*Thursday, 9/14*
*Morning*
“Twilight?”
Twilight could hear Applejack’s accent call through the tree house. She made no attempt to answer it, however. She stayed laid down on her bed, her mind completely disconnected from the outside world. She simply continued to read the book floating above her, completely silent and motionless.
The farmer knocked on her front door again, the sound not as profound as her call.
“Ah was jus’ wonderin’ if you were OK?” she said after a few silent moments, “Ah haven’t seen any sign o’ ya the past few days an’ Ah got worried.”
A few minutes of silence passed after she said that. Twilight figured she had simply given up and walked away. She didn’t really care, though. After all, there wasn’t much point in getting too close to somepony. She much preferred her books.
*Saturday, 9/16*
*Afternoon*
Twilight quickly made her way around the walking ponies in the marketplace. She didn’t want to spend too much time here. Get her food for next week and go home. It would take thirty minutes at most. Her saddlebags rustled on her sides, the contents taking up nearly every available space. She had just a few more things to get before she could head home.
She kept her head low, keeping an eye on the ponies’ hooves so as not to bump into anyone. She looked up once to check for the produce she was looking for, only to unwittingly run smack into a fruit stand. She fell on her haunches, the flaps on her bags flying open and spilling her fresh produce. She groaned and rubbed her head before being offered a hoof. She looked up to politely thank them and move on, only to freeze as she recognized the red, unshorn fetlocks of the pony helping her.
She reluctantly took the hoof anyway and ended up face-to-face with Big Macintosh at the Apple Family’s apple cart. She blushed and looked away as his blank stare seemed to study her. She knelt down and began picking up her spilled groceries when she heard him offer his help.
“No no, that’s OK,” she then began to rush, using her magic to lift her food back into her carrying bags. She had reattached the saddle to her and was about to leave when he spoke again.
“Ya know, AJ’s been worried ‘bout ya.”
The comment seemed to weigh her down, forcing her to stop in her tracks. She didn’t respond, but simply kept her eyes on the ground. After a few moments passed, her spoke again.
“We haven’t seen hide or tail of ya since last Sunday. AJ says that you haven’t been meeting at your regular place since then, either. Ah didn’t even know you two met every day. . .” He finished with a quiet comment.
“I’ve just been busy studying,” she said flatly, “I’m still a student, after all. Since I’m not working at the farm anymore I decided to spend my new time catching up on my studies.”
“Now that Ah think about it, Ah haven’t seen Caramel since then either.”
Twilight turned around sharply, her face inches away from his, “Do not mention him!”
Big Mac’s eyes opened wide in surprise for a few moments before returning to his normal stare. After Twilight recovered from her rage and she realized what she’d done, her face softened and blushed again. She turned back around and kept her gaze on the ground.
Just as she was about to walk away, she heard another voice behind her.
“Hello, Big Macintosh.” She turned around to see a pink mare with long, yellow hair approach the stallion. He nodded to her with his blank stare and responded politely. She seemed to be nervous, fidgeting awkwardly in her coin purse for her bits and clumsily dropping her bought apples in her bag. She apologized for every small mistake she made, even some that only she seemed to notice.
After a minute or so and she’d made her purchase, she cleared her throat and looked at the farmer in the eyes.
“B-by the way, Big Macintosh,” she said with a shaky voice, “I was wondering, if you have time that is, to take a walk in the park or something?” She finished with a much-too-large grin.
His face never changing, Big Mac shook his head. “Sorry, Ma’am. Ah still have work ta do ‘round the farm.”
The mare stood for a while, looking as if she was expecting more. When he didn’t continue, she looked away, her eyes betraying the disappointment she was trying to hide. “Oh, right. Well, be seeing you!” She trotted around the cart and past Twilight. As Twilight caught her eyes, she could see tears forming at the corners. One drop happened to come loose and fell to the ground at Twilight’s hooves.
She opened her mouth to say something to him, but closed it as she looked at his unblinking eyes. The sight burned her, the way he didn’t flinch or change emotion once as the mare asked him out and then left crying. She turned away without a word and angrily finished her shopping before returning home.
*Sunday, 9/17
*Afternoon*
Much to Twilight’s surprise, she had customers in her library. She watched as the two of them poked around her shelves, a scroll and quill ready for when they finally picked out their books. One of them, a pink mare with a blue, twisty mane, came up to her with a book that listed different theories of the universe. Twilight had poked into this one before, reading about the possibilities of multiverses and an ever expanding universe. She’d found the tome a little heavy on her mind then, but no less fascinating.
Twilight looked at her with uncertainty. “This is some complicated stuff. Are you sure you want this?”
The mare looked at her with excitement. “Oh, yes!” she exclaimed, “I’ve always found the universe fascinating. I figure since school is starting again soon I may as well catch up on studies.”
The other mare audibly scoffed at her. “Is that what you came here for?” She asked, carrying a thin magazine with her. Twilight had to do a double-take when she came into view. The two mares looked like they could be twins. Their faces and hair styles were the same, except their colors were reversed.
The pink mare rolled her eyes and retorted, “And what did you come here for?”
The blue one winked at her. “Don’t you know me by now, Sis?” She plopped the magazine on the center table where they had gathered. The cover had large letters that seemed to shout at you with its bright colors and bold text, some of which was being covered by the larger-than-life stallion on the cover wielding a giant sword that should clearly be impossible to use. “I came for the manga.”
I didn’t even know I had this in here, Twilight thought. She dotted down the title of the books on her scroll along with the mares’ names. The blue one, Cotton, was chattering on to her sister, Candy, who was only mildly interested. Twilight couldn’t help but listen- unavoidable considering the volume she spoke at- but turned her interest away when boys became the topic.
Until a familiar name caught her ear.
“Hey, Sis,” Cotton continued, poking at Candy with a hoof, “do you remember Big Macintosh from the marketplace?
Candy looked at her sister with slight annoyance, “I’ve been away for college for a couple years. I’m surprised I can remember who you are.”
“You know, that big stallion that runs the apple cart?” She paused as she only received a flat look, “Anyway, he’s grown up since we went to school together!”
“Everypony does, Candy. It’s nothing new.”
“No, I mean he really grew up! Every mare is swooning over him! But he keeps rejecting them so coldly!”
“I would too if I was suddenly getting that much attention.”
“He wasn’t always like that, though,” Candy said as her eyes seemed to look at something far away, “He kept to himself, but he respected others and always seemed content.”
“Didn’t you have a crush on him back then?”
“Not the point! Anyway, he’s been looking kind of,” Cotton paused as she seemed to search for a word, “sad lately. All he ever does with those big eyes is stare anymore.”
“Are those ready to be signed for now?”
Twilight, who had been frozen as the mares talked, jumped as she realized the question was directed at her. “Oh, yes.” she placed the scroll by their hooves and the mares gently stamped their hoof signatures over their names and the book titles. Twilight then tore the scroll into makeshift bookmarks as she always did in Canterlot and slipped them between their respective pages. “Sorry for the wait.”
The mares nodded and took their books. Candy continued her gossip as they left. “Anyway, maybe he’s just tired. He only has a few other sets of hooves to help him at the farm anymore.”
Their conversation left with them, leaving Twilight alone. Candy’s words echoed in her head, bouncing around and making her think. She then remembered how Big Macintosh had rejected the mare yesterday, making her frustration bubble a little once again. Then, the thoughts connected. She remembered Big Mac’s eyes as the mare ran away as she heard Candy’s words for the last time. He wasn’t always like that, though.
She looked over at the closed library door, it’s wooden form hiding the outside she’d been doing her best to avoid. She lifted a hoof forward, only to turn around and make her way upstairs. It’s none of my business.
She opened the door to her bedroom and used her magic to pull a book out of her suitcase, which was now being used as simple storage. As the tome flew out, a soft thud caught her attention. She turned to see Smarty Pants looked up at her with her button eyes. They looked sad, almost pathetic as the right button hung loosely by a string. She remembered the last night she’d slept with it, the night she made a promise to herself.
She looked at the clock, realizing it was nearly two already. His shift would be ending soon. Without another moment’s hesitation, she placed her book back into her suitcase and left the library and into Ponyville.
In a matter of minutes she could see the Apple’s cart. Luckily, Applejack appears to be late for her shift. The stallion caught sight of her, a look of mild surprise on his face as she trotted towards him with a sense of determination.
“Pleasure seein’ ya, Twilight,” he said with an even voice that his eyes soon matched, “What can Ah do ya for?”
She put on the friendliest smile she could manage. The smile was sincere, though she felt silly when it seemed to her she was trying too hard. “I just want to talk. I don’t think we’ve ever just talked before. I wouldn’t mind helping out, either.”
His eyes remained deadpanned, though a glint of the surprise that was just there returned. “What do ya wanna help with?”
“Anything! Customer service, sales balances, organization, anything you need an extra hoof for.”
“Well,” he thought, “Ah’m ‘bout ta head back home when AJ comes back. If ya wanna help, it’ll have to be in the kitchen.”
Twilight was about to nod happily when she realized what he’d said. “Excuse me?”
“When Ah’m not sellin’ our stock Ah bake in the kitchen until it’s mah turn again. Whatever Ah make ends up either bein’ sold or our supper.”
Twilight blushed as she realized her misjudgment. “Oh, right. Well, I can’t bake but I can certainly get you whatever you need. Just give me a job to do.”
“Twilight!”
Twilight suddenly felt Equestria ram into her side and lock her in a hug. By some miracle, she’d remained standing. When she was released she turned to see Applejack’s overjoyed face looking right at her.
“You’re OK! Where’ve ya been?”
Twilight shied away from AJ’s grin, but only because she’d forgotten she’d been hiding for so long.
“I’m sorry to worry you. I just haven’t been ready to come out in a while.”
“What happened?”
Twilight just looked away sadly, which quickly gave AJ the hint she needed. “Right,” she nodded, “personal. Ah won’t ask about it till ya wanna share.”
They shared a hug before Twilight left with Big Macintosh back to Sweet Apple Acres. They entered the kitchen, the sight something interesting to behold. Just like the rest of their home, it was made of wood, except for the stove and oven on the right wall. In the center of the far wall was a sink filled with dirty dishes. The room was small, made for no more than three ponies to comfortably fit, with cupboards lining the walls above the stove and sink and a pantry to the right of the stove.
The main thing that caught Twilight’s attention was how well everything fit, as if everything in it was necessary and served a specific purpose, yet stood out with how simple it all was. Her kitchen at the library was extravagant compared to this one, though mostly due to the marble that served as her countertop. Big Macintosh walked in with purpose towards the pantry and opened it. On the inside of the doors were aprons and hair nets hanging on hooks with labels above them. They had the names of the four residents in order of age. Seeing a tiny apron for Applebloom made Twilight giggle.
Big Macintosh grabbed his apron and hair net and fastened them quickly, the motions Twilight could recognize as routine from how she would get ready for her studies. Then, Big Mac turned to her and looked her over, craning his head over as he seemed to be studying her, causing Twilight to fidget uncomfortably. After a few seconds of that, he returned to the hooks and picked up Applejack’s apron and hair nets and handed them to her.
“Yer just a mite smaller ‘n her. If it’s too big Ah can give ya Granny’s.”
After some help from him, Twilight had successfully tied the apron around her and fit her mane and tail into buns and into the hair nets. The apron hung a little loosely than it should, but was workable despite that. Big Mac chuckled lightly at the sight.
“Funny, Caramel’s almost too big fer that. Funny how clothes look on different ponies.”
Twilight suppressed her anger at the mention of his name and instead stood attentively, awaiting her orders.
“Ah s’pose the dishes need cleanin’,” he said looking over at the pile in the sink, “Ah have enough clean pots fer today, but they may as well get done now. Sorry, but we don’t have a dishwasher like most ponies nowadays.”
Twilight nodded and immediately went to work, grabbing a sponge and filling the sink with warm, soapy water. Silence fell upon the kitchen as the two went about their duties, which didn’t sit well for Twilight. She wanted to start a conversation, but she had no idea how. Fortunately, Big Mac was the first to speak.
“What did’ja want ta talk about?” he asked as he cut up some apples.
“Anything at all,” she replied with a smile, “I’ve gotten to know AJ quite well, but I’ve hardly talked to you at all.”
“Not much ta talk about when it comes ta me.”
Twilight mentally fished for a topic. “Anything new happen today?”
“Nnope.”
No dice. She tried again, “The weather sure was nice today.”
“Eeyup.”
Shoot. She searched again and smiled as she finally came up with something that she knew would get something started. “What about your foalhood? Any fond memories you have?”
She could almost hear him sift through his thoughts, looking for memories he might deem worthy of sharing. After a minute or so, he shook his head. “Not really.”
“Really? AJ had plenty of fun stories she told me about the three of you.” She mentally cringed as she referenced him again, but whatever it took to get Big Mac talking she had to do.
He shook his head again. “She was always the outgoin’ type. Ah tagged along every now and then, but ya prob’ly heard all those already.”
Defeated, Twilight turned her focus to the dishes, deciding to wait a little longer before trying again. Before she could think of anything to say, though, he’d spoken up.
“Well, Ah s’pose there was one time ya hadn't heard of.”
Twilight beamed as she heard that. She stood quietly, waiting for him to start the story.
“It was before AJ was even old enough ta work the farm. It was one of the first times Mel had snuck in ta help. He’d always stay near me when he did. Ah wonder why. Ah never spoke that much ta him back then. . .”
His voice trailed off as he seemed to get lost in his thoughts. When he spoke again, it came out flat, as if he was saying whatever first came to mind. “He came back almost every day since we met fer the first time. He’d never been good at knockin’ the apples down. When he finally knocked down his first one, it was unripe and hit him square on the head,” Twilight looked over to see him smiling, his half-lidded eyes shining with fond memories, “Ah remember he’d speak with that accent o’ his. Ah dunno how he lost it with how often he was here.
“Ah remember one time we’d gone ‘round Ponyville after school. Ah was s’posed ta be at the farm, but fer some reason neither of us wanted ta go back. Ah thought fer sure Ah was gonna get scolded.”
Twilight looked over when she noticed he wasn’t talking anymore to see him stirring something in a bowl. When he was finished he placed the gooey contents into a pie tin, covered it with the soon-to-be crust, and placed it into the oven. While he went to gather the next set of ingredients he needed, he continued his story.
“Oddly ‘nough, Pa wasn’t mad. He asked where Ah went an’ when Ah told him Ah was wit’ Mel he didn’t seem ta mind.” At the mention of his father Twilight looked over in curiosity. What she found tore at her heart. His eyes were watering and staring at the floor. He spoke quietly, too quiet for Twilight to hear him. After a few minutes, he started again, his breath steady, if a little shaky.
“When Ma ‘n Pa passed away, Mel was the first one to comfort me. AJ and Granny were still comin’ ta terms like Ah was an’ Bloom was still a baby. He stayed close ta me all night, not once movin’ away as Ah cried mahself ta sleep.”
“I’m so sorry.” It was all Twilight could think to say.
Big Macintosh shook his head. “Nothin’ ta be sorry ‘bout. Thinkin’ on it now,” he continued, “Ah think that was when Ah started thinkin’ o’ Mel as a big brother instead of a friend.”
“Big brother?”
He nodded. “Mel’s a li’l less than a year older ‘n me.”
The shock was enough to almost permanently alter her face. She looked at him, mouth agape. She remembered when she first met Caramel, how he’d acted all flustered. Then she remembered his mannerisms, how he seemed so young, and then how much Applejack would boss him around when working. The image suddenly became hilarious, causing Twilight to erupt in a fit of laughter, her magic losing grip on the plate and sponge- which fortunately landed with a soft splash in the water- as she rolled on the floor.
After a few minutes and she’d finally calmed down, she wiped a tear from her eye and took heavy breaths, steadying her breathing as more laughs attempted to escape.
“It is kinda funny now, huh?” Big Mac said to himself, “You would never think so lookin’ at ‘im.”
The rest of the afternoon continued like that. Twilight shared her own foalhood memories with him, and he would continue with his. By the end of the afternoon and just before supper, they had finished the cooking and cleaning. Twilight insisted that she not have dinner here despite his invitation and left just as AJ was returning with their cart.
As Twilight entered the library and made her way to bed, she remembered the promise they made before she left. They would have to do that again tomorrow.
*Monday, 9/18*
*Afternoon*
Twilight trotted through town, weaving between the usual crowds of ponies as she made her way to meet up with Big Macintosh. He should have just started his shift at the cart and she’d planned on helping him out there instead of in the kitchen again. She caught sight of the cart far down the street, along with something unexpected.
The unmistakable sight of Caramel was standing in front of the cart. He seemed to be talking with Big Macintosh, a nervous look on his face as he shifted his gaze around him. When he inevitably saw Twilight approaching, he quickly turned to Big Mac, bowed, and galloped off before she could even get close enough to hear what they were saying.
She looked at Big Mac with curiosity, to which he merely shrugged. She hesitantly shrugged it off as well, deciding it best to not push the subject. She was given the assignment of keeping track of money balance, a list of different expenses and writing materials hoofed over to her.
They worked hard, giving a side comment every now and then between customers. When the line would finally end before the next wave they talked more, sharing more about themselves. A couple hours passed like this, the time flying by between the two.
The sun’s light began to dim, marking the start of sunset. It was around that time that a familiar face stopped by for some shopping. Twilight greeted the customer with a happy smile.
“Good evening, Fluttershy.”
“Oh, Twilight!” the pegasus said with surprise, “It is you! I haven’t seen you in a while.”
“Sorry, I’ve been kinda occupied.”
“What can Ah do ya for, Miss?” Big Mac asked with a bright smile.
Fluttershy recoiled at the sound of his heavy voice, and then slowly poked out of her shell when she looked at his eyes. “Umm, I just wanted to buy some apples, if that’s alright.”
Big Mac nodded and made the exchange, placing several apples into her bag while Twilight took the bits and added the earnings on her paper. Fluttershy didn’t move, however. She scuffed her hoof along the ground, her head down and eyes going from looking at him to looking at the ground. Finally, she spoke.
“I-I don’t think we’ve ever properly met,” she said with a delicate, barely audible voice, “I-I’m Fluttershy.”
“Big Macintosh Apple.” He introduced himself with a low bow. Fluttershy seemed to grow flustered as her face turned completely red and she picked herself up in the air.
“Sorry, never mind! Gotta go!” And with that she zoomed off faster than Twilight thought she should be capable of. She turned to Big Mac, who was smiling to himself.
He muttered under his breath, almost too quiet for Twilight to hear. It sounded something like, “That’s the first mare Ah haven’t made cry. . .”
He kept his gaze on the ground where he bowed, the setting sun casting a shadow over his features. Twilight looked up at him with worry. She couldn’t see his face against the sun, but she thought she could see something glisten at the bottom of his muzzle.
“Ah’m sorry Ah brought up Caramel so much yesterday.”
Twilight jumped when he finally spoke, not expecting the sudden apology. Before she could reply, he continued.
“Ah jus’ can’t remember a time of my foalhood when he wasn’t there. He’s a big part of mah life. Because o’ that, Ah can tell ya that he’s not a bad pony. He makes mistakes, a lot o’ them, but he never harms anypony intentionally. Whatever happened between the two o’ ya, Ah hope you can work it out.”
“But he--” Twilight blurted out, but she was interrupted.
“Ya don’t have ta forgive ‘im, but please jus’ listen ta what he has ta say. Ah don’t mean ta step outta line, but Ah hate seein’ mah family not get along.”
She had no response to that. The words seemed to pierce her, freezing her in place and unable to move. She watched him pack up his cart and leave, hearing only a simple “g’night” from him. Only after the sun had set and the chill moon ascended above her did she have the will to move. She let her legs move for her, unsure herself where she was going.
She was soon walking across the park, the moon’s light shining like stars on the ground as the trees attempted to hide it. She could see the stars she once saw in his eyes, the innocent eyes that wrapped her into this mess. She remembered the first time they went out as a couple. They’d walked around this very park in the dead of night. No real destination was set, but they somehow ended up sitting at a park bench and staying close to each other for warmth. They both knew that their homes were warmer, but that wasn’t the point.
This wasn’t where she wanted to go, though. She kept walking, far past the park and towards the back end of town. There was one place she thought she’d try first. She could already see the bright lights and the loud thumping of the music of the bar, the bar Caramel had first taken her.
She walked inside, the noise drowning in her ears as she focused only on what she was looking for. She saw the bartender and asked him without another thought.
“He left just a little bit ago,” he said, washing a mug, “I stopped him before he drank too much, but he still drank a lot. I hope you find him before he gets in too much trouble.”
Twilight thanked him and left, happy to be out of the obnoxious building. It’d seemed so much easier to stand when Caramel was with her. She began running around the dark streets of Ponyville, searching for any sign of him. At first she was just short of a gallop, but as more and more of Ponyville was searched the more frantic she became. Soon she’d gone as far as the library with no sign of him.
She imagined him lying on the ground, unconscious in the middle of the street, or being picked up by the Ponyville Police for the night. What if he’d fallen down a hill? What about that cliff edge on the far side of town? Soon, she couldn’t even see where she was going. Images of injured Caramel flashed before her and she was running on auto-pilot.
Within a few minutes, she was at the edge of town. She came upon a large hill, one that made it seem like she could reach up and touch the stars. She’d stopped at the base, looking up and seeing the silhouette of a pony at the top. Hope filled in her as she went to investigate, only to be replaced with concern as she came upon his body.
He wasn’t hurt, thank goodness, but he was unconscious. His mane and tail were in tangles, like they hadn’t been brushed in a while. The wind blew by and he visibly shivered. She attempted to lift him up with her magic, but the energy she used to run around town left her drained. She knew she couldn’t carry him, at least not far, so she instead took a spot next to him. She looked into his face, his mouth hanging open and following the soft snoring and steady breathing of sleep. The sight was somehow soothing, lulling her into a peaceful sleep.
A hoof flew at Twilight’s face, smacking her hard on the cheek and sending her skidding along the floor. She felt tears form as she rubbed her sore face. She looked up to see a large, imposing figure looming over her, his hoof still raised from his strike. He was a tan pony much larger than her with a chocolate brown mane that was short and hardly kept. His eyes were red, burning hot in her mind. He took in heavy breaths, rage seeping through his teeth.
“Don’t ya ever think like that, Caramel!” he bellowed above her, “It’aint natural!”
For some reason, Twilight felt compelled to respond. “But why? What’s wrong with it?”
“Don’t talk back ta me!” He hit her again, beating the idea into her anyway he could. She curled up in a ball, defending herself as best she could as he continued to abuse her, punching and kicking her until she blacked out.
*Tuesday, 9/19*
*Morning*
Twilight’s eyes shot open, sweat pouring down her face and her breathing hard. She forced herself to stay put instead of sitting up when she noticed Caramel holding on tight to her. She let her breathing even out, letting the morning sun cover their bodies, before she thought about what she just saw. She noticed her horn lightly touching Caramel’s forehead and the connections were made. Did I somehow see his dream?
She looked at his still-sleeping face. He had been crying, the tear stains still on his coat. However, he now seemed content again, like it never happened. He opened his eyes a few minutes later. He moaned, the sun’s light on his eyes no doubt feeling like the flames of Tartarus on his hangover. He blinked several times and yawned, a couple last tears falling from his eyes. Twilight could smell the alcohol on his breath still.
He stared at her, eyes half-lidded and glazed over. After a moment or two, realization seemed to hit him as she shot up, releasing his grip in her and backing away shyly. Before he could get too far, twilight stood herself up and wrapped her arms around his neck, her own tears falling now.
“I’m sorry, Caramel,” she said through sobs, “I’m so, so sorry. I didn’t know! I shouldn’t have reacted like I did!”
Caramel, though confused, hesitantly returned the hug. “Why are you apologizing? I’m the one that screwed up. And what do you mean you ‘didn’t know’?”
Twilight pulled away and looked at him, his eyes not giving anything away. “That dream. I accidentally saw your dream last night.”
“What are you talking about? I didn’t have a dream last night. Even if I did I don’t know what it would have to do about this.”
He doesn’t--? Then, she experienced her own realization. Neither AJ nor Big Mac ever mentioned a time he was sad. The only time he was ever not happy was . . . then.
When she noticed neither of them had spoken, she shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. Look, I don’t like that you lied to me, but I suppose we could start over. You know, as friends.”
After hearing that, Caramel’s face lit up from pure joy. He wrapped Twilight in another hug, almost knocking the air out of her.
“Thank you,” he said, his voice chocking, “Thank you so much, Twilight.”
Twilight felt him suddenly wince. He pulled away and rubbed the side of his head, gritting his teeth and holding back a groan. She shook her head and stood them both up. “We should take care of that hangover. After that, why don’t we hang out?”
Caramel smiled through his pain and lightly nodded his head. They took a casual walk back to town, making sure not to anger his headache any more.
*Afternoon*
Twilight and Caramel sat together at the outdoor café, each of them enjoying the other’s company as if nothing happened. As far as they were concerned, what happened the past week didn’t matter. What did matter was happening now. They talked to each other, joked about their past mistakes, just like friends should. They were soon waiting for their pay when Caramel changed the topic.
“You know, you’re the only one I’ve told.” He looked down the corner of his eyes, his shyness coming through again.
It took a moment for Twilight to realize what he was talking about. She remained silent, unsure of what to say. When he knew she wasn’t going to reply, he continued.
“I’m glad it wasn’t a mistake. I was so scared of telling you after what my father did.”
She looked at him with surprise. “So, you--?”
He nodded his head. “Yeah, I remember. I remembered when that headache went away. That memory was repressed for so long; I thought it was something my hangover made up. I’m sorry you had to see that,” he paused for a moment, as if to think something through, “Do you mind listening? I feel like you’re the only one I can talk to about this.”
Twilight shook her head, telling him that she didn’t mind. He drew in a long breath, closing his eyes and sighing before starting.
“It was back before my family moved to Ponyville. I used to live in Appleloosa. My father worked at the orchard with the other settlers and sometimes he would take me with him. One time I met the son of one of the other farmers. I can’t remember his name, but I do remember his mane reminding me of the setting sun, the moment the sky changes to a bright orange.
“Anyway, we really hit it off. Whenever our fathers brought us to the orchard we would run off and play. One night I was drawing a picture I was going to give to him. I was so proud of it that I went to show my father and said I was going to marry him. Course, I didn’t know what marriage actually meant at the time. I just knew that two ponies who really liked each other did it. He was the first friend I ever made and I really did like playing with him.
“He didn’t like that. He took the picture and tore it up, and then hit me over and over, saying that that two stallions shouldn’t get married,” his voice was chocking again and he had started crying, “H-He kept hitting me until I fell unconscious. The last thing I heard was that it was unnatural.”
He had rested his front hooves on the table, his tears falling on the table as he hiccupped and cried uncontrollably. Twilight placed a hoof on his shoulder, not sure what she could do to help him stop. He immediately began recovering when he felt her touch and wiped the tears from his eyes.
“I couldn’t remember that night until now. We left Appleloosa soon after that when father had a disagreement with the sheriff. We came straight here for a calmer, less stressful life,” Twilight jumped in surprise when she heard him laugh, “As soon as I heard there was an apple farm at the edge of town I felt drawn to it. I can’t believe I let the same thing happen so soon after the first time. . . .”
That also caught Twilight off guard. “What?”
He shook his head. “Nothing. I’ll tell you when I’m ready,” he stood up when he noticed their receipt on the table. It had been placed while Caramel vented, but neither of them had paid attention to the waiter when he arrived, “I suddenly feel really tired. I think I’m going to head home and sleep.”
They parted ways. Twilight turned the other way, heading home. For some reason, it felt like she’d been away forever.
Her bed upstairs seemed to be calling her as she entered, but the empty room before her seemed different somehow. It was welcoming, yet quiet. Not a sound was to be heard, a sense of peace floating in the air. She took a glance around, finally coming upon her writing podium. On it was an open scroll, a quill, and an ink pot. She made sure to always have them ready, usually for a sudden idea or list she needed to make. As she walked over to the podium, however, she had a different idea.
“I haven’t kept a journal since I was a filly,” she reminisced, “Maybe I should start again.”
She picked up the quill with her magic, dipped the end in the ink, and began writing.
*Wednesday, 9/20*
*Afternoon*
Twilight and Applejack waved goodbye to the last customer in line, sighing in relief as they got their first break of the day. Twilight had been writing and adding non-stop, trying to keep up with Applejack’s sales pitching and money making. They both turned to the clock tower, curious on the time, only to groan when they realized it was the middle of the day.
“At least this means we’ll be switching off soon, right?” Twilight asked, turning to the farmer.
“Ah hope so. Ah haven’t seen mah brother all day. He didn’t seem awake this mornin’ an’ he didn’t come down fer breakfast,” they both turned back to the front of the cart, anticipating more customers to arrive, when they both saw something coming towards them, “Speak o’ the Mare. . . .”
Soon, two ponies that were becoming all too familiar to Twilight came walking towards them. They both had tired looks on their faces and their manes were a mess, like they’d just crawled out of bed. They greeted the mares when they arrived, their voices thick with exhaustion.
“Big Macintosh, where’ve ya been?” Applejack interrogated him.
“Ah spent the night at Mel’s. He really needed the company.” He said with a smile. He turned to the smaller stallion, bumping him forward a step. He gave the bigger stallion a nervous look and was given a reassuring nod in return. He gulped heavily, faced Applejack, and spoke.
“Jack, I’m coming out of the closet.”
Twilight’s quill and paper fell to the ground, her magic suddenly losing grip on them. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see AJ’s hat sliding forward over her wide eyes. She looked at Caramel, then back to AJ, waiting for a reaction. Finally, she seemed to be coming back to Earth.
“Whassat now?”
“I’m gay.”
Applejack opened her mouth and attempted to speak several times. She kept getting interrupted by a cough, or a clearing of her throat. “Well, Ah guess it was kinda obvious, now that Ah think about it,” she said when she regained her composure somewhat, “Ah’m glad you were able ta be open wit’ me.” She looked between the two, noticing their state once again. She watched them as their gazes met each other’s and her face turned suddenly red. “It’s your turn for sellin’, Big Mac!” she quickly rounded the cart and called back when she was out of sight, “You comin’, Twi?”
“I’ll catch up,” She yelled back. She turned to the two stallions, “Alright, what’s the story?”
-------------
*Tuesday, 9/19*
*Evening*
Caramel opened his front door, tired from his interrupted sleep. He rubbed his eyes until his vision cleared and looked up to see Big Macintosh standing above him.
“Mac?”
“Ah jus’ wanted ta come by and see how you were doin’,” Caramel welcomed him in and he stood in the middle of the living room, “’Sides, it seemed like you really wanted ta tell me somethin’ before.”
Caramel averted his eyes from Big Mac’s, attempted to hide his nervous blush. He took several long sighs before he started.
“Y-Yeah. . .” Caramel’s legs visibly shook as he spoke, “S-See, Mac, there’s something I-I’ve really wanted to say to you,” he took a moment to calm his lower lip that was now shaking, but to no avail, “E-Except, I don’t know how to even begin telling you.”
“Mel. . .”
“I don’t even know how you’ll take it. And. . . and. . .”
Big Mac tried to inch closer to him, try to comfort him, but stopped when Caramel said his next words.
“. . . And the thought of what might happen scares me! It scares me so much!” he was shouting now, tears falling from his eyes and his sobs emphasizing his words, “I don’t want to lose you! You, of all ponies!”
Caramel’s legs buckled and he let himself lay down. His tears were pooling on top of the hardwood floor, the splashing as they fell beating like drums in Big Mac’s ears. He approached Caramel slowly, making his steps light as possible. He sat next to him and wrapped his arms around him, lifting him up and letting him rest on his chest.
“It’s OK,” he shushed soothingly, stroking the sobbing pony’s mane, “It’s OK.”
They stayed like that for a long time. Big Mac didn’t move his head, never stopped stroking his mane, and only listened to his sobbing slowly die down. His breathing eventually returned to normal and the tears stopped falling.
“I love you, Big Macintosh.” Caramel whispered, his voice weak from his harsh crying.
“I know. Ah feel real bad tellin’ ya Ah like mares.”
Caramel sighed. “I figured. I just really needed to get all that off my chest.”
“Ya don’t have ta worry ‘bout me leavin’ ya behind. That’s not what family does.”
A few more silent minutes passed before either of them spoke.
“Now I have a headache.” Caramel complained.
“Why don’t Ah get ya ta bed?”
Caramel nodded as he stood up, wiping away the tears that had long stained his coat. They left the living room and made their way upstairs to his bedroom, a small room just big enough to fit everything. His bed was placed in the center of the back wall with a nightstand on the left side. Caramel crawled in and Big Mac tucked the covers under him, making sure the blanket’s hug was tight and comfortable. He gently nuzzled the colt, giving a silent goodnight before turning around.
“Big Mac. . .”
He turned his head back around to face him, only barely able to see his red face as he laid on his side.
“. . . Would you mind staying here tonight?”
He smiled, “What’re little brothers for?” He walked to the other side of the bed and lied down on top of the covers facing Caramel.
Caramel sighed, annoyance apparent in it. “It’s weird calling you ‘little brother’ now. I’m the one smaller than you. And get under the covers, you’ll freeze.”
“Maybe it’s ‘cause yer bossin’ me around?” Big Mac teased as he slipped under the blanket with him.
There was a long pause between them. They both kept their eyes closed, listening to the other’s soft breathing. They were both content, ready to sleep as the moon shined above them through the window.
“I love you, little bro.” Caramel whispered.
“Ah love A too, big bro.”
----------
“That’s so sweet.” Twilight wiped away the tear in her eye.
“Until he woke me up with his screamin’ this mornin’.” Big Mac rolled his eyes as he nudged the tan pony again.
“I woke up using his chest as a pillow. I didn’t realize what happened until I turned my head and saw him sleeping right under me.” Caramel hid his cherry-red face in vain, his hair hanging loosely over his eyes as a sort of cover. After recovering enough to look Twilight in the eyes again, he bowed his head. “Thank you, Twilight. If it weren’t for you, I’d probably still be keeping that part of me locked away. I’m sorry I caused you grief in the process, but I’m thankful all the same.”
“It’s no problem, Caramel. I’m glad I could help.”
“Excuse me? Are any of you busy?”
Almost instantly, Caramel spun around with an energetic smile and greeted a mare behind them. “Not at all, Ma’am! Sorry for the wait. How can I help you?”
Big Mac motioned Twilight over to the side now that Caramel was distracted. When they were out of earshot, he spoke.
“Ah wanna thank ya too, Twilight.”
“You don’t have to thank me, Caramel already did.” Twilight replied, her lack of understanding clear.
“No, not about that. Well. . .,” he shook his head quickly before starting over, “If it weren’t fer you, Ah don’t know how Ah would’ve handled that.”
“What do you mean? What did I do help you?”
“You got me ta talk.”
Twilight let a look of surprise fall on her. She raised an eyebrow questioningly.
“D’you remember what Ah was like when ya first met me?”
Twilight thought back, remembering all the awkward silences that would fall between them whenever she tried making small talk. She looked at him again, almost not recognizing the stallion before her as the one then. He was smiling now, eyes caring and sometimes even wide open.
“Ah was never good at talkin’ wit’ ponies outside o’ family, an’ even then Ah came out short. Then you came along ‘n kept tryin’, talkin’ wit’ me and helpin’ me remember what it was like ta smile,” he looked over at Caramel, his bright, blue eyes shining brighter as he made sales to complete strangers, “Mah Pa’s last words ta me were, ‘Take care o’ family. Family’s the most important thing ya have,’ so Ah did. Ah took responsibility o’ farm work the next day an’ made the money we needed. It ate up all my free time. ‘Cause Ah was workin’ so hard, Ah thought Ah was doin’ right. Now, Ah think Ah know what he meant. Ah never left Mel’s side last night. Not even once.”
Twilight looked up at him with admiration. She watched as his face turned to horror, only to be distracted by the sound of something falling over. She turned to see Caramel covered by an avalanche of apples next to an overturned basket. The line of customers that formed looked at him with worry, only to sigh in relief when he spoke to Big Mac.
“Mac, I knocked over the apples. . .”
Big Mac just stared at the mess before him. Apples were strewn about the stand, though miraculously everything else was untouched. He soon cracked a smile and burst out in laughter after trying to contain it. He was rolling on the ground, gripping his sides at the sight before him. The tan pony huffed.
“It’s not funny~!” he wined, only eliciting more laughter from his younger brother.