Broken Wings, Chapter 5 - Morning After

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya5ICVKUERg
>The sunlight stings your eyes as you drift awake.
>Someone turn that damn sun off.
>Your hangover could rend the earth asunder.
>You sigh, memories of last night trickling back in to your brain.
>You rub your forehead.
>Did you really…
>Something warm and fuzzy stirs on your chest.
>You look down.
>Applejack is still sleeping, quite contentedly.
>And all of your clothes are gone.
>…
>Yep.
>You did.
>You don’t remember much of the experience, but you don’t want to kill yourself for committing a crime against nature.
>That’s…good, right?
>Roll with it, too late now anyway.
>AJ’s breath cascades across your skin as you feel a warm moisture pool on your chest.
>AJ’s drooling in her sleep.
>Gross, yet oddly adorable.
>You stroke the orange mare’s cheek.
“Hey…AJ, wake up…it’s morning.”
>She mumbles something and stirs, making your skin feel tingly with the sensation.
>Her eyes flutter open, as if awakening from a dream.
>She smiles as she sees it was no dream.
>Then winces from the hangover.
>”Eh…g’mornin Anon…”
>She slinks up and nuzzles her head into your neck as you stroke her mane.
“Morning…”
>No alcohol to use as an excuse now.
>How do you feel about AJ?
>”Anon…about last night…you don’t have any regrets…do ya?”
>You look down at Applejack, who is obviously worried.
“I…no. Last night…I don’t have any regrets about last night.”
>Admit it, you had fun.
>Pony Poker.
>Shut up.
“It’s just…I don’t know. This is all still sort of new to me…and…I’m not really sure what I’m feeling right now…you know?”
>…
>Did you just give her the “It’s not you, it’s me” line?
>Shut up!
>AJ looks like you just shot her dog before she sighs.
>”Ah guess ah understand…we did drink a lot last night.
“Oh, did we ever…”
>”But…last night aside…ah’d be willing t’take it slow, y’know…see where it goes…if yer interested, that is…”
>You give it some thought before you draw AJ’s head close, answering with a soft kiss and a smile.
“That sounds nice…you know…see what happens.”
>Applejack just smiles and nuzzles your face.
>That’s when the two of you hear the door thrown open.
>You look around. The two of you are in the hay loft.
>How the hell did you get up here?
>”…but Big Mac, what if they’re hurt? What if they’re waitin’ fer us t’go an’ rescue them?”
>Applebloom.
>Your and AJ’s faces are saying the exact same thing.
>shitshitshitshit…
>You try to make as little noise as possible as you slip on your clothes.
>”Nah Applebloom, yer’ sis an’ Anon are grown, they can’ take care of’ themselves.”
>Ok. Shirt? Check. Socks? Check. Boxers? Check
>Morning wood?
>Check.
>OH COME ON. I DO NOT NEED THIS RIGHT NOW.
>AJ gives you a “seriously?” look.
>You shrug sheepishly. You’ll have to explain the concept of morning wood later…
>Wait…
>Where are your pants?
>”Look, Big Mac! It’s Anon’s britches! They’re right here on th’floor! Where’s the rest of ‘im?”
>….
>Oh no.
>The two of you peek over the edge of the loft.
>Applebloom is sniffing your favorite pair of jeans.
>Big Mac, while looking around, makes eye contact with you and AJ.
>And turns three shades of red brighter.
>For such a simple guy, he’s quick on the upkeep.
>”Applebloom…go see if Granny needs any help.”
>”But…Big Mac…”
>”AH MEAN NOW.”
>AB jumps and snorts. “Fiiiine,” she groans as she sulks out of the barn.
>Cue the uncomfortable silence.
“Hello…Mac…”
>”’Part.”
>”Uh…hi thar…big brother…”
>”AJ.”
>…
>”How about ah’ step outside while you two…uh…finish up.
>You and AJ just nod quickly.
>Big Mac sighs and walks out.
>…
>”So…Anon, d’ya need me ta…ya know…take care of that.”
>She motions to your morning helper, all bright eyed and bushy-tailed.
“Nah, this happens all the time…it’ll go away on its own.”
>”…y’sure?”
>Are you kidding me?
>Then again…it’s been awhile, one last romp before “taking it slow” couldn’t hurt.
“…fine, but real quick.”

--------------

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roHQU6wAG1k
>Rainbow Dash shoots you an annoyed look as you come in, tugging on your white coat as an apple sticks out of your mouth.
>”You’re late.”
>You take a bite and swallow, holding the apple in your hand.
“Yeah, sorry…I got tied up.”
>”…you have a good time with Applejack last night?”
“Yeah…just went out, had some drinks, and went home.”
>”…that’s it?”
>Wait, what?
>Rainbow glares at you, obviously hurt.
>Did getting here late really upset her that much?
“Yeah, that’s it…Sorry I’m late Dash, but that happens sometimes.”
>”Yeah…sure…”
>You check her chart…She’s had the X-ray already. Was that it?
>No way, that couldn’t be it. Rainbow may hate hospitals, but she’s not a brat.
>”You have hay in your hair, Anon.”
>You blink and pull a golden straw out of your hair.
>Huh…
>Waitaminute…is she…
>No….why would she care anyway? It’s not like she’s interested in you like THAT.
>Not the way AJ is.
>As you turn around, Nurse Trueheart is standing there, conveniently with the x-ray images.
>Well, that should help move things through this awkwardly tense moment.
>RD glances over at you as you rack them up, turning on the light and studying the results.
>Hmm….You nod.
“Good news Dash, I think those rods can come out. We can get you walking tomorrow. How’s that sound?”
>You look over at her.
>Wait…why does she look like she wants to cry?
>”Y-yeah…that’s great. Let’s do it Anon.”
“Uh…alright then. I’ll go book the OR, the nurses will be in before too long to prep you for surgery. Alright?”
>”Fine.”
>You recoil a little at her tone. If something’s jittering her critters, she’s not telling you about it.
>You just nod and leave, not wanting to press the matter.
>As you turn to enter your office, the sound of hooves running up the hallway catch your attention.
“Nurse Redheart? What’s the matter?”
>”Anon, it’s your patient, Rainbow Dash…”
“Yeah, I just left her room. I was about to schedule her rod removal. What’s up?”
>”I just heard from the higher ups. After her surgery, we have to street her. Her insurance is refusing to cover her rehab.”
>WHAT?
>Goddamn insurance companies…just as dickish as they were with people back home.
>So, you get to kick Rainbow out a barely functional cripple?
>No. You promised AJ and the others you would look after Rainbow Dash.
>You promised Rainbow you would help her fly again.
>What to do….
>…
“Nurse, let me worry about that. Go prep Miss Dash for surgery.”
>You frown and enter your office as Redheart scurries off.
>It’s a pretty big shift, and AJ may not like the idea.
>But…you owe it to your patient.
>You have a plan.