Fancy Mathematics

by Ten Speed


Irrational Numbers

Rain. The skies were smudged in muted hues, varied shades of gray, swirled and mixed together in a blend of dulled pastels. Iron clouds spilled their contents with rehearsed indifference, the world below smothered under the abuse with no recourse. A bitter chill laced itself through the empty spaces, giving the icy barbs a sharpened edge as they hurtled towards the earth. Truly, it was to be a dreary day.

Midmorning found the Apples slogging through the cold and damp as they labored in the East orchard., each performing the task that would be expected of them. Under the shelter of a shoddy tarp, Big Mac was running the press, listening to the pitter patter of the steady drizzle drumming out its erratic beat. Across from him, the other two Apple children toiled under the endless rows of trees, shrouded in mist. Through the veil, there was no doubt as to the miserable start of the cider season.

“I need ya to keep yer head in the game there, Big Macintosh.”

Big Mac lifted his head, rattled from his stupor by his sister. It was still early, but the saffron mare already carried an uncharacteristic weariness in her voice. The stetson she wore shared the same exhausted sentiment as it drooped under its own weight. She was soaked to the bone, courtesy of each tree she bucked. As she drew closer, Big Mac quickened his pace.

Applejack sighed as she took refuge from the deluge. “Hoo, fierce lil batch of rain we got huh? Ya still frettin' over what happened with Twilight?”

Initially he ignored the question, rather he focused on the track passing endlessly beneath him. It was a vain attempt. He'd already brushed her off the night before and she wouldn't take no for an answer a second time.

She sighed again, changing her tone as she pushed up the soggy brim of her hat. “Mac... I know it ain't fair for me to be sayin', but ya can't be worryin' 'bout that right now. We got a whole lotta cider needs makin', and right now we're fallin' behind.”

Nothing. There was silence, save for the rain and the two ponies breathing.

“Talk to me, Mac.”

He rolled his tongue in his mouth as he chewed the imaginary wheat stalk in his mouth, pondering his response. “Just got a few things on my mind is all.”

“And just what would that be, if you don't mind me askin'?”

He did mind in fact, but there was no such luxury in the Apple Family, not when their work was involved. At that point, it became everypony's problem and there was little sense in trying to sidestep around it. At the very least, he counted himself fortunate Applejack was the only one fully apprised to his situation. Grudgingly, he surrendered any foalish notion of deflecting the query.

“When Pinkie Pie was over last night, 'fore she left, she said Twilight was talkin' 'bout me. 'Bout makin' a mistake. Just got me thinkin'.”

“That's it? Mac, ya ain't got nothin' to worry about. Just put whatever Pinkie Pie said right outta yer head.”

Big Mac turned his head to give her his full attention, sure her confidence was misplaced. She only smiled. That smile that said stop fussin' and get back to work.

“Trust me, everything'll be fine. Now come on, we got lots of work ahead of us. Ain't a Flim and Flam operation here, cider ain't gonna make itself.”

Before he could investigate further, Applejack had already adjusted her hat again and was trotting off towards the little filly playing in the rain. Apple Bloom was the only one enjoying the wet conditions. Of course, cider season meant a week from school, a dream come true for any school age filly.

Brushing his sister's heavy-hoofed pep talk aside, he turned his attention back to the cider mill, finding a reasonable pace as he continued to round the track. Once again, he tried to settle his mind on something other than Twilight as he took in the sounds of the drumline overhead.

One... two... three... four...

Counting was a simple enough task, required minimal effort, and hopefully was enough to keep him occupied. Gauging his speed he could make a good guess at just how much cider they were actually making. It was something to pass the time.

Four meters per second... That'll let Granny do a bushel a minute. At most, that's twelve barrels an hour. She'll be pushin' to get caught up though.

A quick glance in Granny Smith's direction and he realized just how woefully behind he'd fallen. While he was elsewhere, she'd became swamped with the baskets his sisters had been filling and she was now hidden from sight. Big Mac shook his head in an attempt to shed tension as he accelerated.

If I'm not mistaken... mistake... Gall darn it, what mistake was Pinkie talkin' about?

So much for keeping his mind off things. Through the quick barrage of self-deprecating slings and arrows that followed, Big Mac failed to notice anything out of the ordinary, not that it would have spared him. They had shielded the cider from the rain, but the wooden parts of the press had expanded none the less. Under the increased stress, the belt that bound the stone wheel and track together failed in spectacular fashion. In the absence of any resistance, the immediate result was one large, red stallion sprawled out and sliding backwards in a graceful display of floundering hooves. As graceful as a pony who'd been dumped on their head could be anyways.

“Mac! Ya alright?”

Both of his sisters were at a full sprint. Granny Smith, on the other hoof, showed a far lesser degree of concern.

“It ain't break time yet. Ya ain't worked nearly hard enough to be tired already.” The wizened, old mare moved with an almost audible creak as she emerged from the tower of baskets as he recovered from his spill. “I ain't seen ya this dazed and confused since the time Apple Bloom asked ya where foals come from.”

Big Mac remained silent, mentally shuddering at the memory. He had just gotten his legs under him in time to be greeted by his inquisitive, youngest sibling, her question filled with more curiosity than concern.

“What happened?”

“You alright there, Mac?” Applejack repeated.

A quick self inspection and he was no worse for wear, except for maybe his pride. “Eeyup. But the mills broke down,” he answered as he glanced behind him, pointing with his head.

“How long ya reckon?”

“Dunno yet.”

“Well, go ahead and a take a look. Need ya up and runnin' soon as ya can manage. I'll keep buckin' in the mean time.” Applejack was talking over her shoulder as she sauntered off towards the treeline.

“Can I help Big Macintosh?”

Applejack halted in her tracks and turned back around. Big Mac was back and forth between Apple Bloom's eager expression and Applejack. He had no objection, but it wasn't his call.

“I reckon that'd be fine. I can manage on my own for a while. That is, of course, if Big Mac'll have ya,” said Applejack, deciding to humor the grinning filly.

Apple Bloom was straining her already impossibly wide smile to further persuade him. “Pleeeaaaase?”

“Eeyup,” he chuckled. For as ridiculous as her antics were , they were always a bright spot – almost always.

“Woohoo!”

“Don't mean to rain on anypony's parade, but this standin' 'round ain't getting nothing fixed, and it sure ain't makin' any cider.”

As infectious as Apple Bloom's overexuberance was, Granny Smith was right, they would be lucky to finish before dark at this rate. At the old mares suggestion, Big Macintosh and Apple Bloom exchanged a quick glance before Big Mac motioned for her to follow. As they inspected the cider press, the culprit behind his spastic acrobatics through the pasture was evident as the belt lay snaked in the grass. Thankfully, nothing else seemed to be damaged or broken.

“So we gotta make a new belt then?”

“Eeyup,” Big Mac answered as he gathered the shredded remains and hung them from his yoke.

“Can I do it?”

“Eeyup.”

“Yay!” Apple Bloom's ear to ear grin had grown into exponentially parabolic proportions. She gleefully plodded after her brother, running in circles around him as they headed for the barn.

….............................................................................

It was short walk, but it would have been criminal for the little yellow filly to waste a second of it. Founding the idea after her brother's mishap, Apple Bloom decided to emulate him, converting her yellow raincoat into an impromptu slip-and-slide. Running and throwing herself through the wet grass, any pony within earshot would have been envious of the laughter that echoed through the hollows. Despite his scattered thoughts, Big Mac couldn't help but chuckle at her shenanigans. In some ways, he envied her carefree disposition.

A quick flip of the latch, and Big Mac was pushing through the creaky barn door. Apple Bloom was almost reluctant to retire from her play, but she didn't want to risk her brother starting without her. Glad to be out of the rain, Big Mac shrugged the frayed belt to the floor. Quietly, he began to sift through the clutter of various publications, stacked haphazardly inside a cabinet under his workbench. Once he'd found the manual he'd been looking for, he laid it open on the scarred surface of the worktable. As he diligently flipped through the brittle, yellowed pages, he called to Apple Bloom over his shoulder.

“Apple Bloom, would ya mind fetchin' the tools?”

“Would I!” she chirruped eagerly. Almost immediately she was shimmying up the ladder.

After the disaster Apple Bloom and her friends had made of Fluttershy's table, Big Macintosh had taken it upon himself to mentor her on the finer points of carpentry. She was reluctant at first, but Big Mac showed her how building had always been a point of pride for the Apple family.

“Pa always said earth ponies might not have wings or magic, but they make up for it in ingenuity. Reckon there's some truth to that,” he'd told her. It was true. In a way, it was it's own kind of magic. There had always been a strong emphasis on self-reliance in the Apple family. Out of that mentality was born an inventive spirit, shared and passed down through unbreakable traditions. It was in their blood just like the sun up in the sky.

He remembered the first time he'd worked with her, properly fixing the table she had destroyed had presented an unique opportunity. Teaching her accountability for one – though she would need a refresher from time to time. But that was part of being a filly and growing up; making mistakes and learning from them, sometimes more than once.

“Let the hammer do the work, not your body,” he told her. Or it's what he would have said if she hadn't began hammering away wildly. Defying probability, somehow she had managed to hammer everything but the nail before Big Mac caught the hammer in the face when she'd lost her grip. A Black eye, a smashed hoof, and several attempts later, Apple Bloom was getting the hang of it, and not a moment too soon for Big Mac's sake. As it turned out – after she'd finished apologizing incessantly – she had a knack for swinging a hammer. Soon enough she was turning wrenches and working on projects on her own. The Crusader Clubhouse was her first, and arguably her proudest.

Big Mac had allowed his pride to coalesce in a reticent smirk, one that he dismissed as Apple Bloom descended the ladder, tools in tow.

Carefully setting the rusty box down, she looked back to her brother. “I got the tools. Need me to get the belt too?”

“Eeyup,” he answered without looking up from his book.

“Where's it at?”

“It oughta be hangin' up in the loft.”

In a flash, Apple Bloom was back up the ladder, calling out a warning as she tossed down the bundle. “Look out below!”

Had it not been for the words of caution, Big Mac might have jumped out of his skin as the bound coil cratered into the dirt next to him. He choked on the puff of dust it had stirred up. A gleaming wall of pearls greeted him as the cloud settled.

“Ready?!”

“Eeyup,” he nodded.

In practiced unison, they fulfilled the roles of teacher and apprentice. Under his supervisory role, Big Mac steered her to think outside the box, asking her questions but still allowing her to do the work. In short order Apple Bloom had measured, cut, and was in the process of matching the ends of the new belt together so they could be stapled. With a skill that far surpassed her first attempts, Apple Bloom expertly hammered the staples into place. A few more and she was finished, holding up the belt to admire her work.

“You do nice work, kid.”

The sudden break in the quiet crashed their ears with surprising force as they both snapped their attention to the window overhead. Lounging in the windowsill, casually staring back was an unmistakable rainbow maned pegasus. Somehow, she'd slipped in unnoticed.

“Thanks!” Apple Bloom beamed as her eyes lit up. To her, the compliment far outweighed the trespass. Big Macintosh was much more reserved in his response.

“Rainbow Dash.”

She'd always been of a surreptitious bent for as long as he'd known her. Some would even call her devious, but ponies who would say as such were typically ill informed. True, Rainbow Dash did have her narcissistic tendencies, and from time to time she would lend herself to sneaking around or pranking ponies, landing her in hot water on occasion, but it was never of malicious intent. More than once, she'd petitioned to enlist Big Mac's unrivaled poker face in one of her practical jokes, but he never would acquiesce to her request. For that, Rainbow would accuse him of being a stick in the mud or being too serious.

Rainbow Dash lazily dusted off her coat, ignoring the ambivalence in his voice. “A little birdie told me you had a date with Twilight the other night.”

“And just who would that be?” Big Mac asked, a little off guard.

“Well, uhhh... You know, just word on the street,” she shrugged, to which she received a stone-faced response.

Truthfully, he should have known better than to expect a straigh answer, he'd have to drag it out of her. If it weren't for Dash knowing him as well as she did, the look he gave her might have been intimidating. Instead, he was stuck in the unpleasant position of playing her game.

“Did ya hear they kissed?”

Apple Bloom's question penetrated the conversation, unabashed and unprovoked. Big Mac whipped around and deadpanned, his eyes wide, jaw hanging open; He was in utter shock. Dash on the other hoof, found the spectacle positively riotous as she was doubled over, choking with laughter and fighting to catch her breath.

Realizing the trauma she had inflicted, Apple Bloom slowly shied away. “I'll uuhhh, just start putting things away.” Without hesitation, she was fleeing for the relative safety of the loft.

The pegasus perched in the window was practically in tears as she struggled to recover her bearing. She took a few more deep breaths as she gripped her sides. “That was priceless.” She giggled again but seeing how unamused Big Mac was forced her to focus. “Okay fine.” She rolled her eyes. “I overheard Twilight talking about it yesterday when I stopped by.”

“You talked to her?”

“Well... not exactly.”

“You were spyin' on her?” It was more of an assertion than a question. The furtive side of her seemed to be shining through. He shook his head as she took to the air to refute his accusation.

“I wasn't spying! I just overheard her, and maybe she didn't know I was there.”

“That's spyin'. Ain't no different then ya sneakin' in here.”

“Shows what you know,” Rainbow snorted as she landed in the dust in front of him. She ruffled her wings once before folding them to her sides. “I tried knocking, but nopony answered. So I went to the window. I couldn't make out everything, but I put the pieces together, no problem. Just like Daring Do,” she nodded sagely, proud of her analogy. It only elicited however, a tepid response from her audience. “Never mind. You wouldn't understand.”

“And you don't see nothing wrong with eavesdroppin' on ponies?”

“Hey, I didn't come here for a lecture. Twilight was suppose to lend me the new Daring- I mean, she was gonna let me borrow something. Not my fault she wouldn't answer the door. Besides, I'm not the only one who knows. When I asked Rarity if she-”

“Rarity knows?” Big Mac interrupted, a slight inflection creeping into his voice.

“I couldn't find Pinkie Pie, or Fluttershy so I stopped and asked Rarity if she knew anything. She claimed she didn't have a clue about the date; she'd never left her boutique. But she seemed like she knew something was up. She wouldn't say what though.”

“What do you mean?”

Rainbow shifted awkardly. She may not have been the most sensitive or intuitive pony, but she wasn't so dense that she didn't notice the concern in the brief moment it broke the farmer's stolid features. “I don't know what it is Rarity knows. She just wasn't as surprised as I thought she'd be, ya know? I mean, hearing about your egghead friend, who's never shown any interest in dating before, she lives in books, and suddenly, she's going on a date with your friend's brother, the most eligible bachelor in town? Usually something like that would be a goldmine for Rarity.”

Rainbow had a point. Rarity loved gossip. She lived for it. If she wasn't surprised when Rainbow told her, something was definitely amiss. Being the center of attention was a thing that never held much appeal for the stallion, and he was rapidly finding himself center stage. He could only hope that whatever Rarity knew, she wasn't sharing with anypony.

“Just how many ponies know? You ain't told nopony else have you?”

The cyan mare shook her head. “No. Just Rarity. And like I said, I think she already knew something was up. She might be the gossip queen of Ponyville, but she can keep a secret. It's almost as good as a Pinkie promise.” She paused, Big Mac still didn't look convinced. “If it makes you feel better, I didn't know. Which kinda bugs me actually. Somehow Rarity finds out, but nopony tells me anything?”

Despite Dash's grumblings, she had alleviated some of the stress she had caused. Even if Big Mac's imagined mistakes were getting the better of him, if she didn't know prior to eavesdropping, then it was unlikely he had anypony else he needed to worry about. Still, he would have to make a point of stopping by to see the fashionista. Anything he might learn there would help before seeing Twilight.

Apple Bloom had just finished cleaning up, and was making her final descent from the loft. Trotting over to her brother, she awkwardly wrestled with the new belt. “Ya think Granny and Applejack are waitin' for us?”

Relieved by the exit she'd created, Big Mac took the opportunity to part ways with the brash pegasus. “Eeyup. Reckon we got catchin' up to do.” He turned back to Rainbow Dash “Imagine you'll be takin' off?”

“You know, seeing as you guys are behind and all... I might have some room in my schedule to help ya out. Of course we'd have to talk payment.”

Ever the opportunist, Dash wasn't about to to give up the chance to cash in on some fresh cider. She was practically salivating at the thought of the cold, amber beverage.

“If yer after cider, yer gonna have to take it up with Applejack.”

“But-”

Not about to give Dash an opportunity to haggle, Big Mac was headed for the door. Apple Bloom immediately followed suit.

“Fine,” Rainbow huffed, hanging her head as she quietly fell in line.

With the barn buttoned up tight, the entourage was trudging off into the rain. Three dark shapes moving through the mist.

….............................................................................


In the time they were gone Applejack had made considerable progress. Every basket filled, she was taking the chance to dry off and warm herself while she and Granny Smith made quiet conversation.

“Might have some help,” said Big Macintosh ducking out of the downpour. “I told her she oughta talk to you though.”

Applejack's sight settled on the rainbow mare stepping into the impromptu shelter. “Well color me surprised! How'd Big Mac get ya wrangled into helping us out? You lose a bet, Dash?”

“Me? Lose a bet?” Rainbow scoffed. “Since when do I ever lose?”

Applejack narrowed her eyes.

“She offered,” Big Mac answered, stepping in before the two mares could begin to banter back and forth. They'd had a storied rivalry for years, and the last time it had flared up it had turned into a month long contest of one-upmanship.

Applejack's mouth curved into a smug grin, her eyes not leaving Dash's. “Offered? Well that's fittin'. Figure you owe us one anyhow.”

“Owe you one? For what?”

“For movin' this here rainstorm in a day early. It wasn't 'spose to be scheduled 'til tomorrow.”

“Oh, that! I thought... never mind,” she said, shaking her head in an attempt to banish some seemingly guilty thought. “I was just doing Ponyville a favor. Tomorrow being the first day of cider season and all.”

“Well, that's mighty thoughtful of ya. 'Cept while cider season might be startin tomorrow for y'all, it starts for us, today. A little water wouldn't have hurt nopony, they got umbrellas. Rain or no rain, our customers would make even the postal service green with envy.”

“Yeah, sorry about that,” said Rainbow as she rubbed the back of her neck. “Didn't think that one through I guess. Or about throwing Friday's storm in there too,” she added.

Applejack's sputtered in disbelief, stomping a hoof into the soft earth to try and force her thoughts to words. “What!? Well that certainly explains why it's been raining to beat Tarturus!” she exclaimed, pointing to the sky to emphasize her point.

“I didn't actually think anypony would have to be out in this.”

The tawny farmer opened her mouth to counter Dash's rebuttal but promptly clamped it shut. An almost sadistic grin replaced her temperate indignation. “Well, seein' as yer so generous, goin' out of yer way to reschedule the weather and all, I'm sure ya won't mind donatin' yer time. Celestia knows we could use some volunteers right about now.”

“What!?” Dash flared her wings as she blustered in protest. “But I- If I'm helping, I want some cider!”

“We'll see about that,” she teased. Applejack had her flustered friend right where she wanted her. It was a rare occasion when somepony could get one over on the coolest pegasus in Ponyville. “All depends on how much work we get outa ya.”

“C'mon AJ. Don't leave me hangin'. I'll do anything. I just gotta get some before Pinkie Pie drinks it all.”

“I was hopin' ya'd say that. It's settled then. Since ya felt like doublin' down on this here gullywasher, you can double-time it on the cider press. Big Mac's got some business to attend to in town anyways.”

No pony could believe their ears, an involuntary “What!?” was shared as varying degrees of bewilderment framed everypony's face. None were more surprised than Big Macintosh; he was the first to recover from the sudden turn in conversation.

“Now hold up one apple pickin' minute.”

“Yeah, AJ. What gives? I thought I was helping, not taking somepony's place.”

“You are helpin'. Ya want that cider, don'tcha?”

“Well yeah, but-”

“Then ya can fill in for Big Macintosh for a 'lil while. He's got some personal matters need tendin' to.”

“AJ, ya mind tellin' what's goin' on?” asked Big Mac. He was growing ever more confused by the hardline she was taking. Whatever had gotten into her, he'd had about enough of it.

Not giving the slightest bit of ground, Applejack fired right back.“Mac, ya've been outa sorts since ya got back yesterday. And if we can get somepony to fill in for ya for a while so you can get yer head right, then there shouldn't be an issue.”

Knowing just how cantankerous his sister could be, he turned to the one pony who could trump her, he needed to nip this discussion in the bud. “Granny.”

The ancient mare narrowed her eyes in obvious concentration, giving prudence to both sides of the dispute. “Ya've been movin' slower than molasses in January, and feeling sorry fer yerself all mornin'. If'n a 'lil field trip'll put a 'lil hitch in yer get along so ya can be productive, then Ah say go.”

“Hitchin' yer-what? Did any of that make sense to anypony else?”

Before Dash could make another demand for an explanation, Apple Bloom tapped her shoulder. They young filly silently shook her head, conveying a wisdom that it was better to not get involved. Reluctantly, Rainbow stepped to the side with Apple Bloom; she hated being ignored.

“Granny?”

“No ifs, ands, or buts. We'll manage without ya. Just don't dilly dally too long. We're gonna need ya back here if we're gonna finish 'fore supper. Speakin' of supper... ya be sure to let Twilight know we're expectin' her tomorrow night.”

Tact – another trait the Apple family seemingly had in spades.

“When was that decided?”

“I'd told ya yesterday I wanted to have her over. While y'all were gone, Applejack and I got to talkin', and figured tomorrow night'd be a fine time fer that to happen.”

Big Mac knew better than to argue with his grandmother but he was beginning to wonder if he'd have a say in anything. Unfortunately, whether he liked it or not, there was very little he could besides accept her decision. Applejack however... he'd be sure to settle up with her later. His gaze settled on his sister, she was hard to read as she stared back defiantly. Usually, she was more transparent.

“Well, you heard Granny. Best get a move on, Big Mac. Sooner ya get there, the sooner ya get back. I'll help Apple Bloom get the mill runnin'.”

For the third time in as many days, she was pushing him out the door, though in a less literal sense than previously. He stood there in amazement at what had just occurred. Call him unreasonable, but he didn't appreciate the 'help'.

“Eeyup,” he sighed, looking to the ponies around him before turning around. It sounded out of place but it was better than standing there staring at each other.

Big Mac paused at the edge of the shelter , offering Apple Bloom and Rainbow Dash a nod as he passed. Dash looked just as exasperated as he did. He sighed again before stepping through the curtain of rain. There would be plenty of time to make sense of things on the way. Slowly, he evaporated into the fog and trepidation.

….............................................................................

Big Macintosh stood outside the boutique. Waiting for somepony to answer the door was the least inconvenient portion of his trek, a maze of murky water had cut a tenebrous trail all the way into town. He'd splashed through the slop without a second thought for most of it until he reached Ponyville. Avoiding the library became a priority, leading to a different avenue of travel in seeking out side streets. Relatively speaking, picking his way through alleys was the most time consuming and tedious part.

“Big Macintosh? What on earth are you doing out in such dreadful conditions?” The shock in Rarity's tone spoke volumes as the door cracked open. “Never mind that, please come in before you catch cold.”

Her shock was warranted. No pony in their right mind would be out and about in such weather. It couldn't be helped in this case, given the rather unexpected way he'd been excommunicated. Not needing to be told twice, Big Mac began to step inside.

“What are you doing!?” she cried in horror. “You didn't think I meant before you washed up, did you? My apologies, I thought it was implied.”

Slightly embarrassed, he backed out of the doorway. Given the nature of his host, he didn't ponder the reason for her reaction but he gave a nonplussed look none the less. She'd lent herself to being frivolous and impractical at times, but then again, she never had been reputed for being overly fond of uncleanliness of any sort. Even if the sky was crashing down with all its fury.

Rarity cheeks flushed a brilliant scarlet against her ivory complexion. “Sorry dear. There's a hose on the spigot outside. Do wash up before you come in, please.”

Having sprayed off the brown stuff clinging to his legs and belly – and other places it ought not have been – he returned to the front door, where upon passinged Rarity's scrutiny, he was finally allowed to enter. Following Rarity in, she made her way to her sewing table, talking over her shoulder as she went.

“Tell me, what brings you here on such an atrocious day?”

“I was hopin' ya wouldn't mind if I ask ya 'bout Twilight,” Big Mac said as he came to a stop in the middle of the room.

“Of course. I suspected as much,” she answered, levitating several bobbins from the shelf in a faint, blue aura. “I'll admit, I was curious whom she had set her eyes on when she'd come over and borrowed my romance novels for some erm... light reading as she put it.”

Big Mac raised an eyebrow. “So ya did know?”

“Oh, heavens no,” she replied as she diligently pinned together several pieces of fabric. “I merely had a hunch that she might have a romantic interest in some young gentlecolt. One does not read romance novels in the volume she has been, unless you're looking for it yourself. Or just simply enjoy a good story with a glass wine, and Twilight isn't the type.”

Looking around, there was a distinct lack of the purported literature or books of any kind. Instead, multitudes of what could be expected in a seamstress' shop met the eye: dress forms robed in extravagant creations, bolts of silks and other fine linens, a plethora of odds and ends of of all sizes and shapes scattered about. “Just how long has she been borrowing books from you?”

“A year at least. She's read them all at least twice. Except 50 Shades of Hay...” she trailed off. “She seemed... uncomfortable with that one. A different appreciation for literary art I suppose. I'll admit that one may be an acquired taste though.”

Big Mac didn't understand what in a romance novel could make a pony uncomfortable, but then again, he couldn't say he'd ever been guilty of reading one. And for a year too have gone by? A year was a long time. He imagined all the things that had happened in the past twelve months. Rarity spoke again as he returned the present from his brief, reflective excursion.

“I could see why she might be interested,” Rarity said, peering over the brim of her glasses. “You are quite fetching... for a farmer. What I mean is perhaps if you cleaned up on occasion, wore something nice, you could better woo a lady.”

Big Mac cocked his head slightly at the statement, unsure whether it was an insult or an offhoofed compliment. In either case, it was probably best to disregard rather than try and decipher the connotation behind it.

“Ya said Twilight's been borrowin' books for a year. You never asked why?”

“In all honesty, I've been dieing to know, but I respect Twilight's privacy. We are friends after all. If she was willing to speak of it, I'd have loved to hear every juicy detail, but it was obvious she preferred to keep it a private matter. And even still, it would be unlady like to to go around playing match maker. Though I certainly wouldn't be against advising her on the subject.” Once again, her eyes were on him, sizing him up. “That goes for you too, Big Macintosh Apple.”

The way Rarity leveled the statement made him slightly uncomfortable.

“Well maybe ya can start by tellin' me what Rainbow Dash told ya yesterday.”

Rarity expertly flipped over the material she was pushing through the sewing machine before answering. “What Rainbow Dash knows is a disappointingly small amount. I presume she paid you a visit? I imagine it would still be useful for you to know as it sounded like you and Twilight had a slight falling out. Very well. Rainbow told me that while she was eavesdropping – no, I don't approve of such clandestine behavior – Twilight was arguing with Spike over how she had shut you out of the library.”

Big Mac felt his chest tighten at the reminder. He cast his eyes to the floor, cursing himself for being so foalish. All he could do was speculate. What he would give for an honest moment of clarity.

“Big Macintosh!” He snapped back to attention. “It's rude to ignore a pony when they're talking to you, you know.”

“I'm sorry, Rarity. Ya were sayin'?”

“I was saying that, according to Rainbow Dash, Twilight was embarrassed after your date and was refusing to go see you. In my opinion, it sounds like you're both guilty of overreacting, and I wouldn't worry about what Rainbow might have told you. But with that being said, that's no doubt why you're here. I can't imagine what other reason you would have to be out in such awful weather, let alone with cider season starting tomorrow.”

“Rainbow Dash is fillin' in. Applejack's idea. She's been actin' funny over this whole thing.”

“Applejack?” the alabaster unicorn muttered under her breath.

“Pardon?”

“Oh, hahaha. Nothing,” she laughed nervously. “Well, I think now would be a perfect time for you to go see Twilight and sort this whole mess out. Here, take this. It's dismal compared to my usual work, but it'll have to do.”

Giving a quick snap to the item she had been crafting, her dissatisfaction evident, she floated it through the air. The roughshod poncho settled across the back of Big Macintosh and drew itself tight under the manipulation of Rarity's magic. She may not have been pleased with it, but it was still of superior quality, more so than she made it out to be.

While Big Macintosh wouldn't consider it necessary, he did appreciate the gesture. At least it would afford some protection against the angry skies. “Thank ya kindly, Rarity, but I had another question.”

“You'll forgive me for being crass, but I'm terribly busy and I believe you'll find whatever answers you're looking for when you see Twilight. And for the poncho... Don't mention it. Really, don't. I don't want ponies knowing I'm responsible for such a hideous thing,” she said as she trotted over. “Well, you ought to be on your way. Don't want to keep Twilight waiting any longer, do you?”

“Nnope.” Protesting would be fruitless. Talking with the dressmaker hadn't brought the resolution he'd hoped it would, but at least there was some reassurance in what she had said.

“Take care, darling,” said Rarity as she held the door open for her guest. “Do try and hurry. You wouldn't imagine what this kind of humidity can do to ones mane.”

A final “Eeyup” and the door was closed. Just a quiet stallion and the weight of the sky resting on him as he turned his collar up. Big Mac was once more into the gray.

…..............................................................................

The ruddy stallion was drawing towards his final destination. Much like the first night he'd come into town, the streets were abandoned and houses shuttered. Different this time though, was the the pale, yellow light that lit the edges of every window. Just as well. It was for the best that he go unnoticed than for any suspicious eyes to fall on him. Anypony stopping him would require more than a “eeyup” or “nnope” to deal with, and therefore too much effort to convince them that he hadn't lost his mind.

The library was in sight at the end of the street, dominating his sight as it grew larger. Yet it didn't seem to be getting closer. Beneath his hoofs, the mire clung more desperately with each step, selfishly feeding on any last doubts. Small estuaries gravitated towards each other as they swelled the ruts carved into the roadbed. Winding side to side and always forward, they guided the way, aimed directly at the ancient and hollowed out tree of knowledge. Even if he had to go around some of the small lakes drowning the road, he would not be led astray.

Cloudy liquid swarmed his hooves, hungrily swallowing the wake and depressions he stepped in. There was an almost hypnotic calm about the library as he came to a halt before it. He failed to knock at first, sedated by the umbrella of the great tree. It was a place for ponies to seek so they may find answers, and he'd certainly come seeking answers.

-Thunk-

“Who could that be?”

The surprise in the voice that called back as he rapped a deft hoof against the door was quite expected. Light fractured the doorway as the weathered sentry swung open, driving back the shadows that encroached upon the sanctuary. Under a rich, golden glow stood the mare he'd come to see.

“Howdy Twilight.”

The haggard unicorn stared blankly back at him, as if she were witnessing a mirage or some apparition.

“Can we talk?”

Twilight blinked to regain her senses. Dark circles stained her face, her eyes half-lidded and trenched in halos. She squinted, commanding her unruly vision to focus. “Huh? Oh, please. Come in. W-What are-What are you doing here?”

“Ya said I should stop by,” Big Macintosh said as he followed her inside, sure to kick the muck from his hooves before sealing the door behind him. Inside, books were sporadically arranged across the floor in small crescent patterns. Twilight walked to one such formation. Stepping over the barricade and letting out a yawn, she plopped down in the center. Suspended in an ambience of quivering fuchsia, one of the volumes began to flutter.

“Sorry, I've been a little preoccupied.”

Looking around again, that was an understatement. Big Mac stopped a comfortable distance away. “Ya alright? Ya look plumb tuckered.”

Twilight put the book down. “What do you mean?”

“Ya look like ya ain't slept.”

She yawned groggily. “I haven't. Not since you left yesterday morning. It's okay though. The Princess sent this after I asked about rejuvenation spells.” She floated a small cup in front of him. The vessel was brimming with an aromatic black liquid, steam wrapping its enticing curls around his muzzle. “It's coffee. I'd never heard of it before, but apparently, the envoy from Saddle Arabia brought it as a gift for her upcoming visit there in a few months. I'll have to run some tests to find out what's in it later.”

Big Mac looked to her with concern as she pulled the cup away and took a sip. Miracle drink or not, the sleep deprivation was taking a devastating toll on her. “Twilight.”

She set her coffee down. “Yes?”

“Ya need sleep. Stayin' up like this, it ain't right. I never meant for-”

“It's not your fault. It's mine.” There was a pause, allowing Big Mac to chew on her words for a moment. “I panicked. When I woke up and you and Pinkie Pie were there... I've read these books over and over looking for something... anything.”

“Ya mean Rarity's books?”

Twilight's ears flagged at the mention of the dressmaker. “You talked to Rarity?”

“Eeyup,” he nodded knowingly.

“What did she say?”

“She told me how long ya been borrowing novels from her.”

The librarian looked away. As if she were embarrassed at him knowing. “I see.”

Big Mac stepped towards her, he understood just how exposed she felt. After all, he'd been in the same situation merely an hour ago. “Ain't nothin' ya gotta be ashamed of.”

“I'm not. I just feel silly I guess.”

Big Mac looked at her perplexed.

“I have several books on the subject. None of them really cover what to do about a stallion staying over on a first date, but they're not very positive about it. I knew better than to let it happen, but it was such a beautiful night.” She sighed as she rubbed her face with her hooves to try and clear her foggy thoughts. “Sorry. Rarity's romance novels give context to what my dating guides discuss. I started researching because of what Applejack said about you.”

“Just what did she say, and when if ya don't mind me askin'?”

Twilight looked to him with all the sincerity she could muster in her drunken state. “When you were hurt and Applejack tried to harvest the entire orchard by herself, she griped about you using math to tell her she couldn't do it.”

The stoic stallion was struck speechless. Twilight had mentioned Applejack's off-the-cuff comment, but this... this was much earlier than the year that Rarity had mentioned. There was moment of disappointment in himself. He'd wasted a long time watching her from a distance, never in a rush to venture beyond his comfort zone and confront her on his feelings.

“Big Mac? Are you okay?”

“Eeyup.” It wasn't a lie. He only had himself to blame for his inaction, and he accepted that. Regret wasn't a belief he subscribed to if it could be helped.

Twilight smiled weakly. “I couldn't stop wondering if there was more to you than just the quiet stallion who works with apples. I had to know. I kept wondering what she meant by 'fancy mathematics' – which she ranted about for a week by the way – and I guess I kind of let my imagination run wild. The first time I asked she just brushed it off. I didn't ask her for a long time until a week ago.”

“Just what part did she have in all this?”

“She asked why I wanted to know, so I told her everything I told you. At first she just laughed. She was the last pony I'd expect that from. I thought she was laughing at me, and I wanted to lock myself in the library and never come out. But then she asked what I would do on a date with you. I didn't know, but I did mention the comet. That's when she said she had an idea, and that I better be ready when you stopped by. I knew she could be stubborn, but she wouldn't tell me anything other than 'you'll see'. I thought she was crazy, but then a couple nights later you showed up with Smarty Pants.”

As the truth behind the curtain was revealed Big Mac chuckled under his breath. That stubborn snake in the grass had played him like a fiddle. He'd definitely be giving her a piece of his mind later.

“Eeyup. She's downright ornery and bullheaded when she wants to be.”

“I can't believe she'd been keeping Smarty Pants this whole time. Was she letting Apple Bloom play with her?”

“Nnope.”

Twilight scrunched her nose in confusion.

“AJ didn't have her. I did.”

Twilight finally realized that they'd both been had. Maybe it was the sleep deprivation, but she soon joined Big Macintosh, laughing foalishly and wearing smiles that made their cheeks hurt.

Twilight breathed deeply as she calmed herself, yawning before giggling again. “I guess we have Applejack to thank for this. I think she got the best of both of us.”

“Eeyup.”

“Sorry for being such a nervous wreck.”

“Eeyup,” he chuckled.

“You know, that first night was one of the scariest nights of my life when I kissed you. Too many of Rarity's novels and too much time thinking about it I guess. The scariest part is after I had some time to think about it, I think I liked it. I know it doesn't make sense, and it's illogical, and it's irrational, and...” she trailed off.

“Like Pi.”

“Pie? What does pie have to do- Oh! Pi! I get it!” she giggled, putting both hooves to her mouth to stifle her laughter.

Big Mac mentally chided himself for such a corny pun, but he was with the one pony who might actually appreciate it, trite as it was.

“I want to make it up to you,” she began once she'd recovered, “and I want to show you I'm serious about dating... and that's why I've invited my parents to meet you. According to the Canterlot Guide to Courtship Vol. 2,” she had once again opened up one of the thick volumes and was skimming through the pages, “meeting the parents of both families is an imperative so they can give their approval. Once the blessing of both families has been granted, the courtship is official and mutually recognized. So they'll be here tomorrow for dinner.”

“Tomorrow?!”

“Did I do something wrong?”

“Well, it's just that it's short notice, and Granny wanted me to ask ya over for supper tomorrow too.”

“Ohhh, I knew I should have asked you before I sent the invitations. I'm not very good at this am I?” she said, slightly crestfallen.

“I can just explain the situation and have her reschedule.”

“No! We can't cancel on Granny Smith! You know what they say about first impressions!”

“But this ain't a first impression. Ther-”

“But this is the first time I've been invited to Sweet Apple Acres on a date! If I canceled it would look terrible! She'd think I was rude and selfish, or that I don't care.”

“I'm sure she'll understand. It ain't like there can be two of us in two places at the same time.”

“Technically yes you can, but it's a spell that sends you back in time a week, and only for a few seconds. Not to mention it's exhausting, or the fact that your not a unicorn, or even worse – it could create a paradox.” Twilight let out an exhausted sigh, “I'll come up with something, I just need some time to think.”

“Whatcha need is sleep. It ain't gonna do nopony any good to be gettin' worked up over this.”

“Just promise you won't cancel on Granny Smith.”

“Twilight-”

“Please?”

“Promise,” he groaned reluctantly.

“Thank you, Big Mac,” she said, laying her book down again as she stood up. Throwing her forelegs around his withers, she wrapped him in a gentle hug. “I'll figure something out.”

Reciprocating, he placed a hoof around her, feeling her warmth as she pressed against him. Her breathing shallowed as she rested her head against his neck, and her body grew heavy. It took Big Mac a moment to realize that she'd fallen asleep. He couldn't very well stand there while she slept on him, but he didn't want to wake her either. Carefully, he positioned himself and lifted her slumbering form onto his back. Certain she was safe from falling, Big Mac made a slow, purposeful walk towards Twilight's bedroom. As he ascended the stairs he smiled. Three steps up there was a familiar creak, just like back at the farm.

Crossing the frame as he entered the room, he stopped to allow his eyes to adjust to the dark. On one side of the room he could make out the small shape of Spike sleeping in his basket, snoring with one leg hanging over the side. Not wanting to fail in his duty as her Number One Assistant, he'd stayed up all day and most the night trying to help Twilight, but it was too much for the poor little guy. He was just a baby after all.

Drawing back the sheets, Big Mac gently laid down his charge. She stirred momentarily, a groan escaping her as she curled up and pulled her legs into her body. Once again, Big Mac was awed by the quiescent beauty of the librarian, smiling affably down on her after he'd pulled the sheets up and tucked her in. Adjoining the bed, sitting atop the nightstand was the doll that had played part in all this. Carefully, he placed Smarty Pants on the pillow beside her.

With care to close the bedroom door, the weight from his mind lifted, he was down the stairs and breaching storm. He didn't know what tomorrow might bring, but that didn't matter right then; they would figure something out. Maybe once Twilight got some sleep she would be more sensible.

…............................................................................

Light from the hallway poured into the blackness, the peaceful lullaby of rain on the windowpane, Big Mac cautiously poked into the room.

“AJ, you awake?”

“I'm awake,” a groggy voice called back.

“Mind if we talk?” he asked as he stepped in and moved towards the bed.

“Mac... I know yer upset and ya got the right to hate me now, and I wouldn't blame ya if you do. But-”

“Thanks.”

“W-Wait. What?”

“Thank ya AJ,” said Big Mac as he sat on the edge of the bed and met the faint glow of his sister's emerald eyes.

“Yer not mad at me? Ya wouldn't say nothing to me when ya got back today.”

He smirked at her before pulling her in with a powerful hoof, cradling her in his gentle grip. “Nnope.”

“I've been just rotten lately, haven't I?” Applejack asked with glassy eyes as she returned the embrace.

“Eeyup,” he teased.

“I had to do something. I couldn't stand knowing how y'all felt 'bout each other and just watch. Y'all are hopeless,” she chuckled.

“Just promise ya won't be so helpful next time,” Big Mac chided as he released his sister.

Applejack giggled as she poked him in the chest, “I'll help ya whether ya like it or not if you need it.”

“Can't help but be ornery, can ya?”

“Nnope!” she said, playfully mocking his tone.

He laughed in a low rumble as he pushed off from the edge of the bed. “Love ya AJ. Ya have a good night.”

“Thank ya, Mac. I love ya too.”

Slowly the door closed and one by one the lights that permeated the farmhouse extinguished. The creak of the third stair the final sound to fall in the night.