Blue Acres

“You ready for this?”

“Eyup.”

The pegasus next to him hung her head down and let out a low sigh. “I just can’t believe she actually did it. Let’s get this over with.”

They opened the door to Sugar Cube Corner, releasing an explosion of streamers and balloons. Hanging above a triple-decker apple-cinnamon cake was a white banner, with the initials RD and BM surrounded by a heart. “Oh, lookie everypony, the guests of honor are here!” announced Pinkie as she began leading the other guests in a cheer.

“Uh… howdy everypony.” Macintosh put in best fake smile. When AJ told him of the party earlier in the day he never expected half the town to show up. Though, it was impressive that Pinkie somehow managed to fit in so many ponies, all the tables. and the decorations.

“Well, sorry you two, but I’m needed elsewhere. Parties wait for nopony.” Pinkie began weaving her way through the crowd, making sure all her guests were happy.

“What the?” Macintosh turned to see his fillyfriend floating in the air, surrounded by a light blue magical aura. “Rarity put me down!” The unicorn in question stood nearby, with Lotus and Rose on each side of her.

“Sorry to tear you two lovebirds apart, but we need to have a little girl talk with Rainbow Dash. Come along dear.”

Macintosh silently watched as Dash was pulled away from him; she mouthed the words, help me, several times before they disappeared into the crowd. Unsure of what exactly he just witnessed, Big Mac shrugged his shoulders and headed towards the cake and punch, though it wasn’t long before a familiar tan stallion grabbed a hold of him.

"There’s the stallion of the hour. So tell me buddy, how’d you manage to get her. huh? Or did she come to you?”

He felt a hoof poking him from the other side. “Yeah, man, just between us colts, how’d you pull it off? Did you sing her a love song or something?” That voice… Macintosh quickly turned to see it was Blues asking the question.

“Well, I, uh… You see, she asked me out. Eyup.”

“Can’t say I’m surprised, all the mares want Big Mac,” said Blues with a slight grin. “Though it does seem odd that you’d pick her over all the other fillies.” Blues took a small step towards Big Mac. “I wonder, were you just waiting for somepony that’s a bit more aggressive?”

Big Mac’s heart began beating faster. He thanked Celestia when he saw Caramel’s fillyfriend come up to them. “Mel, hun, are you going to spend all night bugging poor Macintosh?” She got closer and nuzzled Caramel. Pulling away for a moment, she turned towards Big Mac, “Congratulations by the way. I hope you two are happy together.”

“Eyup.”

She turned back to her coltfriend, and stared at him with a pair of big, lost puppy eyes. How do mares do that, wondered Big Mac. “Are you going to stay here with the colts or spend some time with your fillyfriend?” she asked.

Caramel leaned in and kissed the end of her nose, “Of course I’ll spend time with you. Later guys.” The pair walked off, with her wing draped over Caramel’s back.

“I should probably go and mingle like a good guest also.” Instead of immediately walking away, Blues got closer, and leaned in towards Big Mac’s ear, slightly brushing against Big Mac’s cheek in the process. “Hopefully I’ll be seeing you later tonight.” He turned and finally walked off.

Big Mac quickly looked around in panic, making sure no one noticed what Blues had done. Ah should have just stayed on the farm.

A few deep breaths and a bit of self assurance later, he grabbed up a piece of cake and found a relatively quiet corner of the room to relax in. With any luck, he could go unnoticed for the rest of the party.

Just as he leaned down to eat his cake, someone called his name. “Hey Big Macintosh.” Thankfully it was one pony he didn’t mind talking to.

“Howdy Miss Cheerilee.”

“So, I guess you have a new schmoopy doo now.” She giggled a bit before continuing, “Or am I the only mare that you’ll call that.”

“Eyup. Ah’ll never say that again.” He joined in with her laughter.

“At least this time it isn’t being forced by a love poison. You know, you and Rainbow Dash actually make for a cute couple. I’m sure little Apple Bloom is thrilled by it.”

“Eyup.”

***

Elsewhere, Rainbow Dash was backed into the wall by the three mares. “I simply cannot believe you Rainbow Dash. After only a single date and you’ve already spent the night with him. I know you aren’t a proper lady, but I still thought you knew better than to act in such a scandalous manner.”

“If you’d just let me explain-“ she was cut off as Rose put a leg around her and pulled her in close.

“Scandalous nothing, I’m proud of her. It’s good to see not all the mares around here are such prudes.” Rarity gave a dignified and lady like huff at the comment.

How the hay does she make everything she does look so graceful?

“So tell us Mizz Dash, does he live up to ze name Big Macintosh?”

“Ugh, you two are absolutely horrid.” Rarity's cheeks turned a light shade of red. “So… does he?”

“Look guys, I only slept in his room. As in actual sleeping. We didn't do that.”

“Too bad. Guess we’ll have to ask Cheerilee instead.”

“Speaking of which, look over there ladies,” Rarity raised her hoof and pointed to the corner of the room. The other three turned and spotted Cheerilee and Macintosh talking and laughing in the corner of the room.

“Yeah, he’s talking to Cheerilee, so what?”

“Rainbow Dash, really now, you have no issue with your new coltfriend talking to his ex? Do you know anything about relationships?”

“Any reason why I should have an issue with it? They were together for less than a day and only because of a freaking love potion.”

“But they did spend a lot of time together afterward,” interjected Rose. “I heard from Daisy that they did quite a bit of flirting.”

“Rainbow Dash, you need to go over there and make sure no mare steals him away. I wouldn’t put it past some of the ones around here to try it.”

“So what should I do? Put a sign on him: Property of Rainbow Dash, no mares allowed within ten hooves?”

“Mizz Dash, I know that they probably don’t have feelings for one another, but if they hang out without you, rumors may start.”

“Yeah and I wonder who’ll be the ones starting the rumors.” Dash glared over at Rose and Rarity; Rose tried to whistle nonchalantly while Rarity just stuck her nose in the air and huffed. “Fine, I’ll go and claim him, or whatever.”

I swear, Big Mac is lucky that he doesn’t have to put up with dating girls. They’re nothing but a pain in the tail.

With a frustrated grunt, Rainbow Dash took off through the air, flying over the other party goers to Big Mac and Cheerilee. “Hey guys.”

“Oh, Rainbow, it’s good that you showed up.” Cheerilee hopped up and walked closer. “Scootaloo skipped school today. Could you possibly talk to her and see why?”

“Doesn’t the squirt have parents or something? Can’t they deal with this?”

“Yes, and I will discuss it with them as well, but I know that she idolizes you. If you ask to try to be on time to school, she’ll definitely listen. Don’t you agree Big Mac?” They both turned to the quiet farmer.

“Eyup.”

“Fine, I’ll talk to her.”

***

“Thanks for coming party ponies.” Despite the long party, Pinkie was still bouncing around as if it was just beginning. She closed the door after the final guests left and began cleaning, leaving the guests of honor by themselves.

“Hey Big Mac?”

“Yeah?”

“You’re going to have to start heading to the club on your own. I’ll probably catch up after finding Scoots.” She left before Big Macintosh got a chance to respond.

***

“I said I don’t want to talk about!” Dash heard the arguing as she drew close to the crusader’s clubhouse. “I just didn’t feel like going.”

“Geez, you don’t have to bite my head off. Come on Sweetie, let’s just leave her alone.” Two of the crusaders walked out just as Dash landed nearby. “Hey sis, maybe you can talk to her.” Dash cringed at being called sis but decided now wasn’t the time to correct her. “Scootaloo has been acting weird today.”

“Yeah, Cheerilee told me she skipped school. Do you two know why?”

“Not a clue. She won’t tell us why and just gets angry when we ask.”

"I hope it's nothing serious," said Sweetie.

“Alright, I’ll check it out.” Dash flew up to the door and landed with a soft thump.

“What part of, I don’t want to talk about it, don’t you two get!” Scootaloo spun around, with her eyes glaring at the door; they softened quickly when she looked at Dash. “Oh… sorry.”

“By the sounds of it, I’m not the one you should be apologizing to. What’s up Scoots?”

“I… I…” She hung her down and tightly closed her eyes. “Please Dash, don’t make me tell you. I just don’t want to talk about it. Please don’t ask.” She turned her head away from Rainbow Dash.

“Fine. But try not to skip school again. Last thing I need is for ponies thinking I’m a bad role model or something.”

“Right… anything for you Rainbow Dash.”

***

Macintosh slowly trotted along the road. His stomach twisted itself into a knot and with every couple of steps, he looked back to see if Dash had caught up. Eventually giving up on the prospect of Rainbow showing up, he took a deep breath and forced himself to continue.

“Hey, Macintosh,” called a voice from behind him. Looking back he spotted a blue stallion wearing a saddlebag. “Glad I caught up to you before you went inside the club. I was thinking that maybe we could hang out in private? You know, so we don’t have to talk over the music.”

“Ah, uh...” Macintosh looked down the road again trying to spot Dash, but to no avail. “Alright.”

Blues raised one of his eyebrows. “Wow. You really aren’t used to this whole guys flirting with you thing, are you?”

Macintosh lowered his and shook it from side to side. “Nope. Sorry.”

“Nothing to apologize for. I promise not to hit on you too much, alright?”

Macintosh nodded. “Thanks.”

Blues led the him away from the trail and to a close-by hill. Once there, he began unpacking his saddle bags, starting with a couple bottles of wine. “One grape wine and one cranberry wine. They also had apple wine, but I figured you could use a break from everything having apples in it.” Next he pulled out a blanket and with one quick flick of his head he spread it out over the ground. The last thing to come out of the bag was a small mound of various fruit and veggies. He looked up at Macintosh, “Never drink on an empty stomach. I learned that lesson the hard way on my first ever date. Luckily Derpy forgives pretty easily.” Macintosh was heading over to lie on the blanket but froze at that last comment and stared at Blues. “Hey, not everyone figures out that aren’t into mares early on.” Blues patted the blanket beside him and motioned for Macintosh to come sit.

The pair went through some of the food before moving on to the wine. Blues passed a tankard of the grape wine over to Macintosh and poured himself some of the cranberry wine.

"Don't ponies normally drank it in those weird glasses?"

"Yeah, but I've always preferred it in something that can actually hold a decent amount. Plus, these are easier to hold onto."

In truth, Macintosh had never had any kind of wine before. It had always seemed like something only the fancy ponies drink or to have during a date. He sniffed at it a couple times before taking a sip. It was very sweet and had a nice warming effect while going down. Before taking a real drank, Blues leaned into his side. Macintosh could feel the warmth coming Blues body and how it moved with every breath. Part of his mind yelled at him to move away but another part told him to accept it gladly; that was the voice he listened to. It simply felt too nice to move away now. Blues was the first to break the silence, “This is the place I usually come to write music. It’s far enough away from everything that you’re never interrupted and it’s perfect for star gazing.” As if on cue, the sun began its final descent into the horizon and the couple watched in awed silence. Blues started whistling a song. It was slow and had a somber feel to it; a requiem for the passing day.

“Hey Big Mac?”

“Yeah?”

“We should do this again some time.”

“Eyup.” Together they watched the first set of stars appear and then spread out all across the sky.