//------------------------------//
// Sunset's Good Will Tour Part 1 
// Story: The Trial Continues 
// by Zerocool7785 
//------------------------------//

“But sis I still don’t get why we need her here?” Apple Bloom whined.
“Because she volunteered to help that’s why. I don’t want to hear another word about it. Our other helpers will be here in the mornin’ and we need all the help we can get. Am I right Big Mac?” Applejack asked.
“Eeyupp.” Big Mac replied.
“Who else is coming?” Asked Babs.
“Well our Cousins Braeburn and Apple Cinnamon, and Toe Tapper.” Applejack replied.
“Who’s Toe Tapper?” Asked Sunset walking in the door.
“He’s a guy who sings in this acapella group with my brother and Rarity and Torch Song. They call themselves the Wondertones. It’s a part time thing that they do on the side to make a few bucks.” Applejack explained.
“Why does he want to help?” Apple Bloom asked, shooting daggers at Sunset with her eyes.
“Big Mac mentioned to him about the fall harvest and he asked if I was gonna be there and Big Mac said “EEYUPP” then he volunteered to help.” Said Applejack leaning against the wall throwing Sunset a knowing wink.
“Another Smitten Kitten. Isn’t that the term Rarity’s uses?” Asked Sunset, smiling while thinking about it.
“Hey if Rarity is part of this group, how come she’s not helping?” Asked Apple Bloom.
Applejack and Sunset (and Big Mac surprisingly) all started laughing hysterically and then Applejack stopped and looked at Apple Bloom and Babs who looked at them like they lost their minds.
“Oh you were being serious?” Applejack asked looking at Apple Bloom and Babs.
“I can’t see Rarity working here, ooohh I broke a nail.” Sunset said.
“Nice to thing to say about your friend.” Apple Bloom replied looking with disdain at Sunset.
“I meant it as a joke and Rarity would agree with me.” Sunset said.
“Still it’s not right. Right Babs?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Well I really don’t know this Rarity so I don’t know.” Babs replied.
“Oh you must be Apple Bloom’s cousin Babs Seed I heard about. Hi welcome to Canterlot I’m Sunset Shimmer.” Sunset said, introducing herself to Babs extending her hand.
“Nice to meet ya.” Babs said, shaking Sunset’s hand.
“Come and get it!” Granny Smith gave a holler.
“Come on Sunset grubs on.” Applejack said.
“Ok with me I’m starving.” Sunset replied as she headed for the kitchen.
“I guess Luna doesn’t feed ya huh?” Apple Bloom sassed. Applejack grabbed Apple Bloom’s arm and spun her around to look at her. 
“Apple Bloom you know how to treat guests and I don’t know what this attitude is but if you don’t cut it out I am gonna tan your hide.” Applejack scolded her.
Babs decided it was time to break the tension and the awkwardness in the room after that remark. “Sunset I’m sorry you got to sleep in the hayloft tonight, I was thinking I could trade with you. Let you sleep in the house. I'll take the hayloft. It’s getting cold at night.” Babs said.
“It’s ok Babs, it'll be fun, plus Applejack said she's gonna furnish me with all the  necessary materials. Like a pillow and a few blankets, plus I tried out the hay it is very soft.“ Sunset said.
“Ok I just don’t feel it’s right.” Babs said.
“It’s fine after dinner, I want to help with the clean up before I get set up in the loft.” Sunset said.
“Well Sunset you’re gonna be working most of tomorrow you don’t need to help with the dishes tonight, you’re a guest.” Applejack told her.
“No, no I insist.” Sunset said.
“Ok then.” Applejack said.
The rest of dinner passed with light conversation and Sunset was given a rundown of tomorrow getting all the apples undercover and next week they would be sold, they had a big buyer or two. One was Filthy Rich. 
After dinner, Sunset helped with clearing the table, washing and putting away stuff. Applejack was impressed Sunset really seemed to have turned herself around.
“Wow this girl is really trying. It’s nice to see.” Applejack thought.  
After that Applejack gathered up an extra pillow and some blankets and Sunset went with her to the barn. Applejack went up first and set the bed and Sunset followed quickly and jumped in the hay and pulled the blankets up.
“Thanks AJ this is gonna be fine for the night. Much better than the clubhouse. Thank you so much for letting me help.” Sunset replied hopping up.
“Sunset I believe you have reformed I really do. Tomorrow it will be you, me, Big Mac, Toe Tapper, Apple Bloom, Babs Seed, Braeburn and Apple Cinnamon. Granny will be cleaning up and making the food. It is a clockwork operation.” Applejack said.
“Well will granny need help?” Sunset asked.
“Sugarcube your gonna be workin’ in the orchards with us.” Applejack stated matter-of-factly.
“Not me silly, mom.” Sunset stated.
“Why in tarnation would Luna want to help?” Applejack asked leaning up against the wall, arms crossed. She had an idea where this was headed.
Sunset pulled out her phone and started to text.
“What are you doin’?” Asked Applejack.
“All I have to do is hit send.” Sunset said, showing Applejack her phone.

Hey Mom, 
	Guess what. Apple Cinnamon is going to help tomorrow with the fall harvest. He’ll be here early.
							Sunset Shimmer

“Sunset she's gonna have to work. Probably with Granny Smith in the house. Does your mom know anything about bakin’?” Applejack asked.
“Not really she burnt pancakes she was making for us one time.” Sunset remarked.
Applejack chuckled slightly, but then again everyone makes mistakes in the 
kitchen at one time or another. One time trying to make a milkshake the top wasn’t on right and when she started it chocolate syrup and ice cream went all over the kitchen. Granny Smith laid into her over that one and told Applejack she was responsible 
for cleaning it up. Apple Bloom and Big Mac snuck in and helped here and there though.
“Go ahead Sunset hit send. Just if she texts back tell her it’s a work day. Get some rest you don’t have to get up quite as early as me, but it will be early. Good Night Sunset” Applejack said.
“Night Applejack.” Sunset replied, taking off her jacket  and getting back under the blankets. Sunset hit send on her message she didn’t like Apple Cinnamon but he really cared about Luna. A second later her phone buzzed:

Luna: Really Sunset?
Sunset: No Joke
Luna: I would probably get in the way.
Sunset: Applejack said you could help Granny Smith inside cooking and preparing food. But you need to be here around sunrise.
Luna: I will try honey. Good Night I love you.
Sunset: I love you too mom.

Sunset got snuggled under her blankets and fell asleep pretty quick and for once had no nightmares. The hay was a good insulator as she was warm with several blankets and a pillow. Sunset hadn’t slept like this in years.
Sunset was awoken by the barn door opening slowly. It was just getting light so Sunset knew it was early and looked up from her bed it was Applejack and she was grabbing wooden baskets and taking them out as quiet as she could.
Sunset let out a yawn and a stretch in her bed. She decided it was time to get up and head in for breakfast and then get to work. Sunset grabbed her jacket and swung it over her shoulder and climbed down the ladder. Applejack looked up .
“Sunset you didn’t need to be up just yet. I’m just getting stuff ready.” Applejack said.
“I figured it was time to get up. I guess we have breakfast and get started?” Sunset asked.
“About right Granny Smith's got eggs, bacon, pancakes, biscuits, honey and apple butter and syrup. Not to mention Apple Juice too. So get your fill.” Applejack said. 
As she came out of the barn Sunset saw a pick-up truck pull into the driveway and out stepped Braeburn and Apple Cinnamon. Apple Cinnamon looked over and immediately recognized Sunset. He hoped her mother was there too.
“Hey I didn’t expect to see you here, kiddo. Your mom wouldn’t happen to be here today is she?”  Apple Cinnamon asked Sunset.
“I told her you were going to be here so she should show up. Breakfast is cooking inside.” Sunset informed them.
“Sounds good.” Said Braeburn as he headed in with Apple Cinnamon. Sunset decided she better go in and eat too. As she walked into the farmhouse she was greeted by the scent of bacon frying and apple cinnamon (the smell not the person).
Sunset got her plate and got some eggs, pancakes, skipping the bacon, she picked up two rolls and some honey for them and butter and syrup for the pancakes and sat down at the kitchen table where Big Mac, Apple Bloom and Babs were eating. After getting her apple juice from the pitcher on the table she dug in like everyone else was doing. 
Applejack and her cousins were out on the porch enjoying the sunrise with small TV trays, Sunset heard the front door open and Applejack directing some guy to the buffet line. 
“Right through there Toe Tapper.” Applejack was saying. Sunset looked over towards Toe Tapper alight blue complexion and dark blue hair. Definitely looked like a Glee club member but was dressed for a day of hard work. Yet if he was willing to put in the effort it would be appreciated.
As the Apples were finishing breakfast and dropping their plates off to Granny Smith, Sunset headed outside and took her leather jacket and dropped it over the railing. Applejack grabbed it and put it on the coat rack in the house and said it would be fine there.
As everyone was about to begin their chores another car pulled into the driveway it was Luna. She got out of her car and walked up the driveway and no one was more shocked than Apple Cinnamon.  
He ran over to greet Luna as she got out of the car. Luna put her arms around his neck and he spun her around with his arms around her waist. After planting a kiss on Luna everyone clapped.
 Luna and Apple Cinnamon both looked and blushed forgetting they had an audience. Everyone but Sunset had smiles or a smug look. Applejack wanted to break the awkwardness of the moment. 
“Ok Apples and friends let's hit the orchard. Vice Principal Luna, I think Granny Smith could use your help in the house.” Applejack said.
“I’ll see you after the harvest.” Apple Cinnamon said.
“I look forward to it.” Luna replied. 
Apple Cinnamon gave her a quick kiss and a smack on her butt. “Now get in there girl, don’t want to keep Granny Smith waiting.” He told Luna.
Luna quickly walked into the house to see what was needed. She was elated to see Apple Cinnamon. As she walked onto the porch there stood Sunset with her arms crossed and shooting Luna a look she could have skated on.
“Don’t even start, you told me he was here.” She told Sunset.
“I wasn’t sure you were gonna show.” Sunset replied.
“Good Morning to you too.” Luna replied heading inside. With that Sunset headed out to the orchard. 
Everyone started moving towards the orchard where there were a few buckets already full of apples that were covered. Big Mac, Braeburn, and Apple Cinnamon moved those into the barn first. Applejack handed Toe Tapper and Sunset baskets to put down by the trees.
Most of the picking was done by Applejack, Big Mac, and their cousins. Apple Bloom and Babs seed were catching the apples that got tossed down.
Sunset was mostly working in the barn with Toe Tapper. Sunset was dumping the baskets into wooden crates for sale. It was hard work but Sunset felt like she was atoning for her sins. She was also helping out a friend.
“So Toe Tapper, why are you helping out?” Sunset asked.
“I could ask you the same thing.” Toe Tapper replied.
“I’m helping Applejack, because I'm atoning for my sins. I told my friends that I would help each one of them out on Saturday’s or any other day to atone. I’m doing something nice for each one of them.” Sunset explained wiping the sweat off of her brow. 
“I have a reason but I’m not gonna declare it.” Toe Tapper replied nailing a crate shut.
“You have a crush on Applejack.” Sunset replied as she went to get a drink from the thermos.
“No I don’t.” Replied Toe Tapper.
“It’s ok to ask her out.” Sunset replied.
“No it’s not. I’m bullied and scared to stand up to certain bullies. Guys like me, we don’t get “happily ever after” doesn’t happen like that.” Toe Tapper replied.
“Does Applejack know how you feel?” Sunset asked.
“I don’t tell people, who I like, that I like them. I don’t ask them out. I get rejected and made fun of. I stay silent about it.” Toe Tapper replied. 
“That’s a recipe for ending up alone.” Sunset replied sadly.
“So be it.” Toe Tapper sadly replied.
“You want to be alone?” Sunset asked.’
“I don’t want it, I don’t have to like it. I just have to accept it.” Toe Tapper replied nailing another crate shut.
“You must have really been hurt in the past. What happened?” Sunset asked, not sure she wanted to hear it.
“I started in eighth grade, asking girls out, even having my friends helping me. Half the time I would chicken out. Others were like  “Get away from me creep.” After several rejections throughout eighth and ninth grades. I just shut down. Then there were these girls that would play games that they liked me, when they didn’t. So Sunset I go to school, study computers, and sing.” Toe Tapper replied.
“What do you do the rest of the time?” Sunset asked.
“Sit alone in my room and play on my phone and laptop.” Toe Tapper replied.
“You’re not going to find someone that way.” Sunset said.
“I told you she-demon I DON’T HAVE TO LIKE IT, I HAVE TO LEARN TO ACCEPT IT AND DEAL WITH IT. Now excuse me” Toe Tapper said walking out of the barn.
Sunset mentally punched herself. “Great going Shimmer. I shouldn’t try to help.” Sunset thought. Her thoughts were broken up by the Apples wheeling in more baskets of Apples.
“Where’s Toe Tapper?” Applejack asked.
“I don’t know, I think he needed a minute.” Sunset replied, unloading the buckets into the crates, soon the Apple family left and Sunset started to nail the crates shut.
 Before she knew it. It was lunch time. Sunset grabbed Applejack and headed inside after eating her Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich and Apple Juice she told them everything.
“Once again I end up hurting people. I can never do anything right.” Sunset lamented.
“Now don’t go beatin’’ yourself up sugar cube, you couldn’t have known. I’ll look over the area, you just get those Apples boxed up.” The Cowgirl said. With that Applejack walked off to look around Sweet Apple Acres for Toe Tapper.
“Mom I didn’t want to upset anyone and he likes Applejack but ain’t ever gonna tell her. I was trying to help.” Sunset with tears in her eyes.
“I know my little worrybug.” Luna said, giving Sunset a big hug. Luna rubbed Sunset’s back some to calm her down. After a few minutes Luna released Sunset as she calmed down.
“I guess I’ll get back to work and keep my mouth shut.”  Sunset said downhearted with head hung low and went back to the barn to set the crates up for the next load.
*				*				*
Applejack caught Toe Tapper walking down the driveway from the barn and called after him. Toe Tapper turned around to see Applejack coming down from the barn. He stopped and turned around.
“Why are you leaving so soon?” Applejack asked.
“I....I have something to do.” He lied.
“I know ya lyin’. Now don’t play with me Toe Tapper. Sunset is beatin’ herself up over this, she told me everythin’.” Applejack said.
“Everything?” Toe Tapper said, turning slightly red.  
“Not every detail but she feels like crap, that you got upset. Two things I need ya to remember. One Sunset is my friend so don’t ever call her a she-demon again. Ya need to apologize to her.” Applejack said
“Two I would like to go out on a date with you. That’s not a joke or a game. Why didn’t ya speak up?” Applejack asked.
“You can only get rejected so many times, and played games with so many times before you have no confidence to talk to a girl. I had figured I was star-crossed.” He replied.
“Here stay for dinner please, but go in the barn, Sunset needs help. Ya also better apologize to her too. She’s reformed and doin’ stuff like this to show people she’s a good girl. I truly believe her after today.” Applejack told him.
“You’re not kidding me, you really do want to go on a date with me, and not a “pity date” but a real one?” He asked.
“Ya got that right on the nose thar sugar cube.” The cowgirl told him.
Toe Tapper just smiled. He couldn’t believe Applejack was gonna go on a date with him. He wanted to thank Applejack gracefully, he wanted to show confidence but all that came out was: 
“YEEESSS!!!” Toe Taper shouted arms in the air. Then realized Applejack was 
looking at him.
“Sorry I mean that’s wonderful Applejack.” Toe Tapper said slightly embarrassed.
“It’s ok thar sugar cube, a date with me isn’t that big a prize.” Applejack said.
“It is to me.” Toe Tapper replied heading back to the barn.
Toe Tapper went back to the barn and apologized to Sunset.
“Sunset I’m sorry about earlier. I mean it I am so sorry for yelling at you and calling you a she-demon you did save us at the Battle of the Bands. It was…” Toe Tapper began
“It was you never had a chance to let out all your grief in the romance department and that’s why you went off on me. I understand I been there myself and I forgive you.” Sunset replied.
“In the romance department?” Toe Tapper inquired.
“No letting out all my anger and my grief on one person.” Sunset replied lugging another basket.
“Thanks for your help and  Applejack said she would go on a date with me.” Toe Tapper replied.
Sunset turned around smiling and gave him a thumbs up. She was happy that she helped fix up two people, one of which was one of her best friends. The afternoon and harvest went on until it was almost dark. The Apples got about 70% of the orchard done. Tomorrow Applejack, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom would help when they could but they had school work to do as did Sunset and Toe Tapper. So Babs was gonna help Braeburn and Apple Cinnamon who would do most of the work. But for now it was dinner, showers and time to relax for a few minutes. 
Apple Cinnamon got a shower first, and after he smelled good. Then he went and romanced Luna for a few minutes on the back porch. Toe Tapper headed home after he stood on the front porch and made plans and exchanged numbers with Applejack. Apple Bloom and Babs were on their phones listening to music and Braeburn hung out with Big Mac and helped out Luna and Granny Smith with serving refreshments. 
Sunset sat on the front steps of the porch. For a minute she was content and “Sunset’s Good Will Tour” had made a successful first stop at Sweet Apple Acres. Sunset got up and walked around the side of the house and was greeted by the scene of Luna and Apple Cinnamon making out on the side of the house.