//------------------------------// // Working hours // Story: It takes a village // by Sarcastic Brony //------------------------------// “Alright, Anon,” Applejack says as she and him face a tree. “Now I’m not one for beating around a bush, so I’ll just come out and say it. Your hands are perfect for picking apples.” “Well, I kinda guessed th-” “I’m not finished,” she says sternly. “Now, I know what I do looks mighty fancy to you, but there’s a price to pay.” She walks over to the tree and kicks it, knocking all the apples down into the buckets. She then moves a few apples and pulls one out to show Anon. “Look here,” she says motioning for him to get closer. Anon does so, and when he looks at the apple, he notices that it’s already starting to bruise. He finally understood: because the apples fall, they get damaged. Anon honestly thought that some kind of magic took care of that problem, but it appears that some things don’t change. “Can you understand where I’m going with this?” Applejack asks. “I’m less likely to bruise any apples I pick,” Anon answers. “Exactly! So, with your help, we can ensure that more apples are being sold.” “Alright. So where do you want me to work?” Applejack gives Anon a nod. “Ready to work, that’s good. Head over to the south field. Fill a basket, move it to the barn, and then repeat. I’ll come get ya when we’re done.” “I’ll head out there now. See ya, AJ.” “Later, Sugar,” Applejack says with a wave. Now Anon can finally get to work, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be done for the day. Right after working here, he’ll need to head over to Sugarcube corner to help Pinkie. Busy day for him, but he’ll do just fine. For now, he’ll just focus. Anon’s body is covered in sweat as his muscles start to ache. Climbing in and out of trees, moving twenty-pound baskets almost half a mile to the barn, and then walking back to repeat the process. He knew it wasn’t going to be a simple job, but now it’s starting to sink in. It’s impressive to think AJ does this stuff every single day. No wonder she looks as fit as she does. He’s glad that things are working out, but the ache is making him start to second guess his career choices. Maybe he should’ve taken Celestia up on that job offer all those years ago? Doesn’t matter, he’ll manage, somehow. There are a lot of ideas floating around in his head for making more money too. Perhaps he can learn how to massage ponies from the Lotus twins? It’s certainly a thought and would possibly put more money on the table for Faith. She won’t grow up fast, but Anon can’t help but think of her future. He wants a house where she can have her own room. A nice bed, clothes from Rarity, whatever toys she wants. He’ll spoil her, but also teach her how to be a good pony. It’s odd for him to think that, no more than a few days ago, most of his plans involved him getting drunk and passing out. For the first time since coming to Equestria, Anon feels as if he has a purpose. Something to strive for, something to protect and love. It makes him want to be better and do more. “How you doing?” a voice calls out. Anon looks over to see Applejack standing under the tree he’s currently in. “Just fine.” “Well, time to head on out. Work’s done.” Anon lets out a sigh of relief as he falls to the ground and catches himself. He stands back up and wipes the sweat from his brow. When he looks down at Applejack, he notices the large blush on her cheeks. He looks down and realizes that he’s not wearing a shirt anymore. It was sweltering after a few hours, and he took it off to cool down. So now his bare chest is showing as sweat pours down his body. “Sorry for being indecent,” Anon says walking over to the basket to put on his shirt. “W-Well I wouldn’t say indecent... You know us ponies don’t wear those fancy clothes you’re always wearing. Just never see you out of them, so it came as a bit of a shock, is all.” Anon chuckles at that. “Yeah, I guess that’s true. So we’re all done?” “Yup, just gotta get this last basket of yours to the barn and you can head on out.” “I never asked, but when’s payday?” Anon puts on his shirt and turns around to see Applejack already has his basket on her back. “Every Friday,” she answers. “Now, let’s not doddle. I’m sure you gotta head on over to Pinkie’s soon.” “Yeah. Do you want me to carry that?” She shakes her head. “I got it. Might I ask, where you plan to take Faith?” Oh, yeah. Anon didn’t think of that. “Hmm... I was probably going to bring her along.” “I don’t mind watching her if you need me to.” “No, I’ve already ask-” “Anon,” Applejack stops as she looks at him. “It’s no problem. I got nothing else to do on this farm. Might as well watch your girl.” “Are you sure about that?” Anon asks, unsure if he can keep asking so much from Applejack. She’s given him a job, a crib, and even agreed to feed Faith consistently. He doesn’t want to burden his friends during this settling period, but even he can tell that Applejack won’t let this go without a good reason. “A-Alright,” Anon relents. “I’ll pick her up as soon as I’m finished with Pinkie.” Applejack smiles brightly as she nods. “Sure thing, Sugar.” Applejack is now standing beside the barn. “I suggest washing up real quick, then heading on out.” “Will do,” Anon says as he walks toward the farmhouse. Anon already said his goodbyes to the Apples and Faith before leaving. She was still acting happy and curious about everything before he went, so he felt okay with leaving her there. It’s always a bit odd for him to have so much support for his kid, but it certainly makes things manageable and less lonely. Anon enters the back door of Sugarcube corner, which leads directly to the kitchen. Pinkie is already there, setting a few bowls and whatnot onto the counters. She looks over her withers at Anon with a smile. “Hey there!” She dashes over closer to Anon as she looks around him. “Sooooo. You bring Faith?” She walks around Anon, then climbs onto his back and takes a look around for a moment before leaning over to look at him with a raised brow. “She’s at AJ’s, Pinkie. I thought it would be easier, you know, seeing as we’re usually swamped.” “Oh man! I was hoping to see her.” Pinkie jumps off Anon and walks towards the counter she was preparing. “She’s so cute! Why I don’t think I’ve ever seen a foal as cute as her.” “Not even the twins?” Anon asks as he grabs his apron and puts it on. “It’s a different kind of cute,” Pinkie says as she pulls out more bowls. “She’s also very well behaved.” “I can agree with that. It’s a bit odd, actually,” Anon admits. “Yeah, foals, for the most part, are usually really loud.” Pinkie starts setting bowls onto Anon’s area. “I hope she’s not afraid or something,” Anon says placing ingredients on each counter. “I doubt that. She looked very happy,” Pinkie says looking at her hoof work. “All set!” Anon jerks slightly as he sets the last cup of flour onto his counter and turns back to face Pinkie. “I know you girls like Faith a lot. Sorry for not bringing her with me today.” Pinkie waves it off. “No worries. I’ll see her again.” “Um, actually.” Anon feels weird asking this. “Could you come with me to the store after this? I want to make sure I buy stuff for Faith.” Pinkie’s smile grows incredibly large. “Of course! Why I’ve shopped for the twins before. I know all about diapers and things like that.” “Thanks, Pinks. So,” Anon looks around the kitchen and then faces Pinkie, “you ready?” Pinkie gives him a smirk. “Am I ready? Do you even need to ask?” “Well, on your mark, get set, go!” In a flash, the two of them quickly set off to do their work. This day is going to be great with Pinkie’s help.