Author's Notes:

New chapter. Sorry it took so long.

The ear splitting screech of an alarm clock shattered the peace of the quiet morning. Groggily opening his eyes, Gordon looked to the clock on his bedside to see blaringly bright red digits display an unwanted time of day.

"6.00 am. Waaay to early," he mumbled half asleep into the pillow.

Grunting in annoyance he reluctantly got up and made his way to the bathroom to get a quick shower before breakfast. He had enough time. Hopefully he'll be awake by then.

After showering he made his way to the kitchen and stared his breakfast. He decided in a large Cappuccino and three Shredded Wheat. That should be enough to get him through to mid-morning. The coffee did its job in fully awakening him, his sinuses being pleasantly overwhelmed by the smell.

With half an hour still to go before meeting Applejack he got himself ready. He decided to wear clothing more appropriate for farm work i.e. his less expensive clothes and some sturdy boots.

The sun was just rising as he went out the front door. Its warm rays glowing in all directions, slowly illuminating the small town. He walked through the town accompanied by the two Thestral guards seeing the odd pony here and there preparing their shops for the day. The ones he saw waved to Gordon to which he waved back, them seemingly not perturbed by his presence.

He arrived at the farm at about 6.50am, he could see Applejack already outside the farmhouse lugging some wooden boxes nearer the apple fields. Looking up she noticed him approach.

"Hiya partner, yer a little early. Not that ah mind."

"Hi Applejack. Sorry about Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee here," he said motioning to the Thestral Guards, "But they insist on following me around whenever I'm not at home."

"Our names are Nightlock and Star Cross, NOT Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee!" one of the guards said in a strop.

Applejack simply chuckled, "Ah don't mind, they're jus' doin' their job after all. Anyway we've got a fair bit to do today but ahm sure we'll pull through if we work hard."

"Well I'm no stranger to hard work."

"Glad t'hear it, now let's get started."

Applejack and Gordon made their way over to the field carrying empty boxes. They started at the far end of the field and began to fill boxes with apples. Applejack only needed to karate kick the tree and the apples would just fall out. Even though Gordon was physically well built he would probably end up causing serious injury to himself should he decide to karate kick a tree. He simply decided to pick the apples by hand, it was slower but Applejack was OK with it.

After about an hour of apple picking Gordon decided to break the silence, "So how long have you been apple farming?" asked Gordon.

"As long as ah can remember. It's a family tradition. Mah late father was an apple farmer, mah late mother joined the family business when she married mah dad."

Gordon suddenly felt a little uneasy, "Sorry Applejack I didn't mean to......if I'd known that-"

"Don't worry yerself partner, I wouldn't have expected ya ta know. Mah Ma and Pa died when I was nine, Applebloom had jus' been born."

Applejack paused for a moment, clearly upset at the memories of her parents' death, "Ah got over their passing a long time ago."

Gordon felt relieved in an odd kind of way, "My dad died when I was four. He was killed in a car crash."

Gordon stopped momentarily and stared off into space, "I remember the day the Police turned up and informed me and my mother of his death."

Applejack felt a tang of pain in her heart. In Gordon she found someone she could relate to, someone who understands what it's like to lose a parent at a young age.

"Come 'ere Sugercube."

Gordon suddenly felt arms wrap around him. He came back to his senses to see Applejack hugging him. This affection shocked him. It was in stark contrast to the cold shoulder he got from her yesterday.

But losing a parent, or parents, at a young age is something you can't truly comprehend unless you've been through it yourself. Gordon returned the hug and the two stayed embraced for a few seconds, the deafening silence adding to the peaceful serenity of the morning.

Applejack broke the hug and quickly got back to bucking trees, "You'll be OK Sugercube, but if yah ever wanna talk yah know were ah live."

"Thanks Applejack."

The two continued picking apples for the another two hours, clearing plenty of trees. The apples filled several boxes that would later be used for various apple products or just sold as they are.

It was about 10am when Applejack told Gordon they'd be having a break. She walked him over to the farmhouse and lead him inside to the kitchen.

"HEY GRANNY, BIC MAC, APPLEBLOOM WE GOT OURSELVES A GUEST!" Applejack bellowed out.

A few moments later three ponies walked into the room. A old green one, a large red one and a small cream one. Gordon didn't need to be told who was who, though Applejack told him anyway.

After introductions were out of the way and Applebloom was assured Gordon wasn't going to hurt her, Applejack sat Gordon down at the table and served some of Granny Smith's home baked Apple Pie.

"This is really good, reminds me of what my grandma used to make."

"Well thank you sonny," replied the elderly green mare.

Big Mac was looking at him with narrowed eyes, the kind of narrowed eyes that implied extreme suspicion and mistrust. Normally Gordon would dismiss such things, being no stranger to dangerous situations. But considering Big Mac is 7ft tall and built like a brick shithouse, Gordon felt it was in his interests to exercise caution.

"Hey Big Mac, you OK?" Gordon asked, trying to ignore the glare.

"Yeup," he replied, still boring his eyes into Gordon.

"Busy?"

"Yeup."

"Not much of a talker?"

"Nope."

"Don't mind Big Mac," interrupted Applejack, "He ain't much of a talker."

"Nope," Big Mac confirmed.

Gordon finished his apple pie and went back outside with Applejack to finish picking apples from the trees. There was still a lot of trees to get through. Applejack said they'd be finished around 2pm. Another four hours of picking apples sounded dreadfully boring to Gordon but, Applejack offered him to work to prove he's not a dangerous blood thirsty savage, and that he is actually a decent hard working civilised being no different than any pony.

Back outside with Applejack, Gordon took the opportunity to ask her what the issue with Big Mac was.

"Hey Applejack, what was with Big Mac back in the kitchen? He looked like he wanted to rip me to pieces."

Applejack gave a light hearted laugh, "Ya don't need ta worry about Big Mac, he won't hurt ya. Unless you giv'im reason ta. He's actually a big softy."

"SOFT? The guy's seven feet tall and looks like he could punch through a brick wall, if he decided to punch me I doubt my squishy human body could cope."

"Quit yer worryin', Big Mac ain't gonna hurt ya," half-shouted Applejack.

Gordon sighed, "I know I'm just feeling a little......all over the place."

"Understandable considerin' yer situation."

"I'm not sure if I'll be able to cope in the long run."

"Look Sugercube, I know yer goin' through a hard time but yer can't get down like this. Tell you what, after lunch why don't you go into town and relax."

Gordon raised an eyebrow at Applejack, "Don't we need to finish picking apples?"

"Don't worry 'bout them, ah can get Apple Bloom ta help."

"OK. What time's lunch?"

"In a couple o' hours."

Gordon and Applejack continued picking apples for another two hours, getting through a fair amount of trees. The two continued to chat a bit more, mostly it was Applejack giving Gordon lessons about apples and what you can do with them as well as all the different types of apples. Two hours passed and Gordon, sweating a bit from the work, stacked the last of the full boxes in the barn.

"Now come with me to the farmhouse and ah'll get yer pay."

Gordon followed Applejack to the house and waited outside. As he was waiting a familiar blue Pegasus flew down into view.

"Hi Gordon, whatcha doing at AJ's house?"

"I've been helping her pick apples, now I'm just waiting for her to come back with my pay."

"Cool. Are you doing anything this afternoon?" asked Rainbow rubbing the back of her neck.

"I thought I might have a look around town. Get to know the place and meet ponies."

"M-mind if I join you?" asked Rainbow slightly nervously.

"Sure," replied Gordon, noting Rainbow's odd behaviour.

A moment later Applejack returned with a small bag of bits and handed them to Gordon.

"There you are partner. Fifty bits, there's yer forty bits fer five hours work plus a bit extra as a thank you fer helpin'."

"Thanks Applejack," he said as he took the bag.

"Hi Rainbow, what brings you here?"

"I was just flying around and I saw Gordon so I thought I'd fly down and say hi," she replied.

Applejack though knew Rainbow better than that and 'knew' there was more than what she was telling her, but for now decided against questioning her in front of Gordon. After all, she knew the look Rainbow had on her face and 'her time' would be coming up soon to.

Applejack couldn't blame Rainbow, he did smell nice after all.

"Yeah, she's off into town with me," he looked over to Rainbow, "I'll just need to stop by my place first and get a shower. I stink of sweat."

"You smell just fine to me," replied Rainbow.

Gordon furrowed his eyebrows, "You like the smell my sweat makes?"

Rainbow nodded meekly, "Yeah, why, is that bad?"

"Not exactly but my sweat is a natural reaction to help my body cool down. It's not a particularly pleasant smell to humans."

"Well I like it," replied Rainbow, "I'll have to make sure you get warmed up again sometime."

"RAINBOW DASH!" yelled Applejack.

"What?" asked Rainbow 'innocently'.

Gordon got what Rainbow implied and pretended not to hear anything, "So Rainbow, are we going?"

"After you Gordon. See ya AJ."

"See yer 'round RD. You to Gordon."

"Bye Applejack."

Applejack went back inside the farmhouse whilst Gordon and Rainbow made their way back to Ponyville. Followed by the Thestrals.

"So, anywhere in particular you want to look?" asked Gordon.

"Not really, you might want to pay Rarity a visit though and get some new clothes from her."

"Could do I suppose. Not sure I need anything though."

"Well she'll make you something eventually anyway so you may as well see her now."

"If you say so."

Gordon and Rainbow walked back into Ponyville and made their way to Gordon's house, passing through town in the process. The two got a few stares as they walked through town but nothing more. They made it to Gordon's house and went inside.

"Help yourself to a drink if you want one, I'm going to get a shower."

"Thanks."

Gordon went upstairs to get washed whilst Rainbow went into the kitchen. She opened the fridge and stood open mouthed at all the food.

That's a lot of food for one person.

She looked for something to drink and spotted a bottle with black liquid inside, with 'Pepsi Max' written on the side. Curious what it was like she decided try some. She removed the bottle and looked through the cupboards looking for a glass, noting all the different kinds of food he has, when she found one. Removing a glass she poured the black liquid into the glass.

And it promptly fizzed up and went all over the kitchen counter, some of the black liquid turning a beige like colour.

SHIT! HE LETS ME HELP MYSELF AND IT GOES ALL OVER THE PLACE AND CHANGES COLOUR!

She started to panic a little and desperately searched for something to dry the mess up with, hoping to destroy the evidence. She found some tea towels and quickly dried the mess, before refilling the glass. Slowly this time. After replacing the bottle cap she was now ready to try the fizzy black liquid.

Raising the glass slowly to her muzzle she took a sip and immediately its refreshing taste brought her taste buds to life.

"Wow! This is awesome!"

She immediately took a large gulp and swallowed it. She felt a curious sensation in her chest as she did so.

Before she could wonder what it was any further she let out a large belch, followed by the sound of someone laughing. Looking around to the source of the laughter she saw Gordon stood at the kitchen door. She blushed profusely.

"Did you like it?" he asked.

"Errr yeah it was nice."

"Don't worry about belching, it happens to anyone who drinks it eventually. Don't drink too much though because it's not good for you. Don't drink it too quick either."

"Why not?"

"It causes you to belch," he said smirking.

"Oh yeah, that."

"I heard you having a problem with pouring it?"

Rainbow's eyes went to pinpricks, "How did you know?"

"I heard you say 'SHIT! HE LETS ME HELP MYSELF AND IT GOES ALL OVER THE PLACE AND CHANGES COLOUR'," he replied trying to stifle a laugh.

Rainbow felt a little meek "Oh you heard that. I thought I only thought it. I didn't realise I actually said it."

Gordon looked at Rainbow who started to look a little upset. It was clear that she was embarrassed about it. As she contemplated being laughed at by everypony she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Hey come on now, there's no reason to be upset. Tell you what, we'll keep this between ourselves and not tell anyone."

"OK," she replied softly.

Noticing she still looked miserable he quickly thought of a way to cheer her up. One he hoped would bring a smile to her face.

"Wait here a moment I'm just going to get something."

"OK," she replied.

About a minute later Gordon returned with a small packet in his hand. He held it out and Rainbow looked at it. It was a red bag with 'Skittles' written in white letters.

"What are these?" she asked.

"Fruit flavoured sweets called Skittles. Wanna try some?"

"Sure," Rainbow replied, curiosity getting the better of her.

"Hold out your hand."

Rainbow held out her hand and Gordon carefully poured a small handful into her hand. He poured with one hand while the other gently held Rainbow's hand to prevent Skittles falling all over the floor. To Rainbow though, her cheeks went redder than ever. Even though she knew he was trying to prevent these 'Skittles' fall onto the floor, his soft gentle holding of her hand felt......nice.

He doesn't make a particularly good blood thirsty savage intent on killing us.

That thought brought back recent memories of her behaviour. She spoke to him last night but didn't outright apologise, something she felt she had to rectify immediately.

"I'm sorry for how I've been towards you."

Gordon looked into Rainbow's eyes and saw not the feisty, bragging athlete but a more sombre and thoughtful Rainbow.

She has nice eyes.

"Thanks."

Gordon blinked, "What?"

"You said I have nice eyes."

Gordon felt a lot smaller, "Oh."

Rainbow smirked, "It seems I'm not the only one who unintentionally says what they're thinking. Must be something in this house."

Gordon gave out a small laugh, "Must be."

He finished pouring put a small handful of Skittles into her hand, "There you are. Enjoy."

Rainbow picked out a few Skittles and ate them. The smorgasbord of fruity flavours livened up her tongue and brought a huge smile to her face. In the next second she poured the rest of the Skittles into her mouth and very enthusiastically ate them.

"These are awesome! You got any more?"

"I have a few boxes in the basement. I'll give you a box later if you like, it may even be possible to start making them here in Equestria."

"We'll make it possible," she replied excitedly, "Bon Bon would be the best pony to speak to about it."

"We could talk to her later sometime. In the meantime, shall we heads over to Rarity's?"

"Sure, let's get going buddy."

Buddy? That's a nice turnaround. I can't help but wonder if Celestia would be disappointed that I'm making friends and disproving her claim that humans are savage, violent, blood thirsty brutes, or pleased that I'm making friends and proving humans are good people.

The two made their way outside and started to walk over to Rarity's Boutique, Rainbow stuffing her face with the rest of the Skittles attracting the odd stares of towns-ponies they passed. Before long they were outside the Boutique where they saw Rarity hanging out some washing.

"Hey Rares."

Rarity looked up to see a jubilant Rainbow Dash and Gordon.

"Rainbow Dash it's nice to see you darling, you too Gordon."

"Hi Rarity. Rainbow suggested I stop by for some clothes."

Rarity's eyes lit up, "I'd be more than delighted to make some clothes for you, come on inside and we'll get started."

Gordon and Rainbow followed Rarity inside and she immediately went over to her measuring kit, "Hold still darling while I take your measurements."

"How long will this take?"

"Not too long."

Gordon remained standing whilst Rarity moved the measuring tape around him, humming to herself if the process. Looking over to Rainbow he could see her stifling a laugh, clearly enjoying his suffering.

"Rainbow why not join us, I'm sure Rarity has a new dress for you to try on?" he said smirking.

Suddenly her eyes went to pin pricks and attempted to flee but found herself surrounded by a blue aura.

"NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! PUT ME DOWN I DON'T WANNA WEAR A DRESS!"

Gordon stood grinning like an idiot as he saw Rainbow being levitated by Rarity over towards the dresses. Rainbow panicking something fierce.

"RAIRTY PLEASE I PINKIE PROMISE I'LL BE MORE LADYLKE!"

"That's splendid to hear darling. You can start by wearing one of my new dresses."

A second later it clicked in Rainbow's brain just what she said.

"I didn't mean it like that."

"It kind of did to me," said Gordon, "You distinctly said you would be more lady like, you didn't say you would be more ladylike only if Rarity stopped."

Rainbow glared at Gordon, "You are so going to pay for this."

"No I won't, I'm going to enjoy it."

"I'm not going wearing a dress," Rainbow stated firmly.

"You have to," replied Rarity, "You Pinkie Promised to be more ladylike."

"And no pony breaks a Pinkie Promise."

Rarity, Rainbow and Gordon all jumped in fright as Pinkie popped up out of a plant pot.

"PINKIE!" yelled Gordon, "WHAT THE HELL?"

"Oh calm down silly, I'm just reminding Rainbow not to break a Pinkie Promise."

She looked over to Rainbow with narrowed, observing eyes, "You're not going to break a Pinkie Promise are you?"

Rainbow quickly shook her head, "No Pinkie, not at all Pinkie, I would never do that Pinkie."

Pinkie continued to look at Rainbow with narrowed eyes before reverting back to her usual happy expression, "OK, have fun trying on your new dress."

She disappeared back into the plant pot. Curious beyond description, Gordon walked over to the plant pot and lifted the plant out. He found nothing. Every cell in is brain went blank, unable to comprehend the physics breaking spectacle he just saw. He placed the plan pot back and went to sit down on a chair next to the changing booth.

"Darling are you OK?" asked Rarity.

Gordon simply nodded.

"Pinkie making your brain hurt?" she asked.

Gordon nodded again.

"Don't worry about it darling. You'll get used to it."

Gordon nodded once more, Pinkie's antics had pretty much ceased all his brain functions.

"Come along Rainbow, your new dress awaits."

Rainbow huffed in annoyance, "Fine, but this isn't over Gordon. In fact I PINKIE PROMISE that before long I will see you in a dress."

"Never going to happen love."

Rainbow blushed at what he called her but she quickly recomposed herself, "Oh yes it will. I Pinkie Promised."

She left with Rarity her confident smirk sending shivers down his spine.

"Nopony breaks a Pinkie Promise," whispered Pinkie from the same plant pot before disappearing again.

Yep. I'm doomed. Goodbye manhood, it's been quite a journey together.

He wasn't sure how long he was sat contemplating the demise of his manliness when he heard Rarity and Rainbow come back into the room. He got up from the chair and walked over to them, coming to a complete stop when he saw Rainbow.

She looked absolutely stunning. It looked like what an A-List actress would wear to the Oscars. Her strapless, sleeveless dress was metallic silver in colour, full length with a split front exposing her left leg.

"Rainbow you look amazing," he said in shock, "You should dress like this more often."

"Errr thanks," replied Rainbow.

"I concur with Gordon Rainbow. This dress is one of my newest. The crystal and sequin embellishments and the Charmeuse fabric are simply divine."

"I like how you've done your hair."

"My hair?" she asked confused.

"The hair on top of your head."

"Oh you mean my mane, yeah Rarity did it," she said softly.

Rainbow wasn't one for dressing up and though she liked the attention, she much preferred gaining attention for her athletic and flying skills. Her mane was styled Chignon style, tied upwards at the back with some of her mane loose at the front that partially covered her right eye.

"It looks really nice. Suits you."

Rainbow blushed again, "Thanks."

Gordon and Rainbow just stood there in awkward silence, not aware Rarity had left the room. She came back a moment later with a new suit for Gordon.

"Here you are darling."

Gordon stood there, mouth open, "How did you make it so quick?"

"I'm good at my job deary. Now go behind that screen and get changed."

"Yes ma'am."

Gordon took the suit and went behind the changing screen. He looked at the suit and there was no denying it was excellently made. The jacket and trousers were both jet black whilst the silk shirt was a dark maroon. Included was a pair of black shoes that looked and felt like leather and a black cravat. He had no idea how to tie a cravat so he didn't bother. After changing he walked out back into view to see Rarity and Rainbow with wide eyes and open mouths.

"My, you look splendid darling. A true gentlecolt, or you will be in a moment."

Rarity lit up her horn and tied the cravat around his neck in a necktie fashion and combed his hair back to a slicked back style, "NOW you're a gentlecolt."

"Thanks Rarity," he replied, "So Rainbow, how do I look?"

Rainbow was blushing, she hadn't felt butterflies in her stomach for a long time.

"You look.....nice," she laughed a little bit, "And you're supposed to be a monster."

Gordon laughed back, "I'm not particularly good at being a monster am I?"

"Not at all darling. In fact I'd like to extend an invitation to a party I've been invited to in Canterlot in two days. I personally know the host I'm sure he wouldn't mind if I brought along a couple of friends."

"Sure I'll go, the more ponies I'm on good terms with the better."

Rarity's eyes lit up in delight, "Splendid darling, you must come also Rainbow. It would mean so much to me."

Rainbow didn't like formal occasions, neither did Gordon, but she couldn't say no to a good friend.

"Sure thing Rares, I wouldn't leave my friend alone with something that meant so much to her."

"Thank you Rainbow Dash, I will not forget it."

Rainbow and Gordon got changed back into their normal clothes and took their new ensemble with them, Rarity refusing payment and giving them as gifts. Rainbow agreed to pass on a message to Twilight telling her to come later at around 7pm where he would show her his library. The other girls were also invited including Lyra.

Rainbow first flew back to her cloud house while Gordon went home, the Thestral Guards resumed waiting outside. Back inside he took his suit up to his walk in wardrobe in his bedroom and put them away. He made his way downstairs and into the kitchen to make himself a grilled cheese sandwich and pot of tea. The modern looking kitchen was fairly big and open plan with a dining table and eight chairs opposite the main preparation area.

After a few minutes he sat himself down at the breakfast bar and ate his snack. Looking out of the window he saw Pegasi moving a lot clouds together over Ponyville.

I'll have to ask Rainbow about that later if she comes.

He finished the grilled cheesy goodness and went lay down on the large chocolate coloured corner sofa in the front room. He sank into the comfy sofa and fell into a restful sleep.