"What in Equestria are you two doing here?" Rarity demanded of the Flim Flam brothers. She knew they had to be up to something, just like every other time they came to Ponyville.
"If it isn't the lovely, Rarity." Flam said, bowing in flourish, tipping his hat to the lady. "We have simply come to apologize for our behavior. My brother and I feel horrible and we are hoping Miss Applejack will forgive us, and let bygons be bygones."
"So true." Flim responded, nodding solemnly. "Applejack is such a kind soul. And quite the lovely pony." He eyes traveled to the colt next to Rarity. He recognized the face. This was Trenderhoof. Flim had followed his writing for a while - a personal little secret of his. But, what on earth was such a pony doing at Sweet Apple Acres ...?
Wait ... hadn't Flim read a recent piece by Trenderhoof? That mentioned Ponyville and Sweet Apple Acres?
'There I met a pony so lovely, I could hardly believe my eyes. A hard worker, who only wanted what was best for her farm and family. Not to mention her friends. I witnessed her getting apples together, hosting a cider auction, AND helping out her dear friend. She is a pony I will not soon forget.'
He couldn't have meant ... Applejack?!
Flim's eyes narrowed. If this fellow was here to court A.J. as well, Flim might have some issues. His plans hadn't taken into account OTHER colts might be after her hand. He assumed winning her over would be as easy as an apology, some late night work, and some cider. But, if he had to contend with another colt ...
"Very lovely." Trend replied to Flim's earlier statement. "Do you know Applejack?"
"Oh yes. She's set us straight many times." Flam nodded as he spoke. "But, we've done our fair share of wrong to her." He looked at Flim. He could see a twitch in his twin's eye. Flim was getting angry. "My brother has ... ahhh ... liked Miss Applejack from the moment we first came to Sweet Apple Acres. Dare I say, he sees her as the 'apple' of his eye."
"You've come to court Applejack as well?!" Trenderhoof exclaimed, with a shot look at Rarity, who seemed as confused as he was.
"You can't be serious! Applejack would NEVER go for someone like you!" Rarity stomped her front hooves and glared. "She's got class!"
"And I'm certain she'll go for someone as stuck up and prissy as our friend Trenderhoof here." Flim sneered. "Applejack would prefer a hard worker."
"HARDWORKER?! You wouldn't know hard work if it smacked your horn sideways!" Rairty was heaving, she took a deep breath to calm down. "I apologize, Trend. A lady should never shout like that."
"I'll say. I could hear ya'll all the way over in the south field. Jus' what's goin' on here?"
The four ponies turned around, seeing the golden coated one they were all discussing. Her hoof tapped impatiently at the ground, a basket of apples sitting on her back. Her gaze turned to Rarity. "Explain?"
"Oh! Yes, why of course, Applejack. You see, Trenderhoof wished to visit you, and to be quite honest - I know how you are with honesty - he wants to try courting you. I've been coaching him~"
Applejack sighed. "Trenderhoof listen, I ..."
"But! Then these two ... SCAMMERS!, showed up and ... well, they're up to something Applejack! I just know it! Look at those sneaky faces! Why, they give unicorns a bad name!"
"Rairty, would ya ...!"
"Seriously! He had the NERVE to say Trenderhoof was prissy! He isn't prissy! Sure, he enjoys looking and feeling good, but he isn't afraid of a little hard work!"
"Rarity, can ya please ...!"
"Can you belive FLIM wants to court you! After all the things he and that brother of his have put you through!? He wants to court YOU! As if he's your type!"
"Rarity?" Trenderhoof spoke up, watching Applejack fail to get the pony's attention. "I think Applejack has something to say."
Applejack gave Trenderhoof a thankful smile as Rarity went quiet. "Thank ya, Trend." She looked at the four before her, gaze lingering on Flim and Trenderhoof. "I ain't interested in anypony."
With that, she turned to trot back to the homestead, leaving the four others staring after her.
"... Well! That was quite rude!" Rarity huffed. "Don't worry, Trend. I'll go talk to her. Why don't you go and check into the hotel in town? I suggest you two just leave. Its obvious Applejack doesn't want to see you."
Flim and Flam rolled their eyes in unison, but turned to head back to their cart. Well, they could check into the hotel for the night. Flim could speak to Applejack in the morning about living on the farm.