I was wandering around Ponyville, only this wanderer was not aimless. I was looking at houses and plots of land that might one day be my home. Truth be told, I was looking forward to having my own place. As much as I enjoyed living with Starlight, Twilight, and Spike, there was some yearning inside me to have something that was well and truly mine.

Speaking of that goal, I would be having another session with Twilight in the next couple of days. The topic would be philosophy and religion. It was one I was very much looking forward to, as I had spent many a sleepless night pouring over the philosophical writings of Locke, Martin Luther, Sun Tzu, Confucius, and more.

As my mind was occupied about what to best share during the upcoming interview, I walked directly into a similarly occupied Applejack.

“Oh, Sorry AJ,” I immediately apologized.

“Nah, I wasn’t watchin’ where I was goin’,” AJ waved me off.

“You seem bothered by something,” I noted.

“Is it that obvious?” She drawled. I smiled faintly.

“Just a little, so tell me what ails you,” I encouraged and AJ sighed.

“It’s nothin’, I’m just being a silly old woman,” Applejack tried to wave me off, but we both knew the lie for what it was. I arched an eyebrow.

“I’m not typically of a mind to let a friend stew in their own melancholy. At the very least talking about it can’t hurt, even if I can’t help,” I encouraged and AJ gave in.

“I’m just worried about ‘Bloom is all. Now that she’s got her Cutie Mark...it just feels like she’s growin’ up too fast. I know she won’t do nothin’ stupid but…” AJ trailed off.

“You can’t help but be worried for the little sister you’ve helped raise since your parents passed,” I said gently.

“I know it’s silly. I ain’t really her mama. I just try an’ do my best…but I can’t replace the real thing,” AJ looked down at the ground.

“You may not be able to replace her, but you’re what ‘Bloom has and from where I’m standing she could do a whole helluva lot worse for a mother figure,” I told her sincerely. She looked up.

“Do ya mean that?” She asked quietly.

“I absolutely do. AB is happy and healthy, which is more than a lot of orphans can say. You, Big Mac, and Granny Smith gave her this opportunity. You’re family, in blood, deed, word, and spirit. No matter where she goes, what she does, or how old she gets, this fact is immutable. Take comfort in that Applejack. It’s a truly beautiful thing,” I said as I felt myself choking up. Suddenly I found myself in a crushing hug.

“Thank ya, Ranma,” She whispered hoarsely.

“I didn’t say anything that wasn’t true,” I protested weakly as a light blush came over my face.

“Don’t mean I didn’t need ta hear it,” AJ said firmly. She let me out of the hug before taking my hand, “You doin’ anything?”

“Nothing that can’t be done later,” I answered and found myself being dragged towards the Apple Family Farm. I allowed myself to be taken into the farmhouse without protest.

“AJ is that you?” An elderly woman’s voice called out.

“Yeah, Granny!” Applejack called back.

“Well yer just in time fer lunch!” Granny Smith replied as AJ dragged me into the kitchen.

“Do ya mind if I set an extra seat for Ranma here?” AJ asked as she sat me down.

“Oh?” Granny arched an eyebrow.

“She gave me a talkin’ to when I really needed it, so I figured the least I could do is bring her over fer lunch,” AJ told her.

“Well why didn’t ya say so!” Granny exclaimed and turned to me, “Now you sit down there and eat yer fill missy, yer skinnier than a scarecrow in December!” A

“You really don’t have to go to all this trouble,” I said, feeling rather awkward.

“Nonsense! An Apple repays her debts!” Applejack insisted.

“It really wasn’t that big of a deal,” I said, wringing my hands subconsciously.

“It is to me,” AJ said in a softer tone. I couldn’t really say anything to that, now could I?

“Alright,” I relented. AJ smiled and soon I found myself being treated to southern home cooking for the first time since my grandfather passed away 8 years ago.

As we were eating, Apple Bloom came into the kitchen. She was dirty and dusty with twigs in her hair, but a huge smile on her face.

“I’m home!” She announced.

“And you’re filthy! Bath ‘Bloom,” AJ ordered.

“Can I at least eat first?” Bloom pleaded.

“Oh, fine, but wash your hands and get those sticks out of your hair,” AJ relented.

“Thanks!” Bloom chirped and bounced to the sink to carry out Applejack’s instructions.

“So what were y’all doin’ this time?” Granny smirked at her granddaughter.

“Oh? This? Scoots hit a rock and we took a tumble into a bush,” Bloom replied casually.

“You alright?” AJ asked with concern.

“I’m fine Applejack,” Bloom assured her, “Also, hey Ranma.”

“Hi Bloom,” I greeted in return.

“Mark my words, that fool scooter is either gonna kill ya or make ya all indestructible and I dunno which is worse,” Granny Smith snarked.

“Granny!” AJ swatted her shoulder. The old woman cackled with amusement. Bloom rolled her eyes as she sat down and started serving herself.

“So what brings y’all around for lunch, Ranma?” Bloom asked.

“Applejack and I ran into each other and she insisted I come over for lunch,” I told her and saw AJ shooting me a grateful look.

“Aw, and here I was hopin’ AJ had brought you back to ‘meet tha family’,” Bloom smirked as AJ turned red.

“APPLE BLOOM!” Applejack thundered as the younger girl laughed unrepentantly.

“Oh? Was I perhaps brought here under false pretenses?” I decided to get in on the teasing. Somehow AJ turned even redder as Granny Smith resumed her cackling.

“See if I ever bring you over again!” AJ harrumphed.

“Now is that any way to talk to yer lady friend, Applejack?” Granny ribbed her and AJ planted her face on the table, a groan of defeat coming from her.

So, good news, I'm about 1/3 finished with the next chapter of Standing United.

No other news I can really think of that doesn't boil down to: these last few months have been absolutely absurd and I want off this crazy thing.