Mutual Attractions

Chapter 4

Soarin was woken up when the sun sent its rays through the window and across his closed eyes. He groaned, and flipped his pillow onto his head. He lay there, under the soft sheets, trying desperately to fall back asleep. Eventually, this proved to be completely futile. He sighed, and flung the pillow off his face and onto the ground. Tossing the sheets back, he sat up and yawned widely. He stepped down off the hotel bed, grunting as he hit the ground a bit harder than he’d been prepared too.

He walked to the bathroom, and flipped the light switch. The lights took a moment to respond, then they flickered on. He turned on the shower, and stepped under the water. Once he’d showered and brushed his teeth, he proceeded to the hotel’s cafeteria. Spitfire was already there, looking a bit better rested than he felt at the moment. He grabbed some food, then joined her at the table. she smiled at him, and he nodded back.

“How’d you sleep?” she asked. “You look better.”

“I guess.” he said. “But I’m still a bit tired.”

“I see. Feel up to a little practice?”

“I guess. Can we take it easy, though? I want to have some energy left over for the show.”

“Sure.” she grinned slightly. “But not too easy.”

He sighed. “Of course not.”

They went back to the gorge where they’d been practicing, somehow managing to get there without being caught by reporters or camera ponies. They started with some simple maneuvers, but Spitfire continually ramped up the difficulty of their flight patterns. She did keep her word though, and they didn’t do anything more strenuous than they could stand.

When they’d finished, they proceeded back to the hotel. Once they’d eaten lunch, they had another set of interviews to sit through. It was just as exhausting as the one they’d attended the previous day. This time though, he was better rested, which made it easier for him to answer the reporter’s questions.

And defend himself from blatant accusations of pie obsession by Spitfire.

___________________________________________

Braeburn bucked another tree, sending the apples raining down into the barrels he’d set around the tree. While he moved the barrels to the wagon, he thought about what he and Soarin would do that night. He wasn’t completely sure why it mattered to him so much. He just hoped that Applejack wouldn’t explode or anything when she found out that he wasn’t dating a mare, just hanging out with a friend. As he continued, he wondered why he cared so much anyway.

After he’d finished the section of the orchard he was in, he hooked himself up to the cart and took it to the barn. He started unloading the cart, being careful not to bruise any apples. He heard someone knock on the barn door. He looked over his shoulder, to find Soarin leaning against the frame. He gave him a goofy grin, that made Braeburn’s stomach lurch.

“What are you doin’ here?” he asked. “Y’all aren’t supposed ta come ‘til tonight.”

“I finished up with training stuff for today.” said Soarin. “So… I thought I’d come early and help out.”

“That’s real nice of ya. I’d tell ya ya don’t have to… but ya wouldn’ listen anyhow, would ya?”

Soarin grin got wider. “Nope.”

“Come on then.” Braeburn gestured at the barrels that were still sitting in the cart. “Help me get these here apples unloaded.”

“Okay.”

Together, they began unloading the barrels. Soarin wasn’t as strong as Braeburn, but his wings made it easier for him to get above the barrel. When Braeburn paused to wipe the sweat off of his brow, he found himself watching the blue pegasus. Soarin was intent on the work, concentrating solely on getting the apples out without damaging them. Braeburn was surprised that he was willing to do hard work like this, being a celebrity. But Soarin looked like he was actually having a good time, and when he saw Braeburn watching, he grinned.

“What’re you up too?”

“Just taking a quick break.” said Braeburn.

He put his hat back on, then started lifting a barrel off of the wagon. It began to tilt over, but then he felt it get lighter.

“Huh?”

“I got it.” said Soarin. Together, they lowered it to the ground.

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

Braeburn turned his head away, trying to suppress a blush. Soarin was only a few inches away from him right now, and that darned voice in his head wouldn’t shut up. Thankfully, Soarin backed up a little.

“Thanks fer helping.” said Braeburn. “Ah appreciate it.”

“It’s fine.” said Soarin. “It was fun.”

Braeburn raised his eyebrow. Fun? “Okay.”

Soarin nudged him playfully with a hoof. “So, you want to go hang out, get something to eat?”

“Uh… sure. Just let me go’n let’em know I’m leavin’.”

Soarin nodded, and followed him to the farmhouse porch. He sat on one of the chairs, and Braeburn went inside. He found Applejack in the kitchen. It looked like she’d finished her chores early. Applebloom was beside her, perched on a stool. They were looking down at a cookbook, which sent waves of foreboding through him. After making a mental note to check with Applejack whenever he wanted something to eat here, he cleared his throat.

“Hey, AJ?”

“Yeah?” she said, looking up.

“I’m goin’ out with a friend. I’ll be back later tonight, ‘kay?”

“Okay Brae. Er… who is it?” She grinned knowingly. “Is it her?”

He rolled his eyes, then left. Outside, Soarin got up, grinning. Braeburn followed him down the dirt road. As they walked through Ponyville, they swapped stories. Soarin was easy for him to talk to, and he took full advantage. They took a turn down a side street, and Braeburn spotted a hayburger joint. He pointed it out, and Soarin agreed happily.

“It’s been ages since I had a good burger.” he said enthusiastically.

They walked into the restaurant, and up to the counter. Soarin was causing a bit of a stir, and they cashier pony was staring at him.

“Hey, Braeburn?” Soarin said, leaning in.

“Yeah?”

“I forgot to wear a disguise, didn’t I?”

“Sort of.”

He nodded, and straightened up. He ordered a hayburger, as well as a bunch of fries. Braeburn ordered, and then they waited for their order.

“Should we take it to go?” asked Soarin, whispering. They were still being watched, and Braeburn realized he must look very uncomfortable. And for good reason, because he was.

“That’s probably a good idea.” he whispered back. The cashier came back to the counter, with a bag that contained their food.

“Can we get these to go?” asked Soarin, addressing the cashier in a low voice.

“O-of course, Mister Soarin, sir.”

“Thank you.” he said, taking the bag from him. He subtly gestured at the door, and Braeburn followed him out. They went to the park, and pony-watched for a while. As they ate, they chatted. Not about anything important, just random stuff, stories they’d heard.

After a few hours, Braeburn had to go. He didn’t want to, but he needed to get enough sleep tonight so he could get his work done the next day.

“See you tomorrow?” asked Soarin hopefully.

“Sure.” said Braeburn. “I’d like that. Thanks again fer helpin’ me out an’ everything.”

“You’re welcome.”

Braeburn shook his hoof, then headed towards Sweet Apple Acres. Soarin watched him go, then began to wend his way back to the hotel. When Soarin got there, he was smiling happily. Spitfire and Fleetfoot were chatting in the lobby. When Spitfire had spotted him, she got up and came over.

“What’s got you so happy?” she asked, noticing his smile. It’d been a while since she’d seen him with a smile like that.

“I don’t know.” he said. “It’s just been a nice day.”

She smiled “Good. Hope you’re ready for Friday, then.”

He nodded. He’d almost forgotten about their last show of the season.

“Totally.”

“Good. Make sure you get enough sleep tonight. I need you to be well rested for tomorrow’s practice.”

He nodded again, then went to the hotel’s cafeteria. After he’d eaten dinner, he went to his room. It was late, so he showered and went to bed. He snuggled under his covers, and blacked out.

___________________________________________

Braeburn arrived home to the smell of rotten eggs and burnt toast. He covered his nose, took a deep breath, then walked in through the kitchen door.

“Hello?” he called nervously. “I’m home.”

“Hi!” said Applebloom, who was sitting at the table with Applejack. “Want a cookie?”

She proffered a plate of perfectly normal looking chocolate chip cookies. He picked one up, and looked questioningly at Applejack. She had sweat on her face and her mane was a ruffled mess, but she nodded. Safe. He took a small bite out of the cookie, and hummed appreciatively. It was pretty good.

“Do you like it?”

“Yeah!” he said, taking another bite. “This is pretty good.”

She grinned happily, and walked into the living room. Braeburn went over to Applejack, who was wiping the sweat off of her face with a handkerchief.

“What did you do?” he asked.

“I made sure she followed the recipe.”

Braeburn nodded, then went upstairs to shower. When he laid down in his bed, he closed his eyes and sighed. He smiled as bits and pieces of the day resurfaced in his mind. Soarin helping him in the barn. The stories they’d told, both of long ago and not so far back. The clear breeze that had been blowing while they ate in the park. Soarin’s warm scent as he helped Braeburn lower that overly heavy barrel of apples.

Wait a second… What?!

He went back to that last thought.

His… scent?

Where had that come from. Against his will, he sighed as he remembered that smell. Like fresh air, intermingled with the faint smell of soap… and sweat.

Why is this getting to me? I just noticed, that’s all.

I don’t know why I stick around, if you’re so oblivious.

Apparently, he just couldn’t leave himself alone.

You can’t really go anywhere, you know. You’re sort’ve part of me.

I know that. I was being sarcastic.

No. Really?

Yes, really.

That was sarcasm too.

I know that. Anyway, what’re you going to do about Soarin? You obviously like him.

I do. But we’re friends. That’s all.

Okay.

That’s it? No arguments about whether or not I’m attracted to him?

Nope.

Braeburn sighed. His psyche was so weird. He curled up against the pillow, and let himself drift off.