"Urgh.."

Sharp Shooter groaned, feeling the bright light of the sun hitting him in the face. His eyes felt heavy, but no way near as much as his head. Slowly he tried to sit up, but as he did it was like everything was spinning. His head felt heavy, yet light, as if his mind was floating around inside him, trying to settle down.

Letting out another groan, Sharp closed his eyes, thinking about throwing up for a moment. Thankfully it didn't come to that. A soft series of knocks sounded, and grumbling a bit to himself, Sharp turned his attention to his door. "Mm, yes..?"

With a soft click of the handle the door slowly opened, and in trotted little Apple Bloom. Smiling at him, she carried a tray with some light breakfast over to his desk. "Good morning, Sharp Shooter!"

Sharp winced at the high sound, but managed a pained smile. "Morning, Apple Bloom. What do you have there?"

With practiced ease the filly slid the tray of her back and onto the desk. "Granny thought you might need a light breakfast after yesterday." Apple Bloom said, turning to him with a cute smile. "Did you and Big Mac become friends again?"

"We were never not friends, AB," said Sharp. "We just needed to take care of something important. That's all."

Apple Bloom seemed pleased with the answer, her smile grew in size at least. "Applejack said once you've freshened up you should help out in the barn."

"The barn?" Repeated Sharp, sounding confused. This was normally his day off, besides he had a hangover for sure. "What is going on in the barn?"

"The harvest celebration." She giggled. "Did you forget?"

A second or two passed before it clicked for him. "Oh, yeah, right." He nodded, moving his hoof through his mane. "Seems like I'm still half asleep." Sharp chuckled, and Apple Bloom did the same before turning towards the door. "Thank you for the tray, Apple Bloom."

She looked back at Sharp and flashed him her trademark cute smile. "No problem mister!" And with that, she was gone once again. Sharp Shooter groaned, running a hoof through his mane before he made his way to the desk.

Granny Smith was in the kitchen when Sharp Shooter came down with the tray to return it. When she spotted him she smirked, seeming to find his hangover amusing. "Did you and Mac have fun last night?"

Sharp chuckled and placed the tray on the kitchen table. "Maybe a little too much, my head is hurting. Thanks for the light breakfast, it helped with the worst of it."

Granny chuckled and pushed the tray over to the sink. "Don't you worry about it, I'm happy to see you getting out there. I think Mac needed some stallion time too, that boy works too hard for his own good." She eyed him with a knowing grin. "So, who lost?"

"Well," Sharp chuckled when he recalled the dramatic scene that had entertained the other patrons. "I'd like to say he did, but he beat me fairly."

There was no hiding Granny's smirk, clearly expecting the answer. "So, what did you promise him?"

Sharp felt his cheeks burn slightly, and for a moment he considered trying to dodge the question. However there was no escaping Granny's penetrating gaze or sharp wit, so there was no point in trying to make the attempt. With a sigh, Sharp explained everything that happened the day before. Everything from him and Mac making the bet, to the events at the pub. Granny seemed quite pleased at the end of the story, and even let out a heartfelt chuckle.

"I see, well son, at the end of the day you're an adult, and you decide what you wanna do." Granny started, looking at him with a sort of motherly understanding. "There is no shame in not fully understanding one's own heart, or taking time to figure them out. My Applejack is a fine mare, and you yourself is a fine stallion. If you like her, then I do not see any reason for you to hold yourself back. Talk to her, confess if you feel like it is the right choice for you."

Sharp listened to every word, taking it all in. "Applejack is very special," Sharp admitted. "I'll admit, my feelings are all over the place, I'm not used to any of them."

"Do you like Applejack?"

"I do." Replied Sharp without hesitation. He was about to say more, but Granny raised a hoof and interrupted him.

"It is only a dance, son. It isn't a commitment to marriage." She reminded him. "You'll never figure anything out if you never make a move to find out."

Sharp winced, her words did not hurt him, but it was more the fact how true her words struck. "I.. I can't really argue with that logic can I?"

Granny let out a laugh. "You're not the first stallion who needed a push to make the first move!" She nudged him with her hoof gently. "Ask her to the dance. If there is something between you, I am sure you will see it by tonight. If not, then you will at least have had a good time."

"You seem so sure, Granny Smith."

"As sure as the Element of Honesty! Now, don't stand in here all morning, get moving. Mac is outside, and Applejack is waiting for you by the barn. We have a lot to do before the dance tonight." She said, turning around to face her kitchen again. "Now off with you, scram."

Sharp chuckled, and turned away. "Thanks, Granny."

With a smile on her lip and without looking back, Granny replied. "Anytime, sonny."

As expected the sun was shining, and the sky was almost free from clouds. As Sharp came out into it, he had to take a moment to get used to the strong sunlight. On the porch with a glass of ice-cold apple juice sat a red stallion and enjoyed Celestia's warm morning light. Like Sharp, Macintosh looked utterly exhausted, but seemed to be coming around slowly.

"Mornin'." He said in a tired drawl.

"Morning." Replied Sharp, and sat down beside the massive stallion. There was a moment of silence between them, a moment where they just let the nature around them fill that void. Finally after maybe a minute, Sharp said, "do you remember how we got back home?"

"Nope.."

"How we go to bed?"

"Nope.."

Sharp let out a tired sigh, but did smile. "We really had a lot to drink yesterday, didn't we?"

"Eeyup.."

"And we broke a table."

"Eeyup.."

"Still.. It was a pretty fun night, you want to do it again sometime?"

"Eeyup.."

A few seconds of silence passed between the two stallions, and then suddenly they both started to laugh. Although their laughter quickly died down as they winced, feeling the near resurgence of their hangover headaches. Still they smiled, and lowered their laugh to some light chuckling.

Mac spoke up after a few seconds, gesturing with his hoof towards the barn. "So, you're going to do it?"

Sharp looked over at the barn, seeing Applejack move a few boxes inside. With a smile and a simple nod, Sharp replied, "yes, yes I am. Although I lost our bet, I will ask her to the dance because I want to, not because I have to."

Big Mac nodded in understanding. "Best reason there is."

"Yeah, although I needed a push from a friend, and some wise words from your grandmother to realize that." Sharp smirked and stood up. "I should get going. Applejack is waiting for me to come over and help, I think."

"Eeyup."

It was late morning, so Sharp had missed some of the morning chores. By the looks of it, Big Mac had missed them as well, but Sharp wouldn't put it past him that he had actually gotten up and powered through, hence why he looked so bad now. As he approached the barn, he half expected a mild scolding from Applejack, but as he came closer and she saw him, she simply looked at him with an amused smile.

"Well look at what the cat dragged in." She said with a bright grin. "How are you feeling there, hon?"

Sharp felt his cheeks burn with mild embarrassment, but still smiled. "Like I've been hit by a lightning rod and left outside in the rain."

Applejack giggled. "You must be alright enough to work if you can joke like that."

"I'll do what I can, just tell me what you need."

The two moved towards the barn while Applejack started to explain what they needed to get done. "We need tables, chairs, and we need to get the decorations up." As they entered, he could see she had already moved a lot of unopened boxes inside, and some folding tables and chairs. "We also need to set up the stage, but before all that, we need to give this place a good cleaning out."

The barn was pretty spacious, and while it was not dirty per say, it was not ready to host a dance/party tonight. "Well, I guess we better get to work."

"Now that's more like it!" Applejack laughed and turned around to get to work.

However as Sharp had noted when they entered the barn, they were alone, and if he was going to ask her out, then what better moment than now? "Uhm, Applejack? I wondered if I could talk to you first?"

Applejack stopped, looking back at Sharp with a raised eyebrow. "Sure, what's digging at ya?" She asked, turning around to face him again.

Sharp paused, turning his body to face her as well. He felt his heartbeat increase in speed, his nerves increase. A small chuckle escaped his lips as he put a hoof behind his head and looked away. "Wow, uhm.. I didn't count on this being so hard."

"What's hard?" Applejack asked, tilting her head in confusion, and slight concern. Her beautiful green eyes seemed to sparkle with such honesty and kindness that it made his heart feel like it was getting hogtied.

"You would think things such as asking a pretty mare out to a dance would be easier when you're an adult." Sharp smiled, feeling his blush increase. Applejack looked at him with a surprised and stunned expression. "I guess some things just never change, no matter how much growing up you have done." With a determined look in his eyes, he looked her in the eyes again. "Applejack, would you go to th-"

"Yes."

Sharp blinked a few times, had he heard that right. "E-excuse me?"

Applejack noticed his confusion and smirked knowingly. "I said yes. Yes, Sharp Shooter, I would love to go out with you. Now stop standing there with your muzzle open and get to work, we have a lot to do!"

"Uhm I, I mean, yes ma'am!" Sharp shook his head to rid himself of the confusion and quickly went to work on the barn.

"That's better, I'll need to get some things from the attic. I'll be back soon." She said with a smile, then trotted outside, out of view, and out of hearing. Before moving towards the farm house though, Applejack moved up on her hooves and moved her legs up and down in excitement as she let out a hushed squeal. Her heart was fluttering, and it felt like she could walk on air!

"Applejack?" A voice suddenly asked.

Applejack yelped and came to an instant stop. "A-Apple Bloom, what are you doing here?" Applejack asked, hoping to avoid the obvious.

The little filly looked with bemusement at her sister. "What, uhm, what made you so happy, sis?"

And just like Sharp before, Applejack felt a blush moving across her face, and a sense of shyness she had not felt since her school days. "Well I.. I was asked out, Apple Bloom." She replied, smiling gently. "Sharp Shooter, he asked me to the dance tonight."

It would be an understatement to say it was a busy day for the Apple household. Everypony was helping, cleaning, cooking, setting up, decorating, it was a lot of work. However it wasn't farm work, and after having worked on the farm for so long, Sharp felt it was more relaxing than actual work.

While they all moved around fast, it did not feel too busy. It was hard to explain, they had a deadline tonight, but at the same time it didn't feel like they were pressured in the same way. Maybe it was because farming was for the survival of the farm and way of life for the Apple family. This however was more for private matters and had less serious consequences if they did not get everything done in time. That was not to say they did not work hard to make it, but it seemed more like play than work at times.

Apple Bloom had fun decorating, and Sharp had to help her several times reaching difficult places, or give her advice. It was clear that she enjoyed herself, and Sharp could understand why. This was not about work, but about spending time with family and friends, not to mention celebrating the hard work they had put in. At some point her two friends joined her, and Sharp was somehow stuck working the barn and looking after them, not that he minded.

Big Mac did more of the outdoor work, putting up large poles that would hold up string lights. There was no doubt in Sharp's mind that it would be very beautiful once the light was on, and the sun had lowered. Apple Bloom told him that it was a good place to dance, winking at him several times as she said it.

Granny Smith and Applejack did not work with them with decorations, or setting up tables and chairs. No, they were too busy in the kitchen, making all kinds of treats and food. They could all smell it out in the open, and it was hard not to get hungry while working and smelling the many aromas coming from the open kitchen window.

Other than Apple Bloom's friends, it was purely an Apple family project, well, and Sharp. It wasn't that they could not accept help, but this was an event they liked to throw for themselves and their friends, to them it was a matter of pride. Sharp had heard Pinkie Pie beg to help with the planning, but while she was a good party planner, this was an Apple affair. Despite her pouting, Pinkie seemed to really respect that.

It once again reminded Sharp how lucky he was to be a part of this family, or at least be accepted enough that he felt that way. Granny had taken him in when his family did not want to, and now he was helping setting up a proud celebration they looked forward to every year. He had spent time with Apple Bloom, gotten to know her friends. Worked alongside Big Mac, even got drunk with him.

He had even turned a relationship that started off on the wrong hoof around. So much had happened since he first arrived here, and now that he could finally take a breather and look back on the journey he had, Sharp could see just how far he had come. Even the nightmares seemed to have become lesser, but that was more of an exception rather than the rule. He was getting better, Sharp felt sure of that. What he also felt sure of, was the role the Apple household had played.

He owed them a lot..

There was a lot of chores and work Applejack found to be fun and satisfying. Bucking apples was always a great test of strength and skill, especially when competing with Big Mac. Seeing the result from a job well done was also the best feeling in the world. Yet out of all the things Applejack enjoyed doing, cooking was a secret passion of hers.

Not that it was something she wanted to do all the time, but she could bake some mean pies that could give even Pinkie Pie a run for her money. Although, while she enjoyed the simple yet delicate process of cooking, she mostly enjoyed it because it gave her time alone with Granny Smith. When they were in the kitchen, it was sort of their time together, something private and calming. It was something she wished she could have had with her mother, hence why moments such as these were so special to her.

It was a chance for them to talk, nothing in particular. Sometimes about life, the farm, family, friends, memories, day to day stuff. It was really a moment for her to just relax and enjoy the moment. "So tell me, Applejack. Did Sharp Shooter ask you out for the dance tonight or what?"

Applejack's ears flew straight up, her eyes widening, and her body froze in place. "Wh-what?"

Granny rolled her eyes playfully. "Come now, Applejack. You didn't think ya old granny didn't notice how much you tried to get yourself noticed?" She grinned, even chuckled a little. "Ahh, to be young and in love again. It really reminds me of my time in the NAAFI." She let out a long dreamy sigh. "It was how I met your grandfather, you know. He was so handsome in his uniform."

Applejack relaxed a bit, but still blushed. "I thought grandfather worked on the farm?"

Granny smirked. "Oh he did. Most of the other lads went to town to drink, but your grandfather came here to work in his off time, only to see me." She almost sounded young now when she giggled. "My father got a fit when he finally figured out he came from the camp." Granny let herself enjoy the many memories for a few moments longer before returning her attention to Applejack. "But don't you change the subject, missy. Did Sharp Shooter ask you to the dance?"

Applejack looked away, her cheeks burning, and her heart beating a little faster. "Well, I.. Uhm, yes..."

"Hoy dang, so he finally did it."

This made Applejack look back at Granny. "What do you mean by that?"

Granny rolled her eyes. "You two have been dancing around each other so much that I get motion sick just by looking at ya." She retorted. "It was clear to anypony that he wanted to ask you out, and you wanted him to ask!" Applejack's blush increased, but Granny just smiled. "There is no shame in it, Applejack, I'm just happy you're finally taking the next step."

"Granny! I.. I don't even know if this is the right step." Applejack replied, trying to find the right words. "I've never even been on a date with a stallion before.."

Granny snorted. "Neither had I until your grandfather finally managed to sneak by my father to ask me out." It was amazing how normal Granny could make such a statement sound. "But it's good to be nervous, you wouldn't be nervous if you didn't care about him." Her smile became less of an amused one, and more gentle and she placed a hoof under Applejack's muzzle, and guided her to look at her. "You're an amazing mare, Applejack, and any stallion would be lucky to have you."

Applejack smiled slightly. "Thank you, Granny.. But what if I say something stupid?"

Again Granny snorted. "In my experience it is always the stallions who manage to put their hooves in their mouths." She chuckled. "Besides, I promise you, he is just as nervous as you are, if not more."

"You think so, Granny?"

"I know so." Granny started with a confident smile. "If he wasn't nervous, I would not waste two bits on him. I promise you, it took a lot out of Sharp Shooter to ask you out."

"He's been to war, Granny. I don't think he would be scared to ask me out."

Granny snorted, raising an eyebrow. "You think the way of the heart isn't war? Think again, missy. A date can be a battle, not with any enemy, but with one self. To overcome your own doubts, to take chances of being rejected, or mess up when you want to present your very best self. It's a battle believe me, but so is life. If you don't take chances, then you haven't lived. Trust me, Applejack. For Sharp Shooter to ask you out, that was a huge thing for him."

Applejack frowned, not sure she understood. "Why?"

"You think I'm going to fight this battle for him?" Granny asked with a teasing grin. "Oh no, this is something he should share with you himself, when he is ready. Though take my advice, go and just enjoy the dance. It is only one evening, not a decision that will bind you to one path for the rest of your life." She chuckled. "You will know if you made the right choice by the end of the night. I did."

"You really think so, Granny?"

"I know so." Granny insisted. "Now, let's get back to work, we have a feast to prepare!"

The day ended, and evening was starting to roll over the farm. The last few hours had been spent getting ready, and a battle to get time in the bathroom. Thankfully for Sharp and Mac, they managed to get done before the war began between the two sisters.

Sharp didn't have anything fancy, not really. The most of the things he owed was stuff he had brought back from Saddle Arabia, and there wasn't anything in there he thought suited the occasion. It was Big Mac that came to the rescue, lending Sharp a black bowtie. It wasn't much, but he didn't intend to wear anything else too, so Sharp didn't complain. Not that he would either way.

Other than himself and Mac, Granny Smith was out and greeting the arriving guests before anypony else had a chance to. Everypony from Ponyville who could attend arrived little by little, all congratulating them on their hard work. Some ponies even congratulated Sharp on his hard work, but he told them he only did what he was told, which always made them laugh.

Granny handled the more formal greetings, while Mac and Sharp stood to the side looking handsome, both of them waiting. "Are you nervous?" Sharp suddenly asked Mac, eying his friend.

"Nnope." Mac quickly replied. "Well, maybe a little."

Sharp chuckled. "I'm sure it will turn out good. Rainbow Dash is a good mare. Applejack always talks well about her, even when it comes to her complicated sides." When Mac glanced at him with an eye raised, Sharp simply grinned. "Oh come on, she did not mean it in a bad way, and neither do I."

Sighing, Mac nodded. "She is a stubborn one, but I like that about her. She can do anything she puts her mind to, and she has the will to see it through."

"I know, I feel the same about Applejack.." Sharp admitted, smiling to himself. "At any rate, I do believe your date is here."

Mac looked up, and just as Sharp had said, there was Rainbow Dash, making her way down the path to the farm. She looked more nervous than Sharp would have imagined, but still excited. Mac smiled, taking a deep breath, and left to meet up with her. Sharp watched as he did so, meeting her before she got too close to the farm.

Sharp couldn't help but smile as he watched the two greeting one another. Both looked nervous, unsure, but at the same time happy. "In all the time I have known those two, I never imagined they would find one another." Applejack's voice suddenly said behind him.

"I was surprised too." Sharp smirked, not turning around yet, feeling his heart pound faster in anticipation. "Then again, I didn't think I would have a date for tonight.."

Applejack's low chuckle made Sharp smile. "I didn't either. Luckily a certain stallion asked me out."

"He sounds lucky." Sharp replied. "Do I know him?"

"Pretty well. Although, he is keeping me waiting."

"Scoundrel." Sharp teased, then started to turn around to face him. "I'm sure he will be right.... There..." Sharp's words seemed to vanish as he turned and saw her. Like him, she didn't wear anything fancy or complicated, choosing instead to wear something simple.

Her mane and tail was loose, and in her mane were several white flowers, even a sort of crown of flowers on top of her head instead of her trademark hat. She stood there, looking timid, vulnerable, as if the mere fact that he was looking at her made her exposed. It took a moment before Sharp found his voice.

"Wow, Applejack.. You look.. I mean, just.. You look beautiful."

A small smile graced Applejack's lips. "Thank you.. You look really good as well."

Sharp chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Well, the bowtie does make me stand out." The two shared a laugh while Sharp approached her. "But really, the flowers, your mane, you really are beautiful." He took her hoof in his. "I'm lucky you said yes."

She looked into his eyes, and bit her lower lip. "Do.." She hesitated for a moment, but then took a deep breath to gather her courage. "Do you want to watch the sunset with me?"

Sharp looked around, the part was already getting started, even the music. However as he looked into Applejack's deep green eyes, he could not imagine anywhere he would rather be than by her side, alone. "Sure."

As everypony else was joining the festivities, Sharp and Applejack made their way into the orchard. The sun was still up, but it was making its way down, revealing the first few stars in the darkening sky above. The two of them didn't speak, simply enjoyed the quiet, the tranquility of the orchard, the sounds, and the colors. At times they would glance at one another, sending smiles now and again, but still not saying a word to each other.

Soon enough they arrived on a small hill in the middle of one of the fields, overlooking the rest of the trees, and the sun moving down. Both of them sat down, and side by side, they simply enjoyed the view. After a while though, Applejack spoke up. "You really did a lot for us, you've worked really hard."

Sharp chuckled, waving the comment away with a hoof. "I think you and your family did more for me than I could do for you. A home, work, food, even new friends." His smile vanished a bit, looking more serious. "If I'm being honest, I don't know where I would be if it wasn't for you. I was pretty scared when I first came back. Didn't know where to go, or what to do, I simply left everything." He turned his head, looking at her. "Applejack, your family has done so much for me, maybe even saved my life."

Applejack looked back into those earnest blue eyes of his. "Sharp, I.."

He then smiled, looking forward again towards the horizon. "Sorry, I didn't mean to bring the mood down. I'm just saying that I.. Well, I love this place, I love your family."

She just stared at him for a few seconds, shocked, yet happy that he had bonded with them so much. She then smiled, then looked to the horizon again too. "I'm glad you are here. Honestly."

"Me too," answered Sharp. "I got to meet so many amazing ponies. Even got a date with an amazing mare, I didn't think that would happen in my lifetime." Hearing Applejack giggle made his heart flutter.

"You really are a charmer, aren't you?" She teased.

"Well, you bring it out. Just like you bring out every ponies best sides."

The two looked at one another. "I was pretty horrible to you at first.." Applejack admitted. "I'm just glad you forgave me."

Sharp rolled his eyes. "That is the past, Aj, I think you have punished yourself enough for that. Besides, we are here now, together, and there is no place I would rather be."

"You really mean that..?" She asked, her voice lowering slightly.

Sharp nodded. "I would not dare lie to the element of honesty.."

"You really are no good smooth talking scoundrel." Applejack said, her voice going softer as the two moved closer and closer to one another. "I knew you were trouble."

"Maybe a little trouble," Sharp admitted. "But the good kind of trouble."

"Shut up.."

Their lips met in one gentle and loving kiss, the two of them having moved completely on their own. So many feelings and thoughts ran through them, but none of them could really focus on them. The only thing that mattered to them right now at this moment was this. Their kiss, which only grew in passion for every second that passed.

Sharp as if his heart was about to burst through his chest, while Applejack felt so hot that she could melt ice by standing next to it. Their troubles, their doubts, any unhappy thoughts seemed to vanish in this one happy moment, one they both wanted to last forever.

The soldier, and the farm girl..

Their lips slowly parted, both of them already wishing to return to the blissful moment. There weren't any words they could say that could describe the feelings going through them. No explanations or words they could say to one another that they didn't already know just by looking into each other's eyes. Was there more to explore? Yes. Did they know for certainty this was what they both wanted? A wise pony might say no, but right now in this very moment, none of them had any doubt that this was something they liked to explore.

And no matter what they found, no matter what the future might hold for them, they would face it together...

Author's Note

Sorry for the long wait. I got stuck several times, and there has been a lot going on. I hope this chapter was worth the wait, despite there is a lot of talking and so on.

Artwork by: Hoodwinked MCShelster