“Well hey there Sugarcube!” Came Applejack’s typical greeting.
“Hey Applejack! And hello to you too, Macintosh!” Twilight tried to hide the anxiety in her as she greeted the red stallion.
“Hey Twilight!” He called back, smiling.
It had been a month since Twilight had helped fertilize the apple tree roots. There had been a night-and-day change in Macintosh. He actually was fun to be around, and he spoke with real phrases and sentences. The more Twilight talked to him, the more she was fighting a growing affection. He was kind, and not some tough guy who never opens up. He actually was similar to Applejack in some ways. He was very honest, and quite open with his mind. But what really got to Twilight is the fact that he had a soft spot for her and she knew it. Not a romantic one has far as she could tell, but more like he was grateful she put in so much effort to be his friend and also because she had opened a door for him he hadn’t known was there.
Macintosh loved talking. Not as much as, say, Pinkie Pie, but it was nice to share his opinions and feelings, while before he just bottled it up. It felt odd he hadn’t considered being open before, considering everyone else already had discovered it, but he felt free from a burden. The best part for him was that he had people who liked to hear him talk.
Applejack was shocked, but happy at his change. She loved to hear his opinions, and she listened intently. Twilight of course listened a lot as well, and he loved having friends like them. He had never experienced a true friendship like they offered, and he savored it.
So, as a result, Big Macintosh, Twilight and Applejack formed a close trio. They were all three close, and while Applejack and Twilight shared things with each other that you just can’t share with boys, they mostly all knew each other deeply.
“So what do you two want to do today?” Twilight asked happily.
“Well, Big Mac and I have to ask Rainbow to give our orchard a shower, but other than that we are not really doing anything. So maybe we could go and hang out with the others? They haven’t seen the change in Big Mac, and I think it’s something big enough to share.” Applejack said thoughtfully. “Knowing Pinkie, there will probably be a party to celebrate it this weekend.” She smirked.
And so, they headed back to the mass of Ponyville.
“Where to?” Big Mac asked, again grinning like a fool for speaking.
His smile made Twilight melt, but she denied it even to herself. “How about Sugarcube Corner?”
“Alright!” Applejack agreed.
They opened the door to the sweets shop and bakery to be met by a very excited Pinkie. Of course, Pinkie is always excited, so it did not really count.
“Hey guys! How have you been? I have some amazing news! The Cakes are making a cupcake for me!!” Pinkie spoke so fast that her words slurred and she acted like it was a winning lottery ticket. “Isn’t that awesome?!”
“Yes Pinkie, it is!” Twilight said, chuckling inwardly. Good Ol’ Pinkie Pie.
“I’m so happy for you, Pinkie!” Big Mac said, again grinning like a fool.
Pinkie’s jaw dropped and she, for once and probably the last time in her life, was speechless.
“Did…did you just say something other than “Yup!” or “Nope!”? Did my ears actually just hear that?”
“Yeeeup!” He said and winked at Twilight, who again was denying a skip in her heart.
Pinkie slowly made a huge grin. “So…your…like…talking now?! Ohmygoshthisisgreatthereisgoingtobeapartycomethisweekendpleasepleasepleaseplease!” Pinkie screamed excitedly.
“Did I hear a party somewhere in that?” Applejack asked, obviously saying “Called it!” in her own secretive way.
“Yes yes yes! There must be a party! To celebrate a new beginning for Big Mac!” Pinkie said as if it was obvious.
Big Mac just grinned.
Twilight couldn’t help but notice the grin, and she grinned herself uncontrollably. She tried to surpress it before someone noticed, but too late.
Pinkie saw Twilight glancing at Big Mac and trying to suppress a smile. Pinkie suddenly glanced between Twilight and Big Mac, gears obviously turning in that spastic mind of hers.
As the trio turned to leave, Pinkie whispered into Twilights ear. “Good luck!”
Twilight turned around to see Pinkie, who was leaning over the counter near her face. Pinkie winked and smirked as the three left the shop.
The others were basically just surprised to see Big Mac talking, but it was normal. However, the whole time Twilight was fighting a losing battle against herself liking Big Mac. She was Applejack’s brother! It would be weird to like him like that, wouldn’t it?
But the sun was setting, and they were all getting tired. They decided they would just take a walk in the park before turning in.
As they walked, they were pretty much silent. Twilight kept glancing at Big Mac. He was such a good looking stallion! But he was still the brother of her best friend. She couldn’t let a crush develop on him!
But fate didn’t have that in mind.
Big Mac suddenly stopped.
“I need to say something,” He began. “ever since I began talking, I’ve experienced a new feeling. The feeling of true friendship. Applejack, you’re my sister, and I’m so glad we are as close as we are. Not all siblings get along as well as we do. And Twilight, Thank you for knocking some since into my head! Without you, I would still be that clueless idiot I was a month ago. You’re a true friend, and that means a lot to me.”
After a short silence, Applejack nuzzled his neck. “I’m glad too, Big Mac. I am too.”
Twilight grinned. Secretly, her brain was at civil war. I don’t want to be just friends! One part of her brain said. The other part kept whispering a warning. She’s your best friend's brother. Do you know what this could do?
But at this point, there was no stopping it.
Frustration winning, she nodded to Big Mac to show that she was happy to hear it (even though she wasn’t) and suddenly started tearing up.
Oh no, this wasn’t happening. Not on her watch.
Suddenly, she turned around and ran, leaving other Big Mac and Applejack in shock and confusion. But there was only one thought that rang in her head.
I love Big Macintosh. Her brain screamed.