The Brother Of My Best Friend
Under the sky
Early one morning, when the sun had just started its gradual assent, a stallion sat in a rich, green field with his muzzle pointing to the sky; his calm eyes gazing at the last traces of the night fade away. He had been sitting there quietly for a good couple minutes, inhaling deeply, basking in the crisp morning air.
He was currently situated in the far west orchard of Sweet Apple Acres, a few hundred metres from the farm house and barn. Now facing the rising sun, he drew breath as it rose up over the mountains, setting the bright red barn aglow as it burned with light. The lingering cold from the previous night faded quickly as the sun's rays caught him on the face and chest.
He smiled happily; it was going to be a good day.
His day off.
And by Celestia he was going to make the most of it!
Now, you may think this a rather simple way to begin a story, but he didn't mind it much. Big Macintosh liked things simple.
Pure and beautifully simple.
Finally the day had come: her day off!
To say she was super excited would be the understatement of the century. Rainbow Dash had been waiting for this with eager anticipation since her last day off work...which had only been two weeks ago.
But that's beside the point!
Today was a day where she could just kick it without having to worry about inconveniencing anypony in the process. Rainbow Dash was an extremely laid back sort of pony, but that didn't necessarily mean she took her responsibilities lightly. Days off work meant she could be one hundred and twenty percent more laid back than usual.
And today, she was going to spend it the best way possible:
Napping.
She hadn't had a nap in ages and a full day's worth would more than compensate for it.
Flying a little ways off from her home in the clouds, she smiled widely at the sunny, clear, blue sky; ideal weather for relaxing outside. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply through her nose, relishing every second of the cool morning breeze.
It was paradise, and yet everypony took it for granted.
Rainbow Dash ruffled her wings a little, allowing the air to blow through the feathers a bit. It was extremely refreshing.
The sky was an incredible place to be.
For any pegasus, it may seem like such a small, simple thing, flying. But it filled Rainbow Dash with energy and a certain peace of mind that she only got when soaring high above the earth below. It allowed her to get away from everything now and again; pure and absolute freedom.
Tilting her body slightly, she turned gracefully into a heavy dive down to ground. Expanding her wings further, she slowed into a gentle glide above the vibrant, healthy trees of Sweet Apple Acres, before settling down in a tree in the far west orchard. She smiled contently at the sufficient shading the tree provided, as well as the more than sufficient covering should Applejack show up and tell her off. Taking one last glimpse at her surroundings before going to sleep, she noticed a tall red stallion, sitting silently in a small clearing, starring up at the sky contently.
Rainbow Dash shrugged her shoulders, not thinking much of it. Big Mac was probably just taking a breather. After all, it was a great day, who wouldn't want to stop for a bit to look up?
She brushed it off and quickly fell asleep, snoring happily.
Two hours had passed when Rainbow Dash woke up from a sharp pain in her back.
She opened her eyes slowly, only to shut them tightly when another spout of pain shot through her neck.
Great...
She'd been splayed rather awkwardly across the branches and had only managed to get a crick in her neck and back from what should have been a delightful nap. Her mane was a ratty mess, and rather than looking rested, she looked absolutely wasted, her eyes droopy and slightly red. With an unsettling amount of grunts, pops and cracks she stretched her limbs and hoisted herself up to sit on the tree branch. Rubbing her eyes to clear the bleariness, she scanned the orchard for another, more comfortable tree.
"'Scuse me Rainbow Dash," Came a voice somewhere below her, "But are you gonna be up there long?"
The accent was unmistakable and looking down, she wasn't surprised to see Apple Bloom at the base of the tree.
"Huh?" She grunted, rather abruptly.
"I need ta buck down them apples up there, but I didn't want to cause any collateral damage to your spine." She said.
"Unfortunately," Rainbow grumbled, pausing to stretch her back further, rewarding her with a series of pops, "you're a bit late for that, kiddo."
Apple Bloom chuckled.
"Still, I'm gonna need you ta move outta this tree, if you don't mind that is."
She sighed, knowing that she really didn't have a choice. Plus, she needed a new tree anyway...
"Hey," She said abruptly, "are there any good trees around here? For napping I mean."
"Why, sure!" She pipped up excitedly, "Personally, I like the trees nearer the edge of the orchard. It just so happens that AJ an' I already cleared them out, so you can go there. Just leave one of the good ones fer me. Somethin' tells me Ah'm gonna need it by the end of the day."
Nodding her appreciation, she hovered shakily toward the edge of the orchard. One of larger trees caught her eye and she swept up into it's thick, strong branches. She sat momentarily on one of the horizontal limbs, patting the trunk around her and checking the coverage from the leaves.
"Perfect." She sighed in relief at having found a sleep worthy tree. She'd have to keep this one in mind for later day's off.
She lay down on her belly, folding her forelegs to cushion her head. Relaxing, she glanced around at the vibrant green around her, made majestic by spears of sunlight piercing through the gaps.
Bliss.
Allowing the leaves, sun and heat to embrace her, she began to drift off into unconsciousness, when something caught her eye; or rather, someone. It was Big Mac, sitting only a few metres from her. Hadn't he been in that exact spot earlier? Had he been there the entire time? How much time had passed since she came here?
Intrigued, she poked her head out of tree.
What the hay was he doing?
He was sitting up right, with his muzzle to sky, taking silent, deep breathes. He appeared to be watching something, or caught in a deep trance of thought and contemplation. Whatever he was doing, Rainbow Dash couldn't shake the feeling that it was downright strange.
The quiet red stallion of the Apple family had always been a bit of a mystery to the inhabitants of Ponyville, and she was no exception. But ponies didn't seem to bothered about it. He was just...Big Mac: quiet and polite, always willing to lend his strength to those in need of it, silently running his day to day errands.
Few ponies had actually heard him speak, and even fewer actually knew who he was. He was just Applejack's big brother.
It was strange, but Rainbow Dash felt herself carried away in thought, captivated by the quiet stallion. She realised how little she actually knew about him. He was quiet, strong, tall, polite, and supportive of his family and well...a farmer. But these were just observations. He was Applejack's brother so he couldn't be too bad, but then she was only basing her perceptions on her own friendship with AJ. She didn't actually have much if any relationship of any sort with him.
Suddenly, she realised her spying hadn't gone unnoticed. Big Macintosh was looking at her, a small, pleasant smile on his face. Rainbow Dash's expression turned to one of embarrassed fear. She supposed that with her head poking out of the thick tree, she must of looked quite stupid.
"Erm...H-hi, Big Mac!" She called out, trying to act as if everything was normal; just an average day in Ponyville.
Big Mac chuckled, but that was it.
"Hehe. Yeah. Well, I'm gonna catch some 'Z's, you don't mind do you?" She said, trying to be polite, while frantically trying to fight the blush that was slowly creeping up on her cheeks.
"Nope."
Was AJ the only who actually had a problem with her sleeping here?
Rainbow Dash smiled and thanked him before ducking back into the tree, grateful that she had been able to evade any further embarrassment. Big Mac had seemed so cool with it all. She settled back into a comfortable sleeping position and concentrated on falling asleep.
"Just be careful that you don't fall out of the tree while yer sleeping," came a deep, cautionary voice, "Ah've heard it ain't the most pleasant of experiences."
Her eyes popped open.
Big Mac just said something. But it wasn't what he'd said that shocked her, it was the fact that he had said it. So yeah, somepony spoke, so what? But this was different; this was Big Mac.
When she peeked out to look at him, he'd already turned back to gaze longingly at the sky, not expecting an answer.
"Thanks." Rainbow whispered anyway, still shocked.
Finally, she was left in peace and once again fell asleep, thoughts of the mysterious stallion filling her head as she slept.
"Are you gonna be here all day?"
Rainbow Dash felt reality tug her out of unconsciousness as she began the slow, blurred process of waking up.
"I mean, it's gettin' pretty late..."
Somepony was speaking to her.
She opened her eyes to see them met by the gaze of little Apple Bloom, peering up into the tree where she lay comfortably. Why couldn't she have just let her sleep?
Oh, well...bit late now.
"Dunno." Rainbow grunted, rubbing her eyes. "How long was I out for?"
She felt more rested than she had after her last sleep, and yawned contently. She sat up, blinking, allowing her eyes to adjust to the fading light. It was getting late, of that she was sure.
"Ya slept right on through the afternoon." Apple Bloom said, "Sorry to disturb you, but Ah wasn't sure if you wanted to get home at this time or somethin'."
"Thanks. I appreciate that." She smiled, grateful for her consideration, "I'll get around to it, but I think I'll just relax here for now. It's an awesome evening!"
"That it is." The little filly smiled, turning around to look at the sky.
They both looked out towards the setting sun. They both watched as it set the sky on fire in brilliant show of vibrant light and colour, strips of red and lilac lining the bold mountain ranges far in the west.
And there sat Big Mac, watching the sky.
"Hey, Bloom, what is your brother doing?" Rainbow asked, feeling a whelming desire for an answer to the stallion's curious behaviour.
"What...Mac? Oh, it's his day off." Apple Bloom said nonchalantly, completely unfazed.
As if that answered everything.
"But what is he doing?" she repeated, frustration evident in her tone.
Apple Bloom looked at her as she'd just asked the stupidest question ever, her stoic expression reading: 'you have eyes don't you?'
Didn't anypony find this disconcerting? Is this normal? Who can look at the sky for hours on end without so much as moving from their spot? Who is that devoted to something so seemingly pointless?
Big Macintosh, apparently.
"Has he been out there the entire time? Has he eaten? Is he okay?" Rainbow spat in a fast flurry of questions.
She found herself feeling scared. She was worried for the farmer, despite not knowing him.
"Listen, he's fine." Apple Bloom stated bluntly, picking up on her unspoken fear. "He does this most days he has off work. He'll sit outside an' watch the sky, then come back in when it's late. He has his own pack of food out there with him, an' even if he didn't, he lives on an Apple farm, food isn't exactly scarce 'round these parts. I admit, at first I found it a little scary; I thought he was goin' crazy. But I soon learned it's just what he does. He enjoys it, so Ah've got no problem with it. He finds it calming or somethin' an' such."
Dash starred long and hard at the mysterious stallion. Apple Bloom's words having put her fears to rest, only curiosity remained.
"But if you're really that curious, why don't cha jus' talk to him?"
She turned, the proposition of speaking with Big Mac coming as somewhat of a shock to her.
"I know for a fact that he doesn't talk to many ponies." Apple Bloom reasoned. "I don't know if he has many friends, let alone mares. He's friendly like with Miss Cheerilee, but they're just friends. 'Sides, he doesn't get out much. But he'd like you! Maybe you could try an' be his friend. I know he'd appreciate some company..."
Rainbow could have been mistaken, but she sounded concerned. Worried even.
"please?"
Bordering on desperate.
Rainbow looked once again at the silent stallion all alone. Then turned back to Apple Bloom, her eyes big and pleading. She really did care for her brother; her sincerity could be seen in her genuine expression. Then she returned to Mac. Maybe he did need somepony to talk to...and why not her? She was somepony, Mac's a nice guy, why wouldn't she want to talk to him?
Well, it could turn out awkward, but at least she would have tried, right?
Big Macintosh sat alone, starring up into the deep blue sky. The sun having just set, He was rewarded with a stellar gradient of light blue streaks transitioning into a rich, dark blue night. Only some of stars can be seen, as not all light had yet faded, but that didn't mean the rest weren't there. The stars were always up there, silently keeping watch over the earth.
Two stars shone more brightly and brilliantly than any of the others in the sky, and Mac smiled again, feeling a familiar warmth fill his heart. Nothing powerful, just a feeling of absolute peace.
"Hey Mac."
Big Mac went rigid, caught in one of his most vulnerable moments. But he quickly calmed, recognising the voice. Rainbow Dash trotted up beside him, wearing a friendly smile.
"mind if I join you?" She asked sweetly.
Mac blushed a little, but nodded for her to take a seat by him, regardless. They sat there in silence for a good while, taking glances at each other, neither one really sure of what to say.
Rainbow was the first to break the silence.
"Nice night, huh?"
"Eeyup." Big Mac smiled up into the sky.
That was something they could agree on. Looking up, the stars could be seen, pulsating softly with gentle, reassuring light. So he sat, and watched keenly, enjoying the silence and serenity of the heavenly light.
'What the hay am I doing here?' Rainbow Dash was screaming internally.
Picking up her courage once more, she tried again.
"So, how was your day?"
Big Mac shifted uncomfortably.
"Good?"
"Eeyup."
'This is impossible.'
They both sat once more coated in silence's embrace. He was looking up into the sky, while she sat patting the ground down with her hoof, idly sifting the grass to-and-fro. He must think she was so weird and awkward. She just had to try one more time, if not for answers, then for Apple Bloom.
She just had to be forward.
"What are you doing out here, Big Mac?" Rainbow Dash asked out right. All signs of discomfort were gone from her voice and manor, having been replaced by genuine interest and concern. "You've been out here all day and it's kinda scaring me."
No reply; not even a blink.
"Look, your sister is worried about you, she says you don't get out much..."
Still nothing.
'Fine be like that.' She thought, frustration turning to anger.
She started to pick herself up to leave, when he spoke.
"Do you know how lucky you are, Miss Dash?" Big Mac spoke in his low measured tone.
Rainbow stopped and paused, before sitting back down to stare up at him as he spoke, still looking at the sky.
"It's an incredible place; the sky. One minute it's exploding, bright blue, the next, it's a deep purple, slowly fading into black. Greater than any painting or photograph, it has the purest beauty and colour."
Rainbow just sat in awe as Mac continued to speak. She looked to his face and listened to the passion in his words.
"Me an' mah Pa used to come out some nights just to watch the stars. He always did love the stars. When he an' Ma passed, I like to think that's where they went. That even though they ain't here, they're still watchin' over us all. An' it's all up there; in the sky."
He paused and turned to look down at Rainbow Dash, their eyes meeting.
"What's it like?"
An immediate reply was impossible at this point, there was just so much for her to take in. Big Macintosh never said anything, but listening to him now, every word said had meaning, it was amazing.
"It's...it's..." She stammered, completely lost for words.
She gazed into his eyes. They were so deep and feeling.
Can eyes feel?
Whatever it was, there was something about Big Macintosh that was so different from other ponies.
"You can't describe it can you?"
"No." She said, but she meant it for both his question and her own thoughts. This pony was just something else.
"I thought as much." Mac turned back nodding, "Words just wouldn't do it justice."
Once again, silence fell between the two.
"I love it a lot." Rainbow spoke up.
Big Mac looked back at her, smiling, genuinely interested in what she had to say.
"Flying, I mean." She clarified. Taking a deep breath she continued, while Big Mac listened patiently. "It's my escape. I don't have to worry about anything when I'm in the sky, and I love every minute of it! I love the wind, and the clouds, and the sun, and the moon. All of it!"
She fell silent again, having expressed her thoughts, but still feeling quite shy. Well...not shy just, unsure? It was strange. Big Mac never demanded a reply, but when she spoke with him, she felt the honesty and sincerity in his words, and she felt...comfortable with him. It was weird.
"You are one incredible pony." Big Mac chuckled.
Rainbow blushed and brushed some of her mane out of her eyes. It wasn't something she'd normally do and she hadn't even been thinking when she had...It just felt...right. She'd been complimented before, but there was something about how he'd said it. It was personal. Not that compliments from her friends hadn't been personal or sincere, but this was different.
Big Mac, didn't normally say anything unless he meant it, or genuinely felt that way.
Which lead to another question; one that Rainbow had wanted to ask for some time.
"Why don't you speak more, Mac?" she asked, finding herself feeling completely relaxed in the stallion's company.
"It's never for lack of things to say Miss Dash." Mac chuckled, "I suppose it's because me constantly speakin' isn't necessary. Ah'll speak now an' then when somethin' needs sayin', but aside from that, I just don't need to."
She nodded. It seemed reasonable.
But then Big Mac spoke again, only this time, his voice faltered slightly.
"Also..." He began again, rather abruptly. "I suppose I wouldn't want to inconvenience anypony. I know I'm not the easiest pony to talk to, Miss Dash, and I really do appreciate your company. It's nice to talk once 'n' a while."
Rainbow looked at him for a good long while.
"Good." She stated, standing up.
"Excuse me?" Replied Big Mac, confused as to what Rainbow Dash was implying.
"You: talking. It's good to hear." Rainbow said, taking him in her confidence. "Though I don't really know you much, I can honestly say that I have enjoyed our conversation. Don't apologise for being an inconvenience; you're a great listener! Your words are honest and sincere, and it's easy to relax around you..."
As she spoke the words, Rainbow felt herself realise just how much she knew about Big Mac...and how much she admired him...
He was honest, loyal to his family, relaxed and reliable, and over all just a great guy.
So what if he didn't talk much? It made the words he did speak more meaningful.
"Like Ah said: incredible." Big Mac chuckled again, shaking his head.
Rainbow's head whirled back around to look at Mac.
"What?"
"You." Big Mac laughed.
Rainbow Dash blushed deeper than she had earlier.
"You remember what I asked you, Miss Dash? About how lucky you are? Well I meant it." Big Mac said, standing to face Rainbow Dash. "I can see why my sister enjoys your friendship: your confidence and enthusiasm is contagious."
Rainbow stared up at the tall figure looming over her slightly. She looked into his eyes and just listened.
"You're loyal to your friends. No, not just your friends, but to everypony. Though you don't know me much, you were willing to check up on me, see how Ah was doin', even though you may of had no idea how it'd turn out. That's devotion. You were willing to put aside any fear of embarrassment jus' to talk tah me, an' I am deeply touched."
Rainbow had completely lost track of what he was saying. His eyes were so inviting and safe...
She felt her heart beat double and her breath become heavier. What the hay was happening?
"You fly up there, completely free. Not a care in the whole dang world!"
Rainbow Dash's eyes darted to her shoulder as she felt his hoof on it. At this rate, her heart was going to pop out of her chest it was so vigorous. Could he hear it? Please say no.
"How do you do it? You're a Wonderbolt reserve, friend and confidant to the Princess Twilight Sparkle, and yet you don't seem to have a care in the world. You are one of the most incredible ponies I have ever met Miss Dash, an' don't let anypony tell you otherwise. You're a lucky, beautiful pony Miss Dash, an' I am glad my sister has such great friends."
Beautiful...
By now, Rainbow Dash was completely overwhelmed by Big Mac's words. Somehow, the stallion had managed to speak words that had hit her core. Words that were true and real, so much so, that it over powered her. By now, her blush was as red as...well, apples, and the beat of her heart was deafening. She felt...
She didn't know what she felt.
It was a peace of safety and sincerity.
"Thank you." She whispered.
Big Mac smiled and pat her twice on the shoulder, classic stallion style. Then he felt something push against his chest and looked down to see Rainbow Dash, hugging him tightly, crying slightly.
"No. Really. Thank you, Big Mac." She said again meekly.
Big Mac, didn't really know what to do, but he went with it and held the mare gently in his great arms, a light blush on his cheeks.
Rainbow Dash, smiled and snuggled into Big Mac's chest, losing herself slightly in the warmth of his red coat. But she quickly regained her composure, and let go, wiping any stray tears. She wasn't sad, but deeply touched by the truth and beauty of the stallion's words.
"I guess I better get home." Rainbow laughed lightly, embarrassed by her sudden actions.
Big Mac smiled and nodded.
"Have a nice night Miss Dash."
"I did." Rainbow Dash said without thinking, before whipping her hoof to her mouth.
Big Mac laughed openly, and once again, Rainbow Dash felt reassured and relaxed a bit, allowing herself to giggle along with him. She turned to leave and took a few steps forward before Big Mac spoke up once more.
"Ah'm off same time next week." He called after her.
She turned around surprised, and Big Mac smiled coyly, averting his eyes to the sky whilst rubbing the back of his neck.
"That is...If you're interested?"
Rainbow Dash giggled a little as she noticed the blush on his cheeks.
"I'd love to." She said with a cocky grin.
And with that, she took off into the night.
Late one night, when the Moon shone it's brightest; a stallion sat in a rich, green field with his muzzle pointing to the sky; his calm eyes gazing at the abundance of life in and light above him. He had been sitting there quietly for a good long while, inhaling deeply, basking in the crisp, night air.
He smiled happily; it had been a good day.
His day off.
Now, you may think this a rather simple way to end a story, but he didn't mind it much. Big Macintosh liked things simple. And looking into the space, where a young pegasus mare had been sitting alongside him only minutes ago, he smiled happily.
Simple.
Pure and beautiful.
The End.
Author's Note
Ever met those kind of people who never say anything, but when they do, they say the most amazing things?
It's an awesome experience.
Hope you guys enjoyed reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it!
I'm not the biggest (or the best) Big Mac and Rainbow Dash shipper, but I can enjoy their stories. Plus, seeing as how I'm part of the MacinDash Community Group, I feel compelled to at least add something.
Again, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it.
Marshall.
