Jungle Fever

Chapters

Chapter 1: A Walk On The Wild Side
Chapter 2: Confessions Of A Lovesick Heart
Chapter 3: Choppy Waters
Chapter 4: Maternal Instincts
Chapter 5: Humiliation

Chapter 1: A Walk On The Wild Side

Mac cussed under his breath as he worked on the tractor’s engine. He wiped at his brow, sweat pouring down his face despite the pleasant morning.

He hadn’t expected to blow this much time already; then again, he hadn’t expected a blown gasket either. Hell, if he didn’t get it fixed right quick, Jack would come strolling into the barn at any moment and–

“Yer still workin’ on that damn thing?” the unmistakable twang of his sister asked. He gave a small frown and glanced away from his work, towards the woman.

“Eeyup,” he agreed, disgust heavy in his voice. She laughed, moving past the barn’s entrance and deeper inside.

“Got the hogs slopped fer ya. Reckon’ I’d take the lion’s share a work today ‘cause of–” she gave a knock against the hood of the tractor, then smirked at her brother, her green eyes sparkling in bemusement as she stared up at the tall man. “Dunno why we keep the clunker, bettin’ the repairs cost more than it’s worth.”

“Do ya have any extra cash to spend on a new one?” he asked dryly, cracking his neck as he gave a hard stare at the tractor. “Damn thing just won’t run right.”

Jack put down the bucket she was carrying and gazed at the machines guts, giving a curious humm as she tilted her stetson back on her unruly blonde hair. “Pistons?” she guessed.

“If only it was that simple,” he said, running a worn gloved hand through his orange hued hair, unintentionally getting oil on his forehead. Grunting, he wiped the stain with his well muscled forearm. “Might have to head to town to get more parts.”

Applejack shook her head and brushed a thumb across her nose. “Broken tractor, fence is fallin’ apart, one of the cows jus’ had her calf–still gotta grab it from the field, not ta mention how close it is fer harvest season. Jus’ can’t get a break no-more.” She flashed a wry smile, walking past him. “Wonder if pa ever got discouraged ‘bout the place...”

“That’s the farm life,” he answered simply, sniffing slightly as he sighed deeply. Sometimes it was the simple answers that spoke the loudest, and Mac was a proud practitioner in this art. “Did Bloom head to school yet?”

She loaded her bucket up with some dried feed in the back. “Ain’t got no idea, Mac. I’ve been out here since ‘fore the rooster crowed this mornin’. Why don’t ya go an’ check? Steppin’ away helps me think sometimes–’specally when it comes ta fixin’ shit.”

“Just remember not to curse so loudly like that with Bloom ‘round here somewhere,” he reminded her, stepping out in the sunlight of outside the barn, squinting slightly as his eyes adjusted to the bright light. Walking a couple more feet, he shouted, “Hey Bloom, ya ‘round here! Gotta head to school now!”

“I’m a-comin’, I’m a-comin’!” the high-pitched voice of the youngest of the Apple family announced. She rounded the corner of the barn, loaded with a picnic basket filled to the brim with various plant leaves, flowers, and a pair of apples. She bounced forward, her young face all but pleading with Mac. “‘Fore I go ta school, can I take these over ta Miss Zecora? I promise ta head right over ta school afterwards!”

Mac shook his head. “Sorry sweetie, but yer already late to school. Ya better head on now ‘fore the teacher gives ya detention. Plus, you know how I don’t like ya heading into Everfree Forest without me protectin’ ya.”

She looked up at him, her eyes watering and her lower lip jutting out. “Pleeeease? Zecora needed these fer a potion she was makin’.”

Mac chuckled, ruffling her bow-tied, red hair. “Like I said, ya have to go to school. I’ll deliver this stuff fer Zecora myself.” Winking at her, he whispered, “Also, if ya wanna know how to be good at beggin’, ask yer sister. She’s been pullin’ the same stunt on me fer years.”

“Spoilsport,” Bloom pouted, her expression turning back to normal as she stuck out her tongue. She gave a glance down the dirt road leading off the farm and into town. “Alright. Ya jus’ tell her I said ‘hello.’” With that, she adjusted the backpack she wore and took off, looking cute as a button in her overalls and sneakers.

Mac smiled as he picked up the basket she left him. Now he had the perfect excuse to head to Zecora’s place. His smile only grew wider as a slight blushed formed on his tanned, freckled cheeks. Jack came by, and paused on seeing his expression.

“What’s got ya so rosy in the cheeks?” she asked, raising a brow and setting down the feedbucket. She reached into her jean pockets, producing a small pack of gum, which she chewed absentmindedly. Giving up smoking had been good in the long-run for her, but that addiction had been replaced by another.

“N-nuthin’,” he muttered quickly, removing his oil stained work gloves and wiping his hands on his red flannel shirt. “Sun must be gettin’ to yer eyes.”

“I’m thinkin’ it’s more ‘long the lines of someone gettin’ in yer noggin’.” She smirked, putting a hand to her chin in mock thought. “Maybe a potion maker?”

“I don’t know what yer talkin’ ‘bout,” he replied back hastily, hiding his face from her so she wouldn’t spot his flushed cheeks. Damnit, even the thought of her caused him to blush redder than an apple.

Jack’s grin widened, it was all she could do to avoid cracking up when he was acting like such a boy. “If ya say so, Mac.” She blew a bubble, still staring at him with her keen eyes. “Jus’ figure if it was, I might be willin’ ta work the rest of yer jobs today. Her hut’s a decent hike from here, an’ I wouldn’t wanna spoil anythin’ that might happen.”

“Nuthin’ is gonna happen, alright!” he defended himself, glaring at her. “I’m just gonna head on over, deliver these flowers, and be right back before the sun has moved an inch in the sky.”

“Keep tellin’ yerself that, pardner. Might be true one of these days.” She paused, something dawning on her. “Though I need ya ta cover me two days from now–we’ll call it square if ya do that.”

“Why do ya need that, Jack?” he asked with an arched eyebrow at her. She blushed, glancing away.

“Uh...” she trailed off, trying to worm her way out of this mess.

She never was the best liar.

“M-might have a date myself,” she lamely finished with a weary gaze upward.

“First off, I don’t have a date,” he reminded her sternly. His eyes softened for a moment as he leaned closer and ruffled her hair, much like with how he did it to Bloom. “And look at this, Jacky’s got a date. My little sis is growin’ up in the world.”

She rolled her eyes and gave him a light sock to the arm. Despite this, she had a small smile at his teasing, mostly due to how true his words were.

After their parents died, it had been up to her and Mac to take care of their sister. Sure, granny helped, but she was just so old and fragile, and had been for years. The older siblings had been there for one another every step of the way to their adulthood, and nothing would change that.

Even if neither would admit it.

“Yeah, yeah,” she scoffed. “An’ how many dates have you been on, Mac? Do I even need two hands? Heck, even one to count them all?”

“I’m too busy to date and ya know that,” he said, swinging the basket in one hand as he grew impatient to go and see Zecora now. “So, um, well... if ya don’t need anythin’ else, I’ll shove off fer now.”

“Go fer it. I’ll hold down the base,” she said with a mock salute, before hoisting up her bucket and heading off. She gave one last glance behind her. “Jus’ make sure ta invite me fer the weddin’.”

Mac’s mouth hung open as he thought of up a proper reply to such a statement, but eventually he just pressed his lips together in a hard line and left the farm. His work boots kicked up dust as he strode angrily past the farm gate, his anger simmering for a moment as he thought about spending some time with Zecora.

Okay, he might have a little crush on her. I mean, who wouldn’t? She was beautiful, exotic, cute, smart, and always an interesting person to talk to. But it’s not like he wanted to ask her out or anything. He was way too busy with the farm and taking care of his family to have a relationship. Besides, what would she see in a country bumpkin like him anyways?

Still, though... she had always proven to be one of the most dependable women he knew. The amount of times his family had relied on her natural remedies and tonics to cure ailes was almost depressing. Not so much for her potions–they worked like a charm–rather, it was sad that his family couldn’t help but get their damn fool selves hurt or sick on at least a bi-monthly basis.

Mac rubbed his head, thinking of how a few months back he came down with bronchitis after working in the rain. Zecora came to their house as soon as she heard the news and gave him an odd smelling concoction that he wolfed down. Sure, it tasted like shit, but it fixed him up good–far better than the modern stuff he could have gotten at a doctor’s office. And the only payment she took for that was a home-cooked meal.

The man gave a small laugh at the medicine woman’s actions. Ever since Zecora came to live in the area, she had always taken care of the Apples.

One day, he hoped the Apples would take care of her.

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he observed the entrance to the Everfree Forest. The walk over was quicker than he expected, so he was hesitant upon entering the shadow ridden woods. The forest always gave him the creeps, with its dark foliage and intimidating interior. Not to mention all those hidden bumps in the night that could mean a dangerous creature out to chew off his hide.

“Damnit Mac, man up,” he muttered to himself, scrunching up his face and staring with a determined expression at the darkness of the forest. With a purposeful stride he made his way inside, not bothered by how quickly he was hidden in the shadows and how suddenly the sun disappeared overhead.

Really, the forest wasn’t so bad once you got used to it. Except for the odd glare of predatory eyes in the bushes or terror inducing growl from somewhere close by, it was almost a pleasant walk. Plus, Mac just kept Zecora on his mind so he wouldn’t be scared shitless. Hey, sometimes hormones beats out rational fear. Which wasn’t always the best of things, but whatever.

He sighed in relief when he finally reached Zecora’s hut, the familiar look of the masks and smoke coming out of the roof having a calming effect on the tall man. Walking up to the animal skin curtain, he knocked on the side of the hut in a polite manner and called out, “Hey, Zecora, ya here? Bloom wanted me to deliver these flowers and stuff fer ya!”

Mac waited a few moments. On hearing nothing, he called out one more time. “I’m comin’ in, alright?” He lifted the skin and peeked his head inside, noting the large cauldron, bed, and a few odds and ends items of the medicine woman’s, but no Zecora. Pulling his head out, he thought for a moment. Had she somehow headed to town without him seeing? No. There was only one path out, the foliage was far too thick to try and take a shortcut, save for that clearing, so where...?

Gettin’ herbs. His gut told him. He gave a nod in agreement. A part of him said to wait for her–the woman knew how to take care of herself. The other part felt like it was the duty of a man to take care of a woman, even if she could handle herself. And they said chivalry was dead. With that in mind, he walked inside and dropped off the basket, before turning around and heading out.

Mac did have one talent, aside from farm work. He was an experienced hunter. Ever since he was a little kid, he’d travel with his father all over their lands, taking shots at crows and foxes. That fondness grew to bows and rifles. He’d spend hours with his pa finding game. Even with his dad gone and buried now, Mac would still try to find time on rare occasions to search for the odd deer or two.

It was time to see if he could track humans as well as animals. Searching on the ground, he smiled fondly as he saw familiar footprints belonging only to Zecora. Seems the tracks were leading to the small clearing by her hut. Nodding to himself, he dragged himself through the thick foliage of the numerous bushes and other plant life by the side of her hut. He could’ve taken the small path to the clearing, but this was a shortcut. Besides, his jeans were already plenty filthy, so some grass stains weren’t going to make much of a difference.

Lifting up a branch and ducking so he wouldn’t get his face cut up, a spot of sunlight in the distance warned him of the approaching clearing. Trudging faster through the branches, he finally got within distance to see what was happening inside the clearing. And there was Zecora, leaning down to pick some strangely colored flowers in a patch near the end of the clearing.

“Hey Zecora, fancy meetin’ ya here!” Mac called out confidently, stepping into the clearing... and falling on his face. Seems a vine caught on his other foot and caused him to trip. He groaned slightly, mentally chiding himself for making a fool of himself in front of her.

“Macintosh, what a surprise! Is indeed odd, seeing you here with my eyes!” She waited for a moment as he rose. “Why you didn’t use the path, if I may ask?” the ebony skinned woman gestured to a nearby dirt road. “Wandering the woods is no easy task.”

Quickly brushing off the worst of the dirt stains from his flannel shirt and jeans, he chuckled lightly. “I, was, um... just wonderin’ where ya were. You weren’t in yer hut, so I decided to come on down by here to see where ya were.”

“Simply gathering from the trees. The day is a fine one that I felt I should seize.” She bent down, putting a handful of leaves of all shapes and sizes into a basket. Zecora rose, brushing off her light grey robe and looking Mac in the eyes. “But to travel here and to my hut–is something wrong–are you in a rut?”

“N-no, not in a rut,” he assured her, blushing slightly as he took notice of the dark skinned woman more closely. The first thing that always caught his attention were her eyes. Turquoise, intelligent and all but oozing with warmth and empathy. They were just a piece of the puzzle, however. Her free-falling, long and silky, gray-with-white striped hair (Or was it white-with-gray stripes? he thought for what had to be the hundredth time since he grew to know her), the exotic, flawless brown skin that reminded him of milk chocolate. Her cute, round nose, her ears, graced with large hoop earrings that gently danced in the morning breeze, along with her golden necklaces, and her mouth. Wide, sensual, warm, beautiful–Mac could stare at her mouth all day when she spoke. He sucked in a breath, nearly overwhelmed at her presence. She simply tilted her head and crossed her arms over the loose-fitting robe that hid her beautiful body from the man.

“Are you alright, Mac? You seem to have gone a little slack,” she said, looking with obvious concern at him. If she was beautiful on the outside, Mac couldn’t even put into human words how she was on the inside. If it had just been lust for her body, he would have never felt like this–like he was just a few steps away from drowning every time she spoke.

He gulped, his throat suddenly going dry on him. “No, nuthin’ wrong. I just dropped off some plants Bloom was gonna deliver earlier at yer hut. She told me to tell ya ‘hello’ from her. And now I just wanted to, um... say howdy?” A drop of sweat hit his eye, but he still tried to smile as nonchalantly as he could while his insides felt like they were going to tear himself apart. Damn, his cheeks were probably blushing by now too. She gave another concerned glance his way.

“It’s a good thing you came for me to greet,” she stepped closer, reaching up to put a calloused, yet well-maintained hand to his forehead. “It looks like you have a fever’s heat.”

“What? No-no-no-no-no!” he said quickly, backing up but wishing he could get closer. He could still feel the faint touch of her hand on his forehead, and he knew he’d only blush deeper because of it. “I’m not sick or nuthin’, so don’t worry ‘bout that, okay?”

“I see,” she dubiously replied, then glanced at her basket. “While you are here, then, perhaps you can help me?” She pointed to a tall tree nearby with a single, oddly speckled blue rose grew on its branches. “I could climb up it myself and take flight, but perhaps you can reach it, due to your height?”

“Sure, I would love to help ya!” he agreed readily. He coughed awkwardly and rubbed the back of his neck. “Um, seein’ how I got time and all...”

“If you would give me a hand, my Macintosh, that’d be grand,” she readily agreed, putting her hands together and giving a small bow of her head.

“Ah shucks, it’s nuthin’. What kind of man would I be if I didn’t help out a lady?” Still smiling his doofus (as his sister would call it) smile, he made his way to the tree, standing on his tippy toes to reach for the flower. His tongue stuck out of his lips as he grunted to reach higher, and finally jumped and snatched it from the vine, hanging off the tree branch. Turning back to her in triumph while still hanging from the branch, he waved the rose to her and said, “Hey, I got it!”

She gazed deeply into the woods, paying him no mind. “Macintosh,” she asked, taking a few careful steps backward from the foliage. “Do you have a gun?”

“Um, no, sorry,” he answered her with a perplexed expression on his face. “I don’t keep a gun on me while workin’.”

“Then I need you to get down from there, and run,” she instructed as calmly as she could, sweat gathering at her brow as she bit her lip.

“Um, ‘Cora, what do ya mean?” he asked, not yet noticing why she was acting like that. A deep, guttural growl behind him soon answered his question. It was the type of growl only a really large, hungry, and mean predator could make. And judging from the distance and how he felt a hot breath on the back of his neck, it was close. “Ah crap.”

Zecora reached quickly into her robe, producing a dagger. She clutched it tightly in her hand and crouched low. “Run, you fool! Don’t remain like a dumb mule!”

“Don’t need to tell me twice!” he shouted, swinging off the branch just as he felt razor sharp jaws close right behind his neck. Hot slobber dripped on the back of his shirt. Rolling on the ground to put as much distance between him and the monster behind him, he jumped to his feet and turned to see what exactly he was dealing with. “Ya gotta be fucking kiddin’ me.”

It was a manticore, a fearsome monster that usually used the Everfree for its hunting grounds. It was as if some bored yet immature god decided to mess with the natural world one day. It had the body of a lion, well toned muscles with knife-like claws and meat tenderizing teeth that was sure to rip prey to shreds. Along with that was its leathery bat wings, large enough to allow it to glide but not really made for flight. And to top it off was a deadly scorpion tail, the well armored insect appendage ending in a large stinger with acidic like venom dripping from the tip. One type of predator you did not mess, ever, if you valued your life and all your limbs staying on your person.

Zecora raised her knife and let loose a braying shout. She bared her teeth and threw her hands up above her head in an attempt to scare it off.

Mac held up his arms in a fighter position, his hands closed into white knuckle fists. He already knew he was screwed if that creature actually did pounce to attack, and there wasn’t much a punch or kick can do against claws, teeth, or a poisonous stinger. “Hey ‘Cora, ya got any ideas?” he whispered, not wanting to alert the manticore more than they already did.

“Treat it like you would a bear. Show the creature you don’t care!” she hissed back, raising onto her toes and letting loose a yell in a tongue Mac had never heard before.

“Well, that thing sure as hell ain’t no bear,” he pointed out, but deciding better of it, he went with her advice. She was sure smarter and more knowledgeable in these types of things than himself. Attempting to make himself appear larger by spreading his arms wide and hopping up and down, he shouted, “Hey, big and ugly! Fuck off! Less ya wanna ass whoopin’!”

The creature let out a roar and charged for the man. Mac lept to the side just in time, barely clearing the large range of the manticore’s claws and stinger, the razor sharp claws passing inches over his face. Zecora took to the fray, assaulting the creature while it was momentarily distracted as it landed on the ground. She jumped, landing on its back and plunging her dagger into its flesh right near its more vital organs. She rolled off of the beast just as suddenly as she struck it, avoiding the barbed stinger as it plunged into the creature’s own flesh. It whipped its tail around and swung the appendage, hitting Zecora square in the chest as she rose from the ground. She was launched several feet and tumbled for a bit before stopping in a moaning heap of pain.

“Zecora, no!” Mac yelled out, reaching a hand out to where she had fallen, before he turned his attention to the manticore and glared with aggressive intent at the creature.

The manticore roared and charged once more, intending to finish the medicine woman off. Mac charged at the creature from behind without a thought on how to stop it, just knowing that he had to protect the defenseless Zecora. He grabbed its bulbous stinger and dug his feet into the dirt, his feet dragging on the ground but with a mighty heave he kept the creature in check. It was halted mere feet away from Zecora and clawed fruitlessly towards the woman. In an attempt to escape Mac’s iron grasp, the manticore writhed its tail, cutting Mac countless times with its stinger on the man’s back. Each cut only increased Mac’s resolve to protect the woman, and he squeezed harder and pulled stronger than he ever thought possible.

“Is that all ya got, you no good varmint?” he shouted, sweat running down his brow as he gritted his teeth hard as his back muscles screamed in pain. He didn’t know how much longer he could go on, but as long as he stood on two feet he’d never give up. Not for Zecora.

He was rewarded by a loud tearing noise as the creature’s tail separated from its body, dragging along what seemed to be yards of the beasts innards. It let out a loud growl that slowly turned into a pitiful mewling as it began its death throes. Zecora stood on shaky legs, running over to the creature’s back and pulling out her dagger, plunging it directly into one of the manticore’s feral eyes.

The creature roared in intolerable pain, but Zecora gritted her teeth and pushed the dagger in deepy, blood running down the manticore’s face as more blood poured from the ruined eyehole. She pulled out her weapon and struck again. And again. The manticore’s face was now a mass of bloody wounds, large scratches on its eyes and throat. Eventually its roars and struggles grew weaker, until it finally fell to the ground and remained still, blood soaking in the dirt.

Its broken carcass of a tail fell to the ground too, Mac wiping some sweat from his eyes as he huffed and puffed. “Shit, didn’t see that comin’,” he panted, spitting on the corpse.

Zecora said nothing, instead weakly nodding as she looked over the farmer. Finally, she spoke. “The bleeding from your back and hand, were they caused by his gland?”

Mac looked himself over. The back of his shirt was ripped to shreds, long scratches on his back pointing to the obviousness that the manticore’s scorpion tail attacked him. “Eh, seems like it. But don’t worry, just a couple of scratches. Don’t even hurt too much.”

“I’ve learned not to ignore a threat. Let me treat you before the poison has set.”

“P-poison?” Mac asked, gulping deeply as he tentatively touched one of the scratches. Wincing slightly, his hand came back with blood and what seemed like vile green fluid too. “This stuff ain’t deadly, is it?”

Zecora said nothing, which definitely didn’t make Mac feel better, and instead she put an arm carefully around his torso and pointed towards where her hut lay in the forest. “Come along, we must be quick, it’s not too long before the poison sticks.”

Mac laid on arm gently on her shoulder. “But ‘Cora, what ‘bout yerself? I saw ya get hurt from that thing too. I gotta be sure yer alright.”

“The beast struck me like he did not intend. I simply got hit by the blunt end,” she stated matter-of-factly. She gave a small smile. “Come now, Mac, let us return... though be known I appreciate your concern.”

“Fine. Only if ya treat yerself after me,” he said, still worried about her health. Wincing slightly with each step, he walked with her back to her house using the path. On the way a cold sweat formed on his brow, along with Mac shivering slightly. He didn’t understand why, since it was so hot, so he guessed it was just the poison’s effects. Along with the fact it felt like salt was being poured on his wounds with each step he took. Things definitely weren’t looking so hot for him at the moment.

Chapter 2: Confessions Of A Lovesick Heart

The two finally reached the entrance of the hut, and Mac was practically panting, drool hanging off his mouth. “Damn... I feel kinda funny,” he slurred, wobbling on his feet. Zecora did her best to guide the man across the length of her hut to her bed.`

“I think, Mac, it would be best, if you were to lie down and rest,” the woman said, helping him down onto her bed. Not like he needed much guidance, since he flopped on her bed instantly, too weak to stand up. With the indifference of a nurse, she took off her robe and laid it on his chest. “I’m sorry if I seem bold,” she explained, turning quickly toward the cauldron. “I simply want you not to be cold.”

“No problem. I’m just worried ‘bout gettin blood on yer sheets and cloak,” he muttered, chuckling weakly as he rested his head down on one of her pillows. Looking over at her, his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

Zecora was knelt down, tending to the wood underneath the cauldron. What drew Mac’s attention, however, was what she wore. Her shapely backside was only hidden by an off-grey loincloth. The cloth seemed to tease him--all it would take is the smallest wrong adjustment or a stiff breeze, and she’d be exposed to the world. She leaned forward, the action showcasing even more of her supple inner thigh. Mac gave a small groan at the sight; Zecora quickly rose and faced him.

“I’ve got the fire alight. Simply hold on—you’ll be alright,” she said, putting her hands to her hips. Mac looked up over her bare, toned stomach and at at her impressive, prominent breasts hidden only by a thin cloth bra. They jiggled slightly with every minute adjustment she made to her stance, the ample cleavage moving like slow dancers at a ball. His longing briefly paused on seeing the darkening bruise just below her collarbone.

“‘Cora, yer hurt,” he pointed out, more drool leaking from his mouth. His thoughts grew muffled for a moment, his sight fuzzing slightly at the edges. “And, um, really beautiful.” If he had the strength to facepalm, he would have, regretting uttering that last statement. It seemed that his mind was wandering to places it shouldn’t have again. With his inhibitions at an all time low because of the effects of the poison, things weren’t looking up for him.

“Mac, for now I shall be curt; I need to keep working through my hurt,” she stated, turning and running a finger over the vials and vials of crushed plants she kept on hand. She grabbed three and threw a pinch of each in the cauldron filled with water. Afterwhich, she returned to Mac’s side, pulling up a chair and sitting next to him. She briefly pursed her lips, trying to decide what was the best way to put what she was thinking out into the open.

“As for what you said... I understand it’s just where your mind led. The poison is quite a blight, it makes your words not come out right.” Zecora gave a wistful, longing smile towards Mac, seemingly lost in thought. She quietly continued, her tone far more distant and reserved than normal. “Despite our differences, and the color of our skin, I find your family close, like kin.”

Mac instantly shook his head. “B-but I do mean it. Even before I got all knocked up in the head ‘cause of the poison,” he assured her, only hesitating a moment before reaching out to rest a hand on her bare leg. “I just, um...” His vision swam as he stared at her luscious bare thigh, hormones and poison hitting his normally reserved mind with a double whammy. “Never had the guts to tell ya is all.”

She gave his words consideration and bit at her full lip. “Mac...” She took a breath and gazed directly into his eyes, the casual attitude she had been wearing since earlier today all but gone. The medicine woman was actually looking a bit scared as she regarded him. “You’re the bravest man I know. If... if what you say is true, tell me, what made your heart grow?”

Mac shook his head once more, avoiding eye contact as he relapsed in the poison’s effects. He was unsure of what exactly to say through the poison’s haze, but he tried nonetheless. “I dunno. I mean, I always thought ya were pretty enough, but it was when I spent time with ya that these feelings came ta me. Yer always helping my family out, an yer never too busy fer a nice chat... I ain’t m-much of a talker, but it’s nice bein’ able ta jus’ listen ta ya, especially when yer tellin’ stories. I just... I just never felt this way fer no one before. So–-sorry if I annoyed ya or anythin’ by visitin’ so often.”

There was a silence that briefly touched the room before Zecora smiled, giving a sniff at the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. “A hermit’s life is spent far too often alone. Mac–-I love having you in my home.”

“That’s good to hear,” he admitted, looking back up to her turquoise eyes and smiling fondly. “Me too. Just spendin’ time with ya is the best time spent in the world to me. I can just forget all my troubles on the farm or with my family and just be at peace with you.”

She reached over and took his freckled hand in her own. “I’m sorry if it sounds sappy...” Her voice cracked as a few bitter tears fell from her eyes at his humble confession and her own long-kept feelings. “Mac, you make me happy.”

“Ah shucks, I ain’t nuthin’ special,” he chuckled, blushing harder when she held his hand. Or that could just be the poison’s effects, but he guessed it was something to do with the gorgeous woman in his presence. “And don’t cry none, ‘Cora. Yer the amazin’ one, not me.”

The woman gave a disagreeing shake of her head, but remained silent. She wiped at her eyes with a thumb and rose, checking the concoction and dabbing out a small bowlful of the broth. She added a small pinch of another herb to the bowl and began grinding it with a motor. It quickly became thick, like a gummy porridge.

Mac winced slightly, a ragged cough escaping his lips as a harsh wave of heat shook his body to the core. Even more sweat poured from his brow, his vision weakening slightly as the poison kicked in twice as hard. Drool leaked from his mouth as he muttered, “‘Cora... I th–-think the poison is gettin’... gettin’ worse now.”

She was by his side in a heartbeat. Without even a slight pause she threw her robe off of him and rolled the tall man onto his back, turning his head to face her. “Do not be alarmed. I swear I won’t let you be harmed.” The woman quickly began to dab the concoction on his wounds, smearing it liberally over every single cut he earned. Once that was done, Zecora entwined her ebony fingers with his. “Just lay in rest for a few minutes more. I’m sorry this is such a chore.”

Mac groaned at the icy touch of the potion on his back, but soon sighed in relief as its healing effects went into action right away. As the potion took effect, already he could feel the hot pain coursing from the cuts lessen and dull. The fever was vanishing. He squeezed Zecora’s hand lightly, looking over at her with a certain softness in his eyes that wasn’t too often seen. “Thank you, ‘Cora. Guess this won’t be the first or last time ya saved my hide, eh?”

“I’d hate to have to burst your bubble, but it seems like you Apples are always in trouble.” She laughed, her eyes nothing but squinted slits thanks to the joyful, child-like smile that crossed her face.

“Yeah, and looks like I went through one of my last good shirts too,” he laughed, noticing how his flannel shirt only hung to him in shredded pieces. “Jack’s gonna kill me fer sure once she gets a look at me.”

“I suppose that’s just how it goes.” Zecora shrugged. After a beat, she added, “Tell me, is she still tailoring your clothes?”

“Eeyup,” Mac answered, feeling more of his strength draw back into himself. “She knows her way ‘round a needle, though she don’t like to admit it. Heck, even I know how to sew and I don’t mind tellin’ others, but that girl always tries to up-one me in the bein’ manly department.”

“As often as Jack acts like a man, I have no doubt she’ll find a wife’s hand,” Zecora joked.

“As long as that hand gets her off my back, I’ll be fine with it,” Mac grumbled, but a sincere smile still stayed on his lips. “What ‘bout you, ‘Cora? Got any family back home?”

She seemed briefly perturbed at his question. With a long, drawn out pause, she spoke again. “At one point I had my kin.” She frowned, briefly squeezing Mac’s hand tighter. “I will not see them again. Where I’m from is not like these peaceful lands. I... I lost them all to the desert sands.”

“Oh... well, I’m real sorry ‘bout that,” he said, mentally chiding himself for screwing up by reopening bad memories. “Just know yer always welcome in the Apple family, okay ‘Cora?”

“I-I know.” She gave a weak smile, trying to brighten the conversation again. “I hope you reap one day what your kindness has sown.”

Mac nodded in agreement, his eyes closing as he hummed at the nice, relaxing coolness of Zecora’s potion healing his back. At this point he barely felt any pain anymore, and the last traces of the poison’s vile influence were leaving his mind. All in all, he felt completely renewed. And he had this wonderful medicine woman to thank for that.

It was also at this point that Mac noticed they were still holding hands, his larger fair-skinned palms swallowing her smaller dark hands whole as their fingers intertwined. Gulping nervously, he bit his top lip and asked, “So, um, is the poison all cleared from my system now?”

She nodded once. “You should be fine. There should be nothing else in you that’s malign.”

His palms were sweaty, along with the rest of him at this point. Once again he couldn’t help but notice the sparse clothing showing off her feminine features; all curves and toned muscles from years of work and travel. It was physically impossible for him not to stare at. His hormones were out with a vengeance and were trying to bind and gag his logical reasoning and restraint. With all the willpower he could, he ignored her beauty and continued the conversation. “Well thanks fer that. Good thing ya were there, ‘cause I’d be six feet under right now without ya.”

“And who gave me time to pick up my knife? Macintosh... you saved my life.” Zecora gathered her courage, leaning down to give a small, affectionate kiss on his forehead. She gave a playful smile on seeing his expression.

Mac was sure that if it was possible for a face to catch on fire, his would at that very moment, the faint touch of Zecora’s full, beautiful lips on forehead causing it to light into flames, burning with the same force of a fever. His forehead wasn’t the only thing getting hot around here. He counted himself lucky he was on his stomach, so his slowly growing shame was hidden. Drawing back his hand from her own, he coughed awkwardly and said, “Well, it’s been great seein’ ya and everythin’, even with the manticore attack, but I really should be headin’ to the farm before my sis blows a gasket wonderin’ where I am.” He knew it was a lie and suspected Jack would be just fine with him staying all day there with Zecora, judging by their previous conversation, but he knew he had to hightail it before he could embarrass himself further.

Zecora gave a stern shake of her head. “No, Macintosh, stay you will. Around your body with bandages, I have to still. The cuts and wounds around your back, are prone to an infectionous attack.”

“N-no, really, it’s no bother. Jack can just patch me up, honest,” he assured her, his jeans tightening around his groin in an extremely uncomfortable way, just begging to be pulled off.

“Sit,” Zecora instructed, her voice hard and terse. The woman turned, heading across the room. She squatted down, reaching under a small counter and pulled out a row of bandages before returning and gesturing up with her hand. “Move, just a bit.”

Mac obliged, scooting over to make room for her on the bed. Wincing slightly as he removed the last remnants of his ruined shirt, he said, “Really, I’d hate to bother ya anymore than I already have. Ya don’t have to take care of me like this.”

“You should know why I do what I do,” she replied as she reached around him and wrapped his back. Quietly, she added, “It’s because I want to.”

“But why help a numbskull like me?” he asked, blushing deeper when he felt her strong yet careful hands wrap around his muscular back and abs. “I’ve been nuthin’ but trouble fer ya.”

She gave a small laugh, leaning in a hair closer. Mac could feel her breath on his ear, just barely. “Trouble can be a little fun, as long as there’s no harm done.” Her expression soured as she continued wrapping him for a moment in obvious deep thought. After a beat, she continued. “You remind me of a man from my former life. I... was supposed to grow and become his wife. When the desert claimed my family name, I-I left him, very much the same.” Zecora gave a small shake of her head, the memory briefly taking her mind away from Mac. With a hesitant touch, she moved his head to face hers.

Blushing furiously at her gentle touch, he stared deep into her turquoise eyes, transfixed by their stunning beauty. In them he saw her strength and determination to live through each day, her pride in her culture and people, and the pain of her past and the deep loneliness she felt each day. He reached out hesitantly with a hand and wiped away a tear that fell down her cheek, his calloused fingers brushing against her soft skin. “Zecora, I’m sorry if I brought up bad feelings fer ya. I only want ya to be happy. Guess that’s why I come by so often, so ya won’t feel so lonesome no more. Just–- just know I never meant to hurt ya.”

She smiled through her tears, sucking in a shaky breath. “Mac,” she choked out. “I want to be with you. Do–-do you feel the same way too?”

Mac answered her question the only way he could think of. He never was a man of words, and if it wasn’t for the poison from before loosening his tongue he probably would’ve never admitted how he felt. But if there was one thing he was, that was a man of action. He leaned in close and locked his lips with her own, the flustered heat coming from his face and threatening to set them both on fire.

Zecora followed his lead, grabbing the back of Mac’s short-cropped hair and pulling him tight against her lips. She wrapped her arms around him, being careful of his bandaged wounds, and embraced him.

Mac’s own hands brushed through her hair, against the close shaved parts of her sides and her long mohawk that hung down to her shoulders. Soon his tongue pressed against the lips of her mouth, where she eagerly greeted it by pressing her tongue against his. Their tongues wrestled and danced in their mouths, lost in the passion of their embrace as their kissing became more wild and ecstatic.

She broke away for the briefest of moments, reaching behind her back. Without taking her eyes off Mac, she undid her bra, letting her curvaceous breasts spill out into the open air, each pure black nipple as hard as a diamond.

Mac gulped and said, “W-wait, ‘Cora, ya sure ‘bout this?”

Zecora gave him a serious, measured gaze. “We can stop now, with simply a kiss. Or are you ready, Macintosh–-ready for this?”

“Holy... yer takin’ this fast,” Mac muttered, but his eyes were no longer gazing at her face. Instead, they were dead center on her wonderfully voluptuous breasts, each one seizing his attention. Without even thinking he grabbed Zecora’s left breast, squeezing it gently with his thumb and fingers while his index finger pressed softly on her erect nipple, tweaking it back and forth.

Zecora let out a small, weak moan, biting her finger to keep herself muted. She ran her other hand up and down Mac’s rock-hard chest, briefly awash in pleasure at his attention.

“Your hands are deft, this is a fact. You are quite skilled at this act,” she freely admitted, putting her hands on top of Mac’s as he continued.

“Well, um, I haven’t had much practice, so I might be kinda rusty,” he admitted, now using both hands to fondle her impressive rack, squeezing and pushing them together every now and then. “Wow, this is just... you’re amazin’.”

“For not much practice, you’re doing just fine.” She briefly glanced his way, her eyes almost predatory as she gazed through him. “Tell the truth: Am I your first time?”

Well, what was he supposed to tell her? That he was always too shy to talk to other women? That he was too busy with the farm and his family to garner a romantic life? That he was too scared to disappoint someone with how he was just a typical farmer? He may act stoic and calm at most times, but inside he was still troubled by thoughts everyone had. One of those being that he never had the guts to admit he never bedded with a woman, if only because he was always too nervous to try. But with Zecora, he felt different.

Looking away from her, he said, “Y-yes. Yer my first. It’s just... I never found a woman quite like ya, or one I can admit my feelings to. So yeah, this is my first time. I know how embarrassin’ that is and I’m sorry.”

“Sorry?” she repeated, smiling sweetly. Kindly. Tenderly. “I have you at your prime.” She knelt down in front of him, undoing his belt and unbuttoning his jeans. “And for you, I have a gift, sublime.”

“Wh-what are ya doin’?” he asked, too scared to push her away as she slowly slid off his jeans. There was only the thin fabric of his boxers hiding his bulging shame, growing even larger at her irresistible touch.

Zecora gave a playful smirk at his reaction. “Don’t worry, Mac, it’ll be alright...” she tugged his boxers down, exposing his proud member to the open air. “I’m simply going to suck poison out of your bite.”

“Um, ‘Cora, I didn’t get stung on my cock,” he reminded her, biting his top lip as he felt the cool air of the hut on his very hot and throbbing shaft.

She gave him an incredulous look, raising a brow. “Come on now, there’s nothing wrong. Humor me and play along.” Without waiting for a response, she dove her mouth onto his shaft, burying it deep into the back of her throat.

“O-oh god,” Mac gasped, grabbing onto the sheets of her bed in his strong grip as he felt the moist warmth of her mouth wrap around his cock. He moaned in sublime bliss as her tongue wrapped around his shaft like a snake, squeezing and licking every inch of his member. “This is fuckin’... amazin’.”

After a few moments, she briefly paused from her work, pulling out his spit-soaked member to speak once more. She stroked his manhood with her hand as she continued in a breathy, sultry tone. “Believe me when I say, my pet, that you simply ‘ain’t’ seen nothing as of yet.” She rose, giving him another peck on the cheek as she ran a hand seductively down her body. She reached the barely-there loincloth and undid the knot, letting it drop to her side and showcasing her already glistening maidenhood. Zecora returned to Mac, kissing him once more, deeply. “I need to be full, I cannot wait. Please Mac, let us mate.”

“Wh-whoa, like, right now?” His dick didn’t seem to have the same misgivings he had, since it was throbbing in eagerness to fill her insides. “I, um, dunno, ‘Cora. This is my first time and all. I–-I just don’t wanna disappoint ya...”

Zecora’s lustful disposition briefly disappeared as she gave a gentle caress to Mac’s face, cupping it with both her hands. For that moment, despite their difference in size, she was the stronger of the two. “Macintosh, listen, hear my plea. It’d be impossible to dissapoint me. You’ve always been a good man.” She brought his hands to her rapidly beating heart, still refusing to break her gaze from his. “If anyone can make me happy, you can.” The woman gave him a lopsided smile.

“But Zecora, I’m just a regular ol’ farmer and yer this beautiful goddess that I have no hopes of pleasing.” Mac closed his eyes, knowing he was unworthy to look upon her naked body. “Ya deserve better than me...”

She smiled. “I care for you. That is worth far more than a simple screw. Even if we fail this time, trying again is no crime.”

Mac breathed in and out, opening his eyes. The first thing he noticed was that her glistening maidenhood was dripping on his shaft, further prompting it to harden and want more. Sliding his hands along her luscious sides, he stared up into her eyes and said, “Okay. I’ll do it with ya. Just–-sorry if I make a mistake, okay?”

“Any mistake you happen to make, will be something that I can take.” She winked, dropping onto him. Zecora bit her lip, greedily swallowing him whole with her nethers.

Mac’s hands slid down her sides again as he caressed her breasts, pinching at her hard nipples as she went to town on his manhood with her ever seductive lower lips. He groaned slightly as his large cock slid inside her tight yet eager passage, her weight pushing her down until she reached the base of his manhood. Gulping as he entered the blissful state of filling up a woman for the first time, he muttered, “W-wow, this is better than I ever dreamed...”

Zecora panted, stretching forward to kiss him once more as she gently rose up and down his shaft. “You, Macintosh, are quite a catch. Never have I felt such a filled snatch!” she said with a grunt and a laugh.

Mac would’ve burst out laughing at what she just said, but instead his brain was dulled out by waves of pleasure traveling from his dick along his spine to crash like a tsunami in his brain. He was joining her in her panting as his well muscled chest rose and fell, his hands squeezing her voluptuous boobs tighter as she quickened her pace on his shaft. He leaned in closer and planted small, seductive kisses on her cheek, rising up to her ear as he nibbled on it softly. “And I have never felt the insides of such a beautiful woman before,” he whispered to her, his new lust driven state of being granting him newfound confidence.

“Macintosh, I cannot lie. Right now, as we are–-” She gave another tender smile, wincing slightly as she increased her tempo onto him. “You make me feel alive.”

The strong man grabbed her sides, sliding slowly all the way down her curves to her ass, which was currently pounding his cock into submission. Squeezing the painted glyphs upon her rump with a powerful grip, he helped her along by picking her up and slamming her down, thrusting beneath her. His movements quickened as an almost animalistic tension built inside him. In between thrusts he asked, “This feel good fer ya, ‘Cora?”

She ran a hand over his chest. “Every thrust is fantastic bliss. I’d let you know if something was amiss.”

Seeing how he hasn’t screwed up so far, he went full throttle, lost in the passion of his thrusts into her body. With each movement, another spike of pleasure rippled through him, his flesh lost in the lust and ecstasy of filling her up, diving deeper and deeper into her as she moaned louder and louder. His tongue worked on her cute little ear, biting at her hooped earrings, all her jewelry clanking together with each of their passionate movements. Her breasts squeezed against his chest, both slick with sweat and sliding along him as he gripped her ass in a firmer hold. She let out a gasp with each impact, her pleasure turning her into a mewling feline with every movement inside her.

Both of the lovers’ bodies were covered in sweat, their groins and the bed slick with Zecora’s sexual fluids. Mac let out deep grunts and panted like a dog, as Zecora howled and moaned like a jungle cat, both reaching their limits.

“Your love inside me... I’m about to succumb. M-Macintosh, I’m going to c-come!” she announced, squinting her eyes shut and curling her toes at the wave of pleasure washing throughout her body.

“Shit, I’m there!” the man shouted, moving faster than before as he wanted to drive right over the edge of his orgasm in a blaze of glory. The tingling sensation in his dick grew into a raging inferno of lust as he pounded her harder and harder, enjoying her touch before he reached his max. Then, like a sauna opening to a cold winter night, relief hit him as he erupted inside Zecora.

Sticky white semen shot deep inside her, staining her vaginal walls as he continued to thrust just to empty every little bit inside her. Stopping now, exhausted beyond belief, Mac fell on his back with his arms spread wide, panting for each breath. It just felt like he picked fifty apple trees on the hottest day in summer, but with a much greater reward than he ever could’ve hoped. Zecora rested, laying her back on top of his chest and doing her best to catch her breath.

“And to think you believed you’d do bad. You were fantastic, and for that, I’m glad.” Zecora rolled over, staring straight into his eyes. Once more, she seemed to retreat into herself, absentmindedly drawing patterns onto his bare chest as she tried to put into words what she was thinking. She finally gave a serious nod, looking deep into Mac as she held back her emotions. “Now... am I your woman, are you my man? Tell me, Mac, what is the plan? Are we to break with no more days? Or will you be mine, never to stray?”

Mac reached for her hands and held them firmly in his grip, leaning closer to her so that their foreheads were touching. “Zecora, of course I’ll be yours. I’ve never felt this way ‘bout someone before. And yer just so fantastic and amazin’, it’s just impossible fer me to imagine bein’ with someone else.” He kissed the tip of her nose, a healthy rosy color tinging his freckled cheeks. “So ya can count on my stayin’, if ya don’t mind the bother.”

She grabbed his hands and held them tightly to her chest. “Then we face the world together, come hell or foul weather.”

Mac chuckled, agreeing with her with a nod of his head as he pressed his naked body closer to hers, enjoying every inch of her dark skin. “Yeah, guess that works too, ‘Cora. Though I’m all new to this relationship thing, so excuse me if I make more of an idiot outta myself than usual.”

“That may be true. Even then, I want to be with you.” Zecora smiled, maternally brushing a hand over his close-cut hair.

He leaned in closer and planted a small kiss on her beauteous lips, sweet and tender. A nice way to show his feelings for her, as he wrapped his muscular, strong arms around her and held her close as they cuddled. “I might not be the best boyfriend in the world, but I promise ta try my best,” he said, nuzzling her cheek. “At least I’ll try ta make up fer the fact I don’t deserve someone wonderful like you.”

“Then that makes the two of us.” She gave a lazy glance outside the lonesome window of the hut. “Let’s get you home, before your sisters have a fuss.”

“Oh shit, Jack’s gonna chew my hide when she sees me like this,” he muttered, wincing as he got up, sharp pains in his back causing him to grunt. At least the bandages were keeping him patched up, but it was still obvious he had been hurt badly. “Well... chew it worse than it already is.”

Chapter 3: Choppy Waters

“Damnit,” Mac muttered under his breath, scratching at the scrubble of his beard. His shirt was soaked with sweat, and it felt like his back just got used as a punching bag by a mule’s back leg. Grunting in pain, he attempted to lift the feed bag again, only to shout out again and drop it on the floor of the barn. Jack appeared from outside the doors and went over to her brother.

“Mac, don’t ya overdo it,” the stern voice of the younger sister snapped, moving over to lift the bag onto her broad shoulders. She towered over most young woman, and even a few men, but she still seemed miniscule next to Mac. “Yer still a bit off after what happened ta ya the other day–-ain’t no shame in admitin’ it. I can always cancel my plans.” She moved to the back of the barn and hoisted another bag onto her other shoulder, then returned to her brother. “Jus’ go back inside an’ get some rest. I’m sure Granny’d be happy ta get ya some ice or somethin’.”

“Jack, I’m fine. Just a couple of scratches is all,” he assured her, blowing some sweat from the tip of his nose. “And I have everythin’ covered, so enjoy yer date.”

“A couple’a scratches, my ass. Zecora jus’ ‘bout had ta drag ya back home, Mac. I ain’t ‘bout ta blow ya off jus’ ta catch some fella’s eye.” She glanced away from him for a brief moment, then continued under her breath. “‘Sides, I get the feelin’ this fella’s gonna be ‘bout the same as the others.”

“Say what now?” Mac asked in surprise, his eyes widening. “What others?”

Jack wryly smiled. “Ain’t exactly my first date, sug. ‘Couple a times I went inta town wasn’t jus’ ta hang with the girls, ya know?” Her expression darkened, a thick cloud on an otherwise sunny day. “Ain’t nothin’ clicked with ‘em, though. It’s jus’ like I can’t see fellas...” She shook her head, throwing her thoughts to the side. “Nevermind, Mac. This ain’t ‘bout me. This is ‘bout makin’ sure yer not gonna do somethin’ dumb like pullin’ a muscle ‘fore harvest again.”

“Or how ‘bout ya actin’ like a stubborn mule and not accepting any help over that?” Mac shot back, using the collar of his shirt to wipe his forehead of grime and sweat. “Jack, I can take care of myself. I don’t need my kid sis to tell me what to do.”

“Judgin’ by that sweat, I think ya do, Mac.” Jack adjusted the bags on her shoulders and turned towards the barn doors. “Let me go take care ‘a the calves, an’ we’ll continue this ‘lil heart-ta-heart.”

“More like nag-to-nag,” Mac grunted, wincing slightly as he felt the bandages wrapped around his chest and back moved and irritated his wounds. “And where’s Bloom at? Still hangin’ at the clubhouse?”

“Ya know it,” Jack agreed, glancing over her shoulder as she stepped outside. “Whole lot of her an’ her friends schemin’ one thing or ‘nother. Jus’ ‘bout gonna pull that girl outta there before she gets inta trouble. ”

“Good, cause Granny’s nearly got supper ready, and that girl is thin as it is.” Mac removed his work gloves and scratched at his stubble once more, wondering if it was time to shave again. “When she gets back I can clean her up. Ya get on yer date.”

“We’ll see,” Jack said simply. She paused, once more in thought. “Hey, Mac?” she quietly asked.

“What is it?” he asked, stopping near the open bar doors.

“What would ya say if I didn’t...” She nervously swallowed and shook her head once more. “N-nah. Ferget it. Ain’t nothin’ worth sayin’.” She started walking, rounding the corner of the barn. “I’ll see ya ‘round.”

Mac just stood there, wondering what to say next, but thought better of it. Hell if he knew what was wrong with Jack, and he definitely knew he wasn’t a fountain of knowledge. Any advice he could give would be as effective as chipping at a boulder with a toothpick. “Damn women,” he cursed.

“Yeah, two of ‘em,” Jack said from the barndoor, the bags of feed still resting proudly on her shoulders. She stepped to the side, making room for a certain ebony soothsayer to take a few tentative steps into the barn.

Mac gulped, a cold sweat running down his neck. Zecora was looking as beautiful as ever, her hair tied back in a ponytail with several gold hair loops. She was wearing a modest robe that spoke highly of her luscious curves. Curves Mac got to enjoy not too many days ago.

“Z-Zecora, pleasant seein’ ya here,” Mac said, a nervous edge to his voice. “So, uh, what’s the occasion?”

She gave a hard shake of her head, disappointment obvious in her tone. “Jack says you were trying to lift feed. You’re not listening to the words I begged you to heed.”

“Ah, not ya too,” he muttered. “Listen, I’m just fine, alright. I don’t need either of ya’ll babyin’ me.”

“We ain’t babyin’ ya,” Jack snapped, glaring at the man. “We’re jus’ makin’ sure that ya ain’t gonna overdo it–-there’s a difference.”

“That difference bein’ that you two don’t think a grown man can take care of himself.” Mac walked angrily past them, his boots kicking up dirt as he made his way back home. He was too tired and in way too much pain to deal with those two at the same time.

Jack and Zecora shared a small roll of their eyes, then offered a slight smile at their similar actions.

“Swear, that lunkhead’s jus’ more stubborn as anyone I know,” Jack mused.

Zecora gave a small laugh. “He has spoken words with a similar ring. Perhaps being stubborn is an Apple thing.”

Jack gave a small snort of laughter, then spat at the ground. “Maybe.”

She glanced Jack’s way and smiled. “My arrival here perhaps is fate. I’ll take care of your work, you take care of your date.”

The farmer seemed briefly speechless. “How’d ya know ‘bout that? Mac tell ya?”

A nod confirmed it.

“Consarnit!” Jack swore, kicking at the ground. “”Fer bein’ a quiet fella, bastard sure don’t know when ta keep his mouth shut.”

“I for one think that it’s good, you searching for a mate like you should.”

She shrugged. “I guess... Though, ya sure ‘bout helpin’ me with the chores? I still got a bit.”

“Are we not neighbors upon this land? It’s only right I lend a hand.” Zecora reached up Jack’s tall figure and plucked one of the feedbags from her shoulders. “Come now, I’m sure you have to run. Let’s work together to get this done.”

Mac was far enough away that he was sure they weren’t looking at him when he checked over his shoulder. Well, looks like they’re gettin’ along fine together. They always did before. Not like me and Zecora’s new relationship would change that.

But there still loomed the fact he hadn’t told Jack they were an item. He racked his brain for any sort of specific reason. He sure as hell didn’t want Jack ripping on his at all hours of the day for having a girlfriend. “Goddesses, that would be awful,” Mac said to himself, abruptly stopping in his tracks.

Oh shit, his girlfriend and his sister were alone together. That could only mean one thing. Gossiping. “Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit, oh shit,” Mac muttered between breaths, running back to the barn in due haste.

“Mac?” a voice called from the orchard. Bloom poked her head out behind a thick tree and walked towards the fence. “Why ya runnin’?”

Mac slid on his feet, kicking up a cloud of dirt as he hastily tried to stop himself. Nearly tripping over a rock, he managed to stay to stay on his feet and act as nonchalant as possible. “Oh, um, no reason.”

Bloom raised her brow but said nothing, moving over to the white fence and ducking underneath the railing. “Are ya sure? ‘Cause ya never run ‘less it’s important.”

“Nah, it’s fine, Bloom,” he assured her, hopping on one foot and the other as he wondered what Zecora and Jack were talking about. “Ya just got back from hangin’ with yer friends?”

She smiled, looking up at her brother and nodding. “Yep! We were playin’ in the clubhouse!”

“Well, that’s just great, sweetheart.” Damn, damn, damn, he was losing more and more time. He needed a diversion, and fast. Looking over at his sister gave him the perfect idea. “Hey Bloom, Zecora’s here. Wanna go say hello?” he asked her. Her smile widened.

“Yeah!” she loudly agreed, reaching out to take Mac’s enormous palm with her hand. Mac couldn’t help but notice how small her hands were sometimes. Girl has a lot of growin’ to do. “Where she at?”

“The barn, hangin’ with Jack,” he told her, allowing himself to be pulled along by her eagerness.

The women turned as Mac and Bloom entered the barn. Zecora’s face split into an excited, eager grin. “Well, look at my favorite girl! How are you today, little pearl?” She reached into her robe and pulled out a small, wrapped object.

Bloom graciously accepted it, a wide grin on her face a she unwrapped it to reveal an orange colored cube. She quickly gobbled it down, giggling as she enjoyed the sweet delight. With the speed only a child could muster, she hugged Zecora and wrapped her arms around the medicine woman’s hips. “Thanks Zecora. Ya always do make the best homemade candy.”

Zecora returned the embrace, putting her hand on the top of Bloom’s back and giving a small, affectionate pat to her head. “You are quite welcome, my child. I’m glad I didn’t make the flavor mild.”

They stayed together a few seconds longer, Bloom finally disbanding from the hug just to hop up and down, her big pink bow bobbing on her head. “Zecora, Zecora, are ya gonna stay fer supper? Please, please, please?”

She gave a maternal smile, once more looking almost wistfully at the child. “I would say you have a deal. Provided your grandmother is alright with me sharing a meal.”

“Yay! Ya hear that, Mac and Jack? Zecora is gonna stay!” Bloom shouted, the small girl practically buzzing with excitement.

“Yeah, yeah, I heard, Bloom,” Mac chuckled, smiling at his youngest sibling. Sometimes Bloom’s hyperactiveness got the better of her, but Celestia be damned if she wasn’t a cute bugger all the time. “Glad to have her joinin’ us.”

“Yeah, well, ya’ll enjoy yerselves. I know Granny loves the company,” Jack said, moving out of the barn. “I gotta haul a–-” she stopped, glancing at the child beside Zecora, “along an’ get my work done if I’mma go ta town at a decent hour.”

“Where ya headin’ out to at the town, if ya don’t mind me askin’?” Mac said, a small smirk on his face. “A fancy pancy restaurant?”

“I sure as sugar hope not,” she said under her breath. “It’s like they don’t know how much actual people eat at places like that. They might as well be feedin’ birds.”

“Well, ya can afford to starve a bit,” Mac chuckled, his smirk quickly turning devious.

Jack rolled her eyes. “Ain’t like all of us girls need ta be petite.” She lowered her own voice and gave a pointed glance Mac’s direction. “Sides, ‘Cora’s got herself a bit a curves under that robe, if ya didn’t know. Bit a weight jus’ means a bit more ta sink yer teeth inta.”

Mac was blushing up a storm, glad that Bloom was chatting with Zecora at the moment so neither of them heard that. “I don’t know what ya mean by that.”

“Sure,” Jack dryly replied, brushing a thumb along her nose. “Ain’t like I can read ya like a book or nothin’.” She glanced over her shoulder towards Zecora, who rose and approached the two siblings, Bloom in tow. “Jus’ ask her already. Ain’t like she’s gonna make the first move.”

Well technically, she already did, Mac thought dryly. “I already told ya, I ain’t interested and I’m too busy,” he reminded her, scowling slightly. “Get it through yer head already, Applejack.” He knew she hated being called by her real name, but he hoped it would make his point get across. She scowled but kept quiet, walking past him with a huff.

Zecora glanced down at Bloom and patted her on the head. “Go to the house and make up a snack.” Her gaze turned to the bigger farmer. “I’d like to have a word with Mac.”

“Zecora, why are Jack and Mac fightin’?” she asked, a frown on her face as she held Zecora’s hand tightly.

“It is merely a brother and sister engaged in a spat. That is all, we’ll simply leave it at that.” She gently squeezed Bloom’s hand, then gave a small, encouraging push towards the house.

Bloom glanced back at her brother, but eventually left the two in a scurry of small footsteps. Mac and Zecora were alone, and one hell of an awkward silence hung over the pair. Coughing slightly to clear the air, Mac asked, “So... um, Zecora. How you’ve been since I last saw ya? Yer injuries healin’ up good?”

“My wounds are healed, they are quite fine,” she curtly said, crossing her arms. “That, however, is not on my mind.”

“Zecora, ya know I didn’t mean that. I just didn’t want Jack to know,” he assured her, walking closer to her. She slumped her shoulders.

“Why is that? What is your aim? Does being with me fill you with shame?” She looked up at him, obvious hurt in her eyes. “Are my tears to you nothing but mud, simply because I have tribal blood?”

Mac rested a hand on her shoulder, squeezing his hand in a gentle yet firm manner. “‘Cora, never think like that. I ain’t ashamed of nuthin’. It’s just... Jack’s my little sis. I already have hard enough time dealin’ with her regularly, but if she knew we were an item, I wouldn’t hear the end of it.”

Her gaze flickered with anger for a brief moment. “Your words are simply what a child would say. A man would stand tall, come what may.”

“Zecora...” Mac gulped, his eyes guilt ridden for how he hurt her. He just wanted to be with her, yet the change of it all frustrated him. He didn’t like change, and a relationship was a big step. “I still don’t know how Jack will react. How she’ll treat us differently. I’m just scared, okay? This has never happened to me before.”

“Jack has been and will be a friend. What we have together will not make that end,” Zecora said, glancing briefly to make sure nobody was around, before standing on her toes and landing a kiss at his jawline.

Mac smiled, wrapping his arms around Zecora’s waist and resting his hands on her toned stomach. He was definitely enjoying the feel of her back against his front, getting this intimate with her. “I promise, when Jack gets back I’ll tell her everythin’.”

Zecora let out a sweet laugh that reminded Mac of honey. “Your words do certainly make me grin. Now, what about the rest of your kin?”

“Well, Jack will probably go blabbin’ to the entire town. Or at least the family and her friends,” Mac told her, leaving a few soft kisses on her neckline. She smelled like mangoes and strawberries, and Mac could almost imagine her skin tasted like it too. Zecora moaned at his actions, squeezing his hand tight. She stared up at him. The hurt she had felt was fading into a vague memory. She tilted Mac’s head down and stretched for all she was good for, finally landing a kiss on his lips.

Mac’s lips contorted to the shape of her mouth, his eagerness evident from how quickly his tongue entered her lips. It swirled around in her mouth, reaching to the roof then gums and teeth and finally her own tongue. They wrestled together there, each lost to passion and lust for the other.

After several minutes of sweet, silent love, it was Zecora who finally broke their embrace. She ran her finger down the buttons of Mac’s shirt, tracing over every seam. She paused at the top one, before shaking her head. “I’d simply relish making love all night. However, I believe we should get a bite.”

Mac’s hand stopped near the top of her robe, just as he was about to pull it off. “Are ya sure?” he asked with a disappointed edge in his tone. “I mean, when’s the next time we have a shot like this?”

“As soon as you go tell your kin. Perhaps then I can show some skin.” Zecora winked, taking Mac’s hand into her own. “Now come along, it’ll be a treat, sitting down to watch Bloom eat.”

“Yeah, much better than what I had in mind,” Mac grumbled, but smiled all the same. He wrapped his free hand around her waist, holding onto her perpetually seductive side. He hoped to get a better look at it later, luck and Celestia be willing.

Yeah, I can do this.

Chapter 4: Maternal Instincts

Mac and Zecora walked towards the farmhouse, pausing only briefly at the porch. Zecora looked at the beefy arm laying gently around her side and weakly smiled. “Unless you want them to instantly know, I suppose now you must let me go.”

Mac leaned in close, taking in the rich scent of her hair, and brushed her cheek with his lips. “Hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, to be truthful.”

Zecora gave a small, gentle run along his neck with a nail. “It almost brings me into harm, how easily you can turn on your charm.”

Reluctantly, Mac withdrew his hand, but not before running it down his woman’s seductive curves one last time. Walking up to the door he knocked on it in the familiar repetition he’s used over the years. He opens it up and shouts, “Granny, Bloom, I’m home! Jack’s out on her date, so we can save her grub fer Zecora! We got her over fer supper!”

“Well get her in here already!” Granny’s sweet old voice barked from the other end of the house. “Improper to keep a lady in waitin’, ya know!”

Mac smiled sheepishly back at Zecora and opened the door further for her, making a dramatic sweeping motion with his hand. “After you.”

She beamed at the action, giving a playful wink as she stepped inside. Zecora paused inside the living room, reaching down to take off her furred slippers and putting them next to the collection of other shoes and workboots nearby the door. Mac noticed she had painted her toenails; white with black stripes, of course.

“Ya really into that color choice, huh?” he chuckled, kicking off his muddy work boots next to the smelly pile of shoes that rested in a mound in the corner.

“They are simple colors, as you can see. But yet their design still speaks volumes to me,” Zecora said, moving through the living room and waiting patiently by a doorframe for Mac.

Mac moved past her to the kitchen, where the intoxicating aroma of his granny’s cooking hit his nose like a knockout punch. The sizzling sound of steak frying, along with the buttery scent of mashed potatoes and green beans made his mouth water instantly. Plus, that apple pie cooking in the oven looked mighty tasty too.

“Well, there you two are,” Granny said, wiping her weathered hands on her spotless apron. She was a short and stocky woman, definitely in her elder years but with an eternally youthful smile. Her white hair was tied up in a tight bun, and she wore a simple green flannel shirt and jeans, very much like her grandchildren. Completing the look was an orange bandana with tiny apples wrapped around her neck. “Supper was gettin’ cold.”

“Yeah, yeah, granny, I know,” Mac said with a roll of his eyes, going over to plant a kiss on her head and wash up his hands.

Granny turned towards Zecora, squinting her eyes to get a better look, and made a wrinkled grin when her old eyes got to work. “Why, if it isn’t the potion meister herself. Always nice to have pleasant company fer supper.”

“I took a moment to end my roam, and once again invade your home,” Zecora joked, smiling and giving a deep bow to the Apple matriarch.

“Well, least we have some folks here who know some manners,” Granny said, returning to flip over a juicy steak from the pan. “Just get washed up, dearies, and I’ll be finished up real soon.”

Zecora nodded, leaving the kitchen and heading towards the restroom just as a red blur of energy tromped down the nearby stairs. She gave a small laugh once more as Bloom came into the hallway.

Bloom was hopping in joy, jumping onto Zecora and wrapping her tiny arms around her. “Oh boy, oh boy, ya really are stayin’ fer supper! You even get to eat Granny’s cookin’ too!”

She beamed at the child. “It was a good idea, I feel. After all, the Old Mother knows how to make a meal.”

“Can ya sleep over too?” Bloom asked, looking up at her with large eyes and pouting lips that could melt the heart of the sun. “Pleeeeeeeeease?”

Zecora shook her head, frowning. “I’m sorry, my child. I have my own place. I wouldn’t want to ruin your family’s grace.”

“Aww. What if I ask Mac ‘bout it? I’m sure he’ll say yes!” Bloom looked down the corridor, then stood on her tippy toes and whispered, “Cause, just between you and me, I think he has a crush on ya.”

Zecora leaned in close and lowered her own voice. “Perhaps he does, that might be true.” She put a finger to Bloom’s nose. “And maybe, just maybe, I might have one too.”

Bloom practically squeed. “Ooh, are you gonna ask him out? ‘Cause Mac can be pretty shy. And thick most of the time. Have to practically spell stuff out fer him to get it.”

The woman leaned back her head and cackled. After a moment, she calmed down and wiped mirthfully at an eye. “Your words, in my view, are more than quite true. Tell me, dear Bloom, what should we do with you?” Zecora held out her hand. “Let’s go to your family and share our good mood. I’m sure by now there’s bound to be food.”

Bloom licked her lips, grabbing Zecora’s hand and leading her downstairs. “Granny always makes the best grub! But I’m gonna eat all the biscuits and steak, so lay off.”

Zecora was pulled by the surprisingly strong tug of Bloom, the child evidently so hungry she was practically sprinting towards the dinner table. Once in the dining room, however, she slowed to a crawl, having been scolded one too many times by Granny about running indoors. She quickly took her seat next to her brother Mac, her legs kicking in her chair as she eagerly awaited their meal.

Mac smirked fondly at his little sister and ruffled her straight red hair, electing a huff of annoyance. He indicated with his eyes for Zecora to take the seat next to him at the head of the table. She quickly complied, bridging her fingers together by her empty plate and looking over the plethora of food at the center of the table.

Granny arrived last, resting a plate heaped with freshly grilled steaks in the center, discarding her apron and sitting at the opposite end of the table. Wincing slightly because of her feeble hip, she sighed in content when she was finally seated. Blinking a few times and looking around, she asked, “Hey, where’s Jack?”

“On a date somewhere. She didn’t really bother to tell me where,” Mac said, shrugging. “And she’ll be fine, granny. She’s a big girl.”

“Really big! With a big butt too!” Bloom snorted out, then winced, not even needing to look over at granny to know she was being glared at. “S-sorry.”

“Bloom,” Granny said with weary exasperation, “Say grace.”

The girl clasped her hands together and shut her eyes as everyone at the table followed suit, though Zecora hesitated, not being used to such a thing. “Uh... bless this meal an’ the people eatin’ at it... Somethin’ about Celestia... Amen?”

“Well, ain’t that the cliffnotes version of it,” Mac snarked, but in a way he was grateful, because his stomach was about to stab him in the gullet if he didn’t give it some nourishment quick. Like precision clockwork he loaded up his plate with steak, mashed potatoes, green beans and biscuits, slathering it all in a healthy drenching of granny’s county famous gravy.

Now was not the time to lick lips. It was time to feast. Mac and his little sister happily did so, the two almost identical as they wolfed down their portions and then some, Bloom somehow keeping up with her brother all the while. Like a full grown stallion, Mac thought, wolfing down a biscuit in a single bite.

Zecora watched in near open-mouthed amazement. It never got old watching an Apple family meal. It was a miracle that nobody choked on a daily basis around here. She took to cutting at her meal with a knife and fork, methodically whittling down her meal and nodding at the succulent flavor. “This meat must be a vice--nothing good for you would have such a spice,” she announced, licking her chops in appreciation.

“Why thank ya kindly, deary,” Granny said, shooting a glare at her grandchildren. “Glad some folks round here have the time to tell me they appreciate my cookin’.”

Mac would’ve answered, but his cheeks were bulging at the limit with food, and he was practically a choking hazard at this point.

Zecora let a sly sneer cross her face. She snaked her foot along the carpet towards Macintosh and ran a toe under his pants legging. Not even sparing a glance towards him, she took to moving her toe up and down.

Mac swallowed in surprise, just barely forcing his meal down. His face blushed slightly, but he tried his best to cover it with a sip of his ice tea. Slowly he moved his leg closer, so that ebpny toe could explore him more. With an almost uncanny amount of flexibility, Zecora rose her foot higher, drawing circles around his knee, then raking along his inner thigh. She took another forkful of steak, then a drink of water.

“Something happened the other day. Mac, I believe, has something to say.” Zecora paused her footplay, levitating in inch away from his body as she waited for his response.

Mac coughed lightly, his blush growing deeper. Licking his dry lips, he said, “Well, um... we all know that we all care ‘bout Zecora very much, right?”

Bloom leaned forward, curious to where he was going. She glanced at Zecora, who returned a small smile.

Mac gulped a ridiculously dry throat. “A-and I just want it to be know that I’m... uh, goin’...”

“Oh fer pete's sake, sunny, just spit it out already! Ya goin’ out with her or what?” Granny asked, a playful smile on her face as she crossed her arms in victory. Mac could only answer at this point with a nod, all he could manage. “Took ya long enough,” Granny snorted, laughing and coughing at the same time. “At this rate I woulda lost that bettin’ pool I had with Jack.”

Zecora let her foot fall and she instead held out her hand on the table. Mac gingerly reached out for it, holding it in a strong grip and smiling kindly at her.

Bloom looked between the two, then at their entwined hand. “So are you two–-I mean, now, wait a gosh-danged minute, are ya two already steady?”

“Guess ya can say that,” Mac admitted, shrugging his shoulders and rubbing Zecora’s hand with his thumb.

She scratched her head. “So, what’s that mean? Is Zecora gonna be comin’ ‘round more now?”

Zecora rested her palm on her chin, considering that query. “While I will visit as often as I can, I will say, old friend, it’s quite hard to plan.”

“We’ll try to make time, Bloom,” Mac assured her, staring lovingly at Zecora. The cheesiness of the moment couldn’t have been greater if big red cartoon hearts appeared in his eyes. Instead, a wild crack of thunder decided to break the enchantment.

Granny whistled. “Hot dang, supposed it’d be rainin’ today. Right knees been actin’ funny. Always bad weather with a funny knee.”

Zecora frowned. “The travel back home will be quite a bad walk.” She gestured at her robes. “It makes me glad I’m wearing this frock.”

Granny tutted and shook her head. “Ain’t no how I’m lettin’ ya outside in this weather. Ya spendin’ the night here. Jack probably won’t be back till the morrow ‘cause of the downcast, so ya can use her room to sleep.”

Zecora rose and gave another bow to Granny. “If it is alright, I would love to stay. This is a favor I will have to repay.”

Suddenly some thoughts in Mac’s head clicked together, his fluster growing tenfold at their implications. Granny got up and got to work on the dishes. Bloom got up to join her. “Almost forgot, it’s my turn to help clean up.” This left Mac and Zecora alone (Though a duet of whistling could still be heard in the kitchen).

Mac carefully got out of his chair and walked closer to Zecora, a hungry look in his eye. “So, I do believe you promised to, what was it, ‘show me some skin’ if I told everyone we were goin’ out?”

“Well, if we’re simply keeping track, there’s still to tell your sister, Jack,” she coyly replied, running a finger along her neckline.

“Hey, doesn’t two outta three count?” Mac ran a hand across her firm arm, slowly moving upward to her shoulder.

Zecora mulled over that for a moment, leaving Mac in limbo, but she finally gave in. “Mmm, perhaps it will, my darling Mac. Consider yourself lucky that I’ll cut you some slack.” She took a step closer to him, resting her soft breasts against his pecs. She squeezed him tight and gave a warm, loving sigh.

He leaned in close, hidden from the view of granny and Bloom, his lips hovering just over hers. “Ya know where my room is?”

“I can find it rather quick–-I’ve been there plenty when you’ve been sick.”

“Good. ‘Cause I think I might need some special treatment.” His lips touched lightly with her own, the static of their passion kindling something warm inside their hearts. “Mind givin’ me a look?”

She brushed his hair with a hand, her eyes half-lidded and her teasing smirk enticing. “I hope you don’t simply stare and scoff, when I tell you, Mac, to turn and cough.”

His hand brushed up her belly, but he stopped himself before he reached her breasts. There’d be plenty of time for that later, in a much more private settings. So with great reluctance he peeled himself away, and just in time too. Bloom walked in, yawning wide and rubbing at her eyes.

“Bloom, bedtime,” Mac ordered, hoping she didn’t catch the red in his cheeks.

“B-but I ain’t tired yet!” she protested, blinking hard.

“No buts, missy. Now off to bed.”

Bloom cursed in her head. Dangit, Mac! Why you gotta play the daddy all the time? She never really knew her own, so she understood why he tried his best to be both a brother and father figure she could depend on. Which also meant she had to abide by the bedtime call.

Outside, the thunder rumbled ominously.

“Can I at least get a bedtime story?” Bloom asked, her eyes quietly pleading as she stared up at her brother.

Mac sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. He hated having to read the exactly same book, every night upon night. But it was for her, so he could hardly say no. And Zecora was giving him the look. “Sure thing, Bloom. Just wash up and head in yer room then.”

She gave a small cheer, hugging him at his thigh and running up the flight of stairs.

“Oh Goddesses, not this again,” Mac groaned, preparing himself for another mind numbing session of reading that insufferable book. Zecora glanced over the huffy man.

“If you tire and yearn for bed, I can tell her a story instead,” she offered.

“Seriously?” Mac asked, a look of relief on his face. “I mean, sure, I’m bettin’ she’d really enjoy havin’ a story read to her from ya.”

“I’ll tell her a story, and I surely won’t fail. Bloom will truly enjoy this tale.” She gave a small, lingering touch to Mac’s cheek, then left, climbing up the stairway and entering Bloom’s room.

Mac shrugged, smiling now that he didn’t have to read Bloom anymore. “Mac, come back here and help me clean the table!” Granny yelled from the dining room.

Bloom eagerly hopped into bed, all decked out in her apple pattern pajamas and her teeth freshly brushed. Dragging the covers over herself, she said, “Are ya gonna tell me a story now, Zecora?”

Bloom’s substitute reader grabbed a nearby stool and sat beside the bed. “It would be a delight, to tell you a tale upon this night.” Zecora gazed at the dozens of short stories in a nearby bookshelf, before smiling at the child. “Perhaps instead of a book in my hands, I shall tell you a tale that comes from my lands.”

“Oh, sure! I just like forcing Mac to read me the same story every night ‘cause it annoys him. Don’t tell him that, though,” Bloom said with a giggle.

Zecora gave another hearty laugh, making a motion of sealing her lips, before clearing her throat. She crossed her legs and sat properly upon the stool. “Now, Bloom, if I may beseech. Would it be alright if I spoke in the Lower Speech?”

“Say what now?” Bloom asked, tilting her head.

Zecora gave a small pause, then continued in a slightly halting manner. “If I were to... not speak in my father’s tongue, until the story’s done?”

“Um, sure. Still dunno what ya mean by it.” Bloom stared at her with wide, shining eyes, looking adorable as could be.

“Thank you,” Zecora nodded somewhat solemnly. “You’re a good child.” She looked down at her hands, once more in thought. “It was long ago, in the dense jungle of a faraway land, where there lived a family of cats. A mother, father, and two children. They...” Zecora nodded in a silent confirmation of her own thoughts. “They loved one another very much, and spent many days in happiness, eating their fill and laughing together. They were, in all regards, a perfect family.

“One day, the father’s haran–-the tribe leader, came to the family. He had to alert them; witkaba had invaded their jungle.”

“Witkaba?” Bloom repeated.

“White wolves. For a time, the father ignored the haran’s warning. ‘It is a land of milk and honey,’ the father cat said, ‘there is nothing for them to take. Let them stay.’ And, for a time, there came harmony.”

“Like the Elements of Harmony?” Bloom asked, peering over her covers. “From the old story books?”

“In a way,” Zecora agreed with a nod. “However, their harmony was developed not from stones, but from their hearts.” Then she frowned. “It changed. Storms gathered within their selves, and in due time, their fangs and claws turned from prey, and to each other’s throats.”

“So they turned mean?” Bloom leaned in as she grew more intrigued with the story.

“Very.” Zecora’s tone turned grim. She crossed her arms and ignored the sharp pain in her gut. “The witkaba tore children away from their homes just as the cats broke apart their own families with tooth and nail. While the cats were proud warriors that had numbers, the witkaba had the mentality of pack hunters–the cats were locked in strife with their fellow clans almost as often as engaging the enemy. Then...” She seemed like she wanted to add something, but she just shrugged instead.

“Then the father cat perished at the hands of a wolf, giving his family just enough time to flee the jungle. Their journey took them across many miles.” Zecora swept her arm in the air to illustrate the point. “They soon came to the desert.” She grew somber, glancing to the side. “The mother and one of her cubs perished at the hands of rats, leaving nothing but a dried husk for the carrion birds to feed on. But the other... the other walked further still. She walked until her paws bled, then she kept walking. Until she gagged for want of water, but she walked. Until she became delirious, still, she walked.” Zecora paused. She let the room settle for a moment, then she appraised the child. “Do you know what happened next?”

“I dunno,” Bloom answered with misty eyes. “The cat lived happily ever after?”

“No,” Zecora replied. “Well, at least not yet. Rather, she was saved by a passing crow. He led her to water and told her of a town, beyond the sea of sand, beyond the misty mountains and beyond the dense, nightmarish forest of illusions and dread. A town.” Zecora scratched at her ear. “She again traveled and saw many things, many beasts and wonders. Many friends. Many, many things. Then, one day, she came to the town the crow spoke of. A town filled with witkaba as far as the eye could see.”

“Was the cat scared?” Bloom asked, her eyes growing wide as the story continued.

“She was. And, in a way, still is. For many days, she could do no more than stare at the creatures that took her family from her. Need, however, eventually cures all fears. She braved the town and was all but turned away, many times with threats. Save for one little cub, willing to give her a chance.”

“Ooh, who was the cub? Was it a cute kitty cat?” Bloom asked excitedly, beaming a smile.

“One of the cutest in the land. One of the bravest too.” Zecora reached over and patting Bloom’s head. “She convinced the town to give the stranger a chance, and they did.” She felt her face heat up slightly as she spared a glance towards Bloom’s door. “One day, after many years, a witkaba haran offered to take her into his clan. He was a brave wolf, and protected his family with his life. She saw his conviction and the gentle spirit he held, and agreed in a heartbeat to be his.” Zecora once more gave a maternal smile to the young girl. “Now you may say ‘she lived happily ever after.’”

“She lived happily ever after,” Bloom repeated, yawning slightly and snuggling up closer under her sheets. Blinking her sleep induced eyes to stay awake a moment longer, Bloom whispered, “Zecora, are ya always gonna be here? Forever an’ ever?”

“I have no clue, no true plan.” She leaned forward, giving a kiss to the little girl’s forehead. “But I’ll try to, Bloom, if I can.”

Bloom’s eyes fluttered to a close, not before she said, “Love ya, Zecora.” And with that her chest rose gently up and down from beneath her covers, a clear sign she was asleep.

The woman felt the sting of happy tears; she wiped at her eyes quickly with the back of her hand as she walked to the door. With a small smile as she pulled it closed, she whispered. “My words are true and set me free. I love you too, my young sweet pea.”

She took a few steps down the hall, then a right, ending directly in front of Mac’s bedroom. She gave a small, quiet knock.

“Come on in!” Mac called from the other side of the door, just throwing off his shirt on the dresser near his bed. Zecora entered and quickly shut the door behind her. She gave an appraising eye over his body.

“I must say Mac, you’re truly blessed, to have such an amazing chest.”

Mac chuckled, flexing his muscular arms a bit just to show off. “I could say the same fer ya.” He slowly walked closer, a cocky grin on his face he usually didn’t let loose in public, or even private.

She trailed her hands up, and cupped them under her breasts. She briefly lifted them up and gave a questioning tilt of her head. “I don’t know why it’s these, that bring you men upon your knees.” Her touch turned sensual, caressing and clasping each swelling globe in her hands, before letting them go and running a palm down her sides. Even in her conservative robe, the sight was almost maddening to the giant of a man.

Mac gulped, his jeans feeling much more constricting on his body. He hesitantly reached out and grasped one of her breasts, squeezing lightly while moving it in a circular pattern. “I dunno, but it’s sexy as hell,” he admitted. He increased the pressure of his squeeze on Zecora. She let out a little gasp, wincing slightly at the pressure, but simultaneously melting into her lover, resting her palm on the back of his hand and giving an encouraging, needful nod.

“Not to bask in my own vain glory, but it seems that your sister liked my story,” she commented, briefly stepping back from him and removing her robe, exposing her much more racy jungle attire. She ran a finger along her loincloth and gave a small glance to Mac’s jeans.

Mac was bulging at the seams, begging to be released. Zecora removing her robe and revealing more of the delicious dark skin he lusted for just made him want her more. He leaned closer so that her shoulder was resting on his chest. “So, ‘Cora, everyone’s asleep, and we have a thunderstorm outside. Ready fer some fun?”

“I was ready long before we’ve even begun. Hurry and get your pants undone,” she ordered, pointing at his belt.

Mac didn’t need telling twice. He was already unzipping his pants and removing his belt at a great speed. He discarded his pants across the room, only his boxers hiding his erect member as he pushed it against Zecora. A great heat came to her thigh, radiating from Mac’s thick erection. “So, ya want me to take my pants off. Mind tellin’ me why?” Mac teased, rubbing the bulge in his boxers against her harder.

The lustful tribal smirked. She wasn’t afraid of talking dirty. She could run circles around him if it needed done. Not that she minded–it was refreshing to have such an inexperienced partner as him. “Do you wish me to be truly blunt?” Zecora snapped her hand forward and clasped his member through his boxers. “I want this thing,” she gave it a small shake. “Inside my cunt.”

“Then what are we waitin’ fer?” Mac chuckled, leading her to his bed. He hopped onto his back, his mattress springing upward. Pulling at his boxers, he asked, “Hey, mind helpin’ me with these?”

“Helping you would be quite swell.” Zecora swayed seductively to the bed. She landed her perfectly strong rump nearby Mac’s head, her loincloth dangerously close to revealing her nethers. She moved forward to move her face near his groin. “But only if you do as well.”

Mac obliged, reaching out with a finger and tugging her loincloth off, removing it past her legs until he could get a good look at her succulent treasure. Seemed she was aroused at him at the moment. Testing out new waters, he carefully prodded her vaginal lips with a finger, then sank it ever deeper and wiggling about, just barely tweaking the clit.

Zecora bucked towards him at the stimulation, letting his finger plunge further into her. She pulled his boxers down, exposing his pride. She traced a circle around its tip with her tongue, moistened the shaft with few well placed dives, then took a slow, moaning plunge. She took to working the back of her mouth on the tip, humming slightly to increase the stimulation.

Mac continued to finger Zecora’s lips. He adjusted her so that her knees rested on either side of him as she continued to pleasure his cock with her seductive mouth. Seeing how she was enjoying it so much, he leaned close and gave her moistened lips a careful lick. Finding the taste of her sexual juices to be strangely appealing, he licked her again, gently lapping at her wetness. His tongue traveled deeper into her pussy with every lick.

Zecora let out a loud gasp that descended into a deep moan, then quickly quieted herself. She was still trying to be mindful of the others in the house. Zecora cupped Mac’s testicles in her hand, taking to rub and lightly squeeze them as she continued her lip service.

Sticking his tongue further inside her, Mac kept at fingering Zecora while also making a sucking motion with his lips. When she started playing with his balls he groaned in delight, now using both fingers to pull her vaginal lips apart so his tongue could explore every inch of her wonderful nethers.

Zecora stopped briefly to speak again. “It’s almost more than I can b-bare, how fantastic you are within our... our affair.” She let out a gasp as his tongue ran along her wall. Her thighs briefly clenched in pleasure, squeezing at Mac’s tongue.

The tongue alone was a wild beast, licking and slobbering all over her pussy in a mad bid to pleasure her. It was an ongoing cycle of pleasure, with his mouth working hers and hers working his, they kept pushing each other further to the point of release. Zecora’s skilled lips and tongue had gotten to every possible inch of Mac’s shaft. He didn’t know how much longer he could take before he blew sky-high, but he did know he was going to take her along with him.

Zecora seemed aware of his intention and brought his cock even deeper into her mouth, his hairs tickling her chin as she went in deep and rose. She suddenly stopped, rising and adjusting to where she squatted mere inches above his throbbing member. Zecora looked over her shoulder at Mac’s reddening face and winked.

“Are you prepared, my little pup? It’s time for you to saddle up.”

Grinning, Mac grabbed her ass in his strong grip, squeezing her asscheeks hard. His member throbbed and begged to be inside her. “Ya better believe it!”

She came down onto his shaft, then started working it over, thrusting him in and out of her with an almost artistic beauty. With every impact against his pelvis, her ass jiggled and her breasts bounced, sweat soaking her body. The tribal briefly leaned back, putting a palm against the side of Mac’s face.

Mac was quick at work moving his hips in time with her attacks on his dick, thrusting upward when he could. With both hands he pulled her down hard whenever she came back down, making his dick dive into her even deeper. He grunted with each thrust, trying his best to be faster and last longer, but he soon found himself slipping.

Zecora moved her hands forward. He raked his outer thighs with her nails as she let out another groan in ecstasy. Thunder rumbled hard, rattling the picture frames in Mac’s room. Soon, another bolt of lightning all but blinded the two.

“Mac right now, with you I plead. Fill me up with your thick seed!” she begged. Her tongue hung from her mouth, with her walls squeezing herself tightly against his cock.

“Ah... Comin’... Yes!” Mac shouted, thrusting into her faster. His erect dick was on the edge of releasing his seed inside her.

Unfortunately for him, a knock on the door quickly threw him off his game. “Mac, can I come in? The thunder is scarin’ me!” Bloom called out from behind the door.

“...Fuck,” Mac swore, pushing Zecora off himself and quickly grabbing his boxers to put on, struggling to stick his erect cock back inside it. “Zecora, quick, put somethin’ on!”

In a heartbeat she donned her loincloth and scanned the area for her bra. Not seeing it, she quickly dove for his clothes hamper, and threw on one of his undershirts. It laid almost comically on her figure, stretching nearly to her knees.

“Okay Bloom, it’s okay to come in now!” Mac shouted, covering himself with his bedsheets and praying desperately his hard-on would die soon enough.

Bloom entered the room, drawing a sceptical look when she saw Zecora wearing the shirt. “Uh, Mac, why’s Zecora with ya?”

“Oh, yeah, ya see...” Mac blushed deeply, not able to find the right words to tell his sister what him and Zecora were doing exactly.

“The thunder outside gave me quite a fright. Mac offered to help me make it through the night,” Zecora lied, giving a glance to Mac that told him to play along.

“Um, yeah! Seems ya and Zecora have that in common, heh, heh.” Mac was an awful liar, but he was hoping Bloom would at least buy it.

Staring at them a moment longer, she shrugged and quickly hopped into bed next to Mac, ducking under the covers. “Hey Zecora, ya comin’ or what?”

“She was about to a second ago...” Mac muttered quietly, fuming silently at being cockblocked by his own sister. Zecora snorted, but said nothing, humoring Bloom.

“Now it’s time for us to sleep. From you, Bloom, I don’t want a peep,” she instructed kindly as she turned on her side to face Mac. “And perhaps in the morning, when you’re awake, I can... simply take care of your empty ache.”

Anticipation rose in Mac’s chest at that prospect. It looked like his time spent with Zecora wouldn’t be completely wasted after all. Come to think of it, wonder how Jack’s date went? ...Sure as hell went better than my night.

Jack grunted, crossing her arms over her naked chest with a small scowl. Next to her in bed was an extremely embarrassed Soarin. He scratched his spiky blue hair, blushing fiercely. “S-sorry about that,” he mumbled, not daring to look at her.

She rolled her eyes. “An’ I thought Dash did things in ten seconds flat. Ya certainly earned that title as fastest of the Wonderbolts.”

Chapter 5: Humiliation

The truck bounced down the road. Its springs groaned with every pothole on the dusty trail. Mac casually rocked with every bounce, his hand laying lazily on the gear shift, and the other at the base of the wheel. Zecora swallowed nervously in the passenger seat, her hands grasping tightly against the door and armrest as she sat. Her eyes were wide and panicked at the vehicle’s motions. Just the idea of what could go wrong...

“Macintosh, I’m not sure if I can abide, what with this thing you call a ‘ride!’” Zecora said, her tone louder than normal to be heard over the engine.

“Jus’ a bit longer ta town–it ain’t gonna–”

They hit another deep pothole. Zecora let an uncharacteristic “Eep!” escape from her lips.

“–kill ya,” Mac finished. He stared at the tribal woman. “Surprised ya never rode in somethin’ like this, though.”

“My dear, I simply hate to goad, but please keep your eyes upon the road!” she quickly said, gesturing to the front.

“Alright, alright,” he rumbled out. He smiled. “Hard not ta look at ya. I mean, ya look great in yer normal clothes, but…”

Zecora glanced down at her wardrobe, a simple button-up plaid shirt and worn, hole-ridden jeans. The rural attire clashed with her jungle forged skin and tattoos. “It’s good that Applejack had spare clothes… though as for her choice in attire, your influence shows.”

“More-a my pa’s influence, I reckon.” He smiled wistfully. “Fella did jus’ ‘bout everythin’ in plaid an’ jeans. ‘Practical,’ he’d always tell me.”

Zecora’s eyes flitted from the road briefly. She ran an ebony hand over Mac’s brown one. “He’d be proud of you, I’m sure. You’ve taken the leader’s mantle and still endure.”

“I try ta take care of ‘em as best I can. Family’s important.”

She nodded in agreement. “From death and from birth, it’s the most important thing on this earth.” The tribal seemed to want to add something, but, after a moment, shut her mouth, instead gazing out the passenger window. “I’m anxious to see your sister Bloom. She’ll be at the school, I presume?”

“Yeah, she just got off ‘bout now. Usually she’d take the bus back home, but she wanted me to pick ‘er up specially this afternoon. Dunno why, but it’s my kid sister, so why not?” Mac gave a shrug of his shoulders.

Zecora smiled kindly over at the giant man. She gave his shoulder a playful peck with a finger. “She just has to give her finger a twirl, and you’d do anything for that girl.”

“Damn straight,” Mac said with a smile, leaning across the dashboard to peer in the distance. “And looks like school’s right up ahead. Care to see some of the kiddies when I pick up Bloom?”

“That would be quite fine.” Zecora then paused, putting a considering hand to her chin. “Unless, of course, you think they’d mind.”

“Nah, they’re just kids. Big whoop if they find out we’re dating. Besides, as adults, we have the right to ignore and not give a damn ‘bout their opinions.”

The woman smiled once more over to her companion. “You’re so strong, Macintosh… I’m glad you’re keeping me along.”

Mac grinned playfully at her before returning his attention to the road. “Ah, ya flatter me too much fer my own good. But don’tcha worry ‘bout nuthin’. These kiddies have Cheerilee as their teacher, so there’s probably not one bad apple in the basket.”

“If Apple Bloom is anything to go by, I suppose she hasn’t lead them awry.” Zecora chuckled, then let out a surprised gasp as the truck ran over another pothole.

“Ponyville, frickin’ pothole capital of Equestria,” Mac muttered under his breath, sighing in relief at the sight of the school drop off lane. “For a place that’s famous fer breeding ponies, they shoulda made better roads. Regular horse would cripple themselves goin’ down these things.”

The truck pulled up into the side road leading to the school. Positioning the truck tactfully, Mac squeezed it in between two other cars in a parking space. Unlocking the vehicle and hopping right out, Mac hurried to Zecora’s side and opened the door for her, making a grand sweep of his arm in a gentlemanly manner.

“After you, m’lady.”

“Thank you, my chauffeur.” She took his hand and stood. “You’re a very considerate, monsieur.”

“Ah, didn’t know ya knew some fancy language like that,” Mac chuckled, easing her down to the ground from the truck. “Never really bothered much with learnin’ stuff like that when I was in school.”

“I learned many tongues when I traveled the land. Though years of not speaking it leaves a full use beyond my command.” Zecora trailed a finger up to his lips, tapping them. “Though I’m not one to preach, I’m quite fond of your simple speech.”

“Well, thank ya kindly,” he replied with a chuckle, hooking his arm with hers as they made their way to the school grounds. Leaning close to her ear, he said, “Now, Bloom will probably be out here somewhere with her friends. Pretty sure school just ended, so we’ll catch up to her eventually.”

Zecora nodded, glancing left and right as they approached the schoolyard. She smiled, pointing toward the front entrance, where a deluge of kids poured out of. “I think the odds are pretty fair, that I see Apple Bloom over there.”

Sure enough, the red headed girl came bouncing down the steps of the school house, a backpack on her shoulders as she ran towards the pair. “Mac, Mac, yer here!” Apple Bloom shouted joyously, jumping in her big brother’s arms.

Grunting, Big Mac lifted her up in a hug. “Dang Bloom, yer gonna break my back one of these days if ya get any bigger.”

“How lovely it is to see you, Bloom!” Zecora exclaimed. She was beaming at the child. “Had a good day, I presume?”

“You betcha, Zecora!” Bloom said. She glanced over her shoulder fearfully for a moment, but quickly looked back. “I’m really lookin’ forward to spendin’ the rest of the day with you two, so let’s get goin’, already!” She kicked her legs in excitement.

“Hey now, no need to skedaddle already,” Mac said, setting Apple Bloom on the ground and looking over the other school children running out of the schoolhouse. “Was thinkin’ of droppin’ a hello to Cheerilee and meetin’ yer other classmates while I was here.”

Zecora nodded, brushing back a bang of hair behind her ear, then crossed her hands in front of her torso. “It’d be nice to meet them, I believe. Unless there’s a reason you want us to leave.”

“Oh, I, um… have a lot of homework to finish and I really wanna get it done right away.”

Mac scowled down at Apple Bloom. “Now don’tcha be lyin’ to me, Bloom. Ya never cared fer homework before. Now spill it, what’s the deal?”

Apple Bloom glanced towards the school doors, biting at her lip. “W-well, it’s… uh…”

“Apple Bloom!” a woman’s voice called out; The trio glanced over. A woman wearing a deep purple dress suit and short skirt stood at the top of the steps, standing tall over the sea of children. She strove forward confidently on her heels, her wavy rose-and-grey striped hair bouncing with every step. She adjusted the tie she wore under the suit with one flick of her hand, then pushed her narrow-rimmed glasses up the bridge of her nose. “Don’t forget, you have detention tomorrow.”

“What the hell?” Mac blurted out, glaring at Apple Bloom. “What in tarnation did ya pull to get detention, Bloom?”

The woman crossed her arms under her sizable breasts and glanced over at the giant of a man. “She got into a fight with Diamond Tiara. And do try not to swear on school grounds, Macintosh.”

Gripping his hands hard into fists, Mac gritted his teeth. As his burst of anger faded, he nodded to the woman. “Sorry fer that, Miss Cheerilee. Won’t happen again.” Glancing back down at the fear filled Apple Bloom, he said, “Bloom, get in the truck. Yer grounded ‘til I say so, understand?”

“But she started it!” Apple Bloom whined, looking up at Mac and stomping a foot. “This ain’t fair!”

“That’s life, so ya better get used to it. Ya know troublemakin’ ain’t tolerated under my roof. I don’t care who started what, cause yer grounded regardless. Got it?”

“Ya know what? Fine!” she shouted back with a scowl, stomping towards the truck. Zecora seemed ready to call out to her, but stopped, glancing down at the ground and resting a hand on her stomach.

Cheerilee sighed, nodding towards Apple bloom. “I know you’re trying your best, Mac, but you do need to keep her a bit more in-check. You know how often she starts things with Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara.” She put a hand to her temple. “Not that she’s a bad girl, by any means. You and I know that. She’s just a bit… opinionated.” The teacher gave a small, sideways smile as she brushed off one of her leggings. “Like someone I grew up with.”

Zecora picked up on who she meant. “That seems to me like such an odd claim. Macintosh is the definition of tame,” she replied, rubbing at her overshirt’s rolled-up sleeve.

“Well, now. He used to have a bit of a fire in him, back when we were dating,” Cheerilee explained. She glanced towards the farmer.

Big Mac gulped at a suddenly dry throat. “That was a long time ago, back when we were kids. Besides, I wasn’t that bad, was I?”

“Could have been worse,” Cheerilee agreed with a shrug. “It was fun, though, back when we were both kind of crazy.”

“You had you wild seeds in the past, it’s alright to say.” Zecora smiled. “But you know what? I like you better this way.” She gave a shrug of her own. “Any towering buffon can act like a ham…” She took his arm and entwined their fingers together. “But it’s amazing finding a giant with the heart of a lamb.”

“Aw shucks, yer spoilin’ me,” Mac chuckled, giving her a supportive squeeze with his hand as he blushed slightly. Glancing back at Cheerilee, he remembered why he was there and looked back at the truck that Apple Bloom was surely in by now. “Still, just cause I was wild in my young don’t mean Bloom has to either. My past ain’t gonna excuse her actions, so her goin’ without desserts a few nights will hopefully set her straight.”

“I’m sure it will. Say hi to your granny for me. I need to start detention.” Cheerilee gave a small wave to the two and turned, walking up the steps and into the school.

Zecora nodded towards the doors. “She’s pretty, and quite supportive of you. I’m surprised you didn’t see that relationship through.”

“Things got… rocky,” Mac muttered, shrugging his wide shoulders. “Just didn’t work out. But that don’t matter, now that I got ya.”

“Say no more, I don’t mean to pry. We can let this topic die.” She walked alongside him, towards the truck. “Though what you say is true: It doesn’t matter to me, since I have you.”

“Yeah, well, now we got a pissed off Bloom in the truck. Didn’t really mean to yell at her like that back there, but usually she’s better behaved than to pull off somethin’ as asinine as this. Got any ideas why she would?”

Zecora frowned, glancing at their entwined hands. “There is one idea that leaves my stomach in knots. But we’ll ask her–perhaps I worry for naught.”

“Girl can be just like her sister sometimes. More stubborn than a mule. So don’t be surprised if she ain’t gonna answer.”

Big Mac and Zecora made their way back to the truck, Mac seating himself in the front while Zecora helped position Apple Bloom on her lap. Turning the ignition on, Mac backed out of the schoolhouse and drove down the road back home.

It was Zecora who broke the silence of the truck. She glanced out the window, bit at her lip in thought, then spoke gently to the girl. “I know talking about it will be no fun, the fight is over, your deed is done. One thing that I’d like to make clear is why you fought with that girl, my dear?”

Bloom crossed her arms and huffed under her breath. “Cause she’s annoyin’, that’s why.”

Mac glanced at Apple Bloom in the corner of his eye as the truck rocked from another pothole.“Dammit, Bloom, if I fought with everyone that annoyed me I’d have half the town in a headlock already. Now just tell us why you were so peeved with Diamond to get detention over it.”

Zecora brushed a strand of hair behind Bloom’s ear. “I promise we will not attack. Answer for me, if not Mac.”

“She… she’s just a bully, okay?” Apple Bloom ran a hand across her cheek, sniffling under her breath. “I really don’t wanna talk ‘bout it…”

The tribal said nothing, instead attempting to comfort the girl before she started crying; she stroked Apple Bloom’s hair and held her tightly against her bosom, briefly sparing a concerned glance towards Macintosh.

Mac sighed, rubbing his forehead while still keeping one hand on the wheel. “Listen, Bloom, I’m yer brother. Even if I grounded ya, you still gotta remember I love ya and only want the best. Now, if there’s really a problem with this girl, tell me and I can probably hash it out with her parents or somethin’.”

Apple Bloom frowned. She looked down at the floor of the truck and mumbled something quietly under her breath.

“What was that? Gotta speak up now, Bloom.”

“She said you were datin’ a spear-chucker!” Apple Bloom shouted, clenching her wet eyes shut and gritting her teeth. “But Zecora’s not! She’s nice!”

A tense silence befell the truck, only broken by the vehicle’s loud engines. Mac’s hand clenched the wheel in a white knuckled grip as he stared at the road with a hardened expression. “Bloom, I’m comin’ to detention with ya tomorrow. And you bring me to Diamond Tiara, understand?” he said to her.

“Mac…” Zecora trailed off, looking towards him. She swallowed, resting a palm on his flexed shoulder. “T-there’s no need for an attack. I am a tribal–it’s simple fact. Though maybe the girl has manners that slack, you don’t have to do this for a lack of tact.”

“No… no, I ain’t gonna take this bullshit lying down!” Pointing a finger at Apple Bloom, he quickly said, “Don’t tell Jack or Granny ya heard that word from me, got it?”

“O-Okay,” the child agreed, wincing a little at his obvious anger.

“Also, I changed my mind. yer not grounded. Just don’t say a peep to Granny or Jack. Don’t need those two pokin’ into unwanted business.”

“So… it was alright fightin’ with her?” the child asked, tilting her head.

“No, that was still stupid, and I’ll ground you for real if you start pickin’ battles like a brute,” Mac replied. “Fightin’ ain’t gonna solve nothin’ in a situation like that. Callin’ yer big brother to handle it is. So just remember that next time.”

“Okay, Mac.”

Zecora bit again at her lip, seeming to want to add something, but quickly brushed it away with a sigh. She leaned her head against the passenger window and stared at the moving countryside.