Chapters Apple Bloom watched the rain platter against the living room windows on the floor of her home, and for the fifteenth time sighed:
"I'm bored."
With her in the living room was the rest of her family; Applejack and Big Macintosh were notably playing a quiet round of Chess on the nearby sofa while Granny Smith was napping on her rocking chair near the fire place. Since it was a rainy day and their matriarch didn't want anybody to get sick while they worked, Granny Smith decided to make her grandchildren take the day off (despite their protests which she silenced with a stern look on her face) and relax, while Apple Bloom's bored predicament was due to her friends being sick and being unable to go and hang out with her.
The weather outside was showing no signs of change, despite the youngest Apple wishing there was - the depressing giant grey shapes that were the clouds above her home were dominating the entire mid-afternoon sky as far as her amber eyes could see. The usual orange that tinged the sky at this particular time was nowhere in sight, and judging by the steady rain it was going to stay that way for quite a while. Apple Bloom, unable to help herself, sighed again in boredom.
But this time, she caught her older brother's attention.
Big Macintosh frowned the moment he saw a settled Apple Bloom laying her head in her arms, immediately knowing her problem. A part of him wanted him to forfeit the Chess match just so he could help her now, while the other part wanted him to bide his time for the right moment to do so. He was still in the middle of a match against Applejack after all and despite having a great bond with her, he knew it was a bad idea to end it so abruptly just when things were going right for her for once - he had lost a lot of pieces to her thanks to her increase in skill and was now on the defensive.
Glancing at the younger blond across him who was currently thinking of a way to counter his latest move, and seeing no harm in it, Big Mac turned to Apple Bloom.
"Why don't you go watch TV then, 'Bloom?" He asked her, glancing back to his other sister in time to see her capture his Pawn with her Knight.
"Eenope." The redhead sluggishly shook her head. "Been there, done that, Big Mac. There's nothing good on TV right now."
The blond pursed his lips and hummed thoughtfully, mentally smirking when he realized Applejack fell for his trap. That aside, he thought of a way to rile his youngest sister to liven things up a little. "Well, there's always my books on mathematics to read from, lil' sis..."
"No way, brother!" Apple Bloom groaned audibly, rolling on her back to ineffectively glare at Mac. "All those big words they use always make my head spin! You know I don't have your insane understanding of math!"
Applejack chuckled at Apple Bloom's words, understanding her point of view. It went without saying in the family that Big Mac was a genius at math, if not a prodigy - but at his request he preferred to just keep it between themselves. "Now Apple Bloom, you know your brother was just fooling around with you. Right, Mac?"
"Eeyup, I was." Her brother nodded, smiling as he moved his Bishop to take Applejack's Knight. "And... Checkmate."
"Checkmate?!" Applejack suddenly gasped in surprise, her eyes widening as she instantly stared down at the chessboard in bewilderment. "Wait a minute, how the hay is that possible?!"
"Look at the board closer, AJ." Replied Big Macintosh with a soft laugh, gently getting off the sofa. "You'll see why."
As a flabbergasted Applejack was left alone on the sofa trying to make sense of what just happened, Big Macintosh stretched and approached his youngest sister, lowering himself to one knee on her side. Apple Bloom on the other hand blinked at her brother and curiously tilted her head at him. Big Mac just smiled in return, and without warning he slowly propped himself on the floor. Now the two siblings were lying side-by-side together, albeit uncomfortably in Mac's case.
Nevertheless, Big Mac said to his sister casually: "Hey."
"Hey." Apple Bloom replied casually as well, rolling to lie on her side to better look at her brother.
It was Mac's turn to tilt his head at his sister. "What's going on?" He asked her nonchalantly.
"Not much." The redhead shrugged slowly. "You?"
"Same here." Big Mac mirrored his sister's shrug. "Bored?"
"Eeyup." Apple Bloom nodded. Then a look of comprehension dawns on her face. "You too, huh?"
"Eeyup." Big Mac said with a disarming smirk. "So..."
"Yeeaah..." Apple Bloom idly replied, scratching the back of her head.
Silence passed. Then they both laughed.
Big Mac was the first to stop, but he kept his smirk. "You know Apple Bloom, it's not that bad having nothing to do."
"But it's boring!" She pouted.
"I know it is."
"So?"
"Ahem."
The siblings looked up to see an annoyed Applejack glaring down at Mac.
"I want a rematch." She simply said.
"Eenope." Big Macintosh shook his head. "I've reached my limit playing Chess for today, AJ, and now I just want to lie down with Apple Bloom and get some rest for tomorrow's workload."
His sister's left eye twitched. "... Fine. We'll play after we finish work tomorrow then, Big Mac."
"Sounds good to me." Big Mac watched his sister turn to go, but then had an idea. "Say sis, why don't you come and join us?"
"Eh?" Applejack whirled around, momentarily confused. "You mean lie on the floor with you two?"
Apple Bloom pursed her lips in thought as she snuggled to Mac. "Why not?"
"M'kay then. I don't see a reason why I shouldn't. But hold up, I'll go get us some pillows and a blanket to make the floor more comfortable."
Later all the three Apple siblings were now on the floor, with Big Mac's little sisters snuggling to him on both his sides for more warmth and comfort even though they had their pillows and shared blanket. Apple Bloom had rested her head on her older brother's chest and found his heart's pleasant rhythmic beating enjoyable to listen to, while Applejack was just content lying there with her brother's big arm wrapped protectively around her. Big Macintosh, loving being snuggled to by his sisters, just had a big smile on his face.
"You know, it's been a while since we've done something like this together, Apple Bloom. Aren't I right, Big Mac?"
"Eeyup. It sure has been a long time, AJ. Too long."
Apple Bloom didn't say anything, but a quick check by Big Mac confirmed that she just feel asleep.
"Aww... She's such a sweet little thing. She already fell asleep."
"Hehe. Cute, isn't she? Ma and Pa would've been proud of the little girl she's grown into."
"Yeah... Goodnight, Mac."
"Goodnight, lil' sis."
And with that, Applejack followed in her little sister's footsteps and shortly fell asleep. With his two little sisters' heads on his chest, again Big Mac couldn't help but smile.
"Sweet dreams, the two of you."
Soon, he too fell asleep.
But unbeknownst to the sleeping siblings, their grandmother was awake the entire time, and in her hands was a camera. It wasn't a modern one, but she had used it so many times that she minded and cared if it was. She glanced down at it, bittersweet yet old memories resurfacing. Regardless, a soft, happy and teeth-less smile graced her lips in remembrance.
She looked back up, the look in her eyes content, and took a silent, deep breath.
Click.
Unfinished, Untitled Drabble #1
"I'm beat."
It was a sentiment that was shared amongst Apple Bloom's female classmates just right after their PE class in the girl's locker room. Even the normally uptight Diamond Tiara couldn't help but mentally agree with the youngest Apple, who tiredly wiped her sweat off her brow as she stretched her arms. Scootaloo groaned in exhaustion as she put her usual clothes back on while Sweetie Belle seemed unaffected by what they just did earlier. She raised a few eyebrows amongst the more tired girls in her class but nobody bothered to comment on it. That is, until Apple Bloom did.
She tilted her head in curiosity at her friend. "Say Sweetie, how come you aren't so tired?"
"A lady has her secrets." Sweetie Belle replied with a wry smile.
Scootaloo sighed exasperatedly on her bench. "Oh, not that again."
Someone else in their class was about to remark, but then Miss Cheerilee in gym clothing entered their locker room.
"Girls, I'm afraid I have some bad news." She began without preamble in a solemn tone. "Everyone's going home early."
A collective of "Oh's?", "Yay's!", and "Huh's?!" flooded the room.
The Crusaders shared a look, then Apple Bloom took a step forward. "Uhm... why, Miss Cheerilee?"
Cheerilee shrugged. "Apparently, the weather team decided to let it hail today, and soon. I don't know why, though."
The Crusaders looked at each other again, but they felt that something was wrong... off. But whatever; they were able to go go home or go crusading earlier than usual, and for that they ignored their gut feeling and welcomed the benefits today's freak weather provided them. Their looks of doubt and suspicion were quickly replaced by looks of eagerness.
"Yes!" Scootaloo fist pumped, but Cheerilee sighed, signalling that she still had more to say.
"But there's a catch..."
Everyone groaned.
"Everyone's going to be picked up by their parents."
Wait a minute. That wasn't too bad.
"That's it?" A confused Scootaloo asked.
"That's it." Cheerilee nodded with a smile. "Now, everyone go get your stuff and wait for your parents!"
+
It wasn't long until Apple Bloom spotted her family's all too familiar red truck park across the street to her school. It's driver was none other than Big Macintosh, who waved at her and her friends as soon as he got out and caught sight of them. The Crusaders waved back at the man who easily stood out of the crowd of parents and guardians coming to get their children. They ran to him, skillfully avoiding bumping into others and soon found themselves in front of Apple Bloom's older brother.
"Hey girls." He greeted them as Apple Bloom ran up and hugged his leg.
"Hey Big Mac." They all chorused cheerily at once.
Big Macintosh nodded and led them to the truck at his own pace. People who saw him coming wisely made way for them lest they wanted to walk into a man who was sure to land you flat on your ass if you didn't expect to bump into him - all those years spent working on his family's farm had given him a pretty powerful build, and obviously it wasn't just for show.
"So, it looks like y'all got a lucky break today." Said Mac casually as he opened the other door for the girls to climb into the passenger seat, then paused as he thoughtfully put a finger to his chin. "Hmm... It reminds me of that time when it snowed in the middle of July and I couldn't get any work done."
"Oh yeah!" Sweetie Belle grinned. "I remember throwing a snowball at Rarity's face that day. She got really mad at me!"
"Oh, didn't we go out crusading on that day too?" Scootaloo wondered aloud as she made space for Sweetie Belle.
"Yeah, but we ended up joining the massive snowball fight that everyone else in Ponyville fought in anyways." Apple Bloom chuckled. "Oh man, that was so fun. Snowballs, snowballs everywhere!"
"Eeyup." Big Mac agreed, climbing into his seat and checking the configurations. "Now y'all got your seat belts on, girls?"
"Hold on a second, Big Mac." Sweetie Belle said as she fidgeted with her belt. "Ah! There we go!"
"Alright, let's get going then." Big Mac nodded, eagerly revving up the truck and feeling it kick to life.
+
It wasn't too long until they reached the Apple household and they were just short of being in the nick of time. The clouds started pouring hail the size of rocks that could fit one of the girls' palms perfectly, but despite that the countless apple trees that dotted the land around the Apple family's home were safe from harm thanks to one of Twilight's spells that Applejack had asked her to cast over the farm earlier. When they got out of the truck Big Macintosh quickly ushered them in but not before getting pelted by a few hailstones. He was okay though. They only stung him, and the feeling didn't last long.
"Make yourselves at home, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle." The man said as he entered last, dusting off a stray hailstone that melted on his shoulder onto the floor mat behind him. "After all, everyone in my family considers you two a part of us."
"Okay!" The two girls grinned and then they began to relax.
Apple Bloom looked thoughtful as the others moved on. It was only until Scootaloo sat down on the sofa did she notice her friend looking lost in her thoughts. Sweetie Belle noticed too, while Big Mac poked his head in the fridge for anything good for them to devour - Granny Smith was out of town meeting up with some friends and therefore couldn't cook or bake them something hot, and Applejack was... well, Big Mac didn't know where she was, but he knew deep in his heart that she was just hanging out with her friends in town or was probably arguing with either Rarity or Rainbow Dash again somewhere.
He found a somehow uneaten and untouched apple pie, and deeming it was perfect for the occasion, took it out at the same time Scootaloo asked his little sister: "Apple Bloom? What's on your mind?"
The redhead hummed a bit. "I was just thinking about what Miss Cheerilee said to us before we left school."
"Oh?" Sweetie Belle raised an eyebrow as the sounds of Apple Bloom's brother turning on the oven was faintly heard from the kitchen. "What about it?"
"She said that our parents would pick us up from school, but..." Apple Bloom began, but then looked considerably thoughtful again as she scratched the back of her head. "Uh, how do I put this..."
Soon enough the redhead sighed. "You know what, nevermind."
Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle shared a glance. Then they both stared at Apple Bloom.
"What?" She asked them.
"Nothing." They said at the same time while keeping their gaze on her.
Inwardly Apple Bloom was getting a bit creeped out, but outwardly she was getting suspicious. "What's gotten to you two?"
"You can mull over that after you've ate, lil' sis." Said a voice from the kitchen door.
It was Big Macintosh. He was carrying the freshly heated apple pie using Granny Smith's cooking mittens, and it's smell was increasing becoming even more heavenly and mouth-watering as he approached the table and set it down. "Pie's ready! Everybody grab a plate and dig in while it's hot."
"That was awfully quick." Apple Bloom muttered in slight disbelief as she slowly went close to the dining table.
"Yum!" The two other girls said at the same time again as they became blurs and within a span of a few seconds completely prepared the table and sat in their seats. Big Macintosh was even momentarily taken aback at the inhuman speed, but just as quickly didn't mind it as he too took his seat and set aside the cooking mittens and then grabbed his knife and fork, with Apple Bloom quickly getting to her seat a few seconds later.
"Say grace." Big Mac said solemnly, and then the four of them began to pray.
+
After a while of joyous pie devouring, Big Macintosh volunteered to wash the dishes while the girls watched a cartoon called 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' on the TV. From what the man understood, it was about a group of six mares - one of which uncannily resembled his sister - doing typical adventure stuff in and out of a town which was coincidentally named Ponyville as well. Inwardly he wondered if the show actually parodied the actual town's people and their lives, but when he finally finished drying the plates and cutlery, he banished the thought and then grabbed a stein of cider for himself as he sat down with the girls. From an outside point of view, it would seem silly that a grown man was watching a cartoon for girls with girls, but he didn't care about that. So as long as everyone around him was happy, he wouldn't give a damn.
Eventually, the show ended but the girls were left craving for more, so Big Mac tuned in the next episode for them.
"I really liked that part when Patty popped out of that barrel all of a sudden!" Scootaloo giggled as the man returned to his seat.
"Me too!" Exclaimed Sweetie Belle with a stifled laugh.
Apple Bloom just smiled and grabbed her older brother's free hand close. "All in all, another good episode."
"Eeyup." Nodded Big Macintosh with a smile that equaled Apple Bloom's.
+
It was getting late, but the hail wasn't letting off.
Big Macintosh was beginning to pace while the girls were continuing watching the show. He occasionally glanced at the clock and worriedly thought about Granny Smith and Applejack. Whatever it was with the weather today, it didn't feel right. Did the weather team do something wrong, or did whatever they did to create the hailstorm now raging outside become too much for them to handle? The red-shirted man looked over to the phone. He mentally debated on calling the Mayor so she could answer some of his concerns.
But then the power suddenly went off as a great boom followed by a streak of lightning reverberated in the sky.
The three girls screamed as the darkness enveloped them all.
+
Big Macintosh turned on his flashlight to see the three girls huddled close to each other under the kitchen table. He let relief wash over him before he handed each of them old but still effective flashlights appropriate for them. The girls looked puzzled for a second before it dawned on them what Big Mac was going to do.
"Big Mac! Are you really going to do what I think you're going to do?!" Apple Bloom screeched at her brother, her amber eyes showing extreme worry and panic while Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo exchanged scared glances.
"Eeyup." Big Mac nodded grimly. "I've got to check around the farm for any damage. And I need to check on the animals."
"Can't you do that after the storm's gone away?!" Asked Scootaloo incredulously. "I mean, it's dangerous outside!"
"Eenope." He shook his head. "Believe it or not, apples and cider aren't only things that are keeping my family afloat financially, Scootaloo. We need those animals to be okay. If they're not..."
Big Mac shuddered for a bit, but then focused. "Don't worry, y'all. I'll be careful."
Sweet Apple Acres was silent save for the rows of apple trees rustling in the breeze of the wind. Normally, that silence would be punctured by the occasional apple tree or two being kicked by the people who owned and lived in the place, but apparently Big Macintosh and Applejack were nowhere to be seen. If one was to go around looking for them, they'd eventually find them not in a barn, but in their house - for today was a rather special day for them.
Well, not exactly them, but for Apple Bloom.
"Do I really have to play the piano?"
"'Course, lil' sis. It's family tradition."
The camera's lens were blurry as Applejack tried to wipe it clean with a cloth. Meanwhile Apple Bloom sulked at Big Macintosh while the latter patiently coaxed her to get her to learn to play the piano. While the man thought there was nothing wrong with teaching her, his little sister thought otherwise. Applejack, throughout the little argument her siblings were having, was still trying to clean the lens so she could start taping Apple Bloom, muttering under her breath something along the lines of 'Consarned piece of glass, why the hay won't you get clean already?'.
"Hey Applejack? You started recording yet?"
"Not yet, Mac. The damned dirt on the camera lens just won't give!"
Little did Applejack know the camera had already started recording a long time ago.
In the same room Granny Smith kept to herself, listening to her grandchildren from her rocking chair and idly scratching behind Winona's ears who sat beside her. It was days like these that she loved; her family was fine, despite their bickering about the piano and some-such. It helped to know that they were hanging out together, like in the days when Apple Bloom was still a baby and her older siblings were doting on her, caring for her.
"Here, hand it over to me, sis. Let's see if I can't do something about it."
"Does this mean I can play it tomorrow?"
"No."
Apple Bloom sulked again from both her siblings' refusal, this time pouting and crossing her arms with a 'hmph', looking away from the camera. From the camera screen, she looked lovably cute. If Big Macintosh noticed, then he didn't give any outward indication that he did. Anyways, he always loved it when Apple Bloom got all sulky. It was kind of like a guilty pleasure, considering the fact that his sister's days as a little girl was numbered. Finally the stubborn patch of dirt on the lens was finally gone, and the man passed it to his waiting sister Applejack.
"Thanks, brother."
"Y'all ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be, Mac. How about you, Apple Bloom?"
"Give me a moment, Applejack. I'm trying to remember the basics..."
"Want me to show you again, lil' sis?"
Granny Smith's rocking chair continued to... well, rock as she heard her grandchildren - mostly Mac - teach Apple Bloom the basics one more time. She felt herself drift to sleep, but at the same time she tried to remain awake. She didn't put too much effort into keeping awake; it was just that she was waiting for the moment Apple Bloom was going to play her first full basic piece. The old Apple matriarch knew the instant she heard her youngest granddaughter play it she was going to fall asleep in peace.
A few notes played from the piano as Apple Bloom tentatively practiced, following Mac's example.
"Did I do that right, Big Mac?"
"Eeyup, you did. Keep it up, 'Bloom."
More notes played from the piano.
"How about that?"
"Not bad, Apple Bloom. Well hey, you're actually learning this faster than your older brother did."
"Really?"
"Eeyup, Applejack's right. Now keep it at it, Apple Bloom. You're doing good."
Even more notes played from the piano.
"Big Mac, Applejack? I think I'm already now."
"Well, by all means, go right on ahead 'Bloom."
Apple Bloom played her first piece after taking a deep, calming breath.
And by the Princesses, was it beautiful.
Apple Bloom was snug and sleepy under her bed sheets, holding a stuffed toy close to her as Applejack shut the story book.
"... And they lived happily ever after."
"Thanks for telling me a story, AJ."
"You're welcome, Apple Bloom. Now, good night sis."
"Good night, Applejack."
Her older sister smiled, then bent down to give her a kiss on the forehead before leaving the story book on Apple Bloom's bedside table, standing up to stretch and silently yawn. The redhead in the bed in the meantime made herself even more comfy and slowly drifted off to sleep. Meanwhile Big Macintosh was leaning against the door frame, evidently waiting for Applejack. Once she was by his side, he took his cue to turn off the lights and bade his youngest sister 'Good night, Apple Bloom. Sweet dreams.'.
Big Macintosh gently closed the door and they silently tiptoed away. Soon they were at their doors to their own rooms.
"Well, I guess that's it for tonight. Good night, Mac." Applejack said, taking off her hat and sighing in relief.
"Eeyup. Good night, AJ." Came Big Macintosh's reply as he turned to his room.
But then a thought crossed Applejack's mind. She began to fidget on the spot in slight embarrassment.
"Um... Big Mac?" She called out to him meekly.
The man spun on the spot. "Eeyup?"
Applejack looked away, while mumbling something. Her brother didn't catch it but saw that her face turned red.
"Say again, Applejack?" He asked her in concern.
"I said..." She breathed, turning to look at him. "... Can you read me a bedtime story? For old times' sake?"
Silence.
"Big Mac?"
The man's surprised look on his face burst into a grin.
"Sure, why not?"
And so Applejack was told a story which sent her to an easy sleep.
It was night time at Sweet Apple Acres, and there was a storm raging outside.
The said storm had kept Apple Bloom awake because of the noise and the occasional flash of lightning, and by the time she decided she'd do something about it after turning countless times in her bed, it was already midnight and no doubt everyone else had fallen asleep, especially Granny Smith. Except for Big Macintosh, though. Maybe. He stayed up late more frequently doing the business ledgers these days and Apple Bloom wanted to know if he was still up and about downstairs so he could help her get to sleep - he always had ways to put her at ease.
She was lucky she had him for a big brother.
So she left her room and looked down the stairs. But she only saw darkness, and for this she frowned.
"Darn." She said.
A flash of lightning caught her off guard, causing her to nearly jump as the accompanying boom echoed throughout the night sky. An instinctive glance over her shoulder towards a rain-splattered window close to her brother's door to his room followed. Then her fright was forgotten as her mind latched on to an idea involving her gentle giant of a brother.
"Hmm." Apple Bloom scratched her chin. "Maybe I could ask Big Mac if I could sleep with him tonight."
The little Apple walked up to his door and quietly opened it. She peered into the darkness, and her amber eyes could barely trace the vague form of Big Macintosh lying on his bed, obviously asleep and snoring a bit. Now here came the hard part; waking him up. Or not. She wasn't sure, really - Big Macintosh had the habit of waking up at the crack of dawn, sometimes even earlier than that. Apple Bloom crept up to her sleeping brother and began to nudge his arm gently as she could.
"Big Mac?"
His eyes immediately shot open, and a few seconds of blinking later they focused on her, concern apparent in them.
"Apple Bloom?" He murmured. "Why are you in my room? Is something the matter?"
Apple Bloom shrugged and nodded. "I can't sleep, Big Mac."
"Oh, okay." The blond man sat up straight, then made some space on his bed for her, patting the area he recently vacated.
"Climb in." He said to her, one hand holding his bed sheets up and open.
Apple Bloom smiled, did what she was told to do and then laid her head on the pillow she and Big Mac now shared.
"Better?" He asked as he felt Apple Bloom take hold of his hand.
The redhead giggled softly, inching closer to her brother. "Eeyup. Thanks Big Mac."
Big Macintosh chuckled in turn. "Well then... Sweet dreams, lil' sis."
The two Apples then promptly went to sleep.
+
The morning after, Applejack went into a panic when she woke up and discovered that Apple Bloom wasn't in her room. She was about to burst into her older brother's room when she noticed it was slightly open, and to her sudden curiosity she couldn't help but peek through the slight opening of his door. And lo, there was the 'missing' Apple Bloom, sleeping right next to Big Macintosh who, overnight, had put a protective arm over her. It was a very cute sight - indeed, it actually made Applejack grin ear to ear as she silently backed away.
"D'aawwww..." She could only whisper. "Now, where the hay did Mac put that camera?!"
"Big Mac?"
"Eeyup?"
"Can you give me a hug?"
Wordlessly Big Mac stopped whatever he was doing, kneeled down on one knee, then hugged Apple Bloom.
"Thanks, Mac. I feel better already."
"Anytime, Apple Bloom."
Big Mac let go of her, stood up straight, and affectionately ruffled his sister's hair. He turned to get back to work but was stopped.
"Big Mac?"
"Eeyup?"
"I'm happy that I have you as an older brother. I mean it."
"Aw shucks 'Bloom, that means a lot to me."
Apple Bloom smiled at her brother before she hugged him this time. Big Macintosh on the other hand hugged her back.
The Apple family were having a fun time in town.
It was Nightmare Night, and as per tradition, they wore costumes and mingled with the rest of the townspeople, generally enjoying themselves. But this year's festivities was different for them, for this time they had caught the attention of half the town because of what they wore. With a lot of help from Rarity, Big Macintosh, Applejack, and Apple Bloom now looked like royalty; a King, a Queen, and a Princess respectively. One could say that Rarity went overboard with her designs, but they couldn't blame her for it: for the costumes she made for them - which were free of charge, by the way - perfectly fitted them down to even the smallest of details.
Over the course of the night as they went about to wherever they wanted to go together having a good time and such, awestruck looks and not so awestruck looks (if you know what I mean) followed them. By the time Big Macintosh and Applejack carried a bucket full of candy each for their little sister and received an indeterminate amount of times being oogled at, an innocently unaware and happily skipping Apple Bloom merrily hummed to herself, before suddenly proclaiming 'Best Nightmare Night ever!'.
Her older siblings laughed heartily. They couldn't agree more.
Unfinished, Untitled Drabble #2
It was late at night when Big Macintosh finally stopped the truck in front of the house, and powered the engine off as quietly as he could. Beside him on the passenger seat were a snoring Applejack and Apple Bloom; having been exhausted from tonight's festivities, they couldn't help but succumb to sleep despite their earlier protests that they didn't need some rest. Time spent in peaceful silence as they drove home proved them wrong, however.
Their brother slowly opened his door and went to their side of the truck. He carefully extracted Apple Bloom from her sister's hug and carried her in his arms as he entered their home, past Granny Smith who nodded at him appreciatively as she opened the door for him. The man eventually found himself in his little sister's room, and, after shortly taking off her shoes and her ribbon as gently he could manage after laying on her on her bed, tucked her in for the night with a kiss on her forehead.
"Good night, Apple Bloom."
Switching the lights off and closing the door, he went down the stairs to fetch Applejack. When he came back to the truck, he found that Applejack had dropped her hat - which was now held in the mouth of her dog Winona who was excitedly wagging her tail at her master's brother. Big Mac bent down and scratched the top of the diligent dog's head, before scooping up Applejack in his arms and taking her to her room. Likewise with what he did to Apple Bloom, he took his sister's hat from Winona's mouth and set it on her bedside table, following it up with taking off her shoes and tucking her in. Then he kissed her on her forehead while Winona climbed onto her master's bed and curled into a ball to sleep.
"Good night, Applejack."
As he shut the door silently and turned the lights off, he finally let his exhaustion wash over him and stifled a yawn. He suppressed the urge to go straight to bed after a hard day's work and an enjoyable night; he still had a business ledger to take care of. Big Macintosh sighed, slowly tiptoeing down the stairs to stop himself from making too much noise. He knew it was going to be one of those nights again, and he knew he was going to wake up sluggish by tomorrow morning.
But it was going to be worth it, that much he was sure. The things he'd do to keep his family happy...
"Applejack? What are you doing out here so late?"
"Oh hey, Big Mac. I'm just... stargazing."
Big Macintosh stopped short of the shade of the apple tree Applejack sat under, the shadow of worry haunting the look on his face as he frowned at his sister. Applejack looked... depressed and unresponsive to say the least for one reason or another, and even as he approached she didn't turn her eyes away from the blinking and twinkling stars in the night sky above, those beacons of light that stayed ever immutable and always shone down to the world below them.
"I miss them, Mac. I miss them so much."
The blond man knew was she was talking about. If one was watching them with eagle eyes from afar, they would still notice that Big Macintosh looked pained at the mention of his family's missing parents by his sister. He looked down at her, but said nothing. He knew what she was feeling; what she was thinking. What could've been; What couldn't have been. He had given it considerable thought himself - and occasionally he still did like his sister was doing right now.
"Me too, AJ. I miss them too."
It hurt, losing your parents to forces beyond your control, as Big Macintosh learned first hand, Applejack second. There were even days when he wished he was the one gone instead of them. He shook his head and moved to sit beside Applejack, who still stared at the sky, looking for any sign of that unforgettable pair of shooting stars. But there wasn't any. Not a single one. She closed her eyes and rested her head on her brother's shoulder, sighing morosely.
"Come on now, Applejack. Let's head home."
"Yeah..."