//------------------------------//
// 13. Around Town 
// Story: Guardians of the Elements of Harmony 
// by mcb893 
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"Is this... really... necessary?" Moore said with gritted teeth and clenched eyes. Rarity squeezed the measuring tape tighter around his gut, cutting off more air to his lungs. "Yes John! I need exact measurements! Now please hold still!" She said as she tightened the tape again. Moore let out a groan of pain, this was starting to cause pain to his gut. "Ah! There we go!" Rarity said as she removed the measuring tool. Moore took a deep breath and held his gut, feeling as though a snake had just released it's grip on him. Being shot was more enjoyable than this. Moore went over to put his shit back on, but was stopped by the white unicorn once more. "Not just yet John! I need measurements for your neck!" "Oh dear Lord..." Rarity rolled her eyes and talked slowly. "Don't worry, I won't have to pull as tightly this time." Moore gave a sigh as he walked back over. "Just be quick with it alright? This is not how I want to spend my morning." He said as Rarity gently took the tape once again and began to check on the size of his neck. Moore gave a quick choking noise as it grew tighter, unable to speak. "Oh man up! You want to fit in now don... uh... nevermind." She said. He rolled my eyes and just waited for it to end.

After what felt like hours, she finally released the tape and told him he was free to put his "garments" back on. Moore gave a sigh of relief, overjoyed to be done with the torturous occasion. "Remember, casual. I just want stuff for when I'm off duty. Nothing fancy." He said as he slipped his shirt over his bare chest. Rarity was about to complain, but stopped when Moore glared at her, which caused her to nervously nod. "Of course John, but when the Grand Galloping Gala arrives, you simply must allow me to make you a tuxedo!" She said with a smile. Moore cocked his head to one side. "The what?" He asked as he slipped his kevlar back over his chest. She put on red glasses he hadn't seen before and watched as he placed his gear back around him. "It's a most joyous occasion, it didn't go that well last year, but I am sure it will be better this year. Given that it can be held." Moore rolled his eyes as he put his helmet on and patted it. "I think I'll pass. Parties aren't really my thing. Come to think of it, social gatherings aren't my thing." He said as he checked his rifle, making sure it had a loaded clip.

"Please? Just think about it?" She asked. Moore was about to shout no again, but then he saw her face. Big, pleading eyes with a quivering lip to go with it. Moore sighed, feeling more relaxed at the sight of such an adorable face. "Fine. If this Gala thing does happen, you can make me a tux." Rarity gave a quick cheer and got to work on his new clothes. Moore remembered he had promised Applejack to stop by and visit as well, so he asked if he was okay to leave. "Sure darling, I work better when alone anyway." She said as she used her magic to begin stitching. Moore nodded and walked down the steps, out to the streets below. There was a small pat on his leg, and he looked down. He noticed a small, light red filly who he had rescued in his first battle. "Excuse me mister, I just.. I um... Wanted to thank you for saving me." She said with a touch of nervousness in her voice. Moore smiled and rubbed the young girl's head. "Of course, it was my pleasure." He said. "Honeycomb!" He heard. The filly turned, crying; "I'll be right there mom!" She turned and smiled, thanking Moore one last time before leaving. Moore chuckled.

Sweet Apple Acres...

Moore marveled at the large expansion of the apple orchard he walked through. He had never seen so many in his life. His stomach growled, and he brought his hand to it. How long had it been since he had last eaten? Checking a pouch on his back, he pulled out the last bit of food that he had when he awoke in the forest. Popping it into his mouth he saw Applejack kicking some trees, with apples falling out of them into baskets below. The young mare looked to her right and saw him, waving. Moore waved back as he swallowed. "Howdy there John! Run a little long with Rarity?" She asked. Moore thought back to he experience, and just nodded his head with an annoyed look. AJ chuckled and led him to her home. "I'm really excited to introduce you to mah family, we'll start with my big brother, Big Macintosh." Moore chuckled at slight joke he got out of that. "What?" AJ asked. Moore just shook his head.

Pulling a large cart was a big, red stallion with a piece of wheat in his mouth. "Big Macintosh, I have someone for you ta' meet." AJ said as they came close. The large horse turned to see his sister and Moore. The stallion just smiled and said a single word; "Howdy." Moore nodded and introduced himself. "Well come on Big Macintosh." the large pony rolled his eyes with a smile. "Nice ta meet'cha." He said. "Likewise." Moore said with a smile himself. There was silence for a few minutes before AJ decided she had had enough. The young mare introduced the other members of her family, one named Granny Smith (another interesting pun) and Applebloom, whom he had already met. Moore looked to the sky and saw the sun beat down on the orchard, and asked AJ if she wanted any help on the farm, since he didn't have anything else to really do. "Well sure John, we need all the help we can get, we just reopened, and are really far bahind on where we should be."

After a couple of hours of kicking the trees and carrying back several baskets, Moore was parched. Applejack handed him a bucket of water, which he graciously accepted. He nearly drank half the bucket before AJ told him to slow down. "Sorry, just really thirsty." He said as he returned the bucket and gave the another tree another quick kick. Apples fell and filled the baskets as sweat dripped down the Staff Sergeant's face. He took the six baskets and carried the heavy load back to the barn, exhaling as he went. After a few more hours, Applejack said they could take a break, but Moore said that he needed to head back into town. AJ understood and gave him one last apple before leaving. "For the road." She said with a wink. Moore smiled and bit into the apple.

Moore stopped by pinkie's place (worst migraine ever) and nearly vomited from all the sweets she asked him to try. "If I ever see another cupcake in my life..." He said as he stumbled away from the shop. After that, he stopped by Fluttershy's place to check on her, with her home being so close to the forest. He was about to leave when she asked him a question. "What's your family like?" He paused and stared at the ground. The same question had been asked by Twilight last night, and it hadn't gotten any easier to answer. "Uh..." He said as he looked down in sorrow. "Dead." He said. Sprinting, he ran faster and faster to avoid any more memories of his parent's untimely death...