Broken Wings, Chapter 10 - Dirty Minds (lightish clop)

“Alright…now hold still.”
>Shining Armor winces and squirms as you scrape a sample of material from his horn.
>”Jeez Doc, that hurts…”
>You roll your eyes and place a cover on the petri dish with the scraped flakes, setting it aside.
“For the captain of the guard, you sure are a big baby.”
>Armor shoots you a dirty look as you write a prescription.
“I’ll send this off to the lab for confirmation, but this looks like a classic case of horn rot.”
>”What? No, that’s impossible!”
“Armor, Horn Rot is a sexually transmitted disease…have you had sex with anyone besides your wife?”
>Armor snorts. “No, of course not!”
>You rip off the prescription and hand it to Armor.
“Then I suppose you two need to have a long discussion. In the meantime, get this filled, it’ll help with the symptoms. Just make sure you take it with food.”
>”What happens if I don’t?”
“Crippling flatulence.”
>”Take with dinner. Got it.”
“Come back in a week, we should have results and can look at more permanent treatment options.”
>”Thanks Doc…also…”
“Twi will never know you were here.”
>”Thanks doc…”
>You sigh and continue making notes as Shining Armor leaves, Nurse Warmheart coming in to clean the exam room.
>Why are p0nies coming from as far as Canterlot to see YOU about Horn Rot?!
>”Wow Doctor, you keep getting called up here, p0nies will start thinking you work here again.”
“Nurse, if I keep getting called up here, I’ll start thinking I work here again.”
>Warmheart giggles. “It’s not like that’s a bad thing. We do miss you and Redheart around here.”
>You sigh. You sometimes forget how good this hospital was at helping you forget your troubles. The camaraderie, the filthy humor, the bedpan discus throw on the roof…
“Yeah, Warm…I miss it too sometimes.”
>You click your pen, gather up your things, see the sample off to the lab and start to head home.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM3LnNjAZh0
>It’s the early afternoon. You wonder if Rainbow would be interested in going out for dinner tonight.
>To celebrate her first flight.
>You smile and nod at a few passing p0nies as you make your way through town.
>You manage to barely hide your grimace as you pass the Mayor.
>A tail lift is one thing, but the teat implants are just a BIT much…
>You swing by the market. Some of the stalls are shut down for lunch.
>Including Applejack’s.
>AJ…
>You shake your head and head over to the florist’s stall, buying a small bouquet for Dash.
>You have no idea what kind of flowers she likes, so you hope at least the thought is enough.
>You toss a few bits on the counter and start to head back.
>You stop at the Apple’s stall.
>There’s a sign, saying that customers can drop by the farm for all their apple needs.
>You frown as that hole in your gut stirs again.
>Perhaps you just need to talk to AJ…get some closure.
>Yeah, that’s it.
>You shake your head and smile as you continue along your way.
>Today’s a happy day! After all this time and hard work, Rainbow Dash has made her full recovery!
>The bustle of the town fades away, buildings replaced with soft rolling fields.
>You turn down the path that leads to your home, stopping only to allow a family of ducks to cross your path.
>You take a deep breath as you go to open the door…
>A crash from the other side causes you to freeze.
>You throw the door open.
“Rainbow?!”
>You duck as a plate sails by your head.
>Rainbow and Applejack pause and look at you.
>RD:”ANON!”
>She darts behind you as Applejack’s expression turns to one of…man, you can’t even describe it.
>You thought she was angry before.
>RD:”SHE’S GONE ABSOLUTELY NUTS!”
>Applejack ignores Rainbow as she storms up to you, glaring daggers into your eyes.
>AJ:”Anon, is what Rainbow says true?”
>WHAT IS THIS I DON’T EVEN…
>This is really starting to tick you off…
“AJ, I don’t see you for weeks, and you show up, wrecking my house and the first thing you do is start barking que-“
>AJ:”IS IT TRUE OR NOT?!”
“I DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT!”
>Applejack shoots a nasty look at Rainbow Dash, as you look back at her.
“Rainbow, what did you tell Appleja-“
>AJ:”DON’T PLAY COY WITH ME ANON, HAVE YOU BEEN BUCKIN’ THIS FOUR-LEGGED HUSSY?!”
>That hole you felt in your gut?
>It just jumped into your chest.
>AJ’s eyes start to widen as your silence gives her the answer she wants.
>Rainbow walks up next to you as you come inside, unblocking the door.
>AJ just backs up.
>AJ:”Anon…why…”
>You grit your teeth as she gives you that same look of hurt she gave you the night Big Macintosh died.
“…you dare to ask me that?”
>You clench your fist as Rainbow backs away, feeling your anger start to radiate from your being.
“You drop me like a sack of potatoes when I needed you too, and you come here to ask me THAT?”
>AJ opens her mouth before closing it. She just stands there for a moment.
>She then runs out, tears flying out from her face.
>Right now, you are all out of fucks to give.
>Right?
>”Hey, Anon…”
>Rainbow nuzzles your arm as she walks up, the flowers you had bought in her mouth.
>Aww man, looks like they got trampled.
>Rainbow sets them down as you sit on the sofa with a sigh.
>”Sorry, she came here looking for you and I may have told her to get lost…and things may have just escalated from there…”
“No..no Dash, I guess it’s alright. I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later…it’s for the best, right?
>Why do you feel like such a liar?
>Dash nods. “You’re right.”
>She hops up next to you and plants a kiss on your cheek.
>”Besides, I don’t care for flowers. Appreciate the thought though.”
>Man, you can’t win for anything today.
>Rainbow giggles as you relax.
>”So, you gonna try to make it two for two?”
“Man, I thought I had something with the flowers…”
>You glance at the cyan mare with one eye, which piques her interest.
“I suppose you wouldn’t be interested in a dinner date, would you?”
>Dash snorts and smacks your chest with her hooves, enough to make you cough as you laugh.
>”Man, do you even know me? Like you need to ask if I’m down for a dinner date!”

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

>You are Applejack.
>You don’t know who to be mad at more.
>Rainbow, for horning in on your man?
>Anon, for falling for that…that…THAT SLUT? Just because you left…
>Your gallop slows to a trot before you come to a full stop.
>Or are you mad…at yourself?
>You look down at the path.
>He was right…
>You did abandon him.
>Said a lot of horrible things.
>He even tried to talk to you, reach out.
>And you turned him away.
>Should you be surprised?
>You stomp your hoof as your eyebrows furrow.
>No.
>That doesn’t excuse anything…
>”Hey, you ok kid?”
>You blink and look up at the white pegasus balancing a bag of apple-y treats on his head.
“Oh, howdy there Soarin’. Pickin’ up some snacks ah see.”
>Soarin’ nods vigorously. It amazed you that he manages to keep the bag balanced on his head.
>“Yep! You know how I can’t eat just one of these things!”
>His smile fades as you just look away.
>”You look sad, kid. Anything your best customer Soarin’ can do?”
>You ponder this for a minute.
>If Anon can go around on you, who’s to say you can’t do the same?
“Actually, Soarin’, it’d cheer me up immensely if ah’ had a date for dinner tonight…”

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsJwBQvMo0Y
>”Oh wow…Anon, when you suggested dinner out, I had no idea you meant THIS place!”
>Rainbow Dash stares in awe as you lead her in to one of P0nyville’s hottest restaraunts.
>She looks splendid in her…rather…unique dress.
>Well, Rainbow is a rather boisterous character. Makes sense her clothes match it.
>You hate wearing your suit, yourself, but this particular establishment would accept nothing less.
>As far as you know, the place has no name, but the Mayor has some pull with the chef.
>Really was a simple manner to get her to help get your name on the reservation list.
>As for her relationship with the chef, it would explain all the plastic surgery…
>Rainbow can barely contain her excitement as the maitre’d leads you to your table.
>”Ohmigoshohmigoshohmigosh…”
>You chuckle.
“Easy Dash, you’re going to pop a capillary if you don’t calm down!”
>Rainbow blushes a little as she settles down.
>”Ehehehe…Sorry Anon, I just never thought I’d get a chance to eat in THIS place! I’ve heard so many good things about their risotto…”
>The two of you make small talk over wine as you peruse the menu.
>”Oh! Right this way! We always have a seat available for a Wonderbolt!”
>Rainbow blinks as the voice of the maitre’d carries over the din of the diners.
>”Oh man, there’s a WONDERBOLT here?! This is the Best. Night. EVER!”
>You laugh.
“Easy there Rainbow, you’ll make a man jealous like that.”
>Rainbow smirks and playfully kicks you under the table as the two of you look at the table next to yours.
>The only empty one in the place.
>You see a white pegasus sit down.
>”Ohmigosh, it’s Soarin’! I can’t believe I’m eating at the same restaurant as Soarin’ of the Wonderbo-“
>You both go pale as you see his date sit down across from him.
>When Applejack looks up, she goes as pale as the two of you.
>Soarin’ blinks and turns, looking at the two of you.
>S:”Oh, hey RD. I hear you’re feeling better! That’s awesome!”
>RD:”Yeah.”
>Cue the uncomfortable silence…
“…AJ.”
>AJ:”Anon.”
>RD:”Applejack.”
>AJ:”Rainbow.”
>S:”…Soarin’?”
>The three of you clear your throats in unison as you turn back to your menus.
>You know, that green dress of Applejack’s looks great, and the blossom in her ma-
>NO WE ARE NOT DOING THIS.
>Soarin’ looks between the three of you nervously, overcome with the feeling there’s an important detail he’s missing out on.
>S:”So…Rainbow, what’cha been up to?”
>AJ:”Besides homewreckin’?”
>RD slams her wine glass down.
>RD:”Doesn’t count as a home if you run away, does it?”
>S:”Woah, woah, ladies! Sorry I asked…”
>The surprised diners around you return to your meals as the four of you place your orders.
>An uncomfortable silence falls across both tables.
“…Pegasus, huh? That was fast.”
>YOU IDIOT WHY DID YOU SAY THAT?!
>AJ:”Like yer’ one t’talk about a quick turn’round.”
>RD:”Like you’ve been around to notice.”
>Soarin’ sighs.
>AJ stands abruptly.
>AJ:”Ah’ll be right back. I’ll be quick, ‘fore Anon changes his mind an’ takes mah meal too.”
>Now that was just childish.
>Rainbow blinks in surprise as you stand.
>RD:”Anon, let it go…”
“I’ll be right back. I have to use the restroom…”
>Before Rainbow can protest, you storm off.
>…
>S:”Dash, care to fill me in on what the hoof’s going on?”
>Rainbow can’t shake this feeling of worry.
>Long story, bro…”

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

>Applejack jumps as you slam the door open following her.
>”ANON WHAT THE BUCK ARE YOU DOING?!”
“THE QUESTION IS WHAT THE BUCK ARE YOU DOING! FIRST YOU WRECK MY HOUSE, NOW YOU’RE FOLLOWING ME?!”
>”NO, AH MEAN WHAT ARE YA DOIN’ IN TH’LITTLE FILLIES’ ROOM?!”
>Huh. You are in the little fillies’ room.
>NOT IMPORTANT NOW.
>You shake your head, lowering yourself to eye level with the orange mare.
“DON’T CHANGE THE SUBJECT! YOU ACT LIKE A STRANGER TO ME FOR A MONTH, YOU BLAME ME FOR YOUR BROTHER’S DEATH, I GET THAT. BUT WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING NOW?”
>AJ grits her teeth as she gets all up in your grill.
>”WELL IF YOU WOULD STOP STICKIN’ YER DICK IN ANYTHIN’ THAT MOVES LONG ENOUGH, AH’D TELL YA AH DON’T BLAME YA FOR MAC! AH WAS HURT, ALRIGHT, AND AH SAID THINGS AH’ DID’N MEAN!”
>You blink, What the hell is this girl on about?
“OH, NOW IT’S ALL HUNKY DORY? THINK I CAN JUST DROP BEING ABANDONED LIKE THAT BECAUSE YOU MADE A MISTAKE?”
>”YEAH, AH MESSED UP, BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN YA’ CAN’ JUST CHEAT ON ME ANON!”
“LIKE I WOULD HAVE ANY CHANCE TO BREAK UP WITH YOU FIRST!”
>AJ grows exasperated. “DO YA REALLY WANT T’DO THIS IN HERE?”
“OH NO, WE’RE GETTING THIS ALL OUT IN THE OPEN NOW! WHY THE HELL DO YOU CARE, NOW AFTER ALL THIS TIME?!”
>AJ just glares at you from behind bright emerald eyes.
“HUH? WELL? WHY THE HOUSE? WHY SPYING ON ME FROM THE HILL? WHY STARTING ALL THIS SHIT? WHAT’S THE POINT?!”
>AJ slams her hooves on the floor as tears well in her eyes.
>Wait, wha…
>“BECAUSE AH LOVE YA, YA BIG BUCKIN’ MORON!”
>The immediate silence in the tiled bathroom gives her words the space to echo, both off the walls and in your own ears.
>You feel like someone’s twisting under your rib cage.
“…what?”
>AJ is breathing heavily, not backing down.
>”You heard me, jackass…ah love ya…ah still do. But ah don’t know what to do anymore…ah mean, yeah, I left ya hangin’, but ah never thought you an’ Rainbow…”
>She’s right, though.
>You are a jackass.
>And a liar, even to yourself.
“Applejack…”
>AJ can’t look you in the eye as she sniffles. “What now…what more could ya possibl-“
“I love you too.”
>You could hear a pin drop in that ladies’ restroom as AJ spins to face you.
>The two of you just stare at each other for a moment.
>You love Rainbow Dash.
>But you can’t lie to yourself anymore.
>You love Applejack too.
>Maybe more.
>You don’t know who moved first, her or you.
>But now’s not a time for thinking.
>The place where the two of you meet is obvious enough.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJdbSMEG0B4
>The two of you twist and writhe together on the floor as your lips reintroduce themselves to each other.
>That smell of sunflowers, the taste of apples on her tongue.
>It’s like a warm, inviting memory.
>”Oh Anon, ah missed ya…”
>You silence the mare as you bring your lips to hers again.
>It’s your way of admitting you missed her too.
>More than you cared to admit.
>Heavy breathing replaces words as the two of you make the adjustments needed to facilitate your congress.
>Your only sound is an impassioned grunt as you grip golden locks in your fingers, every muscle tensing in your eagerness, driven by the heat of the moment.
>Anon…
>Shut up, conscience. Busy.
>AJ moans your name in whispers in your ear as the two of you seek release from the frustration and longing generated by hurt feelings and separation.
>Anon!
>FUCK OFF.
>You don’t even hear the door open.
>RD:”…W-WHAT THE BUCK?!”
>The two of you freeze and look up.
>Oh shit.
>Ohshitohshitohshit…
“Rainbow…”
>The cyan mare may have turned and left, but the abject look of horror and hurt is seared into your mind.
>AJ looks you over, obviously ashamed and embarrassed as you roll off of her.
>”Anon…”
“What have I done….”
>AJ winces back, staring at you long and hard before standing.
>”Anon…ah understand yer’ confused, but it’s time ya made a choice. Me, or Rainbow. Ah’ll wait for ya t’figure it out…but not forever.”
>You’re just left there on the bathroom floor as AJ gives you one last frowning look before leaving.
>You sit there until the door opens again.
>Huh. Nurse Redheart?
>How did she get in this pla-
>Her mouth hangs agape.
>You look down.
>Yup. Dick’s still out.
>”OH COME ON BOSS. NOT COOL”
>…
>What you would give for this day to just fucking end already.