"Ah suppose the beginning is where Ah should start." said Clyde before taking another sip of his coffee. "Ah was born in a place called United States of America and the state Ah was born in was called Oklahoma."

Applejack listened intently to Clyde's words, eager to take in ever detail about his life. Sitting on the chairs on her cousin's porch made her feel right at home being next to his side. A part of her wondered if this was what her mother and father felt when she was little. Her memories of her parents were few and far between, but somehow, she felt this was right on the spirit.

"Amareica? That's one hay of a coincidence."

Clyde shook his head before giving an amused chuckle. "Nah, it's A-mer-ica, not A-mare-ica. Ah found that funny when Ah first heard about that Equestrian colony that ya'll just started. But no, it's a big country with territories and two other states far away from the main 48."

"48? Dang, that's a lot of places, Ah mean, 50. You did say two more, right?"

The country man nodded and took another sip before continuing, "That's right, they ain't connected to the mainland but they're our states as well. Anyway, the state Ah'm in was mostly country land, minus the two big cities. Ah was an oil field worker for a short time. It was good money, but that line of work was very dangerous for me. So, Ah went back to work on mah family's ranch raising..."

Clyde stopped and starred off into the distance. It was clear he didn't want to reveal what kind of animal he was watching over, and Applejack didn't understand why.

"Is he ashamed of his work? Nothing wrong with taking care of critters. Now ah wonder..."

"Well," continued Clyde, "Ah was raising animals that required a lot of mighty work."

Applejack put a hoof on his knee and did her best to reassure him. Her heart beat as she knew she was taking a rather risky and intimate approach for a potential suitor. "No need to tell me details you ain't ready to share. Ah understand." It seemed to be a good call, as he put his hand on her hoof and gently squeezed it. She retreated her hoof and breathed a sigh of relief.

Clyde smiled before continuing, "Well, that's what Ah did for a long time. Mah Pa ran the ranch while mah Ma was Veterinarian. They were both busy workin' but still somehow made the time for mah family to get together."

This caught Applejack's attention as he mentioned his family, which prompted her to ask, "How many siblings you got?"

He held up two fingers and said, "Ah got two younger sisters. Both of them have good heads on their shoulders but they were annoying sometimes as we grew up together. Just how it goes, Ah guess."

The mare chuckled before taking another sip of coffee and revealed, "What coincidence, Ah got an older brother and younger sister. Both he and Ah work on the farm harvesting apples. We got a few critters but nothin' close to a ranch."

Clyde raised an eyebrow before taking a sip of coffee, "Well, now ain't that a coincidence. Ah knew you were an apple farmer, but Braeburn didn't tell me much about you before you got here. He only said you were stubborn and needed help with the rodeo. Also told me you wanted more than a few ribbons that weren't blue."

She set her coffee on the able and crossed her legs before pouting. She didn't like Clyde knowing about her rotten luck in the past concerning the rodeo. She still was embarrassed about the fiasco in Dodge Junction when her friends came to find her. Cherry Jubilee was paying her really good money, but even then she saw it wasn't worth the heartache to her friends and family. Granny Smith gave her a stern talking to when she returned, not to mention Apple Bloom giving her one of the strongest hugs a filly could ever give.

"Oh no, did Ah say something wrong?"

What happened next made Applejack use all of her restraint as she felt Clyde's touch on her hoof that was now resting on the table. His warm fingers gently touched her hoof and slightly squeezed a reassuring touch. Her heart began to beat faster as she stared into his strong, but gentle eyes. "Nah," said Applejack, "Braeburn told you right. It's just mah pride took a big hit, just as it did when you showed me Ah needed some work. Nopony likes to hear it but sometimes, we need to hear what we don't want to hear."

He let go of Applejack's hoof, which made her a little bit disappointed but she kept her cool. Her words seemed to have made a good impression, as she swore she saw Clyde give a slight look of approval. He nodded and continued, "Ah know what you mean. Ah left to work on the oil rig to prove Ah didn't need to work on the farm. Well, Ah did make my point but changed my mind when a feller lost a hand on an accident."

Applejack put her front hooves to her mount in a "Oh my!" expression. While she didn't have any relatives in the oil industry, Equestria was just in it's infancy in oil extraction. Manehatten and Vanhoover were the biggest customers in the oil business as they mostly used it for fuel for ships and heavy factories. She had hear stories from her extended family about ponies having accidents. And Applejack couldn't blame Clyde, as she would have likely done the same thing as him.

"Dang, working in a cherry sortin' shop doesn't seem that bad now that Ah think about it. And before you ask, that's the job Ah took up after Ah didn't make any money from the rodeo Braeburn told you about."

He nodded and said, "Gave you a good perspective, didn't it?"

"It sure did. Anyway, can you tell me more about your family?"

Clyde nodded before saying, "Sure, Ah did okay in school, but my younger sisters were destined for more, Ah suppose. My younger sister went to college and got a degree in weather studies. She wanted to work at the National Weather Service where they go trackin' the weather. Family was proud of her, and so was Ah."

Now that caught Applejack's attention as she asked, "Weather Service? Do y'all have a weather factory too?"

Clyde did facepalm and said, "Ah forgot y'all have magic and whatnot. No, we humans ain't got a weather factory, and it's probably for the best. Ah'm sure us humans would find a way to weaponize it. No ma'am, Mother Nature does her own thing and we just manage the best we can."

She went "Oh." before Clyde continued, "Eeyup, we almost had a tornado hit our ranch and kill off all of our livestock but it missed us, thank God. Ah guess it left an impression on her, because it was all she was focused on since then. It happened when Ah was 7, she was 6 and my youngest sister was 2 at the time. Was mighty scary, but like Ah said, thank God it missed us."

"God?" asked Applejack. "Y'all mean Faust, right?"

The human shook his head an answered, "Well, our God is simply called God. There's many religions out there but Ah'm a Christian. We don't really say his name out of respect. But yes, he's our Faust if that makes sense. That don't bother you none, does it?"

"So he believes in a higher power? That's good to know, even if it ain't the same one. He's got morals...that's nice to have in a hubby."

She shook her he head, "Not at all. Ah was raised in Church of Harmony. Ah know how it feels to have yer own beliefs and faith."

The mean relaxed and laid back in his chair, seemingly happy at her answer. She slightly blushed in approval for Clyde's beliefs before she asked, "What about your youngest sister?"

He rubbed his chin before answering, "Well, she's the most bright and vibrant one of the Ford Family. Very much about emotions and enjoying life. She went to college for music studies, hoping to be a music teacher. She's big into country music too and she's a got a mighty fine voice. It took her awhile of being unsure of herself but Ah guess something just clicked and she found her mark."

The mare smile as finished her coffee and was happy to hear what Clyde told her. His youngest sister wasn't that much different from Apple Bloom in many ways. The little filly was still searching for her cutiemark, and was enjoying a wonderful life. However, Applejack realized something, and that Clyde was now starring off into the distance once more. While she wasn't a gambling mare, she could bet the Bits in her saddlebag he was thinking about home.

"Clyde, you alright?"

The man simply nodded and saying, "Mmhmm.", while continuing to stare off into the distance. Applejack knew she shouldn't ask but she couldn't resist.

"You miss your family?"

He nodded and replied, "Eeyup. Ah sure do. Ah was working far off yonder on the farm and took a quick nap under a tree. Next thing Ah, know, the land is all different and mah home is gone. Ah wondered around until Ah found a town Ah'd never seen before. Have'ta admit, finding out you're on another planet with a small town of only a few thousand humans puts a heavily weight on your shoulders....Ah got mighty drunk that day over back in New Start."

She didn't like hearing the fact that Clyde chose to drink his sorrows away, but she figured it was understandable due to his circumstances. The mare herself wasn't sure how she'd handle such a thing and couldn't imagine being away from her family forever. Applejack noticed that Clyde was done with his coffee and offered him another. Instead he got up and said, "Ah got to get goin', but Ah'll be by to check up on you tomorrow. Ah suggest you take it easy today and work on the training plan Ah made for you tomorrow. Braeburn has it on a paper scroll somewhere, so ask him when you're ready."

Before she could reply, he quickly took the empty cups and went back inside. She facehooved and whispered to herself, "Ah'm a stupid ignoramus. Should have seen it was a bad question."

She took a deep breath and thought, "But it sure was nice having more time with him."

The mare got up and made her way back inside where she saw Clyde getting ready to leave. As he put on his own stetson hat, Applejack said, "Thanks for coming to check up on me and making me breakfast. Ah appreciate it but you better git on back here. Ah still owe ya dinner."

He looked at her with a mighty fine grin, and said, "Ah'll hold you do that, ma'am." He gave her a wink before walking off the property and into town. Applejack starred at him the entire time before he was out of sight. And like a horny teenage filly during her first cycle, she starred at his man plot the entire time. Just now, a mischievous grin formed on her face and she thought to herself, "A little bit of cloppin' ain't hurt nopony."

She made her way to her guest room and locked the door. Clyde did say she needed to take it easy today, and what better way do to that than clopping to the thought of Clyde.

The man known as Clyde Dallas Ford worked more hours than he expected he would after leaving Braeburn's house. He was relieved to know Applejack was doing just fine and in fact, much better than he expected she would. The events of yesterday was still fresh on his mind as he snuffed out that bull's life. He still has trying to come to terms with killing a living, talking being, and it took a lot of self-restraint from drinking the day away.

Once he was finished completing the remaining rodeo arenas, he took off as quick as he could. He was not in the mood for extra favors or tasks from the Equestrian Rodeo Association. He simply wanted to go unwind and try to get his mind off being away from home. As he made his way toward the Salt Block, many ponies and visiting creatures waved hellos and hat nods in respect to the man. While he waved back and returned the greetings, he simply wanted to just finish the day and go to bed.

Walking through the wooden double doors, Clyde made his way to the bar and found a stool fit for biped creature. Clyde had to admit, despite being made by talking animals, it had the same old time Western feel from Earth and he loved it. It had more charm than some of the generic country bars he'd been to back in Oklahoma, Texas, or even in Arizona.

"Heh, her name is Arizona. And her family's names are states too. Ah gotta admit, Ah like their names and Ah do feel at home around them. Same with Applejack...They're all good folks. Ah guess it can be worse."

He didn't even pay attention to the creatures already in the bar, and was focused on nothing but a good drink. If there was one thing he was grateful for, it was alcohol, and he was happy it existed on Equis. Once he took his seat, he was asked, "What will it be, sonny?"

Fountain Mug, the bartender and owner of the Salt Block was an older, slender, and taller than the average pony. Even as a pony, the man could tell he had a look of "Been there, seen that." on his face. His back was turned to the man as he was cleaning a glass cup fit for hooves. The man asked, "Two shots of whiskey. Any kind or brand will do."

"Any kind or brand? Those are dangerous words, my colt. An owner isn't always going to make the cheapest call. Hope you like Apple's Finest."

"Ah wouldn't say such a thing if Ah ain't got the Bits in mah hand to pay for'em, sir." said Clyde as he pulled out said Bits.

The stallion turned around and took notice of Clyde, happy to see the man return once more.

"That you wouldn't and you're in luck that you walked into my establishment. I am a good owner, after all."

Clyde handed the owner the Bits as Fountain Mug poured him two shots of Whiskey. "And you're the only bar owner in town too." chuckled Clyde. The stallion chuckled and said, "Irrelevant detail, and if it wasn't, I'd still be the best. Here you go, mare saver extraordinaire."

Clyde smirked before raising it up, and taking a shot. The liquid was a fine whiskey, and the taste proved it deserved the label. Clyde looked at the other shot and before finishing it off. The apple flavored whiskey felt great as it made Clyde relax for the first time in weeks. Even before the Rodeo kicked off, Clyde was working nonstop doing many jobs around town. Even helping the Buffalo Tribe remove the squatters and bandits from their territory was an exhausting task.

And now, here he was, drinking his stress away on a planet inhabited by talking animals. The country man considered his life to be mighty strange and bizarre. He only wanted just one moment of his life to be normal, or to simply say hello to his family again. The man could only imagine how they must feel with him having disappeared with no trace. It was depressing to him and once more, he was drowning his feelings in whiskey.

He ordered two more shots of whiskey before turning around and taking notice of the creatures in the bar. There was poker table that had four stallions, one griffon, and one minotaur. All five of them looked as if the Equestrian west wasn't their first rodeo. A table next to them had three buffalos drinking what he assumed was beer in wooden tankards. One of the buffalos were smoking a typical Indian smoke pipe. He could only imagine what was in it, but from the relaxed looks on the buffalo's face, it was probably good stuff.

And over in a corner were four working class mares enjoying drinks and talking typical girl gossip. Clyde recognized them from the rodeo managing food and supplies. And there was, of course, the older stallion playing a calming western medley on the piano. All in all, Clyde had to admit, this world wasn't too bad, but it simply just wasn't his home.

"Will Ah ever make a home here? Or am Ah just going to wander around until Ah'm an old man?"

Before Clyde could drink his shots, Texas walked into the bar. The entire bar went silent seeing the big bulky Bull make his presence known. This took Texas by surprise before he said, "What y'all looking at?" The piano stallion went back to playing music, which caused the other patrons to continue their activities. The bull shook his head before he noticed Clyde at the bar. Even more so, he noticed the two shots in the man's hands.

As he got to the bar, Texas asked, "Uh-oh, the talk of the town is drinking. You alright there, sonny? Don't think I've ever seen you drink before. Then again, I've only known you for a few days."

He shrugged his shoulders and said, "It's just one of them days. Ah miss mah home and family, and well, just feel like drinking, Ah guess."

The bull nodded before putting Bits on the bar table and asked, "I'll have what he's having." Fountain Mug nodded and quickly got the bottle of Apple's Finest and poured two shots for the bull. He took the two shots and held each in his hooves before saying, "To family and purpose, may we never loose both."

"Texas speaks well."

"Amen to that."

Saying their cheers, both the man and the bull downed their shots. As they set the glasses on the table, Texas asked, "Anything you wanna talk about? I'm hear to listen...and drink. Heh."

He took a few seconds before saying, "Pardon mah language, but Ah guess we could just shoot the shit. Ah'll buy the next round."

Texas grinned and nodded before Fountain Mug immediately produced more shots before them. He took the Bits before he went to refill a griffin's mug of beer. The man and the bull engaged in typical guy talk and both asked more questions about each other live's and stories of stuff they both had seen. An hour turned into three hours, leaving the man and the bull drunk. Both called it and left the Salt Block. Unfortunately for Clyde, the whiskey had caught up to him and he fell to the ground.

Texas grinned and said, "Looks like we got a guest tonight. Ah'd take ya home, but Ah don't know where you live. A little heifer will be happy to see you."

Texas was careful on putting Clyde on his back and once he was secure, the bull carried him to his sister-in-law's house. Despite it being at night, a few ponies here and there saw the large bull carry the resident human on his back with concern and curiosity. One stallion, who happened to be one of the town's deputies, followed Texas. Though, the Deputy's concern was eased once he saw the bull take Clyde into the home of the town's resident dairy vendor. Texas knocked on the door which Daisy-Jo opened.

The female cow was very surprised to see a drunk and passed out Clyde on her brother-in-law's back reeking of booze. Texas also smelled bad but it was obvious Clyde was sweating it profusely. Daisy-Jo didn't even need to question or guess what had happened as Dakota had done the same thing before. Shaking her head in disapproval, she pointed a hoof down the hall and said, "Take him to the third guest room, there's a fresh bed already made. Oh dear, he's just oozing the booze. I'll get him some water as well."

Not wasting any time, Texas made his way to the room and put Clyde on the bed. The bull himself was struggling to be coherent and awake with only his sheer size saving his hide. However, it didn't save him from his wife's disapproval.

"Texas! I'm very disappointed in you! You're all in here stinking up the place, dontcha know? And why is Clyde here? My goodness, you two were at that bar, weren't you?" said Minnesota.

The bull was struggling to stay up and made a goofy drunk smile before saying, "*hic* It's not mah fault, sweet cream. The poor boy was feelin' down and he needed an ear to listen to him. *hic* He's a good youngin' Ah tell ya what. So forgive me if two grown guys had a non-violent drinking session."

Minnesota facehooved before saying, "Non-violent? That's the bar we're trying to jump over? Ugh, I don't know why I put up with you sometimes, but your heart was in the right place if he was feeling down in the ditch. Arizona is asleep, so we don't have to worry about her trying to sneak into Clyde's room."

The bull laughed before drunkenly saying, "Why bother? Let'em shack up. Would fix Arizona's problems gettin' the boy and she wouldn't have to deal with that other mare.*hic*"

Minnesota's jaw dropped before she replied, "You have no idea what you're talking about. If you did, you'd never say such a thing."

The bull went over and drunkenly kissed his wife. Despite lacking coordination, he pulled off a perfect kiss and whispered into her ear, "Once you take care of the human, come to bed. I'll show you what this bull's tongue can do. And you don't have to do anything in return. Let me take care of you, for once."

Before she could say anything, he walked out of the room and brushed his tail against her. This sent shivers down her back before she huffed and thought, "That bull sure knows how to get me worked up in more ways than one....buck it. I'll help my sister get Clyde set for the night and get my hubby to pay his respects to me. It's been awhile anyway and he needs to make it up to me."

Once Daisy-Jo and Minnesota got Clyde tucked in with a glass of water on a table next to the guest bed, they both went to their rooms. As the night carried on, Minnesota and Texas had fun of their own, while the entire house was none-the-wiser. And Arizona slept through the night, unaware the man of her steamy dreams was in the room next to her's. She would have a very big surprise in the morning and golden opportunity that only Applejack could wish for.

The fight for the man, was far from over.

Author's Note

Long time waiting, but here you guys go. More updates! Cranked this out in one night. Hope you guys like it!