The night came and went for the country mare as she awoke from her sleep. With the rooster making his usual calling, Applejack quickly got out of bed and ate some breakfast Granny Smith whipped up. There wasn't a whole lot of chores to do before her "meeting" with Michael at Sugarcube Corner. Seeing Michael made Applejack feel both nervous and excited, a feeling that Pinkie Pie once described "nervi-cited." The country mare hoped she could rope him into a real date and an actual relationship. Human or not, something about his energy just radiated a good, honest feeling and it was something she never felt before.

"Ah hope Pinkie Pie doesn't throw him a party just yet. Ah don't want him talking to other mares. That's just the last thing Ah need, Pinkie goin' off and advertising him to the town. Didn't think Ah'd get a crush on a human but dang, Ah just gotta have him!"

With her breakfast finished, Applejack quicky cleaned her dishes. She grinned at thoughts of working a long day with her man waiting to massage her and give her cuddles. The rest of the family exchanged glances of smirks and smiles knowing that Applejack had a date with the man. Before walking outside to get a head start on the chores, Applejack said, "Ah'm gonna head out around noon and go to Sugarcube Corner. And y'all know why, of course. So go head and get your grinnin' out of the way."

The mare blushed a bit before Apple Bloom gave her sister some encouragement, "You'll do fine, he seems like a nice feller. Just don't get pushy."

"Mah little sister giving me advice? Well, she did get a coltfriend before me, so Ah guess Ah should take it."

Applejack nodded and said "Thanks, Apple Bloom."

As the mare walked outside, Sugar Belle said, "She'll do fine. And if she needs help, I'll be here to give her assistance. Right honey?"

Big Mac turned, nodded, and smiled before eating a large portion of pancakes. As the family finished their breakfast, Sugar Belle smiled deviously thinking about helping Applejack.

"She'll need my help alright. And when Applejack does get him alone, I'll help her lock him down, just like I did with Big Macintosh."

A devious grin formed as she stared at her husband, who was blissfully unaware of Sugar Belle's intentions. He was too focused on eating his food but would learn soon enough when Apple Bloom and Granny Smith left the house.

The chores were going along fine as Applejack worked at a quick pace. Big Macintosh was surprisingly late to help her out, and assumed it was due to him eating more breakfast. She didn't ask him why he was late and went to task of sorting green apples from the red apples. After they threw away a few spoiled ones, they quickly re-organized the cider barrels for the upcoming cider season in their cellar.

The moment the chore was finished, Applejack wiped some sweat off with her hoof and said, "Alright, Ah'm gonna head out now. Wish me luck Big Macintosh!"

He nodded in genuine happiness for his sister before saying, "Eeyup." The moment the cellar door was closed, and the hoof steps of Applejack faded away, Sugar Belle emerged from a dark corner.

"Hello, honey. It's time for your wife's daily fun time! Now, be a good hubby and EAT."

The country stallion froze in place before his pupils lit up with a warm, red glow. As if under a spell, he made his way over to his wife who was now laying on her back. With her lower legs wide open, he bent his head down to her nether region, and went to work. As pleasure was taking hold of Sugar Belle, she said to Big Macintosh, "Good hubby, very good."

She cackled menacingly before moaning in pleasure.

Applejack was making good time walking into Ponyville as she made her way down the path. The anticipation of meeting Michael was starting to get to her, as every step she took felt heavy with her heart beating faster. The mare had never felt this way before and she wondered if she could keep cool. Applejack tried to reassure herself that a simple date (even if the man wasn't aware of it was one) wouldn't be a problem.

Apple Bloom made it clear to Applejack that all she had to do was be honest and pleasant. The country kept repeating that advice in her head many times over, desperate to assuage her worries. Stopping to adjust her hat, Applejack took notice of the ponies moving about in the town's main square. It was unusually packed, even for a weekend day. That meant there were special sales going in the market place or Sugarcube Corner was giving away free samples.

"And if Sugarcube Corner is giving away free samples, then that means...oh nellie!"

The realization hit Applejack like brick to the face and that realization meant there would be mares. Sugarcube Corner was a common place for mares to meet new stallions. It was an unspoken secret amongst the female population that if one wanted to find a male, that was the place to be. Looking at the tower clock in the distance, Applejack noticed it was five minutes to 1 P.M. The country mare picked up the pace, and galloped over to the sugary treat store.

The mare ignored the few townsponies she knew as they waved at her. As Applejack turned a corner, her fears were confirmed as she saw endless amounts of mares, all of which were in a single file line to the store. And to make matters worse, Michael was nowhere to be seen. A part of her wondered if he had broken his word and decided not to show up. She quickly dismissed that as her impression of the man made it unlikely he'd do such a thing. The clock struck exactly at 1 P.M. making the bell ring.

"Land sakes!" said Applejack, "Ah can't find him! Now what am Ah gonna tell mah family? "Sorry, Ah couldn't even get him to meet me for cupcake! Eeyup! Aw shucks, amirite?!" Ah'm so stupid-"

Just as Applejack was mentally beating herself up, a voice interrupted and surprised her.

"Hey there, partner! What's wrong? Something bad go down at your farm?"

Applejack froze before slowly turning around and seeing Michael standing with a look of concern on his face. Applejack slowly blushed before dismissing his worries, "Nah, Ah-ah was just fretting over nothing. It's okay, so don't worry now, ya hear?"

Applejack scrunched up her muzzle and looked away, her signature tall tale sign she was lying. To anypony that knew her, they'd know she was fibbing. Fortunately for Applejack, Michael didn't know any better and simply shrugged his shoulders before replying, "Okay, no worries then."

"He believed me? Oh, dang. Now Ah feel guilty. Guess he really is a trusting guy after all. Hope the rest of the date will go better."

The man focused his attention to Sugarcube Corner, while Applejack stole a glance Michael. Her marely urges for coltfriend were strong, and if she could, she felt like stealing a kiss on his clean, manly cheek. With a small blush, Applejack smiled at him as he said, "Well, looks like we're gonna have a long wait. I hope this place is good, since it's talk about so much since I got here."

Turning her attention back to the line, Applejack realized she needed to get back to reality and get in line for the free samples. Looking at him again, Applejack added, "It really is a good place. C'mon, now! Let's get in line."

The nodded and said, "Lead the way."

As the two walked towards the line, they found the back of the line and took their spot. As Applejack suspected, many of the mares in line were single mares, all of which she knew. Cloud Chaser, Flitter, Golden Harvest, Berry Punch, Cherry Berry, Sassaflash, Amethyst Star, and Lemon Hearts were in line and all of them were single, not to mention pretty. And as if on cue, they turned around to see the what was causing the shadow that cast over them. Applejack gulped in nervousness as every single mare saw the man, and while they were initially surprised at Michael, every single one smiled at him.

To make matters worse, several of them either waved at him, batted eye flashes at him and a few even swished their tails in excitement. Michael simply waved back and said, "Hello ladies! Hope you don't mind the shade from the sun! Good day for cupcake, amirite?"

Many of the mares giggled or went "Uh-huh!" in a very cutesy tone. Others tried the shy girl act with a wink. Of course, Michael saw it as innocent banter but Applejack saw right through their act. She gave them all a knowing glare, all of which knew Applejack was onto them. Many scoffed, stuck their tongues out, or returned one of their own before taking one more look at Michael. Applejack snorted in annoyance before she felt a hand on her back.

"You sure you're okay?"

As she calmed down, Applejack said, "Yes, A'hm fine, Ah think Ah'll feel a bit better when Ah get something to eat."

"Please don't take your hand away. Sweet Celestia, his fingers feel nice."

The man, unfortunately, took his hands away as he grinned and said, "Aww. Somepony is a bit hangry. Don't worry, you can have my sample. I'll get something else, so don't fret about it."

Michael patted his jean's pocket and the sound of Bits could be heard jingling. Applejack was about to protest but the man held up a finger and said, "Nope. You can't say no, because I insist. Besides, you're taking time away from your family to talk to a newbie human. And for that, I'm grateful."

Hearing that Michael say that made her curious how he felt about families. The small butterfly feelings began stirring before she asked, "Well, thank you kindly. And it's no problem, mah family don't have nothing really planned today. It's been a small lazy day back at the farm, minus the morning chores."

Michael nodded before the line began to move inside Sugarcube Corner, several ponies exited with fresh treats or sugary drinks. The man noticed this and said, "Well, looks like it's gonna be good. I can even smell the awesomeness from here. So, you sure it wasn't a big deal to come hang out with me?"

Applejack nodded as the line moved inside, letting them be the next ones to enter. "It's ain't no trouble, Michael. Really, it's not. All Ah'd did was move some stuff around for the upcoming cider season. Mah family pretty much relaxes on Saturday afternoons. Granny Smith usually takes a nap, Apple Bloom usually hangs out with her friends, and Ah well...Ah don't do much nowadays since mah friends have been more busy since Twilight became the Princess."

Michael frowned before saying, "Don't you spend time with any of your other friends? Princess Twilight told me a few of them still live here."

"When Ah can and when they visit, sure Ah do. Mah friend Rainbow Dash is still busy being a Wonderbolt. Rarity is busy travelling to all of her shops, Fluttershy has been mighty busy with animal care and managing Equestria's habitat program. And Pinkie Pie? Well, you'll meet her soon enough, since she still lives here."

As they talked, several more ponies exited the shop, allowing them to enter. When they entered the shop, Michael was surprised. All before him were bright, colorful decorations, with many freshly baked treats of all kinds being served. Mr. Cake was busy in the kitchen baking and from what Applejack could tell, was in a very good mood. Mrs. Cake was checking on a few things before taking her young foals upstairs. The twins had grown considerably in the past few years and could say basic toddler sentences.

Whether she was pre-occupied, or attempting to avoid Michael out of nervousness, Applejack wasn't sure. Ponies, unfortunately, were still nervous around new species that happened to visit Ponyville. She still remembered the time she was nervous when Zecora visited Ponyville and had bouts of guilt from time to time. As Applejack returned her attention back to Michael, she saw a look of awe in his eyes. Curious, Applejack asked, "What's got you excited?"

The man turned back to Applejack and gave a warm smile, "Nothing much, I just like feeling of this shop. It seems like a nice, fun place. I'll bet it throws nice parties."

As he returned his attention to his surroundings, Applejack smiled and said, "You have no idea. But don't worry, you'll find out eventually."

Before he could ask, it was their turn to be served at the counter. And managing the counter, was none other than Pinkie Pie. Applejack knew her friend was going to be happy to see her, but she didn't expect Pinkie Pie to go overboard seeing Michael. The young man introduced himself, "Hello, my name is Michael. Applejack was telling me about-"

He didn't finish his sentence as Pinkie Pie exclaimed, "OH MY GOSH! This is amazing! We got a human in da house with my one of my besties, Applejack! Oh yeah! PARTY TIME!"

The pink mare jumped up and down, and began playing party music. The man's widened in surprise before turning to the country mare. Applejack rolled her eyes with a smile and said, "Some other time, Pinkie. We're just here to get a few treats."

Pinkie Pie froze in mid-air, blinked a few times, and smiled sheepishly. Against all laws of physics, she slowly floated down to the floor and said, "Okay, raincheck on the party and cupcakes for my friend and her new "special" friend."

Michael starred in bewilderment at Pinkie Pie, while Applejack's face started to blush red. The country mare quickly tried to gain control of the situation and said, "Yeah, uh, a raincheck, for later. Two cupcake samples, please."

Pinkie Pie nodded before taking out two cupcakes, before asking Michael, "Anything else, Mr. Michael Man? Something Apple-based, maybe?"

Applejack gave Pinkie Pie a glare, hoping she'd knock it off. Pinkie Pie rolled her eyes with a grin before turning her attention back to Michael. Applejack thought to herself, "Just how in the wide world of Equestria did she figure it out?"

The man composed himself and politely asked Pinkie Pie, "Yeah, do you have an apple turnover? I like those."

Pinkie grinned some more and added, "Good choice, the Cake's Apple Turnover has tasty folds, with a warm apple filling. I think you'll like it."

It took Applejack's entire strength to remain composed at Pinkie Pie's subtle teasing. The only saving grace for Applejack was that Michael was completely unaware of the innuendo and her blushing. The pink mare took a wax paper sleeve and put the apple turn over in it. As it was carefully wrapped, Pinkie Pie said, "That will be 3 Bits."

Michael took out three brand new gold Bits, which he likely got from the Canterlot National Bank. Most of the Bits in Ponyville were tarnished or dirty, which was another sign, aside from Michael's appearance, that he was new to Ponyville. As he put them on the counter, Pinkie Pie quickly took the Bits and deposited them into the cash register. Applejack could tell he was unsure of what to say to Pinkie Pie, and she decided to tell Michael, "Go ahead and meet me outside, sugarcube. Ah need to talk to Pinkie about somethin' private."

The man looked at Applejack and gave a two finger salute and said, "No problem! See yah outside. Nice to uh, meet you Miss Pie. I'll be seeing you around town!"

Pinkie Pie smiled and salute him back with her hoof as he walked outside. The moment he was gone, Applejack fumed and asked Pinkie Pie, "Now why in tarnation did you have to say all of that hooey?!"

Pinkie Pie shrugged and simply said, "I didn't think it was a big deal. I was just playing around and having fun. Besides, I think he'd be good coltfriend for you."

Applejack snorted and replied, "Ah don't think it was funny at all. Ah'm trying my best to know him and ask him to court me. This ain't easy for me, sugarcube. It's bad enough Ah'm learnin' the ropes and trying to keep these hungry buzzard mares away from him. Ah swear, they're circling him for a chance to butt in! So please, try to keep the teasin' down. Mah family is already doing enough of that."

Pinkie Pie frowned for bit before saying, "I'm sorry Applejack, I was just having fun. I won't do that again. I'll make it up to you by throwing a party, with Michael invited, of course. And you can decide who you want to be invited. And if there's anything else I can do to help seal the deal with him, just let me know."

"Finally! Ah put some sense into her! A party with Michael would be nice and all."

Breathing a sigh of relief, Applejack said, "Thanks, Pinkie. Ah appreciate it."

Pinkie Pie looked behind Applejack toward the door and said, "Uh, speaking of buzzards, you might wanna go back to him. "

Before the country mare could ask, she turned around and looked outside and noticed Michael was being surrounded by many of the single mares. Feeling ice in her veins, Applejack said, "Woah nellie! Ah gotta go! Later Pinkie!"

"GOOD LUCK!" shouted Pinkie Pie.

The country mare quickly ran towards the door and made her way outside. Michael seemed to be just fine and was answering questions to several mares. And by questions, they were the kind of questions a mare would ask a stallion to see if he was coltfriend material. She heard Sea Swirl ask, "So you're new here?"

"Yup! I mean, have you seen another guy like me around here?" replied Michael with a handsome smile.

Sea Swirl blushed and flicked her tail with blush before replying, "No, I haven't, not a handsome one like you. Silly question, heheh."

"Looks like Ah'm not the only one willing to date a human. Gotta keep them whorses away from mah prize!"

Applejack's face went red with anger as she began walking her way over to Michael. She had to bump many mares out of the way in order to rejoin him. Many of the single mares protested but stopped when they noticed it was Applejack. While it wasn't unheard of mares to fight over a stallion, many knew better than to challenge one of Ponyville's stronger, more fit mare. This didn't stop them from glaring at her, which Applejack equally glared back.

The stare down went unnoticed by Michael, who waved back to Applejack, "Oh, welcome back, partner! Take care of that matter with your friend?"

Applejack gave him a fake smile, doing her best to not shout at the mares that were still close to him. She nodded and said, "Ah sure did. Ah think it's best we go to the park and sit down there, enjoy the fresh air and all."

He nodded and replied, "Sounds good to me, lead the way. Have a good day, ladies!"

As many mares said their good-byes, they cleared a pathway for Applejack and Michael. The two walked away with the man smiling, oblivious to the mares glaring at Applejack. Just as the country mare was about to pass the final mare, which happened to be Sea Swirl, the unicorn whispered, "You can't be around him all the time. One of us will get to him."

Applejack wasn't an easy mare to scare, but Sea Swirl's point was very sound. She couldn't be around Michael all the time, nor was it exactly healthy to be clingy. Most stallions did not like clingy mares, and Applejack was sure the man was no exception. Applejack, in a moment of weakness, showed a brief moment of worry, and Sea Swirl saw it. The unicorn mare smirked before licking her lips at Michael. Applejack's veins felt like ice once more before catching back up with Michael.

The walk to the park went uneventful, as the conversation with Michael somewhat put her more at ease. Though, Sea Swirl's words continue to echo in Applejack's mind, "You can't be around him all the time. "

"Ah can't let this chance go cuz Ah might not find another decent stallion. Where have all the good stallions gone?!"

As the two finally made their way to park, Applejack knew she had to make a plan. Leaving Michael alone in Ponyville wasn't going to cut it, as Sea Swirl and the other mares were going to pounce on him the moment she was away from him. The country mare could just imagine it now,

"Good-bye Applejack! See you later!" said Michael.

"See yah later!" said Applejack.

As the man walked away and made his way home, a flood of single mares stood before him. Many of them lifted their tails at him and exposed themselves to the human. The man was shocked and aroused at the sea of marehoods, all wet for him. Berry Punch was the first to speak, "Please knock me up, Mr. Michael! I can give you lot's of foals and be your play toy!"

The man loved what he saw as other mares chimed in,

"I can empty your balls and cook you a meal every night! Just pick me!" said Daisy.

"NO! Pick me! I'll make you muffins and you can have my muffin every night!" said Ditzy "Derpy" Hooves.

All the mares cried out, each begging and making offers for the man to marry them. Michael took his pants off and said, "Looks like herding is on the menu ladies! Plenty of man meat all around!"

"And none for Applejack! She's a post-wall loser! Her ovaries are dried up!" shouted Sea Swirl.

Applejack was no longer a young and fertile mare but an old and wrinkly faced barren mare. Horrified at her suddenly aged appearance, she cried and pleaded, "Ah'm not barren! Ah can still give ya what you want. Ah got a good personality! That's all that matters!"

Her pathetic pleading was ignored as the man and the sea of mares did crazy mating orgies like activities, leaving Applejack to rot away. The day dream continued with more debauchery, sickening Applejack before she came back to reality.

A hand was waving in front of Applejack's face, making Applejack say, "What?"

"Hello! Equestria to Applejack, you okay? Ever since we left Sugarcube Corner, you've been distracted and bit off. There something going on you want to talk about?"

"Shoot, Ah'm losing all mah cool and what not. Ah gotta lock him down...somehow...Ah think Ah'll just get him back to the barn, seduce him real good, and he'll be all mine."

Applejack turned away, avoiding Michael's handsome blue eyes. While Applejack was a terrible liar, she figured it would be honest enough to lead him to "help" her in a special way. All Applejack needed was to get him to Sweet Apple Acres, and hope he'd be susceptible to her advances.

"No, Ah'm sorry. Ah got a lot on mah mind but, well..."

The man sat on the bench and ate his apple turnover treat and said, "Go on, I'm listening. Why you sit with me? I promise I won't bite."

She whispered, "You can if you want."

"What was that?" asked Michael.

"Nothing.", replied Applejack as she turned her face back and looked both ways. To anypony that knew her, it would have been obvious to them Applejack was lying. The man didn't pick up on it and simply said, "Well, my offer still stands."

Without delay, Applejack sat on the bench and sighed, not sure what how to approach getting Michael to the barn.

"Well, Ah'm just thinking about life an' all. Ah'm getting older and it seems life is going by fast. Do you ever feel that way sometimes?"

The man nodded, "All the time, even more so since I arrived in this world. I was just thinking about life up till now and thinking about my family. It does make me wonder if I spent my time back on Earth wisely, and if there was anything I could do differently. Maybe, gone out a little bit more, or spent more time with my family. But no matter what, life will continue, and so must we. It's best to not fret about getting old and focus making the most of now."

Applejack nodded and asked, "So...what do you think about families?"

Finishing up his apple turnover, Michael added, "I think they're important and while they can get on your nerves, the silence is deafening when they're no longer in your life. Trust me, you don't want to experience the silence."

Applejack frowned and look down at the ground before saying, "Ah kinda already do. Mah Ma and Pa are gone to heaven."

The man frowned and rubbed the back of his head in regret and sympathy.

"I'm sorry Applejack. I didn't know."

Taking a quick bite of the cupcake, Applejack continued, "It's fine. Been a long while since it happened. Ah was just a very small filly, and Apple Bloom was just a little foal at the time. Big Macintosh remembers them more than Ah do. We've leaned on Granny Smith ever since they passed on. Ah swear, she's one tough mare to help raise us and Ah credit her with a lot of our success. Still, she's getting more tired everyday but she refuses to let her fire go out. Ah just hope to have a youngin' of mah own before she goes."

Applejack finished her cupcake while Michael added, "I think you'll find somepony to have foals with. So I wouldn't worry about that."

"Easier said than done...Wait! He thinks Ah can get hitched and get foals?! Ah wonder if he's open to dating a mare."

Hearing Michael drop that sentence gave Applejack hope and the country mare was determined to find out if he truly was open to dating ponies. Or worse, if he was merely just making her feel better.

"You think so?"

He winked and said, "Know so. Don't give up hope."

Her heart began to beat faster as she mustered up the courage to ask Michael, "So, what about you? Don't you want a family of your own?"

Michael stared at her for a few seconds before laughing. Applejack's heart felt crushed as he answered, "I don't think that's going to happen. I'm a human, not a pony. I know I'm in another world but my suspension of disbelief only goes so far. There's no way in hell a pony would want to date me. Even one could, I can't give them kids. But don't worry, you got more hope than me."

Her ears lowered as Applejack felt dejected hearing Michael's answer. It seemed that all hope was lost for Applejack but something snapped in Applejack's mind. Failure to get him locked down as not an option and she was going to go for broke. Any doubt of what she was about to do evaporated as Applejack remembered her horrible day dream once more. Applejack gave Michael a rather overly enthusiastic smile, with a slight eye twitch.

"Thank you, Michael." said Applejack in a not-so-creepy tone similar to when Twilight Sparkle had a mental breakdown. "Ah appreciate it. So...mind helping me out at Sweet Apple Acres real quick? Ah'd like to give you a tour of the farm as well."

Looking at his watch, Michael shrugged his shoulders and said, "Sure, why not? Be nice to say hello to your family again."

As he got off the bench, Applejack stood in front of Michael and pointe towards Sweet Apple Acres. "Follow me, Sugarcube."

Michael gave a two finger salute as the duo walked towards Sweet Apple Acres. The two continued to talk about mundane things and learned little facts about each other. Several mares along the way eyeballed Applejack but hungrily licked their lips towards Michael. Applejack smirked to herself, knowing that she was going to eventfully proverbial dirt in their faces when Michael became her one and only stallion.

"They'll see and so will Michael. He'll see the light, and he's gonna love it."

Author's Note

Oh boy, she's gonna go for it! Applejack is gonna be pushy! Nopony will get in her way. Poor Michael, he's got no clue what's in store for him. Sorry for the wait, I got real life going on.