A work horse's beating heart

Chapters

Chapter 1-Setting up the date
Chapter 2-Secret love
Chapter 3-A bad way to be discovered.
Chapter 4- turning the heat up
Chapter 5- Snow interrupts
Chapter 6 - Hiatus of Ponies
Chapter 7 - Time Twister
Chapter 8 - Surprise
Chapter 9 - Happy Ending

Chapter 1-Setting up the date

Big Macintosh was walking towards the market complex, pulling behind him a cart full of apples. He was exhausted, it had been a sweltering day and Mac wasn't in a good mood. Granny's words from this morning had echoed through his head as Mac had been bucking - "You need to find somepony special, and settle down. Or, you'll be as old as me with no pony to care for you!"

All Mac had replied with was a sigh. But now that he thought about it, Granny was right. One day

he’d be too old to buck apples, and that was the only thing his family built their career off of.

Mac exhaled slowly. It’s not as simple as that, Granny. he thought as he turned to head towards the apple stall. There’s no pony in equestria that would truly even like me.

"Oh, howdy Mac!" a voice called.

Having his thoughts interrupted, he turned towards the voice to see Applejack sitting in the stall.

Mac turned his head to pull off the cart and then he pushed it towards Applejack.

"I just came to give you these," he simply replied.

"Oh, thanks!" she smiled.

He responded with a simple "eeyup" and turned towards the exit of the market stalls. Hanging his head down, he walked out and was heading home when he heard somepony yell "Look out!" and then Mac nearly fell. He steadied himself, and looked down at the pony by his side.

"Sorry," the pony - a mare - said.

"I tripped, but I have to get somewhere fast!" Then with that, she flew away quickly.

Mac readjusted himself and thought, That was the Mailmare, Ditzy, I think. Yeah, she was the mare that always got teased for her eyes.

Mac himself thought her eyes were quite pretty. He was smiling at the thought as he went home. Problably making

it the most enjoyable trip on his list.

When Mac arrived at the Apple family's barn-of-a-home, he unlocked the door to the house using the key

Granny kept under the door mat. Walking in slowly, Mac had a little sigh of relief. Today had been hard, and Mac

was content to hit the hay, before a voice sliced through the air.

"What are you smilin’ about, youngin?" a voice soon recognized as his grandmother’s piped up.

Mac quickly jumped, and then replied with his quick signature nope.

Granny gave a questioning look

"You and yer sisters never tell me anything!" But then realized if Mac didn't say the first time, he never

would, and walked back to her chair

"Well, AppleBloom saved some pie that we had earlier for you. Its in yer bed"

Later, Big Mac was laying in bed, content to sleep… but he couldn't. Whenever he closed his

eyes, he saw the grey mare and suddenly started longing for her. Mac realized he wanted to see her again.

It was the darnedest thing too, he'd never felt that way about anypony

... accept his family. Was this what Granny was talking about? Liking another pony?

He thought about how maybe he could get lucky, and Ditzy would be the pony that delivers the free Ponyville news.Macintosh mentally shook himself,

I'm just tiredhe reassured himself, i don't... love ... anypony. I'm just not thinking straight.

But that grey mare was the only thing the big, red stallion thought about for hours, before he fell asleep. In this long time,

the temptation was to great. He had mentally recorded his sound plan to be the first one up and therefore, first pony

to meet the mailmare.

That morning, Big Mac dragged himself up to look out the window. Princess Celestia must have been working hard to make such a beautiful dawn. Then it hit him.

The mail! Mac thought as he quietly trotted to the door, opening it.

Then he saw the mail pony flying towards the house, Just in time!

Mac waited for Ditzy to land, and then he walked over to greet her.

"Oh, your that stallion from the market. Sorry about that, by the way." the grey mare said with a red face.

Mac gulped down his fears, and found the courage to reply with full sentences.

"Uh, yeah, it's okay. I'm just here to get the mail."

Ditzy looked at him, puzzled, only before she realized what he meant. "Oh, sorry," she said as she gave him the newspaper.

"It's just usually your grandma gets the paper-"

"I get what?" Granny interrupted as she slowly walked outside.

Mac felt a little uncomfortable.

"Hello, Miss Apple!" Ditzy said cheerfully.

Granny saw Big Mac, then said "Why are you up so early, youngin?".

This was very awkward for Macintosh, so he came up with the old "I woke up too early" lie. Granny was a bit puzzled at first, but then said

"Well, thanks for getting the mail!” in the sweet, clueless and cheerful way she always did.

Ditzy and Mac watched as Granny went back inside, and once she was gone, the mailmare was the first one to speak up.

"Your grandma is nice,” she said simply.

...But Mac was barely listening. What was that in Granny's voice?

Had Mac heard a hint of warmness? or even approval? But he dismissed the thought, and replied to Ditzy with his usual eeyup.

Content to get back to the "not-awkward situation", Mac pointed out the black band with a circle of metal attached to it around Ditzy's hoof.

"What's that?" Mac asked, pointing at the foreign object.

Ditzy looked surprised.

"Oh, it’s a special clock Time Turner made for me," she said with a smile.

Time Turner, Mac thought. Ditzy's only true friend that liked her for her personality, not because she was bullied.

Then the mare’s expression slightly faltered.

"Uh, I have to go. You know, mail to deliver," she explained.

Mac gave an understanding nod.

"Sorry, you can go-but wait! Could we, you know… see each other again?" he stuttered out.

This was a pretty foreign and awkward situation for both ponies, seeing neither of them have had friends meet them or gone on dates. Both ponies’ cheeks were flushed red.

Ditzy managed to sputter out - "Like, in the town? Tomorrow?"

Mac nodded and Ditzy started flying away, then she said

"Ok, I guess," and flew off.

But Macintosh stood in place for a few more second's, throat parched. He watched

the amazing Pegasus pony fly away quickly. As much as he hated to admit it,

Mac had a small grin spreading across his face. I really do love that mare.

If only I had met her sooner.

Chapter 2-Secret love

"Ah know I'm old, but even I can see you like her"

Big Macintosh froze as he walked into the house. Granny chuckled as she prepared Breakfast.

"Even if you hadn't stayed out there for a few minutes, any pony can see"

Mac could barely make words, then finally stuttered

"H-how?"

Gran, chuckling, replied

"the way ya act round her. Even you, with yer normally emotionless face. Yer eyes dilate, and she even gets you to talk more!"

At that moment, the door creeped open and applejack came out, yawning. She saw Macintosh,

and looked surprised.

"What are you doin up so early, Mac?" Applejack asked.

Mac didn't know what to say, then granny said

"He just woke up early, that's all" as she winked at Mac. Applejack just shrugged, and sat down at the dinner table.

She looked up,

"Just because you woke up early, don't mean you shouldn't eat"

To tell the truth, Mac's stomach was grumbling, so he sauntered over to the table and sat down. Granny soon joined them with a variety of Apple foods. Before he ate it all, Mac left a plate of Apple pie out for AppleBloom and finished his serving.

"You ready yet?"

Mac asked over his shoulder to his sister as he got up and moved towards the door that lead to the apple orchard.

"Sure am, brother!" Applejack energetically answered.

The two farm ponies set out, walking towards the west apple field carrying various apple storage items. While slower and harder, it was a way to kill two birds with one stone. Eventfully, they arrived at the west field and started bucking apples. Soon, AppleBloom joined them, setting buckets

up next to the tree's so applejack and Mac didn't have too. While the red stallion would be as quiet as mouse during Apple-bucking, AJ and Applebloom would chatter on about diffrent things. Every once in a while they would ask him a question that he would reply to with "eeyup" or "nope", but that otherwise he did the rest of the job in complete silence.

"Whew, that was hard! And we haven't even taken the apples to the market stall yet!" Applejack exclaimed.

The two farming siblings had finally clean-bucked all the tree's in the west field. Their younger sister, Applebloom, had gotten tired (like usual) and had left a few hours earlier and had left the two pony's to do their work. By now, both farm ponies would be equally tired and (most ponies don't expect this) their minds racing. Albeit tired, bucking/farming was at most time very boring work and they had to entertain themselves somehow. Applejack just thought about her family and friends, while Mac would just (basically) think about philosophical things. But this time, only one thing was on his mind as they set out to the market stalls. and the thought was the only thing on his mind.

Ditzy Doo!

That was all he did for the entire trip, think about that MailMare. He mentally laughed and pinched himself too, scolding himself for acting like a hoof-crossed colt. It didn't matter what he did though, he knew he was love struck by Ditzy. Mac even inwardly giggled, Ha, i really am acting like a co-!

CRASH!

Mac suddenly went face-first into the dirt, painfully rubbing his face raw and nearly breaking his nose. In addition to that, he managed to accidentally kick the cart he was pulling behind him any flood the market with apples. With a rather red face, Applejack waved all the pony's crowding around away muttering "sorry". Mac pulled himself up, realizing he just made the biggest foal of himself, and with the help of applejack quickly started putting the dropped harvest back into the cart. When the two ponies were done, Applejack turned towards Big Mac

"Now, what was all that about?".

Normally, you think of this situation as "why is that strange? Everypony trips once and awhile." If you thought that, you haven't been around Mac a day in your life. Applejack, or anypony, had ever seen Mac trip. Infact, he was one of the most balanced ponies in town.

"Hello?"

Mac jumped back to reality when AJ spoke up.

"Did you here me? What's on your mind?" She said, seeing the full face her brother was wearing. Mac, rubbing his burned face said

"I tripped"

As convincingly as he could. AJ raised an eyebrow at this.

"Brother, I have never seen you trip or looked so troubled"

At this, Mac resisted the urge to look down at his hooves. Showing she was right was something he shouldn't do if he was going to hide Ditzy from her.

"A'm tired, sis. Can we please just get to market?"

Applejack still seemed a bit mad, but nodded her head and they continued towards the apple stall.

Hours after Mac had arrived back home from the supply drop to the market, he was sitting in bed, His back hooves tapping against each other regularly. Mac didn't feel good. Mostly because he was keeping a secret - a big one - from his family. He hated keeping secrets from other ponies, especially from other apples. So you could see why he would be at conflict. Speaking of which, Mac's mind was in major conflict, do I really like Ditzy? Should I tell my family? Macintosh shifted sideways in his bed. He never liked to be full-out confused. So, he did what any pony that really didn't want to face their problems immediately did...

... He tried to sleep.

Not that it did much. Mac still had a tiny work of doubt in his mind as he pulled the covers over himself. No, Ill just do what is said before he closed his eyes, sleep drawing nearer deal with it in the morning. And with that, the bulky red stallion managed to get himself into a calm sleep.

Chapter 3-A bad way to be discovered.

Big Macintosh didn't even need a clock (Or in this case, a grandma, because they problaby couldn't afford a clock) To wake him up. His mind just sensed it is a important day. Weird it was, to be getting up early for a pony that wasn't family. Mac stumbled out of the bed, opening the door to his room and walking out. He walked over to the small storage-box they used to hold food and grabbed some leftovers. He quietly are the food at the table. Mac's shy and philosophical manner made him actually very polite at the table, contradicting to his big size. After he scooped up the dishes he had been using and placed them in the washing bucket the apples used as a sink he started out towards the middle of the town where he would meet Ditzy

Walking into the first sprouts of civilization that signified he was in PonyVille, Mac headed towards PonyVille square, where Mac and Ditzy had...decided...to meet. He looked around when he got there, eventually seeing the grey MailMare sitting on a bench in the middle of the plaza. Mac came up to her, and she noticed him for the first time.

"Oh, hey Big Macintosh"

Mac greeted her with an awkward nod of his head.

"What did you want to see me about?"

Ditzy questioned, a puzzled look on her face. She couldn't have asked a worse question. Mac didn't know how to reply, but replied with some sort of "just for a meeting". Ditzy scooted closer, still a bit confused.

"Okay, well what did you want to meet about?"

She asked this question, but deep down both pony's knew what Mac wanted to meet about. Mac gathered his thoughts, and managed to speak clearly

"Just so we could maybe have a trot in the park"

That had come out better the expected,Big Mac thought. Ditzy gave a perceptible nod, and replied

"Ok, let's go".

The two pony's got up, and headed towards the beautiful and lush grove near the town.

After a few minutes of walking, the couple arrived in front of the small park in PonyVille. They both walked in (while also avoiding everypony else in the area) and took in the natural sent of nature. You could have that nice smell of outside anywhere in PonyVille, but the park was overpopulated with pretty plants and trees and had the most potent forestry-feel in PonyVille. Both enjoyed the atmosphere of the park. But the best part to both pony's was being around each other. They trotted around the park in silence, until the clock tower rang, signing it was twelve-O-clock. At this, the pair collectively gasped.

"Oh, uh, sorry Mac, but I have to go"

Macintosh looked back at her

"Oh, I have to go to"

And then he said goodbye. Ditzy murmured a farewell also, but stood in place for a second or two, and then awkwardly and quickly brought her muzzle up to Mac's; and plopped a small kiss right on his lips. It didn't last even a second, but it caused both pony's to go completely red in the face. Mac's fur could have been white compared to the shade on his cheek. Then, Ditzy shuffled away with another bye and tried to fly away. Only, she couldn't. Her wings were almost fully erect and she could not control them; so she ended up having to walk home. Mac on the other hoof, was still shell-shocked. After what seemed like forever, Macintosh managed to set out home.

Applejack pondered in her head what she had seen. She had saw her brother, Big Macintosh walking in the park with the cross-eyed mare, Ditzy Doo. All AppleJack had been doing was selling apples. The farm horse was about to come up to Mac to say hello; when Ditzy had kissed him on the lips and stumbled away awkwardly. Applejack was frozen when she saw this. She started feeling a bit protective, too. To her even more protective mind, the pegasi's wings had been stuck up. AJ didn't know much about Pegasi, but she knew when that happened... well, AppleJack tried not to think about it. Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard the heavy hoof-steps that belonged to her brother approaching Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack waited at the door for the red stallion to walk into and be questioned by his sister.

Big Macintosh walked up to the door of the apple's house. He quickly unlocked the door, and to his surprise, saw his sister standing there with a disapproving glare.

"So, Brother. Why have you been walking around with that mare, Ditzy Doo?"

Mac's throat clogged up, this is bad he told himself. Suddenly, Mac's younger sister jumped up and with a single sentence, made the whole conversation worse.

"And smooching with her!"

That made Mac's hair go up. yes, this is really bad. Mac gulped again the said

"Uh... No I didn't"

AppleJack rolled her eyes. AppleBloom spoke up with a argument.

"Yes you did, the entirety of PonyVille saw you!"

That's when it dawned on Big Mac. I'm stupid! it had been the middle of a bright, sunny day. Everpony had problaby been out. Mac had only one thought after realizing this.

Oh, Celestia help me

Luckily, something wen't crashing down in the kitchen. With a final stare that put Fluttershy's to shame, AppleJack walked into the kitchen to fix what had fallen, with AppleBloom energetically following her, looking at Big Mac. When both ponies were gone, Mac hurried into his room and sat down on his bed, using sleep as a way out of this.

It had been about an hour, and luckily, AppleJack hadn't pursued the matter. Only problem was, Mac couldn't sleep. Mostly because the combined worry and shame ebbed at him. As weird as it sounds, yes, going out with Ditzy was shameful. Or, most ponies though. Why?

Because Ditzy, well, already had a daughter. To add to that, she was a bastard. No pony knew anything about her father, but it did get Dinky (Ditzy's daughter) bullied. It also got Ditzy bullied. Not that this really occurred to the apple family, but it still made it weird to think about anypony going out with her again.

"I didn't expect for you to take what I had said to heart"

Macintosh nearly fell out of his bed as granny apple spoke up. After recollecting himself, Mac questioned Granny

"I mean having a special somepony" she claimed "I said you would someone to look after you in the future, and you actually got somepony"

Mac tensed up, remembering that conversation he had had with Granny before this whole fiasco had started.

"eeyup"

Granny gave Mac a small knowing stare, and the trotted out

"Sleep well, then"

Chapter 4- turning the heat up

Big Macintosh woke up to the sound of rooster's crowing. Pulling himself up, the stallion slid on his iconic yoke and groggily, still waking up, walked into the kitchen. He looked around; no one was in. Seeing this, he sat down on a small Oak chair and had a hearty breakfast of Apple foods. During eating, Macintosh saw a hastily scribbled note on the table.

When we woyk up you were asleep.

Weve already started bucking without you

Mac's eyes slammed open. That was right! He needed to hurry, AppleJack won't be able to clear the orchard by herself. Stuffing away his leftovers, Macintosh hurried out the door towards the west field. Slowing from his breakneck speed, Mac walked in to the small forest of trees, and began searching for his younger sisters. Soon, he started hearing a distinct thump!and headed towards where it was coming from. After pushing through a few bushes, he found AppleJack and AppleBloom picking up and then putting down apples in a wooden cart. Applejack noticed her brother, and put down the apples she was carrying.

"Hey Big Mac"

She wiped her brow with her hoof. Mac noticed they both looked very tired. Concerned, he walked up to both ponies.

"I can take the cart"

Applejack looked at her older brother as if he was her savior

"That would be nice"

Hooking the cart to his harness, Macintosh left the two ponies to their Apple-bucking and set off down a path that led back to the barn. Halfway down the path, Mac realized he could here the pounding of an apple tree being bucked again. Weird, he thought to himself. I must be hearing things. But as Macintosh started down the dirt path again, it started to become louder. Mac knew there was no way his sisters had gotten this far already. Unhinging himself from the cart, Mac decided to check what the noise was. It took a few minutes, but when he was just about to see what it was, he heard a voice.

"Hey! That's not yours!"

Big Macintoshes ears flattened. There was no denying it, that was Ditzy's voice. A second or two later, a voice responded

"So? What are you going to do about it, Derpy?"

This comment was followed by a few mean laughs. Mac took a tentative step forward, and pushed aside some plants that we're blocking his view. Walking in to the scene, Mac saw Ditzy hovering in the air, looking like she was going to cry. On the ground next to her we're two other Pegasi. One of them was brown, with a white mane and a dumbbell for his cutie mark. The other pony was a caramel colour and had brown hair. Another thing that made Mac angry was the two new ponies we're eating apples. stealing apples. Of course, once or twice a month somepony would use the cheap-albeit, illegal-way of getting food. Macintosh stamped a hoof down, and than the brown pony noticed Mac. Instead of being scared, as most intruders on Sweet Apple Acres were, he just gave an evil grin.

"Oh look, it's her coltfriend"

This got a couple of snorts from the bullies. then Dumb-Bell approached even closer towards Mac. Macintosh got a small glimpse of Ditzy, who looked like she was even closer to crying, and then Mac's view was blocked by the brown Pegasus.

"Awww, we're going to have a little love fest over here"

The Stallion continued mock Mac. Speaking over the bully's voice Macintosh threatened him

"Leave now"

The brown pretended to be scared

"Oh no, he's going to hurt me"

Then both bullies doubled over with laughter. A moment later, Mac charged Dumbbell, only to nearly fall has the Pegasus shot up in the air. Then he just sat down on top of one of the apple tree's (can't get me now!)

The thing was, Mac could. With a forceful kick to the tree's base, the Pegasus came crashing down on his head. Surprised by what had just happened, the other bully didn't even attempt to dodge the powerful pony knocking into him.

"Mac! Behi-"

Macintosh didn't hear the rest of what Ditzy was saying before he got the air knocked out of him. Panting, was a very angry faced on top of him.

"You're going to die, you little foal!"

With that, Dumbbell launched his hind legs into Mac's stomach. Soon, both ponies we're rolling on the ground fighting. Nearby, Ditzy was crying and screaming "stop!", but her efforts we're futile. Eventually, the wait on top of Mac was thrown off, and standing there was AppleJack. Next to her AppleBloom was trying to calm Ditzy down. Getting up, he saw the trespassers must have fled. AppleJack had a disbelieving face on, still not completely sure what was happening. Macintosh eventually came over to Ditzy, and put her in a tight hug. Soon her heartbeat had returned to normal, and managed to give Mac a thanks before he was poked in the side. Turning his head, he saw his younger sister, AppleJack, before she asked him angrily

"What was that?!"

He huffed a little sigh, but made a small gesture towards Ditzy first. AJ looked at her, an awkward look on her face.

"Well, you can stay at our home, uh, if you need to"

Ditzy made a small nod

"Thanks"

Even though the grey mare was basically in shock, AppleJack seemed a little hesitant

"It's just we're a bit busy, but i g-"

Macintosh spoke up,

"I can take her home"

AppleJack looked at them both, but eventually just nodded a "yes" and started back towards the west field, with AppleBloom trailing behind her. Staying right beside Macintosh, Ditzy spoke up

"Thanks you for helping me"

Trying not to be rude, Mac made a nodding motion. But still had a question on his mind.

"Why we're you here anyways?"

Blushing furiously, gave a quiet response.

"Uh, I was actually here to watching you, and then they showed up"

Inwardly, Macintosh smiled at this, then pressed on a bit more.

"Who we're those two, anyway?"

Looking a bit angry, she explained Dumbbell and Hoops, who basically bullied everyone.

"-But iv'e never seen him fight anypony, like he did with you."

Arriving back at home, Macintosh led them in. With a concerning face, he asked

"Don't you need to get Dinky?"

Ditzy looked up from the chair she was sitting on.

"No"

She said with a sad face

"She's camping with her friends"

With an apologetic response, Mac wen't to make dinner for their guest.

Managing to avoid AppleJack (and everyone else in the family) when they got back-right after Ditzy and Mac had eaten-Macintosh looked at Ditzy.

"You'll have to sleep in my bed, it's the only big-enough for two ponies we have"

She looked back at Macintosh.

"Okay," she responded with.

Managing to comfortably lay in bed with Ditzy, Mac nearly instantly fell asleep against her warm fur. Enjoying these last few moments of consciousness, he let

himself go under.

Chapter 5- Snow interrupts

"Macintosh? Macintosh!"

Mac grumbled and slid the hay pillow over his head, ignoring the voice calling to him to wake up. Grumbling loudly, he pushed himself away from the voice, then nearly fell off the bed. Opening his eyes for the first time, he saw he was on the far side of the bed (usually, he slept on ALL the bed). Then he remembered he had shared the bed. Looking towards the voice, Ditzy was standing next to the bed, looking like she needed to tell him something.

"What?"

Macintosh asked. Ditzy answered back to him

"There's a big snow storm, I can't get home" she walked over to the window "look"

Indeed, there was a heavy snowfall taking place outside. You could barely see the apple trees because they we're completely covered in snow. Then Macintosh realized something.

"Why is it snowing?"

He asked Ditzy, knowing she must have some idea about the weather, seeing she was a Pegasus. But Ditzy looked just as confused as Macintosh.

"I actually don't know." She shrugged, "I'm not a weatherpony, but there shouldn't be snow now." Walking towards the kitchen, Mac cleverly responded

"Well, let's find out." Following Mac, Ditzy walked into the kitchen with him, but they we're the only ponies in the kitchen. Confused, Macintosh opened the front door, where he found the other Apple's.

"-can't go there either, remember?-I" AppleJack noticed Macintosh then "Oh, hey Big Macintosh..." AppleJacks voice trailed off when she saw who was beside Macintosh. With a raised eyebrow, AJ attempted to continue the conversation.

"Soooo, how will we get to the town to ask about the snow?" The four (or really, five) ponies brainstormed.

Eventually, Granny Smith jumped up. AppleJack looked over at her

"What is it, Granny?"

"I bet if the two of you pulled the cart, you could get through!"

Hooking themselves to the cart full of apples, Applejack and her brother pulled through the snow out of the farm. Macintosh stole one last concerned look at Ditzy, who was being taken in side with Granny Smith. Ditzy had wanted to come, but everypony knew she wouldn't be able to get through the blizzard, not being as strong as AppleJack or Macintosh. Finally barreling through a rather large mountain of snow at the entrance, the two farm Ponies set of on their treacherous walk, which proved to be harder then either pony thought. Macintoshes eyes stung from ice, and it would take a lot of effort to get back on track when someone got stuck in a big pile of slush. Halfway through AppleJack spoke up

"So, what was that about last night?" Even though she said it casually, Macintosh could sense this was more of an interrogation.

"What?" Mac gulped. Again, AppleJack came out with her raised eyebrow.

"You avoided all of us, just to sneak off with Ditzy into bed." Macintosh went pink at this. AppleJack was also a darker shade of orange then usual.

"No-n-not like that."

They, awkwardly, continued on.

When they got to PonyVille, they we're surprised to see almost everypony out.

"How come everyPony's out?" Said a surprised AppleJack. As Macintosh got to the town hall, he saw a battle raging on. Pegasi raced back-and-forth, attacking clouds that seemed to be fighting back. Unicorns cantered around, giving ground support to the Pegasi. Macintosh was sure he even saw a few Alicorns in the chaos. A moment later, feeling like it's happened before, someone slammed into Mac, sending him topping with the apples in the cart. But he and his stock we're lifted up a second later.

"Sorry Big Macintosh." Said Twilight "the clouds are going crazy!" Then she raced away. Even more confounded, the two ponies decided it was safest to hide under a nearby tree. The farm ponies awed at the screeching blizzards quickly turning into lighting storms and the mile-high tornado's. The town was being ripped apart, too. Amythest Star chased down the door to somepony's house while Time Turned was yelling at his roof to come back. The storm battle went on for an hour or so before It was defeated. Getting out from under their safety, Macintosh saw exhausted Unicorns and Pegasi slump on too benches or even just the plain ground. In the center of the bodies Twilight looked rather ruffled- her Mane was pointed up in some places and she the look in her eye whenever she was very mad and exhausted.

"Well that's done." Twilight said with an insane smile and twitch of ears. Avoiding the Princess when she went crazy was suggestible, and Mac followed that guideline. Slipping past her, AppleJack and Macintosh headed back to the market. Setting up their stall as normal, they waited for customers. But in the light of recent events, everyone was either sleeping or too afraid to go outside. Much less go shopping. After waiting four hours so far, the two shop ponies realized their would be no fruit to their efforts, and packed up, heading back home.

"Not much luck, then?" Granny's strong voice echoed to AppleJack and Macintosh, seeing the crestfallen looks on their faces.

"Not ah single Bit." AJ's voice responded. Clucking, Granny Smith went back inside. Before they followed her, they unhooked the (still full) cart and pushed it into the barn, locking it in. Joining Granny, they both saw Ditzy Doo standing next to her and AppleBloom.

"Er, i have to go" said Ditzy, her hoof drawing circles in the dust on the floor. Hiding the disappointment he was feeling way too much, Macintosh beckoned goodbye. On her way out

thought, she gave Mac a quick kiss on his muzzle, then was off. A goofy smile spread across his face.

"It's hearts and hooves day all over again!" Commented AppleBloom. As sisterly-concerned AppleJack was, she couldn't help also smiling at the sight. "Guh!" AppleBloom spat "I'm going to my room!" Then she left the three and stayed in her room. But she didn't stay there long after dinner was called. The rest of the day dragged on, Uneventful as always. Eventually Macintosh reached bed, and for once he wasn't very tired; everypony hadn't much to do since the snow didn't clear up until it was bed time anyways, so not much work could be done. As for Macintosh, this time he didn't dwell on Ditzy anymore. It wasn't really a secret, apparently. So Mac decided it would be wisest to not care, and except it. Slowly droning off to a dreamless sleep, the Apple house was quiet.

Chapter 6 - Hiatus of Ponies

It was the middle of the day in PonyVille. Houses with thatch roof's say squarely around a few shops. In spite of it's size, you could barely hear over the voices of gossiping ponies, all talking a bout the unusual paring that had came up. Even the least sociable were talking about it. This did nothing to affect the efficiency at Sweet Apple Acres. Although, occasionally Big Macintosh would be missing from the farm, hiding away from everypony with Ditzy. Mind, it had only been a day since the cloud incident but it was already the talk of the town. Thinking about all this, Mac continued bucking apples with his sister, AppleBloom. Macintosh's life had got considerably better after his family found out about Ditzy. It hadn't just made Mac's life better, either. AppleBloom and the other Crusaders now a new recruit; Ditzy's daughter, Dinky. Ditzy didn't have to worry about Dinky getting bullied anymore. It didn't stop there too, one of Dinky's only true friend had been Silver Spoon, making it easier for the CMC. That really wrapped up most of PonyVilles bad parts, do to recent events.

Well, most bad parts. Bullying still wasn't completely eradicated. Speaking of, Big Macintosh's mortal enemy's were heading right towards him, angry looking angry. They didn't come close to Macintosh; they wouldn't attack in public. But Mac still stayed wary, as did AppleJack. They stayed in the market as long as possible, but it was getting dark soon and other shop keepers were packing up. Quickly, AppleJack made small show of body language, which Mac easily translated to follow me. Nodding, Macintosh helped his sister secure the stand and then followed her a different way out than usual. Taking a few lefts and rights, they eventually arrived in front of the tree-house library that Twilight Sparkle, librarian and Princess of Equestria lived in. Thinking about it, Mac realized that was quite impressive and also a mouthful. Knocking on the door lightly, AppleJack and her brother waited. Both noticed their followers were gone, afraid of the Princess. AJ remembered they had gotten on Twilight's bad side before she was a princess, and probably didn't want another incident. Their thoughts were interrupted when the door to Twilight's house opened.

"Hello AppleJack! Oh, and you too Big Macintosh." She beckoned them inside, her horn alight, bringing a full table and Tea set to her guest's.

"Sorry about that cloud problem." Twilight said over her shoulder, while reading a book "someone's been messing with the clouds. Anyway, why are you here?" Scooting her chair forward, AppleJack explained everything from Mac meeting Ditzy to the fight to their current situation.

"I mean, I can talk to Dumb-bell and Hoops." Twilight said with authority "but it's really just a petty argument, it's not like i can punish them accept for making them do community service." She concluded.

"But you can still stay here for the night." Twilight said, yawning.

"Thanks, Twilight." AppleJack nodded, following Her upstairs, Macintosh following behind. Managing to comfortably lay in the single guest bed, AJ and Macintosh managed to fall asleep.

Chapter 7 - Time Twister

Grumbling, Macintosh awoke to the sounds of several Thumps! rubbing his eyes with his hooves. looking around, he remembered he was in Twilight’s library. poking his sister to wake her up (successfully), they walked passed the rows of books downstairs where the saw Twilight.

“oh, hello AppleJack and Macintosh” she said sleepily." Macintosh and AJ took notice of how tired she was. There were bags under her bloodshot eyes and her ruffled mane.

“I don’t have an actual breakfast ready, but you can find something in the pantry.” Yawning, Twilight walked away to a pile of open books where she started to read more than five at once, holding them up to her muzzle with her magic. Walking past the disgruntled Alicorn Mac and his sister walked into the kitchen. AppleJack opened one of the many cupboards, where a few books flew out of.

“She has got to get a hobby.” said AppleJack, holding one of the books up. Shifting through the cabinet a bit more and finding something that was covered in moss, she wisely put everything back and suggested

“maybe we should eat at home.”

“Eeyup.” Macintosh agreed, putting back all he could find (a half eaten apple). Exiting out of the kitchen, they passed Twilight again. Who, appeared to be so tired she didn't notice them sneak past her to the door, and then outside. Making the crazy sign above with her hoof, AppleJack and brother hooked the cart they had left outside Twilight's library a headed back to Sweet Apple Acres. Along the way out of town, AppleJack waved to a few friends and even talked to them. Macintosh mostly sat still. He wasn't afraid of ponies questioning him about Ditzy Doo, no, not at all. But he was smart enough to know he would be buried in gossip if he did engage in communication. He waited a few minutes, leaning on the cart. When he saw AppleJack come back he stepped out. Instead of just his sister, the towns mane designer, Rarity, was walking by AppleJack. Rarity practically gasped when she saw Macintosh, and before he could do anything, she ran around him with a measuring tape that had appeared out of nowhere while talking at a very fast speed. After Macintosh cleared his head, he spoke up.

"What?"

"Why, your clothes of course! It never hurts to make a good impression on your Marefriend!"

Casting a help me! look at his sister, Macintosh gestured at Rarity, but AppleJack just shrugged. So Mac just went along with it, it only took about five minutes. At the end of this, The fashion designer ran away, and then returned a minute later with quite a lot of clothes. Clearing her throat, AJ stepped up.

"Thanks, Rarity. Can we just put it in the cart now...?"

Nodding her head, Rarity placed the clothes in the cart with her magic.

"Oh, yes. Just don't let them get dirty!" Hooking herself back to the cart, AppleJack and Big Macintosh broke back into a steady pace, headed back to the farm. They had bearly gone a few ten yards when Macintosh, with an extreme sense of Déjà vu, ran into somepony. Shaking his head off after running into someone for the third time in town, He looked up and saw a brown Pegasus with a short (also brown) mane and tail. Recognizing him as Time Turner from the grain clock as a Cutie Mark.

"Your Time Turner, then?" Macintosh asked as the Pegasus got up. Looking up rubbing his muzzle, the brown pony nodded.

"Yeah. So your Big Macintosh then? Oh, sorry about running into you, I still can't fly well after that storm yesterday." He said that last part while looking at his wings, moving them fraily.

"Why are you out here, anyway?" Time Turner said, knowing the Apples usually stayed in the outskirts of PonyVille. Macintosh explained about Hoop's and Dumb-Bell (who Time Turner apparently had met before and had the same problem with) and how they stayed in Twilight's house.

"I could come with you as you go back home." Turner suggested.

"Technically, I'm a WeatherPony on duty, so they can't do anything to us if I'm with you." Whispering so only Macintosh and AppleJack could hear.

"Actually, we've all been exused for today because of the weather storm." He added. Nodding to him, Mac and AJ (with their new companion) finally started back to the farm, successfully making it out.

Rolling up the final hill, the two siblings approached the dusty barn of which they lived in. Pushing up the garage door with his strong leg, Macintosh and AppleJack unhooked themselves from the cart and pushed it in the big shed. Closing it behind them, both went up to the door and pulled out the small key that was under the welcome mat and unlocked the door. Walking in, Macintosh saw the Cutie Mark Crusaders (yes, all four!) attempting to play a game of chess.

"Knight to zed-four!" Sweet Bell said triumphantly. But before she could do anything else, Scootoloo interrupted.

"Hey! There is no zed-four!" Carefully stopping the situation before they broke something, AppleJack moved between the four. Meanwhile, Macintosh wen't into the kitchen where he saw Ditzy, who was stirring a mixture with a spoon in her mouth and holding up instructions with her wing. Seeing Mac out of the corner of her eye, She put the spoon and paper down.

"Hi, Macintosh! Oh, hey Time Turner!" She said cheerfully, now noticing Time Turner. Nodding back in her direction, Macintosh and Turner asked what she was doing.

"Oh, I was taking Dinky here so she could meet her friends, and when we got here your grandma wasn't home, so i just started making food myself." She said.

"I'm not the best cook, but I started anyway." Slowly stepping forward, Macintosh and Time Turner sniffed the steamy brew.

"Well, it doesn't smell half-bad." Said Turner. Macintosh added a well known 'eeyup' to emphasize Turner's point. Taking their word, Ditzy went back to her cooking. Stepping back out of the kitchen while Turner went and sat on a old couch, Macintosh saw the Cutie Mark Crusaders again.

"Well, there goes a chess cutie mark." Sweetie Bell said in a low voice. Scootoloo jumped in at this

"Told you a queen doesn't work like that!" She said. Inside, Mac laughed a bit at this. Ironically though, he didn't know how to play chess either, his dad had never taught him. Speaking of that, "parents" were always a sore spot for Big Macintosh and his sisters. Not the reason everypony thought, but for the reason of what everypony thought (if that made sense). No, is what Macintosh would say when someone asked if his parents were dead. It was more of an Apple family thing; they had actually moved away to start another farm with one of Macintosh's cousins soon after AppleBloom was born. They had trusted Granny Smith enough to take care of their children. No one believed him or his sister when they said that though, everypony thought they were lying to not have to deal with it. It would have been funny, yet the humongous amount of ponies that didn't believe AppleJack and Macintosh was frustrating. Mac's thought's were interrupted when someone tapped on his shoulder.

"Hello? You okay Macintosh?" A voice asked.

Shaking himself awake, Mac saw the speaker, which was a quizzical looking Time Turner.

"Eeyup." Macintosh said. He realized he had been in a very deep thought, and had nearly sat on the poor Pegasus. Getting back up, the Macintosh went over to his sister to ask if she was ready to go back and buck apples.

The rest of the day went Uneventfully. Near the end of it Ditzy left (after everyone had eaten a small apple soup, which was quite good). Throughout the day, though, Macintosh got along well with Time Turner. He was a humble pony, not in the higher class. Actually, he was slightly famous for his special hoof-made hourglasses (even known through all of Eqeustria, albeit not majorly). At the end of the day, Turner asked Macintosh if he could walk with him. Following the Pegasus outside, Mac became more clouded on what was happening as Time Turner went farther out. Eventually stopping about thirty yards in the west field. Clumsily drawing circles on the ground with his hoof, Mac saw it seemed hard for Time Turner to get words. Finally, he took an intake of breath and said...

Chapter 8 - Surprise

"Romeo was a fool," Ren said, suddenly back in human form. "His big mistake was not announcing the marriage. He should have told both families. Keeping the marriage a secret will ruin Romeo. Secrets like that can be the downfall of any man. They're often more destructive than the sword." -Dhiren, Tiger's Curse

Chapter 8 - Surprise

It’s always a tense moment when someone is taking a long time to tell you something, isn’t it?

Macintosh had heard something along those lines once. He had thought of it as absurd at the time; for he hadn’t had friends like he did now at that time.

Now he understood that feeling. After about eight awkward seconds had passed, the Stallion Pegasus in front of Macintosh finally drew in a ragged breath.

“I...I…I am Dinky’s father.” He finally forced out. Macintosh stood patiently for a second before what Time Turner had just said hit him. The Brown Pegasus saw Macintosh hadn’t expected it at all. Turner’s posture worsened more. His ears dropped and legs grew closer to the ground. For the other Pony, Macintosh, just stood there in a silent shock as emotions ran through his head. In the same breathtaking tone as Time Turner.

“How?”

Well, not as broken up. Even in strong moments Macintosh was an unmovable Pony physically and emotionally with a firm voice, nevermind he didn’t use it much. Turner looked back up. In spite of how pathetically he seemed to be acting he had a solid expression on.

“We weren’t ever married or anything, just…” At this, Macintosh pieced it together.

“So thats why Dinky never had a father.” Macintosh said. “You two were too embarrassed to go along with it and never spoke of it again.” Turner made a slight nodding movement, confirming Macintosh’s deduction. Again like they started, both ponies stood silent and unmoving for a few seconds before turning back to Sweet Apple Acres.

“Just don’t tell Ditzy i told you.” Turner murmured.

The subject wasn’t raised again mostly because Macintosh and Time Turner actually were distracted by work. The red Stallion had to get back to apple bucking after waiting so long and Turner had to fill an order of HourGlasses, so he left to go back to his shop. Macintosh made sure to not give away to Ditzy what Turner had told him. Even after she had left the Apple household (with a reddening peck on Mac’s lips, causing Scootaloo to make puking noises.) Macintosh still remained wary. He didn’t want the rest of the Apple family to know either.

Although Macintosh thought as he braced himself and smashed his legs into another tree Hiding secrets relevant to Ditzy hasn’t worked well. Which was true, as everyone knew now. Keeping Ditzy hidden from his family had only lasted Mac about three days, and only technically. So hiding another fact, which not only was about Ditzy but Time Turner and Dinky, was going to be harder. But since that incident keeping secrets was a lot easier, shamefully for Macintosh. Still didn’t stop that feeling of deceiving somepony when the Cutie Mark Crusaders walked up to Macintosh when he was bucking apples.

"Hey Big Macintosh! Can we help you buck apples?" AppleBloom said energetically,

looking for another way to get her Cutie Mark.

"Ah thought you already tried that" Macintosh responded.

"Well, we did, but we don't think we tried hard enough!" Scootaloo quickly said. Sighing, Macintosh nodded his head and let them join him. He went back to his work, but only a couple minutes later (as expected) Macintosh heard signs of trouble and went back to help them. When he got there, it appeared that the fillies were basically trying to push the tree down instead of buck the apples from it. AppleBloom and Sweetie Bell were trying to not fall over while staying in a two-legged kicking position while Scootaloo and Dinky were readying to slam into the apple tree, probably at the same time AppleBloom and Sweetie Bell kicked it. Walking over (not in a hurry, mind you. Macintosh was all about learning from your mistakes) Macintosh stopped them, causing the grounded ponies to fall. Shooing them away, Mackintosh tried to go back to his apple bucking, but was interrupted by Dinky,

"Maybe my mom can help you! She's a strong Pegas-" Dinky stopped when Macintosh glared at her, and pushed the CMC away again.

"Ditzy is busy, remember? She's a MailPony." With that, Big Macintosh successfully got them to go away.

Rubbing his hoofs of on the welcome mat (not that it helped; you would get dirtier from the mats thirteen year old muck) Macintosh pushed open the door into the house. Seeing her brother, AppleJack got up from the rugged couch and joined Macintosh,

"Ready to set up the apple stand?" Nodding, Macintosh responded with a simple

"Eeyup" and followed his sister out to the garage. Opening the door with his strong legs, Macintosh walked into the garage. Walking over to the dusty cart, he saw the clothes Rarity had made for him. Picking them up in his mouth, he moved to put them in the house before AppleJack trotted in with the apples in her saddlebags.

"Oh, are those the clothes Rarity made for you?" She asked

"Mmph" he struggled out. Loking at the bundle in his mouth, Macintosh recompinsated by nodding. Going back to his original target, Macintosh layed the clothes on his bed and went back to the cart. Telling his sister to go ahead and set up the stand, Macintosh hooked himself to the now-full apple cart. Pulling out behind his sister (well, she was very far away by now) the red Stallion set out on the path. Going down the path alone gave him time to think for once through recent crazy days. He realized now a lot of things;

well, I'm luckier then most Stallions he thought. Then he added with a childish smile

i've got a marefriend and they don't! It was one of the most absurd things for Macintosh to boast to himself about, but he did. Thoughts along those line continued until he saw someone when he entered town:

It was Dumb-bell and Hoops.

The bullies, they were back. Convincing himself they were just in PonyVille for shopping business, Big Macintosh continued on. But a work of doubt was eating at his mind. He knew there are shops in CloudsDale, and... The bullies had started following Macintosh. That second the farmer also realized nopony else was around; he was ripe for picking for the Pegasi. Then, they walked over to Macintosh, a mean expression on their face. Mac tried to block them off with his main body mass, but Hoops was to quick and smashed into Macintosh, knocking him over. Grimacing, the fallen pony tried to stand back up but was cruely kicked in the nose by Dumb-bell, causing a spray of blood. Dumb-bell leaned down to Mac's height.

"That's for your sister breaking my nose" he snarled. It was a unbearable pain for Macintosh when hoops went up and kicked Big Mac's stomach, nocking the wind out of him and cracking a rib. Mac didn't even try to defend himself as they continued to wreck havoc on his body; he could barely think straight because of the pain. After half a minute of this onslaught, suddenly the attack from the two stopped and Mac realized a second later they were the ones grunting from pain. Managing to look up,Macintosh saw the bullies restricted from moving by magic. Looking skyward, the red farmer saw his savior: Princess Twilight Sparkle. Except instead of her kind eyes she had a fiery glow. Flying down and landing, Twilight bonded the two with her magic and walked over to Macintosh. A moment later he felt better, and was able to get up.

"Sorry, Macintosh." She said, almost grinding her teeth.

"I'll talk to you later. Now, I have to deal with these two." She gestured to Hoops and Dumb-bell, and unbinded them, telling them to follow her. Macintosh watched as the three flew away. Thanks to Twilight, it seemed she had healed Macintosh, so not much harm. On a lighter side of recent events, Mac's mortal enemies were no longer. Even though it had been a unbearable pain, Macintosh never had to deal with them again. He thought this as he continued back to the stand. emerging through the final path, he saw his sister at the market stall. Trotting over, Mac quickly filled her in on what had just happened. It was a very dark note and frankly, both ponies just didn't bring it back up the rest of the market day. And it was going good, until the end of the day. Macintosh's was packing up the stall and locking it, when he looked up and saw Time Turner. The Pegasus didn't see Mac, but Macintosh still stood shock-still. Turner was looking worse for ware to Macintosh. His coat had hair sticking up all directions, ungroomed. And his wings didn't look air-worthy either; in a state just as bad as Time's fur. Macintosh woke up slightly when his sister tapped him on the shoulder, gesturing that they should head home down. But before he left with his sister, Big Mac glanced back at the Pegasus who was damaged by guilt, now that his secret was out, even if only to one pony.

Chapter 9 - Happy Ending

Thump!

Macintosh stepped toward the branch of a tree he had torn off to retrieve the rope that had brought it down. Nearby, Time Turner flew above, also pushing down loose tree limbs. A big winter storm had been scheduled, so Mac and Turner volunteered to take care of the trees. Together they managed to make good ground, and almost an hour before the storm would have started Time Turner kicked down the last branch.

"Well, that wen't faster than expected!" Time said, landing next to Macintosh. The red Stallion nodded, also happy that they had finished so soon. After talking to Time for a minute or two (something Mac wouldn't have been able to do a month ago) Macintosh headed to Ditzy's house while Turner went home. Arriving at Ditzy's yard, Mac rapped his hoof against the wooden door that sat on the small house's wall. Subconsciously, Macintosh had a random urge to get the rather nice clothes Rarity had made for him, but Mac shook himself.

Wow, Ditzy really is turning me sentimental, but it doesn't matter Mac thought, but then he grinned at that.

Yup, sentimental. Macintosh's thoughts were interrupted when the door opened, inside Ditzy. Before Mac could think about how he was so sentimental seeing ditzy wasn't embarrasing anymore, Macintosh said Hello.

"Hey, Big Macintosh! Why are you here?" Ditzy asked, a smile on her face.

"I got done an hour early" Macintosh explained,"so I came here. And I thought maybe we could walk in the park? Or is Dinky here?"

"No, I think she's with the CMC, so I can come." Ditzy closed the door to her home and followed Macintosh. They trotted through the town, going towards the park. When they arrived, the grove full of trees and plants looked different from when Big Macintosh had first gone there with Ditzy. Even though the coming winter made some of the plants freeze up or loose colour, the park was still very beautiful. It was diverse to its surroundings, standing bright and alive compared to the houses next to it that were locked up, inhabitants trying to stay warm. Both Ditzy and Macintosh enjoyed the park, even before they had walked in. Both were similar in emotion, liking the place. It reminded Macintosh of Sweet Apple Acres, which he obviously liked. As for Ditzy, well she had an eye for pretty things. When the couple finally got in, it was quite an adventure down memory lane. Even though the plants may look different, it reminded both Ponies of their first time there; The first time Macintosh really met the grey Mare he loved, the first time they had kissed.

...Sorry, that was way to cheesy, um, back to the story...

Eventually, Macintosh and Ditzy had gone the full circle, and were back at the start. Smiling, Big Macintosh walked out of the park with Ditzy trotting next to him, their bodies slightly brushing together. Before they got back to Ditzy's house, Ditzy herself suggested otherwise. Of course, Macintosh was probably going to say the same thing had she not, so he agreed. Changing course, Mac showed Ditzy to a path that cut through PonyVille and lead to Sweet Apple Acres that would make the journey go faster.

Back at Sweet Apple Acres, Macintosh walked up to the house the Apples lived in, fished out the key to the door, and let Ditzy and himself in. After closing the door behind them, they looked around to see almost everyone home. In the corner Scootaloo was trying to fly while Sweetie Bell attempted to help by lifting Scootaloo up with her (failing) magic. Meanwhile AppleJack was talking to Time Turner and Dinky, the three sitting on the wooden table in the middle of the house. Finally, the other two Apples were in the kitchen, AppleBloom attempting to make an apple pie and, not doing to bad. No one even noticed the two ponies that had just entered, being so wrapped up. Ditzy trotted over to her daughter, making AppleJack and AppleBloom notice their brother was back. They trotted over to Macintosh, welcoming him. He responded to their hellos by waving his hoof, and joined everypony in their discussions. Throughout the rest of the afternoon, even during the storm, there was a certain mood every minute that evening.

And it was happiness, joyful happiness. Everything in the end for everypony had turned out well, so why not celebrate? Enjoy a time when everything turned out smoothly, and atleast for a single night, not worry...