//------------------------------// // A Crush In Apple Acres // Story: Welcome to Ponyville! // by CharcoalShift //------------------------------// The next day, Charcoal is finally settled into his new home. He opens the door and sees all the other ponies going about their business like last time. He's still getting used to all the cheeriness and optimistic attitude. It's pretty hard to take it all in when most of your life you've been taking in negativity. Charcoal grabbed his tools for the day and set out to Apple Acres. That is... if he can find it. He wanders about town for about a good hour or so, following twists and turns until he sat by a tree, sweating and tying up his hair in a ponytail to let cool air brush up against the back of his neck. A mare walks up to him and notices his confused expression. "Well howdy there. Seems like you're new here to Ponyville" she said. Charcoal looks up, and his eyes narrowed in disbelief. A young mare stood before him, with olive yellow hair, smooth orange fur, and soft green eyes. She tilts her hat towards him as a greeting "Mah name's Applejack, what's yer's?” Charcoal was at a loss for words. The name alone echoed in his head for a good moment that seemed like an eternity. He could only mutter his name in sheer bashfulness. "Charcoal? Oh! You must be the pony Pinkie Pie's been talkin about! You're the one that's gonna help me with the little machine problem?" She says with a smile. "U-uh... y-yeah... I was trying to... um... find my way to Apple Acres..." Charcoal tried to talk, but he had no idea what was wrong. "Ya got lost didn't you?" She said, laughing a bit. Charcoal couldn't help but blush in embarrassment. "Ah it's okay, I'd be glad to show you to sweet ol' Apple Acres" Applejack said, grabbing his hoof and pulling him along. Other ponies were looking at them, whispering to one another and giggling. Charcoal noticed this and pulled away from Applejack, remembering all the things that happened in Canterlot. She looked at him a bit confused "You ok there sugarcube?” Charcoal got his head together and nodded "Yeah... yeah I'm fine. I'll follow you". She trotted on ahead and walked down a short trail that led to Apple Acres. It was a fairly big place; even Charcoal didn't think it would be so big for a family of 4. There were orchards of apples, far as the eye could see, and the barn was as big as a warehouse. "Come with me so I cans introduce you to the family" She said, looking back at him. And here Charcoal thought he would only be here just to fix some broken down machine. They get to the porch of her home, where three other ponies stand near the door. "Now Charcoal, I'd like you to meet Big Macintosh, AppleBloom, and Granny Apple" Applejack said, pointing them out. Big Mac was a Red stallion, a lot taller than him that's for sure, and well-built considering that he hauls all of these apples. AppleBloom was the youngest, with her red mane and a bow to match the eyes. And Granny Apple? Well let's just say she fits the name. Charcoal walks in with Applejack, but he has this odd feeling like he's being watched by somepony. "Here ya are Charky" she said "This oven here has been on the fritz for a while now". Charcoal was still stuck on being called that nickname. "...Charky?" he said a bit off. "You don't like that nickname?" she said, tilting her head a bit. "O-oh, it's fine... really" he said, smiling nervously and sweating a bit. Big Mac and AppleBloom watch the two of them from the living room. "You thinkin' what I’m thinkin'?" AppleBloom says with her hoof under her chin. "Eyup" Big Mac says, nodding in his usual silent ways.