"Each one of us requires the spur of insecurity to force us to do our best."

As promised, Rembrandt visited the Apples for dinner that evening. They all welcomed him very warmly, considering him responsible for the tremendous success they achieved on the farm, while Rembrandt constantly tried to justify it by the fact the book on pests of any kind is probably available in the library. Applejack just mumbled something about "distrust" and "science loonies" before heading into the kitchen, not allowing Rembrandt to give them an excuse not to appreciate his help.

"Oh, won't you just relax, young one! I hope yer mighty hungry, 'cause ya fer sure never tasted apple pie ala Granny Smith!" the elderly pony introduced herself quite flashy, despite her old age and having slight difficulties walking. Concluding it would be rude to continue to defend himself, Rembrandt finally gave in and replied with a smile:

"Alright then, but then I must insist I invite your family for dinner at my place sometime; I may not look like it, but I do have a few recipes of my own."

Elderly pony laughed heartily on his words and without saying anything else followed Applejack to help her serve the dinner. Apple Bloom was off to get the tableware and Rembrandt found himself standing in the room alone with the only member of the Apples he hadn't officially met yet. A noticeably strong, buff stallion of red coat and mane that strongly resembled the golden wheat under the evening sun - it would be sad to describe it merely as 'orange'.

"Good evening, my name is Rembrandt Quill. But some call me Blank Rembrandt, for obvious reason", he smiled softly. The stallion gently nodded in sign of greeting as he spoke, his voice deep and soothing:

"Ma' name is Big Macintosh. Pleased to meet ya, Mr Quill."

"Oh please, call me by my first name. You're making me feel old otherwise."

The two shared a short, but honest laugh. Big Mac went silent as usual, the quiet atmosphere interrupted only by voices of two mares in the kitchen and clanging of the dishes. Rembrandt wasn't sure if the silence was awkward or not. Back in Canterlot, somepony would always have something to talk to him about, even when it didn't interest him - be it fashion, or some fancy ball or invitation to a celebration, be it the rising price of cherries or even talk about trivial things such as fabric on a new suit or wheather - whole discussions of weather, in fact. This pony was just silent. He didn't seem bored or annoyed... just silent.

While Rembrandt pondered whether the stallion found him uninteresting, or did he not want to talk due to possible bad mood, curiosity got the better of the usually reclusive strong stallion as he asked with his usual, somewhat monotone voice:

"Pardon th' question if it bothers ya, but... do ya get judged often because of...?" he trailed off.

It took Rembrandt a second to realized what Big Mac was talking about. Such a serious and pretty blunt question caught him unprepared.

"Oh! Well... ", he glanced at his flank with a somewhat nervous look, "it depends, I suppose. So far, most of the ponies I met here in Ponyville were really understanding about it. Back in Canterlot, though... it took them longer to adjust to it."

Big Mac shook his head sympathetically, but said nothing. Which once again left Rembrandt with the need to say something.

"But I'm fine with it by now", he continued. "After all, as a grown pony, I can not keep being insecure about it... I think", he finished, accidentally a bit too sincerely. He didn't want anyone to think he was insecure.

Big Mac eyed him like he had something to say, or was at least preparing it; even if he were to say it, they were interrupted by three mares that rushed into the dining room, hooves full of food and dishes. Apple Bloom seemed especially giddy for some reason.

"Let's eat!" Granny Smith smiled, and Rembrandt's worries quickly left his head as he felt the unbelievably fine smell of apple pie.

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Rembrandt couldn't recall the last time he ate so well. Sure, back at Canterlot he would always get the fine, tasty and often exotic food. But who knew a simple apple pie could taste so divine? And the cider! It was out of this world! He was surprised the Apples haven't opened their own bakeries around the Equestria already.

The rest of the evening was spent sipping a warm (Apple!) tea and talking about random subjects, bits of Rembrandt's past, stories of Ponyville, the rumors of the mysterious Mare-do Well and where she might be - which led to a loud cough by Applejack and a sudden subject change to Heart and Hooves day - which led to a big laughter eruption from both Big Mac and Apple Bloom.

"Oh my would you look at the time!" Rembrandt suddenly said, the old clock showing it was already well past nine.

"Pardon me for occupying you for so long. I should slowly be on my way", he was pleasantly surprised by a very unexpected reaction as Apple Bloom let out a sad "awww" and Applejack was seemingly ready for anything but sleeping as she allowed herself a small pout. Granny Smith immediately dismissed his 'pardon me'.

"Don't ya be apologizin' young mister, I hadn't had such a pleasant evening in a while, with those termites, an' all. Thank you for yer visit and don' be a stranger."

"Can't you stay for five more minutes~" Apple Bloom whined, followed by Appejack's eyeroll.

"I'm sure we would all like for Rembrandt here to stay for some more, but it is time for bed for all of us. You have school tomorrow too, ya know."

"Fine, fine." Apple Bloom sighed and to Rembrandt's surprise, gave him a small friendly hug.

"See ya tomorrow Rem!" she smiled, and trotted up the stairs. The Apples couldn't help but giggle at her eagerness.

"Ya really have your way with kids." Applejack said, nearly making Rembrandt tip over from disbelief. He couldn't recall a single moment he was 'good with kids'. He couldn't even recall ever talking more or less seriously with any young filly or colt. Well, aside from Apple Bloom. Why didn't he notice that before?

"Well then, we'll let Mac see ya out. Have a pleasant night!"

They greeted each other, Big Macintosh offering to see Rembrandt off to the farm entrance, despite his protests. The two didn't talk too much, both comfortable with a sudden silence and a bit sleepy from the excitement of the evening.

"Thank you for your pleasant company, Big Macintosh. Tonight was truly wonderful. I expect to see you all for dinner at my place soon."

"Eeyup." Rembrandt couldn't count how many times did he hear that word tonight, but he found himself not bothered by it; he came to realize silence was a pretty important part of Big Mac's character, whether the stallion intended it to be, or not.

"Well then..." Rembrandt was about to bid him goodbye, when Big Mac gave him a somewhat confused look, like he was thinking something through. Then he finally said:

"Before ya go... It's alright to be insecure, ya know." Rembrandt gave him the surprised look, but Big Mac continued, "'Tis just the way you go through it - indulge in it, n' it'll affect anything ya do. Fight through it, and ya'll be rewarded in the end."

The short, simple words that left Big Mac's mouth were for whatever reason formed so perfectly in Rembrand't head. While he did appreciate and respect the stallion he knew for such a short time, he suddenly looked at him in a whole different light. He said those words with such ease, almost carelessly, yet the look in his eyes was saying he was dead serious and eager to help.

"...thank you", Rembrandt replied quietly, first allover surprised and finally let a small smile creep onto his mouth, fighting hard against a huge grin that was trying to decorate his face.

"Thank you, Big Macintosh. Have a pleasant sleep."

"Eeyup."

When Rembrandt looked away from him, slowly descending from the farm, he finally allowed a huge and probably extremely silly smile to spread on his face, which almost started to ache from it but he didn't care. He didn't smile like that in a long time.

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"A dinner at your place? Wait, ya know how to cook?"

"Why does everyone assume I can not cook?" Rembrandt protested.

Him and Caramel were on their way to get groceries for the dinner Rembrandt was going to prepare. It has been two days, and he thought it would be proper to get busy cooking by now, so he took extra care to send pretty invitation to the Apple family. Naturally, being best friends with Caramel, he invited their cousin too, to which Caramel promised to bring his girlfriend Wind Whistler.

"I dunno. A fancy stallion from Canterlot would usually eat in a restaurant. Or order a fancy meal from a restaurant. Or have a butler to prepare it. Or--"

"Fine, fine, I think I got it", Rembrandt stopped him with a smile.

"Well, I did learn the basics and how to make a few meals of my own a few years back, when I was trying to discover my hidden talent. While it was a bit fun... it was definitely not my talent", Remrandt finished, making Caramel curious.

"Sounds like a funny experience", Caramel noticed with a teasing smile.

"Yes, to a pony like you it would be a delight to see me covered in flour and eggs, I'm pretty sure", Rembrandt replied humorously and shook his head as Caramel started laughing loudly, attracting the attention of several ponies.

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The dinner at Rembrandt's place was resembling a loud, family celebration. With the addition of Caramel and Wind Whistler, there was a constant conversation going on between at least four of them and once Wind Whistler started a competition with Applejack in cracking jokes (which surprised everyone), finishing their food was a challenge going on between somewhat painful bursts of laughter and banging their hooves on the table. Granny Smith even needed a glass of water to calm herself down, much to amusement of Apple Bloom.

Rembrandt did his best in preparation of the meal, making a delicious, fresh clover salad with addition of various vegetables and home made pizza with all kind of different toppings. Wind Whistler was delighted and even asked for a recipe so she could try and make it for her 'sweetie-bittie-pie' - without question, it made Caramel slightly embarrassed, but it was followed by a good natured laugh.

By the time they decided to go home it was already ten o'clock, to which only very concerned Applejack reacted seriously, saying they have to work tomorrow and Apple Bloom had school in the morning. They went home, while Caramel and Wind Whistler stayed a bit more for last glass of refreshing lemonade. They settled on a nice couch, while Rembrandt took a sofa, quietly talking.

"Thank you for such a relaxing evening, it was really something I needed a lot." Wind said at one point, with a somewhat tired but satisfied smile, as she was leaning affectionately against Caramel.

"The pleasure is all mine, miss Whistler. Do tell though, is there a particular reason why you seek relaxation? I must say, you did seem a bit stressed when we first met."

Wind Whistler shifted uncomfortably and her wings noticeably fell a bit, while Caramel looked at his hooves; it was all Rembrandt needed to immediately speak, an apologetic tone in his suddenly quiet voice:

"I am so sorry, I was not aware it is a personal matter."

"It's alright", Wind Whistler replied, a meek smile creeping onto her face.

Luckily, the lemonade glasses were empty by then, so they all had an excuse to bid each other farewell without things getting awkward. Rembrandt soon climbed into his own bed and spent a long time remembering the delightful evening and wondering about the couples' problem and if he could help if he knew what it was about before he fell into an uneasy sleep.

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A silent knock interrupted Rembrandt's breakfast. When he opened the door, he was very surprised to see the mare standing there.

"Wind Whistler? Uh, I mean, Miss Whist--"

"It's OK, you can use my first name", the mare replied, seemingly not in the best mood, but his chivalrous ways flattering her as she smiled kindly to him.

"I think you deserve an explanation for the last night. You are after all Caramel's best friend and a very dear pony to me... May I come in?"

A moment of silence passed before still slightly surprised stallion invited her in for breakfast.

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"Caramel and I have been together for quite a while already. We love each other dearly and... we had plans of getting married for quite a while. But my family seems to be against it. It is not that they don't like the Apple family... but... well, they're originally from Canterlot... I'm sure you understand."

Rembrandt took in a breath that easily let Wind know he understood her.

If there was one thing Rembrandt truly couldn't stand in Canterlot it was the way its citizens often treated ponies from more rural areas, such as Ponyville. They most likely expected their 'fancy' daughter to marry somepony of higher status, or in some dashing, flashy business.

"I'm sorry if I bother you, I just thought you should know", Wind said a bit sadly, probably not entirely sure if Rembrandt even cared.

"Oh, no, no, by all means, I... I am in fact glad you shared it with me. I have been concerned with you."

"Sorry..."

"You do not have to apologize! Listen, Mi-- I mean, Wind Whistler... I believe my family might be familiar with yours, so, if you wish-"

"Oh I couldn't ask that of you! It is embarrassing enough as it is. Thank you for your kind offer though", she gave him a first sincere smile.

"Thank you for listening. It is actually... nice, to share my problems with someone."

Rembrandt smiled and found himself in the lack for words. His reassuring smile seemed to be enough for Wind though, because she got up and silently wished him good morning, then left.

It is also nice to help you solve these problems... was what Rembrandt decided he wanted to say, but for some reason he couldn't. All of a sudden, as Wind closed the door behind her, he felt... unwanted. Betrayed? He even felt guilty, but didn't knew of what. Why, what were these sudden emotions? Like they didn't belong to him! He felt something trigger in him. Something that nearly made him choke up before he went and guzzled down the whole glass of milk in one breath. What was up with that?!

Nervous, and still with something unfamiliar clenching his heart, Rembrandt hurried to his desk, and started writing.

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Whenever I am not exactly confident or sure in something and I decide that needs a change, I usually listen to my rational side. That usually calm, somewhat monotone voice that reminds you of your obligations and responsibilities. In fact, who doesn't follow the logic unless they have a good reason not to?

But I guess that I never before had that good reason that makes ponies act silly or unusual sometimes - that is why it was quite a surprise to me when I came across a problem no simple logic can solve.

I always thought being rational is the only possible solution. That acting anything but rational is the result of stress or panic. For some reason it never occurred to me it had to do with emotions. I feels like I've been missing on a lot, but I plan on doing so no more.

I guess that at some point, even somepony who was always seeking and finding logic in everything, will discover there is a large array of both explained and unexplained emotions behind some situations.

Private notes:

Big Macintosh comforted me, surprisingly noticing the amount of insecurity I tried to keep hidden. Despite being silent, he sure does know about ponies and their behavior. It was quite impressive.

Talk with Wind Whistler seriously shook me up and I have no idea why. For some reason I felt downright awful once she told me of her problem. Was I being compassionate? I heard other ponies' troubles sometimes, and I never got this emotional. I will have to research this.

Also, it is possible I have a "way with kids"? Sounds really improbable to me.