Quentin headed west as he made his way back to Sweet Apple Acres. He found it surprising how fast the day was moving by. To Quentin, it only felt like he'd spent time with his friends for only one or two hours, but one would guess when you're having fun hanging out with your friends, time seems to go by fast.

"Yeah, time for a little workout on the farm,'' Quentin said to himself, but found himself smiling at the thought of a certain, orange farm pony.

The human turned earth pony was especially excited to see Applejack, for he haven't talked or seen her all day. While heading to the farm, Quentin once again found himself amongst the ponies in the marketplace. As he dipped and dodged passing ponies, Quentin noticed an orange pony with a blond mane and brown Stetson at a far apple stand. Applejack was busy sell apples and Quentin saw her taking some bits from a customer and exchanging them for a bag of apples. It looked like business was going well so far for the Apple family. Quentin smiled and quickly made his way to his farm pony friend. As a customer left happily with their apples, Applejack's face fell with a look of worry as she look around the marketplace, as if she was trying to look for someone. When Quentin had gotten close enough, he called her name.

"Hey Applejack!''

Applejack looked towards his direction and gave a relived and happy smile and galloped towards her friend, "Quentin, finally. There ya are!'' Applejack greeting as the two embraced. "Where in thunderation have ya been? I haven't seen ya all day.''

Quentin laughed nervously. "Sorry about that AJ. I woke up early this morning and thought that I would check of the town myself. I guess I lost track of time, especially since I was hanging out with the others,'' he explained.

Applejack chuckled. "I hear ya Quentin. For minute there, I though ya mighta left an' never came back.''

"What after I promised to help find the princesses? C'mon AJ, I wouldn't leave yall hanging like that,'' her stallion friend grinned.

Applejack couldn't help but laugh, ''For a moment there, ya sound jus' like Rainbow Dash.''

They both shared a laugh and the two headed back to Applejack's cart. "So are the others doin' ok?'' Applejack asked.

Quentin nodded. "Yep and let me tell you, I've really enjoyed spending time with each of them.''

Applejack smiled. "I'm glad to hear that Quentin. I think I can speak for everypony when I say we love spending time with ya too.''

Quentin smiled warmly at Applejack's statement. "I was on my way back to the farm to help start working, but do you need help here?'' he asked, eager to assist.

"Why that would be much appreciated Quentin. Ya ever sell apples before?''

Quentin gave her a cool grin. "Nope, but c'mon it's just apples. How hard could it be? I bet it'll be a piece of cake.''

Applejack tilted her head downwards and cocked an eyebrow with a smirk. "Well alrighty then. Here comes a customer now. How bout ya handle this one?''

Quentin smiled and nodded. A female unicorn pony trotted up to the cart. She had an aquamarine coat, a pale, light grayish mane and tail with a white streak, with her mane forming a bang and running down her back. She had sunglow eyes and her cutie mark was in the design of a lyre on her flanks and wore a friendly smile on her face.

"Well howdy there Lyra! What can we do ya fer?'' Applejack greeted, tipping her hat.

"Hi Applejack!'' Lyra Heartstrings warmly greeted. "I was just coming over to see if I can buy some of your famous apples.''

Quentin smiled. "Well you've certainly came to the right place ma'am. These are without a doubt the best apples Equestria has to offer.''

Lyra looked at him with a warm smile. "Oh I know, nothing can beat...oh it's you!'' Lyra suddenly said loudly in shock.

Applejack and Quentin both looked at each other blankly and back at the unicorn who just smiled at him enthusiastically. "You're the stallion that saved us from that chimera yesterday. I was taking refuge in my home, but I saw you lead that monster away and save those fillies. That was really brave of you,'' Lyra said a bit dreamily at the end.

Quentin sighed to himself. "Here we go again,'' he thought, but gave her a soft smile.

"Yep this is him alright. Lyra, I like to introduce you to Quentin. Quentin, this is Lyra Heartstrings,'' Applejack smirked, putting an arm around his shoulders.

"Hi Quentin, it's nice to meet you,'' Lyra said, waving a hoof at the dreadlocked stallion.

"Likewise Lyra.'' Quentin responded politely.

After a brief conversation mostly about what happened the other day, Quentin finally was able to sell Lyra a few apples. "Here you go, five apples just as you requested. That'll be three bits please,'' Quentin said, handing Lyra a bag of her apples.

Lyra nodded. "Of course, thanks Quentin.'' Lyra went into her saddlebag and took three gold bits into her mouth and sat them on the table.

Quentin beamed, "No, thank you Lyra, and a pleasure doing business with you.'' He gave her a wink.

Lyra then giggled. "Well I should be going. If you see me around Quentin feel free to say hi. Maybe we can have lunch together.''

For some reason Quentin blushed at the comment and stammered. Applejack didn't look too amused and quickly jumped in. "Yep it was sure nice seein ya today Lyra. Sorry we can't talk long, apples ta sell, ya know the usual.''

Lyra nodded with a smile. "I understand Applejack. Bye now and bye Quentin. I hope we can talk sometimes?''

Quentin nodded with a kind smiled and waved at Lyra and she left. Applejack sighed and took the bits, slid them in her hat, and put it back on her head. "Well Quentin I have ta hand it ta ya, ya handled that transaction with ease,'' Applejack praised.

He friend smiled and shrugged. "Aw easy peasy. Besides, I think my natural charm helped me big time,'' Quentin replied playfully, winking.

Applejack rolled her eyes playfully. "Alright Casanova, how bout we get back ta work?''

Quentin and Applejack both laughed and proceeded to sell apples. Within an hour, all the apples that were in the cart were gone.

"Thank ya kindly and please come again,'' Applejack said to a yellow earth pony who just bought the last few apples.

As the pony left, Applejack let out a loud sigh. "Whoo-wee, nice business today, if I do say so myself,'' she said, smiling at Quentin.

"Totally, and we've earn quite a lot today too!'' Quentin agreed.

"Darn tootin we did Quentin.''

"So what do we do know AJ?'' the stallion asked.

Applejack gave him a smirk. "Well there are still some apple trees that needs some buckin. Ya up fer the task?''

Quentin grinned at the farm pony. "Let's do it.''

They then started to pack up the cart. Quentin saw that Applejack was about to put the harness around her back, but he stopped her. "Wait Applejack, let me pull the cart back,'' Quentin offered.

Applejack looked at him a little confused but then smiled softly. "Aw that's sweet of ya Quentin, but I got this covered. After all, have been doin this since I was a youngin'.''

The stallion wasn't about to give up and shook his head. "No really Applejack, I'll pull this back. Besides, it's the least I could do for leaving my employer for half the day without telling her,'' Quentin responded.

Applejack looked at Quentin with a slight surprised look and smiled gratefully. "Well now that'd be mighty noble o' you Quen. How could I say no after a response like that?''

Quentin smiled and slipped the harness onto his back and they both headed back to the farm. Two earth pony equines conversed happily as they made their way through Ponyville. They finally made it to the charming farm and Quentin and Applejack walked into one of the stables, where Quentin took off the harness and left the cart.

"So Applejack, when did you noticed that I was gone?'' Quentin asked as they made their way to one of the many apple orchards.

Applejack giggled. "Well ta tell ya the truth Quentin, it wasn't till about eleven that I thought you'd been sleepin pretty late. So I went up to your room and found that it was empty.''

Quentin chuckled sheepishly. "Sorry about that again. I woke up early and I couldn't go back to sleep. So I figured I go out and see what Ponyville is like in the early morning.''

Applejack nodded in understanding. The two friends got to the orchards, the barrels sitting around the trees ready to be filled with apples. "Right, ready to a get started there Quentin?'' Applejack asked, doing a few stretches.

Quentin nodded. "You bet Applejack. Ready when you are.''

Applejack smiled. "Great, how bout ya start over there while I start right here?''

Quentin nodded and went to the assigned position. When he had gotten to the tree, Quentin turned around and readied himself. He lifted his hind legs off the ground and struck the trunk with a powerful buck. The tree shook violently as every single apple fell out and filled the barrels around it. The human grinned at his success as Applejack called out happily.

"WHOO nice one Quentin!''

Quentin gave a gracious nod and walked over to the other tree and did the same thing, all its apples falling from the limbs and into the waiting barrels below. For one, hard working hour, Applejack and Quentin apple bucked tree after tree until finally they decided to take a break.

"Whoo-wee even if ya been doin this yur whole life, if can still make ya work up a bit o' sweat!'' Applejack breathed out, whipping sweat from under her bang.

"Yeah tell me about it,'' Quentin breathed, sweat dripping from his face. "Mind if we get something to drink?''

Applejack nodded with a smirk. "Just what I was about ta suggest.''

They made their way towards the main farmhouse, meeting Big Macintosh along the way as they passed his working field. "Hey there Big Mac. Great weather we had today!'' Quentin greeted the burly stallion.

"Eeyup,'' Big Mack replied, giving him his calm friendly smile.

"We were jus' bout to get ourselves some refreshments big brother. Care ta join us?'' Applejack asked.

"Eeyup,'' Big Mac said, setting down his plow and whipping off some sweat. "Somethin' nice an' cold ta drink sounds great after workin' in the sun all day.''

Applejack smiled. "Great.'' She then turned to Quentin. "Hey Quentin, ever had apple cider before?'' the blonde maned pony asked.

Quentin rolled his eyes and brought a hoof to his chin as he thought of an answered. To be honest, he really haven't tried the beverage in his life.

"Honestly, I can't really say that I have,'' Quentin answered truthfully.

Applejack and Big Mac looked at the stallion surprised and at each other and back at Quentin. "What?! Ya never had apple cider before?!'' Applejack asked loudly in disbelief.

Quentin looked around awkwardly. "Uhhh...no?'' he answered uncertainly.

"Well shoot, well we're about ta change that. Are we Big Mac?'' Applejack smirked, looking at her brother.

Big Mac grinned and nodded. "Eeyup. There's not a pony in Ponyville that hasn't tried any of our apple cider.''

Quentin followed the two earth ponies toward one of the other of the two barns on the farm when a voice called out to them. "Hey yall, wait up!''

The three turned around to see Apple Bloom galloping towards them, apparently just coming home from school. Quentin, Applejack, and Big Mac waited for her to catch up and stopped when she finally came to them.

"Hi guys, whatcha up to?'' Apple Bloom smiled.

"Hey there Apple Bloom. Jus' getting back from school?'' Applejack smiled, giving her sister a loving nuzzle.

The little filly. "Yep. Jus got back from walkin Sweetie Belle home,'' she said, before noticing Quentin and beamed. "Mr. Quentin!'' she squealed happily.

Quentin smiled. "Hey there Apple Bloom. How's it-'' before he could finish, Apple Bloom flung her forelegs around his neck as she hugged the brown stallion.

"I'm doin great, especially after ya save me and my friends yesterday!''

Quentin sighed, giving a chuckled. "Well I'm just glad you're safe.''

Apple Bloom released him and took a couple steps back. "Yeah and we told everyone in our class about it.''

Quentin cocked and eyebrow. "You...did?'' he asked nervously.

Apple Bloom smiled and nodded. "Yeah all the ponies and my class think you're some kind of a hero!''

Quentin widened his eyes at the comment. Of all the very few things he were, a hero definitely wasn't one of him. "Oh no. I'm DEFINATELY not a hero,'' he denied.

Applejack smiled, and walked beside him. "Aw of course yer a hero Quentin. Riskin yer live ta save my sister and her friends. Ain't that right Big Mac?''

As expected, Big Mac gave Quentin his usual calm smiled and his famous, "Eeyup.''

Quentin smirked and looked away shyly until Apple Bloom spoke up. "So whatcha guys up to?''

"Well we were about ta take Quentin to try some of our delicious homemade apple cider. Wanna join us?'' Applejack answered, putting an arm around her sister.

Apple Bloom's face lit up and she began to lick her lips. "You bet. I'm always up fer a nice glass of the Apple Family's special apple cider!''

Applejack chuckled, "Well then let's get ourselves some.''

As Quentin and the Apple siblings walked towards the barn, Quentin asked. "So your family's apple cider, sounds like it pretty famous around here huh?''

Apple Bloom smiled up at him. "You bet Mr. Quentin. It's not everyday we make our apple cider. We only make em during cider season!''

Quentin grinned down at the cute filly. "You don't have to call me 'Mr.' Apple Bloom, just Quentin will be fine. Besides, it makes me sound old.''

Apple Bloom giggled. "Alright...Quentin.''

Quentin smiled and nodded as Applejack spoke. "Yep, ponies from all over Ponyville are willin ta camp out overnight jus to be one of the first to buy our cider,'' Applejack then chuckled. "Pinkie Pie is usually the first in line and buys treys worth of them. I swear every year it ticks Rainbow Dash off more than a dog with fleas.''

'' "Eeyup,'' Big Mac agreed, giving a small chuckle.

Quentin laughed. "Guess Dash must REALLY love your cider?''

"That's an understatement. One time, she dropped her mug o' cider on the ground, an' I swear she started ta eat the dirt it spilled on!'' Applejack laughed.

He human friend looked at her with an amused expression. "Really now? Hehe, oh I'm going to have some sweet mileage with that one,'' Quentin said with a mischievous grin.

The four ponies burst out laughing and continued through the farmland. Finally, they made it to the barn where they keep their cider stored and a question came to Quentin's head.

"Hold up. If your apple cider is as famous and sought after as you say and you only make it during cider season, how can you still have some?''

Applejack just gave him a smirk. "Well now Quentin, don't ya think that after sellin' apple cider ta everypony in Ponyville we wouldn't keep a barrel or two fer ourselves?''

Quentin opened his mouth, but then his face became one of thought. "That actually makes sense,'' he said slowly.

Big Mac nodded. "Eeyup. We usually keep ourselves some fer special occasions. We each have our own personal barrels.''

"Yeah, an we're gonna share some with you!'' Apple Bloom declared happily.

Applejack and Big Mac smiled and nodded. Their new friend and guest thought for a moment and shook his head.

"Oh no, I couldn't. Especially if it's your personal supply.''

Applejack grinned and nudged Quentin. "Aw shucks Quentin. Always have ta be the modest one, but it's okay really.''

"That's right. It's the least we could do fer saving our little sister,'' Big Mac smiled softly, giving Quentin a rather strong pat on the back.

Quentin sighed to himself, getting slightly irritated by the whole hero thing but then smiled warmly. "You guys are too kind, really.''

Apple Bloom smiled brightly. "C'mon guys, let's give Quentin some cider!''

Applejack laughed. "Yes ma'am. Big Mac would ya like ta do the honor?''

"Eeyup,'' Big Mac responded.

Quentin chuckled to himself. He came to find his calm and simple responses quite amusing but comforting to be around with. As Big Mac went over to a locked storage shack, Applejack got out four wooden tankards and put them on a wooden table that stood against the wall. Moments later, Big Mac came back over as he effortlessly carried a large and heavy barrel, the apple cider splashing around within. Big Mac carefully put the barrel on the table and Applejack took out a tab.

"Now how bout we break open this bad boy?'' she asked looking at her siblings and Quentin.

Quentin, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom happily agreed and Applejack inserted the tab near the bottom of the barrel. She then proceeded to take the tankards and fill each of them, first Apple Bloom, then Big Mac, and finally Quentin.

"There ya are Quentin, enjoy!'' Applejack smiled kindly as she handed him a tankard.

Quentin was a bit uneasy about the appearance. The wooden tankards and the foam at the brim made it look like beer. He looked at Applejack. "This isn't...alcoholic is it?'' the earth pony asked cautiously.

Applejack smiled and leaned in close to him. "Normally we do put some alcohol in our cider, but this barrel is specifically for the family to drink together to be safe for Apple Bloom, so ya don't have ta worry about it.''

Quentin looked at the farm pony and then at Big Mac who gave him a wink. Quentin smiled, a little relieved. He had never consumed an alcoholic beverage before, but he always thought that he would try one sooner or later. However for now, Quentin thought it'd be best to try it later. Applejack walked forward and lifted her tankard in the air.

"Ta friends an' family!'' she declared, smiling.

"Ta friends an' family!'' Big Mac and Apple Bloom said in unison.

The three looked at Quentin and he smiled and nodded. "To friends and family,'' Quentin repeated and he walked forward and knocked his tankard with theirs.

Quentin watched as the three ponies drank their cider, satisfied looks on their faces. He looked down on his beverage with an uneasy look. Applejack gazed at Quentin and smiled softy before nudging his arm. She gave him a slight nod and he returned it. Quentin loved apple flavored food and beverages, so he should be able to enjoy apple cider. Quentin lifted his drink to his mouth and tilted his head back as the liquid ran down his throat. The stallion's brown eyes immediately shot open as he tasted the cool cider. It was like he had just swallowed cinnamon mixed with butterscotch and whipped cream. Quentin had never tasted anything like it.

He gazed blankly at the three ponies, who were looking at him, eager for a response. Quentin finally answered softly.

"This...is the greatest thing that I have ever drunk.''

Apple Bloom let out a little cheer while Big Mac gave his smile and nod and Applejack gave Quentin an amused smirk. Quentin took another swig of the drink and licked his lips.

"I can see why every pony in town would camp out to buy this stuff, it's AWESOME!'' he praised.

Applejack chuckled. "See, we told ya so. If we make the best apples in Equestria, then we sure as heck can make the best apple cider one could drink.''

"Eeyup,'' Big Mac agreed, taking another swig of his cider.

"Yeah, it just makes realize how much I can't wait fer the next cider season!'' Apple Bloom said excitedly.

"So when is apple cider season exactly?'' Quentin ask as he took another gulp of the beverage.

"In the fall. Ain't no other time to make em,'' Applejack responded.

Apple Bloom frowned a little in disappointment, ''And it's not even summer yet, it'll take forever ta get here.''

Quentin chuckled. "Well, that's sure is a long time from now,'' he said as he took another sip and Apple Bloom smiled.

"Yeah, but now that yer here, you can see how we make em. Maybe ya can even make some yerself?''

Quentin suddenly choked on some cider and coughed at Apple Bloom's proposal. Apple Bloom and Big Mac looked at him puzzled while Applejack had a concerned expression. She knew why Quentin had choked and they looked at each other a little distressed.

"Ya ok Quentin?'' Apple Bloom asked with a bewildered, but worried look.

"Oh yeah, yeah sure Apple Bloom. I guess I must've swallowed it down too fast,'' Quentin chuckled nervously.

Applejack smiled tightly hoping that her brother and sister would buy the lie. Thankfully they did and they smiled as they took another sip of their cider. "Well this cider is great after all, so it's no wonder why ya want to swallow it fast,'' Apple Bloom smiled.

"Eeyup,'' Big Mac replied.

Applejack and Quentin chuckled awkwardly, but then gave each other sad glances. They both knew that Quentin would be gone way before the next cider season. Not wanting to disappoint the little filly, Quentin just took another sip of his cider as he adverted his eyes regretfully. After about three more cups of delicious cider, the four ponies decided that it'd be best to get back to work before sundown. Big Mac took the barrel and put it safely inside the storage unit while Applejack collected up all the empty tankards and put them in a bin for washing. Apple Bloom went towards the main farmhouse to start on her homework while Quentin, Applejack, and Big Mac went back to the fields and orchards.

"That was a mighty fine break we had there. We should do that again more often,'' Applejack smiled.

Quentin nodded as he cracked his neck. "Yeah no kidding. I ready to get back to work.''

Applejack chuckled. "Nice work ethic Quentin. Ya definitely have some farm pony blood in ya!''

They both talked as they headed into the orchard. It was about ten past three when Quentin and Applejack got back where they stopped.

"Well Quentin, how bout we apple buck a few more trees, pull these barrels of apples in an call it a day?'' Applejack asked, looking at her friend.

Quentin smiled. "Sounds like a plan AJ.''

Applejack giggled. Quentin didn't realize it, but she liked it when he call her by her nickname. As they separated to do more apple bucking, Applejack stopped Quentin. "Hey Quentin hold on a sec.''

"Yeah?'' Quentin asked, turning around.

Applejack grinned toughly as she spoke. "How bout we have ourselves a friendly competition?''

Quentin cocked and eyebrow, "A competition?'' he asked, a bit taken aback by the suggestion.

Applejack nodded. "That's right. How bout we see which one of us can apple buck the fastest. We each get ten trees, an' whoever finishes theirs first is the winner. Deal?''

Quentin thought about the proposition and grinned. "Alright, you're on AJ.''

Quentin trotted to his side of the orchard and prepared himself. Applejack braced herself and smirked with determination.

"Ready?'' Applejack called.

"Set!'' Quentin called back.

"GO!'' Quentin and Applejack both called in unison and they were off.

One by one, Applejack and Quentin apple bucked their assigned trees and one by one all the apples would fall out and fill the barrels before them. They laughed and called out playful taunts as they got closer and closer to the finish. At one point, Quentin held the led over Applejack by two trees, but he was a fool for accepting a challenge from a pony that had been doing this her entire life. As quickly as Quentin had caught the lead, she even more quickly regained it and ultimately beat the Earthling by three tree. Quentin breathed heavily, apple bucking the last tree.

"And that's what we call getting' er done!'' Applejack said coolly but victoriously, tipping her hat and crossing her left hoof over her right.

"Applejack... the next time you challenge me to a contest, remind me to say no,'' Quentin breathed in between words before finally, collapsing on the ground in an amusing manner.

Applejack giggled as she walked her way beside the tired stallion and laid down. "Aw don't ya fret sugarcube. Ya actually did pretty well. Why I've never seen anypony as athletic as ya since Rainbow Dash.''

Quentin crossed his forelegs behind his head and grinned. "I suppose you and Rainbow Dash are among the best athletes around here huh?'' he asked, still catching his breath.

Applejack rolled her eyes and shrugged as she crossed her arms behind her head, giving off that trademark smirk. "Well I'm not one fer braggin, but I guess you can say that.''

"You against Rainbow Dash in a contest, now THAT is something worth seeing,'' Quentin grinned and they both shared a laugh.

After a few moments of conversation, they finally sat back up. "Whew, that's more than enough workouts for one day,'' Quentin sighed, whipping off some sweat.

Applejack chuckled. "Don't forget now, we still have ta pull these barrels of apples in before dark.''

Quentin nodded. "I know, then how about we get started Ms. Employer?''

"Yeah let's,'' Applejack smiled, amused by the comment.

Quentin and Applejack both stood back up, dusted themselves off and started to pull in the apple filled barrels, one by one. It would have been a tedious and boring experience, but Applejack and Quentin kept each other humored with jokes and pleasant conversation. After nearly two hours of going back and forth to get the barrels, they finally finished their task. The two looked over the orchard proudly as the sun was beginning to set, the sky had now been blazoned with yellow orange with the sun setting to the west.

"Now that's what I call a good day's work,'' Applejack said leaning against a tree.

Quentin nodded and smiled softly. "Yeah, can't help but being left with a sense of pride after doing some hard work.''

"Yea verily,'' Applejack agreed before standing up and stretching her hind legs. "Well I think that'll do it fer today. Great job Quentin,'' Applejack smiled at her friend.

Quentin nodded gratefully and they started to walk together back to the farm house. As they walked, Quentin had something on his mind and felt a need to tell Applejack.

"Hey Applejack, can I tell you something?'' the stallion asked.

"Sure Quentin. What's on yer mind?'' Applejack responded, looking at him.

"Well I just wanted to thank you for sharing your apple cider with me along with your brother and sister.''

Applejack looked at him with surprise before chuckling. "What is that all? Shoot Quen, you don't have ta thank me. It's our pleasure ta share a little piece of our family with ya.''

"But that's not all. I was glad to have spent that time together with you and your siblings,'' Quentin added. Applejack listened as Quentin continued. "At first, I was eager to get back to my own world, and when we didn't find a way for me to get back there, I'll admit was a bit disheartened. For a moment I believed that I would never find any means to get back home.'

Applejack's face fell sadly as Quentin spoke with a bleak tone and a weary expression. "Quentin…'' Applejack muttered softly.

However, Quentin then looked at her with a more cheerful gaze. "But spending time with you and the other girls have really invigorated my spirits. By spending time with all of you, it really restored my faith.''

Applejack smiled warmly as she responded. "Well I'm glad ya feel that way Quentin. You're our friend now, so we wouldn't feel right if ya were feelin' depressed all the time.''

Quentin nodded with a soft smile. ''And I've really came to appreciate Equestria for what it is. I may want to go back to my world eventually, but in all honesty…I loved spending time with you girls today. I loved working here on the farm with Big Mac...and you.''

Applejack was not expecting that answer and she looked at Quentin in disbelief. "Y-Ya do Quentin?''

The brown dreadlocked pony smiled softly and nodded. "Yeah, and it doesn't even feel like I'm working especially when I'm hanging out with you.''

Applejack just looked at Quentin and she slowly smiled. "Why gosh Quentin. I don't know what ta say.''

"Just say you'll let me taste some of your stronger apple cider next time. I'm sure I can take it,'' Quentin grinned at her.

The farm pony laughed as she responded, ''Sure thing Quentin!''

Quentin could only reply to Applejack with a surprised hug. Applejack wasn't prepared for it and a rosy hue appeared on her face, but she smiled and warmly retuned the hug. As the friends embraced, Quentin caught a whiff of Applejack's scent and not surprisingly, his nostrils were filled with the sweet aroma of apples. The scent sent shivers down his spine as the two embraced.

"Thanks for being such a good friend Applejack.'' Quentin whispered in her ear.

Applejack smiled softly, the blush still visible on her face. "Anytime Quentin.''

Later that night Quentin had another enjoyable dinner with the Apple Family. They had mashed potatoes, carrots and corn with bread and apple fritters for dessert. As they ate and laughed together, Quentin couldn't help but think that he hadn't felt so much like home since when he was probably a kid. After dinner, Quentin offered to help Granny Smith with the dishes and afterwards, headed back upstairs. To his joy, Quentin was getting ready for a nice, hot bath to wash all the work of the day off of him.

The bathroom was pretty simple. A bathtub, toilet, and sink with a shelf that held soap, sponges, and wash cloths, nothing too extravagant but Quentin didn't mind. He turned on the water and set it to where the water would be warm and after a few moments, the water rose halfway into the tub and Quentin turned off the tab. He took of his pendant from around his neck and placed it safely on the sink. He then stepped into the tub and let out a sigh of pleasure as the earth pony dipped into the warm water.

"God that feels nice,'' Quentin muttered to himself.

Actually now that he thought about it, Quentin hadn't taken a proper bath since he's been here. After a moment of soaking, Quentin took the green bar of and lathered it, inhaling the pleasant aroma. Honestly, it smelled just like Irish Spring from his world. He took the soap and began lathering all over his body. Quentin just relaxed, enjoying the first bath he had in years. Usually Quentin would just shower, but he had forgotten how soothing a bath could be. It wasn't until he felt himself dozing off that Quentin decided it was time to get out. He pulled the drain plug and the water slowly gurgled down the drain as he dried himself off with a towel.

"Now that's what I'm talking about,'' Quentin smiled as he finished drying himself off.

Quentin smelled in the rich aroma from his coat and sighed contently. After placing his pendant back around his neck, he then made his way out the bathroom and into the hall. As Quentin was heading to his room, Applejack walked around the corner, apparently heading to hers.

"Nothing beats a nice bath after workin' the fields huh Quentin?'' Applejack smiled softly.

It seemed she had used another bathroom to wash off, but Quentin found himself staring at her. Even though she just dried herself, Applejack's blonde mane and tail weren't tied up and was as they usually were and hung straight. Her blonde, slightly damp hair cascaded down her back and her bang hung lower, similar to Rainbow Dash's, to which Applejack blew it out of her eye. Like Rainbow Dash, Quentin couldn't believe the sight he was beholding for a pony. This was the first time Quentin could see how beautiful Applejack really was.

Quentin snapped out of his gaze and smiled, chuckling. "Yeah, especially after that butt kicking you handed me in that race.''

Applejack giggled. "Aw Quentin, ya still ain't sore about that now are ya?'' she asked.

Quentin shook his head. "Nah, besides, I'm honored to have been beaten by a cool pony like you.''

Applejack seemed touched by the comment. "Aw why thank ya Quentin. Ya sure have a way with words,'' Applejack responded with a fond and grateful smile.

Quentin looked down shyly and gazed back at her, and chuckled.

"An' what's so funny?'' Applejack grinned, cocking an eyebrow.''

"It's just, so you DO take your hat off?'' he chuckled.

Applejack looked upwards to her head and gave Quentin a grin. "Well yeah Quentin. Wouldn't look natural if I bathed with a hat on my head.''

Quentin just smiled at her. "Well to tell you the truth, I think you look a lot better without it.''

Applejack stared at him, can't believing that he really just said that. "D-Do you really mean it Quentin? Do I really look, that pretty without it?''

Quentin shook his head. "Pretty? You look beautiful.''

He smiled fondly at her. Applejack just stared at boy in front of her. In reality, she really didn't give notice about her looks, but hearing Quentin compliment her on them caused her to heat up in the face. She then smiled warmly at him.

"Why I...I really appreciate that Quentin,'' Applejack responded, giving Quentin a hug.

It must've been the apple cider that possessed him to do what Quentin did, for suddenly, he planted a soft kiss on Applejack's cheek. Applejack's eyes immediately widened and she looked at him in shock. ""Quentin...did ya just-'' Applejack began softly to which Quentin just smiled bashfully.

"Yep, consider it a gift for winning the race, and sharing your apple cider with me.''

Applejack stared at her friend as a blush came to her face and smiled, looking away shyly. After a few moments, Quentin chuckled sheepishly and scratched the back of his head.

"Well I better get going. I think I'll head off to bed soon.''

Applejack looked back at him. "Yea, that'd be mighty fine,'' she responded.

Quentin nodded. "Well if I don't see you for the rest of the night, I'll see you in the morning,'' he said giving a wave.

"Yeah, see ya tomorrow Quentin,'' Applejack smiled fondly.

They then departed ways, and Applejack went into her room. Right after she closed the door, she went over to her bed and sat down with a dreamy expression on her face, her cheeks rosy. "Quentin...actually kissed me,'' Applejack said softly, placing a hoof over the area where the stallion had kissed her.

"An' he said I was...beautiful.'' Applejack smiled warmly to herself as Quentin's words echoed in her mind.