Keiji walked into the farmhouse, and greeted both Granny Smith and Big Mac. There, he found out that Applejack was upstairs and likely in her room, so that’s exactly where he went with Applebloom close behind.
“I just hope she’s willing to talk to me,” Keiji muttered, “I know it must’ve been hard for you all.”
“Water under the bridge,” Applebloom scoffed, “I actually feel way better know that I know the facts. And I’m sure Applejack does too. She don’t never mince words when it comes’ta how she feels.”
“That’s good to hear,” he replied with a smile, and looked down the hallway. “Now where is she…?”
Applebloom listened closely--she could hear running water that had just been shut off. “Oh. I think she’s in the shower. Might wanna wait fer a spell.”
“Yeah that’s--”
Creak.
Applejack stepped out of the steaming bathroom with a towel around her body. Her wet, blonde hair ran down past her shoulders as she walked out to greet them.
“...Howdy,” she said half-heartedly, “Didn’t think you were comin’ta see me, little man…”
“...” While stunned by her appearance for a moment, he forced himself to overcome it in order to speak to her. “...because--and I know this may come as shock--but you’re a friend. Don’t we support each other or some shit? Come on, I’m not gonna leave you high and dry in a moment of vulnerability.”
Applebloom took note of the way he spoke. “Wow. He’s becomin’ a bigger man each day, ain’t he? Tiara and Spoon are gonna have their hands full.”
“...Yer a good man, Keiji,” Applejack chuckled as she turned to enter her room. “I’ll be out in a sec.”
When she shut herself behind her door, Applebloom would remark on what she heard.
“Well now, somebody ain’t so caught up on women’s bodies no more, is he?” she playfully mocked his ‘condition’. “Guess havin’ two girlfriends kinda cured ya?”
“I will bite you.”
“Ooh! Make me a vampgal too, please!”
“...on second thought, no--how about I just toss you like Cal Dracula would-”
Applebloom tilted her head. “...who?”
“Oh yeah, you don’t know him, but he’s a legend where I’m from. The first ruler of Trotsylvania. Caltrop Dracula--also known as Cal The Impaler. He was most famous for the way he took control of the entire Trotsylvanian landscape as well as all of Roamania itself.”
“Hmm…” Applebloom tapped her finger on her chin until she perked up. “Oh! We learned about somebody similar in our class!”
“Yeah, but this world’s version of him is woefully inaccurate. He didn’t just impale pon--er, people. Regardless, he’s still one of my favorite historical figures. In fact, I was thinking about dressing up as him this year for Night--er, Halloween. We used to throw a celebration where we’d visit his statues all the time too…”
“That sounds like a good idea. You’d basically be dressin’ up as an Emperor.” Applebloom folded her arms. “...if only there was a way we could bring yer tradition here.”
Keiji shook his head. “Nah, don’t trouble yourself. My old life is gone and so are all the things I knew along with it. Candy doesn’t sound like a bad idea though. I’d never turn down the option for free treats.”
But Applebloom was persistent in her efforts to make Keiji feel happy. “I’mma need some help, but I’mma make sure I get it done.”
Their conversation was interrupted by a surprise visitor.
“Hey, guys,” Silver Spoon called out as she walked up the stairs, “My mom wanted me to come by and check on our pumpkin order. Is it ready, Applebloom?”
“Huh? Oh yeah. Yer order’s on my list. Gimme a sec,” Applebloom confirmed as she ran off to her room.
Keiji rubbed the back of his head and looked on in confusion. “...she’s starting to take orders on herself, huh? Guess that’s what happens when we get older, huh?”
“Yup. She’s actually been 17 for the last few months--even though she doesn’t look it, she’s got a lot on her plate and I respect her.” Spoon leaned against the wall and went on. “I’m the same way, really. Mom and dad got me working in their glass-blowing sector handling deliveries for our art. It’s a hard job, but it works. Honestly, I’m kinda jealous of you for that reason, Kei.”
“Yeah. I suppose not having to worry about parents is a plus,” he replied, then sighed. “...but it does kinda suck not having anyone to acknowledge or praise what I do when I get home.”
Spoon’s expression dropped, then she approach him with an arm around his shoulder. “I get what you mean. But don’t worry, big guy. You’re amazing and I mean it when I say that you’ve made my life way better and far more exciting. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if Tiara said the same thing.”
The sentiment melted his heart and put a smile on his face. “I’m glad to hear it. Thanks. I’ll be sure to make life way better for ya both as long as we live. Speaking of which, when’s your birthday party again?”
“This weekend. Hopefully you come…my stupid dad’s inviting loads of rich asshole kids that we know from business,” she adjusted her glasses with a scoff, “Absolute bores. Someone like you could set them straight.”
“Hmm…”
A chance to firmly plant himself among the elite and show them up in front of Silver Spoon? Keiji would be a fool not to accept.
“...you sick bastard, I’m in.”