Axle Box awoke some time after 8:00 AM, rolling over in bed and finding that his brother was nowhere to be seen. He read the note on the door and left the guestroom, turning left down the hall and following the winding path back to the foyer, retracing his steps from the previous night when Limb Trimmer had shown him and Drawbar to their room.
A quick check of the kitchen produced no Drawbar, so Axle went outside into the welcoming morning sun, the air still damp. He turned towards the mill, expecting to find at least the mill brothers there. Concern entered his mind as he wondered if Drawbar had spoken to Willow yet, or if he'd elected to avoid the matter and just go back to the train.
As he approached the mill Axle paused, the sight of Drawbar and Willow sitting together staying his hooves. A smile slowly spread across his face as he heard excited talking, laughing, and gesturing as the two told each other all about themselves. By the way they were sitting so close to each other, so as to make their tails swish together, was telling Axle that everything had worked out just fine.
More than fine. Ma brother finally hooked up with somepony. And one so cute, no less. That there is a fine catch, and I know Willow will be more than happy to be with 'im Axle thought proudly, simply sitting on the grass and watching the two stallions from afar, a happiness in his heart.
Now if only ah could find a love'a my own.
As happy as he was for his brother, Axle couldn't help but feel a sense of longing. To feel for somepony what Drawbar felt for Willow. To laugh and joke and see the world with them. To look deep into their eyes and see only a burning, unconditional love for him, and feel the same for them.
If only.
"How are they doing?" Axle heard somepony ask behind him, which made him jump in surprise. He looked over his shoulder at the speaker and found Limb Trimmer standing behind, a worried smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Axle looked at him for but a few moments, and remembered what he had felt the other day.
Trimmer's my type, and he's single, but... Is he even in to bucks? Ah don't think Drawbar asked Willow, but maybe he just 'knew'. Is that a thing? Can a pony just know if somepony is in to them, regardless of sex?
"Everythin' worked out jus' fine for the two of them. Uh, dunno if you knew about your brother being, ya know, in to colts. Kinda a shock, if'n you didn't" Axle said, turning around to face the Unicorn buck properly.
Trimmer snickered, raising a hoof to his mouth. It was the first time Axle'd seen the other colt smile, much less laugh. "Oh, I knew. It was not a challenge to figure it out. I've known since we were teenagers" Trimmer said, putting his hoof back to the ground. "Ah, it's an amusing anecdote, really. We're both gay."
Axle was immediately relieved to learn that, and his interest in the lithe Unicorn was renewed. Ya gotta chance now, Axle he thought to himself. "T'aint gotta problem with that, in case that weren't so obvious." He should hope that was evident enough, but it never hurt to make sure the other party knew.
"Oh, fear not. I had figured as much. There aren't very many ponies out there who take issue with who takes whom as their lover, be they stallion, mare, or other" Trimmer stated.
"Can't say I ever heard of a pony who fancied someone who ain't got four hooves and a horn or wings. Not that there ain't a thing wrong wit' it, but ah gotta wonder just how that's supposed to work."
Trimmer shrugged. "Daddy dated a Griffon when he was younger. If you can believe him. Said she was gorgeous, feisty, and terrifying beyond words, but there was something about her that drove him wild. Thought it had something to do with just how exotic it was to be dating someone who wasn't the same species as him. Said there was never anything so majestic or awe-inspiring as when she spread her wings."
"Sounded like he was mighty fond of her" Axle said with a nod. "What happened to her?"
"He wanted to start a family, settle down, and take over the mill when his parents died. Griffons, you know them, they can't stop. Need to fly, need to travel. Not exactly a lifestyle compatible with raising foals, not that they could have any, with the species barrier. They parted on amiable terms. Last I heard he still writes to her, and she even writes back. She's doing well" Trimmer explained.
"Glad to hear it!"
A pregnant silence fell over Axle and Trimmer, and the former looked back over his shoulder at his brother and Willow, who were still oblivious to the whole world, fully engrossed in their conversations. Axle let out a sigh, his thoughts drifting. Today would likely be their last day at the mill; Trimmer and Willow's father was supposed to return home today, and with him the coal to get the train moving again. Not that Axle thought he had a chance with Trimmer, even knowing his orientation was the way it was, but with no time left to get to know him better he'd never truly know if they could be a thing.
"What about you? Who are you attracted to? Mares, or stallions?" Trimmer asked, which made Axle whip his head around so fast he nearly fell over. He stopped and composed himself, and after he made sure he was going to remain upright Axle looked taken aback, his ears folded back against his head.
"That's a mighty personal question there, Limb Trimmer. T'aint a question for casual conversation" Axle protested.
Trimmer shrugged again. "Why not? I'm gay, my brother's gay, your brother's gay. We all know these things about one another. It seemed to me as though it would be a topic we should all be comfortable discussing, if we're going to get to know each other better."
Axle was at a loss for words, unsure of just what Trimmer meant exactly. Is he hittin' on me? Or am ah imaginin' things? He wouldn't be interested in a grease monkey like maself Axle mused. "W-Well, that ain't nothin' I'm willing to discuss right now."
"Your choice. I won't hold it against you" Trimmer replied, looking past Axle at the mill. "I suppose we should leave them to it. I'm going to head back inside to do some reading. Or perhaps would you like me to show you around the manor? It's rather interesting."
Axle paused. He wanted to take Trimmer up on his offer, both to get to know the colt better, and because the house seemed like it would be a rather interesting prospect to check out the magnificent manor the mill colts called home. However, he was already flustered with Trimmer's rather forward manner, and didn't want to risk embarrassing himself further with any comments that would catch him unawares.
"Ah'm afraid that ah'm gonna have to turn ya down on that one. I gotta get back to the train and check up on it" Axle said. Technically that was true, though it's not like anything of importance would have developed in his absence. The train would still be out of coal, and it'd still be sitting on the tracks, and Axle knew that Limb Trimmer would know as much.
"Surely that won't take you all day" Trimmer persisted.
"No, but it's at least gonna be an hour. Besides, ain't ya'll got some mill work to be doing?" Axle asked, perhaps a little too curtly, though if Trimmer was offended he didn't show it.
"No coal to run the furnace. No coal means no milling. Think of it as our de facto day off, if you will."
"Uh, well, maybe later, alright?"
Limb Trimmer looked indifferent. Really, if Axle had to use one word to describe Trimmer that'd be it. "Offer still stands, should you change your mind" the Unicorn buck stated. With that he turned his back and retreated into the manor, leaving Axle Box to begin to make his way down the hill and back to the train.
As he went along his way he looked up into the sky forlornly, letting out a sigh once again. Their last day at the mill, and he'd get to spend it alone with nary a companion beyond his books and the smell of oil. While Drawbar got to feel the warmth and comfort of another pony, Axle would be left with the cold unfeeling of the train.
Wait, he thought to himself. Trimmer said he was going back into the house to read. Guess he likes books just as much as ah do. Heh, maybe ah have more in common with that Unicorn than ah thought.
Maybe, before the day was out, Axle would talk to Trimmer again, and see just how much progress he could make with the cute little Unicorn who, beyond giggling once, has thus far shown indifference and apathy as his only emotions.
A few hours later evening was fast approaching and Axle was still at the train, left to ponder his own thoughts, a book sitting in his lap. Even as his eyes scanned the pages his mind struggled to pay attention to what was written, instead lingering on Drawbar and Willow, and Limb Trimmer. Drawbar hadn't come back to the train just yet, but Axle was sure he'd be back soon enough with the coal, and then they'd leave.
Which I don't wanna do just yet.
But it didn't matter what he wanted. What mattered was what would happen. Even in light of their imminent departure, Axle couldn't help but feel a small twinge of hope. Drawbar was with Willow, and thus they still had a connection with the mill, so there was always a possibility Axle could come back and talk to Trimmer.
But it wouldn't help him now.
For now we'll be going on our way, and there ain't a thing that ah can do about it.
A firm rap on the door of the control cabin knocked Axle from his musings and he looked up, finding his brother standing outside, a grin on his face. Axle smiled back in spite of himself and got up, releasing the lock on the door and letting Drawbar in.
"Hey Axle, Willow and Trimmer are fixing up some dinner before we leave. Do you want to come on up to the manor and have some?" Drawbar asked, his eyes bright. He looked brighter and happier overall, which Axle found to be no surprise, given how his brother's life had changed for the better.
"Ah guess" was all Axle had to offer by way of reply.
Immediately Drawbar's smile faded, replaced with a look of concern. "What's wrong, brother? Sad to be leaving?"
"Ah guess you could say that" Axle began, hesitant to continue but knowing that if he didn't he'd leave Drawbar in a state of worry all night, and he didn't want to spoil his brother's last day at the mill. "It's about you and Willow. Ah'm happy for the two of ya, ah really am, but... Well... Ah can't help but feel a mite jealous. Ah don't have eyes for Willow, but ah would like what you two got."
Drawbar sat down on the floor next to his brother, closing the door to the cabin in his wake. "Oh, Axle, I'm not sure what to say. Did... Did things not work out with Trimmer?"
Axle looked up, taken aback. "Who said ah was even in to him?" he asked, looking away when it became obvious that he was. "Well, ah haven't even really tried to get with him. We've talked a bit, but, well we really ain't got to know each other all that much."
"Axle, I think you should talk to him at least. We've still got time, and the dinner would be a great way to talk to him, to get to know him. All else fails you can at least let him know you're interested in him, and come back another time."
Axle let a smile pull at the corner of his mouth, though he wasn't entirely convinced. Still, anything was better than moping on the train, so he figured he had nothing to lose by going to the dinner. "Well, what the hay, ah guess I'll come up. What should ah wear?"
Drawbar facehoofed, a groan escaping his mouth. "It's a country dinner being hosted by two country colts at a lumber mill. They aren't the Princesses, brother."
Axle giggled at his brother's antics and response. "Ah'm gonna be having dinner with the colt ah'm attracted to, and his brother. Ah gotta look the part! Good catch with Willow, too; he's a mighty cute one" Axle teased.
Drawbar's face turned red and he pulled his head back, a perturbed expression coming to his face."Y-Yes, yes he is" was all he said in response. It was quite obvious by his reaction that Drawbar was quite infatuated with the little buck.
"Oh alright, loverboy, I'll come to the dinner and wear nothing. Maybe that'll make it easier to get Trimmer to notice me" Axle said, getting up from his seat and setting his book down on the control console. "Just lemme take a shower first. Ah'll be up in about ten minutes or so."
Just 15 minutes later Axle and his brother settled in at the manor just as Willow finished making up the dinner and set the table. It was built to seat eight, but with the four of them they elected to sit at the center of the table, Drawbar across from Willow and Axle across from Trimmer.
"Is everypony comfortable?" Willow asked, earning various responses to the positive from the others. "Great! This here should be a pretty great feast for ya'll. We got us a nice main of haysteak and cream of mushroom soup with a side'a lilies. The appetizer's a basket of crescent rolls, should ya'll be wantin' some, and I gotta surprise for dessert!"
"Sounds great, Willow. I appreciate the two of you doing this for us as a send-off" Drawbar exclaimed as he dug into his dinner with a fork, the other bucks doing so as well. The sounds of dinnerware clinking against plates was all that filled the dining hall for the next 20 minutes.
As he was eating Axle couldn't help but sneak glances at Trimmer, watching the adorable Unicorn from the corners of his eyes and when he thought Trimmer wasn't looking. He couldn't help but admire his magical prowess, even if it was something as simple as telekinesis to lift a fork, it still interested Axle. It was no secret he found Unicorns attractive because of their mystique, and though Trimmer may not have been the most powerful it was still more than exciting seeing him reach forth with his mind and envelop something in the glow of his magic.
Moving his focus past Trimmer's magic Axle took the opportunity to ogle the stallion's other physical features. He couldn't help but notice the intensity of the Unicorn's amber eyes, or the cute fluffiness of his ears and the way he kept his light-black mane; short and well-kept. His ocher coat shined cleanly in the light, healthy and full of luster.
He's beyond adorable. He's gorgeous! Sweet Celestia... Axle thought, tearing his gaze away from Trimmer and quietly letting out a ragged breath. Axle could've sworn it felt hotter in the dining hall than it did in the train's boiler, the way he'd gotten all worked up looking at Trimmer. He knew then he was utterly smitten with the Unicorn buck, and that he wanted nothing more than to get to know him better.
Which made it all the more painful that it'd be their last day at the mill.
"This is simply amazing, Willow" Drawbar said past a mouthful of haysteak.
Willow looked up as he craned his head down to take a bite of his own meal, simultaneously embarrassed by the sudden compliment and Drawbar's appalling table manners. "Drawbar! Didn't your mother ever teach you not t' talk with yer mouth full?"
Drawbar swallowed and used a napkin to dab the corners of his mouth, a sly grin on his face. "I should think that my flattering nature makes up for my poor manners, no?"
Willow groaned and buried his face in his hooves, his face redder than a tomato. "Ah've only known ya a few days and yer already embarrassing me in front of my family."
"It's quite alright, Willow. It's rather amusing, seeing him rile you up like this" Trimmer said with a smile, the second one Axle had seen crack his normally emotionless features.
Willow looked comically perturbed as his hooves fell to the table, looking straight ahead, his ears pinned back. "Now don't ya encourage the stallion!" he exclaimed, which made Drawbar guffaw and set his fork down, not wanting to inadvertently make a mess while he laughed.
Axle watched the group's antics with a smile, greatly amused at Willow's 'predicament'. Unfortunately for him, his blushing and embarrassment was precisely the kind of reaction Drawbar would be looking for whenever he teased him. His own nature would work against him.
Their good times were interrupted as they all heard the croak of the manor's front doors as they were pushed open, a deep voice calling out, muffled by the door of the dining hall. "Willow, Trimmer? I am home!"
Willow brightened at the voice, nearly tearing out of his seat before Trimmer grabbed him in his magic, forcing him to sit back down. "No leaving the table until dinner is finished, Willow."
Willow huffed and looked sullen, but otherwise stayed his hooves and remained in his seat. The door to the dining hall opened and in stepped a stallion that was presumably the mill colts' father. His coat was a deep redwood color, his mane a sandy blonde. His cutie mark was that of a mill wheel, and he looked to be quite the jovial stallion. "There are my young stallions! Oh is it so good to be home! You've even prepared dinner for me!" the stallion said, not even batting an eye at the two strangers in his home.
"Daddy! Welcome home!" Willow practically shouted, excitedly jostling in his seat.
Trimmer rolled his eyes. "That a buck your age could still be such a daddy's colt is beyond my comprehension. You're, what, 22 years old?"
"Hey! Jus' cause I love our daddy don't make me some kinda whelp."
"Now, now, let's settle down. I've had quite a long trip, and I'd very much like to join your dinner before I head to bed" the colts' father asked, earning an eager nod from Willow.
"'Course you can join us! I made sure to make up enough for you t' eat when you got home!" Willow replied.
"Splendid, splendid!" the stallion of the house said, trotting over to the table and sitting down right next to Drawbar as Willow got up to head into the kitchen and fetch him his meal. Their father sighed as he sat down, his heavy, muscular frame making the chair creak in protest. "I am simply famished."
Axle was more than a little confused as to why the stallion hadn't so much as acknowledged his and Drawbar's presence, much less introduced himself or asked who they were. Axle looked at Trimmer, who nodded knowingly.
"Dad, are you going to introduce yourself to our guests?" Trimmer asked.
Log Breaker hummed affirmatively, nodding as he turned to look at the train ponies. "Who are your friends, Trimmy? They look like fine, upstanding bucks."
"This is Axle Box and Drawbar, daddy, with the Royal Rail Service. Their train ran empty of coal not far from here, and they've been staying with us while we waited for you to come home" Trimmer explained.
"Hmm, of course. Welcome to Waterwood Mill, gentlecolts. I am Log Breaker. I'm sure you're well-acquainted with the fine bucks I call my sons."
"Yes, sir. We sure are" Drawbar answered.
"Splendid! I'm pleased to hear it! Life can be so very dull and boring out here, it's nice to have some company every so often" Log Breaker declared.
Just then Willow came back into the dining hall, carrying a plate for his father on his back. He pulled it off and stood on his hindlegs just behind Drawbar, putting a hoof on the conductor stallion's shoulder to brace himself as he set the plate down. His father thanked him and he briskly trotted around the table and took his seat again, smiling sheepishly at Drawbar.
"This looks delicious, Willow. You were always a great cook" Log Breaker exclaimed, quickly digging in.
"I-It was nothin', daddy" Willow replied, rubbing the back of his head.
Silence befell the room once more as the group, plus one, finished off the rest of their dinners, Log Breaker catching up and finishing at about the same time as the others, a testament to his appetite. With dinner finished Willow retreated into the kitchen to retrieve dessert, leaving the others to sit quietly.
"So," Log Breaker started, breaking the silence. "You bucks ran out of coal for your train, hmm? An oddity. I had expected the Royal Rail Service to ensure their trains were well-stocked."
"We had a holdup outside of Canterlot, which burned off enough of our coal that we didn't have enough to make it to Appleloosa" Drawbar explained.
Log Breaker nodded, grunting an acknowledgement as he ate. There was another brief moment of silence until Willow came back in, a platter on his back, a small but ample chocolate cake on the platter. He smiled, his head low, as he quickly trotted over to the table and set the platter down, the rest of the group expressing their approval in various ways.
"That looks simply delicious, Willow."
"Now that there's a mighty fine cake."
"Looks amazing!"
"Oh ho, my boy knows what his daddy likes!"
Willow shrunk away in embarrassment, but smiled at all the praise nonetheless. He cut it into a number of pieces and allowed the other members of the party to retrieve their slices on their own, watching with tentative excitement as they ate. It wasn't long before everypony had finished off their slices and vocalized their appreciation, for which Willow thanked them.
Dinner had finished and the evening was winding down, everypony's hunger sated, and they were content to sit in comfortable silence, savoring the lasting flavors even as they dissipated.
Trimmer was the first to excuse himself, rising from his seat and retiring to his room for the night.
"I believe that I will be retiring soon, as well. I am mighty tired from my trek to and from Baltimare, and tomorrow I've got to bring the next cart into town" Log Breaker declared, rising from his seat.
"Uh, sir, there is a matter I'd like to discuss. If'n you don't mind" Axle said.
Log Breaker turned back around. "Oh? What would that be?"
"Our train. We was hoping that ya'll would have some coal to spare. Enough to get us to Appleloosa. The RRS will be more than willing to compensate ya for the matter" Drawbar asked.
Log Breaker nodded. "Of course! I have no problem parting with some coal for you stranded bucks. Just how much will you be needing?"
"Ten pounds' worth."
Immediately Log Breaker's jovial expression turned grim, and he shook his head. "I'm afraid that it would be quite impossible for me to spare that much. I only purchased five pounds' worth of coal, as that's all the mill's furnace typically needs to last a few days. I'm taking another cart into Baltimare tomorrow, however, and I'll try to get it there and be back with some extra coal in an express manner."
Axle began to protest, but Log Breaker put his hoof down. "No arguments, friend. I won't let you have waited for me all this time only to make you trek into the city. It's the least I can do."
Axle nodded gratefully, letting Log Breaker fully break away from the table as he prepared to head to bed. He came around the table and nuzzled Willow, who put up weak, half-hearted resistance. Though Willow normally enjoyed his father's goodnight wishes he wanted to avoid further embarrassment, though as expected there could be no stopping the affections of a loving father.
"I imagine you two bucks will be heading back to your train now?" Log Breaker said after he broke away from his son. Drawbar and Axle shared a look, the former taking the initiative.
"Actually, sir, Trimmer had a guest room prepared for my brother and I. We would like to stay there tonight."
Log Breaker looked taken aback. "Oh, but of course! Sweet Celestia, where were my manners? I should've offered to prepare one for you two myself. You two are more than welcome to stay here for the remainder of your visit."
Axle piped up, rising from his seat at the table. "Thank you kindly, Mr. Breaker. For your hospitality, and for helpin' us out. My brother and I greatly appreciate it."
"Oh? it's no trouble at all. It's the least I can do, really."
Axle turned back to Drawbar and bid him goodnight, leaving the dining hall and disappearing from sight. As Log Breaker went to leave again he was stopped by Willow, who quickly stood from his seat. "Uh, d-daddy? There's s-something else that I gotta tell you."
Log Breaker was growing visibly exasperated at this point, though he did a well enough job hiding it from his son. "Of course, Willow. Anything for one of my beloved bucks."
Willow and Drawbar shared a look, the former nervous, the latter confident and nodding encouragingly. Willow licked his lips and turned his attention back to his father.
"W-Well, uh, Drawbar here and I, we're, uh... We're kinda...together. If'n you catch my meaning."
"Oh? My boy has finally found that special somepony? Splendid! It's no surprise to me that a handsome young stallion such as yourself should attract such another fine buck" Log Breaker stated, which made Willow's face turn red for the umpteenth time that night.
"Y-Yes, sir" Willow stammered out.
"I'm very happy for you, Willow. I'll have to find the time to get to know Mr. Drawbar should he ever come to visit" Log Breaker said, eyeing the conductor stallion.
Willow merely nodded, throwing his forehooves around his father and pulling him into a hug, which Log Breaker returned in earnest.
"I love you too, Willow. Why don't you take these dishes into the kitchen and get them ready to be washed tomorrow?" Log Breaker stated, Willow doing as his father asked and gathering up the plates and silverware and bringing them into the kitchen, disappearing from sight. With Willow out of the dining hall Log Breaker went back around the table and stood before Drawbar, sizing him up. Log Breaker was a full head taller than Drawbar, but both were similarly built.
"You are the stallion that has stolen my little colt's heart? A stallion such as you must be plenty honorable, being a member of the Royal Rail Service" the head stallion declared.
"Yes, sir, that's right" Drawbar replied politely.
Log Breaker smiled and leaned down, his eyes boring into Drawbar's. "Break his heart, and I'll break you. Understood?"
Drawbar's eyes widened but he nodded all the same, the jovial stallion's sudden change of tone and dark threat rather unexpected. Log Breaker donned his characteristic smile again, apparently satisfied with Drawbar's reaction.
"Splendid! Good night now, Mr. Drawbar."
With that he left, leaving Drawbar alone as he waited for Willow to come back so they could go to bed together, the conductor pony more than a little disturbed and afraid.
But confident he'd never do anything to face the older stallion's wrath.