Chapter 6
Applejack detected the scent of cinnamon drift past her. The tantalizing smell lifted her from her slept, and she slowly opened her eyes. The morning was about to arrive, spreading an orange glow around the mountain line. Granny don’t get up this early. Who could be cookin’ at this hour? Wait...could he be back this soon? She felt something warm around her. Looking down, AJ saw one of Granny’s hand-knitted blankets draped on top of her. She got up from her place on the couch, folding the personal treasure up. She walked into the kitchen, and was greeted by a large red pony, who was putting the finishing touches on a batch of apple fritters.
Applejack ran up to her brother, nearly bowling him over in a bear hug. “Macintosh!” she clamored. “Thank Celestia!” AJ buried her face in Mac’s thick red coat, wrapping her arms around him.
“Morning, AJ” said Mac. “Umm...” he held the fresh pastries in his hoof. “Can ya let up a bit? Ah gotta get to the table.”
“Nmmpf” said AJ from within Mac’s coat.
“Can ya’ll repeat that?”
AJ looked up from his chest and into Mac’s face. “Nope” she said, smiling. Mac walked over to the table, dragging his sister along behind him. He turned, lifted AJ up and placed her down in the seat next to him.
“So Mac, how was it? Figure it must’ve been pretty good, seeing ya’ll are back so soon. Ah was thinkin’ you’d be a couple days.”
Mac donned an inquisitive look. “Why ya say that?”
“Whelp, when one gets called away on business by Celestia herself, it’s usually urgent. An’ by the looks of yer face, it was urgent an’ dangerous.”
Big leaned back in his chair, took a deep breath, and started talking. He talked about Celestia’s death elevator, he talked about Soarin’s fiery entrance in the apartment building, he talked about the close encounter he had with the blue pony’s blade. Big Mac talked more in that moment than he’d talked in the last month. When finished, he rested his forelegs on the table, looking at Applejack.
“Ahh...Ah can’t believe it, Mac.”
“Ya’ll know Ah wouldn’t lie about somethin‘ like this.”
AJ shook her head. “Not yer story, Mac. Ah can’t believe that you jus‘ talked that much.”
Mac furrowed his brow. “Now isn’t the this fer jokes, ‘Jack.”
AJ lowered her head. “Look, Mac. Ah can either tease ya’ll, or break down in fear o’ you gettin’ hurt. Which do ya’ll want?”
Mac grew an understanding smile. He got up and embraced his sister tightly. “I get it, AJ.” Releasing his sister, he trotted towards the door. “I’m gonna step outside, m’kay?”
“Sure, Mac. Jus’ make sure to take care o’ that cut.”
With Mac outside, AJ looked down into her plate. She stared at her breakfast, just thinking. Standing up, Applejack silently walked over to Soarin’s room. She peeked in, seeing Soarin’ sleeping peacefully. She let out the breath she didn’t know she was holding. AJ walked in, peering at Soarin‘. Crazy stallion... she thought. Jumpin‘ through walls an‘ whatnot. AJ was now standing next to the bed. She ran a hoof through his mane. It was smooth and silky, and shined with a blue radiance when sunlight broke in through the window.
Soarin’ stirred, pulling the blankets tighter around himself. “mmmmuffp, ggrhadgs” he said. Applejack drew her hoof back. What am Ah thinkin’? Bustin’ in here to....to..Why did Ah come in here again? She looked down into Soarin’s face. Feeling a knot in her gut, she realized something. Hearing Mac’s story made her worry. Not only for her brother, but for Soarin’. Sure, course Ah worried ‘bout him. He’s a good friend. Her brain told her that that was a lie. He wasn’t just a friend. She’d experienced the feeling of worrying for friends. This was different.
Ah like him.
The day started off relatively easy. AJ insisted that Mac took a break from chores today, seeing as he’d all that excitement the day before. Mac sat on the front porch, watching the day roll on. It was an unusually warm saturday, just about noon and a few clouds hung over the homestead. Out of the corner of Mac’s eye, he spotted a small yellow filly running down the dirt path to the house.
“BIG MAC!” she shouted, leaping into his arms as she reached the porch. Mac smiled brightly while Applebloom snuggled into Mac’s coat. “Ah knew you’d be home soon! Applejack didn‘ think so, an‘ I told her, I said...”
“Calm down now, AB.” Mac brushed her hair with his hoof. She looked up into his eyes and smiled, sitting next to him. “So, how was school yesterday? Ah’m sorry I couldn’t pick you up.” Mac normally met Applebloom and the crusaders at the end of school.
“That’s alright. Ah know ya’ll were busy. School was okay. Me an’ Scootaloo couldn’ figure out this algebra thin’, but Sweetie Belle’s great at it!” Applebloom took off her sack, placing it next to her and pulling out a sheet of paper.
“Ya see, miss Cheerilee wanted us ta find ‘X’. Well, Ah told her to look next ta ‘Y’. Apparently, that’s not what she meant.”
Mac laughed quietly. Other than him, none of the Apples had been particularly good at math. As Applebloom finished her story, she gave Mac a quick peck on the cheek. “Ah glad yer home, Mackie” she said, opening the front door.
Big Mac grinned. “Ya’ll come up with that yourself?”
“Yup! Ah like it.” Applebloom turned to face her brother.
“Me too” he said. “But, don’ tell AJ, ‘kay?”
Applebloom nodded in agreement and walked in. She’s gonna be a handful when she gets older. Ah already had ta deal with one Apple filly through puberty. Ah think Ah can wait fer another one. Speaking, or rather thinking of AJ, Mac looked around for his older sister. He saw her approaching the farmhouse through the orchard.
Mac having a small amount of free time Applejack had a few errands for him, and he was happy to oblige. Anything to keep mahself busy. While he valued free time as any other pony, Mac liked to spend his doing something, not sitting around. Applejack trotted to the house, dropping off a burlap sack which contained a sack of apple seeds, a trowel, and a watering can. She sat down next to Mac, throwing her arm over his shoulder.
“Howdy, Mac! You got a minute?”
“Course ‘Jack, as long as it don’ overlap with training.”
“Ah wouldn’t worry ‘bout that. Dashie’s got some work in Cloudsdale, so she’s gonna be a bit late.”
Mac snickered at the pet name Applejack used. “Dashie, huh?”
Applejack’s face flushed, realizing that Rainbow would definitely not appreciate her spilling the beans on her nickname. “Umm...Ah meant..” she darted her eyes back and forth, trying to think of an excuse.
“That’s gonna ruffle some feathers, if ya’ll...” Mac stopped teasing when AJ glared at him.
“Macintosh, Ah forbid you to use that! Ah...Ah promised Rainbow that wouldn’t get out, an‘ if you....”
“Relax, AJ. Ah’m jus‘ pullin‘ yer chain.” Mac scooted closer to his sister. “If Dash really don‘ like it, Ah’m not gonna poke at her.” He stood up, stretching his muscles. “So, what’d ya’ll got for me today?”
“Well, Twilight’s got a couple floorboards that need replacing.”
“Good. Ah wanted to run over there anyways.” AJ shot Mac a look, and he shrugged. “Ah wanna get into that manual, but it’s so confusin‘ Ah figure she might be able to help.”
AJ shook her head. “She’ll prolly love the chance for that. Other than that, Ah think Rarity needed a bit of help movin‘ somethin’ or other.”
Mac found that rather suspicions, a thought made obvious to AJ through his expression. “Umm, okay. No offense AJ, but that’s rather vague if ya ask me.”
“That’s whats she said. She’s got some big thing an‘ she needs a big, strong pony to help her.”
Big Mac sighed deeply. He’d recognized this ploy before. Before his accident, many ponies in town needed help, be it heavy-duty construction work or just an extra pair of hooves. And he was happy to oblige, provided the task entailed nothing too outlandish.
“AJ, I don’ like the sound of this. That’s the same thing ya’ll said when Carrot Top needed mah help ‘replacing her pipes’. Remember?”
Applejack gripped her hat in laughter. “Oh boy, do Ah ever! She was chasin’ ya’ll down like ya broke a Pinkie promise.” She patted Mac on the back. “Look, that ain’t gonna happen. What, you scared o’ little old Rarity? ”
Mac chuckled a bit himself. “Alright, alright. Ah better get going if Ah wanna get back on time. Ah doubt Dash’d be happy if Ah'm late.” With that, Mac got up, grabbing his pack containing his book, and starting his trek to Ponyville, trying to keep optimistic about whatever Rarity wanted.
Mac arrived at the Ponyville library, knocking lightly on the door. Mac heard rustling inside, accompanied with hushed voices. He tilted his head, slightly confused. The door opened, revealing a ragged-looking Twilight. Her hair pointed every which way, and she had bags under her eyes. Her back slouched too, as if trying to force it‘s owner to lay down.
“Ohh, Hi Macintosh!” she said, brightly. “Come in.”
“Are ya’ll alright, miss Sparkle? Ya look..a might tired.” He entered, and in looking around, Mac noticed that the library was unusually messy.
She caught him looking around. “Oh yes, I’m fine. I’ve just been experimenting with a few new spells.” Twilight smiled nervously. “It’s usually not this bad” she said, waving her arm towards the miscellaneous books and scattered paper around the room.
“Don’ worry yourself ‘bout it none.” He focused his attention on the lavender mare. “AJ said somthin’ about replacing floorboards?”
Twilight nodded. “Yes. Follow me, please.” She lead Mac up the stairs of the library and into the main bedroom. “It’s these three.” She pointed at the base of the middle board, which was slightly rotted and spreading to the two adjacent boards.
“Apparently the former owners had forgotten to mention this.”
Mac set his bag down. “This should take no time at all, miss.”
Mac reached into his bag, pulling out a crowbar. He wedged it under the base of the middle beam, prying it for the nails holding it in. After removing the two adjacent beams, he deposited the three rotting floorboards behind the house and picked up the new ones Twilight had ordered. He finished replacing, sanding, varnishing the wood within a few mintues.
“There ya are, miss Sparkle” Mac said proudly. Having done little woodwork, he figured that this job had turned out quite well. “Jus’ avoid this area for a couple hours, okay?”
“Will do, Big Mac. Thank you so much” Twilight replied. “I must admit, neither Spike or I are good at home improvement. It’s nice to have a helping hoof once in a while.”
Mac seized this opportunity to ask about the book he’d brought. “Actually, miss Sparkle, there’s another reason ah came over...” Mac reached into his pack, retrieving the manual Dr. Forrester had given him. He placed it on a table for Twilight to look at.
“Did AJ tell ya’ll about the accident at Sweet Apple Acres a few months back?”
Twilight looked up from the book. “Yes...she said a boiler exploded, and that Princess Celestia herself saved both you and Soarin. Why?”
“Well...” Mac hadn’t wanted to delve into this story with a mare he didn’t know very well.
“Let me guess, you and Soarin’ are both part of secret project that turned you into cyborgs!” shouted Pinkie.
Both Twilight and Big Mac recoiled from the pink pony’s surprising appearance for seemingly nowhere. Twilight her a hoof to her head, while Mac pressed his back against the treehouse, intaking greedy amounts of air.
“Pinkie...how long have you been there?” asked Twilight, regaining her composure.
“Long enough to hear something like a seeecret! “ Pinkie retorted.
“Please, Pinkie. A cyborg program? I think you’ve been reading too many sci-fi books.” Twilight turned to Mac. “So, what did you want to tell me Mac? If it’s private...” she looked over at Pinkie, who was playing with her tail at the time.
“OOOO, don’t worry, Mackie! I can keep a secret!” She took a serious pose. “Telling a friend’s secret is the quickest way to...”
“...lose a friend. Don’t worry, miss Pie, Ah know you can. But I seems like you pretty much figured it out already.”
This time, it was Pinkie’s turn to jump, though more from excitement than fright. She zoomed to Mac’s side, inspecting every inch of him with glee. “NOOO WAYYYY!” Pinkie concentrated hard on his chest. “You don’t look like a robot. You look like a pony.”
“Ah’m not a robot, Pinkie” responded Mac, clearly frustrated with the prodding.
“Ooooooo....” Pinkie’s barrage of uncomfortable examination was hitting a fever-pitch as she started poking his flank.
“Can ya’ll stop that?” Mac stared Pinkie down. She nervously smiled, backing off.
“Pinkie, I think Big Mac needs some time to adjust. Would you mind taking it easy?”
Mac praised Celestia for Twilight’s intervention. Pinkie nodded her head, exiting the library mentioning something about a party. Twilight shut the door, looking curiously at Mac.
“So, is it true, Mac? You really are...”
“Eeyup. From head to toe, apparently. The doctors gave this book here, but Ah can‘ make a lick o‘ sense of it.” He gestured at the manual.
“And you’d like me to help you...how?”
“Whelp, Ah need to be able ta access...whatever it is they gave me. An‘ Ah need to read that book to do so. See the problem?”
Twilight eyes grew when she realized the problem. “You need help reading? Mac, you might as well have given me all of Canterlot.” Twilight was bouncing with anticipation. “Ohhh, I bet it’s filled with all sorts of technical schematics, and spreadsheets, and, and...” Twilight stopped, seeing Mac’s befuddled gaze.
“....I like reading.”
“Ah can see that.” Mac laughed. “Thank you, though. Do ya’ll mind if Ah leave it here? I gotta head over ta miss Rarity’s in a bit.”
Twilight smiled. “Of course.”
“See ya'll later, miss Sparkle."
“Please, no need for formalities.” She walked Mac to the door. “Give me a little time to read up, but you can visit anytime you want. I’ll help as much as I can.”
“Thanks, Twi. You’re a good friend.”
She beamed. “That’s what I’m here for, Mac.”
Mac left the house, thinking on what mysterious task Rarity had prepared for him. He headed towards the boutique. He’d never really been inside, maybe once when dropping off Applebloom. Even though his sister and her were friends, he’d met the fancy mare only a few times. Seems odd that she’d need mah help. Dress-makin’ don’t seem like it involves heavy liftin’. Applejack seems ta think everything’s on the up an’ up, though. Big Mac reached the boutique, and before knocking the door swung open.
“Why, hello Big Macintosh. I wasn’t expecting you so soon.” Rarity spoke with a twinkle in her eye, ushering the stallion inside with a motion of her hoof. She lead him into the kitchen, taking a seat at the dining table.
“Well Ah got done early over at miss Sparkle’s, so Ah had a bit of extra time. Ah hope that’s alright.” Mac stopped at the table.
“Oh of course that’s quite alright. Can I get you anything? Water? Cider, maybe?”
Mac smiled. “Ah’m jus‘ fine, but thank ya miss Rarity.”
Oh I know you are, thought Rarity. “Maybe later, then. I’m sorry to drag you away for such a rough task, but there isn’t any other pony that can help.” She showed Mac a large steel oven, which sat in the middle of the room. It shined brightly in front of an empty spot next to her countertop.
“I had this delivered the other day, since a small white filly broke my last oven.” Rarity frowned as she recalled Sweetie Belle last attempt at cooking.
Mac walked over to the machine, sizing it up with his front hooves. He placed them on the oven, giving it a quick push. It slid about a foot forward. Mac grinned at the results. “Don’ worry yourself. Should be done before you know it.”
Mac pushed as hard as he could. As it turns out, the spot were Rarity wanted the oven was in her workshop. “Ah...t-thought this...was for cookin’?” Mac struggled as he balanced the oven on his back.
“Silly me. I should have explained. There’s a large order of hats I need to fill, and they require small pieces of handmade pottery. And I can’t be running back and forth with fragile pots, now I can?” Rarity opened the door to her room with magic, as Mac fought up the last stair.
“Suppose...s-so.” He dropped the weight slowly, not wanted to repair the floor and finish moving the oven. He looked into the room, which was surprisingly clean for what one would call a workshop. “So, where is this..going?” Mac panted, drawing in deep buckets of air.
“R-right over there, dear. In the corner.” Rarity pointed towards the left most side of the room. Mac lifted the corner of the oven, propping it onto his side and lifting it onto his back.
“Thank you SOO much, Macintosh. This will help a lot!” Rarity preened, fluttering her lashes to add to the effect.
“No..problem” said Mac, finally putting the oven down, “miss Rarity.”
“Ohhh Macintosh, you’re such a gentlecolt!” she giggled. “I simply MUST make this up to you.”
Mac did not like the sound of that. It sounded...too familiar. Uh no. “Like Ah said, don‘ worry yourself ‘bout it. You don‘ gotta...”
Rarity snapped to Mac’s side, putting her face uncomfortably close to Mac’s. “But I must! You took the time out of your valuable day!”
“Really, miss Rarity, it’s nothing...”
“Nonsense. This simply won’t do!” Rarity backed off slightly, giving Mac a little breathing room. She trotted around to Mac’s other side, thinking to herself. Mac just watched her, a little nervous of what she’d come up with.
“I’ve got it!” Rarity declared. “Are you busy next week this day? Around three?”
This loosened Mac up a bit. “Not that Ah know of. There’s work to be done, but other than that, no.”
Rarity grinned widely as her eyes glistened. Mac knew at that moment, he should have said he was busy. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
“We’ll have ourselves a spa day!” She clapped her hooves gleefully. “I’ve always wanted a male companion with me there.” Her eyelids lowered slightly, giving Mac an alluring glare. “It should be an...eye-opening experience.”
“Hehe, umm...whatever ya’ll say, miss Rarity.” Mac had entered full panic mode. “That’s sounds dandy” he said quickly, searching for the exit. He remembered that he had a session with Rainbow soon. Seems like she’s comin’ in handy e’vry day.
“Sorry ta leave on such short notice, but I got a bit o‘ training..” Mac started.
“Of course, Macintosh. I know you’re quite busy.” Rarity walked Mac to the door. “Just remember; next week is our spa ‘date’ , Mac.”
Mac spun around just as Rarity closed the door. She leaned her back against it, and slid to the ground. FINALLY! she thought. It may not be ideal, but I’ve got my chance. She crawled up to the front parlor window, watching as Mac walked swiftly towards Sweet Apple Acres. Oh my word, she smiled. As Mac walked, his haunches rose, rippling when he dropped his massive hooves to the ground. It may be sad to see such a stallion go, but MY is it glorious to watch.
By the time Mac made it back to the farm, it was already 3:30 in the afternoon. He was met at the barn by an irritated Rainbow Dash. He walked up to her, trying to put on his best ‘forgive me‘ smile. It was promptly ignored.
“And where were you an hour ago? I come all the way down here yesterday, one one red stallion is nowhere to be found!” Dash stuck a hoof out at him. “And today, I get off work earlier, and...look at that? You’re nowhere to be found!” She stuck her nose in the air. “I’m starting to think my services are unwanted.”
Mac deadpanned her, and a few seconds later she peeked from under her pompous pose. Dash noticed the bandage across Mac’s face, dropping her act. “Hey, what’s that?”
“Ah got a little cut the in Canterlot yesterday.”
Dash moved closer, inspecting it. “What, you insult some stallion’s girl?” Dash tried not to smile. Picturing Mac getting laid out, honestly seemed ridiculous to her.
“Knife, actually”.
“WHAT!?!” Dash’s pupils shrank looking at Mac. “The hell were you doing?”
“Nice to see you care” Mac grinned. “An‘ it was more like broken glass, but damn if it ain’t the same thing.” Dash was still looking at him, concern on her face. “Let’s get going, we’ll talk on the way.”
“Hold up a second” said Dash. “You stitched it, right?”
“Eenope. Figured it was fine.”
Rainbow Dash hovered in front of him. “Ya know, sometimes I think you actually are as dumb as you look, Big. Follow me.” She led him back to the farmhouse and into the kitchen. “Sit” Dash commanded.
As Mac sat at the table, she left to find a sewing kit. Mac twiddled his hooves, wanting. Dash entered the room carrying a needle and some red thread. She also had a bottle of rubbing alcohol with her.
“Here” she slid the bottle to Mac. “Put some on the cut.”
“Ya know, Ah can jus’ go to the hospital, or better yet jus’ wait for it to heal.” He started to raise from his seat, but Dash flew behind him, pushing Mac back down.
“No” stated Dash. “You might need to know this, if you’re already getting hacked up.” She smiled. “And for some reason, I don’t think you’d go to the hospital.”
She was right, and Mac knew it. After his last experience, he certainly wasn’t anxious to go back. Mac looked up at her, nodding. “Okay, you win. But ya’ll are gonna hafta do it.”
“You scared of needles?” Dash took the seat on Mac’s left. She scooted close to his face and removed the wrap covering Mac’s sliced cheek. It was still pink, with droplets of blood oozing out from the lower corner.
“Ah don’t have a mirror, Rainbow.” Mac kept his face still as Dash poured the rubbing solution over his cut, wincing. “And...yes, a little.”
Dash caught her laugh just before her lips. She stifled it. “Really? Big Macintosh, Ponyville’s resident stud, is scared of a little needle?” She held the prick in front of Mac’s face.
“Any time, Dash.” Mac tightened his face.
Rainbow shrugged. “Okay...” She quickly heated the needle on the stove. Dash walked over to Mac. “You ready?”
“Jus’ do it.”
Dash plunged the needle into Mac cheek, lining it up across the cut. She thread it up the cut, using a cross-stitch. Knotting it at the top, she examined her work. Not too shabby she thought. Looking back to Mac, he was still staring straight ahead.
“Hey Big, we’re done.”
He loosened his face up, moving his jaw around to test the work. Satisfied, he turned to Dash. “So, how does it look?”
“Well, I used red thread, so it shouldn’t be too noticeable. But..”
“But what?”
“...It’s probably gonna leave a scar” Dash finished. “Don’t worry, though. Ya know, mares love scars.”
Big Mac rolled his eyes. “Great.”
By the time the pair reached the canyon aptly named Danger Chasm, it was already 4 o’ clock. The space before them was peaceful, a slight breeze rolling through. As they made their way into the cavern, Mac drawled about the previous day.
“So, we walked back to the castle, and they brought us home. An’ that’s about it.”
Rainbow Dash stared wide-eyed at Mac, for the second time today. “That...is...sooo AWESOME! You stopped the bad guy, you saved royal guards, Mac.” Dash sighed. “I kinda wish I was there.”
“Well, Ah can say that ya’ll certainly had an effect in the matter. If not fer you, I woulda taken a spear to the...well, everything.”
Rainbow smiled and color filled her cheeks. “Thanks, Big.” She slugged him on the shoulder. “You’re alright.”
“Quit gettin’ all soft on me, Dash. Still got work to do.”
The two ran off onto a dirt track Rainbow had made, racing each other for a quick warm-up. Dash teased Mac, staying just enough for her to be ahead and still be heard. This lasted for 30 minutes. Both of them were a little sweaty from the run.
“We should take a dip” suggested Dash, pointing towards the lake.
“What, you takin‘ it easy on me Dash?” said Mac. “Ah haven’t passed out yet.”
“Well, I thought you could use a little break after yesterday, but if you insist...”
Mac quickly shook his head. “No No, you’re right. A little rest would be nice.” Mac trotted into the water slowly, testing the temperature. He sat down after a bit, cooling off. Dash was swimming from side to side as fast as she could, trying to egg Mac on.
“C’mon Mac, bet you can’t out-swim me.”
“Dash, Ah thought this was supposed to be a break?”
She stopped swimming, looking at him. “Doesn’t mean I can’t have any fun.” She splashed Big Mac. He shot Dash a hard look, responding with one of his own. This painted a competitive smile on Dash’s face.
“So that’s how it’s gonna be, huh?” Dash shot out of the water, straight up. She zipped down towards Mac, tackling him into the lake. The two started wrestling in the water, each fighting for control. Dash usually had top control, only for the fact that Mac had no real desire to win. She finally “pinned” him on the ground, high enough on the beach for Mac to breath.
“I..win” she panted. She pushed down on his shoulders, grinning. “Guess..you’re not as...strong..as you..look.”
“Guess not” said Mac, smiling. He just laid there, resting on the beach. As he did so, Dash looked down at him. She stared into the green abyss he called eyes, feeling the same way she did when she crashed into him. Feeling a little heat under her face, Dash realized what AJ had said the day before was true.
Oh god, AJ’s right. I-I... I do like him. Whyyyy? Why him, of all stallions? AJ’ll never let this one go. She jumped off him, quickly walking away. “Get up” Dash called over her shoulder. “Break’s over.”
Dash ran the rest of practice in silence. She had Mac go through the motions, not really challenging him. ...This is okay. So what, I like him? That doesn’t mean I’m gonna turn into one of those crazy fangirls Mac seems to have. I’ll just stay the same old Dash. If that ain’t enough, then he’s missing out.
“You alright? Ya been kinda quiet...” Mac trotted up next to her as they exiting the gorge.
“Wha...yeah, I’m fine. Just a bit tired.”
“Really? Ah feel fine...” Mac jokingly scoffed. He stopped when he noticed Dash’s sagging head. “Now hold on, Dash.” He stepped in front of her. “Don’ try ta hide nothin’ from me. Ah live with three mares, an’ Ah can tell when somethin’s wrong.” He raised his hoof under her chin, drawing her eye line up to his. “Ya’ll can talk to me, ya know?”
Rainbow squirmed. What should I say? I can’t just tell him....well, I could, but that might not go over well. “Big...you ever meet someone really cool? Like, so cool you just wanna be around them all the time?”
“If you’re fishin’ fer compliments, you’re being rather blunt...”
“That’s not what I mean...” Dash started pacing, trying to keep her composure. Why the hell am I so nervous? “...There’s this stallion.”
“There always is” Mac smiled, shaking his head.
“He’s nice, and strong. He’s a good friend...and nice. He’s tough....”
“Ah think Ah know who yer referrin’ to.” Mac grinned, looking straight ahead. “But to tell you the truth, Ah don’ think he’ll go for it. Soarin’ seems to be after AJ.”
Dash blinked, and shook her head. Soarin...what? What does.... Dash facehooved. I thought he was good with this kinda stuff.
“Don‘ worry, though. Ah ain’t gonna start nothin‘ between you and Applejack. Jus’...be careful around her. You thought she was competitive ‘bout sports?” Mac chuckled. “You ain’t seen nothin‘ yet.”
“Yeah...I’ll make sure to do that.” Dash looked down. Jeez, I can’t even get through to a stallion whose constantly bombarded by mares. She sighed, plastering a fake smile across her face as they walked through the Everfree forest.
The next week went by uneventfully. Mac woke up, did a few chores, worked out with Dash, and headed to Twilight’s to study up on himself. He started to settle into a routine. Mac felt a little normalcy return to his life. If only he could figure out that damn manual.
“Ah can’t do it!” Mac shouted, frustrated. He and Twilight had been reading up on his abilities. Mac had wanted to learn about whatever Princess Luna had done with his eye. They learned that not only could he access public maps, he could see further than he’d ever been able to, and could use some fancy “night” vision thing. Mac was still unclear on what that was, exactly. But the problem now became getting the damn thing to work.
“Yes you can, Mac! You just need...a little work.” Twilight rubbed her forehead. They had spent most of the past sessions just trying to understand the literature. Putting it into practice was a beast of it’s own.
“Just keep focusing, Mac” Twilight purred. She could see the strain Mac was exerting. He squinted his eyes, grimacing as he put all his brainpower into something he couldn’t quite fathom yet. “Okay, hold on.”
Mac stopped, visibly sweating. “Why don’t we stop here today?” said Twilight. She patted him on the back. “You’re getting much better, Mac.”
“C’mon, Twilight. I’m an Apple, ya know ya’ll can’t get a lie past me.” Mac hung his head through breaths.
“No, seriously Mac.” She stood up, closing the book. “Your understanding of the material is much greater now than when we started.”
“That ain’t gonna make it work...” He was interrupted by a knock. Twilight looked over, walked to the door.
“Keep reading” she said over her shoulder. Mac scanned over lines of text, learning absolutely nothing. The writings seemed to be like ancient Equestrian script, to him at least.
“Of course you can, Rarity. Come in!” Mac heard from behind himself. He snapped around, eyes wide. Find a place to hide, he told himself. Ever since he’d helped her move, she had a new task for him. Yesterday, he had modeled a suit for two hours straight, and the day before that, she had him fixing one of the water mains to the boutique. She insisted on paying him, which made it sort of hard to say no.
“Oh Macintosh, there you are!” Rarity purred. “You wouldn’t happen to know the day, would you?”
“It’s the 18th.”
“Right, and the 18th just so happens to be...?”
“Umm...Ah don’t know....”
“It’s a saturday! You know what that means?” Mac grumbled. “It’s time for our ‘date’. I’ll meet you at the spa in an hour!” Rarity trotted out of the treehouse, giggling to herself.
“Rarity, you forgot your...” she was already half way done the street. “...book.” Twilight closed the door, and then turned to Mac. “What was that all about?”
“Ah gave her a hand ‘bout a week ago.”
“And now she’s repaying you with a spa treatment?” Twilight moved closer. “That doesn’t sound so bad.”
“Well...it ain’t inherently bad. But...”
“You don’ like all the frou-frou stuff?”
Mac shook his head. “Nah, it’s Rarity herself. She doesn’ seem to understand the term ‘personal space‘ ‘round me.”
Twilight raised an eyebrow curiously. “What does that have to do with the spa?”
Mac facehooved. “Twi, we’re gonna be sit waist deep in a hot, steamy room. Alone.”
Twilight sat, trying to put together the implications. “Ohhh...oh my.” She blushed furiously. “I think I see your point.” She laughed to herself. “You probably shouldn’t have agreed to that.”
“She tricked me” deadpanned Mac.
Twilight patted him on the back. “Don’t fret. If you just tell her how you feel, I’m sure she’ll back off.”
Mac smiled. “Thanks, Twi.” He stood up and walked to the door. “Guess I should go get ready for my..” He grimaced, “...spa date.” He trotted out the door, heading for the spa when dread in his mind.