Author's Notes:

Sorry for the delay... I'm getting transferred to a new department at work and am working a different shift than usual which is throwing things off :b

After his altercation with Honeydew, Galen made his way back to Applejack's stall, forgetting his earlier desire to drop by Lero's for some advice. Applejack welcomed him back with a smile which quickly faded away as she picked up on his irritated mood. She didn't want to upset him any further, so she just kept her peace and let him be. She trusted that he would tell her what was bothering him if it was really important. The rest of their time in the market passed surprisingly quickly and they were on their way back to the farm, the creaking of her cart the only noise between the pair.

“Yew know some mare named Honeydew?” Galen asked suddenly, catching Applejack off guard.

“Yeah,” she replied, a gasp suddenly sounding as she remembered all the trouble the mare had given Rainbow Dash. “What did she do?” she said in an angry rumble as she stopped the cart, stomping a rear hoof in anger.

“She thought she could scare me off with a bit o' bullyin',” Galen replied with a serious expression as he flexed his fists. “Ah told 'er tha' ain't happening...”

Applejack took a moment to digest that and felt a surge of warmth surge in her chest while a blush crept up on her cheeks. “That so?” she asked in a quiet, warm voice.

“Tha's righ',” he replied with a smile. “She took a couple bruises with 'er ta drive tha point home too.”

“You got in a fight?” she asked, suddenly worried if there would be some huge fiasco like there was with Lero a while back.

“Naw,” he replied with a wave of his hand as he started walking again, Applejack quickly starting again to keep pace. “More like a little scuffle. Didn't even get a broken nail fer mah trouble.”

“That's not what Ah'm worried about,” she said sternly.

“Ah know,” he said with a smirk. “Ah had someone lookin' out fer me from above. Said she'd have mah back if tha' mare tries ta start somethin'.”

“Yer lucky somepony saw what happened in case it comes back ta bite ya,” she replied in a slightly scolding tone.

“Weren't no pony,” he said with a smirk. “It was a griffon.”

That raised Applejack's eyebrows. “That so?”

“Yeah,” he replied with a little grin. “Ah invited 'er ta tha' cookout Leera, Spike an' Ah were havin' as thanks. Speakin' of which, yew think Big Mac might wanna join in?”

“You'll have ta ask him that yourself,” she said with a smirk. “Ah'm sure he'd appreciate the chance ta unwind with a few guys though.”

Galen nodded at that with a smile. They started walking again after a moment, eager to get back to the farm. “So, yew wanna head back in town later tonight?”

Applejack felt a warmth in her cheeks suddenly rise up. “What for?” she asked, curious as to why he'd want to head back to town so soon.

“Jus' a nice meal out on tha town,” he asked with a smirk in response. Applejack's cheeks flared a light pink and Galen chuckled in response. “My treat.”

“Ah couldn't ask you to pay for our whole meal,” Applejack replied with a shake of her head. “Ain't right for a mare to take advantage of a stallion like that.”

“Didn't say yew were,” he replied easily. Applejack's fuming expression said otherwise and he cleared his throat hastily. “Ah guess we c'n split tha bill...” he amended.

“That works,” Applejack said with a satisfied smirk before it turned rueful. “So, this is my date, huh?”

“Nah,” he said immediately. “Pinkie's got a proper day planned out an' yew deserve no less. How 'bout tha day after hers? Ah'll even do all yer chores so long as Ah don' have ta kick no trees?”

Applejack snorted a laugh at that. “Ah'm a big mare, Galen. Ah can do my own chores. As far as the buckin' goes, Ah suppose Big Mac wouldn't mind, especially since he owes me for a few things here and there.”

“Ah know yer a big mare,” he said with a jaunty wink that made Applejack laugh. “Ah just wanna let yew take it easy fer a change. Ah've seen how much ya work 'round tha farm an' if Ah take yew out on tha town, Ah wouldn't want ya ta get tired on me. Not very polite ta fall asleep on a date after all...”

Applejack couldn't help but laugh at that. She gave Galen a quick glance and saw that he was smiling widely at his own joke. “Ah suppose it ain't... But Ah'm gonna cook breakfast and lunch at the very least...”

“Deal,” he said quickly with a satisfied smile.

“... in my uniform,” she finished after a brief pause.

Galen's smile faltered slightly.

“With Pinkie helping as well,” she said with a shit eating grin.

His smile disappeared completely while a flush crept its way up his neck.

“Sure you're still wanting to add more to how much Ah feel Ah need ta pay you back? Ah sure as heck haven't even begun ta begin workin' on the interest.”

To be honest, Galen was looking forward to it a little more than he thought he should. “Sure,” he replied with a little smile. “May as well go fer a gallon if Ah can get a cup.”

Applejack laughed at the turn of phrase. “Since we're goin' back into town for supper, we should invite Pinkie along as well. It wouldn't be right ta leave her out, especially since it was her who set all o' this in motion in the first place.”

“Really?” Galen said in surprise.

“Yeah,” she replied with a little smile. “She wanted to go after you with me. Besides, you could use some time getting to know her better. Ah'll just play second fiddle tonight and give Pinkie any support she might need.”

“Ah'd like tha',” he replied warmly. The pink mare was something of an enigma for Galen still. She had done so much for him with her welcoming party and he wanted to get to know her better, her feelings for him notwithstanding. “She's a real sweetheart, Pinkie Pie.”

“Ah know,” she replied just as warmly. “And she really is. Just wait until you get to cuddle up with her for a nap...” Galen felt his ears warm up and Applejack laughed at him with a teasing smile before they fell into a comfortable silence that lasted until they reached the farm. Galen helped Applejack stash away the unsold apples and tend to the cart, greasing the axle and giving it a quick once over. When finished with that, Galen retrieved his things from the tool room and followed Applejack back to the house. Galen quickly took his things to his room, stored them after taking out the apples that belonged to Applejack and Big Mac and made his way back through the house. He found Applejack in the kitchen sitting at the table with a cold cider. Galen grabbed one as well after he set the siblings' apples near her and sat down across form her as they drank their beverages in silence.

“So Ah may have come to a decision,” Galen said quietly after a few minutes of silence after he was about halfway through his.

“Decision?” she asked with a tilt to her head.

“'Bout whether or not Ah want ta know if there's a way ta get me an' Riley back ta our world,” he replied. Applejack swallowed past a sudden lump in her throat as a surge of dread swamped her heart. She had forgotten all about that. Galen had quickly established himself into their home and had completely forgotten that he had asked Celestia about getting back.

“That so?” she choked out in a voice barely above a whisper.

Galen nodded with a look that could be described as reassuringly resolute. “Yep,” he rumbled out. “Ah don' really have tha words fer it righ' at tha moment, but if yew'll give me tha night, some paper an' a quill ta write, Ah'll have it all worked out fer ya.”

Applejack felt a soaring, ephemeral sensation well up from her chest and she had to bring a hoof up to brush away the tears that suddenly sprung up from a well of unbridled happiness. Galen smiled and took another sip of his cider, letting Applejack collect herself. She sniffed a few times and finally gave him a smile so strong that it quavered slightly. “Ah think Ah can wait a night,” she said in a slightly scratchy, husky voice.

Galen nodded, smile still on his face. “Thanks,” he replied quietly. A moment later, a knocking sounded from the front door. Galen raised an eyebrow at Applejack who shrugged in response. “Ah got it,” he said as he got up with a little sigh. He opened the door and spotted a small group of stallions who wore bright pocketed vests and billed caps to shade their eyes.

“Mr. Galen!” said the fore-stallion at the head of the pack. “Just the stallion I wanted to see. We're here to take care of the surveying for the forge. We got word from the wholesaler that your materials will be arriving in two days time and we want to get everything staked out.”

“Oh,” Galen said with a grin. “Let me go tell Jackie an' Ah'll be right out.”

“No rush,” the stallion replied with an easy grin. “This is the easy part. Tomorrow comes the digging and shoring up for the foundation and then comes the real work after the stone and wood comes in.”

“Ah hear ya,” he said with a rueful laugh that said he knew exactly what was involved. “Go 'head an' get started. Don' want ta tie yew up longer than normal.”

“Alright,” he replied with a thankful smile and nod. “I'm sure we'll be seeing each other quite a bit over the next few days.”

Galen just nodded and smiled as he returned to the kitchen. Applejack looked up questioningly for an answer which Galen replied, “Surveyors from tha contractors here ta stake out tha forge an' everythin'.”

“Ah,” she said simply.

“They said it shouldn't take too long.”

“They know what they're doing,” she said with a smile and firm nod. “They have plenty of practice 'round here since it seems like there's some major disaster or other going on once or twice a month.”

Galen raised his eyebrows at that. “Seems pretty calm fer tha most part ta me.”

“Just give it time,” Applejack said with a wink and a smirk. “We're a bit overdue as it is, so you need to keep your wits about you.”

“Uh huh...” Galen replied simply before draining the last of his cider. Applejack just snickered at the unbeliever. He took the empty bottle to the sink and rinsed it out quickly before giving Applejack a smile as he moved to the back door. “Ah'm gonna go give tha fellows outside some company while they work. Ah promise Ah won' run off or anything...”

“You better not,” she said with a playful expression. “You don't want ta know what I'd do if Ah had ta hunt you down...”

Galen just smirked and chuckled. “Ah'll be a good boy.”

Applejack laughed as Galen turned and left the kitchen. When he walked outside, he heard the restrained yelling of the stallions at work and made his way over to where they were bustling about their work. Despite the look of unorganized wandering they had, Galen could make out that they were following through with their usual motions. He sidled up to the leader and greeted him with a grin.

“So,” the lead stallion said with a grin of his own to match Galen's. “What's it like living with the hard flank mistress of the Acres?”

“'Bout what yew'd imagine,” he said with a chuckle. “ But Ah've had it pretty easy fer tha most part.”

“That right?”

“Yeah,” he replied with a wistful sigh. “Ta be honest, Ah've been busy setting all this up so tha' took up most of mah time along with a good bit o' help from Twilight. She an' 'er herd mates have been tha best friends yew could ever want, helpin' me get used ta life an' explainin' ev'rything.”

“Twilight and her herd are practically a pillar in the community of Ponyville,” he replied with a wide smile. “They've done a lot for all of us at one point or other. Lero worked especially hard since he was to different to us at the time and wanted to prove to us that he was exactly the kind of stallion he is.”

“'E's a good man,” Galen said with a touch of pride for his friend. “So, how long does this usually take?”

“Not too long,” he replied. He paused to scribble down another measurement that was called out on his notepad. “We finished the outer perimeter and the layout of the forge. Now we only need to outline your cottage, the bath house and where we need to dig to sink the cistern. After that we'll call it a day.”

“So a pretty easy day?”

“Yeah, but we'll earn our pay in the next couple days or so,” he replied with a wicked grin. “You sure you didn't want to add another tonne or two for us to move? You know we're gluttons for punishment since we live in Ponyville.”

Galen couldn't help but burst into full on laughter at that, the leader joining in a second later. “Oh god,” he said as he caught his breath. “Ah heard it gets pretty crazy 'round here every so often.”

“You have no idea, buddy,” he replied with a rueful chuckle.

“So, yew an' yer boys want ta stick 'round after tha last nail's hammered in?” Galen asked with a friendly smile. “Ah was thinkin' 'bout havin' a bit of a party ta celebrate tha occasion.”

“I'm sure they'd love to, especially if there's good liquor involved.”

“Tell 'em Ah was thinkin' three bits a head ta cover tha drinks, one fer their marefriends,” Galen said with a wink. “Gotta have them tha day before construction finishes so we can get right to it.”

“Sounds like a plan,” the leader said with a conspiratorial grin and rumbled in a tone that wouldn't carry. “I was planning on treating them all to Crispy's when it was over, so I'll have them bring it out here and make a good time great.”

“Ah like tha way yew think,” Galen said with a grin.

“Hey, when you earn your bits the way we do, you want to play as hard as you work.”

“All work an' no play makes Galen a grumpy ass, so yew won' hear a word 'bout it from me.”

His companion laughed at that. “I'll pass the word around and bring you the bits for everypony the day before we finish or even before that if everypony's interested.”

“Sounds good,” Galen replied as he turned to head back inside. “Yew can drop by tha house when yer done.”

“Will do,” he replied as Galen started walking off.

Once Galen was back inside he found Applejack laying out on the couch as she took a nap, her hat on an end table with her mane unbound. It cascaded across most of her face, down her foreleg and shimmered brightly along her barrel. Galen couldn't help a gentle smile that came across his face at the sight and went back outside to sit on the patio for the workers wouldn't wake her up with their knocking. He waited for roughly fifteen minutes before the group came around the side of the house. Their leader waved and nodded in return as Galen gave a quick wave in acknowledgment before heading back down the road. When they were lost to sight, Galen stretched quickly and stifled a sudden yawn. He scratched the back of his head and went back inside to take a nap in his room. On his way back through the house, he couldn't help another lingering look at the slumbering mare on the couch.

Pinkie Pie was just finishing her closing chores in the store around eight thirty when a knock on the kitchen door sounded. She quickly dried and racked a mixing bowl, wiped her hooves off and went to see who it could be at this hour. Once the door had opened, she found herself face to face with Applejack and Galen who greeted her with smiles.

“Oh!” Pinkie exclaimed with a blush brought about by Galen's presence and memories of her earlier behavior. “W-What are you two doing here?”

“Thought we'd all go out fer supper,” Galen said with a easy smile.

“That and he'd like to get to know you better before your big date,” Applejack said in a slightly teasing tone while a little grin lit her face up. Pinkie felt a sudden spike of nervous excitement at hearing that. This was definitely a surprise and she loved surprises, right? Because she was the most super-dee-duper surprise party pony in Equestria, right? Right. If she had learned anything about surprises, she just had to roll with it. But Galen was a bump in the road and she was up in the air with a fifty-fifty chance of landing in sheer panic and ecstatic joy.

Applejack saw the thoughts racing behind Pinkie's eyes and decided to help push her in the right direction. “Why don't you wait here for for a bit? Ah'll help Pinkie freshen up and be back in a few minutes.” Galen cocked an eyebrow at Applejack and shrugged with a frown that said 'if that's what you want' before he took a couple steps to the side and leaned against the side of the building. When he had settled in to wait, Applejack looked to Pinkie, smiled warmly and walked inside. When she had closed the door, she gave the slightly trembling Pinkie a nuzzle that she melted into with a faint whimper. “You alright, hon?”

Pinkie shook her head and pulled Applejack into a hug. “I'm scared,” she said quietly.

“Scared?” Applejack said in confusion.

“I... I want to follow Discord's advice, but I'm just so scared that Galen's not going to like me, just like all the other stallions,” she said as she trembled slightly against Applejack.

“Ah think you're forgetting something important, Pinkie,” she said warmly as she squeezed Pinkie tighter and nuzzled her slowly, communicating her love for the mare in the gesture. She wasn't really sure why Pinkie was still so nervous, so she just spoke honestly and explained how she felt as best she could. “Galen ain't a stallion. He's a human, like Lero. Sure, Galen's no Lero, but Ah wouldn't want another Lero. Ah don't think Ah could ever love Lero like Ah know Ah could with Galen. Galen's out there right now, waiting on us to get ready for nothing more than supper and a chance to get to know you. The real you. The you that Ah know who loves surprises, pranks and having a good time. Who loves to snuggle in the warmth of the sun, who loves to see her friends smile and blushes hot enough to light a candle when she's embarrassed. What do you say to that? You want to go out to dinner with absolutely nothing riding on the outcome? Because the two of us would probably go home and eat leftovers if we couldn't get our favorite pink mare to join us.”

Pinkie felt her heart swell and swell with her love for the mare who she held and who held her. She felt as though she could handle another Nightmare Moon all on her own. She smiled so brilliantly when she drew back from Applejack that the farm mare couldn't help but feel her own heart surge in happiness. “I'll be right back down,” Pinkie said in a surprisingly calm voice before she cantered off.

Applejack's smile never left her face as she stuck her head outside and looked over to Galen who was picking at something in his teeth with a nail. “Won't be much longer,” she explained simply. Galen flicked something off of his fingernail and nodded with an understanding smile. Applejack grinned and shut the door so she could wait for Pinkie Pie which didn't take all that long as the pink mare came clattering back downstairs a few seconds later with an easy smile lighting up her face.

“You ready?” she asked with light panting from her running around and finding the time to get washed up.

“Yep!” Applejack said with a grin. “Best not keep him waiting too long.”

Pinkie nodded with a smile and walked past Applejack with a passing nuzzle that had her grinning even wider at her marefriends confidence. Galen moved away from the wall when he heard the door begin to open and was waiting casually in the middle of the alley with an easy smile waiting for Pinkie who led the way. Pinkie met his smile with one of her own despite a slight, lingering nervousness. When she felt Applejack move up beside her, she felt a calming sensation flow through her that washed away any trepidation she felt for the date.

“Sorry for the wait,” she began. “I had to wash up a bit, let the Cakes know that I was going out and give the twins their nuzzle before bedtime.”

“No worries,” he replied warmly, glad that she had accepted their offer. “Yew bring any bits with yew?” Pinkie nodded her head with a smile. “Good ta hear since Applejack an' Ah came to tha agreement tha' we'll be splittin' tha bill between each of us tonight.”

“Sounds good to me!” Pinkie said happily. “So where are we going?”

“Ah was thinking Crispy's,” Applejack answered. “That way we all can have something good to eat. That and Galen's never been there yet.”

“They had some real good vittles at mah welcome party,” Galen replied with a quick swallow to clear his mouth as it began watering uncontrollably.

“If you two were so hungry, you should have just said so,” Pinkie chided as she looked at Applejack who was swallowing obviously as well. “Let's get going before you two start digging in our trash.” That had the other two laughing as they started out. The trip wasn't long as the bustling establishment was only a couple blocks away from Sugar Cube Corner. They walked inside and was greeted by an older, blue pegasus with a silvery white mane and tail and light cerulean eyes.

“Evening you three,” she said with a welcoming smile. “Table or booth?”

“Good evening, Gem,” Pinkie Pie said cheerfully. “A booth would be fine?” she asked with a glance to her companions who nodded in agreement.

“Alright,” she said with a knowing smile. “Right this way.”

The three followed her through the crowded restaurant, drawing a few curious eyes and more than a few inquisitive stares. Galen felt a pair of eyes on him specifically and looked around to see Honeydew glaring at him with pure venom in her eyes and an ugly scowl twisting her face from her seat in a lonesome booth. Galen's eyes hardened and an expression came over his face while a surge of heat flared briefly through his stomach. A sudden look of uncertainty came across her face before it was replaced by a cringing fear, her ears folding back and she broke eye contact to stare at the table with a tremble. Galen snorted a quick puff of air through his nose in satisfaction.

He was just glad Applejack didn't notice the confrontational mare. “So,” he said as they finally arrived at their booth and began taking their seats. “Yew always this busy in tha middle o' tha week?”

“We're this busy every day of the week,” Gem said with an easy laugh. “Can't really complain too much when you rake in the kind of bits I do in tips though. Really helps when your stallion is a cook here as well.”

“Tha' good, huh?”

“Oh yeah,” she said with a grin. “So, what can I get you three to start off with for drinks?”

“Ah'll take a golden ale,” Applejack answered.

“I'll have a cherry soda,” Pinkie supplied.

“Ah'll take tha ale too,” Galen finished.

Gem nodded and walked off to get their drinks. When she had gone, Applejack nudged Pinkie and whispered just loud enough to be heard above the clatter, “Alright, Pinkie. Just talk to him and tell him about yourself. No need to be nervous.”

Pinkie gave Galen a mischievous smile that Applejack didn't see. Galen felt a smirk come across his face and watched as she turned to reply. She brought her muzzle up to Applejack's ear, stuck her tongue out and licked the pink inside from base to tip, covering it in a generous layer of saliva. Applejack flinched with a surprised cry and shocked expression as she curled her head into her shoulder to protect her ear from any further torment. Galen on the other hand broke out immediately into laughter at the sight while Pinkie giggled and snorted.

“Gah!” Applejack exclaimed as she brought a hoof up and rubbed at her molested appendage. “What the hay was that for?!”

“Just though I'd check and see if the rest of you tasted like apples,” she said with a saucy wink at Galen while she stuck the tip of her tongue out cutely. Galen just laughed harder as Applejack blushed furiously and tried to slouch ineffectually down in her seat. A few of the mares from the nearest table heard her and chuckled throatily and whistled foxily at the words and display which made Pinkie flush a little but did nothing to dim her mood.

Applejack felt like her face was burning up and when Gem returned with menus and their drinks, she snatched her ale and started chugging it like a champ to their waitresses raised eyebrow. “I'll go get you another one, dearie,” she said with a little chuckle in her voice after she slammed the empty wooden mug down with only a few fluffs of foam left around the rim. Applejack just nodded with a worried expression that she'd need two or three more before the end of their meal.

“So,” Galen began weakly after he regained his breath. “How did she taste?”

“Like a pony,” Pinkie replied with a look of mock disappointment directed at the mare beside her. Galen snorted as a grin split his face. He took his own ale and took a quick swig, letting the sharp and pungent brew wash over his tongue briefly before giving it a mental thumbs up for quality.

“Pinkie...” Applejack bemoaned despite her obviously conflicted expression.

“What?” she asked with a carefree smile.

Applejack sighed and shook her head before she picked up her menu and buried her face in it. Pinkie giggled and pulled her into an apologetic hug as she gave her a little kiss on her cheek. Applejack just huffed and returned the favor with a quick nuzzle despite her perusal of the food offered. Galen and Pinkie both followed suit with little grins directed at Applejack and looked over their menus as well for their choice of dinner. It didn't take them long to decide on their meals and pass them along to Gem when she dropped by a few minutes later, taking the menus along with their orders; Applejack going for a hay burger with a side of onion rings, Galen opting for an all you can eat fish with garlic butter to slather over the fillets and Pinkie with a bowl of tomato and lentil soup along with a salad and lemon vinaigrette for dressing.

While they were waiting on their meals, Pinkie asked Galen about what he had been up to lately. He largely told her what was going on in his life, although he decided to leave out the bit with Honeydew. She seemed happy to hear that he was making friends and was excited for the party he was planning for the completion of his forge, making sure that if he needed any help at all, she would be the first pony he turned to for assistance to which he readily agreed to with a smile.

Galen then directed the conversation to Pinkie Pie, asking about what she did for a living, her favorite hobbies and what she liked in general. Applejack finally came out of her embarrassed fugue quickly enough and joined in the conversation, adding colorful commentary here and there that had them all laughing and spreading a few blushes here and there. Their meal was served along with Applejack's second ale, Galen preemptively ordered a second one as he was almost done with his, as did Pinkie who was in a similar predicament. The conversation died down for a while as they ate their meals.

When they finished, they lingered for a third drink each and talked about inconsequential things as the crowded restaurant slowly emptied. Eventually, they finished the last of their drinks, paid their share of the bill along with a generous tip for Gem and left the establishment close to ten thirty. As they walked, Pinkie began yawning and flagging a little which Galen noticed and remedied by casually picking her up and cradled her in his arms despite her furious blush and protests although nopony was out on the streets. Maybe it was the alcohol in his system, but he felt unusually confident that this was the right thing to do.

Pinkie, on the other hoof felt all traces of her fatigue fly away as she was held gently in his strong arms, her heart throbbing almost painfully and fidgeted slightly before settling down. Galen was busy watching the way ahead and didn't notice her as she took a chance to look up at his hard edged, bearded face, his green eyes almost black in the faint light of the half full moon. She blushed and looked ahead as well so that she wouldn't get caught staring. She felt so safe in his arms, like they were a bastion of strength and security that would keep all the woes and troubles of the world at bay as long as she was here. She closed her eyes and snuggled closer to his body that had a slightly pungent odor of clean sweat and the outdoors as he hadn't yet bathed that day was by and far the most masculine thing she had ever smelled. She felt her whole body heat up but she couldn't care less as she was slowly getting drunk off his smell alone. After an amount of time that seemed to last half of forever and far too soon, she felt herself being lowered to the ground and opened her bleary eyes to see that she was back in front of Sugar Cube Corner.

She heaved a little yawn and rolled slowly, reluctantly from his arms and back to her hooves before Galen stood back up with an easy smile. “Thanks for goin' out with us, Pinkie,” he said warmly. “Ah had a great time an' it was a blast getting to know yew better.”

“I had a lot of fun too,” Pinkie said quietly due to her sleepiness. She fought back another yawn and rubbed at her eyes with a foreleg. “I'm looking forward to Saturday...”

“Ah was wondering what day yew'd have off,” he replied with a smile. “Saturday would be perfect. What time should Ah drop by?”

“How about nine in the morning?” Pinkie supplied. “That way we can sleep in a little.”

“Ah'll see yew then,” Galen replied with a grin. “Ready ta head back?” he asked a slightly swaying Applejack who simply nodded without saying anything in her sleepy haze. Pinkie giggled quietly and gave her marefriend a quick kiss goodnight and went inside after unlocking the door. A faint clank sounded as the door was locked again.

Galen let out a quiet breath and scooped up the groggy Applejack who didn't even put up a word of protest due to her exhaustion. She simply snuggled closer to his warm body and let out a content sigh before promptly falling asleep in his arms. Galen chuckled quietly at her for a brief moment before he started walking down the street and out of town with Applejack in arm. The way back through the orchard was quiet of all except the occasional call of a nocturnal bird or insect chirrup and he was fine with that. He would occasionally steal glances at the sleeping face of the mare in his arms, a feeling of happiness welling up inside of him as her completely content expression remained unchanged throughout the trip back.

After a little awkward groping, he opened the door to the dark house. He tread quietly upstairs by memory and moonlight to Applejack's room and opened the door to reveal her sparsely furnished room, populated with worn but well cared for furniature, framed ribbons on the walls from well known contests and the odd memento from who knew where on a shelf or anywhere she felt like putting it. He made his way to her bed, pulled back the sheets and lay her gently down with only a whimper of protest from the sleeping mare that quieted down a second later. He gently pulled the covers up and she snuggled herself down deeply into them. Happy that he hadn't disturbed her rest, Galen left her room and closed her door before going back downstairs to his own room where Riley was already sleeping sprawled out over most of the bed. Postponing his rest for the time being, Galen took the small sheaf of parchment, ink and pen from the nightstand and made his quiet way to the kitchen where he sat down at the table and arranged everything just so in the shaft of faint light from the kitchen window.

He wasn't sure how long he'd be here, but he knew for certain that he wouldn't be leaving this seat until he had written down everything that he meant to. He had to get this just right, especially if he really, truly wanted to know the full extent of why he wanted to stay in Equestria. He cracked his knuckles with a deep, resounding crack and picked up the quill after unstopping the inkwell. He dipped it in the ink and bled off the excess ink along the lip and lifted it back to the blank sheet before him and let the tip hover a hairsbreadth above it before he turned his minds eye inward. A few minutes of motionless introspection and then the quill began scratching away quietly...