Title:           One Heart - 5. Last Chance
Author:          Slasher_Science
Pastebin link:   http://pastebin.com/xHm8pDuy
First Edit:      Tuesday 12th of August 2014 04:13:52 AM CDT
Last Edit:       Last edit on: Wednesday 1st of October 2014 06:24:43 PM CDT

5. Last Chance
 
 
He's working up a mighty good sweat.
 
If there's one thing you admire about him, it's his work ethic.
He never complains about your physically demanding chores. Every day, he does his work reasonably fast and always makes it look nice.
You might say you were growing a soft spot for him.
 
He was very intelligent too.
For a non-pony.
 
"Oh m-my, do you think he needs a drink?"
 
You're snapped out of your observation by Fluttershy.
Almost forgot she was here.
She had stopped by to check up on all the farm critters, but had gotten distracted by Anon.
 
You look at her.
 
She's staring at Anon as he hammers a fence post into the ground with his shirt off.
Her face is a little flushed and her wings seem to be extended.
You frown and pat her back, making her squeak.
 
"Yeah, I'll be sure to look after him. Shouldn't ya'll be headin' home now?"
 
She shakes her head, "Oh! Oh um, yes. Goodbye Applejack."
 
You can't help but notice her last wistful glance at the Human before she flutters off.
With a grumble, you head to the house to fetch some applejuice.
 
"Can't have her interruptin' Anonymous when he's working so nicely. Gotta watch that one..."
 
"You mutterin' tah yerself again?"
Granny Smith's voice makes you jump.
"Hey granny, didn't see ya there."
She smiles slyly and rocks in her chair. "Ahm always here on this porch, young filly. Yer just miles away."
 
With a sigh, you stop before the stairs, ready for some kind of lecture.
 
She seems to be eyeing you with that odd sly smile.
"He sure is a work horse. Heh heh."
 
"What are you talkin' about granny?"
 
She nods, "Play innocent all ya want filly, ya know who ahm talkin' 'bout."
 
"I'm not a filly anymore."
 
She looks down at you with narrowed eyes.
"No... I guess yer not. Anymore."
There's a moment of silence.
 
"Well, I gotta go get Anon somethin' to drink. Bye granny."
 
She chuckles, "Okay young one. Go give yer man some comfort. He's workin' up a sweat that's attractin' near every filly this side of the river."
 
"GRANNY!"
 
She laughs again, "Go on, go on."
 
Your face is burning. "He's not 'mah man'!"
 
"Mmmhmm."
 
"He's not even a pony!
 
"Yep."
 
"He's just a... A... Ah, I'm goin' inside!"
 
You stomp up the stairs and into the kitchen. She must be going senile. There's no relationship between you and Anon more than-
 
More than...
 
"Business partners."
Yeah. That's all you are.
You get Anon and yourself a nice cool glass of fresh apple juice.
 
When you step back outside with the tray of drinks on your back, you see Granny Smith has shuffled off somewhere.
Good.
You didn't want to deal with her silliness now. Off in the distance you see Big Macintosh working hard in the fields.
 
"Please tell me one of those is for me."
 
You almost jump at Anon's sudden appearance. He walks up into the shade, his shirt still off and draped over his shoulder. He's sporting a nice sheen of sweat and his jeans are riding awfully low on his hips.
 
You find yourself staring at his abdomen. *Why does he wear all them dang clothes if he's so hot?*
 
He waves a hand in front of your face.
"Applejack?"
 
"Huh?! What?! Oh uh, yeah. I got ya somethin' chilly to drink since ya'll were workin' so hard. You almost done-"
 
He takes a drink and downs a big gulp.
You watch his throat work the juice down. Some of it dribbles down his chin and drips onto his collar bone... "With the- Uh, the w-work you were..."
He finishes the whole drink and wipes his mouth with a gulp of air. "Sorry. I'm actually all finished with the posts. We can put up the wiring tomorrow."
 
You shake your head and look over at the new fence. "Well I'll be! I didn't expect you to finish today. I thought you had more to go."
 
He laughs, "I got into a groove. So, I'm gonna get out of here and shower."
You don't know why, but a sly bit of words pass your lips before you can stop them.
 
"What, you got a hot date tonight?"
 
Why?
Why did you just say that?
 
"I wouldn't say a date. I'm actually going to see a friend. She's a musician. A cello player. She needed to talk to me about something and I don't want to show up smelling like a- uh, like this."
 
Your ears perk up.
"Is this a friend like... Someone you're fancy for?"
*Did it again dammit.*
 
He shakes his head, "No, Octavia's just a friend."
 
Octavia.
That name is familiar. She was that one fancy banjo strummin' pretty girl from around Canterlot.
"Well, you enjoy yourself, Anon. Don't stay out too late because we got plenty of work tomorrow."
 
He smiles and gives you your glass back, "Okay. Have a good night."
 
You watch him leave with the odd urge to follow.
He was a good guy.
It's not like you were trying to get into his personal affairs.
*Darn it, those jeans are ridin' low...*
What if this Octavia kept Anon out all night and he was late for work tomorrow?
What if she tried to-
 
You turn and gallop back inside.
 
Granny Smith is in the kitchen when you enter.
 
"Anon already skiddadled- what's got yer withers weathered Applejack?"
 
"I have to take a shower! A cold one! Ahm goin' into town for dinner!"
 
-
 
 
Octavia looks good.
Too good.
 
She looks a little upset as she pokes at her salad, while Anon talks.
You're sitting across the restaurant, wearing one of Rarity's giant hats she let you borrow.
Anon might get the wrong impression if he saw you.
 
It was chance that you happened to be eating at the same restaurant.
 
"Would you like more water ma'am, or are you ready to order?"
You wave a hoof at the waiter, "I'll have the apple fritter."
He takes your unused menu and leaves. "Wish I could hear what they're saying..."
 
At this point, you're not in denial anymore. You know you're not 'not interested' in Anon. You're interested in him plenty.
 
And what he does in his free time.
 
"This is just me lookin' out for a co-worker."
 
Octavia doesn't seem trustworthy. She's too fancy for Anon. Too hoity-toity.
*Probably break his heart and take him for everything he's got.*
 
So it's your responsibility to observe this.
 
*And she's too pretty.*
"What does she use in her mane, magic froo-froo goo?"
*No pony that... Silky can be trusted.*
"Did she just giggle?"
 
Suddenly, Octavia gets up. Anon does the same and they hug.
"Apples..."
 
They start to walk. They're coming right by where you're seated. You duck down, trying to hide your face under the hat as much as possible.
"Bye Anon. Thanks for dinner."
 
*He paid for her?*
You look up.
 
Anon is now sitting down across from you.
 
"Hey Applejack. Enjoying dinner?"
He's smiling like a jerk and you're blushing like a filly.
"H-hey! Fancy meetin' you here!"
 
The waiter decides to make his reappearance. "The apple fritter, ma'am. And can I get you anything sir, or will you have the free water?"
Anon takes the jerk waiter's remarks in stride. "Yes. Yes I'll have that. With a wedge of lime and three ice cubes please."
 
The waiter shuffles off and you're alone with Anon again.
 
"Listen, Anon... I don't want you to get the wrong idea. Like I was ya know- followin' you or somethin'."
 
He shrugs, "Yeah, what are the chances we would end up in the same restaurant?" You raise an eyebrow and he winks. A smile slowly creeps across your face. "Pretty darn slim."
You take a bite of your fritter.
 
There's a bit of a silence. You need to say something now.
*This is the part where you ask him-*
"So what did you and Octavia talk about?"
*Dammitdammitdammit! Again?!*
 
He shrugs again, "Actually she said not to worry about anything and we ended up talking about work. In fact, I talked about you a lot." He chuckles and rubs the back of his head.
That little flip in your belly is a new thing.
 
"About me? Why?"
 
The waiter brings Anon his water and leaves quickly. "Well, you are my boss. And the one I work with most. And my friend."
 
*The word 'friend' hurts more than it should.*
 
"Ah shucks, that's mighty sweet of you. But flattery won't get you more bits."
 
He laughs and you finish your fritter. "Hey Applejack."
"Yeah?"
His hand slaps down some bits onto the table, "How about I pay for your meal and you come with me to the park?"
 
You stop mid-chew. "The park? isn't it a bit late for that?"
He looks outside and adjusts his tie. You now notice the nice suit he is wearing. It must be a habit of his to look handsome when he gets off work. "Well the sun is still up. It's setting soon and I like the park around this time."
 
*Say yes.*
"I- I do."
*What?!*
That was completely embarrassing.
"I mean- yes. I'll go with you."
 
He drinks his water and sets the glass down, "Great! Ready to go?"
You pick up his bits and place your own down, "But I'll be payin' for my own meal."
 
He accepts his bits back, knowing enough by now not to argue with you.
 
The two of you leave the restaurant and walk out into the twilight of Ponyville. The park is about a five minute walk. You wish you hadn't worn the giant hat. Now you feel silly. Luckily you packed your stetson in your saddle bags.
You switch out hats.
 
"So, ya'll go to this park often?"
Of course you already know the answer. You've seen him there before.
 
Several times.
 
"Yeah. You know, back when I was on Earth, I had so many things to take up my time and keep me entertained. So without those things here, I had to find new hobbies. Never would have thought sitting on a bench in a park would satisfy me. I guess I'm getting old."
 
"Ah, you're still plenty young. Young enough to just be thinkin' about marriage I'd reckon."
 
*Applejack: the Element of Obviousness.*
 
"I- I mean, uh, yer young enough to- To you know-"
 
"I know what you mean."
So much for being comfortable around Anonymous.
 
"What was your home like? You never talk about it."
 
The two of you reach the park.
While you both take a seat on a bench, Anon tells you about Earth. You listen and watch the scenery.
The sun is making it's last drag across the horizon, bathing the park in an orange glow. Birds come out to sing the day's last songs. Couples and older ponies stroll past, absorbed in their own worlds.
 
While Anon talks about computers (an idea way too much over your head), you lay down in the grass in front of him after the bench becomes too uncomfortable.
 
Then you wake up.
 
"Applejack."
You look up, confused. When did you fall asleep? And why? How rude.
Anon smiles, "You nodded off for a minute. Ready to go home?"
You blush, "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to!"
"It's okay. I know I'm tired too and talk about Earth economics will put anyone to sleep."
 
You stand up and adjust your stetson, "Yeah, I guess we should both get on home."
 
"I'll walk you back."
 
That sounds nice.
"That sounds... Nice."
 
The two of you set off, making your way back to Sweet Apple Acres as the sun completely disappears for the day.
 
"Anon..."
 
Stars are already making their debut.
 
"Yeah?"
 
Somewhere, Princess Luna is raising the moon.
 
"Can we do this again tomorrow?"
 
You can't bring yourself to look over at him as you walk. It's that deep rooted stubbornness.
 
"We can do this every day, if you wanted."
 
Now you look at him.
He's smiling.
"Just as friends?"
*Being bold now?*
 
He tilts his head, "Is that what you want?"
 
This makes you stop. Anon does as well. Here it is. This is what has been in the back of your mind for weeks.
No more will you let your stubbornness get in the way. Much.
 
"No. That's not what I want."
 
Anon looks a little troubled now.
"As co-workers then?"
 
You step closer to him. The moon is bright tonight. Every bit of Anon's green eyes are visible in the light.
 
"No, you dummy. I want more... I'd like to try... To-"
 
Before you know it, Anon's lips are on yours.
 
You close your eyes and hold your breath, not moving. It's been years since anyone tried to kiss you. Thoughts race through your mind.
A member of a different species is kissing you.
*His lips are so soft.*
What would your family think?
*Now his hands are on your muzzle and they feel amazing.*
He must have balls of steel to kiss you.
*He must really like you.*
 
The two of you disconnect.
 
A moment is spent staring into eachother's eyes.
Finally you clear your throat and speak, "Anon, y-you know we'll have to take this slow, right?"
 
"As slow as you want."
 
"And no one can know quite yet- or they'll get wrong ideas, yeh know?"
 
"I understand."
 
More silence.
"Appplejack?"
"Yeah?"
"Can I kiss you again?"
 
You look around and lick your lips, taking off your stetson.
"I reckon s-so. Just remember..."
 
He presses his lips to yours again. This time you hop up onto your back legs and lean against him, making it so he doesn't have to bend down.
You return his kiss now, showing your stuff.
He puts one hand on your cheek and the other in your mane.
 
This is doing things to your body you haven't felt in years.
It sort of scares you.
You pull away and get back on all four hooves.
"I... I better get home. We should part ways here."
 
Anon looks happy.
"Sure. Thanks Applejack. I'll see you tomorrow?"
 
You nod, "Bright and early."
"And after work? The park?"
 
As much as you'd like to, you don't think it's a good idea. "How about... How about we go have dinner at your place tomorrow?"
 
This seems to please him, "Sounds great. See you then."
 
You nod, "Yeah... Thanks for tonight."
 
As you walk back home, you go over the day in your head.
It all happened so fast.
You were now in a relationship with Anonymous.
 
A Human.
Your coworker.
*And your crush.*
 
You liked him more than you remember liking anyone.
 
Why then, was the situation so scary?
 
-
 
The next day, work is actually a lot less awkward as you thought it would be.
Anon works beside you, putting up the new fence.
Every now and then he says something sweet to you.
 
It makes you feel... Young.
 
He even sneaks in a few kisses. If Granny Smith saw-
You'd kill him.
 
Not really.
 
It's a kind of anxious pleasure. Like sneaking out of the house as a filly.
 
A forbidden affection is what you have.
 
The two of you spend lunch under an apple tree.
This time you take the lead and get to explore a little more with your kissing, since the house is far beyond sight.
 
And that evening, you eat with Anon in his home.
Even though you want to do more, you restrain yourself and take things slow.
Like you said.
 
A forbidden pleasure.
 
When you get home that night, Granny Smith is sitting in her usual spot on the porch.
 
"Enjoy yerself?"
 
You can feel your cheeks burning. "I was just out for a walk."
She smiles slyly, "Mmhmm. I always thought you were as honest as they come. But now I see you can't even be honest with yerself."
 
You walk up the steps, "I don't know what you're talking about."
 
Her tone shifts, making you stop.
"I remember when you were just getting past yer filly years and a nice young colt took an interest in you."
That was long ago.
"He'd come around here every day asking to see you. He was a nice young thing. And do you remember what you did?"
 
Where was she going with this? Why now? Her eyes bore into you.
"What I did?"
 
"You ignored him. Thought yer work was more important. You pushed him away and closed yerself off for the sake of this farm."
 
"And how is that wrong? How is the future of this farm not important?!"
 
You're getting worked up.
 
"I never said it wasn't, Applejack. What I'm getting at, is that you need to take a long look at yerself."
She always was too wise for her own good. Senility should have taken her mind long ago, but it never happened.
 
"You need to look at yerself, Applejack. And you need to be honest with yerself."
 
"About what?"
 
"The clock is ticking. Yer gettin' older and more set in yer stubborn selfish ways. If you don't get yer mind off work and start thinking about what you really want, you'll end up overwhelmed and alone."
She looks down, "Bitter and alone..."
 
It's been a while since you've seen her like this.
 
"I know what I'm doing. I still have plenty of time to do the things I want."
 
Granny Smith looks up, into your eyes again with a fire behind them.
"No. There's something different about this man. I feel it in my bones. I feel like..."
 
She shakes her head.
 
"This is your last chance... Likely the very last one. And if you miss it-"
 
She shakes her head.
 
"You have no one to blame but your sad selfish self."
 
You stare at her for a bit.
"I know- I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING! I'M NOT RUSHING INTO THIS AND I'M NOT GOING TO MESS IT UP!"
You stomp into the house and all the way to your room.
 
That night you fall asleep with Granny Smith's words running uncomfortable laps in your mind.
 
-
 
Your days with Anon continue happily for the next couple of weeks.
He seems happy with your slow-trodding relationship.
Granny Smith hasn't talked to you again about that night, but she makes sure to fawn over Anon whenever possible.
 
Tonight, you're going to the park with Anon.
 
You show up just as the sun sets, like he asked. Funny that he didn't want to watch it set like usual.
 
And you can't find him...
 
"Applejack."
 
You turn and see him standing there. He's wearing one of his usual grey suits with the blue tie.
"Hey there, Anon. What's with the hide-n-seek?"
 
He walks to you.
*Why does he look nervous?*
A bad feeling creeps up from your stomach.
"Actually, AJ... I wanted to tell you something."
 
If he breaks up with you, you'll kill him.
 
Really.
 
"And what is that?"
 
He gets down on a knee in front of you.
"I wanted to tell you... I-"
He's more nervous than Apple Bloom on her first day of school.
 
"I wanted to tell you that I love you."
 
This is the first time either of you has used the 'L word'.
You flush and stammer with your ears drooped.
 
"Ah, I- L-Love you too, Anon... Ah geez..."
 
He breathes out and reaches into his pocket.
"Also... I know it's soon, for me at least, but I just know this is right. I can feel it."
 
"Anon? What are you doing?"
 
He pulls out a box and opens it, revealing a band with a diamond in it.
An Earth Pony engagement band.
"Would you marry me, Applejack?"
 
Time seems to stop.
 
There are other ponies in the park watching, cheering and whistling.
You begin to hyperventilate.
No.
No-
No!
*This is right though.*
 
This is not what you wanted.
And everyone was watching.
"Applejack?"
 
You back away and shake your head.
 
"I can't believe... I can't believe you did this!"
 
You turn and run.
Without looking back, you run back to your home.
"APPLEJACK! WAIT!"
 
There's no stopping you.
You run all the way home and into the barn where you collapse in the hay and begin to cry.
 
-
 
He steps into the barn.
"Anon, I think it would be best if we spent some time apart for tonight."
"No."
You look up at him.
He looks furious. "I want to hear your reason. I need to know why. Do you not love me? Did you lie to me?"
 
"No! I do love you! It's just-"
 
"Am I just some summer fling for you?"
 
Now you're getting upset.
"No you idiot! If you can't see that I love you, then you're blind as a daft bat!"
 
"Then let me get an answer. Yes or no. I know It's normal for ponies to decide their future partners within about a week here, so our relationship has been practically an eternity by your standards."
 
Now you're shouting.
"I KNOW! THAT DOESN'T MEAN WE CAN’T TAKE OUR TIME WITH THINGS!" Your mane is a mess and you can feel dried tears on your cheeks.
 
"Applejack. Are you... Ashamed to be seen with me?"
 
This makes your stomach sink.
 
*Oh god, what do you say?*
"Ashamed? W-Why would you think that, Anon?"
 
He looks down at his hand, where he's holding the engagement band.
 
"You never want me to even touch you in public. Your way of talking is different when we're not alone. Whenever we go out, you spend most of your time watching the others around us and distance yourself from me."
 
"That's because ponies 'round here like to spread rumors!"
 
"Oh, like that one rumor that we're a couple? What if that were TRUE?!"
 
His sarcasm brings back your anger.
"Don't talk to me like that, Anon. I just mean that I don't want any pony to get the wrong idea and run with it."
 
"The idea that I'm a Human and you're a pony."
 
"N-no!"
 
"The idea that the weird Human might want to marry a pony."
 
"You're putting words in my mouth!"
 
"The idea of what we might do behind closed doors, the pony and her Huma-"
 
Without thought, you push him.
 
"SHUT UP! JUST SHUT UP!"
 
He looks hurt.
"Will you push away everyone you love, or only the ones that love you?"
He goes to throw down the engagement band and you go to push him again at the same time.
 
His hand connects with your face and you go down into the hay.
 
"Applejack!"
 
You cover your face and push his hands away, choking through tears.
"J-just go..."
 
"Are you okay?!"
 
"GET OUT!"
 
After a moment, he leaves.
"I'm sorry, Applejack. I really am..."
 
You cry on the barn floor after he leaves.
 
The engagement band lays near your eye.
After a long while, you get up and slink back into the house.
 
Granny Smith stands in the hall.
 
She looks a bit haunted. You wipe your nose and she stares your down.
"What have you done this time?"
 
Warm tears slide from your eyes. "I don't know why... You were right. I ruined my chance. I just..."
She was absolutely right.
You were sad and selfish.
Another chance had been thrown away and you had no one to blame but your sad selfish self.
 
"I have to go."
 
Granny Smith turns her back to you and walks for her room.
"Where will you go to get THIS mended? Think he'll talk to you?"
 
She always knows more than she should.
 
You wipe your eyes.
 
"I'm going to work this out with Anon. I'm going to speak calmly. And I'm not going to be selfish."
 
If only you could think with clarity before you had acted like a foolish foal.
 
"I think you were right about Anon. And this being my last chance..."
 
"And-"
 
"Never again will I waste a last chance."
 
With that, you re-braid your mane and set off on the road in search of your man.
He mist have headed home.
Or to the park.
 
As the stars sparkle above you, you chase down your last chance at true happiness-
 
Before he can slip away.
 
 
http://youtu.be/p_T5dSRpeAc