//------------------------------//
// Chapter 5 
// Story: Night Apples 
// by RangerBeef 
//------------------------------//

	Over the next few nights, Big Mac taught Luna the basics of caring for apple trees.  Realistically, there isn't much to know, and Big Mac knew that, but, in an attempt to talk to her and keep her around a bit longer, he would often go in depth on things that were rather easily understood.  Princess Luna never questioned him.  She stood as an eager student and seemed excited to be a part of the garden.

In fact, Luna was excited.  Excited she had finally connected with another pony.  Granted, this particular connection was more of a research project but she was having fun all the same.  She had long missed this sort of connection with her subjects.  She finally had someone to talk to.

As they would work in tandem, Big Mac would try to be purposefully clumsy at times.  Bumping into her as he worked was one he often did.  He blamed it on the fact that he normally worked alone but really he just wanted to be a bit closer to her.  He didn't feel particularly proud of his actions but he could not possibly tell her how he felt.  At least, not yet.

Luna found his bumbling rather odd.  When amongst the trees, he moved with care and grace that she didn't think possible from a stallion of his size, but, when around her, he would often trip over his own hooves, it seemed.  She chalked it up to him not being completely comfortable around her yet, but she was happy he was able to see past her being a princess to teach her these new things.

They had finished their work for the evening and were both leaning on the fence and staring at the trees.

"They sure are growing fast," Big Mac commented.

Luna nodded in response.  "I should have the shroud spell ready by tomorrow.  It will keep their glow hidden at great distances."

"Well, I'd best be gettin' to bed.  If AJ has to wake me up in the morning again I think she's gonna use a bucket of cold water."

Luna giggled.  "Then I believe sleep now would be the right choice.  Good night, Macintosh."

"Good night, princess."

Princess Luna flew off into the night and Big Mac lingered on the fence for a moment.  He enjoyed his moment alone until he heard movement behind him.  He turned quickly and stared a familiar white unicorn in the face.  "Miss Rarity?"

She nodded.  "I don't mean to startle you but I couldn't sleep so I decided to deliver the outfit I made for you to try on.  After I left it on your front porch, I noticed a glowing coming from this direction and decided to have a little adventure.  Was that the special somepony you told me about, Big Mac?"

He panicked for a moment, not sure if she'd been able to recognize Princess Luna from a distance.  He decided with as dark as it was and the fact that Luna hadn't turned around that Rarity couldn't have seen her horn to make the connection. "Yep.  We come out here to visit some nights.  Just because it's so quiet."

"It seems very romantic.  Are these the trees that grow night apples?"  She asked, motioning to the small garden behind him.

"Oh, uh, yes.  But don't tell anyone about them.  I'm gonna surprise the family with them when they're fully grown."

"Not to worry, dear.  I won't tell a soul.  So how are things with your mare friend?"  Rarity gave him a wink as she used the term.

Big Mac blushed slightly as he began to walk back toward the farmhouse.  "Well, she's not my mare friend.  She doesn't even know how I feel.  And I'm not even sure she feels the same way."

Rarity nodded and fell in step with him as they headed back.  "Yes, love can be difficult to deal with.  Are you at least bonding over this garden of yours?"

Big Mac nodded.  "We're having a lot of fun.  These trees are a bit strange so it's been a learning experience for both of us."

"Well, that's good.  But you should attempt to explain your feelings to her before the trees are come and gone."

Big Mac sighed heavily.  "I just don't know, Miss Rarity.  Right now I'm just enjoying my time with her."

Rarity stopped in front of the farmhouse with him and lowered her voice to make sure only he heard her.  "And that's wonderful, but enjoying your time with an immortal is like saying the best part of Christmas is sleeping the day away."

Big Mac went pale.  She had seen enough to recognize Luna.  He stammered and tried to explain but Rarity cut him off.

"It's alright, dear.  The heart wants what the heart wants.  I won't tell a soul.  But you should tell her so you two can enjoy the time that you have before your time is up."

Big Mac nodded slowly.  His stomach was still doing cartwheels at the knowledge that his secret was no longer secret.  "But I'm just a farmer.  What would she want with a stallion like me?"

Rarity stroked his face with her hoof and angled his face toward her own, so she could look him in the eyes.  "Because what I told you the other evening is true.  You are a catch.  For any mare."  She leaned up and kissed his cheek.  "Don't worry.  Your secret is safe with me.  Good night, Big Mac."

Big Mac watched her go in silence while his mind and stomach still practiced their acrobatics routine.

He must've stood there for 10 minutes before a drop of rain on his head brought him back to reality.  He glanced up and saw a rainbow colored pony give him a wave and motion him inside before she went back to work arranging the clouds for that evening's storm.

He wandered slowly inside and up to his room where he fell into bed.  Sleep came quickly due to his level if exhaustion from working almost constantly now, but this night would be filled with restless dreams.