As the day dragged on, Mac was glad to have the relaxation of the train ride. He was exhausted, from the excitement and from the desert. His throat was dry, and his eyes hurt. But the satisfaction of getting his family’s money back, and saving that colt were plenty enough to make it worth it. Mac laid back, and rested for a bit. The train pulled into Appaloosa station, and Mac got off. He headed down to the post office, to have the money sent, before he somehow lost it again. He sent 5800 bits, much more than expected, and kept the other 200. The pony express would deliver it today, and it should get there in a few days, not counting Sunday. He began the long walk back to the farm, to go sleep in his not-yet comfortable bed around not-quite friends. Or at least, he planned it, before Braeburn stopped him.
“Mac! You’re back! Tell me all about it!” Braeburn said, much too excited about someone else’s personal life.
“Nope.” Mac said, heading upstairs.
“What? But I have to know!” Braeburn said.
“No, you don’t.” Mac said, preferring to keep his personal life, well, personal.
It was around then that Braeburn noticed the bandaging around Mac’s leg.
“What happened to your leg?” Braeburn asked.
“Nothing that will affect my work.” Mac said, exhausted.
“Or maybe this mare is into that sort of thing?” Braeburn said.
Mac gave him a stare that said more than any words.
“Relax, Mac, I’m joking!” Braeburn said.
‘I would relax, but you keep talking.” Mac said.
“Fine, I’ll leave you alone for now.” Braeburn said.
Mac headed upstairs, and collapsed on his bed, so exhausted he hadn't even thought that he hadn’t eaten today. Tomorrow he awoke hungry, and ate breakfast quickly. The day was rather boring, he helped out with work, even though he had the day off. He couldn’t stand being idle. Although, the boredom was a welcome change from the weekend. Mac worked throughout the week, and by Wednesday morning, he had sunk back into routine. By Friday, things had almost become normal. Except with one small change. An orange one, to be exact. Mac had been expecting letters from Marigold, but not this. He woke up, to find her next to him.
“Gah!” Mac exclaimed, seeing her when he woke.
“What?” she said, still half asleep.
“When did you get here? How did you get here?’ Mac said.
“You must have been too tired last night to remember. I got here late last night, and slept here.” Marigold explained.
‘Why?” Mac asked.
“That should be obvious.” Marigold said.
“What about your brother?” Mac asked.
“He’s back home, with our mother.” Marigold said.
‘How long are you staying?” Mac asked.
“As long as you can stand me.” Marigold said.
“You do know I have to work today, right?” Mac said.
“I can wait. Maybe meet some of your family.” Marigold said.
Mac hadn’t quite realised how far this had gone. He could see himself with her, but not quite this quickly.
“Just, try not to tell too much to Braeburn.” Mac said.
‘Huh, and here I thought you wanted me to tell your family all about it. I was so sure he’d love to hear about your-”
“Okay, I get it.” Mac said.
“Are you sure Braeburn wouldn’t want to hear all about your-”
“The worst part is, I’m not sure he wouldn’t.” Mac said.
“...Penis.” Marigold said.
“Enough!” Mac said, with as much of a blush as red fur would show.
“Sorry, it’s just so fun watching this!” Marigold said.
“I just, don’t like to talk about it.” Mac said.
“There aren’t many things you do like to talk about, are there?” Marigold said.
“I just...think it should be kept private” Mac said.
“Huh, well if you say so. Guess it just leaves more for me.” Marigold said, with a wink.
Mac was never too comfortable talking about sex or sexuality with others. Even around her it felt...wrong.
“You should probably get to work.” Marigold said.
“...Wait, does Braeburn know you’re here?” Mac said.
“Yeah. I wrote him a letter about it. I told him to keep it a surprise though.” Marigold said.
“Well, then I guess I’ll see you soon.” Mac said.
She kissed him, and he headed downstairs, and she slept in a little longer. Mac ate, and got to work, like usual. Red was sick, and so work slowed, Mac now having to collect and buck. While mac was at work, Marigold awoke from the warm bed. She decided what would be a better way to be a houseguest than rifle through his things and eat their food? She lazily headed downstairs, her hair a mess, where she met Dumpling.
“Huh? Are you that mare that came for Mac?” Dumpling asked.
“You could say that.” Marigold said, unable to contain herself.
“It’s great to finally meet you! Mac must have been pleased to have you here.” Dumpling said.
“Oh, definitely.’ Marigold said, still grinning.
“Here, let fix you something for breakfast, you must be hungry.” Dumpling said.
“That’d be great. Just anything that doesn't take much work to make.” Marigold said.
“Oh no, I insist!” Dumpling said.
“Well, If you don’t mind.” Marigold said.
‘It’s what I do around here, darlin’. I cook, and I clean.” Dumpling said.
Marigold looked out the window, where Mac was working. Braeburn seemed like he was trying to keep up with him, but was quickly left behind. She didn't realize how hard ofa worker he was until now. She could tell he was a working stallion, but not quite like this. Maybe it would balance out her laziness. Marigold watched him for a while, until Dumpling brought her a lovely dish of wonderfully spiced greens, and baked apples.
“Mmm, this is delicious! Where did you learn to cook like this?” Marigold asked.
“My mother taught me. I used to dream of opening a restaurant, you know. I guess this is just my way of keeping it alive.” Dumpling said.
“Why didn’t you do it?” Marigold asked.
“Oh, I don’t know. I don’t think it would work out. I’d be better to keep doing what I know, I guess.” Dumpling said.
“I think you could do it.” Marigold said, her mouth full.
“Really? You know, most ponies aren’t too interested in me.” Dumpling said.
“You’re beautiful, and a great cook! What’s not to love?” Marigold asked.
“Oh stop! Now I know you’re flattering me! A plain country girl like myself!” Dumpling
said.
“Plain? Hun, if you gave me a few minutes with that hair, you’d look fabulous.” Marigold
said.
“I suppose that would be nice...” Dumpling said.
Marigold finished her plate, and gestured Dumpling to her.
“Wait, right now?” Dumpling said.
“Why not? I need to do mine, anyway.’ Marigold said.
The two of them headed upstairs to the bathroom, where there was a mirror. A few minutes later, she was finished. Her previously messy hair was brushed and styled into a cute, but elegant style.
“I love it! This country bumpkin is starting to look like a classy lady!” Dumpling said.
The two of them headed back downstairs, and continued to chat for a while, before the workers came back inside.
“Hey Mac, how come you never told me you had such an awesome cousin?” Marigold said.
“Huh?” Mac said.
“Dumpling. She’s amazing. Great chef, and she’s freakin adorable.” Marigold said.
“I guess so.” Mac said, not used to seeing this side of Marigold. Then again, everypony is different at home than in public.
Braeburn approached Marigold, eager to talk to her.
“So, I finally get to meet you! The mare who Mac’s been talking all about!” Braeburn said.
“No, I haven’t.” Mac said.
“You've been talking plenty with your eyes. I bet all the other girls are jealous you’ve got such a strong, handsome coltfriend.” Braeburn said.
As Braeburn walked away, Marigold whispered to Mac.
“Is he...you know...that way?” Marigold asked.
“I have no idea.” Mac said.
Marigold shrugged.
“Whatever.” she said.
Everypony ate dinner, which Dumpling had prepared. Lots of conversation about Mac and Marigold, and Dumpling’s new look, and Red was exchanged, but none of it was anything new. Mac nearly zoned out during the conversation. Afterwards, they talked a while longer and Marigold head up to bed. Mac followed behind her. He looked at her with the look that Marigold had started to become familiar with, the way he looked her over. They got to his room, where she immediately embraced him. The two of them were absorbed in each other, and kissed each other. She fell onto the bed, pulling Mac with her.