"Stupid hospital," I kicked a stone out of my way, " they know I have nowhere to go if I can't fly."
Oh well, I have plenty of time to think about it. The hospital is a little out of the way in relation to the rest of Ponyville. Unfortunately for me, that means a lot of walking.
At least it's nice out.
I looked around. It's early spring, not too hot, not too cold, sunny with patches of clouds. Perfect weather for flying.
IF I COULD!
I sighed and resumed my walk.
What should I do? I can't go to my friends, they'll just worry and make a big deal out of it like they did last time. And all my bits are at my house so a hotel is out of the question. Maybe I could ask somepony else? Yeah! Somepony I know well enough to ask a favor from, but not well enough that they'll worry about me!
That's perfect!
But who in Ponyville do I know that would be able to help? Ponyville's just ahead of me on the path, I can just stroll through and scope out the possibilities.
The first building I passed was Sugarcube Corner. The cakes always have room, but that would mean trying to recover while dealing with Pinkie. She's cool and all, but I would probably end up back in the hospital.
Though that would solve my housing issue.
Nah, I don't want to spend anymore time there than I have to. I mean, the place is boring with a capital "B". Would it kill them to buy paint that isn't the dullest, flattest shade of white possible? They used to have blue, it was depressing, but at least I could look at it and think of the sky.
The sky!
I looked up quickly. I could ask somepony on my weather team to fly me home!
Yeah, right, and humiliate myself in front of ponies I have to see everyday? I'd rather take my chances with Pinkie.
Looks like I may have to go to my friends after all. But which one?
Fluttershy's out of the question, on account of "Devil" bunny. She does have Tank though. Heh. Good thing I dropped him off for his checkup before the crash.
Gah! Why am I looking at the bright side? This is a terrible situation I'm in! I can't fly, I can't go home, I can't work, and I can't even make it to the office to tell them I need a few days off!
"OOPH!"
"Ow, hey!"
Of course, while I wasn't paying attention, I bumped into somepony. I turned my head to see who it was. It was, um, ok, I have no clue what her name is, but she's that orange mare that's always going head-to-head with AJ. You know, the carrot farmer.
"Well?" She said, picking up some items off the ground and stuffing them into her saddlebags.
Oh great, I dumped out her shopping. "Well, what?" What's her name? I know AJ told me what it was at some point.
"Well, aren't you going to apologize?" She scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Honestly, even when you're on the ground, your head is in the clouds."
I have been distracted lately. "Yeah, sorry," I'll just guess at the name, "Carrot?"
She sighed a little louder than was necessary. "It's Carrot Top. But that's more of an apology than I was expecting." She turned and trotted away.
Oh, she forgot something. "Hey," I called after her, "you dropped an apple!"
She stopped in her tracks. After checking her bags thoroughly, she turned to me. "I most certainly did not!"
Liar. I stuck my tongue out at her as soon as her back was turned. You just don't want to admit that you're buying product from your competition. Like there even is any competition, apples and carrots are two totally different things.
I picked up the apple and dusted it off. I was going to take a bite out of it, but something stopped me and I ended up staring at it instead.
I could always stay at Sweet Apple Acres. They have that guest room, and AJ won't make as big a deal out of my injury as anypony else would. But looking at the red apple, I caught myself thinking about a different red apple.
A big one with a messy straw-colored mane.
I tucked the apple under my wing and continued walking.
It was pretty neat to actually get to talk to Big Mac. I see him at the farm all the time, but we never say more than two words to each other. Maybe I'd get to spend more time with him if I stayed at the farm.
Wait.
Did I really just think that?
By now I was nearing Carousel Boutique. Ha! No way am I even going to ask Rarity. I know she'd let me stay, but can you imagine? She'd either fuss over every little thing I do, or insist on making my bandages more fashionable.
Sweet Apple Acres is sounding better and better. It's not too far from here either. I picked up my pace and soon found myself on a familiar dirt road. By familiar, I mean completely alien and creepy as tartarus. I had only ever seen it from above. The trees completely covered the road, only letting patches of light shine through here and there. And what little light there was only illuminated the scraggly undergrowth and bushes lining the road enough to make you guess what's hiding in there. To me, it looked like a miniature everfree.
Skip that, I'm cutting through the field!
I hopped the nearby fence and walked among the well spaced, and well lit, apple trees. Within a few minutes, I was within sight of the farm. Mac was there, moving some barrels from behind the farmhouse out to the barn.
I should go talk to him.
Maybe later.
I should go talk to AJ first, ask her if I can stay here. But Mac could let me stay. Don't they both own the place?
But isn't that weird? Asking a Stallion if you can stay at his house? What if he thinks I like him?
Don't get me wrong, he's nice and all, but he's just not my type. I like ponies who are athletic, able to keep up with me.
Like he did on that treadmill on cider day.
Well, ok, so he's got one point for him, but there's more to it than just athletic skills. There's also dedication, I am all about my training, so my guy has to abbey able to understand what it's like to work for something, day in and day out, through thick and thin in any kind of-
Oh, wait. The farm. Duh.
Well, there's also-
Wait a minute.
He's strong, he's fast, he's dedicated, he was fun to talk to, I doubt he's any worse than me when it comes to cooking, and- I looked up just in time to see him dip his head in a bucket of water. As soon as he lifted his head, he shook it from side to side. The water flew off his mane in sheets of glimmering droplets.
And he's flipping hot to boot.
I quickly ducked behind the nearest thing I could find, an apple tree of course. This just got a lot more awkward. He's like, the perfect stallion! I can't ask him to let me stay here! he'll definitely get the wrong idea!
And what idea is that?
Why would I even think that?! I've never thought about stuff like that before. Why start now?
I peeked around the tree. Mac was using a rope to lash several of the barrels together. Even from here I could see the muscles in his neck as he pulled the rope taught. When he was done, he took a step back to survey his work. He must have been satisfied with it, because he gave a small nod and walked back over to the bucket of water.
I ducked back behind the tree. Ok, that's a pretty good reason. Wow. I have a crush on Applejack's brother. I just have to make sure nopony ever finds out. That means I am definitely not staying here tonight.
I hightailed it out of there as quickly as I could without drawing attention to myself and was soon back on the road to Ponyville.
I guess I can sleep in a tree or something.
That one looks good.
I spotted a large maple with wide branches and soft looking leaves on the side of the road. Out of habit, I spread my wings to fly up. At least I tried to, the bandages held the right wing securely to my side.
"Ugh," I stomped the ground and headed off to find a tree with lower branches.
***-----------------
"Gah!"
I forcibly exhaled after lifting my head from the water bucket. It ain't workin'. No matter what I try, I can't keep my mind on my chores.
I sat down and picked up the water bucket in my hooves. I stared at my reflection for a moment before dumping the water on my head.
After I left the hospital, I headed back to the farm to finish my chores. I was hoping I would run into Rainbow on the way. She needed a place to stay and AJ would tan my hide if I didn't at least offer to let her stay at the farm.
Oh, who am I kidding? AJ don't even factor into it. I wanted to run into Rainbow because I wanted to see her again.
I shook my head and walked back to barn. All the empty apple barrels were lined up against one wall and a couple of hay-bales were sitting outside.
Better get to work.
As I started hauling out the empty barrels to make room for the hay-bales, I once again let my mind drift towards a certain sky blue mare with a Rainbow mane. It was nice talking to her, seeing her smile.
Sorry AJ, but I think I've got a crush on your best friend.
She'll probably tan my hide just for that.
I thought back on all the times I'd seen her around the farm. Most of the time, she would either be practicing her fancy flying, or dragging AJ into some sort of hastily thought up competition to see who was a better athlete. But a few times, she had actually come over to help, either out of boredom or because AJ asked.
I moved the last of the empty barrels out into the yard and started bringing the hay-bales into the barn. One of the good things about this kind of work is that you get plenty of time to think about stuff.
You know, now that I'm thinking about it, I really should have gotten to know her better, that rough and tumble Pegasus is always causing some sort of fun commotion. Hey, I remember this one time, she-
"SNAP!!"
The cord on the first hay-bale snapped before it made it to the far wall. Oh well, there'll be some loose straw on the barn floor, no big deal. I went back for another hay-bale.
I wonder where Applejack went? I wanted to tell her about her friend. Though I guess she stands as much of a chance of running into her on her own as she would if she went searching. Besides it's probably better if Rainbow talked to her personally.
Speaking of Rainbow, I wonder if she found a place to stay. Ditzy's got that room she's trying to rent out, I wonder if they know each other. But I guess she'll stay with one of those other four.
Speaking of which, I still need to return that ragdoll to the library.
I got the last hay-bale stacked in the barn just as the sun began to set. Pretty good timing, I guess. I have just enough time to stretch out and hang up my yoke before heading into town.
Eeyup, I've still got work to do.
***---------------
Man, the park is eerie after dark. There's only one working streetlight and it's flickering. I can also hear it buzzing. I know ponies don't usually come to the park at night unless there's some sort of celebration, but is it really that big of a deal to maintain it the rest of the time? I mean, the only reason I can still see where I'm going is because Luna went overboard with tonight's full moon.
And is it just me, or does the moon look like it has a slight reddish tint to it?
On top of the horror-movie like setting, I haven't eaten, I dropped that apple somewhere back along the way, and I still haven't found a tree that I can climb. It looks like I may be sleeping on a park bench.
Then I saw it. There, near the gazebo. A big, old live oak with wide, low branches. That'll do nicely.
I ran up to it and jumped up on the lowest branch.
"WHOA!"
"THUD!"
"OW!"
The moss-covered bark came off under my hooves and I slipped off, landing face down in the dirt. Just what I needed. Now I'm stuck on the ground, hungry, tired, AND dirty. Could this day possibly get any worse?
"Well, well, well, what do we have here?"
Of course it could.
I was still face down in the dirt, so I couldn't see who it was, but I didn't like the sound of his voice.
I got up quickly and faced the direction the voices were coming from.
There were three of them, two earth ponies and a Pegasus. I recognized one of them, the green earth pony behind the other two. He's that kid who paints all the houses and signs and stuff. He was looking around nervously. The other two, both dark brown, both unfamiliar, had their attention focused on me.
"What do you want?" I demanded.
"We just want to help," said the Pegasus in a tone that was anything but sincere," maybe I could help you get into that tree there? Maybe help you stay warm?"
Oh, hay no.
"Back off," I said, " just leave me alone and you won't get hurt."
"Is that how you to treat those who offer you help?" said the brown earth pony, "by pushing them away?"
It made me sick to admit it, but he was right. That's what got me into this mess, my own stubborn pride. If- I mean, when. When I get out of this, I'm gonna make sure I do something about that.
The green earth pony didn't say anything, he just stood there looking nervous. I bet he doesn't want to be her. I might be able to use that to my advantage.
The brown earth pony took a step towards me.
"Hey!" I yelled, "I said, back off!"
He kept walking closer to me, but I refused to step back.
He got up in my face and smiled at me. The kind of sickening, smug grin that you just can't help but want to wipe off somepony's face. "No," he said.
That's it! He's going down!
"Guys," the green earth pony was practically prancing in place, "why are you doing this? We should leave, let's just go."
The earth pony in front of me turn on his green companion "Shut up!"
There's my chance!
While the earth pony in front of me yelled at his companion, I swung out my good wing at his face. Being the fastest flyer in Equestria means I have strong wings and he didn't stand a chance. He went down and I ran off as fast as I could.
I heard laughing behind me.
The Pegasus!
I could run pretty fast, but even my best groundspeed was no match for an average Pegasus in flight. I broke for the treeline, hoping he wasn't trained in obstacle avoidance,but he caught up to me before I could reach it. I leaped to the side to avoid a collision and ended up tripping over an exposed tree root.
"AGH!" I felt something in my ankle twist as I fell. I hit the dirt pretty hard and got some in my eyes.
I cleared my eyes as best I could, but I could only make out blurry shapes. And. when I tried to put some weight on my ankle, I ended up collapsing. It's not broken or sprained, but until the swelling goes down, I don't think I'm going anywhere.
The brown blur of the Pegasus landed and started walking towards me.
Now what?
I was trying to figure out what to do when the Pegasus got run over by a wall of red.
It wasn't exactly run over, more like calmly walked over.
Is that?
"Hey!" the Pegasus yelled after the slow moving, red mass, "what do you think you're doing?"
"Ah'm goin' somewhere," he stopped and turned to face the pegasus, "you'd best do the same."
It is.
Mac.
I got lucky.
The green earth pony was trying to drag off his unconscious friend. " This is bad. Come on man," he yelled at the pegasus, "let's just go."
"What's your problem?" demanded the Pegasus of his green friend.
"He knows who Ah am," said Mac, pointing at the green pony, "and he knows where Ah'm goin'." He stomped his hoof down. "And that's yer problem, not his."
That was cool, cheesy, but cool. Add one point to the reasons I have a crush on him. Plus, he looks kinda cool without his yoke, definitely more streamlined. I wonder why he's not wearing it.
The Pegasus scoffed at him. "You think you can get away with treating me like dirt?"
"Why?" Mac asked without moving. "Judging by the way you treat a pretty, little lady like miss Dash over there, Ah'd say bein' treated like dirt's a might bit more than you deserve."
D-did he just call me pretty?
Hey! Did he just call me little?
"Well let's see who deserves what when you're lyin' in the dirt with her!" The Pegasus lunged forward, flying as fast as he could, with his hooves out straight in front of him. He flew past Mac and started flying in a wide arc. He's building speed, for an attack.
Basic flight physics, every Pegasus learns it, mass of a Pegasus, averaging 50 kilograms, times acceleration, average top seed of a Pegasus being 105 kph and the average force of a collision with a stationary object becomes 5,000 kilograms.
Meaning, Watch out! That's gonna hurt!
"Mac!" I yelled, "get out of the way!"
He glanced over in my direction. My eyes had cleared enough that I could see him smile. There was something else too, that little fire in the eyes. The one that I see every time, in everypony I compete against, the one I'm sure they see in me, the one that says, "bring it on."
He has something up his fetlock, I'm sure of it.
"Don't ya fret none, pretty lady," Mac turned back to the approaching Pegasus, "Ah got this."
Did he just call me pretty again? He's acting like the hero from an action movie. Not that I mind, it's just, I never really thought I would be into the whole, white Knight, brave stallion thing.
Mac does pull it off pretty well though.
Yep, I definitely have a crush.
And what's he gonna do? This is actually really exciting. I couldn't help but stare, this was one of those unstoppable force, immovable object moments, and I didn't want to miss a minute of it.
The Pegasus was nearing the end of his arc. Whatever's gonna happen, it's gonna happen soon.
Of course, my bits are on Mac. He's probably gonna applebuck that Pegasus straight to the moon!
I didn't expect what I saw.
Big Macintosh lifted his front left hoof first then reared up to sidestep the incoming Pegasus at the last moment. Then he brought his right hoof up into the Pegasus' chin, and his left hoof down at the base of his wing, sending him skidding to the ground with a sickening pop.
The Pegasus was on the ground, writhing in pain and Mac was just standing there, watching impassively.
"Ya need to get out of here," said Mac.
Is he talking to me?
"Can ya hear me?"
He is.
"I-"
***-------------
"I can't," she said, "my ankle, I can't walk."
Not good. I guess I can't wait for the authorities then. I'm gonna have to help her to safety.
"We've got to get you out of here," I stood beside her and lowered myself on my front hooves," climb on, I'll make sure you're safe."
She suddenly looked away from me. "B-but-"
I wonder why? "Don't worry, I'll protect you."
I'm an idiot.
I know how proud and competitive she is. I should have known she wouldn't-
"Ok."
Huh?
She climbed on my back without another word and I suddenly felt very self-conscious. She's right there! The mare I have a crush is laying on my back with her hooves around my neck! When did this- How did this- What?
Focus Mac! First things first.
I had to get her away from there. I could deal with the mess that happened later, but for now Rainbow needs medical attention. A twisted hoof isn't too serious, but I'm sure it hurts.
I set off for Ponyville proper, being careful not to let Rainbow bounce around too much.
"Uhm, hey," started the Pegasus on my back," I-, I don't know what to say,"
She's talking to me! I've gotta say something back! But what? She seems upset about not knowing what to say, so try to ease her concerns. "Then do what Ah do, don't say anythin'."
Way to go. Mac, you just told the mare of your dreams to shut up. This is why you should just keep your big mouth shut.
"But what you did back there, you saved me."
Good, she wasn't offended. "Why wouldn't Ah? Ya needed help and I happened to be around to provide it"
"I'm just not used to being the one saved. I don't know how to thank you."
"Then don't."
"But I want to."
I couldn't keep myself from smiling. Fortunately, Rainbow couldn't see my face from where she was. "That's enough fer me."
"Thanks Mac."
"That works too." Wow, that was a stupid thing to say, but she laughed at it, so it couldn't have been that bad. Or maybe it was that bad and that's why she's laughing.
I don't really care though, it's a nice laugh.
"Did-" she started, but she stopped and shifted her weight. I felt her hooves let go of my neck and I slowed down so she wouldn't fall off. I craned my neck to look at her, but her hooves where covering her face.
"Did, what?" I asked.
"Did you mean it, what you said back there? I mean-"
Did I mean what I said? What did I say?
She took a deep breath before quickly forcing out, "do you really think I'm pretty?"
Oh, I said that didn't I, how embarrassing.
Oh well, I don't know how she'll take this, but she deserves the truth.
***---------------
What's he gonna say? And why do I care so much? I don't. I don't care about things like that. I don't need to be pretty, but if he thinks I'm pretty, that would be good.
"Eeyup."
"What?"
"Ah meant it, every last word."
"You, you really think I'm-"
He thinks I'm pretty! I'd rather he think of me as awesome, but hey. I'm fine with pretty. But I've never heard him call anypony else pretty. But he thinks I'm pretty, does that mean-
"Are ya hungry?"
"What?" I must have zoned out. I looked up to see that we were stopped in the middle of Ponyville's market square. Huh. I've never seen it like this before. All the produce carts were folded and locked.
"Ah asked if ya wanted somethin' to eat."
Is he asking me out to eat? Like, on a date? At a restaurant?
Ohmygosh, ohmygosh, ohmygosh! He has a crush on me too!
So awesome!
What do I do?! I really just want to scream yes, but no, I can't do that.
Should I play it cool? Yeah, sure, whatever.
Or play hard to get? Maybe later.
Wow, for once in my life, I am actually regretting not paying more attention to Rarity's romance stories.
Oh no.
I'm being all sappy! I'm acting like Rarity! Next thing you know, I'll be wearing frilly dresses and hanging out at the spa, and-
I looked down at the red fur beneath me.
And it might be worth it. I don't know, I've never given it much thought.
What the hay? Nothing ventured, nothing gained. "Sure, that sounds great. So, Mac, what did you have in mind?"
He walked over to one of the folded up stands and started fidgeting with the lock. I recognized the stand as the applecart that I always see AJ hauling.
"Hey, Mac," I said as he opened the cart and pulled out an apple, "I thought AJ brought her cart back to the farm when she's done selling."
He handed me the apple. Then locked up the cart. "Nnope." He started walking again. "Only on weekends, or when the apples start runnin' out, or if they start goin' bad, or if she's had a rough day, or, well, Ah guess she usually does. But not today."
"Huh." Well, it wasn't a restaurant, so does that mean I'm back to square one? How do I figure out if he likes me without embarrassing myself? Maybe I can't.
I took a bite of the apple. It was good, like always. I've yet to even see a bad apple from Sweet Apple Acres.
Anyway, where's he taking me? "Yo, Mac, where ya headed to?"
"We're almost there."
That was vague. "Almost where?"
"The gym."
I laughed out loud,"I can't see it."
"See what?"
"You, at a gym lifting weights and running on a treadmill."
"I work there."
Wait, he does? On top of working at the farm? "Doing what?"
"There it is." He stopped and pointed at the little white box of a building. "Do ya wanna see?"
"Yeah."
The building didn't quite match the rest of Ponyville. I'm guessing that that green earth pony never got around to painting it, and I'm guessing he never will, after today.
Mac carried me into the gym and helped me onto a bench near the door and sat next to me. There was a reception desk across near the bench and past that was a large open space. The floors were blue and mirrors were hanging along one wall.
But the ponies were what caught my eye. Several ponies in white uniforms and colored belts were mimicking the movements of a yellow Pegasus dressed all in black.
It's a dojo!
Big Macintosh works at a Dojo!
How awesome is that? It explains his cool moves back in the park.
"That's enough!" yelled a tan, male pegasus near the front of the class, "break into pairs and practice forms, anypony testing next week can move on to boards. Switch partners in 20 minutes." He walked over to us, "geez Mac! What happened?He turned to me and I saw him look at my bandaged wing. "Are you all right? Miss?"
"Dash." What is it with everypony calling me "miss" today? "Rainbow Dash, fastest flyer in Equestria, future wonderbolt, and weather pony extraordinaire. You can call me Rainbow."
"W-weather pony?" For a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of recognition and horror on Pete's face, but I must have been imagining it.
Silence.
Awkward silence.
"So," I said, tapping my hooves together, "I'm guessing you two know each other?"
"Yeah!" Pete jumped on the subject change. "For a few hours a week, this big lug's my boss. Speaking of which, what happened?"
Another sudden subject change, what's the deal?
"Well Pete," Mac sighed, "Wishy's brothers finally dragged him into something over his head. Rainbow here got caught in the middle. And she twisted her ankle in the fight, could you grab little miss ninja and a medical kit?"
Pete, weird name by the way, nodded and walked away, leaving Mac and I to sit there in even more awkward silence.
Have I mentioned that I hate awkward silence.
"So, a Dojo," I said, trying to break the ice, "that's pretty cool."
Mac gave a small smile. "Thanks."
More silence.
"So," it was Mac who spoke this time, "Ah'm guessin' ya haven't-"
Pete returned with the black clad pegasus and a white first aid kit. Safety plus workspace kit number 300. I should know, I've seen and used enough of them to own stock in the company.
"Mac, I need a little more information," said Pete.
Mac nodded and got off the bench. He and Pete walked away, leaving me with the ninja pegasus. She, judging by the size, was wearing a face mask and had covered her hair and cutie mark.
"R-rainbow?"
How does she know who I -
Wait.
Is she crying?
Sure enough, tears were welling in her light-blue eyes.
Wait a minute.
I know those eyes.
"Fluttershy?"
"Oh, Rainbow! What happened? Your wing! And now your ankle? How?"
This is why I didn't tell anypony. I didn't want them to worry. But it just made it worse. I'm probably gonna be writing a letter about this.
"I'm fine, Fluttershy,"
"Oh, uhm, do- do you think you could call me Flutterdancer? At least while we're here? I mean, if that's all right with you?"
"Oh, because of the ninja thing?" I guess it makes sense that she's hiding her identity in front of all these ponies.
"Y-yes, nopony knows who I am, except Mac and Pete. And now you. You don't think it's weird, do you? Me teaching at the Dojo."
"Fluttershy, I've seen your bear massages, I think it's weird that you're not running the place."
"Oh, I couldn't do that. I barely have time to make it to practice and the competitions as it is."
Wait! "You compete?!"
"Oh," Fluttershy, put a hoof to her mouth, "um, maybe?"
I glared at her.
She put her hoof down. "Maybe a little.
Not letting up on the glare.
She looked down at the ground. "Ok, maybe a lot."
Still not letting up on the glare.
She sighed. "Fine, I'll show you the medals and trophies later."
I broke into a wide smile and patted her on the shoulder. "That's my girl." All pegasi have a competitive streak in them. I knew Fluttershy would find hers someday.
We chatted about it for a little and I told her what happened to my wing as she bandaged my ankle. After she fixed it up, I was able to put some weight on it. I couldn't walk comfortably, but I could walk.
Hey, it was an improvement. I'm not gonna complain.
Weird.
Normally, I would.
"Um," Fluttershy started, "you know, you could have stayed with me, I'm sure any of the girls would have been happy to help."
I shrugged. "I didn't want everypony fussing over me, it's not broken and I'll be flying in a few days."
"Rainbow," she said in a firm tone,"one of these days, your pride is going to get you into trouble and you'll be lucky if there's somepony there to get you out of it."
Leave it to Fluttershy to say exactly what I didn't want to hear.
"I know, I know," I sighed, "it already did. And I'm gonna try to work on it."
"Good for you."
"No promises though."
"I wouldn't expect it," she said with a smile, "your pride is part of you, just like my shyness is a part of me. You just need to learn how to control it a little better, like I do with my mask."
Speaking of pride.
"Hey, Flutter,"
"Yes?"
"I,"
What am I doing?
"was wondering,"
I can't ask her this!
"do you have somepony that you like?"
Please don't laugh.
"I-I guess," enough of her face was showing through her mask that I could see her blush, "Pete and I grab dinner after this every night, and he invited me to the hearts and hooves day dance, and um," she put a hoof to her ear, "we, um-" She mumbled the last part so quietly that I couldn't make out what she said.
Anyways.
I need to know.
"How did you know?"
"Well, it's complicated, but he's nice, easy to talk to, and I like being around him. Why do you ask?"
That's vague. But it makes sense. And that's kind of how I feel around Mac. Well, fifty-fifty on the easy to talk to thing, but hey, nothing worth having is ever easy. I spend enough time training to know that.
I wonder if martial arts training would help my flying. Wait. No! Focus!
"Rainbow?"
I jumped when Fluttershy put her hoof against my shoulder.
"Huh? What is it, Fluttershy?"
She giggled. That's never a good sign. "You zoned out for a moment, were you daydreaming?"
"What? No." I dismissed the light-hearted accusation with the wave of a hoof. "I was just thinkin'."
"Oh, what about?"
"Stuff."
She sat on the bench next to me. "Stuff that has to do with why you asked me about my special somepony?"
"Well," I scratched the back of my head.
What do I tell her? Does she know? Should she know? She wouldn't tell anypony. What would I do if everypony found out? Why does this have to be so confusing? I just had to go and-
"Who is it?" asked Fluttershy.
Fall in love.
Wow, this makes things complicated.
But I did fall in love.
I think.
And now I've got to do something about it.
I think.
Fluttershy giggled again. "Is it somepony I know?"
Big Mac came back and I could feel my face heating up.
Am I blushing?
No! That's embarrassing! I turned my head to hide my face from Mac, but I couldn't hide it from Fluttershy.
"That's so great Rainbow, I'm so happy for you."
Big Mac was followed by Pete who had changed into a dark blue uniform.
Since when did Ponyville have cops? I know cloudsdale has a few, and Las Pegasus has a ton of them, but those places are a lot rougher than Ponyville could ever be.
"I'll round them up Mac, don't worry about it. And your sure about this, paying Wishy's bail?"
Mac shrugged. "He didn't do nothin', and Ah don't wanna see him ending up like his brothers."
"All right," Pete shook his head, "I just hope Wishy Washy learns a lesson from this." He then walked up to Fluttershy and kissed her on the cheek. "I've got to go, sorry."
"It's ok," Fluttershy returned the kiss, "go get'em. And be safe."
"I will," he said, "can you handle the rest of tonight for me?"
"Of course I can." She gave him another kiss on the cheek.
He returned it before walking out the door.
My face was burning! I can't believe they did that right here.
I wonder?
No!
I can't think that. But still. I can't help it! I wonder what's it like? I snuck a glance at Big Mac. Is it nice?
He looked at me. Oh no! He caught me staring! I looked away, trying desperately to find something to be interested in.
He's walking over here! Why is he doing that?
"Ya ready to go?" he asked.
What?
"Go where?" I replied.
"Well, the farm," he said, "ya gotta stay somewhere, right? And our guest bed's probably better than a tree branch for healin' and the like. And the sooner ya heal, the sooner ya get to go home."
Stay at the farm? With Big Mac? And I didn't have to suggest it?
"Besides, Applebloom and A.J. would love to have ya over."
"Right." Why am I disappointed? Wait. Nevermind, I know why I'm disappointed. "Ok then, I guess I'm staying at Sweet Apple Acres."
"All right," he motioned his head towards his back and leaned down,"let's go."
"Um, are you offering to carry me?"
"Eeyup."
Fight it Rainbow, fight the heat that's rising in your cheeks. You were fine a few minutes ago. "Thanks for the offer. But, um, I can walk."
"Not all the way to the farm," Fluttershy chimed in.
"Excuse me a moment," I told Mac. Then I pulled Fluttershy aside. "You pick now to join the conversation?" I asked in a whisper, "and why did you have to say that? Whose side are you on anyway?"
She tilted her head to the side and gave me a weird smile. "Why, I'm on your side, of course." She trotted off to the main part of the gym, but turned and looked back over her shoulder. "No walking for you tonight." She turned away again and said, in sing-song, "doctor's orders!"
"I, uh, wait, what?" I stared after her until a soft, "ahem," broke me out of my contemplation of, well, whatever the hay you'd call whatever just happened.
I turned to see Mac lean down to offer his back once more.
I don't have much of a choice, do I? I climbed on and laid down. At least his fur is soft. I didn't notice it before, but it's a lot softer than you'd expect from a farm worker. I think it's even a little softer than mine.
At least when I'm on his back, he can't see me blush.
We walked back to the farm in silence, and he let me off his back on the porch. I was kind of sad that it was over. Yeah, I thought about it the entire way back and I'm pretty sure about it, I like him. So what should I do about it?
"Ah've gotta go get some apples for breakfast," he said, stepping off the porch, "the guest room is to the left of the stairs. Rest up, breakfast'll be waitin' in the mornin'."
He's been so nice to me. He's gotta feel the same, right? I wonder? I could-
No!
But, maybe?
Yes! I'll do it!
I walked over to him,"Thanks Mac."
Now or never.
And I never back down.
I leaned forward to kiss him on the cheek, mimicking Fluttershy's actions earlier. One difference, Fluttershy was slow and graceful. I was nervous and it showed. I rammed my snout into the side of his face. It wasn't graceful, it wasn't nice like I thought it would be, but it was embarrassing.
Ok, maybe it was a little nice.
"For everything," I said as I went into the house and closed the door.
I had to force myself not to run away, not that my ankle would let me. I hid behind the closed door for a moment with my heart just about pounding out of my chest.
Fortunately there was no one there to see me. Applejack and Applebloom must have been asleep already. My face was burning furiously, I must have been as red as Big Mac.
I waited for a few moments then peeked out the window, Big Mac was gone.
I hope he didn't mind.
Oh no!
What if he did? What if I went too fast? What if he hates me now?
No.
He said I was pretty. He must like me. I think.
Anyway, it wasn't much of a kiss. It was more of a- a playful nudge! Yeah, that's it.
I banged my head against the old wooden door. Isn't that worse? What if he thinks I just want to be friends? I mean, he's nice, and I want to be friends. But I want-
I DON'T KNOW WHAT I WANT!
Why is this so hard? Why do I feel like this? I know I like him, so I should just tell him and ask him if he feels the same way.
BUT I CAN'T!!!
I opened the door and slipped out. onto the porch and sat next to one of granny Smith's old, wicker rockers. Honestly, how many of those things does she have? I bet she has them stashed around Ponyville just like Pinkie.
I sighed and looked at the moon. It looks so nice, hanging in the sky over the farm. I know AJ won't mind me staying here, but I want to have some time alone. Some time to think.
But Macs gonna come back soon.
I usually see something I want and take immediate action. Even if it's just a tiny step forward, I'll take it. But right now, I don't know.
I hopped of the porch and immediately regretted it. Pain shot through my twisted ankle. I waited for the pain to subside before I headed to the barn, I know Mac and AJ are always having problems trying to keep the roof from leaking, butit's a step up from sleeping outside and I probably wouldn't be found until well into tomorrow.
Inside, I found a big pile of hay in the middle of the floor, so I pulled some together into a makeshift bed and pillow along the wall. I placed it so I could see the moon through the barns only window.
I laid down on the pile of hay, watching the moon, for I don't know how long before drifting off to sleep.
***---------------
I don't know why, but the moonlight filtering through the Apple trees was always calming to me. This time it didn't help.
I went the wrong way after I dropped Rainbow off at the porch. I just spent, I don't know how long, searching for apples in a section of the orchard that's already been harvested.
Hey, that's what I get for being distracted.
I sat down in the middle of the orchard and looked up. The full moon always looks nice over the orchard. It's the perfect thing to look at when you're trying to think.
And I had a lot to think about.
"What did she mean by that?" I said to nopony in particular.
It was just a nudge, but it felt like she was trying to make it a kiss.
Which was it? Was it just a friendly thank you? Or was it something else?
"Ah don't know!" I said, to the moon, I guess.
I'm not even sure which one I want it to be.
Why do I feel like this? I like her, but it's just a crush, right?
What if she feels the same? Could this be more than that?
Aah! This is so distracting! When was the last time I got this worked up over something? It's not like me.
I gave up on finding fresh apples and walked towards the barn to grab some out of storage.
When I entered the barn, I could see a large patch of pale moonlight streaming in through the barn's only window. There, in the center of that patch of light, I could see Rainbow Dash, sleeping on a pile of hay.
Why wasn't she in the guest room?
She was beautiful, and the moonlight only made her more so.
She didn't mean anything by what she said earlier. She was just being nice. There's no way somepony like her would ever like somepony like me.
"No," she mumbled.
I guess she isn't asleep.
"What was that?" I asked quietly, walking over and lowering my head to hear her better.
Before I could react, she threw her arms around my neck.
"Don't go," she mumbled.
She was still asleep! She was just dreaming. I should have known.
I couldn't get her hooves off my neck so I just sat next to her. I didn't stand a chance with her, but I could dream. I could enjoy my little crush. And I could enjoy this moment.
"Thanks Mackie," she nuzzled her face into my neck, "You're so soft."
My heart was racing. Was she dreaming about me? Maybe I do have a chance.
But what do I do? If AJ sees me like this with one of her friends, she'll kill me!
"and warm," she mumbled.
And it would be worth it. I layed my head down to think about all that happened today, but quickly fell asleep.
***------------------
The sunlight hit my face, slowly breaking me from my dream, but I didn't open my eyes. I didn't want it to end! It didn't start off the greatest, but eventually, he stayed. He stayed with me. I'm always so brash and reckless, it's who I am. And he always takes things slow, thinking things through and making the right decisions. But he stayed. I don't really stand a chance, there's no way way he'd like me. But I can dream, and in my dreams, he'll be next to me.
I squeezed the bundle of hay I was holding. It was so soft and warm and comfortable. I rubbed my face in it, taking in the faint sweet smell of apples.
Wait.
Apples?
I forced my eyes open and saw that I wasn't holding a bundle of hay.
But. Why? Why would he be here?
I was surprised, but I didn't want to let go.
Why would he stay with me? Does he like me? In the same way I like him? How long was he here? Am I sure about this? No, I made my decision yesterday, I'm sure about my feelings. It's his feelings that I need to know about.
As soon as he wakes up, I'm going to ask him.
But, for now anyways, "Big Mac,"
***-----------
I felt sunlight on my face and felt something press against my neck.
"I think I like you."
She must still be asleep.
"Ah think Ah like you too."
I picked my head up and turned to get one last look at her before starting my day. I found myself staring into her bright magenta eyes.
She's awake.
But.
That means,
***------------------
I actually said it.
But he was awake.
His eyes.
He heard it.
Beautiful emerald eyes.
He said it back!
Now what?