"They've arrived..."
Everyone turned and looked skyward to follow the stoic samurai's gaze. The forms of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna could be seen in the distance, their wings beating against the evening wind. Upon drawing closer a quartet of Royal Guard ponies could be made out flying escort, their own wings working in tandem. At last six sets of hooves touched down across the way near Ponyville Town Hall. Each Princess was flanked by a pair of guards as they crossed the square. Three stallions and one mare. They approached casually though it was one of the guard ponies who spoke up first, a white Pegasus stallion with a fiery red mane and gradient red eyes. Twilight recognized the Guard Captain and remembered him by the name of Gladius.
"Presenting her Royal Highness Princess Celestia and her Royal Highness Princess Luna..." said the Guard Captain.
Celestia gave a subtle roll of her eyes at her captain's penchant for such introductions. Everypony bowed respectfully, though none more so than Hiroki. The samurai dipped low and leaned on one hoof while the other removed his sugegasa. True they were accustomed to such formalities, but this simple gesture given by the foreign pony looked far more sincere than any they'd received from the dignitaries they usually encountered. The royal sisters exchanged surprised glances yet their lips both curled with endearing smiles.
"Good evening to you all." Celestia said warmly as everypony, minus the samurai, brought their heads up.
"We do sincerely apologize for being tardy." added Luna.
"Princess Celestia, Princess Luna! It's good to see you both and thank you for coming!" Twilight Sparkle trotted forward. She smiled eagerly, though it was obvious she looked a bit nervous. "Actually I was a little surprised you wanted to come so soon."
"I know it was rather short notice, but it's not everyday you get to meet ponies from parts of the world you haven't seen." The Princess of the Sun let out a delightful chuckle and her smile flickered with amusement as she looked to Hiroki, who was still kowtowing.
Nobody seemed to know what the best way to handle this was, so Applejack took it upon herself to lean closer to the samurai and whispered loudly into his ear. "C'mon now, you're embarrassin' everypony. You don't gotta keep doin' that."
"Kore wa, yori takai chii no mono ni keii o shimesu tame ni watashitachi no hōhōdesu." replied Hiroki quickly in his native tongue, his eyes focused on an apparently interesting patch of dirt right in front of himself. He could feel the curious and quizzical looks boring into him from all sides. A bead of sweat appeared along the side of his face. "A samurai shows deference to those greater than himself and does not rise until addressed by his lord..."
Celestia chuckled and strolled closer, Luna following close behind. The two sisters would then bow their heads deeply in return. "Your show of respect is most appreciated," she began.
"But you need not prostrate yourself on our behalf. Please, raise your head." finished Luna.
Hiroki seemed far from relieved to hear these words. Quite the opposite in fact. His body tensed further as he fought his instincts, no doubt such formalities had been drilled into him even deeper than in their own royal guards. Still he managed to bring his head up and his viridian green eyes meet Celestia's. Then Luna's. His lips began to move, but whatever he was going to say was promptly interrupted as Captain Gladius spotted the sword at rest along the samurai's waist.
"Sword! Sword!" Gladius shouted loudly, spurring the other three guards to action.
Before Celestia, Luna, Twilight, or Hiroki could speak two of the Pegasi guardstallions leapt protectively in front of their Princesses with their wings outstretched like a shield. The third Pegasus guardmare shifted to protect Twilight. Their captain rounded on the samurai, his wings shining like steel while they were being brandished menacingly. Whether it was a show of strength, a matter of honor, or a notion of self preservation, Hiroki met this challenge without missing a beat. He rose up on his hind legs and drew his katana.
Despite having made the first aggressive move this was all the provocation Captain Gladius needed. A razor edged wing sliced forward, but the samurai moved faster. Weaving like fluid water passing around a rock in a river. Gleaming steel flashed and before the stalwart captain could blink the blade's edge had halted against his throat. There was a moment of painful silence, just enough time for everypony to register that this battle would have been over before it had even begun. Fortunately for everypony, Princess Celestia wasted no more time to put her hoof down.
"That will do." she said.
Hiroki instantly retracted his blade, brushing the back edge along the opening of the scabbard before sliding it to rest with a soft 'clink' of metal. The samurai immediately bowed low in deference to the royal sisters as though worried he'd offended them. The other three guards looked stunned, blinking and exchanging nervous glances between each other and their captain.
Gladius bristled angrily and brought his own wing down, holding it near the back of Hiroki's neck while the samurai was kowtowing.
"Captain..." said Celestia firmly. The other three guard ponies had already lined up off to the side. "Stand down."
"But, your Majesty..." began Gladius. He already looked put out from being bested, but this only increased now that he'd been ordered to halt before he could reclaim any measure of dignity. Celestia and Luna both turned their eyes on the white Pegasus and their combined glare caused him to bow his head. His wings rustled momentarily before he moved beside the other three guard ponies, joining them in standing at attention. "As you command."
"You'll have to forgive the good Captain, we've had more than a few troublesome issues in recent days." said Luna as she stepped forward and gestured Hiroki to rise again.
"So you can see how he might perceive the sword you carry as a threat." Celestia added quickly.
"I salute the resolve of your Captain and I humbly ask for your forgiveness. Off a battlefield it is most inappropriate for a warrior to show his blade in the presence of ones such as yourselves."
Hiroki looked up and his eyes met those of Captain Gladius for just a moment. Twilight could practically see the sparks and she would be willing to bet that while the two acknowledged one another neither would soon forget that their fight had narrowly been avoided. Celestia smiled, looking entirely oblivious to the pair of warriors still harboring venomous thoughts. Meanwhile everyone else was watching, initially unsure of what was taking place, finally let go of their breath and gave a collective sigh of relief.
"If you would step this way, we may be seated and can begin..." The samurai bows his head politely and gestures a hoof towards the arranged tables at the base of the sakura tree.
"We are to dine outside then?" queried Luna as they all sauntered over and she peered up along the pink blossoms.
"We are. Unfortunately the dining room is a bit of a mess..." replied Hiroki.
He moved to Fluttershy and whispered something to her, who smiled in return and threw open the basket she was holding. The fireflies being held within rose out and filled the air around them, winking and dancing along the evening air. As a gentle breeze blew in they all flittered up and grouped together within the bonbori lanterns that had been hung along the branches of the sakura tree and the walls of the restaurant. The display proved quite beautiful as the lanterns lit up brightly, bathing them all in gentle light now that the sun was gone and the stars were beginning to show in the sky. There was a collective gasp of awe that came from the ponies around him. Pinkie Pie, having made the bonbori for him, seemed impressed and intrigued all over again now that they were lit. Rarity also looked particularly delighted by the display.
"...so I have arranged a picnic of lanterns." The samurai finished and turned, bowing respectfully in front of the sakura tree. He uttered what sounded like a prayer in his native tongue and looked up at the nearest bonbori, clopping his front hooves together twice. "I hope you all are ready to eat."
Everyone seated themselves around the tables and Hiroki took his place front and center. He made himself a mental note of the seating arrangement. Directly across were Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Twilight along with Spike. To his left sat Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie. To his right sat Applejack, Big Mac, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Bell, and Scootaloo. After getting his bearings he took a moment to tie his hachimaki around his head to keep the fringes of his mane out of his eyes and began to sharpen his lengthy chef's knife.
The scraping of metal against a wet stone was a gentle sound, though Twilight again cast her gaze towards the accompaniment of guards. They stood at attention, but she could tell the slow grinding of metal against stone was making them uneasy and noticed Captain Gladius twitching as the culinary knife grew sharper. Hiroki however seemed to be paying them no mind. It wasn't long before he was ready to begin cooking and Twilight smiled to herself as she listened to her friends chatting softly amongst themselves. It was when Hiroki spritzed oil across the surface of the steel griddle plate that she looked back to see that both Celestia and Luna were watching him closely.
"I do hope you all like eggrolls?" Hiroki looked up and peered around at everypony, who in turn all shifted to look at him.
"Oh! I love eggrolls!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed excitedly.
Hiroki then brandished a trio of eggs from beneath the table and began to toss them idly up and down in the air. He juggled the white shelled objects before casting them forward and rolled all three eggs across the grill. They tumbled along on their shells, their shape allowing them to shift direction and roll right back towards him. Everypony snickered quietly at the joke. While hardly sidesplitting humor, the deadpan delivery and indifferent expression on the samurai's face effectively doubled their amusement. Pinkie Pie on the other hoof thought otherwise and burst out laughing.
"Ohhh, egg rolls! That's a good one!" she said, unable to stop her mad fit of giggles.
"Would you perhaps be so kind as to indulge my curiosity and perhaps tell us a bit about the land you come from?" Celestia smiled warmly and leaned forward, her gaze boring into their samurai chef. She was trying to size him up.
Hiroki paused for a moment yet his eyes did not rise to meet Celestia's. The samurai reached for his eggs and tossed one high into the air, allowing it to fall back. A spatula appeared and just before the egg was to break against the grill he caught it. With a flick of his hoof he worked through it's momentum and flipped it like a pancake. The egg caught the thin edge of the spatula and it's golden treasure began drip down and sizzle as it pooled on the steel plate. The move held everyone captivated though Rainbow Dash let out a huff. Twilight smirked, guessing by the pout on her friend's face that she'd been hoping for Hiroki to rend the egg in half with his sword. Probably for the best that he didn't for risk of further antagonizing the Royal Guards.
"My... my homeland is far to the East. Past plains, over mountains, across deep and troubled seas, hidden behind a veil of mist. We have a legen... that Neippon was made by a sword." He touched his free hoof against the sword he was still carrying. Egg continued to drip and pool on the grill and he moved it to form three more pools of yolk. "The Ancients dipped a coral blade into the sea. When it was pulled out four perfect drops fell back and those drops became the islands of Neippon."
Twilight had heard the cryptic description earlier, but all were wide-eyed and listening closely as Hiroki shared his tale. Applejack on the other hoof was the one to look at him softly as she noticed the hesitation when he called Neippon his homeland, but she didn't point it out to anyone else.
Hiroki touched the spatula to the egg yolk and began to stir it about, dispersing the vague representation of the four islands of Neippon. He threw a few vegetables onto the grill and they began to sizzle as he diced them finely into smaller pieces. Last but not least, he scooped rice and added it into the mix.
"Neippon was made by a sword. Through chaos and darkness we endured until our Eternal Empress brought rise to the samurai. The first warriors to call themselves samurai took up the sword to protect those in need from the dark. In this way of honor and courage, our land continued to shape and grow. Constantly being forged into a better place."
His knife and spatula continued to mix and stir the previously white rice as it turned into a light golden brown. He scooped and shaped it take the form of a heart. Hiroki left the spatula sticking out from the mound of fried rice and placed his hoof to his chest.
"The spirit of every samurai is said to reside within the sword he carries, just as our home of Neippon resides within our own hearts. In this way, the sword can be said to be the beating heart of Neippon."
When he said this his hoof lowered to tap the end of his spatula repeatedly, thus giving the fried rice heart a pulse. Despite being enraptured by the story Hiroki was sharing, everyone watched the beating heart of rice with amusement. The trick earned a few giggles from Apple Bloom, Sweetie Bell, and Scootaloo.
"A very intriguing tale. So would samurai be the equal to our own guard or perhaps what you would call warriors?" inquired Luna, tilting her head curiously.
"The word samurai actually means 'to serve'." Hiroki nodded. "In this way, somewhat, could you compare samurai to your own guard."
"Oh!" said Twilight abruptly. "I remember, you mentioned it this morning!" Celestia and Luna both peered at Twilight, looking amused at her sudden outburst. She smiled sheepishly, blushing with embarrassment and shrank a little.
"This word has grown to mean the elite warrior class of our home. While charged with upholding the law and order of our lords and realm, many have risen to high status as aristocrats." There was a moment of pause as Hiroki looked briefly uncomfortable, almost ashamed by this admission.
"Hiroki, iffin' I might ask..." said Applejack, clearing her throat. "What does it mean to be samurai?"
"To be samurai is to devote yourself to a set of moral principles, what we call bushido. To seek a stillness of mind. To master the way of the sword. Though at this very moment it still means 'to serve'. And so I serve you. Your dinner."
It was then that Hiroki bowed his head and gestured a hoof. Somehow without anypony noticing, he had divided the now very aromatic fried rice up onto plates. Said plates had been slipped in front of each pony and they all leaned in to inspect their first course. Celestia and Luna waited for a few lingering moments, the sisters sharing a mischievous glance as everypony waited for them to begin eating first. Celestia cleared her throat before bowing her head and took a bite, thus signaling for them all to begin eating in earnest. This gave Hiroki time to serve them all tea and wipe the steel plate clean to prepare for the next course.
He chose not to speak while they ate and Twilight wasn't entirely surprised. She had only sat with him twice before, but the impression he gave was one that told her he didn't like to talk this much. She noticed Celestia and Luna whispering to one another again until her attention was drawn back to the grill when more oil was spritzed over the surface. A row of Sweet Apple Acre's finest were lined up just in front of the samurai.
"I trust you all enjoyed your first course." There was a collective rumbling of agreement from all directions along with an unceremonious series of belches. Big Mac had burped, followed soon by Apple Bloom who felt the need to beat her older brother. Even without such auditory gratification, it was obvious by all the empty plates now sitting in front of everypony.
Apples were moved onto the griddle plate one at a time, his knife dicing each one into slices and those slices into half's. Hiroki paused drizzling a little something over them as they sizzled. The samurai maintained his deadpan expression and juggled his tools every few apples, hurling his spatula around behind his back and snatching it from the air before it clattered back to the table. He continued to slice and dice. His show of skill was not lost on Celestia's piercing gaze.
"So as a... samurai, you are of course well versed with a blade. Tell me... do samurai stress any other arts besides that of martial prowess?" inquired Celestia with a polite smile.
Twilight found herself wondering this as well. She had not asked Hiroki any questions of this nature when she spent the morning chatting with him. Were samurai just warhorses? They couldn't be. While maybe a bit rough around the edges their host still had an air of refinement about him that was revealed in every action he took. Every sushi roll prepared, every cup of tea poured, every sweep of the broom when he cleaned his restaurant. Even the way she'd seen him handle his sword was like a work of art in of itself.
"A fair question Princess. Samurai first came from all walks of life." He gestured a hoof to Rarity, Applejack, and Twilight in turn. "Artisans, farmers, even scholars. As times changed the role of samurai was to be more specialized in the art of war. However apart from martial skills, a samurai is encouraged to continue honing one's body and mind in other ways. Such as scholarly pursuits. Many samurai take up the arts of writing and painting."
"How lovely!" said Rarity, her eyes lighting up. "You mean apart from being an exquisite chef, you mean you're skilled with a brush as well?"
"Calligraphy yes, but I do not paint. Samurai often write poetry as a form of meditation, seeking introspection and enlightenment. It is also our custom to compose a poem when we are to pass on, should we have such opportunity to do so."
"So you're a warrior and a scholar... if not too forward to ask, do you think perhaps you could share something with us in this regard?" Luna was the one to speak this time, raising her head as she peered over at him.
Hiroki continued to slice apples for a moment, his viridian eyes finally rising to return the calculating stare that Celestia and Luna were giving him. His spatula suddenly kicked up and a slice of apple was sent soaring through the air. It was on course to Rainbow Dash and if she were any other pony it likely would have hit her square in the face. She snapped to in the nick of time and opened her mouth, catching the apple slice and gave it a delectable crunch before smirking over at him. Now that ponies were paying attention again, he kicked up a second apple slice and this time Big Mac was the one to catch it between his teeth. The samurai looked up to one of the firefly lit bonbori lanterns, then turned his gaze skyward.
"Dining beneath stars.
A Spring night by lantern's shine;
true friends together."
He gave a single nod, seeming satisfied with his haiku before lowering his head back to his work.
"Hiroki... that's beautiful." Twilight said, looking impressed. "Did you just come up with that off the top of your head?"
"Hai." He nodded again, not looking up from the sizzling sweet apple slices on the griddle as he kicked up another piece.
"Hi!" said Pinkie Pie excitedly and dove for it.
She didn't quite make the mark and it zoomed past her much to the amusement of those around her. The spatula flung another slice towards Fluttershy. The timid pegasus squeaked and ducked in fear that the carved apple piece might hit her, though Pinkie rose to the occasion this time and leaned over Fluttershy to catch it in her teeth. The royal sisters continued to exchange hushed whispers occasionally, though both seemed more relaxed than when they had first seated themselves. Hiroki had noticed this change of demeanor as well, as he also began to flick food from straight from the grill to Celestia and Luna, both laughing happily and enjoying themselves along with the others as they caught their tasty projectiles mid-air. This breach of protocol was earning him a very reproachful look from Captain Gladius.
Hiroki considered flipping apple slices at the far row of Royal Guards, but ultimately decided against this. It was likely they wouldn't take it as well as everypony else. On the one hoof, it would be most amusing to see how long they could stay composed with bits of fruit flying at them before they broke and chose to eat or confront him. Then again he could attest that he wouldn't want somepony flicking food at him when he had been ordered to serve guard duty.
"Twilight mentioned that the tree you brought with you has very special properties, that you came here to Ponyville hoping to find 'the perfect blossoms'. Would you please give us a little further insight there?" asked Celestia.
He shifted uncomfortably for a moment and Twilight could tell Hiroki had hoped he wouldn't have to touch on this subject.
"Times have changed. We do not have harmony any longer, the kind which you share here. I came so that I can find harmony and tranquility once again. To learn as much of the world as I can. To learn your magic of friendship." He nodded lightly as he continued to cook and it was surprising to see that Celestia did not pry any further.
He managed to avoid engaging in further conversation for some time while everyone around him laughed and chatted amongst his entertaining display of culinary prowess. Apple after apple were sliced, diced, pieces flipped, and sauce drizzled over the sizzling grill. Hiroki even flipped a piece of apple up high into the air. It soared over a branch of the sakura tree and tumbled back down right into his own mouth. He'd seen shokunin perform a similar trick by catching the delicacy in their hats, but the samurai had removed his. Besides his sugegasa wasn't exactly suited for that kind of a trick.
The magical dragonfire provided by Spike kept the kindling going and the griddle plate heated for quite some time. Hiroki answered the occasional question from Celestia, Luna, and Twilight though nopony else bothered with doing the same. Either they were enjoying themselves too much to inquire or figured anything worth knowing in the heat of the moment would be asked by one of their Princesses. He served more tea and the longer he continued, the more he found himself wishing he had an assistant. The 'main course' as it were turned out to be a mixture of vegetables and apples that were stir-fried and drizzled with a teriyaki sauce. Each serving was carefully placed onto a plate and passed around until everypony had been served.
An hour had gone by in the time that they had finished this course and Hiroki had pulled the kindling to stamp out the flames beneath his hooves, allowing the grill to begin to cool. Hiroki then stepped out of earshot and disappeared into his restaurant.
"So what do you think?" Twilight smiled cheerfully, looking from Luna to Celestia.
"I think he comes from a vastly different culture than our own. One that puts emphasis on martial prowess over friendship. Though seeing a warrior who wishes to walk a peaceful path is inspiring. Hopeful." The Princess of the Sun looked up at the pink blossoms covering the sakura tree.
"I agree. Warring states are often difficult to be diplomatic with, but if others are like him... If the mists are falling Equestria and Neippon could learn a great deal from one another." said Luna, nodding at Twilight. The latter looked confused by some of the former's words though she did not get a chance to inquire further.
Hiroki reappeared a moment later bearing a tray of pink sweets balanced carefully along the length of his back. He sauntered past each of them one at a time, allowing them to take a cake. He paused, narrowing his eyes at Pinkie Pie as she reached for hers. With that look of warning Pinkie knew she'd been found out and grinned sheepishly as she only took one. Celestia, Luna, Twilight, and Spike all took one of the treats without fuss and he found himself lingering as he stopped beside Applejack, giving her smile. The smile was faint, but Applejack could tell it was sincere as she got a look into his deep, viridian eyes. She blushed and nearly the shade of the pink cakes as she took one. When Big Mac had gotten his and the three fillies had tussled amongst themselves over who got to pick first, Hiroki set the tray down beneath his work station.
"Last but not least, I share with you a treat made of Neippon itself. Sakuramochi. Mochi, rice cakes filled with a sweet red-bean paste and wrapped in pickled sakura leaves. Leaves taken from this very tree." He bowed his head and gestured a hoof at the sakura tree behind him. "Traditionally eaten during Spring or hanami... err, flower viewing."
They all bit into their sakuramochi, a few having looked skeptical at the sticky appearance and the presence of a pickled tree leaf. Much to Hiroki's delight everypony, even those who looked unsure, seemed to find the taste and texture agreeable. Indeed Pinkie Pie looked most excited as she chewed vigorously through the sweet, equally so as she swallowed, then all but heartbroken when she realized there were no more for her. There was a collective laugh of amusement while Rarity rubbed Pinkie Pie's back reassuringly with her hoof, telling her that she was sure Hiroki would have some for her in the near future. The samurai soon disappeared once again, having collected all of their plates onto his tray and carried them back within the darkened restaurant.
Celestia, Luna, and Twilight all looked up at the sakura tree and were pleased to see it looking quite grand against the light of the firefly-lit lanterns. A farcry from it's saddened state the previous day, it's blossoms were still in full bloom and were swaying gently in the evening air. Twilight would swear she could feel joy and happiness radiating from the foreign cherry tree when she looked at it. It's branches jostled, giving the tree the appearance that it was almost dancing for them.
"You have a good eye Twilight." said Celestia, leaning in so that only Twilight could hear her. "There is something magical about this tree. Something very special. And something special about Hiroki. I'm most confident you'll all be able to show him true friendship."
Twilight had just been about to reply when Hiroki had reappeared so she simply smiled at Celestia who winked, returning the smile with one of her own. Luna had leaned over to whisper something to her sister and the two nodded in agreement before both rose to their hooves. All four of the Royal Guard, still lined up several feet behind them, bristled as they adjusted their posture to stand up more straight.
"We thank you very much for dinner and your hospitality, but alas it's time for us to get going." said Celestia. This caused Hiroki to bow his head very low once again.
"We were most impressed with your culinary prowess." added Luna. "Much as I would enjoy staying longer, as Princess of the Night I must now be attending to my duties." Luna waved a wing and shook her head as two of the Guards looked ready to join her, causing them to remain as she turned and took off into the night sky.
"Indeed. I do hope you'll enjoy staying here in Ponyville, though I would also be delighted to see you visit Canterlot at some point. Luna and I would be most eager to chat with you again." Celestia returned the bow Hiroki was giving her, and after a moment both rose their heads at the same time.
"It was the highest honor to serve you, Princesses." said Hiroki simply.
It was then that she noticed he a package wrapped in brown paper, tied off with simple string. The parcel did not look any larger than a lunchbox. Hiroki looked over and stared silently at Captain Gladius. The good Captain was determined to pretend that he did not notice, not wishing to acknowledge the samurai in the slightest. Eventually Gladius issued a quiet order, forcing the guard-mare Pegasus to trot over in his stead. He was well aware that Celestia was watching closely and Hiroki was not sure if he should be offended or relieved. Hiroki said nothing, but bowed his head and gestured a hoof at the wrapped parcel, which the mare eyed suspiciously before picking it up with her teeth, holding it by the string and cantered back to rejoin her fellow guards.
Everypony else had begun to stir from their seats as Celestia joined her cadre. The Princess of the Sun smiled warmly and waved a hoof at them all before she too took off into the night sky, followed closely by the four guard Pegasi. He spent the next several minutes bowing and thanking everypony for attending and doubly so for helping him manage to get things fixed in the nick of time.
Fluttershy assured him that her firefly friends would all return to her once they'd been sated by the sugar water and was first to leave. Rarity departed second, taking Sweetie Bell with her, and gave him quick praise for making the nobori banner presentable after Opal had scratched it up. Rainbow Dash had been bragging to anypony who'd listen that Hiroki had agreed to teach her his way of the sword, and when she was sure they all knew she left next to take Scootaloo home. Twilight watched as Pinkie hopped and skipped around Hiroki, thanking him over and over again before practically begging him for the recipe of his sakuramochi, stating how it would be oh-so-popular at Sugarcube Corner. After telling her several times over that he would consider it Pinkie skipped off, singing a made up song about it.
"Whoopee! Gonna have mochi! Under the pretty tree! While sipping yummy tea! Soon as Hiroki, goes and teaches me..."
Spike snickered as he clambered up onto Twilight's back, both smirking at Pinkie's light-hearted song. Before they left Hiroki had bowed deeply to them and presented Spike with a gift: a hunk of green mineral. Twilight had never seen a real piece before, but she recognized It from books as a precious stone called Jade and her number one assistant had to clamp one claw over his snout to keep from salivating at the prospect of tasting a new type of gem. Even if they were already full of rice, apples, and mochi.
Applejack remained while Hiroki was tidying up and Apple Bloom was obviously lingering to eavesdrop. Big Mac practically had to drag his youngest sister away by the tail.
"You and your family have my deepest thanks. Give me a moment and I'll go collect some bits to pay you with." said Hiroki quietly. He looked far less tense now that the ordeal was over.
"Oh don't worry about it sugar cube. We brought you some apples and you treated us to dinner. I'd say that makes it about even. Plus it was for the Princesses. We were happy to help, really! That was pretty good eatin' by the way. You sure know you way 'round a kitchen don't ya'?" replied Applejack. She colored a bit at the realization she was, perhaps, talking a little too fast.
Hiroki nodded. "You appeared just in time to keep me from falling into despair. You and the others."
"We all might of been a little nervous the other day, but you can count us as friends." Applejack grinned, nudging Hiroki lightly. "And that's what friends are for."
"It is... most refreshing to hear." He did not sound insincere, just that he might not be saying everything that was on his mind.
Still Hiroki looked over at Applejack and their eyes met again. They peered at each other for a few moments, cherry blossom petals showering around them like a gentle snowfall. The awkward silence caused him to grow tense as he was sure she expected him to say something. He didn't really know what he should say. Eventually he just gave a polite bow of his head.
"I would be honored if you would contract to sell apples to me while they are in season..." said Hiroki, immediately wishing he had come up with something more personable than business.
Applejack looked momentarily disappointed at the turn their chat had taken, but it was covered with an endearing smile. "It'd be our pleasure."
"Dōmo arigatō. Err. Thank you... very much." said Hiroki, growing inexplicably tense at his own inability to speak his mind. "If you ever need help with your harvest..."
"Shucks, that's mighty neighborly of ya'. I'll be sure to keep that in mind." Applejack continued to smile and tipped her hat to Hiroki. She nodded once and turned to leave.
"Come by any time you wish... I would enjoy having you." said Hiroki. This caused Applejack to stop and look back at him, blushing. The samurai recognized his blunder, but too late to hide a similar rise of color in his face. Still he kept his expression neutral despite the obvious indication to the contrary and added hastily "Over. To share a meal or a chat. M-meaning I enjoy your company."
Smooth.
Applejack recovered quickly and gave him a sheepish grin. "Yeah, I'd like that. Good night Hiroki." she replied and tipped her hat again before turning back, making quite sure she wouldn't walk into any trees this time.
"Good night to you, Applejack..." Hiroki's voice faded as he spoke her name, peering after her as she left. He could still make out the figures of Twilight and Spike not too far ahead and watched as Applejack caught up to them. The evening breeze blew gently around him, showering him with more pink flower petals and it caused him to turn his gaze up towards his revered sakura tree, serene and in full bloom. After a few moments' consideration he found his lips curling with a faint smile. His eyes were resting on the same six blossoms that had appeared the previous day when his new friends dined with him.
"Perfect..." he said quietly.
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