Or at least, that was the vague excuse he gave Derpy. He didn't want to verbalize aloud why he really wanted to see Applejack again.
But as he raised his hoof to knock on the door, he froze as he noticed it was shaking.
"Why are you so nervous? You're just coming to thank her and go back to Golden's farm. You're a ladies man, ain't cha? Act like it!" He internally scolded himself. He took a deep breath, then rapidly knocked on the door.
"I'm coming, just a bit!"
He brushed aside his mane away from his face and stood up straight.
"Oh, howdy there. How can I help you?" Applejack stood at the door, hatless, and bits of her mane sticking out in different directions.
"Aw crap, she looks adorable!"
"H-howdy there, Miss Applejack. I don't know if you recognize me, considering I don't exactly look the same, but I'm the guy from earlier." He unconsciously rubbed his shoulder with his hoof.
"Hmm..Ah, I see now! Thought I recognized that hat of yours." She chuckled. "Good to see you again, Hol Horse. You can just call me Applejack, by the way."
"It's great to see you too, Mi-Applejack. Don't wanna take up too much of your time, just dropping by to say thank you for helping me run from Golden earlier."
"My pleasure. I know how cranky she can get when somepony gets in her garden." She grinned nervously. "But she's actually pretty nice once you get to know her." Her grin softened.
"I also came to apologize for your hat getting messed up." He recalled it being muddied.
"Just needs a little wash, no big deal." She waved her hoof. "Though I do feel a bit odd without it." She rubbed the top of her head, smoothing down a bit of her mane.
"Well, you could always-
"Borrow mine."
She stared up with her eyes wide open.
"Did I say that out loud?!" His muzzle turned a dark pink.
He hoofed at the ground, trying to hide his deepening blush.
He perked up at her laughter.
"That was pretty good Hol, you had me there!" She continued laughing.
"..I'm serious. It's the least I could do after you helped me out. Only if you want to,of course." He chuckled softly.
"Well, if you're sure. That's mighty kind of ya."
. . . Considering he hadn't been a pony for long, it was impressive he picked up prancing rather quickly. ————————————————————————-