Troubleshoes could feel his heart skip a beat as soon as he found her in the crowd. It wasn't hard to spot her; her orange coat was dusty and her blonde mane was disheveled from the earlier competition, and she was bursting with energy in celebration of her first place win at the Appleoosa rodeo.

He hadn't seen her since the last competition the year before.

“Troubleshoes!”

The little filly that had been standing beside her was pushing her way through the throng of ponies to get to him. Her red mane was also puffed out a bit from her own competing.

“Well, little Applebloom!” Troubleshoes rumbled, holding out a hoof for her to tap with her own. “Just my luck runnin' into you again.”

“Didja see me in the beginner's barrel race?” Applebloom asked excitedly, puffing out her chest to show a red ribboned medal hanging around her neck.

“Sure did.” Troubleshoes replied, “Second place ain't bad for a first time.”

“Reckon I'll get my cutie mark in rodeo in no time!” Applebloom exclaimed, bouncing excitedly on the spot.

Troubleshoes chuckled at her enthusiasm. “I sure hope so, young'un. Give me a reason ta see ya more of'en!”

“Applebloom!” Troubleshoes felt his heart jump. There she was, pushing her way towards them, a huge trophy for the steeplechase balanced on her back. “How many time to I gotta tell ya, don't you go wanderin' off.”

“Sorry, Applejack, but I had ta say hi to Troubleshoes!” Applebloom trotted back to her sister's side.

Applejack turned her green gaze to Troubleshoes. He was mighty thankful he'd decided to chance out of his clown attire before coming out to find her.

“Well, howdy, Troubleshoes. Been a good while since I've seen ya!” Applejack gave him a smile, and Troubleshoes felt his stomach twist.

“I-I reckon it has been,” he replied softly. “Haven't really had a chance to come to no Ponyville rodeos.”

“Well, ya oughtta!” Applebloom said. “We host 'em at Sweet Apple Acres, and you'd be more than welcome!” At that moment, Applebloom's two friend called for her. “Oops, sorry, gotta go! Nice ta see ya, Troubleshoes!” With that, she galloped away.

“Y'all stay close, ya'hear?!” Applejack tried to call after them, but if they heard, they gave no response. “I swear, those fillies are more trouble than rattlesnakes in the rafters.”

Troubleshoes gave a huff in response, mostly because he was too nervous to form words.

“Oh, that reminds me,” Applejack turned back to Troubleshoes. “I never got ta apologise for how I acted last year. I said some mighty awful things about ya before we got the whole story.”

“A-Ain't nothin'!” Troubleshoes responded quickly. “I thought the same thing of myself that y'all did.”

“Well, I'm still sorry, and I'd like to make it up to ya.” Applejack looked around Troubleshoes at the clock, “I got another event here in a few minutes, but after that I'll be done for the day.” She gave him another smile. “What say I treat ya to some dinner?”

“Y-You don't have ta-”

“I insist!”

Troubleshoes was quiet for a moment, then smiled in return.

“Sounds right nice.”

---I really feel like this is a ship with a lot of potential! I'd love to see more of it!!I've wanted to draw these two for a while, but finally got the gump to do it just now. (I have some next gen characters that are the kids of these two, who are actually my favourites out of my next gens!)