
>”It is fine… so muscadines?”
“Over this way,” Anon says as he pulls her along to the other side of the smoke house to the vines that run parallel to the fence.
>“How long have these been here?”
“I don’t know but at least since my dad was little though likely much longer,” Anon says as he folds back a bough of leaves revealing a vine covered in Ping-Pong ball sized purple fruit and pulls a pair off. “Here try one,” He says as he pops one in his mouth and hands her the other.
>Sweetie nibbles at the top of the fruit where it began to split from being plucked. The sweet juice reminds her of the premium grapes Rarity always brings home from her business trips. She could never remember the name of those but the flavor takes her mind back to the first time she tried them. Those grapes then were much softer and had a thinner skin but the flavor was so similar. She drifts back to her present as Anon tugs on the empty bag she was still holding onto, opening it to pluck more and bag them. Sweetie bites again and the tang of the skin makes her face twinge but then the sweetness rounds out that again.
>”These are amazing, Anon…” she says as he makes his way over to the next row of vines behind this one.
“Wait till you try the scuppernongs…” he replies as he pulls some champagne colored fruit from the next vine. “Here. These are some of my favorites. They should be sweeter than those and have a better tasting skin,” he states as he hands her 3 and drops the rent in his hand into the bag.
>“I don’t know how these could be sweeter…” Sweetie trails off as she tastes one of the fruit and her tongue is flooded with a light floral sweetness with a tang at the end. Sweetie pops the rest of the ‘grape’ into her mouth to try the skin and her face twists from the super sour taste that follows her biting down. “Gah that skin was sour... Anon, were you trying to trick me?”
“No… I just wanted you to try it. I like the sourness and sweet mix. Once I start eating these I normally can’t stop since I like them so much.”
>”I think I will leave the scuppernong skins for just you to eat and stick to the insides.”
“As you wish. Frankly, keeping the skins is only useful for if we wanted to make a wine out of them.”
>”Make a wine out of them? You know how to do that?”
“Not really but it is a common thing up where Gannar came from. Once we are done picking, what do you say to a walk? I have a spot I want to show you that I like to go when I want to think or plan something.”
>”Are you planning something now?”
“Always really.”
>”Am I involved in these plans?” Sweetie asks as she looks at him slyly.
“Well… I will tell you when we get there. It is just a 5 minute walk from here really, if we use the gates instead of climbing about like I normally have done. Don’t want to damage your favorite clothes.”
>“Oh…alright… where are we going?”
“A vantage point I love to sit in. We over built a tree stand and it has become my place to hide. Just enough room for 2 or 3 if a cat climbs up.”
>”Sounds interesting…Shall we get going to it?”
“Sure. Want to take the fruit with us or shall we put it in the truck?”
>“I vote truck.”
“Alright. The first gate we need to go through is over there,” Anon says as he points towards the end og the vines and a pecan tree. “You start on over to it and I will join you in a second.”
>”Alright Nonny,” Sweetie replies as she kisses his cheek and starts off.
 
>Anon quickly places the 3 bags of fruit in the truck and is quickly walking to the gate when he sees Sweetie standing at it, talking with his sister and Flash. As he approaches, he can tell that that the conversation is not going well.
>”I just can’t see why my brother likes you… You are cute but I don’t know why.”
>”What?” Sweetie asks. “Why do you even have to understand? We love each other. That is all other have to get.”
>”Right… after knowing each other how long? A few days? 6months?” Lily continues to fire out.
>”I could understand if you were more like your sister, prettier and more mature…” Flash joins in.
“What is going on here?” Anon asks as Sweetie begins to tear up and backs away from the other two to Anon. “Why are you two picking on Sweetie?
>”We just wanted to know how you could like her, Anon,” Flash replies. “Were you not able to get Rarity so you went for second prize even if it meant raiding a crib?”
“Lovely sentiment from a person who has been such a womanizer that he had to keep lowering the grade of girls he dated to find someone who did not know his past.”
>”Now what a fucking minute…” Flash starts as he begins to step to Anon, pulling up his sleeves.
“Oh I hit a nerve. Now Flash, what would you gain in trying to fight me? I mean seriously. Are you wanting to show yourself as a complete ass here in front of Lily’s family or are do you really care?”
>”I think I could live with it…”
>”Flash…” Lily calls out behind him. “Just leave him be. He has his little maiden and tiny world he lives in. No point is hurting yourself before football season starts full swing just putting my older brother back in his place.”
“And what place would that be Lily? Seriously I wonder what happened to you. You used to be my best friend. Flash, I don’t see why you decided to pick on my dear Sweetie. Is negging girls the only way you can remember to treat women?”
>“I don’t understand either…” Sweetie says as she wipes tears from her face. “Why do you pick at me? Are you displacing frustration with my sister at me? I have never done anything to you…”
>“Whatever,” Flash says as he walks past Anon and Sweetie. “You two deserve each other. Talk to you two later.”
>”Anon…” Lily says with a look of concern before she runs off to chase down Flash.
“Well…that happened… I thought Flash could not be more of an ass but there I go not setting the bar low enough.” Anon says as he turns to Sweetie. “Are you alright?”
>”No but I am sure I will be…” she says as she steps closer to Anon and hugs him.
“Come let’s get on out to the spot I wanted to show you,” Anon says as he rubs a hand through her fluffy curls.
>”Anon,” Sweetie starts as Anon begins to turn and pull away. “Is my sister more beautiful than I am?”
“Not by a long shot, Sweetie. Not by a long shot.”
>”Are you saying that just for me?”
“No Sweetie. You are the most beautiful and intelligent person I know. You are who I love and others have to be jealous to not want to admit that it is possible. Now let’s hurry off before Flash slips away to taunt us again,” Anon states as he opens the gate quickly.
>“Alright…” Sweetie replies as she scurries through the opening and gets a few steps beyond Anon holding out her hand. “Lead me on, my Nonny.”
“As my Sweetie desires,” Anon replies as he takes her hand after chaining the gate.  “Away we go…” Anon continues as he pulls her along the dirt path.
 
> The two of them walk a couple gates down, halfway towards the tractor barn, and then they head into a back field that undulates with terraces from previous farming and covered with waist high hay. They pass a few cows as they munch their way through the field, mostly oblivious to the couple as they walk along the fence line and all the small trees that have popped up along it. In the distance they see a flat open area of the field as it bowls at the bottom of the larger hill they are walking where some cows have clustered around a trough.
>”What is that down there?” Sweetie asks as she holds tight to Anon’s hand and arm.
“That is the mineral trough. We set it up for both the cattle and the deer. It helps to fill in for where their diet is limited from the grasses out here. We have some pretty big deer here as a result.”
>”And who’s house is that at the bottom?”
“My brother owns that one but it has been in the family for some time. In fact, we had moved it here and I once helped reinforce the floor of it since my brother was putting in more safes in there.”
>”Safes?”
“Gun collection and other things we don’t ask about. It was also his party house in high school.”
>”That is… interesting.”
“Yeah but we are almost at our objective now…” Anon says as they get close to a large pine tree in the middle of the field.”
>”We are going to that pine tree?”
“Yep. We have to climb up a short distance but it is amazing up there. I can’t wait to show you it…” Anon says with a giddy tone in his voice.
>“Alright… I did not dress to climb anything…”
“Don’t worry Sweetie. I will come up behind you and help you make it up. “
>”Are you just trying to get a peek at me?” Sweetie says as she leans close.
“Why would I do that Sweetie? I would never do that…” Anon says as he pokes her side.
>“Yeah… not like you would need to…I have been a naughty girl…”
“A bit of one. Not that I am complaining…” Anon says as they reach the tree.
>”Oh hush you…” Sweetie says as she looks up. “How high up is that?” she asks as she looks across the platform above them made of 2x4s and spreading around the tree a quarter turn, supported by 3 limbs almost as big around as her head.
“Eh… about 15 feet. Pretty high but not the highest I have had to climb into. At least we are not being left up here alone like I have been in other stands.”
>”Everyone just gives you hell, eh?”
“Just around here. Now do you want to start climbing or should I go ahead up?”
>“Well… I don’t know… where do I grab to climb?”
“On the large nails we drove in. they are pretty wide apart but I am sure they won’t be an issue. It took me a couple tries to get up my first time but you have me to help you.”
>“Why don’t you show me the right way?”
“Alright. Here I go. Now watch carefully,” Anon says as he reaches out to a nail near his head height and pulls up as he places his right foot on a nail. “It is best to move opposite sides together or to keep 3 points on the tree at all times,” Anon continues as he scales up the side of the tree fairly quickly, waiting up at the edge of the platform. “Why don’t you start up?”
>”I don’t know… I am still a bit afraid I might fall…”
“Okay. Give me a second. We usually have a rope and pulley to help get gear up here… Ah there it is,” he replies as he climbs over the edge. Quickly after a rappelling harness drops with a rope attached. “I sometimes use this to help me stay up here. Just slide your legs into it and start climbing. I will support you as you come.
>”Um… sure…” Sweetie says as she messes with the straps for a few moments till she figures out the way to put it on. “Okay. Here I come,“ she replies and the rope comes taught as she climbs. Her progress is slow and her feet slip a few times but doesn’t descend at any point, supported by Anon as she gets higher. Just as her hands reach the edge of the platform she sees Anon’s hand and grasps it.
“Alright… Alley oop!” He says as he pulls her up onto the platform, finally seeing the short walls guarding the other edges and a mesh lined canopy. A small basket with a couple blankets and pillows sits on one side of the stand with the tree side covered with a mesh netting to make a comfortable backrest spanning across several slats along the inner radius of the stand.
>”This is different than what I was expecting…”
“Since it is my favorite spot, I gave it a few upgrades. I expanded it and gave it a roof of sorts. Pinkie helped since all my other friends vanished for some reason or another on the days I was working on it. Eh… So what do you think?”
>”So you come up here to relax, think and hunt?”
“Yes?”
>”Nonny… only you would make a mini house in a tree…”
“I planned to spend days of my life cumulatively up here. Why should I not make it as nice as I can within reason?”
>”I really like it…” she says as she pulls a blanket out and spreads it out. “Why don’t we get comfortable and enjoy the view?”
“Sounds good to me,’ Anon replies as he pulls out the other blanket and a couple pillows before he lays back against the mesh and faces down the hill toward the yellow house.
>Sweetie sits beside him, resting her head on his shoulder and right hand on his thigh. He places his hand on hers as they look out on the serene and almost soundless setting before them.
>”I have never really heard it be this silent before…” Sweetie says softly as she begins to hear the faint beating of their hearts and the creaking of the tree as a soft wind blows by.
“One of many reasons I come up here. I also like practicing range estimation from up here. Take a look down the hill and follow where the road goes till a patch of trees comes up just beyond another fence. Those are some pecan trees that the crows planted and they are about 1200 yards out. The yellow house is 800 and the trough is 500 yards,” Anon shares as he sweeps his hand across the scene. I also like to practice shooting up here at times for deer season but lately I have been doing more photography and writing up here.”
>”Writing? What have you been writing?”
“It was poetry and other things to help clear my mind up till recently. Partially to get my focus and courage up for my admission on Thursday…” Anon trails off as he feels a pair of lips lightly touch his cheek.
>”Well I would say it is a great place then,” She whispers as she pulls back from her light kiss and grips his hand. “I wish we could stay up here for a while… I would love to see what all comes out of the woods and to see how the sky looks here as opposed to near your house.”
“It is even more beautiful if you ask me,” Anon says as he swaps hands and puts his arm around her shoulder.
>”Nonny?”
“Yes Sweetie?”
>”Does it bother you that so many people in your family are so rude to you?”
“It really does but I have to try to not let it. I know in time this whole tie-in with the divorce and people like Flash will pass and we can resume being a family again of some sort. I am very hurt by the way Lily treats me and our mom but I am trying to not fault her… it is very difficult but I am trying.”
>”Do you think they will keep attacking me for being with you?”
“It is likely… it pains me to admit it,” Anon says as he turns slightly toward her. “I want you to remember something though. I love you and will do what I can to block all that. My Gannar likes you so they are likely to back off. My Mom likes you so you have an ally there. We all care about you and as such you can block the others from your mind. I never tell someone I love them unless I truly mean it.”
>”Thank you Anon… I love you too…” Sweetie replies as she copies Anon’s grip along his side, hugging him closely.
“So was there anything on your mind Sweetie since we have peace up here?”
>”Well I did have a few thoughts. I do wonder how my family will take any news of your success and I am wondering what is going to happen with Button. He was arrested but will he get free and come after us?”
“I would love to have an answer for all that myself but we are going to have to wait. I do have one thing on my mind myself…”
>“What is on your mind?”
“Well I did fib to you on Friday and did order something for you for your birthday…”
>”Oh?” Sweetie asks with amusement. “What did you order?”
“Well it is a custom pendant and I am fairly sure I went over the top…”
>”A pendant? Like a message one or is it more like a cameo?”
“More like the latter but it is more shield like in design…”
>”You didn’t…”
“Yes I am having one made of the cutie mark idea you had.”
>”Oooh! Thank you thank you! I hope it is not too much trouble or cost.”
“it is one item of my spoiling you. I save moments like that for special events but I wanted to make sure I gave you something amazing.”
>”Well why are you ruining the surprise?”
“Trust me… there will be surprise when you see it. There is nothing wrong with a minor spoiler in life from time to time.”            
>”I don’t know how to respond…”
“Just love and appreciate me while still being you, Sweetie,” Anon replies as he moves his hand from her lap and guides her chin up for his kiss to meet her soft lips. Sweetie returns his kiss and moves her hand to his cheek. “And occasionally treat me to your wonderful singing,” he continues, bringing a soft blush to her cheeks.
>”I think I can definitely manage all that, Nonny.”            
 
>”Now that is a loaded question… There has been so much positive and negative over that last few days I am overwhelmed but you have been constant throughout it all. I guess I just wish for you to continue
Being you and there for me. I swear I would have locked up in tears or things could have gotten far worse if you had not been there. I know I should not be asking for a protector but I am thankful you have been there as one. “
“Thank you Sweetie,” Anon replies as he rubs her cheek and lays his head over on hers. “I guess I will keep being my odd self then.”
>”You are not that odd. At least to me you aren’t.”
“Well you have had a few months to get used to me. Still makes classes and work difficult when people reply “what a nut” under their breath.”
>”Just forget about that now, Nonny…Tell me more about our surroundings,” Sweetie says softly as she puts a finger on his lips.
“Alright then… those small ridges on the hill we walked down are from when my grandfather tried to build terraces on the hill here as a part of a farming trend that was popular before I was born. I have to guess it was not very effective since we never used them as long as I can remember. Back behind there is the hay barn and a horse pen that we used to keep my older sister’s horse till he passed. Both of those are by the tractor barn and one of the older family graveyards.”
>”There is a graveyard here? That seems odd.”
“Not really when you consider that one wants family close and the times it took for horse and cart travel.”
>”Oh yeah…” Sweetie replies as she slaps her head. “I keep forgetting how recent cars are really to life.”
“Yeah I know… Your hair smells nice…”
>”Oh so you like my strawberry shampoo?”
“Yes I do Sweetie. Every time I smell strawberries, I now think of you.”
>”Aww…” Sweetie replies and kisses his cheek. “That is sweet…”
“But getting back to the description of the farm, that road over there that runs between the fields and by the yellow house is named after my grandfather and the field beyond it is also part of the farm. So was the field on our right before we turned on the driveway. Technically the fields beyond that is ours too but a family split has that as not accessible, to me at least.”
>”What happened?”
“We had to sell that to richer family members during the depression to pay taxes and were never able to buy it back.”
>”Oh…”
“It was more of a sore subject when my grandfather lived but I think being friends with my cousins who own it is helping with my chances. My dad is still sour over it and that makes it a bit difficult.”
>”I can imagine. Say Nonny…” Sweetie asks.
“What is it, Sweetie?
>“Well I was wondering about what all do you do to help the Apples and also what sort of projects you really would like to be working on now that you have the partnership with Mr. Rich.”
“Well as for the Apples, I have been working on helping to integrate more monitoring and packaging
Equipment so that they can be more efficient in their operations. I also have been working with Mac to try to come up with another variant of their cider that could be a party drink but more ‘homey’ for the bonfire crowds. I heard about a drink called ‘Apple Pie’ and tried some once and liked how it was but I wanted to improve on it and make a smoother version. Like with my other projects, I would be splitting the rights with Mac like I do with Mr. Rich.”
>”That sounds interesting… I never knew Mac had an interest in something like that.”
“Well he doesn’t really but he thought if they could come up with a premium cider product, they could afford to make more improvements without having to leverage so much from a bank.”
>”well where are they going to get the seed funds for this?”
“I am fronting a bit of my money into it and free tech services. I frankly want to move into making robotics for farm use and improve efficiencies nationally and later internationally. I would have to split off from Mr. Rich but I would make sure he got a good share from having the sales connections. Taking that path also helps me come up with ways to feed space colonies when those are tried by some of the private companies…” Anon trails off as he smiles wide in excitement. Sweetie draws his attention back to her with a soft peck on his cheek. “Sorry… I just get so excited about this. I always have wanted to build robots to help people like I should be able to with the unicorn project.”
>”All that sounds amazing, Anon. Do you mind me asking another question?”
“Sure Sweetie. What is it?”
>”Well… where do I fit in this? All this makes it seem like you will be very busy and have little time for a girlfriend…”
“Sweetie, I will always have time for you. These ideas will take a few years to truly get going. I will not ignore you or leave you for my work. My dad hardly had time for me and for my mom. I swear on my soul I will never treat someone that and will be there for you.”
>”Are you sure? Rarity used to say the same thing too as she was getting her fashion work started…”
“I promise you Sweetie. I don’t have much really but I will give you all I have,” Anon replies as he takes her hands into his as he leans over to kiss her forehead. “The money from my work is nothing if I don’t have someone I can love and we chose each other. I don’t care about the rest of the world if I make you sad and will do all I can to be there and to love you. Sappy as hell but I want to be clear.”
>Sweetie tilts her head up and leans forward, meeting his lips and gives him a firm kiss as she pulls his hands down to her sides, making him hug her as they kiss.
>”That is a better answer than I could have hoped for… Thank you for humoring my asking it.”
“I understand, Sweetie. Reality has not exactly made this a smooth holiday weekend…”
>”Tell me about it… Say.. What time is it?”
“Um… my watch says it is about 3:45. Why do you ask?
>”Well since we are up here alone and no one is likely to disturb us, want to play around a bit?”
“Hell yes I would but let’s not out of respect for my grandmother and that anyone with binoculars can see up into here. Last thing we need is my dad or brother spying on us here. I can give you a bit more of a tour if you like.”
>”Oh alright. I think I would rather cuddle up here a bit more before we climb down. We can tour more some other time.”
“Alright Sweetie,” Anon says as he slides down and stretches out on the blanket. “Well if we lay down here, we might be able to do a little play without being seen if you really wanna try…”