Finding Favour - Part One (Anon x Big Macintosh)

>"Oh! Oh, darling, yes right there!"

>"Could you keep it down, please?"

>"I'm sorry, it's just- HA! Oooh, that's it!"

>Your hands dig into the white mare's withers, kneading at the tough knots as she squirms below you.

>"Oh, Anon, where -have- you been all these years?"

>You stifle a chuckle, drawing your hands back down her sides. "Keep that up and you're going to give the other patrons ideas."

>There's one of her throaty little laughs, she half turns her head. "Perhaps I want to."

>Working in Ponyville's spa has been good to you. What with your dexterous fingers the twins who own it had practically begged you to take up a position and it's one you've held since. Much to the delight of patrons like Rarity.

>Plus it's an enjoyable job. Where first you'd been stuck with manual labour, a chance meeting with an earth pony who injured one of his legs proved to the ponies of the town just how good your hands could be.

>Taking up the bottle of that oil you've been using you dab some on her back, trying to ignore how she shivers. Why is it always her...

>Once more your hands get to work, rubbing and pressing down on points of tension. The unicorn squeaks and grunts beneath you. She always enjoys this far too much. Still, she orders extensive treatments so the twins treat her well. And she never takes her little jokes too far, so you gladly tolerate it.

 

>With her as your final pony of the day you check out for the evening, the twins thanking you for another round of highly satisfied customers. For now, though, it's time for you to unwind with a cold drink at the Hay Bale.

>Rainbow Dash excused herself this morning, citing having to catch up on some weather duties. You don't mind too much, the venue has good company and good music for you to enjoy enough by yourself.

 

>That blue stallion who plays a saxophone is this evening's entertainment and you find the slow jazz number he's playing very relaxing. You've been chatting with a few of the regulars, sharing stories of the day.

>"Ah told ya before, AJ, this just ain't mah kinda thing."

>A tan mare bearing a fetching Stetson pokes a rather large red stallion in the side, just inside the entrance. "An' Ah told you, you've gotta get off the farm. Yer wastin' away there what with yer lack of associatin' with other ponies."

>He sighs heavily, turning to her before casting his eyes across the bar. "Alright, sis', Ah'll try to... unwind, as ya say."

>You know this big guy, had a few run ins with him in your time in Equestria. One of the owners of the local apple farm, Big Macintosh, he'd always seemed a friendly sort but always seemed too busy on the farm to ever really be seen about the town.

>And if that last little snippet you heard was any indication his sister was taking steps against that. No harm, you surmise, guy like him shouldn't be kept away from eyes that might appreciate the sight. Not that there's anything unusual to appreciate.

>You turn back to your drink, whipping your head about again at the sound of heavy footfalls at your side, your view now a sea of red. Looking further aside is no use, the only way is up. And up, until your head is tilted back and your eyes meet with the smile of the red giant.

>"Howdy, part'." His voice sounds much deeper this close.

>"Hey, Big Macintosh, out for a drink?"

>"Eeyup." He calls over the barcolt and makes his order, cider predictably. "Mah sister's been thinkin' Ah need to socialise more an' Ah figure this bar's as good a place as any."

 

>You take a quick look around, seeing groups of stallions laughing, talking.

>"So uh... and don't get me wrong but why did you come straight over to me?"

>You're sure you feel your bones shake at his laugh. "Well Ah don't see ya spendin' much time with other ponies except fer that Rainbow Dash. Might be you and Ah could get ta be friends."

>While a part of you feels a little incensed at the implication of his words you also can't deny it would be good to have a few more ponies you really could call friends instead of the usual casual acquaintances.

>"Fair enough. So... how's your day been?"

>He shrugs, taking a drink from his mug. Maybe you could sit further back from him so you don't have to crane your neck so much... "Mostly buckin' apples, carryin' em, ploughin' the fields."

>"Really." You take a drink yourself.

>"Kinda borin', ain't Ah." He chuckles again before you can respond. "Guess that's why mah sister wants me to get out more."

>"Don't be so hard on yourself. It's just... I'm sure you've got other interests besides... uh, apples."

>He nods. "Aw sure, ya like sports?" Not really but it always seemed a hot topic about town so you did your best to keep up with it. "Ah've been followin' the Fillydelphia Hoofball League fer years now. Didja hear about that tackle Gusty Wind landed on Fast Charge? Ah dunno how that ref' keeps his job."

>You have to stop yourself from coughing out your beer. "What?! Hey, I read up on that match, Fast Charge's got a long history of playing up his injuries."

>There's a smirk. "Part', Ah don't think ya know as much as ya think ya do."

>"Why don't you try me, big shot."

 

>So begins a lively debate on sport the likes of which you'd never have imagined yourself having. But it's good. You like the easy way Big Macintosh talks and his gentle demeanour, unchanging no matter how passionate you might get.

>Drinks flow as easy as his talk and patrons come and go, with more going than replacing them. All the while you talk with Macintosh, changing topics from sport to his rather in-depth knowledge of business, to your own work and your respective histories. Though neither of you go too deeply into that just yet.

>Eventually you had to admit you were also playing up your knowledge of hoofball but now had a real reason to get to know it.

>More than once did your hand meet his shoulder, patting him comradely but all the same you had to admit, his coat felt particularly good against your skin. But then, didn't every p0ny's. He'd smile when you'd do that, tapping you in turn which felt more like a blow from a rock. Both of you would share a laugh at his unrestrained show of strength and he'd try to pull it under control.

 

>The night had to end but at least it did so with you greatly satisfied with it. Missing out on Dash's company proved to be a pretty good thing.

>"Now, if ya want to really keep up with the Fillydelphia league the only way ta do so is gettin' the Fillydelphia Faireback, that'll keep ya up to date."

>You're on your way back to his farm, Applejack long having departed the bar but you were sure she was wearing a smile as she glanced at the two of you.

>"I'll see if the newsagents here carry it."

>"Oh they do, Ah always make sure ta get mahself a copy of it."

>Stopping at his porch both of you look at each other for a moment.

 

>"Listen, Anon, Ah had a great time. We should get ourselves some drinks again."

>"Any time you're up for it."

>He scuffs a hoof, hiding a smile. "Ah guess Ah could come out again tomorrow. Long as yer friend wouldn't mind."

>"Dash? Nah, she'd be glad to have another drinking buddy."

>He nods, his thick orange mane waving back and forth. "Well alright then! Guess Ah'll see ya then. Good night, part'."

>"Yeah, 'night."

>You part ways then, sparing just a moment extra to take a quick glance at his deep green eyes. You always did have a soft spot for green eyes. Macintosh may be a pony but that didn't mean you couldn't acknowledge some of his good points.

 

>The next day lands you with an unusual customer. A blue pegasus with a rainbow mane, sporting a limp and a wing that doesn't quite fold in against her side.

>"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up..."

>Despite trying to keep your mind on rubbing her leg it's hard to stop yourself from laughing after the tale of how she allowed the wind she was building to knock her into a tree. The great Rainbow Dash, undone by a little gust!

>"Hey, you know Big Macintosh from Sweet Apple Acres? He's going to be joining us tonight, if that's okay."

>She turns suddenly, looking back at you curiously. "Look, Applejack's my friend so of course I know her brother. And yeah, I don't mind just so long as he can keep up with us." That's a pretty wicked smirk she's wearing now.

>"Like I said, we were drinking and he's got the build for it."

>"Okay, okay. Now... could ya do my wing, please?"

>"Yeah, sure, why don't you show me where it hurts."

>"Hey, I'm not a foal! I can- OW!"

 

>You gently tap the wrist, smirking in turn as she flinches away.

>"Big baby."

>"I am not! You just have to be careful with pegasi wings, they're... sensitive..." When she looks at you again her eyes show a bit of hurt, more than you'd think she ever would.

>You sigh inwardly. "I know, and I'm sorry. Where's the problem?"

>"It's... uh, just below the wrist..." Dash always did have problems with others touching her wings but the odd time she'd been in to you she always showed a great deal of trust. You liked that.

>"So you and Big Macintosh spent the night out?"

>You press down on a node, her wing flexing under the pressure. "Yeah. Applejack thinks he needs to get out more and we just started talking. He seems like a nice guy."

>"I guess he is."

>She guesses? Ah well, maybe she hasn't spent much time around him or maybe it's just her usual way of being so reserved in complimenting others.

 

>The rest of her massage goes well, though there is some embarrassment (as always) when you press down on her withers and her wings shoot out straight. You're always sure to give her a few moments alone to get them under control. Not her fault, it's a common pegasus problem.

>You've got a lot of clients the rest of the day. Turns out Dash wasn't the only one who suffered injury pulling overtime last night.

>Rarity shows up, huffing at having to be rescheduled with Aloe due to you being reserved for the weather team. She makes an insinuation or two about taking you out to lunch to sweeten you towards going against your bosses. At least that's what it sounds like.

 

>Again, you work day draws to a close and you head out. This time, however, you're particularly looking forward to going out. If things go well with Dash it could really help Macintosh in getting out more.

 

>You're met outside the spa by Dash. She apologises once more for the incident earlier, scuffing a hoof and trying not to look at you. You wave it off, assuring her you regularly deal with embarrassing moments with customers, it doesn't bother you any more.

>The blue stallion is gone from the Hay Bale this evening, replaced by a more somber guitar player. The regular crowd is in attendance as well as some extras - including a rather large, red stallion. Big Macintosh waves you over and you sit down at his right, a noisily cleared throat follows light clopping to your left. You turn to see Dash looking a little indignantly between the two of you.

>"Dude, c'mon Anon, I -always- sit by your left." She points an accusing hoof at Macintosh.

>"It's just for one night." You go to turn back to the bar, Dash grabbing you

>"But that's -my- seat! And I... you know..." She trails off, not quite looking at you again.

>"Sorry, Dash, didn't quite catch that."

>"I said I always lean..." Her cheeks are reddening.

>"You always seem?"

>I always lean against you when I drink a lot." She lets off with a sigh, frowning heavily. A hoof taps your side.

>"Part', Ah don't wanna cause any trouble between yer lady friend and yerself, Ah'll just switch seats." Macintosh promptly slips off the barstool and trots around to your other side, pulling his glass down after.

>Dash titters, hopping up to her seat. You turn to Macintosh and say, maybe a little more loudly than needed. "She's not my 'lady friend', she's just a friend."

>"Oh." You're almost sure you can make out the tiniest of smiles there.

>"Pfft, he's just sore because he could never get with me."

 

>"This again... Look, I'm not interested in you, okay? You're as great a friend as a guy could ask for but that's it." Dash snickers, patting you with a hoof.

>"Sure, dude, sure. You'd have to be a colt-cuddler not to want a piece of the Dash, though." She continues snickering.

>Colt-cuddler? Oh right, even after all this time there were still terms you didn't regularly hear. You'd connected what Dash said to what you'd previously heard about it: basically the pony term for 'gay'.

>"Maybe I am." You say with a little smirk of your own. Dash's laughter stops immediately.

>"Whoah, hang on, what did you say?" She's not looking at you angrily and her tone is more one of curiosity and surprise than anything else.

>"I said you might be right there. Why else would I hang out in a completely platonic way with a hot mare like you?"

>She looks down at the bar for a long minute before looking back up to you. "I dunno, maybe..." She looks down again. "Maybe you don't really think I'm that hot... Maybe you're just, like, throwing me a bone."

>"You know I'm not like that, why would I even-"

>"Yeah well why else are you so friendly with me? I can't count the number of stallions that wanna hope between the sheets with me and yet my closest friend - who's a guy and yeah just forget for a second you're not a pony, okay - my closest friend can't even -say- that I'm attractive." She goes to take a drink but stops short.

>Wonderful, this was the side of Dash you saw less often but left you feeling no less bad when you were the cause of it being brought out. "Dash, you're a spectacular pegasus. And you know I catch a lot of stallions looking after you, yeah and it's for good reason."

 

>Aha, there's her sly little smile. "Like you said, the -only- way a guy wouldn't be interested in you is if he was into other guys."

>You call over the barcolt and make your order, seeing Rainbow slowly look up to you from the corner of your eye.

>"So... Wait, does that mean you -are-... ?"

>Well, it was going to come out eventually. Might as well be now. You compose yourself a little before turning to her. "Yes."

>She looks at you for just a moment longer before turning back. "Cool."

>You bark out a laugh. "Cool? That's it? You're not going to chew me out or anything?"

>Dash takes up her mug of cider, shrugging. "Just means I get to talk about stallions with you, dude." A little smirk to you before she takes a drink.

>"No, hang on. You're really okay with this?" This is easily the most mellow reaction you've ever received.

>"Dude, it's fine. It's not like you're the first colt-cuddler I've ever met." She gives your elbow a bump. "C'mon, did ya really think I'd stop being your friend because of that? Nothing's changed, dude, you're still the same human I knew before, I just know something else about ya now."

 

>Despite the rather public location it's hard not to let yourself become even a little moved by this. Sure, you'd suspected Dash not to have a problem with it but for her to be as blasé as she was... This is the kind of friend you wanted.

>"Part'?"

>Oh. Oh yes, you'd forgotten about the other pony at your side in this little moment. Turning you see... he's smiling?

>"Is that true?" You cock an eyebrow. "That yer a... colt-cuddler?" Okay, he doesn't sound disgusted, it's much the same as Dash so you just nod slowly.

>"Yeah, I... Yeah, I like other males. Romantically, I mean"

>Macintosh nods back equally slowly. "That's fair enough, Ah ain't the judgin' type." He turns down to his mug. "An' there ain't anythin' wrong with it." He ends that with a pat at your back and a nod.

>The three of you settle into more pleasant talk after that, Dash and Macintosh having a debate about the latest game of Hoofball in Fillydelphia. A lot of it goes over your head but you do get a grasp on some concepts that previously eluded you.

 

>The conversation wends its way about, touching upon how the weather team could have screwed things up badly. Macintosh makes a few implications that the work on the farm is getting a bit much, maybe they could bring on some extra help for good pay. Not that it has anything to do with righting equipment and fixing the place up after the weather team.

>You had actually worked on the Apple's farm before settling into your job at the Spa. Tough work, no doubt about it but it was good and honest. Still, you couldn't see yourself devoting your life to that but getting a little extra pay would be nice and you'd have the chance to be around Big Macintosh more. If this evening is anything to go by you could both do a lot for each other in getting out.

 

>With booze-fueled camaraderie the three of you take off from the bar for the night. Dash taking off a little bit before your home, stopping once to reassure you she's completely fine with this new development. And that you have to come out with her this weekend when she's looking for a good time.

>Macintosh just chuckles in that easy way of his before walking you the rest of the way to your home.

>"Ya know, we really could use the help around the farm. Ah wouldn't ask so directly except you seem like a dependable fellah, the kind we prefer."

>You shrug, opening the door. "Sure. It'd be nice to spend some time out too. When do you need me to start?"

>He rubs his chin. "Ah guess if you could swing by tomorrow we could get started early." Nodding, he sets his hoof down.

 

>"Alright, I'll grab a bite to eat and then head straight for the farm."

>"Aww no, no, Anon. If yer gonna be helpin' us the least we could do is make sure yer well fed." He tilts his head to one side with a smile. "'Sides, doesn't a home cooked meal sound kinda good?"

>He's got a point there. There's something about sitting down with good company that can't be beat, so you agree. But not before you notice how an errant breeze catches the mane over his forehead.

>"Part'?"

>"Hmm? Sorry, I was just... thinking of something." He nickers at that before bidding you a good night and trotting off.

>"Were ya thinkin' about earlier? With... uh, Rainbow Dash?" You frown. "When ya told her... well, ya know."

>"Oh. Oh! Oh no, no." Your hands fly up defensively.

>"Good. Cause I'm sure you'll find a lotta ponies won't mind either way."

>"Thanks. I mean that." You sigh. "In my world it's not exactly something that's seen favourably."

>The stallion tuts, shaking his head. "Some things Ah guess Ah'll never understand." His face softens into a smile. "This was good though, Anon. An' Ah'll be lookin' forward to tomorrow."

>You bid each other good night at that, Big Macintosh trotting off as you step into your home.

>Inside you stop just at the door, your heart beating faster than you'd expect it. Did you expect Macintosh to take up what you'd said wrong? Would he have thought that just because you were into men you'd go after him?

>No, no he'd been laughing. And he said he didn't have a problem with it. He's not just some hick farmer, he's... yes, he's your friend.

 

>It's unsurprising seeing Big Macintosh working at the weekend. The needs of the farm don't bow to such things so he's often left doing it. You'd done it too, back when you worked there. It wasn't terrible but it's still nicer to be working a more conventional week.

>And while you're hoping to get to the farm early, you're intercepted by a white unicorn mare, striding up to you as you walk down Ponyville's main thoroughfare.

>"Anon, how wonderful to see you this morning!" She falls in beside you as you continue walking. "Now I know I did say I'd take you out to lunch but why don't we grab a little bite to eat now, breakfast always has a certain intimacy to it, don't you think?" You're not quite sure what to think about the way she stresses 'intimate'. That said, it's better to get this done now, she does make good company.

>She takes you to one of those chic little restaurants she always talks about when visiting the spa. The kind you're not that fond of. Your eyes fall to a more homely little place across the way as you sit down with her.

>"Now, you go right ahead and order what you like, I shan't hear of you paying." She titters softly, levitating a menu in front of herself.

>You'd already had a light breakfast, expecting to meet with Macintosh but there's no harm in indulging Rarity like this.

>Except that she fast launches into a long talk about an order she's received and all the terrible things the client requested. Honestly, why would they even commission a pony of her calibre if they're just going to ask for something so gauche!

>You sit back in your chair, nibbling at a pastry while trying to tune out the worst of her talk.

 

>Your mind strays to thoughts of Mac, now and then and you can't help but smile thinking about him. Dumb luck brought the two of you together and you're glad it did, he's too nice a guy not to know.

>Talking so much, Rarity takes her time eating and then goes on to make a second order though she does point out it's rather healthy - she -has- to watch her figure. Early afternoon sets in, before she finally stops but not after touching your hands or arms a few times throughout. You'd have to say something to her about that later.

>You part ways with Rarity once more giving her deepest thanks for meeting her and how she's so terribly looking forward to her next spa date with Fluttershy.

>Back on track, you head out towards Sweet Apple Acres. No more interruptions, you're going to get there.

>As you reach the gate you spot Big Macintosh carrying two baskets of apples over his back. You call out and he stops, waiting for you. There's a smile on his lips when you meet.

>"Good ta see you again, Anon; all set fer today?" You take a quick glance out to the orchard. It's going to be hard work and your time at the spa wouldn't have helped keep you in shape for it.

>"As much as I'll ever be." He nickers softly.

>"Aww don't fret, part', I'm sure a strong fellah like you'll have no problems."

>You follow him to the root cellar, stopping while he deposits the apples and grab two baskets of your own as well as the old bar you wore over your shoulders to carry them.

 

>You'd never really noticed before just how smooth Big Macintosh's movements are as he bucks trees. Rearing up, he slowly pulls his hind legs forward before kicking back, deftly knocking the apples into the baskets. All done so effortlessly.

 

 

>He spots you watching him and nods. "Do this fer enough years and ya get used to it."

>"Good way to build muscle too, I'm sure." Another nod before her goes to the next tree.

>You proceed on like this for some time, the baskets gradually filling as Macintosh chats with you about what's been happening around the farm. Applejack's started seeing some pony from Fillydelphia, took a little time off today to go out with him.

>Applebloom's away too, off with her friends. It's just the two of you, which is why he asked in the first place.

>You head off with two baskets, straining under the weight. You'd expected it to be difficult but you really need to get more of this exercise!

>Time passes like that, Macintosh bucking and you carrying. You get through quite a few trees before he calls you off with him towards the farm house. No point in neglecting lunch.

 

>At least Granny Smith's still around and already has a fine spread of food ready for the two of you. You're just glad to be sitting down and resting your tired limbs. You almost regret having to spend the rest of the day at this before you see Macintosh smiling at you across the table.

>"Ah know yer tired, part' but Ah'm really glad yer helpin' out."

>You shrug, taking a bite of a fritter. "I'm sure you could've gotten a pony to help though."

>He rubs his chin idly, nodding. "Suppose Ah could but then Ah didn't want to." A shrug. "Suppose I just wanted ta spend some time with a friend."

>"Yeah." You nod back, holding his gaze for a moment longer.

>"That's the kinda work'll build ya up, sonny!" Grann smith's raspy voice knocks you out of your little reverie.

 

>"Lookit ya! Yer all bones! You start comin' here, eatin' good meals and workin' on the farm and you'll be as fit as Mac here." She jabs at hoof at the stallion who grins sheepishly.

>"She's right, Macintosh, you're built really well." Your eyes pause at his broad withers as you speak.

>"Aww, part', Ah'm just a regular pony." He quickly goes back to munching on a pie.

>"Don't sell yourself short, you look great." Wait. No, that wasn't what you'd meant to say.

>Macintosh doesn't look back up but lowers his face a little more. You're sure you can see his cheeks darken, even under his coat. All you can do now is hope you haven't made things too awkward between you.

 

>Finishing up the meal you both head back out to the orchard. Macintosh walks a little ahead of you the way but when you get there he picks up the chat once more. It ranges on to hoofball once more and he gives you a few more pointers in the intricacies of the game.

>He seems to take his time more too, carefully stretching out now and then. You try to keep your eyes off him, no point in looking at a pony like that. Even if he is cute in his own way...

>Buck and carry for hours on end, both of you have worked up a sweat though your own is decidedly greater than his.

>You're on your way back with the empty baskets when you see him poised at a particularly large tree. He rears back once more, wavering on his front hooves. You stop, watching before he kicks back, legs missing the tree and shooting up. His balance is lost and he falls onto his stomach, forelegs gone out from under him.

>Dropping the baskets you rush up to him, desperately hoping he's not too injured.

 

>There's soft groans and small movements from the stallion as you come to halt at his side, dropping down to your knees.

>"Jesus, Mac, are you okay?" Your hands hover over him, mindful of touching any sore spots.

>"Ah think so, just let me-" As he tries to right himself he winces, falling back to the ground. "Darnit, mah back!"

>You look him over fruitlessly before moving around to his front. "Which part? Upper or lower?"

>He moves slightly, wincing. "Upper."

>Well shit, he's a big guy so you can't carry him back. Maybe... Yeah, it might just work. "Alright, just hold on here, I'll be back."

>"Anon?"

>"Just stay put, I've got an idea."

 

>You run back to the barn, flinging open the doors and frantically looking about before your eyes fall on it. The cart looks sturdy and large enough. With nothing on it, it's pretty light so you take the bars at the front and quickly wheel it after you.

>Macintosh is still lying prone in the same position when you reach him. "Alright, Mac, I'm gonna have to pick you up, okay?" He nods. "It's gonna hurt, you know but trust me."

>"Alright, part', Ah do."

>"Good. Now, just lift your forelegs up as much as you can and put them on the back of the cart here."

>Taking a few deep breaths he slowly begins to force his legs into a standing position, grunting and softly cursing the whole time. You bend, taking his forelegs to help him. He yelps as you gently bring them up and onto the cart, before huffing heavily.

>"I'm sorry, Mac, really but at least now we've got a way to get back to the house."

>"It's... alright... I... understand..." He continues puffing.

 

>Looking him over to make sure he's okay in this position you round to the front of the cart and tell him you're going to start pulling, just lie down on it and use his hind legs.

>It's slow going, Macintosh having to stop frequently and move himself slightly to stop the pain but you don't mind. You just need to get him back safe.

>As you pull up to the farmhouse you're confronted with another problem: how to get him inside.

>There's nothing else for it but to get him in on his own power. You do your best, keeping your arms over him and trying to take some of the weight off but it's little use. Macintosh groans and grunts, slowly getting up the porch steps and inside.

>Granny Smith's reclining in a rocking chair when you step past the living room and she hops up from it, grunting at her hip before coming out.

>You explain what happened and she tells you to take him upstairs to his bed, she'll call for a doctor.

>The stairs... now there's another challenge. You stop with Macintosh just before them, letting him catch his breath before you begin, gasps following on from his earlier cries of pain.

>He's barely able to move by the time you reach his room and gently get him onto the bed, the big stallion sighing as his body is allowed lie prone.

>You sit down next to him, a hand on his neck.

>"Ever happen before?"

>A tiny shake of his head.

>"First time for everything, right? Can I get you anything? Do you have any painkillers you could take?"

>"Naw, we're all out."

>"Well I'll... just stay with you, then." For the first time since you found him he smiles.

>"Ah'd appreciate that, Anon."

 

>An hour later and the doctor arrives, a light brown unicorn who looks Macintosh over before using his magic. Thankfully, based on some magical probing, there's no serious damage but Mac'll still need to stay abed for the next day or two.

>The big pony grimaces at hearing that but Granny Smith puts a halt to any of his attempts to get up. Better he get well quick than draw it out.

>The doctor leaves a prescription for some painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs and takes off. You stop him at the porch, though, asking if unicorn magic might help. No, in some cases they do use it but in others it's just best to allow the body to heal itself.

>Satisfied, you leave for the town, eager to get something to help Mac. Your own health had been fine since arriving here so you're still a little unfamiliar with the local pharmacist but he's just as eager to assist you.

>Back at the farmhouse, Macintosh looks positively miserable. You can only imagine what it's like for someone so used to constant work to be bedridden like this. The idea isn't one you're fond of yourself.

>All the same he talks with you for some time after, mostly keeping to the latest fixtures in the Fillydelphian hoofball league.

>Applejack arrives up some time later, carrying a tray of delicious smelling food. As soon as its laid across the bed she's questioning both of you about what happened. The explanation doesn't take long and she's satisfied by the end of it, if more than a little upset seeing her brother like this.

>There's food enough for the two of you and you share it out, taking time to enjoy it. With a full stomach and medication taken, Macintosh slips into sleep, you and AJ quietly retreating from the room.

 

>You're stopped at the bottom of the stairs into the hall by Appleajack.

>"Listen Anon, Ah really appreciate what yer doin' fer mah brother." She sits down against the stair, taking her hat off. "He'd probably still be lyin' in the orchard if ya didn't thik so quick."

>You sigh, leaning back against the opposite wall. "And he'd probably be fine if I wasn't there to distract him."

>"Aww hay." She moves over and bumps against you lightly. "Can't go blamin' yerself for an accident. 'Sides, you were already over helpin'.

>"Maybe." You push off from the wall. "Listen, I'm free tomorrow if you need help yourself. Can't leave you guys shorthanded, right?"

>You're your own smile is as warm as the one Applejack gives you. "Ah was hopin' you'd say that. There'll be some good grub in it for ya, too."

>You start out towards the porch, Applejack trailing after. "So how's your boyfriend?"

>"Boyfriend?" She pauses briefly, cheeks darkening slightly. "Oh! He... uh, he's great! Ah mean, he's a great friend! Not that Ah'd know what he's like in any other areas!" She stops next to you at the porch, looking back and forth nervously.

>"Relax, AJ, I think it's cute you've found someone you like, that's all." You sit down at the step next to her, just in time to catch a sigh.

>"Ah'm sorry, sugarcube, it's jus' that the family's always married into other apple farmers." She casts her eyes up to the evening sky. "Ah'd hate ta think what Mac an' Granny'd say."

>"He's happy for you." The mare at your side chokes. "Whoa! Easy!" You pat her back, as she brings her breathing under control. "Yeah, he knows and like I said he's happy you found someone, that's all."

 

>The mare shakes her head, fixing her hat. "Ah... Ah guess Ah dunno what ta say. Always thought Mac'd be okay but wasn't sure." She nods, the two of you standing. "Guess Ah shoulda known better, he's always been like that."

>"I don't think you'll have any problems with Granny Smith either." You step off the porch, looking back to her. "Things change, AJ."

>Another nod. "Folks jus' gotta accept that some ponies are different, right?"

>There's an odd warmth in your chest as she says that. "Right. You're more right than you know." You give a small wave. "Night, AJ."

>"Night, Anon, thanks again. Fer everythin' Ah mean."

>More content than you'd been at the day's start, you head back home.

 

>The next day follows much like the previous, you rise early to get out to the farm. You stop off at the farmhouse, first, to check in on Macintosh. He's sitting up straighter than yesterday and looks more alert, less pained.

>Even when he speaks his voice isn't as strained. The big pony's more than gratified to see you pass him a copy of the Fillydelphia Faireback, immediately checking the latest results at the back pages.

>You can't stay though, recalling that Applejack's most likely already waiting on you. Macintosh stops you just before you leave his bedroom.

>"Part'?" You turn back at his soft tone. "Thanks. Sorry Ah didn't say anythin' yesterday-"

>"It's alright." You cross over to stand next him. "Couldn't hold that against you, considering how you were, I mean."

>"Sure. But Ah mean it. Yer a true friend an' Ah'm glad to be able to call ya that." There's that warmth in your chest again.

>"Feeling's mutual, Mac."

 

>You leave him reading the paper and head out. Applejack's working away when you reach the orchard and while you're a little sore from yesterday you'd given your word on this.

>Maybe it's just you but her movements don't seem quite as fluid as Macintosh's. She pauses after each buck, resettling herself. Still, not going to get any work done just gawking.

>Whatever about her technique, you can't fault Applejack's efficiency. Within a few hours you've gone through quite a bit of the workload that was hanging over Macintosh.

>"Time fer a bit a lunch, sugarcube!" She stops you as you go to pick up the next baskets. "We'll share this load, c'mon."

>With that done and on the way over to the farmhouse, Applejack pipes up again.

>"You and mah brother look ta be gettin' along pretty well." She nods, smiling when you look at her. "Glad he's found himself a friend."

>"He's a friendly pony." You reply, thinking back on the last few meetings with him. "Shame he hid himself away on the farm."

>"Aw he just takes his work too serious, is all. Ya know, if anythin' you two bein' together has helped with that a little."

>You chuckle, stretching your arms. "Didn't seem that way yesterday. Was nice to be back working here, though. Good, honest work."

>AJ steps into the house ahead of you and plates up some food for Macintosh, ready to bring it up. You stop her, saying you'll do it yourself, you want to have a chat with him anyway.

>She's a little hesitant to send you off but agrees when you press.

 

>It's a chore to stop yourself from eating some of the delectable apple dishes on the tray as you carry it up. Thankfully your legs get the message and spirit you up the stairs fast enough.

>Macintosh is already sitting up alert in the bed, smiling as you enter. Must have been hell for the poor guy just smelling all those wonderful smells...

>Not a moment is spared on conversation as the two of you hungrily begin eating. As the food's eaten you begin to wonder if enough was made for the two of you, going by how much Macintosh devours.

>AJ's been a good judge, though and there's just enough for the two of you.

>"Anon?" You're reclining in a char next to his bed when he speaks. "It's good to have ya back."

>"Back?" You brush a few crumbs from your shirt. "What're you talking about? You saw me yesterday."

>"Naw, Ah don't mean that. 'Member when ya used ta work for us? Was good havin' you around is all." He takes a bite of a pastry he'd kept.

>"You never said anything before." You murmur quietly, settling back in the chair. It was a good meal, alright.

>"Never realised how much Ah missed ya until now." He looks off as he says it. "Thought we got along pretty good back then, too."

>"Yeah..." You stare at his turned head, trying to read him. "Guess we should've stuck together, huh? I suppose..."

>He turns back to you, one eyebrow cocked.

>"Suppose I could swing by some weekends to help out. Y'know? Give us some extra time to get re-acquainted, so to speak." The big pony's nodding, a smile dawning on his lips.

>"Think we'd both like that one, part'." You can't find any objections.

 

>There's a little more chat between the two of you after that, Macintosh asking mostly about what's happened around the town since yesterday.

>As you go to leave and take the tray, the red pony passes it to you. Your hand brushes against his hoof, the fetlock falling over your skin. You pause there, taken by how smooth and soft it feels. You knew pony coats were like that but this... This is different.

>"Anon?" You pull the tray back quickly. "You alright?"

>"Yeah, yeah, sorry. Just..." You shake your head a little. "I dunno."

>"Jus' don't push yerself too hard. Don't want anythin' ta happen to you, too." You expect to see a good-natured smile when you look up to him but instead he looks deathly serious.

>"I won't." You murmur and retreat out of the room, as Macintosh takes more of his medication. Probably be asleep soon enough, anyway.

>Applejack's waiting for you once again, enquiring about how her brother's doing. You absently remark that he looks a lot better but your mind is more taken up with what just happened between you.

>You'd experienced that feeling before, you're no stranger to being involved with other guys. You were also sure, back when you first worked here, you'd put it behind you. He's a pony, he's your friend.

>"Anon? Ready to get back out?" You pick yourself up out of your funk and follow after AJ out to the orchard.

>As you're working she talks a little about this pony she's met. Pegasus fellow, works as a lifeguard apparently. Strange enough job for a pegasus but she explains that being able to fly gives him a good vantage. Makes sense, you suppose.

>You can't stop yourself making a few jokes about what a hunk he's got to be and if that's really what she's after. It's worth it to see her become so flustered.

 

>Feeling a little bad for the mare you make a few more less embarrassing enquiries about her boyfriend. Most notably how they're going to make this work with him living all the way out in Fillydelphia.

>You leave with two baskets while she thinks on it and when you get back the answer you get is both surprisingly simple and rather obvious: that if you love somep0ny you'll do what it takes to be with them. A little thing like distance won't change that.

>You consider her words as you work in relative though companionable silence the rest of the evening.

>The offer of dinner, home cooked by the Apple family isn't something anyone would pass up, and after a days work you're even less inclined to.

>Again, you take your own and his up to Big Macintosh and sit eating with him. The two of you have little to say this time, though. For yourself, it's mostly considering the big red stallion at your side that stays your tongue.

>Friendly guy, that goes without saying and... Alright, you've been here long enough, it's okay to just admit that he's good looking. He's uncomplicated without being simple-minded, honest without being blunt.

>You pause in your thoughts, realising what kind of rationalising you're going through.

>It's hard to keep youd mind on that and off images of his smooth movements while bucking apples yesterday, though. Especially at how they're at odds with him laid up now. Even if he does move with greater ease.

>With the dinner finished, you promise to call in tomorrow after work. Macintosh shoots you one of his usual smiles and your heart skips a beat at the sight. His mane's all tousled and the bedclothes are in a mess from his twisting about.

>But that doesn't do anything to diminish what you see.

 

>In bed that night you reflect over your day. More to the point, you reflect over your friend.

>You really are regretting not keeping in touch when you'd left the farm the first time. Dash is nice enough but she can be a little much sometimes and Rarity... Too high class. You could easily see long evenings spent talking with Macintosh, maybe sharing drinks.

>Sun'd be going down, gold light playing across his mane...

>Nah. Too soppy. 'Sides, he'd probably never enjoy something like that.

 

>You wake a little earlier than usual, remembering before you finish washing up that you're back to your usual schedule today.

>And what a schedule it is: two unicorns (Rarity absent, thankfully) an earth pony and three pegasi. Mostly mares with a single stallion.

>You're getting more used to the sounds of stallions moaning under your work. If anything, it's becoming a little amusing how they try to hold it in for so long and then just let loose. Luckily its become a regular enough sight that the other patrons don't pay it much mind.

>Heading off at the day's end, you're disappointed to recall that Macintosh isn't going to be meeting you at the Hay Bale.

>Dash is there, however, asking about your weekend and laughing loudly to hear you spent it working. It quickly dies down when you point out what happened to Big Macintosh.

>There's a little light chatter between the two of you, Dash discussing some hoofball before she swings it around to a new subject: your love life. Or rather, lack of it.

>Where you'd expect this kind of behaviour from Rarity, Dash looks pretty excited at the prospect of being able to take you out when looking for stallions.

 

>Trying to keep the tone light you tell her you wouldn't be interested. She retorts asking if ponies just aren't good enough for you and you... You honestly can't find a suitable objection to that.

>Explaining the concept of bestiality to her would be nothing short of insulting. Equestrian ponies aren't just dumb animals, you've seen that first-hand. So now what? Would it really be just that simple?

>You're going to be here for the rest of your life, maybe it -is- time you came to terms with that.

>Dash sits looking at you expectantly before you answer that you'll think about it. She gives a little giggle, bumping against you, mentioning how cool this is gonna be. Knowing the kind of ponies she's into you're not so sure.

 

>The next day you're pleased to see Macintosh out at the cart by the market. Apparently they hadn't been able to keep him in bed when he'd been insisting on feeling so well.

>Applejack had drawn the cart out and he'd been left strict instructions not to exert himself.

>You'd like to stop and chat but knowing the reputation you've built up with Aloe and Lotus for your punctuality you tell him you'll be back on your break.

>And that break looks to be coming sooner rather than later, judging by the lack of customers for you this morning. Just as you're about to ask if you might take off early, Lotus comes back, saying you've got a customer.

>Shortly after her comes heavy hoofbeats against the stone tiles. You're almost sure you know the timing but it couldn't be...

>Round the corner to the large room comes a large, red stallion. Big Macintosh rubs one hoof against the other nervously as his eyes look everywhere but at you.

>"Uh, hey part'."