Change

by Just A Random Pegasus

Rating: teen
Tags: Sex, Main 6, Applejack, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Granny Smith, Romance, Drama, Big Macintosh, Flim and Flam
Length: 28886

Applejack thought she would never give a foe of hers, Flim, a chance to prove himself. However, she soon learns that hearts can change, just like ponies can.

Applejack was a bit hesitant and confused when the no good conman, Flim, appeared at her front door, asking for advice. Naturally, she turned away from him, still bitter about everything he has done to her family and friends in the past.

As days go by, however, Applejack comes to terms with Flim. And, she quickly realizes that just like ponies can change, hearts can change, too.

This story is a side story to Chosen Love. Consequently, there are some spoilers for that story.

Sex tag is for a few innuendos.

Cover art made by floravola on DeviantArt, commissioned by HolyCross9!

Published 2017-06-23 17:10:06 UTC
Last updated 2017-06-23 17:10:06 UTC

First Meeting

"Bye, Granny!" Applejack said as she grabbed two lunch sacks, which held her and Flim's lunches. "Ah'm gonna see some friends!" She lied through her teeth, and she felt awful about it. Well, I would be lying to someone no matter what I say...

Granny smiled. "Well, alright. Make sure to be back by six, dearie."

Applejack nodded. "Yep, no later! See ya!" She replied as she stepped out of the barn. It was currently noon, and Big Mac was still bucking the trees. He was catching up on the work he couldn't do yesterday. Applejack trotted out of the farm and started to make her way into the woods. As she did, she heard the sound of air cutting above her. She knew exactly who that was. She ducked down, hoping she wouldn't be spotted.

"Hey, AJ!"

Too late for that... Applejack thought to herself. She looked up to see Rainbow Dash hovering just above her.

"Oh, hey, RD!"

"What are you doin' out? You're normally working all day!" She replied. Applejack snorted.

"Well, if Ah didn't work all day, y'all wouldn't get nearly as much cider," she said with a sly smirk. Rainbow's eyes widened.

"Uh... actually... it's okay that you work all day. Don't think I was criticizing you or anything."

Applejack chuckled. "Alright, then, Dash. And ta answer your question, Ah'm havin' myself a picnic."

Rainbow raised a brow. "Why? You have no one to talk to, so that would just be boring."

Applejack's ears folded back. "Oh well. It's nice scenery."

Rainbow flicked her hair. "Yeah, I guess. I would totally join you if I didn't have to go to practice."

Applejack looked to Rainbow in confusion. "Wait... were y'all startin' late today or somethin'?"

Rainbow nodded. "Uh, yeah! It's our first day back after our break!"

Applejack nodded. "Ah, right. Well, you should get goin' then."

Dash smiled. "Yep! See ya!" She said as she shattered an air cone, firing towards the Wonderbolt compound. Applejack chuckled as she made her way to the woods.

"Hello?" Applejack called out as she stepped inside, being careful to not step on poison ivy or anything of the sort. She walked a few more steps before reaching an open area, spotting Flim sitting on the grass. His ears perked at her hoofsteps.

"Ah, there you are."

Applejack nodded. "Yep, here Ah am. Ah have some food for us, too," she said, handing him a sack. He looked to her.

"Really?"

Applejack nodded. "Don't sweat it. I knew ya probably didn't have too much money or anythin', and we have an overload of zap apple jam."

Flim smiled. "Well, alright. Thanks, I guess."

Applejack chuckled. "No problem. Now, tell me about your problems as we eat."

Flim's ear flicked. "Why do I have to share personal stuff? Can't you just show me how to be somewhat decent and then I'll be on my way?"

Applejack took a bite of her sandwich. "Openin' up is relievin', trust me. I won't be able ta teach ya much unless ya tell me what's been goin' on."

Flim sighed before finishing his sandwich. "Well... uh... great sandwich, by the way."

"Thanks, but y'all are derailin'," she said, earning an agitated look from him.

"Uh... fine, whatever, you win. So... after the whole Gladmane thing, my brother and I were thinking of a new idea. Something to earn instant revenue, since that was something we didn't have. So, my brother had the brilliant idea of being travelling psychics and telling ponies stuff for bits. All in all, it's a smart idea."

Applejack raised a brow as she nodded. "Go on."

"...Well, we started it, and told the ponies who paid a bunch of positive stuff about the future. They looked delighted, and paid us a lot of money. We were able to buy ourselves a grand amount of food and were considering living off of this little job.

"But... my brother started thinking of ways to earn more money, considering he always envisioned himself being rich and wasn't going to give up on his dream. He came up with the idea of telling ponies that we would be able to speak to the dead and tell them things their dead relatives or friends said. His plan was to attract ponies who had lost loved ones to make them think they could actually reach out to them.

"I supported it at first, but as I saw him fake his visions to those poor ponies... it felt so wrong. Some were in tears, others hugged us... it seemed like they believed what we said. For a while now, I had regretted the things the two of us had done in the past, but never mentioned any of it in fear of losing my brother and not being able to provide for myself. Now, however, was different. This kept me up at nights. One night, I decided to talk with him about it.

"He got mad at me and started yelling, angry that I would disagree with an idea that was making us quick cash. I asked if he would think of something else we could do instead, but he said that money making doesn't take my 'sensitive feelings' into account. I knew I couldn't bear it anymore, and in a rash decision, I ran away from him. We haven't spoken to each other since.

"After a day or two of reflecting... I realized I need a job. I then realized that I would have to ditch the lying conman behavior, which I'm perfectly fine with. I then knew I had to have someone teach me common job skills and how to be a good pony, and so that's how I ended up here."

Applejack blinked. "Wow."

Flim looked up at her. "What?"

"That's... quite a story. And for ya to realize what y'all was doin' was wrong... must've taken a lot of courage and integrity. You're actually not as bad as ya think."

Flim shook his head. "Nah, come on. I'm still a liar and know it will be hard to break from my old tendencies. I built my life around lying to ponies, and I know I can't do that with a professional career."

Applejack blinked and thought for a moment. She then smiled. "Ah have an idea!"

Flim raised a brow. "What?"

Applejack put her lunch sack to the side. "What if y'all worked at Sweet Apple Acres? Help can always be useful on the farm, and that way you'll be learnin' and gettin' paid a fair amount!"

Flim shook his head. "I appreciate the offer, but I would rather work someplace in my hometown, Baltimare. My mother is very sick, and is running out of funds to fund her own medical procedures. This is another reason I want an actual job; to help take care of her. My brother never wanted to give his money to her because he is quite selfish."

Applejack's eyes widened. "Ah'm terribly sorry, Flim, and Ah agree ya should work in Baltimare ta be near her. And... Ah don't think ya need too much help from me. You're a good pony on the inside. Just a bit of work with honesty and y'all will be good to go. Ah can even help pay for your train fees to Baltimare if ya want."

Flim blinked. "Thank you. And that is... very kind of you. I might have to take you up on that offer."

Applejack nodded. "Of course!" She moved her hoof in a circle on the grass. "Now... let's teach ya a bit about honesty, alright?"

"...What would ya do if ya found 500 bits on the ground?"

"Take them," he said without any hesitation. Applejack shook her head.

"That's not a good idea. The one who dropped 'em might really need 'em for somethin'. Turn it into authorities or ask around if ponies dropped it. This is something called empathy."

Flim sighed. "I'm not too good with that, I'm afraid..."

Applejack shrugged. "Well, ya at least have some empathy ta feel bad about lyin' to ponies about bein' able ta talk to the dead. Empathy is puttin' yourself in other ponies' hooves. What if you were the one who dropped the bits? Would ya want someone to keep it for themselves, or turn it into authorities so you can get it back?"

Flim blinked. "Uh..."

Applejack smirked. "Exactly. Don't do to others what ya wouldn't want done to yourself." She looked up at the sky. "Ah would say it's about 2:30. Do ya want to continue, or have ya had enough for one day?"

Flim thought. "I dunno. I guess now would be a good time for my midday nap."

Applejack chuckled. "Alright. So... Ah'll see ya tomorrow?"

Flim nodded. "Yeah. Noon preferably."

Applejack nodded. "Ah'll see what Ah can do."

Applejack and Big Mac walked towards the east side of the farm, looking up at the trees. They were desperately trying to find wings or hear a chittering sound that might expose the bats.

"Are ya sure ya heard somethin' yesterday?" Big Mac asked.

Applejack nodded. "Positive."

Big Mac nodded and squinted, looking into the trees. He then took a step back.

"...Ah see one, Applejack," he said. Applejack creeped forward and peered up the tree, instantly spotting many vampire fruit bats resting on branches. Some saw her and hissed, while others ate apples. Applejack immediately started bucking the tree.

"Come on now! Shoo!" She yelled, causing the bats to fly away... though, sadly, they traveled to another tree only about thirty feet away and took shelter in there. Applejack let out a loud groan.

"Cider season is in a week! We're not gonna have enough apples ta make enough cider unless we can get these varmits outta here!"

Big Mac inspected the tree, seeing how the apples hanging from the branches were all eaten and dark. "We need ta find some way to get rid of 'em again. How did y'all do it last time?"

Applejack thought. "Well, we tried to use Fluttershy's stare. Twilight tried castin' a spell on the apples to deter the bats but failed, turnin' Flutters into one instead. This time, we'll probably have more luck usin' the stare."

Big Mac nodded. "Bring 'er over tomorrow."

"Alright. Let's just hope there's still some apples alive tomorrow..."

Bats and Next Meeting

"Oh, no! I'll be over this evening when they come out, I promise," Fluttershy said. Applejack nodded.

"Alright. Are ya sure the stare'll work on 'em?"

Fluttershy nodded. "I know it will. It did technically work last time."

Applejack smiled. "Well, that's a relief. We just have ta get 'em all out tonight before more apples are lost. Cider season is next week, after all."

Fluttershy's ears perked. "Oh, right! Well, I give my word that I will work as hard as I can to move them."

"And Ah promise ta help ya out as much as Ah can. So... see ya at five?"

Fluttershy nodded, smiling. "See you then," she replied, shutting the door. Applejack then hurried home, trying to get everything done fast so she could meet up with Flim on time.

When she got to the farm, she quickly ran inside, seeing Big Mac eating a daisy sandwich.

"Fluttershy'll be over at five," she said, starting to make the two zap apple sandwiches. Big Mac nodded.

"Alright. Hopefully this'll work."

Applejack nodded. "Yeah. She's certain it will." Applejack quickly threw everything in one lunch sack before going to the door. "Ah'm goin' out!"

Mac nodded. "Alright. Make sure y'all are home by five."

Applejack gave her brother a smile. "Yup! See ya!"

"Bye!"

With that, Applejack shut the door, trotting towards the woods. She held a bit of excitement for what today would bring. Yesterday, she admittedly had fun teaching Flim honesty. She just loved being a mentor, really. The thought itself filled her with pride. He thought she would be a great teacher, and he doesn't even like her! Applejack's ego swelled as she thought, puffing her chest out as she walked down the pathway. She eventually made it into the woods, stepping over branches and into the clearing. As she expected, Flim was leaning against a tree, smiling.

"Ah, look who it is! And only ten minutes late!"

Applejack put the lunch sack down and raised a brow. "How do y'all even know what time it is?"

Flim pointed at the sky. "I use the sun."

Applejack looked up, but turned her eyes away after a few seconds. "You've got ta have cataracts by now."

Flim shrugged. "Well, I don't currently. Future me's problem, heh?"

Applejack rolled her eyes. "Y'all are way too optimistic 'bout pain in your future." She took out Flim's lunch from the bag and gave it to him. "Here ya go."

Flim gave her a smile which seemed sincere. "Thanks. I've been craving one of these sandwiches all morning."

Applejack smiled as well. "Well, Ah'll take that as a compliment!" She replied, getting comfortable on the ground. "So... let's pick up where we left off yesterday."

Flim took a large bite of his sandwich, swallowing. "Okay."

Applejack thought for a moment before her ears perked. "Alright. Let's have a little honesty exercise, shall we?"

Flim nodded. "Sure."

"Well, let's say y'all were gettin' a job, and they asked ya about y'all's weaknesses. Now, in job interviews, ya have to answer everythin' with honesty. So, y'all would admit what ya don't do well."

Flim raised a brow. "Uh... aren't you supposed to tell them why they should hire you instead of why they should reject you?"

Applejack nodded her head. "Ya are, but here's the deal: you admit your weaknesses, and then go into detail 'bout how y'all will better yourself by working on the job. For example, say ya have a weakness in... honesty."

Flim chuckled. "I don't appreciate being called out like that, AJ," he said, an obvious teasing tone creeping into his voice. Applejack rolled her eyes.

"What? It's true. Anyways, y'all say you're not too good with honesty-"

"Wait a second, wouldn't that be like a paradox?" Flim interrupted. Applejack raised a brow.

"Huh?"

"Well, I mean, by admitting that you're not too good with honesty, you are contradicting yourself because you are being honest to admit that."

Applejack blinked. "Uh... that's... true. Um... okay, let's say... hypothetically, y'all struggle with dealin' with other ponies."

Flim's ears flopped. "That's pretty true."

Applejack tilted her head. "Really? Y'all always promoted yourself when you were with Flam-" she stopped for a second, "Ah, sorry ta bring that up."

Flim waved a hoof. "No, don't worry about it. I'm okay. And that all was an act. I actually have severe social anxiety, but my brother helped with that a lot by always being by my side. Also, I am surprisingly a very good actor. I don't know why. So, I was able to cover it up pretty easily."

Applejacks eyes widened. "Oh! Ah'm terribly sorry ta hear."

"Oh, it's okay. I'm okay. That's just the main reason I don't want any others knowing I'm here. I would get... really anxious dealing with them."

Applejack nodded. "That's understandable. Ah promise Ah won't tell anyone you're here."

Flim gave her a sincere smile. "Thank you, Applejack."

Applejack smiled. "No problem. Now, should Ah continue?"

Flim nodded, leaning back against a tree. "Hit it."

"So... y'all admit you're not too good with dealin' with other ponies. But, however, ya say that y'all will work your hardest to improve this skill while workin' with this company. Trust me, companies love honesty. That's why it's such a crucial skill to learn."

Flim nodded. "That makes sense. And that's why I wanted to learn it. I knew companies really value honesty. No one wants a liar on their team, really."

Applejack nodded. "Exactly! Now, here's another exercise..."

At exactly five o' clock, a knock came from the door. Applejack answered it, smiling at the pegasus standing outside.

"Fluttershy! Oh, are we glad ta see ya!" Come on, Mac's already checkin' out the trees for the bats."

The two walked over to the east side of the orchard, easily spotting Big Mac trying to sneak around the trees. Applejack quickened her pace.

"Mac! Fluttershy's here!"

Big Mac turned and gave Fluttershy a friendly smile. "Eeyup."

Fluttershy smiled. "Hello. Have you spotted any bats?"

Big Mac shook his head. "Not yet. Maybe y'all will have more luck."

Fluttershy hovered into the air. "I'll see what I can do."

She flew from tree to tree, carefully checking in the leaves and branches. Soon enough, she moved her hoof, signaling the two towards her.

"Hey! I found some!" She whispered. Applejack raised a brow.

"How many?" She asked. Fluttershy counted.

"Um... probably about five in this tree."

Applejack groaned. "How are ya gonna do the stare on all of 'em at once? That's impossible! Y'all are gonna be out 'ere all night!"

Fluttershy shook her head, smirking. "Nope. I have a handy little bat whistle," she said, showing the whistle that had been around her neck. Applejack blinked.

"Oh. That's what the whistle is for," she realized, earning a nod from Fluttershy.

"Yep. This will cause all the bats to flock over to this tree in a matter of seconds. Just watch."

Fluttershy put her lips to the whistle, blowing into it. Sure enough, in a few seconds, bats were already flying out of the trees they were resting in to come to the call. Fluttershy smiled as she saw them coming closer, fighting the urge to hold and hug all of them. Instead she flew in front of them all, sensing all of their eyes resting on her. She took a breath before opening her eyes, putting as much energy as possible into the stare. The bats were frozen, and Fluttershy took the opportunity.

"Now, you all will fly somewhere outside of Ponyville to live. This is not your orchard. Applejack already has enough of you in the sanctuary. Is this clear?"

The bats all chittered, which Fluttershy could tell was a "yes". She then closed her eyes, stopping the stare. As the bats were broken from their trance, they immediately took off into the sky, chittering away as they flew over the Everfree Forest, disappearing from sight. Meanwhile, Applejack and Big Mac were staring at her, wide-eyed.

"Wow. That's talent," Applejack said, chuckling. Big Mac nodded.

"Eeyup."

Fluttershy blushed and looked to the ground. "Oh, you guys..."

Applejack ran up and hugged her. "Thank you! Ya saved the farm! Now, cider season won't be a total disaster!"

Fluttershy reciprocated the hug. "You're welcome. I just hope that will be enough to scare them away."

Applejack drew apart and nodded. "Oh, it will. They looked absolutely terrified."

Fluttershy smiled. "Well, alright. I don't like scaring the little guys, but if it will get them out of the farm, then that is what I have to do."

Applejack nodded. "Ah greatly appreciate it, Flutters. Do ya want to come in for dinner? You've definitely earned it," she said with a chuckle. Big Mac nodded his head to that statement.

Fluttershy smiled. "Oh... sure thing!"

Applejack smiled as well. "Great! Mac and I will be gettin' these apples ready ta be squeezed tomorrow. We have a big cider season comin' up, after all!"

With that, the three walked inside, Applejack feeling on top of the world. Maybe cider season won't be a disaster after all.

Unsure

"See ya!" Applebloom called, swinging her saddlebag onto her back. Applejack squeezed another apple into cider and waved.

"See ya! Good luck on your test!"

Applebloom nodded. "Thanks!" She replied before shutting the door, making her way to school. Applejack tossed the squeezed apple to the trash, looking at the inside of the barrel. "Wow... Ah thought for sure Ah had squeezed more cider than that..." She commented, lowering her head inside.

Big Mac squeezed as much cider as he could out of an apple before tossing it aside. "Yeah, Ah get what ya mean. Maybe we just grabbed some bad apples."

Applejack shrugged. "Maybe. Ah'm a bit worried, Mac."

Big Mac finished squeezing another apple. "Don't be. We already have a lot of barrels in the barn. Ah wouldn't worry a bit."

Applejack's shoulders sagged. "Sure, we have a lot, but not enough. If we don't have anymore good apples in the orchard... we're gonna disappoint a lot of ponies, Mac. Y'all know how long that line gets."

Big Mac sighed. "Applejack, don't think like that. Try ta stay positive. Ah'm sure we'll be fine. If not, it's not our fault. We can't control bats, especially vampire fruit bats."

Applejack nodded. "Alright. Ah'll go out and buck some more apples."

Mac nodded. "Alright, ya do that. Also, is Granny still nappin' or do ya think she can help me?"

"Huh?" Granny called from the other room. Applejack chuckled.

"She's awake. Ah'll be back in a few with a whole new batch of apples."

"Eeyup. Good luck, it's hot out there today."

Applejack poured her strength into thrusting out her legs, causing the many apples in the tree to fall into the bucket. As she watched them fall, she wiped the sweat off of her brow.

"Whoo! It is mighty hot!" She said to herself, carrying the apples on her back. She brought the now full baskets inside, placing them by Mac and Granny.

"Ah'll help with these as well," she said, walking to the third cider squeezer. She quickly grabbed an apple and put it on, waiting for rivers of cider to pour into the barrel...

To her dismay, only a few drops came out.

"Huh?" She exclaimed, throwing the apple to the side. She picked up the next one in the basket, feeling it. It seemed to be very soft. She tried to squeeze it, once again only getting a few drops out.

"Are y'all seein' what I'm seein'?"

Granny nodded, throwing a soft apple away. "Yeah. Ah say ya stay away from whatever area of the farm ya got these from."

Applejack nodded. "Yeah. Ah'm all tuckered out now, but Ah'll get some more apples later today."

Big Mac looked over. "Ah can go buck some."

"Alright. Now, Ah'll make some lunch and am gonna eat outside somewhere."

Granny looked over. "Why outside? Ah'm plannin' on stayin' in the air conditioning all day!"

Applejack's eyes darted as she started making zap apple sandwiches. "Well... Ah'm stressed, and spending time in the shade will help with that."

Granny nodded. "Ah, okay. Ya youngsters still surprise me, wanting to go out in that heat."

Applejack giggled. "Yes, Granny," she replied, making her way to the door. "Ah'll be back soon!"

"Bye!" The two chorused, Applejack closing the door and trotting away. She quickly made her way towards the woods, smiling as she walked into the shade from the trees. As she entered the clearing, she saw Flim sitting there, fiddling with his hooves. He looked up and smiled.

"Ah, look who's finally here!" He said, levitating the lunch sack over to him. Applejack rolled her eyes as she sat down.

"Well, somepony's impatient."

Flim's ears flicked as he levitated a sandwich to his muzzle. "What? This is basically all I eat! Well, except for the few berries around here, but that's not much."

Applejack blinked. "Ah, right. Sorry."

Flim waved a hoof. "It's okay. I'm quite used to it by now, actually." He then scanned her face. "You don't look so good."

Applejack snorted. "Thanks fer pointin' that out, Mr. Obvious."

Flim raised a brow. "Is there something wrong? I mean, I'm not the best with giving advice or anything, but I should at least listen."

Applejack's ears flicked. "Oh. Well... Ah'll start out by saying you're really learning good friendship values."

Flim rolled his eyes. "AJ, I didn't just now learn this. I had to help my brother through a lot. He had a lot of problems, let me tell you."

"Well... alright. But that's still a good quality ta have." Applejack sighed. "Anyway... Ah'm just nervous, is all."

"And why is that?"

Applejack's glance wandered. "Well... Every year, Ah... wait a second, y'all already know about cider season."

Flim snorted. "Yes, yes, we do."

"Anyways... Ah feel like we're gonna have a shortage this year. And not like normal, since there's never been a year we've had extra cider. Vampire fruit bats attacked the farm, and we just got 'em out. The apples are barely showin' any drops. Flim, if we don't make a good amount of cider... we're gonna lose customers. We're gonna lose trust. Ah don't... Ah don't want to disappoint any more ponies than I normally do."

Flim blinked. "...Oh. Well, you can't control that, so certainly they'll understand?"

"Ah dunno. We don't have too much time, either."

"When is it?"

"Next week."

Flim thought. "Well, if the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6,000 hadn't been destroyed, I would totally let you use that."

Applejack chuckled. "Yeah, no thank you. We're known for getting apples the traditional earth pony way."

Flim waved a hoof. "Whatever. Anyways, I don't know what to do. I'm sorry, but it's kinda hard to grow more good apples in the span of a week."

Applejack nodded. "Ah know. Ah'm just... stressed, is all."

"Do you still think you'll be able to teach me?" He asked. Applejack blinked.

"Well... Ah'm pretty sure. But... can we talk for a few minutes before? Sorry, Ah need ta get my mind off this."

Flim nodded. "Sure thing. What about?"

"I dunno. Whatever, really."

Flim thought. "Well, besides being hungry and napping in here, I have nothing." He smiled. "Wait, I do, actually."

"What is it?"

Flim chuckled. "Well, earlier today, there were these colts that were walking through the woods. I hid, not wanting to see anyone. They walked further down and ran right into some spider webs. In an instant, they started screaming and ran away, hitting themselves and running into trees and bushes. It was one of the funniest things I've seen in a while, actually."

Applejack chuckled. "Oh, man! Y'all should see Big Mac around spiders! He will not do his work if there's one on his plow." She started to laugh again. "Oh, one time, we had to call Fluttershy over to help shoo a family of spiders away! Mac was just hidin' in a corner and Ah was laughing my flank off!"

Flim chuckled. "I would not expect that, honestly." He smiled and looked down to her. "So... to keep the conversation going, why don't you tell me a little about your farm?"

Applejack smiled. "Well... it's mah pride and joy. Ah've worked there since Ah was a filly, and... oh, first, Ah should tell ya how Ah got my cutie mark..."

Applejack arrived home a few hours later, the hot sun still on her back. Big Mac saw her approaching, glaring at her. Applejack smiled.

"Hey, Mac!"

Big Mac grunted. "Where were ya? Y'all said ya were just eatin' lunch."

Applejack's eyes widened. "Well, Ah did eat lunch! Ah hung out with some friends, too. Ah just lost track of time."

Mac's glare didn't leave his eyes. "Alright. Next time, be back promptly. Ah had to do extra work today because y'all weren't here." He grabbed a basket of apples and started to walk inside. Applejack caught up to him.

"Ah'm sorry, Mac. Ah will. Anyways, have y'all found any good apples?"

Mac grunted again. "Not many. Ah'm startin' to get a bit concerned."

Applejack's ears flicked. "Did ya get them from the side of the orchard we didn't find the fruit bats?"

Mac nodded. "Yeah. That's why Ah'm concerned."

Applejack blinked. "Yeah. That is concerning."

Applejack crawled into bed after doing Mac's share of the barnyard chores to make up for her absence earlier. Now, she was undoubtedly tired, and started to shut her eyes. As she was, she couldn't help but think of Flim. He seemed like such a good friend, and she knew he was going to do well when getting a job. That thought filled her with pride; her pupil will succeed!

She soon drifted off to sleep, a smile on her face. I'm gonna have to teach ponies friendship more often... She thought to herself.

Cider Season

As the days went by, the Apples quickly realized that they had the worst shortage of cider in, well, probably forever. Flim helped Applejack de-stress by having more casual conversation between friendship work, but it only could do so much for the mare.

The mare in question was currently pacing around the barn, counting the barrels of cider over and over again.

"Twenty?! We only have twenty?! Mac, have we gone to every tree and bucked all the apples in the orchard?!"

Mac looked up at the barrels, counting them as well. The stack seemed about only half the size as it has been in past years. He sighed.

"Applejack, we need ta save some apples for our other apple treats. We can't let down those who regularly buy our treats."

Applejack turned to him, her eyes bloodshot. "Mac, we're already gonna disappoint a bunch of ponies!" She looked outside, seeing the line growing outside the orchard. She groaned. "Ah'll have ta make an announcement to the line so they won't be surprised when we run out."

Big Mac nodded. "That's a good idea. Actually, Ah'll do it. Y'all should be at the stand."

Applejack's ears flopped. "Okay... should we get this all loaded?"

Mac nodded again, walking towards the small cart. "Eeyup."

Reluctantly, the two loaded the cider into the cart, which all stacked up easily. At this moment, Apple Bloom walked in.

"Should Ah help with the stand?"

Applejack shook her head. "Not this year, Bloom. Ya need ta help Granny make pies."

Apple Bloom tilted her head. "Why?"

"'Cause we're gonna have to give these ponies somethin' to make up for the cider they won't get. Hurry along, now." To that, Apple Bloom nodded and ran out of the barn. Mac looked back to her.

"AJ, don't get this paranoid. They'll understand."

Applejack's eyes widened as her ears flattened. "Mac, have you even-" Mac threw a hoof to his sister's mouth, silencing her.

"AJ, Ah'm sorry, but Ah don't wanna hear all this negativity. We're gonna make the best of our situation instead of mopin' over it. Got it?"

Applejack nodded as Big Mac took his hoof off. "Sure."

He nodded as he got in the harness, pulling the cart along. Applejack sighed as she walked behind him, feeling sick. She could already tell today was going to be a disaster.

Many ponies had gotten out of line after Mac made an announcement to the line, but there were a bunch of new ponies that were just arriving after the announcement was made. It would be impossible to tell everyone about the shortage with all the newcomers.

Meanwhile, Applejack looked at Rainbow Dash's cheerful face and sighed. "Cider season has officially begun," she said in a monotone voice. Dash's reaction was the exact opposite.

"Yessssss!" She yelled, hoof-pumping and pointing at Pinkie Pie, who was in line behind her. "In your face, Pinkie Pie! I get the first mug of cider this year!" She said, sticking her tongue out.

Pinkie giggled. "Well, you did camp out here for about a week to beat me. I'll have to raise the stakes next year!"

Dash waved a hoof. "Whatever. Time for my cider!" She said, slamming her hooves on the counter. "I'll take two mugs, please!"

Applejack bit her lip. "Uh, sorry, RD, but only one mug per pony."

Dash put her hooves to her head in shock. "What?! Why?!"

Applejack raised a brow. "Ah told y'all about the shortage. We need ta save as much as possible."

Dash groaned. "Fine. One mug is better than none, I guess," she said, holding out her hoof. Applejack filled the mug, handing it to her. She smiled as she received it, her mood doing a 180. "Thanks!"

Applejack nodded. "No problem!"

Pinkie bounced up next. "Give me some cider, Applejack!"

Applejack poured some into Pinkie's mug and gave it to her. "Enjoy!"

Pinkie drank it in one gulp, licking her lips. "Oh, thank you! That was so good! Also, where have you been?"

Applejack tilted her head. "What do ya mean? It's not the time for small talk, Pinkie."

Pinkie put her hooves on the table. "No, this is important! I barely see you anymore!"

Applejack's eyes widened. "Oh! Well, Ah've been working extra hard on the farm. Ah'm sorry."

Pinkie blinked. "Okay, then! I thought you might have been hiding something from us!"

Applejack gulped. "Yeah..."

"Well, anyways, we need to totally have a sleepover tomorrow!"

Applejack's ears perked. "Oh, yeah! That sounds like fun!"

Pinkie shot confetti out of her mane, some of it hitting the already annoyed mare behind her. "Woohoo! I'll go tell everyone!" She said before bouncing away. Applejack chuckled for a second before turning to the mare in line.

"Sorry about that," she said, pouring a mug of cider. As she did, she looked at the line behind the mare.

Is it just me, or is that line longer than normal?

As Applejack was trying to get cider for a hopeful mare, dread fell upon her. She only filled the cup halfway before she ran completely out of cider. Her heart plummeted as she gave the mare the mug, looking to the ground.

"Sorry... but we're out. This is all we can give ya," she said. The mare sighed of relief.

"Well, at least I got some," she said, leaving the line. Everyone behind her was instantly struck with a look of sadness. Applejack jumped on the top of the stand, her heart pounding.

"Ah'm sorry, everyone, but we're all out of cider. We have apple pies in the barn to make up for it if you-"

"Aww, come on!" A mare a few feet away yelled. Everyone instantly erupted into yells and chatter.

"I've been standing for an hour and a half!"

"You should have tried harder!"

"I thought Sweet Apple Acres was reliable!"

Applejack fought the urge to pull her hat over her head. "Ah'm sorry, everypony!"

"You just lost a lot of business!" Someone else yelled. Applejack couldn't look anyone in the eye.

"Ah'm sorry! Ah can't help the shortage..."

This only sparked more outrage, and Applejack couldn't take it. She pulled her hat over her face and ran away from the orchard, past the line and towards a place only she knew. A certain clearing in the woods where she could be by herself.

She felt horrible for leaving like she did, but couldn't take any of it. All the stressors and paranoia she had all seemed to come true.

As she bolted into the woods, she didn't care about how many spider webs she ran into or how many sticks she stepped on. She just had one destination: get to that clearing. No one would come looking for her there. She got into the clearing, immediately laying down and letting the tears fall. For once, Applejack couldn't hold it all in. The past week had been too stressful to her, and everything just built up.

"...Applejack?"

Applejack's head shot up, her eyes meeting Flim's. How could I forget he stayed here?

"Uh..." Applejack whimpered, turning her head. She felt absolutely pathetic. Her pupil was witnessing her break down because she can't handle a few rude comments.

Applejack felt him sit next to her. "What's wrong?" He asked. Applejack kept her face away from him, still whimpering. She soon calmed down, taking a few deep breaths.

"R-remember how Ah told ya about-about the shor-shortage?"

Flim nodded. "Yeah."

Applejack sighed. "Well... there was bare-barely any c-cider, and ev-everyone got mad a-at me. Ah've just... Ah've been s-so stressed and y-you take this and... Ah just can't take it."

Flim stayed silent for a moment. "Applejack... there's not much I can do to help. But... would a magic massage help?

"W-what's that?"

"Here, I'll show you," he said, activating his horn and casting an aura around her back. The magic seemed to give her back a massage, letting her relax a little.

"...Thanks."

"No problem. My brother and I would always do this to ourselves when we were stressed."

Applejack smiled. "W-well, it feels real nice," she said, drying her tears and sniffling. "It's calmin'."

Flim nodded. "It is. It took me a while to get it as good as it is, but I finally got better with enough practice."

Applejack completely sprawled out, letting the magic overtake her legs. "Thanks again. Now that Ah'm relaxed, maybe Ah can quit bein' such a baby."

Flim raised a brow. "Applejack, those words go against things you've taught me so far."

Applejack finally looked up at him, his comforting glance making her feel warm inside. "Huh?"

He nodded. "Yes. You told me that it's okay to have your downtimes, and you wouldn't be a pony without them. You told me that the other day. And now, you're beating yourself up for crying over something that's been really bugging you."

Applejack blinked a few times. "...Huh. Well, thanks for puttin' it in perspective. Ah never realized that," she said, taking relaxed breaths. "So... Ah'm not overreactin'?"

Flim shook his head. "You're not. High expectations can be hard to make. I completely understand everything you're going through."

Applejack smiled. "Thanks for that. Thanks for puttin' up with me in general, Flim."

"You're welcome. It's the least I could do."

Applejack nodded, looking away. "You're... you're really an amazing friend," she said softly, looking towards him.

"I... am?"

Applejack nodded. "Yeah. You're exhibiting perfect friendship right now. Ah think... y'all can go get a job."

Flim smiled. "Really?"

Applejack nodded. "Yeah. Well, Ah may have one last thing ta teach ya first."

Flim nodded. "Alright. You can show me tomorrow, since you're not in a good shape today."

Applejack shook her head. "Ah can't. Ah'm sleepin' over with mah friends tomorrow."

"Alright. I'll wait till the day after, then."

"But... why? Ah can teach ya right now."

Flim shook his head. "No, don't. Trust me when I say that you need rest. I've been in your situation a thousand times before, and a good nap has always helped me. Plus, I'm fine with waiting. I like these woods."

Applejack nodded. "Alright. As long as you're okay with waitin'."

Flim nodded. "I am, don't worry about it. Get rest," he said, stopping the massage. She pouted.

"Ah wish Ah was a unicorn just so Ah could do that to myself," she said, standing up. He stood up as well.

"Yeah, it is really nice. So... see ya in a few days?"

Applejack met his eyes and her stomach fluttered for a second. "Uh... yeah. See ya," she said, turning and waving. As she left the woods, confusion struck her.

Why did I run here? My brain told me I wanted alone time, but I know for a fact Flim's always here. Did I just... want to see him? Why would I want to see him instead of my best friends? I've only known the true him for about a week! I just now consider him a friend!

Applejack picked up the pace, looking back at the woods one last time. She couldn't help but want to go back in.

Must be the massage... I think...

Sleepover and Insomnia

After Applejack arrived back at the farm that night, she took Flim's advice and went right to sleep, ignoring everyone who was trying to talk to her as she walked to the house. She felt bad, but she didn't want anyone else to add onto her stress. She wanted to actually get a good night's sleep.

As she woke up the next morning to the rooster crowing, dread settled in her stomach. She would have to hear from her family how many customers they lost. Sighing, she got out of bed, walking over to the mirror and grabbing a hairbrush. She started brushing out the knots, stretching her back legs at the same time. As she did, she couldn't help but notice how nice her back was feeling today. It's typically stiff from all the apple bucking she does, but now, it was perfectly fine. Before Flim leaves, I'll have to ask him for another one of those...

After getting ready, she stepped downstairs, seeing Granny making breakfast. Applejack raised a brow.

"Granny? Why're y'all up so early?"

Granny smiled. "Oh, hey, AJ! Ah just thought Ah should make breakfast for ya. Y'all seemed stressed yesterday, and Ah had a feelin' ya wouldn't want ta make it yerself."

Applejack blinked, taking a seat. "Oh. Thanks, Granny." She looked around. "Where are Apple Bloom and Mac?"

Granny put a plate of pancakes on the table, the smell instantly grabbing Applejack's attention. "Bloom's at school, and Mac is in town for somethin'."

Applejack looked at the clock. "Wow. Ah came downstairs later than Ah thought."

Granny nodded. "Ya sure did." She sat down next to her granddaughter, taking a pancake and slowly eating it. Applejack did the same, though she ate at a much quicker speed. Applejack quickly cleared her plate, wiping off her lips.

"Thanks again, Granny! These were real good!"

Granny smiled. "No problem, dear."

"Also, Granny, can Ah have off today? My friends planned a sleepover for tonight."

Granny nodded her head. "Yup! Ah don't think any of us will be workin' today, honestly. We're dealin' with the public."

Applejack's ears flopped. "Oh. Y'all sure ya don't want me ta help?"

Granny shook her head. "No, we're fine, dear. We saw how y'all couldn't handle it yesterday."

Applejack felt a blush rise up her cheeks. "Uh... Ah was just... real stressed."

Granny nodded. "Ah know. Ah'm not tryin' to embarrass ya, 'cause we know the reason ya broke down was because of the stress. Give it a few days before dealin' with other ponies."

Applejack nodded. "Alright."

"So... when are ya leavin'?"

Applejack shrugged. "I dunno. Probably in a few hours."

Granny nodded. "Alright. In the meantime, can ya sweep the floors? My hip is killin' me."

Applejack nodded. "Sure thing, Granny."

Applejack left the orchard, her sleeping bag slung across her back. The sun basked on her face, and she was secretly glad she didn't have to work today. The heat would have been dreadful to work in.

She walked up to Twilight's castle, walking inside. Pinkie never told her when or where to meet, but she had a pretty good guess she was in the right place. And, sure enough, giggling was heard the second she walked in. She made her way to the throne room, seeing Twilight and Pinkie conversing, the two laughing about something. Applejack waved.

"Hey!" She greeted, setting her sleeping bag down. Pinkie gasped.

"Oh, hi! I thought you would be the last one to show up!"

Applejack shook her head, sitting on her throne. "Nope. Ah didn't have ta work today. But, anyway, y'all never gave me the location or time of this here party."

Pinkie shrugged. "I tried to tell you last night when I saw you running back from somewhere! You ran into your house before I could say anything!"

Applejack blinked. "Oh. Ah'm sorry. Ah just needed rest."

Twilight nodded. "That's understandable. We saw how you ran away beforehand."

Applejack looked to the ground. "Uh... yeah. Ah was under too much stress."

Pinkie jumped over to her and threw a hoof around her. "And it's okay to run and cry! You have to let it all out somehow!"

Applejack smiled. "Yeah. Thanks, Pinkie."

"No problemo!" She said, bouncing up onto the cutie map.

"Pinkie, I would appreciate it if you don't sit on that. Spike just cleaned it," Twilight said. Pinkie jumped off.

"Alright, fine," she said, blowing a raspberry at Twilight and earning an eye roll from her.

Applejack looked around, raising an eyebrow. "Uh... where's Starlight?"

"She's in the Crystal Empire with Sunburst," Twilight said. Applejack nodded.

"Ah, alright."

"Hello, darlings!" Rarity called as she walked in, Fluttershy at her side.

"Hello," Fluttershy greeted. The two put their sleeping bags down, walking over to their thrones.

"Do any of you know where Dash is?" Pinkie asked. Fluttershy shook her head.

"No, we didn't see her. She should be here soon, though."

As if on cue, Dash flew into the room, dropping her sleeping bag in the pile and sitting in her throne. "I'm here! And... oh, come on! I'm the last one here!"

Pinkie giggled. "You sure are, Dashie!"

Dash rolled her eyes. "Whatever. And... Applejack! Where did ya run off to yesterday?"

Applejack's blush returned. "Ah ran into some woods. Ah needed some alone time."

Dash nodded. "Alright. Well, are you feeling better?"

Applejack nodded. "Yeah. Still a bit upset, but much better."

Rarity smiled. "Well, that's good to hear, darling. Though, I think we all should dedicate tonight to being so much fun that you forget all about what happened!"

Applejack smiled. "That'll be... nice. Thanks, y'all," she said, tipping her hat in respect. Pinkie giggled.

"Well, then, let's have fun!" She said, jumping off of her throne.

"Uh... why am I scared?" Dash asked. Less than a second later, she was shot with confetti.

The moon had risen well over a few hours ago, and the six were sitting in their sleeping bags, giggling.

"Oh, it was simply dreadful! I didn't know how to tell him!"

"It was just a hat, Rarity," Dash said, flicking her tail. Rarity got in her face.

"Oh, Rainbow Dash, it was more than a hat! His hat didn't coordinate with his vest! It was the most ugly color combination I've ever seen!" She said.

Twilight giggled. "So... did you tell him?"

Rarity shook her head, backing away from Dash. "Nope! I really should have, though. Who knows how many ponies were judging him for wearing a mismatched outfit?"

Applejack chuckled. "Now, Rarity, Ah don't think Ah'll ever understand yer fashion problems."

Rarity tossed her mane. "Well, you should, Applejack! A mismatched outfit is a crisis!"

Fluttershy yawned as Rarity finished her statement. "I don't know about you all, but I have to get to sleep."

Twilight nodded. "Me, too. Let's get some shut eye, everyone."

Dash rolled her eyes. "Alright, alright. Easy for you to say. You get to sleep on a bed!"

Twilight flattened her brow. "What? Do you want to share a bed or something?"

Dash shook her head, curling up in her sleeping bag. "Nope! I hate sharing beds with other ponies."

Twilight smirked. "That's what I thought."

Rarity giggled. "Alright. Good night, everypony!" She said, putting her eye cover on.

"Night!" They chorused. The six all got comfortable, Pinkie still giggling at something minutes after.

"What's so funny, darling?" Rarity asked, her voice tired. Pinkie calmed down.

"Oh, sorry. I was just thinking about something," she said. After that, it was quiet in the room. The only sound to be heard was the ticking of the clock.

Applejack lay her head on her pillow, snuggling up in the sleeping bag. She was quite tired, and couldn't wait to descend into a peaceful slumber.

...Though, it proved itself to be anything but easy.

Applejack kept tossing and turning, but none of it worked. She just couldn't fall asleep. Her thoughts were racing around. Thoughts of cider season. Thoughts of Flim. Thoughts of how Flim's leaving. Thoughts of sadness for that reason.

...Yeah, he was probably the only thing on her mind.

Applejack was quite proud of him; it seemed he really turned himself around by working with her and will soon be working a steady job, able to support his mom. The thought boosted Applejack's ego: she was a successful teacher. However, there was a certain sadness that hung there. She wouldn't be able to see him after this. Heck, she even was sad she didn't get to see him today...

...What?

Applejack's ears flattened. She's never viewed Flim as a best friend she wanted to see every day. She saw him as a student and her a mentor. Did she really like teaching that much?

She had already deducted that she views Flim as a good friend. He helped her through her problem with the cider season, and she couldn't deny it was nice to talk to him a bit. Though, he certainly wasn't a best friend by any means. After all, she had only known the real him for a short time. She was also still confused about her choice to run to the woods, the one place he always is. Did she really go there just to be alone?

Applejack kept turning from side to side, noticing how everyone else was asleep, unmoving. She was the only restless one.

She thought about how he comforted her yesterday. Her mind flashed to his comforting voice and light, green eyes. As she thought, her stomach instantly erupted into butterflies and she felt her face go hot. She instantly imagined staring into his eyes, both his and hers closing as their muzzles grew closer together and-

Applejack's eyes grew wide and her ears shot up. ...Oh no...

Applejack was up and getting ready before anyone else, not able to get much sleep at all. If she had to guess, she probably only got thirty minutes. After all, this was quite some development for her.

She had a crush.

She. Had. A. Crush.

It had been years since Applejack's last crush, and, of course, this little crush is directed at her student who was leaving Ponyville in a day.

Great. Just great.

Applejack sighed as she spit out the mouthwash in her mouth, looking at her reflection. She looked horrible, to be quite blunt. It definitely showed that she got very little sleep.

She stepped out of the bathroom, starting to walk towards the room. She knew the others will be getting ready soon, and they would want to talk. She wasn't in much of a mood to talk, but she could try her hardest.

As she walked in, it seemed as though Rarity was walking out. They came face to face with each other, and Rarity's eyes widened as she looked Applejack over.

"Applejack, darling, did you sleep at all last night?"

Applejack shook her head, blushing. "No. Ah'm still stressed from cider season."

Rarity's ears flopped. "Oh, darling, I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?"

Applejack shook her head, walking into the room. "Nah. Ah'll be fine soon."

Rarity nodded. "Okay. If you're sure."

Applejack nodded, prompting Rarity to make her way to the bathroom. Applejack sat on her sleeping bag, seeing that everyone else was still asleep.

Applejack looked out the window, sighing. Way to have a crush on someone who it'll never work out with...

Last Meeting

Applejack stepped out of the castle, blinking and shielding her eyes as she stepped into the morning sun. She was tired beyond belief, but knew she wouldn't be able to get to sleep. She wouldn't be able to currently work, either.

A truth washed over her: it was about noon. Flim was counting on her to bring lunch around this time. She wasn't sure if she wanted to go home, because then Mac would have something for her to do. So, she opted to go to a restaurant nearby and quickly pick something up.

She got plenty of peculiar looks for the reason that she was carrying a sleeping bag on her back and looks like she hadn't slept in two days, but she ignored everyone. She stepped into a café, walked up to the counter, and drowsily ordered two sandwiches. When they gave her the sandwiches, she had already forgotten what she ordered. She lumbered out, making her way to the woods.

As she walked in, she felt like she was about to collapse. Her heart started racing as she stepped into the clearing, looking around. Her stomach began to flutter as she looked for Flim, but she didn't see him anywhere.

Did he... already leave?

As tired as Applejack was, she could easily believe this is what happened. He wasn't where he normally is. Where else would he be?

She looked around again, opting to sit down and eat. She wasn't hungry for breakfast, which made Pinkie quite sad, but she couldn't force herself to eat at that time. Though, she knew she had to at least eat something today.

She started eating a sandwich, hoping to see him show up in the next minute. Her eyes started to close, but she fought to keep them open.

"Oh, there you are," a voice called above her. Applejack felt her heart race as she turned, seeing Flim jump down from a tree. He smiled, making butterflies go insane in her stomach.

...Oh Celestia, this is worse than I thought...

"You have something different today?" He asked, sitting next to her. Applejack gave him his sandwich and he looked at it, smelling it and smiling. "This actually looks and smells quite good. Thanks."

Applejack yawned. "N-no problem."

Flim got a better look at her, blinking. "Are you alright? You look-"

"Sleep deprived, Ah know," she said, slightly blushing. "Ah'm still kinda stressed from cider season." That wasn't a lie, and Applejack knew it. Though, that wasn't the reason she was kept up all night. And, for that reason, she fought the urge to cringe.

Flim nodded. "Aw, alright. Well, if you want to, you can just fall asleep here. I was about to do the same."

Applejack yawned again. "Uh... sure."

Flim smiled. "Alright. I'll finish this, and then we can sleep. Well, unless you want to go home."

Applejack shook her head. "Nah. Ah need to teach ya one last thing," she said, lowering her head. In a split second, she was asleep.

In what felt like only a second, she woke up from a nice rest. She was still tired, but not nearly as much as she was before.

She looked to her left, seeing Flim still asleep. She smiled as she saw him, her cheeks heating up. She couldn't believe how much of a crush she suddenly had on him.

She looked up to the sky, seeing that the sun had only moved a bit. She could deduct that she was only asleep for about an hour. She stood up, stretching. She immediately started doing pushups, waking her muscles up. The burn energized her brain, waking her up a bit more. I should have done this earlier...

After a minute, it seemed as though Flim had woken up as well. "What's the need for the workout?"

Applejack kept going. "Ah'm wakin' myself up," she said, continuing to work her muscles. Flim chuckled.

"Well, you are certainly better at that than me. I can only do about two before collapsing."

"Forty nine... fifty..." Applejack counted, stopping. She giggled. "Well, that's what exercise is for."

Flim rolled his eyes. "Nah. Sitting around and taking naps is a much more preferable option."

Applejack rolled her eyes back. "Whatever ya say, lazy bum."

"Yeah, yeah. But, anyways, what were you going to teach me?"

Applejack's ears twitched. "Oh, right! Ah was gonna help you become more confident."

Flim raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Well, I will admit that I'm not too good with that."

Applejack nodded. "Yeah. Well, anyways, y'all are gonna have ta be confident when askin' for a job. Be confident in yourself durin' the interview. So, for you, Ah've thought of the perfect way to phrase it."

Flim nodded. "Alright. Shoot."

Applejack shifted in her spot. "Well... ya were able ta sell your ideas as a conman real well. Not to bring that back, but ya really were good."

"Uh... that's party because my brother pushed me. I'm not naturally like that. I was determined to just to survive, really."

Applejack nodded. "Well then... imagine that if ya don't get a job, ya won't be able to go on. That this is your only shot. This technique should help ya give your job your all, and making sure the interview is as perfect as possible. Also, go through a fake interview to yourself. Speak out loud. Make sure you've already said what ya plan on sayin' before the interview. Wingin' it is horrible."

Flim snorted. "Well, really, what do I say about myself? That I was a conman for years that lied to ponies and almost ran your farm out of business? Yeah, that'll go over well."

Applejack shook her head. "Flim, your past isn't you anymore. You've changed. Ah see it. You're dedicated and, Ah never thought Ah would say it, honest. Y'all are honest about yer past and realize what ya did was wrong, and want ta do everythin' in yer power to change it. Honestly, as a pony, that makes ya very intelligent. Ah've met very few that can admit ta doin' wrong, and Ah never expected you to admit something like that, or at least the Flim Ah thought Ah knew. You really have a lot goin' for ya. Not to mention you've been an amazin' close friend to me."

Flim blinked, his eyes widening. "Wait... you consider me a... close friend?"

Applejack nodded. "Yeah. How you've helped me through the whole cider season thing... it means a whole lot to me. Many ponies would just brush off my problems if they were there when Ah was dealin' with them. Y'all aren't like that."

"Well... I'm sure your other friends aren't like that, either."

Applejack shook her head. "They're not, but that's part of the reason they're such good friends to me. Ah view ya the same way."

Flim nodded. "Huh. But-"

"Nope. Y'all just don't want to admit you're a good pony."

"But I-"

"Flim, these past few weeks Ah've been tellin' ya that yer past does not define who ya are. Y'all have admitted ya did wrong. Don't keep draggin' yourself down like that."

Flim tried to speak, but couldn't find the words. He sighed. "Alright... I guess you win."

Applejack smiled. "What? Are ya finally realizin' how good of a pony ya are?"

Flim groaned. "Oh, I'm just so bad with compliments."

Applejack chuckled. "Me, too. But, now that y'all are finally acceptin' it... Ah'll take this week and a half as a success."

Flim's ear flicked. "Well, we won't know unless I get a job, right?"

Applejack shook her head. "Nah. It's a success 'cause y'all actually like yourself and accept that you have changed. After that, ya feel more confident, and the job is practically a given."

"You think so?"

Applejack nodded. "Yeah. If my family didn't hate yer guts, Ah would totally employ ya on the farm."

Flim snorted. "Yeah, I don't think they would like me there. But, anyways... you've been a great friend too, Applejack."

Applejack felt warm and fluffy. "Oh?"

Flim nodded. "Yeah. I haven't had an actual friend in... practically forever. With you, I've been able to talk about myself and trust you. We've been able to have fun. You've just been so nice and accepting, and honestly... I really thank you for that. I'm going to be keeping in touch with you for a while, if you're alright with that."

Applejack nodded. "Well, if ya didn't want ta keep in touch with me, Ah would force ya too! Ah need ta know how y'all are doin'!"

Flim smiled. "Yeah. I'll make sure to tell you, don't worry about that."

"That's good."

"Yeah." He looked to the ground before looking back up at her. "You have probably been the best teacher I could have asked for, Applejack. You've been so determined to see me succeed and like myself... something I never thought I would be able to do. And I really can't thank you enough."

Applejack smiled warmly, butterflies exploding in her stomach. "Aww, thank ya! That honestly means a lot to me. Y'all have been a pretty great pupil, too."

Flim smiled. "Well, thank you. That means a lot to me, too."

Applejack sighed. "Ah can't believe y'all are already leavin'. Ah'll... Ah'll miss ya." Applejack's heart raced as she finished, looking up into his warm eyes.

Flim nodded. "I'll miss you, too. It's not everyday someone accepts me for who I am."

Applejack smiled. "Well then, we'll have ta visit each other often. Also, since it's a long way ta Baltimare, Ah'm payin' for yer train tickets whether ya like it or not. Ah don't want ya to have ta walk that long."

Flim smiled. "Oh, thank you. That would be nice."

Applejack smirked. "Ah'm happy you're acceptin' my offer. However, a train doesn't come until about eleven-thirty tomorrow mornin'."

Flim waved a hoof. "That's fine. We can do our last goodbyes then."

Applejack nodded. "Yeah! Ah'll bring some breakfast fer us."

Flim smiled. "Sounds good!"

Applejack stood up. "Alright! Well, Ah better be headin' back to the farm. Everyone'll be wonderin' where Ah am."

Flim nodded, standing up as well. "Alright. So... see ya tomorrow?"

Applejack nodded. "Yeah. See ya tomorrow," she said, hesitantly turning around and making her way out of the woods. She wanted to stay in there with him, talking to him, hearing his warm voice and gazing into his light eyes-

Applejack, stop! She ordered herself, trotting out and to her farm. As she made her way back, she knew one thing for sure: she wouldn't be able to focus on her work at all. Goodness, this crush is awful...

Applejack lay in her bed later that night, tossing and turning. The thought that Flim was leaving the next morning stressed her out. She would have to deal with this crush for a while until she finally got over him! She groaned as she placed a pillow over her head, pushing on her skull. She removed it, laying back down and sighing.

...Ah gotta tell him.

As much as she hated to admit, if she didn't tell him about her feelings, this would keep eating away at her. She groaned, flopping onto her other side.

...So that's a plan. Ah'll tell him before he leaves...

She thought it through, groaning again. What a way to send him off... hopefully he'll still want to be my friend after this...

Last Minute

Once again, Applejack didn't get much sleep. She got a few hours, but far less than what she actually needed. As she got ready, she felt her legs shaking. She had never told anyone she liked them before!

As she walked downstairs, she wasn't sure how easily she would be able to make breakfast. She was just so nervous that she would probably forget some important ingredient, and then Apple Bloom wouldn't be happy. She bit her lip and stepped over to Granny Smith, who was asleep on a chair in the other room.

"Um... Granny?" She asked, poking her. Granny's eyes snapped open.

"Ah! Ah'm awake!"

"Would ya mind makin' breakfast this mornin'? Ah wasn't able ta get much sleep last night."

Granny's ear twitched. "Again? Well, Ah suppose Ah could. Wouldn't want ya ta accidentally spill the food everywhere."

Applejack smiled. "Alright. Thanks, Granny."

Applejack flopped onto the couch, feeling her cheeks reddening. She couldn't stop thinking of Flim, and because of that, became extremely anxious. She sighed.

Oh boy...

After breakfast, Applejack got started on her chores, wanting to distract herself from Flim. She knew she had to meet him in about an hour or so, so she would pack breakfast then. As for now, she wanted to do whatever she could to prevent herself from leaving.

As she was bucking apples, something magically appeared in front of her face, causing her to yelp and back up. After she did, she saw that a letter was magically delivered to her. She picked it up off the ground, sensing Twilight's magical aura fading from it.

Impressive spell... She thought to herself, opening the letter.

Hey, Applejack! Pinkie apparently needs us for something, and it seems urgent! Please come to the castle as quickly as possible!

-Twilight

Applejack tilted her head. What can be so urgent? Well, she knew one thing: she wouldn't want to show up all anxious and flustered! She decided to continue bucking trees a bit more, finding herself still unable to not think about Flim.

After quite a few minutes, she realized it would be harder than she thought to completely get rid of her worries. She sighed before moving the apples into the barn. She knew she would be late now. She groaned, dumping them into a barrel before looking at the letter again. She dropped it, immediately bolting out of the barn.

As she ran, she still couldn't stop thinking of the possibilities of telling Flim. Will he break the friendship? Would he politely say he doesn't like her back? Would he actually like her?

No... that's impossible... Applejack thought to herself, picking up her pace as she ran towards Twilight's castle. She ran inside, throwing open the doors to the throne room, where she assumed everyone was. As she did, she caught everyone's eyes on her. She looked between everyone, finding herself nervously chuckling.

"Uh... hey, everypony! Sorry Ah'm late. Ah had a lot to do at the farm," she said, walking over to her seat. She could physically feel her cheeks about to burn off. Rainbow Dash looked over to her, raising an eyebrow.

"You've 'had a lot to do at the farm' a lot recently," she said, leaning forward. Applejack's face burned more as her pupils shrunk.

"Uh..." She couldn't say anything else. She would feel bad for lying, but would also not want to break Flim's trust!

Rarity stopped her before she could say more. "And why are you so red, darling?" She asked, blinking.

Applejack looked to the ground, her heart racing and warning signals going off in her brain. "Ah... always get flustered when it's hot outside," she said, impressed she could come up with something that quickly. Well, it wasn't exactly a lie. That realization made her feel better.

Rainbow nodded her head. "Uh-huh. Then how come-"

"Girls!" Twilight interrupted, silencing Dash and earning an internal sigh of relief from Applejack. "Let's not argue and focus on Pinkie Pie. It seems like she's been wanting to tell us something."

Rainbow leaned back in her seat, seeming to have dropped it, which lifted a weight off of Applejack. "Alright. What's up, Pinks?"

Pinkie looked between everyone, lifting her head up high.

"Later today, I'm using the Choosing Stone."

Applejack's eyes widened as Rarity gasped. Pinkie was finding her soulmate? Today?! Everyone else seemed to be taking this all in as Applejakc looked around, everyone in the group now silent. Applejack stood up from her seat, smiling.

"Wow, that's great, Pinkie! Ah hope your search is easy!" She said, running around the table to hug Pinkie. Pinkie returned the hug.

"Aww, thanks, Applejack! It'll be great!" She replied, Applejack breaking from the hug. Now, Applejack could only think of one thing: she had to go. She was already awkward enough and had already signed Pinkie off. Any more time spent here, she would certainly spill something!

She started to back up towards the door, hoping no one would notice. She would soon make a run for it, disappearing from the castle.

"Applejack, darling, where are you going? You can't just leave this soon!" Rarity said.

Applejack froze, her face heating up. Drat! "Uh... back to the farm. To work."

Pinkie giggled. "Silly, Applejack! I'm not gonna let you leave without a group hug!" She said. In an instant, Applejack felt herself wrapped up in a tight group hug from Pinkie.

Rainbow squirmed. "Pinkie... can't... breathe!"

Pinkie let go of everyone, letting Dash catch her breath. She smiled.

"I would love to stay and chat some more, but I have to get going. My parents are expecting me!"

Twilight smiled. "Well, good luck, Pinkie. Remember to write to us!"

"And include every detail~!" Rarity chimed in, her eyes sparkling.

Pinkie giggled. "Sure thing! I'll make sure to give you daily updates!"

Fluttershy smiled. "I look forward to reading them. I'm so happy for you, Pinkie."

"Thanks, Flutters. Now..." Pinkie looked at her wrist like she had a wristwatch, "I gotta go!"

"Bye!" The five chorused. Pinkie seemed to not have heard them, however, because she had already bolted out the door. Silence filled the room, everyone smiling. However, Applejack found that hers left her face as soon as thoughts of Flim invaded her thoughts. Not wanting to be stuck in an awkward situation, she started to walk towards the door, taking a breath. She found herself suddenly stopped by some force, scared before she realized there was a familiar blue aura around her.

"Wherever are you going, darling? We can still hang out!" Rarity said. The tone of her voice practically screamed that she wanted to know something else, and Applejack was not about to give her that satisfaction.

Applejack felt her face heat up again. "Uh... Ah already told ya! Ah'm headin' back to the farm!" She replied, running out of the castle as fast as she could. She didn't want to leave her friends like that, but she knew that's what she had to do. As she ran into the morning sun, sweat started to trickle down her face. She was originally intending to go back to the farm, but now she knew what she had to do:

She had to go to Flim to tell him. She had already become anxious enough, and waiting would just make it worse.

She took a left, running to the woods as fast as she could. She couldn't process much except the steady beat of her hooves along the dirt ground. As she delved into the dark woods, she jumped over twigs and made her way to the clearing, stopping and catching her breath when she reached it. Sweating and breathing heavily, she looked around, seeing Flim descend from a tree.

"Hey there, Applejack... are you okay?"

Applejack blushed, looking down to her hooves. Her heart started racing. Goodness, this was nerve wracking. She gulped.

"Um..."

"There's obviously something wrong. What is it?" He asked. "Cider season?"

Applejack shook her head. "N-nah. Ah've kinda gotten over cider season."

"Well, that's good," Flim replied. "So... what is it? I can help you. You've done so much for me."

Applejack barely met his eyes before blushing madly. "Um... Ah have to tell ya somethin'," she said, her voice cracking. Flim nodded.

"Alright. Shoot."

Applejack took a breath, her words coming out as fast as lightning. "Over these past few weeks Ah've fallen for you! It's been keepin' me up for the past few nights and Ah had to tell ya! Ah like ya! A lot!" She finished, her voice on the verge of a yell. She looked down to the ground, contemplating running away again.

"...Applejack? You... really like me like that?"

Applejack couldn't resist looking up to him and nodding. "Yeah. Ah do."

Flim blinked, his expression hard to identify. Applejack knew this would be the end of their friendship. She looked down to the ground, feeling tears starting to well up in her eyes.

After another second, she felt a warm hoof lift up her face. She didn't get to process much, considering there was something warm against her lips as soon as she looked. She blushed, her eyes widening as she realized she was having her very first kiss. she was still frozen as Flim separated from her, keeping his face close to her.

"I like you, too. A lot."

Applejack looked into his eyes, now feeling alright to get lost. She smiled. "Ya do?"

Flim nodded. "I do. What? You thought I would lie after all this?"

Applejack smiled brighter, deciding to be bold and kiss him again. His lips were warm and passionate, and she felt like she could completely melt against them. They pulled apart after a few seconds, the two both goofily smiling. This moment quickly came to an end as a realization passed through Applejack's thoughts.

"Oh..."

"Yes?"

"...You're leavin'."

Flim froze, his eyes darting. "I..." Silence hung over the two for a few minutes. Flim looked into Applejack's eyes and then away again. "I don't know if I can."

Applejack tilted her head. "...What? Flim, you've been taught ta get a job! What about yer mom?"

Flim sighed. "Applejack... I won't be able to stop thinking about you if I leave. Especially after all this. That's why I was alright to wait until this morning. I was actually... about to tell you my feelings before you did."

Applejack blinked. "...Really?"

Flim nodded. "Yeah. Ironic, huh?"

Applejack chuckled. "Yeah."

"Anyways, I'm not sure how easily I'll be able to leave you. I wanted to confess because I hoped you would like me back and I could stay. I can get a job here and send some money to my mom. I don't have to move all the way to Baltimare. Anyways, if she heard that I met you, she would practically force me to move back here to be with you."

Applejack smiled. "Alright. Whatever ya want."

Flim smiled back. "I'm sure you won't mind my decision."

Applejack shook her head. "Nah. Ah sure don't. As long as ya get a job."

Flim nodded. "I will. Also, I think you could probably tell everyone about me now. You've had to keep me a secret long enough."

Applejack blinked. "...Oh. Ah guess."

Flim tilted his head. "You seem hesitant."

Applejack sighed. "In all honestly, Ah am. Imagine the outrage of mah friends towards ya! They hate ya! And-" She stopped her eyes widening. "No. Ah can't tell 'em. Ah can't tell anyone about us."

Flim raised a brow. "Why not? I mean, I've changed, haven't I?"

Applejack nodded. "Ya have, but... mah family will probably not appreciate us bein' together. Flim... we could be prevented from datin' if they found out!"

Flim's ears flattened. "Oh. You really think so?"

Applejack shrugged. "Ah dunno. Ah'm not takin' any chances, though. You're gonna have ta be kept a secret for a little longer. At least until we're super close so mah family would be less hesitant about breakin' our bond."

Flim nodded. "Alright. I guess I can still be a secret. But how will I get a job?"

Applejack thought. "Well... maybe somewhere where no one in mah family or friend group would go? The last thing Ah want would be for one of them to see ya and spill it to mah family."

"Alright. Wait... I remember seeing a toy store at the edge of town when walking in, and they seemed to be hiring. Maybe I can work there."

Applejack nodded. "Great idea! the last time Apple Bloom went there, she was all of five years old!"

Flim smiled. "Okay. I'll apply there. I don't want our relationship broken apart, either."

"Yeah."

Flim looked into her eyes for a second before thinking. "Wait a second... when did we even formally say we were in a relationship?"

Applejack blinked before blushing. "Um... Ah guess we are now."

Flim chuckled. "Well, I'm alright with calling you my marefriend. You'll be a great one."

Applejack smiled. "Thanks. And you're gonna be an amazin' coltfriend."

"Thank you," Flim replied.

"...Darn it."

"What?"

Applejack's ears flattened. "Ah was so eager to tell ya, Ah forgot to bring breakfast for us."

Flim waved a hoof. "It's alright. I'll have some berries. They're really good."

Applejack raised an eyebrow. "Are ya sure?"

Flim nodded. "Of course I am."

"Alright. But Ah'm bringin' ya somethin' tonight."

Flim chuckled. "You don't have to."

Applejack smirked. "Oh, but Ah do. Ah want to see ya before Ah go to sleep, anyway."

"Alright, alright. I guess I want to see you too."

Applejack nodded. "Oh, ya know ya do."

Flim shrugged. "Eh, alright. I'll appreciate the food, though."

Applejack smiled. "Alright. So... see ya tonight? Ah gotta leave and do chores now if Ah'm gonna come back later."

Flim smiled. "Alright. See you tonight."

As he said that, the two leaned forward and gave each other a quick kiss. They parted, both smiling.

"See ya," Applejack said, standing up.

"Bye. I'm happy I can stay here with you."

Applejack smiled. "Ah'm happy ya can, too. Ah'll be back in the evenin'," she said, walking out of the woods. As she did, a warm feeling surfaced in her chest as she touched her lips. She smiled, swooning at the thought of Flim.

...I can't believe it.

Applejack was enthusiastic the entire time she was working, which was quite surprising to her family. She finished all of her chores and some of Mac's, her energy seeming endless.

Now, she was still energized as she made her way to the woods, a paper bag with dinner on her back. She had already finished hers, but made sure to grab some high quality apple fritters for Flim. She stepped through the brush, making her way into the clearing where she found him sitting down. They smiled at each other, the warmth from before filling Applejack's chest again.

"Hey," she greeted, setting the bag down next to him. Flim kissed her as soon as she set it down, earning a smile from her as he pulled apart.

"Hey," he replied, smiling. Applejack beamed.

"Well... are ya gonna eat?"

Flim nodded, kissing her nose and earning a light giggle from her before opening the bag and levitating the apple fritters out.

"These look good." He took a bite, smiling. "These are really good!"

Applejack smiled. "Thanks! These are mah favorite treats to make."

Flim smiled down at her. "Well, you sure make them well."

Applejack blushed. "Well... thanks!"

Flim finished the first, savoring the taste. "Also, after I finish this, I'm taking you on a walk."

Applejack smiled, scooting closer to him. "Well, Ah won't mind that."

Flim poked her nose. "I know you won't." He lightly kissed her before eating another fritter, leaving her smiling. After he finished his dinner, he stood up. "Well, let's go."

Applejack smiled, standing up as well. "Alright. So... where are we goin'?"

Flim smirked. "Follow me," he said, walking to the left and out of the clearing. Applejack followed behind him, trying to not step on poison ivy or anything else that would be painful. After another minute, she found herself in a completely clear area near a river and the mountains where Canterlot sits.

"...Wow..." She said, looking around her. Flim sat down.

"I lied. This isn't much of a walk, but I did really want to bring you here."

Applejack chuckled, sitting down. "Well, Ah must've done a bad job of teachin' ya, then!" She said, lightly punching his shoulder. Flim chuckled as well.

"Either that, or I didn't listen. I was too distracted by your face the whole time."

Applejack blushed. "Well... maybe so..."

Flim laughed again before kissing her forehead. "You're adorable."

Applejack's face grew redder. "Ah am not!"

"Yes you are."

Applejack pouted at him. "Nah."

Flim chuckled again. "Oh, I didn't know compliments so easily flustered you! I'm gonna have to use that against you!"

Applejack shook her head. "Nope!"

Flim nodded. "Oh, yes I am. I'm your coltfriend. I'm kind of obligated to."

Applejack pouted again, looking towards the ground and grunting. "Whatever, jerk."

Flim kissed her cheek before looking up to the sky. "Hey, look."

Confused by the sudden change in his voice, she looked up, seeing the moon starting to rise. Light left the land, the calm darkness taking its place. Applejack smiled as it climbed higher, the stars coming with it.

"Wow..."

Flim nodded. "Yeah. It's gorgeous out here."

Applejack scooted closer to him, feeling completely relaxed against his warm body. "Thank ya for bringin' me here."

Flim interlaced their hooves, earning a light smile from Applejack. "No problem. I knew you would like it."

Both the moon and stars were high in the sky by now, no daylight anywhere across the land. "Ah do."

They sat in silence for a few moments before Flim spoke up. "Say... Applejack?"

Applejack looked into his eyes. "Hmm?"

"If you don't mind me asking... why exactly did you fall for me?"

Applejack looked to the ground, smiling. "Why... you're just a good pony. Ya care a lot about yer family and betterin' yourself, somethin' Ah have a mighty deal of respect for. You're just so fun to be around. Ah found myself fallin' for ya easier than Ah thought." She looked to him, smiling when she met his eyes. "Why did ya fall for me?"

Flim smiled and kissed her. "Well, you just see the best in me. You've believed in me since the beginning and gave me another chance to prove myself, something not many ponies offer. You're just so honest, hardworking, and dependable that I couldn't help myself."

Applejack's smile stretched across her face as she kissed him, feeling like she could melt. They parted, looking into each other's eyes again.

"Ah'm happy Ah can be with ya."

Flim nodded. "Me, too."

The two kissed again before snuggling as close as possible, looking up at the stars. For the next hour, their worries completely vanished as they stayed pressed against each other.

Different Feel

It had been about a week and a half since Flim and Applejack started dating, and both were so far extremely satisfied with their decision. Applejack visited him as much as she could, and he had been trying to get a job with Applejack's advice.

Now, Applejack head over to the woods, smiling as she walked through the afternoon sunlight. Luckily, she was given a break from the hot day, so she decided to go to the woods to cool off with that time. She entered the thick brush, making her way to the clearing. She sat under a tree, adoring the comfortable shade. Flim didn't seem to be there yet, so she decided to wait.

Momentarily, the sound of rushed hoofsteps broke her from her relaxation. She looked, seeing Flim running into the clearing, a smile on his face.

"Flim?"

He looked over to her, beaming. "Oh, I didn't know you would be here!"

Applejack stood up. "Well, Ah am. Now why are ya so excited?" She asked, stepping closer and kissing him. He smiled brighter as the two separated.

"Well... I got the job!"

Applejack gasped. "Ya did?! Great job!"

Flim kissed her forehead. "I did. I'm so excited! I get to actually pay for my own food!"

Applejack chuckled. "Yeah, it'll be nice not havin' ta sneak out food fer ya every day."

Flim laughed as well. "Oh, it will be." He paused for a moment. "Applejack... I have to thank you for everything."

Applejack blushed. "Nah, ya don't have ta. Y'all were the one who decided to better yourself. Ah just helped ya through it."

Flim shrugged, sitting down, prompting Applejack to do the same. "Even so, I wouldn't be where I am without you. And so," he started, kissing her before continuing, "thank you."

Applejack chuckled. "Well, you're welcome."

Flim scooted closer to her, wrapping a hoof around her body. Applejack leaned into the embrace.

"Wait... Ah have an idea."

Flim cocked his head. "Yeah?"

"Well... Ah was thinkin'. Your cutie mark represents apples, don't it?"

Flim nodded. "Yeah?"

"Well, y'all should probably seek ta do something that correlates with yer cutie mark. So, whenever Ah tell mah family about ya and if they are alright with ya, y'all can probably work on the farm. After all, we would give ya more money, and Ah could see if ya can stay there instead of in these woods."

Flim's ears twitched. "Well, if that day ever comes, I'll certainly be okay with it. I mean, I'll always take a place to live. Also, I'll be able to spend every day with you."

Applejack nuzzled him. "Yeah. That would be... nice."

"It would be, very much so. Something to look forward to, right?"

Applejack nodded. "Yeah. We gotta get about two months into the relationship first. If Ah go up to 'em now, they'll argue that y'all are trickin' me, considerin' we've only been together for a short time and Ah really don't know ya well. If we're a few months in, it'll be harder ta make the assumption y'all are trickin' me."

Flim nodded. "That makes sense." He went quiet for a minute. "I'm sorry you have to deal with all this, Applejack."

Applejack tilted her head. "Huh?"

Flim sighed. "Well... with me being hated and all. If I didn't make those decisions back then, then you wouldn't have to stress about everyone knowing about us-"

Applejack threw a hoof to his mouth. "Woah, woah, woah. Ah thought y'all were over yer past."

"Well..."

"Flim, it's the past. Ya can't change it. Please, please don't feel bad about it. Y'all have changed. You're an amazin' pony, trust me. Ah wouldn't be datin' ya otherwise."

Flim smiled. "Thank you, Applejack. It'll take a little while for me to get over everything, though."

Applejack nodded. "That's understandable. Ah'll be here to help ya through it."

"Thank you. I really appreciate all you've been doing for me."

Applejack nodded. "You're welcome. Ah'm always happy ta help." She looked throughout the clearing, smiling. "Well, this is certainly different."

Flim tilted his head. "Huh?"

"Well... before we would just come here for friendship lessons. Now, we're comin' here ta spend some quality time together. It's just... a good feelin'."

Flim kissed her cheek. "Times do change rather quickly. Do you want to know something?"

Applejack nodded. "Sure. What is it?"

Flim looked to the sky, seeming to be recalling something. "Well... I kinda lied when I said that a few weeks ago was the first time I ever had feelings for you."

Applejack blinked. "Huh?"

Flim chuckled. "Yeah. One of the factors influencing me to choose you to teach me was, well, I've always had a small crush on you."

Applejack burst out into laughter. "Huh?! Weren't ya, like, enemies with me?"

Flim started laughing along with her. "Well, not really. I just admired you. I've always liked how dedicated and hardworking you were. Also, I've always thought you were cute."

Applejack snorted. "Well, sorry ta say, but Ah didn't feel the same for ya."

Flim shrugged. "That makes sense. I mean, there wasn't anything admirable about me."

"Well, now there is."

Flim smiled, kissing her nose. "I'm happy to hear that. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one who has an admirable partner in this relationship."

Applejack giggled. "You're not. Ah like ya a lot now."

Flim started laughing again, Applejack tilting her head. "What is it?"

"Well, I just think it's hilarious how nervous you were yesterday. Was it your first time telling someone you like them?"

Applejack nodded. "Yeah! Ah was terrified y'all wouldn't want ta be mah friend anymore!"

Flim shook his head. "AJ, even if I didn't like you, I would still be your friend. You're my only friend. Well, were, at least."

"Now ya have no friends and a marefriend."

Flim shrugged, chuckling. "Pretty much. I'm fine with only you, though."

Applejack shook her head. "Flim, when Ah tell mah friends about ya, Ah want ya ta try ta make friends with 'em. They will probably give ya a chance. But, then again, Rainbow Dash might be a bit stubborn..."

Flim waved a hoof. "I'll worry about that when the day comes. Like you said, it may be best to keep me a secret so nothing accidentally slips to your family."

Applejack nodded. "Yeah." She giggled. "Heh, especially if one of the CMC find out from their sisters and tell Apple Bloom. Oh boy..."

Flim blinked. "Huh?"

"Oh, three fillies who worked together in the craziest ways ta get their cutie marks. One is my sister, one's my friend's Rarity's sister, and the other is Rainbow Dash's adopted sister. If one of them finds out, the news'll be all over Ponyville within an hour."

Flim blinked. "That doesn't sound good."

Applejack chuckled. "Ya would be right about that."

Flim thought. "I've been curious about something."

"What is it?"

"Well... have you ever been in a relationship before?"

Applejack nodded. "Well... kind of? Ah've been in one once in high school. We stayed together for about a week 'cause he thought Ah was annoyin'."

Flim raised a brow. "Really? What did you do?"

Applejack shrugged. "Well, Ah was just nervous about the whole thing that Ah kind of drove him crazy. We never even hugged, Ah was so nervous."

Flim's ears flicked. "So... I was your first kiss?"

Applejack nodded. "Ya were."

Flim kissed her. "Well, I'm proud to have that title. And it's a good thing you didn't stay with that jerk."

"Oh, Ah agree. Ah wasn't ready for a relationship in high school. Ah've always been quite anxious and paranoid." She smirked. "What about y'all? Have ya ever been in a relationship?"

Flim nodded. "I have. I was in two in high school. I was awkward and skinny, but many fillies told me they liked my voice and fancy hair. Many asked me out, too. I was kind of like you where I was awkward about relationships, so I only agreed to two fillies."

"When was yer first kiss?"

Flim chuckled. "Well, that was when I was a junior. It was my second relationship. The filly I was with kissed me on the first date. I was really bad at it, but got better throughout our relationship."

"How long did that one last?"

Flim thought. "Maybe about... five months? It just didn't work out between us."

Applejack shrugged. "As do most high school relationships."

Flim nodded. "Yeah. Well, you're much better than she ever was. I actually admire more about you than your outward appearance."

Applejack smiled. "Well, Ah feel the same way for ya. Ah haven't had a crush since high school, so it was quite awkward for me."

Flim's ears flicked. "Really?"

Applejack nodded. "Yeah. Ah actually thought Ah was aromantic for a few years, considerin' Ah viewed all of mah crushes as hormonal things. Well, things changed when Ah got ta know ya."

Flim kissed her forehead. "Well, I'm happy about that."

Applejack tilted her head up. "Kiss me."

Flim chuckled. "Oh, of course," he replied, their lips meeting. Applejack wrapped her hooves around his neck, getting a bit excited and slamming him onto the ground, her body resting on top of his. Flim wrapped his hooves around her barrel, pulling her closer as well. The two continued this for a few seconds before stopping, staring into each other's eyes. The two smiled, Applejack burying her head into his chest. Flim stroked her golden mane, smiling as she kissed his chest. He looked towards the sky, hugging her as tight as possible.

"I love you."

Applejack's eyes widened as her cheeks heated up. She looked up towards him. "...Huh?" She asked, her voice quiet.

Flim blinked. "Oh. I let that slip. Oh well. I love you."

Applejack felt a warmth like no other build up in her stomach. She smiled as she leaned forward and kissed him, putting as much passion into it as she could. They broke apart from each other, their muzzles still close to each other.

"Ah love ya, too."

Flim kissed her forehead, Applejack smiling and kissing his neck. She rolled off of him, landing next to him and wrapping a hoof around him, burying her muzzle in his shoulder.

"I can't wait to see what this relationship has in store for us."

Applejack nodded, hugging his body closer to hers. "Same with me," she replied, smiling. As she lay there with him, those three words kept circling in her head, her smile never leaving her face.

The Stolen Book

Applejack groaned, slamming her hat on the table.

"Are ya kiddin' me?!"

Big Mac walked over, raising a brow. "Huh?"

Applejack shoved a paper in his face. "Look at this! The apple business in Manehatten isn't gonna take any apples from us for a few months!"

Mac scanned the letter, blinking. He groaned as well. "Seriously?"

Applejack nodded, snatching it back. "Yeah. They're worried that 'we won't have enough for a while' because of the whole cider season thing." She put her head in her hooves. "Ah guess that means Braeburn will have ta work harder out in Appleloosa ta get apples to 'em."

Mac shrugged. "Well, we can't exactly do anythin' about it."

Applejack turned to face Big Mac. "Mac, we're losin' business! We're losin' money! That whole cider thing happened over two months ago and no one's lettin' it go!"

"That's true, but it'll all calm down eventually. Once ponies see we've recovered, business will be back ta normal. It's not like no one will ever buy from us again."

Applejack looked to the ground. "But-but-"

Mac sighed. "Applejack, you're stressed. Ya need ta find somethin' ta help with that. Ah'm sure Granny knows a few methods."

Applejack blinked. "...You're right. Ah'll go for a walk. Anythin' away from business."

Big Mac nodded. "That's a good idea. Be back soon."

Applejack nodded. "Ah will," she replied, stepping outside. There was a more relaxing breeze today as she made her way out of the orchard, immediately knowing where she wanted to go: the woods. Flim had today off, and she had every intent to spend some time with him. She trotted across town, and, like always, made sure to stay out of sight from her friends. She had been keeping all of this a secret for months, and she was starting to hate it. If she knew that her family would be alright with her and Flim dating, she would have certainly told her friends by now!

She walked into the clearing, swatting away the bugs that tried to land on her body. As she entered, she saw that Flim was napping against a tree. She smiled as she walked over, laying down next to him and taking her hat off, letting the breeze course through her mane. After staring at him for a second, she lightly nudged his side. His eyes slowly fluttered open, glancing over to Applejack. He smiled as he saw her.

"Oh, hey, Applejack!" He said, rolling over and snuggling against her. "How have you been?"

"Great. Well, kinda. Business isn't doin' so well."

Flim's ear flicked. "Oh?"

Applejack nodded. "Yeah. Ponies still can't get over that cider thing."

Flim grunted. "That was a few months ago!"

Applejack nodded. "Ah know. Oh well. Hopefully we'll regain it all soon."

Flim nodded. "You should. I mean, you're Sweet Apple Acres, after all. Ponies wouldn't want to go without your apples for too long."

Applejack chuckled, stroking his mane. "Thanks. Ah know it'll get better eventually, but Ah'm still so stressed. Ah've been losin' sleep over it all."

"Aww, I'm sorry."

Applejack kissed his head. "Yeah. Ah just need some way ta de-stress, especially at night." She looked down to him. "Oh, if only ya were able ta live with me."

Flim met her eyes, tilting his head. "Huh?"

Applejack nodded. "Ah wish ya were. Havin' ya there before Ah go ta sleep would really help me with mah stress."

Flim chuckled. "Well, I obviously can't live with you. The only way I would be able to meet you at night is if I broke in. That won't go over well at all."

Applejack blinked. "Actually..."

Flim's eyes widened. "Wait a second... are you really wanting me to break in?"

Applejack shrugged. "'Break in' is a harsh phrase. Ah was thinkin'... can ya teleport?"

Flim shook his head. "Nope."

"Darn. Ah was thinkin'... y'all could teleport to mah room some nights and we can snuggle a bit. Ya can then teleport out. If we're quiet and Ah lock the door, no one would know."

Flim blinked. "Well... I guess that could work. I mean, would you really get better sleep if I come around some nights?"

Applejack nodded. "Yeah. Ah'm sure. Even Granny has commented on mah lack of sleep. It's not just the whole losin' business thing, either. Ah've put mahself under so much stress ta do much more work than normal, and Ah can't do it too well."

"Applejack, you need to maybe not work yourself too hard."

Applejack shook her head. "No. Ah need ta make up for the shortage. Ah-"

Flim shut her up by kissing her, pulling apart and running a hoof along her face. "Applejack, if it's really having such a negative effect on you, why do it to yourself?"

Applejack blinked. "It needs ta be done. Ah'm doin' it now so Ah won't have ta worry about it later. Big Mac's been takin' on more work, too."

Flim sighed. "Well, if that's really what you think. I don't suppose I can deter you."

Applejack shook her head. "Ya can't."

"I had a pretty good feeling. So, anyway... I would totally sneak into your house if I knew how to teleport. I mean, considering I want you to feel a bit better."

Applejack kissed his cheek. "Why, thank you. And... hold on. Would ya be able ta learn it with a book?"

Flim nodded. "That's how I learned levitation."

Applejack beamed. "Great! Ah can borrow one from Twilight!"

Flim tilted his head. "Wouldn't she think it's weird that you, an earth pony, was borrowing a book about magic?"

Applejack blinked. "Um... that's a good point. Ah would have ta steal it."

"Please don't feel like you have to, AJ."

Applejack shook her head. "Nope. Ah will. This goes against everythin' Ah was ever taught, but Ah want some sleep, dammit. Ah'll steal it."

Flim's eyes darted around. "Well... alright. Whatever you want, Apples. I will try my hardest to learn the spell as soon as possible." He booped her nose. "For you."

Applejack smiled, bringing his head forward and kissing him. They parted, Applejack smiling. "Ah love ya."

Flim smiled. "I love you too."

Applejack kissed his forehead before standing up. "Ah'll go get that book now."

Flim nodded. "Well, alright. Bring it right back so I can try to learn it as soon as possible."

Applejack nodded, smiling. "Ah'll do just that. See ya! Love ya!" She replied, running out of the woods. As she did, she ran up to Twilight's castle, hoping she could discretely take the book off the shelf. Maybe she could get Twilight to go off on some rant and she could slip it under her hat when she wasn't looking?

Applejack knocked on the door, tapping her hoof on the ground as she waited. It was eventually opened by Spike, who smiled at the visitor.

"Hey, AJ! Why did you knock?"

Applejack blinked. "Ah, right. Ah always forget Ah can just waltz right in," she said, walking in and chuckling.

Spike nodded. "Yep! Anyways, are you here for Twilight?"

Applejack nodded. "Yup! Where is she?"

Twilight walked into the main foyer. "Did I hear my name? Oh, Applejack! Hi!" She greeted, smiling. Applejack tipped her hat.

"Hey there! Ah kinda wanted ta relax in the library with ya."

Twilight blinked. "The library? I mean, I'll agree, I'm in there all the time, but I never thought of you as a reader!"

Applejack shrugged. "Well, Ah was thinkin' that maybe readin' somethin' can get mah mind off of business."

Twilight beamed. "Well, alright! Let's go!" She replied, bounding over to the library. Applejack walked behind, feeling a weight drop in her chest. This was all going against her element of honesty. But, then again, hasn't she been going against it since she first met up with Flim?

Her thoughts were soon drowned out by Twilight eagerly talking. "Well, here we are!" She said, opening the doors to the library. "Do you want me to find a book to recommend to you?"

Applejack nodded. "Ah do. What are some of yer favorites that you think Ah'll enjoy?"

At this, Twilight's eyes sparkled. "Oh, I have so many! Let me tell you about all of them!"

As soon as she said this, Applejack knew she would go off for a while. She was right; Twilight continue to go on and on about some large book that talked about the life experiences of Star Swirl the Bearded. As Twilight was nose deep looking though that book, Applejack noticed she was standing right in front of the shelf with all the magic books. As Twilight continued to look through the book and explaining parts of it, Applejack looked behind her again, a book title immediately grabbing her eye: Mastering Teleportation. Applejack glanced at Twilight again before picking it up, stealthily hiding it under her hat. She breathed an internal sigh of relief as she realized that Twilight didn't even notice.

"Oh, I have another great book that I think you might even like more than this!" She said, looking up to Applejack. Applejack nodded as Twilight pulled out a huge book with an apple on the front.

"This story is about how earth ponies lived back before Equestria was founded; when the races were split into three tribes! It's quite interesting and eye opening! Everyone who has read it has loved it, and..."

By the time Applejack left the castle, she left with the stolen teleportation book under her hat and a borrowed book about ancient earth pony lives in her arm. She walked over to the woods, stepping into the clearing and smiling. Flim saw her walk in, smiling as well.

"Oh, there you are! Is that it?" He asked, pointing to the book in her arm.

Applejack shook her head. "Nah. Twilight convinced me ta borrow this one." She lifted up her hat, taking out the book. "Here it is. Ah hope Ah got the right one."

Flim smirked as he took it. "Wow, Applejack. It's hard to believe you're the element of honesty, stealing someone's book."

Applejack lightly swatted at him. "Hey! Ah wanna get some sleep!"

Flim laughed. "Alright, alright. That's understandable," he said, opening the book and looking through it. He nodded. "The spell's here!"

Applejack beamed. "Great! So, Ah gotta leave now. Mac's gotta be wonderin' where Ah am."

Flim nodded, standing up. "Well, alright," he said, leaning forward and kissing her. "I'll see you on my next day off. I promise I will try as hard as I can to learn this spell before then."

Applejack smiled, kissing him again. "Well, Ah'm glad you're dedicated. It means a lot ta me." The two looked into each other's eyes before pulling into another kiss. They broke apart, smiling.

"Bye. I love you, Applejack."

Applejack's pupils dilated as she smiled even brighter. "Ah love ya too, Flim."

On a Soft Mattress

Applejack smiled as she stepped into the clearing. These past few days, Applejack has become more and more stressed. She worked longer than normal, and even then felt like she wasn't doing enough. She glanced around for Flim, not seeing him anywhere. He said he would be here at this time... didn't he?

Applejack spent another second looking before a large blast of magic appeared in front of her. She backed up, looking to see Flim standing in front of her, smirking.

Applejack looked at him, chuckling. "Ah guess ya learned it."

Flim nodded. "Yep!" He replied, teleporting onto a tree branch. "I've been practicing as much as I can. I mean, I'm still getting singe marks, but that'll pass in time. I need more practice to make it perfect."

Applejack nodded. "Well, that sounds good!"

Flim tried to charge his horn again, but to his dismay, it didn't work. He decided to jump from the tree instead. "I can only usually teleport one to two times before my horn has to charge up a bit. After that, I can't use any magic for about an hour or so."

Applejack bit her lip. "Well... if it causes that much exertion, are ya sure ya want ta teleport into mah house?"

Flim nodded. "Of course! Though, I might have to wait a while to teleport out. Distance is a huge factor, too. The farther I choose to teleport, the harder it is. I just need a lot of practice."

"Ah, alright. If you're alright with usin' it."

"Don't worry, I am. I won't forget it or anything. It's just something that will get better in time, y'know?"

Applejack nodded. "Yeah. So, Ah won't make ya teleport into mah house every night. Just some."

Flim's ear flicked. "Speaking of... when do you want me to try?"

Applejack blushed. "Well... if ya can... tonight would be great. Ah've just been so stressed."

Flim nodded. "Well, certainly!" A second passed before he erupted into laughter.

"What is it?" Applejack asked, raising a brow.

Flim tried to calm down. "Well... I mean, this probably sounds like we want to do something a lot worse."

Applejack's eyes widened as her blush multiplied. "What?! No! Not right now!"

Flim chuckled, ruffling her mane. "Aww, you're cute when you're flustered like that!"

Applejack pouted. "Ah am not."

Flim kissed her forehead. "Oh, you are. So, anyways, how am I going to know where to teleport?"

Applejack's pout disappeared as she blinked. She had honestly never thought about that. "Um... hm..."

"I don't exactly know where your room is. Do you have coordinates? I know I'll be able to teleport based on that."

Applejack shook her head. "No, Ah don't have coordinates... here. How about at nine-thirty tonight, ya come into the orchard and walk up to the east side of the barn and wait out there. That's when we're all supposed to be asleep, so no one would notice ya, especially since the only other one with a bedroom on that side is Apple Bloom, who goes to sleep earlier than the rest of us."

Flim nodded. "That sounds good so far."

"Alright. So, basically, stand out there until ya see me open the window and gesture for ya ta come up. Mah window is the top one on the right. Teleport up there. Don't teleport into the room on the left. That's AB's room, and you'll wake her up for sure."

Flim nodded again. "Alright. Right, right, right. I'll remember that, I promise."

"That's good."

Flim chuckled. "Yeah. Also, is there a way I can see something to teleport onto? I have to find an exact place before teleporting."

Applejack thought. "Hmm... if ya back up a few paces, ya can certainly see the wall. Maybe ya can teleport to the floor right by that wall."

Flim nodded. "That sounds good. I should be able to do that. If I end up in some random spot in your house... I'm sorry."

"Well, let's hope for that not ta happen. Though, if ya do, everyone should be asleep so ya wouldn't have ta worry. Just teleport back out."

"Alright. So... let's hope everything goes alright!"

Applejack kissed his cheek. "Ah hope so. Ah want some sleep."

Flim smiled. "Well, I'll make sure you fall asleep before I leave."

Applejack's eyes widened. "Ya will?"

Flim nodded. "Yeah. I'll leave after I know you're asleep. I'll try my hardest to stay awake."

Applejack shook her head. "Flim, Ah don't want it ta be a problem. Actually... if ya fall asleep, Ah suppose it's not the end of the world. Mah door's gonna be locked, anyways. Y'all will just have ta teleport outside of the orchard, considerin' Mac starts workin' early in the mornin'."

Flim nodded. "Alright. That all sounds good." He walked over behind a bush and grabbed the teleportation book, giving it to Applejack. "You can return this back to Twilight. I don't need it anymore."

Applejack smiled. "Well... alright. Ah'll go do that and go back home ta work," she said, leaning forward and kissing him. "So... see ya later tonight?"

Flim nodded, smiling as well. "Yep. See you tonight. I love you."

Applejack kissed his cheek. "Ah love ya, too. See ya then," she replied, walking out of the woods and over to Twilight's castle. As she continued to walk, she only knew one thing: she was excited for tonight.

As soon as Applejack finished in the bathroom, she walked over to her room and walked inside, closing the door and immediately locking it. She smiled, butterflies taking flight within her stomach. She looked up to the wall and at the clock, checking the time. It was just past nine-thirty. Smiling, she double checked that she locked the door, walking over to the window and opening it. The cool nighttime breeze made its way into her room as she looked out. She scanned the ground, her eyes eventually falling on a yellow unicorn. Fighting the urge to yell out his name, she waved, trying her hardest to catch his attention. Flim eventually found her, waving back before charging his horn up, providing a light to the dark farm. In another second or so, Applejack saw that Flim had disappeared from his original spot, a sound coming from behind her. She looked, seeing Flim teleported where he said he would, looking quite disoriented. Applejack closed the window before walking over to him.

"That wasn't too difficult, right?" She asked before kissing him. Flim shook his head.

"Nah. I'm just happy I ended up here instead of somewhere else in your house," he said, keeping his voice to a low whisper. "Nice place you have here."

Applejack chuckled. "Thanks," she said, stepping over onto her bed. She made sure her alarm was set, laying down. Flim smiled.

"Well, I guess I'll come over, too," he said, stepping from his original spot. As he did, he looked back to see that there was a singe mark from where he teleported. He bit his lip. "Oh. Sorry."

Applejack shook her head. "It's alright. It's just a magic singe, Ah'll clean it tomorrow."

Flim nodded. "Alright," he said, getting in the bed next to Applejack. He chuckled. "Oh, gosh... I don't know how I'm going to stay awake. I haven't been on a bed in forever."

Applejack hugged his side. "Don't worry, it's alright if ya don't," she said, scooting up and kissing him. He kissed her back, gently caressing her head. After spending about a minute and a half kissing, they broke apart, looking into each other's eyes and smiling. Applejack buried her face into his chest.

"Well... Ah'm relaxed," she said, sighing. Flim kissed her head.

"I am, too. I might just stay here but get myself up at about four in the morning."

Applejack's ear flicked. "Are ya sure you'll be able ta do that?"

Flim nodded, kissing her forehead. "Yeah. I have a good internal clock."

Applejack scooted up again, moving his forehead against his. "Well, alright. If you're sure," she said before lightly kissing him. He kissed her back, putting more passion into the action. They broke apart, staring at each other for a few seconds.

"Why didn't Ah think of doin' this before?" Applejack asked. Flim shrugged.

"I don't know. But I'm happy you had this idea. This is... really nice."

Applejack nodded, tightly hugging him. "Yeah." She kissed him again, smiling against his lips. As they pulled apart, Applejack could feel her eyelids start to get heavy.

"Ah should probably get some shut-" she yawned," eye. Ah don't know how much longer Ah can stay up."

Flim smiled as she buried her face in his neck, stroking her mane. "Well, that's good. I'm happy you're able to get some sleep."

Applejack smiled. "Me, too. Ya don't know how nice this is." Applejack kissed his neck. "Goodnight. Ah love ya."

Flim kissed the top of her head, hugging her close. "Alright. Goodnight, Applejack. I love you, too," he said, burying his snout into her mane. Eventually, the two fell asleep quite easily, Applejack still smiling after drifting off.

Uh Oh...

Applejack walked into the woods, seeing Flim sitting down with a lunch by his side.

"Plot twist, huh?" He said as Applejack sat by him. She chuckled.

"What, how you actually got the lunches this time?"

Flim nodded, opening his. "Yep. I just picked up some sandwiches and a salad from a restaurant near my store."

Applejack looked at her sandwich, smiling. "My, this smells real good." She took a bite. "It tastes real good, too!"

Flim smiled. "Well, that's good. So... this is the first time we've seen each other since I slept with you."

Applejack nodded. "Yeah. Ah was sad ta see ya gone when Ah woke up."

Flim smirked. "What can I say? I have a really good internal clock."

Applejack chuckled. "Well, Ah'm surprised Ah doubted ya, then. Anyways, Ah got a great amount of sleep. Thanks for that."

Flim kissed her cheek. "No problem. So... anything new for you."

Applejack nodded. "Oh, yeah! So, basically, mah friend Pinkie Pie got engaged recently. In fact, she was just plannin' her weddin' yesterday."

Flim nodded. "That's cool."

Applejack smiled. "Yeah. Ah'm proud of her. But, anyways, we have a new little helper on the farm."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. She's actually Pinkie's sister. Basically... well, long story short, her family uses an ancient rock called the Choosin' Stone ta find their soulmate. Pinkie found hers, and once she got engaged, her sister Marble Pie used it. She was led right ta Sweet Apple Acres because one of her soulmates was Big Mac."

Flim blinked. "Really? Huh."

"Yeah."

"Wait... one of them? How do you have more than one soulmate?"

Applejack smiled. "Well, Marble's destined to be in a polyamorous relationship with Mac and another mare from Canterlot."

Flim's ear twitched. "Huh. That's interesting."

Applejack nodded. "Yeah. So, Ah've been tryin' ta get her ta tell Big Mac about them bein' soulmates. She's quite shy, so nothin' has happened yet."

"Oh. Well, I mean, I can't blame her. Your brother is scary."

Applejack chuckled. "Oh, he's not that bad. As long as ya don't make him mad. He's gentle and has a good temper, but if ya do him or his family wrong... watch out."

Flim gulped. "Yeah... way to make me even more scared of him."

Applejack chuckled again. "Ah'm sorry. Ah won't let him do anythin' to ya, anyway."

Flim smiled. "Well, thanks for the reassurance."

"No problem. So... how have you been doin'?"

Flim groaned. "This job is making me work ridiculous hours, let me tell you. Also, I don't think I like a single one of my coworkers. They all don't seem to care about the job and don't care if they leave a mess while restocking the shelves or anything like that. Also... goodness gracious, being around crying foals all day is quite annoying. I mean, why do parents feel the need to keep their kids in the store when they're screaming at the top of their lungs?"

Applejack shrugged. "Ah don't know. And Ah'm sorry. Is the pay good?"

Flim nodded. "Actually, yes. My boss seems to really like me, so he's been giving me promotions." He chuckled. "No one really likes me, either. I think it's because they're jealous."

Applejack chuckled. "Probably. Well, Ah promise Ah'll tell everyone about ya soon, and then ya can work on the farm. After all, we've been together for quite the long time now. Ah'm just... nervous, is all."

Flim nodded. "I am, too. But, then again, working on the farm will be nice."

Applejack nodded. "It will be. We'll feed ya nicely and you'll be able ta sleep in a bed."

Flim smirked. "Preferably with you."

Applejack chuckled. "If mah family allows it."

"Well, I hope so. But that'll be really nice."

"It will be. Ah'll try ta tell 'em as soon as possible, Ah promise. Ah just have to build up some confidence. Ah mean, Ah don't know how mah friends'll feel, considerin' Ah've never kept a secret like this from them before, but-"

"AJ, don't worry about it. They're your friends. They'll understand."

Applejack blinked. "That's true. Thanks."

Flim smiled. "No problem."

Applejack kissed his cheek. "Hey, do you wanna teleport into mah room tonight? Maybe a little earlier this time, so Ah can get even more sleep? It was real nice the last time."

Flim nodded. "Sure thing. I'll like that. And are you sure I'll be fine to get there earlier?"

Applejack nodded, kissing him. "It'll be fine. Like Ah said, Apple Bloom'll be asleep by about eight-thirty, so as long as ya arrive after that ya won't have a problem," she said, finishing her salad. "Thanks for lunch, by the way!"

"No problem. It's about time I bought lunch."

Applejack snuggled against his side. "Ah'm gonna relax here for a few more minutes... is that alright?"

Flim nodded. "Of course," he said, kissing the top of her head and looping an arm around her body.

Applejack was completely spent. As soon as she returned home from relaxing with Flim, she had a lot of barn chores to do, and was completely spent. She also had to make sure all the newly planted trees were growing nicely, and so she spent a lot of time in the dirt. Earlier, they planted a few new apple trees, the family hoping to never have a shortage again. More trees were coming, and Applejack had to make sure the soil was ready for them at all times.

Applejack got ready for bed, her eyes already tired. She was excited to see Flim, but hoped he didn't keep her up too long. She knew herself and how much she wanted to kiss him; she wouldn't be going to sleep right away.

She stepped into her room, trotting over to the window. She had been waiting to see him again all day, wanting another good night's sleep. She looked out, searching for him. It was a bit lighter than the other day, so it was much easier to find him waving to her. Applejack smiled, waving back and signaling for him to come up. Once again, in a flash of light, Flim was in her room, this time leaving less of a singe mark than before. Applejack hurriedly shut the window, smirking.

"Ah've been waitin' for ya," she said, getting onto the bed. Flim smirked.

"Applejack, you have a naughty tone to your voice. Are you sure you don't want me here for anything else?"

Applejack blushed, shaking her head. "Nah. Ah just wanna kiss you, is all."

Flim smiled, laying down on the warm sheets next to her. "Well, alrig-" He tried to say, being cut off by Applejack's lips firmly pressed against his. He wrapped her hooves around her body, Applejack stroking his mane. After about a minute, Applejack flipped him onto his back, she now laying on his stomach and continuing to kiss him over and over again. Passion and comfort both blazed within her body, offering a feeling like no other. She was completely lost in him, and him in her. Applejack smiled, her kisses becoming lighter but still with a hint of passion.

As they continued, they heard a sound coming from the side. It sounded like... a door opening?

"Applej-" A voice started, immediately stopping. Applejack and Flim both snapped their heads over, Applejack feeling like she was frozen.

...I forgot to lock the door...

Standing inside the doorway was Marble Pie, glancing between Applejack and Flim, her eyes wide and a blush starting to crawl onto her face.

"Eep!" She squeaked, slamming the door. Applejack blinked as she stared at the doorway, Flim loosening his grip around her. Neither could speak.

"Um..." Flim started, his heart pounding.

"...Ah'm sorry. Ah got excited. Ah forgot ta lock the door," she said, getting off of him. Her face was completely red, her eyes wide.

"It's alright," Flim replied.

Applejack sighed. "Ah need ta talk ta Marble. She's probably worried Ah'm mad at her," she said, walking over to the door. She opened it, seeing Marble completely backed up to the wall at the opposite end of the hallway.

"M-Marble?" She asked, taking a glance at Marble's scared face. The poor mare was shaking, a large blush now completely covering her face.

Marble looked to Applejack, her pupils small. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to! I should've knocked! I-"

Applejack raised a hoof, quieting Marble. She took a breath. "Marble, it's alright. Ah forgot ta lock the door. And... this is my fault. Ah have somethin' to tell everyone tomorrow, includin' you. Ah've kept a secret for too long," she said. She knew she had to do it. Now that Marble had walked in on her, there was no more keeping secrets.

"O-oh."

Applejack nodded. "Please don't feel bad, you're alright."

"But-"

"No buts. Stuff like this happens. Now... what did you come to tell me in such a hurry?" Applejack replied.

Marble seemed to be a mix of confused and relieved. "So... you're not mad?"

Applejack chuckled. "Nah. Shocked? Yes. But not mad. Ya didn't know, and that is partly my fault. Now, tell me what ya came here for."

Marble blushed. "Well... I wanted to know what Mac's favorite flowers are."

Applejack raised an eyebrow, slightly chuckling and smirking. "They're lilies." She began to step back into the room. "Ah'll see ya tomorrow," she said, closing the door and leaving Marble against the wall. She also made sure to lock the door once she shut it. She stood in silence for a few more seconds before lightly groaning.

"...That's not how Ah wanted this ta come out," she said, sitting on the edge of the bed. Flim rubbed her shoulder.

"Well... it'll be alright. I know you can do it."

Applejack smiled. "Yeah. Ah hope so. Ah think... Ah'll tell one of mah friends at a time. Well, Ah'll tell Rarity and Marble tomorrow. Rarity will understand, considerin' she's a hopeless romantic, and Marble deserves ta know what she walked in on. Ah just... oh boy."

Flim kissed her cheek. "Hey, don't worry about it. They'll understand. After all, they're your closest friends."

Applejack nodded. "Yeah, Ah guess so. Also... can ya sleep here with me tonight again? Ah won't be able to have a good sleep otherwise."

Flim nodded. "That's what I was planning on," he said, getting comfortable again, Applejack snuggled up against him, sighing.

"Everything will be alright, Apples. Please don't worry. I love you."

Applejack slightly smiled. "Ah sure hope so. And thanks, Ah love ya, too."

Confessions

Applejack walked down the stairs, rubbing her eyes. She knew what had to be done, but she sure wasn't ready. How would her friends react knowing that she had kept a secret from them for months?

She walked into the kitchen, seeming to immediately catch the attention of her younger sister and, consequently, Marble. "There she is! AJ, ya want some?" Apple Bloom asked, shaking a box of cereal as Applejack approached the table.

"Ah'm good, AB," Applejack responded, sitting down. As soon as she did, Apple Bloom lazily poured a bit of cereal on the table in front of Applejack.

"Oh well. You're gettin' some anyway."

Applejack looked at the cereal for a second before rolling her eyes, trying to pick it all up. "Thanks, Ah guess. Ah'm not that hungry today," she replied, eating a few bites. There were so many nerves exploding within her that just eating made her feel a bit sick.

"Well, ya should still eat somethin'!" Apple Bloom naively responded, turning to Marble. She said something, but Applejack wasn't paying attention. She rubbed her forehead, her concentration soon broken by her sister yelling.

"Ah'll be off! Say, where's Granny?" She asked. Applejack turned her head towards her.

"She's sleepin'," she replied, gesturing to the living room.

Apple Bloom nodded. "Well, alright. See ya!" She replied, leaving the house for school. As she did, Applejack looked over to find that Marble was finishing her cereal, smiling.

"This is really good."

Applejack nodded, trying her best to come off as if nothing was bothering her. "Ah could get more if ya like. Y'all are workin' here, after all. Whatever ya want, we can provide."

Marble smiled. "Thank you. But I have a feeling Apple Bloom will ask anyway."

Applejack nodded. "Yeah. Also, y'all don't have ta work this mornin'," she said, her eyes darting.

Marble tilted her head. "Huh?"

Applejack nodded. "Yeah. Ah told ya Ah have ta tell y'all somethin'. Ah'm gonna tell Rarity as well. She adores romance, she'll understand better than anyone else. You can come because Ah feel y'all have a right ta know," she answered, feeling her heart pump more and more. She hadn't kept a secret in forever, and from this experience, she knew that she should just stick to her element and not keep something like this from her friends in the future.

Marble blinked. "Oh. Well, alright. It's alright if you don't want to tell anyone."

Applejack shook her head. "Nah. Ah really should. Keepin' secrets is a bad idea." She stood up. "So... do ya wanna go?"

Marble nodded. "Sure thing."

Applejack turned and started to walk out of the barn, adrenaline coursing through her body. How would her friends react to her going against her element? Not well, that's for sure. She felt bad for leaving Marble a bit behind, but surely she would understand after Applejack told her. It would be more manageable to tell all of her friends separately, but she wondered: would it be truly easier? After a few seconds of pondering, she came to the conclusion that it would be much easier. After all, that way, she wouldn't have to deal with everyone exploding at her at the same time.

Applejack let more thoughts flow through her head, suddenly remembering the work she had to do. She grunted. "Hopefully Mac won't bug me about missin' a few minutes of mornin' work."

Marble stepped up beside Applejack. "Are you going to tell him what's going on?"

Applejack's eyes widened as she thought about it. "Well... not now. He'll be real mad." She sighed. "Marble... a word of advice from me."

"Yes?"

"... Don't keep secrets for too long. Otherwise, they have a way to be spilled in the worst and most embarrassin' way imaginable," Applejack replied. She didn't want anyone stuck in the situation she was currently in.

Marble hesitated a moment. "I'm sorry."

Applejack immediately felt her ears perk, completely forgetting how bad Marble felt the night before. "Don't worry, it's not yer fault. Ah'm just sayin', stuff like this happens more often than ya would think."

Marble's ear flicked. "So... you're saying I shouldn't keep the Choosing Stone a secret from Mac too much longer or else it'll come out in a way I don't want it to?"

Applejack nodded quite frantically. "That's exactly what Ah'm sayin', Marble."

Marble seemed to consider her words for a moment. "Alright. I'll try to tell him as soon as possible."

Applejack was pleased with her answer, her mind instantly flashing back to how Marble wanted to ask him out. "Do ya wanna buy lilies for him? We'll be by the market, so maybe ya can."

Marble very noticeably blushed. "Um... I guess so."

Applejack nodded. "Alright. We'll do that after visitin' Rarity."

"Alright."

The rest of the short journey was plagued by silence, Applejack's mind going crazy. She knew Rarity would understand... right? No, she certainly will. After all, she's a sucker for all types of romance, and has more than likely read a book about a situation similar to Applejack's. She would probably be more understanding than others... Rainbow Dash in particular. Oh, when Rainbow finds out, she will explode...

Applejack looked up, seeing the boutique in front of her. "We're here," she said, drawing Marble's attention. Applejack walked into the boutique, looking around for her friend.

"Rarity?" She called.

"Just a minute!" Rarity replied from somewhere in the boutique. After a second or so, Rarity emerged from a large rack of clothes, proudly smiling. "Sorry about that, dear! I just finally finished putting up my new line! Isn't it fabulous?"

Applejack nodded, not able to look at Rarity. "It sure is. But, anyways, Ah have somethin' ta tell ya, Rarity," she said, her voice wavering.

Rarity's eyes gleamed. "Wait... gossip?! Oh, count me in!" She said, sitting down on a large couch. Applejack and Marble took the one across from her, Applejack feeling her cheeks burning. It was time. She took a breath.

"Say... does it have something to do with Marble?" Rarity asked, unknowingly rescuing Applejack for a few more seconds.

Applejack shook her head. "Nah. Ah just feel she needs ta know."

Rarity blinked, seeming a bit confused. "Well, okay. So, what is it?"

Applejack's heart rate sped up. She bit her lip, not caring how she accidentally bit down a bit too hard. "Well..."

As she started, the door suddenly slammed open, startling her. She looked over, seeing Pinkie, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, and Fluttershy standing in the doorway.

Twilight waved. "Hey, Rarity- oh, Applejack and Marble, too! Pinkie's going to be decorating for the wedding, do you want to help?"

Rarity nodded. "Oh, certainly! Though, Applejack was about to tell me something first!"

Before Applejack could react, Pinkie loudly gasped. "Ooh, what is it?!" She asked, sitting next to Rarity. Applejack felt her cheeks burn. Oh, come on!

"Uh..."

As Applejack fumbled for words, the rest of her friends seemed to sit down on the couches. Her heart rate sped up as she realized that she probably wouldn't be telling just Rarity and Marble her secret. Oh boy...

Rainbow crossed her arms. "Say... why do Rarity and Marble get to know, but not the rest of us?"

Applejack fought the urge to groan. "Um... well, Ah figured Ah should tell one of y'all at a time-"

"Then why is Marble here?" Dash asked, looking to Marble. "Sorry, don't think I'm accusing you or anything."

Applejack's nerves completely blew up inside of her. "Because she walked in on it, that's why!" As soon as it slipped out, Applejack threw a hoof over her mouth. Oh, I'm in trouble now...

And, just like she thought, everyone except for Marble went completely wide-eyed. Applejack couldn't look at any of them.

"Um... Applejack?" Fluttershy meekly asked.

Applejack looked up to her, feeling her blush reach her ears. "Yeah? Ah guess Ah gotta tell everyone now," she said, taking a deep breath. She could do this.

Fluttershy gulped. "Um... you're still a... virgin, right?"

This question took Applejack completely off guard, causing her to somehow blush even harder. "What the hay?! Of course Ah am!"

Rarity let out a sigh of relief. "Oh, thank goodness! That would mean she would be hiding a relationship from us or something!" As she said that, Applejack felt her eyes widen as she blushed even harder. Her glance was darting around, and she scrambled to find something, anything, to say. "Um... darling, you aren't hiding a relationship from us, are you?" Rarity asked, seeming to take notice of Applejack's demeanor.

Applejack felt herself look to the ground, not able to look at anyone. "Um..."

Pinkie gasped. "Ooh, who is it?! Let me guess-"

Twilight put a hoof to Pinkie's mouth, silencing her. "Pinkie, let Applejack tell us when she's ready."

Dash leaned back into the couch, a prideful smile on her face. "I had a feeling that's what you were hiding from us. What's so bad about telling us? I mean, it's not like you're dating Tirek or anything like that."

Well, I'm dating someone who you hate, so I don't know about that, Applejack thought to herself. She finally decided to give in. She waited this long, so she should just tell everyone at once. After all, it won't be too hard, right? "Alright. Well, Ah want y'all ta promise ya won't start yellin' at me."

Twilight giggled. "Applejack, we would never do something like that! Right, girls?" To this, everyone else nodded in affirmation.

Even though Applejack had doubts, she steeled a breath anyway. It was time. "Well... alright. Ah'm... in a, let me assure ya, healthy relationship with... Flim." As those words left her mouth, she couldn't bring herself to look at anyone. Would they be glaring? She eventually looked up, seeing everyone but Marble bug-eyed.

"Um... well, alright... this day is just full of surprises," Rarity said, glancing around. Applejack pulled her hat slightly over her eyes.

"Um... who are you talking about?" Marble asked. As soon as she did, Dash slammed a hoof in the table between the couches, grabbing everyone's attention in an instant.

"Probably the worst pony ever-" She started, Applejack fixing her with a harsh glare, prompting her to shut up. "Uh... hehe... please don't beat me up."

Applejack raised a brow, feeling anger start to boil inside of her. "Ah thought y'all promised ya would be supportive," she said, the sentence coming out in more of a snap.

Twilight nodded. "Applejack's right. Sure, this is big news, but she-"

"She's dating the pony who tried to overrun Sweet Apple Acres! You're seriously alright with this?!" Dash interrupted, getting in Twilight's face. Twilight lightly nudged her back.

"As I was trying to say... Applejack surely has her reasons. I mean, we all know how much she used to be opposed to relationships. He obviously changed something for her."

Applejack internally sighed of relief as she heard Twilight's logic. It seemed as though she was at least supportive...

"Well, maybe he's lying. I mean, I can't trust that guy," Rainbow responded, immediately sparking up Applejack's anger again.

"What all happened?" Marble asked.

Dash looked to her. "Basically, him and his no good brother tried to overrun Sweet Apple Acres. They almost won it, if it weren't for their cider tasting horrible."

"Oh."

"They're just no good con-ponies. End of story," Dash finished. As she did, Applejack let out a deep, annoyed breath.

"Let me talk for once." She waited until she caught everyone's glance, which didn't take long. "Alright. Ah understand your frustration, cause believe me, Ah was the same way when Ah saw him again. But, like Twilight was sayin', Ah do have mah reasons. Basically, he came to me because he wanted ta learn honesty. Long story short, he realized what he and his brother have been doin' was wrong. He wanted ta get an actual job, and the only way ta do that in Equestria is ta have friendship. So, Ah decided ta teach him."

Twilight gasped. "Applejack..."

Applejack mentally prepared herself for more accusations as she replied. "Huh?"

"You had a friendship pupil... without telling me?!"

Applejack nodded her head, happy that was all Twilight seemed to be mad about. "Ah'm sorry. He asked that nopony besides me knows that he's here. He didn't want ta hear more ponies tellin' him how bad of a pony he is, considerin' at that time his self confidence was already low enough. Hearin' more bad things would break him."

Twilight blinked. "Oh."

Applejack nodded, feeling a lot less nervous now. "Yeah. Ah encouraged him ta let me tell y'all, but he insisted on himself bein' a secret. So, we met daily in the woods, and Ah taught him honesty and confidence. Soon... we-"

"Fell in love?!" Rarity asked, her eyes starry. "Oh, this is exactly like a romance novel I just finished! A redeemed nemesis approached a mare's door, and slowly but surely, they fell for each other!"

Applejack felt a warmth in her stomach as she recalled. A smile crept onto her face. "That's... the gist of it."

Rarity's eyes danced with excitement. "When did he first ask you out?!"

Applejack smiled even brighter. "Well... Ah told him Ah liked him the day Pinkie used the Choosin' Stone."

Pinkie gasped. "That's why you were so flustered and nervous!"

Applejack nodded. "That's why."

Rarity squealed as Dash comprehended everything.

"Oh. You could have said he was reformed when you first told us about him. I was scared," she said.

Twilight nodded. "See, Dash? I told you Applejack had her reasons!"

At this moment, Applejack felt like she was on top of the word. Her friends were alright with them dating!

"That's so cute! So, anyways, what did you walk in on, Marble?" Pinkie asked, turning to her sister. As soon as she said it, Applejack felt her cheeks burn. Oh, right... I have to explain that too...

Marble blushed. "Um..."

Dash immediately burst out laughing, snapping Applejack's attention to her. "Applejack, did you seriously lie about losing your virginity?"

Applejack felt a harsh blush crawl up her cheeks. "What?! No!"

Dash started to laugh again. "Well, why else would Marble be flustered? Also, just to let ya know, the walls in your house are pretty thin," she said, winking. Applejack glared at the pegasus, almost sure she looked like a cherry at this point.

"Rainbow Dash! Ah did not lie! We were just kissin' on mah bed!"

"That's what they all say!"

Applejack raised a brow, fighting the urge to groan. "Really?"

Dash's laughter finally died down. "Ah, sorry, AJ. I've just been waiting forever to make fun of you with sex jokes!"

Applejack restrained herself from rolling her eyes. "Y'all can wait a little longer. It won't hurt ya."

Dash shook her head. "Nah. I'll still make fun of ya. Especially when I meet him!"

Fluttershy raised a brow. "Wait a second... how did he get into your room?"

Applejack felt herself blush again. "Well, he teleported. A little while back, Ah borrowed a teleportation book-" Applejack tried to say, not wanting to say that she technically stole it-

"That's where it went?! Applejack, please, tell me next time you borrow something! Spike and I were looking for that book for days! Then, about a week later, we found it magically appeared in the wrong bookshelf!" Twilight interrupted, glaring. Applejack chuckled, feeling her ears fall back.

"Hehe... sorry, Twilight. Ah didn't want anyone knowin' about us, so Ah kinda stole it," she admitted.

Twilight sighed. "Applejack, for Spike's sake, please tell me next time."

Applejack couldn't hold back a smile. "Ah will. Ah'm sorry. After we started datin', he told me Ah could tell ponies about him, but... Ah opted not to. If anythin' found its way back to mah family, Big Mac would beat him to a pulp."

"Well, you gotta tell your family sometime!" Pinkie said. Applejack nodded.

"Yeah. Ah've been thinkin'... maybe Ah could tell 'em tomorrow. We've been together for a few months now, so they'll hopefully be more hesitant about breakin' us apart."

Pinkie gasped. "Do we get to meet him, too?!"

Applejack nodded. Why didn't I ever think about my friends meeting him? "Yeah. He's a good pony. He's a lot different from his past self, let me tell ya. He'll also probably be workin' on the farm. Well, if mah family lets him."

"Really?" Marble asked. Applejack nodded.

"Yup! Ah might have him work with you, but Ah'm not sure yet. Big Mac would work him too hard, and he wouldn't be allowed ta work with me for obvious reasons."

Rainbow starting laughing again, Applejack turning to her with a raised brow.

"What now?"

Dash giggled. "Oh, well, the work isn't the only thing he's gonna do!" She replied, smirking. Applejack sighed.

"Whatever ya want ta tell yourself."

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Well, alright! I look forward to meeting him! Well, meeting his reformed self, that is."

Applejack smiled, her nerves completely gone. "Well, Ah'm glad. Ah'll have ta tell him."

Pinkie nodded. "Yeah! And if your family doesn't let you two be together, leave it to us to convince them!"

Applejack giggled. "Well, ya can try. It won't be easy."

Pinkie shrugged. "Eh, I'll find a way."

Applejack smiled. "Well... thank y'all... most of y'all, at least, for bein' supportive. It means a lot."

Twilight smiled. "It's no problem, Applejack! As long as he's a good pony, we're proud of you and hope your relationship runs smoothly!"

Applejack nodded. "Thanks."

Dash nodded. "Well, I mean, I do ship Applejack with someone else, but-"

Applejack's ears perked up as she looked at Dash with the most horrified expression. "Ya ship me?!"

Dash nodded. "Yep! I actually wrote an erotic fanfiction about you and Caramel a little while back!"

Applejack's cheeks burned as she stared at Dash. "Caramel?! Seriously?!"

Dash started to laugh. "Yeah! I gotta read it to you sometime!"

Applejack sighed, cringing at the thought of her story. "Ah would rather ya not."

"As much as we would love to hear it, Dash, I have some news of my own," Twilight said.

Rarity's eyes widened. "Do you have a coltfriend too, darling?"

Twilight shook her head. "No. Anyways, Starlight's coming into town in two days!"

Pinkie gasped. "Really?! We totally need to have a sleepover! We have so much to catch up on!"

Twilight nodded. "Well, that sounds good. Marble, do you want to come, too?"

Marble's ears flicked. "Sure."

Pinkie gasped. "Yay! Hopefully you'll be with Mac by then, Marble!"

Marble blushed. "Um... I'll try."

Applejack chuckled. "Well, Ah gotta get goin' and tell Flim what's all happenin'. So... see y'all at the farm tomorrow!"

"What time?" Twilight asked. Applejack thought.

"Uh... nine o' clock! It's a Saturday, so hopefully it'll be easy ta make! See y'all!"

"Bye!" They replied as Applejack and Marble stepped outside. Applejack looked down to Marble.

"So... wanna get lilies?"

After Applejack helped Marble pick out some flowers for Mac, she went on her own separate way, walking towards the woods. There was a confident stride to her step, and she felt like a huge weight was partly lifted off her shoulders. Sure, she still had to tell her family, but this was all relieving enough.

As she stepped into the clearing, she immediately spotted Flim relaxing on the grass. She ran up to him and hugged him, Flim blinking before hugging her back.

"Um... did it go well?"

Applejack nodded, pulling apart from him and kissing him. "Yeah. It sure did. Long story short, they all happened to show up and wanted to know what Ah was goin' to tell Rarity and Marble. So... you're meeting all of them and mah family at nine o' clock tomorrow."

Flim's ear flicked. "Oh. Well, luckily, I have tomorrow off."

Applejack chuckled. "Yeah."

Flim took a breath. "Well... I don't know how I feel about this. I'm honestly a bit scared. Well, terrified of Big Mac."

Applejack rolled her eyes. "Don't worry. Ah'll make sure he doesn't hurt ya," she said, kissing his cheek. "Ah'm a bit nervous, too. But, we'll have each other. All of mah friends support us as well. It'll be fine, Ah'm sure of it."

Flim smiled. "Well, that's good."

Applejack nodded. "Yeah. Also, if this all goes well, Ah'll probably have you workin' on the farm."

Flim's eyes widened. "Really?! Oh, a nice bed to sleep in would really be nice."

Applejack chuckled. "Ah figured. But, anyways, let's see how it all goes. For now, Ah gotta get back to the farm. Ah never told anyone Marble and Ah were leavin'."

Flim lightly kissed her. "Well, okay. So... when and where should I meet you?"

"Ah'll come here early tomorrow mornin'. That way, Ah can walk ya over."

Flim nodded. "Sounds good. So... see you then." They came in for another kiss before Applejack stood up.

"See ya," she said, smiling and trotting out of the woods. Tomorrow, her family would know about her secret. This is the determining factor of if their relationship will last or not. ...Am Ah really ready?

Family

It was early in the morning, and Applejack was sitting down to breakfast with her family. As she ate her pancakes, she looked between them and sighed.

"Ah have... somethin' ta tell y'all today. At nine. Which is in... about twenty minutes."

Granny tilted her head. "What is it, dear?"

Applejack glanced around. "Well... Ah have ta show ya somethin' Ah mean. Mah friends will all be here, too."

Apple Bloom blinked. "Well... alright. Why can't ya tell us now?"

Applejack blushed. "You'll... understand when Ah tell ya. For now... Ah gotta go get the thing," she said, walking away. As she left, she heard her family talking about her, wondering what was up. She sighed as she walked through the orchard. She thought she would be ready, but in reality, she was terrified. What if Big Mac barred them from dating? What if he wasn't allowed to work on the farm? What if no one in her family wanted to give him a chance and trust him? Heck, what if they were mad at her?

These worries continued to circle through her mind as she walked in the woods, seeing Flim still sleeping. She gulped, shaking him to wake him up. Flim's eyes snapped open in surprise as he looked at Applejack, blinking.

"Is it... time?"

Applejack nodded. "It is. Ah'm nervous."

Flim shook out his mane, standing up. "Well... alright. Do I have time to take a quick bath in the river?"

Applejack shook her head. "Ah'm sorry, but naw. Breakfast ran longer than Ah thought, especially since we're allowed ta sleep in on the weekends."

Flim nodded. "Well, alright. So... let's go?"

Applejack nodded, hugging him. "Yeah. Ah hope everythin' will be alright."

Flim kissed the top of her head. "It will be. Trust me. Nothing will happen to us."

Applejack released her grip. "Oh, Ah hope so," she said, walking beside Flim out of the woods. "So... let's still keep low. After today, ya won't have ta. Ah just don't want anyone stoppin' us or anythin'."

Flim nodded. "That sounds like a good idea. I mean, no one ever stops me on my way to work... well, except this one time this little colt told me he liked my mane. That was all."

Applejack nodded. "Well, that's good."

The rest of the journey was made in silence. They crept over to the orchard, Applejack taking a breath.

"Well... here goes nothin'," she said, stepping down the path. Flim looked around.

"These are some impressive trees."

Applejack nodded. "Yeah."

They eventually made it up to the barn door, Applejack taking a deep breath. "Well... here goes nothin'..." she said, slightly opening the door and poking her head inside. As she did, she caught everyone's eyes on her. She took a breath.

"Uh... hehe... hello, everyone."

Apple Bloom smiled. "Hey, AJ! Is somethin' wrong?"

Granny raised an eyebrow. "Y'all don't look so good, dearie."

Applejack blushed, mentally preparing herself for what she was about to say. "Um... Ah have somethin' to tell y'all. Well, mah family and Spike, that is," she said, waving at Spike. She had a feeling that Twilight probably told him everything, so he decided to tag along. "Ah've... been keepin' a secret." She admitted, looking between her family, her gaze mostly lingering on Big Mac. "Ah... am in a healthy relationship of a few months."

Applejack heard Apple Bloom gasp, and saw that Granny and Mac went completely bug-eyed.

Oh my gosh! Why didn't ya tell us?!" Apple Bloom asked, walking up to the door. She raised a brow at Applejack. "Hey... why aren't ya comin' inside?"

Applejack blushed again, her heart racing. "Um... because he's here with me."

Apple Bloom gasped again. "Really?!"

Applejack nodded. "Yeah. Ah told everyone else yesterday. They're here ta meet him."

Pinkie ran up to Applejack's face, causing Applejack to slightly recoil. "Well, what are you waiting for?! I'm so excited!"

Applejack chuckled. "Um... y'all... have ta promise me somethin'."

"Yes?" Apple Bloom asked, her eyes still dancing with excitement.

"Um... that ya won't flip out. That mainly goes for you, Mac," Applejack said, looking to her brother. Big Mac raised a brow.

"Applejack, don't worry. Ah won't kill him," Mac said.

Ah don't know about that... Applejack thought to herself, taking a breath. It was time.

"Well... alright..." She said before opening the door. Everyone looked out, but saw that no one was standing there. Applejack raised a brow. He was literally right there a second ago!

Rainbow Dash started laughing. "Oh, so you're dating air, AJ?"

Applejack ignored her friend's comment and sighed. She looked to the side of the barn, where she found Flim pressed against the wall. "It's alright, you're fine," she said in a low voice, walking inside and waving a hoof for him to come in. Her heart was currently pumping hard and fast, and she felt her gaze drift around the room.

After another second, Flim walked in the room, his eyes darting from one pony to another. Applejack felt like she was going to burst as silence hung over the group for a second. However, Pinkie shot over to him, getting right in his face.

"Hey there! I'm Pinkie Pie! Well, you probably remember me from that one time you came to Ponyville and-"

Applejack threw a hoof over Pinkie's mouth, glaring at her. "Pinkie!"

Pinkie giggled as Applejack pulled her hoof away. "Whoops! Sorry!"

Flim shook his head. "It's alright. It's all in the past, though I can't deny it never happened."

Applejack looked to her family and saw just what she expected to see: her brother was fuming, her grandmother was just staring in confusion, and her younger sister's jaw seemed to touch the ground.

Twilight walked up to Flim. "Hello," she greeted. "So... you can teleport?" She said, smirking. Flim's eyes grew wide as Applejack found herself blushing.

"Uh... yeah..."

Twilight started laughing. "Oh, I'm just giving you a hard time. Applejack told me she stole the book."

Spike groaned. "Applejack, next time, please tell her. I didn't get to do anything but look for that book for a week!"

Applejack blushed, a sheepish grin crawling up her face. "Um... Ah'm sorry."

Applejack's focus was deterred from Spike as she saw Big Mac walk up to her, glaring. Applejack stood tall and gave that glare right back, confidence surging through her.

"AJ... what are you doin', datin' someone who almost ran our farm out of business?"

Applejack calmly responded. "He came up ta me askin' ta learn honesty, considerin' he felt awful about everythin' he had done in the past. Ah forgived him, and... this happened."

Mac glared at Flim before he looked back down at Applejack. "Is this why you're never around anymore?"

Applejack sighed, her form slightly deflating. "Yes. It is."

Big Mac's glare didn't cease. "Well, next time, tell us. Ah guess it's okay that he's reformed and a little friendship pupil of yours, but Ah don't know how comfortable Ah am with y'all datin'. Especially because Ah don't trust him. Ah don't think Ah ever will."

Applejack now was glaring daggers into her brother. What she had feared was coming true, and she was not about to let him break them apart. "Why, you-"

"Enough," Granny said, walking up next to Mac. "Applejack, Ah didn't expect this, but this here isn't the first time Ah've seen someone fall in love with their enemy. And Mac, y'all need ta listen to AJ. Ya might not understand it, but-"

"Granny, he-"

"Ah was talkin', Mac," she said, shutting him up immediately. "Ah think ya should give him a chance. That's what Ah've always done as an Apple; we're an acceptin' family. Ponies can change, Mac. If I've learned one thing in mah long life, it's that."

Applejack smiled as she listened to her grandmother go off on her brother. Leave it to Granny to approach the situation with wisdom and logic.

Apple Bloom walked over to the couple. "Wait... so he's... good now?" She asked, raising a brow.

Applejack nodded. "Yup, he sure is. Ah taught him honesty, and was like his teacher," she said, puffing her chest out in pride.

Apple Bloom gasped. "That's so cool!" She said, looking up to Flim. "Was she good?"

Flim nodded. "She was a great teacher. I knew she would be."

At this, Applejack blushed, Rarity squealed, and Dash made a gagging noise.

"Aww! That's so cute!" She cooed. "Oh, I'm Rarity, by the way."

"Eh, no thanks." Dash said. As she said that, she started to laugh. "Oh, yeah!" She flew up to Flim, getting near his face. "Well, if you haven't met me yet, I'm Rainbow Dash, Wonderbolt and probably the best flier in Equestria."

Flim raised an eyebrow. "Cocky, much?"

Dash's eyes widened. "I am not! I'm speaking the truth!"

Applejack chuckled. "Whatever ya say, Dash. He's right."

Dash looked down to Applejack. "Hey! You're only agreeing with him because he has a nice-"

Applejack slammed a hoof against Dash's mouth, already knowing what she was going to say. She glared at her, her cheeks red. "Rainbow Dash, Apple Bloom is right there!"

"What about me?"

Dash pulled her friend's hoof away from her mouth. "Fine, fine."

Applejack looked down to Apple Bloom. "Nothin', sugarcube. Dash was just about ta say somethin'... not age appropriate."

At this, Flim started to laugh. Applejack looked up to him.

"Oh, what's so funny?" She asked, raising a brow.

"Well, it took me this long for my tired mind to process the joke, is all," he said, laughing some more. Applejack groaned.

"Oh, come on!"

Dash held a hoof out, Flim bumping his against hers. "Finally! Someone who laughs at my jokes!" She said, smirking. "I officially give you the Rainbow Dash Stamp of Approval to date my best friend."

Applejack raised a brow. "Just because he likes a joke ya made?"

Dash nodded. "Yeah! If he's dating a friend of mine, he has to appreciate me, too!"

Applejack rolled her eyes. "Whatever helps ya sleep at night."

Fluttershy walked up to Flim. "H-hello."

Flim looked down to her. "Oh! You're the mare that helped us with Gladmane!"

Fluttershy nodded. "Yeah. I'm very proud of you and Applejack. From what she told us yesterday, it sounds like you two are in a completely healthy relationship."

Flim smiled. "Well, thank you!"

Spike raised a brow. "Say... where's your brother?" He asked. Flim blinked, a bit surprised by the question.

"Oh. Well, I left him after I finally decided that lying to ponies wasn't the way to live. I haven't talked to him since."

Marble then walked up to Flim, smiling. "H-hello."

Flim looked down to her, raising a brow."Wait... you're the mare from the other night. Marble, is it?"

Marble blushed. "I-I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it. I don't know how soon Applejack would have told everyone if it weren't for your intervention."

Applejack swatted at his side with her hat. "Hey! Ah would have! Maybe not as soon, but Ah was plannin' to!"

Marble giggled. "Well, alright."

Applejack looked to her family, her heart beating faster once again as she prepared to ask another question. "Hey, Granny? Mac?"

The two looked to her, Mac still not very happy. Applejack took a breath.

"Would it... be alright if he worked here? Ah would ideally have him workin' with Marble on the farm. Also, could we give him a place ta live?"

Before Big Mac could say anything, Granny nodded, which made Applejack happy. "Oh, of course, dearie! Now, Flim, where have you been stayin'?"

Flim blushed. "Um... outside."

Granny smiled. "Well, now you'll be stayin' and workin' with us. More workers are always better."

Big Mac's eyes widened as he looked between Flim and Granny. He glared. "Alright, but you are stayin' in the guest room. Clear?"

Flim nodded, though both were quite sad about the ruling. "Y-yes, sir."

Mac seemed at least a little pleased by that answer, nodding and walking into the other room. Flim let out a sigh of relief.

"Well... glad that's all figured out."

Applejack smiled. Now, everything was lifted off of her shoulders. It was one of the most relieving experiences she's ever had. "Me, too."

Twilight smiled. "Well, Flim, you're certainly different than the last time we met... in a good way."

Dash smirked. "Yeah. AJ must have been quite the friendship teacher."

Flim nodded. "Yeah."

"Well, it wasn't all me," Applejack said, "he decided on his own that he wanted ta be a good pony."

Spike smiled. "Well, I respect you, Flim. We'll have to do a guy's hang out sometime! Well... whenever Mac's comfortable with you, that is."

Flim nodded. "Sounds like fun!"

Dash started giggling menacingly. "Hey, Flim?"

"Yes?"

"You should tell me every embarrassing thing about Applejack you know!" She said, cackling.

"Rainbow Dash!" Applejack exclaimed, blushing.

Flim chuckled. "Well, I have quite a few of those. Hm... let's see..."

Applejack blushed even harder. "Flim! Don't you dare say anythin' to her!"

Dash chuckled. "Why not, AJ? You got some secret ya wanna hide?"

Applejack shook her head. "No! Ah just don't want him givin' y'all somethin' ta make fun of me with!"

Flim chuckled. "Well, here's something Dash can't do," he said, winking at Applejack. "Whenever I compliment Applejack, she gets all red and starts pouting."

Applejack blushed. "Hey! That's-"

Flim kissed her cheek, then nuzzled the side of her neck. Applejack turned even more red as she felt his warm lips touch her body, feeling a bit awkward around everyone else.

"F-flim!"

Flim chuckled as he drew away from her. "Aww, she acts like this when I show her love publically, too!"

Applejack pouted. "Why are ya like this?"

Flim ruffled her mane. "Because I love you."

Applejack blushed as Rarity squealed. "W-well... Ah..."

Flim chuckled. "Wow, you certainly hate PDA."

What gave you that idea? Applejack thought to herself.

Dash chuckled. "Wow, Applejack. I never thought I would see you so embarrassed!"

Applejack glared at her friend. "S-shut up, Rainbow Dash."

Pinkie started laughing along with Dash, causing Applejack's blush to grow. "Aww, you're so cute, AJ!" She said, causing Applejack to go even more red. After a second, Pinkie stopped laughing, looking at the clock on the wall.

"Oh my gosh! I have to go plan my wedding!" She said, looking over to Flim. "Well, it was great to meet ya! Well... the new you, at least! I'll see ya soon!"

Flim waved. "Bye."

Twilight nodded. "Maybe we should all help Pinkie to let him get situated here."

"That's a great idea, darling," Rarity agreed, the others nodding in agreement. "Well... we'll all see you soon!"

"Don't forget the sleepover tomorrow, AJ and Marble!"

Applejack waved. "We won't! See ya!" She said, sending the group off. As soon as they left, Flim turned to Applejack, sighing.

"Oh, I am so happy you finally told everyone about us."

Applejack smiled. "Yeah. Me, too. It's quite relievin'."

Apple Bloom walked up to Flim, smiling. "So... are y'all like a new brother?"

Flim chuckled. "Oh... I don't know."

Apple Bloom giggled. "Y'know, you and Applejack should get married!"

Applejack blushed, recoiling. "Wo-oah, what?! Not right now, AB!" Applejack replied. Though, she had to admit, the idea of being bound to him forever with a bond of love seemed... nice...

Apple Bloom giggled. "What? Havin' another brother'll be so cool!"

Granny ruffled Apple Bloom's mane. "You'll still have ta wait a bit, ya little whippersnapper." She looked to Flim. "Fer now... let's get ya settled in. Follow me," she said, making her way over to the steps. Applejack and Flim followed as Granny showed him the guest room, Applejack now happier than ever. Flim will be staying and working with her. What more could she ask for?

Later that night, she sat next to Flim at the dinner table. She had gotten some necessities for him like a mane and toothbrush earlier in the day, and both were now looking forward to a nice dinner. Well, Flim, especially. As soon as the plate was put down in front of him, he completely devoured it. He smiled.

"This is really good!"

Granny chuckled. "Oh, thank you, dearie."

At this, Big Mac walked in, a large smile on his face. Confused, Applejack looked over to him.

"Big Mac? Why are you in such a good mood?"

"Well... our business partner in Manehatten is goin' ta be acceptin' apples from us again. We're startin' ta earn business again."

Applejack's eyes widened, a large smile creeping onto her face. "Really?!"

Big Mac nodded. "Eeyup," he said, sitting down.

Applejack's smile seemed to stretch across her entire face. "Woohoo!" She exclaimed. Her farm was officially back in business, and she could not be happier.

After the moon rose, Applejack and Flim lay under the night sky, snuggled up while looking at the stars, just like they did on their first date. Applejack sighed.

"This really has been an amazin' day. It's almost like... everythin' is workin' out just how Ah wanted it to."

Flim turned to her, giving her a passionate kiss. "I'll agree. I'm happy to be living and working here."

Applejack hugged him. "Ah'm happy ya are, too." She sighed again. "Flim... Ah love ya. Thanks for bein' here for me whenever Ah needed ya."

Flim hugged her back. "I love you too, Applejack. And you're welcome. I'll always be here for you, don't you worry."

Author's Note

And this is the end! :pinkiehappy:

I hope you all liked it! If you came across any issues while reading, please comment them below!

...Wait, What?

"And... done!" Applejack exclaimed as she stacked the last barrel of apple cider. There were at least twenty barrels stacked up, looming over the earth pony. She smirked. Cider season was going to start in a little over a week, and now, she was sure they weren't going to run out of cider. She was way ahead of schedule!

Applejack trotted out of the barn before locking the door. She knew it would still be a few more hours before her family got back home. They had all gone out selling apple products in the Ponyville marketplace and let Applejack do chores at home, which the mare much preferred anyways. Being on the move and bucking apples was a lot more enjoyable than handing out apples at a stand.

She opened the door to her house, inhaling the sweet incense of apples. Applejack could never get tired of the smell of her kitchen. It always smelled like apples, which was undeniably Applejack's favorite scent. She looked at the clock on the wall. It read 5:30 PM. Applejack took this as an initiative to start making dinner. She could get dinner in town like the rest of her family was doing, but she much preferred making her own meal.

She took out a few slices of bread from the cupboard and a jar of zap apple jam from the fridge. She opened it and started to spread the jam over the bread, watching the rainbow colors overtake the light brown of the bread. As she finished spreading the jam, she put the jar back in the fridge, and pressed the two pieces of bread together. She smiled as she looked at the sandwich, the exhaustion of the day creeping up on her as she realized how hungry she was. She was about to take a rewarding bite out of it when a noise started her.

Knock knock

She dropped the sandwich on the plate, looking towards the door. Guess that'll have to wait... She thought.

As she opened the door, she internally prepared herself to put on a nice smile for whoever came to visit. As she creaked the door open, she smiled, but that smile quickly fell as her mouth fell open.

Standing across from her was a very familiar stallion. He was tall, a light yellow color, and currently had a very messy red and white mane. It was undoubtedly Flim of the Flim Flam brothers. Applejack blinked, making sure she wasn't just hallucinating. Why would he be here?

"Hello," he casually greeted, earning an eye twitch from Applejack.

"Uh, what are you doin' here?" She asked, narrowing her eyes.

"I... uh... came to ask you something." He looked over Applejack's shoulder, seeming to be looking for something. "Is the rest of your family here?"

Applejack shook her head. "No. And why would that matter anyway? I don't need the rest of my family to kick you off of my farm."

Flim stepped closer to her, causing Applejack to step back. "Oh, why the unpleasant attitude?" He asked with a smirk. Applejack harshly exhaled.

"Well, let's think: y'all tried to take over Sweet Apple Acres, and ya also lied to a lot of ponies who thought they were gettin' actual treatment. Ah think that's more than enough of a reason to tell ya to get off my farm," she replied with a harsh slam of her hoof. She looked around, confused. "Say, where's that no good brother of yours?"

Flim's gaze turned to anger. "None of your concern. And also, didn't we work together to overthrow Gladmane?"

Applejack nodded. "We did, but that didn't earn me your trust. Ah don't think anythin' can," she said, turning around. "Now, Ah was about ta start eatin'. It would be great if ya left."

Flim grunted. "Applejack, I'm sorry. I have a genuine question to ask you."

Applejack whipped her head around. "Doubtful. It's probably another one of your schemes. Ah'm not gonna play any part in it. Good day."

Flim turned her around with her magic so she was facing him, earning a glare from her. "Please just listen to me."

Applejack's ears perked. The tone in his voice sounded a lot different than the tone she had heard every other time she's seen him. His voice sounded broken; desperate, almost.

"Go on," she instructed, curious to what he had to say for himself.

Flim sighed. "Well... I want to... learn friendship."

Applejack's eyes widened. "What? You? Why?"

He looked to the ground, his eyes harboring... embarrassment, almost. "Well, I want an actual job. Not going around doing con-pony things, but an actual job. I kinda need friendship to get a job in Equestria, and it's too expensive for me to go overseas," Flim replied, earning an unusual look from Applejack.

"Well... that makes sense. How would ya like gettin' lessons from the other Elements of Harmony as well? Ah'm sure-"

"Not interested," he interrupted.

Applejack gave him a confused look. "Why?"

"Because I want as few ponies as possible to know that I'm here. I want to only stay for about a week to take friendship lessons, and then I'm going to get a job. I don't want to explain my reasoning for being here to other ponies."

Applejack raised an eyebrow. "Why? Is your ego that big?"

Flim shook his head. "No. I just know that everyone here hates me, and I don't want to face them. The glare you alone gave me made me feel awful. I truly do regret what I did."

Applejack scoffed. "Yeah right."

Flim glared. "I'm being honest. After my brother and I left Ponyville, I realized how awful it would have been if we would have taken the farm. I just felt so awful we worried you like that."

Applejack at him and noticed something. He was being completely honest; she could see it in his eyes. Applejack was surprised. She had no idea a former foe of hers could change that fast. Something must have happened to lead him down this path.

"Oh... well, Ah guess that makes sense. So... when should we start our lessons?" She asked, knowing she shouldn't turn down a friendship client, even if he was someone she disliked. After all, she was an Element of Harmony and had a throne by the cutie map for a reason.

Flim shrugged his shoulders. "Sometime tomorrow in a private place."

Applejack raised a brow. "This seems kinda sketchy."

Flim raised a brow. "What does?"

Applejack rolled her eyes. "Havin' lessons in a private place."

Flim grunted. "Okay, I'm sorry, I just really don't want to deal with other ponies."

Applejack glared at him. "Well, okay, just know that if ya try anythin', Ah'll knock ya out in a heartbeat."

Flim returned her glare, his expression showing that he was a little offended. "Do you really not trust me? I'm not going to do anything. I just wanted to learn friendship from an Element of Harmony, and out of all of them, I felt like it would be easiest to learn from you."

Applejack's glare subsided as she raised an eyebrow. "Why me?"

Flim thought. "Well, the two of us did work together to kick out Gladmane. I would say I could go to Fluttershy, but she talked with my brother more than me, so I don't know her very well at all. You, however, I've run into quite a few times. And I know you probably hate me the most, but I also sensed that you could be a great teacher."

Applejack blinked. A genuine compliment? "Well... uh... thanks." She looked away, just like she does whenever anyone compliments her. "What place and what time?"

He shrugged. "Noon in the woods near the edge of Ponyville?"

Applejack thought. "You mean the ones in the north or the south?"

"North. You can see Canterlot very well."

Applejack nodded. "Okay, Ah know where you're talkin'. So... see ya tomorrow?"

Flim nodded. "Yeah, I guess. See ya," he said before turning around and walking away. Applejack closed the door, standing in silence for a few seconds.

She wanted to go ask Twilight for advice. She's never had a friendship pupil before! However, she knew that Flim didn't want other ponies knowing that he was there, and Applejack didn't want to betray his trust by doing something he requested she shouldn't do. That would be one lousy friendship teacher.

Applejack grunted as she walked over to her sandwich. She knew these upcoming friendship lessons would be quite interesting, and hoped she could make some progress with him. Honesty was something he really needed to learn.

She took a bite of her sandwich, welcoming the flavor of the zap apple jam. That tasted really good right that moment.

"You should've seen the ponies, Applejack! They all lined up to buy apples!" Apple Bloom said with excitement, practically bouncing in place. Applejack giggled.

"Well, Ah'm happy y'all were able to sell most of the apples. We needed some money for repair work on the barn."

Apple Bloom nodded her head. "Yep! You should come with us next time!"

Applejack shook her head. "Ah would rather not. Selling apples is not exactly my forte."

Apple Bloom's ears fell. "But you're better than me at it!"

Applejack chuckled. "That's because ya have a bit to learn. Y'all will be better than me soon, trust me."

Apple Bloom flipped her mane. "Yeah, yeah. Ah hope so."

Granny Smith slowly walked across the kitchen. "Anythin' new, AJ?" She asked as she started cleaning the dishes.

Applejack's ears perked. She hated lying, she really did, but this time, she was certain she was saving her own hide. If her family found out about Flim, they would probably be mad at her, and not let her teach him. Applejack didn't want to lose her first friendship client, even if it was someone who she disliked.

"Uh... nope! Though, Ah think Ah heard bats at the east side of the farm." That wasn't a lie. Applejack was almost certain she heard chittering earlier.

The sound of grunting came from the other side of the kitchen. Big Mac looked at his sister. "Seriously? Ah thought they were fine stayin' on the west side!" He took a sip of water. "We need ta look tomorrow evening when they first come out."

Applejack's ear flicked. "What time?" She asked.

"Uh... Six? Why does that matter?" He asked. Applejack's tail flicked.

"Well, Ah'm just tryin' ta map out my schedule for tomorrow!" She replied, feeling pleased knowing that also wasn't a lie.

"When did you turn into Twilight?" Apple Bloom asked with a giggle. Applejack smirked.

"Ah always plan out mah schedule, AB." She looked up at the clock on the wall. "Oh! It's time for you to get to bed!"

Apple Bloom grunted. "Fine..." She answered as she lumbered up the stairs to her room. Applejack yawned.

"Ah don't know about y'all, but Ah'm quite tired from all the work Ah did today. So... see ya tomorrow!" She said as she made her way up the stairs.

"Sleep well, AJ!"

"Eeyeup!"

Applejack heard the two say as she found the door to her room. After walking in, she quickly got ready for bed.

Tomorrow would be interesting, that's for sure. But for now, she was just focused on getting a good night's sleep.