Author's Note

Here's the first chapter to Adrian's story. Be sure to follow FrostGuardian for helping me out with this and give a shout out to Adrian and as always, thanks for your patience and support and remember to stay tuned for more chapters and remember to keep on bronying on.

Let's Get to Work

Canterlot City, a place with some serious recent history. Especially with all the loose magic roaming around this huge, majestic city. But luckily, there were 7 girls who were there to answer the call and restore harmony among their friends. And to think that it all started with a once power hungry girl named Sunset Shimmer. Had it not been for Princess Twilight Sparkle, chaos would have ensued worldwide.

And to this day, a year has passed since those 7 girls graduated and went their separate ways, making the world a better place in their own way. For one particular boy, it was a bittersweet ending he wished would've lasted a bit longer.

This boy's name… was Frostbite, age 19. During his high school days, he was a top-notch athlete who was quick on his feet when he ran track, swam laps or spiked balls in volleyball tournaments, scoring a lot of wins for his team. In a way, he was well-respected among most of his peers. But there was one problem: he was insecure, always overthinking things, especially when it came to relationships.

Despite his reputation, he wasn’t so lucky in finding a lovely girlfriend. Not that they didn't like him, some girls actually found him attractive. The only problem was that he was always falling in love with the wrong girl. But there’s one girl who caught his eye. Applejack, the hardworking, honest girl of Sweet Apple Acres.

Every time he saw her, his heart would soar a thousand miles. Her dazzling emerald eyes, perfectly light-tanned skin and gorgeous long, blonde hair, not to mention her curvaceous body all screamed out "Ah'm more than girlfriend material." Frostbite always dreamed of asking her out, but he never had the courage to, and now he feels like he never will.

He even tried to ask her to the prom, but he botched that and beat himself up about it, saying that he was stupid to run out like that. Now it's all just a dead pipe dream.

His only dream now is to be with her. Right now, he's currently living on his own, away from his family so he can try and make it on his own. A hard task is easier said than done. Frostbite was coming down on his luck as recently, he got fired from his job at the mall as a security cop for unnecessary force. He had beaten up a burglar who tried to make off with a woman''s purse and some jewelry, which Frostbite stopped by tackling him to the ground and beating him to a pulp.

His boss had enough of his aggressive methods as Frostbite’s attitude was getting out of hand. He had no choice but to fire him as a security cop from the mall, in which Frostbite didn’t take it too well.

Now, he had to find another job, checking the newspaper for any kind of open positions that piqued his interest. Then, as luck would have it, he found an ad that said Sweet Apple Acres was looking for some extra set of hands to harvest apples. The ad even said to call Applejack, phone number and all.

To anyone else, they wouldn't hesitate to apply for the job. For Frostbite, he was hesitant since he would be working alongside his high school crush. But he had no other choice, he needed this job or else he won't be able pay next month's rent and he was down to his last dollars after spending it all on food.

So, he took out his phone and dialed Applejack's number. While waiting for her to answer the call, Frostbite was overthinking on what he should tell her that he wanted the job.

“Should I speak with a strong, confident voice or maybe the smart, interested tone of voice?” He was starting to get a little nervous as he remembered how he failed to ask her properly to the prom during their Senior year.

With so deep in his thoughts he almost didn’t hear Applejack answering his call. “Applejack here, from Sweet Apple Acres. What can I do for ya?” Hearing that sweet, southern accent of her made Frostbite gulp in nervousness as his lips were firmly closed. “Hello? Anyone there? This is Applejack speaking.”

“C’mon Frostbite, you got this,” he mentally told himself. Taking a slow, deep breath, he answered the call. “H-Hello, Applejack. T-T-This is F-Frostbite." he stuttered.

"Howdy Frostbite. What can Ah do ya for?" Applejack asked.

"I, uh… well, I… I saw your ad in the paper. So, I'm wondering if, uh… if you're still hiring," Frostbite said nervously.

"As a matter of fact, we are. If yer lookin' to apply, you'll have to come on by an' pass a lil' test before we can fully hire you. Think you can stop on by in about an hour?" Applejack asked.

"Y-Yeah sure, I can do that," he replied.

"Glad to hear it. Ah'll see ya when ya get here," Applejack said before she hung up. Frostbite sighed in relief as he put his phone away in his pocket.

“Here’s hoping,” he mumbled to himself. So, after getting on a fresh change of clothes and grabbing his car keys, he headed out of his house, locking the door, then jumped into his car. Frostbite started up the engine and pulled out of the driveway, then drove off to Sweet Apple Acres with his fingers crossed.

Meanwhile, down at Sweet Apple Acres, the ever-so hard-working Applejack was inside the house, having a good lunch to boost her energy. Her brother, Big Macintosh is out pulling in some overtime after accidentally sleeping in, even though it wasn't his fault. Her younger sister, Applebloom was also enjoying her lunch that their dear grandmother: Granny Smith had made for them.

AJ's little sister has had a lot of time on her hands ever since she, Applebloom and Big Macintosh have graduated from high school. With her finally being of age, she’s now allowed to do some heavier work like her big sister and her big brother.

Yup, she's learning the hard way that the adult world isn't all fun and games. "So, Applejack, who was that on the phone?" Applebloom asked.

"Oh, it was jus' someone lookin' to find some work.” Her sister replied before taking a bite from her sandwich.

"Really? Ah thought no one would read the newspaper ads anymore," Applebloom said.

"That just goes to show that there are some people in the world that can't afford laptops or computers and whatnot," Applejack said.

"There 're still unemployment offices where they got computers set up fer anyone who's applyin' fer jobs that suit their area of expertise," Big Mac said, coming in, wiping the sweat off of him.

Applejack immediately handed her big brother a glass of water. Big Mac thanked her before he drank the entire glass empty in a few seconds.

"Ah certainly hope this newcomer can handle as much back work as Big Mac can. We ain't gotten enough progress done since yer father went and done broke his back," Granny Smith said, washing some dishes.

"Now don't be so hard on him, mother. That fallen branch caught him by surprise. Ah mean, it's thanks to him our lil' Applebloom is safe an' sound," Pear Butter said, helping out Granny Smith.

“True, the well-being of my grandchildren always comes first,” Granny Smith said and ruffled Applebloom’s hair teasingly.

“Granny, stop doing that! Ah’m not a little kid anymore,” Applebloom protested.

"Maybe to us, but fer Granny yer not, she thinks all of us as her babies. Ma ain't any different from her," Applejack said.

"Guilty as charged. As long as I’m around ya’ll always be mah babies. Now, Applejack, when do ya suppose that new recruit'll be showin' up?" Pear asked.

"Ah told him to get here within an hour," Applejack said. "An' Ah'm sure he'll get here soon, but fer now…" she then gets up from the table, grabbing her empty plate and heading over to the sink to wash it. "...Ah gotta get back to work. Them apples ain't gonna pick themselves."

"Alright. I'll handle the dishes, you just worry about them apples," Pear said.

"Sure thing, Ma," Applejack said. She quickly made her way out of the house and out towards the apple orchard, grabbing a few empty baskets. She started picking the apples one by one, humming a pleasant tune to keep her mind relaxed while she worked.

As the minutes passed, Applejack noticed a car pulling up into the driveway. She checked her phone to see what time it was. Her new recruit was 25 minutes early and that made her smirk in approval for his punctuality.

Stepping out of the car was a familiar face she hadn't seen since high school: Frostbite. The young man walked up to Applejack, trying to hide his nervousness as best he could. "D-Did I… keep you waiting?" he asked.

"Nope, ya got here pretty early. That's an added plus on yer part," Applejack said. "Come with me back to the farm an' we'll start yer test."

"R-Right, got it," he replied. Frostbite followed AJ back to the house, trying his hardest not to stare at her sweet booty. 'Cut it out, Frostbite, you're not making a very good first impression! Just calm down and think of something else,' he thought.

"So, what made ya decide to come work for Sweet Apple Acres?" Applejack asked.

"I, uh… I got fired at my last job," Frostbite replied, scratching the back of his head, looking down in embarrassment.

"Really? What for?"

"I beat up a robber who tried to run off with some jewelry… and a woman's purse. They laid me off for unnecessary force."

"Ouch. Well, Ah will say one thing about that. Ah get that people who try to make money the easy way by stealin' ain't the way to go, but ya can't let yer emotions get the better o' ya or else no one in this city'll hire ya ever," she explained.

"Yeah, you're right about that." Frostbite agreed. For that moment, he didn't feel so shy around his high school crush, seeing as how she was so understanding, yet honest with him. Now he knows why he's got his heart set on her.

“So how ‘bout we turn things around for ya?” Applejack said. “Show me that ya have what it takes in helping the Apple family around here.

“W-what will you have me do then?” Frostbite asked.

“See those trees in the distance there?” She pointed to some apple trees that were on the hill next to them. “I want ya to help me finish picking all those apples before sunset. If we can get it done on time, yer hired. Think ya can help this cowgirl out, Sugarcube?”

"Sure, let's do it," Frostbite said.

“Good, then you can start by helpin' me carry the rest of all these here empty baskets and we’ll head over there an' get things started,” Applejack ordered.

"Right!" he replied confidently. And so, Frostbite followed Applejack up the hill to where the trees were and helped her pick the apples at a breakneck pace. Frostbite was also careful not to pick them too fast or risk accidentally taking off a branch with them. Over time, Big Mac and Applebloom pitched in to help out, too.

Frostbite had seen Big Mac and Applebloom before, but he never really got to know them very well back when they were still students at high school. Applebloom was really fun to hang out with and always brought a smile onto his face. Big Mac, being a man of very few words, was like the big brother Adrian never knew he wanted.

They got to talking as they worked, going over their hobbies, aside from the work they each put into their everyday lives. Applebloom always liked spending her weekends with her other two friends, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. She explained that during the weekdays, Sweetie has been helping her sister, Rarity at the boutique. Scootaloo got a job at a music store with her idol, Rainbow Dash, selling instruments and learning about how each of them work. At least… the ones that appeal to her.

Sadly on the weekends, Applebloom's friends had recently gotten together with their brand new boyfriends and haven't had enough time to spend with Applebloom. Sweetie Belle's been going out with a boy named Button Mash and Scootaloo spends her time with Rumble, Thunderlane's little brother.

But things aren't all bad. Applebloom said that she has eyes on a young man with a passion for dancing named Tender Taps.

As for Big Mac, once every 1 or 2 weeks, he spends his weekends with his longtime sweetheart and fiance, Sugar Belle. Apparently, Sweet Apple Acres have been sharing their delicious pastries with Big Mac's fiance to help with her business at her pastry shop.

Frostbite was so astonished by Applejack and her family's lives that he didn't realize that he had just picked the last apple from the last tree… until his crush pointed it out.

"Well done there, sugarcube. Ya got it all done in record time," AJ said.

“Thanks, Applejack.” Frostbite nearly blushed at the praise his crush gave him.

“Yer welcome, Sugarcube,” she patted him on the shoulder. “Now all that’s left is to carry all these full baskets back to the farm."

"Right. Here we go," Frostbite took two of the baskets by the handles, then used as much of his strength to lift them up off the ground. They felt a lot heavier than he thought, but he was still able to carry both of them down the hill. Applejack and her siblings all went down, lifting the baskets like they were light as a feather. She was impressed when she saw Frostbite carrying two baskets filled with apples. Most of the guys she knew could only carry one at the time.

'Ah think he’ll gonna fit right in just fine,' Applejack said in her thoughts.

Frostbite and the others finally reached the barn and set the baskets down, allowing Frostbite to wipe the sweat off his forehead. "Phew, that was tough."

"But ya held in there, an' Ah dare say ya passed the test. As of now, yer officially our new extra set o' hands at Sweet Apple Acres," AJ said. "This also means you'll have to be here bright an' early at 6 AM sharp. Yer shift'll end at 6 PM. An' also, you'll be paid a solid $12 an hour. Also, since ya have a driver's license, you'll also be drivin' the truck to the supermarket to deliver a fresh batch o' apples. Big Mac'll guide ya durin' the deliveries."

“Eyup!” Her older brother confirmed.

"Alright. I'll make sure not to let you down. And thanks again for giving me a chance," he said, shaking her hand.

"Yer welcome, sugarcube. Now head on home an' get yerself cleaned up. Ya don't wanna stink to high heaven on yer first day at work tomorrow," she said, pointing at all the sweaty areas on Frostbite's shirt and his forehead.

"Right. I'll see you tomorrow," Frostbite was then about to head out, but then, Applejack grabbed his hand, then pulled him in for a friendly hug. His heartbeat raced a million miles when she had done that. Though hesitant, he hugged her back, feeling a tingling sensation flow throughout his entire body. After she let him go, he hopped into his car, then drove off.

"Hey, Applejack, why'd ya go an' hug him like that?" Applebloom asked.

"Because he needed it. Fer good luck, ya know? An' also, he's got the looks," AJ mumbled that part, keeping it to herself.

"Well, okay then. Just remind me to get mah camera out the next time you decide to hug 'im, or maybe even kiss 'im," she teased, making AJ blush.

"It ain't like that, dag-nabbit!" AJ replied defensively.

“Whatever you say, sis,” Applebloom continued teasing. “Just don’t get startled whenever you see a flash going off when you’re busy with him.”

“Applebloom…” AJ said. Her little sister giggled and ran back inside the house. AJ shook her head and sighing. "She might be an adult, but she ain't behavin' like one."

"Eeyup," Mac nodded.

Soon, Frostbite arrives at his house safe and sound. He got out of his car and locked it, then approached the front door, unlocking it, then stepped inside. He closed the door behind him and threw his shirt off, tossing it into the dirty basket in the hallway. Frostbite walked down the hall, taking a right, entering the bathroom.

Taking off the rest of his clothes, Frostbite stepped into the shower, turned it on and his body was greeted with fresh, warm water coming from the shower head. Sighing, he closed his eyes and relaxed.

"What a day. Seeing Applejack today… really made me happy. Even now, she's still as beautiful as ever. I can't believe I actually got the job. Now I get to work with her, this is amazing! Though, I'd better not let mom and dad know that I got canned at my previous job.”

Then, some other thoughts came to his mind. "Gee… I'm surprised that she's still willing to talk to me after I botched out on asking her out. I can't believe I would do something so stupid. She probably doesn't wanna go out with me now. But… she did hug me, so I guess that's a start. Ugh, listen to myself, I'm acting like a loser because I'm too scared of rejection from Applejack. I can't keep running like this forever.” He scratched the back of his head, figuring out what to do.

After taking his relaxing shower, Frostbite started to dry himself off with a dark blue towel. He then came up with an idea. “Guess, I just should take things easy. Taking life one day at the time, trying to get to know her and her family better. They do seem pretty close,” it brought a smile to his face as he remembered the strong bond that Applejack has with her family.

When he finished drying himself off, he put on some clean clothes, Frostbite then went to the kitchen to make some dinner. After all the work he and Applejack did today he was getting pretty hungry for a big, hearty meal.

He opened up the fridge and took out a box of leftover pizza he had ordered yesterday. He opens the box, finding 6 good slices left. He takes them out and puts them on a plate, then in the microwave. While he waits, he takes the time to get some ice cold water and set up his table, getting rid of the crumbs from this morning's breakfast.

Waiting for his pizza to be warmed up, Frostbite checked his phone seeing if he missed any calls or text messages from his parents. As a matter of fact, he did miss one call. But it was from an unknown number. “Must be someone who got the wrong number,” he assumed since the caller didn’t leave a voice message behind. Shrugging it off, Frostbite deleted the missed call and started to listen to some of his favorite music until his pizza was ready.

Frostbite got his dinner out of the microwave and brought it back with him to the dinner table. He waited for his meal to cool off before taking a bite. But for some reason, he couldn't get his mind off the missed call. He's already blocked loads of scammers and telemarketers, but the ones with an unknown number are tricky. Whoever it was, he just hopes they don't call him again.

It was 5 in the morning when Frostbite’s alarm went off. Pressing the ‘off’ button, he rubbed his eyes and quickly got out of bed as he didn’t want to be late on his first day at his new job. He walked over to his closet, taking out a clean shirt and pants. He got himself dressed up, then he made his way to the kitchen for some much needed breakfast.

Frostbite was on a timeline, so some simple buttered toast was all he could make along with a good cup of coffee. Quickly eating his breakfast, he went then went over to the bathroom to brush his teeth. Checking the time on his watch, as it was now 5:24 AM, Frostbite quickly washed his face and combed his hair before leaving home.

“Best not to be late on my first day at Sweet Apple Acres,” Frostbite told himself, feeling a little nervous for seeing his crush again so soon. But he's not going there to date her, at least not this early after meeting up with her again.

He ran back into his room to grab his car keys, then presses the button to unlock his car. Rushing out the door of his house, he locks up his house before jumping in his car. Turning on the engine, he went and drove off to his new job as the first rays of the golden sun were rising over the horizon.

Applejack was already waiting for him at the barn, along with Big Mac and Applebloom. They didn’t had to wait long before they heard the engine of Frostbite’s car driving up. Parking his car next to their truck, Frostbite stepped out and greeted the both of them. Just like yesterday, Frostbite arrived a little early. Not just as early as yesterday, but early nonetheless.

“G’morning, Sugarcube!” Applejack greeted him back with a smile. “Are ya ready for a hard day’s work?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Frostbite smirked.