It was a windy day in Ponyville Applejack had just gotten up and brushed out her mane and tail and put her hair ties in when Big Macintosh knocked on her door. "AJ, ya'll haven't seen Tory this morning have ya?" He asked when he came in.

Applejack gave him a funny look "No, why? Was I supposed to?"

Big Macintosh shook his head "Not necessarily but he was making a delivery to Ponyville and then he has a couple days off so he said he thought he'd come by and see us" he said then shook his head "I would have thought he would be here by now though"

Applejack thought about it and nodded "You're right he should have been. It's awful windy out though maybe that's what is slowing him down" she said "Come on let's go look for him and make sure though" she hoped nothing had happened to her older brother's friend he was very nice and if Applejack was honest with herself a very handsome stallion. Plus she knew Big Mac would feel awful if Promontory had gotten hurt on his way to spend time with them. Of all Big Mac's friends Tory and Big Mac were the closest. Applejack smiled remembering when they used to tell ponies they were brothers.

Big Macintosh lead the way outside and they walked out towards the orchards which would be the way Tory would be coming from they got about halfway in and saw a dark brown shape coming closer fighting against the wind they both sighed relieved. They hurried to him and he smiled when they were a few paces from him "Morning" he said brightly. "Sorry I'm late I didn't mean to worry you"

Applejack smiled "we're just glad ya'lls alright."

Big Macintosh nodded "Eeyup, we came looking to make sure"

Promontory smiled "I'm fine just got caught up at the station then the wind is pretty awful today"

Applejack nodded "yes it is the weather ponies do their best but sometimes we get days like this" she said as they started walking to the house.

While they were walking and talking Applejack was talking to Big Mac about something and a branch fell out of one of the trees Promontory saw it and the AJ was right in it's path so he pushed her in the side with his nose so that she was out of the way.

Applejack fell a few feet away "What the hay?" She said just as the branch came down on Promontory "Tory!" Aj and Big Mac said at the same time.

Promontory groaned "Ow" he said.

Applejack shook her head "why did you do that?" She asked

Tory chuckled "I couldn't let a pretty thing like you get hurt" he said " 'sides it will do less damage to me than it would have you"

Applejack shook her head but on the inside she was melting that was the stupidest most sweet thing anypony had ever done for her. She helped Big Macintosh move the branch off Promontory then they tried to help him up.

Promontory braced himself against his best friend and best friend's sister surprised with how strong Aj was as they helped him inside and into the back of one of the carts.

Big Mac looked at Aj "ya'll make sure he doesn't move too much I'll pull" he said

Applejack nodded climbing into the back up by Tory's head "thank you for pushing me outta the way" she said.

Tory smiled "you're welcome" he said "can I tell you a secret that I've only ever told one other pony?" He asked

Applejack smiled "sure why not" she said

Promontory smiled sitting up and looking her straight in the eyes "I really like you AJ as more than a friend" he said then blushed lowering his eyes shyly.

Applejack blushed smiling "I-I like you too Tory" she said nuzzling him under the chin.

Promontory smiled then groaned when they ran over a bump in the road.

Big Mac looked back "Sorry Tory I'm trying ta take it easy"

Promontory winced "I know it's alright" he said

Applejack thought she saw Big Mac hide a smile when he saw how close they were sitting in the cart. "Are you sure you're alright sitting up like that?"

Promontory nodded "yeah I'm ok I think"

When they got into town Big Mac stopped in front of the hospital then he and Applejack helped Tory into the hospital. Nurse Redheart came in and looked him over "well it could have been worse, you've got a couple broken ribs so you have to take it easy for the next week or so" she said "I'll write you a prescription for the pain and a note so you don't get in trouble at work. "Stand up here for me and I'll wrap your chest to hold them in place so they will heal"

Tory groaned and did as asked cringing as she wrapped his chest. He leaned on Big Mac and Aj as they helped him out to the cart again. They stopped and picked up the pain medicine and then headed back home.

AJ stayed close to Tory on the way trying to keep him as still as possible and cringing every time they hit a bump and Tory gasped in pain. She shook her head at herself who knew the way to her heart was to do something so foolish. She hadn't answered Promontory yet, he had asked her if she would be his marefriend while they were at the hospital but Big Mac and the nurse had come back in before she could answer him.

Once back at Sweet Apple Acres they helped Tory inside and on the couch. "You stay right there" Applejack said going to get him some water to take his pills.

Applebloom came down stairs "there ya'll are I was wonderin" she said then spotted Tory on the couch "Hi, Tory when did you....... what happened?" She asked.

Applejack smiled and told her what happened and that he would be staying with them for a week or two till he was better.

Applebloom nodded and gave him a careful hug "Thanks for saving AJ" she said

Promontory smiled "It was nothing really" he said smiling hugging the little filly.

Applejack smiled "Oh and about what you asked me at the hospital when Big Mac was talking to the nurse..yes I would be more than honored to be your mare-friend" she said with a slight blush.

Big Mac smiled "You treat her right, now" he said smiling at his best friend he knew Tory would and he wasn't really worried but all the same he felt it needed to be said.

Promontory smiled "You know I will" he said smiling as Applejack fussed over him making sure he was comfortable. "You know what would make me feel better?" he asked her.

Applejack raised an eyebrow at him but smiled and asked "What's that?"

Promontory smiled and carefully scooted over a little "If you lay up here with me" he said

Applejack laughed and lay down next to him on the couch smiling when he lay his head on her forelegs. "Better?" she asked with a smile

Promontory smiled "Mmm-hmm" he hummed contently.

Author's Note

I like the idea of these two together they are both hard workers and I think AJ would admire that in a stallion. I want to continue this I just need to find the time lol. My First MLP fic I hope you like it.