Love Bites

chapter 9: i'm starving, darling

chapter photo creds: @tcn1205 on tumblr
title from eat your young by hozier

a/n: the chapter i've been waiting to write and publish is FINALLY here!!!

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October 2023

They take backroads all the way out of the city, driving further south of Atlanta. Applejack takes the time to sterilize and wrap any of her open wounds, feeling grateful that most of the hits she took didn't break skin. She'd just be incredibly sore for the next week or so.

She's more worried about Rarity though, whose wounds have yet to close up. She looks weaker than usual too, most likely having used the last of her strength to fight off those hunters.

"Is this the right place?" Sunset asks, turning onto a dirt road that was overgrown with weeds and decomposing plants.

Applejack doesn't answer for a moment, taking in what has become of the farm she lived on a hundred years ago. The fields that were once abundant with wheat now look like a simple expanse of dirt and compost. Most of the apple trees have withered away or been cut down.

"Yeah," she says softly, catching a glimpse of the old farmhouse that was thankfully still left standing. "This is it."

The house had five bedrooms, which meant that technically, they could all have their own room to stay in for a while, at least while they were laying low, but Applejack wanted to keep an eye on Rarity, who looked like she was using every ounce of strength to not let her bloodlust take over.

When Rarity's legs suddenly buckle beneath her, Applejack is there to catch her, slipping one arm underneath both legs while her other arm supports Rarity's back. Rarity rests her head against Applejack's shoulder as she's carried into the bedroom.

Applejack is hit with a wave of nostalgia, remembering all the times she'd done this before.

"Rarity," Applejack says, gently laying her on the mattress. "Rarity, you gotta feed."

Rarity only shakes her head, but Applejack keeps pushing.

"Sugarcube, your wounds ain't healing." She sits on the edge of the bed. "Please," Applejack whispers, slowly offering her wrist. "For me."

Rarity still looks hesitant, but she licks her lips, instinct betraying her. She eventually nods, gently taking Applejack's arm and bringing it to her mouth. When Rarity's lips brush against the soft skin of her wrist, Applejack has to suppress a shiver.

"It's alright," Applejack says, giving Rarity one more reassuring nudge, and she finally gives in.

The moment Rarity's fangs pierce the skin, Applejack winces, chewing on her bottom lip while Rarity drinks. The pain subsides almost instantly, the sight of Rarity slowly looking less weary definitely helping. Her eyes are flashing dangerously, her pupils swallowing up the bright blue of her eyes, but surprisingly, she releases Applejack's wrist.

The words slip from Applejack's mouth before she can stop them. "Do you need... Do you need more?"

Applejack realizes what she's implying when she asks. It's an invitation, and Rarity gladly accepts.

Before she knows it, Rarity has her laying on her back, thighs bracketing Applejack's hips. Applejack feels her own breath stutter in her throat when Rarity leans down, their noses brushing. For a second it seems as if Rarity is going to kiss her, but she ducks down and tucks her head into the crook of Applejack's neck.

"Stop me if it's too much," Rarity whispers.

Applejack chuckles softly, "Think the whole point of the bond is that it can't be too much."