Delicate porcelain hands worked diligently on pure white fabric. Rarity studied every single millimeter of the fabric with trained eyes, it had to be absolutely perfect, it wasn’t everyday that one of her closest friends were to be married. ‘Actually,’ she thought to herself ‘at this rate, it’ll be years before any of us get married. I am too busy with the boutique myself, Fluttershy is too shy to get that far with a gentleman, and Pinkie Pie is, well, Pinkie Pie.’

The fair-skinned beauty smiled at this train of thought. In her younger days, she would often find herself fantasizing about finding the perfect man and falling madly in love with him. Those days seemed like they were so far off now, it had been seven years since they all finished High School, and she had grown so much in that time.

Her mind began to wander once more. It had been a measly year after graduating that Rainbow Dash had entered her circle of friends. She was brash, and rude to no end, but there was something special about her, an enigmatic aura that surrounded the girl that made you accept her with all her faults. It was almost like magic.

Rarity let herself giggle at that. “Magic is the only explanation as to how we managed to be civil with each other for so long.” she said aloud to herself. A small mewl that seemed too delicate to even be considered a legitimate yawn escaped her mouth, and she checked the clock that was hanging from the wall. It was getting late and she would need her rest for tomorrow, she did have other things to take care of after all, and only a single day left.

She gave her latest project one last look over before she stood up with a smile. “Applejack is going to absolutely love it.” were the last words she said before she pulled a hanging curtain aside, hiding the vibrant wedding gown from anyone trying to get a sneak peek, as well as protecting it from dust or any potential accidents.

She turned off the lights that lit up the lobby to the boutique, and checked to make sure the front door was locked as well. She looked out of the window and smiled softly. Out in the distance she was able to see Sweet Apple Acres, and she thought about how her friends must be feeling at that exact moment. But, with no time and even less energy, Rarity made her way upstairs to the living area of her boutique. She silently checked on a sleeping Sweetie Belle, who now took up residence with her, and, once she was sure everything was in order, she made way for her own bed. A rest was much needed and greatly appreciated. She began to undress and ready herself for the morning, when a sudden thought hit her and she grabbed her phone. She quickly tapped at the screen a few times with expert precision and then placed the phone back down. It was time for bed.

Rainbow Dash sat in the Apple family guest room, a set of random papers with various offers of sponsorship and contracts was strewn across the small desk that occupied the room. These past few years had been amazing for her. She’d taken up derby racing and, apparently, she was really good at it. People were always asking for autographs these days, but it hadn’t always been so glamorous. She could still remember climbing out of her wreck of a derby car, collecting a few hundred bucks and then being shooed away like she was just some common drivel. She never gave up though, one thing about Rainbow Dash was that she was dedicated and determined. Eventually, she had been approached by a man who offered her more money if she put a few stickers on her car. Why the hell not? That was years ago already though, and she’s gotten bigger and better offers since then. A vibration brought Rainbow back to the present. She looked over to her left and saw her cellphone, a light flashing to show she had a message.

“The hell? At this time?” she said to herself as she unlocked the phone to check the message. “Rarity?” she questioned as she saw who the text was from. She shrugged and opened it up.

Rainbow Dash, be sure you at least begin to write your vows. Time is dwindling after all.

Rainbow locked the phone again. She hated writing, she finished school anyway so why did she need to? ‘I’ll just do it tomorrow.’ she thought to herself as she moved from the desk to the bed. Sure she hated writing, but she knew the vows were important. She’d think of something. For now, sleep was all she needed.

Applejack woke with a yawn and stretch, she rubbed her eyes and smiled as she saw snow lightly drifting by her window. She got up from her warm bed and felt her feet hit the cold wooden floor as she made her way to the window. The farm was dusted in a light coating of powder, and everything seemed to glow as the morning sun reflected from the blanket of snow.

No work would be done today, crops didn’t grow during this time of year so all they needed to do was feed the animals. That was Appleblooms job now anyway. Applejack turned around and couldn’t hide the smile on her face. She wouldn’t have been working today, even if there was stuff to do.

“A’hm getting married tomorrow!” she excitedly said to herself. There was so much left to do! She mentally went through a checklist. ‘Minister hired and on schedule?’ Check. ‘Seats placed in barn?’ Check. ‘Wedding dress?’ She knew Rarity wouldn’t let her down there. Check. ‘Food?’ Double check.

They had spent the week preparing food and fixing up the barn so they would be able to comfortably fit all of their friends and family. Rainbows family was supposed to be showing up today, in order to spend the night and be there first thing in the morning. All there friends would be showing up too. ‘We let Pinkie Pie had planned the after party afterall.’ Aj thought to herself with a small chuckle.

But there was one guest she was more excited about than all the rest.She looked at the already opened letter on her dresser. She had received it almost a week ago, and she had been counting the days since. She read through it once more.

Dear Applejack,

I honestly don’t know what to say. Congratulations! My little sister is getting married to someone she loves, I never thought I’d see the day!

I don’t know how you are able to forgive me so easily, but I won’t argue. I would love to walk you down the aisle. Honestly, it would be an honor, one I don’t deserve. I won’t be the only one there though, believe me. I know mom and dad will be right there with you, standing by your side as you put that ring on Rainbows finger. I am so proud of you little sister, you deserve this. You have worked so hard all your life, and you have earned this and so much more.

You can expect me there the day before, I just have a few things to handle over here. Shining has me helping out with training new recruits. Oh boy, the stories I have for you all back home. I can’t wait to finally see everyone again. Two years is a long time to be away from family. Look out for me though, I’ll have a surprise!

Love,
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Big Mac

She placed the letter down and her smile grew even wider. She was finally going to have her whole family together again, and she wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. She stretched again and let out a yawn. ‘I still gotta get my dress from Rarity.’ she thought to herself. ‘But first, a shower.’

She grabbed some fresh clothes and took off. Morning showers were the best.

Rainbow Dash woke up with a groan. She was not a morning person. Never was, never will be. She barely remembered where she was, but she knew what she needed right now. A shower and some coffee.

She grabbed a shirt and a pair of shorts from her bag and opened the door. The hall was chilly and she imagined how great the hot water would feel against her skin. Reaching the bathroom, she saw the door was closed and heard the shower running already.

‘Shit.’ she thought as she knocked on the door.

“Hello?” came a voice with a heavenly country accent.

Rainbow felt her spirits lift instantly. “Hey babe,” she said happily “mind letting me in so I can get a shower too?”

Just as fast as her spirit was lifted, it came crashing down into a fiery wreck. “Nope, Ah gotta stay pure for th’wedding.” Applejack yelled back to her colorful lover.

Rainbow groaned and let her head hang down in despair. ‘How much does a divorce cost?’ she asked herself as she began to walk back to the guest room. It was less of a guest room at this point, with all the times she slept over and stood the night there.

She threw the clothes onto her bed and decided if she couldn’t have the shower yet, she’d just go get the coffee. She began to make her way down the stairs and she could feel the cold air attack her skin. Oh how she wished she could be in that hot shower right now.

Her mind began to wander. ‘I’d be nice and warm, plus I could take all that lathery soap and turn to Applejack, oh the things I would do to her in there. Those strong legs should be wrapped behind my head right now while I li-’

Her thoughts were interrupted as a firm knock sounded from the front door just as she walked passed it. She shook her head once to remove those thoughts from her head and then reached for the lock above the door handle. She gave it a firm twist, the damned thing was always getting jammed these days, and she turned the knob to open the door.

Rainbow froze momentarily as she saw who was standing on the other side of the door. She had read the letters, and heard all the claims of how he had a change of heart, but she had no proof, no way to know for sure.

Standing there, with a half-smile on his face, was Big Macintosh.

“Howdy.” the man said after a moment of standing in silence.

Rainbow just continued to stare. She didn’t feel threatened, but she was wary. The man looked different, she noticed that immediately. His hair was a bit shorter, and better kempt than it used to be. He also looked taller somehow, like he had this great aura around him.

“D’ya mind if Ah come in?” he asked as he, once again, received no response from the small girl before him.

Rainbow looked the man in the eye for one more fleeting moment before stepping to the side. “Sure, come in. It’s your house anyway.” she said.

Mac walked in and closed the door behind himself. He paused for a moment as he looked around the small space between the front door and the stairs that he was currently standing in. It looked almost exactly the way it did when he left. He stopped his reminiscing for a moment and followed Rainbow Dash into the kitchen where she began rifling through the pantry, looking for some filters for the coffee machine.

“Want a cup?” she offered without looking at Mac. “Nobody else is up yet. Well, Aj is, but she’s in the shower.”

“Uh, yea, thanks.” Mac said with a nod as he watched the girl for a bit longer. She set the machine up, and now all she had to do was wait for the coffee to actually be made. It’d take a few minutes at the least.

She leaned against the door to the refrigerator, arms crossed over her chest. It was easy to read body language so obvious as this, she was uncomfortable.

“Hey, can Ah talk to you?” Mac asked as he began to take off his jacket, revealing a tight white shirt underneath that accentuated his muscles more than his old flannels ever did.

Rainbow narrowed her eyes slightly at the man, unsure of what to expect. “Yea, sure.” she said begrudgingly.

Mac let a small smile grace his lips. “Thank you kindly Rainbow Dash.” he said with a slight bow of his head before he made his way to the small living room area. He placed his jacket neatly onto the couch and took a seat, motioning for Rainbow to do the same.

The girl complied, albeit reluctantly. “So what’dya wanna talk about?” she asked as she took her seat, arms still crossed.

Mac leaned forward in his seat, arms placed on his knees for balance. “Dash, Ah can tell how uncomfortable you are right now, and Ah understand it. But Ah wanna put all my cards on the table now.” he said firmly.

Rainbow looked at the man before her, she stared into his eyes and she saw the sincerity in them. There was a part of her that wanted to walk away, to just ignore the man and go back up to her bed where she wouldn’t have to see him anymore. But then there was the other part of her, the much bigger part, the part that was so madly in love with Applejack that it told her to hear the man out and make Aj happy. So she did. She nodded in the affirmative and allowed the man to continue.

“Ah’m just gonna let everything out right now, please just hear me out to the end.” he said, receiving another nod in response. “Thanks Rainbow.” he said before taking a deep breath. “First of all, Ah want to apologize. Ah know that probably doesn’t mean much to you, especially after so long, but Ah am really and truly sorry for everything that happened that morning.”

Rainbow let her gaze drift slowly to the side. She wasn’t sure what to say. She didn’t have time to respond though, as Mac continued.

“Ah honestly don’t know what my problem was back then. Granny never told us about sex, we kinda just learned in school, and that’s not always the best place to get your life lessons from. Ah don’t know how it was for you girls, but us guys always had to prove that we were cool. Then as we got older and learned the differences between sexes and orientations, gay became an insult instead.” he took a breath. “Basically, everyday we had to prove that we were straight. Ah know it sounds really dumb, and it’s nowhere near a good excuse, but years of doing that created this homophobic personality in me. Ah would basically do anything just to prove that Ah wasn’t gay, ruining a few good relationships along the way because Ah wanted to act like some player. Ah actually started to believe that being gay was a disease, and that people were spreading it.” he let out a sigh, followed by an awkward laugh. “Ah sure as hell got that idea beat outta me. After Ah left that day, Ah pretty much just walked around for a while. Ah wound up in Canterlot to stay with a friend. Let’s just say, he was more open to the idea of homosexuality than Ah was and, after Ah had a scuffle with his friend who was gay, he showed me a new light, by knocking my lights out.”

Mac got up and sat down next to Dash. He was surprised when she didn’t immediately move away, but it made him happy. “Ah know none of this makes up for what Ah did, but Ah want you to know that Ah’m different and Ah regret what happened back then. Can you ever forgive me? Not now, but maybe sometime in the future? We’re gonna be family afterall.”

Rainbow was silent for a few moments, seemingly mulling over her thoughts, and it was to be expected after everything she had just been told. Finally, she spoke up. “So you got clocked out?” she asked.

Mac smiled slightly. “Didn’t have a pretty face for over a month.” he replied.

Rainbow sighed. “Fine. I’m not saying that we’re best friends now or anything, but you’re my wifes brother and she needs you in her life. Apples stick together and all that.” she said as she held her hand out for a shake.

Mac looked down at her outstretched hand and smiled wide as he ignored it and enveloped her in a big hug. “C’mon, Ah know you’ve been around long enough to know this is how we do it in the Apple family.”

Rainbow grumbled something underneath her breath, but didn’t fight the man off. She hadn’t completely forgiven him, but he deserved another chance. It’d make Applejack happy at least. Time seemed to work in her favor as well because once Mac released her, the coffee machine rang out, signalling that it was done.

“That you makin’ coffee down there sugarcube?” Applejacks voice rang down from atop the stairs. “D’you mind bringing me up a cup?”

Rainbow stood up and began walking to the kitchen. “Actually,” she yelled back up to Aj “can you come down here for a second?” she turned to Mac and held a finger up to her lips, signalling for him to stay silent. He nodded and began to slowly walk towards the kitchen, hiding himself behind the wall that led into the room so Aj wouldn’t hear him.

Rainbow quickly poured two cups of coffee before she called up to Applejack once more. “Joe is ready, come and get it!” she yelled out as she carried the cups into the living room.

It didn’t take long for footsteps to be heard coming down the stairs. Rainbow watched as Applejack walked into the kitchen, looking for the cup of coffee that Rainbow was holding in her hand. “Right here babe.” Rainbow said as she held the glass out, taking a gulp from her own cup as well.

Applejack smiled as she began walking to her wife. “Thanks sugar, Ah could really go for th-”

Big Mac jumped in front of Applejack from around the corner and grabbed her in a big hug. “Howdy little sister, how’ve you been!” he happily exclaimed as he tightened the hug before releasing Applejack.

The girl herself went through a small wave of emotions, her face adopting looks of shock, confusion and finally happiness as she processed that it was her big brother standing before her after being gone for so long. “Big McIntosh, look at you! All professional and military looking!” she almost yelled happily. It was loud enough though, because not even ten seconds later more footsteps were heard racing down the stairs and down came Applebloom, big red bow bobbing all the while.

“Big Mac!” she yelled as she leapt into his arms, giving him the biggest hug she could muster. “You’re back!”

He placed her down onto the floor and measured her height with his eyes. She was almost up to his chest now. “Well look at you, getting all big while Ah was away. Who said you could grow up?”

Applebloom let out a cute little laugh. “I can’t stop growing! I gotta be big so I can help granny and sis on the farm!” she announced proudly.

Mac smiled at his little sister and got down on his knee so he could look her in the eye. He placed a hand on her head and gently ruffled her hair. “Thanks for taking care of them.” he said softly, a small smile gracing his lips as he recalled the last conversation he had with the youngest Apple before leaving.

“Did I hear that right, or are my ears going to start playing tricks on me in my old age?” came the all too familiar voice of Granny Smith, who steadily made her way to everyone else. “Well I’ll be, it’s great to see you again Mac.” the old lady said calmly. She then looked around. “You didn’t bring any of your soldier friends for the bachelorette party?” she suddenly asked.

“Granny!” Applejack exclaimed with a blush.

Applebloom adopted a confused look upon her face while Rainbow shook her head and Mac let out a hearty laugh.

“No, no Ah didn’t. Maybe next time though.” Mac said to the old lady. “Now c’mere and give your grandson a hug. Ah’ve missed you.” he said as he grabbed Granny Smith in his big arms and hugged her, not as tight as he usually hugged people, but it got the point across. “C’mon y’all, get in here, this is an Apple family reunion hug.” he said to the other occupants of the small room. Applejack and Applebloom wasted no time in getting close to the action. “Ah said everybody. You’re gonna be an Apple too, so get used to it.” Mac called out as he saw Rainbow still standing still holding her coffee.

The prismatic girl rolled her eyes and tried to hold back the smile that threatened to overtake her face. The family was back together again, and she couldn’t ask for more.

A soft knock on the door signalled a visitor. Mac was the only one down on ground level at the moment, so he opened the door. A pale skinned beauty with perfectly formed hair stood outside with a large bag and a stylish winter coat. He recognized her as one of his sisters friends. “Rarity, right? C’mon in.” he said, motioning for the girl to come in.

Rarity complied and walked into the house. The snow and wind had picked up and it was absolutely freezing out there. She removed the scarf that had been keeping her face warm and faced the man. “So good to see you again McIntosh. Applejack told me you had returned for the wedding.” she said with a smile. “I’m just here to deliver the dress and make sure everything is in order.”

Mac eyed the large bag that was in Raritys hands. “That’s her dress? Can I see it?” he asked, reaching for the bag.

Rarity took a step back and clutched the bag defensively. “I apologize, I don’t mean to be rude but nobody can see it yet. It’s bad luck to see the dress before the bride does!” she said, her fashionista side showing itself.

Mac held his hands up. “Alright, alright. Ah can wait.” he said.

Rarity cleared her throat. “Right, well, could you please be a dear and tell Applejack I have arrived? I would like to show it to her as well as go over some crucial details.”

Mac nodded. “Sure thing, Ah’ll be right back.” he said as he started to make his way upstairs.

Nothing had really changed in the house after the time he had been gone, and it was basic muscle memory that led him straight to his sisters room. He knocked firmly three times, awaiting an answer before making his entrance.

“Come in!” he heard Applejack say, and he pushed the door open, closing it again once he was inside. “Hey Mac, what’s up?” Aj asked as her brother walked closer to her.

“Your friend Rarity is downstairs, she wanted me to tell you that.” he said.

Applejack sat up on her bed. “Oh alright. Tell her to come on up.” she said.

“One sec Aj, Ah still have something Ah need to give you.” he said as he reached into his back pocket.

Applejack eyed her brother curiously. “Whaddya mean?” she asked.

Mac pulled out a blank envelope that had been folded in half and handed it to his sister. “Ah told you in my letter that Ah had a surprise for you. There it is. It’s not much, but it’ll do for a little getaway after the ceremony tomorrow.” he said.

Applejack unfolded the envelope and looked inside. There was a small sheet of paper. No. It was a cheque! “800 dollars Mac!” she practically yelled. “Ah can’t accept this! It’s way too much!” she exclaimed as she tried to hand the paper back to her brother.

Mac only smiled and pushed her hand away from him. “Believe me, it’s not. Ah wanted to give you more, but it was sorta short notice and Canterlot is an expensive place to live. It doesn’t even begin to pay back what I owe you.”

“But Mac. It-”

“Aj, keep it. It’s for you. Enjoy yourself.” Mac said, before turning around and leaving the room. He walked down the stairs and saw Rarity still standing where he left her. “She said to go right on up.” he said.

“Thank you very much darling.” Rarity replied as she began to make her way up the stairs before stopping and looking back to Mac. “Was Rainbow with her? I need to help prepare her as well.” she asked.

“Nope, probably in her room. First door on your right once you pass Ajs’ room.” he directed her, before turning around and heading back to the living room where he had been looking at old family photos. There was nothing else to do while everyone else was getting things ready.

Author's Note

Hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Let me know what you thought.