Chapters The last job didn't go too good, but no point beating themselves up about it. The two brothers travelled far and wide, all across Equestria, never settling down. There was too much money to make off of unsuspecting ponies for them to ever settle down.
...Money they keep losing on ridiculous schemes to make even more money. They don't mind that they keep losing their investments on ever more grandiose visions; those are the risks in their business, and when have either Flim or Flam dared not take a risk for a few extra bits? If they could cobble together some form of contraption, or mix together a tonic, they might even make a few bits for a place to stay for the night or a bite to eat. When was the last time they ate, anyway?
"I say, brother, these are some hard times. Hard times." Flam blew out his moustaches, "Haven't seen hair nor tail of a bit in - how many days now?"
"I'd say it's been a week or two, brother." Flim stated, just as quick and smoothly as his twin, "Our business prospects seemed to have, how should I put it?"
"Flown the coop?" Flam offered.
"Indubitably, brother." Flim nodded, "We'll have to think of something fast before winter rolls in."
"Lucky for us, thinking fast is what we do best!" Flam boasted, "Where are we now?"
"Seems we've gone from Canterlot to Manehatten-"
"Can't show our faces there for a few weeks."
"-From there to Fillydelphia-"
"Shouldn't even cross the state line, there."
"-And all the way back to..." Flim trailed off, furrowing his brow, "...Ponyville."
"Again?" Flam's eyes widened, "Well, there's always a few bits to be made in this one-horse town."
"If that pesky peach pony doesn't pester our plans again." Flim said.
"Precisely." Flam agreed, "I suggest a different approach, this time."
"And what would that be, Flam?"
"Well, Flim - what's the one thing everypony wants in life?"
"Bits?" Flim guessed.
"No." Flam said, "Everypony wants a special somepony."
"I'd beg to differ." Flim protested, "I've seen many a pony without a special somepony, and they're all well off."
"Just about everypony's lonely, brother." Flam said with a grin, "And almost everypony would be willing to spend their last bit getting the one they love to love them back!"
"Bold, Flam, very bold." Flim nodded in understanding, "But this seems to bring up another conundrum - how do we get the bits to make fake love potions?"
"We take a loan from the bank, of course." Flam laughed.
"We have no credit, Flam." Flim said, "The bank won't give us a single hay-penny, no way, no how."
"I see." Flam furrowed his brow, "I dare say, brother, we'll have to earn it the old fashioned way."
"You don't mean?" Flim gasped.
"I do, brother." Flam nodded solemnly, "We'll have to work for it."
"Say it ain't so!" Flim feigned a faint, "The Flim Flam brothers reduced to menial labor!"
"Now the only question is who will hire us?" Flam ventured.
"I must admit, Flam, our last few ventures out here have certainly given us a negative reputation." Flim confessed.
"No matter!" Flam said with steeled resolve, "We'll find jobs to make enough bits for some of our patented Flim Flam Brothers Aphrodisiac Love Potion!"
"Should we put "aphrodisiac" in there?" Flim asked, "Surely there is a much more convoluted turn of phrase we could use?"
"Something long with way too many syllables?" Flam asked.
"You read my mind, brother." Flim smiled.
"The name is pending, Flim. Right now, let's focus on where we're staying tonight." Flam said, "I believe we'll have better luck if we split up - ponies are suckers for lonely night wanderers."
"Couldn't agree more, Flam." Flim said, "I'll head downtown, and you head towards the farms."
"Absol-" Flam began, then glared at his brother, "Now wait just a minute here! Are you trying to pull one over on your older brother?"
"Older by a minute!" Flim glared at his twin.
"I'll head downtown, and you head to the boondocks." Flam said, "I'll fit in more with my much more mature visage."
"You mean your moustache?" Flim laughed, "You're the only pony I've ever seen with a moustache! You'll stick out like a cherry on a sundae!"
"I refuse to head out to the farms for work and a place to stay." Flam defied his twin, "I'm a city dweller, see? Labor is more your speed."
"Was that a crack at my intelligence, sir?" Flim gasped, "I'll have you know I come up with half of our schemes!"
"Which is probably why half of them fail!" Flam shouted.
"You want downtown so bad, Flam?" Flim stood tall and turned towards the farming district, "You can have it!"
"You think you can last even a day without me, Flim?!" Flam challenged, "You're foolish to try!"
And with that, both brothers went opposite ways, muttering curses.
*-*
The first few houses were far between, and each of the farm ponies was reluctant to take on an extra workhand - especially one of the infamous Flim Flam brothers. Needless to say, it wasn't long before Flim had worked his way to the last of the farms, an apple orchard that looked all too familiar. Eyebrow twitching in a combination of irritation and anxiety, Flim approached the door and knocked in a rhythmic melody.
The door opened to reveal a young mare with peach-colored fur, freckles on her face, and straw-colored hair done up in a ponytail beneath a simple, brown stetson hat.
"Oh." Applejack's eyelids lowered, "It's you."
"Yes indeed, it is I, the one, the only, Flim!" the showpony introduced himself with a bow. Applejack rolled her eyes.
"Why are ya here?" she asked in her thick southern accent, "Come to sell us more "miracle" cures and what-not?"
"Would you be so terribly surprised if I told you that I've come for honest work and honest pay?" Flim asked, "Why, I'd work for, let's say three hot meals and a place to sleep!"
"Thanks, but Ah'm havin' a hard time believin' you - a' all ponies - came ta mah farm - a' all farms - looking fer "honest" work." the farm pony said, "Yer workin' an angle for some quick bits."
"Oh contrare, my little apple tart-" Flim began.
"Don't call me that."
"-Apple fritter?"
"No."
"Apple Dumpling?"
"No."
"Apple pie, apple pie, little apple of my eye?"
"Hay no!" Applejack blushed, "What do ya want?!"
"I already told you, Applejack!" Flim played innocent, "I need a place to stay and food to eat, and I'm willing to work for them, too."
"You? Work?" Applejack snorted, "The only work ya two do is in comin' up with cheap products ta hawk ta unsuspectin' ponies."
"I can see you're very perceptive, and if memory serves me correctly, I recall you have a knack for honesty, and I can tell that you're good at heart." Flim said quickly, "I know that you know that I'm not lying when I say that I have nowhere to stay and no food to eat, and I know that - as a bona fide Element of Harmony - you wouldn't dare turn me away in my hour of need."
Applejack pursed her lips in frustration. As usual, Flim was making some pretty good points, and as usual, it sounded too good to be true. After all, Applejack wasn't the only one to pick up a recurring adversary in her adventures: Twilight Sparkle had Trixie, the two of which were becoming fast friends; Fluttershy had Discord, whom she never faltered in supporting, even after his betrayal; even Rarity had run into the diamond dogs more than once and had taken them on as students about how to act civil. For Applejack, Flim and Flam were her adversaries.
"Wait a minute..." Applejack's brow furrowed, "Where's yer fur-lipped brother?"
"Flam?" Flim's smile slipped for a second, then he was back to his smooth-talking self, "He and I have decided to seek different fortunes, you see?"
"No."
"Well, it doesn't really matter." Flim frowned, "He's out there looking for easy work, and I'm in here looking for a real pony's work."
"Yer serious about farmin'?" Applejack couldn't help but smirk, "You have no idea what yer gettin' into."
"How hard could it be?" Flim asked - stupidly, in Applejack's opinion.
"Well, Ah probably shouldn't, but..." the farm pony sighed, "Ya promise ya won't steal anythin' around here?"
"Absolutely!"
"Cross your heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in yer eye?"
"Excuse me..?" Flim asked, dumbfounded.
"Forget it." Applejack shook her head, "Just don't steal anythin', and Ah won't have ta hunt ya down."
"Got it." Flim gave a weak smile; he had seen Applejack's strength in bucking trees and did not want to be on the receiving end of one of her kicks. "So, where do I start?"
"Can't do anything tonight." Applejack said, turning back into the house, "Ya might as well get a bite ta eat before headin' ta bed."
"I like this job already." Flim gave a chortle and Applejack rolled her eyes again.
She led him to the dining room, where Apple Bloom, Big Macintosh and Granny Smith eyed him with equal parts curiosity and distrust. Their last few meetings hadn't been on the greatest of terms.
"Any particular reason Flim's here..?" Apple Bloom asked, voicing what her relatives were obviously thinking.
"Flim and Flam split up." Applejack explained, "An' Flim here wants ta do some work 'round the farm for food and bed."
"An' you believe that sasafras?" Granny Smith asked.
"Don't really care, so long as he doesn't steal or break anythin'." Applejack said, simply, "Big Mac, ya alright with him stayin' in yer room?"
"Nope." Big Mac denied.
"Ah figured." Applejack said, "Ah suppose yer stayin' on the couch."
"No way!" Apple Bloom protested, "Ah can't sleep with some stranger that rips ponies off stayin' in the house!"
"Apple Bloom!" Applejack warned, "Not in front of our guest."
"It's quite alright, my dear Applejack-" Flim began.
"Don't call me "dear"." the farm pony warned.
"-I'll sleep in the barn." Flim finished.
"No guest a' the Apples is gonna stay in the barn when winter's fast approachin'!" Applejack protested.
"Wouldn't be the first time either my brother or I have spent a winter's night in a barn." Flim said quickly, "We call ourselves lucky to find a fine barn to sleep under most nights."
"Ya... sleep in barns?" the farm pony quirked an eyebrow.
"We sleep where we can afford." Flim explained, "One minute, you're sipping tea with the elite of Manehattan, the next you're sleeping in the gutters. C'est la vie, as the fancy ponies say, is what I say."
Applejack spared a glance with her equally-concerned family. Homelessness was a virtually unheard of problem for Equestria. Even in the hustle and bustle cities, nearly everypony could find a place to stay. Even Trixie, who had been reduced to poverty for a time, still had her wagon. It wasn't as if there was a shortage of living space or resources to build housing, either.
"Yer sleepin' on the couch." Applejack said with finality, "Granny Smith has some extra blankets fer guests. Ya can start earnin' yer keep tomorrow."
"Sounds positively terrific, sugarlips." Flim grinned.
"Ya really need ta work on the whole not talkin' thin'." Applejack sighed.
*-*
Flam walked through the streets of Ponyville, shivering at the late autumn night's chill. There were few ponies in the streets, much fewer than there would be in Canterlot or further east. The first few businesses he had seen were closing their doors when he had come asking for a place to stay and work to hold him over. Apparently, he and his brother had a nasty reputation in Ponyville, and none of them would spare him more than a moment's notice before throwing him into the street and slamming their doors.
Rough luck, but nothing he hadn't encountered before. Even this was better than the brothers' last visit to Fillydelphia. Flam shuddered at the mere thought of the city. They certainly couldn't head back there anytime soon. So, with nowhere to stay and no bits to his name, he kept up his search.
Every last shop slammed their doors in his face. To make matters worse, his stomach rumbled.
"Alright, no need to panic." Flam chuckled to himself, "This won't be the first night I've gone without food or a roof over my head, nosiree." That, of course, didn't make the experience any more enjoyable.
Then he saw something. It was a little ways out of the town, a small house that seemed out of place. Approaching it, letting his eyes adjust to the darkness out of the street lamps, he was surprised to see it was more like a wagon than a house, but without any wheels on its bare axles. Curious, Flam circled it before bumping into a blue mare in a purple cape and matching hat.
"Pardon me, gorgeous," Flam said, smoothly. The glare he got in return was enough to make him swallow. "Is this fine piece of mobile abode yours?"
"Trixie would certainly say it is a piece of something..." the unicorn blew a strand of off-white hair out of her face, "She has been stuck outside of this town for nearly two weeks!"
"A shame for this Trixie-gal." Flam tsked, "Is she a friend of yours?"
"You are talking to her." Trixie looked at the showpony as if he were an idiot, "Behold! The great and powerful Trixie!"
Flam raised an eyebrow and looked at the mare as she stood upon her rear legs and flared her cape. Why was she speaking in the third person?
"Need some help with your wagon - Trixie, was it?" he asked, "My brother and I are-" he stopped and frowned, "I am quite the carpenter, my dear. I can put some wheels on this if you would like."
"Trixie can manage it on her own, thank you very much." the mare snapped. Her horn started glowing, and the same glow appeared around the wagon, but it only made it an inch off of the grown before falling again. As if it were Flam's fault, she rounded on him. "As if you could do better!"
Flam frowned again. In actuality, both he and his brother were just as inept when it came to using magic. In fact, they relied more on their abilities of construction and diplomacy to make due than their natural abilities as unicorns. Walking around the wagon once, inspecting it, Flam stopped in front of Trixie with a triumphant grin.
"What are you smiling about?" the mare demanded.
"This is a simple fix, my dear." Flam explained, "You have the wheels, I suspect?"
"...Yes?" Trixie said cautiously, "What do you plan to do?"
"All you need is a simple jack." Flam demonstrated the motion of pumping the device, "Then I can get the wheels on for you, lickety-split."
"Do you think Trixie has not thought of that?" Trixie sneered, "She does not have one, nor the money to purchase one."
"I'll just build you one." the stallion said as if it were no big thing. Trixie burst into laughter.
"You'll build Trixie a jack?" she said between giggles, "Out of what? Trixie's furniture?"
"Well, what do you got?" Flam asked, "Like I said, I'm quite the carpenter."
Trixie wasn't exactly sure why she bothered showing him the inside of her wagon, but she was interested in seeing where this was going. This fellow did have a way with words, to be certain. She might learn a thing or two from him in showponyship, and that was saying something. Giving everything a brief inspection, Flam grabbed items, seemingly at random, and Trixie watched with amazement as he pieced them together into some bizarre amalgamation of parts. She quirked an eyebrow at the seemingly useless piece of junk, but Flam was grinning beneath his moustaches.
"That's a jack?" Trixie asked with obvious disbelief and no small part of scorn.
"Do you truly doubt my abilities, sweet cheeks?" Flam asked, then spoke before she could retort, "This is a genuine Fli-" he furrowed his brow, "Flam-patented hydraulic, pneumatic, air-powered piston-jack!"
"Aren't all of those adjectives more or less repetitive?" Trixie asked. Sweat formed on Flam's brow; most of the ponies around Equestria weren't bright enough to figure out when Flim and Flam were being repetitive in their quick speaking. "Does it work?"
"Of course it works!" Flam said, "It wouldn't be patented otherwise!"
He led her outside and began pumping the wagon up with his jack and magic. To Trixie's amazement, the jack actually worked. She was so startled at this, she didn't even notice as Flam levitated the wagon wheels into place on the raised side, then using the jack to lift the other side and repeat the process. Before she knew it, her wagon was finished. Once more, it had wheels. She was about to express her begrudging impressment over the jack before it suddenly crumbled to pieces.
"Trixie doubts that you could get a patent for that piece of rubbish." the mare laughed, "But she thanks you, all the same."
Flam blinked at Trixie in surprise. He and his brother had traveled all across Equestria, scamming ponies out of their hard-earned bits with quick-fix solutions and ramshackle devices, and so they were never well-liked. This was, quite honestly, the first time he had done a repair that would last more than a few days, and certainly the first time anypony had given their thanks.
"It was my pleasure, m'am." he said, unusually slow for once, pulling off a sweeping bow.
"Trixie feels she should repay you for your act of kindness in some way." Trixie frowned, "For the life of her, she can't figure out how."
"No payment is required!" Flam said, hurriedly. That was the first time he had said those words and meant them. "Helping such a lovely flower as yourself is more than reward enough."
"My, you are quite the smooth talker, aren't you?" Trixie chuckled, "Where do you live? Trixie has been to Ponyville several times and has never seen you before."
"Live?" Flam blinked, but recovered quickly, "Why, I call all of Equestria my home! I travel the countryside, sleeping under the stars and spreading my mechanical wonders across the land!"
"You travel Equestria?" Trixie grinned, "It appears we have something in common."
Flam drew a circle in the dirt with his hoof, thinking of how to word his proposition. He was usually fast on his hooves when it came to negotiation or suggestion, but that was probably due to the fact that whatever he didn't say, his brother would manage. Without Flim around, Flam noticed the awkward silence between conversations even more. Finally, he managed the words.
"Excuse me if I'm being too forward, miss," he began with another bow, "but it can be mighty lonely traveling Equestria by one's self, even with such a cozy abode as yours. I imagine you could also use a handy pony around to see to repairs and whatnot." He tried to look not too eager for her response, but he did have to maintain a casual enthusiasm.
"Trixie supposes she could use an extra set of hooves around for performances..." the mare mused, "She is not willing to share her bed with you, however."
"I'll camp outside for the nights." Flam said quickly.
"She is also not in the habit of making much in the way of profits." Trixie said, obviously sour over her lack of income.
"I would gladly work for three hots and a cot." Flam said.
"Hots?" the mare asked.
"Three meals and a place to sleep, though as I said before, sleeping beneath the stars is all the comfort I require." the stallion replied almost immediately.
"Trixie will provide you with your meals." Trixie said, "But don't expect much else."
"That's all I ask." Flam said.
With that, Trixie retired to her wagon, but not before handing a groundsheet, blankets and a pillow to Flam. He thanked her and made his spot a short ways from the wagon, watching the stars overhead. He had a job secured, even though it didn't pay very much, and a place to sleep, even if it was outside of his employer's wagon. Still, he couldn't help but wonder where his brother was and if he was safe.
Eventually, he let sleep overtake him.
Author's Note
You might be wondering, "Archemios, why did you choose Applejack/Flim and Trixie/Flam?" Well, faithful reader, I have no idea. Spur of the moment crack shipping, and they seemed cute. C'est la vie.
Also, don't get too attached to this fic; I also have a horrible tendency to never finish things.
Flim was jolted awake before the sun was even peeking over the horizon. Sleep shrouding his eyes, he stared at the mare that was grinning down at him. Looking at the clock on the nearest wall, his jaw dropped.
"It's three in the morning!" he said. He wasn't even aware that there could be light so early.
"It's the fall harvest. We have to get started early if we want to buck all these trees." Applejack explained, "Plus, you don't wanna miss breakfast."
"I certainly don't, that." Flim nodded agreement, following the mare to the kitchen. If she was even the slightest bit fatigued, she didn't show it.
The breakfast spread was massive. Flim had scarcely seen so much food in his entire life, and wondered if this would be a daily occurrence in the Apple household.
"Are ya gonna sit there with yer jaw on the floor, or are ya gonna eat somethin'?" Applejack smiled softly, "Go on, help yerself."
That was all it took, of course. He filled his plate with the various fruits and vegetables, and plenty of eggs. He also had a healthy portion of pancakes and biscuits and gravy. All the while, Applejack was the only one not to eye him with suspicion and barely restrained dislike. Swallowing the lump of gravy-drenched biscuit in his mouth, he eyed the table, tapping his hooves nervously.
"Listen," he began, uncharacteristically slow, which immediately caught all of the Apples' attentions, "I know my brother and I have made some... poor decisions in our lives, and more often than not it's caused hardship for your family..."
"That's the understatement a' the century." Granny Smith chuckled mirthlessly.
"...But even with all of that, you took me in." Flim continued, "You've shown me more hospitality and kindness than anypony in Equestria - and we have traveled all across Equestria. I just wanted to apologize for everything that's happened between us before, and to thank you. For everything."
The Apples looked positively stunned. Even Big Mac's fork fell from his slack jaw. Flim avoided looking at them. It wasn't that he was lying; it was just he was embarrassed for telling so much of the truth. He really was thankful for their hospitality, and he'd be lying if he said he wasn't a little guilty about their past meetings. Not that lying was difficult for him, of course. Even so, his eyes did meet with Applejack's. She gave him a warm smile and he absently wondered if her eyes had always been so bright a green.
Silly thing to be wondering.
"Ah'm sure Ah speak fer everypony here when Ah say yer forgiven." Applejack said. Her family exchanged reluctant grimaces before agreeing with her. As soon as breakfast was finished, Applejack led Flim to the farm. "Time ta get ta work."
The first hour, although difficult, was still doable. Flim's bucking proved to be almost embarrassing; Applejack could clear a tree twice as large, twice as fast as him, and Big Mac didn't even need that long. By the time the sun was just over the horizon, Flim's shirt was plastered to his chest with sweat and he had to remove the hat from his head to pull his mane out of his face. He could see why Applejack wore hers in a ponytail, now.
"Ya ain't tirin' out so soon, are ya?" Applejack asked, "It's not even lunch time yet."
"Don't be ridiculous, apple fritter." Flim managed between ragged breaths. Big Mac frowned at the pet name, but Applejack only rolled her eyes and sighed. "I can keep this up all day!"
By lunch time, he nearly collapsed into the sandwich on his plate. How in Equestria did these ponies survive, day in and day out? Finally, with the sun at it's zenith, they broke for lunch. Flim nearly collapsed into his seat at the table. Only when the aching in his limbs subsided did he realize how hungry he was. That was a weird thought; he could have sworn he had eaten more food that morning than many of his past meals combined. No wonder farm ponies ate so much.
"Flim..." Big Mac began cautiously, something that sounded at odds with his deep voice, "Ah appreciate how hard y'all have been working this morning, but Ah don't wanna see ya kill yerself."
"Would you rather I do other work around the farm?" Flim asked quickly. When the Apple siblings exchanged worried glances, he almost spat out in a panic "You're not going to throw me back in the streets so soon, are you?"
Applejack looked scandalized at the suggestion. "A' course not!" she snapped, then more gently, "We're just worried you'll work yerself ta death. Ya don't have ta work so hard, out there. Yer not as used ta it as we are."
"Eeyup." Big Mac nodded in agreement.
"Oh." Flim laughed at his earlier, embarrassing panic. Then, surprisingly meek, he said "Thank you. For everything, I mean."
Big Mac smiled at the thanks, but it was Applejack's small smile and soft, emerald eyes that caught his attention. That, and how the midday sunlight caught in her golden mane. He felt his mouth go dry and he quickly gulped down a glass of lemonade, hastily.
"That's good lemonade." he said, even more hastily than normal.
"One of Granny Smith's many famous recipes." Applejack explained.
"Seems like everything I've had while staying here has been a Granny Smith recipe." Flim noted, trying to focus on anything other than the mare across from him. He was much older than her; five years, at least. Not only that, but he was a guest - fooling with mares had gotten him and his brother kicked out of more than a few houses.
"Well, they're not all Granny Smith's recipes." Applejack said, finishing her meal with a juicy apple, "Most a' them are passed down through the Apple family fer as far back as we can remember. An' she ain't the only one that cooks around here, if that's what yer implyin'."
"I was implying nothing of the sort." Flim said, though his sly grin suggested otherwise. Applejack gave a little laugh and rolled her eyes. He had to fight a flush from reaching his face.
"Well, Ah help out in the kitchen a lot." the mare said.
"She does more than help, most a' the time." Big Mac chuckled deeply, "She's just as good as Granny when it comes ta cookin'."
"I'd believe it." Flim said, "You're always full of surprises, Applejack."
"Pleasant surprises, Ah hope." the mare laughed.
"Absolutely." Flim said, and had to click his teeth shut before he could say more. He wanted to throw in a pass about how her mane caught the sunlight, or her eyes, or even something about the freckles dusting her cheeks, but with her brother - her large and very powerful brother - sitting so close at hand, he was sure he would regret any such compliment. Big Mac seemed to sense what he was thinking and nodded approval that Flim had kept his mouth shut.
"Ah must say, Ah could get used ta yer flattery, Flim." Applejack crossed her forelegs and sat back in her chair. Big Mac shot Flim a glare that could have shattered rocks, as if her saying that had been his doing. The fresh sheen of sweat on Flim's brow had nothing to do with farm work. Applejack got up and stretched, "Well, back ta work. Remember, Flim, ya don't have ta kill yerself doin' it."
Happy to escape Big Mac's brotherly glaring, Flim kept a wide berth from Applejack and worked at clearing trees well away from both Apple siblings. Best to keep his distance from that increasingly irresistable peach-pony as possible. Eventually, Big Mac quit glaring at him and Flim let out a breath he hadn't known he was keeping in.
Working at a slower pace than he had been that morning, Flim wasn't quite as exhausted by the time the sun had lowered and Granny Smith rang the bell for dinner. His legs ached and his back creaked. His shirt was pasted to his chest with sweat, and his breathing was ragged. Yet, regardless of all these things, he felt a strange sense of satisfaction from the hard work. It felt, somehow, more rewarding than his usual line of work.
"Ya did good today, Flim." Applejack gave him a hearty slap on the back that sent him to the ground. "Uh, ya alright?"
"Never better, my dear." Flim wheezed as he stood back up and brushed himself off. Big Mac raised an eyebrow - threateningly, to Flim - but moved on into the house, leaving the two ponies to themselves.
"Sure is beautiful out." Applejack said, absently as she eyed the sky.
"Yeah." Flim said, quietly. He wasn't really aware of his surroundings until she mentioned it. The sun was a burning semicircle on the horizon, the sky a multitude of orange and purple hues, the first stars and moon twinkling opposite the sun.
"Ya know somethin', Flim?" the mare smiled, "Sunset has ta be mah favorite time a' day, an' not just because Ah head in after a hard day's work."
"Oh yeah?" Flim raised an eyebrow.
"There's just somethin' magical about this time, dontcha think? Like, Luna and Celestia have this time set up just ta really show off their stuff." the mare continued. She stopped, giving an embarrassed laugh and looking at the ground. "Silly things ta be thinkin', Ah suppose."
"I actually thought it was quite beautiful." Flim confessed, stepping closer, "Dusk is one of my favorite times of day, too. If I make it to the end of the day, why, that's another day of living, in my opinion."
"You an' yer brother really have a hard time survivin', Ah take it?" Applejack frowned and Flim felt some regret at seeing her smile disappear.
"Well, Flam and I certainly have our troubles, now and then." Flim confessed, "But everyday we make through to the end is a good day, to us."
"Ah just don't get it." Applejack tsked, "Y'all make so many bits rippin' ponies off, how come yer not livin' it up in Manehatten or Canterlot?"
"Flam and I aren't the best with money." Flim laughed in embarrassment, "We've amassed several small fortunes, but we seem to spend them all rather quickly."
"Can't say Ah'm surprised." Applejack sniffed, "Well, we better head in."
"Wait." Flim put a hoof to the mare's shoulder and she stopped. She looked at his hoof, then at his face. Those emerald eyes gleaming set his pulse racing. "Let's stay out here and enjoy the sunset awhile longer."
Applejack smiled softly, her eyes half-closing in what was surely a friendly gesture. It looked a little too demure for Flim's tastes, but he didn't complain. She stayed there with him, watching the sun sink below the horizon and the stars fill the sky. Only then did they retire indoors.
*-*
"Fillies and gentlecolts!" Flam bellowed in Ponyville's town square. More than a few of the townsponies stared acidly at him, but he ignored them. "Step right up and see the most wondrous show this side of Canterlot!"
Even though both Flim and Flam had a bad reputation, there was something in the way they talked that drew ponies in. Plus, Flam wasn't charging admission for the show quite yet, and a free show was certainly worth their time. Who could resist free anything? So, Flam watched, grinning beneath his moustache as ponies filed into the square. Almost at once, they frowned at the wagon sitting there.
"Oh great." one of the townsponies muttered, loud enough to carry through the crowd, "Now Flim and Flam are working with Trixie." Murmurs of discontented agreement rippled through the audience.
Before anypony could make a move to leave, however, Trixie's wagon unfolded into a stage, a great cloud of purple smoke erupting at its center and fireworks sprinkling the night sky. As the smoke cleared, Trixie stood, flaring her cape. Unsurprisingly, despite her last two visits to Ponyville, the townsponies watched in awe. Flam wondered why the citizens of Ponyville were so easily manipulated.
"Ponies of Ponyville!" Trixie declared with flourish, "It is I! The Great and Powerful Trixie Lulamoon! Here, once more, to grace you with her wonders!"
Flam took this as his cue to trigger another series of fireworks that thundered over the awed crowd. Quickly working his hooves beneath the stage on a serious of bowls filled with water, he poured bits of dry ice into each. Soon, fog creeped out from beneath the stage and rose around the audience. The townsponies smiled at the theatrics, their earlier reservations all but gone. And to think, the show hadn't even started yet.
Before long, Trixie was really getting into her tricks. Swirling lights dancing through rings of smoke, fireworks detonating into fearsome monsters and bright patterns. All the while, Trixie didn't even break a sweat. Flam felt himself get caught up in her display just as much as the ponies around him, but his gaze soon came to rest on the mare center stage more than her tricks. Silver mane catching the moon- and starlight, as well as the illumination of the various other lights in the sky. Her purple eyes practically glowed just as bright as the purple magic she conjured from her horn.
Flam cleared his throat and loosened his shirt collar; it was suddenly too tight to breathe.
Trixie's finale was spectacular. A menagerie of pyrotechnics and magical tricks that made it almost as bright as day. As it ended, Trixie bowed to the audience's thunderous applause. Flam worked the curtains closed and stood before them, applauding just as heartily as the townsponies. He almost regretted having to break the mood. Almost.
"Wasn't that magnificent, everypony?" he managed over the crowd, "To think, we'll never see another show like it!"
The way he said that - with a tinge of sorrow - caught the audience's attention and the cheering slowly stopped.
"Why's that?" a random pony asked.
"Why's that, you say?" Flam gasped in mock-surprise, "Why, because shows like these are expensive to put on! Why, we'd gladly put these shows on for free, if we could, but the costs are so great!" Murmurs rippled through the crowd, and they voiced exactly the reactions Flam had been expecting. "Fireworks are hard to come by in most parts of Equestria, and this is a travelling show, so there are the travelling expenses. Let's not forgot food and other consumables that the Great and Powerful Trixie must come by! Oh, a shame we'll never be able to put on such a wonderful performance for anypony ever again!"
The crowd was suddenly in an uproar of pleas. It seemed like everypony in Ponyville wanted to help fund Trixie's performances. Indeed, the audience lined up and dropped bits into the chest Flam had "conveniently" set up in front of the stage. Before long, the entire audience had left the chest brimming with bits and departed for their homes. Flam couldn't help but grin slyly as the last of the ponies disappeared.
"Trixie is surprised that such a stunt actually worked." the blue unicorn laughed at the chest of bits.
"Generosity is always a gold mine, my sweet." Flam said. He was surprised she didn't glare icily at him for the "sweet" bit, but only eyed him, evaluating him.
"You and your brother have quite the reputation." she said at last, "A surprise how many fortunes you've amassed, and now you work as Trixie's stagehand."
"Sometimes you're having punch at the Grand Galloping Gala, other times you're eating meals out of a garbage can." Flam stated with a smile, "C'est la vie, as the Fancy ponies say."
"You're not going to simply leave in the night with that chest full of bits, are you?" Trixie asked, eyes narrowing in suspicion.
Flam blinked. He actually hadn't been thinking of that, and that is what surprised him. Any other time, he would have taken the bits and left without so much as a note. Any other time, or any other pony? Perhaps he was growing too attached to the mare. Both he and Flim had certainly grown fond of mares in the past, and it had almost always ended in trouble - trying to win over married mares and daughters of their employers never went over well with husbands and fathers.
But Trixie was single, and he wasn't working for her father.
"Of course not." Flam said at last. Oddly, he meant it, too.
"Good." Trixie smiled - genuine and warm, sending Flam's stomach flopping. "Trixie has grown to enjoy your company in the short time she's known you. It gets rather lonely, performing for ponies across Equestria."
"I could understand that." Flam nodded in sympathy, "Even with my brother at my side, I'd still feel lonely on the road. Everypony needs... more." He hoped she didn't realize he had changed what he was going to say.
"More?" Trixie asked, moving closer, raising an eyebrow, daringly.
"I suppose it was harder for you, though." Flam said, quickly changing the subject and moving a little bit away from the mare. He didn't want her to see the flush in his cheeks. "I don't suppose you traveled with a sister, or really anypony."
"No." Trixie frowned, though whether it was because Flam had moved further away or hit the nail on the head, even she didn't know. "Trixie has had a very difficult time, alone."
"Well, buck up, gal!" Flam spun on his hooves, putting on his most winning grin, "You got me to keep you company now! Why, the two of us together could make a lot of bits! And think of all the places we'll see!" he stopped, clearing his throat, abashed, "That is, if you'll have me?"
"Trixie could always use the extra help with her performances." the mare smiled, "Besides, you do bring in quite a profit."
"That I do." Flam chuckled.
The two unicorns cleaned up the stage and returned the wagon to its original state. They took the wagon to the outskirts of the town and set up there for the rest of the night. Flam eyed the storm clouds in the sky warily, and was glad they had set the wagon up on a hilltop. Trixie stood beside him, looking up at the clouds from under her purple hat.
"Trixie hadn't taken weather into your living conditions when she hired you." the mare said, absently.
"Shouldn't be a problem." Flam said smoothly, "I'll sleep under the wagon. It'll be dry under there."
"Under the wagon?" Trixie's eyes widened in shock, but she buried it under a from, "What about when winter rolls around? It's only a few weeks until fall's finished."
"I'll invest in a tent." Flam said quickly, "Been awhile since I've had a tent."
"You don't even have a tent?" Trixie's mouth went slack, "You told Trixie you and your brother travelled across Equestria!"
"And so we do." Flam explained, quirking an eyebrow.
"Without tents?" the mare asked, "How do you two survive during the winter? Or late fall, for that matter. It must have been freezing outside last night!"
"Flim and I are made of sterner stuff than most ponies." Flam grinned, standing tall, "We've survived in much worse conditions than a little frost on the grass or rain overhead, with less than a wagon to sleep under."
"Trixie will not stand for your boasting." Trixie snapped, "You're spending your nights in the wagon."
"Run that by me again?" Flam asked, startled.
"There's enough room on the floor in Trixie's wagon for you to sleep." Trixie's cheeks heated a little, "Don't think anything too adventurous, you understand? Trixie just doesn't want to wake one winter morning to find your frozen carcass under her wagon."
"You are too kind, Trixie, too kind!" Flam took the hat from his head and bowed, "They should call you Trixie, the Great and Generous!"
"Your flattery is too much." Trixie smirked, though it was obvious she was basking in it. Then, almost too quiet for Flam to hear, she muttered "Any more, and Trixie might let you share her bed."
As Trixie walked into her wagon, leaving Flam standing there, his mind raced. His mouth was dry, and he was pretty sure his heart had stopped. There was absolutely no way he had heard that correctly. Clearing his throat and wiping sweat from his brow, he entered the wagon where Trixie had already set up blankets and pillows on the floor. Flam looked around, taking in the interior of the wagon for the first time. There were relatively few decorations in the wagon, though it appeared cramped in the small quarters. Old tomes and vials of various colored fluids on the shelves built into the walls, and hanging herbs and decorations. Flam picked up a letter from the small desk next to the bed Trixie was occupying.
It was a fan letter, signed by a Snips and Snails in crooked colt-writing. Flam had never met these foals, but their wonderment at Trixie was enough to tug a smile from under his moustache. Trixie noticed the letter and spoke up.
"They're sweet colts, if a little slow." Trixie admitted with an almost motherly smile, "Even after all Trixie has done to them, they still admire her."
"What's not to admire?" Flam raised an eyebrow.
"You're quite charming, Flam." Trixie smirked, "Why is it that some lucky mare hasn't tied you down, yet?"
"I don't have time for marriage, or anything like relationships." Flam cleared his throat and tried to study the vials on the cramped shelves, "My brother and I don't wanna be tied down by no mares; better to live a life of wealth and freedom."
"You said earlier that you always wanted something... more." the blue unicorn sounded disappointed, "Trixie thought you meant... Well, she's not really sure what you meant."
Flam was silent for a moment. Why was he so hesitant? Trixie was a beautiful mare, and there would be no repercussions as far as he could tell from dating his boss. His brow furrowed at that; there actually could be some complications with that. Still, there was no angry father, or jealous coltfriend, or furious husband to worry about. Trixie was as alone in the world as he was after he split with his brother. So why was he hesitant?
"I suppose I am pretty lonely." he confessed after awhile, "There's not much in the way of companionship for ponies like Flim and I. Nopony wants to attach themselves to a showpony who's only good at cheap fixes and quick bits."
"Trixie can understand that." the blue unicorn nodded to herself, "She has made mistakes in the past, and for those mistakes, nopony wants to attach themselves to her, either. It is painful, being so alone."
They sat in silence for awhile before Flam worked up the courage to move closer to Trixie's bedside. Their eyes locked, green meeting purple. Trixie had to admit, Flam was quite a handsome stallion. A little old for her, maybe, but she wasn't a filly anymore. Besides, beneath that fur on his lip, he had a coltish face. She didn't even notice their faces were so close that his moustache was nearly brushing her lips.
Flam backed up suddenly, chuckling, "Sorry about that, Trix! Can I call you Trix? I don't know what came over me, there! Whooee, we'll probably have a laugh about this in the morning, right? I'll just sleep under the wagon tonight, just to show there's no funny business-"
As he got up to leave, Trixie pulled him down so he was sitting next to her on her bed. She couldn't help grinning wolfishly at the stark panic on Flam's face; it was a surprising, cute response to be sure.
"You're babbling, Flam." she said before pressing her lips against his. His moustache tickled her nose, and he tasted like cheap cider, but when he started kissing back, it was like fireworks going off all around her. Even more so than her show.
For Flam, it was only a little different. Shock overwhelmed his senses and he struggled to process exactly what was happening to him at that moment. Trixie was kissing him. His employer was kissing him. C'est la vie, was all he thought before closing his eyes and losing himself in the kiss. She had a peppermint taste, and her lips were like silk. His head went a little fuzzy, but it cleared as she broke the kiss.
"Wow." Flam managed, almost speechless.
"It was pretty magical, wasn't it?" Trixie smirked. She was trying to act haughty, but she was struggling to keep the butterflies in her stomach down. "You're still sleeping on the floor. No funny business."
"Yes m'am." Flam said, still trying to process exactly what had just happened. He probably wasn't going to get much sleep tonight.
With that, Trixie used her magic to turn the light off, and both unicorns drifted into excited sleep.
Author's Note
I checked my spelling on this one. Yay.
Flim opened his eyes and smiled up at the mare standing, startled, near the couch. He had been staying with the Apple family for over a week now, and everyday he had to be woken up by Applejack to get an early start to the day. Until today.
"Well, Ah'll be a rattler's aunt." the cowpony chuckled, "Yer finally wakin' up at a decent hour."
"Applejack, my dear, you have the strangest definition of "decent hour" I have ever heard in my travels across Equestria." Flim stretched out before sitting up and rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "I suppose another day of harvesting awaits us?"
Applejack had long since grown used to Flim's pet names - in fact, they were starting to grow on her. It was similar to how Rarity would call her "dear" or "sweet". Though the "apple fritter" thing was out of the blue.
"Nope, not today." Applejack shook her head.
"Really?" Flim was surprised, "We've been working ourselves ragged for the past week. What's the special occasion?" Really, only he was being worked ragged - the Apple family was used to farm labor by now.
"No special occasion, really." the peach-colored pony shrugged, "Today's the weekly day a' rest. Old tradition, where workin' ponies take the day off an' give thanks ta Celestia."
"Really?" Flim's eyebrows shot up, "I wasn't aware of any such thing."
"Like Ah said, it's an old tradition." Applejack said, "Most ponies don't bother with it anymore. Us Apples are just old-fashioned that way." then, with a grin, "'Sides, we need the break each week or we'd plum roll over an' die from exhaustion!"
"I can believe that." Flim chortled.
The two walked into the dining room where the rest of the Apple family was just arriving. As usual, the table was practically covered in delicious food, and as usual, Flim doubted there'd be much left at the end of breakfast. As they dug into their morning meal, Applejack struck up a conversation.
"Flim, yer not plannin' on leavin' anytime soon, Ah take it?" she asked after swallowing a mouthful of pancakes.
"I've come to enjoy the work around here, now that you ask." the unicorn said, "You're not kicking me out, are you?"
"'Course not, Flim." Applejack smiled, disarmingly, before turning towards Granny and Big Mac, "Ah think we should build an addition ta the house fer Flim ta stay in."
The older Apple members exchanged surprised glances, and Apple Bloom stopped mid-bite.
"Applejack," Big Mac began slowly, "Ya sure?"
"Well, why not?" the peach pony asked, "We've been talkin' about addin' a guest room fer years, haven't we? Unless ya want Flim ta stay on the couch forever."
"Ah'd rather he wasn't here that long..." Apple Bloom muttered. She quickly stuffed food into her mouth when Applejack glared at her.
"You don't have to build an addition to the house for me, Applejack." Flim said quickly, "I can live out of the barn once spring hits, if you want."
"We've been considerin' addin' a guest room ta the house long before ya showed up, Flim." Applejack explained, "We've just never had a reason ta, 'til now."
"We have been talkin' 'bout it fer awhile." Big Mac admitted while studying his eggs.
"An' we do have the money saved up, Ah suppose." Granny Smith added.
"Ah'd feel better if Flim was stayin' in his own room instead a' on the couch." Apple Bloom confessed, "It's kinda creepy."
"Then it's settled!" Applejack beamed, "We'll build a guest room fer Flim tomorrow."
"You're too kind, Applejack." Flim was clearly stunned.
"Nonsense, Flim." the peach pony waved a hoof, dismissively, "'Sides, yer helpin' build it."
"I am?" the unicorn asked, startled. He didn't know why he was surprised; of course he was going to help build it!
"But not today." Applejack reminded her guest, "Today's the day a' rest, after all."
"What do you do on a day of rest, anyway?" Flim asked, curious, "I don't think I've ever known any of you to be... well, restful."
"Ah usually hang out with mah friends in town." Applejack explained. Flim didn't know why that was surprising.
"Ah go crusadin' fer cutie marks with the other Crusaders." Apple Bloom said. Again, obvious.
"Ah've takin' ta swimmin', lately." Granny Smith said. Flim made a noncommital noise; swimming could be fun.
"Ah fish." Big Mac said, simply.
"Fishing you say?" the unicorn raised an eyebrow, "It's been awhile since I've gone fishing. Flam was better at it than I was-" he stopped, mouth firming in agitation.
"You two should go fishin'!" Applejack suggested.
At once, both Flim and Big Mac exchanged wide-eyed frowns.
"Nope." the eldest Apple sibling stated flatly.
"Aw, why not?" Applejack asked, "Ya two have been sleepin' under the same roof fer nearly a week now, an' Ah'm goin' out with the girls. Big Mac, aren't ya always complainin' about how ya don't have any guy friends ta hang out with?"
Big Mac spared a glance at Flim, mouth firming in reluctance. Finally, he sighed. "Ah suppose havin' a fishin' companion would be... fun."
Flim winced internally. Out on the water with Big Mac, and no witnesses. It wouldn't take much for the much larger stallion to make Flim... disappear. The lakes and rivers around Ponyville were rumored to hide many secrets.
"Good." Applejack nodded in satisfaction, "Ah'll be back 'round 5 or 6 ta help with dinner."
"Ya have fun, sugarcube." Granny waved her granddaughter away before turning to her other granddaughter, "Yer friends wanna hang out with me today? Y'all could try fer yer swimmin' cutie marks."
"Sure!" the yellow filly beamed, "Ah mean, we've already tried fer our swimmin' cutie marks, but we haven't tried fer water aerobics yet!"
As the rest of the females left, Flim rubbed the back of his neck as awkward silence passed between both stallions. Awkward on the unicorn's part, at least; Big Mac looked unfazed by the silence. Of course, he was a pony of few words. Finally, Flim broke the ice.
"I don't actually have a fishing rod." he said at last.
"Ah have a spare." Big Mac turned and Flim had little choice but to follow.
The stallions made their way into the barn where Flim had originally planned on staying. In a corner, protected within a pile of hay, were two fishing rods; one was old and worn, while the other was virtually new, though oddly dusty. Surprisingly, Big Mac handed the newer rod to Flim and took the older one for himself.
"You sure you don't want me to use that one?" Flim asked, puzzling over the new rod.
"Ah always use this one." the larger stallion stated simply.
"Why?" Flim pressed, "Why not use the newer one? It surely seems much sturdier than that ruddy stick."
Big Mac turned sharply on the salespony and Flim failed to hide his flinch. Big Mac's expression softened and his voice was surprisingly calm as he said, "This is mah Pa's rod. That used to be mah rod."
Flim eyed the rod, inspecting it more closely. Sure enough, there was a piece of aged tape wrapped around the handle with "Mac" written in faded ink. Flim was about to ask what happened to their father - or their mother, for that matter - since he had never seen them in his run-ins with the Apples, but Big Mac was already out of the barn and headed toward the pond. Galloping to catch up with the larger stallion, Flim decided it was best not to ask.
They reached the pond within an hour. It was small when compared to nearby lakes and the oceans, but Ponyville wasn't really known for its large bodies of water. Surprisingly, hardly anypony was there, except for several older ponies feeding birds bread crumbs across the pond. Flim figured most ponies probably avoided the pond during the colder seasons.
Big Mac found the spot where he often fished and set up, as silently as he had always done. Flim, to his credit, stayed silent a whole ten minutes before trying to strike up a conversation. As soon as he opened his mouth, however, the red stallion spoke up, first.
"AJ sure is takin' a shine ta ya." he said in that slow, even way he always spoke. Even so, it caught Flim offguard.
"Taking a shine to me?" he asked, so casually it was obvious he was trying to cover his surprise. "I would hope so; we've been working together long enough to be friends." He had no idea if that were true or not; he and his brother didn't make friends often.
"Ah think she likes ya more than friends, Flim." Big Mac said, "An' Ah think ya notice it, too."
"Well, we've certainly become chummier, I will admit that." the salespony chuckled nervously, eyeing the countryside. Perhaps if he started at a dead gallop, he would have enough of a headstart to avoid the other stallion from killing him.
"She's a nice mare." the older stallion continued, seemingly more focused on fishing than on Flim, "You'll treat her right, Ah hope."
"I have no idea what you're-" Flim began, panicked, before stopping himself and blinking at the red stallion. Treat her right? Did Big Mac seriously just give consent to the salespony for dating Applejack? "You don't mind if her and I... hang out?"
"A' course Ah mind." Big Mac glowered at the salespony until he flinched away, then returned his eyes to the pond. "But it ain't none a' mah business who AJ likes an' doesn't like, an' quite frankly, yer not as awful ta be around as some a' the stallions in Ponyville."
"Thanks?" was all he could manage. Then, like a storm breaking after a calm, Big Mac towered over Flim, eyes like fire.
"If ya hurt mah sister," Big Mac's voice was calm like a ton of steel held back by a silk sheet, "Ah'll hurt you."
Such a simple threat, and coming from anypony else, Flim probably wouldn't put any stock in it. Instead, it had come from a stallion whose slightest kick could knock every apple from a tree. Flim was still shaking by the time a fish finally took his bait.
"Ya got one, bud." Big Mac smiled.
*-*
It had felt like an eternity since Applejack had last spent time with her friends, and in truth, she had been pretty pre-occupied with farmwork for the last few weeks. There was a lot to catch up on, apparently. Twilight was adjusting well to her duties as Princess of Friendship, still helping everypony in Ponyville with their everyday problems while keeping up with her studies. Rarity was becoming a renowned fashionista in Canterlot and other Equestrian cities. Fluttershy had taken to studying animals and conserving endangered species, which took her to many exotic places on the planet, both in- and outside of Equestria. Pinkie Pie had started a party catering service that had expanded into a large franchise. And Rainbow Dash had finally made it into the Wonderbolts.
About time, Applejack thought wryly. Then a thought began to form that turned her proud smile into a worried frown.
"What's wrong, AJ?" Rainbow asked, smirking playfully to cover the concern in her eyes, "Not jealous, are you?"
"It ain't that." the cowpony said, "It's just that, well, all a' ya are gonna be so busy with yer new lives, an' what-not. Seems like we won't see each other as much."
It had been a painful truth, but Applejack wouldn't be the Element of Honesty without pointing it out. Immediately, the other Mane Six were looking at the table, sharing in the cowpony's frown. Obviously, they had been so caught up in their good news, that they had forgotten how much their lives would change.
"I guess it was only a matter of time until we - well, pardon my word choice, but - grew up." Rarity sighed, "We always dreamed of the jobs we have going for us now, but I guess none of us ever stopped to think how much time we'd have for each other after we got here."
"I just realized how far my job will take me away from all of you." Fluttershy gasped, "At least the rest of you are still in Equestria. I'll also be in the field for months at a time. I'm starting to regret taking the job..."
"Fluttershy, don't feel bad." Applejack put a comforting hoof on her friend's shoulder, "Ah didn't mean ta make all a' ya fret over it; it's great that yer all makin' yer dreams a reality."
"Which reminds me," Rainbow said, "what have you been up to?"
"Little ol' me?" the farmpony smiled, "Same ol', same ol'. It's harvest season, which means the family's busy with applebucking."
"That's it?" Pinkie Pie arched an eyebrow, "You're telling me that nothing new or exciting has happened to you? Nothing?"
"Well," Applejack tapped a hoof against her chin in thought, "Flim's been workin' at our farm for about a week now."
The peach pony almost flinched at the sudden gasp that escaped all of her friends' mouths at once. Immediately they were talking over each other, demanding why in Equestria Flim was working on her farm, or rather, why were they allowing Flim to work on their farm. Rarity and Rainbow Dash were sure he was working some kind of angle to scam the Apples, while Fluttershy and Twilight were willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Only Pinkie asked the question that had escaped her friends' minds.
"Why isn't Flam working with him?" the party pony inquired.
"Those two had a fallin' out. Some kinda siblin' spat, or another." Applejack explained, "An' he's actually not that bad a' a stallion."
"Not that bad?" Rainbow scowled, "He tried to scam your family - twice!"
"Once ya get ta know him, he's really nice." Applejack said, "He can actually be a pretty charmin', funny pony when he's not tryin' ta sell tonic or cider."
Her friends exchanged curious glances with one another. Before Applejack could inquire what funny business was passing between them with those shared looks, however, Fluttershy spoke up.
"It sounds like you really like him." she offered a frail, yet friendly smile.
"A' course Ah like him." the farmpony snorted, "When ya hang out with a pony so much, it's hard not ta like 'em."
"I think what Fluttershy meant was that you "like" like him, dear." Rarity said, softly.
"Wh-what?!" Applejack spluttered, "Ah do not "like" like Flim! Ah don't "like" like anypony!" Again, her friends exchanged curious glances. "Stop that!"
"Chill, AJ." Rainbow raised her hooves defensively as she hovered closer to her friend, "Nopony here's judging you. I mean, he's not my type of stallion, but there aren't many who can live up to my awesome expectations, heh heh." the sporty pegasus shrugged, "But whatever works for you."
Before Applejack could retort, however, Pinkie Pie spoke up. "I like it! Fast-talking, city-slicking liar and down-to-earth, honest farmer! Dibs on throwing your wedding reception!"
"Whoa now-!" Applejack got in before being overrun by Rarity.
"Oh my goodness, yes!" the fashionista gasped, "I can see it now! A southern-style wedding, simple, but no less grand and elegant! Flim would look rather striking in one of those suits from Granny Smith's day, and you could wear something equally splendid! I simply must design your wedding gown!"
"Nopony said anythin' about a-" the farmpony began again, and again was cut off by her friends.
"I could arrange a bird choir to sing "Here Comes the Bride", if that's alright with you, of course." Fluttershy offered, sweetly.
"There ain't goin' ta be a weddin'!" Applejack snapped, silencing her friends. She winced as she saw tears well up in Fluttershy's eyes. "Sorry Fluttershy. It's just, Ah never said Ah "like" liked Flim. An' where'd all this talk about marriage come from? Ah've been hangin' out with him a week! An' weren't y'all bad-mouthin' him just a few minutes ago?"
"We don't trust Flim," Twilight began, steadily, "but I've learned from our various adventures that ponies change. Look at Trixie and me; she used to hate me, and now we're good friends. If you like Flim, we'll support you."
"Ah... Ah don't like him." Applejack said, though her heart wasn't in it. Twilight's words had hit her like a sack of apples. "Ah mean, Ah can't like him. Not like that. We've only been hangin' out a week, an' he's gotta be five years mah senior!"
"We're full-grown mares, AJ." Rainbow chuckled, "I'm pretty sure we can date ponies older than us."
"What if he doesn't like me?" Applejack was the most surprised that those words left her lips. What did she care if Flim liked her, or not? She didn't like him! Funny how the only pony she could lie to was herself, she thought bitterly.
"Not like you?!" Rainbow yelled, "What's not to like? Who else can buck an entire tree with a single kick?"
"Big Macintosh." the farmpony answered with a shrug.
Rainbow tsked, but went on, "Who else can cook apple pies as amazing as you?"
"Granny Smith." was the farmpony's response.
Rainbow rolled her eyes, "Who else... Uh... Who else wears a stetson and is really good with a lasso?"
"...Ah am." Applejack frowned. Rainbow's words weren't very encouraging.
"I can't hear you!" Rainbow was in the farmpony's face.
"Ah am!" Applejack shouted, more startled than anything.
"Who's the best apple-bucking farm-filly?" Rainbow demanded.
"Ah am!"
"Who's gonna make some lucky stallion happy one day?"
"Ah am!"
"Who's gonna go ask Flim out on a date?"
"Ah a-" Applejack shook her head, "Hay no, Ah'm not doin' that!"
Her friends groaned collectively.
"Darling, haven't we gone over this?" Rarity asked, "Clearly you've taken a liking to Flim. Why, you're even worried whether he likes you or not."
"Why are you all wantin' me ta go on a date with him?" Applejack demanded.
"Well, and not to sound rude," Fluttershy began, quietly, "but when all of us are busy with our new lives, what are you going to do? Sorry, that came out wrong."
"She's got a point, AJ." Rainbow sighed, "Twilight will be busy with running her kingdom, Fluttershy, Rarity and I will be busy somewhere out of Ponyville, and who knows where Pinkie's work will take her. What are you going to do when we're all gone, or busy, and you have no farmwork to do?"
"That's a cheery thought..." Applejack muttered before shaking her head, sadly. "Ah don't know. Maybe Ah'll take up fishin' with Big Mac?"
"I thought you hated fishing?" Rarity asked, shuddering.
"Ah do." the farmpony frowned.
"A better question would be, why are you so against dating Flim?" Twilight asked.
"Ah don't wanna talk about it." Applejack mumbled. In all honesty, she didn't trust Flim, and didn't want her heart broken for trusting a slick-talking swindler, especially when she should know better.
"Afraid of what your family would think?" Pinkie guessed.
Applejack grimaced. She hadn't even thought about that. She was sure Granny Smith would be understanding, if not a little overprotective. But her siblings? Big Mac might try to crush Flim while Apple Bloom chewed through the salespony's ankles.
"Yeah... mah family." she murmured.
Fortunately, the conversation changed directions and soon everypony had forgotten about Applejack's floundering romantic spat. Everypony except Applejack herself, of course.
*-*
Twilight Sparkle had enjoyed her day out with her friends. It seemed like she didn't have as much time for them ever since she had taken up the burdens of leadership. Now, with all her friends being world-travelers, she would see them even less. At least she still had her number-one assistant.
A sound of giggling caught her attention. Twilight raised an eyebrow at the noise. Her house had become a castle, and with that honor came the dozens of new rooms that shot up as a result. This room was one of many new ones, largely empty except for some ornate furniture fit for a palace. That wasn't odd, though; many of the rooms were still empty except for furniture. What was odd, however, was that the lights were off except for a series of green flames, casting minimal luminance across two figures.
Twilight grinned with no small part mischief when she turned the lights on. Spike and Sweetie Belle winced at the sudden light, then turned to face her in embarrassment. Both had grown in the last few months; indeed, Twilight wasn't sure she could label any of the Cutie Mark Crusaders as fillies, any longer. And Spike! The drake was certainly getting taller, and more than a little arrogant now that he could look Twilight in the eyes.
"Uh, hey Twilight!" Spike laughed, anxiously. A half-finished meal sat on two plates at the table, obviously forgotten for some hours.
"Your majesty." Sweetie Belle bowed, formally.
"I thought you weren't going to be back 'til late?" the dragon fidgeted with his slackened bow-tie and tried to wipe a lipstick stain from his cheek.
"It's nine in the evening, you two." Twilight laughed, "Lose track of time?"
"Nine?!" Sweetie gasped, "Rarity's probably worried sick!"
"She didn't mention anything about you having a date this evening." the princess smirked, "Come to think of it, neither did you Spike. How long have you two been meeting up, like this?"
"Date?" Spike blinked, "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Twilight stared at the two flatly, but Spike only put on a stupid grin while Sweetie whistled a tune as she studied one of the ornate chairs. Finally, she rolled her eyes. At least Spike wasn't chasing after Rarity, anymore.
"You should head home, Sweetie Belle." Twilight smiled, almost motherly, "Feel free to stop by and... visit Spike, anytime."
Sweetie blinked, barely containing a blush as she trotted out of the room, shooting the dragon a wink as she left. Spike looked like he was about to melt into a puddle.
"Come on, Romeo." Twilight said, "You should get some sleep. Class starts early tomorrow."
The dragon groaned, but didn't protest like he used to. It had been a wonder that Twilight hadn't made him go to class earlier, but she supposed he was a little young to attend school while Sweetie Belle and the others were starting. As Spike trudged out of the room, Twilight levitated the dishes to the sink. She made it halfway up the stairs before knocking at the door brought her back down.
Her eyes widened in surprise at who it was.
"Good evening, Twilight." Trixie said with a pitiful, reluctant bow.
"Hello, Trixie." the princess blinked, "Not that I mind, but what are you doing here so late?"
"Trixie needs... advice." the magician began. When Twilight opened the door wider, Trixie took the invitation and continued, "She is not sure exactly how to put this without coming off as... fast. Trixie kissed Flam a week ago."
"What?!" the alicorn gasped. First, earlier that day, Applejack and Flim, and now Trixie and Flam? Though, Applejack never confessed to liking Flim and certainly didn't kiss him.
"Do not judge her too harshly, now." Trixie frowned, "It was just a little kiss."
"I'm not judging." Twilight managed, "I'm just... stunned. I wasn't even aware you two knew each other."
"We met a week ago." Trixie said.
"You met him then kissed him?" Twilight arched an eyebrow, "I thought you meant you kissed him today and needed advice about that!"
"Trixie did not kiss him as soon as she met him!" the magician scowled, then blushed, "It was the next evening."
"I can see why you thought I might think you fast." Twilight muttered, "What do you need advice for?"
"He's been avoiding Trixie." the blue unicorn explained, "As much as he can when we're sharing a wagon." Trixie's blush spread when Twilight's eyes widened, "Well, where would you suggest she put him? Outside, in the freezing cold?"
"I suppose not." Twilight agreed, "Still, I don't know what you think I can do to help."
"Advice!" Trixie pleaded, "You are the only pony Trixie can turn to! You've helped her out of harder predicaments than this!"
"Relationship advice and cursed amulets are two completely different things!" the princess backed away from the magician, "I'm also not the mare to come to for... those kinds of problems."
"Princess Cadence is too far from here." Trixie whined, "She would be the princess to ask, regarding matters of the heart, wouldn't she?"
"She is the Princess of Love." Twilight forced a grin, "If you want, I could send her a letter-"
"That'd take too long!" Trixie gripped the princess' shoulders between her hooves, "Trixie requires an answer now!"
"Try engaging him in conversation!" Twilight spurted in a panic. She wasn't sure if that would work, but Trixie's distress was beginning to rub off on her, "Corner him, if you have to! Make him talk to you!"
"You think that will work?" the magician considered the suggestion, further startling Twilight. "Perhaps if we just talk it out, everything will work out between us?"
"Sounds plausible." Twilight added, eager to get Trixie out of the castle. Not so much Trixie, as Trixie's romantic problems.
"Yes..." the magician nodded, a grin spreading slowly across her features, "Trixie shall corner him in her wagon. She'll barricade herself inside with him until we resolve our little spat!"
"Now wait a minute-" Twilight's eyes widened at Trixie's mad plan.
"No need to say anything more, dear friend." Trixie interrupted, "You have been an immense help already, and have my thanks. Farewell! When next you see Trixie, do not be surprised if she has a mustachioed stallion by her side!"
Before Twilight could overcome her shock, the front door had slammed close behind the blue unicorn. Suddenly tired from the day's events and this latest ordeal, Twilight chose to let the matter rest for another day. Maybe. She'd get around to it, eventually.
Author's Note
Wasn't really sure how to end this chapter, so it kind of just... trailed on for a bit.