Apples'n'Wrenches

Apples N’ Wrenches

By The Write Bros.

Chapter 7: Flowers For My Darling

“Rarity, are ya sure about this?” Ficksitup asked as they stood outside the small flower shop in Ponyville’s marketplace.

“Of course darling.” Rarity proclaimed, “Did you really think you were done after just asking her out?”

“Uh, well... no, but I thought that was the hard part. Wasn’t it?” He asked, perking his ears with sudden optimism.

She gave him a dissatisfied look. “You’ve never been on a date before, have you?”

“No.” he admitted pathetically, his hoof slowly pawing at the ground like an unsure colt may when first presented with such a question. Truth be told, in matters such as this, he almost felt like one.

“Yes well, unfortunately that can’t be helped.” Rarity continued, “However, the least I can do is help you out, since it is your first date.”

“Gee, thanks.” Ficksitup replied sarcastically, ears finally dropping from their extended springboard of hope back to reality.

“Oh don’t be such a little pessimist.” Rarity said, rubbing one of his cheeks with a hoof, “You should be more excited.”

“I am, I am.” he answered, “But I ain’t so sure this is the best idea.” He stared at the flower shop once more with slight opposition.

Rarity tossed a hoof over her face and shook her head. “I already told you, darling, you need to pick out some flowers for Applejack.”

“Do I really have to?”

“Yes!” she snapped, “Since you didn’t want to get her a gift and you absolutely refused to sing for her...” She shot an accusing look at him. “This is the least you can do.”

Ficksitup reeled back at her sudden outburst and glared back. “Well first of all, there is no way in heck that I would sing, ever. And second, what’s so special about flowers?”

“Ficksitup darling, it doesn’t matter who it is, any girl appreciates getting flowers from somepony that likes them. Applejack included.”

“Even if she would like flowers, I don’t see why she’d want somepony like me to give ‘em to her.”

“Ficksitup please, why are you being so difficult about this?” Rarity asked, giving him a concerned look.

He was silent for a moment. It wasn’t needing the flowers that bothered him. He had simply avoided all flower shops for the last ten years. The last shop he had been in had been his mother’s all those years ago. She had picked a spot directly in the middle of Manehattan where her flowers could be seen and sold to both natives and visitors to the bustling metropolis. She always enjoyed finding that perfect bouquet for any and every situation. From the unlucky bachelor at the last minute on Hearts and Hooves day, to a dash of color for a sick relative, and of course the most amazing bridal bouquets, were her stock and trade and she loved every moment of it.

Thinking of her brought back painful memories he tried so hard to keep repressed, but the beautiful flowers glistening in the window made that next to impossible. It was an odd mixture of guilt and remorse, as though entering any shop but hers would be a betrayal of her memory.

Of course, he wasn’t going to tell Rarity that.

“I just don’t like flower shops.” Ficksitup replied cooly. “It’s all the pollen, makes me sneeze.”

She glared at him through narrowed eyes. There was something he wasn’t telling her, but she knew pestering would get her nowhere. She wondered if a stallion’s thick headedness when it came to matters of the heart was born of a misplaced sense of personal pride or if they all had the emotional maturity of foals. She decided to give Ficksitup the benefit of the doubt and assume it was pride, or at the least, cold hooves. She finally decided on the gentle approach. “Ficks,” she said sweetly, laying a reassuring hoof on his shoulders, “Please dear. Just remember you’re doing this for Applejack.”

He finally nodded in agreement, “Alright.” he answered.

“Excellent.” She chirped, “Now let’s hurry up and get in there, you only have a few hours.”

She started pushing him through the door, Ficksitup didn’t resist but he kept looking back at her with confusion as she shoved him into the shop.

“Rarity please, ya’ don’t have to be so forceful.”

“Well it’s not my fault that somepony decided to wait for the day of the festival to take care of this.”

““It snuck up on me!” he stammered, trying to make an excuse.

“Ugh why do you stallions insist on never being aware of the time? And how could the day ‘sneak’ up on you? Are you really trying to tell me that you forgot about your own date?” she demanded.

“Well I-”

“Oh no, I won’t hear anymore of your excuses, mister. You’re going to pick out a nice bouquet of flowers and then you’re going to go give them to her right after this.”

He decided to keep his arguments to himself, and followed her inside with a smile.

They began to wander the store down aisle after aisle of fresh, brightly colored blooms, the crisp smell of the freshly blossomed buds nearly hypnotic. Ficksitup relished in the memories. He had loved to play in his mother’s shop, absorbing the colors and the smells, playing hide and seek in the huge pots stored in the greenhouse. It had felt safe, a peaceful center in the wild world around him.

It hurt to remember, but the memories made him smile all the same.

“What about these, Ficks?” Rarity asked.

Ficksitup shook his head, returning to the present, and looked back at Rarity, “I’m sorry, what?”

“Ugh, darling would you please stop daydreaming and help me pick something out?”

“Okay, okay I’m lookin’.”

“Now here, look at these.” Rarity suggested as she held up a large bouquet of bright red roses.

Ficksitup stared at them, rather unimpressed, “Seems a bit over the top, don’t ya think?”

“Perhaps, dear, but roses represent passionate love and I would say you two fit the bill for that” she said with a grin.

“It just feels weird, I mean do you really think Applejack would care about all that mushy stuff?”

“Okay... fine. Let’s look at something else.” she suggested, trying not to break her smile. They walked a little further into the shop and investigated a row of tulips that sat on a shelf by themselves. They varied in color from pink to yellow. Rarity quickly selected a small bunch of red tulips. “Here. These will do just as nicely.” she said, handing them to Ficksitup, “Not as over the top as roses but they still represent a declaration of love. They’re perfect.”

“I don’t know...” Ficksitup added, staring at the flowers. “I’m not even sure if ‘Jack would like the color red. Don’t ya thi-”

Rarity couldn’t take it anymore, she stamped her hoof on the ground and started glaring at him. “Of course she likes the color red!” she snapped, “What do you think Applejack and her family spend all day harvesting?”

“Um, apples?” he assumed.

“Red apples, you imbecile!”

Ficksitup thought about it for a split second and then smiled stupidly, “Oh yeah, yer right.”

Rarity smashed her head on the nearby table and let out a long sigh of aggravation, “Ficksitup, why are you such an idiot sometimes?” she mumbled.

“Sorry Rarity, I’m just not used to this thing. After all, I’ve never even gotten a girl flowers.” he apologized.

“I know dear, and I’m sorry for yelling and calling you an idiot. It’s just frustrating.”

“What’s frustrating?” Ficksitup asked, concerned, “Me bein’ an idiot?”

“No, it’s not that.” Rarity quickly answered, “It’s just... I want you and Applejack to be happy together and I don’t want you to mess it up- not saying that you would, but I’m stressing myself out trying to help you with this.”

Ficksitup gave her a faint smile, “I know you agreed to help me with this, Rarity, but ya don’t have to if it’s too much trouble.”

“No it’s okay, dear. I want to help you with this.” she confirmed, “Just please, try to be a bit more flexible with these kind of things and I’ll do my best to be a bit more patient.”

“Alright, deal.”

They looked back at the red tulips and then back to each other. “So what do you think? Should we get these ones?” she asked.

“Hmmm, I still think we should get a different color.” Ficksitup said.

Rarity did her best to restrain herself from pulverizing him. “JUST PICK ONE!” she snapped.
Several of the other customers in the store began to look in their direction to see what all the commotion was. In a panic, Ficksitup quickly grabbed the nearest bouquet without looking.

“Okay here, these ones.”

Rarity inspected the flowers he picked out. Her eyes suddenly grew wide with surprise. “Wow, that’s actually a good choice.” she said, impressed.

Ficksitup stared down at the flowers to see what he had even selected. In his hooves, was a small bouquet of bright yellow tulips. Tied around the stems was a small white bow and a blank square tag for writing the name of the individual who was receiving them.

“Ya think so?” he asked.

“Oh yes, giving somepony yellow tulips means you’re hopelessly in love with them. I think that describes you spot on.” she said, smiling again.

“Yeah I guess it does.” Ficksitup admitted, chuckling a bit. He paused and then tilted his head in curiosity. “You seem to know an awful lot about flowers and their meanin’, Rarity. What’s up with that?”

“Oh, well let’s just say I’ve received plenty of flowers in my days.” she said pridefully.

“From other stallions?” Ficksitup guessed.

“Of course. After all, how can anypony resist a fine beauty such as me?” Rarity said, waving her mane back and forth and fluttering her eyelashes.

“That attitude usually does the trick...” Ficksitup muttered under his breath.

“What was that?”

“Oh nothin’.” Ficksitup said, his eyes darting from side to side, “I just said I’m surprised that ya aren’t datin’ anypony yet.”

The comment made Rarity break her smile as she stared at the ground. “Well as I’m sure I’ve told you before Ficks, I’ve yet to meet somepony that’s worth dating.”

“Ya mean somepony who shares yer same interests or is just as fashionably savvy?”

“Good heavens no, nothing as shallow as that.” Rarity quickly corrected him. “What I mean is that I haven’t met anypony who has been sincere about their feelings with me.”

“Really? Not a single stallion you’ve met has actually been interested in ya?” Fickstiup asked with doubt.

“They’re interested in me.” she paused, “Just not for the reasons that I want them to be.”

“That sounds unlikely.”

“It’s true. The only time they ask me out or proclaim they’re feelings for me is strictly for my looks. And if they do share a taste in fashion like me, it’s strictly business. I just can’t seem to get both.”

“Rarity...”

“Even if they did take the time to get to know me, I doubt they’d want to be with me.” Rarity sighed, “They’d probably think I’m just another inconsiderate, gem loving, fancy girl with only a taste for high class stallions.”

“Now I know that ain’t true.” Ficksitup finally interrupted, which made Rarity look up in surprise. “Sure ya’ like all that fancy stuff, but I can personally say that yer one of the more generous mares that I’ve met in my days.”

“Ficksitup I-”

“After all, ya took me to that day spa, even if it was torture for me, it was still somethin’ that ya did outta’ the kindness of yer heart. And yer helpin’ me out now by givin’ me advice on how to confess to Applejack. If that ain’t generosity, then I don’t know what is.”

Rarity smiled and put a hoof on his shoulder. “Thank you Ficksitup, dear. That means a lot to hear somepony say that.”

“No problem, I’m certain yer gonna’ find somepony that likes ya for who ya are.”

“Yes, you’re right, darling. No sense in worrying about it now.” she admitted, “Now then, let’s go ahead and get these flowers purchased.” Ficksitup nodded his head in agreement and began making his way to the clerk’s counter near the front of the shop. As he walked away, the smile disappeared from Rarity’s face. She quickly muttered to herself, “Ficksitup, you jerk.”

As Ficksitup made his way to the counter, he passed by a small clay pot filled with small white flowers. The branches they rested on seemed to seep right off the edges of the pot, like they were trying to grow their way out. He stopped and inspected the flowers with almost hypnotic fascination. Once he got a whiff of the distinct scent that they gave off, he knew exactly what they were. Jasmines. Rarity finally caught up and noticed what he was staring at.

“Jasmines?” she asked curiously, “What’s got you so interested in them?”

Ficksitup continued to stare at them, refusing to look away. “They were my mother’s favorite.” he finally answered. “After all, she was named after them.”

Rarity did a double take. “Your mother’s name is Jasmine?”

“...Was.” he answered, “She used to own a flower shop kinda’ like this. She even had a whole wall covered with these ‘cause she liked ‘em so much.” He gestured at the white flowers again.

Rarity paused for a moment, afraid to ask the question that she had a feeling she already knew the answer to. “You mean she’s...?”

“Yeah.” Ficksitup answered.

“Was that why you didn’t want to come here?

He merely nodded his head in response.

“Ficksitup I’m so sorry, if I’d known that, I wouldn’t have made you go.” she said with guilt.

“It’s okay.” Ficksitup replied, “I suppose it’s time I moved on anyway. She would have wanted that.”

“I suppose so, but this must still be hard for you.”

“Nothin’s ever been easy for me, Rarity. But ever since I’ve gotten back to Ponyville, a lot of good things have happened. I think she’d be happy to know I’m doin’ just fine now.”

“I suppose you’re right, dear...”

Ficksitup smiled at her and gently placed the small pot of jasmines in his saddlebag. “I think I’ll pick these up too. Just... a lil’ something to remember her by.”

“I think that’s a very nice idea, Ficks.” Rarity added.
They walked to the front of the store and placed the flowers on the counter. Ficksitup paid for them, wished the cashier a pleasant day, and left the store, a small bell ringing as the door closed behind them.

Outside, Rarity began prancing around with giddy excitement.

“Oh these are just absolutely wonderful, darling. Applejack is simply going to love them.” she chirped, smelling the tulips in his bag.

“Ya think so?” Ficksitup asked.

“I know so.”

“Right. Well then all I need to do is go give ‘em to he-”

“Oh no, not quite yet.” Rarity interrupted.

“Why not?” Ficksitup asked, confused. “I thought ya’ said I needed to give ‘em to her right after this?”

“Well, yes I did say that. But then I remembered you still need to get ready, I hate to admit it, but you’re quite a mess right now.” Rarity said, eying him head to hoof.

Ficksitup gave her a solemn look. “I suppose.” he admitted.

“Also...” Rarity added, a grin appearing on her face, “As it turns out, Applejack has asked me to come over today and help her get ready.”

“She what?” Ficksitup asked, now flabbergasted.

“Oh yes.” Rarity said, still grinning. “It looks like she wants to look her best for you tonight and she’s asked me to help her achieve that.”

A wave of images started swarming through Ficksitup’s head as he tried to imagine what Applejack might look like after Rarity was done with her. Whether he wanted to or not, he couldn’t deny that Rarity was certainly no amateur when it came to making herself look presentable. Since he already admired how Applejack looked without any other sort of touch ups or clothing, he couldn’t even fathom how he’d react after this. He began blushing as his imagination started running wild.

“Don’t you worry, dear.” Rarity continued, “I’ll make sure it’s nothing over the top. I know there are some things that even Applejack won’t agree to, but I guarantee, when you see her tonight...” she paused, “You’ll drop dead.”

“Oh uh okay.” Ficksitup stuttered, still flustering red.

“Now go on, hurry up and get ready. I trust you know how to make yourself look decent. You can show up at her house in an hour.” She began shooing him away, “This will take awhile.”

“Right, I’m goin’.” Ficksitup obliged. He started walking away as he turned his head. “And Rarity...”

“Yes, darling?”

“Thanks again, for all of this.” he said, extending a hoof.

She looked at it with disappointment and then back up to him. She then smiled and ignored it as she threw her arms around him to give him a hug. Ficksitup nearly jumped in surprise at the sheer unexpectedness of her action.

“Anytime, dear. Just don’t mess this up, okay?” She said, giving him a wink.

Ficksitup smiled back at her and nodded his head excitedly, “I won’t.”

He waved goodbye to her and started hurried back to his uncle’s shop. As he disappeared around the corner of the marketplace, Rarity’s smile vanished. As she slowly made her way towards Sweet Apple Acres, she sighed glumly to herself.

“Why are all the good stallions taken these days?”

***

The bell on the door chimed as Ficksitup walked into the shop, already hearing his uncle shout from above that he would be down in a moment. Not wanting to get him involved, Ficksitup attempted to quietly trot up the stairs to his room, only to be stopped by his little brother just before hitting the attic floor.

“Hey!” Nuttanbolt said, jumping out of his room with a smile, startling his older brother, causing him to jolt. The ferret could be seen squirming out of the room behind him, inspecting the hallway vigorously with its nose before taking a left turn away from the two ponies.

“Hey, are those flowers?” Nuttanbolt asked, a cheeky, knowing grin appearing on his face. He may have been young, but he wasn’t born yesterday. Ficksitup could see his brother’s cheshire grin spreading and both knew the cause.

“Don’t.” He responded pleadingly, knowing internally that his offering was kindle to his brother’s fire.

The grin only grew wider, as did his eyes.

“Don’t do it..!” Ficksitup said, raising a hoof to stop him, though he guessed at this stage the only thing that could have stopped his brother was Celestia herself.

The shout seemed to pierce the very fabric of time.

“Hey Uncle Hammerplaaaaaaank!”

Ficksitup’s eyes widened as he heard a heavy trot up the stairwell

“What the hay is it Nut, I’ve got a cus- ...Are those flowers..?” He asked, an eyebrow raised, with a devious grin growing on his face.

Ficksitup stammered, looking back at his little brother and uncle in a shifty manner, both still grinning at him. He slapped a hoof to his face and sighed in defeat. He knew that they knew what was going on. To make it worse, he knew what was about to be said, how it was going to be said, and how he was going to respond. No fate could be worse than knowing full well what was about to happen and having no power to stop it from taking place.

“So...” Hammerplank started, walking up to Ficksitup, and around to see the object which he was hiding. “Who are these for, eh?”

Ficksitup rolled his eyes, refusing to respond.

“Are they for your maaaaaarreeefriiieeend?” Nuttanbolt chimed in, teasing his older brother.

“Which of your marefriends is it, boy?” Hammerplank asked with a distinct mixture of mischievousness and vigor that seemed to set Ficksitup askew.

“They’re for Applejack, you old crone. Applejack.” Fickitup replied swiftly to that rather disturbing train of thought, allowing no more of this multiple marefriend talk to interfere with the advancement of this event.

Hammerplank and Nuttanbolt, perhaps expecting more resistance from the repair pony, exchanged a shared look of amusement and a tiny pinch of shock. They both turned to Ficksitup.

“Well now, at least you’re not being all sneaky about it like all them other times.” Hammerplank said with a smile, nodding his head as if tipping an imaginary hat. Ficksitup had no chance to respond quickly.

“Ahh, fiddlesticks! Where’d Oddball scurry off too now?” Nut asked in desperation, his ears picking up the faint scurry of the rodent as it explored the surroundings. He trotted off in a bid to find the creature before it did any more damage than it had done the last time it had escaped- Nut didn’t know if his allowance would ever be able to pay for Diamond Tiara’s, well, Tiara.

“Now that leaves you and me.” Hammerplank said in a rather frank manner. “So, what’s the full story kid?” He asked.

‘Where to begin...’ Ficksitup thought. “Well... I went out to The Acres last ni-”

“In the middle’a the night? Oh, you dog, you..! Keep goin’, I’m listenin’.” Hammerplank said, nudging Ficksitup with his elbow.

Ficksitup sighed and smirked at his uncle’s remark. “Yes, in the middle of the night... Called her down, asked her out on a date...”

“Aaaand? That’s it? Just a date? You could have done that in the middle of the day, you fool! There she was all in her night-dress and in bed and you-” Hammerplank asked with his curiosity rising faster and faster along with his blush before Ficksitup glided past him, blowing past him with his eyes closed.

“She said yes, so yeah, it’s a date.” Ficksitup replied calmly, his voice even and yet infected with some small sense of whimsy. He was more than a little overwhelmed by his uncle’s infatuation with every fine mare he saw and seeming obsession with the younger ones. Especially when it was Applejack that was the apple of his eye, as blatant and painful a metaphor as that was. Despite this affront to his personal sensibilities, he found it rather easy now to deflect his uncle’s vapid, inane ramblings, as if such words were so sticky with lunacy that they were dispatched with almost no concern heeded. He turned back to his uncle, his face set hard and his eyes betraying some inner softness.

Hammerplank saw his nephew, heard his nephew, but did not see his nephew. This was the type of sincere combination of tone and body language that he hadn’t been witness to in many years. Hammerplank’s eyes grew soft as well as they met Ficksitup, the inner warmth behind them in some ways both infectious and mesmerizing. Hammerplank smiled.

“I always did think you looked like your daddy when you really tried.” Hammerplank replied with a chortle, approaching his charge rather gaily.

“Wait, what?” Ficksitup replied as his ears went smoothly down his head.

“Always wondered when you two would finally take the time to get your flanks together.” Hammerplank replied, allowing that line of discussion to die off for a little while.

“Well, yeah... I guess it took long enough.” Ficksitup said in a rather pitiful tone, a weak laugh dying on his lips.

Hammerplank raised an eyebrow of genuine concern at Ficksitup. “What they hay was that, Ficks?” Hammerplank asked. Ficksitup looked back and merely shrugged, as if trying to eject that burrowing question from his core.

“C’mere.” Hammerplank said, putting his hoof on Ficksitup back and leading him along. An awkward few seconds followed, as Ficksitup was not used to his uncle leading him along in a manner that did not include the shattering of the house’s silence.

“Where ya taking your marefriend to for this date?” Hammerplank asked

“Takin’ her to the festival.” Ficksitup replied, noting now that he had rarely heard of a first date at a festival for anyone other than little colts and fillies. Then again, those romance stories always sounded nine-tenths foolish and full of lies.

“Yeh, a farm pony like her just migh’ like that. They like gettin’ all down and dirty.” Hammerplank replied with his characteristic smirk. Ficksitup rolled his eyes at his uncle’s off kilter comment.

“Just stop with your comments already, Plank.” Ficksitup replied with a tinge more playfulness than he had intended. Then again, he hadn’t expected his uncle to be this...unusually upbeat about this.

“Now you know I can’t do that, Ficks. Don’t try to change what can’t be changed. Now, have you thought ‘bout how much this is gonna cost?” Hammerplank asked, assuming that his nephew wasn’t daft. The expression of sudden awareness on his nephew’s face was more than a little disappointing.

“Uh, wait.. I...” Ficksitup uttered, only now thinking about needing finances for the date. It hadn’t even remotely crossed his mind yet. Hammerplank looked at Ficksitup and groaned at the oft airheadedness of his nephew.

“Ugh, c’mere Ficks.” Hammerplank said, guiding him back down to his room. Upon reaching it, Hammerplank moved ahead of Ficksitup, and gestured to follow him into his room, divided from the walk in office. Despite being here a decent time, Ficksiup hadn’t exactly ever ventured into Hammerplank’s room. He was surprised to see that it was decently well kept, desk sitting by a window, adorned by various office supplies. The real eye catchers however, were picutres on the wall. One or two pieces of art, and more than one picture of family. This room truly was alien to Ficksitup, plenty of these things he hadn’t ever seen before.

“Your room is... nice..?” Ficksitup said, still taken aback by this fact. His uncle always struck him as the type to never take the time to tidy anything else up. The rest of the house usually had a spare tool or two laying around it, and the basement, which most work was done, was often a total travesty that his uncle described as, “Organized Chaos”, which eluded Ficksitup. The room made his done-up attic seem ramshackle, and makeshift in comparison. Hammerplank had walked to a side of the room where a safe had adorned the wall, the contents of which, were not Ficksitup’s business. One image on the wall stood out to him; a picture of his family during a meetup in Manehattan many years back. The image of Addemup with a smile he couldn’t remember, his mother who was twice as ecstatic in the image, and a very young version of himself brought a warm smile to his face. “Huh...” Escaped Ficksitup’s mouth, simply taken aback.

“What?” Hammerplank asked, looking back.

“Didn’t know you kept these around.” Ficksitup said, still bewildered by this.

“He may have skipped town, but he was still family.” Hammerplank said in a rather frank manner.

“Wait. Skipped town?” Ficksitup asked with a sudden spike in curiosity.

“Yeah, yer dad was from here,” Hammerplank said, looking back once more at his nephew. “...You knew that, right?”

Ficksitup simply stared back at his uncle, dumbfounded. “...No.”

“Huh. He really din’t talk about home did now did he..?” Hammerplank stated as he moved from his safe, slamming it shut, to the wardrobe, some irritation with that fact present in his voice. Ficksitup moved from the wall as his eyes wandered to Hammerplank’s nightstand, adorned by a candlestick, and an image of which had glass had refracted the light in such a manner that he couldn’t see it clearly. Upon approaching it, and blocking the light from the steadily lowering sun, he was able to make out what looked to be a young Hammerplank, with a rather fetching... ‘Pegasus...’ Ficksitup thought.

“Hey Plank... Who’s this?” Ficksitup said, inching closer. Hammerplank’s head whipped around, “Hey, don’t touch that!” He snapped, whirling on Ficksitup. Ficksitup backed away from the photo, knowing his uncle meant business. Hammerplank sighed, and looked at the image past Ficksitup.

“...Someone I used to know. Now, c’mere, I got somethin’ picked out fer’ya.” Hammerplank said, walking back to the wardrobe. Ficksitup looked back at the picture with curiosity, and walked to Hammerplank.

“Wait, picked out? Hammerplank, it’s just a festival, I don’t need to wear an-”

“You kiddin’ me kid?” Hammerplank said, givjng his nephew a very serious look. “Doesn’t matter where yer’ goin’, this is your first date.” Hammerplank said, poking Ficksitup in the chest with a hoof as he said First Date. “Don’t’cha wanna’ look good for her? I can bet’cha a million bits that she’s gettin at least a little done up for you. Ya’ don’t wanna’ disappoint her, right?” Hammerplank stated in a rather frank, and concerned tone.

“...Nah, I guess you’re right Plank.” Ficksitup said, considering the fact that Rarity said she was gonna’ help Applejack look nice for him. Hammerplank hoofed him a decently dressy white, collared shirt.

“Now go get cleaned up, and put that on when yer’ done. Don’t take too long, either. I’ll give you a little spendin’ money on the way out alright?” Hammerplank said, leading Ficksitup out of his room.

“...Yeah, alright.” Ficksitup said with an earnest expression of gratitude. He glanced at the clock. For whatever reason, Ficksitup felt the need to be hasty about this. “I’ll see you in a few minutes, ‘Plank..!” Ficksitup said, leaving the room. Hammerplank walked back into his room, sat on his bed and looked at the picture that caught Ficksitup’s curiosity, and sighed.

It would have been the perfect way to have ended the afternoon, but Hammerplank was not afforded this luxury. What started as a low groan turned to a rumble and then a storm as Nut, tracking Oddball throughout the building, drew closer and closer to the room. Oddball squirmed its way into the room and then along the wall while Nut leaped in with a smile, like a cat chasing a mouse.

“Nuttanbolt, wha-” Hammerplank began, head perking up as he attempted to track the rodent.

“I almost got him! I almost got him!” Nuttanbolt replied with the purest excitement, seeing Oddball’s tail peak out from behind a desk. There would be no hiding from Nuttanbolt, seeker of ferrets.
As Ficksitup made his way to get ready, the last sounds he could pick up unrelated to his personal mission were those of a struggle, an uneven one, between a stallion, a colt, and a rather cheeky rodent. He was glad that he would be dealing with an entirely different type of struggle.

***
“There, all finished.” Rarity chirped as she put down the mascara wand.

“Rarity are ya sure about this?” Applejack asked, her eyelashes now batting with irritation. “This doesn’t feel right at all.”

“Darling please, don’t rub your eyes, it’ll only make it worse.” she insisted, “And yes. I’m positive. You’ll look irresistible.”

Applejack merely frowned at her and grabbed a nearby towel as she began wiping her face vigorously. “Forget it. I ain’t wearin’ this stuff, it’s drivin’ my eyes crazy.”
“No, Applejack wait. Don’t-” Rarity pleaded in vain as she put her hoof down, unable to stop her friend from undoing over twenty minutes of effort put into applying all that makeup to begin with. She would have to admit defeat, as bitter a pill as that was to swallow.

It hadn’t been due to lack of effort, mind. Not that anypony would ever accuse her of such a thing when fashion was the topic, but she would never do less than the best for a friend. It wasn’t even being generous; it was just being a good friend.

But even the best intentions couldn’t override the sheer wall of resistance put up by Applejack.
Rarity was having flashbacks to the several times she had attempted to dress Applejack. Each time had been what felt like a fight to the death. Only this time, Applejack was absolutely unwilling to budge on most things. Rarity had spent a shocking amount of time simply finding a color she’d agree to wear, let alone attempting to find a fashion suitable for the occasion, Applejack’s desires, and Rarity’s sensibilities. Despite being reminded of those times, and expecting resistance, Applejack had been uncharacteristically stubborn today, refusing to bend to Rarity’s will even the slightest at times. Rarity wondered if it was the same with all Apple mares or if Applejack was a unique case. She silently hoped it was a unique case, Celestia save their stallions if it was not.

Still, she could count on a small number of hard-earned victories in this fashion battle. If it was up to Applejack, she probably would have went out in nothing special to mark this once-in-a-lifetime occasion. Be that as it may, Rarity would have none of that. This was undoubtedly, even if it was something as breezy as a festival, a special occasion. No matter how stubborn Applejack had been or intended to be, Rarity would do her best to make her look presentable for Ficksitup.

And she knew that she had most certainly done so.

Applejack was undoubtedly a work pony. While she never had the smell nor sight of a common ruffian or ill-kept mare, straight from work it was possible to see signs of her struggle with nature. A smidgen of dirt on her legs, mane caked from sweat and mud, beads of both still dripping from her coat, her legs twitching in reflexive motion after a day of bucking and hauling.

Today however, in no small part due to her own additions, Applejack looked more than presentable. She had removed the ribbons that often held her mane in place, which Rarity knew full well Ficksitup was fond of, if her loose mane at the party some time back was any indicator. While attempting to select something for Applejack, which would be far easier in her absence, Rarity had told her to get cleaned up. Upon returning, she was surprised at how much better she looked.

When not caked with sweat, mud, and indifference, her mane was simply beautiful as was her healthy coat. It wasn’t difficult to imagine that many a stallion harbored impure thoughts about her that had her in just such a condition. Though still hesitant to have put it on in the first place, Applejack’s orange coat and blond mane contrasted rather well with her somewhat loosely worn red plaid shirt, which was the nicest looking thing they could settle on.

“Applejack, Darling, you really should dress like this more often. It’s quite flattering!” Rarity said, gushing over Applejack’s appearance in an attempt to make her more comfortable with her new look.

“It ain’t so bad... But do we really ha-”

“YES. Yes, I- we absolutely have to! This is your first date, Applejack, consider whom you’re doing this for in the first place?”

“Well I-”

“Don’t you want to look nice, and presentable for him? I mean that is what you called me here for in the first place. No point in fighting it now. Besides, you look fantastic dear.”

“You really think he’ll like this?” Applejack asked in an uncharacteristically coy manner.

“Applejack, he can’t take his eyes off of you when you’re not dressed for an occasion, of course he’ll like it.” Rarity said, rolling her eyes.

Applejack blushed at the notion that Ficksitup couldn’t stop looking her way. “He really can’t..?”

Rarity let out an exasperated sigh as she threw a hoof over her face; a trademark of hers. “Applejack, what is the matter with you lately? Just look at you! You’re more nervous than Fluttershy on a runway! What has gotten into you?” She asked,

Applejack looked down and around, her eyes squinting and moving as if trying to see that which could not be seen. She shook her head.

“Just first date jitters, I s’pose. Hey, how’s Sweetie Belle doin’? She was s’posed to come over last night for a slumber party with Applebloom, but she never came!” Applejack asked earnestly, both wondering what could possess her body to feel such a shiver and why one-third of the Cutie Mark Crusaders hadn’t been doing much crusadin’.

Rarity raised an unimpressed eyebrow, as though to say, ‘I know what you’re doing.’ without actually saying it.

“Uh... So you um, how about those snappy dresses you make, huh? Any new ones?” Applejack said, again in a pitiful attempt to divert from herself, which Rarity still wasn’t buying. She crossed her legs, displaying that she wasn’t willing to move on until Applejack displayed her virtue most nobly and fessed up to whatever it was she was hiding. However, crossing her legs wasn’t necessarily the greatest tactic when she had to make minute adjustments, seeing as her horn was busy combing and refining Applejack’s frolicking mane.

“C’mon Rarity, I’m nervous here. Cut me some slack, wil ya?” The stubborn farm pony cracked meekly for a moment, and Rarity let out a rather amused sigh of defeat. She drew in close to make a minute adjustment on her shirt, a smirk on her face.

“My dresses are coming along perfectly, darling. You wouldn’t believe how well I’m doing in Hoofington, of all places. I never thought I’d get even one of those port-town dwellers to take a glance at one of my fine dresses. It turns out that even ponies who smell like fish all day still want to look absolutely fabulous!” She finished excitedly, momentarily dropping the engagement with Applejack to partake in one of her favorite hobbies, the discussion of just how well she truly was doing. It wasn’t being conceited if one was asked.

“Hoofington? Seems a mighty odd place for your business to be doing so good- no offense intended.” Applejack replied, Rarity’s comb working through her mane, brushing her out of some compulsive habit.

“Yes, it is quite unusual, isn’t it? But what can I say, my sweet Applejack- quality is quality, no matter where you find it. Now if you would be a dear and lower your head just the tiniest bit?” Rarity asked, approaching Applejack’s flank so she could get a better look at the back of the mane.

Applejack didn’t like taking orders from Rarity, especially when it involved her body. This time however she obeyed the command and tilted her head a little low, allowing the comb to work deep inside.

“Ya never did answer me, Rarity.” Applejack said with a grin, deciding to deal with this situation the best way she knew how: Pestering answers out of the fashionista.

“Oh? What about?” Rarity responded absent mindedly, focused in on the knots that still seemed to occur in Applejack’s mane. She shuddered at the thought that Applejack’s mane had become so used to ponytails that they naturally stuck together, clumping in all the wrong areas.

“Sweetie Belle- Oww! Not so rough, Rarity!” Applejack complained as the comb found a particularly tight knot and showed little mercy.

“I do apologize, Applejack. Your mane is so beautiful, but there are just so many knots underneath..! Simply dreadful! As for Sweetie Belle, I don’t quite know. She hasn’t been by as often as she used to and when she is over, she always seems to be practicing her singing, always blushes when I ask her why. One day soon however, my Sweetie Belle is going to get her cutie mark in singing and be a star!” She unabashedly made a small movement in her stance, more than happy to imagine designing beautiful dresses for her famous and talented sister. Whether she was more excited for Sweetie Belle or the opportunity to have a famous singer advertising her wares on a daily basis was open to interpretation.

Finally satisfied with her work, Rarity gestured for Applejack to turn around to finally face the mirror that she had brought along.

“Well?” Rarity said, grinning with prideful anticipation. Applejack’s eyes widened, eyebrows raised as she turned herself to different angles to get a better view, the look of surprise never leaving her face.

“Huh.” She said, still surprised.

“Well, what do you think?” She asked, still waiting on her answer.

“...Yeah, that’s... Good, it works.” Applejack said in a rather frank manner, to which Rarity took no offense. She knew that Applejack was not one to over embellish on things like this, and knew her well enough to know that was a compliment. She seemed more relaxed as well, which Rarity saw as an opening to get to the bottom of her friend’s reasons for acting so nervous.

“Glad you like it darling, but please, if you don’t mind, telling me why you were so tense?” She asked, causing a surprised reaction from Applejack. It crossed her mind to say to defend her ‘tense’ status, but she sighed in defeat, realizing there was no point in fighting Rarity anymore.

“I ain’t lyin’ when I say I’m nervous, Rarity. I’ve never felt this way before, all these butterflies in my stomach, my first date and all that. I feel like I’m not myself, like I’m some other pony, and I don’t know what to say or do.” Applejack’s answer came in a low, almost worried tone. Rarity’s look was one of concern, as rarely had she seen her friend anything less than certain in her mindset.

“Oh, Applejack, that’s perfectly normal. No reason to be so...wound up about it.” Rarity replied, feeling her own words were a little hollow. She was wound up about this as well and she couldn’t quite place her hoof as to why. She couldn’t help but feel as though somehow it was peripherally related to Ficksitup, and it bugged her. She wasn’t entirely sure why she too, was tense, even if it was far less so than Applejack.

“I guess yer’ right Rarity... I just ain’t used to this whole thing. Ya’ think he feels the same way?” She asked with audible concern.

“Positive.” Rarity said with a re assuring smile.

Suddenly, loud thumps were heard from below, causing Applejack to jump a bit as her eyes widened.

“How’s my mane look, is my hat on straight, what about my shirt did I forg-”

“Applejack, darling please! Calm down would you? Now go on, he-”

“He’s heeeeeeree!” A filly’s voice shouted from the stairwell.

Applejack gave Rarity an unsure look, who bobbed her head in the direction of the hallway. “...Thanks Rarity.” Applejack said, sighing and leaving her room. To her surprise, the door still wasn’t opened. Applejack cautiously walked over to the door, and opened it. She was taken aback by what she saw.

Before her stood Ficksitup, but not as he usually looked. He was wearing a rather dressy white collar shirt, with one button loose at the top, and sleeves worn long. He even looked far cleaner than usual. Of course, he still wore the hat that she had given him all those years ago.

“I uh, um...” She stammered, unable to really say anything coherently at the moment. Ficksitup was also looking at her, taking in the details of her uncommonly dressed appearance.

“Hi.” He said in a rather frank manner.

“...Hi.” She replied coyly. “You look really great, Ficks.”

Ficksitup smiled, chuckled and blushed slightly. “Well, you ain’t lookin’ too bad yourself.” His eyes widened however, as a shadow was cast over Applejack. Behind her he saw a red stallion with a look on his face that didn’t exactly scream joy. Then again, what face of his screamed anything?

“Hey there, Big Mac.” Ficksitup said plainly, more than a little nervous as the red stallion continued past Applejack, grabbed Ficksitup, and half-dragged him to the the side of the front door.

Then he was silent, just looking at Ficksitup for a few seconds. He didn’t have to say anything.

“Don’t worry, Big Mac, I’ll make sure she’s safe.” Ficksitup said proudly.

“Eeeyup.”

He still stood there with the same look.

“...And I’ll bring her home on time?”

“Eeeyup.”

Still there, still looking. Ficksitup could feel the heat from the stare burrowing holes in his head.

“And...I won’t do nothin’.”

“Nnnope.” The massive stallion replied matter of factly.

“Or else you’ll take care of me.” Ficksitup added knowingly, gulping.

“Eeeyup.” Big Mac replied, turning his head towards the remains of a tree near the house. Ficksitup could only gaze with horror as it had been bucked in half.

“One leg.” Was all Big Mac said as he trotted back inside of the house, nodding politely at Applejack before retreating further inside.

“Oh, hey ‘Jack... Got’cha some flowers.” Ficksitup said, hoofing her the Bouquet of bright yellow tulips. Applejack’s eyes lit up, and an expression of shock grew on her face as she took them.

“I.... I don’t know what to say... Nopony’s ever gotten me flowers before... Thank you.” She said with an earnest smile. Ficksitup nodded as she walked back into her house. Curious as to why had hadn’t followed, Applejack turned and spoke. “Well come on in, Ficks.” Applejack said, gesturing for him to follow. With a slight smile, and a cautious look to Big Macintosh, he followed her inside.

“Aaaaw!” A young voice cooed. Applebloom stared at the flowers Applejack was carrying with starry eyes, seemingly thrilled that her sister had been given such a thing. “That’s so sweet, did Ficksitup get those for ya’?” Applebloom asked as her sister placed them in a nearby pitcher.

“Yes he did.” Applejack said, looking back at Ficksitup with a smile. Applebloom was still looking at her sister with glee. “Ain’t that his way’a sayin’ he loves you?” She said, giving her sister a wide grin.

“Applebloom..!” Applejack said, blushing furiously at the prospect as Applebloom continued to give her a cheeky grin. Ficksitup let out a snicker of his own at their antics, receiving a slight glare from Applejack, which stopped Ficksitup right then and there, pretending he hadn’t laughed in the first place. Granny smith creeped into the room with a confused expression on her face.

“What’s all this ruckus about?” She said in a brittle tone.

“I’m just goin’ o-”

“Applejack’s goin’ on a date with Ficksitup!”

“Applebloom!” Applejack said again, blushing even more than she was before.

“She’s goin’ on a date, she’s goin’ on a date, she’s goin on a da-” Applebloom said, skipping around the room until Big Macintosh set a hoof onto her mouth to quiet her. Applejack sighed and nodded at her brother as she made her way to Ficksitup, who grasped her hoof in his own, causing her eyes to widen at the sudden gesture.

“Ready to go, ‘Jack?” He asked in an unusually calm manner.

“Uh, yeah. Sure..!’

“Just be sure to bring Applejack back before her bed time!” Granny Smith said in a shrill tone, causing Applejack to put a hoof over her face.

“Alright. Y’all take care.” Ficksitup said, walking out with Applejack, and closing the door behind them.

And suddenly, it hit her. Rarity removed her head from the floor, listening to the conversation below and cursing that her hair was now dusty as a result. She now knew why she was tense, and nervous in lieu of recent events. She hadn’t harbored any particularly poor feelings towards Ficksitup, and lately she had certainly warmed up to him.

Perhaps, moreso than she was currently comfortable with.

She couldn’t find words to describe the feeling she was experiencing, or the fact that she was... Yes, she was envious of Applejack, and only now was she realizing it. Envious, because she wanted what Applejack surely had. What bothered her more was that it wasn’t just a primal, visceral, physical longing, either.

But why was she feeling so strongly about him? He was nothing like what she had typically aimed for. He wasn’t high class, he didn’t have fine tastes, he... treated her like a lady, was generally kind, and an honest to goodness nice Stallion. And he wasn’t hard on the eyes, either, which she regrettably admitted to herself. There was something comforting behind a pony such as Ficksitup, warm and regal in matters of the soul. Easy to love-

“No.” she said to herself, finally leaving Applejack’s room. ‘I will not allow my personal feelings to get in the way of two ponies I consider dear friends. I refuse.’ She thought to herself in a small moment of fleeting panic, imagining the great sorrow of the two ponies as they drifted apart due to her savage and barbaric greed.

Shaking her head and muttering to nopony in particular about the needs of the heart, Rarity packed away her things in her saddlebag and left the house quickly and oddly defeated, head hung low and heart even lower.