Shy and Aggressive

by Johng117

Anthology: Friendship is Magic Pt.3

Junior sighed as he found himself slouching as he walked over to his locker. He ran his fingers through his hair. It was recently trimmed by Rarity Belle. Not by request, mind you. She was pretty insistent about it.

Junior still had the interactions they had during the weekend on his mind. He was aware that she wasn't the type that'd like his company. Yet surprisingly, they had a mostly civil time. While he wasn't fond of modeling the suit she was making, she seemed appreciative. That at least made the time he spent worthwhile.

While at his locker, Junior felt a weight drop onto his back. He grunted as he stumbled forward, catching himself by planting his hands on the locker.

"Hey!" Junior barked. He looked back and found Pinkie giggling as she held onto him.

"Good morning, Mr. Grumpy Pants!" cried Pinkie, filled with glee. Junior's expression soured.

"Hey, Pinkie..."

"I glomped ya!" said Pinkie.

"I can see that," deadpanned Junior. Fluttershy panted as she appeared from the passing crowd of students.

"Pinkie! You know better than to bother Gojira like that!" scolded Fluttershy as she pulled the hyperactive girl back.

"He secretly loves it!" said Pinkie.

"Not really," responded Junior flatly.

"You do because I'm adorable! Just admit it!" said Pinkie with a glare, jabbing a finger against Junior's chest.

"What the hell is your problem?" asked Junior. Pinkie huffed as she crossed her arms with a pout. Junior merely looked to Fluttershy, hoping for an answer.

"She's... jealous?" Fluttershy shrugged.

"Jealous?" Junior raised a brow. Pinkie showed the boy her phone. Junior's eyes widened. He recognized the image she showed as himself, dressed in a familiar suit, his hair combed back.

"You gotta be kidding," said Junior, growing red in embarrassment.

"No fair! How come you'll hang out with Rarity but not me?" asked Pinkie with a pout.

"You never even asked me to hang out," deadpanned Junior.

"Wanna hang out, Goji?" asked Pinkie with a grin.

"No." Junior replied. Pinkie moaned in disappointment while Fluttershy bore a sympathetic look.

"Besides, I wasn't hanging out with Rarity. She did something for me and I offered to do something for her as a sign of appreciation," said Junior. He then pointed to the screen.

"I would never wear a lavish monkey suit by choice," said Junior.

"Oh, but it suited you so well!"

Junior turned to find Rarity approaching. She gave a coy smile as he bore a sour look.

"Good morning, Rarity," greeted Fluttershy.

"Rarity, why did you send that to other people?" asked Junior incredulously.

"I only sent it to my closest friends! Besides, I thought it was a nice look that i just had to share it," said Rarity.

"But why?!" asked Junior. Rarity recoiled at his tone.

"You never said that I couldn't," said Rarity. Junior grunted as his eye twitched.

"She has a point," interjected Pinkie.

"Darling, I do apologize. I didn't think it'd be a problem," said Rarity, apologetically. Junior gave a heavy, tired sigh.

"I'm fine. It's fine. I overreacted," said Junior in a mellow tone.

"You do look nice," said Fluttershy, smiling as she looked to her own phone. Junior cleared his throat as he scratched his head.

"Thanks, I guess," said Junior.

"Oh! Gojira, I'd like for your thoughts on these sketches on these jackets. I kept your physique in mind!" said Rarity as she began to draw out a sketchbook from her backpack. Junior sighed.

"Rarity, I don't think-" Junior paused as Rarity showed him the sketchbook.

"Oh wow." Junior

"I started to think up of what might suit your taste, so I went ahead with some ideas on loose fitting hoodies and jackets. I particularly like this idea for a leather jacket. Just something that would be loose around the shoulders. I also thought of the jacket being studded, something along the punk style. But I decided against it, as I thought it'd be too much," said Rarity.

"Good call. I like the detail on this and the pockets," said Junior, an impressed look on his face. Fluttershy and Pinkie just stared as the boy leaned over Rarity's shoulder, as she showed him her sketches.

"Now, I know you said you preferred simplicity, but are you against graphic designs?" asked Rarity.

"Depends on the design," replied Junior.

"Well, what do you think of these?" asked Rarity as she turned the page, depicting stylized sketches of Neighsian dragons, each holding a different trait.

"Oh shit." Junior's brows raised.

"I take it you like it?" asked Rarity, grinning.

"Yeah, these are awesome," said Junior.

"If you'd like, I can fix something up for you," said Rarity.

"That's nice of you, but I can't ask you to do that. These are really nice though," said Junior. Rarity pouted in disappointment.

"Foo. Well, alright. Thank you for looking them over," said Rarity as she placed her sketch book away. She then waved to the boy.

"See you around, darling!" said Rarity as she walked off. Junior merely waved. He then noticed Fluttershy and Pinkie, staring wide eyed.

"W-What?" asked Junior, quickly putting his hand down at his side. Pinkie was grinning from ear to ear.

"You two seem to get along well," said Fluttershy, a pleased look on her face.

"You think so?" Junior coughed as he slightly blushed.

"Ooh! Someone's embarrassed~!" sang Pinkie.

"Am not," retorted Junior, crossing his arms. Pinkie giggled in delight. She knew that he had a softer spot underneath that rough exterior.

"You should have lunch with us today!" said Pinkie.

"I-I don't know about that," said Junior.

"I think that's a good idea. Maybe you can invite Rodan and that other boy. What was his name?" asked Fluttershy.

"Oh, you mean Angirasu Riku? I mean, we're not exactly cool like that. We just met. I mean, Rodan I've known for years. But even then-" Junior grimaced as he began to walk off. He didn't like how he was suddenly on the spot like this. Someone inviting him to sit with him or her during lunch never happens. He almost thought that the girl may have been planning something devious. But that may have been his low trust kicking into over drive.

"It's settled! See you boys at lunch!" said Pinkie as she and Fluttershy waved to him. Junior weakly smiled as he continued to walk further away. He turned his head forward and scowled.

"Great." Junior sighed.

---

It was noon. Lunch had begun, and students were lined up. Junior was seated at a table, biting into a sandwich. He warily glanced about, seeing no sign of Pinkie Pie. He hoped to be able to bail out of here from getting near the front of the line ahead of everyone else. He accomplished that, and now all was left was to finish eating.

"Hey, G. How's it going," said Rodan as he took a seat across from Junior.

"Oh. H-Hey..." replied Junior as he continued to stuff his face. Rodan snorted.

"Bro, slow down. You're eating like you've been starving for days," said Rodan.

"Mm mm!" Junior shook his head as he continued to eat. He began to receive odd stares from students, prompting them to slide further down the table.

"Dude, come on. You're grossing people out," whispered Rodan. Junior paid him no mind. A couple of more stains on his character was the least of his worries at the moment. Once he swallowed the rest of his meal, he quickly wiped his lips of mustard and crumbs that were left behind.

"Well I should be going," said Junior as he quickly got up from his seat. As he walked, he abruptly stopped as Angirasu was in his path, carrying a tray.

"Ah shit! Sorry!" said Junior as he attempted to get around. But every time he tried, Angirasu would mirror his movement, unintentionally blocking his path.

"Sorry! Let me just-" Angirasu attempted to move the opposite way, but Junior would mirror him.

"Oh come on!" groaned Junior as he frantically searched for a way out.

"Here, want me to just-" Angirasu stopped as he pointed down. Junior swiftly maneuvered passed him.

"Oh. See you around," said Angirasu nonchalant.

Junior panted as he power walked through the cafeteria. He was about half way to the exit. Suddenly, he felt a tug at his arm. The tug was strong enough to cause him stumbling to the side. He grunted as he found himself standing next to Pinkie.

"Hi, Goji! I was worried that you were gonna bail on us!" said Pinkie, gesturing to the table before them. There he found the rest of the Main 6 to be sitting together. He received friendly smiles from the girls, save for Rainbow. The tomboy had an indifferent look on her face

"You have no idea..." deadpanned Junior. Pinkie merely giggled. Junior wasn't sure if she was actually amused, or if she was just brushing off his cold response. "Look, I just ate. So I-"

"That's OK. We can still hang out. Take a seat! Oh! There's Rodan and the other guy!" said Pinkie. She rushed over to the far table, leaving Junior to sigh.

"Take a seat, Gojira!" said Twilight, patting a seat next to her.

"Ah. What the hell?" Junior took a seat with a sigh. He found Twilight to be holding a grin.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" asked Junior in discomfort.

"No reason. I just heard that you and Rarity bumped into each other on the weekend," said Twilight. Junior merely glanced at Rarity, who bore an innocent look.

"Well, you're not wrong," mumbled Junior. Twilight was visibly filled with joy that she suppressed a squeal.

"You're really going beyond the call of duty for the club! Going out of your way to help someone on a weekend, even without involving the club itself!" said Twilight.

"Not really." Junior looked away. He noticed Pinkie returning, with Rodan and Angirasu tailing behind her.

"Everyone, these are Goji's friends! They're gonna have lunch with us!" said Pinkie, gesturing to the boys beside her.

"They're not exactly-" Junior attempted to correct the girl. Calling Rodan and Angirasu his friends wasn't accurate. Angirasu, he barely knew and only met due to Spinner and his gang picking a fight with him. Rodan, he was more of a nuisance.

"Um... Hi. I-" Angirasu awkwardly stood, appearing to have been trying to sneak away.

"Hey! Have a seat!" said Twilight with a welcoming tone. Rodan grinned.

"Don't mind if we do!" Rodan quickly took a seat, right next to Rainbow, who was merely looking through her phone.

"Sit right here, darling!" said Rarity, gesturing to a seat next to her own. Angirasu smiled shyly.

"A-Alright then." Angirasu took a seat next to the girl. He glanced at her, finding Rarity to bat her long eyelashes at him. He cleared his throat as he looked to his tray, his face growing red.

"So... who might you be?" asked Rarity.

"A-Angirasu Riku..." said Angirasu, his tone small.

"Oh boy..." Junior muttered to himself.

"So, Goji. You've known Rodan for a while, right?" asked Pinkie. Junior slightly jumped as he found her hanging over his shoulder.

"Well..."

"Oh yeah! Me and Goji go back! I'm talkin' way back!" said Rodan. Junior scowled as he leaned against his hand, propping himself up on the table.

"How far back?" asked Twilight.

"Back to the third grade. I was just a little squirt, getting my butt handed to me," said Rodan.

"Wow. So you two met through a fight you had?" deadpanned Rainbow.

"Heh. No way. Goji was the one that stood up for me," said Rodan. Everyone glanced at Junior, who was staring off at the wall.

"You see, there was this bigger kid that was punking me. Eventually it got to the point where we were fighting outside after school. I was losing, I'm embarrassed to admit. But then in comes Gojira!" said Rodan. The girls flinched at his sudden tone shift.

"Gojira was the biggest kid in our grade. He was feared and respected by all of the other kids!" said Rodan, adding theatrics to his story, what with emphasizing size and his tone.

"More like just feared," interjected Junior.

"Oh yeah? How was the throw down?" asked Rainbow, growing a bit interested.

"Ha! Back in the day, Goji didn't have to throw hands! All he did was send them the meanest look he could muster and said, 'Why don't you pick on someone you're own size'. Then they all just scattered! It was awesome!" said Rodan.

"Wow," said Twilight, looking to Junior. She had always heard of the boy's fights from her time in school. But never had she heard of a story like this. Especially one where he never even threw a punch. Plus, he stood up for someone. Here she thought Angirasu's case was a first.

"It's wasn't that impressive," said Junior, still staring off.

"That's almost like how Rainbow Dash and I met! Remember, Rainbow? When we were little kids?" asked Fluttershy.

"Yeah, but I wouldn't exactly say..." Rainbow scratched her head.

"Someone was beating your ass into the ground?" asked Junior incredulously.

"Hey, I wouldn't put it like that," said Rodan, some embarrassment in his tone.

"No, I meant being bullied, but then having someone stand up for you," said Fluttershy in amusement.

"Oof. Can you imagine that though?" whispered Twilight as she leaned close to Junior.

"I rather not," said Junior.

"So, what's your story, darling?" asked Rarity, looking to Angirasu.

"Me? Well, I... I don't really have one," said Angirasu, shrugging.

"I heard you were a foreigner. How is it here compared to your homeland?" asked Rarity.

"Um..." Angirasu scratched his head.

"Come on, don't bother the guy about that. He'll get homesick," said Junior, though he figured that may not be the case. He heard that mutants were worse off in Neighpon compared to Equestria. He thought it would help to not bring up any unpleasant memories that he may have had.

"No, it's alright. It's a lot different here, compared to back home," said Angirasu. "It's not as crowded. But I guess that what happens when you live in the city."

"Hey, has anyone said that your hair looks like a porcupine?" asked Pinkie with a giggle.

"Sometimes," Angirasu grimaced.

"Can I touch it?" asked Pinkie. Junior glared at her in disapproval.

"Pinkie."

"S-Sure..." Angirasu muttered. Pinkie leaned over and began to rub her index finger and thumb along a pointed end of the hair that stuck out from his head. She grinned as she began to run her palms over the hair.

"It's so prickly! It looks kinda cool!" said Pinkie.

"Y-You think so?" asked Angirasu in surprise.

"I actually kind of like it too," said Rarity, eyeing each and every spike of hair. She began to touch her finger against a point.

"I can think up a few outfits to go with this style," said Rarity. Junior furrowed his brows

"Oh, so his hair is fine but not mine?" asked Junior, indignant.

"Hey bro, don't be mad cause Aang's getting more attention," said Rodan. The girls all laughed in amusement. Junior groaned as he looked away.

"Very funny."

---

Later that day, Junior found himself walking out of the boys' locker room. He was dressed for P.E., sporting a clean shirt and shorts. He was joined by Rodan and Angirasu, as they walked to the blacktop to join their class.

"Appreciate ya getting us in with the In-crowd," said Rodan.

"Me? Pinkie's the one who invited you," said Junior.

"But you seem rather popular," said Angirasu.

"Yeah, for the wrong reasons," said Junior.

"I think he meant with the girls," chuckled Rodan.

"Nah. Pinkie's overly friendly with everyone she meets. She'd probably invite the devil over for dinner," said Junior.

"You can't tell me no, when they were talking to you like they were genuinely interested. What's up?" asked Rodan.

"I'm just... In Twilight's club," said Junior.

"You joined a club?" asked Rodan incredulously.

"Yes. I guess because of that, she's trying to get friendly with me," said Junior.

"Ooh. I think she might have a crush on you, G," said Rodan with a grin.

"In what universe?" snorted Junior. The boys joined their class, waiting for their teacher to give them instructions. Rodan leaned close to the boy and whispered.

"So, you think you can hook me up with one of them?" whispered Rodan.

"Dude, no!" whispered Junior.

"Come on, bro! I'd do the same for you!" whispered Rodan.

"Yeah, and just like you, I couldn't even if I wanted to! You know I don't get along with girls!" hissed Junior.

"Ugh! So lame!!" moaned Rodan.

"Shou! Is there a problem, boy?!" the teacher asked sternly.

"N-No sir, Mr. Agony!" said Rodan with a nervous chuckle. A few amused chuckles came from the classmates. Rodan quickly leaned close to Junior.

"So, you're gonna hook me up?" asked Rodan.

"No! Handle that yourself!" whispered Junior.

"Come on, bro! I already failed with AJ! A man can only try so much before he loses his spirit!" said Rodan as the teacher sent the students on their way to the field to run.

"Oh yeah, that happened. Heh. Man, the way she shot you down," chuckled Junior.

"Hey, don't laugh!" Rodan glared at Junior.

"I'm sorry. It's just that I find it funny that you're bummed out when you've proven that a simple 'no' doesn't stop you from trying to court every girl that you see," said Junior.

"Hey, I don't try to 'court' every girl that I see," said Rodan, indignant. He then noticed a pair of twin girls running by. One with long unkempt hair, the other with a large pink bow.

"Oh! Flitter and Cloudchaser!" said Rodan as he began to pick up speed to catch up. Junior panted with a chuckle.

"Idiot," said Junior.

Eventually, the class had finished their laps. Students were sitting about, resting from their exhaustion and from the sun that hung over them. Some were grouped together, conversing. Meanwhile, Junior stood away from the pack, just by the bleachers. He sighed as he watched as the teens hung out together. This was like every day. He was the outsider of the groups and hierarchies, watching. Normally, he was just bored. But right now, he felt sick. The boy couldn't explain it in words, but something felt off. All he knew was that he wasn't feeling this way until today.

"Hey," a familiar voice greeted. Junior turned and looked up, finding Applejack to be leaning over the railing to the bleachers. She greeted him with a warm smile. Her blonde hair shone on this sunny day. The boy instinctively looked away.

"Hey..." Junior greeted. Applejack bore an amused look as she began to climb down the steps of the bleachers. She soon stopped next to him, a hand on her hip.

"What are ya doin' way out here by your lone'some?" asked Applejack.

"Funny. I could be asking you the same thing," said Junior, still avoiding eye contact.

"I ain't alone. I'm right here with you," said Applejack. Junior merely bore an odd look.

"Then does that mean that I'm alone?" asked Junior.

"I don't know, do ya feel alone?" asked Applejack. Junior paused.

"I feel like you're playing mind games with me," said Junior.

"Well, maybe if you'd make eye contact with me, you'd know that I'm just messin' around," said Applejack. Junior looked to the girl, finding her standing with one leg crossed over the other. There was something cute about her stance, despite her coming off as a strong girl and somewhat tomboyish. Junior had to quickly look away before he could remain fixated on her legs.

"You're not still feelin' bad about that time during P.E., are ya?" asked Applejack.

"No." Junior replied. He felt Applejack's eyes burning into him.

"OK, maybe a little..." admitted Junior.

"Hey, I thought there were no hard feelings about that?" asked Applejack.

"What can I say? I have a hard time letting things go," said Junior. He then blinked. He wondered why he just shared that. That was the sort of thing he'd keep to himself. Now he was running his mouth.

"I understand. But sometimes you gotta let stuff go. Otherwise you can't move on and start fresh," said Applejack. Junior exhaled through his nostrils softly as he stared off to the other students.

'If only it were that easy,' thought Junior.

"So I heard how you and Rarity hung out on the weekend," said Applejack.

"I wouldn't exactly call it, 'hanging out'. We just did favors for each other," said Junior.

"Heh. You must be mighty reliable if ya were willing to wear a fancy schmancy suit for her," said Applejack in amusement.

'Damn this girl and her adorable southern charm,' thought Junior. While she didn't have a sweet soft voice like Fluttershy, he could listen to AJ's southern voice and casual mannerisms all day. It was rather welcoming. That may have been why he hasn't gotten tired or annoyed with talking with her.

"I guess you could say that." Junior shrugged.

"Well, since you're willing to lend a hand, might I trouble ya with somethin'? As a member of Twi's club?" asked Applejack. Junior merely raised a brow.

"With what?" asked Junior.

"My brother's recently gotten himself injured while workin' the farm. I need to do twice the amount of work since we're due for the harvest in our orchard," said Applejack.

"Yard work, huh? I think I can handle that. So when do you want me to help?" asked Junior.

"Immediately after school," answered Applejack. Junior's eyes widened.

"Oh. Well..." Junior scratched his head.

"I understand if ya can't. I'm not too worried. I think I can handle the chores on my own, anyway," said Applejack, speaking proudly. Junior was almost tempted to use that as an excuse to not help, but the thought of that made his gut churn. It wasn't right.

"I think I might be able to squeeze time in to help. I mean, who am I kidding? I have nothing better to do," said Junior, a playful tone in his voice. Applejack smiled, as the teacher called the students to make their way to the locker rooms to change for their next class.

"I'll see ya after school then. Meet you out front," said Applejack, waving to the boy. Junior waved back. He noticed that he seemed a bit too willing to help. After all, he always preferred to immediately head home after a long crappy day at school. But he was going out of his way to help someone who was basically a stranger. His talk with Twilight kept replaying in his mind. Did he want to actually help? Or was it that he liked the idea of seeing AJ's figure during a workout? Now he wasn't sure now that he added that second thing to the equation. The boy noticed her round rear hidden beneath her gym shorts, as her luscious strong legs carried her. Junior closed his eyes briefly, smiling.

"I'm no better than Rodan," said Junior, some shame in his voice.

---

It was the end of the school. Junior was walking through the hallway, carrying his back pack over his shoulder. He noticed Fluttershy jogging after him.

"Gojira, want to walk home together?" asked Fluttershy.

"Sorry, Shy. I have something that I need to do before I head home," said Junior.

"Oh. Well, maybe I can come with you," said Fluttershy.

"It's gonna take me a while. I won't get home until evening, maybe. Head on home without me," said Junior as he began to walk off.

"Alright..." said Fluttershy, disappointed.

Junior made his way outside of the school building. He found Applejack leaning against the Wondercolt statue, her hands in her coat pockets. She greeted the boy with a wave as she caught sight of him. Junior began to jog over to her.

"Ready?" asked Applejack.

"Yeah, let's roll," said Junior.

The two began to walk along the sidewalk, away from school grounds. During their walk, Applejack had decided to make conversation with the boy to pass the time. Junior didn't particularly mind. Considering that this girl had been nice so far. Plus he couldn't get enough of her accent.

'I'm such a weird dude.' Junior thought to himself.

"I ain't ever seen Fluttershy open up to people like that before. Let alone a boy," said Applejack.

"I believe you. She's rather timid," said Junior.

"Well, I hope you continue to be nice to her as she says you are. Otherwise, you'd have to deal with us," said Applejack, her tone suddenly darkened and her eyes cold. Junior couldn't help but feel a chill up his spine. This was a complete 180 from earlier. She began to snort.

"I'm just teasin'! Lighten up, sugar cube!" Applejack nudged the boy's shoulder.

"Heh. Funny." Junior awkwardly smiled, though instinct told him that he should heed those words. He began to notice that they were going pretty far from the school. Almost to the point where there were less houses and buildings in the area.

"You aren't a very talkative person, are ya?" asked Applejack.

"Not really," answered Junior. Applejack sheepishly smiled.

"Sorry. I must be buggin' ya," said Applejack.

"No, not at all," said Junior. Along the way, he found himself just outside of the town. They soon made their way to the more rural part of Ponyville. It was surprising to see how far AJ lived. This was further from the school than he had originally thought. Just dirt roads extending a mile or so from the town, with a vast green land and many apple trees present. He suspected that the girl woke up early just to get to school on time. Junior never saw her with a bike nor any form of transportation. She must walk the whole way.

"That girl is amazing," said Junior, looking back at the town behind him. The boy returned to his journey, following AJ passed down a dirt path, surrounded by tall apple trees. Ahead, he found a wooden house that sat near a large red barn house. The smell of grass and hay filled Junior's nostrils.

"Welcome to Apple Acres. Home of the Apple Family," said Applejack.

"Hm." Junior looked around, finding the gentle breeze brushing against the trees. "Nice place."

"Thanks. Come on. Let's put our bags inside and we can get started," said Applejack as she led the boy to the house. They found a little old woman with silver hair in a bun, snoozing on a rocking chair.

"Looks like Granny Smith fell asleep out here again," whispered Applejack as she opened the door. Once they entered, they found a man with a large build, walking out of the kitchen. He bore strawberry red hair, freckles on his cheeks, and a red collar shirt. This man was around six foot seven. Junior was almost intimidated, considering his size. Now he knew what it was like to be shorter than someone. Even if it was an inch.

"Hey, big brother. I'm about to take care of those chores," said Applejack.

"Who is this?" asked the young man, eyeing Junior.

"A friend of a friend. He's gonna help for today," answered Applejack. "Gojira, my brother Big Macintosh. Mac, Gojira."

"Hi." greeted Junior awkwardly.

"I'll take your bag. I'll meet ya outside," said Applejack, holding out her hand. Junior handed the girl his bag, allowing her to take it to her room. Meanwhile, Big Mac painfully walked over to another room, carrying a glass of water. Junior began to take in his surroundings.

He found the wood that made up the floor. The walls were decorated with a white and green patterned wall paper. The living room was full of furniture that held up porcelain plates behind the glass, likely antiques. There were also picture frames that hung on the walls or were propped up on the furniture.

"Wow. That's a big family," said Junior as he found a large picture frame hanging on the wall. The words, "Reunion 2007" was engraved in the frame. It depicted Applejack's immediate family, her siblings and grandmother, standing among at least a dozen other people. Junior couldn't help but envy Applejack, knowing so many relatives.

All Junior had was his mother. His father disappeared and had never really talked about his family, let alone his own father. Junior always presumed that they were dead, considering they likely lived through the 1800s and Transmutants were drafted into the second world war. He assumed they may have been casualties.

As for Junior's mother, he knew the story behind that. She was kicked out of her family's house when they found out she was pregnant with a mutant's child. As far as Junior knew, his grandparents on his mother's side were still alive. There might have been others that were related to him by blood. But, that may as well not be the case since his mother never once spoke about them. Virtually, Junior had no extended family.

Junior began to look through the other photos in the room. He found pictures taken by the Apple Family, ranging from candid pictures or otherwise. The Apple siblings were depicted standing together, smiling for the camera. With AJ, Big Mac, and a little girl in overalls, a yellow shirt, and a pink bow in her red hair stood. This must have been the little sister. But this child looked awfully familiar.

Junior continued to view the photos. He found earlier ones, depicting the siblings younger and younger. Big Mac was a pretty thin teenager, and Applejack a lot more wide eyed, wearing an over-sized stetson. In her arms, she carried the sister, who was a toddler at the time the photo was taken. Junior smiled at the photo. He then noticed a gray toned photograph, depicting a young woman with a braided ponytail. She was an attractive lady.

"She's quite the looker, ain't she?" asked a voice. Junior gasped as he flinched, turning to find the old woman giving a chuckle in amusement. It was almost like the laugh of an old witch, but a whole lot less threatening.

"Y-Yeah..." Junior gave a forced chuckle, stepping away from the photo.

"Thank ya, dear. It wasn't easy to look that pretty daily," said Granny as she picked up the photo.

"That was you?" asked Junior in surprise.

"What? Did you think I always looked like this?" asked Granny as she tugged on her saggy jowls.

"Right," said Junior as he scratched his head. He then noticed a photograph resting off to the side of the others. It depicted a red haired man, and a young woman with long, wavy orange hair.

"Hey, who're they?" asked Junior, pointing to the photograph.

"Ah. My son and daughter in law," answered Granny.

"Oh. AJ's parents. Where are they? I haven't seen..." Junior looked to Granny Smith. But he fell silent as he found the sad smile on the old woman's face. Junior didn't even have to ask.

"Sorry. I didn't..." Junior looked away.

"Ah, ain't nothing to be sorry about. It was hard, but time heals. They'd be proud to see how their children adapted. Lord knows I am," said Granny, as she set down the photo of her younger-self. Junior felt guilt from reopening old wounds.

"So, who might you be? Are ya datin' my granddaughter?" asked Granny, cocking an eye brow.

"Me? No, not at all. I'm just-" Junior smiled in embarrassment as he looked away.

"Oh, Granny! I see you met, Gojira," said Applejack, returning to the living room.

"Eh?" Granny squinted.

"He's my classmate. I asked him to help with the harvest since Big Mac's hurt," said Applejack.

"Well, tarnation! Ya'll better get to work! Lots of apples need pickin'!" said Granny as she began to usher the boy and girl out of the house. The two found themselves out on the porch, as Granny Smith closed the door. Junior turned to find the old, woman to be peeking out from behind the window.

"What the heck?" Junior recoiled.

"Hey! Come on, we're losing daylight!" called Applejack, standing just near the trees.

"Right, coming!" Junior jogged over to the girl's position.

"So, that guy in the house was your brother?" asked Junior.

"Yep. Eldest one of my siblings," said Applejack.

"Shit. What the hell do you feed that guy? He's like a-" Junior suddenly yelped in pain as Applejack grabbed him by the ear. She bore a disapproving look as she held him by his ear.

"Ow! Ow! What are you doing?!" cried Junior.

"Don't use that kind of language on this farm. Do ya hear?" asked Applejack, tugging at the boy's ear.

"Ow! OK! OK!" said Junior. As Applejack released him, he began to rub his ear with a wince.

"Geez Louise! What was that?" asked Junior in annoyance.

"Hey, that's kind to what my Granny does. Besides, I don't want my little sister picking up on your language if she were to be around," said Applejack. She began to lead him through the apple orchard. The trees seemed to go about for a mile, surrounding the land.

"So, you do this all time?" asked Junior.

"Nah. I usually have other chores to do other than picking apples. You can't just pick them before they're ready," said Applejack.

"Of course. So what else do you do?" asked Junior.

"Ah you know. Taking care of the livestock, fixing anything that's broken, getting rid of any vermin..." Applejack counted off.

"Sounds like a lot of hard work," said Junior.

"Nothin' to it if you have the will and muscle," said Applejack as she flexed, exposing tight muscle from her arm. Her structure wasn't like a typical athletic build. Much like her body, she had curves to the build of her arm, which could almost be mistaken as fat. Rather, she was 'beefy'. Her arms and legs were thicker compared to girls that were more slim like Rarity, but not buff or defined like professional athletes.

'I got more than enough muscle. I sure hope I have the will,' thought Junior as AJ led him to a part of the orchard. She pointed to a tree, where a ladder stood along with a large wooden bucket, with straps of iron running along it.

"Alright, here's what you gotta do. You take this ladder and climb up. Pick as many trees clean as you can and put them in the bucket. If you come across any that are bruised or rotting, set them in a separate bucket," said Applejack.

"OK, got it," said Junior with a nod.

"I'll be around here, picking another tree. When you're through, just take the buckets over to the barn and store them inside," said Applejack.

"OK."

---

For the next several minutes, Junior had picked off every apple that hung from the branches of the tree. As told, he made sure to separate the good apples from the bad. He couldn't help but glance to find Applejack picking from a tree herself. She leaned forward as she held onto a branch. Her rear began to stick out, prompting Junior to flush red hot. The way her curves went from her waist to her hips was mesmerizing. He gasped as he felt himself leaning to the side, almost falling over. Junior quickly picked the last apple and began to climb down to place it in its respective bucket. Once done, he picked up one of the buckets and hauled it over to the barn. Once he placed it down near a corner, he returned to gather the second bucket. The boy carried these buckets with relative ease.

Once he returned to the orchard to pick the next tree, Junior noticed Applejack grunting as she held a bucket up. She gave a quick pant before easing into standing up straight, the bucket in her arms. Junior didn't know how long she planned to keep picking these apples or the amount of time it'd take, but he was glad to have come to help. This was too much work for just one person, especially if that person had to worry about school. With new found determination, Junior quickly took the ladder and moved it over to the next tree. He began to pick and separate the apples. He was barely breaking a sweat at this point, but he knew that the struggle was the repetitive nature of going back and forth with the buckets.

This process had gone on for about half an hour. Already, several trees had been picked. The sun had set a bit, but was still high enough to where there was light. It was unfortunate that it was getting into the colder seasons since at five to six in the evening, it gets quite dark. That meant that Junior had to pick up the pace. He wasn't going to let his efforts go to waste.

The boy began to haul a bucket, power walking through the orchard. Applejack was walking back, having just delivered a bucket herself. She bore a surprised look as she found the boy practically whizzing by.

"Well, I'll be..." Applejack watched with an impressed look. She found Junior jogging back over, scooping the bucket of bad apples into his arm and began to power walk back. Applejack smiled as she looked around their surroundings. Half of the trees had already been picked clean. Plus they were making great time. She thought she made a good call on asking Junior for help. After all, he has proven to be reliable and a hard worker. Not to mention he had enough muscle to carry the buckets at a steady pace.

The blonde began to make her way over to the next tree. She sighed as she found that some of the apples on this tree had grown higher up on the branches. This particular tree was troublesome, since it was taller than some of the others. It didn't help how far the apples had grown.

"Can't leave no apple unpicked," said Applejack as she began to climb higher on the ladder. She carefully stepped onto the tree, her heels digging onto the ridge, where the arms of the tree stuck out and hung out the branches. She began to carefully reach for the high apples and knelt down to drop them into the buckets. Eventually, she got to a point where there was just one more apple. But, this one was much higher up, out of reach. Applejack sighed in annoyance as she found herself unable to reach it. She hummed to herself as she began to lean and push against the branch, testing its strength.

"It should hold," said Applejack to herself. While most people would either leave the apple be, find other means or seek help, Applejack was undeterred. She prided herself too much in her work to leave her job incomplete. So, she began to carefully climb along the branch. She used the others to support herself as she scaled the tree, making her way higher. Unbeknownst to her, the branch she was on began creak.

Junior eventually returned to the orchard. He sighed as he tossed his hoodie to the the side, having grown hot from this ordeal. As he was about to move on to the next tree, he heard Applejack grunting and straining. He looked around in confusion and found her on the branch of a tree. His eyes widened in alarm.

"A-Applejack, I don't think it's a good idea to climb that tree," called Junior, making his way over.

"It's fine! I almost-" Applejack strained as she grabbed the apple. She chuckled victoriously as she began to twist it from the stem. Suddenly, there was a loud snap. Applejack felt herself suddenly plummet. She screamed as she fell, finding herself quickly approaching the hard ground.

Junior quickly swept under her. She slammed down onto his chest, causing both to fall to the ground. The two groaned in pain, as leaves, the apple and her stetson fell to the ground. Applejack winced as she shook off her daze. The blonde gasped as she found her face just inches from Junior's, who was wincing.

"I told you," said Junior, opening his eyes. He stiffened as he found the farm girl lying on him. She stared with her large bright green eyes staring into his own. Her blonde hair was frazzled, with some twigs caught in it. The girl's breath was shuddering as she lied on him, her thigh resting over his pelvis. She had a growing blush on her freckled cheeks. All of this made Junior twice as flustered, as his heart was racing. He wondered if she could feel his heartbeats, especially since her chest was pressed against his own. Applejack quickly pushed herself off of the boy, her face red hot.

"Gravy! Are you alright?!" asked Applejack. Junior quickly rose up with a wince.

"Y-Yeah. I'm cool. You?" asked Junior.

"I think so," said Applejack, clearing her throat and picking twigs out from her hair. Junior looked to the broken branch that lied on the ground.

"That was pretty careless of you. And stupid," said Junior. Applejack looked away, brushing her bangs out of her face.

"Y-Yeah. It sure was," said Applejack. Junior stood up, dusting himself up. He noticed that Applejack had a scrap on her knee.

"Does it hurt?" asked Junior. Applejack looked down at her knee.

"Not too bad. I-I think I'm gonna go clean it up before getting back to work," said Applejack as she winced with every step that she took. "Do ya mind to keep working?"

"Sure, I'll keep going," said Junior, quickly taking one of the buckets and jogged with it. Applejack's face was completely flustered as he passed by. Eventually, she made it to the house and made her way to the bathroom, where she began to dig for the medical kit. As she began to clean her wound, she thought back to the moment she fell on him. She felt something on her thigh, just below her rear.

'Was it me or did he grope me?' thought Applejack, growing more red.

Junior sighed as he set the next bucket into the barn and made his way back to the orchard. His face was red hot that he swore that he was going to pass out from the heat.

"I hope she didn't notice me groping her," said Junior to himself, though it wasn't really intentional to grope her. His hand had just fallen onto her when he caught her. His hand just had a mind of its own once he felt something soft yet firm.

"If there's a Hell, then I'm probably going there," said Junior. Once he returned to the orchard, he found Applejack's stetson lying on the ground. He knelt down to pick it up, finding leaves and twigs on it. He began to brush it off when he noticed Applejack walking over, a bandage over her knee. She appeared to be rather timid as she approached. This was a departure from how he saw her from earlier today.

"Here's your hat." Junior held out the stetson, avoiding eye contact.

"Thanks..." Applejack took the stetson with a blush. There was an awkward silence. It was driving Junior crazy, especially when he kept thinking back to the incident.

"We should get back to work," said Junior, quickly moving onto the next tree.

"My thoughts exactly!" said Applejack, quickly doing the same.

An hour had gone by. The sun had set to the point that it had grown darker. Only a sliver of sunlight was seen from the horizon. The chirps of crickets were in the air, as stars began shine above. Junior and Applejack set the last of the buckets into the barn, both sighing.

"I can't thank ya enough," said Applejack with a smile.

"It was my pleasure," said Junior, nodding to her. The girl cleared her throat as she looked away.

"Well, I should probably turn in for tonight. I still have some homework that I need to take care," said Applejack.

"Oh shoot. I forgot I had some homework," said Junior with a groan. He looked to his cell phone with a grimace, finding it to be 5:30. Normally it would take him longer to finish the work, since he had to deal with a couple of other subjects first. "Math's gonna suck. Alright, I'll-"

"Do you need help with math?" asked Applejack. Junior paused as he looked to find the inquisitive look on the blonde's face.

"Maybe." Junior answered. The girl smiled.

"Why not stay over a little longer? I can try helping you out if I can," said Applejack.

"I can't. I mean, I don't wanna impose-" Junior chuckled nervously. The barn door suddenly opened. The two turned to find Applebloom standing in the doorway.

"AJ! Granny wants to know if that boy would want to stay over for supper!" called Applebloom. Junior and Applejack looked to each other briefly. He was met with a warm smile from the girl.

"Well... If you'll have me," smiled Junior.

---

Junior found himself sitting at a table among the Apple Family. He sat at one end of the table as Big Mac sat the other end. Applejack sat next to him on his right, as Granny his left. Applebloom was seated next to Granny, eyeing Junior as family and guest ate.

It was a delicious meal. It was packed with some beef cuts, mashed potatoes and some greens. Junior savored the taste of this meal as much as he could.

"Applebloom, stop starin'!" whispered Applejack.

"Sorry..." whispered Applebloom, returning to eating.

"It's fine. I know I look mean," said Junior giving an awkward chuckle.

"It's not that. I was just wonderin' about somethin'," said Applebloom.

"What's that?" asked Junior.

"Are you datin' Rarity?" asked Applebloom, tilting her head curiously. Junior cleared his throat as he grew red.

'Why does everyone seem to think I'm going out with a certain girl! This is what I get for never having a reputation of having past platonic friendships with girls!' thought Junior.

"No, not at all. I barely know her," said Junior, forcing a chuckle.

"I thought Sweetie Belle was reachin'," said Applebloom to herself. It seemed that her friend was freaking out over nothing.

Eventually, supper was finished. Junior found himself sitting at a cleared table, his math book out as Applejack sat next to him. She walked him through some of the problems that he had found himself struggling. It was embarrassing to say the least on how she knew more than he did, despite not having the same class as him. Eventually, the two were able to get their work done. Junior realized that he had stayed longer to finish up the rest of his homework rather than just his math. By now, it was seven in the evening.

"I appreciate you with the help with math. I think I'm starting to get a bit better," said Junior.

"That's good. And thanks again for coming over," said Applejack, a warm smile on her face. Junior's heart skipped a beat at the sincerity in her voice. He turned to walk to the door.

"See ya." Junior waved.

"Later, hun," said Applejack, before closing the door. Junior's face grew red.

"Hun? Not Sugarcube?" asked Junior. He shook his head furiously.

"Ah! Get over yourself, Takeshi! She's a southern gal! That's just something they say sometimes!" said Junior, scolding himself for getting excited. He forgets himself sometimes. He walked on, carrying his hoodie over his shoulder as he wore his back pack. A small smile on his face. He did enjoy his time here, even if he just worked. It was a nice change of pace from his usual routine.

"Plus I got to feel her leg," said Junior to himself. He snickered as he walked. "I'm definitely going to Hell."

Author's Note:

The art in this chapter was drawn by DANMAKUMAN on DeviantArt!
https://www.deviantart.com/danmakuman