Forever Young (ch.3)

                                                 By Schwartz

 

>It's black.

>You're blindfolded.

>"I'm so sorry...-Sniffle-

>You can hear the sobs of a nearby woman.

>That's right. You were drugged by Cheerilee.

>Whatever that shit was, it knocked you for a loop.

>You try to reach for your blindfold and find your hands bound to your sides.

>Crazy bitch drugged you, and tied you up!

>The sobbing has stopped.

>"A-are you awake?"

>It's Cheerilee.

"I sure am Elmer!"

>You hear shuffling near you.

>"El-Elmer? Who's that?"

>You begin to feel rage course through you.

"THE NAME OF THE FUCKING GLUE COMPANY I'M GONNA START WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON YOU!"

>You start to thrash around in fury.

>You hear a loud thud to your right.

>"Please Anonymous! Calm down! I can explain!"

"GRAHHH!! FUCK YOU!!"

>You continue to flail with no significant results until, your stamina peters out.

>You lay there..wherever you are panting in anger.

"Are..you still there...?"

>You try to talk through your gasps.

>the sound of soft clops approach you.

>you hear a sniffle.

>"Yes."

"Remove the blindfold."

>She's silent for a brief moment.

>"Okay."

>The heat of her nostrils makes your hair stand on end.

>her teeth move with surgical skill and remove the dark cloth.

>You blink a couple times and scan as much of the room as you can.

>A thick rope covers your arms from the wrist to your shoulders.

>A rope is also secured around your ankles.

>Your captor was at least kind enough to put you in your own bed.

>You look to her and glare as hard as you can.

>she averts her gaze and flinches whenever your eyes meet.

>You take a deep breath.

>And lessen the intensity of your death glare.

"Just tell me this..Why?"

>She fidgets and twiddles her hooves.

>"I--I was afraid."

>Afraid?!?

"What the fuck of!?"

>Her eyes get teary,and her ears flop.

>She lowers her head while, sitting on her haunches.

>"Of messing up."

>You grit your teeth in returning fury.

"Well now I wouldn't say you messed up-"

>She looks to you with a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

"IT'S FUCKING FUBAR!!"

>She flinches and backs away.

>Your muscles tighten under your binds.

>Her gaze returns sporting the likeness of total regret.

>"Please let me at least explain..!"

>You take deep breaths to try and settle down.

"I don't have much fucking choice, do I?"

>She stifles a sob and begins to speak.

>"I didn't tell you last night but it was my fourty-th birthday-"

>You deduced that earlier.

>"-And I have nothing to show for it. My dream that I've held onto since I was a little filly, was to start a career I could be proud of, get married to the stallion of my dreams have two foals with a humble little house and white picket fence."

>The stereotypical Amarecan dream.

>You listen still livid.

>"I got stuck with a dead end job, teaching children who will forget every word I've ever said, the Stallion I fell for broke my heart and cheated on me with another man,and now I have to put up with my failure of a sister who drinks herself into stupors on a daily basis while I can only sit by and wait to bury her someday from alcohol poisoning!"

>Your glare begins to lessen.

>Big Mac cheated on her?

>"There is nothing left for me Anonymous. I barely make ends meet and because of Macintosh, no male will even look at me! I would often wonder why Celestia lets me continue to wake up."

>Shit. This is heavy.

>"Then I turned fourty. It felt like the end for me. there was no silver-lining. Just to wait until my eventual passing. Alone forever."

>She cracks a small smile and blush.

>"but you approached me,unbiased and with honesty. A young guy found an old mare like me attractive. It gave me...hope. "

 

>She fidgets and twiddles her hooves.

>"I--I was afraid."

>Afraid?!?

"What the fuck of!?"

>Her eyes get teary,and her ears flop.

>She lowers her head while, sitting on her haunches.

>"Of messing up."

>You grit your teeth in returning fury.

"Well now I wouldn't say you messed up-"

>She looks to you with a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

"IT'S FUCKING FUBAR!!"

>She flinches and backs away.

>Your muscles tighten under your binds.

>Her gaze returns sporting the likeness of total regret.

>"Please let me at least explain..!"

>You take deep breaths to try and settle down.

"I don't have much fucking choice, do I?"

>She stifles a sob and begins to speak.

>"I didn't tell you last night but it was my fourty-th birthday-"

>You deduced that earlier.

>"-And I have nothing to show for it. My dream that I've held onto since I was a little filly, was to start a career I could be proud of, get married to the stallion of my dreams have two foals with a humble little house and white picket fence."

>The stereotypical Amarecan dream.

>You listen still livid.

>"I got stuck with a dead end job, teaching children who will forget every word I've ever said, the Stallion I fell for broke my heart and cheated on me with another man,and now I have to put up with my failure of a sister who drinks herself into stupors on a daily basis while I can only sit by and wait to bury her someday from alcohol poisoning!"

>Your glare begins to lessen.

>Big Mac cheated on her?

>"There is nothing left for me Anonymous. I barely make ends meet and because of Macintosh, no male will even look at me! I would often wonder why Celestia lets me continue to wake up."

>Shit. This is heavy.

>"Then I turned fourty. It felt like the end for me. there was no silver-lining. Just to wait until my eventual passing. Alone forever."

>She cracks a small smile and blush.

>"but you approached me,unbiased and with honesty. A young guy found an old mare like me attractive. It gave me...hope. "

 

>She begins to slowly pace the room.

>"I was so happy Anonymous. More than words could express. That maybe the silver-lining I so desparately searched for finally appeared.."

>You managed to get enough leverage to swing your legs off the bed and sit up.

>Cheerilee stops her pacing and watches you cautiously.

"If you were so happy then why all this? All this to get me to like you?"

>she relaxes her guard and sits down.

>"I'm sure you heard the stories. The rumors. "

>You nod understanding.

>Her ears sag.

"Cheerilee."

>Her sad eyes trail up to yours.

"I'm willing to talk to you. I'm willing to forgive you. I just want to be untied."

>Her eyes dart your face for any signs of deceit.

>She nods and climbs onto your bed and tugs at the ropes with her mouth.

>It takes about fifteen minutes but she finally undoes your binds.

>you fling the remnants of the rope across the room.

>You bend down and remove the ankle restraints,kicking them off and flinging them in the same fashion.

>Cheerilee sits next to you watching carefully.

>You refocus your attention to her.

"Okay. Now I wanted to ask you something since now is the best time to ask."

>She looks into your eyes awaiting your question.

"What happened between you and Big Mac?"

>She hangs her head again and shivers.

>"Well I-"

____________

>Three years ago

 

>you look outiside the schoolhouse window while the Fillies and colts quietly work on an assignment.

>It's raining.

> It reflects your heart almost.

>You and Macintosh have been together for going on two years now.

>Today is your anniversary.

>You spent the morning arguing,like usual but that's what love is right?

>Since he moved out of Sweet Apple Acres and in with you his personality flip-flopped completely.

>He's a whiny, Needy, Moody Slob who won't even work.

>But it's okay...!

>Maybe tonight will be different!

>It's your special day!

"He wouldn't forget right?"

 

>You glance at the clock.

>It's almost two-thirty.

>You trot to your desk and clop your hooves together.

>"Alright my little ponies! time to clean up! It's time to go home for the day!"

>You give them a warm smile,they all return happily.

>The sounds of papers shuffling and scattered conversations litter the area.

>The fillies stuff papers into their desks, and saddlebags and don their weather coats and umbrellas while waiting at the door to be released.

>Your passion for your job has waned severely over the years.

>Each generation worse than the last.

>You look at your cutie mark and sigh.

>It used to mean something to you once upon a time.

>You open the doors allowing the young equines to depart.

>"Don't forget to do your spelling homework tonight! There will be a test tomorrow!"

>They file out not acknowledging your instructions.

>You remember when students would say "Yes Ms.Cheerilee" in unison when you told them something.

>Little snots.

>They won't ruin it though.

>It's your special day!

>You trot over to your desk and pull out a small box.

>You pop it open with a hoof and look at the contents.

>Inside rests a ring with a rare black diamond wedged in the middle.

>It cost quite the pretty bit to buy, but it's worth it for your muffinkins!

>This will make his sour mood go right away!

>And maybe he may even finally take it a step further..

>you titter with excitement at the possibility of being kissed by Macintosh.

>On the lips!

__________

 

"Wait a second Cheerilee."

>She stops her story to hear what you have to say.

"That pillow-biter never even KISSED you?"

>She shakes her tear-stained face.

>"The most I got was pecks on the cheek or head."

>You scratch your cheek.

>The story Applejack told you put Cheerilee in the opposing role.

>But you need more.

>She's shivering again suppressing the urge to cry.

>Your once raging heart is now pained with pity.

>You slide an arm around her and pull her close.

>Her eyes widen and she lets out a soft gasp.

 

>She looks straight ahead unmoving in your grasp, and eventually settles into your lap.

"Please continue."

>She nods and clears her throat.

______________

 

>You proceed through the rain taking great care not to let your gift be ruined.

>His expression is going to be absolutely adorable!

>You can hardly wait!

>You live behind the schoolhouse so it's a short trot.

>You reach your front door and try to push it open.

>It's locked.

>That's..odd.

>You wrap your hooves against the door.

>The pitter pattar of the rain does little to block out the sounds of grunts inside.

>Only Macintosh should be inside. There shouldn't be any "grunts".

>You hear heavy hoofsteps approach the door.

>It flies open with a sweaty Big Mac standing at the entryway.

>"Schmoopty-d-doo! Yer h-home early!"

>You look at him confused. This a normal time for you actually.

>You push past him into your home.

>It smells bad. Really bad.

>Big Mac's eyes follow you around the room.

>The air is humid and thick.

>Something is wrong.

>"What're ya doing? Don'tcha have papers to grade back at the schoolhouse?"

>You narrow your eyes at him.

"Why was the door locked?"

>"Wh-whut?"

>You trot close to his face and stare him down.

"Why.Was.My.Door.Locked?"

>His eyes flicker with a hint of anxiety.

>Then it's replaced with apprehension.

>"Wh-where do ya get off thanking ya c'n come in here and grill me?!"

>He stomps to your sofa and sprawls out on it.

>"Mebbe ah just don't want somepony to break in and steal yer belongins!"

>Ponyville hasn't had any theft related crimes since the Diamond dogs awhile back. Plus Mac isn't all fat. A normal pony would think twice before messing with an apple.

"Okay. I can buy that.."

>You look over to your window. The floor underneath it is slightly wet. You closed them when it started raining and had your kitchen exhaust fan running to keep the house not stuffy.

>But it looks as if somepony just opened it.

>And as you previously observed-

"Why is it so smelly and humid?"

 

 

>He glares at you.

>"Whut are ya'll tryin ta say?!

>You can feel fear slowly building up.

>And anger if your intution holds up.

>You shake your head with your brow furrowed.

"I had my exhaust running. It shouldn't be this humid Macintosh."

>His eyes dart around.

>He opens his mouth to speak but no words come out.

>Th-Thump.

>Your ear twitches.

>Something fell in your bathroom.

>Big Mac heard it too,and looks from the bathroom down the hall and back to you.

>You stare at each other for a long moment.

>Without a word being exchanged you slowly trot to your lavatory.

>Big mac covers his face in his hooves.

>"Buck..."

>Fear is welling up in your stomach.

>You take a deep breath and with a shaky hoof push open the door.

>A bar of soap lays on the ground by your shower. It has dented on a corner.

>You breathe a sigh of relief.

> It must've slid off your dish.

>you reach down and scoop it into your hoof and move your shower curtains aside and lay the bar on top of the dish next to the hiding Mr.Cake.

>......

"MR.CAKE?!"

>"I'm sorry!"

>The yellow-orange stallion leaps past you and races for your front door leaving white droplets behind him.

>He rushes out leaving it swinging.

>You stand there stunned.

>Crushed.

>With another Stallion?

>You walk back into the living room with dead eyes.

>Big Mac sits on your sofa averting your gaze.

>"Wh-whut nah?"

>That's all he has.

>No apology.

>no groveling.

>What now.

>You carefully set down your saddlebags and wobble into the kitchen.

>you rummage through your cutlery drawer.

>"Schmoopty-doo?"

>He stands in the entrance to your kitchen watching with a pathetic expression.

>You produce a Butcher's knife.

>You clamped down on so hard on the handle, your teeth are bleeding.

"What's next is I kill you Big Mac-"

>Blood and drool leak out your mouth as you talk through the handle.

"-and then myself."

 

>Big Mac's eyes and mouth shoots open in terror.

>His irises become pinpricks.

>"Sch-schmoopty-doo! Please...!"

>You let loose a shriek and charge him.

>He screams and about-faces into a full sprint out your home and into the rain.

>You chase him only to the doorstep and drop the knife on the wettened earth.

>Your cloudy eyes look into the weeping sky.

>Your emotions feel as if they're being held back by temporary insanity.

>You reenter your abode and softly close your door.

>You move to your saddlebags and take out the ringbox.

>you stare at it for a long while before breaking down into a torrent of tears.

>You hollered and wailed for a whole month after that.

>Berry moved in with you shortly after.

___________________

>The story cheerilee told you and what Aj told coincide at various points. You can't be sure who's lying but one thing you can admit without a hint of doubt.

>Cheerilee is crying in your lap and hiccuping.

>she has suffered.

>and she blames herself for it.

"So why did you drug me then..?

>She sniffs and looks up to you.

>"I grew desperate..I guessed if I made you love me first then I wouldn't go through what Mac did to me again.."

"So why the blindfold and ropes?"

>"it was the l-love poison.. If you didn't see me for an hour it would wear off...the rope was to keep you from moving around.."

>That makes sense you guess.

>"I couldn't do such a thing to you. I don't want your affection through cheap means! I'm sorry!!"

>She wraps herself around your stomach and sobs.

>you stroke her head.

>You can forgive this.

"It's okay It's okay now."

>Her bawling slowly ceases and she releases your stomach,wiping her eyes.

>"Can I ask you something n-now?"

>You rub her back gently in an attempt to calm her down.

"Shoot."

>She hiccups.

>"Is there any chance for me after this...?"

 

 

 

>You stare up at your ceiling.

>you don't normally date older women.

>buuuut-

"I think we can give it a shot."

>Her face brightens up instantly and she hugs your gut again.

>But you have some things to take care of first.

>You will need to beat the truth out of that Red rupaul piece of shit.

>Consider new employment if it turns out he was lying to applejack on Cheerilee.

>Yeah and this too.

>You put a hand on the nape of cheerilee's back.

>She grins sheepishly at you.

>"Thank you so much Anonymous! Can we start over from the beginning?"

>You nod with a devious smile.

>you wet your lips.

>You take her chin in your hand much to her confusion and bring your lips to hers.

>Shock visibly ripples from her tail to her ears.

>you break the kiss as quickly as you started it.

>You let out a nasally chuckle.

"That clears the slate between us."

>you straighten up.

>Cheerilee is a statue pony at this point from your surprise lip assault.

"My name's Anonymous. Anon to my friends. What's yours?"

>Cheerilee sits there fish-faced for a second.

>her mouth widens as she graces you with her harmonius dulcet tones.

>"Mplrghlphhh..."

 

chap end