Golden Love

by enigmaMystere

Rating: teen
Tags: Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Other, Romance, Spa Ponies, Original Character, Comedy, Slice of Life, Sex
Length: 78743

A Griffin moves to Ponyville and searches for love, but is everything as it seems?

Ponyville receives its fair shares of ponies moving in and out. However, while everyone has their secrets, one has one that's different than most. As he finds himself learning more and more about the town and its folk, will the saying "nothing stays secret forever" hold true? And what does it mean for those he cares about?

Familiar setups with new twists mix in with the tale of the new guy in town. He's not the cause of all changes, but can certainly bring some himself.

Co-written with my friend Rhino.

Cover art by Neko-me.

Sex tag is for implications, not for explicit scenes. Sorry to burst your bubbles.

Published 2017-09-03 02:50:13 UTC
Last updated 2022-10-22 16:29:38 UTC

It's party time! Why are you just talking?

Flick finds himself being dragged backwards by this pink mare, any attempt to slow himself down proving to be fruitless. Grab a lamppost? Lose his grip. Claw at the ground? Create divots in the gravel. Hug the nearest non-pink pony? Take them along for the ride. Then again, the one known as Twilight was rather soft to the touch...

...he makes a mental note to apologize to her after finding a suitable gift to offer her.

The other girls just seem to watch with eyes that know the futility of his efforts.

Eventually, they make it to the establishment and Pinkie lets go of his tail, turning and giving him a big grin. "Welcome to Sugarcube Corner, where the best sweets are made!"

He merely nods, his body still tense from all the tugging.

Out of the corner of his eye, he sees Rainbow whispering to Applejack. He can only make out something about Twilight before a warmth makes itself known against him.

"Mister Flick?" Says a voice by his side. "Can you let me go, please?"

"Huh?" He blinks, looking down at the mare at his side. "...ah. Sorry, I thought I let go, earlier." He does so now, getting up and offering her a claw up. "Though, if it helps any, you're really comfortable."

She appears confused by the compliment, but thanks him nonetheless. "Thank you. Maybe that's why Spike never complains when I carry him."

He smiles at her, and, when she's far enough away, he leans over to a nearby pony, whispering in the ear without looking. "Does she not get flirting?"

Applejack waves a hoof. "She's smart as a whip but she strikes me as a pony who's had her head in a book most of the time."

"Ah." He taps his chin, a thoughtful smile on his beak. "I kind of like a challenge. Maybe I'll see how she reacts when she finally gets it."

"Careful, darling." Rarity placed her hoof on his shoulder. "You'll need to take responsibility when she finds out."

Flick stares at her in confusion, shrugging and walking into the eatery. "Sure thing, Miss Rarity." He hears the trails of tittering as he looks around at the small crowd of customers scattered about the room.

A few scattered ponies that were in the shop for other reasons seem to have gotten wrapped up into the party, now enjoying themselves.

He nods quietly, his gaze just drifting past most of the ponies before they rest on a familiar shade of yellow, sitting off in a corner all alone. Sighing softly, he makes his way over, stopping a respectable distance away, though still behind her. "You know, it's a shame for a cutie like yourself to be alone in a party this welcoming."

"Eep!" She squeaks quietly, hiding within her mane.

"...are... are you really that shy?" He gently reaches a talon in her direction. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you, Miss Shy. I just... figured it'd be a good idea to-"

"Hey!" He takes a step back as Rainbow lands in front of him, eyes narrowed dangerously. "What do you think you're doing to Fluttershy?"

The griffin grimaces a bit. "...trying to be friendly?"

"You have a weird way of doing it." She pushes his claw away from them. "Keep that to yourself. Or Twilight."

He chokes on his words a moment before glancing over at the pony in question, nervous. "...I have no idea what you're talking about."

Suddenly the blue mare finds herself gently poked from the back. "Umm... Rainbow, he wasn't being mean. He was just... trying to talk to me."

She turns and stares blankly at her friend. "...you're sure he wasn't doing anything to scare you?"

Fluttershy nods. "He was just talking to me."

"...oh." She awkwardly shuffles in place before turning and heading towards the cupcake table Pinkie set up.

Flick chuckles, glancing at the yellow pegasus with a smile. "She's pretty protective of you, huh?"

She gives a small smile, nodding as she only hides half her face. "She has been for years."

"Sounds like a good friend." He clears his throat and gestures to her slowly, as though she were made of glass. "So... should we try this again?"

"Oh! Right..." Seeing him trying, she takes a deep breath. "Hello."

"Hello." He places a claw on his chest and bows to her. "It is an honor to meet you."

"Oh umm, there's no need to bow." She says softly. "I'm nopony important."

He smiles coyly at her. "I was taught to respect females, especially pretty ones. Would you prefer that I kiss your hoof?"

"Eep!" She backs off quickly. "Bowing is fine."

"As you wish." He looks over everyone else for a moment before continuing. "So, what do you like to do?"

"Oh, I like to care of the cute little animals that live around here." The one eye not hidden behind her long pink forelock almost begins to sparkle.

He blinks, tilting his head to one side. "You really don't mind taking care of animals?"

"Oh, no. I love it!" She claps her hooves.

"Huh." He scratches his cheek, glancing over at her. "Any particular reason? Do you just love cuddling with cute critters?"

"I.. I have a special connection to them. It's my talent." Her wings flutter as her namesake. "I can help them find good homes, help their problems, and ensure they're healthy."

He considers this for a moment before nodding, giving her a warm smile. "That's a noble cause, Miss Fluttershy. I'd be lucky to have somepony like you as a nurse." He chuckles and gently pats her on the shoulder.

She doesn't shy away, and instead giggles.

He takes note of this and chuckles. "Glad you're being more open with me, by the way. Your voice is really lovely when you use it." He winks and stands up.

"Eep!" She squeaks once more.

By this point, however, he has walked away, off to mingle with more ponies.

Rainbow lands beside her, an eyebrow raised. "...does he hit on every mare he comes across?"

Fluttershy just tries to calm herself.

The technicolor mare glances at her friend, her bemused expression turning to confusion. "Wait, did that actually work on you?"

"Work? I just thought it was nice." She now looks confused.

Her muzzle scrunches a bit at this. "...so... you didn't realize he was flirting with you?"

"Umm... no, not really." She shrugs. "Ponies just act like that around me sometimes."

Rainbow sighs and rests her head on a nearby table as she mutters to herself. "...and ponies say I'm dense..."

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the party, the griffin has settled down by the snack table, eyeing everything in confusion. "...either I'm crazy, or someone here likes apples... what even is all of this?"

"Well, Ah can only do so much when Pinkie asks for things at the last second." Applejack admits, having been close enough to hear.

He jumps as his heart leaps into his throat, spinning to face the mare. "L-lovely as your southern lilt is, please don't sneak up on me like that."

"Heh, sorry about that." She smiles at him. "Yer not just gonna eye the grub, right?"

"Why do that when I've got the Apple of my eye right here?" He chuckles and playfully winks at her.

Pinkie pops up behind him, startling him into losing a couple feathers. "You have an apple in your eye? Doesn't that hurt?"

"What... no, I was-"

"Oh! Maybe the food's just reflecting in your eyes!" She takes hold of his head and stares deeply into them. "...nope. Just me and Applejack."

The farm pony is trying to hold in her laughter as she watches him.

Flick is blushing brightly by this point. "...never mind, Pinkie."

"Okay!" She turns around and gasps. "Ooh, party games!" She then runs off and leaves the two of them alone.

"...she's pretty excitable, huh?" He nervously chuckles, looking back to Applejack.

"So how come you didn't get a cloud house like the pegasi?" Applejack asks him as the party pony pronks away.

"A few reasons." He reaches over and grabs an apple juice, sipping at it before he answers. "I wanted a yard, I didn't want a house that could easily be pulled apart, mistaken for weather clouds, or blown away by a strong wind, and I wanted to invite guests of all kind over, not just pegasi." He smiles slyly at her. "Does that answer your question?"

"Eeyup." She nods. "Sound like fine reasons to me."

"Good." He glances at his drink. "So... you're a farmer, I take it?"

She nods. "Yep, mah family runs Sweet Apple Acres on the outskirts of town."

"...you mean all those trees I saw on my way over?" He taps his chin. "Even the pear trees?"

"Ah'm fairly certain those are on Carrot Top's property." She says with an odd look.

"But that name implies that she's a vegetable farmer, doesn't it?" He points a talon at her. "Apples are trees, and so are pears, so... right?"

"Farmers ain't limited to a single type of crop." She says, scrunching her mouth.

"So then you aren't limited to apples. Thus, pears." He smiles proudly, thinking he won the argument.

She seems at a loss for words, instead taking an apple fritter and taking a large bite out of it.

"In all seriousness, though," he gently places a claw on her shoulder, "what's up? Why so upset about pears?"

"Family stuff that seems dumb when I tell it to other ponies." She answers vaguely.

He raises an eyebrow but shrugs a bit. "Alright, I'll stop pushing." He lets go and offers her his claw. "Maybe you can introduce me to some southern hospitality, sometime?"

"Well sure, though yer getting a sample right now." She gestures to the spread.

He just smirks. "Not the kind I meant." He finishes his drink and moves to grab another.

She grins once more. "We'll see. If you're neighborly, ya'll be treated like it."

"And if he's more than neighborly?" Flick jumps as the pink pony jumps into view beside her friend, wearing a blindfold over her eyes.

"Pinkie? How are you..." She motions to how she just avoided knocking over anything before sighing and shaking her head. "We'll see when we get there."

"What do you mean by that?" She takes a step to the side and lets the griffin leave, still looking at Applejack in spite of her current lack of vision.

"Look, Pinkie, you know we're friendly, so let's just see what happens." She pats her friend's shoulders.

She blinks. "...is he going to join your family?" She beams brightly. "Can I join your family?"

"Ah... you..." Sighing, she drags her away. "Come on, let's talk."

She nods and follows her, humming happily all the while.

Flick sighs and sits at a table, nursing his second glass of juice. "...there's something strange with some of these mares..."

"At least they're interesting, right?" A non-female voice speaks up as it comes to the table, grabbing a bit of punch with it's claws.

He jumps, looking at him with wide eyes. "...oh, right, the, uh, dragon, right?"

"That's me!" He offers him a claw. "I'm Spike."

He smiles and shakes the claw with his own. "Flick. Nice to actually meet you."

Spike nods. "Yeah, I think I saw you earlier when things were calming down from being crazy. I was a bit distracted to say hi."

"Yea, I saw you got your own..." He trails off, glancing around at the ponies in the party. "...you know what."

"Ticket? Yeah." He sips his drink. "The Galla's okay, but I think we'll all have fun."

"Really?" He looks around at everyone, chuckling when he sees Pinkie lead Applejack to a game of pin the tail on the pony. "What kind of fun do you think you'll have?"

"Well, I just got these, so I'll need to check on some stuff, but I think I can show them a good time." He looks up thoughtfully.

"Is that right?" He taps his chin thoughtfully. "...I wonder if I should've asked to go..." He blinks, looking at the crowd once more. "Wait, so how many of you got tickets? Was Twilight just giving them away?"

"Twilight had a spare one, everypony seemed to have a reason they wanted to go, not enough tickets to go around, whole town goes nuts trying to get it." He sighs as he recounts the day. "Then she sends them back and ends up getting enough for all her friends and me."

"...wait, they all had a reason to go?" He raises an eyebrow at this. "And you're going to try to get them all to do something together?"

"Yeah... I might have to call in some favors to please them all." He admits.

"Probably a good idea." He scratches his chin, glancing over at Rainbow and Fluttershy discussing something. "Maybe you should bring it-"

"Oh, Spike~!" A familiar alabaster unicorn walks up to them, smiling warmly. "You just have to try this angel food cake! Pinkie really outdid herself!"

"If you like it, I'm sure I'll love it!" He quickly hops down and fetches himself a piece, his eyes only on her.

Flick watches him leave, an eyebrow raised. "...that's some strong puppy love, right there..."

Around him, the party continues, some ponies even having pulled a piñata from somewhere and are now dodging wild attempts to hit it.

Flick chuckles, shaking his head at this display and how the purple unicorn who didn't understand his flirting was the one almost hitting ponies. He takes another sip of his drink, then groans and smacks his forehead.

"I've barely even seen my new place."

Get a job! Wait, what are your qualifications?

Flick's first thought the next morning is how somepony must have the a natural alarm clock with how perfectly the bed was position so sun would shine on it through the window.

He grumbles, lazily batting at the beams of light with a hoof, contemplating the merits of a set of blinds.

...wait, hoof?

He double checks. A familiar yellow hoof looks back at him, sunlight coming through it in some spots.

He groans, rubbing it down his face and grumbling quietly. "I hate it when I sleep on my leg funny..." He stares at it and focuses, which, oddly enough, causes his own leg to unfocus for a bit. When he can see it clearly once more, it's a talon, and he flexes each digit to make sure it works properly.

Luckily for him, only the sun was witness to this oddity, leaving the rest of the town blissfully unaware.

"Well... time to greet the day, I guess." He gets up and stretches, groaning as his back pops. "Gah, that hurts... why do their bones have to be susceptible to stuff like that?"

No one answers him, instead, the open door of the bathroom offers a counterpoint.

He sighs and walks over, grumbling to himself. "You win this round, bladder..."

Once the morning issue is taken care of, a more pleasant sight comes to light: meaning his librarian neighbor out on her balcony with a book and tea.

He walks outside, moving to the edge of the balcony closest to her and resting his elbows on the railing. "Hello, there. Glad to see you made it back home after that party, last night."

"Hmm?" She looks up, surprised. "Oh, wow, you live closer than I thought. Casual chat distance, in fact."

"It sure seems that way." He chuckles, resting his cheek against a talon as his eyes gleam with mirth. "I certainly don't object to having a beautiful view every morning."

She giggles. "Yes, I managed to catch the sunrise this morning and it was lovely."

"That was also... nice." His grin turns a little lopsided before he shifts his focus. "What are you reading, there?"

"A collection of data gatherings about the effects when reading while drinking tea when compared to doing the same but with coffee. I find it refreshing to start the day with." She rattles this all off with a simple smile.

He chuckles quietly, nodding to himself. "I'm glad to see a book centered on quenching one's thirst is refreshing."

She giggles. "Yes, though, I have found it's impossible to read without wanting a drink."

"I can only imagine." He gestures to her cup. "I can see which side you're on in that debate."

"It's how I was raised." She says simply.

"Oh?" He raises an eyebrow at her. "I thought you were raised here. Tea seems more like the snooty Canterlot scene."

She gives him a look as she daintily sets down her cup. "I'm from Canterlot."

If he had a drink, he'd be choking on it right now. "...y-you are? But... you're so nice! And... and the ones who came to Griffinstone were so condescending!" His face is bright red in embarrassment. "I... I'm sorry..."

She stares at him a little longer before smiling. "It's alright. I know ponies who were like that. They're... difficult."

He slumps over the railing, groaning quietly. "...please don't scare me like that again..."

Her ears fold back a bit even as she smiles. "I'm sorry, as true as it is about some, I just try to show ponies not everyone fits into stereotypes."

He suddenly perks up at her words, looking to her as though seeing her for the first time. "...you really are a gem, Twilight Sparkle." He smiles, placing a claw on his chest and bowing respectfully. "I hope we become great friends in the future."

She perks up as well, something in his words striking a chord in her. "I hope so, too."

"Heh, if luck be willing, maybe we can be more than that." He watches her face carefully, trying to see what she really thinks of the idea. Then again, this mare did have an air of innocence around her, some element that he found utterly irresistible.

"Best friends? We'll see." She takes another sip of her tea.

Case in point. He chuckles, shaking his head quietly. "Has anypony ever told you that you're absolutely adorable?"

She giggles. "My parents said that quite often, as did my brother."

"Hmm." He chuckles softly, leaning a little closer. "Yea, I can see that. On a different subject, what do you have planned for today?"

She taps her chin, bringing a scroll over with magic. "Well, I hadn't decided yet, but I do have. Checklist of potential things to go through."

Flick stares at the scroll floating beside her. "...is that a normal thing for you?"

"No, sometimes I decide the previous day." She quips, tail wagging proudly.

"I see." He chuckles, shaking his head. "Have you ever done something that wasn't on a list? Like an impromptu swim, or a date?"

"I go off my lists sometimes..." she pouts, looking at her hooves. "I just like to be organized."

"I figured." He chuckles, pulling away from his balcony. "I just like to tease."

"Well, at least you're nice about it." She smiles once more at him. "It's nice to talk in the mornings. Spike is too sleepy most days."

He stops mid-turn, looking back at her with a grin. "I'd be more than happy to have more conversations with you, no matter what time it is."

Giggling, she nods. "I'll keep that in mind. Maybe we can do this tomorrow morning and make it a regular thing."

"I'd like that." He nods and points over his shoulder. "Though if you don't mind, I have to find a job. Painting isn't a good source of income if I'm not well-known, yet."

"Oh! Of course, go ahead." She finishes her cup. "Good luck!"

"Thanks. I think I'll need it." He stands on his hindlegs and stretches, grunting in satisfaction before taking off, looking around at the town as a whole.

"Now... where to begin?"

A few options pop into his head as to employment. While pursuing his talent is preferred, he realizes that may not be the most practical option.

He realizes it might be a good idea to head back to the town hall. They might have a listing of available jobs. He flies past the library, making a mental note to check back there later.

Other ponies mill below and around him, going about their own jobs that day from selling at stalls to getting weather ready.

He briefly considers a job in a stall, but knows that he doesn't have any wares for sale, and he has no idea how competitive ponies are for sales in a place like that.

He sighs and lands right in front of the tall building, shaking his head. "Why can't these things ever be easy?"

The building says nothing.

"...don't know why I expected you to talk." He sighs and walks inside, kicking the door shut with a paw before making his way to the... new secretary. Huh.

The griffin slowly takes his place in front of them, resting a claw on the wood. He tries to find something to say, both to break the awkward silence and get the pony's attention. "...do you and that other guy take turns working the desk?"

Nailed it?

"Hmm?" She looks up, blinking at him. "Oh, hello, sir! Can I help you?"

"Oh, I was just wondering if you carry help wanted posters or the like." He tilts his head at her. "...do you?"

"Well, most places merely put out signs, but some do put advertisements through us." She motions to a board on the side. "That's where they simply stick posters, and the book to the side of it is for the more organized variety."

"I see." He turns back to her, smiling warmly and bowing slightly. "Thank you, miss. I hope your day goes as well as you are beautiful."

She blushes pink, waving him off. "Oh, why thank you."

"It's my pleasure." He chuckles and walks over to the board, making sure to see every available job so he can make an informed decision.

There's jobs in every aspect from flower shop assistant to weather pony.

He carefully combs over each of the flyers, taking a tag from each one he finds he might be able to do before pausing, staring at one spot in the corner. That eagle head of his slowly turns to look at the secretary, tapping the paper in question. "...do you know there's one here for escorts? Is that supposed to be here?"

"We did check, it is actually for escorting as in protecting."

He goes silent, then quietly nods. "Oh. Okay, then." He takes a tag for that and looks through them all. "Okay, so... model, pet walker, escort, cashier, weather duty, harvester..." He taps his chin and looks sideways at the mare. "Do you think I should grab any others?"

"I don't really know your talents, sir." She shrugs.

"Well, I don't exactly have one of your cutie patooties, but I'm good with my claws." He flexes one for emphasis.

"Hmm... massager at the spa?" She offers.

He blinks, glancing back at the board. "...it's not on here..." His gaze turns back to her, hopeful. "Could you help me with a general area to look in, please?"

Nodding, she gets up and goes over to a window. "If you go down this street, you should see it on your left."

He nods, smiling warmly and offering her a claw. "Thanks. If I get the job, would you be willing to try me out?"

"Sure! I know my back could use it..." She rolls her shoulders as she takes his claw.

He hums, rubbing a talon along the top of her hoof. "Maybe I'll learn massage anyways and see if I can't help with that back."

She giggles. "Well, thank you. I look forward to hearing if you get the job anyway."

"Thanks." He lets go and bows respectfully. "I'll be on my way, Miss..."

"Swirl Script." She smiles at him. "And who might you be?"

His smile turns into a cheeky grin. "Flick. You have a cute name, Miss Script."

"How nice of you." She giggles. "Too bad professional flirt isn't a job."

"There's always freelancing as a different kind of escort." He playfully ruffles her mane and heads out, whistling a tune to himself.

She smiles, watching him go as she fixes her mane. "Hope he makes good on that massage..."

Happy to help! But where are we going?

It doesn't take long for Flick to find his first stop of the day - Script's directions were accurate enough to find it within a minute of flying. He lands in front of the establishment he figured was the spa and knocked on the door.

"Come in, we're open!" calls a silky voice.

An eyebrow raised at the quality of said voice, he walks inside, closing the door behind him as he takes in the interior.

Inside lies an interior made of soft pastel colors. The waiting room is a mixture of creams and blues, similar to the mare manning the counter if you add a dash of pink for her mane.

He makes his way over to her, giving a small glare at a fashion magazine in passing, and gives her a small smile. "Hi. I'm new to town, and I was wondering if you were hiring?"

She looks surprised. "Oh? Did you have a position you were interested in? We tend to hire specialized staff."

"Well, I've been told I'm good with my claws." He wiggles them once more for a pony. "Does that help?"

She hums in thought. "Perhaps... have you been trained in massage?"

"No, but I've been told I'm a quick study." He grins at her, leaning against the counter. "If you let me watch one of your workers, I could learn how to do it soon enough."

"I think it should be easier than the other way around." He smiles at her, slightly sly. "Can I ask a friend to be my practice client?"

She narrows her eyes though her smile remains sweet. "We'd prefer you have unbiased opinions, but you are free to practice on your own in your spare time."

He sighs, scratching his cheek awkwardly. "...so I can't bring Applejack in here?"

She shakes her head. "I certainly don't mind you recommending us to other ponies, but I just wanted your in house patients to be ponies you don't know so you could honestly get appraised for your skills when you're being evaluated for the job."

"Oh, I meant to learn on. To copy your masseuse's techniques on and better modify to fit my claws?" He frowns, shaking his head. "Sorry, guess I wasn't very clear with my words."

"Oh, well, I suppose that would be alright."

"Great!" He spins around and grins at her. "Be right back, gorgeous!" He hurries out the door and takes to the sky, eager to find the farmer and bring her back.

She just blinks at his sudden departure. "Well, at least he's enthusiastic."

It's hard to miss a red barn in a sea of green trees. He lands gracefully on the stoop, brushing his feathers straight briefly before knocking on the front door.

"Eh? Who could that be?" An elderly voice comes from within, soon manifesting as the door opens to reveal a mare of age appropriate for said voice.

He blinks, not having expected this. "H-hello. Is Applejack here?" He glances at all the apple trees around them. "I mean, I kinda just assumed she lived here..."

She nods. "Oh, she does, she's out in the fields working. Gotta get those morning chores done."

"Ah, I see." He shuffles in places, claws clicking against the boards. "...any way I could have her for the afternoon? Maybe a few hours before noon, too?"

"Well, she doesn't have much to do today, but you'll have to ask her yourself if she wants to go." She smiles slyly. "I knew the day would come we she started getting suitors."

He gives her a sly look of his own. "Oh? I'm glad to hear you're fine with a griffin joining the family." He gestures to her. "So... may I ask where she is?"

"She should be in the north fields." She gestures towards a group of trees. "Ya should be able to hear her."

"Alright." He grins, leaning close to her. "Do I have your blessing?"

"At the moment? No. I just met you." She cackles. "Can't go giving her away to a colt I hardly know."

"Fair enough." He chuckles, placing a claw on his chest and performing his usual bow before he heads off, humming quietly to himself.

After flying a bit, a sharp cracking through the air catches his attention.

"...what the..." He frowns and quickly descends, trying to figure out what it is. "Is someone chopping down a tree?"

He finds the mare he was searching for, casually kicking a tree with her hindlegs and collecting the apples that fall form it into baskets. Her accuracy with both is uncanny, getting all the apples at once and having none of them miss the baskets.

He blinks, quietly landing beside her next tree and catching one of the apples as it falls. "Hello, Miss Applejack. Why are you assaulting your trees?"

"Assaulting? Ah'm harvestin'." She snorts, bouncing one off her head and into a basket. "These ones grew a bit early so we're goin' ahead and getting em done."

"Uh..." He doesn't know what to say, instead looking at the fruit in his grasp. "...interesting way to harvest..."

"It's tradition, and it works well." She motions for him to take a bite. "So, what brings ya here? Just passing by?"

"No, looking for you, actually." He smiles and takes a bite, humming happily. "Oh, this is delicious... you can taste the love put into raising it!"

She laughs, tipping her hat. "Why, thank you!"

He finishes his treat and hurries over to her, taking one of her hooves in a claw. "Come with me. I need your help with something."

"Whoa there, mister, why don't you tell me what it is first?" She plants her hooves, knowing he can't pull her away.

He gives a flat stare before the corner of his beak turns up in a playful smirk. "I want to take you to town hall so we can get married."

"Wha..." She blinks rapidly for a good few seconds before she laughs. "Fella... you joke about the strangest things."

He gently caresses her cheek, drawing close with a warm smile. "Are you sure I'm joking?"

They stand there in silence for a moment before he pulls away with a sigh. "Yea, I was joking. I need your help with learning how to massage properly. I need a pony to practice on, and you were the first to come to mind."

She lets out a sigh of relief. "Remind me to never play you at poker... so, massages, huh?" She straightens up, thinking. "Well, I've probably put enough of a dent in these fer now. As long as ya don't keep me from working if the massage goes bad, Ah'd be up for it."

"Great! I promise you won't regret it!" He smiles and scoops her onto his back. "Oh, and I have a date planned for afterwards, so we should hurry if we want to make our reservation on time."

"Wait, what?" She barely has time to ask before he flies off.

In the middle of the flight, he glances back at her, smiling softly. "Hey, you were hiring, right?" He pulls out one of the tags he got from the flyers, holding it so she could see. "Asking about harvesters?"

"Y-yeah." She stutters as he goes over a cloud. "Think you can handle it?"

"I think so." He lands on a cloud, looking around in confusion. "Shoot, which one was the spa, again?"

"That one." She points to the building in question with the sauna picture on top.

"Thanks!" He pats her foreleg and moves to glide down. "Anyways, if I get this job, maybe I could work for free with you. Is that alright with you?"

"Why would you want to do hard work for free?" She looks strangely at him.

"Because you're my friend and you're nice." He taps his chin thoughtfully as they land in front of the spa door. "If you'd prefer I get half what you were expecting to pay, I wouldn't be against it."

"Honest work gets honest pay." She nods.

"In that case," he pulls her off his back, once more leaning close, her back pressed against the door, "what does a pleasurable massage get?" His eyes twinkle with mirth, even as his claw gently rubs her cheek.

"Okay, I know what yer about to do an all but..." She gently takes his claw off her. "Friendly touches only."

"...but I thought it was a friendly touch." He sighs dramatically, pulling away and bowing to her. "My apologies, Miss Applejack, for wanting to see your cute blush so much as to tease you for it. Is there any way you can forgive me?"

She smirks. "Just make sure that massage of yours can help me out and we'll be fine."

He nods, then gives her a warm smile. "I'll do what I can. Just be sure to let me know what works and what doesn't." He leans closer, beak mere inches from her muzzle. "I'd like a kiss for good luck..." He opens the door and slips in beside her, his body brushing up against hers. "...but I don't know a mare who'd be willing to give me that."

Applejack shakes her head, tail whipping at the same time. "Odd bird..."

Time to relax! What are we doing on the massage table?

The spa pony looks up as they walk in, setting aside a clipboard of what appears to be a schedule. "Back already?"

"Yep! Hardly took her any convincing to come!" He grins, leaning against the front counter once more. "So, when do I start learning? And who do I learn from?"

"Hmm..." She looks down, checking something. "I believe you can start now. Tranquil Touch doesn't have a customer for a little bit so he can give you the run down."

"Oh? That's great news!" He nods at her politely. "Can you direct us to this Tranquil Touch?"

She gestures with a hoof. "Through the door, down the hall into the large room on your right."

"Thanks." He turns to Applejack with a warm smile. "Want me to carry you again?"

"Ah can walk." With that said and her own smile, she leads the way to the back.

"You know I don't mind either way, right?" He chuckles, rushing to move right alongside her. "You might not want to swish your tail so much when you walk, by the way."

She snorts, blushing. "It's rude to look, plus, you saw what my hind hooves can do."

"Yea, I did, and that's why I wanted to mention it." He pats her shoulder as they stop in front of the door. "I wanted to save others the fate of being treated like one of your trees."

"Hmm... well, thank ya kindly."

He chuckles, hugging her gently. "It's my pleasure, Miss Applejack." He pushes open the door and holds it there, nodding inside. "Ladies first."

Inside, a lender cyan stallion with green mane and tail looks up. "Hmm? I wasn't told about a last minute appointment."

"I'm not here for an appointment." Flick pats Applejack on the back. "I wanted to get a job here as a masseuse, and my friend here has graciously allowed me to learn with her body."

"Oh, I see..." He smoothly gets up from his seat, coming over and looking at the griffon. "Hmm... do you keep your claws trimmed and slightly dull?"

He blinks, curling up his claws as he wills them to be less sharp. "Of course I do. I don't want to scare any of my neighbors on accident, right?" He holds up a much duller set of claws, grinning sheepishly. "See?"

Nodding approvingly, the stallion holds his hoof out. "How flexible are they?"

"I can use them to grip pretty much anything." He walks over to an assortment of lotion bottles and picks up each in turn. Then he starts to juggle them, smiling at Applejack.

As she smiles, the stallion raises his eyebrow. "Think you can set them all down without dropping any? I'd be impressed then."

He shrugs and sets them down one by one, stacking them in a pyramid formation with the smallest one on top. He bows and grins at the stallion. "What do you think of that?"

Before the pony can answer, Flick leans on the cart that he'd placed the bottles on, nudging them just enough for the stack to collapse into a mess on top of the portable wheeled surface.

"...before that, I mean?"

Tranquil smirks. "Well, at least you don't freak out at mistakes."

"Are you kidding?" He shakes his head, chuckling a bit. "If I panicked over everything, I'd wear myself out before lunch." He gestures for Applejack to climb on the massage table.

"Good. The point of our service is to relax ponies, so you can't be showing off stress yourself." Walking over to Applejack, he gives her a smile before turning to Flick once more. "Some of the job will come with time, but we need to get you to that point first."

"I understand." He bows his head respectfully. "Where do we begin, though?"

"Let's begin with the largest target: the back." The masseuse goes on to explain how pony weight is carried on the back and where the main muscles that need attention are.

Flick leans over his prone friend, gently poking at the muscles as the masseuse describes them. He leans down to whisper into Applejack's ear. "I'm really glad I thought of you for this."

She tilts her head to him. "Why's that?"

"Because your muscles are really well defined." He absently rubs over her side. "It's really quite impressive... and a little inspiring, too."

She giggles, causing the teacher to pause until she stops. "Why, thank ya. It's just hard work."

Tranquil decides to add. "While some customers enjoy chat, others prefer not to. It's good to keep this in mind per customer."

"I'll be sure to remember that." He nods, rubbing around the farmer's croup as he speaks to the stallion. "Anything else I should be aware of?"

"Well, there's of course the other parts of the body, but the most important rule si to listen to your clients so you can know what they want."

"Gotcha." He looks to his friend, taking her hat and putting it on his head so he can see her clearly. "What would you like, Miss Applejack?"

"Ah'd like you to admit you need a darker shade of brown hat if you want to wear one like that." She says cheekily.

"Can I spend some time at your place, then? I'd like to see the proper way to wear it." He playfully taps her nose. "...also, can I feel your tail? It looks really soft and smooth."

She snorts. "You never touched a pony's tail or something?"

He gives her a flat stare. "The only ponies I met in Griffinstone were snooty Canterlot unicorns."

"Oh..." She nods in understanding while the masseuse checks his schedule. "Maybe that's why you seem like you're clinging to the first decent folk you've met."

He shuffles his paws, claw gripping her lower back tighter for a brief moment. "...maybe..."

"Well, regardless of that, I do have a client coming in soon." Tranquil interjects as he readied another table. "I'd like it if you could stick around and see me work, perhaps try it on your friend there."

"Sure, I think that would be interesting." He chuckles, setting the hat on the hook. "Is there a side you'd prefer us to be on?"

"It doesn't really matter, most things in the room can be moved."

"I meant so I can better see you working." He rubs his claws over Applejack's back, smiling softly as he does so.

The farm mare rolls her shoulders as the masseuse answers. "Oh, go ahead and just put yours a few hooflengths away from mine, but side by side. I'll stand on the outer side so you have a clear view."

"Alright." Without really thinking, he grips the table and positions it as instructed. As it's nearly in place, it suddenly occurs to him that the surface he grabbed doesn't seem level, nor as cold and hard as he expected. He looks down to figure out why.

He finds three red apples peeking out at him from between his talons.

She doesn't mention it.

He carefully lets go of her, walks around the table and faces her. Then, in the most heartfelt way he possibly can, he tilts up her chin and smiles warmly at her. "Your fur is really soft. I like it."

She bursts out with a small laugh. "Thanks. Ya'll are really somethin' else."

"In a good way?" He chuckles, letting go to gently scratch behind her ear.

She nods. "It certainly aint bad."

He glances at the stallion, who is currently distracted, then leans close to whisper to her. "Can I ask you a couple questions before his customer shows up?"

She nods. "Sure, dunno how long we have though."

He nods, looking at her thoughtfully. "Have you ever been in a relationship?"

"Mmm... not really, too busy." She shrugs.

Flick looks at her skeptically. "You're too busy to find love. Alright, then." He sighs, shaking his head. "Guess I'll have to change my second question... uh... hmm..." He frowns, tapping his beak thoughtfully. "...can I kiss you?"

Her voice is cut off in the middle of objecting to his first point by sheer shock. "Wha-... goin' from clingy to forward, why would you wanna do that?"

"You're beautiful, kind, hardworking, and adorable when flustered." He gives her a cheeky grin. "Especially that last one."

"Adorable?" She seems confused by that one. "Just... look here, ya can't just go asking a mare you just met for a smooch."

"To be fair, griffins are more forward about that sort of thing." He shrugs, glancing away. "Plus, I may have said it just to see your reaction."

"Oh..." She looks at him curiously. "Guess Ah'm just not used to yer humor yet."

He sighs, looking down at his claws. "My humor, right..."

There's a knock on the door. "Tranquil? I hope I'm not bothering you by being early, but these orders are stressful!"

"Ah, there she is." The serene stallion goes over to the door and opens it. "It's no trouble for one of our best customers."

The white unicorn on the other side smiles at him, taking a step before noticing the others. "...is this a new part of the Heavenly Wonders massage?"

"Not quite, he's a potential employee I'm training and testing."

"Rares?" Applejack asks, lifting her head.

"Good morning, Applejack!" The fashionista smiles, then looks to the stallion. "Mister Touch, does this mean that I can't get the Blissful Evening treatment, today?"

Flick leans down and whispers into Applejack's ear. "Do all the things here have a whimsical name?"

"Ah think so, it's kind of a fancy place." She whispers back.

"Miss Rarity, I would not deny you any of our services." He bows to her. "If you would permit it, I wish to start on the Heavenly Wonders to show our candidate how it's done, and we may continue your Blissful evening after to ensure the privacy and comfort you expect."

"Oh. Makes sense, I guess." Flick glances at the others, then back to her. "...you ever had that Evening one?"

"I would very much appreciate it." The alabaster pony smiles softly, fluttering her eyelashes at the stallion.

"...and if you ever get it again, could I be the one to give it to you?" He gives the farmer a sheepish smile, talons tapping against the floor as he awaits her response.

The farmer chuckles. "I'll ask Rares what it is sometime before Ah decide, but Ah wouldn't mind if you were the one to try it."

Meanwhile, Tranquil smiles back at his client. "If you'll join me at the table, ma'am, we can get started."

"Ah, may I say something to my friend, first?" She gestures to the prone pony perched on her platform.

He nods. "You may speak as much as you want. We can move the tables so you may speak during as well."

"Oh, I just want to inform her about what she just agreed to." She giggles, moving over and whispering into her friend's ear.

As Applejack listens her face goes from curious, to stunned, embarrassed, and finally shock. "Ah can't believe you... is it really that good?"

"If the one doing it is good." She smirks and pats her friend's shoulder. "Or is someone you like. Hint hint."

AJ blushes and playfully pushes her friend away. "Alright, go on with ya, everypony's trying to get me to blush today."

"Maybe it's because you're cute when you do." Flick chuckles, rubbing her head as Rarity climbs up on the table beside hers.

"Alright, now was there a certain product today or may I follow my whims?"

"Well, it was the deluxe treatment, but since you're teaching someone else..." Rarity smiles at the stallion, tail flicking as she lays herself down completely. "...surprise me, Tranquil."

"Yes, ma'am." He grabs a bottle, putting a bit of what's inside on his hooves before beginning the massage on her back.

Seeing this and hearing her groan of relief, Flick gently sets his claws on Applejack's back, his tail snaking over and snagging a bottle of his own. He squirts a small line in the middle of one, then starts to rub it into the orange fur, shivering a bit when it starts to grow warm under his touch.

Applejack tenses before stretching out on the table. "So how often do you get these, Rarity?"

Tranquil makes a motion to Flick, making sure he's paying attention.

The griffin looks at him, curious.

"Oh, almost every three days." She sighs blissfully, an ear flicking towards the stallion. "He's too wonderful to be away for too long." A blue eye peeks open to look at her. "What about you, darling?"

The last word makes Flick fumble the bottle, and it lands right next to Rarity's muzzle. As he tries to play it off by continuing to massage Applejack, he notices the mare's eyes widen in recognition, followed by a slight blush on her cheeks.

Tranquil looks at the bottle, picking it up and setting it by his side. "In the future, read them first so you know if they comply with the customer's wishes."

Applejack comments to her friend. "Ah'm just doing this as a favor for him. Ah don't plan to make it a habit just yet."

He presses the base of his palm against her fur, working her tense muscles as he gives the stallion a glance. "What do you mean? Isn't it all lotion?"

She leans close, tugging her ear closer with her magic so she can better hear her. "You sure? I'm certain you'll grow to love it."

Well... it does feel nice after some hard work..." she admits reluctantly.

Tranquil teaches as he works down Rarity's spine. "They have different scents and effects. Some make coats shiny, some soft, some heat up for stubborn muscles."

"There you go." She smiles, eyes twinkling as she notices her friend's nostrils flaring at the scent of the oil. "When he gets the job, ask for the sisters to put him as your preferred masseuse."

Flick stops with his claws on Applejack's hips, curious and a little concerned. His voice is filled with trepidation as his eyes slowly turn to look at the bottle.

Tranquil gives him a simple look. "Nothing is harmful, aside from allergies perhaps, but the one you used might have you feel awkward if you aren't used to it."

"Ya think his chances are that good?" She sounds curious, tail swishing lightly as she adjusts herself.

"The way he's making your tail flag?" She hums quietly, pointing at the part it question as it slowly rises. "I'd say you certainly think so."

Flick suddenly becomes painfully aware of a certain part of his body, pupils shrinking and sweat beading on his brow. He shakes his head and redoubles his efforts, not by using more force, but applying the techniques he saw to every part of the farm pony's back from neck to tail, using what he thinks fits each part the best.

Tranquil nods as Applejack sighs and seems to melt into the table. "You'll need to learn to control that so as not to offend some client."

"Well, I think I would be able to, if I didn't have so much beauty in front of me." He gives a sheepish smile.

"Oh?" Rarity titters, resting her cheek on her hoof as she looks at the flustered griffin. "Hardworking farmers turn you on?"

"As well as fashionistas... and masseurs..." He mutters this last part, pressing his beak to the aforementioned farmer's side in an attempt to muffle himself. "...but yea, mostly her..."

As Applejack blushes, the stallion speaks up. "It seems like maybe ponies just do it for you, but still, try to be professional."

"I'll try, sir." He nods and continues to work, grimacing when he bumps against her hindleg. "S-sorry, can't control it..."

"Maybe we can get you a jacket or something." The stallion says. "Some customers wouldn't be so understanding."

"Yea..." He nervously laughs, rubbing around her waist. "...I'm really glad she isn't getting angry..."

"Maybe it's because she has some eye candy?" Rarity smiles playfully, relaxing as she lays down once more, her tail brushing against Tranquil Touch's leg.

The farm mare offers no comment, her eyes closed.

Tranquil doesn't seem to mind as he speaks. "Are there any place syou want me to focus on today, Miss Rarity?"

"Do you mean now or in private?" She peeks over her shoulder at him, missing how the griffin shivers slightly and grips Applejack's apples once more.

He blinks and slowly squeezes the softer flesh around her rump, the oil apparently making his mind sluggish.

"Easy there, partner." Applejack speaks up.

"We can talk of your Blissful treatment when that comes." He says simply.

"Then my neck, please."

Flick blinks, looking at where his claws are before slowly rubbing her legs. "Sorry... hey, Mister Touch? Do these feel tense to you?"

"Hmm?" He reaches over, giving them a light touch. "Oh yes, those are the legs of a working pony. You'll need to work to get them loose." With that said, he starts gently working the other mare's neck with his hooves.

Nodding to himself, and trying to ignore the pleased sounds from the unicorn, he gently wraps his claws around a leg, just in the range of acceptability. Taking a deep breath, he presses into the muscle with one talon from each, the others gently rubbing the opposite side each time the first two pull away, otherwise planted to make sure he doesn't slip.

Applejack grunts, her other leg extending as she flexes. "That feels strange..."

"Good strange or bad strange?" Flick spares a glance at her as he draws close to her knee.

"Not bad, just weird. You gettin' in to the muscles and all that." She lays back down, huffing.

The corner of his beak twitches slightly, and he looks to his teacher for advice.

"Mister Flick, maybe you should take that claw off her derrière?" Rarity smiles at the two of them. "Just a bit of advice, darling."

His claws immediately flinch away and a blush covers his cheeks, though that slowly fades away when he realizes something. "...wait, they were both still on her leg."

"Really?" She titters brightly. "Oh my! The angle must be playing tricks on me!"

Applejack giggles. "Rares, you rascal."

Tranquil chuckles as well, nodding to Flick.

He stares at her in silence before sighing, moving around Applejack to get at the foreleg on the same side.

Her face gets red as he moves around, not saying a word.

Tranquil, meanwhile, works down Rarity's legs. "You've been doing fine so far, Flick. I think perhaps if you sit in on one more session, we can have you do a test on an actual customer."

"I think I'd like that." The griffin smiles, gently rubbing the orange pony's cheek. "What do you say, AJ? Feel like coming in here again to help me?"

The white unicorn covers her mouth with a hoof. "Careful, Applejack, you're staring." Her eyes dart to one side. "Not that I can blame you... though it does look different... what are those... things on it?"

"Umm..." The farm pony ducks her head, whole face red as she refuses to answer.

"I do have to stress you keep that under control most of the time." Tranquil comments.

Flick quickly nods, laying down in front of Applejack. "Yes, sir. I'll be sure to do that, sir." He gently taps the mare before him on the nose, trying to get her attention back. "I'm sorry I embarrassed you like that. Can I make it up to you, somehow?"

"Umm... I guess work on my legs a bit more?" She wiggles them. "It felt real nice when you did."

"At once." He nods and stands back up, having calmed down enough by then. "Let me know if there's anything else I can do." He moves to the next leg, carefully working the knots out of her muscles.

"Ya'll are doin' plenty..." She sighs happily.

After a few more minutes, Tranquil speaks up. "I think that should be enough for today, Flick. You did well, though you weren't perfect." He smiles. "For now, I have to tend to our VIP, so you are free to go. I'll let lotus know you did a good job and to expect you again."

"Alright." He smiles and lifts the somewhat limp farmer onto his back. "Thank you, and maybe we'll see you again soon?"

"If you come back soon, sure." He nods as he helps Rarity into her robe. "I look forward to seeing you improve."

"So do I." He chuckles, looking back at Applejack. "Maybe I'll practice some more with my friend here before next time."

The door closes, leaving the two of them alone. Rarity glances around for a moment.

"Touch, darling, what did you do with the pheromone oil?"

"Over here, Miss Rarity." He points to the bottle he had confiscated.

"Oh, good, I was worried for a second, there." She bats her eyelashes at him, floating said bottle over to him. "I'm ready to be pampered."

Meet my family! Why did you say that?!

After they get back to the farm, Applejack takes a moment to stretch out her legs before running a quick lap around the barn, and then she trots back up to Flick. "Well... Ah got more outta that trip than Ah expected, though it did get a might awkward at times."

He rubs a foreleg, blushing softly. "Yea, sorry about that. Any way I can make it up to you?"

She raises her hooves quickly. "Ya'll have been making enough up to me today." She smiles good-naturedly. "Besides, Ah need to get back to work. Didn't ya say something about wanting to work here, too?"

He brightens up. "Yes, and that's how I'll do it!" He rushes over to a tree, looking up at it with a smirk. "Surely it can't be that hard?"

He turns and kicks the trunk without another thought, his body tensing as soon as it strikes. The vibration makes its way to his head and an eye twitches before he collapses on his side, gripping his paw with his claws, roaring in pain.

Applejack winces, coming over and patting his back. "Easy there... Ah don't think we ever had someone without hooves try it."

"...next time, lead with that..." He groans, rolling onto his back. "...be honest, it's broken, isn't it?"

She gives it a once over, shaking her head. "Nah, I don't think so. Probably gonna be a bit tender."

He lets out an explosive sigh of relief, collapsing onto the dirt. "Thank goodness... I don't want to tell ponies I broke my leg... doing stuff with you." He carefully gets up, chuckling at his own words. "Maybe if I tried it with some sort of boot on?"

"Hmm... that might work..." She looks thoughtful. "We might be able to rig something up out here, for today at least."

"Rig up how?" He gestures to her, an eyebrow raised. "Can't I just borrow one of your horseshoes?"

"Think ya hold one of those on yer paws while bucking?" She looks curiously at him.

"...oh, right, ponies use nails..." He grimaces at the thought, turning to look at the tree. "How does that not hurt you?"

"Ya gotta know where to aim on the hoof." She points to her own. "Like... fer you, it would be at the thick part of yer claws where ya can't feel stuff."

"...I actually meant the nails from the horseshoe, not hitting the tree." He gives her a lopsided grin.

"That's what Ah meant." She lightly bumps him.

He blushes a bit, then awkwardly clears his throat. "...huh... so... what do I aim for, in regards to the tree? And with what?"

"Yah want to aim for the heart." She pats the nearest one. "Use yer weight to spread the impact up and to the branches, shaking em enough so that they give up the fruit."

"...you sure you aren't using magic for some of that, Miss Applejack?" He gives her a skeptical look, limping over beside her.

"Eh, maybe." She shrugs. "It's kind of an unconscious thing with earth ponies."

He tilts his head to the side, humming quietly as he closes his eyes. His wings slowly extend to their full length before he flaps once in its direction, making the branches sway before the apples in the quarter of the tree closest to them fall in the basket.

He sits there a moment, unmoving as a statue, wing draped over her back before he gathers the courage to speak up. "...did it work?"

"...yes, actually." She slowly smiles wider. "Heh, Ah'll be. Never quite seen that way of harvesting, but it sure worked!"

He peaks open an eye, then sighs in relief. "Good. And it wasn't too tiring, either." He looks to her, smirking cheekily. "Can I get something for a job well done?"

"Sure. I know just the thing." Trotting over to the basket, she flicks her tail and sends an apple soaring into his claw. "Nothing takes quite so sweet as the literal fruit of yer labor."

He looks at the red treat before sighing softly. "...I'll admit, I was hoping for a taste of something else... like an orange apple. I dunno." He takes a bite and hums quietly, but with less enthusiasm than before.

"Yeah well, you ever make a good mix of those and you can have the first one." She chuckles, bucking the tree he started to finish it off.

"...I feel like you're purposely taking what I say in a different way than I mean it." He follows her to the next tree, frowning wryly.

"Maybe. Guess you'll find out over time." She turns her head just enough to wink at him.

"...maybe?" He chuckles, quickening his steps so he can walk beside her. "Maybe I'll get a chance to take you out." He taps his chin. "Or maybe somepony else. I'm not sure, yet."

"Nothin’ wrong with just bein' friends." She responds simply as she goes to another tree.

"Says you..." He grumbles quietly as he watches her.

"What was that?" She calls to him as she turns towards him to also line up with the tree, bucking it so that all the apples fall into baskets.

He shrugs, walking past her, the tip of a wing trailing along her side as he prepares to flap again. "Nothing."

She snorts. "If you say so. Now... let's see how well you can do with that trick of yours after some practice."

"Sure thing, boss." He salutes her with a grin and happily gets to work.

"Remind me again why I'm the one pulling the wagon?"

"Because Ah'm trying to work on bein' less stubborn about doin' everything mahself." She answers simply.

He stares at her, eyes narrowed suspiciously. "...is there some kind of story behind that?"

"Not really, it's just something mah family has said Ah can be stubborn about. Ah don't see it." She shrugs.

"...huh... okay, then..." He slowly nods as they approach the barn by the house.

She continues. "Plus, I like to give folks a little hard time on their first day just to break ‘em in, see what they can handle."

He pauses, looking at her in confusion. "...and how well does that work for you?"

She shrugs. "Eh... some folks just ain't cut out for hard farm work. Better to find that out early."

There's silence a moment before a smirk tugs at the corner of his beak. "...in other words, the tough treatment scared everyone else off."

She coughs a bit. "You seem to be handling it fine."

"I'm tougher than most." He chuckles, fluffing up the feathers on his chest. "Perks of being a griffon."

"Heh, don't need to convince me, ya did good work." She directs him over to where the cart goes and detaches him from it once he gets there.

"Thanks." He chuckles, placing a claw on her back. "You worked hard, too. Would you like another massage?"

She laughs. "Nice as that was, I have a few more things Ah'd like to do today. Plus, I dunno about you, but I could use some food."

He thinks for a bit. "Yea, food sounds nice. Maybe I can rub your shoulders, at least? Help you feel a little better."

"Well..." she looks thoughtful. "Alright, but just a quick one."

He beams, bumping her side with a wing. "Race you inside?"

The farm mare grimaces a bit. "We can't just do it in the barn?"

"Why?" He smiles playfully, moving in front of her. "Worried your granny might see you melt into a pile of bliss?"

"Among other ponies..." she mutters.

He just shrugs. "Who cares? You look adorable when you're like that."

Her cheeks get a bit of pink. "Still... Ah'd rather this quick thing be private."

"Sure, I understand." He shifts behind her, claws trailing up her foreleg as he gets himself ready.

She shivers a bit. "Just a shoulder rub, right?"

"Yep." He grips one shoulder as the other claw gently presses down on her haunches. "Please sit down for me?"

She does so, taking off her hat and setting it to the side.

He scoops it up and puts it on his own head, chuckling as he starts to run his claws over her shoulders. "Let me know if I do it too hard, alright? I'm still learning."

"Yer fine..." She lets out a soft sigh.

He smiles and nuzzles her cheek briefly. "Good." With that, he gets to work, not letting her have a chance to respond as his blunt talons knead the tension out of her shoulders.

"Mmm... nice..." Those two words are all she can manage.

Eyes narrowing, he nuzzles her cheek once more, continuing his shoulder massage as he does so.

The door suddenly opens, revealing a large red stallion and startling the griffon into embracing Applejack and flaring his wings. His eyes widen a bit before he turns to call over his shoulder. "Found 'er."

Applejack's muscles try to tense to react, but the massage manages to tone her down to a simple sigh. "Yep. Saw this coming."

Flick pulls away, sheepishly smiling. "Hey, there. Any chance you're Applejack's friend?"

He stares flatly at him, standing tall. "Ah'm her brother."

The griffon groans, resting his head on the farmer's as he mutters to himself. "...great... and I'm pretty much up against her..." He looks to her, pleading. "Could you help me explain this?"

"Yer not exactly helping..." She snorts, looking to her brother. "Mac, this is Flick. He's a griffon who came here looking for work, and also practice for his other job at the spa."

He simply raises an eyebrow at her, then glances at the griffon.

Flick pulls away from her, blushing brightly. "To be fair, you kinda startled me..."

"That and he's touchy." She explains. "Nothin' bad, though."

"...right." He moves to the side as the elderly mare from earlier appears beside him.

"Ah, so there you two got to." She cackles a bit. "Ah was starting to wonder."

Flick gives her a sheepish smile, waving to her from his seat a yard from his new boss.

"Well, seems like ya survived yer first day. Not many do."

"I think my natural talents might have helped." He leans over to whisper in Applejack's ear. "Not to mention a cute boss I want to please."

She tries to maintain a poker face as her granny just laughs. "Well, come on in, you two. We can have a nice meal to celebrate."

"Sounds great." He walks to the door, tail subtly trailing along the farmer's side.

Granny just smiles as she watches Applejack take her hat back. "Looks like you'll be keeping her on her hooves. Keep mixing it up, sonny."

"I'll try." He shrugs a bit, smiling softly. "It's worth it to see her adorable blush." He tenses as Big Mac stares at him. "I'll just, uh, hurry ahead. See ya!" With that, he dashes out of the barn, heading for the house.

As he leaves, the elder mare smiles at her grandson. "And you keep him on his paws."

"Eeyup." He turns to look at his sister, his expression as flat as before.

"What?" She asks a bit defensively.

He simply raises an eyebrow.

She snorts as if reading his mind. "Nothing happened. He's just new in town and he just acts a bit different. It's like an accent."

He quietly scoffs. “It’s nothin’ that’s makin’ ya blush, then?”

She narrows her eyes at him. "Lets see you keep a straight face when yer gettin' a massage."

“Ya know Ah could.” He points a hoof over his shoulder. “Next time, one a’ us is gonna be there, t’ make sure he don’t take it too far.”

“Take what too far?” A pink bow pops up above his hindquarters, twitching in excitement as its owner speaks. “Applejack, why’s yer face redder’n an apple?”

She rolls her eyes. "Ah can take care of myself." Her eyes switch to the filly that steps around their brother to see better.. "And its cause of stuff we're talkin' about... which don't concern you." She adds the last part as she sees her open her mouth.

She pouts, then her eyes glint in mischief. “Ah can always ask that bird pony what it’s about!” She turns to hightail it out of there.

"He's a griffon!" Applejack quickly corrects before the filly is naught but a dust cloud. "Hoo boy..."

There’s silence as Big Mac just continues to stare at her, then a loud shout that causes the walls to shake the boards of the walls.

“SHE’S YER WHAT!?”

Applejack just sighs. "Ah suddenly regret putting them in the same room."

The filly rushes back into the barn, eyes wide and grinning brightly. “What did ya do t’ make ‘im indebted to ya, Applejack?”

She blinks. "Ah didn't think Ah did anything..."

“That’s not what he said!” She points at the house. “He said you’re his mistress, so he has t’ do everythin’ ya say! And the stories all say ya had to’ve saved him or somethin’!”

"Ah... Ah don't..." Reaching up, she grabs her hat. "I don't even know anymore. Just think of him as someone you'll probably see on the farm a lot."

“...is he yer special somepony?”

"No." She answers quickly. "He's working here."

Apple Bloom narrows her eyes at her, then shrugs. “Okay, then. Maybe he can teach me other stuff.” She walks back toward the house.

“...Ah hear disappointment there, Applejack.”

"Ya'll heard nothin' but yer own head makin' stuff up." She huffs.

Big Mac just shrugs and looks to Granny for her input.

She shakes her head, having found her rocking chair. "Don't look at me, Ah'm enjoyin' the show!"

He stares at her incredulously. “So you’re alright with them bein’ together?”

"They said they ain't and even if they end up like that, ain't nothin' wrong with that'. Every Apple can have a bit of a wild phase." She cackles as AJ tries not to listen. "Sides, where do ya think hippogriffs come from?"

“...Ah forgot hippogriffs were a thing.” He gives a sheepish grin before walking back to the house.

Applejack grumbles as she too passes her grandma. "No way Ah'm layin' an egg..."

The old mare just laughs, loving the chaos this new boy created.

Flick meets the farmer at the door, confused. “Hey, so... does your sister not understand joking? She says I’m working for free, and Big Mac said that I need to wear a collar...”

She just face hoofs. "Well, that's mah family."

“Ah...” He fidgets awkwardly, glancing over his shoulder. “...does that mean no collar?”

She pulls her hat down over her face. "You do you."

He smiles, pulling it back up so he can see her face. “Do you want to see me with one, my lady?”

She blushes. "I ain't... look just... hush you." She snorts, shaking herself. "It's almost grub time."

“Fair enough.” He puts her hat on his head, grinning cheekily. “I’ll tease you more afterwards. Or maybe during.” He hums a jaunty tune as he disappears inside once more.

"...this may not be worth it." She shakes her head slowly, ending up chuckling to herself.

The animal caretaker! How'd you like your tea?

“Cottage by the forest... cottage by the forest...”

Flick mutters this over and over again to himself as he walks around the Everfree Forest, ignoring growls and howls from within. When he sees a round bug approach, he scrunches up his beak briefly before squishing it against the wood of a tree. “Hate those things... whatever they are...” He glances around before continuing his walk.

The stark contrast between the side with the forest and the other is startling, as though a line had been drawn between the two.

He hums thoughtfully as he considers the forest once more, tapping his beak thoughtfully. “Strange...”

His walk is stopped abruptly when he walks face-first into something big, stumbling backwards and rubbing his cheek. “Really need to stop doing that...”

There's a deep questioning growl from in front of him.

He promptly stiffens up, slowly turning his head to the source of the sound.

A large wall of brown fur stands in front of him, punctuated by the bear face staring at him now.

He quietly gulps, raising a claw and waving it, hoping the creature doesn’t take that as anything but a friendly greeting.

He sniffs him a bit before turning and heading on his way, strangely heading out of the forest.

“...right...” He starts to continue on before pausing, remembering something from that party a while back. He quickly looks back to the bear. “Hey, do you know where Fluttershy is?”

The creature looks back at the name, narrowing his eyes as if to ask 'why?'.

Flick shrugs a bit, finding himself just a touch defensive. “I want to show her a place to eat, that’s all.”

He looks at him just a bit longer before nodding and making a small motion with his head before continuing where he was going.

The griffon smiles and hurries over, walking alongside the bear. “Thanks!”

The bear doesn't offer a comment, not that bears are known for that.

“Alright, then...”

Things lapse into silence as they walk along.

The atmosphere and even the bear's mood seem to liven up as they approach a small cottage out on it's own.

He blinks, surprised by the sight of not the building, but all of the animals hanging around it. He watches squirrels being playfully chased by kittens, bunnies all snuggled together, and a fox resting in a little den by the front door. “...huh, this... actually looks really nice...”

The bear makes a happy noise that also announces his presence, scaring a couple birds. To his credit, he does look sheepish at this.

Flick chuckles and pats him on the side. “That’ll do, big guy. That’ll do.” He pauses a moment, rubbing his beak thoughtfully. “...that doesn’t quite roll off the tongue...”

Not commenting once more, the ursine lumbers off towards the back of the cottage.

The griffon blinks, looking on in confusion. “Wait, am I still supposed to follow you?”

The bear just walks into the back yard, a soft voice calling out as he does so.

"There you are, Harry! I was wondering if you were going to miss your appointment."

Perking up at the sound of the familiar voice, he hurries after the bear, surprising himself with how excited he is to see her again.

In the back yard, he finds a yellow Pegasus completely in her element. Moving from creature to creature with soft grace, she leaves every one of them with a smile.

He blinks, his beak dropping open in surprise and gaze focused on the mare who appears to be a far cry from her namesake.

Turning and spotting the bear, she flies over. "Hello, Harry. Are you ready for tea?"

He nods, having already set up a small table.

She giggles. "Why thank you. It wouldn't be the same without you."

This snaps Flick out of his stunned state. “He likes tea?” He turns to the bear in confusion. “You drink tea?”

The bear straightens up, putting on a refined face as any bear could ever hope to do.

Meanwhile, Fluttershy squeaks as she hears the new voice.

Grimacing slightly, he slowly steps out from behind the bear, trying to look as nonthreatening as possible. “Hey, it’s alright, it’s just me.”

She folds her wings, backing away a step and looking only half at him. "Oh... hello."

“Sorry to pop in on you unannounced.” He gives a lopsided smile as he rubs the back of his neck. “I was just... wondering if I could take you somewhere?” Even to him, that sounded more like a question than a request.

"Oh, umm..." she scuffs the ground. "I'm sorry, but I can't just abandon my animal friends. Our tea parties are important. Not to say that your place isn't important, of course." She winces a bit. "I'm sorry."

He smiles, shaking his head. “No, it’s fine, you have a previous engagement. Nothing to feel sorry about.” He gently places a claw on her shoulder. “It didn’t have to be right away, anyways. It could be afterwards, or tomorrow. Whenever you have the time.”

A blue blur lands between them, and he finds his beak being compressed by a similarly colored nose not a second later. “Okay, what’re you doing? Flirting with all those ponies, and then asking my best friend out on a date? What the hay!?”

He blinks blankly at her, taking a step back. “It was an invitation to a friendly outing. You can come too, if you like.”

Her brow furrows at this revelation. “Maybe I’ll take you up on that, just so I know you won’t try anything funny.”

"Umm, if that's okay." Fluttershy adds for her friend.

He chuckles, smiling as softly as his beak can allow to the shy pony. “I did offer, after all.”

"Well, umm... I think I could do that." She nods, her mane falling in front of her face.

He sighs in relief, hugging the yellow pony before anyone can stop him. “Thank you, Flutter- ack!”

He’s beaned in the back of the head by a random head of lettuce, and holds her protectively as he looks for the source. “L-look out! Food’s falling out of nowhere!”

Rainbow just facehoofs. “Seriously?”

Fluttershy seems to have all but frozen as she says a single word. "Angel..."

Rainbow forces them apart with a scowl, but it turns to confusion when she sees him spin around and spread his wings, apparently trying to protect her friend from the small white bunny before him.

Meanwhile, he just stares down at it with a blank expression. “...there’s no way it did that.”

"Angel, it's okay, he was just being friendly." Fluttershy soothes in her soft voice.

The bunny just frowns and taps its foot on the ground.

"What's wrong, Angel?" She comes close to him, crouching down to see him better.

The bunny, apparently named Angel, points to the table set up by the bear.

"Oh, right, we really should begin our tea party." She nods, flying inside and coming back with with a tea set. "Everyone gather around the table!"

Surprisingly, Rainbow and Flick find themselves being pushed along with the almost literal wave of animals. They’re soon seated at the table, shaken but otherwise okay.

Fluttershy hums as she pours tea for everyone. Harry shows that he's a frequent guest as he stirs a bit of honey into his cup with a tiny spoon.

Unsure what to do, the griffin just grabs what looks to be some biscuits, holding it as other animals take turns drinking their own tea. Managing a glance over at Rainbow, he takes note of the vacant look in her eyes and the bit of drool on the corner of her mouth, and stuffs one of the bread-based food items into her mouth. He can’t help but smile as she absently starts chewing on it, her expression turning to confusion.

The athlete turns to her friend, a little wary. “Fluttershy? What’s in these things?”

"Oh, well, since so many different animals eat them, I made them just wheat and sugar." She smiles. "I wouldn't want to exclude anyone."

“...sugar.” Rainbow groans, resting her chin on the table. “There goes my diet.”

Flick just stares at her. “Diet?”

“Yea.” She shakes her head, then points to him. “Too much sugar can make you fat.”

“...but you only had one... and why do you know that?”

She scowls at him, clearly very annoyed. “What, it’s basic nutrition! Every athlete knows about this!”

Fluttershy comes by. "You could just drink the tea, Rainbow. Sugar is optional there."

“...right...” She sighs and pulls a cup close, her muzzle scrunching up slightly when she spots a mouse in it. “...really?”

"Oh, sorry, some of them like to do that." She laughs.

The mouse looks to the yellow pony, chittering animatedly before going back to submerging itself.

"Umm... here." She offers a new cup. "He says he likes the Jacuzzi."

“Ah. Right.” She takes it and starts to quietly drink, looking at the griffon out of the corner of her eye. She snorts half the drink everywhere when she sees him covered in cute, fuzzy creatures.

The yellow Pegasus giggles. "They seem to like you."

He quietly grumbles, trying to hold as still as possible. “I bet that bunny put them up to it. I can’t eat like this.”

Rainbow almost immediately swipes the biscuit and stuffs it in his mouth, grinning in victory. “See how you like it!”

“...er camf ‘ew is.”

"Everyone, please let him eat." Their host says softly.

The ones on his head and forelegs leap onto the table, picking up some food for himself. Flick lets out a sigh of relief, giving her a grateful smile. “Thank you, Miss Fluttershy.”

"You're welcome. I think they're just not used to extra guests." She smiles at him.

“They sure didn’t mind using me as a playground, though.” He quietly huffs.

“Hey, so...” The other pegasus speaks up, waving a hoof in front of his eyes. “How come you call her Miss, and none of our other friends?”

He frowns at her, now. “I call everyone but you by that title.”

She huffs, getting up close with her muzzle against his beak once more. “What? Why not!?”

“Frankly, my dear,” he smirks slightly, “I thought you didn’t give a damn.”

The blue pony’s cheeks light up a bright red as she scowls at him.

"Language. There are little ones around." Fluttershy gently chides.

He grimaces, immediately becoming sheepish. “Sorry, wasn’t thinking.” He grunts as a leaf of lettuce smacks and covers his face. “...I deserve that. But nothing else.”

Angel huffs and drops the star fruit.

"Go on now, Angel, drink your tea." The motherly Pegasus shoos him away.

The bunny rolls its eyes and hops to its spot beside her.

Flick, meanwhile, still can’t see anything. “...does anyone want this lettuce? Because I’m not eating it.” He winces at the bright light when Rainbow yanks it off and stuffs it in her mouth. “...thanks?”

Fluttershy blushes as she sees this.

The prismatic pegasus looks at her in confusion. “What? He wasn’t going to eat it.”

She hides behind her mane and doesn't say a word as she drinks her own tea.

Rainbow glances over at the griffon just in time to see him straighten out a few of her friend’s yellow feathers. She scowls and tosses the star fruit at him. “Hey! Claws off her!”

He holds them up defensively, frowning at the mare. “Fine. I’ll just find out something else to do with my day.” He stands up and takes a few more biscuits, nodding cordially to them both before he takes off.

"Umm... bye!" Fluttershy calls after him, barely audible.

Rainbow sighs, resting her cheek on her upturned hoof. “He didn’t need to be so sensitive.”

"You were a bit aggressive." Her friend replies.

“He was about to preen your wings!” She flings her hooves into the air. “You know what that means for pegasi!”

"Maybe it doesn't mean the same for griffons?" She offers. "He only did a few feathers anyway."

“But he was still doing it!” She extends a wing and frowns quietly, seeing some feathers out of place. “The least he could’ve done is offer it for both of us...”

Fluttershy giggles. "Weren't you just talking about what it means?"

She blushes brightly, her hooves clamping down on a cup on the table. “Y-Yea, I was...”

She doesn't push the issue, just giggling and enjoying the tea time.

The outfit maker! Wait, it's not Miss Rarity?

Flick wanders the streets, lost in thought once more.

He then promptly stops and shakes his head, remembering the last time he let that happen. “Get it together. Can’t run beak first into another pony.” Nodding, he takes another step-

And is promptly bowled over by a speeding scooter.

As he lays on the ground, he silently ponders what life choices led to this. Not his own, of course, but the ones of the orange and purple blur speeding away.

He feels a different set of hooves helping him up. "You alright there, hun?"

Flick blinks, holding his head with his free talon, the other gently placed on what feels to be a mare’s shoulder. “Decent. What took the harshest blow was my dignity.”

"Well, I'm glad nothing else got hurt." Her voice is smooth as she speaks. "That filly doesn't really mind much for where she's going. She rides to ride."

“What, is it her destiny to use ponies like bowling pins?” He finally turns his attention to her, and blinks in surprise.

The sight that awaits him is quite unusual, yet not unwanted in this little town. The mare before seems to simultaneously exude an aura of wildness from her tufted ears and slitted eyes, yet at the same time her voice, smile, and the way she carries herself are that of a lady above your league that you would yearn for. Those unusual eyes are pools of purple that match her almost silk-like mane and tail. Her dusky yellow coat seems to have a volume to it most ponies' don't. Finally, the set of matching purple wings certainly draw the eyes to her, in no small part due to their leathery bat-like design instead of pegasi feathers.

He then realizes her lips are moving, and he lets out a breathy, “Pardon?” once she finishes speaking.

She smiles a bit wider. "I said, it's nothing personal, but if it happens again, there are ponies you could talk to who could get through to her."

“Oh. Okay.” He reaches out with a claw, flinches, then extends it towards her barrel instead of her face. “Flick. I’m new in town.”

She lets out a small sound of amusement as she takes his claw with her hoof. "I thought so. I hadn't seen you around before. Enjoying yourself so far?"

“Yes, especially if I get to meet stunning mares like you.” He gives a small smile, letting go before he was tempted to rub her foreleg with a talon. Her fur just looked so soft, he had to know.

She laughs softly. "Well, I see you're a charmer. I hope the mares know to watch out."

His gaze turns to the sky as he thinks out loud. “Well, so far there’s been a mare who doesn’t get flirting, one who has started to turn it back on me, another that just blushes profusely, and then a mare who gets angry when I chat with the former. Oh, and then there’s Pinkie Pie.” He chuckles quietly. “How about you? Do you want to-“

A tennis ball smacks the back of his head, sending him face first into her chest. “...if you were a minotaur, this’d be more awkward than it already is.”

"Oh, definitely, but for now..." She gently lifts his head out of her fur with a wing. "I know it was an accident."

“Yea, thank you...” He looks down, then back up at her with a smile. “If it helps, your fur is the softest I’ve ever felt.”

She puts a hoof to her chest, a twinkle in her eye. "Why thank you. I'm glad you appreciate it. Oh, I almost forgot, she offers her hoof once more. "I'm Silk."

He chuckles, taking the hoof in his claw and gently touching his beak to it. “A lovely name fitting a lovely lady.”

"Well now, you really are quite the interesting new addition to the town." Her eyelashes flutter a few times.

He smiles quietly, leaning in for a second before he realizes what he’s doing. He quickly straightens up and clears his throat. “So, Miss Silk, I told a pony that I’d help his business. Would you be willing to accompany me?” He smirks. “All we have to do is eat.”

"Hmm... well, I am out for lunch." She looks off to the side as she thinks, turning back to him with a smile after a moment. "I think I'd be delighted to."

He grins, his feathers fluffing out a bit. “Great! Follow me!” He turns and moves to hurry off, quite visibly excited.

The mare giggles behind him. "Very interesting, indeed..."

He glances back at her, smirking cheekily. “I try my best.”

She smirks right back, catching up to him. "So, do I need to dress up for this place?"

Flick pauses, turning to her curiously. “...are you just looking for a reason to dress up?”

"No, but I figured it was a decent enough question to lead into asking what kind of place it is." She winks. "Why, want to see me dressed up already?"

He stares blankly for a moment before he turns away, cheeks tinted pink. “...I wouldn’t say no, per se...”

She laughs softly, patting his back with a wing. "It's alright, hun. Why don't you just start by telling me what kind of place it is?"

“It’s a casual place.” He smiles as he glances over his shoulder. “I think we might have company, though.”

A blue blur lands in front of them, chest and feathers puffed out to appear threatening. “What was up with leaving like that? I still had stuff to say!” Her eyes dart to the other mare, then back to him, confused. “Who’s that?”

"And who is she?" The mare asks calmly, though some fangs he hadn't noticed before can now be seen barely poking out from her mouth.

He blinks, focused on her mouth as he quietly mutters to himself. “How do those make her more attractive?”

“I’m Rainbow Dash.” She smirks, buffing a hoof on the fur of her chest. “I’m sure you’ve heard of me.”

"Hmm... I believe so." She nods, still looking her up and down. "I recall reading something with your name at one point, a newspaper."

“Oh? Was it about the awesome tricks I pull?” She starts to lift off the ground. “Maybe how I helped save Equestria?”

"Well, there was something about those, and something about a weather reprimand..." She smiles. "Everypony has flaws."

Rainbow splutters a bit, then frowns and takes hold of Flick’s claw. “Come on! Let’s just get this over with!”

He raises an eyebrow at her. “You make it sound like I’m forcing you.”

“No! I mean, you aren’t-“ She groans, bringing her hooves up to cover her embarrassed blush. “Just let me go with you, already!”

"Daww... she's shy." Silk titters. "It's just lunch, hun. Nothing to be worried about."

“Yes there is!” She quickly bites her tongue, wincing and holding a hoof to her cheek afterwards. “...forget it. Let’s just go.”

“Oh! Before I forget,” Flick smiles at the two of them, “you’ll want to bring something you want grilled.”

"That's... a slightly odd request." Silk murmurs.

He shrugs. “It’ll make sense when you get there.”

"Well... alright." She looks thoughtful. "'ll need to go to my place, then. I don't make a habit of carrying food with me."

“I’ll find you,” Rainbow blurts out before dashing away.

“...I guess I’ll walk with you to your place, then?” He gives Silk a sheepish grin.

"If you like, you can." She smiles. "I live above my store."

He blinks, then looks at her curiously. “You never said anything about a store.”

"You never asked, because it never came up." She grins back at him as she takes the lead.

“Fair point.” He follows behind her, tilting his head slightly. “...so your name is Silk but your cutie mark is lace?”

"I can work equally well with both materials." She swishes her tail. "My full name is Silk Tease."

“...huh. Interesting.” He catches the end of her tail in her next swish, running his talons through the body part that almost hit him in the face. “How much of a tease are you, Miss Tease?”

She looks back at him. "As much as I want to be. But the name is more of a clothing reference." She gently shuffles her wings.

“Is that right...” He slowly starts to match her gait as he catches up, a talon lightly tracing along her spine. “...do you like teases, Miss Tease?” He gently drapes his wing over her back, looking around to make sure he can get his bearings, later.

"As long as they know limits, I find it fun to spar with such ponies." She turns her eyes to him.

He gives her a playful smirk. “I meant the clothes, Silk.” The wing pats her on the head. “I’m glad you are open to flirting, though. That’s better than the mare who threw her drink in my face.”

She winces at the thought. "Well, some ponies don't react well. As for your actual question..." She motions ahead of them. "Maybe my store answers that."

“It wasn’t the drink that was the problem, it was the... toothpick...” He trails off, eyes widening at the sight of her store. “...you’re a kinky filly, aren’t you?”

"What makes you say that?" She leads him into her currently closed store, aptly called 'Silk's Select.' While at a glance you might think it's just a clothing store, a closer inspection reveals it's catering towards more... sensual attire. Everything from see-through unmentionables, alluring nightwear, and even a few adult costumes is on display, along with a few accessories.

“The first letter of each word in your store’s sign are a collar and a leash,” he points out.

"Oh, well, I have been thinking of changing it to not scare off some who aren't that extreme." She admits.

He immediately perks up and grins at her. “Do you need an artist? I’m available, if you do!”

"Do you take commissions for things like that?" She asks, stopping in the middle of the store as she was leading him through it.

“Of course!” He nods, puffing out his chest. “I’m also really wanting to work with a beautiful mare like you. And those adorable gifted ears.” He plays with the tip of one as he finishes, chuckling happily.

It flicks under his touch as she gives a light blush. "Hey now, how'd you know they were gifted?"

“Well... it may have to do with assuming.” He looks away, embarrassed, before he sits down to play with both her ears. “Gotta love those little tufts.”

She giggles as she tries to move her head away. "H-hey now, don't we have a lunch to go to and apparently business to discuss?"

“That can wait a bit.” His eyes narrow as he leans in, his chin on her nose as he focuses on those tufts. Before she can say anything about it, he lowers his head to look into her eyes, her cheek cradled in his claw. “...wow...”

Her eyes look into his, a light pink on her cheeks. "I hope you don't mind me asking, but is this a griffon habit?"

He blinks, slowly lowering his claw as the most penitent expression forms on his face. “...no, I... I’m afraid that’s just me. You’re so... breathtaking. I couldn’t help myself.”

"Oh my..." She brings one of her wings forward, fanning her face a bit. "You have quite the way with words for mere flirting."

“To be honest,” he rubs the back of his neck, “I was thinking out loud.”

“Gangway!”

He turns just in time for a blue blur to slam into his body, knocking them both into a display that collapses on top of them.

Silk actually growls at this. "I hope you're willing to pay for anything you broke there, Miss Dash."

Surprisingly, there is not a response from under the piles of risqué clothing.

"Hello?" She starts gingerly shifting this aside, trying not to rip anything.

Rainbow’s head bursts free of the pile, her face the same shade as the red in her mane. “Nothing happened!”

Silk hums. "Are you sure? You came in here in quite a rush."

She flounders for an excuse, her hooves resting on a bit of the pile before her. “That’s not what-“

“Rainbow, please get off my lap.”

She yelps and jumps up in the air, scattering clothes and revealing what looks to be a griffin whose face was made of vegetables and eyes were slices of bread.

He carefully sits up, somehow not disturbing the food. “And apparently she thinks having her nose pressed against the top of my beak counts as a kiss.”

“I never said that! Don’t put words in my mouth!” There’s a brief pause before the technicolor mare continues. “And that didn’t happen!”

"Sure, hun." Silk rolls her eyes before she offers the griffon a hoof. "Are you alright, Flick?"

“Could be better, could be worse.” He chuckles as Rainbow gathers her meal off his face. “Though I’d prefer not to be eaten.”

“Duh. No one wants to be eaten.” She flies off to the side to try and reconstruct her sandwich, missing the pained look on Flick’s face as he tries not to go for the dirty joke.

"Did any of the clothes get ripped?" The thestral checks over a see-through negligee.

“Not that I know of.”

Rainbow just scoffs. “Nice priorities you have there. You didn’t ask if I was alright.”

"You jumped fine. You also sped into my store and crashed for no reason." She narrows her eyes at her.

“I had a reason!” She huffs and turns back to her meal. “I just don’t want to share it.”

"Fine, but damages are still coming out of you." She snorts, puttign everything back. "Did you find anything, Flick?"

“Is this one broken?” He holds up what appears to be stockings that are distressed.

"No, those are meant to be like that." She shakes her head. "It looks like things are fine."

The griffon looks at her, then softly smiles. “Wait, there is one thing that’s off.”

“Really?” Rainbow looks around, confused. “Did we hit anything else.”

“We almost did.” He brings up a claw and gently brushes a loose lock of mane back into place on Silk’s forehead, the tips of his talons lightly dragging through the fur of her forehead. “There we go. Perfect.”

She giggles, her wings adjusting. "Charmer. Come on, I still need to grab something for lunch."

Rainbow pouts as Flick pats her on the head. “Ready to go, Dash?”

She looks back at him and nods. “Sure.”

"I'll just be a moment." Silk smiles at them both, heading to a door in the back and slipping through it.

As he sits down, Rainbow sits down beside him, her sandwich in a bag under her wing. He gives her a questioning stare, but she doesn’t acknowledge it, just staring straight ahead. A wicked smile forms on his beak before he leans close and whispers in her ear. “You know, you don’t have to hide your infatuation with her.”

She just scoffs, frown deepening. “Please, it’s not her I’m-“ Her voice catches in her throat, realization and dawning horror filling her features before she quietly continues. “...I don’t have anyone I like. Not like that.”

He moves to follow up on that answer, even draping a wing across her back as a teasing joke, but the other mare returning put a stop to that.

That’s when he became keenly aware of what it looked like.

Awkwardly coughing, he gives Silk a nervous smile. “So, uh, find what you were looking for?”

She gives him a sharp glance, waiting a few second before responding. "Yes... I did."

“Great!” Rainbow darts forward out of Flick’s unusual embrace before taking the mare’s food and running out the store, leaving the two of them alone.

There’s a moment of silence before he managed to find his voice. “I was just jibbing her. It’s hard not to when she gets flustered so easily.”

"I see." Silk walks until she's next to him, looking at her door with a small frown. "But now she took my lunch. I might have to teach her not to do that..."

He raises an eyebrow at this. “...how do you plan on doing that?”

"I'm sure I'll think of something, unless she actually learns to behave." She sniffs, spreading her wings a bit. "Did she know where to go?"

Almost as if summoned, the mare pokes her head back inside. “Were you two coming? I can’t go somewhere I haven’t been, before!”

The other mare shakes her head, turning to the griffon. "Well, we'd better be off."

"Yes, we'd better." He smiles and gives her a hug before walking out the door, feeling much less tense than he was a moment earlier.

It's a date! What do you mean all three?!

As they walk, the purple unicorn he had been seeking earlier walks out of a nearby building. She smiles and waves as she spots them.

He brightens up just the tiniest bit and hurries over to her, allowing Silk to finally realize where Rainbow’s gaze has been focused the whole trip. “Hey, Twilight! How have you been?”

Silk nudges the blue mare lightly with her wing, before giving her a questioning glance and darting her eyes to the griffon, waggling her eyebrows after.

Her blush is her only response, though a waving of a blue wing in the mare’s face soon follows.

She snorts, giving her a look before glancing back at the other two.

They find Flick grinning in excitement. “Great! I’m glad you decided to join us!” He places a claw on his chest and bows respectfully.

Silk raises an eyebrow. "You got another one?"

He blinks, turning to give her a strange look. ”There’s nothing wrong with bringing more friends, is there?”

"It's just a bigger group than I expected." She admits, walking up next to him. "But things should be plenty of fun."

He chuckles, pulling her into another one-armed hug. “Oh, I don’t doubt that. Especially with this group.”

She smiles at him as they head out once more.

Rainbow frowns as she follows behind them, head bowed low to the ground. “...you can stop hugging her at any time, now.”

“Nah,” he grins at her over his shoulder, “you ponies are too adorable and fluffy for me not to try. In fact, I’d probably hug all of you, if I could.”

The weather pony sighs, dejectedly waving a hoof at a mare as she passes by. “Hey, AJ...”

The farm mare looks up from her stand, whistling a bit. "Got yerself a nice group there, huh?"

“Yep!” He turns to her with a smile, faltering slightly once he sees her current position. “...ah. I guess you’re not able to join us?”

"Yeah, sorry, gotta work." She tips her hat to him. "Maybe next time."

“Hmm... maybe next time...” He reaches over and gently grips an orange hoof in a claw. ”...we can go there together. I’ll even pay for you.”

She laughs, clearing her throat after as she sees the others watching. "Sounds good, but maybe focus on those ya got with ya right now."

He sighs, then gives her a small smile. “Okay, then. When do I work next, by the way?” His talon absently rubs her hoof as he talks, and his eyes never leave hers.

"Well, umm... whenever ya want." She blushes.

“Hmm... how about tomorrow? I should be free, then.” He lets go to snap his talons. “Oh, how about I take you to the spa later for another massage?”

Rainbow makes a face behind his back, feathers fluffing up slightly.

She smiles. "We'll see if Ah'm busy or not."

“Great! It’s a date!” He grins, pulling her into a hug over the counter before hurrying on down the street, waving over his shoulder at her.

She adjusts her hat, waving back with her smile still on.

Rainbow darts forward, frowning at her friend. “What’s with that look you’re giving him?”

"What look?" She blinks at her friend's sudden proximity. "And why do you care what looks I give?"

“Because...” Her cheeks flush hotly with color. “...j-just because!”

"Now what sort of thing's got you all hot and bothered?" The farm mare's face is clearly smug.

“Probably not the same thing that has you looking at his rear!” She gives a smirk before she continues. “Or what everyone in town says about you two.”

She snorts. "Oh they do, do they?" She grumbles under her breath. "Might have to talk to some ponies about that."

Rainbow suddenly looks nervous. “...you okay, AJ?”

"Yeah, sure." She waves her off. "Go on, you're slowin' down yer group."

“Slowing them down?” She scoffs. “Please, you know who I am!”

"Latebow Dash?" She teases.

“Why... you... Gah!” She jumps up and speeds off after Flick through the air, leaving the farmer alone, mostly.

Apple Bloom skips over next to her. “Hey, what’cha doin’?”

"Messing with Rainbow." She answers simply, glancing at her sister. "What about you, Bloom?"

“Lookin’ fer somethin’ to do.” She frowns and sets her chin on the counter. “Somethin’ Diamond Tiara won’t destroy...”

"Well, as long as Ah don't have to leave the stand, Ah'm sure we can think of somethin'." She rubs the yellow filly's head affectionately. "Let's see..."

The pegasus soon catches up with the rest, running a hoof through her mane. “See? Caught up in seven seconds.”

Flick just stares at her in confusion. “Who are you talking to?”

“Nopony important.” She shrugs, then looks to her left. “...huh. That’s kinda creepy.”

"What is?" Twilight asks.

She gestures to the dark alley. “Hello? Spooky alleyway that could lead to being mugged? Or worse?”

The griffon chuckles quietly as he walks into said place. “Don’t worry, Dash, I’ll make sure none of you get hurt.”

Silk smiles as she follows. "I think with as many of us as we have, we can take care of whatever comes our way."

“Yeah, well, I’m gonna keep an eye out from overhead!” Rainbow jumps up and hovers over Flick as they make their way down the apparently abandoned alleyway.

"So how far are we?" The yellow mare asks.

“Not that far. There’s a turn a little down the way before we get there.” He smiles and tickles her nose with the tip of his wing. “Don’t worry, soon you can eat.”

She giggles, playing pushing his wing away with hers. "Good, I'm awfully hungry by now."

He chuckles, hugging her to his side and doing the same with Twilight so she doesn’t feel left out.

The unicorn blushes. "So umm, you said it's alright if I don't bring food, right?"

“Absolutely.” He smiles at her. “They have food there, but he also cooks what you bring him.”

"Okay." She nods. "I just hope I'm not stepping on tradition."

“You shouldn’t be.” The three of them turn the corner, Rainbow banking to make it with them.

"So how come you didn't bring something?" Twilight asks.

“Because I already ate. Plus, I’d have to pay, this time.”

“What do you mean, this time?” Rainbow lands in front of them, then yelps when somepony runs into her flanks and she spins around, ready to wallop somepony.

"Sorry about that." The stallion says to her, moving to walk around her as he calls back over his shoulder. "See you boys tomorrow!" Voices from inside express their agreement heartily.

She watches him go, then turns and points at the others with a frown. “Not a word.”

While Twilight says nothing, the fanged mare reveals she can say far more with a smirk, than a word.

Rainbow scowls and turns away, grumbling quietly as she heads inside.

"She's fun to mess with." Silk comments simply.

Flick turns and frowns just a bit. “...why do you like to do that so much?”

"Because she's loud, a braggart, and doesn't apologize when she crashes into things or ponies." She sniffs. When she sees the look Twilight and Flick are giving her, though, she relents. "Maybe I can ease up."

"There's poking fun, then there's harassing." He sighs, pulling away from both of them and stepping inside. "Then again, I'm sure you know the difference."

"Yes..." Her ears fold a bit as she follows him inside.

The griffon grins as he stops at the counter, resting one foreleg on it. "Hey, there! I'm back!"

"Already?" The grizzled cook laughs. "What, hungry again?"

"Nah," he nods to the small group behind him, "just bringing my friends like I said I would."

"Well, I'll be." He chuckles. "Welcome, ladies." He gives them all a nod.

Rainbow lays her sandwich on the counter, looking at the stallion. "Nice to meet you, too. Who are you, exactly?"

"The name's Savory. Feel free to call me Sav if you like." He looks down at her sandwich. "I see he told you about our rule."

“All I know is that he told me to bring food.” She gives the griffon a scrutinizing glare. “He said the rest was a surprise.” The glare explodes into an embarrassed blush when the chuckling griffon pats her on the head.

The stallion nods as the others sit down. "Yep." When he sees Twilight didn't bring any, he offers her a menu. "You can tell me how you want it cooked, or just let me at it."

A voice calls out from the side. “Hey, so who wins the betting pool?”

He looks to the board, tracing the lines. "Hmm... here we go. Same day, two or more new mares." Grabbing the bag, he floats it over to the winning pony.

As the chestnut stallion awkwardly accepts it, Flick looks at Savory in confusion. “Why were you betting on that?” He jumps when a few bits are placed on his beak, and sees the stallion return to some gray pegasus out of the corner of his eye.

"Because it was a bit of good fun." He chuckles. "You're the new guy, so it's also a way of figuring you out."

He carefully removes the bits and places them under a wing. “And... what exactly does it say about me?”

“Probably that you’re awesome.” Rainbow puffs up her chest. “But not as awesome as me.”

The cook offers no comment on that. "We don't mean anything by it, just a bit of fun. Now..." He looks to the sandwich. "How dark do you want it?"

The athlete just shrugs. “I dunno. I’ve never had a cooked sandwich, before.”

He nods, taking it and starting to cook it with a bit of butter. "Just so you know, me cooking what you bring in ain't free, it costs a bit."

Rainbow immediately grimaces. “Shoot, I don’t-“ She’s cut off by a bit being placed before her.

After a moment of staring blankly at it, she turns and looks at Flick, who smiles back at her. “Don’t worry, Dash, I got it.” He ruffles the now-blushing mare’s mane before turning back to Silk. “I can cover you, too, if you don’t have any money.”

"I had planned on paying for my part." She smiles toothily at him as she raises a wing to show her bit pouch. "Thank you, though." Her eyelashes bat themselves at him.

He smiles in return, turning to give the stallion a thankful nod before turning to the last of his friends. “Did you decide on something, Twilight?”

"Umm... can I try the potato, carrot, and hay skewer?" She gives the griffin a small smile of awaiting approval.

He shrugs, smiling in return. “If that’s what you want, I’m not going to stop you.”

She giggles, making the order with a smile.

The cook nods, his magic working to assemble it as Silk pulls up the small bag she had brought.

The griffin leans in close, looking over her shoulder. “What did you bring, anyways?”

She pulls it out, wrapped up. "Seasoned pineapple." The clear bag contains the aforementioned sliced rings, flakes of something on them as a light orange juice soaks in.

“Huh.” He rests his chin on her shoulder as he looks at it. “...is it any good?”

"We're about to find out." She lightly boops the side of his head with her snout before offering the bag to the chef.

He gives it a once over. "Well, never done this before, so this'll be interesting." He flips Rainbow's sandwich, revealing the golden side that had been cooking.

She stares, starting to drool a little. “Wow, that looks delicious...” As she speaks, she misses the tuft of tail that reaches around to tickle at Twilight’s side.

The unicorn squeaks, blushing from making that sound.

Flick quickly looks to her, concerned. “Are you alright, Miss Sparkle?”

Rainbow’s ear twitches, and she turns to find two ponies cleaning and writing on a chalkboard.

Twilight clears her throat. "Yes, yes, I'm fine. I just had a little... shiver."

As the weather pony walks away, he places a claw on the librarian’s shoulder and gently squeezes. “If you’re cold, I could help with that.” He drapes his wing over her and pulls her close. “See? Nice and toasty.”

She blushes more now. "Oh, umm... wow... are you sure this isn't too close?"

Silk just watches the two with a raised eyebrow.

“I’m alright with holding others close.” He tugs the thestral close with his other wing, resting his chin on her head. “Besides, you ponies are comfy.”

“What is wrong with you ponies!?” Rainbow yanks the sign out of their grasp. “Applejack And Fluttershy aren’t even here! Why did you put them on this new one? Why did you make a dating betting pool to begin with!?” She looks down at it with a hurt frown. “And why aren’t I on it?”

"We hadn't finished filling it out yet." One of them protests.

Silk just smiles comfortably as the chef puts Rainbow's sandwich on a plate. "Food's up!"

“You put Big Mac on here before me!” She grunts in frustration and carries it over to the others, setting it on the counter before the three of them so she can eat.

It is exactly what Rainbow said it was - a betting pool about who Flick will end up with. Silk, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Twilight are among the names, and there’s even a herd and harem option.

The griffon frowns in confusion. “...why are those two separate?”

"Distinction between if there's just you or more males?" Silk offers, looking amused while Twilight is hiding her face, looking mortified.

He looks at them all and gently pushes it away. “You know, I don’t think I’d mind any of those options... except for Big Mac, because I’m fairly certain he likes mares.”

"Maybe wait until they leave next time, boys." The cook says simply, toothpick in his mouth as he rotates the food.

They bow their heads in shame.

As this happens, Flick turns and delicately nudges Twilight’s cheek with the curve of his beak. “You okay?”

She mutters something he can't understand.

He looks at her, confused, and rubs her back with his wing, hoping it’ll help. “You know you can share with me if something’s bothering you, right?”

"I can't believe I'm being shipped..." She responds a little louder.

“...okay, I’m sorry if I sound rude or uncultured or something, but... what do you mean by that?” He gently rubs at her hoof, giving her a sheepish smile to try and show he really doesn’t mean anything bad by it.

She lifts up her head, still blushing. "It's a term the girls in school used when they... matchmaked in their heads."

“Oh.” He stays silent, trying not to think of how close her lips are to his beak. Those purple eyes of hers definitely help with that, especially once he starts to get lost in them.

A random pony to the side tosses a few bits on the table. “Put it on the librarian.”

Twilight instantly buries her face once more.

He sighs and raises the claw to caress her mane, cooing softly to her despite the glare he sends the rude mare that slinks away. “Don’t let them get to you, Twilight. You’re a beautiful, smart young mare who they’re jealous of. Any stallion or mare would be lucky to even get your attention.”

He turns to look at Silk, still tucked under his wing, to ask if he’s doing it right without actually asking.

She whispers to him. "Maybe ease off a bit. The girl's embarrassed, let her cool down."

“...right.” He carefully lowers his claw, keeping his wing in place as he glances around. “Maybe we should find somewhere to sit. Somewhere we won’t be the center of attention?”

At that moment, the cook slides their plates toward them. "Here ya go. Sit where you like."

Flick nods and takes hold of their food - a plate on one claw and the other on his head. He guides the two mares under his wings to a private corner of the restaurant, hoofsteps from behind telling him that Rainbow is following them.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how this tastes." Silk says simply, sniffing her plate.

He smiles, leaning over and pressing his cheek to hers. “Mind if I have a taste?”

She playfully snaps her teeth at him. "Me first."

He chuckles, backing away and taking his wing off her back. “Sure thing, Miss Tease.” His laugh is cut off when a bite of sandwich is stuffed in his mouth.

Rainbow grins. “Much better than pineapple, right?”

He carefully nudges it to one side of his mouth with his tongue, his voice as serious as a grave. “Dash... this didn’t have tomato in it, right?”

She blinks. “...no? It was just lettuce and mustard.”

“Good.” He chews it quietly, hugging Twilight a little tighter after that with his wing.

Twilight looks to him curiously. "What are griffon diets like?"

“It has nothing to do with diet.” He quietly scoffs. “I’m allergic.”

"Oh." She blinks, nodding. "But can you eat grains like we can?"

“Yes, I can.”

“He also eats meat and fruit, as well as vegetables.” When they look at her, the technicolor mare blushes brightly. “What? I had a friend at flight camp who’s a griffon.”

"Oh, okay then." She smiles at them both.

“Miss Tease, you got a bit on your cheek.” He expertly removes the splotch with a talon, licking it afterwards and humming thoughtfully. “Not bad.”

She nods. "It's a little spicy, but apparently that's the point."

“Is that right?” He looks at her thoughtfully. “...is it alright if I get that other spot, too?”

She licks it off. "Now now, take your own bite." She offers him the rest of the current ring.

“Hmm...” He takes it, but then licks the corner of her mouth, smirking playfully. “You missed a bit.”

She bats at him with a wing. "Cheeky bird."

“What? It’s delicious.” He chuckles, snagging one off her plate and offering it to Twilight. “Want to try some?”

"Umm, no thank you." She smiles, levitating her large skewer. "I think I have plenty to eat." Her piece said, she takes a bite of hers, humming in approval.

He can’t keep the disappointment off his face, shrugging and eating the food himself.

Rainbow watches him intensely as she eats, her wings rather twitchy.

Twilight speaks up after a few bites. "So, how's your sandwich, Rainbow?"

“‘S good.” She swallows, turning her attention to the unicorn. “Hey, so... what do you look for in a guy?”

Flick blinks, surprised she opened up this line of questioning.

Twilight blinks, looking at her friend strangely. "I've never really thought about it... I've never had an interest in looking before."

“Really?” She points at her with a frown. “Because you’ve been leaning against him ever since he complimented you.”

Twilight blushes, leaning up. "I was distracted by eating!"

“But you weren’t eating, right then...”

Flick places a claw in between them. “She’s obviously not comfortable talking about this in public. At the very least, give her the courtesy of privacy.”

“...fine.” She huffs, resting her cheek on her upturned hoof. “I just wanted to know how she felt about you.”

"A different topic perhaps." Silk offers, sinking her fangs into her meal.

They quietly eat for a while before Rainbow speaks up once more. “There’s a rumor Flick is Applejack’s toy.”

“And there’s a rumor that you like mares.” He looks up at her with a raised eyebrow. “I don’t put much stock in rumors.”

Rainbow grumbles, poking at the table. "Nothing wrong with being flexible..."

"You already have rumors about you?" Silk asks him.

“I made a joke to her little sister and somehow it got spread around town.” He shrugs a bit. “I’m doing my best to ignore it.”

"Oh my... what sorts of things are you saying to foals?" She raises a brow at him.

He blushes brightly, squirming in his seat. “...that she was my mistress?”

“...what, like you’re her slave?” The athlete huffs quietly. “Or do you mean like a servant?”

"It's... a bit in between." Silk replies, tail swishing.

Rose eyes narrow at the yellow mare. “Why is your tail swishing?”

She leans over so only the other mare can hear. "It's a sex thing."

She blushes brightly, then pushes her away with a grunt. “Then why are you still smiling? You like him, don’t you?”

"He's a very nice tom." She answers, giving the griffon a wink.

He smiles, reaching over to play with the tufts of her ears.

Rainbow smirks at the mare. “Did I forget to mention they have great hearing?”

"So do I." She wiggles her ears.

“You know, for being a thestral, she’s pretty sexy.”

Flick blinks, subtly glancing over his shoulder at the speaker.

“If that bird didn’t have his talons in her, I’d probably rail her over the table.”

“You’re missing the big picture, bro.” There’s a brief pause before the second speaker continues. “That big purple booty! I’d love to be that seat, man!”

“...what is this man you keep talking about?”

Silk just snorts, shaking her head as she locks eyes with the griffon. "Gotta love loose-lipped ponies, hmm?"

He awkwardly scratches his cheek. “...honestly, I have to agree with them. All of you are sexy, but I’d be happy with a kiss from anyone, right now.”

“Hey, how about we go see Applejack?” Rainbow claps her hooves together. “I think we all could do with some apple pie, right?”

“...wait, what about your diet?”

“It’s my cheat day, I’ll be fine.” She laughs brightly before darting around the table and yanking him towards the door. “Come on, I know you’ll just love it!”

Twilight looks up, a couple pieces of food on her skewer. "But we weren't done eating!"

“Finish it on the way! That’s what skewers are for!”

Before they get too far - mostly due to the griffon struggling - Flick manages to wrap around the unicorn’s barrel with his tail, attempting to get an anchor.

Silk munches on one of her last pineapple rings as she watches. "You're really making a scene, you know."

She pauses for a moment, almost as if considering this, and then groans, resting on Flick’s back. “Fine... but I still want to get some pie.”

Nodding, the two other mares finish up their lunches.

The griffon, however, glances over his shoulder at the mare on his back, bemused. “Why are you on my back?”

She shifts slightly. “You’re comfy.”

“I highly doubt I’m that comfortable.” He pokes her cheek with a talon. “Your cheeks and mouth are covered in crumbs.”

“...I’m a messy eater.”

“I could tell, but I doubt that’s why those are there.” He smirks at the blush growing on her face once more. “I’m right, aren’t I?”

She covers her face with a blue wing. “S-shut up.”

Silk shakes her head as she cleans up. Once she's done, she walks over, Twilight beside her with bits left on the table. "Ready?"

“Ready!” She takes the griffon and darts off, making him give a not-so-masculine squawk of surprise.

Silk snorts, looking to the unicorn. "Does she ever slow down as enjoy life?"

"Fast is how she likes life." Twilight replies sagely.

“Rainbow, that’s my tail!”

“Calm down, you big baby!”

The thestral sighs. "I feel like I need to tag along to keep her in check..."

It's Applebuck Season! Want to make a bet?

Life in the farm is routine, thus it ends up being very jarring when something comes along and changes said routine without any warning.

Of course, that requires said change to be noticed, namely when Flick hovers in the air beside Applejack’s window as she ambles about her morning routine. He quietly eyes the frame, wondering why she sleeps with it open before shrugging slightly and resting his forearms on it.

The farm mare is at the point where she's tying her mane when she finally turns to the window and jumps when she sees him. "What in tarnation?!"

He smiles warmly at her. “You know you hum when you get ready? It’s quite beautiful. Just like you.” He playfully winks at her, then slips inside her room, rubbing a wing with a claw.

"I... you..." She blushes, finishing tying her mane. "At least ask before ya come in next time."

“Sure,” he hugs her, having walked up as she spoke, and nuzzles her cheek, “for you, I think I can do that.” A smirk tugs at the corner of his beak. “Your granny said I was always welcome, though.”

"Ta knock at the door, yeah..." She smiles at him. "What brings you here so early?"

“You.” His claw rubs over her chest as he luxuriates over her soft yet firm form. ”I figured helping you with your chores would allow us to get to our date before the sun goes down.”

"Our uh... oh, so you did mean it like that..." She nervously puts on her hat.

A claw gently cups her cheek, turning her so she faces him with the lightest of touches. His beak is mere inches from her mouth, golden eyes gazing longingly into green as his voice takes on a low, raspy tone. “Is that a problem, Miss Applejack?”

She can feel his unoccupied talons running through the fur of her back, pulling her just close enough to feel the feathers of his chest against her coat.

She quickly pushes her hat into his face. "Nope, no problem, nope!" He can hear her clearing her throat quickly, followed by breathing.

He moves the Stetson onto his head, smiling warmly at her. “Aww, I wanted to see you blush again. It’s so cute!”

"Right, umm, thank ya." She pulls out another one, sticking it on her head.

His smile falls, glancing between her hat and the one on his head. With a grumble, he takes his hat off and stares forlornly at it. “...so much for being special...”

She laughs. "Ah prefer to think they're all special, but Ah learned pretty quick to have spares."

He’s silent for a moment before awkwardly holding it out to her. “Could you possibly... hug it? Maybe kiss it?”

She smirks at him a little as she takes it. "Yer an odd little bird, ya know that?" She gives it a nuzzle and a kiss on the brim.

Before she’s done kissing it, it’s suddenly replaced by a feathery cheek. He chuckles, putting it back on and hugging her. “Thank you, Miss Applejack.”

She blushes red. "H-hey! You... ya'll are a mess, ya know that?"

“You know you like it.” He chuckles, nuzzling her cheek affectionately.

"...it's growin' on me." She admits.

He grins, pulling her hat back as he leans in, eyes closing as his beak draws near her lips.

Her hoof places itself over his beak. "Whoa there, ya can't just pop into my room and get all smoochy before we even have a date."

He chuckles, pulling her hoof away gingerly. “I know. I just wanted to see that adorable blush of yours.” He runs his talon over a section of pink coloring her cheek. “And it looks like I got my wish.”

The door opens as he moves to nuzzle her cheek once more, revealing a certain red-headed filly. “Sis, Big Mac-“ She cuts herself off, staring wide-eyed at the scene before her. “...does this mean Ah have a new brother?”

Applejack quickly backs away from the griffon. "Ya know who he is."

“Yeah, he’s our new worker, an’ you’re his mistress.”

He groans, rubbing his face with a claw. “That one really came back to bite me...”

"See what that mouth of yours gets ya?" She grins at him.

“It almost got me a taste of the delicacy known as southern apple.” He sticks his tongue out at her, oblivious to the confusion on Apple Bloom’s face.

"Hush you." She lightly flicks him with her tail. "So, what about Mac, Bloom?"

The filly blinks, snapping out of her stupor to respond. “Oh! He injured his side; he won’t be able to help with the harvest!”

Applejack sighs, straightening her hat. "Well, guess ah got a long few days ahead."

"You know you don't have to do it alone, right?" Flick pulls her attention back to him with a talon on her chin, smiling warmly. "After all, you've got me."

She frowns a bit. "You sure you can do all day shifts? What about yer spa job?"

He grimaces slightly. “...okay, so I might not be able to help all the time, but it’s not like I’m gonna let you do it all by yourself.” He caresses her cheek tenderly, ignoring the giggles coming from Apple Bloom. “You don’t need that kind of stress on yourself.”

"Well... Ah'm still gonna be doing most of it, but Ah appreciate yer help." She smiles at him, taking his claw off when she hears the giggles increase.

He sighs in relief, gently nuzzling the top of her head. “And maybe, if we have time, we can go on that date?” A loud squeal of excitement causes him to flinch and fall on his side. He then grunts as the filly jumps on his side in her overabundance of joy.

“Ah can’t believe it! Mah sister’s goin’ on a date!” She draws close, pressing her nose against the farmer’s own. “Tell me all about it when you’re done!”

"Ah dunno, that's pretty private stuff..." She looks up, tapping her chin. "But you'll probably get into trouble tryin' ta find out fer yerself, so Ah might just tell ya."

“Great!” She gets off Flick and brushes his side off with her tail. “Ah’ll let granny know you’re with yer birdfriend. She’ll make sure there’s enough food when you’re done!”

"Ah, she, grr...." The older sister sighs. "Yer startin' stuff already, Flick."

“...you know, I’m not against the idea of being a couple.” He smiles and playfully elbows her side. “Especially with a southern belle like you.”

"Easy there, date first so we know if it would work."

He looks at her, bemused. “And when would that be? After this massive harvest you’re apparently suddenly having?”

She nods. "Exactly." She bumps him with her side. "Now yer gettin' it."

He hums quietly, rubbing his chin in thought. “...if I can harvest an acre before your family finishes breakfast, can we go on that date today?”

She raises an eyebrow. "That's a pretty big boast."

“I’m not boasting.” He smiles, holding his talon out to her. “I’m making a bet. You can get me to do anything you want if you win.” There’s a momentary pause before he amends, “Except leave you alone. Not even Celestia can make me do that.”

She laughs. "Well, sounds like a wager, then."

“Good.” He pulls her hoof up and gently kisses it. “And it’s sealed with a kiss.”

She blushes lightly. "You sneak these a lot don't you?"

“Only with you.” He looks up thoughtfully. “I haven’t had the chance to do it with anyone else.” He turns and heads towards the window. “Which field did you want me to do, exactly?”

"Just pick one that has all the apples ready to harvest. Probably in the east field."

“Gotcha.” His tail tickles her nose briefly before he dives out the window.

"Wonder if he'll actually manage to do it..."

“Applejack!” The filly’s voice calls out from downstairs. “Big Mac is eatin’ yer flapjacks!”

"Like hay he is!" The farm mare runs down the stairs, not wanting to miss out on breakfast.

The mare goes out after breakfast, having not seen her hired helper come back. She strolls down the path, keeping an eye out for him.

She can hear panting and wheezing a bit further down, near the entrance to the orchard she sent him to. Between the trees, she can see a sliver of gold.

She heads towards it, finding the griffon she was looking for against a tree. "Flick?"

His eyes open only halfway, and he gives her a weak smile. “I... I did it... two acres, even...” He reaches out, gently taking her hoof and rubbing it. “...Applejack...”

She sighs. "Ya derned fool... 'bout worked yerself to death. Course, guess Ah might have done the same."

He mumbles something she can’t quite hear, his grip tightening just the tiniest bit.

"Come on... you need a rest now." With a surprising bit of strength, she gets him laying sideways on her back. "We'll get ya some water."

“We’ll get it on our date.” He chuckles, sounding almost delirious. “A great date at a place with a grill you can give food you bring... or order, either way works.”

"Umm... okay then." She shakes her head, bringing him back towards the house. "But first, we gotta getcha back up and running."

“Oh, that’s easy.” He shifts on her back and nuzzles her cheek. “I just need some love.”

"That's a nice sentiment, but what you need is some shade and food." She corrects him.

“No, seriously,” he slides off, taking her head in his claws and turning it towards him so she can see he means it. “Kiss me, and I’ll be right as rain on your crops.”

She takes his talons off, backing away a bit. "Okay... yer comin' on a bit strong there fer this joke, sugarcube."

He completely collapses, groaning quietly. His breathing starts to ebb, and his eyes close as he loses consciousness.

Then, just on the edge of his awareness, he feels a soft pair of lips against his own, distinctly different from the ones that had graced his cheek earlier. Too weak to respond, though, he can’t even offer a smile, despite how his breathing slowly returns to normal.

Rainbow pulls away with a sigh, looking to Applejack with a small frown. “I don’t think that was a joke.”

"Well Ah didn't think he would drop without it!" She defends herself. "Ah was gettin' him food and water!"

“Yeah, it probably isn’t wise to treat everything as a joke.” She shrugs. “How many times has he pranked you to get you to do nothing, AJ?”

"I mean, look it just sounded like one of those corny things folks say. I figured he was still out of it."

“...well, you could always make it up to him.” Her eyes narrow at the farmer. “Unless you want me to kiss your birdfriend, again, to see if he’s sleeping beauty?”

Applejack sighs. "Just... help me get him to the house."

“Fine.” She shakes her head slightly. “Can’t just leave him out here, after all.”

"Of course." She grabs him once more. "This ain't the first time somepony's overworked themselves."

“You mean like you did the day I moved here?” Rainbow gives her a cheeky grin.

"...yes." She admits, though very begrudgingly.

“Yeah, wouldn’t want you doing that again.” She glances back at him. “Yeesh. Imagine if you tried what he did... what was he doing, anyways?”

"Harvesting an acre during breakfast to win a bet."

“All by himself?” She raises an eyebrow. “Isn’t that overdoing it? What was he expecting to win? A kiss?”

Applejack blushes, angling her hat down. "A date."

“...as soon as he’s good, you’re taking him on that date.” She pokes her friend in the chest, frowning deeply. “Or so help me, I’m gonna get one of our other friends to do so.”

"Like you?" She retorts with a raised eyebrow.

“...if it comes down to it, yes.” She rolls her eyes. “I doubt every other one of our friends would decline, though.”

"And they won't need to." She snorts. "He held up his end of the bargain, so I'll give him a shot."

“Good.” She glances back with a small smirk. “Because I think he’s waking up.”

Applejack promptly feels a claw on her flank, Flick groaning quietly. “...what... who...”

"Watch yer hands there tough guy." She says calmly.

“...Applejack...” The claw moves in a small circle before trailing up her side. “...oh... thank you... did I get something to eat?” He carefully moves, embracing the country mare with his weakened limbs.

"Not yet, Ah'm bringin' ya to the house." She smiles back at him.

“...oh...” He goes quiet for a moment before a moment of being jostled make him try to grip her harder. “...can I get a hug when we get there? I’m sure it’s less forward than a kiss...”

"Sure, sugarcube. You earned it."

He smiles and gently nuzzles her cheek. “...thank you, Applejack...”

“So... what was up with you needing a kiss, anyways?” The athlete blinks at the scared look on the griffon’s face. “What, it’s a valid question!”

“...I refuse to answer because it’s personal.” He shifts on Applejack’s back until he’s in a sitting position, reaching over to pat Rainbow on the head. “I don’t know you well enough to share, just yet.”

"And now he has mysteries, too." Applejack chuckles. "At least yer feeling better."

“Agreed.” Her friend shakes her head. “Even If you’re being difficult.” She glances back, then stops to stare. “F-Flick, your wing!”

“Hmm?” He looks back at the limb, frowning at the disarray of his feathers. “...huh. Guess I worked it too h-AGH!” He flinches away when Rainbow pokes it, gritting his teeth. “What was that for?!”

“...Flick, your wing... is bent at an angle it shouldn’t be.” She looks to the earth pony, frowning deeply. “Did you know about this?”

Applejack shakes her head vigorously. "Don't gimme that look. Ah dunno wings and ah was a might distracted by him bein' collapsed."

“...yeah, I don’t think he can flap it like this, much less fly.” She shakes her head. “I’ll get Fluttershy to come by real quick. She’s better at treating this than I am.” She turns and hurries off, leaving the two of them alone.

The griffon grumbles, resting his cheek against Applejack’s nape. “I didn’t think I worked that hard...”

She turns and touches her snoot to his head. "Ya did plenty, sugarcube."

He smiles softly, nuzzling her cheek. “...well... I’m just glad it was me and not you...”

"Yeah... but now we gotta see if Flutters can do anythin' for ya. Ya might end up in the hospital, ya bird brain." She bumps him with her snoot again.

He smiles coyly, a claw gently caressing her cheek. “Hey, if it means I can go on another date with a beauty like you, I’d do it again.”

"Easy." She bumps him firmly. "Ah won't have ya runnin' yerself ragged."

He grunts, gripping her a bit tighter. “Yes, Miss Applejack.”

"There ya go." She smiles at him. "Now you just relax. Ya had me worried."

“...it’s not that bad, I’m sure.” He shrugs a bit, hiding his grimace against her neck. “I think she just wanted to guilt trip you to hide her own embarrassment. She was the one who kissed me, right?”

She nods. "Went straight for it."

“Yeah, she’s probably embarrassed.” He nods, then nuzzles right behind her ear. “...when we go, could we bring some apples with us?”

"Go to where?"

“Savory’s Grill.” He smiles softly at her. “I want to see what he can do with an apple... though if you wanna go somewhere else for our date, that’s fine, too.”

"Ah think you earned picking the place." She chuckles.

“Good, because we’re going there for lunch.” He smirks a bit. “No point going with a full stomach, right?”

"Think you'll be better by then?" She raises an eyebrow at him.

“Like I said, I just need some love and care.” He smiles at her, then gently pecks her cheek. “I wonder if I’ll have to wait for it...”

“Granny!” They turn to see Apple Bloom in the farmhouse doorway. “They’re back from makin’ out!” She turns to look at Applejack’s friends next to her. “What does that mean, again?”

The blue pony pats her on the head. “You’ll find out when you’re older.”

"Rainbow Dash, what are you fillin' mah sister's head with?" AJ narrows her eyes.

"What? I just said that's what was probably taking you so long." She sticks her tongue out teasingly before she turns and walks inside.

Flick sighs, glancing to the mare carrying him. "...you're planning some revenge on her right now, aren't you?"

"...maybe." She doesn't meet his eyes.

He glances at the door before looking back to her, smiling slightly. “Want some help?”

"Sure. Ah'll tell ya when Ah think of something." She gives him a grin before heading inside.

He nods to himself as he stands where he had slid off her back, rolling onto his side without the injured wing. “...how long until she realizes she left me out here?”

I got it! You're doing WHAT with Twilight?!

Applejack looks across her fields, smiling proudly. "Yep, one heck of a harvest season this year."

“Oh, I know!” The pink pony beside her giggles. “You’ve been excited about this for a while!” She taps her chin. “Of course, that was before Big Mac and Flick got injured, so...”

"Yeah... gonna be a bit tough, but, Ah was raised to handle this type of work." She nods firmly.

Pinkie looks out over the trees that spread out for miles, vast enough to make her head spin. “...you know you can’t do this on your own, right? It’s like trying to eat a whole seven layer cake all by yourself; you’re only gonna be in pain by the end.”

"But ya still manage to do it, right?"

“Only because I’m me.” She shakes her head. “Think of your birdfriend, and how you care about him. Get some help with harvesting.”

The farm mare turns to her friend. "One date doesn't make him that."

“No, but a long hug and a peck on the cheek afterwards might.” She grins at her cheekily.

"...how do you know about that?"

“Word travels fast in this town.”

"So Ah've seen." AJ sighs. "They haven't stopped talkin' about him and every mare since he came to town."

“Yeah, but it’s really strange, since only you, Dashie, Twilight, and that bat pony have been spending much time with him.” She shrugs. “I dunno why Fluttershy and I are among those rumors when we only had one conversation.”

"Maybe we just got a bunch of romantics in town." Applejack shrugs as well.

“There’s also ponies saying that you and Twilight share him as a pet?” She looks at her curiously.

"That one's on him." She says directly. "He started that one and it got out of control."

“...yeah, I’m more worried that foals might hear it?” She grins nervously. “Maybe we should do something before it gets worse...”

“It’s probably too late,” a voice says, the griffon who owns it walking into view. His left wing twitches in its bandages as he draws to a stop beside the farmer. “Besides, it’s already worse.”

"Oh no..." AJ groans, pulling her hat down. "That is not what Ah wanted to hear."

“Yeah, apparently I’m property of something called the elements of harmony, too?” He shrugs slightly. “I don’t get it, but they were saying it.”

She blinks. "Well, umm... that's all six of us."

He stares off in the distance. “...it’s a lot of work ahead of you. You sure I can’t help you, somehow?”

Pinkie frowns and leans closer to the other mare. “You saw that, right?”

She shakes her head to both of them. "You heard Fluttershy, gotta stay off them wings for a week so they heal."

“But Big Mac said it’s too much for one pony...” He sighs, then looks to her, his eyes full of concern. “I just... don’t want you getting hurt, too...”

"I'll be fine. Ah've worked long hours before." She smiles at him. "Don't you worry."

“...that’s like asking you to stop being a beautiful shade of orange.” He shakes his head. “It’d be impossible.”

"It'll be fine. I'll just be a might tired." She laughs nervously.

His beak forms a line as flat as his stare.

"Ah can do it!" She sounds insistent.

“...how long does it normally take you to do it, with Big Mac’s help?”

"Umm... a week?"

He quietly nods. “How long until the apples go bad?”

"Maybe... a month."

“I don’t-“

“Oh, wow, you have to do all those fields in a month, on top of your chores?” Pinkie shakes her head. “I don’t know if you can do that, Applejack!”

The farm mare frowns, puffing her chest out. "Now don't you worry, Ah can handle it."

“But what about all those promises you made with me and the girls?” She points out.

"Ah can handle it." She snorts. "Ah'm just gonna be busy."

“But that’s like a million apple trees!”

Flick interrupts, “Pinkie, I don’t think they own-“

“It’s way too much for one pony!”

AJ sighs. "We only have a few more trees than last year."

She flings her forehooves in the air. “You can’t make promises your legs can’t keep!” She pauses briefly. “Unless those promises include Flick, then you might be able to.”

"He's injured." She reminds her.

He scratches his cheek, blushing slightly. “...I must have a dirty mind, because that made me think of something other than harvesting...”

Pinkie just looks confused, then shrugs. “If you’re sure. Just make sure to come to us if you need help!” She bounces away, humming to herself.

Applejack sighs. "Whew... Ah almost thought she'd wear me down."

The griffon gently pulls her into a hug, resting his chin on her head. “I’m not going to stop you, Applejack. Goodness knows if I’d be able to come close.” He runs a claw tenderly through her mane. “I just... want you to be safe, okay?”

She nods, smiling at him as she hugs him back. "Thanks. Ah'll be careful. We'll see how things look after a few days."

“Alright.” He looks to her with a playful smile. “Can I get a kiss for the road?”

"Hmm... promise to not hurt yourself?"

“Again, you mean?” He gives a small nod, cupping her cheek and looking in her eyes. “I promise.”

She smiles, giving him a quick peck on the cheek.

He pouts for a second, then lets out a chuckle. “Guess I walked right into that one, huh?”

"Earning it will make it sweeter." She retorts sagely.

He frowns, rubbing her cheek as he thinks. “...so... picnic after you’re done with the harvest?”

"Ah'd like that." She leans lightly against the touch.

“...yeah, I’d be alright with that.” He touches his forehead to hers. “...what was Pinkie talking about, by the way? Those promises?”

"Oh, Pinkie needs my help with a bake sale and Dash wants help with a stunt."

His talons drum on the trio of apples decorating her hip as he considers this. “...any chance our next date can be around then, then? Since you’re taking a break, after all...”

She flicks his talon off reflexively with her tail, smiling sadly at him. "Sorry, Flick, but ah'm gonna need to get right back to work once I get done with these favors."

He sighs dramatically, hugging her tight to his chest. “Oh, woe is me! Separated from such a natural beauty for such a long time!”

She playfully beats him off her. "Alright alright, any more of that and you can give Rarity a run fer her bits."

He chuckles, shrugging quietly. “What can I say? I like you.” The griffon looks off to the side, continuing to rub her back. “Dunno what I’m going to do while you’re working, though.”

"See the rest of the town aside from mah farm?" She offers.

“...I guess.” He kisses the top of her head and pulls away. “I guess I’ll see you after you’re done.”

He suddenly yelps when the ground starts to shake, gripping her once more as he looks around frantically. “What is that?!”

Her ears are standing straight up as she runs a few feet, looking over the hill. "Stampede!"

Recovering from the surprise of how easily she dragged him along, Flick lets go and looks off in the distance. “...oh, that can’t be good.”

She nods once before taking off and letting out a sharp whistle.

“Then she said to ‘steer clear of Ponyville’, next time!” Flick chuckles, rubbing the top of the bookish unicorn’s head. “And you know the rest.”

The two of them sit on the balcony of the library, looking out over the fields behind the tree house. They sit close to each other, enough that the feathers of his good wing tickle her side.

She nods. "I only heard about it after the fact, but it sounds amazing to have been there."

“Oh it was.” He smiles, rubbing her head affectionately as he continues. “But I’m sure you have some great stories, too. Probably even ones I haven’t heard about!”

"Umm, not really..." she looks down. "I'm pretty boring."

“Hey, come on now,” he gently tilts her head up, smiling warmly at her, “I’m sure that’s not true.”

"All I really do is study and read." She blushes.

“Oh?” He chuckles, pulling her against his side with a wing. “Maybe you’d be willing to share one of those books? Or we can grab a nice novel to read together?”

"Well, I do have a library now..." she giggles at the thought.

“Well, I don’t have much else planned for today.” He nuzzles her cheek, a soft purr escaping him. “I think I’d be up for that, if you are.”

She squeaks, adjusting her mane. "Yes! I mean, yes, that would be nice."

He chuckles, gently pulling away as he scratches behind her ear. “You’re absolutely adorable, you know that?”

She doesn't say anything, just leaning against the touch.

Flick smiles, pulling her onto his back as he turns to walk inside. “Where’s the fiction section?”

She points downstairs. "The right side near the door."

He nods, walking over and carefully going over the lone bookshelf of stories. “...you should probably expand this section, Twilight.”

"Well, I usually focus more on non fiction and reference guides..."

“But those fillies and colts deserve a good adventure or fantasy, too.” He taps her nose. “And maybe you could read them to relax.”

"Maybe... Spike does like them, too." She nods. "I'll see if I can request some."

“Great! So let’s see what we have here.” He browses the selection before he stumbles, pulling a book out with her first name on it. “...you write fiction?”

"Wait what!?" She quickly yanks it out of his talons. "How did this get into the circulation?"

He stares at her, baffled by her reaction. “What? What’s wrong?”

She blushes. "This is something I wrote when I was a filly and just messing around... it's supposed to be sorted into my personal collection." Her eyes narrow. "Spike..."

The griffon takes the moment of distraction to gently pull it back to himself. He opens it up, humming thoughtfully as he begins to read. “Once upon a time, there was an alien spaceship and it was going looking...” He trails off, frowning in confusion as he pulls the thin book closer to his face. “...going looking...”

She tries to tug it away. "I got on a sci fi kick! Please don't!"

He lets her take it, turning to her in confusion. “...what’s sci fi? And what’s a spaceship?”

"Umm, well, think of it like fantasy, but focused in the stars." She looks up.

“Okay... and spaceships? Or aliens, for that matter?” He reaches over to rub her hoof with a claw.

"You know, like airships, but in space, and aliens are beings from other worlds!" She throws up her hooves dramatically.

He flinches back at the sudden movement. “...alright?”

Her eyes sparkle with excitement. "It's about thinking of how far magic and technology could go along with infinite possibilities."

“Oh.” He nods once, smiling to the mare on his back. “That actually does sound interesting.” He chuckles, touching foreheads with her, at least as well as he could with her horn in the way. “Makes me wish I could use magic.”

She blinks. "Do griffons not have passive magical abilities like earth ponies?"

He shrugs. “We can walk on clouds. That’s about it, from what I’ve been taught.”

"That means you have some magic at least." She smiles at him. "I wonder if a study has been done on how much..."

“I probably wouldn’t be a good test subject.” He shakes his head. “Without a control or a second test subject, it’d be hard to get a decisive conclusion.”

"True... oh well." She shrugs, putting the book on her back. "Science for another time."

“Yep. Now...” He points at the journal. “...is that the story we’re reading, or are we getting a different one?”

"Different one. I don't even think I had a solid plot." She snorts. "It's the basis of all stories."

“Alright.” He pulls out another book, glancing at the title. “Doomwyte?”

"Huh... not sure what that one is. We could try it."

He shrugs, carrying her over to the table in the center of the room. He sets her down and snuggles up behind her, getting comfy before they start reading.

Twilight flips open the book, only to gasp. "Wait, we can't read this one!"

He blinks, staring at the mare in his lap in confusion. “What do you mean? Is it not good?”

"That's not it, it's the twentieth book in a series!" She lights up her horn, bringing out other ones. "We have a lot to get through first."

His tilts his head to the side. "Wait, so... are we going to be on a reading binge or something?"

She giggles, kicking her hooves excitedly. "Oh, we can add it to our schedules to have some reading time!"

He smiles warmly, hugging her gently. “So adorable...”

She giggles, pulling over the first book. "So, do you want to see if we can finish them all over time?"

There’s a moment of silence before he grins cheekily, rubbing her chest with a talon. “...you know, if you wanted to have reading dates with me, you only had to ask.”

She pulls the book to her, holding it as she looks at the cover. "I didn't know what your schedule was or what books you liked, so I couldn't have, really."

He sighs, resting his head on top of hers, his beak barely touching her horn. “Hey, has anyone ever flirted with you, before?”

"No, why?" She tilts her head to looks up at him.

He turns his head just enough to avoid hitting her horn, then shrugs, playing with a tuft of fur on her chest. “I dunno. Wanted to know if you knew what it was like?”

"Not really. Supposedly it's some obvious sign of affection or something." She shrugs. "I'm not really worried about it."

His claw draws still. “...so... does that mean you aren’t looking for love? Or maybe just someone to share special moments with?”

"Well, I'm not looking, but I wouldn't say no." She shrugs.

He slowly nods, gripping her body just a bit tighter. “Good to know.”

She looks back at him. "Could you loosen your grip a little, please?"

“Oh, sorry.” He scoots close to her once more, his chin on her shoulder as he loosens the hug he’s giving her. “So, starting with the first one, right?”

She nods, opening it. "Do you want us to read out loud or internally?"

“Out loud, of course.” He chuckles quietly. “After all, I’m pretty sure you’re a speed reader.”

She giggles once more as Spike comes down the stairs. "Hey, Twilight, I finished dusting upstairs, would you-" he stops as he sees them. "Oh."

Flick turns to look at Spike, silent for a moment before he waves the claw that was playing with Twilight’s chest fluff.

He waves back, still processing this. "...yeah, anyway, I'm going out to grab some things for dinner."

"Okay, Spike, thank you." She looks over to him, looking as perky as ever. "Don't forget the alfalfa this time, okay? I put it on your list."

"I won't, I won't." He heads for the door, revealing a scroll in a tube strapped to his back like a quiver.

“...I wonder what he thought of us...” The griffon strokes his chin thoughtfully, then shrugs and starts rubbing the librarian’s belly. “So who is the narrator?”

"Maybe we can alternate?" She offers.

He chuckles, brushing his cheek against hers. “Sounds like a plan, Twily.”

She blinks, looking at him, one ear flicking. "How did you..." She looks at him a bit strangely before smiling once more.

He stares back at her, concerned. “What? Did I say something odd?”

"Just... nevermind, it's fine." She swishes her tail as she turns back to the book.

He immediately tenses up, taking her tail and tugging it towards her side. “Careful with that, Twily.”

She yelps, tugging it away from him and curling it around herself. "Hey..." She pouts.

He raises an eyebrow at her. “You were the one rubbing it up against me.”

"I didn't mean to, I was happy." She holds her tail. "You didn't have to pull it..."

“All I did was tug it to the side.” He shrugs a bit. “It wasn’t even that hard.”

"Just... don't touch it please." She asks.

“What if I...” He tugs her forelegs up and playfully assails her sides with his wingtips. “Did this?!”

"Eek!" She quickly rolls away from him, her words punctuated with laughs.. "Hey, we were about to read!"

“Alright, alright.” He gently pulls her back onto his lap with a fake reluctant tone. “Forgive me, Twily?”

She giggles, pulling the book up. "Sure, let's read. I'm curious what kind fo series needs twenty sequels."

“Same.” He rests his talons on her belly, waiting eagerly for her to start.

"Okay, let's see here..."

As the two of them get lost in a fun fantasy story, neither of them take notice of the eyes peering in through the window...

Let's go pranking! What are you doing there?

The next day finds Flick curled up on a box by a bench, looking over Twilight’s shoulder as they read together.

“Hey, Twily?” He whispers to her, surreptitiously peeking at her. “Whose idea was it to read outside together, again?”

"Spike, when he decided to use the new and probably too powerful scent of cleaner." She answers matter-of-factly.

“Ah, right.” He glances up from the book at a familiar pink pony. “...and when did she join us?”

"It's less she joined us and more she passed by and has a lot to vent." She says calmly over Pinkie's excited chatter.

“Right... and what is she talking about, again?” He faces her with the most flat expression his face allows.

"Rainbow Dash," Twilight replies simply as Pinkie mimics the pose the flyer always takes.

“Ah, right.” He sighs and gets up, putting his box on his back. “Hey, Pinks?”

"Hmm?" She rotates in mid-air before landing softly, facing him. "Yes?"

“I’m thinking of getting something to eat. Do you know whether any restaurants around here make food I can bring back here?” He rests a claw on Twilight’s shoulder. “Something we’d both like?”

"Well..." She grins and taps her chin. "What sort of food? We have sweets, savories, snacks, snickerdoodles…"

“I think we should ask her first.” His claw moves up to rub the distracted mare’s ear. “What do you think, Twily?”

She backs off, giggling from the contact. "Easy there, touchy. I did hear about a place I've never been to before... the Hayburger?"

He shrugs, then looks to Pinkie, doing his best to hide his disappointment. “Any idea where that is?”

"Sure! It's over..." She spins in place before pointing. "That way! Down the main street and past the Barnyard Bargains."

“Thanks!” He grins at her, then glances over his shoulder. “Say, isn’t that Rainbow Dash?”

She gasps. "Where?" Suddenly there is only a dust cloud where she once stood.

He looks to Twilight, chuckling softly. “You’re welcome.”

"I don't usually mind talking to her, but she did just... you know." She waves a hoof.

He shrugs. “I think I can understand.” He smiles and gives her a salute, moving to turn when he feels something. “...I’ll be right back.” He turns in the other direction and runs off, the box falling right in front of Twilight as she sits on her bench.

As he runs off, the curious unicorn levitates it over to herself, looking at his retreating form.

He hurries along the path, spreading his wings and clenching his jaw at the sheer agony it causes him. Still, he takes off and rockets forward with the wind at his back, catching the last snippet of a conversation as he draws close to his goal.

“I’m in the middle of something!” A familiar blue form calls down to the ground behind her.

"But-" A voice calls up to her.

“I said not now!” She immediately grunts as she crashes into Flick, slamming his back into a sheer cliff side and sliding down to the ground with the two of them still entangled.

Pinkie prances up to them. "I was gonna say watch out for that mountain... and griffon."

Rainbow quietly groans, resting her flushed face on the golden shoulder before her. “...thank you, Flick.” After a moment with no response, she pulls back, ready to give him a piece of her mind.

Then she realizes that his eyes are closed, his body, limp.

“...oh horse apples.”

Pinkie runs up, gasping. "Is he dead?!"

“No, of course not. I can feel his heart beating.” She closes her eyes, wincing quietly. “...could you turn away, for a second? Please?”

"Huh? Is there something behind me?" She quickly turns and looks. "Oh! There's lots of things!"

She doesn’t take notice of this, steeling herself for what she’s about to do. With his eyes not opening and Pinkie not looking - a quick check over her shoulder confirms this - she gently pecks the griffon on his beak. She pulls back an inch, huffing as she whispers to him, “You’d better be grateful.”

“Very.”

The voice, though weak, makes her yelp and smack him across the face. “What the hay, Flick?! I thought you were dying!”

“...I was woozy... and now I’m in pain...” He groans, sitting back up and rubbing his cheek. “...sorry...”

"Should we get him to the hospital?" Pinkie asks, interposing herself next to the two.

“No, it’s not necessary.” He slowly stands up, stretching with a wince. “I’m fine. I can walk it off.”

Rainbow’s brow furrows. “...you scare us and then decide you can just walk off.”

He blinks, staring blankly at her. “...yes?”

"Don't you fly off after hitting ponies al the time?" Pinkie asks the other mare.

“I make sure they’re alright, first!” Flustered, she turns back to Flick, then blinks, staring at what appears to be a fluffier version of himself. Reaching out a hoof, she presses the flat of it against his cheek, making him drift away. “...did he replace himself with a cloud?”

"Hmm..." Looking serious, Pinkie walks around the 'griffon', sniffing it, poking it, and even dipping her hoof in and taking a dollop off before licking it. "Yep, cloud."

“...and you aren’t questioning how he did that in less than four seconds?” She takes that piece of cloud back and carefully fits it in place, both hooves on the cloud as she starts to head south.

"Maybe he has them stashed around for... cloud emergencies?" She taps her muzzle. "I hadn't thought of those." After watching the other mare, she starts to giggle. "I've never seen a pony cuddle a prank before."

Rainbow immediately spins around, face starting to resemble Pinkie’s. “I wasn’t gonna cuddle with it! I swear!” It takes a moment before her mind registers the last part of that statement. “...oh yeah, I guess it was a prank. T-then I’m studying it to do a better version on him!” She nods to herself, proud of how she was able to spin that to her advantage.

"Oooo... so we can use cloud ponies to fool him, too?" She goes to touch the dummy, but her hoof goes right through. "Balloons are so much easier than this."

The prismatic pegasus pulls the party pony’s leg out, smoothing out the section that was disturbed. “I didn’t take you for the pranking type, Pinkie Pie.”

"Well sure! Pranks make ponies laugh, and you know how much I love that!" She bounces in place.

“Really now?” She grins, holding her hoof out to her. “Let me take this home and then we’ll see how well you can prank ponies.”

"Okie dokie!" She taps her hoof against Rainbow's. "You must really want to study this thing."

“Yeah! Study!” Her muzzle scrunches up slightly. “...ugh. Study.” She shakes her head and takes off, leaving behind Pinkie and Flick.

“...she’s going to be cuddling that cloud, you know.”

Pinkie nods. "Maybe she needed a good pillow... hey!" She turns to face the real griffon. "You're back!"

“Never left.” He points over his shoulder. “I hid in that bush.”

She peeks at the bush. "Makes sense to me!"

He rubs his jaw in thought, staring off in the direction Rainbow flew. “So, how long do you think she’ll take? Because I think I need to get back to Twilight.”

"Weren't you getting food?" She asks.

“...right after I get food.” He turns and hurries off, calling over his shoulder to her. “Apologize for me, and tell her that her kissing’s getting better!”

Pinkie tilts her head as he leaves, confused, at least until something gets her attention.

She finds Rainbow beside her with another cloud, much darker and not in the shape of anyone. “Hey, what’s got you looking confused?”

"Oh, nothing big." She springs up, looking to her with a beaming smile. "So, how do we use this?"

“I figured we could use the lightning to startle someone.” She shrugs, looking in the direction Pinkie had been facing. “...is that a golden feather?”

"Huh?" Pinkie turns as well. She manages to catch sight of the item in question just before it blows away in the breeze. "Was that important? I've seen your feathers before, too."

“...it wasn’t there before.” She scrunches her muzzle for a second. “I think I know who we should prank first...”

"Ooo... let's go!"

Flick returns to the park with a bag in his claw, a smile on his beak and a pep in his step. “Hey, Twily!”

Twilight looks up from her book with a smile. "Back already? I thought you weren't supposed to be flying."

“I didn’t.” He smirks cheekily. “I ran.”

"Wow," her eyes widen a bit, as does her smile, "well, okay then."

“Yep!” He sits down next to her, forgoing the box the book now rests on. “So, where were we, again?”

The unicorn suddenly looks sheepish. "I may have kept reading while you were gone..."

He blinks, considering this a moment before pouting at the mare. “Is it because I read so slow?”

"No, I just... get really into books." She blushes slightly.

“Ah.” He pulls her into a small, one-armed embrace, thinking for a bit. “...so, what happened after he went to sleep in that one place?”

"Well here, let me flip back and show you..."

As the two of them delve back into the world of literary fantasy, they fail to notice a storm cloud drift over from behind them, as well as the two passengers.

Rainbow huffs, looking over her shoulder at the pony on her back. “Stop moving; I don’t wanna drop you.”

"Sorry! I'm just so excited!" She whispers back.

“Yeah, I get you.” She grins over the edge at the duo below. “I don’t think they’ll get hit from here... what do you think, Pinkie?”

""It's not just a noise cloud?"

“It’s got ball lightning.” She shakes her head, not noticing their cloud starting to spin in spite of her wings not moving. “If they have metal or are really close they could be hit, but otherwise, it should be safe.”

"Oh, okay! Let's do it, then!" Pinkie gives her a squeeze.

She nods and looks down, her smile slowly fading away as she sees the world moving beneath her. “...huh?” She glances around, trying to figure out what’s going on, when her eyes fall on Flick, whose tail is swaying oddly. If she didn’t know any better, she’d say it was moving in circles.

Then it suddenly picks up speed, and the cloud they’re on decides it wants to be a figure skater and has started practicing its spin with the two ponies along for the ride.

"Weee!" Pinkie cries out in laughter, holding onto Rainbow.

The pegasus grits her teeth, eyes narrowed as she focuses on the ground below, surprised to find it helping with the dizziness. She spots purple and gold and immediately launches off the cloud with a kick, setting off the lightning inside.

Twilight yelps, the book she was reading getting flung upward as she jumps.

He immediately pulls her close with his one good wing and catches the book. He looks over his shoulder as he flings the box with his one free claw, dispersing the small storm cloud with its impact but smashing the container in the process. He promptly groans, smacking his forehead. “...dang it, that had my stuff in it...”

Twilight looks around rapidly, trying to piece together what happened. "What was that?! If something broke I can fix it!"

“...can you fix a cardboard box that’s both wet and busted?” He points at the container and the scattered art supplies around and inside it.

She winces a bit. "I was more thinking about glass, but... maybe?"

“If you could, I’d greatly appreciate it.” He smiles warmly at her. “In fact, I’d probably owe you a favor for it.”

"Well... you did bring me food." She sniffs at the bag.

“Oh, right.”

As he starts divvying up the food between them, a certain prismatic mare pokes her head out of a bush, groaning quietly. “...how did he know we were there?”

"Hmm... maybe griffons have eyes in the their tails?" Pinkie offers.

“That’s not possible.” She huffs, crossing her forelegs before glancing back at her friend. “You know you can let go now, right?”

"Oh!" She does so, flopping onto the ground.

“...you know what, we can prank him later.” She shrugs and turns to face Pinkie. “Anyone you wanna get?”

"I have a few ideas..." She grins at the other mare.

You be careful! Anything that I can do?

Later that day the clouds fill the sky, casting a welcome shadow on the two readers as they start heading home. Flick had tried to drape his wing over Twilight, but seeing her start to move away, he changed it to simply stretching his good wing, hoping she wouldn’t catch on.

She smiles over at him. "This has been nice. I'm sorry I couldn't fix you box, I guess I'm more used to things whose pieces can't warp. At least we got all your supplies back without missing any, right?"

He glances at the supplies resting on his back, frowning softly. “Actually, there are a few things missing, but not enough to completely stop my art.”

"You should have told me!" She huffs. "I thought I got all of them."

He stops in his tracks, seeing a familiar farmer staring up at trees with colorful apples on them, and gives a small sigh. “I may know what happened to them.”

"Huh?" She looks ahead, tilting her head in confusion. "Is this another town tradition I'm not familiar with?"

“I think you’d get a better explanation from her than me,” he points out, gently nudging her towards the orange pony.

She nods, trotting quickly towards the farmer. He follows after, but stays about a yard away after they stop.

"Applejack? What's going on?"

The farmer just motions to the apples, chuckling. "Oh, just a little joke by Pinkie and Rainbow. Threw me fer a loop when Ah saw it, but it just comes off with water."

Flick blinks, then turns his head to look at his supplies, body drooping slightly afterwards. “So that’s what’s missing.”

Applejack's ears flick and she looks over Twilight's shoulder. "Oh! Mornin', Flick!"

“Morning, Applejack. You’re looking as radiant as usual.” He smiles at her, stepping forward and resting a claw on her shoulder. “I can come over to clean them up, if you’d like. Take at least a little bit off your back, maybe?”

"Well that's mighty kind of ya." She smiles. "I figured Ah'd just ask fer a raincloud or somethin'."

He shakes his head. “That’s probably not going to happen. Rainbow is busy practicing for something, not to mention this pranking business.”

"Yeah, seems she and Pinkie found their stride." She tips her hat. "If ya'll wanna help, I'd appreciate it."

Flick blinks, tilting his head to one side. “...huh. Yeah, I’d be willing to help you out in any way I can.” He gives her a little grin.

As Twilight looks confused, AJ just snorts in amusement. "So ah know. Still, thanks."

He chuckles and gives her a little hug, whispering in her ear. “I think your sister wants us to do something. She’s watching from the bushes.”

"Yeah... I figured she was just waiting to see how I'd react to the Apple prank." She whispers back.

“You didn’t hear the noise she made when we hugged.” The griffon nuzzles her cheek and pulls away, giving her a small smile. “I need to put my art supplies up. See you in a bit?”

"Sure thing." She nods to him, Twilight still watching the two.

He turns back to the unicorn, chuckling quietly and speaking to her in a low voice. “You know, her brother kept going on about how she was stubborn. I guess he was wrong, huh?”

"You just haven't hit a sticking point, yet." She counters, smiling once more.

“...so what, I need to push her buttons?” He scoffs quietly. “No thanks, I’m not getting her or anyone else mad on purpose... unless I really don’t like them, but...” He grimaces and immediately stops talking.

"Look, even friends aren't going to agree on everything." She smiles at him, patting his wing. "What's important is you recognize this and still get along."

He blinks, looking at her curiously. “...is this personal experience or just knowledge from another pony?”

"Umm... both?" She smiles sheepishly. "I wrote it down when it happened."

“Oh. Okay, then.” He gives her a sheepish smile and continues on down the road with her.

"So... those were your paints, then?" She asks as they keep walking.

“Yeah, my watercolors.” He chuckles quietly. “You’d be surprised what I can do with them.”

"Like paint fruit?"

“...not exactly what it was meant for, honestly.” He shakes his head.

Twilight suddenly looks thoughtful "Well, come to think of it, I haven't really seen any of your art pieces yet."

He thinks for a bit, a sly smile forming on his beak. “You could always ask Rainbow. She’s holding on to one of my pieces.”

"She is?" The unicorn blinks. "Wow, I never saw her as one for art."

“I think it has to mean something to her.” He chuckles, then glances over his shoulder at his bad wing. “...how long does it need to stay in a splint, again?”

"I'd have to review the medical journals, but the short answer is: until it's better."

“Oh.” He deflates slightly.

"It'll be fine, though I think flying with it being bandaged doesn't help." She narrows her eyes at him.

He blinks, looking at her and taking a step back. “Who said I was flying?”

She raises an eyebrow. "Were you?"

“...I was moving through the air to save Rainbow,” he mutters softly, “but I don’t know if that counts.”

She giggles, trotting in place. "Those psychology books do work... anyway, just don't overdo it."

He holds up a claw. “Wait, I have to know. Does using a cloud count?”

She taps her chin. "Umm... I don't think so, since you can do that with your hooves."

He stares blankly at her, then down at his talons. “...I think I get the gist of what you’re saying.”

"Right, sorry. I'm not used to adjusting words like that."

He thinks for a bit, then shrugs. “Eh, I can’t fault you for that, Twily. You’re just too cute.”

They hear a squee of excitement from nearby, followed by two sneezes.

She looks back to the bushes, tilting her head in confusion.

Rarity steps out from behind the shrubbery, straightening out the leaves before addressing them. “So, I take it you two haven’t gotten pranked by Pinkie and Rainbow yet?”

Twilight shakes her head. "No, not yet... is that why you were in the bushes?"

“...let’s say yes.” She gives her a smile, but immediately sneezes, rubbing her nose with a fetlock. “Ugh, I just wish their joke wasn’t so persistent.”

The other mare winces. "Oh dear... anything we can do to help?"

“Unless you can remove sneezing powder from my poor nasal cavity, I don’t think you can, darling.” She notices Flick tense slightly in her peripheral vision, and smiles at the implications.

"I don't think I should try and do that." She quickly shakes her head. "Maybe just some water or a tissue?"

“Wouldn’t water in my nose ha... ha...” She suddenly feels all the air in her lungs escape through her nostrils, a powerful sneeze that leaves her reeling in disorientation. The fashionista blinks a couple times before she sees a cloud of light pink powder floating in the air, less than a foot away. It is with no small amount of wonder that she watches it float off into Whitetail Woods behind her, then turns to look at her friend.

Twilight quickly shakes her head. "That wasn't me."

Her gaze shifts to the griffon, but he just laughs brightly. “Does it look like I can use magic?”

“No, I suppose not.” Shaking her head, she gives the two of them a playful smirk. “I have to head back to my boutique. Have fun on your date!” She titters as she strolls away, leaving the two of them in an awkward silence.

"Wait...date?!" Twilight quickly looks flustered, stammering and trying to wrap her head around what was just said.

“She’s probably just joking around.” He gives her a small smile, one that barely hides how much his own words hurt him.

"Well, she does like her romance books..." She mutters.

“Heh, is that right?” He gently guides her back to his side with a wing so they can continue their walk, pulling it away once she’s there. “It is an interesting thought, though. I wonder what an actual first date would be like...” His gaze moves to the sky as if to ponder this, but that wing suddenly snaps out, blocking Twilight’s path just before a torrent covers the road in front of them.

She yelps, putting a hoof on the wing to brace herself. "What's happening?!"

He looks up, frowning at the rainbow mane that darts back behind the dark gray clouds. “...you know, I think Applejack could’ve used these clouds. Shame they were wasted on a prank.”

"There's more where that came from!" Pinkie comments as she bounces by.

He blinks, staring after her. “...more rain or more prank attempts?”

"Yes!" She pipes up simply.

“...I think I might be on edge all week.” He glances up at the snickering above. “...make that the rest of the month.”

"I'm sure they'll stop..." She pauses when the snickering doesn't. "...eventually."

He sighs, crossing his arms as he considers the road before him. “There’s gotta be a way home where we won’t get wet, right?”

"I'm sure they have more ponies to prank than just us." She reasons.

“Maybe...” He hums thoughtfully. “...think you could hold my stuff, real quick? I may have an idea.”

"Well, okay..." She looks confused, but interested.

As soon as she collects his art supplies, he hugs her tight with an arm, wings extending up and over her body despite how much sheer pain using his injured wing gives him. Before she can do more than squeak in surprise, her pulls her through the rain, eyes narrowing to keep as much water out of them as possible.

"But... but this isn't good for you!" She shouts over the torrent.

He glances at her between the feathers that cover her, giving her a warm smile. “It’s worth it!”

She opens her mouth, but shuts it and smiles. "Thank you!"

Rainbow watches them run away, slowly descending to the street with a pout.

"Look on the bright side, Dashie!" Pinkie perks up. "You spooked Twilight and they're both going home damp!"

“...but he just...” She huffs quietly. “I want to actually catch him off-guard, at some point.” She looks up at the coming sunset. “...at least we got some ponies, right?”

"Yeah and, we have a challenge!" The normally chipper pony looks conspiratorially at her friend, pointing with her eyes towards the griffon.

Rainbow says nothing, just nodding and turning to Pinkie. “Think we can try again tomorrow?”

"Sure!" She beams, tail poofing up.

“Awesome!” She grins, holding out her hoof to her.

The two share a hoofbump of promised mischief and fun.

Later that day, Flick arrives at the entrance to the farm, having remembered his promise and intending to stick to it. He takes a breath, rubs a claw over where a pony would have their mane, and knocks on the door, quite hopeful.

AJ answers the door, smiling as she sees him. "Good thing you can't work right now or Ah'd say yer mighty late."

He bows deeply to her, much to the giggling amusement of someone inside. “My apologies, Miss Applejack. I insist upon making up for my tardiness in any way you deem fit.”

"Well, we got those apples rinsed off already, so Ah'm not really sure." She laughs quietly, cheeks pink.

A pink bow twitches from behind the couch as a voice drifts over to them. “You two should kiss. Ya wanna kiss.” There’s a quiet huff. “The books make this look so easy...”

AJ turns her head towards her sister. "Apple Bloom, try not ta get too pushy, alright? We talked about this."

Granny's voice comes from behind the couch as well. "Keep it coming, Bloom!"

“Do ya two at least know each other better?”

Flick pokes his head out over the couch, looking at the filly in bewilderment. “Why are you so interested in this?”

She grins up at him in excitement. “‘Cause she said she wanted to wait until she got t’ know ya better before she-”

Applejack quickly covers the filly' mouth, her smile strained. "There's honesty, and there's blabbin' secrets."

He blinks, scratching his cheek awkwardly. “...so... should we forget what they said?”

"Ah would appreciate that." She smiles sweetly once more.

“Can ya at least kiss her?”

Flick rolls his eyes giving a playful smile as he bows low, pulls up her hoof, and gently kisses it. He then turns and waggles a talon at Apple Bloom. “You only get the one, I’m afraid, unless and until she herself asks for more.”

The farm mare just clears her throat, settling herself.

The filly hums, rubbing her chin as she turns to the elderly mare. “What do you think, Granny?”

"Ah think we retreat fer now, and come back with a better plan!" She pumps her hoof.

“Yeah!” She grins and immediately bolts from the room, dodging her brother as he appears in the doorway.

Said stallion just stares at the two of them quietly, an eyebrow raised.

"Bloom and Granny are just being rascals, nothin' to worry about." AJ quickly informs him.

“...does this have anything t’ do with whatever you two and Rainbow Dash were up to?” No matter how many times he hears it, it always makes Flick’s beak fall open to hear a complete sentence from him.

She blinks taking a moment to think. "Maybe? Ah'm not sure what goes on in their heads sometimes."

He walks over so he can pull her away from the others, his voice lowered so the others wouldn’t hear. “...so when she said y’all were competing fer his heart...”

"Ah think Bloom's just looking into things too much." She whispers back.

“But Rainbow really does have feelings fer him,” he responds.

"What makes ya say that?"

“Little hints here an’ there.” He shrugs, looking over his shoulder at the griffon whose cheeks are getting squished. “Mostly that she’s not against kissin’ him.”

"Huh..." the middle Apple looks thoughtful at this, hearing a small cackle from behind her.

“...Ah don’t care one way ‘r the other.” He sighs, shaking his head as he turns to walk away. “Ah trust you’ll make a good decision... but Ah will give him a talk if ya win.”

She winces, remembering other serious talks with her brother. "Maybe Ah should warn him."

She turns to see Flick enduring Granny, looking at her pleadingly.

"Now now, Granny, he came over to help." She walks over, standing next to the older mare.

"Help? Ah thought he was injured." Granny looks at his bandaged wing closely.

He gives a nervous grin. “Just because my wing is hurt doesn’t mean I can’t help with the little things. Moving buckets, cleaning, sorting... anything to help lighten the workload.” As he speaks, he takes a few steps back from the elderly pony.

AJ taps her chin. "Well... it'll be dark soon, but Ah'm sure we can think of something to get ya to do."

“Oh!” Apple Bloom peels her head out of the kitchen, grinning excitedly. “He can stay over and sleep in Ap-“ She’s cut off with a yelp as she’s tugged back into the kitchen.

"He has his own house." Applejack says simply.

“I don’t mind.” He shrugs, turning to wall over to the bookcase. “Better than walking the streets alone.”

She tilts her head. "Ah wouldn't thinks somethin' like that would have bothered ya."

“Yeah, but I don’t normally have ponies trying to prank me the whole time.” He shrugs, looking to Applejack curiously. “So... what do you wanna do?”

“Ah got an idea,” Big Mac says, walking into the room. “How about we eat together?” He chuckles quietly, wincing as a jolt of pain lances through his body. “Then tomorrow, he can help you set up the buckets.”

"Long as it means neither of you two hurt yerselves more, sure." Aj nods.

Flick just scoffs, waving a claw at her as he walks over beside her. “Buckets are the easy part, Applejack.” He drapes a wing over her back and gently walks her into the kitchen. “For now, how about food?”

She snorts. "Well, as long as yer feedin' yer injury..."

“Of course I-“ He suddenly stumbles, gripping her to his chest and spinning so he lands on his back.

Apple Bloom stares blankly at this, picking her skate up and hurrying out of the room.

Applejack takes a moment o steady herself, rubbing her head. "I'll get her fer that..."

“...I don’t think she knew it’d get that bad.” He sighs, reaching up and rubbing her neck, just beneath her mane. “I’m glad I was the one who slipped, though.”

A deep voice cuts into their conversation. “Sis?”

Applejack blinks before jumping off Flick and straightening her hat. "Had a whirlwind tumble, nothin' more."

“...it looked like you were enjoyin’ yerself,” he says, eyes narrowed at her.

She snorts, scuffing her hoof on the floor at him. "Enjoying? I was getting my head on straight after he made sure we didn't hit a counter."

A wing wraps around her and pulls her away from an argument, the griffon carefully sitting down next to her at the table. “So,” he says, giving her a warm smile, “what are we having?”

"Huh? Well umm..." She looks over at the counter. "Looks like the main course is stew."

He follows her gaze, an eyebrow raised slightly. “...should I get some silverware for us?”

"Ah dunno if it's ready yet. Looks like Granny made some apple cobble fer after, though."

He scratches the back of his head, laughing nervously. “...am I a bad guy for not knowing what that is?”

She laughs, shaking her head. "Well, we'll need to fix that."

He smiles, nodding once. “Sounds like a plan.” His eyes dart to the side, and he sighs. “...please tell your sister we aren’t about to kiss.”

The filly huffs, falling back into her seat. “Then why are ya so close?”

"Because our seats are next to each other." She rubs the bow on the filly's head. "This ain't yer latest cutie mark quest is it?"

She shakes her head, smiling at her sister. “Nope, Ah just know you’d be happy together!”

"How so?" She asks, curious.

“Because ya smile whenever ya talk about him!” She grins at her flawless logic.

"Ah've been known to smile when talking about a few ponies." She counters, wondering how long she can keep this up.

“Ya call out to him in yer sleep,” she points out.

She blinks. "Excuse me?" She adds quickly to the griffon. "Ah don't."

“Yes ya do!” She huffs, crossing her forelegs in front of her chest. “Ya do it a few times each night, and the last one’s all high an’ breathy.”

An orange hoof quickly shuts her mouth, the face attached to it now red. "Ya'll need to learn when to not spread rumors."

As the filly grumbles around the hoof, Flick slowly turns his attention to Applejack, brow furrowed slightly. “...how much of that should I believe, AJ?”

"Ah would appreciate if ya forgot all ya heard from her today so things can still be normal between us."

He sighs, pulling her close to his side with that wing, the feathers gently tickling against her barrel. “If I’m to be honest, if what she said is true, I’d be flattered.” He shrugs, and turns to nuzzle at her mane, beak moving in motions akin to preening. “But if you want me to forget, I’ll act like she said nothing.”

Though she thought it wasn't possible, her face gets redder as she lifts her hoof and blocks his beak. "Food time!"

Big Mac blinks, a pastry held in his mouth by a thick cloth square, fresh out of the oven.

Applejack nods. "See? Mac's on it."

Gossip flows freely! Why're ya in her bed?

Morning comes early on the farm, but that doesn't mean things are any less mischievous. Usually if you asked Applejack, she'd say the main causes were siblings and birds, but this morning… she's only a quarter right.

The first clue she got was the feeling of several dull points poking at her belly. She swipes at them as she wakes up, trying to brush them off. They don't move, but she feels something bigger against her hoof. A second later, she feels something smooth and curved against her nape, and a warmth against her back a second after that.

She blinks. "Okay… not Bloom… in that case…" She tried to roll out of bed.

The farmer barely gets an inch away before she's pulled back against the body, a quiet grumble escaping the other occupant of the bed.

She turns, seeing feathers and quickly piecing things together. "Wha- Flick! Why are ya in mah bed?"

He hugs her a little tighter, brow furrowing slightly despite how he stays fast asleep. "No… my pillow…"

She snorts, trying to wiggle out of his grip. "Shoulda warned me he was a sleepwalker…" He says nothing, but he does start nipping at her neck, his grip slowly loosening. Applejack can't help but blush, slowly working her way out. "Darn clingy bird boy…"

The bedroom door suddenly slams open, startling the griffon awake. He rolls off the mattress in a panic, taking the sheets and his bedmate with him.

Applejack yelps, sticking her head out of the bundle. "Now who in tarnation is slammin' doors?"

"Sis!" A certain yellow filly hops up onto the bed, staring down at her with wide eyes. "Flick ain't in his room!"

"Yeah, Ah noticed when Ah found him," she says wryly, poking the bundle of blankets. "Come on out of there, ya bed-jumpin' featherpuff. Turns out he sleepwalks."

A claw pats her on the cutie mark. "I would, but then you'd be the only barrier hiding certain things."

Her mane falls partially over one eye as she replies, "Ya mean that ain't a claw?" She feels some scratching on the small of her back, answering her question.

The farmer quickly stands. "Nope!"

Apple Bloom jumps back, giving Flick the chance to cover himself. "...sis?"

Applejack gives herself a good shake, staring pointedly at her younger sibling. "So Ah found him."

"...what were ya doin' with him on the bed?" She gives her sister a bright, hopeful smile.

"Nothin'." She gives the simple answer, brushing her mane for a bit before the silence coaxes her to elaborate. "Ah woke up and he was here."

The filly's smile slowly starts to fall. "...did ya ferget what ya did? Is that it?"

"Bloom, Ah went to sleep. That's it." She raises an eyebrow at her reflection. "What's with you and all this stuff lately, anyways?"

A sea of red quickly spreads over the yellow of her face. "...Ah want ya t' be happy?"

"Are ya sure that's it?" She gives her best big sister stare.

She scuffs her hoof slightly against the floor. "He seems t' like ya back?"

"Anythin' else?" She starts binding the ends of her mane and tail, muscle memory allowing her to do so without taking her eyes off the filly.

Apple Bloom sighs, her body drooping slightly. "...Ah really want him t' join our family… he's nice, an' doesn't get mad at me for stuff, like some other adults…"

Applejack's expression softens, and she turns to scoop the filly up into a hug. "Ah understand, but he could always be yer friend first, ya know."

She frowns in thought, hugging her sister around the neck. "...you really think so?"

"Sure, nopony ever said ya can't be friends with adults." She nods.

"Ah meant because he left the room." She points at the covers, now devoid of any griffon. "Ah thought Ah might've done something wrong?"

"Huh... nah, probably has to answer nature's call." Applejack shrugs. She feels a tap on her shoulder, then a gentle peck on her cheek when she turns to look.

Flick smiles afterwards. "Do you think you'll be good, today? I can always swing by later to help again." He pointedly ignores the giddy look on Apple Bloom's face.

"Ah think Ah can handle it. Bumper crops ain't nothin new." She smiles at him.

He shrugs, gently embracing her. "Alright... just know I'll be willing to help you in a heartbeat."

"Ah know." She pats his back. "You're a good guy."

She can see Apple Bloom grinning at the two of them over his shoulder, trying and failing to hide it with her hooves.

"Sure!" He smiles at her, then nuzzles at her cheek, his voice quiet. "...anyone ever tell you your fur is soft?"

She playfully pushes him away. "Quiet you, but thank ya." With that, she turns and heads out of the room.

Apple Bloom waves to the griffon. "Why were you staring at my sister like that?"

He chuckles softly. "She's smart and beautiful. Plus, she has a nice rump."

She watches him leave, frowning in confusion. "...adults are weird."

Flick sighs happily as he travels through the marketplace, full and content once more thanks to the generosity of the Apple Family. He glances left and right, a frown creasing his forehead at the sound of buzzing. He glances up in time to see the resident party mare pass overhead on some kind of pedal-operated flying machine. "...I should be more surprised..."

As he watches, he feels the presence of fur on his side before the body it belongs to swiftly dodges and a familiar voice reflexively replies. "Sorry about that."

He blinks, turning those dark yellow eyes to the voice. His breath catches momentarily, but he places a claw on her shoulder before she can walk away. "Good morning, Silk. How have you been?"

Purple leathery wings shuffle as the head buried in a piece of paper turns around to see him. Her eyes widen as she smiles. "Well, hello there."

He takes a step closer, moving to her side and gently draping a wing across her back. His gaze falls upon the paper, completely missing the stares leveled at them. "Out shopping?"

She nods, stowing the paper for now. "I figured I'd see if I could pick up anything before I head to the shop."

"Oh." The griffon tilts his head, accidentally brushing the feathers against her cheek. "Hey, do you need help, today?"

She giggles, smiling wider at him. "Looking for something to occupy your time?"

"Maybe." He smiles at her, walking along the road with the beautiful mare.

"So, just staring at the sky today?" She asks casually.

He shakes his head, idly noting the park they're passing by. "Nah, just wondering what Pinkie is up to."

Before anything else can be said, there's a loud crash to their right, and they turn to see Pinkie laying in the remains of her contraption.

Silk winces, calling over. "Are you alright, hun?"

"Not sure!"

Flick glances over, then back at the mare by his side, brushing his wing gently along her back. "Should we check on her?"

Her own wings raise up a bit as she nods. "Just in case."

The golden griffon nods and starts walking over, finding the pink pony nudging a piece of candy cane with a hoof. She seems pretty downcast by this turn of events, if the small frown on her lips means anything.

After a small sigh, she starts gathering everything up, something appearing to be on her mind.

Flick frowns and, with no small amount of trepidation, gently places a claw on her shoulder. "Bit for your thoughts?"

She jumps a bit, whirling on him with a smile that's a bit more subdued than usual. "Oh, hey there! I'm just having a bit of an issue with a meanie pants right now."

He chuckles, raising his head and fluffing his chest feathers to look cooler. "Well, I could probably help you with whoever this ‘meaniepants' is."

"Could you? Wait, no, she's Rainbow Dash's friend..." She stows the last of the pieces in her mane and bounces in place, thinking. "Maybe I need to get a second opinion... Twilight's pretty smart."

He thinks for a bit, then slowly nods. "Probably a good idea. Let me know if you need any help, okay? I don't like seeing my friends upset."

She nods. "I will, maybe she just needs space." With that thought, she bounces off, leaving the other mare to walk up to the griffon.

"Seems she bounced back." She comments simply.

"Sure seems like it." He rubs his chin, frowning deeply. "What could've upset her in the first place? Something to do with her crash?"

"It sounded more like somepony upset her." She comments lightly.

He sighs, shaking his head. "Right... she'll get us if she needs us. She has a way of finding someone." He turns to her. "So, your place, right?"

She smiles sweetly. "Yes, I think my little bit of shopping can wait."

He chuckles, hugging her close with his wing. "I can help you with it afterwards, if it'll help."

"Well, aren't you sweet?" She leans into his hug, guiding him to start walking again.

He grins cheekily at her. "I do my best, especially for a stunning mare like you." He nuzzles at her cheek. "And I'm not just talking about your beauty."

"And what else about me would be stunning? Do tell." She practically purrs at him.

"Your wit, for one." He brings a claw up, counting on each talon a characteristic of hers. "Determination for another, seeing as you opened an outfit store near Rarity. Patience, for not slapping me whenever I make a bad joke. Humor for laughing at the good ones..." His brow furrows. "...I swore there was another one..."

She blushes lightly, still smiling at him. "Well, aren't you a sweet one? If you really want to spend the day with me, I'm sure you'll think of something else. Maybe I should make a list for you too, or show my gratitude in some way, at least."

Flick hums in thought, feathered appendage brushing along her back. "Well, I'd always appreciate a kiss." He chuckles quietly. "Of course, with my beak, that may be asking a bit much."

"How so?" She asks simply, moving her mouth closer to his face before lightly blowing on his cheek and backing away with a giggle.

He stops, his wing making her pause mid-step beside him. Those eyes turn to her, and for the first time for her, he has a concerned expression. "What if I hurt the pony I like? I don't know if I could handle that sort of thing..."

She adopts a more serious but no less smiley look. Her hoof comes up and cups his cheek. "Hun, you'll be fine. They would know you didn't mean it if it does happen, and to prevent it, you just need to be careful and tender."

He gives her a small, grateful smile, reaching up with a talon to do the same, adding a gentle rub of her soft fur. "I may need practice..."

She giggles, pulling away now and making sure her tail strokes across his chest. "Keep playing your cards right and we can see about that."

His eyes widen slightly as his gaze follows her, the rest of him doing so soon after. "I look forward to it!"

She laughs now, smiling back at him. "I thought you might. Now, let me show you what you'll be working around."

He hums quietly, his eyes locked on her face. "Oh? Is there something special you had in store?"

"I consider my store very special." She counters lightly.

He playfully rolls his eyes, speeding up a bit for the sole purpose of bumping her hip with his. It certainly had nothing to do with how those yellow hips swayed with each step. "You know what I mean."

"I didn't exactly change anything, I did run into you by accident you know." Those purple slitted eyes glance to him.

He turns and raises an eyebrow at her. "So you're saying you didn't make an outfit specifically for me to model."

"I didn't exactly get your measurements." She counters. "Plus, I'm still getting a sense of what sort of thing you'd actually like."

He's about to respond when a pony from a flower shop nearby calls out to them. "Just kiss one of them already!"

Her sister groans, rubbing her forehead. "You have the worst timing, Daisy..."

Silk shakes her head, calling out to them. "Should I expect to see one of you three at the shop later?"

The latter has the decency to look ashamed. "You might see her. Sorry."

"Nothing to be sorry about." Silk responds casually.

The blonde pony nods and drags her sister into the house by her ear.

Flick, meanwhile, stands beside the thestral, a contemplative look on his face.

"Shall we?" She moves to head off once more.

He nods, turning and walking... right into her flanks. He stumbles back, wings flaring in surprise. "S-Sorry!"

Her wings snap out in her surprise, the mare reigning them back in as she composes herself. "It's alright, just careful where that beak ends up."

He flinches, quickly nodding and walking in front of her. "Your shop should be close, right? Still has the collar and leash?"

She winces a little. "Yes... and I still think it spooks some ponies."

He pauses, looking back at her with a expression that betrays no thought. A smile eventually tugs at the corner of his beak and he turns to face her, holding out a talon. “In that case, I’d be happy to work pro bono to help you with your problem.”

She seems to contemplate his talon. "While I do appreciate the offer, I'm not sure I can accept those terms. After all, good work should be rewarded."

The offered limb lowers slightly, but soon rises once more. “Then it’s a gift from a friend.”

"Hmm... fair enough." She puts her hoof in his claw. "But, don't be surprised if you get a gift in return."

He hums thoughtfully, then nods, shaking her hoof. “It’s a deal, then.”

She nods, shaking it in return.

It's for inspiration! Just where are you touching?!

They soon arrive at her work, the mare once again under the wing of the griffon after the wind picked up.

"Here it is!" She announces as they come to the storefront. With the lights off, even the large windows don't reveal what lies inside. All the can be seen is the name of the place above the door: Silk's Select.

He looks upon it, and only one sentence comes to mind. “Yep, collar and leash.”

"Yeah... can you see how that might intimidate some?" She motions to it.

He nods, leaning against her. “I assume you want to keep the name...”

She doesn't seem to mind. "Yes please, I have a bit of brand recognition that I'd like to keep."

“Gotcha.” He glances over his shoulder at some burgeoning teenagers behind them, all staring at the mare. “...should I be jealous you have admirers?”

"Admirers?" She turns curiously, seeing them all out of the corner of her eye. "I don't recall having those."

He shrugs slightly. “They’re each staring at a part of you... didn’t know ponies that young were interested in wings... or maybe he’s looking at your cute little fangs?”

The mare is quiet as she shuffles her wings, simply watching. After a small pause, she turns to the door. "Would you like to see the inside?"

“Sure.” He turns to her and smiles softly. “I’m interested in what you have for sale, this time.”

She simply nods, taking a key and unlocking the door, opening it for him.

He steps through, tail trailing along her thigh as he glances around. “...is that a guard costume set?”

"Well... sort of." She flicks on the lights, revealing quite the sight.

The basics of a clothing store are all present: mannequins displaying various examples of what is sold, a few racks of accessories sprinkled about to complement clothing, mirrors, and window-side advertising. However, the clothing itself is not one most would think of first, since almost everything is either intimate, lingerie, or sexy to some degree that most would blush to even think of wearing it in public.

He blinks, tilting his head to one side. “...you did all of this by yourself? How long did that take?”

"This amount of stock took a while, but I hire help sometimes if I need a lot of something." She smiles as she looks around, making sure everything is as she left it.

He thinks about this a moment, then pulls her back against his side, smiling softly at her. “You know, I may be able to help more often. I’m currently off work due to my wing, so...”

"You sure you can handle delicate work?" She eyes him.

He scratches his cheek, blushing softly. “...I could always learn...”

"I'll keep that in mind." She nods, going behind the counter. "Do you think any of this can give you inspiration for the sign?"

“Maybe.” He looks around the store, poking at a few pieces. “Might help if I could get an idea of what they look like on a pony.” He looks up as he thinks. “...have you worn any of these?”

"Mmm... probably about half of them. The ponnequins give you an idea of what they look like on the rest." She gestures at a plain-faced pony figure looking like she's in the middle of strutting her new set of lacy lingerie.

He blinks, staring at the plastic model, then over to her, his expression as blank as the ponnequin’s face.

"And occasionally I have a friend over to help me see how they look while moving."

He looks at her, curious. “...I was mostly trying to picture you in it... who’s this friend?”

"Don't worry about it. Maybe I'll introduce you." She smiles, adopting the ponnequin pose for just a second before giggling and standing normally.

Silence reigns as a dark red shade slowly overtakes his face.

She walks over, whispering into his ear. "You're funny, and you thought you could handle the full thing. That's still a basic outfit."

“...you realize you’re in front of a mirror?” He points behind her with a shaky talon. “And... you swing your tail when you pose...”

"..." She actually blushes now, clearing her throat and adjusting her wings. "Well, these sort of things happen when you don't wear clothes."

“Right, but...” He thinks for a bit. “...actually, isn’t it easier for mares? You know, to hide that stuff?”

"In some ways, but wind, angles, and various other things happen." She straightens up.

“Ah, that makes sense...” He awkwardly clears his throat. “So, uh, could I see you in one of these? Please?”

She raises an eyebrow at him. "So forward... you want to see a lady in her unmentionables?"

He stays silent for a while, emotions conflicting on his face, before finally sighing. “...yes, I do. But only to help you out.”

"Perhaps you can elaborate more on that while I set up the store." She offers, pulling out a few things.

“It’s pretty simple, I think.” He rubs his chin. “I’d need to get a feel for how someone would react to your outfits on a personal level.” He waves at the plastic ponies. “Those just aren’t personal enough for me.”

"Hmm... I can see that." She nods at this. "I think I can slip into one, but we'll do it in the back room just so nopony is staring."

He gives her a little salute. “As you wish, Miss.”

"Good." She opens a door behind her, turning the lights on inside and turning the lights off in the main room. "Come on."

He quickly follows after her, beaming brightly.

The back is revealed to a smaller room, likely used for fittings. A raised dais is at one end surrounded by mirrors, and supplies are on the other sides, with small cubbies of materials.

Silk walks over, looking through and picking out a folded bit of material. "This will do."

He tears his gaze away from the surroundings, focusing on her with slightly unfocused eyes. “What will?”

The mare stays turned away as she slips on a soft light purple negligee. Since it's see through, it actually covers nothing, but it does tint the bits of her body you can see through it. The length goes halfway down her cutie mark and has holes for her wings. As she turns, it flutters. "Well?"

He blinks, blushing once more. “...how do you look more attractive in that? I didn’t think it was possible...” He steps closer, brushing a claw along the fabric. “So soft...”

She giggles. "Why thank you, I made it myself."

He traces the opening around her wing, leaning close to get a good look. “...how did you figure those out? The right placement, I mean?”

"Because I have wings." She answers, tail swishing as she watches him.

“...oh. Yeah, that makes sense.” He reaches up and traces the edge of the one closest to him, thoughtful.

Her wing shivers a bit at his touch, reigned in after a moment.

He moves down her body, feeling the fabric before reaching the edge. He promptly realizes that his claw is practically gripping her cutie mark, freezing in place.

She casts an eye to him. "Anypony ever tell you your wandering claws are very touchy?"

“...my boss does, but that’s because I’m massaging her.” He starts kneading the slightly yielding flesh beneath his claw to prove his point.

"You know how to massage?" She hums happily, arching her back a bit.

“Yep.” He guides her to lay down, slowly working her hips as he sits behind her. “Would you like a free session?”

Cheeks pink, she pulls away, quickly strippign the lingerie off. "That sounds like a lovely way to start the day, but let me get this off first so I don't forget."

He pulls her into a sitting position, sliding up behind her to get a better angle. He presses on her shoulders first, figuring a seamstress would have some tension there.

He's right, and she quickly rolls her shoulders under his touch, sighing with relief.

He smiles softly, leaning in to nuzzle her cheek as he digs the blunt tips of his talons in to get the knots out of the deep muscle tissue. He has just moved to her wings when he opens his eyes and sees pink in the mirror.

"Hey there!" Pinkie shouts, sending Silk to the ceiling, wings outstretched to keep her flying.

Flick, unable to keep a grip, falls off her back and onto the floor. “...hey. Next time, try not to startle us, okay?” He rolls onto his stomach. “Need an outfit or something?”

The words practically fall from her mouth. "No, I just saw some ponies outside and thought 'I wonder what's up?' and then I found this neato griffon feather, and I knew it was you but I didn't think you knew about this place so I looked inside but the lights were off and now I'm here!"

He blinks, slowly turning to look at one of his outstretched wings. “...am I really losing that many feathers?”

"That's what you got out of that?" Silk scoffs as she comes back down.

He just shrugs. “Didn’t know what else to say.”

"So... what's going on?" Pinkie quickly starts looking around.

“I’m helping Silk here to relax.” He reaches over and squeezes the mare in question’s shoulder.

She leans closer to him as Pinkie tilts her head. "Oh... I guess you would rather be alone, huh?"

He thinks for a bit, then coaxes Silk into a prone position, gesturing for the party pony to come over. "She didn't say it was a private session. What did you want to talk about, Pinkie?"

"I already talked with Twilight, I was actually just looking for something to do." She bounces idly in place.

He hums quietly, talons skillfully working another moan from Silk’s lips. “Well, maybe we can do something together after I’m done here?” He glances at the mare beneath his grip. “All of us?”

Silk lays down a bit, stretching her wings out. "Sorry hun... I have a business to run."

He frowns a bit, then gives Pinkie a sheepish smile as he eases a knot out of the thestral’s upper back. “The two of us?”

"Hmm... well, I am planning a small party this afternoon. Want to come?" She beams.

“Oh?” He continues to work, sparing her a glance. “What’s the occasion?”

"I'm trying to welcome a friend of a friend to try and get her to loosen up! Warning: there will be casual pranks." She suddenly looks serious at that last part.

He blinks, holding up a claw. “Hold on, is this that friend that crashed your machine?”

"I mean, yeah, but I think she was just having a bad day." She grins her usual smile. "And parties fix that!"

He sighs, then looks down to the mare laying on the floor. “Rain check on the free massage?”

She looks up at him. "Changing your plans with me already?"

He looks between the two of them, torn, before sighing softly. “...I honestly can’t decide.”

Pinkie tilts her head. "Why decide? It's morning and the party is this afternoon!"

“Oh.” He nods once. “Yeah, let’s do that later, then. I want to make sure she’s satisfied.”

Pinkie nods, bouncing out the door. "See you then!"

He salutes, turning back to Silk with with a suave smile. “Now... where were we?”

She gives him a quiet look before laying on her stomach and letting out a sigh. "On my back, I believe."

As he gets back in position, his claws gently grip her sides so he can work the muscle. “Let me know if anything is wrong... especially considering that sigh.”

"Mmm... don't worry about it. I was just worried you were going to cancel everything."

“I wasn’t going to cancel...” He grips a wing, brushing his palm along the smooth surface. “...just reschedule. I’d feel terrible, otherwise.”

She nods as the wing reflexively extends all the way. "Well, at least you have a good heart."

“I do my best.” He smiles at her, leaning down and rubbing the side of his beak against her wing for a second before he stops, blushing brightly as he realizes his error.

She turns her head so she can see him. "Exactly what kind of massage did you learn?"

“I... read a book on preening.” He grimaces, mollified. “I think it’s part of the spa service, so... yeah...”

"And did you consider for clients with featherless wings?" She asks casually.

“...no...”

"Well, I suppose this is your time to practice." She looks back forward. "Just remember it's thin flesh and nerves, so it's sensitive."

He looks at it skeptically, talons gently squeezing one of the joints. “How about here?”

The other wings comes out as she blushes. "Easy there."

“Oh?” He looks to her, gently gripping her other wing and holding it spread. “I read about this... it means I’m doing a good job.” The griffon beams, rubbing his talons along the leading edge of each wing, the action keeping them spread and to her sides, whether on purpose or by accident.

She shivers, wings straining against him a bit. "Careful... That's some intense stimulation..."

“Hmm?” He looks up at her, claws absently kneading at the base of her wings. “What was that, Silk?”

She opens her mouth, fangs evident as she softly says. "Maybe move on..."

Flick nods, letting go of her wings to rub his claws up and down her sides, digging the base of a couple talons close to her spine in his search for tense spots.

Her wings droop to the floor as she lets out a breath. "Phew..."

As he continues, his eyes find their way back up to her wings. ”...are they really that sensitive?”

She nods, pausing after. "Aren't yours?"

“...I dunno. I’ve never had anyone else touch them.” He shrugs slightly, bending a wing forward to tickle at her own. His claws settle on her haunches, and his brow furrows, kneading at the soft flesh, the bounty of which he hadn’t found on the only other pony he’s practiced on.

She starts wiggling a bit now, giggling. "Having fun?"

He glances at her, then back down to his claws. “While I appreciate a tasteful rump, your cushion makes my job a little hard...” He gives her cheeks another squeeze before trying to knead the tension out.

She lets out a bat-like squeak, glancing back at him with narrowed eyes. "I certainly hope that wasn't a complaint."

“No.” He gives her a look, an eyebrow raised as he rubs her cutie marks. “I swore I said you have a wonderful rear. Did I not?”

She hums in appreciation. "Just making sure."

“...I see.” He turns his attention back to her rump, concentrating as he kneads and rubs, slowly but surely finding the right spots and working out the tension he finds.

One of her hind legs twitches as he works, as does her tail. After a while she sighs. "Well, I can't just sit here and let you do this all day, as much as I want to."

“But I’m almost done!” The whine could be heard in his voice, even as he massages her thighs.

She peeks back at him, wings shuffling. "What's left?"

“Oh, just this right here.” He turns his gaze away as he grips her dock between two talons, holding still to gauge her reaction to him holding the base of her tail. “That is, if you want to. I saw Touch touch Rarity here before the door closed...”

Silk blushes, trying to pull away. "Now now... I think that was something else. Some ponies can take that the wrong way..."

He looks at her curiously, noticing how she isn’t quite able to escape the hold. “...so the tail is a no go?”

She glances back. "Unless you're planning on mounting someone, yes."

He still doesn’t let go, but she can see the small blush forming on his cheeks as he realizes the position the two of them are in, with him sitting behind her.

She actually giggles, trying to tug away again. "Good thing I took off the lingerie first."

He gains a thoughtful look on his face. “Wait, does that mean Touch and Rarity...?”

Her dock twitches in his grip as she answers. "I don't really know, but it seems likely."

“...huh...” He looks to the front of the store, idly rolling her tail between his digits. “...tough break for Spike...”

She makes a small sound instead of words, one tufted ear twitching.

Brow furrowed, Flick moves to lean over the mare, a claw on the small of her back between her wings for balance. “Silk? You okay?”

Her face red and voice a little shaky, she answers. "M-maybe... we should stop..."

He blinks, tilting his head as he considers her for a moment. “...was the massage too much?” He grimaces, pulling a claw up to his face. “Do I still have that lotion on my claws? I thought I cleaned that off...”

"It's fine... just, let go, please?"

He slowly nods, removing his claw from her dock and setting it on the stage beside her. “Better?”

She lets out a breath, flopping onto one side and giggling. "You certainly know how to work a mare."

He chuckles, pulling her up into a sitting position so he can hug her. “I’m glad I helped you, Silk.”

She gingerly hugs him back, nuzzling him. "I hope that's not the end of your help, hun."

“Did you mean the sign?” He pulls back to look at her, a claw tracing one of her wings. “I could still do that. I just need my paint from home.”

She shivers. "Yes please. Think you have enough inspiration?"

He smiles coyly at her, claw stopping short of the first joint. “I might need to see you in another outfit or two.”

She playfully pushes him with her hooves. "You rascal!"

The griffon laughs, standing up and batting her muzzle with his wing. “You know you like me.”

"True, is the reverse the same?" She titters, standing and flapping her wings a bit to stretch.

His claw gently cups her cheek, his face drawing close to hers as he smiles warmly. “...and if I said yes?”

"I'd be very happy." She flutters her eyes at him.

He chuckles as he closes the distance, kissing her on the forehead. “We’ll just have to see then.” He turns and looks around the store. “Did you have something I can paint on, or did you want me to just paint on the current one?”

"Hmm... what would you recommend, as the artist?" She looks curiously to him.

“I would probably suggest a blank slate, so that you don’t have to worry about my work fading and yours showing through.” He thinks for a bit. “...seriously though, what would you call your most popular item?”

She tilts her head for a moment, thinking. "...undergarments. It's where most start."

“...I’m not putting panties on the sign.” He looks away from the clothes in question, humming quietly. ”...but maybe stockings or socks...”

"Easy enough." She points to racks of them. "Take your pick."

He’s silent for a moment, then turns to her. “For you to wear?”

She rolls her eyes good naturedly. "I meant for the sign, that is what we're talking about, right?"

“I know, but I’ve only seen you in that one outfit, and it had no socks,” he points out.

"Well... I suppose I could slip into some for a moment." She looks thoughtfully at her selection.

He smiles at this, walking over and gently nuzzling at her cheek. “Thank you, Silk.”

"Well, at least you know to be sweet when you're asking a lady to model for you." She pecks his cheek.

He blushes from her action, unable to form a response.

She giggles, walking by him and being sure to rub her side on his as she does so.

Before she gets too far away, his tail does the same, the tuft brushing teasingly along her side and wing.

She lets out a purr, glancing back at him with a lidded gaze before heading to the socks.

He grins, following after her. “This is gonna be good...”

Nope, no fighting! Why are you so mad?

Less than an hour later finds the two of them walking down the street, the griffon rubbing a talon along a horseshoe-shaped mark on his cheek. "...nothing feels broken, at least..."

Silk looks concerned as they walk. "What even happened? I was helping another customer."

He shakes his head, sighing quietly. “Tried feeling the fabric of some undergarments without checking that no one was wearing them... on another note, your racks have the same color as the mailmare’s fur.”

"You mean the ponnequins or the actual racks?" She clarifies.

“Both.” He shrugs, finally lowering his claw to the ground. “Could’ve been worse. Just a little higher...”

She looks at his injury again. "Are you sure you don't want to go to the hospital?"

He waves a claw at her, giving his best warm smile. “I swear that I’m okay, Silky.”

She tilts her head a bit at him, though whether it's for the nickname or answer is unknown. "Alright..."

He chuckles and leans close to nuzzle her cheek once more... at least, that was the plan before he walked headlong into someone. He immediately snaps to attention, placing a claw on his chest and bowing. ”Terribly sorry, I wasn’t paying attention.”

"Seems like no one in this lame town can pay attention," a grating voice scoffs at him.

Confused, he slowly raises his gaze to the apparently rude teenager. He blinks, realizing he has to look down slightly at the griffon before him.

She gives him the look of someone above him. "Yeah?"

He works his tongue along the inside of his beak a moment, giving him time to think. “...should I know you?”

"Doubt it, I dunno if you're cool enough." She shrugs, moving to pass him.

A claw darts out, stopping her by pressing against her chest plumage. “...listen, maybe you don’t know this...” His gaze turns to her face, eyes cold and steely. “...but allow me to educate you. I give respect to those that earn it. You? You haven’t. If anything, you’re proving you don’t deserve it.”

She snorts, unafraid and staring his predatory eyes down with her own. "Whatever, I think living among these ponies has made you soft."

He snorts quietly, shaking his head. “I disagree. I’m stronger than ever...” He glances back at his side, his injured wing twitching in its sling. “...mostly.”

"Yeah, sure, whatever." She walks by him like she owns the place.

He stops her with his good wing, frown firmly set on his face. “...who did you bump into, earlier?”

"Man, lay off. I didn't bump into anyone, they just didn't get out of the way." She snorts.

“...who was it.” His voice is low, quietly demanding.

"I dunno, some little yellow dweeb. What's it matter?"

His head slowly turns to face her. “It matters because she’s my friend.”

"Okay, seriously, I'm trying to walk down the street here." She tries to move past once more.

He lets her go, still fuming slightly. “Can’t believe she did that to Fluttershy...” He looks to Silk. “Think we should tell Rainbow and the others?”

"I think they would already know by now." She watches the female griffon walk away, the mare giving a little sniff. "A very unpleasant experience, that one."

“Yeah.” He turns to look at her as well. “I honestly expected her to try and punch me...”

"We don't need more damage done to that face of yours." She pats his uninjured cheek.

He just chuckles, a glint in his eye. “She wouldn’t be able to touch me.”

"Now now, no need to puff up your chest for me." She smiles softly. "She seems like a blowhard."

His eyes widen slightly. “Uh... griffins have good hearing, Silk...”

"Oh, so like thestrals." She nods understandingly.

“Yeah...” He glances over his shoulder to make sure the griffon didn’t hear.

She still seems to be walking away, but after a moment, she turns her head sharply and points a claw at them. With that done, she keeps going.

“...not sure if I should be worried...” He shakes his head and looks to Silk. “So, lunch?”

"Yes please." She chirps at him.

He nods, draping a wing across her back as they start to walk. “Let’s stop by my place, real quick, so I can grab my bits.”

"I didn't expect to be invited to your place so quickly." She leans her head against him.

“We were gonna go there to get my art supplies eventually.” He chuckles quietly.

"True." She shrugs and keeps walking with him. "Should I wait outside?"

“No, but I feel I should warn you about my lack of furniture.” His gaze finds the house by the library. “I don’t normally get visitors.”

She waves off his comment with a wing. "Sounds about normal for some bachelors. I don't mind."

He shrugs, pushing open his door to show a single couch and a lamp in the first room. He walks towards the stairs past the overwhelming lack of anything.

"Oh... no knickknacks?" She looks surprised.

“Could never find any I liked.” He stops, thinking a bit. “Of course, I still haven’t put out the bookshelf Twilight recommended... but why put it out if I don’t have any books?”

"Knickknacks." She repeats with a smirk.

“Still haven’t found any,” he reiterates, then starts up the stairs.

She laughs. "Well, I don't think you'll find anything you can show off on a shelf from my place."

He pauses at the top, looking down at her. “...I could always take a picture of you.”

She giggles, her tail swishing. "Oh, you..."

“Or I could put that picture the others gave on it.” He disappears into his room, leaving her in the barebones den.

"Huh?" She looks confused at that one, thinking on it while she waits.

He comes back down with a saddlebag and two photographs in his right claw. He holds them up to her, showing a picture of Applejack and her family settling down for dinner, and Rainbow crossing a finish line.

"Well, those look nice" She nods her head. "You could get frames for them."

“Yeah, but I don’t know where.” He shrugs, moving over and setting his bag down so he can slip them inside.

"Well, if I had to guess, I'd say... maybe along this wall?" She points to one. "Spread them out in a bit of a random scatter, and you can have enough more there."

He stares blankly at her. “I meant to get frames.”

"Oh." She clears her throat.

He just smiles and pulls her into another hug. “Maybe that’s another thing we can do. I’m gonna be with you all day, right?”

"I don't mind." She hugs him in return.

He grins, slipping his bags on and putting her on his back. “It’s a date!” He hurries out the door, skidding to a stop mere inches from Spike.

"Oh, hey!" Spike offers them a wave as he looks at a list.

“Oh, hey.” He scratches the side of his head. “I thought you had today off? Is it tomorrow?”

"No, I'm just doing a few favors for Pinkie." The drake smiles. "I get a VIP experience at the party for it."

“Oh?” He smirks, patting his shoulder. “I’m glad more of them are trusting you with stuff.”

"Yeah, plus, maybe it can get Twi to do her own chores." He snickers to himself.

He blinks, looking over at the library, then back to him. “...it doesn’t look like it’d be that much trouble for her...”

"She just gets too into things to realize there's a mess, or that she's making one..." He grumbles that last part a bit.

He tilts his head to the side, turning so they can walk to the market area. “...so... should I stop by later to make sure it’s not a wreck?”

"Huh?" He looks towards the library. "Nah, I'll just clean it tomorrow if it's too bad."

“If you say so.” He reaches back and pats Silk’s hoof. “More time for me to spend with you, hmm?”

Spike tilts his head as the mare nods, touching her side to his. "I hope so. Now, where shall we eat?"

He looks up at the sky, rubbing his beak. “I dunno. I’ll eat anything, though... except tomatoes.”

"Noted." She nods. "How about a fruit place?"

His brow furrows slightly. “...but I thought tomatoes were fruit?”

"Ugh..." She puts a hoof over her eyes. "I'm not having this conversation again."

He nudges her gently. “...if it helps, it’s mostly raw tomatoes that do it...”

"Fair enough." She straightens back up. "So, think that works?"

Flick nods, pulling her back against his side as they start walking. He looks to the dragon beside them. “Say, you know anything about another griffon around here?”

"Huh?" He looks up from his list again. "Oh, I think Pinkie mentioned one, I didn't hear any specifics though."

“Ah.” He clucks his tongue. “Darn. Was hoping to at least figure out her name...”

"You can see her at the party." He offers.

“...oh, I guess she’s the grump, then.” He slowly nods. “That makes sense.”

"If you say so." He looks up. "I need to turn here, see you guys later?"

Flick gives him a little salute, then looks to Silk. “So... where’s this place you were talking about, again?”

It's a choice! Can we ever be alone?

Early the next morning, Flick arrives outside Applejack’s window, floating on a cloud. As his head clears the edge, he finds himself looking up at the farmer, who stares down at him in turn.

“H-hey there. Did you sleep well?” The griffon flashes a nervous grin, wings twitching by his sides.

"Not tryin' ta sneak into mah bed were ya?" She says evenly.

He quietly swallows. “No... I was... hoping we could cuddle while you got ready.”

"I feel like those can't really be done at once." She crosses her front legs as she leans against the wall.

He chuckles softly, resting his chin on the windowsill. “Yeah, I figured that was asking a bit much. Didn’t hurt to try, though.”

"Have you been trying a lot lately?" She asks.

He shakes his head. “Only with you and Twilight, but she still doesn’t understand.” He’s quiet for a moment before continuing. “It’s sort of mutual with Silk... but that’s still mostly teasing. I don’t want to lie to you.”

"Lotta baskets to split yer apples between." She says simply.

He just quietly nods, unsure how to respond.

"Any idea which ones ya'll wanna keep goin' with?"

“...can I keep Rainbow as a friend?”

"Long as you let her know. Dunno if she'll give up though."

He chuckles quietly. “I don’t think anyone could convince her out of anything.”

"Yeah... so she's the only one yer not sure about?"

He frowns, standing up and gently gripping her forehoof. “Miss Applejack, if you’re worried I’m losing interest in you, know that my adoration and respect for you has only ever grown since we met.”

She blushes a bit. "And then ya go and say things like that..."

He smiles softly. “I’ll only ever say what I mean.” He gently touches his beak to her hoof. “You are dazzling as you are, and I’d be lucky to even be considered to stay by your side.”

She looks at him a moment before sighing. "Alright, come join us at breakfast."

She is quickly pulled into a hug which knocks off her hat, the griffon smiling and pecking her cheek gratefully.

She playfully tries to push him off. "Alright alright, get off me until I clean up."

He nods and pulls away, blushing softly. “Sorry about that. Emotions overwhelmed me for a second...”

"They seem to do that a lot." She pats his head.

Try as he might, he can’t help but lean into her touch, eyes closing for a bit.

Chuckling, she pats more. "Hard to stay mad at ya."

His eyes open and he looks up at her with a smile. “I wish I heard that more often.” He rubs a spot by his left eye. “Probably wouldn’t have a mark, here.”

She winces. "What happened?"

He grimaces. “...let’s say that I shouldn’t tease a mare when she has a cigarette...”

She winces. "Ow."

“Yep.” He’s quiet for a moment, then takes her hoof to give it one more kiss before he drops through the cloud.

"...hmph." She says with a small smile.

After a short, teasing-laden breakfast, Flick headed out to the barn. When Applejack followed, she found him fastening the wagon to the yoke around his neck, determination clear on his face.

She raises an eyebrow at him. "Sure you can do that in yer state?"

He jumps at the sound of her voice, turning to look at her the best he can from a side-on position. “Oh, hey Jackie.” He grins cheekily. “I’m sure I can handle it. It’s my wing that’s hurt, not my legs.”

"If yer sure..." She comes over and tightens a few things.

As she moves to pull away, he sneaks a kiss onto her cheek.

"Just don't hurt yerself more," she says with a slightly bigger smile.

“I cant promise that, Jackie.” He flinches. “I mean, I’ll do my best, Miss Applejack, Boss, Ma’am.”

"Don't have to go that far, but I appreciate it." She gives him a nuzzle before heading out.

As he moves to follow her, she sees a sliver of blue vanish from the crack in the barn door.

“So is there anything you wanted me to call you, then? I don’t know if you ever told me,” Flick speaks up, having apparently not noticed.

"Just mah name works, sugar cube." She replies, rolling her shoulders.

“Can I give you a cute nickname?” He pulls her back by the tail when the door opens, making a bucket miss her. “You didn’t seem mad about me calling you Jackie. Or how about Jacquelyn?”

"Where are you pulling all these from?" She talks to him even as she pokes the bucket and peers up and around in the sky.

“The Jack part of your name. I’d call you that, but I had someone in Griffonstone by that name who’s mad at me.” He thinks a bit. “They spelled it differently, but still.” He waves his good wing at the bucket, knocking it over and revealing paint, which starts to ooze out upon being revealed.

"Ah see... Jackie works." She nods. "Careful today, I think Dash is in a pranking mood."

He perks up, hugging her and giving a warm smile. “Shall I make sure she doesn’t get you, Jackie?”

"Ah can manage," she lets him have the hug for a moment before freeing herself. "Besides, I'm worried you'd try to fly to get her and that wouldn't go well."

“I could stop her without flying,” he protests, going back to following her once more.

"Tell ya what, if she gets too bad, I'll unleash ya on her."

“I’ll take it.” There’s a brief moment of silence before he asks, “so how far along are you, anyways? It’s been at least two days since you started this big harvest.”

"We're... gettin there." She says with a glance over the fields. "Maybe a few more days."

He looks at her, then over to the fields. If there were such a thing as a tree ocean, this would be it, organized as it is. He eyes the gold, green, and red glinting like dewdrops on the grass in the early morning, and makes a mental count of those he can see. “...it seems like you have five times what I did the other day left... at least.”

"Eeyup." She says simply, trotting along.

“...that settles it. I’m helping you for the rest of this so you have some more free time.”

"Don't you need to rest?"

“Only my wing.”

"Hmm... well, if you think you can handle it."

He nods and gently places his claw on her hips, holding her in place as he steps up beside her. With his eyes focused on her, he misses the small, dead branch that lands on the trail five feet ahead. “Can I stay up here? Your swaying hips are extremely hypnotic.”

"Boy, I gotta get you to focus on work." She snorts.

“I’m trying. You’re just really stunning.” He gently hugs her before continuing ahead. “How much further?”

"Almost there, we're going to the east field."

“...forgive me if I can’t tell these apart at a glance.” He blushes softly in embarrassment.

"It's fine, we don't mark em with lines or anythin'." She laughs.

“Let me guess, your earth pony magic lets you know when they’re ready to harvest?” He smiles and nudges her teasingly.

"Actually yeah." She smiles proudly at him. "Good eye."

“Call it intuition and knowing you well.” He chuckles softly as a bow appears in the cart behind them, and he leans over and suggestively says, “Maybe one day I’ll get to know you even better.”

Apple Bloom looks over the edge of the cart at him, visibly confused, to her sister.

She seems to debate who to address for a moment. "Decided to hang around today, Bloom?"

“Ah’m just happy he chose ya,” she replies, smiling warmly at her sister. “That might mean he’ll become a part o’ the fam’ly!”

"Let's not rush things, bloom." She rubs her head fondly.

She nods, then points to Flick. “No doin’ stuff with other mares.”

He blinks a couple times. “But I work at the spa... I promised reading times with Twilight... and I promised to model for Silk!”

"Ah think he knows what you meant, Bloom."

“Granny said all mares, though.” She scratches her head.

"For certain things, but mares do too much for him to avoid them for everything."

She thinks a bit more. “But Twilight and Silk are yer rivals, too.”

"True..." she ponders this. "He'll either have to watch himself or come up with something to make everypony happy."

“But you should be first, Applejack!” She nods, then points to the right. “Ain’t ya supposed to start there?”

Applejack looks. "Huh, yep, here we are."

Flick looks as well, then flaps his wing, causing branches to sway and two ponies to fall out of the tree, the pink one landing on the blue’s head and driving her face into the dirt. “Morning, you two.”

"Good morning!" Pinkie bounces up and down as she waves.

“Good morning.” He glances down, then back up at her. “I think Rainbow needs to breathe.”

"Oopsie!" She bounces slightly to the left.

The prismatic mare lifts her head up, breathing deep as her face is covered in mud.

Flick frowns, walking over and cleaning it off with a claw. “You okay, there?”

She grumbles as he works. “I only hurt my dignity... why do you even care?”

“Because I worry about my friends.” He says nothing else as he finishes, trying to shake the mud off his claw.

"Daww..." Pinkie hugs Rainbow.

She gives her a half-hug, blushing a bit. “...thanks for caring, Flick.”

He gives her a lopsided smile. “Hey, you’d do the same for me. Did, in fact.”

“No more kissin’ Rainbow, though!” Apple Bloom pipes up, poking his rump with a stick.

"Bloom..." Applejack says warningly.

“What?”

Flick rubs his beak as he thinks. “I think she’s the one who starts them, not me...”

Rainbow flinches, trying to avoid eye contact with anyone else.

"Let the adults handle their business," Applejack speaks.

As the filly pouts, Rainbow takes her pink friend and flies away.

"We'll probably see them again before the days over."

“...does this mean Ah’m not gettin’ a matchmakin’ cutie mark?” She turns her head to look, accidentally smacking Flick’s slinged wing with the branch. He flinches as a result, voice strangled in his throat.

"That'd mean you helped ponies who wanted help and weren't trying to handle it themselves." Applejack says as she rubs his head, trying to soothe him.

“Fiddlesticks.” She pouts, watching as he leans into her touch and blushes.

"What, is she visitin' again?" Applejack jokes.

“Nah, but Ah hear she found somepony.” She pokes her sister’s rump with the stick. “Ain’t it time t’ work? Ya can pet him later, an’ I know ya don’t like bein’ behind.”

"Watch where yer pokin that stick." She says simply, cracking her neck as she stops petting him.

Apple Bloom tosses the stick, but Applejack feels something rub around her left thigh. She gives the griffon a look.

“What? You’re tempting.” He taps her nose before working to get the wagon off, for now. “Where did you need those baskets?”

"Set em up under the first two dozen trees." She motions to a row.

He nods and pats her gently on the back. “Sure thing, Jackie.”

As he heads off, Apple Bloom tilts her head to the side, considering him and wondering why her sister likes him.

"Ya gonna hang out and work or go play?"

“...what’s yer fav’rite part about ‘im?” She looks to her sister, bow bouncing from the motion.

"Hmm... his attitude."

She tilts her head. “His attitude?”

"The boy seems to be happy no matter what happens, just doin his darndest and takin what life gives him."

She thinks a bit. “Maybe he’s happy ‘cause he’s around ya?”

"Well, that ain't a bad thing."

“It seems t’ make ya happy, at least.” She points at her sister’s face.

She quickly shakes her head. "Alright, enough about that. Time to work!"

The filly pouts as her sister walks out of earshot. “...she needs to admit her feelin’s before someone takes him...”

So many questions! What is your deal?

A few hours pass, and a number of pranks have been foiled. Flick, having not seen Rainbow for the past thirty minutes, starts staring up in the sky, wary of any sneak attacks.

"Focus." Says the nearby farm mare. "I get yer on watch, but Ah don't want ya to trip."

He stops searching, looking back at her in time to tug on her tail, stopping her from slipping on an apple.

"Thanks." She frees herself before bucking the next tree, causing a rain of produce.

“I guess we both need to pay more attention, huh?” He chuckles, moments before tensing up and breaking out into a run. The griffon tackles a certain lavender unicorn as she rounds the next tree, getting both of them out of the way just in time to avoid Applejack’s hooves.

"Gah!" There's a cry as the two take a tumble down a gentle hill.

Flick flinches and grunts every time he rolls onto his wing, but he still turns so he lands on his back, hugging the scholarly pony to his chest.

After taking a moment to recover, he looks at her with a gentle smile. “You’re not hurt, are you?”

"What happened?" She asks softly, eyes spinning.

“I just kept us from getting bucked into a tree.” He chuckles, rolling onto his right side and still holding her.

"Well that was luck-" She pauses as she sees their position, brain seeming to pause as her cheeks go red.

“...oh, right.” He stands up and pulls her onto her hooves, brushing a couple blades of grass off her side. “Sorry I made you uncomfortable, I needed to get off my injury.”

"Yes, injury, right... right!" She quickly checks it. "Have you been following the doctor's instructions?"

“Been trying. Apple Bloom smacked it with a stick earlier.” He watches her, claws tensing slightly.

"She what?!" She gasps.

“It was just her being rowdy. School hasn’t started yet, from what I could tell, so she might need an outlet of some kind.” He shrugs, reaching up to push a lilac hair back in place.

"Still that's... that's really bad..."

He shrugs. “If it helps, it was also an accident.”

"Oh, well, that's better." She nods.

The wing twitches in its sling, but he takes her face between his claws so he can soothingly rub her cheeks, hoping to distract her from it.

She blushes more, pulling her face a little away as she turns her head. "You really might want to watch what you're doing if you have suitors after you."

He can’t quite hide his disappointment. “Does this mean you aren’t interested?”

"I don't, I mean, I never really thought about.... but my friends want..."

He gently touches his talon to her lips, brushing her mane back into order. “Just tell me what you think of me. See what that leads to.”

"But there's so many other factors..." She says quietly.

He smiles and pats her shoulder. “I’m a patient guy.”

"...would it impact our friendship?"

The griffon shakes his head. “If it doesn’t work out, I’ll still be your friend. I promise.”

“...does this mean yer gettin’ a herd?” Apple Bloom asks from beside them, making the startled guy jump ten feet in the air.

"I... I mean that technically is an option but I still need to... and the others..."

“...if it’s you an’ mah sis, Ah’ll be alright.” She nods and turns to walk away, just as Flick lands on his face.

Twilight reflexively picks him up and dusts him off, even as she still seems to be thinking.

He smiles and gives her a polite bow, claw held to his chest. “Thank you.”

"You're welcome, just, try to be careful, you don't want to be more hurt."

He nods, gently pulling her into a hug and resting his chin on her head. “Just know I’ll do whatever I can to protect you girls, okay?”

"That... wasn't really the point.. but it is sweet." She gives him a brief hug.

He lets go after a moment, chuckling quietly. “What I mean is that you are worth getting injured for.” He notices she’s still hugging, but makes no move to stop her.

She clears her throat as she lets go.

He gently tilts her chin up, giving her a warm smile. “Are we still on for reading, later?”

"Right.. yes... that's why I came over." She nods.

He turns, holding out his claw to her. “If you aren’t busy, maybe we could spend some time together while I get those apples into the barn?”

"Aren't you working?" She asks, seeing Applejack giving them a small look as she bucks another tree ont he top of the hill.

“Doesn’t mean we can’t chat while I do.” He starts walking back up the hill. “Jackie, how many more left for today?”

"Left? We just got started." She laughs a bit.

“Fair enough.” He chuckles and looks to Twilight. “I’ll be off with enough time for us to get through another novel. I promise.”

"You don't have to stick around for the whole day!" His boss calls.

“But I still want to help!” He responds, reaching the farmer and pulling her into a hug.

"Helping at all is still helping, but this is pretty much my whole day for a while sugarcube." She gently says.

He frowns softly, but gives her a little nuzzle. “I’ll work ‘til noon and then the three of us can go somewhere to eat.”

"Ah don't know... Ah really should just keep working..."

He sighs quietly. “Yeah, that’s what I figured. Maybe next time, then.” He flaps a wing and an apple falls, landing squarely on Rainbow’s head. The pegasus is startled enough to break apart the cloud with which she’d been sneaking up on them.

"Maybe a raincheck?" She offers.

“Sure. Maybe we can actually go to the grill, this time.” He chuckles, giving her one last squeeze before turning to Twilight. “How about you, Twily? Hungry?”

She stand there with her head tilted, looking curious as she slowly nods. "Yes... sure..."

“Great! What time is it?” He looks up at the sky, shielding his eyes with a claw. “If it’s close enough to lunch, you could come with me while I drop these off. That way we could head off together from there.”

"Yes... sure..." She answers in that same tone, still looking at him.

He takes her by the hoof and leads her to the cart. “But first we’ll have to figure out sleeping arrangements for tonight.”

"Wait- what?!" She suddenly shakes her head as she hears him.

He snickers softly. “Just wanted to see if you were paying attention.”

She blushes, scraping her hoof on the ground. "Sorry, I started thinking about something."

“It’s fine.” He hefts her up onto the seat, tugging it along so he can gather the latest baskets that were filled. “Do you feel like sharing along the way?”

"My thoughts?" She makes sure.

“Well they certainly aren’t mine.” He laughs brightly, pausing to heft the last basket on the back with a grunt. He walks around and quickly secures himself so they can head back.

"I can walk to help with the weight." She starts getting down.

“It’s fine. You’re much lighter than the apples, so it doesn’t make a difference.”

"Well... if you're sure..." She settles in.

They head down the road, having it to themselves for a while.

"So..." she starts after a bit. "Do griffons have magic?"

“Of course we do. How else would we lay on clouds?” He taps his chin thoughtfully. “I swear I said this somewhere before...”

"Okay... and how much control would you say you have?"

He stops in the middle of the road, looking at her curiously. “How does one measure how well they can stand on clouds?” He chuckles and continues on his way.

"So that's all your magic can do?"

He stays quiet for a moment. “...what if I said no? What then?”

"I'd ask more questions." She says simply.

“...as long as I can decide not to answer any of them.” He nods and hurries up on their trip.

"So...?"

He grunts as he grips and pulls open the barn door, the other opening without him touching it. “I might have more.” He pulls her and the cart inside as the doors close.

She looks between him and the door, raising a hoof but just tapping her lip. "You don't know?"

He gives her a look, then waves his claw in her direction. Her bangs briefly float in a breeze through the sealed off barn.

She gasps." I knew it!"

“Congrats.” He smirks. “You and Jackie are the only ones to know.” He turns his attention in on himself, getting the harness off his body.

"So is it special to you?" She practically teleports to his side. "Did you train or were you born with it?"

He looks at her nervously. “As far as I know, I’m the only one. It’s just... my element, I guess.” He rubs his chin. “My sister has one too, but I doubt you’ll get to meet her any time soon.”

"You have a sister?" He can see her itch to write all this down.

“Yes, I do.” He reaches over and gently grips her hoof in his claws. “...promise me that whatever you ask stays between us.”

She blinks. "... what if I end up publishing a book about new discoveries made from this interview and change your name to maintain anonymity?"

He gives her a wry smile. “Wouldn’t the ponies who live here be able to connect the dots, since I’m the only griffon?”

"Hmm... maybe..." She frowns and thinks.

He sits down next to her, gently draping his wing over her back. “What if you said pegasus? Would that work?”

"I would need to research first if the magic you use and pegasus magic are the same to retain accuracy."

He sighs and rubs his beak. “Let’s put that down as ‘pending’, then.” He’s silent for a moment before swishing his tail.

Two mares fall from the rafters from a strong breeze, barely catching themselves with their wings.

“...I guess everyone knows now,” Flick mutters.

Silk flutters to the ground, straightening her mane: "I wasn't intending to eavesdrop."

“I was,” Rainbow says, landing beside the thestral.

Flick groans and rubs his forehead. “...should we just take this back to the fields so Jackie can hear, too?”

"We haven't really heard that much if it's a secret." Silk points out.

“No, you must’ve heard everything with that thestral hearing of yours,” the weather mare says.

"They've been pretty vague, is what I meant." She hisses.

He brings up a claw and points at her nose. She promptly feels something poke it.

She lets out a small bat like squeak, rubbing her nose.

“There. Now we’re all in the same boat.” He gives her a cheeky smile, then lays down with Twilight under his wing. “So... I’ll answer questions, but not all of them.”

"But I have so many!" She protests.

“Pretty sure he means that some things he just won’t share,” Rainbow says. “Will you be telling this to Applejack later?”

“Yep.” He flaps his good wing, and Silk finds herself sliding over to his other side.

"Well, if you insist." She snuggles herself against him.

“Comfy.” He smiles at her and looks to Twilight. “Where did you want to start?”

"So, were you born with it or did you obtain it?" Twilight quickly asks.

He scratches his head. “I think I was born with it? I trained to do all that I can now, though... and to keep it under control.”

"It can get out of control?" Silk asks.

He grimaces. “I used to cause tornados when I was younger...”

Rainbow’s eyes widen. “How were you not hurt?”

“I never said I wasn’t... but the winds themselves never touched me.”

"Interesting... perhaps a new subspecies?" Twilight muses.

He turns to look at her, baffled. “How do you figure?”

"Well, you're exhibiting strange power that suggests you may be more in tune with you magical side. This is just a theory, but if I'm right, you may be the griffon equivalent of a unicorn."

Rainbow laughs at this idea. “What, like a grifficorn? That sounds silly!”

A piece of paper flies into her face to quiet her laughter.

"You never know, Rainbow. Things like this do happen occasionally." Twilight says.

She spits out the paper, looking at her with a raised eyebrow. “Name one time, aside from Flick.”

"Seaponies."

Her muzzle scrunches up. “I thought those were bedtime stories...”

"Reports are few and they keep to themselves, but ponies that live in the sea have been sighted." She nods.

“Huh... anyways, that wind thing. Is it all you can do?” She points at Flick, who balks.

“No- wait, yes?” He looks confused and a little panicky.

"Now why would that set you off?" Silk asks, nuzzling him.

“...might be partly because I don’t know which word is the right answer?”

"There's no right answer, just explain." Twilight says.

He sighs and brings up a claw, tracing a circle in midair. In the same moment, Twilight feels something rubbing the base of her horn. “I might have a minor form of that lifting magic... training helped me realize it... and I can also solidify it somewhat.” His claw grips the air, and suddenly all of her horn was being gently squeezed.

She lets out a small yelp of surprise. "Like levitation cantrips..."

He lets go and folds his claws together. “You’d be surprised at all I can do.”

“Yeah, especially since you didn’t make a wind while doing that,” Rainbow points out.

"This is so exciting! There's so much potential here!" Twilight practically stomps her hooves with happiness.

Flick smiles and nuzzles her cheek, giving her a little hug. “You’re just so adorable when you’re excited.”

She blushes as the thestral giggles.

“We get it, you want to cuddle her.” She looks down and grumbles the next sentence.

“Because Applejack. Also I haven’t got close enough to cuddle you because you keep pushing me away.”

Her face flushes red. “That’s not... how did you...?”

"You're not the most subtle mare." Silk says with a smirk.

The blue pony groans and lets her head fall into her hooves. “But it feels so lame...” She immediately straightens up, frowning deeply. “...remind me to never use that word again.”

"I'll try." twilight says.

“Thanks.”

Flick taps her nose. “But yeah, you’ll have to make sure Jackie is up for it, Rainbow Dash.”

Twilight looks between them. "I feel like I'm missing context."

“Applejack apparently does have him as her pet,” Rainbow says, smirking at a flustered Flick.

“Come on, that rumor just started dying down!”

"But that doesn't fit with his response..." the unicorn frowns.

“Because she’s wrong, anyways.” He shakes his head. “I told Jackie that I wasn’t intending on chasing after Rainbow.” Before her expression drops to much, he turns his gaze to the rafters and continues. “But if her feelings are genuine, I don’t know if I have the heart to refuse her... just like with the rest of you girls.”

As Twilight blushes, Silk comments. "Spreading yourself a bit thin."

“Can’t help how I feel,” he answers, looking at her now. “But I promise I won’t fall for anyone else. Not the way I like you.” He turns to Twilight, nudging her cheek with his beak. “All of you.”

The mares exchange looks, some knowing, some unsure, and a nice mixture of smiles.

“...so who are you gonna bed first?”

Author's Note

So while writing these chapters, my friend and forgot to make braking points. :twilightblush: So... some chapters might have a small issue with the length.

Watch your claws! Can you put me down?

His face turns bright red, sputtering from the sudden question. “R-Rainbow!”

“Me?” She grins cheekily, tapping his beak, now. “Awesome! I get to be first!”

"He didn't say that!" Twilight objects, blushing as the others turn to her.

Rainbow snickers, playfully winking at her friend. “Gotcha.”

Flick is now slightly confused, and the blue pony picks up on this. She smirks and points to her unicorn friend, seeing another opportunity to prank someone. “She wants first, too.”

"I... I... what!" Twilight feels her whole face warm as she tries to salvage control of the conversation back.

Flick gently touches a talon to her lips, flashing her a warm smile before he turns back to Rainbow. “No one is calling first anything. I’m going to spend time with you girls, and whatever happens, happens. If it means I’m teasing Silky behind her counter while she works, or giving Twilight a massage, I’ll be up for it.” He taps the weathermare’s nose. “You still need to ask Jackie if you can be included, anyways.”

Rainbow flies out of the barn before the last word is finished, and with a wave of his talon the door closes once more.

There's a quiet husky whisper from his side opposite the unicorn, right in his ear. "Promise?"

He looks to Silk and nods, smiling. “Absolutely... of course, I’ve already given Jackie a few massages, but that’s because she was tense from farm work...” He reaches over and rubs Twilight’s neck as an example.

Her tail flicks as she starts before relaxing.

The griffon considers her for a moment before looking to Silk. “You wouldn’t mind if I massaged her here, would you? She seems a little tense.”

"Hmm... I don't have any objections." She waves a wing.

He nods and stands up, placing a gentle claw on Twilight’s back, silently asking her to stay laying down. “So I’ve been told to avoid the dock, and Silk’s wings are sensitive... anything I should know before I start, Twily?”

She gulps. "No horn, please."

He nods and moves over her, standing above her back as his blunt talons begin kneading into her shoulders.

She shivers. "Never had one of these before..."

"You'll like it." Silk says simply.

He nuzzles her cheek, pausing to whisper in her ear. “If I’m ever too forceful, let me know and I’ll ease up.” He slowly works down her forelegs as he awaits a response.

"Isn't it supposed to be?" She asks.

He chuckles quietly. “I meant in all things, Twily.” He pauses to work a knot out of her foreleg. “Do you use this hoof for anything in particular?”

"... running into the coffee table." She admits.

He stares blankly for a second. “...I’ll admit I wasn’t expecting that.” He shrugs and grips it with his claw, rubbing up and down along it. His chest presses into her back, unable to completely keep balance with three points of contact with the floor.

As she sees the unicorn's face go even redder, Silk smirks. "You're likely to make her pass out at this rate, hun."

“Huh?” Flick looks to her, switching claws so he can get the other foreleg. “Was it a sensitive spot?”

"I think it's more positioning." She lays one of her forehooves on top of the other, going the same direction, to demonstrate.

He pulls away from Twilight, looking at said hooves for a half-second. “...wait, how was I dry-humping her? My back half never came close to making contact. I made sure of that.”

Twilight is actually the one who answers. "Ponies have an instinctual reaction to pressure of a male chest on their back. You weren't doing anything more, but it still felt... embarrassing."

He looks to her once more, leaning into her shoulders now with his claws to work out the kinks. “Instinctual reaction? What do you mean by that?”

She blushes more, burying her face in the ground.

"Hun, it’s halfway to being mounted."

“...see, I didn’t know that.” He quickly moves to her side and kneads her back muscles, blushing brightly.

Twilight lets out a slow breath as color comes back to her face. "That raises an obvious question, but I'll just say 'social differences'..."

“...I’ll be honest, I mostly kept to myself.” He traces her spine idly, stopping to work on a couple spots on each side. “Do you lean over a lot while sitting?”

"...yes..." She admits. "I don't have good reading posture."

“We should work on that after this.” He nods and works lower, nearing her hips as he gets more and more knots out of her muscles. “...you’re really soft, by the way. I like it, it makes you unique, like Applejack and Silk.” His tail tickles the thestral’s nose as he thinks about her.

She grins before gently reaching out and gripping his tail in her teeth.

His claws grip those stars, digging a bit into her rump from the shiver that goes up his spine.

"Yeep!" Twilight squeaks, trying to back away while Silk quickly lets go with a giggle.

Flick lets go as well, his whole face red. “Sorry! I didn’t mean to!”

She stands up... and promptly falls over. "Ah! You made my legs too shaky!"

He grimaces, carefully picking her up. “Here, let me...” He places her on his back, nodding to himself. “There... you can stay up there until you can walk properly again.”

"I'm feeling so many different things right now." She says quietly.

“Are they good or bad?” He looks to Silk. “You want to join us for lunch? Twily’s picking the place and I’m paying.”

"Sounds fun." She comes over, nuzzling his beak.

He chuckles and pats her head. “Alright. Where are we heading?” He looks to the unicorn, touching her nose to his beak.

"Maybe I can walk now..." She weakly says.

“Nonsense, your legs are still trembling. I can feel them against my own.”

"They don't feel bad... just not stable."

“Then I’ll carry you.” He nods, as though that was enough to give a decisive answer.

"But I'm a grown mare..." She whines.

“I’d carry Celestia if she couldn’t walk and I was the only one around.” He looks to the ceiling. “I’d prefer to carry one of you girls, though. I like being helpful.”

She doesn't say anything more, but wrap her forelegs around his neck in a hug.

He smiles and nuzzles her cheek. “So where are we headed, Twily?”

"Umm... I heard about this little diner in town." She motions ahead.

“Sounds delightful.” He smiles and heads out of the barn, nearly bumping into it when it doesn’t open at first. “...right, this one is stuck...” He moves a bit to the side and opens the door beside it.

"Should we let your boss know?" Silk muses as she trots beside him.

“I’ll fix it later so she won’t have to know about it,” he says, shaking his head. “I don’t want to cause her more stress.”

"Not what I meant, but alright."

"Can I try walking again when we get to town?" Twilight asks.

“If you feel confident enough by then.” He glances up to see Rainbow heading his way. “Oh hey, she’s back.”

The mare lands and points at his face. “She said I have to beat her in a competition. Shouldn’t be hard, but she said she wasn’t going to interrupt her harvest for it. Might end up being in the fall.”

“...I’m gonna pretend you said she had to plan it out,” Flick mutters, shaking his head.

"Why? It sounds reasonable." Twilight says.

“I don’t like the idea of Jackie being unable to do anything but harvest,” Flick responds, the four of them continuing down the dirt path.

"But it's her job." Silk says. "It's not like it's every day, just a certain time of year."

“...I guess I’m just being selfish, then,” he says, looking down at the ground.

“You know I’m always available for fun stuff,” Rainbow says, leaning up against his side.

"True... maybe you can do some of that with Applejack so she doesn't overwork herself." Twilight replies, slightly oblivious.

“...I’ll see about doing it tomorrow.” He reaches back to pat her side as they enter town. “I have reading to do with you, today.”

"Right, yes! And... maybe more questions?" She asks pleadingly.

He laughs brightly, ruffling her mane. “Yes, of course. Maybe I can get more personal if only one pony is listening...” He trails off meaningfully.

Silk pouts. "I don't think I've been particularly probing."

He looks to the thestral, kisses her cheek, and continues the walk, garnering looks from the townsfolk. “You can ask one question while we eat. With your hearing, I can make sure only you know the answer.”

"Hmm... I'll make sure to make it count."

“Alrighty.” He waves to Rarity as they pass her boutique, and she slowly waves back, curious about him carrying Twilight.

The lavender unicorn blushes, hiding her face. "Can I get down?"

He stops, lowering himself to lay on his belly and nuzzle under her chin. “Of course, Twily.”

"Thank you." She says quietly, stepping off him.

Rainbow watches her friend for a moment, poking her shoulder when she gets close enough. “Something up?”

They hear a squawk, and see Flick covering his eyes. “Silky, please control your tail!”

"Sorry hun, was meant to be just a tickle!" She says, turning and helping him up.

He pulls his claw away to reveal a light red mark over one eye. “...maybe I should’ve stood up sooner to avoid this...”

Rainbow gives Silk a pointed stare.

She actually folds her ears back, leaning up and kissing the mark.

For a moment, he just stands there in stunned silence. A swath of pink slowly forms across his face as what she just did dawns on him, a talon tracing where her lips touched.

She giggles. "Better?"

“I think so... how about another, to make sure?” He gives her a playful smile, but the teasing is interrupted when Twilight suddenly stumbles forward and lands lips-to-beak against him.

“Whoops,” Rainbow drones, setting her wing back against her side, “I tripped.”

Silk snorts, glaring at the pegasus while the unicorn squeaks and stands up, apologizing.

He gently takes her cheeks, looking into her eyes. “Twily, you don’t need to apologize. That was entirely Rainbow’s doing... and I’m not gonna lie, I kinda enjoyed it. Plus, it helped, just like Silk’s did.” He closes his eye, gesturing to the lack of a mark he now has. “See? It’s... it’s gone.”

Rainbow shrugs. “As long as she helped, right?”

"But... wait... how did it?" She looks closer. "Was it just discoloration?"

“No, she got me good.” He smirks as he idly brushes her mane back into place. “Signs of affection make me better.”

"... that sounds like a pickup line." She says quietly.

His brow furrows. “It does? How? It’s the truth.”

"I wonder if that's part of your magic..." She looks down, thoughtful.

“We could always try to find out later.” Rainbow points at his still-injured wing. “See how much it takes to heal that.”

"True.. it would make for a good experiment." Twilight nods.

Flick raises an eyebrow at her. “You do realize what that will entail, right?”

"Huh?" She looks at him innocently. "Control, theory, and testing?"

He stares at her face for a bit, then sighs and gently pats her head. “...you know what, let’s leave the details for after our reading time.”

Rainbow’s muzzle scrunches up at this, and she tries to get them going again. “So, where are we going, Twi?”

"It's right over there..." She points to a small diner with a couple tables outside.

“Right, let’s go.” She hurries behind Silk and starts pushing her that direction.

"Alright alright, I'm going!"

Flick watches them leave for a second, then gently drapes his wing over Twilight’s back as they follow.

She smiles, but does not remove it as they go.

What will be your order? That cloud's dangerous!

They eventually arrive at the table when the waiter does, and they take a seat much like they were positioned in the barn earlier, Rainbow sitting across from Flick and the other two across from each other.

Silk peruses the menu as Twilight seems to relax.

“So... anything interesting happen recently?” Flick asks, quietly pointing at the water on his menu.

"Well, there is a ceremony scheduled soon, but it's a secret from Applejack."

“...what? Then how are you gonna get her to come? I don’t think she’d stop her harvest for much of anything.” He gestures to all of them. “She didn’t even stop for lunch.”

"The mayor is going to call her down officially."

“...oh. That makes sense.” He gives a nod, then looks to the waiter, who is now waiting for Twilight’s drink order.

"Oh, umm... orange and peach juice, please." She says quickly.

“Pomegranate and apple juice,” Rainbow says, then turns the menu to him. “Could we also get the appetizer platter?”

"Strawberry Lemonade." Silk says.

The waiter nods and heads inside, leaving them outside to wait. Flick stares down at the table. “Is this a giant mushroom?”

"Is it? I always thought it was a decorative choice." Silk taps it.

They hear a thunk, but the noise doesn’t give them a definitive answer. Nor does the dust that comes from the underside.

"I guess it doesn't really matter as long as nopony tries to eat it."

He just shrugs. “Fair enough... say, did you get any new customers since I made you that sign?”

"Actually yes, thank you." She smiles. "It's still adorable to see them blush when they first enter."

“They blush? Really?” He grins, leaning closer to her.

"Well of course, my shop does inspire certain trains of thoughts." She winks.

“You sure it’s not because you’re the mare posing on your sign?” Rainbow mumbles around a complimentary flower.

She looks at her. "I don't know whether to be insulted or flattered by that."

“It’s a compliment,” Flick asserts. “They were inspired by you to try your outfits, wanting your confidence for themselves.”

"Oh you..." She giggles and flutters her eyelashes at him.

He smiles at her, patting her head. “Any new items since I was last there?”

"Hmm... well, I try to shift stock over time, but I did get a stock of more nurse themed items." She winks.

“...I’ll need to see you ladies in that, at some point.” He chuckles playfully, missing Rainbow as she looks back at her rump with a frown.

He doesn’t miss the drinks and appetizers being slid onto the table, though. He eyes the spread curiously. “...are those tomato skins?”

“Yes, sir,” the waiter informs them, quickly taking note of the color draining from his face. “Is something the matter?”

"He's allergic to tomatoes." Twilight explains.

“Oh, my apologies, sir! Here, I can-“

Flick pushes the plate closer to the other side of the table. “It’s fine, they can enjoy it. Maybe I could get something else, instead?” He looks to the menu, brow furrowed. “...do you have any fish?”

He looks slightly perturbed by this question.

Twilight also looks to the waiter now.

Put on the spot, he looks down and thinks. “...I don’t think we do, sir.”

“Darn. Guess I’ll just have some fries.” Flick sighs and starts to drink as the waiter writes this down.

"You don't like other vegetables or fruits?" Silk asks.

“...I can’t really think of any fruits at the moment,” he admits.

"Banana, apple, orange, pear, pomegranate, passion fruit, dragon fruit, grapes, cherries, berries..." She rattles off.

“...what the heck is dragon fruit?” The griffon asks, latching on to the most unusual name in the list.

"It's just an unusual fruit that reminded a pony of dragons when they first saw it. It doesn't allow you to breathe fire." She smiles.

“As if I need to.” He sticks his tongue out at her, then looks to the waiter. “Fruit salad, I guess?”

“Can I get a pasta and potato sandwich on sourdough bread?” Rainbow asks.

He nods, though he seems confused by the request.

The pegasus blushes a bit. “...I like to carbo-load.”

"Do you have a soup of the day?" Twilight asks.

“Our chef decided to experiment today, so we have tortilla soup and egg drop soup as our specials.”

Flick waves his claw, getting the waiter’s attention. “Yeah, that, that second one. I’d like that, too.”

"I'd like the egg soup as well." Twilight says.

"I'd like that fruit salad, but with any sweet dips you have as well." Silk orders.

He nods, scribbling everything down as he walks away.

Flick pokes the flowers in the center of the table. “So... you really eat these?”

Twilight nods. "Grass too, though that's more desperation these days."

His brow furrows slightly. “...don’t ponies walk on the grass? That can’t taste good...” He turns to see Rainbow with the appetizer plate, half of the food gone. “...I hope you realize I’ll have to avoid touching you, for now.”

“What!?” The blue mare cries out, dropping one of the tomato skins.

"Is it that bad? Or have tomatoes secretly gotten into our sweat when we eat them and we never knew?" Silk asks.

“Contact with them causes hives. Eating them is a lot more dangerous,” he says.

"Wow."

“Yeah, They’re... they’re bad news, for me.”

"No neightalian dishes for you, then."

“What?” He looks crestfallen. “No fettuccine alfredo? Or Caesar salad?”

"... okay, some." She laughs.

He promptly hugs her. “Don’t scare me like that! Those are two of my favorite dishes!”

"Then you'd know by now if you could have them!" She counters playfully.

He rubs his chin thoughtfully. “Touché. I’ll have to find another way to tease you.”

"I look forward to it." She nips at a feather on his neck."

“...hey, here’s an idea.” Rainbow gestures to Twilight. “Why don’t you lean on her for a bit? She looks comfy, too.”

Twilight blushes and looks pointedly at the flowers.

The weathermare even gets up and walks around the table, pushing the not-resisting griffon against the lavender pony. “There. Comfy, see?” She walks over to her seat and scarfs down the rest of the appetizer, not noticing his slinged wing starting to twitch and fluff slightly from where she touched him.

Silk shoots the blue mare a slightly dirty look, but doesn't say anything as she sniffs and watches the other two.

Flick squirms slightly, the injured wing twitching a bit more. “...while she’s right... she really shouldn’t have pushed me like that...”

"Wait..." Twilight gasps, quickly checking on his wing. Parting the feathers manages to find angry red skin underneath.

Rainbow can only stare in shock for a moment before blurting out, “How does that not hurt?”

“Oh... it might have to do with my pain receptors shorting out to preserve my sanity and your ears.” He gives her a pained smile.

"What an we do? Is there something you normally treat it with?!" Twilight asks, voice getting louder.

He gently embraces her, rubbing her mane with a talon and keeping her head on the side opposite the affected wing. “Twily, it’ll be fine. Do you trust me?”

"Yes... but I also worry..."

He just continues to nuzzle and pet her, the other two ponies able to see the redness slowly fading. “Thank you. It means so much that you care for me.”

Silk tilts her head at this, looking thoughtful. "You weren't kidding..."

“Told you.” He chuckles, looking to the thestral. “It works better if they actively show affection, though. Not you, Rainbow Dash.” He preempts the mare starting to stand. “Not until you clean yourself off, at least.”

She looks at her empty plate, dejected. “Right...”

Seeing this, Silk leans in to her ear. "There's some clouds over there."

A technicolor trail is left behind from how fast she took off at her words.

The thestral just continues munching on a few flowers. She finds herself in the shade a moment before Rainbow lands, the athlete having put a cloud over her. She looks up. "I hope that's for shade…"

A single drop lands on her nose, but nothing else happens.

"..." She narrows her eyes at it, but slowly goes back to looking at the others.

Flick catches her with a nose boop, chuckling as he pulls back his talon.

She blinks before smiling. "Glad you feel mostly fine at least."

“I’ll have to admit, she’s helping.” He pats the unicorn’s head before freezing, his wing violently twitching, a tortured expression covering his face.

“Oh hey, he got the feeling back,” Rainbow sardonically says.

Twilight instantly goes back to worrying. "Do salves help?"

“Yes!” He grits his teeth as he slowly, agonizingly folds it back against his side. “I mean yes. Sorry for yelling in your ear.”

"Okay okay, right, you stay here, I have one for burns at home!" She lights up her horn, teleporting away.

Flick falls flat on his face with her not there to support him. “...this lunch was more hectic than I thought it would be...”

"I hear that happens." Silk says, raising him up and leaning him on her.

Rainbow’s ire rises as he nuzzles the yellow mare’s neck. “You sure you won’t accidentally hurt him?” She asks through gritted teeth.

"I know how to control myself." Silk says with a toothy grin.

He taps her nose. “Control yourself.” He pauses as he looks to his talon. “...Silk, get away from the cloud. Please.”

"Huh?" Her wings flare as she goes backwards. A light downpour occurs where she was, apparently triggered by her movement. It only forms a puddle, but Flick scrambles to get away from it as though it were a raging fire.

The weather pony just sits where she is, baffled.

Twilight teleports back in holding a green bottle. "Got it... did I miss something?"

The griffon sits up and points the now-inflamed talon at Rainbow. “Did you use the cloud that you washed off with?!”

Her brow furrows. “No, I used the one below it.”

Silk facehoofs as Twilight starts applying the salve. "It's mostly for burns, but it's what I had."

He places his good claw on his chest, letting the unicorn work as he calms his heart rate. “Thank you, Twily. It helps.” He looks to Rainbow. “...rain clouds can mix, even if they aren’t touching. Please be more careful in the future.”

She has the grace to look ashamed at her mistake, even as the cloud drifts away from their group.

Silk gives it a gust to push it along faster before she comes back, observing the blue mare before giving her a pat on the back with a wing.

“...I guess I should work on my jealousy, huh?” She mutters.

"I think we both might, but maybe it's just in our nature until we get used to sharing." Silk replies.

She nods once, then sits up straight. “I at least got his first kiss!”

“No you didn’t,” Flick says. “Unless you mean the first since I got into town.”

Silk shrugs while Twilight looks curious as she puts on salve.

“...let’s just say it was stolen a while back,” he responds, rubbing Twilight’s head with his good claw.

"Oh... okay." She nods.

He nods, then looks to the puddle where Silk’s cushion was. “...what can we do about that?”

"Is this seat taken?" She pats his thigh with a sultry look.

Visibly flustered, it’s all he can do to shake his head, even if his other claw is holding Twilight close.

Silk laughs at both their expressions. "Maybe another time. I'm sure we can just ask for another cushion." She leans in to whisper. "But it might make a good seat for when I'm at the counter at work."

He gives a short nod, blushing brightly from her words, as well as the cute pony pressed up against his side, who hasn’t made a move to back away yet.

"Are you feeling better?" Twilight asks.

“Oh... yes, actually. Thank you.” He kisses her forehead and lets her go, albeit reluctantly.

She lets out a few mumbles, looking around for the waiter.

Instead, she finds the two fruit salads set down before Flick and Silk, the waiter waiting nearby with the sandwich and soups on his back, eyes on Twilight. “Forgive me, I didn’t mean to interrupt your flirting, miss.”

"I-I wasn’t flirting!" She quickly says, face red.

“Your leg is wrapped around his arm,” Rainbow points out.

She looks down and sees this, blushing as she lets go. "I... um..."

“Twily, it’s alright.” He gestures to the table and food, the last plate of which has been set before them. “Let’s eat before our soup cools.”

"Yes! Eat! Let’s!" She nods.

He carefully picks her up by the waist, scooping her cushion under her with his tail before setting her down on it. “There, now you aren’t sitting on the hard ground.”

"... thank you." She says, quickly taking a bite of her soup.

He flinches, thinking she’d actually bitten the spoon. “...careful, don’t want to burn yourself.” He starts on his own meal, blowing on the soup in his own utensil before eating.

Her horn flashes once, but she seems fine as she takes another bite. "This is good!"

“Yep!” He takes a grape and tosses it into his beak, enjoying the soft sweetness.

Silk is chowing down on her own food, humming happily.

Rainbow eats half her sandwich in one bite, smiling as she chews. She jumps when a grape bounces off her nose, eyes narrowing at the two with fruit salads.

"Sorry, my aim is a little off." Silk says, winking at her.

She huffs and picks it up, sending it flying at the other mare. Then it curves and lands in Flick’s mouth, where he happily chews it up.

“No wasting food, please,” he says, offering Twilight a strawberry.

"Oh! Thank you." She smiles and takes it.

Rainbow frowns. “Isn’t feeding ponies you like a thing?” She mutters, looking at her sandwich and taking another bite.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Twilight asks as Silk slides the rainbow mare a piece of mango.

“You know, offering them food and they eat it off your hoof... or claw.” She eyes the claws of said griffon as she eats the offered fruit.

"Maybe? I took it with magic, though." She points out.

The athlete looks to the seamstress for help, gesturing to Twilight.

"Let her find out herself." She says simply. "It'll be cuter."

“Fine...” She pokes a piece of potato. “It’s gonna bug me until she does, though.”

"I'll be fine hun, just enjoy your meal and company.” She smiles.

“...yeah, I guess I can do that.” Flick chooses that moment to wipe the corner of Twilight’s mouth, licking up the soup that he had collected with his talon.

"I... you..." Twilight blushes more.

“What?” He chuckles, giving her a brief nuzzle. “Can’t let you messy that cute face.”

"I guess Spike was right about my eating habits..." She mutters.

“It’s not just you,” Rainbow says, pointing at Silk as an example and blatantly ignoring the crumbs on her own cheeks.

Silk licks the small bit of juice that was on her lips. "...what?"

“Point is, we’re all messy eaters,” Flick says, shrugging a bit.

Silk huffs a bit, but says nothing.

“To varying degrees,” he amends, popping a cherry into her mouth before she can properly respond.

She nods at this acceptable recompense.

The meal continues with Flick cuddled up to Twilight, occasionally offering her fruit until all that was left of their dishes was peach halves in his bowl.

Silk eyes those pieces while the bookworm just has a constant light pink glow.

He notices the former, picking up one piece and offering it to the bat pony.

She gently takes it from home in a wing, smiling gratefully before she eats it.

He smiles, then turns and offers Twilight the last piece. “Something sweet for someone sweet?”

"Thank you." She smiles at him as she takes it in magic, biting it and chewing with a small content smile.

“...okay, yeah, Twilight is cute,” Rainbow grumbles, chin resting on the table.

"We each have our own ways." Silk says, patting her back again.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been cute,” she responds.

"Everyone is cute sometimes."

Rainbow frowns at Silk. “Says who?”

“I don’t know,” Flick says, “you do an adorable pout whenever you fail one of your pranks.”

Her head whips to him, rose colored eyes wide. “W-What?”

“Yeah, like that. Flustered Dash is adorable. Even more so when you’re blushing... yeah, like that.” He nods, smiling at her.

"You know, I think I see it." Silk muses while Twilight looks confused.

She raises her hooves to her cheeks. “...great, now you have something to tease me about.”

"It's what I do, hun, but as Flick might tell you, it's not so bad."

“Yeah. I like the brash and bold Rainbow Dash...” He reaches over, hesitant, but taps her nose regardless. “...but the cute and possibly cuddly Dashie is looking to be just as interesting.”

Her muzzle scrunches, partly from the touch. “How’d you know what mom used to call me?”

"He's good at guessing family nicknames." Twilight speaks up.

Flick looks at her curiously. “I am?” He glances over at Silk to get her take.

"Sorry hun, don't really have one."

“He calls you Silky,” Rainbow points out.

“I call our adorable scholar Twily.” He playfully ruffles her mane.

"Well yes, but mine isn't exactly a secret nickname that's hard to come up with." Silk points out.

“We could always work together to figure out a cuter nickname, if you’d like,” Flick says, smiling at her.

“...so you were saying about family nicknames, Twilight?” Rainbow pulls in her attention with the question, which she follows up with a sip of her juice.

"It's just that he called me what someone else in my family called me that no one else had." She explains.

“Who? Your mom? Your dad?”

"My brother."

Now the blue pegasus just looks confused. “Wait, you have a brother? Can we meet him?”

"Probably not, he's in the guard and that keeps him away a lot." She says softly.

“...where is he normally located?” he asks, mind working to get her spirits back up.

"It depends if he's deployed... it could be anywhere then, but he does come home to canterlot occasionally."

“We’ll go visit him then so we can get introductions out of the way.” He looks to Silk. “Any family you’d like us to meet?”

"Hmm... no real rush, but I'm sure you'll meet them eventually." She smiles.

Rainbow raises a hoof. “Yeah, can we just not meet my parents? Our relationship is delicate.”

This gets her an odd look from Flick, who stops rubbing Twilight’s shoulder to pay extra attention to the normally brash pony, now anxious. “What do you mean?”

“...it’s just... delicate.”

Silk pats her back once more. "Maybe later."

“...maybe.” She gives her a weak smile, then goes back to sipping her drink. Then she suddenly gets to her hooves. “Oh yeah! There’s a competition in Cloudsdale next weekend! You have to come!”

Flick points to Twilight. “But she can’t fly.”

"There are spells that allow other ponies to go to cloudsdale." Twilight says. "I just need to research them."

Their athletic friend looks at her curiously. “There are spells to give ponies wings? Aren’t balloons less tiring?”

"I meant just cloudwalking, but wings, hmm..." She looks thoughtful.

“If you get wings, can we fly together?” Rainbow and Flick look at each other, mildly surprised they said the exact same thing.

She looks between all of them. "Is that a big thing?"

“I was hoping for another flying buddy,” Rainbow says.

Flick scratches his cheek, blushing a bit. “...I was thinking it’d be sorta romantic...”

She blushes. "... I need to read into more pegasus traditions like that."

Rainbow spreads her wings. “There’s also preening.”

“...I can’t think of anything else,” Flick admits.

"There's so much to research now!" She smiles. "I'll do my best!"

He chuckles, feeling invigorated by her enthusiasm. His eyes turn to Silk. “Do you have anything to share? Rituals or rites you want to do with others?”

The technicolor mare opposite him frowns. “You make it sound cursed or something.”

"Hmm... not really," Silk says. "The most is probably little habits I'm sure you'll find out for yourself."

“Hmm...” His gaze narrows, and he pulls her close, beak doing the best impression of nibbling on her ear as it will allow.

She lets out a bat-like squeak, cheeks going pink as she smiles.

“...so I guess I’m out of lovey-dovey circle until I beat Applejack, huh?” Rainbow frowns, watching the waiter take their empty dishes and set down a chocolate cake.

"Maybe it's a courting ritual?" Twilight offers.

“...I guess?” She scrunches her muzzle slightly. “I don’t know griffon stuff like that...”

She looks to Flick.

“I’ll answer when we get to questions,” he says, poking her nose. “After we read.”

"Fine..." She tries to pout but it is short lived.

He chuckles at her adorableness, hugging her once more before looking to the cake. “How much do we each get?”

"A fourth, obviously..." She mutters.

“But I only want an eighth,” Rainbow says. “I need to stick to my diet more.”

"Didn't you eat a pretty heavy meal?" Silk asks.

“Yes. Full of carbs.” She points at the cake. “That’s mostly sugar.”

"Fine fine." She laughs softly.

“So who gets the last eighth?” Flick asks, already cutting out Dash’s piece for her.

"I think I'm going to be pretty full after all this." Admits Twilight.

“If you don’t want it, I’ll take it,” The griffon says, gently rubbing her back. “And I’ll help take care of you if you get a stomachache.”

She blushes more, looking around to make sure that wasn't heard.

She sees Lyra turn back to her table and hold a hoof out to the cream colored earth pony across from her.

The librarian quickly turns back to their table. "So.. cake." She quickly starts eating her piece.

Not much else is said as they dig in, and eventually they finish, Flick reaching over to wipe frosting off their faces and eat it. For Rainbow, however, he just uses a napkin.

Twilight stands up. "Well, this was fun, but I should be getting back. I've been gone longer than I told Spike I would be."

He nods and stands up with her. “I’ll come with you. We still have stuff to do together, after all.”

"Is it that time already?"

“Might as well be.” He looks to Silk. “Our thing is on for tomorrow, right?”

She nods. "Are you still up for it?"

“Only If you want me to.” He smiles softly at her.

"Of course. It's business after all." She smiles at him.

He nods, placing enough bits to cover the meals of everyone, plus another for the tip. He then links his arm with Twilight’s foreleg and walks off with her.

“...you girls are so lucky,” Rainbow mutters.

"Yes we are, but I appreciate the effort you're making, hun." Silk replies.

She gives a weak smile, then turns to watch the other two.

Goodness, this book! Who's up in the bedroom?

It is some minutes later, and Flick and Twilight are still entwined, approaching her front door looking very much like a happy couple to all they’ve passed.

Twilight's mood in such seems to waver between not noticing and being embarrassed when she does.

When he lets go, he turns to face her, a small frown on his face. “I guess you still haven’t decided, then?”

"I'm sorry, this is all so new to me! I feel like I haven't prepared enough!" She says in an explosion of words that have the feeling of being held back.

He simply hugs her, smoothing her frazzled mane out with a claw. “It’s fine. I know how overwhelming this can be.” He nuzzles her cheek. “We can take this as slow as you’d like, okay?”

"Okay..." she nods.

“For now,” he lets go and gestures to the door, “how about we get to reading and questions?”

She nods. "I’d like that."

He smiles and opens the door for her, bowing and gesturing inside. “Ladies first.”

She giggles, heading inside with a small prance. "Spike! I'm home!"

“Twilight? I thought you were going to check on Applejack.” He exits the kitchen, drying off a plate. “Why were you l-“ His sentence ends abruptly once he notices the griffon, tilting his head to one side. “Are you two on another reading date?”

"It's not a date!" She reflexively says, only to pause. "... is it?"

Flick shrugs. “That depends on if you want it to be.”

“You two are doing something you enjoy together,” Spike points out.

"I guess... it is a date, then." She nods, unafraid of her favorite activity.

He shrugs, then points to the kitchen. “Do you want me to get your tea with four sugars?”

"Yes please, thank you, Spike."

He nods and hurries out of the kitchen, making some noise as he prepares her drink.

"So, which book did you want?" She asks Flick as she floats over pillows.

“Why don’t you decide, this time?” He smiles, moving so she can set up their seating.

"Then I think you'll like... this one." She floats one over.

He takes it and stares at the cover, then up at her. He slowly turns it around to show a mare and a griffon dancing on a ballroom floor. “Are you trying to tell me something, Twily?”

She blinks rapidly before sputtering. "Coincidental I assure you!"

He laughs and shakes his head. “I believe you. Still, Beauty and the Beast, huh?” He takes the time to look at the back. “Can’t say I’ve heard of one starring a griffon... oh, this writer has the same cutie mark as Celestia.” He looks closer. “...no, wait... how did I mistake a crystal heart for a sun?”

"This writer often does stories in this genre, they've become renowned for it."

“So this Amore does a lot of romance?” He lays down and pats the spot next to him.

She nods. "She only uses one name to preserve her identity."

“I see. Of course, that name could always be a pseudonym...” He looks up thoughtfully.

"True. There's no telling with authors."

“Yep.” He scoops her close with a wing, hugging her to his side as he opens the book. “Well, time to see what’s different.” She smiles as she settles in.

He opens to the first page and looks inside. “There once was a prince of a little kingdom, who was named... Flock...” His smile drops into a confused frown. “...isn’t that like calling a pony Herd?”

She shrugs. "I suppose."

He shakes his head and continues reading. “His parents loved him but were strict. They said not to let anyone into the castle at night, and though it pained the kind griffon, he couldn’t bring himself to question them.”

“One night, while he was sneaking food out of the kitchen, there was a loud knock at the door. With no one else around, he made to open it, and saw a haggard old mare waiting outside.”

“‘Let me in,’ she said, ‘It is dark and cold. I can pay you with this rose.’”

“Now the poor child was frightened, not of the old pony, but of what his parents might do if he went against what he was told.”

“‘I can’t,’ he said, trembling as the cold night air started to seep under his feathers, ‘My parents would punish me.’”

“This did not make the mare happy, and she pulled away her cloak to reveal gleaming silver armor and dark black fur. ‘Then I shall punish them!’”

“Despite his fear, he stood up to the much taller horned pegasus. ‘No! Please, don’t hurt them! I’ll take their place!’”

“She most certainly didn’t expect that, and instead made a deal. ‘You’ll have ten years, until this rose wilts. Everyone else will turn into what you see them as, and you’ll have to find a pony to love and be loved by to break the curse.’”

"...this is not where I expected this to go." Twilight admits.

“Same. I thought the prince was always this rude person...” He flips the page and stares at a young golden griffon between two monsters, glaring down at him. “...wow. Are... are those his parents?”

"... artistic license I hope..." she says, frowning a bit.

He nods, then places a claw on the next paragraph, skimming the words a bit. “...it seems they tried to force him to marry ponies from wealthy families, but he couldn’t bring himself to love them.”

"Huh... maybe this is the curse, then."

“So... does that mean he sees his parents as monsters?” He frowns at the thought, feathers getting ruffled. “How... bad are they?”

Twilight shrugs. "Should we choose another book?"

“...no. I wanna see what happens...” He flips the page and sees... Twilight. That lavender unicorn with the star on her rump is Twilight, no doubt, even if the book calls her Starlight Shimmer. “...huh. Even as a drawing you’re adorable.”

"This... this is getting oddly coincidental..." she looks at the book strangely.

He keeps track of the page with a talon as he quickly flips to the inside of the back cover. “...darn, thought there’d be a picture of the author, at the very least, but it’s just that heart, again.” He huffs and turns back to their page as Spike comes in with Twilight’s tea.

"Thank you, spike." Twilight says, taking a grateful sip.

He nods and smiles at her, turning to Flick to ask if he wants anything before noticing the book. “Hey, wasn’t that one of the books Princess Celestia sent?”

Twilight nods. "Yes, it's... been a little odd so far."

“Odd? In what way?” He walks closer as Flick points to the picture. “Oh cool, you star in a book!”

"But I didn't know I did!" She counters.

“You didn’t?” He scratches his head. “Huh. I thought that was what those stipends are for.” He holds up the note from the latest one, labeled “allowance”.

The griffon pats no mind, simply looking at the book once more.

"I thought those were my funding for my studies into the magic of friendship..." She says quietly.

“They probably are,” Flick says. “There’s no guarantee that this author was stealing your likeness or thought you’d mind... but there is one curious thing.”

"Only one?" She asks, incredulous.

He gives her a wry smile, then shows them the dedication.

“To the sweetest filly I’ve ever known,” Spike reads aloud.

"I mean, that could be anypony." She says, though she looks thoughtful.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” He shrugs, then turns back to where they were. “Why don’t we finish the story? I’m curious how they interpret you as Belle.”

"An artist's interpretation of me... okay then." She nods.

He nods and offers the book to her for her turn.

And so they continue the story, finding the changes interesting at least, and at times even refreshing. Flick did get annoyed when it was clear the parents didn’t approve of the two, and told Twilight as much, glad their reading had lulled Spike to sleep so he could properly vent.

It gets near the end of the story, where the mob lead by Gruff Skinner is storming the castle to get rid of the monster. Flick starts to read the climax aloud, snuggling closer to Twilight.

“Starlight and Flock rush out onto the balcony, and above them they see the shadows of his father and Gruff, fighting each other. Flock’s eyes catch a glimpse of something silver, and he leaps into action, darting between the two of them.”

“Alas, while he saved his father, the knife instead found him. Embedded to the handle in his side, it is more than enough to make him collapse, falling off the roof and down to where the purple unicorn stands.”

“Gruff didn’t have time to retrieve his weapon before the father grabs him by the neck, squeezing tight and bringing him to eye level. With a fierce roar, he begins to throttle the hapless hunter. ‘How dare you hurt my son!?’ he cries, a steady stream coming from his eyes despite the rain ending minutes before.”

"Hmm... i thought this scene had plenty of weight originally, but it's interesting to see it in a new place." She comments.

He nods and turns the page. “With a surge of strength, he flings the earth pony far beyond the reaches of his castle, down into the dark abyss of the canyon below. Another mighty roar rends the air, sending the remaining members of the mob fleeing in fear for their lives.”

“He slowly descends from the roof, staring down at his child. His child, who had done nothing to deserve this horrid fate. His gaze lifts to the mare, claws clenching as he swallows his pride. ‘Please... help him.’”

Twilight stays silent, though her mouth opens briefly as her horn lights up before she stops both.

Flick notices, and stops reading to look at her. “What’s up, Twily?”

"Just thinking about what spells could be useful." She mutters.

“...for healing a stab wound? There’s spells like that?”

She tilts her head back and forth. "Not for exactly that, it'd take a combination..."

“...let's hear about it after the story.” He nods and nudges it closer to her, as her character is speaking.

Twilight reads out as her story counterpart tries a spell, though the vagueness of which one it is irks her. When that doesn't work, she declares her love for him out of frustration.

She turns the page.

Immediately she blushes.

Flick blushes as well, staring at a picture of the main characters kissing, though Starlight seems to be doing most of it as he still has the knife in him. “...how glad are you that we aren’t acting this out?”

"You'd be stabbed!" She sounds agast.

“I wouldn’t really be stabbed,” he points out. “After all, it’d only be acting.” He skims over this part. “Let’s see, true love’s kiss, the spell is broken, his parents tell them they have their blessing,” he pauses to turn the page, “and they have numerous foals for her brother and sister-in-law to spoil.”

"That's oddly specific..." She says, blinking rapidly. "And these stories don't usually go on to foals..."

“I’m honestly curious if they’d have foals, rather than griffons or hippogriffs.” He shrugs and closes the book, tracing that heart on the back cover.

"That is a good question... hybridization books are hard to find."

He gives her a cheeky grin. “We can always figure it out through practical means.” He lets that sit a moment before raising a talon. “That was a joke.”

She buries her face in her teacup, despite it being long empty.

He sets the book off to the side, rubbing her back gently. “Sorry, I should’ve known that was too much.”

She lets out a sigh, coming up. "It's okay. Just... this whole book was odd. Eerily appropriate."

“I noticed. Is your mom a writer? Because Starlight reminded me a lot about you.”

"I mean, she's written before..." She looks the book over. "But... she wouldn't know all this..."

“Would anyone know all that?”

"I mean, not really..." She flips open the book, looking at the mark again before her eyes widen at the heart mark. "...Cadence."

He gasps, then leans over her shoulder to look at the book. “Who?”

"My old foalsitter..." She looks thoughtful.

“Your foalsitter writes books?” He wraps a wing around her. “So does that mean you really were that adorable as a filly?”

"I didn't know she wrote books!" She exclaims. "But... given her talent, this genre makes sense."

“...I’m going to guess it’s something love related?” Flick says.

"Correct." She nods. "I guess she had a feeling or something."

“...how would she even know about me, though?” He points to the golden griffon on the cover, looking at her.

"She wouldn't, I haven't really told anypony who didn't already meet you... that's why this is strange."

Spike belches in his sleep, a scroll flying from the flames and hitting Flick on the head.

He blinks a couple times. “...I didn’t know he could do that.”

"Which part? The dragonfire mail or that he can be asleep to do it?" She asks, taking it to read.

“Both, I guess?” He leans closer to see the letter... or rather, the picture of him and Twilight chatting from their balconies. He quietly pics it up to look at it better, allowing Twilight to read the letter.

Dear Twilight, it seems your brother was using the telescope for his own purposes, and took a picture to show us the “threat” to his sister. I figured we should warn you, and properly reprimanded him for invading your privacy.

That said, this guy seems quite the catch, and I’ve noticed that you have been spending more time with him. Any chance you can bring him up to Canterlot for a visit?

Love, Cadence.

"She... Shining... bring you... but we just started..." Multiple brain circuits seem to be trying to fire out of her mouth at the same time.

Flick’s claw gently caresses her cheek, turning her head so she can see his smile. “I know we aren’t ready for that yet. We can always put that off until you’re comfortable.”

"Yeah... wait, my brother can see me from Canterlot?" She looks to the window.

“I don’t think he can see us in here, but this photograph does say he has a good view.” He looks at the picture once more. “...huh. You look flirty in this pic.”

"How?!" She groans.

He points at her resting her cheek against a hoof, eyes half-closed as she looks at him. “Like that.”

"M-maybe I was blinking!" She defends.

“You probably were.” He shrugs. “I’m just saying what it looks like. Your beautiful smile really helps draw the look together.”

"...thank you." She smiles, tucking her mane behind an ear.

He smiles right back, gently embracing her. “It’s my pleasure, Twily.”

She giggles. "I guess, embarrassing as it is, it's not that bad."

“True. He could’ve seen me massaging you. Or any of those ponies at the spa, for that matter.”

"Let's not tempt fate..." She says, slightly worried.

“...is he overprotective of you?” He leans over slightly to look at her face.

Spike yawns and sits up, rubbing his eye as he looks at them. “...I missed the ending, didn’t I?”

"It's about what you'd expect, Spike... from a book written by Cadence."

Flick notices the dragon raise an eyebrow as he responds. “Cadence? Your foalsitter? The one who put you to bed early?”

She nods. "And the one who specialized in love magic."

“...I didn’t know that part,” he admits.

"And thus, romance novels." She holds it up.

“Oh. So she had it star you two so you’d consider getting together?” Spike scratches his head. “Sounds silly, to be honest.”

"I mean..." She goes quiet.

“...should I send her a message saying you two are dating?”

"No!" She quickly says, a little too loudly. She clears her throat and continues more quietly. "Let us just... figure things out and I'll tell her."

He narrows his eyes at her, then shrugs. “I guess. Now if you need me, I need to help Rarity!” He rushes for the door, exiting and leaving the two of them alone, cuddling together on pillows.

“...I should probably break the news to him, one of these days...” Flick mutters.

"What news?" She looks to him.

He considers this a moment, then a sly smirk crosses his face. “Is that your first question, Twily?”

"Is it about you?" She asks, even as a notepad and pen float over.

“No, it’s about his crush. A secret I’m pretty sure I shouldn’t reveal.”

"Well, if it's a secret, I agree." She nods.

“Good.” He rolls onto his side, laying against her body. “What else did you want to ask?”

"Tell me everything you know about your magic!" She says quickly, pen poised.

He stares blankly at her. “It’s not magic. It’s my element.”

She scribbles this down. "And what do you mean by that?"

“I mean... it’s mostly mental? But if I overexert myself...” He points to his wing. “This was from harvesting two acres in five minutes... I should’ve gone slower...”

"Wait, this is how you hurt your wing? I thought you crashed like Rainbow does."

“Nope. I don’t do dangerous flying.” He gently grips one of her forelegs and places her hoof on his cheek.

She blushes at this. "And... is the touchiness a you thing?"

“Yep, but only with those I like. Other griffons don’t like being touched much.” He sighs softly and rubs his cheek against her frog, as she isn’t moving.

She blushes more. "I... see..." Her hoof curls a bit. "Ponies tend to be more touchy, so maybe you're more like that."

“Maybe.” He rolls slightly onto his back and nuzzles into her hoof. “Could I have some affection? I’m hoping to get my wing back to normal.”

"And what about that ability? I've never heard of direct attention to physical wellbeing transmutation before." She says, petting his head.

His tail starts to sway a bit, and he hums softly. “I don’t know. I just know that it’s faster when it’s more intimate.”

The hoof pauses momentarily before she continues. "...noted."

“Did that bother you?”

"It's just something that testing in a non biased way is... difficult."

“...non-biased?” He looks up at her, baffled. “I mean... maybe we could... give me minor injuries?”

"N-no!" She huffs, stopping her petting. "I would never hurt somepony for science."

“Then I’ll just... I dunno, I can’t think of any injuries that wouldn’t require a lot of force.” He frowns a bit. “...maybe slowly doing more affectionate things, and seeing how it affects my wing?”

"Let's just... continue with the questions and come back to that..."

“Okay. Ask away.” He flips over the photo, eyeing the back before taking something off and tucking it under his wing.

"What was that?" She asks.

“A ticket with my name on it.”

"... she's not taking no for an answer."

He stares at her in confusion. “...no for what? The ticket? I was just gonna stay here with you and read another story.”

"Oh... okay, so you weren't just gonna go run off and visit?"

“Visit?” He pulls it out and shows her the golden ticket. “I don’t know if I could do that right now. Doesn’t this gala thing take place next year?”

"Wait, the gala? I thought these were all sold out..." She looks at it closely.

She sees it is indeed a ticket, specifically to “Flick, Twilight’s birdfriend”.

"...is this offensive since you're also part cat?" She asks.

He shrugs. “Apple Bloom calls me that, too, so I’m used to it. I wouldn’t even know what would be used, otherwise.”

"Hmm... politically correct language that isn't unnecessarily long has never been my strong suit." She admits.

He thinks for a bit, then gently grasps her hoof. “You can always call me love.” He kisses her hoof before he breaks down into a giggle fit.

"I... you..." She blushes, looking at her hoof.

Flick just smiles, rubbing her foreleg. “Of course, I can wait until you’re ready. Just know that I truly care about you.”

"You give a mare a lot to think about, you know that?"

“I’m of the mind that stagnancy is boring, and having someone to share your life with makes it less boring.” He thinks a moment. “...I feel I could have worded that better, but I don’t know how.”

"Hmm..." She looks thoughtful.

“...loneliness. That’s what I meant, not stagnancy.” He tries to bow in his lying position with the amount of success one could expect. “My apologies.”

"Oh... well... I guess I could see that. Though, I didn't realize it until I came here." She muses, rubbing his head reflexively.

She feels his chest vibrate against her side, his leonine tail brushing along her cutie mark in response to her touch.

She giggles. "So, back to question, I think."

“Mmm... and what question is next?” Flick murmurs, enjoying this moment for all its worth.

"Have you ever met others with elements?" She asks.

“My sister,” he says. “Hers is much more tangible.”

"Really? What kind of griffon magic does she have?"

“Again, not magic. And as far as I know, she has a thick skin.”

"Interesting... I wonder if it's something in your family line..."

He shrugs. “We don’t know our parents, so...”

"Oh... I'm sorry." She hugs him.

He gently returns the hug, nuzzling into her mane. “...we’re fine. We made peace with it long ago.”

"Okay...maybe we'll stop for now."

“...if it makes it sting less, we could probably continue questions after our next reading date.” He smiles up at her.

A book falls off the spot with her bed, and Flick looks up to find Rainbow’s tail peeking out from behind the bed. He instead focuses on the book, gripping it with the air and pulling it closer. “...huh. Is this a book about the griffon lands?”

"Hmm?" She looks at it.

Griffonstone: A Vacationers’ Guide

"Oh? I don't think we had this book before..."

“...you didn’t?” He looks at her curiously, then picks up the book to flip through it. “...it’s out of date, anyways.”

"It is?" She peeks over his shoulder at it.

“Yeah,” he points at what appears to be a goblet. “You see this?” She nods. “This is the Idol of Boreas. It was the pride of Griffonstone... but it was stolen.”

"Oh dear." She frowns.

“Yeah. I’m not entirely certain about the details, but it made most of the griffons I know... pretty petty. Like they’d lost their pride, or something.”

"Hmm... I wonder if the artifact was magical..." she muses.

“Possibly.” He shrugs, then pulls her into another hug. “They don’t like others to know that, though. Keep it a secret, please?”

"They don't want help?" She looks surprised.

He grimaces. “They don’t trust ponies... and they’ve become greedy, so...”

"Oh..." her ears fold.

“...yeah, there was a reason I wanted to leave...”

She just hugs him. He hugs her in return, nuzzling against her chest. She lets out a small squeak, blushing.

Sadly, the moment is ruined when a small book goes hurtling through the air, smacking him in the face and sending him sliding across the floor. Dazed as he is, he doesn’t recognize the purple book as the diary it is.

"What the?!" She looks between him and the book, magic levitating it back where it goes as she walks over to him. "Are you okay?"

“...face is sore... probably have a red mark under the feathers... what about you?” He opens an eye, gently turning her face with a claw to make sure she has no injuries.

"I wasn't hit, but you seem to attract injuries."

“Yep... though I think I know who did that one...” His eyes move towards the section of the treehouse with her bed.

"Hmm.." She turns to it as well.

They both see a bit of red just above her covers.

“You can come out, Rainbow,” Flick says, causing two blue ears to pop up in surprise. “You may be fast, but you suck at sneaking.”

“What do those two thing even have in common?” She calls back, then visibly winces as she confirms his accusation. “...shoot.”

"Rainbow... why are you in my house? On my bed?" Twilight asks.

“...I was tired and today’s sky got cleared?”

“Then why not your own bed?” Flick asks, carefully sitting up and leaning against the lavender unicorn.

“Too far.”

“...so what would you have done if Twilight decided to do those tests?” He notes that she’s trembling slightly. “...I can’t tell if that’s nervousness or not...”

"Huh? All tests are done in the lab..." the unicorn comments, looking confused.

Flick and Rainbow both look at her in confusion, the former speaking up. “You have a lab, Twily?”

"Well, yes." She looks at them like it's no big deal.

"...can we use it to test his healing thing?" Rainbow pipes up.

"I'd have to plan out how to do that without hurting him." She gives a small glare at Rainbow at that last part.

The athlete taps her chin, considering this. “Well, he has his broken wing, that lump on his head... what if you tire him out?”

"How would that test anything?" Twilight asks her friend.

“If it can heal him, what’s to say it can’t reenergize him?”

"That's a bit of a logic leap..." She mutters, but looks thoughtful.

“I mean, kissing him after he got worn out harvesting stopped whatever was hurting him, back then.” Rainbow shrugs a bit.

"You kissed him?!" Twilight looks slightly aghast at this.

“To be fair, I asked for it,” Flick says. “And it’s the quickest way I’ve been able to heal... but I guess my wing was beyond that...”

"..." Twilight jots down a few things. "I see."

He leans over her, observing her notes. “Those were chaste kisses, to be clear. And nothing further.”

"Hmm... alright." She makes a few more notes about the merits of contact versus emotion.

“...you could always try a lover’s kiss,” Rainbow says, albeit hesitantly.

“Applejack says not to do anything romantic with you,” he says offhandedly.

“There’s no possible way she said that!”

Twilight looks between them, quill hovering in the air. "I think it will take some planning to design tests that are unbiased for this."

“Can’t exactly be unbiased when the tests require affection,” Flick points out.

"Yes they can." She debates. "I just require more constants, a couple volunteers, and some data before."

He seems disappointed. “Oh. I thought you were going to...”

"What? Social interaction experimentation is separate from scientific research." She says like this is common knowledge.

“Does that mean you aren’t going to kiss him, too?” Rainbow butts in.

"I..." she blushes. "That's a choice for a time not in the experiment." He perks up at this. "Would you actually mind if I planned this?" She holds up her notes.

The griffon blinks a couple times. “...did you need me to leave?”

"No no, it's just I have a tendency to... how did you phrase it Spike?" She turns to the drake... who was not there. "Oh, right. Umm, anyway, I tend to focus on my work."

“Oh. Goal oriented or task oriented?” He gets up and helps her to her hooves as well.

“I’m still wondering what she was planning to do with her planning,” Rainbow says.

“Isn’t that a bit redundant?”

"Huh?" Twilight says, looking up from a checklist.

Flick gestures to the weatherpony. “I think she wants to know what your planning entails.”

"Oh! Well, if you really want to know..." She takes a deep breath as she brings the scroll closer.

He manages to scoop her on to his back before she can start, walking up the stairs. “Let’s all get comfortable before you start.”

"Oh, I half expected her to run." She admits.

“...well, I mean...” His gaze turns up to the empty bed and open window. “...I think you succeeded... wow she’s fast...”

She laughs. "Yes, she is."

“...anyways, you never did tell me if you wanted help with planning.”

"I think I have it, I tend to get a bit... focused, so I'd probably miss a lot of what you'd say." She admits sheepishly.

He shrugs, kissing her forehead. “I’ll leave you to it, then.” He sets her down on her bed and heads downstairs with a wave. “Let me know when you’re ready, okay? I’m gonna help out Applejack!”

"Okay!" She waves back.

As he exits the library, he looks up at the sky, humming thoughtfully as he wonders what the next day will bring.

I'm so sorry! What are your claws doing?

Morning comes for the Apple family household, and the middle sibling slowly awakens to the sensation of multiple dull points pressing into her chest.

"What the..." she says softly, opening her eyes.

She can feel a large, warm body against her back, and can barely make out some feathers from the wing draped over her side in the light of the moon.

As the celestial bodies are being switched, she snorts and grumbles. "Flick, again? You pull this one more time and I'll tie ya to yer bed."

He just snuggles closer, rubbing her belly as he gets comfortable once more. “...more... Jackie...”

"... yer lucky yer comfortable. Just watch yerself." She sighs and settles in, figuring she'll give him fifteen more minutes.

The next fifteen minutes are spent in a comfortable silence, the sound of his claws rubbing her fur filling the room due to a lack of any other noise. She doesn't say anything, but she does have a small smile.

He then nips her shoulder.

Flick sits at a bowl of pancake batter, his eyes closed. He struggles to focus on stirring the goop, a claw straying from his task to tenderly touch the lump on his head.

Applejack offers him an ice pack. "Sorry."

He gingerly takes it and places it on his head like a fez. “It wasn’t your fault... at least I know now that you don’t like love bites...”

"Just kind of spooked me." She says, rubbing her head. "Didn't think when Ah pushed ya off."

He raises an eyebrow and turns to her, eyes still closed. “Does that mean I can give you one later without risk?”

"Eat." She says simply, placing a hoof on his head softly.

He blindly reaches out for an apple he’d set by the bowl. He grips it and bites into the tart green fruit as he returns to stirring the batter. “When do they wake up?” he mumbles with his mouth half-full.

"Soon. We all end up with internal alarm clocks." She says.

His chewing slows for a moment, and he points right at her, wagging the apple in that claw. “Next time, I’m going to massage you in your room. That way you’re more limber, and no one is awake to walk in.” He swallows his morsel, then gives her a smile. “That, and you can make those adorable expressions without judgement from your family.”

"...long as ya don't make me make embarrassing sounds."

“I can only promise what I have control over,” he points out, stuffing the apple in his beak and gently kneading her shoulder.

Her tail flicks agitatedly as she rolls her shoulders. "How come Ah haven't seen you go into yer job to do this?"

“Because you’re never there when I am,” he says, “and most ponies are wary of me since Gilda came to town.”

"Well now that's a shame." She huffs. "Then again, ah swear this town is as easily spooked as a Fluttershy sometimes."

“Yeah, I noticed.” He chuckles quietly, moving along her spine to see if he can work out a kink or two as they cook. “I’d bet they’d freak out over a bunch of bunnies, if you’d let them.”

She laughs at that. "That'd be a sight."

He peeks open an eye, having found a knot just above her tail. Closing it, he starts to press into the mass of strained tissue, nodding at Applejack’s words. “It would be, but I don’t know if widespread panic would be good for Ponyville.”

Her breath hitches a bit. "Watch yerself..."

“I promise not to make widespread panic. I’m not a rude griffon like Gilda.” He presses down harder. “Geez, how often do you lift your back legs? This feels like a rock... maybe it’s due to your strength?”

"Ah mean, it's less lifting and more bucking." She says in a grunt.

He lets go of the whisk to guide her into laying down, his tail moving in circles to keep it stirring. “I need both claws for this one.” He narrows his eyes and bears down on it, slowly but surely easing it out of her muscles.

"Okay... this is going a bit far, Flick." Applejack protests. "The others will be up soon."

“It’s fine... almost...” He just manages to work out the knot before his claws slip and he lands on her back, claws by her forelegs and his legs sprawled out behind them.

There's a moment of silence before she sits up to slide him off. "Alright, that's about of that."

He slides down her back, and she can feel his heart hammering through his feathers.

"Right.... back to cooking." She says, still sitting.

He carefully gets up, pecks her on the cheek, and gets back to manually stirring the batter. “So when do we start baking this?”

"Just gotta put it in the pan, then the oven." She says, standing and shaking herself a bit.

He nods and does as instructed, now properly awake as he ruminates over what has happened in the last few minutes. “...do you at least feel better?” he manages to ask, avoiding her gaze.

"Yeah, feel more limber now, thanks." She smiles at him.

He relaxes, looking to her with a warm smile. “It’s the least I can do. Though next time...” He quietly eyes a couple marbles on the ground. “...I’m thinking somewhere a little less messy.”

"Yeah... pony could get hurt from something like that." She grabs a broom and starts sweeping them up.

“If I may be so bold,” he starts, closing the oven door, “maybe we could even go to the spa, next time?”

“Next time ya what?” Apple Bloom pops up between them, startling the griffon such that he slips on another marble.

Applejack lets him fall against her, standing steady.

Flick takes his time in recovering, partially due to embarrassment, but mostly due to the contact with the farmer. “...the next time she needs relaxation. I work there and can give it to her on the house.”

The filly tilts her head to the side. “Ain’t that bad fer business?”

"She has a point." Applejack says.

He glances at her, frowning as he considers. “...seventy-five percent off?”

"Look, we'll see. Ya still gotta convince me to go there." She points out.

He narrows his eyes and leans over, whispering into her ear. “Private massage rooms. Soundproof walls. Slip proof floors.”

"... ya make a strong argument."

He grins and gently kisses her cheek, turning back to the oven. “How much longer?”

"Ten minutes."

His stomach growls. “...I’m not sure how long I can last.”

“Why don’t ya hug Applejack?” Bloom says. At his look, she points at him. “Yesterday Rainbow Dash said ya heal and energeticize with hugs. What’s t’ say it can’t feed ya, too?”

He places his face in his palm. “...she actually said kisses... and you shouldn’t spy on ponies.”

"Ah don't know how she hears half of what she does." AJ muses.

“Ah was in the library readin’,” the filly says.

"Huh... good fer you." She nods.

Flick’s eyes narrow at the filly. “One sec... what book was it?”

Bloom glances back and forth between them before sighing. “Gettin’ Yer Friends t’ Confess.”

"Do Ah need to worry?" Applejack asks her.

“Only if ya don’t plan on confessin’ before the end of the harvest.” She nods and starts heading out of the room, towards the dining room table.

Applejack just blinks.

“...confessing what, exactly?” Flick asks, nudging her with his good wing.

"Ah'm not sure... but Ah was trying to think of if this is something I should correct or not."

He quietly nods and checks the oven. “Did you come to a decision?”

"Yeah... I'll give it a shot sometime."

“Great!” He gives her a beatific smile and hugs her. “We can set up a specific date later. I promise I won’t disappoint you!”

She smiles and pats his back. "Goof to know, sugarcube."

Apple Bloom watches from the table, eyeing the claws rubbing her sister’s back and wondering what that would feel like. “...sis, it’s been ten minutes.”

Her ear flicks as the timer goes off. "Yep." She grabs a mitt and opens the oven, taking the pan out and setting it on top to cool.

Her eyes narrow and she calls to Flick. “Hey, what happens if ya scratch behind her ear?”

He looks at her, then the orange pony, tilting his head slightly as he scratches the spot indicated. “I don’t know.”

Applejack's eyes go wide as a shiver goes down her spine. "Brr..."

The other two blink in confusion. “...do it again.”

"Now hold on there... don't ya wanna eat?" Applejack says, back away.

“Sure. But Ah also wanna know what that noise was.”

Flick, however, just walks to the icebox to grab them drinks.

"What noise?" The mare says, cutting the breakfast casserole.

“You made some kind of high-pitched sound...” She frowns, tapping her head. “How did it go?”

“Brr...”

“Yeah, that!” She pauses, realizing she was pointing at Flick. “...wait, how did you make that noise?”

Applejack looks surprised as well. "You part mockingbird or something?"

“...yeah, you could say that.” He nods, then kisses the spot he’d scratched earlier. Without another word, he takes a plate of food and sits in his spot next to Applejack’s chair.

She shifts her mouth into a few different emotions before snorting and shaking her head.

He smiles and pats the spot beside him. “You coming?”

"Yeah, yeah, just doing one last thing..." She grabs a small metal rod in her mouth and approaches a hanging triangle.

Apple Bloom immediately covers her ears, much to Flick’s confusion.

The farm mare clangs the tool between the rungs of the triangle noisily as she yells to the house. "Soup's on!"

Flick trembles, claws slowly reaching up to his head to rub it. He has no reaction when Big Mac drowsily walks past him.

"There we go." Applejack nods, going to her seat.

He turns to look at her, a bit confused. “What?” he says, voice a bit louder than usual.

She tilts her head at him. "Guess ya aint used to that." She pats his head.

“You should kiss ‘im. It’ll help him heal!” Apple Bloom grins, ignoring her brother’s disapproving stare.

"Applebloom, ya need to calm down with talk like that." The sister says. "And eat."

“But granny said-“ She stops when she realizes what she said, and immediately stuffs her mouth with casserole.

"Granny said what?" Applejack pauses.

Flick glances at the empty chair in the room. “Say, where’s Granny Smith?” He sneaks in a nuzzle with Applejack when her brother turns to look.

"She takes a bit more time to get downstairs." She explains.

“...huh. I guess I never noticed.”

“She norm’ly helps cook,” Apple Bloom points out, her mouth now half-full. “So she’s norm’ly down first.”

"She can sleep late if she wants, but if she's not down in a couple minutes we'll go check on her." Applejack replies.

He nods, tracing an arc in the air with a talon. Only Applejack notices the timer on the kitchen counter move to two minutes.

She looks a little curious at this, but goes soon back to scarfing down her food.

She then feels a gentle scratching behind her ear, even though she can clearly see both his claws occupied by his breakfast. She picks up her head enough to turn around. She can’t see anyone else close enough, but the scratching continues. She also notices his good wing twitching slightly.

She smiles at him, getting back to eating.

“Yer blushin’, sis,” Big Mac mutters between bites.

"Eh?" She touches her cheek before shrugging and eating once more.

“Well I think it’s adorable,” Flick says, quiet enough that only Applejack can hear. His head turns to look past her as the eldest Apple makes her way into the room.

"Morning Granny!" Applejack says as she clings to the new subject.

“Morning, Granny Smith,” Flick says, bowing to her as the others echo their sister.

"Eh, good morning all a' ya...." She says, walking over to the table and sniffing. "Good job, Applejack."

She smiles. Flick smiles and hugs her with his wing, which allows him to eat normally.

The scratching stops.

She looks at his wing curiously as Granny continues.

"I heard bumping from your room this morning, so good job there, too."

His chewing stops as his face turns red, a claw slamming against his chest to dislodge a lodged morsel.

"G-granny!" Applejacks exclaims as the older mare cackles.

Apple Bloom looks between the three of them, not quite following the conversation.

"Long as you keep it down." She summarizes.

"I-it's not that!"

The griffon, no longer choking, looks thoughtful. “I’d be up for it if she is, but not before.”

Now it’s Big Mac’s turn to choke.

Applejack grumbles to herself, cheeks red.

He smiles warmly and nuzzles her cheek. “For now, I’ll be happy with the contact she allows me.”

She gives him a quick nuzzle.

“...ya better wait ‘til yer married,” Big Mac says, swigging his apple juice. “Assumin’ this lasts that long.”

Applejack glares at him. "And what do ya mean by that?"

He gives her a flat stare, then goes right back to eating.

Flick, however, looks curiously to her. “Jackie? You alright?”

She snorts. "Yeah... thanks." She gives him a peck on the cheek before aggressively going back to her food.

She barely notices him touching his cheek, blushing such that he matched her brother’s coat.

“...so it’s a bit more likely than I thought,” Big Mac concedes.

Her answer is merely a crunch of the harder part of the crust.

The rest of breakfast continues quietly, though Flick’s eyes wander over everyone else there, as though trying to gauge their reactions.

He notices Apple Bloom doing the same, and wonders her reasons for it.

Applejack finishes her food, chugging the last bit of her drink. "Alright, time fer work." She stands up with her dishes.

Flick gets up as well, taking both their empty dishes as he sidles past the stallion to get to the sink.

"Oh, well, thanks." Applejack smiles at him. "I'll go get the cart ready, meet me in the barn."

He nods, bowing to her with all the respect that he is known for, even with his playful teasing.

She rubs his head fondly. "Alright, hurry up now." She heads out.

He places them in the sink and hurries out as they start to scrub themselves.

"Huh..." Granny scratches her head. "Well, he's useful around the house."

“Eeyup.”

Flick catches up with Applejack soon enough, hooking up to the wagon so that she won’t have to deal with its burden. Though the fact that he scooped her on to his back would turn a few heads, had anypony else been there.

"Do you eve nknow where we're going?" She asks him.

“You can pull on the reins to direct me,” he responds, handing her the leads as he places a bit in his mouth.

"Umm... these ain't ours..." She says slowly, looking at the items.

He stops at the doorway, glancing back at her a moment before weakly laughing. “Of course they are. They... they were hanging off the back of the door...”

"Ah've never seen em before..." She frowns. "Are they new?"

He pulls the bit out of his mouth, staring down at it. “...come to think of it, it wasn’t here, yesterday...”

"Is this some sort of joke?"

“...unless it’s you pulling it, I don’t think so.” He tosses it onto a work table, but attaches the reins to his harness. “I think we can still use this, though.”

"Right... okay..." She still looks confused, but nods.

He makes sure the leads are secure around her hooves before he rushes out the barn, fast enough to make the wind whip past them. Yet, no matter how harsh it gets, it also feels as though it’ll never be enough for him to lose her, her body not budging an inch.

Though strange, she appreciates it, giving him nudges in the right direction.

After a while, he starts to slow down, his good wing unfolding a little. His head is tilted, as if he heard something behind them.

"Something up?" She asks.

He says nothing, taking a couple more steps before suddenly flaring out his wing, which results in a loud thump and a bodily shake from him at the same moment. Rainbow promptly crashes into the ground, a bucket of grape juice on her head that starts trickling down her neck.

"Well that was a might harsh... but she has been going pretty hard on pranks lately." Applejack muses. "You alright, Dash?"

“...help me prank him,” the blue pony says, her voice echoing in the container.

"Is that all you've been trying to do?" The farm mare asks.

She nods, the bucket falling off and clattering to the dirt, revealing her messy appearance. “I don’t know how, but he keeps foiling my pranks!”

“I’m right here, you know,” he says, waving a claw in her direction.

“I need to get him at least once!” She pays him no heed.

"Ya set yourself up to be a challenge." Applejack warns him.

He looks at her incredulously. “I don’t want to be pranked. Why does that make me a target?”

“Then let me get you once!” She pulls a pie out of a pink-haired bush and flings it at him, only for it to fly around his head and smack Rainbow in the face.

"Is that really the way you want to win?" Applejack says to the pegasus with a smirk.

“...Pinkie said it would work.”

“I guess she’s that desperate.” He shrugs and continues walking, looking back at Applejack. “Are we almost there?”

"Yeah we are." She calls back to Dash. "Since when do you take wins given to you?"

“Since shut up.”

Flick chuckles, shaking his head. “Can’t deny she’s spirited. Wonder if she’d try to challenge one of you for the lead mare title.”

"Probably." She answers reflexively.

“Of course, I already have a good idea who I’d like as lead mare, should things work out,” he says, pointing at a row of trees inquisitively.

She pats his head. "Good to know."

He taps his beak, humming thoughtfully. “Now, I have to wonder if my southern saint would accept... but I suppose I can ask her another time.” He shrugs and looks around, very much lost.

An orange hoof comes forward and points.

“Thank you.” He glances back at her with a smile before he continues their journey.

She guides them to the proper grove soon enough.

Once there, he lets her off so he can set everything up for her under the trees.

About six hours later, Flick stretches, having just brought back an empty cart. “Well... I think that’s lunch. I’ll see if I can come back after I help with Silk, okay?”

"Sure thing sugarcube, thank you." She smiles at him, giving him another kiss on the cheek.

His whole face is awash with his blush, and he bows to her before he moves to head off. He almost seems to be pronking like Pinkie, humming a happy tune.

She shakes her head at this, heading back to the orchard. "Wait... did he mean me earlier?"

“Yup!” An upturned basket beside her says.

So much cuddling! How can you resist that?!

Flick quietly makes his way through the town, giving nods to ponies who greet him and hiding grimaces from those who avoid him. “...I didn’t think she got to them this badly,” he mutters, stopping to stare down at his claws. He moves to take another step forward, but he stops. He looks up in time for a party hat to be snapped onto his head and his vision to be filled with pink.

“Am I too late? That’s a deep frown if I ever saw one!” Pink is replaced with yellow as a pony is shoved on his face. “Help our birdy buddy, Fluttershy!”

"Umm... hello." She says softly.

“...hi.” He promptly squawks as a piece of lettuce hits his face, the rabbit responsible standing proudly on the pegasus’s back.

“Ooh, so close!”

"Angel... we talked about playing with your food." She chides him softly.

It gestures to the griffon multiple times, as if trying to tell her something about him. Of course, a piece of lettuce flies into his mouth and cuts him off.

“Ooh. That was just like the cloud a few days ago!” Pinkie giggles, holding up her hooves. “Wind, bring me cupcakes!”

As expected, nothing comes.

“Darn it.”

Fluttershy quietly laughs at this, but doesn't say anything.

Flick just rolls his eyes playfully. “Maybe you should just make some. You’re a baker, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, but I’m not in a kitchen at the moment.” Her hoof rubs her chin. “Maybe I should make a mobile oven?”

"As long as it's safe..." Fluttershy quietly adds.

"Ooh, that might be a good idea." She grins. "Confetti cannons on the top! That'll be perfect!" She points to her shy friend. "Stay here. I need a cupcake and a blueprint!" The pink pony zooms off fast enough to leave a cloud in the shape of herself, which then also hurries off.

The shy mare rubs her foreleg. "Sorry, she just kind of brought me over without warning."

He just chuckles and pats her back. “It’s fine. We haven’t really had much time to talk, lately, so I feel this is our best chance of catching up.” He motions for her to walk with him, smiling the whole time. “So, how have your past few days been?”

"Umm... fine," She says, walking reflexively, but clearly not expecting this.

“Really? I heard that one griffon scared your ducks away.” He gives her a look of concern. “More pressing is that she made you, one of my friends, cry.”

"Oh..." She shrinks a bit. "Yes... that happened."

He gently embraces her, resting his chin on her head. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there to stop her.”

He feels her freeze up as she gets even quieter. "I-it's okay..."

He flinches and lets go, holding a claw out to her. “Sorry, Miss Fluttershy, I didn’t-“

He cuts off with a squawk as a golden blanket of energy picks them both up and tosses them through a doorway, where they crash into another yellow, winged pony... and a mint green unicorn wearing a uniform.

"That's not quite what I meant when I said bring in customers..." Silk sighs. "But your intent was nice."

“Sorry,” the unicorn responds from underneath her.

Flick carefully gets off the top of the pile, smoothing out his feathers as he glances at the ponies - especially Fluttershy, who had landed on bottom. “Are you ladies alright?”

"Yes..." Comes a small chorus as they untangle themselves.

“Well... while it was unexpected, I do appreciate getting here.” He glances at a fallen clock. “On time, too.”

Silk gives him a quick nuzzle while Fluttershy seems to have tried to hide herself almost entirely in her mane.

He embraces the thestral gently before he notices his friend, letting go to look at her. “Miss Fluttershy? Are you alright?”

She squeaks.

Silk laughs. "Oh, I've seen that before."

Flick thinks for a moment. “...is it the store?”

There's a tiny nod.

“Oh. Oh I’m sorry.” He moves forward and gently grips her, pulling her towards the door. “Here. Move forward and you should be out of here in no time.”

"Thank you..." Her ears are red as they stick out of her mane while she shuffles out.

Silk sighs softly. "She's one of the ones that would need to be introduced slowly."

“Would she even want to wear them?” Flick asks. “She seems like the type who’d have trouble even imagining a stallion or mare like that.”

"Precisely." Silk nods. "It'd take time."

“...right.” He glances at Lyra, then back to her. “When did you get help?”

"When this one decided to get something slightly out of her price range." She grins. "I can be merciful."

“...I didn’t think the genie outfit would cost four months of work,” the unicorn mumbles. Of course, she doesn’t know how great her current company’s hearing is.

"Hun, you pay for quality. You could have just done a few accessories, but for the whole thing, well, you get the whole price." Silk supplies simply.

“...right.” She gives a nervous smile and moves to do inventory.

"Plus, it is partially magical." She adds, mostly to Flick.

“Magical? In what sense?” He gently nudges her, guiding her towards the back room.

"Well, it has a light fog enchantment for effect, mostly things like that."

“...see, what you made me think at first was that it allowed the granting of wishes.” He scratches his chin. “Wait, what if someone has breathing problems? Wouldn’t that cause an issue?”

"It's activated things, but it's just water vapor, nothing bad." She replies.

“Oh. Yeah, that doesn’t sound too bad.” He nods, then faces her. “Anyways, what exactly did you need my help with?”

"Just a little modeling for different body types, nothing complicated." She smiles.

“So you want me to try modeling for griffons?” He thinks for a bit, then nods. “Yeah, I could do that. If you try on one outfit for me afterwards.” He playfully sticks his tongue out at her, then starts sorting through the clothes rack closest to them. “...what’s with this skin tight suit?” He tugs a little on the outfit in question, the shiny fabric stretching slightly.

"Some ponies are into it." She shrugs. "I cater to wants."

“And I cater to needs.” He places his claw between her wings and gently scratches. “Do you need anything, Silky?”

Her wings shift a bit as she feels this. "I need you to get in the back while I brief Lyra on what she'll do while I'm back there too."

He leans close, breath tickling her tufted ears. “And after that?”

She giggles, eyes half lidded. "Well, we'll see how good you do."

He nods, pecking her cheek before slipping into the back.

Silk clears her throat, going over to Lyra. "Now, this is one of the reasons I was happy to have you work here part time: it allows me to get things done in the back. Any important questions come up, feel free to come back and ask. I'm expecting a mostly normal day, so just ring everything up, remember tailoring is available, and finally: be sexy. Any questions?"

She nods, then holds up a hoof. “How do I be sexy?”

"Feel sexy. Wearing that helps." She motions to her uniform. "Everyone can be sexy, they just need to feel that they are, then accentuate."

“...is that part of why you let him flatter and touch you?” She asks, rubbing her chin as she walks to the front to get a customer.

"I let him because I'm courting him." She corrects her. "Besides, flattery isn't a bad thing."

“I heard he flatters a lot of ponies.” She peeks at the front, then turns back to her, whispering. “I also heard he likes to rub ponies everywhere. Is that true?”

"He's touchy... but it's not bad. He's also a masseuse at the spa, so I think some rumors are getting mixed." She answers.

“He was cuddled up against Applejack the other day,” she points out.

"She's courting him too, though, well, he's courting her." She corrects herself.

“He left Twilight’s place after three hours there.” She thinks a bit. “He was just cuddling Fluttershy. Isn’t he their pet?”

"Wait... what?" Silk looks concerned now. "Flick is a pet?"

“That’s the rumor, anyways.”

"I don't understand... how would they even think that?"

Lyra can only shrug.

"I might have to look into that..." She rubs her chin. "But for now, you have the store."

“Right. I need to see to the resident egghead.” She smiles and disappears through the coat rack.

Silk blinks, peeking around to verify who it is.

She finds the mint unicorn talking to a chestnut stallion.

"Huh..." She shrugs, heading to the back.

She’s barely two steps inside when she’s hugged from behind, a familiar beak nuzzling just behind her ear.

She giggles. "Well, hello to you too."

“Yep.” He plants another kiss on her head before he lets go. He walks in front of her with all the poise expected of the butler he’s dressed as, giving her a respectful bow. “How may I be of service, Lady Silk?”

She makes a peculiar purring sound. "Well now... you seem to fit that outfit rather well."

“Thank you, my lady.” He smiles warmly at her. “It pleases me to know that... uh... I pleased you?” He frowns as he goes over his sentence again, grumbling quietly. “Role playing is hard.”

"It takes a practice." She smiles at him. "But for now, you can take a break from it."

“Thank you.” He loosens the bow tie, sighing. “That was starting to get uncomfortable.”

"I didn't mean take it off, but I suppose that part isn't vital for what I need you for."

“...oh.” He glances down at it. “The rest won’t be as tight around my throat, right?”

"Hun, things can be adjusted."

“...so ties aren’t meant to be that tight?” He slips it off his neck so he can stare at it.

"Right. It's probably not adjusted for..." She rubs his neck feathers. "All this."

“...probably not.” He nods, then rubs her chest fluff in turn. “It’s not as though you ponies are lacking, of course. Mine’s just... a lot more prominent.”

She giggles. "Yes, that's fair." She takes the bowtie, loosening it expertly.

He watches, taking a step closer so he can see.

She does it simply by adjusting a few doubled parts so it comes out more, holding it up to him after. "Want to try again?"

“...only for you.” He sticks out his tongue and tries it on once more, thinking a bit. “...think I should try Big Mac’s voice?” Of course, he remembers that she doesn’t know his talent, and plants his face in his claw. “Dang it.”

She blinks. "What do you mean?"

He sighs and speaks, noticeably over an octave deeper. “Nothin’ much, Miss Tease. Just a little voice thing.”

Her head moves back in surprise. "Oh... oh my. Well, I didn't expect that."

“...does Big Mac’s voice make yer heart race? ‘Cause you’re blushin’ somethin’ fierce.” He gives her a cheeky grin, stepping forward enough to press his forehead to hers.

"I..." she gives a small gulp. "It was just strange you having a deeper voice." She quickly composes herself, giving him a grin. "But, good to know."

He pulls back, raising an eyebrow and dropping the accent. “Know what?” He awkwardly clears his throat to try and get it back to its normal pitch.

She nuzzles his neck briefly before passing by him. "Things. Speaking of which, before we get started, did you know there's apparently a strange rumor about you?"

Flicks groans, rubbing between his eyes. “Let me guess. I’m the plaything of the whole town, now?”

"... okay, I'm starting to think you started this rumor. It's not quite that."

“Good. Never should have made that joke with Apple Bloom.” He sighs, then sits down. “Okay, so at first I was kidding with Jackie’s little sister, saying that Jackie was my mistress. She took that to mean pet, so she went around telling everyone. Then, when they saw me spending time with Twilight, they assumed I was also her pet, and things spiraled down from there.”

"Oh... yes, that is what I heard." She nods. "It was a bit startling."

“Yeah, I can imagine.” He scratches his head. “Could you imagine if they knew it all started with me? I don’t think I’d ever live it down...”

"Yeah... plus it's one of those rumors where most of the adults know the true meaning."

“Yep.” He stares out towards the store floor. “I really hope no one actually believes that...”

She shrugs at that." I only just heard it so I can't really tell you."

“Right...”

“Hey boss?” Lyra pokes her head through the doorway. “There’s a new rumor, one that says Applejack is the head of a herd? Is that even a thing?”

She looks to Flick.

“...what? You can’t blame me for that one.” He shakes his head. “We aren’t even technically a herd yet until everyone agrees... and I think that now includes Rainbow?”

Lyra, hearing this, falls onto her side in shock.

"Told you." Silk winks at her.

“...have you two kissed yet?” She scrambles to her hooves. “Can I see your first?”

Silk blinks. "I knew you had a kink."

She blushes bright red. “Kink? What kink? Who said anything about a kink?” She thinks a bit. “...oh right, Doc said that he thought the place was somewhere to get a suit. I sold him a long scarf.”

"I was wondering who'd find a use for that..." She nods.

“...so you’re just gonna ignore her protesting too much?” Flick whispers, beak still close to Silk’s cheek.

"I got what I needed to know." She winks at him.

“...oh, I see.” He nods, watching Lyra leave. “...do you think she is disappointed?”

"Nah, if she's the type that likes to look, she can make do with the imagination fodder that is my store."

“True...” He considers her a moment more before kissing her cheek, turning to face the inventory. “What else am I to try on?”

"Now hold on, we need to finish this one first." She chides him softly, bumping him towards a raised dais with her head.

He acts as though she’s pulling teeth, even as he stands on the small section of raised floor. “Oh, if you insist, Miss Silk.” He looks at her, smirking coyly and going back to a smooth bass. “How would you have me?”

"Repeatedly." She says with a smoldering gaze.

He blinks a couple times. “...well, I mean, griffons do have better stamina than ponies, from what I understand, so... maybe? I’m not that experienced.”

"We'll just need to have you practice then." She laughs, checking how a few places fit on him.

He lets her do so, feeling the cloth get pulled away from where it was pressing on his wing joints.

"You're a little more bulky than I had accounted for, but that's why these are easily adjustable." She comments as she does so.

Her vision slowly gets fuzzier as she looks at him, enough to make her blink a few times. She finds the holes around her wings are exactly where they were before she started adjusting things.

She shakes her head a bit, huffing as she goes to adjust them again. "Let my mind wander I guess."

It happens again, and this time his wing rubs her eyes to try and help. When it pulls away, the hole is now too far the other direction.

She narrows her eyes, waving her own hoof in front of her face. "That's... hmm..."

He turns to her, curious. “What’s wrong? You seem a little unfocused.”

"I don't know. I keep thinking in working on the wing holes, things go a little blurry, then they're at one end or the other." She looks concerned.

“...try one more time. Maybe it’ll fix itself?” He turns to face her left, letting her get at the one that’s not properly fitted.

She sighs, trying again.

After looking at it for a few seconds, the haziness does not come back, and the clothes stay as they are.

She lets out a breath. "Good. I was worried for a moment."

He nods and turns so he can properly hug her, nuzzling her cheek.

She smiles, nuzzling in return. "Now, any comments on the suit?"

“...well, I feel like a proper butler, but I’m not sure what fantasy this is meant for.” He pulls away and walks in a circle, letting her see it from almost every angle that didn’t require her to move.

"Well, the thing is, this is a special suit, that has quick removal parts."

“...okay, but it still begs the question of how a butler fits into one’s fantasy.”

"It's the equivalent of the common maid fantasy." She says, not sure what the problem is.

He stares blankly at her. “...I’ll be honest, I don’t know what that means.”

She blinks. "You've never imagined a mare in a cute or sexy maid outfit?"

“Mares are plenty cute without outfits,” he points out, eyeing her. “Though I won’t deny that your designs emphasize that trait.”

She huffs, but smiles. "Alright, I see a demonstration is in order. Stay right there." She grabs a pile of folded garments from a cubby and goes behind a privacy screen.

Despite the urge to peek, he stays where he is, claws tapping against the platform as he counts the seconds.

After a while, she announces. "Now then, behold." She walks out, now clad in the sort of black based, white laced, cleaning attire tuned specifically to invoke certain thoughts in those interested in females. She does a little pose for him, offering a wink.

She’s on her back in a second, the griffon hugging her and nuzzling her neck. It appears he enjoys her outfit.

She laughs, patting his head. "Whoa there, boy."

“No. You’re too cute to not cuddle.” He settles himself on top of her as he continues to hug and snuggle her body.

"... not typically what this position or outfit is used for, but this is nice." She admits.

Lyra enters the room as he settles in, pushing Twilight in front of her. “Hey boss, Twiggle’s looking for something and I have no idea what she’s talking about.”

"I umm..." she pauses, confused as she sees them, Silk now trying to gently push Flick off her.

He lazily rolls off her, acting much like a cat sunning himself than a griffon. “...hey, Twily... where’s Twiggles?”

"... who?" Asks the now completely confounded mare.

“Twiggles.” He gestures vaguely towards Lyra. “She said someone with that name, but I only see you three. Near impossible to miss cute mares like you...”

As Silk giggles, Twilight blushes. "Oh... I didn't notice she called me that."

He glances back and forth between the two of them. “...were you two friends? That seems like an odd nickname for it to come from nowhere.”

“She used to be lanky during her growth spurts, and the nickname stuck.” Lyra shrugs.

“...I’m sticking with Twily. It’s cuter.”

"Please do... I think I've mostly tuned out Lyra's nickname for me." She says.

The mint green unicorn frowns. “...does that mean you don’t like it?”

While she’s distracted, Flick silently rolls over to the clothes rack.

"I'm used to it." She clarifies. "I don't mind it."

“...well, that’s something, at least.” She smiles, jumping back when Flick pounces on Twilight and yanks a librarian outfit on her in one go.

"Yeep!" She tries to flinch but it's too late.

“There!” He gently places her between himself and Silk. “Now they can see you as being the adorable pony I know you are.”

"I... umm..." She looks herself over in the soft shirt, sweater vest, and matching skirt complete with glasses.

She is promptly cuddled by the griffon, who happily nuzzles her cheek.

“...are your outfits just cute to him, or something?” Lyra asks Silk.

"I'm starting to wonder..." She admits. "It might take going full lingerie." She can see him flinch slightly at the word. "Okay, that is not the part of you that should twitch from that." She huffs.

“...I’m trying to avoid that for the pony I’m holding,” He quietly remarks, soft enough that even Silk can barely make out the words.

Her ear twitches, but she nods understandingly.

“...should she be that red?” Lyra asks, pointing at the librarian’s face.

"He makes her like that." Silk says casually.

“...does that mean she likes him, or...?”

"Lyra, she joined us in a lunch date yesterday." She says bluntly.

“But did she know it was a date date?” she rebuts.

"... I thought so." she looks unsure now.

They watch him kiss her forehead, and bear witness to the lack of an immediate reaction from the lavender pony. They then see a small smile form. Lyra can’t help but grin at this, reaching over and patting Silk to make sure she’s not the only one seeing it. She hears a giggle and a nod from the mare as yes, she sees it.

“...should we get her in lingerie, now?” Lyra whispers to Silk.

"Tempting as that is, I did invite him for business reasons first." She says with a small pout.

“...they could both model,” she points out.

"You said Twilight came for a reason too, right?"

“Yeah, but she was speaking in big words I couldn’t understand. It was like she didn’t want me to know what she wanted.”

"I could see that."

“...can you ask her for me?”

She nods, walking over. Flick, hearing her approach, carefully loosens his grip on the unicorn, enough so they both could comfortably look at her. "So, you came here for a reason, right Twilight?" Silk asks.

Twilights face goes back to red and she mumbles incoherently.

Flick gently taps her nose to make her muzzle scrunch up. “Do you want to keep it private?”

"It's... you'll find out eventually." She says as she nods.

“Will I like it?” Flick asks, smiling warmly.

"Its for the experiment." She clarifies. "So I think so."

“Good.” He kisses her cheek and turns to Silk. “What else do you want me to model?”

"Try these." She says, one ear cocked to a quietly whispering Twilight while she hands him some... less than whole chaps.

He tilts his head, but takes the clothes and starts changing.

Lyra immediately bolts from the room before she can see anything.

Twilight turns to the wall, whispering to Silk as she writes a few things down.

Something catches on her horn, and she finds herself looking at a dangling bow tie.

Twilight blinks before turning a bit more red, much to Silk's giggling.

The shirt lands between them right before Flick says, "Why do I wanna say yee haw?"

She turns to see. "Because I think you like to get in character."

He’s looking over his shoulder at them, trying to reach back and tug the end of one leg down a bit. “Seems a little short.”

"Well, that's why we're trying these things on, to find out quirks like that." She purrs at the sight.

He slowly nods, glancing over at Twilight. “Any thoughts?”

She's turned away, a hoof on her muzzle. "It's very... effective."

He notices a trail of red running down her foreleg from her hoof. “Should we make adjustments now or later, Silky?”

Silk gently nudges Twilight towards the door. "Give this note to Lyra so she knows what to get you."

With a nod and a small wave to Flick without looking at him, Twilight leaves.

"Seems that was a bit much for her." The other mare comments.

“It was?” He starts moving in a circle, stopping once he’s gone one and a half turns. “I don’t know how. Does she have a thing for cowponies?”

"Look so you can see your backside in the mirror."

He glances back at the mirror. “...why is it lifting my tail?”

"It's also accentuating your derriere." She explains. "And bulge."

“...this seems a bit much,” he says. “At least to me.”

"It's for certain types." She clarifies. "All the things I need you to try on aren't always going to be to your taste, but good news is that you don't have to have them on long."

“Okay... so may I take this off?” He asks, shaking one leg.

"Let me just..." She writes down a few things. "Okay, go ahead."

He uses his wind to turn her around. She promptly hears the clothes hit the floor.

“...my tail seems stuck.”

She laughs. "Need some help?"

“Not unless you know how to lower tails... and promise not to stare at a... certain part of me.”

"The first, yes, the second... well, I'll try my best."

“...okay, then.”

She turns around, getting to work as she gives him a small nuzzle. "Mares have this problem too sometimes, clothes can do that."

“...mares aren’t as obvious when it happens,” he points out.

"I meant tails. What are you thinking about?" She teases.

“Tails. Guys get extremely embarrassed when that happens,” he points out. “Especially since it’s sort of a mare thing, generally.”

"I suppose that's true." She nods, tugging the garment over the tail.

They manage to get it off and his tail lowers itself, no longer forced up by the garment.

As she puts the garment away, she comments. "Very nice, by the way."

He gives her a flat stare as his wings stretch down slightly. “So you were staring.”

"Hun, I don't have to stare to see that. It is bright red after all."

His face soon manages to match said color. “...well, yours is the same color of your wings. Hard not to notice when you flashed it at me at least once.”

She actually blushes at that. "So you remember."

“...it’s memorable.” He blushes softly and looks to the side. “...so is purple your skin color, or...?”

"It's a tone, don't expect me to shave so you can be sure." She says, walking over with a sway in her maid skirt.

He sighs and shrugs helplessly. “Fair enough. Maybe I can find out later on.”

"I'm sure you will, you keep this up and you'll have all the looks you can get." She says sultrily, giving him a nip on the neck with her fangs.

Now very flustered, he reaches out a claw. Her rump is immediately gripped and she is spun like a top.

"Yeep!" She blushes, looking at him and wondering what he's going to do.

He catches her, stopping her motion as he hugs her back to his chest. He gives her a playful nip to her ear.

She giggles. "So you do that, too."

“Your ears are irresistible,” he whispers to her.

"My ears?" She questions.

“Well, all of you, but your ears have that extra, adorable quality to them.” He kisses behind one of them.

She giggles. "Why thank you, it's true only one tribe has them."

“I think we could find another, somewhere...” He chuckles, squeezing her tighter. “Doubt they’ll be as adorable as yours, though.”

She doesn't seem to mind. "How nice. I see you pillow talk well."

“...is it pillow talk if I truly feel that way?”

"Sweet somethings, then."

“I’ll take it.” He nips her ear and lets go. “Anyways, that next outfit?”

"Mmhm." She nods, going over to the pile. "Let's see..."

She can feel him adjusting her skirt for her.

Then comes the loud smack to her rump.

"Yeep!" She rears up in surprise, wing flaring out at the same time.

“...that wasn’t me.” He slowly steps back from her.

Light snickering is heard from the doorway.

Her head snaps to the doorway.

The chortles immediately stop, and she sees no one.

She flaps her wings a bit before settling them. "Keep this up and I won't be as lenient in your uniform choice~!"

“Get him to rub your flanks, please?” The voice responds, and a small mirror floats into view.

She narrows her eyes. "Are there customers in the store?"

“No. Just me and Bon Bon.”

"... are her thoughts on all this?"

“...I don’t know.” She sees the turning of her head in the mirror. “What do you think of this, Bon Bon?”

"I'm wondering why you're trying to show me this when I came to ask you about dinner." She hears a response.

“...um...”

Flick reaches toward Silk and pats her back. The two don’t see, however, as the mirror flips away from the back room.

She shakes her head exasperatedly, looking to Flick.

“Let their minds do the imagining. They don’t get to see us cuddling.” He pulls her to his chest and nuzzles at her mane.

"We're supposed to be working..." she mildly protests.

“We are. I’m, uh...” He thinks for a second before he starts massaging her shoulders. “Working your body. And you’re working that outfit.”

"Not what... I meant..." she almost purrs as she rolls her shoulders.

“Well then I’m afraid I’ll have to continue until you explain what you meant.” His claws slowly work down her sides.

She shivers. "I brought you here to... test out new male lines... and adjust them based... on feedback and observations... maybe jump you after."

“There. Was that so-” He jolts away from her, blushing brightly. “W-what was that last thing?”

She turns with half lidded eyes and growls alluringly at him.

“...how many outfits are left?”

"A half dozen." She smiles.

“Right. Let’s get through them, get a couple more outfits on you, and get back to cuddling.” He nods to himself and starts undressing her.

She wiggles her hips for him. "Undressing me? How forward."

He gives her a playful smack as he pulls down the skirt. “Quiet, you, or I’ll take my massage to Applejack... she’ll be busy, but I can work with that!”

She lets out a little yelp, not actually hurt. "So you can stand up to it."

“Stand up to what?” Flick sets her outfit to the side, then looks at the clothes rack expectantly.

Surprisingly, he gets no answer to his question.

Dress them up! Wait, what caused that bruise?

"Alright, I think with this, we're done." Silk says some time later, now wearing a nurse outfit.

Flick nods, carefully folding up the trench coat he’d been wearing. “Where’d you come up with the idea for a detective?”

"It just sprang from the stereotypical 'lingerie under the trench coat' thing." She explains.

“There was no lingerie, though.”

"It was meant as a use for just the coat. As for none being on me, I figured I'd take it easy on you today." She winks.

This is what allows her a split second to realize he’d pounced, and they tumble along the floor for a bit. He ends up on her back, happily nuzzling her neck and keeping her firmly in place.

"Wasn't I supposed to jump you?" She asks.

“I don’t think it was ever decided.” He tries to nip her cheek, but can only slide the curve of his beak against her soft fur.

She doesn't seem to mind. "Planning on keeping me here?"

“Until either of us have to leave, yes.” His left talon reaches up to scratch under her chin, as if he were exploring her body’s reactions.

Her tail wags against his belly as she coos.

He chuckles, continuing to cuddle. “...hmm... any outfits you’d think Jackie could try on once she gets here?” He pulls on the band of her skirt, letting it go after a second. “...any chance this could come with something that allows it to snap?”

"You like doing that, hmm?" She grins. "A little panty snapper."

“It’s mostly because I like the cute noises you all make,” he clarifies.

"Curious about what noises you could me to make in this position?" She purrs.

“Maybe.” He then realizes their position, but just continues to nuzzle. “Oh my, how would the others react to you letting me mount you so soon?”

"Jealously." She says resolutely.

His ear twitches. “Applejack just showed up. Time to see what she thinks, hmm?”

Without warning, the two of them go into another tumble. This time, she lands on his stomach, hooves on his forelegs and looking down at him. She swiftly realizes that she can’t get off.

She tugs her hooves a bit, a slight bit unnerved, but wondering what he's pulling.

They can clearly hear Lyra speaking up front. “I think her living area is through the back of the store? Most ponies live in their shops, so...”

Silk actually looks nervous. "Umm, hun, as fun as this is, she doesn't seem like one to wait for an explanation..."

He blinks as the sound of hoofsteps slowly becomes audible, the farmer apparently deciding to be careful with her steps. “Really? She seemed reasonable enough to me.”

"Would you like to test that?" She asks.

He chuckles, rubbing her cheek with a claw as he leans up towards her. “Do you? You’re free to move, you know.”

She quickly rolls off him and straightens herself. He gets up and, giving her a brief nuzzle, heads over to the door and intercepts Applejack with a hug, the basket she had floating like a feather to the ground.

"Oh! Well hey there!” She says in surprise.

“Hey.” He smiles and kisses her cheek, picking her up and hugging her such that her forelegs are pinned to her chest and her hind legs are against his own. “How’s the harvest going?”

"Fine..." She grunts, dancing on her hooves a bit to balance.

“Good.” He thinks for a bit, then looks to Silk. “Have any bandannas for her?”

"Bandanas? I suppose I might... Not really a popular item..." She thinks.

“Bandannas or anything that’d help wick up sweat. Also a cowpony outfit so we can see how she’d look in the complete garb.” He taps her hat. “This stays untouched.”

"Now hold on, Ah need to get back to the harvest..." She protests.

“Surely you can spare a minute to try something on,” he reasons, rubbing her belly as he readjusts their positions.

She sighs. "Fine... ya big pushover."

“Great!” He grins, then looks to Silk for her thoughts. “So, any outfits?”

"Oh, definitely." She laughs.

“Please bring the best one you have.”

She wanders off, still wearing the nurse outfit.

He turns his attention back to Applejack once the thestral passes, continuing to cuddle her. “...so could you tell me about that reaction, now?”

"What reaction?" She asks.

“Brr.” He mimics her voice once more, making sure he has the right inflection.

She blushes. "You remember too much."

“No, because I miss what you say in the mornings. If I woke up before you...” He nuzzles at her jawline, humming softly. “...I’d tell you how much you mean to me... how your steadfast nature lets me feel safe in depending on you... how wonderful it feels to have your body against mine...”

"From one direction to another, there." She says, blushing.

“What’s wrong with that?” He says, pouting softly. One of his claws slowly moves up her side.

"Nothing at all." She smiles.

“Good.” He smiles, leaning in to kiss her cheek, just as his claw finds that spot behind her ear once more.

She shivers, giving out that same curious sound.

“Would you be willing to tell me what that means if I stop?” Flick asks, smiling playfully at her.

"... Ah find mahself conflicted."

“Did you want me to continue?” He gives it an extra scratch.

Her tail flicks. "...maybe a little."

“...how about a change to the deal, where I stop if you don’t tell me and instead tickle you while you’re off the ground?” He shows off with lifting the basket of apples without touching it.

She narrows her eyes. "Fine..."

“Good. Please tell me why you make that adorable noise.” He scratches behind her ear some more.

She shivers again, light pink on her cheeks. "...because it feels good."

“Oh? That’s good to hear. I’d hate to do something that hurts you.” He kisses behind her ear, only to realize that Silk is standing there, watching them. He immediately freezes on the spot, beak still against that spot.

She waves a hoof with a smile. "Don't mind me."

“...I’m more worried what Jackie might think.” He gently nudges her cheek, hoping she won’t be upset.

"Why would ah be upset?" She asks him.

“Because we were discussing something somewhat private,” he points out.

"Tickling, so personal." Silk says in a spooky voice, ending with a laugh.

“...okay, so I guess you didn’t hear everything.” He nuzzles Applejack again. “So which outfit did you get for her?”

"This one." She offers the cloth to Applejack.

He stretches and grabs it, not letting go of the farmer.

"It's a nice vest, some boots, the bandana you requested, and some shorts." Silk explains.

The golden griffon blinks a couple times, eyes blank. “...what are shorts?”

"A niche clothing item, but they don't impair movement."

He sits in silence for a moment, just a moment, and then holds Applejack up for her, orange legs dangling in the air. “Will it make her cuter? Because I don’t think you can make her more beautiful.”

Applejack wiggles. "Uh, is lifting me necessary?"

"I went for more sexy than cute." Silk admits.

“It’s necessary, so she can get your clothes on easier.” He nods to the thestral, keeping Applejack in the air.

"Ah can dress mahself!" She protests.

“Yes, but it’s more fun this way.” He lets go, and she finds herself stuck in midair. She can see him walk around to grab the vest.

"Hey... easy now..." She looks a bit nervous being held like this.

He walks back to her, putting her hat on his head. Smiling warmly, he pulls her forelegs forward so he can slip on her vest, sliding it over her head before placing it against her torso. He makes it a point to brush his claws through her fur.

She's blushing bright red up to her ears, not saying a word.

He then takes the bandanna, wrapping it around her neck and tying it in place with a simple square knot.

"Well, this is comfortable..." She mutters.

He puts her hat back on, then sets her down, brushing off the vest. “I do have to say, you look stunning. It helps emphasize... well, you.” He scratches his head. “Sorry, can’t think of good words. Too flustered.”

She laughs softly. "Well, um, thanks." She looks down at herself.

“...oh shoot, forgot the other two parts.” He lifts up the boots and shorts. “Which goes on first?”

"H-hey whoa there." She crosses her legs. "Ah can put that on mahself."

“Yes, but I’m here to help make it easier.” He nods and walks around Applejack to help with the shorts.

"Hun... maybe let her do this part." Silk interjects.

He glances between the two of them, dejected. “...oh. I was about to do something wrong, then?”

"It goes over her rump." Silk points out. "And that's a bit of a personal area where you'd be very close to the intimate areas I thought you weren't up to yet."

“...I believe I can avoid the sensitive bits...” He sets the shorts down on the ground. “...might just let her do that, though... but can I still rub her body afterwards?”

"Hun, that's up to her." She points out.

He considers her words, then looks to the orange pony before him for her take.

"Not much seems to stop ya from doin' that."

“That means go ahead!” Lyra calls back to them.

He nods and grabs the shorts, getting them up to Applejack’s knees before anyone can react.

"Hey!" They're up, over and fastened before she can blink. The next thing they know he’s hugging her legs and nuzzling at what there is left to see of her cutie mark.

Silk smirks. "Still got it."

Applejack is just blushing, trying to shake him off.

His grip doesn’t loosen, but it doesn’t tighten either. He seems content to just hug her like this for the rest of the day.

A field of green magic pries him loose, though, and slips the boots on Applejack at the same time. He’s then placed on the yellow mare in the same position, blinking in confusion.

Both mares blink, the farmer commenting. "Ah think yer assistant is too distracted by all this."

“...to be fair, she was roped into the job,” Flick says, pulling out some bits to hand to Silk. “For her outfit. Is it the right price?”

"Now hold on, ya don't have to do that." The farmer says while Silk cranes her head back to look at Flick and the bits.

“I want to. I can tell you like it... or at least my reaction to it, with that blush of yours.” He points to her cheeks with his free claw, unable to stop himself from being pushed against the base of a purple tail.

"That's a bit of an odd thing to say when you're attached to my rump, hun." Silk says.

“If I was doing this on purpose, I’d have you both in my claws, and you’d be making cute noises,” he says. “And what was odd? I wanna buy a cute outfit for Jackie.”

Silk calls back over her shoulders. "Lyra, can you stop, please?"

The magic dissipates, and his face plants in the carpet, no longer held against her. He stays there for a moment, silent.

"Might need to have a talk with her later." Silk muses, helping him up.

“Maybe.” He shrugs, then walks back to Applejack and hugs her, nuzzling under her chin while she sits in his lap.

"Ah, um, take it ya like it?"

“Yep. I love all these outfits on you girls... but you all seem to have one that just... fits perfectly.” He kisses her chin, then continues to cuddle.

"Oh really? You haven't even seen some of the ones I keep for myself." Silk quips.

He stops, slowly turning his head to look at her, sitting up straighter and holding Applejack in place by her rump. “...really? Like what?”

"Oh you know, things that are lacy and provocative." She winks, getting a strange look from Applejack.

“...I’ll have to see how you look in them later.” He nods, then sets down the farmer. “Also, how much for the librarian outfit?”

"You mean Twilight's items?" She asks.

"Does everypony come here?" Applejack mutters.

“Yes, and only you and Twilight, as far as I know. I’m mostly here to help Silky out,” Flick clarifies, giving her a little squeeze without remembering where he placed his claws.

Her leg kicks out, luckily away from him as she blushes. "Easy there..."

“...wow, I forgot how firm those were.” He rubs his claws in circles, humming thoughtfully. “Another thing to like about you, Jackie.”

"Ah, um, thank ya." She says, seeing Silk just smirk.

“Silk’s is more of a clawful, though,” he amends. “Which is good in its own way.”

The smirk grows slightly bigger.

"Ah take it she was one of the ones ya were considering?"

“...I thought you already knew she was considered for the herd?” He scratches his head. “Wait, did you mean as the lead mare?”

"I knew you thought of somepony who wasn't in our little circle of friends. Hadn't met her yet."

“...oh yeah, you were busy the last few days...” He nods, then gestures Silk closer with a wing, claws still busy rubbing. She comes towards them. He catches her with his wing, and pulls her to his side so they’re close enough for a quiet chat. “Better. Jackie, meet Silk Tease. Silky, meet Applejack. Don’t think she has a last name.”

She shakes her head. "Well, nice to meet somepony else who caught the eye of this one." She motions to Flick.

He kisses her head, then the farmer’s cheek, unabashedly enjoying their warmth against his body.

"Well, the sweetheart is quite good at endearing himself."

“I’ll say!” Lyra calls from the front.

Flick slips a bag of bits under Silk’s wing, wondering if the unicorn was enough of a distraction.

She wasn't, but wings are sensitive anyway. She checks the bag, then looks at him, leaning in to whisper. "You know Twilight paid for her own items, right?"

“...then the rest is for your own outfit,” he whispers back, setting them both down so he can carry the basket of apples properly.

"So... should Ah take this off?" Applejack gestures to her outfit.

He eyes her appreciatively, then shrugs. “If you want. But it belongs to you, now... and I look forward to seeing you in it again.

She looks over herself now that she's on her hooves, stretching her legs as she looks at the boots.

Flick turns to look at Silk, tail teasingly tickling the farmer’s nose. “Where did you want these apples?”

"Well, probably upstairs in my place. I suppose I have snacks now."

“That’s good. It’ll take more than snacks to get me in bed, though.” He playfully sticks out his tongue.

“Yeah, you’ll need him to sleepwalk in!” A tomboyish voice filters in from the door, making him freeze. “That’s how AJ got him in hers... what’s she wearing?”

Silk slowly turns her head to the new colorful newcomer as Applejack blushes. "My my, so many customers today... I wonder what we could get you in..."

“No. No way, not dressing up!” She shakes her forelegs wildly in front of her. “I was here to tell Flick about these flyers.” She holds up a picture of a star-tipped wand. “They just blew into town for some reason.”

“...did you want me to send them back out?” He looks confused by this, already halfway up the stairs in an attempt to get away.

"What are they?" Applejack asks, spying Silk sneaking up on Rainbow with a skirt in her mouth.

She flies behind her friend, keeping an eye on the outfitter while presenting the paper. “It seems to be a show of some kind. A traveling one.”

Flick hurries upstairs to set down the fruit so he doesn’t miss too much.

"Huh? Well, that could be fun. A little something new." Aj comments.

“Yep. Was planning on asking him if he’d go there on a date with us.” She elbows the farmer’s side. “Come on, be my wingmare.”

She gives her a strange look, but smiles and nods. "It does sound fun." She spots Silk prowling closer.

She is almost able to touch her when she’s pulled back into a hug. Well, a hug to her hind legs, at least, and a nuzzle to the doilies that make up her cutie mark.

She drops what she's holding, giggling.

Rainbow immediately takes notice, blushing brightly. “...how can you stay so quiet when he’s... you know...”

“Just nuzzling, Rainbow.”

She grimaces at his words. “...oh.” She shakes her head, pointing at the bottom of the flyer. “It looks like it’s tomorrow at noon. Which means I’ll have to either get up early to show Flick my moves, or show him afterwards.”

Silk shrugs, tail swishing happily. "that's on you."

“...I guess. Hey, Flick, AJ and I were wondering if you’d go out to watch that show tomorrow.”

He blinks. “...will I get to cuddle you girls?”

"Maybe not quite like this in public." Silk says. "You have enough rumors."

“...can I sit between you two?” He asks, stopping his nuzzling to focus on them.

"It seems as though there will be three of us." She responds.

“...is Silky coming, too? I didn’t know if she was interested.” He looks up at her, having slid down to her hooves. “Are you?”

"Well... It could be nice."

“...I’ll find a way to sit between all of you.” He nods, standing up and getting stopped by Silk’s tail and skirt. “...huh. I wasn’t wrong.”

She actually hops a little away from him as she blushes.

He shakes his head, trying to brush his feathers back into place. “Anyways... you wanted to dress up Rainbow?”

“Oh, what’s that? I think I hear my pet calling me!” She tries to zoom off, but crashes into something invisible and slumps to the ground.

The griffon coughs, covering his mouth as his whole body shakes. “...you don’t have a pet... and I promised Silk I’d help her, today.”

"She can flee... this time. It gives me time to make something special." Her grin is not at all innocent.

“...wish I’d known that before trying to catch a rainbow shot put...” He groans and collapses, earning a curious look from Rainbow.

"Sugarcube?" Applejack says, looking concerned, walking over to him.

“Don’t worry... just a bit winded.” He gives them a smile, but is blindsided when Rainbow rushes over to flip him on his back, revealing his underside and a growing dark spot on his chest. “...I can explain.”

Silk sheds her clothing she still had on, coming over as well. "I think you should."

“...so I may get injured if a certain area around my winds gets hit?” He gives them a sheepish grin.

The athlete stares, then slowly brings her hooves up to her face. “Please tell me I’m not the only one confused...”

"Ah don't get it."

Silk just has a first aid kit.

“...Okay, so I might not be able to explain,” he says, sighing and collapsing on the floor. “Not unless I can make you see, somehow...”

SIlk starts sifting through the dark fur. "Is there a simple version?"

“...kinetic force from impacts against solid masses made by my element transfer directly to me?” He tries.

“...that wasn’t simple,” Rainbow says.

"It does explain things, though." Silk says, dabbing at the dark area.

“...yeah, I don’t speak egghead.” She jumps back when Flick suddenly sits up, knocking Silk back with her.

This leaves Applejack as the only pony close enough to be pulled into an embrace, her body shifted so she’s on him as he kisses at her neck just above the bandanna. It seems he missed her lips because his eyes were closed.

"Woah nelly, what's all this? Doesn't this hurt ya?"

“...I think he’s trying to heal himself with your affection,” Rainbow says.

“It’ll hurt less the more I heal,” Flick mutters, continuing to kiss along her neck.

"And... this heals you?" Silk asks, confused.

“...well, if she kisses back or at least returns the affection, it’ll work a lot faster.”

"Ya kinda put the pressure on, ya know." Applejack grumbles, nuzzling him.

They can see the edge of the bruise shrink slightly, hidden beneath her orange coat, now.

"... Never heard of this before." Applejack comments as she sees.

“...yeah... not sure how to explain it.” He shrugs helplessly beneath her.

“...this is taking too long.” Rainbow moves behind her friend and pushes on the back of her head, struggling to get her even an inch closer to Flick’s face.

"Will you get off?!" She tries to push her away.

“No!”

Flick, on top of looking uncomfortable, is grimacing more with each inch gained by the chromatic pegasus.

Silk bonks the athlete on the head. "You're pressing her into the bruise."

Rainbow falls on her side, clutching her cranium. “Oww...”

The griffon takes this moment to hug Applejack and float them out of the back room, not wanting things to get worse. He snags a cover on the way out and drapes it over them.

"Sorry hun, but you were hurting him." She offers her a pillow.

She grumbles, but rests her head on top of it, going rather quiet. “...sorry, I just... wanted to help him... AJ said I’m no longer allowed to kiss him, so...”

"Remind me what your little deal is?"

“She’s making some sort of contest, and I have to win to join you guys,” she grumbles.

"...well, I guess that's not too far out of the norm... usually that's for established herds."

“...are you not an established herd?” Rainbow asks, baffled.

She shakes her head. "Nothing is set in stone yet."

“...then I guess there’s no lead mare?” She glances around, frowning. “...wait, where did they go?”

Silk shrugs. "I suppose they wandered off."

“...think he took her somewhere private?” The athlete looks through the doorway, not seeing anyone but Lyra and a pink-maned confectioner. “...the Cakes come here?” she mutters to herself.

"Perhaps." Silk folds a few items. "For now, I should get back out into the store."

"Right... guess I'll see you some other time?" She nods and trots through the store, lingering some when she passes an empty display, but otherwise making a quick exit.

"Feel free to come by anytime, especially if you have something you want in mind!"

“I’ll probably just come to talk!” She calls back.

"And I will tempt you all the same!"

“I doubt it!”

Feelings bloom! So did you sleep well?

“...Jackie. Hey, Jackie.”

The first thing the farmer feels upon waking up is the claw on her shoulder, gently shaking her into awareness.

"Huh... wha?" She blinks blearily.

“It’s almost sunrise.” She can slowly make out the familiar face of the golden griffon, smiling down warmly at her. A talon reaches behind her ear and gently scratches. “If I’d known you’d sleep this long, I might’ve refrained from that massage.”

"To be fair... with this harvest, Ah think Ah needed it." She says slowly, lifting her head and surprising him with a smooch, eyes still half asleep.

He immediately freezes in shock, his face slowly changing to match Big Mac’s hue. “...glad I... could help...” He quietly swallows, claw gripping the paper bag he’d been holding a bit tighter. “...can... again...?”

She chuckles, rubbing his head. "Well... ah, what the hay." She gives him another.

He leans into it, claw running through her mane as he savors this moment, his heart fluttering in his chest. The unbridled joy he’s feeling begs for him to keep it going as long as possible, even urging him to partially lean on the bed for a better angle.

She gently but firmly breaks the kiss, laughing. "Wow, you were waitin' for that, huh?"

He nods emphatically, unable to reign in his blush. “You have no idea... oh, and I got an apple cinnamon muffin for you.” He opens up the bag and pulls out the treat.

"Is that what Ah smelled?" She sniffs. "Well now, if ya didn't earn it before, ya certainly did now." She nuzzles him. "Thanks, sugarcube."

He belatedly realizes he has a goofy smile on his face, wings fluttering and tail swishing behind him. “My pleasure, Jackie.”

She sits up, giving the treat another sniff before she takes a bite.

The griffon waits there beside the bed, eyes darting from her face to her food and back. If she were to look, she’d see nervousness as clear as the beak on his mug.

"Mmm... where'd you get this?"

“The mailmare. My first choice was Sugarcube Corner, but they aren’t open... yet...”

He trails off, eyes wide and beak hanging open. By this point, the sun is coming up behind him, the light landing on her face just right. His eyes light up as he reaches off to the side, a drawing pad and pencil making their way into his claws as he starts to sketch, never taking his eyes off her form.

She blinks at him. "Flick?"

He gently places a talon to her lips, now working with colored pencils to try and get just the right shade. Eventually he stops, turning the pad to show her the drawing.

She blinks. "Wow... so this is how ya see me?"

“Well, I did my best to capture your natural beauty...” He turns it back and lets himself frown a bit. “...but I feel like it fell short.”

"Fell short? What kinda fella makes a picture like that and says it ain't great?" She scoffs a bit, shaking her head.

He gives her a small, earnest smile, gently touching her thigh with a talon. “Because it’s still just a picture, and not the wonderful mare before me.”

She blushes, leaning against him. "It's still nice."

He chuckles and sets it on the stand in the room. “I could make you one of me, if you’d like. You could place it in your room so you can see me every day.” He taps his chin, humming in an obviously silly way. “Or you could throw darts at it. Some ponies would.”

She playfully ruffles the feathers on the top of his head.

He chuckles, climbing in bed beside her. He drops on his side, chest to chest with her and gently embracing her form. “So... I took care of a few acres last night... figured it’d be a way to make it up to you.” He rolls on his back so she’s laying on him. “I hope I didn’t step on any tails.”

"Well, Ah was a little worried even with you getting better at distractin' me. Ah appreciate it."

He sighs in relief, leaning up to nuzzle at her neck. “I’m glad to be of service.”

She lays her head on him as she closes her eyes again, letting out a slow sigh.

His claw idly rubs her back, wings moving to cover her in lieu of the sheets.

"Didn't realize how tired Ah was..."

"Oh?" He looks at her curiously, slowly turning into a cheeky smile as he squeezes her flanks. "I thought it was just my magic claws."

She laughs. "Easy there... wait..." She turns her head to see both of his wings.

He blinks, following her line of sight. He carefully moves one, then the other, the latter making him flinch in response. “...well, it’s better, at least.”

"Just be careful. Don't wanna make it worse."

“Right...” He nods, carefully folding it to his side. “...so... that was still painful, yesterday...” A smirk plays on his beak. “It seems your kisses are divine.”

"And you still have that silver tongue." She counters.

“Is it?” He tilts his head to the side. “I’m only telling you how I feel about you.” A claw curves around her rump to move up her back.

"And the wandering claws?" She says with a small laugh.

“Sight can only do so much when appreciating your beauty,” he replies, kissing her nose.

"Alright... just make sure y'all ain't doing this in front of my family."

“Deal.” He gives her rump another squeeze, then pulls her into another kiss, claw holding her close. “...you know I’m going to help you harvest directly, now that it’s better.”

"Ah dunno, Ah might tell ya not to and just give me a massage after."

“Hmm... how about your friends?” He smiles at her, his claws moving to subtly knead her muscles. “I’m sure they’d be willing to help.”

"They're doing other things, Ah'm sure." She mutters quietly.

He stops his motions, looking at her curiously. “...maybe, but I don’t want you getting overwhelmed. I may be a masseuse, but even my touch has limits.”

"Better than just running without it." She points out.

He sighs, bringing up a claw to run through her golden locks. “At least promise me you’ll ask for help if it gets too much?”

"Alright, alright..." She sighs.

“Thank you.” He smiles and pulls her into one more kiss, but he freezes just before he can touch her lips. His head slowly turns to the balcony doors, wide open and revealing a certain purple unicorn, separated from them by two railings but still otherwise able to see inside. “...morning? You’re up early...”

"And you... have company..." She says with a blush.

He looks up at Applejack, still laying on top of him, then back to her. “Yes, I do... and since you’re part of our group, I believe you’re welcome to join... at the very least, you could come with us to the magic show today.”

Her face is slowly going red. "The... show sounds nice..."

“...you alright?” He sits up, pulling Applejack firmly against him as he focuses on the unicorn. “This sort of thing should be normal in a herd... you still want to be part of it, right?”

She actually covers her eyes. "I didn't know we were at different stages!"

This pushes him over to baffled. “...so you aren’t ready for cuddling and kissing?”

She peeks up. "Wait... that's what you were doing?"

“Well... yeah. Otherwise I’d be sweating and she’d be glowing,” he says, scratching behind the farmer’s ear to let her know he didn’t forget her.

She seems to have dozed back off for the moment, a smile on her face.

Flick can’t help but smile at this, gently kissing her forehead before looking to Twilight once more. “Did you want to join us, Twily?”

"I'm... flattered, but I did have a couple things planned with Spike this morning."

He shrugs a bit. “Okay, then. How about after the show? Or some time this evening?”

"I'd be happy to go to the show with you" She smiles.

“Great!” He grins. “And cuddling together would make for a great end to a date!”

She clears her throat, but nods.

“...oh, right... I should probably wake her...” He looks to Applejack, but makes no move to do so.

"Well, I'll leave you to that." Twilight stands up, gives him a smile, and heads in.

He watches her leave, then turns back to Applejack. “...I’m glad I have you girls.” He smiles and kisses her forehead. “Rest all you want, Jackie. I’ll be here when you wake up.”

She lets out a small yawn, her eyes opening once more. "Sorry, guess Ah was still a little tired."

He chuckles. “It’s fine. I took care of what you had for today yesterday... thanks to Granny Smith, of course.” He awkwardly grins. “I wouldn’t have known where to start without her.”

"Yeah, Granny's still sharp when she wants ta be." She nods, eyes drifting to the snack once more.

Seeing where her gaze was focused, he carefully turns her around on his lap, her back to his chest. He offers her the muffin, resting his chin on her head, an arm wrapped loosely around her waist.

She smiles taking another bite. "Ah should head back to the fields for a bit after this, before the show starts."

He hums as he thinks, talons tapping on her red apples. “Should I get you, then? I lose track of time, sometimes, but I don’t know if you do.”

"Well... yeah, Ah can get kind of focused, too." She admits.

“Then it’s settled. I’ll pick you up so we don’t have to worry about the time.” He nods, leaning down to kiss at her neck.

She hums happily as she takes another bite.

“...oh, right, I guess this means you got my first real kiss.” He chuckles, patting her on the head. “Congrats.”

"Heh... hope ya dont mind." She has a proud smile. "Glad Ah got it before somepony else snuck it from under me."

“...why do I feel like you have someone in mind when you say that?” His claws gently rub her belly, making sure to not go too far down. This golden griffon is clearly happy that he has someone he can do this with.

"Because ah do. Rainbow and I like to keep each other on our hooves with challenges."

He hums thoughtfully, tenderly scratching at the orange fur. “So if she got the first technical kiss, and you got the first mutual one... who wins?”

She narrows her eyes. "Me. Did she sneak one?"

He raises an eyebrow at her. “Yeah, back when I passed out, remember? Took on a couple acres in two minutes, and she reenergized me with a kiss?”

"Oh right... that."

“Yep... though I didn’t feel that one.” He taps his chin. “I did feel the one after she almost crashed into a mountain, though... her lips were slightly chapped.”

"... Ah feel like she and Ah need to talk."

“Well... maybe you two could talk after the magic show?” He offers, carefully reclining so they’re laying down once more.

"Alright, alright... that'll let me think while Ah'm workin anyway."

“Good.” He’s quiet for a moment. “...to be clear, the really intimate stuff is for after marriage, right? At least for ponies?”

She blinks repeatedly. "Well, if we're being blunt, ya mean a good rutting?"

He blushes bright red, but manages to nod enough for an answer.

She laughs out loud at this, taking a moment to rub his head as she does so. Though he leans into her hoof, he makes a point to keep his questioning gaze on her. "Sugarcube, maybe some do that, but I think you'll find most mares are dissuaded by nature from taking that stance."

“...and you?” His claws grip her thighs a little tighter.

She rubs his head. "Marriage ain't part of my requirements fer the time being right."

Still blushing profusely, he gives a small nod and kisses her once more. “...and here I was, told you were a traditional family...”

"Oh, we definitely are, just our own traditions." She smiles.

“...Rainbow said it was more of a scythe-point wedding type traditional,” he muses, rubbing his chin. Shrugging a bit, he goes back to rubbing Applejack’s fur.

"We've done a few of those." She admits.

His brow furrows as he thinks on this. “Wait, so if I get you pregnant, I’ll be forced to do something I already want to do?”

She puts a hoof on his beak. "Jumped forward a few steps, didn't ya? That or y'all have been talkin' to granny."

“...well, I mean... I really do like you...” He awkwardly coughs. “But yeah, maybe I should focus on the now.”

"There ya go." She gives him a quick smooch.

“Well... the now is telling me to keep you in bed for one more hour.” He winks, letting his arms drop from her back. “But I feel that I’ll test the boundaries of what I’m allowed if I do that.”

She chuckles. "Maybe when it's not harvest time."

“...so we can do that after we finish the harvest?” He smiles playfully at her, claws rubbing her flanks in circles, firmly enough to make her cutie marks shift a bit with his motions.

She shivers. "Ah'm sure there'll be days where ah don't have much planned."

He chuckles, gently nipping at her ear. “I look forward to them... for now, how about we get you ready? Your morning work should be split in half...”

"Ahm worried 'we' getting me ready might take longer." She chuckles.

“Which is why I took the time to do half your morning harvesting last night.” He nods, seeming proud of himself.

"... ya picked, sorted, and stored?" She checks.

“All but one.” He reaches over and brings out an apple, bright red and shaped like a heart. “I feel like it was telling me to give it to you.”

"Daww... thanks, sugarcube." She nuzzles him.

He smiles, and they return to cuddling, the apple heart resting on the farmer’s chest.

Flick grumbles as he wipes the sweat off his forehead, annoyed at the sheer lack of clouds. What he wouldn’t do to get some shade right about now.

He perks up as the trees of Sweet Apple Acres appears before him, and he opts to hop over the fence so he can make a beeline for the farmhouse. He can see the harvest has been going well, many trees bright but bare of fruit.

He smiles at this, pausing for a moment to place a claw on a tree, trying to see if he can feel anything more than just bark. While the tree itself doesn't say anything, a flat spot of bark tells him a certain mare had already been by. Nodding to himself, he turns and starts making his way down the hill.

He promptly slips on a loose apple and is sent rolling down the slope, unable to get a limb out to stop himself. He sees a flash of orange as he collides with something else and continues rolling down the hill.

The griffon and his inanimate passenger soon land at the bottom of the hill, next to some overgrown bushes. He groans, rubbing his head. “...just how big was that thing?”

"Well... that's one way to say hello." Says a familiar voice.

He freezes, heart clenching with dread. “Oh Jackie... please tell me I didn’t hit you...”

"Y'all know ah don't like to lie."

He audibly whimpers, talons slowly reaching back to touch what he expects is orange fur. “Jackie... I’m sorry... I would never want to hurt you...” He heard a scraping sound, which causes a pause. “...that sounded like... wood?” He carefully opens an eye, nausea hitting him much like he hit whatever he is laying on.

He doesn't see her, her voice coming from the other side. "Believe it or not, ya didn't actually hurt me, just gave me a scare and a tumble."

He promptly collapses. “Oh thank goodness, I was so scared I’d hurt you...” Flick flops on his stomach, rolls until he’s touching fur, and cuddles the source gently. “The guilt would consume me.”

"Ah know ya wouldn't do that." She pats his head. "But yer gonna hurt yerself again."

“This time was an accident. I slipped on something.” He starts to nuzzle under her chin, humming softly.

"So, is it time?" He receives a responding nuzzle.

“Well, probably half a minute after when I said, by now.” He takes the moment to kiss her, a talon shifting her up his body slightly by her rump so it’s more comfortable for both of them.

"Well, come on, can't sit here and do this all day if we wanna make the show."

“...can we do it tonight, maybe?” He gives her a hopeful smile, looking up into her emerald eyes.

"Well... alright." She laughs.

He smiles, leaning up to kiss her once more.

They both notice the red legs beside them once they break apart.

Applejack looks up.

Her brother looks down at her. “Nope.” He turns and heads to the cart, hitching it up to himself without another sound.

“...I thought his ribs were still injured?” Flick questions, his voice heard by Applejack simply because their faces are inches apart.

"He is... Big Mac, don't you dare do any work!" She calls after him.

“Someone’s gotta put them up!” He responds.

Flick sits up, pulling away from the farm mare. “I can do it. Easy.”

“Yer just as injured as me,” he retorts.

"Yeah, how about both ya hardheads let the mare do her job and put it away." She pushes past them both.

The griffon blinks dumbly for a second. “...but my wing’s healed so much!” He blurts, rushing over to scoop her up and gripping the cart with his tail. “Besides, with it empty, I can pull it like this!”

"Sugarcube, I'm putting my hoof down." She says this as she thumps to the ground as she slides off. "Ya already took a tumble, Ah ain't risking ya endin' up under the cart."

He slumps a bit. “...oh. Okay, then.” He pulls her into a gentle hug. “...should I follow you, or...?”

She nuzzles him. "Well sure, we're still going to that show."

He brightens up, kissing her cheek. “Great! Then we can go pick up everyone else on the way!”

She laughs. "There ya go, Ah knew you'd bounce back."

He can only shrug, leaning up against her side as they head back to the barn.

Big Mac watches them leave, then looks back at the pear trees behind him. Without another word, he leaves the overgrown bushes and the fruits that upset granny so much.

Author's Note

Art by rodriguez404. I will take it down if they ask.

Welcome to Ponyville! Do you have a ticket?

There are many ways one can describe Ponyville, but one word no one ever seems to want to use despite its accuracy is... excitable. You'd be surprised how crazy the town can get over things like strangers, bunnies, or even a simple scrap of paper. Today is one of those days, as a crowd with feverish emotions gathers outside the local library, all clamoring to get at the paper.

Of course, the reason why is lost on a newcomer to the town, who had just turned the corner and is watching the crowd from a distance. A frown forms on the edges of his charcoal-colored beak. "...what is going on over there?" He unfurls his golden wings and carefully flutters closer, deciding it'd be easier to talk to one of the flying ponies. "Hey, what's going on? Is a new book out?"

The spring green mare turns to him, the excitement in her eyes flickering out of existence for a moment as she notices his eyes, each like a bronze moon in a starless sky. It takes her a split second to remember to flap, shaking her head to clear it. "No! The New mare has a spare ticket to the Grand Galloping Galla!"

He blinks, looking at her in confusion. "...tickets to the what, now?"

"The biggest ball of the year held in Canterlot!" She gestures wildly with her hooves. "How could you not know?!"

He just stares at her, bringing a talon up to tap his beak. "Because I'm not from here, I'd say?"

"Oh.. okay, well... I'm going to get back to trying to get the ticket, okay?" She smiles at him before darting back down and peeking in a window.

Tilting his head to the side, he just shrugs and lands on the ground, looking around. Realizing just how lost he is, he sighs in defeat and decides to approach another mare, gently tapping her on the shoulder. "Excuse me, where do I go to get a place to live?"

"Huh?" She turns to him. "Oh, umm... the mayor maybe? Town Hall's the official looking building over there." She points him in a direction that looks like it's deeper into town.

He smiles and bows to her. "Thank you, Miss. I hope your day turns out as lovely as you are." He turns and walks away, missing the quiet pout a nearby mint green unicorn directs his way.

The mare he had spoken to just giggles, touching her chin as she does so.

He slowly makes his way through the streets, looking around at all the similar buildings. "...how do ponies not get lost around here..." He sighs and walks through the abandoned tents of what he assumes must be a marketplace, and he takes the time to carefully observe what there is for sale.

As it was founded by farmers, many of the stalls are food and related wares, with a few vendors still selling, but some had apparently been swept up in that strange rush about the ticket.

He stops by one of them, smiling warmly as he points at the direction he's going. "That's the way to town hall, right? No twists or turns or anything?"

She nods. "Yep, big old tall building."

He nods, placing a claw on her hoof. "Thank you." He glances at what she's selling. "Honey? Is it as sweet as you?" He closes his eyes as he beams at her, hoping to hide his slight grimace.

She blows a small raspberry. "You're not the first one to try that, but thank you. Sample?" She offers him a tiny cup of honey.

"Can't blame a griffin for trying." He takes it in a claw, waving to her with a wing as he walks away.

"Come back for more if you like it!"

He nods, absently licking from the cup as he wanders the streets, hopefully getting closer to the town hall.

Finally, it seems to be coming up in the middle of a plaza ahead of him.

He immediately brightens up and hurries to get there just a bit faster.

The area seems largely open and uncrowded, with the quietness of a public office building a little more present than usual, but not unsettling.

He makes it to the door without incident, pressing it open and making his way inside. "Hello?" He looks around nervously. "Anyone here?"

"Hmm?" A stallion at the desk looks up. "Yes, how may I help you?"

"Yea, I'm looking for a place to live?" He walks over to the desk, resting a claw on it. "Anywhere that's renting, currently?"

"Hmm... I believe we do have a few. Were you looking to rent a room or a house?"

"Eh..." He scratches his cheek. "...which one comes with a bed? I don't exactly have many possessions..."

"We have options for either. Did you have any specifications you wanted to try and accommodate?" He flips a few pages.

"A veranda, maybe, where I can work on art?" He smiles brightly at him. "It's sort of my thing."

"Oh, an artist? Let's see if we can get you a house, then..." After flipping through a few more pages, he nods. "Here we go. I think this will be to your tastes."

He tilts his head, reaching over and carefully picking up the page in question.

It has a picture of the house, looking not really different than the variety he saw on the way over. It does have the balcony requested on the second floor, overlooking the backyard.

He blinks, leaning closer to the building before glancing at the pony in front of him. "Is that the library beside it?" He points to what looks like a branch that made its way into the shot with a birdhouse and balcony of its own on it.

Peeking at it, and paying more attention, the clerk nods. "It seems so."

"...you know what? It's probably quiet near the library." He pauses for a moment, frowning a bit. "...current mob notwithstanding. I'll take it." He reaches towards the bag under his wing. "How much is the down payment?"

He tells him a reasonable number. "Do you know how long you'll be staying?"

"I haven't the foggiest." He shrugs, giving the requested amount to him. "A while, at least."

He nods. "That's fine. just sign here, rent is due on the first, and welcome to Ponyville." The final statement is accompanied by a key.

"It's nice to be here." He smiles warmly, patting the stallion on the hoof before turning and walking away towards his new home. "I wonder if all ponies are this welcoming?"

The town seems calmer on his way home. The crowds are either dispersed or in the process of it as the large tree library comes into view. As he approaches his door, six mares exit the tree, all with satisfied smiles and a ticket.

His eyes widen for a moment before a lazy grin forms on his beak, stopping right in their path. "Hello, ladies, wonderful evening, isn't it?"

The lavender unicorn in front giggles at him, her mood light. "Yes sir, yes it is."

He just continues to smile, bowing to all of them as respectfully as possible. "And where are lovely ladies such as yourself heading off to at this time of night?"

He takes the time to look at each mare in turn, starting with the pretty purple one standing right in front of him.

"We're just headed to the bakery to grab some celebration snacks." Her smile is ever present as she speaks to him.

The griffin just blinks, tilting his head to one side. "Celebration for what?"

"For all of us getting tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala, the bestest party that ever happened in Canterlot but only because I haven't been there to throw one yet!"

He takes a half step back at the sudden outburst from the pink pony beside the first unicorn, his eyes wide and owlish in stunned silence. "...o... kay?" He looks to the others, brow furrowed slightly. "Is it really that good a party?"

"Are you kidding? The Wonderbolts are gonna be there!" The mare with the rainbow mane frowns, crossing her forelegs and glaring down at him. "Don't you know about them in Griffinstone?"

"I... can't particularly say I do." He scratches at his chin. "Can't speak for everyone else, though."

"He could be from somewhere else..." The yellow one speaks up, barely audible.

The rainbow maned pony is cut off by the pink one, who jumps forward and takes the griffin by the shoulders. "Hey, why don't you join us? You might not have a ticket, but that's no reason to not have fun!"

He blinks, counting on his talons for a moment before looking at the purple unicorn, an eyebrow raised. "...I can't tell... was that grammatically correct?"

She nods. "It was."

"Good." He tilts his head, then smiles warmly. "Is it safe to assume you're as smart as you are adorable?"

"Well... I am educated." She answers, unsure.

The orange mare behind her just laughs. "Phew, piles it on, don't he?"

"To be fair, you're all lovely mares." He chuckles, placing a talon on his chest. "Oh, but where are my manners? My name is Flick, and I just moved here-"

A loud gasp fills the air and the pink pony has knocked him over, leaving him dizzy. "A new pony in town?!"

The white mare off to the side speaks up finally. "Griffin, darling."

"You say tomato, I say new friend!" She hugs him tight, then gets off him with a grin. "Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie! Welcome to Ponyville!"

"How's it look from the other side, Twi?" The mare with a hat asks.

The purple unicorn laughs. "Refreshing."

Shaking off his bout of dizziness, he gives the rest of them a nervous smile. "So... who are the rest of you, if I may ask?"

"Oh, well, I'm Twilight Sparkle. It's nice to meet you Mister Flick." She gives a small bow of her head.

He holds out his claws, smiling at her. "The pleasure is all mine." He closes his eyes and, feeling a hoof get placed in his grip, he lifts it up and pecks it.

"Oh my." The refined voice makes him blink and look at the other unicorn in surprise. "Such a gentlecolt! My name is Rarity, and it is wonderful to meet you."

He blushes a bit, giving her a nervous grin. "It's always nice to find a diamond." He lets go of her and looks to Twilight, claws scraping at the ground.

"Ah'm Applejack." The mare behind the one he's looking at states bluntly, tipping her hat.

The blue pegasus lands beside the farmer, puffing her chest out. "I'm Rainbow Dash!"

Flick stares blankly at her. "...somehow, I expected that."

The last mare doesn't seem to be introducing herself, instead opting to hide behind her friends.

He just looks to Twilight, gesturing to the lady pegasus in concern.

"She's Fluttershy, she's... well, shy." She smiles sheepishly.

"Ah, that... actually makes sense." He nods, then glances at the library with a raised eyebrow. "...is there someone still in there? Why are the lights still on?"

"Oh! Spike!" She turns just in time to see the a small drake run out of the library, his own ticket in his hand.

The griffin blinks, looking at all the mares in confusion. "...what's a dragon doing in the library?"

"He's my assistant," she explains.

"And they live there," Rarity supplies.

"...wait," the griffin points at the purple pony standing right in front of him, "so you're my neighbors?"

"Oh, do you live near here?" She is clearly intrigued by this turn of events.

"Yea, just on the other side of the library." He points to the building in question, only to frown as he realizes it's shrinking. He quickly realizes that it's just getting further away. He turns and sees Pinkie pulling on his tail.

"Come on, it's a party!" She grins brightly. "You need at least one when you're living here!"

The other girls laugh, following them.

Meet new ponies! Wait, what is this place?

The morning air can be rather pleasant this time of year, as many ponies would be happy to tell anyone who asks.

For Flick and his thick plumage, however, it’s just a bit too warm, making him stumble around town without a place in mind. It didn’t help that he didn’t get to see Twilight that morning. “Where even was she, I wonder...”

The day does not seem to be supplying those answers so far, everypony just going about their days.

He can only shrug, keeping his gaze to the street. “...I need a hat or something...” He grunts as he walks beak-first into someone’s flank. “Sorry, Miss.”

The cream coated earth pony rubs her flank, grumbling. "It's fine... but watch where you poke that thing."

He winces slightly. “Again, sorry. I wasn’t really paying attention.”

"It's okay." She sweeps her flank with her pink and blue tail. "No harm done."

“Bon Bon, I’m back!” Flick turns to see a mint-green unicorn approaching, slowing down when she gets close. “...who is this?”

“Right, forgot my manners.” He places a claw on his chest and bows respectfully. “My name is Flick. Nice to meet you two.”

"He accidentally bumped into me but was nice enough to apologize." She explains, smiling.

“Oh?” The unicorn looks to the other mare, then back to him. “Thank you, I guess?”

“No problem, but, uh... what are your names?” He sheepishly smiles.

"I'm Bon Bon." She gives him a sweet smile.

“And I’m Lyra Heartstrings!” She places a leg around the cream-colored pony’s shoulders. “We’re roommates!”

He blinks, baffled. “...I... didn’t ask about your living situation?”

"Some ponies ask how we know each other, we just get it out of the way." The earth mare laughs.

“Oh.” He scratches his cheek with a talon. “I’ll be honest, with how you’re hugging, I was thinking something else.”

She just shrugs, looking at him innocently.

Lyra just looks at him curiously. “What do you mean?”

“I dunno.” He chuckles, shaking his head. “Just me being silly and thinking you were lovers.”

They both blush, Bon Bon shaking her head. "No no, we're best friends!" She hugs Lyra to her with a foreleg.

Lyra gives a wide grin. “The bestest of best friends.”

The griffon’s eyes narrow. “...right... so... what are you doing?”

"I was waiting for her to grab something from home." The earth mare explains.

“And I got it!” She frowns as she puts a case on the table beside them. “Still not sure what you have in there or why you need it, but whatever.”

"Just in case." She puts the case in her bags.

Flick just stares on in confusion, a talon slowly raising to point at the mare’s bag. “...was that...?”

"Just a little something I like to keep on me. Call it a mare's secret." She winks.

“...if you say so...” He shakes his head and walks away. “I swear I saw that symbol before...”

“He’s pretty strange, isn’t he?” Lyra giggles, turning to her friend. “I heard he was seen flirting with Applejack, yesterday.”

"Really? Huh..." the other mate looks curiously after the griffin, her smile going neutral as she thinks.

“Even stranger, there’s rumors he’s her plaything.” She shrugs slightly.

"Wait, what?" She snaps her head back to her friend.

“I know, it’s crazy. He’s only been here a day!” She points a hoof at her friend. “No one moves that fast.”

"Yeah... something is weird about that..." She rubs her chin.

“...what’s with that look on your face, Bon Bon?”

"Just thinking... nothing to worry about!" She perks back up, leaning against her friend. "Now... where were we going?"

“That new place that opened up!” She grins at her. “I wanna see what a hayburger is!”

She laughs. "Oh yeah... let's go, I'm starving."

Lyra grabs Bon Bon by the foreleg and tugs her along. “To end hunger!”

She just laughs, following her friend.

In a different section of town, Flick stops at the entrance to an alleyway to yawn, grumbling quietly as he sways on his paws and claws. “...wish I had some food...”

Suddenly the griffon feels as if he was the one crashed into this time... but with a smell instead of a body. The aroma of food practically forces itself into his nostrils.

He blinks, sniffing the air and looking this way and that, trying to find the source.

It taunts him from further down the alley, enticing him.

His eyes narrow and he strides down the alley, certain that no one would try to mug someone like him. He then pauses, remembering which town he’s in and wondering if they ever have to worry about that.

The smell seems to increase, as if chiding him for stopping.

He quickly shakes his head and hurries off once more.

He ends up in front of a little out of the way building. The sign up front is plain and says a single word: Grill.

More than just a little confused, he reaches up and knocks on the door, only wondering afterwards if he should’ve just walked in.

The door opens revealing a slightly grizzled-looking stallion. He looks up and down the griffon before saying simply. "Come on in." With that, he turns and heads back inside.

He stands there for but a second before his curiosity gets the better of him, and he walks inside.

Within definitely lies the source of the smell, specifically a large grill roasting all sorts of goodies in the middle of a modest restaurant. The atmosphere is that of the typical hole-in-the-wall place that not many know about, but those that do greatly enjoy it. Even as he watches, the chef behind the grill levitates a plate of vegetable kebabs to a waiting group, getting a small cheer.

Still a little confused, Flick makes his way to what appears to be a counter that the pony is working behind. “...excuse me?”

He looks up. "Something from the house or did you bring your own?"

“...I... didn’t bring anything with me...” The corners of his beak tug down slightly. “...and I only have two bits... what can that get me? And what exactly is this place, anyways?”

"I figured it was your first time." He takes a swig of a glass before stashing it back under the counter. "Welcome to the Grill, my quiet little place. Tell me what you can digest and I'll give you the first one free. You'll be back." This last part is said with the kind of casual confidence a pony gets only from being proved right.

“Uh huh...” He scratches his cheek before giving a shrug. “Sure. You got any prey? Preferably the small kind? Or maybe fish?”

"Yeah, actually, I do. It's usually more for dares or tourists, but if you like it..." Some ponies look on in curiosity as he walks into the back and returns with a covered tray. "How do you like them cooked?"

“Medium rare.” He smiles at him. “Thank you for not being squeamish about this.”

"It's all just food." He cracks a smile as he puts fillets of fish and a few other chunks of meat on the grill, seasoning them as he talks. "Had a griffon friend way back in the day who thought it was the strangest thing we can use grass as a quick snack."

Flick awkwardly grimaces at this. “...is it bad I share his point of view?”

"Nah, it's fine." He squirts a bit of lemon on the fish. "Most grass isn't great anyway."

“Ah, I see.” He nods, humming thoughtfully. “Just like how not every kind of l... fish tastes great.”

He nods sagely. "Exactly. Now..." he flips the fish, lightly searing the other side before setting a piece in front of him. "What do you think?" He keeps lightly cooking the others along with the meat.

He reaches out and takes it, popping it in his mouth. “Hmm... seared to perfection... tang of the lemon accentuates the juiciness of the fish and harmonizes with the spices... is this tilapia?”

"I think so. I don't get them myself, ponies bring them in." He shrugs, putting the rest onto the plate and sliding it over. "Glad you like it."

“Honestly, I’m a little surprised you can make it so well without tasting it.” He sheepishly smiles, taking another piece in his talons. “...sorry if I accidentally offended you.”

"Nah, none taken." He chuckles as he starts on another order. "I can cook most things you want to eat on the old girl." He pats the side of the grill. "Good food makes content ponies."

“Huh. You must really love what you do.” He smiles as he continues to eat, eyes closing as he enjoys the food.

"I do." He turns the food. "This place isn't the biggest, but I made it cozy with my own two hooves."

“That’s... really admirable.” Flick rubs his chin thoughtfully. “...and you don’t mind that not many ponies know about it?”

He grimaces. "Well, maybe things get a bit tight at times, but at least things stay calm."

“...if you want, I could try to introduce a few ponies to this place.” He taps his chin thoughtfully. “Maybe that could help a bit.”

"As long as you think they're good folk, go ahead." He waves a hoof. "Let them know they can bring whatever they want to eat and I'll cook it for them, too. I get some interesting requests."

He raises an eyebrow. “What, like salads, or apples?”

"Apples, yeah, got a little bread coating I use. Haven't done salads yet, but I think I might be able to." He chuckles.

He thinks for a bit, then shrugs. “I’ll see what I can do with them.” He quickly eats the rest, places two bits on the counter, then leaves, waving to the stallion over his shoulder.

A stallion off to the side scoffs, eating a mushroom kabob. “Who wants to bet he brings over that farmer friend of his first?”

"She's got a good head on her shoulders, I wouldn't mind. "The chef comments back.

Another customer speaks up. “Can we start a betting pool? Because I think he’d bring that new mare over, first.”

"Sure!" He levitates a chalkboard from out back and starts drawing a grid. "Everypony start thinking of your bets."

“Five bits.”

“Fifteen on the athlete!”

It's another party! What's this about racing hearts?

Flick wipes the sweat off his brow, grimacing as he realizes that he spread latex paint on his feathers. He slowly starts to pick the substance off his face, looking up at his latest creation, humming quietly. “...is it too subtle?”

He stylized the letters, but one has to really look to realize it’s essentially Silk laying on her side and looking back over her shoulder at you.

She blinks. "Wow... you... this is far more than I expected you to do."

He chuckles, patting her on the shoulder. “I do my best.” He glances back at her thigh, then up at the sign. “...is that the right shade of white, I wonder...”

She blushes a bit, wings fluttering. "The fact that you put that much detail is embarrassing enough."

He smiles playfully at her. “What, are you nervous they’ll find out it’s in the shape of you?” His claw gently scratches between her wings. “Or is it because some eagle eyes will see how beautiful you are from it?”

Her wings stretch out a bit as she answers. "The shape of me part is surprising, but I admit, it does draw the eye."

He looks up at it, then leans over and whispers in her ear. “I could always add some socks, in a sense...” He pecks her on the cheek and looks in the direction of the sun.

"I think it looks lovely." She pats his side.

“Glad you think so. Wish I could’ve seen you in panties so I could add it.” He nods, then drapes his wing over her side. “I think it’s about time for the party. Ready to go?”

She clears her throat, nodding. "Right, does that need to dry?" She points to the sign.

“It’ll only take an hour in this heat.” He shrugs a bit, then draws close to her once more. “Latex paint is like that. And, if you aren’t allergic, I could make intricate designs on your fur.”

She looks down at herself for a moment before shaking her head. "I think I'll stick to my natural look for now."

“Good.” He grins at her. “Your natural self is beautiful.”

"Why thank you." She gives him a smooch on the cheek. "You're pretty easy on the eyes yourself."

He blushes brightly, looking away and smiling a bit. “Well played, Silky.”

Giggling, she rubs her side on his. "Ready to go?"

“Hmm...” He looks up at the sign. “...you’re sure I can’t get you to model some lingerie for the sign?”

"I think it looks lovely. I don't really model most things anyway."

His eyes light up and he grins at her. “So I’m the only one who got to see you being sexy?”

"As of right now, yes." She nods. "Feel special?"

He gently cups the thestral’s cheek, carefully turning her so he can look deep into her purple eyes. “Yes, actually... maybe I could see more in the future?”

Her answer is soft but serious. "Hmm, well, you'd have to be someone really special to me to see all that."

He doesn’t seem deterred. If anything, he smiles back at her. “Is that a promise?”

"As long as that's not the only reason you would pursue that, yes." She giggles.

Flick chuckles, kissing her forehead. “I accept your terms.”

She coos, smiling at him. "Well, let me know if you want to go full on with that deal."

He actually loses a bit of his gold color. “You’re... not exactly the only one who wants that, if I’m to be honest.” He scratches his cheek. “You remember Rainbow?”

Her smiles fades, as does the lightness in her voice. "Oh."

He rubs her cheeks, trying to get that joy back into them. “Hey, come on, now, don’t get down on me. You know I still like you.”

A sigh escapes her as she shakes her head. "I know, I know... this just isn't going to be as easy as I thought."

“The best things in life hardly are... can I at least get one more of your cute smiles before we head over?” He gives her a small, hopeful one.

Chuckling, she smiles at him once more.

He sighs softly, pulling her into a hug. “There’s the beautiful mare I like to see...”

Someone clears their throat behind them, and they turn to see Lyra giving them an amused grin. “Far be it from me to tell you where to show your love, but you are in the middle of the street.”

Silk waves a hoof. "Meh, we're not the first and we won't be the last."

She shrugs a bit. “Meh, I’m just the messenger.” The unicorn turns and waves to a pony nearby. “I tried, Bon Bon!”

"You didn't have to!" She calls back.

“You’re the prude, though!”

Flick, ignoring them, just secures Silk up against his side and starts walking to Sugarcube Corner.

"Those two are cute." She comments as they walk.

“Yeah.” He snickers, glad they’re out of hearing range. “Hard to believe they’re not officially a couple.”

"I think it's denial."

He just gives her a curious look.

She explains. "I think there's a mental line that they both just haven't crossed to realize it."

He nods, beak open in a sign of realization. “I see...” He glances around surreptitiously before gently nuzzling her cheek.

She giggles, smiling at him. "Are those special?"

“Don’t want ponies getting jealous.” He sticks his tongue out at her teasingly.

She smiles, but it shrinks a little. "Is that a yes?"

He stops walking as they get to town square, smiling down at her and playfully ruffling her hair. “Of course it is.”

"Good." She smiles brightly once more, glancing over towards the bakery.

He sneaks in another kiss and heads over, his wing folding back up against his side.

As they get closer, the door suddenly bursts open and the griffon from earlier stomps out, looking furious.

Flick, caught by surprise, gets said griffon to the chest. He blinks, looking down at her with a concerned frown. “...did you have a bad time?”

One claw gouges the ground as she moves around him. "They can all have each other, and you can shove it." Piece said, she quickly takes flight.

He glances back at her, muttering under his breath, “I’d tell you the same, but there doesn’t seem to be any room.”

Silk snickers, clearing her throat as she tries to control herself. "Well, hopefully some time away can better her attitude."

“Maybe.” He shakes his head. “I just worry she threw away something out of pride... too many are wont to do that, lately.”

"Well, there's not much we can do about that." She pats his side. "So, how about a party?"

The golden griffon gives her a small smile, rubbing the top of her head with a claw. “Sure. Might as well if it’s already set up.”

Nodding, she opens the door, jumping back when it makes the sound of a whoopie cushion. The startled mare giggles after she recovers.

He playfully rolls his eyes and takes her hoof, pulling her inside by it.

He sees everyone tense at the sight of him, but slowly relax afterwards. A random pony says, “Oh thank Celestia, I thought she came back for revenge!”

"Wow, I guess we did miss something." Silk comments.

“Mostly pranks that Gilda couldn’t take.” Rainbow walks up, giving them a weak smile. “I’m glad she didn’t do anything to you two out there.”

"She seemed frazzled." Silk remarks.

“Yeah...” She rubs her shoulder with a hoof, turning to look back at her friends. “She wasn’t how I remembered her...”

"Well, maybe she was having a bad day." The thestral offers. "We all have those."

She grimaces, glancing back and forth between the two of them. “You think so?”

“Probably.” He glances over his shoulder. “She seemed a might miffed at whatever happened.”

Rainbow momentarily forgets her sorrow to stare at him in confusion. “Why are you speaking like AJ?” When his only answer is to blush, she narrows her eyes at him.

“Oh hey, it’s Twilight!” He hurries over, picks up the librarian, and carries her to the far side of the room, leaving the two winged ponies by themselves.

Rainbow just watches him leave, slightly bemused.

Silk keeps an eye on her eyes, curious.

As a result, she sees her gaze lower slightly, her cheeks heating up before she closes her eyes.

Silk narrows her eyes, humming. "Good view?"

She flinches, glancing at the thestral, then at the punch bowl. “What view?”

"Hun..." She simply looks at her. "You're not subtle."

The athlete scowls at her. “Fine, I think he looks great, and upset he’s having a great time chatting with Twilight and Applejack. Happy?” She scuffs the floor with a hoof. “I was hoping he’d have words of... it’s not important.”

"He's very friendly with everyone, that's not a terrible thing."

Rainbow simply frowns at this. “...you know he likes them, right?”

"In what way?" She quirks an eyebrow.

“For one thing?” She points in their direction, showing Flick draping his wing over the farmer’s back.

Leathery wings twitch as Silk sees this. "Hmm... I see."

She then sees him blush when the mare leans into his gesture. After a few words exchanged between the three of them, Flick pats the unicorn on the head and smiles.

A myriad of emotions go across the thestral face before she lets out a sigh. "He's too good. I'm not sure how any of us could be this apparently ever increasing list of other potentials."

“Fluttershy isn’t,” Rainbow points out. “Pinkie and Rarity aren’t, either... as far as I know, anyways.”

"Well, at least there's that." She huffs.

Pinkie suddenly pops up behind him, and the griffon squawks and darts away.

This actually gets a laugh out of her, glancing at Rainbow. "Do I need to mention I'm interested as well?"

“Nah, your glares told me enough.” She holds out a hoof, a smirk on her lips. “Think we can make it a contest?”

A bright red bow pops up between them. “Applejack’s gonna win!”

Silk glances down, spotting a yellow filly. "You don't think making it a competition will make things get out of hoof?"

She blinks. “Why would it? We all know Applejack would win.”

"I don't know that." Silk says simply.

Apple Bloom just makes a face at this.

"What? I have to at least try, don't I?" She defends.

“...Ah guess.” She waves towards her sister. “Hey, Applejack!”

"Oh dear..." Silk whispers as AJ looks over.

She waves her sister over, ignoring the worried look Rainbow gives the yellow mare.

"What's up, Bloom?" The farm mare asks as she gets closer.

The filly sits down and points at the mares beside her. “These two think they can win Flick’s heart first!” She looks a little to the side. “Oh, hi, Twilight.”

The unicorn blinks, not the only one to do so after this announcement. "His... heart?"

“Yeah, it’s crazy!” She points to her sister. “After all, she slept with him already!”

A pair of rose-colored eyes immediately snap to the farmer, narrowed slightly. “What.”

"Yes..." Silk's slitted eyes narrow dangerously and her fangs seem more pronounced.

Twilight just looks confused.

AJ quickly holds up a hoof. "N-now hold on there! It's not what ya think! Turns out he sleepwalks and he went back to the wrong bed. Nothin' happened except me gettin' a spook when Ah woke up!"

Apple Bloom frowns at this. “Then why did ya try to hide him?”

"Because of misunderstandings like this." She gestures around to the other mares.

She looks at everyone else, then grimaces. “...oh. Sorry.”

The athlete buffs her hoof on her chest. “Eh, it’s not a big deal, since you two didn’t do anything.” She glances over at Flick and a stallion chatting. “It means I can still...”

Silk raises an eyebrow. "You can try."

Rainbow frowns at her, poking her chest. “You can try. I’ll succeed.”

The poor filly looks around at the mares surrounding her, finally realizing the problem she caused. “...can’t y’all be with him?”

While the others shake their heads or look confused, the librarian actually tilts her head, murmuring. "Wait... I think I've heard about something like this before... heard? That wasn't quite it..."

“It doesn’t matter,” Rainbow says, a hoof stamping on the floor, “because I’m gonna be the first with him!” She turns and walks with purpose towards Flick.

Applejack looks thoughtful before casually tapping her hind hoof against a table. The controlled shock through the wood causes a fruit bowl to shudder at the end, and a banana to fall on the floor right in front of the pegasus mare.

She promptly stops, her hoof resting right on top of the fruit. Her gaze slowly turns towards the other mare, a deep frown etched onto her face.

The farm mare shrugs. "What? It's a prank party."

"You know, she's right!" Pinkie perks up, suddenly right next to Rainbow and giving her a push so that her balance is lost.

She yelps, forced to slide forward until she crashes into Flick, the griffon grunting and falling on top of the mare.

Silk huffs. "Well, that didn't work."

He gets up carefully, helping her to her hooves and brushing off her feathers.

Seeing this, Apple Bloom brightens up and, trying to do the same thing as her sister, accidentally dumps water on Twilight instead.

Flick, noticing this, looks to the owner and gets a towel from Mrs. Cake. He drapes it over an arm and starts making his way over, to Rainbow’s annoyance.

The unicorn sputters, wiping water out of her face while the hostess giggles. "Prank parties..."

“Here, let me.” Careful claws gently dry the unicorn off in front of the whole party, which makes it lucky only her front half got wet.

Twilight blushes and tries to get a word in as he does so. "No wai- I can- Thank you bu-"

He finishes with her horn, gripping it through the towel and rubbing it like polishing a pole.

She yelps, using her magic to take both his talon and towel off. "Okay! I think I'm dry enough!"

He blinks, looking at her nervously. “...sorry, I was trying to help...”

The yellow filly pokes the mare beside her. “Why are you blushing?”

"Applebloom, don't go pryin' now." Her sister quickly interjects as Twilight straightens her mane.

She pouts quietly. “Fine...” She watches as the griffon backs up, looking ready to leave if necessary.

Twilight smiles at him. "It's fine, just a bit... embarrassing." She clears her throat.

He tilts his head slightly. “Why was it embarrassing? Because I was cleaning you?” He looks to Silk. “Should I have taken her to a bathroom and cleaned her there?”

"While that does seem gentlecoltly of you, hun, you also could have just given her the towel." She points out.

“...oh.” He blushes brightly, looking down at the ground. “Right...”

"Right," Twilight begins, "but for now-" Pinkie suddenly zips by and gives her a flower, "Oh! Thank you, Pinkie." She offers it to Flick. "Sorry for scaring you."

He stares at it blankly, then looks to Pinkie. “I just have one thing to say.” He turns it towards her and pulls on it.

"Ah!" She squeals happily as she is suddenly squirted with water from the center of the flower.

He smiles, then looks to Twilight. “Apology accepted, though I really should be the one apologizing.” He bows to her, beak touching the floor. “I’m truly sorry I acted without thinking.”

"It's... it's really fine..." She blushes from the stares his actions are getting.

He straightens up, blushing as well. “...sorry...”

A bump from behind makes Applejack jump forward, bumping her chest against his. He instinctively grabs her to make sure she doesn’t fall over.

"Ahem, thanks." She straightens up, glancing if it was her sister who bumped her.

Surprisingly, she finds no one.

The griffon gives a warm smile, pulling her hat up so he can nuzzle her head. “My pleasure, AJ.”

"Alright alright, ya touchie bird." She playfully bats him away with her hat, but keeps a chuckle in her voice.

He just takes it in stride, tilting his head so it lands on his head properly, stepping back such that it gets freed from her grip and settles on his noggin. “You know you like it.” His tongue sticks out teasingly, then he freezes, remembering who’s around him.

Silk narrows her eyes at the scene.

Rainbow openly glares, wings fidgeting at her sides.

"Hey! Come on now, you can't just stand over here the whole party!" Their energetic host quickly starts pushing them towards various activities.

Flick blinks as everyone else is pushed away, standing there awkwardly in the middle of the party. “...okay, then.”

Pinkie straps a party hat to his head. "Come on,that means you, too! Have some cake and have some fun!"

He blinks once more, slowly turning to face her. “...to be clear, you have no romantic feelings towards me, right?”

"Huh? Nah!" She waves a hoof casually.

He slumps slightly. “Good. I don’t think I could handle another admirer...”

Trixie arrives! You want to challenge me?

Ponyville has never had much of an area for performances, so they usually set them up on the day of them. However, for once it seems like the performer has brought their own stage, at least by the elaborate cart before them.

Said cart is one of the first things Flick sees, squinting his eyes and leaning a bit on the pony presses to his side. His once-injured wing twitches as he grumbles softly, “That thing’s mirror is blinding me...”

"It's probably meant to be eye catching. "Silk comments.

“It’s blinding, is what it is.” His good wing firms its grip on Applejack, hugging her tighter to his side.

Rainbow quietly grumbles from her spot above them.

"Do we know what kind of show this is?" Twilight asks.

“Magic, I think?” He pulls out the flyer to look it over once more. “That’s the feeling I get from this, at least.” They reach the front row, the griffon sitting down on a pillow he brought and hugging Applejack securely to his chest. He casts a glance to the side, seeing white right before the weathermare blocks his view. “...I can’t tell, was that Rarity?”

"Eeyup." Applejack says simply.

“Oh, hello, darlings!” They can hear her clearly, despite the gathering ponies. “Applejack, did you let him give you that Blissful Evening massage, yet? You seem especially vibrant, today.”

"Actually, yeah, Ah did. It helped a lot, Rares." She smiles at her.

Flick gives her a confused look, leaning in and ignoring Rarity’s scandalized look. “Jackie, the Blissful Evening is the rutting one.”

Rainbow can’t help but snicker, pressing up to his side.

Her face quickly turns red. "...oh."

“Now, if you really wanted one, all you’d have to do is head to my place.” He nuzzles her cheek, humming softly. “I’d be happy to do it for free.”

“Do what for free?” Spike asks, sitting between Twilight and Silk Tease.

“Apples,” Rainbow says, chuckling quietly.

"Yeah yeah, laugh it up..." She grumbles as she tucks her hat down to hide her face.

She feels herself turned to the side, her hat tugged off to hide her face from the crowd as Flick plants a quick kiss on her lips. “Does that help?” He asks.

She laughs quietly. "Yeah, thanks."

He smiles, looking up just in time to see the carriage open itself up. “Oh, I think they’re starting.”

The others stop chatting to watch.

“Come one, come all! Come and witness the amazing magic of the Great and Powerful Trixie!” There’s an explosion of smoke, and the blue pony appears on stage, wearing the cockiest grin he’s ever seen.

He glances to Rainbow at his side, second-guessing that thought.

“Watch in awe,” her words interrupt his thoughts, dragging him back into the present, “as the Great and Powerful Trixie performs the most spectacular feats of magic ever witnessed by pony eyes!” She stands up on her hind legs, forelegs spread wide in what must’ve been a grand gesture, fireworks and fanfare going off behind her.

The griffon just covers his eyes with Applejack’s hat.

There's murmuring in the crowd as they continue watching.

“...didn’t she already say that?” Spike questions, confused.

“Sounded more like boasting to me,” Flick says.

“Indeed,” Rarity speaks up, sniffing in disdain. “She’s pushing the limits of what a performer can get away with.”

"Perhaps it's a facade?" Silk muses.

The performer on stage appears to conjure up a bouquet of flowers, lacking the flash of a teleportation spell.

“...that, admittedly, was a bit interesting,” Flick says.

Twilight applauds politely.

Spike scoffs. “Please, Twilight could do that, no problem!”

The golden griffon looks at him curiously. “...isn’t part of being a performer pizzazz?”

He feels a chill go down his spine, eye turning back to the stage to find the mare glaring at him. She scoffs, setting down some now-interlocking rings. “Trixie would appreciate it if neighsayers would not interrupt her show.”

"Maybe we should have sit farther back if you all were going to comment." Silk says.

“...that makes sense,” he admits. “Sorry, Miss Trixie.”

She tilts her head up, eyes closed. “That’s the Great and Powerful Trixie to you.”

“...can I just call you tGaPT, instead?” He asks, getting snickers from Rainbow.

She gives him a flat stare. “No. You may not.”

Spike looks Between the two of them, then up at Twilight. “Why’s she upset?”

"Because she's trying to do a show and they're loudly criticizing." She explains.

“...oh.” He watches the pony go back to her show, quietly pulling out a piece of paper and a quill. He barely writes two words before it’s ripped out of his claws, floating up to Trixie. On the way, his guardian and friends manage to catch the words “You’re better” on it.

She glares at the parchment for a moment before folding it up. “I don’t know who you think is better than the Great and Powerful Trixie. Not everypony can vanquish the dreaded Ursa Major!” She throws her hoof into the air, the message she’d snatched having been switched out with glitter when no one was watching. The sparkles take the shape of the unicorn and a large bear with the star on its head.

Flick quietly reaches over to pat the embarrassed dragon on the head.

"I've heard we had a couple of those varmints in the everfree." Applejack comments quietly to Flick.

“Good thing we don’t go there.” He gently scratches her chest fluff, then recoils as a blue hoof shoves its way into his field of view.

“Since you two don’t seem to understand courtesy, Trixie is bumping up her audience participation portion of the show. Why don’t we have the little hayseed up as a volunteer?”

Flick bristles at the rude nickname, a growl slowly forming in his chest.

"Yeah, sure." Applejack says, amused as she gets up on stage. "Let's see what ya got."

“Oh, you misunderstand.” She turns to the crowd, gesturing broadly. “My challenge is this: anything you can do, I can do better!” She turns and points at the farmer. “You go first, and then I beat you.”

She quirks an eyebrow at this before shrugging. "If ya'll are sure." She pulls a rope from her hat and starts doing tricks with it. After a few jumps through her lasso and catching a feather from Flick’s claw, the griffon gives her the applause she is due. The crowd soon follows, cheering her name. She gives a bow to the audience.

The performer sighs, tilting up her hat so that Twilight can see her horn light up. “Not the worst I’ve seen,” she admits, “but Trixie is better!”

A rope slowly rises out of a jar on the edge of the stage, slithering its way along the stage. It slows to a halt as it nears the orange pony, almost appearing to rear into the air and sway rhythmically.

She follows it with her eyes, curious.

Quick as a whip, it darts below her, pulling all four legs together and flipping her on her back. The free end then shoves an apple into her maw before she can let out a word, the finishing touch on the magical hogtying.

Flick immediately stands, eyes wide in shock. “Jackie!”

The farmer narrows her eyes and chomps through the fruit, giving the showmare a stare.

She doesn't see this, however, her nose turned up in the air and eyes closed. "Once again, the Great and Powerful Trixie prevails."

Rainbow dashes in front of her, jabbing her nose with a hoof. "What was that?!"

Flick, meanwhile, had gone over to free Applejack from her bonds. "Dashie, I think she's alright..."

The showmare scoffs at her outrage. "What? Trixie beat her, as per the challenge."

"...you know what? How's this for a challenge?" Rainbow zooms away, spinning a windmill rapidly and using the blades to launch herself through multiple clouds. They see her silhouette against the sun for a fraction of a second before she retreads her path in reverse, following the rotation she'd set to launch herself and the raindrops back on to the stage, refracting the light into a technicolor arch above her body. "Try and beat that!"

She is promptly caught off guard when her namesake starts wrapping around her, turning her into a living top as it grips her body and goes faster. She slowly rises into the air and lowers on to her head, visibly nauseous from the abuse.

"Seems like anypony with a dash of good sense would think twice before tussling with the Great Trixie." A cloud forms above the weathermare, dark and stormy, but it's quickly torn apart by an unseen force before anything can happen with it.

She goes stiff as she feels an intense aura from behind her. There's gasps, murmurs, and general discomfort among the crowd.

The griffon takes a few thundering steps forward, looking fierce despite his sudden increased fluffiness. “My turn, Trixie.”

The stagemare appears nonplussed. "So, the hecklers can't handle their own medicine?"

He scowls at her, then lets his expression fall even. “If you’re scared, you can always just declare me the winner.”

"The Great and Powerful Trixie fears no pony, or griffin!" She stands with her chest puffed out. "Try your best and fail to challenge Trixie."

“Fine. I propose a tag challenge.” He steps closer, eyes focused firmly on her. “The first one to touch the other one, or their clothes, wins.” He pulls out a brown Stetson, placing it on his head. “Ready when you are.”

"A simple task for the Great and Powerful Trixie!" She gestures with her hooves, her fireworks and lights going off in a blinding display.

He immediately launches straight up into the air with a powerful blast of wind, avoiding her hoof and putting distance between them.

Snorting, she nips the hat from his head with magic.

It promptly falls apart, and he snickers. “Not actually clothes, I’m afraid.” He smirks and dives directly at her, claws extended. The sunlight gleams off the sharp tips of each talon.

She actually flinches at this, throwing down a smoke spell.

He screeches to a halt in midair, and gives an extra-forceful flap to dispel the smoke, golden eyes dancing around the stage to find her.

She's nowhere to be seen, but her laugh is still heard.

Not seeing her at all, he takes this brief moment to glance at his friends in the crowd, gauging their reactions to the performance going on before them.

Applejack looks concerned, but wears a grin, Twilight looks just worried, and Silk seems to be focused on him even as her ears twitch.

He gives them all a comforting smile, winking playfully before turning around to face the rest of the stage. His gaze darts back and forth, body tensed up to react to anything he might see or hear.

Suddenly, the dazzling decorations erupt once more. When the light show ends, he’s cringing and shutting his eyes, as almost everyone would do when a firework erupts a few feet from their face.

Trixie springs at him from atop her stage. His ear twitches, but he doesn’t react in time to stop her from going through him. Little golden wisps form around her as the realization settles in.

Rainbow gawks at this as Trixie slides on her face along the stage, her hat falling over the edge. “No way! That was another cloud?”

Trixie sputters, rubbing her face as she levitates her hat back on. "Trixie will not stand interference. Which unicorn is casting these illusions for you?"

A claw suddenly grabs her forehoof, the griffon slowly pulling himself out from under the stage. “You’d think that, but there was no glow. I just did something easier.” He taps her horn, brushing her hat with the back of his appendage. “I replaced myself with that cloud during your second firework barrage. Even you couldn’t see through that.”

She yanks her hoof away, huffing and straightening her hat back.

“That said, that was a great workout.” He bows respectfully to her, then holds up a talon. “However, I need to point out that Jackie and Dashie are innocent of your accusations...” He jerks his thumb back at himself. “I was the one who started talking. That’s right, talking, not heckling. We were discussing the Ursa.”

His claw then rolls, much like a magician’s, and reveals the note from before. “Also, you really shouldn’t hold something like this against a child. You don’t even know what he was referring to.” He folds it up and tucks it in the fluff of his neck.

Her cheeks go pink as she scowls at him. "The Great and Powerful Trixie will not be lectured by you! She knows what she heard, and she also has a show to get back to."

“Right.” He bows once more, then hops off the stage. He heads straight for Applejack, pulling her onto his lap so they can cuddle some more. “Go ahead, I won’t talk again.”

Rainbow, trying not to grumble or be obvious, leans against his side, wings twitching against her barrel.

Twilight looks thoughtfully at all this, one foreleg hook around Spike in a hug while the other taps her chin.

A golden wing quietly wraps around her back and they enjoy the rest of the show.