Walks, Dances, and Suspicions
That should do it. She stepped back and gave the fence a couple kicks, nodding in satisfaction when it didn't budge. Wish those Cutie Mark Crusaders weren't so accident-prone. Putting these posts in really ate a chuck out of the day. She picked up her tools and put them back in the shed. Taking off her stetson, she wiped the sweat off her forehead.
"Good job on that fence there, Sugarplum." Applejack said as she walked by. "Why don't ya head in? Day's about done, and supper'll be ready soon."
"Thanks. I'll be there in a minute, AJ." Sugarplum looked over at her handiwork, enjoying the bit of pride that came. Kinda funny how the most physically demanding job I've ever had is also the most satisfying. She looked down at her strong arms and legs, and complete lack of a muffin-top above her jeans. Really got me in shape, too.
She headed for the house, thinking about how kind the Apples had been to her ever since she literally dropped into Ponyville. They'd given her a place to stay, food, and a job. Even though Twilight offered me some money for answering her questions about humans every week. AJ at least understood I wasn't looking for that much charity. She might not have been able to buck trees like a pony, but she gathered the stray apples, mended things, and helped out wherever a pair of hands would be, well, handy.
Ain't a bad life, really.
Sugarplum took another bite out of her carrot, chewing it thoroughly to chase the taste of apple out her mouth. The food was good, but eating all those apple dishes was a bit monotonous. Sugarplum never said anything, though; it would have been rude and ungrateful.
She noticed Applejack glancing her way, and knew she was about to say something. "Ya know, we're having a little dance on the farm this weekend. Just a little thing where we invite some townsfolk to come and unwind. Ya-"
"Yeah, you should go!" Apple Bloom blurted. "I'm sure some stallion will wanna dance with ya!"
"Apple Bloom!"
Sugarplum looked at Big Mac out the corner of her eye. He seemed to be focused on eating his apple pie, but she could tell he was listening. You got your ear cocked towards us, Mac. Gives you away every time.
"She likes that idea. See, she's smiling."
I am? She shrugged. "Sure, I'll be there."
Applejack smiled. "Good. Wouldn't hurt ya to mingle a bit with the locals. Make some more friends."
"You going to be there, Mac?" Sugarplum asked, quickly turning to him. His head bolted up like he'd heard a gunshot.
"Eeyup." This time, she knew she was grinning. Messing with him is so fun.
Once supper was over and the dishes were washed, Big Mac walked over to the human. "Walk ya home, Sugarplum?" he asked, like he did almost every day.
She nodded. "I'll get my hat." Ha. Even the ponies who know my real name call me Sugarplum now. She recalled the playful argument she'd had with Applejack that got her that name. She'd poked fun at AJ for always calling friends "sugar cube", so the mare retaliated by calling her Sugarplum. They happened to be in town selling apples that day, and the nearby ponies assumed that was her name. I guess its kind of a cute name. Much better than them just calling me "the human".
As she and Mac stepped outside, Applejack appeared in the doorway. "Hey, uh, Apple Bloom didn't mean nuthin' by that comment earlier."
"That's alright, AJ." Sugarplum answered, looking back. "Honestly, I sort of have been thinking about my situation here. I mean, not like there's any human men around for me to... dance with."
"Well if that's the case, I'm know you'll be able to find at least one stallion to dance with ya. Goodnight!" Applejack waved and went back in.
Sugarplum paused. She thought she saw a sly look in Applejack's eyes. Does she actually know a stallion who likes me? She would've liked to sit the mare down and thoroughly interrogate her, but she needed to get home and rest.
The two of them walked in silence, which was rather normal for their walks. After she had saved up enough bits to get a place of her own, he had offered to walk her home most nights. Ponyville didn't have much in the way of crime, but one never knew when some evil banished a thousand years ago would return and cause trouble. At first, Sugarplum had tried to draw him into conversation, but was stymied by his quiet demeanor. The next few walks home were awkwardly quiet, but after that she became comfortable with Mac's quiet presence. He seemed to relax as well, and actually started to say more than "eenope" and "eeyup" to her. Eventually, they reached a balance, where they simply enjoyed each others company, and spoke only when they actually had something to talk about.
She noticed Mac glancing at her every now and then. Is it that obvious I have a lot on my mind? Well, Apple Bloom might've been blunt about it, but let's face it: its either get to know a pony, or live like a nun the rest of my life. She toyed with one of her brown braids as she pondered. That wouldn't be so bad, would it? Ponies are decent types, mostly. At least here in Ponyville. Heh, guess I'll find out if it really is what's inside that counts. And they don't seem to have any sort of taboo about... xenophilia.
She looked towards the library, barely able to see its leaves over the rooftops. She thought she remembered Twilight mention that she knew of a non-pony having feelings for a pony, and that she didn't seem to find it objectionable.
Sugarplum looked at Big Mac, observing how he smiled as he quietly walked in the evening sun. "Hey Big Mac, you think your sister is right? Think a stallion would want to... you know, dance with me?"
"Eeyup!" His reply had a note of certitude in it, but he wasn't able to look her in the eye. She pursed her lips, puzzled by the mismatched signals.
"Do you and your sister know something I don't?"
"Eenope!" Big Mac answered quickly, keeping his eyes straight ahead.
"Mmmhmm." She pondered trying to drag it out of him, but decided she didn't want to make him suffer. Applejack, on the other hand... No fair keeping a tidbit like that from a good friend, sugar cube. She grinned.
Sugarplum kept an eye on Big Mac. She imagined she could hear him praying to himself that she'd drop the subject. So bad at hiding things. Its almost... cute. She kept studying his face. You know, the outside isn't bad either, on ponies. She looked at his freckles, his loose, brown mane, his cropped tail, his big frame. They can be kind of attractive, once you get used to them. Their eyes are so big and bright. She noted the green color in those of her companion. I bet he gets plenty of attention. Like a handsome farm-boy. Or farm-colt, I guess.
Mac looked her way. "Sugarplum?"
"Huh?"
"We're at your house."
She blinked. Her cozy little home was right in front of them. Ha! I didn't even notice we'd stopped. "Sorry about that, Big Mac. I was a million miles away." She laughed and tousled his mane. "Thanks for walking me. See ya tomorrow!"
"Eeyup!"
"Hey Sugarplum, ya made it!" Applejack waved at her human friend.
"Glad to be here, AJ." Sugarplum waved back, looking around. There was a large area cleared for dancing, and a few tables with drinks and snacks. A couple of musicians were warming up off to the side. She spotted Twilight and her friend Pinkie Pie among those arriving and gave them a wave before turning back to Applejack. "I was going to ask if you needed any help setting up, but we just haven't had any time to talk these past few day." She gave Applejack a smirk.
"Uh, yeah." The earth pony smiled nervously. "Busy, busy. You go ahead and mingle, I'm going to check on the snacks."
Sugarplum watched her go, crossing her arms, smirk still on her face. Still trying to avoid my interrogation. She rolled her braid between her fingers, thinking about how Applejack had been acting fishy lately. Bic Mac, too: she'd often noticed him looking at her. Even Apple Bloom had a sly look to her at times. I know they're going to set me up with someone, er, somepony, at this dance. Its just too obvious. I wonder who.
Sugarplum took Applejack's advice and went around talking to the ponies. Most of them were at least familiar to her from market days and downtime spent in Ponyville. As she chatted up her neighbors, she kept an eye out for anyone watching her. None of the stallions, however, seemed to be paying her any extra attention.
"Hi Sugarplum! This is for you!" Sugarplum jumped as Pinkie Pie somehow suddenly appeared beside her. She took the object Pinkie offered and examined it.
It was a little toy ship.
"I hope it'll be a good ship!" Pinkie said, with a wide smile.
"Um, thanks Pinkie. I'm sure it'll be fine." She smiled back and pocketed the toy.
Suddenly, the violin and banjo players started up a lively tune. "Alright y'all, let's get this dance going and get them hooves moving!" Applejack yelled. The ponies cheered as she got up on a crate and started calling the ponies to partner up for a square dance.
Sugarplum held back at first, just watching from the sidelines. She hadn't square danced since elementary school, and she was feeling reluctant to go out and maybe stumble into someone. She felt a nudge on her arm and saw Big Mac beside her. He opened his mouth to speak, but faltered, and finally waved a hoof at the dancing area with a questioning look.
I'd be more comfortable dancing with him than anyone else, honestly. She smiled and nodded, joining the dance with Big Mac. She was a bit clumsy at first, but having Big Mac with her kept from her worrying about it, and she quickly adjusted. Soon, she even forgot about the Apples setting her up or finding a stallion interested in her, and simply enjoyed the music and dancing.
As she danced with Big Mac, she noticed his wide smile. I can't remember the last time he smiled like that. You'd think this was the best dance he's ever been to! His pure, simple joy was infectious, and she let its glow spread and add to her own enjoyment.
"Bow to your partner, and that's all!" Applejack called at last. "Aright y'all, that was some mighty fine dancing. I'm going to have me a cider, and y'all can catch your breath for the next one!" The ponies cheered as Applejack hopped off the crate. The band switched over to a more relaxed tune, and some of the ponies started slow dancing.
"Whew! Think I need a cider myself after that!" Sugarplum said. Big Mac followed her over to the drinks, and they soon each had a mug in hand.
"You weren't too shabby out there, Sugarplum." Applejack said, approaching the both of them. "Especially for only having two legs."
Sugarplum grinned. "Thanks AJ." She drained her mug and put it with the empties. "Think I need to sit down a bit. All the noise is getting to me."
"Yeah? Big Mac here knows a nice quiet spot."
"Ah do?"
Applejack kicked him with her hind leg and waved her head towards some hay bales.
"Ah do! Over here." He started heading towards the bales. Sugarplum waved to Applejack and followed. Wait, is this the set-up? She tugged on a braid and shook her head. I'm being too suspicious. The Apples have been nothing but good to me. They wouldn't do anything to make me embarrassed. And even if they are up to something, I trust them.
Big Mac took a seat behind the bales, and patted the spot next to him, which Sugarplum took. The sounds of the cheerful ponies behind them were muffled to a low hum. She looked up at the sky, still lost in thought. Come to think of it, I'm getting a bit too hung up on the idea of meeting someone. I should just get to know some ponies and see what happens. Look at me, worrying so much. Twilight is being a bad influence on me. Good thing Mac got me to have some fun so I could clear my head.
She was pulled from her thoughts as she felt Big Mac's forelimb gently wrap around her and pull her close. "I, ah, thought ya looked cold."
Sugarplum didn't feel cold at all, but it was comfortable, so she gave him a smile in gratitude. Leaning against him, she could feel some tension in his big frame. Huh. He's usually so calm... She looked up at his face.
He was looking right at her. Her thoughts trailed off into nothing as they looked each other in the eye. His head slowly leaned towards hers. She closed her eyes and parted her lips.
When their lips met, she felt like she was floating in warm water. She put her arm around his back and-
"Finally!" They both turned their heads to see Apple Bloom peeking around a large cart. Applejack's head was above hers.
"Uhhh..." Applejack chuckled nervously and adjusted her hat. "Apple Bloom, you shouldn't... be, uhh... Excuse us!" She wrapped a leg around her sister and hustled her off, hat pulled low to avoid the gazes of her brother and co-worker.
Sugarplum turned back to Mac. Its all making sense, now. It was a set-up, just not the kind I thought. "You kissed me."
"Eeyup."
"I didn't know you liked me like that." Her mind flashed back to his nervousness and the times she caught him watching her. But I should've guessed.
"Eeyup. Figured you like me, too."
"Well..." Well? Don't I trust him, and feel comfortable with him? Don't I like to spend time with him, like on our walks? Don't I sorta think he's... kinda... strangely... handsome? "Yeah. Yeah, I do."
Big Mac said nothing, letting his wide, easy smile speak for him. The sound behind them picked up as Applejack got ready to call another dance. Big Mac glanced towards that direction. "Wanna head back?"
Sugarplum took her hat off. "Can we... finish that kiss first?"
"Eeyup!"
END
