//------------------------------//
// Touch the Sky 
// Story: Chained to the Plow 
// by daOtterGuy 
//------------------------------//

Big Mac galloped through the Ponyville market. He pushed through irritated crowds with the single-minded focus of finding a single pony amongst them.

A black pegasus with a silver mane and a smile that melted his heart. 

After a short while racing through town, he found him off to one side, away from everypony else. He had a big grin on his face and a bounce in his step. 

Mac put on a final burst of speed, followed him into a cordoned off part of the market, and pulled up just short of his target.

Thunderlane regarded him with a surprised look. 

“Hey, Mac, what’s up?” He asked. 

“We’ve known each for a long time, right?” Mac said hardly winded by his gallop from the farm. 

“Yeah, well over ten years by this point.” Thunderlane tilted his head. “Why?”

“Why did your previous dates go so badly?”

Thunderlane’s gave an awkward chuckle. “Well, you know how my luck is with other ponies. Tend to strike out more than I-”

“Was it because of me?” Mac interrupted. 

Thunderlane stared at him in shock. He bit his lip and cast his gaze downwards, unsure of how to answer the question. 

Mac didn’t need him to.

“What am I to you, Thunder?”

“You...” Thunderlane trailed off then gave a determined look, “Important. You’re important to me, Mac.”

Mac nodded. “You are to me too. You were there for me when I needed you the most. You always hang around me and I’m happier when you’re there.” Mac’s face turned a brighter shade of red than his coat. “I can’t stop thinking of you even when you’re not around.”

Thunderlane’s face flushed, his wings shot up and his fur puffed up, clearly flustered by Mac’s remarks. 

Mac thought it was cute.  

“I want to be selfish, but I don’t want to drag you down.” Mac hung his head. “I don’t want you to feel trapped with me.”

“What?” Thunderlane shouted. “Mac, that’s the dumbest thing you’ve ever said!”

“But, I have so many responsibilities and-”

Thunderlane grabbed Mac’s face with his wings forcing him to stare into his amber eyes. “Listen. I don’t feel trapped with you. When I’m with you, I feel safe. Like everything is going to be okay and nothing can hurt me because I have you near.” Thunderlane gave a warm smile. “You’re my rock, Mac.”

Mac smiled. “I’m glad, because I feel the same way.”

Thunderlane put his wings back at his sides. “Glad that’s sorted out, but, uh, was that all? Kind of an intense speech to give out of nowhere.” Thunderlane chuckled.

“No; are you free tonight?”

“I have to generate the rain clouds for early tomorrow morning this evening, but after that, yes. Why?”

“I have a picnic prepared and was wondering if you wanted to go stargazing with me in the north orchard,” Mac asked nervously. “If you'd like that, of course.”

Thunderlane’s face split into a near manic grin. “Mac, are you asking me out on a date?”

“Yeah, I am, Thunder.” Mac felt a sense of embarrassment take hold of him. “B-but only if you-”

“Yes!” Thunderlane wrapped Mac in a big hug with his forelegs. “I would love to go on a date with you.”

Mac felt a surge of happiness well up inside of him. He felt overwhelmed by his emotions, but for once, it felt good. 

He hugged Thunderlane back.

And in that moment, he felt like he was home.