Generous Care

Chapters

New man about town
A new face
Getting up, getting out
Down and dirty (Not in that way)
Sticky Fingers (Again, not in that way)
Family trees

New man about town

Generous Care

William Contrite rubbed his eyes as the train whistle blew, his reading glasses almost fell from his face before he removed them by hand and placed them in his waistcoat’s top pocket. He looked around his empty carriage before grabbing his suitcase and standing by the wooden door, waiting for the train to stop at the station.

As the train gently stopped, William braced for the inevitable jolt of the actual stop. The jolt caused him to stagger but he quickly regained his balance before he dared to open the door and step down onto the platform.

The first thing that came to William’s attention was the bright sun in the sky and the lack of clouds. His eyes moved down from the blue sky to look at the wooden walls that made the small train station, a simple map was trapped behind a clean glass screen.

William carefully inspected the map, the words were large enough for him to read without the use of his glasses. He found his location on the map and quickly scanned the rest for his destination. When the map failed to provide insight, his attention was diverted to his reflection in the glass.

The teenager in the reflection had clean, short, brown hair that was well kept. The rest of his head was also kept clean and tidy, he had smooth pale skin that enhanced his comforting hazel eyes. His attire consisted of polished brown shoes, ironed trousers, white shirt with brown tie and a brown waistcoat that had simple stripes that went around the chest. A pair of reading glasses poked out of his top pocket as he knelt down to pick his dull leather suitcase up again.

Sighing the teenager decided to head for a location where he could find out some information, the local library. As he walked out of the train station, his eyes were brought up to look at the sign hanging above the door.

Welcome to Ponyville.

The boy walked down the cobbled street with his chin up and his shoulders back, his eyes focused more on the path ahead rather than the people that walked around him, their eyes taking quick glances at the smartly dressed teen.

William kept his posture even though his eyes showed his real feeling of someone uncomfortable, his hand kept a firm grasp of his suitcase as he turned to look at what first appeared to be a large tree but, upon further inspection of the trunk, turned out to be a building.

The teen noticed a sign near the door of an open book. With this as a reassuring sign, William walked up to the door and stepped inside. His nose instantly caught the scent of fresh pine, probably the effect of being inside a tree, and sighed happily as he put his suitcase on the round table in the center of the room.

He smiled happily as he looked at the books nearest to him. They were arranged with great attention and care as he moved from section to section in search of an atlas or map. His original smile of being surrounded by books dipped as he failed in his search. Letting out a small sigh of disappointment he looked around for a librarian or anybody else using the library. When he realized he was alone he looked around at the other few doors before clearing his throat.

“Excuse me?” He called out in a slight tone of anxiousness that always accompanied the British accent in his voice, “Is there anyone that could lend me assistance?”

His answer came in the form of a door opening, followed quickly by a short yelp. Spinning in shock, William turned to see a girl of similar age to him staring at him. Her lavender eyes matched her hair, except two streaks that were slightly different in colour. She wore a short purple skirt and a thin, light purple jumper.

“W-why are you in my house?” Her voice sounded more confused than fearful that a stranger had broken in.

William nervously stepped back, “Oh, my mistake… I assumed that this was the public library and your impressive collection of books only helped confirm my suspicion.” He grabbed his suitcase as he nodded apologetically at the smiling girl, “I shall leave you now.”

“Wait, wait,” The girl laughed quietly to herself. “I’m the one who should be sorry, people have been using the library less and less.” She smiled at the boy in her home and he smiled back, “It has gotten to the extent that people knock before entering.”

William looked at the vast shelves of books and held his suitcase nervously in both hands, “Well they are missing out on some valuable resources.” He smiled as he extended a hand, “My name is William Contrite.”

“Mine is Twilight Sparkle,” The girl responded before sitting down on a stool beside the round table. “So how can I be of assistance?”

“Well I…” William was cut off as a young boy with spiky green hair stepped into the room. “Hello,” He smiled as the boy suddenly froze. His small frame was hidden behind a baggy, purple hooded jumper and baggy jeans.

“Umm… hello,” The boy responded nervously before turning to Twilight. “Anyway, Twilight have you asked Rarity if she is taking anyone to the gala as her plus one this year?” His eyes shone full of hope until they were smashed by Twilight’s shake of her head.

“Sorry Spike, I haven’t had the time to ask her since we have both been busy,” Twilight smiled sympathetically at the boy. “Anyway, this is William,” she indicated to the tall boy that still stood with his suitcase in his hands.

“Oh… Hey dude,” Spike did a small wave but gave a big smile as William nodded “So where do you come from?”

William’s smile inched towards nervousness, “Well I am from Trottingham, I lived there my entire life and have only recently began seeing the rest of the world.” His smile faded as he remembered his purpose in the library, “Does your library contain a map of the local area? The one at the train station was fairly vague.”

“Oh!” Twilight tapped her chin with a finger before speaking again. “Where are you looking for? That way I can find you exactly the right map,” As her enthusiasm of trying out her new sorting system grew, Spike groaned and left the room.

William hummed before opening his suitcase and pulling out a sheet of paper. He placed his reading glasses on briefly before replacing them in his pocket. “A place called ‘Sweet Apple Acres’ it is supposed to be near the town.”

Twilight suddenly beamed as she stood up, “My friend Applejack lives and works there, I‘ll just take you there!” She moved to the door before stopping. “Why are you going to her farm? No offence but you don’t look like the farming type.”

"Nice to know," William chuckled before following Twilight out of her library and onto the streets of Ponyville, his new-found companion directed him towards the edge of town before striking up a conversation.

“So you come from Trottingham? Why would you want to come to Ponyville?” She kept her pace the same as Williams as they walked, occasionally trying to get a good guess at his height now that she was standing closer. From her educated guess she assumed Six foot, three inches was a reasonable assumption.

William hid his disheartened face with a smile, “Well I had no reason to stay in Trottingham anymore so I started doing work and stayed in the town until the job was done before moving onto the next one.”

Twilight nodded, “So why are you in Ponyville and why are you looking for Sweet Apple Acres?”

“A few days ago I received a letter from a gentleman called Macintosh,” William smiled. “Let’s just say that the letter was brief.”

“That sounds like Big Mac,” Twilight laughed while William nodded. “So what did he ask you to do? Help on the farm?”

“Not exactly,” William reached into his trouser pocket and pulled out a silver pocket watch, the chain was missing but the decoration was too detailed for Twilight to get a good look before William put it away again, his eyes slightly sadder, “He said that he was going to a rodeo out of town and wouldn’t be back for several days.”

“Oh yeah,” Twilight remembered Applejack mentioning her brother’s short vacation to enter the competition. “Her little sister Applebloom is also on a school trip to Manehatten museum for a couple of days due to the distance… plus Granny Smith has been feeling under the weather.”

William nodded, “He mentioned that as well.” He noticed a large red barn that wasn’t too far from the town, “So for a few days, his sister and their grandmother would be alone.”

“Well I still don’t see why Applejack would need the help on the farm,” Twilight hummed. “It really isn’t a busy time of year for her, she could handle it on her own and besides…” Twilight turned onto the dirt path that traveled to the building that must be the main house, “Her friends will always lend a hand at the end of the day!”

“I’m sure you would help her but…” William noticed a blond girl with a Stetson hat and short jeans leave the house, her arms crossed beneath her breasts that were hardly concealed behind a red checked shirt.

“Are ya the lad my brother wrote too?” Applejack asked in a slightly annoyed tone as William nodded. Her glaring eyes moved to Twilight before they became warm and welcoming again. “Oh how do ya do Twilight?”

“I’m fine Applejack,” Twilight looked between the annoyed Applejack and the recessive William. “But what has got you worked up?”

Applejack rolled her eyes, “Mah brother thought that getting someone to look after Granny Smith would help me.” She took a sheet of paper that William offered and quickly read it before scrunching it up, “I can work the farm and take care of Granny Smith just fine!”

William sighed, “I am just going to make sure that Mrs Smith is comfortable while you are working.” He smiled reassuringly. “The moment Macintosh returns then I shall leave or remain depending on your joint decision.”

Applejack groaned reluctantly, “Well that’s ok I guess.” She held out a hand and shook the William's slightly larger but softer hand, “Mah name’s Applejack.”

“William Contrite,” William smiled as Applejack nodded. “But you can call me William or Will for short.”

“Call me AJ for short and ya better get used ta saying Granny Smith,” Applejack released her hand from the firm handshake she was in. “So how much are ya charging?”

“Nothing...” William winced at Twilight’s gasp. “And I shall take care of my own living arrangements.”

Applejack glared at William, Twilight knew she was trying to get the truth. “Now why would ya want to work for nothing and pay for your own living?”

William shrugged, “Just trying to be helpful, nice and caring.” He smiled as Applejack nodded slowly.

“Alright, Granny Smith is in her chair,” Applejack indicated to the house with a tilt of her head. “Just introduce yourself and be nice.”

William smiled and made his way into the house as Twilight stepped next to Applejack, “Was he telling the truth?”

“Sorta,” Applejack shrugged. “He is just being nice but… there is something else.” She shook her head before turning to Twilight, “Now I have gotta ask for a favour.”

Twilight smiled at her friend, “What is it?” Her eagerness to help her friend was obvious.

“Don't introduce him ta Rarity,” Applejack groaned. “Ah don’t want to know if those two could hit it off.”

“He is from Trottingham, so what?” Twilight rolled her eyes from the silliness of the favour but her eyes dropped in concentration for a moment. “Although it would be interesting to see what she makes of him.”

“Posh, caring and comes with an accent?” Applejack sighed as she began to start work, “Rarity wouldn't know what ta do.”

Twilight chuckled, “Rarity has always been the one that we talk to about relationships.” She followed Applejack over to the barn entrance, “Why would she have difficulty with him?”

Applejack chuckled as well, “William seems to be one of those guys that knows something is happening but is too polite to actually admit anything.” She picked up a few baskets before heading back outside, “She would go mad if she couldn't at least get a kiss.”

A new face

William politely took off his shoes as he entered the house. Picking his suitcase up again, William slowly made his way into the living room. As he stepped in his ears noticed the soft creaking sound of a rocking chair in the corner.

William's eyes moved to look at the elderly woman sat in the chair. Her grey hair was tied up in a bun on the back of her head. Her wrinkled frame was coated in a dull green, her bony hands poked out from her jumper and delicately held a small cup of tea.

“Hello are you Granny Smith?” William slowly entered the room as met the orange eyes from the old farmer.

“Well howdy there fella,” Granny Smith put her tea aside as she inspected the boy. “Are ya that fella my grandson wrote ta?”

William nodded, “Yes I am, he said that your granddaughter would need some help while he was away.” William played with his suitcase nervously, “Mr Macintosh said that you weren’t feeling well.”

“Mr Macintosh?” Granny Smith chuckled as she rocked back and forth. “Now ya might want to lose the formalities if ya want ta work here.” She held her hands together as she waited for the boy to put his suitcase back with his shoes, “Now sit, you younglings always have to be doing somethin or other.”

William sat down on the apple red sofa, keeping his back strait and his shoulders back, “Well Granny Smith, I am here to be as helpful as I can until you are well again or until… Macintosh returns.” William played with his hands as Granny Smith nodded. “Well I will help you with anything that makes your recovery as easy as possible,” William smiled. “By the way my name is William.”

Granny Smith leaned forwards, “What’s wrong with ya willy?”

William blushed, “No, no I said that my name was WILLIAM!” The boy waited until the granny relaxed and nodded.

“So be it,” Granny Smith smiled. “So Will, what kind of payment are ya gettin?”

“Just seeing somebody happy and well again is more than enough,” William smiled as he relaxed into his seat. “I spoke with your granddaughter Applejack outside.”

“Applejack?” Granny Smith hummed. “She didn’t give ya a hard time now did she?”

William shook his head, “Not at all, she understood and is probably working.” He looked outside the window and gazed across the orchard, he spotted Applejack kicking a tree so all the apples fell out, “Yes, I can see her from here.”

Granny Smile put on a gentle grin, “What do ya think of Applejack?”

“She seems hardworking, caring and protective of those close to her,” William continued to watch the blond girl collect apples in a basket. “You must be proud of her.”

“We all are,” Granny smith picked up her tea and took a few final sips. “Do ya think she is pretty?”

William looked back at the aged woman, “W-well I wouldn’t know what to say...” He looked back at Applejack out of the window, “She is attractive that is for sure and…”

“Why don’t ya talk to her?” Granny Smith smiled as William blushed, “She wouldn’t mind the company.”

William shook his head, “I’m afraid I have to decline, my purpose is to help look after you, not bother your relatives.” He noticed Granny Smith’s empty cup and offered to take it, “Would you like some more tea?”

“Yes please,” She handed William the cup before pinching his cheek. “Ya are such a polite young lad!”

William rubbed his red cheek, “Thank you, I try to be.” His smile faded as he walked into the kitchen and searched for a teapot, “Would you like something to eat?” He called out.

“Yes please dreary!” Granny Smith replied, “There should still be some apple fritters in the oven!” William opened the oven to find a pair of freshly baked apple fritters, he care fully placed one onto a plate but froze as he heard Granny Smith yell, “APPLEJACK! SOUPS UP!”

William chuckled to himself as he placed the other apple fritter on another plate and got a glass of cold water for Applejack. He walked back into the living room, placing the water and one of the fritters on the table and handed the other to Granny Smith.

“I’m just going to get your tea,” William smiled as he hurried back into the kitchen and found a pot of hot tea. He carefully filled the cup and took it back through to Granny Smith. “Careful, it is still quite hot.”

“Don’t be such a fuss,” Granny Smith took a sip as if the tea was water. “I like my food baked and my drinks hot,” She took a bite of her fritter as the front door opened and Applejack walked in.

“How are ya holding up Granny Smith?” The tired farmer asked, “Has Will here been nice?” She shot him a glare that would melt ice cubes. William merely indicated to the apple fritter and cold water on the table.

“I got you some water in case you were thirsty,” He smiled until Applejack’s eyes narrowed. “A-and I got you the other apple fritter in case you were hungry, if you aren’t then I can always put it back in the oven for later.”

Granny Smith looked between the nervous boy and the glaring girl, “Sit yerself down Applejack, Will here is only trying to be polite.” She smiled as Applejack groaned and sat next to Will.

“Thank ya kindly,” Applejack sighed as she took a gulp of water and a hungry bite from the fritter. William smiled to himself as Applejack enjoyed her light meal, even though her messy chewing was off-putting to William.

Granny Smith looked at a large grandfather clock in the corner of the room, “Will? Would ya be as kind as to fetch the pills the doctor gave me?” She smiled as William stood up and awaited directions. “They should be on the drawer next to my bed.”

William politely nodded before walking upstairs, the doors were luckily labelled. Granny Smith’s room was right in the center of the corridor between Applejack’s and a door labelled ‘Applebloom’.

There was a small chest of drawers beside a large green bed, sat upon it was a small glass medicine bottle and a framed photograph. William minded his business by ignoring the photo and picking up the bottle of pills, putting on his reading glasses so he could check the label, making sure they were the pills Granny Smith were talking about

“So what’s yer game?” Applejack stood at the door, arms folded while she glared at William. “Why would ya want to help a sick old lady for free?”

William sighed as he looked at Applejack, “I just like helping out.” His look through his reading glasses were met with a cold stare.

“You’re lying,” Applejack took a step towards the taller boy. “What are ya? A conman or somethin?” Her tone was aggressive as she got nearer.

William gasped, “I am no conman!” He pulled off his glasses as he poked Applejack with them, “I am here to make sure your grandmother is cared for and making everyone’s life easier.”

Applejack’s face twisted in confusion, “Wha… how did you do that?” She shook her head before moving onto a greater issue. “Did ya just poke me?” Applejack shoved William in retaliation, his free hand reached out to stable himself but he ended up pulling Applejack with him.

Thankfully, William landed on the bed but unfortunately, Applejack landed on top of him. William averted his eyes from Applejack as a blush swept across his face. Applejack sat up and realized she was sat on top of William’s waist, pinning him to the bed.

“Well this certainly takes the top spot of most awkward situation in my life,” William sighed. “If it isn’t too much trouble, I think we should get up,” He moved but Applejack pushed him down again.

“Not until ya tell me how ya did that,” She glared down at the posh boy beneath her.

“I’m afraid that I have no idea what you are talking about,” William tucked his reading glasses back into his waistcoat pocket. “I still have to take these pills to Granny Smith.”

Applejack stopped William from moving again, her strength and position made escape almost impossible, “Ya were lying then telling the truth about the same thing!” She glared angrily at William, “Now I will ask one last time, why are ya being so nice?”

“I’m afraid that I have my reasons that I can’t disclose with you,” William avoided Applejack’s gaze. “But you can trust me when I say that I don’t intend to do you or your family any harm.” This time, William’s eyes locked with Applejack’s.

Finally the girl climbed off William and helped him to his feet, they picked up Granny Smith’s medication as they headed downstairs. The elderly woman was dozing off as Applejack and William stepped in.

“I wondered where you young’uns had got to,” Granny Smith took the small medicine bottle and took the required amount she needed. “I’m goin ta bed, I’m as beat as a punch bag.”

“Ok Granny, I’ll see you in the morning,” Applejack helped her grandmother out of the rocking chair and over to the stairs before returning to William. “So where are ya gonna stay?”

William was tying his shoelaces as Applejack walked over, “Well there must be a hotel or some other form of accommodation in Ponyville.” He grabbed his suitcase as he headed for the door, “I will see you tomorrow.”

“Now you don’t even know where ya are goin,” Applejack followed William out of the house. “Now I know where the hotel is so I might as well take you there.”

“Thank you for offering but will Granny Smith be alright on her own?” William looked back to the house before Applejack began pushing him down the path to Ponyville.

“Shucks, Granny Smith is tougher than she looks,” Applejack reassured William to a point where he walked on his own. “Now the hotel in Ponyville isn’t cheap, are ya sure ya don’t want any payment?”

William smiled at Applejack’s concern, “I will be perfectly fine, thank you for showing me the way.” His eyes looked to the sun that was slowly descending to the horizon, “Would you like me to return tonight or just in the morning?”

“Tomorrow will be fine,” Applejack lead William into the streets of Ponyville with care. “Alright, now if ya see a girl in a pink shirt… hide,” she stared William in the eye until he nodded.

“Any particular reason I am avoiding a girl I have never met?” William looked around to see if he could spot anybody wearing anything pink, “Is she a delinquent of some sort?”

“Uh… no, she ain’t bad,” Applejack chuckled at the thought. “She is one of my best friends but… you will get noticed by everyone is she notices you.”

William hummed before gripping his suitcase tighter, “I suppose that the extra attention would be a hassle.” He smiled at Applejack, “Thank you for thinking about my privacy during my stay.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Applejack smiled back before she looked up and her eyes froze. “Uh oh,” She pushed William behind a building and placed a hand over his mouth.

William gently pushed the hand away as he looked to where Applejack’s eyes were carefully watching. His head poked past the wall as he spotted Twilight speaking to another girl of similar age but her stance and attire suggested a higher level of elegance and style.

The other girl wore a plain white dress, her violet hair curled as it hung down her back and some partially covered her face. William took in every detail, from the single diamond that hung around her neck to her subtle makeup.

“Who is she?” William looked back to Applejack before quickly looking back. Applejack grabbed him by his waistcoat and dragged him further from the edge of the building.

“That was Rarity,” Applejack sighed. “She is slightly more… fancy than others that live here,” She frowned at William’s thoughtful hum. “And it would be best if ya didn’t get ta meet her.”

“Why is that?” William frowned slightly at having his social life guided before coming to his own conclusion “So that’s why you didn’t me meeting a girl dressed in pink, I take it that my appearance and my reason for being in town is embarrassing you.”

“No!” Applejack kept her voice quiet. “I am not embarrassed by you, but I don’t want Rarity coming around all the time fussing me with questions!”

William hummed, “I suppose that having your work disturbed would interfere with Granny Smith’s recovery.” William nodded, “Alright I will try to avoid meeting people during my stay, but how do we get past undetected? I assume she was in the way of the hotel?”

Applejack groaned as she nodded, “If ya like, ya can stay in Big Mac’s room.” She sighed as William politely shook his head. “Fine, I will probably see ya tomorrow then,” She stepped out from her cover and began to walk to her friends. “Wait till we are gone!” she said before entering her friend’s attention.

William watched from his hiding spot as Applejack talked with Rarity and Twilight. Rarity seemed to be asking questions, obviously Twilight told her of William’s arrival and his reason for such a visit.

After a minute or two, the group dispersed and Applejack gave William a wink, signalling him to hurry for the tall building she walked past. Without hesitation William hurried for the hotel and stepped into the lobby.

After a quick exchange of money and key, William made his way to his room on the second floor. He entered the decent sized room and instantly dropped his suitcase on the bed before inspecting his new living space.

The room had a cosy feel to it, the walls were basic with only a few obscure paintings for decoration. A double bed took up most of the room but it left enough space for William to comfortably undress and change into his pyjamas. He folded his clothes up and placed them on coat hangers before leaving them in a small wardrobe near the bathroom door.

William climbed into bed before thinking about the day’s events. He arrived safely, met Granny Smith and her hardworking granddaughter before avoiding one of her friends. William could not understand why he had to hide, or why he even agreed to do as Applejack said.

William was sure of one thing. His stay in this town was certainly not going to be boring.

Getting up, getting out

A cockerel greeting the sun disturbed William’s gentle sleep. He looked at the small clock beside him and groaned when he saw how early he had awoken. Obviously, he was going to take some time getting used to a more rural setting.

Climbing out of bed, William went into the bathroom to have a shower before getting dressed. He was about to walk out of his room before he passed the mirror. His eyes stared at his sleeves before he finally undone the buttons and rolled his sleeves past his elbows.

Satisfied that he looked more suited on a farm he removed a small brown wallet from his suitcase and tucked it into his pocket.

William left his room and headed downstairs. The hotel owner informed him that his chef was ill so breakfast was not an option, but he handed William a small menu for a café across town. William thanked the hotel owner before stepping out onto the streets. He did a quick stretch to get comfortable in his waistcoat before walking down the road.

A few people walked about as the town slowly began to awaken. William's quiet stroll was broken as a rabbit shot between his legs, followed by a pink haired girl in a yellow scarf that bumped into him.

“Oh no, I’m sorry,” The girl hid behind her scarf. “I should have been looking where I was going.” She avoided looking at William as she walked around him.

William smiled but the girl didn’t see his emotion, “No I should have heard you running.” William looked around and realized he was completely lost. He sighed as he looked back at the girl “Excuse me, can you help me?”

The timid girl grabbed her fluffy and strangely angry looking rabbit. She made small circles with her foot. “Oh I don’t think I can help you with anything, I’m not very good at a lot of things,” She nervously inched away.

“I am sure that isn’t true,” William said reassuringly. “But all I need are directions to the café, I’m sure you could help with that.” He stood in an awkward silence as the girl hugged her restless bunny.

“Umm… just down that road,” The girl pointed with a free hand before snatching it close to her chest again. William nodded before heading down the road.

“Thank you,” He waved gently. “Sorry I bumped into you,” He called again before making his way to the café. His travel did not take long as the small café suddenly appeared behind a building, a few tables were being set up as William went inside and bought a light breakfast.

William handed over his money before leaving with an egg sandwich, the warm bread helped William enjoy his breakfast on the move. He ate with some greediness as he began the long task of walking to Sweet Apple Acres.

As he walked, William looked up at the rising sun and inhaled a large breath of countryside air. His face scrunched up as he inhaled a large amount of smell coming from the farm animals but he rolled his eyes as he spotted Applejack standing by a fence, a large yawn across her face.

“Morning Applejack,” William called as he walked towards the girl, she tipped her hat in response. “So how is Granny Smith?” He rested his arms on the fence as the girl turned to look at him.

“She is sleeping at the moment,” Applejack smirked as William yawned as well. “Ya tired there sugarcube?”

William smiled at the nickname, “Just getting used to living in a countryside town rather than the small city I used to live in.” He sighed as he looked at his hands, “Is there anything I can do until Granny Smith wakes up?”

Applejack tapped her cheek in thought, “Unless ya want to help me move some barrels out of the barn ready to fill with cider.” She smiled as William nodded and followed her into the barn.

Applejack picked up the first barrel with ease and waited for William to struggle with his but, to her surprise, William managed to lift the large wooden barrel with little difficulty. His smile faded as he caught her staring.

“Are you alright Applejack?” William put down his barrel as he held Applejack’s face, “You look a little flushed, did you have breakfast?” His soft hands pulled back as Applejack tore her head away.

“I’m fine, now bring that barrel over here,” Applejack growled as she tried to focus on the task at hand. She felt her face grow hot again as she made brief eye contact with William again.

William rushed to catch up with Applejack, “If you aren’t feeling well then at least take a minute to sit down, I can deal with these barrels.” He stopped as Applejack let out a loud sigh.

“I suppose another minute to wake up would do me some good,” The stubborn farmer reluctantly left the barn to sit on the fence outside. She held her face in her hands before she found herself watching William work.

William would disappear into the barn and would reappear with a barrel over his shoulder. Applejack couldn’t help but wonder how William was so versatile, his strength easily matched hers but his soft hands rivalled the care of Fluttershy.

Applejack smiled as William wiped some sweat from his brow but continued to work, pushing himself to work faster. After a few more journeys into the barn, William stopped and joined Applejack by the fence.

“Done,” He panted before taking a few deep breaths to return his breathing to normal. During his short recovery, William failed to notice Applejack’s confused face.

She counted the barrels and discovered that William had indeed moved all the barrels himself, a job that must have taken at least seven minutes. Was she really staring for that long?

William looked up at Applejack, expecting to see an impressed smile but instead saw another red face. “Are you sure that you are feeling alright?” William stood upright as he studied Applejack’s features, her freckles barely noticeable against her red face.

“I-I don’t know,” Applejack hopped off the fence. “I suppose when I start working I’ll be fine,” She froze as William placed a hand on her shoulder.

“You can’t go to work if you can barely think,” William removed his hand from Applejack’s shoulder. “Just come inside and sit down for a while, some food and drink will help.”

Applejack reluctantly followed William into her house and sat down on the sofa, her face instantly buried into her hands again. William went into the kitchen and returned with a cup of apple juice.

“Did you have breakfast?” William sat down next to Applejack as he passed her the drink.

“Of course I did!” Applejack took the juice and quickly gulped it down. “I will be as right as rain in a minute, don’t ya worry.” Her reassurance was broken as she failed to suppress a cough.

William instantly got to his feet and prevented Applejack from standing up, “You aren’t well, lay down and I will see if I can find some medicine.” He turned but slowly looked back at Applejack “Where do you keep your medicine?”

“The only medicine in the house is for Granny Smith,” Applejack stood and pushed past William, stopping at the front door. “We members of the Apple family don’t need medicine!”

“Are ya being stubborn again?” Granny Smith sighed as she slowly made her way down the stairs, a small grin on her face, “I’m sure Will is just worried about you.”

Applejack helped Granny Smith to her chair before sitting down, her eyes avoided the other two people in the room. William went into the kitchen to start making breakfast for Granny Smith whilst she smiled at her granddaughter.

“So what’s the matter Applejack?” Granny Smith leaned a little closer to the red-faced girl, “Ya don’t normally get ill.” She glanced at the kitchen door before her voice became quiet, “Is it because of a certain guest?”

Applejack’s face burned redder as she folded her arms, “I ain’t ill and it ain’t because of… him.” She whispered angrily to her elderly relative until William returned with some porridge. Applejack’s eyes swerved away from him so she was looking out the window.

William’s concern grew as Applejack continued to remain silent, “If you aren’t feeling well, I could work on the farm whilst you look after Granny Smith.” His reassuring smile was shot down as Applejack shook her head.

“You haven’t worked on our farm before,” Applejack protested. “Ya wouldn’t know where to start or what to do!” The farm girl stood up but was silenced as Granny Smith managed to whistle loud enough to cut her off.

The old lady cleared her throat before patting William on the arm, “I’m sure William here can do a good job.” She pushed William towards the front door as she smiled at Applejack. “Cider season is still a few weeks away so there ain’t much for him ta do.”

Applejack opened her mouth to protest but she knew that Granny Smith would find a way to defeat her. Reluctantly Applejack sat down again and allowed Granny Smith to explain what William needed to do.

To Applejack’s surprise, William didn’t hate the idea of feeding the pigs, milking the cows or collecting enough apples to be sold at the market later. Applejack was slightly shocked that William didn’t behave how a person from his appearance should act. She expected him to be like Rarity, their manners and appearances both matched each other but Rarity would never dream of getting dirty.

As William made his way out onto the farm, he started with some of the easier jobs such as seeing to the pigs. Granny Smith sat back in her chair and smiled as she caught Applejack staring out the window at William.

“Well I never thought I would see the day when my granddaughter would be totally in love with a city fella,” Granny Smith smiled as she tucked into her breakfast, Applejack sending her a glare.

“I ain’t in love with anyone!” She spat before she turned her angry eyes to the boy outside. “Big Mac will be back in a few days and William can leave,” She scowled before turning to her grandmother. “And don’t try to make us get closer because I ain’t interested in some fancy city boy!”

Applejack returned to sitting in silence, her eyes occasionally moved to watch William work before shooting Granny Smith another glare. The elderly woman merely smiled at the annoyed girl as she started to knit or have occasional naps.

For a couple of hours William worked on the farm, he milked the cows and done most of the other jobs that Granny Smith told him about. As he got to his final job William was beginning to feel the full heat of the sun, his head began to sweat as he started to collect apples in a large basket.

William finally gave in to the heat of the day and removed his waistcoat and shirt, the wind helped cool his exposed body and made his job easier. He left his clothes on the fence at the edge of the apple tree orchard before continuing with his simple collection task.

During the time William was inside the orchard, Applejack snuck out of her house to check that that William had done a good enough job with his other tasks. To Applejack’s annoyance, William had done all the chores almost as well as she could have.

As the frustrated and emotionally confused Applejack began to stomp back to her house, she was stopped by a familiar voice calling out to her.

“Yoo Hoo!” Rarity called as she walked over, her delicate frame wrapped in another white dress but this one was slightly shorter so it kept clear of the dirty ground. “Applejack darling, how have you been?”

“Uh Rarity… what are ya doing here?” She positioned herself so that Rarity had her back to the orchard, reducing the change that she would spot William. “Granny Smith ain’t well so I think that we should keep this conversation short.”

Rarity’s eyes quickly became sympathetic and full of concern, “Oh dear, is Granny Smith going to be ok?”

“Yeah it’s just a small thing but the doctor told us to be careful until she got better,” Applejack sighed. “I would love to talk but somebody has got to look after her,” She shrugged before inching her way back to the safety of her home. “Maybe some other time.”

“Well why don’t you get your new helper to look after Granny Smith?” She laughed quietly to herself as Applejack’s face turned white. “Oh come now dear, Fluttershy bumped into him earlier and told me about him during our daily spa meeting.”

Applejack managed to smile but held back her anger, hoping that she could convince Rarity to leave before she saw William. She was already getting annoyed with William being nice and Granny Smith attempting to insinuate things.

“Well I would like to introduce you to him but he ain’t here,” She lied as she put on her best poker face. This too was quickly smashed as Rarity pointed to a waistcoat and white shirt that was hung over the fence.

“So who do they belong to?” Rarity questioned as she glanced over the clothes. “They seem too fancy to belong to a member of your family, no offence dear.” She smiled innocently before inspecting a label inside the waistcoat, “Oh my! You never told me that this helper came from Trottingham!”

Applejack shrugged, “Is it that important? Besides, I thought Canterlot was what really caught your attention.” She crossed her arms as Rarity gasped.

“Canterlot is the peak of perfection but other areas do contain key features,” Rarity stroked her hair as she pondered. “Trottingham has the demeanor and attitude of Canterlot but it lacks the modern flair and style.” Rarity shook her head slightly as she looked back to Applejack, “A bit old fashioned.”

“Well I don’t think of myself as a boring old man just yet,” William chuckled as he put down his basket full of apples down. He removed a handkerchief from his waistcoat and used it to wipe his hands and most of the sweat from his face.

Rarity turned to look at the handsome bachelor and her eyes widened. “Well when I heard from Twilight that Applejack had someone helping her with Granny Smith I assumed it would be someone… different.”

William chuckled nervously as Rarity’s eyes scanned his body, “Well I assume that I am better than the mental image you assume when you hear about people helping old ladies.” His eyes darted to Applejack before looking back at the sophisticated girl in front of him.

“First appearances, yes,” Rarity turned back to her friend as she used a hand to hide her mouth. “Well I can see why you would have wanted to keep him to yourself.” She winked before turning back to William.

Applejack looked between her friend and the boy that had been stuck in her mind since she first met him. She found herself clenching her fists as Rarity easily started a conversation with William, a task that Applejack was having trouble even thinking about.

As the gentleman and the lady talked, the farm girl found herself watching from her house, her eyes fixed on the pair. A few ideas bounced around her mind as she planned to get herself out of her predicament.

Granny Smith nervously watched her granddaughter, “I don’t like that look ya got, last time ya had a look like that you got yourself hurt.”

“I’ll be fine Granny,” Applejack sighed as she began to hatch a plan on how to get William out of her mind. “I won’t get let down again.”

Down and dirty (Not in that way)

Rarity stepped into the Apple’s living room, humming happily to herself as she stopped next to the sofa. She pulled out a handkerchief to wipe the seat before sitting down next to Applejack. Granny Smith frowned at Applejack before smiling at the new guest.

“So how have ya been Rarity?” Granny Smith began rocking in her chair to help keep her mind of her plotting granddaughter.

“I have just been keeping myself busy and whatnot,” Rarity smiled before her grin shifted to her friend. “So how long is William going to be here for?”

Applejack managed to tear her eyes from her feet to look at Rarity, “Til the end of the week or maybe longer… it depends.” The cowgirl managed to suppress her smile as Rarity took a sudden interest.

The purple haired girl turned her entire body to look at her friend, “Oh? What does it depend on?” Rarity hummed before looking to Granny Smith. “I heard that he is here to help you but what about when you get better?”

Granny Smith opened her mouth to respond but Applejack managed to get there first, “He is looking for somewhere new to live, he does a lot of travelling and is looking to settle down.” She lied.

“Is he really?” Rarity peeked out the window before biting her bottom lip. “Well I suppose Ponyville is a good place to live this time of year,” She hummed as he friend silently prayed.

Applejack decided to give the conversation a push, “Well he said that he doesn’t have a girlfriend, if ya found someone ta ask him out then he might decide to stay.” She smiled as Rarity nodded in agreement.

“Yes, yes it would be nice if he had someone to keep him company during his stay,” Rarity played with a curl of her purple hair as she watched William shake his arms, showing strain that the work was doing to him. “Do you think Pinkie would like him?”

“Pinkie likes everyone,” Applejack rolled her eyes. “We jus’ need ta find someone that shares similar qualities with William.” She looked at Rarity again, her eyebrow raised.

“Well I can’t see Rainbow Dash speaking with as much decorum as he does,” She sighed as her mind began checking off the rest of her friends. “I can’t see him taking a fancy to Twilight, no offence to the dear but she does take her studies more seriously than most other things.”

Applejack rolled her eyes as Rarity failed to see the look she was giving her, “Well I can think of one person that matches his attitude and de-meaneator.”

“Its demeanor,” Rarity corrected before the penny dropped in her mind. “Are you suggesting that I should ask William on a date?”

“Well I’m just saying that it is a good idea,” Applejack tried to bite into an apple to keep her grin as subtle as she could. “He seemed nice to ya didn’t he?”

Rarity groaned quietly, stopping as the front door opened and William stepped in, his shirt was partially buttoned as he held his waistcoat over his shoulder. “I did the chores to the best of my abilities, if there was anything I missed then please let me know.”

“That was mighty kind of ya Will,” Granny Smith smiled to the tired teen. She glanced at the sofa before looking back at William. “Well ain’t ya gonna sit yerself down?”

William looked at the two girls that sat at each end of the sofa, the only space was between them, “I would have thought that you wanted me to do some extra jobs, making a meal and whatnot.”

“Ya are so nice, offering to make a meal for two young ladies and an old granny,” Applejack smiled as sweetly as she could, obviously trying to make William look better in Rarity’s eyes.

William shuffled his feet, “Well I am supposed to help around the house so long as I am required.” He looked down at his dirty clothes. “I can’t do anything whilst my clothes are in this state.”

“Well Rarity is a maker of fancy clothes like yours,” Applejack smiled as Rarity nodded. “She can make anything from a gown to fancy dresses for galas and any other event,” She stopped when Rarity blushed and whispered for her to stop.

“It is true that I own a boutique,” She scanned William’s clothes before standing up. “I can make a few shirts and other essentials if you like,” She batted her eyes at William as he nodded.

“That would be very generous of you,” He reached into his pocket as he went for his wallet. “How much would you like me to pay?”

Rarity held up her hand as she shook her head, “You are caring for Granny Smith, not to mention helping one of my dearest friends with her farm for free.” She smiled as she walked around William. “I wouldn’t like to take advantage of your good nature like that.”

The purple haired girl said quick goodbyes as she left the farm, leaving William alone with Applejack and Granny Smith. William looked down at his dirty clothes again, “I hope you don’t mind if I return to my hotel room and use the shower, as I can hardly do much when I am like this.”

“Ya were just working on the farm!” Granny Smith groaned, “A little dirt under yer nails isn’t going to kill anyone.”

William nodded before he quickly checked his nails out of curiosity, “I suppose it would be ok, if you don’t mind that is.” He waited for both Granny Smith and Applejack to nod before he shrugged in defeat.

William walked into the kitchen to start preparing a simple meal, he washed his hands quickly though and heard a few disappointed sighs.

William found a door in the kitchen that lead to a small pantry, "Is there anything you would like me to make?" He called as he look around the shelves full of various cooking ingredients and spices.

"There should be an apple pie that I made," Granny Smith mumbled in thought. "Try lookin on a low shelf!" She yelled.

William lifted a small tablecloth and found a large apple pie resting beneath, "I’ll put it in the oven and it should be done by the time I get back from Miss Rarity's."

Applejack groaned as she walked into the kitchen and found William preparing plates for when the pie was cooked. She dragged William away as she took him to the front door.

"If ya keep going with that namby pamby nonsense then Rarity might end up liking ya," She teased playfully, secretly hoping that William did keep his manners. "I can take care of Granny Smith, you have done more than enough on the farm to make up for today."

"But I am supposed to be taking care of..."

"Good bye Will!" Applejack gave one final shove as she closed the front door. "Let me know how it goes at Rarity's!" She called as she returned to the living room, receiving a glare from her grandmother.

"If ya like him just ask him!" Granny Smith sighed, "I would at least hold the reigns on hitching him with ya friend."

"Leave it, if he is with Rarity then he will finally be off my mind," Applejack peered out the living room window to make sure William was walking to Ponyville.

As William walked into the town, he realized that he had no idea where he was or where he was going. He sighed as he looked for somebody to talk to.

"Get out the way!" A girl yelled, a second before she crashed into William and knocked him into a muddy puddle.

William groaned as he sat up and looked down at his dirty waistcoat. He panicked as he quickly pulled out his reading glasses and made sure that they were not damaged.

"Watch out next time!" The girl brushed the dirt off her cyan shorts as glared at the boy still sat on the ground.

William stood up and instantly noticed the girl's rainbow coloured hair. William held his glasses as he dropped his head. "I apologize for my clumsiness," William looked up again as he looked at the girl. "I was just on my way to Rarity's shop."

"Hold on a sec..." the athletic girl narrowed her eyes at William. "Are you that snooty guy from Trottingham that is helping Applejack on the farm?"

William rolled his eyes, obviously his appearance in the town was far from unnoticed, “Well I wouldn’t class myself as ‘snooty’ but yes, I am helping Applejack take care with Granny Smith.”

"Well why didn't you say so?" The girl grabbed William's hand as she shook it harshly. "I'm Rainbow Dash, Applejack's friend."

"I'm William," He introduced himself with a smile that quickly faded as Rainbow Dash started laughing.

"Wow, you have a really weird name," Rainbow Dash managed to stop laughing as William raised an eyebrow at the comment. "So uh... You said you were going to Rarity's boutique?"

William nodded as he looked around the street, "I'm afraid that I am still not properly acquainted with your town."

"You're lost," Rainbow Dash grabbed William as she pulled him down another street. "I know my way around better than anyone! I'll take you to Rarity's," She said enthusiastically as she jogged at a fast pace, slightly too fast for William to keep up without stumbling occasionally.

“W-well I appreciate the offer but directions would be just fine!” William called as they hurried down roads and around corners. “And I am quite sure that one of us will suffer in some way if we keep up this pace!”

Rainbow stopped suddenly as she released William, his balance was still off so he fell to his knees. He pushed himself up as he brushed the new dirt from his trousers, his unimpressed face looked at Rainbow’s apologetic smile.

“Heh, sorry about that,” Rainbow shrugged before pointing to the tall white building that the pair were standing in front of. “This is Rarity’s, You can find the front door can’t you?” She joked before running away at a shocking speed.

William gave a small wave as Rainbow Dash disappeared around the corner and out of sight, leaving William to walk up to the door of the boutique alone. He wiped his hand on a clean bit of his shirt before gently knocking.

“Just a minute!” Rarity called from somewhere inside the shop, her voice was accompanied by some quiet muttering and rummaging… Eventually she opened the door and gasped at the state William was in, mud covering most of his body.

“I had a slight collision with your friend Rainbow Dash,” William sighed as Rarity covered her smirk with her hand. William coughed as Rarity eventually began to openly laugh, she stepped aside and allowed William to step inside the boutique, removing his dirty shoes before he properly entered the clean shop.

“Well I was told you were from Trottingham and was a gentleman,” Rarity pointed at William’s clothes. “I could make you some new ones but I am afraid I don’t have enough brown to properly recreate your suit.”

William removed his reading glasses from his waistcoat before looking around the room, “How should we do the measurements? I may have some written down in my journal, unfortunately that is back in my hotel room.”

“Oh nonsense dear,” Rarity held up a measuring tape and shook it teasingly. “Just remove some of your clothes so you don’t get mud everywhere,” She smiled as William reluctantly nodded and began unbuttoning his waistcoat.

“So how many people know about me?” William removed his waistcoat and started unbuttoning his shirt. “Because apparently I have already built up a reputation as a… snooty guy.”

Rarity rolled her eyes as she played with her measuring tape. “Well Rainbow Dash is fast at everything, from running, cycling and even first impressions,” She shrugged slightly as she sat down her purple work stool. “I wouldn’t pay much attention to it.”

William managed a small smile, “So what about you?” He turned around as he finished unbuttoning his shirt and started on his trousers, “Did you assume I was some boring, lonely child with no social skills?”

“Well your social skills are still under review but…” Rarity looked around to see William still facing away from her, now standing in some dull grey underwear, “All in all I would say it was nice to have you around.”

Rarity managed to stop herself staring as William turned around with a nervous look across his face, “So um… will this take long?” William scratched his exposed chest “No offence but there is a slight draft.”

“I bet you would know,” Rarity sighed as she felt her face getting hot again.

“Excuse me?”

“Nothing!” Rarity gasped with an innocent smile.

Sticky Fingers (Again, not in that way)

William kept his eyes forward, fixing his attention on one of the mannequins. He kept his face as straight as he could as Rarity finished measuring around his chest.

"Well at least the clothes will fit better," Rarity joked in an effort to put William at ease. Her efforts were unsuccessful as William failed to stifle a groan.

William looked around the room at the various cloths and fabrics. "Do you make many clothes for males or is all you work for the female population?"

"Well all my customers happen to be female, but I do know how to make clothes for gents," Rarity sighed as she jotted down the measurements for William's arms. Obviously she disliked the lack of faith that William was showing.

“I noticed that there seem to be a lot more women in this town then men,” William pointed out as Rarity stopped to note measurements in her little notebook. “I guess that there isn’t much work here?”

Rarity shook her head, “OH there is plenty of work but most of the girls got the jobs so the men being men left to go find work in places like Cloudsdale.”

“The eco-friendly city?” William hummed. “Well I guess that explains a lot of things.”

Rarity wrapped her tape measure around her finger as she looked at William. "Ok I'm going to measure your legs now."

"I suppose we would be more comfortable if I put my trousers back on," William scanned the room for his clothes.

Rarity let out a nervous giggle as she fiddled with her measuring tape again. "Well they were dirty and I had nowhere suitable to put them... Except for the wash."

William rolled his eyes, struggling to find the right words for the awkward situation they were in. "If it helps, I can think of what I might have for lunch."

"Anything nice?" Rarity attempting to keep the small talk going as she moved down to measure along William's leg.

William hummed as his eyes began to wander around the room again. "Are there any restaurants in town?"

"Well there is a very nice restaurant that is only a small walk from here," Rarity paused as she looked up at William. "But it is slightly expensive."

William rubbed his neck before shrugging. "I will go for a walk after this and see if I can find a bank, get some more money to use."

As Rarity was nearing the end of her work. The door burst open an unbelievably loud bang, followed by a girl in a pink shirt and shorts.

"Hey Rarity!" the hyper girl screamed happily as she skipped into the room.

Rarity's face dropped as a vision of terror filled her face. Her eyes seemed to stare at the new arrival, even though she had William in the way.

The excited girl paused as she saw William standing in front of Rarity, naked except for the grey pants that protected his dignity.

"Oh hi new person!" The girl smiled before slowly inching away to the door. "I'll go so I don't disturb Rarity's attempt at making friends."

William would have groaned in embarrassment, but strangely, Rarity was already on her feet and was rushing for the girl.

"IT ISN'T WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE!" Rarity yelled as she almost tackled the smaller girl to the floor.

William used the momentary distraction to his advantage and stepped into a small dressing room, his head still visible over the small wooden doors. Rarity placed her hands on the bubbly teen’s shoulders as she forced her to keep eye contact.

“William here is getting some new clothes after they got dirty,” Rarity explained slowly. “I don’t want to hear another rumour about me and a mystery man again.”

“Oh silly, this isn’t a mystery man,” The girl slipped out of Rarity’s grasp as she skipped over to William, her hands slapping onto his cheeks and pushing them painfully together. “You already said his name was William!”

Even with his face crushed between two surprisingly strong hands, William’s unimpressed look still showed. “Excuse me Miss?”

“Hi William, my name isn’t Miss!” The girl’s pink hair seemed to resume bouncing even after she had stopped moving. “My name is Pinkie Pie!”

“Well, Miss Pie,” William tried to talk as the firm hands were still keeping his face squashed. “Your hands are still on my face.”

Pinkie Pie nodded slowly before removing her hands, “Anyway I was here to give you these!” Pinkie’s hands moved behind her back as she pulled out a clean set of clothes. William looked in confusion as he looked at Rarity, even the designer seemed perplexed as to where the clothes had come from.

“These are from my hotel room,” William shifted his feet. “Did you break in?”

“No silly Billy!” Pinkie bounced happily as William took the clothes and began to dress himself. “I am friends with everyone so the hotel people let me in after I told them what Rainbow did.”

William rubbed his eyes as he continued to dress, “Security is definitely not a priority there.” William mumbled to himself as he buttoned up his shirt and stepped back out of the dressing room.

“Why are you wearing a corset?” Pinkie tilted her head at William’s brown waistcoat. “It looks really boring, how do you breathe in that thing?”

“I manage,” William sighed as he finished making himself presentable. “And it is not a corset, it is a waistcoat.”

“Ooh are these yours?” Pinkie asked as she picked up William’s reading glasses and put them on. “Huh? Everything still looks the same! Unless everything was already twisted and the glasses are making them look normal! I wouldn’t like to wear these…”

“Maybe not but they are mine,” William snatched his reading glasses from Pinkie’s face. “Seeing as Miss Pie has retrieved my clothes, I shall deliver money for the extra clothes later this evening.”

Pinkie pouted as William left the shop, “Aww I thought we would have started planning a party together… I have never tried a Trottingham party.”

Rarity rubbed her eyes as she looked at Pinkie in disappointment, “Well you succeeded in agitating the poor fellow.”

“Agi-what?” Pinkie looked at Rarity in confusion.

“You made the poor dear angry when you pinched his glasses,” Rarity gently bit her thumb. “It must be more than reading glasses to him and must contain a large amount of sentimental value.”

Pinkie tapped her chin as she frowned in concentration, “Hmmmmmmm, so those glasses have great sediment value eh?”

“N-no not sediment,” Rarity sighed as she looked out the window and saw William walking back to his hotel. “Pinkie I think William is… not the type to party.”

“WHAT?” Pinkie yelled loud enough for her to actually lift off the ground. “What do you mean ‘not the type to party’ huh?”

Rarity looked nervously at the suddenly enraged Pinkie, “I-I just think that William is the type of man that prefers his own company.”

Pinkie scratched her head, “He owns a company?”

“No…” Rarity had to spend a moment to try and comprehend Pinkie’s thought process but realized how futile that would be. “Ok how about he likes to do things by himself.”

Pinkie hummed quietly before her face suddenly beamed, “OH! He likes to start his own parties?”

The energetic girl bounced around happily as Rarity had to sit down and rest her head in her hands. “Pinkie… just… why?”

Meanwhile…

William stopped to sit on a park bench as he looked at the thick smudges on his glasses that were caused by Pinkie’s sticky fingers. “That girl must eat a lot of sugar.”

With his sudden increase in free time, William was left with nothing but his own growing boredom. As he looked around he noticed the top of the large tree that sheltered the library and the home of Twilight Sparkle.

As he pondered about what to do, William didn’t notice a small boy sit next to him. “You have been causing a lot of noise you know that?”

William turned his head to see Spike sitting next to him, looking exhausted as he was ticking off a checklist. “Excuse me?”

“Twilight normally gets a few visitors and all they talk about is you,” Spike groaned as he looked up at the confused teen. “Well everyone wants to know more about you and it is getting really… boring.”

“Well I intended to keep my stay quiet but the trouble seems to find me,” William tried to defend himself but gave a guilty sigh. “Sorry for any inconvenience.”

Spike shrugged, “Eh, don’t worry about it, it is only my naps that get disturbed really.”

“So what kind of things do they talk about?” William asked as his curiosity got the better of him. “If they are talking about me then I guess they ask why I am paying for my own room and working for free.”

The small boy shrugged as he tucked his checklist into the pocket of his purple hoodie. “Well I hear that the hotel owners are going to start charging you less.”

“Less? Why?” William looked at Spike in confusion, suddenly the young boy became a sudden source of information.

“Well Granny Smith is one of the oldest residents of Ponyville, she knows everyone that lives here and they are just appreciating that you are here to help,” Spike looked around the street as people walked by. “You are basically a hero to some people and they want to show their thanks.”

William followed Spike’s gaze and saw a man selling ice-cream from a small stall, “Well I will have to insist they charge me normal prices, I am just here to work.”

“Yeah…” Spike wasn’t following William’s words as he began to droll looking at the ice-cream.

“Would you like an ice-cream?” William offered and suddenly Spike was nodding furiously. William and Spike walked over to the vendor and began to order. “Yeah just a small vanilla please.”

“Large chocolate with ruby sprinkles, sapphire dust and emerald chunks!” Spike smiled innocently at William’s small stare. “If that’s alright with you.”

“All those sweets are going to do damage to your teeth,” William pulled his wallet out of his back pocket and paid for the ice-creams, Spike already pulling off the large green sweets that had been placed on top.

Spike looked up at William before licking his fingers clean and eating his ice-cream normally. “Anyway all I have heard is that you are a nice guy, but a little quiet.”

William couldn’t argue with those facts so settled with licking his ice-cream slowly as they walked. “Anything bad?”

“Applejack calls you a… meddling, uptight, nincompoop,” Spike shrugged. “Or something like that.”

“Well I suppose she is the type that feels like she can do everything herself?” William rose an eyebrow as Spike began to laugh. “Something funny?”

The boy shook his head as he returned to his ice-cream, “No you just summed Applejack up perfectly, in fact she may try to get rid of you whenever she can.”

“Like today,” William hummed. “You don’t suppose she got Rainbow Dash to collide with me on purpose?”

“Huh? No, Rainbow crashes a lot on her own trying to practice her tricks,” Spike shrugged as he looked up at William. “Did you do something to annoy her?”

William shook his head, frowning slightly when he saw how much of Spike’s ice-cream that had been devoured already. “No but I would have thought that Applejack would have asked her to keep me busy.”

“Hmm,” Spike thought as he licked his ice-cream. “Well I don’t see any reason why she would ask Rainbow to keep you busy, you would probably bore her to death.”

“Thanks,” William grumbled as he looked around and noticed his hotel down the road. “Well I am going to head back to my room, I will probably see you some other day.”

Spike waved as William left, “Thanks for the ice-cream!”

“Don’t mention it,” William gently waved back as he quickly finished what was left of his ice-cream. He decided to quickly return to his room and fetched a small cloth as he began to clean his reading glasses.

The glasses were a trouble to clean but William refused to do anything else until the lens were clean. His mind was put at ease as he placed them back in his waistcoat pocket and hung the waistcoat up in the wardrobe.

With his room and possessions secure William gave a sigh of relief, he would have plenty to talk about with the hotel owners in the morning. Until then William laid down on the bed to rest his eyes for a moment but ended up falling asleep after all the ordeals that happened that day.

Family trees

William awoke to the morning sunshine that found its way through a gap in the curtains, the blue sky and yellow sun was both a relief and an annoyance to William. On one hand the weather was nice but the farm was going to be extremely hot.

The gent sighed as he went about his usual morning routine, he glanced at a clock as he was getting dressed and realized he had enough time to find the local bank on the way to Sweet Apple Acres. With the new determination in mind, William grabbed his wallet and keys before making his way out of the hotel.

Ponyville was surprisingly busier than William was planning on it being, his first sight after leaving the hotel was a stall selling cherries with a large, muscular man standing beside it as he called out offers and prices.

“What is going on?” William looked around the streets to find that stalls were lining all the main roads. He spotted Applejack selling apples from a large stall that appeared to be a modified cart.

“Buy yer freshest apples here folks!” Applejack called out amongst other vendors, she stopped when she saw William approach. “Morning Will, how ya been?”

William smiled politely, “I have been fine, thank you.” The gent stepped aside as Applejack quickly served a customer. “Have you been alright?”

“Yes sir,” Applejack mock saluted. “Ya do realize that Granny Smith can manage by herself? Ya don’t have to head to the farm on market day.”

“Market day?” William looked at the busy streets. “Ah, that explains everything, but I will make my way to Sweet Apple Acres so Granny Smith isn’t left alone.”

Applejack grabbed William’s sleeve before he could think about walking, “No that ain’t necessary, I have almost sold all my Apples so I will be back to the farm before ya know it!”

William looked at the few apples left at the bottom on the deep barrels, his hand reached up to scratch his ear before he smiled again. “We don’t know how long you will be and you will also be tired from working so I believe it is for the best I go now and then see how you are later.”

The farm pony tried to think of an excuse quickly but failed as William nodded politely to her and walked away towards Sweet Apple Acres. “Oh gosh darnit!” Applejack stomped the ground with her boot, “Now I gotta pretend ta be not-tired when I go home.”

“Don’t you mean awake darling?” Rarity suggested as she walked up behind the annoyed Applejack that suddenly gasped at the dress-maker’s sudden appearance. “What has gotten you all worked up today?”

Applejack shook her head to clear her thoughts, “Oh uh… nothing really, just sales are going really well today heh heh.”

Rarity rose an eyebrow at Applejack’s unnatural behaviour, her gaze shifted slightly as she saw William walking only a short distance down the opposite street. “Oh is William still going to help Granny Smith? He is such a gentleman.”

“Yeah but his is really annoying,” Applejack groaned. “Why does he have to always be helpful and not understand that I can work fine without him?”

The girl in the long white dress stepped next to Applejack as she placed a hand on her friend’s shoulder. “Hey, he is just going to be helping you for a few days and then you can tell him to never come back to the farm.”

“Yeah I suppose, but first I had better sell these apples soon,” Applejack waved goodbye to her friend before she began calling to passing shoppers again.

Rarity meanwhile made her way to the nearby post office and handed a letter to a skinny man sitting behind a small wooden desk. “I would like this to be delivered ASAP to Sweet Apple Acres, preferably within the next few hours.”

“Sure thing but the girl we sent with the last batch of mail still hasn’t returned so there may be a delay.” The postman sighed as he looked at a paper schedule, “But the letter can be delivered by… Three PM at the latest.”

“Great, thank you,” Rarity left the post office and walked back to her boutique.

A few minutes later…

William arrived on the apple orchard with his waistcoat slung over his shoulder, hanging it from two fingers in a carefree fashion. “I can’t believe how hot it is getting,” William complained as he walked over to the large wooden house, silently praying that it was cooler inside.

The door was unlocked so William let himself into the house and was thankful that it was much cooler than it was inside. He took his shoes off and hung up his waistcoat before stepping into the living room to see a smiling Granny Smith.

“Howdy there Billy!” The chirpy old woman said happily with a small wave. “I was wonderin’ when you would show up again.”

William entered the room and smiled warmly to Granny Smith, “Good morning, the weather is lovely today but it is very hot."

The grandmother waved her hand in the air as she laughed, “There ain’t nothing like a hot day to work in! It is good for the trees and gives us Apple family a chance to show our stuff!”

“I’m guessing your family has been working on the orchard for generations,” William sat down on the sofa opposite Granny Smith’s chair. “You must be very proud of your grandchildren for keeping it a success.”

“Sure am!” Granny Smith said happily as she gave William a wink and a thumbs up. “The Apple family have the best apples in all of Equestria! We worked hard for them so the apples tasted better, Applejack and Big Mac have been some of the hardest workers the family has ever seen so the Apples have been the tastiest ever.”

William smiled at the lady’s enthusiasm and energy, “Well I can tell you that these Apples are going to be selling quite well today, not only their taste is great but Applejack was amazing at selling them in the market.”

“Heh, she always did have a knack for making herself noticed,” Granny Smith smiled as she looked at the photos of her family on the wall. “Those kids are a nightmare when they are young and they never really change.”

“Children grow up wanting to be like those who raised them,” William chuckled as Granny Smith nodded.

“I was one heck of a girl when I was Applebloom’s age,” Granny Smith sighed as she remembered her childhood. “I was always running about, getting into troubles, met a few friends along the way, and met the kiddie’s grandfather so many years ago.”

William spotted a photo beside Granny Smith, two figures he hadn’t seen before were sat on a bench, the old brown photo was smudged but he could make out what looked like a young Granny Smith and the man beside her must have been her husband.

The young gent coughed quietly before standing up, “Can I get you a drink?”

“Just a glass of water will be fine,” Granny Smith said as William went towards the kitchen to fetch their drinks. “And don’t worry, I took my pills this mornin!”

As William turned on the tap in the kitchen, Applejack hurried in through the front door, panting and sweating. “Ha… ha… made it…”

The exhausted farmer sat at the bottom of the stairs as she caught her breath and began to undo her boots that were restricting her sore feet. As she finally caught her breath she heard William walk back into the living room with two drinks.

From Applejack’s spot, nobody in the living room could see her and neither William or Granny Smith heard her enter the house. She remained silent as William began to talk again.

“Here is your water, it should be refreshing considering the heat,” William sighed happily as he gave Granny Smith a glass of water and sat down with one of his own. “The walk over here was quite tiring for me.”

“Don’t ya do a lot of exercise back in Trottingham?” Granny Smith asked as William took a long sip of his water.

William paused for a moment before smiling, “Well to be honest I haven’t been to Trottingham for quite some time now, business has kept me on the move a lot.”

“Oh that’s a shame,” Granny Smith hummed. “Don’t ya think you could see your family for a little while and have a break?”

“Well to be honest I don’t have any family back in Trottingham,” William stared into his water as he slowly lost his smile. “My grandmother passed away a few years ago and I haven’t stopped travelling since.”

Granny Smith frowned in confusion, “What about yer parents? Aren’t they worried about you?”

“My parents had to leave shortly after I was born,” William shuffled uneasily in the sofa he was sat on. “My grandmother raised me for most of my life.”

Granny Smith saw William reach for his pocket where his glasses were usually kept, but he stopped when he remembered they were in his waistcoat pocket. “So uh… what happened to your parents?”

“My… father’s family are quite a rich family, my mother’s wasn’t,” William sighed sadly as he put on a brave smile. “My grandmother disapproved of my father marrying my mother, so when I was born I was taken from my mother so my father ran away with her.”

The elder lady gasped and covered her mouth with her hand, meanwhile Applejack was doing the same, only in a silent manner. “So why did they leave you behind?”

“My father was cut off from the family so I assume he left me with my grandmother because she could afford to look after me,” William sighed sadly as he gazed around the room. “I had a proper education, met important people but my grandmother became ill so I took care of her for her final years.”

Granny Smith shook her head, “I assume that’s how you got into this business of looking after old saps like me.”

“Kinda… when my grandmother died I inherited enough money to survive on… more than enough,” William hummed before shaking his head. “But I wanted to do something good, and taking care of people had become a small talent so I decided to go and help families through their problems.”

“Can I say something kid?” Granny Smith narrowed her eyes at William, when he nodded she shook her head. “Why have you got to burden yourself with something like that at your age?”

William recoiled, as if the old lady in front of him had just insulted him. He looked back at his water before answering, “Because I don’t want others to have a broken family like I did.”

“So all yer manners and such are because of your grandmother?” Granny Smith asked as William took a sip of his drink.

“Yes, I had to represent a very influential house and my grandmother taught me everything I know,” William smiled as he looked at Granny Smith. “What I learned helped me make lots of people happy so I don’t mind.”

The old farmer sighed as she took a drink of her cold water, “Boy you have missed out on a whole lotta fun.”

“Um… I am afraid I don’t understand what you mean,” William flinched as Granny Smith slammed her drink down onto the table.

“You should have been out getting into trouble! When you are a kid you should be free and experiencing life!” Granny Smith’s smile grew the more her speech dragged on. “When I was your age I done so many things I could have written a book! I could have gone to different cities but I stayed here to choose my life with mah husband! And it was mah decisions that made mah life so great!”

William hummed quietly, “And were you happy? Choosing to do all the things you did?”

“Happy?” Granny Smith gave out a loud laugh. “Boy I was happy all day working those apple trees, doing things that made me happy and doing things that made me scared.”

“Scared?” William rose an eyebrow. “Why would you do that?”

“I was terrified when I said yes to mah husband’s proposal but it was the best decision in my life,” Granny Smith beamed happily at William. “If you took a risk every once in a while then you would actually be happy.”

“I am happy making others happy though… I enjoy my work,” William looked at his reflection in his drink before frowning at himself. “I have plenty of time to do other things…”

Granny Smith leaned forward and stared at William’s uncertain face, “Well what if you ignored some of the best decisions in your life simply because you were told to? Why aren’t you going out and having fun in yer youth rather than being stuck here with some old lady?”

“Well I signed a contract saying that I would help you until you were better or until your family said I was no longer required,” William looked away from Granny Smith as he took another drink and sat in silence.

Applejack peeked out from her spot to see Granny Smith shaking her head and William looking out of the window with a hurt expression. “Maybe you pushed too hard Granny Smith,” Applejack said quietly to herself.

William finished his water and looked at the old lady opposite him, “Why did you marry your husband if the thought made you terrified?”

“Well I took the risk getting to know him and he turned out to be so… loyal, loving and caring,” Granny Smith laughed quietly to herself. “Not to mention he was a demon in the sack!”

Applejack and William both had the same disgusting mental image float briefly through their minds and they both quietly held back their gagging noises.