It had been over a month since Iron had started working on the farm and he was now finally able to do some of the more physically challenging labor. His wounds had healed well enough, the only traces of his fight with the timberwolves being some scars on his left side. Iron was excited to be doing something that didn’t involve painting something or standing at the apple vendor although he had to admit the latter was more fun when he got to do it with Applejack.
Big Macintosh was leading Iron through the orchard to show him the proper method of apple bucking. AJ was nowhere to be seen today surprisingly. The two stallions trotted up to one of the trees and Big Mac demonstrated what to do by bucking the tree hard with his hind hooves.
“That looks easy enough,” said Iron.
“Eeyup,” replied Big Mac.
“Hey, Big Mac, can I ask you something?”
“Eeyup.”
“Is there any chance that after we’re done here that I could take the rest of the day off?” Big Mac shook his head.
“Nnope. Sorry, Iron, but AJ already has the day off.” Iron raised a brow.
“What for?”
“It’s her birthday,” explained Big Mac. “We’re gonna be shorthooved today so Ah need ya here to help pick up the slack.”
“AJ doesn’t seem the type to want to take a day off,” said Iron.
“Nnope. Took ferever to convince her to. She only did when Ah said the two of us could handle all the work.” Iron nodded. “Why did ya want the day off fer exactly?”
“Me? Oh, no reason.” Big Mac raised a brow in suspicion. “Uuh, why don’t I try that bucking thing, eh?” He walked up to one of the trees and bucked as hard as he could with his hooves.
*CRASH*
“Ow!” grunted Iron as he hit the ground. He looked over his shoulder and saw his hind hooves stuck inside the tree he had bucked. He looked over at Big Mac who was just staring at the sight with his mouth agape. “Woops. Um, sorry, Big Mac.” Iron chuckled nervously. “Guess I don’t know my own strength.” Big Mac shook his head.
“N-Nope.”
***
“Ah appreciate what yer doin’ girls,” said Applejack to Rarity and Fluttershy, “but Ah don’t really need a spa visit.”
“Oh, nonsense,” said Rarity. “You been working yourself too hard lately. You need at least one day to be pampered, darling.”
“And, well,” began Fluttershy, “we just wanted to make today special for you. And you've also been so busy lately helping Iron Ore.”
“Ah suppose Ah have been a bit preoccupied helpin’ him get settled,” admitted AJ. Rarity started giggling. “And just what are ya’ll snickerin’ about, Rarity?”
“Oh, nothing, nothing,” said the white unicorn trying to stifle her giggles. “It’s just so cute watching you dote over some stallion.”
“Ah ain’t dotin’!” snapped AJ.
“He does seem like an awfully nice stallion,” admitted Fluttershy. “I could see why you’d want to be around him.”
“It ain’t like that!”
“Why so defensive, darling?” asked Rarity. AJ groaned in frustration.
“Ah ain’t bein’ defensive,” she said. “Iron has just had a rough time of it fer a real long time. Ah’m just tryin’ to help him feel like he belongs, alright?” The other two mares nodded.
“Fair enough,” said Rarity. “We understand.”
“Sorry for teasing you,” apologized Fluttershy.
“Oh, hello, AJ,” greeted a voice. The three mares looked ahead and saw Dr. Stable approaching them.
“Howdy, Doc,” greeted the cowpony. “Can Ah help ya?”
“I was actually going to the farm to check up on Iron Ore,” said the doctor. “Just want to make sure he isn’t hurting himself.”
“He’s doin’ fine,” said AJ. “His wounds are healin’ up nicely.”
“I’ll be the judge of that,” said the doctor. “I also wanted to wish him a happy birthday.”
“Oh, that’s mighty kind of-wait, what?”
“You didn't know?” asked Dr. Stable.
“How did you know?” asked AJ.
“Medical records he filled out.” He walked past the three mares. “Well, I’m off. Have a nice day ladies.” Rarity and Fluttershy looked at Applejack.
“Ah wonder why he didn't say nothin,’” she said. “Ah should get somethin’ fer him.”
“What a lovely idea,” said Rarity. “After our spa time.” She used her magic to drag Applejack by her tail.
“Ah feel bad makin’ him work on his birthday.”
“It’s so adorable watching you get so concerned over him,” teased Rarity.
“Cut it out,” growled AJ.
“We really should get her to the spa quickly,” said Fluttershy. “I think we’re stressing her out more.” Rarity and Fluttershy giggled as they dragged their friend to the spa.
“Ya’ll are enjoyin’ this way too much.”
***
Lunch break finally rolled around and Iron decided to take the chance to head into town to see if he could find a gift for Applejack. Unfortunately, he had no idea what she would want. He always hated trying to buy somepony a birthday present. A smile crept on his face as he recalled the multiple times he bought a lousy gift for his sister when they were kids.
“Yo, Iron!” called a voice above him. Iron looked up and saw Rainbow Dash hovering above him. “Long time no see, big guy. How ya been?”
“Hey, Dash,” replied Iron. “I’m just looking around for a gift for Applejack.”
“Oh, yeah? Find anything?”
“Well, that’s kind of the problem,” said Iron. “I don’t know what to get.” Rainbow nodded. “Hey, you’re a friend of hers right?”
“Yep. Want some suggestions?” she asked. Iron nodded. “Okay then.” She lowered herself so she was eye level with Iron. “First things first. It’s gotta be awesome.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean it’s got to be the best gift that you can get. AJ is one of the most awesome ponies in town. Next to me of course.” Iron rolled his eyes. “So, how many bits do you have?”
“A little over thirty,” said Iron holding up a small sack of bits. Rainbow face hoofed.
“Seriously?”
“Give me a break. Most of my pay goes to paying off my debt.” Rainbow sighed.
“Okay, we can work with this,” she said. “We just have to find best possible gift for only thirty bits.” Iron grunted in irritation. Maybe he should have asked somepony else.
“Good afternoon Rainbow Dash. Iron Ore,” greeted another pony. Iron looked to his right and saw Twilight and Spike walking up to him and Rainbow Dash.
“Hey, guys, what’s up?” asked RD.
“Just a little shopping,” replied Twilight.
“What are you guys doing?” asked Spike.
“I’m trying to help Iron find a cool gift for AJ,” answered Rainbow.
“Oh, how sweet,” Twilight complimented. Iron blushed a little. “So, what ideas have you two thought of?”
“Well,” started Iron.
“We got squat,” interrupted Rainbow. Iron shot a glare at her but she ignored him. “He’s only got thirty bits anyway. How’s he supposed to buy something even remotely decent with that?” Iron grumbled something under his breath.
“Oh, Rainbow Dash leave the poor stallion alone,” said Twilight. Spike scratched his chin.
“Well thirty bits really isn’t much,” he said. He noticed Twilight’s glare and smiled nervously. “B-But I’m sure Applejack won’t care how much it costs.”
“That’s right,” confirmed Twilight. “In fact, if I know AJ, she’ll probably want something practical rather than something very audacious, don’t you agree?” Iron tapped his chin with his hoof.
“Well. . .she did say something about needing a new lasso a couple days ago,” he said.
“A rope?” scoffed Rainbow. “That’s-” Twilight shoved a hoof in Rainbow’s mouth.
“That’s an excellent idea,” said Twilight. “Come on. I know just the place.
***
Applejack walked into Sugar Cube corner and immediately found Pinkie Pie in her face and shoving her out the door.
“Applejack!” she yelled. “I told you not to come until later! I’m still planning your party, so no peeksies!”
“Actually Ah needed to ask you about the party,” said AJ.
“I told you you’re getting a party and you’re going to like it.”
“Of course Ah will but-” Pinkie started pushing her away from the bakery again.
“Then go, go, go and let me work!”
“PINKIE PIE!” shouted AJ. “Will ya’ll stop and let me speak!”
“Alright you don’t have to yell,” said Pinkie rubbing her ear. Applejack’s eye twitched. She took a deep breath and exhaled before speaking.
“Look, Ah found out it’s not just my birthday today.” Pinkie’s eyes widened.
“What? Who? WHO?!” She shouted the last part while getting in AJ’s face. Applejack gently pushed Pinkie out of her personal space.
“Iron Ore’s. Ah was wonderin’ if there’s any chance that ya’ll could make this a party fer him as well as me.”
“Hmmm. . .” Pinkie rubbed her chin. Yeah, I can do that!” She gave AJ a huge grin.
“That won’t be a problem?” asked AJ. Pinkie shook her head.
“Not at all. Now go have fun! It is your birthday too after all!” AJ smiled and nodded.
“Thanks, Pinkie.”
***
Iron whistled as he walked the path home. He managed to find a new lasso for Applejack. It cost him all of his bits but it was worth it. The rope was nice and sturdy as well as longer than AJ’s old rope. The lasso hung around his neck as he walked.
“Iron!” he heard AJ call behind him. He looked over his shoulder and saw her running up to him.
“Uh-oh,” Iron muttered. He grabbed the rope and looked for a place to hide the rope. Spotting a bush, he shoved it underneath just as AJ reached him.
“There ya are,” she said. She raised a brow at him. “Uuuh. . .any particular reason ya’ll got yer hoof under that bush?”
“What?” asked Iron looking at the hoof he shoved under the bush. “Heh, um, I like bushes. He pulled his hoof out.” AJ just blinked. “So, how was your day?” Iron asked trying to change the subject.
“It was fine,” replied AJ still a little confused. “Pinkie is havin’ party later. I was wonderin’ if ya’ll wanted to show up.” Iron shrugged.
“Sure, if you don’t mind.”
“Not in the slightest.” She walked past him then stopped and looked over her shoulder. “Ya’ll comin’?” Iron looked at the bush then back at her and smiled sheepishly.
“You go on ahead,” he said. He set a hoof on top of the bush. “I just want to admire this nice bush some more.”
“Riiight. Ah’ll leave ya to it then.” She trotted away as Iron started petting the bush. When she was gone, he grabbed the rope.
“Well, that was humiliating.”
***
Later that day, Iron found himself at Sugar Cube corner. AJ was outside waiting for him.
“Howdy, Iron,” she greeted with a wave. “What’s with the rope?” Iron looked at the rope around his neck
“Oh this?” he asked. Shoot! I knew I should have put it in a bag! “Um, I’ll tell you in a minute. Why are you out here?”
“Thought Ah’d wait for ya.”
“Why?”
“You’ll see.” She led Iron inside where they were both greeted by a bunch of ponies.
“SURPRISE!” they all shouted. Iron jumped a little. He was still not used to surprise parties. He saw a large banner hanging from the ceiling that read: “HAPPY BIRTHDAY APPLEJACK AND IRON ORE.” His name looked like it was scribbled in at the last moment. There was a large birthday cake in the middle of the room. On one half were orange candles that Iron assumed were AJ’s. On the other half, were a random bunch of gray candles.
“I didn't know how old you are,” said Pinkie. “So, I just stuck a hold bunch of candles for you. I hope you don’t mind.” Iron smiled.
“It’s fine. Thank you.” Pinke smiled widely. “How did you know?” Iron asked AJ.
“Dr. Stable told me.”
“You don’t mind sharing your party with me?” AJ shook her head.
“Not at all. No reason you shouldn’t get to celebrate yer birthday.”
“Yeah!” shouted Pinkie appearing between the two suddenly. “That would be sooo sad if you couldn't celebrate your own birthday! I mean I couldn't imagine what I’d do if I couldn't celebrate my birthday. . .” AJ and Iron slipped away while Pinkie rambled on. AJ held up a blue box and gave it to Iron.
“What’s this?” he asked.
“A little present I found fer ya.” Iron opened it revealing a black Stetson and a dark blue bandanna. “Now ya’ll can look like a real cowpony.”
“Wow,” said Iron. “Thanks, AJ.” He put the hat on and tied the bandanna around his neck. “How do I look.”
“Pretty good. Rarity said the bandanna would be a nice touch.” Iron looked at the bandanna.
“Yeah, it’s pretty cool.” He pulled the rope off of his neck and gave it to AJ. “Um, it isn’t much but I knew you needed a new lasso sooo. . .here you go.” Applejack took the rope and twirled it around a bit before smiling at him.
“It’s perfect,” she said. “Thank you.” Iron blushed a little.
“N-No problem.” Elsewhere, Twilight elbowed Rainbow Dash.
“Told you she would like it,” said Twilight. Rainbow shrugged.
“Yeah, yeah, whatever,” she huffed.