"John, do you really have to do that here?" Twilight asks as she looks at me from across the kitchen table as I grasp onto the SUSAT sight. Since all of the pieces of my SA-80 were returned I spent the evening and the early hours of the following morning examining and attempting to repair some of the parts. Without access to the barracks workshop, I wasn't able to correct many of the faults with the weapon but I was at least able to identify the work I'd have to carry out. If there was any chance of repairing this rifle it would require tonnes of work, it would probably be easier to use the parts as a base to reproduce them to develop our rifles or to potentially produce new SA-80's. I'd obviously have to add my own personal touches to it, consider it a new model, to create the L85A3

Picking out the last of the shattered glass from the SUSAT's lens I drop it into a small bowl as I rest the scope on the table surface. "I need to try and figure out what I'm going to do with it. For now, I have to inspect every part to see what possibilities I have and since I can't go to the barracks until tomorrow I'm forced to do that here."

"In the kitchen? What's wrong with the study?"

Lifting my hand I point to the kettle alongside a few empty mugs, "I can't make tea in there."

"Really?" Twilight asks in a monotone voice. "You're working in here because you want tea?"

"Pretty much. Yeah," To emphasise my point I lift the half empty mug from the table and drain the rest of its contents.

"Surely you can work without tea."

"Impossible," I respond with a grin on my face. "We Brits cannot function without tea. In fact, all armoured vehicles in the army have capabilities to make tea."

Twilight looks to me in surprise as she shakes her head, "Your military's vehicles designed for combat have tea making facilities?"

Nodding I tap my finger against the empty mug, "Yup. The British army prides itself on multi-million-pound armoured kettles." Leaning back in my chair I can't help but smirk as Twilight looks at me sceptically. "You don't believe me, do you?" Twilight shakes her head. Sighing I run my hand through my hair, "The boiling vessel was designed so tank crews would spend less time on breaks as they had cups of tea by allowing them to make the drink in the safety of the tank. We created boiling vessels in all armoured vehicles for the purpose of heating rations and making tea. If you were the lowest ranking member in that vehicle you earned the title of BV Commander."

"BV Commander?" Twilight asks as she rolls her eyes.

"A glorified tea boy, but a very important role." Placing all of the SA-80's parts back into the box, I rise from my seat and rest it underneath my arm. "I'll pack it all away. I've got to head down to Applejack's farm anyway. I promised to help her whilst her family is out of town."

"She may not have any tea on the farm," Twilight responds mockingly. "Are you sure you'll be able to survive?"

Pausing I point to all the empty mugs, "I've already had plenty to drink. I'm sure I'll live." Leaving the kitchen I return to my temporary room and slide the box underneath my bed. After having a quick shower I change into something that may be better suited to working on a farm, along with my usual boots I change into a set of jeans and my army t-shirt. Pocketing my phone I quickly leave Twilight's and make my way across town.

Unlike the previous day, it seems that the Pegasi have scheduled for it to rain later this evening as I can see them preparing numerous clouds which seem to be on the verge of bursting. I still can't wrap my head around the concept of the Pegasi controlling the weather of Equestria, the very idea of someone having the ability to control the weather seems wrong. It has the potential to do good but could also result in many issues, I can imagine that if they really wanted to. The Pegasi could potentially use the weather to turn the tide of battle in their favour as they create conditions which would prove difficult to fight effectively in. I prefer Griffonia in the sense that nobody controls the weather, Griffins lack the ability to manipulate the weather, unlike their Pegasi counterparts. Because of this, the Griffonian weather in natural with the Equestrian weather systems on the border having the occasional knock on effect, manipulating the weather conditions on the other side of the border.

Moving towards the outskirt of town, I occasionally watch the Pegasi overhead as they work. Most countries back home would kill for the ability to manipulate their own weather, they'd be able to create the best conditions capable of powering solar power facilities and wind farms to increase their efficiency to provide large sources of power. Lowering my gaze from the sky I rest my hands in my pockets as I continue towards Applejack's farm.

Descending the last steps, I turn to the side and move into the kitchen as I balance a small crate on my back. Stepping alongside the kitchen table I transfer the crate onto the surface and quickly begin retrieving a number of cider bottles which I had saved from cider season. With a number of bottles in my grasp I quickly place them in the fridge, Nothing beats a refreshin' cider after a hard days work. Keeping the fridge door open I can't help but keep my eyes locked on the bottles as a thought runs through my head.

Leaning forward I remove my stetson and hold it upside down in my hoof, still secured against the inner trim is the potion that Windy had given me. Cautiously removing the phial I tilt it on my hoof as I glance back to the bottles. What was it she said? 'Give him a push in the right direction. Shaking my head I turn away and close the fridge door. No, I can't. It just ain't fair to him. If I'm going to try somethin' then I'll have to be honest with him. Stepping over the bin I drop the phial in with the rest of the waste and turn to head out of the kitchen.

Deciding to begin with some work before John arrives, I move for the front door as I rest my stetson back on my head. Grasping onto the handle I pull the door back and nearly jump back as I find myself only inches away from John as he stands there with his hand raised to knock. "John, I wasn't expectin' y'all to turn up for a little while."

Lowering his hand he gives a small shrug with his shoulders, "I figured I'd come around now to help you out. I've spent all day tinkering with my rifle so I thought I'd give that a break until I'm back at work tomorrow."

Joining him on the porch, I pull the door closed behind me. "Your rifle? If it's at the barracks then how were you tinkerin' with it?"

"Not that rifle, I mean my SA-80."

I cock a brow as I look at John in confusion, "The rifle you came to Equestria with? How? Didn't you lose it in a ravine?"

John nods as he steps off the porch, "I did. I don't trust him, but Discord gave me all the parts of the rifle."

"What? Why would he give you a weapon which is potentially more deadly than anythin' else in Equestria?"

"It's probably some fucked up game to him. He liked what he saw of the chaos of war back on Earth, I guess by giving me my SA-80 he's hoping I'll use it for chaos here." John shrugs as he rubs the neck, "Or maybe he's just bored and felt like trying to do something decent? Fuck knows what goes on in his mind."

"I don't exactly trust him."

"Neither do I. With him around that adds something else onto my pile of jobs I need to get sorted, I'll have to ensure that he's monitored to ensure he isn't up to something messed up. On top of that I've still got to work on armour developments for the Rangers, new camouflaged uniforms, rifle improvements, tracking down both Starlight and Silverwing then finally fix my SA-80." Groaning, John shakes his head, "Sometimes I wish that I was just a grunt. Things would be so much easier."

"I doubt you'd be happy bein' bossed around." Stepping to the side I flick my head to the side signalling John to follow me onto the orchard, "Yet here you are, agreein' to help me even though it'll mean I'm gonna boss y'all around."

"It's a bit different when it comes to work, Applejack. I expect you to tell me what to do constantly on a farm, it's not my area of expertise."

Stopping on the grass, I turn back to face John. "I'll try not to boss you around too much." With a smirk on my face, I lift my hoof to point to all of the apple trees ahead, "We've got our work cut out for us. We need to pick as many apples as we can today, the sooner we get it done the quicker we'll be able to finish up. I just put some ciders in the fridge for us when we finish."

John's mood seems to quickly improve as he steps forward, "I'm being paid in booze? Sweet."

Chuckling I shake my head, "I guess you are. Come on, let's get to it. I'll buck the apple trees and you can take the fallen apples to the barn, the cart is waitin' for you next to the barn doors." Turning on the spot, John makes his way towards the barn to retrieve the cart. As he walks away my eyes drift down his body as I watch him move. Okay, AJ, if you're gonna tell him how you feel then you need to find the right time. Don't go divin' in, time it right.

The hours drifted by as myself and Applejack worked the farm, as she bucked the trees to gather the apples I positioned wooden buckets bellow to catch them before transferring them to the cart to transport them all to the barn. The harness which I adapted when I first worked on the farm was still in the barn when I collected the cart, after switching the harnesses around I was able to secure it to my chest allowing me to tow the cart. It reminded me of training where we were all requited to pull a Land Rover up a muddy hill during a heavy downpour.

Despite the heavy clouds hanging overhead the day was still fairly warm, as we continued to work I quickly found myself becoming uncomfortable from the heat. As the heat became too much for me I decided to ditch my shirt as I worked. I couldn't help but notice Applejack watching occasionally as I worked after this point, her eyes seemed to drift over my chest and abs as I move to transport the various buckets of apples.

By the time the sun is starting to set we're both walking back towards the barn with a cart of apples secured around my chest. My body is aching slightly as we move up the small incline towards the barn, my boots digging into the ground with each step I take. With my shirt in my hand I bring it up against my forehead to wipe the sweat away, "I'm not cut out for farm work."

Applejack chuckles as her eyes slowly move up my chest, "Is the soldier complainin' of a little manual labour? I thought guards are supposed to be physically fit."

"I am fit. I can easily pass any physical test and can work in tense and stressful situations, I'm just not much of a farmer. Human's aren't designed to pull carts or carriages, that's why we use ho-" I pause as I glance to Applejack. I probably shouldn't mention that we exploit animals which are almost identical to ponies. "-Tractors."

"Tractors? What the hay is a tractor?"

"It's a vehicle designed to tow heavy machinery or agricultural equipment. We use them for farming since the human body can't exactly tow or plough fields. I'm only familiar with combat engineer tractors designed for mine clearance and for clearing debris."

As we walk, Applejack tilts her head as she watches me. "What got you into it?" I look at her in confusion as I wait for her to continue, "Mine clearance and hanlin' explosives. Not many ponies would openly jump into that type of work."

Grasping onto my harness I lift my head, "I never intended to become an ATO. I first joined up as an engineer, since I worked on cars as a job in college I figured I'd put my skill to work by joining the army and fixing equipment there. When I first joined REME I worked on weapons systems for vehicles and engine maintenance, I trained mostly on Apache's and Warrior IFV's. Whilst I was on peacetime garrison in Northern Ireland my unit was told that the army was actively looking for serving members to train in order for bomb disposal, especially with most of our casualties in the Afghan war being as a result of IED's."

Stopping outside the barn door I turn to face Applejack, "Williams and I decided that we'd go for it, together we signed up for the course and started training, the pay rise was a nice incentive and we were dying to actually do some work on the frontline. Williams had the theory side of it locked down but wasn't that steady when it came to precision. I came top of the class and Williams was assigned to me as my number two. A few weeks after completing the training we were assigned a close protection team where I met Stanley, Taylor and the others before we were all sent off to Afghanistan."

"So the opportunity presented itself and you took it?" Applejack asks as she pulls the barn doors open.

"Pretty much. It felt good knowing that our skills had the potential to save lives. I knew that maintaining vehicles was important, but I'd rather have a role where I could see my work doing some good to help others. Putting my life at risk by disarming bombs meant that other soldiers and local civilians would be saved, they wouldn't be at risk from devices. It felt good to help save a few lives." Following her inside the barn I position the cart alongside the rest of buckets which I brought in throughout the day.

Applejack leans against the cart as I start to unstrap myself from the harness, "It's a mighty brave thing you do, riskin' yourself to protect others."

"I guess."

"You guess?" I lift my head to look at her as I release the harness, "John, you've been hurt countless times by throwin' yourself in danger to keep everypony safe. Most ponies would turn and run away, but not you. You're a good pony, John... well not a pony but you know what I mean."

Stepping to the side of the cart I start to transfer the buckets of apples onto the floor, "I only do what everybody else should do, Applejack. Everyone should be willing to give something to protect others. It's just expected more of me because I'm an officer. I'm no different from any other soldier, no matter what rank somebody holds they still endanger themselves to protect others." Resting the last bucket on the floor I take hold of my shirt and put it on, "I wanted to make a difference back home and I've done that, not only there but also here. I've helped to advance the Guard in order to make them more effective, in my short time here I've already influenced your world."

"It's not just my world" -stepping up to me she rests her forehoof on my arm- "It's your world. Your home." Smiling softly she lifts her head to look at me, "I for one am glad that you came to us." We remain motionless for a moment until the sound of rainfall causes us to shift our gaze outside. In the short time we've been in the barn it seems that the clouds were unwilling to wait any longer as they start to empty their contents on the ground below. Stepping to the door, Applejack turns back to me. "Well, we can either stay here or head inside to get some cider." Grinning she steps into the rain, "The officer isn't afraid of gettin' wet, is he?"

Grinning, I join her outside only to be immediately bombarded by the heavy rainfall, "Since when have I ever complained about getting a little dirty?" We both begin to jog towards the farmhouse as the rain continues to assault us, it doesn't take us long to reach the safety of the building but the short distance in the heavy rain leaves us both soaked. As we step inside my clothes start to drip water onto the floor as I run my hand through my wet hair.

Applejack cocks a brow as she points to my clothes, "Y'all can take those off and leave them to dry while we have a drink."

"You want me to strip down and hang around in my pants?"

As Applejack turns to head into the kitchen I swear that I can catch a mild blush on her cheeks, "I've seen you with nothin' but a towel to cover up. It's either that or y'all are gonna have to sit in wet clothes." As I hear Applejack digging through the fridge I decide to strip out of my soaked clothing, removing my boots and socks I leave them by the door as I start to get out of my trousers and t-shirt.

Wearing nothing but my pants, I shout to Applejack in the next room, "Where am I supposed to leave my wet clothes?"

"Just bring them in here to dry off," She responds. Joining her in the kitchen I leave my wet clothes hanging over the wooden chairs surrounding the table as a towel is thrown onto my head. Peeling the towel from my head I drape it over my shoulders as Applejack chuckles, "Come on. Let's get dried off by the fire." With two bottles of cider being held in her forehoof I follow her into the main sitting room. Scattered across the room are various photos of her family along with a few chairs and a sofa positioned near the stone fireplace.

As Applejack rests the bottles on the rug which is positioned directly in front of the fireplace she moves to the fire and gets ready to light it. Lowering myself onto the rug I sit with my legs crossed as I grasp onto one of the bottles, when I look up my eyes lock onto Applejack's rump as she's leaning forward trying to light the fire. As soon as I realise where my eyes are focusing I quickly turn my head away as I twist the cap and peel it away from the bottle.

As the fire is lit I bring the bottle to my lips and take a sip of the cider, as soon as the liquid touches my tongue I'm overwhelmed with a sweet flavour which delights my taste buds. Swallowing the liquid ambrosia I look to Applejack as she sits alongside me, "Is this Apple family cider?" Applejack nods as she opens her own bottle, "Rainbow said it was to die for but I didn't think it would be this good." Taking another swig I let out a satisfied breath as the taste lingers on my tongue, "I'm not usually a fan of cider but this is great."

Applejack chuckles as she takes a sip from her own bottle, "I'm glad you like it. We always save a few barrels for ourselves at the end of cider season and bottle them up to gift to friends or family. I figured since you weren't here for cider season I'd give y'all a few bottles."

Tilting my head back I drain a sizable portion of the bottle's contents, "Definitely worth the wait." Taking another sip I release a satisfied groan, "That is really good, Applejack. No wonder everyone seems to wait for hours to get a bottle."

"Well if you keep drinkin' it that fast then we'll run out before this night is over."

Pulling the bottle away from my lips I give an innocent smile as I look at Applejack, "I take it we have more?"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next hour was spent in front of the fire as we continue to dry off from the rain, as the evening sun sets and the moon begins to make an appearance the only source of light in the room is the fireplace which illuminates the two of us. We both decided to get a few extra bottles and enjoy the drinks as the heat of the fire kept us warm, after a hard days work I found myself quickly relaxing as Applejack and myself continue to converse.

As I run my hand against my half-empty bottle I tilt my head towards Applejack who seems to be staring at me. "Applejack? Everything okay?"

Snapping out of her trance, she shakes her head, "Yeah, I'm fine." After a brief pause Applejack rests her drink on the floor, "John, there was somethin' I wanted to ask you."

Nodding my head I take another sip of my drink, "Okay. What is it?"

Applejack gives a sigh as she focuses on me, "I know that livin' here may be difficult for y'all, being away from your home can't be easy. But, what do you see yourself doin'? What's your plan?"

I cock a brow as I look at Applejack in confusion, "My plan? What do you mean?"

"I mean, isn't there anythin' you want to do with your time here in Equestria, or are you just determined to work? There's more to life than workin'." Applejack shrugs as she turns her head away, "Travel, find yourself a house and settle down... maybe even find sompony to spend time with."

I rest my bottle between my legs, "I guess. But no matter what I do here, I'm going to need a job to earn money. I've already got a job here which provides me with food, a place to sleep and many other perks. I suppose, in the future, I might think of settling down. Maybe I'll leave the army, find a boring mundane job to earn some cash as I switch to a more normal life."

Applejack lifts her head as her eyes scan my body, "Y'all see yourself settling down?"

"Sure, someday. If I find the right person, or pony, then maybe I'll live a quiet life with them. Anything is possible, I could end up getting married for all we know." Heck, if Luna is the right one for me then I may end up getting involved even more with her. But what if I was to ask her to marry me? Wouldn't that make me a Prince? I bet that would piss off a lot of the nobles, having a foreigner and a human as a member of their nation's royalty.

"But, what exaclty is the right pony for a human?"

I open my mouth to respond but pause as I glance at Applejack. Why the hell is she asking these sorts of things. "Applejack, what is this about?"

Applejack sighs as her eyes flick to the hooves, "Okay... I'm just gonna be honest. We've known one another for almost a year now, in that time we've been through a lot, you savin' my sister and her friends from Timber Wolves, me spendin' the night comfortin' you on your sisters birthday, protectin' me and Ponyville from the Diamond Dogs and helping us when we followed that map. I can't help it, but I feel more for you than just friendship."

Before I can respond, Applejack leans closer to me closing the distance between us. With no time to react, she presses her lips against mine as she closes her eyes. The kiss lasted no longer than a couple of seconds before Applejack pulled back, opening her emerald eyes they remain locked on mine as she looks to me with a hopeful expression.

I sit there in shock as my clouded brain tries to catch up. Seriously, John, you couldn't read any of the signs? It all makes fucking sense now, the times her eyes looked over my body, being a bit disheartened when it wasn't just the two of us together in Canterlot, her actions during Twilight's experiment. How the fuck did I miss them.

Clearing my throat I slowly shuffle backwards on the floor, "I-I had no idea you felt this way." Applejack's expression of confidence and determination seems to slowly melt away as she notices my reaction, I can see straight away that she's likely regretting coming clean to me as it backfires in her face. "Applejack... I'm sorry, but I don't feel the same way. Maybe if things were different then there may have been a chance-"

"-Different how?" Applejack quickly asks as her eyes start to flick to the side.

"I'm with someone, Applejack. I have been for a few months now." Applejack's gaze drops as I watch her hoof nervously brush over her foreleg. Neither of us says anything as we sit there in silence, the only sounds heard is the crackle of the fire and rainwater running over the rooftop. Getting up from the floor I keep the towel draped over my shoulders, "I'm sorry, Applejack. I know it must have been difficult telling me your feelings like you did... but, it can't happen. I'm sorry." As Applejack's eyes shift to the fire she stares off into space as her hoof seems to fidget against her foreleg. Stepping towards the kitchen doorway I glance back to her, "I... should give you some time to yourself."

Stepping into the kitchen I reach for my clothes but find them to still be fairly damp. Not having anything else to change into, I leave the towel on the table surface and put my damp clothing back on. With my t-shirt and trousers clinging uncomfortably against my skin I move towards the front door and retrieve my socks and boots. Once I'm fully dressed I glance back to Applejack who is still on the floor alongside the fire, I can hear the occasional soft sob coming from her as she lowers her head into her forehooves.

Lowering my gaze I open the door and step outside into the rain. Stepping away from the farmhouse I look back towards the door as I move towards the exit of the farm to return to Ponyville. The heavy rain assaults me with every step I take resulting in my body feeling as uncomfortable as my mind is. I can't help but feel like shit for having to turn down Applejack, I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for her to throw it all on the line and confess her feelings for me. Turning my head away from the farmhouse I rest my hands in my pockets as I make the walk back to Twilight's

How could I have not known?