Author's Note

I finally finished it!

I wish we could add gifs because I'd put the one with the old lady saying it's been 82 years... I mean where is the lie?

I hope y'all enjoy this last chapter!

Acceptance

Six days after the emotional conversation that Big Mac had had with Soarin’, he was finally ready to face his little sister.

It was Friday evening and he had just cleaned up the kitchen. Applejack was out on the porch watching the sunset as she often did these days, so he folded the damp dish rag in his hand and laid it over the edge of the sink before joining her.

She glared at him a moment as he sat down next to her on the porch steps, but quickly turned her attention back to the sky. They sat in silence for a minute while he gathered his thoughts.

“Applejack, can we talk?”

Without taking her eyes off the view in front of her she questioned, “’bout what?”

A pause.

“I… I want t’apologize t’you.”

Applejack’s head snapped to look at him.

He continued, “I haven’t been a good brother to you. I yelled at you, and cussed at you, and told y’that y’were goin’ t’hell just because y’were datin’ a woman. I don’t even believe any of t’stuff I told you.”

She shook her head, confused. “Then why’d y’say it?”

He sighed and slowly answered, “because after I told y’all about t’fire, Granny never looked at me t’same. She never treated me like she treated you and Apple Bloom. All I ever wanted was for her t’love me like she loved y’all.

“I was so worried about gettin’ into her good graces again that I did and said whatever she wanted, even if I didn’t agree with it. I just wanted things t’go back t’normal so bad that I did whatever I thought it would take t’make her happy. And over time, all that hate and negativity got t’me. I started t’believe the words I said.

“Not only did I end up lettin’ m’self down, I let Apple Bloom down, and I let you down. I turned my back on you when y’needed me the most. I said things I’ll never forgive m’self for, and I don’t expect you t’forgive me either.

“I’m glad you found Rainbow. Y’always seem happier when she’s around, and it makes me smile t’see you doin’ so well. You and her are perfect for each other. I couldn’t think of a better match.”

Big Mac saw a few tears slide down his sister’s cheek. Reaching out, he swiped a couple away with his thumb.

“Thank you Mac, that’s all I wanted t’hear,” she whispered, “but what made y’change your mind? Y’were so mad when y’find out, I didn’t think y’would ever come ‘round.”

“I had a long chat with Soarin’ t’other day and he set me straight on some things… a lot of things actually. I’m done tryin’ t’please Granny. It’s brought me nothin’ but grief. I love you Applejack, and I’m so sorry for what I’ve put y’through. Y’didn’t deserve any of it.”

Applejack wiped her face with the back of her sleeve.

“Y’know y’really hurt me. These last couple of months have been some of the hardest I’ve been through. If you were anyone else, I probably wouldn’t forgive you. But damn it Mac, you’re my big brother and I love you t’death. I love Granny too, but she’s too set in her ways t’see anyone else’s point o’ view. I can only hope that maybe she’ll see that she’s pushin’ her grandkids away and do somethin’ about it.”

Macintosh nodded his head in agreement.

“I don’t deserve t’have a sister like you. Y’just forgive me time after time. No matter what I’ve done, I know y’will always have my back. I can’t go back and change the things I did or said, but I promise y’that I will never do it again. Y’have my word.”

“Y’better not, ‘cause next time I won’t forgive you. You’ll lose me as a sister forever. It’s gonna take awhile for me t’heal from this, I ain’t gonna lie, and it’s gonna take a while for me t’trust you like I used to. But this is a good start.”

“Take all the time y’need. Hopefully I’ll prove m’self t’you and we can get back t’how we used to be.”

Applejack grinned and leaned her head on his shoulder, watching the last remnants of the pastel colored sky fade into black.

Once darkness fell, Mac placed a kiss on the crown of Applejack’s head and moved to get up.

“Now that I’ve got that off m’chest, it’s time t’apologize t’ Apple Bloom. She deserves one too.”

The blonde looked up at him and smiled gently.

“That’s darn sweet of you, Mac. I’m sure she’ll appreciate it.”

“It’s the right thing t’do, after the hell I’ve caused y’all. Y’comin’ in?”

Applejack shook her head. “Naw, you go ahead. I think I need t’sit out here and have a minute t’process everythin’.”

“Okay, I understand. See y’inside.”

Walking into the living room he made his way to the stairs, passing his grandma who was in her rocking chair doing a crossword puzzle.

“Where’s Applejack?” she questioned, “I hope she didn’t sneak over to her nasty girlfriend’s house.”

Big Mac stopped in his tracks and glanced back at her. Normally he would dismissively agree with her, but now there was a fire in his chest.

His mind flashed back to the talk he had with Soarin’, and the one he just finished having with his sister.

So despite knowing where Applejack was, he put on the best smirk he could, looked his grandmother right in the eye and said, “I hope she is. And I hope she is havin’ the hottest, dirtiest, most sinful lesbian sex she’s ever had,” and went up the stairs, leaving Granny Smith in complete and utter shock.

He smiled to himself. For the first time in years he felt free from her, and he couldn’t wait to see what wonderful things happened as he found himself again.