A familiar pony appears at Sweet Apple Acres in the middle of the night. Applejack doesn't think twice about letting him in, but something begins to arise between the two. What will become of the two ponies? What is this pony's tragic story?
One night at Sweet Apple Acres, a familiar pony arrives in an unexpected way. Applejack doesn't think twice of helping him, but how did this pony appear in such a miserable state? Will Applejack be able to relieve him of the past? What will become of the these two ponies as the get to know each other, truthfully, for the first time? Only time will tell on this emotional, wild, roller coaster ride of a story.
I woke up to a loud commotion coming outside the barn. I just diminished it as nothing more than the animals stirring in their pens, but an ear-piercing scream made me jump out of bed, run down the stairs, and out of the barn before I even think of my own safety.
I followed the loud, screeching screams, but, suddenly, it stopped. I slowed my steps as I got closer to faint muffled sobs from something near the pig pen. Turning the corner, I see a shady figure bent over, surrounded in what looks like a dark red substance.
“Hello?” I said before getting any closer,” Who’s there?”
The figure stopped sobbing to look up at me, and I realized who it was by the little bit of moonlight shining on their light green eyes.
“Applejack?” The figure asked in a scratchy voice.
“Flim?” I questioned in total shock.
Is this real? Am I in a dream? I couldn’t comprehend how in the wide, wide world of Equestria, Flim could be at Sweet Apple Acres in the middle of the night, and here, of all places! He made a severe cry of pain, and I noticd the puddle surrounding him again. It's blood. I quickly closed off the distance between us to see what was wrong.
“What happened?” I asked.
“I-I’m n-n-not s-sure,” Flim struggled to get out.
I scanned over the rest of him to make sure that all of his hooves were intact. Thank goodness there were no missing body parts.
I didn’t ask any more questions and didn’t think twice of what I was about to do. Instead of reminiscing over our past, I lifted Flim up slowly to not bring any more pain to him and carried him back to the barn. I know I should've thought about it more, but when a pony is in need, or a drastic need in this case, there I'll be.
After I laid Flim down on the sofa, the light showed just how bad of a condition he was really in. There were multiple cuts and bruises all over him, and his usual “uniform” was shredded to pieces. His hat was missing, and, most importantly, there was a large gash in his side, with blood still seeping out. I look around to find a cloth to cover up the wound, but instead, I find Big Macintosh at the bottom of the stairs, with a confused look on his face.
“I’m guessing my ruckus woke you up?” I questioned my brother.
“Eeyup,” He response with his usual phrase. He quickly looks around the room to find Flim on the sofa. He looked in shock, but then looked at me instead with a questioning look, as if waiting for the answer to come from me.
“I heard a loud commotion coming from outside and went to check it out,” I explained,” Turns out, it was Flim, lying near the pig pen, in really bad shape, as you can tell. I carried him back here, hoping that I could help him.”
Big Mac walked over to the injured stallion. For a second, I thought he was going to yell at me for letting such a ruthless fellow into our house, but instead, he offered to help. I ask him to find a cloth, and I would get the medicine to heal the wounds.
Once we met back up in the living room, Flim was sitting up slightly, clearly still in a lot of pain. He looked down at the deep cut in his side and began to sob slightly. Before he could go into a meltdown like outside, I walk into the room, causing him to look at me.
“T-thank you, A-applejack,” Flim struggled to get out.
“Don’t strain your voice now, you hear?” I tell him,” You don’t have to thank me. I saw a pony in need, and no matter how bad they might’ve been, they deserve help.” Flim responded with a slight smile, one that I’ve never seen on him before. It looked good on him.
I began to start cleaning up his wounds, and Big Mac joined me, wiping alcohol over the cut in his side. Flim winced at this but didn’t move. By the time we completed bandaging all we could, Granny Smith was looking over the top of the stairs.
“What are ya young whippersnappers doing up this early in the morning?” she asked.
I pointed to Flim, and she gasped but stayed in her position.
“Applejack, dear, show him to the guest room,” Granny said calmly.
“Okay, Granny.”
Me and Big Mac carried Flim cautiously up the stairs, not daring to let him drop down them. After pulling the sheets back, Big Mac laid him down in the bed, careful not the let him hit the headboard. I brought the covers back over Flim and started walking away, but suddenly, he grabbed my hoof.
“T-thank you, s-sweet Applejack,” Flim said, before passing out from an obviously stressful night. I placed his hoof back on the bed and made my way back to my room, across the hall. I laid down and fell asleep with only a question filling my thoughts.
The rooster’s loud call woke up. I’d forgotten last night events until I heard a heavy, dry cough come from across the hall. I began to get up at a much faster pace, grabbing my iconic hat off the headboard before making my way across the hall to the distressed stallion lying in our guest bedroom.
I peered around the corner of the door to see Flim sitting up in bed, coughing, which sounded like a cat hacking up a fur ball. I backed away and rushed to the kitchen to get a glass of water. Granny Smith was cooking breakfast but noticed me rummaging around the kitchen to get a cup but didn't question anything I was doing as she probably assumed I was doing something for Flim. Once I got the water, I hurried back up the stairs and quickly handed the glass to Flim who chugged it down in no time at all. Once downing the water, he looked relieved that the cough was finally gone; so was I.
“Did that water help?” I asked.
He cleared his throat before responding. “Yeah, it did. Thank you again, Applejack.”
“What did I say?” I smiled kindly at him,” No need to thank me. Anypony would’ve done the same thing if they saw you in trouble.
Flim pinned his ears back at this comment and looked down at the sheet covering his thin, bruised-up body.
“Wouldn’t they?” I asked in a concerned tone.
“I’m not so sure,” he responded,” I don’t think anypony would have taken me in if I stumbled upon any other house here in Ponyville.”
I couldn’t exactly disagree with him. After him and his brother came back two times, they were not the most liked, and certainly not the most trusted ponies of the ponies of Ponyville. My family and I were the most affected by their visits, but, right now, I paid very little to mind the past we had with the troublesome brothers. Of course it bothered me slightly that a conman was lying in the guest bed, but his moans and groans of pain overran my mind to send him outside, but rather to help Flim get well.
“Well,” I started, sitting on the far end of the bed,” You and your brother weren’t the friendliest ponies to come around here.”
“Yeah, we weren’t, were we?” he sighed,” Applejack, I want to apologize for everything me and my brother did to you and your family. I understand we weren’t the most trustworthy ponies around, but I need to tell you, none of it was my idea. It was my brother’s.”
“What do you mean?” I questioned, cocking my head to the side, causing my hat to slant and cover my right ear. Flim smirks at this, which makes me glow inside. He uses his magic to set my hat back on head in it's proper place between my ears.
I felt a slight tug at my heart. Something I had never felt before and wasn't quite sure why it happened.
Why did that happen? Did Flim cause that new sensation?
I felt my face began to heat up and turned my head to look out the window instead of at Flim so he couldn’t so the very visible blush appear on my light orange cheeks. Flim was about to respond to my question, but Granny interrupted him.
“Breakfast is ready!”
I got up slowly, not to move Flim’s body too much.
“Don’t worry,” I said to comfort him,” I’ll bring you some food. You just stay here and rest for a little while longer.”
I left the guest room before he could thank me once again and walked down the stairs to the glorious smell of pancakes with eggs.
After washing off the dishes and collecting some food for Flim onto a plate, I went back up the stairs to deliver a hearty breakfast to a pony who needed it much more than I did. Flim’s head instantly lifted off the pillow when he smelled the sweet aroma of homemade pancakes. I placed the plate onto his lap and backed away so he could enjoy the food without somepony in his personal space. He licked is his lips in anticipation and then dug right into the food. He was obviously very hungry because he didn’t stop until there wasn’t a crumb left on the plate. He placed the already cleaned plate on to the table beside him. I picked it up and began walking away, but Flim stopped me in my tracks before I could get one hoof out the door.
“Tell Granny Smith that she is an excellent cook,” he said, then adding,” Is there anything I can do to help you or your family today?”
“Not a chance, Sugarcube,” I responded,” The only thing you can do today is get as much rest as possible.”
He sighed before saying,” I just want to thank you one last time for everything that you have done, Applejack. I don’t know what would’ve happened to me if you hadn’t come and saved me when you did.” I looked at Flim and saw just how honest he was truly being. I’ve never seen this side of him before. I liked it.
“You're welcome, Flim,” I said, adding a smile to my face,” Although, there is one thing you can do.”
“Really?” Flim asked, excitedly,” I will gladly help whatever way I can.”
“You can help me by telling me how you ended up at Sweet Apples Acres in the middle of the night and badly hurt. Do you think you can do that by the time I finish my chores this afternoon?”
I could tell it wasn’t a topic he wanted to bring up, but he realized he wasn’t getting out of telling me a story that could help me understand just what had happened to him.
“Okay, Applejack,” Flim reconciled,” I’ll tell you this afternoon.”
“Thank you,” I said, winking at him on the way out of his new room.
No one could have prepared me for the story I was going to be hearing later this afternoon.
A hard day's work sure does take a toll on your body, and, boy, was mine sure sore. You would think by now after years of applebucking that I wouldn't get so tired from it, but it's just as much work as the first time I started my daily applebucking routine.
I was in the west orchard, finishing off the last of the trees that needed bucking. Last one, I though to myself. I reared my back legs up to the center of the tree and BAM! All at once, the apples came tumbling down from the weighed down branches of the old apple tree. I wiped the sweat away from my forehead and turned around to look at all the work that I'd accomplished for the day. Over half an acre of apple trees were cleared of the very object that made them apple trees.
A low rumble from my belly was telling me it was time for dinner. I made my way down the path through the emptied apple trees back to the barn. Immediately, I smelled the freshly baked, apple pie that Granny had perfected over many years of practice. I walked through the old, wooden door to the surprise of Flim sitting down at the dinning table in front of me.
At first I'm surprised, but I tell myself that he probably got tired from being in bed all day, and there was no reason for him not to join us for a delectable, homemade meal.
"Applejack," Granny called from the kitchen," Would you be a dear and set the plates out on the table, please?"
"Sure thing, Granny," I responded.
Before I could lay a hoof on the plates, a light green aurora surrounded all five dishes and levitated them off the counter. I'm confused for a moment, but when I turn around, I see that Flim has brought all the dishes back to the table, placed in the proper seating arrangements. I give him a quizzical look as to why he would do that.
"It's the least I could do, " he answered, as if reading my mind.
"Thank you, Flim."
"No need to thank me," he responded with a wink. I giggled at this, and Flim smiled at the fact that he had me laugh.
"Soup's on, everpony!" Granny Smith yelled.
I made my way back to the table and took my seat next to Flim.
After a delicious meal and small talk over our uneventful days, I helped clean up the kitchen. Flim had insisted on helping, but I commanded him to go back up to his room and that I would be up in a minute to listen to his tale of how he ended up at Sweet Apple Acres.
I made my up the stairs towards Flim's new room, not knowing what I was about to get myself into. I entered the room to find Flim sitting up in his bed, lying under is sheets, as though I was going to be telling him a story instead it being the other way around.
"I would sit down for this story, Miss Applejack," Flim recommended," It may be bothersome and horrific in some parts of my tragic tale."
"Uh, okay," I said, questioning myself if I really wanted to hear what Flim had to say or if he was exaggerating like he usually liked to do.
I sat at the end of the bed, right at the bottom Flim's hooves and laid back, ready for the long story that was about to come.
"Ready?" Flim asked.
"Ready," I respond with a little concern in my voice.
Flim cleared his throat before beginning his story.
One week earlier
Flim's P.O.V.
"Thank you, sir," my devious brother, Flam, said to the buying customer," There's no doubt that you will be young and spry in a matter of minutes after taking this tonic."
"Thank ya, young colt," the older stallion responded. He walked off, grinning to himself because he had just bought himself a "Miracle" tonic.
I mumbled a remark under my breath about how Flam's deceitful ways were getting us nowhere.
"What was that, my dear brother?" Flam asked, obviously hearing my little comment.
"I said that we are getting nowhere in lying about this supposedly "miracle" curative tonic that supposedly makes a old pony young again!" I shouted loud enough for some bystanders to glance our way.
Flam was clearly taken aback my this. Discomfort was shown across his mustachioed face, an honestly, for the first time ever, I couldn't care less at this moment.
"Dear, brother," Flam responded, pointing his hoof towards our tent," Why don't we discuss this in a private, yes?"
I didn't budge at first, but I obliged after noticing all the attention we had drawn from my little outburst. I rolled my eyes before trotting on over to our tent, entering it, not bothering to leave the flap open for my brother. Once Flam entered the tent and closed it off, I let out a storm of emotions and thoughts that had been building up inside my heart and head for too long.
"Do you have any idea how much I hate lying?" I started, trying to keep my voiced leveled but failing miserably," I despise it, but for over ten years, I've followed you, my big brother, in your hoofsteps. I figured that you knew what you were doing, not questioning your methods or ideas for so long, but I'm done. I'm done, Flam. Ever since our encounter with the Apple family in Ponyville, I've realized that there is so much more than money. There is such thing has having friends besides you. A true friend that wouldn't force me to be a lying, manipulating, conman!"
I was yelling by this point, not wanting to stop, but I was crying. Crying from keeping all of these thoughts and emotions in for too long. Crying out of anger at my brother who I had looked up to for so long before finally realizing he was doing nothing for me but bringing me to as low of a pony that he was.
"Flim," Flam began, with obvious anger in his voice," Do you know how hard I work for us? Do you know how many years of lying and deceiving has gotten me to this point of perfect manipulating skills? I've done way more than you think. All of my goals for each item sell is to collect the money we need to survive. I've done this for both of us, and-"
"No," I interrupted," All you think about is yourself. There is no "we" to you when you sell a fake product to an unknown pony. I've seen the way you look at the bits that you collect. Nothing but greed is shown in your eyes. There is no 'we" to you, no-"
Before I can finish my sentence, a hard strike against my left cheek stops me in my tracks. I stumble back and rubbed my left cheek that was now a dark red against my light, cream-colored fur. I looked up in shock at my brother who had no regret on his face. Nothing but anger and fury.
"Go," Flam mumbled.
"Wha-?"
"GO!"
And I did. I went out of the tent, running at full speed. To where, I don't know, just somewhere far away from here. Goodbye Dodge Junction, hello someplace else. I didn't stop running until I came to the edge of a dark, dreary forest which I could only assume was the Everfree Forest. It wasn't pleasant or welcoming but where there's plants, there's food. I took a deep breathe before bringing one hoof in front of the other until I was several feet into the unknown forest.
A few days passed by, and I was getting very thirsty. There was plenty of berries and plants, but there was no stream in sight. If I didn't get water soon, I was going to faint and very possibly, might not wake up, so I trudged on.
One late night, I felt I was going to pass out. The trees were casting long shadows across the forest floor, making me get an uneasy feeling in my stomach. I heard the rustle of some branches close by but didn't think much of it, after all, this was a forest, but then the winds began to pick up, causing the rustling to grow louder and louder.
It's nothing, Flim, I told myself. It's just the wind. No big deal.
As I was reassuring myself, I heard a low rumble, uncomfortably close for my liking. The rumbling began to surround me, and I began to panic, forgetting what I had just told myself. I couldn't teleport. My magic wasn't nearly advanced enough to do such strong magic. I was trapped.
Little yellow lights began to appear all around me. I didn't know what sort of creatures were showing up, but I didn't waist a minute longer to find out. I shot off through the forest, hearing my attackers chasing after me. I was breathing heavy. Being dehydrated did not help me in the least. My body was sore and aching all over, but I was not about to die out here in this forest.
I-is that a building?
A building! Oh, thank Celestia! I heard the creatures behind me and saw the building in front of me. No stopping now. I bolted as fast as I could go towards the building. Once making it out of the woods, I stopped, catching my breath, hoping that the creatures would not follow me out of the forest. Wishful thinking. I heard the growl of the creatures not far off, maybe a few feet away. Looking at my exit of the forest, I saw my killers clearly in the moonlight. Wolves. Tall wolves. Made out of twigs and leaves. It doesn't sound scary, but when you're basically face to face with one, you would change your mind.
I was shaking like the motor from the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000. I couldn't run anymore. I was too tired and sore all over. There was no way of getting away now. I slowly backed up until I hit the back of the building.
This is the end of the line, I thought.
The leader of the pack of wolves leaped forward, knocking me over, forcing me to the ground on my back. The wolf snarled and growled at me before inserting its sharp, long claws into my side. I screamed out in pain. I felt the blood from my body pooling out of the cut in my side. I felt weaker than ever, so vulnerable and overwhelmed in pain. There was no getting out of this now. The leader clawed more cuts into my body, making me yell in pain once more. I was loosing blood and fast. I felt a pool of it surrounding my body.
The rest of the wolves were about to add on to the attack, but a loud slam of a door made them scurry off. With them gone, I was left alone, in my own warm, red blood, dying. I began to cry out. These were my last moments alive, and I was going to die alone. I was about to roll over in my pool of blood, to die face down in it, but I heard hoofsteps approaching. I stopped in my tracks, thankful that somepony had came to my rescue.
Present Time
Flim stopped talking, waiting for Applejack to make a comment along the lines of "wow", but he looked at the end of the bed to see Applejack, asleep. Her hat hanging off the top of her head, ready to fall down to the floor. Before it could, Flim levitated the Stetson hat over onto his nightstand, careful to make no dents in the hat.
He looked down at Applejack once more, smiling to himself of how beautiful she was.
What? He thought What did I just think?
He just figured he was just sleepy and thought nothing else of it. Instead, he turned off the light, rolled over on his side, facing Applejack, and fell into a deep sleep.
I awake to the sun shining down on me. It's warm, radiant glow shined through my eyelids, causing me to instantly wake up at the bright light. Before I even lifted my head off the bed, I realized that I have something in my grasp. I looked down at my hooves and notice a cream colored leg in my hooves. At first, I am unbelievably confused as to what is in my hooves, but then I remembered the night before. I feel my face begin to heat up as I remembered the events of last night, and I lifted my head slowly to see that I'm holding onto Flim's hoof.
I realize that Flim is still fast asleep, so I carefully unwrapped my hooves from around his leg, hoping that Flim is a deep sleeper. Fortunately, he was, but as I had begun to move my hooves from around his leg, Flim shifted onto his side, making the situation even more awkward. Now we were mere inches from each other's muzzle. I gasped at the fact that there was barely inches between his and my body. I couldn't move my hooves now, or he would wake up for sure.
Think, AJ, think, I told myself. My mind ran through all the possibilities that I could escape this awkward situation, but each of them involved Flim waking up. The only idea I could think of was just to go back to sleep and play it off when Flim wakes up. Of course, I did have morning chores, but I'm sure Big Mac would get them done for me. I layed my head back on the pillow and fell back asleep.
Flim's P.O.V.
The sun is shining brightly through the window, causing me to squint once I open my eyes. I instantly feel something on my hoof, and I looked down to see two orange hooves wrapped around my own. At first I'm confused, but when I look up, I realize that Applejack is mere inches from my muzzle. I feel a blush begin to appear on my cheeks from the close proximity of our muzzles, and then I realized that Applejack was waking up.
She slowly opens her eyes, and they instantly grow in size when she notices just how close we are.
"Uh, good morning, Flim," Applejack said, clearly embarrassed.
"Good morning to you too."
She looked down at her hooves and saw how they were wrapped gently around my own. She looked back up at me, and her face bloomed like a ripe tomato from the intensity of her blush. In a rapid movement, Applejack unwrapped her hooves from my own and got up off the bed. Her face was still a shade of red, but it was beginning to disappear. I turned over on my other side to see her begin to walk out the door.
"Wait!" I tell her," You forgot your hat."
"Oh, right," she responded.
She began to reach for it, but before she could grab it herself, I lifted it off the nightstand and placed it gently on her head.
"Thanks," she said, replying to my gesture," Why don't you come on down for breakfast. I'm sure Granny already has plenty of food prepared for us."
"Uh, sure. Of course."
I placed my hooves on the ground and followed Applejack down to the kitchen, where Big Mac, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith were all sitting down.
"Goodmorning, everypony," I say, as I make my way to my assigned chair.
"I'm guessing you two slept well?" Granny Smith asked.
Applejack and I gave each other a quick glance before responding.
"Yes," we said in unison.
"I never heard you head back to your room, AJ," Apple Bloom commented.
"Oh, uh, yeah," Applejack stuttered out," I fell asleep in Flim's room last night."
"Why? Is he your coltfriend?" Apple Bloom questioned.
"No!" we both shouted at her. Everypony could tell that we were embarrassed by the question, as our cheeks glowed red.
"Then why'd you slee-," Apple Bloom started.
"Apple Bloom, can you go bring the extra bottle of syrup?" Granny Smith interjected.
"Of course, Granny."
Apple Bloom galloped off to the kitchen and once she was gone, Granny whispered something to me.
"Don't you worry 'bout her now, you hear? She's just filly getting into the love stages of life."
I smiled at the reassurance Granny gave me. "Oh, it's no problem. I figured a question like that would have been asked at some point."
Granny nodded her head as Apple Bloom came rushing back with the syrup in her mouth.
"Here you go, Granny."
"Thank you, Deary."
Once we finished breakfast, I helped Applejack clean off the dishes before bringing up a question I had been meaning to ask.
"Hey, Applejack?" I asked.
"Yeah?"
"Do you think we could go into town so I can get some clothes? I know it's an odd question since ponies don't normally wear clothes, but I feel naked without it."
Applejack thought about it for a minute before responding.
"Of course we can, Sugarcube. I understand how you feel. I can't go anywhere without my hat. Let me just tell Big Mac so he knows where I am, and we can go."
"Ok."
I waited at the entrance to the farm for Applejack to tell Big Mac our plans. It didn't take long before she had met up with me at the entrance, and we followed the path leading to town.
AJ's P.O.V.
As we entered the outskirts of town, I could tell that Flim was getting nervous. I could understand why, being the reason that him and his brother had scammed most of the ponies in town.
"You gonna be okay, Sugarcube?" I questioned.
"Yeah, of course," he responded with a slight hint of nervousness in his voice," I just don't know how everypony is going to treat me."
"You'll be fine. Just relax. If anyone tries to bother you, I'll send them on their way," I said with a wink.
Flim smiled at this, but instantly went back to a straight face as we entered the center of town. Ponies instantly stared at us as we walked through the middle of the market, but no pony said a word to us on our way to Rarity's boutique. Flim kept a straight face the whole time, but, on the inside, I could tell he was panicking that somepony would say something to him.
Once we made it clear across town, Flim let out a huge sigh of relief. I grinned at him, before stopping at the entrance to the boutique. I opened the door and walked in with Flim on my tail.
"Rarity?" I called out.
I heard her hoofsteps before she entered the main room.
"Applejack!" Rarity exclaimed. "What a lovely surprise! I was planning on coming out to the farm today since I didn't see you in town yester-."
Rarity instantly stopped talking once she noticed the tall, lanky stallion behind me.
"Um, Applejack, you do know who that is, don't you?" Rarity questioned with a concerned tone in her voice.
"Of course I do," I responded," It's Flim. He told me he needed some new clothes cause his old ones had been ripped, and I figured you'd be the perfect pony for the job."
"Well, okay then, Darling," Rarity replied before moving her glance over to Flim," What exactly do you have in mind?"
"Well," Flim started," I guess whatever is the least inexpensive."
"No, go ahead and get whatever you need," I butted in," I'll pay for it."
"Applejack, you don't have to do tha-."
"Nope. I made my mind. I'm gonna do some grocery shopping, so I'm gonna be gone for a few hours. Hopefully, you'll be ready when I get back."
Grocery shopping had been more difficult today than a regular day at the market. There was a particular stallion that was trying to hustle all the vendors, causing many ponies distress from the public outburst he was having. I admit, it did bother me slightly, but I was in a hurry to get back to Rarity's boutique.
I wonder what Rarity designed for Flim, I thought. Probably something fabulous, knowing her.
I opened the door the the boutique and heard Rarity humming a new tune that was pleasant to hear after listening to ponies ramble on throughout the town.
"Rarity?" I called out.
"Just a minute!" She responded in a sing-song voice.
I decided to take a look around the boutique while waiting. Everything was too fancy for my taste, but I caught a glimpse of a simple yet beautiful dress. It was a maroon color starting at the back but getting to a brighter red as it got closer to the neck, with golden lace trailing over it. Taking a closer look at it, I realized that it was just my size. I looked for a price tag, only to see that it cost 50 bits! It's rare for me to find a dress that suits me, but I guess I'll just have to wait for another one. I couldn't buy it now anyways, since I was already paying for Flim's new outfit.
"Applejack," Rarity yelled from her sewing room," You can come up now!"
I took one last glance at the stylish dress before making my way up the stairs to Rarity's room. Turning the corner, I find Rarity sitting at her sewing machine wearing her red, cat-eye shaped glasses while Flim is looking out her window. Once Rarity sees me, she turns off the sewing machine.
"Did you have a pleasant trip in town?" Rarity asked.
"Yeah, it was alright."
"Well, I just finished the final touches to Flim's new outfit. Flim? Would you be a dear and try it on so I can see if I need to make any adjustments?"
"Yes, of course, Rarity," Flim responded, grabbing the clothes out of Rarity's hooves.
"The bathroom is the next door over on your left, Darling."
Once Flim left the room, Rarity turned to me and began striking up a conversation.
"So, Flim told me what is going on over at the farm. Are you okay with all this?"
"He's definitely not who I was expecting to find at the farm two days ago, but I decided to just leave our pasts behind. He clearly seems like he could use to help right now, and he seems to have changed his ways. You should've saw him the night I found him. He was in a horrible state with bruises and cuts all over him. "
"Well, if you are willing to forgive and forget Flim's past then I'm willing, too."
"Thanks, Rarity. That means a lot."
"What are friends for?"
Rarity gave me a light-hearted smile before a cough interrupted our conversation.
"I must say, you look rather dashing in that outfit, Darling," Rarity announced.
I turned around, and I had to stop myself from dropping my jaw to the floor. Flim was wearing a striking but simple, light brown tunic with a red and white plaid shirt underneath. He also wore a maroon bandanna around his neck. I can't deny it. Flim was strikingly handsome in his new outfit. Never before had I thought I would have such a lovely thought about an ex-conman.
What is happening to me?
"So, Applejack," Flim started," What do you think?"
It took me a moment to recollect my thoughts, but I decided on a not over-the-top-comment like Rarity's.
"It looks good on you, Flim. Rarity did an excellent job on the outfit."
"Why, thank you, Darling," Rarity replied.
I pulled out 15 bits from my change pouch and laid them on Rarity's desk.
"I can't possibly take your money, Applejack," Rarity denied," It was the least I could do."
"Nope. I can't let you do that. I insist, Rarity."
"Well, alright then, but this is the only time I'm allowing this."
I gave a light chuckle and then focused my attention on Flim.
"Ready to head back to the farm?"
"I suppose so."
"Well, it was great seeing you, Rarity, but we best be off. See you later!"
"Goodbye, Darlings!"
Flim and I made our way down the stairs and almost made it out the door before I cast one last glance at the astonishing dress. Flim noticed and looked at where my head was pointed.
"Lovely dress, huh?"
"Yep, sure is."
I sighed before opening the boutique's door and leaving behind the gorgeous dress left in plain sight for anypony to get it for themselves. Flim closed the door behind us with his magic, and we began our trek back to Sweet Apple Acres.
****
"We're back!" I announced to the rest of the Apple family.
"Welcome back, Applejack," Granny Smith replied," You look nice, Flim."
"Thank you, Granny Smith."
I looked up at the clock over Granny's head and realized I still have a few hours of work left to do. As much as I didn't want to, I had work to do, and I wasn't about to let my family down.
"Well, Flim, I have a few hours of work to do, so you can go rest up for dinner."
"Actually, do you think I could help you out? I don't want to be cooped up in that room for any longer than I have to."
"Are you sure? I don't want you to hurt yourself."
"Absolutely."
"Okay then. Well, why don't you take off your new clothes so they don't get dirty while we work and then meet me over in the West Orchard."
Flim nodded his head in agreement and headed up the stairs while I walked back out of the house and towards the West Orchard.
****
Flim's P.O.V.
It didn't take me long to change out of my outfit before I was already walking towards the West Orchard of the farm. Finding Applejack wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. All I had to do was follow the sound of her bucking the apple trees. Once I found her, she had already bucked over 10 apple trees! She was currently bucking a tree, and she looked beautiful doing it, even though she was sweating. I smiled to myself at how I was getting a chance to work with a beautiful mare.
I felt a slight tug at my heart.
She looked up to find me staring at her.
"Um, Flim, are you okay?" she asked. She had looked up to find me staring at her.
"Oh, uh, yeah, I'm fine," I responded, feeling may face begin to glow a light shade of red.
Did Applejack make me feel that?
"Well, let's get started."
"Okay. Where do we begin?"
"First, you need to learn how to buck. Don't worry, it's not as hard as it looks."
She motioned for me to stand in front of a fully grown, apple tree.
"Okay. Now what you want to do is to put all your weight into your front legs when bucking. You also want to keep your balance, so you don't fall forward into the ground. Your back legs should make the impact in the middle of the tree. If they're too high or too low, you may harm yourself. Now, let's give it a try."
I turned around to face Applejack and slowly raised my back legs. I put all my weight in my front legs like she told me to and kicked the tree with a significant amount of force. I felt the tree tremble but no apples fell out.
"Not bad for your first try, but you aimed a little too high. Try lowering them a little more, and you'll knock down most of the apples."
I nodded my head and reared up my legs one more time. This time, I lowered my legs slightly and kicked with a lot more force than before. The tree trembled again and apples began to fall from the branches. There were only one or two apples left.
"Very nice, Flim," Applejack complimented me," You sure you've never done this before?"
"Honest."
I smiled at her, showing her that I was being truthful, and she smiled back with a blush beginning to appear on her cheeks.
Did I cause her to blush?
"Well, let's continue. We still have plenty left to do," Applejack stated.
She turned around to hide the blush and walked towards another set of apple trees. While we worked, we talked about ourselves and got to know each other. Before we knew it, Apple Bloom came to tell us it was time for supper. On the way back, I was trailing behind Applejack when she tripped over a tree root that was hard to spot. Before she made contact with the ground, I grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back up. Back on her hooves, she turned to look at me, and we noticed each other blushing from the small ordeal seconds ago.
"Thanks, Flim," Applejack finally said.
"Anytime, AJ," I said, winking at her, causing her to blush harder. She turned back around, and we continued walking till we came back to the house. Apple Bloom made supper that night, which was, surprisingly, really good. We made small talk with each other, and afterwards, I helped Applejack with the dishes again.
It had been a long day, and I was ready to go to bed, and I'm pretty AJ was too, considering she was yawning just as much as me. We made our way up the stairs and before departing to our bedrooms, we told each other good night. When I walked into my room, the sun had already went down, and Luna had already begun to raise the moon into the dark landscape above. I crawled into bed, almost instantly falling asleep, but one question kept nagging at my mind.
After waking up from a good night sleep, I made my way downstairs and started to cook breakfast. No one else was awake just yet, but Big Mac would probably be up soon. As I poured the pancake batter into the frying pan, I hear hoof steps approaching from behind, and I figure it's my older brother, but none other than Flim is standing at the kitchen archway watching me cook.
"I didn't think you would be up this early," I tell Flim.
"I figured the same for you," Flim retorted.
"Well, after years of working on the farm, you get use to waking up so early in the morning."
"I suppose that can be true."
Flim closed off the distance between us, with him standing beside me at the stove. There is less than five feet between us, and I could already feel my face heating up just as the stove was. Before I embarrassed myself in front of him, I moved away from the stove and grabbed some eggs.
"Flim, could you cook the pancakes while I start on the eggs?"
"Sure."
It wasn't long before the rest of my family woke. Big Mac, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith were already seated at the table when me and Flim brought breakfast over to them.
"Dig in, everypony," I announced.
That does it for them. Before I even take a bite of my pancake, Big Mac and Apple Bloom had already stuffed down two pancakes while Granny Smith had already finished off her eggs. Flim and I just looked in shock at them and glanced at each other. I shrugged my shoulders and dug in myself.
No one wonder they were eating so fast. These pancakes were amazing! Much better than the ones I usually make. I notice Flim out of the corner of my eye looking and smiling at me.
"What?" I asked with a half-eaten pancake in my mouth.
"I figured everypony would enjoy my pancakes," he responded," I added a couple of ingredients to make the pancakes sweeter and fluffier. My mother would always make pancakes for our family, and I picked up the recipe over years of watching my mother do it."
"Your mom is an amazing cook!" Apple Bloom exclaimed with bits of pancake all around muzzle.
Flim chuckled before eating himself. Before long, all the pancakes had disappeared from their serving plate. The only evidence left that there had ever been pancakes was that everypony was covered in it. Flim levitated the dishes over to the sink and started cleaning them off. While he did, I decided to let him know what the schedule was for today.
"Okay, Flim, today we're going to go meet my friends," I told him.
He paused for a second before continuing to wash the dishes.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Flim questioned," I mean, Rarity was kind enough to see past my mistakes, but are you sure about your other friends?"
"Now, don't go getting your mane in a tangle. My friends are known for giving second chances. Even if this is your third chance, they will be more than willing to make you feel welcomed to Ponyville. We'll meet one of my friends at a time so you can get to know them better. Sound okay?"
"Yeah, it sounds great. Let me get dressed and we can go."
While I waited on Flim, I went ahead and told Big Mac our schedule again, so he would know where we went off to. I told him I would get more work done today to make up for the past two days. I made my way back to the house to see Flim standing in the doorway wearing his new outfit that Rarity made. It still took my breath away to see him dressed so nicely. I sighed before quickly moving those thoughts to the back of my mind.
"Ready, Flim?"
"As ready as I'll ever be."
Flim's P.O.V.
Applejack told me that our first stop that were going to meet a pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash. The name sounded familiar, but I couldn't quite place it. As we made our way to the meeting spot, I couldn't help but stare at Applejack. Just the way the sun reflected off of her gorgeous, green eyes and the way the wind blew on her blonde ponytail. The freckles sealed the whole package.
Stop it, Flim. Applejack would never like a stallion like me. Besides, I kind of messed with her family one too many times. I'll never have the chance.
I shook the thoughts out of my head when Applejack announced that we were here. We were in the middle of a park, with, surprisingly, not that many ponies around.
"Hey, Rainbow Dash!" Applejack called out, looking up at the sky.
"Look out!"
Before I could comprehend where the voice had came from, I was knocked down on to my back with a cyan pegasus hovering above me.
"Flim, are you okay?" Applejack asked, concerned.
"Yeah, I'm fine."
I got up on all fours and got a good look at the rainbow tornado that had knocked me over. Hovering in front of me was a cyan pegasus with a rainbow tail and mane along with magenta eyes. I glanced where her cutie mark would be and saw a cloud with a rainbow strike coming out of it.
"Whoops. Sorry," the pony said while trying to keep back a laugh," I guess I wasn't watching where I was going."
"As usual," Applejack commented.
The pony stuck her tongue at Applejack before turning back at me.
"Name's Rainbow Dash, though I've bet you've heard of me before since I'm one of the best flyers in all of Equestria."
"Nice to meet you, Rainbow Dash. I'm Flim, although I'm sure you've heard of me before."
Rainbow Dash lowered down to the ground and gave me a look of disgust.
"Yeah, I remember you. You and your brother were the ones who tried to take over Sweet Apple Acres."
"Yep, that's me alright," I replied with a nervous laugh," I know now that I never should've messed with the Apple family the way me and brother did. I felt awful after we had sold that tonic to Granny Smith. We almost made her kill herself. I realize now that I don't want to be a conman anymore. I want to follow my own path, away from my brother and to begin to be more truthful along the way."
Applejack looked and smiled at me. I could tell she was proud of me for apologizing to her friend. I honestly felt great myself.
"Hey, it's no big deal," Rainbow Dash said, applying a smile to her face," If you're willing to be a better pony, I'll forgive you of your mistakes."
"Don't worry, Rainbow Dash," Applejack replied," Flim is already on his way to becoming a much better pony than he was before."
I smiled at Applejack at that lovely comment she said about me. I noticed the faintest hint of a blush appear on her cheeks before it disappeared just as quickly as it had arrived.
"Well, it's nice meeting you, Flim," Rainbow Dash said," But I have to go to Wonderbolts training now, so you guys later!"
In a blink of an eye, Rainbow Dash had already took off in to the sky before I could even reply.
"Let's go, Flim," Applejack said to me," We still have three of my other friends to meet."
"After you," I gestured.
By the time we had made it closer to town, my stomach was growling. I realized it was lunch time, I mentioned it to Applejack.
"Do you think we could have lunch?" I asked her," I'm starting to get hungry."
"I'm getting hungry myself, so sure, why not?" Applejack replied," And I know just the perfect place."
She turned down a different path from the one we had been following and led us right to a building shaped like a cupcake. If the food inside was a good as the outside of the buidling, then this was surely going to be a good lunch.
Once we got trough the front door of the building, the smell of sweets filled my nose. The sweet aroma of cupcakes and pies being baked was breath-taking compared to the fast food that Flam and I would usually have. I guess I dazed off cause Applejack gave me a nudge in my side.
"Uh, Flim?" Applejack asked quizzically," You know what you're getting for lunch?"
"Oh!" I shouted accidentally," I mean, I think I'll have a just have a apple pie."
Applejack nodded her head before walking up to the register where a very pink pony was standing. She had light, pink fur with a hot pink, cotton-candy shaped mane and tail. Her bright, blue eyes just about popped out of their sockets when she looked at me.
"Hey, Pinkie-," Applejack started was abruptly cut off by the frizzy mare.
"Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!" the pink pony exclaimed," I've seen you before! You and your brother almost ran the Apple family out of town! Good times, am I right?"
Pinkie, her name apparently, had a huge smile plastered onto her face after announcing her exclamation for almost everypony in Ponyville to hear without a care in the world. Applejack just face-hoofed at the overly enthusiastic mare's words.
"Yes, Pinkie," Applejack finally responded," This is Flim. He's been staying with our family for the past few days."
"Applejack! Why didn't you tell me sooner! You know how I just LOVE meeting new ponies even if they are old ponies. Ah! I just had a great idea! Why don't I make a "Welcome to Ponyville" party! Won't that be super duper?"
"Well, Pinkie," I began," That would be a great idea. I would love to make a better impression for everypony in town. To let them know I'm not just some lousy, conniving, ex-conman. What do you think, Applejack?"
"Sure, why not. While we're here Pinkie, we would like to order two apple pies."
"Okie-dokie-lokie!"
Applejack pointed to booth near away from the window and sat down and I followed in suite. In a blink of an eye, Pinkie appeared next to our table, nearly giving me and AJ a heart attack.
"Two apple pies. See you later, guys. Oh! And tell the rest of our friends I said 'hi'!
"How did you kno-," Applejack started but stopped herself,"Forget it. Thanks, Pinkie."
I looked down at the pie before me and it smelled just as good as it tasted. The apples were smoothly compressed together, making a delectable sensation across my taste buds, and the crust was perfect. Not too thin, not too thick. Perfect.
I began to eat at a faster pace, but when I looked up, Applejack was barely moving at a mosey eating her pie. I guess using hooves to eat was harder than it looked. Of course, I always used my magic to eat, so I never stopped to wonder what it was like to eat with hooves.
My pie was completely devoured, and Applejack had only ate about half of hers. I tried to think of a way to help her, but, unfortunately, she didn't have any magic of her own to use. Wait! That's it!
"Hey, Applejack?" I said, interrupting her eating," Do you think I could help you with something?"
"Um, sure?" She answered, unsure of what I was thinking.
I moved the pie over to my side of the table.
"Hey!" She exclaimed, upset I was taking her pie.
"Just wait a second."
I broke off a piece of the pie with my magic and levitated it over to Applejack. She looked at the food then at me and gave me a dumbfounded look.
"I don't get it," I stated.
"Open your mouth," I tell her.
"Wait, you don't mean-?"
"Come on, I saw you struggling to eat your pie. I only want to help you."
She gave me one more unsure glance before she gave in and opened her mouth. I moved the piece of pie into her mouth and let her swallow before getting another piece and continuing the process. Applejack finally relaxed as I began feeding her like a foal while she looked out the window, and I thought I caught the faintest hint a smile and a blush on her cheeks.
Before she knew it, the pie was gone. She looked at me with the blush still visible on her face along with a smile.
"Thanks."
"Anytime."
We got up from our booth, said our final goodbyes the bubbly pink pony, and began our walk to the next friend on Applejack's list.
"Now, Flim," Applejack began.
"Yes?"
"I know my last two friends were energetic and bubbly, but my next friend is rather shy around other ponies she doesn't really know. Just try to keep a calm, leveled voice and be kind the her animals."
"Animals?"
"She cares and communicates to animals all the time. It's her special talent. But I'm warning you of one of her pets. Angel bunny."
I gave a little chuckle at the name, but Applejack cut me off with a serious look.
"You're being serious? How can a bunny named Angel be bad?"
"You'll have to figure that one out for yourself."
We approached the complete opposite side of town and followed a trail to a small, cozy cottage on the out-skirts of town. As we go closer the cottage, I noticed many different types of animals wondering around. There were deer and bunnies playing in a field and squirrels were playing tag with one another along with chipmunks scurrying around with them.
Now at the house, I couldn't name most of the animals I was seeing. I just looked around while Applejack knocked on the door, waiting for a response.
Flim and I had been waiting for about five minutes before I heard a faint cry in the distance.
"Do you hear that?" I asked Flim.
"Yeah, I do. It sounds like a pony, but where is it coming from?"
I started walking towards to the muffled sobs along a path that ran around Fluttershy's little cottage. Flim was on my tail, trying to figure out where the source of the crying was coming from. I turned one last corner before I noticed Fluttershy leaning over with her head in her hooves. I cleared the space between us, knelt down, and questioned Fluttershy as to why she was crying.
"Fluttershy?" I spoke up.
She turned to look at me. Her soft, pink mane was moist from her wet tears, and her usual sunny fur was darkened with stains of more wet tears that had fell onto her chest.
"Oh, Applejack," Fluttershy mumbled," Me and Angel bunny had an argument today."
I noticed Flim staying further back, not wanting to bring anymore distress to the already teared-up pony. I mouthed a quick 'thank you' before returning to the problem at hoof.
"Fluttershy, I know this is a bad time, but I want you to me somepony."
I pointed my hoof in Flim's direction, and Fluttershy turned to look at him. She was shocked, to say the least, but she was more distraught about Angel than an unknown pony.
"Now, what did you and Angel get into fight about this time?" I asked curiously.
"Well, as usual, he didn't want to eat the same meal that the rest of the animals were eating. He wanted his own personal, hoof-made dish, but what he was wanting was not possible for me to make today. There were many ingredients I was missing, and I didn't have the time to go and get them. I told Angel, but he would not take no for an answer, but I was not going to be pushed around this time. I stood my ground and told him that he either had to eat what everypony else was eating or to not eat anything at all. Like I had thought, he did not like my response and zoomed out the door. It's been a little over three hours, I haven't seen any sign of him."
Fluttershy try to keep her tears back but her tears burst into two waterfalls on either side of her face. I hated seeing Fluttershy in such a horrible shape. It was just heart wrenching, but I had to stay strong for her.
"Would you like it if Flim and I went to go look for him?"
"You would do that? For me? He could be anywhere by now."
"Of course, Fluttershy. You're one of my best friends, and I would do anything for a friend in need."
She pulled me in for a tight hug before turning to Flim and giving him a meek "thank you". He smiled back and said "you're welcome" before we both took off looking for Angel. I pointed towards another path leading away from the cottage, and Flim followed behind me as we made our way to a lost Angel bunny.
Flim's P.O.V.
"Well, that sure was one way to say,'hello,'" I commented.
"She's just upset, Sugarcube," Applejack reassured me," Once we bring back Angel, I'm sure she'll be back to her lovely self again."
We continued down a pathway leading towards the Everfree Forest, and once we came to the edge of it, we each other a quick glance before entering the dangerous wilderness. I noticed that Applejack had gotten closer to me, and I did the same. I was not about to be attacked by a twig assembled wolf. I could feel Applejack's fur brush up against mine as we continued deeper into the forest, repeatedly calling out Angel's name loud enough for him to hear us, but not too loud so that any dangerous creatures could find us. I heard a rustle coming from my left and nudged Applejack to follow my lead.
"Angel!" I called out once more.
The rustling became louder as we continued down our new path. I thought I saw a tip of a white ear as we got closer to the ongoing sound. Making a final turn around a tree, there was a little, white bunny sitting next to a bush full of blueberries.
"Angel," Applejack said to the bunny," Fluttershy's been worried sick about you. Come on, let's head back to the cottage."
The little bunny was defiant and shook his head no. AJ grumbled at the bunny's attitude, but I took charge before she said something that would cause the little thing to scurry farther away.
"Hey, Angel," I announced my presence to him," We're not here to hurt you. Fluttershy is worrying about you, you know? She's crying right now because her favorite bunny ran off into a dangerous forest where she might never see him again."
I saw Angel's ears lower at this comment, and he turned to look at me.
"I know you and her had a little argument earlier this morning, but you two should be able to forgive each other instead of wandering around in a monster infested forest. Is that what you want to happen?"
Angel shook his head slowly.
"Now, let's get going, little bunny."
I could see that Angel was hesitant at first, but he knew that if he stayed here, he may never come back out. He began bouncing right along us as we made our way back to the cottage.
"Wow," Applejack said," That was mighty impressive how you got that stubborn bunny to agree to follow us back to Fluttershy. I doubt I would've been able to keep my hooves to myself if I was here alone."
"Well, I honestly didn't expect him to agree, but I did surprise myself at how well I handled the situation."
"Fluttershy's is definitely going to warm up to you after this fiasco."
"Good to know."
I smiled at her, and she smiled back as we continued our way back out of the forest. I thought I'd heard something in the distance, but it was probably another bunny so I shook it off as nothing, but then Applejack heard it, too.
"Do you hear that?" she asked.
"Yeah," I responded," It's probably a bunny or something."
"I don't think so. The hoofsteps seem a little harder than a bunny's would be."
I turned to look at her and raised my eyebrow. Then what could it be? Before I could ask her, a heard a very close howl. She turned to look at me before we both sprinted off out of the woods. I took one look back behind us, and I wish I hadn't. Three timberwolves were chasing after us. Not again, I thought.
I was much farther along than Applejack. My long legs were in no comparison to her short ones. The timberwolves were right on her tail. Before thinking it through, I ran back towards Applejack and pushed her along while I stayed behind her, blocking her from the timberwolves, but before I could stop the attack, a timberwolf jumped out and bit Applejack in her hind-leg. She yelped in pain, and she began to limp. I ran by her side, and put my hoof around her to keep her steady. I saw the sunlight begin to come down, and I knew we were close.
"Just I little further!" I yelled at Applejack.
We sprinted faster as we made it into the clearing by Fluttershy's cottage. Applejack instantly collapsed as the timberwolves backed away into the forest, letting out one last howl before disappearing behind the darkened trees. I knelt down next to her, and there was a gash in the side of left hind-leg. She tried not to show it, but I could see she was in a whole lot of pain. I lifted her slowly as to not cause anymore damage to her leg and placed her hoof around my shoulders so she would be kept upright. We slowly and carefully made our way back to Fluttershy and saw that her and Angel were hugging one another. As we came into view, Fluttershy looked up at us and saw the distress Applejack was in.
"Oh my!" Fluttershy exclaimed," What ever happened?"
"Timberwolves," Applejack muttered.
"Hold on, I'll be right back!"
In an instant, Fluttershy took off to her cottage and came back with bandages. She lowered to the ground and began to wrap the bandage around Applejack's leg. Applejack was grimacing in pain and nuzzled her head into my chest to hide the tears that she wouldn't let anypony see. I rubbed my hoof up and down her back to calm her down while Fluttershy finished unrolling the bandage. Applejack looked back up and thanked Fluttershy.
"You should get on home," Fluttershy suggested," And try to keep off of that leg for about two days."
"Two days?!" Applejack exclaimed," But I have work to do!"
"Don't worry about that, now," I told her," Big Mac and I will make up for your work."
"I couldn't ask you to do that,-"
"You don't have to."
We said goodbye to Fluttershy before we made our way back to the farm.
AJ's P.O.V.
I was now lying in my bed with Flim standing beside me. Granny Smith decided to make me a bowl of soup, and Flim was now spoon feeding me. It was kind of ridiculous, but I honestly didn't care. I was in too much pain at the moment to even lift my hooves. After finishing my supper, it was close to 10:00, as it read on clock, and I was overwhelmed with exhaustion from today's events. Once Flim came back up to my room from eating his own supper, I told I was ready to go to sleep.
"Good night, Flim," I said.
"Good night, my apple," Flim responded.
I blushed at the nickname before resting my head on my pillow and drifting off into a deep sleep.
Not long after midnight, I woke up from a terrible pain coming from my leg that had been bit. I let out a groan of pain that had been too loud that I had expected it to be. The next thing I knew, Flim was hovering over me.
"Are you okay?" Flim asked groggily.
"My leg is just really hurting is all," I said before asking a question that had popped into my mind," Will you sleep in here, please?"
I regretted asking it the moment it came out, but Flim was clearly not bothered by the question.
"Of course I will."
Before I knew it, Flim walked to the other side of the bed and lifted the covers with his magic before lying down and bringing the covers over both of us. I was turned on my side looking away from Flim and began falling asleep again, but not before I felt a hoof slowly wrap itself around my stomach. I snuggled up against it and fell asleep once again, but with a smile now plastered onto my face.
I awoke with my muzzle in the mess of Applejack’s hair. It took me a minute to figure out what had happened the night before. I remembered that Applejack had asked me to sleep in here, but I had passed out after that. I now realized that my hoof was wrapped around her waist. My cheeks flushed a dark red, but I couldn’t deny it, I loved it. Having her in my arms felt wonderful with her warm body up against mine. I wish we could stay like this forever.
Wow, I thought, I’m really falling for a lovely, country mare.
I had another thought, but I got rid of it before I could go through with the action I had had in my head. I thought some more. And more. Finally, I had made up my mind on my action. I was going to go through with it.
I moved my face out of Applejack’s mane slowly and raised my head up to her forehead.
Ok, on the count of 3.
1
2
3!
I leaned in quickly and kissed her lightly on the forehead. It wasn’t much, but it felt amazing! I was grinning ear to ear when Applejack started waking up. I quickly acted like I was asleep with my hoof still around her.
AJ’s P.O.V.
Pain. So much pain. My leg was tremendous pain. I tried not to cry out cause I remembered that Flim had came in here last night. Speaking of Flim, where is he? Before I could even flip over, I felt his body up against mine.
I stopped moving as to not wake him up and relaxed into his body. Suddenly, the pain in my leg went away. I felt wonderful and warm next to Flim. I also felt his hoof firmly wrapped around me.
I had a thought. A thought that I didn’t know I could think about. A thought that I took the liberty to think over for a few minutes. The minutes seemed like hours before my thought became reality.
I slowly began flipping myself to have my face in his chest until I was cradled up against him with my head under his own. I then gently nudged up against him and curled myself into him.
I felt absolutely wonderful with Flim against me. I couldn’t resist giving him a slight kiss on his neck. I went stiff when I felt Flim shift. I then felt him bring me in even closer to him. I could also feel him wrap me up even tighter in his grip.
It was still early in the morning. My clock read 3:00, so I decided I would go back to sleep. The pain in my leg went away and a wonderful sensation was going off in my heart.
I woke up once again, but this time, I could see the sun shining through the window and Flim’s hoof wrapped around me. I felt content as I felt the fall and rise of Flim breathing.
“Good morning,” Flim said.
I could feel my face burning like a fiery furnace. I looked up and saw that Flim’s face was burning just as badly.
“Good morning,” I responded.
“Did you sleep we-,” Flim started before I interrupted him with a loud groan. The pain had come back to my leg, and it was screaming to be moved. Before I could do it myself, Flim sat me up slowly, moved my legs apart, and used his magic to lift my hurt leg above the blankets. A single tear fell down my face, and Flim wipes it away and pulled me in for a gentle hug. I nuzzled my head against him and fell back onto my pillow.
“I’ll be right back, AJ,” Flim told me before letting me go and walking down the stairs to the rest of my family. It wasn’t long before Flim came back in with a plate of eggs in his magic and sat down next to me on the bed. Flim then began to feed me so I wouldn’t have to move my legs.
“Thanks, Flim,” I told him.
“I’m just doing what you did for me,” Flim responded with a growing smile on his face.
Once Flim came back up after washing the dishes, I had a request for him.
“Flim?” I asked,” Do you think you could do me a huge favor?”
“Of course,” Flim responded,” What do you need?”
“Could you go to Twilight’s castle? I’m sure she could make some kinda ointment or something that could help relieve the pain in my leg.”
“I’ll leave immediately.”
Before he left though, he close to my face and kissed me on the forehead. I just sat in shock while Flim walked out of the house with a huge smile on his face.
Flim’s P.O.V.
I can’t believe I did that! It just felt like the perfect moment to do it, but I don’t know how Applejack felt about it. Maybe I should ask her about it when I get back to the farm.
It wasn’t long before I saw the huge castle peak the top of the buildings in town, and not that long before I was standing at the entrance of the Castle of Friendship. I straightened out my shirt before knocking on the grand doors.
No more than ten seconds later, the doors were opened by a green and purple dragon. At first, I was taken aback by a dragon before me, but I realized that he didn’t have any wings and that he was about the height of Apple Bloom.
“Welcome to the Castle of Friendship,” the little dragon stated,” How may I help you today?”
“Well, I’ve been sent here by-,”
“Hey!” The dragon cut me off,” I know you! You and your brother were the ones who tried to get rid of the Apple family!”
“Yep, that’s me,” I responded with a little smile on my face,” But that’s not who I am any more. I’m here because of Applejack.”
“Woah, woah, woah. Back up. Applejack sent you here?”
“Yeah, she hurt her leg really bad, and she was hoping that Princess Twilight would be able to give her something for it.”
“Oh, I’m, okay then. Come in.”
The little dragon stepped aside, allowing me to come in. The castle was exquisite! It was built out of thousands of crystals and the ceilings were over a hundred feet tall! The dragon began walking away, and I decided to follow him. I was not planning on getting lost in here.
After going up and down at least 5 long hallways, we stopped in front of a gigantic library with the Princess reading a thousand page book before looking up at us.
“Oh, thanks Spike for bringing our guest in,” Twilight told her assistant,” You may go help Rarity now.”
“Sweet!” Spike shouted,” Thanks, Twilight!”
Twilight giggled at Spike’s enthusiasm as he scurried away on his short little legs.
“Hello, Flim,” Twilight greeted me.
“I’m guessing you remember me, too?”
“Well, you and your brother did make quite a reputation here.”
“Yeah, I’ve been getting that a lot.”
“So what brings you here? And where’s your brother?”
“First off, my brother is working on his own project, and I’m here on behalf of Applejack.”
Twilight stopped her magic spell that was holding up her book which dropped to the ground making a loud echo throughout the castle.
“Wait, Applejack sent you?”
“Yes, she did. She got into a bad accident yesterday, and she was hoping you could whip her up some ointment or something that could get rid of the pain.”
“I definitely can give her something for the pain, but I won’t be able to come and visit her today, unfortunately. I’m having to go off to Canterlot tonight to discuss a topic that I need bring to the attention to the Royal Sisters.”
“Of course. I’m sure Applejack will understand.”
“It’ll take about ten minutes for me to make the ointment, so why don’t you relax for a few minutes, and please, read any book you want.”
“Thank you, Princess.”
“Just ‘Twilight’ is fine.”
She walked out of the library, and I began looking over the thousands of books in the library. One particular book caught my eye. “Crushes for Dummies”. I don’t really look at these kinds of books, but since I’ve been getting so close with Applejack, I figured I should get to know more about what exactly is going on between me and her.
Exactly ten minutes later, Twilight came back in the library with a tube of what I can assume is the ointment. I quickly closed the book and floated it back up to its proper location.
“Did you find an interesting book?” Twilight questioned.
“You could say that.”
“Anyways, here’s the medicine for Applejack. You or somepony else needs to able this to the cut once a day. If you are the one to apply it, don’t use your magic. The magic affects the chemicals in the ointment.”
“Thank you very much, Twilight.”
“It was my pleasure.”
I was about to leave the library, but I figured I would need the help to find my way back out of the castle of mazes.
“Do you think you could show me the way out of here?”
“Of course. This place does seem to get ponies lost.”
AJ’s P.O.V.
Now I can see why Flim hated lying in bed. It’s so boring! I can’t do anything besides sleep, and once again, Big Mac and Apple Bloom had to do my chores on top of their own. It wasn’t fair.
Flim came back around dinner time and brought me up a plate of oat salad. He fed me once again, but I didn’t care anymore. I had gotten used to it, and I was starting to like it.
Flim came back up once again after doing the dishes and brought a tube of something.
“I’m guessing that’s the medicine?” I asked.
“Sure is,” he responded,” Twilight said I can’t use my magic to apply it cause it would affect the chemicals in it.”
“Oh um, okay,” I complied. I was kind of timid cause he would be touching me very close to where no one has touched before. I moved the covers off my legs and moved my hurt leg closer to Flim.
“It may sting, but it should start feeling better in a few minutes.”
“Okay then. Go for it.”
Flim opened the tube and squeezed a drop of the ointment onto his hoof. He seemed nervous himself at the fact he would be so close to my lower regions. He placed his hoof at the bottom of the cut, and I could instantly feel the sting. I had to keep back a cry of pain as Flim slowly moved his hoof further up the cut. He was really close to private parts, and we were both kind of nervous.
He got some more ointment out of the tube and continued to apply it further up my leg. He was unbelievably close to touching me. I was really nervous, but it felt good at the same time. I knew it was wrong to think like that, but it felt like he was teasing me when all he was doing was applying medicine to my hurt leg. He reached the top of the cut and barely rubbed over the very bottom of my nether region. I held back a quiet moan of pleasure and resisted to buck up at the touch. Flim moved his hoof away, and I could feel the medicine start to take its effects.
It was already pitch black outside by the time Flim came back in from practicing his bucking. He said he gotten a lot better, and I believed him. Big Mac even mentioned it to me when he came in to see how I was doing. Flim entered my room once again.
“Would you like me to sleep in here again?” He asked.
“That would be nice,” I accepted.
Flim made his way to the other side of the bed and turned over so we were looking at each other. I moved closer to him, and he did the same. It wasn’t long before I had fell asleep in Flim’s sweet embrace once again.
I had set a mental alarm for myself to wake up earlier than Applejack would because I had very important errand to run. Applejack was snuggled up against me, and I had my hooves gently around her waist. If I didn't know any better, I would think that Applejack was falling for me, as well.
No way, I thought. I've just been a good friend for her and taken care of her. Nothing more.
I carefully removed my hooves from around her and slowly to get off the bed. She was still fast asleep as I quickly put on my clothes and headed for the door. I tiptoed down the stairs to be greeted by Apple Bloom. Just like we had planned.
"Here ya go, Flim," Apple Bloom said, handing over a sack of bits," Granny Smith thought this was a great idea, so she tossed in a few more bits so you can spruce yourself up."
"Tell her I really appreciate it, and I'll pay her back as soon as I can."
I picked up the bits with my magic and cautiously opened the front door, whispered a silent thank you to Apple Bloom, and made my way over to Rarity's Boutique.
AJ's P.O.V.
Once I woke up, I instantly felt like something was missing, and sure enough, Flim was not in bed beside me. I just figured he was probably downstairs helping with breakfast again. I carefully climbed out of bed, my leg still sore, and trotted down the stairs. Although my leg was sore, I was already in a lot better shape after Flim had applied that cream. I'll have to thank Twilight when I see her again. Coming to a step at the bottom of the stairs, I realized that Flim wasn't here either. The rest of my family was already sitting down, eating what looked like blueberry pancakes.
"Hey, have any of ya'll seen Flim?" I asked them.
"Can't say that I have," Granny Smith replied," But I could've forgotten. You never know when you're as old as me."
"I know where he is," Apple Bloom interjected.
"Really? Where?"
"He had woken up early this morning, and I heard him so I came downstairs and asked him what he was doing. He told me was going to be busy in town today. Some sort of project I'm guessing. He also told me to tell you to stay off your leg for today cause you're gonna need to use it later."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"I have no idea."
"Do you have any ideas, Big Mac?"
"Nope."
I sighed before sitting down in front of Big Mac and loading my plate with two blueberry pancakes. It felt like a part of me was missing. I couldn't place the feeling, but I knew it had something to do with Flim.
Flim’s P.O.V.
It wasn’t long before I was once again at Rarity’s boutique. I opened the door to the boutique and shouted out her name.
“Rarity!” I called,” I’m here on important business.”
“Coming!”
Rarity turned the last corner of her stairs with a beautiful gown in tow.
“Is that the one?” I asked.
“Indeed so,” Rarity responded,” I added a touch more lace and an accessory to go along with the outfit. Oh, I do hope she likes it.”
“With this amazing work of art, I’m sure she will.”
“And don’t you let her know I did this with no charge. She’ll keep insist on paying me, and I’m not having none of that after she paid for your outfit.”
“Speaking of my outfit, do you think you could spruce it up a little bit?”
“Why of course, Darling! After all, you deserve it, with you being such a great friend to Applejack.”
“Yeah, great friends,” I said with a nervous chuckle.
“Is there something wrong, Flim? Maybe I could be of some assistance?”
“Well, it’s kind of embarrassing.”
“No need to be, darling. I won’t judge.”
“Well, ok then,” I took a deep breath before confessing to Rarity my feelings,” I have kinda, sorta have a crush on, uh,... Applejack."
“Why of course! Applejack hasn’t really showed that much interest in stallions, but I noticed the other day that she couldn’t keep her eyes off of you in your wonderful outfit. I think she might be falling for you, as well.”
“Really? You think so?”
“There’s only one way to find out. Ask her out to the party tonight.”
“Oh, uh, I don’t know, Rarity. She’ll probably just wants to go with you and the rest of her friends. She probably doesn’t want to get stuck with me the whole night.”
“Oh, darling, you’re thinking to much into this. Just ask her to the party, and if she says yes, then excellent! She can spend time with you and have fun with the rest of her friends, as well.”
“I guess that can work.”
“Of course it will, Darling.”
“Well, I better finish the rest of tasks on my to-do list before tonight. Goodbye, Rarity.”
“Goodbye to you as well, darling.”
I left my outfit on the table for Rarity and told her I would come back by later to pick up both outfits for tonight.
As I left, I couldn’t help but think of the possibility of me and Applejack going on an actual - well, not actual - kind of date at Pinkie Pie’s ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ party for me. Only time will tell.
So far, things were going according to plan. Apple Bloom had gave Applejack an excuse of where I was, and Applejack's dress was all set and ready to go. The next thing I had to do was visit Pinkie Pie once again to make sure the party was coming along, as well.
I stepped inside Sugarcube corner again, the sweet aroma of cakes and desserts filled my nostrils. I immediately noticed a big pile of cotton candy hair over the counter.
"Hey Pinkie Pie," I said.
"Oh, hey Flim Jim!" the bubbly pile pink responded.
"Flim Jim?"
"Just a little nickname. I give them to all my friends, and now that we're friends, you get one, too!"
"Oh, well, thank you Pinkie."
"Noooooo problem! So, are you coming to check on the party decorations?"
"Yes I am. How are things coming along?"
"Super-d duper! Everything is ready for super duper, amazingly awesome party tonight!
"I'm glad. Thank you again, Pinkie Pie for such a welcoming celebration for me."
"Of course! Everypony deserves to have a party.
"Well, again, thank you, but I best be off to finish the last of my to-do list."
"Ok. See ya later, Flim Jim!"
"See you later, Ms. Friz."
"Oooh! Ms. Friz. I LOVE that!"
I snickered at Pinkie's bombastic ways before making my way towards the last of to-do items for the big night.
A.J's P.O.V.
Today felt so lonely without Flim around. I had just grown so accustomed to having Flim around all the time, that with him gone, I felt so alone.
Why is this happening to me?
I let out a troubling sigh before returning to my bedroom. Even though Flim insisted I stayed off my hurt leg, I knew I couldn't let my family do all the chores themselves, so to keep us both happy, I just did chores around the house instead of bucking down apples. No extra pain in my leg, and simple chores done to help my family.
It was almost five o'clock by the time I heard hoofsteps approaching the house. I figured it was Big Mac returning from the fields, but when I looked outside the window, I saw Flim walking on the path to the house, carrying a package behind him.
I wonder what that is?
I heard the front door opened and Flim's light hoofsteps climbing up the stairs. As suspected, Flim entered my room with the package still held in his magic.
"Hello, Applejack."
"Good afternoon, Flim. Where've ya been have to today?"
"Oh, just some simple shopping and visiting your friends again."
"They're your friends, too, ya know."
"Yeah, I guess so."
After a silent pause, I couldn't hold back my questioning of the mysterious box hanging in the air over Flim's head.
"So, what's in the box, Flim?"
"Oh, just a little some thing I picked up for you."
"You really didn't have to do that."
"I know, but I couldn't resist."
I blushed as Flim gave beautiful smile that I had begun to love.
"Would you like to see it?"
"Yeah, sure."
Flim levitated the box between my legs on the bed, and I sat up to begin unwrapping it.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Just open it."
"Ugh, fine."
As i removed the last of the wrapping, I saw bright red cloth inside the box. Even more curious now, I lifted the cloth out of the box.
I gasped at what I saw. It was the beautiful dress I saw in Rarity's boutique. How had Flim known?
"H-how," I stuttered.
"I couldn't help but notice you taking a longing glance at this dress, and I knew it was perfect for you."
"I-I don't know what to say, Flim."
"A thank you would suffice," Flim said with a short laugh.
"Thank you, Flim."
I swung my back right hoof from behind the box and got up to give Flim a big hug.
"Thank you so much."
"Of course, my apple."
I blushed into Flim's cream-colored fur and took in everything from the short but what felt like forever hug. I backed away from Flim's embrace with a smile on my face.
"I truly love the dress."
"I knew you would."
It went quiet again before Flim spoke up.
"Um, actually, Applejack, I was wanting to ask you something."
"Sure, go ahead."
"Well, I know we haven't known each other long, and we had gotten off to a rocky start before, but, uh, I was wondering if, you know, you wanted to go to the party with me?"
I couldn't believe my own ears. Had Flim really asked me to be his date for tonight? Well, not date, but you know what I mean. He was really flustered and looked really nervous about my response, but I already knew my answer.
"I would love to, Flim."
I gave a heartwarming smile and saw the same happen to his face.
"Really?"
"Of course. I couldn't imagine going with anypony else."
I hugged Flim again before Flim spoke again.
"Well, the party is starting at six o'clock so maybe you should get ready."
"You're right. I'll come out when I'm finished."
"Ok."
Flim left my room and shut the door on his way out. I pulled the dress out of the box, and began to get ready.
After what felt like hours, I finally got the dress on properly. I looked in my mirror to make sure everything was ok, and I realized just how beautiful I looked in this dress. I looked like a model for one of Rarity's fashion shows. It truly was stunning. As made my way to the door, I accidentally kicked the box the dress had come in, and I heard a small cling of metal hit the inside of the box.
I looked inside and saw a beautiful, golden necklace in the shape of an apple. It was just as gorgeous as the dress. I snapped it on in the back and looked in the mirror once more. Everything looked perfect. I was going to wear my Stetson hat to the party, but I realized it wouldn't really match the dress, so I decided to pull my hair back into a bun like I had seen Rarity do a dozen times.
I let out a deep breath and opened the door.
Flim's P.O.V.
I couldn't wait another moment for Applejack to come out. Thank goodness I didn't cause right when I was about to start calling her name, I heard a door open from upstairs. I turned around and let my jaw drop at the sheer magnificence of Applejack.
She looked absolutely stunning, and the dress was perfect for her, along with the necklace. Instead, of her usual hat, her haired was pulled back in a bun.
"W-wow, Applejack. You look amazing," I complimented.
"Thank you, Flim. I feel amazing, too. I can't believe you did this for me."
"I would do anything for you, Applejack."
I walked closer to Applejack and gave a small kiss on the forehead.
"Are you ready, my apple?"
"As ready as I'll ever be."
As we left the house, I just couldn't comprehend how such an amazing and beautiful mare had come to like me as much as I liked her.
On our walk to town for Pinkie Pie's Welcome to Ponyville Party for Flim, I had some time to do some thinking. As we made our way down the trail towards Ponyville, I couldn't help but feel thousands of butterflies fluttering in my stomach. My thoughts were all over the place, but one thought stuck out among the rest: I was going on a date with Flim. Although we were just going as friends, we could tell from each other that we wanted this to be more than just friends attending a party together, but we were too shy to say so. That was just such a weird thought to comprehend. Not long ago, I would have bucked him across the orchard the moment I laid eyes on him, but now, I couldn't even imagine doing anything like it. I would be too afraid to hurt his handsome face.
Wait, what? Ugh, romance is so weird, I thought to myself.
I sneaked a glance at Flim. His eyes were fixated somewhere deep in the Everfree Forest. I could tell he was thinking hard about something, and I had a feeling he was thinking the same thing I was, but before I could ask, I found myself too busy marvelling at his outfit. Rarity certainly had done an excellent job. It fit perfectly around his figure, and the whole outfit brought out his extravagant green eyes. Not to mention the cute cowpony hat sitting atop his head, along with the bright red bandanna wrapped around his neck. The way the white stripes in his mane and tail glistened in the moonlight, and the sparkles that emanated from those glorious, green eyes just made my mind woozy.
"He looks amazing," I thought, unaware that I had spoken those words aloud.
"I'm sorry, what did you say, my apple?" Flim questioned, turning around to face me.
"Oh, uh," I said, feeling rather flustered, "I said this party is going to be amazing."
"Oh, most definitely," Flim agreed, smiling, "Any friend of yours or their parties are bound to be just as amazing as you."
My face turned into a bright red apple at Flim's compliment. I hoped that the color of my dress would be able to hide my blush, but Flim had already noticed.
"You know, I love it when I make you blush," Flim commented, winking at me, which only made me blush even harder.
"Uh...uh, thanks, Flim," I stuttered out, trying to hide my bright red face from him.
"Ha ha! I'm just messing with you, my gorgeous apple," he chuckled, nudging his hoof against my own.
Before things got too awkward between us, we arrived at Sugarcube Corner. We could hear the music blasting out from inside, and the vibrations of beat played by the one and only DJ Pon-3 sent shivers of energy down our spines.
"Are you ready to party, Flim?"
"As ready as I'll ever be," Flim responded, a few drops of sweat falling down from his forehead.
"Hey, no need to worry, sugarcube. Everything's going to be amazing."
"I know it will, just knowing that you are with me tonight is all that I need to be happy."
I felt another blush coming on, as well as the tinge of magic around my neck, and I saw Flim's horn glowing. I looked down to see his magic engulfing my necklace, readjusting it so it was perfect. Once it was perfectly in place, Flim leaned forward and gently kissed my forehead, before opening the door for me like a proper gentlecolt would.
"After you, my dear, sweet apple."
"Thanks, Flim," I smiling, trotting on by Flim, but not before planting a small kiss on his cheek. I glanced back as I entered the shop to see Flim absolutely glowing from the happiness I brought him.
Following me into Sugarcube Corner, Flim returned to my side, before closing the door behind us, as we were now in centre of a crazy party thrown by a crazy pink pony by the name of Pinkie Pie.
Flim's P.O.V.
"Hey, Flim Jim!" Pinkie shouted in my face.
"Oh, hey, Pinkie," I responded.
"You and Applejack both look super duper fancy-smancy! Did Rarity help you guys with that?"
"Who else could've designed something so brilliant?"
"Ooh ooh! Let me guess! I know this one! Um, Twilight! No, Rainbow Dash! No, definitely not her. How about Fluttershy? Or Cheerilee..."
"Might as well join the party, or we'll be standing here all night waiting for her to guess every pony she knows," Applejack perked up.
"Good idea."
We strode over towards where the party was taking place. Everypony was clearly having a great time. I could see a rainbow mane bobbing up and down in the crowd, as well as a purple alicorn dancing, or an attempt at it, at least.
"Come on, Flim! Let's dance!"
AJ's P.O.V.
I felt terrific! It was like I'd never danced so freely, and I had certainly never danced with a colt before. I should have known Flim was able to dance in all kinds of wildly creative ways, and I loved it.
"Ya havin' fun, partner!?" I yellled, happily, over all the music!
Flim swept me up in a surprise hug. "Are Apples red?" he laughed!
My face flushed bright crimson from his proximity, and I looked away embarrassedly.
"I'll take that as a yes," said Flim, smirking.
He twirled me around and caught me in his arms, and we both resumed to dancing. In the middle of what was about the fifth song, Flim and I were spinning round together, dancing like a true couple. But just at that moment, a pony suddenly bumped into me, and Flim's hoof was knocked out of mine! I stumbled back past a few other ponies, and Flim fell back to the floor.
"Flim!?"
"Applejack!?
I tried to push my way through the crowd of ponies, but I couldn't get back to my date.
"Um, 'scuse me! Can I get through? 'Scuse!"
I stumbled, and was pushed back as the crowd was rather thick. I waved my hoof in the air.
"Flim! I'm over here!"
I couldn't see him, but I hoped he could see my hoof. Trying to stay on my hooves, I pushed through the crowd. I suddenly stumbled back and felt my back leg trip over somepony else's hoof, but before I hit the floor, I felt a hoof grab my arm, stopping me from falling. I slowly opened my eyes and looked up to see a familiar face.
"Glad I caught you," Flim commented, smiling down at me.
I smiled too, and he pulled me up. Now we were face-to-face, holding hooves and looking into each other's eyes. For the first time, this didn't feel like an awkward silence.
"Thanks," I said, smiling, "I coulda hurt myself."
Our noses were almost touching now. I even found myself looking at his lips for a moment. Then I shook my head, ridding my mind of all thoughts.
"Ya wanna dance some more, sugarcube?"
"Of course, my dear apple."
Flim's P.O.V.
After a few more songs, I needed to sit out for a little bit. I didn't think I had ever had so much exercise before, and I was starting to sweat like crazy.
"You okay, Flim?" I heard somepony ask, with a hint of country in her voice.
"Yeah, just a little worn out from all the dancing."
"How bout we try some apple bobbing," Applejack suggested.
"Try? Please, I'm the master at apple bobbing."
"Oh, really now?"
"What, and you are?" I asked with a cheeky grin on my face.
"You gonna be smug like that, huh?" Applejack questioned with determined look on her face.
"How about this," I began," Whoever gets an apple first is dubbed the best apple bobber."
"And the loser?"
"Has to clear out half the West Orchard."
"You really wanna make this bet?"
"Most definitely."
"Okay, then challenge accepted."
Applejack stuck her hoof out, and I grasped it and shook, confirming the bet.
"Come on, then."
I beckoned Applejack to follow me over to the apple bobbing booth. As we each took opposite sides of the tub of water, Applejack began the count down.
"3, 2, 1, GO!"
I plunged my head into the water and began to feel around for any apple I could get a grasp on. Everytime I about got one, it slipped out of my mouth. I was becoming frustrated before an apple flew right into my mouth. I bit down hard, as to not lose it and lifted my head out of the water.
"I won!"
I honestly, couldn't tell who won because Applejack picked her head up at the same time I did. I was confused for a second on how close she was, but then I realized we were holding onto the same apple. I felt my face begin to heat up, and I saw Applejack begin to blush. We were practically kissing if the apple wasn't in the way. I let go of the apple, and now Applejack was still holding it. She let go of it as well, and her red-colored cheeks began to turn back into an orange color.
"Well, I guess we both one," I commented.
"Yep, we sure did," Applejack responded.
Before things could get anymore awkward, I could see Pinkie Pie literally bouncing on over to us.
"Hey again, Pinkie," I said.
"Hey, lovebirds!" she said to me and Applejack.
"What, uh, no, we're just friends," we both muttered out.
"Well, I just wanted to ask how you liked the party, Flim?"
"Oh, it's great," I said, relieved to not talk about mine and Applejack's relationship.
"Hooray! Another successful party in the books!"
Once again, Pinkie Pie began to bounce but away from us.
"Hey, Flim, I'm getting kind of tired," Applejack spoke up," Do you mind if we head on out?"
"Sure, no problem, my apple."
This caused Applejack to blush again, and me to question just what I thought of Applejack.
AJ's P.O.V.
"So, uh, you liked your party?" I asked Flim.
"Oh, yeah, really fun."
"Good."
We were on our way back to the farm, both of us staying relatively quiet. The apple bobbing incident made it awkward between both of us, and we're both awkward ponies, so it was hard getting out of this awkward phase between us. I didn't want it to be like this forever so I suggested an idea.
"How bout we go to the lake? It'll be refreshing after being in a stuffy room."
"Sure, sounds good."
I lead Flim away from Ponyville and towards the swimming hole that my family usually goes to. Once reaching the lake, we went different ways to get out of our dress clothes, and then we got back together at the edge of the lake. I reached my hoof in and touched the water, and it was pretty chilly. I instinctively pulled my leg back, causing me to wobble a little, but Flim caught me before I completely fell over.
"Thanks."
I could see Flim nod his head in the moonlight in acknowledgement to my thank you.
"You want me to go first?" Flim asked.
"Um, sure."
Flim stepped around me and took a few slow steps into the water. I could see his face contort into a face of displeasure at the coldness of the water, but soon enough, it disappeared.
"It won't take long to get used to it," he said," Here, take my hoof."
He held his hoof out to me, and I took a hold of it as he guided me into the water. He never did let go, however, even when I was all the way in the water. For a few minutes we just stood together, hoof and hoof, looking at the moon.
"Whatcha thinkin' about?" I asked.
"Oh, nothing, " he responded, solemnly.
"Come on. You can tell me," I said, nudging him with my elbow.
"I just miss my brother, is all."
"Oh."
I didn't know exactly how to respond to that, but I think he caught on.
"It's okay. You don't need to worry about me."
"But I do."
I realized what I said a little too late, and I felt my cheeks begin to burn up once again. I also felt a hoof rest under my chin. The hoof raised my head up to look into Flim's gorgeous, green eyes.
"Thank you, Applejack. I needed to hear that."
"No problem."
For another few minutes, we just stared into each other's eyes, never looking away. Well, almost never looking away. We each continued to look down at each other's lips. I felt myself wade closer to Flim's body, as well as my body raising higher up to Flim's height, never truly making it. The close proximity of our bodies was overwhelming, but not as overwhelming as Flim's muzzle coming closer and closer to my own. We were so close to each other just a few more inches and we'd be - HMPH!
My thoughts were instantly stopped when I felt the impact of Flim's lips on mine. It was just what I had always dreamed of and even more! The softness and gentleness of his kiss was wonderful, and the ever faint taste of apple was there, as well. I also felt his hooves wrap around my body, bringing me even closer to him. The kiss, how it seemed like hours, was only a few minutes. Once we broke apart, I was smiling from ear to ear. To glow of the moon surrounded Flim's face, making him look amazingly handsome.
"Applejack," Flim whispered.
"Yeah, Flim?" I asked, looking up at him.
"Will you always be my apple?"
"Of course, Flim."
I saw Flim's face light up with joy from my response. In one quick motion, Flim picked me up bridal style, bringing me out of the water, and I wrapped my arms around his neck.
"Thank you," he said, before bringing his muzzle down for another sweet kiss.