//------------------------------// // Keep the Doctor Away // Story: Stallions of Equestria: Adam's Apple // by mr lovecolt //------------------------------// Chapter Five: Keep the Doctor Away The ticking of a grandfather clock echoed throughout the house. The sun shone through the windows, casting a short shadow on everything its light touched. Adam took a deep breath and stared at his reflection in the mirror, unwilling to turn his gaze towards the elderly mare standing next to his bed. He heard the sound of her hooves as they clopped against the wooden floor. “You’re a lot more like Amy than I reckoned,” Granny Smith said. “Huh?” Adam asked, groaning as he tried to scoot back so that he was seated with his back against the headboard. “Eeyup,” she replied. “Shoot, one of the first things she did when she got here was challenge Applejack to a hoof wrestlin’ contest.” She chuckled. “She held her own for a good ten minutes. You humans are a lot sturdier than you look.” Adam nodded as he looked around the room and shook his head; his sister still hadn’t finished packing for her move. One wall was lined with boxes, only some of which were full of items: photographs in one box, crumpled clothing in another, and one with sheets of paper with the note ‘DJ Sticky Fingers Wedding Songs’ written in messy handwriting. “Mare still hasn’t packed her clothes yet,” she said as she looked into the closet. “Surprised she didn’t bring her favorite shirt with her on her honeymoon.” “Miss Rarity is still upset that Amy doesn’t like the dresses,” Adam added as he pointed to the clothes in the back of the closet. “It seems Amy just tucks the things she rarely wears in the back.” The two looked around the room once more. “Amy has quite the assortment of items,” Adam continued, “especially for being here only a year.” “Mostly just knick-knacks.” Granny Smith took down a photograph from the wall and carried it to box of pictures. “Sometimes I worry she’s gonna end up like cousin Goldie*, and poor Golden Delicious* is gonna be stuck in a house full of cats.” She set the photograph into the box and then placed a hoof on the bed. “You doin’ all right?” “I’m fine,” Adam said with a smile. “I just need a little rest.” “That’s good to hear.” She waited a moment and then reached back and hit Adam in the back of his head. “Now what in tarnation were you thinkin’, overworkin’ yourself like that?” “I—,” Adam stammered, dumbfounded at the sudden change in tone, “I just wanted to make sure that Big Mac knew I could handle the workload.” He paused for a moment. “What I meant to say was that I want to show you all that I can do the work.” “Hmm,” Granny Smith replied, “and knowin’ Big Mac, he probably wanted to do what he could to help.” “He does seem like the type to go out of his way to help others.” Adam replied as he looked down at his hands. “The colt’s got a heart big as an Ursa Major,” she said as she took as seat on the bed. “He even let that Fluttershy mare sing in his place once.” “With the Pony Tones? How could she possibly have taken his place?” “Long story. What I’m sayin’ is that we can already see that you’re tryin’ your hardest.” She patted his leg. “You ain’t gotta impress us, Adam, and you certainly don’t gotta impress Big Mac.” Adam cracked his knuckles at the same moment that Granny Smith lifted herself off the bed, her joints snapping as she straightened out. “Looks like both of us have bodies that like to make noise.” Adam laughed, his gaze following Granny Smith until she reached the doorway. “Granny Smith?” “Yes?” “Thank you.” “Ain’t nothin’, sugarcube. Now you rest up and get back to the barn when you’re ready.” Adam heard the retreating sound of Granny Smith’s hooves in the hallway and turned once more to his reflection. He lifted his arms and flinched from the pain. He groaned as he lifted himself off the bed and made his way to his suitcases. Let’s see, he thought as he moved the suitcases around, shoes, shirts, pants. He smiled when he came across a small bag, noting the contents when he opened it: straight-edge razors, lavender-scented soaps, and a now familiar vial. “Just a little,” he mumbled. Adam opened the vial of MantiCure and squeezed a little onto his fingers. As he rubbed it into his arms, he sighed in relief as an icy chill ran across his upper body. He lifted his arms once more and smiled when he didn’t feel the pain anymore. He placed the vial back in his bag and headed for the door, pausing to take one more look around the room. “Don’t worry, Amy,” he said, “I will make sure that I fix this.” Big Macintosh lay on his side and tried not to flinch as Zecora’s hoof trailed lightly over his leg. Applejack stood in the corner of the room, but Apple Bloom had decided to take her place at the foot of the bed so that she could read the labels on the vials that the zebra had taken out of her saddlebags. “So what are you gonna try?” Apple Bloom asked as picked up a vial marked ‘Valerian Root’. Big Macintosh hissed when Zecora pressed her hoof against his. “A willow bark and ginger tea is all that is necessary,” Zecora replied without turning away from the stallion, “but I also suggest that you get some rest.” “You got anythin’ that’ll help him walk around?” Applejack asked as she took a step forward. “We really got a lot of work to do.” Zecora hummed to herself and reached into her saddlebags to pull out another vial. When she set it on the quilt with the others, Apple Bloom immediately picked it up. “Ain’t this the stuff you sold to Mister Rich?” Apple Bloom asked. “Indeed, this salve was my creation,” Zecora said with a nod, “it should be safe in this situation.” “What’s that supposed to mean?” Applejack asked. Apple Bloom grinned and hopped to the other side of the bed to face her sister. When she cleared her throat, Big Macintosh chuckled when he saw the look of pride in the filly’s eyes. “This remedy uses the venom of a manticore, witch hazel, and…” Apple Bloom bit her lip and tapped her hoof against her head. “Aloe Vera?” Big Macintosh saw Apple Bloom glance sheepishly at Zecora, who simply grinned and nodded her head. Apple Bloom squeaked with delight before continuing. “It numbs muscle pain real fast, but you gotta make sure you don’t have any cuts ‘cause you don’t want the venom gettin’ inside you.” Big Macintosh shifted uneasily in the bed and scooted away from the vial. Zecora noticed the change in his demeanor and she chuckled again. “This cure will work for the occasion. I do not see any abrasion.” “How’s Adam doin’?” Big Macintosh asked. “Adam’s layin’ up in his bed,” came Granny Smith’s voice from the doorway. “The colt’s stubborn, just like his sister,” she continued as she trotted to the bed. “I swear they must be part mule.” “Is he all right?” Big Macintosh asked again. “I’m gonna say the same thing to you that I said to him.” She trotted to his side and hit him on the back of his head. “What were you thinkin’? Y’all could’ve gotten real hurt out there.” “Yes ma’am,” he replied as his ears folded down. “The healing salve has been applied,” Zecora said, “could you please move from side to side?” Big Macintosh twisted his leg back and forth, smiling when he didn’t feel any pain. Granny Smith reached out to shake Zecora’s hoof. “Thank you kindly for comin’ so quickly, Zecora,” she said, “I know Apple Bloom speaks nothin’ but good ‘bout you.” Big Macintosh watched Apple Bloom as she gathered the vials and started placing them back in Zecora’s saddlebags. As he observed the way she concentrated on the vials, he glanced every now and then to her flanks, half-expecting her cutie mark to appear. “The stuff Zecora makes is great,” Apple Bloom said, “she’s havin’ me bring different parts of the apple tree to help me learn ‘bout their healin’ properties.” “What the young one says is very true, apples are found in many a brew.” “That explains why this here ticker’s still goin’,” Granny Smith said as she put a hoof to her chest. She then pointed to Big Macintosh. “Now you’re gonna go back and help Adam in the barn, soon as he’s ready. No need to keep overexertin’ yourself.” “Yes ma’am.” “Well, I best get back out to the fields,” Applejack said with a sigh. “Oh, let me help with the apple buckin’,” Apple Bloom begged as she hopped over to Applejack’s side. “I suppose you can,” Applejack replied as she trotted to the door with Apple Bloom in tow. “Thanks again, Zecora.” “It is no problem, Applejack,” Zecora replied as she adjusted her saddlebags. She turned to Big Macintosh. “Give it a day and you’ll be back on track.” Adam’s footsteps echoed down the hall, and the ponies turned just in time to see the human appear in the doorway with a smile on his face. “I feel much better,” he said with a grin. “That’s a quick recovery,” Granny Smith replied with a raised eyebrow. “Oh, I guess I just needed to rest my arms.” He looked outside. “Besides, we’ve already lost a few hours because of this.” “You sure ‘bout that?” Applejack asked. “Maybe you should let Zecora check you out before you head back to the barn.” “I’ll be fine,” Adam replied as he eyed the zebra. “Herbal remedies aren’t really my thing, anyway.” “You’d be surprised how good they work, Uncle Adam,” Apple Bloom said as she hopped off of the bed and picked up an empty vial. “From what I have learned about your kind, you do not pay the herbs much mind.” Zecora headed for the door. “But should you ever feel the need, I’ll show you that they work, indeed.” Zecora nodded once more before leaving, and Adam turned to face Big Macintosh, who was now by his side. “You two be careful out there, now,” Granny Smith said, “I don’t wanna see you two gettin’ hurt over somethin’ silly.” “Yes, ma’am,” Big Macintosh said. “We will be careful, I promise.” Adam pushed the door open and motioned for Big Macintosh to follow him. “Shall we?” “Eeyup.” The two made their way out of the room, leaving the three mares behind. Granny Smith and Apple Bloom looked at Applejack, who simply shook her head. “It’s almost like Amy never left,” she said as she grabbed her stetson. “Humans are hard to figure out,” Granny Smith replied. Apple Bloom, for her part, simply scrunched her forehead and looked down at the vial she held. She trotted to the hallway and frowned as Adam shut the front door behind him. “I am so glad that there was an extension cord,” Adam said as he marked off yet another barrel. “This is making the job go by much more quickly.” Big Macintosh simply nodded as he watched Adam work, occasionally lifting his gaze to the rafters. “What are the ties for?” Big Macintosh asked, pointing to a bright pink ribbon above Adam’s head. “I’m using them to delineate where one cultivar ends and another begins,” Adam replied. “Though I am surprised I managed to find that color in Amy’s room.” Big Macintosh chuckled and then picked up a nearby lantern. “You need me to start on this side?” he asked. “It’s hard to see with just the lantern light.” “I can manage,” Big Macintosh replied. “‘Sides, I don’t wanna see you doin’ all the work.” Big Macintosh waited for a moment, and when a ghost of a smile appeared on Adam’s face, the stallion’s body warmed. “Thank you, Big Mac.” Big Macintosh lit the lantern and headed to the other side of the barn. He bent over and peered into the darkness. “This one’s a Gala barrel.” “Really?” he heard Adam say. “Odd… the first group on this side is Gala, as well.” The two continued to work for a few minutes, occasionally taking a peek at one another from behind the barrels while the other wasn’t looking. “So,” Adam said as he tied another ribbon to the rafter, “I haven’t heard the Pony Tones sing in a while.” “Eeyup.” “It’s a shame, though,” Adam sighed. “I always liked hearing you guys sing.” Big Macintosh’s ears perked, but he waited for Adam to continue before saying anything. “Not to mention how adorable you all look in the cardigan and bowtie combination.” The stallion was grateful that Adam couldn’t see him blushing from behind the barrels. For a moment, neither spoke. He heard Adam’s voice again, but now it was almost a whisper. “Big Macintosh?” The stallion looked up, only to see a awkward smile on Adam’s face. He was rubbing the back of his neck with his hand and trying to suppress a blush on his face. “Eeyup?” “Would it be too forward of me to request that you sing a song?” Adam’s gaze fell to the ground. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to, of course.” Big Macintosh smiled and cleared his throat before taking his place in the middle of the barn as though it were a stage. Everypony’s sayin’ you should learn to express your voice But if talk doesn’t seem like it’s the answer, luckily you have a choice As Big Macintosh continued to sing, he couldn’t help but notice how Adam swayed his hips to the beat as he marked the barrels. As the song progressed, he closed his eyes and thought of the meaning behind the words. Big Macintosh smiled as his deep voice boomed out and echoed through the barn, and as he finished the song, he struck a pose. When he didn’t hear anything, however, he opened his eyes and saw that Adam was biting his lip. “Somethin’ wrong?” he asked. “I really like that song… ‘Got The Music In You’, right?” Adam asked. As he turned away, Big Macintosh swore he saw the human’s lip quiver. “It’s like no matter how different we are or what others think of you, there’s something in you that we all share.” He lowered the lamp, his smile falling along with it. “I like that idea, you know? That we’re all the same, in a way.” Adam gave a small laugh. “There I go… rambling again.” “You ramble good.” Big Macintosh replied with a smile, earning another laugh from the human. “And your voice is remarkable,” Adam replied as he tied another ribbon to the rafters. “Thank you kindly.” Big Macintosh went back to studying the barrels as he tried to think of another topic. When nothing came up, he grew more frantic. “You ready for your date with Pokey?” he asked, immediately banging his head against the barrel when he realized what he said. “Oh, uh—,” Adam stammered. “I guess. I mean… he seems nice. Miss Rarity thinks so, too.” “Is he the type of stallion you liked back home?” “Considering the fact that if I found stallions back home attractive it would cause quite an uproar…” Adam snickered. “I guess I would have to say that Mister Pierce seems confident. You all do, actually. Take you, for instance.” Big Macintosh’s head snapped up in Adam’s direction. “Beg pardon?” “Yeah, I mean you are definitely the strong, silent type. You don’t say much, but I get the feeling that you don’t feel the need to.” Adam scratched his forearm. “It’s all about the details, really—the way you walk, the way you always have that determined look.” Adam’s eyes widened. “Not that I’ve been staring or anything. I mean I just notice things.” Big Macintosh raised an eyebrow and tried to suppress another laugh as Adam scrambled to find his next words. “It’s a good quality to have.” Their eyes met—Big Macintosh cleared his throat and turned back to the barrels when he remembered Applejack’s words. Ain’t like Pokey put a claim on him or nothin’. Uh, Adam?” he asked. “Yes, Big Mac?” “I was thinkin’,” he said, trying to find the best way to say it, “if things don’t… maybe I could—” “Oh, Adam!” came a singsong voice. Big Macintosh turned to the door, where he saw Rarity standing at the entrance with a smile on her muzzle. His ears flattened folded over and he turned back to the barrels once again, watching Adam out of the corner of his eye as the human leaped towards Rarity and wrapped his arms around her. “Oh, Miss Rarity,” Adam said, “I know it’s been only a day, but it still feels like forever.” “I know the feeling, darling,” Rarity replied as she let go, “but I just had to come by to bring you some news.” She turned to Big Macintosh. “And hello to you, Mister Macintosh.” “Howdy, Miss Rarity,” the stallion replied as he bent over to pick up a ribbon. “You say you have some news?” Adam asked as he took a seat on top of a barrel. “Good news, I hope.” “Indeed it is,” Rarity said as she made her way to a nearby barrel to sit, only to stop herself when she saw the layer of dust on it. “So there I was on my way to the spa, when who do I run into but Pokey Pierce?” “Oh,” Adam replied, though Big Macintosh sensed the hesitation in his voice. “So, what did you say to him?” “Only good things, I promise. As it turns out, he is quite excited about your date. So much, in fact, that he already wrangled a reservation at Epicurious.” “That’s really fast.” “I may have also spoken to the owner, and let’s just say he owed me a favor,” Rarity replied with a smirk. Big Macintosh pretended to mark the barrels as he focused on the conversation. As he watched Rarity bounce back and forth with excitement, he was surprised that he felt frustrated with her. “So,” Adam said, “when is it?” “Tonight.” “Tonight?” he shouted, nearly falling off of the barrel. “That is hardly enough time to prepare, Miss Rarity.” “Don’t you worry, Mister Garnet.” Rarity winked. “I already brought the swatches with me to create a new ensemble.” She squealed. “Oh, I am so excited!” Big Macintosh turned away the moment Adam glanced in his direction. “I can’t leave Big Macintosh here alone,” Adam said. “Helping out here is too important.” He paused. “Please, Miss Rarity, don’t give me that look.” Big Macintosh turned his attention back to Rarity and saw that her eyes were watering and her lip was sticking out. When she turned to Big Macintosh, he shied away. “Mister Macintosh,” she pleaded, “please help him see reason.” She suddenly gasped. “What if this is Adam’s one chance at true love?” “Let’s not get carried away,” Adam said, though Rarity didn’t hear him. “And after my success with Amy and Golden Delicious, too,” Rarity whimpered. “Of all the worst things that could possibly happen, this is—” “I’m going to stop you right there,” Adam said as he placed a hand on Rarity’s shoulder. “As much as I appreciate this gesture…” He sighed and knelt down to look Rarity in the eyes. “The fact remains that it would be wrong for me to leave Big Macintosh and the Apples just to have some fun.” “Adam, this hesitation doesn’t have anything to do with the newspaper, does it?” Adam flinched, and Rarity took it as her chance to continue. “I just want ever so much to see you happy like your sister—the way she smiles when she looks at Golden Delicious—you deserve to be happy, too.” She grinned. “Besides, you look good when you smile, even with those canines of yours.” Big Macintosh grinned as he remembered how Adam smiled at Carousel Boutique. He took a few steps forward and looked at Adam. Even with eyes small as his, he thought, the emotion’s clear as day. “I can take care of it,” Big Macintosh said. “You already started a system here. Now that I know what to do, I can tie up the ribbons. Your job is just to figure out why she organized it this way.” Rarity squealed in delight once more, but Big Macintosh waited to see Adam’s reaction. He was surprised when Adam didn’t show excitement, but instead seemed hurt. Adam’s shoulders hunched over. “If you think that’s best,” Adam said. Big Macintosh shook his head when he realized how what he said must have sounded. He closed the distance between them and placed a hoof on Adam’s leg. “I mean Miss Rarity’s right,” he said. “You do deserve to be happy. ‘Sides, you do look good when you smile.” The edges of Adam’s lips curved upward slightly—not a full smile, but Big Macintosh could tell that he was trying. Adam turned to Rarity as a blush crept onto his face. “Okay,” he said, “let’s make me look good. Are you coming back this afternoon?” “Darling, it is afternoon.” “Really?” Adam looked out the window. “I guess time flies when you’re in good company. Right, Mister Macintosh?” “Eeyup.” “Come now,” Rarity said as she trotted to the door, “I brought a wonderful pistachio fabric that will make the most amazing shirt for you.” “Please tell me you brought the chocolate brown denim to go with it.” “I did,” Rarity whispered while giggling at the same time. Big Macintosh laughed to himself as he watched the pair leave the barn. When they were gone, he sighed and reached down to grab another ribbon to tie up onto the rafters. Applejack leaned against the doorframe and watched as pieces of fabric flew through the air. Rarity hummed to herself as she examined the swatches in front of her. “I know I said pistachio earlier, Adam,” Rarity called without looking up, “but how about olive?” “Too drab,” Adam replied as he looked over a pair of shoes, tilting his head back and forth before shaking his head and tossing the sneakers onto the bed. “How about mint?” “Ugh, one day on the farm and you have already lost your touch, Mister Garnet.” Applejack tilted her head in confusion as she watched the two converse without looking at one another. Rarity gasped as she pulled out another piece of fabric. “Viridian?” Rarity asked. “Miss Rarity,” Adam said as he turned away from the pile of shoes, “viridian is the bastard stepchild of the true colors blue and green. It is literally a color of decay.” “Point taken,” Rarity replied. “Pistachio it is.” “How are y’all gettin’ into such a heated discussion ‘bout the color green?” Applejack asked. Both Adam and Rarity froze in place. Applejack saw them slowly lift up their heads and turn their gazes towards her, their eyes narrowing at the same time. “Sorry,” she said as she tipped her stetson. “Adam, are you sure Big Mac’s okay with this?” “Of course, darling,” Rarity replied as she magically tore the fabric and rolled it into a sleeve. “Mister Macintosh stated quite plainly that he knew what to do and that Adam’s responsibility was solely to figure out Amy’s methods.” “This true, Adam?” “It is,” Adam replied quietly as he put on a pair of boots. “He said he didn’t need me.” Applejack cocked her head in confusion at the way Adam phrased his answer. “But he also said that I deserve to find happiness,” Adam continued. “I’ve noticed that Mister Macintosh does try to think of others first.” Applejack watched Rarity finish the shirt before levitating it to the bed. She looked out the window towards the barn. “That he does,” Applejack said as she shook her head. “So where are you meetin’ Pokey?” “I forgot to mention that,” Rarity said. “It would be best to meet him at the daycare center when it closes at six o’clock. Adam, could you try on the shirt, please?” “I think I should shower first, Miss Rarity.” “What was I thinking? You are absolutely correct.” Adam grabbed a small bag from the pile of suitcases and headed for the door. Rarity prodded his side to push him along, and when he was gone, Applejack heard a faint sigh. “I hope you know what you’re doin’, Rarity.” Applejack said. “Oh pish posh,” Rarity huffed as she tossed back her mane. “If anypony deserves to find happiness, it is Adam. He has been nothing but solicitous since the day we met.” “You sure you ain’t pressurin’ him?” “Applejack, regardless of species, all stallions are the same.” Rarity levitated the pile of shoes off of the bed and lined them up along the floor. “Sometimes, they simply need a gentle push in the right direction.” “If you push a stallion from behind too hard, you’re liable to get bucked in the muzzle.” Applejack took a step forward and placed a hoof in Rarity’s withers. “I just don’t wanna see nopony gettin’ hurt, is all.” “Applejack,” Rarity laughed, “you make it sound as though Mister Pierce has untoward intentions.” “It ain’t that, it’s—” Applejack stopped herself. “What was that, dear?” “It’s just, I know you two get along real good an all, but maybe you should let Adam take his time with this. Maybe let him try to find a special somepony on his own?” Rarity took a step back and gave Applejack an appraising stare. Applejack felt her muscles tighten under the intense scrutiny. “Pardon if I am reading too much into this, but when you say that, I get the distinct impression that you already have a stallion in mind.” “What?” Applejack’s eyes darted back and forth. “Shoot no, I don’t know nopony.” Rarity tapped her hoof on the floor and smirked. “Mm hmm,” she hummed with an upward inflection. Applejack only had to look at Rarity for another moment to know what she had figured out. Rarity cast a sideways glance to the window and then smiled. “I’ll tell you what, Applejack,” Rarity whispered as though the two mares were sharing a secret, “if things don’t go well with Mister Pierce, I’ll be sure to do what I can to give Adam another one of my gentle nudges.” “Though I don’t feel right tryin’ to butt in, I just know that the stallion in mind ain't the type to, you know, make the first move.” “I know the feeling, Applejack,” Rarity replied as she trotted towards the door and motioned for Applejack to follow. “But for now, let’s just see what happens tonight, shall we?” Applejack nodded and made her way to the hallway, shutting the door behind her. Adam twisted the knob to turn off the shower and then reached for a nearby towel to dry himself off, wrapping it around his waist before looking at himself in the mirror. He rotated his shoulders in an attempt to stretch them before he reached into his bag and pulled out the vial of MantiCure. Just to be safe, he thought as he applied a few dollops onto his skin and rubbed it in. As the cold set in again, he smiled. The moment he saw his teeth, however, his eyes focused on his canines. It’s so odd how much they stick out, he thought as he rubbed his tongue along the pointed teeth. The detail of the shape of a tooth was something easily overlooked. At least, it was easy to overlook back home, he thought. He stared into his eyes for a moment and remembered the newspaper article. The way they stared at me with their black eyes and snarled at me with their pointy teeth. He widened his eyes and tried to smile with his lips closed, but then he shook his head and turned away from the mirror. “Mister Pierce didn’t seem afraid of me,” he whispered as he forced himself to look into the mirror once more. “Maybe this is all in your head.” Adam grabbed his pants and boots. He sighed as he turned to open the bathroom door, poking his head out and looking back and forth before stepping out and making his way back to Amy’s room. The moment he touched the handle, however, he heard Granny Smith call out from the staircase behind him. “Adam, we’re gonna need to put some meat on your bones,” she shouted with a laugh. “Ah can see your spine.” Adam clutched his towel until his knuckles turned white. “Yeah,” he replied while staring at the handle, “but it’s normal to be able to see our spine.” “Don’t matter, we’ll get you fed real good, just like we did with Amy.” Adam listened to the sound of Granny Smith’s hooves on the floor, then the sound of a door opening and closing. The moment all was quiet, he opened the door to Amy’s room and ran inside. He slammed the door behind him and raced towards the bed, throwing his clothes next to the newly made shirt. When he got dressed, he looked at himself in the mirror. You look like a tree, he thought. “No,” Adam whispered. “Stop it. It’s just nerves. That’s it, you’re just nervous.” As he buttoned the top button to his shirt, he tried to remember where Pokey Pierce’s daycare center was. I can’t just show up there in front of a bunch of foals, he thought. His mind raced as he slid his boots back on, and by the time he had reopened the door and reached the stairs, an idea crossed his mind. “Miss Rarity, are you still down there?” “Of course, darling.” she replied form the living room. Adam heard a gasp when he reached the lower floor and turned to the living room. Both Rarity and Applejack were sitting on the couch with smiles stretched over their muzzles. “You look simply divine, Mister Garnet!” Rarity said. “Them duds sure are…” Applejack said as she placed a hoof to her chin, “nice.” “And they accentuate all the right areas.” Adam chuckled as he made his way to the front door. “I came up with an idea, but I’m going to have to see Miss Pie before I meet with Mister Pierce.” “Far be it from me,” he heard Rarity say, “but perhaps you could get another opinion in regards to your attire before you go.” Adam heard a pained huff from Applejack and turned around in time to see the mare rubbing her side. Rarity was still seated next to her with an innocent expression. “Ow,” Applejack muttered before her eyes brightened. “I mean—yeah. You’re tryin’ to impress a stallion. Maybe you should get Big Mac’s opinion before headin’ out.” “That is a marvelous idea, Applejack.” Rarity replied a little too loudly. Adam felt his body flush as he opened the front door. “All right,” he said as he stepped onto the porch. “Have fun, darling!” Rarity shouted. “Have a good time!” Applejack said. The door slammed shut behind him and he stood still for a moment before turning to the barn. Though Adam didn’t notice until he was a few feet away from the barn door, he realized that the closer he got, the lighter his footsteps became. He took a few deep breaths and then opened the door as quietly as possible. Big Macintosh trotted up and down the rows of barrels, the lantern held in his teeth. He leaned down to check the marking on the lower barrel and his tail swished back and forth. Adam shut the door behind him and leaned against the wall so he could continue to watch the stallion work. Every so often, Big Macintosh would let go of the lantern so that he could raise his forelegs onto a barrel in order to reach up to tie a ribbon onto the rafters. Adam smiled as he observed the ease with which Big Macintosh moved from task to task. After a few moments of observing him, Adam cleared his throat and took a step forward. “Big Mac?” he asked as he stepped into the lantern’s circle of light and smiled. “Eeyup, what—” Big Macintosh started to say, but the moment he turned, Adam watched the stallion’s eyes shrink to pinpricks. “Applejack thought it would be a good idea to get another opinion on the outfit,” he said as he tried to make himself appear smaller, turning away and rubbing the back of his neck before he could notice Big Macintosh’s fur turn even more red. “Do humans normally wear pants that tight?” Big Macintosh asked. Adam’s eyes shot up just in time to see Big Macintosh throw his hoof up to his forehead. “I mean,” Big Macintosh continued, “ain’t it uncomfortable?” “As Miss Rarity would say, ‘the price of beauty is comfort’.” Adam snickered and flashed another smile at Big Macintosh, but then he nodded his head in agreement. “Yes, Miss Rarity did make them a bit tight.” “Ah can’t imagine how that must feel,” Big Macintosh said. “... touche,” Adam replied with a knowing smile. “They hurt like hell. Well, Tartarus, in your case.” Adam sighed and reached out to open the door. “I’ll try not to be late. I know you said you could do it on your own, but I really want to be able to help.” He laughed. “I just feel a bit overwhelmed, is all.” He felt his arm tremble as it rest on the door. A moment later, he felt Big Macintosh’s hoof on his arm and he turned to see the stallion staring straight into his eyes. “You don’t need to be worried ‘bout nothin’,” Big Macintosh said. “I’m sure you’ll have a great time tonight.” “And you be careful, Big Mac,” Adam replied as he instinctively reached out to touch the stallion’s hind leg. “Don’t hurt yourself, okay?” Big Macintosh nodded as a gentle smile grew. Adam returned the smile, left the barn, and headed towards the main road. It wasn’t until he was a few feet away that he realized what he had done, though he wondered why now was the first time he had managed to touch Big Macintosh’s leg without the stallion flinching. Adam turned back, only to see that Big Macintosh had returned to his work, the lantern in his mouth casting a circle of light that floated through the darkness. Adam shook his head and continued to the front gate of Sweet Apple Acres as a warm breeze wrapped itself around his body. Though the wind was warm, Adam couldn’t stop the chill that ran down his spine as the gate clicked shut behind him.