//------------------------------// // 22. All The Right Moves // Story: Breaking Barriers // by chief maximus //------------------------------// Chapter 22- All The Right Moves "Not a bad anniversary present..." Rainbow whispered as she and Mac laid beneath the starry night. "That ain't all of it," he replied. Dash raised her head from his chest. "Sorry, Romeo, I don't have time for a round two." Rainbow stood, fluttering her wings. "Well, that's good," Mac said, joining her. "'Cause part two ain't tonight." He shook the bits of grass out of his mane. Rainbow squared herself to him. "What do you mean 'ain't tonight?'" "Just what it sounds like." "So when is it?" she demanded. "You let me worry about that," he insisted. They began their trek back to the farmhouse in the chilly evening air. "So, you gonna head home or you wanna sleep here tonight?" Though her house was closer to Cloudsdale by at least a ten minute flight, she decided to sleep at the farm since she'd just spent most of her energy earlier. "I guess I can stay." She smirked and nudged his shoulder. "If you're gonna beg me like that..." Mac smiled. "Me? Beg? Ah think you know me better than that." "I could make it happen if I wanted to, cowpony." Mac knew arguing this point was useless. Part of what made him able to tolerate Rainbow's competitiveness was knowing when to let something go. The walk back to the farm was quiet, save for the chirping of the crickets in the woods. It would be winter soon, and the serenade of the insects would soon be conspicuously absent from the crisp night air. The silence was pleasant. Though Rainbow hated being kept in the dark about the rest of Mac's anniversary present, she managed to stow her anxiety for the time being and simply enjoy his company. Since beginning to date Mac, she found herself walking a lot more than usual. As a result, her hooves were often worn out after what many would consider a short walk. "Careful when ya get inside, Apple Bloom's got school in the mornin'." Mac whispered as they arrived at his front porch, a single lantern hanging from a post left outside so he wouldn't trip in the dark. Soon after, they found themselves beneath the heavy flannel blankets of Mac's bed. After a brief adjustment to make sure Rainbow was comfortable, he began to doze off. "So," she whispered, "when are you gonna tell me about the other part of my present?" "Never," Mac grunted, pulling Rainbow into a tighter hug. "Now go to sleep." "I'll figure it out eventually, you know," Rainbow replied, folding her forelegs. "I could just get it out of Applejack. She's a terrible liar, and I know where she's ticklish." "You'll figure it out when it happens," Mac said. His answers weren't helping abate her curiosity. "And talkin' ta AJ won't do ya any good. She don't know nothin' about it." Mac took a bit of her mane in his mouth and tugged at it playfully. "Gimme your hoof." Rainbow turned to him as though he'd just made an obscene request in public. "What? No way!" "You didn't think Ah saw how you were practically hoverin' by the time we got to the front porch?" Mac asked flatly. "I know your hooves hurt, now give 'em here." Rainbow hesitated. She may have been picky about who touched her wings, but nopony touched her hooves. She didn't even let professionals like the spa ponies near them. Rainbow re-crossed her forelegs and drew her hind legs close to her body. "N-no... they're fine." Mac rolled his eyes, only safe because Rainbow was facing away from him. "Alright, you ain't got to if ya don't want to," he mumbled. "Ah just thought Ah could put the other things Ah learned in that book ta use. It said pegasus hooves are a lot more sensitive ta hard ground than other ponies'." Rainbow hated Mac's ability to guilt trip her. He wasn't just good at it; he was great. That dismayed tone in his voice seemed to claw at her very soul. Like her fear of needles, her hoof-touching phobia was just one of her quirks. Not caused by a traumatic childhood event or some kind of bizarre shaming, it was simply the way she'd always been. "If I give you one, will you promise to never bring this up again?" she whispered. "Ah promise," he replied, confident that soon, he would be able to try out what he learned in the pegasi massage book he'd borrowed from Twilight, he could do more to help her relax before her shows and practices. Begrudgingly, Rainbow uncurled and threw a foreleg over Mac's broad chest. It was getting late, but there was still time for Mac to prove Rainbow had nothing to fear by letting him touch her hooves. Rainbow turned to face Mac, though her eyes were screwed shut. He couldn't help but smile at her apprehension. "Darlin', Ah'm not gonna cut it off." "Just get it over with!" she snapped, keeping her eyes closed. Mac could count the things Rainbow was afraid of on both hooves. Though her fears were few in number, they were certainly high in intensity—like everything else about her. "Ah will, but Ah'm gonna need you to relax first." "I am relaxed!" She tensed. "You're wound tighter than the hay loft winch," Mac deadpanned. "Take a breath for me." Rainbow inhaled through gritted teeth, before trying to exhale as slowly as she could manage. Mac noticed her tension loosen a bit, and began to knead her tender hoof gently. After a few moments, her ears perked up from their flat position against her head. "See? Ain't s'bad, is it?" Dash snorted. "You earth ponies and your hoof fetishes..." Mac smiled. She could certainly be quite the comedian when she wanted to be. "What? Ah'm not allowed ta think my marefriend's hooves are as sexy as the rest of her?" Rainbow pushed her nose against Mac's, giving him a quick peck on the lips before returning to her pillow. "No. It's weird." Mac shook his head, a few chuckles bouncing around his darkened bedroom. He diligently continued his work before setting her hoof back atop her chest. "Better?" Mac asked, knowing full well the answer. Rainbow had to admit, for a stallion with massive hooves, he knew how to be gentle with them. Dash looked toward the blanket. "Maybe..." He smiled. "Ah thought so. Lemme see the other one." Rainbow nearly backed herself off the side of the bed. "Hey, one was the deal!" "I'm altering the deal. Pray Ah don't alter it further." Dash could see his goofy grin through the moonlight shining through his window. She had already let him have one hoof, she supposed one more wouldn't hurt. "Sweet Celestia, you're such a nerd," she sighed. "Fine. But I'm going to bed after this!" "Okay, okay," Mac replied, carefully taking his marefriend's other front hoof in his own. Rainbow closed her eyes, softly this time, letting him work his magic. "Oh, Ah'm gonna be in Canterlot 'til your show." Rainbow's eyes shot open. "What for?" she demanded. "Nonya." "What?" "Nonyabidness." His smart mouth earned a shove from the hoof he was massaging. "It's all part of your anniversary present; you'll just have to survive a few days without me." Rainbow huffed, extending her hoof so Mac could continue. Like it or not, she couldn't deny how good it felt. "I think I'll manage," she muttered. "It'll all be worth it, trust me." Rainbow raised an eyebrow. "Remember what happened the last time I trusted you?" she asked, answering before Mac could form a response. "You got me thrown in jail." "But it was in jail with me. Better than being in jail alone, right?" he smiled. "Shut up, Mac," she teased, closing her eyes once more. Before Mac knew it, soft snoring echoed from the other side of the bed. He set her hoof against her side as he settled his own over it. Just before he closed his eyes to rest, he took one last look at Rainbow in the moonlight. The mother of his foal's mane spread haphazardly behind her, the blues, greens and purples of her stray hairs painting a wonderful background to the face he'd fallen in love with. She was an Element of Harmony, a savior of the kingdom many times over, a Wonderbolt, and, in at least ten months time, an amazing mother. The last thought crossing his mind that night was how truly lucky he was to have found her. The Next Afternoon... Twilight hadn't had a very busy day. In fact, it had been quite some time since she experienced what could be considered a 'full day' of work. The library was very low-maintenance, and the only time it required a bit of labor was 're-shelving' day. A 'holiday' Twilight made up herself to occupy her time. She had just prepared an early dinner when a knock drew her to the door. A new cookbook had just arrived, and Twilight had been waiting for an occasion to prepare a hearty stew for the breezy weather, which already had the bite of a winter wind, even in the early fall. Spike was absent, having gone to a sleepover with the Cutie Mark Crusaders at Rarity's boutique. Though it wasn't a regular occurrence, Twilight enjoyed letting Spike play with others close to his maturity level. He was almost as old as Twilight, though mentally, he was still a young dragon on par with Sweetie Belle and her pals. Twilight opened the door to reveal a head of fiery orange hair, streaked back as though the mare sporting it was in a constant wind tunnel. The dazzling amber eyes below it portrayed a calculated coolness, while the perfectly pressed uniform—complete with a tie and chest full of ribbons confirmed the authority of Spitfire, Wonderbolt Captain. "Hello, Spitfire!" Twilight smiled. "What brings you by?" "I came by to give you something Rook—I mean, Rainbow Dash wanted you and your dragon friend to have. Mind if I come in?" "Of course not," Twilight replied, stepping aside and closing the door behind Spitfire. Without breaking a sweat, she strode inside, admiring the studious atmosphere Twilight had worked to cultivate, though it seemed she was the only one to reap the benefits. "Not a lot of traffic today?" she asked. "Not today, or ever, really." Twilight sighed. It seemed a passion for books was something not many in her town shared. "Only when a new bestseller comes out do I get any real business." Spitfire nodded, sniffing the air, the smell of Twilight's culinary creation reviving her appetite. Twilight interrupted her aromatic enjoyment. "So, about that thing Rainbow wanted Spike and I to have?" "Oh!" Spitfire blushed a bit. "Right." She produced two tickets to the royal box seats from the pocket of her uniform. Twilight gasped as she took them in her magic. "Box passes?" She was positively beaming at this point, something Spitfire didn't mind in the slightest. "These are right next to the Princesses!" "Yeah, they took some getting, but Rook is a good kid." Spitfire nearly yelped in surprise as Twilight crushed her into an unexpected hug. Just as quickly as it had come, the normally reserved unicorn backed off, a blush now coming over her own cheeks. "S-Sorry, about that..." Spitfire straightened her tie. "No worries. I was actually thinking about grabbing a book while I was here." Twilight perked up. Spitfire could certainly get used to seeing her smile like that. Then again, she had other ways of making her grin. Her wings fluttered slightly as she shoved her dirty thoughts away for the time being. "Really? What subject were you interested in?" she asked, heading toward her towering shelves, magic at the ready to retrieve books from even the loftiest perch. "Honestly, whatever book you used to make that amazing smell." Twilight turned to face her. Nopony had ever complimented her cooking before. "It's actually one of my favorites," she replied, glancing into the kitchen. "You know, I made way more than I can eat myself, and Spike's at a sleep-over... would you like to join me for a bowl of that 'amazing smell'?" Spitfire smiled. Perhaps this mare wasn't as oblivious as she had been led to believe. "That would be great." The train ride to Canterlot was boring, to put it simply. Mac had tried to sleep the whole way, but found the solid night's rest he'd gotten the evening before keeping him awake. He'd hired Caramel to take over his chores while he was away. The plowing was finished, so a smaller stallion could replace for a few days. Applejack had questioned him about why he was leaving, but he knew better than to tell her. Rainbow was right, Applejack was a terrible liar, and if she knew, Dash would get the truth out of her eventually. It pained him, but keeping his sister in the dark was his best choice. Granny Smith was arguably the only one who knew why Mac was headed to the capital, but he knew her lips were sealed. The Canterlot train station was filled with important-looking ponies and dignitaries of varying races. Never had Mac been more self-conscious about his un-fancy appearance, though he kept his emotions to himself, as usual. He stepped off the train to find two royal guards approaching him, their armor making them look identical. "Macintosh Apple?" He nodded. "We've arranged transit to the palace. Please, follow us." Mac did as instructed and followed the guards to a chariot pulled by two pegasi stallions. The flight was brief, but fun. Macintosh always enjoyed being up high. As a colt, he had watched his pegasi classmates learn to use their magnificent wings, all the while growing green with envy. An earth pony's gift was strength, though he'd trade every muscle in his body for a chance to fly, especially alongside his Rainbow Dash. Even though he was able to walk among the clouds via the amulet Twilight enchanted for him, without wings, he knew he would be forever a ground-pounder while his marefriend hovered above him. Once the chariot had touched down, both Celestia and Luna waited for him at the front door of the castle. Mac stepped off the chariot and bowed, holding his position of respect until they addressed him. "Rise, gentle Macintosh," Luna said. "Your appeal has touched our hearts, and we have decided to grant your request," Celestia added, smiling gently at her subject. "It's an honor, Your Majesties." He rose from his bow, though he dared not gaze upon royalty directly. This was a custom only practiced in the most rural and superstitious of towns, though Mac was not as accustomed to dealings with royalty as, say, his sister or his soon-to-be bride. "Do not cast your gaze aside," Luna demanded. "Look upon us, as the guidance we shall bestow upon thee shall not be without challenge." "Yes, Your Majesty." Mac looked to them as they met him with a smile. They were much less intimidating to a simple country stallion this way. "Your love for Rainbow Dash has moved us, and we shall make your proposal of marriage one she will not soon forget," Celestia motioned for him to follow them. "Come, we will show you to your living quarters, and we will begin your training at first light tomorrow." Mac bowed again, making sure to follow his princesses closely. The castle was quite large and easy to get lost inside. They arrived at an ornately carved door with two guards posted beside it. They presented their arms as the royals walked past, instilling Mac with a sense of patriotism not felt since the last Guard's Day parade in Ponyville. "You shall make your bed here. We trust this is to your liking?" Luna asked as Macintosh took in the room in all its splendor. More gold leaf and marble was used in the columns supporting this room than he'd ever seen in his entire life. He felt as though he was wasting a fortune just breathing the air inside it. "I-It is," he fumbled. "Thank you, Your Majesties." "Think nothing of it, Macintosh," Celestia assured him. "Dinner will be served promptly at the seventh bell. Should we expect you at the royal table?" He balked. "Oh, uhm... Ah wouldn't want ta—" A curt nod from Princess Luna reassured him. "Say anythin' other than of course Ah will." He bowed again, eliciting a giggle from both princesses. Celestia took her leave, though Luna stayed to express one last sentiment. "Rainbow Dash is certainly fortunate to have landed such a... handsome stallion." Mac was sure his blush was obvious, even through his coat. After all, it's not every day that a deity hits on you. "Y-yes Princess, Ah suppose she is..." Luna put a hoof to her mouth, stifling a giggle. "Please, you may call us Luna."