//------------------------------// // Chapter 8 // Story: The 6 Million Bit Pony // by BaronVonStallion //------------------------------// Chapter 8 Soarin sat outside Mac’s room, fumbling with a day old newspaper. He normally wasn’t a fan of sitting around, and this wait was unbearable. Mac’s room happened to be on a corner, and he’d gathered a few chairs around him. Applejack sat at his right, with her friends around them. They’d been there for a bit, and the sun began to rest under the horizon. “Did they say how long he’d be out?” Rarity asked. “Well, Big Mac lost a lotta blood, but the doc’s think he’ll be up in a few days...” AJ trailed off. “It’s been a rough week, Ah gotta say.” Soarin patted AJ on the shoulder. “He’ll be okay, ‘Jack.” She turned to him trying to smile. “Ah hope so.” The mood around them was somber. Even Pinkie Pe, who Soarin had heard was usually as energetic as a hamster on coffee, was just sitting lazily across from them. Twilight had brought a few medical books, and was talking to Fluttershy about treatment methods. Rarity sat next to Pinkie, keeping herself busy with Pinkie’s insufferable mane. “Can we go in yet?” Rainbow prodded with an annoyed tone. “No, Rainbow. The doctors are being very adamant on this one” Twilight spoke from behind her book. “I spoke to the attending physician, and he said any disturbance now could complicate things.” “An’ we don’ want that ” Applejack muttered. The group hadn’t been there for long, but being unable to see Mac, let along talk to him, there wasn’t really a point. They left his side, deciding to get some sleep and try again tomorrow. Rainbow flew off, talking to herself as the other dispersed. As Applejack and Soarin finished the long walk home, AJ was visibly tired. They walked inside, heading towards their respective rooms. “Ah’ll..see ya tomorrow” she said, pushing open her bedroom door. “Okay.” Soarin had a sympathetic smile. He walking into his guest room, which he furnished a bit, using some small trinkets he’d kept in his Canterlot home. He laid his head down, the sun having set an hour ago. Soarin slowly drifted off, nearly falling asleep until a squeaky, high-pitched voice down the hall awoke him. “AJ, where’s Big Mac?” Applebloom must’ve woken up and found her brother missing. “He’s in the hospital, AB.” “Again?” Applebloom sounded quite distraught, even though Mac had been there multiple times as of late. AJ sighed. “Yeah. Again.” A small set of retreating hooves echoed through the floorboards. Soarin flipped onto his back, looking up at the ceiling. I sure hope he gets home soon. I don’t think I can take up his job on the farm, he chuckled to no one. Hearing a few sniffles from outside his door, he got up and walked into the hall. The sniffles turned to quiet sobs as he silently slinked up to Applejack’s door. Soarin knocked lightly. “Applebloom, got ta bed...” AJ spoke low. “I’m a bit old to have a bed time, don’tcha think?” He pushed past the door, closing it behind him. Applejack quickly wiped her eyes, attempting to mask how upset she was. “Soarin? What are you doin‘ up?” She swiveled her head away from him. He trotted next to her, sitting at the side of her bed. “I heard you and Applebloom. Thought I’d check in.” “That’s sweet of ya’ll, but ya didn’t hafta do that. Applebloom ain’t that young.” “ I was checking on you.” AJ flopped onto her back. “Ah’m fine, Soarin.” “Sure you are. Just like your back was fine last week.” Applejack crossed her arms. “Ah just...Ah can’t see ‘em like that.” She started to tear up in the corner of her eye. “He’s been in an‘ out o‘ places like that fer the past couple months. When’s it gonna end?” Tears began to streak down her face. “Ah shoulda got that damn boiler fixed!” Soarin used his hoof to wipe away the water gathering in her eye. Looking at her face, Soarin couldn’t help but smile. She’s so damn beautiful. “Applejack, I can’t tell you when that’s gonna happen. Shoulda’s aren’t gonna change that.” She gave him a depressed glance. “But I can say that he’s not gonna lack for support when he does get back. You have to be the kindest, strongest mare I’ve ever met. I know if I end up like him anytime soon, I’d be lucky to have you at my side.” AJ stared deeply into Soarin’s green eyes. “Soarin...?” “Yeah?” He whispered. Applejack flung her forelegs around Soarin’s neck, embracing him. She squeezed tight, pulling him down on top of her. Soarin put a hoof down so that he didn’t fall atop her completely. “Thank you” she cooed into his ear. They stayed like that for a bit, until Soarin spoke up. “Um, ‘Jack? Should I...go now?” “Eenope.” Eyes closed, she held on tight. “I don’t mean to complain. I mean, I really don’t. But...I’m kinda tired.” AJ opened her right eye. “There’s a bed right here.” Soarin went wide-eyed and his jaw dropped. “W-W-W-Wha..? AJ...I...” Applejack tapped him lightly on the back on the head. “Not like that, ya perv” She giggled. “Ah just....Ah don’t wanna be alone tonight, okay?” She pushed back a little, peering into Soarin’s green peepers with a pair of her own. “Please?” she asked in a slightly sultry tone. Soarin blushed hard. “Well, how can I refuse when you ask me like that?” Crawling into the bed, he mentally prepared himself. Just keep your wings down. Wings. Down. He grabbed AJ’s sheet and threw it over them, lying on his side next to her. “Thanks, Soarin. Ah hope ya don’t mind.” “Oh, no. Of...Of course not.” AJ’s hair draped over her shoulder, the now evident moonlight striking it at just the right angle. Each strand glowed like a stalk of wheat in the sumer sun, but were a soft as a baby rabbit’s fur. It was more glorious than either of the princesses ethereal manes to Soarin. He wanted to play with it, but thought that maybe that wasn’t the best idea. He settled his forelegs at his side, with his wings tucked under them. Soarin figured he could use pressure if need be to stop any embarrassing events. “...Ahhhhh” AJ sighed, falling into the curve of Soarin’s body. Unfortunately for Soarin, that placed her flank in a very....particular area. This certainly wouldn’t help stop him from “popping a winger”, as Spitfire would say. Blood rushed through his body. His already deep blush grew in size and hue. Soarin was only pony, he couldn’t help if he got a bit excited when a beautiful mare got that familiar with him. He tried to focus on something, anything else. Soarin felt the bed he co-occupied. It was soft and quite supportive. Much nicer than his guest room bed. “AJ, you sneaky filly” Soarin smirked. “Your bed. It’s super comfy. Why isn’t mine super comfy?” AJ let out a laugh, something she hadn’t done for days. “Maybe it’s cause Ah do all the hard work, an’ need a good rest.” She turned her head, her nose just barely touching his. “Or maybe it’s only comfy cause you’re in here with me...” AJ titled her head back and kissed him on the cheek, then settled back into her spot. She rubbed her plot, a bit intentionally, against Soarin as she did so. That was the breaking point for Soarin’s wings, it seems. The combination of Applejack’s words, her kiss, and her “re-adjustment” flared his wings, launching his side of the bed sheets up as his wings reached proud and strong behind him. AJ looked back, guffawing at what sight beheld her. “AJ...I didn’t...I...I’m sorry...” Soarin scrambled for words that were rapidly escaping him. “Woah there, loverboy” she said suggestively, nodding at his wings. Everypony knew what the flared wings signified, especially in a situation such as this. “We ain’t like that...yet.” AJ grabbed his hoof and pulled it across her chest, holding onto it as she went to sleep. Soarin laid dumbstruck, his part of the sheet finally lowering down at the same time the family clock struck eleven. One word replayed over and over in his mind. Yet . He grinned stupidly, and rested his head on top of AJ’s. “And when is “Yet” gonna be?” Applejack reached back, giggled. She ran her left hoof through his mane. “Ah dunno. We’ll see.” The two fell asleep quickly in AJ’s bed. Beep. Beep. Beep. Uggh...this seems too familiar. Mac opened his eyes. White floor. Weird smell. Eeyup. Ah’m in a hospital again. He shuffled, gripping his chest. A deep-seeded pain shot through his barrel. He looked down, a brace was fitted on tight around his chest. Peeking around the room, he picked up that he was in Ponyville medical, and it was late at night, about eleven, maybe. Hooves clicked outside his door. Mac could barely hear a muffled discussion. “...You can’t. I’ve told you....he’s very weak as of now!” He recognized the gruff, serious voice as medical personal. There was also a lighter, more feminine voice. “...Don’t care! I have a right......trainer, and you....” “Fine!...fine. He’s probably not even awake....” The doorknob turned slowly. Mac laid still, closing his eyes. He heard two ponies walk in, one leaving as soon as they entered. The one who stayed walked over to his left side. He could feel them looking down on him. “Mac..” the pony whispered. Her voice was squeaky and high, sounding a bit dry, to be honest. He opened his left eyelid just enough to see Rainbow Dash sitting over him. The moonlight shadowed half her face, making the other side appear even more radiant than normal. That side of her face caught the light fantastically, her eye shimmered from it, twinkling brilliantly. Mac saw that it looked a bit puffy around the edges. O’ course Dash would check up on me. Loyalty really does run in her blood, comin’ here when she could be sleepin’. Mac thought about waking up right then, but the opportunity to pick up some material to tease her with was too great. “This last week has been rough.” Dash sounded upset and crestfallen, far from what Mac expected. Huh, that’s weird. Ah honestly thought she’d take the chance to talk ‘bout herself without anyone tellin’ her to stop. He listened on. “Applejack’s been goin’ nuts...tryin’ to do everything you do.” Rainbow laughed sullenly; there was no emotion behind it. “Bigs...you gotta be more careful. The doc said that your cracked rib punctured a lung.” She placed her hoof over his and Mac felt it shaking. “Ya’ll are dumber than a box of rocks. Gettin’ me all nervous ‘cause you can’t handle a few...explosions.” Dash leaned down, still shaking, and kissed him on the forehead, tears gathering in the corners of her eyes. Mac’s mind was racing. What in Sam Hill is she doing! Ah...this must’ve been what AJ was talkin’ ‘bout at breakfast. “Take it easy, damn it” she said softly. “If ya’ll say so” answered Mac. He opened his eyes slowly and winked at her. “Big Mac!?” Rainbow Dash jumped back. “Mac!” Finding he was awake, Dash threw her arms around him in a bear hug. “Thank Celestia you’re okay!” “Dash...please...stop!” Mac squeaked. “Oh..oh, oh sorry!” Dash lowered him back into bed. “Ahhhh...the pain...” Mac grimaced. “Sorry.” She turned away from his gaze.”So... so, ah, how much of that did you hear?” “All of it.” Big Mac held a stoic facade. “Oh...well, I was just...scared, is all.” Dash started pacing around the room. “You were out, and, I never seen you like that, and...the doc said your...your...” Dash started sniffling. Come on, keep it together Dash, she thought. “Mac, you coughed up a lot of blood.” She took a seat near Mac’s bed. Mac twisted and turned, trying to grab the pillow behind his head. He was having trouble, though. “Hey, do you want some help?” she inquired. “Umm, yeah. Could ya’ll...?” He pointed to the pillow behind him, which looked seriously stiff. “Sure, Mac.” Dash reached over, fluffing his pillow and placing it back behind his head. Her mane brushed against Mac’s face. It radiated the smell of fresh rain and river water, and it enraptured him. It reminded him of mornings on the farm after a nice storm, a smell that near guaranteed a good harvest. “How’s that?” “Great. Thank ya.” Mac said warmly, staring into her eyes. It created a little blush to show on her cheek. He looked Dash up and down, and noticed that she looked disheveled. Dash’s hair was messier than usual, and she wore bags under her eyes, surrounded by dark circles. “Dash, ya’ll look damn tired.” She laughed. “Shut up.” She punched him in the shoulder. “Guess that’s what I get for tryin’ to take up slack on the farm...” “What?” Mac coughed, a spittle of blood ejected from him. “Ya’ll are tellin’ me you been workin’ the farm this past week?” “Yeah.” Rainbow scratched her head. “I gotta say, I never realized how much crap you guys actually do.” “Ah’m just surprised you an’ AJ could could go a whole work day without makin’ up some stupid competition.” Rainbow giggled. “Mac, how do you think we got any of it done?” Mac sighed “Of course ya’ll did. Ya didn’t break anythin’, did ya?” “Only all of Applejack’s records!” Dash grinned deeply. “Well, alright then.” Dash stood up. “Nice to see ya, Big.” She started to leave. “Up hold, Dash. Ya’ll aren’t gettin‘ away that easy.” She stopped in her tracks. Rainbow’s head lowered, and she dragged herself back to Mac’s side. “I suppose we need to talk about...that.” She couldn’t look at Mac. “Yeah..that.” Mac took a deep breath. “What was...that,” He pointed at his forehead, “all about? Does it have anything to do with whatever happened at breakfast last week?” Dash’s eyes darted back and forth, avoiding Mac at all costs. “Well, I...I mean, you were all...I thought you were sleeping.” She plastered on a sheepish grin. “So...what else did ya do ta me when Ah was sleepin’?” Mac asked, eyebrow raised. Dash winked, chuckling nervously. “Oh, you know me...” They shared a laugh, though Mac had a bit of trouble and coughed up a little more blood. “Dude, that can’t be good.” He tapped on his chest-piece. “Don‘ change the subject, Dash.” Big Mac took a slightly more serious tone. “Dash, talk to me. Ya’ll been actin‘ strange fer a few weeks now, every since Me and Twilight....” Mac’s brain connected the dots. “Ohhhh.....Ah think Ah see what’s goin‘ on.” Dash sighed, rubbing her temples. “Finally. You have no idea how hard it’s been being around you.” Big Mac lowered his eyes. “ Ah’m sorry, Dash. Ah really didn’t mean ta put ya’ll through all this.” “Yeah, I know. It’s mostly my fault. I shoulda just...came out with my feelings, but...” She started to blush again. “Ya’ll weren’t sure ‘bout ‘em, were ya?” He gave her a warm, soothing half-smile. His emerald green eyes washed over Rainbow Dash, turning her nervousness into pure confidence. Those eyes...they’re not even fair. Dash peered back at Mac. Making eye contact, she scooted closer, still blushing. “Eeyup...” She smiled. “So what’d are ya gonna do about it?” He kept staring into her eyes as they glistened in the moonlight, a small smile resting on his lips. Rainbow pulled her chair right up to the edge of Mac’s bed. She leaned in, biting the bottom of her lip playfully. “Oh...I dunno...” Dash fluttered her eyes, a first for her. I can’t believe I’m actin‘ like this. Dash drew her view down to Mac’s exposed chest. Even with his brace on, she could see his muscles stretch and ripple on the beat of his breath. His shoulders and neck were sculpted and taught, along with most the rest of his body. It probably helped him survive the past few months. Dash had to admit, Mac really was a physical specimen. Well actually,Yes...Yes I can. She got closer, closed her eyes and hovered her lips over Mac’s. “So how are ya’ll gonna tell Twilight ya like her?” Dash opened her eyelids in shock. No. No freakin’ way. “Wha-?” “Ah gotta admit, she’s quite the looker. Good choice.” Mac wore his charming half-smile, coupled with those eyes. He was making this even harder for Rainbow Dash. She started panting, thinking of a way to explain herself to the thick-skulled stallion. She settled for the direct approach, something Rainbow realized she should've done in the first place. “Ugh, Mac!” She got up and took ahold of his face, fixating her eyes on his. “I was talking about you!” she yelled, nearly seething with frustration. Mac’s smile turned into a happy smirk. “Ah know.” Rainbow dropped his head. “You did?” “Eeyup.” He eyed her mischievously. “Yer jus’ too fun ta tease.” Rainbow’s smile grew wider than her face, and her eyes twinkled like the night of the Gala. “That makes this a whole lot easier.” She grabbed him by the shoulders and tilted her head sideways. Mac met her halfway, sitting up as far as his harness would let him. “Dash, Ah...” “Shhh...don’t talk.” She closed her eyes, and threw herself forward, locking Mac in a kiss. It seemed to pulsate through him, making his fur stand up on end. At first, Mac was shocked. Woah, thar...w-wow. He relaxed and closed his eyes. Mac wrapped a foreleg around Dash, pulling her closer while using the other to prop himself up. He didn’t feel a huge explosion, the kind Rarity seemed to fancy. He did feel a warm, burning sensation in the pit of his stomach. He tried ignoring the flame, but to no effect. Dash grabbed the back Mac’s mane, tugging on it lightly as she hovered just above the bed. She could taste fresh apples on Mac’s lips, accompanied with what seemed like the bite of...whiskey? She savored the sensation, a lustful tingle running down her spine. Mac was the first to pull away, grunting from the brace around his barrel. “Sorry Mac” she chuckled. “Don’ worry, it was worth it” Mac smiled with a glazed-over look on his face. Rainbow giggled. “I’ll take that as a compliment.” She hopped back onto the ground. Mac watched her, glad that they’d finally cleared the air. To be honest, he wasn’t the most romantic of ponies. But he definitely felt...something for Dash. It was deeper than friendship; that he was sure of. “So Dash” he started. “Why do ya’ll like me anyhow?” Rainbow looked befuddled, pawing at him. “Whadda ya mean?” “Well...Ah guess Ah mean, why choose me over all the other stallions ‘round here? Ya certainly coulda had yer pick.” Rainbow gave him an inquisitive look. “You’re...you’re serious, aren’t you?” She leaned in, resting her head on her hooves. “Big, how do you see yourself?” Big Mac leaned back, thinking. “ Ah’m an Apple. Ah tell the truth, or try to, most of the time. Ah work hard, and....Ah guess that’s about it.” “That’s it? That’s it!” Dash stood up, poking his nose. “Buddy, you’re WAY too modest.” “What’d ya’ll talkin’ about, Rainbow?” She got closer. “You wanna know why I fell for you?” She had a steely determination in her eye, like she’d been slighted somehow. “You’re the sweetest, kindest, most noble stallion I’ve ever met.” “C’mon Dash, yer exaggeratin’.” Rainbow shook her head. “Dude, you got blown up. BLOWN UP, MAC! And yet you act like everything’s fine. You always care more about fixing my little emotional stints than your own.” She quieted down, but continued. “You’re strong. Not just physically.” Dash wrapped her arms around Mac’s neck. “And since we started this whole, “Savior of Equestria” thing, you treated me like a part of your family.” She closed her eyes, nuzzling him. “I..never really told anypony, so you gotta keep this quiet. But I didn’t have the best home life. Hell, after flight school, I barely had one, so...you really have no idea how good it’s felt.” Mac rubbed the back of her neck. “Ah’m glad ya feel that way.” He lifted her chin, looking into her eyes. “Ah’d love ta see ya around more often.” Dash nearly squeed with excitement. “And there’s that.” She pointed at his mouth. “That accent’s damn sexy.” “Oh? Is that why ya’ll were usin’ it?” Mac rose an eyebrow. Dash smirked. “Maybe I’m spendin’ too much time with you Apples. But I gotta admit, it’s pretty hot. Well...that coupled with your body.” She rubbed what little part of his chest was exposed. “Hey!” Mac covered up in mock-offense. “Ah’m no piece o’ meat...” “Is that so?” Dash nibbled his ear. Mac blushed deep enough that even his coat couldn’t save him. “Ya taste pretty good to me...” she whispered, slowly starting to move down his neck. “Hehe, slow down, sister.” Mac pushed her off a bit, Dash pouting. “Let’s hold off on that just yet.” He pointed to his harness. Rainbow pouted. “Fine.” She sat back into her chair and propped her back legs on the bed. “Get some sleep, Mac. You need it, if we’re gonna get that chest-piece off.” “Maybe ya’ll should get a few winks too.” Dash shrugged. “I’m not very tired.” Her body betrayed her, and she yawned with the might of a full grown manticore. “Sure ya ain’t.” Big Mac patted an open space on his left side. “C’mon, get in.” Dash surveyed him. “Are you sure?” “Eeyup” he grinned. “ ‘Sides, it only hurt when Ah move it.” Rainbow snaked into the bed, scooting close to Mac’s side. He draped a light blanket over them, resting his left arm behind her neck. “Mac, what about the doctors? Or visitors. Aren’t you technically dating Twilight right now?” Just saying it spiked the fur on Rainbow’s neck. “If Ah remember right, vistin’ hours ain’t until noon.” He rested his chin on top of Dash’s head. “Now shut it an’ give me a kiss.” “That I can do.” She turned, kissing Mac lightly on the lips. She melded back into him, laying her head atop his shoulder. Loosely laying a foreleg across Mac’s chest, Rainbow nearly fell asleep. “Ya did bring up a good point, though” “And that would be?” she answered, eyes closed. “We gotta talk ta Twilight ‘bout this.” Dash’s ear twitched involuntarily. Crap. Forgot about that. “You’re right. I have a feeling it won’t go good, either.” Mac huffed. “Why do ya say that?” “Mac, you unintentionally made three different mares fall in love with you. And they’re all friends.” Mac fidgeted a bit. “Nah, Twilight doesn’t love me.” Rainbow clicked her tongue. “Yeah, Mac. Yeah she does. Didn’t ya notice how she’s been acting?” Mac recollected his last conscious week. He’d went on a few “dates” with Twilight. A restaurant or two, and they’d went bowling. He had fun, no doubt. But, it wasn’t the same as when he’d spent time with Rainbow Dash. It just...felt different with Rainbow. Twilight had been walking very close to him, using pet names, and even planted an unplanned kiss or two on him. “Honestly, that’s what Ah thought it was. Acting.” Mac groaned. “This is gonna be totally NOT awesome” mumbled Rainbow. “Ya got that right” uttered Mac. At that, the two silenced, taking comfort in each other embrace. A cool breeze blew in from a open window across the room, moving over both ponies. Relaxing from it, Rainbow sighed and tightened her grip on Mac. He winced slightly, but said nothing. He wouldn’t show it, but Mac was happy there was somepony special that night. The next few days looked like they’d be a doozy. The sun rose gently over the apple trees that morning. Rays of sunlight shone over the red orbs which hung on them, and a light breeze drifted through the orchard. The rolling hills were wet with morning dew, and the grass swayed with the path of early morning wind. The warm breeze carried itself through the orchards. It was going to be a good day. Applejack slowly opened her eyelids, feeling the familiar warmth from last night on her back. She pivoted her gaze to Soarin, who was sleeping soundly, his muzzle resting on top of her neck. She wanted to stay in bed a bit longer, but AJ knew that, as always, work needed to be done. “Soarin...” she whispered. Flipping onto her back, she nudged him with her nose. He didn’t wake. Instead, Soarin scooted closer to AJ, wrapping his wings around her and pushing his head further into her neck. Applejack giggled. “Never took ya’ll fer a snuggler...” She laid there for a bit, feeling a warmth at the pit of her stomach. Lying there with Soarin just...felt right. No more, no less. AJ closed her eyes, breathing in his scent. The apples could wait a few minutes. She did have to get up, eventually. “Uhh..” she grunted, lifting herself from the bed. Putting on her stetson, she let Soarin sleep in. AJ walked into the kitchen to be met by Applebloom. “Hey, AB. How was yer mornin’?” Applejack nearly sang the words, being in such a great mood. “Um, fine, ah guess...though, ah couldn’t find Soarin nowhere.” Applejack froze. Damn. Ah fergot Applebloom usually woke him up. She tentatively sat down, avoiding Applebloom’s eyes. “Maybe he jus‘ got an early start today...” AB looked at her suspiciously. “Applejack...why are you lyin‘ ta me?” “What? Ah’m not...” “You know where he is, don’tcha?” Applebloom smiled. AJ’s face wrinkled up as her eyes darted back and forth. “Ah have no idea what yer talkin‘ bout.” The smaller Apple giggled. “Now yer jus‘ givin‘ it away.” AJ sighed. “Okay, maybe Ah do know where he is. Jus’...keep it to yerself. Ah don’t need some kinda gossip nonsense.” Applebloom nodded. “Such thing, sis.” Applejack smiled, at least she could keep this under wraps for now. “As long as ya’ll promise ta keep the noise down. Ah need mah sleep too, ya’know.” “Applebloom!” Applejack said curtly. “Ya’ll shouldn’t talk like that. Yer too young.” AB looked back with sorrowful eyes as such was the case for being reprimanded. “Sorry, AJ” she said, using her best puppy-dog eyes. Applejack scowled, but not for long. Well, she certainly inherited her sister’s sense o‘ humor. “It’s alright, ‘Bloom. Ah know ya were jus‘ joshing me.” She stood up, walking to the fridge and retrieving a glass of, what else, apple juice. “Sides...” she started, taking a deep swig of the fruity nectar, ”...Ah don’t know if ah can keep that promise.” They both laughed hardily as they shared the morning meal. BIg Mac was a lot of things. A farmer, who many considered stronger than a team of ponies. A loving, caring brother. More recently, a coltfriend. This morning, he was tired. Just plain tired. “Tuckered out”, in his own words. Waking up with a start, he groaned. Most every muscle ached. He retreated into the covers, feeling a weight on his chest. Mac looked down, spotted a cyan mare curled up next to him. She awoke when he shifted his weight back down. “Hey...” Rainbow breathed, blinked morning fatigue over of her eyes. “Morin’...” They didn’t have to say anything, really. Both knew exactly what the other was thinking. How did I get so lucky? “How’d ya sleep, sugarcube?” Rainbow smiled and slid next to Big Mac, resting half her stomach on him. “Great, actually. Normally, these hospital bed stink in the comfort department.” She shifted her expression from grateful to seductive. “And I think I know why this one was so different.” Mac gave an uncharacteristic giggle. “Rainbow, ya’ll must be more salacious than a greased up pig during the summer sun festival. Comin‘ on ta me this early.” He moved his forelegs above his head, allowing Rainbow a bit more room upon her crimson mattress. Dash shot him a playfully look. “I can’t help it. If you were me, you’d do the same thing.” She paused, looking under the covers. She came back showing a wide grin. “And you should talk...it’s not like that’s yer leg against my belly.” “Whut?” Mac asked, confused. He investigate Rainbow’s tummy, until to shot back up, flushed. Macintosh was a grown, red-blooded stallion. He was hormones like every other stallion’s, and they tending to rear their ugly head in the morning. “Rainbow! Ah’m sorry, Ah didn’t...it just happens!” His deep embarrassment was silence by a blue hoof. “Shush. It’s cool, babe” Dash responded cooly. She pulled herself up to Big Mac’s ear. “Anyways, it looks like I found the real reason everyone calls you Big Mac.” If Mac’s face could get any hotter, one might be able to cook an egg on his face. He looked away from Rainbow, muttering a tiny “thank you” as he sank into the covers of his bed. “Aww, is Mackie a little shy?” Dash teased him. Rubbing her head against his neck, she closed her eyes and gave him a quick peck. “I’m gonna head out, okay?” “Eeyup. Meet up at home?” “Mmmhmm.” Dash crawled out of bed, stretching her wings high towards the ceiling. “You think you’ll be out today?” Mac nodded. “Celestia willin‘. Ah’m startin‘ to get real sick of hospital food.” Both ponies smiled as Dash neared the bedside window. “Um, why are ya’ll leavin‘ through the window?” “It’s faster” Dash shrugged. She winked at him. “See ya later, stud.” Mac chuckled, bowing his response. Rainbow soared out the window, Twisting and turning with the chill cool noon air. She felt light as air, a usual sensation during flight. This morning, however, it was for a very different reason. A/N: Big inspiration from Bronius Maximus’ “At Home On The Range” for this chapter.