Apples'n'Wrenches

Apples N’ Wrenches

By The Write Bros.

Chapter 5: Mixed Feelings are a Rarity

After only a few days passed, the first signs of Autumn had begun to arise in Ponyville. The leaves on the trees were beginning to change colors. Some had turned a dark maroon while others were a bright orange or a golden yellow. Every now and then, a few of the leaves would break away from their branches to be carried away by the gentle fall breeze. It created a serene kind of setting where the they would dance in the wind as if they were in a ballet of the seasons. Small clusters of clouds littered the sky where the sun occasionally peaked out from behind to shine rays of warmth on the ground. Even with all of this going on around them, most of the town folk continued about their business and daily routines without falter, but still keeping in mind the ever approaching winter.

From the window of his attic, Ficksitup glanced outside at the morning scenery while he cheerfully played a melody on his silver harmonica. The tune was sweet and simple and put him in a rather optimistic mood, that is until Hammerplank marched up the stairs and started banging on the attic door, angrily shouting through the hinged wood.

“Would ya quit it with that darn thing and get down here already? We’re still runnin’ a tool shop here, not an orchestra!”

Ficks rolled his eyes and sighed. Last time he recalled, no musical orchestra that he had ever heard of used a harmonica in their ensemble. Still, he didn’t allow his uncle’s musical ignorance to put his cheerfulness out of commission. He placed the harmonica in a special cushioned case that he had fashioned for it and left his room with a cheeky grin.

He trotted downstairs into the kitchen. Unintentionally, he had a slight stride in his step that recieved confused looks from both his uncle and Nuttanbolt, who were sitting at the table eating breakfast as he strode past them towards the fruit bowl on the counter. He was humming the tune that he had previously been playing on the harmonica a minute ago. He gracefully snatched an apple from the bowl and began munching away at it, savoring the juicy flavor of the red fruit. He couldn’t help crack a smile as he continued to chew eagerly on it. Hammerplank stared at him with a puzzled expression.

“Well yer certainly bright eyed and bushy tailed this mornin’ arent’cha? What’s got you in such a good mood, nephew?” Plank asked curiously. Ficks stopped eating and swallowed to flash another smile at the two of them.

“Why wouldn’t I be, uncle? I’ve been gettin’ a lotta’ work done these past few days. I slept great last night and I can tell it’s gonna be a beautiful day today.”

Hammerplank was a little shocked at Fick’s sudden surge of enthusiasm. He got up from the table to stare out the kitchen window, pulled a few of the shades down and peered outside. The entire sky was covered in overcast, with large bloated clouds blocking out the sun entirely. He frowned and turned back to face his nephew.

“I can understand bein’ satisfied about yer progress with work and everything, but I don’t think you got yer head on straight about the weather. Sun’s practically been blotted out, heck it might even rain today.” Hammerplank proclaimed angrily, “Darn Pegasi couldn’t have picked a worse day to stick those stinkin’ clouds over this town, and on a Monday of all days! Clearly they never have to worry about havin’ to work on an early mornin’ or nothin’, ‘cuz they’re too busy soakin’ up the sun in their magic sky castle while the rest of us are breakin’ our hooves on solid ground in the rain, just to make a livin’!”

“It’s called Cloudsdale, uncle.” Ficks corrected.

“Whatever! Point is, the least they could do is cut us some gosh darn slack and give a little more sunshine during this time of the year... or at least a darn warnin’ that it’s gonna rain so I don’t bother getting up outta bed.”

Ficksitup gradually tuned out his uncle as he continued on his Pegasus tangent. He was flailing his hooves in the air as his outbursts continued. Though to Ficksitup, his uncle did seem to be on to something. It was true that the winged citizens of Cloudsdale appeared to have a substantially smaller workload than the common earth ponies in Ponyville and Equestria as a whole, but Ficksitup could tell that Hammerplank was blowing it all way out of proportion.

Ficksitup assumed that a Pegasus had just as much responsibility as any other pony he knew. After all, from what he’d seen, it sure didn’t look easy moving all of those clouds around. It probably took at least two pegasi to move one big cloud. So to move a whole group of them would take an entire workforce to get it done. Ficksitup thought back to the Pegasus he had met the other night, Rainbow Dash. He wondered how much work she could do in one day. What she lacked in strength, she could most definitely make up in speed, and she most certainly looked like a fast flier. No doubt that was how she earned her rather unique name. He continued to eat his apple, deep in thought, when his uncle stopped and noticed that he was once again being ignored. Hammerplank snatched the apple away from his hoof and glared at him.

“Hey, what was that for?” Ficksitup cried out.

“I ain’t done with you yet. You still haven’t told me what’s got you in such a spectacular mood all of a sudden. And don’t tell me it’s the sunny day we’re havin’, cuz I know that’s a load of manure.” Ficksitup frowned at his uncle, who stared back at him intently. His uncle seemed particularly grumpier than he usually was in the morning.

“I’m tellin’ ya ‘Plank, it’s nothin’. What, am I not allowed to be happy for once?” He asked defensively. Hammerplank raised an eyebrow.

“Really now? It’s nothin’?”

“Yup, nothin’ at all.”

“It couldn’t possibly have to do with a certain party that you two might have wandered off to some odd days ago?”

Ficksitup gave a slight look of surprise. Another secret had been digested by his ever intuitive uncle, without fail. Ficksitup whipped around to face his younger brother who looked equally surprised by their uncle’s dead on accusation. He glared slightly at Nut. Why that lil’ snitch... He was about to open his mouth to reprimand him. Hammerplank, reading his mind, put a hoof up to stop him.

“Don’t you blame Nut. He didn’t tell me anything. I just happened to hear everything in my office when I was home that day.”

“But I- How did you even hear all that? I thought you were asleep.”

“I’m a light sleeper kiddo.” Hammerplank said harshly, “And if you ever get the bolts to call me an ole coot behind my back again, you’ll be danglin’ off the nearest cliff beggin’ to Celestia herself. Got it?”

Ficksitup quickly lowered his head in shame like a cowering dog that had just been caught by his master for relieving himself on the carpet. “Yes uncle. I’m sorry.”

Hammerplank finally broke his frown and let out a bellowing laugh which caught Ficksitup and his brother off guard.

“Well off course you’d still be right though. I am an ole coot! You just aren’t allowed to say it. Only I am.” he said through chokes of laughter. Ficksitup gave him a another unimpressed look. Once again, his uncle had succeeded in effortlessly pulling his leg and making him look like a fool. Nuttanbolt burst out giggling at his brother’s humiliation. Both Ficksitup and Hammerplank quickly stared him down to shut him up.

“I’m pretty sure you have somewhere to be right now too, young foal...” Hammerplank scolded to his younger nephew. Nuttanbolt glanced at the clock and yelped in panic.

“Oh horseapples, I’m gonna be late for school!” He jumped down from his seat and bolted up the stairs to get ready. Ficksitup chuckled as he watched his brother finally get some of the flak from his uncle’s verbal onslaught. Hammerplank turned around again to face Ficksitup.

“Now then, you still haven’t told me what’cher so happy ‘bout. Clearly something spectacular must have happened at that little extravaganza to get ya all riled up.”

“Oh come on ‘Plank. You’re still ridin’ me about that? Just let it go already.”

“Nuh uh. No way. I ain’t movin’ til I get an honest answer outta’ you Ficksitup.” Hammerplank crossed his arms and slumped in his chair as if he was gluing himself to the seat to emphasize that he had no intention of leaving. Ficksitup groaned with rolled eyes and sat in the chair opposite of him.

“Okay, I had a really good time at the party. There was food, confetti, and dancin’, it was a real rodeo, end of story.” he said, hoping that would end his uncle’s pointless interrogation. Hammerplank merely grinned.

“And Applejack was there too, right?”

“Well... yeah of course she was, She’s the one who invited me in the first place.” Ficksitup said with hesitation.

“Yeah? You sure that ain’t why you had such a great time?”

“What are you gettin’ at here?”

“Just answer the question.”

“Ugh, yes. I did enjoy her company at the party. In fact I’m sure I had a much better time because she was there. Ya’ happy now?” Ficksitup asked impatiently.

“Alright alright I get it. I was just askin’. Geez, don’t get yer saddle in a bunch, nephew.”

“Well alright then.” Ficks said as he turned around in his seat to reach for another apple. Suddenly he felt his uncle hanging right over his shoulder.

“Did ya mack it with her? Eh? Eh?” he asked, nudging him and making light clicking sounds with his mouth. Ficksitup couldn’t help it. His face immediately flustered red with embarrassment. It had been days since the night of the party, but the image still hung fresh in his mind.

Stop talkin’ sugarcube... The words played over in his head as he envisioned that moment when he had shared his first kiss with her. His lips still tingled from the sensation that he had felt from her kissing him like that. The whole thing sent a mixture of emotions spinning through his subconscious. He quickly shook his head and turned away to hide the color in his face.

“I don’t know what yer talkin’ about.” Ficksitup stammered. Hammerplank burst out laughing and lightly slapped his hoof across Ficksitup’s back.

“Ya did didn’t ya? You sly dog, I knew you were gonna do it sooner or later. I just knew ya couldn’t resist a pretty ‘lil thing like her. Atta, boy Ficks. Now yer becoming a stallion. I’m proud of ya.” Ficksitup frowned at him while he rubbed his back.

“Hey come on now, I never said I did anything like that, alright? We just danced a little and hung out with her friends, that’s it.”

“You danced with her too? Wow kiddo, yer really makin’ an impression on this mare aren’tcha? No wonder she was so eager to snog with ya. Tell me, did she use her tongue?” Hammerplank pestered with bitter chuckles. Ficksitup was appalled and disgusted by his uncle.

“You’re a sick stallion, you know that ‘Plank? I don’t know why you’d ask something like that. No, she didn’t use her ton-” Ficksitup slapped a hoof over his mouth when he realized what he’d just said. Hammerplank raised both eyebrows with wide eyes and busted out with even louder laughter than before.

“Dear Celestia, ya’ did mack it with her! I knew it. I absolutely knew it! And here you were tryin’ to deny it. I told you Ficks, yer a terrible liar, you really are.” Ficksitup just glared at him. He hated the fact that he was no good at lying to anypony. Worst of all, his uncle knew it and he always made a spectacle out of the whole thing every time he caught him fibbing like this. There was just no winning with him.

“Hush up will ya? Geez... okay so yeah. I might have kissed her, but that’s it. I swear nothin’ else happened.” Ficksitup confessed angrily. Hammerplank gave a sly smile, deciding that he was finally done toying with him.

“Alright alright. I’m done with ya. See that wasn’t so hard now was it? You know you can’t keep secrets from me, especially the good ones like that. So ya really shouldn’t even bother tryin’.”

“Fine, whatever. Can I go now?”

“Yeah alright, yer dismissed but I still gotta ask ya one more thing.” Hammerplank said as he got up from his chair. His tone had changed to become more serious.

“What?”

“You really like this mare don’tcha?”

“Yeah, I guess. Why?”

“Have ya told her that yet?”

“Well I... no, not really. I don’t even know how I should tell her that. I mean, this all new to me. I’m sure she knows that I like her. So there wouldn’t really be any need to actually tell her. Right?” Hammerplank stopped smiling and gave Ficksitup a stern look.

“You need to tell her, Ficks. You shouldn’t keep a mare waitin’ for an answer like that. She’s clearly shown her affection towards you and it wouldn’t be fair to make her second guess herself with hesitation.” Ficksitup stared blankly at his uncle. He had no idea where all of this was coming from. First his uncle had been pestering and teasing him to no avail about the whole thing, and now suddenly he was trying to act like some sort of relationship expert.

“What would you know about that sort of stuff anyway, Plank?”

Hammerplank was silent for a moment before he answered,“Trust me Ficks, I’ve... well, let’s just say I’ve been in that wagon before. I know you don’t listen to me very often and believe me, I know you don’t. But hear me out; if you don’t tell her soon it’s gonna come back and bite ya’ in the flank later.”

Ficks looked at him with confusion. His uncle continued to stare at him intently. He knew Hammerplank wasn’t always the serious type. In fact he was more likely to crack a joke before actually being sincere about anything that wasn’t work related. But on that rare occasion that he really was trying to get a point across, all joking was scarce. Ficks closed his eyes and sighed.

“Alright, I’ll keep that in mind. Can I go now?”

“Yeah, go on. Get outta’ here.” Hammerplank tossed the half eaten apple back to Ficksitup. He held the apple in his hoof, staring at it. For a moment, he got a whiff of the sweet scent that emanated from the red fruit. The smell started bringing up images of Applejack in his mind again, how her mane had smelled of apples that night and the look of it when her hair was down without the ribbons. He couldn’t shake the memory from his head. She had looked so different that night... so beautiful. The mere thought of it made his stomach flutter uncontrollably and his heart pound. Hammerplank gave a low grunt to snap Ficks back into the present.

“Ahem, shall I leave you and the apple alone for a moment?” he asked, teasingly. Ficksitup turned his head and scowled at him. After Hammerplank had left, he finished his breakfast and headed upstairs again. Nuttanbolt scurried past him with his bookbag in tow. Ficksitup turned around and called back to him.

“Hey Nut, ya’ want me to walk ya’ to school today?”

“Nah it’s fine, I can make it there myself.” Nut shouted as he bolted out the front door. Ficks gave a faint smile and continued towards his room. Inside, he trotted towards the desk that was next to his bed. On a nearby chair, hung his tool bag and hat. He effortlessly slung the saddle bag over his shoulder and onto his back. He grabbed his hat and placed it on his head. As he did, something came fluttering out of the hat from underneath the brim. It fell to the floor, to which Ficksitup immediately looked down to see what it was. On the wooden planks of his room, rested a small red ribbon. He picked it up and examined it closely. It was one of the ribbons that had been used to tie Applejack’s mane. It was more than strange how it had ended up there. The mere concept perplexed him. How in the hay did this even get here? he wondered, staring at it curiously. He could have sworn that she had kept them in her hat the entire time. Apparently not. He figured he could just return it to her at sometime, though he realized that wasn’t the biggest problem he had at the moment. How was he supposed to get her out of his head, or more importantly, how was he supposed to confess to her? Now that he pretty much knew how he felt about her, he couldn’t just sit around and not let her know. What do I even say? He thought nervously. Ficksitup was trembling with anxiety. He didn’t know if he was even ready to tell her. Hammerplank made it sound so easy, but the mere thought of telling Applejack something as important as this made Ficksitup nervous beyond comprehension. He shook his head vigorously. I gotta get her outta my mind. No distractions. Gotta focus on the task at hoof. He thought reassuringly. He would tell her eventually, he was certain. But for now there were other, more pressing matters to attend to.

Ficks trotted down the stairs again and knocked on the door to Hammerplank’s office, which served as his personal quarters.

“Come in.” Hammerplank called from behind the door. Ficks opened it and peered inside. His uncle was sitting at his desk filling out a document. When Ficks tried to take a closer look at the parchment, Plank noticed his wandering eyes and quickly stuck the paper back in a folder. He stuck it in the open drawer of his desk and slammed it shut. “What do you want?” he asked impatiently.

“Oh right. I was wonderin’ if ya might know where we kept the ole wagon for the shop? I need it for something I’m doin’ for a client of ours.” Ficks asked. Hammerplank stared at him curiously and then dismissed whatever suspicious thought he had developed in his head.

“Yeah, it’s in the tool shed behind the shop. Just be careful. I’ve got a lot of stuff in there that I’m still workin’ on, so don’t break anything.”

“You got it. Thanks uncle.”

The shed rested firmly against the back wall of the shop. It was a medium sized, two door, barn shaped shed that was covered in white paint that was slowly chipping away. Inside, there were shelves stacked with wooden boxes filled with spare parts and broken gadgets. At the back of the shed sat a large workbench. Along the wall hung several tools of variant sizes and occupations. Scattered throughout the floor were several large devices that were covered in white tarps. The entire room was smothered in dust. Clearly those “projects” that Hammerplank was working on had been unfinished for quite awhile now. Knowing his uncle, Ficksitup assumed they probably weren’t going to be completed any time soon either. The wagon he was looking for was resting in the center of the shed. Ficksitup quickly inspected it to make sure that all four wheels were still attached and tightened correctly. He quickly fastened the neck yoke around his shoulders and gave the wagon a good tug. It sluggishly rolled its way out of the shed. The wheels creaked and groaned as they rotated. Ficks sighed miserably. He knew pulling this thing was going to wear him out by the end of the day, but it was necessary for what he was going to be doing. He quickly rushed back into the shed to grab the last few things he needed: several large planks of wood, a tin can filled with nails, a saw, and most importantly, a ladder. There was no need for another hammer since he already carried one with him in his tool bag. He loaded the supplies into the back and re-positioned himself in front of the wagon. Confident that he had everything he needed, Ficks pulled the wagon around to the front of the shop and was on his way.

Despite the more than gloomy weather, the streets were already flourishing with business. Shops had their doors open with signs hanging in the windows, welcoming customers in. The market stalls were filled to the last crate with every kind of fruit and vegetable that there was to offer. Ficksitup looked on with curiosity as he observed the different shop keeps and their methods of attracting potential costumers. Some were tossing out bargains that were too good to refuse (or to be true). He’d seen the method before. It happened more times than he could possibly count.

It was the oldest trick in the book for the merchants in the larger-than-life market district of Manehattan. They would offer unbelievably great deals on their goods, such as three for the price of one or buy two bags today and receive a third one tomorrow, free of charge. They would merely throw these bargains out as bluffs to lure customers in. Once they’d managed to hook somepony gullible in, that’s where the deal stopped sounding so great. It would turn into a one sided barter where the shop keep would end up making more bits than his goods were worth and the customer would probably end up going home with less than what they had to begin with or even empty hooved if they were really unlucky. It was a dishonest and horrid way of doing business, but Ficksitup knew they were only doing it because they felt that they were obliged to do so. After all, they were competing against dozens of others in the market. Apparently it wasn’t any different here. Though, at least here in Ponyville, they weren’t swindling their customers of everything they had. Ficksitup just wished they could show a little more honesty with their work.

That’s when he saw her. He didn’t walk too far before he had arrived where Applejack’s stall was. As he spotted her, Ficksitup jumped in panic. He tried to run for cover, nearly choking himself in the process since he was still attached to the wagon. He quickly unlatched himself and ducked behind a nearby stall. She didn’t see me, did she? Ficksitup thought. Breathing heavily he poked his head out from the side and looked in her direction. Applejack was too busy bartering with a customer to notice anything around her. Ficksitup sighed with relief and relaxed against the stall he was hiding behind.

“Okay...” he said to himself, “I’m here now. Should I tell her? I mean, I don’t see why it wouldn’t hurt to try right now. I bet she’s even waiting for me to go up there right now and tell her... I should tell her.”

Ficksitup continued to bicker with himself before he felt watchful eyes over him. He gazed up to see the owner of the cart he was leaning against glaring at him.

“You gonna’ buy something Romeo or just sit there and babble to yourself?” the mare asked shrewdly. Ficksitup stared back at her and smiled awkwardly.

“Uh, sorry. I’ll just be on my way now.” he said as he got up. Shaking off his minor embarrassment with the shopkeeper, he looked over at Applejack again. She was continuing to speak with another pony at her stall. She had a light, welcoming smile on her face that made Ficksitup’s heart skip a beat or two. It was the perfect time to tell her. After all that had happened that night at the party, it seemed almost necessary to tell her now. It might as well be a time when she was in a good mood.

“I’m gonna tell her.” he said confidently. He began making his way towards the apple stand. Her blond mane seemed to sway in the fall breeze in slow motion. She was still smiling, her emerald eyes gleaming with warmth. Ficksitup started to trot faster towards the stand. She didn’t notice him getting closer. This is it, he thought, I’m gonna tell her... He was ten feet from where she was standing before he stopped dead in his tracks. He broke out in a nervous sweat. He had gotten so anxious about telling her about his feelings that he hadn’t even thought of anything to say. I’m such an idiot. Applejack turned in his direction which made him dive for the nearest cover he could spot. Thankfully, it was another fruit cart. His heart was pounding; he was sure that she had spotted him. He peered around the cart. He’d apparently gone unnoticed as she continued to talk with her costumer.

He could hear a bit of the conversation between Applejack and the stallion she was dealing with. The conversation sounded pretty heated, even argumentative. Letting curiosity get the better of him, he positioned his head so his left ear stuck out from behind the cart and listened to what they were saying.

“Please mister, I’m tellin’ ya, these here are the finest apples in Equestria, grown right here at Sweet Apple Acres, only the finest apple farm in all of Ponyville. There’s no way you could resist such delicious fruits as these.” Applejack said in a desperate tone. The stallion who she was bartering with gave a low grunt of dissatisfaction.

“The finest you say?” he said as he waved a hoof over one the carts, “These apples have to be in the worst shape I’ve ever seen. Just look at them. This one is dented on the side, this one looks as if it’s been tossed in the dirt, this one looks too rotten to eat, and-” he gasped as he pointed at one specific apple sitting atop the pile.

“Is that a worm?”

Applejack looked at the accused apple and chuckled unnervingly.

“Well sir, aside from the worm, the only reason these apples look the way they do is because we harvest em ourselves and we take every apple we get. We know a bad apple when we see one and I assure ya, there are no bad apples here. They may not look it, but they’re still juicy and tasty on the inside.”

The stallion still looked unimpressed. He pondered for a moment before continuing.

“Well I’m still not convinced. Even if I were to buy these apples, I’d say they were only worth half of what you’re selling them at.”

“Alright fine.” Applejack said with new found confidence, “Let’s make ourselves a deal partner. I’ll give ya five apples for six bits. Six is how much I charge for two. Sounds like a fair deal, right?”

The stallion scratched a hoof under his chin while he thought for a moment. He then gave a coy smirk. For some reason, it made Ficksitup fluster with anger as he watched Applejack continue to debate with him. Ficksitup wanted to do nothing more than to step in and help her. He’d even tell that stallion to eat dirt, but he had no idea whether that would really help her anyway. It’s not like he was selling the apples. He also knew she wouldn’t let him step in to help. That’s just the way Applejack was. Always taking things head on by herself. He decided to remain hidden and continue to observe her conflict. If things started to go south then he would step in to help her whether she wanted it or not. Then again, the stallion looked a few sizes bigger than Ficksitup. Heck, this stallion could have given Big Mac a run for his money. Either way, he didn’t care. For Applejack, Ficksitup was willing to face a full grown dragon for her.

“Hmm, I suppose. Alright I’ll accept.” the stallion stated, “But I don’t want just any sort of apples. I want the best ones you have and unbruised of course.”

Applejack exhaled heavily to avoid losing her patience. This was a tough costumer no doubt, but still a customer. She had no intentions of letting this one slide.

“Alrighty then, we’ve got these here red ones that we just picked this mornin’.” she said as she began pulling a few apples from one of the carts on the side.

“No, not those.”

“Okay...well how ‘bout these ones. Green apples that are so tangy and juicy, you’ll be tempted to buy more than just five.”

“Nope, not those ones either.”

Applejack glared slightly as she continued to go through the assortment of apples that she had brought with her, each one he had turned down. She finally sighed deeply in defeat as she faced the stallion.

“Sir, I’ve shown ya every apple I’ve got and you don’t want any of ‘em. How am I s’posed ta make a deal when you won’t even buy what I’m sellin’?”

The stallion stood there and smiled again.

“Not all of them. How about those ones?” he said as he pointed at a basket sitting on a shelf above her head. The basket was filled with six apples that varied in color. Three red ones, one yellow one, and two green ones. There was, however, something peculiar about them. The apples practically gleamed and shined like they had been hoof-polished. They looked almost brand new, like they hadn’t even been touched. Applejack looked up nervously when she realized he’d seen them.

“Um... well, those I ain’t exactly sellin’ partner. I’m savin’ em for somepony else.”

The stallion gave Applejack a look of disapproval. He turned around and slowly began to walk away.

“Well then, I guess if you’re not selling those apples, my money’s no good here. I’ll just take my business elsewhere.” he said in an insulting tone, “I hear the pears are rather ripe this year anyway.”

The stallion began trotting away without hesitation. Applejack bit her lip nervously. Ficksitup was about to get up to help her, but just before the stallion was out of earshot, she lowered her head and called out.

“Five bits!”

The stallion turned around and slowly trotted back to the stand, passing Ficksitup who continued to glare at him.

“What’s that you say?” the stallion asked. Applejack continued to keep her head bowed, hiding her face below the brim of her hat.

“Five bits. The ones in the basket. You can have ‘em for five bits. Take it or leave it.”

The stallion merely flashed a smug expression as he pulled out the money. He tossed the coins into the pouch that hung around her neck and grabbed the basket from the shelf. With the handle held in his teeth, he walked away.

“Pleasure doing business with you.”

Applejack sighed heavily, and with a rather glum expression, rest her head on her hoof.

“Sorry sugarcube, guess there won’t be any apples for ya afterall.” she mumbled to herself.

“I think I’ll take six apples.” A familiar voice chimed in.

Applejack looked up to see Ficksitup standing there, with a comforting smile as he perused the apples before him. He had finally decided to come out of hiding. There was no sense in leaving her in her current state after witnessing such a disaster of a bargain. She returned the smile but quickly became glum once again as a wave of guilt fell over her.

“So how much’a that did ya hear?” she asked.

“Heard most of it, saw some of it.” Ficksitup replied. Applejack refused to keep her head up, she was having a difficult time making eye contact with him.

“I’m sorry, sugarcube. I meant to save those for ya’, I really did. I thought you’d like ‘em.” She said, still downtrodden.

Ficks leaned on the counter, in an attempt to get eye level with her.

“Hey, come on ‘Jack don’t worry about it. Looks to me that you were just tryin’ to make the best deal and you did what you could to get it. Besides, I wasn’t that hungry anyways.” He said with a light chuckle. She finally looked up and frowned at Ficksitup to let him know that his remark hadn’t exactly made her feel any better than before.

“You don’t understand Ficks.” She said, putting a hoof on his shoulder, “I was saving those apples for you, and then I go ahead n’sell ‘em off to some two bit snob for a few bits. That ain’t fair to you Ficks. I mean, do ya even know how long it took me t-” Ficks finally put a hoof up to stop her. For some reason he was being a lot more assertive while talking to her than he ever had previously. There was just something that he felt within him was giving this new found confidence. Maybe he would tell her after all.

“It’s not a big deal, ‘Jack. An apple’s an apple, and I don’t care if it’s got a giant bruise or a even a worm, long as it’s from you.” he said sternly.

Applejack weakly smiled before succumbing to light chuckles.

“Aww heck sugarcube, I gotta admit... that’s probably gotta be the worst line I’ve heard from ya yet.”

Ficks began blushing a little. Though he couldn’t argue with her. It probably was the corniest line he’d delivered to her.

“Yeah, sorry. I was just tryin’ to make ya feel better that’s all. But hey, you gotta admit... it’s workin’ ain’t it?” Ficksitup asked as he gestured at the smile that was still on her face.

“Yeah yer right, but even so sugarcube, I don’t think buyin apples to cheer me up is gonna work everytime I’m upset.”

Ficksitup chuckled awkwardly. It seems that was all he did when he attempted to make her happy. He did it the first time when he’d noticed that her business had been rather slow that one day. Now he was doing it again. He couldn’t help feel slightly guilty as well.

“Yeah, I guess that’s gettin rather old. So, tell me then. What else could I do to make ya happy?”

“Well sugarcube...” She said with an oddly coy expression, “How bout you give me another kiss?” Ficks’ eyes widened at the prospect of doing this. One side of him wanted nothing more than to embrace her offer, but the other half halted him from progressing. Of course she wasn’t waiting for his reply. Applejack was already leaning over the stall towards him. Just before she made contact with his lips, Ficksitup reeled back causing Applejack’s face to fall forward and hit the stall with a loud thump.

“Wait ‘Jack. Right here in the middle of the market? In public of all places?”

“Oh for Celestia’s sake, Ficks, it’s just a kiss.” She said with annoyance as she rubbed a hoof over her sore chin.

Just a kiss..? He thought, pondering what she meant by that. Does that mean the other night was just a kiss too?

“Sorry ‘Jack, I don’t mean to sound nervous or anything, but I guess I ain’t too keen on doin’ that sort of thing here.”

She gave him another glum expression.

“Not that I don’t want to do it or nothin’, I just don’t wanna be seen k- I mean I don’t want anypony to get the wrong idea... ya know that we’re... oh horseapples I give up.” Ficks said submissively as he realized he was only making things worse for himself.

“It’s alright Ficks. I was just teasin’. I’m not tryin to make ya nervous; it’s not like we’re datin’ yet. I was just havin’ a little fun, that’s all.”

A lump formed in Ficksitup’s throat at the mention of the word dating. They were in fact not dating at the moment. But after all that had happened that night, it only seemed reasonable that they should be at this point. The thought of it made Ficksitup a little more than concerned.

“Still, what about that night at the party? Were you just teasin’ me then too?”

Suddenly the atmosphere between the two of them became very tense and heavy. Applejack looked down at her hooves, clearing her throat, giving herself time to think.

“Well I... come on Ficks, it was a pretty wild night. I guess it was just a spur of the moment. I couldn’t really control myself. I hope ya didn’t take it the wrong way or nothin’. I guess I was just showin’ my appreciation for showin’ me a good time that night.”

“So it was just a kiss?”

“Yeah I guess so. Is that alright with you?” she asked with hesitation. Ficksitup stood there for a moment. To him, what she was telling him was that the kiss she had given him that night wasn’t meant as any means to show her affection towards him or anything, but was really just a sort of gesture. Maybe she really doesn’t feel the same way that I do. He thought admittedly. So if I told her now, she wouldn’t understand, or she might even be scared. The idea seemed to be offering itself to Ficksitup without any sort of driving purpose. It was like his head was just assuming that this is what she really thought. Which means it might be a bad idea to tell her now. Ficksitup concluded fearfully. I gotta be sure she’s even remotely interested in me the same way I am before tellin’ her anything.

“Yeah, of course ‘Jack. I got no problem with it just bein’ like that. In fact I’d have to say I’m kinda relieved. I thought you were tryin’ to tell me something else, but if it’s just a kiss then there’s no problem here!” Ficks bellowed excitedly.

She stopped smiling and muttered unhappily under her breath, “Ya’ don’t have to sound so happy about it...”

“What was that?” Ficksitup asked.

“Nothin’ Ficks, but hey, while yer here, there was something else I wanted to ask ya.”

“What?” He asked, all but totally pliant to whatever she’d suggest this time.

“Well, fall is pretty much here, and ya’ know that means we gotta start harvest season on the farm soon. I thought I might ask if ya wanted to help us out this year since yer back in town anyway. Ya know, if yer not too busy.”

Ficksitup scratched his chin for a moment. “Well, I don’t think I’ve got anything else to do around that time, so I s’pose I could help.”

“So you’ll do it?”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll help ya’ ou-AH!”

“Aww thanks sugarcube.” She said, giving him a hug over the counter. “Gosh it’ll be just like the first time you came to Ponyville.”

Ficksitup was blushing again. It was a shame that he wasn’t willing to tell her now, since he wanted nothing more than to confess to her right there and then. But he was still hesitant as to whether it would be the right time, contrary to how badly he wished to do so.

“Yeah, it’ll be just like ole times ‘Jack. It’ll be a lotta’ fun.”

“Well good, I’ll hold ya to it.” she said, “So don’t you go changin’ yer plans on me, ya hear?”

“Of course ‘Jack. I’ll make sure I’m there no matter what. Heck, if ‘Plank locks me up in the attic, I’ll just sneak out so I’m there.” he joked. Applejack giggled at the thought of Ficksitup being locked up in a high room like some sort of mare in distress.

“Alright sugarcube, I trust ya.”

There was a soft booming noise emanating in the distance which made the two of them look skyward. The clouds that had been hanging over the town had grown slightly darker and thicker. There was no doubt that it was bound to rain any moment.

“Looks like it’s about to start pourin’ soon.” Ficksitup said glumly.

“Yeah, I guess I might just close up shop early. Doesn’t look like there’s gonna be too many more customers today anyway.”

“No kiddin’. speakin a’ which, I almost forgot I’ve got my own business to attend to.”

“Ya do?” she asked curiously. Ficksitup quickly trotted over and retrieved the wagon to answer her question.

“Yeah, remember the library balcony, and how I pretty much destroyed it?”

“I’ll admit, it’s pretty hard not to remember.”

“Yeah well I figured I’d finally get around to it. Certainly isn’t gonna fix itself, and with the rain comin’ in, there probably isn’t gonna be another ideal day to do it.”

“As busy as ever sugarcube, that’s a shame,” she said as she brushed a hoof over his shoulder. “And here I thought we were gonna finally get to spend some time together.”

Ficksitup flustered red again. It was times like these when he could never tell if she was teasing him or being relatively serious. At the same time he was feeling guilty too. She was closing down her apple stand just so she could be free to spend time with him, and here he was running off to go do work instead. It scared him sometimes when he realized how much he was like his father.

“I know ‘Jack, but c’mon. I promised Twilight I’d finally fix that darn thing, So I can’t just leave her hangin’. You’re her friend after all, you understand, right?”

“Relax, Ficks. I understand. Go do what ya need to do. we’ll meet up some other time.” She said as she gave him another warm smile. Ficksitup returned in kind and began reattaching himself to the wagon.

“Thanks for understanding ‘Jack. Well, I’m off. I’ll see you later,” He said, tipping his hat and trotting away, leaving her to close down the stand. As he drew further away, Applejack’s smile vanished. She lowered her head and muttered to herself.

“I just wish you could understand too, sugarcube...”

When he was certain that Applejack was both out of sight and earshot, Ficksitup threw down his tool bag and began shouting.

“Gah, what an idiot! Ficksitup, you stupid stallion, why didn’t you tell her?” His mind was racing with a mixture of anger and frustration. “That Hammerplank made it sound sooo easy, and yet I couldn’t even make an attempt to tell her!”

He knew that he had decided to wait to tell her at some other time that proved to be more convenient, but something was telling him that he should have told her then, instead of waiting. It was like he was still feeling pressured to confess to her as soon as possible, like the clock of life was slowly ticking in his face, telling him he was running out of time.

“Nevermind that,” he proclaimed, “It’s too late to do anything about it now. I gotta get to work to take my mind off it. I need to fix that stupid porch- I mean elevato- I mean balcony. Gah, whatever!” With nostrils flaring, he began pulling the wagon towards the library. Of course though, his path of righteousness was interrupted by the cry of a frilly voice from behind him.

“Aha! Finally found you.” The voice cracked excitedly.

Ficksitup reeled around to see Rarity beaming gleefully in his face. His face became completely expressionless. Dear Celestia this is NOT what I need right now...

“Miss Rarity. How convenient to see ya today,” he said sarcastically.

“I know right? It’s so fortunate that I found you on such a dismal day, and please Ficksitup, just call me Rarity. I thought we’d already established that before.”

“Right, I’ll try to keep that in mind, Rarity. But uh, why exactly is it fortunate that you found me?”

“Well isn’t it obvious? If I hadn’t found you, then we would have been late for our appointment.” she said with satisfaction.

“Appointment?”

“Oh for goodness sake, Ficksitup. Don’t tell me you already forgot.”

“Forgot what?” He asked impatiently. She sighed glumly.

“Very well, if you insist that I refresh your memory... Do you recall at the party how I promised to return the favor for helping me in the boutique, as well as making up for my rather inexcusable behavior?”

The conversation hung vaguely in his head, but Ficksitup did begin to recall the words they had exchanged that night, as well as the fact that he had accepted her offer.

“Oh yeah, that. Yeah I remember. But what’s that got to do with an appointment?”

“Ugh, Ficksitup dear, please, try to work with me here. I made an appointment to get that mane of yours tidied up.”

“Wait, you made an appointment for that?”

“Oh yes, of course. It’s already booked for today and fully paid.”

“Gosh darnit Rarity!” Ficksitup snapped, “I thought I said nothin’ fancy. And if ya haven’t noticed, I’m kinda in the middle of something already. We can’t go today.”

She looked past him and stared at the wagon filled with building supplies. She gave him an unimpressed look.

“So you’re pulling a dusty old wagon around filled with junk? My my, it does look like busy work,” she said with the same tone of sarcasm that he had used on her. Ficksitup simply slapped a hoof over his face.

“That’s not what I’m doin’, Rarity, and that ain’t the point neither. The thing is I have work to do and a client to help out. I can’t decide not to go, just so I can trot off to some beauty parlor.”

“Well, the point I am making, my dear stallion, is yuo would really refuse something from me of all ponies? Something that has already been paid for? Out of the sheer goodness of her own heart? How could you?” She accused.

“But I-”

She continued to stare at him scornfully. Ficksitup was slightly taken aback. Even when he knew that he was right for wanting to go fix the balcony, she was somehow managing to make him feel guilty. First Applejack, now Rarity. Geez, how many mares am I gonna manage to upset today? He thought while he bit his lower lip. Rarity began to make light sniffling sounds, like she was about to start crying.

Ficksitup cursed under his breath. He knew he couldn’t refuse something that somepony had paid his way to attend. Even though he learned a good portion of his respectable manners from the Apple family, his mother was the one who had taught him that one should never turn down a friendly offer, no matter who it was from.

“Alright, fine,” Ficksitup sighed, “Where are we going?”

Rarity’s face changed from sadness to giddy excitement in a matter of seconds.

“Oh marvelous, I simply knew you wouldn’t refuse,” she cheered, “Now then, if you’ll just follow me, we’ll be on our way.” Ficksitup nodded and began pulling the wagon staying close behind her. She turned around and looked at him with confusion. “Why are you still dragging that thing along with you?”

“Well I can’t just leave it here.”

“Of course you can. Come now, Ficksitup, it’s not like anypony is going to steal a dusty old wagon.”

“I guess so, but still-”

“Not another word mister; now leave it here. You can retrieve it after we’re done.”

Refusing to let him reply, Rarity forcefully assisted him in unlatching himself from the wagon and eagerly shoved him in the desired direction. Ficks looked back at the wagon regretfully as they continued to walk away. Hammerplank is gonna kill me...

As they continued walking, Ficksitup began to contemplate the current situation. It seemed like only a moment ago he had been talking to Applejack about what had happend that night at the party, and now he was walking to Celestia-knows-where with Rarity of all ponies. It made him rack his brain for any justifiable reason as to why he was still making any effort to get along with this mare at all. Her prissy-like attitude towards everything, including getting dirty, as well as her overall mannerisms were generally unappealing to him. Still, he had to acknowledge that she was in fact doing a favor for him today, and that should count for something. Perhaps this would give him the opportunity to start over with her. He might even be able to make a better acquaintance with her. After all, she was still Applejack’s friend...

“Well, here we are.” Rarity announced.

Lost in thought, Ficksitup accidentally rear ended her, almost causing her to lose her balance. He shook his head and smiled awkwardly as she frowned at him.

“Well, if I had known you were this eager to get your mane done, I would have scheduled sooner.”

“Sorry, wasn’t lookin’ where I was goin’.”

“It’s quite alright dear, but please do watch yourself next time.”

“Right, got it,” he said stupidly. Ficksitup stared at the building that stood before them. It looked abnormally large for just a simple salon. With large stained glass windows and gold linings along the roof, it looked more like an elaborate, one story hotel.

“Sure looks expensive, Rarity, exactly what kind of salon is this?”

She suddenly started giggling uncontrollably.

“Oops, did I say salon? What I meant to tell you my dear, is that I made a special appointment at the day spa,” she confessed happily.

“Wha- day spa? Rarity, I said no fancy stuff!” Ficksitup yelped.

“Well, there’s nothing you can do about it now, darling. Now go on, march.”

She practically barked her orders at him. Ficksitup advanced towards the door without further hesitation. Deciding to use this as an opportunity to get on the right hoof with her this time, he casually opened it and allowed her to go first. The look on Rarity’s face was one of shock. Clearly this was another gesture she was not accustomed to receiving from the opposite gender. She smiled gracefully to show her appreciation as she strolled past him.

As he looked around, he couldn’t deny he was impressed with the decor. Though fixing things was his primary focus, Ficksitup had come to appreciate good interior decorating in a building, if not due to a combination of Hammerplank’s minor lessons in carpentering and his mother’s keen ability to make even a dump look like a castle fit for a king. Upon walking in, the cashier at the front desk looked up at them. Her eyes lit up with excitement at the sight of Rarity. Ficksitup could only assume that she was a frequent, and most likely, large spender here.

“Good afternoon, Miss Rarity. Will it be ze usual?” The blue and pink mare at the counter asked in a thick accent.

Yep. She comes here aaalllll the time... Ficks thought.

“Not today, Lotus dear. I’m here for the two-o-clock,” Rarity said. Lotus’ smile disappeared as she nodded eagerly. She pulled a clipboard out from under the desk and began inspecting it thoroughly. A slight grin appeared over her face as she found Rarity’s name on the list.

“Ah yes, here you are. I have you down for ze appointment at two pm. For both you and one... Mister Foul-up?”

“It’s Ficksitup.” he corrected, now insulted. Lotus looked him over, head to hoof with disgrace. She gave him an expression of dissatisfaction.

“Simply filthy...” she muttered.

“Pardon?” Ficksitup replied.

“Ssh! No talk.”

“Now wait a minu-”

“No talking. Work to be done. First we get you cleaned up.”

Another pony appeared from behind the counter. She grabbed Ficksitup’s hat from his head and hung it up on a nearby rack.

“Hey!” Ficksitup cried out.

“No more talking; you’ll get it back after special treatment.”

“Special treatment?” He whimpered, “Rarity, what is she talkin’ about? Hey, help me out here.”

As they continued to pull him into the back room, Rarity merely responded with a snarky grin. Ficksitup could only assume he was in for something either terrible or otherwise, unexpected.

***

“Take it easy on me, w-AAUUGH!” Ficksitup yelped, feeling several joints in his back pop from the pressure. As he lay on his stomach atop the massage table, he couldn’t help but let out short, audible howls of agony. It was an uncanny mixture of pain and sudden release of tension. The pony who was standing on his back merely pressed her hooves harder.

“Struggling only makes it hurt more. Too much tension. Relax!” She barked firmly

“I’m tryin’, but how am I s’posed to relax when yer- Oh dear CelestiAHHH!” He cried, as several more joints in his lower back cracked. It sounded like dry leaves being crunched underneath somepony’s hooves. Across from him on the other table, Rarity chuckled at the scene he was making. She showed no signs of aggravation or pain as the pony giving her the massage practically walked all over her.

“You really should try to relax, dear. I guarantee you will feel much better.” Rarity advised.

“I’m tryin’ to, but it’s darn near impossible.”

“Oh, don’t be such a little drama queen. I pay to get these all the time.”

“You mean to tell me that ponies actually pay for this?” He questioned disbelievingly through grit teeth.

“Of course dear; I simply adore getting a good massage. It really helps me unwind at the end of the day.”

“Easy for you to say; at this rate I’m not even gonna’ be able to walk home.”

Rarity merely giggled at him again. Eventually Ficksitup’s back had gone numb, and therefore could no longer feel the pain emanating from his joints. He couldn’t even feel hooves pressing down upon him. At this point he couldn’t help but actually feel a bit relieved. He had finally managed to, unbelievably, relax. It felt like his whole body was melting on the table. On one hoof, he wanted to hate it. He never cared for special treatment like this. On the other hoof however, he couldn’t deny that he was starting to enjoy himself a little bit.

“Ya know...” he muttered cheerfully to himself, “This ain’t all that bad.”

The next thing he knew, the pony who had been massaging him got down from the table and threw a towel over his head. Forcefully, she tugged his arm, making him get down from the table.

“Next station!” She commanded.

“Wait what? Are we done already?” Ficksitup asked with confusion. The spa pony rolled her eyes and continued to push him towards the next room.

“Relax dear, we’re just going to the baths.” Rarity explained, following close behind him.

“Baths?”

“Of course darling. They’re not going anywhere near that mop on your head until it’s been washed.”

“Wait Rarity I don’t think I’m exactly comfortable with- Rarity? Wait Rarity. Hey come on. I don’t wanna do this!”

Ignoring his pleas, Rarity veered right towards a pink door while the mares pulled Ficksitup to the left towards a blue door.

“Do try to enjoy yourself dear, this is, after all, your day at the spa.” she advised as she disappeared through the door. Ficksitup was pushed into a small white room with a large, round tub sitting in the middle. It was already filled with steaming hot water. Ficksitup gulped nervously. Without waiting for him to get in, one of the mares gave him a gentle nudge. He fell clumsily into the bath, making a large splash. He winced, expecting the water to be boiling hot. Thankfully, it was only warm. He surfaced, shaking his head with bewilderment. Water now dripped relentlessly from his mane. The two mares returned, carrying sponges and shampoo. Ficksitup’s eyes grew wide with concern.

“Ooooooh no. Don’t even think about it,” he snapped. They ignored him and continued to move towards him. One of them even glared at him with hostility.

“Struggling only makes it worse. Now, hold still.” she ordered. Ficksitup tried to climb out, but the other mare held him down by his shoulders with surprising strength for her size. He started to panic.

“Now hold on a sec ladies. I know this is yer job and everything, but I am perfectly capable of cleanin’ myself thank you very much!”

It was no use. They went about their business and began scrubbing his mane thoroughly. They made sure not a single strand of hair was left untouched. The entire scenario was beyond awkward for Ficksitup. He couldn’t even begin to remember the last time he had felt this uncomfortable or embarassed. They finished scrubbing his mane and dumped a pail of water over his head, rinsing his mane of all the shampoo. Ficksitup couldn’t help but note that his mane felt slightly cleaner than before. However, he still didn’t like the fact that they had cleaned him rather forcefully without his consent. They finally allowed him to get out of the tub. The mare tossed him a towel, thankfully allowing him to dry himself off. After that he was shoved into the next few rooms over.

The room he now stood in looked like a regular salon, with two rows of barber chairs lining the mirrored walls. He was directed into one of the chairs while the mares left to go somewhere else. A few moments later, Rarity appeared from the door that he had just previously come from. She was wearing a towel over her head, obviously coming from the baths as well. She took a seat in the chair next to his and smiled.

“There now. Don’t you feel much better?” she asked.

“Well, I certainly feel clean, if that’s what you mean,” he replied. Removing the towel, Rarity shook her mane loose, letting it fall over her face. To him, she looked remarkably different with her mane straightened compared to how it always was. Puffy and curled. Although he didn’t really think anything of it. He felt that it would have been polite to give her some sort of compliment, but he had no relevant interest in her so there wasn’t really any obligation to say anything. She looked back at Ficksitup and smiled eagerly.

“Well then, I think you’ll be just fine.”

Two unicorn stylists came trotting into the room, carrying combs and scissors. The moment that Ficksitup had initially agreed to had finally come. Getting his mane done. He could only hope that this would be the last thing on Rarity’s agenda for torturing him.

One of the stylists took her place behind Ficksitup. She began to examine his mane, looking for a place to make the first cut. She wrapped a smock around his neck, and began combing his mane to straighten out the knots.

“Zis will take awhile,” the stylist lamented glumly.

“Now hold on a sec,” Ficksitup protested, looking fearfully at the scissors that now levitated over his head. “Just what are you planning on doin’?”

“Ugh, I must comb zis horrid mane, then I must make ze cutting, and then we curl to make it fabulous. You wish to tell me how to cut now?” She asked with hostility.

“As a matter of fact I do ma’am. I only agreed to getting a trim here. I’m not getting anything fancy done with my mane. Understand?”

The stylist looked to Rarity for means of engagement. Rarity simply nodded her head at her. With that, she put the scissors down and sighed.

“Very well. We will have ze usual for Miss Rarity, and just a trim for ze gentlecolt,” she sneered, turning her head towards Ficksitup. He flinced slightly, expecting her to lash out at him. Admittedly, this was exactly the reason he had no interest in vanity or high-class leisurely activities. Everypony was just so snobby. Well, almost everypony... Ficksitup thought as he looked towards Rarity. There was no denying that she had been more than generous today, even it wasn’t exactly what he expected or wanted. While the stylist set to work on her mane, Rarity merely laid her head back with eyes closed, like she was dozing off into her own little world. He figured this must be like heaven to her.

“I simply can’t believe after all of that special treatment, darling, you still haven’t been able to relax.” Rarity chimed in. Apparently she had not dozed off just yet.

“How would you know?” Ficksitup asked defensively. She sat up in her chair and looked at him with concern.

“Such hostility. Is that really any way to speak to a lady?”

“No,” he admitted. “I just really don’t like this fancy stuff.”

“Oh, well if you didn’t wish to partake in this, all you had to do was say so.”

Ficksitup wished he still had his tool bag with him; that way he could take his hammer and smash it over his head. This mare... he thought angrily. He grit his teeth to avoid losing his temper. Taking a moment, he took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. He turned to her and smiled.

“No, it’s fine, Rarity. You offered to do this for me, so I had to accept. I’m very grateful that you let me come along.”

“It is my pleasure darling,” she said, returning the smile. “After all, we want to make you all the more presentable to our dear Applejack, do we not?”

Ficksitup looked at her, completely surprised.

“What do you mean?” He asked, trying to deny the unmistakable fact she was implying.

“Oh please, Ficksitup dear, you make it far too obvious. When we were at the party, as far as I could tell, you simply could not take your eyes off her. Admit it, you fancy her very much.”

He was getting the sudden feeling of déjà vu, like he was back at the shop being confronted by his uncle again. He figured there was no point in trying to deny it any further this time. He only hoped he wouldn’t have to go into as much detail with Rarity as he did with Hammerplank.

“Yeah, I guess so. So it was that obvious eh?”

“You were not exactly hiding it Ficksitup. In fact, I’m surprised nopony else noticed.”

“I suppose it’s probably better they didn’t.” Ficksitup said, recalling how Pinkie Pie had almost caught Applejack and him in the act. He shuddered at the thought of it. If Pinkie found out, she’d probably want to tell all of Equestria.

“Well, since you do like her so much, what do you intend to do?” She asked, batting her eyelashes gracefully. Ficksitup blinked uncomfortably. It really was just like this morning.

“Well, I don’t know. I mean, my uncle did tell me to do one thing-”

“Your uncle?”

“Don’t ask. Lets just say he found out as well.” Ficksitup quickly replied. She let out a light snicker.

“Anyway, he told me I should just tell her. He was sayin’ that it ain’t fair to keep her waitin’ or something like that, but I don’t know...”

Rarity leapt from her seat, nearly giving both the stylist and Ficksitup a heart attack in the process. She stared at Ficksitup with eyes as wide as dinner plates.

“Of course you should tell her! Ugh, why would you even have second thoughts? Clearly your uncle is a gentlecolt who knows what he is talking about. You should listen to him more often.”

“You ain’t the only one who thinks that,” Ficksitup muttered.

“But really dear, why would you hesitate to tell her such a thing as this? If it was me, I would want to hear those confessed words of love as soon as possible.” Rarity said, blushing a little from embarrassment, “Please don’t take that the wrong way.”

“I never intended to.” Ficksitup said, “But if you really want to know, I just don’t know if I’m ready to tell her. I mean, I don’t even know if she feels the same way ‘bout me.”

“That’s it?”

“Yeah, pretty much.”

“You would hesitate to tell her the most important thing that she will hear in her entire life, just by the chance that she might not feel the same way?” She asked hysterically.

“Yeah, wouldn’t you? I mean, if it was another stallion.”

“Why would I need to? It’s always the stallions who confess first anyway. Then the lovely mares that we are decide whether to accept or not.”

“I had no idea it was that simple.” he said sarcastically.

“Though I suppose if there was this stallion that I really liked, and I wasn’t willing to wait for him to take the first step, I guess I might just walk up to him and say, ‘I’ve always wanted to tell you this...’” she started as she grabbed one of his hooves for emphasis. His face turned red hot. “I’ve known you for quite awhile but it’s a feeling that I simply cannot hide anymore...” She leaned in close to his face. He looked almost constipated from how nervous she was making him. “Ficksitup...” Rarity was about to whisper the next words into his ear before she succumbed to fits of laughter.

“I’m sorry darling. I simply can’t say it when you’re making that face,” she said, almost crying from laughing so hard.

“Why would you do that?!”

“Oh please don’t take it seriously darling, I was just teasing you.” She giggled finally calming down.

“Yeah, hilarious,” he grumbled.

“And, no offense Ficksitup, but you’re not exactly my type anyway.”

“Oh, I see.” He said, sounding almost a bit disappointed. Detecting the tone in his voice, she quickly smiled again.

“But if it means anything to you, then I want you to know that you are without a doubt the kindest stallion I have ever met.”

Ficksitup couldn’t help but grin a little.

“Ya think so?”

“Oh yes, definitely. Which is why I couldn’t be happier for Applejack. It’s so wonderful to know that she has such a handsome gentlecolt looking after her.”

“Thanks Rarity. That actually means a lot to me.”

“You are quite welcome my dear.”

“I guess I should apologize while we’re at it.” Ficksitup said. Rarity gave him a perplexed look.

“What do you mean, darling?”

“I haven’t exactly been the gentlecolt that you fancy me to be recently. I was a little rude towards you, and I apologize for that. I think we just got off on the wrong hoof, and it’d be mighty nice if we could maybe start over. I’d hate to be on bitter terms with a good friend of Applejack.”

“I suppose I deserved some of it, dear.” Rarity said, waving her hoof dismissively, “Either way, I still wholeheartedly accept your apology, and I would be more than grateful to start again with you.”

“Friends?” Ficksitup asked, extending his hoof.

“Friends.” Rarity confirmed, accepting his hoof. The two of them shook and grinned at each other, “Besides, now I can get a discount if my sewing machine breaks again.”

“Yeah, sure.” Ficksitup joked. The stylist finally let out a howl of frustration.

“For ze last time, hold still before I cut off your ear!” She shouted, grabbing his head with both hooves and straightening it in the position she wanted. Ficksitup froze in his seat and refused to move again until she had finished cutting.

***

The two of them walked out of the spa. The sky had once again grown darker and looked on the verge of bursting into a rainstorm. Rarity looked up with disappointment.

“Oh what rotten luck. I get my mane done and now it’s going to rain. Speaking of which, what do you think of it, Ficksitup? she asked, waving her head back and forth so her mane would sway.

Ficksitup stared at it and gave her an expressionless look. He honestly couldn’t find any noticeable differences to it.

“It looks the same Rarity.”

“Hmph, shows what you know. But look at you. My my, you certainly look much better,” she said, pointing at his newly trimmed charcoal mane.

“Really? I think it just looks okay,” he said as he readjusted his hat over his head.

“Honestly Ficksitup, why must you always wear that dirty old thing. You can’t show off your new mane if you just cover it up with a big hat.”

Ficksitup glared at her slightly but smiled again. He figured there were still some things that couldn’t be helped with her attitude. Either way he was willing to work around it.

“Because, Rarity, this hat was given to me by somepony very special and I don’t intend on gettin’ rid of it anytime soon.”

“Oh very well darling. I suppose we can’t change everything about you in one day.”

“Guess not,” he quickly said with a chuckle. Another loud boom came from the sky as more thunder echoed throughout the clouds. Rarity looked above herself again fearfully. She obviously wasn’t a fan of rain.

“Wel,l I’d love to stay and chat dear, but it looks like this terrible weather is about to come down upon us. You know me, I wouldn’t dare get caught in this rain with a newly styled mane.”

“I understand, Rarity. I’ll let you be on your way,” he said, tipping his hat.

“Thank you darling. Well if you wish to chat again, then by all means don’t be a stranger. You know where to find me. Maybe we can find a nice suit to fit you into sometime.” She suggested, eyeballing his shoulders as if she was already making measurements. Ficksitup tried to hide his look of disapproval.

“Yeah, maybe some other time.”

“Well then, I bid thee farewell darling. I must be off.” she said, turning to leave.

“Of course, you have yerself a nice day Rarity.” He said, waving her goodbye, “And hey, thanks for the advice.”

She turned around and smiled again.

“Of course Ficksitup. It’s my pleasure. Just remember... don’t be nervous and take your time, but don’t wait too long to tell her.”

“Right, got it. I’ll remember that.”

“You take care now,” she said as she finally trotted away.

Ficksitup waved until she was out of sight before he turned around to head back in the direction of where he had left the wagon. He flashed a small grin. The day had gone considerably better than he would have anticipated. True, he had endured probably the most questionable spa day in his entire life, but on the bright side, he had renewed his friendship with Rarity. Her attitude towards everything being uncouth felt immensely easier to handle. Not to mention he felt considerably more confident about confessing to Applejack than he had before. Although, there was still the fact that he had once again put off fixing the library balcony to yet another day. He just hoped Twilight wasn’t going to be too upset with him. He didn’t worry about it too much though. Knowing Twilight, Ficksitup figured she was way too busy with her nose stuck in a book to notice anything like that. Still, he knew he wasn’t going to be able to procrastinate it any further before it became a noticeable problem that couldn’t be ignored any longer.

Within a few minutes, he had reached the area where he had abandoned the wagon. Thankfully, Rarity was right and the wagon still sat there, undisturbed. Checking to make sure nothing was missing, Ficksitup circled the wagon before he reattached himself to it. Getting his bearings straight, he started heading back to the shop. He figured he would be able to take a short cut through the market since there probably wouldn’t be anypony there due to the weather. Though before he could go much further, he heard another familiar voice call out from behind him.

“Ficks?”

Ficksitup turned his head to see Applejack trotting up to him. She was carrying a small basket on her back. She looked slightly shocked that she had found him here.

“Applejack. Hey. What are you doin’ here? I thought you went home already.”

“I was lookin’ all over fer you,” she said, sounding out of breath.

“You were?” He asked, now curious.

“Yeah, when I got home, Granny Smith had made one of her apple pies so I figured on a cold day like this it would be nice to bring ya some. But when I got to the library, Twilight said you never came. I was lookin’ all over town. I was worried about you sugarcube. I thought something had happened to you!” She said hysterically.

Ficksitup suddenly felt beyond guilty for deciding to not go to the library. Not only had he abandoned his job, but now he had even managed to worry the one mare that meant everything to him.

“I’m sorry ‘Jack, I didn’t mean to scare you like that. You know I would never do that on purpose.”

“I know Ficks, but I was still worried. Don’t do that to me.” She asked as she lightly punched his arm with her hoof.

“Ow okay, okay. It won’t happen again.”

“Now that I know yer okay, where did ya go anyway?”

Ficksitup suddenly felt himself break out in a sweat. He knew he was caught and there was no way he would be able to fib his way out of this one. Then again, it wasn’t like he had anything to hide.

“Well that’s the thing,” He said, chuckling nervously, “You see, I was on my way to the library and then I sorta got sidetracked.”

“Sidetracked?”

“Yeah, I kinda ended up goin’ to the day spa with Rarity instead of goin’ to the library.”

“You were at the day spa? With Rarity?”

The look on Applejack’s face seemed like a mix between anger and confusion. Ficksitup had no idea how to take it.

“I didn’t exactly have a choice, Jack. I mean, she already made the appointment and everything.”

“You two planned this?”

“No, no, no. I had nothing to do with this. She did this all on her own.” Ficksitup said, waving his hooves back and forth. Applejack looked at him, still unimpressed.

“And ya didn’t think about tellin’ me this?”

“I didn’t have time. Plus, I didn’t know you’d be lookin’ for me. I mean, why does it matter?”

“Why wouldn’t it matter Ficks?”

Her tone was becoming increasingly hostile. Ficksitup could tell he’d done something stupid again.

“Yer not upset or jealous are ya?”

“What? Me, jealous? Heck no. I just didn’t know you ‘n Rarity were so friendly all of a sudden,” she said defensively. Ficksitup wasn’t completely convinced but decided to continue anyway.

“I didn’t expect us to get along this well today either Jack, but it happened. If it really bothers ya that much, then I’d be happy to make it up to ya.”

“It’s fine Ficks, you don’t need to do anything.”

He noticed that she had stopped calling him sugarcube. Perhaps he was in a lot more trouble than he thought. Deciding to try to lighten the mood, he took the basket from her and peered inside. The several slices of apple pie teased his nostrils with a sweet scent that made his mouth water.

“Thanks for bringing me the pie, Jack. It looks really good.” He said as he placed the basket back on the ground at his hooves. She looked up again and gave him a faint smile.

“Yeah, yer welcome. I hope you like it.”

The two of them stood in silence. Applejack looked off in the distance at a couple of leaves that were blowing in a circle while Ficksitup just stared at his hooves and kicked up some dirt. The longer they remained quiet, the more uncomfortable it was. At any moment, Ficksitup knew she was going to just turn around and leave. Say something... say something you idiot. he thought angrily. If there was a time for action, then this was it. It was time to listen to what Rarity and Hammerplank had said. Now was the time to confess. He needed to tell her.

“Hey Jack. There’s something I wanted to say.”

She didn’t look up but she perked her ears forward to let him know she was listening.

“I know I’ve kinda waited a long time to tell you this, but I think it’s about time I got this off my chest.” he said as he swallowed nervously to clear his throat. This was it.

“Jack... I lo-”

Another loud boom sounded over them as the thunder clapped loudly in the sky. Almost inconspicuously, several drops of rain began to fall from the clouds. Applejack looked up again as the rain began to soak her hat. She wasn’t smiling... Which made Ficksitup’s heart sink tremendously.

“It’ll have to wait Ficks. I gotta go home. Granny’s probably waitin’ for me.” She said, turning away to leave, “Enjoy the pie.”

She walked away while Ficksitup stood there, letting the rain fall down relentlessly upon him. He almost couldn’t believe what had just happened. Everything seemed to be going in slow motion. While she was getting further away, she was walking slowly like she was still waiting for him. Go after her... don’t let her go. Go after her dammit. Ficksitup started to bite his lip. He tried to move forward, but his legs were glued to the ground. He lowered his head and cursed under his breath. Applejack stopped for a second and waited. Whether she was waiting for him, he didn’t know. He looked up again, his hat now drooping wet. He still couldn’t move. After what felt like a minute had passed, she continued to walk away. Ficksitup felt absolutely powerless at this point. The second most important mare in his life was slipping away from him, and all he could do was stand there and continue to get soaked. It was a cleansing rain, yet it seemed to wash away all the happiness that he had gained that day. Applejack finally disappeared around the corner of a nearby shop. After that, Ficksitup could do nothing but stand there a little while longer. The rain still fell without falter.

When Applejack had turned the corner, she quickly leaned against the wall. She sunk to the ground and looked up at the clouds as it continued to soak her face with raindrops. It was the only thing that hid the tears that were now running down her face.

To contact the writers of this story...

Jamescameronjackson@hotmail.com

sharkbite9204@gmail.com