Manehatten All Work and No Play Makes Applejack a Dull Pony (Applejack/Valen Orange)

[Hippo]

Many days Sweet Apple Acres featured an orange blur. A pony by the name of Applejack who would run the farm, and run to her chores. She was very proficient and kept all of her apples in a row. Trees were always clean of ripe apples, fields were always plowed to perfection, and weeds were void of the green expanse, even around the corners of the tool shed. Most days, anypony could walk up to the farm and within seconds be graced by the presence of the best apple bucking mare there ever was. They would no doubt be overwhelmed by the spontaneous picnic that would arrive with their coming, the family surrounding them with introductions, all lead by the orange pony who fronted them all with her confidence, her youth, and her cuteness. But today would not be one of those days.

Instead, Applejack had made a train ride to Manehatten. Though the ride may have only been a few hours, they felt like days to the mare who always made productive use of her time, especially as of late. You see, Applejack and her family just finished wrapping up one of the greatest apple festivals every produced in Ponyville. So much so that what started as a small sales pitch in town hall would eventually turn into an annual tradition in which Ponyville ponies would get their fill for the tastiest apples around, covered in caramel or chocolate, adorning different varieties of spices and baked goods, all rotating around a simple market party where ponies just wanted to sell their goods. Whether the ponies were just as obsessed with apples as Applejack was, or Applejack's salesmareship was second to no one.

In the few days after such a festival, Applejack grew weary as her strength failed to return as quickly and her chores stacked up. With so much work put into an event, the farm had been neglected. And so Applejack would refuse herself rest in favor of trying to finish a few daily chores around the farm. Granny Smith would take notice and would have none of it! It took several hours of convincing, but eventually Applejack was pressured to take some well deserved time off from work. And as a bonus, Applejack figured it might also be just as well that she would visit on of her favorite cousins, Valen Orange.

When she arrived at the Manehatten train station, she was met by Uncle and Aunt Orange. The years had been good to them, and they would compliment Applejack on all of the amazing things they've heard about Sweet Apple Acres, which was a common occurrence for the orange mare whenever she went out of town. The Oranges offered Applejack to stay with them. Not having to spend several bits for a week's stay in the city sounded like a good idea to her. In fact, on the long walk back to the Orange's apartment, Applejack would have a conversation about resting and vacationing, and it got Uncle and Aunt to thinking. Maybe they should take a vacation as well! And why not? After all, Valen was independent for the most part, and in any case he was not, cousin Applejack would be able to help him with any task he would need strength for. Of course, Applejack's original goal was to not work.

They arrived at the apartment, and just as soon as the Oranges left to pick Applejack up, they packed up, kissed their Valen goodbye and headed out themselves. And it left Applejack and Valen alone in the apartment. Applejack wasn't too familiar with the location, but she would try her best to treat herself like it was her own living space. "Well sprout. It's just you and me now." Applejack looked around the living room and saw several decorations that seemed regular for Manehattenites. She couldn't imagine ever having on of these pieces displayed at the barn back at home. "I think I'll try and grab something to eat. I'm hungrier than a hippo swimming in the river." Applejack walked over to the kitchen and opened the ice box to see what was inside.

​

[SteelEagle]

Valen had many plans for the upcoming week and for the first time a long time they didn't involve a bucketful of lies. For more than a year he had started to build quite the career as a model without his parents' knowledge- at least for over two-thirds of the cases. Under Rarity's tutelage he had a run of successful shows and had made three different names for himself. of course, that entailed a lot of little fibs told to his folks over the last few months since he had no desire for them to know some of his life. They gave him his space though and he earned his reputation for being independent. Over time the fibs came less frequent or at least less pervasive as his life became his own and their trust in him, as unwarranted as was, grew.

Not that he was a bad colt, mind you. Quite the opposite! His grades in school were ever improving while his teachers remarked on his politeness and gentle character. His social life was vibrant and positive if not spectacular. He had never once been in trouble with the law or school. If anything, his record was too clean. He had never been sent to the Principal for so much as a warning and he made an effort to inform the local constabulary of any grave tomfoolery he had been aware of. At home he had many chores and did them on time every time, fevers sent to stop him falling before his character. His hobbies were fashion, reading, and playing games with friends. Simply put: While some of his friends may call him boring there was little more that any parent could ask for other than a well-behaved and well-intentioned colt like Valen who was as happy a a ballgame as he was home with a book on a rainy day. Besides all the lies he told, he was a good pony! Honest.

But those plans were in for a not-so-rude awakening at the equally not so tender but very loving hooves of his favorite cousin, Applejack. The lead farm mare at Equestria's most successful farm and a pony whose word was as solid gold as the purest bullion, she was also a very sweet mare to be around. Well, once you got past the ceaseless work ethic and the constant drive to do something. She didn't know the meaning of the word rest or if she did it was some sort of mutated form of it. That was in many ways an admirable trait for her to have especially considering her lifestyle, but she rarely made exceptions for those around her. His trip to Sweet Apple Acres was characterized by plenty of very hard work. It was good to get his hooves dity once in a while but he would be lying if he said that he didn't smile the day he returned home and took a nice, long, uninterrupted by Winona bubble baths.

This time things would be different. She was visiting the big city at he behest of her family and the kindness of his. There was no farm to work and no sales to be made. She'd have to learn the value of relaxation at the beck and call of a colt who was an expert in utilizing his rest time. What he hadn't counted on was his parents deciding to follow in Applejack's hoofsteps and take a vacation! In a whirlwind they were out with very little packing done. Not that they needed it. They were richer than rich and even if they were going someplace outside of their multiple vacation homes and seasonal residences they would have more than enough to buy a whole new wardrobe. That did throw a bit of a wrench in hisplans. His parents were very aware of some of his more peculiar choices in life and respected them. Applejack however did not and he wasn't really sure he was ready for that discussion with her. So he would make some small modifications to his day and one locked closet later, he was set.

He mosied on down after his parents had left, meaning it was just Valen and Applejack left. If she could learn to relax they could have a lot of fun! He smiled wide as she availed herself of their kitchen. Well, now was as good a time as any for a snack or a nice light meal. After all, she had just traveled all this way with nary a thing to eat. And since she hadn't been fumbling about with bushels of apples he doubted she had brought any of them either. Now that was a shocker! He couldn't picture Applejack without apples. He'd have to make sure he paid close attention to whatever she ate so he could rib her gentle about the casual betrayal of her name and livelihood. It didn't hurt that he was a little hungry as well. Valen followed Applejack in, fine hooves clopping across the equally find marble floor.

"Well well, that sounds like one very hungry hippo. Too bad this hippo didn't bring her apples, then she would be just set. However, we do have a lot of other things you may like. May I suggest oranges? Don't worry. I won't tell Apple Bloom," Valen winked before trotting forward with a quicker step and hugging Applejack's foreleg.

"It's so good to see you again, cousin!"

[Hippo]

While browsing around fora quick snack, Valen seemed eager to point out that Applejack didn't have any apples with her, as if it was the only thing she was allowed to eat. It was a common misconception Applejack had to always explain to ponies. She had an apple addiction, for sure. But how bad is an addiction with a nutritious fruit that grows very naturally from the ground ten steps from where you sleep? On the contrary, Applejack ate all kinds of fruits, but in a secret effort to promote the sale of apples, anytime she was seen in public, an apple would be the first thing hanging on her tongue. "What? Oh, come on Valen, you know I love oranges, too. Why do you think I asked for an extra crate for Sweet Apple Acres last season? You think that was for more customers? Besides, I actually have a heapin' pile of them over there." Applejack point across the room and revealed a bag boiling over with fresh apples from the farm. These apples, while it was not really that surprising she would bring them, mysteriously appeared there without any clue before hoof as to how Applejack had snuck them in.

But Applejack, feeling adventurous from her trip, was actually wanting to partake in something different. "But, yeah, Valen. I would love some oranges. Lemme find the orange peeler." Applejack started shuffling through the drawers attempting to find an orange peeler. You would think that in a living space in which ponies with the surname Orange made their business and prepared their food an orange peeler would be present in every drawer you looked in. But Applejack kept on failing, but she would resist any aide from Valen. "I'll find it eventually." Applejack started opening every cupboard and cabinet in sight, still not able to find anything that resembled an orange peeler. It was a little embarrassing. Knowing where the silverware drawer was a sign of good company. If Applejack could only find the Orange family's most prized tool, she would feel confident in her stay.

​

[SteelEagle]

Applejack, what a silly pony. She protested and proclaimed her love of oranges and then pointed out she had made sure to bring some apples along with her! Poor Applejack. So consumed by the consumables, tied by the Apples to the servitude of their trees. Well, such was life. Sometimes you played the game and sometimes the game played you. In this case, she brought a whole bunch of apples to the house which was all well and good but he was going to forcr oranges down her throat until she cried and changed her name to Orangejack. He'd gotten more than enough apples shoved down his when he was at Sweet Apple Acres. Turnabout was fair play, after all, and he was going to make sure she turned about in an orange ocean all day every day. He'd have to find a place to hide the apples...well, luckily, he knew the house like the back of his hoof. Poor Applejack wouldn't know what hit her!

"Well, that's good to hear. Applejack without apples is like Apple Bloom without crusading or my parents without high society functions. Just doesn't fit! We have lots here for you. Oranges of many varieties for you! Also have Pears from the Pears and Peaches from the Peaches, Beets from the Beets and Tangerines from the store! We also have Apple juice and Orange juice and grapefruit juice! I think you'd like grapefuit. It is pretty tasty. You should get a cup," Valen offered helpfully as he watched his cousin look for an orange peeler. He knew where one was. He knew where two of them were. But it was a bit odd that she couldn't just use her mouth like he used his. It was easier, faster, and didn't make him feel like a pansy. But maybe she just wasn't used to them. An orange rookie. Well, maybe AJ needed to go to orange spring training to get her hooves acclimated to the feel of top flight oranges.

Or maybe he could just help her get the peeler.

"Second cabinet on the left, cousin Applejack. Geez, what could you ever do to repay me this most heavy debt?" He added with fake insincerity, getting two glasses out and some juice. One way or another they were both going to have a grand old time today. He poured them and slammed the cap shut, a few small dribbles of juice laying on the counter. He put it the way and grabbed a few oranges and put them on the table, pulling up two chairs.

"Here you go, Applejack! Nice comfy seat. These ones even have cushion! Cool, huh?"

[Hippo]

"Sure, I'd love to trah some different kinds of juice." Applejack stated as she continued to look for an orange peeler. Eventually, Valen would just say where she could find one. And much to Applejack's displeasure, which she gave in the form of angled eyebrows and a shortened lip, Applejack reached into the proper cupboard and pulled it out using her mouth.

She sat at the table, where Valen was pouring a couple glasses of juice. And applejack herself started peeling a couple oranges that were typically displayed in the centerpiece bowl. Her hooves holding the orange down and her mouth sculpting the tool, she peeled off the skin of the orange carefully. Of course, she was probably not as good at this as Valen was. Meanwhile, Valen's funny joke about paying back the debt of finding the peeler only served to antagonize Applejack's desire to be self-sufficient. And though she knew he was joking, she would take the consideration seriously. "Yeah, I guess they are comfy," Applejack answered when she finally put the peeler down.

​

[SteelEagle]

Well, Applejack's face held a bit of an edge compared to what he had expected his joke to cause but he wondered if it was his fault. She was out of her element in a big city, not unlike when she was just a little filly. As calm and capable as she was now she still maybe held a bit of that experience against the city, and since this wasn't honestly her idea probably a bit of the attitude came from simply not wanting to be here. Either way he pondered what he could do. First they'd eat, that much was laid out for him. But after that the mystery of how to please an angered Apple would only intensify. Ball would have to be in her court since he didn't have the desire nor ability to make her do anything she didn't want to do.

Valen took a sip of his juice, giving a hearty smack of the lips as he took the peeler and went after an orange himself, making short work of his foe. The secret was in the rhythm and positioning, the peelers gliding along with a razor edge and not needing much force to work. He then dipped one of his orange slices into the orange juice and ate it.

"Yum! Double orange, better than single orange but not as good as triple orange," he laughed lamely in an attempt to get Applejack to lighten up a bit. It was going to be fun! Surely there was a long list of fun activities she had in mind for the big city. Right? Right! Failing that there was always the good old fashioned stand by, books. Lots of books.

"So, AJ, what do you wish to do today? I was thinking of a nice relaxing day of reading myself. But I'm sure a strapping mare like yourself has many things she wants to do here in the big city!"

[Hippo]

Eventually, Applejack was able to removed all of the tacky orange skin from the fruit. Now, granted, this was not a huge deal to Applejack. And anypony who would make a big deal of the orange mare eating something other than an apple would be a little foolish, and clearly doesn't understand the true loves of an Apple pony. However, it may actually have been a while since Applejack had eaten an orange. Applejack could lasso an apple and throw it squarely in her mouth all day. She could juggle apples and while carrying a conversation, tell which one had slightly more ripeness, just by how it bounced off her hooves. Some could even say she could see the inside of the apple, and tell which one is juicier, just by thinking about it. But an orange? She wasn't winning any citrus fruit contests. Nor would she every try. Nevertheless, Applejack would take this opportunity to try and do to an orange what she always did with apples--eat the entire thing in one bite.

Applejack tossed the naked orange in the air, opened her mouth, and attempted to chop down on the orange whole. But there was no crunch. Just a squish. The flesh of the fruit didn't divide, it just compressed. And the juice from the fruit didn't travel with itself, it oozed out like it was bleeding. And boy was it messy. Applejack's mouth, fully of an orange, was oozing out orange juice from the corners of her mouth. She tried to swallow it after a few chews, but the stringiness of the orange kept her from doing so immediately. A few winces and grunts later, Applejack was finally able to slowly work the orange down her throat, and make room for the juice that had mostly come out her mouth anyway.

Without a blush, Applejack wiped herself up and the area beneath her with a towel, completely ignoring the strange look her cousin was most likely giving her. She knew he would be appalled, but she didn't care. However, she did decided to finally answer his question. "Oh, I dunno. We could read, maybe. Let's see what kinds of books you got." Applejack started trotting down the small apartment hallway. She figured that though the apartment is about half the size of the inside of the living area of the barn, the rent was probably ten times as much. "Where is your room?"

​

[SteelEagle]

It was a really odd sight, if not a little comedic. Applejack knew everything in the world and then some about apples. She had shown Valen that during his time at the farm, which by all rights should have shown him that maybe she could have difficulties adapting to the way of the orange. A mare so devoted and consumed by one thing could perhaps have difficulty adapting to the world of another! She tried to get the orange in one go and it started one heck of a show and disaster-ridden mess as the whole of the orange collapsed into a juicy delicious mess of a fruit in Applejack's mouth. The juice spurted out of her like a geyser unexpectedly and trailed from her lips unrelentingly as she went to work on it, winces and grunts and the tartness of the fruit beating her over the head until she finally finished it in a mad dash and rush of energy. Admittedly, a unique way to eat an orange. Valen would have to tell his parents all about when they got back. He giggled and tittered as she had trouble, but no doubt his parents would be horrified by Applejack's orange barbarism on full display.

"Cousin, you're watching me but I didn't expect a dinner and a show!" He giggled, eating his own orange like a normal pony might. He didn't see what was so hard about it! They even came in sections. Of course Applejack had went ahead and tried to eat it all in one go, but hopefully the poor experience this time would prove to change her silly pony ways. Valen finished his orange with some juice, a nice washing down of some of the pulp with a smile, "you've gotta let the orange breath, cousin Applejack. Let the natural juices and aroma flow. Don't be such a barbarian next time!" he said with a playful wink as he started cleaning the table they were at. A clean house was a house his family would be proud he maintained in their absence especially with such a ruffian in their house. Maybe he'd get ice cream for being such a good little pony. Ice cream could make him move mountains!

And then she mentioned books and his room. He had plenty of books, but nothing that would appeal to her. A lot of fashion magazines and books on art, with a few adventure stories and textbooks thrown in for good measure. More importantly, he was worried about letting her into his room. She had a habit of doing what she wanted when she wanted, and he had no doubt that every moment in his room for her was a moment that she could cause some trouble for him. His tail raised immediately in worry, but his better half took over. His closet was double locked and as long as she didn't get in there he didn't mind having her in the room. She was a good pony and he wanted to show her a good time. If she was going to say anything about the fashion stuff, he had a bevy of lies he had stocked up if he felt the time was right. Honesty wasn't always the best policy.

"Sure, I have some books in my room. Can't say there is anything I think you'd like, but who knows? I'll show you my room. Follow me!" he said cheerfully, disguising some of his worry as he led her down the hallway.

It was just a few short moments when they came to his room, which had Valen written in beautiful letterhead and imprinted on the door. He opened the door and trotted in, his well-maintained and clean room beckoning him in. It was a large room recently remodeled with an obsessively large closet, which was currently had all three doors locked. A large bookcase was next to it as well as a dresser with a mirror, which had a lot of manecare and other required substances on top. A large toybox and a desk with many open drawers full of school materials were next to his bed, which was fluffier and sweeter than a thousand chocolates. He trotted over to the bookcase, taking up the visual real estate of the bottom shelves where he kept his personal books and desires.

"So, Applejack, what can I get for you?"

[Hippo]

Upon entering the colt's room, Applejack could tell right away, not only was Valen much more of a clean freak than his cousin Apple Bloom, who would easily have several garments and toys riddled around the floor, but Valen was probably more organized than Applejack herself. Applejack knew a clean house means a clean mind, something Granny always taught her. But Valen's room? It was cleaner than Twilight's germ-free labratory. "Wow, Valen. Your family has a maid? She must clean up real good around here. But, uh. She isn't coming this week is she? I prefer to clean my own messes." Assumptions Applejack would make about Valen's life in the big city would always come in the form of suggesting a service was present to make things easier City ponies lived richly from what she always remembered. They pay for everything from horseshoe-shining to taxi-riding. Even at some of the meal shops, a tip jar was a common attribute sitting on the counter where ponies ordered their goods. And for what? They were just standing there!

"Let's see." Applejack began browsing through Valen's small bookshelf, not really paying too much attention to words she didnt understand, like the titles 'Mrs. Seamstress', 'Ostentatious Outfits', and 'Applications of Appliques'. But one spotted her eye. "'Knitting Garters'? Shouldn't that say Gardens? That's a silly mistake. And how do you knit a garden anyway?" Applejack reached for the book, attempting to award her curiosity.

​

[SteelEagle]

Not much could be asked of Applejack beyond being one of the best cousins a pony could ask for. Babs Seed was good herself mind you and was full of good ideas on how best to waste an afternoon, but she didn't hold a candle to Applejack of the Orchards. he had a wealth of riches in the vault of love and affection and he was never overdrawn! But for all that, for how good she was, there was something about Applejack that screamed that she didn't think much of Valen. Well, not really Valen and he would bet his hindquarters that she didn't meant obtuse by her words, but he didn't have a maid. His family would never spend money on such a thing. They kept clean and proper because they were capable and it would be a waste all around to hire somepony to do something you could do just as easily. So lazy. She was calling him lazy! The nerve. Or maybe he was just proud of how well he did his chores and would like a little acknowledgement.

"Haha, no Applejack, we don't have a maid. I clean my own room. It wouldn't be right to hire somepony to do something you can do yourself- I'm sure you understand, especially since you're so excited to clean your own messes! Thanks for the compliment," Valen replied quickly as he dutifully scanned her hooves as they probed his vulnerable bookcase.

She had a way of seeking out the worst possible materials at the worst possible time. Valen had many books regarding just about anything fashion related, from theory to practice. He didn't knit or sew himself as he simply didn't have the dexterity for it and his creativity at that level was lacking as well, but it never hurt to know all the roles played by all the ponies in the production of art and clothing. "Knitting Garters" was a little different, and if he had known beforehoof he would likely have not borrowed it. While the initial half of the book was about knitting the garter stitch, a basic knitting principle, the second half was literally knitting garters- speciality undergarments made usng the garter stitch, sort of a comedic example. The pictures had been a tad risque. Suffice it is to say, he had kept the book for longer than he had planned. No matter what though, Applejack mustn't be allowed to read from it. Even if she did he could easily deflect. He quickly reached into the non-fashion section of his bookcase and picked up a leather-bound tome and sprung up in front of Applejack with as much foalish excitement as he could muster. If he could act like a filly model then some days he could act like a silly colt others just as well!

"Oh! Here's one you might want to check out, Applejack!" He slapped it on her and opened it up, "'One Hundred and One Legends of the Everfree' as written by Amethyst Star! This might be something right up your orchard row," he laughed, his gregarious and youthful energy overflowing splendidly.

[Hippo]

Valen jumped into Applejack's personal space like Winona would when she carried her favorite treats. He directed attention at a lore book, something about legends in the Everfree. Applejack knew all about the subject, or so she would think. "Gah, Valen. You're all puppy-like all the sudden. It's funny. Alright, what do we got here? 'One Hundred and One Legends of the Everfree' as written by Amethyst Star!' Who's Amethyst Star? Is she from Ponyville? You'd think Ponyville ponies got the Everfree down by now. Let's see what it says."

Applejack opened the book to a random page, and the chapter that came up showed small painted pictures of what the Everfree looks like deep within. And the written part of the page spouted something about the mysterious creatures that haunted forest and nearby towns. These creatures featuring striped colors and glowing eyes. "Pfft. That's not a legend, that's just Zecora. Where in tarnation did you get this book?" When Applejack closed the book, the back cover had a label on it that said, "Manehatten Public School System P.S. 124". "Consarnit. You got this from school? Why are they lettin' a book of fiction like this in the library? Why, anypony that reads this here garbage is just being misinformed! We gotta go take this to the library and complain." Applejack was very much serious. Plus, it gave her an excuse to get outside the apartment, where there was too much relaxation and nothing to do, nothing to plant, nothing to harvest.

​

[SteelEagle]

Valen's quick thinking and adorable face allowed him to silence the danger to his secrets, speaking boldly in other directions which distracted Applejack. Not that it wasn't true. The book he suggested was a comedic fictional book about legends in the Everfree. Each and every legend had a kernel of truth blown out of proportion for comedic purposes, interwoven with a tale of lost foals and fillies and the many times they were eaten or turned into something because they didn't listen to the warnings the legends gave. Valen had read through it a few times and found it a good time, even if some of the legends were worse tha others. But when you're dealing with mass creative works you had to expect a few duds. He was excited primarily to get her attention from his own books but lso for the book itself. She would like it if she would just give it a chance and sat down in the living room with the nice breeze to read.

But that didn't happen. She flipped it open flippantly, saw an image she didn't like, and was ready to charge off to cause trouble. Valen didn't take Applejack to be one of those uptight parents who threw a hissy fit over anything they could even remotely consider offensive. Then again he hadn't dealt with her in that capacity, only as the best cousin of all time and a friend. It was just a comedy book with no real intent to harm and th huge zebra population in Manehattan had said nary a word about it, but maybe her own experiences near the Everfree and with her friend Zecora turned her off to that piece of humor. She hadn't struck Valen as the overly sensitive type, but in any cas eit was his mission in life to prevent the mare in the Orange house to become the bull in the China shop, except this time it was a library and the only thing in tatters would be his reputation with the pretty librarians.

"Well actually, not from a school. I attend a private academy. That book was a donation to the local library about three blocks from here," Valen started before realizing that wasn't really helping his cause too much, "not that it should matter. That is a satire comedy book, not something to be taken seriously, cousin. See on the spine where it says genre? You should really give the book a try..." he ended in resignation. After all, he knew she was cooped up like a cat in a carrier and wanted out. He doubted he could keep her inside. Then again, who was foalsitting who, again? If she wanted to go out that was fine by him. Maybe he wouldn't have to come with her. He could get some good work done while she was off having an adventure. There was always a positive way to spin life!

[Hippo]

Applejack listened to Valen a little and then hung her snout high like a true manehattenite. She closed the book she was holding. "Nope! I ain't reading another word from a book that makes funny business of something that could be taught properly. I mean, making a joke out of real facts and making them fake facts? That makes about as much sense as a rabbit farm in a cabbage patch. We're going to this library, and I'm gonna give 'em a piece of mah mind. I bet a library that has this on their shelves has a lot of other nonsense titles as well."

Applejack grabbed the book in her mouth and started walking towards the front door of the apartment. When she waited for Valen to follow, she could get the sense that he was being dragged with her. Of course, Applejack wouldn't make the same mistake she made a long while ago on the farm when she inadvertently damaged her cousin by taking him on a farm tour that abused him in every blind way possible. Applejack spit out the book for Valen to carry. "Don't you worry cousin. I'm still in charge and I'll keep you outta trouble. No farm tours today!" Applejack winked at Valen as she walked down the hallway to the elevator, unaware of what scary memories she could have just brought back to the colt.

​

[SteelEagle]

Valen hoped that his cousin actually knew what libraries were all about. Actually, he hoped she knew what books were about and the difference between fiction and non-fiction. There was a good chance she did and her mind was just inventing causes so she could get out of the house and he had known to expect that to a certain degree, but this much, this early? This mare had a mental condition that no amount of rest or medication could help. Only sunshine and trouble-making were up her alley at this point and the only thing he could do as a reasonably intelligent and noble citizen of the great metropolis of Manehattan was put himself up front and center to endure, deflect, and eventually absorb the tiniest mistakes that she was sure to pile up to compound the larger errors of judgement she was currently experiencing. All the dear and honest love in the world paled in power to the stare of a beautiful librarian, after all.

And just as he made peace with it all, she spat the book out. He picked it up as the terrible memories of the farm tour slithered through his mind like the cunning cobra seeking out sustenance and cruelty through the weakened spaces of his foalish mind. That had been a time of great tribulation for the little colt, even as it marked a grand turning point in his life. His friendship and working relationship with Rarity was established during that fateful trip and the first reciprocated crush of his existence with her little sister took place in the even spaces of the more typical and harsh reality that he had lived in. He was an unlucky colt, given to mistakes and accidents and general malaise of outcome that sent shivers down the spine of him even now. As a result of his innate luck he had been the victim of more beatings via animal and injuries that only the greatest of efforts had been able to revert his negative outlook and pull positives out of it. It had succeeded though and while he was at first mute because of the awful memories, he remained mute with a smile as he remembered all the good times as well. The pair eventually reached the elevator and it started its way down, ever floor punctuated with a puff of magic from the sides.

"Well, it is just a fiction comedy satire book. But it will be nice to get out nonetheless. My hooves need a bit of a stretch anyway and the day is beautiful! I suppose if you insist on going there it wouldn't hurt for you to have an escort such as I," He began, thinking now the best time to get back to the real topics that were floating on his mind as the farm tour and the many incidents floated in his head like targets he could not destroy.

"So, how is Apple Bloom? The farm? What about your friend Rarity and her sister, Sweetie Belle? Does Granny still take her medicines?"

[Hippo]

Applejack smiled as Valen couldn't help but tell her again that the book was harmless. But she didn't care. "Whatever." Applejack knew she was being stubborn, but let's face it, this was all a way to get out of that boring clean orange-colored apartment. Applejack came her to relax, but it didn't mean she had to stay cooped up in a small city apartment. She might as well take a week-long nap on the farm if that were the case. The elevator stopped, and the stomachs in the ponies jostled a little. The butterflies quickly left Applejack though, and she stepped onto the ground floor. "So which way is this library anyway? It's not on the other side of the city is it?" Applejack made her way out of the revolving doors and onto the fresh aired Manehatten streets. Well, as fresh as Manehatten air can get anyway.

As Applejack walked in a direction, she responded to Valen's small talk. "Apple Bloom's great. Still cutie mark-less though," she chuckled. "Rarity is doin' good, making in fancy as usual, and your girlfriend Sweetie Belle is doing well too as far as I know. But, like Apple Bloom, her destiny has yet to be written on the flank." Applejack said all this casually. She didn't hesitate to call Sweetie Belle Valen's girlfriend, nor did it phase to speak about their lack of cutie marks. She knew that it was only a moment in time, anyway. "Why do you ask? You miss Sweetie?" Applejack smiled brightly to Valen. Her tongue and cheek attitude might start getting a little annoying. It wasn't like Applejack to be this chipper in a place like Manehatten, unless there was an alterior motive.

​

[SteelEagle]

Valen couldn't help but nurture a little blush as his cousin mentioned Sweetie Belle. She wasn't exactly a fillyfried, but he did hold a bit of a stammering heart in reserve for her. Any filly that had the positivity and energy to get as close and as quickly as she did was liable to hold under her kind sway the hearts and minds of many a friendly and willing victim and Sweetie Belle held the keys to certain locks in his brain. He sighed and absent-mindedly tossed his mane behind him as she came up, smiling at the memory of their party and shared friendship. If nothing else, that had been a worthwhile addition to his life's experiences. He sighed, looking away rom his cousin briefly without meaning to. Some ponies were made of sterner stuff.

"Well, yes, I do miss her. She is a lot of fun to be around! I hope she and Apple Bloom get their cutie marks. I don't have mind but I'm not as worried about it as they are. Of course, dealing with Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara the few times I had the misfortune too, I can see why the pair would be so intent on getting their marks as fast as possible," Valen said resolutely before smiling broadly, "also good to hear Rarity is doing well. Don't hear about her much," Valen straight up lied. Heck, it was truth to say he dealt with Rarity more than he did all of the Apple family combined, but Applejack didn't need to know that.

She was in a good mood. That was a good sign because the library he had borrowed the book from was not close by Manehattan standards. While there were plenty of local libraries, he had picked it up when he was in a different neighborhood, a bit more rough and tumble than he was used to. Normally a carriage ride away, by hoof it would be a trek. And he didn't want to make a trek. He wanted to go home. But his wants and desires had beeen casually discarded in the face of his cousin's pure blunt force move outside. Oh well. It was a beautiful day in the city and while it did not in all likelihood tickle the fancy of a mare used to life in the green, it sure did tickle the fancy of a colt born in the blue. He trotted alongside her in equally high spirits as they casually chatted for a bit before he decided it was best to answer the question rather than go on without letting her know what she was in store for.

"Well, I've got some good news and some bad news. You're a practical mare so I'll lead with the bad. It is a few neighborhoods away. By carriage not so far, but by hoof a few hours. The good news is that it is a beautiful day and if we take a carriage, they aren't too expensive. No matter what, we win!"

[Hippo]

This wasn't bad news. It just made it more exciting for Applejack to walk around and stretch her legs. "Oh. Ok. No problem. I got some extra cash. How much is a taxiwagon ride? A couple bits right?" Applejack starts walking towards the street, where several pony-pulled wagons raced their way through the city. She put her hoof up to flag down an open wagon. Almost immediately a taxiwagon pulled up.

"Howdy!" Applejack jumped into the cart and pulled Valen with her. "We need to get to, uh. What's the name of the library Valen?" She turned back at the puller. "And how much is the fare?"

​

"Three bits a mile." The puller grunted.

"Three bits! That's outrageous! Why, I could buy me and my friends milkshakes with that much money."

​

The puller didn't respond.

"Ugh." Applejack dropped a small coinpurse out of her hat and began counting the bits as the wagon started moving. She reluntantly decided it was worth the price to spend the day wandering around the city with her cousin. You can't put a price on family. "So, Valen. You must like to go to lots of places in the big city if you got this here book all the way over on a different side of town. What kind of places do you go to?"

​

[SteelEagle]

Watching Applejack deal with the cab ride was a bit comical. No doubt in Ponyville if they had such a service, and it was a big if, they probably didn't pay much at all. Envious of that pricing model Valen may be, but experience steeled him a bit. While you had to deal with higher prices as a standard in Manehattan you didn't have to just take the offer up front. After watching her slip her bitpurse over to take a look, Valen shook his head slowly to himself. She was a guest in his city and colt or no, he was going to make sure she could relax. Relax and learn- no doubt she knew the art of the haggle, but perhaps was a bit worried of making a scene in the big city. Before Valen got to that however he had to tell the driver the destination and that gave him a bit of an advantage. Valen leaned over and smiled at his driver bowing his head slightly. No doubt being polite and kind would make this easier.

"Nice to meet you, Mister...?"

"Running Start. Where to?"

"Cloppenhagen Avenue Public Library, please, at a rate of two point two-five bits a mile."

"No, three bits."

"I'm sorry, but I know the running fare in this part of town is only two bits. I am willing to pay a little more than that- more than fair, Mister Start."

"How would you know about the fares in this area?"

Valen smiled.

"My cousin may be new to the area, but I live here. I also know your boss, Ready Day. He shops at my parents' store and he may have borrowed a loan from my cousin to start his business. Anyway, is two-two-five acceptable? I'll be happy to leave a review either way with your boss," Valen smiled, checkmating the driver into oblivion.

Running Start sighed and went to work and the duo were off. Success! Valen sat back, out of earshot of Mister Start. He smiled and winked at Applejack.

"Always nice to know ponies who know ponies, isn't that right? They call that networking!" He said proudly, speaking things he did not understanding. Back to the better topics. Some lies mixed in as well .

"Oh, that depends. Workshops for hoof skills-" he liked to visit the tailors and seamstresses, "plays and other theater," leaving out the part involving modelling, "sporting events, school, friends, crusader meetings, really, it depends. In Manehattan I'm usually so active every day that I like to vary where I go-" mostly because he needed that variation to keep the two or four phases of his life separate, "-so I end up pretty much everywhere! Anywhere you'd like to go?"

[Hippo]

Applejack was impressed as Valen haggled down the puller to two and a quarter bits per mile. "Good goin', Valen." She sparked. Good hagglin' must run in the family. Though Applejack was familiar with haggling, she was in a foriegn environment, and usually she was on the selling end anyway. It would be pretty embarrassing if she accidentally high balled it.

As to respond to Valen's journey of the city, it seemed to her like he visited a lot of places. And though they were on the way to the library, it was a action of evil to waste an entire fare without visiting all the locations a relative pony visits on a regular basis. "Ah want to go to all the places you go. As soon as we're done doin' whatever it is we're doing at the library, we should go to some of these shops, maybe I'll pitch in and buy you somethin' fun like a toy or somethin'." She had no choice but to assume Valen was a foal who still did everything a foal liked to do. And until Valen would refuse, Applejack would probably buy him foal meals and unnecessary balloons to make him happy. Applejack smiled as the Manehatten breeze filled her face. She put a hoof on her head to keep the hat from flying off in the wind.

​

[SteelEagle]

Well, that was a bit awkward. She wanted to visit all the places he visited? That was difficult to process. Mostly she couldn't visit them without knowing almost immediately about the other aspects of his life that he would rather keep from her, at least for now. Maybe someday when he was braver he would show her or tell her but he wasn't brave enough to deal with the possibility of rejection or disfavor from somepony he respected as much as Applejack. Of course, if he wasn't going to show her what he did do, he'd have to lie and come up with something better. The city sight seeing tour that Applejack had decided upon was going to go ahead regardless- best to not appear suspicious. She would have to deal with whatever his lies were for now and accept it. The real important part was coming with some good and believable lies for what he spent his time doing. That was a little harder since whatever he did he had to look competent at. He was having trouble with that.

"Uhh...I mean...if you want...might be a little...difficult....my workshops are like...baking stuff since I'm not so good...and...sports...because I am so sporty..." Valen stammered as he looked out, running out of thought space and deciding it was wiser to bring the subject back to her tastes, "where do you want to go? I probably know all the places so if you give me a taste of what makes you tick I can take you to some fun areas," he finished far more comfortable with that. After all, what was he if not a brilliant host and what did a brilliant host do if not customize a schedule to fit the guest? He nodded along with his very own thought process. Yes, this would be just fine. Everything was great. He laughed, "oh, a nice bakery or two, if you're into some nice Manehattan treats made by your cousin. The owner there likes to have little ones try their hoof at making stuff and has lots of connections to- oh, well, look at that. A bug," Valen almost spilled the beans, redirecting attention as quickly as possible, "umm, maybe not that bakery. It is expensive. How about Blasselbees instead?"

[Hippo]

As the two cousins rode briskly down the streets of Manehatten, Applejack couldn't help but notice that Valen seemed a little flustered in his talking. She could tell right away he didn't feel comfortable going to places he normally goes. But Applejack couldn't lay a hoof on why. He had nothing to hide, and Applejack wasn't going to embarrass him too much if they happened to meet someone Valen regularly sees. Was he afraid of Applejack making a scene? Or worse. What if, Valen was ashamed of Applejack. Though she wasn't sure that this was the case, it did bring her to finally interrupt his talking and just get on with what she wants to do.

"Nonsense! Let's go to that bakery. What's the owners name? I'm sure he's a nice guy. I work with the bakery types all the time." Applejack slapped Valen on the back forcefully but playfully. "Come on sprout. It can't be as nutty as Pinkie Pie at Sugarcube Corner." Applejack wasn't sure if Valen had ever met Pinkie Pie. Although she was sure that if he had, he would ran to Applejack a long time ago with the expression on his face that said 'who the hay is that pink pony and why does she require my friendship?'

​

[SteelEagle]

"Nonsense! Let's go to that bakery. What's the owners name? I'm sure he's a nice guy. I work with the bakery types all the time.Come on sprout. It can't be as nutty as Pinkie Pie at Sugarcube Corner."

Valen groaned internally at his cousin's overbearing indulgence in the kindness of her spirit. She wanted to make him comfortable and by doing so was going to make him the most uncomfortable colt in the history of colts, which was a long and storied one until he entered the scene. No doubt that he had walked into this himself and therefore no blame could be assigned. He couldn't take her to any other bakery other than the one he knew of that allowed foals to make candy themselves. Nor could he warn the baker ahead of time to not bring up certain topics. All he could do was hope he got through this without losing his cover. At least he could show her a good time until the time went from being good to dramatic and worrisome for how she viewed him. Oh well. To the wind, he guessed, went the hope.

In the end however he was nothing if not a wonderful actor. He wanted to make her happy more than anything except that one other thing and if he had to plaster a fake smile on his face for her to do so, than he would do it. Besides, a day spent with his cousin was a special one no matter what. He perked up.

"Oh, I didn't mean to give you the impression I was upset or unhappy or anything. I just wasn't sure that you would find what I find fun to be engaging in the slightest. Though yes, I do think you have quite the experience with bakery types. Mister Cartwheel isn't too much like Mrs. Pinkie Pie, but he is a nice stallion nonetheless. His shop is the only shop in the city that allows foals to make candy! I go there a few times a month. Somewhat expensive, but I'll pay for two. You'll have a blast! So, would you rather go there first instead of the library?” Valen asked, hoping against hope that she would accept. That would mean they'd go in during the bakery's busiest hours, hopefully keeping Cartwheel busy. Otherwise, he was a bit of a chat magnet.

[Hippo]

Applejack was right to question Valen's issues with finding the right activities for Applejack to see and experience. Although she didn't really understand his response. "Listen, Val. I don't forget easily the experience I put you through. And I know you don't either, even though I think you may wanna." Applejack chuckled. "But now, this is your chance to show me up. Impress me with your routine. Drag me to your errands. Torture me with your struggles." Applejack smiled as she said, like this was something that most ponies talked positively about. "Yes, let's go to the bakery. That orange, though it's sittin' in my stomach good since I didn't chew it, didn't fill me up enough."

Applejack leaned over the the puller and yelled enthusiastically. "To Mr. Cartwheel's bakery, please!" Applejack reared in her seat as they swiftly turned the corner. "Yeehaw!"

​

[SteelEagle]

"Listen, Val. I don't forget easily the experience I put you through. And I know you don't either, even though I think you may wanna. But now, this is your chance to show me up. Impress me with your routine. Drag me to your errands. Torture me with your struggles. Yes, let's go to the bakery. That orange, though it's sittin' in my stomach good since I didn't chew it, didn't fill me up enough. To Mr. Cartwheel's bakery, please! Yeehaw!"

Well, he doubted he could ever impress her. Nothing he did would ever match the grandeur of Sweet Apple Acres or the majesty of a day's work in the fields of your ancestors. All he could offer were the guilty pleasures brought on by the bakery or the more cerebral joys of his own work, which for his angle he considered performance art. No different from an actor really except nopony knew he was playing the part and nopony even knew they were at a show. Very difficult to pull off! He did it. Whether he should be ashamed or not he did not know. What was a little surprising was her frank admission of her knowledge that he had not had the greatest time at the farm. While that was true at the time, he had started to look back at that time with a bit more fondness.

He nuzzled his cousin.

“I loved my time at Sweet Apple Acres. Not at the time perhaps, but that was then. I've grown since then. Had a lot of new and exciting experiences. I'll try and show you a good time but nothing will equal meeting my cousin Applejack for the first time in Ponyville,” he finished sweetly as the carriage continued. In all honesty he was ore than a little nervous as to what the rest of the day would bring, but if nothing else he could say he shared a special moment with his cousin and if you took the time to share with another once a day then you had lived a pretty full life. After a few more twists and turns, the carriage came to a full stop outside the target bakery.

[Hippo]

Valen had shown Applejack that a lot had happened to him maturity-wise since the farm incident, which was good and it erased whatever little guilty Applejack had about that day away. Applejack swung her hoof in enthusiasm. "Well, lets go have some new special times like that then." Applejack loved the small nuzzle her cousin gave her. It was good that he could still be affectionate with a female relative at his age. Although since she didn't immediately expect it, it did throw her off guard just a little. However, as soon as the carriage stopped at the bakery, Applejack felt peaceful about Valen's future as a stallion that had plenty of sensitivity to go with his lovable personality, which was something the Orange and Apple family could use a little more of.

"Welp. Here we are!" Applejack hopped off the carriage and made her way to the door. When she opened it, a little bell rung just like at Sugarcube Corner. She held the door open for Valen. "After you, Prince Valen. Show me the way around this place." Applejack was feeling a might chipper at the moment. It was either the orange gave her a small sugar buzz, or she was very inclined to spend time with Valen, and possibly get some extra work done along side of her relaxation.

​