Fallen Eagle

Chapter 41: Let me Show You

---

Hey guys! Welcome back after a two week break. I know, it's a little longer than we'd all prefer, trust me. But like I said before, I'm working on a new one shot that's almost halfway done, and I'm still writing Fallen Eagle here. Right now I'm just starting to soak in the fact that the 2015 NASCAR season will conclude this Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway. I'm excited my driver, Jeff Gordon, is eligible for a fifth and final title, but I'm also sad that he's hanging up his helmet at the end of the year.

Now let's talk some MLP. I know I haven't done a review in awhile because of my frantic updating schedule, so I'll just give quick ratings for the past few episodes. Scare Master: Platinum. What About Discord: Platinum. Hooffields and McColts: Gold. We have an AJ episode coming up on Saturday which should be episode 24 of the season, and then the season finale two parter should be the week after. As for this story, there's still a lot left, but we're closing in on the second act so to speak. I won't spoil anything, but there's going to be a lot of crazy shit happening soon. I again want to thank everyone who has stuck around Fallen Eagle for so long and I welcome any newcomers to the game.

While I'm used to 10+ reviews per chapter now, I'm not at all worried or upset at 8 for the previous chapter. I had FUN writing it from Ivan flying an X-Wing to developing the relationship between Luna and Checkered Flag. What I'm really happy about is the positive response Lunared Flag continues to get. I know the main couple for the story is of course Ivan and AJ, but the other characters need love too or else they're throw away characters. While Checkered was originally just a character for Luna to dance with at the Gala, he somehow morphed into a pretty good main character and love interest for Luna according to you guys.

That being said however, while there are the ones who review every chapter and those who review every few chapters with a more in depth review, do not be afraid to tell me if you didn't like certain aspects of a chapter. I've gotten a few constructive reviews from StacheKing and Srey and they've helped me big time on improving pacing and characterization. I read each and every review as thoroughly as I can; as long as there is constructive criticism, you bet I will read it and take down notes on how to fix the problem.

I would also like to thank Nukem999 for allowing me use of his OC, Hopeful Romantic, for the last chapter.

Speaking of relationships between characters, this chapter was going to be longer, but since we're back to focusing on AJ and Ivan's relationship, I didn't want to delve right in and write another 10K+ word chapter. After so many chapters that focused on other characters and couples, I just need to get back into the rhythm for Ivan and AJ's relationship. Plus, with how long my chapters have been recently, a little bit shorter one should be a breath of fresh air for all of us.

Again, not spoiling anything, but for the next chapter, all I can say is just have YouTube at the ready. I'll explain in the author's note for next chapter. How about we get to review replies?

SkullCrusher550: Thank you for the kind words each and every chapter.

OBSERVER01: I didn't realize this until halfway through writing Spike and Ivan's talk; it was an homage to the whisper chat from the original Poltergeist movie from 1982. There were more movie homages than I remembered!

Sassymouse: I told you that Lunared Flag would rise again! No wait, I MEANT to tell you! From the moment the Luna episode premiered, I had envisioned Ivan crashing an X-Wing and emerging from the wreckage like the T-1000 from T2. Yes, you did indeed catch a Simpson's reference during Checkered's dream. It sucked taking away all of Twilight's lines during the Ponyville dream, but it was the best opportunity to really show how much Checkered and Luna trust and love one another. He's not after her crown or money, just her heart. Oh and one more thing, "Spike! I'd rather be chained in Tartarus before you force my baby to the Dragon Kingdom!"

Dixie Darlin: And knowing you can do something, but not acting is safer than acting. Sometimes it can sad, knowing you want to help but you can't, but other times it can be terrifying. Plus, that was an homage to A Nightmare on Elm Street, besides the Dream Warriors part. This is kind of dark, but I compare Luna's punishment with the Tantabus to be like cutting herself for doing something bad. Hurting yourself like that only hurts the ones around you that you love. An Alicorn and an Earth Pony together? They called me mad, but look at them now!

KillerWoW: Life, yes, I can understand completely my friend. Ivan turned into the T-1000, that's a cyborg which is part robot so there WAS a robot! Case dismissed!

Srey: Well actually, it was still the jointed dream; they both dreamt of dancing at a wedding. Their relationship has been building off screen, but I still try to make it grow a little when they make an I'm glad you liked the nightmare. My brain almost exploded from how many ideas were coming out during the actual episode. Ranging from Ivan conjuring up a T-Rex to conjuring up the whole Empire to help. Also, in the original draft, Ivan was going to partake in the dream chase as well. His nightmare would've started out as him winning the Daytona 500 while Def Leppard played Rock of Ages. Then the Mothman would've ripped him from his race car and proceeds to eat his neck.

TwoSoulsOneMind: Well, all I can say to that is thank you for your service!

I hope you guys like the return of CouJack, especially since they haven't been the focus for the last few chapters. Next chapter is going to be a game changer, I promise.

---

(February 13th. Ivan's POV)

A couple of weeks had passed since the whole nightmare fiasco with Luna. Luckily, for me and Spike, none of our friends had any trouble getting back into their regular sleep cycles thanks to Luna becoming super protective of our dreams. She hadn't planned for the Tantabus to make a return, but it was mainly to keep a close eye on all of us in Ponyville like a good leader and friend should. I was still sleeping peacefully in Applejack's bed, but nature had other plans for me. "Uh-oh," I exclaimed softly as my eyes shot open wide. Celestia's sun was just barely beginning its ascent above the mountains on the horizon, but my vision was still clouded. That was not my problem, however. An intense pressure was doing a splendid job at making itself known in my lower body. "No more cider before bed,"I swore, tossing the blanket off me. Seeing no Applejack in the bed didn't surprise me at all with how much she enjoys rising early, but I didn't have time to think about it.

Throwing the bedroom door open, but not enough to slam into the wall or to wake up Fawkes, I jogged my way down the hall just in my boxers and a t-shirt. "Mornin,' Cougar!" Applebloom exclaimed with a yawn as she exited her room.

"Morning, can't talk!" I replied hastily. Applebloom's face froze in confusion for my quick response, yet she quickly understood my lightning reactions. She trotted her way behind me, her hooves overpowering my footsteps on the wooden floor as I arrived at the bathroom door, only to be greeted with the sound of running water. "Oh, come on!" I bit my lower lip, trying hard not to think about needing to relieve myself.

"Don't worry, Cougar; AJ's in there," Applebloom reassured me.

"How do you kn-know that?" the pressure continued to grow in my bladder. It was as if Hulk were push my bladder through my skin. The filly giggled at my situation and hopped in between me and the door.

"'Cause, Big Mac's room is right next ta mine, 'n he sounds like a freight train when he gets outta bed," she explained. "Ah haven't heard anythin' outta his room yet," she added just as Big Mac's door opened. He didn't say anything to either of us, but he did greet us with a subtle head nod, trotting his way down the stairs for a big mug of coffee. Turning back to Applebloom, she had a smug smile on her muzzle, happy to know she was right.

"Okay, thanks kid," I ruffled her mane, still biting my lower lip.

"What exactly are ya waitin' for?" she asked me, leaning against the wall. I couldn't tell if she was just trying to make conversation or if she was teasing me. "It's my big sister in their, yer marefriend," she emphasized. It was a little off-putting hearing a kid hint at things like that. Of course she probably meant that people in relationships with one another get special privileges like not waiting for the bathroom, stuff like that.

"Your point?" I choked out. I wasn't even sure if running downstairs and outside would provide me enough time before the floodgates would open. One big ranch house and one bathroom, who designed this place?

"Well, just knock; maybe she'll let ya in," Applebloom's smug face fell victim to another yawn. Her hoof muffled her muzzle to try and quiet the yawn down. "Let me know how it goes; Ah need some cocoa in my tummy for school," she gave my leg a quick hug. "We've got lots 'o plannin' ta do before Hearts 'n Hooves Day tomorrow," she added, bounding down the stairs.

"Uh-oh," I repeated the second time in the morning. I hadn't brought it up to AJ yet, but the chat I had with Spike still lingered around my head. AJ was not the mare that would act all prissy if I forgot the holiday, but she was a special mare that I loved; she deserved to be shown how much she meant to me. I tell her I love her as often as I can, but there was so much more I could and should do. My thoughts were once again interrupted by the pressure welling inside my bladder. I let out a small groan, trying to fight a losing battle. There was no sign of AJ completing her shower, but I was running out of time.

Knock, knock, knock

"Yeah?" Her voice replied from behind the door. The water from the shower still didn't let up any. "That you, Big Mac?" She asked.

"I-It's me, AJ," I replied back, sounding like I was in pain.

"Oh," she chuckled, "anythin' ya need?" Yes, we were a couple and yes we shared the same bed together, but I was still a modest man. Asking my girlfriend if it's okay to piss in the same bathroom while she was showering definitely wasn't awkward free.

"Uh, I hate to bother you, but I really-" I began before she interrupted me.

"Ya gotta answer nature's call, Ivan?" she asked. The little bit of shyness coupled with my pursed lips made it impossible for me to answer. "Come on in 'n pee; it's okay," she granted me permission with another chuckle.

"Are you 100% positive, AJ?" I just wanted to be sure.

"What's the matter, Sugarcube? Are ya shy?" she teased me. With that attitude on her, I knew right away she had no problem with allowing me inside the bathroom while she was showering. She'd reminded me a few times before that technically she and all of her friends and family were always naked, but that didn't help stop me from acting like a gentleman and treating every mare I met with respect.

"Haha," I tried to play her little game as I opened the bathroom door. I was instantly smacked in the face with a wall of steam; Applejack's outline from behind the shower curtain was visible thanks to some convenient lighting from above. Though it was most likely due to my shyness, I oddly enough shut the door as quiet as I could, even with the whole household ready to go for the day. With careful footsteps, I made my way over to the porcelain bowl which was on the opposite side of the shower.

"Sleep good?" AJ asked, making me jump a little. I saw Applejack's silhouette squirting some shampoo into her mane through the shower curtain, wondering if she could see me as well. I wasn't really comfortable talking while doing my business, even with having to relieve myself in the open during training. "Ya don't have ta be so shy, Ivan," Applejack added sweetly.

"I don't mean to be," I replied, trying to focus on my task at hand as I lowered the front of my boxers. "It's just, I've never really been so open before," I explained. Applejack softly chuckled, running her hooves through her mane to get the soap out.

"Ah understand, Sugarcube. But you could stand ta loosen up just a lil around me," she advised.

"Well, if you mean vomit inducing pet names," I joked, knowing how much pet names made Applejack want to rip all her teeth out. The only exception she had was Rarity's pet name for Spike. The water pressure from the shower devolved into a trickle and finally into nothing as the knobs squeaked from Applejack's hooves.

"Not that kinda loose," she growled playfully. In the mirror next to the toilet, I saw Applejack's orange hoof reaching outside of the shower for a towel. The outline of her drying herself off was starting to get pretty sexy; I had to quickly pee and get out before she saw anything.

"Ahhhh," I groaned happily a little too loud as my bladder's floodgates opened and the pressure burst into the toilet. "A-anyway," I croaked, "I slept pretty good. I even had the best heater in the word snuggled up against me," I complemented slyly.

"How do ya think Ah felt?" the mare responded as I finished up and flushed the toilet. "Havin' a coltfriend as strong as an ox holdin' me?" the mare tossed her towel into a nearby hamper and shifted the shower curtain to the side.

"Safe, protected, all that crap?" I smirked, turning around. Applejacks' body glistened cleanly off the lights of the bathroom, but her mane was still damp and wasn't yet in its usual style. I liked this look on her, but she was already perfect to me.

"You bet yer behind, buster," she trotted over to me as I turned on the sink to wash my hands. The mare reached over onto the counter and collected her red mane tie, beginning to style it up in her usual pony tail.

"Did you sleep good?" I continued to keep the conversation alive. Applejack looked over at me in the mirror while doing up her mane. Her mane tie was intertwined in her hooves.

"Can't find anythin' ta complain about," she smiled, continuing to fix up her hair. With a smile, I turned the water off and dried my hands, allowing AJ full access to the mirror if she required it. "Oh Ivan," she added as I backed away from the counter.

"Don't think I'd forget, hun," I leaned down and kissed her cheek. She giggled sweetly, but playfully shoved me away.

"Not that, but thanks anyway," she returned the kiss on my lips instead of my cheek. "Ah was just wonderin' if it was you or Big Mac takin' Applebloom ta school today?" Normally I didn't think Applejack cared who took Applebloom to school as long as she actually got there. Though Discord might have been a possible exception.

"I think Big Mac is; Applebloom didn't ask me this time," I replied, stepping away from Applejack as she put on the tie for her actual tail. "Why?" I added, opening the door to go back and grab my pants from the day before.

"Well then, that just means we both get ta do dishes this mornin' after breakfast," she winked playfully. "Granny Smith's arthritis is actin' up again; she has an appointment at the hospital for pain meds this mornin'," she explained.

"Hope she gets better. Of course knowing your family, she could probably still take on a pack of timberwolves even with her arthritis," I joked, trying to lighten the mood. As much as I respected Granny's hard work ethics, I knew it wasn't healthy for her to keep pushing herself so hard with that pain. I can only hope the medicine works to keep the pain away.

"You 'n me both," Applejack agreed as we exited the bathroom in different directions. "See ya at breakfast!" She called from the bottom of the stairs. I would have answered, but I didn't want to shout all the way downstairs.

"Morning Fawkes," I said as my phoenix was up and alert when I entered Applejack's bedroom. The avian trilled happily upon seeing me and circled around my head, lightly nuzzling the top of my head. "Need to stretch your wings?" I asked rhetorically, opening the window for him. He zoomed out of the room at top speed, creating a slight breeze in the room as I dug a fresh shirt out my duffel bag and threw it on. I even made the bed since I was the last one to leave the bed.

As I smoothed out the covers, Applejack's scent of apples and cinnamon was ever present. Something about those two scents combined was just intoxicating to me. I think some of it was beginning to rub off on me since we cuddled every night. As much as I loved those scents, however, Applebloom's mentioning of tomorrow was hovering over me. Tomorrow would be my first Valentine's or Hearths and Hooves Day together with Applejack. I wanted more than anything to do something special for Applejack, but where would I begin to plan a special day for the perfect woman? Again, Spike's advice about giving AJ a day she would and I would both enjoy resurfaced in my memory banks. Some stress was lifted off knowing that AJ and I hated mushy romance shit and stupid pet names, but I didn't want to plan a day that only I would enjoy.

"This is way harder than I thought it would be," I sighed, looking out the window as the sun rose higher in the sky and I twiddled my thumbs together. Of course I could take the easy way out and just tell her to have a Happy Hearts and Hooves Day and give her a store bought card from Sugar Cube Corner like a school kid, but that wasn't nearly enough for her. No, for the mare that personally took me in to live under her roof, cared deeply for all her friends, and returned my feelings, I had to come up with something that proved to her that she meant so much to me.

Spike's suggestions still seemed like gold to me, but what worried me was the possibility that they would be too normal for Applejack and she wouldn't feel special. As I cradled my head in my hands, one thought did spring up, but were either of us ready for a leap like that? "Cougar, yer pancakes are gettin' cold!" Granny Smith's voice broke through the floor. "MOVE YER CABOOSE, MISTER!" She added, sounding much louder. Putting both Quicksilver and the Flash to shame, I hopped off the bed and zoomed downstairs before Granny would drag me down by the ear.

"Yes ma'am!" I exclaimed as I sat down at the table in between AJ and Applebloom.

"Whoo-wee!" Applebloom exclaimed. "Ah think that's a record for how fast you ran down them stairs!" she stuffed a bite of her triple decker pancakes into her mouth. Mentally thanking AJ for preparing me a glass of orange juice, I gulped the golden liquid down, helping me catch my breath.

"Sorry," I apologized, "I had to let Fawkes out to stretch his wings and I wanted to make the bed," I explained, cutting into a piece of my blueberry pancakes. Granny Smith eyeballed me, Big Mac just sipped his coffee, Applebloom continued to munch on her breakfast, and Applejack giggled.

"Ah appreciate that," my girlfriend quickly gave me a loving peck on my cheek.

"Be that as it may," Granny Smith cut in, "when it's breakfast time, it's breakfast time!" she exclaimed, sounding like my old drill sergeant. With my mouth full of pancake, I quickly nodded in understanding, though Applebloom had no problem coming to my rescue.

"Cut him some slack, Granny," she swallowed her bite. "He had an emergency ta take care of," Applebloom surprisingly avoided giving the elderly mare the blunt truth. I was getting ready to have Big Mac or AJ scold Applebloom for inappropriate table talk. But, the filly was showing signs of growing up; I couldn't help but smile at that.

"Mhmm," AJ agreed with her sister.

"Eeyup," Big Mac concurred.

"Well, all right then. Ah just don't want ya ta skip any meals there, youngin,'" Granny replied. "Yer fit like Big Mac here, but you need ta keep a healthy weight on ya," she advised, sounding like a normal grandmother talking to a grandchild.

"I'll uh, keep that in mind," I couldn't suppress a snicker. Applejack rolled her eyes, sipping her own coffee and polishing off the last of her breakfast; boy that mare could eat. "So Applebloom, does your class treat Hearts and Hooves Day like Hearth's Warming?" I questioned, refilling my orange juice.

"Mostly it's just me, Scootaloo, 'n Sweetie Belle," the filly replied. "We like shown' Ms. Cheerilee how much we appreciate her," she explained. "Which is why we're makin' a card even bigger 'n better than before!" Applebloom added. "We'll just need industrial sized barrels 'o glitter 'n glue," she tapped her chin.

"Is that why Big Mac is takin' you ta school today, Applebloom?" Applejack teased. "Ya makin' plans with her for tomorrow, big brother?" she nudged the red stallion in the ribs. Even with his red fur, I could barely make out a faint pink blush on his cheeks, forcing me to take a big bite out of a biscuit to keep from laughing.

"Eeyup..." Big Mac replied in embarrassment.

"Anythin' ya want me ta do ta help?" Applebloom gasped excitedly. Big Mac's green eyes shot open and he vigorously shook his head.

"Nope!" He replied. I couldn't pin any blame on the poor stallion, especially with what Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle tried to pull a few Hearts and Hooves Days ago for Big Mac and Cheerilee. Applebloom sat down, acting frumpy and slurped up the remains of her maple syrup.

"Eh, I don't think playing matchmaker is in your future, Applebloom," I said apologetically. The filly glared at me and blew me a raspberry before collecting her dishes and placing them in the sink.

"Don't get her started this early, Ivan," Applejack cautioned, patting me on the back.

"Speakin' 'o Hearts 'n Hooves Day," Applebloom hopped back into her seat with her green backpack. "Do ya have anythin' planned for my sister?" She placed her yellow hooves on my shoulder and leaned her face close to mine, completely obliterating my personal space bubble.

"Um?" I asked in shock. My fork was stuck inside my pancakes as I had no motivation to lift up the food with my hand. Slowly, I released the grip I had on the silverware, gently lowering my hand down to the tabletop.

"Ya know," Applebloom nudged my shoulder, "it's yer first Hearts 'n Hooves Day with Applejack. Ah'm sure you've got tons 'o things planned ta do with her," she guessed, inching her face closer to mine.

"Well uh, Spike did mention Hearts and Hooves Day to me a few weeks ago," I swallowed uncomfortably. "But, I haven't thought of anything just yet," I added, softly pushing Applebloom's face away from mine. As I had predicted, Applebloom's intrigued, cheesy smile quickly morphed into a frown. Her orange eyes tripled in size, one iris was bigger than the other, and her ears dropped down her head. She even let out a quiet whinny.

"What?!" She exclaimed. "It's yer first Hearts 'n Hooves Day with the most amazin' mare 'n big sister in Equestria! 'N you mean ta tell me that you haven't thought of anythin' ta do yet?" She asked me like the world was going to end. I found myself with her yellow hooves wrapped around my shirt collar, pulling me back close to force me to look in her eyes.

I really had no idea how to respond to that, lest I sound like I didn't care about spending a day with Applejack. Jerking my head to the side, I begged Applejack for help in getting out of Applebloom's wrath. Thankfully, Applejack understood my subliminal messages and scooted her chair back from the table, grabbed Applebloom by her sides, and ripped her grip from me. Granny Smith and Big Mac just stared at the three of us, confused as to what was going on.

"Applebloom," the older sister said in her scolding voice. Applebloom expression softened into one of apology. Before AJ went any further, I placed a hand on her shoulder, squeezing it gently and massing it with my thumb. "Now, don't go on stressin' the heck outta Ivan," her vocal tone dropped immediately into her sweet, soft voice she used whenever she was about to give advice or cheer someone up.

"But, Ah just want the both 'o you to enjoy yer first Hearts 'n Hooves Day together!" Applebloom defended, adjusting her backpack strap. Applejack grinned, lightly stroking her sister's mane as I adjust my shirt collar.

"Ah know, Applebloom," AJ nuzzled her little sister's cheek. "But you know Ah'm not the type 'o mare that demands a perfect Hearts 'n Hooves Day from her coltfriend. Besides, it wouldn't be very fair 'o me ta expect Ivan ta have a whole day planned out, especially since we ain't been together very long," she reached around and grasped my neck with her foreleg, pulling me close.

"Hey, that doesn't mean I won't do anything," I interjected softly, enjoying the hug AJ was giving out.

"Ah'm just sayin' ya don't have ta go all out or anythin,' Sugarcube," she turned to me, a hint of love and sweetness in her emerald eyes. "Just lovin' me like ya always do is more than enough."

"Just don't brew up any love potions," Big Mac coughed. Applebloom's yellow cheeks immediately turned scarlet and she hid her face behind her hooves.

"Ah make one potion with my friends one time, 'n Ah'm labeled for life," she said embarrassingly. Applejack relinquished the hold on my neck, only to replace it on Applebloom's in a hug.

"Aw, he's just teasin' ya, little sis," she assured Applebloom. I shrugged to the red stallion, thinking what he said was pretty funny since it was true. "Ah think though, you should point out ta Big Mac that if it weren't for that little stunt you 'n yer friends pulled, Ah don't believe Big Mac would've grown the pair ta actually ask out yer teacher," she smirked in her brother's direction.

Big Mac raised a hoof and opened his mouth to reply, but clamped it shut when he didn't have a rebuttal. The stallion just sipped the rest of his coffee and nibbled at some toast. "Kids these days," Granny Smith remarked. I didn't know if she meant that in a serious or a joking way.

"Almost time for school, isn't it?" I asked, casting my gaze to the clock above the doorway. Right now it was about 7:46; if Applebloom wanted to get to school at her normal time, she needed to get moving.

"Eeyup," Big Mac finally had a reason to respond again, pushing himself away from the table and bringing his dirty dishes to the sink. "Come on then, Applebloom," he waved her over. The filly squeezed her sister tighter goodbye before releasing her hug. She then turned her attention to me and just about dog piled me with her own bear hug. Chuckling, I returned the hug, nuzzling the top of her red mane.

"Have a good day, Bloom," I wished her, squeezing her like a puppy. She pushed away from me, a stern looked carved into her face.

"Ah expect at least a few suggestions on what ya have planned ta do with my sister for tomorrow by the time Ah get back," she ordered, bopping me on the nose. It felt strange having a school kid order me around, but I found it pretty damn cute too.

"Applebloom!" Applejack exclaimed while the filly jumped down and trotted over to her brother. With a snarky grin, she waved to us as Big Mac rolled his eyes and shoved her out the door. "Oh that filly," Applejack sighed with a chuckle. "Just when ya think she's used up her spunk for the day, she's got some reserves left over," she shook her head with a grin. The golden maned mare took her dirty dishes along with Applebloom's, and set them in the sink next to Big Mac's. I still had a few pieces of pancake and some eggs left over.

"That's the best part about her, AJ," I joked, "other than her being the cutest filly ever," I added.

"There ain't no denyin' that, Cougar," Granny Smith concurred as she rinsed her teeth out in the sink. I grimaced a bit at the sight, but AJ and I were going to wash the dishes anyway. "She gets that from her grandmother. Ah remember back when Ah was her age, most ponies couldn't get enough 'o me. Then when Ah hit Applejack's age 'n we set off for Canterlot, the stallions my age couldn't keep their eyes off 'o me," she bragged.

"How did we go from talking about cute fillies to attractive mares?" I asked, shaking my head to get a grip on the conversation.

"See, Cougar," Granny continued as if I never said a thing. "Applejack 'n Applebloom get their looks from my side 'o the family. Cute when their little tykes 'n gorgeous as Celestia's sun when they hit them teen years 'n beyond," she explained. I took a quick look at Applejack who was watching us talk from the other side of the kitchen and winked.

"Well, can't argue with the gorgeous part," I attempted a little flirting with my girlfriend.

"But!" Granny added, getting in my way of Applejack, "just 'cause she looks pretty don't mean she can't whip yer behind if ya need it," she warned me.

"Granny, you can trust Ivan. He ain't done anythin' ta warrant that," she came to my defense and wrapped both forelegs around my neck from behind my chair. "Now, do ya need us ta walk ya to the hospital for yer appointment?" She asked.

"Nah; Ah can handle myself," Granny waved us off. "Big Macintosh said he'd meet me there anyway after he dropped off Applebloom." "'N don't worry 'bout our apples, Cougar. They won't be ripe for a few more days now," she looked out the window at the apple orchard. Ever since the town literally wrapped up winter a few weeks before the nightmare fiasco, the trees were hard at work producing more apples for another season. Right now at the farm, we didn't really have much to do other than taking care of the livestock and straightening up outside. "

"Should be one Tartarus of a season though," Applejack proclaimed. "My legs are just burnin' ta buck some tree trunks!" She did a few practice kicks in the kitchen, showing off a bit of her firm leg muscles.

"You two just take care 'o the mornin' chores; then enjoy a whole afternoon together. Ah've got ta meet the girls for lunch after my appointment, Applebloom won't be outta school 'till three, 'n Big Mac is gonna try 'n sell the last 'o last season's apples before he brings Applebloom home," Granny explained. "He may get home sooner dependin' on how long it takes ta sell the apples," she added.

"We'll try not to burn the place down," I joked, standing up and stretching.

"If ya do, just don't be here when Ah get back!" Granny jabbed her hoof into my stomach. She didn't hit me hard, but it was enough to get my attention. The elder mare filled up a travel thermos with coffee before grabbing her saddle bags from the living room.

"Ah'll make sure the house is still standin,' Granny," Applejack played along with my joke as she turned the sink on and began washing the dishes.

"Have fun you two!" Granny opened the kitchen door, "just not too much fun," she winked and trotted away. I froze as Applejack laughed and scrubbed the dishes in the sink. She didn't seem fazed about it at all, but I still didn't get why I would get nervous about that subject now, even if someone was joking. Dammit, AJ was right, I do need to loosen up a bit. AJ's chuckling snapped me out of my funk, prompting me to join her at the sink and assist her with the dishes. She was scrubbing and rinsing the dishes, leaving me to dry them.

"Don't worry too much about Hearts 'n Hooves Day, Ivan," the mare said as she handed me a glass. "Or Granny Smith for that matter," she chuckled. "She doesn't like ta pass up an opportunity ta tease like that." The glass squeaked loudly as I rubbed a dish towel over it before setting it onto the dish rack.

"I'm fine with it," I replied quickly, grabbing a plate from Applejack. "I just don't expect jokes like that to come from ponies like Granny," I explained, biting my lower lip. I could have sworn I saw a tiny blush on Applejack's cheek, but it went away too quick to get an accurate conclusion. She continued to scrub away the dirty dishes, not wanting to say anything else on the matter. "So, do you think Featherweight has anything planned for Applebloom?" I changed the subject.

"Maybe," AJ replied, rinsing out the pot that held the country gravy for the biscuits. "Though, Ah'm pretty sure it may just be a hoof made card 'n some store bought heart candies from Sugar Cube Corner," she guessed. "Ya know, cutesy kid stuff," Applejack grinned.

"Hoof made beats store bought," I remarked as my dish towel squeaked against a plate.

"Ain't that the truth," Applejack agreed, handing me the gravy pot for drying. "When Applebloom was littler, Ah loved all the cards 'n pictures she made for me, Big Mac, 'n Granny Smith. The quality doesn't matter as much as the thought that you care about somepony," she added. "Just tellin' somepony you care for them can make or a break a day." I smiled at Applejack's memory and words of wisdom. She always seemed to come out with down home advice and sayings at the perfect time.

"Just curious, did you ever celebrate Hearts and Hooves Day in school like Applebloom?" I questioned, double checking to make sure the gravy pot was dry as a bone. Applejack ceased scrubbing the pancake pan for just a second before resuming. A soft hum escaped her lips. She didn't say anything else, but she continued to scrub the dishes and hand them to me. "I'm sorry," I added after a few moments of silence.

"Aw, it ain't yer fault, Ivan," Applejack sighed, shutting off the faucet. "We all would make our own cards or notes for everypony else in the class 'n hoof 'em out," she explained. "You know, usual stuff that classes do." I nodded in agreement, recalling the mundane Valentine's Days in elementary school.

"I kind of have an idea," I smirked.

"'O course, when Ah was in class, even though Ah was only Applebloom's age, Ah did want at least somepony Ah could make a special card for. But there weren't any colts in class that really caught my attention ta do so. Ah still made the cards 'n all that, but Ah never really cared," she added. As she handed me a plate to dry, my hand momentarily grabbed her hoof instead. Thanks to the water, it was softer and warmer than usual; I couldn't help but stroke it lightly with my thumb. "Ah'll say this though, those fingers 'o yers are like magic," she said sweetly, not complaining that I was halting our progress.

"Sorry," I blushed and slowly let go. "Your hoof is just, soft," I grabbed the plate and quickly wiped the water off its surface. Clearing my throat, my ears perked up when I heard Applejack setting down some dishes on her side of the sink. Before I could turn around, I felt a warm foreleg wrap around my torso and her head nuzzling up against my stomach.

"You don't have to apologize for lovin' me, Ivan," she squeezed me a little tighter and looked up at me with her chin resting on my stomach. "You're such a sweet man," Applejack added, her smile growing warmer by the minute. Out of instinct, I put down the plate and put my hand on the back of her head, just barely scraping the brim of her stetson. I've never felt more at peace than just holding my girlfriend and petting her mane. This was it; this was my one shot to suggest my idea to Applejack before we would separate to do our respective morning chores.

"Applejack," I swallowed roughly. "Can I ask you something?" Though still looking me in the eye, Applejack pulled her head away from me while I stopped petting her head and adjusted her stetson that was slowly beginning to block her vision. She giggled as my hand lightly brushed her ear as I righted her cowgirl hat.

"Sure thing, Sugarcube," she agreed. "What's on yer mind?" Having better knowledge on her feelings for Hearts and Hooves Day, I sort of feared her reaction to my idea. I had a good feeling that she wouldn't yell at me or call me an idiot, but she may not have a warm reaction. Applejack could tell I was nervous; she softly placed a hoof on my leg, rubbing it lightly. With a soft cough, I started reading off my plan.

"Well," I began before pausing for a moment or two. "Do you have any plans for the rest of the day?" I blinked hard, "You know, after morning chores," I explained so I wouldn't sound like I wanted to blow off our jobs. AJ didn't respond immediately. She cocked her head to the side and removed her hoof from my leg, rubbing her chin with it instead. The suspense was literally making me even more concerned. Not knowing was worse than a negative reaction.

"Hmm, not really," she finally responded. Okay, I was feeling slightly better, but I still didn't have a definitive answer. "Although Ah was gonna go 'n see what Fluttershy was up to. Ah really don't spend as much one on one time with her as Ah do the rest 'o the girls," she explained with a grin. My face fell almost immediately. If Applejack had plans, then I didn't want to get in her way. "Ivan, what's the matter?" The mare caught sight of my downed expression.

"Oh, it, it's nothing," I stammered.

"Then why did ya ask me if I had plans, Sugarcube?" She asked me curiously, moving her hoof to my hand and folding it over my palm, encouraging me to hold it. "You can ask me anything.' Was there somethin' ya wanted to do?" I knew I had reached the point of no return. With how well Applejack could spot a lie, I was trapped. I couldn't even blow this off; I would never do that to her. She 'squeezed' my hand a little tighter, still holding that smile on her muzzle. The smile I loved so much.

"Here's the thing, I know you said not for me to worry about doing anything for you for Hearts and Hooves Day," I began with a gulp, remembering how quickly Applejack picked up on things. And just like I predicted, she realized what I was getting at right away. She shook her head in a reassuring way, not in annoyance.

"'N you don't have ta feel obligated at all!" Applejack quickly said. "Ah don't want you stressin' yerself out ta make me happy for one day," she gestured for me to sit back down at the table. As much as I wanted to, I just couldn't make my legs move to do so. At least she didn't force me to sit down; Applejack accepted that I was content with standing and continued. "We haven't 'been together' for very long, Ah know that. Just a kiss on the cheek 'n the love ya always give me is more than enough, Sugarcube," she repeated from earlier, leaning upward on her hind legs and softly pecking my cheek with her lips. Not counting her personality during a rodeo, she was still the most modest pony I knew, with Fluttershy being an exception.

My cheek tingled as the mare gently touched back to the wooden floor with a soft thud. As much as I adored her modesty, I couldn't simply give her a kiss and tell her that I loved her; I wanted, no, I needed to show it, for her. "Applejack," I said softly.

"Yes, Ivan?" She replied just as softly. I gingerly reached my hand back out, softly rubbing it against her warm cheek.

"That's, that's not nearly enough for you," I stammered. "I've never celebrated Valentine's, erm, Hearts and Hooves Day before," I corrected myself. "But I want to show you how much you mean to me." My hand was still touching her cheek, but it was no longer caressing it. My limb just held her cheek, not wanting to further disrupt her fur. Applejack's already soft expression seemed to soften even more as she leaned her cheek into my hand.

"Well, ain't you a sweetheart?" She asked rhetorically. "Ah guess if you insist on celebratin' Hearts 'n Hooves day with me, what'd you have in mind, Sugarcube?" She asked me. Feeling like I won the million dollar lotto, the Super Bowl, and the Daytona 500 simultaneously, I found the courage to tell Applejack what I had in mind for us to do. Incidentally, it was a plan for today and tomorrow.

"AJ, since tomorrow is the first 'official' Hearts and Hooves Day for us, I was thinking that after our morning chores are done, we could do a practice run just so neither of us are stressing out tomorrow on what to do," I explained.

"Hmm, a practice run?" Applejack asked, puzzled. "That sounds like somethin' Twilight would do. Is she startin' ta rub off on you, partner?" she nudged my ribs with her elbow in a teasing fashion.

"Maybe just a little," I darted my eyes around. "And it's mainly to help us get the feel of what's special about the holiday," I added.

"Ah love the idea, Ivan," she grinned after a few seconds of thinking. "Any plans you had in mind?"

"Of course, but I'm still a little uncertain about how you'd enjoy them," I admitted, feeling a little ashamed at my shyness. Yet one look from her resurged the courage within me.

"Aw Ivan, Ah won't belittle you or anythin' for any ideas you have," she said in a comforting tone. Lightly scratching the back of my ear, I spilled out the three activities we could do together for our practice run.

"I was thinking we could start off with a picnic at the family pond for lunch, then you could teach me some of your lasso techniques before dinner, and then watch Luna's stars at night outside after dinner," I suggested. Applejack lowered her head, setting her gaze upon the wooden planks on the floor. We were back to the not knowing part of the morning, something that I really didn't like. It had gotten so quiet, the light breeze outside rustling the leaves could've made Fluttershy jump through the roof. Even the grandfather clock in the living room sounded like sledgehammers hitting iron.

"Ivan," Applejack finally proclaimed, making my heart skip a beat. "That sounds like the perfect day, Sugarcube," she responded, assaulting me with another hug.

"Oh, cool," came the lamest response ever. Applejack just chuckled, even grazing her lips across my hand.

"Yer cute when yer flushed, Ivan," she teased, trotting her way back to the sink and turning the faucet back on. "Ah'd be happy ta make us a picnic lunch after our chores are completed," she chimed.

"Hold on," I finally got a mental grip back on reality, "I can help with that too you know," I grabbed a fresh dish towel from a drawer.

"You came up with the idea; Ah'm more than happy ta contribute to it," she explained. "You don't have ta do everythin. Relationships are all about give 'n take," she vigorously scrubbed a plate.

"Well, I still want to help," I stated firmly, grabbing the plate from her.

"Never said you couldn't," she chuckled. "Ah love you, Ivan," she chuckled.

"I know, AJ," I replied as Fawkes flew in through the open window and settled down on the back of one of the chairs. 'Step one complete,' I thought. Now came the actual practice run; the nervousness had returned.

End Chapter 41

---

I don't know when the next chapter will be out. All I can say is that I'm studying the hell out of the confession chapter. I want this next chapter to be as good as the confession chapter. So if it takes as long as this one, please try to understand. Although I will put my one shot on hold for just a little bit to work on the next chapter. Please review and tell me what you think.