>”Now, you’re sure you’re comfortable with this, sugarcube?”
>You see AJ’s reflection glancing at you from the mirror as she fills the tub.
>There’s been a lot of culture shocks that you’ve been trying to get used to living here, and this is just the latest one.
>Apparently, it’s pretty common here for ponies to bathe together in pairs or groups, especially among earth ponies.
>Guess the lack of hands makes washing a bit harder.
>You’ve been washing by yourself so far, but you finally decided to try it out with Applejack.
>She made it an open offer that you could try ‘the earth pony way’ with her whenever you felt like it, but she hasn’t been pressing you into doing it.
>Still, you feel better off adopting the local customs as much as you can.
>You toss your shirt into the corner where your boots were already resting
“I’m sure. I’m more comfortable trying this with you than anyone else.”
>You unbuckle your belt and start working your pants off.
“Besides, you’ve seen me naked already anyway. Not like there’s really much point in getting all bashful around you.”
>She chuckles a bit.
>”Alright, I just wanna make sure.”
>She turns her focus back to filling the the bathtub you as you strip away your lower garments.
>Applejack thought your hangups about being naked around others was a little silly at first, but between your anatomical and cultural differences, she’s been very understanding.
>She’s done a lot to accommodate you, you really can’t thank her enough for it.
>Throwing your pants into the corner, you start inspecting your physique in the mirror while Applejack is finishing up.
>You’ve gotten in good shape working for AJ.
>It feels good seeing how much more built and toned you are now.
>You weren’t exactly in terrible shape before, but you’re certainly living a much healthier lifestyle out here.

>You do however wince a bit at the gnarly scars that now occupy a notable portion of your upper body.
>The Everfree was not kind to you for the weeks you had to spend in there.
>Unlike animals on earth, the lack of humans here meant that the wildlife evolved with no sense of fear towards you.
>As a result, they had few qualms about trying to have you for dinner.
>You’ve been trying to keep them covered up as much as possible around the ponies.
>As far as you know, Applejack and her family are the only ones who know about how badly marred up you are.
>The rest of the ponies here already find you freaky enough as is, there’s no way any of them would ever stop being scared of you if you were walking around showing off these scars all the time.
>They’d probably think your some manic pit fighter who wrestles violent animals for fun or something.
>Claw marks on your shoulders, gashes from when you’d be violently thrown into trees.
>You take your gaze away from the mirror, and look down at one of your arms.
>There’s remnants of healed bite marks all over your forearm.
>One of those wooden wolves had pounced on you.
>You shoved your arm straight into its maw in a desperate attempt to keep the thing from clamping down on your throat instead.
>Laying there, slamming your fist into its head as it used your arm like a chew toy.
>You truly thought you were going to lose a limb in that moment.
>It’s probably a small miracle your arm survived pretty much intact aside from the scars.
>Hell, it’s a miracle you didn’t die of a raging infection from all the cuts and scrapes you got out there.
>You can hardly remember most of the encounters, truth be told.
>You know you tussled with quite a few predators, but between the fear and the adrenaline, nearly all but the most harrowing encounters were an indistinct blur in your mind.
>”Heya, ‘Non?”
“Mhm?”
>”I just wanted you to know – I really respect you tryin’ so hard to adapt to the way we do things ‘round here.”
>You start twisting around to look at your reflection from different angles.

>”Especially stuff like this, since I know you find it a little awkward. I’m just real proud of you for makin’ as much of an effort as ya are. I know plenty of folks who wouldn’t be tryin’ nearly as hard as you are if they were in your hooves.”
>Your lips curl into a slight smile at Applejack’s words.
>You aren’t sure what you’d do if it weren’t for her.
“Thanks AJ. I’m just glad you’ve been willing to help me out.”
>Turning to the side, you feel a bit shorter of breath as your eyes scroll over the largest of the scars.
>It was long and jagged, starting a bit on your back and wrapping around your waist.
>This was the one that came the closest to killing you.
>You trace your finger along the path of the scar tissue, vividly reliving the memory as you do so.
>You’d just finished bathing in a small stream you had found, and were about to start redressing.
>Being ambushed by one of those lion-scorpion things – manticores, Applejack called them
>The hot, burning sting of the manticore’s claw rending through your flesh – like a jagged cleaver carving though a pig carcass.
>Slamming your elbow straight into its eye in your blind panic, before diving for your pants to grab your pocket knife.
>It pounced on top of you at some point, and you just started stabbing it.
>Over and over and over.
>You don’t even know when it died.
>In your terrified frenzy, you hadn’t stopped stabbing until it’s belly and throat were torn to shreds.
>Nothing but crimsoned flesh and sinew, dangling like red ribbons off of scratched up bones.
>All the blood… so much blood.
>Both yours and its.
>All over your hands and face, in your hair, dripping from your side.
>No bandages, no dressing, nothing to stop the bleeding but your shirt.
>Tearing vines from the trees as you stumbled through the woods in a blind panic, sloppily tying them around yourself in an attempt to apply more pressure to the wound.
>You’re lucky to still be alive.
>And if you hadn’t stumbled into Applejack’s orchard to die, you wouldn’t be.

>”Anon?”
>Applejack’s voice startles you, ripping you from your reminiscing.
>You inhale sharply, suddenly feeling a bit light-headed, and quickly turn around to find her looking up at you with visible concern.
>You realize now that spacing out while staring at your reflection in the mirror probably makes you look at least a little crazy.
>”You were breathin’ awful heavy sug, are you okay?”
>You force your lips into a smile.
“Fine, sorry – just got a little lost in thought.”
>Her eyes move down your torso, settling on your waist.
>Your arm is flexing, and you realize that you’ve been tightly pressing your hand into your side where the scar is.
>You awkwardly move your shaking hand behind your back, trying to force your muscles to relax as much as you can.
“Finished filling the tub?”
>You try your best to change the subject, attempting to calm the trembling in your limbs, though the slight warble in your voice betrays your true state of mind.
>Your heart feels like it’s bulging out your chest with how hard it’s pounding.
>”Yea, but–“
“Great, guess we should hop in then, right?”
>You start striding over, eager to just get off your feet and catch your breath.
>As you come up to the tub, Applejack steps in to intersect you.
>She places her hoof on your hip, stopping you in your tracks.
>”Hey, hey – just slow down, sugarcube. Everything’s okay.”
>Her voice is tender, soothing.
>Just hearing her talk makes you feel relaxed.
>”Just breathe deep, nice ‘n easy.”
>You do as she says, taking a deep breath.
>It’s shakier than you’d intended.
>The scent of soap fills your nostrils.
>It smells like AJ and her family.
>Makes sense, they probably all bathe with it.
>You like the smell, something about it is just… comforting.
>Your heart is starting to slow down to a normal pace again.
>You can feel Applejack’s breath against your skin with how close she is to you.
>Her nose grazes your skin, and she gently nuzzles the scar that manticore left you with.
>”It’s okay hon, you’re someplace safe now. Ain’t nothin’ gonna hurt you ‘round here.”
>You exhale, letting the relaxation wash over you.
>She’s right, you have nothing to worry about, what are you getting so worked up over?
>It’s not like the scarring disfigured your face, or crippled you.
>You’re acting ridiculous.
“I’m sorry, I jus–
>She shushes you before you can continue.
>”Don’t apologize, ain’t no need for it.”

>She rubs her hoof on your leg reassuringly.
>Between taking care of her family, you, and acting as your self-appointed guide to this place, Applejack has the patience of a saint.
>There probably aren’t very many other ponies who would be so doting on you.
>You run your hand through her mane, your shaking now gone.
“Thanks, AJ.”
>She smiles up at you, and steps aside again to let you pass.
>”Since you’re a might bigger than me, it’s probably better if you get in first. Be a bit easier for ya to settle in there.”
>You nod in agreement, and step up to the tub.
>You step over the sides and sink down into the warm, soapy water.
>As you recline back with a sigh, Applejack comes up over the edge, and settles herself opposite of you.
>Despite most things here being a little small for your size, bathtubs were one of the few exceptions.
>Since the communal bathing thing was normal here, most tubs were made to fit multiple ponies, and with the fairly high sides, the water comes up to your shoulders when you just sit normally.
>”So, what do ya think?”
>You look up at AJ.
“It’s nice. Actually, your tubs are a lot bigger than most ones back home are.”
>She looks at you with an expression of mild surprise.
>”Really? Shucks, I figured y’all would build everything bigger than we do.”
>You cup the water in your hands, pouring it over your head as you talk.
“Most tubs are only really meant for one person sitting in it, and these days they’re usually only about chest high-ish when you’re sitting in them.”
>She hums thoughtfully.
>”I guess ya are a lot smaller when you’re just sittin’ like this.
>She shuffles closer to you, and nuzzles the top of your head.
>”Ain’t too often I get to see you from this angle.”
>You can practically hear the grin in her voice.
>You look up at her with your own little smile.
“Enjoying the view?”
>She giggles and nods her head at you.
>”You know it.”
>She leans down, laying her head your shoulder.
“Makes it a lot easier to hug ya properly too.”
>Your arms slide around her barrel, and you relish in the closeness as you gently squeeze her.
>It’s like there’s an electric current running though your body during moments like this.
>You could get used to this.
>Frankly, you probably should be trying to hug ponies more often.
>It can’t be good for your mental health, having so little contact for so long.
>Applejack’s been a lot more keen on how you’re feeling lately ever since you almost lost it in the orchard.
>It’s nice, knowing someone actually cares so much.
>”Ready to get to washin, ‘Non?”
>You pull away from each other.
“Yea, let’s do it.”

>”I was thinkin’ I could wash your mane and let you do the rest of your own washin’, since you were a might shy about goin’ through with this.”
>You grab the shampoo off the shelf for AJ, since it’s a bit easier for you than for her.
>”How ‘bout I wash you first, then you can do me next?”
>You nod your head.
“Sure, that works.”
>She takes the bottle into her mouth.
>It’s no wonder ponies like to bathe together.
>Can’t exactly reach very many places with a bar of soap in your mouth.
>You close your eyes as she squirts the shampoo into your hair.
>The last time someone else washed your hair for you was probably when you were just a kid.
>It feels strange, having someone do it now as an adult.
>You’re still not entirely sure how she’s going to do this without hands.
>”Alright, now you just let me know if I’m bein’ too rough, ya hear?”
“I will.”
>You relax your muscles as Applejack brings her hooves down on your head, rubbing gentle circles on your scalp.
>Her touch is light, not applying too much pressure with the hard keratin of her hooves.
>Applejack is surprisingly careful with her massaging, and whenever she does get a bit more forceful, she switches to rubbing with her fetlocks.
>It’s a bit odd feeling, but it is genuinely enjoyable.
>Guess these ponies are pretty used to working with those things.
>It actually does feel a lot better than you were expecting.
>Maybe you will start doing this more often.
>It’s nice just being close to her like this, and Applejack always seems to know how to make you feel better.
>”You’re lookin’ awfully relaxed now.”
>You chuckle placidly.
“Yea… you are pretty good at this…”
>Applejack’s chest puffs out a bit.
>”See – ain’t it nice havin’ somepony wash your mane for you every once ‘n a while?”
>She leans down, holding the sides of your head in her fetlocks and softly nuzzling your scalp before sighing.
>”It’s nice to see you so relaxed. I… I worry ‘bout you sometimes, ya know? You just usually seem so nervous ‘n jumpy, it just calms my nerves to see you enjoyin’ yourself for a change.”
>You smile, reaching up and hugging her again with one arm.
“Thank you – for caring about me like that.”
>After another brief hug, she takes up a wooden ladle in her mouth, and begins scooping up the warm water and pouring it over your head, rinsing out the shampoo.
>You run your hand through your hair, feeling its softness.
“Feels good. Guess it’s time for me to start on you now.”
>You grab the shampoo bottle again.

>You squirt the shampoo into your hand and shift up to sit on your knees so you can reach her head easier.
>Applejack closes her eyes and leans her head forward for you.
>You start rubbing it into her hair, and set to work with your fingers.
>It doesn’t take long for her to practically turn to putty in your hands.
>You’re out to impress, after all.
>Gotta show her just what these hands are capable of.
>There’s a few little satisfied ‘oohs’ and ‘hmms’ from Applejack as you brush your fingers through her mane.
>You deftly work through any tangles you encounter, careful to not tug too hard and cause any pain.
>Rubbing circular motions with your hands while lightly scratching with each finger.
>For ponies with no exposure to humans, this is probably damn near a sensory overload for her.
>Applejack can hardly say a word outside of her hums and pleased giggles.
“How is it?”
>You don’t even try to hide how self-satisfied you feel by her reaction.
>It always puts you on cloud nine whenever Applejack is so obviously pleased by something you do.
>”It’s good… real good. You really ain’t done this before?”
“Nope. Guess I’m just a natural at washing horses.”
>You both chuckle.
>It’s similar enough feeling to human hair, you suppose.
>It sort of reminds you of when you used to play with your mom’s hair as a kid.
>Once you have Applejack’s hair thoroughly lathered up, you get to rinsing it out.
>You don’t bother with the ladle, instead just cupping the water in your hands and pouring it over her mane.
>Rinse, brush through with your fingers, repeat until her mane is shiny and smooth.
>You look on, satisfied with your work as you feel the hair in your hands.
“So, you liked it?”
>Applejack nods eagerly.
>”Ya did good sugarcube. Probably the nicest mane wash I’ve had in a long time. Think you’d mind washin’ the rest of me? You could probably go over me right quick with how easy you can reach everywhere.”
>You have to admit, washing her everywhere else does make you feel a bit nervous.
>Ponies have fairly different sensibilities than what you’re used to, so you have no idea where on her body is and isn’t appropriate to touch.
>But Applejack was pretty excited to finally get you to agree to this, so you’d hate to say no.
“Sure, I can do that.”

>Finished with her mane, you grab the soap bar and get to work on the rest of her coat.
>No need for a brush like the ponies usually use since you can just hold it directly.
>You lather your hands up and start carefully rubbing he suds into Applejack’s face. 
>You carefully trace your fingers all along her features, making sure to not get the soap in her eyes.
>Applejack is totally at peace as you do, smiling softly and letting her head rest in your palms.
>Your face heats up a bit staring so closely at her, and you suddenly find that you’re very glad she has her eyes closed.
>You feel about as red as the apples on her flank look.
>After soaping up her face, you dip your hand in the water and gently wipe it all away.
>Applejack stays silent as you work, quietly relishing in your soft touch.
>As gentle as they may manage to be with their hooves, you’re sure this has still got to be quite the experience.
>Especially since they probably don’t get any where near as fine as your fingers do.
>You can easily rub and scratch each nook and cranny of her head.
>Between her eyes, along the jaw, the ears.
>As you make your way further down her face, Applejack wordlessly inches closer and lays her head down on your shoulder so you don’t have to reach as far.
>You start working the lather into her muscled neck.
>As relaxed as you were when AJ was washing your hair, she’s on a whole other level.
>She’s damn near falling asleep as you work the soap into her coat, resting her head on your shoulder as you make your way down her neck.
>You can feel each slow exhale of her breath on your skin.
>”Shoot… don’t need no fancy spa with these hands of yours.
>She even starts to gently nip your shoulder as your fingers rub her weary muscles.
>And you thought these ponies couldn’t get any cuter.
>You wonder…
>You stare are her brownish-orange coat.
>…Would she like that song?
>If you hummed it for her, would it make her feel even more relaxed?
>Eh, why not try it?
>She already seems to be enjoying herself, maybe she’ll like it.
>You start humming an old little tune as you massage the soap into her coat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efrVpkrWNkI

>Applejack’s tail swishes, and she nickers gently while rubbing her cheek on your shoulder.
>”That’s a nice song…”
>Jackpot.
>You’ll definitely be humming that in the future when you’re relaxing together.
>Hopefully you’ve made a good enough impression she wouldn’t mind doing this more.
>You slowly go about scrubbing the rest of Applejack’s body, humming all the while.
>Applejack looks so blissed out the entire time that you can hardly tell if she’s even awake.
>You know ponies can sleep standing up, so she very well could be right now.
>You were a little nervous when you started washing closer to her… more private areas.
>You still aren’t exactly sure how close to her teats you can touch before it would be considered inappropriate, but as long as AJ wasn’t raising complaint or saying anything, you figured you’re probably in the clear.
>Even after you’re finished scrubbing her down, you still idly pet at her coat as you go about rinsing her off.
>It just feels therapeutic, and Applejack doesn’t mind it either.
>She especially seems to enjoy when you scratch her flanks.
>Guess that is kind of a tough spot for her to reach on her own.
>The two of you just sit there a for a while, enjoying the warm water.
>You give yourself a quick and basic scrub down with the soap, nothing too drawn out.
>Mainly you just want to keep petting AJ, hoping that no one else barges in and sees you two in the mean time.
>AJ is one thing, but you’re not sure you’re ready to bathe with Apple Bloom.
>They may consider it normal, but sharing a bath with an actual kid is still a bridge to far for your sensibilities.
>And Mac you’re afraid might take offense to your handsyness with his sister.
>Regardless, now that you’re both clean, you really ought to be getting out now.
>Though you hate to rouse her when she looks so relaxed.
>Still, you can’t sit in here all day… even if that would be pretty nice.
>You take her head in your hands, and gently jostle her a bit.

“Hey, AJ?”
>Applejack yawns, blinking tiredly at you
>”All done, huh? Shoot, that sure was somethin’.”
>You half expect AJ to head straight off to bed after this with how tired she sounds.
>You hoped to make her feel relaxed, but you never thought it would work this well!
>You help boost Applejack up over the walls of the tub before climbing out yourself.
>Grabbing the towels off the rack, you toss one over your head, and hand the other one down to AJ.
>You hear a muffled ‘thanks’ as she takes the towel between her teeth.
>You vigorously rub your head and shoulders to dry them as quickly as possible.
>Wrapping the towel around your waist, you look down and see AJ awkwardly rubbing the towel against her coat with her hoof.
>This would probably be easier if you helped with it too.
>Kneeling down, you grab the towel and start drying her yourself.
>She turns to you with a smile.
>”Aw, thanks sug. Nice to see you already getting’ used to the pony way of doin’ things.”
>You return the smile.
“Thanks for helping me out as much as you do.”
>”So, think you’ll wanna do this more often?”
>You nod.
“Yea, I think so. This was nice.”
>”Glad to hear. Maybe you oughta come to the spa with me ‘n the girls sometime, then you could put them all to sleep with those hands too. Celestia knows some of them could use it.”
>You both share a laugh at her suggestion.
“Maybe. Not sure I’m ready to go bathing in public quite yet though.”
>Applejack nuzzles your face.
>”Course sugarcube. Ain’t no rush, just an offer for whenever you feel ready for it.”\
>You nuzzle her back.
>Maybe you will do that, eventually.
>Bathing with ponies really isn’t so bad.