I decide to walk to the outskirts of town and back, hoping to clear my head of all thoughts... I slowly drift through the small town, still lethargic, still asleep. In the streets, only the eager vendors are present, and in the houses, not one light is on yet. It’s barely seven in the morning, and already I’ve had to face two adversities.

I look up from my thoughts, and find that I’m on the outskirts of town; all the way out by Sweet Apple Acres. I let out a yawn, and decide to lean up against the fence. This is getting ridiculous! How am I supposed to survive a whole weekend with these two? Gods be damned I actually persevere...

Maybe I can stay over out Pip's house, he always manages to have a good time. Yea that sounds like a good plan! As I begin to add ideas on what to do this weekend, I slowly drift into a peaceful slumber on the ground with my back on the fence.

I don’t know how long I was out, but a certain southern accent wakes me from my sleep.

“Rumble...Rumble...Rumble, wake up!”

I quickly shake my head, and the sleep from my eyes, and look up to see a dark figure outlined by the sun. If it weren’t for the signature hat (and curves, I have to admit) , I wouldn’t have been able to identify it as Applejack; ‘Blooms older sister.

“Now what in tarnation are ya doin' sleeping on mah fence?” Applejack directs towards me, in what seems to be a more curious tone than angry.

“Oh hey Applejack, I was just taking a stroll through town. I must have been really tired, didn’t realize how tired I was until I got this far.” I stretch my sleepy legs and arms as far as I can, as a yawn that could wake a Usra Major escaped me.

“Oh? And what got you motivated for such a walk so early in the mornin’?” Applejack’s inquisitive gaze falls upon me as I begin to stand up from the ground. A task that otherwise isn’t difficult; but proved a challenge for my sleepy feet, it feels as if ants were crawling up and down them.

“Uh...just uh...it got a little heated in the house so I came out to cool off is all” Since we met, Applejack has always known about my little predicament and not once has she ever lectured me for it...I just could never hide things from her! Don’t judge me! Besides, you try telling no to a mare like her, I mean just one sight of her makes you scaroused...

“Ya know, one of these day y’all are just gonna have to decide what ya are gonna do about them sisters of yours...blood related or not.” Applejack tells me, as she continues to watch me try to wake my stubborn legs.”Ya could always...give in ya know. Both of them really do love ya, even if they cause ya to have a little trouble in the mornings.” Applejack crosses her arms across her chest, putting extra emphasis on the last few words, not even trying to hide a devious little grin; all the while continuing to make fun of me.

“Applejack...they're my sisters, blood related or not...it’s just not right!” I must sound like a broken record at this point to her. I have probably said this about a bajillion times already to her, and she just doesn't get it, just like my brother; and just like my other friends!

“Haha! Ya always say that Rumble,” I roll my eyes, as I see nothing has changed. See? Called it!, “Anyways, ya must be real hungry like, seeing as you ran off from those two...again...So c’mon lets get you some grub.”

“That's okay Applejack, I can ju-OOF” Applejack’s sudden punch to my stomach telling me their was no choice in the matter.

“Who said Ah gave ya a choice? I plan on workin’ ya to the bone today, and what kind of friend would Ah be if I didn't give ya the energy for it?” Applejack’s evil smile tells me all I need to know. She plans on squeezing every bit of energy I have, even though today is supposed to be my day off.

“Oh no, no no no no NO! Today is my day off! You aren't a mare of your word if you make me work today!” I try to quickly turn around and fly away, but she grabs me by the collar of my shirt and drags me down.

“That's something Ah can learn to live with. Now, let’s go Rumble; we got ourselves a lot of work to do today. Mac's gone to town, and 'Bloom is off with her friends.” She states simply with an evil grin threatening to crack her face in half.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO” I yell and scream while being dragged away by the strong mare. Sigh, at least this day could NOT possibly get worse...

The list kept piling on as the day goes on; what started as simple apple picking, soon turned into washing all the animals, shoveling shit from the animal barn, carry apple filled buckets to the barn, taking empty ones out and replacing them, not to mention the upkeep to the place. It took five hours, but I’m finally on my last (and favorite) task; helping Applejack put away all the equipment (things like the medical kit, note that we haven’t had an accident in over a week, and seed dibbers, used to plant and grow additional crops).

“Hey Applejack, is their any more stuff to put away? Or are we done here?” I yell over my shoulder while putting some tools away into the barn for storage.

“We still got the plow to put away! It should be in the left orchard where Big Mac left it this morning!”

“Speaking of which, where the hell is the big guy, doesn't he always put his things away?” I ask, half joking, and half puzzled.

“Last Ah saw him, he went to check up on Applebloom. She said something about searching for the Shrine to the Elder gods, and skedaddled on outta here right after. Celestia only knows what kinda trouble them Cutie Mark Crusaders are in today. Y'all better praise the Creators that ya got your mark early on.” Applejack lets out a sigh, before continuing to help me haul the plow into it’s place.

I hope they don’t get into too much trouble. I need Big Mac good and healthy so Applejack can stop foal napping me into working for her. My back is gonna give out from working so hard, especially pulling this stupid plow back and forth! I keep myself busy with my mental dialogue, while trying to push the stubborn plow to its resting spot.

“Just...a...little...bit...more...THERE!” Applejack grunted beside me, as we finally finished for the day on the farm.

“Applejack, *GASP*...next time you *GASP*...decide to abduct me into working for you...*GASP*...at least make sure...*GASP* that we don’t have to move...*GASP* this plow!” I collapse on the ground with my head facing the sky and my eyes closed.

“Well at least you feel better now right? All that work made you forget all about them sisters of yours didn’t it?” She inquires with a smug grin across her face.

“I guess it did... till now, thanks for reminding me that I have to return home, DIRTY and all; it’s not like they’ll try to get in the shower with me again!,” My thoughts slowly drift back this morning's incident with Cloudchaser, visibly shuddering at the memory.

WHUMP

“OWW, What was THAT for?!?” I glare daggers at her for smacking me upside the head with the back of her hand, before I lightly give her a punch in return.

“Don’t worry about it. Now, C’mon, you helped us stay on schedule around the farm today; Ah guess its only fair we give ya sumthin' for your troubles. A nice, big apple pie sound good?” She turns around and winks at me while saying 'apple pie,' As if I will be easily bou-

“Oh and did Ah mention their would be some of my personal apple cider? Yep, just brewed it last night, should be about done fermenting now...”

...Damn...guess I am easily bought...”Coming!!” I get up from my spot on the floor and hurriedly run after her towards the house; coaxed by the slight idea of drinking the full-bodied cider, she personally makes.

Ahh I’ll never get tired of drinking that, just enough alcohol to feel a buzz, and luckily still have the mental and physical control to fly...sort of. I mentally state as I fly through the air in a clumsy, swerving manner. I swear I must make Derpy look like a Wonderbolt with how bad I am flying right now.

I squint my eyes to see how far off my house is (noting that it's become dark, nothing but the moon illuminating my vision), when I realize just how close I am to the front door, just a tad too late.

THUNK

“AHHHHHHH!!” I swear Flitter and CC are in tune with everything...more importantly...OW...my head! I slowly lift my hands to my head to massage the impact, as I hear the soft pitter patter of hooves coming to open the door. I look up, noticing the slight crack in the door.

“I wonder who that was?” Cloud asks behind the door.

“Dun know CC, it was probably Derpy ag-oh my Celestia! Rumble are you ok?” Flitter asked while quickly checking me over to see if i had any injuries.

“Uhhh, never better! Y’know, how I ate the door and all. My head totally ISN’T pounding or anything.” I roll my eyes, signaling (even further) my bitter sarcasm.

“Gosh Rumble, no need to be mean; we were just worried for you! Especially since you have been gone all day! Where were you anyways, Rumble?” Cloudchaser replies. It seems to me that everything sounds louder when my head is literally trying to implode on itself. So I’m definitely not in the mood for noises of any kind.

“You know what? This is not the time for this shit. My head hurts like hell, I'm tired as fuck, and my day off was full of shoveling pig and chicken shit. I’m going to take a shower and go to bed. I have had a long day and I am not in the mood for you scolding me right now.” I stand up from the floor and storm past the two of them on my way in. Not two steps into the house I remember how dirty my shoes must be from working on the farm all day, so I untie them and throw them into the corner closet. Of course, that wasn’t at all everything that was dirty; my shirt and pants definitely telling stories of how hard I was working. Unfortunately, taking them off would need to wait until I got into the bathroom upstairs. Slowly, I begin my trek towards the upstairs bathroom.

Once inside, I drop every article of clothing on me and head straight for the shower and turn on the faucet. As soon as the first water droplet hit me, my whole body began to feel relaxed. The more the water slid down my skin, the more i could feel every spec of dirt, and every drop of sweat slither down my body with the water. Ahh...just what I needed, a nice warm shower.

“Rumble? When you’re done can we talk to you please?” I faintly heard Flitter from outside the bathroom.

Well...I guess that was pretty mean what I said....and did...why am I such an idiot...

“Ok, give me a minute, I’ll be done soon!” I said in confirmation to her.

After a couple more minutes of relaxing in the serene cascade, I turn off the shower, and began drying myself off. As soon as I feel I was sufficiently dry, I begin looking around for my clothes... Of course I forgot to bring some clothes with me. I frown, and mentally scold myself, as I wrap the towel around my waist so that I can reach my room with some decency. I wonder if they will forgive me easily? Nah, I was a complete asshole to them, I'd be surprised if Cloudchaser doesn't hang me by my testicles...

Author's Note

Note, this is planned to have clop scenes in. Also, Vicviper wrote a majority of this chapter, and I myself, have to say it turned out beautifully. Now, an update for y'all good people!