Flim opened his eyes and smiled up at the mare standing, startled, near the couch. He had been staying with the Apple family for over a week now, and everyday he had to be woken up by Applejack to get an early start to the day. Until today.
"Well, Ah'll be a rattler's aunt." the cowpony chuckled, "Yer finally wakin' up at a decent hour."
"Applejack, my dear, you have the strangest definition of "decent hour" I have ever heard in my travels across Equestria." Flim stretched out before sitting up and rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "I suppose another day of harvesting awaits us?"
Applejack had long since grown used to Flim's pet names - in fact, they were starting to grow on her. It was similar to how Rarity would call her "dear" or "sweet". Though the "apple fritter" thing was out of the blue.
"Nope, not today." Applejack shook her head.
"Really?" Flim was surprised, "We've been working ourselves ragged for the past week. What's the special occasion?" Really, only he was being worked ragged - the Apple family was used to farm labor by now.
"No special occasion, really." the peach-colored pony shrugged, "Today's the weekly day a' rest. Old tradition, where workin' ponies take the day off an' give thanks ta Celestia."
"Really?" Flim's eyebrows shot up, "I wasn't aware of any such thing."
"Like Ah said, it's an old tradition." Applejack said, "Most ponies don't bother with it anymore. Us Apples are just old-fashioned that way." then, with a grin, "'Sides, we need the break each week or we'd plum roll over an' die from exhaustion!"
"I can believe that." Flim chortled.
The two walked into the dining room where the rest of the Apple family was just arriving. As usual, the table was practically covered in delicious food, and as usual, Flim doubted there'd be much left at the end of breakfast. As they dug into their morning meal, Applejack struck up a conversation.
"Flim, yer not plannin' on leavin' anytime soon, Ah take it?" she asked after swallowing a mouthful of pancakes.
"I've come to enjoy the work around here, now that you ask." the unicorn said, "You're not kicking me out, are you?"
"'Course not, Flim." Applejack smiled, disarmingly, before turning towards Granny and Big Mac, "Ah think we should build an addition ta the house fer Flim ta stay in."
The older Apple members exchanged surprised glances, and Apple Bloom stopped mid-bite.
"Applejack," Big Mac began slowly, "Ya sure?"
"Well, why not?" the peach pony asked, "We've been talkin' about addin' a guest room fer years, haven't we? Unless ya want Flim ta stay on the couch forever."
"Ah'd rather he wasn't here that long..." Apple Bloom muttered. She quickly stuffed food into her mouth when Applejack glared at her.
"You don't have to build an addition to the house for me, Applejack." Flim said quickly, "I can live out of the barn once spring hits, if you want."
"We've been considerin' addin' a guest room ta the house long before ya showed up, Flim." Applejack explained, "We've just never had a reason ta, 'til now."
"We have been talkin' 'bout it fer awhile." Big Mac admitted while studying his eggs.
"An' we do have the money saved up, Ah suppose." Granny Smith added.
"Ah'd feel better if Flim was stayin' in his own room instead a' on the couch." Apple Bloom confessed, "It's kinda creepy."
"Then it's settled!" Applejack beamed, "We'll build a guest room fer Flim tomorrow."
"You're too kind, Applejack." Flim was clearly stunned.
"Nonsense, Flim." the peach pony waved a hoof, dismissively, "'Sides, yer helpin' build it."
"I am?" the unicorn asked, startled. He didn't know why he was surprised; of course he was going to help build it!
"But not today." Applejack reminded her guest, "Today's the day a' rest, after all."
"What do you do on a day of rest, anyway?" Flim asked, curious, "I don't think I've ever known any of you to be... well, restful."
"Ah usually hang out with mah friends in town." Applejack explained. Flim didn't know why that was surprising.
"Ah go crusadin' fer cutie marks with the other Crusaders." Apple Bloom said. Again, obvious.
"Ah've takin' ta swimmin', lately." Granny Smith said. Flim made a noncommital noise; swimming could be fun.
"Ah fish." Big Mac said, simply.
"Fishing you say?" the unicorn raised an eyebrow, "It's been awhile since I've gone fishing. Flam was better at it than I was-" he stopped, mouth firming in agitation.
"You two should go fishin'!" Applejack suggested.
At once, both Flim and Big Mac exchanged wide-eyed frowns.
"Nope." the eldest Apple sibling stated flatly.
"Aw, why not?" Applejack asked, "Ya two have been sleepin' under the same roof fer nearly a week now, an' Ah'm goin' out with the girls. Big Mac, aren't ya always complainin' about how ya don't have any guy friends ta hang out with?"
Big Mac spared a glance at Flim, mouth firming in reluctance. Finally, he sighed. "Ah suppose havin' a fishin' companion would be... fun."
Flim winced internally. Out on the water with Big Mac, and no witnesses. It wouldn't take much for the much larger stallion to make Flim... disappear. The lakes and rivers around Ponyville were rumored to hide many secrets.
"Good." Applejack nodded in satisfaction, "Ah'll be back 'round 5 or 6 ta help with dinner."
"Ya have fun, sugarcube." Granny waved her granddaughter away before turning to her other granddaughter, "Yer friends wanna hang out with me today? Y'all could try fer yer swimmin' cutie marks."
"Sure!" the yellow filly beamed, "Ah mean, we've already tried fer our swimmin' cutie marks, but we haven't tried fer water aerobics yet!"
As the rest of the females left, Flim rubbed the back of his neck as awkward silence passed between both stallions. Awkward on the unicorn's part, at least; Big Mac looked unfazed by the silence. Of course, he was a pony of few words. Finally, Flim broke the ice.
"I don't actually have a fishing rod." he said at last.
"Ah have a spare." Big Mac turned and Flim had little choice but to follow.
The stallions made their way into the barn where Flim had originally planned on staying. In a corner, protected within a pile of hay, were two fishing rods; one was old and worn, while the other was virtually new, though oddly dusty. Surprisingly, Big Mac handed the newer rod to Flim and took the older one for himself.
"You sure you don't want me to use that one?" Flim asked, puzzling over the new rod.
"Ah always use this one." the larger stallion stated simply.
"Why?" Flim pressed, "Why not use the newer one? It surely seems much sturdier than that ruddy stick."
Big Mac turned sharply on the salespony and Flim failed to hide his flinch. Big Mac's expression softened and his voice was surprisingly calm as he said, "This is mah Pa's rod. That used to be mah rod."
Flim eyed the rod, inspecting it more closely. Sure enough, there was a piece of aged tape wrapped around the handle with "Mac" written in faded ink. Flim was about to ask what happened to their father - or their mother, for that matter - since he had never seen them in his run-ins with the Apples, but Big Mac was already out of the barn and headed toward the pond. Galloping to catch up with the larger stallion, Flim decided it was best not to ask.
They reached the pond within an hour. It was small when compared to nearby lakes and the oceans, but Ponyville wasn't really known for its large bodies of water. Surprisingly, hardly anypony was there, except for several older ponies feeding birds bread crumbs across the pond. Flim figured most ponies probably avoided the pond during the colder seasons.
Big Mac found the spot where he often fished and set up, as silently as he had always done. Flim, to his credit, stayed silent a whole ten minutes before trying to strike up a conversation. As soon as he opened his mouth, however, the red stallion spoke up, first.
"AJ sure is takin' a shine ta ya." he said in that slow, even way he always spoke. Even so, it caught Flim offguard.
"Taking a shine to me?" he asked, so casually it was obvious he was trying to cover his surprise. "I would hope so; we've been working together long enough to be friends." He had no idea if that were true or not; he and his brother didn't make friends often.
"Ah think she likes ya more than friends, Flim." Big Mac said, "An' Ah think ya notice it, too."
"Well, we've certainly become chummier, I will admit that." the salespony chuckled nervously, eyeing the countryside. Perhaps if he started at a dead gallop, he would have enough of a headstart to avoid the other stallion from killing him.
"She's a nice mare." the older stallion continued, seemingly more focused on fishing than on Flim, "You'll treat her right, Ah hope."
"I have no idea what you're-" Flim began, panicked, before stopping himself and blinking at the red stallion. Treat her right? Did Big Mac seriously just give consent to the salespony for dating Applejack? "You don't mind if her and I... hang out?"
"A' course Ah mind." Big Mac glowered at the salespony until he flinched away, then returned his eyes to the pond. "But it ain't none a' mah business who AJ likes an' doesn't like, an' quite frankly, yer not as awful ta be around as some a' the stallions in Ponyville."
"Thanks?" was all he could manage. Then, like a storm breaking after a calm, Big Mac towered over Flim, eyes like fire.
"If ya hurt mah sister," Big Mac's voice was calm like a ton of steel held back by a silk sheet, "Ah'll hurt you."
Such a simple threat, and coming from anypony else, Flim probably wouldn't put any stock in it. Instead, it had come from a stallion whose slightest kick could knock every apple from a tree. Flim was still shaking by the time a fish finally took his bait.
"Ya got one, bud." Big Mac smiled.
*-*
It had felt like an eternity since Applejack had last spent time with her friends, and in truth, she had been pretty pre-occupied with farmwork for the last few weeks. There was a lot to catch up on, apparently. Twilight was adjusting well to her duties as Princess of Friendship, still helping everypony in Ponyville with their everyday problems while keeping up with her studies. Rarity was becoming a renowned fashionista in Canterlot and other Equestrian cities. Fluttershy had taken to studying animals and conserving endangered species, which took her to many exotic places on the planet, both in- and outside of Equestria. Pinkie Pie had started a party catering service that had expanded into a large franchise. And Rainbow Dash had finally made it into the Wonderbolts.
About time, Applejack thought wryly. Then a thought began to form that turned her proud smile into a worried frown.
"What's wrong, AJ?" Rainbow asked, smirking playfully to cover the concern in her eyes, "Not jealous, are you?"
"It ain't that." the cowpony said, "It's just that, well, all a' ya are gonna be so busy with yer new lives, an' what-not. Seems like we won't see each other as much."
It had been a painful truth, but Applejack wouldn't be the Element of Honesty without pointing it out. Immediately, the other Mane Six were looking at the table, sharing in the cowpony's frown. Obviously, they had been so caught up in their good news, that they had forgotten how much their lives would change.
"I guess it was only a matter of time until we - well, pardon my word choice, but - grew up." Rarity sighed, "We always dreamed of the jobs we have going for us now, but I guess none of us ever stopped to think how much time we'd have for each other after we got here."
"I just realized how far my job will take me away from all of you." Fluttershy gasped, "At least the rest of you are still in Equestria. I'll also be in the field for months at a time. I'm starting to regret taking the job..."
"Fluttershy, don't feel bad." Applejack put a comforting hoof on her friend's shoulder, "Ah didn't mean ta make all a' ya fret over it; it's great that yer all makin' yer dreams a reality."
"Which reminds me," Rainbow said, "what have you been up to?"
"Little ol' me?" the farmpony smiled, "Same ol', same ol'. It's harvest season, which means the family's busy with applebucking."
"That's it?" Pinkie Pie arched an eyebrow, "You're telling me that nothing new or exciting has happened to you? Nothing?"
"Well," Applejack tapped a hoof against her chin in thought, "Flim's been workin' at our farm for about a week now."
The peach pony almost flinched at the sudden gasp that escaped all of her friends' mouths at once. Immediately they were talking over each other, demanding why in Equestria Flim was working on her farm, or rather, why were they allowing Flim to work on their farm. Rarity and Rainbow Dash were sure he was working some kind of angle to scam the Apples, while Fluttershy and Twilight were willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Only Pinkie asked the question that had escaped her friends' minds.
"Why isn't Flam working with him?" the party pony inquired.
"Those two had a fallin' out. Some kinda siblin' spat, or another." Applejack explained, "An' he's actually not that bad a' a stallion."
"Not that bad?" Rainbow scowled, "He tried to scam your family - twice!"
"Once ya get ta know him, he's really nice." Applejack said, "He can actually be a pretty charmin', funny pony when he's not tryin' ta sell tonic or cider."
Her friends exchanged curious glances with one another. Before Applejack could inquire what funny business was passing between them with those shared looks, however, Fluttershy spoke up.
"It sounds like you really like him." she offered a frail, yet friendly smile.
"A' course Ah like him." the farmpony snorted, "When ya hang out with a pony so much, it's hard not ta like 'em."
"I think what Fluttershy meant was that you "like" like him, dear." Rarity said, softly.
"Wh-what?!" Applejack spluttered, "Ah do not "like" like Flim! Ah don't "like" like anypony!" Again, her friends exchanged curious glances. "Stop that!"
"Chill, AJ." Rainbow raised her hooves defensively as she hovered closer to her friend, "Nopony here's judging you. I mean, he's not my type of stallion, but there aren't many who can live up to my awesome expectations, heh heh." the sporty pegasus shrugged, "But whatever works for you."
Before Applejack could retort, however, Pinkie Pie spoke up. "I like it! Fast-talking, city-slicking liar and down-to-earth, honest farmer! Dibs on throwing your wedding reception!"
"Whoa now-!" Applejack got in before being overrun by Rarity.
"Oh my goodness, yes!" the fashionista gasped, "I can see it now! A southern-style wedding, simple, but no less grand and elegant! Flim would look rather striking in one of those suits from Granny Smith's day, and you could wear something equally splendid! I simply must design your wedding gown!"
"Nopony said anythin' about a-" the farmpony began again, and again was cut off by her friends.
"I could arrange a bird choir to sing "Here Comes the Bride", if that's alright with you, of course." Fluttershy offered, sweetly.
"There ain't goin' ta be a weddin'!" Applejack snapped, silencing her friends. She winced as she saw tears well up in Fluttershy's eyes. "Sorry Fluttershy. It's just, Ah never said Ah "like" liked Flim. An' where'd all this talk about marriage come from? Ah've been hangin' out with him a week! An' weren't y'all bad-mouthin' him just a few minutes ago?"
"We don't trust Flim," Twilight began, steadily, "but I've learned from our various adventures that ponies change. Look at Trixie and me; she used to hate me, and now we're good friends. If you like Flim, we'll support you."
"Ah... Ah don't like him." Applejack said, though her heart wasn't in it. Twilight's words had hit her like a sack of apples. "Ah mean, Ah can't like him. Not like that. We've only been hangin' out a week, an' he's gotta be five years mah senior!"
"We're full-grown mares, AJ." Rainbow chuckled, "I'm pretty sure we can date ponies older than us."
"What if he doesn't like me?" Applejack was the most surprised that those words left her lips. What did she care if Flim liked her, or not? She didn't like him! Funny how the only pony she could lie to was herself, she thought bitterly.
"Not like you?!" Rainbow yelled, "What's not to like? Who else can buck an entire tree with a single kick?"
"Big Macintosh." the farmpony answered with a shrug.
Rainbow tsked, but went on, "Who else can cook apple pies as amazing as you?"
"Granny Smith." was the farmpony's response.
Rainbow rolled her eyes, "Who else... Uh... Who else wears a stetson and is really good with a lasso?"
"...Ah am." Applejack frowned. Rainbow's words weren't very encouraging.
"I can't hear you!" Rainbow was in the farmpony's face.
"Ah am!" Applejack shouted, more startled than anything.
"Who's the best apple-bucking farm-filly?" Rainbow demanded.
"Ah am!"
"Who's gonna make some lucky stallion happy one day?"
"Ah am!"
"Who's gonna go ask Flim out on a date?"
"Ah a-" Applejack shook her head, "Hay no, Ah'm not doin' that!"
Her friends groaned collectively.
"Darling, haven't we gone over this?" Rarity asked, "Clearly you've taken a liking to Flim. Why, you're even worried whether he likes you or not."
"Why are you all wantin' me ta go on a date with him?" Applejack demanded.
"Well, and not to sound rude," Fluttershy began, quietly, "but when all of us are busy with our new lives, what are you going to do? Sorry, that came out wrong."
"She's got a point, AJ." Rainbow sighed, "Twilight will be busy with running her kingdom, Fluttershy, Rarity and I will be busy somewhere out of Ponyville, and who knows where Pinkie's work will take her. What are you going to do when we're all gone, or busy, and you have no farmwork to do?"
"That's a cheery thought..." Applejack muttered before shaking her head, sadly. "Ah don't know. Maybe Ah'll take up fishin' with Big Mac?"
"I thought you hated fishing?" Rarity asked, shuddering.
"Ah do." the farmpony frowned.
"A better question would be, why are you so against dating Flim?" Twilight asked.
"Ah don't wanna talk about it." Applejack mumbled. In all honesty, she didn't trust Flim, and didn't want her heart broken for trusting a slick-talking swindler, especially when she should know better.
"Afraid of what your family would think?" Pinkie guessed.
Applejack grimaced. She hadn't even thought about that. She was sure Granny Smith would be understanding, if not a little overprotective. But her siblings? Big Mac might try to crush Flim while Apple Bloom chewed through the salespony's ankles.
"Yeah... mah family." she murmured.
Fortunately, the conversation changed directions and soon everypony had forgotten about Applejack's floundering romantic spat. Everypony except Applejack herself, of course.
*-*
Twilight Sparkle had enjoyed her day out with her friends. It seemed like she didn't have as much time for them ever since she had taken up the burdens of leadership. Now, with all her friends being world-travelers, she would see them even less. At least she still had her number-one assistant.
A sound of giggling caught her attention. Twilight raised an eyebrow at the noise. Her house had become a castle, and with that honor came the dozens of new rooms that shot up as a result. This room was one of many new ones, largely empty except for some ornate furniture fit for a palace. That wasn't odd, though; many of the rooms were still empty except for furniture. What was odd, however, was that the lights were off except for a series of green flames, casting minimal luminance across two figures.
Twilight grinned with no small part mischief when she turned the lights on. Spike and Sweetie Belle winced at the sudden light, then turned to face her in embarrassment. Both had grown in the last few months; indeed, Twilight wasn't sure she could label any of the Cutie Mark Crusaders as fillies, any longer. And Spike! The drake was certainly getting taller, and more than a little arrogant now that he could look Twilight in the eyes.
"Uh, hey Twilight!" Spike laughed, anxiously. A half-finished meal sat on two plates at the table, obviously forgotten for some hours.
"Your majesty." Sweetie Belle bowed, formally.
"I thought you weren't going to be back 'til late?" the dragon fidgeted with his slackened bow-tie and tried to wipe a lipstick stain from his cheek.
"It's nine in the evening, you two." Twilight laughed, "Lose track of time?"
"Nine?!" Sweetie gasped, "Rarity's probably worried sick!"
"She didn't mention anything about you having a date this evening." the princess smirked, "Come to think of it, neither did you Spike. How long have you two been meeting up, like this?"
"Date?" Spike blinked, "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Twilight stared at the two flatly, but Spike only put on a stupid grin while Sweetie whistled a tune as she studied one of the ornate chairs. Finally, she rolled her eyes. At least Spike wasn't chasing after Rarity, anymore.
"You should head home, Sweetie Belle." Twilight smiled, almost motherly, "Feel free to stop by and... visit Spike, anytime."
Sweetie blinked, barely containing a blush as she trotted out of the room, shooting the dragon a wink as she left. Spike looked like he was about to melt into a puddle.
"Come on, Romeo." Twilight said, "You should get some sleep. Class starts early tomorrow."
The dragon groaned, but didn't protest like he used to. It had been a wonder that Twilight hadn't made him go to class earlier, but she supposed he was a little young to attend school while Sweetie Belle and the others were starting. As Spike trudged out of the room, Twilight levitated the dishes to the sink. She made it halfway up the stairs before knocking at the door brought her back down.
Her eyes widened in surprise at who it was.
"Good evening, Twilight." Trixie said with a pitiful, reluctant bow.
"Hello, Trixie." the princess blinked, "Not that I mind, but what are you doing here so late?"
"Trixie needs... advice." the magician began. When Twilight opened the door wider, Trixie took the invitation and continued, "She is not sure exactly how to put this without coming off as... fast. Trixie kissed Flam a week ago."
"What?!" the alicorn gasped. First, earlier that day, Applejack and Flim, and now Trixie and Flam? Though, Applejack never confessed to liking Flim and certainly didn't kiss him.
"Do not judge her too harshly, now." Trixie frowned, "It was just a little kiss."
"I'm not judging." Twilight managed, "I'm just... stunned. I wasn't even aware you two knew each other."
"We met a week ago." Trixie said.
"You met him then kissed him?" Twilight arched an eyebrow, "I thought you meant you kissed him today and needed advice about that!"
"Trixie did not kiss him as soon as she met him!" the magician scowled, then blushed, "It was the next evening."
"I can see why you thought I might think you fast." Twilight muttered, "What do you need advice for?"
"He's been avoiding Trixie." the blue unicorn explained, "As much as he can when we're sharing a wagon." Trixie's blush spread when Twilight's eyes widened, "Well, where would you suggest she put him? Outside, in the freezing cold?"
"I suppose not." Twilight agreed, "Still, I don't know what you think I can do to help."
"Advice!" Trixie pleaded, "You are the only pony Trixie can turn to! You've helped her out of harder predicaments than this!"
"Relationship advice and cursed amulets are two completely different things!" the princess backed away from the magician, "I'm also not the mare to come to for... those kinds of problems."
"Princess Cadence is too far from here." Trixie whined, "She would be the princess to ask, regarding matters of the heart, wouldn't she?"
"She is the Princess of Love." Twilight forced a grin, "If you want, I could send her a letter-"
"That'd take too long!" Trixie gripped the princess' shoulders between her hooves, "Trixie requires an answer now!"
"Try engaging him in conversation!" Twilight spurted in a panic. She wasn't sure if that would work, but Trixie's distress was beginning to rub off on her, "Corner him, if you have to! Make him talk to you!"
"You think that will work?" the magician considered the suggestion, further startling Twilight. "Perhaps if we just talk it out, everything will work out between us?"
"Sounds plausible." Twilight added, eager to get Trixie out of the castle. Not so much Trixie, as Trixie's romantic problems.
"Yes..." the magician nodded, a grin spreading slowly across her features, "Trixie shall corner him in her wagon. She'll barricade herself inside with him until we resolve our little spat!"
"Now wait a minute-" Twilight's eyes widened at Trixie's mad plan.
"No need to say anything more, dear friend." Trixie interrupted, "You have been an immense help already, and have my thanks. Farewell! When next you see Trixie, do not be surprised if she has a mustachioed stallion by her side!"
Before Twilight could overcome her shock, the front door had slammed close behind the blue unicorn. Suddenly tired from the day's events and this latest ordeal, Twilight chose to let the matter rest for another day. Maybe. She'd get around to it, eventually.