Apples, Oranges, and Agoraphobia


                                            “Thanks for letting me come along with you, AJ.”

                                            >You settled into the train seat beside the orange farm pony.

                                            “I really do appreciate you going through the trouble of dragging me along.”

                                            >“Ya already thanked me before, Anon. And I told you, it ain’t no trouble at all! It’s nice to have somepony with me. Heck, I’dda brought Apple Bloom if it wouldn’t have her missin’ so much school.”

                                            “It’s only going to be a couple days though, right?”

                                            >“Well yea, but that’d still be two or three days she’d be missin’, and I’ll be darned if I’m lettin’ that filly miss out on that much school!”

                                            >She says with a stomp of her hoof, getting a small laugh from you.

                                            “Still, you could have brought one of the others, instead of the monstrous monkey alien from another world.”

                                            >Applejack laughs at your quip, jabbing you gently in the side with her foreleg.

                                            >“Oh c’mon now, you may be a monkey alien, but I’d hardly call you monstrous. ‘sides, Rarity’s too busy with some order from Canterlot, and I didn’t wanna bother the rest of the girls with family business.”

                                            >She tilts her head slightly, allowing it to rest on your shoulder.

                                            >“But since you were willin’ to come along, I’m more than happy to have the company.”

                                            >You reach up with the arm she was laying against and begin idly rubbing at the opposite side of her neck.

                                            >Applejack sighs, a contented smile spreading over her face.

                                            >You had long since gotten accustomed to how much more affectionate these ponies tended to be compared to people.

                                            >Luckily, they all seemed to enjoy petting as much as any regular pony would.


                                            “So… you’re sure your aunt and uncle wont mind me tagging along with you?”

                                            >You’re still somewhat nervous of how the ponies in the city are going to react to you.

                                            >It took a while for the ponies in Ponyville to get used to your presence, and even now, a lot of them are still a little skittish.

                                            >Applejack rubs her cheek against your shoulder, her eyelids fluttering tiredly.

                                            >“You’ll be fine, sugarcube.”

                                            >She’s putting on that sweet, gentle voice she always uses when she reassures you.

                                            >“With how much you help out around the farm, everypony in the family already knows who y’ are. They ain’t gonna freak out on us.”

                                            >She closes her eyes, breathing deeply and settling against you in preparation for the long train ride.

                                            >You smile a little bit wider as you scratch small circles in her fur.

                                            “Man, all it takes is a little petting and scratching, and you ponies are out cold.”

                                            >Applejack snorts, her tail flicking you playfully.

                                            >“Hush, you.”

                                            Her rebuke is undercut by her clearly amused tone.

                                            >You lean your head against hers, closing your eyes.

                                            >If she was going to nap the ride away, then you might as well too, you decide.


                                            >A few hours spent mostly napping later, and your train had arrived at it’s destination – Manehattan.

                                            >Applejack’s head made for a surprisingly comfortable pillow during your ride.

                                            >Looking out the window as the train pulled into the station, it was definitely the biggest city you’d seen in Equestria so far.

                                            >It doesn’t match up to the biggest cities back on earth, but it’s still way more metropolitan than quiet little Ponyville.

                                            >You wonder what kind of food you might find here.

                                            >Big city like this must get a lot of tourists, they must have restaurants here that appeal to more ‘exotic’ tastes.

                                            >And by exotic, you of course mean meat.

                                            >Living in Ponyville, you have to mostly cook your own food at home.

                                            >Hey, Applejack once told you she lived here for a little while when she was a kid, maybe she’ll know a place you can go while you’re here.

                                            >Speaking of Applejack–


                                            >Applejack wakens with a yawn next to you.

                                            >”Whoo boy, we there already?”

                                            >Her hat is sitting a little crooked on her head.

                                            >You reach over and straighten it out for her.

                                            “Yea, trips tend to go faster when you sleep through most of it.”

                                            >She chuckles again.

                                            >”Now if only we could fall asleep and wake up right at my aunt and uncle’s place!”

                                            >You stand and grab the bag the two of you packed.

                                            >Since it’s only a couple days, the two of you decided to keep your stuff in the same bag.

                                            >You’re both pretty light packers, and it’s not like these ponies usually carry around a bunch of clothes anyway.

                                            >Well, except for Rarity.

                                            “Speaking of, you know the way there, right?”

                                            >”’Course I remember the way there!”

                                            >She stretches out her legs as she hops up along side you.

                                            >”Just follow my lead, and I’ll have us there quicker than a squirrel eatin’ through a pile of acorns!”

                                            >You snigger at her little countryism.

                                            >She loves making people laugh with those.

                                            “Lead away, boss lady.”

                                            >Following Applejack off the train, you brace yourself for how the ponies here might react to you.

                                            >Probably going to be some screaming.

                                            >Maybe a few feinting mares.

                                            >Hopefully no cops.

                                            >Applejack could probably keep you from getting arrested, right?

                                            >As the two of you step out onto the platform though, no one seems to really take notice of you.

                                            >All the ponies just rush on by, paying no mind to the alien being twice their height standing before them.

                                            “Huh, it really is like a big city.”

                                            >Guess some things just never change, even in other worlds.

                                            >You follow Applejack down onto the sidewalk.

                                            >Damn, this place has sidewalks and paved roads?

                                            >The street is filled with ponies hauling big carts behind them.

                                            >Some carts have ponies riding in them.

                                            >You think it seems kinda weird at first, but then again, don’t they have people drawn carts in Asia?

                                            >Guess it really isn’t so different from that.


                                            >You nudge Applejack with your leg.

                                            “So – which way?”

                                            >Her face whips around towards you a little faster than you would’ve expected.

                                            >”Oh it’s uh – we just gotta cross the street here first!”

                                            >She smiles at you, but it seems oddly wide.

                                            >Maybe she’s just a little anxious seeing her aunt and uncle again after so long.

                                            >You just return her smile and gesture for her to lead the way.

                                            >Walking down to the crosswalk, joining a large group of ponies waiting for the signal to cross.

                                            >There’s a pony dressed as a police officer in the street, directing traffic.

                                            >Looks like electricity isn’t super widespread outside of houses even here.

                                            >You survey the ponies around you.

                                            >Even now, they still don’t really seem to care that much about your presence.

                                            >Maybe this trip will be easier than you thought.

                                            >As the traffic on this part of the street lulls, the traffic officer puts up a stop sign, and blows into the whistle around his neck.


                                            >As soon as the signal is given, the ponies around you immediately start across the street.

                                            >You’re about to move yourself, when you realize Applejack is still standing stationary beside you.

                                            >You look down at her.

                                            >She’s staring straight ahead, her eyes darting back and forth.

                                            “AJ?”

                                            >She doesn’t seem to hear you.

                                            >Her whole body seems tense, and you soon realize that her legs are shaking beneath her.

                                            >You’re still not an expert in pony body language, but…

                                            >Applejack is looking really distressed right now.

                                            “Applejack?”

                                            >You repeat her name a little louder this time.

                                            >You’ve never seen Applejack act like this before, and frankly, you’re a little worried.

                                            >”J-just gotta… one li’l step now…”

                                            >Shes muttering to herself.

                                            >She extends a hoof, only for some pony to bump her as she passes by.

                                            >”Move it lady!”

                                            >Applejack shrinks back away from the road, a quiet whimper escaping her muzzle.

                                            >”Sorry mi–“

                                            >She’s cut off by another pedestrian shoving past her.

                                            >Jesus, Applejack looks like she’s about to cry.

                                            >Her barrel is heaving now, her breaths shallow and quick.

                                            >That’s it, you can’t let this keep going.

                                            >You drop down to your knee, reaching laying your hand on her neck.

                                            >She flinches as your touch startles her from her stupor.

                                            >She looks at you, her watery eyes filled with a slightly panicked look you haven’t seen in her very often.

                                            “Applejack! What’s wrong?”


                                            >She opens her mouth to reply, but her muzzle just flaps wordlessly.

                                            >She’s still constantly looking all over the place.

                                            >This wont do any good, you’ve got to get her some place quiet.

                                            >You quickly take a look around.

                                            >There’s an alleyway just a little bit down the sidewalk, near the train station.

                                            >You lean towards one of her ears.

                                            “Come on, follow me.”

                                            >You wrap your arm around her neck as best you can as you stand back up, and start pulling her in the direction of the alley.

                                            >You have to muscle it a bit at first, but she begins to follow your lead soon enough.

                                            >You pull her into the alley, out of the way of any passerbys.

                                            >Once you’ve gone a little ways in, you gently press Applejack towards one of the walls.

                                            >As she sinks down onto the ground, and you drop your bag beside her.

                                            >You kneel down again, directly in front of her this time.

                                            >She’s sitting on her haunches in front of you, hyperventilating with her eyes locked downwards.

                                            >You bring your hands up to her face, gently cupping her cheeks as you raise her head up.

                                            “It’s alright AJ, look at me.”

                                            >She stares at you with those panicked eyes again.

                                            “Just breathe deep, okay?”

                                            >You gently rub at the sides of her face.

                                            >Without so many ponies around, and with you now directly facing her, she starts to calm down a little.

                                            >Her breathing gradually slows down as you reassuringly rub as her neck and head.

                                            >You sit there for a few minutes, petting and occasionally whispering assurances to Applejack as she slowly relaxes again.

                                            >Once she’s calmed down enough, you figure she’s about ready to talk about what just happened.

                                            “What’s wrong AJ? I’ve never seen you panic that bad before.”

                                            >You keep stroking her neck as you speak.

                                            >Applejack averts her gaze, pulling her hat down and bashfully covering her face.


                                            >”I’m sorry Anon, I know I know I must look real pathetic right now.”

                                            >She sniffles as she says it.

                                            >You shuffle in a bit closer, gently hugging her.

                                            “I don’t think you look pathetic AJ, I’m just worried as hell.”

                                            >You gently pull the hat down, just enough so you can see her eyes.

                                            “Come on, tell me what’s bothering you.”

                                            >She shoves her hat back up onto her head, and hurriedly rubs her face with a fetlock.

                                            >”Everything’s just so different here than it is out in the country!”

                                            >You sit patiently as she gathers herself.

                                            >”Everything’s just so dang fast here, it ain’t nothin’ like Ponyville! Everyponies just rushin’ by everywhere, there’s so much noise ya can hardly hear yourself think, barely any room to even breathe–“

                                            >She was starting to work herself up again.

                                            >You quickly wrap an arm around her, shushing her before she descends into another panic attack.

                                            >Being so close by seems to be doing a good job of keeping her calm.

                                            >She takes a shuddering breath.

                                            >”I know I’m bein’ ridiculous, but consarn it, I just…”

                                            >She sighs in frustration.

                                            “It’s fine, AJ, you’re just–“

                                            >”It ain’t fine!”

                                            >She shoves you backwards.

                                            >”I’m a grown mare actin’ like a stupid foal!”

                                            >Undeterred by her outburst, you grab hold of her fetlocks and pull yourself back towards her.

                                            >Despite her attitude, she does little to resist you coming in close to her again.

                                            >”I can’t even cross the dang street without gettin’ scared like I’m a little filly, I’m an embarrassment!”

                                            >You can feel her trying to pull her hooves out of your hands to hide her face again, but you keep her fetlocks firmly in your grip.

                                            “Applejack, you’re not an embarrassment.”

                                            >You slide your hands up her fore legs and gently grip her shoulders.

                                            “Listen, it’s just a phobia AJ, everyone’s got one. There’s nothing wrong with you being a little afraid.”

                                            >She snorts dismissively.


                                            >”Everything’s wrong with it Anon! I’m sittin’ here panicking ‘n cryin’ just from tryin’ to cross the street!”

                                            “Fluttershy can barely even introduce herself to strangers, but I don’t see you calling her an embarrassment.”

                                            >Her demeanor softens, and she averts her eyes.

                                            >”Of course I don’t, b-but Fluttershy–”

                                            “Exactly, so stop being so hard on yourself.”

                                            >You hug Applejack, nuzzling the side of her face.

                                            “If Fluttershy’s allowed to be scared every once in a while, then so are you.”

                                            >At that, Applejack practically melts into your arms.

                                            >”Oh Anon…”

                                            >She sniffles as she nestles her face into your neck.

                                            >You just sit there with Applejack cradled in your arms, petting her a bit as you let her collect herself in her own time.

                                            >Once you feel satisfied that she’s ready to try it again, you slide your hands off of her, grabbing your bag and standing up.

                                            “C’mon, let’s give it another try.”

                                            >She looks up at you uncertainly.

                                            >”I just… I just don’t know if I can, ‘Non.

                                            >You slide your other hand down her neck, bringing it to a stop on her withers.

                                            >You give her a reassuring smile.

                                            “I know you can, AJ. You’ve handled worse.”

                                            >You rub your hand back and forth.

                                            “And you’ll have me by your side the whole time. I wont even take my hand off your withers until we get to your aunt and uncles house.”

                                            >She looks up at you, her green eyes still slightly shimmery with tears.

                                            >”Ya really mean that?”

                                            “Of course I do.”

                                            >She finally starts to smile again.

                                            >Applejack stands back up on her hooves, now significantly calmer than she was when you first dragged her down this alley.

                                            >She takes a deep breath.

                                            >”Alright then, let’s go!”


                                            >You can tell she’s still a little anxious as you make your way back to the street, despite her bravado.

                                            >But with you by her side, she’s so far much calmer.

                                            >Before too long, you’re back at the crosswalk, waiting for the signal.

                                            >Looking down at her, she’s a lot more focused now.

                                            >Her face is a little tense, but she’s not shaking or breathing hard this time.

                                            >You scratch at her withers with your fingers, getting her to look up at you.

                                            “Just focus on your breathing while we walk, okay? I’ll guide you across.”

                                            >She nods, taking a slow breath as she focuses her attention back on the opposite side of the street.

                                            >You keep rubbing her withers as another crowd of ponies gather around you.

                                            >Another lull in traffic, cop puts up the sign, grabs his whistle with his mouth–

                                            >You don’t hesitate in stepping out into the street as he blows the whistle, gently gripping Applejack’s withers so she walks with you.

                                            >She tenses up as you and the crowd move, but keeps pace with your stride.

                                            >Glancing down at her, you realize that Applejack actually has her eyes completely closed.

                                            >Her breathing is a little strained, but she’s keeping its tempo even and consistent.

                                            >Above all else, you make sure your hand stays locked in place on her shoulders.

                                            >You may not be able to talk very well out in the street with all the noise around, but you can certainly still communicate through touch.

                                            >Constantly circling your thumb in her coat, gently scratching with your fingers–

                                            >Anything to let her know you’re still there for her.

                                            >You’re about halfway across the street now.

                                            >Applejack presses herself into the side of your leg as you walk.

                                            >It’s a little awkward trying to walk with her so close, but you manage.

                                            >Applejack’s putting a lot of trust in you, and after everything she’s done for you, you have no intention of letting her down.

                                            >After what feels like an eternity, you finally come to a stop on the sidewalk.


                                            >The ponies around you disperse as they continue on their business, leaving just you and Applejack.

                                            >You look down at AJ, her eyes still clamped shut as she stands tensely next to you.

                                            >You lean down towards her ears.

                                            “Applejack? We made it across.”

                                            >Hesitantly, she finally opens her eyes, finding the two of you now standing on the opposite side of the street.

                                            >She sighs in relief, her body visibly relaxing now that she’s on the other side.

                                            >You give her a little pat on the withers.

                                            “There, see?”

                                            >She turns her gaze up to you.

                                            >Applejack may not be saying anything, but you can tell plenty by the big smile her face just how grateful she is.

                                            >You return the smile.

                                            “I told you I’d stick by your side. Now – which way next?

                                            >She takes a look around.

                                            >”Down this street here, I think.”


                                            >It was about an hour walk through the city until you reached the Orange’s household.

                                            >True to your word, your hand never left her withers the entire time.

                                            >Applejack stayed practically glued to your side the entire walk, especially whenever you two had to cross a street.

                                            >It passed without incident though, no more panic attacks or freak outs.

                                            >Applejack really began to relax as you got closer to your destination.

                                            >By the time you reached their house, she was back to her usual self again.

                                            >She eagerly introduced you to her Orange relatives, and they were happy to show you around.

                                            >It was a nice house, and Applejack was right about them not being bothered by you.

                                            >With how long it had been since Applejack last stayed there, they were excited to hear how your journey went, and what the two of you thought of the city.

                                            >You and Applejack both decided to leave out the part about her little panic attack when you first arrived.

                                            >You didn’t want to worry them, and Applejack was still a little embarrassed by the ordeal.

                                            >After the tour and and chat were over, the Orange’s left you to settle in.

                                            >You forgot to ask them where you were sleeping, so you just left your suitcase in Applejack’s room.

                                            >You’re just sitting in the den now, unwinding by reading a book.

                                            >It’s some generic dark fantasy, the type of thing you usually check out from the library.

                                            >As your reading, the door gently opens, and a familiar set of hoof clops comes trotting in.

                                            >”Anon?”

                                            >You look up from your book to see Applejack, now much more relaxed and sporting a tender smile.

                                            “What’s up, AJ?”

                                            >She walks over, hopping up onto the couch and seating herself beside you.

                                            >She nestles her head on your shoulder, sighing contentedly.

                                            >”I just wanted to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart. If you hadn’t come with me, I just don’t know how I would’ve managed.”

                                            >You reach up and start stroking behind her ears.


                                            >”There’s no way I could’ve made it through the city on my own like that. I really can’t thank you enough Anon, you’ve… been a real great friend to me sug, I’m glad to have you in my life.”

                                            >She nuzzles the side of your face, and you can’t help but smile.

                                            >It’s nice, feeling needed. Especially in this world where everything seems to have something magical about it, while you’re just… normal.

                                            “I’m glad to help AJ. You’ve done a lot for me, it’s nice to return the favor for once.”

                                            >Applejack chuckles.

                                            >”Return the favor? You already help me out enough as it is around the farm, ya really don’t owe me that much.”

                                            “Sure I do.”

                                            >She tilts her head at you.

                                            >You close the book you were reading, and set it down on the table.

                                            “Remember back shortly after you first took me in, when I started breaking down out in your orchard, and you sat there with me until I calmed down?”

                                            >Her big green eyes filled with sympathy as you reminded her of one of your less than glorious moments.

                                            “That, and every other time you’ve sat with me and gave me some emotional support every time I started getting depressed about my family and country. So yea, I think I owe you a bit of support too.”

                                            >”But that’s different Anon. You were gettin’ all twisted up cause of never bein’ able to see your home and family again.”

                                            >She sighes as she lays down beside you, setting her head down across your legs.

                                            >”That’s plenty reason to be upset. The thing I was getting’ twisted up over was so much sillier, it ain’t no where near bein’ the same.”

                                            >You keep on stroking her head as she uses your lap as a pillow.

                                            “Maybe, but it was still making you upset, that means it wasn’t silly to you – and that means it’s not silly to me.”

                                            >You lean over, and give her a little hug.

                                            >Applejack smiles, closing her eyes and nestling her head into your lap.

                                            >Forget the book, you’d rather have the pony cuddles right now.


                                            >You sit there in silence with Applejack, idly stroking her fur while she lays in your lap.

                                            >Eventually, you realize you still don’t know which room you’re supposed to be sleeping in tonight.

                                            >AJ probably knows where you’re supposed to stay.

                                            “Hey, Applejack?”

                                            >”Hm?”

                                            >You guess now is as good a time as any to pop the question.

                                            “So…where am I sleeping? I forgot to ask during the tour.”

                                            >Applejack lifts her head from your lap.

                                            >She looks at you like you suddenly grew a horn out of your head.

                                            >”Sug, we’re stayin’ here with my aunt and uncle.”

                                            “Yea yea, I get that, but I mean, where am I sleeping? Am I crashing on the couch or…”

                                            >She gives you a sly look, her lips curled half way into a coy smile.

                                            >”The couch?”

                                            >She shakes her head.

                                            >”Oh hon, nopony in my family would ever make a guest sleep on the couch!”

                                            >She leans her muzzle right up to your ear, her hot breath exhaling right onto the side of your face.

                                            >”You’re sharin’ a bed with me, cowboy~.”

                                            >That was not the answer you were expecting.

                                            >And that was also most certainly not the tone you were expecting.

                                            >That’s the sort of voice Rarity puts on when she’s trying to seduce someone into doing something for her.

                                            >She pulls back, and is looking at you with an expression that is the epitome of ‘bedroom eyes’.

                                            >”I hope that ain’t a problem for you.”

                                            >All of a sudden, you’re not feeling so suave and cool anymore.

                                            “N-no, of course not! Sounds great!”

                                            >She giggles at your stammering.

                                            >”Great huh? Good, I’m glad you’re onboard with the idea ‘Non.”

                                            >She nuzzles her face into your neck.

                                            >”You know, I’m glad the girls didn’t come on this trip. I’m lookin’ forward to spendin’ some time with you, just the two of us.”

                                            >Before you can reply, she hops down off your lap,  brushing her tail along your chin as she turns to leave.

                                            >She turns her head and gives you that same look again.

                                            >”See ya tonight, sugarcube.”