Boss Macintosh and Just Twilightby AcidGreenChaptersGrave MistakeGame OverUnexpected BonusHornbreaking WorkGrave Mistake"...ight, hey, Twilight!" "Huh... er?" "Were you sleeping?" Twilight gradually regained her consciousness. What's going on? She slowly looked around. It was... inside Sugarcube Corner. And the signboard hanging out from the ceiling says "Twilight got her job in Sweet Apple Acres party!". Now Twilight remembered. This was the first Sunday after she got the job, and as always, Pinkie was celebrating it. Everypony, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and one dragon Spike was looking at her quizzically. "Hellooooo??" Suddenly, Pinkie materialized right in front of Twilight and looked into her eyes intensely. The party host was apparently not happy that the guest of honor was not polite enough to stay awake. "Sorry, everyone... I'm just tired. Really." "Oh my... Is that because of your new job?" Fluttershy asked in concern. "No wonder." Rainbow Dash frowned. "Big Mac is driving you like a crazy, right?" "Hey, it's not like that!" Driven by a sudden urge to defend him, Twilight jumped in. "He's being totally gentlecolt about this." "Oh yeah? That's not how I remember." "What?" Twilight did not expected such response. "Rainbow Dash, have you worked under Big Macintosh before?" "Yup. That's years ago, before I became a weather pony. I needed just a hoofful of bits and asked him for a paying job." Rainbow Dash grimaced. "Boy I regret that. He was so demanding." "Well, he may have a high standard for work ethic..." "It was totally absurd! Really, I was a little filly, you know!? So, at some time, I couldn't keep up and needed a break. I took a nap on a tree and, well, took a bite of some apples I was harvesting. Big Mac saw me, and oh, he, was, FURIOUS." "Well... eh, shouldn't he be angry? You stole his product at all..." "He kicked down the tree I was on! I could break my neck, mind you!" Fluttershy squealed in fear. "And he grabbed me by the neck and yelled something so loud that I had no idea what he was yelling. I was so scared and I cr... no, I mean, that was so uncalled for and I left the field, and that's it." Twilight was not sure how to take this new information, and turned to Applejack. "She's exaggerating, right?" "Just a little bit." To her surprise, Applejack did not defend her brother as Twilight expected. "But that's pretty much what Ah saw. He could be a real hothead in a busy time." "Actually I heard similar stories from time to time." Twilight swung her head to meet slightly sad-faced Pinkie, who must be uncomfortable about the subject of no-fun work. "I've met several ponies who had worked under Big Mac and... weeeeell, he wasn't popular. They never said he got angry for no reason, but when there's reason... he could be a meanie." Twilight waited several seconds for anypony to start saying otherwise, but even Applejack was not making any effort against where the conversation was going. It didn't help Rarity was somehow staying silent for a long time. "I... would have never guessed. So far, he is an ideal boss to me." "Until you make a mistake." Rainbow Dash bitterly mocked. It was Monday, and her second week of work began. Twilight and Big Macintosh went to the familiar half-dead apple trees as always, but this time Big Macintosh was pulling a colossal cart. The trees were finally rooted out, and it was the phase to harvest woods. "Okay Twilight, now can ya turn them into logs?" "Sure." Truth be told, she was not so sure. Last week she learned that any easy task quickly becomes not so easy if it has to be done again and again. Her horn shot a blinding spark and engulfed nearby tree, and with a puff of smoke and sparks, the twisted tree shifted its shape into a near-straight log. "Well, is this good enough?" "Perfect." Big Macintosh beamed with content. Until you make a mistake. Impossible. He will never hurt me in any way. Yes, but, until you make a mistake. "Okay, ya keep doing it, and Ah'll gather logs and haul them back." Her boss was already lifting the log and trying to place it in the monstrous cart. Realizing she was being the bottleneck of the task, Twilight hurriedly began transforming next target. After his cart was loaded, Big Macintosh skillfully tied logs to the cart and hauled them to the direction of his house. As Twilight feared, this work proved to be harder than she anticipated. Trees were huge, and transforming them into unnaturally refined form required serious magical power. But what made things worse was that Twilight was already tired before even she began. The weekend was too short to get rid of all the effects from the previous toil, but bigger problem was that she couldn't sleep last night. The possibility of Big Macintosh mistreating her, as her friends suggested, was disturbing to say the least. Atelophobia. She was aware of her problem. She unreasonably feared disappointing her dearest ones, such as her parents, Shining Armor, and Celestia. She couldn't stop thinking they would abandon her if she didn't meet their expectation. But at least she knew such fear was unfounded, even though she couldn't control it well. There were a lot of mistakes she made, and they were always there to help her recover, not to judge her. It was proven. But what about Big Macintosh? What her friends—including Applejack!—suggested was exact opposite. Twilight began to panic as she realized she was not sure about the criterion of current task. When they were clearing woods, she just followed Big Macintosh. But now, she had no idea if she was doing things fast enough. She could only do the safest move she could come up—just doing her best. Oh, this feels so good... it's warm, firm but not not too firm. What is this rhythmical, gentle vibration? Like I am on a train—waitwhatinthehayishappening? Twilight's eyes opened to their full extent. What she immediately saw was a beautiful dusk, and apple trees moving past her. She quickly noticed she was the one moving forward. She also noticed something was obscuring half of her vision. It was the back of Big Macintosh's head. Twilight was being carried on his back, all her limbs sprawled over his massive body. Huh? What is going on? ...Okay, let's recall the events of today. It's Monday. I came to work, transformed trees, morning shift was over and I ate lunch, took a nap, woke up, started evening work... oh that's right, I felt so spent I decided to take a break... and... oh. I must have fallen asleep! And Big Macintosh found me and now bringing me back to the house. How nice "GAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!" Big Macintosh missed his step and promptly had his face crashed against the ground. In the process, screaming Twilight was tossed in front of him. Their eyes met each other. "Oh... yer awake, Twi—" "IMSORRYIMSORRYIMSORRY!!!" "What a..." "NO I didn't mean to sleep believe me please! I'm sorry I'm sorry Just give me one more chance and I don't need the dinner I will go back to the work I'm sorry!" Twilight made a bolt for the unfinished job, but before making ten steps, her legs failed and she ungraciously dropped to the ground, stomach first. She gathered her strength and tried to get up. She couldn't. Twilight groaned as she tried it again but her body didn't rise even by a millimeter. Then she realized she was being pinned down. Twilight slowly looked her side and found Big Macintosh, looking down into her eyes intently. Twilight began to tremble, choking in fear. "...Twilight." Twilight's eyes filled up with tears. "...Ah don't know what's going on, but I swear nothing is gonna hurt ya, so... calm down." Several seconds of silence followed. "And don't go back to work. Ah'm the boss and Ah call it a day." Big Macintosh removed his hoof from Twilight's back and stepped back a little. Twilight shakily sit up, still trembling. "Are you..." Twilight's voice was weak and raspy. "Are you mad at me?" "Nnope." Big Macintosh replied, dumbfounded. "Why?" "B-Because... I failed. I just fall asleep in the middle of w-work and, and..." Twilight's speech stopped as Big Macintosh took her hoof in his and gently squeezed. "Sorry Ah wasn't being clear about this. Ya are doing wonderful, Twilight. ...And Ah knew ya were trying hard, maybe more than ya should be, but Ah don't know how ya feel by using too much magic, so Ah thought it's best to let you pace yourself." Big Macintosh paused to see if Twilight was following. "The point is... er... ya did nothing wrong and Ah'm not mad at all. So... are ya okay?" Twilight kept sniffing for a while, but gradually she recovered her usual posture. Finally she apologetically smiled. "I should've known better than being scared of you." "Eeyup." Big Macintosh returned his smile. "Just say whatever in yer mind." "Really?" "Eeyup." "Then can you give me a ride on your back again?" WHAT THE HAY!? Twilight realized, for the first time in her life, her mouth moved before her brain. Blushing profusely, She looked away from him as much as possible without breaking her neck. This is so embarrassing... But isn't this what I wanted? He sees me as who really I am, and I can be who I'd like to be. That's why I like about him. I know things get the better the more I open up. I can be real me to him. I can say anything to him. "Eeyup." Big Macintosh did not let the awkwardness linger and swiftly let his head slide under Twilight's torso. Before even she could gasp, he tossed her straight up, and she landed on his back again. "Thanks." "Yer welcome." "I have one more thing to ask." Twilight hesitated for a moment, but she decided that the role of her brain was already over and she shall follow her heart. "Some of my friend told me that you had hired ponies years before me and... you were quite harsh when they weren't... good enough. Is that true?" "True." "Rainbow Dash told me that you kicked down the tree she was sleeping on. To be fair she told she was napping and eating apples without asking your permission but—" "True too." "This doesn't sound like you." Twilight slowly raised her arms and hugged his shoulders, irrationally hoping he didn't notice. "But Ah was like that. Ah regret most of the cases though." "What happened?" "No excuses. Just it was hard times back than, and Ah was angry and frustrated and didn't give a damn about anything except protecting mah Sweet Apple Acres. But Ah learned to run Acres better and AJ became a huge help as she grew up. Soon I had less reason to get stressed out." Twilight let out a sigh of contentment. "Sorry for asking something... personal." "No problem. Anyway, don't worry. If yer being too lazy, the worst thing can happen is that ya ain't getting paid at all." Twilight giggled sheepishly. On the rest of their way, Twilight gave her honest opinion on how hard the work was and tried to explain the effects of magical strain, in which Big Macintosh seemed genuinely interested. Big Macintosh promised to arrange her task to be more reasonable. After they reached the house they acted as nothing extraordinary happened, except that Big Macintosh insisted that he walk her home after the dinner. "Thanks, but It's not necessary." Twilight said so, but even without trying she could show she was pleased by his gesture. "Do you seriously think somepony pops up from nowhere and knock me out or anything?" "Nnope. But yer tired and Ah'd like to make sure ya reach yer home." So they walked to the castle together. This time Twilight remained silent, and predictably Big Macintosh didn't initiate any conversation. Most of the time Big Macintosh was looking straight up, so he did not notice that his company was stealing glances at him too frequently. But suddenly he looked at Twilight. "Okay, see you tomorrow." Big Macintosh decided he was close enough to the castle and turned back. "Wait." Even Fluttershy would agree that the voice was so weak that it couldn't be meant to be heard. But Big Macintosh heard it. He again trotted back near Twilight, who was looking down her hooves. Big Macintosh was not at ease either. Telling a stallion to stop after he walks a mare to her home? This has to go somewhere. "...Eeyup?" "I... ugh, I had to tell you one thing." Twilight looked up. "When I asked you to give me a ride, it was not that I was too tired to walk on my own. It's because... I kinda... missed it." "Playing horsy?" "Er, no, well, kinda, but..." Twilight thanked Luna for the subtle moonlight on tonight, otherwise the blush on her face was too obvious. "What I meant was... guardian figures. You know, I came to Ponyville, and learned friendship. My friends are best things in my life, I'm really glad that happened, but... that doesn't mean I don't miss my parents, my big brother, and Princess Celestia." Big Macintosh silently nodded. "So, when you were carrying me on your back... you made me feel like a filly again, feel like... safe, cared, you know. And I liked that. I, I just want you to know that... I'd like to think you as one of them." Twilight was busy staring the ground, completely oblivious to the anything else. So, when suddenly something warm and strong enveloped her shoulders, it took a while to realize that it was Macintosh's arm. "Perfect. Ah don't mind having an extra sister." They remained still for a while, but Macintosh remembered it was not late enough for everypony to be sleeping, so he swiftly moved back to the previous position. "...So, see ya tomorrow." "Yes, tomorrow." Twilight dared one more glance at Big Macintosh's eyes and entered the castle. Exactly at the moment the door was closed and locked, she galloped through the corridors, broke into her room and slammed herself onto her bed without a break. Twilight flailed her hooves blindly and as soon as she touched the pillow, she grabbed it and smashed it against her face. Twilight let out a muffled victory cry. She never felt this proud of herself. This was her first time to actively establish relationship with important pony in her life. Her family, Princess Celestia, Cadence and fellow Elements become a part of her life before she knew, but this time, it was different. She wanted to be close to Macintosh, and she decided to make it so, and she did it. Expressing affection without knowing what his response could be was dreadful and uncomfortable experience, but also exhilarating. This was not about luck or destiny, but nothing other than real courage... Okay who am I kidding. That was a grave mistake. Her eyes flew open with surprise. She knew this feeling—something unpleasant yet true was climbing up in her mind. No. What's wrong with me? Big Macintosh and I are closer now. Great isn't it? Oh, give me a break. "Guardian figure"? My heart is cracking the rib cage and my knees are shaking. Since when do I act like so around any of my guardian figures? Twilight shut her eyes as panic begun to overwhelm her. ...What I told him wasn't a lie. True, but I didn't tell him this real feeling either. We are closer, but moved away from the ideal. Now he thinks I want him to see me as his little sister. That's great, but not the best. All right all right, I admit. I like him more than I thought. But so what? I don't have to tell him that I have crush on him right away. But It's going to be painful, if you know he sees me as an extra sister just because you asked. Plus I don't have much time. When this week is over I won't have any excuses to see him anymore. I'm worrying things too much. This is going to be fine. Game OverThis is horrible. Twilight slapped her own face and tried to concentrate on the current task, but her eyes gradually wandered off to Big Macintosh fixing the fence. It was the evening shift of Wednesday. After Twilight honestly confessed transforming logs all the time was beyond her magical stamina, half of her chore became much less intensive. Right now, she was painting the barn, which breaks down in unreasonable frequency. This was a much easier work. However... Twilight grimaced as she heard a happy laughter. It belonged to Apple Bloom, who was currently riding on Big Macintosh's strong back and talking nonstop, effectively sabotaging her big brother. Macintosh didn't seem to mind at all. They were just having a good, intimate sibling time. Celestia help her, she was jealous of Apple Bloom. This is so horrible... How could I be so pathetic! Unreasonable! But... Twilight saw Apple Bloom giggling as she tried to hug his neck, but having difficulty due to their huge body size gap. I can't help! I want to do that! I don't want to see anypony else doing it! ...Oh what's wrong with me... Apple Bloom is his little sister! A filly! There's absolutely no reason to be offended, Twilight Sparkle! She has nothing to do with my problem... Twilight sighed as she teared her eyes away from the happy siblings and glared the wall she was working on. Since Twilight and Big Macintosh's "honorary sibling bonding" moment, practically nothing had changed between them. Twilight had no idea how to make any progress from this point, and Big Macintosh, as passive as always, didn't make any move either. Like he has a reason to do so in the first place... Twilight smashed the paintbrush on the wall. She was angry at everypony. Big Macintosh should be more perceptive of her longing for affection! Apple Bloom should stop showing off whatever she cannot bring herself to do! And she hated herself for being such an idiot. I need help. "Excuse me, but Boutique is already cl... oh hi, Twilight." "Hi, Rarity." Twilight sheepishly smiled. "Sorry, eh, am I interrupting something?" "Well, I'm working on the new order but it's nothing serious. What brings you here? It's..." Rarity eyed the clock on the wall. "... 8 p.m. Not so late so don't mind about me, but this is rather unusual." "I... I need... to, um, to, talk... about..." Rarity raised her eyebrow in curiosity. "Forgive my manners, dear. Would you like to come in?" "Well... yes, thank you." Rarity led the guest to the table, and without a word, she walked into the backroom. Soon she came back with cups of tea magically lifted. They stayed completely silent as Twilight sat at the table and Rarity served the tea. Twilight, still visibly nervous, took a sip. That was the exact moment Rarity abruptly spoke. "Big Macintosh." Epic splash erupted from Twilight's mouth. The tea spread to everywhere, but Rarity has already held a cloth front of her to prevent any damage on her coat. "How *cough* how could you *cough* you know that... *wheeze* NO! I mean what are you *cough* what are you talking about!?" "Nothing. I just said random thing. What are YOU talking about?" Twilight seriously considered pouncing upon Rarity and forcefully wipe that infuriating smirk out of her face, but eventually better part of her prevailed. "All right! You got me! This is about Big Macintosh!" "Forgive me, I couldn't resist! So, what about him? Is he giving you a hard time at the Acres?" Apparently Rarity was having difficulty keeping her face straight. "No... you already know it." "No I don't. Tell me about it." "Rarity...!" "Twilight Sparkle, I'm serious here." Twilight grudgingly looked up to face Rarity, and noticed her expression was, though she really looked like enjoying the situation, genuinely caring. "Consider this as a practice, darling. If you can't even tell me that, you will never be able to even confront the problem. You know that, don't you?" For a while Twilight stayed petrified, her face burning red, and Rarity patiently waited. "I have a crush on Big Macintosh." "There, that wasn't so hard." Twilight let out a sigh and giggled, feeling both mentally and physically liberated. "I'm that obvious, huh?" "I wasn't born yesterday, dear. Just a week ago you started working under Big Macintosh and now you suddenly visit me at nighttime, nervous and blushing all over. I wouldn't even call it a long shot." "Oh... Yeah." "Plus, I imagined you have a soft spot for a guardian figure like him." Twilight jumped at the familiar words. She knew Rarity can be perceptive, but not THIS perceptive! Rarity triumphantly grinned. "Well, what's the point of visiting me if I don't know better?" Twilight smiled, nervously but full-heartedly. Her friends never cease to amaze her. She knew Rarity would enjoy this a bit more than she would like her to, but also was confident that Rarity wishes best for her and supports her as much as she can. So, Twilight told her everything about her feelings and situations concerning Big Macintosh. "...and today I was jealous of Apple Bloom! Over him! I'm crazy!" "Yes. ...I mean, I can see you are quite stressed." Twilight slumped over the table. "...And I have no idea where I should go from now on." "Hmm. To be precise, you'd like to move forward, but don't know how to do so. Correct?" Twilight raised her head and begun timidly playing with her hooves. "Yes... that's pretty much it. Do you think I should just tell him how I really feel?" "Oh no no no no no." Rarity waved her hooves as if she was drowning. "Ladies simply don't do that! Besides, that wouldn't work on him." "What does that mean? Am I... not good enough for him?" "Oh dear, don't ever say that." Rarity made a point by jabbing a hoof in front of Twilight's muzzle. "It's Big Macintosh's problem. In his book, there's nothing between friend and soul mate. Mind you, a lot of mares had already tried to win his heart, but he had always politely rejected them. There's no such thing as 'give it a shot' or 'try it out and see' in his love life." "Wow. That's... conservative, I guess." "In my opinion, he is prioritizing his family and work. Anyway, make sure to win his affection BEFORE you make moves. Because if he is not sure, it will be just 'eenope'. Ideally, you should make him ask you out. That's much more pleasant and safe." "Okay... but... how do I do that?" "Here's a serious problem." Rarity frowned for the first time of this conversation. "You already sibling-zoned him." Twilight smashed her face on the table again. "It was a heartwarming act, really so. But from Big Macintosh's perspective, that's practically 'let's keep it platonic', and by Celestia he will honor it." "...Don't you think a honorary sister can grow... into something more?" Twilight murmured without rising her head. "Sorry Twilight, but that's hard cold NO. I'm the living proof of that. I've been his honorary sister for over a decade." "WHAT!?" Twilight rose from the table like an upside-down lightning. "How did you... you..." "Well, Applejack and I were best friend since I can remember, and naturally I saw him frequently. So I guess it was natural for him to see me as an extra little sister and other way around for me." "That's ...right. I often forget I'm the only one really new here." "The point is, you are going nowhere from where you stand. I'm fine here, but you should move out. Quickly." "But how!?" "Oh dear, we are so behind the start line! As I said, any premature major advancement on him is a romantic suicide. I would suggest starting with giving subtle signs to give him clues and present yourself as a potential marefriend, but doing that after you said to him that you saw him as a big brother is... creepy. Come to think of it, it's really so considering you have a real big brother and he has little sisters, and he may think you are kind of..." "STOP! I get it!" "Excuse me." Rarity calmed herself with a sip of tea. "Anyway, we have to be creative here and stop complaining. It's not that we can cancel that siblinghood." "...Huh?" Suddenly, Twilight's bloodshot eyes flew open. "What did you say?" "Again, we have to be creative." "No, the next." "...We can't cancel that siblinghood." "Yes!" Twilight abruptly climb over the table and victoriously raised a hoof. "That's it! I can cancel it!" "WHAT?!" Rarity's jaw hit the table. "Wait, dear, please calm down. I know I said you have to move out of this predicament, but that doesn't mean..." "It's okay Rarity, I know how to do it safely!" Invigorated Twilight was already on the way to the outside. "Thanks for the advice! See you later!" Not even bothering listening to whatever Rarity was saying, Twilight galloped to the castle. She rushed into her new library, and without a hitch she singled out a book she was looking and magically held it in front of her. She skimmed pages until she found what she was looking for. "Yes... yes! I can do this! This will work!" Twilight closed the book, and through the window looked up the stars with disarranged pupils and evil grin. "I can erase his memory with this spell! I will make him forget we'd ever had that conversation on that night! This way I won't be stuck as his honorary sister and start all over again as a purely potential romantic interest! Mwahahahahahahaha..." In next morning, Twilight reached Sweet Apple Acres ten minutes earlier than she normally did. She found her target inside the barn as usual. It appeared Big Macintosh was reinforcing the giant wagon. "Good morning, Big Macintosh." "Mornin', Twilight. Yer early today." "Yes, because I need your time. Can we have a talk?" "Eeyup." Big Macintosh dropped a hammer and looked at Twilight curiously, who was wearing unfamiliar smug grin. Without a word Twilight's horn begun to simmer. Perfect. Look at my eyes! This spell isn't easy, but when he is not mentally alerted at all, I can erase his memory at any... wait! The glow quickly died down. I'm going to erase his memory of my choice. So before that, I can ask him very personal question to help me gain his affection! Normally this is too risky and awkward move, but, thank Celestia, he's not going to remember that. Twilight cleared her throat and glanced at Big Macintosh in a way she thought sultry. Big Macintosh's pupils shrunk in confusion. "Big Macintosh. This is going to be a little bit personal, but I need honest opinion of stallion, like you. Is it okay?" "Ee...yup." "Great. Ahem. So, It's while since I came to Ponyville, and, things have been great, with all friends and lessons. However, I think I'm ready to step up farther in my life now. That is, to put it simply, I'm considering having a coltfriend!" "...Uh-huh." Macintosh nodded. Twilight tried to read his emotion, but seeing nothing other than confusion, she continued. "Well, I talked this about one of my friends, and looks like the best course of action is getting stallions ask me out, but before that, I need to do some research on what kind of mares are popular among stallions. And I thought, why not ask them! So..." "...So?" "So, what do you think, Big Macintosh? What kind of mare you want to go out with?" Whoa I'm on fire, Twilight! I never knew being vulgar feels so good... If I know he's going forget all of this, of course. Clearly Big Macintosh was shocked by her sudden and unexpected forwardness. Somehow seeing him visibly nervous made Twilight comfortable and confident. "Eh... wait. Why are ya asking this? I thought this is about ya, not me." "Well, eh, sure it is, but I'm trying to build stallions' general point of view, so any opinion from any stallion helps." "But this is about ya getting asked out, so what Ah say doesn't matter. Actually what anypony says doesn't matter." "What? Why?" "Let's face it, nopony's gonna ask ya out." It took seconds for his words to sink in her mind. When it did, Twilight's smug attitude was instantly vanished. She begun to quiver as her eyes became watered. "Wait!" Macintosh hastily added. "Sorry, Ah didn't mean ta sound like that! It's not that yer unattractive or anything, but ya know, yer a princess." Twilight violently flinched and glared him, almost angrily. Not that from you...! "Does that have to do with anything?" "Eeyup. Common ponies don't run after a princess. If yer looking for Canterlot highborn or something it's a different story, but in Ponyville? Yer too much. Ah don't think anything could happen if ya just wait. That's meh opinion." "Thanks." Twilight immediately responded. Her voice was level and expression was invisible behind her mane with lowered head. "I'll begin transforming trees." Without a glance toward the boss Twilight excused herself from the barn and headed to the now all familiar fallen trees patch. As she moved on the way, her walk changed to trot, and trot became canter, and it soon accelerated to full gallop. When she reached the patch, Twilight immediately begun transforming without catching breath. Wheezing and gasping, she recklessly made three not-so-straight logs. Noponies gonna ask ya out. Yer a princess. Too much. Twilight screamed as she lifted a dead tree and violently slammed it against the ground, breaking it in half. Throwing the wasted wood away towards wherever she didn't care, Twilight laid prone burying her face in her hooves, and wailed. I thought he wasn't the one of them! I thought he would always make me feel special, not different! What truly broke her heart was the fact that she couldn't blame Big Macintosh. He was just being honest as she asked, and what he said made sense. She is princess. She is untouchable. And if he thinks she is too much, at least that's exactly what she is to him. If his opinion was clearly wrong or biased, she could just disagree and maybe correct him, but, it wasn't. Twilight wept in misery for about a minute, but after she rose, she resumed her choir in steady and mechanical manner. She quickly learned that doing anything which keeps her mind away from what just happened was much better than moping about it. Unexpected BonusConsidering her extremely disturbed mind state, Twilight fared well working in Sweet Apple Acres for the rest of the term. Given Big Macintosh's taciturn nature, it was not difficult to keep communicating with him at minimum level. Twilight gradually come to see the futility of denying her princesshood. She is a princess. Nothing can change it. So only logical conclusion she could come up was live with it as best as she could. It didn't mean the pain was bearable, though. So, when Big Macintosh stopped Twilight from walking home after her last dinner at her workplace, she had to take seconds to swallow the overwhelming bitterness before looking back to him. "Yes, Big Macintosh?" The former boss was waving a familiar little poach. "Ya forgot the money. Again." "Oh." Twilight barely remembered bits were the reason she was going through all the troubles. She already earned much more than she initially hoped, and after the relief that she doesn't have to see Big Macintosh anymore regularly until she will become mentally stable, that coins didn't have any major place in her mind. "Thanks." Twilight magically grabbed the poach and put it down in her saddlebag, and begun trotting towards the castle again. "Wait." Twilight span around again and venomously responded. "What!?" Twilight was inwardly both horrified at and satisfied with the hostility of her attitude, which was much stronger than she intended. Big Macintosh clearly got the message and was taken aback. She considered apologizing , but quickly crushed the thought. How could she? He hurt her feeling more than anypony ever done in her life. She knew it was shameful, but she begun to hate him. If Big Macintosh was aware of this intense atmosphere, he seemed to ignore it. "...Just Ah'd like to say thanks again. Ah knew yer the one to get things done, but ya really did good. If ya ever need a job again, ask me again." "You are welcome." Don't think so. "One more thing." Before Twilight could try leaving, Big Macintosh insistently continued. "Ah wanted to say this earlier, but Ah had to wait until when Ah'm not yer boss anymore." Twilight raised one of eyebrows as a response. Big Macintosh lifted his hoof. Twilight noticed it held two... scrap of papers? Noting her confusion, Big Macintosh deeply inhaled, exhaled, less deeply inhaled again, and opened his mouth. "Tomorrow, four o'clock, in front of the theater. After the movie, we take dinner. Whatcha say?" "...Huh?!" Twilight finally managed to utter after good ten seconds of standing like a statue. Then she realized what Big Macintosh was holding were indeed two theater tickets. "Wha, what!? Is this like a da, da, date?" "Eeyup." Swirl of unidentifiable emotions destroyed Twilight's self control, and before she knew she was screaming at the top of her lungs. "YOU! You are the one who said nopony's going to ask me out!" "Ah regret it. Sorry Ah said that but... Ah realized Ah could change that." "Sorry?" Twilight narrowed her eyes dangerously. "Are you doing this just because you are sorry?!" "No!" Big Macintosh's voice was uncharacteristically forceful. "That was why Ah decided to do this, not why Ah wanted to do this." "What... do you mean by that?" "Ah always wanted to... get to know ya more, if Ah had a chance. Ah knew Ah didn't have any. Especially after ya became a princess." Twilight glared Big Macintosh as he uttered the taboo word. However, when she did so, with relatively calmed composure, she discovered an obvious but precious phenomenon she overlooked. Big Macintosh was blushing and sweating furiously. "...But when Ah said things like yer too much for anypony, it felt wrong. It was honest, but sounded like a pathetic excuse of me being a coward. And, it doesn't do you any good. Yer... beautiful, smart, trustworthy, diligent, and everything that shouldn't make ya a wallflower. Ah know this is ridiculous... but... Ah think you deserve somepony wooing ya, whatever the outcome is." Big Macintosh was unable to set his eyes on his crush during his confession, so he was completely unprepared when Twilight crash into his chest and hugged his neck with all her might. Physically, the action hardly budged Macintosh, but it send his mind into complete blankness. They stayed like that for a while. "Um..." Finally Big Macintosh found his voice. "So, about the date..." "YES!" Twilight abruptly screamed. "YESYESYES! I'll be definitely there!" "Really? Ah was ready for nothing more than 'thanks, sorry'." "Oh, Big Macintosh, seriously. Do you have any idea what you are to me?" Twilight hesitantly made a space between them, so they could look each other face to face. "This is too wonderful to be real. I was the one going crazy thinking how to win... your..." Twilight's words trailed off as she realized they were not alone. Rest of the Apple family was blatantly watching through the windows of their respective rooms. They were not even trying to be covert. "You know what." Twilight swiftly made a natural distance between Big Macintosh, snatching one of the tickets in the process. "We really have a lot to talk about, but let's save them for tomorrow." "Eeyup." Big Macintosh made the biggest smile Twilight had ever seen, and she couldn't resist doing the same. "See you!" Careful not to eye towards the peeping Apples, Twilight turned and skipped towards her castle. She was grinning so madly that it would disturb Pinkie Pie. "The ticket, check. Brush teeth, check. Brush tongue, check. Concealing bags under eyes, check. Going over this checklist for five times... this is the third time, so 2 more to go. Bath, check. Brush mane and tail, check. Saddlebag not smelling weird, check. Perfume, check. Not too much perfume, check. Hooves..." "GAH!!" Spike screamed out of frustration and throw a bloom over his head. "You are driving me mad, Twilight! Would you quit already and get going?!" "NO!" Twilight adamantly refused. "This must be perfect! Now, where was I? Hm, practice greeting. Ahem. Hello Big Macintosh! Nice weather today! ...this will do. Next..." "How about being on the time?" As if she just broke a trance, Twilight opened her eyes wide, realizing she had totally lost track of time. She followed where Spike's claw was pointing to. She saw the clock, reading 3:58 p.m. "AHHHHHHHH!!" was the only thing she could say before bolting outside, not even caring to close the door. "Not drenched in sweat and out of breath, unchecked." Spike mockingly muttered. Indeed Twilight was drenched in sweat and out of breath when she reached the Ponyville Theater. She easily spotted calmly waiting Big Macintosh, and approached with poise she could muster in such state. "Hello *cough* Big Macintosh! Nice... weather today!" "Eeyup." Big Macintosh cleverly avoided asking if something wrong with his date. They just entered the theater together and took seats placed back of the room, so Big Macintosh's large figure wouldn't get in the view of others. The theater was crowded. Twilight was too excited by the idea of having date with her crush to pay any real attention to what they were going to watch, but this one was the most anticipated blockbuster of the season. Twilight felt her heart warmed realizing Big Macintosh acquired hard-to-get tickets, even though he didn't believe she would go with him. The movie was good, both objectively and subjectively. It was a straight-forward action & romantic comedy, a story about a self-willed girl from very minor pony tribe called Bat Ponies joining the Royal Guards. She battles against cultural difference and prejudice with her wit and courage and causes all the troubles. But soon she meets a stoic but understanding (and absurdly handsome) pegasus guard and... eventually they fall in love with each other, the end. The movie director knew what she was doing and audiences had to be entertained at some point. Twilight would have enjoyed this even if this had nothing to do with Big Macintosh. After the movie was over, Big Macintosh led Twilight to the small restaurant she'd never visited. It appeared slightly classier than the cafè. Big Macintosh already reserved a table in the second floor, from where they could see nice view of Ponyville in the end of sunset. Then they ordered their menu. "All right." Suddenly Twilight broke their lingering silence with energetic smile. "The movie was great, and dinner seems nice, but I was dying to get to this part. We have to talk." "Well... yup." "Do you even know what we are going to talk about?" "...The movie?" Twilight grinned wickedly. "Ohoho, no. Yesterday, you told me you always wanted to know me more. Tell me about it! Everything!" "Ow." All of sudden Big Macintosh became interested in the outside view. "...Do Ah have to?" Twilight inwardly squealed like a foal when she could see her date's cheek becoming redder, even through his crimson coat and burning sunset. She couldn't remember times she felt so flattered. "Yes. This is a date and you are supposed to make me happy, right? Please?" Big Macintosh sighed in defeat. He didn't look thrilled at all, but he let out small smile to prove he knew what he was supposed to do. "All right, Ah'll do it. But Ah can't promise nothing about making ya feel good." "By Celestia I won't complain. So now, go, spit it out!" Twilight rubbed her hooves in anticipation. "Well... hope this doesn't creep ya out. To tell the truth, yer kinda special to me from the start." Twilight tilted her head. "What is 'the start'?" "When ya came to Ponyville for the first time. Ah was there when yer golden flying carriage hit the street, with Royal Guards and a baby dragon. Ah knew the new comer was some important figure from Canterlot but didn't imagine to be a girl as young as AJ." "Huh? You knew I was coming?" "Eeyup. Ah was wondering who was gonna be living in Golden Oak Library when Ah was hollowing it out." "What!?" Twilight's outburst gathered all eyes (in addition to already prying eyes) in the restaurant, but she cared none of them. "You are the one who built the library?!" "Nnope. Ah just took a part of the project, just a one of those odd jobs. Ah only did rough digging inside and carrying that telescope." "Wow...I had no idea." Twilight longingly eyed the castle through the window, imagining how Golden Oak Library would look from this angle. Well isn't that fateful? Of all the time I lived there, I was being enveloped by his handiwork... Twilight blushed at such a maudlin thought, and decided not to word it aloud. "...I must say thank you, Big Macintosh. I really loved it as my home from day one." "Don't mention it. Shame it's gone." A waiter served glasses of water. Big Macintosh immediately grabbed one and gulped it. "Buh, Ah'm talking too much..." Twilight giggled. "We are far from done! So... you liked me from the beginning." "Wait, Ah said ya were special, but didn't mean Ah liked ya. Honestly, Ah didn't like ya back then." Even with him reassuring smile, Twilight's smile varnished as if she was slapped on her face. "Aw... really? Why?" "First, I felt yer putting AJ in danger. Just day one yer here, she became Element of Honesty, and started to follow ya wherever whenever Ah thought she didn't have to. That worried me. Ah came to admit AJ was much more than just mah little sis, but it wasn't easy." A reflexive objection choked in Twilight's throat. She held it there. "But one of the worst was when ya girls helped AJ when Ah was injured and she was totally beat. Ah wasn't there, but heard from AJ that you grabbed apples from like hundred trees in just one go. She was really embarrassed and upset, and Ah was like, darn, what a show off..." "Wait wait wait!" This time, Twilight was unable to contain. "I remember that incident but what are you talkin... Applejack was upset? She never said that!" "AJ can keep secret if no one ask about it. And we were grateful to you, really. But that doesn't mean she wasn't bitter that she couldn't meet her goal and some Canterlot noble unicorn girl with no farming experience could've done better." "You guys are totally mistaken!" Twilight barked with the face mixture of indignation and horror. "I did NOT do better than Applejack! She must have been too tired to see things correctly. There was no way it was hundred trees, it was like forty at most. And it was not 'just one go'! It was 'Mass Telekinesis on Uniform Objects'! This spell needs preparation and elaboration and rest afterwards, you know, not something I can keep casting continually. You should already know that magic spells can be powerful but almost never meant to be for long term uses and that's why unicorns could never replace Earth ponies. It's historically proven over and over and If you are not convinced I can show you books on..." Twilight's rant slowly died down as she saw her date laughing. "...What's so funny?" "Ah thought we've done this already." Twilight chuckled and blushed and coughed. "Right, sorry again." "Don't ya worry again, that's just back then and we have nothing to hold against ya now." "But you were not fond of me. What have I done to change your mind?" "Ah don't know." Silence remained for several seconds. Twilight deliberately made a face which screamed "Annoyed!". "Sorry, but it's true. Ah don't think one big event snapped how Ah felt about ya. It was more like, a lot of small things moved me, bit by bit." Twilight leaned forward over the table. "Give me the every details, please." "All right, but where to start... okay, Ah start with yer eyes." "My eyes?" "Eeyup. Ah couldn't help but notice how yer eyes shine whenever something positive happens. Like, when ya learn something new, when ya help yer friends or yer friends help ya, when ya eat something delicious... Ah saw sparkles in yer eyes. Ah see why yer parents named ya so. It's very beautiful and captivating." "...Woooow. That's so... sweet. No one ever told me such things... just... wow..." "Another things... oh, do ya remember when Pinkie Pie got... multiplied and we had to seal the way to the pond with a rock?" Twilight giggled. "How could I not! I was impressed how you pulled it like nothing." "It was really nothing. By the way, at that time Ah saw yer knees were shaking. Ah heard what ya did to send those clone Pinkies back to the pond, and that scared ya. Right?" "...Yes." Twilight nodded solemnly. "I knew what I was doing and I trusted Pinkie, but there was a chance I may send the real Pinkie away. That was... ugh, still a thing I don't want to recall even now." "There. Ponies say ya have nothing to afraid 'cause ya can figure things out for anything. But there are actually things scare you, but you still face it and beat it. Sure yer powerful and smart, like everypony can tell, but Ah think yer brave, and that's the part I respect." Twilight awkwardly returned shy smile, fidgeting around. At this rate I'm going to die of being too flattered. Don't regret a thing though. "Speaking of scare..." Big Macintosh again gulped water. "Ah found it cute that yer afraid of snakes." Twilight frozen for a couple of seconds before she could response. "Wait, how did you—did Spike told you?" "Eeyup." "Agh, Spike, technically it wasn't a secret but still..." Twilight fumed, but soon smiled as she saw Big Macintosh again nervously consuming water. The fact that he was doing so much uncomfortable talking for her warmed her heart. "Okay..." Big Macintosh sighed. "Aren't ya bored yet?" "Nonsense. I can keep listening to this until end of the week. Go on, go on please." "Next one is kinda shallow. Ah like looks of yer long tail..." They continued their conversation until their dinner was delivered. Big Macintosh found it as a good excuse to rest his throat and ate his cooked carrots and asparagus way slower than he usually does in home. On the contrary, Twilight hastily finished her salad as fast as possible without looking indecent, in order to restart the talk she immensely enjoyed. In addition to that, Big Macintosh's dish had much more volume. As a result, Twilight finished her dish before her date consumed half of his. Big Macintosh snickered at this. "Well, Ah think it's yer turn to talk now." "Aww... okay, it's fair." Twilight pouted playfully. "Is there anything you want to hear from me?" "Absolutely. Ah was wondering... why did you agree to come?" "You mean, this date?" "Eeyup." Twilight considered making this casual by just saying "why not?", but quickly mashed the idea realizing how Macintosh opened up his heart and how hers was warmed by that. She knew only right thing to do now was to return the favor. "Well... for starters... I didn't have any reason not to. I admit I didn't... no, I still don't know you very well privately, but I've never heard anything bad about you from anypony, never witnessed anything bad myself. And sometimes I got glimpse of you helping around..." Twilight's voice trailed off, as she couldn't help but feel her version of tale was bland compared to the one Big Macintosh gave her. She thought hard to find the better way to tell her feeling, but nothing came up, But just before disappointment and panic overtake her, she remembered one important lesson from their earlier communication: be yourself and let the heart speak, and he will always understand. So Twilight did so. "I love you." Wow this is hilarious. Twilight inwardly snickered at her date's totally dumbfounded expression, feeling surge of confidence and contentment coming from nowhere. "I already did when you asked me for this date, so there was no reason to say no." Big Macintosh was still speechless. Twilight enjoyed this precious, awkward moment for a while, then continued. "I already had a positive opinion on you before I begun working for the Acres, but when you gently calmed down me and carried me on your back, I felt you were special. After I told you I saw you as an another guardian figure, well, it's still true, but soon I realized I wanted you to be more than that. Does this answer your question?" Big Macintosh mumbled something unintelligible, and Twilight just smiled back. The rest of the dinner continued in awkward silence, which was at least satisfactory for Twilight. And it ended like so. Big Macintosh briefly offered to walk Twilight home. They walked to the castle, side by side, still not exchanging any meaningful words. Twilight was not sure about this situation anymore. At first she felt relieved when she laid her heart blatantly, and found Macintosh's bewilderment cute. However, as time goes on, she begun to doubt her action. Had she gone too far? Doesn't he feel the same way? Wait. First of all, did this date mean to be romantic? What if this was just a casual friendly thing? She'd never read about how to classify date! When they reached the castle, Twilight's smug smiling face was completely overwritten by fear and despondency. Seconds after they stopped front of the door, Twilight jerked her head towards her date. "Big Macintosh, I—" And their lips met. The kiss remained about three seconds, and Macintosh withdrew, with his face showing no less nervousness than Twilight's. "Well... Ah knew Ah shouldn't do this in the first date, but... Ah thought ya don't mind." Big Macintosh quickly turned around and walked to the Acre. "G'night." Twilight froze in space for she felt like eternity. But as the night's chill sunk in the body, Twilight mindlessly walked into her castle. Then she startled every soul in Ponyville by giving them her victory cry from top of the castle. Hornbreaking Work"Ya broke?" Applejack drastically raised her eyebrows. "Twilight, how could Princess run out of bits?" "Would you be quiet, please!" Twilight blushed and hastily looked around to make sure nopony heard their conversation. Fortunately there was not a single soul to overhear her embarrassing shortcoming, for they were standing in the middle of Sweet Apple Acres. After several seconds Twilight let out a sigh and faced Applejack again. "Yes, I have almost no money and it can happen to a princess... at least this princess. In my case it's just a honorary title. It's not like I collect tax." "Yeah, but... what happened?" "My Golden Oak Library is blown up, remember?" "Yup. Sorry about that." "Everything I had in it was destroyed, and the castle didn't come up with things I need, you know, such as books, a bathtub, a table, bookshelves, utensils, quills, bookmarks, lamps, books, a toothbrush, books, dishes, books, books..." "I got the idea, Twi." Twilight took a deep breath. "So, anyway... I had some money left in my bank account to buy necessities, but before I know... I used them up and Spike and I have nothing to eat next week." "Ah bet those 'necessities' includes a lotta books." "Hey! Books ARE necessities! Without them life is pointless!" "Serious?" "...No. I got to eat first." Seeing Twilight's sheepish smile, Applejack decided there's no point humiliating friend by asking details. "Okay, Twilight. Ah can lend ya some. How much do ya need?" "Huh? ...Oh no no!" Twilight giggled as she waved her hoof. "I didn't come here to ask you that, Applejack. I was trying to ask for a job, not a loan." "Job ya say?" "Yes. I'd like to work in Sweet Apple Acres for a while. Can you do that? You don't have to pay me that much. I just need to feed myself and Spike for a while, like, two weeks." Unlike Twilight expected, Applejack did not say "Yeah!" immediately with welcoming smile. Instead, she averted her eyes from Twilight and rubbed her chin, contemplating her next decision. "Well, Ah can't give ya an answer. It's mah brother's call." "Oh." Twilight was slightly taken aback, realizing how she'd totally forgotten about Big Macintosh in this matter. Whenever she helped Applejack in Sweet Apple Acres, somehow he was always working far away from them. These experiences gave her such a wrong impression of Applejack running the farm alone. "Okay, so... can I talk to him?" "Sure ya can. Ah think he's bucking apples on the other side of Acres. Follow me." They trotted across uneven terrain of the apple farm. Applejack easily located Big Mac, but before they approach, she stopped Twilight before he could notice them. "Wait, Twi." Applejack's whispered nervously. "Ah forgot to warn ya." "What's now?" "Well, just... don't feel too bad if Mac turn ya down in one word." "Ow..." Twilight cringed at the seriousness of the tone. "Don't you think he will hire me?" "It's not about you. It was while since Acres had any paid workers, and Ah almost forgot what it was like..." Applejack shook heads as if she was trying to throw away "what it was like" from her brain. "The thing is, Twi, Mac is very serious about this business, and probably doesn't care if yer mah best friend or a princess. So, just don't be shocked if he says 'nnope' one second after ya ask." "O... kay... " "Well, here we go. ...Hey, Bro!" Big Macintosh heard his sister and looked towards approaching two mares. Before Twilight and Big Macintosh get close enough to greet comfortably, Applejack dove into the business. "Twilight lost all bits and wants to work here for two weeks. Does she get a job?" "Applejack! Can't you just be more... I mean, hello, Big Macintosh." "Howdy Twilight. And, eeyup." "Ya heard it, Twi. Sorry but why don't ya just... wait, what did ya say Big Mac?" "She's got a job." "Wow that's quick. Thanks!" Twilight beamed a happy smile, but inversely Applejack's expression became more serious. She walked right in front of her big brother, and gave him a wary gaze. "Ya sure Mac? This is not about usual help, but a paying job." "Eeyup." "Okay. But ya know Twilight is mah best friend. Ya don't have to pamper her, but if ya treat her like ya had—" "Oh come on, Applejack." Twilight playfully interjected. "You don't have to protect me from anything, especially from your brother! We are fine!" There was a strange silence remained for seconds, in which Big Macintosh was quiet as ever, looking at the thin air, and Applejack was worriedly looking back and forth between her friend and brother. "Well, then, okay, Ah'm gonna back to mah work." Applejack suddenly said to nopony in particular, and without a moment waiting for any response, trotted back to where she came from. Now new employer and employee looked each others eyes, not sure what to make Applejack's behavior. "So... Twilight." Big Macintosh made a rare moment by initiating a conversation first. "Like Ah said, yer hired. Lemme tell ya how things goes." Twilight nodded enthusiastically, but inwardly she was mentally preparing to hear something unpleasant. Obviously Applejack was not entirely excited about me working here. But she never had a problem when I helped her work. Wait, this time it's different. Big Macintosh is my boss. Is this what she's worried about? Does she think I will disappoint him? Or, does she think HE will disappoint ME? "First, helping mah sis and working for bits are different. Ah really 'ppreciate how ya helped Sweet Apple Acres, but this time, it's gonna be much more intense. 'Kay with that?" "Yes, I'm prepared for that." "Good. Most of that time Ah'll be the boss, not AJ. But don't worry, Ah'm not gonna boss ya 'round. Ya be yerself, Ah'll be just me. If ya think Ah'm being jerk or too hard or anythin', just talk." "You are such a gentlecolt." Twilight beamed. "I know I don't have to worry about that." "So, when can ya begin?" "Tomorrow." "Then meet me at 9 a.m., front of the barn. Work until the noon and Ya'll have a free lunch. Take a rest, start working again from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Yer welcome to join us in the dinner too, if ya don't mind. That's how it's gonna go. Any questions?" "Nothing! Wow, you are so nice, my boss. I'm sure I will enjoy my new job, so see you tomorrow!" Twilight waved her hoof to Big Macintosh and joyfully trotted to her castle. So far everything was going great and she worried nothing about the work. Next day, at 8:55 a.m., Twilight reached the barn as she was told and found Big Macintosh waiting there. He was already little sweaty, indicating he'd already gone through his morning chores. "Good morning, Big Macintosh!" Twilight merrily smiled. "I'm ready for my first day's work!" "Mornin', Twilight. Follow me." Big Macintosh led the new worker to the direction exactly opposite to the center of Ponyville. They walked over several hills, and reached the area of endless sight of big, withered trees. Twilight curiously looked over this unfamiliar sight. "This is where ya start." "Oh, I see. And... where are we?" "We are standing on one of the oldest patch of our orchard." "Are these apple trees?" Twilight walked around in small circle, awestruck. "So impressive! I never knew they can be this tall!" "Eeyup." Big Macintosh proudly raised his head, but his expression quickly changed into a sad one. "But ya can see, they're almost dead and it' time for them to go." "I see. Land clearing." "Plus, harvesting apple woods too. They'll make good furniture and smoke woods." "Oh! I didn't realize wood itself can be merchandise." Twilight's bright smile shined as always when she gained new knowledge. Big Macintosh had no way to resist returning his smile back. "Eeyup. Ah'll let Filthy Rich handle 'em and he'll make a mountain of bits. ...So, here's what Ah have in mah mind." Big Macintosh cleared his uncomfortable throat and weakly coughed several times, for he'd already spoken more than he would do in his average day. "Ah've heard from AJ that Rarity used magic to turn a wood into smaller pieces when they had a sleepover in yer... previous house. Sorry 'bout that." "Oh, thanks, but I'm fine." "Anyway, can ya do similar things? Like turning these trees into logs?" Twilight tried her hardest not to grimace. This is the infamous moment every magic users must endure several times in their lifetime; getting requests for performing magic from somepony who has no idea how magic works. Luckily (or because of her poor social experience) Twilight never experienced it until now, but was firmly warned by Celestia herself on such a occasion. Don't get upset, it's totally reasonable for him to be absurd. "Well... no, I cannot." Fearing any question from her boss, Twilight hastily continued. "What Rarity did was reshaping a wood piece. But these are trees, almost dead but still alive, and connected to the ground. Alternation on life form on this size is out of anypony's capacity." Much to her relief, Big Macintosh seemed satisfied with her explanation. "Okay. So, we have to cut them down or root them up first, then ya can turn them into logs. Right?" "Yes, I believe that's the case." "Can ya pull them out with your magic?" "Err..." This time, Twilight failed not to grimace. "... No." "How so? Ah've heard ya could haul the Ursa Minor away from the town and fixed the broken dam." Twilight's panic level instantly skyrocketed, as suddenly memory of the history lecture in School of Gifted Unicorns she found most frightening flooded her mind. The subject was pre-Equestria era, when Pegasi, Earth ponies and unicorns despised each other. The lecturer meticulously explained why unicorns were so hated by other races back then, and one of major cause was... Exactly like what's happening right now. There were many cases where non-unicorns asked unicorns to perform certain magic tasks, and unicorns had to decline because simply they cannot do it. Non-unicorns did not believe that. When they knew unicorns can rise the sun and the moon, they'd never imagined what they were asking was harder than that. Unicorns failed to explain how magic works. Pegasi and Earth ponies often assumed reason behind such denial was that unicorns thought they were just too good to be told what to do by their "inferiors". Thus unicorns were often regarded as condescending , lazy and dishonest. Is that how Big Macintosh sees me? "No!" Twilight abruptly screamed. "I'm not lying, please! That's not how magic works! Trees have a will to stay on the ground and resist any spells which try to sever the connection! Unlike sleeping Ursa! I even had a difficulty moving Fluttershy when she resisted! And the dam! What I did was casting fixing spell! That's totally different from lifting! Even Princess Celestia herself could no way telekinetically grab all boulders and put back in the place and make it a functional dam and how in Equestria could I..." "Twilight!" The ranting mare literally jumped at the sudden reprimand. Her eyes gradually became focused, but soon the pupils shrunk as realization hit her like a lightning. Did Big Macintosh yell!? At Me!? Oh no no no no no, Celestia, what am I doing? This is just day one and I haven't even done anything yet, and he is already upset! He is going to fire me! How could I be so pathetic... Twilight's self loathing came to a sudden halt as something warm touched her body. Right then she realized that Big Macintosh was standing right front of her, gently patting her shoulder with his absurdly large hoof. His green eyes kindly looked into hers. He somehow reminded Twilight of her big brother. "Calm down." He tenderly told. So she did. After several awkward seconds, Twilight sheepishly giggled, blushing profusely. "... Sorry." "Neh, Ah'm sorry if Ah sounded like doubting ya. Let's do this over." Twilight suppressed a whimper as Big Macintosh's hoof left her. The stallion turned around and faced the woods as moments ago. "So... again, Ah'd like to clear out this patch of dead trees, and woods have to be harvested. Any suggestions?" Now that's much better. Twilight inwardly sighed in relief. "If I have to do it alone, I don't have any better idea than grabbing a hatchet and doing it in the old fashioned way, but... with somepony's help, maybe I can do it in much quicker way." Big Macintosh did not say anything, he just looked at her. Knowing she had his attention, Twilight continued. "My magic is not strong enough to pull a tree out completely, but probably enough to make it loose. If some force is applied at the right moment, the tree might give up." "Like mah kick." "Exactly. Care to test it out?" "Eeyup." Big Macintosh swiftly moved to the nearest tree and took a proper stance to give it a good bucking. Seeing this, Twilight narrowed her eyes in concentration to grab the giant near-dead apple tree. Her horn simmered and in an instance, the tree was engulfed by her pink magical grow. Twilight closed her eyes tight and growled as she built up force to yank it upward, but as she expected, that was going nowhere near the intended effect. The tree was heavy, and its roots were deep, but real challenge was the tree's unwillingness to comply. Magic is most effective when it guides the nature, such as raising the sun as it is meant to. Disconnecting plants from Earth is the exact opposite of that. Twilight gave her best effort, but the tree claimed the soil as greedy as a dragon guarding his hoard. This is just too much. Maybe this doesn't work at all... Literally earth-shaking blast echoed through Sweet Apple Acres. Twilight involuntarily jumped up and saw the tree she was trying to pull up was now laying down horizontally, with its root intact up in the air. She could see Big Mac's hoofprints on the trunk, made by his massive bucking. "Wow... it worked." "Eeyup." They continued rooting up the trees with the combined effort of Ponyville's most powerful magic and strongest muscle. Twilight was so proud of the accomplishment. However, such positive attitude quickly died down, because what Big Macintosh warned her about was true; the work was intense. Never in her life did Twilight experience such amount of raw magic exertion, both in terms of magnitude and duration. The most rigorous training in back in her days in School of Gifted Unicorn was walk in the park compared to this toil. She was already tired. But Twilight was determined not to show it. Her boss had shown zero hint of weariness, and he began working hours before she started. Asking for a break was embarrassing. That's right, I've learned from Celestia! I have a reputation to live up with! ...But how in Equestria can he keep doing that!? Twilight winced as another thunderous kick sent a poor tree across the field. That one kick must consume more energy than I spend in a day! Oh, I never understand Earth ponies, even I share their gift now as an alicorn... After the longest three hours Twilight could remember, Big Macintosh declared their morning choir was over. Twilight was almost sleepwalking when they reached Apple house. Smell of pancakes assaulted them as Big Macintosh opened the door. Twilight followed him to inside and saw Applejack skillfully handling a flying pan with her mouth. "Hiya, Twi." Applejack mischievously grinned, obviously enjoying the view of her friend utterly burned out. "Enjoying yer work?" "Ugh... yeah..." Applejack seemed satisfied by the answer. "Of course. Welcome to the farming life, princess!" Twilight did her signature groan. Oh, how she hated to be addressed as such, especially when it connotes weakness! But before Twilight tried to move her energy-deprived brain to come up with any decent comeback, Big Macintosh beat to it. "Be nice AJ. She's doing fine and we will clear that patch in no time." "Okay okay, if that's so ..." The lunch went as usual as always for Apple family, even though there was Twilight as an addition. She was so tired that she did not participate in the conversation, and Apples understood that. Pancakes were delicious, but even chewing down and swallowing them was tedious in her state. Twilight secretly admired how her boss was consuming a mountain of food. After the lunch, Twilight took a nap in the barn, asking Big Macintosh to wake up when she is needed. There was no way she could wake up on her own in such condition. And 3 p.m. seemed to come right after a moment when she closed her eyes. The evening work was exactly the same as the morning one. Again Twilight lost her track on the time in endless removal of the oversized apple trees. Before she noticed, she was at the dinner table, hearing, but not listening to the story of Apple Bloom's epic quest on searching her cutie mark. The Dinner was over, and Big Macintosh stopped her to help cleaning up. "That's okay, you can go home now. Good working with you Twilight." "Well good working with you too, Big Macintosh. See you tomorrow." Twilight sounded as if she was imitating Maud Pie. At this moment everything she cared was going back to her room and sleep like a log. Bath? It can wait. "Wait." Big Macintosh halted her when she went to the outside. "Aren't ya forgetting something?" "Huh?" "Bits." Big Macintosh trotted to some room back in the house and quickly came back with a pouch. "Oh! Oh yeah, haha, I totally forgot... wow." Twilight paused when the pouch was dropped in her saddlebag. It was heavy. "How much?" "Ninety bits." "Ninety!?" That was a way more than decent for usual pay for a day, let alone for the first day of an inexperienced pony. "That's... so generous, Big Macintosh. I'm flattered, really." "To be honest, Ah'll pay less later. Now yer doing the hardest part of the job Ah have in mah mind." Big Macintosh warmly smiled, "Ya earned it, Twilight. See ya tomorrow." "Yes... see you." On the way back to the castle, Twilight was feeling unfamiliar warmth within her chest. She was unable to define the emotion. However, the source of the emotion was easy to figure out. Whenever she remember the rare time Big Macintosh gave her a positive and kind word with reassuring smile, she could feel it. I think... I am proud, or feeling genuinely appreciated. I never thought I wasn't, but come to think of it... the Elements, alicornhood, princess and the castle... what ponies think the foundation of me... I didn't earn them. They were not things I actively sought to obtain. It just happened. Plus, all those "saving Equestria" business were done by combined force of ponies. I'm just a part of it. I was perfectly fine being Celestia's student and nothing more. But... Twilight stopped, and stared one of her wings. I appear to be more than what I am. Ponies think I am more then what I think I am. Those bows, complements, fame, monuments... they felt so empty. Is this why I feel good about today? The work was tough and dull, I can't say I enjoyed it, but they were nothing to do with my "accomplishments" in the past, and Big Macintosh just appreciated who I am and what I have done. Come to think of it, he never mentioned my princesshood. He makes me feel like just Twilight Sparkle again. Yes this must be why I... Twilight blushed. ... I like him.
Grave Mistake"...ight, hey, Twilight!" "Huh... er?" "Were you sleeping?" Twilight gradually regained her consciousness. What's going on? She slowly looked around. It was... inside Sugarcube Corner. And the signboard hanging out from the ceiling says "Twilight got her job in Sweet Apple Acres party!". Now Twilight remembered. This was the first Sunday after she got the job, and as always, Pinkie was celebrating it. Everypony, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and one dragon Spike was looking at her quizzically. "Hellooooo??" Suddenly, Pinkie materialized right in front of Twilight and looked into her eyes intensely. The party host was apparently not happy that the guest of honor was not polite enough to stay awake. "Sorry, everyone... I'm just tired. Really." "Oh my... Is that because of your new job?" Fluttershy asked in concern. "No wonder." Rainbow Dash frowned. "Big Mac is driving you like a crazy, right?" "Hey, it's not like that!" Driven by a sudden urge to defend him, Twilight jumped in. "He's being totally gentlecolt about this." "Oh yeah? That's not how I remember." "What?" Twilight did not expected such response. "Rainbow Dash, have you worked under Big Macintosh before?" "Yup. That's years ago, before I became a weather pony. I needed just a hoofful of bits and asked him for a paying job." Rainbow Dash grimaced. "Boy I regret that. He was so demanding." "Well, he may have a high standard for work ethic..." "It was totally absurd! Really, I was a little filly, you know!? So, at some time, I couldn't keep up and needed a break. I took a nap on a tree and, well, took a bite of some apples I was harvesting. Big Mac saw me, and oh, he, was, FURIOUS." "Well... eh, shouldn't he be angry? You stole his product at all..." "He kicked down the tree I was on! I could break my neck, mind you!" Fluttershy squealed in fear. "And he grabbed me by the neck and yelled something so loud that I had no idea what he was yelling. I was so scared and I cr... no, I mean, that was so uncalled for and I left the field, and that's it." Twilight was not sure how to take this new information, and turned to Applejack. "She's exaggerating, right?" "Just a little bit." To her surprise, Applejack did not defend her brother as Twilight expected. "But that's pretty much what Ah saw. He could be a real hothead in a busy time." "Actually I heard similar stories from time to time." Twilight swung her head to meet slightly sad-faced Pinkie, who must be uncomfortable about the subject of no-fun work. "I've met several ponies who had worked under Big Mac and... weeeeell, he wasn't popular. They never said he got angry for no reason, but when there's reason... he could be a meanie." Twilight waited several seconds for anypony to start saying otherwise, but even Applejack was not making any effort against where the conversation was going. It didn't help Rarity was somehow staying silent for a long time. "I... would have never guessed. So far, he is an ideal boss to me." "Until you make a mistake." Rainbow Dash bitterly mocked. It was Monday, and her second week of work began. Twilight and Big Macintosh went to the familiar half-dead apple trees as always, but this time Big Macintosh was pulling a colossal cart. The trees were finally rooted out, and it was the phase to harvest woods. "Okay Twilight, now can ya turn them into logs?" "Sure." Truth be told, she was not so sure. Last week she learned that any easy task quickly becomes not so easy if it has to be done again and again. Her horn shot a blinding spark and engulfed nearby tree, and with a puff of smoke and sparks, the twisted tree shifted its shape into a near-straight log. "Well, is this good enough?" "Perfect." Big Macintosh beamed with content. Until you make a mistake. Impossible. He will never hurt me in any way. Yes, but, until you make a mistake. "Okay, ya keep doing it, and Ah'll gather logs and haul them back." Her boss was already lifting the log and trying to place it in the monstrous cart. Realizing she was being the bottleneck of the task, Twilight hurriedly began transforming next target. After his cart was loaded, Big Macintosh skillfully tied logs to the cart and hauled them to the direction of his house. As Twilight feared, this work proved to be harder than she anticipated. Trees were huge, and transforming them into unnaturally refined form required serious magical power. But what made things worse was that Twilight was already tired before even she began. The weekend was too short to get rid of all the effects from the previous toil, but bigger problem was that she couldn't sleep last night. The possibility of Big Macintosh mistreating her, as her friends suggested, was disturbing to say the least. Atelophobia. She was aware of her problem. She unreasonably feared disappointing her dearest ones, such as her parents, Shining Armor, and Celestia. She couldn't stop thinking they would abandon her if she didn't meet their expectation. But at least she knew such fear was unfounded, even though she couldn't control it well. There were a lot of mistakes she made, and they were always there to help her recover, not to judge her. It was proven. But what about Big Macintosh? What her friends—including Applejack!—suggested was exact opposite. Twilight began to panic as she realized she was not sure about the criterion of current task. When they were clearing woods, she just followed Big Macintosh. But now, she had no idea if she was doing things fast enough. She could only do the safest move she could come up—just doing her best. Oh, this feels so good... it's warm, firm but not not too firm. What is this rhythmical, gentle vibration? Like I am on a train—waitwhatinthehayishappening? Twilight's eyes opened to their full extent. What she immediately saw was a beautiful dusk, and apple trees moving past her. She quickly noticed she was the one moving forward. She also noticed something was obscuring half of her vision. It was the back of Big Macintosh's head. Twilight was being carried on his back, all her limbs sprawled over his massive body. Huh? What is going on? ...Okay, let's recall the events of today. It's Monday. I came to work, transformed trees, morning shift was over and I ate lunch, took a nap, woke up, started evening work... oh that's right, I felt so spent I decided to take a break... and... oh. I must have fallen asleep! And Big Macintosh found me and now bringing me back to the house. How nice "GAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!" Big Macintosh missed his step and promptly had his face crashed against the ground. In the process, screaming Twilight was tossed in front of him. Their eyes met each other. "Oh... yer awake, Twi—" "IMSORRYIMSORRYIMSORRY!!!" "What a..." "NO I didn't mean to sleep believe me please! I'm sorry I'm sorry Just give me one more chance and I don't need the dinner I will go back to the work I'm sorry!" Twilight made a bolt for the unfinished job, but before making ten steps, her legs failed and she ungraciously dropped to the ground, stomach first. She gathered her strength and tried to get up. She couldn't. Twilight groaned as she tried it again but her body didn't rise even by a millimeter. Then she realized she was being pinned down. Twilight slowly looked her side and found Big Macintosh, looking down into her eyes intently. Twilight began to tremble, choking in fear. "...Twilight." Twilight's eyes filled up with tears. "...Ah don't know what's going on, but I swear nothing is gonna hurt ya, so... calm down." Several seconds of silence followed. "And don't go back to work. Ah'm the boss and Ah call it a day." Big Macintosh removed his hoof from Twilight's back and stepped back a little. Twilight shakily sit up, still trembling. "Are you..." Twilight's voice was weak and raspy. "Are you mad at me?" "Nnope." Big Macintosh replied, dumbfounded. "Why?" "B-Because... I failed. I just fall asleep in the middle of w-work and, and..." Twilight's speech stopped as Big Macintosh took her hoof in his and gently squeezed. "Sorry Ah wasn't being clear about this. Ya are doing wonderful, Twilight. ...And Ah knew ya were trying hard, maybe more than ya should be, but Ah don't know how ya feel by using too much magic, so Ah thought it's best to let you pace yourself." Big Macintosh paused to see if Twilight was following. "The point is... er... ya did nothing wrong and Ah'm not mad at all. So... are ya okay?" Twilight kept sniffing for a while, but gradually she recovered her usual posture. Finally she apologetically smiled. "I should've known better than being scared of you." "Eeyup." Big Macintosh returned his smile. "Just say whatever in yer mind." "Really?" "Eeyup." "Then can you give me a ride on your back again?" WHAT THE HAY!? Twilight realized, for the first time in her life, her mouth moved before her brain. Blushing profusely, She looked away from him as much as possible without breaking her neck. This is so embarrassing... But isn't this what I wanted? He sees me as who really I am, and I can be who I'd like to be. That's why I like about him. I know things get the better the more I open up. I can be real me to him. I can say anything to him. "Eeyup." Big Macintosh did not let the awkwardness linger and swiftly let his head slide under Twilight's torso. Before even she could gasp, he tossed her straight up, and she landed on his back again. "Thanks." "Yer welcome." "I have one more thing to ask." Twilight hesitated for a moment, but she decided that the role of her brain was already over and she shall follow her heart. "Some of my friend told me that you had hired ponies years before me and... you were quite harsh when they weren't... good enough. Is that true?" "True." "Rainbow Dash told me that you kicked down the tree she was sleeping on. To be fair she told she was napping and eating apples without asking your permission but—" "True too." "This doesn't sound like you." Twilight slowly raised her arms and hugged his shoulders, irrationally hoping he didn't notice. "But Ah was like that. Ah regret most of the cases though." "What happened?" "No excuses. Just it was hard times back than, and Ah was angry and frustrated and didn't give a damn about anything except protecting mah Sweet Apple Acres. But Ah learned to run Acres better and AJ became a huge help as she grew up. Soon I had less reason to get stressed out." Twilight let out a sigh of contentment. "Sorry for asking something... personal." "No problem. Anyway, don't worry. If yer being too lazy, the worst thing can happen is that ya ain't getting paid at all." Twilight giggled sheepishly. On the rest of their way, Twilight gave her honest opinion on how hard the work was and tried to explain the effects of magical strain, in which Big Macintosh seemed genuinely interested. Big Macintosh promised to arrange her task to be more reasonable. After they reached the house they acted as nothing extraordinary happened, except that Big Macintosh insisted that he walk her home after the dinner. "Thanks, but It's not necessary." Twilight said so, but even without trying she could show she was pleased by his gesture. "Do you seriously think somepony pops up from nowhere and knock me out or anything?" "Nnope. But yer tired and Ah'd like to make sure ya reach yer home." So they walked to the castle together. This time Twilight remained silent, and predictably Big Macintosh didn't initiate any conversation. Most of the time Big Macintosh was looking straight up, so he did not notice that his company was stealing glances at him too frequently. But suddenly he looked at Twilight. "Okay, see you tomorrow." Big Macintosh decided he was close enough to the castle and turned back. "Wait." Even Fluttershy would agree that the voice was so weak that it couldn't be meant to be heard. But Big Macintosh heard it. He again trotted back near Twilight, who was looking down her hooves. Big Macintosh was not at ease either. Telling a stallion to stop after he walks a mare to her home? This has to go somewhere. "...Eeyup?" "I... ugh, I had to tell you one thing." Twilight looked up. "When I asked you to give me a ride, it was not that I was too tired to walk on my own. It's because... I kinda... missed it." "Playing horsy?" "Er, no, well, kinda, but..." Twilight thanked Luna for the subtle moonlight on tonight, otherwise the blush on her face was too obvious. "What I meant was... guardian figures. You know, I came to Ponyville, and learned friendship. My friends are best things in my life, I'm really glad that happened, but... that doesn't mean I don't miss my parents, my big brother, and Princess Celestia." Big Macintosh silently nodded. "So, when you were carrying me on your back... you made me feel like a filly again, feel like... safe, cared, you know. And I liked that. I, I just want you to know that... I'd like to think you as one of them." Twilight was busy staring the ground, completely oblivious to the anything else. So, when suddenly something warm and strong enveloped her shoulders, it took a while to realize that it was Macintosh's arm. "Perfect. Ah don't mind having an extra sister." They remained still for a while, but Macintosh remembered it was not late enough for everypony to be sleeping, so he swiftly moved back to the previous position. "...So, see ya tomorrow." "Yes, tomorrow." Twilight dared one more glance at Big Macintosh's eyes and entered the castle. Exactly at the moment the door was closed and locked, she galloped through the corridors, broke into her room and slammed herself onto her bed without a break. Twilight flailed her hooves blindly and as soon as she touched the pillow, she grabbed it and smashed it against her face. Twilight let out a muffled victory cry. She never felt this proud of herself. This was her first time to actively establish relationship with important pony in her life. Her family, Princess Celestia, Cadence and fellow Elements become a part of her life before she knew, but this time, it was different. She wanted to be close to Macintosh, and she decided to make it so, and she did it. Expressing affection without knowing what his response could be was dreadful and uncomfortable experience, but also exhilarating. This was not about luck or destiny, but nothing other than real courage... Okay who am I kidding. That was a grave mistake. Her eyes flew open with surprise. She knew this feeling—something unpleasant yet true was climbing up in her mind. No. What's wrong with me? Big Macintosh and I are closer now. Great isn't it? Oh, give me a break. "Guardian figure"? My heart is cracking the rib cage and my knees are shaking. Since when do I act like so around any of my guardian figures? Twilight shut her eyes as panic begun to overwhelm her. ...What I told him wasn't a lie. True, but I didn't tell him this real feeling either. We are closer, but moved away from the ideal. Now he thinks I want him to see me as his little sister. That's great, but not the best. All right all right, I admit. I like him more than I thought. But so what? I don't have to tell him that I have crush on him right away. But It's going to be painful, if you know he sees me as an extra sister just because you asked. Plus I don't have much time. When this week is over I won't have any excuses to see him anymore. I'm worrying things too much. This is going to be fine.
Game OverThis is horrible. Twilight slapped her own face and tried to concentrate on the current task, but her eyes gradually wandered off to Big Macintosh fixing the fence. It was the evening shift of Wednesday. After Twilight honestly confessed transforming logs all the time was beyond her magical stamina, half of her chore became much less intensive. Right now, she was painting the barn, which breaks down in unreasonable frequency. This was a much easier work. However... Twilight grimaced as she heard a happy laughter. It belonged to Apple Bloom, who was currently riding on Big Macintosh's strong back and talking nonstop, effectively sabotaging her big brother. Macintosh didn't seem to mind at all. They were just having a good, intimate sibling time. Celestia help her, she was jealous of Apple Bloom. This is so horrible... How could I be so pathetic! Unreasonable! But... Twilight saw Apple Bloom giggling as she tried to hug his neck, but having difficulty due to their huge body size gap. I can't help! I want to do that! I don't want to see anypony else doing it! ...Oh what's wrong with me... Apple Bloom is his little sister! A filly! There's absolutely no reason to be offended, Twilight Sparkle! She has nothing to do with my problem... Twilight sighed as she teared her eyes away from the happy siblings and glared the wall she was working on. Since Twilight and Big Macintosh's "honorary sibling bonding" moment, practically nothing had changed between them. Twilight had no idea how to make any progress from this point, and Big Macintosh, as passive as always, didn't make any move either. Like he has a reason to do so in the first place... Twilight smashed the paintbrush on the wall. She was angry at everypony. Big Macintosh should be more perceptive of her longing for affection! Apple Bloom should stop showing off whatever she cannot bring herself to do! And she hated herself for being such an idiot. I need help. "Excuse me, but Boutique is already cl... oh hi, Twilight." "Hi, Rarity." Twilight sheepishly smiled. "Sorry, eh, am I interrupting something?" "Well, I'm working on the new order but it's nothing serious. What brings you here? It's..." Rarity eyed the clock on the wall. "... 8 p.m. Not so late so don't mind about me, but this is rather unusual." "I... I need... to, um, to, talk... about..." Rarity raised her eyebrow in curiosity. "Forgive my manners, dear. Would you like to come in?" "Well... yes, thank you." Rarity led the guest to the table, and without a word, she walked into the backroom. Soon she came back with cups of tea magically lifted. They stayed completely silent as Twilight sat at the table and Rarity served the tea. Twilight, still visibly nervous, took a sip. That was the exact moment Rarity abruptly spoke. "Big Macintosh." Epic splash erupted from Twilight's mouth. The tea spread to everywhere, but Rarity has already held a cloth front of her to prevent any damage on her coat. "How *cough* how could you *cough* you know that... *wheeze* NO! I mean what are you *cough* what are you talking about!?" "Nothing. I just said random thing. What are YOU talking about?" Twilight seriously considered pouncing upon Rarity and forcefully wipe that infuriating smirk out of her face, but eventually better part of her prevailed. "All right! You got me! This is about Big Macintosh!" "Forgive me, I couldn't resist! So, what about him? Is he giving you a hard time at the Acres?" Apparently Rarity was having difficulty keeping her face straight. "No... you already know it." "No I don't. Tell me about it." "Rarity...!" "Twilight Sparkle, I'm serious here." Twilight grudgingly looked up to face Rarity, and noticed her expression was, though she really looked like enjoying the situation, genuinely caring. "Consider this as a practice, darling. If you can't even tell me that, you will never be able to even confront the problem. You know that, don't you?" For a while Twilight stayed petrified, her face burning red, and Rarity patiently waited. "I have a crush on Big Macintosh." "There, that wasn't so hard." Twilight let out a sigh and giggled, feeling both mentally and physically liberated. "I'm that obvious, huh?" "I wasn't born yesterday, dear. Just a week ago you started working under Big Macintosh and now you suddenly visit me at nighttime, nervous and blushing all over. I wouldn't even call it a long shot." "Oh... Yeah." "Plus, I imagined you have a soft spot for a guardian figure like him." Twilight jumped at the familiar words. She knew Rarity can be perceptive, but not THIS perceptive! Rarity triumphantly grinned. "Well, what's the point of visiting me if I don't know better?" Twilight smiled, nervously but full-heartedly. Her friends never cease to amaze her. She knew Rarity would enjoy this a bit more than she would like her to, but also was confident that Rarity wishes best for her and supports her as much as she can. So, Twilight told her everything about her feelings and situations concerning Big Macintosh. "...and today I was jealous of Apple Bloom! Over him! I'm crazy!" "Yes. ...I mean, I can see you are quite stressed." Twilight slumped over the table. "...And I have no idea where I should go from now on." "Hmm. To be precise, you'd like to move forward, but don't know how to do so. Correct?" Twilight raised her head and begun timidly playing with her hooves. "Yes... that's pretty much it. Do you think I should just tell him how I really feel?" "Oh no no no no no." Rarity waved her hooves as if she was drowning. "Ladies simply don't do that! Besides, that wouldn't work on him." "What does that mean? Am I... not good enough for him?" "Oh dear, don't ever say that." Rarity made a point by jabbing a hoof in front of Twilight's muzzle. "It's Big Macintosh's problem. In his book, there's nothing between friend and soul mate. Mind you, a lot of mares had already tried to win his heart, but he had always politely rejected them. There's no such thing as 'give it a shot' or 'try it out and see' in his love life." "Wow. That's... conservative, I guess." "In my opinion, he is prioritizing his family and work. Anyway, make sure to win his affection BEFORE you make moves. Because if he is not sure, it will be just 'eenope'. Ideally, you should make him ask you out. That's much more pleasant and safe." "Okay... but... how do I do that?" "Here's a serious problem." Rarity frowned for the first time of this conversation. "You already sibling-zoned him." Twilight smashed her face on the table again. "It was a heartwarming act, really so. But from Big Macintosh's perspective, that's practically 'let's keep it platonic', and by Celestia he will honor it." "...Don't you think a honorary sister can grow... into something more?" Twilight murmured without rising her head. "Sorry Twilight, but that's hard cold NO. I'm the living proof of that. I've been his honorary sister for over a decade." "WHAT!?" Twilight rose from the table like an upside-down lightning. "How did you... you..." "Well, Applejack and I were best friend since I can remember, and naturally I saw him frequently. So I guess it was natural for him to see me as an extra little sister and other way around for me." "That's ...right. I often forget I'm the only one really new here." "The point is, you are going nowhere from where you stand. I'm fine here, but you should move out. Quickly." "But how!?" "Oh dear, we are so behind the start line! As I said, any premature major advancement on him is a romantic suicide. I would suggest starting with giving subtle signs to give him clues and present yourself as a potential marefriend, but doing that after you said to him that you saw him as a big brother is... creepy. Come to think of it, it's really so considering you have a real big brother and he has little sisters, and he may think you are kind of..." "STOP! I get it!" "Excuse me." Rarity calmed herself with a sip of tea. "Anyway, we have to be creative here and stop complaining. It's not that we can cancel that siblinghood." "...Huh?" Suddenly, Twilight's bloodshot eyes flew open. "What did you say?" "Again, we have to be creative." "No, the next." "...We can't cancel that siblinghood." "Yes!" Twilight abruptly climb over the table and victoriously raised a hoof. "That's it! I can cancel it!" "WHAT?!" Rarity's jaw hit the table. "Wait, dear, please calm down. I know I said you have to move out of this predicament, but that doesn't mean..." "It's okay Rarity, I know how to do it safely!" Invigorated Twilight was already on the way to the outside. "Thanks for the advice! See you later!" Not even bothering listening to whatever Rarity was saying, Twilight galloped to the castle. She rushed into her new library, and without a hitch she singled out a book she was looking and magically held it in front of her. She skimmed pages until she found what she was looking for. "Yes... yes! I can do this! This will work!" Twilight closed the book, and through the window looked up the stars with disarranged pupils and evil grin. "I can erase his memory with this spell! I will make him forget we'd ever had that conversation on that night! This way I won't be stuck as his honorary sister and start all over again as a purely potential romantic interest! Mwahahahahahahaha..." In next morning, Twilight reached Sweet Apple Acres ten minutes earlier than she normally did. She found her target inside the barn as usual. It appeared Big Macintosh was reinforcing the giant wagon. "Good morning, Big Macintosh." "Mornin', Twilight. Yer early today." "Yes, because I need your time. Can we have a talk?" "Eeyup." Big Macintosh dropped a hammer and looked at Twilight curiously, who was wearing unfamiliar smug grin. Without a word Twilight's horn begun to simmer. Perfect. Look at my eyes! This spell isn't easy, but when he is not mentally alerted at all, I can erase his memory at any... wait! The glow quickly died down. I'm going to erase his memory of my choice. So before that, I can ask him very personal question to help me gain his affection! Normally this is too risky and awkward move, but, thank Celestia, he's not going to remember that. Twilight cleared her throat and glanced at Big Macintosh in a way she thought sultry. Big Macintosh's pupils shrunk in confusion. "Big Macintosh. This is going to be a little bit personal, but I need honest opinion of stallion, like you. Is it okay?" "Ee...yup." "Great. Ahem. So, It's while since I came to Ponyville, and, things have been great, with all friends and lessons. However, I think I'm ready to step up farther in my life now. That is, to put it simply, I'm considering having a coltfriend!" "...Uh-huh." Macintosh nodded. Twilight tried to read his emotion, but seeing nothing other than confusion, she continued. "Well, I talked this about one of my friends, and looks like the best course of action is getting stallions ask me out, but before that, I need to do some research on what kind of mares are popular among stallions. And I thought, why not ask them! So..." "...So?" "So, what do you think, Big Macintosh? What kind of mare you want to go out with?" Whoa I'm on fire, Twilight! I never knew being vulgar feels so good... If I know he's going forget all of this, of course. Clearly Big Macintosh was shocked by her sudden and unexpected forwardness. Somehow seeing him visibly nervous made Twilight comfortable and confident. "Eh... wait. Why are ya asking this? I thought this is about ya, not me." "Well, eh, sure it is, but I'm trying to build stallions' general point of view, so any opinion from any stallion helps." "But this is about ya getting asked out, so what Ah say doesn't matter. Actually what anypony says doesn't matter." "What? Why?" "Let's face it, nopony's gonna ask ya out." It took seconds for his words to sink in her mind. When it did, Twilight's smug attitude was instantly vanished. She begun to quiver as her eyes became watered. "Wait!" Macintosh hastily added. "Sorry, Ah didn't mean ta sound like that! It's not that yer unattractive or anything, but ya know, yer a princess." Twilight violently flinched and glared him, almost angrily. Not that from you...! "Does that have to do with anything?" "Eeyup. Common ponies don't run after a princess. If yer looking for Canterlot highborn or something it's a different story, but in Ponyville? Yer too much. Ah don't think anything could happen if ya just wait. That's meh opinion." "Thanks." Twilight immediately responded. Her voice was level and expression was invisible behind her mane with lowered head. "I'll begin transforming trees." Without a glance toward the boss Twilight excused herself from the barn and headed to the now all familiar fallen trees patch. As she moved on the way, her walk changed to trot, and trot became canter, and it soon accelerated to full gallop. When she reached the patch, Twilight immediately begun transforming without catching breath. Wheezing and gasping, she recklessly made three not-so-straight logs. Noponies gonna ask ya out. Yer a princess. Too much. Twilight screamed as she lifted a dead tree and violently slammed it against the ground, breaking it in half. Throwing the wasted wood away towards wherever she didn't care, Twilight laid prone burying her face in her hooves, and wailed. I thought he wasn't the one of them! I thought he would always make me feel special, not different! What truly broke her heart was the fact that she couldn't blame Big Macintosh. He was just being honest as she asked, and what he said made sense. She is princess. She is untouchable. And if he thinks she is too much, at least that's exactly what she is to him. If his opinion was clearly wrong or biased, she could just disagree and maybe correct him, but, it wasn't. Twilight wept in misery for about a minute, but after she rose, she resumed her choir in steady and mechanical manner. She quickly learned that doing anything which keeps her mind away from what just happened was much better than moping about it.
Unexpected BonusConsidering her extremely disturbed mind state, Twilight fared well working in Sweet Apple Acres for the rest of the term. Given Big Macintosh's taciturn nature, it was not difficult to keep communicating with him at minimum level. Twilight gradually come to see the futility of denying her princesshood. She is a princess. Nothing can change it. So only logical conclusion she could come up was live with it as best as she could. It didn't mean the pain was bearable, though. So, when Big Macintosh stopped Twilight from walking home after her last dinner at her workplace, she had to take seconds to swallow the overwhelming bitterness before looking back to him. "Yes, Big Macintosh?" The former boss was waving a familiar little poach. "Ya forgot the money. Again." "Oh." Twilight barely remembered bits were the reason she was going through all the troubles. She already earned much more than she initially hoped, and after the relief that she doesn't have to see Big Macintosh anymore regularly until she will become mentally stable, that coins didn't have any major place in her mind. "Thanks." Twilight magically grabbed the poach and put it down in her saddlebag, and begun trotting towards the castle again. "Wait." Twilight span around again and venomously responded. "What!?" Twilight was inwardly both horrified at and satisfied with the hostility of her attitude, which was much stronger than she intended. Big Macintosh clearly got the message and was taken aback. She considered apologizing , but quickly crushed the thought. How could she? He hurt her feeling more than anypony ever done in her life. She knew it was shameful, but she begun to hate him. If Big Macintosh was aware of this intense atmosphere, he seemed to ignore it. "...Just Ah'd like to say thanks again. Ah knew yer the one to get things done, but ya really did good. If ya ever need a job again, ask me again." "You are welcome." Don't think so. "One more thing." Before Twilight could try leaving, Big Macintosh insistently continued. "Ah wanted to say this earlier, but Ah had to wait until when Ah'm not yer boss anymore." Twilight raised one of eyebrows as a response. Big Macintosh lifted his hoof. Twilight noticed it held two... scrap of papers? Noting her confusion, Big Macintosh deeply inhaled, exhaled, less deeply inhaled again, and opened his mouth. "Tomorrow, four o'clock, in front of the theater. After the movie, we take dinner. Whatcha say?" "...Huh?!" Twilight finally managed to utter after good ten seconds of standing like a statue. Then she realized what Big Macintosh was holding were indeed two theater tickets. "Wha, what!? Is this like a da, da, date?" "Eeyup." Swirl of unidentifiable emotions destroyed Twilight's self control, and before she knew she was screaming at the top of her lungs. "YOU! You are the one who said nopony's going to ask me out!" "Ah regret it. Sorry Ah said that but... Ah realized Ah could change that." "Sorry?" Twilight narrowed her eyes dangerously. "Are you doing this just because you are sorry?!" "No!" Big Macintosh's voice was uncharacteristically forceful. "That was why Ah decided to do this, not why Ah wanted to do this." "What... do you mean by that?" "Ah always wanted to... get to know ya more, if Ah had a chance. Ah knew Ah didn't have any. Especially after ya became a princess." Twilight glared Big Macintosh as he uttered the taboo word. However, when she did so, with relatively calmed composure, she discovered an obvious but precious phenomenon she overlooked. Big Macintosh was blushing and sweating furiously. "...But when Ah said things like yer too much for anypony, it felt wrong. It was honest, but sounded like a pathetic excuse of me being a coward. And, it doesn't do you any good. Yer... beautiful, smart, trustworthy, diligent, and everything that shouldn't make ya a wallflower. Ah know this is ridiculous... but... Ah think you deserve somepony wooing ya, whatever the outcome is." Big Macintosh was unable to set his eyes on his crush during his confession, so he was completely unprepared when Twilight crash into his chest and hugged his neck with all her might. Physically, the action hardly budged Macintosh, but it send his mind into complete blankness. They stayed like that for a while. "Um..." Finally Big Macintosh found his voice. "So, about the date..." "YES!" Twilight abruptly screamed. "YESYESYES! I'll be definitely there!" "Really? Ah was ready for nothing more than 'thanks, sorry'." "Oh, Big Macintosh, seriously. Do you have any idea what you are to me?" Twilight hesitantly made a space between them, so they could look each other face to face. "This is too wonderful to be real. I was the one going crazy thinking how to win... your..." Twilight's words trailed off as she realized they were not alone. Rest of the Apple family was blatantly watching through the windows of their respective rooms. They were not even trying to be covert. "You know what." Twilight swiftly made a natural distance between Big Macintosh, snatching one of the tickets in the process. "We really have a lot to talk about, but let's save them for tomorrow." "Eeyup." Big Macintosh made the biggest smile Twilight had ever seen, and she couldn't resist doing the same. "See you!" Careful not to eye towards the peeping Apples, Twilight turned and skipped towards her castle. She was grinning so madly that it would disturb Pinkie Pie. "The ticket, check. Brush teeth, check. Brush tongue, check. Concealing bags under eyes, check. Going over this checklist for five times... this is the third time, so 2 more to go. Bath, check. Brush mane and tail, check. Saddlebag not smelling weird, check. Perfume, check. Not too much perfume, check. Hooves..." "GAH!!" Spike screamed out of frustration and throw a bloom over his head. "You are driving me mad, Twilight! Would you quit already and get going?!" "NO!" Twilight adamantly refused. "This must be perfect! Now, where was I? Hm, practice greeting. Ahem. Hello Big Macintosh! Nice weather today! ...this will do. Next..." "How about being on the time?" As if she just broke a trance, Twilight opened her eyes wide, realizing she had totally lost track of time. She followed where Spike's claw was pointing to. She saw the clock, reading 3:58 p.m. "AHHHHHHHH!!" was the only thing she could say before bolting outside, not even caring to close the door. "Not drenched in sweat and out of breath, unchecked." Spike mockingly muttered. Indeed Twilight was drenched in sweat and out of breath when she reached the Ponyville Theater. She easily spotted calmly waiting Big Macintosh, and approached with poise she could muster in such state. "Hello *cough* Big Macintosh! Nice... weather today!" "Eeyup." Big Macintosh cleverly avoided asking if something wrong with his date. They just entered the theater together and took seats placed back of the room, so Big Macintosh's large figure wouldn't get in the view of others. The theater was crowded. Twilight was too excited by the idea of having date with her crush to pay any real attention to what they were going to watch, but this one was the most anticipated blockbuster of the season. Twilight felt her heart warmed realizing Big Macintosh acquired hard-to-get tickets, even though he didn't believe she would go with him. The movie was good, both objectively and subjectively. It was a straight-forward action & romantic comedy, a story about a self-willed girl from very minor pony tribe called Bat Ponies joining the Royal Guards. She battles against cultural difference and prejudice with her wit and courage and causes all the troubles. But soon she meets a stoic but understanding (and absurdly handsome) pegasus guard and... eventually they fall in love with each other, the end. The movie director knew what she was doing and audiences had to be entertained at some point. Twilight would have enjoyed this even if this had nothing to do with Big Macintosh. After the movie was over, Big Macintosh led Twilight to the small restaurant she'd never visited. It appeared slightly classier than the cafè. Big Macintosh already reserved a table in the second floor, from where they could see nice view of Ponyville in the end of sunset. Then they ordered their menu. "All right." Suddenly Twilight broke their lingering silence with energetic smile. "The movie was great, and dinner seems nice, but I was dying to get to this part. We have to talk." "Well... yup." "Do you even know what we are going to talk about?" "...The movie?" Twilight grinned wickedly. "Ohoho, no. Yesterday, you told me you always wanted to know me more. Tell me about it! Everything!" "Ow." All of sudden Big Macintosh became interested in the outside view. "...Do Ah have to?" Twilight inwardly squealed like a foal when she could see her date's cheek becoming redder, even through his crimson coat and burning sunset. She couldn't remember times she felt so flattered. "Yes. This is a date and you are supposed to make me happy, right? Please?" Big Macintosh sighed in defeat. He didn't look thrilled at all, but he let out small smile to prove he knew what he was supposed to do. "All right, Ah'll do it. But Ah can't promise nothing about making ya feel good." "By Celestia I won't complain. So now, go, spit it out!" Twilight rubbed her hooves in anticipation. "Well... hope this doesn't creep ya out. To tell the truth, yer kinda special to me from the start." Twilight tilted her head. "What is 'the start'?" "When ya came to Ponyville for the first time. Ah was there when yer golden flying carriage hit the street, with Royal Guards and a baby dragon. Ah knew the new comer was some important figure from Canterlot but didn't imagine to be a girl as young as AJ." "Huh? You knew I was coming?" "Eeyup. Ah was wondering who was gonna be living in Golden Oak Library when Ah was hollowing it out." "What!?" Twilight's outburst gathered all eyes (in addition to already prying eyes) in the restaurant, but she cared none of them. "You are the one who built the library?!" "Nnope. Ah just took a part of the project, just a one of those odd jobs. Ah only did rough digging inside and carrying that telescope." "Wow...I had no idea." Twilight longingly eyed the castle through the window, imagining how Golden Oak Library would look from this angle. Well isn't that fateful? Of all the time I lived there, I was being enveloped by his handiwork... Twilight blushed at such a maudlin thought, and decided not to word it aloud. "...I must say thank you, Big Macintosh. I really loved it as my home from day one." "Don't mention it. Shame it's gone." A waiter served glasses of water. Big Macintosh immediately grabbed one and gulped it. "Buh, Ah'm talking too much..." Twilight giggled. "We are far from done! So... you liked me from the beginning." "Wait, Ah said ya were special, but didn't mean Ah liked ya. Honestly, Ah didn't like ya back then." Even with him reassuring smile, Twilight's smile varnished as if she was slapped on her face. "Aw... really? Why?" "First, I felt yer putting AJ in danger. Just day one yer here, she became Element of Honesty, and started to follow ya wherever whenever Ah thought she didn't have to. That worried me. Ah came to admit AJ was much more than just mah little sis, but it wasn't easy." A reflexive objection choked in Twilight's throat. She held it there. "But one of the worst was when ya girls helped AJ when Ah was injured and she was totally beat. Ah wasn't there, but heard from AJ that you grabbed apples from like hundred trees in just one go. She was really embarrassed and upset, and Ah was like, darn, what a show off..." "Wait wait wait!" This time, Twilight was unable to contain. "I remember that incident but what are you talkin... Applejack was upset? She never said that!" "AJ can keep secret if no one ask about it. And we were grateful to you, really. But that doesn't mean she wasn't bitter that she couldn't meet her goal and some Canterlot noble unicorn girl with no farming experience could've done better." "You guys are totally mistaken!" Twilight barked with the face mixture of indignation and horror. "I did NOT do better than Applejack! She must have been too tired to see things correctly. There was no way it was hundred trees, it was like forty at most. And it was not 'just one go'! It was 'Mass Telekinesis on Uniform Objects'! This spell needs preparation and elaboration and rest afterwards, you know, not something I can keep casting continually. You should already know that magic spells can be powerful but almost never meant to be for long term uses and that's why unicorns could never replace Earth ponies. It's historically proven over and over and If you are not convinced I can show you books on..." Twilight's rant slowly died down as she saw her date laughing. "...What's so funny?" "Ah thought we've done this already." Twilight chuckled and blushed and coughed. "Right, sorry again." "Don't ya worry again, that's just back then and we have nothing to hold against ya now." "But you were not fond of me. What have I done to change your mind?" "Ah don't know." Silence remained for several seconds. Twilight deliberately made a face which screamed "Annoyed!". "Sorry, but it's true. Ah don't think one big event snapped how Ah felt about ya. It was more like, a lot of small things moved me, bit by bit." Twilight leaned forward over the table. "Give me the every details, please." "All right, but where to start... okay, Ah start with yer eyes." "My eyes?" "Eeyup. Ah couldn't help but notice how yer eyes shine whenever something positive happens. Like, when ya learn something new, when ya help yer friends or yer friends help ya, when ya eat something delicious... Ah saw sparkles in yer eyes. Ah see why yer parents named ya so. It's very beautiful and captivating." "...Woooow. That's so... sweet. No one ever told me such things... just... wow..." "Another things... oh, do ya remember when Pinkie Pie got... multiplied and we had to seal the way to the pond with a rock?" Twilight giggled. "How could I not! I was impressed how you pulled it like nothing." "It was really nothing. By the way, at that time Ah saw yer knees were shaking. Ah heard what ya did to send those clone Pinkies back to the pond, and that scared ya. Right?" "...Yes." Twilight nodded solemnly. "I knew what I was doing and I trusted Pinkie, but there was a chance I may send the real Pinkie away. That was... ugh, still a thing I don't want to recall even now." "There. Ponies say ya have nothing to afraid 'cause ya can figure things out for anything. But there are actually things scare you, but you still face it and beat it. Sure yer powerful and smart, like everypony can tell, but Ah think yer brave, and that's the part I respect." Twilight awkwardly returned shy smile, fidgeting around. At this rate I'm going to die of being too flattered. Don't regret a thing though. "Speaking of scare..." Big Macintosh again gulped water. "Ah found it cute that yer afraid of snakes." Twilight frozen for a couple of seconds before she could response. "Wait, how did you—did Spike told you?" "Eeyup." "Agh, Spike, technically it wasn't a secret but still..." Twilight fumed, but soon smiled as she saw Big Macintosh again nervously consuming water. The fact that he was doing so much uncomfortable talking for her warmed her heart. "Okay..." Big Macintosh sighed. "Aren't ya bored yet?" "Nonsense. I can keep listening to this until end of the week. Go on, go on please." "Next one is kinda shallow. Ah like looks of yer long tail..." They continued their conversation until their dinner was delivered. Big Macintosh found it as a good excuse to rest his throat and ate his cooked carrots and asparagus way slower than he usually does in home. On the contrary, Twilight hastily finished her salad as fast as possible without looking indecent, in order to restart the talk she immensely enjoyed. In addition to that, Big Macintosh's dish had much more volume. As a result, Twilight finished her dish before her date consumed half of his. Big Macintosh snickered at this. "Well, Ah think it's yer turn to talk now." "Aww... okay, it's fair." Twilight pouted playfully. "Is there anything you want to hear from me?" "Absolutely. Ah was wondering... why did you agree to come?" "You mean, this date?" "Eeyup." Twilight considered making this casual by just saying "why not?", but quickly mashed the idea realizing how Macintosh opened up his heart and how hers was warmed by that. She knew only right thing to do now was to return the favor. "Well... for starters... I didn't have any reason not to. I admit I didn't... no, I still don't know you very well privately, but I've never heard anything bad about you from anypony, never witnessed anything bad myself. And sometimes I got glimpse of you helping around..." Twilight's voice trailed off, as she couldn't help but feel her version of tale was bland compared to the one Big Macintosh gave her. She thought hard to find the better way to tell her feeling, but nothing came up, But just before disappointment and panic overtake her, she remembered one important lesson from their earlier communication: be yourself and let the heart speak, and he will always understand. So Twilight did so. "I love you." Wow this is hilarious. Twilight inwardly snickered at her date's totally dumbfounded expression, feeling surge of confidence and contentment coming from nowhere. "I already did when you asked me for this date, so there was no reason to say no." Big Macintosh was still speechless. Twilight enjoyed this precious, awkward moment for a while, then continued. "I already had a positive opinion on you before I begun working for the Acres, but when you gently calmed down me and carried me on your back, I felt you were special. After I told you I saw you as an another guardian figure, well, it's still true, but soon I realized I wanted you to be more than that. Does this answer your question?" Big Macintosh mumbled something unintelligible, and Twilight just smiled back. The rest of the dinner continued in awkward silence, which was at least satisfactory for Twilight. And it ended like so. Big Macintosh briefly offered to walk Twilight home. They walked to the castle, side by side, still not exchanging any meaningful words. Twilight was not sure about this situation anymore. At first she felt relieved when she laid her heart blatantly, and found Macintosh's bewilderment cute. However, as time goes on, she begun to doubt her action. Had she gone too far? Doesn't he feel the same way? Wait. First of all, did this date mean to be romantic? What if this was just a casual friendly thing? She'd never read about how to classify date! When they reached the castle, Twilight's smug smiling face was completely overwritten by fear and despondency. Seconds after they stopped front of the door, Twilight jerked her head towards her date. "Big Macintosh, I—" And their lips met. The kiss remained about three seconds, and Macintosh withdrew, with his face showing no less nervousness than Twilight's. "Well... Ah knew Ah shouldn't do this in the first date, but... Ah thought ya don't mind." Big Macintosh quickly turned around and walked to the Acre. "G'night." Twilight froze in space for she felt like eternity. But as the night's chill sunk in the body, Twilight mindlessly walked into her castle. Then she startled every soul in Ponyville by giving them her victory cry from top of the castle.
Hornbreaking Work"Ya broke?" Applejack drastically raised her eyebrows. "Twilight, how could Princess run out of bits?" "Would you be quiet, please!" Twilight blushed and hastily looked around to make sure nopony heard their conversation. Fortunately there was not a single soul to overhear her embarrassing shortcoming, for they were standing in the middle of Sweet Apple Acres. After several seconds Twilight let out a sigh and faced Applejack again. "Yes, I have almost no money and it can happen to a princess... at least this princess. In my case it's just a honorary title. It's not like I collect tax." "Yeah, but... what happened?" "My Golden Oak Library is blown up, remember?" "Yup. Sorry about that." "Everything I had in it was destroyed, and the castle didn't come up with things I need, you know, such as books, a bathtub, a table, bookshelves, utensils, quills, bookmarks, lamps, books, a toothbrush, books, dishes, books, books..." "I got the idea, Twi." Twilight took a deep breath. "So, anyway... I had some money left in my bank account to buy necessities, but before I know... I used them up and Spike and I have nothing to eat next week." "Ah bet those 'necessities' includes a lotta books." "Hey! Books ARE necessities! Without them life is pointless!" "Serious?" "...No. I got to eat first." Seeing Twilight's sheepish smile, Applejack decided there's no point humiliating friend by asking details. "Okay, Twilight. Ah can lend ya some. How much do ya need?" "Huh? ...Oh no no!" Twilight giggled as she waved her hoof. "I didn't come here to ask you that, Applejack. I was trying to ask for a job, not a loan." "Job ya say?" "Yes. I'd like to work in Sweet Apple Acres for a while. Can you do that? You don't have to pay me that much. I just need to feed myself and Spike for a while, like, two weeks." Unlike Twilight expected, Applejack did not say "Yeah!" immediately with welcoming smile. Instead, she averted her eyes from Twilight and rubbed her chin, contemplating her next decision. "Well, Ah can't give ya an answer. It's mah brother's call." "Oh." Twilight was slightly taken aback, realizing how she'd totally forgotten about Big Macintosh in this matter. Whenever she helped Applejack in Sweet Apple Acres, somehow he was always working far away from them. These experiences gave her such a wrong impression of Applejack running the farm alone. "Okay, so... can I talk to him?" "Sure ya can. Ah think he's bucking apples on the other side of Acres. Follow me." They trotted across uneven terrain of the apple farm. Applejack easily located Big Mac, but before they approach, she stopped Twilight before he could notice them. "Wait, Twi." Applejack's whispered nervously. "Ah forgot to warn ya." "What's now?" "Well, just... don't feel too bad if Mac turn ya down in one word." "Ow..." Twilight cringed at the seriousness of the tone. "Don't you think he will hire me?" "It's not about you. It was while since Acres had any paid workers, and Ah almost forgot what it was like..." Applejack shook heads as if she was trying to throw away "what it was like" from her brain. "The thing is, Twi, Mac is very serious about this business, and probably doesn't care if yer mah best friend or a princess. So, just don't be shocked if he says 'nnope' one second after ya ask." "O... kay... " "Well, here we go. ...Hey, Bro!" Big Macintosh heard his sister and looked towards approaching two mares. Before Twilight and Big Macintosh get close enough to greet comfortably, Applejack dove into the business. "Twilight lost all bits and wants to work here for two weeks. Does she get a job?" "Applejack! Can't you just be more... I mean, hello, Big Macintosh." "Howdy Twilight. And, eeyup." "Ya heard it, Twi. Sorry but why don't ya just... wait, what did ya say Big Mac?" "She's got a job." "Wow that's quick. Thanks!" Twilight beamed a happy smile, but inversely Applejack's expression became more serious. She walked right in front of her big brother, and gave him a wary gaze. "Ya sure Mac? This is not about usual help, but a paying job." "Eeyup." "Okay. But ya know Twilight is mah best friend. Ya don't have to pamper her, but if ya treat her like ya had—" "Oh come on, Applejack." Twilight playfully interjected. "You don't have to protect me from anything, especially from your brother! We are fine!" There was a strange silence remained for seconds, in which Big Macintosh was quiet as ever, looking at the thin air, and Applejack was worriedly looking back and forth between her friend and brother. "Well, then, okay, Ah'm gonna back to mah work." Applejack suddenly said to nopony in particular, and without a moment waiting for any response, trotted back to where she came from. Now new employer and employee looked each others eyes, not sure what to make Applejack's behavior. "So... Twilight." Big Macintosh made a rare moment by initiating a conversation first. "Like Ah said, yer hired. Lemme tell ya how things goes." Twilight nodded enthusiastically, but inwardly she was mentally preparing to hear something unpleasant. Obviously Applejack was not entirely excited about me working here. But she never had a problem when I helped her work. Wait, this time it's different. Big Macintosh is my boss. Is this what she's worried about? Does she think I will disappoint him? Or, does she think HE will disappoint ME? "First, helping mah sis and working for bits are different. Ah really 'ppreciate how ya helped Sweet Apple Acres, but this time, it's gonna be much more intense. 'Kay with that?" "Yes, I'm prepared for that." "Good. Most of that time Ah'll be the boss, not AJ. But don't worry, Ah'm not gonna boss ya 'round. Ya be yerself, Ah'll be just me. If ya think Ah'm being jerk or too hard or anythin', just talk." "You are such a gentlecolt." Twilight beamed. "I know I don't have to worry about that." "So, when can ya begin?" "Tomorrow." "Then meet me at 9 a.m., front of the barn. Work until the noon and Ya'll have a free lunch. Take a rest, start working again from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Yer welcome to join us in the dinner too, if ya don't mind. That's how it's gonna go. Any questions?" "Nothing! Wow, you are so nice, my boss. I'm sure I will enjoy my new job, so see you tomorrow!" Twilight waved her hoof to Big Macintosh and joyfully trotted to her castle. So far everything was going great and she worried nothing about the work. Next day, at 8:55 a.m., Twilight reached the barn as she was told and found Big Macintosh waiting there. He was already little sweaty, indicating he'd already gone through his morning chores. "Good morning, Big Macintosh!" Twilight merrily smiled. "I'm ready for my first day's work!" "Mornin', Twilight. Follow me." Big Macintosh led the new worker to the direction exactly opposite to the center of Ponyville. They walked over several hills, and reached the area of endless sight of big, withered trees. Twilight curiously looked over this unfamiliar sight. "This is where ya start." "Oh, I see. And... where are we?" "We are standing on one of the oldest patch of our orchard." "Are these apple trees?" Twilight walked around in small circle, awestruck. "So impressive! I never knew they can be this tall!" "Eeyup." Big Macintosh proudly raised his head, but his expression quickly changed into a sad one. "But ya can see, they're almost dead and it' time for them to go." "I see. Land clearing." "Plus, harvesting apple woods too. They'll make good furniture and smoke woods." "Oh! I didn't realize wood itself can be merchandise." Twilight's bright smile shined as always when she gained new knowledge. Big Macintosh had no way to resist returning his smile back. "Eeyup. Ah'll let Filthy Rich handle 'em and he'll make a mountain of bits. ...So, here's what Ah have in mah mind." Big Macintosh cleared his uncomfortable throat and weakly coughed several times, for he'd already spoken more than he would do in his average day. "Ah've heard from AJ that Rarity used magic to turn a wood into smaller pieces when they had a sleepover in yer... previous house. Sorry 'bout that." "Oh, thanks, but I'm fine." "Anyway, can ya do similar things? Like turning these trees into logs?" Twilight tried her hardest not to grimace. This is the infamous moment every magic users must endure several times in their lifetime; getting requests for performing magic from somepony who has no idea how magic works. Luckily (or because of her poor social experience) Twilight never experienced it until now, but was firmly warned by Celestia herself on such a occasion. Don't get upset, it's totally reasonable for him to be absurd. "Well... no, I cannot." Fearing any question from her boss, Twilight hastily continued. "What Rarity did was reshaping a wood piece. But these are trees, almost dead but still alive, and connected to the ground. Alternation on life form on this size is out of anypony's capacity." Much to her relief, Big Macintosh seemed satisfied with her explanation. "Okay. So, we have to cut them down or root them up first, then ya can turn them into logs. Right?" "Yes, I believe that's the case." "Can ya pull them out with your magic?" "Err..." This time, Twilight failed not to grimace. "... No." "How so? Ah've heard ya could haul the Ursa Minor away from the town and fixed the broken dam." Twilight's panic level instantly skyrocketed, as suddenly memory of the history lecture in School of Gifted Unicorns she found most frightening flooded her mind. The subject was pre-Equestria era, when Pegasi, Earth ponies and unicorns despised each other. The lecturer meticulously explained why unicorns were so hated by other races back then, and one of major cause was... Exactly like what's happening right now. There were many cases where non-unicorns asked unicorns to perform certain magic tasks, and unicorns had to decline because simply they cannot do it. Non-unicorns did not believe that. When they knew unicorns can rise the sun and the moon, they'd never imagined what they were asking was harder than that. Unicorns failed to explain how magic works. Pegasi and Earth ponies often assumed reason behind such denial was that unicorns thought they were just too good to be told what to do by their "inferiors". Thus unicorns were often regarded as condescending , lazy and dishonest. Is that how Big Macintosh sees me? "No!" Twilight abruptly screamed. "I'm not lying, please! That's not how magic works! Trees have a will to stay on the ground and resist any spells which try to sever the connection! Unlike sleeping Ursa! I even had a difficulty moving Fluttershy when she resisted! And the dam! What I did was casting fixing spell! That's totally different from lifting! Even Princess Celestia herself could no way telekinetically grab all boulders and put back in the place and make it a functional dam and how in Equestria could I..." "Twilight!" The ranting mare literally jumped at the sudden reprimand. Her eyes gradually became focused, but soon the pupils shrunk as realization hit her like a lightning. Did Big Macintosh yell!? At Me!? Oh no no no no no, Celestia, what am I doing? This is just day one and I haven't even done anything yet, and he is already upset! He is going to fire me! How could I be so pathetic... Twilight's self loathing came to a sudden halt as something warm touched her body. Right then she realized that Big Macintosh was standing right front of her, gently patting her shoulder with his absurdly large hoof. His green eyes kindly looked into hers. He somehow reminded Twilight of her big brother. "Calm down." He tenderly told. So she did. After several awkward seconds, Twilight sheepishly giggled, blushing profusely. "... Sorry." "Neh, Ah'm sorry if Ah sounded like doubting ya. Let's do this over." Twilight suppressed a whimper as Big Macintosh's hoof left her. The stallion turned around and faced the woods as moments ago. "So... again, Ah'd like to clear out this patch of dead trees, and woods have to be harvested. Any suggestions?" Now that's much better. Twilight inwardly sighed in relief. "If I have to do it alone, I don't have any better idea than grabbing a hatchet and doing it in the old fashioned way, but... with somepony's help, maybe I can do it in much quicker way." Big Macintosh did not say anything, he just looked at her. Knowing she had his attention, Twilight continued. "My magic is not strong enough to pull a tree out completely, but probably enough to make it loose. If some force is applied at the right moment, the tree might give up." "Like mah kick." "Exactly. Care to test it out?" "Eeyup." Big Macintosh swiftly moved to the nearest tree and took a proper stance to give it a good bucking. Seeing this, Twilight narrowed her eyes in concentration to grab the giant near-dead apple tree. Her horn simmered and in an instance, the tree was engulfed by her pink magical grow. Twilight closed her eyes tight and growled as she built up force to yank it upward, but as she expected, that was going nowhere near the intended effect. The tree was heavy, and its roots were deep, but real challenge was the tree's unwillingness to comply. Magic is most effective when it guides the nature, such as raising the sun as it is meant to. Disconnecting plants from Earth is the exact opposite of that. Twilight gave her best effort, but the tree claimed the soil as greedy as a dragon guarding his hoard. This is just too much. Maybe this doesn't work at all... Literally earth-shaking blast echoed through Sweet Apple Acres. Twilight involuntarily jumped up and saw the tree she was trying to pull up was now laying down horizontally, with its root intact up in the air. She could see Big Mac's hoofprints on the trunk, made by his massive bucking. "Wow... it worked." "Eeyup." They continued rooting up the trees with the combined effort of Ponyville's most powerful magic and strongest muscle. Twilight was so proud of the accomplishment. However, such positive attitude quickly died down, because what Big Macintosh warned her about was true; the work was intense. Never in her life did Twilight experience such amount of raw magic exertion, both in terms of magnitude and duration. The most rigorous training in back in her days in School of Gifted Unicorn was walk in the park compared to this toil. She was already tired. But Twilight was determined not to show it. Her boss had shown zero hint of weariness, and he began working hours before she started. Asking for a break was embarrassing. That's right, I've learned from Celestia! I have a reputation to live up with! ...But how in Equestria can he keep doing that!? Twilight winced as another thunderous kick sent a poor tree across the field. That one kick must consume more energy than I spend in a day! Oh, I never understand Earth ponies, even I share their gift now as an alicorn... After the longest three hours Twilight could remember, Big Macintosh declared their morning choir was over. Twilight was almost sleepwalking when they reached Apple house. Smell of pancakes assaulted them as Big Macintosh opened the door. Twilight followed him to inside and saw Applejack skillfully handling a flying pan with her mouth. "Hiya, Twi." Applejack mischievously grinned, obviously enjoying the view of her friend utterly burned out. "Enjoying yer work?" "Ugh... yeah..." Applejack seemed satisfied by the answer. "Of course. Welcome to the farming life, princess!" Twilight did her signature groan. Oh, how she hated to be addressed as such, especially when it connotes weakness! But before Twilight tried to move her energy-deprived brain to come up with any decent comeback, Big Macintosh beat to it. "Be nice AJ. She's doing fine and we will clear that patch in no time." "Okay okay, if that's so ..." The lunch went as usual as always for Apple family, even though there was Twilight as an addition. She was so tired that she did not participate in the conversation, and Apples understood that. Pancakes were delicious, but even chewing down and swallowing them was tedious in her state. Twilight secretly admired how her boss was consuming a mountain of food. After the lunch, Twilight took a nap in the barn, asking Big Macintosh to wake up when she is needed. There was no way she could wake up on her own in such condition. And 3 p.m. seemed to come right after a moment when she closed her eyes. The evening work was exactly the same as the morning one. Again Twilight lost her track on the time in endless removal of the oversized apple trees. Before she noticed, she was at the dinner table, hearing, but not listening to the story of Apple Bloom's epic quest on searching her cutie mark. The Dinner was over, and Big Macintosh stopped her to help cleaning up. "That's okay, you can go home now. Good working with you Twilight." "Well good working with you too, Big Macintosh. See you tomorrow." Twilight sounded as if she was imitating Maud Pie. At this moment everything she cared was going back to her room and sleep like a log. Bath? It can wait. "Wait." Big Macintosh halted her when she went to the outside. "Aren't ya forgetting something?" "Huh?" "Bits." Big Macintosh trotted to some room back in the house and quickly came back with a pouch. "Oh! Oh yeah, haha, I totally forgot... wow." Twilight paused when the pouch was dropped in her saddlebag. It was heavy. "How much?" "Ninety bits." "Ninety!?" That was a way more than decent for usual pay for a day, let alone for the first day of an inexperienced pony. "That's... so generous, Big Macintosh. I'm flattered, really." "To be honest, Ah'll pay less later. Now yer doing the hardest part of the job Ah have in mah mind." Big Macintosh warmly smiled, "Ya earned it, Twilight. See ya tomorrow." "Yes... see you." On the way back to the castle, Twilight was feeling unfamiliar warmth within her chest. She was unable to define the emotion. However, the source of the emotion was easy to figure out. Whenever she remember the rare time Big Macintosh gave her a positive and kind word with reassuring smile, she could feel it. I think... I am proud, or feeling genuinely appreciated. I never thought I wasn't, but come to think of it... the Elements, alicornhood, princess and the castle... what ponies think the foundation of me... I didn't earn them. They were not things I actively sought to obtain. It just happened. Plus, all those "saving Equestria" business were done by combined force of ponies. I'm just a part of it. I was perfectly fine being Celestia's student and nothing more. But... Twilight stopped, and stared one of her wings. I appear to be more than what I am. Ponies think I am more then what I think I am. Those bows, complements, fame, monuments... they felt so empty. Is this why I feel good about today? The work was tough and dull, I can't say I enjoyed it, but they were nothing to do with my "accomplishments" in the past, and Big Macintosh just appreciated who I am and what I have done. Come to think of it, he never mentioned my princesshood. He makes me feel like just Twilight Sparkle again. Yes this must be why I... Twilight blushed. ... I like him.
