Mac approached the barn as he hauled the empty cart. As usual, the apple cart sold out. It wasn’t really a challenge anymore; after all, the Apple family was now famous due to Applejack. He sighed casually as he shook his head with a grin. When he was younger, he would’ve been troubled about it, but with such extraordinary siblings, his mid life crisis came a lot earlier than it really should’ve. Despite having seemingly super pony strength, he was somehow the least remarkable of the Apple family, which he was fine with. Mac was never one for the spotlight; maybe in his teenage days he would've been more ambitious.
Big Mac chuckled softly. He thought about how much had changed since the day he and Sugar Belle got married. 25 years, how exciting! Mac was now more talkative, which was needed when being a parent. He was by no means a chatterbox, of course, but he was comfortable with the common short phrase. Years of being with his special somepony has softened him up, both personality wise and physically. He wasn’t as stubborn as he used to be, and his frame was definitely softer. ‘Dad Bod’ was a phrase he heard a lot, but Sugar Belle just called him her ‘Special Teddy Bear’ which he was always a bit flustered at. Sugar Belle had always been sweet and supportive, but she had definitely gotten a bit more flirty as the years went on, maybe a bit much at times. She had aged gracefully; her hair had some pretty patches of a purplish gray on it.
In just 25 years, multiple lifetimes worth of major events had happened, even when disregarding the world saving: Apple Bloom grew into an amazing mare who was inspiring a new generation, Applejack got married to Rainbow Dash, and the two taught a new group of creatures who now saved the world surprisingly often. For Sugar Belle and Mac though, their life events were more humble; the farm expanded, their love bloomed even more, and they had a foal of their very own.
Apple Muffin was a darling kid, the colt having an aspect of everypony he interacted with. The sweetness of his mother, the determination of his father, his honesty from his aunt AJ, and his curiosity from his aunt Apple Bloom. Apple Muffin was truly a special foal; every day he had some new thing he did and more often than not he was quite good at it. Rainbow Dash always joked on how he practically had a new cutie mark every day. Of course, Mac enjoyed how happy Rainbow made Applejack even though she wasn’t, in his opinion, the best influence. She certainly had mellowed out more lately, but some of her ‘life lessons’ has made Apple Muffin a bit too rambunctious for his liking, although Mac supposed it was inevitable as he was a young foal.
Mac groaned a bit as his back ached when he took the cart support off his back. Old age definitely had its flaws. Despite him being in peak physical condition due to running a farm, that didn’t save him from a few pains and aches.
Big Mac flicked his tail into the air and swatted some flies hovering around the cart of apples. He tugged a tarp across the apple cart and smiled. Apple Bloom would take care of it once she got back from her teaching today. Mac trotted lightly out of the barn and approached the front door, creaking it open as countless apple pastries met his nostrils.
“Just in time Mac!” Sugar Belle said sweetly, padding over as she gave him a small smooch on the cheek.
Mac gave a kiss back as they chuckled. He looked up and spotted Rainbow Dash and Applejack cuddling on the couch, Apple Muffin was sitting at the table while barely being able to stay still, and Apple Bloom?
“Oh! Ya’ back already?” Mac said as he sat next to Muffin at the table.
“Yeah! I got off early so I can see AJ and Rainbow off! Ain’t it great!” Apple Bloom beamed. She was just as cheerful as she was when she was a foal.
Mac gave a small smile as he patted Muffin's head. His orange hair matched his fathers, even if it was more curly like his mother’s which Mac always thought was adorable.
“Hey Mac! Are you gonna’ wish us goodbye or what?” Rainbow teased as she gave that hay-eating grin she was famous for.
Big Mac rolled his eyes as he walked over to the fruity couple. He pressed his large hoof against Rainbow’s punchable face, pushing her over on the couch. AJ chuckled as she pulled Mac’s hoof off her wife.
“Hold on Mac, ya’ ain’t takin’ my gal that easy~”
Of course with Rainbow being around everypony, she influenced AJ to be just a bit more carefree and occasionally teasing. In turn though, she made Rainbow not as annoying. Only barely though.
“What again are ya’ two leavin’ for?” Mac asked, ignoring Applejack’s comment.
Rainbow butted in as always. “We’re helping Twi with some kind of political relations thingie!” She grinned as she struck a cool pose on the couch. Apple Bloom turned her head up as she smirked.
“Rainbow? Trying to solve a delicate problem like that? Are we sure Twi ain’t off her rocker again?” She put her hooves to her snout as she tried to suppress a laugh.
“Eyup! Don’t wanna cause a war.” Mac grinned at Rainbow.
“Oh puh-lease, she just wants our expertise! Not a thing where a war could happen, although if it did I’d be the one to bring to a fight!” Rainbow boasted. Mac couldn’t disagree, even if she wasn’t in her prime anymore, she could still easily pull off a lot of stunts that most young pegasi couldn’t.
Applejack got off the couch and pulled Rainbow with her. “We should head out now since we said our goodbyes. We don’t want to make the Princess wait, do we Rainbow?” She tilted her head as Rainbow rolled her eyes as she got up and placed a wing around Applejack’s barrel.
“Yeah, yeah, ‘sugarcube.’ I got it. See y’all! Especially you Lil’ Muffin, c'mere and give your Auntie Dash a goodbye hug!”
Apple Muffin’s face lit up as he bounded off his chair and quickly trotted across the flooring before jumping into Dash’s hooves. Muffin gave her a big hug as he sweetly nuzzled her.
“Bye Auntie Dashie! Stay safe and come back quick!” He beamed.
“Of course we will, we are the best after all! We’ll be back before AJ can make another countryism!” Rainbow Dash reassured him, she ruffled his hair as she tightly hugged him back.
Applejack joined in on the hug as the rest of the Apple family said their goodbyes to the busy couple. They all waved their goodbyes as the couple headed out the door. Mac sat at the table as Muffin and Sugar Belle joined him. Apple Bloom casually tapped at the table as Sugar Belle levitated the food over to them and down onto the dining table. Being a unicorn was definitely helpful for lifting large food stuffs.
“There we are, dig in.” Sugar Belle walked over and sat on the other side of Muffin. She levitated a bib and put it around his neck which he fake gagged at. Apple Muffin was very much a messy eater which landed him in the place of needing a foal’s bib despite being 11. Luckily, it fit fine since he was small for his age.
The Apples dug in as they enjoyed their dinner. As the food on the plates started getting empty, they heard a knock at the door. Mac glimpsed from the door to Sugar Belle who just shrugged, then to Apple Bloom who tilted her head while having a mouthful of food.
Sugar Belle went around the table and pulled her apron off and walked over to the door, opening it. Her expression was curious for a second before she let out a small ‘oh!’.
“It’s nice to see you again! Hey Mac, come see who it is!” Sugar Belle beamed as she tilted her head indoors to look at Big Mac. Mac’s eyebrows ruffled as he got up, wondering who it could be. She opened the door more to reveal a familiar stallion, a pale cream coat with an auburn mane. He had… changed somehow? He had bags under his eyes which didn't take away from his pretty face. The pony also had white hairs spattered around his mane, previously where the dyed tips were. ‘What was his name again?...’ Mac pondered as the stallion waved his hoof at him.
“Mac, it’s Feather Bangs. That pony we knew way back in Our Town? You two kinda fought over me like a bunch of headless chickens?” She looked between the two stallions as Mac’s face came to recognition, Feather Bangs and Mac Sheepishly nodded, definitely not either one's proudest moment.
“Uh, eyup!” Mac greeted him with a hoof shake. “Kinda surprised ya’ remember him, it’s been about 20 years perhaps?”
“Oh, we listen to him all the time Mac! The lovey-dovey tunes I adore, remember?”
Mac’s eyes opened wide as he looked in shock. “Wait, we’ve been listening to him for decades and I didn’t know it was him?”
“Not my fault that someone doesn’t look at the vinyl’s cover art!” She prodded him in the chest as she grinned.
Mac snorted a bit before the married couple noticed their guest was shuffling on his hooves awkwardly.
“Oh yeah! What brings you here Feather Bangs, and why so late in the day?” Sugar Belle asked frankly.
Feather Bangs grinned as he spoke. “Yeah! It sure has been forever. Also uh, basically I need a place to stay for just a bit. I’m down for doing work if you as I know you Apples value that.”
Mac stared at the half lidded eyes of the stallion in front of him. Feather Bangs eyes seemed quite tired in earnest. He seemed to be quite different from his energetic and flirtatious early days.
“Oh.” Mac wasn’t sure where to go from there. He turned to Sugar Belle and she just shrugged. “Why do ya need it? Aren’t ya rich and famous and whatnot?” Mac asked.
Apple Bloom popped up from behind, apparently snooping on their conversation. “And how’d ya even know where we live?”
Feather Bangs brow raised as he chuckled. “Your sister has literally saved the world a dozen times over; your farm by proxy is famous. You haven’t changed a bit lil’ Apple Bloom.” He stepped up to her and scruffed up her hair. Apple Bloom groaned as she tried to tidy up her mane again.
“As for reasoning. I don’t really want to go into details as it’s… personal. But basically I’ve been traveling on my own for awhile, being a sorta nomad? Just going around Equestria, seeing new places and ponies. It’s a long story basically.” He shuffled in place a bit.
Mac turned to Sugar Belle who nodded sweetly. He turned back to Feather Bangs as he nodded. “Eyup, I suppose ya’ can stay for now. It needa be up to Dash and AJ as well since they live here to., Ya can stay until then.”
Feather grinned wide as he grabbed both Mac and Sugar Belle in a big hug that had surprising strength for his size.
“Ey-Nope! Too tight.” Mac stated, peeling the stallion off of him.
He still wasn’t sure still on Feather Bangs; he seemed more chill but with the past of the two he was still a bit iffy on it all. Mac supposed he should at least give him a chance considering he seemed genuine when Apple Bloom, with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, helped steer him on the right path.
“We are having dinner if you want to join us! If not, the guest room’s upstairs.” Sugar Belle said pleasantly as she invited the guest in.
“Yeah I’ll have a bite, walkin’ all day has got me tuckered out.”
Mac and Sugar Belle opened the door more as they trotted back to their seats.
Monday
Big Mac woke up at the crack of dawn with a big yawn. He slowly and steadily got out of bed as he shook off the drowsiness. Mac nuzzled Sugar Belle for her to get up too. She shuffled in her bed as she pushed his face away and her bed sheets came off.
“Mmm, five more minutes…” She mumbled.
“Eyup.” He responded. Mac tucked her in again and planted a small kiss on her cheek.
Mac went through the bedrooms, waking up each member of the household. Apple Muffin woke up jumpy, as he was still adjusting to his new room. Muffin only moved out of his parents room a month ago despite his age.
“Ya’ sure ya’ okay Muffin?”
“Y-yeah dad! Just had some nightmares! But I beat them up!” He eagerly stated as he hopped off his bed.
The not so tall tales of all their family and friends definitely lead to Muffin always being ambitious and eager to impress others, but Mac hoped that it wouldn't lead to an inferiority complex if he didn’t end up a world saver. Big Mac knew too many world savers. Despite Applejack being one of the most competent ponies in the world, there wasn’t a day that went by where he feared he would have to hear that she died on a mission. He trusted her completely, but it was always at the back of his mind.
“Okay kiddo! Not too tired from fighting dream monsters I hope?” Mac grinned, nodding along as Muffin pattered out of the room quickly.
“No way! I gotta feed Barky, she’ll bark my ear off if I don’t.” He gives a little hop as he jumps down the stairs.
Mac rolled his eyes as he went over to Applejack’s room, about to knock. He froze and took a second as he then realized that they were not home. He went to the next room as he knocked. A groan was heard as Mac peeked open the door. Feather Bangs was under the covers, holding the pillow over his head.
“So early…”
“Eyup! Was the one who offered, remember?” Mac grinned.
“I forgot you all were such strict morning ponies.” Feather sits up in bed, bags clearly under his eyes. “Just give me a minute please.” He choked out.
Mac stepped down the stairs as he started working on breakfast. One by one they came down the stairs, Sugar Belle, then Apple Bloom, then finally Feather Bangs. Sugar Belle helped him finish breakfast as the rest waited at the table. Big Mac placed a stack of apple pancakes onto the table with a thud as Feather Bangs jolted up straight; he apparently fell asleep at the table.
“W-what? Oh. Thank you all, it’s very kind of you.” Feather grinned a bit sheepishly as he grabbed a few pancakes.
“Don’t mention it Feather Bangs, it’s our pleasure! By the way Apple Bloom, what’s your schedule for next week? I was hoping you might be able to foalsit Muffin, maybe even have Lil’ Cheese over?” Sugar Belle said as she poured the batter onto the skillet.
“Oh! Ya’ it’s not too busy, I might have a bit of something school wise but I’ll keep ya’ updated!” Apple Bloom smiled as she patted Muffin.
“Cheesecake’s coming over?” Apple Muffin asked excitedly.
“Not yet dear, I still have to ask Pinkie Pie!” Sugar Belle smiled.
“Aww okay!” Muffin playfully crossed his arms with a fake frown.
Breakfast went without a hitch, not that much could go wrong anyway. The family talked for a while as Feather Bangs fell asleep again at the table. They finished up the meal as Feather Bangs was woken up by Muffin.
“Hey Mister! It’s work time; no slacking off!” He shook Feather Bangs as the stallion jolted up and onto his hooves.
“Whattaboutta… Oh! Got it. Thanks little one.” He sheepishly said as he trotted off to join the Apple family outside.
Mac waved to Feather Bangs as he approached.
“Today’s just gonna be some applebuckin’. Gonna be simple as yur’ new here.”
Feather nodded back as he followed Mac along the dirt trail, the household getting farther and farther away. Mac went into detail about the applebucking, giving him an overview of how to do it and the techniques.
“Oh, uh wow! I never knew farm stuff could be so… detailed!” Feather Bangs chuckled a bit.
“Eyup! Yer’ lucky it wasn’t Applejack givin’ ya’ the details, Feather. She’d talk ya’ ears off for hours ‘bout apples.” Mac grinned as he gave a raised brow to Feather.
Feather gave a light gulp as he gave a grin back. “Well then lucky me it’s only you!”
“Don’t push yer’ luck Feather, I’m still not sure on all this.” Mac said half joking, half serious as his lips pursed together into a disapproving expression.
“Ah… Sure.”
The two stallions sat in silence before Mac turned around and started bucking. With just one of his legs he made all the apples on the tree fall into the basket.
“Oh wow! How do you get all the apples to fall so accurately?”
“Dunno, practice?” Mac said monotonically while raising his eyebrow and gesturing to the other trees.
“Right. I’ll get on it.” Feather hurried along to another tree, pushing his basket under it. “Here goes nothing.”
Feather scrunched up as he lowered his forelegs and raised his haunch, resembling the Downward Dog pose. He pushed with his forelegs, sending his hind legs into the tree. His reeled back as shock went through his body. He collapsed suddenly as his teeth jittered and his bones rattled a bit. Numbness washed over his body as he stood up slowly. A few apples fell behind him and onto the grass.
“Nope. Feather, I told you to not put all yur’ strength into it, especially since it’s your first time.”
“Sorry, but I don’t know how to exactly kick from Downward Dog softly!”
Mac considered Feather’s statement as he shuffled from side to side. “Fair I guess. Just practice on the dead tree over there, don’t wanna break a leg.”
Mac continued applebucking as he watched Feather practice. He was admittedly pretty awful, but he kept at it. It took him about half an hour before he collapsed into a pile of sweat.
“Huff… How do you… keep this up all… day?!” He panted, approaching Mac who had already done a dozen trees.
“Dunno, practice?” Mac chuckled. It was admittedly very entertaining to see the other stallion struggle a bit.
“Oh harr harr, I never took you as a jokester Mac.” Feather pushed his brows together as he eyed Mac.
“I never took ya’ as someone who’d give up the high life to become a wanderer, but here we are. Seems we both changed.”
“Y-yeah…” Feather tensed up as he clenched his jaw.
Mac’s eye fluttered a bit as he cringed, realizing that hit a sore spot.
“Sorry bout’ that Feather. Guess I’ve been a bit rude today.”
“Oh. It’s fine Mac, I get that me just being here is probably a bit… off putting for you. And it’s not a big deal, I’ll tell you about it later, as I promised. It’s just… a long story.” Feather nodded as he turned to the dead tree.
“Sure Feather, I’ll hold ya’ to that.” Mac nodded back.
Mac continued applebucking as he alternated between checking up on Feather Bangs and hauling the apples back to the house. Feather had gotten better, but not by much. Mac approached Feather as he was verbally psyching himself up to buck the tree, looking a bit distracted.
“Time to wrap up.”
“EEP!” Feather yelped as he leaped easily a foot in the air. “You scared me Mac! I was about to get it.”
“Sure…” Mac rolled his eyes as he walked past the boastful pony.
“Wait, we're done? But there’s still apples on the trees.”
“Feather… do ya’ seriously think we have to buck all our acres of land in one day?”
Feather sheepishly blushed as he scratched his head.
“Kinda…?”
“Well unless ya’ wanna continue bucking nothing, then come back for lunch.” Mac gestured in the general direction of the barn.
Feather nodded as he followed Mac closely behind as they headed back to the house, each hauling baskets of apples. Mac looked back and noticed Feathers legs quaking, the cream colored horse struggling to carry so many apples. Mac chuckled as he stopped and grabbed Feathers satchel and pulled it off of Feather and onto himself.
“O-oh! Thank you Mac!”
“Ya’ get to do the dishes once back. Don’t need ya’ straining yourself on the first day.”
The two approached the house as Feather let out a yawn.
“I feel like I could sleep for a whole moon!”
“Eyup, ya’ definitely look the part.”
Mac gestured for Feather to head inside while he placed the baskets in the barn. They all met up for lunch as they spent the day talking.
—///—
Tuesday-Thursday
The Apple family with Feather Bangs repeated the schedule just like every season. Get up early, eat breakfast together, do chores till noon, then enjoy the rest of the day. Feather Bangs has gotten a bit better at applebucking after just a couple days, now being able to buck an apple or two off a tree without collapsing in pain. His accuracy with the basket still left a lot to be desired. The first apple he actually caught he then ruined by tripping while trying to grab it out of the basket. The apple fell out and he ended up smashing it under his flank. It got a big laugh out of Apple Muffin at least.
While not applebucking, Feather helped with the household chores and with feeding the animals. Usually, the animals were specifically Muffin’s jobs, but seeing as the guest couldn’t buck continuously without fainting, it was the best option. Muffin enjoyed having somepony to talk to while they did the chores from what Mac heard. Muffin wouldn't stop chatting his ears off, which was pretty cute if annoying.
While Mac was wary at first, Feather seemed to be fine. Somehow Sugar Belle roped him into promising the couple a musical performance. ‘I guess it will be nice to relax with her after a long week.’
Friday
The farm was behind on schedule for the harvest so everypony did extra today. Mac especially was out bucking almost all day. Sugar Belle and Muffin checked up on him and made sure he was getting enough water and breaks as they certainly didn't want a repeat of the harvest from a few years ago…
The sun was starting to set as Mac started to finish up for the day as his fur and mane was disheveled and he looked like he was out there for weeks. Feather Bangs wandered out to where Mac was and cleared his throat.
“Hey Mac! Just checking up on you, wow!” Mac turned to Feather as he approached. “They weren’t kidding, you look like you fought off an army!”
“Heh, don’t even look this bad when I have fought off armies.”
“Riiiight. I forgot your family has done that kinda thing.” Feather chuckled as he brought Mac some water.
“So, I assume you’re finishing up? Need me to take over~?”
“Ya’ really holding to that joke huh?”
“Who said it was a joke?” Feather grinned cheekily as he poked Mac’s snout with his hoof. Mac promptly responded by pressing his hoof on Feather’s snout as he nudged his face away as he gave an exasperated smirk.
“Me.” Mac promptly responded. “Let’s head back.”
“Uh wait.” Feather responded, standing up quickly.
“Hmm?”
“I said that I’d tell you about my… ‘long story’? Well I think I’ve gotten my thoughts together enough to tell.” Feather hesitated as his eyes avoided Macs.
“Sure ah’ suppose.” Mac walks up to him. “Tell me on the way back.”
“Err…” Feather nervously turned his head and brushed the grass with his hoof. “I think the story is too long to tell on a short walk. Would up on the hill work?”
Mac tilted his head to the side in confusion as he looked Feather in the eyes.
“Ah’ guess? Not sure why we need the hill though.”
“Nice! Let’s go.” Feather trots ahead, seemingly a bit nervous. His breath seemed to be a bit worn.
“Promise me this won’t take forever? Ah’ don’t wanna miss supper.” Mac followed Feather with a slower pace as they approached the hill.
“Yeah yeah! It’ll be lickety split!” He assured Mac as he panted a bit as the hill reached a steeper incline.
“Why are we going to the hill then?” Mac raised his eyebrow.
“Err. Because honestly, pant, I’m scared.” Mac’s eyes perked up as he could feel the nerve radiate off the tired stallion.
“Oh. Ya’ don’t have to tell if ya’ don’t wanna.” Mac assured Feather.
“No, no. I promised you the story, and don’t worry about me! Pant, I’m just exhausted heh!”
Mac pursed his lips as he sighed. The two made it on top of the hill as the sun was starting to approach the horizon. Feather looked like he was about to faint as he sat and leaned against the tree. Mac sat next to him as he looked down at the orchard.
“Kinda weird place for ah personal backstory Feather. It’s a bit… romantic, which ah don’t think you were goin’ for.” Mac tilted his head side to side as he stared at the sun setting.
“Oh yeah! Just thought it’d be nice to be alone for this! That’s all.” Feather blushed as he scratched his head sheepishly.
“Didn’t ya’ promise to tell Sugar Belle as well?”
“Yeah yeah! I just do better one at a time…” Feather takes a deep breath in as he tries to keep his eyelids open.
“Okay so basically after our little romance scuffle with Sugar, lil’ Apple Bloom and her friends pointed out the sorta peanut gallery of mares who followed me around right?”
Mac nodded.
“Yeah so we got together, initially it was sorta a fight like us with Sugar Belle; then we figured we could try polyamory. You know what that is, yeah?”
Mac was about to nod before deciding to respond. “Eyup, I’m poly in fact.” Mac relaxed against the tree as Feather’s eyes perked up and looked at him.
“Oh! You are seeing some other pony as well as Sugar?”
“Nope. Ah’ just mean I’m open to it, heart and feelin’ wise. Nopony’s really perked my fancy ah’ suppose.”
“Ah got it!” Feather blushed a bit as he continued. “It worked for a bit, but we weren’t really meshing well, personality wise. They were there for a pretty face, which I totally get! Anyway we split, still on good terms by the way.”
“That it?” Mac raised his eyebrow.
“Uh, maybe a third?”
Mac’s expression didn't change, he lowered his head and just nodded.
“Then after I got bigger in the music scene as you know!”
“Lovey-dovey pop is a very popular genre, yeah.”
“Hey! I even played a private concert for Princess Luna before Princess Twilight ascended to the throne.” He boasted, hitting his chest with his hoof to emphasize the point.
“So? I kissed Princess Luna, betcha can’t beat that~” Mac chuckled as Feather’s jaw dropped.
“WHAT!? You what!?” Feather shook Mac as well as he could with his hooves.
“Wasn’t serious, kissed me durin’ a big ol’ event in town durin’ a ferris wheel.”
“Still! That’s crazy! What happened after, did you- Nevermind I’ll ask later, back to my story”
“Eyup!” Mac grinned.
“After my first show for the Wonderbolts I met one of them, named Blaze. We hit it off pretty quick, she‘s pretty amazing.” He grinned with a cute blush. “We were going strong for awhile but eventually our lives pulled us in different directions,”
Feather grimaced as he rolled his head, leaning on Mac a bit. Feather let out a big yawn as he was struggling to stay awake.
“Err, yeah. We’re still best friends though!” Feather smiled sweetly, likely reminiscing about her.
“If yur’ retired why dontcha get back with her?”
“Oh, well we were, but we decided that we work better as friends!”
Feather scratched his head as he prodded the dirt with his hoof.
“Almost done. After we split up I poured my heart into my music, that’s when I got big big. Played for Luna, got a platinum record and other accomplishments. It wasn’t fulfilling and I didn’t know why. I retired early from being a big star and whatnot and decided to travel. I did odd jobs and saw many ponies and places. Was a traveling musician basically!”
“That it?” Mac asked as Feather nodded back.
“Yeah essentially. I didn’t really expect to be by myself for that long.”
“Eyup? Still a bit confused. Ya’ made it sound like you had some huge secret to share.” Mac stared at Feather as his gaze avoided Mac’s, his eyes struggling to stay open.
“It’s… a weird thing. I don’t know! I guess I feel ashamed that I wasted what many ponies clambered for their whole life, that even in all my days I still haven’t found myself, that I still feel like maybe I like others but I’m not letting others in? I’ve been doing stupid things my whole life.”
Feather closed his eyes as he groaned, Mac’s eyes perked wide open. He certainly didn;t expect something like that from Feather Bangs of all ponies.
“Ah. I see what ya’ mean Feather. I’m not an ambitious pony, but I can relate. I’ve struggled with myself and all, my sisters being amazing mares who save the world and whatnot. I’ve felt not very important sometimes even though I got super-strength and the like. I’ve wondered about myself and despite how I carry myself I’m not always the most confident in myself.”
Mac gave a yawn as he smacked his lips together, his mouth getting a bit dry after talking so much. Feather nodded as he leaned against Mac.
“Thanks Mac, it means alot even if we come from opposite worlds.” Feather gave a big yawn as his eyes drooped a bit.
“Dontcha get all sappy on me.” Mac says playfully as he pokes Feather.
Mac expected a response from Feather, but he sat in silence for a solid minute.
“Uh, Feather?” Mac poked him again.
In response Mac heard a loud snore as Feather fell asleep and nuzzled into Mac’s side.
“Eyup. Guess I’m missin’ dinner.” Mac lets out a sigh.
Saturday
Mac jostled in his sleep as he groaned. Something was disturbing him. His eyes twitched as he opened them lazily.
“Whatta…” He started before he yawned loudly.
“Ack! Get off me you big lug!”
Mac’s eyes jittered as he recognized the voice. Feather Bangs. Mac realized he fell asleep at the tree with Feather last night! He looked down as he saw Feather Bangs’ muzzle sticking out from under him, his face had a mix of exasperation and pained twitches as the sunrise creeped into Mac’s view.
“Lemme get off ya’.” Mac stretched as he stood up, now over Feather.
“Geez Mac, does Sugar Belle have to always worry about you crushing the life out of her every time you two sleep? I was practically squished like applesauce under you!” Feather gasped as he tried to catch his breath.
“Eyup.” Mac smiled as he blushed a little. He looked down at Feather who had an annoyed expression that had a distinct blush on his cheeks.
“Wow. Such detail as always Mac.” Feather rolled his eyes as he pouted a bit.
“Why change what works?” Mac chuckled.
Feather sighed again as he splayed out, breathing fairly heavily. Some hoofsteps came into earshot as Mac turned his head to spot… Sugar Belle!
“Wow! This hill certainly has an effect on ponies.” Sugar Belle grinned wide as she tried to stop herself from bursting into laughter.
“OH!” Mac looked down at Feather Bangs as they both realized how their pose looked.
Mac stepped off to the side as Feather got up, both having an embarrassed blush plastered over their face. Sugar Belle walked up to them as she tried to contain her laughter. The two looked at her with guilty faces despite their supposed innocence.
“Pfft, that was so cute you two! And funny, and… Bwahaha! Gosh. That looked like a scene straight out of the cheesy romance novels I got from Rarity. At least the characters had the tact to do it in private~” Sugar Belle sneered as she giggled at them.
“Err, I can explain.” Mac started before Sugar Belle cut him off.
“Mac seriously, you think I don’t know it’s some crazy situation that ended up with you like this? Our life is pretty crazy in itself dear.” She planted a small kiss on his cheek. “You’re like an overly anxious foal who wants to make super sure he gets permission from his mama.”
Mac tilts his head in embarrassment as Sugar Belle looks over to Feather.
“We do this thing where we look at cute ponies together in those ‘fashion’ magazines and he always looks so guilty anytime he finds a mare or stallion he likes! He’s such a dork with these things.” Sugar Belle eyed Mac as he looked away.
“Can we not?” Mac said quietly.
“I think it’s deserved! You always act so sheepish despite me telling you I’m fine with it all. I swear you don’t trust me sometimes with stuff like this Mac. You could be in bed with Feather for all I care, I trust you to be honest, and you are!”
Mac and Feathers faces lit up red over the suggestion from Sugar Belle.
“Hey I have an idea, can we move on and forget this ever happened.” Feather walked past her as Mac perked up.
“I wish. Sugar ain’t gonna let you forget stuff like this.” Mac cringed a bit in embarrassment as he thought back.
“Greeeeeat.” Feather groaned.
“Mac seriously, you’re just gonna ignore all that?” Sugar Belle groaned as she caught up to Mac.
“It’s just not the best time in front of a guest, that’s all.” Mac looked a bit ashamed despite his statement.
“We will talk after breakfast. Anyways, I came out to ask you to watch Apple Muffin later today, Apple Bloom was too busy.”
“Eyup, sure. Can do.” Mac nodded as the mood lightened.
The family and their guest had breakfast as hours passed by. Feather was cleaning up in the kitchen as Mac and Sugar Belle went up to their rooms.
“There we are! So Mac, what’s with all the avoidance with this kinda thing?” Sugar Belle asked as she sat next to Mac on their bed.
“I guess… I just feel like no matter what it is or how small, it feels like I ain’t bein’ loyal.”
Sugar Belle brushed his cheek as she softly smiled. “Oh Mac, you are the sweetest. You seriously don’t have to worry about it, I trust you completely dear. The only pony more loyal than you is the dang Element of Loyalty herself!”
Sugar Belle kisses Mac as they cuddle up on the bed.
“Thank ya’ dear.” The couple lie in silence as they enjoy each others company.
“You know, you two do look cute together~” Sugar Belle chuckled as she gave him a small peck.
“Ya’ seriously should stop readin’ those books Sugar.” Mac deadpanned back at her.
“I’m serious! The teasing back and forth, he is always sheepish around you, and he even is pinker than Pinkie Pie when in your presence.”
“Not everything is a romance novel, Sugar.” Mac said, annoyed at the teasing.
“You seriously didn’t notice he likes you?”
“Nope… I guess not.” Mac sighed, rubbing his head against the blankets.
“Do you like him back?” Sugar Belle asked curiously, with a hint of playfulness.
“Do ya’?” Mac retorts.
“He’s cute no doubt, but I don’t think I’m really poly like you are Mac. Now back to you.”
“Hmm fine. Maybe I guess.” He blushes.
“Well you always said you wanted to explore your feelings more, this is a chance! I know the looks you give Mac, you don’t need to worry about being the perfect husband. Just try to do what you like for a change! I’ve got your flank~” Sugar Belle winked as she nuzzled his muzzle.
“Well I’ve got a family to think about, our family. How would Muffin take it, having an extra dad? Sometimes ya’ gotta put yur’ family first even at the cost of ya’ own wants.”
“But that’s all you’ve been doing Mac, for your whole life! And yeah that is a valid question, but leave that to me Mac, we will cross that road when we come to it.”
“Fine. I’ll think about it.” Mac snorts, defeated.
“Glad I could crack that hard shell of yours Mac. Remember that we all love you lots Mac.”
“I know.” Mac sighs. The two kiss as they get up to get started on the rest of the day.
Mac and Feather went throughout the morning doing their chores. It was a bit awkward at first but they warmed up after a bit.
Then after lunch came Muffin’s playdate with Lil’ Cheese. The two foals spent the time running around, playing pretend and generally being cute, excitable kids. Something was tickling the back of Mac’s mind though. Pinkie Pie had wished him a ‘Super-duper almost birthday’ cupcake. Mac was turning 50 soon. It reminded him of his own parents. Mac never got the chance to watch them grow old. Mac was now older than his parents ever were. He liked to remember the good times with them, but then the good times ran out and it was just the bad times. The bad time. Mac still had nightmares about the day they died.
Mac tried to keep his head clear throughout the day but it was hard with the depressive feeling looming over him. Lil’ Cheese headed home and soon after Sugar Belle came back from her delivery trip.
“Hey Mac I’m back! Did it go well?”
“Eyup.”
“Nothing else to report?”
“Nope.”
“Mac. I know that look. Are you thinking about your parents again?”
“Eyup…”
“Oh Mac, I’m here if you need me.” Sugar Belle hugged him as they sat in silence for a while.
Mac had been pondering since the playdate and decided on something.
“I think… that my parents would want me to be happy.”
“Well duh, where did that come from Mac?”
“I mean that while I ain’t the best with words, I wanna say this. I always thought I had to be stubborn and the like. You helped me not be so stubborn, but I still had some things that I was set on that were hurtin’ me, and hurting others.”
“How so Mac?” Sugar Belle asked, nuzzling him.
“I was so headstrong on making sure that I was a pony my parents would be proud of. A pony that was worth their praise one last time. A pony that wouldn’t leave his kid behind at a young age. A pony that allowed their kid to see their old dad grow old. I guess… I’ve always feared the idea of my parents, no matter how much I love them.”
“That’s… wow. I think I needa unpack that in a bit but I super appreciate all that Mac. That certainly must have been hard to think about…”
“Yeah. Yeah it was. Also, Sugar?”
“Yeah dear?”
“I think it’d be a good idea. The Feather Bangs thing, that is.”
“Daww Mac! You big lug, I knew you’d warm up to it! Wanna warm up the waters first? I can set something up for Saturday, same day he promised to play us a song.”
“That sounds nice.” Mac smiled.
Monday-Friday
Over the week they all got closer. Feather was going to write a song for the performance, Sugar Belle was prepping decorations and treats for Saturday, and Mac was just trying to mentally prepare himself.
It was a standard week of chores at least. Applebucking, animal feeding, pet cleaning. Feather got his first successful bucket of apples which he was so ecstatic about he practically choked Mac with a hug. Mac enjoyed the chill week but the approaching dread was nerve wracking.
Saturday
Mac walked back to the house with Feather as the two put away the apples and went inside. It was quite… lavish. Sugar Belle definitely went above and beyond for this Mac thought.
“What’s… what’s all this?” Feather asked, confused and bewildered at the sight.
“It’s for us, Sugar Belle set it up.” Mac said nervously.
“Ok? Seems kinda romantic. Heh.” He blushed as he sat down for lunch.
“Blame Sugar Belle.” Mac chuckled as he sat across from Feather.
“Hey you two!” Sugar Belle said as she approached the two, holding a platter of tasty treats. “Hope you are doing well, Feather!”
“Yeah! Yeah I am.” Feather definitely looked nervous even if his face was a bit flustered. “What… is this for?”
“Mac, why don’t you tell him!” Sugar Belle said sweetly as she backed up.
Mac took in a deep breath as he looked into Feather’s eyes.
“I… I think you feel the same way but. I think yur’ cute Feather.” Mac internally slapped himself for the overly sweet line.
Feather’s face lights up with blush as he goes slack jawed.
“Wh- wha! Oh! Wow.” He stuttered, looking around the room.
“Uh. Do ya’?” Mac nervously asked.
“I do too! I mean! I like both of you, but I didn’t want to say anything, I know you are poly and whatever but I didn’t want to encroach on your relationship and whatever. I didn’t really think you’d go for someone like me, Mac.” Feather confessed, clearly confused by if this was real or not.
“Maybe I’m a sucker for a pretty face.” Mac blushed as he admitted that.
“Wow! Is this a dream? Like is Sugar Belle ok with this?” Feather asked, looking around as if there was an answer for that.
“Nope and Eyup. This is real, Feather. It was Sugar Belle’s idea, blame her.”
“Wow. Y-yeah! I just wanna say ever since I got here I really have admired you Mac. You always are so big and strong and confident and… maybe I’m a sucker for a confident pony.” Feather twiddled his hooves as he had a hard time concentrating.
“Eyup! What now?”
Sugar Belle butted in, looking positively excited at what happened.
“Now eat! After this you gotta perform for us, remember?~” Sugar Belle teased as she booped Feather’s and then Mac's muzzles.
The three spent the time talking and enjoying each others presence. Once they finished dinner they cleaned up and Mac gave Feather a small kiss on the lips. Feather’s face turned bright red at that, freezing in place for a solid minute. They cuddled for a bit before finally they were ready for a song. They headed into the couples room as Feather got ready.
“Geez I wonder what Applejack and Rainbow will think of this.” Sugar Belle wondered.
“Let’s not worry bout’ that right now, let’s just enjoy Feather’s song.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” Sugar Belle said sweetly as she nuzzled into Mac’s side.
Feather pulled out his sheet music as he pulled out his mic.
“I call this one, ‘Love in Red, Pink and Yellow’, it’s kinda something I thought of here!”
“Ya’ got this ‘sugar’!” Mac cheered on Feather as he blew a kiss back to Mac. Both stallions blushed at each other.
“3, 2, 1!”
